bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contagion effects on capital and forex markets around GFC and COVID-19 crises: A comparative study
Authors: Brania Krzysztof , Gurgul Henryk
Published: July 2021

This paper studies the spread of crises across the financial and capital markets of different countries. The standard method of contagion detection is based on the evolution of the correlation matrix for the example of exchange rates or returns, usually after removing univariate dynamics with the GARCH model. It is a common observation that crises that have occurred in one financial market are usually transmitted to other financial markets/countries simultaneously, and that they are visible in different financial variables, such as returns and volatility which determine probability distribution. The changes in distributions can be detected through changes in the descriptive statistics of, e.g., returns characterised by expected value, variance, skewness, kurtosis, and other statistics. They determine the shape of the distribution function of returns. These descriptive statistics display dynamics over time. Moreover, they can interreact within the given financial or capital market and among markets.

In this article, we use the FX currency cluster represented by some of the major currencies and currencies of the Višegrad group, namely EUR/USD, EUR/CHF, USD/CHF, EUR/HUF, EUR/PLN, EUR/CZK, USD/CZK, USD/HUF, USD/PLN, CHF/PLN, CHF/PLN, CHF/CZK, CHF/HUF, PLN/CZK, and PLN/HUF.

In analysing capital markets in terms of equity indexes, we chose developed markets, such as DAX 30, AEX 25, CAC 40, EURSTOXX 50, FTSE 100, ASX 200, SPX 500, NASDAQ 100, and RUSSEL 2000. Our aim is to check the changes in descriptive statistics, matrices of correlation with respect to exchange rates, returns and volatility on the basis of the data listed above, surrounding two crises: the global financial crisis (GFC) in 2007-2009 and Covid 2019.
Dynamic setting of shipping points in logistics systems with multiple heterogeneous warehousesorecasting the confidence interval of efficiency in fuzzy DEA
Authors: Herzog Dobromir
Published: July 2021

This study aims to model a planning process of handling outbound deliveries from a set of geographically dispersed warehouses. The model incorporates parameters observed in real life supply chains and allows simulation of various variants of process supporting decision making of current shipment management, as well as strategic planning of distribution network. A heuristic algorithm that can be used for planning of source warehouses for shipments is proposed. The model is built and tested on real business data and its performance proves to be better than the one currently used by reference company.
VALORES AMBIENTAIS E OS SERVIÇOS DOS ECOSSISTEMAS
Authors: Cordeiro Ângela Gonçalves Afonso
Published: July 2021

A natureza pode ser considerada como um bem ou serviço social, ambiental ou natural. Devemos preservá-la por si só, para que todos os seres vivos, à escala local ou global, possam usufruir dela equitativamente, como produtora de valor nos sentidos estético, histórico e científico. Nos dias de hoje vive-se uma crise de valores, não só humanos, mas também eles ambientais. Esta crise é resultante do modo como o ser humano explora e se relaciona com o meio ambiente. Neste trabalho recorrendo a uma revisão da literatura propomos apresentar, de um modo geral, o que são valores, sua importância e quais são, na perspetiva de alguns autores, os valores ambientais, dando enfase à história da ética ambiental e como os serviços dos ecossistemas podem apresentar um importante papel ao nível dos valores ambientais.
Association of Anaemia with Helicobacter Pylori in Adult Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Munish Rastogi  , Dolly Rastogi
Published: July 2021

Helicobacter pylori has been established as a major cause of various gastro-intestinal diseases like chronicgastritis and peptic ulcers as well as various extra gastrointestinal diseases such as anaemia. The presentcross - sectional study was done in the department of Medicine at G.S.V.M Medical College, Kanpur. A totalof 194 adult patients attending outpatient department for various gastrointestinal symptoms were screenedfor Helicobacter pylori using Stool antigen card test. Out of these 194 patients, 98 were found positive forHelicobacter pylori by the test, giving a prevalence of 50.51%. A detailed proforma was filled regarding theage and sex of the patient, education and occupation of the head of the family, sanitary practices and dietaryhabits. The patients were also examined for pallor and their complete blood count was done. Out of totalsubjects 77 were found to be suffering from anaemia from which 48 were H. pylori positive (62.3%). Apossible association can be established among patients suffering from H. Pylori infection and simultaneouslydiagnosed as anaemic
ABOUT KESH TOPONYM AND ITS LOCATION
Authors:   Lecturer The Faculty Of History, National University Of Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan, Parmanov Shokir
Published: July 2021

This article focuses on the Kesh toponym and its localization by researchers, with particular emphasis on the location and localization of the Nautaka area, which is cited in written sources. In particular, recent archeological excavations have focused on the localization of the Nautaka area, which has caused controversy among researchers as to whether it corresponds to the present-day Shakhrisabz and Karshi regions. The Nautaka area mentioned in the written sources can be localized today with the Kesh (Shahrisabz) area.
Full throttle: Demonstrating the speed, accuracy, and validity of a new method for continuous two-dimensional self-report and annotation
Authors: Fayn Kirill , Willemsen Steven , Muralikrishnan R. , Castaño Manias Bilquis , Menninghaus Winfried , Schlotz Wolff
Published: July 2021

Research on fine-grained dynamic psychological processes has increasingly come to rely on continuous self-report measures. Recent studies have extended continuous self-report methods to simultaneously collecting ratings on two dimensions of an experience. For all the variety of approaches, several limitations are inherent to most of them. First, current methods are primarily suited for bipolar, as opposed to unipolar, constructs. Second, respondents report on two dimensions using one hand, which may produce method driven error, including spurious relationships between the two dimensions. Third, two-dimensional reports have primarily been validated for consistency between reporters, rather than the predictive validity of idiosyncratic responses. In a series of tasks, the study reported here addressed these limitations by comparing a previously used method to a newly developed two-handed method, and by explicitly testing the validity of continuous two-dimensional responses. Results show that our new method is easier to use, faster, more accurate, with reduced method-driven dependence between the two dimensions, and preferred by participants. The validity of two-dimensional responding was also demonstrated in comparison to one-dimensional reporting, and in relation to post hoc ratings. Together, these findings suggest that our two-handed method for two-dimensional continuous ratings is a powerful and reliable tool for future research.
Reliability of web-based affective auditory stimulus presentation
Authors: Seow Tricia X. F. , Hauser Tobias U.
Published: July 2021

Web-based experimental testing has seen exponential growth in psychology and cognitive neuroscience. However, paradigms involving affective auditory stimuli have yet to adapt to the online approach due to concerns about the lack of experimental control and other technical challenges. In this study, we assessed whether sounds commonly used to evoke affective responses in-lab can be used online. Using recent developments to increase sound presentation quality, we selected 15 commonly used sound stimuli and assessed their impact on valence and arousal states in a web-based experiment. Our results reveal good inter-rater and test-retest reliabilities, with results comparable to in-lab studies. Additionally, we compared a variety of previously used unpleasant stimuli, allowing us to identify the most aversive among these sounds. Our findings demonstrate that affective sounds can be reliably delivered through web-based platforms, which help facilitate the development of new auditory paradigms for affective online experiments.
Nanogenerator-based self-powered sensors for data collection
Authors: Shao Yicheng , Shen Maoliang , Zhou Yuankai , Cui Xin , Li Lijie , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2021

Self-powered sensors can provide energy and environmental data for applications regarding the Internet of Things, big data, and artificial intelligence. Nanogenerators provide excellent material compatibility, which also leads to a rich variety of nanogenerator-based self-powered sensors. This article reviews the development of nanogenerator-based self-powered sensors for the collection of human physiological data and external environmental data. Nanogenerator-based self-powered sensors can be designed to detect physiological data as wearable and implantable devices. Nanogenerator-based self-powered sensors are a solution for collecting data and expanding data dimensions in a future intelligent society. The future key challenges and potential solutions regarding nanogenerator-based self-powered sensors are discussed.
Copper-mediated oxidative C−H/N−H activations with alkynes by removable hydrazides
Authors: Xiong Feng , Li Bo , Yang Chenrui , Zou Liang , Ma Wenbo , Gu Linghui , Mei Ruhuai , Ackermann Lutz
Published: July 2021

The efficient copper-mediated oxidative C–H alkynylation of benzhydrazides was accomplished with terminal alkynes. Thus, a heteroaromatic removable N-2-pyridylhydrazide allowed for domino C–H/N–H functionalization. The approach featured remarkable functional group compatibility and ample substrate scope. Thereby, highly functionalized aromatic and heteroaromatic isoindolin-1-ones were accessed with high efficacy with rate-limiting C–H cleavage.
Fire Prevention Measures in Vladimir Zemstvo and Ryazan Zemstvo in the Late 19th — Early 20th Centuries
Authors: Большакова Д.А.
Published: July 2021

В статье исследуется деятельность Владимирского и Рязанского земств по укреплению и распространению противопожарных мер в конце XIX — начале XX века. После Великих реформ 60–70-х годов XIX века необходимость борьбы с пожарами легла на плечи органов местного самоуправления. Рассмотрены вопросы о распространении огнестойкого строительства, о рытье колодцев и устройстве прудов, запруд, плотин. Отдельно проанализирован процесс распланирования селений, приводятся статистические данные о пожарах по Рязанской и Владимирской губерниям. В статье отмечается важная роль, которую сыграли органы местного самоуправления в деле распространения противопожарных мер. Делается вывод, что самыми общеупотребительными противопожарными мерами во Владимирской и Рязанской губерниях являлись распланирование селений, сооружение огнестойких строений и крыш, посадка деревьев, устройство искусственных водоемов и колодцев.

The article investigates the measures undertaken by the representatives of the Vladimir zemstvo and the Ryazan zemstvo to enhance anti-fire activities in the late 19th — early 20th centuries. After the Great Reforms of the 1860s–1870s, the task of fire fighting was imposed on local authorities. The article treats the issue of fire-resistant building construction, construction of wells, ponds, and dams. The article analyzes the process of fire protection engineering, provides statistical data on fires in the Ryazan province and the Vladimir province. The article maintains that local authorities played an important role in the implementation of fire prevention measures. The author concludes that the most common fire prevention measures in the Vladimir province and the Ryazan province included the construction of fire-resistant buildings and roofs, tree planting, and the construction of water reservoirs.
The Image of N. M. Yadrintsev in the Post-war Soviet Press
Authors: Чиканова Н.А.
Published: July 2021

Цель статьи — реконструировать образ Н. М. Ядринцева на страницах периодической печати 1950–1980-х годов. Актуальность исследования заключается в изучении формирования коллективной идентичности через обращение к историческим личностям, их биографиям
и образам. На основе коммеморации значимых для сообщества исторических личностей формируется чувство общности, которое способствует сплочению его членов. Предметом исследования стало изучение мемориализации Н. М. Ядринцева на страницах советской периодической печати. Автор приходит к выводам об устойчивости образа Н. М. Ядринцева на страницах прессы, о появлении новых характеристик образа лидера сибирского областничества, возникших в результате цензурных ограничений и потребностей социальных групп советского общества второй половины ХХ века.

The aim of the article is to reconstruct the image of N. M. Yadrintsev on the pages of the periodical press in the 1950s–1980s. The relevance of the research is accounted for by the fact that it investigates the development of collective identity through the study of prominent historical figures, their biographies and images. By commemorating socially significant historical figures, a nation increases its national awareness and integrity. The object of the research is the investigation of N. M. Yadrintsev’s image as represented on the pages of the Soviet printed media. The author underlines the continuous appearance of N. M. Yadrintsev’s image on the pages of the Soviet printed media. The author states that in the second half of the 20th century, due to constraints imposed by censorship and the needs of different social groups there appeared new characteristics of an image of a Soviet leader in Siberia.
FEATURES OF FORMATION OF LANDSCAPE-ECOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK (LEK) OF RESORT CITY ZELENOGRADSK OF KALININGRAD REGION
Authors:   Mytishchi branch of N.E. Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Leonova V.A. , Petrova T.S. ,   Mytishchi branch of N.E. Bauman Moscow State Technical University
Published: July 2021

Kaliningrad Region (Konigsberg) is a semi-excave of Russia that does not have a common land border with its main territory, but is connected to it by sea. It reached our country as a result of the victory over Germany in 1945. This region bears the imprint of the historical and cultural development of East Prussia, has its own specificity in the development of natural landscapes and causes special professional interest in the development of the landscape and ecological framework (LEC) of the famous German resort city of Krantz (Zelenogradsk). The article gives some historical maps, on the basis of which an analysis of the development of natural landscapes and the formation of the LEK of the city of Krantz was made. It was also analyzed by the case of the element frame: urban planning and transport axes, types of the spatial structure of the city and two large landscape objects. Materials are given historical photographs, which show the promenade, buildings and structures, elements of urban landscaping. Materials is recalled about the reforestation of the dunes, information is given about the Plantage park and its elements, which are the green core of the modern city.
A PROMISING ASSORTMENT OF TREES AND SHRUBS FOR LANDSCAPING IN VOLGOGRAD CITY
Authors:   Volgograd regional botanical garden, Tyukhtina E.N.
Published: July 2021

The article deals with one of the most relevant topics of the modern city and ecology - the problem of landscaping in Volgograd. The city is characterized by an industrial urbanism, with a high concentration of population, saturation of production facilities and vehicles, which contributes to a high level of negative impact on the environment. The pace of greening of the city lags behind the pace of construction of the residential sector, and the existing green spaces do not meet the sanitary and hygienic, aesthetic requirements. The prospects of this problem are determined, the existing green spaces are considered, data on the climatic conditions of the city and the ecological situation are given. Improvement in the field of landscaping is associated with the scientifically sound placement of green spaces, taking into account all the factors that affect the growth and development of plants in the urban environment. Unfortunately, due to the uneven distribution of the assortment of trees and shrubs, the species composition of the central streets and squares of the city is extremely poor. The study focuses on the role of the botanical garden in urban landscaping and aims to create recommendations for the sorting of tree and shrub plants for urban landscaping. As a result of the analysis of the assortment of ornamental plants of the open ground of the botanical garden, the article proposed species and varieties of woody and shrubby plants that have passed the introduction tests for more than 5-10 years. Recommendations for sorting are aimed at improving the ecological situation of the city and greening the recreation areas of citizens. The proposed list of tree and shrub species cannot fully solve the problem of greening the city, but it will help to significantly enrich the composition of tree and shrub plants.
INTEGRATED APPROACH TO THE CREATION OF ECOLOGICAL EXPOSITIONS IN NATURAL AND ANTHROPOGENIC LANDSCAPES
Authors:   Nikitsky Botanical Garden-National Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow representative Office, Nikolaeva A.A. , Sorokina T.I. ,   Nikitsky Botanical Garden – National Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences,  Moscow representative Office
Published: July 2021

Ecological exposition as one of the types of landscape exposition, shows plants of certain ecological groups. As a rule, conditions are created for such plants that simulate their natural habitat. At the same time, changing the existing environmental conditions is resource-intensive, and the result obtained cannot fully repeat the natural conditions due to their multicomponent nature and being confined to a certain climatic zone. It is of interest to use the existing natural and anthropogenic conditions for the arrangement of expositions, without changing them, but using the existing resource. The authors highlight the problem of using the coastal territory along the ponds on the Kamenka River of the Main Botanical Garden named after N.V. Tsitsin of the Russian Academy of Sciences (MBG RAS). The paper defines the potential of the territory for creating ecological expositions along the shoreline of the Kamensky Ponds of the Russian Academy of Sciences, using the existing natural conditions. In the course of research, a comprehensive approach to the analysis of natural conditions and historical facts is applied. For the historical analysis, the method of combining planned materials and decoding aerial photographs was used. To describe the environmental factors, a landscape-visual survey of the territory, a combination of satellite images with modern maps, an inventory of green spaces, soil mapping, and an inventory of green spaces were performed. As a result of the research, 10 zones with different environmental conditions were identified. Since the formation of the MBG RAS in 1945, the study area has been allocated to different expositions and zones (Entrance Group, Garden of Coastal Plants and part of the Garden of Continuous Flowering), which over time have completely or partially lost their relevance or decorativeness.
Identification of biomolecules for Alzheimer's disease using docking analysis of tau protein
Authors: Agrahari Mansi , Megha Kanu , Dahiya Kajal , Sharma Ila , Sharma Ankur , Jha Niraj Kumar , Goswami Vineet Kumar , Raj Riya , Kesari Kavindra Kumar , Jha Saurabh Kumar
Published: July 2021

Objective: In-silico methods to find and characterize the ligands against the active site of tau protein which could assist in the therapeutics of Alzheimer's disease.
Methods: The aid of various bioinformatic tools such as phylogenetic analysis, homology modeling, and active site prediction led to the molecular docking analysis of the major malefactor for Alzheimer’s disease ‘microtubule- associated tau protein’. A three-dimensional structure of microtubule-related tau protein was created, and the Ramachandran plot was acquired for quality appraisal.
Results: Procheck showed 62.95 of residues in the most preferred region with 20% residues in the additional allowed region and 5.7 % in the disallowed region of microtubule-associated tau protein. Screenings of the particles were done dependent on Lipinski's standard of five.
Conclusion: Genistein, Hesperidin, and epigallocatechin-3 are the potential ligands in regulating microtubule-related tau protein and Epigallocatechin-3 gallate is the most potent among them and the most elevated negative free vitality of official with the maximum interacting surface territory throughout docking studies.
A Compact Laser Shearography System for On-Site Robotic Inspection of Wind Turbine Blades
Authors: Li Zhiyao , Tokhi Mohammad Osman , Zhao Zhanfang , Zheng Haitao
Published: July 2021

Shearography is an optical technique in the field of non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of various materials. Its main advantages are that it is non-contact type and can cover a large area in a single inspection. As a result, although it has been widely acknowledged as an effective technique particularly for NDE of composite materials to detect subsurface defects such as delamination, disbond, cracks and impact damages, the use of shearography for on-site inspection of wind turbine blades (WTBs) has not been reported. This is due to wind causing structural vibration in the WTB. The solution in this paper is to make the shearography sit on the WTB during inspection when the WTB is parked, so that the relative motion between the shearography and the WTB is minimized within the tolerance of the shearography system. The ultimate goal of the solution is to enable a robot assisted shearography system to inspect the WTB on-site. This paper presents the research work on a new shearography design for integration with a robotic climber for on-site WTB inspection. The approach is tested and evaluated in experimental settings, and comparative assessment of the approach with other robotic NDE techniques is carried out. The results demonstrate the potential benefits and suitability of the approach for on-site robotic inspection of WTBs.
An Autonomous Wall Climbing Robot for Inspection of Reinforced Concrete Structures: SIRCAUR
Authors: Gabriela Gallegos Garrido  , Tariq Pervez Sattar
Published: July 2021

A wall climbing inspection robot has been designed to climb on safety critical concrete structures by adhering to reinforcement steel bars (rebars) using permanent magnets to generate the adhesion forces. Simulation and experimental validation has been performed to determine the optimum flux focusing magnet configurations with the robot operating on 30 to 35mm of concrete cover over rebars arranged in different patterns. The goal of adhesion force optimization is to be able to carry a ground penetrating radar (GPR) sensor  which detects rebar corrosion, concrete delamination and concrete cover deterioration. The autonomous robot uses an ultra-wide band (UWB) localisation system and GPR data to control its motion trajectories to avoid regions where there is insufficient density of rebars. Non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection data acquired by GPR is transmitted wirelessly to a ground station for processing and monitoring by NDT technicians.
The Aligned Orbit of the Eccentric Warm Jupiter K2-232b
Authors: Wang Songhu , Winn Joshua N. , Addison Brett C. , Dai Fei , Rice Malena , Holden Bradford , Burt Jennifer A. , Wang Xian-Yu , Butler R. Paul , Vogt Steven S. , Laughlin Gregory
Published: July 2021

Measuring the obliquity distribution of stars hosting warm Jupiters may help us to understand the formation of close-orbiting gas giants. Few such measurements have been performed due to practical difficulties in scheduling observations of the relatively infrequent and long-duration transits of warm Jupiters. Here, we report a measurement of the Rossiter–McLaughlin effect for K2-232 b, a warm Jupiter on an 11.17 day orbit with an eccentricity of 0.26. The data were obtained with the Automated Planet Finder during two separate transits. The planet’s orbit appears to be well aligned with the spin axis of the host star, with a projected spin–orbit angle of λ = −11.°1 ± 6.°6. Combined with the other available data, we find that high obliquities are almost exclusively associated with planets that either have an orbital separation greater than 10 stellar radii or orbit stars with effective temperatures hotter than 6000 K. This pattern suggests that the obliquities of the closest-orbiting giant planets around cooler stars have been damped by tidal effects.
Exploring Mutual Information between IRIS Spectral Lines. II. Calculating the Most Probable Response in all Spectral Windows
Authors: Panos Brandon , Kleint Lucia
Published: July 2021

A three-dimensional picture of the solar atmosphere’s thermodynamics can be obtained by jointly analyzing multiple spectral lines that span many formation heights. In Paper I, we found strong correlations between spectral shapes from a variety of different ions during solar flares in comparison to the quiet Sun. We extend these techniques to address the following questions: which regions of the solar atmosphere are most connected during a solar flare, and what are the most likely responses across several spectral windows based on the observation of a single Mg ii spectrum? Our models are derived from several million IRIS spectra collected from 21 M- and X-class flares. We applied this framework to archetypal Mg ii flare spectra and analyzed the results from a multiline perspective. We find that (1) the line correlations from the photosphere to the transition region are highest in flare ribbons. (2) Blueshifted reversals appear simultaneously in Mg ii, C ii, and Si iv during the impulsive phase, with Si iv displaying possible optical depth effects. Fe ii shows signs of strong emission, indicating deep early heating. (3) The Mg ii line appears to typically evolve a blueshifted reversal that later returns to line center and becomes single peaked within 1–3 minutes. The widths of these single-peaked profiles slowly erode with time. During the later flare stages, strong red-wing enhancements indicating coronal rain are evident in Mg ii, C ii, and Si iv. Our framework is easily adaptable to any multiline data set and enables comprehensive statistical analyses of the atmospheric behavior in different spectral windows.
Laboratory Detection of Cyanoacetic Acid: A Jet-cooled Rotational Study
Authors: Sanz-Novo Miguel , León Iker , Alonso Elena R. , Kolesniková Lucie , Alonso José L.
Published: July 2021

Herein we present a laboratory rotational study of cyanoacetic acid (CH2(CN)C(O)OH), an organic acid as well as a –CN-bearing molecule, which is a candidate molecular system to be detected in the interstellar medium (ISM). Our investigation aims to provide direct experimental frequencies of cyanoacetic acid to guide its eventual astronomical search in low-frequency surveys. Using different jet-cooled rotational spectroscopic techniques in the time domain, we have determined a precise set of the relevant rotational spectroscopic constants, including the 14N nuclear quadrupole coupling constants for the two distinct structures, cis- and gauche-cyanoacetic acid. We believe this work will potentially allow the detection of cyanoacetic acid in the ISM, whose rotational features have remained unknown until now.
Optical Properties of Interstellar Dust around the Orion A Molecular Cloud
Authors: Uehara Hayato , Dobashi Kazuhito , Nishiura Shingo , Shimoikura Tomomi , Naoi Takahiro
Published: July 2021

We have studied optical properties of interstellar dust around the Orion A molecular cloud to investigate the size distribution and the composition of dust grains. Orion A is one of the most studied molecular clouds in the solar vicinity (d ≃ 400 pc). In this paper, we used optical and near-infrared photometric data. The optical data were obtained by BVRI bands imaging observations. The near-infrared data consisting of JHK

S
bands were taken from 2MASS point source catalog. We produced some color excess maps around Orion A and measured their ratios such as E(R − I)/E(B − V). In order to investigate dust properties, we compared the observed ratios with results of simulation performed by Naoi et al. who calculated the extinction in the optical to near-infrared wavelengths based on a standard dust model. They assumed a power-law grain-size distribution with an upper cutoff radius and assumed graphite and silicate as dominant components. As a result, we found that the upper cutoff radius around Orion A is ≃0.3 μm, and silicate predominates compared with graphite (with the fraction of silicate grater than 93%). In addition, we further derived the total-to-selective extinction ratio R

V
from the observed extinction of A

V
and the color excess E(B − V), and compared it with the model calculations. Dust properties (i.e., the upper cutoff radius and the ratio of graphite/silicate) derived from R

V
are almost consistent with those derived from the color excess ratios.
Discovery of the 5 keV Cyclotron Line Followed by Three Harmonics in Swift J1626.6-5156
Authors: Molkov S. , Doroshenko V. , Lutovinov A. , Tsygankov S. , Santangelo A. , Mereminskiy I. , Semena A.
Published: July 2021

We report on observations of the Be/X-ray binary system Swift J1626.6–5156 performed with the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope ARray (NuSTAR) during a short outburst in 2021 March, following its detection by the MAXI monitor and Spektrum–Roentgen–Gamma (SRG) observatory. Our analysis of the broadband X-ray spectrum of the source confirms the presence of two absorption-like features at energies E ∼ 9 and E ∼ 17 keV. These had been previously reported in the literature and interpreted as the fundamental cyclotron resonance scattering feature (CRSF) and its first harmonic (based on Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) data). The better sensitivity and energy resolution of NuSTAR, combined with the low-energy coverage of Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER), allowed us to detect two additional absorption-like features at E ∼ 4.9 keV and E ∼ 13 keV. Therefore, we conclude that, in total, four cyclotron lines are observed in the spectrum of Swift J1626.6–5156: the fundamental CRSF at E ∼ 4.9 keV and three higher spaced harmonics. This discovery makes Swift J1626.6–5156 the second accreting pulsar, after 4U 0115+63, whose spectrum is characterized by more than three lines of a cyclotronic origin, and implies that the source has the weakest confirmed magnetic field among all X-ray pulsars, B ∼ 4 × 1011 G. This discovery makes Swift J1626.6–5156 one of the prime targets for the upcoming X-ray polarimetry missions covering the soft X-ray band, such as Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) and enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry mission (eXTP).
Energetic Neutral Atom Fluxes from the Heliosheath: Constraints from in situ Measurements and Models
Authors: Fuselier S. A. , Galli A. , Richardson J. D. , Reisenfeld D. B. , Zirnstein E. J. , Heerikhuisen J. , Dayeh M. A. , Schwadron N. A. , McComas D. J. , Elliott H. A. , Gomez R. G. , Starkey M. J. , Kornbleuth M. Z. , Opher M. , Dialynas K.
Published: July 2021

Voyager 2 observations throughout the heliosheath from the termination shock to the heliopause are used to normalize and constrain model pickup ion (PUI) fluxes. Integrating normalized PUI fluxes along the Voyager 2 trajectory through the heliosheath, and combining these integral fluxes with the energy-dependent charge-exchange cross section and the neutral hydrogen density, produces semi-empirical estimates of the energetic neutral atom (ENA) fluxes from the heliosheath. These estimated ENA fluxes are compared with observed ENA fluxes from the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) to determine what percentage of the observed fluxes at each IBEX energy are from the heliosheath. These percentages are a maximum of ∼10% for most energies and depend strongly on termination shock properties, plasma density, bulk plasma flow characteristics, the shape of the heliopause, and turbulent energy diffusion in the heliosheath.
An outbreak of tularemia in southwestern Turkey
Authors: Kutlu Murat , Ergin Çağrı , Karadenizli Aynur , Sayın Kutlu Selda
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Tularemia has reemerged and spread throughout Turkey, and the number of cases has increased. In this study, we report on a waterborne outbreak of tularemia in the spring of 2013 in a region which was previously disease-free, and we investigated the reasons for the outbreak.

Methodology: The index case, a 17-year-old male, was diagnosed with oropharyngeal tularemia. An outbreak investigation was initiated after receiving information from other patients with similar symptoms from the same village along with Balkıca, Tavas, and Denizli. An epidemiological and environmental investigation was conducted. Tonsil swab specimens/lymph node aspirates collected from patients, and water samples collected from unchlorinated drinking water sources, were cultured. Additionally, a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed on these samples. Serum samples from patients were analyzed for antibody response.

Results: A total of 7 patients were found in this outbreak investigation. The attack rate was found to be 1% among the people of the village and 25% among patients’ family members. The drinking-water system was contaminated with F. tularensis during this outbreak.

Conclusions: Lack of appropriate water infrastructure and sanitation was the primary reason for this tularemia outbreak in Turkey. Improving the water source infrastructure and sanitation should be the primary approach to preventing tularemia outbreaks.
Micafungin for Candida infections in Slovenia and Romania: A multicenter, observational, prospective study
Authors: Zver Samo , Avcin Simona , Bedreag Ovidiu , Bizilj Sanja , Ecrulj Vanja , Jazbec Janez , Puconja Nina , Stanic Rade , Jereb Matjaž
Published: July 2021

Introduction: An echinocandin, such as micafungin, is recommended as first-line treatment for invasive Candida infections in immunocompromised patients. This multicenter, observational, prospective, non- interventional study evaluated the real-world use of micafungin in clinical practice in Slovenia and Romania, as this remains unexplored.

Methodology: The primary endpoint was evaluation of micafungin use, including rationale for prescription, treatment duration, and daily dose. Secondary endpoints included recordings of patient baseline characteristics and evaluations of efficacy and safety. Across 11 centers in two countries, 118 patients (18 children [< 16 years] and 100 adults [≥ 16 years]) received micafungin for the first time according to their clinic’s standard practice.

Results: Micafungin was prescribed for treatment in 57.6% of patients and for prophylaxis in 40.7% of patients. The median (range) treatment duration was 9.0 (0 – 54) days and 13.0 (2 – 6)] days, respectively. The median dose of micafungin was higher than recommended for children receiving prophylaxis or treatment for invasive candidiasis and for adults receiving prophylaxis. Fever was the most commonly observed clinical sign at baseline (16 children [88.9%] and 31 adults [31%]) and hematologic malignancy was the most frequent primary diagnosis at admission (11 children [61.1%] and 40 adults [40%]). Candida species were the most commonly identified causal agents of invasive fungal infections (2 children [11.1%] and 48 adults [48%]).

Conclusions: The efficacy and safety profiles of micafungin use in Slovenia and Romania based on clinician’s own experiences in local clinical practice were consistent with those reported in other real-world studies.
A case series of brain abscesses: an eleven-year retrospective single center study
Authors: Waked Rami , Tarhini Hassan , Mansour Hussein , Saliba Gebrael , Chehata Nabil , Chedid Marie , Haddad Elie , Choucair Jacques
Published: July 2021

Introduction: We lack data on the epidemiology and management of brain abscesses in the Middle East. The aim of this study is to report a case series of brain abscesses admitted at a tertiary care center in Lebanon, between January 2008 and December 2018.

Methodology: This retrospective study aimed at determining the demographic data, treatment, and correlations between different studied variables with prognosis of patients that received treatment.

Results: Forty-one patients (30 males) were included with a median age of 37 years (2-85). The analysis showed that the classic triad of fever, headache and neurologic deficit was only present in 12% of patients on admission. The source of infection was contiguous in 36.5%, post surgical in 32%, and distant in 17% of cases. Stereotactic biopsy was performed in 41.5% of patients, and craniotomy in 19.5%. A microorganism was isolated in 63% of patients (26 cases). The most used antibiotics were carbapenems (46%) and glycopeptides (66%). Eighty percent of patient (33) had a good outcome. A worse prognosis was significantly correlated with immunosuppression and multiple cerebral abscesses.

Conclusions: Brain abscess remains a relatively rare condition.
Implementing EUCAST rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing method for sepsis: lessons learned in a tertiary care center
Authors: Bin Najeeb Mohammad Aadam , Gupta Ayush , Purwar Shashank , Nallapati Vishnu Teja , Yadav Jogender , Siddiqui Farha
Published: July 2021

Introduction: We prospectively evaluated EUCAST rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing methodology for susceptibility testing directly from blood culture bottles in comparison to CLSI disk-diffusion method.

Methodology: During May-November 2019, positively flagged blood culture bottles showing Gram-negative micro-organisms were simultaneously processed by rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing and CLSI methodology. Antibiotics tested were cefotaxime, ceftazidime, piperacillin-tazobactam, imipenem, meropenem, gentamicin, tobramycin and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole.

Results: Overall, 80 isolates identified as Escherichia coli (n = 24, 30%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 15, 18.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 16, 20%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 25, 31.2%) were included. Categorical agreements  of rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing at 4-, 6- and 8-hour reading times were 88.1% (304/345), 90.8% (425/468) and 92.3% (467/506), respectively. Major Error rates were 14% (21/150), 4.9% (10/206) and 4/236 (1.7%), whereas Very Major Error rates were 1.1% (2/177), 1.3% (3/232) and 3.3% (8/243), respectively. Results categorized as “Area of Technical Uncertainty” were significantly lower at 8-hour {10.2% (39/384) vs 5.2% (28/534), 4- vs 8-hour, p = 0.003, Fischer’s exact test}.

Conclusions: Except for a slightly higher Very major error rate, rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing at 8-hour is equivalent to Disk-diffusion method (CLSI-M100) using CLSI-M52 criteria for equivalence: (Categorical agreement ≥ 90%, Very major error ≤ 1.5% and Major error ≤ 3%). Poor Categorical agreements at all reading times were noted for piperacillin-tazobactam, ciprofloxacin and E. coli. Performance of rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing methodology in resource limited settings brings unique challenge of identifying micro-organisms within 8 hours. We suggest reading and reporting of results at a single time point using rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing method i.e. at 8-hour.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices and fear of COVID-19 among medical students in Serbia
Authors: Terzic-Supic Zorica , Todorovic Jovana , Bajcetic Milos , Jankovic Janko , Santric-Milicevic Milena , Stamenkovic Zeljka , Djikanovic Bosiljka , Mandic-Rajcevic Stefan , Piperac Pavle , Jovic-Vranes Aleksandra , Matejic Bojana
Published: July 2021

Introduction: The outbreak of the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 named COVID-19 has spread throughout the world. The number of registered cases is increasing and almost no country or territory worldwide has been without any COVID-19 patient. The aim of this study was to examine the level of knowledge on the SARS-COv-2 and COVID-19 among medical students and to explore the differences in attitudes, practices and fear of COVID-19 among students with sufficient and students with insufficient knowledge.

Methodology: The cross-sectional study among the 1,722 medical students was conducted through an online platform of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade. The instrument used was a questionnaire with sections on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 and the Fear of COVID-19 scale.

Results: Total of 1576 (91.50%) students were in the sufficient knowledge group. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that there was a significant association between the sufficient knowledge on COVID-19 and female sex (OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.18-2.45), age (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.02-1.18), considering the preventive measures enforced in Serbia as good (OR = 2.57, 95% CI = 1.18-5.56), wearing the surgical mask outside of the household in the past 14 days (OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.22-2.87) and score on Fear of COVID-19 scale (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.91-0.98).

Conclusions: Medical students showed good knowledge of COVID-19 and could be a part of the promotion of health education messages as a part of preventive measures.
Fablab interne : quels effets sur le contexte organisationnel ? Le cas d’un cabinet de conseil
Authors: Fagbohoun Sandra
Published: July 2021

Dans cette recherche, nous cherchons à identifier les effets d’un Fablab interne (ou Fablab d’entreprise) sur le contexte organisationnel dans lequel il est mis en place, pour que les idées créatives deviennent des innovations. Si la littérature s’est surtout attachée à analyser ce type de dispositif dans des sociétés industrielles, nous choisissons d’instruire cette question dans un cabinet de conseil, dont les métiers sont, par nature, immatériels. Notre étude qualitative exploratoire met en évidence que, ce dispositif, et particulièrement la liberté d’action et le développement des connaissances qu’il favorise, produit des effets sur les trois dimensions du contexte organisationnel de l’entreprise étudiée, sans pour autant, que cela ne semble être pérenne. La discussion revient sur la dimension éphémère des Fablabs internes et le rôle de tels dispositifs de gestion dans les organisations. Code JEL : O
Transferts de fonds et syndrome hollandais : le cas du Liban (1984-2016)
Authors: Tabet Cynthia , Rocca Michel , El Murr Bachir
Published: July 2021

Les transferts de fonds des migrants engendrent-ils un syndrome hollandais au Liban ? L’article répond à cette question en mobilisant un modèle théorique basé sur les fondamentaux du taux de change réel et en utilisant l’estimation d’un modèle vectoriel à correction d’erreur VECM. Plusieurs constats sont dressés. Les transferts de fonds apprécient le taux de change réel durant la période 1984-2016. De plus, par les méthodes des moindres carrés ordinaires (MCO) et des moments généralisés (MMG), il est montré que les transferts aboutissent à une expansion du secteur des biens non échangeables au détriment du secteur productif. Ainsi, en engendrant un effet de dépense et un effet d’orientation des ressources à court terme et à long terme, les transferts de fonds détériorent la compétitivité et favorisent l’existence d’un syndrome hollandais dans le cas libanais. Classification JEL : F 22, C 50, O 53
Risques, hiérarchies et stratégies des chauffeurs de taxis-compteurs à Abidjan
Authors: Bonnassieux Alain , Belland Marie
Published: July 2021

La diversification et l’informalisation des modes de transport à Abidjan depuis les années 1990 ont contribué à l’accroissement des risques économiques, environnementaux, physiques et sociaux auxquels les chauffeurs de taxis-compteurs sont confrontés. Cet article montre que pour y faire face, les chauffeurs mettent en œuvre des stratégies liées à leurs conditions de travail et dépendantes des hiérarchies dans la profession. L’appartenance à différentes catégories de chauffeurs a une forte influence sur l’évolution de leurs situations et de leurs projets, ainsi que sur leurs niveaux d’exposition aux risques professionnels et à la précarité. Classification JEL : R49, F66, F63, J01
Les déterminants des durées et des retards de paiement des factures d’eau potable : une approche par les modèles de Cox et probit appliqués aux abonnés de Béjaïa (Algérie)
Authors: Nassiri Abdelhak , Kertous Mourad
Published: July 2021

Cette évaluation fournit une estimation des effets des facteurs déterminants des difficultés financières des abonnés à honorer leur facture d’eau. Ces difficultés sont mesurées à l’aide de la durée et du risque de retard de paiement dans deux bases de données (la population et un échantillon) de la commune de Béjaïa, en Algérie. Nous appliquons la spécification de Cox à la durée et le modèle Probit au risque de retard. Les résultats montrent que ces difficultés varient significativement selon plusieurs facteurs identifiés dans plusieurs études empiriques. Classification JEL : Q25, L95, C33, C13, D12
Les savoirs didactiques d’enseignants de langue novices à l’épreuve du tutorat en ligne
Authors: Catoire Pascale
Published: July 2021

Cet article rend compte d’une expérimentation menée en formation initiale des enseignants, où des étudiants – enseignants novices experts en langue étrangère – ont accompagné d’autres étudiants faibles en langue, dans un dispositif de classe virtuelle en ligne. En fin d’expérimentation, nous avons cherché, à travers des entretiens, à comprendre quel type d’enseignement les tuteurs accompagnateurs avaient mené dans ce dispositif en ligne, et quel impact cette modalité de tutorat en ligne avait pu avoir sur leurs savoirs didactiques en construction.
Visual Performance of Two Diffractive Trifocal Intraocular Lenses: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Hienert Julius , Stjepanek Kristina , Hirnschall Nino , Ruiss Manuel , Zwickl Hannah , Findl Oliver
Published: July 2021

PURPOSE:

To compare two trifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs), the RayOne Trifocal RAO603F IOL (closed-loop haptic IOL; Rayner Intraocular Lenses Limited) and the AT Lisa tri 839 MP IOL (plate-haptic IOL; Carl Zeiss Meditec AG), concerning optical and capsular bag performance.

METHODS:

Patients scheduled for cataract surgery received either a closed-loop haptic IOL or a plate-haptic IOL in the first eye and the other IOL in the second eye. Three months postoperatively, autorefraction and subjective refraction, uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity at 4 m, 80 cm, and 40 cm, an objective reading test (Salzburg Reading Desk; SRD Vision), a defocus curve, IOL tilt and decentration, a questionnaire about dysphotopsia, and grading of halos with a halometer were performed.

RESULTS:

Eighty-eight eyes of 44 patients were included. Visual acuity was comparable between both IOLs. The closed-loop haptic IOL performed better in the defocus curve at −1.50 diopters (D) (0.08 ± 0.10 vs 0.12 ± 0.09 logMAR;
P
< .01). The plate-haptic IOL had better contrast sensitivity without glare under mesopic and photopic conditions in miosis (
P
= .0018 and .002, respectively) and mydriasis (
P
= .017 and .003, respectively). Significant differences were found for less overall subjective disturbance (
P
= .047) and starbursts (
P
= .039) for the plate-haptic IOL, but not for the other positive dysphotopsia symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS:

Both trifocal IOLs delivered good and comparable visual function with low degrees of disturbing dysphotopsia. The closed-loop haptic IOL was slightly superior in the defocus curve, whereas the plate-haptic IOL was slightly superior concerning contrast sensitivity and positive dysphotopsia.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2021;37(7):460–465.]
Bioarchéologie des substances naturelles dans des céramiques
Authors: Regert Martine
Published: July 2021

L’archéologie biomoléculaire des substances naturelles peut identifier sur des céramiques du Néolithique, les constituants du lait ou du miel et découvrir leur usage.