bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On a generalization of tripled fixed or best proximity points for a class of cyclic contractive maps
Authors: Zlatanov Boyan
Published: January 2022

We enrich the known results about tripled fixed points and tripled best
proximity points. We generalize the notion of ordered pairs of cyclic
contraction maps and we obtain sufficient conditions for the existence and
uniqueness of fixed (or best proximity) points. We get a priori and a
posteriori error estimates for the tripled fixed points and for the tripled
best proximity points, provided that the underlying Banach space has modulus
of convexity of power type in the case of best proximity points, obtained by
sequences of successive iterations. We illustrate the main result with an
example.
Existence and uniqueness theorems for pointwise slant immersions in complex space forms
Authors: Alghanemi Azeb , Al-houiti Noura , Chen Bang-Yen , Uddin Siraj
Published: January 2022

An isometric immersion f : Mn ? ?Mm from an n-dimensional Riemannian manifold
Mn into an almost Hermitian manifold ?Mm of complex dimension m is called
pointwise slant if its Wirtinger angles define a function defined on Mn. In
this paper we establish the Existence and Uniqueness Theorems for pointwise
slant immersions of Riemannian manifolds Mn into a complex space form ?Mn(c)
of constant holomorphic sectional curvature c, which extend the Existence
and Uniqueness Theorems for slant immersions proved by B.-Y. Chen and L.
Vrancken in 1997.
New type of G-Mond-Weir type primal-dual model and their duality results with generalized assumptions
Authors: Dubey Ramu , Mishra Vishnu
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a generalization of convexity, namely Gf-invexity is
considered. We formulate a Mond-Weir type symmetric dual for a class of
nondifferentiable multiobjective fractional programming problem over cones.
Next, we prove appropriate duality results using Gf-invexity assumptions.
First eigenvalue of weighted p-Laplacian under cotton flow
Authors: Saha Apurba , Azami Shahroud , Hui Shyamal
Published: January 2022

In this paper we find out the evolution formula for the first nonzero
eigenvalue of the weighted p-Laplacian operator acting on the space of
functions under the Cotton flow on a closed Riemannian 3-manifold M3.
Cavitation properties of rendering mortars with micro silica addition
Authors: Terzic Anja , Dojcinovic Marina , Milicic Ljiljana , Stojanovic Jovica , Radojevic Zagorka
Published: January 2022

Micro-silica is a highly efficient mineral additive whose role is reflected
in improvements of microstructure packing, strength and durability of
non-shaped composite building materials such as concrete and mortar. A
comparative study of performances of rendering mortars with different
quantities of micro silica was conducted. The experimental program included
production of reference mortar based on Portland cement and quartz sand (CM)
and three mortars with 5, 10, and 15 % addition of micro silica (SCM-5,
SCM-10, and SCM-15). The effect that micro silica addition has on the
thermal behavior and mechanical properties of mortars was discussed.
Hydration mechanisms and thermally induced reactions were studied at
temperatures ranging from ambient to 1100 ?C by differential thermal
analysis. The results were supported by X-ray diffraction analysis. The
cementing efficiency of micro silica was assessed by cavitation erosion
test. The changes in the morphology of mortar samples prior and upon
cavitation testing were monitored by means of the scanning electron
microscope imagining. It was found that 5 % of superfine micro silica (SCM-5
mortar) has positive effects on mechanical strengths (15 % increase in
compressive strength) due to microstructure densification arising from the
successive filling of voids by the micro silica. Addition of micro silica
also improved the cavitation erosion resistance in comparison with reference
cement mortar (SCM-5 showed cavitation velocity as low as 0.09 mg/min). This
qualifies mortars with micro silica addition as building materials which can
be safely employed in potential hydro-demolition environment.
Effect of TiC, TiN, and TiCN on microstructural, mechanical and tribological properties of PM steels
Authors: Erden Mehmet , Tasliyan Mehmet , Akgul Yasin
Published: January 2022

Developments in sintering of powder mixtures contributed growth of steel
production via powder metallurgy. This study aims to improve the mechanical
and tribological properties of carbon steels produced via powder metallurgy.
For this purpose, P/M carbon steel was alloyed with 3 % Manganese. Then,
this alloyed steel was reinforced with particles such as titanium carbide
(TiC), titanium nitride (TiN) and titanium carbonitride (TiCN) in different
proportions (0.5 and 1 %) and combinations. The effect of these additives on
the mechanical properties of PM steels was determined by conducting tensile
and hardness tests. Wear tests were performed to understand the tribological
properties of samples. Also, microstructural properties, fracture surfaces,
and worn surfaces of samples were examined using a Scanning Electron
Microscope. Results show that the hardness and tensile strength of carbon
steel increased by nearly 158 % and 62 % respectively, while the wear
resistance improved by 4 times with the addition of 3 % Mn and 0.5 % TiCN.
Effect of sintering time on microstructure and electrical properties of varistor ceramics ZnO-CoO-SLS glass
Authors: Ismail Nur , Sa’at Nor , Zaid Mohd
Published: January 2022

The influence of sintering time on the microstructure and electrical
properties of ZnO-CoO-SLS (soda lime silica) glass varistor based ceramics
has been investigated. With increased sintering time, the density of the
sintered pellets increased from 5.060 to 5.644 g/cm3 resulting in an
increase of the nonlinear coefficient and barrier height of the ZnO-CoO-SLS
glass varistor ceramics from 6.742 to 8.252 and 0.846 to 0.955 eV,
respectively. The breakdown voltage is inversely proportional to the leakage
current. The breakdown voltage increases from 183.7 to 278.6 V/cm and the
leakage current decreases from 5.832 to 4.324 ?A/cm2 as the sintering time
is increased from 60 to 150 minutes but as the increase sintering time of
150 minutes their value decreases to 222.8 V/cm and increases to 5.078
?A/cm2. The high nonlinearity of 7.366 with lowest leakage current of 4.324
?A/cm2 has been achieved from the varistor sintered at 150 minutes,
breakdown voltage of 278.6 V/cm and barrier height of 0.954 eV.
Hypoglycemia Subtypes in Type 1 Diabetes: An Exploration of the Hypoglycemia Fear Survey-II
Authors: Maclean Rory H. , Jacob Peter , Choudhary Pratik , Heller Simon R. , Toschi Elena , Kariyawasam Dulmini , Brooks Augustin , Kendall Mike , de Zoysa Nicole , Gonder-Frederick Linda A. , Amiel Stephanie A.
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVE

The Hypoglycemia Fear Survey-II (HFS-II) is a well-validated measure of fear of hypoglycemia in people with type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between hypoglycemia worries, behaviors, and cognitive barriers to hypoglycemia avoidance and hypoglycemia awareness status, severe hypoglycemia, and HbA1c.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants with type 1 diabetes (n = 178), with the study population enriched for people at risk for severe hypoglycemia (49%), completed questionnaires for assessing hypoglycemia fear (HFS-II), hyperglycemia avoidance (Hyperglycemia Avoidance Scale [HAS]), diabetes distress (Problem Areas In Diabetes [PAID]), and cognitive barriers to hypoglycemia avoidance (Attitudes to Awareness of Hypoglycemia [A2A]). Exploratory factor analysis was applied to the HFS-II. We sought to establish clusters based on HFS-II, A2A, Gold, HAS, and PAID using k-means clustering.

RESULTS

Four HFS-II factors were identified: Sought Safety, Restricted Activity, Ran High, and Worry. While Sought Safety, Restricted Activity, and Worry increased with progressively impaired awareness and recurrent severe hypoglycemia, Ran High did not. With cluster analysis we outlined four clusters: two clusters with preserved hypoglycemia awareness were differentiated by low fear/low cognitive barriers to hypoglycemia avoidance (cluster 1) versus high fear and distress and increased Ran High behaviors (cluster 2). Two clusters with impaired hypoglycemia awareness were differentiated by low fear/high cognitive barriers (cluster 3) as well as high fear/low cognitive barriers (cluster 4).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to define clusters of hypoglycemia experience by worry, behaviors, and cognitive barriers to hypoglycemia avoidance. The resulting subtypes may be important in understanding and treating problematic hypoglycemia.
Prediction of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events From Retinal, Clinical, and Genomic Data in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: A Population Cohort Study
Authors: Mordi Ify R. , Trucco Emanuele , Syed Mohammad Ghouse , MacGillivray Tom , Nar Adi , Huang Yu , George Gittu , Hogg Stephen , Radha Venkatesan , Prathiba Vijayaraghavan , Anjana Ranjit Mohan , Mohan Viswanathan , Palmer Colin N.A. , Pearson Ewan R. , Lang Chim C. , Doney Alex S.F.
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVE

Improved identification of individuals with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular (CV) risk could help in selection of newer CV risk-reducing therapies. The aim of this study was to determine whether retinal vascular parameters, derived from retinal screening photographs, alone and in combination with a genome-wide polygenic risk score for coronary heart disease (CHD PRS) would have independent prognostic value over traditional CV risk assessment in patients without prior CV disease.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients in the Genetics of Diabetes Audit and Research Tayside Scotland (GoDARTS) study were linked to retinal photographs, prescriptions, and outcomes. Retinal photographs were analyzed using VAMPIRE (Vascular Assessment and Measurement Platform for Images of the Retina) software, a semiautomated artificial intelligence platform, to compute arterial and venous fractal dimension, tortuosity, and diameter. CHD PRS was derived from previously published data. Multivariable Cox regression was used to evaluate the association between retinal vascular parameters and major adverse CV events (MACE) at 10 years compared with the pooled cohort equations (PCE) risk score.

RESULTS

Among 5,152 individuals included in the study, a MACE occurred in 1,017 individuals. Reduced arterial fractal dimension and diameter and increased venous tortuosity each independently predicted MACE. A risk score combining these parameters significantly predicted MACE after adjustment for age, sex, PCE, and the CHD PRS (hazard ratio 1.11 per SD increase, 95% CI 1.04–1.18, P = 0.002) with similar accuracy to PCE (area under the curve [AUC] 0.663 vs. 0.658, P = 0.33). A model incorporating retinal parameters and PRS improved MACE prediction compared with PCE (AUC 0.686 vs. 0.658, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Retinal parameters alone and in combination with genome-wide CHD PRS have independent and incremental prognostic value compared with traditional CV risk assessment in type 2 diabetes.
Lactate is a Key Mediator That Links Obesity to Insulin Resistance via Modulating Cytokine Production From Adipose Tissue
Authors: Lin Yijun , Bai Meijuan , Wang Shuo , Chen Lingling , Li Zixuan , Li Chenchen , Cao Peijuan , Chen Yan
Published: January 2022

Numerous evidences indicate that inflammation
in adipose tissue is the primary cause of systemic insulin resistance induced
by obesity. Obesity-associated changes in circulating LPS level and hypoxia/HIF-1a activation have
been proposed to be involved in boosting obesity-induced inflammation. However,
what triggers obesity-induced inflammation is poorly understood. In this study,
we pinpoint lactate as a key trigger to mediate obesity-induced inflammation
and systemic insulin resistance. Specific deletion of Slc16a1 that encodes MCT1, the primary lactate transporter in
adipose tissues, robustly elevates blood levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines
and aggravates systemic insulin resistance without alteration of adiposity in
mice fed high-fat diet. Slc16a1
deletion in adipocytes elevates intracellular lactate level while reducing
circulating lactate concentration. Mechanistically, lactate retention due to Slc16a1 deletion initiates adipocyte
apoptosis and cytokine release. The locally recruited macrophages amplify the
inflammation by release of pro-inflammatory cytokines to the circulation,
leading to insulin resistance in peripheral tissues. This study, therefore,
indicates that lactate within adipocytes has a key biological function linking
obesity to insulin resistance, and harnessing lactate in adipocytes can be a
promising strategy to break this deadly link.
Coal Massifs Gas Permeability
Authors:   IPCON RAN, Zaburdayev V.S.
Published: January 2022

Conditions and special features of methane release from the gas-bearing coal massifs into preparatory workings or preliminary degassing wells are given in the paper. The results are presented related to studying gas permeability of the coal seams and indicators of their gas recovery into the seam workings and wells at the depths of 270–560 m from the earth surface at the gas pressures of 1.39–4.60 MPa, and the coal methane content of 14.0–21.4 m3/t. Studies were conducted on the workings extended from 60 to 1200 m during their sinking in the conditions of 17 shallow mines on 28 coal seams, 15 of which were worked out with the use of preliminary degassing. It is established that the gas permeability of the Kuzbass coal seams varies within 0.005–0.045 milli Darcy. The intensity of methane release from the wells ranges from 2.7 to 20.1 m3/day with a coal bed capacity of 1.5–3.7 m, initial methane release into pre-degassing wells of 0.24–0.48 m3/(m2 per day), the rate of methane release reduction in time of 0.008–0.012 days–1. The relationship is noted between the quantitative indicators of gas recovery of the coal massifs in degassing wells and in reservoir workings in the dredging field. Linear dependence in time of the inverse magnitude of the intensity of methane release into the wells of preliminary degassing of the coal seam and reservoir workings at the excavation site (K-factor) is revealed. Its numerical values for 7 Kuzbass coal seams were: 0.014–0.062 m2/m3 when methane was released into preparatory workings and 0.021–0.042 m2/m3 — into pre-degassing wells. Close numerical values of the K-factors allow to use them together in predicting the parameters of methane extraction in the projects of preliminary degassing of coal-bearing formations by the wells drilled in the plane of the coal-gas massif.
Investigation of Heat Input during Pipe Welding by Various Techniques and Methods
Authors:   OOO NII Transneft, Goncharov N.G. , Nesterov G.V. ,   OOO NII Transneft, Yushin A.A. ,   OOO NII Transneft, Azarin A.I. ,   OOO NII Transneft
Published: January 2022

The article presents the results of the experimental investigations on studying the effect of heat input on the metal-physical properties of the welded joints of pipes with the diameters of 114–406 mm and the wall thicknesses of 9–21 mm from steels X42–X46 according to API 5L standard with various welding technologies. The analysis is given concerning the thermal welding cycles using technologies of manual arc welding with electrodes with a basic and cellulose type of coating, as well as automatic welding technology under a flux layer. The parameters of thermal welding cycles were measured using 12-channel recorder, which received a signal from chromel-alumel thermocouples stamped near the weld. The data obtained was processed in accordance with the program, which included an assessment of the maximum temperatures and temperature gradients, a study of the kinetics of the accumulation of thermal effects in the near-seam zone, and the zone of thermal influence, as well as an assessment of the residence time of the welded joint metal at a temperature above 600 °C. The analysis of thermal cycles using various welding techniques and methods showed that the parameters of thermal welding cycles largely determine the metal-physical properties of the weld metal and the zones of thermal influence, the possibility of trouble-free and long-lasting operation of the structure at various ambient temperatures. It is shown that the choice of the optimal thermal welding cycle allows to obtain high mechanical properties of metal in all the areas of the welded joint, and, also, ensures the production of weld metal with high metallurgical quality, which increases the working condition of the pipeline and the safety of maintenance personnel during its operation. The presented results of the study can serve as a basis for the development of additional requirements for welding technology of steels of various strengths considering the maintenance of the working condition of the structure as a whole.
The Prospect of Reducing Dust Content in the Working Face and Increasing the Recovery Factor in a Potash Mine with a Сhamber Mining System
Authors:   Mining Institute UB RAS, Isaevich A.G. , Shalimov A.V. ,   Mining Institute UB RAS, Aleksandrova M.A. ,   Mining Institute UB RAS
Published: January 2022

When developing potash deposits, an important point is to preserve the continuity of the water-proof layer for ensuring prevention of the groundwater penetration into the mine space. For this purpose, the development of the Verkhnekamskoye field is carried out by a chamber development system with the abandonment of chain poles to preserve the waterproof layer. Ore crushing is carried out with the help of high-performance combine systems, at the same time, the ore extraction process is accompanied by emissions of a large amount of dust into the mine atmosphere. The existing mining system assumes the movement of the outgoing flow of polluted air through the entire mine roadway (chamber), from the face to the mouth. In addition, there is a self-propelled carriage in the cell, driven by a miner who is forced to work in a polluted atmosphere. The most efficient method of reducing the air dustiness involves the use of hygroscopic properties of dust, however, the use of moisture in the bottom to reduce the dustiness of the air in potash mines is highly undesirable, since when sylvinite is contacting with water, an aggressive environment is formed that can disable working equipment. With such a system, mining is about 30–45 %, and the ventilation scheme of a dead-end treatment face does not allow to ensure safe working conditions for the workers of the working face, in particular, the driver of a self-propelled wagon. The dust collection system available in the design of the combine system is very inefficient. In this paper, a system of mining is proposed, which includes regular cutting of the chain poles. A solution is considered that allows to reduce the concentration of dust in the atmosphere of the working face by changing movement of the outgoing air flow, as well as to increase the air volume.
Development of the System for Continuous Automatic Control of Dustiness and Dust Deposits Intensity as a Subsystem of the Multifunctional Safety System of a Coal Mine
Authors:   «Gorniy TSOT» Ltd, Trubitsyna D.A.
Published: January 2022

In connection with the growth of coal production and the load on mining enterprises, as well as the modernization of the main mining industries, the urgent task is to improve the level of industrial and occupational safety, which is impossible without improving the system for monitoring safety parameters in the automated mode. The control of dust and explosion safety of the mine workings in accordance with the safety requirements is conducted with special devices or other continuous equipment, in accordance with paragraph 22 of the Federal rules and regulations in the field of industrial safety «Safety rules in the coal mines». Within the framework of the article, the development of a new device for monitoring dust content and dust deposition is considered — a system for continuous automatic monitoring of dust content and intensity of dust deposition. Investigations of the regularities of the process of dust deposition of hovering coal dust were carried out depending on various factors affecting the distribution of dust along the network of the mine workings, namely, the grade composition of coal, a set of technological parameters and the parameters of atmospheric indicators. Performed complex of the laboratory and mine research of the innovation system confirmed the correctness of the developed physical model for assessing the state of dust and explosion safety in the coal mining. The system of continuous automatic monitoring of the dust content and the intensity of dust deposition meets the modern requirements of the Federal rules and regulations in the field of industrial safety in terms of automatic continuous measurement of dust concentration in the mine atmosphere, and (or) dust deposition, telemetry, remote signaling when the threshold values of dust deposition concentrations are exceeded, and in case of failure of the dust sensor, as well as local light and (or) sound alarms, automatic transmission of data on exceeding the threshold values of dust concentrations in the mine atmosphere, and (or) dust deposits in real time via communication channels to the coal mining organization.
The Optimization of Packaging System Process Parameters Using Taguchi Method
Authors: Fagbolagun I.O. , Oke S.A.
Published: January 2022

Packaging systems constitute substantially to product cost, its safety, and optimization. Unfortunately, no previous optimization studies have examined the packaging system in a bottling process plant for the unique, developing country environment. Consequently, the Taguchi method is applied to optimize a process plant's packaging system in a Nigerian plant's real-life situation. Optimal combinations of packaging system parameters that minimize product waste are created. An L4 (23) Taguchi orthogonal array was selected to analyze the data, and signal-to-noise ratios were computed for each experiment's run. Since the aim was to minimize beer waste, the ‘the-smaller-the-better’ signal-to-noise ratio was chosen in the analysis. S/N ratio plots revealed the optimum settings to obtain minimal product waste, namely, A2, B1, and C2 from the main effects plot for signal-to-noise ratios. A two-way ANOVA was performed on the significant factors to determine their percentage contributions to the response (product waste). Through Taguchi's innovative approach, the feasibility of optimizing the packaging process parameters was demonstrated and validated.
Predictive Maintenance in SCADA-Based Industries: A literature review
Authors: Suryadarma E.H.E. , Ai T.J.
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this paper is to mapping and review what has been done on the topic of research on predictive maintenance in SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) based industries. In the research area of predictive maintenance, various methods for predicting damage or time to failure of a machine have been proposed and applied in various industries. This paper systematically categorizes predictive maintenance in SCADA-based industries research based on industry classifications according to ISIC (International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities). Furthermore, the research scope is explored its connection to the topics of Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). It is found that 81.5% of the research was conducted on the electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply industries, 11.1% of research was conducted on the mining and quarrying industry, and 7.4% of the research conducted in the manufacturing industry. It is also found that 85.2% of studies used AI and ML, 18.5% of the studies used IoT, and 18.5% of research used AI/ML and IoT technology together.
Teneur en nicotine, étiquetage et arômes des liquides à vapoter au Canada en 2020 : un survol du marché de la vente au détail en ligne
Authors: D’Mello Kimberly , Hammond David , Mahamad Syed , Wiggers Danielle , East Katherine
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Le marché de la cigarette électronique au Canada a évolué rapidement depuis la mise en œuvre de la Loi sur le tabac et les produits de vapotage en mai 2018, qui a libéralisé la promotion et la vente des produits de vapotage. On dispose actuellement de peu de données sur le profil du marché en fonction des principales caractéristiques des produits, que ce soit la teneur en nicotine, les pratiques d’étiquetage ou les arômes.

Méthodologie

Une analyse en ligne des détaillants de produits de vapotage (deux fabricants à l’échelle nationale et cinq fabricants à l’échelle provinciale) a été effectuée en 2020 pour étudier les liquides à vapoter offerts sur le marché canadien. Les données ont été extraites de sites Internet et d’images de produits concernant la teneur en nicotine, l’étiquetage et les arômes des liquides à vapoter.

Résultats

Nous avons répertorié 1746 liquides à vapoter, totalisant 4790 concentrations en nicotine. Environ la moitié des liquides à vapoter contenaient des sels de nicotine (46,6 %) et l’autre moitié contenait de la nicotine épurée (53,2 %), le reste contenant une combinaison des deux (0,2 %). La concentration moyenne en nicotine des liquides à base de sels de nicotine (3,4 %) était supérieure à celle des liquides à base de nicotine épurée (0,5 %) (p < 0,001). Les deux tiers (63,2 %) des emballages de liquides à vapotage affichés en ligne avaient des étiquettes indiquant la présence de nicotine, les trois quarts (73,7 %) affichaient la concentration en nicotine et plus de la moitié (58,9 %) affichaient des mises en garde concernant la santé. Nous avons également relevé une variété d’arômes parmi les liquides, les plus courants étant les fruits (43,6 %), suivis des bonbons et desserts (27,6 %) et des boissons non alcoolisées (12,5 %).

Conclusion

Ces résultats montrent la diversité du marché de la cigarette électronique en ligne au Canada, dont une offre de produits avec sels de nicotine à forte concentration. Les restrictions relatives aux arômes pourraient réduire considérablement le nombre d’arômes de liquides à vapoter sur le marché et le fait de limiter les concentrations en nicotine à moins de 20 mg/ml aurait une incidence principalement sur les liquides à base de sels de nicotine.
Predictors of pod-type e-cigarette device use among Canadian youth and young adults
Authors: Ahmad Safa , Wang Tianru , Schwartz Robert , Bondy Susan J.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Changes to federal legislation allowed nicotine-based e-cigarettes legal entry into the Canadian market in 2018. This included pod-type e-cigarettes (pods), such as JUUL, that were later found to be associated with steeply increasing prevalence and greater frequency of e-cigarette use among US and Canadian youth. Multiple studies of risk factors of JUUL use and use initiation have been conducted among various population groups in the US, but little evidence exists pointing to similar risk factors of pod use among Canadian youth and young adults. Understanding these risk factors can inform use prevention and intervention strategies in Canadian and other jurisdictions.

Methods

A total of 668 Canadian youth and young adults recruited by the 2018-19 Youth and Young Adult Panel Study were provided a baseline survey 3 months before and a follow-up survey 9 months after the relaxation of federal nicotine e-cigarette regulations. We used multivariable logistic regression to understand and rank importance of baseline predictors of future pod use among respondents.

Results

Past-month cannabis use (OR [odds ratio] = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.66–4.21, p < 0.001), established cigarette use (OR = 3.42, 1.53–7.65, p < 0.01), past cigarette experimentation (OR = 2.40, 1.34–4.31, p < 0.01), having many friends who vaped (OR = 2.15, 1.37–3.34, p < 0.001), age below 18 compared to age over 22 (OR = 5.26, 2.63–10.00, p < 0.001) and male sex (OR = 1.69, 1.16–2.50, p < 0.01) were significant and the most influential predictors of future pod use.

Conclusion

Similar factors drove pod use among Canadian and US youth and young adults. Appropriate preventive strategies can benefit from considering polysubstance use among high school–aged youth.
Analyse coût-utilité de l’incidence des inhalateurs électroniques de nicotine sur les coûts et les résultats des soins de santé au Canada
Authors: Pound Catherine M. , Coyle Doug
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Nous avons déterminé l’incidence des inhalateurs électroniques de nicotine sur les coûts et les résultats liés à la santé au Canada en fonction de leur effet sur les taux d’arrêt du tabagisme et d’initiation au tabagisme.

Méthodologie

Nous avons utilisé des modèles de Markov selon le genre pour estimer les années de vie actualisées sur un horizon à vie, les années de vie ajustées en fonction de la qualité (AVAQ) et les coûts des soins de santé liés au tabagisme pour des cohortes de garçons et de filles de 15 à 19 ans, selon des scénarios où 1) les inhalateurs électroniques de nicotine sont accessibles (statu quo), 2) les inhalateurs électroniques de nicotine ne sont aucunement accessibles et 3) les inhalateurs électroniques de nicotine sont accessibles sur ordonnance d’un fournisseur de soins de santé pour l’arrêt du tabagisme, en complément aux outils de cessation tabagique actuellement reconnus. L’analyse a été effectuée du point de vue d’un système de soins de santé financé par des fonds publics.

Résultats

Les résultats sont exprimés pour 1 000 personnes et reposent sur les valeurs attendues obtenues par une simulation de Monte-Carlo avec 10 000 itérations. Pour les garçons de 15 à 19 ans, les années de vie, les AVAQ et les coûts des soins de santé liés au tabagisme étaient de respectivement 41 553, 35 871 et 79 645 964 $ CA lorsque les inhalateurs électroniques de nicotine étaient accessibles, de respectivement 41 568, 35 894 et 79 645 960 $ CA lorsque les inhalateurs électroniques de nicotine n’étaient pas accessibles et de respectivement 41 570, 35 897 et 79 605 869 $ CA lorsque les inhalateurs électroniques de nicotine étaient accessibles sur ordonnance seulement. Pour les filles, les années de vie, les AVAQ et les coûts des soins de santé liés au tabagisme étaient de respectivement 43 596, 37 416 et 69 242 856 $ CA lorsque les inhalateurs électroniques de nicotine étaient accessibles, de respectivement 43 610, 37 438 et 69 085 926 $ CA lorsque les inhalateurs électroniques de nicotine n’étaient pas accessibles et de respectivement 43 611, 37 438 et 69 076 034 $ CA lorsque les inhalateurs électroniques de nicotine étaient accessibles sur ordonnance seulement. Ainsi, les scénarios dans lesquels les inhalateurs électroniques de nicotine ne sont pas accessibles ou ne sont accessibles que sur ordonnance l’emportent sur le statu quo.

Conclusion

Ces résultats montrent qu’un changement de politique qui rendrait les inhalateurs électroniques de nicotine inaccessibles à la population canadienne ou accessibles sur ordonnance seulement permettrait probablement d’améliorer la santé de la population et de réduire les coûts des soins de santé.
The Impact on Oral Health Related Quality of Life of Orthodontic Patients with Missing Teeth Substituted with Acrylic Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Mahamad Nazir MH , Sinniah SD , Yusof N , Md Dasor M
Published: January 2022

Objective: This research aims to assess the impact on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in patients who had the missing teeth substituted with acrylic teeth during orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: Eighteen orthodontic patients aged between 18 and 35 years who had at least one missing tooth, and required prosthesis, were recruited. All patients were undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliance for space opening and idealisation. Patient were randomly allocated into Group 1: Transbond XT adhesive only; Group 2: Transbond XT adhesive with surface sandblasting; Group 3: Transbond XT adhesive with surface abrasion; and Group 4: Triad Gel adhesive only. Upon achieving adequate space intraorally, the acrylic tooth was adjusted to required dimension. Subsequently, the corresponding metal bracket was attached to the labial surface using the different surface preparation prior to archwire ligation. The short version of Oral Health Impact Profile (S-OHIP-14) was used to measure the difference in OHRQoL between pre- (T0) and 6 months post-attachment (T1) of acrylic teeth. The patients were monitored monthly for six months. Results: The S-OHIP-14 for simple count (SC) and additive (ADD) scores method showed 28.3% and 40.4% improvement, respectively, although only the ADD method showed significance. Among all the domains, only the handicap domain showed the highest improvement (54.0%) which was statistically significant (p=0.001). Conclusion: There was an overall improvement in the orthodontic treatment outcome measure on the OHRQoL scores after six-months of having missing teeth substituted with acrylic teeth.
Edaphic breath in soil use and management systems
Authors: Gomes Daniel da Silva , Santos Teófilo de Medeiros , Barbosa Alex da Silva , Santos Sabrina Kelly dos , Melo Tiago de Sousa , Aquino Italo de Souza
Published: January 2022

In Brazil, soil use and occupation is largely responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, and one of the ways to monitor disturbances to ecosystems is through edaphic breathing, result of root breathing and the activity of microorganisms present in the soil. Given the above, the objective was to evaluate the microbial activity of the soil through edaphic respiration in four soil use systems. The research was carried out in four soil use systems: forest remnant area (F); agroforestry system (AFS); mandala (M) and pasture (P), belonging to the Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), Campus III, located in the municipality of Bananeiras - PB. Three samples composed of soil were collected at a depth of 0-20 cm, in each system of use, for chemical and physical analysis in order to characterize the study areas.  To quantify carbon dioxide, the methodology described by Grisi was used and the CO2 captures occurred at night and during the day, for 8 months. A completely randomized design was used in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme. The lower temperatures during the night favored a higher CO2 emission; the pasture system and the AFS showed higher CO2 release in the two evaluation shifts, the forest remnant area showed less release of carbon dioxide. The microbial activity of the soil is more efficient at night; and the pasture area has higher CO2 emissions due to the lack of vegetation cover.
Pandemia y protestas sociales: las ciudades como “olla a presión” en la era COVID-19
Authors:   Investigadora sénior, CIDOB, Garcia Chueca Eva , Teodoro Francesc ,   Candidato a Máster en Estudios de Paz y Conflictos, London School of Economics, Fundación “la Caixa” Fellow.
Published: January 2022

Las ciudades se han visto profundamente afectadas por los múltiples problemas provocados por la pandemia de la COVID-19: empeoramiento de la salud pública, grave recesión económica, profundización de brechas sociales, etc. Estos ingredientes han constituido el caldo de cultivo para el surgimiento de numerosas expresiones de malestar social, que han cristalizado de manera especialmente significativa en entornos urbanos. De esta forma, surgen nuevas movilizaciones sociales que canalizan el rechazo de la población a la gestión sanitaria de la crisis o articulan demandas ad hoc vinculadas a los problemas sociales y económicos provocados por la pandemia. Otras, sin embargo, dan continuidad a protestas preexistentes que se han intensificado como consecuencia del empeoramiento pospandemia de las condiciones materiales que las habían originado.
LAW NUMBER 19 YEAR 2008 ON THE CONCERNING STATE SHARIA BONDS (SBSN / SUKUK) LEX SPECIALIST OF LAW NO. 1 OF 2004 ON STATE TREASURY MAQASHID AL-SHARIAH PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Fathur Fathurrahman
Published: January 2022

Law No. 19 of 2008 concerning the State Shariah Bonds is lex of Law No. 1 of 2004 on the state Treasury and use state assets. SBSN is a product of two dimensions, namely SBSN as an investment product, and SBSN as a country and project financing for the Government and the public interest in containing maqashid as-Shari'ah in order to keep religion, soul, mind, wealth, and honor.
Diabetes mellitus type 2 does not influence carotid stiffness in patients on maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Rekucki Konrad , Sławuta Agnieszka , Obremska Marta , Madziarska Katarzyna
Published: January 2022

Patients on maintenance hemodialysis are a group with high cardiovascular risk, characterized by high arterial stiffness, which is considered a novel cardiovascular risk factor. Diabetes mellitus is both one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease and a determinant of poor outcome in this group. The aim of the study was to examine carotid stiffness with high resolution echo-tracking in order to assess the influence of diabetes mellitus on arterial stiffness in this group.

Ninety patients (47 F; 43 M) with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis were divided into two subgroups: diabetic and nondiabetic (37 and 53 patients respectively). They underwent clinical examination, laboratory tests, and ultrasonographic carotid stiffness assessment both before and after hemodialysis. Local arterial stiffness parameters β, Ep, AC, and PWVβ were calculated. Patient survival was assessed after a 58-month-long follow-up. During the 58-month period 25 of these diabetic patients died, as did 18 non-diabetic patients. Diabetes mellitus was a risk factor for overall mortality among the group of hemodialysed patients. Patients who died from non-cardiovascular causes significantly more often suffered from diabetes mellitus than survivors. There were no statistically significant differences in local arterial stiffness between the groups.

Local arterial stiffness in hemodialysed patients, assessed with high resolution echo-tracking, is not influenced by the presence of diabetes.
Preliminary study on species variability and evolutionary status of African walnut (Plukenetia conophora)
Authors: Onwubiko Nwakuche Chinenye , Emereola Queen Ifeoma , Anyanwu Chinyere Prisca , Chimdi Grace Ovute
Published: January 2022

An analysis of the biochemical composition of African walnut seeds collected from two different geographical areas, Nigeria and Cameroon, was used to conduct the primary assessment of varietal differences and evolutionary status of Plukenetia conophora. The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Department of Biochemistry and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria. The experimental design was completely randomized design with five replications. Significant difference (P > 0.05) was not observed with the proximate properties of the seeds of the two lines except for carbohydrate. However, higher values in protein (28.32%), crude fat (5.67%), ash (4.33%), and moisture (38.44%) content were obtained for the line from Nigeria, while the line from Cameroon had higher values for carbohydrate (20.87%) and crude fibre (9.32%). With regard to mineral composition, significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in some mineral elements such as manganese, sodium, and chromium. Anti-nutritional composition such as proximate properties did not show any significant difference between the two lines. However, the line from Nigeria had higher values of phytate (6.27%) and oxalate (0.11%), while a higher content of tannin (0.36%) and saponin (0.27%) was obtained for the line from Cameroon. Evidently, the result obtained was not substantial to establish varietal differences between the two lines; nevertheless, it showed some level of evolutionary changes in the crop over the years.
Perceptions of Industry 4.0 in Visegrad Firms
Authors: Götz Marta , Sass Magdolna , Éltető Andrea
Published: January 2022

The definition and understanding of the Industry 4.0 concept vary widely in the literature and among practitioners. The objective of our research was to analyse the perceptions of Industry 4.0 in the Visegrad companies and the explanations for the differences thereof; and second, to compare perceptions of Industry 4.0 between Visegrad firms and experts. Our article relies on a combined methodology: analysis of literature and of information gained from questionnaire-based semi-structured interviews, conducted with randomly selected company representatives, academic and industry experts, and representatives of government agencies. Our results show that most Visegrad firms identify Industry 4.0 only with a limited set of selected new technologies, while experts usually have a more complex understanding of it, identifying it with a new business model. It would be important to have a clearly defined concept in order to elaborate related nationwide strategies and related economic and other policy tools.
Analysis of the main body behaviour of non-point source pollution control based on multimodal game model
Authors: Li Xin , Shang Jie
Published: January 2022

The issue of agricultural non-point source pollution has attracted the attention of the state and the masse. In the non-point source pollution control organizations which composed of the governments, farmers and fertiliser sellers, due to the characteristics of rational economic body, the phenomenon of ”market failure” and ”government failure” may occur in the process of non-point source pollution control. In this paper, the author applies game theory to analyse the main behaviour characteristics of the three main bodies, and constructs the incomplete information dynamic game model that the government, farmers and fertiliser sellers participate in. According to the results of the equilibrium solution of the Haysani Axiom model, it is found that the decisions made by the three bodies of the government, the fertiliser seller and the farmer in the behaviour choice stage have a great influence on the behaviour choice of the other two bodies, and the process of each strategy choice by the three bodies is a dynamic game process of the three bodies. Finally, according to the main influencing factors reflected in the equilibrium solution, proposed the related non-point source pollution control countermeasure suggestion to the government main body.
The problem of assessment of linear ordering methods
Authors: Kądziołka Kinga
Published: January 2022

Subject and purpose of work: The aim of the work is to present and compare the results of selected procedures for assessing linear ordering methods. The considerations were carried out on the example of taxonomic measures of the security of cryptocurrency exchanges.

Materials and methods: Publicly available data published on internet portals were used to assess the security of cryptocurrency exchanges. Composite indicators were created using the standardized sum method. The selection of the final representative was made on the basis of the similarity of rankings, the choice of the measure from the so-called efficient frontier, aggregate measure of the correctness of linear ordering methods and the PROMETHEE II method.

Results: According to the values of all selected composite indicators, the Gemini exchange was the best in terms of the adopted criteria.

Conclusions: Each of the analyzed procedures for selecting the final linear ordering method has its own logic, advantages and disadvantages.
Remote work in Poland and perspectives thereof
Authors: Radziukiewicz Małgorzata
Published: January 2022

Subject and purpose of work: Remote work is a phenomenon which has rapidly intensified as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. The article presents the scale of remote work in Poland before the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, i.e. until 2020, and directly during the pandemic, i.e. from 2020 to half of 2021. Topics discussed herein concern: the conception of remote work, the level and structure of persons working remotely in Poland and changes in their number in the recent years, as compared to the world and the European Union Member States by sectors of ownership, particular regions of the country and a type of socio-economic activity. Moreover, positive and negative consequences of remote work for employees, employers and their families have been presented.

Materials and methods: The analysis concerning development of remote work is based on many sources: data from Eurostat, Eurofound, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Statistics Poland, as well as surveys conducted by national and foreign consulting companies dealing with the labour market. The following have been applied: - descriptive analysis allowing identification of basic data in the scope of share of remote workers; - analysis of dynamics identifying changes in the studied scope; - comparative analysis assessing the scale of remote workers in the country with regard to the data noted in the EU states.

Results: Before the pandemic in 2018, in Poland – in comparison to the EU states – the share of employees who had the possibility of working remotely was below average and amounted to approx. 4.6% (whereas in the whole EU 5.2% of persons aged between 15 and 64 years old regularly worked remotely from home). In 2020, the share of persons who “usually work from home” doubled in our country in comparison to data for 2018 and amounted to 8.9%. The largest share of remote workers in the general number of workers at the end of the 1st quarter of 2021 was noted by the following sectors: financial and insurance services (36.1%), education (45.9%) and IT (66.8%). These sectors were also the leaders in digitalisation and automation before the pandemic.

Conclusions: Remote work is a flexible form of employment that, due to the coronavirus pandemic, has recently been developing in Poland and in the world on a mass scale and in an unprecedented pace. This form of work using the newest information and communication technologies (ICT) changed work and workplaces. This form of work opens new divisions on the labour market, since better educated persons living in rural areas are better prepared to work outside the employer’s seat.
Analysis of dairy value chain in Ada’a Berga district, Ethiopia
Authors: Jara Gemechu O. , Tolassa Tekle B.
Published: January 2022

Subject and purpose of work: Dairy production has key functions in food security and poverty reduction, but, dairy farmers do not always benefit from production. The aim of the study was to analyze the dairy value chain in Ada’a Berga district, Ethiopia.

Materials and methods: Primary and secondary were employed. Using pretested structured questionnaires, primary data was collected from 123 dairy producers, 48 actors and 30 dairy consumers. Value chain analysis, a practical method for ascertaining policymaking appropriateness, was applied for analysis.

Results: The resulting study revealed the lack of structured dairy value chain, poor performance and weak linkage among dairy value chain actors.

Conclusions: There is a need to strengthen input suppliers, the dairy market and dairy cooperatives, as well as to improve the dairy herd, introduce contract farming and control unlicensed traders. Such initiatives will enhance dairy value chain development and sustainability within the district.