bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-491-5p inhibit gastric cancer development by targeting EMT, cell adhesion genes and IFITM2
Authors: Wei zhijian , Zhang lixiang , Li angqing , li chuanhong , han wenxiu , Xu A-Man
Published: February 2020

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the deadliest cancers in China. And, it can be regulated by MicroRNAs (miRNAs) generally. miR-491-5p function as a tumor suppressor in different types of cancer, but we still don’t know the role of miR-491-5p in gastric cancer. Methods: Functional experiments including CCK-8 assay and transwell assay were performed. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism was explored through qRT-PCR and western blot assay. In addition, the function of miR-491-5p was also identified in vivo.Results: In this study, we found that high level of miR-491-5p caused a weak cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities. In order to explore the role of miR-491-5p in vivo, we set a xenograft mouse model, and also found that high level of miR-491-5p suppressed tumor growth. Moreover, we found that miR-491-5p regulate the tumor development thought regulate the expression of EMT(Epithelial-mesenchymal transition), cell adhesion genes and IFITM2. Conclusions: These data show that miR-491-5p function as a tumor suppressor in GC both in vitro and in vivo.
Gut microbiota regulates autism-like behavior by mediating vitamin B6 metabolism in EphB6-deficient mice
Authors: Li Jian-Ming , Li Ying , Luo Zheng-Yi , Hu Yu-Ying , Bi Yue-Wei , Yang Jian-Ming , Zou Wen-Jun , Song Yun-Long , Li Shi , Shen Tong , Li Shu-Ji , Huang Lang , Zhou Ai-Jun , Gao Tian-Ming
Published: February 2020

Background
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder with limited effective pharmacological treatments for the core autistic symptoms so far. Increasing evidences, especially the clinical studies in ASD patients, suggest a functional link between gut microbiota and development of ASD. However, the mechanisms linking gut microbiota and brain dysfunctions (gut-brain axis) in ASD are still not well-established. With genetic mutations and down-regulated expression in patients with ASD, EPHB6 , which is also important in homeostasis of gut, has been generally considered to be a candidate gene for ASD. Nonetheless, the role and mechanism of EPHB6 involved in regulating gut microbiota and development of ASD have been unclear.
Results
Here, we found deletion of EphB6 induced autism-like behavior and disturbed gut microbiota in mice. More importantly, transplanting fecal microbiota from EphB6-deficient mice resulted in autism-like behavior in antibiotics-treated C57BL/6J mice. Meanwhile, transplanting fecal microbiota from wild-type mice ameliorated autism-like behavior in EphB6-deficient mice. At the metabolic levels, disturbed gut microbiota led to vitamin B6 and dopamine defects in EphB6-deficient mice. At the cellular levels, excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance in medial prefrontal cortex was induced by gut microbiota-mediated defects of vitamin B6 metabolism in EphB6-deficient mice.
Conclusions
Our study uncovers a key role for gut microbiota in regulation of autism-like social behavior by mediating vitamin B6 metabolism, dopamine synthesis and E/I balance in EphB6-deficient mice, suggesting new strategies for understanding and treatment of ASD.
Comparison of three methods for monitoring dentin erosion progression
Authors: Pinto Shelon Cristina Souza , Lima Suellen Nogueira Linares , Nassif Maria Vitoria , Zakian Christian , Chew Hooi Pin , Pretty Ian , Ellwood Roger , Sampaio José Eduardo Cezar , Bandeca Matheus
Published: February 2020

Background: Clinical assessment and monitoring of dental erosion in vivo is challenging, although a number of clinical indices have been proposed but these are unlikely to be sensitive enough to quantify erosion with sufficient sensitivity to allow comparison of different therapies. In this respect, some of the techniques predominantly employed for the assessment of dental caries such as Quantitative light- induced fluorescence (QLF) and Optical coherence tomography (OCT) may also have utility for the assessment for erosion both in vivo and in vitro. The aim of the present study was to test three techniques (QLF, OCT and SMH) for the assessment of dentine erosion in a product testing model, using dentifrices to reduce erosion susceptibility. Dentine erosion was evaluated comparing the methods. Methods: Human dentine specimens were treated with one of two dentifrice slurries or mineral water (control group), followed by an erosive challenge and storage overnight in artificial saliva. These procedures were performed over 5 days. The following two dentifrices were tested: Duraphat™ 5000 (5000ppm Sodium Fluoride) and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief™ (8% arginine plus calcium carbonate and 1450ppm Fluoride). All groups showed a progressivedecrease in SMH and increase in scattering for OCT (P<0.05) indicating mineral loss. Results: The two dentifrice groups demonstrated significantly less softening than the control group (P<0.05). No statistically significantdifferences were detected for dentine erosion using QLF (P>0.05). Conclusion: SMH and OCT techniques were able to detect a significant protective effect against in vitro erosion whensamples were pre-treated with either dentifrice formulation. Dentifrices containing high concentrations of fluoride andarginine associated with calcium carbonate and fluoride have a protective effect against dentinal erosion.
Effective treatment of progressive nodular histiocytosis by intermediate-dose cytarabine: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Ji-nuo , Qiu Yu , Sun Jian , Niu Na , Jiao Yang , Zhu Tie-nan , Li Jian , Zhou Dao-bin , Cao Xin-xin
Published: February 2020

Background

Progressive nodular histiocytosis (PNH) is a rare, clinically distinct non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis, affecting the skin and mucous membranes with no signs of spontaneous regression of the lesions, without any other system involved. Patients typically have hundreds of lesions of superficial xanthomatous papules to nodules and deep larger fibrous nodules. So far, very few universally accepted reports of PNH existed and no effective treatment have been reported to reverse the progressive clinical course.

Results

Twenty-five PNH cases were identified so far, with a median age of 34 years. 14 patients were male. All patients presented as papules and nodules over the skin and/or mucosal surfaces, including face (39%), fingers or palm (16%), laryngeal (12%) and eyes (8%). 7 cases (28%) reported PNH with systematic diseases. Treatment efficacy using steroids, chemotherapy or surgical excision were disappointing in previous case reports. One patient with laryngeal involvement died due to airway obstruction. In our case, traditional chemotherapy achieved favorable therapeutic effect with intermediate-dose cytarabine confirmed by clinical symptoms of the patient, as well as PET/CT imaging.

Conclusions

PNH is a rare, proliferative disorder with disfiguring lesions and deteriorative quality of life. Intermediate-dose cytarabine should be considered as a treatment option for PNH patients.
Prevalence and factors associated with suicidal behavior among adolescents with epilepsy at Mulago and Butabika national referral hospitals in Uganda.
Authors: Kuteesa Hillary , Abbo Catherine , Muhwezi Winstons W
Published: February 2020

Background Suicide is the 3 rd leading cause of death among young people. Patients with epilepsy are 2 times more likely to have suicidal ideation and 3 times more likely to plan suicide attempt. In addition to seizures, these young people experience a variety of psychiatric illnesses like depression and anxiety. Social support and coping are known to have an effect on suicidal behavior in adolescents with epilepsy. There’s scanty data on this subject in Uganda. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of suicidal behavior among adolescents with epilepsy at Butabika and Mulago National Referral Hospitals and associated factors. Methods Between 1 st August 2017 and 1 st February 2018, we sampled 223 adolescents from Butabika and Mulago National Referral Hospitals using a cross sectional study design. We used a Demographics Questionnaire, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents-DSM-IV-TR version (MINI-KID), Brief COPE, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) to collect data. Data Entry was done using Epi Data and analyzed with Stata version 14. The dependent variable was suicidal behavior and independent variables were socio-demographic characteristics of adolescents and caregivers, epilepsy related factors, psychiatric co morbidity, coping strategies and perceived social support. Bi-variate and Multi-variate analyses were done to describe the associations between the dependent and independent variables. Results Of the 223 adolescents we recruited, (123)55.2% were male, 52.9% were aged 14-17 years. The prevalence of suicidal behavior was 30.5%. Major depression was most strongly associated with suicidal behavior (aOR=9.3, CI=4.3-20.1, p<0.001). Adolescents having post primary education were more likely to have suicidal behavior (aOR=2.2, CI=1.0-4.9, p=0.046). Venting as a coping strategy was found to increase the likelihood of having suicidal behavior (aOR=2.7, CI=1.2-6.2, p=0.017) whereas perceived family social support (aOR=0.4, CI=0.2-0.8, p=0.017) and the use of the active coping strategy (aOR=0.4, CI=0.2-0.9, p=0.033) were protective against suicidal behavior. Conclusions Prevalence of suicidal behavior in adolescents with epilepsy is high. Major depression is associated with suicidal behavior while perceived family social support is protective against suicidal behavior.
HLA-Mismatched GPBSCs infusion therapy in refractory Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: A observational study from a single center
Authors: Song Yue , Wang Jingshi , Wang Yini , Wang Zhao
Published: February 2020

Background: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a severe or even fatal inflammatory state. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection associated HLH (EBV-HLH) is one of the most common secondary HLH and suffers a very poor prognosis. Allo-HSCT is often required for refractory EBV-HLH, but some patients still cannot proceed to the next allo-HSCT due to various factors. This study aimed to observe the efficacy of HLA-mismatched granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilized peripheral blood stem cells (GPBSCs) infusion for refractory EBV-HLH. Methods: A retrospective case-control study of refractory EBV-HLH patients with GPBSCs infusion from HLA-mismatched donors after chemotherapy (as GPBSCs group) and sole chemotherapy (as control group) was performed. Efficacy was evaluated 2 and 4 weeks and all patients were followed up until 1 January 2018. Results: There were 15 cases who accepted infusion between March 2016 and June 2017 and 19 were randomly selected from refractory EBV-HLH patients who underwent salvage therapy during the same period for the control group. In GPBSCs group, WBC (p=0.029), Fbg (p=0.041), ferritin (p=0.041) improved significantly after treatment. The overall response rate was 66.7% (CR 26.7%, PR 40.0%). However, there is no significant differences in changes of WBC, HGB, PLT, TG, Fbg, Ferritin, AST, ALT, T-bil between two groups. Only the Fbg level was recovered better in the GPBSCs infusion group (p=0.017). In the GPBSCs group, EBV-DNA decreased significantly after 2 weeks (p=0.010) and 4 weeks (p=0.002) after treatment, and the effect of the decrease was significantly better than that of the chemotherapy alone group in 2 weeks but not 4 weeks (p2w=0.017, p4w=0.145). The median survival time in the infusion group was 20.4 weeks [6.7, 92.1], and the median survival time in the control group was 10.8 weeks [0.6-116.4]. In the short-term, the infusion group’s survival rate was better (2-month 93.33% vs. 52.63%, p=0.002; 3-month 86.67% vs. 47.09%, p=0.006), but there was no difference in OS (p=0.259). Conclusions: Infusing GPBSCs combined with chemotherapy is effective, especially in decreasing EBV-DNA, performs better than chemotherapy alone, and improve short term survival rate. GPBSCs infusion is suggested as a bridging treatment method to allo-HSCT.
Upregulation of lncRNA DQ679794 contributes to preventing the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Lin Ze-wei , Ren Qing-qi , Huang Zhi-feng , Liu Ji-kui
Published: February 2020

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of tumor development. However, lncRNA profiles in HCC remain largely unknown. In previous studies, we found that lncRNA DQ786243 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of HCC and promotes the development of HCC. In this study, we investigated the role of lncRNA DQ679794 in the pathogenesis of HCC. Methods and Results We first used quantitative real-time PCR among 64 paired HCC tissues, and the level of lncRNA DQ679794 was found to be significantly lower in tumors than in normal tissues. In addition, the effects of lncRNA DQ679794 were assessed by overexpression in vitro and in vivo . We found that the level of apoptosis was increased and that cell proliferation was weakened in HepG2 cells overexpressing DQ679794. Finally, the transplanted tumor experiment confirmed that after the overexpression of lncRNA DQ679794, the growth of transplanted tumors formed by liver cancer cells was inhibited. Conclusion This study suggests that lncRNA DQ679794 is an oncogene that inhibits tumor progression, and we believe that lncRNAs may be a key regulatory center in HCC progression.
LncRNA HOXA-AS3 promotes the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma via inhibiting miR-218-5p
Authors: Zhao Yue , Yao Rui
Published: February 2020

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the roles and molecular mechanism of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HOXA-AS3 in the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods : The expression of HOXA-AS3 and miR-218-5p was detected in OSCC tissues and cells using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were used to examine the effects of HOXA-AS3 and miR-218-5p on the proliferation of OSCC cells. Luciferase reporter gene assay was used to confirm the directly binding condition between lncRNA HOXA-AS3 and miR-218-5p in OSCC cells. Subsequently, a tumor xenograft model was used to determine the function of HOXA-AS3 in OSCC growth in vivo . Results: The relative expression of lncRNA HOXA-AS3 was observably upregulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines compared with the para-cancerous tissues and normal human oral keratinocyte (NHOK), respectively. Knockdown of HOXA-AS3 significantly inhibited the cell proliferation and colony formation of OSCC in vitro and in vivo . Bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assays showed that HOXA-AS3 directly bound to miR-218-5p. Moreover, the expression of miR-218-5p was negatively regulated by HOXA-AS3, and there was an inverse correlation between them. Silencing miR-218-5p reversed the inhibitory effect of lncRNA HOXA-AS3 knockdown on the proliferative potential of OSCC cells. Conclusion: In summary, our study illustrated lncRNA HOXA-AS3 promoted cancer cell proliferation in OSCC possibly by inhibiting miR-218-5p for the first time, which provides a new target or a potential diagnostic biomarker of the treatment for OSCC.
Sensing of NO, NO2, and SO2 on two dimensional WS2 doped with Al, P, and Fe: An ab initio study
Authors: cao jiamu , zhou jing , shi jianing , zhang yufeng , chen junyu , wang weiqi , liu xiaowei
Published: February 2020

Owing to their harmful and polluting the environment, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide are expected to monitor when they are used. However, the widespread use of gas sensing methods presents obstacles in terms of portability or stability. Hence, a better detect way needs to be found urgently. The success of graphene-based gas sensors has stimulated interest in two-dimensional (2D) materials in the gas sensing area. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), such as MoS2 or WS2, are considered to have the high-performance potential for gas sensors. Unfortunately, when used as a gas sensor, the sensing response of the pristine TMDs is greatly affected by a number of gas molecules that are too weak to be detected. Herein, to evaluate the sensing capability of Al, P, and Fe-doped WS2 to NO, NO2, and SO2, the molecular model of the adsorption systems was constructed, and density functional theory (DFT) was used to calculate the adsorption behavior of these gases. The binding force of all the doped-WS2 to the harmful gas molecules is much stronger than that of the pristine WS2. According to the results of adsorption energy, band structure, and state density, Al-doped WS2 has the potential to be used as NO and SO2 gas sensor, while P-doped WS2 is selective to NO. This work opens up a new reference for choosing appropriate doping types on 2D materials for noxious gas sensing.
Phenylboronic Ester-Modified Anionic Micelles for ROS-Stimuli Response in HeLa Cell
Authors: Wang Qiyan , Xu Yisong , Zhang Nanxia , Dong Zhipeng , Zhao Bonan , Liu Lin C , Lu Tao , Wang Yue
Published: February 2020

Smart polymers as ideal drug nanocarriers have attracted much attention due to the effective drug delivery, internalization and release once triggered by intracellular stimuli, as well as reduced cytotoxicity. We here reported the anionic micelle consisting of copolymer (PEG-b-PAsp) and a PBE（Phenylboronic Ester） group grafted, which can achieve fast response to intracellular ROS and enhanced anti-tuomr activity. With this, PEG-b-PAsp-g-PBE/DOX system showed better tumor growth inhibition when studied on HeLa cell lines with high level of intracellular ROS and its subcutaneous tumor models. Additionally, the administration of PEG-b-PAsp-g-PBE/DOX did cause significantly lower systemic toxicity in comparison with free DOX. Hence, PEG-b-PAsp-g-PBE could be a highly efficient and safe nanocarrier to improve the efficacy of chemotherapeutic.
Thyroid hormone associated with Acanthosis Nigricans and fat distribution in obese patients
Authors: wang xingchun , Chen Yao , Ma Bingwei , Sheng Chunjun , Yang Peng , Qu Shen
Published: February 2020

Background: Obesity is more easier exhibiting subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) and acanthosis nigricans (AN). We aimed to elucidate the thyroid hormone levels in obese patients and its association with fat distribution and AN. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 202 obese men and 239 obese women were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements, glucose-lipid metabolism, thyroid hormone levels and fat distribution were measured. SH were defined by thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) less than 2.5 mU/L. Results: 1) The prevalence of AN was significantly higher in obese group with SH than without SH (47.3% vs. 36.9%, P=0.035). Number of obese women with SH were larger than men (38.1% vs. 28.2%, P=0.029). Obese women have higher TSH levels, lower free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxin (FT4) than obese men (all P<0.01). Body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio (WHR), glycosylated hemoglobin (HGB), homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were significantly lower in obese women than men (all P <0.05). 2) In all obesity, FT3 was significantly positively associated with height, weight, NC, WC, WHR, SBP, DBP, FINS, UA and negatively with HDL-C (all P <0.05). FT4 was significantly positively associated with height, weight, BMI, NC, WC, SBP, DBP, UA, HGB and FBG (all P <0.05). TSH was negatively with FBG and HGB (all P <0.05). 3) FT3 was positively with Peripheral fatmass, total leanmass and negatively with Total Fat% and Trunk/peripheral fatmass (P=0.025;P=0.029;P<0.001;P=0.034), FT4 was also positively with total leanmass and negatively with Total Fat%(P=0.008; P=0.017), and TSH was positively with Total Fat%(P=0.032). Conclusion: AN is more likely to happen in the obesity with SH. Obese women have higher probability of SH than men. Relatively slightly insufficient of thyroid function with higher TSH may be protective factor in obese women with better metabolism. Thyroid hormone may beneficial to improving fat distribution and building lean mass in the obesity.
Opportunities for the development of drowning interventions in West Bengal, India: A review of policy and government programs
Authors: Gupta Medhavi , Zwi Anthony B , Jagnoor Jagnoor
Published: February 2020

Background Four million people living in the Indian Sundarbans region in the state of West Bengal face a particularly high risk of drowning due to rurality, presence of open water, lack of accessible health systems and poor infrastructure. Although the World Health Organization has identified a number of interventions that may prevent drowning in rural low-and middle-income country contexts, no drowning interventions are currently implemented in this region. Interventions that build on existing policy targets or government programs are more likely to be sustainable and scalable. Methods A detailed content review of national and state policy (West Bengal) was conducted to identify policy principles and/or specific government programs that may be leveraged for drowning interventions. The enablers and barriers of these programs as well as their implementation reach were assessed through a systematic literature review. Identified policies and programs were also assessed to understand how they catered for underserved groups and their implications for equity. Results Three programs may be leveraged for drowning interventions: the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), Self-Help Group (SHG) and Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) programs. All three had high coverage in West Bengal and considered underserved groups such as women and rural populations. Conclusions This is the first systematic analysis of both policy content and execution of government programs to provide comprehensive insights into possible implementation strategies for a health intervention, in this case drowning. Programs targeting specific health outcomes should consider interventions outside of the health sector that address social determinants of health. This may enable the program to better align with relevant government agendas and increase sustainability.
The effect of sinomenine eye drops on experimental mice dry eye
Authors: Li Hui , Yan Liang , Lu Peirong
Published: February 2020

Background: To investigate the effect of topical sinomenine (SIN) on ocular surface damage in dry eye of experimental mice. Study Design: Laboratory Investigation. Methods: Experimental dry eye was created using scopolamine hydrobromide in female C57BL/6 mice. Eye drops consisting of 0.05%, or 0.1% SIN or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) were applied to the dry eye of experimental mice. Tear product and corneal staining scores were measured at 7 and 14 days after treatment. Interleukin (IL)-1 β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) -α levels in the SIN groups at 14 days after treatment were compared with those of other groups. Results: Mice treated with 0.05% or 0.1% SIN showed a significant improvement in tear product and corneal irregularity compared to the control and PBS-treated groups. A significant decrease in the levels of IL-1 β and TNF- α was observed in the 0.05% and 0.01% SIN-treated groups. Conclusions: Topical SIN eye drop application can effectively improve clinical signs and decrease inflammation in the ocular surface, and alleviate ocular surface damage in dry eye.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of inbred lines and contrasting hybrids reveals overdominance mediate early biomass vigor in hybrid cotton
Authors: Shahzad Kashif , Zhang Xuexian , Guo Liping , Qi Tingxiang , Tang Huini , Zhang Meng , Zhang Bingbing , Wang Hailin , Qiao Xiuqin , Feng Juanjuan , Wu Jianyong , Xing Chaozhu
Published: February 2020

Background: Heterosis breeding is the most useful method for yield increase around the globe. Heterosis is an intriguing process to develop superior offspring to either parent in the desired character. The biomass vigor produced during seedling emergence stage has a direct influence on yield heterosis in plants. Unfortunately, the genetic basis of early biomass vigor in cotton is poorly understood.
Results : Three stable performing F 1 hybrids varying in yield heterosis named as high, medium and low hybrids with their inbred parents were used in this study. Phenotypically, these hybrids established noticeable biomass heterosis during the early stage of seedling growth in the field. Transcriptome analysis of root and leaf revealed that hybrids showed many differentially expressed genes (DEGs) relative to their parents, while the comparison of inbred parents showed limited number of DEGs indicating similarity in their genetic constitution. Further analysis indicated expression patterns of most DEGs were overdominant in both tissues of hybrids. According to GO results, functions of overdominance genes in leaf were enriched for chloroplast, membrane, and protein binding, whereas functions of overdominance genes in root were enriched for plasma membrane, extracellular region, and responses to stress. We found several genes of circadian rhythm pathway related to LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY) showed downregulated overdominant expressions in both tissues of hybrids. In addition to circadian rhythm, several leaf genes related to Aux/IAA regulation, and many root genes involved in peroxidase activity also showed overdominant expressions in hybrids. Twelve genes involved in circadian rhythm plant were selected to perform qRT-PCR analysis to confirm the accuracy of RNA-seq results.
Conclusions: Through genome-wide comparative transcriptome analysis, we strongly predict that overdominance at gene expression level plays a pivotal role in early biomass vigor of hybrids. The combinational contribution of circadian rhythm and other metabolic process may control vigorous growth in hybrids. Our result provides an important foundation for dissecting molecular mechanisms of biomass vigor in hybrid cotton.
Evaluating the changes in the European Banking Regulation – MiFID and its possible effects on the Global Economy: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Islam S.T. , Khan M.Y.H.
Published: February 2020

Banking regulation plays an important role in the process of ensuring financial stability, the national economy, equitable distribution of wealth and the most efficient use of financial resources. As a key regulatory tool, Banking Regulation monitors and monitors financial transactions to improve their profitability and efficiency. The author points out that the main areas of banking regulation and supervision are to control the processes of formation, operation and liquidation of commercial banks. The article focuses on the fact that the 2008 financial crisis has become a motivating driver for reforms in the banking system of Europe and America. The main purpose of the article is to assess the impact of changes in the European Banking System, in particular in the context of the study of the features of the Financial Markets Directive, on the functioning of the global economy. This paper provides a critical review of the literature from the point of view of analyzing the specificity of MiFID II in the context of its impact on the economic aspects of the country’s development. The implementation of the Directive requires significant financial investment, but these costs will pay off given the fact that MiFID II is well-designed and aimed at providing more secure protection and greater customer base stability. However, the author points out the underdevelopment and inconsistency of the regulatory framework, which is of greater concern than the cost of implementing MiFID II. Thus, the idea of the likelihood of financial and economic problems in the process of influence of banking regulation on the development of the global economy is substantiated. Notwithstanding these shortcomings, the regulatory framework for the formulation and implementation of the Directive is a significant contribution to the regulation of the financial sector. The results of the study represent scientific and practical value for academics, politicians, banking financial management of economic entities, stakeholders to better prepare and evaluate future changes as a result of reforming banking regulation.
Keywords: Directives, Economic growth, Financial crisis, MiFID, Regulation.
Correlational Study: Internal Auditing and Management Control Environment Innovation within Public Sector in the United States
Authors: Kasztelnik Karina , Gaines Victor W
Published: February 2020

This article is about exploring the relationship between internal human resources auditing and environmental control in the US public sector. The main purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which the determinants of internal audit staff have the potential to influence the predictive value of the public sector control environment. The tools of the work are presented by a quantitative correlation analysis to determine the interdependence of variables (aspects of recruitment, accountability) and resultant indicator (public sector environment). By systematizing literary sources and approaches to solving the problem, as well as using the COSO 2013 Internal Control Framework as a theoretical framework, the authors focus on the question of how much internal audit recruitment, and accountability experience can influence in the foreseeable future and each of the two major COSO components. The empirical analysis was presented in the research, which made it possible to substantiate the following conclusions: the results of two multiple linear regression models did not show statistically significant except for recruitment, nonparametric correlation of Kendall’s Tau-b correlation is allowed to identify significant interrelationships development. The findings of the study may be useful for implementing further transformational changes in the functioning of the global economy in the context of the growing role and importance of international audit and its positive impact on the public sector in the United States.
Keywords: Internal Auditing, Personnel Factors, Control Environment, Management, Innovation.
Impact of Value Added Tax on Business Enterprises: A Case of Mettu Town
Authors: Singh S.N.
Published: February 2020

This paper summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on the issues of impact of value added tax on business enterprises. The main purpose of the research is to examine the impact of value addition tax on business enterprises in Ethiopia particularly in Mettu Town of Oromia region. The other specific objectives are to examine how value addition tax influences the private investment in enterprises, to examine the major other factors that are responsible for low business investment in Mettu town of Ethiopia. Systematization literary sources and approaches for solving the problem have widely been used that indicates that there is a contradictory scalier on impact of VAT on business entrepreneurship’s investment in Ethiopia. The relevance of the decision of this scientific problem is that how implication of value addition tax affecting the business activities. Investigation of the topic mentioned above is carried out in the following logical sequence measuring value addition tax; expansion or contraction of business enterprises in Ethiopia. Methodological tools of the research methods were comparative analysis using statistical tools and techniques for the years of research 2017-18. The object of research is the regions specified systematically, because namely they were elaborated. The paper presents the results of an empirical analysis of impact of value addition tax on business enterprises, which showed that there is a contradictory paradox among parameters. The research empirically confirms and theoretically proves that the value addition tax has the partial impact on the investment in business enterprises and other factors are responsible for investment in business enterprises in Ethiopia. The results of the research can be useful for Policy maker, academicians and researchers.
Keywords: Value Added Tax, Business Enterprises, Expansion and contraction.
Big Data & Analytics as a sustainable Customer Loyalty Instrument in Banking and Finance
Authors: Giebe C. , Hammerström L. , Zwerenz D.
Published: February 2020

The performance of the banking sector depends on the ability of a range of banking products to meet customer needs in a timely and complete manner. Due to the specific features of the banking sector, technological capabilities to accumulate a massive pool of customer information about banking services, the German banking sector has more capacity than other industries to launch and sell banking services that will be in high demand among users. The author points out that innovative methods and solutions were developed on the basis of mathematical and statistical models. It is stated that a progressive tool for providing customer-oriented services and products, in the banking sector, is currently defined as “Big Data & Analytics”.
The main purpose of the study is to identify the peculiarities of the use in the banking practice of the analytical tool “Big Data & Analytics” and the functional ability of this tool to ensure stable customer loyalty in the course of using banking services.
The study empirically confirmed (based on a survey conducted in the fall of 2019) and theoretically proved that there is a strong relationship between the use of the Big Data & Analytics tool and the provision of key principles of customer loyalty in the following areas of the banking sector: advice to clients by banking employees systems must be objective and comprehensive, be individualized and be provided in a timely and comprehensive manner. Emphasis is placed on the need for further research on the effectiveness of internal and external business coaching, which is particularly relevant in the context of a total digital transformation of all spheres of society and entrepreneurship.
Keywords: big data and analytics, corporate social responsibility, customer loyalty tool, business ethics.
The X-ray report of “Economic growth”
Authors: Dave H.
Published: February 2020

With regret to say that politicians and thinkers of economic subject use the word “economic growth” in their talks, writings and discussions as if it is the way to achieve peaceful and happy life. When I read the phrase (“economic growth”) in views/debates and articles, I personally feel on its use as if we fool the innocent and inexperienced young generation and mislead them. To whom we say “economic growth” is a helpless inevitable and selfishly selected remedial actions under situational compulsion by men to postpone the present challenges, to escape from perilous liabilities, to avoid facing hard path and just to secure, continue and enjoy with present comfort at any cost. The actions for “economic growth” suppress the present social issues of challenges and store them to come out in future at any appropriate time and opportunity, rather in more complex and ugly form. I think; we should clearly appraise the emerging youth of our society that every action of “economic growth” not only brings harm to the ecological balance, but the incessant population growth and lust of few people to enjoy wealthy life contaminates the process of natural social evolution. Its consequences reflect in deformed social constitution decorating “economic growth” with illusive mask of “a gate way to heavenly life”.
Keywords: economic growth.
Coverage of Environmental Issues in Local Dailies of Chattogram Centering World Environment Day
Authors: Hasan S. , Dutta P.
Published: February 2020

This research attempts to explore the news coverage of environmental issues in two local newspapers of Chattogram, Bangladesh; The Daily Azadi and The Daily Purbokone. In order to carry out the objectives of the research, qualitative and quantitative methodology were employed. The researcher tries to find the answers to the problem of whether local newspapers of Chattogram cover sufficiently environmental issues and what extent of news they cover comparatively. It also finds the types of environmental issues they covered centering world environment day. Primary data was collected through content analysis of these two newspapers. The agenda-setting approach was the theoretical framework for the study. The research concluded that local newspapers of Chattogram do cover environmental issues, though the subject matter did not receive much analysis. Although environmental issues are not covered sufficiently in these two newspapers, it is concluded that The Daily Azadi covered the highest environmental news comparatively The Daily Purbokone around World Environment Day (WED). The ways of prominence given for environmental issues in these two newspapers were different considerably. In terms of the extent of coverage, types of environmental issues, level of prominence (nature of the story, item, placement, space, and treatment), it is evident that The Daily Azadi newspaper has given the significant representation or considerable coverage for environmental related issues than The Daily Purbokone. But, in The Daily Azadi and The Daily Pubokone, environmental issues were not only ignored but also (if covered) they were given very small portions of the newspaper and marginalized in relation to their presentation. However, Policy makers, academicians, environmentalists and students of environment studies will be the most beneficiaries of this study. Findings can be used as academic purpose as well as in policy making level. It is mentionable, as we studied only two local dailies of Chattogram, to some consideration, it does not represent the grand coverage tendency of Chattogram’s local dailies. So, a further mass scale study can explore the overall propensity of Chattogram’s local dailies regarding environment issues. Keywords: environmental issues, news coverage, World Environment Day (WED), local dailies, Chattogram.
Land Grabbing And Its Impact On Food Security In Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Chanceline Boutchouang Nghomsi
Published: February 2020

Over the last decade, the synergy between the financial and food crises has led to the emergence of new processes in the functioning of national economies – the seizure of agricultural land. On the one hand, the governments of most African countries, for the sake of their food security, import food and buy agricultural land overseas to organize their own agricultural production. On the other hand, the main purpose of multinational companies investing in land purchases is to generate more profit. This situation led to the rapid and complete privatization of agricultural land on the African continent between 2008 and 2010, while the locals were living outside poverty. The peasants’ right of access to land is no longer guaranteed, they have remained unprotected in their own territories. At present, exponential population growth and its needs are taking place, access to land and water is a crucial element of government. The purpose of the article is to analyze the probable conflicts in land relations arising from the transfer of land to multinational companies. The term ‘land grabbing’ means the large-scale acquisition (purchase, lease) of agricultural land by private individuals for commercial purposes abroad and in the long term (30-90 years) for agricultural production or biofuel production for export. The author of the article found that the products grown on these lands will be destined for the population of other countries, which is detrimental to the local population. Consequently, the seizure of land will in the future have negative socio-economic consequences for society: the destruction of farms, the exacerbation of contradictions between the rural population, the destruction of community fields beyond land acquired by foreign states and transnational corporations. In addition, the study concludes that, first, the seizure of land on the African continent through foreign direct investment, capital transfers, technology and job creation can help to increase the individual income and standard of living of the local population, and thus promote food security; secondly, the significant demand for food and biofuels in the world, population pressures and climate change are factors contributing to the improvement of product quality in the African continent. Keywords: land grabbing, food security, impact, rural agriculture, Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Cr-Zr-Ca armalcolite in lunar rocks is loveringite: Constraints from electron backscatter diffraction measurements
Authors: Zhang Ai-Cheng , Pang Run-Lian , Sakamoto Naoya , Yurimoto Hisayoshi
Published: February 2020

“Cr-Zr-Ca armalcolite” is a mineral originally found in Apollo samples five decades ago. However, no structural information has been obtained for this mineral. In this study, we report a new occurrence of “Cr-Zr-Ca armalcolite” and its associated mineral assemblage in an Mg-suite lithic clast (Clast-20) from the brecciated lunar meteorite Northwest Africa 8182. In this lithic clast, plagioclase (An = 88–91), pyroxene (Mg#[Mg/(Mg+Fe)] = 0.87–0.91) and olivine (Mg# = 0.86–0.87) are the major rock-forming minerals. Armalcolite and “Cr-Zr-Ca armalcolite” are observed with other minor phases including ilmenite, chromite, rutile, fluorapatite, merrillite, monazite, FeNi metal, and Fe-sulfide. Based on 38 oxygen atoms, the chemical formula of “Cr-Zr-Ca armalcolite” is (Ca0.99Na0.01)Σ1.00(Ti14.22Fe2.06Cr2.01 Mg1.20Zr0.54Al0.49Ca0.21Y0.05Mn0.04Ce0.03Si0.03La0.01Nd0.01Dy0.01)Σ20.91O38. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) results reveal that the “Cr-Zr-Ca armalcolite” has a loveringite R3 structure, differing from the armalcolite Bbmm structure. The estimated hexagonal cell parameters a and c of “Cr-Zr-Ca armalcolite” are 10.55 and 20.85 Å, respectively. These structural and compositional features indicate that “Cr-Zr-Ca armalcolite” is loveringite, not belonging to the armalcolite family. Comparison with “Cr-Zr-Ca armalcolite” and loveringite of other occurrences implies that loveringite might be an important carrier of rare earth elements in lunar Mg-suite rocks. The compositional features of plagioclase and mafic silicate minerals in Clast-20 differ from those in other Mg-suite lithic clasts from Apollo samples and lunar meteorites, indicating that Clast-20 represents a new example of diverse lunar Mg-suite lithic clasts.
Ti diffusion in feldspar
Authors: Cherniak D. J. , Watson E. B.
Published: February 2020

Chemical diffusion of Ti has been measured in natural K-feldspar and plagioclase. The sources of diffusant used were TiO2 powders or pre-annealed mixtures of TiO2 and Al2O3. Experiments were run in crimped Pt capsules in air or in sealed silica glass capsules with solid buffers (to buffer at NNO). Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) was used to measure Ti diffusion profiles. From these measurements, the following Arrhenius relations are obtained for diffusion normal to (001):For oligoclase, over the temperature range 750–1050 °C:DOlig=6.67×10-12exp(-207±31kJ/mol/RT)m2s-1For labradorite, over the temperature range 900–1150 °C:DLab=of4.37×10-14exp(-181±57kJ/mol/RT)m2s-1For K-feldspar, over the temperature range 800–1000 °C:DKsp=3.01×10-6exp(-342±47kJ/mol/RT)m2s-1.

Diffusivities for experiments buffered at NNO are similar to those run in air, and the presence of hydrous species appears to have little effect on Ti diffusion. Ti diffusion also shows little evidence of anisotropy. In plagioclase, there appears to be a dependence of Ti diffusion on An content of the feldspar, with Ti diffusing more slowly in more calcic plagioclase. This trend is similar to that observed for other cations in plagioclase, including Sr, Pb, Ba, REE, Si, and Mg. In the case of Ti, an increase of 30% in An content would result in an approximate decrease in diffusivity of an order of magnitude.

These data indicate that feldspar should be moderately retentive of Ti chemical signatures, depending on feldspar composition. Ti will be more resistant to diffusional alteration than Sr. For example, Ti zoning on a 50 μm scale in oligoclase would be preserved at 600 °C for durations of ~1 million years, with Sr zoning preserved only for ~70 000 yr at this temperature. These new data for a trace impurity that is relatively slow-diffusing and ubiquitous in feldspars (Hoff and Watson 2018) have the potential to extend the scope and applicability of t-T models for crustal rocks based on measurements of trace elements in feldspars.
Effects of composition and pressure on electronic states of iron in bridgmanite
Authors: Dorfman Susannah M. , Potapkin Vasily , Lv Mingda , Greenberg Eran , Kupenko Ilya , Chumakov Aleksandr I. , Bi Wenli , Alp E. Ercan , Liu Jiachao , Magrez Arnaud , Dutton Siân E. , Cava Robert J. , McCammon Catherine A. , Gillet Philippe
Published: February 2020

Electronic states of iron in the lower mantle's dominant mineral, (Mg,Fe,Al)(Fe,Al,Si)O3 bridgmanite, control physical properties of the mantle including density, elasticity, and electrical and thermal conductivity. However, the determination of electronic states of iron has been controversial, in part due to different interpretations of Mössbauer spectroscopy results used to identify spin state, valence state, and site occupancy of iron. We applied energy-domain Mössbauer spectroscopy to a set of four bridgmanite samples spanning a wide range of compositions: 10–50% Fe/total cations, 0–25% Al/total cations, 12–100% Fe3+/total Fe. Measurements performed in the diamond-anvil cell at pressures up to 76 GPa below and above the high to low spin transition in Fe3+ provide a Mössbauer reference library for bridgmanite and demonstrate the effects of pressure and composition on electronic states of iron. Results indicate that although the spin transition in Fe3+ in the bridgmanite B-site occurs as predicted, it does not strongly affect the observed quadrupole splitting of 1.4 mm/s, and only decreases center shift for this site to 0 mm/s at ~70 GPa. Thus center shift can easily distinguish Fe3+ from Fe2+ at high pressure, which exhibits two distinct Mössbauer sites with center shift ~1 mm/s and quadrupole splitting 2.4–3.1 and 3.9 mm/s at ~70 GPa. Correct quantification of Fe3+/total Fe in bridgmanite is required to constrain the effects of composition and redox states in experimental measurements of seismic properties of bridgmanite. In Fe-rich, mixed-valence bridgmanite at deep-mantle-relevant pressures, up to ~20% of the Fe may be a Fe2.5+ charge transfer component, which should enhance electrical and thermal conductivity in Fe-rich heterogeneities at the base of Earth's mantle.
Investigation of PISA 2015 Reading Ability Achievement of Turkish Students in Terms of Student and School Level Variables
Authors: ÇELİK Kazım , YURDAKUL Ahmet
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study is to determine the
students-level and school-level factors that are related to reading ability achievement
of students who participated PISA 2015 (Programme for International Student
Assessment) from Turkey. The effects of the student and school level factors on
reading achievement of students were tested by 2 level hierarchical linear
model.  According to the findings, there
are differences between schools in terms of students' reading ability scores in
Turkey. When the findings of the effects of the student level variables on the
reading ability scores are examined; mother’s socio-economic status, parental
emotional support, and unfair teacher behavior variables seem to affect
students' reading ability achievement. When the findings of the effects of the
school level variables on the reading ability scores are examined; school size,
teacher education level, and student behavior that hinders learning variables
have a significant effect on the average reading ability scores of schools.
When the student and school level variables mentioned above were modeled
together, the significant effect of the school size variable was lost while the
teacher education level and the student behavior that hinders learning
variables continued to have a significant effect on the schools average reading
ability scores.