bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Advancement and Salary Systems in the Hungarian Public Administration
Authors: Ludányi Dávid
Published: March 2022

In this study, I examine the advancement and salary systems within the content of the legal relationship. Civil service acts are based on a wide range of personnel policy solutions in the Hungarian public administration. While one act prefers public law and centralized regulatory methods, another tends to focus on labour law and decentralized solutions, while the third seeks to mix them. Thus, in all cases, a similar legislative intention can be identified, yet a completely different approach is reflected behind the regulation of one or another legal relationship. Based on all this, a number of issues can be identified. Which personnel policy system solution is better in line with international trends in civil service legislation? What legal and personnel policy solutions characterize the advancement and remuneration of one or another civil service status? Can differentiation or fragmentation contribute to the modernization of civil service careers? At all, can we talk about solutions in this case or are we currently witnessing some ‘post-bureaucratic’ search for a way?
Conceptual issues and theoretical considerations regarding the study of prison labour
Authors: Ivanics Zsófia
Published: March 2022

The present paper attempts to explore the conceptual challenges in the research of prison labour and to sketch the contours of a proposed theoretical framework, which can highlight the connection between penal policy tendencies, labour market dynamics and organizational practices of prison labour regimes. Based on a literature review, it is argued, that besides market dynamics on which many of the existing prison labour narratives are focused, the state is also a key agent in generating, maintaining, or relieving the potential tensions between the two main objectives of prison labour: rehabilitative purposes on the one hand and economic efficiency on the other. It is assumed that through the conceptualization of prison labour as one of the most radical manifestation of state-imposed unfree labour, it is possible to shed new light on state-labour relations. By doing so, the research on prison labour could be enriched with some new aspects.
Excerpts on football hooliganism
Authors: Lippai Zsolt , Tóth Ágnes Nikolett , Uricska Erna
Published: March 2022

The study illustrates the complexity of the issue of football hooliganism, and highlights the innovative solutions for the treatment of it. The background of football hooliganism by presenting domestic and foreign examples, the types of supporters and spectators, and the role of private security and sports policing are observed. In the decades following the regime change, the police lost their monopoly, and private security and civil policing became more prominent in Hungary. Nowadays, the personnel of private security and civil policing are involved in the process of risk assessment of sports events, escorting and transporting groups of supporters, detaining supporters after sports events. It is important to mention sports policing, a specific part of sports administration. This narrow field can be clearly defined as specialised policing, with a set of laws regulating everything related to sports policing, complemented by the regulations of the sports federations, which also serve as guidelines for the maintenance of sports law enforcement records and the security provided at sports events. Football hooliganism is a social and sport security problem that has been present in our world for centuries, and is something that we will probably have to deal with as long as football exists. Football hooligans are a closed community, a subculture with a specific set of rules and a deep knowledge of their functioning is essential to maintain the safety of our sport events. Nowadays, the emphasis is more on understanding the processes, communication and cooperation, as well as openness to innovative solutions.
CREATIVE CLASS IN THE BORDERLANDS? THE CASE OF COMMUTING SCHOLARS IN POLAND
Authors: Łuczaj Kamil , Leonowicz-Bukała Iwona , Kurek-Ochmańska Olga
Published: March 2022

Richard Florida claims that members of the “creative class” move to cities, perceived as open and conducive to creative work – a phenomenon which Florida insists is a fundamental economic driver in the Western world. This includes academics and researchers and results in the transfer of knowledge and skills. As the concept of “creative class” was coined in the United States, we may pose the question if it is applicable in other social contexts. The geographical focus of the current paper is on the Polish borderlands. We investigate how international academic commuters, i.e. academics travelling to work in Poland from the neighbouring countries, contribute to the knowledge transfer, or more broadly, the “creative transfer”. This study, a part of a broader research project involving 100 foreign-born scholars working in Poland, uses a sub-sample of the 16 in-depth interviews with international commuting scholars (as opposed to those who presently live in Poland). The results show that most of the internationally commuting scholars come to Poland strictly to deliver teaching. Focused on this goal, they do not take part in social or cultural life in Poland. Although not earning enough money in their home countries, they do not want to move permanently to Poland. Instead, they use the opportunities given by living near the border. These practices make them more similar to regular economic migrants, rather than members of the “creative class”, although some traces of the “creative transfer” can be identified.
MODELLING OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUSTAINABILITY AND SHAREHOLDER WEALTH
Authors: Dočekalová Marie Pavláková , Kocmanová Alena , Meluzín Tomáš , Škapa Stanislav
Published: March 2022

A structural model for the verification of the causal relationship between sustainability and economic value added is presented in this paper. The study has shown that there is no definite and unique relationship between corporate sustainability and economic value. Based on the results of the structural modelling, sustainable value model ESGVA is methodologically improved. The model expresses all four dimensions of corporate sustainability: environmental, social, corporate governance and economic. The case study demonstrates how different the results are if a purely economic concept of company value is used compared to value that takes into account environmental, social and corporate governance factors. The model is applicable to comparative analysis of socially responsible investments. Sustainable value provides extra information on corporate performance and can be used for decision-making of individual investors.
Interaction between endocannabinoids and the adrenergic system before and after stress-exposure
Authors: Nocheva Hristina Hristova , Encheva-Stoykova Eleonora Nikolaeva , Grigorov Evgeni Evgeniev
Published: March 2022

Cold stress-induced analgesia (c-SIA) has been evaluated in male Wistar rats injected with cannabinoid receptors type 1 and a2-adrenergic receptor agonists and antagonists in different combinations before or after stress exposure.

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the endogenous cannabinoid and the adrenergic systems influenced c-SIA, and the patterns of their potential interaction.

Exogenous administration of anandamide and Clonidine together, before or after stress exposure, increased c-SIA even with differences in the time of manifestation of the effect, its duration and the degree.

The two systems differently contribute to c-SIA pathogenesis and mediation. Administered before stress exposure cannabinoids and the adrenergic system seem to oppose each other: the latter rather potentiates, while cannabinoids suppress c-SIA. Administered after stress exposure, instead, the two systems appear to exert a synergistic effect, and antagonization of each one of them abolishes the analgesic effect.
Orobanche ingens (Orobanchaceae) – a poorly known species of the Greater Caucasus: taxonomic problems, distribution, hosts and habitats
Authors: Piwowarczyk Renata , Sánchez Pedraja Óscar , Fateryga Alexander V. , Svirin Sergey A.
Published: March 2022

Orobanche ingens is an endemic species from the Caucasus, especially the Greater Caucasus, parasitising on large Apiaceae (usually Heracleum). This species was misclassified over the years and little was known about its range and habitats. Here, we clarify the typification, as well as provide notes about the taxonomy of this species. Additionally, we presented distribution, habit and host range of O. ingens and morphological features that distinguish it from similar species.
Teacher-assessed grading One teacher's view
Authors: An Anonymous Teacher
Published: March 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic severely disrupted education at all levels. One consequence was that alternative arrangements had to be made for the 2021 summer public examinations. Exam boards asked staff at schools and colleges to generate, for each subject, teacher-assessed grades for their
students. The submitted grades had to reflect 'a fair, reasonable and carefully considered judgement of the student's performance across a range of evidence, on the curriculum content that they have been taught'. 1 A process of standardisation had to be established within each centre, which
exam boards would check. Ofqual recommended that evidence to support the teacher-assessed grades (TAGs) which students were given should include answers to past papers and trial exam questions, performance on coursework tasks and school-set tests devised to reflect the exam specifications,
and teacher records of a student's capability and performance over the course of study. The following article is based on reflections compiled in June 2021 on the experience of awarding TAGs by a teacher who works in an urban sixth form centre. The teacher's name, and the name of the centre,
have been withheld.
À l’écoute du vécu de femmes victimes de violences obstétricales
Authors: Evrard Anne , Schantz Clémence , Tiet Mordjane
Published: March 2022

Le Ciane (Collectif InterAssociatif autour de la NaissancE) est un collectif d’une trentaine d’associations de parents intervenant dans le champ de la périnatalité. Certaines sont généralistes, d’autres traitent plus spéci-fiquement de la césarienne, de l’allaitement, de l’accouchement à domicile, de la pré-éclampsie 1 ou de l’hyperémèse gravidique 2 . Anne Evrard est coprésidente du Ciane.
Portfolio Optimization and Asset Pricing Implications under Returns Non-Normality Concerns
Authors: Tédongap Roméo , Tinang Jules
Published: March 2022

Nous étudions les implications de la non-normalité pour l’allocation d’actifs et la tarification. La non-normalité des rendements des actifs est capturée par un modèle normal-exponentiel multivarié ; nous développons une procédure d’estimation basée sur une méthode des moments généralisée. Les préoccupations de non-normalité des investisseurs sont introduites en ajoutant une contrainte de non-normalité linéaire à un cadre moyenne-variance par ailleurs standard. La solution du portefeuille optimal est obtenue sous forme fermée et peut être reformulée comme une stratégie de séparation à trois fonds. Des portefeuilles sous-optimaux qui ignorent la non-normalité ou sont naïfs en termes de diversification peuvent entraîner des coûts de bien-être importants mesurés par l’équivalent certain, notamment pour les investisseurs les plus tolérants au risque qui ciblent des ratios de non-normalité élevés. À l’équilibre, les rendements attendus admettent une représentation à deux bêta dans laquelle le bêta le plus important pour expliquer leur variation transversale est celui capturant la non-normalité (plus de 60 %) tandis que le bêta du MEDAF explique moins de 12 %.
Une occasion manquée ? La construction des institutions de l’Asie-Pacifique
Authors: Dai Xinyuan , Holmes Joshua
Published: March 2022

Considérant l'Asie-Pacifique comme un espace stratégiquement contesté, cet article examine le paysage du renforcement des institutions internationales dans la région. Nous nous appuyons sur la littérature relative aux institutions internationales pour comprendre comment l'anarchie institutionnelle de la région a donné naissance au Partenariat transpacifique et à son successeur. Nous analysons ensuite la dynamique changeante de l'élaboration des règles régionales et soulignons les implications stratégiques de la concurrence réglementaire dans la région.
On a class of singularly perturbed elliptic systems with asymptotic phase segregation
Authors: Bozorgnia Farid , Burger Martin , Fotouhi Morteza
Published: March 2022

This work is devoted to study a class of singular perturbed elliptic systems and their singular limit to a phase segregating system. We prove existence and uniqueness and study the asymptotic behavior of limiting problem as the interaction rate tends to infinity. The limiting problem is a free boundary problem such that at each point in the domain at least one of the components is zero, which implies that all components can not coexist simultaneously. We present a novel method, which provides an explicit solution of the limiting problem for a special choice of parameters. Moreover, we present some numerical simulations of the asymptotic problem.
Interpolative Ćirić-Reich-Rus-type best proximity point results with applications
Authors: Saleem Naeem , Işık Hüseyin , Khaleeq Sana , Park Choonkil
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we introduce the notion of $ \omega $-interpolative Ćirić-Reich-Rus-type proximal contraction. We obtain some best proximity point results for these mappings using the concept of $ \omega $-admissibility in complete metric spaces. Some best proximity results are extended to partial ordered metric spaces and graphical metric spaces. Several new definitions are presented by considering the special cases of aforementioned results. The application of these results in fixed point theory is also discussed. The acquired results extend $ \omega $-interpolative Ćirić-Reich-Rus-type contraction for obtaining fixed points.
Symmetry solutions and conservation laws of a new generalized 2D Bogoyavlensky-Konopelchenko equation of plasma physics
Authors: Khalique Chaudry Masood , Adeyemo Oke Davies , Maefo Kentse
Published: March 2022

In physics as well as mathematics, nonlinear partial differential equations are known as veritable tools in describing many diverse physical systems, ranging from gravitation, mechanics, fluid dynamics to plasma physics. In consequence, we analytically examine a two-dimensional generalized Bogoyavlensky-Konopelchenko equation in plasma physics in this paper. Firstly, the technique of Lie symmetry analysis of differential equations is used to find its symmetries and perform symmetry reductions to obtain ordinary differential equations which are solved to secure possible analytic solutions of the underlying equation. Then we use Kudryashov's and $ (G'/G) $-expansion methods to acquire analytic solutions of the equation. As a result, solutions found in the process include exponential, elliptic, algebraic, hyperbolic and trigonometric functions which are highly important due to their various applications in mathematic and theoretical physics. Moreover, the obtained solutions are represented in diagrams. Conclusively, we construct conservation laws of the underlying equation through the use of multiplier approach. We state here that the results secured for the equation understudy are new and highly useful.
Group decision-making analysis with complex spherical fuzzy $ N $-soft sets
Authors: Akram Muhammad ,   Department of Mathematics, University of the Punjab, New Campus, Lahore, Pakistan, Farooq Adeel , Shabir Maria , Ali Al-Shamiri Mohammed M. , Khalaf Mohammed M. ,   Department of Mathematics, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus 54590, Pakistan,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of science and arts, Muhayl Asser, King Khalid University, K.S.A,   Department of Mathematics and Computer, Faculty of Science, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen,   Faculty of Engineering, Arab Academy for Science & Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), Aswan Branch, Egypt
Published: March 2022

This paper develops the ELiminating Et Choice Translating REality (ELECTRE) method under the generalized environment of complex spherical fuzzy $ N $-soft sets ($ CSFN\mathcal{S}_{f}Ss $) that have distinctive and empirical edge of non-binary parametrization and also indeed overcome the limitations and flaws of existing ELECTRE I methods. We propose an innovatory decision-making technique, namely, $ CSFN\mathcal{S}_{f} $-ELECTRE I method where the data and information are in modern modes. The proposed $ CSFN\mathcal{S}_{f} $-ELECTRE I method enjoys all the distinct and modern attributes of uncertain information which mainly comprises of parameterizations, neutral perspective, multi-valuation and two-dimensional representations. We support the proposed work by a flowchart along with an algorithm and then utilize it to solve the MAGDM problem under $ CSFN\mathcal{S}_{f} $ environment. This novel technique employs the principles of $ CSFN\mathcal{S}_{f} $ concordance and $ CSFN\mathcal{S}_{f} $ discordance sets which are established on score and accuracy functions and engrossed to enjoin the most superior alternative. Ultimately, the decision graph and aggregated outranking Boolean matrix are formulated by merging the outcomes of $ CSFN\mathcal{S}_{f} $ concordance and $ CSFN\mathcal{S}_{f} $ discordance indices which are evaluated through score function and distance measures, respectively. Moreover, linear-ranking order is evaluated which provides linear ordering of decision alternatives. A prime MAGDM problem of poverty alleviation is addressed from socio-economic field that approve the flexibility of the intended approach. We perform a sustaining comparison with another approach (CSF-ELECTRE I approach) to assure the productivity and potency of the proposed methodology. We also provide an allegorical line graph of this comparison that demonstrate the admissibility of the resulting outcomes.
Optimal Taxation and R&D Policies
Authors: Akcigit Ufuk , Hanley Douglas , Stantcheva Stefanie
Published: March 2022

We study the optimal design of corporate taxation and R&D policies as a dynamic mechanism design problem with spillovers. Firms have heterogeneous research productivity, and that research productivity is private information. There are non‐internalized technological spillovers across firms, but the asymmetric information prevents the government from correcting them in the first best way. We highlight that key parameters for the optimal policies are (i) the relative complementarities between observable R&D investments, unobservable R&D inputs, and firm research productivity, (ii) the dispersion and persistence of firms' research productivities, and (iii) the magnitude of technological spillovers across firms. We estimate our model using firm‐level data matched to patent data and quantify the optimal policies. In the data, high research productivity firms get disproportionately higher returns to R&D investments than lower productivity firms. Very simple innovation policies, such as linear corporate taxes combined with a nonlinear R&D subsidy—which provides lower marginal subsidies at higher R&D levels—can do almost as well as the unrestricted optimal policies. Our formulas and theoretical and numerical methods are more broadly applicable to the provision of firm incentives in dynamic settings with asymmetric information and spillovers, and to firm taxation more generally.
El liderazgo de la mujer en la investigación en comunicación en España
Authors: Cáceres Zapatero María Dolores , Díaz Santiago María José
Published: March 2022

El objetivo de este artículo, basado en resultados del proyecto I+D+i “Mapas de la investigación en comunicación en las Universidades españolas de 2007 a 2018”, es ofrecer el estado actual de la presencia, acceso y liderazgo de las mujeres en la investigación académica en el campo de la comunicación. Los resultados muestran que la brecha de género subsiste en ciencias sociales y, en menor medida, en el campo de la comunicación. Las mujeres consuman en mayor proporción que los hombres su doctorado y aventajan a éstos en la autoría de contribuciones a congresos y presencia en la Asociación Española de Investigación de la Comunicación como asociadas, sin que esto tenga un correlato en la progresión de su carrera académica respecto a ocupar posiciones de liderazgo en la dirección de proyectos de I+D+i, tesis doctorales, grupos de investigación, puestos de responsabilidad en la Asociación Española de Investigación de la Comunicación o en la publicación de artículos en las revistas de mayor impacto de la especialidad.
Digitalization of public spaces: sensory and emotional issues in people’s relationships to places
Authors: Bailly Emeline , Marchand Dorothée
Published: March 2022

The rise of digital objects in urban space is changing the relationship to places, to others and to ourselves. Our hypothesis is that digital tools have an impact on the relationship between people and places. The research, NUMCES (Numérique et Création des Espaces urbains), takes a psycho-urban approach to question the evolution of relationships to places created by the development of digital objects in Montreuil-sous-Bois, a suburb of Paris. More precisely, it questions urban and digital experiences by taking into account the representations and affects that govern them, the meaning of the spaces they create, as well as the socio-spatial and temporal rules they promote. An important result describes a relational dynamic that on the one hand expresses a social and urban distancing and, on the other, a re-anchoring through the body in motion and through the person's sensations. This relational dynamic is accompanied by an emotional state that is not linked to time or space. This evolution then questions urban quality.
The Role of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Decisions and the Herbal Formulations Against COVID-19
Authors: Venaik Anita , Kumari Rinki , Venaik Utkarsh , Nayyar Anand
Published: March 2022

COVID-19 causes global health problems, and new technologies have to be established to detect, anticipate, diagnose, screen, and even trace COVID-19 by all health care experts. Several database searches are carried out in this literature-based study on machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence, computer-based molecular docking analysis (CBMDA), COVID-19, and herbal docking analysis. In the battle against different infectious diseases, ML, AI and CBMDA's past supporting data are involved. These devices have now been updated with advanced features and are part of the SARS-CoV-2 screening, prediction, diagnosis, contact tracing, and drug/vaccine production healthcare industries. This article aims to comprehensively analyse the essential role of ML and AI, and CBMDA in the screening, prediction, contact tracing, and production of herbal drugs for this virus and its associated epidemic.
Can Government Direct Bailout Intervention Relieve the Crisis Sentiment in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Guo Linlin , Ma De-Shui
Published: March 2022

It has been increasingly common for the government to adopt non-market approaches to manage or interfere with the market during a stock market crisis. Taking Chinese government’s bailout of the market during the COVID-19 epidemic as the research object, this paper examines the impact of Chinese government’s direct bailout intervention on investors’ crisis psychology. The findings are as follows: (1) The government “buy-in” bailout effectively smooths investors’ crisis sentiment; (2) There is a downside of the government “buy-in” bailout, which compromises the market pricing effect and aggravates the herding effect; (3) For stocks not bought by the government, the government’s “verbal” intervention can relieve investors’ crisis sentiment in the short term; (4) Stocks with different characteristics are affected by the government’s “verbal” intervention to different degrees, with financial stocks and problematic stocks more susceptible to it.
Clinical and epidemiological characteristics and outcome of patients with COVID-19 in Sri Lanka; an observational study
Authors: Jayasekera M.M.P.T. , Herath H.M.M. , Pathirage M.K.P. , Thushan A. , Karthick G. , Bernard D.J. , Dilrukshi T. , Piyarathne L.S. , Senevirathne N.B. , Bhishman S. , Jayawardhana A.A. , Sanjeewa H.P. , Balasooriya P. , Prasath T. , Pirasath S. , Sutharshan P. , Hettiarachchi N.M. , Senarathna G. , Jayasekara K. , Manilgama S.R. , Jayasinghe I.K. , Jayalath T.A.
Published: March 2022

Background: Main objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and outcome of patients with COVID-19 admitted to six treatment centres in Sri Lanka.Methods: A descriptive retrospective study was conducted in six treatment centres in the country between March 10, 2020, and May 30, 2020.Results: The study included 431 laboratory confirmed patients with COVID- 19. Their mean age was 37± 13.2 years. Of them, 335 (78.2%) were males. The majority were asymptomatic (243, 56.3%) and of the symptomatic patients, the most common symptom was sore throat (81, 19%), followed by cough (72, 17%), headache (72, 17%), fever (50, 12%), and nasal discharge (36, 8%). Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was used as a treatment modality in 248 patients, and they had significantly longer (17.6 days) durations of hospital stay compared to those who were not treated (13.6 days) with HCQ.Conclusions: The majority of patients remained asymptomatic during the course of illness. The most common symptom was sore throat, seen in one fifth of patients, followed by cough, and headache. Our study also showed that patients treated with HCQ had significantly longer durations of hospital stay.
Impact of COVID-19 related lockdown on hospital admissions, hospital burden and deaths due to non- COVID illnesses in a tertiary care centre in Southern Sri Lanka
Authors: Weerasinghe N.P. , Herath H.M.M. , Champani R.W.R. , Wickramasinghe M.A.S.N. , Weerarathna T.P. , Palangasinghe D. , Jayasinghe Y.A.R.P. , Jayasekara K. , Senarathna G.
Published: March 2022

Background: Sri Lanka imposed an aggressive curfew to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which led to major changes in population behaviour. It was presumed that these measures could affect the morbidity patterns and management of other medical conditions. We aimed to study the impact of the pandemic on hospital admissions, morbidity patterns and mortality from non-COVID illnesses during the period of lockdown.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to gather data related to all non- COVID medical admissions from four medical wards and emergency treatment unit (ETU) of the Teaching Hospital Karapitiya for a six-week period during the lockdown. Data on the total number of admissions, reasons for admission, diagnoses, duration of hospital stay and outcome including deaths were obtained. Corresponding data from the same period of the previous year (pre COVID period) were compared.Results: The total number of admissions during the pre- COVID period was 2939 and that reduced to 1491 during the lockdown period. There was a significant reduction of admissions due to infectious illnesses including respiratory tract infections (p <0.001), dengue (p= 0.01) and leptospirosis (p=0.02) during the lockdown period. There was a significant increase in requested admissions (p=0.002) including admissions for procedures, investigations, referrals and transfers. The mortality during the two periods did not change significantly (pre-covid period 5.1 %, lockdown period 4.2%, p=0.16).Conclusions: The results of the study showed that social distancing and travel restriction had a significant impact on health seeking behaviour, disease patterns and outcome. Reduction in hospital admissions and changes in disease patterns, especially reduction in respiratory tract infections could be a positive effect of preventive measures: physical distancing, wearing masks and travel restriction. Total lockdown of the country had no significant effect on total deaths as well as deaths related to NCDs.
Adverse events following COVISHIELD (ChAdOx1nCoV-19) vaccination among health care workers in Sri Lanka; a multi-centre cross sectional survey
Authors: Manilgama S.R. , Hettiarachchi N.M. , Jayasinghe I.K. , De Silva S.T. , Jayalath T. , Wanigaratne T. , Bandusiri R.P. , Suganthan N. , Sudarshan P. , Pathirage M. , Rajaratnam N. , Senaratne G. , Rajapaksha V. , Wickramasinghe A. , Ranaweera S.P.A.L. , Thilakarathna H.M.A. , Kulaweera M.T.D.
Published: March 2022

Introduction: A community vaccination programme is the best approach to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Post-vaccine surveillance is important to identify adverse events (AE) following COVID-19 vaccination in the population.Methods: A multicentre cross-sectional survey was conducted in six provinces to estimate the prevalence of AE following the first dose of COVISHIELD (ChAdOx1nCoV-19) among all categories of health care workers (HCWs). A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather demographic data and AE.Results: Of 5140 participants 67.8% were females. The mean (SD) age was 40.69 (±9.85) years. At least one comorbidity was reported in 15.4%. At least one AE was reported in 86.6% and 49.3% had local AE. Fever (67.2%), headaches (57.3%), body aches (54.4%), chills (51.2%), fatigue (37.5%) and arthralgia (36%) were the most reported systemic AE. The majority of AE lasted less than 24 hours. Pain and redness at the site were the most reported local AE. Mean duration of onset of fever and pain at injection site from the time of the vaccination was 6.65 and 9.67 hours respectively. When participants were divided into two groups by mean age (≤40 and >40 years) and parameters were compared, most systemic (fever, nausea, fatigue, itching) and all local AE were significantly more prevalent in the ≤40 age group. Two percent had reactions within the first 20 minutes. Anaphylaxis developed in 12 participants. Past history of anaphylaxis, drug or food allergy were reported in 0.6%, 2.8% and 6.7% respectively. However, previous history of allergy was not significantly related to immediate reactions or anaphylaxis following vaccination. Despite having minor AE, 71.1% attended routine work while 0.2% required hospitalisation.Conclusions: While 86.6% reported minor AE, only a few serious AE were reported. Overall, the first dose of the vaccine was well-tolerated by HCWs.
Criminalised corona and pandemic politics - lessons to learn
Authors: Karunatilake H.
Published: March 2022

No abstract available.
SLCIM Picture Quiz Vol.1(1)
Authors: Pathirage Manoji
Published: March 2022

No abstract available.
Key to Picture Quiz Vol.1(1)
Authors: Pathirage Manoji
Published: March 2022

No abstract available.
Development of ready-to-eat canned fish using rainbow runner (Elagatis bipinnulata) with different filling materials
Authors: Sathsarani D.W.N. , Bandara Tharindu , Udayathilaka K.E. , Abeyrathne E.D.N.S.
Published: March 2022

Fish is widely considered as one of the perishable food items and increasing fish shelf-life is important for avoiding post-harvest losses. The objective of the present study was to develop a ready-to-eat canned fish product using readily available relatively cheaper fish: Rainbow runner (Elagatis bipinnulata). The matured Rainbow runner with an average weight of 4.2 kg was utilized in preliminary trials to find out the best spice levels and filling solutions. These preliminary canned fish products were sensory evaluated with 30 untrained panelists. Based on sensory evaluation, the best filling solutions were selected to prepare the final canned fish products. These final canned fish products were sterilized at different sterilization periods (121 °C: 50, 65, 70 and 75 min). Subsequently, these final products were sensory analysed for finding the best sterilization period using the previous sensory panelists. Finally, fish products with the best filling solutions and the best sterilization period were subjected to keeping quality analysis (pH, lipid oxidation, antioxidant activity and microbial count) for 30 d and proximate analyses. Preliminary sensory analysis revealed that soy sauce and tomato sauce were the best filling solutions. Sensory analysis of the final product indicated 65 min. of sterilization period was best for fish products in both filling solutions. The proximate composition of protein, lipid and ash of the final products were relatively higher than the comparable canned products in the market. Keeping quality analyses of final products have indicated that canned products were free from E. coli and Salmonella. Lipid oxidation and total plate count were within the acceptable levels (Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance assay (TBARS) <3 mg MDA/kg and <105 cfu/g, respectively). Antioxidant activity measured in terms of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity was high (>60%) in both products. The present study revealed that the canned Rainbow runner in soy sauce and tomato sauce can be a preferable product up to 30 d of storage period and a suitable alternative to other canned fish products in the market. Further, nutritional evaluation of these products (E.g. fatty acid analyses) and keeping quality analyses over a longer period can be recommended subject to further studies.
Assessment of different pickling solutions on quality characteristics of pickled quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) eggs
Authors: Gunathilaka M.G.N.W.W. , Prabashwari T.I.G. , Cyril H.W. , Himali S.M.C.
Published: March 2022

The study was conducted to determine the influence of different pickling solutions on the quality characteristics of pickled quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) eggs. Quail eggs were pickled in seven different pickling solutions (Dill, Mustard, Garlic, Rosy, Simpal, Marion’s and British PU) and stored for 28 d at room temperature. Four pickling solutions (Dill, Mustard, Garlic and Rosy) were selected according to results of sensory evaluation and some modifications were done as per the comments of the sensory evaluation. The pickled egg quality from modified four pickling solutions and the control were evaluated weekly during storage. As per the observations, color and tenderness of egg white were significantly (P<0.05) different during the storage. The control and the Rosy pickle had better consumer acceptability. The Rosy pickled eggs contained 65.30±0.04% moisture, 10.42±0.12% crude fat and 13.16±0.08% crude protein. Thus, it can be introduced as a preserved product.
Reusing Existing Infrastructure for CO2 Transport: Risks and Opportunities
Authors: Luna-Ortiz Eduardo
Published: March 2022

There is no doubt that greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2, needs to be reduced to mitigate the effects of climate change. While carbon management can be achieved through a number of technological and engineering approaches ranging from energy efficiency (i.e., highly energy integrated system and process intensification) to renewable energy (wind, solar, hydrogen), CO2 capture & storage (CCS) has been identified as having a key role in the energy transition.

Captured anthropogenic CO2 can be permanently stored in saline aquifers and depleted reservoirs. Saline aquifers (normally unsuitable for industrial or human exploitation) offer the largest storage capacity; however, there is, usually, lack of geological characterization leading to high risks due to large uncertainty. On the other hand, depleted gas fields, close to economical life cessation, are deemed an excellent alternative as safe and long-term storage is already proven and immense geological characterisation has been gathered during production life. Moreover, there is great potential to repurpose the existing offshore infrastructure (pipelines, platforms, and wells) as to minimize capital expenditure and delaying decommissioning costs. Repurposing existing production systems can also be an efficient way to achieve rapid deployment of CCS at large scale.

In this paper, we present the key engineering challenges, risks, and opportunities in the re-use of existing oil and gas offshore infrastructure for CO2 transport and injection. We highlight the complex operational constraints and interactions between different components of the transportation network. The design and operation of the transportation network is governed by the following drivers:

Safe design Robust and flexible operation Minimize cost (or delay expenditure as long as possible) Minimize emissions of greenhouse gases associated to the operation of the transport network (i.e., energy efficiency) Start operation with minimum modifications
Assessment of Machine Learning Techniques for Real-Time Prediction of Equivalent Circulating Density
Authors: Roy Vishnu , Pandey Anurag , Saxena Amit , Sharma Shivanjali
Published: March 2022

The equivalent circulating density (ECD) is crucial in avoiding fluid losses or kicks while drilling. It's more critical in wells where the pore pressure gradient is close to the fracture pressure gradient. The conservation of mass and momentum determine the ECD, but this method does not account for other factors like torque, rotating speed, weight on bit, etc. These may affect the ECD directly or indirectly. The aim of this study is a practicality to predict the ECD using various machine learning techniques and to determine their effectiveness.

The complete drilling dataset of an oil well from Texas was acquired. Over 16000 data points were obtained after the removal of the null values. The data was prepared by scaling it and conducting principal component analysis (PCA). PCA reduced the dimensionality of the dataset while retaining the information. Following this, five different machine learning regression techniques were used to predict the equivalent circulation density, namely, XGBoost, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Decision Tree, and Elastic net regression. The performance of these techniques was judged by comparing their R2 scores, mean squared errors (MSE), and root mean squared errors (RMSE).

The results showed that ECD prediction through all the above machine learning techniques is a vital reality. Random forest regression emerged superior from the different methods used, illustrating the highest R2 score and the lowest MSE and RMSE. Its R2 for our model was 0.992, which is an excellent fit. It was followed by SVM, which had the second-lowest RMSE and an R2 of 0.987, close to the random forest technique. Elastic Net, Decision tree, and XG Boost in the respective order were at the bottom of the pool.

Machine learning is a powerful tool at our disposal to effectively predict quantities in real-time that directly or indirectly depend on several parameters. It can even be effective when no direct correlation between the quantities is known. Thus, machine learning can significantly enhance our ability to optimize drilling operations by having quicker and more accurate predictions. The work shown in this study, if implemented, can provide the crew more time to respond to situations such as the occurrence of kicks and thus will lead to safer operations.
Associated factors of depression in pregnant women in Korea based on the 2019 Korean Community Health Survey: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kim Eun Gyeong , Park Sook Kyoung , Nho Ju-Hee
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Various individual and social factors influence depression in pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of socioeconomic status, health behaviors, and health status on depression of pregnant women in Korea. Methods: This study analyzed data from the 2019 Korean Community Health Survey conducted from August to October 2019. The data of 1,096 pregnant women between the ages of 19 and 55 years were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent-test and chi-square tests, and multiple regression.Results: The mean score of prenatal depression was 2.35 points out of 0 to 27 points. Low income (B=0.69, p<.001), low-education level (B=0.70, p<.001), skipping breakfast (B=0.34, p=.001), less than 8 hours of sleeping (B=0.26, p=.009), binge drinking during pregnancy (B=0.46, p=.001), and stress (B=1.89, p<.001) were significantly associated with increased depression scores. In contrast, depression scores significantly decreased as subjective health status (B=–0.59, p<.001) and subjective oral health status (B=–.17, p=.003) increased.Conclusion: Findings support the need for healthcare policies and clinical screening to alleviate prenatal depression, especially for pregnant women with low socioeconomic status, poor health behavior, poor health status, and high stress.
Hair disorder in dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo cosmetic dermatology and venereology outpatient clinic of Jakarta, Indonesia: A socio-demographic and clinical evaluation
Authors: Legiawati Lili , Suseno Lis Surachmiati , Sitohang Irma Bernadette S. , Pratama Aditya Indra
Published: March 2022

Hair disorder has a significant impact on sociopsychology. In Indonesia, there are currently few and out-of-date studies on hair disorders. Our study aimed to provide an update on the epidemiology of hair loss, which is common in Indonesia. This is a retrospective study of hair disorder cases seen at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo’s Cosmetic Dermatology Outpatient Clinic at the National Central General Hospital from January 2017 to December 2019. Each patient’s age, gender, family history, education, occupation, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, and diagnosis were recorded. Hair disorders were found to be more prevalent in males (54.6 percent) with a mean age of 26.41 ± 12.8 years old and the highest age group of 18-39 years old (59.4 percent) among the 64 patients who were eligible for the study. There were 32 cases (50.0%) of alopecia areata (AA), 20 cases (31.2%) of alopecia androgenetic (AGA), 9 cases (14.0%) of telogen effluvium (TE), 2 cases of cicatricial alopecia (CA) due to lupus erythematosus (DLE), and 1 case of trichotillomania (TTM). Female patients had significantly more TE cases. Cases of AGA in the study, mainly early-onset AGA (mean age 29.45 ± 10.29 years old, 39.5% in 18-39 years old) showed a significant positive familial history. At dr Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital Jakarta, the most common types of hair disorders were AA, AGA, and TE, with each disease having a unique socio-demographic and clinical profile.
Identifying psychological antecedents and predictors of vaccine hesitancy through machine learning: A cross sectional study among chronic disease patients of deprived urban neighbourhood, India
Authors: Rustagi Neeti , Choudhary Yachana , Asfahan Shahir , Deokar Kunal , Jaiswal Abhishek , Thirunavukkarasu Prasanna , Kumar Nitesh , Raghav Pankaja
Published: March 2022

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among chronic disease patients can severely impact individual health with the potential to impede mass vaccination essential for containing the pandemic. The present study was done to assess the COVID-19 vaccine antecedents and its predictors among chronic disease patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted among chronic disease patients availing care from a primary health facility in urban Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Factor and reliability analysis was done for the vaccine hesitancy scale to validate the 5 C scale. Predictors assessed for vaccine hesitancy were modelled with help of machine learning (ML). Out of 520 patients, the majority of participants were female (54.81%). Exploratory factor analysis revealed four psychological antecedents’ “calculation”; “confidence”; “constraint” and “collective responsibility” determining 72.9% of the cumulative variance of vaccine hesitancy scale. The trained ML algorithm yielded an R2 of 0.33. Higher scores for COVID-19 health literacy and preventive behaviour, along with family support, monthly income, past COVID-19 screening, adherence to medications and age were associated with lower vaccine hesitancy. Behaviour changes communication strategies targeting COVID-19 health literacy and preventive behaviour especially among population sub-groups with poor family support, low income, higher age groups and low adherence to medicines may prove instrumental in this regard.
Mitochondrial and Nuclear DNA-based Identification of Some Forensically Important Calliphoridae (Diptera) in Luoyang of China
Authors: Yang Mengzi , Zhang Weiping , Tuerxun Adilai , Mo Yaonan , Zhai Xiandun
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Calliphoridae plays a key role in forensic entomology research, which is one of the first insects to decompose animal carcasses. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) are among the most widely used molecular markers for insect taxonomic characterization.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to test the suitability of two genetic markers based on conducting the molecular identification of six necrophagous Calliphorid flies.

Materials and Methods:

Fourteen Calliphoridae flies were collected and classified with traditional morphological characteristics. The DNA of flies was extracted and the fragments of COI and ITS2 were amplified and sequenced. All the sequences were aligned and analyzed by MEGA 7 software for NCBI BLAST, nucleotide composition, intra- and inter-specific divergence calculation, and phylogenetic tree inference successively.

Results:

The results indicated that COI and ITS2 genes were robust in the identification of Calliphoridae at the species level and ITS2 gene sequence possessed a strong resolution power as it showed higher variation values between Lucilia sericata and Lucilia cuprina, Calliphora vomitoria and Triceratopyga calliphoroides, C.vomitoria and Aldrichina grahami, but inferior to COI for T. calliphoroides and A. grahami.

Conclusions:

Our results showed that combination of COI + ITS2 genes yields more accurate identification and diagnoses and better agreement with morphological data than the mitochondrial barcodes alone. As a supplementary method for morphological identification, we advocated for the combination of nuclear and mitochondrial gene approaches to address the taxonomy and phylogeny of forensic relevant flies, especially of closely related species and populations.
Multiple sclerosis-related fatigue lacks a unified definition
Authors: Adibi Iman , Sanayei Mehdi , Tabibian Farinaz , Ramezani Neda , Pourmohammadi Ahmad , Azimzadeh Kiarash
Published: March 2022

Fatigue is the most common symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS). Although MS-related fatigue (MS-F) strongly affects quality of life and social performance of patients, there is currently a lack of knowledge about its pathophysiology, which in turns leads to poor objective diagnosis and management. Recent studies have attempted to explain potential etiologies as well as treatments for MS-F. However, it seems that without a consensus on its nature, these data could not provide a route to a successful approach. In this Article, we review definitions, epidemiology, risk factors and correlated comorbidities, pathophysiology, assessment methods, neuroimaging findings, and pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments of MS-F. Further studies are warranted to define fatigue in MS patients more accurately, which could result in precise diagnosis and management.