bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved estimation of the health and economic burden of chronic disease risk factors in Manitoba
Authors: Krueger H , Williams D , Ready AE , Trenaman C , Turner C
Published: October 2020

Introduction

There are analytic challenges involved with estimating the aggregate burden of multiple risk factors (RFs) in a population. We describe a methodology to account for overlapping RFs in some sub-populations, a phenomenon that leads to ''double-counting'' the diseases and economic burden generated by those factors.

Methods

Our method uses an efficient approach to accurately analyze the aggregate economic burden of chronic disease across a multifactorial system. In addition, it involves considering the effect of body weight as a continuous or polytomous exposure that ranges from no excess weight through overweight to obesity. We then apply this method to smoking, physical inactivity and overweight/obesity in Manitoba, a province of Canada.

Results

The annual aggregate economic burden of the RFs in Manitoba in 2008 is about $1.6 billion ($557 million for smoking, $299 million for physical inactivity and $747 million for overweight/obesity). The total burden represents a 12.6% downward adjustment to account for the effect of multiple RFs in some individuals in the population.

Conclusion

An improved estimate of the aggregate economic burden of multiple RFs in a given population can assist in prioritizing and gaining support for primary prevention initiatives.
Meilleure estimation du fardeau que représentent les facteurs de risque de maladie chronique pour la santé et l'économie au Manitoba
Authors: Krueger H , Williams D , Ready AE , Trenaman C , Turner C
Published: October 2020

Introduction

L'estimation du fardeau global que représentent les facteurs de risque multiples au sein d'une population présente certains défis d'ordre analytique. Nous décrivons une méthodologie permettant de tenir compte des facteurs de risque se chevauchant dans certaines sous-populations et entraînant un « double compte » des maladies et du fardeau économique qu'ils engendrent.

Méthodologie

Notre démarche permet d'analyser avec précision le fardeau économique global des maladies chroniques dans un cadre multifactoriel tout en tenant compte de l'incidence du poids en tant qu'exposition continue ou polytomique (allant de l'absence d'excédent de poids au surpoids et à l'obésité). Nous appliquons cette méthode au tabagisme, à l'inactivité physique et au surpoids et à l'obésité à la province du Manitoba (Canada).

Résultats

En 2008, le fardeau économique global annuel des facteurs de risque au Manitoba était d'environ 1,6 milliard de dollars (557 millions pour le tabagisme, 299 millions pour l'inactivité physique et 747 millions pour le surpoids et l'obésité). Le fardeau total représente un rajustement à la baisse de 12,6 % lorsqu'on tient compte de l'effet des facteurs de risque multiples chez certaines personnes.

Conclusion

Une meilleure estimation du fardeau économique global des facteurs de risque multiples au sein d'une population peut faciliter l'établissement des priorités et améliorer le soutien aux initiatives de prévention primaire.
Estimating cancer risk in relation to tritium exposure from routine operation of a nuclear-generating station in Pickering, Ontario
Authors: Wanigaratne S , Holowaty E , Jiang H , Norwood TA , Pietrusiak R , Brown R
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Evidence suggests that current levels of tritium emissions from CANDU reactors in Canada are not related to adverse health effects. However, these studies lack tritium-specific dose data and have small numbers of cases. The purpose of our study was to determine whether tritium emitted from a nuclear-generating station during routine operation is associated with risk of cancer in Pickering, Ontario.

Methods

A retrospective cohort was formed through linkage of Pickering and north Oshawa residents (1985) to incident cancer cases (1985–2005). We examined all sites combined, leukemia, lung, thyroid and childhood cancers (6–19 years) for males and females as well as female breast cancer. Tritium estimates were based on an atmospheric dispersion model, incorporating characteristics of annual tritium emissions and meteorology. Tritium concentration estimates were assigned to each cohort member based on exact location of residence. Person-years analysis was used to determine whether observed cancer cases were higher than expected. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine whether tritium was associated with radiation-sensitive cancers in Pickering.

Results

Person-years analysis showed female childhood cancer cases to be significantly higher than expected (standardized incidence ratio [SIR] = 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–3.38). The issue of multiple comparisons is the most likely explanation for this finding. Cox models revealed that female lung cancer was significantly higher in Pickering versus north Oshawa (HR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.23–4.46) and that tritium was not associated with increased risk. The improved methodology used in this study adds to our understanding of cancer risks associated with low-dose tritium exposure.

Conclusion

Tritium estimates were not associated with increased risk of radiation-sensitive cancers in Pickering.
Méthodologie de l'Enquête sur les personnes ayant une maladie chronique au Canada – composante de l'hypertension de 2009
Authors: Bienek AS , Gee ME , Nolan RP , Kaczorowski J , Campbell NR , Bancej C , Gwadry-Sridhar F , Robitaille C , Walker RL , Dai S
Published: October 2020

Introduction

L'Enquête sur les personnes ayant une maladie chronique au Canada – composante de l'hypertension (EPMCC-H) est une enquête téléphonique transversale de 20 minutes sur le diagnostic et la prise en charge de l'hypertension. L'échantillon de l'EPMCC-H, sélectionné à partir des répondants à l'Enquête sur la santé dans les collectivités canadiennes (ESCC) de 2008, était composé de Canadiens (de 20 ans et plus) des dix provinces ayant déclaré avoir reçu un diagnostic d'hypertension.

Méthodologie

Le questionnaire a été élaboré au moyen de la technique Delphi et a fait l'objet d'un examen externe ainsi que de tests qualitatifs. Statistique Canada s'est chargé des stratégies d'échantillonnage, du recrutement, de la collecte et du traitement des données. Les proportions ont été pondérées afin de représenter la population canadienne et les intervalles de confiance (IC) à 95 % ont été calculés au moyen de la méthode de rééchantillonnage bootstrap.

Résultats

Si on le compare à la population de l'ESCC ayant déclaré souffrir d'hypertension, l'échantillon de l'EPMCC-H (n = 6 142) est légèrement plus jeune (âge moyen des répondants à l'EPMCC-H : 61,2 ans, IC à 95 % : 60,8 à 61,6; âge moyen des répondants à l'ESCC : 62,2 ans, IC à 95 % : 61,8 à 62,5), comporte plus de détenteurs d'un diplôme d'études postsecondaires (EPMCC-H : 52,0 %, IC à 95 % : 49,7 % à 54,2 %; ESCC : 47,5 %, IC à 95 % : 46,1 % à 48,9 %) et moins de répondants prenant un médicament pour l'hypertension (EPMCC-H : 82,5 %, IC à 95 % : 80,9 % à 84,1 %; ESCC : 88,6 %, IC à 95 % : 87,7 % à 89,6 %).

Conclusion

Dans l'ensemble, l'EPMCC-H de 2009 est représentatif de sa population source et fournit des données nouvelles et exhaustives sur le diagnostic et la prise en charge de l'hypertension. L'enquête a été adaptée à d'autres maladies chroniques – diabète, asthme/maladie pulmonaire obstructive chronique et troubles neurologiques. Le questionnaire est accessible à partir du site Web de Statistique Canada; des résultats descriptifs ont été publiés par l'Agence de la santé publique du Canada.
Risque de blessures à la tête et au visage chez les cyclistes en relation avec l'ajustement du casque : une étude cas-témoins
Authors: Romanow NR , Hagel BE , Williamson J , Rowe BH
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Nous avons examiné l'effet de l'ajustement et de la position du casque de vélo sur les blessures à la tête et au visage.

Méthodologie

Les cas étaient ceux de cyclistes portant un casque qui avaient subi des blessures à la tête (n = 297) ou au visage (n = 289). Les témoins étaient des cyclistes portant un casque qui avaient subi d'autres blessures, à l'exception des blessures au cou. Les participants ont été interrogés dans sept services d'urgence de l'Alberta ou par téléphone. Les données sur les blessures ont été recueillies au moyen des dossiers médicaux. Les valeurs manquantes ont été déduites à l'aide d'équations enchaînées et de modèles personnalisés d'imputation par prédiction.

Résultats

Comparativement aux sujets dont l'ajustement du casque était excellent, ceux dont l'ajustement était mauvais affichaient un plus grand risque de blessures à la tête (rapport de cotes [RC] = 3,38, intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 % : 1,06 à 10,74). Comparativement aux sujets dont le casque était demeuré bien centré, ceux dont le casque s'était incliné vers l'arrière (RC = 2,90, IC à 95 % : 1,54 à 5,47) ou s'était déplacé (RC = 1,91, IC à 95 % : 1,01 à 3,63) et ceux qui avaient perdu leur casque (RC = 6,72, IC à 95 % : 2,86 à 15,82) présentaient un plus grand risque de blessures à la tête. Un casque qui s'était incliné vers l'arrière (RC = 4,81, IC à 95 % : 2,74 à 8,46), s'était déplacé (RC = 1,83, IC à 95 % : 1,04 à 3,19) ou avait été perdu (RC = 3,31, IC à 95 % : 1,24 à 8,85) augmentait aussi le risque de blessures au visage.

Conclusion

Nos observations ont des retombées sur les consommateurs et les programmes d'éducation des détaillants.
Injuries and helmet use related to non-motorized wheeled activities among pediatric patients
Authors: Lindsay H , Brussoni M
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Patients presenting to emergency departments (ED) for injuries resulting from recreational activities represent a unique source of information on important directions for injury prevention efforts. We describe the epidemiology of non-motorized wheeled activity-related injury in pediatric patients presenting to Canadian EDs as well as patients' helmet use.

Methods

Data for the years 2004 to 2009 were abstracted from the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP), a national ED injury surveillance program in fifteen hospitals.

Results

Most of the 28 618 children aged 1 to 16 years injured during non-motorized wheeled activities were injured while cycling, followed by skateboarding. Most injuries occurred among boys. Children injured on scooters tended to be younger whereas skateboarders were the oldest. On average, the number of all injuries decreased by 6% over the time period. Falls were the most common mechanism of injury; 8.3% of patients had head injuries, which were seen more often among cyclists than other wheeled-activity users. Helmet use was greatest among cyclists (62.2%) and lowest among skateboarders (32.9%). Injured patients presenting to EDs in jurisdictions with legislation mandating helmet use had 2.12 greater odds of helmet use and 0.86 lesser odds of head injury compared with those presenting in jurisdictions without helmet laws.

Conclusion

These results provide further evidence that legislation mandating helmet use may be an effective way of reducing injury among all wheeled-activity users. The small number of patients who presented with helmet use and protective gear (59.4% overall) suggests that this remains an area for intervention.
Blessures et port du casque au cours d'activités non motorisées sur roues chez des patients pédiatriques
Authors: Lindsay H , Brussoni M
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Les patients qui se présentent aux urgences en raison de traumatismes subis au cours d'activités récréatives constituent une source d'information unique qui peut orienter de manière déterminante les interventions visant à prévenir les blessures. Nous décrivons ici l'épidémiologie des blessures associées aux activités non motorisées sur roues chez les patients pédiatriques se présentant aux urgences au Canada et faisons état du port du casque chez ces patients.

Méthodologie

Nous avons extrait les données relatives aux années 2004 à 2009 du Système canadien hospitalier d'information et de recherche en prévention des traumatismes (SCHIRPT), un programme national de surveillance des blessures dans les urgences de 15 hôpitaux.

Résultats

La majorité des 28 618 enfants âgés de 1 à 16 ans qui ont été blessés au cours d'activités non motorisées sur roues l'ont été durant la pratique de la bicyclette, la deuxième cause étant la pratique de la planche à roulettes. Les enfants blessés étaient majoritairement des garçons. Les enfants blessés en trottinette étaient généralement plus jeunes, ceux blessés en planche à roulettes plus âgés. En moyenne, le nombre total de blessures a diminué de 6 % au cours de la période étudiée. Les chutes étaient le mécanisme lésionnel le plus courant, et 8,3 % des patients présentaient un traumatisme crânien, blessure plus fréquente chez les cyclistes que chez les utilisateurs d'autres dispositifs sur roues. Le port du casque était plus répandu chez les cyclistes (62,2 %), les utilisateurs de planche à roulettes affichant le plus faible taux d'utilisation (32,9 %). Les patients blessés qui s'étaient présentés aux urgences dans une région où le port du casque était obligatoire étaient 2,12 fois plus susceptibles de porter un casque et 0,86 fois moins susceptibles de souffrir d'un traumatisme crânien, comparativement aux patients des régions où il n'y avait pas de réglementation sur le port du casque.

Conclusion

Ces résultats corroborent les études selon lesquelles la réglementation rendant obligatoire le port du casque pourrait être un moyen efficace de réduire les blessures chez tous les utilisateurs de dispositifs à roues non motorisés. Le petit nombre de patients qui portaient un casque et un équipement de protection (59,4 % en tout) laisse penser que cela demeure un champ d'intervention.
Are Canadian youth still exposed to second-hand smoke in homes and in cars?
Authors: Barisic A , Leatherdale ST , Burkhalter R , Math M , Ahmed R
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The objective of this manuscript is to examine the prevalence of youth exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) in homes and cars, changes in SHS exposure over time, and factors associated with beliefs youth hold regarding SHS exposure among a nationally representative sample of Canadian youth.

Methods

Descriptive analysis of SHS exposure in homes and cars was conducted using data from the Canadian Youth Smoking Survey (2004, 2006 and 2008). Logistic regression was conducted to examine factors associated with beliefs youth had about SHS exposure in 2008.

Results

In 2008, 21.5% of youth reported being exposed to SHS in their home on a daily or almost daily basis, while 27.3% reported being exposed to SHS while riding in a car at least once in the previous week. Between 2004 and 2008, the prevalence of daily SHS exposure in the home and cars decreased by 4.7% and 18.0% respectively.

Conclusion

Despite reductions in SHS exposure over time, a substantial number of Canadian youth continue to be exposed to SHS in homes and cars. Further effort is required to implement and evaluate policies designed to protect youth from SHS.
Profil complet des caractéristiques sociodémographiques, psychosociales et sanitaires des clients des soins à domicile atteints de démence en Ontario
Authors: Vu M , Hogan DB , Patten SB , Jetté N , Bronskill SE , Heckman G , Kergoat MJ , Hirdes JP , Chen X , Zehr MM , Maxwell CJ
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Cette étude fournit une synthèse des caractéristiques sociodémographiques, psychosociales et sanitaires d'une vaste cohorte représentative des clients des soins à domicile en Ontario (âgés de 50 ans ou plus) atteints de démence et elle examine les variations de ces caractéristiques chez les clients atteints de maladies neurologiques concomitantes.

Méthodologie

Les clients ont été évalués à l'aide de l'Instrument d'évaluation des résidents – Soins à domicile (RAI-HC) entre janvier 2003 et décembre 2010. Les analyses descriptives fournissent la répartition de ces caractéristiques en comparant les clients atteints de démence et ceux de plusieurs autres groupes ainsi que ceux atteints d'autres maladies neurologiques documentées.

Résultats

Environ 22 % des clients (n = 104 802) avaient reçu un diagnostic de démence (âge moyen de 83 ans, 64 % de femmes) et un sur quatre parmi eux était atteint d'une maladie neurologique concomitante (AVC ou maladie de Parkinson la plupart du temps). Environ 43 % des clients atteints de démence n'habitaient pas avec leur principal aidant. Par rapport aux clients des groupes de comparaison, les clients atteints de démence présentaient des taux considérablement plus élevés de déficit cognitif et fonctionnel, d'agressivité, d'anxiété, d'errance et d'hallucinations ou de délire, avaient plus souvent un aidant en détresse et couraient un plus grand risque de placement en établissement. Par contre, ils étaient moins souvent atteints de diverses maladies chroniques et étaient moins nombreux à avoir eu recours à des services de santé récemment. Les symptômes de dépression étaient relativement fréquents chez les clients atteints de démence et chez ceux atteints d'une autre maladie neurologique.

Conclusion

Les clients atteints de maladies neurologiques concomitantes présentaient des profils cliniques bien particuliers illustrant la nécessité de personnaliser et d'assouplir les services de soins à domicile et d'améliorer les programmes de soutien pour les aidants.
Developing injury indicators for First Nations and Inuit children and youth in Canada: a modified Delphi approach
Authors: Pike I , McDonald RJ , Piedt S , Macpherson AK
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The purpose of this research was to take the initial step in developing valid indicators that reflect the injury issues facing First Nations and Inuit children and youth in Canada.

Methods

Using a modified-Delphi process, relevant expert and community stakeholders rated each indicator on its perceived usefulness and ability to prompt action to reduce injury among children and youth in indigenous communities. The Delphi process included 5 phases and resulted in a refined set of 27 indicators.

Results

Indicators related to motorized vehicle collisions, mortality and hospitalization rates were rated the most useful and most likely to prompt action. These were followed by indicators for community injury prevention training and response systems, violent and inflicted injury, burns and falls, and suicide.

Conclusion

The results suggest that a broad-based modified-Delphi process is a practical and appropriate method, within the OCAP™ (Ownership, Control, Access and Possession) principles, for developing a proposed set of indicators for injury prevention activity focused on First Nations and Inuit children and youth. Following additional work to validate and populate the indicators, it is anticipated that communities will utilize them to monitor injury and prompt decisions and action to reduce injuries among children and youth.
Al-Qāʿida en la Península Arábiga (AQPA): génesis e influencia en la guerra en Yemen
Authors: Medina Gutiérrez Felipe
Published: October 2020

La guerra en Yemen forma parte de los casos que más demandan atención y análisis en la actualidad. El texto propone un análisis de uno de los actores menos estudiados en este conflicto: al-Qāʿida en la Península Arábiga (AQPA). El presente artículo pretende demostrar cómo este grupo ha tenido una larga evolución influida por el contexto global, regional e interno yemení. A partir de la guerra en 2015, la organización supo reinventarse para presentarse como un polo de poder al margen de la contienda ḥūṯī y la coalición liderada por Arabia Saudí y Emiratos Árabes. Por ello, resulta trascendental su comprensión en la actual guerra y el futuro que le depara a Yemen.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on coronary invasive procedures at two Italian high-volume referral centers
Authors: Fileti Luca , Vecchio Sabine , Moretti Carolina , Reggi Alessandra , Aquilina Matteo , Balducelli Marco , Santarelli Andrea , Grosseto Daniele , Piovaccari Giancarlo , Rubboli Andrea
Published: October 2020

Aims

The purpose of this study was to verify the impact on the number and characteristics of coronary invasive procedures for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) of two hub centers with cardiac catheterization facilities, during the first month of lockdown following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and methods

Procedural data of ACS patients admitted between 10 March and 10 April 2020 were compared with those of the same period of 2019.

Results

We observed a 23.4% reduction in ACS admissions during 2020, with a decrease for both ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (–5.6%) and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (–34.5%), albeit not statistically significant (P = 0.2). During the first 15 days of the examined periods, the reduction in ACS admissions reached 52.5% (–25% for STEMI and –70.3% for non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, P = 0.04). Among STEMI patients, the rate of those with a time delay from symptoms onset longer than 180 min was significantly higher during the lockdown period (P = 0.01). Radiograph exposure (P = 0.01) was higher in STEMI patients treated in 2020 with a slightly higher amount of contrast medium (P = 0.1) and number of stents implanted (P = 0.1), whereas the number of treated vessels was reduced (P = 0.03). Percutaneous coronary intervention procedural success and in-hospital mortality were not different between the two groups and in STEMI patients (P NS for all).

Conclusion

During the early phase, the COVID-19 outbreak was associated with a lower rate of admissions for ACS, with a substantial impact on the time delay presentation of STEMI patients, but apparently without affecting the in-hospital outcomes.
A New Six-DoF Parallel Mechanism for Captive Model Test
Authors: Lu Yun , Wu Jinbo , Li Weijia , Wu Yaozhong
Published: October 2020

In order to obtain the hydrodynamic coefficients that can save cost and meet the accuracy requirements, a new hydrodynamic test platform based on a 6DoF (six degrees of freedom) parallel mechanism is proposed in this paper. The test platform can drive the ship to move in six degrees of freedom. By using this experimental platform, the corresponding hydrodynamic coefficients can be measured. Firstly, the structure of the new device is introduced. The working principle of the model is deduced based on the mathematical model. Then the hydrodynamic coefficients of a test ship model of a KELC tank ship with a scale of 1:150 are measured and 8 typical hydrodynamic coefficients are obtained. Finally, the measured data are compared with the value of a real ship. The deviation is less than 10% which meets the technical requirements of the practical project. The efficiency of measuring the hydrodynamic coefficients of physical models of ships and offshore structures is improved by the device. The method of measuring the hydrodynamic coefficients by using the proposed platform provides a certain reference for predicting the hydrodynamic performance of ships and offshore structures.
Forced Motion CFD Simulation and Load Refinement Evaluation of Floating Vertical-Axis Tidal Current Turbines
Authors: Zhang Wanchao , Zhou Yujie , Wang Kai , Zhou Xiaoguo
Published: October 2020

Simulation of the hydrodynamic performance of a floating current turbine in a combined wave and flow environment is important. In this paper, ANSYS-CFX software is used to analyse the hydrodynamic performance of a vertical-axis turbine with various influence factors such as tip speed ratio, pitching frequency and amplitude. Time-varying curves for thrust and lateral forces are fitted with the least squares method; the added mass and damping coefficients are refined to analyse the influence of the former factors. The simulation results demonstrate that, compared with non-pitching and rotating turbines under constant inflow, the time-varying load of rotating turbines with pitching exhibits an additional fluctuation. The pitching motion of the turbine has a positive effect on the power output. The fluctuation amplitudes of thrust and lateral force envelope curves have a positive correlation with the frequency and amplitude of the pitching motion and tip speed ratio, which is harmful to the turbine’s structural strength. The mean values of the forces are slightly affected by pitching frequencies and amplitudes, but positively proportional to the tip speed ratio of the turbine. Based upon the least squares method, the thrust and lateral force coefficients can be divided into three components, uniform load coefficient, added mass and damping coefficients, the middle one being significantly smaller than the other two. Damping force plays a more important role in the fluctuation of loads induced by pitching motion. These results can facilitate study of the motion response of floating vertical-axis tidal current turbine systems in waves.
Application of Apriori Algorithm in the Lamination Process in Yacht Production
Authors: Niksa-Rynkiewicz Tacjana , Landowski Michal , Szalewski Paweł
Published: October 2020

The article specifies the dependence of defects occurring in the lamination process in the production of yachts. Despite great knowledge about their genesis, they cannot be completely eliminated. Authentic data obtained through cooperation with one of the Polish yacht shipyards during the years 2013–2017 were used for the analysis. To perform a simulation, the sample size was observed in 1450 samples, consisting of 6 models of yachts with closed and open deck. Finding the dependence of the occurrence of specific defects will allow for faster procedures and more effective quality control, which will contribute to lower costs. The use of new methods based on artificial intelligence related to Big Data allows for easier observation of dependencies in the complex structure of data from yacht production. The association rules were defined using the algorithm Apriori and define interdependent defects. A number of dependencies were found for the occurrence of production defects not obvious to technologists, but occurring with a high probability of coexistence. The presented research results may allow the planning process of production tasks to be improved.
Investigations of Mechanical Properties of API P110 Steel Casing Tubes Operated in Deep-Sea Sour Condensate Well Conditions
Authors: Zilin Yao , Yu Wang , Xuefeng Yang , Anping Gao , Rong Zhang , Yanjie Jia
Published: October 2020

Due to the complexity of the marine environment, in deep-sea drilling, all kinds of strings are corroded by different deep-sea conditions for a long time, accompanied by high temperature and high pressure, which lead to the continuous change of mechanical properties of materials. In order to solve the problem that the material mechanical parameters cannot be accurately described in the performance analysis of the casing, deep-sea simulated corrosion and material damage experiments of P110 material were carried out in this paper. Mass loss and tensile experiments on corrosion-damaged test pieces were conducted under different corrosion experimental periods. The changes in mechanical properties of the material were analyzed. Equations of the variation of the equivalent yield strength and the equivalent tensile strength were obtained. The results show that the equivalent yield strength and the equivalent tensile strength decrease with the increase of the weight loss rate. Based on the experimental results and finite element analysis, a method for establishing the material corrosion model was proposed in this paper. The deep-sea drilling corrosion performance model of P110 material was established, which greatly reduced the error caused by the material uniformity assumption in finite element analysis. This paper provides a theoretical basis for the analysis of reliability and life of P110 materials in wells.
Evolutionary Multi–Objective Weather Routing of Sailboats
Authors: Sobecka Ewa , Szłapczyński Rafał , Życzkowski Marcin
Published: October 2020

The paper presents a multi-objective method, which optimises the route of a sailboat. The presented method makes use of an evolutionary multi-objective (EMO) algorithm, which performs the optimisation according to three objective functions: total passage time, a sum of all course alterations made during the voyage and the average angle of heel. The last two of the objective functions reflect the navigator’s and passenger’s comfort, which may decrease with multiple turns or when experiencing an excessive heel angle for a long time. The optimisation process takes into account static bathymetry-related constraints as well as dynamic constraints related to the sailboat’s safety in changing wind and wave conditions. The method makes use of all of the above and finally returns an approximated Pareto set containing non-dominated solutions to the optimisation problem. The developed method has been implemented as a simulation application. The paper includes selected simulation results followed by their discussion.
Sailing Route Planning Method Considering Various User Categories
Authors: Życzkowski Marcin
Published: October 2020

The article describes the methodology related to determining the multi-criteria routes for sailing ships. Details of sea area discretisation and discretisation of the description of the sailing vessel properties and manoeuvring principles are shown. User requirements were specified (for five different categories of users) and on this basis the criteria for selecting the most suitable shipping route were formulated. The presented algorithm recommends a route for a given user category by means of defined restrictions and configuration parameters. The applied multi-criteria approach proves the universality and usability of the sailing ship route planning method.
Analysing the Impact on Underwater Noise of Changes to the Parameters of a Ship’s Machinery
Authors: Buszman Krystian
Published: October 2020

A ship moving over the surface of water generates disturbances that are perceived as noise, both in the air and under water. Due to its density, water is an excellent medium for transmitting acoustic waves over long distances.

This article describes the impact of the settings of a ship’s machinery on the nature of the generated noise. Our analysis includes the frequency characteristics of the noise generated by the moving ship. Data were obtained using an underwater measurement system, and the measured objects were two ships moving on specific trajectories with certain machinery settings. The acquired data were analysed in the frequency domain to explore the possibilities of the acoustic classification of ships and diagnostics of source mechanisms.
Epidemiological, Clinical and Morphological Characteristics of Immunoglobulin a Nephropathy in Latvia
Authors: Kučāne Linda , Popova Anna , Kuzema Viktorija , Lejnieks Aivars , Pētersons Aivars
Published: October 2020

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common chronic glomerulopathy with variable clinical manifestations. IgAN diagnostics became possible in Latvia in 2013. The study aim was to describe IgAN manifestations in the Latvian population by analysing epidemiological, clinical, histological data, and reveal factors that might determine the course of the disease. The retrospective, one-centre study included biopsy-proven IgAN patients over a five-year period in the Nephrology Centre at Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital. Data from inpatient and outpatient medical records were collected. The study included 69 patients with histologically confirmed IgAN (23% of all renal biopsies): 52% men with mean age of 37. More than a half of them had hypertension, changes in urinalysis and kidney structure, and GFR < ml/min before the biopsy. Pathology data stratified by MEST-C score were: M1 (93%), E1 (5%), S1 (81%), T1 and T2 (24%), C1 (18%). 20% started renal replacement therapy (RRT). Proteinuria, obesity, hyperuricemia, high total MEST-C score, and low serum C3 were associated with a worse prognosis. As a significant part of patients start RRT in the five-year period after the biopsy, the disease course is not benign. IgAN in the study population was diagnosed with clinical and histological signs of advanced disease.
Implementation of Certified Energy ManagementSystem in Municipality. Case Study
Authors: Jekabsone Anda , Kamenders Agris , Rosa Marika
Published: October 2020

The European Union has taken the course to become climate neutral by 2050. To reach that target significant changes in all sectors are necessary, resulting in increasing regulatory pressure on energy producers, consumers and other sectors. Increasing legal requirements was also one of the reasons why the city of Daugavpils (population of 82 000) took a decision to implement an Energy management system (EnMS). In the boundaries of EnMS Daugavpils included more than 100 public buildings, public transportation and public lighting. This research paper presents results of the EnMS implementation, main drivers and barriers that Daugavpils has faced and overcome in the implementation process, and also assesses the benefits the city of Daugavpils has gained from EnMS. The success rate of EnMS in such an organisation as a municipality is based on the awareness and knowledge of the municipality’s employees and support from the municipality leaders. The case study of Daugavpils shows energy savings of 12 % in the public building sector after implementing EnMS.
Energy Efficiency Improvement in Thawing
Authors: Indzere Zane , Manzano Martinez Kevin D. , Bezrucko Tereza , Khabdullina Zauresh , Veidenbergs Ivars , Blumberga Dagnija
Published: October 2020

The thawing process within fish processing is one of the most essential steps in manufacturing. Various processes of thawing can be used where efficiency varies between companies depending on such characteristics as energy consumption, the price of resources, etc. The main aim of the research is to increase the efficiency of thawing processes. Firstly, to analyse various thawing methods and to find the most efficient one by using multi-criteria decision making analysis method. Secondly, analysing data of thawing of existing company to find opportunities for improvements, including the change of existing technology. Results showed that the most suitable method for thawing is the air blast method. Case study showed that current thawing technology is outdated, thus suggested improvement would be to replace the current boiler house with a cogeneration plant. A sensitivity analysis for the cogeneration plant has been performed.
The Moral Compatibility of Two Japanese Psychotherapies: An Appraisal of the Ethical Principles of Morita and Naikan Methods
Authors: Balogh Lehel
Published: October 2020

The article expounds and compares two representative contemporary psychotherapeutic approaches which grew out of the Buddhist cultural heritage of Japan and have proved successful in dealing with mental disorders in both Eastern and Western countries. Morita and Naikan therapies are regularly discussed and evaluated together as their compatibility and belongingness are unquestionable facts, even though they appeared at different times and in different milieus. One emerged from the clinical practice of a psychiatric department at a Tōkyō hospital where patients with neurasthenia were being treated, while the other appeared in rural Nara as a transformed version of an ancient ascetic tradition which aimed to assist devoted Buddhists attaining enlightenment. The article investigates the similarities and differences that form the foundations of the metaphysical, ethical, and therapeutic presuppositions of both therapies, pointing out the degree of their compatibility, and the possibility of conceiving a unified ethical framework for them.
Trump vs. China? Tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 Revisited
Authors: Hanada Eric
Published: October 2020

This study challenges the common belief that the ‘Trump tariffs’ are protectionist or a deliberate attack on China, the USA’s economic rival. By focusing specifically on Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and equating its use to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, this study instead demonstrates how the U.S. administration is actively repurposing protectionist laws to function as unilateral enforcement tools. Thus, this study argues that the tariffs enacted on steel and aluminium in 2018 under the guise of national security are not meant to protect the domestic market or to hurt the Chinese, but rather to ‘protect’ the ability of U.S. businesses to make profits abroad. By contrasting the justification for the tariffs to factual application, China is not identified as a target but rather as a convenient fig leaf. The article goes into further detail to demonstrate how the U.S. (ab)uses these tariffs during negotiations with South Korea, Japan, and other nations and finds multiple examples of how others have been affected significantly more than China. Here, the article describes how U.S. officials have mastered the art of simultaneously creating leverage, exchanging it for concessions, and keeping it.
Linguistic imagology: origin and application
Authors: Kamalova S. D.
Published: October 2020

The article dwells on the origin and development of linguistic imagology, a new field of research which studies the linguistic aspect of foreign image representation in fiction literature, mass media and other types of discourse, as well as the linguistic means of reflecting the relations between the auto-image (image of “the self”) and the hetero-image (image of “the other”). The specific approach offered in the paper is based on the analysis of nine multicultural novels about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict written in English. It consists in singling out two degrees of estrangement between the auto- and the hetero-image, with alienation and the image of an alius making an accent on differences and misunderstanding, and alterity together with the image of an alter, on similarities and propinquity. Lexico-semantic and stylistic analysis of the novels, carried out in the article, reveals linguistic tools which are employed to represent the hetero-image as either an alius or an alter.
Building academics’ foreign-language communicative competence in scientific areas
Authors: Bykhtina N. V.
Published: October 2020

The paper raises the problem of building the communicative competence of academics. Analysis of the theoretical material of the research helps further investigate the process of learning a foreign language by postgraduates within departmental educational milieu and define the foreign-language communicative competence of a research academician. In accordance with the logic of the presented research, the author uses a complex of complementary methods. They are theoretical research (systematic and theoretical analysis, studying the references in Pedagogy and Methodology of teaching a foreign language, comparative analysis of the Russian and foreign experience, considers the peculiarities of the content of research academicians training in a foreign language), pedagogical research (discussion, supervision, interview). The author stresses the necessity to improve the substantive component of foreign language training of the researcher, taking into account the professional orientation, the use of professional terminology by those who are engaged in research activities. That makes them capable of doing interpretation, précis-writing and abstracting scientific papers in English, thus building their foreign-language communicative competence. The author concludes that in the educational process it is advisable to use a manual, an interactive dictionary and a thesaurus for the successful organization of the process of building the foreign-language communicative competence of the research academician. The content of the materials mentioned above should be aimed at forming postgraduates’ readiness to participate in Russian and international research teams and use modern scientific terminology in a foreign language in various international scientific and representative conferences.
Personalization as an approach to education
Authors: Konobeev A. V. , Yukhimuk Y. A. , Voytsekhovskaya V. D. , Shchekich M.
Published: October 2020

The article is devoted to the notion and role of personalization in teaching English as a tool of day-to-day and professional communication, considering modern methodology which heavily relies on Internet technologies. The authors analyze the development of the ideas, which have served as the basis for personalized education, and come up with a detailed inventory of popular models of personalized education both in Russia and abroad to check their adherence to basic principles of personalization. The methods used in the article comprise synchronic and diachronic forms of comparative analysis. The authors’ personal experience of teaching English in a personalized way at Skyeng School via its online platform has become an important extra source of empirical material for the article. The results of the undertaken study can be of practical value for administrators of educational organizations, specialists in teaching methodology, school teachers who would like to implement various methods of personalized education or devise a personalized technique on their own
Media construction of the immigrant’s image: specifics of discourse strategies (based on the content of a Facebook group and articles in The Daily Mail)
Authors: Matytsina M. S. , Prokhorova O. N. , Chekulai I. V.
Published: October 2020

The paper based on the content of the Facebook group Immigrants in EU and The Daily Mailpublications discusses the issue of discursive construction of an immigrant image in media discourse. Using the framework of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the authors claim that the image of an immigrant can be viewed as a discursive construct, and the main discursive strategies involved in its construction include the reference strategy and the prediction strategy. As a result of the analysis, the so called CDA-categories (topic blocks) underlying the formation of the immigrant figure, are identified and illustrated by the relevant examples, the need for further study of the social media discourse as part of critical discourse analysis is justified. The relevance of such study is due to the growing research interest in discursive construction of the immigrant figure in the media discourse, since it underpins the definition of discourse as a form of social practice, not only reflecting processes in the society, but also exerting a reciprocal effect on them. The use of both verbal and non-verbal means in the media texts under study reflects the intention of the authors of the messages to use all possible communication channels when constructing an immigrant’s image. The results show that the dichotomy of “friends and foes” is being formed and maintained by the British newspaper The Daily Mail, while the members of the Immigrants in EU group try to mitigate the conflict between immigrants and indigenous people.
Conceptual metaphor as a method of forming stereotypical images in English media discourse
Authors: Akimtseva Yu. V.
Published: October 2020

The conceptual metaphor has been one of the main topics for discussion in various scientific fields for many years. Its mental essence has become common knowledge, and therefore, the relationship between this phenomenon and both language and linguistic personality becomes obvious. It is this strong connection that determines the new vision of the conceptual metaphor from the position of its correlation with the picture of the world: from this perspective, the conceptual metaphor is viewed as a tool with which a picture of the world is formed and elaborated. The research shows that the conceptual metaphor is capable of creating an image that forms the basis of a picture of the world. In this case the image formed by the conceptual metaphor is stereotyped. The article examines stereotyped images represented by conceptual metaphors based on the English media discourse. It was revealed that the media discourse, which has ideological and influence functions, implements linguistic concepts through a conceptual metaphor. Subsequently, linguistic concepts are fixed and become stereotypes. Within the framework of the article, when considering the features of the linguistic and conceptual pictures of the world, the conclusion is drawn that the process of stereotyping is characteristic precisely for the conceptual picture of the world, which indicates the direct interconnection between the conceptual metaphor and the conceptual picture of the world.
Image and linguistic personality of the teacher (based on short stories by Anton Chekhov)
Authors: Timofeeva A. I.
Published: October 2020

The main purpose of this article is to introduce readers to the linguistic embodiment of the teacher’s image in the short stories by A.P. Chekhov. In recent decades the linguistic personality of the characters of artistic works has often become the subject of thorough linguistic and literary analysis. A.P. Chekhov, being the master of humorous stories, aims at introducing certain features typical only for the images of characters representing various professions but at the same time corresponding to the genre of the work itself. Attention to details, many artistic features are the hallmark of this writer’s work. A.P. Chekhov works through each image at all levels: structural, semantic and linguistic (thesaurus). That is why Chekhov’s works arouse research interest among both literary critics and linguists. The linguistic personality of the teacher in Chekhov’s stories is formed in accordance with the tasks that the writer sets at the time of the creation of the work (for example, a humorous short story, memoirs, etc.). Analysis of the character’s speech characteristics, the verbal portrait of the character allows us to identify the distinctive features of Chekhov’s language and form an idea of the writer as a thinker and researcher of the native language. Working on the semantic level of the linguistic personality allows to reflect on the moral and ethical potential of the characters of Anton Chekhov’s stories.
Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets in group reporting of companies
Authors: Kozlova L.R.
Published: October 2020

Subject. The article makes an attempt to develop recommendations for provisions, contingent liabilities and conditional assets accounting under RAS and IFRS for companies operating in the real economy, based on the survey conducted using the sampling of Top 600 largest Russian companies at year-end2015 by Expert RA. Objectives. The aim of the study is to improve the quality of financial statements of Russian companies prepared under RAS and IFRS to the extent of provisions, conditional liabilities, contingent assets, and to perfect methods of relevant reporting data analysis. Methods. In the research, I applied the method of comparative analysis. Results. The paper presents a comparative analysis of the existing accounting methods for provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets under RAS, IFRS and GAAP, namely, systematizes the characteristic features and highlights the specifics of accounting systems. I examined the impact impact of data on provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets on evaluation of financial result of companies and developed recommendations to improve accounting treatment of provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets under RAS and IFRS. Conclusions. The offered recommendations may enhance the quality of financial statements of companies operating in financial and real sectors of the economy, as well as the effectiveness of investment decisions based on financial statement data.