bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between two-dimensional micro-CT and histomorphometry for assessment of the implant osseointegration in rabbit tibia model
Authors: Lyu Hao-Zhen , Lee Jae Hyup
Published: April 2021

Background

Histology is considered as a gold standard for analyzing bone architecture. However, histomorphometry is a destructive method and only offers the bone information of a limited location. Micro-computed tomography (μCT) is a non-destructive technology and provides a slice at any site. The aim of this study was to compare the correlation of the Bone-to-Implant Contact ratio (BIC) between 2D micro-CT (μCT) and histomorphometry and to investigate a method for assessing the osseointegration of the implant by 2D μCT.

Methods

A total of 18 implants were divided into three groups (6 implants per group), and inserted into the rabbit tibia defects as follow: implant only (Implant group), implant with β-TCP/hydrogel (TCP group), implant with rhBMP-2 loaded β-TCP/hydrogel composite (BMP-2 group). After 4 weeks of implantation, the specimens were collected to take the micro-CT scan with an aluminum filter and performed H&E staining on the undecalcified sections. The 2D μCT slices were chosen at an angle of 0°, 45°, 90° and 135° with the representative histological section to measure BIC. And the correlations between BICs of 2D μCT and BICs of histology were evaluated.

Results

In each group, BICs at the same sites measured by histomorphometry and corresponding 2D μCT presented the same trend and shown no significant difference between the two methods (
P
 > 0.05). BICs of histological sections and BICs of corresponding 2D μCT slices presented a strong correlation in the implant group (γ = 0.74,
P
 = 0.09), a moderate correlation in the TCP group (γ = 0.46,
P
 = 0.35), a weak correlation in the BMP-2 group (γ = 0.30,
P
 = 0.56). In the implant group, the relationship between BIC-Mean-μCTs and BICs-Histology has presented a significant linear correlation (γ = 0.84,
P
 = 0.04).

Conclusions

Integrating bone information of several 2D μCT slices in different sites to measure BIC is a feasible method for assessing the implant osseointegration.
Surgical outcomes in patients with lamellar macular holes selected based on the optical coherence tomography consensus definition
Authors: Chehaibou Ismael , Philippakis Elise , Mané Valérie , Lavia Carlo , Couturier Aude , Gaudric Alain , Tadayoni Ramin
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The surgical indication for lamellar macular holes (LMH) is controversial due to a misclassification of different macular diseases. A consensus based on an optical coherence tomography (OCT) definition has recently been suggested. The aim of this study was to investigate the surgical outcomes of patients with LMH selected based on this OCT-based consensus definition.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients who underwent surgery for LMH with a follow-up of at least 3 months. Anatomical OCT criteria for the diagnosis of LMH were the presence of an irregular foveal contour with foveal cavitation and a loss of retinal tissue. Cases of macular pseudoholes and epiretinal membrane foveoschisis were excluded. Surgery consisted in pars plana vitrectomy with centripetal peri-hole peeling of epiretinal proliferation and internal limiting membrane. Pre- and postoperative visual acuities (VA) were compared, and changes in OCT anatomical features, including the restoration of the foveal profile and outer retinal layers, were assessed.

Results

Eleven eyes of 11 patients were included, of which 9 eyes (81.8%) showed proliferation on preoperative OCT. The mean VA improved from 0.44 ± 0.19 LogMAR (20/55 Snellen equivalent) to 0.16 ± 0.08 LogMAR (20/28 Snellen equivalent), after a mean follow-up of 7.2 ± 2.9 months (P = 0.02). Postoperatively, all eyes showed a restored foveal profile. The mean central foveal thickness increased from 127.6 ± 29.9 μm to 209.0 ± 44.0 μm (P = 0.001). At baseline, ellipsoid zone disruption and external limiting membrane disruption were found in 9 and 7 eyes, respectively. Postoperatively, the ellipsoid zone and external limiting membrane were restored in respectively 6/9 eyes (66.7%) and 5/7 eyes (71.4%). No cases of postoperative full-thickness macular hole were found.

Conclusion

In patients with LMH carefully selected based on the recent OCT-based criteria and showing a loss of retinal tissue, the foveal architecture was restored and the VA was improved after vitrectomy with peri-hole peeling for epiretinal proliferation.
Conventional ultrasound, color Doppler, TI-RADS, and shear wave elastography for thyroid nodule differentiation: a study of efficacy compared with the histopathology results
Authors: Baz Ahmed Abd Alrahman , Mohamed Afaf Hamdy Ibrahim , El-Esawy Yasmine Fathy Ghazi , El-kaffas Khaled Helmy
Published: April 2021

Background

Although a minority of the thyroid nodules is malignant, usually the invasive diagnostic procedures are warranted. This prospective study aims to assess the diagnostic performance of the US criteria in addition to the TI-RADS score and the SWE for the differentiation between the benign and malignant thyroid nodules as a potential surrogate for the invasive procedures.

Results

Ninety-nine patients with thyroid nodules (79 females and 20 males, with a mean age of 45.9 ± 7.7 years; 30–69 years) were enrolled in this study and underwent conventional ultrasound, color Doppler, TI-RADS scoring, and shear wave elastography (SWE); the findings were correlated to the histopathological results.

Our results revealed a significant increase in SWE elasticity indices (EIs) and presence of color Doppler signals in malignant nodules as compared with the benign ones (ρ < 0.05). Combined TI-RADS and SWE as well as TI-RADS and color Doppler imaging had given a better sensitivity for detection of malignancy.

Conclusion

Elasticity indices had shown a significantly high diagnostic performance that is almost approaching the histopathological results. Combined SWE, color Doppler and TI-RADS, as a sum of findings, could effectively differentiate between benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Furthermore, it had offered a non-invasive tool for accurate risk stratification of malignant nodules.
Assume It Will Break: Parental Perspectives on Negative Communication Experiences in Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Sisk Bryan A. , Zavadil Jessica A. , Blazin Lindsay J. , Baker Justin N. , Mack Jennifer W. , DuBois James M.
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE:

Communication breakdowns in pediatric oncology can have negative consequences for patients and families. A detailed analysis of these negative encounters will support clinicians in anticipating and responding to communication breakdowns.

METHODS:

Semistructured interviews with 80 parents of children with cancer across three academic medical centers during treatment, survivorship, or bereavement. We analyzed transcripts using semantic content analysis.

RESULTS:

Nearly all parents identified negative communication experiences (n = 76). We identified four categories of contributors to negative experiences: individual (n = 68), team (n = 26), organization (n = 46), and greater health care system (n = 8). These experiences involved a variety of health care professionals across multiple specialties. Parents reported 12 personal consequences of communication breakdowns: emotional distress (n = 65), insufficient understanding (n = 48), decreased trust or confidence (n = 37), inconvenience (n = 36), medical harm (n = 23), decreased self-confidence (n = 17), decreased emotional support (n = 13), decreased engagement (n = 9), false hope (n = 9), decreased hope (n = 7), financial insult (n = 7), and decreased access to resources (n = 3). We identified five categories of supportive responses from clinicians: exploring (n = 8), acknowledging (n = 17), informing (n = 27), adapting (n = 27), and advocating (n = 18). Parents often increased their own advocacy on behalf of their child (n = 47). Parents also identified the need for parental engagement in finding solutions (n = 12). Finally, one parent suggested that clinicians should assume that communication will fail and develop contingency plans in advance.

CONCLUSION:

Communication breakdowns in pediatric oncology negatively affect parents and children. Clinicians should plan for communication breakdowns and respond by exploring, acknowledging, informing, adapting, advocating, and engaging parents in finding solutions.
Integration of Students’ Academic and Extracurricular Activities by Creating Conditions for Business-Oriented Design and Practical Activities at the University
Authors: Zhigunova A.
Published: April 2021

A humanistic approach to education has been established in modern Russian and foreign pedagogy, based on the recognition of the value of students’ unique creative abilities and aimed at open interaction and identification of their potential opportunities. At the same time, the educational environment should create all the conditions for students to form their own trajectory of individual development.
Features of the Organization and Conduct in 2020 of an Independent Assessment of the Quality of the Conditions for the Implementation of Educational Activities
Authors: Bulaeva N. , Ganeev A.
Published: April 2021

The article presents the peculiarities of organizing and conducting in 2020, by order of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, an independent assessment of the quality of conditions for the implementation of educational activities by organizations carrying out educational activities in basic general education programs, educational programs of secondary vocational education, basic vocational training programs, additional general education programs.
What an Expert Needs to Know When Checking the Final Essay: Problems of Assessing the Integrity and Coherence of the Text
Authors: Trunceva T.
Published: April 2021

This article attempts to identify indicators of the categories "integrity of the text of a creative work (essay)", "coherence of the text of a creative work (essay)" on the basis of generalizing the results of research in domestic and foreign science. The author focuses on the importance of establishing a unified approach to assessing the integrity and coherence of the text of a school essay. The article contains fragments of methodological recommendations for an expert for checking and evaluating the text of an essay in accordance with indicators of integrity and coherence, illustrated with practical material.
Pharmacotherapy in arrhythmias: an overview of anti-arrhythmic drug therapy
Authors: Eftekhari Helen
Published: April 2021

The article provides an overview of the principles in anti-arrhythmic drug prescribing. The cardiac action potential is explained, followed by general principles involved in treating arrhythmias and prescribing decisions. An overview of the five classifications of anti-arrhythmic drugs is given, with examples of the main drugs in the classification and principles to consider within each. Finally, anticoagulation is reviewed, being a cornerstone prescribing decision-making in the most common arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation.
How should healthcare services respond to the public health crisis of sexual harassment?
Authors: Walter Jasmine
Published: April 2021

Jasmine Walter explains how healthcare services can best support survivors of sexual harassment and violence.
High Prevalence of Anemia among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients: A Cross-sectional Study in Bali-Indonesia
Authors: Aryastuti Sri Agung , Dewi Sri Ratna , Masyeni Sri
Published: April 2021

Anemia is a common condition found among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected patients. T-cells that are infected with HIV virus can directly suppress the growth of progenitor cells in the bone marrow so that affecting the hemopoiesis resulted in anemia. These hematological abnormalities could potentially cause serious clinical implications. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of anemia in HIV-infected patients in Bali. It was ahospital based cross-sectional studyconducted at two public hospital in Bali-Indonesia. A total of 243 medical record data from HIV-infected patients atWangaya Hospital Denpasar Bali and Sanjiwani Hospital Gianyar Bali between 2009 -2017 were included in analysis. Prevalence of anemia in antiretroviral (ART)-naïve patients and in patients on ART were 60.8% and 40.3%, respectively. Leucopenia and thrombocytopenia were found 8.2% and 9.4%, respectively, in ART-naïve group. While in patients with ART group leucopenia and thrombocytopenia were accounted for 6.9% and 4.3%, respectively. There was a significant difference in prevalence of anemia between ART-naïve patients and patients on ART (60.8% vs. 40.3%; p < 0.05). Although the prevalence of anemia was lower in patients on ART, but anemia continues to be common in a substantial portion of HIV-infected persons. Another studies are still needed to addressing the impact of anemia on HIV-infected individuals, as well as treatment strategies and future research directions.
Efficacy of Incentive Spirometry in Expiratory Muscle Training Following Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Gayathiri T. , Anandhi D.
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND: Incentive spirometry is a device which helps in the improvement of lung function after abdominal surgery. It motivates the patients by giving visual feedback about their lung volumes. It is one of the less expensive and user-friendlydevices. Incentive spirometry facilitates the patients to take slow deep breath and there by producing a sustained maximal inspiration (SMI) that mainly helps in the prevention of atelectasis. But it is a common practice for physiotherapists to teach the patients to do expiratory exercise by reversing the incentive spirometer. The simplest way to measure the maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures is by respiratory pressure meter in cmH2o. OBJECTIVE: To find out the efficacy of incentive spirometer in improving the expiratory muscle strength following abdominal surgery. METHODOLOGY: Quasi-Experimental study. PROCEDURE: 30 subjects were conveniently selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and allotted to group A (n=15) and group B (n= 15). Both groups were trained for inspiratory muscle and group A was also trained for expiratory muscle using incentive spirometry. OUTCOME MEASURES: Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), Maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). RESULT: This study shows that the mean MIP value have improved from 2nd to 7th postoperative day, but it is not statistically significant (P>0.05). The mean MEP values shows statistically significant (P<0.05) improvement from second to 7th postoperative day in group A when compared to group B. CONCLUSION:This study concludes that there is significant improvement in the expiratory muscle strength along with inspiratory muscle strength by training with the Incentive spirometry in the upside down and upright positions respectively.
The Impact of Educational Intervention on Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Antibiotic Resistance Among Medical Doctors in A Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Rassi Naisal , J Sudha M , Viveka S , Sharafudeen Salih
Published: April 2021

Background and objectives: The important component of all antibiotic stewardship program is education of clinicians about the antimicrobial usage. The objective of the study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes regarding antibiotic resistance among medical doctors in a tertiary care hospital. The other objective was to evaluate the usefulness of the interactive educational intervention in improving the knowledge about antibiotic resistance Methodology: This was a cross sectional questionnaire based study involving residents and postgraduates from various departments. Questionnaire had three categories of assessment, namely, knowledge about the development of antimicrobial resistance (fifteen questions), treatment of resistant microbial conditions (five questions) and prevention of antimicrobial resistance (five questions). Questionnaire was pre-tested and pilot run. After the filling up of the questionnaire, each participant or a group of three or four participants were provided with interactive educational intervention. In each such session, three components were discussed using a custom designed course module using a learning management system. The modes of development of antimicrobial resistance, methods of rationale antimicrobial prescription and interventions to prevent development of antimicrobial resistance were the main components in the online module. After the online course, each participant filled post-test. The long-term retention of the concepts was tested with one-month follow-up post-test. Results: 120 participants have taken up the pre-test and undergone the study. Pre-test average score was 11.1(± 3.44) out of 25. Of these participants 114, have taken immediate post-test and average score was 20.9 (± 2.67). The improvement of pre-test scores to post-test scores was statistically significant. 94 participants have answered the one-month post-test, the average score was 16 (± 4.79). The results were statistically significantly more than the pre-test score, however statistically lower than post-test score. Conclusion: Use of the interactive online learning material has resulted in significant improvement in the knowledge and attitude regarding antibiotic resistance among post-graduates and interns in a tertiary care hospital.
The Potential of Electromyography Signals as Markers to Detect and Monitor Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Pasmanasari Elta Diah , Pawitan Jeanne Adiwinata
Published: April 2021

Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. The imbalance in dopamine production causes motoric disorder that can produce specific electrical signal that can be detected by electromyography. Some methods were developed to diagnose PD and the use of a questionnaire and clinical observation was widely used to diagnose the disease. The limitation of the methods includes the fact that there are some differences in assessment results from clinicians due to the need of experience. The use of electromyography hopefully can obtain an objective assessment that can be easily used by clinicians. Some studies showed differences between normal muscle electric-activity compared to PD related abnormal muscle electric activity. Some methods were developed to use electromyography as a tool to diagnose PD related motoric symptoms, such as rigidity, gait abnormality and tremor. The use of electric signals, which are produce in muscle contraction, as markers to diagnose PD, as well as to monitor complications and the effect of therapy hopefully can be developed. In this review article, we will discuss about the use of electromyography signals that are related to PD. Therefore we will explain about basics of electromyography, the use of electromyography signals to detect tremor and gait abnormalities in PD, the use of electromyography for monitoring PD patients.
In Silico Antimalarial 5,7-Dihydroxy-2- (4-Hydroxyphenyl) -6- (3-Methylbut-2-Enyl) Chromen-4-one (6-Prenylapigenin) Plant Cannabis Sativa L. (Cannabaceae) Enzyme Inhibitor of DHFR Plasmodium Vivax
Authors: Sandy Semuel , Wike Irawaty
Published: April 2021

Purpose: In this review, the compound 6-prenylapigenin was identified as a potential wild type Plasmodium vivax dihydrofolate reductase (PDB ID: 2BL9) protein receptor inhibitor through a series of computer-assisted drug design processes, to highlight important interactions between ligand and 2BL9 receptor protein and determine drug properties. proposed as a 2BL9 inhibiting agent.

Methods: The in silico study used secondary data including Plasmodium vivax protein receptor (PDB ID: 2BL9), 6-Prenylapigenin compound (PubChem ID: 10382485), and native ligand Pyrimethamine (PubChem ID: 4993) as a comparison. In silico analysis using software, including AutoDock v 4.2.3, admetSAR v 2.0, Lipinski Role Of Five, PROCHECK SAVES v 6.0, LigPlus + v 2.2 and the Discovery Studio 2016.

Results: The study results showed that the free energy of the Gibbs bonding compound 6-Prenylapigenin is -7.61 kcal/mol with an inhibition constant is 2.65 nM. Types of hydrogen bonding to the amino acid residues Asp53 (A) and Ile173 (A). Hydrophobic extraction of the amino acid residues were Tyr125 (A); Met54 (A); Leu128 (A); Phe57 (A); Ala15 (A); Cys14 (A); Leu39 (A); Leu45 (A); and Tyr179 (A). In silico studies, this compound also has good toxicity and bioavailability properties.

Conclusion: 6-Prenylapigenin compound has an inhibitor activity at the active site of the 2BL9 protein receptor by forming hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. This compound has good toxicity and bio availability so that it may be developed as a dihydrofolate reductase enzyme inhibitor compound.
Silver Dots – A Screening and Prognostic Aid in Oral Health
Authors: Prasanna S , N Srikant
Published: April 2021

Proper histopathological grading and typing of a tumour plays a significant role in evaluating and assessing the clinical management and prognosis of the tumour. Microscopically sometimes it is difficult in categorizing a tumour into benign or malignant as histopathology does not depict all the features which are of diagnostic and prognostic value. The present study aims :To evaluate the proliferative index of the oral epithelial cells taken from a buccal smear. Materials & method : A total of 90 subjects were included with 30 subjects in each category of normal, smokers and tobacco chewers. The smears were collected from buccal mucosa and applied on the glass slides followed by fixation with alcohol for 30 min and staining of the slides with AgNOR staining as proposed by Bukhari et al (2007). Results: The AgNOR number where more in smokers when compared to normal subjects and was statistically significant. Similarly in chewers it was also comparatively higher when compared to normal and statistically significant. But the AgNOR counts between smoker and tobacco chewer, showed a mean difference of 0.6 and was not statistically significant.
Generalized framework for non-sinusoidal fringe analysis using deep learning
Authors: Feng Shijie , Zuo Chao , Zhang Liang , Yin Wei , Chen Qian
Published: April 2021

Phase retrieval from fringe images is essential to many optical metrology applications. In the field of fringe projection profilometry, the phase is often obtained with systematic errors if the fringe pattern is not a perfect sinusoid. Several factors can account for non-sinusoidal fringe patterns, such as the non-linear input–output response (e.g., the gamma effect) of digital projectors, the residual harmonics in binary defocusing projection, and the image saturation due to intense reflection. Traditionally, these problems are handled separately with different well-designed methods, which can be seen as “one-to-one” strategies. Inspired by recent successful artificial intelligence-based optical imaging applications, we propose a “one-to-many” deep learning technique that can analyze non-sinusoidal fringe images resulting from different non-sinusoidal factors and even the coupling of these factors. We show for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, a trained deep neural network can effectively suppress the phase errors due to various kinds of non-sinusoidal patterns. Our work paves the way to robust and powerful learning-based fringe analysis approaches.
Effect of dispersion on indistinguishability between single-photon wave-packets
Authors: Fan Yun-Ru , Yuan Chen-Zhi , Zhang Rui-Ming , Shen Si , Wu Peng , Wang He-Qing , Li Hao , Deng Guang-Wei , Song Hai-Zhi , You Li-Xing , Wang Zhen , Wang You , Guo Guang-Can , Zhou Qiang
Published: April 2021

With propagating through a dispersive medium, the temporal–spectral profile of optical pulses should be inevitably modified. Although such dispersion effect has been well studied in classical optics, its effect on a single-photon wave-packet has not yet been entirely revealed. In this paper, we investigate the effect of dispersion on indistinguishability between single-photon wave-packets through the Hong–Ou–Mandel (HOM) interference. By dispersively manipulating two weak coherent single-photon wave-packets which are prepared by attenuating mode-locked laser pulses before interfering with each other, we observe that the difference of the second-order dispersion between two optical paths of the HOM interferometer can be mapped to the interference curve, indicating that (i) with the same amount of dispersion effect in both paths, the HOM interference curve must be only determined by the intrinsic indistinguishability between the wave-packets, i.e., dispersion cancellation due to the indistinguishability between Feynman paths; and (ii) unbalanced dispersion effect in two paths cannot be canceled and will broaden the interference curve thus providing a way to measure the second-order dispersion coefficient. Our results suggest a more comprehensive understanding of the single-photon wave-packet and pave ways to explore further applications of the HOM interference.
“Tit for Tat”—The Outcomes of Coaching in Service Companies
Authors: Feyertag Christina-Franca , Roschk Holger
Published: April 2021

Workplace coaching has been established as a popular managerial development tool to support employees on all hierarchical levels. In service industries, coaching is underrepresented. This is rather surprising because more than in any other industry, the employees’ attitudes and personal job satisfaction have an impact on customers’ service perceptions. Thus, taking care of the service personnel should be a top concern for service firms. This position paper therefore presents the challenges service employees are confronted with, according to their distance to the customer, and describes how coaching may help them to overcome those challenges from a conceptual point of view. Service employees may be influenced by workplace coaching, affecting not only their work performance (i.e. skill-based outcomes), but also their attitude and personality (i.e. psychological outcomes). Theoretically, this study adds on previous research, by presenting a conceptual discussion of positive outcomes of coaching for service organizations, which is supplemented by considerations about negative or unwanted effects. Service practitioners learn that coaching can be widely applied to different employee groups and gain a differentiated perspective about conceivable positive and negative outcomes.
Influenza vaccination uptake and factors influencing vaccination decision among patients with chronic kidney or liver disease
Authors: Eder Michael , Omic Haris , Gorges Jana , Badt Florian , Kikic Zeljko , Saemann Marcus D. , Tong Allison , Bauer David , Semmler Georg , Reiberger Thomas , Lagler Heimo , Scheiner Bernhard
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Seasonal influenza is a major global health problem causing substantial morbidity and health care costs. Yet, in many countries, the rates of influenza vaccination remain low. Chronic kidney or liver diseases (CKLD) predispose patients to severe influenza infections, but data on vaccination acceptance and status is limited in this risk population. We investigated the influenza vaccination awareness considering sociodemographic factors in CKLD patients.

Patients and methods

This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study recruited CKLD patients managed at three Viennese tertiary care centers between July and October 2020. CKLD was defined as chronic kidney- (all stages) or compensated/decompensated liver disease, including kidney/liver transplant recipients. Questionnaires assessed sociodemographic and transplant- associated parameters, patients vaccination status and the individuals self-perceived risks of infection and associated complications.

Results

In total 516 patients (38.1% female, mean age 56.4 years) were included. 43.9% of patients declared their willingness to be vaccinated in the winter season 2020/2021, compared to 25.4% in 2019/2020 and 27.3% in 2016–2018. Vaccination uptake was associated with the self-perceived risks of infection (OR: 2.8 (95%CI: 1.8–4.5), p<0.001) and associated complications (OR: 3.8 (95%CI: 2.3–6.3), p<0.001) as well as with previously received influenza vaccination (2019/2020: OR 17.1 (95%CI: 9.5–30.7), p<0.001; season 2016–2018: OR 8.9 (95%CI: 5.5–14.5), p<0.001). Most frequent reasons for not planning vaccination were fear of a) graft injury (33.3%), b) complications after vaccination (32.4%) and c) vaccine inefficiency (15.0%).

Conclusion

While influenza vaccination willingness in patients with CKLD is increasing in the 2020/2021 season, vaccination rates may still remain <50%. Novel co-operations with primary health care, active vaccination surveillance and financial reimbursement may substantially improve vaccination rates in high-risk CKLD patients.
Multistage allocation problem for Mexican pension funds
Authors: García-Medina Andrés , Hernández-Leandro Norberto A. , González Farías Graciela , Muriel Nelson
Published: April 2021

The problem of multistage allocation is solved using the Target Date Fund (TDF) strategy subject to a set of restrictions which model the latest regulatory framework of the Mexican pension system. The investment trajectory or glide-path for a representative set of 14 assets of heterogeneous characteristics is studied during a 161 quarters long horizon. The expected returns are estimated by the GARCH(1,1), EGARCH(1,1), GJR-GARCH(1,1) models, and a stationary block bootstrap model is used as a benchmark for comparison. A fixed historical covariance matrix and a multi-period estimation of DCC-GARCH(1,1) are also considered as inputs of the objective function. Forecasts are evaluated through their asymmetric dependencies as quantified by the transfer entropy measure. In general, we find very similar glide-paths so that the overall structure of the investment is maintained and does not rely on the particular forecasting model. However, the GARCH(1,1) under a fixed historical covariance matrix exhibits the highest Sharpe ratio and in this sense represents the best trade-off between wealth and risk. As expected, the initial stages of the obtained glide-paths are initially dominated by risky assets and gradually transition into bonds towards the end oof the trajectory. Overall, the methodology proposed here is computationally efficient and displays the desired properties of a TDF strategy in realistic settings.
On the Interaction of the Electron with the Vacuum Fluctuations of Electromagnetic Field
Authors: Tong Xiaowen
Published: April 2021

A new approach is proposed for evaluating the interaction energy between the electron and the vacuum fluctuations of electromagnetic field. It is applied to two cases: when the electron is free and when it is in a potential-a hydrogen atom. The results are consistent with previous relevant treatments of people.
The Involvement of Malagasy Women Parliamentarians for a State of Law allowing the Development of Women
Authors: MAEVA RANDRINRIJAONA
Published: April 2021

The exclusion of women is at the heart of the modern political order, despite the gradual recognition of formal equality between men and women in the exercise of political rights. The evolution of the political culture has nevertheless allowed the gradual access of women to power. Yet in the case of Madagascar, gender consideration is not limited to the integration of women in power, but several challenges lie ahead for the country in terms of women's rights. Women parliamentarians through their roles can advocate for women's rights. But the question is how these women parliamentarians advocate for women’s development rights do?Women's development requires respect for their rights, and women parliamentarians, when designing and passing laws, have the opportunity to fight for women's rights, which generally boil down to the right to health, safety and work. The aim is therefore to highlight the capacity of women parliamentarians to establish a rule of law that allows women to develop.

Women's participation in the proposals and discussions of laws can play an equal part in promoting women's rights and women's development.
Indomethacin in COVID-19, more than just NSAID
Authors: Sorour Khaled , El-Menshawy Hadeer
Published: April 2021

This article aims to direct some interest on the positive role that Indomethacin could play in COVID-19. We relied on available evidence from the present literature and results of few clinical trials. We first discussed briefly, the documented antiviral activityof Indomethacin on coronaviruses and other viruses then moved to talk abouthow it could control the exaggerated immune responsefrequently reported during SARS-CoV-2infectionthrough the modulation ofthe PPAR-γ & HIF-1α axis. At the end, we posted the results of some clinical trials that we consider promising.Itisimportant to note that our article does not carry a specificrecommendation forIndomethacinas a global treatment for COVID-19, but we do believe it deservesto be implemented in more clinical trials.
Escolha implícita da lei nos contratos internacionais: caso Faraday Reinsurance v. Howden North America
Authors: Copetti Cravo Daniela
Published: April 2021

A escolha da lei aplicável aos Contratos Internacionais pelas partes, a qual é embasada nos direitos humanos, é amplamente aceita no direito comparado, sendo utilizada quase que universalmente. Essa escolha poderá ocorrer de duas formas, isto é, de maneira expressa ou implícita e é, justamente nessa segunda forma, em que reside a problemática abordada pelo presente estudo, o qual possui como objeto a investigação de como a escolha implícita da lei deverá ser identificada e, posteriormente, interpretada pelo juiz ou árbitro, tendo em vista que nem sempre essa tarefa se dará de uma maneira clara e sem dificuldades. Para tanto, esse estudo utilizará a abordagem dedutiva, bem como se apoiará na análise de caso concreto e na investigação bibliográfica, de doutrina nacional e estrangeira.
Palavras-Chave: Autonomia da Vontade, Escolha Implícita da Lei, Indícios.
ANALYSIS OF LATERAL DISPLACEMENT AND EVALUATION OF TREATMENT MEASURES OF CURVED BEAM: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Li Jie , Liang Dongchao , Zhang Junfeng , Shi Zhaodong , Chen Huai
Published: April 2021

The curved beam bridge exhibits lateral displacement during construction and operation. Taking a curved beam bridge as an example, the status of lateral displacement of the bridge is investigated in detail in this paper. To understand the mechanism of the curved beam lateral displacement, further to determine the curved beam lateral displacement under temperature effect, using ANSYS software to establish solid element model of the curved beam, steady state thermal analysis method is applied to analyze temperature field. Based on the analysis, the lateral displacement under temperature effect is analyzed. Then in order to further explain the lateral displacement mechanism, to discuss the frictional force causing the residual deformation of the rubber bearing to make the lateral displacement of the curved beam, the mechanical mechanism of curved beam under temperature effect is approximately analyzed. On the basis of clarifying the mechanism of lateral displacement, the paper puts forward the reinforcement measures for the curved beam bridge. In order to verify the treatment effect, long-term displacement monitoring is performed on the bridge. Numerical studies and monitoring data show that temperature is the main factor that causes the lateral displacement. Monitoring data over the past year shows that the displacement of the bearing is less than the value of allowable displacement after the reinforcement measures are adopted, and the bridge is in a safe state.
DISPLACEMENTS OF SIDE WALLS WITH WALL-GIRTS IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS UNDER VERTICAL SETTLEMENTS
Authors: Subelza Noemí M. , Pedrozo Verónica A. , Jaca Rossana C. , Godoy Luis A.
Published: April 2021

The localized settlement of columns in large metal industrial buildings induces out-of-plane displacements of side walls of the same order as the settlement, which may affect service conditions in the building. For a structural configuration formed by frames, side-walls and wall-girts, this work reports results from testing a small-scale model together with computational modelling of the full-scale structure. Dimensional analysis was used to scale the geometry and properties from full-scale to small-scale, leading to an overall scale factor of 1:15. Differential settlements having a controlled amplitude were imposed at the central column, and displacements were monitored using mechanical devices. The computational model employed shell elements for side-walls and wall- girts. Good agreement was found between tests and computer modelling. The results at the full- scale level, indicate that, for settlements likely to occur in granular soils, the associated lateral displacements exceed those allowed by current US regulations. Stiffening the structure was investigated by use of stiffer girts, as well as by reducing their spacing. The influence of frame height was also investigated. The overall conclusion is that out-of-plane displacements of side- walls may easily exceed allowable values unless they are specifically considered at a design stage.
NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF GLASS-FIBER REINFORCED PLASTIC MORTAR PIPES CULVERT RESPONSE TO HEAVY TRUCK LOADS
Authors: Shi Huawang , Gu Chencheng , Xue Chongchong , Li Yancang
Published: April 2021

The main objective of this paper is to investigate the dynamic performance and behaviour of glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) mortar pipes under heavy truck loads. According to the field conditions, a finite element dynamic analysis (FEDA) model of GRP pipe culverts was established. Modal analysis of the vibration system was carried out, and the main natural frequencies with 26.6Hz,32Hz,35.7Hz and corresponding mode shapes were obtained. On the basis of modal analysis, dynamic response of GRP pipe culverts under vehicle loads was simulated through random vibration. Based on the measured vibration velocity time histories, the modal and random vibration responses of the vibration system were analyzed. The results show that the spectral response value of pipeline to vehicle load decreases with the increase of buried depth. When the depth of GRP pipe culverts buried is greater than 0.8m, the influence of ground vehicle dynamic loads on the vibration of GRP pipe culverts cannot be taken into consideration. It can provide the basis for the design of GRP pipe culverts, especially under heavy loads.
REAL-TIME MONITORING DEFORMATION OF BUILDING USING PHOTOGRAPHY DYNAMIC MONITORING SYSTEM
Authors: Ge Yongquan , Yu Chengxin , Zhao Tonglong , Liu Xiaodong
Published: April 2021

The spatial structure building is a type of building system; it is necessary to monitor deformation to determine its stability and robustness. Under the dynamic deformation of structures, it is challenging to determine appropriate zero image (the reference image) if we use the PST-IM- MP (photograph scale transformation-image matching-motion parallax) method to obtain the deformation of structures. This paper offers the Z-MP (zero-centered motion parallax) method to solve these problems and offers PDMS (Photography Dynamic Monitoring System) based on the digital photography system to monitor the dynamic deformation of the tennis stadium located in Jinan Olympic Sports Center. The results showed that the spatial structures of the tennis stadium were robust, and the deformations were elastic and within the permissible value. Compared with the PST-IM-MP method, the Z-MP method is more suitable for deformation monitoring structures under real-time deformation. This paper indicates PDMS has advantages of the simplicity of operations, automation, and the ability of non-contact dynamic deformation monitoring for multiple points in a short period. In the future, it will have broader application prospects.
STABILITY ANALYSIS OF THE GRAVITY ANCHORAGE OF A SUSPENSION BRIDGE BASED ON LARGE-SCALE FIELD TESTS
Authors: Zhou Zhijun , Chen Chaoran , Wang Longfei , Tian Yeqing , Feng Hongming , Wang Kangchao
Published: April 2021

The stability of gravity anchorages is critical to the safe operation of suspension bridges. The purpose of this paper is to study the stability of a gravity anchorage under the tension of main cables. Large-scale load tests and direct shear tests under the nature state and the saturated state were carried out in the adit at the bottom of the gravity anchorage, because the bottom surface of the gravity anchorage is below the design water level of a reservoir to be built. Representative rock samples in the anchorage area were selected for indoor tests. The basic parameters of the rock mass and the characteristic value of subsoil bearing capacity were obtained based on the field and indoor tests results. The static theory was used to calculate the anti-sliding stability coefficient, anti- overturning stability coefficient and contact stress of the gravity anchorage. The finite element software was used to calculate the horizontal displacement, vertical settlement and contact stress of the gravity anchorage. The calculation results met the relevant requirements, and it can be considered that the gravity anchorage was stable under the tension of main cables. It would provide a reference for the stability study of the gravity anchorage of suspension bridges.
BEARING CAPACITY OF SINGLE-ANGLE COMPRESSION MEMBER: EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION
Authors: Sardroud Javad Majrouhi , Zaghian Mohammad Hossein
Published: April 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the load-bearing capacity of a single angle column under various loading conditions to determine the loading condition offering the highest load- bearing capacity. In all cases, the load is transferred through one leg (or two legs) of the angle which has a smaller cross-sectional area compared to the total area of the angle profile. The main objective of this study is to develop almost all of the possible support conditions for the single angle section and carry out laboratory tests on the chosen specimens to determine the most suitable one. Also, there are some finite element investigations done using ABAQUS software to find out the maximum forces in which all the elements of the structures remain their linear behavior and the stress spots concentration. Based on the obtained results, it is possible to increase the axial critical load of a single angle by using the connections at the main axis of the section.
The frugal life and why we should educate for it
Authors: White John
Published: April 2021

The article begins with a fictional example of a life that has been spent frugally in several different ways and for different reasons over time: in wartime, through many decades of simple living, through a period marked by anxiety over the threat to future generations from the depletion of global resources and the climate crisis, to the COVID-19 emergency. The mini-biography serves as an introduction to a more systematic account of these various perspectives on frugality and reasons for adopting a frugal way of living. This provides the framework for a discussion of different aspects of education for frugality in the main body of the article. There are two brief sections at the end dealing, first, with a caveat about the climate change argument for education in frugality and, second, with wider issues that the topic raises.
Desenvolvimento de aplicativo para auxílio à navegação em ambientes internos
Authors: Aravena Carolina Aguilar , Delazari Luciene Stamato
Published: April 2021

Em ambientes externos o auxílio à navegação do usuário pode ser realizado por meio do uso dos sinais recebidos dos satélites GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) ou pelo GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication). No interior das edificações, não é possível utilizar estas tecnologias, o que faz necessário o uso de outros métodos de posicionamento para auxiliar ao usuário. Uma das soluções para o posicionamento neste ambiente é a tecnologia WIFI, que encontra-se implementada em dispositivos móveis, como os smartphones. Entretanto, ainda não existem muitas soluções que podem ser adotadas em ambientes indoor que podem auxiliar no posicionamento do usuário. Nesta pesquisa foi desenvolvido um aplicativo na plataforma Android, com a qual é determinado o posicionamento para o ambiente interno, pelas técnicas do centróide, centróide ponderado e trilateração, para posteriormente ser apresentado em um mapa com a finalidade de assistir na navegação do usuário no ambiente interno. O aplicativo permite ao usuário identificar sua posição no ambiente a partir da interação com o mapa, além de ser apresentado um marcador de posição, indicando o andar e o prédio onde o usuário se encontra. Desta forma auxilia na orientação do usuário, e permite sua localização, além de ser uma ferramenta adequada para este tipo de ambientes. Este trabalho faz parte do projeto UFPR CampusMap da Universidade Federal do Paraná.
Análise Multicritério Aplicada à Determinação de Áreas de Adequabilidade à Valorização Imobiliária
Authors: Duarte Daniel Camilo de Oliveira , Oliveira Júlio Cesar de , Lani João Luiz , Uberti Marlene Salete , Marques Éder Teixeira , Abreu Marcos Vinícius Sanches
Published: April 2021

O Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG) tem sido amplamente utilizado no Cadastro Territorial Multifinalitário (CTM) para gerenciar dados e informações acerca dos imóveis e das diversas temáticas relacionadas ao Planejamento Urbano e a Gestão Territorial. Entre as ferramentas presentes em um SIG, a Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) é utilizada em várias áreas da ciência e os seus resultados são mapas de susceptibilidade ou adequabilidade, elaborados por meio da combinação de restrições, fatores e pesos que permitem subsidiar a tomada de decisão. No contexto de Goiânia, a MCE foi utilizada para definir áreas de adequabilidade à valorização imobiliária. Para isso foram utilizados dados geográficos das temáticas: Meio Ambiente, Topografia, Transporte e Mobilidade, Educação, Patrimônio Histórico e Cultura, Saúde e Assistência Social, Infraestrutura Urbana e Serviços Urbanos. Todos os dados passaram por técnicas de análise espacial para serem escalonados em fatores em termos de sua adequabilidade a valorização imobiliária por meio das lógicas booleana e Fuzzy. Além disso, os fatores foram submetidos a processos de ponderação por meio do método Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) correlacionado com a Planta Genérica de Valores (PGV). Para combinar os fatores da análise foram utilizados os métodos da Combinação Linear Ponderada (CLP) e a Média Ordenada Ponderada (MOP). Os resultados demostram que as Regiões Central e Campinas apresentaram maior valorização imobiliária, concluindo que a MCE amplia a capacidade de modelagem da influência geográfica nos valores dos imóveis.
Estimativa da Umidade do Solo por Refletometria GNSS: uma Revisão Conceitual
Authors: Euriques Jorge Felipe , Krueger Claudia Pereira , Machado Wagner Carrupt , Sapucci Luiz Fernando , Geremia-Nievinski Felipe
Published: April 2021

O monitoramento da umidade do solo possibilita o manejo e uso eficiente de recursos hídricos, sendo uma atividade importante em diversas áreas, tais como: no monitoramento de áreas de risco; delimitação de áreas suscetíveis a enchentes; atividades da geotecnia; e na agricultura. A Refletometria GNSS (GNSS-R) é um desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico que permite realizar sensoriamento remoto ou proximal, a depender da altura da antena em relação à superfície, com satélites de navegação. Neste método, explora-se os sinais GNSS que chegam à antena receptora de maneira direta e indireta, após reflexão nas superfícies existentes no entorno da antena. A combinação destes dois sinais ocasiona o efeito de multicaminho, que afeta as observáveis GNSS e deteriora o posicionamento. Por outro lado, ao interagir com estas superfícies, o sinal indireto permite estimar atributos acerca das superfícies, como por exemplo a umidade do solo. Uma das principais vantagens em relação aos métodos convencionais reside no fato do GNSS-R proporcionar uma área de abrangência intermediária e o uso da estrutura bem estabelecida dos satélites GNSS, que garantem resolução temporal apropriada. O escopo deste trabalho é apresentar uma revisão conceitual acerca do GNSS-R aplicado no monitoramento da umidade do solo.