bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
JUSTIFICATION OF THE POSSIBILITY OF USING THERMOMODIFIED VENEER IN AN ENVIRONMENT WITH HIGH HUMIDITY
Authors: Horbachova Oleksandra
Published: June 2021

Thermally modified wood is widely used in the woodworking industry, as it has increased resistance to environmental factors (humidity, temperature). The effect of high temperature on wood causes a decrease in water adsorption by reducing the available free hydroxyl groups of carbohydrates. The reduction in hygroscopicity contributes to the treated material size stability, as swelling and shrinkage are mainly associated with the phenomena of absorption and water desorption. The study of natural weathering always takes many years. Therefore, to study the resistance of thermodified wood to environmental influences, artificial weathering is used - modeling of external factors (cyclic change of UV light and moisture). The effectiveness of the thermodified veneer use as a material for lining the furniture facades which working in different temperature and humidity conditions was established. The values of moisture and water absorption on the samples of oak veneer, which have previously undergone the heat treatment process, have been determined. It was found that the samples of oak veneer gained the most moisture from the environment in the first two days. The weight of unmodified veneer increased by 0.06 g, similar results showed veneer modified at temperatures of 160 and 190 °C. Thermodified veneer at a temperature of 250 °C for the first two days gained twice less. By the end of the experiment (next 11 days), the samples of ordinary and modified veneer at all temperatures absorbed the same amount of moisture. Untreated veneer and thermodified at temperatures of 160 and 220 °C absorbed 50-66 % of its initial weight, and modified at 250 °C – 20-36 %. Control samples of veneer during the determination of water absorption gained 98 % of the initial weight. Samples modified at 160 °C – 10, 20, 30 min showed the best result – reducing the value to 94 %, 93 % and 91 %. There is a slight improvement in water absorption after exposure to temperature 220 °C for 10, 20, 30 min – 91 %, 91 % and 90 %. Values water absorption at the level of 90 %, 89 % and 86 % were recorded in veneer samples modified at 250 °C.
TRANSESTERIFICATION OF VEGETABLE OILS’ TRIGLYCERIDES BY THE HEAD FRACTION OF ETHYL ALCOHOL
Authors: Melnyk Yurii , Melnyk Stepan , Mahorivska Halyna
Published: June 2021

The regularities of sunflower, rapeseed and flaxseed oils’ triglycerides transesterification by the head fraction of ethyl alcohol in the presence of various catalysts have been investigated. The cation exchange resin KU-2-8 in H+-form and cation exchange resin KU-2-8 containing an immobilized Cu2+-ions (untreated and treated by 0,1 M sodium hydroxide solution for 90 min and for 7 days) were used as catalyst. It was shown that the all investigated catalysts except the untreated cation exchange resin KU-2-8 containing an immobilized Cu2+-ions allow to achieve of triglycerides conversion over 90 % under the reaction conditions. It was found that the catalyst KU-2-8 containing an immobilized Cu2+-ions treated by 0.1 M sodium hydroxide solution for 90 min shows the highest activity. Also it was found that this catalyst allows to achieve triglyceride conversion all of studied vegetable oils over 99.5% in 180 min of reaction. Simultaneously it was found that the highest rate of transesterification reaction in its presence is observed. The influence of these catalysts on the esterification reaction of free fatty acids, present in vegetable oils, by ethyl alcohol, present in the head fraction, was studied. It was established that the influence of the investigated catalysts on the esterification reaction is different. It was shown that cation exchange resin KU-2-8 containing an immobilized Cu2+-ions treated by 0.1 M sodium hydroxide solution for 90 min catalyzes the esterification reaction of free fatty acids of all investigated oils. Their conversion is from 21.6 % (in sunflower oil) up to 74.1 % (in rapeseed oil). At the same time, it was found that long-term treatment of cation exchange resin KU-2-8 containing an immobilized Cu2+-ions by sodium hydroxide solution leads to a sharp decrease or loss of catalyst activity in the esterification reaction of free fatty acids by ethyl alcohol. It was shown that the use of this catalyst for the transesterification of rapeseed and sunflower oils’ triglycerides even increases the acid number of the reaction mixture, namely to the partial hydrolysis of triglycerides. The obtained results show that the short-term treatment the cation exchange resin KU-2-8 containing an immobilized Cu2+-ions by 0.1 M alkali solution is one of the ways that allow to increase its catalytic activity in the transesterification process of vegetable oils by head fraction of ethyl alcohol. It is assumed that such treatment affects the catalytic activity of Cu2+-ions due to changes in the electron density on the catalyst cation caused the coordination of part of the OH–-anions. The long-term treatment of the cation exchange resin containing an immobilized Cu2+-ions by alkali solution causes a maximum saturation of the cation coordination sphere. This obviously creates steric problem of a reagents access to the catalyst and reduces the catalytic activity cation exchange resin.
Rates of Osteoporosis Management and Secondary Preventative Treatment After Primary Fragility Fractures
Authors: Ross Bailey J. , Lee Olivia C. , Harris Mitchel B. , Dowd Thomas C. , Savoie Felix H. , Sherman William F.
Published: June 2021

Background:

Fragility fractures are often sentinel events in documenting new cases of osteoporosis. Numerous analyses have demonstrated low rates of adequate osteoporosis evaluation and treatment following primary fragility fractures. The purpose of this study was to quantify the incidence of primary fragility fractures in America and the rates of osteoporosis screening and management before and after fracture.

Methods:

A retrospective review of the PearlDiver database was conducted using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) and ICD, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) and Current Procedural Terminology codes. Patients who were 60 to 80 years of age and had primary fragility fractures of the hip, wrist, spine, pelvis, humerus, and other unspecified locations were included. The rates of dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) screening and osteoporosis pharmacotherapy were assessed for 2 years before and 2 years after the primary fracture.

Results:

In this study, 48,668 patients with a primary fragility fracture were identified. Within this cohort, 25.8% (12,573 of 48,668) had received osteoporosis screening or treatment in the prior 2 years. In the 36,095 patients with no management before the fracture, 19% (6,799 patients) were diagnosed with osteoporosis and 18.4% (6,653 patients) received a DXA scan and/or filed claims for pharmacotherapy in the following 2 years. Patients with an osteoporosis diagnosis were more likely to receive both types of management (odds ratio [OR], 11.55 [95% confidence (CI), 10.31 to 12.95]), and male patients were less likely to receive both types of management (OR, 0.23 [95% CI, 0.17 to 0.27]). Secondary fragility fractures within the next 2 years were diagnosed in 8.4% (3,038 of 36,095) of patients at a mean of 221 days following the primary fracture.

Conclusions:

The rates of appropriate osteoporosis evaluation, diagnosis, and management following primary fragility fractures remain unacceptably low. Less than one-third of patients with primary fragility fractures had been evaluated or treated for osteoporosis in the 2 years prior to fracture. Furthermore, among patients without pre-fracture management, <20% received osteoporosis screening or treatment within the next 2 years.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Workers’ Societal Costs After Knee and Shoulder Injuries and Diagnosis with In-Office Arthroscopy or Delayed MRI
Authors: Liu Joseph , Farr Jack , Ramos Omar , Voigt Jeff , Amin Nirav
Published: June 2021

Background:

The goal of this study was to evaluate the societal costs of using in-office diagnostic arthroscopy (IDA) compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of intra-articular knee and shoulder pathology in employed patients receiving Workers’ Compensation or disability coverage. The prevalence is estimated at 260,000 total cases per year.

Methods:

A cost-minimization analysis of IDA compared with MRI was conducted. Direct costs (in 2018 U.S. dollars) were calculated from private reimbursement amounts and Medicare. Indirect costs were estimated from a societal perspective including effects of delayed surgical procedures on the ability to work, lost income, Workers’ Compensation or disability coverage, and absenteeism. Four regions were selected: Boston, Massachusetts; Detroit, Michigan; Denver, Colorado; and San Bernadino, California. Sensitivity analyses were performed using TreeAge Pro 2019 software. The base assumption was that it would take approximately 4 weeks for a diagnosis with MRI and 0 weeks for a diagnosis with IDA.

Results:

Direct costs to determine a knee diagnosis with IDA were $556 less expensive (California) to $470 more expensive (Massachusetts) than MRI. Assuming a 4-week wait, societal costs (indirect and direct) for knee diagnosis were anywhere from $7,852 (Denver) to $11,227 (Boston) less using IDA. Direct costs were similar for shoulder pathology. In order for MRI to be the less costly option, the MRI and the follow-up visit to the physician would need to occur directly after consultation. Under Medicare, direct costs were similar for both the knee and shoulder when comparing IDA and MRI. Including indirect costs resulted in IDA being the less costly option.

Conclusions:

The use of IDA instead of MRI for the diagnosis of knee and shoulder pathology reduced costs. The potential savings to society were approximately $7,852 to $11,227 per operative patient and were dependent on scheduling and follow-up using MRI and on Workers’ Compensation.

Level of Evidence:

Economic and Decision Analysis Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Predictors of Success in an Orthopaedic Residency
Authors: Horan Dylan P. , Baldwin Keith , Purtill James J. , Namdari Surena
Published: June 2021

» Orthopaedic surgery is one of the most competitive residencies to match into. Meanwhile, the average applicant’s United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) test scores, research involvement, and number of clinical honors increase every year.

» Measures such as USMLE scores, productivity in research, Alpha Omega Alpha (AΩA) honor society status, number of clinical honors, and performance on away rotations have all been cited as factors contributing to program directors choosing applicants for interviews and ranking them for their program. However, questions remain as to whether these measures translate to success on board examinations, high faculty evaluations, and designation as chief resident during orthopaedic residency.

» USMLE scores have been shown to correlate with Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (OITE) and American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) scores, while clinical grades and AΩA status correlate with faculty evaluations. Participating in research as a medical student was predictive of research productivity in residency but did not correlate with standardized testing scores or faculty evaluations.

» The literature has suggested ways in which measures such as personality and grit may be used in the application process and how these factors may contribute to predictors of success. However, additional research is needed to measure and define personality and grit during the application evaluation process.
Pleasure As a Subject of Logic. To the Interpretation of Philebus. Part II
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Bugai Dmitry V.
Published: June 2021

The task of the paper is to determine what is the philosophical meaning of Plato’s Philebus. To define the meaning is to show which way of understanding Philebus is the most fruitful, most fully grasping and revealing what forms the substantive core of Plato's text. It’s no secret that the meaning of Philebus is not at all self-evident. From our point of view, the main subject of the dialogue lies not in the plane of ontology, but in ethics, and what is taken for ontological as­pects in Philebus is much more related to the logical and methodological condi­tions for solving the main ethical problem. Therefore, in this article an attempt was made to show that the key themes of Philebus(the problem of the one-many, the relationship of the four kinds of beings, the theory of false pleasures) are internally related. The question of the relationship between the one and the many is raised in connection with the clarification of the question of the logical status of pleasure. Division into four kinds (limit, unlimited, mixture, reason) is the fulfillment of the methodological requirement for the necessity of division. The analysis of pleasures following this methodological introduction examines pleasure in an entirely new light, in the light of truth/falsity.
Philosophical Fragments: from Diaries of Recent Years
Authors:   E.M. Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relationsof the Russian Academy of Sciences, Rashkovsky Eugene B.
Published: June 2021

The paper presents few extracts from the philosophical diaries of Russian historian, philosopher and poet Eugene Rashkovsky during 2017‒2020. The pivotal problems of his diary are connected with three branches of philosophical knowledge: Philoso­phy of human person, Philosophy of poetry, Philosophy of history. An idea of hu­man spontaneous creative activity (ποιησις) as well as interconnected with it idea of freedom – these both ideas seem to be central theoretical interest of the diaries’ au­thor. Human ποιησις (in the broad approach to this notion) seems to be important field where our feelings, intuitions, reason and praxis interconnected and finding themselves in the main streams and trends of history. “A Study of Poetry” with po­etry’s special, non-linear connections of semantic chains, images and rhythms is presented by author as one of hermeneutic keys to philosophical understanding of history. Philosophy of Vladimir Solovyev as well as Pushkin’s and Pasternak’s poet­ical heritage are the subjects of author’s special interest. A philo­sophical diary that does not require a scientific apparatus or detailed argumentation is a unique genre. Self-interview genre. Or, as I tried to show in one of my books, the genre of “raising the interlocutor” in oneself. Sure, it also happens that a natural, non-fictional inter­locutor can sometimes continue in a casual (or not casual) diary reader. The interview with oneself continues in the reader…
Staged Acid Corrosion Inhibition for Matrix Acidizing Treatments: Concept Summary and Performance in Laboratory Experiments
Authors: Barmatov Evgeny , Hughes Trevor , Li Jack , Owen Joshua , Barker Richard , Neville Anne
Published: June 2021

This paper describes a staged acid corrosion inhibition concept for application in matrix acidizing treatments. The approach optimizes the performance of acid corrosion inhibitor (ACI) formulations used to protect coiled tubing (CT) and downhole casing during acid injection and flowback. The concept relies on polymerizable ACI chemistry.

Matrix acidizing formulations are currently designed with a fixed ACI dosage throughout acid injection. The staged approach uses a higher ACI dosage (first stage) to establish a persistent inhibitor film followed by a lower ACI dosage (second stage) to maintain that film. The persistence of the first stage inhibitor film relies on polymerizable ACI chemistry. Staged performance was evaluated by weight loss and electrochemical testing on CT and casing steels in 15% hydrochloric acid at temperatures in the range 60 to 121°C. Rotating cylinder electrodes (RCEs) were used to compare performance under laminar and realistic turbulent flow conditions. An electrochemical flow cell (EFC) was used to quantify performance when the ACI dosage was changed during flow.

The ACI dosage used in the second stage can be at least one order of magnitude lower than that in the first stage. Staged treatments can be designed for enhanced corrosion protection using a lower total quantity of inhibitor relative to conventional treatments. Optimum first and second stage ACI dosages depend on temperature and metal type. For CT in 15% hydrochloric acid, typical stage 1 and stage 2 dosages are 0.2 and 0.01 %, respectively, at temperatures ranging 77 to 99°C; these dosages increase to 1.0 and 0.05–0.1 % at 121°C. RCE testing showed robust performance under realistic dynamic flow conditions, and EFC testing showed good performance when the ACI dosage was changed during flow.

The staged ACI concept achieves enhanced corrosion protection of CT and wellbore casing using a lower total quantity of inhibitor relative to conventional treatments. The next step is to evaluate the performance of staged ACI treatments in field experiments.
Limitations of Corrosion Resistant Alloy in High CO2 Gas Production Systems: A Case Study
Authors: Rodriguez Jorge , Gómez Susana , Tran Dinh Ngoc , Ortuño Giovanni , Borole Narendra
Published: June 2021

The paper presents the application of a holistic approach to corrosion prediction that overcomes classical pitfalls in corrosion testing and modelling at high pressure, high temperature and high CO2 conditions. Thermodynamic modelling of field and lab conditions allows for more accurate predictions by a novel CO2/H2S general corrosion model validated by laboratory tests.

In the proposed workflow, autoclave tests at high pressure and temperature are designed after modeling corrosion in a rigorous thermodynamic framework including fluid-dynamic modelling; the modeled steps include preparation, gas loading and heating of fluid samples at high CO2 concentration, and high flow velocities. An autoclave setup is proposed and validated to simultaneously test different conditions. Corrosion rates are extrapolated to compute service life of the materials and guide material selection.

The results from the model and tests extend the application of selected stainless steel grade beyond the threshold conditions calculated by simplistic models and guidelines. Consideration of fugacities and true aqueous compositions allows for accurate thermodynamic representation of field conditions. Computation by rigorous fluid dynamics of shear stress, multiphase flow and heat transfer effects inside completion geometry lead to a proper interpretation of corrosion mechanisms and models to apply. In the case study used to showcase the workflow, conventional stainless steel is validated for most of the tubing. It is observed that some sections of the system in static condition are not exposed to liquid water, allowing for safe use of carbon steel, while as for other critical parts, more noble materials are deemed necessary.

Harsh environments pose a challenge to the application of conventional steel materials. The workflow applied to the case study allows accurate representation and application of materials in its application limit region, allowing for safe use of carbon steel or less noble stainless steels in those areas of the completion where corrosion is limited by multiphase fluid-dynamics, heat transfer or the both. The approximation is validated for real case study under high CO2 content, and is considered also valid in the transportation of higher amounts of CO2, for example, in CCUS activities.
Microbial Ecology Metrics to Assess the Effect of Biocide on Souring Control and Improve Souring Modelling
Authors: Shi Xiang , de Rezende Julia R. , Sorbie Kenneth
Published: June 2021

Reservoir souring is a long-standing issue for the oil and gas industry caused by sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRM) producing H2S from sulfate ions. In this work, we investigated the connections between the development of souring and the change in three key microbial ecology metrics: the abundance, alpha diversity and community structure of a souring microbiota under the biocide treatment of 100 ppm glutaraldehyde (henceforth referred to as GA). These are studied in sand-packed flow-through bioreactors during and after the biocide treatment using cutting-edge DNA assays. Our study suggests that the rebound of microbial sulfide production after the 100 ppm GA treatment is closely associated with the recovery in microbial abundance and microbial alpha diversity. The study also shows that 100 ppm GA treatment may lead to a measurable shift in the SRM community structure. By comparing the effluent microbial community with the sand microbial community, the study suggests that the change in alpha diversity of the produced water microbial community might be an early warning for the sulfide breakthrough due to souring recurrence in practice.

This work explores the relationship between souring and the underlining microbial community behaviours in response to the 100 ppm GA treatment and, to characterise these changes, we propose measurable metrics. A conceptual model is also proposed describing the near-term biological process behind the biocide treatment-recovery cycle in a souring scenario. Finally, this work highlights the potential applications and caveats of harnessing the increasingly available field microbial community data for the improvement of souring modelling and field souring control strategies.
Risk Based Management of Corrosion Under Insulation
Authors: Wiggen Frode , Justnes Maren , Espeland Sindre
Published: June 2021

Risk Based Management of Corrosion Under Insulation, DNVGL-RP-G109©

Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) is a major challenge for different process industries. Today it is managed in many ways, ranging from full removal of insulation to minimal maintenance including some inspection with insufficient non-destructive testing. These two extremes exhibit a lack of understanding and a lack of systematic approach in managing the CUI risk, globally.

The paper will describe the results from a recent (2017-2019) CUI Joint Industry Project (JIP) where the oil and gas industry in the North Sea area has established a methodology for managing the CUI threat. In this context managing the CUI threat involves risk assessment, risk mitigation, risk update and experience transfer in a systematic manner. The methodology assesses four CUI barriers: material, coating, water wetting and design.

DNV GL has made this methodology available for the industry in DNVGL-RP-G109 "Risk Based Management of Corrosion Under Insulation" Copyright © DNV AS. 2019 All rights reserved.

(1) issued in December 2019. The Recommended Practice is issued alongside a cloud-based web application, the "CUI Manager" Copyright © DNV AS. 2020 All rights reserved. (2) that ease and supports the implementation of the work process described in the RP. This web application can be aligned with individual company specific requirements, as well as solely rely on the DNV GL RP methodology, or use a combination of the two.
Using Industry Data to Develop Improved Methods to Manage Corrosion Under Insulation
Authors: Clare Watt , Steve Paterson , Calum White , Thomas-Peter Wilk
Published: June 2021

Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) continues to be an issue in many oil, gas and petrochemical installations. This paper builds on previous work to examine why the industry has struggled to come up with reliable and cost-effective solutions to the CUI problem. The limitations of different multidiscipline innovations are discussed together with positive examples of the latest promising industry projects and research, including risk management guidance, improved coatings, insulation system materials and design, non-destructive screening techniques and permanently embedded monitors. Key learnings from this review demonstrate the importance of better use of industry plant data to achieve improvements in managing CUI in all innovation disciplines.
Dust Storm Index Anomaly for Sand-Dust Events Monitoring in Western Iran and its Association with the NDVI and LST Anomalies
Authors: Ebrahimi-Khusfi Zohre , Roustaei Fatemeh
Published: June 2021

Sand-dust events (SDE) are an increasing concern in many arid and semi-arid regions of the world, which have severely damaged air quality and human health in recent years. This study was conducted to monitor the SDE in western Iran using the dust storm index anomaly (DSIA) during 2000–2018. The spatiot-emporal change detection and statistical analysis were used to understand the impacts of normalized difference vegetation cover anomaly (NDVIA) and land surface temperature anomaly (LSTA) on the SDE activities. The area has suffered from the highest dust pollution in 2004, 2009, and 2012 (DSIA > + 40) while it experienced the lowest dust pollution in 2002 and 2017 (DSIA<-40). Approximately 48% of western Iran experienced decreasing changes and 52 % of the total area experienced increasing changes in dust pollution during 2010–2018 compared to the previous years. Incremental changes in NDVIA and LSTA were observed in 73.2% and 7.5% of the study area while their decreasing changes were observed in 26.8% and 92.5% of the total area, respectively. Spatially, regions affected by the increase in dust pollution are mainly distributed in the eastern and southern regions of the study area. Significant effects of changes in anomalies of both terrestrial parameters on DSIA were observed throughout the study period (R LSTA−DSIA = + 0.52; R NDVIA−DSIA= -0.41); P < 0.05). It was also found that spatial correlation between LSTA and DSIA as well as NDVIA and DSIA in many parts of the study area were significant at the 95% confidence level (). These findings can be useful for decision-makers to assess the risks of dust pollution and reduce its negative consequences in western Iran.
Adaptation and validation of the Caregiver Burden Inventory in Eating Disorders
Authors: Bertelli Sara , Ferrara Paolo , Modica Sharon Di , Terzoni Stefano , Bergamelli Emilio , Gambini Orsola , D'Agostino Armando , Destrebecq Anne
Published: June 2021

Background
Living with people diagnosed with a mental disorder is known to increase the risk of developing high levels of so–called “caregiver burden” in informal caregivers. In–depth analysis of this phenomenon and specific assessment tools for caregivers of patients diagnosed with Eating Disorders are lacking. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Caregiver Burden Inventory scale in a sample of caregivers of Eating Disorder patients (CBI–ED).
Methods
A cross–sectional study was conducted in the Eating Disorders outpatient unit of an Italian University hospital. Face and content validity were investigated by calculating standard Content Validity Indices (CVI-I and CVI-S) after administering the Inventory to 5 expert nurses with a minimum 5 years’ experience in mental health services assisting people diagnosed with Eating Disorders. Reliability was evaluated with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the overall scale and subscales. An exploratory factor analysis was also performed to assess construct validity.
Results
CBI-ED was administered to 62 informal caregivers from May 1st to July 31st, 2019. The exploratory factor analysis yielded a 5–factor structure. The CVI-S was 97.2%; the Cronbach α coefficient was 0,90 (> 0.74 in each subscale). The mean overall burden level in the experimental population was 40 [21;54], in a theoretical range from 0 (no burden) to 96 (highest level of burden).
Conclusion
The Caregiver Burden Inventory appears to be a valid and reliable instrument to assess caregiver burden in individuals diagnosed with Eating Disorders. Further research is needed to evaluate this tool’s efficiency in improving individually tailored interventions on families.
Study on Complex Dynamics for the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Recycling Activities Oligarchs Closed-loop Supply Chain
Authors: Zhu Meihong , Li Xiao , Ma Junhai , Xu Tiantong , Zhu Liqing
Published: June 2021

Nowadays, with more and more WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) being abandoned, WEEE recycling activities are increasingly popular. In this paper, we build a closed-loop supply chain model and focus on the recycling behaviors of the members in this supply chain, which contains two manufacturers, the retailer and the consumer. In the reverse chain, we set up dual channels and design two recycling methods: sell-back method and trade-in method. We use classical backward induction to run the model. And then we analyze the stability of the system and the impacts of some essential parameters by numerical simulation. The speed of the manufacture’s decision adjustment has a significant effect on the stability of the model. When the decision variables of manufacturers go into instability, the profits of both manufacturers and the retailer have a profit loss in multiple cycles on average. The lower production cost of manufacturer 1 will increase the retailer's profit and self-profit, while manufacturer 2's profit will decrease. And the smaller price coefficient of the retailer can bring higher profits but aggravate the chaotic condition, and the stability of the whole system will decrease. In the end, we adopt the parameter control method and the decision-making method to control chaos, and they both have a good control effect.
Evaluation of Groundwater Potential using Aquifer Characteristics of Parts of Boki Area, South – Eastern Nigeria.
Authors: Ugbaja Anthony Nuonum
Published: June 2021

Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and pumping test (constant discharge and recovery test) was carried out in parts of Boki Local Government Area to evaluate the groundwater potential, using aquifer characteristics of the study area. Sixteen (16) VES point was employed for this study using the Schlumberger array, with a maximum spread of 400-600m. The stimulated result from the field data shows 3-5 layers resistivity model with the following curve types A, AK, KH, KHA, QH, QHA and QHK. The geoelectric properties include resistivity of the various layers ranging from 33.58 - 2.29 x 105Ώm, thickness from 0.2 - 50.2m, depth to basement varies from 2.99 - 74.60m across the study area. The litho logs show a top layer comprising of laterite, gravel/gravelly sand and siltstone intercalations and the layers underneath are made-up of clay, weathered basement containing migmatites and gneisses, fractured and unfractured basement are made up of granitic and metamorphic rocks. The weathered and fractured layers constitute the aquiferous layers in the study area. Hydraulic parameters were estimated from 16 pumped wells and results show transmissivity (T) range of 4.1x 10-5 - 1.92 x 10-1 m 2 /day, specific capacity (SC) ranges from 2.09-21.42m2 /day, hydraulic conductivity (K) varies from 2.6 x 10-5 - 3.0 x 10-3m/day and mean static water level (SWL) of 7.39m . Iso resistivity map of saprolite, fractured basement map, isopach map and the transmissivity map show that the studied area falls within the low-moderate groundwater potential zone.
Source Apportionment of Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil Around a Urea Fertilizer Factory and Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Human Health
Authors: Akter Shirin , Rahman Mohammad Obidur , Hasan Mehedi , Tushar Saiful Islam , Sarkar Mottalib Hossain , Mamun Khan Mohammad , Kabir Mohammad Jamiul , Rahman Mohammad Safiur , Abedin Mohammad Joynal , Begum Bilkis Ara , Jolly Yeasmin Nahar
Published: June 2021

The mean concentrations of heavy metals viz: K, Ca, Mg, Ti, Fe, Co, Cu, As, Zn, Rb, Sr, Zr, Pb and Th were measured in soil samples using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) technique and sampling sites as a whole were found highly contaminated by Zn, considerably contaminated by Mg and Pb, while moderately contaminated by Fe, Co, Cu, Rb, Sr, As, Rb, Y, Th. The sampling sites are moderate to strongly polluted by heavy metals according to Enrichment factors value, whereas, Pollution Load Index values for 95% of the sample sites were ≥ 1.5, indicating deterioration of soil quality. Potential Ecological risk (RI) value followed the increasing sequence of Pb > As > Co > Zn > Cu. Non-carcinogenic exposure found higher in children compared to adults,however carcinogenic risk assessment revealed that both groups (adult and children) lied within Grade II category (10− 5 to 10− 6) and considered to be at no risk.
Mesoscopic Modeling and Rapid Simulation of Incremental Changes in Epidemic Scenarios
Authors: Perumalla Kalyan , Alam Maksudul
Published: June 2021

In simulation-based studies and analyses of epidemics, a major challenge lies in resolving the conflict between fidelity of models and the speed of their simulation. Another related challenge arises in dealing with the large number of what-if scenarios that need to be explored. Here, we describe new computational methods that together provide an approach to dealing with both challenges. A mesoscopic modeling approach is described that attempts to strike a middle ground between macroscopic models based on coupled differential equations and microscopic models built on fine-grained behaviors such as at the individual entity level. The mesoscopic approach offers the possibility of incorporating complex compositions of multiple layers of dynamics even while retaining the potential for aggregate behaviors at varying levels. It also provides an excellent match to the accelerator-based architectures of modern computing platforms in which graphical processing units (GPUs) can be exploited for fast simulation via the parallel execution mode of single instruction multiple data (SIMD). The challenge of simulating a large number of scenarios is addressed via a method of sharing model state and computation across a tree of what-if scenarios that are localized, incremental changes to a large base simulation. A combination of the mesoscopic modeling approach and the incremental what-if scenario tree evaluation has been implemented in software on modern GPUs. Synthetic simulation scenarios are explored and presented here to demonstrate the basic feasibility and computational characteristics of our approach. Results from the experiments on large population data illustrate the overall modeling methodology and computational run time performance on large numbers of synthetically generated what-if scenarios.
Embedding qualitative research in randomised controlled trials to improve recruitment: findings from two recruitment optimisation studies of orthopaedic surgical trials.
Authors: Scantlebury Arabella , McDaid Catriona , Brealey Stephen , Cook Elizabeth , Ranganathan Arun , Sharma Hemant , Adamson Joy
Published: June 2021

Background: Recruitment of patients is one of the main challenges when designing and conducting randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Trials of rare injuries, or those that include surgical interventions pose added challenges due to the small number of potentially eligible patients and issues with patient preferences and surgeon equipoise. We explore key issues to consider when recruiting to orthopaedic surgical trials from the perspective of staff and patients with the aim of informing the development of strategies to improve recruitment in future research. Design: Two qualitative process evaluations of a United Kingdom-wide orthopaedic surgical RCT (ACTIVE) and mixed methods randomised feasibility study (PRESTO). Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted and data was analysed thematically. Setting: NHS secondary care organisations throughout the United Kingdom. Interviews were undertaken via telephone. Participants: 37 trial recruiters (surgeons, physiotherapists, research nurses) and 22 patients were interviewed. Patients included those who agreed to participate in the ACTIVE and PRESTO studies and patients that declined participation in the ACTIVE study. Results: We used a mixed methods systematic review of recruiting patients to randomised controlled trials as a framework for reporting and analysing our findings. Our findings mapped onto those identified in the systematic review and highlighted the importance of equipoise, randomisation, communication, patient’s circumstances, altruism and trust in clinical and research teams. Our findings also emphasised the importance of considering how eligibility criteria are operationalised and the impact of complex patient pathways when recruiting to surgical trials. In particular, the influence of health professionals, who are not involved in trial recruitment, on patients’ treatment preferences by suggesting they would receive a certain treatment ahead of recruitment consultations should not be underestimated. Conclusions: A wealth of evidence exploring factors affecting recruitment to randomised controlled trials exists. A methodological shift is now required to ensure that this evidence is used by all those involved in recruitment and to ensure that existing knowledge is translated into methods for optimising recruitment to future trials. Trial registries: ACTIVE: (ISRCTN98152560) PRESTO: (ISRCTN12094890)
Synthesis and Characterization of Bio-based Amorphous Polyamide from Dimethyl furan-2,5-dicarboxylate
Authors: Mao Lei , Pan Lijian , Ma Bomou , He Yong
Published: June 2021

In this research, bio-based polyamide (bio-PA) was synthesized from dimethyl furan-2,5-dicarboxylate and 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanamine by melt polymerization. The properties of bio-PA were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. The results show that this bio-PA presents high glass transition temperature (Tg) from 150°C to 180°C and poor crystallization due to the asymmetric rigid structure of cyclohexane and furan. Its molecular weight is low, ascribing to the large steric hindrance from cyclohexane and furan, and the side reaction of N-methylation and decarboxylation. Besides, the results of solubility reveal that this bio-PA can be dissolved in DMSO, DMF and DMAC.
Effect of Autocorrelation On Temporal Trends In Air-Temperature In A Northern Algeria And Links With Teleconnections Patterns
Authors: Taïbi Sabrina , Zeroual Ayoub , Meddi Mohamed
Published: June 2021

This study investigates the effect of autocorrelation on temporal trends and step change on monthly, seasonal and annual temperatures of six meteorological stations of the North of Algeria from 1950 to 2016. Afterwards, links between the general atmospheric circulation, via six climate indices, and temperature are examined. Trends of temperature are analysed using six different versions of the Mann Kendall approach while the step change of the time series is computed using the original Pettitt test and the modified-Pettitt. Statistical tests have shown an increase in annual temperatures from 0.8 to 0.9°C since the 1980’s on the coastal regions and 90’s on the highlands. This warming most often exceeds 1°C on a seasonal scale, particularly in summer, while no significant trend is observed in winter. On a monthly scale, the increase in temperatures is marked between April and October. The analysis of relationships between six climate indices and average temperatures has shown that inter-annual temperature variability is most often associated with the East Atlantic oscillation for the entire study area. Winter temperatures are influenced by the Mediterranean oscillation as well as the North Atlantic oscillation. The East Atlantic oscillation is the dominant mode of circulation in spring and summer, while in autumn temperatures are strongly linked to West Mediterranean Oscillation. However, no significant correlations have been observed between temperatures and the Arctic Oscillation and El Nino southern oscillation.
Influence of The COVID-19 Pandemic on Parenting Stress Across Asian Countries: A Cross-National Study
Authors: Kurata Sawa , Hiraoka Daiki , Adlan Aida Syarinaz Ahmad , Jayanath Subhashini , Hamzah Norhamizan , Ahmad-Fauzi Aishah , Nishitani Shota , Fujisawa Takashi X , Tomoda Akemi
Published: June 2021

Background
In a previous study, we demonstrated that the accumulation of parenting stress during prolonged school closures and restrictions on daily activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan indicates the need for mental health intervention for parents at higher risk of parenting stress. However, few studies have focused on parenting stress in other Asian countries, although they have experienced higher numbers of COVID-19 infections.
Methods
We conducted an online survey immediately after the number of new cases in India significantly increased (September to November 2020). We measured parenting stress, anxiety, and fear associated with the COVID-19 crisis, as evaluated by the Parenting Stress Index, Short-Form (PSI-SF) and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), across three Asian countries—India (n = 142), Malaysia (n = 69), and Japan (n = 182)—in addition to the US (n = 203). We also investigated whether respondents had adverse childhood experiences (ACE) as a risk factor for parenting stress.
Results
For all countries, we found significant increases in participants’ current parenting stress levels, compared to what they recalled regarding their lives before COVID-19-related restrictions and school closures were enacted. Textual analysis qualitatively identified common terms related to parenting stress across all countries. We also found a statistical model that indicated ACE in parents was a critical risk factor for higher parenting stress via increasing anxiety and fear related to the pandemic.
Conclusions
These results indicate the need to improve the mental health of caregivers who are at risk for higher levels of parenting stress during the COVID-19 pandemic in Asian countries as well as Western countries. These results indicate that there is a need to improve the mental health of caregivers who are at risk for higher levels of parenting stress during the COVID-19 pandemic globally.
Co-Pyrolysis of Waste Printed Circuit Boards With Iron Compounds for Br-Fixing and Material Recovery
Authors: Chen Weifang , Shu Yongkai , Li Yonglun , Chen Yanjun , Wei Jianbo
Published: June 2021

Waste printed circuit board was co-pyrolyzed with iron oxides and iron salts. Solid, liquid and gaseous products were collected and characterized. Co-pyrolysis with FeCl2, FeCl3 or FeSO4 was able to increase the yield of liquid product which was rich in phenol and its homologues. Also, the addition of co-pyrolysis reagents reduced the release of brominated organics to liquid as Br was either fixed as FeBr3 in solids or released as HBr. In particular, FeCl2 showed the best ability to reduce the release of Br-containing organics to liquid compared with FeCl3 and FeSO4. Solid residuals were rich in iron oxides, glass fibers and charred organics with surface areas of 20.6-26.5 m2/g. CO2 together with a small amount of CH4 and H2 were detected in the gaseous products. Overall, co-pyrolysis could improve the quantity and quality of liquid oil which could be reused as chemical or energy sources. Pyrolysis of waste printed circuit board was promising as a method for recycling.
Isolation And Characterization Of 45 SNP Markers In Triplophysa Tenuis
Authors: Liu Ya , Chen Yeyu , Lai Jiansheng , Ke Hongyu , Zhao Zhongmeng , Zhao Han , Wu Xiaoyun , Zhou Jian , Li Qiang
Published: June 2021

Triplophysa tenuis is an endemic species to China, which mainly distributed in Xinjiang and Gansu province. Effective conservation and management of this species is limited by insufficient molecular markers. In the present study, we reported the isolation and characterization of 45 SNP markers in T. tenuis. The minor allele frequency ranged from 0.046 to 0.500, and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.061 to 0.667 and 0.088 to 0.508, respectively. Polymorphic information content ranged from 0.083 to 0.375. Among these SNPs, three loci showed significant departures from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The novel polymorphic SNPs will be helpful for the future study on genetic management and population conservation for this species.
Exploration of Motivation To Participate in A Study of Cancer Related Cognitive Impairment Among Patients with Newly Diagnosed Aggressive Lymphoma: A Qualitative Sub-Study.
Authors: Gates Priscilla , Dhillon Haryana , Gough Karla , Wilson Carlene , Hawkes Eliza , Scudder Lindsay , Cushion Tania , Krishnasamy Meinir
Published: June 2021

Purpose
Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a recognised adverse consequence of cancer and its treatment. This qualitative sub-study was undertaken as part of a larger prospective longitudinal study in which recruitment and retention were very high. The aim was to gain an understanding of participants reasons for ongoing participation, at a time of heightened stress related to a new diagnosis of aggressive lymphoma and the rapid commencement of treatment.
Methods
This qualitative descriptive sub-study included semi-structured interviews with twenty-seven participants. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and a thematic descriptive approach used to analyse the data.
Results
Twenty-seven interviews were completed. Four themes described participants’ motivation to consent and continue with the study. These included ease of participation, personal values, self-help, and valued additional support. Participants understood the requirements of the study, and data collection occurring during hospital visits was perceived to be convenient. Interviewees confirmed the study fulfilled desire to ‘help others’. Although testing was intense and challenging, it provided feedback on current functioning and was described by some as a ‘welcome distraction’ and enjoyable. Finally, interaction with the study nurse was perceived as an additional beneficial oversight and support.
Conclusion
Achieving sustained participation in a prospective study with patients undergoing treatment is facilitated where the logistical demands of data collection are minimised; a clinician from the service is included; the tasks are seen as inherently interesting; and care is taken to provide empathic support throughout.
The Disabled Wage Gap between Social Enterprises and Capitalist Enterprises
Authors: Calderón-Milán María José , Calderón-Milán Beatriz , Barba-Sanchez Virginia
Published: June 2021

Background: In recent years, the disabled wage gap between persons with disabilities (PwD) and those without disabilities (PwoD) has widened considerably. However, one of the prime reasons for creating social enterprise is that they include in their goals employ and include vulnerable groups, but such firms are in favor of PwD in relation to wage or not? The main aim of this article is to analyze whether wage discrimination exists between PwD employed by social enterprises (SE) and those employed by capitalist enterprises (CE).Methods: We used microdata from the Continuous Sample of Work Lives (CSWL) for Spain. In terms of the various statistical and econometric methods employed in the study, we used Pearson’s c2 test, and quantile regression and Oaxaca-Blinder wage decomposition.Results: Although wages for persons with disabilities are lower in social enterprises than in capitalist enterprises, this does not occur in every income distribution percentile. If we also consider employees with similar socio-occupational profiles, SE employees earn more than CE employees. However, the same wage gap exists in PwD employment as it does do in the Spanish labor market in terms of gender, age, level of education, skill level, type of contract, working hours, company size, and sector of activity, both in social and capitalist enterprises.Conclusion: Results of the study showed that not only, therefore, are SE more sensitive in terms of the labor inclusion of disabled people but they also pursue more positive PwD wage discrimination than CE.