bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of MIMO-OFDM: Effect of Mutual Coupling, Frequency Response, SNR and Channel Capacity
Authors:   Balaji Institute of Technology and Science, Dept. of Electronics & Communication Engineering, Warangal, Telangana, India, Vaigandla Karthik Kumar , Karne RadhaKrishna ,   Balaji Institute of Technology and Science, Dept. of Electronics & Communication Engineering, Warangal, Telangana, India, Sanyasi Rao Allanki ,   Balaji Institute of Technology and Science, Dept. of Electronics & Communication Engineering, Warangal, Telangana, India
Published: October 2021

Systematic analysis of systems with Multiple Inputs and Multiple Outputs (MIMO) is presented in this paper. MIMO systems and various techniques for decoupling are discussed, including their effect on performance. As wireless communications systems progress, the challenge is to deliver high-data-rate access with good quality of service (QOS). MIMO technology can also offer greater reliability by boosting the link due to increased spectral efficiency; this can be met by incorporating spatial multiplexing gains and antenna diversity gains. OFDM signals can be used with antenna arrays at both transmitter and receiver for maximum efficiency. As a result, we have MIMO-OFDM. A generalized predictive control for MIMO systems is considered in this paper. Stability and performance of the closed-loop system are measured by using frequency response indicators.
AIRPORT ALoSP AND INTEGRATED RISK APPROACH FOR SSPs
Authors: Cunha Daniel , Andrade Michelle , Silva Javã
Published: October 2021

This work proposed the development of a methodology for risk management in airports for ICAO’s State Safety Programmes (SSP). To do so we investigated the nature of the airport safety events occurred in busiest Brazilian airports and proposed a risk index capable to provide the Acceptable Level of Safety Performance (ALoSP) ICAO demands to their signatory States. The approach allowed us to rank airports per their risk in relation to the ALoSP calculated and proposed State optimized regulatory actions to where the risk is. Research found the high concentration on risk recurrence among 31 airports. Only 4 concentrated 30% of all the recurrence of risk, 8 were responsible for 50% and 17 represented approximately 80% of the total risk load in Brazilian airport operations. Five groups of airports are proposed as per their safety performance (Safety+2, Safety+1, Neutral, Safety-1 and Safety-2). Their measured performance showed statistically significant differences. Safety+1 group presented a safety performance 1.49 times better than ALoSP and 3.52 times better than worst group of airports (Safety-2). The Safety+2 group is 3.76 times safer than ALoSP and 8.88 times safer than Safety-2 group. Safety-1 group presented a risk level 1.51 times higher than ALoSP and Safety-2 performed 2.35 times riskier than the ALoSP. This matrix way of problem solving brings more effectiveness and rationality to the SSP’s, amplifying their effectiveness.
Scanning the horizon for invasive plant threats to Florida, USA
Authors: Kendig Amy , Canavan Susan , Anderson Patti , Flory Stephen , Gettys Lyn , Gordon Doria , Iannone III Basil , Kunzer John , Petri Tabitha , Pfingsten Ian , Lieurance Deah
Published: October 2021

Early detection and eradication of invasive plants are more cost-effective than managing well-established invasive plant populations and their impacts. However, there is high uncertainty around which taxa are likely to become invasive in a given area. Horizon scanning, which pairs rapid risk assessment with consensus building among experts, can help identify invasion threats. We performed a horizon scan of potential invasive plant threats to Florida, USA—a state with a high influx of introduced species, conditions that are favorable for plant establishment, and a history of negative impacts from invasive plants. We began with a list of 2128 non-native plant species and subspecies that are crop pests or invasive somewhere in the world and used publicly available data to prioritize 100 taxa for rapid risk assessment. We derived overall invasion risk scores by evaluating the likelihood and certainty of each of the 100 taxa arriving, establishing, and having an impact in Florida. Through the rapid risk assessments and a consensus-building discussion, we identified six plant taxa with high overall risk scores ranging from 75 to 100 out of a possible 125. The six taxa are globally distributed, easily transported to new areas, found in regions with climates similar to Florida’s, and can impact native plant communities, human health, or agriculture. We recommend more thorough risk assessments for each of these six species and, if appropriate, policy and management actions to limit invasive plant introduction and establishment in Florida.
Tasserkidrilus cf. americanus (Clitellata, Naididae) – A new record from Slovakia confirms the dissimilarity between the European and North American populations
Authors: Kokavec Igor
Published: October 2021

The main objective of this study is to present a new record of Tasserkidrilus cf. americanus found in a channel near the Tešmak swamp in Slovakia (Central Europe) and to compare its morphological features and habitat requirements with those of populations occurring in North America and Europe. The new specimens are similar to those found in The Netherlands and Belgium, but dissimilar to previously reported North American material of T. americanus, reopening the question of whether the European form is a separate species. The European form has the penis sheaths approximately twice as long as and wider than the North American form and may inhabit slow-flowing or standing waters of a eutrophic character, which is in conflict with the current knowledge on the morphology and ecology of North American populations. Further investigation is necessary to solve the questions about the origin and taxonomic relationship of the European population to other populations.
Pathogens co-transported with invasive non-native aquatic species: implications for risk analysis and legislation
Authors: Foster Rachel , Peeler Edmund , Bojko Jamie , Clark Paul F. , Morritt David , Roy Helen E. , Stebbing Paul , Tidbury Hannah J. , Wood Louisa E. , Bass David
Published: October 2021

Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) can co-transport externally and internally other organisms including viruses, bacteria and other eukaryotes (including metazoan parasites), collectively referred to as the symbiome. These symbiotic organisms include pathogens, a small minority of which are subject to surveillance and regulatory control, but most of which are currently unscrutinized and/or unknown. These putatively pathogenetic symbionts can potentially pose diverse risks to other species, with implications for increased epidemiological risk to agriculture and aquaculture, wildlife/ecosystems, and human health (zoonotic diseases). The risks and impacts arising from co-transported known pathogens and other symbionts of unknown pathogenic virulence, remain largely unexplored, unlegislated, and difficult to identify and quantify. Here, we propose a workflow using PubMed and Google Scholar to systematically search existing literature to determine any known and potential pathogens of aquatic INNS. This workflow acts as a prerequisite for assessing the nature and risk posed by co-transported pathogens of INNS; of which a better understanding is necessary to inform policy and INNS risk assessments. Addressing this evidence gap will be instrumental to devise an appropriate set of statutory responsibilities with respect to these symbionts, and to underpin new and more effective legislative processes relating to the disease screening and risk assessment of INNS.
Spectrophotometric methods for the determination of lisinopril in medicines
Authors: Shulyak Nataliia , Budzivula Kateryna , Kucher Tetyana , Kryskiw Liubomyr , Poliak Olha , Logoyda Liliya
Published: October 2021

Two simple, rapid and green spectrophotometric methods are described for the determination of lisinopril medicines. The determination is based on the reaction of the primary amino group of the lisinopril with ninhydrin in aqueous medium (Method I) and reaction on the carboxylic group of the lisinopril with copper (II) sulfate (Method II). For both methods, optimal spectrophotometric conditions were established. The linear relationship was found between absorbance at λmax and concentration of drug in the range 40–60 µg/mL (Method I) and 0.592–2.072 mg/mL (Method II). Regression analysis of Beer’s law plot at 400 nm yielded the regression equation, y = 7.4929x – 0.0545 (Method I) and at 730 nm y = 0.0443x – 0.0832 (Method II). High values of correlations coefﬁcient (R2 = 0.9917 (Method I) and R2 = 0.999 (Method II)) and small values of intercept validated the linearity of calibration curve and obedience to Beer’s law. The LOD and LOQ values were calculated to be 6.91 µg/mL and 23.01 µg/mL respectively (Method I) and 0.11 mg/mL and 0.36 mg/mL respectively (Method II). Intra-day and inter-day accuracy and precision were in acceptable limits. The proposed methods were applied for the quantification of lisinopril in tablets pertaining to three commercial formulations. Analytical eco-scale for greenness assessment of the proposed spectrophotometric methods showed that both methods correspond to excellent green analysis.
Osteology of Tucanoichthys tucano Géry and Römer, an enigmatic miniature fish from the Amazon basin, Brazil (Teleostei: Characiformes: Characidae)
Authors: Mattox George M. T. , Conway Kevin W.
Published: October 2021

Miniaturization, the evolution of extremely small adult body size, is a common phenomenon across the lineages of freshwater fishes, especially in the Neotropics where over 200 species are considered miniature (≤26 mm in standard length [SL]). Close to 30% of all miniature Neotropical freshwater fishes belong to the family Characidae, several of which are of uncertain phylogenetic placement within the family. We investigate the skeletal anatomy ofTucanoichthys tucano, a species of uncertain phylogenetic position from the upper Rio Negro basin, reaching a maximum known size of 16.6 mm SL. The skeleton ofTucanoichthysis characterized by the complete absence of ten skeletal elements and marked reduction in size and/or complexity of others, especially those elements associated with the cephalic latero-sensory canal system. Missing elements in the skeleton ofTucanoichthysinclude those that develop relatively late in the ossification sequence of the non-miniature characiformSalminus brasiliensis, suggesting that their absence inTucanoichthyscan be explained by a simple scenario of developmental truncation. A number of the reductions in the skeleton ofTucanoichthysare shared with other miniature characiforms, most notably species ofPriocharaxandTyttobrycon, the latter a putative close relative ofTucanoichthysbased on molecular data.
Revision of the genus Niphta (Diptera, Thaumaleidae) Theischinger of South America, with descriptions of nine new species and a new immature morphotype
Authors: Pivar Robert J. , Sinclair Bradley J. , Moulton John K.
Published: October 2021

The Niphta Theischinger fauna of South America is revised to include 11 species, nine of which are described as new to science (N. acus Pivar, sp. nov., N. bifurcata Pivar & Moulton, sp. nov., N. bispinosa Pivar & Sinclair, sp. nov., N. brunnea Pivar, sp. nov., N. courtneyi Pivar, sp. nov., N. daniellae Pivar, sp. nov., N. downesi Pivar, sp. nov., N. eurydactyla Pivar, sp. nov., N. mapuche Pivar, sp. nov.). The genus Niphta is redefined, both previously described Chilean species are redescribed, N. halteralis (Edwards) and N. nudipennis (Edwards), and females are described or redescribed where possible. The first descriptions of the immature stages of South American Niphta are provided, which represent a new larval morphotype in Thaumaleidae, as larvae and pupae possess ventral adhesive structures. Furthermore, these larvae were collected from vegetation rather than rocky substrates. Illustrations and micrographs are provided for all species, and scanning electron microscopy images are included for select immatures. A key to species, distribution maps, and discussions regarding phylogenetic affinities and habitat are also included.
Gelechia omelkoi sp. nov. – a new species from the Russian Altai Mountains related to the Nearctic Gelechia mandella Busck, 1904 (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae), with a synopsis of Gelechia from the Altai Republic of Russia
Authors: Bidzilya Oleksiy , Huemer Peter , Landry Jean-François , Šumpich Jan
Published: October 2021

Gelechia omelkoisp. nov. is described from the Ukok plateau and South Chuisky ridge in the Altai Mountains of Russia. The adult of the new species, including its male genitalia, is illustrated and compared with species most similar in morphology and DNA barcodes—G. sororculella(Hübner, 1817) andG. jakovleviKrulikovsky, 1905 from the Palaearctic region, as well asG. mandellaBusck, 1904 from Canada. This last species is redescribed based on adult specimens, including the genitalia of both sexes, and a lectotype is designated.Gelechia sirotinaOmelko, 1986 is recorded from the Altai Republic for the first time. An updated list of six species ofGelechiafrom the Altai Mountains of Russia is given. Dorsal habitus photographs of all species are provided. The male genitalia of the lectotype ofG. jakovleviis illustrated for the first time.
Contribution to the trout of Euphrates River, with description of a new species, and range extension of Salmo munzuricus (Salmoniformes, Salmonidae)
Authors: Turan Davut , Aksu İsmail , Oral Münevver , Kaya Cüneyt , Bayçelebi Esra
Published: October 2021

In an effort to reveal the Euphrates trout taxonomy, the Karasu River, which is one of the eastern drainages of the river, was investigated and three independent populations were identified. Result revealed that two populations belonged to Salmo munzuricus, which was known only in Munzur River, while the other population belonged to an unnamed species. Salmo baliki, a new species, is described from the Murat River, a drainage of Euphrates River. It differs from Salmo species in adjacent water by the combination of the following characters: a grayish body; commonly one, rarely two pale black spots behind eye and on cheek; two to seven black spots on opercle; a few black spots on back and upper part of flank, missing on predorsal area; few to numerous large irregular-shaped red spots in median, upper and lower part of flank, surrounded by a large irregular-shaped white ring; the number of black and red spots not increasing in parallel with size; maxilla short and narrow; adipose-fin medium size, no or rarely one or two red spot its posterior edge; 107–118 lateral line scales; 24–28 scales rows between dorsal-in origin and lateral line; 18–22 scale rows between lateral line and anal–fin origin; maxilla length 7.7–9.1% SL in males, 8.2–9.6 in females. Finally, the genetic study of the Cyt b mitochondrial gene confirmed the morphological data, suggesting the separation of S. baliki from other Salmo species.
Vieillir en ville
Authors: Espinasse Marie-Thérèse
Published: October 2021

Les vieux et la ville, deux termes que l'on n'associe pas spontanément tant il est vrai que les débats concernant la ville aujourd'hui sont focalisés sur la situation des banlieues. Or, on sait que les plus de 65 ans ne représentent que 9,2 % de la population des « quartiers sensibles » alors qu'ils représentent 13,3 % de la population des agglomérations urbaines et 14,7 % de la population de la France métropolitaine. Peu nombreuses dans les banlieues, les personnes âgées sont ailleurs : dans les centres anciens des villes ou à la campagne, espaces moins visibles pour une population supposée socialement moins problématique. Le développement de services gérontologiques à l'initiative des villes conforte l'hypothèse selon laquelle, il n'y a pas ou plus de problème de personnes âgées en ville. La situation des personnes âgées dans les centres anciens est-elle moins problématique ? Ce n'est pas certain. La réflexion proposée dans cet article tente de répondre à deux séries de questions. En premier lieu nous essaierons d'esquisser le profil des personnes âgées dépendantes vivant en ville et d'examiner leurs demandes à l'égard des services (marchands et non marchands). Nous essaierons ensuite d'examiner les réponses apportées par les services (y compris les services gérontologiques).
La pathologie des personnes âgées en 1992
Authors: Sermet Catherine
Published: October 2021

En moyenne, chaque personne de 65 ans et plus déclare souffrir, un jour donné de 7,6 affections, davantage pour les femmes, 8,2, que pour les hommes, 6,8. La morbidité prévalente est dominée par les maladies cardiovasculaires. On en relève 147 pour 100 personnes de cet âge. L’hypertension artérielle, dont le taux de prévalence est de 44 pour 100 personnes arrive largement en tête, suivie par la pathologie veineuse (31 pour 100). Avec les troubles de la réfraction (presbytie) et les prothèses dentaires, les affections ophtalmologiques et celles de la bouche et des dents se partagent les deuxième et troisième places. La quatrième place revient aux maladies ostéo-articulaires (81 pour 100 personnes) ; le groupe rassemblant les rhumatismes, les douleurs articulaires et l’arthrose non rachidienne est en tête avec un taux de prévalence de 41 pour 100 personnes. En un an, chaque personne âgée de 65 ans et plus développe en moyenne 2,4 maladies aiguës. La morbidité incidente aiguë comprend essentiellement des maladies ORL (rhinites, pharyngites, toux) dont l’incidence annuelle est de 73 pour 100 personnes, des maladies infectieuses et parasitaires (syndromes grippaux, mycoses,…), 24 pour 100 personnes, des symptômes et états morbides mal définis (asthénie) et des traumatismes. Les données présentées sont issues de l’enquête sur la santé et les soins médicaux réalisée en 1991-1992 par l’INSEE en collaboration avec le CREDES auprès d’un échantillon de 20 417 personnes résidant en ménages ordinaires en France métropolitaine.
L’évolution de l’espérance de vie sans incapacité à 65 ans
Authors: Robine Jean-Marie , Mormiche Pierre , Cambois Emmanuelle
Published: October 2021

En 1991, l’espérance de vie sans incapacité à 65 ans - tous niveaux confondus - s’élève à 12,1 ans pour les femmes et à 10,1 ans pour les hommes soit respectivement 60,2 % et 64,3 % de la valeur de leur espérance de vie au même moment. Dans les conditions de 1991 et à tous les âges de la vie, en France, les femmes peuvent espérer vivre plus longtemps que les hommes ; et au cours de cette vie plus longue, elles passent à la fois plus de temps sans incapacité, mais aussi plus de temps en incapacité que les hommes, avec une part de vie en incapacité plus grande. Entre 1981 et 1991, en France, l’accroissement de l’espérance de vie à 65 ans, comme à 85 ans, s’est accompagné d’une augmentation de la part du temps vécu sans incapacité. Globalement, les résultats français indiquent une compression relative de la morbidité aux âges élevés.
Le temps de la personne âgée démente, de la reprise à la répétition
Authors: Hazif-Thomas Cyril , Thomas Philippe , Guillibert Edmond
Published: October 2021

La démotivation est un sentiment inexorable d’effacement de soi et de renoncement à l’emprise sur le présent. Elle est fréquente chez la personne âgée qui est confrontée à des blessures narcissiques et qui est souvent découragée à vivre ses choix. La reprise anticipatoire permet de valoriser son passé pour embellir son présent et se protéger vers son futur. Elle est précocement altérée dans la démence où la personne âgée est prisonnière de ses expériences démotivantes répétitives. L’impossibilité de la reprise la conduit à un vécu répétitif, morne et stérile qui l’oblige à régresser dans un passé immuable. Les aspects familiaux sont envisagés comme une recherche par la personne âgée de l’usage de la loi, non sans analogie avec la situation de l’adolescent en crise. L’échec de cette stratégie peut alors déboucher sur le suicide, ou renforcer l’aporie démotivante, conduisant ainsi le vieillard déficitaire dans la démence refuge.
Les nouveaux résidants en maison de retraite
Authors: Martinet Bernard
Published: October 2021

Depuis 1988, les services du conseil général de Meurthe-et-Moselle rencontrent les personnes âgées des maisons de retraite autonomes du département, qui représentent 3 000 personnes environ. Ces visites permettent de mesurer l’autonomie, le lieu de vie antérieur de ces personnes, les dates d’entrée, etc. En 1994, cette étude a été réalisée comme chaque année au mois de mars-avril. Elle a montré que les établissements renouvellent un quart de leurs résidants chaque année, la moyenne d’âge de ces entrées est de 83 ans pour les hommes et 84 ans pour les femmes. Les trois quarts des nouveaux résidants viennent de leur domicile, un tiers étant passé auparavant par l’hôpital. L’étude de l’autonomie de ces personnes montre qu’elles sont dépendantes pour un grand nombre, mais moins dépendantes que les personnes qui se trouvent dans ces structures. Cette dépendance se manifeste, principalement, pour la toilette et les troubles d’origine psychique.
Les catégories d’âge face aux mutations temporelles de la société
Authors: Bessin Marc
Published: October 2021

Les seuils d’âge, produits et instruments des institutions, déterminaient et reflétaient des entrées et des sorties dans des positions stabilisées. Ils symbolisaient un modèle normatif du parcours de vie correspondant au temps du Chronos , linéaire et segmenté, prégnant dans les sociétés industrielles. L’évolution récente des sphères professionnelles et familiales, notamment, est marquée par l’instabilité, l’incertitude et l’arasement des seuils. Ces mutations temporelles posent les enjeux d’un mode de régulation biographique qui ne s’appuie plus sur des catégories uniformes et universelles comme l’âge chronologique. Les catégories pour penser le temps biographique s’en trouvent également renouvelées.
Données actuelles sur la maladie d’Alzheimer
Authors: Forette Françoise
Published: October 2021

En 1907, Aloïs Alzheimer examina, après sa mort, le cerveau d’une de ses patientes et découvrit des lésions du cerveau qui nous servent encore, en 1996, à porter le diagnostic. Il les dénomma « plaque sénile » et « dégénérescence neuro-fibrillaire ». La maladie d’Alzheimer était née, et tomba dans l’oubli. Pour longtemps. Il fallut attendre 1968 pour qu’une remarquable équipe anglaise se penche sur ce problème de la détérioration intellectuelle qui survient avec l’âge. Depuis cette époque, les progrès de la recherche furent constants. Avec l’ensemble des examens neuropsychologiques, cliniques et biologiques, avec les résultats de la neuro-imagerie, nous parvenons à cerner le diagnostic avec une fiabilité, voisine de 90 %. Variable d’un individu à l’autre, la maladie, évolue parfois lentement, parfois assez vite… Aujourd’hui les pistes thérapeutiques les plus étudiées concernent des traitements dits substitutifs, la maladie étant caractérisée par une importante diminution de l’acétylcholine au niveau du cerveau. Premiers produits étudiés : la physostigmine – mais dont la durée de vie très courte lui interdit de devenir pour l’instant un médicament – et la tacrine. Les essais aboutissent à la mise sur le marché de cette dernière en 1993, aux États-Unis et, en 1994, en France. Avant que les progrès attendus de la recherche ne donnent leurs fruits, il est indispensable qu’une volonté politique améliore l’aide apportée aux patients victimes de cette maladie. On peut dire que la prise en charge sociale reste, en France, indigente. Certes, il faut craindre cette maladie et lutter contre elle, mais la maladie d’Alzheimer ne constitue pas la façon la plus commune de vieillir. Que la majorité des personnes vieillissantes écartent de leur esprit l’idée que cette maladie serait inéluctable.
Vie professionnelle et vieillissement
Authors: Gaullier Xavier , Troadec Thomas
Published: October 2021

La société industrielle a progressivement organisé un cycle de vie ternaire et linéaire (formation/jeunesse ; travail/vie adulte ; repos/vieillesse). Face aux problèmes de l’emploi, cette répartition socio-chronologique est remise en cause, notamment aux deux extrémités de la vie active. La généralisation des cessations anticipées et progressives d’activité, ainsi que les transformations qui concernent en amont les salariés âgés, déstabilisent la seconde partie de la carrière professionnelle. À l’heure actuelle, peu d’études sur les liens entre vie professionnelle et vieillissement prennent en compte ces évolutions professionnelles. Les chercheurs doivent travailler non plus sur le seul passage à la retraite, mais sur toute la période qui va du milieu de la carrière professionnelle jusqu’à la sortie de la vie active. On présente, ici, quelques résultats d’études portant sur les identités professionnelles et leur évolution au cours de la seconde partie de la carrière. Une telle approche permet, également, de réfléchir sur l’évolution des valeurs du travail et du temps libre, un problème central dans la société actuelle.
Programme de médicalisation du système d’information et gériatrie
Authors: Saint Jean Olivier
Published: October 2021

La mise en place du Projet, puis du Programme de médicalisation du système d’information (PMSI) au début des années 80 témoigne de la volonté d’introduire des variables médicales pour expliquer l’activité hospitalière et la production de soins au cours d’un séjour. Cette volonté de médicaliser la gestion des hôpitaux aurait dû être accueillie très favorablement par les médecins français. Mais beaucoup confondent PMSI et plan de rigueur, beaucoup rendent responsables les imprécisions du PMSI de la réduction de leur budget de service. Le PMSI, malgré ses imperfections, demeure une chance pour la médecine hospitalière. La caractéristique de la médecine gériatrique est d’être transversale aux structures hospitalières et la relative inadéquation du PMSI CS à décrire la gériatrie nous a conduits à une réflexion fructueuse sur notre activité, sur nos filières. De même, la participation de médecins gériatres à l’extension du PMSI au MS a permis de faire reconnaître par la classification des spécificités essentielles de nos malades. Reste donc à élaborer un PMSI soins ambulatoires et un PMSI SLD. Ils s’avèrent indispensables, aujourd’hui, alors que la gériatrie acquiert enfin droit de cité en tant que discipline médicale à part entière et quitte l’hospice pour l’hôpital et ses règles.
Topography-Guided Versus Wavefront-Optimized LASIK for Myopia With and Without Astigmatism: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Cheng Shi-Ming , Tu Rui-Xue , Li Xi , Zhang Jia-Sheng , Tian Zhen , Zha Zhi-Wei , Ruan Kun-Wei , Yu A-Yong
Published: October 2021

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the differences in efficacy, predictability, safety, and visual quality between topography-guided customized ablation treatment (TCAT) and wavefront-optimized (WFO) laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the treatment of myopia with and without astigmatism.

METHODS:

A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials was used to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TCAT-LASIK with WFO-LASIK for myopia with and without astigmatism up to September 2020. The references of all searched literature were checked as supplements. Literature was screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and relative data were extracted. RevMan software version 5.3.0 (Cochrane Collaboration) was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS:

A total of seven RCTs (1,168 eyes) were included. There were no statistically significant differences in the ratio of uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better (relative risk [RR] = 1.01, 95% CI [0.97 to 1.06],
P
= .64) and 20/16 or better (RR = 0.96, 95% CI [0.80 to 1.16],
P
= .69). Compared with WFO-LASIK, TCAT-LASIK achieved a higher proportion of postoperative manifest refractive spherical equivalent within ±0.50 diopters of the target (RR = 1.06, 95% CI [1.02 to 1.11],
P
= .003) and less surgically induced higher order aberrations (weighted mean difference [WMD] = −0.11, 95% CI [−0.15 to −0.0],
P
< .00001), spherical aberrations (WMD = −0.04, 95% CI [−0.05 to −0.03],
P
< .00001), and coma (WMD = −0.15, 95% CI [−0.28 to −0.01],
P
= .03). No patient lost two or more lines of distance-corrected visual acuity postoperatively in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

This meta-analysis suggests that both TCATLASIK and WFO-LASIK show excellent efficacy, predictability, and safety for myopia. TCAT-LASIK exhibited more accurate postoperative refraction predictability and less surgically induced higher order aberrations, spherical aberrations, and coma. More randomized, prospective, and large sample-sized studies are needed to confirm these conclusions in the long term.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2021;37(10):707–714.]
Clinical Outcomes of Femtosecond Laser–Assisted Implantation of Asymmetric ICRS in Keratoconus With No Coincidence of Topographic and Comatic Axes
Authors: Kammoun Haikel , Piñero David P. , Álvarez de Toledo Juan , Barraquer Rafael I. , García de Oteyza Gonzalo
Published: October 2021

PURPOSE:

To analyze the clinical outcomes obtained with asymmetric intracorneal corneal ring segments (ICRS) of variable thickness and width in patients with keratoconus, identifying predictive parameters of the final visual outcome.

METHODS:

This prospective, longitudinal, non-comparative clinical trial enrolled 35 eyes of 27 patients with keratoconus with a significant difference among corneal topographic and comatic axes. All eyes underwent implantation of AJL-pro+ ICRS (AJL Ophthalmic). Visual, refractive, corneal topographic and aberrometric, and pachymetric changes were evaluated during a 3-month follow-up.

RESULTS:

Significant changes were detected at 3 months after surgery in manifest sphere and cylinder, spherical equivalent, overall blur strength, and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) (
P
< .001). No losses of two or more lines of CDVA were observed, whereas 94.3% (33) of eyes gained one or more lines of CDVA. Keratometric readings and the magnitude of anterior corneal astigmatism were significantly reduced with surgery (
P
< .001), as well as the levels of corneal coma (
P
< .001) and spherical aberration (
P
= .007). Likewise, a significant change toward less prolateness was observed (
P
< .001). Significant correlations were found among the change in CDVA and preoperative CDVA (
r
= −0.532,
P
= .001), and between the change in primary coma root mean square and the preoperative level of spherical aberration (
r
= −0.542,
P
= .001) and coma root mean square (
r
= −0.719,
P
< .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

The implantation of the ICRS evaluated in keratoconus with no coincidence between topographic and comatic axes regularizes the corneal shape and reduces the level of higher order aberrations, inducing a significant visual improvement.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2021;37(10):693–699.]
Fractional version of the Jensen-Mercer and Hermite-Jensen-Mercer type inequalities for strongly h-convex function
Authors: Ma Fangfang ,   Department of Foundational Course, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Taian 271019 China
Published: October 2021

In this paper we find further versions of generalized Hadamard type fractional integral inequality for $ k $-fractional integrals. For this purpose we utilize the definition of $ h $-convex function. The presented results hold simultaneously for variant types of convexities and fractional integrals.
Nonisotropic symplectic graphs over finite commutative rings
Authors: Sriwongsa Songpon ,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Bangkok 10140, Thailand, Sirisuk Siripong ,   Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science and Techonology, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we study two types of nonisotropic symplectic graphs over finite commutative rings defined by nonisotropic free submodules of rank $ 2 $ and McCoy rank of matrices. We prove that the graphs are quasi-strongly regular or Deza graphs and we find their parameters. The diameter and vertex transitivity are also analyzed. Moreover, we study subconstituents of these nonisotropic symplectic graphs.
Some new Hardy-Hilbert-type inequalities with multiparameters
Authors: Yang Limin ,   Basic Department, Henan Vocational College of Water Conservancy and Environment, Zhengzhou 450008, China, Yang Ruiyun
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this paper is to build some new Hardy-Hilbert-type inequalities with multiparameters and their equivalent forms and variants, which generalize some existing results. Similarly, the corresponding Hardy-Hilbert-type integral inequalities are also given.
Imploring interior GE-filters in GE-algebras
Authors: Ahn Sun Shin ,   Department of Mathematics Education, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, Korea, Bandaru Ravikumar , Jun Young Bae ,   Department of Mathematics, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Hyderabad Campus, Telangana-502329, India,   Department of Mathematics Education, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
Published: October 2021

The concept of an imploring interior GE-filter is introduced, and their properties are investigated. The relationship between an interior GE-filter and an imploring interior GE-filter are discussed. Example to show that any interior GE-filter is not an imploring interior GE-filter is provided. Conditions for an interior GE-filter to be an imploring interior GE-filter are given. Examples to show that an imploring interior GE-filter is independent to a belligerent interior GE-filter are provided. Conditions for an imploring interior GE-filter to be a belligerent interior GE-filter are given. The relationship between imploring interior GE-filter and prominent interior GE-filter are discussed. Example to show that any imploring interior GE-filter is not a prominent interior GE-filter is provided. Conditions for an imploring interior GE-filter to be a prominent interior GE-filter are given. Also, conditions under which an interior GE-filter larger than a given interior GE-filter can become an imploring interior GE-filter are considered.
Rough sets theory via new topological notions based on ideals and applications
Authors: Hosny Mona ,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science for Girls, King Khalid University, Abha 61471, Saudi Arabia,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
Published: October 2021

There is a close analogy and similarity between topology and rough set theory. As, the leading idea of this theory is depended on two approximations, namely lower and upper approximations, which correspond to the interior and closure operators in topology, respectively. So, the joined study of this theory and topology becomes fundamental. This theory mainly propose to enlarge the lower approximations by adding new elements to it, which is an equivalent goal for canceling elements from the upper approximations. For this intention, one of the primary motivation of this paper is the desire of improving the accuracy measure and reducing the boundary region. This aim can be achieved easily by utilizing ideal in the construction of the approximations as it plays an important role in removing the vagueness of concept. The emergence of ideal in this theory leads to increase the lower approximations and decrease the upper approximations. Consequently, it minimizes the boundary and makes the accuracy higher than the previous. Therefore, this work expresses the set of approximations by using new topological notions relies on ideals namely $ \mathcal{I} $-$ {\delta_{\beta}}_{J} $-open sets and $ \mathcal{I} $-$ {\bigwedge_{\beta}}_{J} $-sets. Moreover, these notions are also utilized to extend the definitions of the rough membership relations and functions. The essential properties of the suggested approximations, relations and functions are studied. Comparisons between the current and previous studies are presented and turned out to be more precise and general. The brilliant idea of these results is increased in importance by applying it in the chemical field as it is shown in the end of this paper. Additionally, a practical example induced from an information system is introduced to elucidate that the current rough membership functions is better than the former ones in the other studies.
Molecular diagnostics of Salmonella and Campylobacter in human/animal fecal samples remain feasible after long-term sample storage without specific requirements
Authors: Harder CB ,   Statens Serum institut, Dept. Bacteriology, Parasitology and Fungi, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark, Persson S , Christensen J , Ljubic A , Nielsen EM , Hoorfar J ,   Molecular Ecology, Microbial Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Lund University, Sölvegatan 37, 223 62 Lund,   Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, Microbiological department, Søndervang 4, 4100 Ringsted,   AGC Biologics, Process Transfer, Vandtårnsvej 83, 2860 Søborg, Denmark,   Technical University of Denmark, National Food Institute, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Published: October 2021

Rapid advances in the development of sequencing technologies, numbers of commercial providers and diminishing costs have made DNA-based identification and diagnostics increasingly accessible to doctors and laboratories, eliminating the need for local investments in expensive technology and training or hiring of skilled technicians. However, reliable and comparable molecular analyses of bacteria in stool samples are dependent on storage and workflow conditions that do not introduce post-sampling bias, the most important factor being the need to keep the DNA at a stable detectable level. For that reason, there may remain other prohibitively costly requirements for cooling or freezing equipment or special chemical additives.

This study investigates the diagnostic detectability of Salmonella and Campylobacter DNA in human, pig and chicken stool samples, stored at different temperatures and with different preservation methods. Stool samples were spiked with 106 CFU/mL of both Salmonella and Campylobacter strains stored at −20 °C, 5 °C and 20 °C (Room temperature, RT) and treated with either RNAlater, EDTA or Silica/ethanol. DNA was extracted at 9 different time points within 30 days and quantified by Qubit (total DNA) and qPCR (Salmonella and Campylobacter DNA). We found no statistically significant differences among the different preservation methods, and DNA from both species was easily detected at all time points and at all temperatures, both with and without preservation. This suggests that infections by these bacteria can be diagnosed and possibly also analysed in further detail simply by taking a stool sample in any suitable sealed container that can be transported to laboratory analysis without special storage or preservation requirements. We briefly discuss how this finding can benefit infection control in both developed and developing countries.
Free Lunch? Vendor Offers during COVID-19
Authors: Hosoi Mihoko
Published: October 2021

Academic libraries received numerous free offers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Existing business literature suggests that there are benefits and costs associated with free offers for both the businesses that provide them and their customers. This study analyzes the free offers received during a three-month period at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. The author monitored direct offers from vendors, LIBLICENSE-L@LISTSERV.CRL.EDU, information obtained from peers, and publicly available data from the International Coalition of Library Consortia (ICOLC). The offers that would normally require paid institutional subscriptions were included in the study. Databases were the largest offer category (41%), followed-by e-books (20%). Most (76%) required registration by library representatives, allowing vendors to track usage data. Only a small portion (8%) of these free offers was already held at the study site, Penn State University Libraries (PSUL). The implication might be that most of the offers were either new, not high-priority or not affordable for PSUL. The findings of this study suggest free offers provide intangible value for both libraries and vendors that cannot be measured through cost-per-use data analysis. For example, libraries gained opportunities to trial new products without any risk, temporarily expand their collections, and help users during the crisis when access to the library buildings was disrupted. Vendors increased product visibility, gained customer information and usage data, identified potential customers, and created goodwill with the library community. This study is relevant to business librarianship not only because these free offers included business and related disciplines but also because some business librarians engage with vendor relations and need to understand different business models including free offers.
Cytotoxicity of Ti/SS316/Mg Particles on Human Osteoblasts
Authors: Wang Niyou , Dheen S. Thameem , Fuh Jerry Ying Hsi , Kumar A. Senthil
Published: October 2021

Daily walking or exercise of the bone implant recipients may generate particles due to wear and tear. Reports have mentioned that particles could circulate in the human body and trigger aseptic loosening, inflammation, and other potential complications. The mechanism of these phenomena remains mostly unclear. This study is to investigate the cytotoxicity of titanium (Ti), stainless steel 316 (SS316), and magnesium (Mg) particles due to these materials are the most commonly used biomaterials based on their adequate mechanical properties and excellent biocompatibility. Human osteoblasts (SAOS2 cells) were exposed directly to different concentrations of Ti/SS316/Mg particle during the direct cytotoxicity test. Together with the previous study, we found out that Ti particles showed cytotoxicity to osteoblasts at different dosages and times, while SS316 particles and Mg particles (low dosage) can reduce the cytotoxicity induced by Ti particles and boost cell viability. Mg particles can be toxic to osteoblast at a higher dosage, while SS316 particles are “safer” than Mg particles at higher dosages. Cell viability and cell morphology of SAOS2 cells under different treatments were observed at 2/3/5 days. This study found out that cell viability could be enhanced with certain combinations of Ti/SS316/Mg particles. This can give us certain guideline on how to design and fabricate a hybrid bone implant. However, how to quantify the particles inside the human body in real-time, and the exact interaction among particles, cells, tissues, and even organs require further research.
Sustainable Construction through Characterization of PET Bricks in Urban Areas
Authors: Castro Jeanmpierre , Chávez Zenner , Pool Chaviguri , Amarillo Aarón , Chauca Mario
Published: October 2021

The Plastic especially that used for beverage containers generates large tons of daily waste, currently being the first waste material that accumulates the most in our cities. A problem that increases when one takes into account that it is a material that takes around 500 years to fully degrade. In recent years, the development of ideas in the use and recycling of PET bottles has increased worldwide due to the level of the ecological problem it poses. There are processes that reuse waste beverage containers for the elaboration of construction elements another of its magnificent advantages is the simplicity in its production process. They do not require firing and, unlike the conventional brick manufacturing process that joins cement and sand, for the manufacture of a PET brick the sand is replaced by particles of PET plastic from twenty waste bottles, with which we obtain a much more alternative ecological sustainable,
Cellulose Nanofibers/Polycarbonate Nanocomposite
Authors: Shih Yeng Fong , Lai Zhong Zhe , Tsai Wan Ling , Xu Jia Yi , Wu Nian Yi
Published: October 2021

In this study, cellulose nanofiber (CNF) was prepared from carrot residues and further surface modification was carried out using suspension polymerization. Subsequently, these CNFs were added to polycarbonate (PC) to prepare a series CNF reinforced nanocomposites. TEM results show that the average diameter of the fiber after 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidinyloxy (TEMPO) radical oxidation is 4.46 nm, and the average diameter of the TEMPO oxidized nanofiber modified by suspension polymerization is 7.65 nm, which confirms that the carrot fiber has been successfully prepared into nanoscale. The results of FT-IR analysis show that the lignin and impurities on carrot fibers can be removed effectively after alkali treatment. In addition, the absorption peak of the functional group analyzed by FT-IR also confirmed that the TEMPO radical oxidation and suspension polymerization method were successfully carried out. Contact angle analysis results show that the contact angle of the CNF modified by suspension polymerization method was increased, indicating that the hydrophobicity of the fiber has been significantly improved. Moreover, this will lead to the better compatibility between CNF and PC matrix. Mechanical property analysis also shows that the surface modified CNF has a stronger reinforcing effect on PC than the unmodified one. Furthermore, the results show that the dispersion of CNF in the matrix of nanocomposite prepared by dilution of masterbatch was better than that of the one prepared by directly adding of CNFs. The better dispersion of CNFs in the PC matrix led to the better mechanical properties. The increment of tensile strength of the nanocomposite prepared by dilution of masterbatch can reach to 21.75%. In the analysis of transparency, the transmittance of modified CNF containing nanocomposite was larger than that of unmodified CNF containing one. The transmittance of the nanocomposites containing modified CNFs was larger than 70%, which was close to that of pure PC.
Effects of Black Scoria on Mechanical Properties and Thermal Insulation Properties of Building Materials
Authors: Alraddadi Shoroog
Published: October 2021

The effect of fine black scoria on the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of building materials was investigated in this study. Black scoria was used to replace cement in concrete with various percentages. Four concrete samples containing 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% black scoria were prepared. Characterization black scoria was performed via X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. Then, the compressive strength of the samples was investigated after 14, 21, 28, and 91 days of curing at room temperature. Finally, the thermal conductivities of the samples were measured after 28 days. Based on the experimental results, the highest compressive strength among the samples was 45.3 MPa, obtained from the mixture containing 10% black scoria after 91 days of curing. It was also observed that the average thermal conductivity of the concrete samples decreased with an increase in the fine black scoria content from 1.8 to 0.193 W m−1 K−1. Thus, black scoria is an appropriate substitute for commercial admixtures in cement composites in thermally insulating building materials due to its low density, excellent compressive strength, and good heat insulation properties.
Prototype of Prefabricated Brick with Special Passes for Functional and Safe Electrical and Sanitary Installations on Confined Masonry
Authors: Vera Andrea , Rosales Richard , Chauca Mario
Published: October 2021

For years, construction processes and materials have evolved and are standardized to be more efficient. One of the most used materials in construction, specifically in walls, is brick. Whether concrete or clay, which includes the installation of water pipes, light and / or ventilation becoming one of the most laborious and noisy processes that generate more unusable waste when making the passes. Based on this problem, this research proposes a solution using a brick prototype for efficient construction in water, light and/or ventilation pipe installation issues. This alternative helps reduce labor, costs, sound pollution, element damage, waste, environmental impact and project delivery time, which is the most desired achievement of any contractor.