bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival study on teeth after successful endodontic surgical retreatment: influence of crown height, root length, crown-to-root ratio and tooth type
Authors: Angerame Daniele , De Biasi Matteo , Lenhardt Massimiliano , Bevilacqua Lorenzo , Franco Vittorio
Published: February 2019

Aim: To assess the influence of the crown height, root length, crown-to-root ratio, and tooth type on the survival of teeth subjected to surgical endodontic retreatment and classified as periapically healed. Methodology: A single operator performed endodontic microsurgery interventions between 2008 and 2018 on teeth with refractory apical periodontitis. The present analysis selected the teeth classified as ‘‘complete periapical healing’’ according to the scale suggested by Molven. The postoperative periapical radiographs and those taken at the last recall visit were analysed by two independent calibrated examiners, who measured crown height and root length in a blind manner. The crown-to-root ratio was calculated as the ratio of the two variables. The level of inter- and intra-operator agreement was tested with Bland—Altman plots with 95% limits of agreement. An independent statistician conducted a survival analysis using Kaplan—Meier plots and a log-rank test (a = 0.05) to assess the significance of the differences among the subgroups defined by the following criteria: (a) crown height median; (b) root length median; (c) crown-to-root ratio <1 vs. >1; (d) crown-to-root ratio median; (e) single-rooted teeth vs. multi-rooted teeth. Results: At the end of the analysis, 42 patients were evaluated, each one contributing to the study with a single tooth. The mean follow-up period was 4.2 2.4 years. Survival estimates were significantly improved for the teeth with roots longer than 8 mm, in comparison with that with shorter roots ( p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences among the remaining considered subgroups. Conclusions: Under the conditions of this retrospective study, teeth with longer residual roots after apical surgery exhibited better chances of survival when compared to teeth with roots shorter than 8 mm. The other considered variables did not seem to affect the survival of apically resected teeth.
О пересечениях абелевых и нильпотентных подгрупп
в конечных группах. II
Authors: Zenkov Viktor Ivanovich
Published: February 2019

Пусть $G$ - конечная группа, $A$ - абелева и $B$ -
нильпотентная подгруппы из $G$. В данной работе завершается
доказательство теоремы о том, что в группе $G$ найдется элемент $g$
такой, что пересечение подгруппы $A$ с подгруппой, сопряженной с $B$
посредством $g$, лежит в подгруппе Фиттинга группы $G$.
Библиография: 16 названий.
Улучшение нижних оценок хроматического числа пространства
с запрещенными одноцветными треугольниками
Authors: Bobu Andrei Viktorovich , Kupriyanov Aleksandr Eduardovich
Published: February 2019

Настоящая работа посвящена оценкам хроматического числа
пространства с запрещенными одноцветными треугольниками.
В работе приводятся новые нижние оценки исследуемой величины,
улучшающие все известные на настоящий момент границы.
Библиография: 37 названий.
Показатель сходимости особого интеграла
двумерной проблемы Терри с однородным многочленом степени 2
Authors: Jabbarov (Dzhabbarov) Ilgar Shikar oglu
Published: February 2019

В статье найдено точное значение показателя сходимости
особого интеграла двумерной проблемы Терри с однородным многочленом
второй степени в показателе мнимой экспоненты. Результат основан
на представление тригонометрического интеграла
в виде преобразования Фурье.
Библиография: 19 названий.
О сложности дифференциально-алгебраического описания классов
аналитической сложности
Authors: Beloshapka Valerii Konstantinovich
Published: February 2019

Цель работы - проследить как нарастает сложность описания классов
аналитической сложности (введенных автором в предыдущих работах)
при переходе от класса $Cl_1$ к классу $Cl_2$. Для этого приводится
описание двух подклассов $Cl_2$, выходящих за рамки $Cl_1$, а именно,
$Cl_1^+$ и $Cl_1^{++}$ с точки зрения сложности определяющих их
дифференциальных уравнений. Оказалось, что $Cl_1^+$ имеет достаточно
простые определяющие соотношения: два дифференциальных полинома
дифференциального порядка $5$ и алгебраической степени $6$
(теорема 1); тогда как полученный критерий принадлежности
функции $Cl_1^{++}$ это одно соотношение порядка $6$ и пять соотношений
порядка $7$, которые имеют степень $435$ (теорема 2). В работе
обсуждается феномен "падения сложности", в частности, дается явное
описание тех функций класса $Cl_1^+$, которые содержатся в $Cl_1$
(теорема 3).
Библиография: 6 названий.
Аналог двойственности Шура-Вейля для унитарной группы $\mathrm{II}_1$-фактора
Authors: Nessonov Nikolai Ivanovich
Published: February 2019

Получен аналог классической двойственности Шура-Вейля для унитарной группы произвольного $\mathrm{II}_1$-фактора.
Библиография: 20 названий.
Freshwater sponge-dwelling Chironomidae (Insecta, Diptera) in northeastern Brazil
Authors: Fernandes Ingrid Da Silva , Nicacio Gilberto , Rodrigues Gilberto Gonçalves , Silva Fabio Laurindo da
Published: February 2019

A região Neotropical possui uma rica fauna de esponjas de água doce, porém o conhecimento sobre sua taxonomia, bem como sobre as comunidades dentro delas permanece fragmentado. Larvas de Chironomidae (Insecta, Diptera) associadas a esponjas de água doce têm sido amplamente relatadas na literatura, com alguns gêneros que são reconhecidos como contendo espécies exclusivamente dependentes desses organismos. Neste estudo, analisamos a ocorrência de larvas de Chironomidae associadas a esponjas de água doce (Spongillidae) no nordeste do Brasil. As amostras foram coletadas em dois sistemas aquáticos em Pernambuco, no período de fevereiro de 2011 a outubro de 2012. No Rio Sirinhaém, Corvoheteromeyenia australis (Bonetto & Ezcurra de Drago) foi a única esponja coletada, sendo que Polypedilum Kieffer, Goeldichironomus Fittkau, Xenochironomus Kieffer e Cricotopus Van der Wulp foram os Chironomidae registrados como representantes dessa fauna associada. Por outro lado, no tanque de piscicultura, Heteromeyenia cristalina Batista, Volkmer-Ribeiro & Melão, Radiospongilla inesi Nicacio & Pinheiro e Tubella variabilis Boneto & Ezcurra de Drago foram as esponjas coletadas, e Polypedilum, Chironomus Meigen, Dicrotendipes Kieffer e Goeldichironomus foram as larvas associadas a essas espécies de esponjas. Embora apenas espécies pertencentes ao gênero Xenochironomus sejam relatadas em estreita interação com esponjas de água doce, aqui documentamos outros gêneros de Chironomidae também associados a esses organismos. No entanto, é necessária uma investigação mais aprofundada para entender melhor como as larvas de Chironomidae usam esponjas como abrigo e/ou prevenção de predação de forma facultativa. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a ocorrência de habitantes de Chironomidae de esponjas de água doce em sistemas aquáticos no estado de Pernambuco, a fim de incrementar o conhecimento de Chironomidae habitantes de esponjas no nordeste do Brasil.
Learner Autonomy and Vocabulary Development for Saudi University Female EFL Learners: Students’ Perspectives
Authors: Almusharraf Norah Mansour
Published: February 2019

This qualitative case study examined how female English language learners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) realize learner autonomy, especially in the context of the learner’s meaning development via purposeful vocabulary acquisition. EFL students’ perceptions and applications of autonomous learning strategies for the purpose of English vocabulary development were investigated, as well as their adapted methods for learning English. Data collection included face-to-face semistructured interviews of 8 students from two different classrooms, classroom observations, participants’ reflections on specific English coursework, and English learning autobiographies. The findings revealed the students’ appreciation of the English language and showed how various autonomous learning methods developed their sense of self-possession.
Characteristic of person-centered care as documented in medical records at a medical department – a mixed methods
Authors: Rosengren Kristina , Ulin Kerstin , Carlström Eric
Published: February 2019

Objective: Few studies describe characteristics of content of person-centrered care (PCC) in hospital care. Therefore, this study aim to describe and compare documentation in medical records regarding content of PCC for two diagnostic groups; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) at a medical department in a hospital in Sweden.Methods: Documentation within medical records (n = 121) regarding content of PCC (patient resources, responsibility, i.e. partnership) were analysed by a mixed methods.Results: The results describe documented healthcare activities (medical records) among patients (COPD1 = 88; CHF2 = 33) treated at medical wards practicing PCC (n = 69, 391/302) and traditional medical wards (n = 52, 491/32). The study showed limited documentation in all medical records regardless of care; however, patients with CHF have higher documentation regarding content of PCC compare to COPD in 6 (symptoms, home situation, objectives, caring activities, patients resources, continuing care) out of 7 areas (planning processes).Conclusions: To improve healthcare with limited resources, there is need to switch mind-sets from what (diagnosis) to who (resources) using all evidence (expert=scientific to expert=lived experiences) by collecting narratives to facilitate mutual health plans (partnership). This change in healthcare organisation facilitates by transformative and shared leadership to improve teamwork (health professionals, patient, relative) in partnership with all involved.
The effects of positioning and pursed-lip breathing exercise on dyspnea and anxiety status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Mohamed Salwa A.
Published: February 2019

Background and objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a significant burden for health. It is one of the most common respiratory disease and leads to limitation of airflow as well as deteriorating health status. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of positioning and pursed lip breathing exercise on dyspnea and anxiety status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Methods: The study was carried in the outpatient clinics in Mansoura University Hospital & Chest Hospital at Mansoura region, utilizing a quasi-experimental study design on sixty patients diagnosed COPD. Participation was randomized into both groups (study group and control group). Pretest, posttest and follow-up evaluation was done using Dyspnea Assessment Scale, Anxiety Assessment Scale and Demographic and Medical History Questionnaires (MHQ). The researcher established exercise program aimed at effecting dyspnea and anxiety in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients to help improve breathing and control anxiety. The research was accomplished over four steps namely assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation. Each patient was evaluated at baseline, immediately and three months after implementation of program.Results: There were statistically significant improvements after intervention of program on dyspnea symptoms and anxiety status at post and follow-up test (p < .05). There was a statistically significant improvement in temperature (T), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and respiratory rate (RR) throughout study (p < .05) after intervention. Also there are positive relation between anxiety and dyspnea after intervention.Conclusions: Developing breathing technique and forward leaning position in COPD patients help to improve physiological outcomes, dyspnea symptoms and anxiety status after implementing of program. It is recommended to implement exercise training program as a part of treatment by health professionals in the clinical setting.
Quantum Mechanics by General Relativity
Authors: Light Gregory L.
Published: February 2019

In the framework of General Relativity we explain the creation of all particles, ordinary and anti, in two chiral directions, with multiple generations, as well as electromagnetism and the strong nuclear force. Quantum mechanics is well-known to have its foundational problems revolving around the wave-particle duality, which actually has an exact solution, viz., a diagonal spacetime manifold that admits any particle of energy coupled with its wave of energy co-existing at the same spacetime (t + it, x + iy, y + iz, z + ix). I.e., a photon can travel along x = ct with its associated electromagnetic wave spinning from y to z in circular motion as (y = cos t, z = sin t) ≡ eit. The construct of diagonal manifold, seemingly artificial, is fundamental in differential topology as it leads to the Euler characteristic. That Nature is inherently of duality cannot have a more evident example than that of the complex number x + iy, where 1 implies a linear motion in R and i = eπ2 i implies a circular motion along S 1. That the quantum wave itself possesses energy can be argued simply as: wave = probability = frequency = energy by Planck’s formula. By assigning energy entirely to particle, quantum mechanics has missed an entire copy of the Universe (the wave universe treated as the quantum vacuum).
Gravitational Weakening of Seismic Origin as a Driving Mechanism of Some Astronomical Anomalies
Authors: Rivera Paul C.
Published: February 2019

The anomalous increase of the astronomical unit, the mysterious secular increase of the lunar eccentricity and the flyby anomaly are important issues of modern astronomy. This study aims to determine the effect of earthquakes on the origin of these anomalies. Based on conventional physics, we found the existence of earthquake-induced gravitational weakening within the earth-moon-sun system and beyond. New equations of gravitation, including time dilation, are introduced that can explain the anomalous increase of the astronomical unit and the lunar orbit. A modified equation that includes the effect of massive quakes also explains the anomalous increase of the lunar eccentricity. Furthermore, the results of the present study can explain the flyby and Pioneer anomalies experienced by spacecraft during gravity assisted maneuvers. A modification of the 3rd Law of Kepler is also presented. Implications on the elliptic orbit of the earth, its reduced velocity and the occurrence of leap years are also discussed. Using the seismic-induced gravitational weakening model, probable trigger mechanisms of the faint young sun paradox and the Allais effect are also presented. An estimate of the age of the earth based on the observed values of the Hubble parameter and the USGS earthquake data for the past century is also presented. A new model of the seismic-driven expanding universe and a new equation to determine the expansion rate of galaxies and the universe is also proposed. The sudden earth’s retreat due to gravitational weakening and its implication on anomalous astronomical refraction and flight risk at night especially near the equatorial region, and its effect on the abrupt satellite orbital decay, spin and drift are also discussed. This study may also shed light on the occurrence of sinkholes and massive landslides. Finally, this study proposes a new equation that can explain the observed changes in the fine structure constant.
Cardiovascular Diseases’ Awareness Among Women in Northern Jordan
Authors: Okour Abdulhakeem M , Saadeh Rami A , Redwan Neda , Ghani Muhammad Faizal Bin A.
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND: Women’s awareness of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, is the cornerstone in promoting women’s health. Objectives: To examine the relationship of awareness levels about cardiovascular diseases and their related risk factors with demographic information of Jordanian women.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 18 years and older women. Scores of awareness were computed for each individual and were divided into 4 quartiles. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association of demographic information of participants with mean scores of quartiles. ANOVA analysis was used to compare the mean scores of quartiles.

RESULTS: A total of 514 women completed the questionnaire, with a mean age of 35.46 (±12.53). Current smokers were 6.2%, and 34.6% had a family history of heart disease. The proportion of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and overweight/obesity were 15.6%, 19.3%, 14.4%, & 21.6% respectively. The mean score for awareness was 12.87 (+ 3.26). Women who had lower income and who were at younger age were more likely to score low in awareness.

CONCLUSION: Women illustrated a fair level of awareness of CVD and its related risk factors. Increasing women awareness of CVD through educational programs, targeted toward women at risk, assists in disease prevention and help to improve treatment plans.
Health Workers’ Educational Training and Staffing Concerning Medication Errors, Fall Injuries, and Complaints among Older Adults
Authors: Mehdi Zafar , Nasser Ramzi , Theobald Hildegard , Schoemann Klaus
Published: February 2019

Several mandatory and voluntary further training programs in healthcare and long-term care sectors are available in Canada. However, the relation between further training of care workers and quality of patient care in hospitals, home care settings, and residential care facilities are unclear. This study investigates the association of further training of nurses, healthcare workers, and care assistants, as well as the health workers’ staffing levels with quality of life of older adults in Canada. Cross-sectional data, which included quality of life variables, such as medication errors, fall injuries, and complaints of older adults across healthcare and social care sectors, were drawn from the Canadian National Survey of the Work and Health of Nurses. The additional training of health workers has a positive association with quality of elder care by reducing incidence of fall injury and medication error and increasing resident satisfaction of patients. Staffing level among health workers is also positively associated with these quality of life variables. The findings of the study suggest that health worker staffing level and further professional training can improve quality of life of older adults. This study is original in that it examined a national representative sample from Canada and quality of life variables. Previous studies have not used such a survey thus far. Moreover, this study is unique because it connects professional development and further education to quality of life factors, such as incidence of fall injuries and medication errors, and resident satisfaction.
The Use of Sensitive Imaging Modalities for Cervical Cancer Staging in Japan
Authors: Higashi Takahiro , Watanabe Tomone , Iwamoto Momoko , Mikami Mikio
Published: February 2019

The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system for cervical cancer did not take into account any of the findings determined by imaging modalities as part of the staging work-up. However, in the Japanese clinical settings, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are frequently used. In this study, we aimed to describe the pretreatment use of sensitive imaging modalities in Japan in order to assess the future adaptability of the FIGO staging system.Data from September 2012 to December 2014 were collected from the National Database of the Hospital-Based Cancer Registry and health insurance claims data. A total of 280 hospitals participated. From the database, all patients with cervical cancer who received first-line therapy at the participating hospitals were analyzed. The proportions of patients who had CT, MRI, and positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT) before receiving the first-line therapy were calculated. For comparison, the proportions of patients who had undergone cystoscopy and/or proctoscopy -- examinations that are incorporated into the FIGO system -- were also calculated. A total of 13 668 patients were included; 77.3% of patients had early stage (stage 0 or I) disease. Among all patients, 88.5% had undergone CT, MRI, or PET-CT before receiving the first-line therapy. Additionally, over 90% of patients with advanced-stage (stage II–IV) disease had undergone CT. Conversely, only 21.0% of patients with stage II–IV disease were reported to have undergone cystoscopy and/or proctoscopy. Promoting a resource-stratified approach in the cervical cancer staging is warranted.
The Influence of Compensation Management Strategy on Talent Retention: Exploring the Mediating Role of Structural Capital
Authors: Abou-Moghli Azzam A.
Published: February 2019

Background: Retention of the employees is recognized as one of the significant problems of the present business world. The retention phenomena are observed to be impacted by the compensation practices employed by the firm.

Objective: Based on this, the study aims to assess the compensation management strategies among Jordan commercial banks using structural capital approach.

Methods: The study employed a quantitative design for assessing the employee retention. For this, data collection has been done using a survey based on a questionnaire.

Results: The study has found a significant and positive impact of work life balance, satisfaction, and benefits on structural capital and talent retention. Moreover, the study failed to report a significant impact of salary on opportunity and job nature.

Conclusion: The structure of the compensation management in the banking sector must encourage a new design for improving its impact intensity.
On Bi-periodic Jacobsthal and Jacobsthal-Lucas Quaternions
Authors: Gul Kubra
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we introduce the bi-periodic Jacobsthal and Jacobsthal-Lucas quaternions. We give the Binet formulas and the generating functions for these quaternions. We obtain some well-known identities such as the Cassini, Catalan and D’ocagne’s identities. Additionally, we give summation formulas and the relationships between bi-periodic Jacobsthal and Jacobsthal-Lucas quaternions.
A Simple Solution of Dissolved Ammonia Recovery Process in a Hollow-Fiber Membrane Contactor: Comparison with Experimental and Numerical Results
Authors: Hassan Eman W. , Chaalal O. , Hossain Md Monwar
Published: February 2019

Ammonia in gaseous form is one of the major pollutants in waters and wastewaters. Of all the processes studied so far for the removal of dissolved ammonia from aqueous solution, hollow fiber membrane contactor-based processes have shown great potential. This method has shown to be effective to substantially reducing ammonia concentration to an acceptable value economically and efficiently. Mathematical analysis is presented in this report for the removal of ammonia dissolved in an aqueous phase to a recovery/stripping solution in a hollow fiber membrane contactor (HFMC). The membrane contactor is considered to consist of the lumen side (allowing aqueous flow) and shell side (allowing the flow of the stripping/recovery solution). An approximate analytical solution is derived for the simplified model that does not include radial diffusion of solutes (only axial mass flux is included). The predicted results of this solution are compared with the experimental data and with the numerical results in the literature over a range of operating conditions. The flow rates of the feed solution covered: 2.01 x 10 -9 to 4.7 x 10 -6 m3/s, initial concentration: 50 – 800 ppm and pH values of the solution containing ammonia: 8 - 11. The agreement is very good between the profiles of the simplified analytical solution and the earlier published experimental data. In addition, the results obtained by the analytical solution are close to the numerical solution of the complete model over a good range of operating conditions.
THE ROLE OF THE CENTRAL BANK IN THE FUNCTION OF IMPROVEMENT OF LIQUIDITY OF BANKING SECTOR IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Authors: Erceg Živko
Published: February 2019

The monetary policy of Bosnia andHerzegovina is rather limited because it is basedon the principles of a currency boardcharacterized by the impossibility of implementingthe basic monetary policy instruments incomparison with the monetary policy of theEuropean Union. However, the constant presenceof European integrations should point the need fora more drastic change in the monetary policy ofBosnia and Herzegovina. By entering theEuropean Monetary Union (EMU), the monetaryterritory of Bosnia and Herzegovina will becomeone of the branches of the European Central Bank(ECB). In addition, it is not difficult to concludewhy the Law about the Central Bank of Bosnia andHerzegovina has been adopted with the first lawsof the Dayton Agreement, if it is known that thelargest part of the banking system, and thereforethe financial market, is owned by foreign banks.This work will point out the significance of theCentral Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as oneof the most important factors for maintaining thepermanent liquidity of the banking sector inBosnia and Herzegovina. The possibilities andlimitations of the Central Bank of Bosnia andHerzegovina will be determined, with theassumption of macroeconomic sustainability overa longer period of time. The need of reforming thebanking system in Bosnia and Herzegovina will beanalyzed through the constant implementation ofthe Basel standards with the increasingparticipation of foreign banks in the Bosnia andHerzegovina. It will be determined the impact ofthe implementation of the Basel III in the bankingindustry in Bosnia and Herzegovina and itsconsequences on the banking and economicsystem.models, on the ways of financing theelimination of adverse consequences of naturaldisasters.
BANKS ON SOCIAL NETWORKS - EXAMPLE OF THE BANKING SECTOR IN SERBIA
Authors: Radović Milan , Vitomir Jelena
Published: February 2019

Social media are the means ofinteractions among people in which they create,share, and exchange information and ideas invirtual communities and networks. Banks shouldleverage social media as a two-waycommunications vehicle for both listening to theaudience and gaining insights, with the goal ofproviding customers with targeted anddifferentiating solutions that solve their financialneeds. Communication with customers throughsocial networks is of great importance for thebank, and that kind of communication is paid moreand more attention, especially in today's economicconditions, when competition in the bankingmarket is rough, and when banks are struggling toget trust and attention from every client. Theobjects of the research is the presence of bankswithin the banking sector in Serbia, on socialnetworks in Serbia. The problem that is discussedin this paper is how the presence-absence of bankson social networks influences the modern bankingbusiness. It is expected that the results of theresearch indicate the presence of a joint impact onthe social networks and successful modernbanking business, and the impact of socialnetworks on the positioning of banks in the market.
BANKE NA DRUŠTVENIM MREŢAMA - PRIMER BANKARSKOG SEKTORA SRBIJE
Authors: Radović Milan , Vitomir Jelena
Published: February 2019

Društveni mediji su sredstvo interakcijemeĎu ljudima u kojem stvaraju, dele i razmenjujuinformacije i ideje u virtuelnim zajednicama imrežama. Banke bi trebale koristiti društvenemedije kao dvosmerni komunikacijski kanal kakoza slušanje okruženja, tako i za sticanje uvida, sveu cilju pružanja korisnicima ciljanih idiferencijalnih rešenja koja rešavaju njihovefinansijske potrebe. Komunikacija sa klijentimapreko društvenih mreža je od velike važnosti zabanku, a takvoj komunikaciji se posvećuje sve višepažnje, posebno u današnjim ekonomskimuslovima, kada je konkurencija na bankarskomtržištu jaka i kada se banke trude da osvojepoverenje i pažnju svakog klijenta. Predmetistraživanja je prisustvo banaka bankarskogsektora u Srbiji, na društvenim mrežama u Srbiji.Problem koji se razmatra u ovom radu jeste kakoprisustvo-odsustvo banaka na društvenimmrežama utiče na savremeno bankarskoposlovanje.Očekuje se da rezultati istraživanjaukažu na uzajamniuticaja prisutnosti nadruštvenim mrežama i uspešnog savremenogbankarskog poslovanja, kao i uticaj društvenihmreža na pozicioniranje banaka na tržištu.
COMPETECY OF BANK MANAGERS IN THE LIGHT OF THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF BANKING OPERATIONS
Authors: Živković Aleksandar
Published: February 2019

Taking into account today's mobility ofmanagers in banking and financial industry, thechallenges of the digital transformation offinancial institutions’ operating, modern effectivedevelopment of bank managers cannot force them,for all good intentions, to accept the goals of theBank, much less can such development manipulatetheir behaviourso as to adjust it to organizationalneeds. Effective development of bank managers,today, actually entails encouraging establishmentof relations in which an individual manager cantake responsibility for the development of theirown potential, to draw up their own developmentplans and to learn lessons from the implementationof these plans into action. Nowadays, bankingmanagers are required to exceed the limits of theirjob description, they need to know more, have tothink more and take more responsibility for theresults. These are the key postulates of humancapital in a contemporary commercial bank.Actually it is a contemporary transition from hardlineTaylorism to the behavioural approach whichis made to relocate the focus from job descriptiononto the skills and individual potential.Competence becomes a source of competitiveadvantage for the individual and for the bank,whereas competence development becomes acomprehensive, purposeful and lifelong motto ofmodern corporate life of a manager in the bankingindustry. This paper will focus on the analysis ofpreconditions for the development of competenciesof middle managers in the banking industry inSerbia, in light of the issues and corporateenvironment where the development occurs andthe increasing challenges of the digitaltransformation of operating that questions theneed for traditional management of a teamcreating results in direct contact with clients.
KOMPETENCIJE BANKARSKIH MENADŢERA U SVETLU DIGITALNE TRANSFORMACIJE BANKARSKOG POSLOVANJA
Authors: Živković Aleksandar
Published: February 2019

Uzimajući u obzir današnju mobilnostmenadžera u bankarskoj i finasnijskoj industriji,izazove digitalne transformacije poslovanjafinansijsikih institucija, savremeni efektivan razvojbankarskih menadžera ne može da ih natera, makoliko postojala dobra namera, da prihvate ciljevebanke niti taj razvoj podrazumeva manipulisanjenjihovim pnašanjem da bi ga prilagodiliorganizacionim potrebama. Efektivan razvojbankarskih menadžera, danas, zapravopodrazumeva, podsticanje kreiranja odnosa uokviru kog pojedinac, menadžer, može da preuzmeodgovornost za razvoj sopstvenih potencijala, dasastavlja sopstvene planove razvoja i da izvlačipouke iz sprovodjenja tih planova u delo. Oddanašnjeg bankarskog menadžera se traži daprevazilazi granice opisa radnog mesta, on morada zna više, mora da misli više i više odgovara zarezultate. То su ključni postulati ljudskog kapitalau savremenoj poslovnoj banci. Zapravo to jesavremena tranzicija od tvrdog tejlorizma kabihevioralnom pristupu gde se vrši pomeranjefokusa sa opisa radnog mesta na veštine iindividualni potencijal. Kompetencija postaje izvorkonkurentske prednosti i za pojedinca i za banku, arazvoj kompetencija postaje celishodni,svrsishodni i celoživotni moto savremenog„korporativnog" življenja menadžera u bankarskojindustriji. U ovom radu fokus će biti na analizipreduslova za razvoj kompetencija menadžerasrednjeg nivoa u bankarskom sektoru u Srbiji, a saaspekta problema i korporativnog ambijenta ukome se „sprovodi" razvoj i sve većeg izazovadigitalne transformacije poslovanja koja dovodi upitanje i potrebu tradicionalnog upravljanja timomkoji u direktnom kontakru sa klijentima stvararezultat.
Neuronal reactivation during post-learning sleep consolidates long-term memory in Drosophila
Authors: Dag Ugur , Lei Zhengchang , Le Jasmine Q , Wong Allan , Bushey Daniel , Keleman Krystyna
Published: February 2019

Animals consolidate some, but not all, learning experiences into long-term memory. Across the animal kingdom, sleep has been found to have a beneficial effect on the consolidation of recently formed memories into long-term storage. However, the underlying mechanisms of sleep dependent memory consolidation are poorly understood. Here, we show that consolidation of courtship long-term memory in Drosophila is mediated by reactivation during sleep of dopaminergic neurons that were earlier involved in memory acquisition. We identify specific fan-shaped body neurons that induce sleep after the learning experience and activate dopaminergic neurons for memory consolidation. Thus, we provide a direct link between sleep, neuronal reactivation of dopaminergic neurons, and memory consolidation.
Aurora A depletion reveals centrosome-independent polarization mechanism in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Klinkert Kerstin , Levernier Nicolas , Gross Peter , Gentili Christian , von Tobel Lukas , Pierron Marie , Busso Coralie , Herrman Sarah , Grill Stephan W , Kruse Karsten , Gönczy Pierre
Published: February 2019

How living systems break symmetry in an organized manner is a fundamental question in biology. In wild-type Caenorhabditis elegans zygotes, symmetry breaking during anterior-posterior axis specification is guided by centrosomes, resulting in anterior-directed cortical flows and a single posterior PAR-2 domain. We uncover that C. elegans zygotes depleted of the Aurora A kinase AIR-1 or lacking centrosomes entirely usually establish two posterior PAR-2 domains, one at each pole. We demonstrate that AIR-1 prevents symmetry breaking early in the cell cycle, whereas centrosomal AIR-1 instructs polarity initiation thereafter. Using triangular microfabricated chambers, we establish that bipolarity of air-1(RNAi) embryos occurs effectively in a cell-shape and curvature-dependent manner. Furthermore, we develop an integrated physical description of symmetry breaking, wherein local PAR-2-dependent weakening of the actin cortex, together with mutual inhibition of anterior and posterior PAR proteins, provides a mechanism for spontaneous symmetry breaking without centrosomes.
Advancing Methods of Assessing Bone Quality to Expand Screening for Osteoporosis
Authors: Komar Carolyn , Ahmed Mohammed , Chen Agape , Richwine Hannah , Zia Nida , Nazar Andrea , Bauer Laurie
Published: February 2019

Context

Dual–energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) limits osteoporosis screening because of machine size, technical requirements for operation, and exposure to ionizing radiation.

Objective

To establish data ranges from calcaneus ultrasonography (US) that correspond to bone mineral density (BMD) stratification identified by DXA and to determine whether vitamin D concentration adds to US bone health assessment.

Methods

Patients scheduled for DXA at the Robert C. Byrd Clinic, a rural primary care facility in Lewisburg, West Virginia, were recruited from June 2015 to June 2016. Ultrasonography was used to scan the left and right calcaneus of the patients, and blood was collected from a finger prick for vitamin D analysis. Information was collected regarding Fracture Risk Assessment tool parameters, menstrual history, and drug and supplement use. The correlations within and between DXA and US measurements were calculated, as well as the correlations between DXA and US measurements and vitamin D levels. Predictive performance of US readings on bone health determined by DXA scan was assessed with area under the curve analysis using receiver operator characteristic curves.

Results

Ninety-nine participants were included. Ultrasonography readings of either the left or right foot were predictive of good vs poor bone quality. No differences were found between US scans of the left foot vs the right foot. Area under the curve values for US BMD T scores for the left and right foot were 0.69 and 0.68, respectively. There was no correlation between DXA- and US-assessed BMD and vitamin D concentrations. Negative correlations were observed between the DXA BMD T scores and vitamin D concentration of the spine and right hip; negative correlations were also observed in the Z score from the spine in the subset of participants who reported not taking vitamin D supplements.

Conclusion

Ultrasonography of the calcaneus offers a low-cost, efficient means to screen bone health. The affordability and mobility of a US machine enables its use as a screening method that may be applicable to large numbers of people. This study established a T score greater than −1.05 as an indicator of good bone quality and a T score less than −1.05 as an indicator of poor bone quality when using US for BMD screening.
Thermal and Mechanical Pain Thresholds of Women With Provoked Localized Vulvodynia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Basha Maureen E. , Kellogg-Spadt Susan , Burrows Lara J. , Ruberu Monique S. , Wallach Andrea S. , Nazar Andrea M. , Whitmore Kristene E.
Published: February 2019

Context

Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition defined as vulvar pain lasting at least 3 months in the absence of gross anatomic or neurologic findings. Provoked, localized vulvodynia (PLV), a subtype of vulvodynia, is characterized by vestibular pain in response to light touch. The cause of PLV remains largely unknown, and triggering events have yet to be determined.

Objective

To evaluate vestibular and peripheral experimental pain thresholds in patients with PLV to further define the somatosensory profile of these patients.

Methods

After informed consent was provided, eligible participants completed a questionnaire and underwent quantitative sensory testing at the forearm and posterior vestibule. Detection and pain thresholds to thermal (cold and heat) and mechanical (pressure) stimuli were measured.

Results

Seventeen participants with PLV and 16 control participants were included. Participants in the PLV group scored lower on the patient health questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) compared with those in the control group (P<.05) and had higher ratings of self-reported genital pain with sex (P<.001) and daily activity (P<.05). Forearm pain thresholds to cold (P<.01) and heat (P<.01) stimuli were also lower in the PLV group compared with those in the control group. Vestibular pain thresholds to cold (P<.05) and pressure (P<.01) stimuli were also lower in the PLV group.

Conclusion

Lower scores on the PHQ-9 and higher self-reported genital pain ratings of patients with PLV highlight the significant impact of this poorly understood condition on quality of life. Quantitative sensory testing results demonstrated that vestibular cold allodynia may be a somatosensory feature of PLV. Reduced forearm pain thresholds in these patients suggest altered sensory processing at extrapelvic sites, although it is unclear whether these measurements are related to central sensitization.
Prior Knowledge of the Mediterranean Diet Is Associated With Dietary Adherence in Cardiac Patients
Authors: Greiner Benjamin , Wheeler Denna , Croff Julie , Miller Bridget
Published: February 2019

Context

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, and cardiovascular events have been shown to be reduced and prevented when patients follow the Mediterranean diet.

Objective

To understand how familiarity with the Mediterranean diet affects dietary habits in cardiology patients by using social cognitive theory.

Method

This cross-sectional study included patients at a metropolitan outpatient cardiology clinic in Oklahoma. A survey was used to analyze patient knowledge of the Mediterranean diet. Patients were separated into low–, medium–, and high–diet adherence groups based on their daily consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains, and nuts. Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze patients’ knowledge of Mediterranean diet principles with dietary adherence.

Results

A total of 337 patients were included in the study. Patients with a college education, patients reporting familiarity with the diet, and women were 6.7, 4.0, and 3.2 times as likely, respectively, to have strong adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

Conclusion

The finding that familiarity with the Mediterranean diet was closely associated with adherence to its principles indicates that patient education on heart-healthy diets may improve the eating habits of patients, especially patients at risk for cardiac events.
Numerical Study of Chipless Tags for Radio-Frequency-Identification (RFID) Applications
Authors: Cetin E. , Sahin M. B. , Ergul O.
Published: February 2019

We present a numerical investigation of effective chipless tags for radio-frequency-identification (RFID) applications. Chipless tags have been introduced recently as alternatives to standard tags with microchips. While they can significantly reduce the overall cost of RFID systems by eliminating microchips and procedures to mount them on tags, chipless tags bring new challenges, especially in terms of identification reliability. We focus on tag structures that consist of resonators and consider alternative scenarios to find out potential misidentification cases. We also present the robustness of resonator-type elements in terms of fabrication errors, as well as array strategies to significantly increase electromagnetic responses of tags at the cost of reduced compactness.
Aberrantly hydroxymethylated differentially expressed genes and the associated protein pathways in osteoarthritis
Authors: Fang Yang , Wang Pingping , Xia Lin , Bai Suwen , Shen Yonggang , Li Qing , Wang Yang , Zhu Jinhang , Du Juan , Shen Bing
Published: February 2019

Background

The elderly population is at risk of osteoarthritis (OA), a common, multifactorial, degenerative joint disease. Environmental, genetic, and epigenetic (such as DNA hydroxymethylation) factors may be involved in the etiology, development, and pathogenesis of OA. Here, comprehensive bioinformatic analyses were used to identify aberrantly hydroxymethylated differentially expressed genes and pathways in osteoarthritis to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms of osteoarthritis and susceptibility-related genes for osteoarthritis inheritance.

Methods

Gene expression microarray data, mRNA expression profile data, and a whole genome 5hmC dataset were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus repository. Differentially expressed genes with abnormal hydroxymethylation were identified by MATCH function. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of the genes differentially expressed in OA were performed using Metascape and the KOBAS online tool, respectively. The protein–protein interaction network was built using STRING and visualized in Cytoscape, and the modular analysis of the network was performed using the Molecular Complex Detection app.

Results

In total, 104 hyperhydroxymethylated highly expressed genes and 14 hypohydroxymethylated genes with low expression were identified. Gene ontology analyses indicated that the biological functions of hyperhydroxymethylated highly expressed genes included skeletal system development, ossification, and bone development; KEGG pathway analysis showed enrichment in protein digestion and absorption, extracellular matrix–receptor interaction, and focal adhesion. The top 10 hub genes in the protein–protein interaction network were COL1A1, COL1A2, COL2A1, COL3A1, COL5A1, COL5A2, COL6A1, COL8A1, COL11A1, and COL24A1. All the aforementioned results are consistent with changes observed in OA.

Conclusion

After comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, we found aberrantly hydroxymethylated differentially expressed genes and pathways in OA. The top 10 hub genes may be useful hydroxymethylation analysis biomarkers to provide more accurate OA diagnoses and target genes for treatment of OA.
Association between maternal pre-delivery body mass index and offspring overweight/obesity at 1 and 2 years of age among residents of a suburb in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Hsien-Kuan , Wu Chien-Yi , Yang Yung-Ning , Wu Pei-Ling , He Zong-Rong , Yang San-Nan , Tey Shu-Leei
Published: February 2019

Background

Overweight and obesity among children can cause metabolic syndrome in adulthood and are a significant public health issue. Some studies suggest that maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and excessive gestational weight gain during pregnancy are associated with overweight and obesity in offspring. However, it is difficult to collect information on accurate pre-pregnancy BMI and pregnancy weight gain for women living in areas where medical resources are scarce. Maternal pre-delivery BMI might be predictive of the risk of overweight and obesity among offspring of pregnant mothers living in suburban areas.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data on term neonates with appropriate weights for their gestational age born between April 2013 and October 2015. We excluded neonates with major congenital anomalies or diseases and incomplete data. Mothers with systemic diseases or drug abuse were also excluded. Offspring body weights and heights at 1- and 2-years-old were recorded. Maternal pre-delivery BMI was divided into following groups: <25, 25–29.9, and ≧30 kg/m2.

Results

We included 261 mother-child pairs in this study. The BMIs of the offspring differed significantly among the three maternal pre-delivery BMI groups at the age of 2 years (15.18 ± 1.04, 15.83 ± 1.28, and 16.29 ± 1.61 kg/m2, p < 0.001, respectively). After adjusting for potential cofounders possibly affecting weight using multivariate linear regression, the children’s BMIs (adjusted 95% CI: 0.71 [0.31–1.11]; p = 0.001) and BMI percentiles (adjusted 95% CI 15.80 [7.32–24.28]; p < 0.001) at the age of 2 years were significantly higher in those born to mothers with pre-delivery BMIs of 25–29.9 kg/m2 compared to mothers with pre-delivery BMIs <25 kg/m2. Maternal pre-delivery BMI ≧30 kg/m2 was significantly associated with increased BMIs (adjusted 95% CI: 1.17 [0.72–1.63]; p < 0.001) and BMI percentiles (adjusted 95% CI: 23.48 [13.87–33.09]; p < 0.001) in their children. A maternal pre-delivery BMI of 27.16 kg/m2 was the optimal cut-off for predicting offspring overweight/obesity at the age of 2 years.

Discussion

Our results indicate that the maternal pre-delivery BMI was significantly associated with offspring BMI and weight gain at the age of 2 years. A maternal pre-delivery BMI of 27.16 kg/m2 might be a useful predictor for estimating the risk of overweight or obesity in offspring at the age of 2 years.
EU Product Standards and Export Diversification in Nigeria and South Africa
Authors: Olubiyi Ebenezer Adesoji , Akolade Folashade , Bello Haleema Oluwadamilola
Published: February 2019

The issue of export diversification has been receiving attention among scholars and policymakers. However, African countries face critical challenges in improving domestic capacity to meet production and quality standards required in the foreign markets.Premised on this, this study explores how standards affect agriculture and textile products exported to the EU market, by the two biggest economies in SSA between 1995 and 2004. Employing the Hirschman concentration index as a measure of diversification in the context of a modified poisson model of gravity trade theory, findings show that standards and harmonized standards are of no significant effect on South African agricultural export diversification while in Nigeria, standards have significant effect on agricultural export diversification but have no effect on textiles. Moreover, harmonized standards show positive effect on agricultural export concentration but have no effect on textile exports in South Africa. However, harmonized standards plays no role in the diversification of Nigerian agricultural and textile export varieties. The study therefore recommends that producers of agricultural products in South Africa should focus on single, country specific standards while producers of agricultural products in Nigeria should adopt harmonized standards to promote bilateral trade and develop quality products to improve competition in the EU markets.