bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VALUE OF P300 AS A SCREENING TOOL OF COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN EPILEPSY: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY FROM INDIA
Authors:   Department of Neurology, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, Indore, India, Singh Amandeep , Sodani Ajoy Kumar ,   Department of Neurology, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, Indore, India, Chouksey Dinesh ,   Department of Neurology, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, Indore, India, Jain Rahul ,   Department of Neurology, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, Indore, India
Published: August 2021

Objective. Preservation of cognition is essential for good quality life. Epileptic pathological processes and pharmacotherapy are thought to be responsible for the cognitive dysfunction (CDF) in persons with epilepsy (PWE). Regular monitoring of persons on antiepileptic drugs (AED) for CDF is recommended. P300, an attention dependent event related potential (ERP), is known to be abnormal in PWE. The value of P300 in monitoring cognitive functions has not been tested prospectively. Material and methods. PWE not exposed to AED in preceding 6 months were recruited and prescribed one of the three common AEDs i.e. carbamazepine, phenytoin and valproate. Subjective tests of cognition-MoCA, Trail making test, Paragraph memory tests, Stroop test in addition to P300 ERP were administered before initiating AED and repeated after three months on the prescribed AED. The significance of the change in the scores of cognitive tools and P300 latency was ascertained by paired t-test. Outcome. Thirty eight PWE (females 18, mean age mean = 22.89±9.39 yr) qualified the inclusion criterion. The values of P300 latency and deployed subjective tests of cognition at two data collection points were compared with the clinical profile of the patients. Performance of the patients deteriorated on all the cognitive batteries after exposure to AED (mean 107.84±19.2 days). The deterioration was independent of education level, type of AED and seizures. Prolongation of P300 latency from baseline was seen in 30 of 38 patients (78.94%). The sensitivity of P300 for picking cognitive dysfunction was 80.64% taking MoCA scores as a reference. Conclusions. Attention along with several other domains of cognition is affected adversely with AED exposure. The P300 could be useful for monitoring cognitive adverse effects of AED in PWE.
PROPORTIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS WITH BRAIN ABSCESS AT SANGLAH GENERAL HOSPITAL IN DENPASAR, BALI, INDONESIA IN 2019-2020
Authors:   Bachelor of Medicine and Medical Profession Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, Upadhana Putu Satyakumara , Daradila Ni Putu Kostarika Melia ,   Bachelor of Medicine and Medical Profession Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, Indrakusuma Anak Agung Bagus Putra ,   Bachelor of Medicine and Medical Profession Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, Sadeva I Gede Krisna Arim ,   Bachelor of Medicine and Medical Profession Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, Wulandari Putri Ayu ,   Bachelor of Medicine and Medical Profession Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, Widyadharma I Putu Eka ,   Departments of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Published: August 2021

Introduction. A brain abscess is a collection of pus, immune cells, and other materials that are generally caused by bacterial or fungal infection in the brain parenchyma. This disease has a high level of morbidity and mortality, nonetheless, until now there has been no in-depth research on this disease, especially in Bali. Objective. This study aimed to determine the proportion and characteristics of patients with brain abscess at the Sanglah General Hospital, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia in 2019-2020. Material and methods. This study is an observational study with a cross sectional method. A total of 41 patients with brain abscesses recorded in hospital medical records in 2019-2020 were included in this study. Univariate analysis was performed to obtain the characteristics of patients with brain abscesses. Results. Most of the patients were male (63.4%), aged 20-39 years. The main complaint most often found in patients was decreased consciousness (56.1%), with neurological symptoms in the form of hemiparesis (32.3%). Most of the abscesses were found on the right frontal, right parietal and left parietal with a percentage of 14.06% each. The CT scan results showed a rim contrast enhancement (63.4%), cerebral edema (75.6%), and normal sulcus gyri (51.2%). Up to 50% of patients with a history of surgical procedures underwent a craniotomy. Other disease histories most often found in patients were sinusitis (29.5%), diabetes mellitus (15.3%), and toxoplasmosis (12.5%). Conclusion. There are varying results of the clinical characteristics of patients with brain abscesses, and indicate the natural course of this disease.
ASSESSMENT OF ASSOCIATION OF DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS, DIET AND DISEASE WITH HAEMORRHAGIC STROKE AND FACTORS CAUSING STROKE LEADING TO CEREBRAL HAEMORRHAGE IN MALE PATIENTS IN QUETTA, BALOCHISTAN, PAKISTAN
Authors:   Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University, Balochistan, Pakistan, Alam Anila , Bashir Musa Bin ,   Xi’an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, China, Khan Mirwais ,   Balochistan Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Quetta, Pakistan 4 Quaid I Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan, Khan Asad ,   Quaid I Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan, Acahakzai Safiullah Khan ,   Center for Advanced Studies in Vaccinology and Biotechnology, University of Balochistan, Pakistan
Published: August 2021

Objectives. This study aimed to assess and make a pattern of factors causing stroke leading to cerebral haemorrhage in male patients as well as to assess association of demographic characteristics, diet and disease with haemorrhagic stroke in Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan. Methods. In a cross sectional questionnaire based interviewing study, a questionnaire was designed to access the pattern of factors causing stroke leading to cerebral haemorrhage in male patients. Total 339 cases (adult male who had haemorrhagic stroke) were identified from two government and four private hospitals in Quetta City, Province Balochistan, Pakistan. The study was conducted within the time period of 9 months, from March to November, 2015. The data was piloted and then final data was analysed by using IBM SPSS 22. Results. In demographic characteristic study of patients, majority 219 (64.6%) were among the age group between 51 years and above, 330 (97.3%) were married, majority 186 (54.9%) were having urban residence and 277 (81.7%) were having own residence ownership, 127 (37.5%) were having addiction to smoking and 120 (35.4%) were addicted to tobacco and snuff. 124 (36.6%) were reluctant to mention whether their patients were either smokers or not. Among total 339 patients, majority 284 (83.8%) were not doing physical exercise routinely or if they were recommended by the physician. Among the 339 patients, all 339 (100%) of patients selected the multiple options among all given options (headache, unconscious/loss of consciousness, pain in neck). Conclusions. Demographic characteristics, low level of education, low income, urban residence in combined family setup, married, increased number of children are associated with hemorrhagic stroke. Smoking, tobacco and snuffing may also cause stroke. Lack of physical exercise, past history of stroke, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hypertension (personal or family) of any type does not significantly cause stroke but may increase the risk of stroke. The order of events suddenly happened to the hemorrhagic patients are headache, pain in neck, vomiting and finally state of unconsciousness.
A Numerical Study of the Influence of Process Parameters on the Efficiency of Staged Coal Gasification Using Mixtures of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Donskoy I. G.
Published: August 2021

The paper considers a staged conversion process of pulverized coal fuel in the MHPS-type gasifier, which uses mixtures of oxygen and carbon dioxide as a gasifying agent instead of air. Similar conversion processes can be applied in the process diagrams with the capture and disposal of carbon dioxide. The research tool is a reduced-order mathematical model of coal particles' conversion in a reacting gas flow. Replacement of nitrogen with carbon dioxide leads to significant changes in the gasification process characteristics: the average reaction temperature decreases, but this decrease is partially compensated by an increase in the concentration of gaseous reactants. Thus, the gasification process efficiency and the fuel conversion degree increase. Calculations make it possible to identify a range of parameters with the highest cold gas efficiency values. The influence of oxygen concentration is estimated, the dependence of the fuel conversion degree on the reaction temperature is analyzed.
Options for Modernization of Heat Supply to Consumers of Condensing Power Plant
Authors: Balzamov D. , Akhmetova I. , Balzamova E.
Published: August 2021

High competition and strict requirements of the wholesale electricity and capacity market make optimization of heat supply schemes an urgent issue for generating companies. Replacement of life-expired generation equipment with new capacities based on advanced technologies is a priority goal for the energy industry development. This work focuses on condensing power plant (CPP), which is the only source in the city that supplies heat to all consumer categories. The plant carries out quantitative and qualitative heat supply regulation according to the temperature profile of 135/70°C with a cutoff of 110/70°C. The study examines the possibility of CPP modernization based on three options: building a pressure-reducing cooling unit 140/12, commissioning an auxiliary boiler house, and building a 110 MW combined-cycle gas plant. This paper presents technical solutions for the considered options and preliminary technical and economic calculations of their efficiency.
A Methodological Approach to Assessing the Possible Effect of Distributed Generation Expansion on Regional Energy Supply Systems
Authors: Galperova E.
Published: August 2021

One of the new challenges arising from the transition of the energy industry to the path of intelligent development is to assess the effect of distributed generation (DG) on the prospects for the development of regional energy supply systems. Such an assessment requires that the factors characterized by high uncertainty be taken into account. In this case, it is expedient to employ a combination of the optimization method with the Monte Carlo method. Such an approach has already been adopted in a model (computer program) developed at the Melentiev Energy Systems Institute, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. This model is designed to determine the rational mix of new power plants (with investment risks assessed and factored in) and the likely cost of electricity generation in a given aggregated region. We propose using this model as a source of projected data for an approximate assessment of the DG expansion, given the projected conditions for the energy sector and electric power industry development. It may also provide the basis for an array of research tools for relevant studies. The new toolkit requires a more detailed representation of the administrative division and the inclusion of consumers with their sources of electric power generation in the generating capacity. Although such an estimate is approximate, it can give an overall idea of the extent to which the cost and demand for electricity may vary under different options for the DG expansion in a region.
The impact of the corporate governance quality on the dividend policy of companies in the BRICS countries
Authors: Khamidullina Maria , Makarova Svetlana
Published: August 2021

The article presents the results of a study aimed at determining the nature of the influence of the quality of corporate governance on the dividend policy pursued by companies in the BRICS countries. This relationship is determined based on empirical research on a sample of 122 large public corporations of the BRICS countries (based on 610 observations) for the period from 2015 to 2019. The study uses Tobit, random effects, fixed effects, and OLS. The results of this study show that the quality of corporate governance significantly negatively correlates with dividend payments of companies. This means that companies in the BRICS countries adhere to the dividend substitution model (proposed by La Porta), or, in other words, compensate for the poor quality of corporate governance with high dividend payments. Taking into account the results of the study, in the final part of the article, the main methods of improving the quality of corporate governance are proposed, which can contribute to increasing the value of companies in the BRICS countries.
What's in a Name? Why it is of vital importance to get the pronunciation right?
Authors: Chakravorty Indranil
Published: August 2021

Health services across the world are on the one hand the most regulated of all professions, the workforce planning is the most advanced and the restrictions on licence to practice most stringent, especially across borders- yet the workforce is dependent on the ability of large scale movement of professionals across nation-states. The UK NHS has over 41% of its doctors and a quarter of all nurses who were born / trained overseas. This is not much different to many other advanced health systems.

It is also recognised that patient outcomes, recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals who are in great demand depends on autonomy, job satisfaction and a sense of value, equality and a just environment.

A fundamental tenet of equality, celebrating diversity and inclusion is how organisation or society deals with the immigrant professionals or ‘foreigners’. The ability to correctly pronounce ‘foreign’ names is one of the fundamental and most obvious demonstration of respect one accords to a fellow human.

There is a long standing practice of transfiguring foreign sounding names to anglicised or westernized versions for ease of use. The westernization of foreign names is predominantly imposed by the dominant segments of populations on those considered inferior. There is clear evidence of social inequalities linked to one’s race, ethnicity, immigration and gender. Transfiguring one’s name is a clear example of such discrimination, microaggression and a form of bias.

It is time that we understood the impact of such microaggressions of colleagues and our patients. It should be vital for all professionals to take the time and attention needed to get the pronunciation right and in the process understand the cultural diversity, identity and demonstrate due respect and equality. It is also imperative on those of us with foreign sounding names that we help colleagues navigate the rich heritage of our culture and identity and do so with humility. It can only then be a win-win for all.
Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Cross Sectional Study in the Work Area of Bulili Public Health Center in South Palu, Palu City
Authors: Ashari Muhammad Rizki , Zuhria Nur Asri , Dwicahya Bambang
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding has an important role in maintaining the health and survival of babies because when they are exclusively breastfed, they will have a good immune system compared to babies who are not exclusively breastfed. Exclusive breastfeeding in Indonesia is regulated in Government Regulation Number 33 of 2012 concerning Exclusive Breastfeeding which explains that breast milk is given to babies from birth for 6 months, without being added or replaced with other foods/drinks. This is emphasized in Article 6 of Government Regulation Number 33 of 2012 concerning Exclusive Breastfeeding, that every mother who gives birth is obliged to provide Exclusive Breastfeeding for her baby unless there is a medical indication that makes it impossible for a mother to breastfeed, or the mother is separate from the baby. Data from the Palu City Health Office shows that the lowest amount of exclusive breastfeeding is in the Bulili Community Health Center with a proportion of 37.17%.

AIM: The aim of this study is to find out the Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding in the work area of Bulili Public Health Center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research used a quantitative method with cross-sectional study approach, and simple random sampling method. The population in this study was all mothers who had babies aged 0–6 months with a total sample of 103 respondents. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire using a Likert scale for the variables of exclusive breastfeeding and the Guttman scale for the variables of maternal employment status, family support, health workers support, and policy.

RESULTS: Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analysis. Chi-square test results summarizes the following: maternal work (p = 0.434), formula milk promotion (p = 0.029), family support (p = 0.019), health workers support (p = 0.572), and policy (p = 0.001). Mothers who have babies aged 0–6 months are obliged to fulfill the children’s rights, which is to provide exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months without providing any other foods/drinks such as water, bananas, honey, or formula milk.

CONCLUSION: Mother’s occupation and formula milk promotion are not related to exclusive breastfeeding, while variables such as supports from families, health workers, and policy are related to exclusive breastfeeding.
A Prospective Randomized Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Versus Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in the Treatment of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Cost utility from a Lower-middle-income Country Perspective and Review of Literature
Authors: El-Ghandour Nasser , Sawan Mohamed , Goel Atul , Abdelkhalek Ahmed Assem , Abdelmotleb Ahmad M. , Ali Taher , Abdel Aziz Mohamed S. , Soliman Mohamed A. R.
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in lumbar spondylolisthesis have not been validated in many prospective randomized trials.

AIM: We aimed to validate the safety and efficacy of TLIF and PLIF surgery in lumbar spondylolisthesis using the clinical, radiographic, and cost-utility outcomes.

METHODS: The data of surgically treated single-level spondylolisthesis patients were randomized prospectively into two groups. The groups were compared regarding demographics, perioperative complications, hospital stay, total expenditure, fusion rate, and clinical outcomes (visual analog scale, Oswestry disability index, Zurich claudication scale, and Odom’s criteria). A review of literature was done to compare the outcomes with the ones from higher-income nations.

RESULTS: Thirty-three patients underwent prospective randomization. The improvement in the clinical outcomes at 12-month follow-up showed improvement in the TLIF group more than the PLIF group but with no significant difference. The mean operative time was significantly longer in the PLIF (p < 0.05), also, the blood loss was significantly less in the TLIF (p < 0.001). The complications frequency did not show any statistical significance between both groups and no significant difference in the patient’s post-operative patient satisfaction (p = 0.6). The mean hospital stay was non-significantly longer in the PLIF (p = 0.7). At 12-month follow-up, 93.3% of the TLIF patients were fused versus 86.7% of the PLIF (p = 0.5). The total cost of the TLIF was significantly less (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Both PLIF and TLIF could achieve similar fusion rates and clinical satisfaction in the management of lumbar spondylolisthesis. The TLIF group was significantly better in terms of financial burden, operative time, and blood loss.
Towards an open, zoomable atlas for invasion science and beyond
Authors: Jeschke Jonathan M. , Heger Tina , Kraker Peter , Schramm Maxi , Kittel Christopher , Mietchen Daniel
Published: August 2021

Biological invasions are on the rise, and their global impacts on ecosystems, economies and human health are a major challenge. Invasion science is critical to mitigate invader impacts, yet due to the strong increase of data and information in this area, it has become difficult to acquire and maintain an overview of the field. As a result, existing evidence is often not found, knowledge is too rarely transferred to practice, and research is sometimes conducted in pursuit of dead ends. We propose to address these challenges by developing an interactive atlas of invasion science that can be extended to other disciplines in the future. This online portal, which we aim to create in the course of the project described here, will be an evolving knowledge resource and open for anyone to use, including researchers, citizen scientists, practitioners and policy makers. Users will be able to zoom into the major research questions and hypotheses of invasion science, which are connected to the relevant studies published in the field and, if available, the underlying raw data. The portal will apply cutting-edge visualization techniques, artificial intelligence and novel methods for knowledge synthesis.
The ASAS Health Index: A New Era for Health Impact Assessment in Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Alonso Sara , Morante Isla , Alperi Mercedes , Queiro Rubén
Published: August 2021

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) encompasses a group of inflammatory rheumatic diseases that share clinical and imaging characteristics as well as a common genetic basis. These diseases can affect 0.20–1.6% of the general population, limiting functioning and affecting the quality of life of patients. Considering the patient perspective in the management of the disease and ensuring patients are sufficiently prepared to participate in decision making is critical to treatment success, as well as for optimal health outcomes. The overall picture of impairments, limitations, and restrictions in activities or social participation for patients with SpA is not adequately assessed in SpA-specific instruments. Therefore, it is important to measure the broader range of impairments that can affect patients with SpA and integrate these into a single measure of overall functioning in daily life. The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society Health Index (ASAS HI) is a recently introduced health instrument for evaluating SpA based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) that could cover a good part of the health metric needs in SpA. This review addresses its origins, measurement properties, and use in routine clinical practice, as well as its prospects for future use.
Successful Evaluation of Spinal Mobility Measurements With the Epionics SPINE Device in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis Compared to Controls
Authors: Kiefer David , Baraliakos Xenofon , Adolf Daniela , Chatzistefanidi Varvara , Schwarze Ilka , Lange Uwe , Brandt-Jürgens Jan , Stemmler Edgar , Sartingen Sabine , Braun Jürgen
Published: August 2021

Objective

Epionics SPINE (ES), a novel device that measures spinal movements using electronic sensors including range of motion (RoM) and speed (range of kinematics [RoK]), has already been validated in patients with mechanical back pain and healthy individuals. This study aimed to evaluate ES for quantification of spinal mobility in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Methods

A total of 153 individuals, 39 female and 114 male, were examined including 134 patients with axSpA, of whom 40 had nonradiographic (nr)-axSpA, 94 had radiographic (r)-axSpA; 19 were healthy controls (HCs). The results were compared using mean ES scores and modeling was performed using multivariable logistic regression models resulting in good validity and high discriminative power.

Results

ES measurements showed meaningful differences between patients with axSpA and HCs (allP< 0.001), as well as between r- and nr-axSpA (P< 0.01). In patients with axSpA, a negative correlation between ES and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index values was found: –0.76 ≤r≤ –0.52 (P< 0.05). Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index scores showed a similar trend (r> –0.39). Patients with r-axSpA had a more limited and slower spinal mobility than those with nr-axSpA. Other patient-reported outcomes almost did not correlate.

Conclusion

This study shows that the ES is an objective performance measure and a valid tool to assess spinal mobility in axSpA, also based on the Outcomes Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) criteria. RoK and RoM scores provide additional information on physical function of patients with axSpA.
Anti-interleukin 6 Therapy Effect for Refractory Joint and Skin Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis: A Real-world, Single-center Experience
Authors: Panopoulos Stylianos T. , Tektonidou Maria G. , Bournia Vasiliki-Kalliopi , Arida Aikaterini , Sfikakis Petros P.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To examine the efficacy and safety of interleukin-6 inhibition by tocilizumab (TCZ) in difficult-to-treat, real-world patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

Twenty-one patients (20 women; 16 diffuse cutaneous SSc; mean age: 52 ± 10 yrs; 10 with early disease [< 5 yrs]; and 11 with long-standing disease [mean disease duration 6.4 ± 3.7 yrs]) with active joint and/or skin involvement refractory to corticosteroids (n = 21), methotrexate (n = 19), cyclophosphamide (n = 10), mycophenolate mofetil (n = 7), rituximab (n = 1), leflunomide (n = 2), hydroxychloroquine (n = 2), and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (n = 2), who received weekly TCZ (162 mg subcutaneously) in an academic center, were monitored prospectively. Changes in modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28), lung function tests (LFTs), and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were analyzed after 1 year of treatment and at end of follow-up.

Results

One patient discontinued TCZ after 3 months due to inefficacy. During the first year of treatment, improvement was evident in the remaining 20 patients regarding skin involvement (mean mRSS change: –6.9 ± 5.9,P< 0.001), polyarthritis (mean DAS28 change: –1.9 ± 0.8,P< 0.001), and PROs (allP< 0.001); LFT stabilization was observed in 16/20 patients. During the second year, 3 patients discontinued TCZ (cytomegalovirus infection in 1, inefficacy in 2) and 1 died. Beneficial effects were sustained in all 16 patients at end of follow-up (2.2 ± 1.1 yrs), except LFT deterioration in 3 patients. Apart from recurrent digital ulcer infection in 3 patients, TCZ was well tolerated.

Conclusion

TCZ was effective in refractory joint and skin involvement regardless of SSc disease duration or subtype. Long-term retention rates and disease stabilization for most real-world patients suggest that TCZ might be a valuable choice for difficult-to-treat SSc.
Synovitis Is Associated With Constant Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cross-sectional Study of OMERACT Knee Ultrasound Scores
Authors: Philpott Holly T. , Birmingham Trevor B. , Pinto Ryan , Primeau Codie A. , Arsenault Dominique , Lanting Brent A. , Zhu Yayuan , Appleton C. Thomas
Published: August 2021

Objective

To examine the association between ultrasound (US)-detected knee inflammation and intermittent and constant pain experiences in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Participants with radiographically early-stage (Kellgren-Lawrence arthritis grading scale [KL] ≤ 2) and late-stage (KL ≥ 3) disease and frequent symptoms underwent musculoskeletal US measures of inflammation using the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) knee US scoring system. Pain experiences were captured using the Measure of Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP) tool. We assessed the association between US-synovitis and ICOAP pain experiences using a series of linear, logistic, or multinomial logistic regression models (as appropriate for each variable), while adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and radiographic stage. Secondary analyses were performed similarly by radiographic stage.

Results

Pain and synovitis measures from 248 patients (453 knees) were included. Worse synovitis was associated with higher ICOAP constant pain scores (β 8.05, 95% CI 0.67–15.43), but not intermittent pain scores. Moderate-to-severe synovitis was associated with a 4.73-fold increased relative risk (95% CI 1.06–17.00) of a constant pain pattern. In secondary analyses, moderate-to-severe synovitis in early radiographic OA was associated with 2.70-higher odds (95% CI 1.04–7.02) of any constant pain, 3.28-higher odds (95% CI 1.43–7.52) of any intermittent pain, and with higher intermittent (β 10.47, 95% CI 1.03–19.91) and constant (β 12.62, 95% CI 3.02–22.23) pain scores. No associations were identified for synovitis in those with late radiographic OA.

Conclusion

In patients with knee OA, moderate-to-severe synovitis is most strongly associated with constant pain. Inflammation may play context-specific roles across pain experiences, especially in earlier radiographic stages of knee OA.
Extraskeletal Manifestations in Axial Spondyloarthritis Are Associated With Worse Clinical Outcomes Despite the Use of Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor Therapy
Authors: van der Meer Rienk , Arends Suzanne , Kruidhof Sandra , Bos Reinhard , Bootsma Hendrika , Wink Freke , Spoorenberg Anneke
Published: August 2021

Objective

To investigate the prevalence and 4-year incidence of acute anterior uveitis (AAU), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and psoriasis (PsO), and to explore associations of newly developed extraskeletal manifestations (ESMs) with clinical disease outcome in a large cohort of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Methods

All consecutive patients included in the Groningen Leeuwarden Axial Spondyloarthritis (GLAS) cohort between 2004 and 2011 were analyzed. History of ESMs at baseline and newly developed ESMs during 4-year follow-up were only recorded when diagnosis by an ophthalmologist, gastroenterologist, or dermatologist was present.

Results

Of the 414 included patients with axSpA, 31.4% had a positive history of ≥ 1 ESMs: 24.9% AAU, 9.4% IBD, and 4.3% PsO. History of PsO was significantly associated with more radiographic damage, especially of the cervical spine. Of the 362 patients with 4-year follow-up data, 15.7% patients developed an ESM: 13.3% patients had AAU (of which 3.6% had a first episode and 9.7% had recurrent AAU), 1.9% developed IBD, and 0.8% developed PsO. Patients with newly developed ESMs (without history of ESMs) had worse Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life scores (mean 10.0 vs. 5.8, P = 0.001), larger occiput-wall distance (median 6.3 vs. 2.0, P = 0.02) and more limited modified Schober test (mean 12.6 vs. 13.6, P = 0.01) after 4 years of follow-up. The majority of patients developing an ESM used anti–tumor necrosis factor therapy.

Conclusion

History of ESMs was present at baseline in one-third of patients with axSpA. The 4-year incidence of ESMs was relatively low, but patients who developed a new ESM reported worse quality of life.
Why a Physicist Is the Protagonist in Arrival ?
Authors: LEE Chang-Hwan
Published: August 2021

Arrival, a film in 2016, is based on a short story by Ted Chiang in which two main characters (a physicist and a linguist) decipher an alien language Heptapod-B. Heptapod-B is composed of ring images similar to the Einstein Ring. Based on this observation, I will discuss why the knowledge of modern physics, including General Relativity, is crucial for understanding the movie.
Bamboo as a Unique Ecological Building Material of the XXI Century: Bamboo Description, Bamboo Physical and Mechanical Properties Studies
Authors: Skuratov Sergey , Danilova-Volkovskaya Galina , Yanukyan Edvard , Beilin Mikhail
Published: August 2021

The description of bamboo varieties is given, the material structure and the application scope are considered. The characteristics of the advantages and disadvantages of bamboo as a structural building material are given. The results of determining the mechanical properties of bamboo are investigated. The normative documents (ISO standards) regulating the use of bamboo in construction are presented. There has been a lag in the operating instructions production for bamboo use in construction. The researchers who studied the bamboo properties and nodal junctures of bamboo rods, as well as the architects and designers of original bamboo structures are indicated.
Proposals for Determining the Relative Deformations Design Value of εb3 Concrete in Volumetric Deformation Conditions
Authors: Georgiev Sergey , Mailyan Dmitriy , Blyagoz Alik
Published: August 2021

The article presents the studies’ results on the deformability and strength of reinforced concrete racks reinforced with composite materials with the characteristics stretching beyond the limits established by the norms of Russia, namely: the λh structures flexibility exceeding the value 15, the ratio of the cross-section sides equal to 1.5 and the eccentricity of the load application e0 exceeding 0.1h. The results of the tested racks calculations are analyzed according to BC 164.1325800.2014, which in some cases confirmed the inexpediency of using composite materials. However, according to the results of our experiment, an increase in the strength of a number of racks with the characteristics that go beyond the recommended standards was found. The purpose of this study is to check the methodology for calculating Russian norms for the compressed reinforced concrete elements, the parameters of which are outside the limits recommended by the norms, to develop proposals for improving the calculation based on the obtained experimental data and to determine the concrete deformability effect on the change in bearing capacity. The article discusses flexible struts, reinforced with composite materials, located in the transverse direction. The experimental data results on the deformability of concrete and the strength of struts reinforced in the transverse direction are presented. The calculation methodology, compiled in accordance with Russian standards, the calculation results of which are the theoretical values ​​of the deformability of concrete and the strength of the racks, is considered. After comparison, a significant underestimation of the theoretical strengths and a mismatch in the struts’ concrete deformations were revealed. It was found that the change in compressive deformations of concrete depends on the external composite reinforcement. Theoretical values , calculated according to the current standards, have significant discrepancies with the experimental ones. Based on the experiments’ results analysis, in the methodology of norms for calculating the ultimate compressive deformations of concrete the suggestions that take into account the type and percentage of composite reinforcement and ensure a good agreement between experimental and theoretical values have been made. After the introduction of the coefficient into normative calculation, new data on the theoretical strength of the struts were obtained, which showed significantly better convergence with the experimental data.
Conceptual and Methodological Reflections on the Intersections of Religion, Ethics and Communication in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Themane Mahlapahlapana
Published: August 2021

Most of the work done to understand and combat the COVID-19 pandemic has been based on epidemiological models. These models are often devoid of human factors such as ethics, religion and communication. In this article, I endeavour to close this gap by examining whether or not religion can help in the understanding and management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Past research has made contradicting conclusions as to the influence of religion, ethics and communication on health. One body of research has concluded that strong religiosity results in greater adherence to health regulations because of the rule-abiding norms and philanthropic tendencies of religious people. On the contrary, another body of research concluded that stronger religiosity results in lower adherence as an intrusive personal and religious freedom. To address this quandary, this article attempts to answer two questions: One, what theoretical, procedural and epistemological questions does the COVID-19 pandemic invoke about the intersectionality of religion and health in the 21 first century? Two, how can we increasingly understand and discourse about the interactions of religion and health in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic without reifying and essentialising them? The article concludes by contending that an understanding of the objective and subjective nature of religion can provide the much needed nexus to understand and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The impact of e-retailer personality and website quality on online impulse buying
Authors: Hoa Nguyen Le Thai
Published: August 2021

The development of information technology and the proliferation of e-commerce make online shopping more and more popular. Recent studies indicate that in the modern world, most shoppers purchased products spontaneously and highlighted the necessity of in-depth understanding of impulse buying as an emerging phenomenon in marketing literature. A large number of studies focus on the factors effective on consumers’ impulse buying in brick and mortar retailers but rare research investigate these factors in online environment. There are two key perspectives on the factors effective on impulse buying: a customer’s inherent characters and his/her current state of mind. Based on the self-congruity theory and latent state-trait theory, this study considered this concept in two-sided approach: the state of mind incurred in the shopping environment (website quality) and a particular personal characteristics inherent to the individual customer (e-retailer personality). This paper adapted the concept of retail brand/store personality from brick and mortar context to internet marketing by investigating the impact of e-retailer personality on website quality and impulse buying. Data were collected from 563 online shoppers in Vietnam by online survey and analyzed with Structural Equation Model (SEM). The results indicate some practical implications for website design and enhancing impulsive buying.
Assessment of influencer’s effects on customers’ online purchasing behavior in Vietnam
Authors: Minh Pham , Yen Dang Thao , Quynh Ngo Thi Huong , Yen Hoang Thi Hong , Nga Tran Thi Thanh , Quoc Nguyen Van
Published: August 2021

Today, the development of the Internet and social networks has changed the lives of human beings. The ability of these technologies to connect people in real-time expands the influence of some people in the community. Therefore, this study is conducted to test whether customers change purchasing behavior in online environments under the impact of those influencers by using Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The study conducted a survey of 503 Vietnameses on Google Form from November 2020 to mid-January 2021. The collected data were analyzed using AMOS 24 with CB-SEM analysis method. The results showed a positive relationship between influencers and customers’ online purchasing behavior. More specifically, customers are more likely to buy online if they trust influencers and their advertisements. This is the most influential factor among the three influencer traits (as source credibility): trustworthiness, expertise, and attractiveness. A remarkable point in this study is that Vietnamese people are more concerned with perceived ease of use when buying online than other factors in the TAM model. This is the basis for businesses to implement influencer marketing strategies and improve the competitiveness of their online business.
The effectiveness of Vietnamese policies response to climate change through ARDL analysis
Authors: Nghiem Le Hoang , Hai Dang Bac , Nga Tran Thi Diem , Hoa Su Thi Oanh
Published: August 2021

Being a highly vulnerable country due to climate change, Vietnam has issued various climate policies while trying to keep the pace of economic growth. The study evaluates the effectiveness of these policies by examining the effect of economic and energy factors in the efforts of controlling CO2 emissions. Approach by Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) analysis, the model of a linear regression between CO2 emissions and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) & sources of energy consumption has been developed from 1985 to 2018. The study indicates that the economic factor as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is a possible significant element to mitigate the emission. In addition, sources of energy consumption have the important role of controlling CO2 emissions. In the long run, the consumption of non - renewable energy is a positive and significant effect on CO2 emissions while renewable energy is vice versa. These outcomes show the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and renewable energy consumption factors lead to the decrease of CO2 emissions in the long run for Vietnam, which implies the co-exist of economic growth and decarbonization.
Factors influence ease of use on Fintech adoption: Mediating by the role of attachment anxiety under Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Minh Le Thi Hong
Published: August 2021

In recent times, Fintech has developed rapidly along with the development of technology. The Covid-19 lockdown has created a huge opportunity in terms of increasing the number of users, and users’ experience. Previous studies have shown a number of factors affecting the use of financial technology services. However, what are the factors that are caused by the Covid-19 epidemic, and the ability to enhance competitive advantage and retain users is still lacking. Data were collected in Vietnam, comprising 247 respondents, and the SEM model was used to predict the effects. This study shows that users' users’ beliefs, security and privacy, web design of Fintech services, customer value, and attachment anxiety during prolonged lockdown without a feasible solution to date increase intention to adopt Fintech. Both theoretical and practical applications were discussed in this study.
Employing Mean-End-Chains theory to explore students’ values from school’s image characteristics - A case study of a business school in Ho Chi Minh City
Authors: Giang Le Hoai Kieu , Truong Dau Xuan , Quynh Le Thi , Xuan Le Thi Thanh
Published: August 2021

The literature shows that there are studies on students’ choices when enrolling in an institution. The findings from these studies help High Educational Institutions (HEIs) to improve their enrollment. However, not much literature explains how students (as consumers) explain the values they can get from HEIs’ image attributes. The present study employs Mean-End Chain (MEC) theory to explore students’ values by identifying attributes of HEIs images attributes from their perceptions with the following objectives: (1) to explore attributes of the selected school’s image from students’ perspectives, (2) to explore the connections between these attributes and values of individual students through consequences from these attributes. The soft-laddering interview is the method to collect data, and participants are first-year students who have just enrolled in the selected school in the last national enrollment in 2020. The research findings show that there are 12 attributes, which drive to eight values through 23 consequences (13 functional consequences and 10 psychosocial consequences), making students enroll in the selected school. The result from HVM states that there are five significant A-C-V linkages to explain which attributes have the most influence on students’ choice, and how these attributes affect their perceived values. Finally, the study also proposes suggestions for institutions to promote their enrollment practices and increase the quality of their enrolments.
Development of synergistic between digitalization MSMEs and digital society in Indonesia
Authors: Aditya Arie Hetami , Muhammad Fikry Aransyah
Published: August 2021

This article aims to elaborate on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the Digital Society during the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia. The Covid-19 pandemic has paralyzed most sectors of the economy, especially micro-enterprises. The profits of most MSME actors did not increase, and many went bankrupt. That is why MSME business actors change their sales strategy with digitalization schemes. The digitization scheme is to use the marketplace as an intermediary and social media as a marketing technique. In addition, digital MSME actors must synergize with the digital community in marketing products and services. Therefore, the SME digital development initiative can be an alternative to saving business actors during the Covid-19 pandemic. This article uses a literature study with a library research method approach by elaborating various literature on the development of digital SMEs. Twenty-five articles were reviewed in this study from Sinta (Science and Technology Index) and Google Scholar. The paper argues that the development of digital MSMEs has become an alternative to saving and developing digital entrepreneurship in Indonesia during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Research on the model of university autonomy in the direction of corporate governance
Authors: Anh Trinh Thuy , Hung Bui Quang , Minh Nguyen Pham Kien
Published: August 2021

Recently, the trend of university autonomy is seen as a solution to promote the development of universities, improve the quality of education and contribute to the training of high–quality human resources for the country. So how should university autonomy be recognized, evaluated, and development-oriented? Is university autonomy aimed at promoting corporate governance towards corporate governance as a solution to today’s problems? This article aims to assess the current state of university governance in Vietnam and the world. Studies related to the university governance model, which is in the direction of corporate governance – are also analyzed and discussed. This article proposes a model to help standardize modern governance activities according to corporate governance, limit unnecessary overlap between unrelated departments in university activities, thereby promoting the development of universities in the future.
Indirect impact of employees’ social capital on their income at Dong Thap Muoi, Long An Province
Authors: Hoa Pham Tan
Published: August 2021

The study aims to examine the direct impact of social capital on the employment and income of workers. The research model is built based on Granovetter’s theory of the strength of weak-ties relationships, Putnam’s social capital theory, and the results of some related previous studies. The study used secondary data collected from 1,197 workers in the Dong Thap Muoi region of Long An province. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is used to analyze the data. The results show that social capital has a positive impact on the employment and income of workers, in which the trust factor has the most substantial influence. From the research results, some recommendations are proposed to increase work efficiency and increase employee income.
EU’s Civilian Power Preference in the International System
Authors: KAYA Ferat
Published: August 2021

The EU, which aims at economic integration in Europe with a neo-functionalist approach and then moves towards political unity, did not focus on the foreign policy dimension. Duchene, who made a conceptual classification of the EU's effectiveness in the international arena in the 1970s, defined the EU as "civilian power". The EU, combined the common foreign and security policies in the Maastricht Treaty’s second column, aimed to be univocal and more effective in the international system. The EU, preferring positive conditionally with diplomatic and economic assistance, aimed to be an effective actor in the international system. Although the EU has recently mentioned its name with military missions, it has preferred positive sanctions with economic aid, incentives and privileged trade agreements.  This study concludes that the EU, which reinforces and actively uses civilian power instead of military preferences, is a civilian power.