bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Good ESG Lead to Better Financial Performances by Firms? Machine Learning and Logistic Regression Models of Public Enterprises in Europe
Authors: De Lucia Caterina , Pazienza Pasquale , Bartlett Mark
Published: July 2020

The increasing awareness of climate change and human capital issues is shifting companies towards aspects other than traditional financial earnings. In particular, the changing behaviors towards sustainability issues of the global community and the availability of environmental, social and governance (ESG) indicators are attracting investors to socially responsible investment decisions. Furthermore, whereas the strategic importance of ESG metrics has been particularly studied for private enterprises, little attention have received public companies. To address this gap, the present work has three aims—1. To predict the accuracy of main financial indicators such as the expected Return of Equity (ROE) and Return of Assets (ROA) of public enterprises in Europe based on ESG indicators and other economic metrics; 2. To identify whether ESG initiatives affect the financial performance of public European enterprises; and 3. To discuss how ESG factors, based on the findings of aims #1 and #2, can contribute to the advancements of the current debate on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies and practices in public enterprises in Europe. To fulfil the above aims, we use a combined approach of machine learning (ML) techniques and inferential (i.e., ordered logistic regression) model. The former predicts the accuracy of ROE and ROA on several ESG and other economic metrics and fulfils aim #1. The latter is used to test whether any causal relationships between ESG investment decisions and ROA and ROE exist and, whether these relationships exist, to assess their magnitude. The inferential analysis fulfils aim #2. Main findings suggest that ML accurately predicts ROA and ROE and indicate, through the ordered logistic regression model, the existence of a positive relationship between ESG practices and the financial indicators. In addition, the existing relationship appears more evident when companies invest in environmental innovation, employment productivity and diversity and equal opportunity policies. As a result, to fulfil aim #3 useful policy insights are advised on these issues to strengthen CSR strategies and sustainable development practices in European public enterprises.
Weighted Variables Using Best-Worst Scaling in Ordered Logit Models for Public Transit Satisfaction
Authors: Mendoza-Arango Iván Manuel , Echaniz Eneko , dell’Olio Luigi , Gutiérrez-González Eduardo
Published: July 2020

Customer overall satisfaction regarding a public transport system is dependent on the satisfaction of the users with the attributes that make up the service, as well as the contribution that each of these attributes makes to explain the overall satisfaction. A common way of analysing the contribution of service attributes to explain overall satisfaction is through the use of ordered logit or probit models. This article presents an ordered logit model that considers the weighting of independent variables through the explicit importance calculated on the basis of a best-worst case 1 choice task. For the calculation of importance, a multinomial logit model has been estimated which considers the heterogeneity of the sample through systematic variations in user tastes. In this way, it is possible to establish a level of importance of each specific attribute for each type of user. The results show that the importance varies considerably depending on different socio-economic and mobility-base variables. On the other hand, the inclusion of the weighted variables in the ordered logit model improves its fit. Therefore, the results make possible to develop policies focused on improving satisfaction on specific user targets.
Land–Sea Interaction: Integrating Climate Adaptation Planning and Maritime Spatial Planning in the North Adriatic Basin
Authors: Maragno Denis , dall’Omo Carlo Federico , Pozzer Gianfranco , Bassan Niccolò , Musco Francesco
Published: July 2020

Land–sea interaction dynamics are physiologically regulated by an exchange of matter (and energy) between the anthropic system and the natural environment. Therefore, the appropriate management of land–sea interaction (LSI)contexts should base on those planning approaches which can holistically support coastal development, such as Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) and Climate Adaptation Planning (CAP). One of the main limiting factors for this integration is the fragmentation of existing databases and information sources, which compose the territorial knowledge framework. Investigations have sought to address the representation and assessment of “wicked” and interconnected coastal problems. The present research focuses on the production of the necessary information to fill sectorial knowledge gaps and to merge the available data into a single framework. The research methodology is based on remote sensing assessment techniques and is designed to be replicated in other coastal areas to integrate CAP and MSP. The output maps are a result of the empirical application of the integration of the assessment techniques and are meant to support local decision-making processes. The result aims at illustrating and highlighting the relationships between climate change impact vulnerabilities their spatial relation to marine resources and maritime activities. This can support effective actions aimed at environmental and urban protection, the organization of the uses of the sea and adaptation to climate impacts. The application of the assessment techniques is developed on a case study in the north Adriatic Basin. The Gulf of Trieste constitutes a representative case study for the Mediterranean Basin due to its transboundary nature. The relationship and the ongoing projects between Slovenia and Italy make the case study an interesting context in which to test and train the proposed integrated planning approach. Therefore, the study investigates local vulnerability to climate impacts, i.e., Urban Heat Island (UHI) and urban runoff, and the existing relationship between the urban fabrics and the marine environment.
Teaching Programming to Students with Vision Impairment: Impact of Tactile Teaching Strategies on Student’s Achievements and Perceptions
Authors: Alotaibi Hind , S. Al-Khalifa Hend , AlSaeed Duaa
Published: July 2020

The United Nations (UN) 2030 agenda involved 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve a better and more sustainable world for all. The fourth Sustainable Development Goal called for “ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all”. Despite international efforts to achieve such a goal, many students with vision impairment (VI) who wish to pursue a degree in computer science face significant challenges and must overcome social and technical obstacles. One challenge is learning how to program as a key skill for pursuing a degree in the field of computer science. This paper explores practical issues in teaching students with VI the basics of programming and presents recommended practices based on a suggested workshop setup. The workshop ran for three weeks, for a total of 60 teaching hours, and involved designing and implementing complete curricula and multi-modal activities to simplify the acquisition of basic programming concepts. Workshop data was collected using several data collection methods—i.e., interviews, observation, questionnaires, performance records, and daily journals. The results indicated an improvement in participants’ programming skills, which was detected through their performance records and final project evaluations. The participants also showed a high interest in learning programming and positive attitudes towards the experience. However, the participants’ experience also involved some challenges such as understanding abstract concepts, code navigation, and some technical issues. The study is hoped to contribute to the literature on education inclusion and to bridge the digital divide in our society.
Risk-Informed Performance Assessment of Construction Projects
Authors: Papanikolaou Merkourios , Xenidis Yiannis
Published: July 2020

Construction projects are struggling to reach satisfactory performance in a context full of various and many risks. Despite the long-lasting study of performance in construction no universal approaches have emerged from numerous proposals. A mainstream in dealing with this issue is benchmarking methods with the use of appropriate indicators. This research work adopts such a group of indicators that address more aspects than the usual cost, schedule, and quality considerations. Following suggestions for proper adjustments and clarifications for the appropriate use of this group of indicators, this research proceeds by introducing the risk aspect to the calculation of project performance. Identified risks are modeled through fuzzy numbers to deal with data incompleteness and then they are appropriately added to compose risk coefficients for the performance dimensions expressed through the respective indicators. Then, the overall project’s performance is calculated addressing a risk-informed performance assessment of construction projects. The whole process is tested for verification with a theoretical example. The development of a simple yet inclusive and adjustable methodological framework for risk-informed performance assessment is expected to provide practitioners with a relatively easy approach for integrating both the risk and performance management in construction.
The Use of Big Data for Sustainable Development in Motor Production Line Issues
Authors: Lin Yao-Chin , Yeh Ching-Chuan , Chen Wei-Hung , Liu Wei-Chun , Wang Jyun-Jie
Published: July 2020

This study explores big data gathered from motor production lines to gain a better understanding of production line issues. Motor products from Solen Electric Company’s motor production lines were used to predict failure points based on big data analytics, where 3606 datapoints from the company’s testing equipment were statistically analyzed. The current study focused on secondary data and expert interview results to further define the relevant statistical dimensions. Only 14 of the original 88 detection parameters were required for monitoring the production line. The relationships between these parameters and the relevant motor components were established to indicate how an abnormal reading may be interpreted to quickly resolve an issue. Thus, a theoretical model for the monitoring of the motor production line was proposed. Further implications and practical suggestions are also offered to improve the production lines. This study explores big data analysis and smart manufacturing and demonstrates the promise of these technologies in improving production line efficiency and reducing waste to promote sustainable production goals. Big data thus constitute the core technology for advancing production lines into Industry 4.0 and promoting industry sustainability.
Climate-Related Prudential Risks in the Banking Sector: A Review of the Emerging Regulatory and Supervisory Practices
Authors: Feridun Mete , Güngör Hasan
Published: July 2020

This article reviews emerging regulatory and supervisory practices with respect to prudential risks from climate change in the banking sector. It evaluates the theoretical considerations with respect to climate-related financial risks in the banking sector, reviews the related academic literature, and analyzes the policy-related publications from various regulatory authorities. As a result of this assessment, the article concludes that the major regulatory and supervisory expectations can be categorized into four key areas: (i) board-level attention to climate risks and integrating them into internal governance frameworks, (ii) embedding climate risks into strategies and overall risk management frameworks, (iii) identifying climate-related material exposures and disclosure of relevant key metrics, and (iv) assessing capital impact from climate risk through scenario analysis and stress testing. The article also presents a number of implications for banks and banking regulators in other jurisdictions to help them identify the actions required to address climate change risks in the banking sector.
Rice-Straw-Based Heat Generation System Compared to Open-Field Burning and Soil Incorporation of Rice Straw: An Assessment of Energy, GHG Emissions, and Economic Impacts
Authors: Migo-Sumagang Maria Victoria P. , Maguyon-Detras Monet Concepcion , Gummert Martin , Alfafara Catalino G. , Borines Myra G. , Capunitan Jewel A. , Van Hung Nguyen
Published: July 2020

Rice is a staple food crop, and its production generates large volumes of agricultural waste, rice straw. Several studies have proven that open-field burning and soil incorporation are unsustainable practices of managing rice straw, but remain as prevalent methods of treating and disposing of rice straw. An alternative solution is to harness the energy from rice straw via a small-scale heat conversion system for paddy drying applications, which can reduce rice grain post-processing costs and improve paddy storage conditions. This study investigated the energy flow, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, and cost of a small-scale rice-straw-based heat generation (RBHG) system using a downdraft furnace and a dryer simulator setup. The highest input energy and GHG emissions of 92% and 68%, respectively, were from the heat generation stage. The RBHG energy ratio was between 1.4 and 1.7, and the percent net energy was between 39 and 67%. The best case of RBHG offers a possibility of a net GHG avoided (−61 kg CO2-eq Mg−1), while the worst case (856 kg CO2-eq Mg−1) has a net GHG emission comparable with soil incorporation. The average total cost of RBHG is 0.096 USD kWh−1. Overall, RBHG technology has the potential to improve energy flow, GHG emissions, and the cost of rice production systems.
Waste Management and Operational Energy for Sustainable Buildings: A Review
Authors: Amaral Rosaria E.C. , Brito Joel , Buckman Matt , Drake Elicia , Ilatova Esther , Rice Paige , Sabbagh Carlos , Voronkin Sergei , Abraham Yewande S.
Published: July 2020

Construction and demolition waste account for a significant part of the solid waste taking up landfills on a global scale. A considerable portion of the waste generated by the construction industry has substantial residual value, and therefore waste management and sustainability principles and techniques should be applied. Buildings consume a lot of energy during the operations phase, but decisions made during design and construction impact building operations. This study reviews sustainable building practices to explore strategies that ensure minimal effects on economy, society, and the environment through efficient resource and waste management at different phases of a building life cycle. These practices include pollution reduction, reuse and recycling, energy consumption, embodied carbon, and water resource management.
Implications of Climate Change on Nature-Based Tourism Demand: A Segmentation Analysis of Glacier Site Visitors in Southeast Iceland
Authors: Welling Johannes , Árnason Þorvarður , Ólafsdóttir Rannveig
Published: July 2020

Since the end of the 20th century, glaciers are shrinking at an accelerated pace worldwide. This fuels the concern that increased glacier recession will lead to changes in the accessibility, safety, and amenity of many popular glacier tourist destinations—which may, in turn, affect the number of tourists visiting these areas. However, tourist responses to climate-induced environmental changes are still not well understood. Therefore, this study assesses the effects of the implications of glacier recession for glacier site visitation demand and examines the heterogeneity of tourists’ responses to these implications for visitation, combining a contingent behavior approach with multivariate cluster analysis. Data were generated from a quantitative survey of 565 visitors to Vatnajökull National Park in southeast Iceland. The results show that climate change induced environmental changes greatly affect nature-based tourism demand, and that the responses of glacier visitors to those changes vary considerably across visitation implications and visitor segments. In order to facilitate future glacier site visitation demand in a sustainable manner, decision-makers and practitioners need to act more proactively and incorporate visitor segment differences into their planning, education, communication efforts and product development.
Rangeland Grazing Strategies to Lower the Dependency on Imported Concentrates in Norwegian Sheep Meat Production
Authors: Bhatti Muhammad Azher , Eik Lars Olav , Steinheim Geir , Ådnøy Tormod , Horneland Reinert , Wynn Peter , Hopkins David L. , Asheim Leif Jarle
Published: July 2020

Norway has vast rangeland resources (292,361 km2) with an estimated carrying capacity of nearly four million sheep and lambs, twice the current number. However, the intensive production system currently applied has led to more concentrate dependency, resulting in heavier animals in addition to poorer utilization of rangelands and homegrown feed. Intensive feeding systems indirectly influence the sustainability of ecosystems by promoting intensive cropping that can deplete soil fertility and threaten landscape preservation and biodiversity. By contrast, extensive grazing systems can produce environmentally and animal-friendly food products and contribute to regulating soil health, water and nutrient cycling, soil carbon sequestration, and recreational environments. In this paper, the economics of current sheep feeding practices in Norway, using a linear programming model, were compared with more extensive systems which allow for higher usage of on-farm feed resources. Changes in current sheep farming practices have the potential to increase lamb meat production relative to mutton production, in addition to improving the year-round supply of fresh meat. The investigated alternatives, using the Norwegian White Sheep (NWS) breed, suggest that delayed lambing is useful only on farms with abundant pastures available for autumn feeding. Lambs achieve a better market price than hoggets and mature sheep. Therefore, based on the current Norwegian meat market and price offered per kilogram of meat for lamb, an increase in NWS lamb production improves farm profits. On the other hand, when the aim is on greater use of homegrown feed and rangelands, this can be achieved through hogget production, and the quantity of concentrates required can be reduced substantially.
An Analysis of the Socio-Economic and Human Life Impact of Implementing the eCall In Vehicle System (IVS) in the Purpose of Ensuring Sustainable, Improved Rescue Operations on European Roads
Authors: Zirra Daniela , Perju-Mitran Alexandra , Căruţaşu George , Pîrjan Alexandru , Garais Eugen Gabriel
Published: July 2020

Ensuring a higher degree of road safety contributes both to the quality of transport services and to the level of the costs involved in rescue operations. The initiation points of managing a rescue operation are situational awareness on accident detection and the appropriate assessment of the required resources. The eCall in Vehicle System (eCall IVS) for passenger vehicles aims to minimize rescue team arrival times to accident sites, and meet assignment needs in the rescue chain. Implementation costs and benefits for the eCall IVS have been investigated, providing implications for rescue operations management. The findings show that the benefits of eCall IVS implementation outweigh the costs, and savings achieved in the rescue operations are obtained by shortening the time to reach the place of the accident and by efficient intervention through a more accurate allocation of the necessary resources, due to timely and relevant information.
COVID-19 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Threat to Solidarity or an Opportunity?
Authors: Leal Filho Walter , Brandli Luciana Londero , Lange Salvia Amanda , Rayman-Bacchus Lez , Platje Johannes
Published: July 2020

COVID-19, as a pandemic, is impacting institutions around the world. Its scope and economic dimensions also mean that it poses a major threat towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This article discusses how the coronavirus pandemic may influence the SDGs and could affect their implementation. The methods used entail an analysis of the literature, observations and an assessment of current world trends. The results obtained point out that, while COVID-19 has become a priority to many health systems in developing nations, they still need to attend to many other existing diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and others. Further, the study shows that strong concerns in dealing with COVID-19 are disrupting other disease prevention programs. As a result, problems such as mental health are also likely to be overlooked, since the isolation of social distancing may mask or lead to an increase in the percentage of suffers. The paper suggests that, due to its wide scope and areas of influence, COVID-19 may also jeopardize the process of the implementation of the SDGs. It sends a cautious warning about the need to continue to put an emphasis on the implementation of the SDGs, so that the progress achieved to date is not endangered.
Linking of Traditional Food and Tourism. The Best Pork of Wielkopolska—Culinary Tourist Trail: A Case Study
Authors: Niedbała Gniewko , Jęczmyk Anna , Steppa Ryszard , Uglis Jarosław
Published: July 2020

Agriculture, food and tourism is combined into offering tourist products in rural areas. The development of local activities combining traditional food and tourism becomes an investment for the future with both the concept of sustainable gastronomy and agriculture sustainability, and helps in the development of local entrepreneurship in rural areas. The European Union has introduced provisions for the protection of traditional and regional food that can be used to create a variety of tourist products. Currently, tourists are looking for unique local products. More and more people travel because of culinary motifs, and local products, dishes and local processors can become an attraction in these places. This paper presents the idea of ‘The Best Pork of Wielkopolska’ culinary trail, which is based on a local product from Wielkopolska, in Poland—the native breed of pig—the Złotnicka White pig. The rapid development of culinary tourism means that tourists are looking for offers in this area. There are many cooking-related products available in the tourism market, one of which is the culinary trail. Food becomes one of the advantages of places where tourism related to the culture of the region develops. Based on cultural heritage, a variety of tourist products can be created, e.g., culinary trails combining agriculture and food produced in this area with tourism.
Emulating Rotational Inertia of Synchronous Machines by a New Control Technique in Grid-Interactive Converters
Authors: Saeedian Meysam , Pournazarian Bahram , Seyedalipour S. Sajjad , Eskandari Bahman , Pouresmaeil Edris
Published: July 2020

Integration of renewable energy sources (RESs) into power systems is growing due to eco-friendly concerns and ever-increasing electricity demand. Voltage source converters (VSCs) are the main interface between RESs and power grids, which have neither rotational inertia nor damping characteristics. Lack of these metrics make the power grid sensitive to frequency disturbances and thereby under frequency, to load shedding activation or even large-scale collapse. In this regard, the contribution of this paper is to develop a new control technique for VSCs that can provide virtual inertia and damping properties with the DC-link capacitors inhered in the DC-side of grid-tied VSCs. The applied VSC is controlled in the current controlled model, with the capability of injecting extra active power with the aim of frequency support during perturbations. The dynamics assessment of the proposed platform is derived in detail. It is revealed that the control scheme performs in a stable region even under weak-grid conditions. Finally, simulations are conducted in MATLAB to depict the efficacy and feasibility of the proposed method. The results show that frequency deviation is mitigated under step up/down changes in the demand, and the rate of change of frequency is improved by 47.37% compared to the case in which the synthetic inertia loop is canceled out.
Influence of Plastic Anisotropy on the Limit Load of an Overmatched Cracked Tension Specimen
Authors: Lyamina Elena , Kalenova Nataliya , Nguyen Dinh Kien
Published: July 2020

Plastic anisotropy is a common property of many metallic materials. This property affects many aspects of structural analysis and design. In contrast to the isotropic case, there is a great variety of yield criteria proposed for anisotropic materials. Moreover, even if one specific yield criterion is selected, several constitutive parameters are involved in it. Therefore, parametric analysis of structures made of anisotropic materials is quite cumbersome. The present paper demonstrates the effect of the constitutive parameters involved in Hill’s quadratic yield criterion on the upper bound limit load for weld stretched overmatched tension specimens containing a crack of arbitrary shape, assuming that the crack is located inside the weld. Different sets of the constitutive parameters are involved in the yield criteria for weld and base materials. Since the limit load is an input parameter of many flaw assessment procedures, the final result of the present paper shows that it is necessary to take into account plastic anisotropy in these procedures. It is worthy of note that the limit load is involved in the flaw assessment procedures in combination with the stress and strain fields near the tip of a crack. In anisotropic materials, these fields may become non-symmetric even under symmetric loading. This behavior affects the propagation of cracks.
Direct Comparison between Two Third Convergence Order Schemes for Solving Equations
Authors: Regmi Samundra , Argyros Ioannis K. , George Santhosh
Published: July 2020

We provide a comparison between two schemes for solving equations on Banach space. A comparison between same convergence order schemes has been given using numerical examples which can go in favor of either scheme. However, we do not know in advance and under the same set of conditions which scheme has the largest ball of convergence, tighter error bounds or best information on the location of the solution. We present a technique that allows us to achieve this objective. Numerical examples are also given to further justify the theoretical results. Our technique can be used to compare other schemes of the same convergence order.
Two-Phase Biofluid Flow Model for Magnetic Drug Targeting
Authors: Boutopoulos Ioannis D. , Lampropoulos Dimitrios S. , Bourantas George C. , Miller Karol , Loukopoulos Vassilios C.
Published: July 2020

Magnetic drug targeting (MDT) is a noninvasive method for the medical treatment of various diseases of the cardiovascular system. Biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles loaded with medicinal drugs are carried to a tissue target in the human body (in vivo) under the applied magnetic field. The present study examines the MDT technique in various microchannels geometries by adopting the principles of biofluid dynamics (BFD). The blood flow is considered as laminar, pulsatile and the blood as an incompressible and non-Newtonian fluid. A two-phase model is adopted to resolve the blood flow and the motion of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The numerical results are obtained by utilizing a meshless point collocation method (MPCM) alongside with the moving least squares (MLS) approximation. The numerical results are verified by comparing with published numerical results. We investigate the effect of crucial parameters of MDT, including (1) the volume fraction of nanoparticles, (2) the location of the magnetic field, (3) the strength of the magnetic field and its gradient, (4) the way that MNPs approach the targeted area, and (5) the bifurcation angle of the vessel.
Evaluating Classical Airplane Boarding Methods Considering COVID-19 Flying Restrictions
Authors: Cotfas Liviu-Adrian , Delcea Camelia , Milne R. John , Salari Mostafa
Published: July 2020

The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has imposed the need for a series of social distancing restrictions worldwide to mitigate the scourge of the COVID-19 pandemic. This applies to many domains, including airplane boarding and seat assignments. As airlines are considering their passengers’ safety during the pandemic, boarding methods should be evaluated both in terms of social distancing norms and the resulting efficiency for the airlines. The present paper analyzes the impact of a series of restrictions that have been imposed or mooted worldwide on the boarding methods used by the airlines, featuring the use of jet-bridges and one-door boarding. To compare the efficacy of classical airplane boarding methods with respect to new social distancing norms, five metrics were used to evaluate their performance. One metric is the time to complete the boarding of the airplane. The other four metrics concern passenger health and reflect the potential exposure to the virus from other passengers through the air and surfaces (e.g., headrests and luggage) touched by passengers. We use the simulation platform in NetLogo to test six common boarding methods under various conditions. The back-to-front by row boarding method results in the longest time to complete boarding but has the advantage of providing the lowest health risk for two metrics. Those two metrics are based on passengers potentially infecting those passengers previously seated in the rows they traverse. Interestingly, those two risks are reduced for most boarding methods when the social distance between adjacent passengers advancing down the aisle is increased, thus indicating an unanticipated benefit stemming from this form of social distancing. The modified reverse pyramid by half zone method provides the shortest time to the completing boarding of the airplane and—along with the WilMA boarding method—provides the lowest health risk stemming from potential infection resulting from seat interferences. Airlines have the difficult task of making tradeoffs between economic productivity and the resulting impact on various health risks.
Perturbation of One-Dimensional Time Independent Schrödinger Equation With a Symmetric Parabolic Potential Wall
Authors: Jung Soon-Mo , Kim Byungbae
Published: July 2020

The first author has recently investigated a type of Hyers-Ulam stability of the one-dimensional time independent Schrödinger equation when the relevant system has a rectangular potential barrier of finite height. In the present paper, we will investigate a type of Hyers-Ulam stability of the Schrödinger equation with the symmetric parabolic wall potential.
Extending the Convergence Domain of Methods of Linear Interpolation for the Solution of Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Argyros Ioannis K. , Shakhno Stepan , Yarmola Halyna
Published: July 2020

Solving equations in abstract spaces is important since many problems from diverse disciplines require it. The solutions of these equations cannot be obtained in a form closed. That difficulty forces us to develop ever improving iterative methods. In this paper we improve the applicability of such methods. Our technique is very general and can be used to expand the applicability of other methods. We use two methods of linear interpolation namely the Secant as well as the Kurchatov method. The investigation of Kurchatov’s method is done under rather strict conditions. In this work, using the majorant principle of Kantorovich and our new idea of the restricted convergence domain, we present an improved semilocal convergence of these methods. We determine the quadratical order of convergence of the Kurchatov method and order 1 + 5 2 for the Secant method. We find improved a priori and a posteriori estimations of the method’s error.
Generalized Thermoelastic Functionally Graded on a Thin Slim Strip Non-Gaussian Laser Beam
Authors: Abo-Dahab Sayed M. , Abouelregal Ahmed E. , Marin Marin
Published: July 2020

The present study utilizes the generalized thermoelasticity theory, with one thermal relaxation time (TR), to examine the thermoelastic problem of a functionally graded thin slim strip (TSS). The authors heated the plane surface bounding using a non-Gaussian laser beam with a pulse length of 2 ps. The material characteristics varied continually based on exponential functions. Moreover, the equations governing the generalized thermoelasticity for a functionally graded material (FGM) are recognized. The problem’s ideal solution was primarily obtained in the Laplace transform (LT) space. The LTs were converted numerically because of the considerable importance of the response in the transient state. For a hypothetical substance, the numerical procedures calculating the displacement, stress, temperature and strain were given. The analogous problem solution to an isotropic homogeneous material was provided by defining the parameter of non-homogeneity adequately. The obtained results were displayed using graphs to illustrate the extent to which non-homogeneity affected displacement, stress, temperature and strain. A comparison was been made between the present study and those previously obtained by others, when the new parameters vanish to show the impact of the non-homogeneity, TSS and laser parameters on the phenomenon. The results obtained indicate a significant strong impact of FGM, TSS and laser parameters.
Effective Angle of Synchrotron Radiation
Authors: Bagrov Vladislav , Kasatkina Anna , Pecheritsyn Alexey
Published: July 2020

An exact analytical expression for the effective angle is determined for an arbitrary energy value of a radiating particle. An effective angle of instantaneous power is defined for synchrotron radiation in the framework of classical electrodynamics. This definition explicitly contains the most symmetric distribution of half the total of the instantaneous power of synchrotron radiation. Two exact analytical expressions for the effective angle are considered for the arbitrary energy values of a radiating particle, and the second expression brings to light the exact asymptotics of the effective angle in the ultrarelativistic limit.
Potential of Bacteriocins from Lactobacillus taiwanensis for Producing Bacterial Ghosts as a Next Generation Vaccine
Authors: Kim Sam Woong , Ha Yeon Jo , Bang Kyu Ho , Lee Seungki , Yeo Joo-Hong , Yang Hee-Sun , Kim Tae-Won , Lee Kyu Pil , Bang Woo Young
Published: July 2020

Bacteriocins are functionally diverse toxins produced by most microbes and are potent antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) for bacterial ghosts as next generation vaccines. Here, we first report that the AMPs secreted from Lactobacillus taiwanensis effectively form ghosts of pathogenic bacteria and are identified as diverse bacteriocins, including novel ones. In detail, a cell-free supernatant from L. taiwanensis exhibited antimicrobial activities against pathogenic bacteria and was observed to effectively cause cellular lysis through pore formation in the bacterial membrane using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The treatment of the cell-free supernatant with proteinase K or EDTA proved that the antimicrobial activity is mediated by AMPs, and the purification of AMPs using Sep-Pak columns indicated that the cell-free supernatant includes various amphipathic peptides responsible for the antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, the whole-genome sequencing of L. taiwanensis revealed that the strain has diverse bacteriocins, confirmed experimentally to function as AMPs, and among them are three novel bacteriocins, designated as Tan 1, Tan 2, and Tan 3. We also confirmed, using SEM, that Tan 2 effectively produces bacterial ghosts. Therefore, our data suggest that the bacteriocins from L. taiwanensis are potentially useful as a critical component for the preparation of bacterial ghosts.
Study on an Energy-Harvesting Magnetorheological Damper System in Parallel Configuration for Lightweight Battery-Operated Automobiles
Authors: Kabariya Urvesh , James Sagil
Published: July 2020

Suspension dampers are extremely critical for modern automobiles for absorbing vibrational energy while in operation. For years now, the viscous passive damper has been dominant. However, there is a constant need to improve and revolutionize the damping technology to adapt to modern road conditions and for better performance. Controlled shock absorbers capable of adapting to uneven road profiles are required to meet this challenge and enhance the passenger comfort level. Among the many types of modern damping solutions, magnetorheological (MR) dampers have gained prominence, considering their damping force control capability, fast adjustable response, and low energy consumption. Advancements in energy-harvesting technologies allow for the regeneration of a portion of energy dissipated in automotive dampers. While the amount of regenerated energy is often insufficient for regular automobiles, it could prove to be vital to support lightweight battery-operated vehicles. In battery-operated vehicles, this regenerated energy can be used for powering several secondary systems, including lighting, heating, air conditioning, and so on. This research focuses on developing a hybrid smart suspension system that combines the MR damping technology along with an electromagnetic induction (EMI)-based energy-harvesting system for applications in lightweight battery-operated vehicles. The research involves the extensive designing, numerical simulation, fabrication, and testing of the proposed smart suspension system. The development of the proposed damping system would help advance the harvesting of clean energy and enhance the performance and affordability of future battery-operated vehicles.
Outcome analysis of upper and lower limb motor functions after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for degenerative cervical disc disease
Authors: Srikhande Ninad N. , Kumar V.A. Kiran , Kiran N.A. Sai , Ghosh Amrita , Pal Ranabir , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Kumar V. Anil , Reddy Vishnu Vardhan , Agrawal Amit
Published: July 2020

Background: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is the most commonly performed surgical procedure for symptomatic cervical disc disease. In this study, we analysed the upper and lower limb motor functions after ACDF for disc prolapse in patients with degenerative cervical disc disease.

Methods: One hundred consecutive adult patients who underwent ACDF for single or two-level cervical disc prolapse during the study period (October 2015 to October 2017) were included in the study.

Results: Preoperative motor deficits in limbs were noted in 73% (73/100) of the patients. Enhance recovery of motor deficits was noted in 72.6% (53/73) of these patients and persisting motor deficits in the remaining patients (20/73- 27.4%). Five patients (5/27- 18.5%) without any preoperative motor deficits developed motor deficits after ACDF. Detailed pre and postoperative (at the time of discharge) motor power (graded by MRC grade) in all 4 limbs (Shoulder abduction/adduction/flexion/extension, elbow flexion/extension, wrist flexion/extension, hip abduction/adduction/flexion/extension, knee flexion/extension, ankle flexion/extension) was recorded. Statistically significant improvement in motor power (as recorded at the time of discharge) was noted in all the tested muscle groups after ACDF.

Conclusion: Early improvement in preoperative motor deficits can be expected in the majority of the patients with cervical PIVD following ACDF.
Post-traumatic arachnoid cyst without neurological sequels
Authors: Franco Netto Raphael Oliveira Ramos , De Melo João Italo Fortaleza , Fernandes Victor Augusto Ramos , Franco Netto Juliana de Almeida Rodrigues , Ferreira Leonardo Gattass , Dutra Luiz Dias
Published: July 2020

An eight-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital with a history of left median paramedian frontal craniectomy due to car trauma at six months of age. Axial computed tomography of the skull with reconstruction in three dimensions revealed an arachnoid cyst with slight herniation of the brain in the frontal lobe, leading to protrusion against the skullcap, causing dilation of the ex-vacuum of the anterior extension of the homolateral lateral ventricle. He presented asymmetrical lateral ventricles, a reduced base cistern, and a slightly ectatic IV centred ventricle. After the physical examination, no neurological deficit was found, despite the changes identified in the images. It is believed that such conditions may progressively worsen with the development and maturation of nervous tissue over the age of the assessed child. To confirm this, specialized monitoring is of fundamental importance.
Safety and efficacy of mini doppler in recurrent pituitary tumours
Authors: Rahman Moshiur , Garcia-Ballestas Ezequiel , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael
Published: July 2020

Background: Pituitary surgery is the most common surgery used to remove pituitary tumours. The use of mini doppler in surgical removal of an endonasal pituitary tumour has shown good short-term clinical outcomes and few complications in patients. Cavernous sinus invasion limits the surgical excision and still a challenge of gross total resection.  

Objective: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the outcome of surgical removal of an endonasal pituitary tumour using mini doppler.   

Method: A total of 12 patients were studied retrospectively from 2012 to 2018 in a single institution (Private hospital) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The male and female ratio was 7:5.

Results: 92% of cases of the total number of patients had satisfactory removal/ neurological improvement/hormonal improvement. Among 12 cases, 8 cases had transient diabetes insipidus and one patient had CSF leak.   

Conclusion: The intraoperative Doppler is a useful tool to localize the carotids, which provides safer resection of endonasal pituitary tumours. Thus, it is very safe and effective for laterosellar resection of recurrent pituitary tumours and for cavernous sinus invasions.
The efficacy of adalimumab on experimentally induced spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Karatas Yasar , Erdi Mehmet Fatih , Kaya Bulent , Keskin Fatih , Kılınç İbrahim , Uyar Mehmet , Kalkan Sabiha Serpil , Izci Emir Kaan , Kalkan Erdal
Published: July 2020

Objective: Paraplegia is a dangerous complication of thoracoabdominal aortic surgery. Various studies have been conducted on the prevention of this complication and some spinal cord protection methods have been proposed. However, there is not any modality that prevent the development of paraplegia certainly. In the I / R period, primary injury triggers secondary injury due to increased inflammation, apoptosis and free radical formation. In this study, we evaluated that the neuroprotective effect of adalimumab in spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury. 

Materials and Methods: In total, 24 adult New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups: Group 1, control; Group 2, ischemia-reperfusion by infrarenal aortic clamping; Group 3, adalimumab treated followed by ischemia. Tissue and plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6, interleukin 10, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, total oxidant status and total antioxidant status levels were analyzed as a marker of inflammation and oxidation. Histopathological evaluation of the tissues was performed, and apoptosis was evaluated by TUNNEL method.

Results: I/R injury significantly increases plasma and spinal cord tissue at TNF alpha, TOS, TBARS, IL6 levels and reduces plasma and spinal cord tissue to TAS and IL10 levels. Adalimumab treatment significantly reduces plasma and spinal cord tissue to TNF alpha, TOS, TBARS, IL6 and increases plasma and tissue to TAS and IL10 levels.

Conclusion: Adalimumab treatment significantly reduces the spinal cord neuronal damage score and the number of apoptotic cells. This paper aims to demonstrate the important neuroprotective effects of adalimumab on rabbit spinal cord I/R injury.
The impact of vertebral osteomyelitis on spinal stability and principles of surgical stabilization
Authors: Catana Vlad , Gorgan Radu Mircea
Published: July 2020

Vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is a disease that responds well to conservative treatment and antibiotherapy if diagnosed in an early stage. Due to the prolonged onset of this pathology, many cases are diagnosed in mid or late stages and require surgery.

The surgical treatment is not yet standardized and may only mean decompression of the infectious outbreak without stabilization, or surgical decompression associated with stabilization.

Using only bone grafts for surgery or stabilizing the spine through segmental posterior and/or anterior instrumentation is accompanied by many controversies.

In this review, we focus on demonstrating that combining a well-conducted antibiotherapy with thorough debridement of the necrotic areas and using metal implants for spinal stabilization lowers the infection rates, provides an early pain-free mobilization of the patient and reduces hospitalization costs.
Department of Centrifuges and Dynamic Simulators of Yu.A. Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center - 50 Years Devoted to Domestic Cosmonautics and Aviation.
Authors: Kirshanov V.N.
Published: July 2020

The article describes the creation and development of the Department of Centrifuges and Dynamic Simulators in Yu.A. Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center and gives a chronological review of creation of the centrifuges CF-7 and CF-18 and dynamic simulators based on them. The main characteristics of the centrifuges, as well as the tasks that can be solved with their use in the process of training cosmonauts and carrying out studies and tests are presented. The article contains memoirs of veterans of the department including Pavlov V.A., Stepanovа V.P., Chudinov A.P., Burdin B.V.
Main Results of Training and Activity of the ISS-60/61 Crew Members When Carrying Out the Mission Plan.
Authors: Skvortsov A.A. , Oreshkin G.D. , Kondrat A.I. , Medvedev A.A. , Saburov P.A.
Published: July 2020

The paper represents the ISS-60/61 crew members, main tasks and results of crew training. Special attention is paid to the crew activity aboard the Soyuz-MS13 manned transport vehicle (MTV) and ISS. The EVA operations performed according to the program of the ISS USOS (US Orbital Segment) are briefly reviewed. The paper contains preliminary analysis of the Russian scientific program of applied research and experiments.
Modeling and Control Human Arm With FuzzyGenetic Muscle Model Based on Reinforcement Learning: The Muscle Activation Method
Authors: Nowshiravan Rahatabad Fereidoun
Published: July 2020

Background: The central nervous system (CNS) is optimizing arm movements to reduce some kind of cost function. Simulating parts of the nervous system is one way of obtaining accurate information about the neurological and treatment of neuromuscular diseases. The primary purpose of this paper is to model and control the human arm in a reaching movement based on reinforcement learning (RL) theory. Methods: First, Zajac’s muscle model has improved by a fuzzy system. Second, the proposed muscle model applied to the 6 muscles, which are responsible for a two-link arm that moves in the horizontal plane. Third, the model parameters are approximated based on the genetic algorithm (GA). Experimental data recorded from healthy subjects for assessing the approach. At last, the RL algorithm has utilized to guide the arm for reaching tasks. Results: The results show that: (1) The proposed system is temporally similar to a real arm movement. (2) The RL algorithm can generate the motor commands obtained from electromyographies (EMGs). (3) The similarity of obtained activation function from the system has compared with the real data activation function, which may prove the possibility of RL in the CNS (basal ganglia). Finally, in order to have a graphical and effective representation of the arm model, the virtual reality environment of MATLAB has been used. Conclusion: Since the RL method is a representative of the brain’s control function, it has some features, such as better settling time, not having any peek overshoot, and robustness.