bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spanish General Population Normative Data Analysis for the EORTC QLQ-C30 and Relationships Between Sex, Age, and Health Conditions
Authors: Arraras Juan Ignacio , Nolte Sandra , Liegl Gregor , Rose Matthias , Manterola Ana , Illarramendi Jose Juan , Uxue Zarandona , Rico Mikel , Teiejria Lucia , Asin Gemma , Hernandez Irene , Barrado Marta , Vera Ruth , Efficace Fabio , Giesinger Johannes M.
Published: March 2021

PurposeGeneral population normative data for the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 questionnaire facilitates interpretation of data assessed from cancer patients. This study aimed to present normative data of the Spanish general population.Methods/Patients Data were obtained from a prior larger study collecting EORTC QLQ-C30 norm data across 15 countries. Data were stratified by sex and age groups (18–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and >70 years). Sex and age distribution were weighted according to population distribution statistics. Sex- and age-specific normative values were analysed separately, as were participants with versus those without health conditions. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate the association of each of the EORTC QLQ-C30 scales with the determinants age, sex, sex-by-age interaction term, and health condition. Results 1165 Spanish individuals participated in the study. Differences were found by sex and age. The largest sex-related differences were seen in fatigue, emotional functioning, and global QoL (Quality of Life), favouring men. Largest age differences were seen in emotional functioning, insomnia, and pain, with middle-aged groups having the worst scores. Those >60 years scored better than those <60 years on all scales except for physical functioning. Participants with no health conditions scored better in all QLQ-C30 domains.ConclusionsThe present study highlights differences in HRQoL between specific sex/age strata and especially between persons with and without a health condition in the Spanish general population. These factors must be considered when comparing general population HRQoL data with that of cancer patients.
TASC (Telehealth After Stroke Care): A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial of Telehealth-enabled Multidisciplinary Stroke Care in an Underserved Urban Setting
Authors: Naqvi Imama A. , Cheung Ying Kuen , Strobino Kevin H , Li Hanlin , Tom Sarah E , Husaini Zehra A , Williams Olajide A , Marshall Randolph S , Arcia Adriana , Kronish Ian M , Elkind Mitchell S. V.
Published: March 2021

BackgroundHypertension is the most important modifiable risk factor for recurrent stroke, and blood pressure (BP) reduction is associated with decreased risk of stroke recurrence. However, hypertension remains poorly controlled in many stroke survivors. Black and Hispanic patients have a higher prevalence of uncontrolled BP and higher rates of stroke. Limited access to care contributes to challenges in post-stroke care. Telehealth After Stroke Care (TASC) is a telehealth intervention that integrates Remote BP Monitoring (RBPM) including nursing telephone support, tailored BP infographics and telehealth video visits with a multidisciplinary team approach including pharmacy to improve post-stroke care and reduce stroke disparities.MethodsIn this pilot trial, 50 acute stroke patients with hypertension will be screened for inclusion prior to hospital discharge and randomized to usual care or TASC. Usual care patients will be seen by a primary care nurse practitioner at 1-2 weeks and a stroke neurologist at 1 and 3 months. In addition to these usual care visits, TASC intervention patients will see a pharmacist at 4 and 8 weeks and will be enrolled in RBPM consisting of home BP monitoring with interval calls by a centralized team of telehealth nurses. As part of RBPM, TASC patients will be provided with a home BP monitoring device and electronic tablet that wirelessly transmits home BP data to the electronic health record. They will also receive tailored BP infographics that help explain their BP readings. The primary outcome will be within-patient change in BP from baseline to 3 months after discharge. Secondary outcomes will be medication adherence self-efficacy and satisfaction with post-stroke telehealth, both measured at 3-months. Additional patient reported outcomes will include depression, cognitive function, and socioeconomic determinants. Multidisciplinary team competency and fidelity measures will also be assessed.ConclusionsIntegrated team-based interventions may improve BP control and reduce racial/ethnic disparities in post-stroke care. TASC is a post-acute stroke care model that is novel in providing RBPM with tailored infographics, and a multidisciplinary team approach including pharmacy. Our pilot will determine if such an approach is feasible and effective in enhancing post-stroke BP control and promoting self-efficacy.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04640519
Wigner Ensemble Monte Carlo Simulation Without Discretization Error of a GaAs Resonant Tunneling Diode
Authors: Muscato Orazio
Published: March 2021

A Monte Carlo technique for the solution of the Wigner transport equation has been developed during these years, based on the generation and annihilation of signed particles. A stochastic algorithm without time discretization error has been recently introduced. Its derivation is based on the theory of piecewise deterministic Markov processes.Numerical experiments are performed in the case of a GaAs Resonant Tunneling Diode. Convergence of the time-splitting scheme to the no-splitting algorithm is demonstrated. The no-splitting algorithm is shown to be more efficient in terms of computational effort.
Fear of Childbirth and Its Predictors in Repregnant Women After Cesarean Section: A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study in China
Authors: Hou Yiping , Zhou Xihong , Yao Min , Liu Sai
Published: March 2021

Background

Since the implementation of China’s two-child policy in 2016, the number of repregnant women after cesarean section has increased significantly. These women are more prone to fear of childbirth compared with primiparas, which poses a great threat to their physical and mental health. However, there is currently limited research on the problem in China. The aim of this study was to assess fear of childbirth and its predictors in repregnant women after cesarean section in China.
Methods

A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted in three hospitals from June 7 to December 7, 2020, in Changsha, China. A convenience sampling technique was employed to include participants. Pretested and organized questionnaires were used to collect data. After checking for completeness, data were exported to statistical software for analysis. Both univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were computed to assess fear of childbirth and its predictors. Statistical significance was declared at a P-value of < 0.05.
Results

A total of 358 repregnant women after cesarean section have participated in this study. The average score of fear of childbirth was 43.76 (standard deviation = 5.27, range 17–58). Number of cesarean sections, experience with previous cesarean section, childbirth self-efficacy and social support were significantly associated with fear of childbirth.
Conclusions

In this study, repregnant women after cesarean section in China had moderate fear of childbirth, and the number of cesarean sections, experience with previous cesarean section, childbirth self-efficacy and social support were predictors of fear of childbirth. It is important for healthcare professionals to find repregnant women after cesarean section at high risk of fear of childbirth and provide appropriate services during pregnancy.
Inpatient service utilization in Iran: A longitudinal study
Authors: Mosadeghrad Ali Mohammad , Abbasi Mahya , Dehnavi Hamed
Published: March 2021

Background and aimHealth care utilization according to the real needs of the population is crucial to realization of universal health coverage. Access to health care as one of the intermediate goals of the health system has been a key consideration for policymakers. The purpose of the present research was to examine the state of inpatient service utilization in Iran.MethodsThis descriptive-analytical study uses a longitudinal design. National data obtained from the Ministry of Health and the Statistical Center of Iran for the period 2012–2017 were used to calculate hospital beds per capita and inpatient admission per capita. Data were analyzed in SPSS, and ArcGIS for Power BI was used for visualization.FindingsThe inpatient admission rate across the country increased by 32% from 2012 to 2017. Over the same period, hospital beds per capita increased by 15.7% from 1.34 to 1.55 per 1,000 people, and inpatient admission per capita increased by 23.9% from 113.6 to 140.8 per 1,000 people. There are wide variations between provinces in inpatient admission per capita. Yazd Province and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province had the highest and lowest inpatient admission per capita with 248 and 101 per 1,000 people, respectively.ConclusionAccess to hospital beds nationwide has a significant effect on inpatient service utilization. policymakers should consider demographic, epidemiological, and socioeconomic factors when determining the health needs of various regions of the country and distribute resources accordingly.
Expression of deubiquitinases in human gingiva and cultured human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Fu Yong-Wei , Xu Hong-Zhi
Published: March 2021

Background

Although deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) such as CYLD, A20 and OTULIN are expressed in multiple tissues and thought to be linked with inflammatory diseases, their expression in periodontal tissues remains to be determined. This research was designed to assess the expression of CYLD, A20 and OTULIN in human gingiva, and to evaluate the regulation of these DUBs in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) upon different stimuli.
Methods

Immunohistochemistry assay was conducted to determine the expression of CYLD, A20 and OTULIN in human gingiva. Immunofluorescence assay was employed to observe the protein expression of CYLD, A20 and OTULIN in HGFs. RT-PCR and western blots were carried out to assess gene and protein expression changes of these DUBs in HGFs upon LPS or TNF-α.
Results

CYLD, A20 and OTULIN were found to be expressed in human gingiva and HGFs. Further, the expression of CYLD, A20 and OTULIN in HGFs exhibited distinct regulation by different stimuli.
Conclusions

Our findings suggest that CYLD, A20 and OTULIN might play a role in the progression of periodontitis.
Partial incubation-induced changes in concentrations of egg white antimicrobials do not influence trans-shell infection but affect hatchling phenotype
Authors: Svobodová Jana , Kreisinger Jakub , Javůrková Veronika Gvoždíková
Published: March 2021

Host-microbiome interactions during embryonal and early phase of life is critical point in microbiome formation and assemblage in neonates. In birds, transmission of microbes from the outer environment into the egg interior was found to shape embryo viability and hatchlings phenotype. Microbes’ transmission may be modulated by egg white antimicrobial proteins (AMPs) whose concentration and antimicrobial action are temperature-modulated. As partial incubation and clutch covering with nest-lining feathers during pre-incubation period may both significantly alter temperature conditions acting on eggs, we experimentally investigated effects of these behavioural mechanisms on the concentrations of primary egg white AMPs - lysozyme and avidin using Mallard (Anas platyrhychos) eggs. Moreover, we studied in vivo if concentrations of egg white AMPs reduced probability and intensity of bacterial trans-shell infection and hatchlings phenotype. We found significantly higher egg white lysozyme concentration, while avidin concentration tended to be higher in partially incubated eggs. Clutch covering with nest-lining feathers had no effect on egg white AMPs concentrations. Neither probability nor intensity of bacterial trans-shell infection was associated with concentrations of egg white AMPs. Finally, increased egg white lysozyme was associated with decreased scaled body mass index of hatchlings. These outcomes demonstrate that incubation prior to clutch completion in precocial birds may modulate concentrations of particular egg white AMPs, yet without any effect on transmission of bacteria into the egg in vivo. Furthermore, increased egg white lysozyme may compromise body condition of hatchlings supporting growth-regulating role of lysozyme during embryogenesis in precocial birds.
Study of the relationship between applied transmembrane pressure and antimicrobial activity of lysozyme
Authors: Miron Simona , Espindola Ariane de , dutournie patrick , Ponche Arnaud
Published: March 2021

During the processing of biomolecules by ultrafiltration, the lysozyme enzyme suffers conformational changes, which can affect its antibacterial activity. Operational conditions are considered ones of the principal responsible for the modifications, especially when using the same membrane and molecule. The present study demonstrates that, the same cut-off membrane (commercial data) can produce different properties on the protein after filtration, due to their different pore network. The filtration of lysozyme, regardless of the membrane, produces a decrease in the membrane hydraulic permeability (between 10–30%) and an increase in its selectivity in terms of observed rejection rate (30%). For the filtrated lysozyme, it appears that the HPLC retention time increases depending on the membrane used. The antibacterial activity of the filtrated samples is lower than the native protein and decreases with the increase of the applied pressure reaching 55–60% loss for 12 bar which is not reported in the literature. The observed results by SEC-HPLC and bacteriological tests, suggest that the conformation of the filtrated molecules are indeed modified. These results highlight the relationship between protein conformation or activity and the imposed shear stress.
Internal promoters of the epothilone biosynthetic gene cluster and their activation in Myxococcus xanthus by CRISPR-dCas9
Authors: Wang Ye , Yue Xin-jing , Yuan shu-fei , Hong Yu , Hu Wei-feng , Li Yue-zhong
Published: March 2021

Background

Multiple genes involving in a complex pathway are often clustered into a giant operon with no transcription terminator before the end, and this leads to frangibility of the transcriptional process and arduous engineering work to control the transcription of operon genes. Internal promoters might occur in operon to coordinate the transcription of individual genes, but their effects on the transcription of operon genes have been less investigated.
Results

Epothilones are a kind of polyketides synthesized by seven multifunctional enzymes, which are encoded by a 56-kb operon of the myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum. In this study, we determined that the epothilone operon contained multiple internal promoters. These promoters were activatable by the CRISPRa technique, and the yields of epothilones were accordingly increased. However, the activation efficiencies of promoters in operon and separate forms were greatly different. Further, we found that the transcriptional levels of the epothilone genes were always increased at a greater extent than the epothilone yields, which suggested that the transcriptional activation of single genes probably had a weak effect on the final epothilone yield, and higher yield required an overall transcriptional increase of the multiple operonic genes. Finally, we combined the activation of the starting promoter PepoA together with internal promoters in different epothilone-producing strains, and obtained the highest 15-fold increase of epothilone yield in Myxococcus xanthus ZE5.
Conclusions

This is the first time to report the internal promoters in epothilone gene clusters in Myxococcus xanthus and the first time to assay the activation effects of these internal promoters by CRISPR-dCas9. Our results highlight that tuning internal promoter activities is critical to control the transcription of operon genes and the production efficiency of microbial secondary metabolites.
Tool Profile Modification of Hypoid Gear Machined by Duplex Helical Method
Authors: Wu Shunxing , Yan Hongzhi , Wang Zhiyong , Bi Rengui , Li Jia
Published: March 2021

For the hypoid gear pair of the heavy-duty vehicle drive axle machined by the duplex helical method, in order to avoid edge contact and stress concentration on the tooth surface, a four-segment tool profile is designed to modify the concave and convex surfaces simultaneously. First, the geometric model of the four-segment tool profile is established. Second, the mathematical model of the duplex helical method based on the four-segment tool profile is established, and the method of solving the tooth surface generated by the connecting points of the four-segment tool profile is given. Finally, the finite element method of loaded tooth contact analysis is used to analyze the meshing performance of the gear pair obtained by the four-segment tool profile modification, and the results are compared with the original gear pair. The results show that after the tooth surfaces are modified, the edge contact of the tooth surfaces are avoided, the stress distribution of the tooth surfaces are improved, the maximum contact stress of the tooth surfaces are reduced, and the fatigue and wear life of the tooth surface are improved.
Identification of Significant Genes and Therapeutic Agents for Breast Cancer by Integrated Bioinformatics
Authors: Sun Xiao , Luo Zhenzhen , Gong Liuyun , Tan Xinyue , Chen Jie , Liang Xin , Cai Mengjiao
Published: March 2021

Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in women; thus, more cancer prevention research is urgently needed. The aim of this study was to predict potential therapeutic agents for breast cancer and determine their molecular mechanisms using integrated bioinformatics.Methods: Summary data from a large genome-wide association study of breast cancer was derived from the UK Biobank. The gene expression profile of breast cancer was from the Oncomine database. We performed a network-wide association study and gene set enrichment analysis to identify the significant genes in breast cancer. Then we performed Gene Ontology analysis using the STRING database and conducted Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis using Cytoscape software. We verified our results using the Gene Expression Profile Interactive Analysis, PROgeneV2, and Human Protein Atlas databases. Connectivity map analysis was used to identify small molecule compounds that are potential therapeutic agents for breast cancer.Results: We identified 10 significant genes in breast cancer based on the gene expression profile and genome-wide association study. A total of 65 small molecule compounds were found to be potential therapeutic agents for breast cancer.Conclusion: Combined analyses of network-wide association studies, gene expression profiles, and drug databases are helpful for identifying potential therapeutic agents for diseases. This method is a new paradigm that can guide future research directions.
Total knee replacement for patients with severe hemophilic arthropathy in Taiwan: A nationwide population-based retrospective study
Authors: Chen Cheng-Fong , Yu Yuan-Bin , Chiu Jan-Wei , Gau Jyh-Pyng , Hsu Hui-Chi
Published: March 2021

BackgroundTotal knee replacement (TKR) surgery is a treatment option for advanced hemophilic arthropathy. Due to its rarity and complexity, previous reports could only demonstrate the results of single-site studies including few cases. This population-based study aimed to investigate the major epidemiological characteristics, mean consumption of coagulation factors, length of hospital stays, complications, and failure rate of primary TKR for severe hemophilia patients in Taiwan.MethodsA cohort of 996 hemophilia patients registered between 1995 and 2011 were included, and 103 primary TKRs were performed on 75 patients. Unilateral TKR was performed on 47 patients and bilateral TKRs on the remaining 28 patients, including 12 simultaneous and 16 staged surgeries. The mean age at surgery was 32.3 years (range: 17.3–55.7), and the mean follow-up duration was 77.9 months (range: 2.3–176.8).ResultsFailure was noted in 8 patients (8.5%) at mean 32.8 months (range: 2.3–95) after surgery. Four patients revealed aseptic loosening, whereas infection in 4. The 10-year prosthesis survivorship was 88.6%. For patients receiving unilateral TKR, the mean length of hospital stay was 15 days (range: 7–32). The mean cost of factor supplement was USD 43,543 with a mean 4-unit packed RBC transfusion (range: 0–38). The total admission cost was USD 48,326 (range: USD 4,165–262,619).ConclusionsThe prevalence of TKA for hemophilia patients was 7.5% in Taiwan. The mean hospital stays was 14 days and the 10-year prosthesis survivorship was 88.6%. The mean daily factors usage was decreased from 235.7 unites preoperatively to 202.1 units postoperatively. In comparison with the staged-bilateral TKRs, the simultaneous procedures significantly reduced the mean total cost from USD 101,923 to USD 61,587 (P = 0.023). Therefore, in terms of cost-effectiveness, bilateral simultaneous TKR is more preferable than staged procedures.
Calcium Peroxide Promoted Anaerobic Co-digestion of Plant Waste and Excess Sludge to Produce Methane
Authors: Wang Yongliang , Zhou Xiaohui , Dai Bin , Zhu Xiaoqiang
Published: March 2021

Plant waste (PW) and excess sludge (ES) are two main organic matters of municipal solid waste. However, there are few reports on their anaerobic co-digestion. In this work, the mixed proportion of PW and ES anaerobic co digestion was first optimized at mesophilic temperature, and then the anaerobic co-digestion of PW and ES was enhanced with strong oxidant calcium peroxide (CP). The results showed that the optimal mixing ratio of PW and ES was 1/1 (in terms of volatile solids), and the C/N of mixed digestion substrate was 23.5/1, the maximum methane production was 172.6 mL/g (in terms of volatile solids). CP could enhance methane production from anaerobic co-digestion of PW and ES. When the content of CP was 0.2 g/g (in terms of total suspended solids), the maximum methane production was 234.8 mL/g, about 1.4 times of the blank. The mechanism investigation showed that CP promoted the release of organic matter during the co-digestion, and the higher the content of CP, the greater the release of soluble chemical oxygen demand. The presence of appropriate amount of CP promoted the activities of key enzymes in anaerobic fermentation process, and then increased the efficiency of methane production. The results of this work provide an alternative strategy for the resource utilization of PW and ES.
Fragility Curves for Italian Urm Buildings Based on a Hybrid Method
Authors: Sandoli Antonio , Lignola Gian Piero , Calderoni Bruno , Prota Andrea
Published: March 2021

A hybrid seismic fragility model for territorial-scale seismic vulnerability assessment of masonry buildings is developed and presented in this paper. The method combines expert-judgment and mechanical approaches to derive typological fragility curves for Italian residential masonry building stock. The first classifies Italian masonry buildings in five different typological classes as function of age of construction, structural typology, and seismic behaviour and damaging of buildings observed following the most severe earthquakes occurred in Italy. The second, based on numerical analyses results conducted on building prototypes, provides all the parameters necessary for developing fragility functions.Peak-Ground Acceleration (PGA) at Ultimate Limit State attainable by each building’s class has been chosen as an Intensity Measure (IM) to represent fragility curves: three types of curve have been developed, each referred to mean, maximum and minim value of PGAs defined for each buildings class.To represent the expected damage scenario for increasing earthquake intensities, a correlation between PGAs and Mercalli-Cancani-Sieber (MCS) macroseismic intensity scale has been used and the corresponding fragility curves developed.Results show that the proposed building’s classes are representative of the Italian masonry building stock and that fragility curves are effective for predicting both seismic vulnerability and expected damage scenarios for seismic-prone areas. Finally, the fragility curves have been compared with empirical curves obtained through a macroseismic approach on Italian masonry buildings available in literature, underlining the differences between the methods.
Influence of face surgical and N95 face masks on speech perception and listening effort in noise
Authors: Rahne Torsten , Fröhlich Laura , Plontke Stefan , Wagner Luise
Published: March 2021

Daily life conversation relies on speech perception in quiet and noise. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the usage of face masks has become mandatory in many situations. Acoustic attenuation of sound pressure by the mask tissue reduces speech perception ability especially in noisy situations. Mask also impede the process of speech information from sight of the moving mouth (lip reading).
In a prospective exploratory experimental study including 17 normal hearing participants, speech perception in noise and listening effort were measured with and without a surgical mask or an N95 mask between the speech signal and the listener. Additionally, the influence of the masks on the acoustic frequency spectrum was measured.
Averaged over all noise signals, speech perception threshold in noise was significantly reduced by 1.6 dB (95% CI[1.0, 2.1]) by a surgical mask and by 2.7 dB (95% CI[2.2, 3.2]) using an N95 mask. The 50%-listening effort signal-to-noise ratio was not significantly increased by 0.58 dB (95% CI[0.4, 1.5]) by a surgical mask but significantly increased by 2.2 dB (95% CI[1.2, 3.1]) using an N95 mask. In acoustic measures the amplitudes were reduced by the mask tissue by up to 8 dB at frequencies above 1 kHz while no reduction was observed below 1 kHz.
We conclude that face masks reduce speech perception and increase listening effort in different noise signals. Together with an additional interference by missing lip reading the compound effect of face masks would have a relevant impact on daily life communication already in normal hearing subjects.
The 3D Printed Template Assists Accuracy and Safety of Screw Placement in the Treatment of Pediatric Congenital Scoliosis: A Case Control Retrospective Study
Authors: Cao Jun , Zhang Xuejun , Liu Haonan , Yao Ziming , Bai Yunsong , Guo Dong , Feng Lei
Published: March 2021

Background: Three-dimensional (3-D) printed templates are increasingly applied in spinal surgery, but are rarely used in the treatment of congenital scoliosis. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and safety of 3D printed template-assisted screw placement in the treatment of congenital scoliosis.Methods: A total of 67 patients with congenital scoliosis treated in our hospital between January 2017 to January 2019 were retrospectively included (mean age= 4.13±2.66 years, range: 2-15) and divided into the template-assistant group (n=34) and the freehand group (n=33) according to the screw placement method. The accuracy rate of pedicle screw placement, surgical outcomes, and incidence of complications were compared between groups.Results: Although the good accuracy (grade 0+ grade 1) rate of pedicle screw placement was comparable between the two groups, the excellent accuracy (grade 0) rate was significantly higher in the template-assistant group than in the freehand group (96.10% vs. 88.64%, P=0.007). The main curve Cobb's angle and Kyphosis' angle significantly decreased after surgery in both groups but without a significant intergroup difference. The template-assistant group had a significantly lower postoperative complication rate than the freehand group (0% vs. 18.18%; P=0.009). The 4 patients with postoperative complications in the freehand group all received revision surgery.Conclusion: The 3D printed templates can improve the excellent accuracy rate of screw placement and reduce postoperative complications in the treatment of congenital scoliosis, thereby improving the therapeutic efficacy.
An Exploratory Optimal Framework of Low Impact Development Measures Spatial Arrangement based on Source Tracking for Urban Flood Mitigation
Authors: Qi Wenchao , Ma Chao , Xu Hongshi , Chen Zifan , Zhao Kai , Han Hao
Published: March 2021

Urban areas are vulnerable to flooding as a result of climate change and population growth and thus rainstorm-induced flood losses are becoming increasingly severe. Low impact development (LID) measures are a storm management technique designed for controlling runoff in urban areas, which is critical for solving urban flood hazard. Therefore, this study developed an exploratory simulation-optimization framework for the spatial arrangement of LID measures. The proposed framework begins by applying a numerical model to simulate hydrological and hydrodynamic processes during a storm event, and the urban flood model coupled with the source tracking method was then used to identify the flood source areas. Next, based on source tracking data, the LID investment in each subcatchment was determined using the inundation volume contribution ratio of the flood source area (where most of the investment is required) to the flood hazard area (where most of the flooding occurs). Finally, the resiliency and sustainability of different LID scenarios were evaluated using several different storm events in order to provide suggestions for flooding predictions and the decision-making process. The results of this study emphasized the importance of flood source control. Furthermore, to quantitatively evaluate the impact of inundation volume transport between subcatchments on the effectiveness of LID measures, a regional relevance index (RI) was proposed to analyze the spatial connectivity between different regions. The simulation-optimization framework was applied to Haikou City, China, wherein the results indicated that LID measures in a spatial arrangement based on the source tracking method are a robust and resilient solution to flood mitigation. This study demonstrates the novelty of combining the source tracking method and highlights the spatial connectivity between flood source areas and flood hazard areas. Further, the framework acts as a strategic tool for the effective spatial arrangement design of LID measures.
Establishment of a Rapid Breeding System for Bletilla striata
Authors: Mi Ze-yuan , Lv Ding-hao , Jiang Guang-hui , Niu Jun-feng , Wang Shi-qiang , Wang Zhe-zhi
Published: March 2021

Bletilla striata (Thunb. ex A. Murray) Rchb. f., a species of perennial herb of orchidaceae that has remarkable effects and high economic value, has been intensively studied by many scholars. Although this herb has many seeds, the germination rate is exceptionally low, which leads to decreased germplasm resources and increased market demand every year. To solve this problem, this study examined the aseptic germination system and the direct seeding technology system. On Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, 2.0 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) and 1.0 mg/L naphthylacetic acid (NAA) were added before seed germination, and 70 g/L banana juice and 0.5 mg/L NAA were added when rooting. Then, the seedlings were transplanted to a mixed substrate of humus, river sand, and bark (volume ratio of 3:1:1). The direct seeding system consists of substrate treatment, sowing, seedling raising, seedling growth, and transplanting. Turfy soil, Huangjiang residue, and river sand were selected as the substrate. The results revealed that the germination rate was increased to 91.8%, whereas the plantlet regeneration was increased to 82.0%. After 180 days of cultivation, the plants could be transplanted as finished seedlings. The establishment of B. striata seedling system provides a safe, rapid, reliable production technology route for industrial development.
A dynamic factor model applied to investor sentiment in the European context
Authors: Manuel Nogueira Reis Pedro , Pinho Carlos
Published: March 2021

This paper proposes an Investor Sentiment Index for the European market and tests its predictability power over returns and volatility. The constructed Investor Sentiment Index for Europe draws upon three well-established and two recent individual sentiment proxies through a novel dynamic factor modeling addressed to behavioral finance. The index is obtained through an extended period of analysis and validated with other sentiment index measures. The work relies on individual sentiment proxies based on a dynamic factor model and tests it using a TGARCH model for volatility and returns. It carries out an in-sample and out-of-sample analysis to examine this sentiment index’s forecasting power over returns sustained on a recursive rolling window prediction against Fama and French’s three-factor model. The findings demonstrate that the proposed index closely predicts STOXX600 variance and returns and confirms a strong spillover effect between European and US stock markets. This study also concludes that the proposed European Sentiment Index is a valid alternative method for investors to monitor and predict market behaviors. The developed sentiment measure is a vital market prediction movement tool for financial information providers, investors, bankers, and financial analysts. The research combines the sentiment index with a TGARCH approach over the extended period of analysis and validates the method with other sentiment index measures. An in-sample and out-of-sample study confirms the predictive power of this work’s sentiment over returns compared to Fama and French’s three-factor model.
AcknowledgmentThis work is funded by National Funds through the FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., within the scope of the project Refª UIDB/05583/2020. Furthermore, we would like to thank the Research Centre in Digital Services (CISeD) and the Polytechnic of Viseu for their support.
Kepuasan Pelanggan Dan Pengaruhnya Pada Penurunan Penjualan PT.Veranda Kencana
Authors:   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya JL. RA. Kartini (TB Simatupang), Cilandak Barat Jakarta Selatan, Jakarta 12430 Indonesia, Setyadji Herman , Marcella Maria ,   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya JL. RA. Kartini (TB Simatupang), Cilandak Barat Jakarta Selatan, Jakarta 12430 Indonesia, Effendi Reonard Rico ,   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya JL. RA. Kartini (TB Simatupang), Cilandak Barat Jakarta Selatan, Jakarta 12430 Indonesia, Wardani Anindya Pramura ,   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya JL. RA. Kartini (TB Simatupang), Cilandak Barat Jakarta Selatan, Jakarta 12430 Indonesia, Imansyah Prasetya Aditya ,   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya JL. RA. Kartini (TB Simatupang), Cilandak Barat Jakarta Selatan, Jakarta 12430 Indonesia
Published: March 2021

Tujuan – Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengukur kepuasan pelanggan atas vending machine milik PT Veranda Kencana dan hubungannya dengan penurunan penjualan. Desain/metodologi/pendekatan – Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian deskriptif untuk menjabarkan kepuasan pelanggan, dengan sampel 50 responden. Hasilnya akan dianalisis sehingga hubungannya dengan penurunan penjualan dapat diketahui. Temuan – Hasil menunjukkan bahwa pelanggan puas dengan cara vending machine dan operatornya melayani kebutuhan pelanggan. Orisinalitas/nilai – Penelitian ini mengukur kepuasan pelanggan dalam menggunakan vending machine milik PT Veranda Kusuma yang ada di Bandara Halim Perdana Kusuma.
ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS AS AN INTERNATIONAL LEGAL REGULATION INSTRUMENT OF BUSINESS IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL SPHERE
Authors: Abakumova Olga A. , Lyubanenko Andrey V.
Published: March 2021

The article is devoted to the problem of determining the boundaries of normative regulation of a green economy, sustainable development, establishing a balance between the need to preserve nature and economic activity.
The research is based on methods: dialectical, economic and statistical, comparative legal, empirical, expert assessment, monographic description.
The article substantiates the international standards system role for achieving the goals of sustainable economic development, its importance and significance for improving the system of international mechanisms and instruments of environmental legal regulation.
The authors investigate the issues of sustainable development; defining the boundaries of regulatory regulation of the green economy; identifying a balance between the need to preserve nature and economic activity; the importance of regulatory documents that determine the rules of business conduct in the environmental sphere; the need to unify the legal regulation of environmental relations at the international level; integration of sustainable development principles into the environmental policy of nation states; introduction of universal environmental standards.
The article analyzes the international standards of the ISO 14000 family and their use in modern corporate practice.
It is substantiated that due to the processes of globalization and integration of national economies, there is a need to unify the legal framework for regulating environmental relations at the international level.
All these issues have become more relevant during the COVID-19, as, due to the ensuing economic crisis, states postponed the introduction of new, more stringent environmental standards, which could require significant financial costs to modernize industrial production.
SAMUEL DUCLOS’ CRITIQUE OF ROBERT BOYLE’S CORPUSCULAR PHILOSOPHY: A CONTROVERSY ABOUT THE CONCEPT OF ‘CHEMISTRY‘
Authors: Kucharski Dariusz
Published: March 2021

The seventeenth century witnessed the transition from qualitative to quantitative physics. The very process was not easy and obvious and it consisted of discussions in many fields. One of them was the question about the nature of chemistry which was at the time undergoing some changes towards the form we know now. The main argument concerned the explanatory principles one should invoke to understand properly certain outcomes of chemical experiments. The present paper is a presentation of such an (indirect) argument between R. Boyle, a prominent proponent of corpuscular, quantitative principles and S. Duclos, an al-chymist and a proponent of paracelsian, qualitative ones. What is interesting, Duclos knew The Sceptical Chymist, Boyle’s main work which contained a severe critique of paracelsian chemistry, and a%empted to point out some weaknesses of Boyle’s own position. Duclos scrutinized Boyle’s experiments described in his Certain Physiological Essays and other works and argued for certain shortcomings of Boyle’s laboratory skills, his failure to indicate some literature sources and, first of all, insufficiency of Boyle’s arguments for the corpuscular thesis. According to Duclos, Boyle did not follow in laboratory certain procedures recommended by himself, using unclear notions and applying the corpuscular principles without proper justification. What is more, Duclos argued also in favour of paracelsian chymistry presenting some qualitative explanations in experiments in which Boyle failed to give quantitative ones. Knowing the further development of natural philosophy, it seems interesting to realize how complex it was. The present paper shows also how much irremovable from scientific research is the theoretical component.
THE THREE DIMENSIONS OF INTENTIONALITY
Authors: Krokos Jan
Published: March 2021

The issue of intentionality was posed anew in philosophy by Franz Brentano. However, it was Brentano himself who indicated that the source of intentionality-related problems dates back to Classical Antiquity and the Middle Ages. The search for the original traces of this issue in the history of philosophy has led me to conclude that intentionality as an inalienable characteristic of consciousness is characterized by three-dimensionality, which is expressed in theoria, praxis and poiesis. Contemporary research focuses primarily on cognitive intentionality, examining in particular either the very subject-object relation or the immanent (intentional) object, in-existing in psychical experience (in the acts of consciousness). And yet, intentionality is a basic feature of the whole consciousness-anchored (mental) life of a human being. It determines the whole consciousness-based activity of the subject in abstract theorizing, practice and production. Therefore, it manifests itself as a mode of being of a conscious (mental) entity, i.e. an entity partially constituted by intentional content, relationality, reference, directionality, openness and conscious awareness , as well as determining the meaning and the creation of purely intentional beings. Intentionality is revealed as a primary factor in the awakening of consciousness, through the building (constituting) of conscious experiences that are poietic, practical and theoretical. Each of these three ways of categorizing the nature of experience, however, indicates only the predominant aspect of a given experience, for strictly speaking experiences are determined by all three aspects. Intentionality and – consequently – all conscious experience, are thus characterized by three-dimensions: cognitive, activistic and productive. Any act of consciousness is always a form of activity that is informed by its cognitive aspect and produces something transcendent with regard to itself. The recognition of the three-dimensional nature of intentionality allows us to understand the human being and the dilemmas concerning his actions, knowledge and creativity.
LINGUISTIC MEANING AS A PART OF THE CONCEPTUAL MODEL OF THE WORLD
Authors: Maciejczak Marek
Published: March 2021

The paper deals with the concept of the model of the word. It concerns a pre-linguistic stage of language acquisition, descriptive content of proper names and interpretation by means of a conceptual system. The model of the world comprises all aspects of being conscious. It is a system, a unity, a background of our conscious life; perception, language, notions, concepts, are its aspects. The more we know about cognitive processes, functions and structure of the mind, the be$er we understand the nature of language; the more we know about language, the better we understand the nature of the mind. Linguistic meaning as it was shown by the studies of language and categories acquisition, has its origin in the aforementioned model. That is why linguistic meanings are not ready-made contents, ideas, semantic entities, etc. but rather systems of procedures that constitute sense of speech acts. The approach to linguistic meaning as a part of an individual conceptual system, a system of information that mirrors cognitive, linguistic and non-verbal experience of an individual, is much of help in understanding efficacy of language, forming of beliefs, convictions, and also introducing new meanings.
MATHEMATICALNESS OR MATHEMATICABILITY OF NATURE?
Authors: Lemańska Anna
Published: March 2021

The notions of “mathematicalness” and “mathematicability” of nature appear in the context of attempts at explaining the effectiveness of mathematics in the description of the world. Mathematicalness of nature means that structures of the world are mathematical. But is this true? Is nature mathematical? In the paper some reasons for mathematicalness of nature are considered. In the paper some reasons for mathematicalness of nature are considered. In the paper some reasons for mathematicalness of nature are considered. Mathematical analysis is widely used in physics. Its application requires continuity of time and space. There are also different kinds of infinity in the mathematical theories used in physics. This raises the issue: whether the material world is continuous or we “impose” on nature certain properties in order to use convenient mathematical tools. Is mathematics a useful tool, or does it reflect nature? So, is nature mathematical or only mathematicable? The article shows that mathematicalness of nature is only a metaphysical hypothesis.
“REASON AND FAITH”. THE PROBLEM OF THE SEPARATION OF DISCIPLINES
Authors: Bugajak Grzegorz
Published: March 2021

The paper maintains and reinforces a viewpoint that science and religion (theology) are methodologically and epistemologically independent. However, it also suggests that this independence can be overcome if a “third party” is taken into account, that is – philosophy. Such a possibility seems to follow from the thesis of incommensurability and the thesis of underdetermination formulated and analysed in the current philosophy of science.
CHOOSING NORMATIVITY AFTER THE “DEATH OF GOD”. ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF WEAK THOUGHT
Authors: Kobyliński Andrzej
Published: March 2021

The article aims to analyse the concept of normativity within the philosophy of weak thought developed by Gianni Vattimo. Weak thought refers to the idea of weakening the existence in the era of metaphysical demise, as well as a challenge to the Cartesian concept of the subject. This philosophical tradition does not entirely abandon moral normativity. Vattimo proposes a weak notion of normativity, i.e. persuasion, without claims of universal applicability. Weak normativity derives from dialogue and respect for tradition, as well as recommends compliance with specific moral principles. However, it does not consider their applicability to be universal. This kind of normativity is established on the basis of cultural heritage, agreement and social contract.
The Role of Neurogenic Bioamines in Nerve Fibers of Uterus during the Postpartum Involution in Experimental Animal Models
Authors: Dindyaev Sergey V. , Beeraka Narasimha M , Kasatkin Denis V. , Mikhaylenko Elizaveta V. , Somasundaram Siva G. , Kirkland Cecil E. , Aliev Gjumrakch
Published: March 2021

Background:

Biogenic amines (BAs) secreted by the sympathetic neural apparatus of rat uterus are
reported to be conducive to the uterine functional activity during postpartum involution; the imbalance in BAs
ratio could confer postpartum reproductive disorders including improper postpartum involution.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to identify the changes in the density of uterine sympathetic nerves implicated
in the pathology of endometriosis, adenomyosis, and delayed uterine involution. The present study
aims to ascertain ‘serotonin’ and ‘catecholamine’ concentrations in mesenteric mast cells (MCs), and structural
elements of nerve fibers across the perivascular plexuses (PPs) and single sympathetic nerve terminals (SST).

Methods:

Furthermore, the density of their spatial distribution (SDP and SDT) in the uterine body, cervix, and
mesometrium was determined during postpartum involution. Tissue specimens of postpartum uterus were obtained
from 55 nulliparous female Wistar outbred strain rats, which were grouped according to the days after
parturition at the time of sacrifice. The nerve fibers of PP and SST exhibited emerald green fluorescence, which
was detected by glyoxylic acid fluorescence technique; the fluorescence invoked by BAs was identified by microspectrofluorimetry.

Results:

Concentrations of BAs were extensive in the varicosities of PP and SST on the 10th day. However, the
highest BA concentrations were found in structural elements of PP in the uterine mesometrium in the initial
days of postpartum. In mesenteric MC, serotonin and catecholamines were at the highest concentration on the
10th day of postpartum. Histamines peaked on the 6th day.

Conclusion:

SDP and SDT were increased significantly in all structural elements of uterine nerve fibers in the
uterine body and cervix compared to SDP in mesentery. Considering that catecholamines and serotonin are antagonists
in many aspects of their biological action, the ratio of BAs should be well-balanced to maintain anabolic-
catabolic equilibrium in the rat uterus.