bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wong-zakai Approximation for a Stochastic 2D Cahn-hilliard-navier-stokes Model
Authors: MEDJO T. TACHIM
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we demonstrate the Wong-Zakai approximation results for two dimensional stochastic Cahn-Hilliard-Navier-Stokes model. The model consists of a Navier-Stokes system coupled with a convective Cahn-Hilliard equations. It describes the motion of an incompressible isothermal mixture of two (partially) immiscible fluids under the influence of multiplicative noise. Our main result describes the support of the distribution of solutions. As in [2], both inclusions are proved by means of a general Wong-Zakai type result of convergence in probability for nonlinear stochastic PDEs driven by a Hilbert-valued Brownian motion and some adapted finite dimensional approximation of this process. Note that the coupling between the Navier-Stokes system and the Cahn-Hilliard equations makes the analysis more involved.
A geometric approach to fixed point theorems for mappings satisfying implicit relations in quasi multiplicative metric spaces
Authors: Kamal A.
Published: February 2023

In this work, we introduce a generalized type of multiplicative metric space so-called quasi multiplicative metric space (abbreviated as q-multiplicative metric space). We state and prove fixed point theorems in this space. Also we investigate geometric properties of common fixed points in the context of the fixed-circle problem. To do this, we propose some new solutions to the fixed-circle problem on q-multiplicative metric space
Critical mass curves for a short-rangedchemical signaling loop
Authors: Yu Hao , Xue Bingqian , Zhao Lifen
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we consider a two-species and two-stimuli chemotaxis system,in which the interactions of the two species form a short-ranged chemical signaling loop. We establish the critical mass curves for the system to distinguish the global boundedness and finite-time blow-up of solutions.
2020MSC: 35B44, 35K57, 35Q92, 92C17.
In Vivo Porcine Model of Acute Iliocaval Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Roberts Sophia , Zaghloul Mohamed , Ismail Usama , Rowe Roger A. , Engel Connor , Meade Rodrigo , Elizondo-Benedetto Santiago , Genin Guy M. , Zayed Mohamed A.
Published: February 2023

Acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially life-threatening condition in which blood clots form in the venous system. Recently, a number of endovascular thrombectomy devices have been commercialized for the treatment of acute DVT. With variable efficacy and safety profiles, the current state-of-the-art has identified potential areas for further device innovation and opportunities for improvement. However, a major limitation in the testing, verification, and validation of new thrombectomy is a clinically representative large animal model of acute DVT. Unfortunately, existing approaches to creating DVT in porcine models are time consuming, technically challenging, and provide inconsistent results. We therefore developed a rapid and more reproducible protocol for induction of large-volume iliocaval DVTs in a living porcine host. This approach involves sequestering the iliocaval with standard balloon occlusion catheters, and a controlled and limited infusion of a 25% ethanol solution within the sequestered segment. We observed that this method was safe, technically straightforward, and reproducible in creating large-volume acute DVTs. We believe this model can be utilized in a standardized approach for the future testing of future endovascular venous thrombectomy devices.
Designing a model to measure and manage the implementation of green initiatives at South African universities
Authors: Tshivhase Lelo , Bisschoff Christo
Published: February 2023

South African universities experience increased pressure to comply with and implement environmentally friendly practices. Specifically, state-funded universities need to enhance environmental management efficiency and environmental awareness. However, measuring the implementation of green initiatives in higher education takes time and effort. South African models for state-funded universities are absent, and international models are inapplicable. Therefore, this study aims to develop and empirically test the model by investigating existing theories and models and identifying potential factors for higher education. The paper determined ten initial factors from 31 environmental studies, limiting their number to five. The finally selected factors are cost of green products, awareness, training and education, top management attitude and commitment, committee for sustainable accountability, and digital transformation. This qualitative study uses a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire sampling 149 university managers. Structural equation modeling retained three of the original five factors in the model: cost of green products, top management attitude and commitment, and digital transformation. However, knowledge of the environment (SRW = 0.76) is also crucial. Ten theoretical measuring criteria are retained as valid measures of implementing green initiatives. The model has good fit indices (CMin/Df = 4.07, CFI = 0.944, GFI = 0.909), despite RMSEA exceeding 0.10. The developed conceptual model can be used to measure the implementation of green initiatives by South African state-funded universities.
Geri Dönüşüm Agregalı Betonların Erken Yaş Dayanımlarını Tahmin Eden Matematiksel Modellerin Geliştirilmesi
Authors: ULUCAN Muhammed , ALYAMAÇ Kürşat Esat
Published: February 2023

Bu çalışmanın amacı farklı oranlarda geri dönüşümlü beton agregası kullanılarak üretilen betonların erken yaş beton basınç dayanımlarını yüksek doğrulukla tahmin eden matematiksel model geliştirmektir. Bu amaçla toplamda 18 farklı beton serisi üretilmiş ve bu serilerin 1 ve 3 günlük beton basınç dayanımı değerlerinden faydalanılarak tepki yüzeyi metodu üzerinde istatistik analizleri yapılmıştır. Yapılan analizler sonucunda fc,1 gün ve fc,3 gün için matematiksel model geliştirilmiştir. Geliştirilen modelin belirlilik katsayılarının 0.99 olması bu modelin yüksek doğruluklu ve etkin bir şekilde kullanılabileceğini göstermiştir. Bu model yardımıyla erken yaş beton basınç dayanımı pratik ve yüksek doğruluklu bir şekilde belirlenebilmektedir. Böylece bu modelin kullanımının zaman ve maliyet açısından önemli faydalar sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir.
Bazı Bakteriyel Yaş Çürüklük Etmenlerine Karşı Saturaje hortensis L. Uçucu Yağının Antibakteriyel Etkisi
Authors: TEKİNER Nasibe , DADAŞOĞLU Fatih , KOTAN Recep
Published: February 2023

Bu çalışma, Erzurum ilinde doğal olarak yetişen Koç otu bitkisi olarak bilinen Saturaje hortensis L. (çibriska) uçucu yağının patateste yumuşak çürüklük hastalığına karşı in vitro şartlarda antibakteriyel etkisinin belirlenmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır. Erzurum ve Erzincan illerinden toplanmış hastalık belirtisi gösteren patates yumrularından bakteri izolatları elde edilmiştir. Elde edilen bakteri izolatlarının; patojenisite testi, aşırı duyarlılık testi ve tanıları (Mikrobiyal tanı sistemi (MIS) ve Biolog sistemleri ile) yapılmıştır. Erzurum (Şenkaya) ilinden toplanan S. hortensis’ten hidrodistilasyon yöntemiyle uçucu yağ elde edilmiştir. Uçucu yağın antibakteriyel etkisi patojen bakteri izolatlarına karşı petride disk difüzyon yöntemi ile test edilmiştir. Antibiyotik duyarlılık testi için ticari antibiyotiklerden Rifampicin ve Gentamicin kullanılmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda 10 adet bakteri izolatı elde edilmiş ve bütün izolatların patojenisite testi ile aşırı duyarlılık reaksiyon testi pozitif olarak belirlenmiştir. Patojen bakteri izolatları MIS ile tanı sonucu, Enterobacter cloacae (7 adet) ve Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (3 adet) olarak tanılanmıştır. MIS ve Biolog tanı sistemlerine ait test sonuçlarının birbirini desteklemediği görülmüştür. Uçucu yağın, bakteri izolatlarının gelişimini 20-33.5 mm oranında engellediği tespit edilmiştir. Uçucu yağ en yüksek inhibisyon zonu F-37 (P. c. subsp. carotovorum, 33.5 mm) izolatına karşı, en düşük inhibisyon zonu ise F-11 (E. cloacae, 20 mm) izolatına karşı belirlenmiştir. Antibiyotik duyarlılık testinde kullanılan Rifampicin’in 0-10 mm ve Gentamicin’in 14.5-20.5 mm arasında inhibisyon zonu oluşturduğu belirlenmiştir. S. hortensis uçucu yağının farklı patojen bakteri izolatlarına karşı bakterisidal etkiye sahip olduğu, ancak kullanılan antibiotiklerin ya etki etmediği ya da sadece engelleyici özelliğe sahip olduğu görülmüştür. Sonuç olarak yumuşak çürüklük oluşturan patojenlere karşı S. hortensis uçucu yağının kullanımının faydalı olacağı düşünülmektedir.
Chemical Synthesis and Characterization of Hydroxyapatite Prepared from Cypraea Annulus
Authors: AYAZ SEYHAN Serap , BİLGİÇ ALKAYA Dilek
Published: February 2023

In the last decade, the processes involved in biomineralization has greatly developed, leading to the production of a new generation of biomaterials. Calcium phosphate ceramic materials attract special interest due to their bioactive and biocompatible properties in biomaterials. Most of marine structures contains calcium carbonate (calcite or aragonite) and they can be easily converted to bioceramic material. The application of calcium phosphate ceramics as useful biocompatible materials largely depends on the purity and morphology of the powder. In this study calcium phosphate bioceramics (as raw materials for bone-scaffolds) were obtained via hot-plate, ultrasound-assisted, and microwave assisted method using the sea shell Cyprae Annulus as a calcium source. The characterization of the produced materials was carried out via FT-IR, SEM, XRD analysis. It was found that the calcium phosphate powders (hydroxyapatite) produced by three different methods were predominantly monetite and hydroxyapatite as the secondary phase. According to the SEM results, the overall morphology for CaP powder bioceramics shows the regular distribution of spherical and rice-shaped and CP powders produced by microwave assisted method have better morphology. The used methods are safe and inexpensive. Moreover, the raw materials (Cypraea Annulus) feature the advantages of the unlimited source as well as the biological origin. These methods were compared takes attention due to it is economical and easy method to obtain hydroxyapatite.
Latin Impersonal Passive and the Category of Pluractionality
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Chernysheva Vlada A.
Published: February 2023

This article aims to put Latin impersonal passive into the context of covert categories, specificallypluractionality. I try to reanalyse six passages from the Roman grammatical texts, mostly compiled in Heinrich Keil’s Grammatici Latini, in which the meaning of Latin impersonal passives is considered. There are two groups of evidence. The first one (passages from Diomedes, Priscian, and frg. Bobiense de verbo) presents the impersonal passive as a linguistic strategy that shifts focus from an agent to a situation, while the second one (Diomedes and two excerpts of Servius’ commentaries on Virgil) concentrates upon the number of agents. In the last case, a verbal action is considered to be a collective one involving many people, and therefore, in my opinion, falls into the category of pluractionality. Being a diverse phenomenon, the term pluractionality includes participant plurality, which is realised either in a subject or in an object depending on whether the verb is intransitive or transitive. Intransitivity of the Latin impersonal passive forms, as it seems, may imply agent plurality rather than subject plurality, since impersonal passive constructions are subjectless. Furthermore, in my opinion, the evidence provided by Latin grammarians demonstrates a contraposition of the 1st personsingular, 1st person plural and 3rd person singular passive forms.
A. A. Gruška as an Interpreter of Aristotle
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Pozdnev Michael M.
Published: February 2023

The article “Maxim Gorky as an Interpreter of Aristotle. Toward the Theory of Tragic Purification” written in 1929 by a A. A. Gruška a major Moscow Latinist and Wortphilologe of considerable renown writing, the last dean of the Department of History and Philology of Moscow State University, deserves the interest of scholars as a document of an era unhappy for Russian science. This curious verbose piece deals inter alia with the way M. Gorky “revealed through an extraordinary power of his literary prowess the very essence of the psychological process Aristotle understood under catharsis”. Gruška’s sketch went unnoticed in what was left of Classics in the 1920s Russia, the timing being exceptionally ill-chosen for any serious discussion of the kind. Analysing the careless way in which Gruška retells the seemingly pivotal for his article scene from Gorky’s story “Dreariness” (1896), one inadvertently comes to the conclusion that Gorky, Gruška’s favourite in the 1900s, by then had ceased to be of any considerable interest for Gruška, save for a nostalgic trip down the memory lane, while the article was written out of necessity and in haste, incorporating his miscellanea and Lesefrüchte to provide for what should be read between the lines.
Critical remarks on the liberal understanding in sociological and legal studies of the phenomenon of labor in the information society
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Novikov Denis A.
Published: February 2023

The transformation of methods and means of production under the influence of the development of digital technologies has led to an increase in the interest of scientists in the problems of radically changing labor processes. In the sociological and legal studies of the liberal direction, the phenomenon of labor began to be studied separately in the context of the transition from the labor practices of an industrial society to the labor practices of an information (post-industrial) society. The main conclusions that were made as a result of studying the phenomenon of labor in a liberal way were: recognition of the liberating nature of information-type labor and its priority over industrial-type labor; endowing information labor with a characteristic of flexibility in comparison with the rigidity of labor in an industrial society. From a legal point of view, these conclusions created the preconditions for the deregulation (the elimination of protective norms and guarantees) of labor relations both for employees of the "endangered" industrial type and for "progressive" information employees. Within the framework of this publication, the author set a research task to cancel the four myths of the information society, which are most popular in liberal theories: 1) mass release of employees employed in industry, due to the computerization of production; 2) flexibility in the labor market is an integral part of the transformation of the traditional model of labor relations; 3) outsourcing is inherent only in industrial type production; 4) the release of a new product involves the release of employees due to the inability of the workforce to master modern methods of work. As a result of the critical analysis of these myths of the liberal doctrine, the author came to the conclusion that it is useless to establish distinctions in the very essence of the labor phenomenon. The author believes that the concept that allows convergence of all types of labor in state production chains is the theory of "community of labor" proposed by Karl Marx. For labor law, the presence of objective features of the implementation of labor processes means the need to deepen research on the differentiation of the legal regulation of labor of certain categories of employees, and not to deregulate labor relations.
National qualification systems and remuneration systems: Features of the legal relationship
Authors:   Academy of Labour and Social Relations, Kosakovskaya Elena I. , Khnykin Gennady V. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University
Published: February 2023

Начиная с 2007 г. российский законодатель кардинально изменил свои подходы к регулированию заработной платы, а через восемь лет принялся за реформирование процессов подготовки и повышения квалификации кадров. Однако в процессе правотворчества выявились противоречия в определениях и содержании отдельных нововведений. Возникшие правовые коллизии уже создали или могут создать проблемы, связанные с разумным применением различных элементов национальной системы квалификаций в трудовых отношениях. Например, установление требований к квалификации работника на основе профессиональных стандартов может привести к необоснованной интенсификации труда, введению неоправданных режимов труда и отдыха, снижению заработной платы. Анализ обозначенных процессов нашел отражение в настоящей статье. Кроме того, получили разрешение теоретические и практические проблемы установления и повышения профессиональных навыков работников и оплаты их труда. Особое внимание посвящено внедрению в практику элементов национальной системы квалификаций и систем заработной платы. Комплексный междисциплинарный анализ заявленных проблем позволяет выявить закономерности взаимодействия систем квалификации и заработной платы, показать их современное состояние и направления последующего развития. Приведено множество авторских представлений о внесении изменений и дополнений в действующее законодательство и правоприменительную практику. В статье использован обширный нормативный материал, включающий международные правовые документы, федеральное и региональное законодательство, ведомственные правовые источники, результаты нормотворчества социальных партнеров и локальные нормативные акты. Анализируется судебная и местная практика применения трудового законодательства при использовании профессиональных стандартов, уровней квалификации, форм, систем и размеров оплаты труда.
The general aspects of collective labour rights for workers in Turkey
Authors:   Ancara University, Yildiz Gaye Burcu
Published: February 2023

After Turkey's political system was transformed to a multi-party democracy, legally interpreted collective labour rights were introduced to the system by legal instruments. The first Trade Unions Act was enacted in 1947. Depending on the articles related to collective labour rights, stated in 1961 Constitution, the Turkish National Assembly passed two particular legislation in 1963, numbered 274 and 275. These codes governed labour unions and collective bargaining, as well as grievance procedures such as strikes and lockouts. The 1982 Turkish Constitution established collective bargaining and strike action as fundamental rights as well as the prior Constitution. For nearly three decades, collective labour rights have regulated by two different legislation, numbered 2821 and 2822. In 2012, new legislation was proposed to regulate collective labour relations and meet the necessities of the social parties. The Law of Trade Unions and Collective Labour Agreements (law numbered 6356) is the current principal legislative tool for dealing with trade unions and collective labour agreements, as well as strike and lock-out. In Turkish system, the formation of trade unions and employers' associations is based on a voluntary and free basis and requires no previous approval from administrative bodies. Employers' organizations and trade unions both have legal personality. A double threshold approach for trade unions to conduct collective bargaining has been criticized by the ILO on several occasions. Strikes are infrequently utilized as an industrial action, despite the fact that they are protected by the Constitution and the Law numbered 6356.
Labour market and employment in the post-pandemic reality: Fault lines and vectors of development (review of the 6th St Petersburg International Labour Forum)
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Karapetyan Ruben V. , Filippova Marina V. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: February 2023

The article is an analysis of the results of academic events held within the framework of the 6th St Petersburg International Labour Forum, held on March 14–18, 2022.The attention of the forum participants was focused on changes in the functioning of the labour market and new forms of employment in the post-pandemic period. The new socio-economic reality brought to life by the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, which are associated with the breakdown of traditional economic and social ties in conditions of isolation and migration restrictions, has significantly changed the sphere of work. This requires prompt decisions to restore employment, to introduce new forms of employment, to analyze the impact of modern types of work and the changed conditions of its implementation on labour relations and the quality of life of the population. To implement the solutions found, it is necessary to change legislation in various spheres of public life, change the ways of implementing management decisions and, in general, changes in state policy on the labour market and in the field of employment. Within the framework of the Forum, recommendations were developed on more than 50 sites for public authorities, businesses, educational organizations, and the scientific community on improving the functioning of the labour market and its adaptation to new postandemic conditions, including on improving labour legislation and legislation regulating economic activity, on improving law enforcement practice in this area, on accounting the impact of digitalization on various areas of public life, including to protect against interference by foreign companies in the digital sphere, under a reasonable restriction on the use of social networks for commercial purposes. Special attention was paid to informal employment and measures to control its expansion. Priority directions of scientific research in the field under consideration, as well as measures to improve the quality of management activities are proposed.
Condition of water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) in Ghana's basic schools: Empirical evidence from Wa municipality
Authors: Ismaila Nuhu , Baddianaah Issah , Fielmua Nicholas , Nandzo Sophia Dimah , Salifu Fauzi Rahman , Abdulai Mueen
Published: February 2023

Access to functional water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) systems is a necessity for safe health and a fundamental determinant of human well-being. As a result, constant monitoring, tracking and bridging of the gaps in access to WaSH is a global public health requirement. Developing countries are currently disadvantaged in this era of the COVID-19 outbreak, particularly in the area of school-based WaSH. This study assesses the present condition and challenges hindering access to school-based WaSH in the Wa Municipality. Primary data involving 145 health teachers were sourced using survey questionnaires and supported with ocular assessment. Results show that basic schools in the Wa Municipality currently have in place some sort of WaSH facilities, thereby meeting the availability criteria to a large extent. However, these schools do not meet the remaining standards – functionality, accessibility, maintenance and quality of services, education and practices. The major factors affecting the sustainable operationalisation of the school-based WaSH are poor maintenance and inadequate funding of WaSH infrastructure. The school-based WaSH in Ghana requires rapt policy attention if the quest to attain Sustainable Development Goal 6 by 2030 is to be achieved.
Dam failure analysis and flood disaster simulation under various scenarios
Authors: Paşa Yasin , Peker İsmail Bilal , Hacı Abdülbaki , Gülbaz Sezar
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of a possible dam failure under various scenarios and to generate a flood hazard map for two consecutive dams located in a study area with a dense-residential region and a heavy-traffic highway. Two consecutive dams consist of Elmalı 2, a concrete-buttress dam and Elmalı 1, an earth-fill gravity dam in the upstream and downstream, respectively. Hydrologic Engineering Center-River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) was used to develop a dam failure model. Dam failure scenarios were examined regarding three main criteria: the Breach Formation Time (BFT), the Number of Failed Buttresses (NFB) of Elmalı 2, and the Reservoir Volume Ratio (RVR) of Elmalı 1. Accordingly, flood peak depth (Hp), peak flow rate (Qp), peak velocity (vp), and time to reach the peak (tp) are discussed. The results showed that BFT and NFB of Elmalı 2 were highly effective on these values, whereas RVR of Elmalı 1 had no significant effect. Moreover, the total area affected by potential floods was calculated with a comparative areal change analysis using flood inundation and flood hazard maps obtained. Estimated damage costs indicate that in the worst-case scenario, more than 500 buildings will be affected in the region.
Trypsin/α-Amylase Inhibitors from Capsicum chinense Seeds:
Characterization and Antifungal Activity against Fungi of Agronomic
Importance
Authors: da Silva Marciele Souza , de Azevedo dos Santos Layrana , Taveira Gabriel Bonan , Nagano Celso Shiniti , Chaves Renata Pinheiro , de Oliveira Carvalho Andre , Rodrigues Rosana , Gomes Valdirene Moreira
Published: February 2023

background:

Protease inhibitors (PIs) have attracted attention due to their important roles in plant defense.

Objective::

The objective of this work was to characterize and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the
peptides of a family of serine PIs from Capsicum chinense Jacq. seeds.

Method:

Initially, PIs were extracted from the seeds and subjected to purification by chromatography, resulting in three different peptide enriched fractions (PEFs) termed PEF1, PEF2 and PEF3. Subsequently, the PEF3 was subjected to trypsin inhibition assays, α-amylase activity assays, antimicrobial activity assays on phytopathogenic fungi, and assays to determine the likely mechanisms of action.

Result:

The PEF3 was composed of three protein bands with molecular masses ranging between 6 and 14 kDa. The amino acid residues of the ~6 kDa band showed high similarity with serine PIs. PEF3 inhibited the activity of the enzymes trypsin, human salivary α-amylase, and Tenebrio molitor larval α-amylase and inhibited the growth of phytopathogenic fungi, showing 83.7% loss of viability in Fusarium oxysporum. PEF3 induced reactive oxygen species in Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and F. oxysporum to dissipate their mitochondrial membrane potential and activated caspases in C. lindemuthianum.

Conclusion:

Our results reinforce the importance of PIs in plant defense mechanisms against phytopathogenic fungi as well as in their biotechnological applications for the control of plant pathogens.
Biological treatment of leachate wastewater mixture
Authors:   Civil Engineering and Environment Laboratory (LGCE), High School of Technology sale, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, Morocco, Benradi Fatima , Doughmi Ayoub ,   Civil Engineering and Environment Laboratory (LGCE), High School of Technology sale, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, Morocco, Khamar Mohamed ,   Civil Engineering and Environment Laboratory (LGCE), High School of Technology sale, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, Morocco, Cherkaoui Essediya ,   Civil Engineering and Environment Laboratory (LGCE), High School of Technology sale, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, Morocco, Laghzizil Abdelaziz ,   Laboratory of Applied Chemistry of Materials, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, Morocco, Nounah Abderrahman ,   Civil Engineering and Environment Laboratory (LGCE), High School of Technology sale, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, Morocco
Published: February 2023

Leachates and domestic wastewater constitute a real problem for the environment, given their risks to surface water, groundwater, and the surrounding soil. Their management becomes delicate because of the demographic growth, and the standard of living of the population. Due to the reduction of water resources in the world, their treatment is very essential. In this study, samples of young raw leachate were collected and mixed with domestic wastewater. After a physicochemical and bacteriological characterization of leachate, domestic wastewater, and the mixture M1 (leachate ratios of 5%), an aerated biological treatment was carried out without adding activated sludge. Over a residence time period of six weeks, the chemical oxygen demand reduction rate reached 94.8% for the wastewater, 93.8% for the M1 mixture, and only 31.9% for the leachate. The addition of 5% young leachate to domestic wastewater does not affect the aerated biological treatment system, in addition, it is an inexpensive system.
Inventory Management in Supply Chains Based on a Linear Discrete System with a Quadratic Quality Criterion
Authors: Belousova E. P. , Bulgakova I. N.
Published: February 2023

Purpose of research. To analyze theoretical studies of models and methods used in the theory of inventory management and directions of their practical implementation. To present the problem of optimal inventory management as a discrete control problem. Tasks of this type are formulated in cases where there is a need to form strategies of management of material and production inventories in supply chains, taking into account their organization at a certain time interval. To propose a method for solving the corresponding management problem.

Methods. As a basic model, we consider the process of inventory management in the warehouse, in which a certain balance between the products released from the warehouse into production, released for sale, as well as its residues, which form the inventory of the next period must be fulfilled. The process of inventory management in supply chains during the planning period is based on the procedure of finding the appropriate control action for a linear discrete controlled system with a quadratic quality index. Implementation of control uses the principle of feedback. The computer algebra system Wolfram Mathematica is chosen as a tool for implementing the control.

Results. Within the framework of studying the methods of finding the optimal control, two solution methods were singled out - the method of finding the optimal program control and the method of determining the optimal control according to the feedback principle. In the process of verification of the obtained solution, several model examples with different initial conditions were considered.

Conclusion. The results of testing the proposed discrete model showed that the feedback method makes it possible to quite efficiently solve the inventory management problem with different initial conditions, which is described by a system of difference equations.
Non-Renal Factors Associated with Simultaneous Liver-Kidney Transplant in Patients with End-Stage Liver Disease and Stage 3-5 Chronic Kidney Disease Not Requiring Dialysis
Authors: Santos Alfonso , Belal Amer , Ibrahim Hisham , Leghrouz Muhannad
Published: February 2023

We aimed to identify the non-renal risk factors for simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation (SLKT) vs. liver transplantation alone (LTA) in end-stage liver disease (ESLD) patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min, not on dialysis. Using organ procurement and transplantation network data, we studied adult ESLD patients who received deceased-donor SLKT or LTA in July 2002-Mar 2016 with a 4-point modification of renal disease (MDRD) equation-estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) stratified into chronic kidney disease stage 3 (CKD-3): 30-59 ml/min, CKD stage 4 (CKD-4): 15-29 ml/min, and CKD stage 5 (CKD-5): <15 ml/min) and not on maintenance dialysis (NOD). The outcome of the study was identification of non-renal risk factors predicting likelihood of SLKT vs. LTA. We reported the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for SLKT vs. LTA associated with important clinical variables. Strong non-renal (non-creatinine-associated) risk factors for SLKT were WL-time >2 yrs. and 1-2 yrs. (OR = 3.80, CI = 2.94-4.91; OR = 3.20, CI = 2.58-3.97; respectively), African American or Hispanic recipient race/ethnicity (OR = 2.93, CI = 2.45-3.51; OR = 1.46, CI = 1.24-1.72; respectively), liver repeat transplant (OR = 1.66, CI = 1.39-1.99), and diabetes (OR = 1.53, CI = 1.36-1.72). Factors associated with lower likelihood of SLKT were donor age >60 years (OR = 0.25, CI = 0.19-0.32), female recipient sex (OR = 0.48, CI = 0.43-0.54), hepatocellular carcinoma (OR = 0.53, CI = 0.35-0.81), and transplant center procedure volume tercile ranks 3rd (OR = 0.74, CI = 0.62-0.89) and 2nd (OR = 0.78, CI = 0.64-0.95). Model for end-stage liver disease scores have varying associations with SLKT vs. LTA, depending on calculation time: at wait listing or transplant. CKD-5 and -4 at wait listing (WL) and transplant were the risk factors with highest point estimates for SLKT vs. LTA. In patients with ESLD and CKD stage 3-5, not on dialysis, strong non-renal risk factors favoring SLKT versus LTA include: prolonged waitlist time, African American or Hispanic race/ethnicity, previous liver transplant, and diabetes. Some novel associations found between risk factors and likelihood of SLKT need further study for confirmation. Lack of uniform criteria for SLK allocation during the period studied is a major limitation of the study.
Engagement in Self-measured Blood Pressure Monitoring Among Medically Underresourced Participants (the Reach Out Trial): Digital Framework Qualitative Study
Authors: Hellem Abby Katherine , Whitfield Candace , Casetti Amanda , Robles Maria Cielito , Dinh Mackenzie , Meurer William , Skolarus Lesli
Published: February 2023

Background

Mobile health (mHealth) interventions serve as a scalable opportunity to engage people with hypertension in self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring, an evidence-based approach to lowering blood pressure (BP) and improving BP control. Reach Out is an SMS text messaging–based SMBP mHealth trial that aims to reduce BP among hypertensive patients recruited from the emergency department of a safety net hospital in a low-income, predominately Black city.

Objective

As the benefits of Reach Out are predicated on participants’ engagement with the intervention, we sought to understand participants’ determinants of engagement via prompted SMBP with personalized feedback (SMBP+feedback).

Methods

We conducted semistructured telephone interviews based on the digital behavior change interventions framework. Participants were purposively sampled from 3 engagement categories: high engagers (≥80% response to SMBP prompts), low engagers (≤20% response to BP prompts), and early enders (participants who withdrew from the trial).

Results

We conducted interviews with 13 participants, of whom 7 (54%) were Black, with a mean age of 53.6 (SD 13.25) years. Early enders were less likely to be diagnosed with hypertension prior to Reach Out, less likely to have a primary care provider, and less likely to be taking antihypertensive medications than their counterparts. Overall, participants liked the SMS text messaging design of the intervention, including the SMBP+feedback. Several participants across all levels of engagement expressed interest in and identified the benefit of enrolling in the intervention with a partner of their choice. High engagers expressed the greatest understanding of the intervention, the least number of health-related social needs, and the greatest social support to engage in SMBP. Low engagers and early enders shared a mixed understanding of the intervention and less social support compared to high engagers. Participation decreased as social needs increased, with early enders sharing the greatest amount of resource insecurity apart from a notable exception of a high engager with high health-related social needs.

Conclusions

Prompted SMBP+feedback was perceived favorably by all participants. To enhance SMBP engagement, future studies could consider greater support in the initiation of SMBP, evaluating and addressing participants’ unmet health-related social needs, as well as strategies to cultivate social norms.
Factors Associated With Work Engagement of Nurses During the Fifth Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan: Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Muroi Kei , Ishitsuka Mami , Hachisuka Tomoko , Shibata Itsuka , Ikeda Tomohiko , Hori Daisuke , Doki Shotaro , Takahashi Tsukasa , Sasahara Shin-ichiro , Matsuzaki Ichiyo
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the prevalence of mental health issues among nurses. Work engagement (WE) is a concept that describes work-related positive psychological states and is of importance within mental health measures. There is, however, a lack of research on factors associated with the WE of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine which factors are associated with WE among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic using the job demands-resources (JD-R) model as a framework.

METHODS

A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among nurses working in acute care and psychiatric institutions in the prefectures of Chiba and Tokyo in Japan. The survey period occurred between August 8 and September 30, 2021, during a time when the number of patients with a positive COVID-19 infection increased. The 3-item version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-3) was used to measure WE. Factors such as age, gender, years of experience, affiliated ward, COVID-19–related stress, financial rewards from the government and hospital, encouragement from the government and patients, and workplace social capital were assessed. A total of 187 participants were included in the final analysis. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the factors related to WE. Partial regression coefficients (B), 95% CI, and P values were calculated.

RESULTS

The mean overall score for the UWES-3 was 3.19 (SD 1.21). Factors negatively associated with UWES-3 were COVID-19–related stress on work motivation and escape behavior (Β –0.16, 95% CI –0.24 to –0.090; P<.001), and factors positively associated with UWES-3 were affiliation of intensive care units (Β 0.76, 95% CI 0.020-1.50; P=.045) and financial rewards from the government and hospital (Β 0.40, 95% CI 0.040-0.76; P=.03).

CONCLUSIONS

This study examined factors related to WE among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic using the JD-R model. When compared with findings from previous studies, our results suggest that nurses’ WE was lower than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Negative motivation and escape behaviors related to COVID-19 were negatively associated with WE, while there were positive associations with financial rewards from the government and hospital and affiliation with an intensive care unit. Further research into larger populations is needed to confirm these findings.
Artificial Intelligence Applications for Assessment, Monitoring, and Management of Parkinson Disease Symptoms: Protocol for a Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Bounsall Katie , Milne-Ives Madison , Hall Andrew , Carroll Camille , Meinert Edward
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, with around 10 million people with PD worldwide. Current assessments of PD symptoms are conducted by questionnaires and clinician assessments and have many limitations, including unreliable reporting of symptoms, little autonomy for patients over their disease management, and standard clinical review intervals regardless of disease status or clinical need. To address these limitations, digital technologies including wearable sensors, smartphone apps, and artificial intelligence (AI) methods have been implemented for this population. Many reviews have explored the use of AI in the diagnosis of PD and management of specific symptoms; however, there is limited research on the application of AI to the monitoring and management of the range of PD symptoms. A comprehensive review of the application of AI methods is necessary to address the gap of high-quality reviews and highlight the developments of the use of AI within PD care.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this protocol is to guide a systematic review to identify and summarize the current applications of AI applied to the assessment, monitoring, and management of PD symptoms.

METHODS

This review protocol was structured using the PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols) and the Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome, and Study (PICOS) frameworks. The following 5 databases will be systematically searched: PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Institute for Scientific Information’s Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Title and abstract screening, full-text review, and data extraction will be conducted by 2 independent reviewers. Data will be extracted into a predetermined form, and any disagreements in screening or extraction will be discussed. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias 2 tool for randomized trials and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool for nonrandomized trials.

RESULTS

As of April 2023, this systematic review has not yet been started. It is expected to begin in May 2023, with the aim to complete by September 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

The systematic review subsequently conducted as a product of this protocol will provide an overview of the AI methods being used for the assessment, monitoring, and management of PD symptoms. This will identify areas for further research in which AI methods can be applied to the assessment or management of PD symptoms and could support the future implementation of AI-based tools for the effective management of PD.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/46581
Implikasi pelatihan terhadap motivasi kerja dan kinerja karyawan departemen front office di desamuda villas
Authors: Dinata Made Riski Prayoga , Koerniawaty Francisca Titing , Koeswiyono Dika Pranadwipa
Published: February 2023

Pada masa era globalisasi saat ini, manajemen hotel harus menerapkan program- program pelatihan untuk karyawan guna meningkatkan skill dan pengetahuan yang berdampak terhadap motivasi kerja dan kinerja karyawan. Adapun tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui jenis pelatihan yang digunakan serta implikasinya terhadap motivasi kerja dan kinerja karyawan di Desamuda Villas. Populasi dalam penelitian ini yaitu Human Resources Manager (HRM), front office supervisor dan karyawan front office serta menggunakan teknik purposive sampel. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah observasi, wawancara, studi kepustakaan dan dokumentasi serta teknik analisis yang digunakan yaitu Miles dan Hubberman. Hasil penelitian ini menyatakan bahwa jenis- jenis pelatihan di Desamuda Villas adalah perawatan diri (grooming), menyambut dan melayani tamu (welcoming and serving guests), etika berkomunikasi bagi front office, etika bertelefon (telephone manner), manajemen waktu (time management) dan mengatasi tamu komplain (handling complain). Adapun Implikasi dari pelatihan tersebut pada motivasi kerja dan kinerja karyawan adalah berdampak baik. Namun, kinerja karyawan pada pelatihan mengatasi tamu komplain (handling complain) kurang berdampak baik.
 
In the current era of globalization, hotel management must implement training programs for employees to improve skills and knowledge that have an impact on work motivation and employee performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the type of training used and its implications for work motivation and employee performance at Desamuda Villas. The population in this study is Human Resources Manager (HRM), front office supervisor and front office employee and uses a purposive sample technique. The method used in this research is qualitative method. Data collection techniques used in this study were observation, interviews, literature study and documentation as well as analytical techniques used, namely Miles and Hubberman. The results of this study indicate that the types of training at Desamuda Villas are grooming, welcoming and serving guests, communication etiquette for the front office, telephone manners, time management and time management. Overcoming guest complaints (handling complaints). The implication of the training on work motivation and employee performance is a good impact. However, the employee's performance in the training to deal with guest complaints (handling complaints) did not have a good impact.
Abortion Provision by Family Physicians After Integrated Opt-Out Training in Residency
Authors: Summit Aleza K. , Chong Erica , Gold Marji
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: Reproductive Health Education In Family Medicine(RHEDI) supports family medicine residency programs to establish a required rotation in sexual and reproductive health (SRH), including abortion. We evaluated long-term training effects by examining the practice patterns of family physicians 2 to 6 years after residency graduation, to determine whether and how the practices and abortion provision of those with enhanced SRH training differ from those who did not receive this training.
Methods: We invited 1,949 family physicians who completed residency training between 2010 and 2018 to complete an anonymous online survey about residency training and current provision of SRH services.
Results: We received 714 completed surveys, a 36.6% response rate. Of those who received routine abortion training during residency (n=445), 24% had provided abortion after graduation, significantly more than the 13% providing abortion who had not received routine training during residency, and much higher than the 3% provision rate found in a recent representative study. Abortion-trained respondents were also more likely than the comparison group to have provided other SRH care. For both medication and procedural abortion, respondents who trained in the family medicine setting were significantly more likely to have provided abortion after residency than those who trained only in dedicated abortion clinics (31% vs 18%, and 33% vs 13%, respectively).
Conclusions: Abortion training during family medicine residency is strongly linked to postresidency abortion provision, and is crucial in preparing family physicians to meet the full range of their patients’ reproductive health care needs.
Graduation Seminar (2021) Arts and Visual Communication
Authors: Yamil Hasbun Chavarría  , Pamela Jiménez Jiménez
Published: February 2023

Graduation Seminar (2021) Arts and Visual Communication

This document constitutes the memory of the Graduation Seminar of the year 2021 of the School of Art and Visual Communication (EACV) of the National University (UNA), Costa Rica.
The theme endorsed by the Academic Unit for 2021 consists of the project directed by Dr. Phil. Yamil Hasbun Chavarría (EACV) and the M.A. Pamela Jiménez Jiménez (School of Performing Arts): Nodos Activos (Investigación + Practica artística (Spanish for Active nodes: Research + artistic practice).

The Seminar is materialized in 5 associated research projects focused on 5 different topics: Artistic research through dialogical and playful processes; Artistic research in the 4th Industrial revolution; The urge to allow research performed by students to be further and easier exposed; the experience interdisciplinary artistic research; and experiences of meta-artistic research.

Authors/students:
Mariana Cañas Lopez, Gloriana Cordero Rojas, Valeria Esquivel Jiménez, Wensi Fuentes Hernández, Andres garita Briseño, Susana Gonzales Gabrilova, María Gabriela Isturiz Rojas, Valeria Leiva Ruiz, Yendry Madrigal Mora, Mariela Martínez Alfaro, Gabriela Mora Araya, Maria Soledad Morales Brenes, Tifany Perla Brenes, Randy Rojas Diaz, Jose Solano Sanchez