bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bank of Russia’s Shifts in Policy Guidelines: Transition to the Floating Exchange Rate Regime
Authors: Dubinin Sergey , Miklashevskaya Nina , Karlovskaya Sofya , Patron Petr
Published: December 2020

The paper analyzes the Bank of Russia’s policy during its transition to the floating exchange rate regime. We show that this transition logically follows the general regulation strategy towards price stability. After thorough study of reasons and consequences of the transition, we conclude that internal and external shocks to Russian economy in 2014 accelerated the shift to the flexible exchange rate. We emphasize the assessment of stabilization policy at the foreign exchange market.
Transnational Mega-Regulation for Eurasian Economic Union Foreign Experience and Prospects
Authors: Tabakh Anton , Podrugina Anastasiya
Published: December 2020

The paper analyses prerequisites for development of the transnational financial regulator for Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). It reviews theoretical researches on integration of financial regulators. The EU’s integrated financial regulative practices are introduced as a possible exemplary pattern. EAEU formation is treated within its historical context, and with its allowances for robust integrated financial regulation. Policy recommendations for transnational financial regulations are proposed in the light of the member countries specifics.
Cultural Capital as a Factor of Uncertainty and Transaction Costs
Authors: Nikishina Elena
Published: December 2020

The paper deals with the concept of culture and cultural capital in the economic theory. The concept of culture is analyzed through the points of criticism of social capital by R.Solow. The paper suggests a refined definition of culture and cultural capital. Several ways of productive use of cultural capital are described. Among them: through reduction of uncertainty and transaction costs, through use of competitive advantages, based on culture and harmonization of formal and informal rules. The effect of cultural capital on bilateral trade through reduction in uncertainty and transaction costs is tested in the empirical part of the paper. A suggested approach to cultural capital, based on transaction costs theory can be useful for institutional design, and policy-advice, aiming at the increase in competitiveness of society and the efficiency of formal institutions.
The Assessment of Taxation Models in the Oil Sector of Russia and Foreign Countries
Authors: Bobyleva Alla , Zhavoronkova Elena , Lvova Olga
Published: December 2020

The article focuses on the key parameters of the modern tax system in the oil industry of Russia and foreign countries, the tax burden of the largest Russian and foreign oil companies and their investment and financial opportunities resulting from different tax regimes, as well as recent changes in the economic and geopolitical conditions. On the basis of the research, the conclusion about the feasibility of the strategic review of the tax regime in the Russian oil industry is made and the main directions of its improvement are suggested.
The Assessment of Environmental Responsibilityof Oil and Gas Companies Operating in Russia: the Rating Approach
Authors: Shvarts Evgeniy , Knizhnikov Aleksey , Pakhalov Alexandr , Sheresheva Marina
Published: December 2020

The paper analyses methodological features and results of the first Russian oil and gas companies environmental rating. This rating is relevant because Russian oil and gas industry plays a key role in the national economy and at the same time it is unfavorable and nontransparent from an environmental point of view. Our study aims to provide a comparative assessment of environmental responsibility of oil and gas companies operating in Russia. The study is based on a comprehensive analysis of qualitative and quantitative corporate indicators in three areas: environmental management, environmental impact and disclosure. Results of the rating indicate a high differentiation among Russian oil and gas companies in terms of environmental responsibility and transparency. Public listing of shares as well as linkages between shareholders and regional communities are among factors that have positive impact on the level of environmental responsibility of oil and gas companies.
Social and Labor Relations in Networked Economy
Authors: Kolosova Riorita , Medvedeva Tatyana
Published: December 2020

Under the influence of globalization and computerization of the economy, organizations are changing their structures from hierarchies to networks, resulting in the development of horizontal enterprises that operate through internet technology with multiple distributed agents. This change is bringing about a new model of social and labor relations. The participants of social and labor relations put in conditions where they are forced to learn the principles of network organization and the opportunities to represent and defense of their interests in the new economy. Article is exploratory in nature, considering the direction of the influence networked economy on social and labor relations; identifies organizational foundations and principles of social and labor relations in networked economy; reviews the opportunities for development of the network of social and labor relations in Russia.
Initial Public Off erings’ Process at the World's Largest Stock Exchanges in 2001–2012
Authors: Musikhina Ekaterina
Published: December 2020

This article is investigating the initial public offerings (IPO) activity at world’s largest stock exchanges in 2001–2012. The main goal of the article is to determine the main trends of the IPO process at the world largest Stock Exchanges in 2001—2012. To achieve this goal the the author examines world and regional exchange centers of IPO-activity concentration and dentifies the factors determining the leading position of particular stock exchanges in various countries and regions in different periods of time. The autor coliects and analyses data from annual «IPO Watch Europe» reports provided by PwC Company in 2001—2012. The obtained time-series gives the opportunity to examine the variations of IPO-activity at different world Stock Exchanges along two dimensions: the overall volume and value of IPO deals at various Stock Exchanges. The analysis proves that the IPO-activity was mostly concentrated at European, US and the Greater China stock exchanges during the period under con sideration. The study reveals the shift of the world IPO-activity to Asian equity markets, with high IPO-activity indicators reported in emerging market econo mies. Brazilian, Saudi Arabian, Polish stock exchanges demonstrate the highest offerings indicators in this group. Thus, they are expected to become the new re gional centers of IPO-activity in future. In order to maintain or increase the current IPO-activity indicators ex-leaders had to resort to the consolidation of existing facilities throng M&A processes.
The Organization of Franchising System: Steps of Franchise Development
Authors: Shakhova Margarita
Published: December 2020

This article discusses organization of franchise systems, identifies the main stages of formation of franchise which are necessary for creation of quality franchise proposals and efficient development of the franchise network in the future. Also, the article analyses the activity and strategies of Russian franchisors on market. Special attention is paid to the promotion of a franchise as a key step in building a franchise network.
The Alternatives of Economic Policy under the Crisis: Economists Discussions at Lomonosov Moscow State University
Authors: Gerasimenko Valentina
Published: December 2020

In January 2015, Moscow State University held its annual scientific conference “Lomonosov readings”. The conference was dedicated this year’s 260th anniversary of Moscow State Lomonosov University. As part of the Lomonosov readings at the Economics Faculty of Moscow State University hosted a scientific conference “Alternatives of economic policy in conditions of slowdown in economic growth: working-out and recommendations of economists at the MSU”. Discussions at the conference allowed us to formulate the key areas of economic policy aimed at increasing economic growth and overcoming the crisis in the economy.
The 7th Tatiana’s Round Table: LUDI PRINCIPIA (Overview of the Annual Interdisciplinary Event)
Authors: Suprun Tatyana , Kryukov Mihail
Published: December 2020

The paper off ers an overview of the 7th Tatiana’s Round Table held annually at the Faculty of Economics’ Centre of Language and Culture. Participants looked into the issues related to the optimum conditions for the research activity in academia in general and application of gaming methods in economic education in particular.
Global regulation of economy: modern potential and the possibility of transformation
Authors: Mazurova Elena
Published: December 2020

This article discusses the modern system of international regulation of global economic processes. It examines theoretical approaches to the international governance of the global economy and assesses the international regulation mechanisms of such global institutions as the IMF, WTO, G-8 and G-20 in conjunction with structural reforms of national economies in the post-crisis period. The article also analyses development prospects of the mixed (national and non-national) mechanisms of regulation.
The methodology of the gradual implementation of development strategy in urban economy under the shifts in technology bases
Authors: Gaweiler Andrey
Published: December 2020

On the basis of the identified critical insufficiency of a widespread extrapolation approach to the development strategy of the Russian city we synthesize a stepwise process of long-term economic development of the city through changing technological bases, represented as a chain of successive steps of the main strategic decision makers. The resulting trajectory of economic development of the city is presented in the form of regular replacement of long-term waves of radical innovations through restructuring crises. The proposed integrated strategic approach, synthesizing macro- and microeconomic evolutional approaches deriving from the fields of business, finance, management, strategy, municipal and state regulation can help all the participants of the transition process to innovative path of development, which adds to the leading role of a city in the context of globalization.
The Implementation of the National Strategy for Action on Children
Authors: Kalabikhina Irina
Published: December 2020

The paper highlights the current issues of the National Strategy for Action on Children in the Russian Federation in 2012-2017. Analyzing these problems, the author proposes a number of recommendations that will improve the quality of the implementation of the National Strategy in the second phase (2015-2017). The article uses data from official statistics, official documents in the field of social policy, the results of the author’s expertise of the National Strategy documents.
Open Innovation Network as a Model of Energy Complex Development
Authors: Marin Oleg , Karasev Oleg
Published: December 2020

The article studies the role of energy complex in modern innovative economy, major directions of sectorial innovation development in the context of modern networking concepts based on value chain. The creation of innovation integrators in energy sector is proposed with the aim to implement the principles of open innovations that optimizes competence management within the framework of complex project related to innovation technologies creation and application in different value chains. The authors identify the objectives and functions of the innovation integrators and offer the scheme to fund them. The given recommendations are intended for oil & gas companies in order to improve the effectiveness of innovative activity planning and organization.
Institutional regionalistics with “the economic face”
Authors: Litvintseva Galina
Published: December 2020

The article discusses the place of the new direction in economic and regional studies – institutional economic regionalistics in the system of sciences. The paper examines theoretical and methodological features of institutional and regional economics, mutual penetration of which conditions the agenda and prospects for a new direction. The author proposes a research program of institutional economic regionalistics, covering the main aspects of its subject matter and research tools.
Strategic planning as a solution to environmental and social issues of Moscow
Authors: Papenov Konstantin , Nikonorov Sergey , Zemskova Olga
Published: December 2020

The subject of this research is to develop the major directions of complex socio-ecological-economic development of Moscow based on the best examples of the development of foreign cities. In the context of rapid growth of the metropolis, Moscow faces a number of environmental, infrastructure and other problems requiring complex solutions. Many developed countries have accumulated significant experience in solving typical problems of mega-cities. The analysis of foreign experience has shown that certain positive shifts are only possible with case by case approach. However, sustainable effect can be achieved through long-term strategic planning development of the city from the perspective of the population growth. Problems requiring complex solutions can be divided into three groups: environmental, social, infrastructural. The analysis of foreign experience shows that a successful promotion strategy for city development requires certain prerequisites, such as: 1) coordination between political choice and strategic planning development of the city; 2) stabilization of the population and reduction of its density. The last factor is very important, and here it is impossible to do without some of territorial planning at the Federal level.
Development Institutions and New Forms of Organization in Tourism (Overview of the National Scientific Conference “Vladimir Road – the Path to New Technologies in Tourism”)
Authors: Pakhalov Alexandr , Polyanskaya Elena
Published: December 2020

The paper addresses the results of the first National Scientific Conference “Vladimir Road – the Path to New Technologies in Tourism” organized by the Faculty of Economics of Lomonosov MSU. The aim of the conference was to provide a professional discussion platform for experience exchange between experts and business people from tourism.
Çin Klasik Metni “Müzik Kayıtları”Na Göre Antik Çin’de Müzik: Ortaya Çıkışı, Bileşenleri, İşlevi Ve Duygular Üzerindeki Etkisi
Authors: Unal Chiang Gonca
Published: December 2020

Çin Klasikleri arasında müziği analiz ederek insan hayatında üstlendiği önemli fonksiyonu vurgulayan en önemli belge “Müzik Kayıtları”dır. Bu belge, kalp ve müzik arasındaki derin ilişki gerçeğinden yola çıkarak, ideal insan ve ideal toplum tahayyülünü gerçekleştirmekle ilgili önemli ipuçları içermektedir. Ayrıca bu belge; geleneksel Çin düşüncesine ışık tutan temel kaynaklardan biri olması nedeniyle, Sinoloji alanında felsefi açıdan da yeniden incelenmesi gereken belgelerden biridir. “Müzik Kayıtları” metni çerçevesinde hazırlanan bu çalışma üç bölüme ayrılmıştır. Çalışmanın ilk bölümünde; insan duyguları aracılığıyla oluşan müzik ve müziğin oluşumunda etkin rol oynayan temel unsurlar tanımlanmıştır. Bu bağlamda sırasıyla; klasik metinlerden yapılan alıntılarla sesler, tonlar, müzik, müzik aletleri ve müziğe eşlik eden danslar ile bu unsurların ortaya çıkmasına etki eden insan duyguları arasındaki etkileşim açıklanmıştır. Çalışmanın ikinci bölümünde; insan duyguları ile müziğin karşılıklı etkileşimini sağlayan çift yönlü ilişki, müziğin amacı ve fonksiyonu bağlamında ele alınmıştır. Buna göre; ilk aşamada insan duyguları aracılığıyla oluşan müziğin, ikinci aşamada insan duygularını şekillendiren bir dış etkene dönüşmesi süreci değerlendirilmiştir. Çalışmanın son bölümünde ise; “Müzik Kayıtları” metninin en önemli tartışmalarından birini oluşturan, müziğin insan kalbinde yarattığı denge ve uyum problemi; eski-yeni, iyi-kötü ve klasik-popüler müzik ayrımı üzerinden tartışılmış ve ilk iki bölümde verilen teorik bilgiler, klasik metinden verilen somut örnekler üzerinden değerlendirilmiştir. Kalbin direkt ifadesi olan müzik, insan için bir çeşit içsel ifadeyi oluştururken; müziğe eşlik ederek ifadenin görsel olarak gerçekleşmesini sağlayan dans ise dışsal ifadeyi temsil etmektedir. Genel bakış açısına göre, bir müzikli dans performansında, dışsal ifade olarak dans ve dansa zemin oluşturan hikâye önce oluşmakta; içsel ifade olan müzik ise ona eşlik etmektedir. Oysa “Müzik Kayıtları” metninde bu durum terse döner. Müzik hiçbir performansın eşlik edeni değildir; aksine müzik her zaman başroldedir. “Müzik Kayıtları” metninin kalbini oluşturan bu tespit, insanın içsel ifadesini oluşturan duyguları ile dışsal ifadesinin sonuçları olarak ortaya çıkan medeniyet arasındaki ilişkiyle doğrudan bağlantılıdır. Çünkü insan ile medeniyet arasındaki ilişkinin yönü; insanın mı medeniyeti şekillendireceği, yoksa medeniyetin mi insanı şekillendireceği konusunun asıl belirleyenidir.
Karşılaştırmalı Edebiyatın Yerel Kültür Simgesi Tarihi Şahsiyetlerin Tanınırlığına Olası Etkisi
Authors: Erkurt Gökhan Şefik
Published: December 2020

Sınırları bir şekilde belirlenmiş bir toprak parçası veya alanda yaşayan bir halkın, kendisine özgü hayat, inanç ve ahlak anlayışının, dünya görüşünün, geleneklerinin, örf ve adetlerinin, yaşayış tarzının sonucu ortaya koyduğu maddi ve manevi değerlerin bütünü halk kültürü (yerel kültür) olarak tanımlanır. Oluştuğu toplum ve coğrafyada bilinen yerel kültür ve ürünleri, kendilerini değerli kılan yerellik özellikleriyle kendi sınırlarını aşabilir ve evrensel bağlamda tanınır hale gelebilirler. Kültür ürünlerinin bir kısmı da ulusu ve ülkesi için mücadele etmiş böylelikle yerel kültür içerisinde kendine yer edinmiş ve zamanla birer simgeye dönüşmüş olan tarihi şahsiyetlerdir. Bu tarihi şahsiyetlerin dünyanın başka coğrafyalarında tanınması ve uluslararası hale gelmesi adına atılabilecek ilk adımlardan biri de karşılaştırmalı edebiyat alanında gerçekleştirilecek akademik çalışmalardır. Bu düşüncemizin temelinde karşılaştırmalı edebiyatın çalışma alanının edebiyat eserleri ve edebiyatçılar ile sınırlı olmaması yatmaktadır. Bu alanda sosyo-ekonomi, tarih, felsefe, teoloji, cinsiyet ve hatta bürokrasi üzerine birçok yazılı ve sözlü birikim ile ilgili şahsiyetler araştırma nesnesi olarak literatüre geçmiştir. Akademik anlamda bilinirliği sağlayabilmek için başka kültürlerdeki alan çalışanlarının dikkatini çekmek öncül strateji olarak görünmektedir. Karşılaştırmalı edebiyat alanında belirlenmiş inceleme yöntemleri kullanılarak yapılacak bir incelemede iki farklı yerel kültürün tarihi şahsiyetleri ortak ve farklı özellikleri üzerinden ele alınırlar. Bu anlayışla yapılacak karşılaştırmalı çalışmalar aracılığıyla her iki yerel kültür simgesi şahsiyetler, ilk önce farklı ülke akademilerindeki alan çalışanlarının dikkatini çekecek sonrasında da benzerlikler ve farklılıklar üzerinden gözlemlenebilecektir. Çalışmamızda yerel kültür simgesi tarihi şahsiyetlerin başka uluslar ve kültürler tarafından tanınırlığına ve dolayısıyla evrensel anlamda bilinilirliğine katkıda bulunmak amaçlanmıştır. Karşılaştırmalı edebiyat alanının inceleme yöntemleri aracılığıyla edebiyat eserleri veya edebiyatçılar üzerine yapılmış karşılaştırmalı çalışmalara benzer akademik çalışmaların tarihi şahsiyetlerin uluslararası anlamda tanınırlığına katkı sağlayabileceği kanaatine varılmıştır. Ayrıca alan çalışanlarına yeni çalışma sahaları açma olasılığının yanında ülkenin tanıtımına da katkı sunacağı düşünülmektedir.
Supporting Stranded Migrant Doctors in the UK during Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bamrah JS
Published: December 2020

The British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) undertook a humanitarian project to come to the aid of several migrant doctors who were in the UK to take the Professional & Linguistic Assessment Board’s (PLAB) part 2 clinical examination, and had become stranded due to the lockdown during the first surge of the COVID-19 pandemic. The BAPIO PLAB stranded doctors’ project started as a serendipitous exercise in the third week of March 2020 with first a handful of migrant doctors, until it reached a peak of 267 doctors from 19 countries, and involved collaboration with multiple voluntary organisations, stakeholders, regulatory agencies and governments.

There was no denying the complexity and intricacy of the demands on the stranded doctors, but it was even more pleasing to witness how the project team were more than ready to meet the challenges. Under the umbrella of BAPIO, the project team doctors, who previously had barely known each other, took on all the challenges - teaching, pastoral support, career advice, writing curriculum vitae, finding food, accommodation and funds for those in need; organising professional support, links with the General Medical Council, the High Commission of India and the U.K. Home Office. The project was concluded on 19 September, with all the doctors either returning home or making a decision to work in the NHS when conditions allowed them to.

It is not possible to know how many passed their PLAB part 2 exams, but we estimated that over 50% did. The weekly virtual meetings, the camaraderie, the scale of the project, and most importantly bringing it to a closure without any major crisis, was only possible through sheer determination, understanding the needs, professionalism, leadership and excellent communication. The lessons from this project are important to illustrate the role of voluntary organisations (such as BAPIO) and the effectiveness of having established collaborative networks with official bodies and government agencies, for the future benefit migrant professionals.
Materialidad, creatividad cultural y práctica social: una etnografía de las cosas del pasado entre los habitantes de San Antonio del Cajón (Catamarca, Argentina
Authors: Martínez Bárbara Betsabé
Published: December 2020

Este artículo aborda, desde una perspectiva etnográfica, los modos en que la gente de San Antonio del Cajón (Catamarca, Argentina) socializa con los objetos y sitios del pasado. Frente a posturas que ponen el acento en la apropiación política de los objetos y sitios en contextos de reivindicación étnica como el cajonista, en este texto se estudian los aspectos materiales e inmateriales, así como los posibles usos prácticos, que culminan en una reutilización contemporánea. De este modo, resalta el modo en que algunos procesos culturales corren en paralelo a otros, como las reivindicaciones políticas, sin anularse y superponiéndose articuladamente.
La recuperación mapuche del küpalme como “aprender a vivir”. Conflictos ideológicos y ontológicos con la categoría “descendiente”
Authors: Cecchi Paula Inés
Published: December 2020

En este artículo analizo los sentidos hegemónicos de la categoría “descendiente” (de mapuche), sus usos autoadscriptivos y el concepto mapuche küpalme, referido a la procedencia. Argumento que las reflexiones entre integrantes del pueblo mapuche sobre el término “descendiente” involucran dos planos: uno ideológico y otro ontológico. En el plano ideológico, discuten con el discurso hegemónico ―que en el marco de la ideología del mestizaje anuncia la pérdida de identidad mapuche­― al que caracterizan como racista y definen “descendiente” como una categoría colonial mediante la que se ejerce violencia epistémica. En el plano ontológico discuten con la ontología moderna que solo asume la agencia humana y considera la herencia como un fenómeno biológico, dado y relativo al pasado. En el concepto de küpalme reconocen la agencia de otras fuerzas y entidades además de las humanas, no solo en el pasado sino como guía para la toma de decisiones en el presente. En los usos autoadscriptivos del término “descendiente” se expresan sentidos contrapuestos que remiten a esas disputas. Aun afectadas por los criterios de las definiciones hegemónicas sobre quién puede ser mapuche, las personas que se autoidentifican como descendientes y buscan reencontrarse con la historia de su pueblo se distancian del postulado que define la pérdida inexorable de la identidad, en un proceso de des-sujeción respecto al discurso hegemónico.
Sobre la peste bubónica en una localidad del interior de la Argentina. Ituzaingó, provincia de Corrientes,1912-1919
Authors: Bondar César Iván
Published: December 2020

En este artículo se presentan los resultados de las indagaciones sobre la peste bubónica en la localidad de Ituzaingó, provincia de Corrientes, Argentina. Se toma como referencia lo acontecido en las primeras décadas del siglo XX, entre los años 1912 y 1919. Como hipótesis primaria consideramos que los pueblos del interior de la Argentina no estuvieron exentos de la influencia de la peste bubónica y consecuentes prácticas acaecidas. Damos cuenta de cómo en la localidad de Ituzaingó se instrumentaron acciones higienistas/sociales y religiosas desencadenadas ante el anuncio de la enfermedad. El trabajo posibilitó el rescate y puesta en valor de las prácticas y objetos que acompañaron a la población de Ituzaingó en este periodo de crisis. Del corpus general de la investigación se abstrae la información relacionada con los mecanismos de protección y aquello vinculado al ajuar y elementos litúrgicos que el catolicismo de la localidad dispuso ante la posible muerte de la población. Para el abordaje de la problemática se ha trabajado con registros históricos, con objetos y documentos disponibles en el archivo de la parroquia San Juan Bautista (diócesis de Santo Tomé) de la localidad de Ituzaingó, Corrientes, el archivo de la Coordinación de Educación y Cultura (ex Dirección de Museos), área de Archivo y Conservación de la Municipalidad de Ituzaingó. Corrientes, el archivo privado del folklorólogo Miguel Raúl López Bréard y el archivo privado del autor, en todos los casos con foco en las primeras décadas del siglo XX. Asimismo se realizaron entrevistas etnográficas a diversos interlocutores clave.
Los Papeles de Analco: poder, prestigio y lucha por la tierra en la Sierra Norte de Oaxaca
Authors: Durán Raquel E. Güereca
Published: December 2020

El objetivo de este texto es presentar un legajo documental concerniente a la historia agraria de Analco, un pueblo de indios ubicado en la Sierra Norte de Oaxaca, México. Para contextualizar el legajo, se explica primeramente la historia de este asentamiento y su importancia regional, así como el lugar que ha ocupado en la historiografía. A continuación, se comparan los originales resguardados en el Archivo Histórico Parroquial de Villa Alta con la microfilmación llevada a cabo en 1978 para mostrar las pérdidas que ha sufrido la documentación. Se analiza también lo que el legajo nos aporta sobre la historia temprana de este asentamiento.
Um escrito tupi do capitão Simão Soares Parayba (1645)
Authors: Monserrat Ruth , Barros Cândida , Barbosa Bartira Ferraz
Published: December 2020

O trabalho analisa um pós-escrito em tupi assinado pelo potiguara capitão Simão Soares, introduzido em carta na mesma língua do também potiguara capitão Antônio Filipe Camarão em 19 de agosto de 1645. Os objetivos do trabalho são: levantar dados biográficos do autor do pós-escrito e, em relação ao texto, transcrevê-lo paleograficamente, traduzi-lo para o português e analisá-lo do ponto de vista linguístico e discursivo.
EMG SIGNAL DENOISING USING ADAPTIVE FILTERS THROUGH HYBRID OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHMS
Authors: Nagasirisha Bhattiprolu , Prasad V. V. K. D. V.
Published: December 2020

Electromyography (EMG) signal recording equipment is comparatively modern. Still, there are enough restrictions in detection, recording, and characterization of EMG signals because of nonlinearity in the equipment, which leads to noise components. The most commonly affecting artifacts are Power Line Interference (PLI-Noise), Baseline Wander noise (BW-Noise), and Electrocardiogram noise (ECG-Noise). Adaptive filters are advanced and effective solutions for EMG signal denoising, but the improper tuning of filter coefficients leads to noise components in the denoised EMG signal. This defect in adaptive filters triggers or motivates us to optimize the filter coefficients with existing meta-heuristics optimization algorithms. In this paper, Least Mean Squares (LMS) filter and Recursive Least Squares (RLS) adaptive filter coefficients are optimized with a new Hybrid Firefly–Particle Swarm Optimization (HFPSO) by taking the advantages and disadvantages of both the algorithms. Experiments are conducted with the proposed HFPSO and it proved better in EMG signal denoising in terms of the measured parameters like signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in dB, maximum error (ME), mean square error (MSE), etc. In the second part of the work, the denoised EMG signal features are extracted for the diagnosis of diseases related to myopathy and neuropathy as EMG signal reflects the neuromuscular function and EMG signal examination may contribute to the diagnosis of muscle disorder linked to myopathy and neuropathy.
Don'T Forget about Syphilis: Sexually Transmitted Diseases during Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Di Buduo Andrea , Atzori Laura , Pilloni Luca , Perla Stefania , Rongioletti Franco , Ferreli Caterina
Published: December 2020

A great heterogeneity of skin manifestations has been increasingly associated with SARS-CoV2 infection, and especially exanthematous eruptions are considered among early presenting signs in symptomatic patients. In this report, a 58-year-old patient presented with fever, generalized rash and systemic symptoms as urgent consultation to the Dermatology Clinic of Cagliari amidst the Italian outbreak in late March 2020. After a negative nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2, secondary syphilis was confirmed by serological tests and skin biopsy, underlining that, even during a global pandemic, other common and important diseases should not be overlooked. The case also suggests thought on the ineffectiveness of distancing and social containment measures when dealing with sexually transmitted diseases.
Safety and Efficacy of One Week Oral Steroid Therapy in the Treatment of Common Eczemas
Authors: Saoji Vikrant Abhay , Bhat Arun L.
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

Oral steroids are not commonly used because of fear of side effects. A study was conducted to find out if a short course of 1 week of oral steroid without tapering is effective and safe for the treatment of common eczemas.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with common eczemas were included in the study. There were five groups. One group each received tablet prednisolone 15 mg morning and 10 mg after dinner for 7 days, tablet methylprednisolone 16 mg morning and 8 mg night for 7 days, and tablet betamethasone 2 mg morning and 1 mg night for 7 days. One group received tablet betamethasone 3 mg once a day as a single morning dose for 7 days and the last group received tablet deflazacort 18 mg morning and 12 mg night for 7 days only. All the patients also received topical clobetasol propionate cream for 1 month. However, the maximum permissible amount of topical clobetasol propionate was 30 g in a month. Basal serum cortisol at 8 am along with ACTH stimulation test was carried out in all the patients on day 10th. The tests were repeated on 30th day if negative on day 10th.

Results:

In all groups, rapid improvement was seen at visit 2, which further continued at visit 3. No suppressive effect on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis was seen.

Conclusion:

A short course of oral steroid of 25 mg of prednisolone equivalent for a period of 7 days was found to be effective and safe, and 7 days of oral steroids do not need tapering.
Ketamine for Sickle Cell Vaso-Occlusive Crises
Authors: Alshahrani Mohammed S. , Alghamdi Mohannad A.
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

Vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is one of the main causes of hospital admission in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Ketamine is often used as an adjuvant to opioids to control sickle cell crisis; however, there is a lack of evidence about its safety and efficacy for VOC in SCD patients.

Objective:

To synthesize evidence from published reports about the efficacy and safety of ketamine in the management of acute painful VOC in both pediatric and adult SCD patients.

Methods:

A systematic literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO and Cochrane Library was conducted, up to March 2019. Studies reporting the analgesic effects and side effects of ketamine in the management of acute painful VOC in pediatric and adult SCD patients were included. The primary outcome measure was improvement in pain scale, and the secondary outcomes were reduction in opioid utilization and side effects. Studies were narratively summarized in this review.

Results:

Fourteen studies (with a total of 604 patients) were included in the final analysis. Several case reports and case series showed that ketamine significantly reduced pain scales and opioid utilization in both populations. The only randomized controlled trial available showed that ketamine was noninferior to morphine in reducing pain scores, but had a higher incidence of nonlife-threatening, reversible adverse effects. However, a retrospective study of 33 patients showed a higher pain score in the ketamine group with an acceptable short-term adverse effect.

Conclusion:

Ketamine has a potentially comparable efficacy with other opioids in reducing the pain during VOC in SCD patients. However, it also likely has a higher rate of transient adverse events. Owing to the lack of published randomized controlled trials, current evidence is not sufficient to confirm the safety and efficacy of ketamine. Future well-designed randomized controlled trials are strongly recommended.
Social Media Use for Health Purposes by Chronic Disease Patients in the United States
Authors: Alhusseini Noara , Banta Jim E. , Oh Jisoo , Montgomery Susanne B.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Social media can be a cost-effective instant tool for exchanging health information among those with chronic diseases. However, few studies have analyzed the nexus between chronic disease and patients' use of the internet for health-related purposes.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to determine if chronic disease patients in the United States use social media platforms to share health information and/or join groups of similar condition.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study conducted a secondary analysis of the Health Information Trends Survey dataset 5 (cycle 1 of 2017 and cycle 2 of 2018) (N = 6650), which is nationally representative of American adults. A series of chi-square tests was carried to examine the association between using social media by chronic disease patients and (a) sharing health information and (b) participating in relevant health groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine significant findings.

Results:

In terms of sharing health information on social media sites, those who were aged 18–49 years (P < 0.0001) and underweight (P = 0.04) were more likely to share health information on social media, while males were less likely to do so (P < 0.0001). In terms of joining relevant health groups on social media, predictors were being aged 35–49 years (P = 0.008), having a Bachelor's or postbaccalaureate degree (P < 0.02) and having depression or anxiety disorder (P = 0.004); males were less likely to join such groups (P = 0.0004).

Conclusion:

Individuals with chronic conditions, except depression or anxiety disorder, were not likely to participate in social media support groups. Future studies should explore how social media can be used to effectively engage those with chronic diseases, which may assist in disease management.
Left Ventricular Thrombus and Cardioembolic Stroke in a Patient with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Grewal Hardeep Kaur , Bansal Manish , Garg Arun , Kasliwal Ravi R. , Bhan Anil , Gautam Dheeraj
Published: December 2020

Left ventricular (LV) thrombi usually occur in the setting of global or regional LV systolic dysfunction and are extremely rare in the absence of LV wall motion abnormalities. We report here a case of a 23-year-old female who presented with cardioembolic stroke due to ulcerative colitis. To determine the cause of stroke, several investigations and evaluations were carried out, but the results were mostly normal or unremarkable. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed an oscillating pedunculated globular mass, which was eventually resected due to recurrent transient ischemic attacks. The histopathology of the excised mass revealed it to be an organized thrombus with acute and chronic inflammatory cells and fibroblasts. The uncommon etiology combined with the unusual appearance of the thrombus presented a major diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma for this exceedingly rare cause for intracardiac thrombus formation. Therefore, it would be useful to have a low threshold for screening patients with active inflammatory bowel disease for possible ventricular thrombosis before discharge, especially if other risk factors are present.
Nontransported Cases after Emergency Medical Service Callout in the Rural and Urban Areas of the Riyadh Region
Authors: Alanazy Ahmed Ramdan M. , Wark Stuart , Fraser John , Nagle Amanda
Published: December 2020

Background:

Callouts resulting in patient nontransportation can impact the overall quality of prehospital Emergency Medical Service (EMS), as resources in health care are finite. While some studies have investigated the causes of nontransportation, few have examined whether there are differences between urban and rural patients. Similarly, there has been limited research focused on rural EMS in locations such as the Middle East.

Objectives:

This study investigated EMS cases that resulted in nontransportation in the urban and rural areas of the Riyadh region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study of 800 (400 rural and 400 urban) patient records was undertaken, using 12 months (January 1 to December 31, 2017) of data from the Saudi Red Crescent EMS. A random sampling method was used to select ambulance records from the 78 urban and rural EMS stations in the Riyadh region, with demographic data and reasons for patient nontransport analyzed comparatively.

Results:

A total of 310 cases were nontransported (39%) (rural: 146; urban = 164). The highest rates of nontransportation cases were of medical and trauma callouts (44.6% and 39.6%, respectively), which was consistent in both areas. The most common reason for nontransportation in both urban and rural areas was refusal of treatment and transportation (66.5% and 59.9%, respectively). Further, 10 patients were treated on-scene and released by rural EMS, while no urban patients were treated and released. Overall, the case presentations of nontransported patients did not differ significantly between both areas, and it was found that gender, age, and geographic location were not predictors for nontransportation.

Conclusions:

The high rate of nontransportation, particularly in medical and trauma callouts, indicates that a review of current EMS protocols may be required, along with consideration of relevant community education programs.
Understanding Obesity
Authors: Awan Nusrat M. , Meurling Imran J. , O'Shea Donal
Published: December 2020

The prevalence of obesity has more than doubled globally over the past few decades, with a 12-fold rise in extreme levels. Obesity, with its multiple complications, remains a major ongoing challenge for health-care professionals, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, where people with obesity had poorer outcomes. In this article, we review advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology underlying obesity, with a focus on the immune system and its interaction with both the adipose tissue organ and the gut microbiome. As our understanding of the causes and effects of obesity improves, opportunities should emerge, underpinned by rigorous laboratory and clinical research, to both better prevent and treat this global epidemic.
Saudi Arabian Consensus Statement on Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Refractory Epilepsy
Authors: Alqadi Khalid , Aldhalaan Hesham , Alghamdi Abdulaziz , Bamgadam Fawzia , Abu-Jabber Amal , Baeesa Saleh , Althubaiti Ibrahim , Baz Salah
Published: December 2020

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an approved adjunctive therapy for refractory epilepsy and used in patients who are not candidates for resective epilepsy surgery. In Saudi Arabia, VNS device implantation is being performed since 2008 by several comprehensive epilepsy programs, but with variable protocols. Therefore, to standardize the use of VNS, a task force was established to create a national consensus. This group consisted of epileptologists, epilepsy surgeons and a VNS nurse coordinator working in comprehensive epilepsy centers and dealing with refractory epilepsy cases. The group intensively reviewed the literature using Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library, in addition to physician's manual. Evidence is reported as three stages: preimplantation and patient selection, a perioperative phase involving all stakeholders and post-operative care with specific programming pathways.
Safety and Efficacy of Convalescent Plasma for Severe COVID-19
Authors: AlShehry Nawal , Zaidi Syed Ziauddin A , AlAskar Ahmed , Al Odayani Abdurahman , Alotaibi Jawaher Mubarak , AlSagheir Ahmed , Al-Eyadhy Ayman , Balelah Saud , Salam Abdul , Zaidi Abdul Rehman Zia , Alawami Diea , Alshahrani Mohammed S. , AlMozain Nour , Abulhamayel Yem M , Al Qunfoidi Reem , Alfaraj Mona , Qushmaq Nahid , Alansari Rehab , Dayel Afra , Elgohary Ghada , Al Bahrani Ahmed , Nabhan Abdelhameed Arwa A. , AlZahrani Hazza Abdullah , Alturkistani Hanan , AlShehry Nada , Albalawi Mohammed Abdulhameed , Elalfy Ibrahim , Alhumaidan Hind , Al-Hashmi Hani
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To present the interim findings from a national study investigating the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma (CP) containing detectable IgG antibodies as a treatment strategy for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Trial Design and Participants:

An open label, two-arm, phase-II clinical trial conducted across 22 hospitals from Saudi Arabia. The intervention group included 40 adults (aged ≥18 years) with confirmed severe COVID-19 and the control group included 124 patients matched using propensity score for age, gender, intubation status, and history of diabetes and/or hypertension. Intervention group included those (a) with severe symptoms (dyspnea; respiratory rate, ≥30/min; SpO2, ≤93%, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, <300; and/or lung infiltrates >50% within 24–48 h), (b) requiring intensive care unit (ICU) care or (c) experiencing life-threatening conditions. The control group included confirmed severe COVID-19 patients of similar characteristics who did not consent for CP infusion or were not able to receive CP due to its nonavailability.

Interventions:

The intervention group participants were infused 300 ml (200–400 ml/treatment dose) CP at least once, and if required, daily for up to 5 sessions, along with receiving the best standard of care. The control group only received the best standard of care.

Outcomes:

The primary endpoints were safety and ICU length of stay (LOS). The secondary endpoints included 30-day mortality, days on mechanical ventilation and days to clinical recovery.

Results:

CP transfusion did not result in any adverse effects. There was no difference in the ICU LOS (median 8 days in both groups). The mortality risk was lower in the CP group: 13% absolute risk reduction (P = 0.147), hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.554 (0.299–1.027; P = 0.061) by log-rank test. There was no significant difference in the days on mechanical ventilation and days to clinical recovery.

Conclusion:

CP containing detectable antibodies is a safe strategy and may result in a decrease in mortality in patients with severe COVID-19. The results of the completed trial with a larger study sample would provide more clarity if this difference in mortality is significant.

Trial Registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04347681; Saudi Clinical Trials Registry No.: 20041102.
NGHIÊN CỨU QUY TRÌNH SẢN XUẤT BỘT RONG NHO (Caulerpa lentilliera) HOÀ TAN
Authors: HƯƠNG THỦY LÊ
Published: December 2020

Bài báo này tập trung vào quy trình sản xuất bột rong nho hòa tan từ loài rong Caulerpa lentilliera sinh trưởng ở vùng biển Cam Ranh – Khánh Hòa. Công đoạn khử tanh bằng NaHCO3 ở các nồng độ (0,3% ÷ 0,7%) trong thời gian từ 10 đến 30 phút theo tỷ lệ nguyên liệu/dung dịch NaHCO3 là 1/4 (v/v), chiết dịch với sự hỗ trợ của pectinase ở các nồng độ (0,3 – 0,7%) trong thời gian 20 đến 60 phút ở nhiệt độ 40oC, và tối ưu hóa công đoạn sấy phun bằng phương pháp bề mặt đáp ứng Box-Behnken (maltodextrin (5- 15%), nhiệt độ sấy (155 – 175oC), và tốc độ dòng nhập liệu (20 - 30 ml/ph)) đã được nghiên cứu. Kết quả cho thấy, dung dịch NaHCO3 0,5%, tỉ lệ rong nho/dung dịch NaHCO3 là 1/4 (v/v) và thời gian 20 phút ngâm đã loại bỏ hoàn toàn mùi tanh của rong nho. Điều kiện chiết dịch có sự hỗ trợ của pectinase 0,5% trong 40 phút ở nhiệt độ 40oC, và pH tự nhiên của rong nho là tốt nhất. Bột rong nho hòa tan có chất lượng tốt nhất thu được ở điều kiện tối ưu là nhiệt độ sấy phun 164oC với tỷ lệ maltodextrin là 11% và tốc độ dòng nhập liệu 23 ml/ph.
KÉO DÀI HẠN SỬ DỤNG VÀ ỨC CHẾ TIẾN TRÌNH TẠO ĐỐM ĐEN Ở TÔM THẺ TRẮNG (Litopenaeus vannamei) BẰNG CÁC CHIẾT XUẤT TỰ NHIÊN
Authors: NHẤT TÂM LÊ
Published: December 2020

Mục đích của nghiên cứu này là kéo dài hạn sử dụng và ức chế tiến trình tạo đốm đen ở tôm thẻ trắng (Litopenaeus vannamei) bằng các dung dịch polyphenol trích ly từ rong nho, rong sụn và vỏ bưởi. Các mẫu tôm được nhúng trong các dung dịch có hàm lượng polyphenol 2.0%, trong 10 phút, ở 4 oC và bảo quản ở 0 oC trong 15 ngày. Các chỉ số chất lượng gồm tổng lượng vi sinh vật hiếu khí, tổng base dễ bay hơi ở dạng nito, trimethylamine, giá trị K và mật độ đốm đen được đánh giá theo ngày bảo quản. Kết quả cho thấy, giá trị của các chỉ số chất lượng tăng theo thời gian bảo quản cùng sự giảm chất lượng tôm. Các mẫu tôm xử lý có hạn sử dụng cao so với mẫu đối chứng (8 ngày) và tiến trình tạo đốm đen chậm hơn. Đặc biệt, mẫu được xử lý với dịch rong nho có hạn sử dụng là 14 ngày, so với mẫu xử lý dịch rong sụn 13 ngày và với vỏ bưởi là 12 ngày. Kết quả nghiên cứu có thể ứng dụng trong bảo quản thủy sản sau thu hoạ
MITIGATE BANK RISK: SOME REVIEW
Authors: Zaman Hasan
Published: December 2020

Its goal and intent is to examine the structure of capital adequacy, whether or not regulatory regulation is complied with and how shocks from financial and economic stress can be absorbed by the bank's prescription.