bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digitalization of Musculoskeletal Risk Assessment in a Robotic-Assisted Assembly Workstation
Authors: Colim Ana , Cardoso André , Arezes Pedro , Braga Ana Cristina , Peixoto Ana Carolina , Peixoto Vítor , Wolbert Felix , Carneiro Paula , Costa Nélson , Sousa Nuno
Published: October 2021

The ergonomic assessment of adopted working postures is essential for avoiding musculoskeletal risk factors in manufacturing contexts. Several observational methods based on external analyst observations are available; however, they are relatively subjective and suffer low repeatability. Over the past decade, the digitalization of this assessment has received high research interest. Robotic applications have the potential to lighten workers’ workload and improve working conditions. Therefore, this work presents a musculoskeletal risk assessment before and after robotic implementation in an assembly workstation. We also emphasize the importance of using novel and non-intrusive technologies for musculoskeletal risk assessment. A kinematic study was conducted using inertial motion units (IMU) in a convenience sample of two workers during their normal performance of assembly work cycles. The musculoskeletal risk was estimated according to a semi-automated solution, called the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) report. Based on previous musculoskeletal problems reported by the company, the assessment centered on the kinematic analysis of functional wrist movements (flexion/extension, ulnar/radial deviation, and pronation/supination). The results of the RULA report showed a reduction in musculoskeletal risk using robotic-assisted assembly. Regarding the kinematic analysis of the wrist during robotic-assisted tasks, a significant posture improvement of 20–45% was registered (considering the angular deviations relative to the neutral wrist position). The results obtained by direct measurements simultaneously reflect the workload and individual characteristics. The current study highlights the importance of an in-field instrumented assessment of musculoskeletal risk and the limitations of the system applied (e.g., unsuitable for tracking the motion of small joints, such as the fingers).
A New European Bauhaus for a Culture of Transversality and Sustainability
Authors: Rosado-García María Jesús , Kubus Renata , Argüelles-Bustillo Ramón , García-García María Jesús
Published: October 2021

This article provides a critical study of a New European Bauhaus initiative in the context of transversality, relational nature and sustainability of construction, architecture and civil engineering. Social and environmental factors in this ecosystem of innovation are highlighted, as well as the perspectives of actors within it. The relationships between art, technology and science of historical Bauhaus are assessed. The investigation of transversality was carried out using a visual tool developed by the authors, CATI, considering sustainability as the backbone. The New European Bauhaus is a pool of innovation that is supported by governments, academia, industry, society and the (natural) environment. It aims at social, environmental and cultural sustainability and includes ideas of social transformation. It is necessary to absorb the impact and overwhelming cultural consequences of previous and current Industrial Revolutions, principally relying on cyber–physical systems to generate spaces and collective intelligence. The climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the need for new approaches, expanding the concept of smart cities to smart territories, taking into account participation in society and general inclusivity.
Microwave Sintering Rapid Synthesis of Nano/Micron β-SiC from Waste Lithium Battery Graphite and Photovoltaic Silicon to Achieve Carbon Reduction
Authors: Zhao Min , Chen Qin , Johnson Michael , Awasthi Abhishek Kumar , Huang Qing , Gu Weihua , Zhang Chenglong , Bai Jianfeng , Tian Zhen , Li Ruyan , Wang Jingwei
Published: October 2021

The paper describes one promising method and approach for the recycling, reuse, and co-resource treatment of waste photovoltaic silicon and lithium battery anode graphite. Specifically, this work considers the preparation of nano/micron silicon carbide (SiC) from waste resources. Using activated carbon as a microwave susceptor over a very short timeframe, this research paper shows that nano/micron β-SiC can be successfully synthesized using microwave sintering technology. The used sintering temperature is significantly faster and more energy-efficient than traditional processes. The research results show that the β-SiC particle growth morphology greatly affected by the microwave sintering time. In a short microwave sintering time, the morphology of the β-SiC product is in the form of nano/micron clusters. The clusters tended to be regenerated into β-SiC nanorods after appropriately extending the microwave sintering time. In the context of heat conversion and resource saving, the comprehensive CO2 emission reduction is significantly higher than that of the traditional SiC production method.
A Review of Forest Ecosystem Vulnerability and Resilience: Implications for the Rocky Desertification Control
Authors: Liu Haiyan , Xiong Kangning , Yu Yanghua , Li Tingling , Qing Yao , Wang Zhifu , Zhang Shihao
Published: October 2021

With a changing climate and socio-economic development, ecological problems are increasingly serious, research on ecosystem vulnerability and ecological resilience has become a hot topic of study for various institutions. Forests, the “lungs of the earth”, have also been damaged to varying degrees. In recent years, scholars have conducted numerous studies on the vulnerability and resilience of forest ecosystems, but there is a lack of a systematic elaboration of them. The results of a statistical analysis of 217 related documents show: (1) the number of studies published rises wave upon wave in time series, which indicates that this area of study is still at the stage of rising; (2) the research content is concentrated in four dimensions—ecosystem vulnerability assessment, ecosystem vulnerability model prediction, ecological resilience, and management strategies—among which the ecosystem vulnerability assessment research content mainly discusses the evaluation methods and models; (3) the research areas are mainly concentrated in China and the United States, with different degrees of distribution in European countries; and (4) the research institutions are mainly the educational institutions and forestry bureaus in various countries. In addition, this paper also reveals the frontier theory of forest ecosystem vulnerability and resilience research from three aspects—theoretical research, index system, and technical methods—puts forward the problems of current research, and suggests that a universally applicable framework for forest ecosystem vulnerability and resilience research should be built in the future, and theoretical research should be strengthened to comprehensively understand the characteristics of forest ecosystems so that sustainable management strategies can be proposed according to local conditions.
Evaluation of High-Resolution Satellite-Derived Solar Radiation Data for PV Performance Simulation in East Africa
Authors: Palmer Diane , Blanchard Richard
Published: October 2021

Access to reliable, clean, modern cooking enhances life chances. One option is photovoltaic cooking systems. Accurate solar data are needed to ascertain to what extent these can satisfy the needs of local people. In this paper, we investigate how to choose the most accurate satellite-derived solar irradiance database for use in Africa. This is necessary because there is a general shortage of ground measurements for Africa. The solar data are needed to model the output of solar cooking systems, such as a solar panel, battery and electric pressure cooker. Four easily accessible global horizontal irradiation (GHI) satellite databases are validated against ground measurements using a range of statistical tests. The results demonstrate the impact of the mathematical measure used and the phenomenon of balancing errors. Fitting of the satellite model to the appropriate climate zone and/or nearby measurements improves accuracy, as does higher spatial and temporal resolution of input parameters. That said, all the four databases reviewed were found to be suitable for simulating PV yield in East Africa.
A Review on Indoor Environment Quality of Indian School Classrooms
Authors: Kapoor Nishant Raj , Kumar Ashok , Alam Tabish , Kumar Anuj , Kulkarni Kishor S. , Blecich Paolo
Published: October 2021

The progress of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) research in school buildings has increased profusely in the last two decades and the interest in this area is still growing worldwide. IEQ in classrooms impacts the comfort, health, and productivity of students as well as teachers. This article systematically discusses IEQ parameters related to studies conducted in Indian school classrooms during the last fifteen years. Real-time research studies conducted on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), Thermal Comfort (TC), Acoustic Comfort (AcC), and Visual Comfort (VC) in Indian school classrooms from July 2006 to March 2021 are considered to gain insight into the existing research methodologies. This review article indicates that IEQ parameter studies in Indian school buildings are tortuous, strewn, inadequate, and unorganized. There is no literature review available on studies conducted on IEQ parameters in Indian school classrooms. The results infer that in India, there is no well-established method to assess the indoor environmental condition of classrooms in school buildings to date. Indian school classrooms are bleak and in dire need of energy-efficient modifications that maintain good IEQ for better teaching and learning outcomes. The prevailing COVID-19 Pandemic, Artificial Intelligence (AI), National Education Policy (NEP), Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), Internet of Things (IoT), and Green Schools (GS) are also discussed to effectively link existing conditions with the future of IEQ research in Indian school classrooms.
Towards Equity in Micromobility: Spatial Analysis of Access to Bikes and Scooters amongst Disadvantaged Populations
Authors: Aman Javad J. C. , Zakhem Myriam , Smith-Colin Janille
Published: October 2021

In recent years, cities around the world have launched various micromobility programs to offer more convenient and efficient mobility options that make transit networks more accessible. However, the question of whether micromobility services are accessible to and equitably distributed amongst all populations still remains unanswered. In this study, we investigate the spatial accessibility of disadvantaged communities, such as racial and ethnic minorities, low-income populations, and transit-dependent populations, to scooter and bike services. The ultimate goal of this study is to examine associations between the level of access to bikes and scooters and the racial and social characteristics of communities throughout the City of Austin, Texas. To achieve this goal, first, equity analysis with a Lorenz curve was performed to understand how bike and scooter accessibility is distributed among the population. Then, both Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) models were generated to explore factors associated with bike and scooter accessibility. The analysis of the residuals showed more consistent results in the GWR models than in the OLS models. The equity analysis with the Lorenz curve conducted herein reveals extreme inequity in access to micromobility services. Almost 80 percent of residents have no access to bikes and scooters. Access is even worse for transit-dependent people when compared to the general population. The regression models further revealed that areas with a higher proportion of Black residents were less likely to have access to both bikes and scooters, yet positive associations were found for both bike and scooter accessibility and low-income populations. Increased understanding of spatial access to bikes and scooters can support ongoing efforts to deliver equitable transportation systems, improve transportation alternatives for disadvantaged populations, and support future policy actions related to bike and scooter services.
Factors Influencing Pile Friction Bearing Capacity: Proposing a Novel Procedure Based on Gradient Boosted Tree Technique
Authors: Huat Chia Yu , Moosavi Seyed Mohammad Hossein , Mohammed Ahmed Salih , Armaghani Danial Jahed , Ulrikh Dmitrii Vladimirovich , Monjezi Masoud , Hin Lai Sai
Published: October 2021

In geotechnical engineering, there is a need to propose a practical, reliable and accurate way for the estimation of pile bearing capacity. A direct measure of this parameter is difficult and expensive to achieve on-site, and needs a series of machine settings. This study aims to introduce a process for selecting the most important parameters in the area of pile capacity and to propose several tree-based techniques for forecasting the pile bearing capacity, all of which are fully intelligent. In terms of the first objective, pile length, hammer drop height, pile diameter, hammer weight, and N values of the standard penetration test were selected as the most important factors for estimating pile capacity. These were then used as model inputs in different tree-based techniques, i.e., decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), and gradient boosted tree (GBT) in order to predict pile friction bearing capacity. This was implemented with the help of 130 High Strain Dynamic Load tests which were conducted in the Kepong area, Malaysia. The developed tree-based models were assessed using various statistical indices and the best performance with the lowest system error was obtained by the GBT technique. The coefficient of determination (R2) values of 0.901 and 0.816 for the train and test parts of the GBT model, respectively, showed the power and capability of this tree-based model in estimating pile friction bearing capacity. The GBT model and the input selection process proposed in this research can be introduced as a new, powerful, and practical methodology to predict pile capacity in real projects.
The Effects of Green SCM Implementation on Business Performance in SMEs: A Longitudinal Study in Electronics Industry
Authors: Kim Sung Tae , Lee Hong-Hee , Lim Seongbae
Published: October 2021

The evolution of green supply chain management (GSCM) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remains underexplored in the literature. Specifically, this study assesses the changes in the effects of GSCM implementation on employee job satisfaction, operational and relational efficiency, and business performance of SMEs that serve as suppliers to large buying firms. The present study collected survey data from 193 electronics manufacturers in South Korea twice in a seven-year time gap, evaluated the reliability and the validity of individual measures, and employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the model hypotheses. The results commonly found in the two studies with the time gap are (1) the positive effects of GSCM implementation on employee job satisfaction and operational and relational efficiency, (2) the positive effects of both operational and relational efficiency on business performance, and (3) the positive relationship between operational efficiency and relationship efficiency. Moreover, the positive effect of employee job satisfaction on business performance is found only in the latter study (Study II). The results suggest that GSCM implementation is a critical factor for SME suppliers to establish sustainable long-term relationships with buying firms in the electronics industry, and it also helps manufacturers improve employee job satisfaction and operational efficiency over time. The present study is believed to enhance an understanding of key factors in association with GSCM that positively influences the business performance of SME suppliers.
May China Fish in the Arctic Ocean?
Authors: Chang Yen-Chiang , Khan Mehran Idris
Published: October 2021

In addition to the traditional so-called Arctic states, non-Artic states and some other international organisations are now showing a growing interest in this area. China, for example, has achieved some progress, since becoming an Arctic Council permanent observer, through participation in resource development in the region and strengthening its bilateral relations with the Arctic states. The present study examines China’s Arctic policy and its implications for the governance of the Arctic Ocean. It also provides an insight into the existing relevant international legal instruments and examines China’s interest in the participation, governance, and resource protection activities in the Arctic Ocean region, to successfully implement Chinese Arctic policy. To this end, the study examines the connection between the “white paper” and “China’s Arctic Policy”, in the context of executing the “Belt and Road Initiative”, in particular the “Arctic Silk Road”. The study concludes that China intends to perform a dynamic role in governing the Arctic Ocean, as a less challenging but cooperative partner in this region.
Mind the Gap: A Policy Gap Analysis of Programmes Promoting Timber Construction in Nordic Countries
Authors: Maniak-Huesser Martyna , Tellnes Lars G. F. , Zea Escamilla Edwin
Published: October 2021

The construction sector is one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and consumers of energy, making it one of the most relevant sectors when planning reduction strategies and policies. The use of timber in the built environment has been identified as a key strategy to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction sector. In this paper, we use the concept of policy gap analysis to identified underlying challenges in the implementation of timber construction on three Nordic countries, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. We carried out a series of semi-structured interviews with experts from the countries of study. The interviews came from industry, government, and construction companies. The use of the gap analysis approach was useful not only to identify areas that are being targeted but also those areas that were not covered by any programme at the time of study. The results showed that the studied programmes have a large level of coverage and congruence with the identified challenges. Moreover, they also showed that challenges related to fire safety regulations and insurance policies for timber buildings still need to be addressed, whereas the challenges of high price variability and lack of promotion are being addressed by multiple programmes. With this work, we have seen how timber construction is gaining momentum and how the challenges have been addressed systematically.
Conflicts and Sustainability of Coexistence in Secondary Education: An Ethnographic Study in Spain
Authors: Sánchez Vera Fulgencio , Martínez Guirao Javier Eloy , Tellez Infantes Anastasia , Antón Hurtado Fina
Published: October 2021

In the last two decades, school coexistence in Spain has suffered an important deterioration with consequences in the quality of working life and the health of teachers, as well as in the academic performance of students. Educational administrations have promoted actions to improve it; however, the results have not been positive. To give a more adequate answer we must know in depth the scope of the problem. The objective of this study was to analyze the most common types of conflicts, the degree of incidence of each one and how they are distributed among students, as well as to determine the most important underlying cause according to the teachers. The field work was carried out during the 2018/2019 academic year, in a Secondary School located in the south of the Valencian Community (Spain). The student population was 1040, 532 women and 508 men. The research followed a mixed, qualitative, and quantitative methodology, making use of in-depth interviews with the teaching staff, participant observation and a quantitative analysis of 1501 incidents that were reported throughout the academic year. The results show us differences by sex: 84% of the incidents are produced by male students and 16% by female students. Incident distribution is very uneven among the different courses. Of the center’s problems, 88.14% are concentrated in the first two years of Compulsory Secondary Education. It is remarkable that 51% of the problems are generated by only 3% of the students, mostly men and with a significant academic disinterest; therefore, it is a very small number of students, but with a great impact on coexistence.
On Fuzzy Extended Hexagonal b-Metric Spaces with Applications to Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Zubair Sumaiya Tasneem , Gopalan Kalpana , Abdeljawad Thabet , Abdalla Bahaaeldin
Published: October 2021

The focus of this research article is to investigate the notion of fuzzy extended hexagonal b-metric spaces as a technique of broadening the fuzzy rectangular b-metric spaces and extended fuzzy rectangular b-metric spaces as well as to derive the Banach fixed point theorem and several novel fixed point theorems with certain contraction mappings. The analog of hexagonal inequality in fuzzy extended hexagonal b-metric spaces is specified as follows utilizing the function b(c,d): mhc,d,t+s+u+v+w≥mhc,e,tb(c,d)∗mhe,f,sb(c,d)∗mhf,g,ub(c,d)∗mhg,k,vb(c,d)∗mhk,d,wb(c,d) for all t,s,u,v,w>0 and c≠e,e≠f,f≠g,g≠k,k≠d. Further to that, this research attempts to provide a feasible solution for the Caputo type nonlinear fractional differential equations through effective applications of our results obtained.
The Hamstring/Quadriceps Ratio in Young Men and Its Relationship with the Functional Symmetry of the Lower Limb in Young Men
Authors: Tabor Piotr , Iwańska Dagmara , Mazurkiewicz Anna , Urbanik Czesław , Mastalerz Andrzej
Published: October 2021

The relationship of muscle strength symmetry with the symmetry of dynamic activities such as vertical jump (CMJ) and with symmetry of ranges of motion is ambiguous. Therefore, the aim of the current investigation was to assess the relationship between the flexor/extensor strength ratio and the range of motion of the knee joints and VGRF during jump in a sample of young healthy men. The sample consisted of 64 healthy, active men. The flexor and extensor torques and ranges of active and passive mobility of both knee joints were measured. Vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) was measured using two platforms. There were no significant correlations between the symmetry of muscle strength and the symmetry of ranges of motion and the symmetry of the VGRF. Therefore, using the cluster analysis, 4 subgroups were distinguished due to the size of the flexor/extensor ratio (H/Q ratio). Significant differences were found in the level of strength of the knee flexors between the clusters. Detailed analysis of muscle strength symmetry and VGRF symmetry seem to confirm the Leading Joint Hypothesis theory of motion control in multi-joint systems. It was found that the process of controlling movement by the nervous system compensates for the small asymmetries in the level of muscle strength in the knee flexors and extensors, as well as small asymmetries of VGRF.
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) in Mussels from the Eastern Cantabrian Sea: Toxicity, Toxin Profile, and Co-Occurrence with Cyclic Imines
Authors: Rodríguez-Cabo Tamara , Moroño Ángeles , Arévalo Fabiola , Correa Jorge , Lamas Juan Pablo , Rossignoli Araceli E. , Blanco Juan
Published: October 2021

In the late autumn of 2018 and 2019, some samples taken by the official monitoring systems of Cantabria and the Basque Country were found to be paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP)-positive using a mouse bioassay. To confirm the presence of PSP toxins and to obtain their profile, these samples were analyzed using an optimized version of the Official Method AOAC 2005.06 and using LC–MS/MS (HILIC). The presence of some PSP toxins (PSTs) in that geographical area (~600 km of coast) was confirmed for the first time. The estimated toxicities ranged from 170 to 983 µg STXdiHCl eq.·kg−1 for the AOAC 2005.06 method and from 150 to 1094 µg STXdiHCl eq.·kg−1 for the LC–MS/MS method, with a good correlation between both methods (r2 = 0.94). Most samples contained STX, GTX2,3, and GTX1,4, and some also had NEO and dcGTX2. All of the PSP-positive samples also contained gymnodimine A, with the concentrations of the two groups of toxins being significantly correlated. The PSP toxin profiles suggest that a species of the genus Alexandrium was likely the causative agent. The presence of gymnodimine A suggests that A. ostenfeldii could be involved, but the contribution of a mixture of Alexandrium species cannot be ruled out.
IRE1-Mediated Unfolded Protein Response Promotes the Replication of Tick-Borne Flaviviruses in a Virus and Cell-Type Dependent Manner
Authors: Breitkopf Veronika J. M. , Dobler Gerhard , Claus Peter , Naim Hassan Y. , Steffen Imke
Published: October 2021

Tick-borne flaviviruses (TBFV) can cause severe neurological complications in humans, but differences in tissue tropism and pathogenicity have been described for individual virus strains. Viral protein synthesis leads to the induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR) within infected cells. The IRE1 pathway has been hypothesized to support flavivirus replication by increasing protein and lipid biogenesis. Here, we investigated the role of the UPR in TBFV infection in human astrocytes, neuronal and intestinal cell lines that had been infected with tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) strains Neudoerfl and MucAr-HB-171/11 as well as Langat virus (LGTV). Both TBEV strains replicated better than LGTV in central nervous system (CNS) cells. TBEV strain MucAr-HB-171/11, which is associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, replicated best in intestinal cells. All three viruses activated the inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) pathway via the X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1). Interestingly, the neurotropic TBEV strain Neudoerfl induced a strong upregulation of XBP1 in all cell types, but with faster kinetics in CNS cells. In contrast, TBEV strain MucAr-HB-171/11 failed to activate the IRE1 pathway in astrocytes. The low pathogenic LGTV led to a mild induction of IRE1 signaling in astrocytes and intestinal cells. When cells were treated with IRE1 inhibitors prior to infection, TBFV replication in astrocytes was significantly reduced. This confirms a supporting role of the IRE1 pathway for TBFV infection in relevant viral target cells and suggests a correlation between viral tissue tropism and the cell-type dependent induction of the unfolded protein response.
Estimating Vaccine Confidence Levels among Healthcare Staff and Students of a Tertiary Institution in South Africa
Authors: Oduwole Elizabeth O. , Esterhuizen Tonya M. , Mahomed Hassan , Wiysonge Charles S.
Published: October 2021

Healthcare workers were the first group scheduled to receive COVID-19 vaccines when they became available in South Africa. Therefore, estimating vaccine confidence levels and intention to receive COVID-19 vaccines among healthcare workers ahead of the national vaccination roll-out was imperative. We conducted an online survey from 4 February to 7 March 2021, to assess vaccine sentiments and COVID-19 vaccine intentions among healthcare staff and students at a tertiary institution in South Africa. We enrolled 1015 participants (74.7% female). Among the participants, 89.5% (confidence interval (CI) 87.2–91.4) were willing to accept a COVID-19 vaccine, 95.4% (CI 93.9–96.6) agreed that vaccines are important for them, 95.4% (CI 93.8–96.6) that vaccines are safe, 97.4% (CI 96.2–98.3) that vaccines are effective, and 96.1% (CI 94.6–97.2) that vaccines are compatible with religion. Log binomial regression revealed statistically significant positive associations between COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and the belief that vaccines are safe (relative risk (RR) 32.2, CI 4.67–221.89), effective (RR 21.4, CI 3.16–145.82), important for children (RR 3.5, CI 1.78–6.99), important for self (RR 18.5, CI 4.78–71.12), or compatible with religion (RR 2.2, CI 1.46–3.78). The vaccine confidence levels of the study respondents were highly positive. Nevertheless, this could be further enhanced by targeted interventions.
GIS-Based Three-Dimensional SPH Simulation for the 11 April 2018 Yabakei Landslide at Oita Nakatsu, Japan
Authors: Han Zheng , Yang Fan , Li Yange , Dou Jie , Chen Ningsheng , Hu Guisheng , Chen Guangqi , Xu Linrong
Published: October 2021

Landslides are usually triggered by strong earthquakes, heavy rainfalls, or intensive human activities in common wisdom. However, an unexpected landslide occurred in the Yabakei area, Nakatsu, Oita, Japan, at the pre-dawn hour 3:50 a.m. on 11 April 2018, without any accompanying rainfall and earthquake records during the event. This catastrophic landslide was 200 m in width, 110 m in height, and 60,000 m3 in mass volume, damaging four residential buildings with fatalities of six residents at the landslide toe. Field investigation was conducted immediately to identify geological setting, hydrological condition, and landslide geomorphological characteristics. Key findings speculate that infiltration of groundwater stored in the internal fractures led to the swelling and breaking of illite and askanite in the weathered sediment rocks, resulting in the failure of the Yabakei landslide. To reproduce and explore the dynamic process of this landslide event, based on spatial GIS data, we applied the proposed three-dimensional, Herschel-Bulkley-Papanastasiou rheology model-based smooth particle hydrodynamics (HBP-SPH) method to simulate the landslide dynamic process. Buildings in the landslide area are covered by a set of surfaced cells (SC) to analyze the mass impact on the residential buildings. Results showed good accordance between observation and simulation by the proposed SC-HBP-SPH method. The landslide impact force to the residential buildings could be up to 4224.89 kN, as indicated by the simulation.
Design and Year-Long Performance Evaluation of a Pump as Turbine (PAT) Pico-Hydropower Energy Recovery Device in a Water Network
Authors: Novara Daniele , McNabola Aonghus
Published: October 2021

Despite the existence of a vast scientific literature on the subject of hydraulic energy recovery from water pipelines by means of micro- and pico-hydropower using pumps as turbines (PAT), such technology has found a very limited application thus far in practice. In fact, the selection of a pump as turbine for a specific site is a matter of nontrivial trade-offs between a variety of technical and economic parameters and this aspect has not been sufficiently captured and integrated into a reliable, proven, and practical selection methodology available to designers and practitioners. Hence, a multi-objective PAT selection software was developed and utilized to design a 3 kW energy recovery installation at a rural Irish water network. The performance of the scheme was monitored over 13 consecutive months, resulting in the generation of nearly 16,000 kWh of electricity and validating the output from the PAT selection software.
Urine collection devices to reduce contamination in urine samples for diagnosis of uncomplicated UTI: a single-blind randomised controlled trial in primary care
Authors: Hayward Gail , Mort Sam , Yu Ly-Mee , Voysey Merryn , Glogowska Margaret , Croxson Caroline , Yang Yaling , Allen Julie , Cook Johanna , Tearne Sarah , Blakey Nicola , Tonner Sharon , Sharma Vanshika , Patil Meena , Kelly Sadie , Butler Christopher C
Published: October 2021

Background

Urine collection devices (UCDs) are being marketed and used in clinical settings to reduce urine sample contamination, despite inadequate supporting evidence.

Aim

To determine whether UCDs, compared with standardised instructions for urine sample collection, reduce the proportion of contaminated samples.

Design and setting

Single-blind randomised controlled trial in general practices in England and Wales.

Method

Women aged ≥18 years presenting with symptoms attributable to urinary tract infection (UTI) were randomised (1:1:1) to use either a Peezy UCD or a Whiz Midstream UCD, or were given standardised verbal instructions (SVI) for midstream sample collection. The primary outcome was the proportion of urine samples reported as contaminated by microbiology laboratory analysis.

Results

A total of 1264 women (Peezy UCD: n = 424; Whiz Midstream UCD: n = 421; SVI: n = 419) were randomised between October 2016 and August 2018. Ninety women were excluded from the primary analysis as a result of ineligibility or lack of primary outcome data, leaving 1174 (Peezy UCD: n = 381; Whiz Midstream UCD: n = 390; SVI: n = 403) for intention-to-treat analysis. The proportion of contaminated samples was 26.5% with the Peezy UCD, 28.2% with the Whiz Midstream UCD, and 29.0% with SVI (relative risk: Peezy UCD versus SVI = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.76 to 1.09, P = 0.32; Whiz Midstream UCD versus SVI = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.97 to 1.20, P = 0.82). There were 100 (25.3%) device failures with the Peezy UCD and 35 (8.8%) with the Whiz Midstream UCD; the proportion of contaminated samples was similar after device failure samples were excluded.

Conclusion

Neither the Peezy UCD nor the Whiz Midstream UCD reduced urine sample contamination when used by women presenting to primary care with suspected UTI. Their use cannot be recommended for this purpose in this setting.
Expediente
Authors: Coelho Graziele
Published: October 2021

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Engaging Stakeholders in Extension Strategic Planning
Authors: Elliott-Engel Jeremy , Westfall-Rudd Donna , Corkins Chelsea
Published: October 2021

Strategic planning is the deliberative, disciplined effort to produce decisions and actions that shape and guide what an organization is, what it does, and why. [State] Cooperative Extension invested considerable time and effort in conducting a statewide process to engage internal and external stakeholders and nonusers. The strategic planning steering committee balanced negotiations in defining the process, determining who should be involved, and how to develop goals. The semi-structured interviews with the steering committee members, generated three themes: effectiveness of the team enhanced results; context and process can inhibit stakeholder participation, the steering committee needs a commitment to diverse voices.
Developmental Evaluation for Extension Programs
Authors: Donaldson Joseph , Franck Karen
Published: October 2021

Logic models have garnered acclaim for their usefulness and disdain for the time required to create good ones. We argue that the orderly, analytical nature of logic models is opposed to many Extension programs, and we explain developmental evaluation, an approach that highlights ongoing development, adaptations, and rapid response. We use our recently completed evaluation of the 4-H Science: Building a 4-H Career Pathway Initiative to demonstrate developmental evaluation’s key principles. Recommendations for Extension include the need to embrace developmental evaluation for program planning and evaluation and for Extension evaluators to conduct case studies using developmental evaluation and other approaches.
Engaging Corporate Partners to Build Your 4-H Program: Tips for Success
Authors: Staffen Marissa , Meek Amanda , Hecht Beth , Anderson Patricia
Published: October 2021

This article discusses best practices learned from a corporate partnership between Bayer, 4-H county programs in Missouri, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania; and National 4-H Council. This corporate partnership has blossomed into a multi-level engagement that is offering unique opportunities for both Bayer and 4-H programs at the local and state level. Authors share lessons learned that can be utilized for colleagues to leverage mutually beneficial corporate partnership to expand their work in the community.
Nuevo registro de la chinche del maple Boisea trivittata (Say, 1825) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) en Chile
Authors: Faúndez Eduardo I. , Carvajal Mariom A. , Santibáñez Gonzalo
Published: October 2021

Se confirma la naturalización y se entregan nuevos registros de Boisea trivittata en Chile, extendiendo su distribución a la Región de Valparaíso. Se discute su avance y problemas de identificación, se incluyen una diagnosis de la ninfa de último estado e ilustraciones de esta especie.
New Advances on Fuzzy Linear Programming Problem by Semi-Infinite Programming Approach
Authors: ZAVİEH Hadi , NASSERI Hadi , TRIKI Chefi
Published: October 2021

As we are faced with more uncertainty problems in the real world, it is necessary to ‎provide ‎models that can provide appropriate solutions for dealing with these issues. In this ‎study, we ‎ proposed a new approach to solving linear programming problem in the fuzzy ‎environment ‎based on solving ‎a related multi-objective model. This kind of problem can be ‎reduced to a ‎fuzzy linear semi-infinite programming problem. In this way, we present a new ‎mixed ‎Multi-Objective Linear Semi-Infinite Programming (MOLSIP) model to solve the ‎main ‎problem, furthermore, as a practical case, we consider a fuzzy Data Envelopment ‎Analysis ‎‎(DEA) model which is a concern to‎ an evaluation of the performance of Decision-‎Making ‎Units (DMUs) in uncertainty environment, The new models show the advantage of ‎our ‎method over the previous ones in terms of certainty. Finally, numerical examples ‎are ‎included to illustrate the suggested solution procedure.‎
Psychodynamic personal predictors of alcohol addiction propensity for lawenforcement officers
Authors: Shapoval Valentin
Published: October 2021

The article is devoted to the study of personality predictors of alcohol addiction propensity of internal affairs bodies employees within innovative psychodynamic G. Ammon’s (psychoanalytic) approach and structural-dynamic concept of personality. The novelty of the research is the original author’s psychodiagnostic toolkit – Psychodynamically oriented personality questionnaire (POLO) «Resource» and an expert psychodiagnostic system for assessing and predicting the professional psychological health of lawenforcers based on the assessment of central self-functions of the individual rooted in the unconscious.

The relevance of the study is due to a significant number of violations of job discipline and legality. That includes accidents committed by employees while intoxicated, often with serious consequences and criminal prosecution, as well as the fairly widespread and concealed cases of alcohol addictions among lawenforcement officers. Another important factor is lack of effective methods of psychodiagnostics, psychocorrection and psychoprophylaxis. The study is based on a comparative analysis of 2 representative polar groups of internal affairs officers: the one verified prone and another of not prone to alcohol abuse. The study revealed that employees prone to alcohol addiction demonstrate a number of reliable psychodynamic personality characteristics that can be viewed as predictors: destructive aggression, deficit fear, deficient internal self-delimitation, as well as the general predominance of destructive-deficient components of the personal self-structure; indicators of psychosomatic, behavioral and neurotic maladaptation, and the integral scale of the general socio-psycho-somatic problem of POLO «Resource».

The practical significance of the study is determined by the development of psychodynamic predictors and a special psychodiagnostic scale of propensity for alcohol addiction based on the Resource POLO, which can be used as an effective psychodiagnostic tool when conducting screening and monitoring psychoprophylactic examinations of employees and individual psychocorrectional work within the framework of the psychological support system of employees.
Legal Restrictions for Persons Who Have Committed Crimes
Authors: Nechepurenko Aleksey
Published: October 2021

The approaches of the Russian lawmaker to institute control over law for persons who have committed

crimes are analyzed in the article. The paper investigates the fact that given legal restrictions are used

as retaliatory measures not only for those who have committed crimes. Having manifested the danger

for the society the criminal suffers from other restrictions of the rights during the court procedure

and furthermore. Moreover, many legal restrictions are applied not only to the persons who are under

trial or have a criminal record but also to those who are relieved of criminal responsibility due to nonrehabilitating

circumstances. Key law positions of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation on

arguable points of lawmaker’s introduction of law restrictions for the people who have committed crimes

are formulated. Conclusions are drawn that many legal restrictions for such category of people concerning

their labour activities contradict each other. Recommendations of strategic and tactical character are

given, such as to reform the institute of previous convictions and to make universal law restrictions for

those who have committed crimes. The realization of the tactical aspect is connected with the procedure

of giving more precise definitions to many federal laws dealing with legal restrictions for this category of

people. In particular, the question is about complete equality of prohibitions when joining and serving

in law enforcement agencies, about federal unique list of discharge from criminal responsibility which is

the reason to prohibit service in law enforcement agencies and other agencies.
Perkembangan Riset Akuntansi Nilai Tambah Syariah
Authors:   Sekolah Tinggi Ekonomi Islam SEBI Indonesia, Hidayatulloh Rohmat , Mardian Sepky ,   Sekolah Tinggi Ekonomi Islam SEBI Indonesia
Published: October 2021

This study reviews research around sharia Value Added/Value Added (VA) accounting. This study uses descriptive qualitative analysis based on 100 samples of publication of selected journal articles related to VA, both national and international journals. The published samples of journal articles were published for the last 25 years from 1994 to 2018. The results show that value-added accounting research is still dominated by the theme of discussion (issues) about Value Added Statement/Reporting (54%), followed by discussion issues regarding Value Added (22%), then issues of institutional discussion (15%) and about management (9%). Indonesia, United States, United Kingdom and South Africa are the most studied areas, while the largest publication areas are Indonesia, United States, United Kingdom and India. Furthermore, comparative quantitative research and mixed methods are still less than the qualitative research approach. In addition, VA development periodization shows that each year it continues to grow from the initial sharia Value Added statement (SVAS) model, SVAS reconstruction, SVAS critical analysis, analysis of SVAS implementation, to improvement of the SVAS model.
THYROID FUNCTION TESTS: A REVIEW
Authors: Sankhla Vasudev , Deep Aman
Published: October 2021

Thyroid function tests are one of the most common endocrine panels in general practice because a good understanding of when to order them,
indications for treatment are important for the optimal treatment of thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) should be the rst
test to be performed on any patient with suspected thyroid dysfunction and in follow-up of individuals on treatment. It is useful as a rst-line test
because even small changes in thyroid function are sufcient to cause a signicant increase in TSH secretion. Thyroxine levels may be assessed in a
patient with hyperthyroidism, to determine the severity of hyperthyroxinemia. Antithyroid peroxidase measurements should be considered while
evaluating patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and can facilitate the identication of autoimmune thyroiditis during the evaluation of nodular
thyroid disease. The measurement of TSH receptor antibody must be considered when conrmation of Graves’ disease is needed and radioactive
iodine uptake cannot be done.
AN INTRA-OPERATIVE TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC STUDY TO COMPARE THE EFFECT OF SEVOFLURANE AND ISOFLURANE ON LEFT VENTRICULAR DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE UNDERGOING CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTING USING CARDIOPULMONARY BYPASS
Authors: Srivastava Lini , Haripada Das , Soumyadip Pal , Gupta Sampa Dutta , Das Aditi
Published: October 2021

An Intra-operative Transesophageal Echocardiographic Study to Compare The Effect of Sevourane and Isourane on Left Ventricular
Dysfunction In Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Using Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Context : Diastolic dysfunction has been increasingly recognized as an important cause of congestive heart failure (CHF) and resultant morbidity.
About 50% patients with CHF have 'diastolic heart failure' in spite of a normal systolic function with preserved ejection fraction. The widely used
volatile anesthetic agents, Isourane and Sevourane, are considered important components of balanced anesthesia technique. However their
effects on left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function have not been precisely dened. This study was designed to quantify and compare
their effects on left ventricular function by TEE before start of CPB.
Aims : To compare the effects of Isourane and Sevourane on echocardiographic LVsystolic and diastolic parameters.
Settings and design : After obtaining institutional ethics committee clearance and informed consent from 60 patients operated within my study
period was included . Data were collected after induction and just before going on bypass.
Materials and Methods : After inducing the patients with institutional protocol one group was given isourane(Group I) and another group was
given sevourane(Group S), both at 1MAC. TEE parameters measuring LVsystolic and diastolic functions were done.
Statistical analysis : Data were analysed by Epi Info (TM) 7.2.2.2.
Result and conclusion :Isourane was better than sevourane in comparism of systolic and diastolic dysfunction.
COVID-19 AND PNEUMOTHORAX: A CASE SERIES
Authors: Shankar Boopathi , Narasimhan Meenakshi , Vennilavan Naveen
Published: October 2021

Covid19 causing variant of pulmonary symptoms and complications, in this case series we reported about the observations made in 9 cases of
COVID 19 associated with pneumothorax. Pneumothorax was predominantly seen in severe pneumonia patients with the mean age of 44.613.6
years, with male preponderance. Pneumothorax presented in different scenarios, 3 (33.3%) admitted with presentation of pneumothorax, 4
(44.4%) developed during the course of the illness and 2 (22.2%) after mechanical ventilation. The mean duration of hospital stays prolonged in all
cases. Out of 9 cases, 3 were managed conservatively and 6 by intercostal chest tube drainage. Mortality was observed to be 55.5% among 9
patients. Pneumothorax acts as an independent risk factor for severe covid19 infection in worsening oxygen status, prolonged hospital stay leading
to morbid outcomes. So early diagnosis, appropriate treatment modality and optimized ventilatory strategies can limit the morbidity and mortality
in COVID19 patients with pneumothorax.
AN UNUSUAL CASE OF NEW ONSET NEPHROPATHY IN A PATIENT OF
PSORIASIS: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Authors: Punia VPS , Shetty Apoorva , Prashant Prashant , Bharti Akash , Raman Mishra Praveen , Kumar Prem , Lamba Mahak
Published: October 2021

Psoriasis is known to cause chronic inammatory disorder of the skin through an immune mediated mechanism, it may be complicated by different
types of glomerular lesions. Three different mechanisms have been implicated by which psoriasis can cause renal damage: immune-mediated renal
damage, drug-related renal damage and chronic renal damage. This report presents a case of 35 years old male patient with extensive psoriasis, who
presented to our hospital with nephrotic syndrome