bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Algorithm for Choosing, Ordering a New Criteria of a Bi-Objective Flow Problem
Authors: Belkacem Salima Nait
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we propose an algorithm which is based on many things: the notions well-known of the simplex network method, Ford Fulkerson’s algorithm and our new idea, which is << the gain cycles >>, applied on a bi-objective minimum cost flow problem. This algorithm permits us to have a good order of many criteria in a rapid and an efficient way; because this classification permits us to structure the optimal area, in which we can choose the best action among the others which exist in the objective space. From this one, we distinguish, that the resolution of this problem comes to find an under set of good actions, among which the decider can select an action of best compromise, or make a decision, in the case where reference indications of the deciders may change. A didactic example is done to illustrate our algorithm.
Ultramorphology and molecular studies of Contracaecum larvae (Nematoda: Anisakidae) collected in five Cyprinid fish species from Sulaimani Province, Kurdistan Region-Iraq
Authors: Abdullah Y. S. , Abdullah S. M. A. , Hussein R. H.
Published: March 2021

A total of 1134 freshwater fishes belonging to Cyprinidae (Acanthobrama marmid (n=20), Alburnus caeruleus (n=7), Alburnus mossulensis (n=62), Arabibarbus grypus (n=123), Barbus lacerta (n=7), Capoeta trutta (n=222), C. umbla (n=161), Carasobarbus kosswigi (n=5), C. luteus (n=89), Carassius auratus (n=54), Chondrostoma regium (n=52), Cyprinion kais (n=10) and C. macrostomum (n=322)) were collected in different water bodies in Sulaimani Province, Kurdistan Region-Iraq for the presence of larval nematode of the genus Conteacaecum. This investigation revealed that 17 fishes belonged to five species (A. marmid, A. grypus, C. trutta, C. luteus and C. regium) were infected with Contracaecum larvae with prevalence of 35 %, 0.81 %, 0.90 %, 4.49 % and 5.76 %, respectively. The third- larval stage was morphologically studied by optical microscopy, and the ultrastructure was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, molecular analysis was carried out by amplifying, sequencing and comparing different gene loci, including internal transcribed spacers (ITS-1 and ITS-2) and cytochrome oxidase c subunit-II (COX-2), of the different isolated Contracaecum larvae. These sequences were also compared with closely related nematode sequences from the GenBank. Fifteen sequences were obtained for this study from the collected Contracaecum larvae. ITS-1, ITS-2 and COX-2 were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. The sequences of ITS-1, ITS-2 and COX-2 revealed that the collected Contracaecum larval specimens from all infected fish species represented one species (Contracaecum rudolphii B) based on the identity percentage in the GenBank database. The genetic characterisation of the parasite in the present study is available in the GenBank database, and the obtained ITS-1, ITS-2 and COX-2 sequences were deposited in GenBank. The present study provides information on the accurate identification and molecular analysis of Contracaecum larvae in the infected fish species in Sulaimani Province, Kurdistan Region-Iraq.
Clinical case of life-threatening co-infection due to Dirofilaria immitis and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in a cat: First report of feline heartworm disease in Bulgaria
Authors: Tonev A. S. , Kirkova Z. , Iliev P. T. , Roussenov A. , Chaprazov T. , Roydev R. , Pirovski N.
Published: March 2021

The present report describes the first clinically manifested and serologically proven case of Dirofilaria immitis infection in a cat in Bulgaria. A 10-year-old intact male cat was referred to the Small Animal Clinic, Trakia University with a history of anorexia, weight loss, intermittent coughing and itching skin lesions on the head and neck. Physical examination revealed abnormal heart sounds and respiration, cyanosis of the mucous membranes, and generalized enlargement of the lymph nodes. Mild infestation with hard ticks and fleas was also detected during the initial skin inspection. In addition, adult Otodectes cynotis mites were observed in the skin lesions. The fecal sample was positive for larvae of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and eggs of Toxocara cati. Blood serology revealed antigens of D. immitis as well as antibodies against both feline immunodeficiency virus and D. immitis. Thoracic radiographic findings included a pronounced generalized reticular interstitial pattern; alveolar and bronchial shades with multiple nodular thickenings throughout the lungs. Electrocardiography demonstrated a sinus tachycardia, a peaked P-wave (P-pulmonale) and an abnormally low ST-segment. The clinical signs disappeared after treatment with selamectin, doxycycline and corticosteroids. Despite the improvement in general health condition, the cat suddenly died several months later.
Description of Prionchulus girchi sp. nov. (Nematoda: Mononchina) with additional data on two known species of the genus Prionchulus from Lorestan province, Iran
Authors: Bazgir E. , Naghavi A. , Zolfaghari Z.
Published: March 2021

Three species of mononchids belonging to the Prionchulus Cobb, 1916 genus, one new and two previously known species collected from natural ecosystem of Khorramabad county, Lorestan province, south west of Iran, are described. Prionchulus girchi sp. nov. is morphologically characterized by its 2.1 – 2.2 mm body length, numerous cuticular pores, slightly offset lip region, prominent labial and cephalic papillae, cephalic papillae larger than labial ones, barrel-shaped and spacious (40 – 43 × 22.5 – 24 μm) buccal cavity, weakly rounded tail tip and weakly expressed tail tip´s hyaline. In this study, P. fagi and P. muscorum were also collected and some additional data of these two species are also given.
A Numerical Examination of an Unsteady Nonlinear MHD Flow in the Presence of Thermal Radiation and Heat Generation
Authors: Agbaje T.M. , Leach P.G.L.
Published: March 2021

In this study, the spectral perturbation method and the spectral relaxation method are used to solve the nonlinear differential equations of an unsteady nonlinear MHD flow in the presence of thermal radiation and heat generation. The SPM is mainly based on series expansion, generating series approximation coupled with the Chebyshev spectral method. The numerical results generated using the spectral perturbation method were compared with those found in the literature, and the two results were in good agreement.
The Onset of Soret Driven Ferrothermoconvective Instability in the Presence of Darcy Porous Medium with Anisotropy Effect and MFD Viscosity
Authors: Murugan D. , Sekar R.
Published: March 2021

The effect of magnetic field dependent (MFD) viscosity on Soret driven ferrothermohaline convection in a densely packed anisotropic porous medium has been studied. The Soret effect is focused on the system. A linear stability analysis is carried out using a normal mode technique and a perturbation method is applied. It is found that a stationary mode is favorable for the Darcy model. Vertical anisotropy tends to destabilize the system and the magnetization effect is found to stabilize the system. It is also found that the MFD viscosity delays the onset of convection. Numerical computations are made and illustrated graphically.
Effects of Pressure Work Over a Semi-Infinite Vertical Oscillating Cylinder
Authors: Sarojini A. , Palani G.
Published: March 2021

An arithmetical methodology is used to study natural convection with properties of pressure work over a semi-infinite vertical oscillating cylinder. The governing partial differential equations are set up and the resulting equations are changed into a non-dimensional form using the proper non-dimensional quantities. The set of non-dimensional partial differential equations is solved arithmetically using a well-organized method known as the Crank-Nicolson method. The velocity, as well as temperature profiles for different values of parameters are studied with the assistance of graphs.
Intra-EU vs. extra-EU trade in ICT services
Authors: Stefaniak Joanna , Ambroziak Adam A.
Published: March 2021

The position of information and communication technology (ICT) services is growing in the European Union (EU) trade, however to different extend in different EU countries. The article aims to identify trade positions of the EU Member States in intra-EU trade and extra-EU trade in ICT services and to assess changes that have taken place in the years 2013–2018. The importance of the EU Member States in trade in ICT services is assessed, followed by the analysis of their trade positions in terms of selected indices. We discovered that countries of the highest importance for the intra-EU and extra-EU trade in ICT services are not holding the best positions in trade in this area, except for Ireland. Additionally, leaders in ICT services trade do better in extra-EU trade rankings than in the EU Internal Market, since the distance does not matter to business operations consequent to the digitalization of economic activities.
Content Characteristics of Knowledge Integration in the eHealth Field: An Analysis Based on Citation Contexts
Authors: Wang Shiyun , Mao Jin , Tang Jing , Cao Yujie
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study attempts to disclose the characteristics of knowledge integration in an interdisciplinary field by looking into the content aspect of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The eHealth field was chosen in the case study. Associated knowledge phrases (AKPs) that are shared between citing papers and their references were extracted from the citation contexts of the eHealth papers by applying a stem-matching method. A classification schema that considers the functions of knowledge in the domain was proposed to categorize the identified AKPs. The source disciplines of each knowledge type were analyzed. Quantitative indicators and a co-occurrence analysis were applied to disclose the integration patterns of different knowledge types.

Findings

The annotated AKPs evidence the major disciplines supplying each type of knowledge. Different knowledge types have remarkably different integration patterns in terms of knowledge amount, the breadth of source disciplines, and the integration time lag. We also find several frequent co-occurrence patterns of different knowledge types.

Research limitations

The collected articles of the field are limited to the two leading open access journals. The stem-matching method to extract AKPs could not identify those phrases with the same meaning but expressed in words with different stems. The type of Research Subject dominates the recognized AKPs, which calls on an improvement of the classification schema for better knowledge integration analysis on knowledge units.

Practical implications

The methodology proposed in this paper sheds new light on knowledge integration characteristics of an interdisciplinary field from the content perspective. The findings have practical implications on the future development of research strategies in eHealth and the policies about interdisciplinary research.

Originality/value

This study proposed a new methodology to explore the content characteristics of knowledge integration in an interdisciplinary field.
“Sparking” and “Igniting” Key Publications of 2020 Nobel Prize Laureates
Authors: Xi Fangjie , Rousseau Ronald , Hu Xiaojun
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This article aims to determine the percentage of “Sparking” articles among the work of this year’s Nobel Prize winners in medicine, physics, and chemistry.

Design/methodology/approach

We focus on under-cited influential research among the key publications as mentioned by the Nobel Prize Committee for the 2020 Noble Prize laureates. Specifically, we extracted data from the Web of Science, and calculated the Sparking Indices using the formulas as proposed by Hu and Rousseau in 2016 and 2017. In addition, we identified another type of igniting articles based on the notion in 2017.

Findings

In the fields of medicine and physics, the proportions of articles with sparking characteristics share 78.571% and 68.75% respectively, yet, in chemistry 90% articles characterized by “igniting”. Moreover, the two types of articles share more than 93% in the work of the Nobel Prize included in this study.

Research limitations

Our research did not cover the impact of topic, socio-political, and author’s reputation on the Sparking Indices.

Practical implications

Our study shows that the Sparking Indices truly reflect influence of the best research work, so it can be used to detect under-cited influential articles, as well as identifying fundamental work.

Originality/value

Our findings suggest that the Sparking Indices have good applicability for research evaluation.
Spatio-temporal analysis of remotely sensed and hydrological model soil moisture in the small Jičinka River catchment in Czech Republic
Authors: Đukić Vesna , Erić Ranka , Dumbrovsky Miroslav , Sobotkova Veronika
Published: March 2021

The knowledge of spatio-temporal dynamics of soil moisture within the catchment is very important for rainfall–runoff modelling in flood forecasting. In this study the comparison between remotely sensed soil moisture and soil moisture estimated from the SHETRAN hydrological model was performed for small and flashy Jičinka River catchment (75.9 km2) in the Czech Republic. Due to a relatively coarse spatial resolution of satellite data, the satellite soil moisture data were downscaled, by applying the method developed by Qu et al. (2015). The sub-grid variability of soil moisture was estimated on the basis of the mean soil moisture for the grid cell and the known hydraulic soil properties. The SHETRAN model was calibrated and verified to the observed streamflow hydrographs at the catchment outlet. The good correlation between the two different soil moisture information was obtained according to the majority of applied criteria. The results of the evaluation criteria indicate that the downscaled remotely sensed soil moisture data can be used as additional criteria for the calibration and validation of hydrological models for small catchments and can contribute to a better estimation of parameters, to reduce uncertainties of hydrological models and improve runoff simulations.
Daily rainfall estimates considering seasonality from a MODWT-ANN hybrid model
Authors: Gomes Evanice Pinheiro , Blanco Claudio José Cavalcante
Published: March 2021

Analyses based on precipitation data may be limited by the quality of the data, the size of the available historical series and the efficiency of the adopted methodologies; these factors are especially limiting when conducting analyses at the daily scale. Thus, methodologies are sought to overcome these barriers. The objective of this work is to develop a hybrid model through the maximum overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT) to estimate daily rainfall in homogeneous regions of the Tocantins-Araguaia Hydrographic Region (TAHR) in the Amazon (Brazil). Data series from the Climate Prediction Center morphing (CMORPH) satellite products and rainfall data from the National Water Agency (ANA) were divided into seasonal periods (dry and rainy), which were adopted to train the model and for model forecasting. The results show that the hybrid model had a good performance when forecasting daily rainfall using both databases, indicated by the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficients (0.81–0.95), thus, the hybrid model is considered to be potentially useful for modelling daily rainfall.
Effect of T-shaped spur dike length on mean flow characteristics along a 180-degree sharp bend
Authors: Akbari Maryam , Vaghefi Mohammad , Chiew Yee-Meng
Published: March 2021

An open channel flume with a central 180-degree bend with a rigid bed is designed to obtain a better understanding of the complex flow pattern around a T-shaped spur dike located in a sharp bend. The 3-dimensional velocities are measured by using an acoustic Doppler velocimetry under clear-water conditions. This study’s primary objective is to compare variations of the mean flow pattern along a 180-degree bend with a variety of T-shaped spur dike lengths. In order to do so, parameters such as streamlines, the maximum velocity distribution, and the secondary flow strength under the influence of three T-shaped spur dike lengths will be analyzed and then compared with the case where no spur dikes are implemented. The results show that with the spur dike placed at the bend apex, the mean secondary flow strength at that range increases by approximately 2.5 times. In addition, a 67% increase in the length of the wing and web of the spur dike leads to a 27% growth in the mean secondary flow strength along the bend.
Perovskite CH3NH3PbI3–XClx Solar Cells and their Degradation (Part 1: A Short Review)
Authors: Kaulachs I. , Ivanova A. , Tokmakov A. , Roze M. , Mihailovs I. , Rutkis M.
Published: March 2021

Development of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSC) has been one of the hottest research topics since 2013. Within brief literature review, we would like to achieve two objectives. Firstly, we would like to indicate that a whole set of physical properties, such as high change carrier mobility, very low recombination rates, large carrier life time and diffusion length, large absorption coefficients and very weak exciton binding energies, are defining high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of methyl ammonium lead trihalide SC. The second objective is to draw attention to some, in our opinion, important aspects that previously have not been satisfactory addressed in literature. Although degradation of PSC is widely discussed, processes at very first exposure to ambient conditions after deposition of top electrode are uncovered.
Perovskite CH3NH3PbI3–XClx Solar Cells. Experimental Study of Initial Degradation Kinetics and Fill Factor Spectral Dependence
Authors: Kaulachs I. , Ivanova A. , Holsts A. , Roze M. , Flerov A. , Tokmakov A. , Mihailovs I. , Rutkis M.
Published: March 2021

The main drawback of the methylammonium lead halide perovskite solar cells is their degradation in ambient atmosphere. To investigate ambient-air-induced cell degradation, spectral dependencies of open-circuit voltage (V

OC
), fill factor (FF) and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) have been acquired (for the first time reported in literature).

Our custom-made measurement system allowed us to perform measurements of the abovementioned entities in situ directly in vacuum during and after thermal deposition of the electrode. We also studied how these parameters in vacuum changed after cell exposure to ambient air for 85 min (50 nm top electrode) and for 180 min (100 nm top Ag electrode). For fresh CH3NH3PbI3–xClx cell (never been in open air) with very high shunt resistance of 3·107 Ω·cm2 (with practically no shorts and therefore FF could be determined mainly by charge carrier recombination processes) we found that FF in vacuum increased along with an increase of the incident photon energy from 0.55 at 760 nm up to 0.82 at 400 nm. Hypothesis considering hot polaron participation in charge carrier photogeneration and recombination processes as well as another competing hypothesis were offered as possible explanations for the observed FF increase.

The kinetics of short-circuit photocurrent EQE with a change in pressure was also investigated. It was also shown that perovskite solar cell degradation could be noticeably reduced by increasing the top Ag electrode thickness to at least 100 nm, which could possibly facilitate the usual encapsulation process.
A populist turn?
Authors: Ekman Mattias , Krzyżanowski Michał
Published: March 2021

This article undertakes a critical discourse analysis of Swedish quality newspaper editorials and their evolving framing of immigration since the 2015 peak of the recent European “refugee crisis”. Positioned within the ongoing discursive shifts in the Swedish public sphere and the growth of discursive uncivility in its mainstream areas, the analysis highlights how xenophobic and racist discourses once propagated by the far and radical right gradually penetrate into the studied broadsheet newspapers. We argue that the examined editorials carry the tendency to normalise once radical perceptions of immigration. This takes place by incorporating various discursive strategies embedded in wider argumentative frames – or topoi – of demographic consequences, Islam and Islamisation, threat, and integration. All of these enable constructing claims against immigration now apparently prevalent in the examined strands of the Swedish “quality” press.
The institutionalisation of populist political discourse and conservative uncivil society in the European Union
Authors: Ruzza Carlo
Published: March 2021

This article analyses the ideational features of conservative civil society groups at EU level and compares them to progressive groups. Through a frame analysis of the textual materials of these two types of organisations, I examine their reactions to the success of populist formations in several European member states and at EU level. I argue that the long-established EU ethos of fostering progressive civil society is undergoing a redefinition, which impacts their strategies. I posit that in a changing political climate, EU institutions are less interested in some of the contributions progressive civil society offers, such as its contributions to public deliberation, governance, and the legitimacy of the EU. Progressive civil society reacts to the threat of a loss of standing and attempts to retain its historical centrality, legitimacy, and access. In contrast, conservative civil society groups seek to establish themselves in a political environment previously off-limits to them.
Standing on the ice: experiences of women national ice hockey players in Turkey
Authors: Doğusan Sena Nur , Koçak Funda
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine within the framework of symbolic interaction theory and field theory how women national ice hockey players understand ice hockey through their experiences. Semi-structured interviews were used to understand the experiences of 21 ice hockey players from the Turkish women’s national team, and themes were developed from the data using the thematic analysis methods. A total of three main themes and two sub-themes were created after the analysis. In this context, three main themes related to the theoretical framework were established: “Symbolic Meanings: A Strong Ice Hockey Player,” “Ice Hockey As a Life Space,” and “A Hard Fight On the Ice.” In addition, under the main theme of “Ice Hockey As a Life Space” are two sub-themes: “World of Emotions” and “Constraints.” Ice hockey is perceived by women players as a living space that expresses a firm stance towards life. Despite the presence of traces of the concept of gender, ice hockey is not seen as a fully gendered area by Turkish players. In general, women players reported the lack of financial and social support as limiting factors for participation in ice hockey, while moral support and high motivation were supporting factors.
Synthesis, computational, anticancerous and antiproliferative effects of some copper, manganese and zinc complexes with ligands derived from symmetrical 2,2’-diamino-4,4’-dimethyl-1,1’-biphenyl-salicylaldehyde
Authors: Ababneh Taher S. , El-Khateeb Mohammad , Tanash Aissar K. , AL-Shboul Tareq M.A. , Shammout Mohammad Jamal A. , Jazzazi Taghreed M.A. , Alomari Mohammad , Daoud Safa , Talib Wamidh H.
Published: March 2021

Four new symmetrical Schiff bases derived from 2,2’-diamino-4,4’-dimethyl-1,1’-biphenyl-salicylaldehyde have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and different spectroscopic techniques. The reaction of 2,2’-diamino-4,4’-dimethyl-1,1’-biphenyl with two equivalents of 5-tert-butyl-, 3,5-dinitro-, 3,5-dibromo- and 3-tert-butyl-salicylaldehyde yielded 2,2’-bis(5-tert-butyl-salicylideneamino)-4,4’-dimethyl-1,1’-biphenyl (A1) as well as the 3,5-dinitro- (A2), 3,5-dibromo- (A3) and 3-tert-butyl- (A4) substituted derivatives. The tetradentate ligands were then reacted with copper-, manganese- and zinc-acetate producing the tetra-coordinate metal complexes which were characterized by FTIR, UV-Visible spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility and elemental analysis. Zinc complexes were characterized by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory were carried out to fully optimize and examine the molecular geometries of complexes. Subsequently, IR vibrational and UV-Vis absorption spectra were computed and correlated with the observed values and the results are in good agreement with the experimental data. The anticancerous and antiproliferative activity of the A3 ligand and its metal complexes were determined.
Recapitulation of Transcriptomic Characteristics of Primary Breast Tumours in Patient-Derived 3D Cultures in Vitro
Authors: Nitiša Dina , Jain Nityanand , Irmejs Arvīds , Pirsko Valdis , Čakstiņa Inese
Published: March 2021

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Europe and worldwide. Adherent (2D) cell cultures have been the routine in vitro model system employed in preclinical BC research for the last half-century. Over the past decade, new protocols have been developed allowing patient-derived three-dimensional organoid (3D) cell culture development from a range of solid tumours, including BC. These 3D models offer a promise of closer resemblance to the native tumour than the 2D cultures. To test the assumption that an in vitro 3D BC model system provides increased faithfulness to the molecular processes happening in vivo, as compared to 2D BC cultures, post-operational material from three BC patients was used to simultaneously develop 2D and 3D cultures in vitro. When analysed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the gene expression patterns of the cells from 3D cultures resembled the original tissues, while the gene expression patterns of the conventional 2D cultures were more distant.
Sinus Rhythm Maintenance After Electrical Cardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation in High-Risk Patients — Comparative Efficacy of Antiarrhythmic Medications
Authors: Kokina Baiba , Strēlnieks Aldis , Pupkeviča Irina , Jubele Kristīne , Vikmane Maija , Sakne Sandis , Sokolova Emma , Urtāne Inga , Lejnieks Aivars , Kalējs Oskars
Published: March 2021

Atrial fibrillation (AF) conversion to sinus rhythm by electrical cardioversion (ECV) is followed by the challenge of preventing arrhythmia recurrence, especially in high-risk patients. The properties of class IC, class III and also class II antiarrhythmic medications have been established, but not all effects have been studied. The aim of the study was to compare efficacy of class IC and class III antiarrhythmic medications, and additionally medication with a class II mechanism of action, or taken concomitantly with a beta-blocker, for post-cardioversion sinus rhythm maintenance in patients with high-risk AF. A total of 112 patients who underwent successful ECV in Latvian Centre of Cardiology were included. Data was acquired by a face-to-face interview and 1-, 3-, 6-month follow-up interviews. Comparing class IC (used by 34.8%) and class III (used by 65.2%) drugs, there was no statistically significant difference between six-month sinus rhythm maintenance rates (53.8% vs. 63.0%, p = 0.346) and arrhythmia-free survival (p = 0.313). Comparing amiodarone (used by 57.1%) and ethacizine, concurrently with a beta-blocker (used by 25.9%), no statistically significant difference was found between six-month sinus rhythm maintenance (64.1% vs. 58.6%, p = 0.616) and arrhythmia-free survival (p = 0.706). The results showed that specific antiarrhythmic drug choice was not associated with superior effectiveness, highlighting that, if not contraindicated, ethacizine, concomitantly with a beta-blocker, could be used as a similarly effective alternative for amiodarone, which has adverse health effects.
Comparison of Fluoroscopically and Arthroscopically Assisted Volar Plating of Articular Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Krustiņš Uldis , Nefjodovs Vadims , Bringina Diāna , Jaudzema Aija , Jumtiņš Andris
Published: March 2021

The article presents the results of a retrospective study that included 70 patients with intraarticular (AO Type C [Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen]) distal radius fractures, who were treated using an arthroscopically assisted approach with volar locking plates or just a fluoroscopically assisted surgery. Thirty-seven of them were treated using volar locking plates using only fluoroscopically guided surgery and 33 patients were treated with the arthroscopically assisted fracture fixation method. Data of the patients who attended a full cycle of the postoperative observation within the first year after the surgery and postponed to the last visit 1 to 5 years after the surgery were included in the analysis for both groups. Postoperative analysis was carried out using X-ray assessment, clinical data, patient-rated wrist evaluation score, Gartland and Werley score, Modern Activity Subjective Survey of 2007 score, range of motion, grip, pinch and tripod pinch assessment at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Despite the statistically significant differences found in a number of parameters during the follow-up period, there were no clinically relevant differences determined between the two methods in the long-term period. There was a greater arch of motions in extension and radial deviation in the arthroscopic surgery group. Duration of the surgery was longer in the arthroscopic surgery group, but comminuted or AO-C3 type fractures also were more often presented in this group. One complex regional pain syndrome occurred in the arthroscopic surgery group and two in the control group. None of patients suffered tendon ruptures, hardware migration or infections.
EU Energy Security at a Glance: The Evolution of the Situation Between 2014-2018
Authors: Cîrdei Ionuţ Alin
Published: March 2021

Ensuring the energy resources needed for the functioning of society as a whole is a major concern for European countries, which must identify solutions in this regard. Measures to be taken individually and collectively aim to ensure a continuous flow of energy resources and to consolidate the energy security. The energy security of European states is quite difficult to achieve due to the energy situation of all states and due to the increased dependence on energy resources outside the European space. Ensuring energy security not only creates the conditions for the development of society, but also strengthens national security, as it eliminates possible sources of tension and contradictions, which can lead to crisis or even conflict. From this perspective, it is clear that the EU is making efforts for energy sources diversification and to reduce the likelihood of malfunctions, but the evolution of the energy situation of the EU bloc shows that this is a long-term approach and concrete measures are very difficult to implement, fact easy to notice from the analysis of the energy situation of the EU between 2014 and 2018.
Considerations Regarding the Possibility of Implementing a Model for the Evaluation of the Level of Cadets’ Physical Training
Authors: Stănciulescu Robert , Stănciulescu Cristian
Published: March 2021

The analysis of military conflicts in the latter part of the twentieth century has led to a revision of ideas about the concept of physical training in modern armies in Europe and America. The dimensions of the scientific and technical revolution show that the power of military imposition depends on the intensive technologies of knowledge, and physical training has been redefined as an urgent need in the training of the military and placed in its proper place. Not only is it no longer neglected, but, as if more than ever, from the data provided by foreign military literature, it is clear that the training of the fighter begins and ends with physical exercises. Military specialists say that in increasing combat capability, physical condition comes immediately after the technical and tactical experience in terms of importance, representing 20-30 % of the time allocated to training for combat. This orientation includes the theory of the training practice of future students in the Land Forces Academy, the assessment of the level of physical training being an essential objective in the training system.
Planning and Conducting Computer Assisted Exercises During a Pandemic
Authors: Zinca Diana-Ioana , Bârsan Ghiţă
Published: March 2021

2020 was a year that changed the world completely, forced everyone to think outside of the box and the effects, as well as the results, are still to be measured. While facing several countries’ lockdowns, planning and conducting a multinational computer assisted exercise (CAX) during a pandemic seemed nearly impossible. By taking extreme measures, developing a new architecture model for a CAX and relying on the training audience’s will to be trained, NATO managed to overcome all the constraints and successfully conducted the exercise Loyal Leda 2020. This paper will not only give details about the new CAX architecture concept that supported the execution phase of the exercise, but will also explain the exercise planning process (EPP) behind it.
Prevalence, morbidity and mortality of deep neck abscess in a tertiary hospital from Northwestern Mexico
Authors: Pineda-Alvarado Alejandra , Lugo-Machado Juan Antonio , Canché-Martin Edwin , Quintero Jaime Zuleyka , Arellano-Ridriguez Irene , Lizárraga Lorenzo Lizárraga
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND. Neck abscesses are defined as processes of infectious origin, which form a collection of purulent material through the deep planes of the neck, formed by fasciae. It may involve one or more spaces of the cervical region. In addition, they can be localized or disseminated and generate extremely serious and life-threatening complications.

OBJECTIVE. To identify the prevalence of deep neck abscess in our tertiary hospital center.

MATERIAL AND METHODS. A retrospective, analytical, observational, and cross-sectional study was carried out from January 2015 to May 2019. The data observed during the care of the patients with a diagnosis of deep neck abscess were collected from the clinical records. Descriptive statistics were performed, and the odd ratio was used for the risk probability analysis.

RESULTS. A prevalence of 42 cases was found in 5 years, with 8.4 annual cases, average age of 45.2 years, male gender predominance in 53% of the cases. Descending mediastinitis was the most common complication and a mortality of 8.33% was presented. Type 2 diabetes mellitus and the involvement of 3 or more spaces represented a higher risk for complications compared to healthy patients who presented involvement of ≤2 spaces.

CONCLUSION. In the Northwestern region of Mexico of IMSS beneficiaries, we have a prevalence of 42 cases in 5 years, 8.4 per year. The average age of our series is 45.2 years and there is no difference regarding the affection by gender. The involvement of two or more than three spaces represents the majority of cases. More than half of our cases underwent surgical drainage. Type 2 diabetes mellitus alone or accompanied with other comorbidities was the most common associated pathology; this same entity and the involvement of 3 or more spaces presented a higher risk of complications
The Sociology of Global Warming: A Scientometric Look
Authors: Campa Riccardo
Published: March 2021

The theory of anthropogenic global warming (AGW) enjoys considerable consensus among experts. It is widely recognized that global industrialization is producing an increase in the planet’s temperatures and causing environmental disasters. Still, there are scholars – although a minority – who consider groundless either the idea of global warming itself or the idea that it constitutes an existential threat for humanity. This lack of scientific unanimity (as well as differing political ideologies) ignites controversies in the political world, the mass media, and public opinion as well. Sociologists have been dealing with this issue for some time, producing researches and studies based on their specific competencies. Using scientometric tools, this article tries to establish to what extent and in which capacity sociologists are studying the phenomenon of climate change. Particular attention is paid to meta-analytical aspects such as consensus, thematic trends, and the impact of scientific works.
Reply to Walter Block on Ethical Vegetarianism
Authors: Huemer Michael
Published: March 2021

I address Walter Block’s recent criticisms of my book, Dialogues on Ethical Vegetarianism. Methodologically, Block relies too much on appeals to contentious and extreme assumptions. Substantively, most of his objections are irrelevant to the central issue of the book. Those that are relevant turn on false assumptions or lead to absurd consequences. In the end, Block’s claim to oppose suffering cannot be reconciled with his indifference to a practice that probably causes, every few years, more suffering than all the suffering in human history.
A Short History of the Discovery of Black Holes
Authors: Braddock Martin
Published: March 2021

The concept of black holes or completely collapsed gravitational objects as they were originally called has fascinated the scientific community and writers of science fiction for centuries. The mathematical proof of the existence of black holes came from the collation of multiple lines of evidence, some of which were highly debated and was derived from both indirect and direct sources. The measurement of gravitational waves and the observation of a black hole represent one of the most astounding achievements in astrophysics which will open up new areas of investigation for the role that black holes play in the formation, maintenance and evolution of galactic structure.
A Model of Systems Dynamics for Physical Flow Analysis in a Distribution Supply Chain
Authors: Hamoudi Kahina , Bellaouar Ahmed , Petiot Romain
Published: March 2021

This article proposes a model of systems dynamics for the analysis and study of physical flows in a distribution logistics chain. The proposed model is a decision support tool that allows testing several scenarios in order to study the behavior of physical flows within a supply chain depending on the inventory and transport costs and taking into consideration the environmental issues through the integration of a CO2 tax in transport costs. The developed model can be used to analyze various scenarios and perform various “what-if” analyzes, as well as to answer questions about the long-term operation of distribution chains. The results show that logistic decisions and strategies taken at the supply chain level influence inventory and transport costs. They show also that the model is a well decision-support tool for calculating and analyzing transport and inventory costs. We first expose the methodology and the literature review. Next, we present in detail the structure of the model consisting of the causal loops diagram and stock and flow diagram. Finally, we discuss the results of the model.
Nudges, consideraciones normativas de sus objetivos y métodos
Authors: De Quintana Júlia
Published: March 2021

Júlia de Quintana pursues a PhD on the acceptability of nudges in public policy at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, awarded with the Special Prize by the Academic Affairs Committee (2014) and a master’s degree in Social Policy, Employment and Welfare (2015) from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Her main research interests are behavioural public policy, institutional design and nudges. Her work covers normative an empirical discussion on decision-making and rationality and social policy and explores the potentialities of behavioural insights in areas such as tax compliance and income guarantee schemes.
The Population And Activities Of Peat Land Microorganism On Palm Oil Plantation Based On Depth And Age Of Plant
Authors: Emalinda Oktanis
Published: March 2021

Population and activity of soil microorganisms can be used as indicators in soil management. This research aims to examine the population and activity of peat soil microorganisms based on the depth and age of oil palm plantations.

This research is located in Katapiang, Batang Anai Subdistrict, Padang Pariaman District, which peat land is used for palm oil plantations and it getsa minimal plantation management. The research uses survey method in four stages: preparation, pre survey, main survey and sampling, laboratory analysis and data processing. Samples taken on peat land that planted with palm oil  from ages 0-5 years, 5-10 years, 10-15 years, and samples from natural peatlands. Sampling at depths of 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, and 40-60 cm. From the data analysis, the soil microorganisms population is decreasing with the increase of palm oil plantations age. The bacterial and fungal populations mostly are on the surface. Meanwhile, the highest activity of microorganisms is on 5-10 years palm oil land. Phosphate solvent bacteria mostly found in 5-10 yearspalm oil. Ground water level, water content and soil pH also affect the population and activity of soil microorganisms.
The Effect of High Temperature on α-Amylase Enzyme Activity in the Germination of Several Rice Varieties (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Sari Afrima
Published: March 2021

High temperatures can affect plant morphophysiological changes and enzyme denaturation that can interfere with the germination process. This research aims to study the effect of temperature changes on the α-amylase enzyme activity of several rice varieties germination. The research applies Factorial Experiment in Completely Random Design, where the first factor is four levels of rice varieties, Anak Daro, Batang Piaman, Cisokan, and Inpari 30. The second factor is temperature level, 28 0C, 32 0C, 36 0C, 40 0C, 44 0C and 48 0C. Results showed that the activity of the α -amylase enzymes of the four varieties increased when the temperature increased to reach the optimal temperature, and denaturation began to occur above that temperature.  The highest enzyme activity of α-amylase of Anak Daro, Cisokan and Inpari 30 varieties at 48 0C is 0,14 micromol, 0,365 micromol dan 0,191 micromol. In contrast the optimum enzyme activity of α-amylase of Batang Piaman variety at a temperature of 40 0C is 0,237 micromol and when the temperature rises to 48 0C a decrease in the activity of the α-amylation enzyme is 0,138 micromol. The variation in the activity of α-amylase enzymes in the four varieties is probably due to genetic differences and sucrose content. The Batang Piaman and Cisokan varieties can only germinate up to 36 0C, while the Daro and Inpari 30 varieties can germinate up to 40 0C.
Étatisation, conflits frontaliers et délimitations des frontières maritimes : l’Afrique centrale comme espace de perturbation géopolitique
Authors: Moundounga Mouity Patrice
Published: March 2021

L’objet de cet article est d’étudier la question de la délimitation des frontières maritimes dans le monde en prenant appui sur l’Afrique centrale. Le concept de frontière, traditionnellement considéré comme une ligne de démarcation entre des États, pose des problèmes sur le continent, mais également en mer malgré son apparition tardive. Aujourd’hui convoitée et conflictuelle, la frontière maritime pose des problèmes de délimitation et donc de revendication étatique de souveraineté. En dépit du droit de la mer, on observe la remise en cause des cadres spatiaux légués par les Conventions étatiques, en particulier dans les zones frontalières animées par de multiples enjeux économiques, mais surtout de tutelle géopolitique. C’est le cas de l’Afrique centrale qui devient un espace de perturbation géopolitique entre tentative de recomposition interne et refonte du leadership sous-régional.
Quantum accuracy threshold for concatenated distance-3 code
Authors: Aliferis P. , Gottesman D. , Preskill J.
Published: March 2021

We prove a new version of the quantum threshold theorem that applies to concatenation of a quantum code that corrects only one error, and we use this theorem to derive a rigorous lower bound on the quantum accuracy threshold $\varepsilon_0$. Our proof also applies to concatenation of higher-distance codes, and to noise models that allow faults to be correlated in space and in time. The proof uses new criteria for assessing the accuracy of fault-tolerant circuits, which are particularly conducive to the inductive analysis of recursive simulations. Our lower bound on the threshold, $\varepsilon_0 \ge 2.73\times 10^{-5}$ for an adversarial independent stochastic noise model, is derived from a computer-assisted combinatorial analysis; it is the best lower bound that has been rigorously proven so far.
The computational power of the W and GHZ states
Authors: D'Hondt E. , Panangaden P.
Published: March 2021

It is well understood that the use of quantum entanglement significantly enhances the computational power of systems. Much of the attention has focused on Bell states and their multipartite generalizations. However, in the multipartite case it is known that there are several inequivalent classes of states, such as those represented by the W-state and the GHZ-state. Our main contribution is a demonstration of the special computational power of these states in the context of paradigmatic problems from classical distributed computing. Concretely, we show that the W-state is the only pure state that can be used to exactly solve the problem of leader election in anonymous quantum networks. Similarly we show that the GHZ-state is the only one that can be used to solve the problem of distributed consensus when no classical post-processing is considered. These results generalize to a family of W- and GHZ-like states. At the heart of the proofs of these impossibility results lie symmetry arguments.
Concurrence and Schwarz inequality
Authors: Heydari H. , Björk G.
Published: March 2021

We show that generalized concurrence is closely related to, and can be derived from, the Schwarz inequality. This connection places concurrence in a geometrical and functional-analytical setting.
Implementation of continuous variable quantum cryptography in optical fibres using a go-&-return configuration
Authors: Legré M. , Zbinden H. , Gisin N.
Published: March 2021

We demonstrate an implementation of quantum key distribution with continuous variables based on a go-&-return configuration over distances up to 14km. This configuration leads to self-compensation of polarisation and phase fluctuations. We observe a high degree of stability of our set-up over many hours.
Generalized asymmetric quantum cloning machines
Authors: Iblisdir S. , Acin A. , Gisin N.
Published: March 2021

We study machines that take N identical replicas of a pure qudit state as input and output a set of M_A clones of a given fidelity and another set of M_B clones of another fidelity. The trade-off between these two fidelities is investigated, and numerous examples of optimal N \to M_A+M_B cloning machines are exhibited using a generic method. A generalisation to more than two sets of clones is also discussed. Finally, an optical implementation of some such machines is proposed. This paper is an extended version of Phys. Rev. A 72, 042328 (2005).
Universal quantum computation with shutter logic
Authors: Garcia-Escartin J.C. , Chamorro-Posada P.
Published: March 2021

We show that universal quantum logic can be achieved using only linear optics and a quantum shutter device. With these elements, we design a quantum memory for any number of qubits and a CNOT gate which are the basis of a universal quantum computer. An interaction-free model for a quantum shutter is given.