bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Values in Europe. Protecting Freedom of Thought, Conscience, Religion, Creating What?: Justice, Sophia, Phronesis
Authors: Kuyan Olga Nickole Papkova
Published: July 2021

The multidimentional human rights catastrophe 2020-2021 is input for
this writing. We see it as the culmination of arguments about regulating
the social values, the right to freedom of thought, conscience and
religion in Europe (art 9 ECHR) in its broader sense. We question: what
are thought, conscience, religion in Europe? The paper aims at revealing
how different states bound by ECHR (Italy, France, Russia) are
redefining their relationship to thought, conscience and religion, under
the challenge of changing minds, increasing religious activism in the
public sphere, associated with the spread of new religious movements and
Islam; how this process mobilizes a complex array of often unrelated
official actors, but also mindful men who want to be recognized by
public opinion eager to curb what is perceived as “foreign” or
“extremist” expressions of thought, conscience, religion; by
politicians navigating between political correctness and populism, by
national and external judiciary like ECtHR; how this process is
gradually producing a new and common paradigm of the relationship
between states, the public sphere and thought, conscience and religion.
We scrutinize (re)construction and formatting of thought, conscience and
religion in the West through courts, giving the rebirthing to the Lautsi
case. We intend to find which doctrine\idea has been
developed by the Court in Europe. What will be with judicial
decision-making in France and Europe? How to overcome the crisis? We are
seeking a new instrument. We go into Mindful Politics/Judiciary, Dharma
and Judiciary/Politics. We use the Complex Thinking concept and Quantum
Theory, Sophism, Theology, Eastern and Ancient thoughts as Puzzles. We
refer to Lady Justice-Prudentia-Sophia and Phronesis. We refer to the
decoloniality to re-learn the thoughts-heritage that have been pushed
aside, buried, discredited by the forces of modernity: UN
Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold, Vl.Solovjev, Ivan Ilyin. Also we use
new data, such as O’Murchu Diarmuid, Doing Theology in an Evolutionary
Way (2021), Rovelli Carlo, Helgoland (2020), Molari Carlo, Il cammino
spirituale del cristiano (2020), Mancuso Vito, I quattro maestri (2020).
Our core topic is the importance of legal ideas and legal doctrine for
court decisions. Our core thought is the Russia’s experience in
balancing secular and religious values and peaceful coexistence of
peoples, it’s importantance for the international community. It’s part
of the big research, started in 1990, continued in different ways, at
UNIPV (with Prof.J.Ziller) in the framework of CICOPS, in particular.

Key terms: human rights and freedom, thought, conscience, religion,
pluralism, equality, secularism, neutrality, positivism, legal symbols,
Lady Justice, Sophia, Prudentia, Phronesis, quantum theory, Islam, rule
of law, legitimacy, historical-interpretive account of judicial
politics, complexity.
Transmission dynamics and susceptibility patterns of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic, farmed and wild animals: Sustainable One health surveillance for conservation and public health to prevent future epidemics and pandemics
Authors: Islam Ariful , Ferdous Jinnat , Islam Shariful , Sayeed Md. Abu , Rahman Md , Hassan Mohammad Mahmudul , Shirin Tahmina
Published: July 2021

The exact origin of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2) and source of introduction into humans has not been
established yet, though it might be originated from animals. Therefore,
we conducted a literature review to understand the putative reservoirs,
transmission dynamics, and susceptibility patterns of SARS-CoV-2 in
animals. Rhinolophu s bats are presumed to be natural progenitors
of SARS-CoV-2 related viruses. Initially pangolin was thought to be the
source of spillover to human, but they might get infected from human or
other animal species. So, the virus spillover pathways to humans remain
unknown. Human-to-animal transmission has been testified in pet, farmed,
zoo and free-ranging wild animals. Infected animals can transmit the
virus to other animals in natural settings like, mink-to-mink, and
mink-to-cat transmission. Animal-to-human transmission is not a
persistent pathway, while mink-to-human transmission continues to be
illuminated. Multiple companion and captive wild animals were infected
by emerging alpha variant of concern (B.1.1.7 lineage) whereas Asiatic
lions were infected by delta variant, (B.1.617.2). To date, multiple
animal species- cat, ferrets, non-human primates, hamsters, and bats,
showed high susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 in experimental condition,
while swine, poultry, cattle showed no susceptibility. The founding of
SARS-CoV-2 in wild animal reservoirs can confronts the control of the
virus in humans and might carry a risk to the welfare and conservation
of wildlife as well. We suggest vaccinating pet, and captive animals to
stop spillover and spillback events. We recommend sustainable one health
surveillance at animal-human-environmental interface to detect and
prevent future epidemics and pandemics by Disease X.
Uncommon manifestation of poisoning with a mixture of pesticides
Authors: Zoofaghari shafeajafar , Esfahani Navid Namakizadeh , Sigari Amirhossein Akhavan , Tavakoli Nasim , Hashemzadeh Mozhdeh
Published: July 2021

The use of pesticides for suicide commitment purposes is a major
problem. The present study reports a death due to committing suicide
using combination of diazinon, Chlorpyrifos, Trifluralin, Fenpropathrin,
Pyriproxyfen, and Cypermethrin. It is difficult to diagnose and treat
patients poisoned with a combination of pesticides.
Invasive candidiasis in children
Authors: Klimko N. N. , Kozlova O. P.
Published: July 2021

The prevalence of invasive candidiasis (IC) in pediatric hospitals is from 4,3 to 15,2 per 10,000 hospitalized, in ICU – from 3,5 to 7 cases per 1,000, with HSCT – 2,9%. The average length of stay of a patient in the hospital before the development of IC varies from 21 to 56 days, in the ICU – more than 15 days. Knowledge of risk factors (ICU stay for ≥15 days, use of antibacterial drugs and parenteral nutrition, active malignant neoplasm, etc.) makes it possible to identify patients with a high (10-46%) risk of developing IC. Candida albicans remains the leading causative agent of IC in children, but infections with non-albicans Candida spp. have increased and an increase in the resistance of IC pathogens to azole antimycotics was noted. The main clinical variant of IC in children is candidemia, other forms include the central nervous system, abdominal organs, eyes, heart, bones and joints, kidneys, skin and subcutaneous tissue involvement, as well as chronic disseminated (hepatolienal) candidiasis. Blood culture, the main method of laboratory diagnostics of IC, is characterized by low sensitivity and requires a long time. Methods of noncultural diagnostics of IC (1,3-β-D-glucan, mannan and antimannan antibodies, T2 Candida etc) in children have not been sufficiently studied. The main drugs for the treatment of IC in children are echinocandins (anidulafungin, etc.), and CVC removal/replacement is necessary. The overall mortality rate in pediatric patients within 30 days after the diagnosis of IC is 37% to 44%.
Case of lethal outcome of an infant due to COVID-19
Authors: Morozova N. N. , Zinserling V. A. , Semenova N. Yu.
Published: July 2021

The article presents clinical data and the results of a detailed pathology changes in a 2-month-old infant who died from a coronavirus infection, confirmed by the results of in vivo PCR and morphological examination, which included the detection of the SARS-Cov-2 spike antigen. Histological examination in the lungs, as well as in the brain revealed cytoproliferative and cytopathic changes similar to those described in coronavirus infection in adults, while other characteristic for them lesions were not determined. The unfavorable course of COVID-19 was facilitated by an activated intrauterine infection, mycoplasmosis or chlamydiosis according to morphological data.
Novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in tuberculosis patients in St. Petersburg
Authors: Malashenkov E. A. , Gudova S. V. , Gusev D. A. , Fedunyak I. P. , Denisova E. L. , Fedunyak O. I. , Gorelova E. A. , Kozmovskaya N. V. , Pershin S. S. , Chernozemova E. A.
Published: July 2021

The aim of this work was to attempt to analyze the demographic structure, clinical and radiological forms of tuberculosis and COVID-19, as well as the course and outcome of the disease in patients with this coinfection in the light of a new and still poorly understood problem of the mutual influence of tuberculosis and COVID-19.

Material and methods. Examination and treatment were carried out in the infectious-tuberculosis departments of the Botkin Clinical Infectious Disease Hospital. We examined 63 patients identified in the first seven months of the epidemic in the multimillion city of St. Petersburg (Russia). Tuberculosis, confirmed by conventional bacteriological and molecular genetic methods, had an active phase in all of them. The new coronavirus infection was verified by a positive polymerase chain reaction test for SARS-CoV-2.

Results. Tuberculosis in 43 patients was detected simultaneously with COVID-19, in 20 people it preceded coronavirus infection. Disseminated forms of tuberculosis prevailed - 50.8%; in 36.5%, two or more organs and systems were affected, which is associated with a high proportion (54.0%) of HIV-positive patients with an advanced stage of the disease. Lung damage with COVID-19 was noted in 36.5%. Fatal outcomes ended in 20.6% of cases of coinfection, the structure of the causes of death is given.

Conclusion. An assumption was made about the possibility of an aggravating effect of tuberculosis on COVID-19 in the case of severe or widespread forms of these diseases. The negative influence of HIV infection on the outcome of the disease has also been shown. Further follow-up is required to identify more reliable associations between tuberculosis and COVID-19.
Electron microscopic changes in the nasal membrane of patients with COVID-19 depending on the clinical form and the period of the disease
Authors: Kryukov E. V. , Zhdanov K. V. , Kozlov K. V. , Kravtsov V. Yu. , Mal’tsev O. V. , Sukachev V. S. , Miklush P. I. , Sokolova M. O. , Sharabkhanov V. V. , Glushakov R. I. , Dvoryanchikov V. V. , Achba R. R. , Trishkin D. V. , Azarov I. I.
Published: July 2021

Given that COVID-19 is a global public health problem and that almost all countries in the world have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, research is being actively pursued to better understand the effects of the virus on human cells. However, it is not clear what changes are observed in the cells of the main gate of infection – the mucosa of the mouth and the nose at different clinical forms and at different periods of disease. Understanding the ultra-structural cell changes of SARS-CoV-2 targets may help clarify the pathogenic aspects of infection in the lower respiratory tract. In this study, the elements of the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the cells of the respiratory epithelium of the nose in patients with COVID-19 were evaluated using electron microscopy for the purpose of detecting the peculiarities of viral activity depending on the form and period of disease. Bioptats of the nasal mucous membrane were taken from COVID-19 patients and subsequently examined by electron microscopy. The severity of structural changes in tissue samples, presence of SARSCoV-2 virus in cells were determined, then bioptats were grouped according to the clinical form of the infection process (inapparent, acute upper respiratory tract infections, viral lung disease) and period of disease. It has been established that the most characteristic changes in the mucous membrane of the nose were observed in the first week of infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 and occurring in the form of acute respiratory disease, while viral lung infections have had the highest virus density in vesicles within cells, the formation of smooth virus-free vesicles is most common in inapparent forms. The data obtained may indicate that the formation of classical virus-induced changes in the respiratory epithelium of the nose mucous (vesicles with viral particles and signs of their release from the cell) is characteristic of localized forms of infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 (respiratory infection of the upper respiratory tract) and in cases of generalized infection (viral infection of the lungs and probably other organs and systems) accumulation of the infectious agent in high concentrations in vesicles.
Systems engineering and assurance modeling (SEAM): A web-based solution for integrated mission assurance
Authors: Ryder Kaitlyn , Alles Ryan , Karsai Gabor , Mahadevan Nagabhushan , Evans John , Witulski Arthur , Campola Michael , Austin Rebekah , Schrimpf Ronald
Published: July 2021

We present an overview of the Systems Engineering and Assurance Modeling
(SEAM) platform, a web-browser-based tool which is designed to help
engineers evaluate the radiation vulnerabilities and develop an assurance
approach for electronic parts in space systems. The SEAM framework consists
of three interconnected modeling tools, a SysML compatible system
description tool, a Goal Structuring Notation (GSN) visual argument tool,
and Bayesian Net and Fault Tree extraction and export tools. The SysML and
GSN sections also have a coverage check application that ensures that every
radiation fault identified on the SysML side is also addressed in the
assurance case in GSN. The SEAM platform works on space systems of any
degree of radiation hardness but is especially helpful for assessing
radiation performance in systems with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)
electronic components.
Design of an effective control for grid-connected PV system based on FS-MPC
Authors: Attik Nadjah , Badoud Essalam , Merahi Farid , Laib Abdelbaset , Ayat Yahya
Published: July 2021

This paper is deals in part of research that has been conducted on modern
means in the basis of power electronics. Harmonic cancellation of
distribution network is currently a serious problem, especially in high
electrical industry. The main source of harmonic currents injected into the
network requires attention to reduce the current harmonic levels. Energy
quality is a fairly broad concept which covers both, the quality of power
supply (voltage wave) and these of the currents injected into the electrical
grid. In this context, a modern approved preventive solution in purpose to
limit the rate of harmonic disturbance caused by the deferent power
electronics systems connected to the grid must take action. It appears
necessary to develop the quality and stability of the grid and develop
curative devices such as converters provided with a control device making
the current drawn on the most sinusoidal network possible. This paper
proposes a control of tow stage grid tied PV system established on finite
set model predictive control (FS-MPC). The design of FS-MPC is developed
depending on the structure and operating principle associated to three-phase
inverter tied to the grid. In this context, we have also employed the
structure of MPPT controller (P&O) and PI controller for adjustment of the
DC-bus voltage. To set the proposed control scheme, numerical simulations
are carried out using Matlab/Simulink 2013b. The obtained results
demonstrate that the proposed control scheme assure the tracking of MPP and
the injection of extracted PV power into the grid with high current quality
under irradiation changes.
Wavelet-based audio features of DC motor sound
Authors: Damnjanovic Djordje , Ciric Dejan , Peric Zoran
Published: July 2021

The usage of wavelets is widespread in many fields nowadays, especially in
signal processing. Their nature provides some advantages in comparison to
the Fourier transform, and therefore many applications rely on wavelets
rather than on other methods. The decomposition of wavelets into detail and
approximation coefficients is one of the methods to extract representative
audio features. They can be used in signal analysis and further
classification. This paper investigates the usage of various wavelet
families in the wavelet decomposition to extract audio features of direct
current (DC) motor sounds recorded in the production environment. The
purpose of feature representation and analysis is the detection of DC motor
failures in motor production. The effects of applying different wavelet
families and parameters in the decomposition process are studied using
sounds of more than 60 motors. Time and frequency analysis is also done for
the tested DC motor sounds.
GPU-supported simulation for ABEP and QoS analysis of a combined macro diversity system in a gamma-shadowed k-μ fading channel
Authors: Petrovic Nenad , Vasic Selena , Milic Dejan , Suljovic Suad , Konicanin Samir
Published: July 2021

In this paper we have analyzed macro-diversity (MD) system with one macro SC
diversity (MD SC) receiver and two micro MRC (mD MRC) receivers over
correlated Gamma-shadowed k-? fading channel. The average bit error
probability (ABEP) is calculated using the moment generating function (MGF)
approach for BDPSK and BPSK modulations. Graphical representation of the
results illustrates the effects of different parameters of the system on its
performance as well as the improvements due to the benefits of a combined
micro and macro diversity. The obtained analytical expressions are used for
the GPU-enabled mobile network modeling, planning and simulation environment
to determine the value of Quality of Service (QoS) parameter. Finally,
linear optimization is proposed as an approach to improve the QoS parameter
of the fading-affected system observed in this paper.
Adaptive method to predict and track unknown system behaviors using RLS and LMS algorithms
Authors: Tajdari Teimour
Published: July 2021

This study investigates the ability of recursive least squares (RLS) and
least mean square (LMS) adaptive filtering algorithms to predict and quickly
track unknown systems. Tracking unknown system behavior is important if
there are other parallel systems that must follow exactly the same behavior
at the same time. The adaptive algorithm can correct the filter coefficients
according to changes in unknown system parameters to minimize errors between
the filter output and the system output for the same input signal. The RLS
and LMS algorithms were designed and then examined separately, giving them a
similar input signal that was given to the unknown system. The difference
between the system output signal and the adaptive filter output signal
showed the performance of each filter when identifying an unknown system.
The two adaptive filters were able to track the behavior of the system, but
each showed certain advantages over the other. The RLS algorithm had the
advantage of faster convergence and fewer steady-state errors than the LMS
algorithm, but the LMS algorithm had the advantage of less computational
complexity.
The inflectional morphology representation of individual words in the mental lexicon
Authors: Lalic Bojan
Published: July 2021

Models of complex word recognition can be separated into two wide groups: symbolic and connectionist. Symbolic models presume the existence of an explicit morphological representation of individual words; connectionist models do not and consider morphological effects to be a by-product of interaction between phonological, orthographic and semantic information. This study aimed to test whether there are explicit mental representations of inflected lexical units in the mental lexicon. Accordingly, the method of inflected suffix morphological and semantic priming of nouns in the Serbian language was used. In the morphological priming condition, the prime and the target shared the same inflectional suffix. In Experiment 1 overt priming was used, while in Experiment 2, masked priming. The results showed no significant effects of inflected suffix morphological priming, while significant semantic priming effects were recorded. The results obtained in this research are in line with predictions of the connectionist models.
Quality of life in an adolescent orthodontic population:
Authors: Sharma Richa , Drummond Robert , Wiltshire William , Schroth Robert , Lekic Milos , Bertone Mary , Tate Robert
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To investigate adolescent orthodontic patient experiences and quality of life with fixed appliances compared to Invisalign.

Materials and Methods

Adolescent patients in active treatment with Invisalign or fixed appliances for a minimum of 6 months were provided with the Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form 19 questionnaire, along with additional items of interest that were assessed separately. Pearson's χ2 test was used to compare responses (P < .05), and unpaired t-tests (P < .05) were used to test for differences in mean satisfaction, quality of life, and domain scores.

Results

In total, 74 patients (37 in each treatment group) participated. Overall, no significant differences were noted in the mean quality of life, satisfaction, or domain scores between the two groups. A significant difference was noted in the time taken to adjust to appliances, with the Invisalign group demonstrating faster adaptation. Additionally, the fixed appliance group was 3.8 times more likely to report missing school because of their appliance (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2, 12.5) and 2.7 times more likely to report having difficulty eating certain foods (95% CI: 1.1, 7.1). When the sample of females between the ages of 14 and 18 was analyzed, the Invisalign group reported feeling attractive more often than the fixed appliance group.

Conclusions

Both treatment groups were generally very satisfied with their treatment modality. The overall quality of life of adolescent orthodontic patients undergoing treatment with fixed appliances and Invisalign for a minimum of 6 months was similar.
Establishing the impact of COVID-19 on the health outcomes of domiciliary care workers in Wales using routine data: a protocol for the OSCAR study.
Authors: Lugg-Widger Fiona Victoria , Cannings-John Rebecca , Akbari Ashley , Brookes-Howell Lucy , Hood Kerenza , John Ann , Jones Hywel , Prout Hayley , Schoenbuchner Simon , Thomas Daniel , Robling Michael
Published: July 2021

IntroductionDomiciliary care workers (DCWs) continued providing social care to adults in their own homes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence of the impact of COVID-19 on health outcomes of DCWs is currently mixed, probably reflecting methodological limitations of existing studies. The risk of COVID-19 to workers providing care in people's homes remains unknown.
ObjectivesTo quantify the impact of COVID-19 upon health outcomes of DCWs in Wales, to explore causes of variation, and to extrapolate to the rest of the UK DCW population.
MethodsMixed methods design comprising cohort study of DCWs and exploratory qualitative interviews. Data for all registered DCWs in Wales is available via the SAIL Databank using a secured, privacy-protecting encrypted anonymisation process. Occupational registration data for DCWs working during the pandemic will be combined with EHR outcome data within the SAIL Databank including clinical codes that identify suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases. We will report rates of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 infections and key health outcomes including mortality and explore variation (by factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, deprivation quintile, rurality, employer, comorbidities) using regression modelling, adjusting for clustering of outcome within Health Board, region and employer. A maximum variation sample of Welsh DCWs will be approached for qualitative interview using a strategy to include participants that vary across factors such as sex, age, ethnicity and employer. The interviews will inform the quantitative analysis modelling. We will generalise the quantitative findings to other UK nations.
DiscussionUsing anonymised linked occupational and EHR data and qualitative interviews, the OSCAR study will quantify the risk of COVID-19 on DCWs' health and explore sources of variation. This will provide a secure base for informing public health policy and occupational guidance.
Sistema de gestión de calidad del programa educativo de ingeniería Industrial de la UABC
Authors: Chávez Moreno Edgar Armando
Published: July 2021

Esta investigación cualitativa presenta los resultados de una autoevaluación realizada en abril de 2020 para medir el sistema de gestión de calidad del programa educativo de ingeniería Industrial de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Ingeniería y Tecnología de la Universidad Autónoma de Baja California. Se utilizó la metodología de los Comités Interinstitucionales para la Evaluación de la Educación Superior (Ciees) y una escala de Likert. Los resultados muestran que el programa en cuestión cumple con un nivel suficiente, adecuado u óptimo  en 95 % de los estándares de los Ciees, reflejo de un buen sistema de gestión de calidad. Las conclusiones confirman que la acreditación de un programa educativo por parte de organismos externos garantiza la calidad educativa.
Governing Life and the Economy
Authors: Abi-Rached Joelle M. , Diwan Ishac
Published: July 2021

When comparing both GDP loss and mortality across countries, it appears that countries that have managed to save more lives during the Covid-19 pandemic have also managed to save their economies better. What accounts for these stark differences in country performances? In this article, we argue that a salient feature of economic and health performance is the degree of trust populations have in their governments. We set up a heuristic analytical framework that models this relation, under particular assumptions about what drives government and individual behavior, in order to better understand the mechanisms that may be at work. We identify three key roles that trust in government may play in enforcing social distancing policies, conveying credible information for individual decision-making, and shaping government attitudes towards risk. We argue that these implications are consistent with the empirical evidence. We also discuss the relevance of other forms of trust, namely, interpersonal trust and trust in science.
How to Handle Trade-Offs in Pandemics
Authors: Bykvist Krister
Published: July 2021

Pandemics and other similar crises force us to make difficult moral trade-offs. It is tempting to think that this challenge should be met by invoking fundamental moral principles. This is a mistake. Instead, we need to work hard at designing institutions that enable the officeholders to make reasonable decisions under both fundamental ethical disagreement and empirical/evaluative uncertainty. It is argued that this is best done by supplementing the ethical-cum-legal platforms already in use with an ethical framework inspired by social welfare theory.
Exhaustion while teleworking during COVID-19: a moderated-mediation model of role clarity, self-efficacy, and task interdependence
Authors: Mihalca Loredana , Lucia Ratiu Lucia , Brendea Gabriela , Metz Daniel , Dragan Mihaela , Dobre Florin
Published: July 2021

Research background: The global COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented challenge not only for employees? well-being, but also for the nature of their work, as teleworking became the norm for many of them almost overnight. Thus, there is a need to a more fine-grained understanding of the specific job demands experienced while teleworking during COVID-19, and the specific resources that mitigate the detrimental effects of demands and help employees to adopt resilient responses during and beyond COVID-19.

Purpose of the article: Drawing upon the job demands-resources model, the present study aims at investigating the link between work overload (a job demand) and employee well-being (i.e., burnout), considering role clarity (a job resource) as a mediator, and task interdependence and self-efficacy as two potential boundary conditions.

Methods: In order to examine the link between work overload, role clarity and emotional exhaustion moderated by task interdependence and self-efficacy, we used survey data from 701 Romanian employees at a large information technology company, who worked from home during COVID-19. We employed regression-based path analysis to examine the hypothesized relations.

Findings & value added: The results reveal that role clarity partially mediates the relation between work overload and emotional exhaustion while teleworking during COVID-19. Moreover, the results from the moderated mediation analysis show that role clarity, self-efficacy, and task interdependence interact in their effects on emotional exhaustion. This study has important theoretical and managerial implications for employee well-being that go beyond the pandemic. As this study shows, when high levels of workload and task interdependence cannot be avoided, employees? personal (self-efficacy) and job (role clarity) resources might be particularly useful to reduce their exhaustion while teleworking. Based on these results, managers can design better jobs for remote workers and more flexible work arrangements in the future.
The nonlinear relationship between financial flexibility and enterprise risk-taking during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan?s semiconductor industry
Authors: Chang Bao-Guang , Wu Kun-Shan
Published: July 2021

Research background: Risk-taking is the basis for sustainable development of enterprise. It was clear that the influence COVID-19 epidemic on the global market economy has increased operational risks for businesses. The semiconductor industry has high operating risks and financial risks. Moderate financial flexibility (FF) can improve the ability of semiconductor enterprises to acquire financial resources in real time, calmly cope with the impact of uncertainties in operation, improve investment opportunities, and enhance sustainable operation. It is therefore interesting to study the influence of FF on enterprise risk-taking (ERT).

Purpose of the article: The aim of the contribution is to explore the effect of FF on ERT within Taiwan?s semiconductor industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic period, and investigate whether ERT varies with semiconductor industry characteristic.

Methods: Data from first three quarters of 2020, from multinational semiconductor firms listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE), were collected and analyzed. Fixed effects regression with heteroscedasticity adjustment used to evaluate the influence of FF on the ERT of Taiwan?s semiconductor industry. Furthermore, in order to corroborate and support the reliability of the results, this research also used the different measures of ERT and Quantile regression (median regression) in the research model to check the robustness.

Findings & value added: Empirical results indicate that FF has a U-shaped effect on ERT for multinational semiconductor firms listed on the TSE, particularly within the integrated circuits (IC) manufacturing industry. Additionally, FF also has a U-shaped effect on ERT for the asset-light semiconductor and IC manufacturing industries. This article also suggests that for the asset-light semiconductor and IC manufacturing industries, the optimal inflection points are 1.1397 and 0.9729, respectively. Based on the consequences of this study, it is suggested that Taiwan?s semiconductor industry should reasonably maintain FF and focus on the liquidity risk management for the long term value added, even after the COVID-19 pandemic period.
How do demographics and basic traits of an entrepreneur impact the internationalization of firms?
Authors: Wach Krzysztof , Głodowska Agnieszka
Published: July 2021

Research background: The theoretical basis of the study derives from the assumptions of international entrepreneurship combining theories of entrepreneurship and theories of international business. The identification of entrepreneurship determinants and attributes was based on the economic, socio ? cultural, as well as psychological approach to entrepreneurship.

Purpose of the article: The aim of the article is to verify how demographic and basic traits of an entrepreneur affect the pace of the internationalization of firms from Poland.

Methods: The study was based on CATI method. The article uses data collected on the basis of a study conducted on a sample of 355 companies from Poland. The research methods applied are a critical analysis of prior research, which allowed to identify the research gap and develop research hypotheses. In the empirical part, statistical methods were applied, including descriptive statistics and multidimensional regression.

Findings & value added: The logistic regression estimation allows to confirm three hypotheses. With the age of the entrepreneur, the pace of internationalization of the firm increases. The pace of internationalization of the firm increases with the level of education of the entrepreneur. The fact that an entrepreneur belongs to a national minority increases the pace of the internationalization of the firm. Results of two-sample t-test confirm that firms whose entrepreneurs have higher entrepreneurial competences internationalize faster and earlier. The added value of the article is the combination of socio-demographic and psycho-cognitive characteristics of the entrepreneur with internationalisation. Applying this approach to a sample of firms from Poland (CEE market) contributes to research on international entrepreneurship in a thematic and geographical sense. The results of the study are of an applied nature. They can be addressed to many recipients: entrepreneurs, policymakers, educators, entities responsible for shaping and promoting entrepreneurship on both the micro and macro levels.
Body Marks of the Past in Toni Morrison’s A Mercy and Home
Authors:   University of Szeged, Kovács Ágnes Zsófia
Published: July 2021

Toni Morrison’s project of reimagining individual memories of the African American past has been immortalized by the image of the chokecherry tree of scar tissue on Sethe’s back in Beloved. Invisible and dumb for Sethe, the scars have to be faced and interpreted with the help of others in order to process traumatic memories of the slave past. The image questions a presumed opposition between objects of memory as separate from subjects of memory, as the wound, the supposed object is located in the body of the subject, Sethe. Body marks of the past also appear in Morrison’s novels after 2001, which are generally considered sparse compared to her previous texts. Relying on Marianne Hirsch’s method of reading how body marks create a “sense memory” of traumatic experience, the paper explores the webs of meaning invoked by bodily wounds and other extended objects of memory in Morrison’s late novels. The paper claims that although these novels continue to rely on the representation and processing of sense memories, they represent a truncated version compared to earlier novels, in which wounds figure not so much as metaphoric nodes of interaction, but rather as themes.
Distribución geográfica de la presión arterial elevada en relación al exceso ponderal en niños y niñas que viven en el cinturón productivo de La Plata (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Authors: Quintero Fabián Anibal , Cesani María Florencia , Luis María Antonia , Torres María Fernanda , Garraza Mariela , Navazo Bárbara , Luna María Eugenia , Forte Luis María , Oyhenart Evelia Edith
Published: July 2021

El presente trabajo tiene por objetivo analizar en escolares que viven en el cinturón productivo de La Plata: a) la relación entre presión arterial elevada (PAE) y exceso ponderal (EP) y b) la distribución geográfica de dicha relación. Durante los ciclos lectivos 2015-2017 se relevaron: presión arterial sistólica y diastólica (mmHg), peso (kg) y talla (cm) de 2.268 escolares entre 6 y 12 años, residentes en distintos centros comunales del periurbano platense y se determinaron los casos de PAE y EP. Se obtuvo información del entorno socio-ambiental de residencia mediante una encuesta estructurada. Se calcularon prevalencias de PAE y EP y frecuencias de las características del entorno, que fueron comparadas mediante pruebas de Chi cuadrado (X2). Se analizó, además, la incidencia del EP sobre la PAE mediante regresión logística. El 44,9% de los escolares presentó EP y el 19,4% PAE. Las comparaciones múltiples para PAE entre centros comunales permitieron diferenciar dos regiones: región norte (RN) con menores prevalencias de PAE y EP y región sur (RS) con mayores prevalencias. Las variables del entorno de residencia fueron significativamente diferentes entre ambas regiones y la incidencia del EP sobre la PAE fue mayor en la RS. Se concluye que el cinturón productivo de La Plata, presenta una realidad preocupante en materia de salud infantil. El análisis a partir del proceso de urbanización, muestra que la RN es menos urbanizada y la RS más urbanizada y registra prevalencias de PAE más elevadas con mayor incidencia del EP sobre la ocurrencia de PAE.
La cultura de la paz desde las perspectivas de las encíclicas Laudato si' y Fratelli tutti
Authors: Di Giacomo Mario
Published: July 2021

Este trabajo analiza los recursos teóricos que emplean Laudato si’ y Fratelli tutti para consolidar una ética cósmica comprometida con la totalidad de la creación y con las deudas generacionales, así como una fraternidad universal que descree de las dimensiones cercano-lejano, pues el sufrimiento hace de lo infinitamente lejano algo profundamente cercano. La aspiración, difícil, de ambas es procurar un llamado a la paz entre los hombres, buscando lo que hay de común entre ellos, superando los muros que los separan gracias a ideologías arraigadas en el conflicto, en el temor y la segregación del desconocido. Metodológicamente el artículo intentará mantenerse más acá de los límites confesionales, para así extraer la savia propiamente racional de los argumentos. No deseo llamar a esto “ateísmo metodológico”, pero sí “prudencia metódica”, para, respetando aún ambas dimensiones, mantenernos en ésa en que la racionalidad marca las normas del discurso. El método a seguir es analítico-sintético: los documentos revisados se examinan de manera hermenéutica, propia de la tradición humanística, se confutan posiciones teóricas y se establecen conclusiones provisionales cercanas a los documentos pontificios analizados.
Fenomenología del Sacramento
Authors: Salinas Guillermo Santiago
Published: July 2021

La categoría fenomenológica de donación, en el desarrollo realizado por el fenomenólogo francés Jean-Luc Marion, se presenta como un posible elemento clave para el pensamiento teológico contemporáneo. El fenómeno del Sacramento, analizado en criterios de donación, implica una profunda riqueza para la experiencia vital de Dios y su donación gratuita a la persona humana. Su investigación nos presenta novedades entorno a la visión de la sacramentalidad, al modo propio de recibir la donación divina y a las modificaciones que esta implica en la totalidad de la vida humana.
Childhood asthma – how to recognize and treat?
Authors: Doniec Zbigniew , Woźniak Mariusz , Woźniak Kamila , Sybilski Adam J. , Mastalerz-Migas Agnieszka
Published: July 2021

Asthma in children up to 5 years of age is a disease that is diagnosed on the basis of the clinical symptoms of bronchial obstruction, such as: wheezing, cough and shortness of breath of variable intensity and duration, clinically proven reversibility of obstruction and clinical improvement after chronic use of inhaled glucocorticosteroids and lack of grounds for suspecting causes of obstruction other than asthma. Treatment of childhood asthma is a graded therapy with a range of intensity to control the course of the disease and the main form of treatment is inhalation therapy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to continue treatment in accordance with the previously adopted principles, including the use of inhaled glucocorticosteroids.
Impact of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency on the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Sanna Giuseppe D. , Canonico Mario E. , Siciliano Roberta , Guarino Simona , Montereggi Francesco , Ponti Enrico , Corda Giulia , Talanas Giuseppe , Parodi Guido
Published: July 2021

Aims

The impact of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency on coronary atherosclerosis has not been clearly investigated so far. We aimed to assess the effects of G6PD deficiency on the extent and complexity of coronary atherosclerosis in a large unselected cohort of consecutive patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Methods

We studied 623 consecutive patients presenting with ACS and undergoing coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). G6PD activity was quantitatively measured in all individuals using a biochemical assay based on the G6PD/6GPD ratio in erythrocytes. Individuals were defined as deficient when the ratio was less than 0.80. The severity and complexity of coronary atherosclerosis were assessed by SYNTAX score at baseline angiography.

Results

Fifty-six patients (9%) showed G6PD deficiency. Severe (i.e. enzymatic activity < 0.10) G6PD deficiency was detected in 33 (5.3%) individuals, mainly of male sex (n = 32). Overall, the cardiovascular risk profile was similar between patients with G6PD deficiency and controls. Patients with G6PD deficiency showed similar severity and complexity of coronary atherosclerosis as compared to control patients; accordingly, the SYNTAX score (15 vs. 14.5, P = 0.90, respectively, in G6PD-deficent patients and controls), and all its components were similar between deficient individuals and controls. The only independent predictor of a SYNTAX score of more than 22 was patients’ age (odds ratio 1.035, 95% confidence interval 1.018–1.051; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

G6PD deficiency does not impact on the extent and complexity of coronary atherosclerosis assessed by coronary angiography in patents presenting with ACS.
Impact of QRS duration on left ventricular remodelling and survival in patients with heart failure
Authors: Straw Sam , McGinlay Melanie , Gierula John , Lowry Judith E. , Paton Maria F. , Cole Charlotte , Drozd Michael , Koshy Aaron O. , Mullens Wilfried , Cubbon Richard M. , Kearney Mark T. , Witte Klaus K.
Published: July 2021

Aims

In patients with chronic heart failure, QRS duration is a consistent predictor of poor outcomes. It has been suggested that for indicated patients, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) could come sooner in the treatment algorithm, perhaps in parallel with the attainment of optimal guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). We aimed to investigate differences in left ventricular (LV) remodelling in those with narrow QRS (NQRS) compared with wide QRS (WQRS) in the absence of CRT, whether an early CRT strategy resulted in unnecessary implants and the effect of early CRT on outcomes.

Methods

Our cohort consisted of 214 consecutive patients with LV ejection fraction (LVEF) of 35% or less who underwent repeat echocardiography 1 year after enrolment. Of these, 116 patients had NQRS, and 98 had WQRS of whom 40 received CRT within 1 year and 58 did not.

Results

In the absence of CRT, patients with WQRS had less LV reverse remodelling compared with those with NQRS, with differences in ΔLVEF (+2 vs. +9%, P < 0.001) ΔLV end-diastolic diameter (−1 vs. −2 mm, P = 0.095), ΔLV end-systolic diameter (−2 vs. −4.5 mm, P = 0.038), LV end-systolic volume (−12.6 vs. −25.0 ml, P = 0.054) and LV end-diastolic volume (−7.3 vs. −12.2 ml, P = 0.071). LVEF was more likely to improve by at least 10% if patients had NQRS or received CRT (P = 0.08). Thirteen (24%) patients with WQRS achieved an LVEF greater than 35% in the absence of CRT; however, none achieved greater than 50%.

Conclusion

A strictly linear approach to heart failure therapy might lead to delays to optimal treatment in those patients with the most to gain from CRT and the least to gain from GDMT.
Analysis of the Government's Crisis Communication Strategy Discourse to Defend Covid-19
Authors: Surahmat Anton , Dida Susanne , Zubair Feliza
Published: July 2021

Crisis communication is one of the most important instruments in crisis management. Unfortunately, there is a lot of criticism about how the Indonesian government implemented its crisis communication strategy during the Covid-19 pandemic season. This study aims to uncover the government's crisis communication strategy from the perspective of Van Dijk's critical discourse analysis. Based on the Situational Crisis Communication Theory (SCCT), researchers study the structure of discourse in texts consisting of macro, superstructure, and micro. There were 6 press releases from President Jokowi, Minister of Health Terawan Agus Putranto, and Spokesperson dr. Achmad Yurianto was collected using a purposive sampling method to describe the government's crisis communication strategy at the beginning of pre-crisis and crisis. The results show a significant dynamic crisis communication strategy on how the government implemented it in the pre-crisis and crisis phases. In the pre-crisis phase, they were statements from public officials especially in this case coming from President Jokowi and Minister of Health Terawan Agus Putranto. Both of these statements tend to lead to Deny and Diminish's strategy while still delivering messages in the form of Adjustments and Instructive Information so that the public remains alert and calm. However, in the crisis phase, government communication shifted towards Diminishes' statement, in the view of Justification that the crisis was actually not so terrible and bad. This is the biggest idea that emerged in the statement of President Jokowi and Spokesperson dr. Achmad Yurianto. Broadly speaking, this phase also provides a greater perspective on projections of government policy in the Covid-19 arrangement.