bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Trial of Chinese Herbal Medicine in the Treatment of Childhood Constipation
Authors: Qiao Lei , Wang Luo-Jia , Wang Yang , Chen Ying , Zhang Hai-Lan , Zhang Shu-Cheng
Published: May 2021

OBJECTIVES:

Management of constipation is still challenging in childhood. The pharmacological effect of XiaojiDaozhi Decoction, a prescription of Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM), has been well described for the treatment of food and Qi stagnation which account for childhood constipation. However, the efficacy and safety of XiaojiDaozhi Decoction in childhood constipation remains unclear.

METHODS:

A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of XiaojiDaozhi Decoction in childhood constipation. Two hundred children were recruited and randomly allocated to the CHM or placebo group to receive their respective interventions. The duration of treatment was 8 weeks, with a 12-week follow-up. Main outcome measures were complete spontaneous bowel movements and satisfaction with bowel function. Safety and adverse effects were evaluated by blood laboratory measurements.

RESULTS:

At the end of follow-up, the response rates of CHM and placebo were 62% and 31%, respectively (χ2 = 19.315, P < 0.01). At the end of treatment, recurrence was found in 7 cases (10.14%) in CHM and 11 cases (26.19%) in placebo (χ2 = 4.947, P < 0.05). In the main outcome measures, 56 patients (56%) in the CHM group and 25 patients (25%) in the placebo group were satisfied with their bowel movements (χ2 = 19.940, P < 0.05). Increased complete spontaneous bowel movements ≥3 per week from baseline were found in 40 patients (40%) who received CHM and 19 patients (19%) who received placebo (χ2 = 10.602, P < 0.05). No serious adverse effects were found in any of the recruited cases.

DISCUSSION:

CHM XiaojiDaozhi Decoction is a safe and effective method for the treatment of childhood constipation.
Gentílicos e topónimos portugueses
Authors: Cardeira Esperança , Villalva Alina
Published: May 2021

Gentílicos são adjetivos ou substantivos que referem uma relação com um topónimo nacional ou regional. Há várias formas de obter este tipo de palavras em português e não há regra claras que permitam tornar a escolha previsível. Na verdade, os gentílicos sofrem um efeito de tradição que pode torná-los muito diferentes dos topónimos a que se referem (por exemplo, a utilização de formas latinas ou latinizadas para um gentílico, mas não para o topónimo, resulta num par pouco transparente, como Castelo-Branco/albicastrense). Por outro lado, o português dispõe de um grande número de sufixos para a derivação deste tipo de palavras:  Polónia-polaco; México-mexicano; França-francês; Espanha-espanhol. Esta multiplicidade de escolhas gera contrastes entre o português europeu e o português brasileiro: por exemplo, polaco e polonês ou canadiano e canadense. O estudo dos gentílicos não tem atraído a atenção dos linguistas portugueses. Existe um antigo vocabulário geográfico (BERGSTROM e REIS), publicado desde 1955, que enumera cerca de 200 gentílicos portugueses e define formas portuguesas para gentílicos estrangeiros (como Oxónia ou Ausburgo). Um vocabulário mais recente, o Dicionário de Gentílicos e Topónimos, levanta novamente a questão da normalização dos gentílicos e altera alguns deles. No entanto, nem todas as palavras listadas neste dicionário estão realmente presentes no uso contemporâneo do português. O presente trabalho consiste numa descrição e análise crítica deste léxico (por amostragem), procurando encontrar padrões dominantes e fatores de variação, nomeadamente históricos.
Heterogeneidad social de la clase empresarial agrícola en el campo uruguayo.
Authors: Figueredo Soledad
Published: May 2021

A partir de las intensas trasnformaciones en la estructura productiva nacional, este trabajo se propone realizar un análisis descriptivo del proceso de diferenciación interna de la clase capitalista agraria en el Uruguay contemporáneo y su vínculo con el afianzamiento de un nuevo modelo agrario vinculado con la agricultura extensiva. El abordaje metodológico de este trabajo se basa en entrevistas semiestructuradas realizadas entre 2018 y 2019 a empresarios y gerentes de empresas agrícolas operativas en Uruguay. Los resultados obtenidos en la investigación permiten concluir que el universo que compone la clase empresarial agrícola es desigual, identificando cuatro perfiles empresariales diferentes.
Identifying and Ranking new product development critical factors based on marketing strategy case study Esfahan Steel Co.
Authors: Dashtianeh Ehsan , Radfar Reza , Toloui Oshlohi Abbas
Published: May 2021

Goal: Increasing orders and selling products are essential factors in designing all industries' strategy. To improving this factor, researchers have suggested many ways, such as new product development. By succeeding in designing and introducing a new product, each company would gain a better market share. One of the best examples of this d innovation competition in companies is in the IT market where all companies compete for innovation and product development. Globally most of the roles are in common; however, some change according to the market, social, and political environment. For a successful new product in any industry, the marketing team should know their goal society's market environment and prioritize and choose the best marketing strategy according to their data analysis.

Design / Methodology / Approach: In this paper, initially, critical factors in successful new product development (NPD) at Esfahan Steel Co. are identified using a systematic literature review. Later, by using the information provided from the HR and marketing department of the Esfahan Steed Co., the designed questionnaire is asked to be filled by expertise, suppliers and customers. The collected data is analyzed by Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), and the main parameters affecting successful NPD is identified.

Results: In this study, fifteen factors are extracted from the literature and ranked by TOPSIS method. All of the fifteen factors are divided into five main categories: customer behavior, supplier, market, government strategy and social media. The results showed that the customer’s needs and government role is the most crucial factor in alloy market.

Limitations of the investigation: In this study, the international sanctions imposed by the UN and the USA was intrusive variables that affected the study results, because this variable affected the study data and responder answer.

Practical implications: Market strategy is one of the essential factors of success in all companies. This study showed that the marketing strategy of Esfahan Steel Co. could be improved.

Originality / Value: This study highlighted the differences in Iran's steel market from other markets which are presented in the literature.
Systematic literature review: opportunities and trends to the post-outbreak period of COVID-19
Authors: Tokarz Barbara , Kohlbeck Eloiza , Fagundes Alexandre Borges , Pereira Delcio , Beuren Fernanda Hänsch
Published: May 2021

Goal: The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic literature review to identify opportunities to minimize Covid-19 impacts on businesses.

Design / Methodology / Approach: The methodology used corresponds to a literature systematic review, covering bibliometric and content analysis. For this purpose, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was employed in the literature search. In total, 98 papers were selected to compose the bibliometric analysis, of which 14 are within the scope of the investigation (content analysis).

Results: Bibliometric results present a grouping of keywords, authors' co-citation network, geographic distribution of publications and main journals. In the content analysis, trends for post-pandemic economy are pointed out, unveiling guidelines and opportunities to ensure the resilience of business proposals.

Limitations of the investigation: The conclusions present limitations inherent to literature review papers, where filters are used to limit the search. In this work, the research was restricted to articles, published between 2015 and 2020 and written in English.

Practical implications: This article proposes perspectives to react in a resilient way in the post-Pandemic period of Covid-19, in order to guarantee the permanence and competitiveness of the companies in the market.

Originality / Value: Product-Service Systems and Circular Economy were found to be related to the trends and opportunities identified for the short-future economy.
Investigando colaborativamente en el doctorado: Bondades y desafíos a partir de un estudio de caso
Authors: López Secanell Irene , Llobet Bernaus Georgina , Bonastra Tolós Quim , Jové Monclús Glòria
Published: May 2021

El presente artículo propone mostrar las bondades y desafíos de la colaboración en los procesos de investigación. Partimos del relato de la experiencia de dos directores y dos doctorandas para poder problematizar la normativa académica que exige que las tesis de doctorado en modalidad tradicional sean firmadas individualmente. Se utiliza una metodología cualitativa de estudio de caso mediante análisis de los relatos autobiográficos y los diarios de campo de las doctorandas, así como los fragmentos de los diarios de campo de los dos directores de tesis. Los resultados muestran experiencias narradas de primera mano sobre qué significa y cómo se ha vivido la experiencia de desarrollar dos tesis colaborativas. Con esta investigación hemos detectado cuatro bondades, que al mismo tiempo son desafíos, que emergen del hecho de trabajar de un modo colaborativo y de narrar de forma conjunta. En primer lugar, encontramos la capacidad de trascender la individualidad y crear conocimiento colectivo; ello nos lleva a la segunda, relacionada con la necesidad de crear una atmósfera de confianza; en tercer lugar, la creación y utilización de un mismo lenguaje; lo que permite, como cuarta bondad y desafío, tratar la información colaborativamente. Ante la importancia de desarrollar investigaciones donde la colaboración es cada vez un aspecto más habitual, la presente experiencia pone en evidencia las incoherencias existentes entre el marco legal respeto a las tesis doctorales y la adquisición del título de doctor/a y las necesidades actuales de desarrollar investigaciones colaborativas.
Three combination value of extraction features on GLCM for detecting pothole and asphalt road
Authors: Arbawa Yoke Kusuma , Utaminingrum Fitri , Setiawan Eko
Published: May 2021

The rate of vehicle accidents in various regions is still high accidents caused by many factors, such as driver negligence, vehicle damage, and road damage. However, transportation technology developed very rapidly, for example, a smart car. The smart car is land transportation that does not use humans as drivers but uses machines automatically. However, vehicle accidents are still possible because automatic machines do not have the intelligence like humans to see all the vehicle's obstacles. Obstacles can take many forms, one of them is road potholes. We propose a method for detecting road potholes using the Gray-Level Cooccurrence Matrix with three features and using the Support Vector Machine as a classification method. We analyze the combination of GLCM Contrast, Correlation, and Dissimilarity features. The results showed that the combination of Contrast and Dissimilarity features had the best accuracy of 92.033 %, with a computing time of 0.0704 seconds per frame.
Optical switches based semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) for performance characteristics enhancement by using various electrical pulse generators
Authors: Eid Mahmoud M. A. , Sorathiya Vishal , Lavadiya Sunil , Shehata Eslam , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki
Published: May 2021

This work has reported the optical switches based semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) for the performance of the characteristics enhancement by using various electrical pulse generators. Max. Q, bit error rate (BER) after light detector, max. signal power (MSP), min. noise power (MNNP), and total optical power after power combiner based SOAs with various pulse generators are simulated and clarified. Return to zero (RZ) pulse code has clarified max Q than other pulse generators. The max output signal power is improved with Gaussian pulse in compared to other pulse generators. Triangle/RZ pulse generators have presented better total optical power than other proposed generators.
An extremely high blood glucose level in a child with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state and type 1 diabetes
Authors: Butorac Ahel Ivona , Severinski Srecko , Lah Tomulic Kristina , Milardovic Ana , Baraba Dekanic Kristina , Palcevski Dora
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) is one of the most severe acute complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) characterized by severe hyperglycemia and hyperosmolality without significant ketosis and acidosis. What is new? Since HHS in the pediatric population is rare and potentially life-threatening, every reported case is very valuable for raising awareness among healthcare professionals.

Case presentation

A 7-year-old boy with previously diagnosed Joubert syndrome was admitted due to vomiting, polydipsia and polyuria started several days earlier. He was severely dehydrated, and the initial blood glucose level was 115 mmol/L. Based on clinical manifestations and laboratory results, he was diagnosed with T1DM and HHS. The treatment with intravenous fluid was started and insulin administration began later. He was discharged after 10 days without any complications related to HHS.

Conclusions

Since HHS has a high mortality rate, early recognition, and proper management are necessary for a better outcome.
On stochastic inverse problem of construction of stable program motion
Authors: Tleubergenov Marat I. , Vassilina Gulmira K.
Published: May 2021

One of the inverse problems of dynamics in the presence of random perturbations is considered. This is the problem of the simultaneous construction of a set of first-order Ito stochastic differential equations with a given integral manifold, and a set of comparison functions. The given manifold is stable in probability with respect to these comparison functions.
Entire functions that share two pairs of small functions
Authors: Huang Xiaohuang , Deng Bingmao , Fang Mingliang
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we study the unicity of entire functions and their derivatives and obtain the following result: letffbe a non-constant entire function, leta1{a}_{1},a2{a}_{2},b1{b}_{1}, andb2{b}_{2}be four small functions offfsuch thata1≢b1{a}_{1}\not\equiv {b}_{1},a2≢b2{a}_{2}\not\equiv {b}_{2}, and none of them is identically equal to∞\infty. Ifffandf(k){f}^{\left(k)}share(a1,a2)\left({a}_{1},{a}_{2})CM and share(b1,b2)\left({b}_{1},{b}_{2})IM, then(a2−b2)f−(a1−b1)f(k)≡a2b1−a1b2\left({a}_{2}-{b}_{2})f-\left({a}_{1}-{b}_{1}){f}^{\left(k)}\equiv {a}_{2}{b}_{1}-{a}_{1}{b}_{2}. This extends the result due to Li and Yang [Value sharing of an entire function and its derivatives, J. Math. Soc. Japan.51(1999), no. 7, 781–799].
Crystal structure of 3-(2-chloro-benzyl)-7-[4-(2-chloro-benzyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-5,6,8-trifluoro-3H-quinazolin-4-one, C
26
H
21
Cl
2
F
3
N
4
O
Authors: Fang Shu-Fen , Peng Wen-Wen , Xiong Yuan-Zhen , Nie Xu-Liang , Huang Jian-Ping
Published: May 2021

C26H21Cl2F3N4O, monoclinic, Pc (no. 7), a = 21.218(6) Å, b = 5.9599(16) Å, c = 9.439(3) Å, β = 99.295(3)°, V = 1177.9(5) Å3, Z = 2, R

gt
(F) = 0.0471, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1282, T = 296(2) K.
Politeness as normative, evaluative and discriminatory: the case of verbal hygiene discourses on correct honorifics use in South Korea
Authors: Brown Lucien
Published: May 2021

This paper uses the concept of “verbal hygiene” (Cameron, Deborah. 1995. Verbal hygiene. Abingdon, UK: Routledge) to analyze metadiscourses in South Korea regarding a recent innovation in the use of subject honorific markers in the service industry. This innovation, commonly referred to as samwul contay ‘inanimate object respect’ involves using honorifics when the grammatical subject of the sentence is an inanimate object, typically the products or services being offered to the customer. Critical discourse analysis was conducted of materials produced by language authorities and mainstream media, as well as layperson-produced blogs and reader comments. The analysis shows that the materials mobilized discourses of ungrammaticality and immorality to delegitimize samwul contay, and stigmatize the sales personnel who used it. By applying the concept of “verbal hygiene” to politeness-related metadiscourses, the current paper advances the perspective that politeness is occasioned through the recursive evaluation of linguistic behavior. Rather than being idiosyncratic, these evaluations appeal to established language norms and moral orders. The way that verbal hygiene discourses promote the language usage of the powerful while stigmatizing the powerless demonstrates that politeness relies inherently on socio-historically imbedded discriminatory practices of placing value on the language usage of certain groups, while delegitimizing that of others.
The epigenetic regulation of synaptic genes contributes to the etiology of autism
Authors: Srancikova Annamaria , Bacova Zuzana , Bakos Jan
Published: May 2021

Epigenetic mechanisms greatly affect the developing brain, as well as the maturation of synapses with pervasive, long-lasting consequences on behavior in adults. Substantial evidence exists that implicates dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms in the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Therefore, this review explains the role of enzymes involved in DNA methylation and demethylation in neurodevelopment by emphasizing changes of synaptic genes and proteins. Epigenetic causes of sex-dependent differences in the brain are analyzed in conjunction with the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders. Special attention is devoted to the epigenetic regulation of the melanoma-associated antigen-like gene 2 (MAGEL2) found in Prader-Willi syndrome, which is known to be accompanied by autistic symptoms.
The co-integration of CDS and bonds in time-varying volatility dynamics: do credit risk swaps lower bond risks?
Authors: Li Leon , Scrimgeour Frank
Published: May 2021

This study analyzes the co-integration relationship between sovereign bonds and credit default swaps (CDS) and then examines the impact of CDS-bond deviation from the relationship on market volatility using the Markov-switching approach. Our empirical sample consists of the daily CDS premium and bond yield spread obtained with the DataStream database for the period from 2008 to 2014. Our empirical results show that the absolute value of the CDS-bond deviation is positively related to the probability of a high volatility regime and negatively related to the probability of a low volatility regime. This result implies a positive association between the CDS-bond deviation and the volatility in the CDS-bond market. Our findings are consistent across mature-market and emerging-market countries. Moreover, the evidence we uncover suggests that the practice of managing default risk of bonds via the use of CDS may increase the interest rate risk of the bond, which implies both wins and woes from the introduction of CDS, particularly for mature-market countries.
Detektion von Weizenähren mithilfe neuronaler Netze und synthetisch erzeugter Trainingsdaten
Authors: Lucks Lukas , Haraké Laura , Klingbeil Lasse
Published: May 2021

Diese Arbeit untersucht die Eignung und Übertragbarkeit von synthetisch erzeugten Trainingsdaten zur Detektion von Weizenähren mithilfe neuronaler Netze aus dem Bereich der semantischen Bildsegmentierung. Zur Erstellung dieser Daten werden detaillierte Szenen von Weizenfeldern bestehend aus wenigen manuell erstellten 3D Modellen mit hochaufgelösten Texturen und definierten Materialeigenschaften geschaffen. Dabei bilden die generierten Szenen verschiedene Reifegrade der Weizenpflanzen ab. Anschließend werden photorealistische Farbbilder der Szene synthetisiert und zusätzlich binäre Bildmasken, die die Positionen der modellierten Ähren enthalten. Die so erhaltenen Bildpaare werden anschließend als Trainingsgrundlage für zwei neuronale Netze (U-Net und DeepLabv3+) genutzt, ohne dass manuelle Annotationen notwendig sind. Zur Untersuchung, ob diese Daten eine Domänenadaption ermöglichen, werden die trainierten Netze anhand von realen Weizenfeldaufnahmen evaluiert. Der IoU-Wert von ca. 0,66 zeigt, dass eine Informationsübertragung aus den synthetischen Bildern auf reale Bilder möglich ist. Abschließend werden die Ergebnisse auf Luftbilder, die mithilfe eines UAVs aufgenommen wurden, übertragen. Es zeigt sich, dass die verminderte Auflösung dieser Bilder die Erkennungsrate deutlich vermindert.
Race and Identity in the Study of International Political Economy
Authors: Mosley Layna
Published: May 2021

Introduction to Race and Identity in the Study of International Political Economy Global Research in International Political Economy (GRIPE) Webinar and commentaries Organized 30 September 2020
Burden and quality of life of informal caregivers of children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Davis Abigail Oluwadunni , Olagbegi Oladapo Michael , Orekoya Kayode , Adekunle Mathew , Oyewole Olufemi Oyeleye , Adepoju Modinat , Soetan Oluyemisi
Published: May 2021

Objective: to analyze the caregiver burden and the quality of life of informal caregivers of children with cerebral palsy. Methods: the cross-sectional survey involved 109 caregivers of children with cerebral palsy recruited from physiotherapy clinic at a tertiary hospital. The quality of life and caregiver burden were assessed using the Personal Wellbeing Index Scale and the Modified Caregivers’ Strain Index, respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: the mean strain index and quality of life scores of the participants were 11.85 ± 5.72 and 64.68 ± 8.03 respectively. The majority (67.9%) of the caregivers had fair personal well-being, while about one-third (33.0%) had high caregiver’s strain. Child’s age (B=2.454; p<0.005) and caregivers’ occupation (B= -2.547; p=0.001) were predictors of caregiver strain. Conclusion: caring for children with cerebral palsy imposed a substantial burden on the caregivers and child’s age and caregivers’ occupation were predictor variables.
Construction of a video about condom use for deaf and hearing people
Authors: Áfio Aline Cruz Esmeraldo , Leite Sarah de Sá , Carvalho António Luís Rodrigues Faria de , Almeida Paulo César de , Rebouças Cristiana Brasil de Almeida , Pagliuca Lorita Marlena Freitag
Published: May 2021

Objective: to build assistive technology, in video format, for deaf and hearing people about sexual health and condom use. Methods: methodological study consisting of the stages of pre-production, production and post-production. In pre-production we built the script, storyboard and scenes, following the principles of Lev Semenovich Vygotsky’s Theory of Learning. In production there was the development of the animation and recording of the scenes by the Libras interpreter. In post-production the final editing of the video took place. Results: the video “Condom: learn to use correctly”,lasting nine minutes and 25 seconds discusses the sexual and reproductive system of man and woman; mode of action, benefits and care with the use of condoms.Given the scarcity of educational materials on the subject, accessibility resources were used to build a video for deaf and hearing people. Conclusion: the construction of the video as an assistive technology directed to the deaf was successfully accomplished.
Methodological quality of validation of studies on simulated scenarios in nursing
Authors: Nascimento Juliana da Silva Garcia , Pires Fabiana Cristina , Nascimento Kleiton Gonçalves do , Regino Daniela da Silva Garcia , Siqueira Tainá Vilhar , Dalri Maria Celia Barcellos
Published: May 2021

Objective: to evaluate the quality of the validation process performed in studies that developed simulated clinical scenarios for teaching and learning in nursing. Methods: the researchers conducted two steps: an integrative review in the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Educational Resources Information Center databases; and the validation assessment, using the validated tool (Quality Assessment for Validity Studies). Results: 561 studies were identified, six of which comprised the sample, primary, methodological, available electronically and in full. Most showed good validation quality by meeting almost all the criteria required by the tool. Conclusion: the validation of studies on clinical scenarios was able to support reliable evidence for adoption in teaching through simulation in nursing.
Humanizing intensive nursing care for people with COVID-19
Authors: Silva Junior Sergio Vital da , Machado Aline Gomes , Alves Anny Michelle Rodrigues da Silva , Cordeiro Katia Jaqueline da Silva , Barbosa Maíra Bonfim , Teodozio Gilberto Costa , Freire Maria Eliane Moreira
Published: May 2021

Objective: to understand the impact of music on the intensive care for COVID-19 as an instrument to humanize assistance from the perspective of nurses who work on assistance. Methods: qualitative study carried out with seven intensive care nurses working in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit of a public state hospital. Sample reached through theoretical saturation. Data were collected using interviews through the on-line application WhatsApp, guided by a semi-structured guide. Results: the following discursive categories emerged: Feelings of health professionals and humanized actions in intensive care; Music therapy to provide integral care for people with COVID-19 in the score of intensive care; Living in the moment; Music therapy as an instrument for spirituality in the intensive care environment. Conclusion: the nursing intensive care did not only carry out a biological treatment, but considered all aspects of the human being, using to do so humanization by music.
Die Welt der Token und deren rechtliche Einordnung
Authors: Ruh Christina , Charifzadeh Michel , Herberger Tim Alexander
Published: May 2021

Initial Coin Offering (ICO) spielen im Rahmen der Unternehmens- und Projektfinanzierung eine immer bedeutendere Rolle, was nicht zuletzt auch einem medialen Fokus in der jüngeren Vergangenheit geschuldet ist. Dies gilt insbesondere im Fall von Start-ups, deren Geschäftsmodell auf der Blockchain-Technologie basiert. Dieser Beitrag stellt die verschiedenen Tokenvarianten vor und gibt einen Überblick über den aktuellen rechtlichen Hintergrund zu ICOs. Es zeigt sich, dass, ähnlich des klassischen Finanzierungsframeworks aus Eigen- und Fremdkapital, sich auch diese Strukturen bei der Differenzierung verschiedener Tokenvarianten wiederfinden. Aus Investorensicht offenbart sich jedoch ein Konkretisierungsbedarf in der Ausgestaltung der rechtlichen und bilanziellen Rahmenbedingungen zu ICOs und den dazugehörigen Token, sofern vergleichbare Rahmen-bedingungen zu einem klassischen Initial Public Offering (IPO) etabliert werden sollen.
Monte-Carlo-Evaluation von Instrumentenvariablenschätzern
Authors: Auer Benjamin R. , Rottmann Horst
Published: May 2021

Dieser Beitrag illustriert mittels Monte-Carlo-Simulation die Eigenschaften des OLS- und des IV-Schätzers, wenn die erklärende Variable im einfachen linearen Regressionsmodell endogen, d. h. mit dem Störterm des Modells korreliert ist. Insbesondere werden dabei die Verzerrung des OLS-Schätzers und die Konsistenz des IV-Schätzers aufgezeigt sowie der Einfluss schwacher Instrumente verdeutlicht.
Analysis of Personal-Professional Status of Women Managers for Sustainable School Management in Turkey
Authors: Sönmez Genç Dilek , Güneyli Ahmet , Yiğit Pervin
Published: May 2021

For a sustainable education, it is imperative to empower women in the education process. This study aims to evaluate and describe women's personal and professional characteristics in school management in Turkey. In the study, the opinions of woman school managers about the goals of becoming a manager in line with their images of self-efficacy, self-esteem and organizational justice and their perspectives on the problems arising in the process were discussed. Mixed method research was carried out and a total of 288 women school managers working in the different provinces in Turkey participated in this study. An evaluation of the findings of the research found that the women school managers’ self-esteem and self-efficacy levels were high in contrast to the organizational justice level. This shows that the promotion of women school managers’ organizational justice image is significant in the context of building sustainable school management in Turkey.
The Development of Artique - Independent Artists and Online Art Criticism
Authors: Mak Mon Nor Suliana , Maaruf Siti Zuraida , Kamal Akmal Ahamed
Published: May 2021

Learning art online breaks the geographical barriers and frontiers between art students, artists, galleries, and museums. Studio critique can now be performed beyond the brick walls of a physical room through the virtual platform. This research studies on the impact of art criticism in an online gallery for independent artists which was developed through the design and development method (DDR) while Visual Culture Model was employed for Phase One in the Needs Analysis. The positive feedback obtained from five independent artists who participated in the research revealed that it is common for artists to use social networking sites as avenues for art criticism. The use of social networking sites is common among artists and regarded as valuable in their field. The respondents are supportive in the development of an online group for art criticism that could fortify their creativity and ultimately their artworks. Hence, the findings of the interview suggest that a social networking site like ARTIQUE would be a progressive platform for artists’ professional development.
Criteria of Extremist Speech Acts: Forensic Linguistic Diagnostic Complexes
Authors: Dmitrievich Nikishin Vladimir
Published: May 2021

The article examines the challenges in detecting features of verbal extremism by analysing forensic practice, research papers on forensic linguistics and anti-extremist law, manuals developed by Russian law enforcement agencies and scientific and educational organizations. The article suggests a new approach to the methodological support of forensic linguistic examination of extremist discourse. This approach is based on the concept of a three-component structure of ‘extremist’ utterances. The author justifies the proposed classification of extremist speech acts and describes forensic diagnostic complexes corresponding to these speech acts. These complexes can serve as the reference samples for both linguistic experts (who conduct forensic examination) and the law enforcement officers (who conduct forensic diagnostics). The use of standardized forensic diagnostic complexes of extremist speech acts which serve as a tool for classification of illegal verbal behaviour allows to maintain the balance between the right to freedom of speech and pluralism of opinions, on the one hand, and protection against abuse of these rights (protection of media security), on the other hand.
DESIGN AND SYNTHESIS OF NOVEL PYRIMIDINE ANALOGS AS ANTI-TUBERCULAR AGENTS TARGETING THYMIDINE KINASE DOMAIN
Authors: James Jainey P. , Mathew Jane B , Ishwar Bhat K. , Kumar Pankaj , Aiswarya T.C
Published: May 2021

The inhibition of the enzyme TMP kinase (TMPKmt), is hypothesized as a significant therapy for tuberculosis. A series of designed pyrimidines were synthesized to inhibit the enzyme TMPKmt and evaluated for their enzyme-ligand interactions, antitubercular, physiochemical and ADMET properties. The pyrimidines were synthesized from chalcones and guanidine as the cyclizing agent. The molecular interactions were studied by Autodock 4.0 and physicochemical, druglikeness and ADMET properties were analysed by Molinspiration, Chemsketch program and admetSAR prediction  tools. The confirmation of the synthesized titled compound’s structures was by spectral analysis. Also, they were screened for their antitubercular activity. In silico studies reports that their physicochemical, ADMET and druglikeness properties were found to be in standard limit, which infers that, these compounds may not have problems with oral bioavailability. Molecular docking studies showed that the pyrimidines have better enzyme inhibitory activity onTMPKmt.
INFLUENCE OF QUERCETIN AND DIHYDROQUERCETIN ON SOME FUNCTIONAL PARAMETERS OF RAT LIVER MITOCHONDRIA
Authors: Gayibov Ulugbek , Gayibova Sabina N. , Pozilov Ma’murjon K. , Tuxtaeva Feruza Sh. , Yusupova Umida R. , Djabbarova Gulchehra M.-K. , Mamatova Zulayho A. , Ergashev Nurali A. , Aripov Takhir F.
Published: May 2021

Flavonoids are proved to be prominent plant-derived compounds generally found in fruit- and vegetable- rich diets with free radicals quenching ability. Quercetin, a member of flavonoids subclass – flavonols, has gained major attention due to its overwhelming potential. Quercetin was demonstrated to preserve diverse degenerative diseases by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. In the present paper, we deal with two polyphenolic compounds’ – quercetin and dihydroquercetin – influence on functional parameters of mitochondria. Thus, the fore mentioned flavonols showed the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) inhibition and ATP-sensitive potassium channel activation capacities as well as strong antioxidаnt/antiradiсal activity. Improving functional parameters of mitochondria by both quercetin and dihydroquercetin formed a basic idea of the hypothesis that the studied flavonols may provide antihypoxic defense.
ISOLATION OF LACTIC ACID BACTERIA FROM TRADITIONAL MOROCCAN PRODUCTS AND EVALUATION OF THEIR ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY ON GROWTH AND OCHRATOXIN A PRODUCTION BY ASPERGILLUS CARBONARIUS AND A. NIGER
Authors: EL HAMMOUDI YOUSRA , LAAZIZ Adil , BOUSETA Amina , BELKHOU Rajae
Published: May 2021

Different agricultural products, including grapes, are susceptible to contamination and damage by several microorganisms, one being fungi and their mycotoxins such as ochratoxin A. These alterations are a source of food waste and lead to significant economic losses. Thus, new alternatives have been sought in parallel with existing methods. In this work, after isolation, identification by 16S rDNA sequencing and differentiation by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) of four lactic acid bacteria from different traditional Moroccan food products, antifungal activity was studied against Aspergillus carbonarius and A. niger isolated from Moroccan grapes. Their effect on ochratoxin A production was also assessed. A strain of Lactoccocus lactis ssp. lactis (F) and three strains of Leuconostoc mesenteroides ssp. mesenteroides (I, C, and D) selected from 16 isolated strains were tested. Their antifungal activities against Aspergillus spp. were quite significant, with growth inhibition rates ranging from 28.69% to 53.31%. Likewise, ochratoxin A production by Aspergillus strains was significantly reduced. Indeed, in the presence of the Lactoccocus lactis ssp. lactis (F) strain, this reduction was about 63.90% and 65.12% for A. niger and A. carbonarius, respectively; however, an 89.38% reduction for A. niger and 19.35 % A. carbonarius was achieved for the Leuconostoc mesenteroides ssp. mesenteroides (I) strain. These results revealed strain-dependent antifungal activity. Our study indicates that the use of these lactic acid bacteria can be applied as a biocontrol of fungal growth and mycotoxins production.
PARTS FROM LIFE-CYCLE OF H.ERINACEUS: RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY APPROACH TO OPTIMIZE EXTRACTION CONDITIONS AND DETERMINATION OF ITS ANTIOXIDANT, ANTIDIABETIC AND ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT
Authors: DOĞAN Nurcan , DOĞAN Cemhan , ATİLA Funda
Published: May 2021

In this article, optimization of extraction conditions of different parts from the life cycle of H.erinaceus was investigated based on Response Surface Method. Furthermore, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial effects of optimized extracts were studied. Results: Temperature, liquid / solid ratio, and solvent concentration significantly affected the phenolic content and antioxidant capacities of all samples. The young fruit body of H.erinaceus had higher antioxidant (43.11±2.74, 51.39±2.34, 62.84±1.59 µmol TE/g for DPPH, FRAP and ABTS, respectively) and antidiabetic effects (93.54±2.3 and 132.25±1.38 µg/mL for IC50 values of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, respectively) than mycelium. However, these effects partially decrease as the fruit body ages. Besides, the optimized extracts exhibited more antimicrobial effects on Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria. Conclusion: Both the fruit body and the mycelium of H.erinaceus have many bio-functional properties. However, these properties of the fruit body decrease significantly with the delay of the harvest time. The extraction process conditions we optimize in this study can be adapted to large-scale separation processes in the industry.
Smoking Susceptibility and Tobacco Media Engagement Among Youth Never Smokers
Authors: Coreas Saida I. , Rodriquez Erik J. , Rahman Sana G. , El-Toukhy Sherine , Compton Wilson M. , Blanco Carlos , Kimmel Heather L , Pérez-Stable Eliseo J.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND:

Susceptibility to future smoking among youth never smokers has not changed in the past 20 years, although experimental cigarette smoking has decreased. We assessed how smoking susceptibility and tobacco industry–related marketing influenced smoking initiation.

METHODS:

Four waves (2013–2018) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study data were analyzed among youth aged 12 to 17 years at wave 1 who completed wave 4. Susceptibility was assessed by 4 items (openness to curiosity, try soon, try in the next year, and if your best friend offered) and categorized into 4 levels (0 = definitely no to all; 1 = yes to 1; 2 = yes to 2; and 3 + 4 = yes to 3 or 4 susceptibility items). Multivariable logistic regression evaluated how susceptibility levels, electronic cigarette use, and tobacco-related media activity predicted future experimental (≥1 puff), current (past 30 days), or established (≥100 cigarettes) smoking.

RESULTS:

Among 8899 never smokers at wave 1, 16.4% became experimental smokers, 7.6% current smokers, and 1.8% established smokers at wave 4. Black and Latino/a youth were less likely to experiment. Youth who endorsed 3 or 4 susceptibility items at wave 1 were more likely to be experimental (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 6.0; confidence interval [CI] = 4.8–7.4), current (aOR = 4.2; CI = 3.2–5.4), or established (aOR = 4.4; CI = 2.4–7.9) smokers at wave 4. Exposure to tobacco marketing, using tobacco-related apps, seeing social media content posted about tobacco, and ever use of electronic cigarettes also predicted experimental smoking.

CONCLUSIONS:

Smoking susceptibility and exposure to tobacco industry–related marketing were predictive of cigarette smoking. Clinicians should consider screening adolescents for smoking susceptibility and tobacco-related media exposure.
ROLES OF INTERLOCKING DIRECTORATES IN AN EMERGING COUNTRY: CONTROL AND COORDINATION IN FAMILY BUSINESS GROUPS
Authors:   Galatasaray University, Turkey, Ataay Aylin
Published: May 2021

Maman (1999) proposed that, in countries in which business groups are dominant forms for organizing economic activities, the interlocking directorate is a managerial tool that can be prioritized to control and coordinate activities of their affiliated firms within the same groups and align their business objectives. This organizational connection appears to be an intentional strategy on the part of the groups‟ headquarters. In order to study the interlocking ties in Turkish family business groups (FBG), this study focused on interlocking directorates among listed firms in Turkey. The findings of preliminary study reveal that almost all of the interlocking ties were within the business groups (BG) in our sample. This is the result of assignment of familyaffiliated and/or professional inside directors to the various boards of companies in the BG. We also found that compare to vertical ties; business groups are using more horizontal interlocking connections to bond their affiliated companies together.
MOVEMENT OF INTRA-INDUSTRY TRADE INDEX IN TERMS OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGE: THEORETICAL ANALYSIS BASED ON A TWO-STAGE PRODUCTION MODEL
Authors:   Osaka City University, Japan, Takahashi Nobuhiro , Takahashi Mita ,   Osaka City University, Japan
Published: May 2021

This paper analyzes the movement of intra-industry trade index when the exchange rate or the world price changes. In our two-stage production model, firms construct factories in a foreign country by foreign direct investment (FDI). The firms export components from the home country to the foreign factories, and import final products from the foreign factories. The foreign factories also sell the final products in the world market. Under this knockdown system, we research the movement of the intra-industry trade index of the home country. This paper shows that appreciation of the exchange rate does not always raise the intra-industry trade index. We also show that changes in the world price have the similar effect on the movement of the intra-industry trade index.
SOCIAL ECOLOGY, NEIGHBORHOOD ANALYSIS AND POLICY CHANGES
Authors:   Kosovo Academy for Public Safety, Kosovo, Azemi Ferid
Published: May 2021

Trying to explain criminal behaviors, many criminologists point out the importance of the community-level factors influencing crime. Many researchers think that an offshoot, social ecology, sees society as a kind of organism and crime deviance as social pathology. Thus, the community and all levels of residents must be involved and focused in acting together as one, taking appropriate measures to prevent this social pathology. This study employed mixed methods, by using case of Austin neighborhood in Illinois, and evaluating social structure theories. The first part coined as description will touch some of social problems the disorganized society is facing with, as well as the importance of collective efficacy in addressing this social pathology. On the second part of this analysis, there is an evaluation of social pathology and collective efficacy.
Diagnostic value of IL-17 in neurointoxication with mercury
Authors: Michailovna B. G. , Valerevna B. E.
Published: May 2021

It is known that sufficient changes are observed in cellular and humoral links of immune system upon chronic exposure vapors of metallic mercury. In previous studies, upon development and in the course of the chronic mercury intoxication (CMI) we revealed pronounced regular changes of inflammatory mediators (IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNFα), and showed an important role of autoimmune reactions affecting nervous tissue proteins. Over last 20 years, an increased interest was shown for interleukin 17 (IL-17) and its role in a number of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, there is no data on its role in neurointoxication with mercury. Considering that IL-17 has proinflammatory activity and stimulates production of the individual cytokines, the goal of our work at the next stage of research, was to identify quantitative changes of serum IL-17 in patients with mercury neurointoxication of various severity, aiming to substantiate additional criteria for early and effective diagnosis of the disease.

The study was performed in males chronically exposed to metallic mercury vapors with early signs of neurointoxication (n = 37), individuals diagnosed with CMI (n = 40), and “conditionally healthy” men (n = 34). Proper diagnosis confirmed by history of working contacts with a harmful industrial factor, and absence of comorbid pathologies served as inclusion criteria. Statistical processing of the results was carried out using the STATISTICA 6.0 application package (StatSoft, USA). The study has revealed a statistically significant increase in serum IL-17 concentrations, both in the patients with early signs of neurointoxication with metallic mercury vapors, and individuals with CMI, when compared with the comparison group, thus indicating its activation, and being consistent with results of several workers who showed an IL-17 increase in immunoinflammatory diseases. Correlation analysis has shown an association between IL-17 and inflammatory mediators, i.e., the patients with early signs of neurointoxication had an increased production of IL-17 accompanied by an increase in anti-inflammatory IL-10, whereas the CMI patients with an increase in IL-17 concentration showed a decrease in pro-inflammatory TNFα, thus confirming its role in immunopathogenesis of mercury neurointoxication. Further study of IL-17 involvement in the initiation and maintenance of chronic inflammation will not only contribute to better understanding of the disease origin, but also, most importantly, implication of novel, more effective treatments.
Informative significance of serum cytokines and their importance for development of metabolic syndrome with arterial hypertension in elderly persons
Authors: Agarkov N. M. , Kolomiets V. I. , Korneeva S. I. , Moskaleva E. O. , Makkonen K. F.
Published: May 2021

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is among the main public health challenges worldwide, leading to significant labor losses, increased costs for treatment and rehabilitation of the patients. The aim of the present study was to identify the informative serum interleukins, by determining the odds ratio in elderly patients with MS and hypertension. The main group of 86 patients with MS and arterial hypertension (AH) aged 60-75 years was examined under clinical conditions. The inclusion criteria were as follows: age of 60-75 years, presence of MS, primary hypertension (grade II-III), absence of acute myocardial infarction, malignant neoplasms, disorders of cerebral circulation, kidney failure over last 6 months. Diagnostics of MS and hypertension was carried out in accordance with Expert Guidelines from the Russian Research Society of Cardiology on the MS Diagnosis and Treatment. Our first study of a large range of serum interleukins in elderly patients with MS and hypertension allowed us to reveal the inversely directed changes in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine contents. Combined AH/MS in elderly persons is accomplished by sufficient increase of the most proinflammatory cytokines, and vice versa, by significant decrease in anti-inflammatory cytokines in blood serum. This finding clearly points to importance of immunological regulatory systems for initiation of AH with MS at older age. Pro- and anti-inflammatory serum interleukins are actively involved into the AH/MS development in elderly accompanied by their pronounced imbalance. The mentioned immune reactions could underlie the MS/AH condition. High risk of this disorder is connected with changed production of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-8, IL-1β), like as anti-inflammatory serum interleukins (IL-4, IL-10), with predominance of the former. The above interleukins should be considered dominant diagnostic markers of AH/MS in elderly persons. Measurement of serum interleukins and discriminant-based approach allows highly reliable differentiation of elderly patients with AH/MS from similar individuals without this disorder.