bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term patient-centred outcomes of periacetabular osteotomy in a large consecutive series
Authors: Berwin James T. , Duffy Sean D. X. , Gargan Martin F. , Barnes James R.
Published: December 2023

Aims

We assessed the long-term outcomes of a large cohort of patients who have undergone a periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), and sought to validate a patient satisfaction questionnaire for use in a PAO cohort.

Methods

All patients who had undergone a PAO from July 1998 to February 2013 were surveyed, with several patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and radiological measurements of preoperative acetabular dysplasia and postoperative correction also recorded. Patients were asked to rate their level of satisfaction with their operation in achieving pain relief, restoration of activities of daily living, ability to perform recreational activity, and their overall level of satisfaction with the procedure.

Results

A total of 143 PAOs were performed between 1998 and 2013. Of those, 90 postoperative surveys were returned. Only 65 patients (73 hips) had both pre- and postoperative radiographs available for measurement. The mean time to follow-up was 15 years (6.5 to 20). Most patients were female (91%), with a mean age of 26.4 years (14.9 to 48.3) at the time of their surgery. A statistically significant improvement in radiological correction was detected in all hips (p < 0.001). A total of 67 patients (92.3%) remained either very satisfied or satisfied with their PAO. The internal consistency of the patient satisfaction questionnaire, measured using Cronbach’s α, ranged from 0.89 to 0.94 indicating ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ reliability.

Conclusion

Outcomes of importance to patients undergoing a PAO include several key domains: pain relief, improve activities of daily living, and improve recreational ability. Our study demonstrates high rates of long-term patient satisfaction in all domains, and found the patient satisfaction questionnaire to be a valid and reliable instrument for use in this cohort.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(12):964–969.
A Miniaturized UWB Bandpass Filter Employing Multi-Stub-Loaded Short-Circuited Stepped Impedance Ring Resonator
Authors: Wei Guangyong , Wang Yunxiu , Liu Jie , Li Haiping
Published: December 2023

This article presents a novel microstrip line topology implementation of an ultra-wideband (UWB) bandpass filter. The proposed topology is a short-circuited stepped-impedance ring resonator with an open-circuit stub and a short-circuit stub loaded at the central vertical position of the low impedance of this resonator, respectively. Within the UWB spectrum, five modes are allocated under weak coupling, and to increase filter selectivity, two transmission zeros are added. It is possible to extend the upper stopband and provide sufficient external coupling by utilizing interdigital-coupled lines. To demonstrate the design theory, a prototype is designed and manufactured on a 0.8 mm thick substrate of the affordable F4B-2, and its performance is verified. Measurements show a 3-dB bandwidth span from 2.8 to 9.5 GHz, insertion loss of 0.36 dB, and return loss better than 13 dB.
Nanoarray of Vivaldi Rectenna for Infrared-energy Harvesting
Authors: Amara Wided , Alzahrani Abdelaziz , Mersani Ameni , Oueslati Donia , Elsharabasy Ahmed , Hakim Bandar , Rmili Hatem , Elsherbeni Atef
Published: December 2023

This article presents the design of an array of rectennas operating at 28.3 THz for infrared (IR) energy harvesting applications. The basic element of the array consists of a Vivaldi-dipole rectenna composed of two arms made with different conductors (gold and titanium). A metal-insulator-metal (MIM) tunnel diode is used to rectify the THz ac current. The proposed MIM diode consists of a very thin layer of Al2O3 sandwiched between the two metal electrodes. Arrays of two, three, and four rectennas are investigated. The improvement of the energy captured by coupling several elements in the same structure with a common gap is also investigated. This array architecture, without feeding network, may reduce the number of rectifying diodes and, therefore, decrease losses and increase the overall efficiency. Finally, it has been found that the four-elements rectenna array has a maximum electric field intensity of 62.4 × 104 V/m at 28.3 THz.
A New Integral Function Algorithm for Global Optimization and Its Application to the Data Clustering Problem
Authors: Pandiya Ridwan , Ahdika Atina , Khomsah Siti , Ramadhani Rima Dias
Published: December 2023

The filled function method is an approach to finding global minimum points of multidimensional unconstrained global optimization problems. The conventional parametric filled functions have computational weaknesses when they are employed in some benchmark optimization functions. This paper proposes a new integral function algorithm based on the auxiliary function approach. The proposed method can successfully be used to find the global minimum point of a function of several variables. Some testing global optimization problems have been used to show the ability of this recommended method. The integral function algorithm is then implemented to solve the center-based data clustering problem. The results show that the proposed algorithm can solve the problem successfully.
Time Complexity of Population-Based Metaheuristics
Authors: Omran Mahamed G , Engelbrecht Andries
Published: December 2023

This paper is a brief guide aimed at evaluating the time complexity of metaheuristic algorithms both mathematically and empirically. Starting with the mathematical foundational principles of time complexity analysis, key notations and fundamental concepts necessary for computing the time efficiency of a metaheuristic are introduced. The paper then applies these principles on three well-known metaheuristics, i.e. differential evolution, harmony search and the firefly algorithm. A procedure for the empirical analysis of metaheuristics' time efficiency is then presented. The procedure is then used to empirically analyze the computational cost of the three aforementioned metaheuristics. The pros and cons of the two approaches, i.e. mathematical and empirical analysis, are discussed.
Re-Reading the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38): Towards Comprehensive Sexuality Education
Authors: Musili Telesia
Published: December 2023

Abstract: Christianity should be a liberating and transformative resource in the defense of women's sexual and reproductive health and rights. Yet, Christianity's patriarchal grounding often invalidates the equal dignity and worth of women and girls. This paper seeks to re-read the annunciation story through the lens of African Women's theologies to unearth how scriptural texts and cultural values intersect to inhibit or affirm women's rights regarding sexual and reproductive health. The Church's focus on Mary's virginity as the rationale for perfect womanhood has resulted in control and shaming of women's sexuality. I ask, what needs to be done to ensure women's agency so that they feel empowered to reconfigure cultural and Christian values so that their sexual and reproductive health needs are attended to? What can be done to ensure that all genders have equal opportunities with regard to reproduction? The defense of women's sexual and reproductive health and rights is inherently an important ethical value within religion. It is thus hoped that the analysis will not only promote tolerance in accommodating various forms of sexualities and deconstructing patriarchal gender barriers to reproductive liberation and gender justice but also stir religious and cultural gatekeepers to partner with the other stakeholders in advocating for Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE).
Living Dictionaries: A Platform for Indigenous and Under-Resourced Languages
Authors: Daigneault Anna Luisa , Anderson Gregory D. S.
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT: Due to globalization, cultural assimilation, the long-term impacts of colonization, and official (or de facto ) policies hostile to linguistic diversity, many languages of the world are threatened or endangered. Free online technological tools can assist in documentation efforts and revitalization programs, while also providing safe online spaces in which materials can be systematically recorded and shared. Led by community activists and linguists, Living Dictionaries are collaborative multimedia projects that are editable, expandable, and searchable. Using the latest web technologies to facilitate the creation and storage of language data paired with digital images, audio and video recordings of native speakers, the platform is user-friendly and available in fourteen interface languages. Living Dictionaries promote visibility for under-resourced languages, foster connectivity over vast distances, and support an online community of language learners who wish to access a language without proximity to proficient speakers. The Living Dictionaries platform provides meaningful opportunities for Indigenous citizen science through regular training webinars.
Design of a highly sensitive terahertz temperature and refractive index composite sensor based on an InSb–Ag composite grating
Authors: Zhang Chunli , Liu Yanfei , Li Jing , Wu Qiannan , Li Mengwei
Published: December 2023

This paper introduces an exceptionally highly sensitive sensor developed using InSb–Ag composite gratings for sensing temperature and refractive index in the terahertz region. The structural parameters of the sensor were optimized to produce two transmission spectra at frequencies of 2.016 THz and 10.428 THz, respectively, under T=290K with transverse magnetically polarized vertical incidence. The simulation results demonstrate that the temperature sensor displays a sensitivity of 25.27 GHz/K and 4.53 GHz/K; the respective refractive index sensor shows a sensitivity of 0.48 THz/RIU and 3.60 THz/RIU. The current paper analyzes the effects of incidence and polarization angles on the performance of the sensors. The findings indicate that polarization significantly correlates with the sensor. Regarding the incidence angle range of 0°–30°, the performance of the sensors is uncorrelated with the angle of incidence. Compared to other temperature and refractive index sensors, the composite grating sensor demonstrates superior sensing performance and holds great potential for developing high-performance dual-function sensors.
Design and experimental demonstration of underwater wireless optical communication system based on semantic communication paradigm
Authors: Xu Jie , Huang Zhitong , Gao Yi , Zhai Wenmin , Qiu Hongcheng , Ji YueFeng
Published: December 2023

Underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) has been widely studied as a key technology for ocean exploration and exploitation. However, current UWOC systems neglect semantic information of transmitted symbols, leading to unnecessary consumption of communication resources for transmitting non-essential data. In this paper, we propose and demonstrate a deep-learning-based underwater wireless optical semantic communication (UWOSC) system for image transmission. By utilizing a deep residual convolutional neural network, the semantic information can be extracted and mapped into the transmitted symbols. Moreover, we design a channel model based on long short-term memory network and employ a two-phase training strategy to ensure that the system matches the underwater channel. To evaluate the performance of the proposed UWOSC system, we conduct a series of experiments on an emulated UWOC experimental platform, in which the effects of different turbidity channel environments and bandwidth compression ratios are investigated. Experimental results show that the UWOSC system exhibits superior performance compared to the conventional communication schemes, particularly in challenging channel environments and low bandwidth compression ratios.
Metasurface-based varifocal Alvarez lens at microwave frequencies
Authors: Goldhaber-Gordon Zev , Tang Andrew D. , Corbella Bagot Conrad , Mokim Mohammad , Silva Sinhara R. , Cardin Andrew E. , Azad Abul K. , Chen Hou-Tong
Published: December 2023

Lenses with a tunable focus are highly desirable but remain a challenge. Here, we demonstrate a microwave varifocal meta-lens based on the Alvarez lens principle, consisting of two mechanically movable tri-layer metasurface phase plates with reversed cubic spatial profiles. The manufactured multilayer Alvarez meta-lens enables microwave beam collimation/focusing at frequencies centered at 7.5 GHz, and shows one octave focal length tunability when transversely translating the phase plates by 8 cm. The measurements reveal a gain enhancement up to 15 dB, 3-dB beam width down to 3.5∘, and relatively broad 3-dB bandwidth of 3 GHz. These advantageous characteristics, along with its simplicity, compactness, and lightweightness, make the demonstrated flat Alvarez meta-lens suitable for deployment in many microwave systems.
Nonreciprocal strong mechanical squeezing based on the Sagnac effect and two-tone driving
Authors: Zhao Bo , Zhou Ke-Xin , Wei Mei-Rong , Cao Jinke , Guo Qi
Published: December 2023

We propose a scheme for generating nonreciprocal strong mechanical squeezing by using two-tone lasers to drive a spinning optomechanical system. For given driving frequencies, strong mechanical squeezing of the breathing mode in the spinning resonator can be achieved in a chosen driving direction but not in the other. The nonreciprocity originates from the Sagnac effect caused by the resonator’s spinning. We also find the classical nonreciprocity and the quantum nonreciprocity can be switched by simply changing the angular velocity of the spinning resonator. We show that the scheme is robust to the system’s dissipations and the mechanical thermal noise. This work may be meaningful for the study of nonreciprocal device and quantum precision measurement.
Die ethischen Implikationen von Prozessdaten: Eine systematische Literaturanalyse von Datenethik und Process Mining
Authors: Gabdoulline Gulnara , Kern Christopher Julian , Krönung Julia
Published: December 2023

Process Mining (PM) stellt eine wachsende Disziplin dar, die aufgrund ihres Potenzials zur Verbesserung von Geschäftsprozessen immer mehr Aufmerksamkeit von Forschern und Anwendern auf sich zieht. Wie jede neue Technologie gibt es jedoch auch im Kontext von PM-Bedenken hinsichtlich der ethischen Anwendung. Gerade bezogen auf Erhebung, Verarbeitung und Nutzung von Daten kann es hierbei zu Problemen kommen. Dieser Artikel zielt daher darauf ab, anhand einer Literaturanalyse ethische Implikationen im Process Mining herauszuarbeiten. Dabei wurden 39 Artikel aus sechs Zeitschriften im Bereich PM und 24 Artikel aus vier Zeitschriften im Bereich Datenethik analysiert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen das wachsende Interesse an der Datenethik und PM, aber es befasst sich nur ein geringer Anteil der analysierten PM-Artikel mit datenethischen Grundsätzen. Weitere Forschung ist in Bereichen bestimmter datenethischer Grundsätze, wie Datenqualität und der informierten Zustimmung, erforderlich. Insgesamt bietet diese Studie einen Ausgangspunkt für weitere Forschungen zur ethischen Nutzung von Daten bei der Anwendung von PM und verdeutlicht, dass diesem Bereich mehr Aufmerksamkeit gewidmet werden sollte.
From data strategy to implementation to advance cancer research and cancer care: A French comprehensive cancer center experience
Authors: Heudel Pierre , Crochet Hugo , Durand Thierry , Zrounba Philippe , Blay Jean-Yves
Published: December 2023

In a comprehensive cancer center, effective data strategies are essential to evaluate practices, and outcome, understanding the disease and prognostic factors, identifying disparities in cancer care, and overall developing better treatments. To achieve these goals, the Center Léon Bérard (CLB) considers various data collection strategies, including electronic medical records (EMRs), clinical trial data, and research projects. Advanced data analysis techniques like natural language processing (NLP) can be used to extract and categorize information from these sources to provide a more complete description of patient data. Data sharing is also crucial for collaboration across comprehensive cancer centers, but it must be done securely and in compliance with regulations like GDPR. To ensure data is shared appropriately, CLB should develop clear data sharing policies and share data in a controlled, standardized format like OSIRIS RWD, OMOP and FHIR. The UNICANCER initiative has launched the CONSORE project to support the development of a structured and standardized repository of patient data to improve cancer research and patient outcomes. Real-world data (RWD) studies are vital in cancer research as they provide a comprehensive and accurate picture of patient outcomes and treatment patterns. By incorporating RWD into data collection, analysis, and sharing strategies, comprehensive cancer centers can take a more comprehensive and patient-centered approach to cancer research. In conclusion, comprehensive cancer centers must take an integrated approach to data collection, analysis, and sharing to enhance their understanding of cancer and improve patient outcomes. Leveraging advanced data analytics techniques and developing effective data sharing policies can help cancer centers effectively harness the power of data to drive progress in cancer research.
Hydrogen attenuates endothelial glycocalyx damage associated with partial cardiopulmonary bypass in rats
Authors: Iwata Hiroki , Katoh Takasumi , Truong Sang Kien , Sato Tsunehisa , Kawashima Shingo , Mimuro Soichiro , Nakajima Yoshiki
Published: December 2023

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) causes systemic inflammation and endothelial glycocalyx damage. Hydrogen has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; therefore, we hypothesized that hydrogen would alleviate endothelial glycocalyx damage caused by CPB. Twenty-eight male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7 per group), as follows: sham, control, 2% hydrogen, and 4% hydrogen. The rats were subjected to 90 minutes of partial CPB followed by 120 minutes of observation. In the hydrogen groups, hydrogen was administered via the ventilator and artificial lung during CPB, and via the ventilator for 60 minutes after CPB. After observation, blood collection, lung extraction, and perfusion fixation were performed, and the heart, lung, and brain endothelial glycocalyx thickness was measured by electron microscopy. The serum syndecan-1 concentration, a glycocalyx component, in the 4% hydrogen group (5.7 ± 4.4 pg/mL) was lower than in the control (19.5 ± 6.6 pg/mL) and 2% hydrogen (19.8 ± 5.0 pg/mL) groups (P < 0.001 for each), but it was not significantly different from the sham group (6.2 ± 4.0 pg/mL, P = 0.999). The endothelial glycocalyces of the heart and lung in the 4% hydrogen group were thicker than in the control group. The 4% hydrogen group had lower inflammatory cytokine concentrations (interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α) in serum and lung tissue, as well as a lower serum malondialdehyde concentration, than the control group. The 2% hydrogen group showed no significant difference in the serum syndecan-1 concentration compared with the control group. However, non-significant decreases in serum and lung tissue inflammatory cytokine concentrations, as well as in serum malondialdehyde concentration, were observed. Administration of 4% hydrogen via artificial and autologous lungs attenuated endothelial glycocalyx damage caused by partial CPB in rats, which might be mediated by the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of hydrogen.
Latent class analyses of multimorbidity and all-cause mortality: A prospective study in Chilean adults
Authors: Nazar Gabriela , Díaz-Toro Felipe , Concha-Cisternas Yeny , Leiva-Ordoñez Ana María , Troncoso-Pantoja Claudia , Celis-Morales Carlos , Petermann-Rocha Fanny
Published: December 2023

Multimorbidity patterns can lead to differential risks for all-cause mortality. Within the Chilean context, research on morbidity and mortality predominantly emphasizes individual diseases or combinations thereof, rather than specific disease clusters. This study aimed to identify multimorbidity patterns, along with their associations with mortality, within a representative sample of the Chilean population. 3,701 participants aged ≥18 from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009–2010 were included in this prospective study. Multimorbidity patterns were identified from 16 chronic conditions and then classified using latent class analyses. All-cause mortality data were extracted from the Chilean Civil Registry. The association of classes with all-cause mortality was carried out using Cox proportional regression models, adjusting by sociodemographic and lifestyle variables. Three classes were identified: a) Class 1, the healthiest (72.1%); b) Class 2, the depression/cardiovascular disease/cancer class (17.5%); and c) Class 3, hypertension/chronic kidney disease class (10.4%). Classes 2 and 3 showed higher mortality risk than the healthiest class. After adjusting, Class 2 showed 45% higher mortality risk, and Class 3 98% higher mortality risk, compared with the healthiest class. Hypertension appeared to be a critical underlying factor of all-cause morbidity. Particular combinations of chronic diseases have a higher excess risk of mortality than others.
Iparpolitika helyett strukturális politikára van szükség = Structural Policy Is Needed Instead of Industrial Policy
Authors: Csath Magdolna
Published: December 2023

Az írás összefoglalja az iparpolitikával kapcsolatos legfontosabb nézeteket, rámutatva annak előnyeire és hátrányaira egyaránt. Felhívja a figyelmet arra, hogy a hagyományos iparpolitika korunkban, amelyet kiszámíthatatlan technológiai, társadalmi és geopolitikai sokkok jellemeznek, már nem elegendő ahhoz, hogy egy ország gazdaságát alkalmassá tegyék a sikeres alkalmazkodásra. A hagyományos iparpolitika helyett átfogó strukturális politikára van szükség, amelynek célja az innováció, termelékenység és hatékonyság javuláson alapuló versenyképesség javítás mellett az ellenállóképesség erősítése. Az írás második része néhány mutató segítségével elemzi a magyar gazdaság ágazati szerkezetét, rámutatva arra, hogy a domináló ágazatok nem elég innovatívak és termelékenyek, és ezért nem elég magas a hozzáadott érték termelésük. Külön figyelmet érdemel továbbá a tőkebefektetések alacsony, a feldolgozóipar esetén csökkenő hozama. Az egyensúlytalanságok kiküszöbölésére az írás az összehangolt és széles körben egyeztetett strukturális politika kidolgozásának fontosságát hangsúlyozza.
Beyond GDP: The Wealth Perspective of Sustainability
Authors: Kovács Antal Ferenc
Published: December 2023

The capital approach, or the wealth economy framework of sustainability broadens the conventional measure of economic performance “beyond GDP”, with a long-term view. The totality of capital assets, or wealth, is composed of produced, human, natural and social capital, and is seen as the source of income, benefits, and wellbeing of present and future generations. Shrinkage in this production base signals unsustainable development. While the weak criterion of sustainability allows substitution between all capital elements, the strong criterion does not allow reductions in the renewable component of natural capital. Using World Bank data, we found that during the 1995-2018 period, 14% and 58% of the countries globally did not meet the weak and the strong criteria of sustainability, respectively. Also, a comparative analysis of wealth and its components is provided for selected OECD countries. It is found that human capital is proportionally the most significant among the capital elements, followed by produced capital. Natural capital, both renewable and non-renewable, lags far behind. Our findings raise questions regarding the rationale of economic convergence, as well as confirm the necessity of further methodological improvements regarding data generation and statistics, including the valuation of assets.
COMPOSITION, STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF LOW-TEMPERATURE FIRING PORCELAIN
Authors: Eminov A. M. , Kadyrova Z. R. , Eminov Af. A. , Zhumanov Yu. K. , Bоijanov I. R.
Published: December 2023

The article describes the mechanisms of formation of the structure of low-temperature porcelain with the use of new non-traditional raw materials. As a result of the research, it was found that the formation of the structure of the experimental porcelain materials is completed at lower firing temperatures (1220 – 1250 °C). The phase composition of the synthesized porcelain consists mainly of crystals of mullite, quartz, cristobalite and the vitreous phase filling the gaps between the crystals.
MODIFICATION OF PROPERTIES OF BASALT FIBER-REINFORCED PLASTIC DURING MOISTURE DIFFUSION AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
Authors: Blaznov A. N. , Firsov V. V. , Bychin N. V. , Sakoshev Z. G. , Sakoshev E. G.
Published: December 2023

Three batches of unidirectional basalt fiber-reinforced plastic were fabricated as plates, and continued tests were performed under load at room temperature and in a closed desiccator at a 99 % moisture for 365 days. The moisture absorption of the unconstrained specimens in the desiccator was not above 0.20 – 0.23 %. The residual mechanical properties of the specimens that had been held in the desiccator for 365 days were measured after being dried, and the ultimate strain was found to increase by 10 – 15 %, the elastic modulus by 14 – 21 %, the strength by 19 – 21 %, and the glass transition temperature by 5 – 8 °С.
SOME FEATURES OF THE TECHNOLOGY FOR PROCESSING CONTAINER GLASS CULLET
Authors: Efremenkov V. V.
Published: December 2023

Some features of the technology for processing container glass cullet were considered. The differentiated optical separation diagrams of colorless, brown and green cullet mixture was presentedduced.
TRANSMITTING TORQUE DETERMINATION OF AN END MAGNETIC COUPLING WITH THIN HIGHLY COERCIVE PERMANENT MAGNETS
Authors: Krasil’nikov A. Ya. , Krasil’nikov A. A.
Published: December 2023

The article considers the possibility of a standard method using for calculating the transmitted torque of an end magnetic coupling with thin highly coercive permanent magnets having a thickness of 4.5 mm and magnets with a thickness of 9 mm composed from two thin magnets with a thickness of 4.5 mm each. The range of variation of the air gap between the magnets in the half couplings of the end coupling is from 1 to 20 mm. The results of the study made it possible to introduce a correction coefficients into the methodology for calculating the transmitted torque of an end magnetic coupling with thin magnets. It is noted that the end magnetic couplings are used with an air gap size between the magnets of the coupling halves from 5 to 12 mm.
ABOUT THE CHOICE OF DIFFERENT STEPS OF MILLING CUTTERS FOR METAL PROCESSING
Authors: Liberman Ya. L. , Ovsannikova V. S. , Gorbunova L. N.
Published: December 2023

The article discusses the technology of choosing the different steps of milling cutters for processing metal products. The existing methods of designing multistep milling cutters aimed at reducing the probability of resonant during milling are analyzed. A new method of designing milling cutters with non-repeating steps and a addition to it, providing a reduction of their imbalance, is proposed. A study of the frequencies of forced oscillations during milling is carried out using examples of milling cutters developed by the proposed method.
TESTING OF ADEQUACY OF MODELLING OF PROCESSES OF PLASTIC DEFORMATION BY A METHOD OF FINAL ELEMENTS. STATEMENT OF A PROBLEM. PART 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Authors: Vorontsov A. L. , Vlasov A. V.
Published: December 2023

The urgency of carrying out of objective check of results of modelling of real processes of plastic deformation by means of a method of final elements is proved, bases of a method are briefly formulated.
TESTING OF ADEQUACY OF MODELLING OF PROCESSES OF PLASTIC DEFORMATION BY A METHOD OF FINAL ELEMENTS. STATEMENT OF A PROBLEM. PART 2. SOURCES OF MISTAKES
Authors: Vorontsov A. L. , Vlasov A. V.
Published: December 2023

The urgency of carrying out of objective check of results of modelling of real processes of plastic deformation by means of a method of final elements is proved, sources of possible mistakes of calculations are briefly formulated.
TESTING OF ADEQUACY OF MODELLING OF PROCESSES OF PLASTIC DEFORMATION BY A METHOD OF FINAL ELEMENTS. DEFORMATION AND POWER MODELLING
Authors: Vorontsov A. L. , Vlasov A. V.
Published: December 2023

Features and results of calculations by means of a method of final elements of power parameters and deformations are stated at extrusion of a cylindrical glass, results of comparison of the calculated values and skilled data are resulted and analysed.
THE BENEFITS FROM UPDATE LABORATORY PREANALYTICAL STAGE IN PCR ON THE WAY TO IDENTIFY OCCULT UROLOGICAL INFECTIONS IN MALE
Authors: Pochernikov D. G. , Postovoitenko N. T. , Davidova Zh. Yu.
Published: December 2023

Aim of the study. Assess the diagnostic capabilities of detecting microorganisms in the wild ejaculate and sediment ejaculate.
Materials and methods. 42 male volunteers were examined, aged 28 to 69, who were married and had children. Men applied for a preventive examination and to exclude asymptomatic male accessory gland infections. All patients had no active complaints characteristic of inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary tract. The study of the wild ejaculate and sediment ejaculate was performed by PCR real-time on DT-96 amplifiers (NPO DNA-Technology LLC, Russia) using the Androflor? test.
Results. The value of the total bacterial mass in the sediment of the ejaculate is not statistically significantly higher compared to the wild ejaculate (p > 0.05). Candida spp. was statistically significantly more common in semen sediment (p < 0.05). In the sediment of the ejaculate were more often identified Enterobacteriaceae spp. / Enterococcus spp., Haemophilus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Bacteroides spp. / Porphyromonas spp. / Prevotella spp. and Anaerococcus spp. (p > 0.05). In 11.9 % of observations, in the absence of bacteria in the wild ejaculate, microorganisms in low titers were identified in sediment ejaculate.
Conclusion. According to the data obtained, the performance of the biological sample of the ejaculate sediment is higher compared to the sample of the wild ejaculate. The proposed modification of the preanalytical laboratory stage of the PCR technique, namely the diagnosis of ejaculate sediment using PCR real-time with the Androflor® test, makes it possible to more accurately determine pathogens, including those persisting in the form of biofilms in male accessory gland, even at low concentrations.
POSSIBILITIES OF CYTOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF LUNG CANCER. REVIEW
Authors: Kireev A. A. , Shchetinin K. V.
Published: December 2023

Lung cancer (LC) occupies a leading place in the structure of morbidity and mortality among patients with cancer worldwide, which determines LC as an important medical and social problem for health systems.
LC is detected in more than two thirds of patients at a late stage, which determines the low success of therapy and low survival rates, and also actualizes the need to use effective methods (including morphological) for the diagnosis of LC in the early stages.
Due to the development of the minimally invasive vector of morphological diagnostics in recent decades, cytological examination of the material from the bronchopulmonary system is of leading importance, since it is characterized not only by low traumatism in obtaining cellular material, but also by high information content, cost-effectiveness, accessibility and speed of obtaining results. The effectiveness of cytological examination for the diagnosis of precancerous lesions and LC has been proven in numerous studies, and the importance and necessity of its use are reflected in the new edition of the WHO classification of tumors of thoracic localization (2021) and the WHO reporting system for lungs Cytopathology (2022).
MIXED-INTEGER MODEL OF OPTIMIZATION OF PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGICAL CAPACITIES OF REGIONAL SERVICE CENTRES FOR THE REPAIR OF COMPONENTS AND ASSEMBLIES OF AVIATION EQUIPMENT
Authors: Buryak Yu. I. , Petrov A. V.
Published: December 2023

The problem of developing an algorithm for structural-parametric optimization of production and technological capacities of regional service centers for the repair of components and assemblies of aviation equipment is considered. A mixed-integer model has been formed, where integer variables determine the composition of maintainable components (MF) of aviation equipment and repair levels, and continuous variables are indicators of the cost and labor intensity of work with them. It is shown that the problem under consideration relates to difficult combinatorial optimization problems, that is, there is no polynomial algorithm for solving it in a reasonable time. However, taking into account the specifics of the task, in some cases, allows you to build calculation schemes that provide sufficient accuracy of the solution and an acceptable time. The criterion for choosing the optimal solution is proposed - costs for ensuring technical operation, which are necessary to achieve a given operational readiness coefficient. An algorithm for calculating the best variant of the service center structure, which is based on the dependence of the specific weight of the decision to repair each product in the service center, has been developed. The specific weight reflects the difference between the costs of using the service center exclusively as an intermediate warehouse for storing each type of component parts with their repair at the manufacturer, and the costs of creating a repair infrastructure in the service center of the components warehouse for the repair of component parts and performing repairs before the development of the assigned product resource. Options for organizing the maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO) system of a typical product in the traditional way are consistently considered, where it is assumed to organize a two-level warehouse system and with the deployment of regional service centers by industry for the repair of components and aggregates. The possibility of reducing the costs of MRO for the product life cycle by up to 15 % due to a reduction in the level of stocks of expensive MF, as well as the costs of their repair and transportation is show, the results of calculations are presented.
Defensa Planetaria
Authors: Peña Asensio Eloy
Published: December 2023

La Tierra, nuestro hogar en el cosmos, enfrenta una amenaza latente que podría cambiar el rumbo de la humidad. ¿Qué pasaría si un colosal asteroide se dirigiera hacia nuestro planeta? ¿Tenemos la capacidad de afrontar ese desafío? En este apasionante viaje literario, especialistas en astrofísica, filosofía, derecho, psicología, comunicación y ecología se unen para explicar el fascinante mundo de la defensa planetaria. Descubrirás cómo disantos campos del conocimiento convergen para brindarnos una visión integral sobre el peligro de impacto de objetos celestes y sus analogías con otros riesgos globales. Tanto personas curiosas como investigadoras profesionales disfrutarán del ejercicio de creatividad y rigurosidad que supone esta obra colaborativa. Una invitación a la reflexión y al compromiso para salvaguardar nuestro lugar en el universo y asegurar un futuro a las generaciones venideras.
Novel five nucleotide deletion in dysferlin leads to autosomal recessive limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy
Authors: Chen Yen‐Lin , Wu Wen‐Bin , Wang Pei , Yip Ping‐Keung , Wu Yi‐No , Lin Ying‐Hung , Lin Wei‐Ning
Published: December 2023

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. Limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) is a type of MD that mainly causes muscle atrophy within the shoulder and pelvic girdles. LGMD is classified into autosomal dominant (LGMD‐D) and autosomal recessive (LGMD‐R) inheritance patterns. Mutations in the Dysferlin gene (DYSF) are common causes of LGMD‐R. However, genetic screening of DYSF mutations is rare in Taiwan. Herein, we identified a novel c.2867_2871del ACCAG deletion and a previously reported c.937+1G>A mutation in DYSF from a Taiwanese family with LGMD. The primary symptoms of both siblings were difficulty climbing stairs, walking on the toes, and gradually worsening weakness in the proximal muscles and increased creatine kinase level. Through pedigree analysis and sequencing, two siblings from this family were found to have compound heterozygous DYSF mutations (c. 937+1G>A and c. 2867_2871del ACCAG) within the separated alleles. These mutations induced early stop codons; if translated, truncated DYSF proteins will be expressed. Or, the mRNA products of these two mutations will merit the nonsense‐mediated decay, might result in no dysferlin protein expressed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a novel c.2867_2871del ACCAG deletion in DYSF. Further research is required to examine the effects of the novel DYSF mutation in Taiwanese patients with LGMD.
Everyday referenced use of a digital temperature sensor – how well do alternative ice cubes really cool a drink?
Authors: Fleischer Timo , Feichtner Julia , Strauß Isabella , Strahl Alexander
Published: December 2023

In this paper, the cooling effect of alternative ice cubes made of granite, soapstone and ceramic is experimentally examined with the help of a digital temperature sensor and compared with that of a conventional ice cube. Digital sensors can be integrated in an everyday referenced way in the sense of inquiry-based learning during experimentation in chemistry lessons, since the use of ice cubes is a typical everyday situation that many students know and is therefore well suited for everyday referenced chemistry lessons. The advantages of digital sensors include the easy recording of measured values, the automatic creation of tables and graphs, and the direct link between the experiment and the representation. The results of the experiment reveal that the water ice cube has by far the greatest cooling effect compared to the alternative ice cubes. The entire cooling process of the ice cubes is explained and calculated, which essentially consists of three sub-steps: heating the ice cubes to melting temperature, melting the ice cubes, mixing the melted ice cube with the drink. The comparison of calculated and experimentally measured values shows that the cooling effect of all ice cubes could be determined very accurately experimentally using the digital temperature sensor.
Ruled real hypersurfaces in the complex hyperbolic quadric
Authors: Lee Hyunjin , Suh Young Jin , Woo Changhwa
Published: December 2023

In this article, we introduce a new family of real hypersurfaces in the complex hyperbolic quadric

Q

n

∗

=
S

O

2
,
n

o

∕
S

O

2

S

O

n

{{Q}^{n}}^{\ast }=S{O}_{2,n}^{o}/S{O}_{2}S{O}_{n}

, namely, the ruled real hypersurfaces foliated by complex hypersurfaces. Berndt described an example of such a real hypersurface in

Q

n

∗

{{Q}^{n}}^{\ast }

as a homogeneous real hypersurface generated by a

A

{\mathfrak{A}}

-principal horocycle in a real form

R

H

n

{\mathbb{R}}{H}^{n}

. So, in this article, we compute a detailed expression of the shape operator for ruled real hypersurfaces in

Q

n

∗

{{Q}^{n}}^{\ast }

and investigate their characterizations in terms of the shape operator and the integrable distribution

C
=

{

X
∈
T
M
∣
X
⊥
ξ

}

{\mathcal{C}}=\left\{X\in TM| X\perp \xi \right\}

. Then, by using these observations, we give two kinds of classifications of real hypersurfaces in

Q

n

∗

{{Q}^{n}}^{\ast }

satisfying

η

\eta

-parallelism under either

η

\eta

-commutativity of the shape operator or integrability of the distribution

C

{\mathcal{C}}

. Moreover, we prove that the unit normal vector field of a real hypersurface with

η

\eta

-parallel shape operator in

Q

n

∗

{{Q}^{n}}^{\ast }

is

A

{\mathfrak{A}}

-principal. On the other hand, it is known that all contact real hypersurfaces in

Q

n

∗

{{Q}^{n}}^{\ast }

have a

A

{\mathfrak{A}}

-principal normal vector field. Motivated by these results, we give a characterization of contact real hypersurfaces in

Q

n

∗

{{Q}^{n}}^{\ast }

in terms of

η

\eta

-parallel shape operator.
Source and target factors affecting the translation of the EU law: Implications for translator training
Authors: Cozma Mihaela
Published: December 2023

By virtue of its very nature, the process of translating European legislation presents certain particularities that any translator working in this domain must be aware of. These particularities are mainly related to the manner in which the EU law is drafted, to the categories of people representing its intended audience, and to what is understood by the concept of equivalence. All these aspects determine an interesting interplay between the source and the target factors influencing the process of translating the EU law. Which are the source factors, on the one hand, and the target factors, on the other, that facilitate the creation of a good translation in this field? Which are the implications that the particularities of the process of translating EU legal texts have for the process of translator training? The article will offer some answers in this respect, relying on both theoretical information and qualitative research data relevant for the translation from English into Romanian.
The Founders project: evaluating the economic role of the ‘founder crops’ prior to the emergence of agriculture in southwest Asia
Authors: Arranz-Otaegui Amaia
Published: December 2023

Previous archaeobotanical research in Southwest Asia focused on the Neolithic ‘founder crops’. The Founders project revisits this concept and the economic role these species played in the development of agriculture. To achieve this aim, archaeological food remains are studied and culinary practices of the last hunter-gatherers and first farmers are evaluated.
Frequency Specific Optogenetic Stimulation of the Locus Coeruleus Induces Task-Relevant Plasticity in the Motor Cortex
Authors: Tseng Ching-Tzu , Welch Hailey F. , Gi Ashley L. , Kang Erica Mina , Mamidi Tanushree , Pydimarri Sahiti , Ramesh Kritika , Sandoval Alfredo , Ploski Jonathan E. , Thorn Catherine A.
Published: December 2023

The locus ceruleus (LC) is the primary source of neocortical noradrenaline, which is known to be involved in diverse brain functions including sensory perception, attention, and learning. Previous studies have shown that LC stimulation paired with sensory experience can induce task-dependent plasticity in the sensory neocortex and in the hippocampus. However, it remains unknown whether LC activation similarly impacts neural representations in the agranular motor cortical regions that are responsible for movement planning and production. In this study, we test whether optogenetic stimulation of the LC paired with motor performance is sufficient to induce task-relevant plasticity in the somatotopic cortical motor map. Male and female TH-Cre + rats were trained on a skilled reaching lever-pressing task emphasizing the use of the proximal forelimb musculature, and a viral approach was used to selectively express ChR2 in noradrenergic LC neurons. Once animals reached criterial behavioral performance, they received five training sessions in which correct task performance was paired with optogenetic stimulation of the LC delivered at 3, 10, or 30 Hz. After the last stimulation session, motor cortical mapping was performed using intracortical microstimulation. Our results show that lever pressing paired with LC stimulation at 10 Hz, but not at 3 or 30 Hz, drove the expansion of the motor map representation of the task-relevant proximal FL musculature. These findings demonstrate that phasic, training-paired activation of the LC is sufficient to induce experience-dependent plasticity in the agranular motor cortex and that this LC-driven plasticity is highly dependent on the temporal dynamics of LC activation.
Systematic use of nonlinear data filtering methods in forecasting tasks
Authors: Gozhyj Aleksandr P. , Kalinina Irina A. , Bidyuk Peter I.
Published: December 2023

The article describes an approach to the systematic use of nonlinear data filtering methods in tasks of intelligent data analysis and machine learning. The concepts of filtering and non-linear filtering are considered. The analysis of modern methods of optimal and probabilistic nonlinear filtering of statistical data and the peculiarities of their application in solving the problems of estimating the states of dynamic systems is carried out. The application of the Kalman filter and its variants for solving nonlinear filtering problems is analysed. The classification of nonlinear filtering methods is given. In the basis of the classification are digital, optimal and probabilistic filters. Non-recursive and recursive digital filters are studied. The formulation of the problem of optimal filtering based on the Kalman filter is considered. The filtering equation for a free dynamic system based on the state space model of a discrete system is given. The extended Kalman filter and its modifications are considered. The Bayesian method of estimating the state of a nonlinear stochastic system is presented. The problem of linear and nonlinear probabilistic filtering is considered. Three filters are considered as examples of probabilistic filters: an unscented Kalman filter, a point mass filter, and a granular filter. The granular filtering algorithm and its modifications are considered in detail. The architecture of the information-analytical system for solving forecasting problems has been developed. The system consists of the following main components: user interface, information storage subsystem, data analysis and pre-processing subsystem, modelling subsystem, forecast construction and evaluation subsystem, visualization subsystem. As an example of forecasting based on the systematic use of non-linear filtering methods, the task of forecasting the prices of Google shares is considered. A comparison of the quality assessment results of basic models and forecast values without filtering and with different options for applying filters was carried out. To improve the quality of forecasting based on prepared data and based on nonlinear filtering methods, a method based on combined forecasts was used to solve the forecasting problem. The results of forecasting using the combined model are presented
Ist die Verpackungssteuer die neue Hundesteuer?
Authors: Kupferschmidt Frank
Published: December 2023

Mit Verpackungssteuern möchten Kommunen gegen Müllberge aus Pizza-Kartons und Coffee to go-Bechern ankämpfen. Für die Finanzwissenschaften sind sie ein hervorragendes Beispiel, um die Regulierung von negativen Externalitäten zu erörtern. Dieser Beitrag diskutiert die Effektivität und Effizienz einer solchen kommunalen Lenkungssteuer und entwickelt Handlungsempfehlungen aus ökonomischer Perspektive.
Boosting Resilience in Logistics
Authors: Zarnitz Simon , Straube Frank
Published: December 2023

The impact of Digital Supply Chain Twins (DSCT) on supplier management and its limitations and challenges in implementation are investigated. The contribution of DSCT to resilient logistics is also examined. The research objectives include investigating the impact of DSCT on supplier management, examining the limitations and challenges of implementation, and exploring the contribution of DSCT to resilience in logistics. Efficient supplier management can help save costs, increase efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction in a successful logistics strategy.
Brexit: Ein Fall für die Spieltheorie
Authors: Bieta Volker
Published: December 2023

Seit Anfang 2021 ist Großbritannien nicht mehr Teil der EU. In einer Übergangsphase war über die zukünftigen Beziehungen zu verhandeln. Welche Strategie war die beste für Brüssel und für London, wenn die Kosten umso höher werden je länger die Verhandlungen dauern? Die Frage führt auf das Feld der Spieltheorie. Die Verhandlungsmodelle von Ståhl und Rubinstein zeigen, dass die relative Kompromissbereitschaft ausschlaggebend für die Verhandlungslösung ist.