bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of early clinical outcomes between dual antiplatelet therapy and triple antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Park Jiesuck , Jung Jin-Hyung , Choi Eue-Keun , Lee Seung-Woo , Kwon Soonil , Lee So-Ryoung , Kang Jeehoon , Han Kyung-Do , Park Kyung Woo , Oh Seil , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: February 2022

Background and objective

Most Asian patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) receive only dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) without oral anticoagulants (vitamin K antagonists [VKA] or non-VKA oral anticoagulants [NOAC]). However, it has not been fully investigated whether the DAPT results in better clinical outcomes in the early period after PCI than the standard triple therapy with VKA or NOAC.

Methods

We analyzed the claims records of 11,039 Korean AF population who had PCI between 2013 and 2018. Patients were categorized according to the post-PCI antithrombotic therapy as VKA-based triple therapy (VKA-TT), NOAC-based triple therapy (NOAC-TT), and DAPT groups. After baseline adjustment using inverse probability weighting, we compared the risks of ischemic endpoints (ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality) and major bleeding at 3 months post-PCI.

Results

Ischemic stroke, MI, and all-cause mortality occurred in 105, 423, and 379 patients, respectively, and 138 patients experienced major bleeding. The DAPT group was associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke and major bleeding (hazard ratio [HR] 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37–0.84) compared to the VKA-TT group, despite no significant differences in the risks of MI and all-cause mortality. In contrast, the DAPT group demonstrated no significant difference in the risks for ischemic endpoints compared to the NOAC-TT group. Additionally, the DAPT group had a numerically lower risk of major bleeding than the NOAC-TT group but this was not statistically significant (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.45–1.07).

Conclusions

An outcome benefit of DAPT was observed in theearly periodafter PCI compared to the VKA-TT, but not against NOAC-TT users among the Asian AF population. Given the potential long-term benefits of NOACs, greater efforts should be made to increase compliance in clinical practice with proper combination therapy with NOAC after PCI.
Coupling relationship between cold chain logistics and economic development: A investigation from China
Authors: Xie Ruhe , Huang Hong , Zhang Yuan , Yu Peiyun
Published: February 2022

This paper builds an evaluation index system, uses the entropy weight method (EWM) to decide the weights and, based on the coupling coordination degree model (CCDM), it systematically studies the coupling relationship between Chinese cold chain logistics and the Chinese economy from 2010 to 2019. It performs a grey relational analysis (GRE) to explore the main factors influencing the coordinated development of the two. The results show that the coupling coordination degree between the two presents a steady upward trend, and their coupling relationship has been upgraded from ‘coordination’ to ‘good coordination’. They also indicate that the added value in the tertiary industry, the per capita gross domestic product (GDP), and household consumption levels are the main factors affecting the development of cold chain logistics, while the per capita cold storage capacity, the turnover of road cold chain freight, and the volume of human-power employed in cold chain logistics are the main factors affecting economic development. This study makes suggestions to support the coordinated development of cold chain logistics and economy, and provides a scientific basis for further research.
Age-related sex differences in the outcomes of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lee Hyun-Jung , Kim Hyung-Kwan , Lee Sang Chol , Ommen Steve R. , Kim Jihoon , Park Jun-Bean , Choi You-Jung , Lee Seung-Pyo , Chang Sung-A. , Kim Yong-Jin
Published: February 2022

Background

We aimed to clarify the sex differences in various cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular outcomes, and to investigate whether sex differences in outcomes are affected by age in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Methods

A cohort of 835 patients with HCM initially evaluated during 2007–2019 were followed for a median of 6.4 years. Study outcomes were all-cause death, cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular death, sudden cardiac death (SCD)/SCD equivalent events, heart failure (HF) events, and the composite cardiovascular outcome including cardiovascular death, SCD/SCD equivalent events, admission for HF, and heart transplantation.

Results

Women were 5 years older (women 59.9±13.5 vs. men 54.9±11.4 years), had worse dyspnea, and greater left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction and obstructive physiology at presentation. Women compared to men had higher all-cause mortality and cardiovascular event rates, driven by more cardiovascular deaths and heart failure (HF) events. Conversely, non-cardiovascular mortality was not different between the sexes. Female sex was independently associated with all-cause death (HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.11–3.20) and composite cardiovascular events (HR 3.60, 95% CI 2.00–6.49), independent of age, body mass index, New York Heart Association class, SCD risk score, and LV ejection fraction. When stratified by the age of 60, sex differences were not significant at <60 years; however, at ≥60 years, women had worse LV diastolic function, greater obstructive physiology, as well as worse survival and composite cardiovascular outcomes. Sex differences in outcomes remained consistent after propensity score matching for age and other clinical characteristics.

Conclusions

Women with HCM have worse cardiovascular prognosis than men, driven by higher cardiovascular mortality and HF events. The negative impact of female sex on cardiac function and cardiovascular outcome became prominent at age ≥60 years, suggesting age-related sex differences in the prognosis of HCM.
Assessing port service quality: An application of the extension fuzzy AHP and importance-performance analysis
Authors: Nguyen Thang Quyet , Ngo Lan Thi Tuyet , Huynh Nguyen Tan , Quoc Thanh Le , Hoang Long Van
Published: February 2022

It is argued that ports are playing a crucial role in developing nations’ economy. Still, solutions to improving port service quality (PSQ) to boost ports’ competitive capacity is questionable. Hence, this study aims to investigate port service quality (PSQ) by using integration of the extension Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process and Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) from port users’ perspectives. From the relevant literature and expert interview, the hierarchical structure of PSQ embracing six dimensions with 29 criteria was first established. To test the research model, the Dong Nai port joint stock company (DNPC) and their port-service users were empirically investigated. It is found that: (1) the importance degree of dimensions is ranked as follow: empathy (21.07%), tangibles (20.15%), assurance (15.97%), reliability (15.54%), responsiveness (12.53%), diversity (14.74%); (2) for criteria of PSQ, top five criteria concerned by shipping companies and ocean freight forwarders comprise: "proactive provision of vessel schedules", "cargo handling facilities and equipment", "detailed schedule", "accuracy and consistency of schedules", and "geographical location"; (3) there are four service attributes (SAs) needing to prioritize for improvement, including "perfect transportation of cargos", "ability in dealing with cargo damage", "willingness in helping customers", "provision of special cargo-related services". The practical policy is that port authorities should transfer the limited resources from SAs in Quadrant IV to Quadrant II to enhance the PSQ.
Is it really “panic buying”? Public perceptions and experiences of extra buying at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ntontis Evangelos , Vestergren Sara , Saavedra Patricio , Neville Fergus , Jurstakova Klara , Cocking Chris , Lay Siugmin , Drury John , Stott Clifford , Reicher Stephen , Vignoles Vivian L.
Published: February 2022

Shopping behaviour in response to extreme events is often characterized as “panic buying” which connotes irrationality and loss of control. However, “panic buying” has been criticized for attributing shopping behaviour to people’s alleged psychological frailty while ignoring other psychological and structural factors that might be at play. We report a qualitative exploration of the experiences and understandings of shopping behaviour of members of the public at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 23 participants, we developed three themes. The first theme addresses people’s understandings of “panic buying”. When participants referred to “panic buying” they meant observed product shortages (rather than the underlying psychological processes that can lead to such behaviours), preparedness behaviours, or emotions such as fear and worry. The second theme focuses on the influence of the media and other people’s behaviour in shaping subsequent shopping behaviours. The third theme addresses the meaningful motivations behind increased shopping, which participants described in terms of preparedness; some participants reported increased shopping behaviours as a response to other people stockpiling, to reduce their trips to supermarkets, or to prepare for product shortages and longer stays at home. Overall, despite frequently using the term ‘panic’, the irrationalist connotations of “panic buying” were largely absent from participants’ accounts. Thus, “panic buying” is not a useful concept and should not be used as it constructs expected responses to threat as irrational or pathological. It can also facilitate such behaviours, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Timeliness of reporting process in the national routine health information system: The case of 19-year experience of Field Health Services Information System in Palawan, the Philippines
Authors: Murai Shinsuke , Ventura Ray Justin C. , Gaite Julita T.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Routine health information system (RHIS) has been repeatedly updated to provide quality information. However, its timeliness has rarely been tracked. This study investigated the reporting status and the timeliness of quarterly reports of the national RHIS in the Philippines, based on its 19 years-operation in Palawan.

Methods

We analyzed the timeliness of 94.7% (1568/1656) of the quarterly reports that we obtained the date of receipt submitted by 22 health centers in Palawan from 1996 to 2014. The RHIS update in 2008 increased the number of reporting items and extended the submission due date since 2009 while computerized 15 health centers since 2011. We performed Fisher’s exact test to examine changing the proportion of timely reports and multiple comparisons with permutation tests for changing the mean of the quarterly median lead times, median delays and interquartile ranges (IQR), for four periods of different operational requirements in the RHIS.

Results

The update increased the timely reports from 6.7% (70/1045) to 22.4% (117/523) (p<0.001). The delay remained stable from 14.2 days to 16.1 days (p = 0.654). However, the IQR widened 2.31 times (p = 0.004) compared to 15.7. Despite the increased burden, the continued manual data processing decreased the delay by 7.1 days (p = 0.023) and remained the IQR stable at 1.19 times (p = 0.670), while 15 health centers were computerized, it increased the delay by 6.4 days (p = 0.037) and widened the IQR by 2.87 times (p = 0).

Conclusions

More attention must be paid to controlling the timeliness of RHIS when we introduce new interventions and perform daily management. Extending the due date increased timely reports. However, introducing unfamiliar tasks increased delay and uncertainty in timeliness. In a low-resource setting, an effective intervention needs to consider modest operating procedure changes that extend the existing routines to which the staff in charge has already accustomed.
Cultural trauma in the lyrics of the Estonian folk metal band Metsatöll
Authors: Valijärvi Riitta-Liisa
Published: February 2022

This article explores the lyrics of the Estonian folk metal band Metsatöll in relation to collective national and cultural trauma focusing on the following themes: the fight against foreign invaders and overlords, land, nature, wolves, kin and family, as well as ancient beliefs. Cultural trauma can be defined as the collective experience of horrendous and traumatic events that leave marks on a group’s consciousness. This article suggests that Metsatöll’s lyrics are a means of processing cultural trauma that has been caused by years of occupation and oppression, the end of singing nationalism of the 1980s and changing values brought on by the fall of the Soviet Union and the subsequent globalization, capitalism and materialism. This trauma is processed through neo-pagan lyrics and the aesthetics of folk metal. Inspiration for the lyrics can be found in maausk (‘earth faith’), mediaeval chronicles, the national narrative of the great battle, Estonian mythology and folk poetry. Christianity and foreign influences are rejected by resorting to authentically Estonian ancient practices. The lyrics are true to the genre of folk metal in general, and metal music is seen in this study as a fitting vehicle for processing cultural trauma. The study also contains a brief analysis of white masculinity in crisis, as well as a critical discussion on ethno-centric nationalism in a postcolonial context.
Comparative Study of Dexmedetomidine and Clonidine as Adjuvant to Ropivacaine in Supra Clavicular Brachial Plexus Block
Authors: Steby Chinchu Rose , P Satheedevi , T.S. Sunilkumar , R. Sunil , Rajkumar Reshma
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND Effective postoperative pain control is an important part of postoperative care which leads to shortened hospital stays, reduced hospital costs and increased patient satisfaction. Variety of adjuvants has been used along with local anaesthetics in regional blocks to increase the duration of effective analgesia. We have conducted a prospective study to compare the effect of clonidine and dexmedetomidine as additives to 30 ml of 0.5 % ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb orthopaedic surgeries. METHODS A prospective study was conducted among 50 patients belonging to ASA 1 or 2 undergoing upper limb orthopaedic surgeries under supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Patients who received 1mcg/kg clonidine added to 30 ml of 0.5 % ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block were taken into Group A. Patients who received 1mcg/kg dexmedetomidine added to 30 ml of 0.5 % ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block were taken into Group B. Sensory block – onset, duration; motor block – onset and duration; duration of analgesia were monitored and recorded. Data analysed using IBM SPSS (version 17) software. P value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS Onset of sensory block was 9.04 ± 1.74 min in clonidine group and 12.0 ± 2.00 min in dexmedetomidine group which was statistically significant. Onset of motor block was 11.80± 1.87 min in clonidine group and 15.48 ± 2.08 min in dexmedetomidine group which was statistically significant. Duration of motor block was 502.8 ± 60.9 min in clonidine group and 566.0 ± 59.6 min in dexmedetomidine group which was statistically significant. Duration of sensory block was 589.2 ± 56.6 min in clonidine group and 673.6 ± 53.4 min in dexmedetomidine group which was statistically significant. Duration of analgesia was 665.20 ± 52.20 min in clonidine group and 760.40 ± 48.20 min in dexmedetomidine group which was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The addition of clonidine to 0.5 % ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block significantly reduces the onset of sensory block and motor block whereas addition of dexmedetomidine significantly prolongs the duration of sensory and motor block compared to clonidine. Addition of dexmedetomidine also prolongs the duration of analgesia compared to clonidine. KEY WORDS Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block; Ropivacaine; Clonidine; Dexmedetomidine.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Migraine Patients, Observations from a Tertiary Care Centre in South India
Authors: Baby Bincy , Roy Rhea Anne , John John K.
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND Primary headache especially migraine ranks among the top 20 causes of the disease burden as per the years lived with disability (YLD) criteria.1 Stress due to many factors during the COVID-19 pandemic can worsen the migraine symptoms and reduce the therapeutic response.2,3 In this study, we aimed to investigate this impact on migraine frequency and severity on medical care, in addition to overall psychosocial health and specific COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) concerns among migraine patients. METHODS A questionnaire based telephonic survey was used to collect details about the impact of COVID-19 on patients with migraine who visited our outpatient clinic from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019. Telephonic interview was carried out by the investigators from July 5th to August 15th of 2021. RESULTS A total of 320 patients participated in the survey. Women constituted 79.7% of the study population and, 39.7% were between 40-60 years while 34.1% were between 20-40 years of age. In comparison to the pre-pandemic period, 56.9% of patients reported increase in the severity of migraine and 55.9% reported increase in the number of headache-days. Difficulties in accessing headache medications was reported by 73.4% and, 75.3% were not able to follow their medication schedule. Only 57.2% were able to access specialist care during the pandemic. Overuse of analgesics was reported by 15.9% of participants in the pre-pandemic period, while it increased to 37.8% after the pandemic. Sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression were reported by 47.2% and increase in screen-time exposure was mentioned by 41.9%. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significantly negative impact on patients with migraine. Well planned strategies should be implemented to ensure availability of quality care for patients with migraine, with emphasis on psychosocial well-being. KEY WORDS COVID-19, Migraine, Primary Headache.
Experimental Validation of Fuel Cell Powered Energy Efficient Gallium Nitride Multilevel Inverter for Industrial Applications
Authors: RavindranathTagore Y. , Vijay Babu A. R. , Srinivasarao Y. , Manoj Kumar P. , Anuradha K.
Published: February 2022

This paper presents the air breathing fuel cell (ABFC) power system and its investigation for industrial applications. The ABFC actual behaviour is realized through the development of an empirical model by considering activation polarisation, ohmic polarisation and mass transport effects. The developed stack model feeds the power conditioning unit of the proposed power system. This paper will throw light on the usage of GaN wide bandgap (WBG) material based power semiconductor devices (PSDs) that are used to build 5-level cascaded H- bridge multilevel inverter and a boost converter. This in turn enhances the energy efficiency of the entire FC power system. These WBG PSDs present the phenomenal properties such as high saturated drift velocity, wide bandgap and high critical breakdown field. This multilevel inverter is implemented for facilitating a quality AC output besides offering the voltage control. The investigation is carried out with the development of power conditioning unit hardware setup besides the fabricated FC module for the validation the developed ABFC model.
Strontium Substituted SmNiO3: Novel Electrode Materials for Alkaline Water Electrolysis
Authors: Parihar Reena , Sharma Priya , Chaddha Amritpal Singh , Singh Narendra Kumar
Published: February 2022

Sr-substituted SmNiO3 perovskite-type oxides have been investigated for their electrocatalytic properties towards oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline medium. Materials were obtained by using low temperature malic acid sol-gel route. To know the redox behaviour, electrocatalytic activity and thermodynamic parameters of oxides, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and anodic polarization curve (Tafel plot) were recorded in 1 M KOH at 25 ºC. X-ray diffraction (XRD) study indicates the formation of almost pure perovskite phase of the material. A pair of redox peaks was observed (anodic; Epa = 494±12 mV and corresponding cathodic; Epc = 360±4 mV) in the potential region 0.0-0.7 V prior to onset of OER. As observed in the case of La-based perovskite oxides, Sr-substitutions in the SmNiO3 also enhance the electrocatalytic properties of the material. However, Sm-based oxides showed least electrocatalytic activity as compared to La-based oxides. The estimated values of Tafel slope and reaction order indicate that each oxide electrode, except SmNiO3, follows similar mechanistic path towards OER. Standard entropy of activation (DS˚#), standard enthalpy of activation (DH˚#) and standard electrochemical energy of activation (DHel˚#) was determined by recording the anodic polarization curve in 1M KOH at different temperatures.
Registrar la fiesta: cultura audiovisual LGBTI en Barranquilla
Authors: Gonzalez Cueto Danny Armando
Published: February 2022

En este artículo se analiza, a partir de un corpus audiovisual seleccionado por el autor, la realidad de las prácticas travestis, transformistas y drag queens en el Carnaval de Barranquilla, que ahora parecen gozar de aceptación gracias a un tablero político cambiante. La investigación pone en foco la forma como los contenidos audiovisuales travestis cuestionan y/o ponen en tensión el concepto de patrimonio, tradición, puesta en valor y el Plan de Salvaguarda del Carnaval de Barranquilla. Estas prácticas integran en la actualidad el mapa visual/audiovisual de los carnavales, convirtiéndose en 2000 y 2010 en una marcada tendencia que le da el mayor atractivo a estas fiestas populares. Aunque su historia está signada por la discriminación y la invisibilización, el colectivo LGBTI ha logrado a través del carnaval encontrar una forma de contrarrestar lo que parecía imposible. Sin embargo, asegurar que artistas, actores, empresarios y gestores LGBTI gozan de total aceptación en el carnaval, es más complejo de lo que se pueda pensar. La metodología de esta investigación consistió en la realización de entrevistas a representantes del colectivo LGBTI afines a esta fiesta popular, además de la revisión, selección y análisis de una muestra de contenidos audiovisuales, fotográficos y de prensa, a través de los cuales se profundizó en los estudios de estas prácticas y en su devenir. El autor se enfoca solamente en la cultura audiovisual y material de prensa, esta último corre transversal al contenido audiovisual. Como resultado, una diversidad de miradas que enriqueció la discusión y su importancia para los estudios del Caribe y la cultura regional.
Identidad cultural en el Caribe colombiano. El caso del Carnaval de Barranquilla
Authors: Navarro Hoyos Silvana
Published: February 2022

Este artículo estudia las manifestaciones culturales del Carnaval de Barranquilla con el fin de abstraer elementos clave en la configuración del imaginario de la identidad cultural de la región. No se pretende ser un referente en cuanto a definición de identidades, sino exponer un punto de vita que sirva para la construcción social. Se trata de una indagación bibliográfica que realiza una revisión de términos como “identidad cultural” o “Carnaval de Barranquilla”. La finalidad es compartir estos hallazgos con personas interesadas en esta temática. Como parte de las conclusiones encontramos que el Caribe colombiano posibilita la afirmación de los individuos que componen su sociedad valorando las expresiones particulares. A su vez, dichas particularidades contribuyen a la construcción de comunidad. De esta manera, sus habitantes se complementan y crean una manera de vivir común. Se trata de la identidad costeña. Las manifestaciones culturales, como el carnaval, se han convertido en propiedad social y presentan diferentes lenguajes, comportamientos y conocimientos que configuran los valores y promueven los procesos de identificación social específicos de esta región.
La participación ciudadana en fiestas populares del Caribe colombiano: análisis cuantitativo del Carnaval de Barranquilla y las Fiestas de Independencia de Cartagena
Authors: Espinosa Espinosa Aarón
Published: February 2022

Este artículo analiza la participación ciudadana en actividades culturales, en particular en las fiestas de origen popular de mayor ascendiente en el Caribe colombiano, el Carnaval de Barranquilla y las Fiestas de Independencia de Cartagena, cuyas conexiones históricas y evolución han sido determinantes en la construcción de la memoria festiva regional. Se aplica el enfoque y el método de la economía de la cultura para identificar y comparar los factores asociados a la participación de la población durante la última década, y se utilizan las encuestas de los programas Cómo Vamos de ambas ciudades para evaluar empíricamente el papel de un conjunto de variables tradicionales y del contexto local en la decisión de participar en estas celebraciones. Los resultados muestran amplias brechas intere intra ciudades, que se asocian al capital cultural, el sexo y el tiempo de ocio, y a otras consideradas estructurales, como el estatus socioeconómico, la pobreza y el lugar de residencia. Estas inequidades son sustancialmente mayores en Cartagena, donde se hace necesario ampliar el acceso a los sectores más rezagados. Los resultados dan luces al diseño de políticas culturales locales más inclusiva y sostenible que dinamice el patrimonio cultural inmaterial de ambas ciudades.
La resistencia y la cultura jurídica como medios utilizados por los esclavizados para acceder a la libertad en el Pacífico neogranadino de la primera mitad del siglo XIX*
Authors: Perdomo Forero Yurany
Published: February 2022

Este artículo es un estudio sobre algunos aspectos de la cultura jurídica y la resistencia de los esclavizados como medios para acceder a la libertad por diferentes vías. El objetivo fue analizar cualitativamente dos casos específicos ocurridos en el Pacífico neogranadino durante la primera mitad del siglo XIX. El primero, trata sobre la sublevación de una cuadrilla de la mina de San Juan en Micay en el contexto de las guerras por la independencia, y el segundo, sobre una mujer de Lloró (Quibdó), quien bajo el respaldo de la ley de manumisión de 1821 emprende una pelea judicial para defender el derecho de libertad de su hijo. A partir de esto se muestra el uso de la cultura jurídica como forma de agencia y resistencia por parte de la población esclavizada.
Estimation of Global Solar Radiation Using NNARX Neural Networks Based on the UV Index
Authors: Barco Jiménez John , Eraso Checa Francisco , Pantoja Andrés , Caicedo Bravo Eduardo
Published: February 2022

Context: This work presents different models based on artificial neural networks, among them NNARX, for estimating global solar radiation from UV index measurements. The objective is to determine the efficiency of the models studied to estimate global solar radiation in terms of the coefficient of determination (R2), the root-mean-square error (RMSE), and the mean absolute error (MAE).
Methodology: It is divided into four stages: i) conformation of the training dataset (in this case, it uses a training set of 213.019 data collected over five years in the city of Pasto, Colombia, with the Davis Vantage Pro 2.0 station); ii) pre-processing of data to remove erroneous and unusual data; iii) definition of models based on recurrent and conventional artificial neural networks according to an analysis of topologies, e.g. NNFIR and NNARX; iv) training of the models and evaluation of the estimation efficiency through metrics such as R2, RMSE, and MAE. To validate the model, a new dataset collected during the last year was used, which was not included in the data training.
Results: The global solar radiation estimation models based on NNARX show the best estimation efficiency compared to conventional neural networks. The NNARX221 model has an RMSE of 54,32 and a MAE of 18,06 w/m2.
Conclusions: NNARX models are highly efficient at estimating global solar radiation, with a coefficient of determination of 0,9697 in the best of cases. The most efficient models are characterized by using two past times and the current UV index instant, and they feed from two past times of their own estimated radiation output. Furthermore, the numerical results show that the contribution of temperature and relative humidity is not relevant to improving the efficiency of the estimation of global solar radiation. These models can be particularly important since they only use measurements made with UV index sensors, which are less expensive than solar radiation ones.
Sampling in der Musikproduktion
Authors: Fischer Georg
Published: February 2022

20 Jahre Streit um eineinhalb Sekunden kopierte Musik? Die Auseinandersetzung im Fall »Metall auf Metall« zwischen der Musikgruppe Kraftwerk und dem Komponisten Moses Pelham beschäftigte 2019 sogar den Europäischen Gerichtshof. Sie zeigt, dass das Urheberrecht zu einem gesellschaftlichen Streitthema geworden ist, das sich aus der Nische des künstlerischen Bereichs in den Alltag nahezu aller Menschen gedrängt hat. Dieser Prozess lief nicht unbemerkt von der Wissenschaft ab und dennoch ist diese gerade erst dabei, die Implikationen und Effekte dieser urheberrechtlichen Ausdehnung genauer zu verstehen. Der Soziologe Georg Fischer liefert die erste empirische Studie zum Sampling in der Musik, die explizit den Einfluss des deutschen Urheberrechts auf die kreative Praxis untersucht. Er zeigt die Fülle und Vielfalt an kreativen Umgehungsstrategien, die sich im Schatten des Urheberrechts ausgebreitet und verankert haben – und mit denen die Künstler_innen die eigene Sichtbarkeit sowie die ästhetische Komplexität und monetäre Verwertung ihrer Werke notgedrungen einschränken.
1917 – Die korrumpierte Revolution
Authors: Jacob Frank
Published: February 2022

Die Russische Revolution von 1917, die in Wirklichkeit aus mehreren Erhebungen bestand, bildet die Zäsur zwischen »langem« 19. und »kurzem« 20. Jahrhundert und leitete das sogenannte »Zeitalter der Extreme« (Eric Hobsbawm) ein. Viele, die an den Erfolg der Revolution geglaubt hatten, wurden von den tatsächlichen Entwicklungen bitter enttäuscht. Wieder einmal war eine Revolution nicht dazu in der Lage gewesen, das zu erreichen, was von vielen erwartet, ja herbeigesehnt wurde. Die revolutionäre Erhebung des Februar 1917 endete mit ihrer Korrumpierung im Oktober desselben Jahres. Frank Jacob widmet sich auf Basis eines analytischen Vergleichsmodells der Frage nach dem Prozess dieser Korrumpierung und zeigt, ob diese einer zwangsläufigen Entwicklung der Ereignisse oder vielmehr dem Machtwillen einiger weniger geschuldet war.
The Impact of Electrodes Arrangement on ESP Efficiency
Authors: Dhayef Haidar K. , Khalaf Thamir H.
Published: February 2022

In the last few decades, electrostatic precipitators (ESP) have been improvement and many new methods have been implemented to increase in term of Particles collection efficiency in the sub micrometer size range. electrostatic precipitators rely on corona discharge processes to remove airborne dust particles. To understand particle behavior and flow dynamics inside electrostatic precipitators, a precise measurement of the electric field and charge density distribution is required. The electric field and charge density distributions in the negative wire-to-duct electrostatic precipitator were calculated using Poisson and charge conservation equations. typical efficiency of ESP as a function of geometrical and operation factors. In this paper, ESP designed and simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics® 5.5. The effects of the distance between discharge-wires on collection efficiency was studied.
Résurgence de la syphilis congénitale à Winnipeg, Manitoba
Authors: Benoit Peter , Tennenhouse Lana , Lapple Alicia , Hill-Carroll Gillian , Shaw Souradet , Bullard Jared , Plourde Pierre
Published: February 2022

Contexte : Les taux de syphilis infectieuse ont augmenté à Winnipeg, au Manitoba, chez les personnes en âge de procréer. Une infection prénatale non traitée ou incorrectement traitée entraîne souvent une syphilis congénitale, avec des conséquences dévastatrices pour la santé et la survie du fœtus. L’objectif de cette étude était d’examiner les données de surveillance de la santé publique concernant l’incidence de la syphilis congénitale et les facteurs de risque des personnes enceintes à Winnipeg de 2018 à 2020. Méthode : Les données extraites d’une base de données de surveillance de la population tenue par les enquêtes de santé publique de l’Office régional de la santé de Winnipeg pour tous les cas probables ou confirmés de syphilis congénitale précoce ou de mortinaissance syphilitique de 2018 à 2020 ont été examinés. Les taux de syphilis congénitale ont été calculés pour 1 000 naissances vivantes. Des analyses descriptives ont été effectuées pour décrire l’âge des personnes enceintes le quartier de résidence, la consommation de substances par voie intraveineuse, l’implication des Services à l’enfance et à la famille, l’accès aux soins prénataux et l’obtention d’un traitement prénatal adéquat. Résultats : Il y a eu huit cas de syphilis congénitale confirmée/probable en 2018, 22 cas en 2019 et 30 cas en 2020. L’âge moyen des personnes enceintes était de 26,5 à 27,0 ans. La majorité (66,7 %) des personnes enceintes vivaient dans des quartiers du centre-ville où des éclosions de syphilis infectieuse étaient connues. Plus de 50 % des personnes enceintes n’ont reçu aucun soin prénatal, ou les soins reçus consistaient en un traitement ou un suivi inadéquat. Une réinfection chez les personnes enceintes ayant reçu des soins prénataux a été suspectée dans 23,3 % des cas supplémentaires. Conclusion : Les taux de syphilis congénitale à Winnipeg ont augmenté considérablement. Les efforts de la santé publique et des prestataires de soins de santé pour répondre aux besoins de la communauté sont essentiels pour promouvoir l’accès à des soins prénataux sûrs et efficaces.
Étude descriptive des tests de dépistage de la syphilis au Manitoba, Canada, 2015 à 2019
Authors: Shaw Souradet , Plourde Pierre , Klassen Penny , Stein Derek
Published: February 2022

Contexte : En 2018, le Manitoba affichait le plus haut taux déclaré de syphilis infectieuse au Canada, soit plus de trois fois la moyenne nationale. Dans la province, la syphilis infectieuse touche principalement les jeunes couples hétérosexuels marginalisés du centre-ville de Winnipeg. Par la suite, une crise de santé publique découlant de la syphilis congénitale est apparue au Manitoba, juste avant la pandémie de maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Le dépistage de la syphilis (dans le cas d’une grossesse) est considéré comme une mesure efficace pour réduire l’incidence de la syphilis et de ses séquelles. L’objectif de cette étude est de décrire les pratiques de dépistage de la syphilis dans la population générale et chez les femmes enceintes pendant une épidémie de syphilis. Méthodes : Les données d’analyse utilisées de la syphilis fondées sur la population provenaient du laboratoire provincial Cadham (Winnipeg, Manitoba) pour la période de 2015 à 2019. Les taux normalisés selon l’âge sont déclarés directement, et la régression de Poisson a été utilisée pour modéliser les déterminants des taux de dépistage. Les taux de dépistage prénatal sont également déclarés. Résultats : De 2015 à 2019, un total de 386 350 personnes ont subi un test de dépistage de la syphilis. Le taux a augmenté chaque année, passant de 462 pour 10 000 habitants en 2015 à 704 pour 100 000 en 2019, tandis que le ratio femme-homme a diminué, passant de 1,8 à 1,6. Avant 2019, la majorité des femmes enceintes (environ 60 %) ont fait l’objet d’un dépistage une fois, au cours du premier trimestre; toutefois, en 2019, davantage de femmes ont subi plus de deux tests au cours de leur grossesse. Conclusion : Il y a eu une augmentation globale du nombre de personnes testées, ce qui reflète le taux accru de syphilis au Manitoba. Les tendances du dépistage prénatal ont changé en 2019, probablement en raison de l’augmentation du nombre de cas de syphilis congénitale.
Lessons from management of syphilis in Nunavut, Canada, 2012–2020
Authors: Singh Ameeta E , Kulleperuma Kethika , Begin Jenny , DeGuzman Jessica , Sammurtok Diane , Anoee Obed , Koonoo Theresa , Pawa Jasmine
Published: February 2022

Background: Nunavut, part of Inuit Nunangat, is a geographically vast territory in northern Canada, with a population of over 38,000 people. Most (85%) of the population identify as Inuit. Nunavut has experienced a significant rise in heterosexual infectious syphilis cases since 2012. Management of communicable diseases, including syphilis, is challenging due to high staff turnover and long delays in specimen transport times. Social determinants of health are also an important contributor. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology and program elements for infectious syphilis from 2012–2020 and to highlight beneficial interventions. Methods: Syphilis is a notifiable disease in Nunavut with all cases reported to the Territorial Department of Health. Cases were staged by a medical consultant. Data were analyzed and released in public reports as part of the public health program. Results: From 2012 to 2020, 655 infectious syphilis cases were reported, with 53% of reported cases among females. Infection rates were highest in 20 to 39-year-olds. There was significant variability in reported cases over this time period by geographic region, with the majority of infectious cases reported from the Kivalliq region. Despite 48 reported cases in pregnancy, no confirmed congenital syphilis cases were identified. Program staff identified strengths of the response as well as ongoing needs, such as plain language resources available in multiple languages. Conclusion: Despite the logistical challenges with syphilis management in the territory, the overall outcomes have been positive, with no confirmed congenital cases identified. We attribute this to a coordinated effort by multiple partners including key actions by public health nurses and community health representatives.
Dubiously increased FT4 and FT3 levels in clinically euthyroid patients: clinical finding or analytical pitfall?
Authors: Külz Martin , Fellner Stephan , Rocktäschel Jörg , Ceglarek Uta , Willenberg Anja , Kratzsch Jürgen
Published: February 2022

Objectives

We systematically investigated normally or subclinically increased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) values associated with unexpectedly increased thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) in findings of patients without any thyroid disease. Moreover, we looked for alternatives to overcome such states with an improved diagnostic procedure and to investigate the pathogenetic background of the respective patients.

Methods

Samples with TSH concentrations within the range of 0.4–10 mU/L combined with increased concentrations of FT4 (n=120; Cobas, Roche) were collected over a period of around six years. Cobas FT4 results were compared with measurements from Liaison (DiaSorin) and Architect (Abbott) FT4 assays. For further validation all samples were measured for total thyroxine (TT4) (Cobas, Roche). Finally, FT3 and TT3 as complementary parameters were measured in samples with leftover material. To overcome potential analytical disturbances from stimulating heterophilic antibodies, we used heterophilic blocking tubes (HBTs).

Results

From the 120 samples with increased FT4 concentrations by Cobas, 51/120 were also increased by Liaison, and 26/120 by Architect. However, the measurement of TT4 indicated only n=10/120 increased values. The number of increased FT3 (n=71) measurements was higher in Architect>Cobas>Liaison (28>27>9). TT3 levels of 70/71 samples were within the reference interval. HBTs were inappropriate to reduce unspecific immunoreactivity in our samples. No clear pathogenetic background could be elucidated in the anamnesis of individual patients.

Conclusions

To overcome dubious constellations of TSH, FT4, and FT3, it is helpful to measure TT4 and TT3 for control or to use an immunoassay with an alternative assay design for the respective parameters.
Student explorations of calcium alginate bead formation by varying pH and concentration of acidic beverage juices
Authors: Buenaflor Jeffrey P. , Lydon Cassandra K. , Zimmerman Aaron , DeSutter Olivia L. , Wissinger Jane E.
Published: February 2022

Teaching experiments involving edible, biodegradable calcium alginate beads serve as an attractive model system to introduce upper secondary age students to core chemistry topics through innovations in sustainable consumer products. A teaching experiment is described that engages students with the synthesis of calcium alginate hydrogel beads from sodium alginate and calcium lactate, two food-safe and renewable materials. The beads’ outer membranes are a result of ionic interactions between carboxylate groups from alginate strands and the divalent calcium cations between them, thus forming cross-linked polymers. Protonation of the carboxylate groups on the alginate strands decreases crosslinking density affecting bead formation. First, various concentrations of citric acid are used to lower the pH of the sodium alginate solution and the effect on the calcium alginate bead formation is observed. A correlation between pH and bead shape and firmness is derived. This information is then used to explore juices with varying natural acidities. The experiment is amenable to implementation in the classroom or as an at-home activity. Learning outcomes include acid-base reactions, chemical bonding, polymer structures, and green chemistry concepts. Students consider the environmental challenges of traditional plastics used in packaging and how innovative new commercial products are attempting to provide solutions.
Progress in smart industrial control applied to renewable energy system
Authors: Salhi Mohamed Salah , Kashoob Said , Lachiri Zied
Published: February 2022

The industrial Supervising Control and Data Acquisition, referred by SCADA system, tends to improve its accuracy in detecting faults. In that, it uses fault diagnosis models based mostly on probabilistic methods with close uncertainties. These models are based on a subjective evaluation by comparing the obtained signal to its reference. Therefore, SCADA precision fault detection varies depending on the operation environment, system design and analysis approach among other factors. The contribution of this research work is to propose a smart strategy that will enrich and enhance failure recognition in SCADA systems by integrating two additional models into the classic technique. The first model is a SOM map reduce simple classifier and the second model is an evolutionary recurrent self-organizing neural filter for final decision-making. This integrated paradigm improves results accuracy and robustness against signal interference. The proposed idea involves best details around any remotely listed defect. This study has been conducted on Simulink-Matlab, through the analysis of multi signals emitted by sensors and received by corresponding antennas.
Metaphorical creativity contributing to multimodal impoliteness in political cartoons
Authors: Abdel-Raheem Ahmed
Published: February 2022

Using a corpus of mainly Arabic political cartoons, this article investigates the relationship between multimodal impoliteness and metaphorical creativity. It offers an interesting and admittedly tentative argument that many aspects of creativity in language and verbo-visual arts may be related to what I call “frame flouting or exploitation”―a notion compatible with various ongoing research programs, including Rachel Giora and her colleagues’ work on salience, defaultness, and optimal innovation. The concept offrame floutingrefers to an overt and blatant infringement of a data structure employed for representing generic or geographical, social and historical or stereotypical knowledge or commonly encountered, stereotyped events or situations. A four-type typology for frame exploitations is proposed: (i) “frame element” exploitations; (ii) script (or scenario) floutings; (iii) “default context” violations; and (iv) inference exploitations. Frame floutings may thus also be the basis for incongruity and humor. This research will aid both cognition studies and creative impoliteness scholarship based on nonverbal and multimodal stimuli.
Investigation and management of stillbirth: a descriptive review of major guidelines
Authors: Tsakiridis Ioannis , Giouleka Sonia , Mamopoulos Apostolos , Athanasiadis Apostolos , Dagklis Themistoklis
Published: February 2022

Stillbirth is a common and devastating pregnancy complication. The aim of this study was to review and compare the recommendations of the most recently published guidelines on the investigation and management of this adverse outcome. A descriptive review of guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG), the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ), the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) on stillbirth was carried out. Regarding investigation, there is consensus that medical history and postmortem examination are crucial and that determining the etiology may improve care in a subsequent pregnancy. All guidelines recommend histopathological examination of the placenta, genetic analysis and microbiology of fetal and placental tissues, offering less invasive techniques when autopsy is declined and a Kleihauer test to detect large feto–maternal hemorrhage, whereas they discourage routine screening for inherited thrombophilias. RCOG and SOGC also recommend a complete blood count, coagulopathies’ testing, anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies’ measurement in cases of hydrops and parental karyotyping. Discrepancies exist among the reviewed guidelines on the definition of stillbirth and the usefulness of thyroid function tests and maternal viral screening. Moreover, only ACOG and RCOG discuss the management of stillbirth. They agree that, in the absence of coagulopathies, expectant management should be considered and encourage vaginal birth, but they suggest different labor induction protocols and different management in subsequent pregnancies. It is important to develop consistent international practice protocols, in order to allow effective determination of the underlying causes and optimal management of stillbirths, while identifying the gaps in the current literature may highlight the need for future research.
Metadiscourse of impoliteness, language ideology, and identity: offense-taking as social action
Authors: Su Hsi-Yao , Lee Wan-Hsin
Published: February 2022

This study investigates the interwoven relationship between the metadiscourse of (im)politeness, language ideologies, and identity. It examines YouTube comments on a video recording of a controversial incident in Taiwan in which a Taiwanese American, J, insulted a bus driver in English, a marked language choice in the local context. It was found that J’s abusive language and his language choice being English were the top sources of offense as expressed in the comments, and four main strands of language ideologies are identified accordingly. We see the taking of offense in the critical comments as social actions in two senses: each comment is an individual pragmatic act sanctioning a perceived moral transgression, while, collectively, the comments serve as a discursive space where language ideologies are shaped, contested, and reinforced. We further explore how various identities, such as “foreigner”, “ABC”, and “Taiwanese” are discursively constructed in the process of impoliteness assessment and how the perceived attack on the driver’s social identity face is motivated by J’s perceived identities and presumed language proficiency. We argue that the shift in focus to the evaluativity of (im)politeness makes it possible to bring (im)politeness research and sociolinguistics closer to each other.