bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECT OF GOVERNANCE QUALITY AND EARNING MANAGEMENT WITH INTERNAL CONTROL AS MODERATING VARIABLE TOWARDS FIRM VALUE
Authors: Mufidah Mufidah , Febrianti Ira , Masnun Masnun
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of the quality of corporate governance, real earnings management on firm value and to analyze the influence of the quality of corporate governance with the internal control system as a moderating variable on firm value in companies included in the LQ 45 index 2016-2018. The data in this study used descriptive statistical analysis and inferential statistical analysis. The results showed that the Quality of Governance had no significant effect on Firm Value, Earnings Management had a significant effect on Firm Value and Internal Control could not moderate the effect of Governance Quality on Firm Value.
A biztonság szerepe a kötöttpályás közösségi közlekedésben Budapest agglomerációjában
Authors: Erdeiné Késmárki-Gally Szilvia Szilvia , Erdei Attila , Grotte Judit
Published: November 2020

The Compromise of 1867 marked the beginning of a peaceful, prosperous era for Hungary. Due to the increased industrial production and the embourgeoisement, more and more cities in the country became regional centres. Especially the development of Budapest was impressive, which made the capital to a real metropolis in the heart of the Carpathian-Basin by the turn of the century. Its huge factories attracted workers even from long distances, while the newly built market halls and well-known markets provided a reliable source of income for farmers and hawkers of the surrounding settlements. That time, the establishment of a proper railway network and railway connections, gave the basis for the economic prosperity of the country. Thus, in response to “migration” of people, the public transport systems also evolved, having as main function mobility. This could ensure an appropriate level of competitiveness for the economy, a good quality of life and a strong cohesion for the society. Development had not just positive, but also negative sides, such as the appearance of the criminals who harmed the passengers and threatened the safety of rail transport. Nowadays the MAV-Group Zrt is the biggest and most important railway public transport service provider in Hungary. The MAV-START Zrt, a subsidiary exclusively owned by MÁV ZRt, is responsible for the passenger transportation. Today, the MAV-START Zrt handles around 148 million passengers on a yearly basis. However, in the past years increased the number of attacks against the conductors of the trains needing police actions. Our study consists of three main parts. The first part includes a short introduction of the national railway system and the MAV-START Zrt, the second part focuses on the suburban railways, and the third part describes the offences against conductors and their impacts on safety and security regulations of the suburban railways in the urban agglomerations of Budapest.
Profiling The Needs and Wants of Millennials in The Tourism Industry: Implications for Zimbabwe
Authors: Phanos Matura  , Aretha Takaza
Published: November 2020

Purpose: The main purpose of the paper is to profile the needs and wants of millennials in the tourism industry and their implications for tourism operators in Zimbabwe.

Methods: The study adopted a qualitative design approach with document analysis being the data collection method. Data were analyzed thematically. 

Results: The major finding was that millennials desire authentic and memorable experiences, they are highly knowledgeable, have strong digital skills, they are social media creatures and are permanently connected online, they are particular and question everything, they prefer leisure and recreational activities, they prefer hotel facilities with health-oriented facilities like fitness centers and they practice volunteer tourism.  Millennials are different, they think and act differently, and their travel choices and preferences are different from the generations before them.

Implications: Tourism operators including hotels should adapt their service delivery systems to the needs and wants of millennials to achieve superior business performance. There is a need for the adoption of proactive marketing strategies as well as taking full advantage of the opportunities presented by millennials in the tourism industry in Zimbabwe.
IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT ON FIRM’S PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY FACTOR IN MANUFACTURING
Authors: Novotná Martina , Volek Tomáš , Rost Michael , Vrchota Jaroslav
Published: November 2020

The goal of this paper is to investigate the impact of technology investments on production efficiency in manufacturing companies and how different these relationships are for low-technology and high-technology companies. The empirical part was based on the analysis of 2,848 large, small and medium-sized Czech companies by using Bayesian networks (BNs). The results show that technological investments have the greatest positive impact on the growth of labour productivity and on a decline in labour intensity in low technology enterprises. The technological investments have a positive impact on labour productivity growth in high-technology enterprises, but at the same time, the technological investments have an impact on the increase of labour intensity. On the contrary, the influence of investment growth was insignificant on the indicators of material and services intensity. Technologically intensive investments have a different impact on small, mediumsized and on large enterprises. The reaction of large companies depends on the category of technology intensity in contrast to small and medium-size enterprises.
Karyotype and DNA barcode of Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) cyaneus (Staudinger, 1899) from its type locality: implication for taxonomic and evolutionary research in Polyommatus blue butterflies (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae)
Authors: Lukhtanov Vladimir A. , Dantchenko Alexander V. , Balayan Karine V. , Gagarina Anastasia V.
Published: November 2020

Chromosomal and molecular analyses of rapidly evolving organisms such as Polyommatus Latreille, 1804 blue butterflies are essential for understanding their taxonomy and evolutionary history, and the studies of populations from their type localities are crucially important for resolving problems of nomenclature and species identity. Here we present data on the topotypical population of the blue butterfly species described as Lycaena damone var. cyanea Staudinger, 1899. This taxon was described from Khankendi (Nagorno-Karabakh, Caucasus), and rediscovered at the type locality for the first time since it was collected there in 1869. The specimens were found on dry stony meadows with a predominance of Onobrychis radiata Bieberstein, 1810, on upper border of oak forests. Their haploid chromosome number (n) was established as n = 17. Chromosomal and mitochondrial DNA barcode analyses of the studied samples from type-locality provided an opportunity for the critical taxonomic re-examination of Caucasian species of the subgenus Agrodiaetus Hübner, 1822 of the genus Polyommatus Latreille, 1804. The obtained data support the interpretation of the P. (A.) cyaneus (Staudinger, 1899) and P. (A.) carmon (Herrich-Schäffer, 1851) as two different, not closely related species complexes as previously hypothesized by Hugo de Lesse. On the contrary, the treatment by Walter Forster who considered these taxa as two groups of conspecific populations was not supported by our data.
Stigmatopora harastii, a new species of pipefish in facultative associations with finger sponges and red algae from New South Wales, Australia (Teleostei, Syngnathidae)
Authors: Short Graham , Trevor-Jones Andrew
Published: November 2020

A new species of pipefish, Stigmatopora harastiisp. nov., is described based on the male holotype and two female paratypes, 136.3–145.5 mm SL, collected from red algae (sp.?) at 12 meters depth in Botany Bay, New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The new taxon shares morphological synapomorphies with the previously described members of Stigmatopora, including principle body ridges, fin placement, slender tail, and absence of a caudal fin. It is morphologically and meristically similar to Stigmatopora nigra, including snout length and shape, dorsal-fin origin on 6th–7th trunk ring, and lateral trunk ridge terminating on the first tail ring. Stigmatopora harastiisp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners, however, by characters of the head and first trunk ring, distinct sexual dimorphic markings on sides and venter of anterior trunk rings, and red background coloration in life. The new taxon can be further differentiated by genetic divergence in the mitochondrial COI gene (uncorrected p-distances of 9.8%, 10.1%, 10.7%, and 14.6%, from S. argus, S. macropterygia, S. narinosa, and S. nigra, respectively). The type locality is characterised by semi-exposed deep-water sandy areas interspersed with boulders, flat reefs, and an absence of seagrass beds, in which S. harastii has been observed living in facultative associations with a finger sponge and red algae at depths of 10–25 meters, compared to the shallow coastal and estuarine habitats preferred by the fucoid algae and seagrass-associating members of Stigmatopora. Stigmatopora harastiisp. nov. represents the fourth species of Stigmatopora recorded in temperate southern Australia.
The bees of the family Halictidae (Hymenoptera) described by Ferdinand Morawitz from the collection of Aleksey Fedtschenko
Authors: Astafurova Yulia V. , Proshchalykin Maxim Yu.
Published: November 2020

The type specimens of the family Halictidae, described by Ferdinand Morawitz from the collection of Aleksey Fedtschenko deposited in the Zoological Museum of the Moscow State University and in the Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg (Russia), are critically reviewed. Precise information with illustrations of types for 43 taxa is provided. Lectotypes are here designated for the following seven nominal taxa:Halictus aprilinusMorawitz, 1876,H. cingulatusMorawitz, 1876,H. laevinodisMorawitz, 1876,H. limbellusMorawitz, 1876,H. nasicaMorawitz, 1876,H. rhynchitesMorawitz, 1876 andH. vulgarisMorawitz, 1876.
Risk of Cancer in Middle-aged Patients With Gout: A Nationwide Population-based Study in Korea
Authors: Lee Jung Sun , Myung Jisun , Lee Hyun Ah , Hong Seokchan , Lee Chang-Keun , Yoo Bin , Oh Ji Seon , Kim Yong-Gil
Published: November 2020

Objective

Gout is reportedly associated with a higher incidence of cancer. However, patients with gout tend to have several cancer-related factors including obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption; thus, the precise association between gout and cancer risk remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the risk of cancer in Korean patients with gout.

Methods

Based on the Korea Health Insurance Service database, the subjects comprised patients aged 41–55 years with gout newly diagnosed between 2003 and 2007. We used a multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards model in gout patients and a 1:2 ratio for the matched controls by age, sex, and index year.

Results

We compared 4176 patients with gout with 8352 controls. The mean age and follow-up duration were 48.8 years and 10.1 years in both groups. Overall cancer risk was significantly different between gout patients and controls (HR 1.224, 95% CI 1.073–1.398). The all-cause mortality (HR 1.457, 95% CI 1.149–1.847) and cancer mortality (HR 1.470, 95% CI 1.020–2.136) were higher in patients with gout. In the subgroup analysis, the cancer risks of the stomach (HR 1.710, 95% CI 1.221–2.395), head and neck (HR 1.850, 95% CI 1.071–3.196), and hematologic or lymphoid organ (HR 2.849, 95% CI 1.035–7.844) were higher in patients with gout.

Conclusion

Patients aged 41–55 years with gout have a higher risk of cancer and all-cause and cancer mortality compared with the general population. Therefore, special attention should be paid to higher cancer risk and mortality in these patients who are diagnosed in middle age.
Development and Testing of Reduced Versions of the Manual Muscle Test-8 in Juvenile Dermatomyositis
Authors: Rosina Silvia , Varnier Giulia C. , Pistorio Angela , Pilkington Clarissa , Maillard Susan , Civino Adele , Tsitsami Elena , Bracaglia Claudia , Jelusic Marija , Cespedes-Cruz Adriana , Espada Graciela , Cimaz Rolando , Couillault Gerard , Joos Rik , Quartier Pierre , Rao Anand P. , Malattia Clara , Ruperto Nicolino , Consolaro Alessandro , Ravelli Angelo
Published: November 2020

Objective.

To develop and test shortened versions of the Manual Muscle Test-8 (MMT-8) in juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).

Methods.

Construction of reduced tools was based on a retrospective analysis of individual scores of MMT-8 muscle groups in 3 multinational datasets. The 4 and 6 most frequently impaired muscle groups were included in MMT-4 and MMT-6, respectively. Metrologic properties of reduced tools were assessed by evaluating construct validity, internal consistency, discriminant ability, and responsiveness to change.

Results.

Neck flexors, hip extensors, hip abductors, and shoulder abductors were included in MMT-4, whereas MMT-6 also included elbow flexors and hip flexors. Both shortened tools revealed strong correlations with MMT-8 and other muscle strength measures. Correlations with other JDM outcome measures were in line with predictions. Internal consistency was good (0.88–0.96) for both MMT-4 and MMT-6. Both reduced tools showed strong ability to discriminate between disease activity states, assessed by the caring physician or a parent (P< 0.001), and between patients whose parents were satisfied or not satisfied with illness course (P< 0.001). Responsiveness to change (assessed by both standardized response mean and relative efficiency) of MMT-4 and, to a lesser degree, MMT-6, was slightly superior to that of MMT-8.

Conclusion.

Overall, the metrologic performance of MMT-4 and MMT-6 was comparable to that of the other established muscle strength tools, which indicates that they may be suitable for use in clinical practice and research, including clinical trials. The measurement properties of these tools should be further tested in other patient populations and evaluated prospectively.
Hydroxychloroquine Suppresses Interferon-inducible Genes and B Cell Activating Factor in Patients With Incomplete and New-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Lambers Wietske M. , Westra Johanna , Bootsma Hendrika , de Leeuw Karina
Published: November 2020

Objective.

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is commonly used as first-line treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Interferon (IFN)-inducible gene expression, IFN-γ–induced protein 10 (IP-10) and B cell activating factor (BAFF) are early mediators in SLE. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of HCQ on these factors.

Methods.

Patients with incomplete SLE (iSLE; antinuclear antibody titer ≥ 1:80, symptoms < 5 years, ≥ 1 objectified clinical American College of Rheumatology or SLE International Collaborating Clinics criteria), or new-onset, mild SLE were included when HCQ treatment was started for clinical reasons. Blood samples were taken at start and after 16 weeks. Three SLE-related IFN-inducible genes were measured in whole blood by real-time PCR, and an IFN score was calculated. Serum levels of IP-10 and BAFF were measured using ELISA.

Results.

In total, 9 patients were included: 7 with iSLE and 2 with new-onset SLE. The median SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) was 4. After 16 weeks of treatment with HCQ, the expression of IFN-inducible genes decreased in 8 of 9 patients, and the IFN-3 score decreased significantly (P = 0.012). There was a trend towards lower IP-10 levels (P = 0.055), and a significant decrease in BAFF levels (P = 0.023).

Conclusion.

HCQ suppresses IFN score and BAFF levels in patients with iSLE or new-onset SLE, and there is a trend towards lowering IP-10 levels. As these biomarkers are early mediators in SLE, this might support the hypothesis that HCQ could influence disease progression. However, prospective research with a larger sample size and longer follow-up is needed.
Hospitalization Rates Are Highest in the First 5 Years of Systemic Sclerosis: Results From a Population-based Cohort (1980–2016)
Authors: Coffey Caitrin M. , Sandhu Avneek S. , Crowson Cynthia S. , Achenbach Sara J. , Matteson Eric L. , Osborn Thomas G. , Warrington Kenneth J. , Makol Ashima
Published: November 2020

Objective.

Few studies have estimated the healthcare resource usage of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The purpose of this study was to compare hospitalization among incident cases of SSc vs age- and sex-matched comparators.

Methods.

A retrospective, population-based cohort of patients with SSc in Olmsted County, Minnesota, from January 1, 1980, to December 31, 2016, was assembled. A 2:1 cohort of age- and sex-matched patients without SSc from the same population was randomly selected for comparison. All hospitalizations in the geographic area from January 1, 1987, to September 30, 2018, were obtained. Rates of hospitalization, lengths of stay, and readmissions were compared between groups.

Results.

There were 76 incident SSc cases and 155 non-SSc comparators (mean age 56 ± 16 yrs at diagnosis/index, 91% female) included. Rates of hospitalization among cases and comparators were 31.9 and 17.9 per 100 person-years, respectively (rate ratio [RR] 1.78, 95% CI 1.52–2.08). Hospitalization rates were higher in patients with SSc than comparators during the first 5 years after SSc diagnosis (RR 2.16, 95% CI 1.70–2.74). This difference decreased over time and was no longer significant at ≥ 15 years after SSc incidence/index. Lengths of stay (median [IQR] 4 [2–6] vs 3 [2–6], P = 0.52) and readmission rates (25% vs 23%, P = 0.51) were similar between groups.

Conclusion.

Patients with SSc were hospitalized more frequently than comparators, indicating high inpatient care needs in this population. Hospitalization rates were highest during the first 5 years following SSc diagnosis.
Does Including Pain, Fatigue, and Physical Function When Assessing Patients with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Provide a Comprehensive Picture of Disease Burden?
Authors: Pazmino Sofia , Lovik Anikó , Boonen Annelies , De Cock Diederik , Stouten Veerle , Joly Johan , Bertrand Delphine , Van der Elst Kristien , Westhovens Rene , Verschueren Patrick
Published: November 2020

Objective.

To explore the possibility of integrating patient-important outcomes like pain, fatigue, and physical function into the evaluation of disease status in early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA) without compromising correct disease activity measurement.

Methods.

Patients from the 2-year Care in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (CareRA) trial were included. Pain and fatigue (visual analog scales), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), standard components of disease activity [swollen/tender joint counts (SJC/TJC), C-reactive protein (CRP) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), physician (PhGH) and patient (PaGH) global health] were recorded at every visit (n = 10). Pearson correlation and exploratory factor analyses (EFA), using multiple imputation (15×) and outputation (1000×), were performed per timepoint and overall, on standard components of disease activity scores with and without pain, fatigue, and HAQ. Each of the 15,000 datasets was analyzed using EFA with principal component extraction and oblimin rotation to determine which variables belong together.

Results.

We included 379 patients. EFA on standard composite score components extracted 2 factors with no substantial cross-loadings. Still, pain (0.83), fatigue (0.65), and HAQ (0.59) were strongly correlated with PaGH. When rerunning the EFA with the inclusion of pain, fatigue, and HAQ, the 2-factor model had substantial cross-loadings between factors. However, a 3-factor model was optimal, with Factor 1: patient assessment, Factor 2: clinical assessment (PhGH, SJC, and TJC), and Factor 3: laboratory assessment (ESR/CRP).

Conclusion.

PaGH, pain, fatigue, and physical function represent a separate aspect of the disease burden of patients with ERA, which could be further explored as a target for care apart from disease activity. [ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01172639].
Lifestyle and Clinical Risk Factors for Incident Rheumatoid Arthritis-associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Kronzer Vanessa L. , Huang Weixing , Dellaripa Paul F. , Huang Sicong , Feathers Vivi , Lu Bing , Iannaccone Christine K. , Gill Ritu R. , Hatabu Hiroto , Nishino Mizuki , Crowson Cynthia S. , Davis John M. , Weinblatt Michael E. , Shadick Nancy A. , Doyle Tracy J. , Sparks Jeffrey A.
Published: November 2020

Objective

To determine the association between novel lifestyle factors on risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD), define the threshold at which smoking increases RA-ILD risk, and calculate the degree to which known lifestyle and clinical factors predict RA-ILD.

Methods

This nested case-control study matched incident RA-ILD cases to RA non-ILD controls on age, sex, RA duration, rheumatoid factor, and time from exposure assessment to RA-ILD. Exposures included education, BMI, smoking, anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, race, joint erosions, rheumatoid nodules, C-reactive protein (CRP), disease activity score, functional status, disease-modifying antirheumatic drug use, and glucocorticoid use. OR for each exposure on risk of RA-ILD were obtained from logistic regression models. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated based on all lifestyle and clinical exposures.

Results

We identified 84 incident RA-ILD cases and 233 matched controls. After adjustment, obesity, high-positive CRP (≥ 10 mg/L), and poor functional status (multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire [MDHAQ] ≥ 1) were associated with increased risk of RA-ILD (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.11–5.24 vs normal BMI; OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.21–5.64 vs CRP < 3 mg/L; OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.32–7.26 vs MDHAQ < 0.2). Smoking 30 pack-years or more was strongly associated with risk of RA-ILD compared to never smokers (OR 6.06, 95% CI 2.72–13.5). Together, lifestyle and clinical risk factors for RA-ILD had an AUC of 0.79 (95% CI 0.73–0.85).

Conclusion

Obesity, CRP, functional status, and extensive smoking may be novel risk factors for RA-ILD that may be useful for RA-ILD risk assessment and prevention. The overall ability to predict RA-ILD remains modest.
Concerns, Healthcare Use, and Treatment Interruptions in Patients With Common Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: George Michael D. , Venkatachalam Shilpa , Banerjee Shubhasree , Baker Joshua F. , Merkel Peter A. , Gavigan Kelly , Curtis David , Danila Maria I. , Curtis Jeffrey R. , Nowell W. Benjamin
Published: November 2020

Objective

To assess concerns and healthcare-related behaviors of patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods

Adults from the United States with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from the ArthritisPower Patient-Powered Research Network and CreakyJoints patient community completed surveys. Concerns and behaviors were compared among patients with different autoimmune conditions, disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) use, and geographic measures of urban status, income, education, and COVID-19 activity.

Results

Among 1517 participants (925 RA, 299 PsA, 185 AS, 108 SLE), mean age was 55.1 years, 88.3% were female, and 89.5% were White. COVID-19 concerns were similar across the country and were higher in biologic users (P < 0.001). Avoidance of doctor’s office visits (56.6%) or laboratory testing (42.3%) and use of telehealth (29.5%) were more common in urban areas. Among participants receiving a DMARD without COVID-19 or other respiratory illness, 14.9% stopped a DMARD, with 78.7% of DMARD interruptions not recommended by a physician. DMARD stopping was more common in participants with lower socioeconomic status (SES) and in participants who avoided an office visit (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.04–2.04) or reported lack of telehealth availability OR 2.26 (95% CI 1.25–4.08).

Conclusion

In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with RA, PsA, AS, and SLE frequently avoided office visits and laboratory testing. DMARD interruptions commonly occurred without the advice of a physician and were associated with SES, office visits, and telehealth availability, highlighting the need for adequate healthcare access and attention to vulnerable populations during the pandemic.
Increased Prevalence of Moderate to Severe Mitral and Aortic Valve Dysfunction in Systemic Sclerosis: A Case-control Study
Authors: Narváez Javier , LLuch Judit , Ruiz-Majoral Alejandro , Sánchez-Corral Miguel Angel , Claver Eduard , Nolla Joan M.
Published: November 2020

Objective

To investigate the prevalence, severity, and associated clinical factors of mitral and aortic valvular involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

Our case-control study included 172 patients with SSc and 172 non-SSc adults without known cardiac disease matched by age, sex, and prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. The screening of mitral and aortic valvular involvement was performed by transthoracic Doppler echocardiogram. The prevalence of aortic stenosis (AS) was also compared with that reported in a population-based study performed in our community during the same period.

Results

Patients with SSc showed an almost 5-fold increased prevalence of moderate to severe mitroaortic valve dysfunction compared to non-SSc controls (OR 4.60, 95% CI 1.51–13.98; P = 0.003). The most common lesion was mitral regurgitation (MR), which was observed in 5.2% of patients, followed by AS in 3.5%, and aortic regurgitation (AR) in 1.7%. Analyzing the different types of valvular lesion separately, we observed a significantly higher frequency of MR compared to controls (OR 4.69, 95% CI 1.12–22.04; P = 0.032), as well as a higher frequency of AS in the 65–75 (OR 7.51, 95% CI 1.22–46.23, P = 0.01) and 76–85 age groups (OR 3.53, 95% CI 1.03–12.22, P = 0.043) when compared to the general population in our community.

Conclusion

We found an increased prevalence of moderate to severe MR and AS in SSc compared to age-matched non-SSc controls with similar CV comorbidities. While results from this study do not allow for establishing a direct causal relationship, they strongly support the contribution of SSc-specific factors in the development of these complications.
Priorities for High-quality Care in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results of Patient, Health Professional, and Policy Maker Perspectives
Authors: Barber Claire E.H. , Lacaille Diane , Hall Marc , Bohm Victoria , Li Linda C. , Barnabe Cheryl , Hazlewood Glen S. , Marshall Deborah A. , Rankin James A. , Tsui Karen , English Kelly , MacMullan Paul , Homik Joanne , Mosher Dianne , Then Karen L.
Published: November 2020

Objective

To elucidate the essential elements of high-quality rheumatoid arthritis (RA) care in order to develop a vision statement and a set of strategic objectives for a national RA quality framework.

Methods

Focus groups and interviews were conducted by experienced qualitative researchers using a semistructured interview or focus group guide with healthcare professionals, patients, clinic managers, healthcare leaders, and policy makers to obtain their perspectives on elements essential to RA care. Purposive sampling provided representation of stakeholder types and regions. Recorded data was transcribed verbatim. Two teams of 2 coders independently analyzed the deidentified transcripts using thematic analysis. Strategic objectives and the vision statement were drafted based on the overarching themes from the qualitative analysis and finalized by a working group.

Results

A total of 54 stakeholders from 9 Canadian provinces participated in the project (3 focus groups and 19 interviews). Seven strategic objectives were derived from the qualitative analysis representing the following themes: (1) early access and timeliness of care; (2) evidence-informed, high-quality care for the ongoing management of RA and comorbidities; (3) availability of patient self-management tools and educational materials for shared decision making; (4) multidisciplinary care; (5) patient outcomes; (6) patient experience and satisfaction with care; and (7) equity, the last of which emerged as an overarching theme. The ultimate vision obtained was “ensuring patient-centered, high-quality care for people living with rheumatoid arthritis.”

Conclusion

The 7 strategic objectives that were identified highlight priorities for RA quality of care to be used in developing the National RA Quality Measurement Framework.
VI Jornada ACCID i APC: Noves tendències en Comptabilitat i Control
Authors:   ACCID i APC, APC ACCID i
Published: November 2020

Llibre d'actes de la VI Jornada ACCID i APC. Aquesta edició es va fer en format no presencial / online durant els mesos de maig, juny i juliol de 2020 i va estar organitzat per la Fundació TecnoCampus Mataró-Maresme.
A primal-dual interior point method for $ P_{\ast }\left( \kappa \right) $-HLCP based on a class of parametric kernel functions
Authors: Hazzam Nadia , Kebbiche Zakia
Published: November 2020

In an attempt to improve theoretical complexity of large-update methods, in this paper, we propose a primal-dual interior-point method for \begin{document}$ P_{\ast}\left( \kappa \right) $\end{document}-horizontal linear complementarity problem. The method is based on a class of parametric kernel functions. We show that the corresponding algorithm has \begin{document}$ O\left( \left( 1+2\kappa \right) p^{2}n^{\frac{2+p}{2\left( 1+p\right) }}\log \frac{n}{\epsilon }\right) $\end{document} iteration complexity for large-update methods and we match the best known iteration bounds with special choice of the parameter \begin{document}$ p $\end{document} for \begin{document}$ P_{\ast }\left(\kappa \right) $\end{document}-horizontal linear complementarity problem that is \begin{document}$ O\left(\left( 1+2\kappa \right) \sqrt{n}\log n\log \frac{n}{\epsilon }\right) $\end{document}. We illustrate the performance of the proposed kernel function by some comparative numerical results that are derived by applying our algorithm on five kernel functions.
Tackling Youth Unemployment: Evidence From a Labor Market Experiment in Uganda
Authors: Alfonsi Livia , Bandiera Oriana , Bassi Vittorio , Burgess Robin , Rasul Imran , Sulaiman Munshi , Vitali Anna
Published: November 2020

We design a labor market experiment to compare demand‐ and supply‐side policies to tackle youth unemployment, a key issue in low‐income countries. The experiment tracks 1700 workers and 1500 firms over four years to compare the effect of offering workers either vocational training (VT) or firm‐provided training (FT) for six months in a common setting where youth unemployment is above 60%. Relative to control workers, we find that, averaged over three post‐intervention years, FT and VT workers: (i) enjoy large and similar upticks in sector‐specific skills, (ii) significantly improve their employment rates, and (iii) experience marked improvements in an index of labor market outcomes. These averages, however, mask differences in dynamics: FT gains materialize quickly but fade over time, while VT gains emerge slowly but are long‐lasting, leading VT worker employment and earning profiles to rise above those of FT workers. Estimating a job ladder model of worker search reveals the key reason for this: VT workers receive significantly higher rates of job offers when unemployed, thus hastening their movement back into work. This likely stems from the fact that the skills of VT workers are certified and therefore can be demonstrated to potential employers. Tackling youth unemployment by skilling youth using vocational training pre‐labor market entry therefore appears to be more effective than incentivizing firms through wage subsidies to hire and train young labor market entrants.
Transferable utility and demand functions
Authors: Chiappori Pierre-André , Gugl Elisabeth
Published: November 2020

While many theoretical works, particularly in family economics, rely on the transferable utility (TU) assumption, its exact implications in terms of individual preferences have never been fully worked out. In this paper, we provide a set of necessary and sufficient conditions for a group to satisfy the TU property. We express these conditions in terms of both individual indirect utilities and individual demand functions. Last, we describe the link between this question and a standard problem in consumer theory (initially raised by Gorman 1953), and explain why a similar characterization in terms of direct utilities cannot obtain.
A Comprehensive Review of Professional Network Impact on Education and Career
Authors: Constantinov Calin , Mocanu Mihai L.
Published: November 2020

In their very beginnings, when social networks were solely used for leisure purposes, any action performed online had minimal effect on the real world lives of their members. This has very much changed in our modern world, where becoming an influencer on Instagram can substantially raise one's income, politics is done on Twitter, and an inappropriate video posted on YouTube can get one fired. Similarly, professional networks have changed the approach universities take to prepare their students, the mechanisms behind companies seeking expertise, and the way in which professionals land matching jobs. In the context of discussing the benefits and pitfalls of using such platforms, several points relating to data privacy are highlighted. Additionally, for a complete view of all analytics possibilities, a survey was conducted by looking over 24 research papers, summarising their findings, detailing the six generic research areas which were identified and speculating on what the future might hold.
Nutraceuticals for Management of Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Premi Monica , Bansal Vikas
Published: November 2020

Human wellness and health are predominately governed by the consumption of nutritive foods. Modern approaches such as healthy diet, modified lifestyle, and switching to natural products (nutraceuticals) instead of pharmaceuticals are recommended to counteract the metabolic abnormalities. Globally, usage of nutraceuticals has increased in recent years. Nutraceuticals provide better therapeutic opportunity with lesser-known side effects. Nutraceuticals are the products obtained from foods (dietary supplements, isolated nutrients, and herbal products) that aid physiological effect in the body by promoting health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Many researchers claimed nutraceuticals are effective in improving health and wellness by curing metabolic disorder and thus increasing life expectancy. Clinically, nutraceuticals target the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders and their complications and positively harmonize different clinical and biochemical outcomes. This review highlights the beneficial effects of the popular nutraceuticals in managing metabolic disorders.
Safe and Effective Galactogogues From Unani System of Medicine
Authors: Siddiqui Aslam , Zakir Mohammad , Kazmi Munawwar Husain
Published: November 2020

Malnutrition is one of the major challenges for infants and children throughout the world. Breast feeding is a natural way of providing infants with the essential nutrients and is recommended as a perfect food for newborns. According to the WHO, breast feeding should be initiated within the first hour of birth and should be continued up to six months. Qilla al-Laban is a condition mentioned in Unani medicine in which breast milk production decreases or becomes scanty. It is due to the altered blood quality or quantity, Sū'-i-Mizāj and Ghalaba-i-Akhlat. Muwallid-i-Laban is an agent that promotes the secretion of milk. Synthetic drugs for augmentation of lactation have major safety concerns. Several galactogogues like Satawar, Musli safaid, etc. are being successfully prescribed by Unani physician since ancient times. This chapter describes various galactogogue mentioned in Unani system of medicine for promoting the production and secretion of milk. The dietary recommendations and drugs used to increase milk production are from natural source and chances of adverse effects are minimal.
Early Adversity and Neurodevelopment
Authors: Miller Raissa
Published: November 2020

This chapter addresses the impact of early childhood adversity on the developing brain and nervous system. The author provides a critical review of the Adverse Childhood Experiences study and expands the concept of early adversity to include systemic and environmental stressors and a focus on resilience in addition to potential pathology. Particular focus is given to reviewing contemporary neuroscience research on the influence of negative early life events, including impacts on brain structure, function, connectivity, epigenetic processes, and inflammation. The author identifies overarching findings while also acknowledging limitations of the current science and the difficulties inherent in practitioners' translating primary brain research into school-based interventions. Some ideas for practical applications of the science are provided.
Editoriale - La scienza tra verità e lusinga
Authors: Sgreccia Elio
Published: November 2020

Non disponibile.
Dall’autonomia alla responsabilità: il desiderio di maternità e la possibilità della FIVET
Authors: Furnari Marianna Gensabella
Published: November 2020

Fino a che punto il desiderio di maternità, frustrato dalla sterilità, può servirsi delle nuove possibilità offerte dalla FIVET? Quale criterio ci consente di distinguere tra un dominio ragionevole ed uno irragionevole sulla natura? Il ripensamento dell’indissolubilità del nesso corpo-persona, e dell’imperativo kantiano, che impone di non considerare mai l’umanità solo come messo, aiutano a trovare una misura che appare smarrita. Ma è possibile applicare l’imperativo kantiano a tutti i soggetti coinvolti nella FIVET? Attraverso una discussione con le tesi della bioetica laica, si evidenzia come quell’imperativo vada inteso, non solo a tutela del diritto dei genitori al consenso libero e informato, ma anche a tutela dell’embrione. Al di là delle distinzioni strumentali tra pre-embrione ed embrione, e al di là della diversità di opinioni se l’embrione si o no persona, sta la certezza che l’embrione è un essere umano, certezza che impone di rispettarlo “come uno di noi”.

Nel confronto con tale imperativo il desiderio di maternità trova un limite che è spesso dimenticato. Iscritto nella sfera intima, inviolabile della corporeità, il desiderio di maternità sembra regolato solo dal principio di autonomia, che su quella sfera domina. Occorre però ripensare il principio di autonomia e il modio in cui intendiamo la nostra corporeità. Rifletto come nomos che si dà un autos che è corpo/persona, il principio di autonomia trova il limite della mia indipendenza non solo nella non interferenza con gli altri, ma nella legge iscritta nella stessa corporeità, cioè nella difesa della vita, mia e altrui. È lo stesso desiderio di maternità a guidarci in questa rilettura del principio di autonomia: iscritto nel corpo, tale desiderio va oltre il corpo proprio, aprendosi alla corporeità dell’altro perché un terzo abbia vita. Di fronte alla rivendicazione dell’autonomia del procreare si leva la voce della responsabilità, da sempre insita nell’esser-madre: una voce che invita a tutelare la vita che chiamiamo al mondo sin dal suo primo apparire, e a vigilare perché le siano assicurati i diritti fondamentali dell’identità parentale e della famiglia. Inteso nella sua verità, non come desiderio di avere un figlio ma come desiderio di essere madre, il desiderio di maternità, trova in se stesso la propria regola, il correttivo a quel dilatarsi indefinito dei fini, quasi una “festa del desiderio” a cui la FIVET eterologa apre. Ciò significa imparare a cadenzare, o addirittura a fermare, il passo del desiderio, seguendo le voci antiche di Logos e Cura.
La circoncisione maschile su neonati
Authors: Di Pietro Maria Luisa , Cicerone Marina
Published: November 2020

Il termine “circoncisione” indica l’asportazione totale o parziale del prepuzio nel maschio, una pratica presente fin dall’antichità ed eseguita ancora oggi in diverse aree geografiche per motivazioni religiose e culturali.

Dopo un breve excursus storico, le Autrici analizzano le ragioni della circoncisione maschile neonatale (preventiva, terapeutica e rituale) e le eventuali complicanze (fisiche e psicologiche) ad essa correlate, al fine di avere dati obiettivi per valutarne l’utilità e l’efficacia sul piano clinico. Si tratta di una valutazione non facile, tanto che la proposta che generalmente viene avanzata è di lasciare ai genitori la scelta se circoncidere o meno il figlio.

Sono i genitori in grado di prendere la giusta decisione? Sono in grado di esprimere un consenso informato? E l’aver ottenuto il consenso da parte dei genitori risponde alla difesa del miglior interesse del figlio? Quale sarebbe stata l’adesione del figlio alla proposta di circoncisione se questi fosse stato in grado di intendere e di volere?

Un altro aspetto preso in considerazione è, poi, quello della richiesta di circoncisione rituale: deve farsi carico il Servizio Sanitario Nazionale anche di questo intervento? La questione, già presa in esame dal Comitato Nazionale per la Bioetica italiano, viene analizzata nell’ottica non tanto del riconoscimento o meno di forme di esercizio di culto, quanto della validità o meno a scopi profilattici della circoncisione.
Non-invasive assessment of peripheral skeletal muscle weakness in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a pilot study with multiparametric MRI of the rectus femoris muscle
Authors: Diniz de Paula Wagner , Palmeira Rodrigues Marcelo , Mireise Costa Ferreira Nathali , Vieira Passini Viviane , Augusto Melo-Silva César
Published: November 2020

Background: To investigate differences in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of rectus femoris muscle between idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients and healthy volunteers.Methods: Thirteen IPF patients with GAP Index stage II disease were subjected to pulmonary function tests, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), quadriceps femoris muscle strength measurement and MRI of the thigh at rest. At MRI, muscle cross-sectional areas, T2 and T2* relaxometry, and 3-point Dixon fat fraction were measured. The results were compared to those of eight healthy sedentary volunteers.Results: IPF patients had significantly lower %predicted FVC, FEV1 and DLCO (p<0.001 for the three variables) and walked significantly less in the 6MWT (p=0.008). Mean quadriceps femoris muscle strength also was significantly lower in IPF patients (p=0.041). Rectus femoris muscle T2* measurements were significantly shorter in IPF patients (p=0.027). No significant intergroup difference was found regarding average muscle cross-sectional areas (p=0.790 for quadriceps and p=0.816 for rectus femoris) or rectus femoris fat fraction (p=0.901). Rectus femoris T2 values showed a non-significant trend to be shorter in IPF patients (p=0.055).Conclusions: Our preliminary findings suggest that, besides disuse atrophy, other factors such as hypoxia (but not inflammation) may play a role in the peripheral skeletal muscle dysfunction observed in IPF patients. This might impact the rehabilitation strategies for IPF patients and warrants further investigation.
Numerical Algorithms for Direct Solution of Fourth Order Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Kuboye John , Elusakin O. R. , Quadri O. F.
Published: November 2020

This paper examines the derivation of hybrid numerical algorithms with step length(k) of five for solving fourth order initial value problems of ordinary differential equations directly. In developing the methods, interpolation and collocation techniques are considered. Approximated power series is used as interpolating polynomial and its fourth derivative as the collocating equation. These equations are solved using Gaussian-elimination approach in finding the unknown variables aj, j=0,...,10 which are substituted into basis function to give continuous implicit scheme. The discrete schemes and its derivatives that form the block are obtainedby evaluating continuous implicit scheme at non-interpolating points. The developed methods are of order seven and the results generated when the methods were applied to fourth order initial value problems compared favourably with existing methods.order initial value problems compared favourably with existing methods.
Seasonal Comparison of Potential Groundwater Aquifer in Ijebu-Ife, South-West, Nigeria, using Dipole-Dipole Array and Electromagnetic Methods
Authors: J. O. Coker  , H. H. Akpan  , A. O. Atilade  , O. F. Ojo
Published: November 2020

Seasonal comparison of potential groundwater aquifer unit using integrated geophysical methods at Ijebu-Ife, Ogun State, South-west, Nigeria was investigated. The fieldwork employed two seasons (dry and wet seasons). The electromagnetic method employed the Very low frequency and its data was acquired during the dry and wet seasons along with five profiles of Dipole-dipole array covering 500 m length using ABEM WADI VLF equipment and was processed using the KAROUS-HJELT software. The 2 – D Dipole-dipole data were also acquired along with five (5) traverse for both seasons making a total number of ten (10) and was processed with DIPROFWIN software. The results of the Integrated Dipole-Dipole and VLF-EM data identified three geoelectric layers based on its electrical resistivity and conductivity distribution. The study identified a clayey sand horizon which constitutes a good aquifer zone. The study reveals in, comparison, that during the dry season, all layer resistivities are high with low depth while during the wet season; all layer resistivities are low with high depth. Also, conductivity during the wet season is high at high depth than conductivity which is low at low depth during the dry season. The study concluded that, in water exploration, drilling of water should be done during the dry season in other to locate the exact depth of water.
Alpha decay half-lives of 171-189Hg isotopes using Modified Gamow-like model and temperature dependent proximity potential
Authors: W. A. Yahya
Published: November 2020

The alpha decay half-lives for $^{171-189}\mathrm{Hg}$ isotopes have been computed using the Gamow-like model (GLM), modified Gamow-like model (MGLM1), temperature-independent Coulomb and proximity potential model (CPPM), and temperature-dependent Coulomb and proximity potential model (CPPMT). New variable parameter sets were numerically calculated for the $^{171-189}\mathrm{Hg}$ using the modified Gamow-like model (termed MGLM2). The results of the computed standard deviation indicates that the modified Gamow-like model (MGLM2) and the temperature-dependent Coulomb and proximity potential model give the least deviation from available experimental values, and therefore suggests that the two models (MGLM2 and CPPMT) are the most suitable for the evaluation of $\alpha$-decay half-lives for the $\mathrm{Hg}$ isotopes.