bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of the Financial Stability on the Earnings Management Practices
Authors: Siekelova Anna
Published: December 2021

Research background: In recent years, the world economy has changed. Earnings management, as a modern phenomenon, plays an important role within the financial world under the condition of globalization. The academic community deals with the issue of the informative value of the reported financial results. The informative value of these results becomes questionable when we realize that managers have not only the motivation but also the ability to use the earnings management techniques to influence these results.

Purpose of the article: The aim of the contribution is earnings management detection by using a model with the highest explanatory power, as well as verifying hypotheses about the existence of a statistically significant relationship between earnings management practices and financial stability within a sample of companies.

Methods: Based on the results of the explanatory power examination, the modified Jones model is recommended for earnings management detection within the sample of V4 companies. Data were obtained from the Amadeus database. The sample contains 1,480 financial reports of companies from 2019 to 2017. Research is focused on V4 companies that have the sum of total assets higher than 2,000,000 EUR, as well as the sum of operating revenue is higher than 100,000 EUR. Also, the Pearson correlation coefficient was used to test the hypotheses about the existing statistically significant relationship between financial stability and earnings management practices.

Findings & Value added: The article provides an overview of the earnings management issue within V4 countries. It examines the earnings management practices and the impact of financial stability on the level and direction of earnings management practices.
Sustainable Industry 4.0 Wireless Networks, Machine Learning Algorithms, and Internet of Things-based Real-Time Production Logistics in Digital Twin-driven Smart Manufacturing
Authors: Nica Elvira , Popescu Gheorghe H. , Lăzăroiu George
Published: December 2021

Research background: The aim of this paper is to synthesize and analyze existing evidence on artificial intelligence-based decision-making algorithms, industrial big data, and Internet of Things sensing networks in digital twin-driven smart manufacturing.

Purpose of the article: Using and replicating data from Altair, Catapult, Deloitte, DHL, GAVS, PwC, and ZDNet we performed analyses and made estimates regarding cyber-physical system-based real-time monitoring, product decision-making information systems, and artificial intelligence data-driven Internet of Things systems in digital twin-based cyber-physical production systems.

Methods: From the completed surveys, we calculated descriptive statistics of compiled data when appropriate. The data was weighted in a multistep process that accounts for multiple stages of sampling and nonresponse that occur at different points in the survey process. The precision of the online polls was measured using a Bayesian credibility interval. To ensure high-quality data, data quality checks were performed to identify any respondents showing clear patterns of satisficing. Test data was populated and analyzed in SPSS to ensure the logic and randomizations were working as intended before launching the survey. An Internet-based survey software program was utilized for the delivery and collection of responses. The sample weighting was accomplished using an iterative proportional fitting process that simultaneously balanced the distributions of all variables. The interviews were conducted online and data were weighted by five variables (age, race/ethnicity, gender, education, and geographic region) using the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey to reflect reliably and accurately the demographic composition of the United States. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to test for the reliability and validity of measurement instruments.

Findings & Value added: The way Internet of Things-based decision support systems, artificial intelligence-driven big data analytics, and robotic wireless sensor networks configure digital twin-driven smart manufacturing and cyber-physical production systems in sustainable Industry 4.0.
Eco-innovations in V4 countries: Comparison from a Global Perspective
Authors: Parobek Ján , Rokonalová Alena , Slašťanová Katarína , Loučanová Erika
Published: December 2021

Research background: Globalization and the associated growing global competition provide incentives for the adoption of new technologies and innovations. In general, innovations could be considered as a dominant driver of the economic growth. However, current environmental challenges and sustainable development support the diffusion of eco-innovations to foster green growth. In terms of its global position, a country is often compared to its neighbouring countries, which are often the most important trading partners in the international market.

Purpose of the article: This paper is focused on the evaluation of eco-innovation performance of the V4 countries with emphasis on the Slovak Republic.

Methods: The article applies selected indicators of the Global Innovation Index to provide insightful data on countries' eco-innovation performance from the different V4 countries by applying the correlation analysis.

Findings & Value added: The results compare the state of selected indicators of innovation within the V4 countries and describe the current position of the Slovak Republic. The results demonstrate the relative strengths within all selected countries in the sub-pillar Ecological Sustainability and significant eco-innovation potential.
The impact of customer behaviour on the corporate competitiveness in the European environment
Authors: Kožená Marcela , Mlázovský Martin
Published: December 2021

Research background: Corporate competitiveness is closely connected with the competitive advantage. Contemporary developed European countries are characterised by being highly competitive. Thus, the competitive advantage is particularly bound by fulfilling the customer preferences and needs. However, there is a necessity to preserve and strengthen customer satisfaction and loyalty, in the long-run.

Purpose of the article: In the current globalised world, there is apparent high pressure on the sustainable development of the whole society. This trend was shifted from the mere legislation scope to the society-wide discussion. However, the previous researches prove that this trend is not reflected in the real purchasing behaviour in Czechia. Thus, the main aim of this article is to explore the role of customer behaviour in the corporate competitiveness paradigm concerning the current trend of corporate social responsibility.

Methods: Primary quantitative research is based on a questionnaire survey with Czech managers at the top and middle level. The data collection was conducted from April to June 2021 via personal interviewing. The questionnaire contained mainly close-ended questions. However, if it was relevant there were also used additional open-ended questions for a closer explanation of the question point.

Findings & Value added: The results indicate that the Czech business mostly perceives as a key factor of corporate competitiveness innovation potential, not direct relationships with customers. However, this factor has a significant indirect connection with customer satisfaction. CSR has the lowest impact on corporate competitiveness according to the respondents. However, they predicate the upward trend of this factor, similar to the global environment.
The impact of globalization on the implementation of green purchasing in companies operating in the forest-based sector
Authors: Slastanova Nikola , Hlodak Marek , Palus Hubert
Published: December 2021

Research background:The global environment influences the behaviour of companies. This concerns the requirements for increasing number of products, product lines, brands, the need for market segmentation, consumer demand, innovations as well as the behaviour of consumers and suppliers including environmentally appropriate purchasing. The forest-based industries must respond to changes from the perspective of the globalization process by appropriate adaptation and, inter alia, to focus on the introduction of environmentally properly procurement. The integration of green purchasing principles into business systems is increasingly mentioned in the process of globalization of economies in connection with the huge potential for gaining a sustainable competitive advantage.

Purpose of the article:The aim of the paper is to identify and analyze the factors affecting the implementation of environmentally friendly purchasing in the companies of forest-based sector in Slovakia.

Methods:The reasons for implementing responsible practices in supply chains are based either on the stakeholder theory or the assumption that companies have a more proactive approach to implement sustainable purchasing practices as they are aware of the possible benefits. Using a questionnaire survey the companies operating in all sub-sectors of the forest-based industry - wood, pulp and paper and furniture manufacturing, including their suppliers of wood raw material in Slovakia, were questioned with the aim to identify the reasons for implementing sustainable purchasing practices.

Findings & Value added:Data obtained are used to identify the factors that are crucial for the introduction of green purchasing in companies in dependence on the specific company characteristics and conditions of the market environment under which companies operate.
Dynamics of innovation and taxation in 8 EU ex-communist countries
Authors: Dumitrache Victor Marian , Dima Cristina , Troaca Victor Adrian , Pauna Valentin
Published: December 2021

Research background: Even if they have a similar background, the ex-communist countries in Europe have started since the ‘90s to differentiate socially and economically one from another. Nowadays, the differences between them are significant in many aspects of the socio-economic environment, including innovation. Measurements done by Cornell University, INSEAD, and WIPO through the Global Innovation Index and some researchers compared the achievements from the last 30 years of the ex-communist countries in terms of innovation. Although innovation may be under the influence of multiple factors, some authors suggest that taxation has a major role.

Purpose of the article: The purpose of the article is identifying a potential link between the dynamics of innovation and the dynamics of taxation in 8 ex-communist EU countries in the context of globalization, and to describe the way the globalization and taxation together fostered or suppressed the innovation.

Methods: We will do a comparative analysis, comparing the taxation and the innovation input and output indicators - regulatory environment, education, general infrastructure, credit, investment, knowledge workers, knowledge creation, knowledge impact, online creativity, intangible assets.

Findings & Value added: This paper may add value to the economic and taxation policies in the ex-communist countries by identifying the policies that proved their effectiveness in increasing innovation rates, policies that can be adapted and then adopted by the ex-communist countries that are less innovative.
Structural decomposition analysis of Latvian agrifood sector as integral part of global market
Authors: Hāzners Juris
Published: December 2021

Research background: the Latvian agrifood sector is continuously becoming more integrated in global markets. Imports and exports of agricultural commodities grow every year. At the same time, changes in output from agriculture and food processing are moderate. The main factors that can be used to characterize these sectors are employment, gross value added and income. The main causes of the changes of these three factors could be estimated by structural decomposition analysis.

Purpose of the article: the objective of the research is the decomposition of the percentage changes over time in employment, gross value added and income in Latvian economy by their source: changes in intensities per unit of output, changes in the intermediate consumption and changes in the final demand structure.

Methods: the traditional methods of the Input-Output framework, such as multipliers, elasticities, causative matrices enable the estimation of structural trends in economy sectors. However, they do not provide the share in the total impact of various factors on the changes in the economy. Structural decomposition analysis estimates the relative size of the impact of these factors within the total impact.

Findings & Value added: the research results show rather large positive impact of final demand factor on employment, gross value added and income changes in both sectors. The impact of the intensities (reverse factor productivities), in turn, is large and negative. The impact of the intermediate demand is less marked. As the growth in final demand can be attributed solely to increase in export demand, this combined with the growth in labor productivity are the main drivers of employment changes in agriculture. The method can be effectively applied to other variables of interest for which the calculated intensities per unit of output make sense, such as carbon emissions, greenhouse gas emissions or energy input.
Impact of globalization on the development of social entrepreneurship in Latvia
Authors: Jeromanova-Maura Silva , Zvirgzdina Rosita
Published: December 2021

Research background: Since April 1, 2018, the Law on Social Entrepreneurship has been in force in Latvia. Unfortunately, the relatively slow preparation and adoption of the law did not bring any benefits to social enterprises (Jeromanova-Maura et al., 2019). Few social enterprises have recently been set up, operating in a small number of business sectors. Various financial support instruments are available to social enterprises, which could promote the establishment of a social enterprise, but the negative attitude of society and understanding of people with special needs is an obstacle to the establishment of new social enterprises. It is in the interests of local governments to give more support to social entrepreneurship in their region.

The aim of the article: to study and analyze the processes that have contributed to the faster development of social entrepreneurship and the impact of globalization on the development of social entrepreneurship in Latvia during the last couple of years. To achieve this, the authors have studied the experiences of different countries in the development of social entrepreneurship, focusing on the EU Member States and how globalization has affected the development of social entrepreneurship in each country.

Methods: The study uses methods of analysis and synthesis, methods of deduction and induction, as well as methods of logical approach. However, appropriate quantitative methods are used to process the data obtained.

Findings & Added Value: The paper aims to assess the impact of globalization on social entrepreneurship as well as the impact of Covid on the creation and development of social enterprises.
Verification of Prediction Models in Conditions of Slovak Family Businesses operating in the Global Environment
Authors: Kmety Bartekova Maria , Truchlikova Maria , Majduchova Helena
Published: December 2021

Research background:Every business today is facing the greatest challenge in generations, as the pandemic forces owners to drastically rethink business models, supply chains and working practices. Family-owned businesses’ long-term perspective, entrepreneurial spirit, agility and guiding sense of purpose, together with the resilience of their leadership teams make them especially well prepared to fight a such crisis, especially as their multi-generation perspective allows them to meet their customers’ changing circumstances through economic cycles. The covid-19 crisis has produced some great examples of family businesses displaying their experience as innovators to support their governments and communities in need.

Purpose of the article:The aim of the paper is to verify and analyse the prediction credit models applied on the Slovak family businesses belonging to the Creative Industries and operating in the global environment.

Methods:In order to achieve the aim, namely the verification of existing 3 prediction models, universal methods were used, such as the analysis of available theoretical knowledge obtained by studying the literature and the subsequent synthesis of the acquired knowledge, the comparison of the issue addressed on the basis of the criteria set by the Commercial Code and the results of the observed prediction models, the methods of induction, deduction, description and excerpting.

Findings & Value added:The essence of the analysis is the comparison of the results achieved using three prediction credit models with the prosperity criteria that considers the current valid legislation and the economic and financial aspects in order to verify the Slovak prediction models designed for the family businesses.
Development and Role of the Subsistence Minimum in the Payrolls Legislation in Slovakia from year 1993
Authors: Kubaščíková Zuzana , Juhaszová Zuzana , Tumpach Miloš , Stanley Renáta
Published: December 2021

Research background:The subsistence minimum category is used in the Slovak Republic in determining several wage and tax categories. In this paper I analyze whether the set standard of living is sufficient with regard to the development of the average wage since 1993 to the present day. Subsequently, the quantities that are based on the subsistence level - non-taxable amounts of the taxpayers’ tax base are also analyzed. The results of the analysis show that the distance between the subsistence level and the level of non-taxable parts has gradually increased. The topic of payrolls and related wage variables is a complex and ever-changing topic. Not many authors in Slovakia pay attention to it, and due to constant changes in the given area, the findings of publications and papers is also limited.

Purpose of the article:This paper deals with general theoretical, legal and historical starting points and links between non-taxable parts and the subsistence minimum. The paper presents a cross-section of the history of the application of non-taxable parts in the Slovak Republic.

Methods:The method used in the paper is that of hypotheses determination and testing.

Findings & Value added:This paper also analyzes the state of national regulation and development trends in the area. In addition to constructive criticism, the article also contains suggestions for improving the current situation.
Evaluating critical success factors in public – private partnership water supply infrastructure projects
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Van , Trieu Hoa Doan Xuan , Do Minh Anh , Nguyen Anh Tuan
Published: December 2021

Research background: Public-private partnership (PPP) has been implemented in Vietnam since 1995 in the field of water supply. It is worth noting that not all governments are successful in implementing the PPP policy. According to studies in many countries in the region on the factors affecting the success of a PPP project, there are many similarities. However, differences in politics and administrative systems of each country can lead to changes in the influencing factors, changes in the degree of influence of the above factors on the success of the PPP project.

Purpose of the article: This article aims to identify critical success factors (CSFs) that enable successful project execution, contributing to knowledge for practitioners in assessing the likelihood of success in executing a public-private partnerships PPP water supply project.

Methods: In-depth interviews with PPP specialists in the water supply sector have confirmed the list of CSFs, after which the attributes are weighted to evaluate among different types of PPP by applying the AHP approach. The influences of CSFs were evaluated by data collected using a sample survey of 20 experts involved in the water supply sector and PPP projects in Vietnam. In Vietnam, the study finds seven CSFs affecting the success of PPP projects in the domestic water supply sector, including political environment, commitment of partners, strong consortium, asset quality/social support, national PPP unit, good governance, and project feasibility.

Findings & Value added: The results reveal that the political environment is CSF that has the strongest impact on the success of the projects. As suggested by AHP, the BOO contract type of a PPP project in Vietnam water supply industry is chosen above the BOT contract.
Measuring of Soft Power: The Case of Belarus
Authors: Primierova Olena , Abakumova Juliet
Published: December 2021

Research background: With the processes of globalization in the modern world is inextricably interlinked the growing role of non-force methods in foreign policy, as well as the increased attention of the leaders of all leading states to improving the image and increasing the attractiveness of their country, which is directly related to the concept of soft power. To assess the degree of use of soft power in the foreign policy, various ratings are currently being constructed based on the analysis of public opinion, expert assessments, and the estimation of integral quantitative indicators. The data incomparability, as well as the subjective nature and not always adequate results of assessing public opinion, often lead to ratings inconsistency. In addition, Belarus is not included in most of the ratings.

Purpose of the article: Assessment of the potential of soft power concept use for Belarus, in particular, based on the development of an integral indicator of the country’s image and popularity.

Methods: The methodology of the Moscow School of Management Skolkovo and the British audit and consulting company Ernst and Young. When constructing the integral indicator, the principal component analysis and the ordered multiple-choice were also used.

Findings & Value added: The assumption about the inconsistency between the considered soft power ratings was confirmed. Based on the results of the assessment of the soft power index and the integral indicator, it was concluded that Belarus can be classified as a country with an average level of potential for the use of soft power instruments.
Globalization and the Newest Forms of Economic Reality
Authors: Gagulina Natalya , Budagov Arthur , Zhulega Irina
Published: December 2021

Research background: Globalization has outlined the contours of a new technological reality in which the emergence of major innovations is due to NBIC-convergence, which has combined the achievements of nanotechnology (N), biotechnology (B), information technology (I) and cognitive science (C). The global nature of the development of information and telecommunication technologies contributed to the formation of the digital economy and the newest forms of economic reality accompanying it.

Purpose of the article: The goal set by the authors is to conduct a study of the latest forms of economic reality associated with the impact of globalization on economic development. It is necessary to analyze the metamorphoses that occur with the forms of knowledge, forms of management, forms of organization of production, etc.

Methods: The basis of the methodological basis of the research was formed by the principles of dialectical logic, historical research, the application of cause-effect and functional-structural analysis, which allow revealing the essence of socio-economic macroeconomic and regional processes, as well as micro-level processes occurring in the digital economy under the influence of globalization.

Findings & Value added: In the course of the research, the identification of the newest forms of economic reality and their signs was carried out. The causal-logical relationship of globalization, the emergence of the newest forms of economic reality, economic transformations and structural shifts in the economy was analyzed. The accompanying changes in economic growth and the impact of these changes on the quality of life are considered.
Representation of the image of Russia and Central Europe in the British press. The impact of media on intercultural communication in global context
Authors: Polakova Silvia , Bruk Jozef , Môcova Lenka
Published: December 2021

Research background: Twenty-first century’s sees strong globalization trends in which mass media play crucial role in shaping public opinion which might saliently impact intercultural communication on the international level.

Purpose of the article: This paper focuses on the representation of the image of Russia and Central and Eastern Europe in the British press and, besides, it sets out the role of stereotyping in intercultural communication. The article writers assume that the stereotypes play pivotal role in image shaping of a country in the media. Above all, the most efficient way to not stereotype is a straightforward communication of the participants alongside with the knowledge of the participant’s background, i. e. cultural knowledge.

Drawing on the information from the British press, Russia, Central as well as Eastern Europe appears not solely as a geographical region. On the contrary, despite the fast economic, social and political development, its image abroad is still predominantly negative.

Methods: The paper, in conjunction with the cultural linguistics and cognitive approach, reveals the range of metaphorical expressions, in particular cognitive aspect of metaphors used by British journalists, which, in turn form the image of Russia in the British press.

Findings & Value added: The paper suggests that the analysis of the image of country in the mass media might apply to the investigation of images of other countries as well as to comparative studies.
Information and communicative component of an international scientific discourse
Authors: Sibruk Anastasiia , Sibruk Viktor , Senchylo-Tatlilioglu Nadiia , Lytvynska Svitlana , Varenko Volodymyr , Storozhenko Lina
Published: December 2021

Abstract. For a comprehensive study of tropes and stylistic figures of the Ukrainian language is extremely important to learn the basic functions of tropes in the scientific linguistic articles. The actuality of the research topic is determined by the need of a systematic study of tropes and stylistic figures that are traditionally considered unusual for the text, but we will try to prove that they are relevant. In modern scientific literature, the expressive and emotional function is presented and implemented by the help of such tools as epithets and metaphors. The study of the linguistic features of scientific discourse is of great importance to find ways of explaining a certain material. The study, using a free associative experiment, has led to the conclusion that the use of artistic means and stylistic figures in the educational and scientific texts makes it possible to master the material better. Generally speaking, the use of artistic means in scientific texts is not widespread, but the student audience prefers these texts. The use of metaphors, epithets, phraseologisms, comparisons, periphrases in professional articles is an effective way of highlighting important elements of scientific discourse, forming the individual style of the researcher. If the text is addressed to the reader for educational purposes, the correct use of paths will facilitate the quickest possible understanding of the basic thought of the message. In our view, a promising direction is the further study of communicative analysis of tropes in scientific texts.
Emphasis on the movement towards sustainable development in the global goal-setting of the Russian Railways Company
Authors: Chechenova Liana
Published: December 2021

Research background: In recent years, we can observe a global transformation of transport systems in general, and first of all, railway transport. This transformation is predetermined by large-scale social, technological and economic progress in the transport services market, formed by a new consumption model.

Purpose of the article: The purpose of this research is determination of the relationship between the adoption of a sustainable development policy and the effectiveness of the implementation of infrastructure development projects of JSC “Russian Railways”.

Methods: The research methodology is based on the analysis of international approaches and evaluation criteria for ESG factors using analytical procedures for identifying cause-and-effect relationships of the Russian railway transport development strategy within the framework of ESG.

Findings & Value added: The assessment of the strategic priorities of JSC “Russian Railways” in the strategy of sustainable development is given with the justification of trends and development criteria. The format of compliance of the Russian railway transport development strategy with the goals of sustainable growth with a comparison of national projects, state programs and strategic goals for the development of the transport complex of the Russian Federation is established. The analysis confirms the possibility of using the main results of the study when making decisions within the framework of the globalization of sustainable development of infrastructure sectors of the economy and, in particular, transport to attract “green” investments in projects for the development of main infrastructure with priority settings for energy efficiency, environmental friendliness and safety of the railway transport system.
Conceptions des actions éducatives et programmes d’éducation thérapeutique du patient (ETP) en oncohématologie pédiatrique : réalités et difficultés
Authors: Turpin Laurianne , Gay Chloé , Deyra Maéliane , Chérillat Marie-Sophie , Pizon Frank , Gerbaud Laurent
Published: December 2021

Introduction :Le cancer est défini comme « maladie chronique », au vu de la longueur des traitements et de ses répercussions sur la vie de l’enfant. L’éducation thérapeutique pourrait s’imposer comme étant un outil incontournable pour améliorer la qualité de vie des enfants malades.Objectifs :Identifier les conceptions des soignants en établissement et service d’oncohématologie pédiatrique sur les actions éducatives et sur la mise en place de programmes d’ETP.Méthode : Étude qualitative transversale, multicentrique, fondée sur quatre entretiens individuels semi-structurés et unfocus group.Résultats : Les conceptions des soignants en établissement et service d’oncohématologie pédiatrique s’articulent autour de cinq grandes thématiques : les conceptions de l’éducation liées aux soins, les conceptions de la séance d’ETP, les conceptions des spécificités liées à la pédiatrie, les conceptions des ressources à la mise en place de programmes d’ETP et les conceptions de l’ETP liées à l’institution.Discussion : Une étude de plus grande ampleur permettrait d’obtenir des entretiens avec l’ensemble des centres de lutte contre le cancer (CLCC) pour mieux comprendre les freins à la mise en place de programmes labellisés ETP ainsi que les actions déjà en place afin de proposer une stratégie nationale pour formaliser et valoriser les actions des CLCC.
Coats Disease in 9 Patients: A Hispanic Case Series
Authors: Barrera-Sánchez Maximiliano , Martinez-Muñoz Rosa E. , Ruiz-Lozano Raul E. , Busch Catharina , Paez-Garza Juan Homar , Rodriguez-Valdes Patricio J.
Published: December 2021

Background/Aim To describe demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment, and visual prognosis of Coats disease in Hispanic patients.

Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on nine patients (ten eyes) diagnosed with Coats disease in our two clinical centrers from 2004 – 2017.

Results Mean age at diagnosis was 5.5 years (range 1 – 12 years) and mean follow-up time was 48 months (range 9 – 108 months). Eight patients (89%) were male and had unilateral disease and one (11%) female patient had bilateral disease. In 40% of the cases, patients were asymptomatic. Visual acuity at first presentation was worse than hand motion in 60% of the eyes. Half of the eyes (5/10 eyes, 50%) had exudative retinal detachment (≥ stage IIIA). Vascular ablation with cryotherapy combined with retinal photocoagulation was the most frequent therapeutic approach (40%). Despite anatomical success at 6 months in 100% of the treated eyes, visual outcome at 1 year of treatment was poor (worse than 20/200) in 70% of the cases.

Conclusions In our case series, patients were mostly asymptomatic on presentation, with severe stages of Coats disease. Even with anatomical success after surgical treatment in all treated cases, long-term visual prognosis remained very limited.
Raw and Wine Processed Schisandra chinensis Regulate
NREM-Sleep and Alleviate Cardiovascular Dysfunction Associated with Insomnia by
Modulating HPA Axis
Authors: Su Dan , Luo Jian , Ge Junqi , Liu Yali , Jin Chen , Xu Pengfei , Zhang Ruowen , Zhu Genhua , Yang Ming , Ai Zhifu , Song Yonggui
Published: December 2021

Clinical studies have shown that insomnia and anxiety are usually accompanied by
cardiovascular dysfunction. In traditional Chinese medicine, Schisandra
chinensis (SC) and wine processed Schisandra chinensis (WSC) are
mainly used for the treatment of dysphoria, palpitation and insomnia. However,
little attention was paid to its mechanism. In this study, we monitored the
effect of SC and WSC on the nervous system and cardiovascular system of
free-moving rats in the real-time. Our results show that SC and WSC can
alleviate cardiovascular dysfunction while promoting sleep, and we further
explored their potential mechanisms. HPLC-QTOF-MS was used for the quality
control of chemical components in SC and WSC. Data sciences international (DSI)
physiological telemetry system was applied to collect the electroencephalogram
(EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG) and other parameters of free-moving rats to
understand the effects of long-term intake of SC and WSC on rats. The content of
Cortisol (CORT), neurotransmitters and amino acids in rat pituitary and
hypothalamus were analyzed by UPLC-MS to determine the activity of HPA axis. The
expression of melatonin receptor MT1 was analyzed by immunofluorescence
technique. Our results suggested that SC and WSC may play the role of promoting
sleep by increasing the expression level of melatonin receptor MT1 in
hypothalamus, and modulate the activity of HPA axis by regulating the levels of
the related neurotransmitters and amino acid, so as to improve the abnormal
cardiovascular system of rats. This study may provide theoretical support for
explicating the advantages of SC and other phytomedicines in the treatment of
insomnia.
Anatomical Challenges during Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Adenocarcinoma Head of Pancreas in Presence of Intestinal Rotation Abnormalities: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Desai Gunjan S. , Singh Sandip , Pande Prasad M. , Wagle Prasad K.
Published: December 2021

Purpose Pancreaticoduodenenctomy is a complex surgery and the sequence of steps is affected by anatomical variations involving small intestine and major vascular structures. This article depicts our approach to two such cases and highlights the importance of identifying these variations preoperatively on imaging, so as to modify the surgery plan accordingly.

Cases We report following two cases of pancreatic head adenocarcinoma (1) one with incomplete intestinal rotation with a replaced right hepatic artery and (2) one with intestinal nonrotation. In both cases, the small bowel was aggregated on the right side of the abdomen, making duodenal mobilization challenging. The surgical approach was modified to prevent injury to these vessels. A superior mesenteric artery (SMA)-first approach helped in early isolation of vascular structures especially when vascular anomaly was also present. Interbowel adhesiolysis, limited kocherisation, tracing all vessels to its origin before division, paracolic anastomotic limb after a longer jejunal limb resection in nonrotation cases, and modification in retropancreatic tunnel creation are few of the key surgical adaptations.

Conclusion Asymptomatic Intestinal malrotation is rare in adults and must be identified on preoperative imaging. Resultant intestinal and vascular anatomical variations need meticulous surgical planning and modification of conventional surgical approach for safe performance of PD.
Time-Resolved Magnetic Resonance Angiography for Follow-Up of Treated Dural and Epidural Spinal Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Vercelli Giovanni Giulio , Venturi Fabrizio , Minardi Massimiliano , Cofano Fabio , Zenga Francesco , Bergui Mauro , Garbossa Diego
Published: December 2021

Background Spinal arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are uncommon vascular malformations of spinal dural and epidural vessels. Actually digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the gold standard for diagnosis and follow-up. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the validity of the multiphasic magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to identify recurrent/residual AVFs or their correct surgical and/or endovascular closure.

Methods A retrospective cases series with perimedullary venous plexus congestion due to spinal dural or epidural AVF was performed at our center from April 2014 to September 2019. After 1 month from treatment, the patients were subjected to time-resolved MRA and DSA to demonstrate recurrence or correct closure of AVFs.

Results We collected a series of 26 matched time-resolved MRA and DSA in 20 patients who underwent an endovascular and/or surgical procedure. In our series, we reported five cases of recurrence. Time-resolved MRA detected six cases of recurrence, with 100% sensitivity and 95% specificity (p < 0.001). We used DSA as the standard reference.

Conclusion Time-resolved MRA is a valid tool in posttreatment follow-up to detect recurrent or residual AVFs. It has high sensitivity and specificity and may replace DSA.
Unveiling the brittleness of hybrid organic–inorganic 0-D histammonium zinc chlorometallate by nanoindentation
Authors: Hempel Jacob L. , Wells Michael D. , Parkin Sean , Cheng Yang-Tse , Huckaba Aron J.
Published: December 2021

Hybrid organic–inorganic halometallates, with different organic and inorganic components, can provide a wide array of tunable physical properties. While many optoelectronic phenomena are being explored, research on the mechanical properties of this class of materials, especially fracture toughness, is lacking, resulting in conclusions on material flexibility being drawn from their elastic modulus and hardness alone with an implicit assumption that these properties correlate with material flexibility. In this Letter, we report nanoindentation results on the elastic modulus, hardness, and fracture toughness of single crystal samples of hybrid organic–inorganic histammonium chlorozincate, HistZnCl4 along the [001] axis. We find that the elastic modulus is 12.078 ± 1.034 GPa, and the hardness is 0.611 ± 0.089 GPa. Moreover, the fracture toughness of this sample is measured to be 0.098 MPa m12. Although these materials have a hardness to modulus ratio similar to that of metals, they fracture like brittle materials, demonstrating the importance of conducting studies on a material fracture toughness before determining their applicability in flexible device applications.
Evidence of wave–wave coupling between frequency harmonic bands of magnetosonic waves
Authors: Zou Zhengyang , Gao Zhonglei , Zuo Pingbing , Ni Binbin , Wang Geng , Zhao Zhengyu , Feng Xueshang , Xu Xiaojun , Jiang Chaowei , Wang Yi , Wei Fengsi
Published: December 2021

Previous studies demonstrated that frequency harmonic structures of fast magnetosonic (MS) waves are usually excited by the hot proton instability. Here, we present an unusual event of MS waves with more than six harmonics wavebands (n = 1–6) in which their high harmonic bands are highly phase-coupled with their fundamental waveband. While calculations of the wave growth rates indicate that the local instability of the hot protons can excite the fundamental waveband (n = 1) as well as only a part of wave branches in the second and third wavebands (n = 2, 3), the bicoherence index adopted to analyze the phase coupling between different wavebands provides evidence that the wave–wave coupling between the low-frequency parts of MS waves can contribute to the generation of their higher harmonics (n > 1). Such wave–wave coupling processes have the potential to additionally redistribute the energy of MS waves and then broaden the frequency range of wave–particle interactions, which has important implications for a better understanding of the generation, distribution, and consequence of space plasma waves.
Hemodynamic characteristics expose the atherosclerotic severity in coronary main arteries: One-dimensional and three-dimensional approaches
Authors: Hoque K. E. , Ferdows M. , Sawall S. , Tzirtzilakis E. E. , Xenos M. A.
Published: December 2021

Computed tomography coronary angiography image-based noninvasive virtual fractional flow reserve (vFFR) is a promising clinical practice to determine the physiological condition of coronary lesions. vFFR is the key factor in the diagnosis of coronary plaque. The purpose of this study is to detect the coronary main arteries lesion severity by using 1D (one-dimensional) hemodynamic factors compared to 3D (three-dimensional) heart flow computational models. The results provide the hemodynamic properties of the intraluminal condition by evaluating the vFFR. The computational burden of 3D hemodynamic simulations is one of the important drawbacks in most clinical cases. At first, we have established comparative results between vFFR3D (vFFR in 3D) and published results in the maximal hyperemic flow conditions. Then, we have employed statistical analysis including Pearson correlation test, Bland–Altman test, and computation time test for vFFR3D compared with the vFFR1D (vFFR in 1D) results. We have observed that the vFFR3D and vFFR1D results do not significantly differ as a function of stenosis length, type (concentric or eccentric), or location in the coronary artery. Pearson's product moment was found as r=0.9661,p<0.0001 illustrating a strong correlation between vFFR1D and vFFR3D. In both 3D and 1D cases, the results suggest that proximal stenosis is more severe compared to a distal one, even if they provide the same reduction in lumen (80% or 90% area of stenosis). The 1D inexpensive computational results vFFR1D can be used to predict the severity of atherosclerotic plaque in clinical procedures.
Determination of third-order elastic constants using change of cross-sectional resonance frequencies by acoustoelastic effect
Authors: Ji Bonggyu , Mehdi Rana Raza , Jang Gang-Won , Cho Seung Hyun
Published: December 2021

This investigation presents a new measurement technique for third-order elastic constants using the acoustoelastic effect. The cross-sectional resonance frequencies of a cylindrical rod are measured while the rod is stressed under tensional load. The Murnaghan's third-order elastic constants of the rod are determined by matching experimentally obtained resonance frequencies with those numerically obtained by a finite element model. Electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs) are employed to measure cross-sectional resonance frequencies, enhancing the repeatability to minimize the variation of the contact condition between the transducer and the specimen. The present method was applied to specimens made of carbon steel (JIS-S20C) and aluminum (Al7075-T651), whose third-order elastic constants were calculated. It should be emphasized that the estimated Murnaghan's constants obtained by the proposed method showed very small coefficients of variation (CVs), less than 6.54%, for repeated tests conducted on several specimens, showing excellent repeatability and reproducibility that is almost unattainable by conventional methods using wave speeds or higher harmonics of an input wave.
Effects of resonant magnetic perturbations on neutral beam heating in a tokamak
Authors: Hu Youjun , Xu Yingfeng , Hao Baolong , Li Guoqiang , He Kaiyang , Sun Youwen , Li Li , Wang Jinfang , Huang Juan , Ye Lei , Xiao Xiaotao , Wang Feng , Pan Chengkang , Xu Yongjian
Published: December 2021

The effects of resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) on tangential neutral beam heating in the EAST tokamak are studied numerically. RMPs with linear resistive magnetohydrodynamics response are used in the modeling. A variety of representing configurations of RMP coil currents are examined, and their effects on the neutral beam injection (NBI) heating efficiency are compared, in order to find a parameter window where deleterious effects of RMPs on NBI heating efficiency are minimized. It is found that the internal redistribution of fast ions by RMPs induces local accumulation of fast ions, resulting in higher local fast ion pressure than the case without RMPs. It is also found that the toroidal phasing of the RMP with respect to the fast ion source has slight effects on the steady-state radial profile of fast ions. The dependence of fast ion loss fraction on the RMP up-down phase difference shows a similar behavior as the dependence of the radial width of chaotic magnetic field on the phase difference. A statistical method of identifying resonances between RMPs and lost fast ions is proposed, and the results indicate that some resonances between RMPs and lost passing particles may be of non-integer fractional order, rather than the usual integer order.
Cavitation control using passive flow control techniques
Authors: Zaresharif Mahshid , Ravelet Florent , Kinahan David J. , Delaure Yan M. C.
Published: December 2021

Passive flow control techniques, and particularly vortex generators have been used successfully in a broad range of aero- and hydrodynamics applications to alter the characteristics of boundary layer separation. This study aims to review how such techniques can mitigate the extent and impact of cavitation in incompressible flows. This review focuses first on vortex generators to characterize key physical principles. It then considers the complete range of passive flow control technologies, including surface conditioning and roughness, geometry modification, grooves, discharge, injection, obstacles, vortex generators, and bubble generators. The passive flow control techniques reviewed typically delay and suppress boundary layer separation by decreasing the pressure gradient at the separation point. The literature also identifies streamwise vortices that result in the transfer of momentum from the free stream to near-wall low energy flow regions. The area of interest concerns hydraulic machinery, whose performance and life span are particularly susceptible to cavitation. The impact on performance includes a reduction in efficiency and fluctuations in discharge pressure and flow, while cavitation can greatly increase wear of bearings, wearing rings, seals, and impeller surfaces due to excessive vibration and surface erosion. In that context, few studies have also shown the positive effects that passive controls can have on the hydraulic performance of centrifugal pumps, such as total head and efficiency. It is conceivable that a new generation of design in hydraulic systems may be possible if simple design features can be conceived to maximize power transfer and minimize losses and cavitation. There are still, however, significant research gaps in understanding a range of impact factors such as manufacturing processes, lifetime, and durability, and essentially how a static design can be optimized to deliver improved performance over a realistic range of operating conditions.