bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Professional dynasties: reproduction of professional groups
Authors:   Bashkir branch of FCTAS RAS, Valiakhmetov Rim Marsovich ,   Bashkir State University,  Ufa, Russian Federation, Ermolaeva Yulia Vyacheslavovna ,   Institute of Sociology of FCTAS RAS, Moscow, Russian Federation, Ivanova Elena Yurievna ,   Institute of Sociology of FCTAS RAS, Moscow, Russian Federation, Kolesnikova Elena Mikhailovna ,   Institute of Sociology of the FCTAS RAS, Russian Federation, Kondratyev Eduard Viktorovich ,   Penza State University of Architecture and Construction, Penza, Russian Federation, Kudrinskaya Lyudmila Alexandrovna ,   Omsk State Technical University; Omsk State University named after F. M. Dostoevsky Omsk, Russian Federation, Mansurov Valery Andreevich ,   Institute of Sociology of FCTAS RAS, Moscow, Russian Federation, Popova Irina Petrovna ,   Institute of Sociology FCTAS RAS, Moscow Russian Federation, Semenova Anna Valerievna ,   Institute of Sociology, FCTAS RAS, Moscow Russian Federation, Streltsova Irina Alexandrovna ,   School 1381, Moscow Russian Federation, Turakaev Marsel Salavatovich ,   Bashkir branch of FCTAS RAS, Ufa, Russian Federation, Yurchenko Olesya Viktorovna ,   Institute of Sociology, FCTAS RAS, Moscow Russian Federation, Yuriev Pavel Sergeevich ,   Institute of Sociology, FCTAS RAS, Moscow Russian Federation
Published: December 2020

Монография «Профессиональные династии: воспроизводство профессиональных групп» отражает результаты исследования, проведенного в рамках выполнения работ по гранту РФФИ «Профессиональные династии как социальный механизм воспроизводства профессиональных групп» № 18-011-01129 А, направленного на изучение причин, обстоятельств возникновения, и функционирования профессиональной династии, роли профессиональной преемственности в многомерном социальном поле с учетом влияния государства и рынка в контексте исторических изменений и специфики различных видов деятельности. Актуальность исследования связана с междисциплинарным изучением династии, обладающей межпоколенческим семейным ресурсом, семейной профессиональной стратегией, неформальными методами и практиками воспитания в сложившейся профессиональной среде в условиях изменяющихся экономических, научно-технических, социальных и культурных реалий, обеспечивает условия для эффективной адаптации и карьерной реализации молодого поколения, с одной стороны, способствует осознанию изменений векторов развития и перспектив трансформирующегося общества и адаптации к условиям ускоряющегося научно-технического прогресса и психолого-культурных взаимодействий с социумом старшего поколения, с другой стороны. Монография предназначена для широкого круга специалистов, занимающихся проблемами социологии профессий и профессиональных групп, а также для преподавателей и студентов, социологических направлений подготовки. Главы монографии могут быть полезны в качестве учебного материала для преподавания курсов, посвященных изучению социологических концепций занятий и профессий.
APPLICATION OF COMBINED TWO-LEVEL SPINAL-EPIDURAL ANESTHESIA WITH FIXATION OF EPIDURAL CATHETER IN SUBCUTANEOUS CANAL USING MODIFIED CEREBROSPINAL NEEDLE
Authors: YAMSHCHIKOV Oleg N. , MARCHENKO Alexander P. , EMELYANOV Sergey A. , MARCHENKO Ruslan A. , IGNATOVA Marina A.
Published: December 2020

The aim of the study is to assess the advantages of a new technique for conducting a combined two-level spinal-epidural anesthesia with fixation of an epidural catheter in the subcutaneous canal using a modified spinal needle among elderly and senile patients during operations for fracture of the lower extremity bones. Material . We analyzed 44 cases of combined two-level spinal-epidural anesthesia with epidural catheter fixation in the subcutaneous canal using a modified cerebrospinal needle in lower limb bone fracture surgeries among elderly and senile patients over 2019. The developed technique of combined two-level spinal-epidural anesthesia with fixation of the epidural catheter in the subcutaneous canal using a modified cerebrospinal needle made it possible to exclude cases of catheter migration by more than 1 cm and avoid development of local inflammatory reaction. Conclusion . Combined two-level spinal-epidural anesthesia with the fixation of an epidural catheter in the subcutaneous canal using a modified cerebrospinal needle is a reliable, effective and safe anesthesia technique for operations for hip fracture among elderly and senile patients and makes it possible to perform long-term postoperative analgesia without the risk of infectious complications and complications associated with dislocation of the epidural catheter.
Una aproximación a la idea de cultura constitucional
Authors: Álvarez Rodríguez Ignacio
Published: December 2020

La investigación que aquí se presenta es una reflexión en torno a la idea de cultura constitucional. Para ello se parte primero de una serie de conceptos constitucionales basilares, para posteriormente desgranar cuál es el concepto y caracteres de la noción, sus principales desarrollos para posteriormente fijar la vista en España y su peculiar idiosincrasia constitucional, de ayer, hoy y siempre.
BUILDING THE CORPORATE IDENTITY – THE CASE OF ANNIKS HOTEL
Authors: Čuić Tanković Ana
Published: December 2020

This case describes the problem of building a strong corporate identity in the Anniks hotel following the change of the general manager. After a short theoretical background about the construct of corporate identity, the hotel is presented in its distinctive characteristics and type of guests. The results of the interviews with the team manager are presented, as well as an analysis of the actual, desired and ideal corporate identity in order to foster creativity, encourage critical thinking and identify the elements of a new corporate identity.
Estéticas das resistências e o documentário (documento 02): a dança da amizade – histórias de Urucungos, Puítas e Quijengues
Authors: Sobrinho Gilberto Alexandre
Published: December 2020

Na “Trilogia Afro-Campineira” constam três realizações em documentário, em que dirigi e participei de diferentes estágios da produção. São três curtas-metragens focados em protagonistas de processos culturais, religiosos e artísticos, todos defensores de manifestações de matrizes africanas e seus potentes hibridismos, alocados na região metropolitana de Campinas-SP. Os filmes são Diário de Exus (2015), A Dança da Amizade, Histórias de Urucungos, Puítas e Quijengues (2016) e A Mulher da Casa do Arco-Íris (2017/2018). Desenvolvem-se, nos filmes, o que nomeio como as “estéticas das resistências”, priorizando narrativas afro-diaspóricas, num processo de criação em que confluem estética e política. Esteticamente, o documentário faz convergir os processos de observação, participação (entrevista), performance e poesia, num conjunto de imagens e sons centrados em pessoas e espaços que se organizam comunitariamente em torno de códigos afrocentrados. Politicamente, realçam-se o papel da cultura e da religião na afirmação e construção identitária do povo negro, no Brasil, o que adensa a compreensão do papel da cultura na resistência de um povo. Esse texto documenta o processo de realização do segundo curta-metragem da trilogia, trata-se de A Dança da Amizade – Histórias de Urucungos, Puítas e Quijengues.
Уравнение Больцмана без гипотезы молекулярного хаоса
Authors: Богомолов Сергей Владимирович , Bogomolov Sergei Vladimirovich , Захарова Татьяна Валерьевна , Zakharova Tat'yana Valer'evna
Published: December 2020

Ясная с точки зрения физики вероятностная модель газа из твeрдых сфер рассматривается как с помощью теории случайных процессов, так и в терминах классической кинетической теории для плотностей функций распределения в фазовом пространстве: из системы нелинейных стохастических дифференциальных уравнений
(СДУ) выводится сначала обобщeнное, а затем - случайное и неслучайное интегродифференциальное уравнение Больцмана с учeтом корреляций и флуктуаций. Главной особенностью исходной модели является случайный характер интенсивности
скачкообразной меры и еe зависимость от самого процесса.
Для полноты картины кратко напоминается переход ко всe более грубым приближениям в соответствии с уменьшением параметра обезразмеривания, числа Кнудсена. В результате получаются стохастические и неслучайные макроскопические
уравнения, отличающиеся от системы уравнений Навье-Стокса или систем квазигазодинамики. Ключевым отличием этого вывода является более точное осреднение по скорости благодаря аналитическому решению СДУ по винеровской мере, в
виде которых представлена промежуточная мезо-модель в фазовом пространстве.
Такой подход существенно отличается от традиционного, использующего не сам
случайный процесс, а его функцию распределения. Акцент ставится на прозрачности допущений при переходе от одного уровня детализации к другому, а не на численных экспериментах, в которых содержатся дополнительные погрешности аппроксимации.
Влияние внешнего теплового воздействия на напряженное состояние оболочковых форм по выплавляемым моделям
Authors: Евстигнеев Алексей Иванович , Evstigneev Aleksei Ivanovich , Одиноков Валерий Иванович , Odinokov Valerii Ivanovich , Дмитриев Эдуард Анатольевич , Dmitriev Eduard Anatol'evich , Свиридов Андрей Владимирович , Sviridov Andrei Vladimirovich , Иванкова Евгения Павловна , Ivankova Evgeniya Pavlovna
Published: December 2020

Исследуется эволюция напряженного состояния оболочковых форм по выплавляемым моделям при нестационарном внешнем тепловом воздействии, главным образом, при заливке жидкого металла в холодные литейные оболочковые формы.
PENGARUH VIDEO PEMBELAJARAN INTERAKTIF MENGENAL WARNA TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN KOGNITIF ANAK
Authors: Assyifa Femmy Nur , Rohita  , Nurfadilah
Published: December 2020

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk melihat pengaruh video pembelajaran interaktif terhadap kemampuan mengenal warna pada anak usia 4-5 tahun. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah pre experimental dengan jenis one group pretest posttest design. Sampel yang digunakan adalah anak usia 4-5 tahun yang berjumlah 20 orang, dengan teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan sampling jenuh. Indikator kemampuan kognitif yang digunakan adalah kemampuan mengklasifikasikan warna, kemampuan mengurutkan benda berdasarkan 5 seri warna, dan kemampuan menyebutkan warna. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan lembar observasi yang digunakan untuk melakukan pretest dan posttest. Analisis data dilakukan menggunakan uji normalitas, uji homogenitas, dan uji paired sample T-test. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan yang cukup signifikan pada nilai rata-rata hasil pretest dan nilai hasil posttest pada indikator mengklasifikasikan warna memiliki nilai; indikator mengurutkan benda berdasarkan 5 seriasi warna; dan indikator menyebutkan warna. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah terdapat pengaruh penggunaan video pembelajaran interaktif terhadap kemampuan mengenal warna pada anak usia 4-5 tahun.The purpose of this study was to find out the effect of interactive educational videos on children, specially aged 4-5 years, in recognizing colors. The research used pre-experimental method, with one group pre test post test design. The participants were 20 children aged 4-5 years, which recruited using saturated sampling. Indicators of cognitive abilities used in this research were focusing on the ability to classify colors, to sort objects based on 5 color series, and to name the colors. The data were collected through observation using observation sheets before and after the introduction of the interactive educational videos which was conducted for five days. Data analysis was performed using the normality test, homogeneity test, and paired sample T-test. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the mean value of the pretest and posttest results on each indicator. The conclusion of this study is that there is an effect of the use of interactive educational videos on the ability to recognize colors in children aged 4-5 years.
Comparison of Data Mining Classification Algorithms on Educational Data under Different Conditions
Authors: KOYUNCU İlhan , GELBAL Selahattin
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the performance of Naive Bayes, k-nearest neighborhood, neural networks, and logistic regression analysis in terms of sample size and test data rate in classifying students according to their mathematics performance. The target population was 62728 students in the 15-year-old group who were participated in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2012 from The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. The performance of each algorithm was tested by using 11%, 22%, 33%, 44% and 55% of each dataset for small (500 students), medium (1000 students) and large (5000 students) sample sizes. 100 replications were performed for each analysis. As the evaluation criteria, accuracy rates, RMSE values, and total elapsed time were used. RMSE values for each algorithm were statistically compared by using Friedman and Wilcoxon tests. The results revealed that while the classification performance of the methods increased as the sample size increased, the increase of training data ratio had different effects on the performance of the algorithms. The Naive Bayes showed high performance even in small samples, performed the analyzes very quickly, and was not affected by the change in the training data ratio. Logistic regression analysis was the most effective method in large samples but had a poor performance in small samples. While neural networks showed a similar tendency, its overall performance was lower than Naive Bayes and logistic regression. The lowest performances in all conditions were obtained by the k-nearest neighborhood algorithm.
A Radical Right-Wing Failure in Canada
Authors: Buck Charles
Published: December 2020

This article is a quantitative investigation into why Maxime Bernier’s People’s Party of Canada (PPC), a radical right-wing party (RRP), failed to succeed in the 2019 Canadian federal election. Canada has not witnessed the electoral breakthrough of such a party. I argue the failure of the PPC was the result of a mixture of the stabilization of immigrant inflows and the softening of anti-immigrant sentiment. More favourable conditions for the PPC, including extensive media coverage and increasing support for populist and mildly authoritarian sentiment, may have been necessary, but were not sufficient alone to allow for an RRP breakthrough. RRPs are unlikely to succeed in Canada as long as the immigration rate remains predictable and Canadians continue to hold favourable views towards immigrants.
A MULTIVARIATE STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE EDIACARAN RANGEOMORPH TAXABEOTHUKISANDCULMOFRONS
Authors: HAWCO JESSICA B. , KENCHINGTON CHARLOTTE G. , TAYLOR ROD S. , MCILROY DUNCAN
Published: December 2020

The Avalon assemblage of Newfoundland, Canada contains abundant fossils of enigmatic soft-bodied Ediacaran organisms, many with remarkable preservation. One of the most numerically dominant groups of organisms in the assemblage is the Rangeomorpha, a frondose clade characterized by self-similar, repeating branching architecture known worldwide from rocks of Ediacaran age. Variations in branching characters and gross morphology have historically been used to divide this group, but there has been little consistency in taxonomic approach to the Rangeomorpha, concomitantly there are conflicting opinions that have resulted in some overlapping taxonomic diagnoses. Here we investigate one such taxonomic dispute, the Beothukis/Culmofrons problem. The two genera were recently synonymized into Beothukis based on the assertion that some characters were of different taxonomic rank than others. Subsequent debate has focused on which taxonomic characters displayed by the Rangeomorpha should be used for genus- and species-level subdivision. To test the validity of using continuous versus discrete characters in rangeomorph taxonomy we use a combination of morphometrics and statistical analysis to identify natural clusters within our specimen dataset which was collected from Beothukis sensu lato including material that was, until recently, attributed to Culmofrons. The results of the cluster assignment validates the differentiation between Beothukis mistakensis and Beothukis (Culmofrons) plumosa, but cannot—in isolation—be used to determine at what taxonomic rank that distinction should be made. We demonstrate a considerable degree of variation within Beothukis and Culmofrons, which has not yet been recorded for unifoliate rangeomorph taxa.
Characterisation of Materials and Techniques in First Archaeological Findings of Nasca Wall Paintings
Authors: Boucherie Nathalie , Nowik Witold , Pingaud Nathalie
Published: December 2020

The pre-Colombian wall paintings in Peru were already known from north and central coast sites, but little information exists on the southern coast corresponding to the Nasca region. The recent excavations on Cahuachi site supplied fragments of plaster with paint layers found near Great Pyramide, corresponding to phases III and IV of the construction of the site, and dating back to the Early Intermediate Period (from 200 BC to 350 AD). A series of fragments from three locations from these two respective periods were transferred directly from the excavation to the laboratory and analysed. A panel of observation and analysis methods was applied in order to describe the stratigraphy and materials used for these paintings, with special attention to the paint layer. The stratigraphy was observed by optical and electron microscopies and X-ray fluorescence, Raman and infrared spectroscopies were employed for elemental and molecular characterization of the plaster and paintings. The obtained results show the large use of iron oxides and copper based pigments, as well calcium sulfate, siliceous and clay materials and graphite. Although the most of pigments could be provided by local deposits, the provenience of graphite remains undetermined. The differences of painting materials between phases III and IV are related to the palette of colours and pigments. The colors for phase III seem limited to the red and yellow ochre pigments, unidentified black and gypsum white. During phase IV, additional pigments were identified such as: paratacamite, malachite and chrysocolla for greens, hematite for purple, graphite black and siliceous white, which replaced gypsum white. The paintings were sometimes applied in several layers separated or not by white coating layer. The painting materials and techniques identified on Cahuachi site, and especially the differences between the phases observed, constitute a new insight in the knowledge of wall painting tradition in Southern Peru.
WITHDRAWN: Magnitude and Determinants of Postnatal Care Service Utilization in Farta District, South Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.
Authors: Mengistu Wondimu Girma , Birhanu Abrham Yeneneh , Demissie Tadesse Wuletaw , Desalgn Abaynew Honelgn
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe low access to emergency obstetric care services in rural Ethiopia showed that maternal mortality was unlikely to significantly decline. Despite the prior attention given to MCH service to the rural communities, the achievements so far were not satisfactory.MethodsCross-sectional study was carried out among 737mothers in 11Keble’s and a multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the subjects and to assess the magnitude and determinants of postnatal care service utilization in Farta district, South Gondar Administrative Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, in 2019.Binary logistic regression statistical model using the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% CI was used to identify determinants of PNC services utilization.ResultsThe magnitude of PNC services utilization in Farta District was 26.19 % [95% CI: (22.8-29.2)] with variations in between Kebeles. Having formal education of mother [95 % CI: 2.8(1.75-4.48)], birth at a health facility [95% CI: 3.18 (1.73-5.85)], counseling given during ANC visits [(95 %CI: 5.72(3.42-9.55)], complications during or after delivery [95%CI: 2.78(1.20-6.52)] and living within 5km of health facility [95 % CI: 2(1.29-3.10] were identified as determinants of PNC services utilization.ConclusionHaving formal education, counseling during ANC and facility delivery were positively associated whereas having no complications during or after delivery and residing far from a health facility were negatively associated with PNC services utilization. Tracing mechanisms for reaching pregnant women should be developed and strengthened to improve counseling services at home. Frequent support and supervision for remote Kebeles.
The Long Non-coding RNA LINC01133 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by Sponging miR-199a-5p and Activating Annexin A2
Authors: Yin Dan , Hu Zhi-Qiang , Luo Chu-Bin , Wang Xiao-Yi , Xin Hao-Yang , Sun Rong-Qi , Wang Peng-Cheng , Fan Jia , Zhou Jian , Zhou Zheng-Jun , Zhou Shaolai
Published: December 2020

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to be functionally associated with cancer development and progression. Although copy number variations (CNVs) are common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), little is known about how CNVs in lncRNAs affect HCC progression and recurrence.Methods: We analyzed the whole genome sequencing (WGS) data of matched cancerous and non-cancerous liver samples from 49 patients with HCC to identify lncRNAs with CNVs. The results were validated in another cohort of 238 paired HCC and non-tumor samples by TaqMan copy number assay. Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test were performed to determine the prognostic value of CNVs in lincRNAs. Loss- and gain-of-function studies were conducted to determine the biological functions of LINC01133 in vitro and in vivo. The competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) mechanism was clarified by microRNA sequencing (miR-seq), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot, and dual-luciferase reporter analyses. The protein binding mechanism was confirmed by RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), qRT-PCR, and western blot analyses.Results: Genomic copy number of LINC01133 was increased in HCC, which is positively related with the elevated expression of LINC01133. Increased copy number of LINC01133 predicted the poor prognosis in HCC patients. LINC01133 overexpression promoted proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion in vitro, and facilitated tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo, whereas LINC01133 knockdown had the opposite effects. Mechanistically, LINC01133 acted as a sponge of miR-199a-5p, resulting in enhanced expression of SNAI1, which induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC cells. In addition, LINC01133 interacted with Annexin A2 (ANXA2) to activate ANXA2/STAT3 signaling pathway.Conclusions: LINC01133 promotes HCC progression by sponging miR-199a-5p and interacting with ANXA2. LINC01133 CNV gain is predictive of poor prognosis in HCC patients undergoing curative resection.
Multi-Project Model Program Runs With Algorithms to Improve Indian Coal Mining
Authors: Samanta Binay Kumar , Ramesh Dharavath
Published: December 2020

Mining engineering is the most dangerous peace-time profession in the world. Primary Organization for coal mining in India is Coal India and extensive research has been conducted to improve performance. Development computerized methods emphasize better project scheduling, and converting scheduling and monitoring of a project in common package format for the multi-projects of a company The authors have also developed models for cost benefit analysis of improved systems of mining operations on ground realities and database models. The authors have developed for viable mining data-based computer methods in 14 original models, of which few are detailed for lack of space. India has 320 billion tonnes of coal reserve and it is 7 per cent of the reserve of the world. The energy consumption in India is about one-third of the world average and 60 per cent of installed capacity of energy in the country is based on thermal plants.
The Spatiotemporal Distribution of Historical Malaria Cases in Sweden: A Climatic Perspective
Authors: Chen Tzu Tung , Ljungqvist Fredrik Charpentier , Castenbrandt Helene , Hildebrandt Franziska , Ingholt Mathias Mølbak , Hesson Jenny C. , Ankarklev Johan , Seftigen Kristina , Linderholm Hans W.
Published: December 2020

Background: Understanding of the impacts of climatic variability and change on human health, and the spread of diseases, remains poor despite an increasing burden of vector-borne diseases under global warming. Many confounding social variables make such studies challenging during the modern period while studies of climate-disease relationships in historical times are constrained by a lack of long-term data sets. Previous studies of malaria in historical times have revealed an association with climate in northern Europe. Yet, malaria in Sweden in relation to climate variables is understudied and relationships have never been rigorously statistically established. This study seeks to examine the relationship between malaria and climate fluctuations using several data sources, and to characterise the spatio-temporal variations at parish level during severe malaria years in Sweden between 1749 and 1859. Methods: Pearson (rp) and Spearman's rank (rs) correlation analyses were conducted to evaluate inter-annual relationship between malaria deaths, temperature and precipitation. The climate response to larger malaria events was further explored by Superposed Epoch Analysis, and through Geographic Information Systems analysis to map spatial variations of malaria deaths. Results: The number of malaria deaths showed the most significant positive relationship with warm-season temperature of the preceding year, but less significant against precipitation. The strongest correlation was found between malaria deaths and the mean temperature of the preceding June-August (rs=0.57, p<0.01) during the 1756-1820 period. Most malaria hot-spots, during severe malaria years, concentrated in areas around big inland lakes and southern-most Sweden.Conclusions: Increases in malaria transmission, and hence malaria deaths, in Sweden was linked to high summer temperature during the preceding year. This relationship can be established with statistical confidence from parish records in tandem with the long meteorological series. Our results indicate that unusually warm and/or dry summers may have contributed to malaria epidemics, but with non-linear characteristics, highlighting the difficulties in modeling climate-malaria associations. The inter-annual spatial variation of malaria hot-spots further shows that malaria outbreaks were more pronounced in the southern-most region of Sweden in the first half of the nineteenth century compared to the second half of the eighteenth century.
Intracellular complement C3/C3aR/STAT3 pathway inactivation attenuates retinal degeneration in mice
Authors: Wang Shaojun , Du Lu , Yuan Shunzong , Peng Guang-Hua
Published: December 2020

Background

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) threatens vision in elderly people globally. Systemic complement C3 has been shown to be tightly associated with AMD. However, the mechanism of how local retinal complement C3 and downstream pathway mediated retinal degeneration is not entirely clear.
Methods

Wild-type, C3 knockout mice and mice treated with a C3aR inhibitor (SB290157), STAT3 inhibitor (SH-4-54), were exposed to sodium iodine (NaIO3), respectively. C3 localization in degenerated retina was detected by using immunostaining. Retinal function was assessed by electroretinography, followed by histological analyses to assess RPE and photoreceptor cell degeneration. Retinal inflammation and mitochondrion were investigated through Real-time PCR, ELISA and RNA-Seq.
Results

We reported here that activation of complement was positively associated with retinal degeneration. Strikingly, intracellular C3 was activated in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, and subsequently promoted the formation of the membrane-attack complex (MAC), which contributed to apoptosis of RPE cells. Intracellular C3 deficiency or pharmalogical inhibition could rescue RPE cells from apoptosis. Moreover, genetic deletion of C3 or inhibition of C3aR/STAT3 results in alleviating immune response and rescue of photoreceptor cells under oxidative stress. Mechanistically, through RNA-Seq, we identified C3/C3aR/STAT3 pathway functionally mediated immune response and photoreceptor cell degeneration.
Conclusions

These results indicate that inhibition of the C3/C3aR/STAT3 pathway might be a new therapeutic intervention for AMD and other retinal degeneration diseases.
Use of Research Evidence Varied in Efforts to Expand Pharmacist Prescriptive Authority: Recommendations to Increase Research Utilization
Authors: Kumar Akshara , Ray Amber Bivins , Blanchard Carrie
Published: December 2020

Background: An expanding body of literature shows that pharmacists’ interventions improve health outcomes and are cost-saving. However, diverse state regulations of pharmacists’ scope of practice create a discrepancy between what pharmacists are trained to do and what they legally can do. This study hopes to investigate stakeholder utilization of research evidence to expand scope of practice in their respective states.Methods: Using autonomous pharmacist prescriptive authority as a surrogate for general pharmacist scope of practice, a general policy document analysis was performed to understand the scope of practice landscape for pharmacists across the United States. Next, a systemized review and semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore how the identified states in the policy document analysis utilized evidence during the policy make process. Investigators analyzed findings from the systemize review and transcribed interviews through application of the SPIRIT Action Framework. Resulting codes were summarized across themes, and recommendations to researchers about increasing utilization of research evidence were crafted. Results: Sixteen states with 27 autonomous pharmacist prescriptive authority policies were identified. The systemized review yielded no relevant peer-review literature regarding evidence utilization, so gray literature and interviews were analyzed. Public health need and safety considerations motivated evidence engagement, while key considerations dictating utilization of research included perceptions of research, access to resources and experts, and the successful implementation of similar policy. Research evidence helped to advocate for and set terms for pharmacist prescribing. Barriers to research utilization include stakeholder opposition to pharmacist prescribing, inability to interpret research, and a lack of relevant evidence. Recommendations for researchers include investigating specific metrics to evaluate scope of practice policy, developing relationships between policymakers and researchers, and leveraging pharmacy practice stakeholders.Conclusions: Overall, alignment of researcher goals and legislative priorities, coupled with timely communication, may help to increase research evidence engagement in pharmacist scope of practice policy. By addressing these factors regarding research engagement identified in this study, researchers can increase evidence-based scope of practice, which can help to improve patient outcomes, contain costs, and provide pharmacists with the legal infrastructure to practice at the top of their license.
TGF-β gene polimorphisms as risk factors for asthma control among clinic patients.
Authors: Panek Michał , Stawiski Konrad , Kuna Piotr
Published: December 2020

Background: TGF-β and its receptors play a key role in asthma pathogenesis, bronchial hyperreactivity and bronchial remodeling. Expression of isoforms 1–3 of TGFβ cytokine is influenced by tagging polymorphisms in the TGFβ1, TGFβ2 and TGFβ3 gene, and these SNPs may be associated with the risk of asthma development and severity as well as with other diseases. Polymorphic forms of TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 genes regulate the degree of bronchial inflammation, deterioration of lung functional parameters in spirometry and elevated level of total IgE. All this results in intensification of disease symptoms. According to current GINA 2020 guidelines, the Asthma Control Test (ACT™) should be applied to assess asthma symptoms.Methods: An analysis of polymorphisms localized in TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 genes was conducted on 652 DNA samples with an application of the MassARRAY® system using the mass spectrometry technique MALDI TOF MS. The degree of asthma control was evaluated with ACT™.Results: The occurrence of the T / C genotype in rs8109627 (p = 0.0171) in the TGF-β1 gene is significantly associated with a higher ACT result (controlled asthma) in a multivariate linear regression analysis model after using backward stepwise selection of variables. In addition, in the linear model for prediction of ACT score we showed SNP rs8109627 (p = 0.0497) in the TGF-β1 gene (improvement of the disease control - controlled asthma) and rs2796822 (p = 0.0454) in the TGF-β2 gene (deterioration of the diseases control - uncontrolled asthma) significantly modify the degree of asthma control.Discussion: We described clinical significance of two SNPs in two genes TGF-β1 and TGF-β2, as yet unknown. We proved that the use of both genotypes and MAC allows to create a moderately correct prognostic model which is about 70% efficient on the entire set of analyzed SNPs in TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3 genes.
The Role of Hyperleukocytosis in Predicting the Severity of Pertussis
Authors: Wu Xiao-Ying , gan chuan
Published: December 2020

Background: Few reports have described the relationship between WBC count and the severity of pertussis or the timing of ET in patients with hyperleukocytosis.Methods: A retrospective clinical analysis of infants with pertussis and a WBC exceeding 30*10^9/L was performed.Results: A total of 158 patients were enrolled in the study. There were significant differences in the clinical manifestations of cyanosis, fever, highest respiratory rate, and highest heart rate. There were significant differences in all complications except for pulmonary hypertension. In laboratory findings, there were significant differences in organ damage (myocardial markers, ALT), increased inflammation indicators (CRP, PCT), and the incidence of combined bacterial infections. There were significant differences in ICU stay length, mechanical ventilation use, days hospitalized, days until cough relief and days until the WBC fell below 25*10^9/L. A WBC count >55.38 *10^9/L was calculated as the cutoff value with 88.2% sensitivity and 23.4% specificity in predicting ET. A respiratory rate of 59 breaths/min had 94.1% sensitivity and 36.7% specificity in predicting ET. A heart rate of 159 beats/min had 100% sensitivity and 38.1% specificity in predicting ET.Conclusion: WBC count is related to the severity of pertussis. We recommend that ET is considered when the patient’s WBC count exceeds 55*10^9/L, breathing exceeds 60 breaths/min, and/or heart rate exceeds 160 beats/min.
Is COVID-19 a Disease of Poverty: The Relationship Between Food Insecurity and the Likelihood of Hospitalization in Patients with COVID-19
Authors: ariya mohammad , Karimi Jalal , Abolghasemi Somayeh , Hematdar Zeinab , Naghizadeh Mohammad Mehdi , Moradi Maryam , Barati-Boldaji Reza
Published: December 2020

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Corona pandemic as a public health emergency. This pandemic affects the main pillars of food security. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between food insecurity and the probability of hospitalization and the length of the recovery period after getting COVID-19.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed through the census on COVID-19 patients diagnosed in Fasa, Iran. Informed consent, demographic, and food security questionnaire were completed over the phone. Then, all patients were followed up until recovery. Data were analyzed using SPSS26 and Chi-square test, t-test, and logistic regression (P> 0.05).Results: In this study, 219 COVID-19 patients [100 (54.7%) male and 119 female (54.3%)] with a mean age of 40.05±15.54 years old were examined. Possibility of hospitalization and the length of the recovery period of more than one month was significantly longer in the food insecure group (P = 0.001) and (P = 0.76), respectively, but the mean length of hospital stay in the two groups was not significantly different (P = 0.76). After adjusting for all confounding variables, people with food insecurity were 3.9 times more likely to be hospitalized than those with food security. Conclusions: We observed that food-insecure people were significantly more likely to be hospitalized than the secure group.
Comparison of a Fast Track Protocol and Standard Care After Hip Arthroplasty in the Reduction of the Length of Stay and The Early Weight-Bearing Resumption: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rocchi Martina , Stagni Cesare , Govoni Marco , Mazzotta Alessandro , Vivarelli Leonardo , Magli Antonella Orlandi , Perrone Mariada , Benedetti Maria Grazia , Dallari Dante
Published: December 2020

BackgroundTo date, the hip arthroplasty is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures, with a growing worldwide demand. In recent decades, major progress made in terms of surgical technique, biomechanics and tribology knowledge have contributed to improve the medical and functional management of the patient. This study aims to assess if the application of a fast track protocol, consisting of a pre-operative educational intervention, adequate post-operative pain control and intensive rehabilitation intervention, reduces length of stay (LOS) and allows the early functional recovery compared to normal clinical practice for patients undergoing hip arthroplasty.MethodsThe study population consists of 90 patients with primary arthrosis of the hip with an anterior indication of hip arthroplasty. The exclusion criteria are older than 70 years, a contraindication to performing spinal anaesthesia and bone mass index (BMI) greater than 32. Participants, 45 for each group, are randomly allocated to one of two arms: fast track clinical pathway or standard care protocol. During allocation, baseline parameters such as Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities index (WOMAC) are collected. On the third postoperative day, the functional autonomy for each patient is assessed by the Iowa Level of Assistance (ILOA) scale and it is expected the discharge for patients in the fast track group (primary outcome). On the other hand, standard care patient discharge is expected after 5-7 days after surgery. During follow-up fixed at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months, HHS and WOMAC scores are collected for each patient (secondary outcomes).DiscussionAlthough total hip replacement has become a widespread standardized procedure, at the author’s knowledge, only few randomized controlled trial were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of fast track pathway vs. standard care procedure in the reduction of the LOS after hip arthroplasty. It is expected that our results collected by the application of minimally invasive surgical interventions with concomitant management of perioperative pain and bleeding, and early functional rehabilitation will contribute to enrich the understanding of clinical and organizational aspects linked to fast track arthroplasty. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03875976, registered on 15 March 2019 – ‘Retrospectively registered’, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03875976
Using the Beneish M-score model: Evidence from non-financial companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange
Authors: Hołda Artur
Published: December 2020

The risk of distortion of financial statements has been growing. Following the 2008 crisis, recipients of financial information are increasingly focusing on the likelihood of financial statements being distorted through fraudulent presentation of financial information. Therefore, scientific research pays more attention to models capable of detecting financial statement manipulation.The paper aims to present the principles of functioning and the possibility of using the Beneish M-score model in Polish realities. It analyzes the history of more than 30 companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange to select those whose history indicates that they can be classified as manipulators, and to select the same number of companies from the control group that are considered as non-manipulators.The research method involves the analysis of empirical data on companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The analysis showed the 8-factor Beneish model identified manipulators with 100% accuracy and succeeded in identifying non-manipulators. The effectiveness of the 5-factor model was much lower. To serve the purpose of the study, the effectiveness of the Beneish model was tested on a small sample of Polish listed companies as an introduction to a planned larger scale research. The results obtained are consistent with the results of numerous studies by authors from various countries and confirm the effectiveness of the Beneish model in detecting financial statement manipulation.
AcknowledgmentThe publication is sponsored by funds from the Cracow University of Economics for the maintenance and development of research potential.
Anti-crisis development strategies of insurance companies in Ukraine and Poland in the context of COVID-19
Authors: Polinkevych Oksana , Kamiński Ryszard
Published: December 2020

Given the growing threats to the financial sustainability of businesses during the COVID-19 period, anti-crisis development strategies are the basis for ensuring successful operation and maintaining competitiveness in the markets. Insurance companies formulate and implement anti-crisis strategies in accordance with the requirements of the circular economy. Thus, the purpose of this study is to identify the main anti-crisis development strategies that insurance companies adhere to during COVID-19. The features of strategies that existed before the pandemic and were formed during the pandemic are identified. Tourism and hotel and catering business is an activity that considers the conditions of the circular economy. It is in this industry that the highest risks arise during the period of COVID-19. An anti-crisis development strategy of insurance companies during a period of pandemics and crises is understood as a tool for resolving contradictions in the development of a company in the event of a crisis or its threat. Moreover, the development process of the insurance company is inevitable, given the manifestations of the circular economy. As a result, insurance companies changed and consolidated anti-crisis development strategies during COVID-19. The newly created concentrating effort strategy combined the strategy of long-term planned changes and the strategy of balancing the interests of the insurance company and stakeholders. Instead, new strategies have emerged to innovate and maintain an adequate level of financial sustainability. It is especially worth highlighting the marketing strategy that ensures the image of insurance companies.
Antecedents of employee wellbeing in the banking sector: the moderating role of working environment
Authors: Gulzar Saba , Ghauri Shagufta , Abbas Zuhair , Hussain Kanwal , Bashiru Jibril Abdul
Published: December 2020

This study examined the influence of work-life balance, work stress, employee engagement, and working environment on employee wellbeing in the banking sector of Pakistan. Due to complex human resource policies in Pakistan, employee wellbeing is neglected in several banking institutions; this study addresses a research gap in this way. Drawing upon job demands-resources theory, the study employed a quantitative methodology through a survey of 360 employees from private and public banks in Pakistan. The results from PLS-SEM (Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling) demonstrate that employee engagement and work stress are significantly related to employee wellbeing, while working environment has a significant interactive effect between employee engagement and employee wellbeing. Theoretically, the study contributes to broadening the existing literature on human resource management. Practically, this study provides guidelines to human resource practitioners, managers, and policymakers on devising strategies for their employee wellbeing in going forward.
AcknowledgmentThis work was supported by the Internal Grant Agency of Tomas Bata University in Zlin under the Projects No. FaME TBU No. IGA/FaME/2020/010 and IGA/FaME/2019/008. The authors would like to extend their appreciation to Prof. Boris Popesko (Vice-Dean for Research and Business Liaison) at the Faculty of Management and Economics for facilitating the financial readiness of this project.
QUANTIFICAÇÃO DE MULLITA PROVENIENTE DE RESÍDUOS DE CAULIM DA REGIÃO AMAZÔNICA: USO DO MÉTODO DE RIETVELD
Authors: Martelli Marlice , Mochiutti Eric , Lima João , Neves Roberto
Published: December 2020

QUANTIFICATION OF MULLITE FROM KAOLIN WASTES FROM THE AMAZON REGION: USE OF THE RIETVELD METHOD. Mullite is used to obtain a refractory material, there are several factors that influence the synthesis process of mullite: the preparation of the mixture, the precipitation and the reaction of SiO2 and Al2O3. For the synthesis of mullite, samples of kaolin processing residues were used as precursor material, because it presents SiO2 and Al2O3 in its composition. This work aimed to identify, by X-ray diffraction, and quantify the mineral phases present in samples of kaolin processing residues from the Amazon region calcined at 1300, 1400 and 1500 ºC, using the Rietveld method. The method allowed the refinement of the complex crystalline structures and was applied to the data supply for quantitative analyses with satisfactory results of good accuracy. The results of the quantification of crystalline and non-crystalline phases (with internal standard) in the samples calcined at 1500 ºC presented approximate values of mullite (62%), cristobalite (32%) and non-crystalline phases (6%), for both samples, indicating that the refinement model applied is optimal. These results obtained from the quantification of the phases by the method of Rietveld are presenting coherent and satisfactory values, in comparison with the theoretical ones by the phase diagram Al2O3 and SiO2
EVALUATION OF THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE OF ASPHALTENES FROM THREE OFFSHORE BRAZILIAN BIODEGRADED HEAVY OILS
Authors: Severino Hemmely , Pinto Christiane , Spigolon André , Mello Carlos , Silva Tais , Leal Kátia
Published: December 2020

Asphaltenes fractions were extracted and purified from three heavy Brazilian oils. Their mass compositions of C, H, N, Ni and V were obtained from elemental analysis and S and O atomic percentages from EDS. The H/C ratios showed high degree of unsaturation, while the O atomic percentages indicated more pronounced biodegradation effects on two samples. Quantitative data on N, Ni, and V and semi-quantitative data on S were related to oils origins. The structural data of asphaltenes were explored by combining Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1 H NMR). The oil with the lower degree of biodegradation contained asphaltenes with a lower level of condensed aromatic rings and longer aliphatic chain substituents. The asphaltenes obtained from the two most biodegraded oils showed similarities of polar groups and the presence of carboxylic functions, as well as lower contents of aliphatic substituents. The quality and quantity of occluded hydrocarbons were assessed after the mild oxidation of the separated asphaltenes fractions. It was suggested that the severe biodegradation which altered these structures may also be responsible to affect their occluded hydrocarbons.