bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breast lesions classifications of mammographic images using a deep convolutional neural network-based approach
Authors: Mahmood Tariq , Li Jianqiang , Pei Yan , Akhtar Faheem , Rehman Mujeeb Ur , Wasti Shahbaz Hassan
Published: January 2022

Breast cancer is one of the worst illnesses, with a higher fatality rate among women globally. Breast cancer detection needs accurate mammography interpretation and analysis, which is challenging for radiologists owing to the intricate anatomy of the breast and low image quality. Advances in deep learning-based models have significantly improved breast lesions’ detection, localization, risk assessment, and categorization. This study proposes a novel deep learning-based convolutional neural network (ConvNet) that significantly reduces human error in diagnosing breast malignancy tissues. Our methodology is most effective in eliciting task-specific features, as feature learning is coupled with classification tasks to achieve higher performance in automatically classifying the suspicious regions in mammograms as benign and malignant. To evaluate the model’s validity, 322 raw mammogram images from Mammographic Image Analysis Society (MIAS) and 580 from Private datasets were obtained to extract in-depth features, the intensity of information, and the high likelihood of malignancy. Both datasets are magnificently improved through preprocessing, synthetic data augmentation, and transfer learning techniques to attain the distinctive combination of breast tumors. The experimental findings indicate that the proposed approach achieved remarkable training accuracy of 0.98, test accuracy of 0.97, high sensitivity of 0.99, and an AUC of 0.99 in classifying breast masses on mammograms. The developed model achieved promising performance that helps the clinician in the speedy computation of mammography, breast masses diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up of disease progression. Moreover, it has the immense potential over retrospective approaches in consistency feature extraction and precise lesions classification.
The Cardiac Care Bridge transitional care program for the management of older high-risk cardiac patients: An economic evaluation alongside a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Verweij Lotte , Petri Adrianne C. M. , MacNeil-Vroomen Janet L. , Jepma Patricia , Latour Corine H. M. , Peters Ron J. G. , Scholte op Reimer Wilma J. M. , Buurman Bianca M. , Bosmans Judith E.
Published: January 2022

Objective

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the Cardiac Care Bridge (CCB) nurse-led transitional care program in older (≥70 years) cardiac patients compared to usual care.

Methods

The intervention group (n = 153) received the CCB program consisting of case management, disease management and home-based cardiac rehabilitation in the transition from hospital to home on top of usual care and was compared with the usual care group (n = 153). Outcomes included a composite measure of first all-cause unplanned hospital readmission or mortality, Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) and societal costs within six months follow-up. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputation. Statistical uncertainty surrounding Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratios (ICERs) was estimated by using bootstrapped seemingly unrelated regression.

Results

No significant between group differences in the composite outcome of readmission or mortality nor in societal costs were observed. QALYs were statistically significantly lower in the intervention group, mean difference -0.03 (95% CI: -0.07; -0.02). Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves showed that the maximum probability of the intervention being cost-effective was 0.31 at a Willingness To Pay (WTP) of €0,00 and 0.14 at a WTP of €50,000 per composite outcome prevented and 0.32 and 0.21, respectively per QALY gained.

Conclusion

The CCB program was on average more expensive and less effective compared to usual care, indicating that the CCB program is dominated by usual care. Therefore, the CCB program cannot be considered cost-effective compared to usual care.
The implementation of a standardized optimal procedure for peripheral venous catheters’ management: Results from a multi-dimensional assessment
Authors: Schettini Fabrizio , Ferrario Lucrezia , Foglia Emanuela , Garagiola Elisabetta , Parodi Lionello , Cavagnaro Paolo , Garra Luca , Valeri Antonella , Cirone Monica , Rapetti Roberta
Published: January 2022

Peripheral Venous Catheter (PVC) is a widely used device in the hospital setting and is often associated with significant adverse events that may impair treatment administration and patient health. The aim of the present study is to define the incremental benefits related to the implementation and the standardized and simultaneous use of three disposable devices for skin antisepsis, infusion, and cleaning, assuming the hospital’s point of view, from an effectiveness, efficiency, and organizational perspective. For the achievement of the above objective, real-life data were collected by means of an observational prospective study, involving two hospitals in the Liguria Region (Northern Italy). Consecutive cases were enrolled and placed into two different scenarios: 1) use of all the three disposable devices, thus representing the scenario related to the implementation of a standardized optimal procedure (Scenario 1); 2) use of only one or two disposable devices, representing the scenario related to not being in a standardized optimal procedure (Scenario 2). For the definition of effectiveness indicators, the reason for PVC removal and the PVC-related adverse events occurrence were collected for each patient enrolled. In addition, an activity-based costing analysis grounded on a process-mapping technique was conducted to define the overall economic absorption sustained by hospitals when taking in charge patients requiring a PVC. Among the 380 patients enrolled in the study, 18% were treated with the standardized optimal procedure (Scenario 1). The two Scenarios differed in terms of number of patients for whom the PCV was removed due to the end of therapy (86.8% versus 39.40%, p-value = 0.000), with a consequent decrease in the adverse events occurrence rate. The economic evaluation demonstrated the sustainability and feasibility of implementing the standardized optimal procedure specifically related to the need for lower economic resources for the hospital management of adverse events occurred (€19.60 versus €21.71, p-value = 0.0019). An organizational advantage also emerged concerning an overall lower time to execute all the PVC-related activities (4.39 versus 5.72 minutes, p-value = 0.00). Results demonstrate the feasibility in the adoption of the standardized optimal procedure for PVC management, with significant advantages not only from a clinical point of view, but also from an organizational and economic perspective, thus being able to increase the overall operational efficiency of the hospitals.
‘A very very great part of our life’: Storytelling about the Richmond River
Authors: Wessell Adele
Published: January 2022

Acts of remembering a river may have a performative function in environmental history and debates around human impact and waterways. The process of remembering and search for meaning are shaped in the present moment when the Richmond is one of the most degraded river systems on the east coast of Australia. Imbued with sentimentality, however, residents speak to the fundamental importance of the river to their lives as they were growing up in and around Lismore. Such histories may provide context for understanding contemporary affective responses to rivers and how emotion shapes our relationships with nature more broadly.
It’s kind of a funny story: Using comedy to articulate pain
Authors: May Melody
Published: January 2022

Stories of pain stretch metaphors and similes. They infuse verbs into the narrative: stab, pulse and ache. While all of these may create a reference point in a listener’s mind, a sufferer may never be able to communicate the reality of pain’s hold on her body. And when there is no evidence – no bleeding wound to strike a visual connection, for instance – the metaphor can disappear completely. With its disappearance goes the possibility of connection. And when the pain does not go, the sufferer may begin to doubt the validity of her own body. This leads the sufferer of chronic illness into another indescribable void: isolation. However, storytellers can provide a voice for the invisible and create conversations that change cultural perceptions that perpetuate marginalization. This article argues that an effective genre to undertake on this task is comedy, and discusses the work of Jenny Lawson.
Young Adult Gothic Fiction: Monstrous Selves/Monstrous Others, Michelle J. Smith and Kristine Moruzi (eds) (2021)
Authors: Johnson-Hunt Nancy
Published: January 2022

Review of: Young Adult Gothic Fiction: Monstrous Selves/Monstrous Others, Michelle J. Smith and Kristine Moruzi (eds) (2021)

Cardiff, Wales, UK: University of Wales Press, 320 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-78683-750-9, hardback, £70 GBP

eISBN 978-1-78683-751-6, e-book, £70 GBP
Faunal Remains manipulation during the Chalcolithic in Pits 13, 16 and 54 from Monte das Cabeceiras 2 (Beja, Southern Portugal)
Authors: Almeida Nelson J. , Catarina Basílio Ana , Silva Célia , Monge Soares António , Borges Nelson
Published: January 2022

The Chalcolithic time is a period widely debated in Southwestern Iberia Late Prehistory. During the last few decades, the number of contexts known has grown, especially with the discovery and publication of several ditched enclosures from Southern Portugal. To contribute to ongoing discussions, three Chalcolithic pits –13, 16, 54– from the Complex of ditched enclosures of Monte das Monte das Cabeceiras 2, in Beja, were analysed from a zooarchaeological and taphonomical perspective. The results are combined with information from the material culture, human remains and stratigraphy in order to discuss infilling sequences. Hypothesis on the possible meaning of social practices related to the management of animals are addressed.

Bovine, caprine, swine, cervids, leporids and canids were identified with different abundances. A possible feasting or offerings of bovine –including auroch– and to a lesser extent red deer, wild boar and domestic species is suggested for pit 13, where a burial was also identified. Pottery and animal depositions were recorded in this pit, and the contiguous pit 54 that also had human remains. Pit 16 had a possible selection of horns and antlers from bovine, caprine and cervids, as well as a deposition of canid limb bones inside a large pot. The pits analysed can be framed in the wider Southwestern Iberian Peninsula phenomena of ditched enclosures where structured deposits including animal remains are recurrent.
Survivability of Clostridioides difficile spores in fermented pork summer sausage during refrigerated storage
Authors: Flock Genevieve , Yin Hsin-Bai , Chen Chi-Hung , Pellissery Abraham Joseph , Venkitanarayanan Kumar
Published: January 2022

Background and Aim: Clostridioides difficile is a spore-forming pathogen that causes serious enteric disease in humans. Strains have been isolated from food animals and meat, including pork, which suggest a potential for foodborne transmission. Pork summer sausage is a popular fermented meat product, which is consumed cooked or cooked to a lower internal temperature due to acidification of the product. The effect of acidity and cooking on the viability of C. difficile spores in a fermented meat product has not been determined. Therefore, the aim was to study the survivability of C. difficile spores in fermented pork summer sausage.

Materials and Methods: Fermented pork sausages were prepared according to a commercial recipe with or without starter culture and C. difficile spores followed by fermentation at 37°C for ∼12 h under 85% relative humidity until pH 5.0 was reached and further processed as cooked (>57°C) or uncooked (≤57°C) and stored at 4°C. C. difficile spores in sausages were enumerated at 1 h following inoculation and on days 0, 1, 7, 14, 21, 30, 60, and 90 of storage.

Results: It was observed that C. difficile spore viability in control unfermented treatment was significantly different on day 0 from the fermented, fermented cooked, and control unfermented cooked treatments (p<0.05); however, there was no significant difference among the latter three treatment groups throughout 90 days of storage (p>0.05). On day 90 of storage, the unfermented control sausages yielded ∼4.0 log colony-forming unit (CFU)/g of C. difficile spores compared to ∼3.5 log CFU/g recovered from fermented samples and the unfermented cooked control samples identifying spore viability in all treatment groups.

Conclusion: C. difficile spores were found to survive the acidity and cooking of fermented pork summer sausage and storage at 4°C for 3 months, thereby highlighting the need for effective intervention strategies to reduce the risk of C. difficile contamination in pork products.
The Generalized Epsilon Function
Authors: Jónás Tamás
Published: January 2022

It is well known that the exponential function plays an extremely important role in many areas of science. In this study, a generator function-based mapping, called the generalized epsilon function is presented. Next, we demonstrate that the exponential function is an asymptotic generalized epsilon function. Exploiting this result and the fact that this new function is generator function-dependent, it can be utilized as a very flexible alternative to the exponential function in a wide range of applications. We should add that if the generator is a rational function, then the generalized epsilon function is rational as well. In this case, the generalized epsilon function is computationally simple and it may be treated as an easy-to-compute alternative to the exponential function. In this paper, we briefly present two applications of this novel function: an approximation to the exponential probability distribution, and an alternative to the sigmoid function on a bounded domain.
Bioeconomia como disciplina em um curso de graduação em Ciências Econômicas
Authors: Mafra Rosana Zau , Santos Andreia Brasil
Published: January 2022

O estudo tem como objetivo fundamentar a importância da inserção da disciplina Bioeconomia na grade curricular de um Curso de Ciências Econômicas. O adensamento da base científico tecnológica desta área do conhecimento vem sendo preconizado em relatórios de entidades internacionais e nacionais, tais como Organização de Cooperação e Desenvolvimento Econômico (OCDE) e a Confederação Nacional da Indústria (CNI). O estudo compreende uma revisão de literatura do tipo narrativa de referências selecionadas. Resoluções e pareceres que contemplam diretrizes curriculares bem como relatórios setoriais fundamentam a proposta. Como resultado da pesquisa, dados empíricos revelam que o termo bioeconomia surge apenas como elementos de ementa em poucos cursos de graduação no Brasil. Alguns cursos de pós-graduação, por outro lado, adotam a disciplina bioeconomia como módulo. A proposta de inserção da disciplina no curso de graduação é ousada e demanda mudança de paradigmas. Um ponto comum para a implantação de mestrado em bioeconomia na Alemanha é a parceria entre a academia e o setor privado.
Educação, psicanálise e conflito: entrelaçamentos pela Pedagogia Institucional - entrevista com Bruno Robbes
Authors: De Andrade Fernando Cézar Bezerra , Gonzaga Katherinne Rozy Vieira
Published: January 2022

A Pedagogia Institucional é uma proposta educacional originada no seio do Movimento Freinet, no final dos anos 1950, que se ancora na psicanálise, tomando o inconsciente como fator a ser considerado nas determinações de importantes processos escolares, entre os quais está a gestão de conflitos relacionais. Presumindo que o conflito psíquico de desejos e pulsões com os limites culturais é motivador da aprendizagem, associa a violência à pulsão de morte e compreende o processo educacional como a humanização no seio de uma cultura que, ao mesmo tempo, deve regular o mortífero e valorizar o vital, ambos inerentes ao pulsional. Identifica-se, então, como uma pedagogia do conflito. Não só relendo técnicas do método Freinet, mas atenta a processos grupais, desenvolveu alguns de seus próprios dispositivos (também chamados instituições), voltados para o desenvolvimento da expressão verbal de pensamentos e sentimentos, com a regulação de leis, lugares e limites que organizam o cotidiano pedagógico e medeiam os vínculos horizontais e verticais, valorizando-se a turma e a escola como coletivos, no sentido psicológico e político do termo. Bruno Robbes, pedagogo e professor de Ciências da Educação na Universidade Cergy Paris, é especialista nessa corrente e, nesta entrevista, trata de temas como a autoridade educativa, o futuro do trabalho docente, o manejo de conflitos e o estresse de profissionais da educação a eles relacionado, discutindo estes temas a partir das interlocuções da educação com a psicanálise, com ênfase sobre a leitura que delas faz a teoria lacaniana, em cujos fundamentos essa Pedagogia está enraizada.
Documentos oficiais e legislações educacionais no combate às desigualdades raciais: estudo com base na PNAD
Authors: Rodrigues Leandra Aparecida Mendes dos Santos , Barbosa Mayara Lustosa de Oliveira , Ribeiro Cristiane Maria
Published: January 2022

O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi analisar como são tratadas, em documentos oficiais e na legislação educacional, as questões relativas à diversidade étnico-racial e refletir sobre o seu impacto na realidade por meio dos dados da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios (PNAD). Para tanto, foi realizada uma análise das legislações e documentos oficiais criados para a educação brasileira, do período de 1988 a 2018, pautada na técnica da Análise de Conteúdo da Bardin. Subsequentemente, essa análise foi comparada com os dados disponíveis na PNAD para verificar o impacto das publicações com relação a: 1) média de anos de estudo por cor/raça, no período; 2) média de anos de estudo por cor/raça, considerando a situação de pobreza (extremamente pobres, vulneráveis, pobres e não pobres); e 3) média de anos de estudo em regiões do Brasil com percentual maior de pessoas negras. As prescrições relacionadas à educação das relações étnico-raciais dos 12 arquivos analisados foram descritas, assim como as categorias e as características que as compõem. Após esse processo, foram estabelecidas as relações entre as categorias e os dados da PNAD. Os resultados permitiram concluir que a redução da diferença de tempo médio de estudo entre brancos e negros foi de pouco menos de 5 meses. Apesar da relevância dos esforços, a implementação das políticas que visam o combate à desigualdade racial na educação ainda se apresenta longe de alcançar a eficácia esperada.
Escola, cárcere e pandemia: o que pode uma educação filosófica?
Authors: Kohan Walter Omar , Nicodemos Márcio
Published: January 2022

O artigo apresenta reflexões sobre as possibilidades de se pensar uma educação filosófica nas escolas no cárcere no atual cenário de pandemia no Brasil. Para isso consideramos, num primeiro momento, em “Tempos de pandemia: nós somos piores que o covid-19?”, o estado crítico da chamada civilização que a pandemia contribuiu a evidenciar; num segundo momento, “Tempos de cárcere: o desaparecimento pela força do ódio” nos focamos no estado atual do cárcere no Brasil, assim como nos efeitos nele da pandemia e da forma do governo Bolsonaro responder a ela; finalmente, em “Tempos de escola: o reaparecimento pela sabedoria do amor” consideramos o estado atual da educação nas escolas no cárcere no Brasil e o que poderia uma educação filosófica em tempos de pandemia: consideramos a filosofia não apenas um amor à sabedoria, mas uma sabedoria do amor com, pela e para as outridades, para, quem sabe, fazer brotar políticas de vida e, com elas, liberdade, justiça e paz social.
ciência do melhoramento racial: considerações históricas sobre a educação eugênica brasileira
Authors: Prado Roitberg Guilherme , Ortega Faggion Melline
Published: January 2022

efinida por Francis Galton (1822-1911) como a “ciência do melhoramento racial”, a eugenia se popularizou entre a influente elite intelectual brasileira nas primeiras décadas da República, vislumbrando o aperfeiçoamento biológico-racial da população por meio do combate às “ameaças degenerativas” representadas por negros, mestiços, deficientes físicos e mentais. Considerando esse contexto histórico e tomando como aporte teórico-metodológico uma pesquisa documental amparada pela crítica da razão instrumental, o artigo analisa a produção intelectual dos diretores do periódico Boletim de Eugenia (1929-1933): Renato Kehl, Octavio Domingues e Salvador de Toledo Piza Jr. Investiga-se os fundamentos político-ideológicos da educação eugênica no Brasil e seu papel na difusão do racismo biológico entre a elite intelectual do país nas décadas de 1920 e 1930. Conclui-se que a concepção de educação desses autores ultrapassa o sentido de escolarização e se alinha a um projeto intelectual mais amplo que vislumbrava a vulgarização da ciência do melhoramento racial no Brasil.
Investigating Fluidity in Hans Haacke’s Condensation Cube (1965) and Gustave Metzger’s Liquid Crystal Environment (1965)
Authors: Whittell Kitty
Published: January 2022

This article considers the role of fluidity in two early liquid-based works by Hans Haacke and Gustav Metzger, Condensation Cube (1965) and Liquid Crystal Environment (1965). Fluidity is distinct from liquidity in that it presents a process of transition from solid to liquid in the case of Liquid Crystal Environment and liquid to gas in Condensation Cube. The stakes of this fluid process are, as I argue, crucial to understanding the critical stakes of these works in relation to Haacke and Metzger's artistic practise. By examining fluid process, I hope to show how these early pieces also contribute institutional and political criticisms that are typically associated with Haacke and Metzger's later work.
“Made-Unmade-Remade”: Art, History and Identity in A Postcolonial Kinderhood (1994)
Authors: Julius Chloe
Published: January 2022

This paper explores Elaine Reichek's 1994 installation A Postcolonial Kinderhood in relation to the histories it resurfaced, namely those of American Jewry, modernism, architecture and interior design. Situating the work in the mode Hal Foster designated as ‘archival’, the paper contends that Reichek’s investment in these histories was decidedly post postmodern, which is to say, with A Postcolonial Kinderhood, Reichek attempted to weave history back together, rather than pull it further apart. This was achieved literally with embroidery, through the eleven hand-stitched samplers that lined the installation’s four walls. Part of the installation’s broader recreation of Reichek’s childhood home in 1950s Brooklyn, these samplers evoked America’s colonial period – the English textile form had been brought over by colonial settlers in the seventeenth century – as well as the subsequent (and various) Colonial Revivals in American architecture and interior design. Yet while Reichek’s samplers faithfully replicated the design, scale and composition of earlier precedents, she updated the form’s textual component by hand-stitching remarks made by friends and family on the subject of their Jewish identity. Through these texts, Reichek brought her samplers into the 1990s while connecting her installation’s address of Jewish identity to a much longer American history. During a period in which the category ‘Jewish art’ was being reformulated as a distinct subset of American art, A Postcolonial Kinderhood presented both ‘Jewish’ and ‘American’ as too entangled with one another to be separated out into two static categories. Pointing beyond the specifics of this particular tangle of art and identity, this paper will hold up A Postcolonial Kinderhood as exemplary of the historical reckoning that played out in American art of the 1990s.
Simple and easy way for students to develop a dynamic model on Excel sheet
Authors: Kamata Masahiro , Kamata Asuka
Published: January 2022

Radioactive decay is not only important in the field of radiochemistry but also useful as a teaching material for chemical kinetics. Although differential equations are often used to explain how decay rate changes over time, there are many students even in college or university who are not very good at mathematics and have difficulty in solving differential equations. Those students are expected to appreciate institutive and schematic illustrations using Excel sheets. In this paper, a water and tank model to demonstrate how radionuclides decay and decrease over time is presented as an example of the model that the students can develop or rearrange by themselves. Therefore, only four arithmetical operations were used in the sheet, so that the students can easily grasp the basic concept of a decay curve or radioactive equilibrium even if they do not have great knowledge of differential equations. In addition, only “Record Macro” and built in “Charts” were used on the sheet, and therefore, no knowledge or skill in graphic programming, such as Visual Basic, is needed to make and use the sheet. A brief online survey indicated the model was interesting to high school students. Since Excel is widely used all over the world, the sheets we have developed can be used in many countries without additional expense.
On the number of zeros of diagonal quartic forms over finite fields
Authors: Zhao Junyong , Feng Yulu , Hong Shaofang , Zhu Chaoxi
Published: January 2022

Let

𝔽
q

{\mathbb{F}_{q}}

be the finite field of

q
=

p
m

≡

1

(

mod
4

)

{q=p^{m}\equiv 1~{}(\bmod~{}4)}

elements
with p being an odd prime and m being a positive integer. For

c
,
y

∈

𝔽
q

{c,y\in\mathbb{F}_{q}}

with

y
∈

𝔽
q
*

{y\in\mathbb{F}_{q}^{*}}

non-quartic, let

N
n

⁢

(
c
)

{N_{n}(c)}

and

M
n

⁢

(
y
)

{M_{n}(y)}

be the numbers of zeros of

x
1
4

+
⋯
+

x
n
4

=
c

{x_{1}^{4}+\cdots+x_{n}^{4}=c}

and

x
1
4

+
⋯
+

x

n
-
1

4

+

y
⁢

x
n
4

=
0

{x_{1}^{4}+\cdots+x_{n-1}^{4}+yx_{n}^{4}=0}

, respectively. In 1979, Myerson used
Gauss sums and exponential sums to show that the generating function

∑

n
=
1

∞

N
n

⁢

(
0
)

⁢

x
n

{\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}N_{n}(0)x^{n}}

is a rational function in x
and presented its explicit expression. In this paper, we make
use of the cyclotomic theory and exponential sums to show that
the generating functions

∑

n
=
1

∞

N
n

⁢

(
c
)

⁢

x
n

 
and
 

∑

n
=
1

∞

M

n
+
1

⁢

(
y
)

⁢

x
n

\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}N_{n}(c)x^{n}\quad\text{and}\quad\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}M_{n+1}%
(y)x^{n}

are rational functions in x. We also obtain the explicit expressions of these generating
functions. Our result extends Myerson’s theorem gotten in 1979.
Global existence and exponential decay for a viscoelastic equation with not necessarily decreasing kernel
Authors: Alaeddine Draifia
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we consider the nonlinear viscoelastic equation

u

t
⁢
t

-

Δ
⁢
u

+

∫
0
t

h
⁢

(

t
-
s

)

⁢
Δ
⁢
u
⁢

(
s
)

⁢

𝑑
s

+

a
⁢

(
x
)

⁢

|

u
t

|

m

⁢

u
t

+

|
u
|

γ

⁢
u

=
0

u_{tt}-\Delta u+\int_{0}^{t}h(t-s)\Delta u(s)\,ds+a(x)\lvert u_{t}\rvert^{m}u_%
{t}+\lvert u\rvert^{\gamma}u=0

in a bounded domain with kernels not necessarily exponentially decaying to zero and we
obtain an asymptotic stability result of global solutions.
Solving fractal differential equations via fractal Laplace transforms
Authors: Kamal Ali Karmina , Khalili Golmankhaneh Alireza , Yilmazer Resat , Ashqi Abdullah Milad
Published: January 2022

The intention of this study is to investigate the fractal version of both one-term and three-term fractal differential equations. The fractal Laplace transform of the local derivative and the non-local fractal Caputo derivative is applied to investigate the given models. The analogues of both the Wright function with its related definitions in fractal calculus and the convolution theorem in fractal calculus are proposed. All results in this paper have been obtained by applying certain tools such as the general Wright and Mittag-Leffler functions of three parameters and the convolution theorem in the sense of the fractal calculus. Moreover, a comparative analysis is conducted by solving the governing equation in the senses of the standard version and fractal calculus. It is obvious that whenα=γ=β=1{\alpha=\gamma=\beta=1}, we obtain the same results as in the standard version.
Minimum energy control of degenerate Cauchy problem with skew-Hermitian pencil
Authors: Benaoued Meriem , Bouagada Djillali
Published: January 2022

The present research paper deals with the effectiveness of the control of an infinite-dimensional degenerate Cauchy problem with variable operator coefficients, skew-Hermitian pencil and bounded input condition. This study explores the minimum energy control problem. The investigation follows a set of methods to examine the procedure for developing a new result to solve the problem. Indeed, by the use of decomposition transformation of the considered system and the application of the Gramian operator, the formula of the process for controlling the system with minimum energy is obtained. Afterwards, a procedure to compute the optimal input for minimizing the performance index is then proposed. In a nutshell, the obtained results indicate that optimal control for minimizing the performance index ensures the solution of the minimum energy control of an infinite-dimensional degenerate Cauchy problem.
Relation theoretic contractions and their applications in b-metric like spaces
Authors: Tomar Anita , Joshi Meena , Padaliya S. K.
Published: January 2022

We introduce a relational generalized Meir–Keeler contraction and a relational generalized Meir–Keeler contraction with rational terms in non-complete relational
b-metric like spaces in order to establish non-unique fixed point results for a discontinuous single-valued map.
Also, we provide an illustrative example to demonstrate that a relational generalized Meir–Keeler contraction with rational terms in a relational b-metric like space
admits discontinuity at the fixed point. Thereby, we provide a novel explanation via a binary relation to the question of the existence of a contractive map admitting a fixed point at the point of discontinuity.
Finally, we give applications to solve an initial value problem and a non-linear matrix equation which demonstrate the usability and effectiveness of our results.
Perinatal mortality audits and reporting of perinatal deaths: systematic review of outcomes and barriers
Authors: Gutman Arlene , Harty Tommy , O’Donoghue Keelin , Greene Richard , Leitao Sara
Published: January 2022

Background

Perinatal deaths are a devastating experience for all families and healthcare professionals involved. Audit of perinatal mortality (PNM) is essential to better understand the factors associated with perinatal death, to identify key deficiencies in healthcare provision and should be utilised to improve the quality of perinatal care. However, barriers exist to successful audit implementation and few countries have implemented national perinatal audit programs.

Content

We searched the PubMed, EMBASE and EBSCO host, including Medline, Academic Search Complete and CINAHL Plus databases for articles that were published from 1st January 2000. Articles evaluating perinatal mortality audits or audit implementation, identifying risk or care factors of perinatal mortality through audits, in middle and/or high-income countries were considered for inclusion in this review. Twenty articles met inclusion criteria. Incomplete datasets, nonstandard audit methods and classifications, and inadequate staff training were highlighted as barriers to PNM reporting and audit implementation. Failure in timely detection and management of antenatal maternal and fetal conditions and late presentation or failure to escalate care were the most common substandard care factors identified through audit. Overall, recommendations for perinatal audit focused on standardised audit tools and training of staff. Overall, the implementation of audit recommendations remains unclear.

This review highlights barriers to audit practices and emphasises the need for adequately trained staff to participate in regular audit that is standardised and thorough. To achieve the goal of reducing PNM, it is crucial that the audit cycle is completed with continuous re-evaluation of recommended changes.
Nasal bone in fetal aneuploidy risk assessment: are they independent markers in the first and second trimesters?
Authors: Bernardeco Joana , Cruz Jader , Rijo Claudia , Cohen Álvaro
Published: January 2022

Objectives

In the mid-trimester ultrasound, nasal bone (NB) length can be used to correct the a priori risk for trisomy 21. Our study aims to evaluate if there is a correlation between an absent NB in the first trimester and a hypoplastic NB in the second trimester.

Methods

Our two year retrospective analysis of data derived from routine clinical practice. Single euploid fetuses were included. The NB was assessed in both trimesters according to international guidelines and transformed into categorical variables. Logistic regression was performed in order to accomplish our main objective.

Results

From the 759 normal pregnancies included, 45 (5.93%) had abnormal NB in the first trimester and 23 (3%) in the second trimester. Eleven cases (47.8%) of the abnormal NB in the second trimester were abnormal in the 11–14 weeks scan. After the diagnosis of an absent NB in the first trimester the odds ratio (OR) for a hypoplastic NB in the second trimester is 18.926 (7.791–45.977; p-value <0.01).

Conclusions

Our data suggest a strong association between the NB in the first and in the second trimester in normal euploid fetuses. This is important information to consider when counseling patients on the basis of this ultrasound marker.
Towards the Highest Good: Endless Progress and Its Totality in Kant’s Moral Argument for the Postulate of Immortality
Authors: Palatnik Nataliya
Published: January 2022

Kant’smoral proofof the postulate of immortality in theCritique of Practical Reasonis often dismissed as a failed argument that trades on illicit conceptual shifts. I argue that Kant’s argument is more interesting and less problematic than is usually thought. I first examine its role in the secondCritique’sDialectic.I then point out that the standard interpretation, according to which the argument presupposes God’s intuitive grasp of the moral equivalence between the disposition to pursue holiness and its attainment, faces a number of philosophical and textual problems. I offer an alternative reading that avoids these problems. In particular, I stress the importance of Kant’s mathematized conception of the relationship between infinite progress towards an ideal goal and its attainment and argue that appealing to this conception allows Kant to meet a well-known criticism that his proof illegitimately substitutes the endless progress towards holiness for holiness itself.
Generalized analytic formula for spin Hall effect of light: shift enhancement and interface independence
Authors: Kim Minkyung , Lee Dasol , Kim Yeseul , Rho Junsuk
Published: January 2022

The spin Hall effect of light (SHEL) is the microscopic spin-dependent splitting of light at an optical interface. Whereas the spin Hall shift under linearly polarized light is well-formulated, studies on the SHEL under elliptically or circularly polarized light have primarily relied on numerical computation. In this work, an explicit analytic formula for the spin Hall shift is derived under arbitrarily polarized incidence. Furthermore, from this explicit expression, we demonstrate that the spin Hall shift can be enhanced at any incident angle by using polarization degree of freedom and is independent of the Fresnel coefficients of an interface under circularly polarized light. The analytic formula will help us understand the SHEL under general polarization intuitively and realize unprecedented modulation of the SHEL.
Fiscal Space Policies for Sustainable Development and Debt Relief: Empirical Analysis in West African Countries
Authors: Kazemikhasragh Amirreza , Buoni Pineda Marianna Vanessa
Published: January 2022

The uncertainty that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought demonstrates that income redistribution and traditional debt relief mechanisms are insufficient to meet public spending needs, mitigate external debt, and comply with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to reduce multilateral debt to sustainable levels. Also, West African countries have focused their attention on the long-term fight against poverty and inequality and strengthening their social programs, especially in primary health care and macroeconomic stability. However, for more than a decade, the developing and least developed countries of West Africa have faced rapidly weakening macroeconomic conditions, combining several interrelated crises such as the sharp decline in oil prices, volatile financial markets and tourism disruptions, a global recession, the crisis of climate change, and shortages of food and energy, along with the economic contraction of COVID-19. Data from these countries show that health spending increases economic growth, minimizes infant mortality rates, and reduces debt. Furthermore, increasing government spending efficiency reduces the total debt and improves the health sector, in particular.
Mineral-filled biopolyester coatings for paperboard packaging materials: barrier, sealability, convertability and biodegradability properties
Authors: Helanto Karoliina , Talja Riku , Rojas Orlando J.
Published: January 2022

Changing trends in packaging materials has been driven by increasing environmental awareness as well as legislation. In this context, paperboard-based packaging have become increasingly popular due to its bio-based origin, potential biodegradability and physical properties. However, conventional systems lack behind in barrier performance and heat sealability. Hence, the addition of functional layers have been considered as alternative solutions to this challenge. Here we propose a biodegradable PLA-based polymer coating filled with minerals (0–10 wt% loading), namely, talc, kaolin and calcium carbonate, all of which were used in surface application on uncoated folding box board. For this purpose, we used a pilot-scale extrusion unit that produced materials that were tested for key properties. We found that the presence of filler in the PLA layer improved both water vapor (up to 16 %) and oxygen (up to 56 %) barrier properties. Moreover, the main effect of the fillers was observed in heat sealability, which was improved via adhesion at low temperatures, resulting in full fiber tear. Cup forming was less effected by filler loading in the PLA coating while repulping tests indicated the presence of large flakes of the polymer coating in 1 %-consistency slurries. Finally, biodegradability was slightly delayed in filler-containing samples (biodegradation within 10–60 days), most likely due to the nucleating effect of the fillers. Nevertheless, all the samples can be classified as biodegradable. Overall, our results represent a step forward in scale-up adoption of PLA-based coatings most useful in the development of packaging materials.
When passion meets purpose: love for chemistry drives female Jordanian professor
Authors: Al Bawab Abeer
Published: January 2022

What summons this writing today is shedding light on my lifetime merits (Dr. Abeer Al-Bawab) leading up to becoming the first Jordanian woman to receive the IUPAC award. “I would like to say that I am the first Arab, but an Egyptian Academic Prof woman beat me to it”. As an organization that has existed for 102 years and which oversees the discoveries of many chemical stories and research, including that of the Periodic Table and Avogadro numbers, IUPAC and its nominations are certainly not to be taken lightly. It is my honor to receive this award and be selected among a prestigious group of scientists to have received this award. It is my hope that this writing inspires other aspiring chemists and scientists. Finally, it is my hope that my story exemplifies that when you are equipped with a strong passion for science, no adversity can stand in the way of your success.
An insight review on formation damage induced by drilling fluids
Authors: Kalhor Mohammadi Mojtaba , Riahi Siavash , Boek Edo S.
Published: January 2022

Formation damage is an essential part of drilling and production evaluation, which has a significant effect on well productivity and economics. Drilling fluids are significant sources of formation damage by different mechanisms. This article reviews the research works published during the past 30 years on formation damage associated with drilling fluids, including mechanical damage, chemical damage, and interaction with reservoir rock and fluids. Different filtration techniques, fines migration, and invasion models are discussed based on past studies and recent advancements. Laboratory experiments, methodology, and various aspects of evaluation are considered for further study. Despite presenting different authors’ views and experiences in this area, there is no integrated approach to evaluate formation damage caused by drilling fluids. Finally, the authors analyze the knowledge gap and conclude that a methodology must be designed to improve drilling fluids to prevent formation damage. Recent advances in the area of nanotechnology show promising alternatives for new methods to prevent formation damage.
Synthesis, crystal structure, and topology of a polycatenated bismuth coordination polymer
Authors: Svensson Grape Erik , Ruser Niklas , Rooth Victoria , Cheung Ocean , Inge A. Ken , Stock Norbert
Published: January 2022

Solvothermal reaction of Bi(NO3)3·5H2O with the flexible ligand 1,3,5-tris[4-(carboxyphenyl)oxamethyl]-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene (H3TBTC) in methanol at 120 °C for 1 h led to the formation of a novel coordination polymer (CP) with the composition of Bi(TBTC). The structure of the microcrystalline material was determined through three-dimensional electron diffraction (3DED) measurements and phase purity was confirmed by a Pawley refinement, elemental analysis, and thermal analysis. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group

P

1
‾

$P\overline{1}$

with one Bi3+ cation and one TBTC3− trianion in the asymmetric unit. Edge-sharing of BiO7 polyhedra leads to the formation of dinuclear Bi2O12 units, which through coordination to six TBTC3− ions form a layered two-periodic structure. Upon heating the material in air, the unit cell volume contracts by 9%, which is attributed to a shift in the inter-layer arrangement and to the flexibility of the building units of the structure. The compound starts to decompose at ∼300 °C. Topological analysis revealed layers consisting of 3-c and 6-c nodes, consistent with the two-periodic kgd net – the dual of the Kagome net (kgm). However, due to the non-planar nature of the Bi(TBTC) layers, adjacent layers are interlaced by polycatenation.
Risk perception about the covid-19 pandemic and its effect on self-medication practices in population of northwestern Mexico
Authors: Torres Soto Nissa Yaing , López Franco Guillermo , Torres Soto Norberto Alonso , Aray Roa Alejandra , Monzalvo Curiel Alicia , Peña Torres Edgar Fernando , Rojas Armadillo María de Lourdes
Published: January 2022

The objective of the present study was to analyze the effect of the risk perception of covid-19 on self-medication practices in Mexican population. A total of 526 participants over 18 years of age were surveyed, 68.4% women and 31.6% men residing in northwestern Mexico. Using a structural model, the relation and prevalence of self-medication were analyzed. Risk perception about covid-19, consisting of preventive practices and the perception of the threat of the pandemic, was negatively correlated with self-medication practices, which indicates that people who follow preventive care recommendations tend to reduce the use of self-medication and to improve emotional selfmedication. Furthermore, the study shows that at least half of the participants have used drugs during the pandemic without medical prescription. Self-medication is a critical health problem; therefore, awareness programs about the adverse effects of medications can help reduce self-medication practices in Mexico.
Comparison of Sprint Timing Methods on Performance, and Displacement and Velocity at Timing Initiation
Authors: Weakley Jonathon , McCosker Chris , Chalkley Daniel , Johnston Rich , Munteanu Gabriella , Morrison Matthew
Published: January 2022

Weakley, J, McCosker, C, Chalkley, D, Johnston, R, Munteanu, G, and Morrison, M. Comparison of sprint timing methods on performance, and displacement and velocity at timing initiation. J Strength Cond Res 37(1): 234–238, 2023—Sprint testing is commonly used to assess speed and acceleration in athletes. However, vastly different outcomes have been reported throughout the literature. These differences are likely due to the sprint timing method rather than differences in athlete ability. Consequently, this study compared different sprint starting methods on sprint time and quantified the velocity and displacement of the athlete at the moment timing is initiated. Starting in a staggered 2-point stance, 12 team sport athletes were required to accelerate 10 meters for 10 repetitions. During each repetition, 5 independent timing methods were triggered. The methods were (a) triggering a Move sensor; (b) starting 50 cm behind the line; (c) triggering a front-foot switch; (d) triggering a rear-foot switch; and (e) starting with the front foot on the line. Timing for each method was initiated at different points during the acceleration phase, and the displacement and velocity of the centroid of the pelvis at the point of timing initiation was assessed under high-speed motion capture. The Move sensor had the smallest displacement and lowest velocity at the point of timing initiation, whereas the front-foot trigger demonstrated the largest displacement and highest velocities. Trivial to very large effect size differences were observed between all methods in displacement and velocity at the point of timing initiation. Furthermore, small to very large differences in time to 5 m were found. These findings emphasize that sprint outcomes should not be compared, unless starting methods are identical. In addition, to detect real change in performance, consistent standardized protocols should be implemented.
Walking the Doors—to Be to Become
Authors: Singh Kanwarjeet , Southcott Jane , Lyons Damien
Published: January 2022

In the context of global diaspora and its mobilization via educationally enabled tertiary qualifications, the dynamics of a complex and hyphenated diasporic self, emerge out of an interplay where professional probabilities and eclectic cultural possibilities entangle to spin a complicated maze of doors. When diasporics with varying professional competencies and cultural backgrounds endeavor to become embedded in new settings, their everyday engagement with new contexts calls for both cultural and professional re-initiation. This dual re-initiation may occasion resettlement struggles for these in-transition individuals because some previously ascribed symbols of personal and professional selves enter an involute play. The translation of these struggles could form liminal spaces of professional and cultural in-betweenness. As a diasporic re-settler, I (Kanwarjeet) walk through many doors each day. In this autoethnography, I utilize the metaphors of “storytelling,” “walking,” and “doors” to consider the intricacies of the journey a diasporic self makes, peregrinating through professional and cultural hyphens, concomitantly. I invite my readers to co-tread, walking the story that I tell.