bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE MONITORING OF RAIL THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF MACHINE LEARNING ALGORITHM
Authors: MAHAJAN HARSH , BANERJEE SAUVIK
Published: October 2022

Non-destructive testing of rail is an essential part of maintaining in-service rail tracks to avoid accidents. Conventional methods such as the traditional ultrasonic technique are relatively slow and cumbersome resulting in non-frequent monitoring. This study explores active and passive techniques for continuous and long range rail damage monitoring. Firstly, the experiment, simulation and challenges of the ultrasonic guided wave generated through surface-bonded piezoelectric transducer are studied. Due to the presence of numerable inseparable modes occurring in rail, the application of machine learning algorithms is explored. Classification of damage in rail head and severity of damage have been achieved using features derived from the signal. To map changes in features with respect to damage, various ML algorithms are trained, tested and compared. Among them, the k-nearest neighbour has been found to have the highest accuracy in classifying rail head damage, while the Gaussian process regression is best suited for determining damage severity. Trained algorithms are then tested with simulated and experiment of different damage sizes. Secondly, the application of acoustic emission in rail is investigated through simulation and pencil lead break source experiments. The behaviour of rail as waveguide and wide band of generating frequency are observed to be the challenges in determining the zone of AE source. Thus, to classify the zone of AE source, a deep learning algorithm based on continuous wavelet transform is presented. This method results in 88% accuracy in finding the AE source zone. The presented study then concluded with challenges in monitoring complex geometry such as rail and application of machine learning in monitoring.
PROBABILISTIC PREDICTION OF ANAEROBIC REACTOR PERFORMANCE USING BAYESIAN LONG SHORT-TERM MEMORY ARTIFICIAL RECURRENT NEURAL NETWORK MODEL
Authors: VIEN BENJAMIN STEVEN , WONG LESLIE , KUEN THOMAS , ROSE L. R. FRANCIS , CHIU WING KONG
Published: October 2022

Engineering structures are designed and managed for safe operations and to meet defined levels of service. The floating cover on the wastewater treatment lagoon at Melbourne Water’s Western Treatment Plant (WTP), in Werribee, is a critical asset whose primary functions are to allow for the anaerobic breakdown of organic matter in the raw sewage and to collect the biogas that is released during this process. Whilst our work initially focused on the development of asset-based diagnostic capabilities to understand how the floating cover respond to the prevailing physical conditions [1-3], coupling these diagnostic capabilities with service-based performance requirements results in new and different imperatives for the structural health and performance monitoring of this engineering structure. This paper reports on the development of an element of this new monitoring strategy and a machine learning capability to predict the biogas collection rates based on past operational decisions and conditions. The study presents a Bayesian Long Short-Term Memory neural network model and investigates its effectiveness for the probabilistic prediction of biogas collection rates at WTP. The probabilistic approach is based on a Gaussian distribution output layer and Monte-Carlo dropout method to estimate the aleatoric and epistemic uncertainties, respectively. The data pre-processing and optimisation of the neural network model are reported. The findings also indicate using a dropout probability beyond 40% adversely prevents learning of complex patterns in the data and overly regularises the network model prediction. The study serves as a fundamental basis in implementing machine learning to transition high-value assets into smarter structures with diagnostic and prognostic capabilities by providing an example where service requirements are also considered.
Longitudinal Data of High-school Students’ Grades during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Relation to Their Skills
Authors: Hačatrjana Liena , Graustiņa Rita
Published: October 2022

The longitudinal changes of the average grades in four study semesters before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and distance learning are presented in the current study. 11th grade students’ (n=586; age M=17.38, SD=0.53) average grades were assessed, as well as their verbal and non-verbal reasoning abilities, and self-evaluations of problem-solving and self-management skills. The main findings of the study are: 1) There is a general pattern for the grades to increase during the four semesters from the autumn 2019 to the spring 2021; 2) The general tendency of changes in the grades is similar to various students’ groups based on their level of skills; 3) Higher level of students’ skills and cognitive abilities determined that students’ grades were higher and were more likely to increase during the “second wave of the pandemic”, compared to the middle and low-level skill groups. Results of the current study show a tendency for the average grades to increase during the pandemic and distance learning, however, there are group differences in the findings, relating the grade level to the individual level of students’ skills and abilities.
PM-WANI: A Disaggregated Wi-Fi Roaming Architecture to Connect the Unconnected
Authors: Gupta Satya N.
Published: October 2022

Providing seamless access to Wi-Fi through Public Data Offices (PDOs) using PM-WANI technology, could be an economical and rapid way of connecting the unconnected throughout India, especially given the unfeasible business case of rolling out expensive traditional cellular infrastructure in rural areas, plagued with a lower willingness to pay and revenue potential.
PM-WANI can provide significant boost to the government’s digital ambition – ubiquitous connectivity, digital inclusion and enabling infrastructure. In addition, productivity improvements from Wi-Fi for the overall economy can also translate into tangible benefits to the economy.
Proliferation of broadband across the length and breadth of the country is an essential ingredient of Digital India. Towards this objective, it is envisaged to leverage public Wi-Fi network for delivery of broadband services. This is sought to be facilitated by rolling out PM-WANI infrastructure with the broadband services being provided under distributed architecture and unbundling of infrastructure to improve performance by different players under the PM-WANI eco system.
From QoS to QoE plus QoT in Beyond 5G Networks
Authors: Gatara Maradona C. , Mzyece Mjumo
Published: October 2022

In the Beyond 5G (B5G) era, a paradigm shift from technical Quality of Service (QoS) oriented networks to user-centric Quality of Experience (QoE) centred network architectures is expected to occur. With this development, the infusion of QoE user requirements into B5G networks will be critical to the emergence of ultra-reliable and ultra-low latency haptic-enabled Internet applications of the future. One such application which will signify the emergence of a tele-haptic Internet will be the mission-critical use case of remote robotic surgical task performance, precipitating a transition from content-based to skillset delivery networks for an augmented user experience. In extending network QoS to user focused QoE and with it, Quality of Task (QoT) dimensions, human users in a global control loop (such as robotic surgeons) will be capable of true-to-life immersive remote task performance through the manipulation of objects in real-time and across large geographical distances. In this paper, we discuss the linkages between network and user-centric QoS and QoE (with QoT) perspectives. Further, we explain the emergence of a future B5G network and haptic-enabled Internet of Skills (IoS), and draw on the example of an architecture applied to the task-sensitive mission-critical use case of tele-haptic surgery. In doing so, we conceptualise and present Task-Technology Fit (TTF) theoretical and predictive modelling that can be empirically applied to this futuristic use case for a novel QoE/QoT perspective of future B5G communication networks.
Green Business Model Innovation in Symbiosis Business Value Networks: Bridging Green Business Model Innovation to Different Green Symbiosis Business Value Networks with Future Wireless Technologies
Authors: Lindgren Peter , Ek Emma
Published: October 2022

Societies all over the globe push to greening businesses and their business models on all Green Business Model Parameters. However, they are challenged to find efficiency in green business models innovation and to jump to the next step of “the Green Wall” – greening their businesses.
There is therefore a growing interest to investigate Green Business Model Innovation (GBMI)in Symbiosis Business Value Networks. The profitability and achievement of other values seems in Green Symbiosis Business Value Networks (GSBVN) to be much higher than classical GBMI isolated to single business model innovation. In this context the GSBVN seems to be a promising initiative and new strategic way to go – to increase transformation of business models into green business models. The GSBVNs seems by nature to be built for greening our society and businesses operations.
Our hypothesis is that GSBVN could potentially achieve better results and effects on “the triple bottom line”combined with future wireless technologies and advanced sensor technologies. As 5G and beyond technologies offer better networks solutions “the Green Wall”challenges can be overcome because sensoring, measurement, calculations and monitoring the green business models and GBMI in the terms of monetary and nonmonetary values can be performed much more detailed, in real-time and for the entire lifetime of all the GSBVN’s business models. Fundamentally security, strong network constructions and trust are core to GSBVN’s growth. Embedding Future Wireless Networks (FWN)s and advanced sensor technologies seems to be able to make this become even easier, and a promising way to achieve the green business model goals of the GSBVNs and the surrounding society.
There is a lack of studies regarding the potential and initiatives of GBMI in GSBVN. This paper tries to fill some part of this gap by presenting some initial studies on (i) How can green business model innovation in symbiosis be defined? and (ii) How can Future Wireless Technologies support and value the innovation and evolvement of Green Business Models in Symbiosis Business Value Networks.
The paper seeks to unwrap different GSBVNs’ approaches, origins, and views. The paper ends up with discussing the role future wireless technologies can play in designing, reconfiguring, developing and operating GSBVNs.
Gold-Price Forecasting Method Using Long Short-Term Memory and the Association Rule
Authors: Boongasame Laor , Viriyaphol Piboonlit , Tassanavipas Kriangkrai , Temdee Punnarumol
Published: October 2022

Since gold prices influence international economic and monetary systems, numerous studies have been conducted to forecast gold prices. Nonetheless, studies employing the linear relationship method usually fail to explain the change in the pattern of the gold price. This study introduces a new paradigm that incorporates association rules and long short-term memory (LSTM) as a nonlinear-based method. For simulation, the proposed method was analyzed with data from Yahoo Finance from January 2010 to December 2020. The association rule was used to choose features relevant to the gold spot (GS) in the US Dollar Index (DXY). The LSTM forecast the gold price with a range of hyperparameter settings. The simulation results showed that the proposed method—the LSTM with GS and DXY, or LSTM-GS-DXY—resulted in low mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) metrics. In addition, the proposed LSTM-GS-DXY system outperformed the simple moving average (SMA), weight moving average (WMA), exponential moving average (EMA), and auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA).
Release of individual surgeon data to the public: patients’ and surgeons’ views
Authors: Harris H , Poole W , Rogers B , Ricketts D
Published: October 2022

Background

Limited surgeon-specific outcomes data are currently released to the public. Existing schemes generally result from the recommendations of public enquiries, addressing breaches to patient safety and malpractice. We found limited evidence in the literature about patients’ or orthopaedic surgeons’ wishes regarding the release of such data to the public.

Methods

We surveyed 80 joint replacement patients and 41 orthopaedic surgeons regarding their wishes concerning collection and release of individual surgeon data to the public.

Results

Of 80 patients, 30% (24/80) were aware of data on the NHS-My Choices website, 16% (13/80) had reviewed data prior to operation and 95% (76/80) wanted data concerning surgeons’ experience, length of stay and complications including revisions. Patients expected more current monitoring of data than occurs. Of 41 surgeons, 20% (8/41) thought national joint registry (NJR) derived data accurately reflected their NHS work. Surgeons did not think this data improved patient outcomes (34%, 14/41), and that it reduced innovation (61%, 25/41) and training (75%, 31/41) and increased risk of adverse behaviour (61%, 25/41). Surgeons wanted a minimal data set accurately presented and risk adjusted.

Conclusion

In the future, it is likely that more individual surgeon data will be released to the public. There needs to be an agreed, accurate minimum dataset collected, reviewed in local clinical governance meetings and published with explanatory notes regarding the interfering variables and what conclusions can be drawn regarding the ability of the surgeon. This process needs to be overseen by an independent body trusted by the public.
A violência sofrida pelos profissionais fora do hospital: revisão integrativa
Authors: Sá Fernandes Ana
Published: October 2022

Se observarmos a história da humanidade, podemos observar que a definição e aceitação da violência no seio da sociedade oscilava consoante a época e cultura em que estavam inseridas. Contudo, tem crescido e afeta os profissionais no exercício das suas funções. Com este estudo pretende-se compreender se a violência é uma realidade prevalente. Reconhecer os tipos de violência mais comuns, conhecer as consequências que a violência tem no profissional exposto, determinar que medidas mitigadoras estão a ser realizadas.Para o efeito, procedeu-se a uma revisão da literatura e realizou-se uma pesquisa entre o período de 1990 a 2020, contudo, entre 1990 e 1997 não foram encontrados artigos. Pesquisou-se nas bases de dados: b-ON, PubMed® e google académico tendo sido selecionados para análise 31 artigos. Foi realizada analise dos estudos publicados entre 1998 e 2020 que tinham como foco a violência no pré-hospitalar contra os profissionais de saúde.Os estudos analisados demonstram que a violência é um risco psicossocial atual e necessita de uma intervenção eficiente. É um fenómeno em evolução que traz consequências a curto-longo prazo para o bem-estar do profissional e para o seu desempenho na instituição. Apresentando repercussões na própria instituição e inevitavelmente na economia nacional.
A rodovia do medo: o trânsito de cargas nocivas sobre a parede da barragem Itans, Caicó/RN - Brasil
Authors: Souza Jhonathan Lima de , Marandola Júnior Eduardo José , Damasceno Souza Ana Caroline
Published: October 2022

A barragem Itans, localizada no município de Caicó, no estado do Rio Grande do Norte, nordeste brasileiro, foi inaugurada em 1935, de tipo enrrocamento misto, construída para o provimento de água à população e agricultura. O crescente fluxo de veículos, sobretudo de caminhões com cargas perigosas de combustíveis, colocam em risco a estrutura da barragem em razão do peso das cargas, bem como perpetuam a possibilidade de contaminação da água através do tombamento de caminhões no espelho d’água, comprometendo o abastecimento, a pesca e a agricultura. O objetivo desse trabalho é relacionar a problemática do trânsito de cargas perigosas sobre a barragem Itans em Caicó/RN, com a limitação conceitual de riscos tecnológicos, trazendo a possibilidade do uso dos riscos híbridos para a pauta à luz do conceito da técnica em seu sentido ontológico. Para alcançar o objetivo, foi realizada pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, e foi realizado um trabalho de campo para aquisição de imagens de drone e mensuração do fluxo de veículos no trecho. Como resultados, o estudo apresenta que 63% do fluxo de cargas perigosas são de gasolina. Por outro lado, além de caminhões com cargas perigosas, há um grande trânsito de caminhões de diversos tipos, como baú e truck, chegando a mais de 180 veículos por dia. Por fim, os autores destacam a urgência em implantar alternativas que diminuam ou mitiguem os riscos associados e colocam a necessidade da adoção dos conceitos de riscos híbridos, a fim de abarcar a complexidade e totalidade envolvida na imbricação de elementos diversos do objeto em estudo.
A nonlinear logit regression model for determining drivers’ accident probability in Algeria
Authors: Bencherif Houria , Ramdhane Lounansa
Published: October 2022

The aim of the study is to estimate a nonlinear regression logit model to calculate the probability of a road accident occurring in Algeria. Referring to the literature, this probability depends on several variables related to the driver, the vehicle and the road environment. Thus, the objective is to show which explanatory variables favour the occurrence of a traffic accident and to what extent. In addition, we seek to estimate the probability that a driver with given characteristics, driving a vehicle with given characteristics, and having a driving licence for a given length of time may have an accident. The structure of the estimation is based on disaggregated data collected following the analysis of files proposed by an Algerian insurance company. The results obtained make it possible to determine the category of variables that has a significance and an important role in explaining the probability of accidents occurring.
Un nuevo enfoque para la atención del combate de incendios forestales, desde una perspectiva social y política
Authors: Correa Luis , Castillo Miguel
Published: October 2022

La tormenta de fuego que afectó la zona centro-sur de Chile a principios del año 2017 dio como resultado una superficie afectada de 450.000 hectáreas de vegetación, 2.288 viviendas destruidas y cuantiosos daños ambientales. Debido a las condiciones meteorológicas extremas que ocurrieron, se definieron estos incendios como de “sexta generación”. Sin embargo, estos episodios destructivos no son nuevos, en el mes de abril de 2014, un incendio forestal en la interfaz en Valparaíso destruyó 2.900 casas y provocó la muerte de 15 personas. Actualmente estos eventos catastróficos ocurren con mayor frecuencia y tienen como aspecto común la presencia de factores socio políticos, que complican la respuesta a dichas emergencias, en especial en la etapa de control. Se presenta una recopilación de antecedentes sobre factores socio políticos que actúan directamente en la atención de emergencias y las posibilidades de control de grandes incendios forestales. En tal sentido, se presentan además algunas referencias y recomendaciones técnicas para enfrentar este tipo de emergencias.
Equipamentos urbanos comunitários em áreas suscetíveis às inundações em Curitiba (Paraná): conflitos sociais e políticos
Authors: Acordes Fabiane Aline , Fonseca Murilo Noli da , Ferentz Larissa Maria da Silva
Published: October 2022

O poder público tem a finalidade de definir a instalação de equipamentos urbanos comunitários por meio do ordenamento territorial. Entretanto, o rápido crescimento da população, aliado à falta de planejamento das cidades, não permite que essas demandas sejam adequadamente atendidas. Um problema mal avaliado resulta em uma ação falha de resposta perante desastres. Um exemplo é em Curitiba, onde muitos equipamentos urbanos, como unidades de saúde e escolas, situam-se em áreas atingidas por inundações. O objetivo deste artigo é destacar e avaliar situações de conflitos sociais e políticos envolvidos na problemática. A metodologia se baseia na análise de leis, documentos oficiais, mapeamentos e relatórios de ocorrência da defesa civil. Concluiu-se que além de tornar as comunidades vulneráveis, o tempo de inatividade do serviço prestado e os danos materiais aos bens públicos causam prejuízos significativos. A pesquisa apresenta como a instalação de equipamentos urbanos em locais de desacordo as normas, inutilizam locais estratégicos do município, principalmente para ações emergenciais de resposta em caso de desastres.
Os desastres climáticos e a coordenação de políticas públicas municipais, o caso do Centro de Operações Rio – Rio de Janeiro - Brasil
Authors: Pinto José , Scarpeline de Castro Biancca
Published: October 2022

Diante das consequências dos desastres climáticos, a gestão pública é acionada para a implementação de políticas públicas capazes de coordenar agentes de diferentes esferas governamentais e não governamentais. Este trabalho analisa a experiência do Centro de Operações Rio – COR na coordenação das políticas públicas relacionadas aos desastres climáticos. A área de estudo é o município do Rio de Janeiro que sofre frequentemente com as consequências desses eventos que afetam, particularmente, a população em situação de alta vulnerabilidade socioeconômica, portanto, mais exposta aos riscos. A metodologia adotada contou com uma pesquisa bibliográfica e outra documental, além da análise de conteúdo resultante de 10 entrevistas semiestruturadas com representantes do COR. Os resultados apontaram o COR como um instrumento que promove a coordenação entre órgãos e agentes para prevenir e informar a população local, além de atuar no gerenciamento das crises e desastres do município, que acarretam disfunções, suspendem atividades, restringem orçamentos e descontinuam políticas públicas.
Intestinal Endometriosis Leading to Recurrent Hematochezia
Authors: Arjonilla Marta , Khander Amrin , Pal Timothy , Jamorabo Daniel
Published: October 2022

Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue existing outside of the endometrial cavity has an inflammatory response, which can lead to swelling and scarring, generally in the abdominopelvic cavity. It commonly presents in reproductive-age women and very infrequently presents in postmenopausal women. We report a case of a 51-year-old woman who underwent a hysterectomy a decade before presentation with new-onset intermittent proctalgia and hematochezia. Her colonoscopy showed a sigmoid polyp, which was confirmed to be endometriosis on histopathology. This case highlights intestinal endometriosis as a rare differential to be considered in women, regardless of age, with abnormal rectal bleeding.
Publications de chirurgie orale et maxillo-faciale dans les pays à ressources limitées en Afrique sub-saharienne : revue de la littérature.
Authors: Olszewski Raphael , Wendo Kevin , Mavungu Elda , Bukaka Justin , Masumbuko Franck , Kashal Kasong Marc , Mbuyi-Musanzayi Sébastien
Published: October 2022

Objectif: Déterminer quels étaient les sujets et le contenu des publications réalisées par des chirurgiens oro-et maxillo-faciaux pratiquant quotidiennement dans les pays à moindre ressources d’Afrique sub-saharienne (ASS).

Matériel et méthodes: Nous avons utilisé deux bases de données, PubMed et African online journals, pour cette revue de littérature. Nous avons limité notre recherche aux années 2000-2022. Nous avons choisi les articles avec le résumé et uniquement en langue anglaise ou française. Pour chaque article nous avons cherché le pays d’origine, la langue de l’article, l’accessibilité des articles ; le nom du journal, le nombre et le type d’illustrations. Pour chaque article en accès libre, nous avons cherché le mode de payement de la publication et la cession les droits d’auteur. Nous avons trouvé 1761 articles et retenu finalement 47 articles.

 Résultats: Les publications issues des pays ASS sont très rares parmi toutes les publications du continent africain (47/1761= 2,6%). Tous les articles retenus étaient publiés dans 33 journaux différents. 46,8% des articles ont été écrits par les auteurs de Tanzanie et de Soudan. Les articles en accès libre représentent la majorité des articles publiés (59%). Les articles en accès fermé sont liés au Noma et aux articles en langue française. Nous avons identifié uniquement deux journaux scientifiques African Health Sciences et South Sudan Medical Journal, qui étaient gratuits pour les lecteurs et les auteurs. La langue anglaise était prédominante (85%). 53 images étaient accessibles gratuitement pour illustrer l’ensemble des sujets de la chirurgie orale et maxillo-faciale dans les pays ASS. Nous avons également présenté les conclusions des articles en les classant par sujets : 1) Tumeurs (13 articles), 2) Traumatismes/fractures maxillo-faciales (11 articles), 3) Fentes (4 articles), 4) Pathologies infectieuses (5 articles), 5) Pratiques culturelles (4 articles), 6) Noma (2 articles), 7) Syndromes (5 articles), et les sujets divers (3 articles).

Conclusions: Nous avons présenté le système de publications scientifiques actuelles, la place des publications scientifiques et les aspects particuliers des publications sur la chirurgie maxillofaciale dans les pays ASS, nous avons proposé de possibles directions de publication pour les auteurs chirurgiens maxillo-faciaux des pays ASS, ainsi que la place potentielle de la revue Nemesis dans ce contexte africain.
Effectiveness of electrical vestibular nerve stimulation on the range of motion in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Kumar Goothy Sai Sailesh , Gawarikar Sudhir , Choudhary Anita , Govind Potey Gajanan , Purohit Manju , Pathak Ashish , Chouhan Rohit Singh , Ali Zaki , Tiwari Mini , Khanderao Mahadik Vijay
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The present study was undertaken to observe the effectiveness of electrical vestibular stimulation on the range of motion (ROM) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Methods

The present study was a randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04450550). The study participants were assessed at three points of time. After recording baseline cognitive functions, electrical vestibular nerve stimulation was administered to the intervention group and placebo stimulation was administered to the control group for 12 weeks. Post-intervention parameters were recorded after 6 weeks and after 12 weeks after the intervention in both control and intervention groups. A total of 30 cases of PD, including both males and females were recruited in the study by convenient sampling after obtaining written informed consent. All ROM and flexibility measurements were recorded using a universal goniometer and standard protocol with help of an experienced physiotherapist at our hospital.

Results

There was a significant improvement in the hip internal and external rotation right and left sides. There was a significant improvement in the hip extension right and left. There was a significant improvement in the ankle plantarflexion left and ankle dorsiflexion right and left followed by the intervention. There was a significant decline in the hip internal rotation on right and left sides. There was a significant decline in the hip extension and ankle dorsiflexion on the left side.

Conclusions

The study results confirm the improvement of motor activities of patients with PD followed by vestibular stimulation. Further detailed studies are recommended to support the application of vestibular stimulation as an alternative therapy in the management of motor functions in patients with PD.
The injustice of risk avoidance: the limitations of fish consumption restrictions as institutional controls for superfund sites
Authors: Stelle Lyrica S. , Byrne Sam C.
Published: October 2022

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) is a landmark environmental policy. It broadly empowers the federal government to manage hazardous waste sites to ensure the protection of human and environmental health. In many ways, CERCLA is the result of the environmental justice movement, and public concern about hazardous sites. Because the goal of CERCLA is explicitly managing risk from hazardous sites, it is central to the regulatory structure for management of environmental injustice in the United States of America. However, CERCLA does not fully consider the full scope of environmental justice, and may fail to fully ensure environmental justice for communities impacted directly by proximity to hazardous sites. Specifically, the use of institutional controls such as fish consumption advisories as long terms risk management strategies may prolong and compound environmental injustice as a matter of policy.
Macula, choroid and retinal nerve fiber layer optical coherence tomography biomarkers in liver dysfunction
Authors: Zeki Fikret Cenk , Avci Enver , Ucgun Nil İrem , Yildirim Busra , Yildirim Filiz , Hamaci Mevlut
Published: October 2022

Objectives

We aimed on evaluating the effect of liver dysfunction on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), GCL++ (ganglion cell layer + RNFL + inner plexiform layer), central macular thickness (CMT) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT) measurements.

Methods

Fifty two patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC group) and 61 healthy individuals (control group) were included in our study. Blood alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin time results as the international normalized ratio (INR), neutrophil (NEUT), lymphocyte (LYMP), neutrophil lymphocyte rate (NLR), platelet (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV) levels were analyzed in both groups. RNFL, Inferior RNFL (IRNFL), Superior RNFL (SRNFL), GCL++, CMT and CT were measured by swept source optical coherence tomography (OCT). The choroidal vascular index (CVI) was also obtained.

Results

GGT (p=0.001), ALP (p<0.001), albumin (p<0.001), NEUT (p=0.046) and MPV (p<0.001) values were higher in the PBC group. INR (p=0.017) and PLT (p=0.027) values were lower in the PBC group. CMT (p=0.015), CT (p=0.002), and GCL++ (p<0.001) values were found lower in the PBC group.

Conclusions

OCT analyzes revealed thinning in CMT, CT and GCL++ in patients with liver dysfunction. OCT analyzes should be evaluated during periodic ocular examinations of PBC patients.
Thermal degradation of primary coal tar distillate in the presence of iron nanopowder
Authors: Kim Sergey , Baikenov Murzabek , Aitbekova Darzhan , Ibishev Kanat , Meiramov Mazhit , Ma Fengyun
Published: October 2022

Impact of the nanosized iron powder on the process of thermal degradation of coal tar distillate was determined by the thermogravimetric analysis. Coal tar distillate was obtained by simple distillation up to 350°C of primary coal tar from the Shubarkol deposit. Iron powder was obtained by electrochemical reduction of iron from sulfate electrolytes at simultaneous impact of high-voltage electric discharge on cathodic zone. Scanning electron microscopy showed that iron powder consists of nanosized particles (30-124 nm) forming aggregates. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of α-Fe and FeO(OH) phases. The average crystallite size determination was made using Scherrer equation and amounted to 31.7 nm. Obtained iron powder was added to the coal tar distillate in amount of 1% of distillate weight and this mixture was subjected to thermal degradation at heating rate 5°C/min in an inert atmosphere. Processing of the data obtained was carried out using the model-fitting Coats-Redfern method. The values of activation energy were calculated from the linear approximation constructed as a result of processing thermoanalytical data. It was found that the addition of iron powder in amount of 1% to the coal tar distillate reduces the activation energy from 153.98 kJ/mol to 84.48 kJ/mol.
Effect of the interaction of components in a nickel-molybdenum catalyst on its activity in decomposition of methane to hydrogen
Authors: Makayeva Nursaya , Yergaziyeva Gaukhar , Anisova Moldir , Shaimerden Zhanna , Dossumov Kusman
Published: October 2022

This work is devoted to the study of the activity of monometallic (Fe/Al2O3) and bimetallic (Fe-Mo/Al2O3) catalysts supported to carrier γ- Al2O3. It has been discovered that the bimetallic catalyst is more active than the monometallic catalyst in the methane decomposition reaction. The results of the influence of molybdenum oxide on the activity of Fe/Al2O3 catalyst in the methane decomposition reaction in the temperature range 500-850°C have been obtained. It has been determined that the addition of molybdenum oxide in the amount of 5 wt. % of the iron catalyst composition leads to an increase in the catalytic activity of the sample in the reaction of methanedecomposition to hydrogen at relatively low temperatures. Compared to Fe/Al2O3 on the FeMo/Al2O3 catalyst at a reaction temperature of 750°C, methane conversionincreases from 8% to 98%, hydrogen yield from 5% to 57%.
The increased field of activity Fe-Mo/Al2O3catalyst in the decomposition of methane to hydrogen compared to Fe/Al2O3 catalysts is due to an increase in the dispersity of the active phases of the catalyst, as well as the formation of an easily reduced Fe2(MоО4)3 phase, according to XRD, TPR-H2, and BET methods.
Growth of Cu2ZnSnSe4 crystals from a KI-KCl melt-solution in a temperature gradient
Authors: Bakhadur Askar , Uralbekov Bolat , Kokh Konstantin
Published: October 2022

In this work, a two-step method for preparation of CZTSe (Cu2ZnSnSe4) single crystals was demonstrated for the first time by recrystallization of a polycrystalline material in a KI-KCl melt-solution in a temperature gradient. At the first step, a polycrystalline material consisting of a mixture of metal selenides was synthesized by direct fusion of elemental Cu, Zn, Sn, and Se at 1000°C. Next, recrystallization process was carried out at a temperature gradient of 100°C, while the temperature of the cold zone was 750°C. The phase and chemical composition of the crystals were studied by energy dispersive X-ray and Raman spectroscopy. It was shown that the charge composition does not affect the composition of the obtained crystals. According to the amount of the remaining charge in the hot zone, one can speak of a very low recrystallization rate and a low product yield. Analysis of the elemental composition of crystals from the cold zone revealed a high inhomogeneity even in one experiment, which indicates the need to optimize the experimental parameters. On the other hand, according to the full line width at half height of the main peak, it can be argued that the obtained samples have a high degree of order in the structure and are suitable for measuring of physical characteristics.
Treatment of Barbital and Triazine from the Surface Water Using a Reverse Osmosis (RO) Process Containing SW-40-HRLE-400-Polyamide Membrane
Authors: Delia Teresa Sponza
Published: October 2022

In this study, barbital and triazone samples taken from surface water located in Manisa-İzmir Turkey were treated using a RO membrane reactor process. No significant effect of feed pressure on permeate flow rate was detected. An increase in barbital and triazone concentration did not significantly vary the permeate flow rate. No significant variations of barbital and triazone rejections were detected versus feed increasing pressure at constant barbital and triazone concentrations, and no significant effects of temperature increase on the rejections of barbital and triazone were detected. The effect of increasing feed pressure did not significantly correlate with e-water recovery (rejection) from the permeate and pollutant recoveries from the retentate. The total cost was calculated as Euros 0,306 to treat 1 m3 surface water from barbital and triazone.
Analytical model of satellite motion in almost circular orbits under the influence of zonal harmonics of geopotential
Authors:   Institute of Technical Mechanics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the State Space Agency of Ukraine, Pirozhenko A. V. , Maslova A. I. ,   Institute of Technical Mechanics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the State Space Agency of Ukraine, Vasyliev V. V. ,   Earth Observing System Data Analytics
Published: October 2022

The article deals with the movement of satellites in low near-circular orbits of the Earth. An analytical model is constructed, which consists of formulas describing the change of the osculating elements and averaged equations. An algorithm for constructing a second approximation of the influence of zonal harmonics of the geopotential on the movement of satellites in almost circular orbits is presented. For the second and third zonal harmonics, formulas are given for the osculating and average elements describing the motion of the satellite in the second approximation in small parameters. The introduction of special variables for almost circular orbits made it possible to significantly simplify the procedure for constructing the second approximation of the influence of zonal harmonics. The article provides a justification for the accuracy of the analytical model for the considered orbits. The constructed model of changes in the average elements of the orbit describes the basic principles of motion. With a sufficiently high accuracy, this model describes the changes in the average elements of the orbit with simple analytical formulas and is convenient for analyzing the properties of orbits and pre-selecting a reference orbit for a specific mission.
The value of self-realization in the structure of individual life
Authors: Dembitskyi Serhii , Sydorov Mykola
Published: October 2022

Article investigates the place of self-realization as individual value among factors of individual human life, including other individual values. The conceptualization of individual value of self-realization is offered, proceeding from psychological and sociological ways of its understanding. The empirical part of the article is based on the results of two online surveys. The first was held in March 2020 among students of Taras Shevchenko National University (N = 417), the second — among residents of Kyiv region in June and July 2021 (N = 728). The sociological test "Individual values and interests — 13" was used as a method of measuring individual values. For statistical analysis, the Condorcet method was used (to identify the aggregate value rating), the 2 independence criterion (for analyzing relationships with external factors), and the Z-test for one sample applied to simulated data (for analyzing relationships with other values). Authors revealed the inequality of self-realization positions in the aggregate rating of individual values for students of Taras Shevchenko National University and residents of Kyiv region was. The relationship of self-realization importance level and gender, marital status, relative financial deprivation and the experience of management was established. There is also direct relationship with the value of knowledge, and inverse relationship with the values of home comfort, physical health and psychological comfort.
Cultural and social capitals as factors in self-rated health
Authors: Sereda Pavlo , Maltseva Kateryna
Published: October 2022

The present-day epidemiological situation has once again drawn attention of the scientific community and policy makers to the importance of understanding of the social sources of biological risks. During the past few decades the empirical research into heath disparities has revealed the complex links existing between the socioeconomic status of an individual and his or her health. There are several theoretical models that explain health disparities chiefly focusing on various facets of the socioeconomic status and their effects on health. Those models point to the unequal distribution of health across different groups within a population, but they remain rather limited in terms of accounting for the mechanisms of its maintenance. Although the idea of the effects of socioeconomic status on health is not new and dates back at least as far as 19th c. social medicine, the body of knowledge regarding the social patterns of health, disease and mortality has increased considerably since then. Burgeoning new approaches to health disparities as well as incorporation of data from the epidemiological, medical, genetic and similar connected disciplines have enriched the sociological knowledge and changed the very conceptualization of health. The methodological means of assessing the social factors in health should be enhanced accordingly. The present study contributes to this empirical literature. The aim of the present study was to explore the factor of the cultural and social capitals in self-rated health status among the adult Ukrainians. During 2020–2021 the authors have conducted a two-phase mixed methods study employing the results of semi-structured interviews (n = 10) to develop a survey instrument (n = 156). The results pointed to the gradual data structure in self-rated health based on the cultural capital criterion. Individuals who were more knowledgeable in terms of healthy lifestyle habits and capable of translating this knowledge into practice adhering to it in their lifestyle, also had higher scores on all other forms of capital. This finding supports the notion that health is linked to the cultural taste which forms the status distinctions. As for the mechanisms of the interaction of capitals, it was found that cultural capital in the domain of health is connected to the variables of the cultural capital in the domain of diet and healthy habits, as well as with the social support aspect of the social capital. Cultural capital variables are intercorrelated among themselves, as well as with such aspects of social capital as social support and useful contact networks. Social capital emerged as a multidimensional construct with multiple interrelated compounds. The relationship between social and cultural capitals was mediated via social support availability.
Social inequalities in health: main approaches to study
Authors: Mazhak Iryna
Published: October 2022

Over the past four decades, researchers have used different theoretical and methodological approaches to study social inequalities in health, so the aim of this study is to analyze the main approaches to studying social and socio-economic inequalities in health: materialist (based on income), psychosocial (based on social inequalities), cultural and behavioral (based on health / lifestyle behaviors) and intersectional (used to identify social inequalities in health among many social groups appear at the intersection between different identities of the individual). There are also the fundamental cause theory, in which SES and social class are defined as the "fundamental cause" of health, disease, disability and death, and the life-course theory covering all the models that explain health inequalities within research of social inequalities in health. Social inequalities in health are understood as differences in health between social groups based on such social determinants as gender, age, income, level of education, occupation, employment / unemployment, marital status, presence of children in the family, living conditions, place of residence, etc., which are reproducing over the time. Social inequalities in health are unjust, so in civilized societies governments tackling social inequalities in health. Health equity means that everyone should be able to reach their full potential in health. Health equity is not the same as health equality, because those who have greater needs but fewer resources need more support to equalize opportunities. Empirical studies, including those conducted in Ukraine, have shown the relationship between different social and economic determinants and health inequalities and have confirmed the existence of social inequalities in health among different socio-economic and demographic groups.
Inside and outside of identity in the cultural experience of pandemic and war
Authors: Kostenko Natalia
Published: October 2022

Despite the widespread understanding of identity as “the meaning of oneself” (S. Huntington), it remains an opaque concept that firmly holds a double identity — a simultaneous reference to uniqueness in the subject (identity to oneself), singularity and to sameness (identity as an analogy to a norm, type, class, collective pattern). This key paradox, the contextual dependence of this concept, is cultivated not only within scientific discourse, but also in the habitual gesture of public rhetoric, which tirelessly “calls things by their proper names”. Based on modern ideas about the production of identities through the "politics of resentment" (F. Fukuyama), "politics of the street" (J. Butler) or "politics of vulnerability" (L. Chouliaraki), the article examines the transformation of cultural identities in Ukrainian society in recent years. The fragmentation and multimodality of identities in the state of the coronavirus pandemic is due to the testing of new formats of global and local interactions against the backdrop of changes in information regimes, forced closure of national territories and actively implemented biopolitics. The event of Russia’s military invasion divided the space and time of existence into "we" and "they", overcoming the uncertainty and multiplicity of previous reactions of individual and collective subjects, turned participation in society, the fact of citizenship into an existential experience of people, formed the Ukrainian project as a model of identity, with a clearer than before value credo of "freedom, dignity, security." The near future will show how the mastered practices for producing identities will be sustainable and effective in the conditions of the “new normality”, what are the risks of their modifications.
Peculiarities of measuring the citizens’ populist orientations in the social sciences
Authors: Reznik Oleksandr , Kozlovskiy Oleg
Published: October 2022

In connection with the spread of populism in the world there was a question of measuring populist orientations. In the social sciences, several scales of measurement have been proposed, based on the already stable conceptualization of attitudes toward populist ideas. The structure of populist orientations has a multidimensional composition consisting of two or more conceptual components. Citizens are considered populists if they adopt anti-elitist views, have a Manichean vision of political processes, and believe in unlimited popular sovereignty as opposed to the pluralistic procedures of representative democracy. The article states the existence of conceptual convergence in attempts to empirically study the support of populism at the mass level. At the same time, it is pointed out that an adaptation of the scales for measuring populist orientations for the study of Ukrainian society should take into account the peculiarities of citizens’ attitudes towards post-communist elites. After all, Ukraine is characterized by the absence of a long state tradition of selecting the ruling elite, when a negative attitude towards the political class prevails, regardless of populist orientations. And this raises some caveats for the use of measurement techniques that are more acceptable for the study of established societies.