bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Evaluation of Open and Laproscopic Method of Appendectomy in Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Amarnath Gupta  , A P Singh
Published: July 2020

Background: There is definitely added advantage of laparoscopic operations. Most of the surgeons now prefer these minimally invasive proce- dures. Laparoscopy has become the number one choice of educated and affording patients. The aim of the study was to compare and evaluate the open and laproscopic method of appendectomy in acute appendicitis. Subjects and Methods: The subjects undergoing appendectomy  were evaluated for age, sex, episode number, duration of pain before presentation in hospital, operative time, conversion rate, wound infection, post-operative intra-abdominal abscess formation, and stay in hospital. Results: It was found that average operative time in open surgery was

67.5 minutes and 104 minutes in laparoscopic surgery, with a conversion to open in about 20% of the cases. Oral feeding in the open group was around the 5th day while it was around 2nd day in the laparoscopic group. Average hospital stay was also low in the laparoscopic group, being only around 5 days in laparoscopic group and around 8 days in the open group. Overall complications were also low in the laparoscopic surgery group. Conclusion: It was noted that though conversion to open operation was definitely high but there were other advantages of laparoscopic surgery as well. Stay in the hospital, beginning of oral feeds, requirement of analgesics, wound infection, intra-abdominal abscess; pulmonary complications were less in laparoscopy group.
P53 and the Carcinoma of the Breast: A Review
Authors: Sujan Narayan Agrawal  , Anuradha Nayak
Published: July 2020

TP53 is a gene and p53 is its product protein. Since its discovery many studies have looked into its function and its role in cancer. It is not   only involved in the induction of apoptosis but is also, a key player, in cell cycle regulation, development, differentiation, gene amplification, DNA recombination, chromosomal segregation and cellular senescence and so, it is called “the guardian of genome”. The human TP53 gene spans 20kb on chromosome band 17p13.1. The biological functions of p53 are apoptosis, senescence and cell migration. The evolution of a normal cell towards a cancerous one is a complex process. Tumorogenesis is considered to endow, the evolving tumor with, self-sufficiency of growth signals, insensitivity to antigrowth signals, evasion from programmed cell death, unlimited replicative potentials and finally the ability to invade and metastasize. TP53 may be considered as the “ultimate tumor suppressor gene”. Its oncogenic activity is attributed to loss of function, dominant negative (DN) oncogenic properties and activities of mutant p53. In breast cancer its oncogenic function is due to p53 mutation, changes in- upstream regulatory pathways, in p53 transcriptional target genes, in p53 co-activators, and/or involvement of other family members of p53 family like p63 and p73. The p53 mutation is present in only in about 20% of breast cancers, but when present, they entail the worst prognosis. This interesting paper is a review and discussion about role of p53 in carcinoma breast.
A Study to Evaluate the Size of Thyroid Nodules as an Indicator for Malignancy
Authors: Ajay Kumar Jha  , Ajit Kumar Sinha
Published: July 2020

Background: Several authors have questioned the accuracy of fine- needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in large thyroid nodules. It’s the current practice to provide thyroidectomy to patient with thyroid nodules 4 cm or larger regardless of the FNAC results. The aim of the study is to answer two questions: is the size of nodule associated with higher risk of malignancy and is the size indication for surgery. Subjects and Methods: This study included 20 patients who underwent thyroidectomy. We compared all thyroid nodules with benign FNAC and their final histopathology reports. Patients were divided into two groups based on the size of the nodule (< 4cm or >4cm) and indication of surgery. Results: 20 patients with thyroid nodule underwent thyroid surgery. 13 patients had nodule <4cm and 7 patients were 4 cm. For patients with nodules <4 cm, 3 patients had a malignancy, and for those with nodules 4 cm, 1 patients had a malignancy. For benign cases FNAC and histopathology reports are showing same results, (p<0.05). Conclusion: Thyroid nodules 4 cm are not risk factor of malignancy. Thyroid nodules 4 cm with benign FNAC should not undergo thyroidectomy as false negative rate is low. Therefore, the decision for surgery ought not to be taken based on the size of the nodule.
Prevalence and the Risk Factors of Haemorrhoids among the Patients Attending Tertiary Care Hospital of Bhuj, Kutch: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dhruven Ponkiya  , Gyaneshwar Rao
Published: July 2020

Background: Haemorrhoids are abnormal engorgement of arteriovenous plexus in anal cushions lining the anal canal. As per the theory of sliding anal canal lining, weakening of supporting tissues of anal cushions lead to blood vessel descent. Present study was carried out to study the surgical profile of patients with hemorrhoidectomy so that we can throw a light on the etiopathogenesis of the patients with hemorrhoidectomy. Subjects and Methods: Present cross-sectional study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital of Bhuj in the department of general surgery among 200 patients who presented with symptoms suggestive of hemorrhoids. Information on socio demographic variables, types and degrees of haemorrhoids, age at diagnosis, risk factors, clinical manifestations, associated co-morbidities, methods used for diagnosis, management practices, and outcome of management was noted down by the investigators. Dietary history was taken they were classified as having vegetarian diet or mixed diet based on the answers given by them. Results: The incidence of hemorrhoids was more in upper class compared to the lower class where only 46% were found to be affected. But statistically the difference might not be significant. Incidence of hemorrhoids was less i.e. 24% among those who took only vegetarian diet compared to 76% among those who took mixed diet. Bleeding was present in the majority i.e. 95% of the patients followed by constipation in 90% of the cases which was followed by pain in the anal region in 86% of the cases and prolapse was seen in 84% of the cases. Conclusion: Haemerrhoids are one of the common diseases observed in patients below 40 years of age, especially if they are under stress. Proper diet, which is inclusive of adequate quantities of fibre as well as with less spice, is essential to prevent this disease.
MANAGEMENT OF VITILIGO (SHVITRA) ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Rupali R. Patil
Published: July 2020

The color of the skin is important biologically, cosmetically and socially. Vitiligo is an acquired condition where melanocytes are absent in affected area. The worldwide prevalence of Vitiligo is lesser than 1%. Though the condition is rare and non communicable, patients who are suffering from Vitiligo may experience cosmetically disfiguring and psychological problems like depression. It is not clear why the melanocytes disappear from the skin. Theories regarding the Vitiligo include an autoimmune cause because of association with other autoimmune disorders, presence of antimelanin antibodies and lymphocytic infiltrate in early lesions. In Ayurveda, all the skin diseases are described under the heading of ‘Kushta’, which are further divided in to two namely ‘Mahakushta’ and ‘Kshudra Kushta’. Shvitra has been mentioned separately. Based upon clinical features of Shvitra, it can be correlated with Vitiligo. Aacharya Charak has mentioned Shvitra under the ‘Rakta Pradoshaj Vikara’. Considering the limitations of modern medical system and side effects associated with long term use of medicines, Ayurveda has much more convincing treatment modalities for Vitiligo. In present study emphasis has been made to study efficacy of Shvitrahara Vati and Shitrahara Lepa in Shvitra (Vitiligo).
Área non aedificandi em domínio privado
Authors: Pinto Sandra
Published: July 2020

Partindo dos dispositivos jurídicos em vigor (Código Civil e Regulamento Geral das Edificações Urbanas) e recuando até às antigas influências jurídicas (romanas e islâmicas), neste artigo procura-se perceber como os interstícios entre prédios em Portugal foram estabelecidos ao longo do tempo pela ordem jurídica. São contextualizadas e analisadas as antigas normas da almotaçaria e as normas contemporâneas, procurando perceber inovações e persistências. Por fim, realça-se a importância deste conhecimento para o estudo da forma urbana portuguesa.
A longevidade dos elementos da forma urbana
Authors: Ribeiro Botechia Flavia
Published: July 2020

Este artigo, que deriva de capítulo da tese de doutorado, foi organizado em duas partes. A primeira correspondeu ao entendimento da noção de processos morfológicos, tendo como fio condutor o trabalho desenvolvido por M. R. G. Conzen, que considerou, pelo menos, as ações de transformação, adição, adaptação e estagnação. Na segunda parte, motivada pela pesquisa de doutorado, maior atenção foi dada ao processo de estagnação com ênfase na persistência dos elementos urbanos, incluindo os estudos dessa natureza sobre as cidades europeias, latino-americanas e o estudo de caso desenvolvido na tese. O que se pretendeu verificar, com a pesquisa bibliográfica, foi a recolha de subsídios teóricos e práticos para o estudo da persistência da rua considerando uma cidade ordinária, existente, ativa, onde o processo de transformação é contínuo, dando-se por ação material, humana ou do tempo sem interferências externas excepcionais.
The Art of the Body: Antiquity and Its Legacy
Authors: Squire Michael
Published: July 2020

The art of the human body is arguably the most important and wide-ranging legacy bequeathed to us by Classical antiquity. Not only has it directed the course of western image-making, it has shaped our collective cultural imaginary - as ideal, antitype, and point of departure. This book is the first concerted attempt to grapple with that legacy: it explores the complex relationship between Graeco-Roman images of the body and subsequent western engagements with them, from the Byzantine icon to Venice Beach (and back again). Instead of approaching his material chronologically, Michael Squire faces up to its inherent modernity. Writing in a lively and accessible style, and supplementing his text with a rich array of pictures, he shows how Graeco-Roman images inhabit our world as if they were our own. The Art of the Body offers a series of comparative and thematic accounts, demonstrating the range of cultural ideas and anxieties that were explored through the figure of the body both in antiquity and in the various cultural landscapes that came afterwards.

If we only strip down our aesthetic investment in the corpus of Graeco-Roman imagery, Squire argues, this material can shed light on both ancient and modern thinking. The result is a stimulating process of mutual illumination - and an exhilarating new approach to Classical art history.
A Short History of Atheism
Authors: Hyman Gavin
Published: July 2020

The last few years have seen a remarkable surge of popular interest in the topic of atheism. Books about atheism by writers like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens have figured prominently in bestseller lists and have attracted widespread discussion in the media. The ubiquity of public debates about atheism, especially in conscious opposition to the perceived social threat posed by faith and religion, has been startling. However, as Gavin Hyman points out, despite their prevalence and popularity, what often characterises these debates is a lack of nuance and sophistication. They can be shrill, ignorant of the historical complexity of debates about belief, and tend to lapse into caricature. What is needed is a clear and well informed presentation of how atheistic ideas originated and developed, in order to illuminate their contemporary relevance and application. That task is what the author undertakes here. Exploring the rise of atheism as an explicit philosophical position (notably in the work of Denis Diderot), Hyman traces its development in the later ideas of Descartes, Locke and Berkeley.

Drawing also on the work of contemporary scholars like Amos Funkenstein and Michael J Buckley, the author shows that, since in recent theology the concept of God which atheists negate is changing, the triumph of its advocates may not be quite as unequivocal as Hitchens and Dawkins would have us believe.
Art, Propaganda and Aerial Warfare in Britain during the Second World War
Authors: Searle Rebecca
Published: July 2020

The War Artists' Advisory Committee (WAAC) were responsible for the production of some of the most iconic images of the Second World War. Despite its rich historical value, this collection has been poorly utilised by historians and hasn't been subjected to the levels of analysis afforded to other forms of wartime culture. This innovative study addresses this gap by bringing official war art into dialogue with the social, economic and military histories of the Second World War.
Rebecca Searle explores the tensions between the documentarist and propagandistic roles of the WAAC in their representation of aerial warfare in the battle for production, the Battle of Britain, the Blitz and the bombing of Germany. Her analyses demonstrate that whilst there was a strong correlation between war art and propaganda, the WAAC depicted many aspects of experience that were absent from wartime propaganda, such as class divisions within the services, gendered hierarchies within industries, civilian death and the true nature of the bombing of Germany. In addition, she shows that propagandistic constructions were not entirely separate from lived experience, but reflected experience and shaped the way that individuals made sense of the war.
Accessibly written, highly illustrated and packed with valuable examples of the use of war art as historical source, this book will enhance our understanding of the social and cultural history of Britain during the Second World War
The Political Lives of Postwar British MPs
Authors: Peplow Emma , Pivatto Priscila
Published: July 2020

In this book, Emma Peplow and Priscila Pivatto draw on the History of Parliament Trust's collection of oral history interviews with postwar British MPs to highlight their diverse political experiences in Parliament. Featuring extracts from a collection of interviews with over 160 former MPs who sat from the 1950s until the 2000s, The Political Lives of Postwar British MPs gives a voice to those MPs’ stories. In the process, readers will be given rare glimpse into the spaces inhabited by MPs, the political rivalries and friendships and the rising and falling of their careers.
The Uncapturable
Authors: Szuchmacher Rubén
Published: July 2020

The Uncapturable is a wide-ranging reflection on the art of the mise en scène from the perspective of leading Argentinian theatre director Rubèn Szuchmacher. It offers a timely and concise, though comprehensive, survey of the role and responsibility of the theatre director from the earliest times to the twenty-first century.

Szuchmacher defines theatre as the confluence of four art forms - architecture, visual art, sound and literature - whose works only truly exist in the moment of encounter with an audience. He argues that, by taking full account of these four art forms, analysing them in detail and engaging thoughtfully with the many specialists who come together to bring a mise en scène into being, the director of today can still create work that innovates and inspires.

The Uncapturable is as valuable to the apprentice director emerging from their training as it is to the veteran in need of fresh reflection. Szuchmacher draws on the unique learnings gleaned from working in Argentina, be it the impact on theatre of politics, the need for inventiveness in times of hardship, the phenomenon of Argentine 'circus theatre' or the adaptation of literary giants such as Borges, affording the Anglophone reader an alternative perspective on the ideas of theatre we often take for granted.

Szuchmacher offers a unique blend of global knowledge, historical awareness and a pragmatic, resourceful and creative approach from a theatre artist working in Latin American through decades of change.

The book is translated from the Spanish by William Gregory.
Representing Australian Aboriginal Music and Dance 1930–1970
Authors: Harris Amanda
Published: July 2020

Representing Australian Aboriginal Music and Dance 1930–1970 offers a rethinking of recent Australian music history. Amanda Harris presents accounts of Aboriginal music and dance by Aboriginal performers on public stages. Harris also historicizes the practices of non-Indigenous art music composers evoking Aboriginal music in their works, placing this in the context of emerging cultural institutions and policy frameworks. Centralizing auditory worlds and audio-visual evidence, Harris shows the direct relationship between the limits on Aboriginal people’s mobility and non-Indigenous representations of Aboriginal culture.

This book seeks to listen to Aboriginal accounts of disruption and continuation of Aboriginal cultural practices and features contributions from Aboriginal scholars Shannon Foster, Tiriki Onus and Nardi Simpson as personal interpretations of their family and community histories. Contextualizing recent music and dance practices in broader histories of policy, settler colonial structures, and postcolonizing efforts, the book offers a new lens on the development of Australian musical cultures.
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: changes in factor VIII and von Willebrand factor impose early hypercoagulability
Authors: Negreva Mariya , Prodanova Krasimira , Vitlianova Katerina , Madjova Christiana
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is a well-documented prothrombotic state that carries significant embolic risk. However, precise hemostatic changes in the very early stage of the disease are not completely studied. The aim of the study was to study von Willebrand factor (vWF) and coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) plasma levels and activity in the first hours (up to 24 h) of PAF clinical manifestation.

Material and methods

We selected consecutively 51 non-anticoagulated patients (26 men, 25 women, mean age: 59.84 ±1.60) with PAF and 52 controls (26 men, 26 women, mean age: 59.50 ±1.46 years) corresponding in gender, accompanying diseases and conducted treatment. The indicators were examined using enzyme-linked immunoassays and photometric tests.

Results

All patients were hospitalized between the 2nd and 24th h after the onset of arrhythmia (mean: 8.14 ±0.74 h). Higher FVIII levels (107.52 ±3.48% vs. 93.85 ±2.93%, p < 0.05) and activity (200.03 ±11.11% vs. 109.73 ±4.90%, p < 0.001) were found in the PAF group. vWF levels (178.40 ±12.95% vs. 119.53 ±6.12%, p < 0.001) and activity (200.92 ±12.45% vs. 110.80 ±5.14%, p < 0.001) were also higher. These changes did not depend on age, sex, body mass index or CHA2DS2-VASc score in the PAF group (p > 0.05). PAF duration was a significant predictor of increased FVIII levels and activity. Increased PAF duration was followed by increased values of the factors (r = 0.85, p < 0.001; r = 0.83, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results presented an activated coagulation cascade and endothelial injury, suggesting hypercoagulability still in the early hours of PAF. These changes in PAF did not correlate with CHA2DS2-VASc score risk factors, outlining PAF as a possible independent embolic risk factor.
Comparison of clinical and economic outcomes between the direct anterior approach and the posterolateral approach for primary
total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Skowronek Paweł , Dębiński Michał , Maksymiuk-Kłos Agnieszka , Zalewski Andrzej , Jopowicz Robert , Sasinowski Tomasz , Madej Arkadiusz
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in orthopedics. The most commonly employed approaches are the posterolateral approach (PLA) and the lateral approach. Minimally invasive techniques such as direct anterior approach (DAA) and MIS DAA (minimal invasive surgery direct anterior approach) are used more and more often. The aim of the study was to compare the two approaches DAA and PLA in terms of length of stay, economic outcomes, quality of life, hip joint function and hip joint awareness.

Material and methods

The study was performed as a retrospective analysis of 52 cementless total hip arthroplasty procedures performed by MIS DAA and 56 cementless THA performed by classic standard PLA. The evaluation of hip joint awareness, quality of life, hip joint fitness assessment and economic indicators were evaluated.

Results

The mean duration of the anterior approach procedure (48.96 minutes) was found to be around half that of the posterior approach (102.52 minutes) (Levene’s test: F = 2.37; p > 0.005). The mean durations of the two types of approaches were found to be significantly different (Student’s t test: t (106) = –16.15; p < 0.005). The shorter mean duration of stay and shorter procedure duration associated with the anterior approach result in mean savings of PLN 5465.96 per procedure

Conclusions

The MIS DAA procedure is a safe and less traumatizing surgical approach for hip arthroplasty which allows faster post-operative primary mobilization, shorter procedure time and sooner discharge from hospital than standard PLA. Significant reduction in costs of hospitalization was observed in the MIS DAA procedure.
Analysis of postoperative pregnancy outcome in 180 women with congenital uterine malformation
Authors: Dong Wei , Xia Yue , Ren Li , Zhao Han , Wang Chun-Yan , Yao Hui-Mei , Xiao Li-Dan , Nian Lei , Zhang Jie , Yang Qin , Zhang Fen , Wen Yan , Dong Ming-Feng , Feng Yun
Published: July 2020

Introduction

This study aims to explore the effects of combination of laparoscopy and hysteroscopy in pregnancy outcome in women diagnosed with congenital uterine malformation (CUM). The observation criteria include pregnancy rate, misdiagnosis rate, rate of spontaneous abortion and preterm birth rate.

Material and methods

A total of 180 patients with congenital uterine malformation, who were treated in our hospital from January 2015 to June 2018, were enrolled in the study. Prior to hospitalization, all the patients had neither a history of genital tract surgery nor endocrine abnormalities, chromosomal abnormalities, immune abnormalities or other factors affecting pregnancy. Furthermore, the ovarian functions were normal, and there were no factors leading to infertility in the male partners. The diagnosis was mainly based on medical history, clinical manifestations, gynecological examinations, and ultrasonography including two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasonography, as well as hysterosalpingogram (HSG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hysteroscopy, and/or laparoscopy or surgery. Patients were diagnosed and classified according to the Buttram classification.

Results

Among these 180 patients, 37 patients were diagnosed with complete septate uterus, 96 patients had sub-septate uterus, 25 patients had unicornuate uterus, 11 patients were diagnosed with bicornuate uterus, and 11 patients had didelphic uterus. The total number of preoperative pregnancies was 112, including 106 spontaneous abortions, with an abortion rate of 94.64%, and 86 total postoperative pregnancies, among which spontaneous abortions occurred 11 times, with an abortion rate of 12.79%. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Uterine malformation surgery can significantly improve the reproductive prognosis in patients with CUM.
Comprehensive analysis of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network in aortic dissection
Authors: Xie Fengwen , Liu Jichun
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Aortic dissection (AD) is a critical cardiovascular system disease caused by blood in the aortic cavity penetrating into the middle layer of the aortic wall through the intimal rift and extending along the long axis of the aorta. Studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can bind to microRNAs (miRNAs) as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) and further affect the levels of target mRNAs. The purpose of this study was to construct and analyse the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network in AD.

Material and methods

We first downloaded the AD expression data of five normal samples and seven AD samples from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE52093) and identified differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) and lncRNAs (DElncRNAs). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses of DEmRNAs were performed using the DAVID and KOBAS online databases. The ceRNA network was constructed by using the miRcode, miRDB, miRTarBase, and TargetScan databases and visualised by Cytoscape v3.6.1. In addition, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEmRNAs was also constructed.

Results

In total, 13 lncRNAs and 472 mRNAs were identified as significantly differentially expressed between the AD and normal samples (|logFC| > 1.0, false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05). In addition, seven lncRNAs, 18 miRNAs, and 48 mRNAs contributed to the construction of the ceRNA network.

Conclusions

We confirmed the DElncRNAs and DEmRNAs in AD and constructed a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network by using bioinformatics methods, which may provide a novel perspective for the diagnosis of, and potential therapeutic targets for, AD.
The impact of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma-derived exosomes on macrophage polarisation and cytokine release
Authors: Ling Huayu , Yang Zhong , Sun Yu , He Yuanning , Ju Songguang , Li Jun , Fu Jinxiang
Published: July 2020

Introduction

The pro-tumoural role of M2 macrophages has been described in various cancers and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Exosomes derived from cancers can shuttle information among tumour cells, immune cells, and the microenvironment, leading to microenvironment remodelling. The mechanism involved in exosomes influencing macrophages polarisation is still unclear.

Material and methods

We established a macrophage model derived from THP-1 monocytes. To mimic the in vivo microenvironment, we generated an indirect co-culture system of macrophages with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cell lines, OCI-LY1 and OCI-LY3 cells. In addition, pre-treated macrophages with exosomes derived from OCI-LY1/3 lymphoma cells were used in our study. The changes in macrophage polarisation stage, surface receptor expression, and cytokine expression at the mRNA level were analysed. Moreover, the effect of macrophages on drug-induced lymphoma cell apoptosis in the indirect co-culture system was assessed. Furthermore, protein analysis of NF-κB and p-p65 in macrophages exposed to exosomes was performed by western blot.

Results

DLBCL-derived exosomes had different effects on macrophages at different differentiation stages; these macrophages had different effects on drug-induced apoptosis of lymphoma cells in indirect co-culture. Moreover, NF-κB signalling molecules were involved in this process.

Conclusions

The results indicate that DLBCL-derived exosomes can lead to more M2 phenotypes, promote tumour growth, and play a substantial role in tumour progression, invasion, and drug-resistance.
Time perspective and self-control: metacognitive management of time is important for efficient self-regulation of behavior
Authors: Mucha Magdalena , Wiśniewska Magdalena , Nęcka Edward
Published: July 2020

Background

The way people perceive time is interesting in itself but also as a predictor of social, cognitive, and affective aspects of behavior. It is also a correlate of important psychological traits.

Participants and procedure

In this study, we investigated associations between psychometrically assessed self-control and metacognitive processes involved in time perspective (TP). Time perspective is defined as the engagement of temporal frames for better understanding the flow of events and personal experiences. Executive control and fluid intelligence were assessed as possible mediators of the investigated relationship. Participants (N = 150) completed the Temporal MetaCognition Scale (TMCS), Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM) and two inhibitory control tasks: the Stroop and Stop Signal Task (SST). Self-control was measured with three questionnaires: NAS-50, NAS-40, and the Self-Control Scale (SCS).

Results

Temporal metacognition was found to be associated with self-control, but not with executive control and fluid intelligence. Two TMCS dimensions (Goal-oriented Metatemporal Interconnectedness, Metacognitive Temporal Control) were important positive predictors of self-control, whereas the third dimension (Cognitive Reconstruction of the Past) was a weak negative predictor.

Conclusions

These findings support the hypothesis that metacognitive processes involved in time perspective may help to exert control over one’s own behavior. The most important predictor of self-control is the ability to consider situations from various time perspec-tives.
Bioelectrical impedance components and the mass and strength of the upper limb skeletal muscles of young adults
Authors: Kołodziej Małgorzata , Koźlenia Dawid , Kochan-Jacheć Katarzyna , Domaradzki Jarosław
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate bioelectrical impedance components as markers of mass and strength of upper limb skeletal muscles in young adults.

Material and methods

The study involved 89 healthy adults aged 19–26 years. Body height and mass and hand grip strength were measured. Resistance, reactance, and phase angle were established with the bioelectrical impedance analysis. A prediction equation was used to estimate appendicular skeletal muscle mass. Relationships of the impedance components with the proportion of skeletal muscles in the total appendicular muscle mass and with the strength and functional quality indices were examined.

Results

Differences between women and men for all the impedance components and relationships between these components and appendicular skeletal muscle mass and strength have been shown. Higher muscle mass and hand grip strength values were registered in males than in females, but the percentage of skeletal muscles in the appendicular muscle mass and the muscle strength index were found to be lower in men. No differences were found in the quality of the upper extremity skeletal muscles between the gender groups.

Conclusions

Impedance components are good identifiers of differences in the mass and strength of the appendicular skeletal muscles in healthy adults. Phase angle and reactance are strong predictors of skeletal muscle participation in total limb muscle mass. Higher strength generated by unit muscle mass is identified by higher reactance, which assesses the quality
of soft tissues.
A model of the efficiency of goalkeepers' actions in futsal
Authors: Szwarc Andrzej , Oszmaniec Mateusz
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The aim of the study was to develop a model of the efficiency of actions of goalkeepers from top-level futsal teams.

Material and methods

Goalkeepers’ activity, successful activity, and effectiveness were estimated with the consideration of accomplishing the game objectives in offence and defence and of the changing match status. The study applied the method of observation. Data about the game were registered on a self-developed observation sheet. Overall, 62 games of 23 goalkeepers participating in 31 matches of the World and European Championships and the UEFA Futsal Cup played in years 2012–2015 were observed.

Results

It was found that actions to gain the playfield with the ball (41% of all actions) and to prevent a loss of a goal (28.2%) dominated in futsal goalkeepers’ game. Offensive actions accounted for 58% and defensive actions for 42% of all actions undertaken by the studied futsal goalkeepers in the observed matches. The examined competitors achieved the highest
effectiveness in keeping the ball (97%) and in preventing scoring situations (96%).

Conclusions

The created model mapping the top-skilled goalkeepers’ actions allows improving the process of coaching players by referring their game to objective patterns.
Do psychologists study behaviour?
Authors: Doliński Dariusz
Published: July 2020

Although social psychology is defined as the science that explores the social behaviour of people, today’s re-search, which is devoted to this matter, is primarily (or almost exclusively) focused on highly specific behav-iours that Baumeister, Vohs and Funder wittily called “finger movements”. The point is that psychologists most often ask people to fill in various scales and questionnaires and/or to imagine that they found themselves in some situation and answer how they would behave in it. The author of the article asks a question about the rea-sons for this state of affairs, and also claims that psychology should return to examining real human reactions, and not only verbal declarations about how a person would react in a particular situation.
Living Behind Symbolic and Concrete Barriers of Total Institutions: Reflections on the Transition Between a Domestic Symbolic Patriarchal Imprisonment and a Co-Governed, State-Sponsored Incarceration in Perú
Authors: Bracco Bruce Lucia
Published: July 2020

This article seeks to analyse the paradox of freedom and imprisonment, reflecting on the connections between and nuances of intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) and women’s imprisonment in the Global South, particularly in Perú. The story follows Maria, a woman serving a 14-year sentence for the homicide of her husband, an act she committed after experiencing 20 years of psychological and physical abuse. I have chosen to focus on her ambivalence towards her experience of IPVA, using Goffman’s (1961) concept of the ‘total institution’; I suggest that Maria was living under a patriarchal and symbolic total institution, a prison-like home (Avni 1991). Following this, while imprisoned for the homicide of her husband, Maria was physically incapacitated in a co-governed, patriarchal, nation-state prison. Nevertheless, simultaneously, in this custodial setting, she found a semi-autonomous path to reinforce her sense of agency and to construct interpersonal relationships that have enabled her to question the preceding patriarchal norms.
Authors: Raineri Bernain Andrés , Martínez del Canto Andrea
Published: July 2020

The present paper discusses the concept of organizational culture and its assessment. A questionnaire that measures organizational values and behavioral norms is presented, together with its application to a sample of 38 Chilean organizations. The results were used to identity independent dimensions for both behavioral norms and organizational values. Two approaches to the interpretation of results provided by the questionnaire are compared; namely: on the basis of raw scores, and through statistical norms obtained from the sample. Finally, a discussion of the psychometric properties of the questionnaire is presented.
Authors: Armstrong V. Alberto J.
Published: July 2020

This article analyzes the principal characteristics, trends and causes of the strikes that took place in Chile during the period 1979-1995, as well as the most important difierences currently found in the analysis of legal and ilegal strikes, type of industry, unionized and nonunionized strikers, public, private and state-owned companies, and municipal sectors. The number of strikes, workers involved, man-days lost and average duration was used in the analysis. The study is based on the universe of strikes that took place in the above mentioned period, and the sources of inlbnnation were the Directorate of Labor, Carabineros de Chile (police) and the written press. Some of the principal findings that should be mentioned are the important number of strikes that occurred in the public sector -in which they are forbidden-, the increase in the number of illegal strikes and the decrease in the number of legal stiikes in the private sector, and the wage increases and protests against discharge as the main causes of strikes.
Authors: Raineri Bernain Andrés
Published: July 2020

This research explores the career interests of Chilean managers and professionals. The most important determinants of career development are discussed. The role of career interests in this process is commented. A manager's career interest clasification developed by Schein (1978) was used to measure the career interests of a sample of local managers. General tendencies of the sample and the distribution of preferences for different types of career interests are discussed. Finally, a cluster analysis is performed of the data, in order to identify the profiles of career interests that better describe the sample of Chilean managers. These analyses show that five categories of career interest profiles can be identified in the sample. The relevance of these findings is discussed and career development suggestions are made for the different groups of people behind each profile.
Authors: Battilana Fiorella , Ruiz José Luis
Published: July 2020

El presente estudio analiza los determinantes de los spreads bancarios para cuatro países de Latinoamérica, concentrándose en factores específicos de cada banco (liquidez, costos administrativos, morosidad, participación de mercado, si es local o extranjero fusión o adquisición de bancos, o si el banco fue un nuevo participante); de la estructura del sistema financiero (participación de mercado de los bancos extranjeros y concentración); y del entorno macroeconómico (inflación, tasa de interés de corto plazo y el crecimiento del PIB).
Assessing Food Supply Chain Sustainability Based on the Framework of Fussy TOPSIS
Authors: Song Bao’e
Published: July 2020

Environmental degradation has been a great concern for Chinese people.  Sustainable management serves a critical avenue to solve environmental problems and has become increasingly popular and important in theoretical and practical terms. Sustainability assessment is conducive to the shift and improvement of sustainability performance. The aim of this article is to propose an evaluation framework through constructing a comparatively comprehensive set of indicators so as to measure one of the most significant yet complex supply chains. The assessment methodology is the Fuzzy TOPSIS methodology which is utilized to ascertain the weights of indicators as well as comparison of different food supply chains. The study enables stakeholders to gain a better understanding of food supply chain sustainability as well as further inform their decisions. Scholars and practitioners in the sphere of sustainable research in China could utilize the findings of the article to take corresponding countermeasures to enhance sustainability of food supply chain so as to relieve the increasingly severe environmental problems.
The Household Enterprise Sector in Ghana: Overview and Challenges
Authors: Turkson Danny , Codjoe Emmanuel A.
Published: July 2020

Household Enterprises (HEs) have not received much consideration in the enterprise literature even though they are crucial for the development of an economy. These enterprises have been the main source of livelihood for most families in the informal sector and their contribution to reduction in unemployment is pivotal to growth of developing economies. This paper explores the nature of HE sector in Ghana and the challenges they face in their daily operations. The study employed an informal enterprise survey of 729 household enterprises conducted in 2013 by the World Bank in Ghana. With the use of systematic review and descriptive analysis, the study outlined financial constraint as the main challenge faced by HEs and discussed the linkage between HEs and the financial sector in Ghana. Based on these findings recommendations were made to the major stakeholders in the sector (entrepreneurs, financial institutions and government).
Peculiarities of Business Presentation Communicative Means
Authors: Burikova Svetlana , Kuznetsova Marina , Ovchinnikova Ekaterina
Published: July 2020

This article, deals with the particularities of business communication considering them from the two main perspectives: linguistic and extra linguistic.

It focuses on the factors, features, cultural peculiarities, goals and means, principles, ethical norms and strategies of business communication. The article highlights, cultural aspects, psychological features, interlocutors-intentions and ethical norms that define the shape, style, and content of a business message.

After a presentation of transcript analysis, undertaken with the methods of contextual and lexical analysis, the authors provide a rhetorical criticism of the communicative means—linguistic and extra linguistic—of a business presentation as part of business communication.

In conclusion, the authors determine that business presentation strategies, despite being typical, may be applied with peculiar linguistic means, lexical or grammatical, and various speech acts in accordance with the communicative aim.
Gender and Age Difference in Clinical Features and severity of Parkinson’s Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study in Southern Morocco
Authors: Achbani Abderrahmane , Ait Wahmane Sofiane , Elatiqi Mohamed , Sine Hasnaa , Kharbach Ahmed , Belmouden Ahmed , Nejmeddine Mohamed
Published: July 2020

Background: Parkinson’s disease is the second most frequently reported neurodegenerative disease, behind Alzheimer’s disease. In Morocco, enough information are not available about its prevalence, progression, and characteristics, particularly in Southern regions of the country. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate gender and age differences in the sociodemographic and clinical profile of Parkinson’s disease patients in southern Morocco. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on a selected cohort of 180 patients, previously diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Results: The results showed that the onset of the disease was earlier in females compared to males. Besides, we found that the prevalence of rigidity symptoms was slightly higher in younger patients and in patients aged 61 to 70 years old, at the onset of the disease. Importantly, the results showed that the initial symptoms of males were different than females. According to the Hoehn and Yahr scale, the majority (82.6%) of patients of both genders were in the early stage of the disease. Additional statistical analyses, confirmed that the severity of the disease was strongly related to gender (P = 0.02). Conclusions: The findings confirmed that males and females had different clinical motor characteristics in the initial symptoms and progression of Parkinson’s disease. Nevertheless, experimental studies should be conducted to arrive at a real understanding of what underlies these differences.
Neural Network Implementation in Java
Authors: Jovanović Nenad , Vasović Bojan , Jovanović Zoran , Cvjetković Miloš
Published: July 2020

Artificial neural networks are a powerful tool that engineers can use in variety of purposes. The most common tasks are classification and regression, as well as control, modeling and prediction. For more than three decades, the field of artificial neural networks has been the center of intensive research. A large number of software tools have been developed to train these types of networks, but there is still interest in implementing neural networks in different programming languages. This paper aims to present the implementation of an arbitrary neural network in the Java programming language.
Pregled modela fluktuacije zaposlenih
Authors: Mihajlov Snežana , Mihajlov Nenad
Published: July 2020

Analiza voljne fluktuacije, odnosno napuštanja posla od posebne je važnosti za efikasno upravljanje odlivom zaposlenih i kontrolu njegovih troškova u dugom roku. Iako je i nevoljna fluktuacija važan aspekt ukupne fluktuacije, najčešće nije uključena u različite modele istraživanja. Voljno napuštanje posla je za organizacije posebno značajno budući da zaposleni koji ostvaruju dobre rezultate imaju više mogućnosti za zaposlenje izvan organizacije pa su i skloniji da je napuste, zbog čega visoke stope voljne fluktuacije mogu imati pogubne efekte na organizacione performanse. Voljna fluktuacija je dugo zaokupljala pažnju velikog broja istraživača u oblasti menadžmenta ljudskih resursa sa ciljem da se identifikuje proces kroz koji prolaze oni koji napuštaju organizaciju i analiziraju razlozi i motivi koji utiču na zaposlene pri donošenju odluke o napuštanju organizacije. U radu će biti predstavljeni modeli fluktuacije u kojima su osnovni uzroci napuštanja posla otkrivani na individualnom nivou analize.
Intervenção pedagógica por meio de jogo didático: reforço das operações básicas da matemática: soma, subtração, divisão e multiplicação
Authors: Rodrigues Jocelia Silva Machado , Rodrigues Aldimar Machado , Rodrigues Maria Virlene de Araujo
Published: July 2020

Durante os estágios supervisionados realizados pelos alunos dos cursos de licenciatura, os futuros docentes acompanham aulas ministradas por professores da área e afins do ensino fundamental e médio da rede pública e/ou privada de ensino. Durante a realização do estágio supervisionado I com alunos do ensino fundamental II da escola CAIC de Iguatu/CE, identificou-se que os alunos apresentavam grandes dificuldades de compreensão dos conteúdos matemáticos aplicados pelos professores, sendo a maior parte relacionada as operações básicas da matemática. Diante disso surgiu a iniciativa de um projeto que visava fazer uma ‘revisão preparatória’ com alunos da série inicial do ensino fundamental II, 6ºano, com objetivo de diagnosticar e tentar amenizar as dificuldades enfrentadas pelos alunos. A partir da análise observatória do desenvolvimento da atividade construiu-se o presente trabalho.
Influence of online transparency on efficiency. Analysis of spanish NGDOs
Authors: Martín Pérez Víctor , Martín Cruz Natalia
Published: July 2020

This study examines (a) whether nongovernmental development organizations (NGDOs) disseminate relevant information for their stakeholders through their web pages, information that after being reviewed and evaluated by external organizations such as the Spanish Coordinator of Development NGO or Lealtad Foundation, allowed these NGDOs to obtain a seal of transparency and (b) whether their level of transparency influences efficiency. To determine online transparency, web pages of seal-approved NGDOs were reviewed to assess the availability of relevant information. This paper uses data envelopment analysis to assess the efficiency using an input orientation. To determine the influence of online transparency on efficiency, an ordinary least squares regression was used. Results show that while increased transparency has a significant effect on efficiency, the level of information disclosure of NGDOs through their web pages has considerable room for improvement. Improved transparency leads to best practices and increased competition in obtaining financing and support from society. To improve transparency in the nonprofit sector, external organizations have created a series of seals to certify that an organization complies with the basic principles of transparency. In addition, new technologies make it easier for organizations to disseminate information quickly and economically. This article contributes to the literature regarding web use of NGDOs to disclose relevant information and analyzing the influence of online transparency on organizational efficiency.