bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online diagnosis of supercapacitors using extended Kalman filter combined with PID corrector
Authors: Bououchma Zoubida , Sabor Jalal
Published: October 2021

Supercapacitors are electrical energy storage devices with a high specific power density, a long cycle life and a good efficiency, which make them attractive alternative storage devices for various applications. However, supercapacitors are subject to a progressive degradation of their perfor-mance because of aging phenomenon. Therefore, it is very important to be able to estimate their State-of-Health during operation. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is a very recog-nized technique to determine supercapacitors’ state-of-health. However, it requires the interrup-tion of system operation and thus cannot be performed in real time (online). In this paper, a new online identification method is proposed based on extended Kalman observer combined with a complementary PID corrector. The proposed method allows to accurately estimating supercapacitor resistance and capacitance, which are the main indicators of supercapacitor state-of-health. The new online identification method was applied for two voltage/current profiles using two different supercapacitors. The resistance/capacitance estimated by the new method and the conventional EKF were compared with those obtained by an experimental offline method. In comparison with conventional EKF, the capacitance obtained by the new method is significantly more accurate.
Digital controller for active power filter based on P-Q theory under non-ideal main voltages
Authors: Jauhari Moh. , Nur Mohammad , Widarsono Kukuh
Published: October 2021

This paper proposes a control strategy active power filter under non-ideal main voltages. The P-Q Theory is used to generate three-phase active power filter reference currents, but the P-Q Theory has a weakness when implemented under non ideal main voltages. This paper proposes a reference current generation method using modified P-Q Theory under non-ideal main voltages conditions. Before calculating the P-Q Theory, the non-ideal voltage at the source is normalized by using PLL to determine the phase angle which is then carried out by generating an ideal three-phase signal. The proposed method is simulated and implemented in a three-phase active power filter controller. The test results show the improvement in the performance of the P-Q Theory under non ideal main voltages with THD 7.21% to THD 3.29%.
Modeling of static var compensator-high voltage direct current to provide power and improve voltage profile
Authors: Javadian Abdolmajid , Zadehbagheri Mahmoud , Kiani Mohammad Javad , Nejatian Samad , Sutikno Tole
Published: October 2021

Transmission lines react to an unexpected increase in power, and if these power changes are not controlled, some lines will become overloaded on certain routes. Flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) devices can change the voltage range and phase angle and thus control the power flow. This paper presents suitable mathematical modeling of FACTS
devices including static var compensator (SVC) as a parallel compensator and high voltage direct current (HVDC) bonding. A comprehensive modeling of SVC and HVDC bonding in the form of simultaneous applications for power flow is also performed, and the effects of compensations are compared. The comprehensive model obtained was implemented on the 5-bus test system in MATLAB software using the Newton-Raphson method, revealed that generators have to produce more power. Also, the addition of these devices stabilizes the voltage and controls active and reactive power in the network.
Simplified cascade multiphase DC-DC buck power converter for low voltage large current applications: part I --- steady-state analysis
Authors: Ganesen Anand Bannet , Prameswari Nungky , Nuraziz Falah Kharisma , Rizqiawan Arwindra , Dahono Pekik Argo
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a new simplified cascade multiphase DC-DC buck power converter suitable for low voltage and large current applications. Cascade connection enables very low voltage ratio without using very small duty cycles nor transformers. Large current with very low ripple content is achieved by using the multiphase technique. The proposed converter needs smaller number of components compared to conventional cascade multiphase DC-DC buck power converters. This paper also presents useful analysis of the proposed DC-DC buck power converter with a method to optimize the phase and cascade number. Simulation and experimental results are included to verify the basic performance of the proposed DC-DC buck power converter.
Electrical and environmental parameters of the performance of polymer solar cells based on P3HT:PCBM
Authors: Chahid El Hadi , Lotfi Mohamed , Lotfi Osama , Koumina My Abdelaziz , Heyd Rodolphe , Malaoui Abdessamad
Published: October 2021

The electrical and environmental parameters of polymer solar cells (PSC) provide important information on their performance. In the present article we study the influence of temperature on the voltage-current (I-V) characteristic at different temperatures from 10 °C to 90 °C, and important parameters like bandgap energy Eg, and the energy conversion efficiency η. The one-diode electrical model, normally used for semiconductor cells, has been tested and validated for the polemeral junction. The PSC used in our study are formed by the poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). Our technique is based on the combination of two steps; the first use the Least Mean Squares (LMS) method while the second use the Newton-Raphson algorithm. The found results are compared to other recently published works, they show that the developed approach is very accurate. This precision is proved by the minimal values of statistical errors (RMSE) and the good agreement between both the experimental data and the I-V simulated curves. The obtained results show a clear and a monotonic dependence of the cell efficiency on the studied parameters.
Voltage stability enhancement for large scale squirrel cage induction generator based wind turbine using STATCOM
Authors: Athamneh Abedalgany , Majali Bilal Al
Published: October 2021

A stable operation of wind turbines connected to the grid is an essential requirement to ensure the reliability and stability of the power system. To achieve such operational objective, installing static synchronous compensator static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) as a main compensation device guarantees the voltage stability enhancement of the wind farm connected to distribution network at different operating scenarios. STATCOM either supplies or absorbs reactive power in order to ensure the voltage profile within the standard-margins and to avoid turbine tripping, accordingly. This paper present new study that investigates the most suitable-location to install STATCOM in a distribution system connected wind farm to maintain the voltage-levels within the stability margins. For a large-scale squirrel cage induction generator squirrel-cage induction generator (SCIG-based) wind turbine system, the impact of STATCOM installation was tested in different places and voltage-levels in the distribution system. The proposed method effectiveness in enhancing the voltage profile and balancing the reactive power is validated, the results were repeated for different scenarios of expected contingencies. The voltage profile, power flow, and reactive power balance of the distribution system are observed using MATLAB/Simulink software. 
A novel optimization of the particle swarm based maximum power point tracking for photovoltaic systems under partially shaded conditions
Authors: Atig M. , Miloud Y. , Miloudi A. , Merah A.
Published: October 2021

When the irradiance distribution over the photovoltaic panels is uniform, the pursuit of the maximum power point is not reached, which has allowed several researchers to use traditional MPPT techniques to solve this problem Among these techniques a PSO algorithm is used to have the maximum global power point (GMPPT) under partial shading. On the other hand, this one is not reliable vis-à-vis the pursuit of the MPPT. Therefore, in this paper we have treated another technique based on a new modified PSO algorithm so that the power can reach its maximum point. The PSO algorithm is based on the heuristic method which guarantees not only the obtaining of MPPT but also the simplicity of control and less expensive of the system. The results are obtained using MATLAB show that the proposed modified PSO algorithm performs better than conventional PSO and is robust to different partial shading models.
Comparison of PV panels MPPT techniques applied to solar water pumping system
Authors: Abdul-Razzaq Islam K. , M. Fahim Sakr Mohamed , Rashid Yasir G.
Published: October 2021

This paper deals with an advanced design for a pump powered by solar energyto supply agricultural lands with water and also the maximum power point is used to extract the maximum value of the energy available inside the solar panels and comparing between techniques MPPT such as Incremental conductance, perturb & observe, fractional short current circuit, and fractional open voltage circuit to find the best technique among these. The solar system is designed with main parts: photovoltaic (PV) panel, direct current/direct current (DC/DC) converter, inverter, filter, and in addition, the battery is used to save energy in the event that there is an increased demand for energy and not to provide solar radiation, as well as saving energy in the case of generation more than demand. This work was done using the matrix laboratory (MATLAB) simulink program.
Artificial bee colony algorithm applied to optimal power flow solution incorporating stochastic wind power
Authors: Ahgajan Vian H. , Rashid Yasir G. , Tuaimah Firas Mohammed
Published: October 2021

This paper focuses on the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm, which is a nonlinear optimization problem. is proposed to find the optimal power flow (OPF). To solve this problem, we will apply the ABC algorithm to a power system incorporating wind power. The proposed approach is applied on a standard IEEE-30 system with wind farms located on different buses and with different penetration levels to show the impact of wind farms on the system in order to obtain the optimal settings of control variables of the OPF problem. Based on technical results obtained, the ABC algorithm is shown to achieve a lower cost and losses than the other methods applied, while incorporating wind power into the system, high performance would be gained.
Rotating blade faults classification of a rotor-disk-blade system using artificial neural network
Authors: Abubakar Mas’ud Abdullahi , Jamal Ahmad , Adewusi Surajuddeen , Sundaram Arunachalam
Published: October 2021

In this paper, the artificial neural network (ANN) has been utilized for rotating machinery faults detection and classification. First, experiments were performed to measure the lateral vibration signals of laboratory test rigs for rotor-disk-blade when the blades are defective. A rotor-disk-blade system with 6 regular blades and 5 blades with various defects was constructed. Second, the ANN was applied to classify the different x- and y-axis lateral vibrations due to different blade faults. The results based on training and testing with different data samples of the fault types indicate that the ANN is robust and can effectively identify and distinguish different blade faults caused by lateral vibrations in a rotor. As compared to the literature, the present paper presents a novel work of identifying and classifying various rotating blade faults commonly encountered in rotating machines using ANN. Experimental data of lateral vibrations of the rotor-disk-blade system in both x- and y-directions are used for the training and testing of the network.
Classification and direction discrimination of faults in transmission lines using 1D convolutional neural networks
Authors: Radhi Ahmed Thamer , Zayer Wael Hussein , Dakhil Adel Manaa
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a fast and accurate fault detection, classification and direction discrimination algorithm of transmission lines using one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1D-CNNs) that have ingrained adaptive model to avoid the feature extraction difficulties and fault classification into one learning algorithm. A proposed algorithm is directly usable with raw data and this deletes the need of a discrete feature extraction method resulting in more effective protective system. The proposed approach based on the three-phase voltages and currents signals of one end at the relay location in the transmission line system are taken as input to the proposed 1D-CNN algorithm. A 132kV power transmission line is simulated by Matlab simulink to prepare the training and testing data for the proposed 1D- CNN algorithm. The testing accuracy of the proposed algorithm is compared with other two conventional methods which are neural network and fuzzy neural network. The results of test explain that the new proposed detection system is efficient and fast for classifying and direction discrimination of fault in transmission line with high accuracy as compared with other conventional methods under various conditions of faults.
External Validation of Risk Prediction Models to Improve Selection of Patients for Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Poorthuis Michiel H.F. , Herings Reinier A.R. , Dansey Kirsten , Damen Johanna A.A. , Greving Jacoba P. , Schermerhorn Marc L. , de Borst Gert J.
Published: October 2021

Background and Purpose:

The net benefit of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is determined partly by the risk of procedural stroke or death. Current guidelines recommend CEA if 30-day risks are <6% for symptomatic stenosis and <3% for asymptomatic stenosis. We aimed to identify prediction models for procedural stroke or death after CEA and to externally validate these models in a large registry of patients from the United States.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic search in MEDLINE and EMBASE for prediction models of procedural outcomes after CEA. We validated these models with data from patients who underwent CEA in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2011–2017). We assessed discrimination using C statistics and calibration graphically. We determined the number of patients with predicted risks that exceeded recommended thresholds of procedural risks to perform CEA.

Results:

After screening 788 reports, 15 studies describing 17 prediction models were included. Nine were developed in populations including both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, 2 in symptomatic and 5 in asymptomatic populations. In the external validation cohort of 26 293 patients who underwent CEA, 702 (2.7%) developed a stroke or died within 30-days. C statistics varied between 0.52 and 0.64 using all patients, between 0.51 and 0.59 using symptomatic patients, and between 0.49 to 0.58 using asymptomatic patients. The Ontario Carotid Endarterectomy Registry model that included symptomatic status, diabetes, heart failure, and contralateral occlusion as predictors, had C statistic of 0.64 and the best concordance between predicted and observed risks. This model identified 4.5% of symptomatic and 2.1% of asymptomatic patients with procedural risks that exceeded recommended thresholds.

Conclusions:

Of the 17 externally validated prediction models, the Ontario Carotid Endarterectomy Registry risk model had most reliable predictions of procedural stroke or death after CEA and can inform patients about procedural hazards and help focus CEA toward patients who would benefit most from it.
Two new species of Pontella (Copepoda, Calanoida, Pontellidae) from Bali and the Sempu Islands, Indonesia
Authors: Mulyadi
Published: October 2021

Two new species of Pontella from Indonesian waters are herein described. Pontella nishidai n. sp. is distinguishable in the female by the posterior corners of its Pdg5 being pointed, the left side of Ur1 with a dorsolateral semi-circular process, and the form of the P5; in the male by the Ur1 naked, the bifurcated thumb of the chela and the very slender shape of the finger of the right P5. Pontella gilimanukensis n. sp. is distinguishable in the female by having a large beak-like process of Ur1, and the asymmetrical CR; in the male by the short posterior corners of Pdg5 and the form of the P5.
American University Discourse in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Multimodal Aspect
Authors: Stodolinska Yuliya
Published: October 2021

American University Discourse in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Multimodal AspectThis paper examines the transformations that have taken place in the multimodal representation of American university discourse during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first part of the paper investigates how the traditional realization of American university discourse has changed during the coronavirus pandemic. The second part of the paper focuses on the structure, content, role, and characteristic features of the multimodal texts which have been created by American universities as social institutions and have been published on their websites and social media accounts during the pandemic. Overall, it is assumed that during the pandemic the content of the analyzed texts has gradually changed from active propaganda for complete isolation at home to the cautious promotion of reconnecting in a secure surrounding on campus. Amerykański dyskurs uniwersytecki w pandemii COVID-19: aspekt multimodalnyAutorka analizuje przemiany, które zaszły w multimodalnej reprezentacji amerykańskiego dyskursu uniwersyteckiego podczas pandemii COVID-19. W pierwszej część artykułu bada, jak tradycyjna realizacja amerykańskiego dyskursu uniwersyteckiego zmieniła się podczas pandemii koronawirusa. W drugiej części artykułu skupia się na strukturze, treści, roli i charakterystycznych cechach tekstów multimodalnych, które zostały wytworzone przez amerykańskie uniwersytety jako instytucje społeczne i opublikowane na własnych stronach internetowych i kontach w mediach społecznościowych w czasie pandemii. Na podstawie analizowanych tekstów autorka zauważa, że ich treść zmieniała się stopniowo: od aktywnego propagowania całkowitej izolacji w domu do ostrożnego promowania ponownego łączenia się w bezpiecznym otoczeniu na terenie kampusu.
Western Region Variety of the Standard Ukrainian Language in the Interwar Period: A Review of Liudmyla Pidkuĭmukha’s Monograph “Mova Lʹvova, abo koly ĭ batiary hovoryly” (Kyiv: Klio, 2020, ss. 326)
Authors: Levchuk Paweł
Published: October 2021

Western Region Variety of the Standard Ukrainian Language in the Interwar Period: A Review of Liudmyla Pidkuĭmukha’s Monograph Mova Lʹvova, abo koly ĭ batiary hovoryly (Kyiv: Klio, 2020, ss. 326)The reviewed monograph is the first extensive paper on the vocabulary of the western variant of the Ukrainian language based on the texts of the ‘Twelve’, an interwar literary circle of writers from Lʹviv. The paper highlights the social dialects that functioned in Lʹviv during the interwar period, in particular the jargon of schoolchildren and athletes. Particular attention is paid to balak, which became a linguistic feature of the Batyar subculture. This subculture reached its peak in the 1920s and 1930s. Material collated from three editions of B. Nyzhankivskyi’s collection Street (1936, 1941, 1995) illustrates the specifics of Soviet editorial practice, which was aimed at limiting the use of western Ukrainian vocabulary in order to artificially bring the Ukrainian language closer to Russian. Zachodnia odmiana standardowego języka ukraińskiego w okresie międzywojennym. Recenzja monografii Liudmyly Pidkuĭmukhy "Mova Lʹvova, abo koly ĭ batiary hovoryly" (Kyiv: Klio, 2020, ss. 326)Recenzowana monografia jest pierwszą obszerną pracą na temat słownictwa zachodniej odmiany języka ukraińskiego na podstawie tekstów "Dwunastki", międzywojennego literackiego ugrupowania pisarzy z Lwowa. W artykule zwrócono uwagę na dialekty społeczne funkcjonujące we Lwowie w okresie międzywojennym, w szczególności na żargon młodzieży szkolnej i sportowców. Szczególną uwagę zwrócono na balak, który stał się językową cechą subkultury batiarskiej. Subkultura ta osiągnęła szczyt rozwoju w latach dwudziestych i trzydziestych XX wieku. Materiał zebrany z trzech wydań zbioru B. Nyzhankivskiego Ulica (1936, 1941, 1995) ilustruje specyfikę radzieckiej praktyki edytorskiej, której celem było ograniczenie użycia zachodnioukraińskiego słownictwa, aby sztucznie zbliżyć język ukraiński do rosyjskiego.
The Problem of Trilingualism Among Ukrainian People of Non-Polish Descent in Pavlo Levchuk’s Monograph “Trójjęzyczność ukraińsko-rosyjsko-polska Ukraińców niepolskiego pochodzenia” (Kraków: Księgarnia Akademicka, 2020, ss. 299)
Authors: Reha Danylo
Published: October 2021

The Problem of Trilingualism Among Ukrainian People of Non-Polish Descent in Pavlo Levchuk’s Monograph “Trójjęzyczność ukraińsko-rosyjsko-polska Ukraińców niepolskiego pochodzenia” (Kraków: Księgarnia Akademicka, 2020, ss. 299)The reviewed monograph is the first significant work on the phenomenon of Ukrainian–Russian–Polish trilingualism of Ukrainian people of non-Polish descent. The monograph contains the results of research which was conducted between 2015 and 2017 among Ukrainian people of non-Polish descent, for whom Polish is a foreign language. Problem trójjęzyczności ukraińsko-rosyjsko-polskiej ludności niepolskiego pochodzenia w monografii Pavlo Levchuka "Trójjęzyczność ukraińsko-rosyjsko-polska Ukraińców niepolskiego pochodzenia" (Kraków: Księgarnia Akademicka, 2020, ss. 299)Recenzowana monografia jest pierwszą znaczącą pracą na temat zjawiska trójjęzyczności ukraińsko-rosyjsko-polskiej ludności ukraińskiej niepolskiego pochodzenia. Monografia zawiera wyniki badań, które zostały przeprowadzone w latach 2015-2017 wśród ukraińskich osób niepolskiego pochodzenia, dla których język polski był językiem obcym.
Hackathons as Affective Circuits: Technology, organizationality and affect
Authors: Endrissat Nada , Islam Gazi
Published: October 2021

Technology invites a reconsideration of organization and organizing by calling attention to mediated forms of value production among loose social collectives outside formal organizational boundaries. While the nascent concept of organizationality holds potential for such a re-conceptualization, the processes through which loose social members become invested in co-orientation and collective effort require further empirical and theoretical exploration. In this paper, we link organizationality research with critical media studies on affect and technology to theorize how affect holds provisional collectives together while promoting new modes of value extraction. Empirically, we draw from an ethnographic study of hackathons – transdigital innovation spaces where participants act with and through technology – and suggest three intertwined processes as part of an affective circuit that stokes and directs affect. The paper’s contribution is threefold. First, by analysing how affective circuits bind, integrate and co-orient action among loose members, we contribute to understanding organizationality as affectively constituted. Second, by showing how hackathons leverage desire for community, we offer a critical perspective on affective capture and argue that organizationality involves novel modes of value production. Third, we complement theorizing of hackathons by exploring them as sites of organizationality, focusing on the provisional, relational and affect-rich nature of new forms of organizing in the digital age.
Institutional Change, Entrepreneuring and Place: Building a Smart State
Authors: Staggs Jonathan , Wright April L. , Jarvis Lee
Published: October 2021

We shed new light on the processes through which institutions are created and changed by investigating the question how does institutional entrepreneuring unfold in an already organized world. We conducted a longitudinal case study of the field of scientific research production in Australia, which changed over three decades through entrepreneuring processes associated with the creation of a new ‘Smart State’ place in the city of Brisbane in Queensland. A new place is a form of organizing human activity that has materiality and meaning at a specific geographic location. Our findings showed how field change was interwoven with place creation through four processes of entrepreneuring: structural emancipation, dissociating and reimagining place meanings, bricolaging of place forms and co-evolving place identities. These entrepreneuring processes constituted the field as a flow of ‘becoming’ that spilled over into temporary and provisional settlements in local places. Our findings make important contributions through: (1) deepening understanding of how organizational fields change through multilevel, distributed, cascading and often unreflexive processes of entrepreneuring in an already organized world; (2) bringing attention to a relationship between institutions and place, in which place is both the medium and outcome of institutional entrepreneuring; and (3) providing new insight into embedded agency by illustrating how institutions in ‘becoming’ continually (re)produce the resources and possibilities for agency within gradual institutional change over time.
Nucleated red blood cells as a biomarker for mortality in infants and neonates requiring veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiac disease
Authors: Piggott Kurt D , Norlin Casey , Laviolette Cynthia , Turner Jason , Lewis LaTasha , Soliman Amira , Hebert David , Pettitt Tim
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

Nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) are rare in the peripheral circulation of healthy individuals and their presence have been associated with mortality in adults and very low birth weight newborns, however, its value as a biomarker for mortality in infants requiring veno-arterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has yet to be studied. We sought to determine if NRBC can serve as a biomarker for ECMO mortality and inpatient mortality in infants requiring V-A ECMO.

Methods:

A single-center retrospective chart review analyzing infants <1 year of age requiring VA ECMO due to myocardial dysfunction or post-cardiotomy between January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2020.

Results:

One hundred two patients required VA ECMO. Sixty-five patients required ECMO post-cardiotomy, 19 for perioperative deterioration, and 18 for myocardial dysfunction. Fifty-one patients (50%) died (21 died on ECMO, 30 died post-ECMO decannulation). Multivariable analysis found Age < 60 days (OR 13.0, 95% CI 1.9–89.6, p = 0.009), NRBC increase by >50% post-ECMO decannulation (OR 17.1, 95% CI 3.1–95.1, p = 0.001), Single Ventricle (OR 9.0, 95% CI 1.7–47.7, p = 0.01), and lactate at ECMO decannulation (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.3–7.1, p = 0.011) to be independently associated with inpatient mortality. ROC curves evaluating NRBC pre-ECMO decannulation as a biomarker for mortality on ECMO (AUC 0.80, 95% CI 0.68–0.92, p  ⩽ 0.001) and post-ECMO decannulation (AUC 0.75, 95% CI 0.65–0.84, p  ⩽ 0.001) show NRBC to be an accurate biomarker for mortality.

Conclusions:

Greater than 50% increase in NRBC post-ECMO decannulation is associated with inpatient mortality. NRBC value pre-ECMO decannulation may be a useful biomarker for mortality while on ECMO and post-decannulation.
Pornography Use and Sexual Offending: An Examination of Perceptions of Role and Risk
Authors: Holt Karen , Kissinger James , Spickler Corey , Roush Vicki
Published: October 2021

Despite no definitive relationship between pornography and sexual offenses, there exists an assumption that use plays a role in the commission of sexual crimes and may increase risk of recidivism. This has led to the development of post-release restrictions on adult media for those convicted of a sexual offense. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 101 incarcerated individuals convicted of a sexual offense to explore the central research questions: (1) What are the common themes among individual’s experiences regarding pornography and how do they construct the role of pornography in their offending? (2) How do they frame pornography use post-release and understand pornography use as related to risk of re-offense? A qualitative analysis revealed common themes regarding how individuals constructed pornography use and notions of risk. Strategic and targeted monitoring and supervision of those who perceive their pornography use as consuming and facilitating may be a more effective practice than abstinence-only blanket restrictions.
Circular economy in Brazilian construction industry: Current scenario, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Hentges Tatiane Isabel , Machado da Motta Elaine Aparecida , Valentin de Lima Fantin Tania , Moraes Deivid , Fretta Mauro Acir , Pinto Milena Fabiani , Spiering Böes Jeferson
Published: October 2021

The effective implantation of the circular economy (CE) presents a great challenge to the industrial sectors, mostly in those of greater environmental impact, such as construction industry. In Brazil, this industry has been growing over the last 20 years; however, such growth was based on an extractivist economy without any consideration to the end of its products lifespan. Only in 2017, 45 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste were generated in the country. This paper presents the current context of public policies in the Brazilian construction industry and proposes initiatives to introduce principles of CE. An exploratory study was developed, and all the 45 references presented in Appendix A of the review paper of Benachio et al. were considered to draw new ideas. These ideas are related and compared to key points in Brazilian regulations. Twelve opportunities for the improvement are listed and organized by construction stages (planning and design, materials manufacturing, construction processes, use and demolition). The ones related to design and planning using Green building information modelling, and materials manufacturing with recycled waste are highlighted due to the existing actions, standards, and Federal legislation. It was found that some sectors and the government already have actions related to CE (based on the 3R principle), but still there are several initiatives needed for its effective implementation in the Brazilian construction industry.
Impact of Corporate Governance on Organisational Performance of Indian Firms
Authors: Wasdani Kishinchand Poornima , Vijaygopal Abhishek , Manimala Mathew J. , Verghese Aniisu K.
Published: October 2021

This research study explored the link between corporate governance practices (CGPs) and organisational performance in India, especially in the context of some major CG reforms that have been undertaken since the turn of the twenty-first century. The authors also attempted to understand in-depth the implications of these reforms for the companies. For assessing the link between CG practices and organisational performance, data were collected from a sample of 100 listed companies in India using an adapted version of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)’s questionnaire. Multilevel Factor Analysis (MFA) for scores along 5 CG sub-categories revealed 17 first-level and 4 second-level factors. Regression of organisational performance, measured using Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), against these factors showed that the first-level factor representing corporate social responsibility and sustainability (CSRS) was a significant predictor of organisational performance. This finding is significant while considering the introduction of mandatory CG provisions for corporate social responsibility (CSR), applicable to companies meeting specified turnover and profitability thresholds according to CG regulations in India. The findings of this study open the debate on CG regulation and on mandatory and desirable norms in the Indian context. Eligible Indian companies must focus on the CG practice of investing in CSR initiatives through purpose-led CSRS interventions and their long-term benefits, rather than on viewing it as a mandatory CG provision that induces short-term expenses.
Double-opposing Z-Plasty Extended with a Pedicled Buccal Fat Pad Flap for Correcting Velopharyngeal Insufficiency after Primary Palatoplasty
Authors: Park Hojin , Choi Jin Mi , Oh Tae Suk
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty (DOZ) lengthens the soft palate; however, this lengthening is achieved at the expense of increased mucosal flap tension. Thus, its use is limited in patients with severe tension applied on mucosal flap after DOZ. In this study, DOZ was combined with a buccal fat pad (BFP) flap to maximize palatal lengthening and muscle repositioning.

Methods

This study included patients who underwent surgical correction for velopharyngeal insufficiency between December 2016 and February 2019. Patients with more than moderate degree hypernasality following primary palatoplasty were included in the study. Patients younger than 4 years of age, those with a submucous cleft palate, or syndromic patients were excluded. Speech outcomes were investigated for those who underwent DOZ only (DOZ group, n = 17) and those in whom a BFP was used (BFP group, n = 15) pre- and postoperatively. The velopharyngeal gaps between the uvula and pharyngeal wall were measured before and immediately after surgery to estimate the palatal length.

Results

Most patients who received a BFP showed improvement in hypernasality. However, the hypernasality of the DOZ group was more severe than that of the BFP group (p = 0.023). The extent of palatal lengthening was 4.4 ± 1.7 mm and 7.5 ± 2.1 mm in the DOZ and BFP groups, respectively (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

BFPs reduced the tension of the DOZ mucosal flap and maximized palatal lengthening and muscle repositioning. They promoted velopharyngeal closure in patients with moderate and moderate-to-severe velopharyngeal insufficiency. Hence, our method improves the surgical outcomes of patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency after primary palatoplasty.
Recurrent arthritis as an unexpected side effect associated with azacitidine in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Iltar Utku , Alhan Fadime Nurcan , Vural Ece , Ataş Ünal , Sözel Hasan , Doğan Ömer , Boduroğlu Ahmet , Yücel Orhan Kemal , Salim Ozan , Ündar Levent
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Hypomethylating agents have confirmed efficacy for myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia and are widely used. Although arthralgia is common side effect associated with hypomethylating agents, arthritis has not been reported previously.

Case Report

We present the first recorded patient with arthritis after azacitidine treatment. The patient we presented here had severe cytopenias requiring transfusion with erythrocyte and platelet suspensions, and a complete hematological response was obtained for myelodysplastic syndrome after three cycles of azacitidine (AZA) treatment. However, interestingly, after each AZA treatment cycle, the patient had recurrent attacks of arthritis.

Management and outcomes

The episodes of arthritis were possibly acute flares of pre-existing crystal-induced arthritis, as exhibited with azacitidine treatments and were managed effectively with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Discussion

Because it is a rare condition, clinicians should not overlook AZA as a possible cause of arthritis exacerbations when arthritis of unknown etiology develops in patients treated with AZA.
Colour changing material for the estimation of flue gas radiation on the miniature gas turbine surface
Authors: Arulprakasajothi Mahalingam , Rupesh Pegyyem Lokaiah , Rana Hitesh Kumar , Elangovan Kariappan
Published: October 2021

The gas turbine is being used in the applications of the aircraft propulsion system and land-based power generating systems more effectively. The manufacturers should optimise the temperature of the gas turbine engine components to enhance the life span of the components. The present research work concentrates on determining the surface temperature gradient on the fabricated turbine blades using a colour changing paint based on temperature attained on the surface. A calibration database has been created, and the surface temperature has been detected based on the available colour contours on the blade surface using human vision. An image processing algorithm has also been proposed for accurate temperature measurement on the blade surface. The obtained surface temperature using colour changing paint multi-colour change 350-8 has been calibrated with the conventional measurement technique IR thermography for experimental validation. A computational fluid dynamics simulation model of the turbine blade has been simulated to predict the surface temperature of blades using analysis systems fluid dynamics for numerical validation. The experimental and numerical validation results have shown a nominal value of error, which proves that the surface temperature gradient can be easily predicted with the help of temperature indicating paint using the proposed algorithm. The study has been extended further to evaluate the amount of emissive power radiated by the flue gas on the turbine blade surface based on the temperature and the wavelength of the colour obtained for the health monitoring of the blade.
Online Disclosure of Sexual Victimization: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gorissen Marleen , van den Berg Chantal J. W. , Bijleveld Catrien C. J. H. , Ruiter Stijn , Berenblum Tamar
Published: October 2021

We map the available scientific literature on how and why victims of sexual violence use digital platforms in the aftermath of victimization. Twenty-four empirical studies on sexual victimization and online disclosure were identified by systematically searching Web of Science and PsycINFO, checking reference lists, and consulting authors about relevant publications. The literature on online disclosure of sexual victimization does not yield a coherent picture. International literature pays limited attention to the various components of online disclosure like the characteristics of victims who disclosure online and the characteristics of the disclosure messages. Most studies focused on motivations for and reactions to online disclosure. Victims of sexual violence disclose sexual victimization online to seek support for clarification and validation, unburdening, documenting, seeking justice, informing others, or commercial goals (individual-oriented disclosure) and to provide support, educate, and as a form of activism (other-oriented disclosure). Responses to online disclosure are predominantly positive. Negative responses are rare. This review provides a comprehensive overview of multidisciplinary empirical information and displays knowledge gaps in victimological research. Future research should use robust quantitative and/or qualitative designs with substantial sample sizes, comparing victims who do disclose their sexual victimization online to victims who do not and comparing disclosure on different online platforms to increase generalizability. Potential for online support is identified, in which online disclosure can serve as a relatively safe alternative to off-line disclosure. This offers points of intervention for assistance and victim support in facilitating the use of the internet for support for victims of sexual violence.
Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcer with MA–ECM (Minimally Manipulated Autologous Extracellular Matrix) Using 3D Bioprinting Technology – An Innovative Approach
Authors: Kesavan Rajesh , Sheela Sasikumar Changam , Narayanamurthy V.B. , Rajagopalan Arvind , Kim Jeehee
Published: October 2021

Chronic foot ulcers are the leading cause of prolonged hospitalization and loss of social participation in people with diabetes. Conventional management of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) is associated with slow healing, high cost, and recurrent visits to the hospital. Currently, the application of autologous lipotransfer is more popular, as the regenerative and reparative effects of fat are well established. Herein we report the efficacy of minimally manipulated extracellular matrix (MA-ECM) prepared from autologous homologous adipose tissue by using 3D bioprinting in DFU (test group) in comparison to the standard wound care (control group). A total of 40 subjects were screened and randomly divided into test and control groups. In the test group, the customized MA-ECM was printed as a scaffold from the patient autologous fat using a 3D bioprinter device and applied to the wound directly. The control group received standard wound care and weekly follow-up was done for all the patients. We evaluated the efficacy of this novel technology by assessing the reduction in wound size and attainment of epithelialization. The patients in the test group (n = 17) showed complete wound closure with re-epithelialization approximately within a period of 4 weeks. On the other hand, most of the patients in the control group (n = 16) who received standard wound dressings care showed a delay in wound healing in comparison to the test group. This technique can be employed as a personalized therapeutic method to accelerate diabetic wound healing and may provide a promising potential alternative approach to protect against lower foot amputation a most common complication in diabetes.
Rural Telehealth Visits in the Management of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Eiland Leslie A , Drincic Andjela
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

Despite advances in and increased adoption of technology, glycemic outcomes for individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have not improved. Access to care is limited for many, in part due to a shortage of endocrinologists and their concentration in urban areas. Managing T1D via telehealth has potential to improve glycemic outcomes, as the barriers of travel-related time and cost are mitigated.

Methods:

Our endocrine telehealth program started in 2013 and currently provides care to nine rural community hospitals in Nebraska and Iowa. A retrospective cohort study was performed to evaluate glycemic outcomes in people with T1D who received care at these telehealth clinics from 2013-2019. Data were collected on age, race, gender, prior diabetes provider, use of diabetes technology, and A1c values over time.

Results:

One hundred thirty-nine individuals were followed for an average duration of 32 months (range 4-69 months). Sixty-six percent of people were previously under the care of an endocrinologist. The most common therapeutic action, in addition to insulin adjustment, was addition of a CGM (52%). Each year in telemedicine care was associated with a decline of 0.13% in A1c (95% CI: −0.20, −0.06). There was no association between A1c and age or gender. When stratifying by previous diabetes provider, all groups had a statistically significant decline in A1c, even those with a previous endocrine provider. There was no statistically significant decline in A1c based on addition of technology.

Conclusion:

We have shown that traditional telehealth visits are an effective way to provide care for people with T1D long-term and may provide distinct advantages to home telehealth visits.
Perinatal sacroiliitis diagnostic challenges
Authors: Kheder Emam M , Sharahili Hussain H , Albahrani Salma Y , Alfarhan Abdullah M , Alquraynis Abdulrahman M , Maitigue Mahmoud B , Al Wehaibi Ahmed M
Published: October 2021

Lumbo-pelvic pain is a common and non-specific problem during pregnancy and postpartum. Although perinatal pyogenic sacroiliitis is uncommon during this time, it might be difficult to distinguish from reactive sacroiliitis in women who are experiencing significant lower back and pelvic girdle pain, as the symptoms and signs are not clear and the tests are not definitive. A 34-year-old primigravida went to the emergency department with severe lower back pain radiating to the right gluteal region and down to the back of the right thigh. This pain began 12 days prior to her presentation and eventually worsened to the point that she could not stand or walk. Her vital signs were within normal ranges, and she was experiencing a fever. Apart from a slight widening of the symphysis pubis, her pelvic and lumbo-sacral pain X-rays revealed no important findings. With the clinical impression of right lumbo-pelvic pain, the patient was admitted for pain management and further inquiries. Despite the fact that the antibiotherapy was prescribed to treat a urinary tract infection, the significant recovery of the patient’s symptoms, even in the absence of a definitive culture of aspirate from the right sacroiliac joint, supported the diagnosis of pyogenic sacroiliitis.
Subperiosteal Orbital Hematoma From SVC Occlusion During Cardiac Surgery: To See or Not to See
Authors: Avinash Patukale Aditya , Shetty Gautham , Prakash Marathe Supreet , Sullivan Timothy , Venugopal Prem , Alphonso Nelson
Published: October 2021

We present a case in which the superior vena cava (SVC) cannula was inadvertently clamped for a short while during cardiopulmonary bypass, completely occluding SVC drainage. This resulted in a rarely seen complication – bilateral subperiosteal orbital hematomas causing orbital compartment syndrome. Other instances of intentional SVC occlusion include during the creation of a bidirectional cavo-pulmonary shunt and for emergency control of bleeding during thoracic surgery.
The Radiographic “Air Sign” in Neonatal Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis
Authors: Safran Tyler , Alabdulkarim Abdulaziz , Galli Rafael , Gilardino Mirko S.
Published: October 2021

Timing of extubation on post-mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) surgery is critical, given that at baseline these infants have difficult airways and failed extubation requires either re-intubation of an already complex airway with a fragile, recently osteotomized mandible, or adjunctive airway measures such as CPAP that may apply unwanted pressure to the surgical site. Thus, the goal is to plan extubation when the risk of failure is minimal. Currently, there is a void in the literature addressing the timing of extubation post-MDO and no objective sign of extubation readiness has been elucidated. This study describes a simple clinical pearl to assist in the evaluation of extubation readiness in these patients. Postoperatively, we obtain weekly radiographs to assess distractor stability and advancement, and to assess for the “Air Sign”. The Air Sign describes a radiolucent space (air) visualized in the oropharynx on lateral radiographs, likely indicating that the tongue based airway obstruction has been relieved by mandibular advancement.
The Effect of COVID-19 as an Economic Shock on the Gender and Ethnic Gap in Labour Market Outcomes
Authors: Milovanska-Farrington Stefani
Published: October 2021

With more than 29 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the USA and 119 million cases worldwide, the pandemic has affected companies, households and the global economy. We explore the effect of the economic shock which resulted from this specific health event on labour market outcomes, and the changes in labour market disparities between ethnic groups and genders. The results provide evidence of an adverse effect of COVID-19 on labour market outcomes of all demographic groups, a widening gap between the employment prospects of minorities and whites, but no change in the earnings gaps between ethnic groups. We also do not find a deterioration of the differentials between genders, except the increase in the difference in the duration of unemployment between women and men with children. The findings have implications related to the priorities of policy decision-makers when implementing policies to combat ethnic and gender gaps in the labour market.

JEL Classification: J70, J71, J01, J15, J23