bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downturn of the European project in the light of the liberal theory of international relations
Authors: Niedźwiecki Artur
Published: May 2021

The article presents selected sources of crisis of the European integration process and the potential consequences of the collapse of unification tendencies in Europe. It elucidates the reasons for contesting projects of deepening cooperation within this supranational community, with particular emphasis on the problems affecting various areas of unification tendencies. The outcomes of undermining confidence in the liberal paradigm of world politics are debated, as well as the background of superficial imitation of the process of Europeanization, leading to the reconstruction of the former center-peripheral divisions. The consequences of democratic deficit phenomenon in the context of the collapse of legitimacy of the integration regime are also discussed. The work includes comments on the possible effects of decomposition tendencies in the area of civic rights, as well as the impact of disintegration in the sense of security in Europe. According to the author, the above phenomena may initialize a split in the Western world, leading to break in its political unity, and starting an era of fear and uncertainty as a prelude to the creation of a new order in the continent.
Problems of contemporary dependent territories via the example of Alderney
Authors: Piękoś Karol
Published: May 2021

The issue of non-sovereign areas is becoming increasingly crucial due to the dynamics of the following processes. Brexit will undoubtedly affect not only Great Britain but also dependent territories that are related to this country. An example of such a territory is Alderney, which is currently facing many problems. It is difficult today to indicate what effects the British decision will cause for this small territory, but it is no secret that this dependent territory has to initiate many reforms. The original system of exercising power in connection with an unclear status in the international arena is nowadays ballast. Alderney may in the future become a model for other non-sovereign areas that want to keep their separateness in today’s world.
Ethnic policy as a subject of social science research. Different theoretical approaches
Authors: Urbanik Amadeusz
Published: May 2021

The article is part of a study of issues of Polish ethnic policy. Its main aim is to present to the reader different theoretical approaches of social science researchers to the subject of ethnic policy. It consists of two parts. The first of these is dedicated to the various definitions of ethnic policy. The second specifies different models and typologies of the subject.
Seniorzy jako element i argument współczesnej polityki wewnętrznej Federacji Rosyjskiej
Authors: Tomaszewska-Hołub Beata
Published: May 2021

The Russian Federation is in the global trend of increasing the number of the elderly population. This fact makes seniors a major social, economic and political issue. Older people are a part of historical policy. As veterans they pass on experience and knowledge of Russian history. Both the state authorities and society as a whole benefit from this. Seniors are a large group which constitutes a strong electorate. The ruling party and the opposition, Справедливая Россия, give this group great prominence in their political programs. The ruling party has created special programs aimed at improving the status of senior citizens in Russia.
Text usability test of French braid instructions
Authors: Bracisiewicz Klaudia
Published: May 2021

Usable texts should be extremely clear and functional. The present article focuses on instructions as a genre. Using French braid instructions as an example, the author presents how the form and layout of a text influence its usability. To this end an experiment was conducted on a sample of 32 individuals. The subjects received four versions of the same instructions — in the form of continuous text, in the form of continuous text with fragments in bold type, bullet point instructions and bullet point instructions with illustrations. The objective was to compare various forms of instructions (a form of text often used in everyday life, the clarity of which should consequently be as high as possible) in order to test their usability.
The relational nature of complaint communication on Facebook (as exemplified by ING Bank Śląski and mBank)
Authors: Wróż Anita
Published: May 2021

The aim of the article is to present a new type of complaint — the so-called social media complaint or complaint 3.0. In addition to the characteristics of the genre, the article also contains the result of a study of complaints posted on Facebook by customers of two banks in Poland: ING Bank Śląski and mBank. The analyses have been carried out from the perspective of plain language, specifically the principles of relations between the sender and the receiver. The study is based on customers’ complaints and the banks’ replies posted on their fan pages. The texts (2×100 bank-customer interactions) have been analysed with regard to their content.
A simplification of the Consumer Rights Act. Plain legal language and legal language
Authors: Zych Natalia
Published: May 2021

The article examines the idea of plain legal language as a standard in creating comprehensible and effective communication in legislative acts. It features plain legal language techniques and tools used to tackle the visual and linguistic layer of legal texts. Selected techniques were implemented to experimentally modify the Polish Consumer Rights Act of 30 May 2014. The document, transformed in the spirit of plain legal language, was then submitted for assessment to lawyers as well as individuals with no legal background. The article features the results of the experiment as well as conclusions which make it possible to say whether the “simplified” act is more comprehensible to an average reader, and to assess the cost of the changes introduced in the original provisions of the law.
“Clarity-makers”. On the scholarly language of the Lviv-Warsaw School from the perspective of the idea of plain language (reconnaissance)
Authors: Będkowski Marcin
Published: May 2021

The article aims to present the tradition of the ‘clarity-makers’, i.e. members of the Lvov-Warsaw School, its methodological postulates and scientific style. In the first part, the author presents Kazimierz Twardowski as a teacher and refers to the problem of style clarity and ambiguity. In the second part, the author reconstructs the characteristics of the language and style of the School presented by Maria Rzeuska and confronts it with the recipes for the intelligibility of expressions formulated by Walery Pisarek. In the third part, the author presents the results of the textual analysis carried out to illustrate how the postulates of clarity and justification were reflected in the style of writings of selected LWS representatives. The preliminary results confirm that the representatives’ declared desire to clearly express their thoughts manifests in their texts. The presented results also seem to indicate the need to revise various quantitative observations on the scientific style based on larger samples.
The simplicity and emotionality of the language of patients in an online cochlear implant support group
Authors: Żelazowska-Sobczyk Magda , Zabielska Magdalena
Published: May 2021

In the last couple of years online support groups have become one of the most important sources of information and support for people suffering from particular conditions. The goal of the present paper is to examine the language used by the participants of an online support group for people with cochlear implants. The study consists of a qualitative analysis of computer-mediated communication on the basis of the posts and comments made by patients, their families and relatives. The results show that the language used by the participants is characterised by simplicity, emotionality and subjectivity. These features allow one to classify the language as non-specialist, even though some of the forum authors have a long disease history as well as a broad knowledge concerning their condition. This paper is a continuation of the study on English language support groups for people with hearing impairment (Zabielska, Żelazowska-Sobczyk 2019).
The Value Relevance of Non-Financial Reporting in Determining the Market Value of Equity
Authors:   The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania, NECHITA Elena
Published: May 2021

The value relevance of non-financial reporting is a topic of interest in the academic literature, the results of empirical research being often contradictory. In this context, the research objective is analysing the extent to which the disclosure of non-financial information related to sustainable development in the contents of sustainability reports published by companies listed on the regulated market of the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BSE) is influencing their market value. To conduct the analysis, the present study involves the application of multiple linear regression models developed based on the Ohlson (1995) model for a sample of 34 companies listed on BSE between 2015-2019, forming a number of 166 firm-year observations. The research methodology is based on the association between the firm market value and its equity book value, as well as its net income and other relevant information. Therefore, the value relevance is investigated through their impact on the market value. The findings emphasise an increase in relevance in terms of the influence exerted on the market value of capital as a result of reporting on sustainability issues. Moreover, the study highlights an increase in the impact of equity book value and net income on firms’ market value in the period after the adoption of Directive 2014/95/EUD (2017-2019), compared to the previous period (2015-2016). This research complements the literature in the field of sustainability reporting and value relevance, providing empirical evidence on the importance of publishing nonfinancial information in relation to their market value impact.
The Influence of Integrated Systems on Company Performance and Sustainability
Authors:   The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania, BARNA Laura-Eugenia-Lavinia , IONESCU Bogdan-Stefan ,   The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania, MOISE Dumitru-Florin ,   CFO – Timac-Agro Romania
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the authors investigated the evolution of ERP-type integrated information systems and analysed the presentation of their main concepts and features, limited to the performance and sustainable development of the enterprise. Integrated ERP systems play an important role in managing and conducting the day-to-day business of an organization (irrespective of being small, medium or large companies). The research method used to justify the impact of ERP systems on the performance and sustainability of the organization was the archive analysis (review of the literature), doubled by a quantitative empirical research based on a questionnaire. The analysed information was collected from over 20 papers by Romanian and foreign authors, published in various scientific journals, specialized books and conference proceedings, as well as based on the answers received based on a questionnaire intended to prove that the integrated ERP systems contribute to improving the sustainable development and performance of the organization, by reducing costs and protecting the environment, increasing the quality of decision-making, productivity and data volume management. Following the study, the authors concluded that the evaluation of the processing of the volume of data generated by ERP systems, as well as the consistency, quality and clarity of information are representative factors on the impact of ERP systems on the sustainable development of organizations, in order to ensure the performance of the organization in the short, medium and long term.
Reconsidering Budgeting after the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors:   West University in Timisoara, Romania, BRINDUSE (NIMIGEAN), Anca-Ioana , BUNGET Ovidiu-Constantin ,   West University in Timisoara, Romania
Published: May 2021

The financial field is experiencing unprecedented changes, as the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak are unraveling. One of the main challenges the managers have to face is the elaboration and implementation of the budgets. During 2020, companies worldwide had to continuously adjust the budgets which were already approved before the pandemic. But, as everyone understood that the world is not facing just a temporary situation, executive leaders had to also reconsider their budgeting process, taking into consideration the uncertainties of the future. It was clear that the traditional way of developing a budget, based on historical information, was no longer relevant and a new process should be implemented. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to put into discussion which would be the best alternative to the traditional budgeting process. Based on the thorough analysis of the reports published by relevant organisms and firms, the authors concluded that the best alternative would be the zero-based budgeting technique. The paper presents the benefits of this method, but also a guideline regarding the implementation of this process.
Reporting Significant Transactions with Affiliated Parties of Listed Companies on Stock Exchange
Authors:   East East European Center for Research in Economics and Business, West University of Timisoara, Romania, PASC Lioara-Veronica , HATEGAN Camelia-Daniela ,   East European Center for Research in Economics and Business, West University of Timisoara, Romania
Published: May 2021

The complexity of related party transactions may lead to subjective interpretations of their reporting requirements. The objective of the paper is to examine the nature of significant transactions with related parties, how they were reported in accordance with legal requirements, and how the reported issues are correlated with the information in the annual financial statements. The study includes a synthesis of the evolution of specific regulations in Romania, as well as a centralization of the information highlighted in current reports published by entities and annual reports for 2017-2019, in order to identify issues to consider in the process reporting and publishing, in the case of companies carrying out such transactions. The sample consists of energy companies listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, included in the BET index, in which the state is the majority shareholder. The results of the study showed that reporting requirements have changed over time, both in terms of defining transactions and mandatory reporting ceilings. The analysis found different interpretations of companies on reporting obligations which can lead to difficulties in correlating and comparing data in the context of corporate transparency. The conclusion is that additional factors arise when reporting these types of transactions, which must be taken into account so that there is no impact on their completeness and accuracy, without affecting the auditor's opinion.
Convergence to IFRS in Romania – Score per Minute
Authors:   West University of Timisoara, Romania, PORDEA Daniela , DUMITRESCU Alin-Constantin ,   West University of Timisoara, Romania
Published: May 2021

The current stage of evolution of our society includes the extension of economic, social and political phenomena beyond the physical boundaries that history has drawn and thus requires a change in approach to accounting by adapting specific practices to the new needs of the market. The impact of digitization leads to the visible dissolution of borders and the generalization of accounting practices and tools. The accounting profession is moving towards increasing standardization and national regulations in this area tend to become more international, in an attempt to optimize one of the most important qualities of financial reporting: comparability. In this context, the present study aimed to compare and analyze the divergences between the Romanian accounting regulations applied according to EU Directive 34/2013 through the Order of the Minister of Public Finance no. 1802/2014 for the approval of the Accounting Regulations regarding the individual annual financial statements and the consolidated annual financial statements (OMFP 1802/2014) and the International Financial Reporting Standards. In terms of research methodology, the authors’ approach is a qualitative one with quantitative elements, starting from the analysis of the relevant literature in order to understand and deepen the general context. To investigate the main similarities and differences between the sets of accounting rules the comparative method was used, but also tools specific to quantitative methods for the mathematical calculation of convergence scores between OMFP 1802/2014 and IFRS. Although the Romanian accounting framework has been aligned in many respects with the international one, the obtained results reveal a series of divergences between the two sets of regulations, materialized in different ways of approaching economic transactions.
Type II Vacuum Spacetime Admitting Closed Timelike Curves
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin
Published: May 2021

We present a cyclic symmetry type II vacuum spacetime admitting closed timelike curves (CTCs) which appear after a certain instant of time, i.e., a time-machine spacetime. The various authors in past have considered the 2D and 4D ﬂat generalization of Misner space, but in the present work, we have considered the curved spacetime generalzations of 4D Misner space, and is asymptotically ﬂat radially
Conversational Task Increases Heart Rate Variability on Individuals Susceptible to Perceived Social Isolation
Authors: Feng Ying Xing , Roslan Nur Syahirah , Izhar Lila Iznita , Abdul Rahman Muhammad , Faye Ibrahima , Ho Eric, Tatt Wei
Published: May 2021

Studies showed that introversion is the strongest personality trait related to perceived social isolation (loneliness), which can predict various complications beyond objective isolation such as living alone. Lonely individuals are more likely resort to social media for instantaneous comfort, but it is not a perpetual solution. Largely negative implications including poorer interpersonal relationship and depression were reported due to excessive social media usage. Conversational task is an established intervention to improve verbal communication, cognitive and behavioral adaptation among lonely individuals. Despite that behavioral benefits have been reported, it is unclear if they are accompanied by objective benefits underlying physiological changes. Here, we investigate the physiological signals from 28 healthy individuals during a conversational task. Participants were ranked by trait extraversion, where greater introversion is associated with increased susceptibility to perceived social isolation as compared to participants with greater extraversion as controls. We found that introverts had a greater tendency to be neurotic, and these participants also exhibited significant differences in task-related electrodermal activity (EDA), heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV) as compared to controls. Notably, resting state HRV among individuals susceptible to perceived loneliness was below the healthy thresholds established in literature. Conversational task with a stranger significantly increased HRV among individuals susceptible to isolation up to levels as seen in controls. Since HRV is also elevated by physical exercise and administration of oxytocin hormone (one form of therapy for behavioral isolation), conversational therapy among introverts could potentially confer physiological benefits to ameliorate social isolation and loneliness. Our findings also suggest that although the recent pandemic have changed how people are interacting typically, we should maintain a healthy dose of social interaction innovatively.
Growth Opportunities Utilization Inter-Industry
Authors: Martono Martono S , Yulianto Arief , Wijaya Angga Pandu
Published: May 2021

Inter-industry has various capital structures to take advantage of growth opportunities due to agency differences and information asymmetric problems. This research aims to analyze: (1) the differences in leverage between industries; (2) the impact of shareholders-debtholders conflict and information asymmetric on growth opportunities. The findings show that there are differences in leverage between industries. However, they are relatively stable and not excessive for assets to prevent conflicts between managers and shareholders and debtholders. Equity is also not used to utilize growth because it is used to reduce the discretionary power (dilution) of shareholders. As a result, the use of opportunities and growth is limited.
Identification of mare colostrum proteins
Authors:   Department of Physiology, Cytobiology and Proteomics, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland, Medeńska Weronika , Dratwa-Chałupnik Alicja ,   Department of Physiology, Cytobiology and Proteomics, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland, Ożgo Małgorzata ,   Department of Physiology, Cytobiology and Proteomics, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland, Cichy Aleksandra ,   Department of Physiology, Cytobiology and Proteomics, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland, Pikuła Ryszard ,   Department of Monogastric Animal Sciences, Laboratory of Horse Breeding and Animalotherapy, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 33, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland, Bobik Janusz ,   Nowielice Stud Farm Sp. z o.o., Nowielice, 72-320 Trzebiatów, Poland
Published: May 2021

Colostrum is an essential feed of foals. It is a source of nutrients and functional proteins significant for foals’ growth and development. In the presented research using two-dimensional electrophoresis coupled via spectrometry mass MALDI-TOF in the mares’ colostrum (whey proteins fraction) were identified 24 proteins representing 15 different gene products. The identified proteins were involved in supporting foals’ immature immune systems and in the transport of various compounds. Further research of mares’ colostrum will allow determining more gene products. An in-depth analysis of mares’ milk will provide information about biochemical processes occurring in the mammary gland of the mare during the lactation period.
The effect of increased selenium and vitamin E in the feeding of fattening pigs on their growth, chemical composition of meat and serum biochemical parameters
Authors:   Department of Monogastric Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Science, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland, Kołodziej-Skalska Anita , Pietruszka Arkadiusz ,   Department of Monogastric Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Science, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland, Matysiak Beata ,   Department of Monogastric Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Science, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland
Published: May 2021

Celem pracy była ocena wpływu uzupełniania standardowych mieszanek paszowych dla tuczników dodatkowymi ilościami selenu i witaminy E na wyniki tuczu, skład chemiczny mięsa i parametry biochemiczne surowicy tuczników. Badania przeprowadzono na 60 tucznikach linii 990. Zwierzęta przydzielono do 4 grup: grupa kontrolna (CG) otrzymująca mieszankę pełnoporcjową zawierającą 0,3 mg Se (Na2SeO3) i 60 mg witaminy E · kg–1; grupa SE - otrzymująca dodatek 0,2 mg organicznego Se · kg–1; grupa VE - otrzymująca 60 mg witaminy E · kg–1; oraz grupa VE + SE - otrzymująca dodatkowo 60 mg witaminy E · kg–1 i 0,2 mg organicznej Se · kg–1. Badania wykazały, iż żywienie tuczników zwiększoną ilością selenu i witaminy E, może nieznacznie pogorszyć wykorzystanie paszy i mięsność, ale obniża zawartość cholesterolu w surowicy oraz mięsie tuczników.
Vertical and slanted sound propagation in the near-ground atmosphere : amplitude and phase fluctuations
Authors: Kamrath Matthew , Ostashev Vladimir , Wilson D. , White Michael , Hart Carl , Finn Anthony
Published: May 2021

Sound propagation along vertical and slanted paths through the near-ground atmosphere impacts detection and localization of low-altitude sound sources, such as small unmanned aerial vehicles, from ground-based microphone arrays. This article experimentally investigates the amplitude and phase fluctuations of acoustic signals propagating along such paths. The experiment involved nine microphones on three horizontal booms mounted at different heights to a 135-m meteorological tower at the National Wind Technology Center (Boulder, CO). A ground-based loudspeaker was placed at the base of the tower for vertical propagation or 56m from the base of the tower for slanted propagation. Phasor scatterplots qualitatively characterize the amplitude and phase fluctuations of the received signals during different meteorological regimes. The measurements are also compared to a theory describing the log-amplitude and phase variances based on the spectrum of shear and buoyancy driven turbulence near the ground. Generally, the theory correctly predicts the measured log-amplitude variances, which are affected primarily by small-scale, isotropic turbulent eddies. However, the theory overpredicts the measured phase variances, which are affected primarily by large-scale, anisotropic, buoyantly driven eddies. Ground blocking of these large eddies likely explains the overprediction.
Performance of active porcelain enamel coated fibers for fiber-reinforced concrete : the performance of active porcelain enamel coatings for fiber-reinforced concrete and fiber tests at the University of Louisville
Authors: Weiss Charles , McGinley William , Songer Bradford , Kuchinski Madeline , Kuchinski Frank
Published: May 2021

A patented active porcelain enamel coating improves both the bond between the concrete and steel reinforcement as well as its corrosion resistance. A Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to develop a commercial method for production of porcelain-coated fibers was developed in 2015. Market potential of this technology with its steel/concrete bond improvements and corrosion protection suggests that it can compete with other fiber reinforcing systems, with improvements in performance, durability, and cost, especially as compared to smooth fibers incorporated into concrete slabs and beams. Preliminary testing in a Phase 1 SBIR investigation indicated that active ceramic coatings on small diameter wire significantly improved the bond between the wires and the concrete to the point that the wires achieved yield before pullout without affecting the strength of the wire. As part of an SBIR Phase 2 effort, the University of Louisville under contract for Ceramics, Composites and Coatings Inc., proposed an investigation to evaluate active enamel-coated steel fibers in typical concrete applications and in masonry grouts in both tension and compression. Evaluation of the effect of the incorporation of coated fibers into Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) was examined using flexural and compressive strength testing as well as through nanoindentation.
Comparison of Nordic walking and Conventional Aerobic training on Ambulatory endurance, Quality of life and Psychological status in Post Covid-19 patients: A Research protocol
Authors: Bhakaney Pallavi , Vishnuvardhan G. D. , Yadav Vaishnavi
Published: May 2021

Background – Covid-19 has spread worldwide, including India. Cough, fever and difficulty in breathing are identified symptoms. After discharge, majority of Covid-19 survivors have reduced diffusion capability and poor perceived physical and mental health, resulting in need of rehabilitation which helps regaining normal lung function. Researches on Nordic walking in Post Covid-19 patients are limited. The study aims at comparing the effect of Nordic walking and Aerobic training program on ambulatory endurance, Quality of life and psychological function in Post Covid-19 patients.Methods – 70 Post Covid-19 patients will be recruited for the study, which will be uniformly divided into two groups. Following the baseline assessment, Group A will receive aerobic training and Group B will receive Nordic walking program for 4 weeks. Ambulatory endurance, quality of life and psychological function will be assessed. Discussion – The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of Nordic walking in Post Covid-19 patients.
Extracellular Volume-Guided Late Gadolinium Enhancement Analysis for Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: The Women’s Interagency HIV Study.
Authors: Kato Yoko , Kizer Jorge R. , Ostovaneh Mohammad R. , Lazar Jason , Peng Qi , Geest Rob van der , Lima Joao A.C. , Venkatesh Bharath Ambale
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: Quantification of non-ischemic myocardial scar remains a challenge due to the patchy diffuse nature of fibrosis. Extracellular volume (ECV) to guide late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) analysis may achieve a robust scar assessment.METHODS: Three cohorts of 80 non-ischemic-training, 20 non-ischemic-validation, and 10 ischemic-validation were prospectively enrolled and underwent 3.0 Tesla cardiac MRI. An ECV cutoff to differentiate LGE scar from non-scar was identified in the training cohort from the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, by comparing the ECV value against the visually-determined presence/absence of the LGE scar at the highest signal intensity (SI) area of the mid-left ventricle (LV) LGE. Based on the ECV cutoff, an LGE semi-automatic threshold of n-times of standard-deviation (n-SD) above the remote-myocardium SI was optimized in the individual cases ensuring correspondence between LGE and ECV images. The inter-method agreement of scar amount in comparison with manual (for non-ischemic) or full-width half-maximum (FWHM, for ischemic) was assessed. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility were investigated in a randomly chosen subset of 40 non-ischemic and 10 ischemic cases. RESULTS: The non-ischemic groups were all female with the HIV positive rate of 73.8% (training) and 80% (validation). The ischemic group was all male with reduced LV function. An ECV cutoff of 31.5% achieved optimum performance (sensitivity: 90%, specificity:86.7% in training; sensitivity: 100%, specificity: 81.8% in validation dataset). The identified n-SD threshold varied widely (range 3SD to 18SD), and was independent of scar amount (β= -0.01, p=0.92). In the non-ischemic cohorts, results suggested that the manual LGE assessment overestimated scar (%) in comparison to ECV-guided analysis (training: 4.5 [3.2 – 6.4] vs. 0.92 [0.1 – 2.1]; validation: 2.5 [1.2 – 3.7] vs. 0.2 [0 – 1.6]; P<0.01 for both). Intra- and inter-observer analyses of global scar (%) showed higher reproducibility in ECV-guided than manual analysis with CCC=0.94 and 0.78 vs. CCC=0.86 and 0.73, respectively (P<0.01 for all). In ischemic validation, the ECV-guided LGE analysis showed a comparable scar amount and reproducibility with the FWHM. CONCLUSIONS: ECV-guided LGE analysis is a robust scar quantification method for a non-ischemic cohort. Trial-Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT00000797, retrospectively-registered 2 November 1999; NCT02501811, registered 15 July 2015.
An individual randomised efficacy trial of autologous blood products, leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF), to promote ulcer healing in leprosy in Nepal: the TABLE trial protocol
Authors: Napit Indra B , Shrestha Dilip , Bishop Jon , Choudhury Sopna , Dulal Santosh , Gill Paramjit Singh , Gkini Eleni , Gwyther Holly E , Hagge Deanna A , Neupane Karuna , Sartori Jo , Slinn Gemma , Watson Samuel L , Lilford Richard
Published: May 2021

BackgroundLeprosy is curable with multidrug therapy and treatment in the early stages can prevent disability. However, local nerve damage can lead to injury and consequently recurring and disfiguring ulcers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the treatment of leprosy ulcers using an autologous blood product; leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) to promote healing.MethodsThis is a single centre study in the Anandaban Hospital, The Leprosy Mission Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal. Consenting patients (n = 130) will be individually randomised in a single-blinded, controlled trial. Participants will be 18 years of age or older, admitted to hospital with a clean, dry and infection free chronic plantar foot ulcer between 2 and 20 cm2 in size. If the ulcer is infected, it will be treated before enrolment into the study. The intervention involves the application of leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) matrix on the ulcer beds during twice-weekly dressing changes. Controls receive usual care in the form of saline dressings only during their twice-weekly dressing changes. Primary outcomes are rate of healing assessed using standardised photographs by observers blind to allocated treatment, and time to complete re-epithelialization. Follow up is at six months from randomisation.DiscussionThis research will provide valuable information on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of L-PRF in the treatment of leprosy ulcers. An additional benefit is the evaluation of the effects of treatment on quality of life for people living with leprosy ulcers. The results will improve our understanding of the scalability of this treatment across low-income countries for ulcer healing in leprosy and potentially other conditions such as diabetic ulcers.Trial registrationISRCTN14933421. Date of trial registration: 16 June 2020
Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer, Ganglion Cell Complex and Choroidal Thickness Evaluation in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Eren Ela , Ilhan Nilufer , Genc Sebahat
Published: May 2021

Purpose To evaluate the association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) with Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL), Ganglion Cell Complex (GCC) and choroidal tissue thickness (CCT). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 50 patients with OSAS and 50 controls between July 2014-January 2015). OSAS severity was classified by using the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). RNFL thickness, GCC thickness and CCT analyses were performed by optic coherence tomography (OCT). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows version 21 software. Results: The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) of the patients with OSAS 16.1±1.37, the cup/disc (C/D) ratio was 0.45±0.17 and vertical C/D ratio was 0.43±0.16. The control group mean IOP was 15.2±1.03, the C/D ratio was 0.36±0.20 and vertical C/D ratio was 0.34±0.19. These are all important measurements in glaucome and statisticallay significant (p=0.00, 0.022, 0.012). Althought the differences between the mean values of all quadrants RNFL thickness were similarly lower in OSAS group, this significance was not statistically different. Similarly the average GCC, minimum GCC and subfoveal CCT values between groups were not significant (p=0.79, 0.53, 0.9).Conclusion: In summary we found that peripapillary RNFL, GCC, CCT did not change with OSAS patients or the severity of OSAS. Further more we found that IOP, C/D ratio and vertical C/D ratio of patients were all significantly higher than control group. However multicenter longterm cohort studies are still needed to assess the definite changes of RNFL thickness, GCC and CCT in OSAS patients.
Physical Climate Risk and Foreign Direct Investment: Is China Different?
Authors: Li Xia , Gallagher Kevin
Published: May 2021

This study deploys newly available data to examine the exposure of multinational companies’ overseas investments to physical climate risk. Globally, we find that foreign investment in the agriculture and mining sectors is most associated with physical risk. We also examine China, as it is fast becoming one of the largest centers of both inward and outward foreign investment across the globe. We find that foreign facilities located in China are associated with higher hurricanes and typhoon risk than their domestic counterparts in China. For Chinese firms operating abroad, we find that China’s overseas facilities are associated with higher water stress, floods, and hurricanes & typhoon risks across host countries, compared with non-Chinese companies. Within host countries, however, climate risks of Chinese facilities are comparable to that of non-Chinese facilities.
Pyrotinib In The Treatment of Women With Advanced HER2- Positive Breast Cancer: A Multicenter, Prospective, Real-World Study
Authors: Zhang Lili , Wu Xiaohong , Zhou Jun , Zhu Mingzhen , Yu Hao , Zhang Yusong , Zhao Yutian , Han Zhengxiang , Guo Yujiang , Guan Xiaoqing , Wang Xufen , Xu Hong , Sun Li , Zhang Jiaxin , Zhuang Min , Xie Li , Yu Shiyou , Chen Ping , Feng Jifeng
Published: May 2021

Background: HER2-positive breast cancer was aggressive, resulting in a poorer prognosis. This multicenter study analyzed the real-world data of women treated with pyrotinib-based therapy, aiming to describe their characteristics, treatment regimens, and to investigate the clinical outcomes.Patients and Methods: A total of 141 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer were enrolled from February 2019 to April 2020. Last follow-up time was February 2021. All patients were treated with pyrotinib-based therapy in 21-day cycles. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS).Results: The median PFS (mPFS) for pyrotinib-based therapy was 12.0 months (95% CI 8.1-17.8) in all patients. Among the 44 patients with liver metastases, mPFS was 8.7 months (95%CI 6.3-15.4), compared to 12.3 months (95%CI 8.8-23.3) for the 97 patients without liver metastases (P=0.172). In addition, patients receiving pyrotinib-based therapy as their >2 lines treatment had a numerically lower mPFS than those receiving pyrotinib-based therapy as their ≤2 lines treatment (8.4 vs. 15.1 months, P=0.107). The mPFS was 12.2 months (95%CI 7.9-18.8) in patients with previous exposure to trastuzumab and 11.8 months (95%CI 6.8-22.9) in patients without previous exposure to trastuzumab (P=0.732). Moreover, mPFS in patients receiving regimens with and without capecitabine were 15.1 months (95%CI 10.0-18.8) and 8.4 months (95%CI 6.7-22.9), respectively (P=0.070). Furthermore, in patients with brain metastases, estimated 6-month PFS rate was 70.0%, and rate at 12 months was 60.0%. Seventy patients with measurable lesions were evaluable for response. The ORR was 38.57% and DCR was 85.71%. Most common adverse event was diarrhea (85.04%).Conclusion: Pyrotinib-based therapy showed promising efficacy in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer and was well tolerated, especially in patients treated with pyrotinib as ≤2 lines treatment and receiving regimens with capecitabine. The results of the real-world study further confirmed the intriguing efficacy of pyrotinib.
Macroscale robust superlubricity on metallic NbB2
Authors: Wang Jia , Liu Chang , Miao Kaifei , Zhang Kan , Zheng Weitao , Chen Changfeng
Published: May 2021

Robust superlubricity (RSL), defined by concurrent superlow friction and wear, holds great promise for reducing material and energy loss in vast industrial and technological operations. Despite recent advances, challenges remain in finding materials that exhibit RSL on macro length and time scales and possess vigorous electrical conduction ability. Here we report the discovery of RSL on hydrated NbB2 films that exhibit vanishingly small coefficient of friction (0.001-0.006) and superlow wear rate (~10-22 m3/Nm) on large length scales reaching millimeter range and prolonged time scales lasting through extensive loading durations. Moreover, the measured low resistivity (~10-6 Wm) of the synthesized NbB2 film indicates ample capability for electrical conduction, extending macroscale RSL to hitherto largely untapped metallic materials. We elucidate pertinent microscopic mechanisms by deciphering the intricate load-driven chemical reactions that generate and sustain the observed superlubricating state and assessing the strong stress responses under diverse strains that produce the superior durability.
Assessment and Correction of Stress in Preterm Infants and Their Mothers
Authors: Sarapuk Iryna , Pavlyshyn Halyna
Published: May 2021

The objective was to study the peculiarities of hormonal stress in preterm infants in the NICU and their mothers, and to investigate how skin-to-skin contact influences it. The study included 60 preterm infants with GA˂32 weeks who were treated in NICU and their mothers. The overall design was a baseline-response design. Saliva was collected before (baseline) and after skin-to-skin contact to measure cortisol by enzyme immunoassay method. Infant baseline salivary cortisol level was 0.587 [0.239; 1,714] µg/dL. It was significantly higher in neonates who had invasive ventilation (1.00 [0.38; 2.44]) µg/dL compared to non-ventilated infants (0.335 [0.156; 1.236]) µg/dL, p = 0.022; and positively correlated with the Apgar score at 1st and 5th minutes (r=-0.36; p = 0.011 and r=-0.34; p = 0.017) and duration of ventilation (r = 0.70; p = 0.0000). Maternal baseline salivary cortisol level was 0.212 [0.123; 0.378]µg/dL. There was significant decreasing of salivary cortisol after Kangaroo mother care with skin-to-skin contact in infants (0.162 [0.111; 0.231]) µg/dL, p˂0.001 and mothers (0.096 [0.077; 0.156]) µg/dL, p˂0.001. Conclusion: Preterm infants in the NICU and their mothers experience stress confirmed by the increased baseline cortisol levels. Kangaroo mother care with skin-to-skin contact reduces the stress and normalizes salivary cortisol levels in both infant and mother in the NICU.
Restorative Effects of (-)-Epicatechin in a Rat Model of Gulf War Illness Muscle Atrophy and Fatigue
Authors: Ramirez-Sanchez Israel , Navarrrete Viridiana , Garate-Carrillo Alejandra , Lara-Hernandez Modesto , Espinosa-Raya Judith , Moreno-Ulloa Aldo , Gomez-Diaz Benjamin , Cedeño-Garcidueñas Ana Lilia , Ceballos Guillermo , Villarreal Francisco
Published: May 2021

We examined in a rat model of Gulf War illness (GWI), the potential of (-)-epicatechin (Epi) to reverse skeletal muscle (SkM) atrophy and dysfunction, decrease mediators of inflammation and normalize metabolic perturbations. Male Wistar rats (n = 15) were provided orally with pyridostigmine bromide (PB) 1.3 mg/kg/day, permethrin (PM) 0.13 mg/kg/day (skin), DEET 40 mg/kg/day (skin) and were physically restrained for 5 min/day for 3 weeks. A one-week period ensued to fully develop the GWI-like profile followed by 2 weeks of either Epi treatment at 1 mg/kg/day by gavage (n = 8) or water (n = 7) for controls. A normal, control group (n = 15) was given vehicles and not restrained. At 6 weeks, animals were subjected to treadmill and limb strength testing followed by euthanasia. SkM and blood sampling was used for histological, biochemical and plasma pro-inflammatory cytokine and metabolomics assessments. GWI animals developed an intoxication profile characterized SkM atrophy and loss of function accompanied by increases in modulators of muscle atrophy, degradation markers and plasma pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Treatment of GWI animals with Epi yielded either a significant partial or full normalization of the above stated indicators relative to normal controls. Plasma metabolomics revealed that metabolites linked to inflammation and SkM waste pathways were dysregulated in the GWI group whereas Epi, attenuated such changes. In conclusion, in a rat model of GWI, Epi reverses detrimental changes in SkM structure including modulators of atrophy, inflammation and select plasma metabolites yielding improved function.
Design and Modeling of Series-Parallel Compliant Device for Reliable Assembly Under Position/Angle Deviation
Authors: Xu Du , Lu XinJiang
Published: May 2021

Automatic assembly using manipulator has attracted increasing attention due to low cost and high quality of assembly. As the manipulator is entirely rigid, it often causes assembly failure and even damages the manipulator when there is a position or angle deviation. A series-parallel compliant device is developed here to realize the reliable assembly under the position or the angle deviation and does not produce a significant contact force. Its core idea is that when the contact force exceeds a specific value, this device becomes compliant and can move in a particular direction. It guarantees that this assembly allows a relatively significant misalignment and produces a small force, protecting parts and manipulators. This device has two compliant components, and these two components are connected using a rigid block. Each compliant component consists of the rigid frame, the four elastic limbs with a similar ‘n’ shape, and the square block. Due to using the elastic material, each elastic limb is equivalent to a compliant hinge (or spring), making this designed device equal to a series-parallel compliant structure. In this way, this device becomes compliant and can move in a particular direction when the contact force exceeds a specific value. On this basis, the desired compliance of the device is realized in various directions depending on the compliant device, and an optimization method is designed to achieve the parameters of this device based on the kinematic model and the stiffness analysis. Experiments under different working conditions are carried out and demonstrate the reliable assembling performance of this designed device even if there exists the position deviation or the angle deviation.
Framework for enhancing the estimation of model parameters for data with a high level of uncertainty
Authors: Libotte Gustavo B , Anjos Lucas , Almeida Regina , Malta Sandra , Silva Renato
Published: May 2021

Reliable data is essential to obtain adequate simulations for forecasting the dynamics of epidemics. In this context, several political, economic, and social factors may cause inconsistencies in the reported data, which reflect the capacity for realistic simulations and predictions. In the case of COVID-19, for example, such uncertainties are mainly motivated by large-scale underreporting of cases due to reduced testing capacity in some locations. In order to mitigate the effects of noise in the data used to estimate parameters of models, we propose strategies capable of improving the ability to predict the spread of the diseases. Using a compartmental model in a COVID-19 study case, we show that the regularization of data by means of Gaussian Process Regression can reduce the variability of successive forecasts, improving predictive ability. We also present the advantages of adopting parameters of compartmental models that vary over time, in detriment to the usual approach with constant values.