bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Salivary Markers for Differential Diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Nijakowski Kacper , Rutkowski Rafał , Eder Piotr , Simon Marek , Korybalska Katarzyna , Witowski Janusz , Surdacka Anna
Published: September 2021

The properties of the saliva of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are poorly recognized. Likewise, the diagnostic potential of saliva for differentiating various forms of IBD is largely unexplored. Therefore, we compared the concentrations of several parameters in unstimulated whole mixed saliva collected in a standardized manner from patients with active IBD unresponsive to conventional therapy. The samples were received from 27 patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), 24 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 51 healthy individuals. Compared to the controls, the salivary concentrations of S100A8/calprotectin, myeloperoxidase, and IgA were significantly decreased in both CD and UC patients. In addition, patients with UC had decreased levels of TNF-R1 and decreased catalase activity. Interestingly, the concentrations of myeloperoxidase and TNF-R1 showed a high differentiation potential for CD and UC (AUC = 0.690 and 0.672, respectively). All these findings are discussed in the context of host defense in the oral cavity, patients’ prior treatment regimens, and smoking habits.
Correlations of Geometry and Infill Degree of Extrusion Additively Manufactured 316L Stainless Steel Components
Authors: Rosnitschek Tobias , Seefeldt Andressa , Alber-Laukant Bettina , Neumeyer Thomas , Altstädt Volker , Tremmel Stephan
Published: September 2021

This study focuses on the effect of part geometry and infill degrees on effective mechanical properties of extrusion additively manufactured stainless steel 316L parts produced with BASF’s Ultrafuse 316LX filament. Knowledge about correlations between infill degrees, mechanical properties and dimensional deviations are essential to enhance the part performance and further establish efficient methods for the product development for lightweight metal engineering applications. To investigate the effective Young’s modulus, yield strength and bending stress, standard testing methods for tensile testing and bending testing were used. For evaluating the dimensional accuracy, the tensile and bending specimens were measured before and after sintering to analyze anisotropic shrinkage effects and dimensional deviations linked to the infill structure. The results showed that dimensions larger than 10 mm have minor geometrical deviations and that the effective Young’s modulus varied in the range of 176%. These findings provide a more profound understanding of the process and its capabilities and enhance the product development process for metal extrusion-based additive manufacturing.
Grain Boundary Evolution of Cellular Nanostructured Sm-Co Permanent Magnets
Authors: Zhang Wei , Chen Hongyu , Song Xin , Ma Tianyu
Published: September 2021

Grain boundaries are thought to be the primary demagnetization sites of precipitate-hardening 2:17-type Sm-Co-Fe-Cu-Zr permanent magnets with a unique cellular nanostructure, leading to a poor squareness factor as well as a much lower than ideal energy product. In this work, we investigated the grain boundary microstructure evolution of a model magnet Sm25Co46.9Fe19.5Cu5.6Zr3.0 (wt. %) during the aging process. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations showed that the grain boundary region contains undecomposed 2:17H, partially ordered 2:17R, 1:5H nano-precipitates, and a Smn+1Co5n−1 (n = 2, 1:3R; n = 3, 2:7R; n = 4, 5:19R) phase mixture at the solution-treated state. After short-term aging, further decomposition of 2:17H occurs, characterized by the gradual ordering of 2:17R, the precipitation of the 1:5H phase, and the gradual growth of Smn+1Co5n−1 compounds. Due to the lack of a defect-aggregated cell boundary near the grain boundary, the 1:5H precipitates are constrained between the 2:17R and the Smn+1Co5n−1 nano-sheets. When further aging the magnet, the grain boundary 1:5H precipitates transform into Smn+1Co5n−1 compounds. As the Smn+1Co5n−1 compounds are magnetically softer than the 1:5H precipitates, the grain boundaries then act as the primary demagnetization sites. Our work adds important insights toward the understanding of the grain boundary effect of 2:17-type Sm-Co-Fe-Cu-Zr magnets.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Shear Interface Response of Hybrid Thin CFRP–Concrete Slabs
Authors: Mahboob Amir , Gil Lluís , Bernat-Maso Ernest , Eskenati Amir Reza
Published: September 2021

Hybrid slabs made of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and concrete provide a solution that takes advantage of the strength properties of both materials. The performance of the system strongly depends on the CFRP–concrete interaction. This study investigates the shear behavior in the interface of the two materials. Eight full-scale experiments were carried out to characterize the interface shear response of these hybrid elements using different connection solutions. An untreated surface is compared to a surface with aggregates, with a novel system comprising a flexible, straight glass fiber mesh and an inclined glass fiber mesh. The experimental results show that the fabric connection improves the friction between materials and is responsible for the pseudo-plastic performance of the specimens. The inclined mesh produces a more uniform tightening effect compared to the straight mesh. In simulations via the finite element method, we used an adjusted frictional model to reproduce the experiments.
Chitin Cryogels Prepared by Regeneration from Phosphoric Acid Solutions
Authors: Tyshkunova Irina V. , Chukhchin Dmitry G. , Gofman Iosif V. , Pavlova Ekaterina N. , Ushakov Vadim A. , Vlasova Elena N. , Poshina Daria N. , Skorik Yury A.
Published: September 2021

Cryogelation is a developing technique for the production of polysaccharide materials for biomedical applications. The formation of a macroporous structure during the freeze-drying of polysaccharide solutions creates biomaterials suitable for tissue engineering. Due to its availability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity, chitin is a promising natural polysaccharide for the production of porous materials for tissue engineering; however, its use is limited due to the difficulty of dissolving it. This work describes the preparation of cryogels using phosphoric acid as the solvent. Compared to typical chitin solvents phosphoric acid can be easily removed from the product and recovered. The effects of chitin dissolution conditions on the structure and properties of cryogels were studied. Lightweight (ρ 0.025–0.059 g/cm3), highly porous (96–98%) chitin cryogels with various heterogeneous morphology were produced at a dissolution temperature of 20 ± 3 °C, a chitin concentration of 3–15%, and a dissolution time of 6–25 h. The crystallinity of the chitin and chitin cryogels was evaluated by 13C CP-MAS NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry. Using FTIR spectroscopy, no phosphoric acid esters were found in the chitin cryogels. The cryogels had compressive modulus E values from 118–345 kPa and specific surface areas of 0.3–0.7 m2/g. The results indicate that chitin cryogels can be promising biomaterials for tissue engineering.
Adsorption of Cationic Dyes on a Magnetic 3D Spongin Scaffold with Nano-Sized Fe3O4 Cores
Authors: Akbari Maryam , Jafari Hessam , Rostami Mojtaba , Mahdavinia Gholam Reza , Sobhani nasab Ali , Tsurkan Dmitry , Petrenko Iaroslav , Ganjali Mohammad Reza , Rahimi-Nasrabadi Mehdi , Ehrlich Hermann
Published: September 2021

The renewable, proteinaceous, marine biopolymer spongin is yet the focus of modern research. The preparation of a magnetic three-dimensional (3D) spongin scaffold with nano-sized Fe3O4 cores is reported here for the first time. The formation of this magnetic spongin–Fe3O4 composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA) (TGA-DTA), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and zeta potential analyses. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) confirmed the formation of well-dispersed spherical nanoparticles tightly bound to the spongin scaffold. The magnetic spongin–Fe3O4 composite showed significant removal efficiency for two cationic dyes (i.e., crystal violet (CV) and methylene blue (MB)). Adsorption experiments revealed that the prepared material is a fast, high-capacity (77 mg/g), yet selective adsorbent for MB. This behavior was attributed to the creation of strong electrostatic interactions between the spongin–Fe3O4 and MB or CV, which was reflected by adsorption mechanism evaluations. The adsorption of MB and CV was found to be a function of pH, with maximum removal performance being observed over a wide pH range (pH = 5.5–11). In this work, we combined Fe3O4 nanoparticles and spongin scaffold properties into one unique composite, named magnetic spongin scaffold, in our attempt to create a sustainable absorbent for organic wastewater treatment. The appropriative mechanism of adsorption of the cationic dyes on a magnetic 3D spongin scaffold is proposed. Removal of organic dyes and other contaminants is essential to ensure healthy water and prevent various diseases. On the other hand, in many cases, dyes are used as models to demonstrate the adsorption properties of nanostructures. Due to the good absorption properties of magnetic spongin, it can be proposed as a green and uncomplicated adsorbent for the removal of different organic contaminants and, furthermore, as a carrier in drug delivery applications.
Quantitative Proteomics and Phosphoproteomics Reveal TNF-α-Mediated Protein Functions in Hepatocytes
Authors: Mohallem Rodrigo , Aryal Uma K.
Published: September 2021

Increased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), is often associated with adipose tissue dysregulation, which often accompanies obesity. High levels of TNFα have been linked to the development of insulin resistance in several tissues and organs, including skeletal muscle and the liver. In this study, we examined the complex regulatory roles of TNFα in murine hepatocytes utilizing a combination of global proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses. Our results show that TNFα promotes extensive changes not only of protein levels, but also the dynamics of their downstream phosphorylation signaling. We provide evidence that TNFα induces DNA replication and promotes G1/S transition through activation of the MAPK pathway. Our data also highlight several other novel proteins, many of which are regulated by phosphorylation and play a role in the progression and development of insulin resistance in hepatocytes.
Unilateral Trigeminal Sensory Neuropathy with Sjögren’s Syndrome with Liver and Renal Impairment
Authors: Ozasa Kana , Noma Noboru , Nakata Jumi , Imamura Yoshiki
Published: September 2021

Liver and renal involvement is a rare event in Sjögren’s syndrome. Sjögren’s syndrome is characterized by the progressive immune-mediated destruction of epithelial tissues of the salivary and lacrimal glands. Sensory ganglionitis, accompanied by T-cell invasion, occurs in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome, resulting in sensory neuropathy of the face or limbs. Patients are assessed by quantitative sensory testing. A 76-year-old woman presented with numbness of her left face and was subsequently diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome and primary biliary cirrhosis, and was found to have renal failure. Detection of her serum anti-Ro/SSA antibody was strongly positive. Shirmer’s test or a salivary volume in the gum test also showed positive results. Her somatosensory disturbance severity was higher in the trigeminal area than in the forearm, suggesting that the trigeminal nerve is more susceptible than other parts of the nervous system in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome and primary biliary cirrhosis. A simple sensory test could be performed during regular check-ups, as sensory deficits might develop after patients are diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome and primary biliary cirrhosis.
Individual Tree Segmentation Method Based on Mobile Backpack LiDAR Point Clouds
Authors: Comesaña-Cebral Lino , Martínez-Sánchez Joaquín , Lorenzo Henrique , Arias Pedro
Published: September 2021

Individual tree (IT) segmentation is crucial for forest management, supporting forest inventory, biomass monitoring or tree competition analysis. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is a prominent technology in this context, outperforming competing technologies. Aerial laser scanning (ALS) is frequently used for forest documentation, showing good point densities at the tree-top surface. Even though under-canopy data collection is possible with multi-echo ALS, the number of points for regions near the ground in leafy forests drops drastically, and, as a result, terrestrial laser scanners (TLS) may be required to obtain reliable information about tree trunks or under-growth features. In this work, an IT extraction method for terrestrial backpack LiDAR data is presented. The method is based on DBSCAN clustering and cylinder voxelization of the volume, showing a high detection rate (∼90%) for tree locations obtained from point clouds, and low commission and submission errors (accuracy over 93%). The method includes a sensibility assessment to calculate the optimal input parameters and adapt the workflow to real-world data. This approach shows that forest management can benefit from IT segmentation, using a handheld TLS to improve data collection productivity.
3D Dosimetry Based on LiMgPO4 OSL Silicone Foils: Facilitating the Verification of Eye-Ball Cancer Proton Radiotherapy
Authors: Sądel Michał , Gajewski Jan , Sowa Urszula , Swakoń Jan , Kajdrowicz Tomasz , Bilski Paweł , Kłosowski Mariusz , Pędracka Anna , Horwacik Tomasz
Published: September 2021

A direct verification of the three-dimensional (3D) proton clinical treatment plan prepared for tumor in the eyeball, using the Eclipse Ocular Proton Planning system (by Varian Medical Systems), has been presented. To achieve this, a prototype of the innovative two-dimensional (2D) circular silicone foils, made of a polymer with the embedded optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) material in powder form (LiMgPO4), and a self-developed optical imaging system, consisting of an illuminating light source and a high-sensitive CCD camera has been applied. A specially designed lifelike eyeball phantom has been used, constructed from 40 flat sheet LMP-based silicone foils stacked and placed together behind a spherical phantom made by polystyrene, all to reflect the curvature of the real eyeball. Two-dimensional OSL signals were captured and further analyzed from each single silicone foil after irradiation using a dedicated patient collimator and a 58.8 MeV modulated proton beam. The reconstructed 3D proton depth dose distribution matches very well with the clinical treatment plan, allowing for the consideration of the new OSL system for further 3D dosimetry applications within the proton radiotherapy area.
Using Antenna Arrays with Only One Active Element for Beam Reconfiguration and Sensitive Study in Dielectric Media
Authors: Bayón-Buján Borja , Salas-Sánchez Aarón Ángel , Rodríguez-González Juan Antonio , López-Martín María Elena , Ares-Pena Francisco José
Published: September 2021

Antenna array pattern reconfiguration is usually achieved by changing the relative amplitudes and/or phases of the excitation distribution present in the array, at the cost of complex feeding networks. In this work, the mechanical displacement of a parasitic array perpendicular to another array with a single driven element is proposed. Additionally, the antenna is optimized addressing the variation of its response led by changes of the environmental dielectric constant of a surrounding gaseous medium. In such a way, a novel multipurpose antenna of utmost simplicity is obtained. From the computation of the self and mutual impedances, a control of the antenna radiation pattern by means of the induced currents in the parasitic elements is modelled. To illustrate the procedure, the technique will be applied to the variation of the side lobe level of a pencil beam and to obtain a flat-topped broadside beam from the same pencil beam, something with high interest for satellite applications. The proposed methodology represents an advance on the development of multipurpose antennas which resounds in simplicity not only in the reconfiguration of antenna beams, but in applications for the detection of particulate matter and/or measurements of the atmospheric dielectric constant.
Study on the Relations of Supply Chain Digitization, Flexibility and Sustainable Development—A Moderated Multiple Mediation Model
Authors: Zhou Qian , Wang Shuxiang
Published: September 2021

In the face of an external environment featuring a high level of risk, multiple changes, and high uncertainty, the supply chain’s emergency replenishment, collaborative management, regulation of organic commodity, and low-cost rapid response will promote its’ sustainable growth and development, which is necessary for today’s economic development. The digitization and flexibility of the supply chain are of great value in obtaining the sustainable development of the supply chain. When dealing with an uncertain environment and market risk, current supply chain flexibility not only functions through its internal organizational flexibility, but also through collaborative creation and an extended supply chain network which will proactively form a replenishment supply sub-chain driven by the need for change responsiveness. This article constructs an associated model consisting of digitization, supply chain flexibility, and sustainability using an empirical analysis method to explore the implicit correlation of these factors. The analysis results of the mediating effect model show that both digitization and flexibility have significant positive effects on the sustainable development of the supply chain. Collaborative knowledge creation and supply chain flexibility play multiple mediating roles while market uncertainty positively moderates the impact of supply chain flexibility on supply chain sustainable development.
Is the Fiscal Deficit of ASEAN Alarming? Evidence from Fiscal Deficit Consequences and Contribution towards Sustainable Economic Growth
Authors: Marimuthu Maran , Khan Hanana , Bangash Romana
Published: September 2021

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has faced a persistent fiscal deficit for the last three decades. In the vast literature, a question is still arising: is ASEAN’s fiscal deficit alarming? This study explores the fiscal deficit with different perspectives to provide guidelines for policymakers to answer this question. For this purpose, we offer fiscal causal hypotheses estimates, including the contribution of Government expenditures (GEs) and Government revenues (GRs) towards sustainable economic growth; we then evaluated two additional deficit hypotheses, the impact of fiscal deficit and deficit financing on inflation. This empirical analysis covered annual financial data for the years 1990 to 2019 of ten member countries of ASEAN by applying panel econometric techniques, which include unit root Levin, Lin, and Chu (LLC) and Im, Pesaran, and Shin (IPS) tests; the panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model for cointegration; and the Dumitrescu–Hurlin (DH) test for causality. The findings revealed that government expenditures contribute more towards sustainable economic growth while government revenues are inversely related to growth in the long run. The DH causality test supported the fiscal synchronization hypothesis and current account targeting hypothesis in ASEAN. The interest rate is found as a moderator between fiscal and current account deficits. Furthermore, the findings showed that the fiscal deficit of ASEAN could generate inflation while relying on outstanding debt. Overall, our findings concluded that the fiscal deficit of ASEAN is alarming based on the behavior of government revenues, interest rate dynamics, political stability, and outstanding debt in deficit financing.
Emerging Consumer Healthy Lifestyles in Lithuania
Authors: Gadeikienė Agnė , Šalčiuvienė Laura , Banytė Jūratė , Dovalienė Aistė , Kavaliauskas Mindaugas , Piligrimienė Žaneta
Published: September 2021

Consumer lifestyle is considered one of the important predictors of sustainable consumption behavior at the individual, community and societal levels. In this paper, the healthy lifestyle of consumers is analyzed and defined as the lifestyle that explains how people live in terms of health. This study focuses on consumers’ healthy lifestyle clusters and offers an updated healthy lifestyle measurement tool that can be used to segment consumers into specific segments according to six healthy lifestyle domains: physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual health. An online survey with 645 respondents of different socio-demographic profiles was conducted in Lithuania. Based on data collected through questionnaires, specific segments were identified using self-organizing maps and cluster analysis methods. The findings suggest that four different segments could represent consumers concerning their healthy lifestyles. The results will be of use to companies initiating marketing campaigns to target different consumer groups with their brands and offering healthy lifestyle-related products and services to consumers in Lithuania. The findings are also valuable for public policymakers and opinion leaders who foster healthy lifestyles and seek to form a public opinion regarding sustainable consumption.
Comparison of Research Data of Diesel–Biodiesel–Isopropanol and Diesel–Rapeseed Oil–Isopropanol Fuel Blends Mixed at Different Proportions on a CI Engine
Authors: Rayapureddy Sai Manoj , Matijošius Jonas , Rimkus Alfredas
Published: September 2021

Depletion in the levels of fossil fuels and increasing environmental concerns associated with the rise in consumption of conventional fuels are among the top global concerns. Finding an alternative sustainable fuel that matches the performance characteristics of diesel/petrol fuels as well as decreases the exhaust emissions has been a challenging task. After deliberate research, it is found that every alternative fuel is associated with different problems when they are used independently, thereby limiting its benefits. Scientists suggest that using different fuel blends might lead to sustainability. This article is the analysis of data obtained from the experimentation based on two different alternative fuels, Rapeseed Methyl Ester (RME)-based biodiesel and Rapeseed Oil (RO), blended with diesel (D) and Isopropanol (P) into three different proportions each. Tests were carried out in a compression ignition (CI) engine, and comparisons are based on the resulted performance and exhaust emission characteristics. The two different alternative fuels are blended into the following proportions to make six fuel mixtures, D50RME30P20, D50RME40P10, D50RME45P5, D50RO30P20, D50RO40P10 and D50RO45P5. The tests are carried out at different loads (BMEP) and are compared to that of pure diesel. Using the experimentation results, we also obtained the combustion characteristics of all fuel mixtures for further evaluation
Simulation-Based Approach for Lookahead Scheduling of Onshore Wind Projects Subject to Weather Risk
Authors: Mohamed Emad , Jafari Parinaz , Chehouri Adam , AbouRizk Simaan
Published: September 2021

Executed outdoors in high-wind areas, adverse weather conditions represent a significant risk to onshore wind farm construction activities. While methods for considering historical weather data during pre-construction scheduling are available, approaches capable of quantitatively assessing how short-term weather fluctuations may impact upcoming construction activities have yet to be developed. This study is proposing a hybrid simulation-based approach that uses short-term precipitation, wind speed, and temperature forecasts together with planned and as-built activity durations to develop lookahead (e.g., upcoming 14-day) schedules for improved project planning and control. Functionality and applicability of the method was demonstrated on a case study of a 40 MW onshore wind project, and the method was validated using event validity, face validation, and sensitivity analysis. As expected, favorable weather conditions experienced during the tested lookahead periods resulted in a negligible impact (less than 10% reduction) on the productivity of weather-sensitive activities, which translated into a project delay of one day. The responsiveness of the framework was confirmed through sensitivity analysis, which demonstrated a 50% reduction in productivity resulting from poor weather conditions. The ability of the method to provide decision-support not currently offered by commercially-available scheduling systems was confirmed by subject experts, who endorsed the ability of the method to enhance lookahead scheduling and to facilitate the monitoring and control of weather impact uncertainty on project durations.
Inclusion of Gender Views for the Evaluation and Mitigation of Urban Vulnerability: A Case Study in Castellón
Authors: Huedo Patricia , Ruá María José , Florez-Perez Laura , Agost-Felip Raquel
Published: September 2021

The inclusion of gender views in every field and, especially, in urbanism, has become crucial for urban planning. Considering both men’s and women’s interests in an integrated gender equality perspective provides better results that improve the quality of public spaces and engenders a more sustainable society. However, to realize such benefits, efforts are required not only to understand the needs and preferences of urban residents but also to shape policies and develop strategies to mitigate vulnerability with population involvement. In order to help decision makers at the urban level evaluate vulnerability with the inclusion of gender views, this study proposes a model that incorporates the specificities of urban fabric users that face adverse conditions. The model is based on a structured and standardized checklist of key topics that could be applied to any urban development. From this checklist, a list of categories, subcategories, and indicators were proposed and validated using the inter-judge agreement technique. To illustrate this model, this paper presents the case study of Castellón (Spain) in which deprived neighborhoods were analyzed, updating a previous model intended only to detect vulnerability. The results help link policy making to social vulnerability and indicate strategies to reach inclusive neighborhoods via a gender equality approach.
The Spatial Correlation and Driving Mechanism of Wood-Based Products Trade Network in RCEP Countries
Authors: Zhou Yingying , Hong Yunpei , Cheng Baodong , Xiong Lichun
Published: September 2021

Clarifying the spatial correlation and driving mechanism of wood-based products trade network is conducive to promoting the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to a higher level. Firstly, we explored the characteristics of spatial correlation and evolution tendency of raw material-type wood-based products trade network (TN-WFPM) and product-type wood-based products trade network (TN-WFPP) from the overall characteristics, centrality, and node coreness of the networks according to social network analysis method. Then we analyzed the driving mechanism of the spatial correlation according to the quadratic assignment procedure (QAP). The results show that, compared with TN-WFPM, the density, reciprocity, and agglomeration of the TN-WFPP are relatively stronger. The centrality and evolution characteristics of RCEP countries are different in the networks. The coreness of China and Thailand in the TN-WFPP has always been in the top two, while the coreness of China, Japan, and Korea has increased significantly and China has been the top since 2010 in the TN-WFPM. Factors like cultural distance, forest resource endowment, forest certification area, economic scale, economic distance, and free trade agreements (FTA) have significant impacts on the spatial correlation of wood-based products trade among RCEP countries. Furthermore, the impacts of different factors on the two kinds of networks are heterogeneous.
Peruvian Electrical Distribution Firms’ Efficiency Revisited: A Two-Stage Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Pérez-Reyes Raúl , Tovar Beatriz
Published: September 2021

The extent to which the structural reform of the Peruvian electricity market in the 1990s has improved the technical efficiency levels of the distribution companies and whether some firm specific explanatory variables had influenced upon the efficiency was analysed for first time using a second stage Tobit model to study the influence of some firm specific explanatory variables on efficiency. Some authors have argued that the use of Tobit regression is inappropriate in the second stage of DEA and have suggested using other recently developed options. Due to this, it might be worth revisiting this issue and adding those other alternative models to check whether the conclusions obtained with the Tobit model could be upheld. The nine alternative models estimated allow us to confirm that the incentives generated by the reform process led to the firms becoming more efficient. Moreover, private management and the ratio of low voltage sales to medium voltage sales for each company positively affect efficiency, whereas investment per customer is negatively correlated to it.
Integrating Repair into Product Design Education: Insights on Repair, Design and Sustainability
Authors: Terzioğlu Nazlı , Wever Renee
Published: September 2021

With the pressure of growing environmental problems, the world is changing, and so is the paradigm of design. Accordingly, the calls for change in design education are increasing throughout the literature day by day. As the designers of the future, students must be prepared for alternative scenarios. This paper provides insights into students’ learning outcomes and competencies related to repair and sustainability in the context of an assignment that integrates repair into design education. This assignment has been part of the master’s degree design course at Linköping University for the last 3 years. During these 3 years, 52 repair projects, including a diverse range of products, were developed. Aiming to find out the insights of this process, focus group sessions were conducted. As a result of these focus group sessions, 12 insights were developed, such as the concepts of brokenness, designed repair, and repair-worthy objects. Findings show that practices of repair constitute complex sites of learning, technical skill and knowledge which could enable novice designers to become competent in circular design. This paper is of value for design educators and researchers, especially those concerned with the repair and circular economy, as it can facilitate future attempts to further integrate circular strategies into design education.
Stochastic Subgradient for Large-Scale Support Vector Machine Using the Generalized Pinball Loss Function
Authors: Panup Wanida , Wangkeeree Rabian
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we propose a stochastic gradient descent algorithm, called stochastic gradient descent method-based generalized pinball support vector machine (SG-GPSVM), to solve data classification problems. This approach was developed by replacing the hinge loss function in the conventional support vector machine (SVM) with a generalized pinball loss function. We show that SG-GPSVM is convergent and that it approximates the conventional generalized pinball support vector machine (GPSVM). Further, the symmetric kernel method was adopted to evaluate the performance of SG-GPSVM as a nonlinear classifier. Our suggested algorithm surpasses existing methods in terms of noise insensitivity, resampling stability, and accuracy for large-scale data scenarios, according to the experimental results.
A Solution of the Junction Riemann Problem for 1D Hyperbolic Balance Laws in Networks including Supersonic Flow Conditions on Elastic Collapsible Tubes
Authors: Murillo Javier , García-Navarro Pilar
Published: September 2021

The numerical modeling of one-dimensional (1D) domains joined by symmetric or asymmetric bifurcations or arbitrary junctions is still a challenge in the context of hyperbolic balance laws with application to flow in pipes, open channels or blood vessels, among others. The formulation of the Junction Riemann Problem (JRP) under subsonic conditions in 1D flow is clearly defined and solved by current methods, but they fail when sonic or supersonic conditions appear. Formulations coupling the 1D model for the vessels or pipes with other container-like formulations for junctions have been presented, requiring extra information such as assumed bulk mechanical properties and geometrical properties or the extension to more dimensions. To the best of our knowledge, in this work, the JRP is solved for the first time allowing solutions for all types of transitions and for any number of vessels, without requiring the definition of any extra information. The resulting JRP solver is theoretically well-founded, robust and simple, and returns the evolving state for the conserved variables in all vessels, allowing the use of any numerical method in the resolution of the inner cells used for the space-discretization of the vessels. The methodology of the proposed solver is presented in detail. The JRP solver is directly applicable if energy losses at the junctions are defined. Straightforward extension to other 1D hyperbolic flows can be performed.
Model-Independent Searches for New Physics in Multi-Body Invariant Masses
Authors: Chekanov Sergei , Darmora Smita , Islam Wasikul , Wagner Carlos E. M. , Zhang Jinlong
Published: September 2021

Model-independent searches for physics beyond the Standard Model typically focus on invariant masses of two objects (jets, leptons or photons). In this study, we explore opportunities for similar model-agnostic searches in multi-body invariant masses. In particular, we focus on the situations in which new physics can be observed in a model-independent way in three and four-body invariant masses of jets and leptons. Such searches may have good prospects in finding new physics in the situations when two-body invariant masses, which have been extensively explored at collider experiments in the past, cannot provide sufficient signatures for experimental observations.
Gravitational Lensing of Supernova Neutrino Bursts
Authors: LoSecco John M.
Published: September 2021

Supernova neutrino bursts have been observed from extragalactic distances. This note addresses the question of how gravitational lensing could distort the information in the burst. We apply the gravitational lens hypothesis to try to understand the time and brightness structure of the SN1987A neutrino observations. Estimates of a possible lensing mass and alignment are made. These estimates suggest a path to verification.
Different Profiles of Cytokines, Chemokines and Coagulation Mediators Associated with Severity in Brazilian Patients Infected with Dengue Virus
Authors: Fiestas Solórzano Victor Edgar , da Costa Faria Nieli Rodrigues , dos Santos Caroline Fernandes , Corrêa Gladys , Cipitelli Márcio da Costa , Dornelas Ribeiro Marcos , de Souza Luiz José , Damasco Paulo Vieira , da Cunha Rivaldo Venâncio , dos Santos Flavia Barreto , de Oliveira Pinto Luzia Maria , de Azeredo Elzinandes Leal
Published: September 2021

The incidence of dengue in Latin America has increased dramatically during the last decade. Understanding the pathogenic mechanisms in dengue is crucial for the identification of biomarkers for the triage of patients. We aimed to characterize the profile of cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18 and IL-10), chemokines (CXCL8/IL-8, CCL2/MCP-1 and CXCL10/IP-10) and coagulation mediators (Fibrinogen, D-dimer, Tissue factor-TF, Tissue factor pathway inhibitor-TFPI and Thrombomodulin) during the dengue-4 epidemic in Brazil. Laboratory-confirmed dengue cases had higher levels of TNF-α (p < 0.001), IL-6 (p = 0.005), IL-10 (p < 0.001), IL-18 (p = 0.001), CXCL8/IL-8 (p < 0.001), CCL2/MCP-1 (p < 0.001), CXCL10/IP-10 (p = 0.001), fibrinogen (p = 0.037), D-dimer (p = 0.01) and TFPI (p = 0.042) and lower levels of TF (p = 0.042) compared to healthy controls. A principal component analysis (PCA) distinguished between two profiles of mediators of inflammation and coagulation: protective (TNF-α, IL-1β and CXCL8/IL-8) and pathological (IL-6, TF and TFPI). Lastly, multivariate logistic regression analysis identified high aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) as independent risk factors associated with severity (adjusted OR: 1.33; 95% CI 1.03–1.71; p = 0.027), the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was 0.775 (95% CI 0.681–0.869) and an optimal cutoff value was 1.4 (sensitivity: 76%; specificity: 79%), so it could be a useful marker for the triage of patients attending primary care centers.
Washing and Heat Treatment of Aluminum-Based Drinking Water Treatment Residuals to Optimize Phosphorus Sorption and Nitrogen Leaching: Considerations for Lake Restoration
Authors: Kuster Anthony C. , Huser Brian J. , Padungthon Surapol , Junggoth Rittirong , Kuster Anootnara T.
Published: September 2021

Drinking water treatment residuals (DWTRs) generated during drinking water treatment have been proposed for use in lake restoration as a solid-phase sorbent to inactivate phosphorus (P) in lake sediment. However, treatments that minimize leaching of nitrogen (N) and optimize P sorption capacity may be necessary prior to use. This study assessed seven different treatment methods, including washing and heat treatments at different temperatures and with and without oxygen limitation, among two DWTRs from Thailand. Results showed that oxygen-limited heat treatment at 600 °C substantially reduced N leaching (<0.2 mg/kg TKN) while also improving P sorption capacity (increase of 18–32% compared to untreated DWTR) to a maximum of 45.7 mg P/kg. Washing with deionized water reduced N leaching if a sufficient volume was used but did not improve P sorption. Heating at 200 °C with or without the presence of oxygen did not improve N leaching or P sorption. Regression of P sorption parameters from a two-surface Langmuir isotherm against physio-chemical properties indicated that oxalate-extractable (i.e., amorphous) aluminum and iron were significantly associated with total P sorption capacity (R2 = 0.94), but micropores and oxalate-extractable P modulated the P sorption from high-affinity to low-affinity mechanisms. In conclusion, this study confirmed the importance of amorphous aluminum in DWTRs for inactivating P, and the results suggest that high-temperature treatment under oxygen-limited conditions may be the most reliable way to optimize DWTRs for environmental remediation applications.
Back EMF Waveform Comparison and Analysis of Two Kinds of Electrical Machines
Authors: Cui Yingjie , Faizan Munawar , Chen Zhongxian
Published: September 2021

In this study, the back electromotive force (EMF) waveforms of a flux switching permanent magnet (FSPM) machine and variable flux memory permanent magnet (VFMPM) machine with same main dimension were researched. Firstly, the simulation result showed that the maximum amplitude of phase back EMF waveform of FSPM machine was 245% larger than that of the VFMPM machine, and this was verified by the experimental result (243%). Secondly, the phase back EMF harmonics of the FSPM machine and VFMPM machine were compared, including the enhance flux condition and weaken flux condition of VFMPM machine. At last, the mutual demagnetization effect, which led to the difference amplitudes of maximum back EMF waveform between FSPM machine and VFMPM machine was analyzed. The comparison and analysis of the back EMF waveform will provide some qualitative advice for the future application research of the FSPM machine and VFMPM machine, such as application selection, optimization control method and so on.
SELF-EMPLOYMENT IN RUSSIA: MODERN TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS
Authors:   Russian Foreign Trade Academy Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, Moscow, Russia, Mukhina I.I. , Mirakyan D.G. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia Russian Foreign Trade Academy Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, Moscow, Russia; Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Moscow, Russia
Published: September 2021

The article examines the main trends and directions of the development of self-employment in Russia, considering the foreign experience of taxation and the provision of social guarantees, in terms of risks for service providers and customers, as well as the impact of new services and state support measures for the self-employed. On the one hand, the number of self-employment taxpayers grows rapidly due to the special tax regime “Self-employment income tax” introduced for the period 2019-2020, on the other hand, there is a tendency towards the erosion of labor relations. The study aims to identify areas of growth in registered self-employment as a result of the development of incentive measures for “getting out of the shadows” and areas of risk caused by cases of illegal tax optimization. These issues require the development of adequate measures to support and regulate self-employment. This was especially evident in the context of the pandemic and isolation, which required additional ways to support people in difficult financial situations. The authors apply methods of statistical analysis, comparative analysis, analysis of the legal framework, and scientific literature. Certain conclusions and provisions may be useful for federal and regional executive authorities to design the active policy measures in the field of employment, to achieve the objectives of federal and national projects, as well as to develop and adjust the main directions and individual measures of employment policy at the macro level.
LABOR MIGRATION AND FEATURES OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE RUSSIAN LABOR MARKET DURING AND AFTER THE PANDEMIC
Authors:   Russian-Tajik Slavonic University, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Ul'masov R. , Kurbanov N. ,   Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting, Moscow, Russia
Published: September 2021

The paper aims to study the impact of labor migration on the construction and other sectors of the Russian economy, where labor from Tajikistan and other CIS countries is widely used, considering the factor of the coronavirus pandemic. The methodological basis of the study was the analysis of statistical data. The authors apply general scientific and special research methods. The study highlights the strategic challenges and guidelines for the development of labor migration. The paper outlines differences and common features of attitudes towards labor migrants on the part of employers and government agencies, as well as some features of migrating human capital associated with the complexity and diversity of cultures, knowledge, skills, abilities, qualifications, experience and motivation. The authors conclude that the restoration of labor migration in conditions of mass vaccination and compliance with sanitary and epidemiological requirements would fully provide labor for the construction and other segments of the Russian economy, gain the necessary pace of development, and propose specific measures to optimize migration flows and rational use of labor migrants.
A IMPORTÂNCIA DA POSSE DE BOLA NO FUTEBOL: NOVAS PERSPECTIVAS
Authors: Vieira Júnior José Carlos Mendes , Mateus Alexsandro Silva
Published: September 2021

O objetivo do respectivo trabalho culmina em correlacionar o tempo de Posse de bola e a quantidade de finalizações com o resultado final e o mando de campo dos jogos do Campeonato Inglês, primeira divisão, de Agosto de 2018 a Maio de 2019. Foram analisadas 38 rodadas, com 10 jogos, dos 20 times profissionais que disputaram o Campeonato Inglês de 2018/2019. Para a correlação, os resultados foram apresentados em médias, e em seguida foi realizada uma análise qualitativa, descrevendo o percentual das ações analisadas. Os resultados variaram conforme o resultado final dos jogos. Dessa forma, pode-se observar que enquanto a maioria dos jogos em que as equipes que obtiveram um maior porcentual de posse de bola, não saiu derrotas, e assim, em 210 jogos a equipe venceu 178 ou empatou 32. Por outro lado a equipe que não conseguiu passar mais tempo com a posse de bola durante uma partida, venceu apenas 127 e empatou 38 vezes. E cinco jogos não foram contabilizados porque ambas as equipes empataram a porcentagem da posse de bola com 50% cada. Frente aos resultados apresentados, acredita-se que os mesmos poderão ofertar incentivos e orientação para um melhor aproveitamento no período de treinamentos e, por conseguinte, contribuir de forma muito significativa, para o desenvolvimento na melhora do desempenho de atletas do Futebol, servindo também para outros frutos.
Analysis of the population policy in the low birth rate countries.
Their experience and some results
Authors: Zhukov D.S. , Barabash N.S.
Published: September 2021

This article presents the short overview of the foreign literature, in which has been considered
the population policy and some results of the implementation of such approaches. The objects are
the researches of the low rate birth countries which have the same kind of problems as Russia. We
consider the essential mechanism which helps the developed societies to stimulate the childbirth. It
has been reviewed the results of the different types of population policy in several groups of the
countries: Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon countries; Japan and South Korea; Southern, Western
and Eastern Europe.
Aproximación a los estilos y estrategias de enseñanza del profesorado de la ESO y Bachillerato de ciencias experimentales y tecnología: un estudio de caso
Authors: Ropero-Padilla Carmen , Rodriguez-Arrastia Miguel , Sanahuja Ribés Aida
Published: September 2021

Los conceptos, los estilos y las estrategias de enseñanza se encuentran íntimamente ligados, quedando supeditados a la experiencia del propio docente. De esta forma, no sólo quedará configurado el aprendizaje del alumnado a partir de las metas que este asuma, sino que estos estilos docentes también tendrán una impronta en diferentes elementos de dicho proceso, como la motivación e implicación en el aprendizaje. El objetivo de este estudio, por tanto, fue conocer los diferentes estilos y su evolución dentro del profesorado de ciencias experimentales y tecnología, así como su impacto en las estrategias de aula. Para ello, se diseñó un estudio cualitativo descriptivo de corte fenomenológico, a partir de un estudio de caso. Se realizaron un total de 6 entrevistas a profesores/as de diferentes niveles educativos dentro del área de ciencias experimentales y tecnología, acompañadas de observaciones no participantes en el aula y análisis documental. Los resultados mostraron datos interesantes sobre el uso de diferentes estilos de enseñanza, más cercanos a un estilo mixto a estrategias de aprendizaje cooperativas. Como conclusión, merece especial atención la evolución de los participantes hacia estilos y estrategias más activas, aunque queda pendiente la tarea de profundizar en el proceso de evaluación y reflexión docente.
[Reseña del libro] Investigar en la clase de ciencia
Authors: Esteban Rivera Edwin Roger
Published: September 2021

Delod, G. (2020). Investigar en la clase de ciencia. Madrid: Ediciones Morata. 79 páginas. ISBN: 978-84-18381-04-1En el libro la autora reconoce que se han ido formando estereotipos como: “La ciencia de los científicos se hace investigando y la ciencia de la escuela, la gran mayoría de las veces, memorizando la exposición del docente y los textos del libro” , estereotipos que promueven una idea de lo complicado que es hacer ciencia y que esta labor está destinada solo para un reducido grupo de personas privilegiadas, y que la investigación solo puede ser desarrollada en los laboratorios, invisibilizándose las investigaciones en las ciencias sociales...