bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pilot trial on lithium disilicate partial crowns using a novel prosthodontic Functional Index for Teeth (FIT)
Authors: Cagidiaco Edoardo Ferrari , Grandini Simone , Goracci Cecilia , Joda Tim
Published: November 2019

Background Lithium disilicate is now a well accepted material for indirect restorations. The aim of this trial was to evaluate two lithium disilicate systems using a novel prosthodontic Functional Index for Teeth (FIT).Methods Partial adhesive crowns on natural abutment posterior teeth were made on sixty patients (clinicaltrial.gov # NCT 01835821). Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 e.max press (Ivoclar), Group 2 LiSi press (GC Co.). The restorations were followed-up for 3 years. The FIT is composed of seven variables (Interproximal, Occlusion, Design, Mucosa, Bone, Biology and Margins), each of them to be evaluated using a 0-1-2 scoring scheme. The Mann-Whitney ‘U’ test was applied. The level of significance was set at p<0,05.Results Survival rate was 100%, without any biological or technical complication. No statistically significant difference emerged between the two groups in any of the assessed variables (p>0.05).Conclusions The results showed that it is possible to evaluate the clinical performance of partial crowns using FIT. The FIT proved to be an effective tool to foresee the possible risk of failures and to monitor the performance of the restorations at each recall. The two lithium dislocate materials showed same results after 3 years of clinical service.
Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Radiologists in Saudi Arabia: A Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Shammari Malak Al , Hassan Ali , Dandan Omran Al , Gadeeb Mohammed Al , Bubshait Dalal
Published: November 2019

Background : Musculoskeletal symptoms account for the majority of work-related illnesses resulting in a significant economic burden on society. Computer users are subject to unique repetitive strains that predispose them to musculoskeletal symptoms. In the digitalized field of radiology, radiologists spend long hours interpreting medical images on computers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among radiologists in Saudi Arabia and their contributing factors.
Methods : An online survey was sent to radiologists in all hospitals (academic, public and private) in the major cities of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia covering demographic characteristics, workload (e.g. the time spent at a computer workstation), and workstation environments including the number of monitors as well as the adjustability of the height of the workstation and the viewing distance. This survey of 263 radiologists was conducted in April 2019. It included an evaluation of musculoskeletal symptoms using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The study outcome was the presence of disabling musculoskeletal symptoms in any body region, which restricted the performance of normal activities in the last 12 months. Results were analyzed descriptively using a Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis to estimate the odd ratio of experiencing disabling musculoskeletal symptoms in the last 12 months.
Results : The survey was completed by 198 participants (111 men and 87 women) with a response rate of 75.3%. Most participants (71.2%) were aged below 40 years. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed being a female radiologist (OR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2–6.5), aged 30–39 years (OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.1–15.3), and predominantly reviewing computed tomography (CT) images (OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.4–12.3) or ultrasound scans (OR = 5.9; 95% CI: 1.4–25.3) were associated with higher prevalence of disabling musculoskeletal symptoms, compared to those aged below 30 years and those who reviewed various imaging modalities, respectively.
Conclusions : Musculoskeletal symptoms are common among radiologists with lower back and neck pain being the most frequent complaints. Being a female radiologist, aged 30–39 years, and reviewing CT or ultrasound scans were associated with higher rates of disabling musculoskeletal symptoms.
Effect of Calcium on the Interaction of Acinetobacter baumannii with Human Respiratory Epithelial Cells
Authors: Chen Yi , Shao Tingjun , Fang Sanhua , Pan Ping , Jiang Jiahui , Cheng Tongtong , Wan Haitong , Yu Daojun
Published: November 2019

Background: Investigating the factors that influence Acinetobacter baumannii(Ab) adhesion/invasion of host cells is important to understand its pathogenicity. Metal cations have been shown to play an important role in regulating the biofilm formation and increasing the virulence of Ab; however, the effect of calcium on host-bacterial interaction has yet to be clarified. Here, the dynamic process of the interaction between Ab and human respiratory epithelial cells and the effect of calcium on host-bacterial interaction were explored using microscopic imaging, quantitative PCR and real time cellular analysis (RTCA).
Results: The concentration of calcium, multiplicity of infection and co-culture time were all demonstrated to have effects on host-bacterial interaction. A unique "double peak" phenomenon changed to a sharp "single peak" phenomenon during the process of Ab infection under the effect of calcium was observed in the time-dependent cell response profiles. Moreover, calcium can increase Ab adhesion/invasion of epithelial cells by regulating the expression of Ab-related genes (ompA, bfmRS, abaI).
Conclusions: Effective control of calcium concentrations can provide new approaches for the prevention and treatment of multi-drug resistant Ab.
Developing a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Fast and Accurate Method for Quantification of Silibinin
Authors: Bakhshi Faezeh , Molavi Ommoleila , Rashidi Mohammad Reza , Shayanfar Ali , Amini Hassan
Published: November 2019

Objective : Silibinin is an antioxidant agent and is shown to have anticancer effects in different cancers including lung, breast, colorectal, liver, prostate, and kidney. There are challenges in the clinical use of silibinin. The main limitation is low solubility, poor oral absorption, and extensive hepatic metabolism. We aim to develop a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) sensitive method for quantification of silibinin in aqueous samples to quantify its concentration in new formulations. A reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) composed of C18 column as stationary phase and the mixture of methanol (90%) and water (10%) as mobile phase. The developed method was validated based on the established guidelines. Results : The retention time for silibinin was seen in 2.97 minute after injection. The calibration curve was drawn and the established method demonstrated a linear ranged from 10 to 100 µg/ml, with a correlation coefficient of 0.996. The sensitivity of the developed method was 10 µg/ml. The accuracy calculated in the range of 88-105.9% and the precision (as relative standard deviation) was between 2.7-10.9%. These results demonstrate that the developed method can be a fast and accurate method for quantification of silibinin in aqueous samples.
Overweight and Obesity among children under five in Ethiopia: Further Analysis of 2016 National Demographic Health Survey: A Case Control Study
Authors: Weldearegay Haftom Gebrehiwot , Gebrehiwot Tesfay Gebregzabher , Abrha Mulugeta Woldu , Mulugeta Afework
Published: November 2019

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the determinants of overweight and obesity among children under five years in Ethiopia.

Results

Data from a total of 672 (224 cases and 448 controls) under five years of age children were included in the study. Urban residence (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.29, 5.34), boys (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.10, 2.22) and age of the child less than six months (AOR=3.40, 95%CI: 2.05, 5.64) were the determinants for being childhood overweight and obesity.
Prevalence and risk factors of active trachoma among rural preschool children in Wadla district, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Kassaw Mesfin Wudu , Abebe Ayele Mamo , Tegegne Kirubel Dagnaw , Getu Mikiyas Amare , Bihonegn Woldemichael Tadesse
Published: November 2019

Background፡Trachoma is the neglected eye problem and the primary cause of preventable corneal blindness. In endemic areas, an initial infection can occur in early childhood, and when there is recurrence, it progresses to scarring and blindness. In the past certain decades, trachoma eliminated from developed countries through enhancements of hygiene and sanitation under immense commitments of the governments but still a problem of developing countries. Studies and reports also indicated that the Amhara region had the highest prevalence of trachoma of the other regions in Ethiopia. Thus, the aim of this study was to asse{Birlie, 2016 #48}ss prevalence and risk factors of active trachoma among rural preschool children in Wadla district, Amhara region, north Wollo zone, northern Ethiopia. Methods: Although the sample size was 583, a total of 596 children were screened for signs of active trachoma because of the sampling procedure nature, cluster sampling technique. Wadla district was had 150 rural villages, which were similar in topography and socio-demographic status. Of these villages, 30 were selected randomly as sites of data collection. An interview on the socio-demographic status with heads of households was held by health informatics professionals. The interview questioners were prepared through reviewing the literature and pretested in Meket Woreda. Eye examination was performed by integrated Eye care workers who were trained for one month for the purpose of trachoma screening. They were also involved in two national trachoma surveys as trachoma sign graders for Carter center-Ethiopia. Results - The prevalence of active trachoma among rural pre-school children in Wadla district was 130 (21.8%). On logistic regression, poor economic status (AOR (95% CI), (3.8 (1.3-11.4), being in 37- 48 months old (AOR (95% CI), (4.2 (1.5-12.0), lived in thatched house roof (AOR (95%CI), (4.4 (1.4-13.6), presence of fly in nearby home (AOR (95% CI), 4.6 (2.1-9.9), once weekly face washing frequency (AOR (95% CI), 8.6 (2.5-29.3), unwashed child’s face for longer than a week (AOR (95% CI), 10.6 (2.9-37.7), not using soap while washing children’s hand (AOR (95% CI), 4.5 (1.8-11.3), and absence of latrine (AOR (95% CI), 5.1 (2.0-12.9) were had association with active trachoma
An alarming rise of non-albicans Candida species and uncommon yeasts in the clinical samples; a combination of various molecular techniques for identification of etiologic agents
Authors: Taei Mohireh , Chadeganipour Mostafa , Mohammadi Rasoul
Published: November 2019

Objective: Yeasts are unicellular microorganisms may cause systemic infection in immunocompromised patients. The aim of this study was to identify yeast strains isolated from clinical specimens using molecular techniques.
Results: A total of 202 yeast strains isolated from 341 clinical samples between February 2017 and May 2019. All clinical isolates were identified using phenotypic and molecular tests including PCR-RFLP, duplex-PCR, multiplex-PCR, and PCR-sequencing. The most yeast fungal isolates were obtained from urine (66.8%), nail (9.4%), skin lesion (7.9%), bronchoalveolar lavage (5.9%), and blood (3.9%). One hundred and twenty-one Candida species were identified as non- albicans versus 76 Candida albicans. Trichosporon asahii, and Pichia terricola were uncommon non- Candida yeasts isolated from urine samples. For the first time, we isolated P. terricola as etiological agent of urinary tract infection in a pregnant female. Since Candida species show different levels of resistance to antifungal agents, precise identification of clinical isolates is critical for better treatment of infection.
High-throughput sequencing analysis of intestinal flora changes in elderly hemodialysis CKD patients
Authors: liu yan , Hu Jianguang , Zhong Xiaoshi , Yan Jing , Zhou Daoyuan , Qin Danping , Xiao Xiao , Zheng Yuanyuan
Published: November 2019

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) disease affects gut flora by causing dysbiosis and lead to systemic inflammatory conditions. Here, we provide intestinal flora changes of CKD patients undertook different hemodialysis therapy.Methods Patients were recruited during 2017-2019 and divided into healthy control group (CT), CKD non-dialysis group (CKD), hemodialysis group (HD) and peritoneal dialysis group (PD). Intestinal flora genome 16S rDNA sequencing and further bio-informatic analysis were performed.Results Decreased diversity and altered communities of intestinal flora in PD patients, in which microbial diversity was positive correlated with the albumin level were observed. A total of 20 intestinal flora phyla were detected in 166 fecal samples, divided into 3 dominant intestinal types including Bacteroides-dominant gut type, Firmicutes-dominant type and Proteobacteria-dominant gut type. Further analyses found 198 genera, the abundance of 86 genera were significantly different. Butyrate-producing taxa as Faecalibacterium in genera level and Bifidobacteriaceae and Prevotellaceae in family level were dominant genus in CT, CKD, and HD groups, while urease containing-, indole- and p-cresol-forming taxa as Escherichia in genera and Enterobacteriaceae , Enterococcaceae in family level was dominated genus in PD group. Number of differential expressed genes in KEGG enrichment pathways were significantly different in PD group in carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, translation, and membrane transport.Conclusion Our results suggest peritoneal dialysis therapy could result in reduced diversity and altered microbial communities, with reduced probiotic butyrate-producing taxa and increased urease containing-, indole- and p-cresol-forming taxa. The disordered intestinal flora can seriously affect the nutrition level in CKD patients with PD therapy.
Global Competence of Medical Students: An Assessment Scale and Preliminary Investigation in China
Authors: Shi Yue , Du Huakang , Feng Yunying , Cao Yihan , Zhang Haiyang , Ding Yingjing , Zhao Yi , Zhang Lihan , Li Peifan , Cai Sicheng , Li Tong , Cui Naiqian , Wu Haojie , Zhao Jun
Published: November 2019

Background: The importance of global competence has been acknowledged in medical care as well as medical education. However, the existing definition of global competence and the survey tools used to assess global competence are not fully applicable to medical students. This study developed and validated a questionnaire assessing the global competence of medical students and preliminarily explored the underlying factors influencing the global competence of Chinese medical students in eight-year programs.
Methods: A questionnaire (Global Competence Assessment Scale for Medical Students, MS-GCAS) was developed following a systematic process, and a cross-sectional multicenter survey was conducted among 10 medical schools in China. A total of 1062 completed questionnaires were analyzed.
Results: The analysis revealed a four-factor scale consistent with the proposed structure according to the definition of global competence. The validity estimates of the four subscales were mostly satisfactory. School education, duration of overseas exchange programs and willingness to work abroad were found to have significant correlations with global competence.
Conclusions: The MS-GCAS is valid and reliable for the assessment of the global competence of medical students in China. Medical schools should take further steps to promote medical students’ global competence.
Pharmacists’ knowledge attitude and practice regarding the dispensing of antibiotics without prescription in Tanzania: an explorative cross-sectional study
Authors: Poyongo Baraka P , Sangeda Raphael Zozimus
Published: November 2019

Background:
Inappropriate use of antibiotics has been reported to contribute to the emergence and increase of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the world. Enforcing the dispensing of antibiotics with prescription is a way to promote the rational use of antibiotics and preventing the development and spread of AMR. The pharmacist has the responsibility to supervise the dispensing of antibiotics in pharmacies and ensure its rational use. This study assessed pharmacists’ knowledge, attitude and practice regarding the dispensing of antibiotics without prescription in Tanzania.
Methods:
An online semi-structured questionnaire was designed, tested and shared with licensed pharmacists in Tanzania through an invitation link sent in their official WhatsApp groups. An SMS alternative was used contact list from the Pharmacy Council to administer the questionnaire, to pharmacist not subscribed on WhatsApp. Study data were collected and managed using REDCap electronic data capture tools hosted at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Data were then downloaded and exported into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 for data analysis; Chi-square test was used to test association for categorical data, where a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:
More than 75% of pharmacists had excellent knowledge about the legal requirements for dispensing antibiotics and of the AMR challenge. Of the interviewed pharmacists, seventy-four percent admitted to dispensing antibiotics without prescription in their daily practice. Notably, 85.7% of pharmacists with high education were more likely to dispense without prescription compared to 69.9% among bachelor holders (p-value = 0.028). The main reasons for administering antibiotics without prescription were the profitability nature of pharmacy business, a failure of the patient to get a prescription and lack of stringent regulatory authorities. Penicillins, macrolides and fluoroquinolones were the classes of antibiotics mostly dispensed without a prescription.
Conclusion:
Even though pharmacists seem knowledgeable about AMR, they still dispense antibiotics without prescription in Tanzania. The regulatory authorities should make regular inspections in pharmacies to detect this malpractice. The community should be trained on the importance of taking laboratory tests before getting medications for their sickness by a qualified medical practitioner.
Quantitative Analysis of Hypervascular Hepatic Metastases and Hepatocellular Carcinoma using Spectral CT Imaging
Authors: Yang Zhiqiang , Wang Xinyi , Shi Hao
Published: November 2019

Objective The goal of this study is to evaluate the performance of spectral CT-based quantitative analysis in differential diagnosis of hypervascular hepatic metastasis (HVHM) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Spectral CT scans were performed for 47 patients with hepatic malignant tumors, including 20 patients with HVHM and 27 patients with HCC, which generated the following sets of data: single energy images in the arterial phase; iodine and water maps; marginal areas of lesions that manifested apparent signal intensification; and energy spectral parameters of normal liver tissues and abdominal aorta. Subsequently, we calculated the normalized iodine concentrations (NIC), lesion-normal parenchyma iodine concentration ratio (LNR), iodine concentration difference (ICD) between the arterial phase and the venous phase, and the spectral curve slope. An independent samples t test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were applied to examine these quantitative parameters. Results In the arterial phase, the HVHM and HCC groups displayed no differences in NIC, LNR, or spectral curve slope (P > 0.05). In the venous phase, the two groups displayed significant differences in NIC, LNR, and spectral curve slope; the NIC was 0.59 ± 0.08 for the HVHM group and 0.4 5 ± 0.10 for the HCC group; the LNR was 1.17 ± 0.22 and 0.92 ± 0.16, respectively; the spectral curve slope was 1.85 ± 0.49 and 1.18 ± 0.34, respectively. In addition, there was no significant difference in ICD between the HVHM group (0.54 ± 0.39 g/L) and HCC group (0.45 ± 0.39 g/L) (P > 0.05). Finally, there were no significant differences of water or iodine concentration between the arterial phase and venous phase (P > 0.05). Taken together, the spectral curve slope in the portal venous phase had the best performance in differentiating HVHM from HCC. Conclusions HVHM and HCC have apparent differences in spectral curve and concentrations of radiocontrast agents in the portal venous phase. Hence, spectral CT imaging provides a new multiparameter quantitative approach for differentiating HVHM and HCC.
Comparative Efficacy of Neuraxial and General anesthesia for hip fracture surgery: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Zheng Xinxun , Tang Yuming , Gao Yuan , Liu Zhiheng
Published: November 2019

Background: The choice of anesthesia technique remains debatable in patients undergoing surgical repair of hip fracture. This meta-analysis was performed to compare the effect of neuraxial (epidural/spinal) versus general anesthesia on perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Methods: Medline, Cochrane Library, Science-Direct, and EMBASE databases were searched to identify eligible studies focused on the comparison between neuraxial and general anesthesia in hip fracture patients between January 2000 and May 2019. Perioperative outcomes were extracted for systemic analysis. The sensitivity analyses were performed by the leave-one-out approach. The evidence quality for each outcome was evaluated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Results: Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 1084 patients fulfilled our selection criteria. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the 30-day mortality, length of stay, and the prevalence of delirium, acute myocardial infarction, and pneumonia for neuraxial anesthesia compared to general anesthesia. There was a significant difference in terms of blood loss in favor of the neuraxial anesthesia. The evidence quality for each outcome evaluated by the GRADE system was low. Conclusions: In summary, our present study demonstrated that neuraxial anesthesia is significantly superior to general anesthesia regarding blood loss in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Due to small sample size and enormous inconsistency in the choice of outcome measures, more high-quality studies with large sample size are needed to to clarify this issue.
Identification of Potential core genes in Sevoflurance induced Myocardial Energy Metabolism in Patients Undergoing Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery using Bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Lin Hua
Published: November 2019

Background: Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury always happened after Oﬀ-pump coronary artery bypass graft(OPCABG), and this can not be avoided altogether. In this study, we tried to detect potential genes of sevoflurane-induced myocardial energy metabolism in patients undergoing OPCABG using bioinformatics analysis. Methods: We download and analyze the gene expression profile data from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO) database using bioinformatics methods. We downloded the gene expression data from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO) database using bioinformatics methods. Gene Ontology(GO) functional annotation analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were used to analysis the screened differentially expressed genes(DEGs). Then, we established a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network to find hub genes associated with myocardial energy metabolism. Results: Through PPI network, we find ten hub genes, including JUN, EGR1, ATF3, FOSB, JUNB, DUSP1, EGR2, NR4A1, BTG2, NR4A2. Conclusions: In conclusion, the proteins encoded by EGR1，ATF3，c-Fos，Btg2，JunB，DUSP1，NR4A1，BTG2 and NR4A2 were related to cardiac function. ATF3, FOSB, JUNB, DUSP1, NR4A1, NR4A2 are related to apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. The protein encoded by BTG2 is related to hypertrophy. Sevoflurane regulates cell transcription, inflammatory and apoptosis through those hub genes to protect myocardial.
The draft genome of horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus reveals its evolutionary scenario and well-developed innate immunity
Authors: Zhou Yan , Liang Yuan , Yan Qing , Zhang Liang , Chen Dianbao , Ruan Lingwei , Kong Yuan , Shi Hong , Chen Mingliang , Chen Jianming
Published: November 2019

Background: Horseshoe crabs are ancient marine arthropods with a long evolutionary history extending back approximately 450 million years that rely entirely on their innate immune system and have developed multiple defence systems. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying their abilities of distinguishing and defending against invading microbes are still unclear.
Results: Here, we describe the 2.06 Gbp genome assembly of Tachypleus tridentatus with 24,222 predicted protein-coding genes. Comparative genomics shows that T. tridentatus and the Atlantic horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus have the most orthologues shared among two species, including genes involved in the immune-related JAK-STAT signalling pathway. Divergence time dating results show that the last common ancestor of Asian horseshoe crabs (including T. tridentatus) and L. polyphemus appeared approximately 130 Mya (121-141), and the split of the two Asian horseshoe crabs was dated to approximately 63 Mya (57-69). Hox gene analysis suggests two clusters in both horseshoe crab assemblies. Surprisingly, selective analysis of immune-related gene families revealed the high expansion of conserved pattern recognition receptors. Genes involved in the IMD and JAK-STAT signal transduction pathways also exhibited a certain degree of expansion in both genomes. Intact coagulation cascade-related genes were present in the T. tridentatus genome with a higher number of coagulation factor genes. Moreover, most reported antibacterial peptides have been identified in T. tridentatus with their potentially effective antimicrobial sites.
Conclusions: The draft genome of T. tridentatus would provide an important source for eliminating the uncertainty in the evolutionary relationship of Chelicerata. The expansion of conserved immune signalling pathway genes, coagulation factors and intact antimicrobial peptides in T. tridentatus constitutes its robust and effective innate immunity for self-defence in marine environments with an enormous number of invading pathogens and may affect the quality of the adaptive properties with regard to complicated marine environments.
MULTICAN MARKETING AS AN INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY OF PROVIDING SERVICES IN THE
CONDITIONS OF GLOBALIZATION OF THE BANKING MARKET
Authors: Reshetnikova Irina , Smerichevskyi Sergiy , Polishchuk Yevheniia
Published: November 2019

General theoretical approaches to the content of the concept of multi-channel marketing have been generalized. It is proved that multi-channel marketing differs from multi-channel communications and is a modern and global technology of integration of all components of the marketing complex in the process of interaction with the consumer. It is substantiated that the level of possession of mobile devices in Ukraine and their penetration among the population creates a background for widespread using of Internet channels by service providers. The special relevance of the use of multi-channel marketing takes on the market of banking services because it allows personalizing the contact with the consumer and take into account his or her requirements in terms of access points and convenient time. The data about the increase of non-contact payments in the domestic market and stability of this trend has been displayed in this article. At the same time, the reduction of traditional branches of banks is not always justified, as the consumer must have their own choice as to the convenience of using one or another channel. The expert assessment proved that despite the high cost of maintaining the liaison office has relatively high efficiency among the clients of advanced age. Therefore, against the background of reduction of unprofitable branches, there should be processes of modernization of those that remain on the market from the point of view of conversion into financial service centers. The article proposes a method of constructing a system of multi-channel marketing of a banking institution, which consists of four stages: analysis of large amounts of data on consumer behavior, their preferences regarding the ways and means of connecting to banking services, products and services, the volume, timing and regularity of provision; segmentation of the market and the definition of target segments depending on the level of ownership of mobile devices and information technology, age, income and social activity; optimization of the set of channels from the point of view of maximization of profit and minimization of expenses for their maintenance in the context of each target segment; evaluate the effectiveness of multi-channel interaction and adjustment of the configuration of the channels. It is proved that the main feature of segmentation of consumers in the construction of multi-channel marketing should be the level of ownership and frequency of use of electronic devices. The results of the study may be useful for banking institutions that are trying to build a system of multi-channel marketing.
Companies Image: Marketing and Financial Communications
Authors: Ciubotariu Marius , Socoliuc Marian , Mihaila Svetlana , Savchuk Dmytro
Published: November 2019

The main purpose of the study is to evaluate the quality of the economic and financial data from the point of view of satisfying the shareholders’ demands as well as of the influences that the structure of the shareholding can have on a company’s economic and financial informational system. The bases for the theoretical background were a systematic overview and a critical analysis of the literature from the study field. According to the findings from the literature study, links were developed between the study areas and a hypothesis of the relationship between the state’s status as a stakeholder and the quality of the information that was published in the annual reports. The analysed sample initially was made up of those companies (105) that were listed on the Stock Market of Bucharest whereas the evaluation method of the quality of disclosure was based on the scoring method, i.e. the scoring points that are given to the classified elements, the nature of the simple or derivative indicators. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria remained only 65 of the company. The object of research is the companies that prepare their financial reports using the IFRS reference (International Financial Reporting Standards). The main information sources were the annual or interim published financial reports. This paper shows that economic and financial communication needs to make improvements in terms of the informational transparency that is a key element for building up its credibility. Even if the study’s practical examples focussed only on the stakeholders’ demands, the quality of the economic and financial disclosure requires that the supplied information has all those features that characterize high-quality information, that is the must be relevant and precise, easy to understand, timely, comparable and verifiable. The importance of the present study results from the fact that the beneficiaries of financial information are becoming more and more interested in quality information, a characteristic that is basically the foundation of their decisions in regards to the reporting entity. The results of the study may be useful to the stakeholders, the business environment, the financial-banking institutions, the state, highlighting the importance, need and benefits of a qualitative economic and financial communication in the decision-making process.
Freelancer as an Entrepreneur: a Choice as Career Development
Authors: Opait Gabriela , Damian Daniela , Capatina Alexandru
Published: November 2019

Entrepreneurship starts to become a challenging option among freelancers worldwide. However, the low rate of entrepreneurship as a career choice among freelancers is due to peculiar factors. Turning freelance activities in sustainable businesses are considered a smart career pathway by many scholars and freelance practitioners. This article aims at revealing through a case study how a freelancer has been immersed into an entrepreneurial approach, his sources of income being influenced by this entrepreneurial mindset shift. This study computes the values of the adjusted informational energy based on inputs for distribution of incomes reported by a Romanian freelancer turned entrepreneur, emphasizing the time series revenues from freelancing, on the one hand, and entrepreneurship, on the other hand. The research is mainly focused on an econometric model, built on informational energy model, highlighting a peculiar decrease of the entropy, as the effect of the higher weights of the incomes from entrepreneurship. Building on mathematical modelling, this study presents an analysis framework that combines financial data and statistical analysis to examine the influence of revenues registered by a freelancer who accepted an entrepreneurial challenge as a second source of income. This study expands previous research by using Onicescu’s informational energy theory to a peculiar case of a freelancer turned entrepreneur. The strength of the adjusted informational energy modelling consists of revealing the added value of the statistical analysis and emphasizing the specific architecture of freelancer incomes’ influences on the adjusted informational energy. The findings of this research also outline motivation pillars for the freelancers who are willing to commit to entrepreneurial initiatives. Keywords: freelancing, entrepreneurship, informational energy, entropy, econometrics.
British-Slovak Foreign Trade Relations: Consequences of Brexit
Authors: Kordos Marcel
Published: November 2019

The possibility of the UK's withdrawal from the European Union has never been more realistic and up-to-date since joining the European Communities (EC) as it is today. The UK is facing a unique situation. At present, this depends solely on the capabilities of European and British government officials, who negotiate the terms of withdrawal and future cooperation between the two entities. The main goal of this paper is based on the British – Slovak trade relations development analysis to figure out their impact within the Brexit consequences on the future Slovak economy and its current status in international economic relations. The paper also provides a basic overview of Brexit process and its possible impact on the EU's further functioning. Basic data will be drawn from generally accepted institutions, evaluating the UK and Slovak trade and economic performance. To accomplish this goal, methods such as analysis and comparison to illustrate the UK-Slovak foreign trade development, synthesis and logical deduction to discuss the Brexit impact on Slovak economic environment in the future are to be used; data from scientific and professional publications, periodical and non-periodical press. The paper presents the results of an empirical analysis, which showed that because of the size of economic relations between Slovakia and the United Kingdom and the number of goods and services being exported to the UK, the «hard» Brexit will be very unfavourable for Slovak foreign trade due to the possible tariffs being imposed. The research empirically confirms and theoretically proves that it can cause a significant weakening and slowdown in the Slovak economy. Either way, the upcoming Brexit process, that is the withdrawal of Great Britain from the European Union, would have a major impact not only on British, European but also on the world economy. The impact of Brexit on Slovakia's economy will not only be in reducing the possible growth of the economy, but also in employment and price increases.
Keywords:
EU single market, Britain's withdrawal from the EU, foreign trade policy instruments analysis, international economics, Slovak economy slowdown prediction, Slovak foreign trade commodity structure analysis.
Innovative development of the regions: cooperation between enterprises and state institutions
Authors: Tyukhtenko Nataliya , Makarenko Serhii , Oliinyk Nataliia , Gluc Krzysztof , Portugal Edwin , Rybachok Serhii
Published: November 2019

In the conditions of limited sources of financing for the introduction of advanced innovative technologies and equipment modernization, to retain the existing positions and increase the overall level of competitiveness can only the company that establishes a close relationship with government bodies, local governments and trade union organizations with the aim of obtaining possible preferences for development within the existing regulatory right field. The purpose of the article is to analyze the main socio-economic indicators of the development of Ukraine and its regions, the definition and justification of possible areas of establishing interaction between private enterprises and government agencies. The methodological basis of the study consisted of scientific works of domestic and foreign scientists and leading specialists, statistical and analytical materials of state authorities. The results are obtained through the use of such methods as expert – to identify the impact of qualitative and quantitative indicators on the socio-economic development of the Kherson region; economics and mathematics – to study the influence of a defined group of indicators on the index of the physical volume of the gross regional product; abstract-logical – for a theoretical synthesis and formulation of conclusions. It is revealed that among the key areas of interaction is the promotion of the state and local authorities in the creation of industrial parks. The conducted research on identifying the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the economy of the Kherson region indicates the need to develop measures to ensure the economic security of the region. To solve these problems at the regional level, it is proposed to implement a state policy that would be carried out in the following areas: ensuring a solid institutional protection of investor's property rights; improvement of the legislative framework; establishing an effective mechanism for combating corruption in Ukraine, developing an effective state policy on amnesty and unshadowing of incomes of individuals and legal entities.
Keywords: socio-economic development, management, innovation, industrial park, competitiveness, foreign investment, amnesty of capital.
Country’s Brand and Corruption Level: Cointegration Analysis
Authors: Milova Tatyana , Troshkina Kateryna , Horlov Yevhenii , Dobkowski Jaroslaw
Published: November 2019

The paper summarized the arguments and counterarguments in the scientific debate on the impact of corruption on a country's brand. The modern approaches to the analysis of corruption’s impact on the country's macroeconomic indicators were analysed. The authors justified that increasing the corruption’s level is considered as one of the most significant deterrents to the radical political and economic changes taking place in the countries by society. The main purpose of the paper is to analyse the long-term cause-and-effect relationships between Control of Corruption and the country's brand. Four European countries (Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine) were selected as the object of the investigation, which pursued an evolutionary policy of reforming the political and economic system after the collapse of the Soviet Union, which encouraged the practice of eliminating corruption. The research period was 2000-2018. With a purpose to check the hypothesis of the investigation the 3-stage algorithm to estimate the long-term cause-and-effect relationships between Control of Corruption and the key parameters of the country brand is developed. The developed algorithm was based on the Augmented Dicker-Fuller test and granger casualty test. It is established that for Ukraine, the interconnections between Control of Corruption and International migrant stock, Control of Corruption and Exports of goods and services, Control of Corruption and Foreign direct investment had a unidirectional character of influence of the corruption’s level on the components of the country’s brand. The findings proved that 51.73%, 43.79% and 66% of the total fluctuations of International migrant stock, Exports of goods and services, Foreign direct investment depend on changes in the level of corruption in the country. The obtained results allowed concluding that for the European Union countries (Poland, Lithuania and Latvia) it was the country brand that had a positive impact on reducing the corruption’s level. It was justified that the choice of a specific model for combating the corruption’s level in the chosen countries significantly determined the course of their political transformation and influenced the change’s rate of the social and economic development. Keywords: brand, stakeholders, competitiveness, investors, corruption.
Effects of Vacuum Packaging on NAC Gene Expression in Fresh-cut Lotus Root
Authors: Min Ting , Niu Li-Fang , Xie Jun , Yi Yang , Wang Li-mei , Ai You-wei , Wang Hong-xun
Published: November 2019

NAC transcription factors have been characterized in numerous plants, and the NAC gene has been shown to be involved not only in plant growth and development, but also in plant responses to abiotic and biological stresses, such as drought, high salinity, low temperature, and anaerobic/hypoxic stress. Creating an environment of anaerobic/hypoxic stress has been shown to be one of the effective storage methods for delaying the browning of fresh-cut lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) root. However, whether NAC is associated with lotus root browning under anaerobic stress has not been studied. In this study, vacuum packaging (VP; anaerobic/hypoxic stress) effectively delayed the browning of fresh-cut lotus root. The changes in the expressions of NnPAL1, NnPPOA, and NnPOD2/3 were consistent with phenylalanine aminolase, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and peroxidase (POD) enzyme activity changes and lotus root browning. Using RNA sequencing, five NnNAC genes were isolated and studied. Transcriptional analysis indicates that the NnNAC genes showed different responses to VP. The expressions of NnNAC1/4 were inhibited by VP, which was consistent with the observed change in the degree of fresh-cut lotus root browning. However, NnNAC2 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were upregulated, and the expressions of NnNAC3/5 showed no clear differences under different packaging scenarios. Thus, NnNAC1/4 were identified as promising candidates for further transcriptional regulation analysis in lotus root to understand more fully the molecular mechanism of browning under anaerobic/anoxic stress.
Neonatal Diabetes Insipidus in a Palestinian Newborn
Authors: Abuhamda A. F.
Published: November 2019

Diabetes insipidus is rare in newborn. There are two types of this disease: central and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. A Palestinian infant was born at Shifa Women`s Hospital at full term by urgent cesarean section. At the age of 13 days he had fever, hypernatremia, polyuria, weight loss and low specific gravity of urine. The baby was diagnosed to have diabetes insipidus. The baby was successfully treated by fluid loss recovery by bottle feeding and intravenous 5% dextrose and sodium chloride solution. At home, they continued to correct fluid loss by bottle- feeding and drinking water.
Clinical and epidemiological features and organ dysfunction in newborns with neonatal sepsis
Authors: Khaertynov Kh. S. , Anokhin V. A. , Khaliullina S. V. , Lubin S. A. , Dontsova N. V. , Koroleva P. V. , Koshkina A. D. , Khasanova G. R.
Published: November 2019

Purpose. To evaluate clinical and epidemiological features of neonatal sepsis and assess the impact of organ dysfunction on its outcome.

Characteristics of children and research methods. The authors carried out a retrospective analysis of 66 patients with neonatal sepsis hospitalized to the neonatal intensive care unit of the Kazan City Children’s Hospital No. 1 from 2013 to 2017. The diagnosis was based on the development of a systemic inflammatory response syndrome, an increase in C-reactive protein concentration in the blood more than 1 mg/dl, the presence of one or more foci of infection, the development of organ dysfunction and the isolation of the microorganism from venous blood. Bacteremia was a mandatory inclusion criterion.

Results. In the most cases (54.5%) neonatal sepsis was caused by gram-negative bacteria. 41 and 4.5% of cases were caused by gram-positive bacteria and fungi, respectively. Among the gram-negative bacteria, the main causative agents of sepsis were Klebsiella pneumoniae (27 cases, 41%), among the gram-positive bacteria –staphylococci (24 cases, 36.5%). Fungal sepsis was caused by Candida kruzei (2 cases) and Candida albicans (1 case). In 11 (17%) cases there was a dysfunction of a single organ, in 31 (47%) cases – dysfunction of 2 organs and in 24 (36%) cases – dysfunction of more than 2 organs. The most common impairments were respiratory dysfunction (86%) and hemostatic disorders in the form of thrombocytopenia (58%). Neonatal sepsis was fatal in 11 (17%) cases. It was found that the multiple organ dysfunction was associated with a risk of death (odds ratio – OR = 29.3; 95% CI 3.4–249.7). Among the signs of organ dysfunction, coma (OR = 30.8; 95% CI 3.0–316.6), elevated blood lactate level of more than 5 mmol/l (OR = 22.1; 95% CI 3.5–139,6) and a low platelet count of less than 50 · 109/l (OR = 5; 95% CI 1.2–21.3) had the prognostic significance.

Conclusion. Modern neonatal sepsis has a diverse etiology with gram-negative bacteria as causative agents in half of the cases. Despite modern treatment methods, neonatal sepsis remains a formidable infectious pathology. The risk of fatal outcome is associated with organ dysfunction. Coma, elevated blood lactate level and severe thrombocytopenia are the most significant predictors of fatal outcome in neonatal sepsis.
Kazan version of the classification of congenital heart defects of John Kirklin
Authors: Mirolyubov L. M.
Published: November 2019

The article is devoted to the analysis of classifications of congenital heart defects from a practical point of view. The researchers present their classification of congenital heart defects with the substantiation of optimal terms of surgical correction. The proposed classification allows us to predict possible critical hemodynamic conditions in children with heart defects both in the neonatal period and in other age groups. The classification creates the basis for choosing the treatment tactics of patients with congenital heart defects using the known stages of hemodynamic changes, it has been used by the cardiologists and cardiac surgeons in the Republic of Tatarstan for more than 15 years.
Fecal elastase activity in premature children
Authors: Khasanova S. S. , Kamilova A. T. , Akhmedova D. I.
Published: November 2019

We studied the activity of fecal elastase in 54 premature newborns of a gestation period of 22–32 weeks. The samples of feces were collected at the age of 13–14 days. Premature children born at gestational age of 22–28 weeks had pancreatic insufficiency of light degree by 2 weeks of age, preterm infants with a gestational age of 28–32 weeks by 2 weeks of age had the values of pancreatic elastase equal to that of full-term children. The authors have established the relationship between the degree of pancreatic insufficiency and the gestational age of newborns. Fecal elastase activity was significantly lower in premature infants who received milk mixtures as compared to breast-fed infants or infants with mixed feeding. The study substantiated the necessity of early replacement therapy in such newborns to prevent exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.