bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Characterization of a Low-Cost Fully and Continuously 3D Printed Capacitive Pressure-Sensing System for Plantar Pressure Measurements
Authors: Gothard Andrew T. , Hott Jacob W. , Anton Steven R.
Published: October 2023

In orthopedics, the evaluation of footbed pressure distribution maps is a valuable gait analysis technique that aids physicians in diagnosing musculoskeletal and gait disorders. Recently, the use of pressure-sensing insoles to collect pressure distributions has become more popular due to the passive collection of natural gait data during daily activities and the reduction in physical strain experienced by patients. However, current pressure-sensing insoles face the limitations of low customizability and high cost. Previous works have shown the ability to construct customizable pressure-sensing insoles with capacitive sensors using fused-deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing. This work explores the feasibility of low-cost fully and continuously 3D printed pressure sensors for pressure-sensing insoles using three sensor designs, which use flexible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as the dielectric layer and either conductive TPU or conductive polylactic acid (PLA) for the conductive plates. The sensors are paired with a commercial capacitance-to-voltage converter board to form the sensing system. Dynamic sensor performance is evaluated via sinusoidal compressive tests at frequencies of 1, 3, 5, and 7 Hz, with pressure levels varying from 14.33 to 23.88, 33.43, 52.54, and 71.65 N/cm2 at each frequency. Five sensors of each type are tested. Results show that all sensors display significant hysteresis and nonlinearity. The PLA-TPU sensor with 10% infill is the best-performing sensor with the highest average sensitivity and lowest average hysteresis and linearity errors. The range of average sensitivities, hysteresis, and linearity errors across the entire span of tested pressures and frequencies for the PLA-TPU sensor with 10% infill is 11.61–20.11·10−4 V/(N/cm2), 11.9–31.8%, and 9.0–22.3%, respectively. The significant hysteresis and linearity error are due to the viscoelastic properties of TPU, and some additional nonlinear effects may be due to buckling of the infill walls of the dielectric.
Photometric Monitoring of Electronic Cigarette Puff Topography
Authors: Kolaczyk Keith , Jiang Hao
Published: October 2023

To study and monitor the adverse health consequences of using electronic cigarettes, a user’s puff topography, which are quantification parameters of the user’s vaping habits, plays a central role. In this work, we introduce a topography sensor to measure the mass of total particulate matter generated in every puff and to estimate the nicotine yield. The sensor is compact and low-cost, and is integrated into the electronic cigarette device to promptly and conveniently monitor the user’s daily puff topography. The topography sensor is comprised of a photometric sensor and a pressure sensor. The photometric sensor measures the mass concentration of the aerosol, based on scattering of near-infrared light from airborne particles, while the pressure sensor measures the flow rate. The topography sensor was tested under various conditions including a wide range of atomizer power, puff duration, and inhalation pressure. The sensor’s accuracy was validated by comparing the sensor’s readings with reference measurements, and the results matched closely with the trends reported by existing studies on electronic cigarettes. An example application for tracking a user’s puff topography was also demonstrated. Our topography sensor holds great promise in mitigating the health risks of vaping, and in promoting quality control of electronic cigarette products.
A Study on the Harmonic Distortion of Seismic-Grade Sigma-Delta MEMS Accelerometers Using a Multiple Degree-of-Freedom Model
Authors: Wang Xuefeng , Zhang Penghao , Ding Shijin
Published: October 2023

Harmonic distortion is one of the dominant factors limiting the overall signal-to-noise and distortion ratio of seismic-grade sigma-delta MEMS accelerometers. This study investigates harmonic distortion based on the multiple degree-of-freedom model (MDM) established in our previous study. The main advantage of using an MDM is that the effect of finger flexibility on harmonic distortion is considered. Initially, the nonlinear relationship between the input acceleration and output signal is derived using the MDM. Then, harmonic distortion is simulated and described in terms of the nonlinear input–output relationship. It is found that finger flexibility and parasitic capacitance mismatch both decrease harmonic distortion. Finally, the experimental testing of harmonic distortion is implemented. By reducing the finger length to realize a higher stiffness and compensating for the parasitic capacitance mismatch, the total harmonic distortion decreases from −66.8 dB to −86.9 dB.
Development, Optimization, and Validation of Radium-226 Measurement in Oyster, a Sentinel Organism by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Landry Alexandre , Banville Samuel , Clarisse Olivier
Published: October 2023

Radium-226 (226Ra) measurement in living organisms, such as the American oyster (Crassostrea virginica), is an analytical challenge: the matrix complexity and the extremely low Ra levels require a purification/preconcentration step prior to its quantification. In this study, 5 g of dry oyster soft tissues and 1.6 g of shell were both mineralized, preconcentrated on an AG50W-X8 and a strontium-specific resin, and measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The volumes of digestate used in the method for both matrices were optimized to reach a high preconcentration factor without any risk of oversaturating the columns. Out of the 50 mL of digestates, 48 mL and 2.5 mL were determined as optimal volumes for soft tissues and shell, respectively. To obtain a higher preconcentration factor and a lower limit of quantification (LOQ) for shell samples, three aliquots of 2.5 mL digestate were run on three different sets of resins and, ultimately, combined for Ra analysis using ICP-MS. LOQs of 7.7 and 0.3 fg/g (260 and 11 µBq/g) were achieved for the oyster shell and soft tissues, respectively. The new protocols were applied on relevant samples: oyster soft tissues and shell from New Brunswick, Canada, and different types of reference materials, such as IAEA-470, oyster soft tissue and IAEA-A-12, and animal bones. 226Ra recovery of 105 ± 3% (n = 6) was achieved for IAEA-A-12 (animal bones), the closest available reference material to shell with a recommended value for 226Ra. Resin performances were investigated using 226Ra standard solution and real samples: each set of columns could be used more than 100 times without any significant reduction in Ra preconcentration efficiency. Although the method proposed and validated in this work was developed for oysters, it could easily be applied to other matrices by adjusting the volume of digestate run on the resins to avoid their oversaturation.
Identities in Troubled Times: Minoritized Youth in Hong Kong’s “Summer of Protest”
Authors: Kennedy Kerry J. , Gube Jan Christian , Bhowmik Miron Kumar
Published: October 2023

Discursive experiences can contribute to shaping lives and their identities. For minoritized youth in Hong Kong, the 2019 protest movement provided many such experiences, although very little has been heard about them. Instead, reporting has focused on the experiences of the dominant Chinese population. This paper aims to highlight the voices of minoritized youth in relation to the social movement that dominated Hong Kong in the second half of 2019. It is well recognized that identity is not fixed and that there are more likely multiple identities that transition from one to the other. Yet little is known about the influences on identity formation and the processes that underlie them. This was the issue addressed here. The paper draws on Lacan’s theory of identity in examining interviews involving minoritized youth and their engagement in Hong Kong’s 2019 protest movement. It shows how individual responses to the movement differed, how the movement challenged identities, and how these challenges were resolved.
Trauma Prevalence and Desire for Trauma-Informed Coaching in Collegiate Sports: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Hertzler-McCain Elizabeth Alma , McQuillen Aerin , Setty Shalini , Lopez Stephanie , Tibbetts Erica
Published: October 2023

This study investigated trauma prevalence amongst collegiate student-athletes and openness towards trauma-informed coaching practices among athletes and coaches at two small Division III colleges. Surveys gathered quantitative data from athletes (n = 91) and coaches (n =18) and qualitative data from athletes (n = 33). Quantitative results indicated that 52.7% of athletes experienced at least one potentially traumatic event during their lifetime. The most prevalent trauma was unwanted sexual contact. Additionally, 50.5% of athletes experienced sport-based harassment or abuse during their lifetime, with 21.7% of affected athletes experiencing said abuse in college sports. Athletes reported that 8 out of 10 trauma-informed coaching techniques included in the study were already implemented or desired for implementation at rates between 73.2–93.1% on their teams. Coaches also showed support for trauma-informed coaching, with 88.2% indicating they believed the practice was necessary in college athletics and a large majority of coaches agreeing or strongly agreeing with 8 out of 10 techniques. Qualitative results highlighted the variety of impacts that traumatic experiences have on athletes. The most reported themes were negative psychological and performance effects. Findings support the idea that trauma-informed coaching is necessary and desired in collegiate athletics.
Detecting Airborne Pathogens: A Computational Approach Utilizing Surface Acoustic Wave Sensors for Microorganism Detection
Authors: Varughese Sharon P. , Raj S. Merlin Gilbert , Joel T. Jesse , Gautam Sneha
Published: October 2023

The persistent threat posed by infectious pathogens remains a formidable challenge for humanity. Rapidly spreading infectious diseases caused by airborne microorganisms have far-reaching global consequences, imposing substantial costs on society. While various detection technologies have emerged, including biochemical, immunological, and molecular approaches, these methods still exhibit significant limitations such as time-intensive procedures, instability, and the need for specialized operators. This study presents an innovative solution that harnesses the potential of surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors for the detection of airborne microorganisms. The research involves the establishment of a sensor model within the framework of COMSOL Multiphysics, utilizing a predefined piezoelectric multi-physics interface and employing a 2D modeling approach. Chitosan, selected as the sensing film for the model, interfaces with lithium niobate (LiNbO3), the chosen piezoelectric material responsible for detecting airborne pathogens. The analysis of microbe presence centers on solid displacement and electric potential frequencies, operating within the 850–900 MHz range. Notably, the first and second resonant frequencies are identified at 856 and 859 MHz, respectively. To enhance understanding, this study proposes a novel mathematical model grounded in Stokes’ Law and mass balance equations. This model serves to analyze microbe concentration, offering a fresh perspective on quantifying the presence of airborne pathogens. Through these endeavors, this research contributes to advancing the field of airborne microorganism detection, offering a promising avenue for addressing the challenges posed by infectious diseases.
Ecological Risk Assessment and Source Identification of Heavy Metals in Soils from Shiyang River Watershed in Northwest China
Authors: Liao Jie , Wang Tao , Gui Jianhua , Zhang Hengping , Huang Cuihua , Song Xiang , Zhang Shengyin
Published: October 2023

Shiyang River Watershed is an important ecological barrier and agricultural production area in Northwest China, and the study of soil heavy metal content, distribution, and sources is important for agricultural product safety, pollution control, and ecosystem health. In this paper, 140 soil samples were collected from 28 stations to assess the level of heavy metal (Arsenic (As), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Mercury (Hg), Nickel (Ni), Zinc (Zn)) contamination, pollutant sources and influencing factors of soil in Shiyang River Watershed through determination of the metal contents and statistical analysis. The results indicated that the soils in the study area are typical saline soils in arid zones. The enrichment factors (EF) of As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Pb indicate no contamination, and the EFs of Cd and Hg suggested minor contamination. Although the concentrations of Cd and Hg in soil are lower than others, they are more biotoxic and exhibit a moderate–high ecological risk. The index of geoaccumulation (Igeo) values reflect that most of the stations, especially the three groups of samples from depths of 10–20 cm, 20–40 cm, and 40–80 cm, are below the contamination threshold for all heavy metals. The chemical speciation of heavy metals, principal component analysis, and correlation analysis showed that Cr, Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Zn mainly come from the natural accumulation upon weathering of soil-forming matrices. Hg and As mainly come from anthropogenic contributions. The effect of agricultural crop cultivation on soil heavy metal contamination is mainly through farm irrigation and crop–soil interactions, which accelerate the release of heavy metals through the weathering of soil-forming parent material and irrigation, which transports the heavy metals below the surface. The results of this study can provide a scientific basis for the involved authorities to formulate reasonable policies on environmental protection and pollution control.
Exposure of Reproductive-Aged Women to Multiple Metals and Its Associations with Unexplained Recurrent Miscarriage
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Yan Xi , Tan Jianhua , Tan Jifan , Liu Chunsheng , Yang Pan , Xian Yanping , Wang Qiong
Published: October 2023

Exposure to heavy metals exerts toxic effects on female reproduction and embryo development. This study examined the exposure of patients with unexplained recurrent miscarriage (uRM) to multiple metals and the correlations among exposures to different metals. A total of 275 participants were enrolled, including 43 healthy women without previous miscarriage (the control group) and 232 uRM women (the case group); among these uRM women, 159 had two miscarriages (2M), 42 had three miscarriages (3M) and 31 had four or more miscarriages (≥4M). A total of 22 elements were measured in serum samples via inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. The levels of calcium (104.37 mg/L vs. 92.65/93.02/92.61/92.47 mg/L) and selenium (131.85 µg/L vs. 117.80/118.04/115.88/124.35 µg/L) were higher in the controls than in the total uRM group and the 2M, 3M and ≥4M subgroups. The level of vanadium was significantly lower in the controls than in the total uRM group (0.15 µg/L vs. 0.23 µg/L), and the level of lead was lower in the controls than that in the total uRM group and the 2M, 3M and ≥4M subgroups (0.01 µg/L vs. 0.28/0.18/0.63/0.34 µg/L). After adjusting for age, body mass index and education level, calcium and selenium exposure were consistently negatively associated with miscarriage, while lead exposure was positively associated with miscarriage. In addition, the correlations among exposures to different metals slightly differed between the control and uRM groups. Therefore, changes in some metal elements in the blood might be related to the risk of uRM.
Nitrites: An Old Poison or a Current Hazard? Epidemiology of Intoxications Covering the Last 100 Years and Evaluation of Analytical Methods
Authors: Tusiewicz Kaja , Kuropka Patryk , Workiewicz Elżbieta , Wachełko Olga , Szpot Paweł , Zawadzki Marcin
Published: October 2023

In recent times, there has been a concerning and noteworthy rise in the global use of sodium nitrite for suicidal purposes. This is facilitated either through the employment of specialized “suicide kits” or by acquiring sodium nitrite through alternative means. Additionally, another occurrence contributing to nitrite poisoning is the recreational utilization of nitrites in the form of volatile aliphatic esters of nitrous acid, commonly referred to as “poppers”. Based on current available papers and reports on the subject of nitrates, nitrites, and poppers intoxications, an epidemiological analysis and evaluation of analytical methods were performed. A total of 128 papers, documenting a collective count of 492 intoxication cases, were identified. Additionally, in order to complete the epidemiological profile of nitrite poisoning, the authors briefly examined six cases of nitrite intoxication that were under investigation in our laboratory. Furthermore, a review of nitrite poisoning cases over the past 100 years shows that the old poison is still in use and poses a substantial risk to society.
Occurrence and Health Risk Assessment of Sulfonamide Antibiotics in Different Freshwater Fish in Northeast China
Authors: Shen Mengnan , Yu Bowen , Hu Yi , Liu Zhi , Zhao Ke , Li Chenyang , Li Ming , Lyu Chen , Lu Hai , Zhong Shuang , Cheng Jie
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate the levels of 12 sulfonamide antibiotics in freshwater fish species obtained from three cities in northeastern China (Harbin, Changchun, and Shenyang). The analysis was conducted using HPLC–MS/MS to accurately quantify the antibiotic concentrations in the fish samples. The results showed that the average levels of sulfonamide antibiotics in fish samples from Harbin, Changchun, and Shenyang were 1.83 ng/g ww, 0.98 ng/g ww, and 1.60 ng/g ww, respectively. Sulfamethoxazole displayed the highest levels and detection rates in all three cities, whereas sulphapyridine exhibited the lowest concentrations in all the fish samples. The levels of sulfonamide antibiotic residues in the different fish species varied widely among the cities, and the highest level of antibiotic residues was found in the muscle of carnivorous fish. The results from a health risk evaluation on the consumption of these fish indicated that the risk from long-term antibiotic exposure to local residents from the intake of the sampled fish was small and not sufficient to pose a significant health risk to consumers.
Job Exposure Matrix, a Solution for Retrospective Assessment of Particle Exposure in a Subway Network and Their Long-Term Effects
Authors: Ben Rayana Tesnim , Wild Pascal , Debatisse Amélie , Jouannique Valérie , Sakthithasan Kirushanthi , Suarez Guillaume , Guseva Canu Irina
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Health effects after long-term exposure to subway particulate matter (PM) remain unknown due to the lack of individual PM exposure data. This study aimed to apply the job exposure matrix (JEM) approach to retrospectively assess occupational exposure to PM in the Parisian subway. Methods: Job, the line and sector of the transport network, as well as calendar period were four JEM dimensions. For each combination of these dimensions, we generated statistical models to estimate the annual average PM10 concentration using data from an exhaustive inventory of the PM measurement campaigns conducted between 2004 and 2020 in the Parisian subway and historical data from the Parisian air pollution monitoring network. The resulting JEM and its exposure estimates were critically examined by experts using the uncertainty analysis framework. Results: The resulting JEM allows for the assignment of the estimated annual PM10 concentration to three types of professionals working in the subway: locomotive operators, station agents, and security guards. The estimates’ precision and validity depend on the amount and quality of PM10 measurement data used in the job-, line-, and sector-specific models. Models using large amounts of personal exposure measurement data produced rather robust exposure estimates compared to models with lacunary data (i.e., in security guards). The analysis of uncertainty around the exposure estimates allows for the identification of the sources of uncertainty and parameters to be addressed in the future in order to refine and/or improve the JEM. Conclusions: The JEM approach seems relevant for the retrospective exposure assessment of subway workers. When applied to available data on PM10, it allows for the estimation of this exposure in locomotive operators and station agents with an acceptable validity. Conversely, for security guards, the current estimates have insufficient validity to recommend their use in an epidemiological study. Therefore, the current JEM should be considered as a valid prototype, which shall be further improved using more robust measurements for some jobs. This JEM can also be further refined by considering additional exposure determinants.
Tropical Infectious Diseases of Global Significance: Insights and Perspectives
Authors: dos Santos André Luis Souza
Published: October 2023

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are indeed a group of illnesses (Table 1) affecting hundreds of millions of individuals living in tropical and sub-tropical geographical regions of the globe, particularly in socioeconomic vulnerability areas where access to adequate sanitation, a clean water supply, and healthcare is limited [...]
Single-Top Quark Physics at the LHC: From Precision Measurements to Rare Processes and Top Quark Properties
Authors: Andrea Jérémy , Chanon Nicolas
Published: October 2023

Since the initial measurements of single-top quark production at the Tevatron in 2009, tremendous progress has been made at the LHC. While LHC Run 1 marked the beginning of a precision era for the single-top quark measurements in some of the main production mechanisms, LHC Run 2 witnessed the emergence and exploration of new processes associating top quark production with a neutral boson. In this paper, we review the measurements of the three main production mechanisms (t-channel, s-channel, and tW production), and of the associated production with a photon, a Z boson, or a Higgs boson. Differential cross-sections are measured for several of these processes and compared with theoretical predictions. The top quark properties that can be measured in single-top quark processes are scrutinized, such as Wtb couplings and top quark couplings with neutral bosons, and the polarizations of both the W boson and top quark. The effective field theory framework is emerging as a standard for interpreting property measurements. Perspectives for LHC Run 3 and the HL-LHC are discussed in the conclusions.
Dynamic Wireless Charging Performance Enhancement for Electric Vehicles: Mutual Inductance, Power Transfer Capability, and Efficiency
Authors: Chowdary Kantipudi V. V. S. R. , Kumar Kundan , Nayak Byamakesh , Kumar Abhay , Bertoluzzo Manuele
Published: October 2023

Electric vehicles are becoming more popular as an alternative to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. In order to strengthen charging infrastructure, dynamic wireless charging (DWC) is a promising technology through which the vehicle battery can be continuously charged while the vehicle is in motion. The main challenge of the DWC system is to investigate the capability for power transfer with the variation in operating parameters in consideration of enhanced efficiency. This study proposes an innovative approach to improve the performance of dynamic wireless charging systems by investigating the magnetic coupler via finite element analysis, exploring power pulsation and mutual inductances with variations in longitudinal, lateral, and air gap distances as variable factors. In addition to this, efficiency analysis is also explored with respect to the mutual inductance and various compensation schemes. The simulation studies are carried out using computer-assisted software, i.e., COMSOL Multiphysics 5.5 and MATLAB version 2022b. Finally, a comparative analysis of power transferred, mutual inductance, and efficiency is presented by the compensation schemes.
Pangenome Analysis Reveals a High Degree of Genetic Diversity in Gardnerella vaginalis: An In Silico Approach
Authors: Felice Andrei Giacchetto , Sousa Eduarda Guimarães , Dominici Fabiana Vieira , Azevedo Vasco Ariston de Carvalho , Soares Siomar de Castro
Published: October 2023

The genus Gardnerella comprises Gram-variable, anaerobic, hemolytic, and non-motile bacilli, with four known species, where Gardnerella vaginalis is the main species responsible for bacterial vaginosis (BV). However, quantifying this species is challenging due to a lack of data and underreporting. Despite its significance, particularly for women, and the availability of several genomes in online databases, genomic analyses and studies on effective treatments still lack details. This study aimed to conduct bioinformatic analyses focused on pangenomics to investigate the complete gene repertoire of the species. Genomes of the bacterium available in online databases were used for comparative genomics, genomic plasticity, gene synteny, and pangenome prediction analyses. The results revealed considerable genome variability, indicating a highly diverse pangenome. The low number of genes in the core genome and similarity analysis confirmed this variability. Three pathogenicity islands, two resistance islands, and nine genomic islands were identified, suggesting horizontal gene transfer events during evolution. These findings underscore the need for sequencing new G. vaginalis genomes to better comprehend its variability and adaptation patterns.
Defect Detection in Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plate by Imaging of Mechanical Nonlinearity-Induced Sideband Vibrations
Authors: Seresini Tommaso , Sunetchiieva Sevilia , Pfeiffer Helge , Wevers Martine , Glorieux Christ
Published: October 2023

Laser Doppler scanning vibrometry is used for imaging spectral vibration components in a carbon fiber-reinforced composite plate that contains a sub-surface delamination defect caused by hammer impact. The images reveal sideband generation at the location of the defect, reflecting mechanical nonlinearity-induced mixing between a high amplitude, low-frequency vibration that modulates the stress–strain behavior near the defect and a low amplitude, high-frequency probe vibration. In this work, a multifrequency probe is used to tackle the problem that the mixing coefficients are, in practice, frequency dependent. Based on the measured sideband amplitudes, a study is presented on the expected feasibility of detecting defects by a full field imaging scheme based on a photorefractive interferometer that is configured as a vibrometer acting as a bandpass filter around a sideband frequency of interest.
STATE AND MAIN PROBLEMS OF A CONSTRUCTION COMPLEX OF THE DONETSK PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC
Authors:   Donbass National Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture, MUSHCHANOV V.F. , YUGOV А.М. ,   Donbass National Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Published: October 2023

The current state and main problems of the construction complex of the Donetsk People's Republic caused by the process of integration into the economic complex of the Russian Federation at the present stage are considered. The research materials are based on the analysis of the activities of the construction organizations of the republic and the results of the scientific and design activities of the FSBEI HE "DONNASA", which is the basic organization of the Ministry of Construction of the DPR in matters of scientific and technical policy. Information is provided on the main conceptual and design developments that determine the activities of the construction complex in the near future. Recommendations aimed at overcoming the crisis phenomena in the construction complex are formulated.
DEFORMATION STABILITY OF PVC WINDOWS UNDER TEMPERATURE LOADS
Authors:   National Research Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, AKSENOV I.S.
Published: October 2023

Experience in operating PVC windows in the climatic conditions of the Russian Federation shows that they are subject to significant temperature deformation. Temperature deformations of PVC windows lead to a decrease in their operational and technical characteristics. Nevertheless, at present the calculation of these structures for the action of temperature loads is not performed. This is due, among other things, to the fact that the methods for calculating the plastic deformation of PVC windows under the action of temperature loads have not yet been developed. The development of this methodology is the purpose of the present research. It was proposed to divide a window construction into profile combinations and to consider the profile combination as a single calculation element. By introducing a number of simplifications, a calculation scheme of profile combination was created. A universal form of a system of differential equations describing deformation of a combination of profiles was obtained. A general form solution for this system of equations has been obtained which takes into account temperature bending of window profile elements, impact of IGU rigidity, conditions of profile fixing, point forces and moments, which enables to calculate the strain-stress state o f any structure which can be represented as a set of combination of profiles. A condition limiting temperature deformations of a window structure has been proposed. It consists in ensuring the window seal deformations not exceeding its operating range, which can be verified using the described calculation methodology.
REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE REACTION OF THE THRUST UNDER SHORT-TERM DYNAMIC LOADING
Authors:   Tomsk State University of Architecture and Building, KUMPYAK O.G. , GALYAUTDINOV Z.R. ,   Tomsk State University of Architecture and Building, GALYAUTDINOV D.R. ,   Tomsk State University of Architecture and Building
Published: October 2023

The article presents the results of theoretical studies of reinforced concrete beams, taking into account the limitation of horizontal displacement on supports under short-term dynamic loading. In studies, the deformation of the structure is considered in the conditionally elastic and plastic stages. It has been established that the presence of thrust leads to a significant increase in strength and a decrease in the deformability of structures, both in the conditionally elastic and plastic stages. The paper reflects the results of a numerical calculation of reinforced concrete beam structures with thrust under short-term dynamic loading based on the obtained analytical dependencies. The effect of the thrust reaction, namely the rigidity of the support contour, on the dynamic coefficient of reinforced concrete structures is considered in comparison with structures without expansion. The results of numerical studies indicate a positive effect of the expansion reaction in dynamically loaded structures at all stages of their dynamic deformation.
PARAMETRIC RESEARCH OF RESTRAINED STRAINS AND STRESSES OF SELF-STRESSED FIBER-REINFORCED CONCRETE AT THE STAGE OF EXPANSION
Authors:   Brest State Technical University, PAVLOVA I.P. , BELKINA I.V. ,   Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno
Published: October 2023

One of the main advantages of self-stressed concrete is its ability to compensate for one of the main disadvantages inherent in mineral binders – shrinkage strains. However, approaches to predicting the properties of self-stressed concrete are not universal, since they are based mainly on phenomenological approaches and empirical dependencies. The main approaches to predicting strains and stresses arising in expansive concrete are energy- and deformation approaches. A number of researchers confirm the effectiveness of applying the deformation approach to determine intrinsic strains and stresses. Modification of the model for determining its own stresses and strains made it possible to move from the case of uniaxial bar reinforcement to two- and three-axis-limited elements. Based on the provisions of the deformation approach, a deformation model was proposed to determine the intrinsic strains and stresses of self-stressed fiber-reinforced concrete. The main prerequisites and assumptions of the proposed model are formulated. A block diagram of the algorithm of the iterative procedure is given, which makes it possible to calculate the intrinsic strains and stresses of self-stressed fiber-reinforced concrete. Parametric studies of self-strains and stresses of self-stressed fiber-reinforced concrete at the stage of expansion were carried out. The normalized dependences of the bounded strains on the varied parameters are presented. The area of effective use of steel fibers to achieve "binding" effect of free expansion in self-stressed concrete of different energy-activity has been determined. Influence of change of introduced fiber amount on development of bound strains of self-stressed concrete at different time intervals has been determined. The obtained results can be used in design, educational and research institutions.
Effectiveness and safety of asynchronous telemedicine consultations in general practice: a systematic review
Authors: Leighton Cara , Cooper Alison , Porter Annavittoria , Edwards Adrian , Joseph-Williams Natalie
Published: October 2023

Background

There is a focus on increasing asynchronous telemedicine use, which allows medical data to be transmitted, stored, and interpreted later; however, limited evidence of the quality of care it allows in general practice hinders its use.

Aim

To investigate uses and effectiveness of asynchronous telemedicine in general practice, according to the domains of healthcare quality, and describe how the COVID-19 pandemic changed its use.

Design & setting

Systematic review in general practice.

Method

A systematic search was carried out across four databases using terms related to general practice, asynchronous telemedicine, uses, and effectiveness, and supported by citation searching. This was followed by screening according to pre-defined criteria, data extraction, and critical appraisal. Narrative synthesis was then undertaken guided by the six domains of healthcare quality and exploring differences in use before and following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Searches yielded 6864 reports; 27 reports from 23 studies were included. Asynchronous telemedicine is used by a range of staff and patients across many countries. Safety and equity are poorly reported but there were no major safety concerns. Evidence from other domains of healthcare quality show effectiveness in making diagnoses, prescribing medications, replacing other consultations, providing timely care, and increased convenience for patients. Efficiency is impacted by negative effects on workflow, through poor implementation and patient non-adherence, limiting usability and requiring new administrative approaches from healthcare staff. Asynchronous telemedicine use increased rapidly from March 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

Conclusion

Asynchronous telemedicine provides quality care for patients but is limited by reports of increased workload and inefficient workflow compared with face-to-face consultations. Limits of evidence include heterogeneity and small-scale studies. Further research into cost-effectiveness, equity, safety, and sustained implementation will influence future policy and practice.
On the issue of the criterion of efficiency of large-scale investment projects in the situation of uncertainty (by the example of railroad transport)
Authors: Kibalov E. B. , Glushchenko K. P.
Published: October 2023

The article discusses the criteria of efficiency used in the assessment of investment projects. The objects of interest are large-scale projects which have a significant influence on life of the country (not only economic), such as large railroad projects in the first place. The criteria of microeconomic level (typical of the methodology of the costbenefit analysis) and macroeconomic level, when a project is analyzed in the context of economy of the country in general, are considered. It is shown that the principal problem of efficiency of large-scale projects both at micro- and macrolevel is fundamental uncertainty.
Accounting as the object of process-based management
Authors: Berdichevskaya V. O.
Published: October 2023

The article considers the peculiarities of process-based management for optimization of accounting business processes. Including: the approaches to the definition of the “business process” notion were generalized and this notion was clarified regarding “accounting business processes”. The paper gives general description of accounting business processes as a system with determination of key elements: entry and exit, owners and consumers of the business-process, resources and tools. The classification of accounting business processes with marking out the main groups (operational and supporting business processes, business processes of management and development) is done.
Unrecognized tax benefit: methodological peculiarities of creation of reserve and influence of tax positions on occurrence of deferred taxes
Authors: Aksentiev A. A.
Published: October 2023

The paper characterizes the methodological features of recognition and assessment of unrecognized tax benefits from the position of the rules of American standards. The general principle of recording contingent liabilities arising from uncertainty in income tax in the accounting accounts is established. The affirmative and impairment approaches are clarified as they apply to accounting for the effect of tax positions on an entity’s financial position. It is determined that the key disadvantage of the affirmative approach is the lack of possibility to register the tax asset in the accounting in case the tax position recognition threshold is not reached. The peculiarities of deferred tax accounting for certain tax positions are specified. We argue the necessity of disclosure of information about unrecognized tax benefits in the notes to the financial statements. The following are highlighted as promising areas for future research: a comparative analysis of accounting for unrecognized tax benefits under U.S. and international standards; a rationale for the acceptability of the impairment approach; and characterization of the benefits of reconciliation with the tax authority for unrecognized tax positions.
High-Frequency Observations of Oceanic Internal Waves from Geostationary Orbit Satellites
Authors: Huang Longyu , Yang Jingsong , Ma Zetai , Liu Bingqing , Ren Lin , Liu Antony K. , Chen Peng
Published: October 2023

The Geostationary Orbiting Satellite (GOS) offers extensive opportunities for the study of oceanic internal waves (IWs) through high-frequency observations. In this study, the spatial and temporal distributions of sunglint from 3 GOSs (Himawari-8, FY-4A, and GK-2A) were calculated, and the observation times of IWs in various seas were also recorded. The GOS can continuously observe IWs at a frequency of 10 min for 2 to 3 h. As demonstrated by the application to IWs in the Andaman Sea, the GOS effectively captures the surface features of IWs, including soliton number, the length and wavelength of the leading wave, and the speed and direction of propagation. Furthermore, the GOS can be used to track the dynamic processes of IWs within a short duration and provide more accurate “instantaneous” phase speeds. In the case of the Indonesian Seas, the average error of the GOS-derived phase speeds is 0.13 m/s compared to the Korteweg–de Vries phase speeds. Additionally, a 7-day observation from FY-4A suggests the possibility of diurnal IWs in the Sulu Sea. The advent of high-temporal-resolution GOS provides an enriched dataset for oceanic IW studies, which will contribute greatly to a more comprehensive understanding of IW mechanisms.
Space Noncooperative Target Trajectory Tracking Based on Maneuvering Parameter Estimation
Authors: Li Ruifeng , Sun Chong , Yu Xiaozhou , Zhang Lijun , Wei Jinyuan , Fang Qun
Published: October 2023

The space noncooperative target maneuvering trajectory tracking is essential for the safety of the on-orbit spacecraft. For the noncooperative target, the maneuvering model is complex and changeable. Besides, the maneuvering dynamics model, the operation time, and the maneuvering frequency are previously unknown. It is difficult to achieve high-precision maneuvering trajectory tracking. In this paper, a novel real-time maneuvering trajectory tracking algorithm is developed, in which the maneuvering trajectory of the noncooperative target is discretized first, and then the differential algebra method is utilized to estimate the maneuvering parameter of the noncooperative target in the discretized time. Since the discretized period is very short, the maneuvering parameters of the target in the next discretized time are assumed to be the same as those in the previous discretized time, and the estimated maneuvering parameters are utilized to predict the target’s relative state in the next discretized time to achieve maneuvering trajectory tracking. Compared with the interactive multimodel method (IMM), the proposed method can estimate the maneuvering parameter of the noncooperative target in real time, which greatly reduces the tracking error caused by the mismatching of the target’s maneuvering model. In order to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm, a simulation of a noncooperative target’s maneuvering trajectory tracking is provided. The results demonstrated that the proposed method could track the noncooperative target maneuvering in real time, and the estimation accuracy was improved by about 93.07% compared with the IMM.
What do we evaluate in serious games? A systematic review
Authors: Pacheco-Velazquez Ernesto , Bester Andre , Rabago-Mayer Lucia , Ro Virginia
Published: October 2023

Serious games have emerged as an invaluable tool in education, revolutionizing the way students learn and engage with complex concepts. These games combine entertainment with educational content, creating immersive and interactive experiences that enhance learning outcomes. This strategy has positioned themselves as a powerful educational tool recommended for the new generations due to their benefits in terms of motivation, engagement, active learning, development of skills, and adaptation to diverse learning styles. By integrating serious games into educational programs, educators can enhance meaningful learning, foster relevant skills, and prepare students to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. The evaluation of serious games is important for various reasons. For example, it helps determine if a serious game meets its educational objectives and truly promotes learning and the development of specific skills. It also provides feedback on the design, gameplay, effectiveness, and other aspects of the serious game, allowing developers to identify strengths and areas for improvement to optimize the learning experience. Evaluations help determine if the serious game appropriately caters to the needs and characteristics of users, if it is suitable for the target group, if it is accessible to individuals with different abilities, and if it provides an appropriate level of challenge to promote engagement and learning. Ultimately, evaluations provide validation and credibility to serious games as educational tools. This study shows a systematic review of the factors that appear most frequently evaluated, the methodology used, and discusses the possibility of adding new factors and points out the need to consider the opinion of other users to improve the evaluation of these resources.
The peculiarity of the marriages in “Mansfield Park” by Jane Austen
Authors: Sklizkova Tina A.
Published: October 2023

The article focuses on the novel “Mansfield Park”, which explores the category of «Englishness» through the prism of the concept of marriage. In the novel by Jane Austen marriages are presented through the opposition of Englishness/ Britishness, authenticity/simulation, and are also through the concepts of endogamy and exogamy. In the novel by Jane Austen only one marriage between Edmund Bertram and Fanny Price can be considered as the embodiment of genuine Englishness and, accordingly, endogamy. This becomes possible primarily due to the image of Fanny, whose pastoral essence, connected with the motive of authenticity, turns out to be very important for understanding “Englishness”.
The role of descriptions of nature in revealing the message of the short story The Untold Lie by Sherwood Anderson
Authors: Zolinova Elena V.
Published: October 2023

The article deals with the descriptions of nature in the short story “The Untold Lie” by Sherwood Anderson and their role in revealing the story’s main idea. In the story under consideration, the descriptions of nature do not merely serve the purpose of creating a background for the events. Unveiling the emotional bond between the protagonist of the story and the landscape around him, the author shows the reader how much the character is affected by the beauty of nature. Recollections of the past evoked by a beautiful landscape around him make the protagonist think about his present life, which results in a feeling of frustration leading to an emotional outburst, a protest against life. The contrast between the beauty of nature and the ugliness of people’s lives helps the reader understand the depth of the protagonist’s despair caused by his unrealized dreams and his inability to be master of his own life.
Modern folklore plot ‟doing homework”: a pragmatic aspect
Authors: Ilyina Larisa E.
Published: October 2023

The pragmatic aspect of the study of modern folklore texts is due to the ability of these texts to produce a communicative effect with a minimum amount of textual content, to evoke pragmatic attitudes towards the message in the receptor. The purpose of the work is to conduct a pragmatic analysis of the modern folklore text, including the determination of the author’s position, the pragmatic setting of the text and the types of pragmatic meanings of words. The research methods are linguo-sociological and comparative; semantic, structural and interpretive methods are used to conduct a pragmatic analysis of a modern folklore text. In the course of the study, the definition of school folklore and Internet lore was given, and a scheme for a pragmatic analysis of a modern folklore text was developed. The research material is classified by genre. The author comes to the conclusion that the plot ‟to do homework” have a pragmatic effect on the recipient of information.