Influence of (Sub) Structure Development within Rotary Swaged Al–Cu Clad Conductors on Skin Effect during Transfer of Alternating Current

The nature of alternating current transfer via metallic materials is specific, since the current density tends to be inhomogeneous across the cross-section of the conductor and the skin effect tends to occur. However, the influence of this effect on the behaviour of the conductor can be optimized via the design and fabrication procedures. The study presents innovative design of an Al–Cu clad conductor, which is supposed to affect favourably the influence of the skin effect. The clad conductors of various diameters (20 mm, 15 mm, and 10 mm) were fabricated via rotary swaging at room temperature, and their electric characteristics were subsequently examined both experimentally and via numerical simulations. Structure analyses performed to document the effects of the swaging technology on the development of substructure and characteristic structural features were carried out by scanning electron microscopy (electron backscatter diffraction analyses), and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the design of the composite has a favourable effect on decreasing the power losses during alternating current transfer and that the substructure development affected favourably the electric resistance of the conductor. The highest electric resistance was measured for the composite conductor with the diameter of 20 mm (1.8% increase compared to electric resistance during transfer of direct current). This value then decreased to 0.6%, and 0.1% after swaging down to the diameters of 15 mm, and 10 mm; the 10 mm composite featured the finest grains, partially restored structure, and texture randomization compared to the 20 mm and 15 mm composites. Manufacturing of the clad composite via rotary swaging imparted advantageous combinations of both the electric and mechanical properties, as swaging also introduced increased microhardness.

The Effect of Management Characteristics on Audit Report Readability

The present study investigates the relationship between management characteristics (managerial entrenchment, CEO narcissism, overconfidence, board effort, real and accrual-based earnings management) and the audit report readability of listed firms. In other words, this paper seeks to answer the question of “whether management characteristics can have a favourable effect on the audit report readability or not.” The multivariate regression model is used for this study. Research hypotheses were also examined using a sample of 1004 observations on the Tehran Stock Exchange during 2012–2018 and by employing multiple regression patterns based on a panel data technique and fixed effects model. The results show a negative and significant relationship between managerial entrenchment and real and accrual-based earnings management and the audit report readability, based on the FOG index, and a positive and significant relationship between management narcissism, CEO overconfidence, and board effort and the audit report readability, based on the FOG index. Moreover, a negative and significant relationship exists between management entrenchment, CEO overconfidence, real and accrual-based earnings management, and audit report readability based on text length and Flesch indices. A positive and significant relationship was evident between CEO narcissism and board effort and audit report readability based on the same indices. Besides, research models were also examined for more confidence using other additional methods, including FE, T + 1, ABB, and GMM, which confirm the study’s preliminary results. Since the present study is the first paper to investigate such a topic in the emergent markets, it provides valuable information about intrinsic and acquisitive characteristics of management for users, analysts, and legal institutions that contribute significantly to financial statement readability.

A Study on the Alleviating Effects of N-phthaloyl-γ-Aminobutyric Acid (P-GABA) on the Behavioral, Histopathological and Biochemical Adverse Effects of Sleep Deprivation in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Background: Sleep is defined as a reversible behavioural state of perceptual disconnection from insensitivity to the environment that facilitates the interaction of physiological and behavioural processes. Sleep Deprivation (S.D.) is defined as a decrease in sleeping duration below the recommended minimum, which has been linked to learning and memory problems. Aim: The primary objective of this work was to determine the effect of P-GABA on metabolic parameters, behavioural changes, whole-body cortisol, and brain histology in light-induced sleep-deprived zebrafish, as well as the optimal dose of P-GABA neutralizing undesirable effects. Methodology: The present study was conducted for ten days, consisting of three days in a row of sleep deprivation and seven days of treatment with P-GABA. The current investigation used six fishes in a group (n=6). Group 1: Control ; Group 2: 24h Total SD ; Group 3: 48h Total SD ; Group 4: 72h Total SD ; Group 5: 24h Total SD + P-GABA (100 mg/L) ; Group 6: 48h Total SD + P-GABA (100 mg/L) ;Group 7: 72h Total SD + P-GABA (100 mg/L) Results: The current study provides scientific data demonstrating the positive effects of P-GABA in treating sleep deprivation and associated cognitive impairment. To test if P-GABA treatment can alleviate the cognitive and memory impairment caused by S.D., we established non-toxic concentrations and treated the zebrafish with a safe dose of 100mg/L. The use of P-GABA increased cognitive performance in the T-maze, demonstrating that it has a favourable effect in a sleep-deprivation condition. The SD group exhibited neutrophil infiltration, and this S.D fish treated with P-GABA at a concentration of 100 mg/L demonstrated a moderate reduction in neuronal cell degeneration compared to controls. The levels of biochemical parameters during sleep deprivation and treatment phase with P-GABA were checked. It was evident from the results that the SOD, CAT and GPX levels in the S.D groups were drastically decreased, whereas treatment with P-GABA could show a significant increase in the levels of biochemical parameters. In contrast to the control group, zebrafish subjected to sleep deprivation showed enhanced AChE activity in the brain. The results of the P-GABA indicated an anti-AChE profile, which corresponds to improved memory parameters in zebrafish, as observed in the NTT and T-maze tests. When comparing the sleep-deprived fish to the control group, the MDA level, which indicates lipid peroxidation, was higher. Treatment with P-GABA considerably reduced the amount of MDA produced compared to the amount produced in sleep-deprived fish. The cortisol levels gradually increased in the single row 24h, 48h, and 72h sleep deprived groups. There was a gradual decrease in cortisol levels in the groups that received P-GABA treatment. The levels of neurotransmitters were seen to be decreased in the sleep-deprived groups when compared with the control. Upon treatment with P-GABA, the neurotransmitters were restored to near normal. Conclusion: This study showed that P-GABA counteracts cognitive performance decrease and anxiety increase resulting from sleep deprivation through a mechanism implying mitigation of brain oxidative stress and regulation of AChE activity.

Influence of Polymer Modifiers on Selected Properties and Microstructure of Cement Waterproofing Mortars

This paper presents the results of research on the influence of polymer modifiers: styrene-acrylic copolymer, vinyl acetate/ethylene (EVA), vinyl acetate/acrylic copolymer (VAAc), and VA/VeoVa/acrylic terpolymer on the water permeability and adhesion of cement-containing waterproofing mortars in concrete. The content of the polymers in the composition of the mortars was 15, 20 and 26% (m/m) in relation to the weight of the dry ingredients. Using microscopic methods, an attempt was made to analyse the relationship between the microstructure of the mortars and the properties of these polymers. The EVA and the vinyl acetate/acrylic copolymer, which were used in the form of dry powders, had the most favourable effect on water permeability and adhesion to the concrete substrate. They may prove to be useful for the production of one-component cement-containing waterproofing mortars. On the other hand, the VA/VeoVa/acrylic terpolymer modifier had the least favourable effect on the tested properties. For mortars with this modifier, the desired water-permeability parameters were not achieved. Depending on the amount of polymer modifier, the mortars were characterized by differences in watertightness, as established on the basis of changes in porosity and differences in the adhesion of the cement-polymer paste to the surface of aggregate grains. It was determined that the type of polymer and its dispergation properties influence the water permeability of mortars, as well as their adhesion to concrete substrates.

155 Effects on sacubitril/valsartan on natriuretic peptides in patients with a reduced ejection fraction

Aims The PARADIGM-HF trial proved the superiority of sacubitril/valsartan (Sa/Va) vs. enalapril in reducing mortality and hospitalization for heart failure (HF). Sacubitril/valsartan, new drug used in treatment of heart failure with reduced systolic function (HFrEF) has recently been shown to improve tolerance to exercise and cardiovascular performance. Methods and results We prospectively enrolled 40 outpatient patients with HFrEF with indication for therapy with sacubitril/valsartan and subjected to serial controls with blood tests, echocardiogram before and during gradual optimization of therapy, with the aim of evaluating the effects of the drug on left ventricular remodelling. We studied 40 patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan for at least 3 months. After a mean follow-up of 120 ± 40 days, 95% of patients reached the maximum dose of the drug without major side effects. The ejection fraction increased while end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes of the left ventricle decreased. We also observed a significant reduction in NT-proBNP values without significant worsening of renal function or hyperkalaemia. There NYHA functional class has improved with a positive impact on the prognosis of heart failure at 2 years (P = 0.006). Conclusions In our population, medium-term treatment with sacubitril/valsartan demonstrated a favourable effect on left ventricular remodelling and functional status, confirming the data of previous clinical trials in real life. One more follow-up long and a larger population will help confirm these to confirm these positive effects of the drug on patients with HfrEF.

Efficiency of the project method in the development of professional competencies in future teachers

The objective is to study the effectiveness of the project method in the formation of professional competencies of future employees in the field of education. Methods: surveys and questionnaires, methods of remote collection and processing of information (GOOGLE Forms) the main methods used in the study were the method of questionnaires, the method of synthesis and analysis, the method of expert evaluations. The chi-square criterion, the feature combination criterion, and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to calculate the results of the study. Results: The results of the study showed high indicators of the level of formation of students' subjectivity when using the project method in both the main and control groups. The introduction of the project method has an unconditional favourable effect in the process of forming the professional competencies of future teachers. Together with traditional teaching methods, the project method is an effective tool f or training future teachers. It is stated that the reliability of the obtained results is proved by the chi-square criterion. Its level is 0.01, on the basis of which it can be concluded that the proposed model is appropriate. Conclusion: Thus, after the analysis of the obtained results, the expediency of applying the project method in the training of future teachers was established.

P.202 Image-Guidance for Ventricular Drains Insertion: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis

Background: The use of Image-guidance to improve the accuracy during ventricular drain insertion has been attempted. We aim to assess the effect of use of Image-guidance on accuracy, drain failure rate and number of ventricular cannulation attempts. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to February 2021 looking for studies comparing image-guided versus freehand ventricular drain insertion. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias and quality of evidence. Metanalysis was conducted in compliance with PRISMA guidelines using a random-effects model and GRADE tool was used to assess quality of evidence. Results: 17 studies with 3404 patients were included, all of which were of non-randomized design. Pooled data on drain accuracy and drain failure rates showed favourable effect of image-guidance with risk ratio of 1.31 (95% CI of 1.13 – 1.51, low quality evidence) and 0.63 (95% CI 0.48 – 0.83, moderate quality evidence), respectively. Pooled data were equivocal for number of attempts with mean difference score of -0.11 times (95% CI -0.31 – 0.09, very low-quality evidence). Conclusions: Image-guidance likely enhances drain accuracy and reduces drain failure rate. No clear recommendation can be drawn on the benefit of intervention on number of drain insertion attempts.

Investigation of Stem Cell Applications on In Vitro Fertilization in Rats

We aimed to search the effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned media on in vitro fertilization by investigation of lifetime of germ cells cleavage, degeneration rates and embryo quality. For this purpose, firstly MSCs were isolated from femurs and tibias of the rat, and cells were cultured until the fourth passage. Sperm and oocytes were collected from male and female rats. Oocytes were added in Human Tubal Fluid Media (HTFM), Single Step Media (SSM), Alpha-MEM Media (AMM) and Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Conditioned Media (CM). Thousand sperm were added into the media which including oocytes. Embryos were allowed to produce by IVF. The development of the embryos was followed until the 11th day, and the arrest, degeneration rates and alive embryos were established. The embryos reached 2, 4, 8, 16 cells stages and morula stage in the CM. While AMM had a negative effect on fertilization and embryo development, the most favourable effect was shown to be caused by CM in comparison with the other medias. These results have shown that the beneficial effects of CM in IVF would be a significant increase in the rate of fertility and development of embryos.

Value of early critical care transthoracic echocardiography for patients undergoing mechanical ventilation: a retrospective study

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether early intensive care transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) can improve the prognosis of patients with mechanical ventilation (MV).DesignA retrospective cohort study.SettingPatients undergoing MV for more than 48 hours, based on the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) database and the eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD), were selected.Participants2931 and 6236 patients were recruited from the MIMIC-III database and the eICU database, respectively.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were 30-day mortality from the date of ICU admission, days free of MV and vasopressors 30 days after ICU admission, use of vasoactive drugs, total intravenous fluid and ventilator settings during the first day of MV.ResultsWe used propensity score matching to analyse the association between early TTE and in-hospital mortality and sensitivity analysis, including the inverse probability weighting model and covariate balancing propensity score model, to ensure the robustness of our findings. The adjusted OR showed a favourable effect between the early TTE group and in-hospital mortality (MIMIC: OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.65 to 0.94, p=0.01; eICU-CRD: OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.67 to 0.86, p<0.01). Early TTE was also associated with 30-day mortality in the MIMIC database (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.88, p=0.001). Furthermore, those who had early TTE had both more ventilation-free days (only in eICU-CRD: 23.48 vs 24.57, p<0.01) and more vasopressor-free days (MIMIC: 18.22 vs 20.64, p=0.005; eICU-CRD: 27.37 vs 28.59, p<0.001) than the control group (TTE applied outside of the early TTE and no TTE at all).ConclusionsEarly application of critical care TTE during MV is beneficial for improving in-hospital mortality. Further investigation with prospectively collected data is required to validate this relationship.

Identifying Key Drivers of Non-Performing Assets in Indian Public Sector Banks: A Panel Data Analysis

The present study strives to identify the major factors influencing the non-performing assets (NPAs) of public sector banks (PSBs) in India using a panel dataset comprising of 26 PSBs over the period 1999-2000 to 2015-16. The results reveal that business per employee, operating inefficiency, priority sector lending, inflation and real interest rate have a significant positive influence on increasing NPAs of banks while credit orientation, higher capital adequacy, net interest margin, non-interest income, GDP growth, and financial intermediation are found to exert a significant favourable effect of lowering NPAs of banks. Most interestingly, the study also shows that the level of corruption and the rule of law significantly impacted the NPAs of Indian banks during the period under study.