bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the classification of motive power failures
Authors: Babkov Yu. V. , Belova E. E. , Potapov M. I.
Published: December 2021

The Aim of the article is to develop a motive power failure classification to enable substantiated definition of dependability requirements for motive power as a part of a railway transportation system, as well as for organizing systematic measures to ensure a required level of its dependability over the life cycle. Methods. The terminology of interstate dependability-related standards was analysed and the two classifications used by OJSC “RZD” for estimating the dependability of technical systems and motive power were compared. The dependability of railway transportation systems is studied using structural and logical and logical and probabilistic methods of dependability analysis, while railway lines are examined using the graph theory and the Markov chains. Results. An analysis of the existing failure classifications identified shortcomings that prevent the use of such classifications for studying the structural dependability of such railway transportation systems as motive power. A classification was developed that combines two failure classifications (“category-based” for the transportation process and technical systems and “type-based” for the motive power), but this time with new definitions. The proposed classification of the types of failures involves stricter definitions of the conditions and assumptions required for evaluating the dependability and technical condition of an item, which ensures correlation between the characteristics of motive power and its dependability throughout the life cycle in the context of the above tasks. The two classifications could be used simultaneously while researching structural problems of dependability using logical and probabilistic methods and Markov chains. The developed classification is included in the provisions of the draft interstate standard “Dependability of motive power. Procedure for the definition, calculation methods and supervision of dependability indicators throughout the life cycle” that is being prepared by JSC “VNIKTI” in accordance with the OJSC “RZD” research and development plan. Conclusion. The article’s findings will be useful to experts involved in the evaluation of motive power dependability.
On the safety assessment of an automatic train operation system
Authors: Shubinsky I. B. , Schäbe H. , Rozenberg E. N.
Published: December 2021

The paper examines the automatic train operation system as part of the locomotive control and protection system, the remote supervision centre’s means for control of onboard and trackside machine vision facilities. The focus is on the dependence of the system’s safety and dependability on the dependability characteristics of its components and adverse weather effects. The criteria of a system’s wrong-side and right-side failures were defined, the graph models were constructed of the safety and dependability states of an automatic train operation system. The Markovian graph method of calculating the safety and dependability of complex systems was substantiated. That allowed defining such key safety indicators of an automatic train operation system as the mean time to wrong-side failure, probability of wrong-side failure, wrong-side failure rate. The study established that the safety of an automatic train operation system primarily depends on the dependability of machine vision facilities. The growth of the system’s wrong-side failure rate is limited to half the failure rate of machine vision facilities. It was also established that the dependability of an automatic train operation system is defined by the failure rate of a locomotive control and protection system and the failure rate of machine vision facilities. The conducted analysis allows concluding that in order to achieve an acceptable level of safety of an automatic train operation system, efforts should focus on machine vision redundancy, ensuring the SIL4 functional safety of on-board and trackside machine vision facilities, as well as regular comparison of the outputs of on-board and trackside machine vision facilities, redundant output comparison, integration of the outputs in motion. Additionally, adverse weather effects are to be countered by improving the efficiency of machine learning of the machine vision software.
Modernization of the society under the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic: global and local transformations
Authors: Yadova Maiya A.
Published: December 2021

The paper studies how COVID-19 influenced the processes, related to the modernization of the social development. It presents the results of the domestic and foreign social studies, related to the conceptual consideration of the global and local social changes, caused by pandemics consequences. The study demonstrates how modernization processes are associated with the growing trends of deglobalization, strengthening of social inequality, weakening of the international relations, and also with the transformation of the former social structure and conventional forms of social interaction. The paper notes the contradictory nature of the influence of the post-COVID changes on the modernizing trends. On the one hand, new vectors to modernize a number of spheres of social life (systems of health care, education, government management, trade) were indicated, wide possibilities for digitalization and development of IT appeared, on the other hand – the isolationist and conformist intentions are intensified. An increased focus is put on individual and personal estimation of social modernization. The author, relying on empiric data of her own studies, analyzes the concept of “modern personality” by the American sociologist А. Inkeles, showing its efficiency under the circumstances of the quickly changing realities of the post-COVID society. The qualities of the “modern personality” (openness to changes, social responsibility) allow giving an adequate response to the new challenges and risks. It is assumed that the representatives of the generation of millennials and generation Z, who have a significant modernizing potential and have been formed under the circumstances of the specific “conditions of growing-up”, are one of the most adapted to consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic social groups in Russia and foreign countries.
Functions and features of mentoring in personnel adaptation of the penal system
Authors: Apakhova Valentina M. , Vatoropin Alexander S.
Published: December 2021

The article analyzes the state of the mentoring system during personnel adaptation within the penitentiary system. Mentoring is a fundamental method of working with a mentee to introduce them into the activities of a closed occupational group. However, nowadays, mentoring in institutions of the penitentiary system is often of a formal nature. This does not allow institutions to use the full potential of mentoring to replenish a closed occupational group with high-quality human capital. A mentee should be introduced into professional relations not only at the formal, but also at the informal level, since informal communications play an important role when a closed occupational group accepts a new member. The purpose of the article is to identify the main features of mentoring, its functions that allow achieving personnel related, strategic and social results in functioning of the penal enforcement system. To achieve this goal, an expert survey was conducted with the senior officers of correctional institutions, which allowed identifying practical aspects of implementing personnel adaptation using the mentoring institute. The modern institution of mentoring is reflected in the functions of labor adaptation, which are implemented by a mentor through interaction with a mentee. The performance effectiveness of the functions of adaptation is determined not only by the achievement of high labor activity indicators by a new employee, but also by the construction of effective communications that should be arranged with colleagues, as well as with people in detention. The result of the study will be an understanding of the features of an effective mentoring system for a closed occupational group of the penitentiary system and possible ways to improve it.
Prospects for the Use of Mobile Operator Data in Studies of Natural and Man-Made Risk
Authors: Badina S. V. , Babkin R. A. , Bereznyatsky A. N.
Published: December 2021

The article proposes a conceptual substantiation of the possibility of using the cellular operators data in order to assess the population vulnerability in the natural risk studies. Cellular operators data allow obtaining information on the differentiation of the population vulnerability in a large city (the article provides the case of Moscow) to natural and manmade hazards, taking into account the actual population size and its movement within different time cycles (daily, weekly, seasonal). A reliable information of how many people are at each point of the urban space at a certain point in time will allow not only to timely assess the most likely number of people in the potential danger area, thereby simplifying the work of specialized emergencies services, but also to competently develop a set of preventive measures in accordance with the real need.
Formation of the Economic Federalism Theoretical Model Based on the Dual State Nature
Authors: Korotina N. Yu.
Published: December 2021

The complexity of the economic aspects of federal relations and the multidimensional nature of management tasks predetermines the need to comprehend the essence of the system of federalism. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to substantiate a model that, on the one hand, considers federalism as the concept of the creation and functioning of the state system and as a way of managing the economy of the federal state on the other. Application of an evolutionary methodological approach allowed the author to divide the fundamental theories of federalism into two groups: the one examines federalism as a power paradigm, focuses on the federal principles of building a state, political and legal status The other examines federalism as a mechanism for coordinating the economic interests of its participants from the position of providing resources for fulfilling the assigned state functions at each level of the federal structure. The first group of fundamental works allows us to single out the essential features of federal relations. The second group of works made it possible to determine the economic principles of the functioning of federalism relations. Based on the highlighted features and principles of economic relations of federalism the article presents the author’s view of the dual subject essence of the state. Firstly, as a carrier of federal relations as a construct that structures and formats the territorial-state structure, as a mechanism of management and organization that sets the formal conditions for the reproduction of the subjects of the federal state based on the possession of power. Secondly, as an actor, one of the participants in the economic cycle of reproduction of the gross regional product based on the resources of the public sector. The proposed binary representation of the state allows us to show not only its creating role in the system of economic federalism, but also includes the goals of the regional economy in the federal system.
Bentall–De Bono procedure for aortic regurgitation and intraoperative rupture of moderately dilated ascending aorta: A case report
Authors: Boldyrev S.Yu. , Marukyan M.A. , Suslova V.N. , Barbukhatti K.O. , Porkhanov V.A.
Published: December 2021

We herein present a clinical case of root and ascending aortic replacement in a patient with borderline enlargement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve insufficiency. A 65-year-old man was admitted to our clinic with signs of heart failure. Subsequent echocardiography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed hemodynamically significant aortic insufficiency, as well as expansion of the ascending aorta. Diameter at the levels of the sinuses of Valsalva, sinotubular junction and tubular portion of the ascending aorta were 48, 47 and 44 mm, respectively. Based on the aforementioned data, indications for isolated aortic valve replacement were determined. Although the main portion of the surgery was unremarkable, at its final stage, a rupture of a section of the ascending aorta occurred. The results of intraoperative express histological examination of the enlarged aorta revealed connective tissue dysplasia and cystic median necrosis. Replacement of the ascending aorta was performed using the modified Bentall–De Bono technique. This case demonstrated that a borderline aortic dilatation of 40–50 mm at the ascending aorta was associated with pathological changes in its wall, which can cause fatal complications (rupture and dissection) and may require a more aggressive approach during surgical correction. Intraoperative express histological examination of the wall of the ascending aorta in ambiguous situations can help determine the scope of the intervention.Received 16 March 2021. Revised 14 September 2021. Accepted 15 September 2021.Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.Contribution of the authors Literature review: S.Yu. Boldyrev, M.A. Marukyan Drafting the article: S.Yu. Boldyrev, M.A. Marukyan, V.N. Suslova Critical revision of the article: S.Yu. Boldyrev, V.A. Porkhanov Surgical treatment: S.Yu. Boldyrev, M.A. Marukyan Final approval of the version to be published: S.Yu. Boldyrev, M.A. Marukyan, V.N. Suslova, K.O. Barbukhatti, V.A. Porkhanov
Acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery in children
Authors: Sergeev S.A. , Lomivorotov V.V.
Published: December 2021

Acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery in children remains a common clinical concern. The approaches developed recently and applied in clinical practice have sufficiently helped in clarifying the epidemiology, risk factors and pathophysiology of AKI in paediatric cardiac surgery. Pediatric Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, End-Stage Renal Disease criteria (pRIFLE), Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) and Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO), which are based on changes in serum creatinine levels and urine output rate, enable the identification and ranking of AKI according to severity. However, the diagnostic strategies for AKI have developed beyond creatinine levels and recommend the use of markers of renal tissue damage. Currently, two markers, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and TIMP-2/IGFBP-7 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 and protein that binds insulin-like growth factor-7), can be used for the early diagnosis of AKI in paediatric cardiac surgery.
Various risk factors, both renal and extrarenal, can predict AKI after cardiac surgery, among which age, the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and the need for mechanical ventilation and inotropic support before surgery, are the most significant. Strategies for addressing modifiable risk factors (maintaining appropriate perfusion pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass and avoiding nephrotoxic drugs and fluid overload) will reduce the risk of developing AKI. There has been a significant increase in survival rates due to the introduction of ultrafiltration techniques and the early initiation of renal replacement therapy in the postoperative period.
The purpose of this review is to analyse the current literature data on AKI in paediatric cardiac surgery. The review results demonstrate the differences in the incidence of AKI associated with cardiac surgery and the effectiveness of certain methods for prevention and treatment of this complication. Further comprehensive research on the issue of AKI in children, creation of medical electronic databases on patients, minimisation of the influence of possible risk factors and timely prevention and treatment of complications would prevent the development of AKI and reduce the possibility of complication progression to a more severe stage.
Received 12 April 2021. Revised 24 June 2021. Accepted 25 June 2021.
Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.
Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.
Contribution of the authors: The authors contributed equally to this article.
Surgical management of biatrial myxoma: case report
Authors: Simonyan T.A. , Scopin I.I. , Tsiskaridze I.M. , Farulova I.Yu. , Babajanyan E.A.
Published: December 2021

Heart tumours account for approximately 0.2 % of all tumours: of these, approximately 75 % of all primary heart tumours are benign and 50 % of them are myxomas. Further, myxomas make up 0.0017 % of the general population of patients with cardiovascular disease. Biatrial myxomas, i.e. tumours in both the left and right atria, can be in the form of a ‘butterfly’ or a ‘dumbbell’, and account for < 1 % of all cardiac myxomas. Here we describe the successful surgical management of a rare case of a large biatrial myxoma and concomitant atrioventricular valve insufficiency. Briefly, 2D transthoracic echocardiography findings included an end-diastolic volume of 90 ml, an end-systolic volume of 40 ml and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 55 % (according to Simpson). The fibrous ring of the mitral valve measured 36 mm with a regurgitation degree of 2 while the fibrous ring of the tricuspid valve was 42 mm in size and the regurgitation grade was 3. Lesion size in the cavity of the left and right atrium were 73 × 38 mm and 80 × 42 mm, respectively. These neoplasia were surgically removed under peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass, hypothermia and cold cardioplegia (Custodiol). The myxomas were accessed through the right atrium, according to Giradon and were resected without defragmentation. Next, mitral valve plasty using a soft support ring and annuloplasty of the tricuspid valve were performed according to de Vega. The duration of artificial circulation was 150 minutes and that of myocardial ischaemia was 100 minutes. The patient was extubated 11 hours after surgery, spent 22 hours in the intensive care unit and was discharged on the 14th day after surgery. Surgical resection of biatrial myxomas before the development of serious irreversible or life-threatening complications can provide rapid symptomatic relief in congestive heart failure.Received 30 May 2021. Revised 22 August 2021. Accepted 23 August 2021.Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.Contribution of the authors Literature review: T.A. Simonyan Drafting the article: T.A. Simonyan, I.M. Tsiskaridze Critical revision of the article: T.A. Simonyan, I.Yu. Farulova, E.A. Babajanyan Surgical treatment: I.I. Scopin, I.M. Tsiskaridze Final approval of the version to be published: T.A. Simonyan, I.I. Scopin, I.M. Tsiskaridze, I.Yu. Farulova, E.A. Babajanyan
Psychosocial risk factors in cardiac practice
Authors: Pushkarev G.S. , Matskeplishvili S.T.
Published: December 2021

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of death in Russia. Apart from conventional modified risk factors, population health, including CVD progression and related death, is influenced by psychosocial risk factors (PS RF). In theory, the role of PS RF can be explained by the significant changes in death rates within the Russian population during social and economic alterations. However, the significance of primary CVD RF has remained unchanged since the Soviet times. Nonetheless, PS RF does not receive much attention in our country. Thus, the current review aimed to introduce specialists focusing primarily on PS RF, such as low socioeconomic status, social isolation and low levels of social support, depressive disorders and personality traits (hostility and type D personality), which are now undoubtedly closely associated with unfavourable prognosis in patients with CVD. This summary also discusses the main pathophysiological mechanisms that may facilitate the progression of CVD, which include the activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, sympathoadrenal system with increased cardiovascular reactivity, endothelial function, inflammatory markers, platelets, coagulation factors, fibrinogen and lifestyle-associated factors. Thus, PS RF have considerable practical significance, not only for individual risk estimation but also in primary and secondary interventions for the prevention of CVD.Received 4 May 2021. Revised 6 June 2021. Accepted 11 June 2021.Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.Contribution of the authors: The authors contributed equally to this article.
Results of the early and mid-term postoperative period after correction of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection
Authors: Plotnikov M.V. , Gorbatykh Yu.N. , Аrkhipov A.N. , Galstyan M.G. , Bogachev-Prokophiev A.V. , Tarasov D.G. , Soynov I.A.
Published: December 2021

Aim. To compare complications and outcomes in the postoperative period with two different methods for correcting total anomalous pulmonary venous connection.Methods. In this pilot, two-centre, simple, blind, prospective randomised study, the patients’ quality of life after correction of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection in infancy was evaluated using the sutureless (n = 20) and conventional repair methods (n = 20) in 40 patients. The overall mortality and complications in the mid-term were evaluated.Results. The average follow-up was 15 (13; 16) months. Mortality was noted only in the conventional repair group, amounting to 5 (25%) patients (p = 0.018). Severe obstruction of the pulmonary veins anastomosis was also noted only in the conventional repair group (n = 8, 40%; p = 0.0013). Infectious endocarditis was observed in one (6.6%) patient in the conventional repair group (p = 0.42). Arrhythmias were present in 4 (26.6%) patients in the conventional repair group (p = 0.02).Conclusion. The rates of obstruction of the pulmonary vein anastomosis, arrhythmias and death depend on the method of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection correction. The sutureless repair reduces the incidence of early and mid-term postoperative complications compared to conventional repair.
Received 16 March 2021. Revised 8 June 2021. Accepted 11 June 2021.
Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.
Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Contribution of the authorsConception and study design: Yu.N. Gorbatykh, A.V. Bogachev-Prokophiev, M.V. PlotnikovData collection and analysis: M.V. Plotnikov, M.G. Galstyan, D.G. TarasovStatistical analysis: M.V. PlotnikovDrafting the article: M.V. Plotnikov, Yu.N. GorbatykhCritical revision of the article: I.A. SoynovFinal approval of the version to be published: M.V. Plotnikov, Yu.N. Gorbatykh, A.N. Аrkhipov, M.G. Galstyan, A.V. Bogachev-Prokophiev, D.G. Tarasov, I.A. Soynov
Quality of life after myocardial re-vascularisation in patients with acute coronary syndrome during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: a prospective observational study
Authors: Klinkova A.S. , Kamenskaya O.V. , Loginova I.Yu. , Chernyavskiy A.M. , Lomivorotov V.V.
Published: December 2021

Aim. To study the quality of life and how it is influenced by different factors in the long term after myocardial re-vascularisation in patients with coronary artery disease who had acute coronary syndrome during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Methods. We examined 658 patients with coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome (mean age 66.4 ± 4.3 years). Percutaneous coronary intervention (600 patients) and coronary artery bypass grafting with cardio-pulmonary bypass (58 patients) were performed. Six months after myocardial re-vascularisation, we assessed patients' quality of life using the SF-36 questionnaire. We identified factors that affect the quality of life using multivariate regression analysis.Results. After myocardial revascularisation, the patients had a reduced overall indicator of physical health (< 40 points). The overall indicator of psycho-emotional health was higher than physical (p < 0.002) but did not exceed 50 points. We noted the adverse effect of COVID-19 (regardless of disease severity) on the assessment. Also, COVID-19 was associated with increased anxiety. A history of concomitant diabetes mellitus, obesity, stroke and percutaneous coronary intervention had a negative effect on the overall indicators of physical and mental health.Conclusion. Patients with coronary artery disease who had acute coronary syndrome after myocardial re-vascularisation are characterised by reduced indicators of physical and average indicators of mental health in the long term. COVID-19, regardless of disease severity, has a negative impact on patients' general state of health, social activity and emotional background. A history of diabetes mellitus, obesity, stroke and percutaneous coronary intervention adversely affects the physical and mental health indicators.
Received 4 August 2021. Revised 31 August 2021. Accepted 1 September 2021.
Funding: This work was carried out within the framework of the state task of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (No. 121031300225-8).
Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.
Contribution of the authorsConception and study design: O.V. Kamenskaya, V.V. LomivorotovData collection and analysis: A.S. KlinkovaStatistical analysis: A.S. KlinkovaDrafting the article: A.S. Klinkova, I.Yu. LoginovaCritical revision of the article: O.V. Kamenskaya, A.M. ChernyavskiyFinal approval of the version to be published: A.S. Klinkova, O.V. Kamenskaya, I.Yu. Loginova, A.M. Chernyavskiy, V.V. Lomivorotov
Carotid endarterectomy for atherosclerotic occlusion of the contralateral internal carotid artery
Authors: Muchamadeev I.S. , Oborin A.A.
Published: December 2021

Aim. To analyse perioperative and long-term results of carotid endarterectomy for occlusion or stenosis of the contralateral internal carotid artery.Methods. This study included 184 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy for either occlusion (group 1, n = 74) or stenosis (group 2, n = 110) of the contralateral internal carotid artery. Carotid endarterectomy with eversion was performed in 97% of the patients while the conventional procedure with a patch was used in the remaining 3%.Results. The incidence of perioperative stroke / transient ischemic attack (TIA) in groups 1 and 2 was 1.35% and 1.82%, respectively (p = 0.806). Stroke / TIA within 30 days after surgery occurred in 2 patients in group 1 and in 1 patient in group 2 (p = 0.346); however, none were associated with death. In contrast, 3 cases of myocardial infarction (MI) were seen in group 1, two of which resulted in death. No instances of MI were seen in group 2. Long-term freedom from stroke and myocardial infarction, estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, was not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.240 and p = 0.657, respectively). Long-term survival was similar in both groups (p = 0.281). An analysis of the risk factors for major cardiovascular events, both immediate and in the long-term, showed that plaque instability was the most significant (p = 0.004), followed by lesions in the arteries of the lower extremities (p = 0.002).Conclusion. Short-term and long-term cerebral complications were not significantly different between patients with occlusion or stenosis of the contralateral internal carotid artery. However, patients with occlusion were significantly more likely to experience MI, necessitating a detailed diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Instability of the atherosclerotic substrate and multifocal atherosclerosis were identified as independent risk factors for major cardiovascular events.
Received 18 May 2021. Revised 30 July 2021. Accepted 11 August 2021.
Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.
Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.
Contribution of the authors: Authors contributed equally to this article.
Blink Rate Study in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment
and Subjective Cognitive Decline
Authors: D’Antonio Fabrizia , Bartolo Maria I. De , Ferrazzano Gina , Monti Micaela Sepe , Imbriano Letizia , Trebbastoni Alessandro , Berardelli Alfredo , Conte Antonella
Published: December 2021

Background:

Blink rate (BR) is considered a marker of dopaminergic activity in humans.
BR is increased in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), but no study has yet investigated
whether BR changes with the progression of cognitive decline from MCI to Alzheimer’s
disease (AD) and whether BR abnormalities are present in subjects with Subjective Cognitive Decline
(SCD).

Objective:

The aim of our study was to assess BR in patients with AD, MCI, and SCD and to correlate
BR with demographic and clinical features of cognitive decline.

Methods:

We enrolled 22 subjects with SCD, 23 with MCI, and 18 with AD and a group of 20
age-matched healthy controls (HCs). Cognitive function was assessed by testing global cognitive
status and frontal, attentional, memory, verbal, and visuospatial functions. BR was measured by
counting the number of blinks per minute.

Results:

MCI subjects had an increased BR (p<0.001), whereas AD subjects had a lower BR than
HCs (p<0.05). Conversely, SCD subjects had a BR similar to HCs. No significant correlations
emerged between neuropsychological scores and BR in SCD, MCI, and AD subjects.

Conclusion:

Increased BR in MCI likely reflects early compensatory mechanisms occurring before
AD, whereas decreased BR in AD suggests dopaminergic system involvement in this condition.
Assessment of Construction Project Complexity
Authors: Hossny Hossam E. , Ibrahim Ahmed H. , Elnady Abeer
Published: December 2021

Objective:

Project complexity is a crucial factor in project management that presents auxiliary obstacles to reaching project objectives (cost, time, safety, and quality). This study aims at understanding project complexity and factors affecting project complexity. The overall objective of the study is to determine the nature of complexity and characteristics, identify the important complex factors that influence the complexity of the project, factor weight of the complex factors, and develop a proposed construction complexity index (CCI).

Methods:

According to the literature review, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method is used to measure the affecting factors of project complexity.

Results:

This paper developed an index to measure complexity based on factor weights called construction complexity index (CCI). The validity of this index was verified by studying 3 cases. The construction complexity index (CCI) proposed here allows measuring the complexity of the projects in Egypt. The results of this paper provide guidelines on how to successfully manage the complexity of the project.

Conclusion:

Project complexity management relates to the challenge of dealing with technical competence, professional diversity, uncertainties, and unforeseen events in project implementation. Project managers, who are critical to effectiveness or failure, need skills such as adaptation, creativity, and flexibility to meet this challenge. Therefore, this study provides guidelines to help practitioners to develop their capabilities in managing complex projects. Moreover, this paper enables participants to identify factors affecting the complexity of projects and how to calculate this complexity through the complex index. The outcomes of this study can be used by practitioners to develop a complexity assessment and management tool, which would enable industry practitioners to allocate resources effectively on complex construction projects. This research aimed to develop a measure by which the complexity of construction projects in Egypt can be evaluated and establish guidelines on avoiding complexity in projects.
The Effect of Optical Defocus on the Choroidal Thickness: A Review
Authors: Aldakhil Sulaiman
Published: December 2021

The choroid is a heavily vascularized tissue located between the retina and sclera and plays a primary role in ocular metabolism. It has recently been suggested that the choroid has the ability to change its thickness and secretion of growth factors. This may play an important role during visual development by adjusting retinal position during growth to support emmetropisation; however, the mechanism by which changes in choroidal thickness (ChT) occur is unclear.

This relationship becomes an interesting topic in the clinical field, although conflicting evidence found that these changes in the choroidal thickness may not be associated with the development of refractive errors. Many reports have investigated the changes in the choroid and related factors that affect the ChT. Thus, this review will summarize the current literature related to choroidal thickness in different refractive error groups, determine the factors that influence the thickness of the choroid, and discuss in detail the relationship between the changes in the ChT and ocular elongation, and therefore, the effect of optical defocus on ChT and the development of the refractive error.
Autologous Retinal Transplant for Macular Hole
Authors: Da Mota Sergio E. Hernández , Morales-Cantón Virgilio , Rojas-Juárez Sergio , López-Bolaños Antonio , Ramírez-Estudillo Abel , Macouzet Lisette Béjar
Published: December 2021

We aim to review scientific literature concerning published studies on autologous retinal transplantation to treat macular hole patients. The following databases were searched: Medline and Medline Non-Indexed Items, Embase (1990–2020), Ovid Medline® (1990 to November 2020), Embase (1990 to November 2020), Ovid Medline® and Epub Ahead of Print, in-Process and Web of Science (all years). Search keywords included “autologous”, “retinal transplant”, “autologous neurosensory retinal free flap” “transplantation”, “macular hole”, and “macular hole surgery”. Eighteen case series and single case reports were reviewed.

Preoperative and final best-corrected visual acuity, microperimetry and multifocal electroretinogram findings, macular hole closure rate, preoperative and postoperative ellipsoid zone, and external limiting membrane defects were obtained and analyzed. Indications of autologous retinal transplantation for macular hole surgery included refractory macular holes, conventional techniques, and large macular holes. The number of cases included in the different case series ranged from 2 to 130 cases, and prior macular hole surgeries of the patients ranged from 0 to 3. Overall, the published case series of autologous retinal transplants have reported a macular hole closure rate of 66.7 to 100%, as well as a significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity. The most frequently reported complications included considerable intraoperative bleeding and postoperative dislocation of the graft. The presence of functionality in the graft area has also been documented by microperimetry and multifocal electroretinogram.

In conclusion, the autologous retinal transplantation technique for macular hole patients has emerged as another surgical option, with a high macular hole closure rate and visual improvement.
Comparison of TrackMan Data between Professional and Amateur Golfers at Swinging to Uphill and Downhill Fairways
Authors: Suzuki Takeru , Sheahan John Patrick , Miyazawa Taiki , Okuda Isao , Ichikawa Daisuke
Published: December 2021

Background:

Golfers face different environmental conditions in each game played under various constraints. Enhancing affordances through training in a constrained outdoor environment is crucial.

Objective:

To analyze club head behavior at ball impact of a tee shot by 42 professional (PGs) and 25 amateur (AGs) golfers in swinging to uphill and downhill fairway environments using the TrackMan portable launch monitor.

Methods:

We used TrackMan to compare golf club movement adaptations in 42 PGs and 25 AGs. A 330-m driving range facing both the uphill (+5°) and downhill (-5°) fairways were used. The tee shot area was the only flat ground surface, with the uneven ground between the shot area and the 200-yard fairway.

Results:

The clubhead speed and attack angle were significantly higher among PGs than among AGs. PGs could adapt their swings to the uphill fairway by increasing the attack angle (3.6°±2.4) by 3.3° compared with the downhill fairway. The attack angle did not correlate with the launch angle among the AGs in the downhill condition, suggesting that they were unable to control the height of the ball based on the far side of the fairway.

Conclusion:

PGs increased the attack angle in uphill conditions, and their awareness of the affordance, which was different from that of AGs, allowed them to change the optimal ball trajectory to avoid perceived fairway risks. Thus, the more skill a player had, the better he was at recognizing the affordance of the visual field. PGs demonstrated a better ability to adapt to environmental constraints.
effect of price perception and sales promotion on the purchase decision of the pertamax turbo in Palembang City
Authors: Suheri Catur , Wahab Zakaria , Widiyanti Marlina , Shihab Muchsin Saggaff
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to determine the effect of price perception and sales promotion on the purchase decision of Pertamax Turbo in the city of Palembang. The population in this study were all consumers who purchased Pertamax Turbo in Palembang in the 2021 period, with as many as 100 respondents using the purposive sampling technique. The multiple linear regression analysis results show that price perception has a positive and significant effect on the purchase decision of Pertamax Turbo in Palembang. Sales promotion has a positive and significant effect on the purchase decision of Pertamax Turbo in the city of Palembang. For the price perception variable, it is expected that the Pertamax Turbo price adjustment will be made to reach all people. In the sales promotion variable, increasing sales by giving discounts/discounts to consumers who purchase Pertamax Turbo is necessary.
Increasing the efficiency of educating scientific consciousness for Vietnamese students
Authors: Lan Pham Thi , Tu Do Duy
Published: December 2021

Educating scientific consciousness is considered one of the important factors in the development of our country; especially in the current trend of internationalization and globalization. Improving the education of scientific consciousness for Vietnamese students is very needed, as it will contribute to the development of education in Vietnam. In this article, the authors focus on discussing scientific consciousness education, thus proposing some solutions to improve scientific consciousness education for Vietnamese students, which have both theoretical and practical significance. The education of scientific consciousness has created a favorable environment for students to learn and develop, to have positive and proper belief in the good values of life, and to create new values of capacity and creativity of each individual. It is those values that have been strongly influencing the belief and lifestyle of students towards building a fairer and more progressive society.
Ho Chi Minh City University of technology and education students' satisfaction with e-wallet service
Authors: Thuy Nguyen Thi Nhu , Kiet Tran Tuan , Cuong Pham Hung , Quy Vo Dinh , Trung Nguyen Chi
Published: December 2021

Based on the sample survey data of 289 students of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE) from February to May 2021, the paper has focused on analyzing the factors affecting the satisfaction of HCMUTE students with e-wallet services. The results show that students of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education have been using e-wallet services widely, with a high degree of satisfaction. The study also reveals that, a variety of factors influence the satisfaction of HCMUTE students such as convenience (Std. Error 0.050, Sig. =0.000); safety and security (Std. Error =0.055, Sig. =0.000); reliability (Std. Error 0,057, Sig. =0.000); policy to approach customers/employees (Std. Error 0.040, Sig. =0.000; frequency of use (Std. Error 0.043, Sig. =0.000).
Scapula Dyskinesis
Authors: Pilipson Zhanna Yu. , Ilʼin Dmitrii O. , Logvinov Aleksei N. , Frolov Aleksandr V. , Vasiliev Ivan A. , Bessonov Dmitrii A. , Achkasov Evgenii E. , Korolev Andrey V.
Published: December 2021

Scapular dyskinesis is any alteration of its static position or kinematics during movements in the shoulder joint. The correct scapula orientation is associated with the tone of the muscles attached to it. The prevalence of scapular dyskinesis is high among patients with subacromial impingement syndrome, partial rotator cuff tears, shoulder joint instability and SLAP injuries. Scapular dyskinesis can be caused by a whole range of factors, including upper cross syndrome and postural adaptations predisposing to it, neurological disorders. However, instrumental diagnosis of scapular dyskinesis is difficult, which makes the use of clinical tests the main method of its detection. In this lecture, the etiology of scapular dyskinesis, classification, diagnostic tests and treatment methods are analyzed in detail. The detection of scapular dyskinesis and its type determination in patients with shoulder joint pathologies allows us to form an optimal rehabilitation therapy protocol, including techniques of myofascial release, passive and active stretching of spasmodic and training of weak muscle groups aimed at correcting postural disorders, pathology of the scapulohumeral rhythm, restoration of the glenohumeral joint normal biomechanics.
The Social Construction of Congenital Deafblindness in relation to Education: Analysis of focus groups in East and Central Africa
Authors: Byaruhanga Ismael K. , Nafstad Anne V. , Souriau Jacques
Published: December 2021

This study investigated the importance of social construction of congenital deafblindness (CDB) when planning special needs education services. The study was conducted in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The research was based on a literature review and a focus group study. In the focus groups a dialogical perspective was used for acquiring knowledge through communicative interactions. The focus was on two main topics: social construction of Congenital Deafblindness (CDB) and knowledge about education services for people with CDB. Fourteen participants were selected, with seven from each country. Participants were familiar with deafblind persons and/or with communities where they lived.  The grounded theory approach and thematic analysis method were used to determine the correct coding and themes and identify patterns of meaning of different opinions. The results of the data analyses showed that participants attributed the causes of CDB in Uganda and the DRC to cultural and religious beliefs.  The medical stance on CDB was less understood. In addition, culture and religion were identified as dominant factors in the social construction of the position of people with CDB in the community, leading to misunderstanding and inappropriate services for them. This community misunderstanding indicates that people at the local level are likely to stick to traditional and religious practices. Therefore, changing attitudes and educational opportunities for people with CDB requires more understanding of third-party voices and the underlying barriers in these communities.
Cognition in Interaction: Challenges in Assessing Persons with Sensory and Multiple disabilities
Authors: Tuomi Emmi , Kykyri Virpi-Liisa , Aro Tuija , Laitila Aarno
Published: December 2021

This article reports a qualitative study of cognitive assessments of three teenagers with sensory and multiple disabilities, including moderate to profound developmental disability. The aim was to evaluate the possibilities for adapting standardized tests and the implementation of interactional partnership in assessment. Cognitive assessments were made with an individually-adapted psychological assessment tool, the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development. The assessment situations were video-recorded and analyzed based on sociocultural theories of early interaction, dynamic assessment, and the bodily-tactile modality of cognition. The results showed that the requirements for assessment are complex and highly individualized, extending beyond universal guidelines on test adaptations. The assessments were built on developmental steps within the standardized test, but required a special emphasis on individuality and interaction. We conclude that the study provides novel insights into an under-researched area of cognitive assessment, confirming earlier findings that cognitive skills become observable in unique moments of intensive interaction. The assessor must follow the principles of dynamic assessment, applying competent partner strategies such as providing safety, supporting attention, activity, and alertness, and scaffolding the target skills in the zone of proximal development. Conducted thus, the cognitive assessment process can enable the assessor to recognize, support and authenticate the agency of persons with complex disabilities.
Hubungan Minat Membaca dengan Prestasi Belajar Mata Pelajaran IPS Kelas III SD Karanggayam
Authors: Marlina Nur Ari , Ardiyaningrum Martalia
Published: December 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui minat membaca siswa dan untuk menguji apakah terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara minat membaca dengan prestasi belajar siswa pada mata pelajaran IPS kelas III SD Karanggayam baik secara parsial maupun secara keseluruhan. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan menggunakan pendekatan korelasional. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa kelas III SD Karanggayam tahun pelajaran 2018/2019 dan sampel penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas III dengan jumlah 21 siswa. Instrumen penelitian yang digunakan yaitu angket untuk mengukur minat membaca, sedangkan untuk prestasi belajarnya didapat dari nilai ulangan siswa pada mata pelajaran IPS. Data yang terkumpul di analisis menggunakan korelasi person dengan program aplikasi komputer SPSS Versi 20 for Windows. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan: Pertama, minat membaca siswa SD Karanggayam masuk dalam kategori cukup baik dilihat dari hasil tabulasi angket yaitu sebesar 76%. Dilihat dari hasil setiap indikator minat membaca, pada kategori kesenangan membaca menunjukkan kategori cukup baik sebesar 76% atau 16 siswa, indikator kesadaran manfaat membaca menunjukkan kategori cukup sebesar 81% atau 17 siswa dan indikator frekuensi membaca menunjukkan kategori baik sebesar 62% atau 13 siswa. Kedua, Koefisien Pearson menunjukan hasil nilai signifikansi sebesar 0,581 dengan taraf signifikan 5% atau dapat dikatakan bahwa tidak terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara minat membaca dengan prestasi belajar IPS siswa SD Karanggayam.
How Can Research on Artificial Empathy Be Enhanced by Applying Deepfakes?
Authors: Yang Hsuan-Chia , Rahmanti Annisa Ristya , Huang Chih-Wei , Li Yu-Chuan Jack
Published: December 2021

We propose the idea of using an open data set of doctor-patient interactions to develop artificial empathy based on facial emotion recognition. Facial emotion recognition allows a doctor to analyze patients' emotions, so that they can reach out to their patients through empathic care. However, face recognition data sets are often difficult to acquire; many researchers struggle with small samples of face recognition data sets. Further, sharing medical images or videos has not been possible, as this approach may violate patient privacy. The use of deepfake technology is a promising approach to deidentifying video recordings of patients’ clinical encounters. Such technology can revolutionize the implementation of facial emotion recognition by replacing a patient's face in an image or video with an unrecognizable face—one with a facial expression that is similar to that of the original. This technology will further enhance the potential use of artificial empathy in helping doctors provide empathic care to achieve good doctor-patient therapeutic relationships, and this may result in better patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment.