bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theory behind Russian Quest for Totalitarianism. Analysis of Discursive Swing in Putin's Speeches
Authors: Rak Joanna , Bäcker Roman
Published: April 2020

Before 2014 Putin used semantic structures characteristic of authoritarianism and façade democracy to shape Russian political discourse. After the annexation of Crimea, we identify the decrease of authoritarian discursive elements, the occurrence of references to democratic values, and the prevalence of totalitarian discursive elements. This quantitative alteration co-occurred with a qualitative change of the intensity of totalitarian gnosis that increased from the low to the moderate extent. This paper aims to examine the extent of the intensity of totalitarian political gnosis in Putin's most influential speeches: the annual Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly, and the president's annual news conference.
Old Wine in New Bottles? New Parties and Policy Responses to the Great Financial Crisis in the Balkans
Authors: Schoenman Roger
Published: April 2020

Across the post-communist region, new parties are gaining support from voters by promising to reject the status quo and orthodox policy. Some have come to govern on the basis of such promises and their “outsider” identity. But do these new parties actually make different post-crisis policy once they are in government? This paper compares policies adopted to address economic crisis in Bulgaria and Romania. Both governments pursue a standard set of austerity measures, but the Bulgarian government was able to take a more aggressive stance for a much longer time before losing support due to its outsider image.
High GDF-8 in follicular fluid is associated with a low pregnancy rate in IVF patients with PCOS
Authors: Fang Lanlan , Wang Sijia , Li Yiran , Yu Yiping , Li Yuxi , Yan Yang , Cheng Jung-Chien , Sun Ying-Pu
Published: April 2020

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of female infertility. Growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8) is expressed in the ovary and can be detected in human follicular fluid which provides an important microenvironment for maintaining physiological functions of the ovarian follicle. To date, the relationship between GDF-8 levels in follicular fluid and the risk of PCOS is completely unknown. In the present study, we show that during the process of the controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), serum GDF-8 levels are higher on the day of gonadotropin administration and 14 days after embryo transfer in in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients with PCOS than they are in IVF patients without PCOS. Importantly, GDF-8 levels in follicular fluid at oocyte retrieval are also higher in PCOS patients than in non-PCOS patients. Treatment of primary human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells with GDF-8 downregulates StAR protein expression and the inhibition is more pronounced in hGL cells from PCOS patients than it is in cells from non-PCOS patients. Importantly, high GDF-8 levels and low progesterone (P4) levels were associated with poor pregnancy outcomes in PCOS patients. Our results provide the first evidence that aberrant expression of GDF-8 in the follicular fluid of PCOS patients results in abnormal P4 expression, which leads to poor pregnancy outcomes.
Історико-еволюційний вектор студій розвитку особистості в сучасній психології
Authors: Литвин-Кіндратюк Світлана
Published: April 2020

У статті розглянуто розвиток особистості в контексті сучасних історико-еволюційних підходів у психології розвитку та соціальній психології. Обстоюється доціль­ність збагачення методологічної бази цього пошуку на засадах ідей еволюціонізму, методологій загальної, вікової, соціальної психології, сучасної міждисциплінарної платфор­ми «наук про розвиток» у зарубіжній психології. Показано, що історіоризація розвитку особистості виходить з пріоритетності соціально-історичної складової цього процесу, що представлена лінією історіогенезу. Акцент на соціально-психологічному аналізі зазначеної лінії передбачає долучення до спектру сутнісних характеристик розвитку особистості – контекстуальності, а також виокремлення концепту «між поколінна взаємодія» як «оди­ниці» аналізу цього процесу.
Civil sphere and democracy in Latin America
Authors: Alexander Jeffrey C. , Tognato Carlo
Published: April 2020

The purpose of the article is to demonstrate that the civil spheres of Latin America remain in force, even when under threat, and to expand the method of theorizing democracy, understanding it not only as a state form, but also as a way of life. Moreover, the task of the authors goes beyond the purely application of the theory of the civil sphere in order to emphasize the relevance not only in practice, but also in the theory of democratic culture and institutions of Latin America. This task requires decolonizing the arrogant attitude of North theorists towards democratic processes outside the United States and Europe. The peculiarities of civil spheres in Latin America are emphasized. It is argued that over the course of the nineteenth century the non-civil institutions and value spheres that surrounded civil spheres deeply compromised them. The problems of development that pockmarked Latin America — lagging economies, racial and ethnic and class stratification, religious strife — were invariably filtered through the cultural aspirations and institutional patterns of civil spheres. The appeal of the theory of the civil sphere to the experience of Latin America reveals the ambitious nature of civil society and democracy on new and stronger foundations. Civil spheres had extended significantly as citizens confronted uncomfortable facts, collectively searched for solutions, and envisioned new courses of collective action. However when populism and authoritarianism advance, civil understandings of legitimacy come under pressure from alternative, anti-democratic conceptions of motives, social relations, and political institutions. In these times, a fine-grained understanding of the competitive dynamics between civil, non-civil, and anti-civil becomes particularly critical. Such a vision is constructively applied not only to the realities of Latin America, but also in a wider global context. The authors argue that in order to understand the realities and the limits of populism and polarization, civil sphere scholars need to dive straight into the everyday life of civil communities, setting the civil sphere theory (CST) in a more ethnographic, “anthropological” mode.
Methods for estimating sediment during tunneling using a mechanized tunneling
Authors: Guskov Ilya , Pestryakova Ekaterina , Kharitonov Sergey , Titov Evgeny
Published: April 2020

Currently, with the development of many cities, the need for transport infrastructure is increasing. Since the free ground space in urban environments is limited, the most effective and efficient exit is the construction of underground structures. Currently, new underground construction projects are being developed in conditions of high density of development, and in many cases in areas where ancient structures and buildings of historical value are located. The effectiveness of design solutions for the protection of objects in the zone of tunneling depends on the accuracy and reliability of methods that assess the impact of factors that have a negative impact. Moreover, if the station complexes are often built in areas with minimal impact on the surrounding buildings, and their construction is carried out by means of small mechanization and small visits, then the construction of tunnels, in the zone of their influence can get buildings of historical and cultural value. The authors of the article have considered both the causes of sediment and empirical, analytical and numerical methods for their evaluation. In particular, among the analytical methods, the method developed in MIIT and based on the reciprocity theorem was distinguished. The article also compares the calculation results for precipitation method Yu.A. Limanowa and calculation in program complex PLAXIS. In the end, the authors give conclusions based on the analysis of all the above methods, as well as recommendations for reducing sediment during tunneling with the use of tunnel mechanized complexes.
A study of the length parameter and the longitudinal compressive forces in the determination of frequencies of free vibrations of thin-walled underground pipelines of large diameter
Authors: Dmitriev Andrey , Sokolov Vladimir , Bereznev Aleksey
Published: April 2020

Earlier work on the study of frequency characteristics of thin-walled underground pipeline to obtain an equation for finding the natural frequencies of the straight sections of the pipeline, taking into account the parameter of the longitudinal force, the magnitude of internal pressure, coefficient of elastic resistance of the soil, the option of thin tubing and added mass of the soil.

In this article, using the obtained equation, we study the influence of the length of the section of the pipeline laid in the soil with different physical-mechanical characteristics, and the effect of the parameter of the longitudinal compressive forces at the frequency of free oscillations of thin-walled straight pipeline under the action of various internal working pressure for pipes of different diameters with different wall thicknesses.

On the basis of the design data defined in the derived formulae, is determined by the criterion of application of shell theory or the core theory for finding the natural frequencies of thin-walled underground pipelines of large diameter, depending on the length of the element.

Simultaneously, the obtained expression allows to determine the critical force at which buckling occurs in the core of the theory («beam buckling»), as well as the formula to determine the critical force, from which buckling occurs by shell theory (flattening of the cross section). Based on these data, it is concluded that flattening the cross section of the pipeline will occur when the force is at times less than required for the formation of «arch release», and consequently to ensure the reliability of underground thin-walled large diameter pipeline should be the first thing to check for resistance on the shell theory.
Correlation Between Bevacizumab Exposure and Survival in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Papachristos Apostolos , Kemos Polychronis , Kalofonos Haralabos , Sivolapenko Gregory
Published: April 2020

Background

Bevacizumab treatment is subject to large interpatient variability in efficacy, which may partly be explained by differences in complex bevacizumab pharmacokinetic characteristics that influence bevacizumab exposure. Exposure–response relationships have been identified for other monoclonal antibodies. We aimed to identify possible exposure–survival relationships in bevacizumab-treated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Materials and Methods

Patients with mCRC who started first-line bevacizumab-based chemotherapy between July 2012 and July 2014, and from whom serial blood samples and survival were prospectively collected, were included. Follow-up was carried out until July 2018. Total bevacizumab trough concentrations were measured from cycle 2 to cycle 30 of treatment. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and Cox analysis were used to identify the relationship between concentrations and overall survival (OS). In addition, OS was compared between different trough concentration groups.

Results

One hundred fifty-seven blood samples from 46 patients were evaluable for analyses. ROC analysis showed a clear separation in survival based on trough levels (area under the curve = 0.739, p = .009). Cox regression also showed a strong positive correlation between trough levels and survival (p = .0004). Three distinct groups of exposure were identified: low (median trough concentration [Ctm] ≤41.9 mg/L); medium (Ctm 43–87.2 mg/L) with median OS of 12.8 and 36 months, respectively (p = .0003); and high (Ctm ≥7.9 mg/L), where the majority of patients were still alive 60 months after the initiation of treatment.

Conclusion

This study shows that survival was proportional to the magnitude of exposure in patients with mCRC. Further clinical research should focus on clarifying these exposure–outcome relationships in order to optimize dosing.
The Use of MEK Inhibitors in Neurofibromatosis Type 1–Associated Tumors and Management of Toxicities
Authors: Klesse Laura J. , Jordan Justin T. , Radtke Heather B. , Rosser Tena , Schorry Elizabeth , Ullrich Nicole , Viskochil David , Knight Pamela , Plotkin Scott R. , Yohay Kaleb
Published: April 2020

Early-phase clinical trials using oral inhibitors of MEK, the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, have demonstrated benefit for patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)-associated tumors, particularly progressive low-grade gliomas and plexiform neurofibromas. Given this potential of MEK inhibition as an effective medical therapy, the use of targeted agents in the NF1 population is likely to increase substantially. For clinicians with limited experience prescribing MEK inhibitors, concern about managing these treatments may be a barrier to use. In this manuscript, the Clinical Care Advisory Board of the Children's Tumor Foundation reviews the published experience with MEK inhibitors in NF1 and outlines recommendations for side-effect management, as well as monitoring guidelines. These recommendations can serve as a beginning framework for NF providers seeking to provide the most effective treatments for their patients.

Implications for Practice

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) clinical care is on the cusp of a transformative shift. With the success of recent clinical trials using MEK inhibitors, an increasing number of NF1 patients are being treated with MEK inhibitors for both plexiform neurofibromas and low-grade gliomas. The use of MEK inhibitors is likely to increase substantially in NF1. Given these changes, the Clinical Care Advisory Board of the Children's Tumor Foundation has identified a need within the NF1 clinical community for guidance for the safe and effective use of MEK inhibitors for NF1-related tumors. This article provides a review of the published experience of MEK inhibitors in NF1 and provides recommendations for monitoring and management of side effects.
Thinking Skills in Teaching Practices: Relationship with Students' Achievement in Mathematics
Authors: Larina Galina , Kapuza Anastasia
Published: April 2020

The present-day knowledge society expects school education to ensure the development of higher-order thinking skills, such as novel problem solving. Experimental evidence shows that such skills can be developed in students by using classroom activities enhancing higher-order cognitive processes more often. However, the impact of such activities on knowledge acquisition in specific disciplines, mathematics in particular, remains unclear. Data obtained in the longitudinal study Trajectories in Education and Careers conducted on a TIMSS-PISA sample is used to evaluate the presence of teaching practices that promote higher- and lower-order thinking in the classroom and the correlations between those strategies, on the one hand, and teacher characteristics and mathematics achievement at the end of 9th grade, on the other hand. Teaching practices of both types were found to be related positively to student achievement in mathematics. Yet, higher-order thinking teaching practices have a stronger positive effect on mathematics achievement gains between 8th and 9th grades, whereas the effects of practices implying lower-order thinking lose their significance or become negative a year later. It is also shown that the use of a specific type of teaching practices is not related to teacher credentialsor qualifications.
Editorial: Quantifying Higher Education: Governing Universities and Academics by Numbers
Authors: Hillebrandt Maarten , Huber Michael
Published: April 2020

Over the past decades, ‘governing by numbers’ has taken a flight in the higher education sector. Performance-based budgeting and quality assurance schemes orient universities to new objectives, while rankings have globalised the metrified observation of higher education at large. Where previously no indicators existed, they are being introduced; where indicators already existed, they are being standardised for purposes of comparison. This thematic issue aims to work towards a more comprehensive understanding of the growing diversity of quantification-based instruments in higher education sectors in three European countries. The effects of quantification are noticed at all levels of the higher education system, from policy makers at the top of the regulatory pyramid down to students and academic staff. Yet even quantifiers outside of the regulatory system, such as ranking and metrics organisations, may have an important bearing on the operation of the university organisation and the sector at large. Thus, an entire governance landscape emerges in which actors at various levels turn to numbers for guidance. The articles in this thematic issue analyse the life cycle of such numbers, from their origins, through to their production and finally, their consequences. This editorial outlines the central questions and overarching issues addressed by the thematic issue and introduces its various contributions.
Best Splinting Methods in Case of Dental Injury–A Literature Review
Authors: Sobczak-Zagalska Hanna , Emerich Katarzyna
Published: April 2020

The objective of this manuscript was to review the literature on dental trauma splints and discuss materials used for splinting injured teeth in terms of their properties and conditions that are required for optimal stabilization.

A literature search was conducted in the PubMed database with the keywords: “trauma splints”, “dental trauma” and “traumatic dental injuries”. The search was limited to English language publications. 42 publications fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were in accordance with the current recommendations.

Optimal splinting of the teeth after trauma is one of the main predictors for pulpal and periodontal healing. The splints stabilize and protect the teeth, creating favorable conditions for the regeneration of the supporting tissues. Their application and removal should be easy and fast without any additional irritating of the surrounding tissues. The materials used to stabilize the injured teeth should keep the tooth in the original position, allowing for its physiological mobility.
Practice of the use of oral mucosa graft urethroplasty among Nigerian urologists
Authors: Agwu Ngwobia P. , Umar Ahmed M.
Published: April 2020

Background: Urethral stricture is an ancient disease that has plagued men. Management of this disease has been evolving due to advances in technology and better understanding of the pathogenesis. Use of oral mucosal grafts for substitution urethroplasty has been gaining world-wide acceptance and application by urologists. This article examines the of application of this urethral substitute among Nigerian urologists.Methods: This was a questionnaire-based study administered to urologists during the annual general meeting and scientific conference.Results: Forty two respondents completed the questionnaire and comprised of 41 (97.6%) males and 1 (2.4%) female. There were 24 (57.1%) consultants, senior registrars and others 4 (9.6%). Thirty three (78.6%) of the respondents had practised for less than 10 years. Region of practice in Nigeria were 13 (31%) in South-west, 5 (11.9%) in South-East, 3 (7.1%) in South -South, 9 (21.4%) in North-West, 10 (23.8%) in North-central and 2 (4.8%) in North-East. Annual volume of urethroplasty was less than 10 in 19 (45.2%) and only 3 (7.1%) performed more than 30 urethroplasties. Place of practice was mainly in the University Teaching Hospital 33 (78.6%). Oral mucosa grafts (OMGs) used either alone or in combination with penile flaps was used by 30 (71.4%) respondents while 11 (26.2%) used only penile skin flaps. Up to 10 (23.8%) of the respondents indicated desire to undergo training on the use of OMG for urethral reconstruction.Conclusions: Use of OMG is accepted by Nigerian urologists, however application is limited by low annual urethroplasty volume and lack of training.
Microstructure Modeling of High b-Value Diffusion-Weighted Images in Glioblastoma
Authors: Li Yuan , Kim Michelle , Lawrence Theodore S. , Parmar Hemant , Cao Yue
Published: April 2020

Apparent diffusion coefficient has limits to differentiate solid tumor from normal tissue or edema in glioblastoma (GBM). This study investigated a microstructure model (MSM) in GBM using a clinically available diffusion imaging technique. The MSM was modified to integrate with bi-polar diffusion gradient waveforms, and applied to 30 patients with newly diagnosed GBM. Diffusion-weighted (DW) images acquired on a 3 T scanner with b-values from 0 to 2500 s/mm2 were fitted in volumes of interest (VOIs) of solid tumor to obtain the apparent restriction size of intracellular water (ARS), the fractional volume of intracellular water (Vin), and extracellular (Dex) water diffusivity. The parameters in solid tumor were compared with those of other tissue types by Students’ t test. For comparison, DW images were fitted by conventional mono-exponential and bi-exponential models. ARS, Dex, and Vin from the MSM in tumor VOIs were significantly greater than those in WM, GM, and edema (P values of .01–.001). ARS values in solid tumors (from 21.6 to 34.5 um) had absolutely no overlap with those in all other tissue types (from 0.9 to 3.5 um). Vin values showed a descending order from solid tumor (from 0.32 to 0.52) to WM, GM, and edema (from 0.05 to 0.25), consisting with the descending cellularity in these tissue types. The parameters from mono-exponential and bi-exponential models could not significantly differentiate solid tumor from all other tissue types, particularly from edema. Further development and histopathological validation of the MSM will warrant its role in clinical management of GBM.
A 27-Year Report from the Central Eye Bank of Iran: A complete translation from Farsi
Authors: Ali Javadi Mohammad , Rezaei Kanavi Mozhgan , Safi Sare
Published: April 2020

This article is based on a study first reported in Farsi in the Bina Journal of Ophthalmology, titled گزارش عملکرد سه دهه اي بانک چشم جمهوري اسلامي ايران, Volume 24, Issue 2 (Winter 2019) 2019/05/28. Original URL: https://www.sid.ir/fa/journal/ViewPaper.aspx?ID=487896
Purpose: To report the 27-year statistical data from the Central Eye Bank of Iran (CEBI) and its activity.
Methods: All CEBI records regarding procured eyes, tissue utilizations, corneal transplants per capita, and indications for keratoplasty from 1991 to 2017 were analyzed.
Results: In total, 115,743 whole eyes were donated during the 27-year period. Out of the 114,169 eyes donated between 1994 and 2017, 95,314 eyes were distributed for transplantation, and 95,057 corneas were actually transplanted. The mean annual rate of corneal transplants per capita was 55.10−6 ± 27.10−6. Although penetrating keratoplasty (PKP, 70%) was the most common technique of corneal transplantation during the study period, it exhibited a decreasing trend between 2006 and 2017 (P = 0.048). It was in contrast to Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) that demonstrated an increasing trend during the same period (P < 0.001). Keratoconus (KCN, 39.70%) was the most leading indication for keratoplasty over the last three decades followed by bullous keratopathy (BK, 18.5%), corneal scar and opacities (15.7%), and graft failure (GF, 7.5%), with an increasing trend for BK, GF, and KCN. A majority of scleral tissues (83.7%) were utilized for orbital implant protection.
Conclusion: An increasing trend in the number of procured eyes was observed over the past 27 years in Iran. The most leading indications for corneal transplantation were KCN and BK. While PKP was the most common keratoplasty technique, DSAEK showed an increasing trend over the last 12 years.
Torpedo Retinopathy
Authors: Venkatesh Ramesh , Jain Kushagra , Pereira Arpitha , . Thirumalesh , Kumar Yadav Naresh
Published: April 2020

Purpose: Torpedo lesions in the retina are rare. This study aimed to investigate torpedoshaped lesions in the retina in an adult population and to determine the spectrum and features of the disease.
Methods: The review of a database for clinical diagnosis identified nine patients who were diagnosed with torpedo-shaped lesions in the retina between June 2017 and February 2019. Fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging were used to analyze the cases. Multicolor imaging was also performed.
Results: Nine patients with torpedo-shaped lesions in the fundus were identified. Fundus images revealed that the lesion involved the macula in six eyes; in the remaining three eyes, the lesion was present outside the macula. OCT identified six patients with type 1 torpedo lesions, one with type 2, and two with type 3. On multicolor imaging, the lesion was visualized as a region of increased reflectance in blue, green, and infrared light in all eyes, with notably increased infrared reflectance in eyes with focal choroidal excavation. Choroidal neovascular membrane was evident in one patient on OCT angiography.
Conclusion: Torpedo lesions in the retina can occur away from the macula and exhibit features similar to those of torpedo maculopathy. As such, the authors propose a change in the nomenclature for torpedo lesions in the retina from “torpedo maculopathy” to “torpedo retinopathy.”
Pathways From Intimate Partner Violence to Academic Disengagement Among Women University Students
Authors: Schrag Rachel Voth , Wood Leila , Busch-Armendariz Noël
Published: April 2020

More knowledge is needed related to collegiate intimate partner violence (IPV) and the pathways between experiencing physical and psychological IPV and academic disengagement. Students in a University System in the southwest completed an online survey including measures of physical and psychological IPV, academic disengagement, sense of community, and safety on campus. Conditional process analyses were used to understand key pathways for 6,818 woman identified students. All models found a significant indirect path between physical and psychological IPV and academic disengagement via depression symptoms. Students' sense of community on campus was associated with less academic disengagement regardless of physical violence. The impact of psychological IPV on disengagement was stronger for those with lower senses of community. Enhancing screening and education, providing effective mental health counseling, and increasing advocacy will help institutions better address IPV.
An Empirical Study on Service Recovery Satisfaction in an Open and Distance Learning Higher Education Institution in Malaysia
Authors: Bin Mohd Amin Mohd Rushidi , Kumar Piaralal Shishi , Rosli bin Daud Yon , Bin Mohamed Baderisang
Published: April 2020

This study investigated the relationships among justice dimensions (distributive, procedural, interpersonal, and informational), university image, service recovery satisfaction, and customer behavioural outcomes (trust, word of mouth, repurchase intention, and loyalty). This study adopted a cross-sectional survey approach and data were collected through a survey of 303 students of Open University Malaysia in Malaysia who experienced service failure and service recovery. The framework was tested via partial least square structural equation modelling, and the results revealed a significant relationship between justice dimensions and service recovery satisfaction in terms of procedural and interpersonal justice. Service recovery satisfaction had a significant effect on all customer behavioural outcomes investigated. University image did not have a moderating effect on the relationship between justice dimensions and service recovery satisfaction. Theoretical and practical implications of the study are discussed in this paper.
Open Textbooks: Quality and Relevance for Postsecondary Study in The Bahamas
Authors: Bethel Edward
Published: April 2020

Open educational resources (OER), are openly licensed text, media, and other digital and analog assets that are useful for teaching, learning, and research. Recent research has shown that in courses where open textbooks are assigned, students perform as well as or better than students in similar courses with commercially licensed textbooks. Despite cost savings and demonstrated effectiveness, perceptions about quality, relevance, ease of access, and other concerns persist. The objectives of this study were twofold: (a) to develop a practical and reusable measure for evaluating open textbook quality in terms of pedagogy, openness, accessibility, and relevance; and (b) to use the measure to rate the quality and relevance of open textbooks for use in higher education in The Bahamas. The study confirmed the viability of the quality measure as a practical tool to assess open resources and found that the open textbooks studied were accessible and well matched to course content, but of varying quality. More study is needed to explore ways to increase faculty adoption, use, adaption and production of OER.
Determinants Affecting Economic Growth – Evidence for Western Balkans Countries
Authors: Durguti Esat Ali , GASHI Emine , Kunoviku Filloreta Demiri , Mehmeti Milaim
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this paper is to find out if selected determinants have any effect on the economic growth rate using the strong balanced panel data for the Western Balkan countries for the period 2001-2017, and the data used are on an annual basis, which in total there are 102 observation periods. For the realization of the paper, secondary data and an advanced dynamic approach were used, such as pooled OLS methods, fixed and random effects model, to test economic growth rate as dependent variable, and explanatory variables such as working remittances to GDP, exports to GDP, imports to GDP, foreign direct investment to GDP and inflation rate.  From the generated outputs, it is true to say that working remittances to GDP, exports to GDP, and imports to GDP have an effect that influences economic growth, respectively GDP growth. Even though foreign direct investment to GDP and inflation rate does not have a significant effect on economic growth, respectively GDP growth.

 

Keywords: Economic growth; macroeconomic determinants; panel data.

JEL code: O47, O11, C23
Analysis of Driven Piles Using Local and Non-Local Models
Authors: Sau Nicolas , Medina-Mendoza José , López-Higuera Antonia
Published: April 2020

There exists a great potential for application in soil mechanics with the use of mechanistic models such as the finite element model, and other non-local models, such as the peridynamic model, since the soil mass can be modelled as a group of particles that interact with each other. In this work, we determine the bearing capacity of deep foundations where stresses are transmitted to deep deposits, which generally present better characteristics in terms of compressibility and shear strength. One of the main elements are driven piles, which must be previously designed, made and tested before their final use. In this work, a comparison with different methods is presented. The finite element method and the peridynamic model are used. Because the effect of consolidation was not taken into account, in these examples, the assumption is made that the structures are cemented in inert soil. Likewise, it is assumed that the water table has no influence on the simulations. Failure envelopes were observed where bonds between particles present high gradients of deformation and fracture. Bearing capacities were estimated and compared with those obtained from the Terzaghi and Meyerhof methods.
Impact of Conservation Measures over Mangrove Forest-dependent Community: A Qualitative Study Using Human Rights Lens
Authors: Siddiquee Noor Kutubul Alam
Published: April 2020

Background and Research Highlights: Despite all the concerns and initiatives, natural resources like forests, as well as biodiversity are decreasing at an alarming rate worldwide. Conservation is considered as one of the major tools to prevent such loss and rapid degradation. Evidence around the world shows the adverse effects of conservation laws and policies on indigenous peoples and other local communities. Objectives: This study was conducted in one of the forest-dependent communities situated in Sundarban (world’s largest mangrove forest) to understand the impact of conservation laws and policies on their livelihood. Materials and Methods: A qualitative methodology was designed to collect data, using focus group discussions and case study with community people, and individual interviews with the personnel from NGOs and relevant government departments. Findings: Strict conservation policies and restrictions in accessing forest resources made lives and livelihoods of the local community insecure and unstable, thus putting the community in a vulnerable situation. The had to leave their traditional mode of income and look for alternative livelihood options. Almost no evidence was found in relation to upkeeping their rights in conservation activities. Prohibited movement, provision of punishment for entering into the forest without proper permission and struggles in everyday life were some of the highlighted issues. They had no participation in conservation activities, management of alternative livelihood options, and even they were not sensitized before putting restrictions. Although they had a history of emotional and physical attachment with the forest, existing activities did not consider these issues. In addition, corruption and abuse of power by law enforcement agencies towards the local community intensified the sufferings. Conclusion: This study argues that the realization of human rights in conservation activities and the sensitization of the implementing stakeholders are prerequisites for ensuring the sustainability of both biodiversity and the affected people.
Potential Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) Identified from the Library of FDA Approved Drugs Using Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Verma Dipesh , Kapoor Srajan , Das Satyajeet , Thakur Krishan
Published: April 2020

Corona Virus Infectious Disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak originated recently at Wuhan, China in December 2019. It has already spread rapidly to more than 200 countries and has been declared a pandemic by WHO. It is caused by a beta-coronavirus named as SARS-CoV-2. There is no definitive cure, either drug or vaccine, to treat or prevent this viral disease. Recently, the crystal structure of the main protease Mpro has been determined. Mpro is responsible for the proteolytic maturation of the polyprotein essential for the viral replication and transcription, which makes it an important drug target. The discovery of new drug molecules may take years before getting to the clinics. So, considering urgency we performed molecular docking studies using FDA approved drugs to identify molecules that could potentially bind to the substrate-binding site and inhibit SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). We used the Glide module in Schrodinger software suite to perform molecular docking studies followed by MM-GBSA based energy calculations to score the hit molecules. Molecular docking and manual analysis suggest that several drugs may bind and potentially inhibit Mpro. We also performed molecular simulations studies for selected compounds to evaluate protein-drug interactions. Interestingly, we observed only one antiviral compound, Adefovir, in the top50 list of compounds. Considering bioavailability, lesser toxicity, route of administration some of the top-ranked drugs including lumefantrine (antimalarial), dipyridamole (coronary vasodilator), dihydroergotamine (used for treating migraine), hexoprenaline (anti- asthmatic), riboflavin (vitamin B2) and pantethine (vitamin B5) may be taken forward for further in vitro and in vivo experiments to investigate their therapeutic potential.
Estimasi Parameter Structural Equation Modeling Terhadap Kepuasan Pelanggan Layanan Telekomunikasi Menggunakan Metode Maximum Likelihood
Authors: Priyatna Dwicahyo Ramadhan , Raupong Raupong , Talangko La Podje
Published: April 2020

Structural Equation Modeling is a statistical technique that is able to analyze the pattern of simultan linear relationships between indicator variables and latent variables. In this study using structural equation modeling to analyze the relationship between perceived quality, perceived value, perceived bestscore, and customer satisfaction. The purpose of this study is to obtain the result parameter model estimation of structural equation modeling using maximum likelihood method and to obtain the level of students satisfaction from faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science Hasanuddin University toward Tri operator. Data collected by distributing questionnaire. Collecting sample in this study using Proporsional Random Sampling technique. To measure the level of students satisfaction from faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science Hasanuddin University toward Tri operator, the model chosen is the model used to measure Indonesian Customer Satisfaction Indeks. From the result of this study obtained in the amount of 92,04% with very satisfied criteria level of students satisfaction from faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science Hasanuddin University toward Tri operator with very satisfied criteria.
DNA Methylation Patterns of Interferon Gamma Gene Promoter and Serum Level in Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Their Role in Prognosis
Authors: Et al. Zayr
Published: April 2020

Tuberculosis (TB) still remains an important medical problem due to high levels of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A series of innate immune mechanisms that create a cytokine network control the pathogenesis of tuberculosis and this response has the capacity to modify the host genomic DNA structure through epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation which could constantly alter the local gene expression pattern that can modulate the metabolism of the tissues and the immune-response. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is an important pro-inflammatory cytokine regulator of the innate immune response to TB. This study aims to determine DNA methylation patterns of INF-γ gene promoter and measure serum IFN- γ level in newly diagnosed TB patients, relapse TB patients, and healthy control, in order to study the possibility of using these as a biomarker for the prognosis of TB stages in patients. The current case-control study included 66 patients with TB and 33 healthy control subjects. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood(PB) of included subjects and modified using sodium bisulfate specific kit. DNA methylation patterns of IFN-γ gene promoter was determine by using methylation specific polymerase chain reaction(MS-PCR).Serum IFN-γ level  was determined using enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay(ELISA). Results showed that percentages of DNA methylation patterns in normal controls, newly diagnostic TB patients and relapse TB patients were (63.3%, 18.2% and 21.2% respectively). Also, higher significant differences (P≤0.0001) of  un-methylated  IFN-γ gene promoter patterns in newly diagnostic TB patients  than  relapse TB patients comparison with healthy controls. The percentage of un-methylated DNA patterns in healthy controls, newly diagnostic TB patients and relapse TB patients were (9.9%, 39.4% and 51.5%, respectively). The mean of serum IFN-γ levels (pg/ml) for normal controls, newly diagnostic TB patients and relapse TB patients were (59.3± 13.8,75.8±24.3 and 69.6±18.7,respectively).In conclusion, there is a relative association between methylation of IFN-γ gene promoter and predisposing to TB progression.
Regional Impact of Project Spending
Authors: Finken Richard D. , Arbotov Alexander A. , Moukhin Andrei V. , Suvorov Anatoliy , York Harold L.
Published: April 2020

Published in Oil & Gas Executive, Volume 1, Number 1, 1998, pages 38-43,50.

In many parts of the world, the social and economic impact of petroleum operations is as important to local officials and residents as reserve estimates, production rates, and environmental assessments are to the investor. In Russia and the remainder of the Commonwealth of Independent States, for examples, government officials want to know the full impact of projects on the economy and employment. Full-impact awareness requires determination of national and regional effects resulting from the initial investment and continued operations.

Socioeconomic Analysis

Socioeconomic studies of petroleum projects require the use of two types of analysis models: a financial model of the cash flow generated from the construction and operation of the project and socioeconomic "input/output" models. Socioeconomic models use the results of the cash-flow model to determine the aggregate increase in gross domestic product, gross output, government revenues, and the potential for creation of new employment.

All economic activity is interrelated. The concept of this mutual interdependence is called the "circular flow of income." Each individual income flow depends on the existence of all the others; if any one flow stops, all flows stop. Fig. 1 shows the links between project spending and the aggregate economic and social impact resulting from an investment project. Investment project cost includes expenses for labor and goods and services, providing income for businesses and the people they employ (commonly called the local content of the project). The investment project also provides government income-taxes and duties, including profit share in the case of production-sharing agreements. These income streams constitute the direct impact of the project on the economy.
Growing an International Oil and Gas Company in the New Millennium
Authors: Gass John D.
Published: April 2020

Published in Oil & Gas Executive, Volume 2, Number 1, 1999, pages 23-29.

We live in interesting times. One need only pick up the newspaper to see the astounding change that is all around us. As the millennium approaches, the experts tell us we can look forward to an acceleration in the pace and magnitude of change. Indeed, the rate of social, economic, technological, and political change today is almost overwhelming. Take a moment to consider the fact that a musical birthday card that you can buy at the store today for a couple of dollars contains more computing power than existed on the entire planet before 1950.

The petroleum industry has not been isolated from these changes. The current economic situation not withstanding, our industry currently is experiencing a renaissance in technology, new products and markets, and innovative business practices. Areas that once were closed to foreign investment have been opened, providing a seemingly endless source of opportunities for expansion and growth.

" Growth" is what it is all about today. If one were to pick up the annual report of any one of Chevron's numerous international competitors, I am confident that every one of them would speak about annual growth objectives of10, 15, 20%, or more as they look forward to the next century. But is this realistic in a world where the projected growth rate in energy consumption is2% (or perhaps even less at the moment)? It is clear to me that everyone who is talking about growth will not be able to achieve it.

So, how will growth be achieved in the new millennium? In today's economic environment the real question becomes, "How can an upstream oil and gas company differentiate itself in a way that will enable it to succeed in growing its business in a low-growth world?"

I would like to share some thoughts on what Chevron is doing to grow its business in the new millennium and on five critical success factors that I believe will differentiate those companies that are going to be successful. These five critical success factors are global focus, responsible growth and reputation, effective technology management, leveraging value-adding partnerships, and smart people-resource management.
Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Arcobacter species in human stool samples derived from out- and inpatients: the prospective German Arcobacter prevalence study Arcopath
Authors: Brückner Vanessa , Fiebiger Ulrike , Ignatius Ralf , Friesen Johannes , Eisenblätter Martin , Höck Marlies , Alter Thomas , Bereswill Stefan , Gölz Greta , Heimesaat Markus M.
Published: April 2020

Background: Arcobacter species, particularly A. butzleri, but also A. cryaerophilus constitute emerging pathogens causing gastroenteritis in humans. However, isolation of Arcobacter may often fail during routine diagnostic procedures due to the lack of standard protocols. Furthermore, defined breakpoints for the interpretation of antimicrobial susceptibilities of Arcobacter are missing. Hence, reliable epidemiological data of human Arcobacter infections are scarce and lacking for Germany. We therefore performed a 13-month prospective Arcobacter prevalence study in German patients. Results: A total of 4646 human stool samples was included and Arcobacter spp. were identified from 0.85% of specimens in 3884 outpatients and from 0.40% of specimens in 752 hospitalized patients. Overall, A. butzleri was the most prevalent species (n = 24; 67%), followed by A. cryaerophilus (n = 10; 28%) and A. lanthieri (n = 2; 6%). Whereas A. butzleri, A. cryaerophilus and A. lanthieri were identified in outpatients, only A. butzleri could be isolated from samples of hospitalized patients. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Arcobacter isolates revealed high susceptibilities to ciprofloxacin, whereas bimodal distributions of MICs were observed for azithromycin and ampicillin.Conclusions: In summary, Arcobacter including A. butzleri, A. cryaerophilus and A. lanthieri could be isolated in 0.85% of German outpatients and ciprofloxacin rather than other antibiotics might be appropriate for antibiotic treatment of infections. Further epidemiological studies are needed, however, to provide a sufficient risk assessment of Arcobacter infections in humans.
Comparison of three small-area mortality metrics according to urbanity in Korea: the standardized mortality ratio, comparative mortality figure, and life expectancy
Authors: Kim Ikhan , Lim Hwa-Kyung , Kang Hee-Yeon , Khang Young-Ho
Published: April 2020

Background: This study aimed to compare three small-area level mortality metrics according to urbanity in Korea: the standardized mortality ratio (SMR), comparative mortality figure (CMF), and life expectancy (LE) by urbanity.Methods: We utilized the National Health Information Database to obtain annual small-area level age-specific numbers of population and deaths in Korea between 2013 and 2017. First, differences in the SMR by urbanity were examined, assuming the same age-specific mortality rates in all small-areas. Second, we explored the differences in ranking obtained using the three metrics (SMR, CMF, and LE). Third, the ratio of CMF to SMR by population was analyzed according to urbanity.Results: We found that the age-specific population distributions in urbanized areas were similar, but rural areas had a relatively old population structure. The age-specific mortality ratio also differed by urbanity. Assuming the same rate of age-specific mortality across all small-areas, we found that comparable median values in all areas. However, areas with a high SMR showed a strong predominance of metropolitan areas. The ranking by SMR differed markedly from the rankings by CMF and LE, especially in areas of high mortality, while the latter two metrics did not differ notably. The ratio of CMF to SMR showed larger variations in small-areas in rural areas, particularly in those with small populations, than in metropolitan and urban areas.Conclusions: In a comparison of multiple SMRs, bias could exist if the study areas have large differences in population structure. The use of CMF or LE should be considered for comparisons if it is possible to acquire age-specific mortality data for each small-area.