bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Endogenous Cannabinoid and the Nitricoxidergic Systems Differently Influence Heat and Cold Stress-Induced Analgesia
Authors: Nocheva H. , Sabit Z. , Grigorov E.
Published: May 2021

Stress-induced analgesia (SIA) is a well-known phenomenon, in which mechanisms of development opioid and non-opioid components take part. The endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) takes part in the non-opioid pathways and modulates nociception. Nitric oxide (NO) is also proverbial to interfere with pain perception. The present study was performed to investigate the effects from interaction between the ECS and NO after heat (heat stress) or cold (cold stress) exposure. Male Wistar rats subjected to one hour of heat or cold stress were injected with different combinations of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) agonist anandamide (AEA) or antagonist (AM251) along with NO-donor, NO-precursor or inhibitor of the NO-synthase (NOS). Nociception was evaluated using Paw pressure (Randall-Selitto) test. The results showed that AEA-administration immediately after the end of stress let to a tendency to increase cold-SIA, but decreased heat-SIA. AEA along with NO-donor increased both cold- and heat-SIA but to a different degree. AM251 and NOS-inhibitor decreased SIA. Our experiments confirmed that the endogenous cannabinoid and the nitricoxidergic systems interact between them in the modulation of SIA. The ECS exerts a more prominent influence on cold rather than heat SIA. Differences in modulation probably depend on the type of stress, due to the different participation of ECS in the mechanisms of SIA development.
Physicochemical Research of Clinically Retrieved CU-NI-TI Orthodontic Archwires
Authors: Stoyanova-Ivanova A. , Petrov V. , Petrova V. , Andreeva L. , Ilievska I. , Zaleski A. , Mikli V.
Published: May 2021

In modern orthodontics, thermally activated archwires are used more widely in clinical practice, because they have unique properties like superelasticity and bio-compatibility. The aim of the present study was to characterize commercial 35° C Cu-NiTi archwires in terms of their phase transition behavior, chemical composition, surface topography properties after clinical usage, as well as the influence of the autoclaving process. Materials and methods. 35° C Thermo-Active Copper NiTi (CuNiTi) of ORMCO, Glendora, CA, USA (as-received, as-received autoclaved and clinically retrieved) with rectangular cross-section and dimension 0.016x0.022 inch, were investigated. The physicochemical research was conducted via Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD). The autoclaving was done in Runyes model B autoclave. Results. The DSC results revealed the austenite start (9.8° C; 26.47° C) and austenite finish (28° C; 31.74° C) temperatures for the as-received and autoclaved archwires respectively. For clinically retrieved samples the austenite finish temperature (Af) is around 27° C. The XRD patterns of the as-received and clinically retrieved samples show almost identical diffraction patterns. Rough surface of the CuNiTi alloy was revealed by the SEM analysis. Autoclaving process seems to have no effects on archwires’ structure and chemical composition. Chemical content of the investigated as-received CuNiTi are Ni, Ti and Cu: 47.07 wt% and 46.81 wt% and 6.11 wt%, respectively. The autoclaving process seems to have little influence on the transition temperature. The results from our study showed little difference (~7 °C) in the finish transition temperatures (Af), compared to the manufacturer’s claim. No intermediate R phase was detected by DSC. Conclusion. A good knowledge of the structural changes that occur in CuNiTi alloys in the oral cavity is useful for the orthodontists in order to optimize orthodontic treatment.
Levels of Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood among Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Ganeva S , Todorova K. , Lukanov Ts. , Rayanova G. , Blajeva S.
Published: May 2021

The aim of the study was to investigate the lymphocyte (lymph) subpopulations in peripheral blood as a part of the immune response among patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 (DMT1) and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2).

Patients and methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, comparative, “case-control” study was conducted among 22 patients with DMT1 and 70 patients with DMT2. The levels of lymph subtypes [general nonspecific T-lymph (CD3+); T-helper lymph (CD4+); T-cytotoxic lymph (CD8+), natural killers [NK cells (CD3\ CD16+/CD56)] and B-lymph (CD19+)] in blood was measured and compared by flow-cytometric analisys (FAC Sort, BD).

Results were compared to those of 21 healthy persons. The data was processed using the statistics software. Results: Patients with DMT1 had longer duration of the disease, compared to patients with DMT2. No significant differences between arterial blood pressure, НвА1с levels and lipid profile among the patients with DMT1 and DMT2 were present. There were no differences in the total leukocyte count between the groups (DMT1-6,91 ± 1,32.109/l; DMT2-7,28 ± 1,85.109/l; controls-6,89 ± 1,07.109/l). The results from the flowcytometric investigation showed significantly higher absolute number of T-all lymph (CD3+), Th lymph (CD4+) and all NK (CD3\ CD16+/CD56), as well as a lower absolute number of Ts (CD8+) and B (CD19+) lymph among the diabetic patients compared to healthy subjects. The Th/Ts ratio in patients with DMT1 (2,02 ± 0,44) and DMT2 (2,36 ± 0,37) was also significantly higher compared to ratio of controls (1,02 ± 0,06). No significant differences were noted in the lymph subpopulations between the two groups with DM.

Conclusions: Changes of lymph types in peripheral blood in diabetic patients demonstrate immune activation and dysregulation among the two types of diabetes.
Effects of Probiotics on Human Health and Disease: A Review
Authors: Amiri A. , Firoozeh F. , Zibaei M. , Khaledi A.
Published: May 2021

Alteration of the gut microbiome in order to achieve a balance in the normal flora of the intestine could be very beneficial in maintaining the health of the human. Probiotics are living microbial supplements that are added to the diet and have beneficial effects on the host by improving the balance of the intestinal microflora. The purpose of this study is to review previous studies on the effects of probiotics on human health and various diseases. The Farsi and English electronic databases such as, SID, Iranmedex, Magiran, Google Scholar, PubMed and ISI Web of Knowledge were searched and the published articles that have studied the effects of probiotics on the prevention and treatment of various diseases were included in the study. The review of published articles related to the subject showed that consumption of probiotics, prebiotics and proper diet have the significant effects on the health of the digestive system and has reduced and improved symptoms of different disorders and diseases. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms of probiotic function and confirm the role of the probiotics in preventing and treating various types of cancers and other diseases.
Marketing Automation: Marketing Utopia or Marketing Dystopia?
Authors: Wertenbroch Klaus
Published: May 2021

Automated and personalized interactions may increase the relevance of marketing offers, but they also have less positive economic and psychological consequences for consumers. Machine learning-based prediction algorithms can approximate individuals’ preferences and their willingness to pay at ever greater levels of precision, and companies can use this knowledge to charge higher individual prices. Typically, consumers freely hand over all the information necessary to reveal their preferences and it seems that they underestimate the value of their personal data. And there is another discomforting aspect of giving away personal data. It means giving up privacy and as a result loosing autonomy.

Preventing negative outcomes is typically a task for regulators but finding solutions can be difficult. Therefore, companies need to address consumer concerns in their policies as well. To avoid dystopia, managers need to take consumer psychology into account and resist the temptation to maximize short-term profits at the cost of consumers. Avoiding marketing dystopia is in the best interest of all market participants – at least with a longer-term perspective.
Ghosts in the Dark: How to Prepare for Times of Hyper-Privacy
Authors: Thomaz Felipe
Published: May 2021

Even the dark web has its bright sides because it can be used as an unregulated testbed for technologies that will eventually appear on the surface. Also, it is a useful place to study consumer privacy and have a view of what the surface world might look like under an extreme level of consumer data protection. In such a world, even our best customers might look like never-before-seen individuals, until they decide to reveal themselves. If there is trust, and a worthwhile value exchange, consumers might be willing to share their data and not enact all of the hyper-privacy available to them. To seize the opportunities, companies should take stock of their customer relationships, hone their data needs, and learn what information is critical, advantageous, or irrelevant for their context. They should implement initiatives that drive choice carefully, in a trustful relationship.
Identification of key problems of the manufacturing industry in the region based on the analysis of fixed assets (on the example of the Vologda oblast)
Authors: Demchenko Irina
Published: May 2021

Целью исследования стало выявление ключевых проблем предприятий обрабатывающей промышленности, связанных с использованием основных фондов в производственном процессе. Информационную базу составили данные Федеральной службы государственной статистики и её территориальных органов. Анализ опирался на общенаучные (дедукция, сравнение, анализ, синтез) и экономико-статистические методы (средних величин, элементарные методы обработки расчётных данных, индексный метод). В качестве объекта исследования, характеризующегося высоким удельным весом обрабатывающих производств в промышленности региона, была выбрана Вологодская область. В ходе анализа изучены такие показатели, как наличие основных фондов, степень их износа и обновления, фондоотдача, фондоёмкость, фондовооружённость и фондорентабельность, коэффициент соотношения темпов роста объёмов выпуска и инвестиций в основной капитал и показатель экономии или перерасхода основных средств. По итогам анализа были выявлены проблемы высокого уровня изношенности средств производства на фоне высокой потребности в их модернизации и недостаточной инвестиционной активности предприятий в направлении обновления основных фондов. В рамках повышения эффективности их использования были предложены мероприятия по активизации инвестиционных процессов в отрасли, предполагающие создание инфраструктуры внедрения инноваций, открывающей возможности перехода региона с сырьевой направленности к выпуску высокотехнологичной продукции. Кроме того, были упомянуты традиционные пути решения возникшей проблемы, связанные с ускоренной заменой неэффективного оборудования и устранением производственных простоев. Научная новизна статьи состоит в применении более точных модификаций привычных в финансовом анализе показателей, позволяющих сделать вывод о ключевых проблемах, препятствующих расширенному воспроизводству основных фондов обрабатывающей отрасли региона. Ключевые слова и словосочетания: основные фонды, обрабатывающая промышленность, Вологодская область, методика анализа, инвестиционная активность.
Features of the behavior of the strength properties of iron alloys in the temperature range of magnetic transitions based on the phenomenological theory of phase transitions
Authors: Dotsenko Valentin , Belous Igor
Published: May 2021

Образование магнитного порядка в металлах и сплавах рассматривается как проявление в основной кристаллической решётке металлов и сплавов сопряжённой с ней магнитной структуры, обладающей достаточной жёсткостью и энергией. Изучение их взаимосвязи представляет большой интерес для использования промышленных металлов и сплавов. В результате проведённого исследования можно утверждать, что магнитное упорядочение искажает кристаллическую решётку: при температуре перехода она становится менее стабильной, что приводит к значительно более высокой пластичности вновь образующейся магнитоупорядоченной фазы. B температурных областях магнитных превращений пластичность антиферромагнитной или ферромагнитной фазы больше пластичности парамагнитной фазы и ведёт себя немонотонно. Ключевые слова и словосочетания: фазовые магнитные переходы, прочностные свойства при магнитных перестройках ферромагнетизм→парамагнетизм, антиферромагнетизм→парамагнетизм.
Should Canada Eliminate Cash?
Authors: Hanson Madeline
Published: May 2021

Canadians’ use of cash at the point of sale has been declining since the early 1990s, due in part to the widespread adoption of debit and credit cards. More recently, the introduction of electronic currencies and person-to-person payments via mobile phone have made the need for cash as a medium of exchange obsolete. My research draws on data from the Bank of Canada’s Method of Payment Surveys to perform a cost-benefit analysis of eliminating cash within Canada and moving towards exclusively electronic means of payment. My research pays particular attention to the fact that eliminating cash removes the lower bound on nominal interest rates, enabling conventional monetary policy to be implemented in Canada’s current low interest environment. My findings suggest that though Canada is not yet ready to eliminate cash, the benefits are such that there may be reason to pull Canadians towards a cashless society.
An Analysis of Predictors of Mental Health Stigma in Ontario Municipal Police Service Members
Authors: Usyatynsky Alexandra
Published: May 2021

Mental health stigma refers to negative attitudes held by society and individuals about mental illness. The adverse effects of both public and self-stigma affect an individual's quality of life and can be a barrier to care. Police service members are at particular risk of mental illness and especially likely to have negative attitudes of mental illness. Our research team has emailed a questionnaire assessing mental health in Ontario Municipal Police. In this study we will analyze the data in order to answer several research questions regarding stigma and mental health in police populations. What are the predictors of mental health stigma? We hypothesize age, gender, years on the force, and size of the department are predictors. Do individuals with a known clinical diagnosis, with a mental illness they are unaware of, or with no diagnosis at all, show the highest levels of stigma? We hypothesize individuals aware of their diagnosis will show significantly higher levels of stigma, followed by individuals with a mental illness they are unaware of. We will also assess reasons behind unwillingness to seek help; we predict stigma will be a significant reason. Finally, we will answer whether police show more stigma around a physical injury or a mental illness. We believe they will show more stigma toward a mental illness. By identifying predictors of stigma in police our research can help identify groups of people for whom education based interventions will be most effective, and increase the chances of these individuals seeking help.
Sleep Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Review.
Authors: Carmona Nicole
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by severe impairments in communication and social interactions, and the presence of restrictive and repetitive behaviours.  In addition to these characteristic problem behaviours, sleep problems are common among the majority of children with an ASD and may reflect an additional component of the disorder’s phenotype, rather than a comorbid condition.  Sleep disorders in this population place a lot of stress on the family, contributing to more severe stereotypic behaviours and hyperactivity during the daytime and disturbing the sleep of already-stressed family members.    Objective: This poster seeks to summarize the research on the types of sleep problems seen in ASD, factors implicated in the aetiology of sleep problems, and how we might assess and treat these problems.  Method: A literature review was conducted using the phrases “autism spectrum disorder” and “sleep problems.”  Selected articles pertained to the study of prevalence, type, and predictors of sleep problems, their assessment, and their treatment.   Results: Thirty-seven articles were reviewed.  Children with ASD experience more sleep disorders than typically developing children and children with other neurodevelopmental disorders.  Contributing factors include more severe symptomatology, neurobiology, and psychiatric conditions.  Most behavioural and pharmacological treatments lack evidence in the literature.  Conclusion: The impact of sleep problems in ASD on the family emphasizes the need for research on their effective treatment and the delineation of the role of sleep problems in ASD’s phenotype.
МЕХАНІЗМ ФОРМУВАННЯ ОБРАЗУ В АНГЛІЙСЬКИХ ТЕКСТАХ МЕДІА ДИСКУРСУ
Authors: Телеватюк Оксана
Published: May 2021

Статтю присвячено механізмам створення образів в англійськомовних текстах медійного дискурсу. У ході роботи висвітлено основні позиції лінгвістів щодо виокремлення медійного дискурсу в парадигмі дослідження дискурсів, визначено поняття образу в медійному дискурсі, а також виділено основні лексичні, фразеологічні, синтаксичні та стилістичні засоби формування медійних образів політичних лідерів, зірок шоу-бізнесу та рекламних товарів (послуг) в англійськомовних текстах медійного дискурсу на основі проаналізованих газетних статей та рекламних відео.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ФОРМУВАННЯ АЛГОРИТМІЧНОГО МИСЛЕННЯ МОЛОДШИХ ШКОЛЯРІВ НА УРОКАХ ІНФОРМАТИКИ
Authors: Василиків Іван , Романчук Роксолана
Published: May 2021

У статті зосереджено увагу на основних методологічних підходах, що формують алгоритмічне мислення учнів початкової школи. На основі аналізу програми визначено актуальні підручники з інформатики, окреслено основні етапи розвитку алгоритмічного мислення молодших школярів: елементи мови навчального алгоритму; впровадження практичної системи (виявлення помилок, відтворення, заміна, проєктування, перетворення алгоритмів з різними структурами з однієї форми в іншу). Водночас автор закликає уникати формалізму, спиратися на життєвий досвід учнів початкової школи, використовувати ігрові технології та найкраще поєднувати їх з інформаційними. Цей метод дасть кожній дитині можливість розкрити свої здібності та підготуватися до життя у конкурентному світі інформаційних технологій.
РОЛЬ ТВОРЧОЇ СПАДЩИНИ М. ЛИСЕНКА У ФОРМУВАННІ МУЗИЧНОЇ КУЛЬТУРИ УЧНІВСЬКОЇ МОЛОДІ
Authors: Медвідь Тетяна
Published: May 2021

У статті розкрито значення інструментальних, хорових, сценічних і камерно-вокальних творів М. Лисенка у формуванні музичної культури учнів загальноосвітніх навчальних закладів та висвітлено виховний вплив його музики на розвиток особистості. Проведено аналіз хорових збірок для дітей і творів композитора, запропонованих для слухання та сприймання у загальноосвітніх школах. Розглянуто педагогічну модель їх використання в освітньому процесі та розкрито методику вивчення творів М. Лисенка на уроках музичного мистецтва.
КОМПЕТЕНТНІСНА ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА МЕДИЧНОЇ СЕСТРИ У ШВЕЙЦАРІЇ: ПРОФЕСІЙНА, ЕТИЧНА, ПРАВОВА ПРАКТИКА
Authors: Хміляр Ірена
Published: May 2021

У статті висвітлено компетентнісну характеристику медичної сестри у Швейцарії, зокрема у сфері професійної, етичної та правової практики. Виконано аналіз науково-педагогічної та медичної літератури, що висвітлює окремі аспекти проблеми дослідження. Досліджено особливості Рамки компетентностей медсестринства, розробленої Міжнародною радою медичних сестер. Відображено знання, вміння і навички ліцензованої практикуючої медичної сестри у Швейцарії, що необхідні для організації та реалізації догляду за пацієнтами з урахуванням професійного, етичного та правового контекстів. Наголошено на необхідності оволодіння як фаховими, так і соціальними навичками. Представлено висновки, сформовані на основі дослідження досвіду Швейцарії. Визначено перспективи подальших досліджень.
РІЗНОМАНІТНІСТЬ ПІДХОДІВ ДО ІНШОМОВНОЇ ПІДГОТОВКИ В ЄВРОПЕЙСЬКОМУ ОСВІТНЬОМУ СЕРЕДОВИЩІ
Authors: Сіладі Василь
Published: May 2021

У статті здійснено аналіз підходів до іншомовної підготовки в сучасному європейському освітньому середовищі. Виокремлено аспекти комплексного підходу до вивчення іноземних мов: багатомовність у школах та установах професійної підготовки і навчання; ефективне і новаторське викладання для поглибленого вивчення мови; підтримка вчителів і тренерів; партнерські відносини і зв’язки в шкільному середовищі для підтримки вивчення мови. Зроблено висновок, що іншомовна підготовка сьогодні розглядається не просто як передача і накопичення знань, а як формування ключових компетенцій, які підготували б людину до реальної професійної діяльності в мультикультурному суспільстві. Іноземна мова сьогодні є важливим чинником успішного кар’єрного зростання, а вміння спілкуватися в письмовій та усній формі рідною й іноземною мовами є вимогою до професійної компетенції висококваліфікованого працівника у будь-якій галузі.
ОБРАЗ ДЕТЕКТИВА У ТРИЛОГІЇ СТІГА ЛАРССОНА “МІЛЕНІУМ”: ПСИХОЛОГІЧНИЙ АСПЕКТ
Authors: Куцик Уляна
Published: May 2021

У статті розглянуто образи головних персонажів трилогії Стіга Ларссона “Міленіум” Лісбет Саландер та Мікаеля Блумквіста. Зроблено спробу розкрити їхні характери головно через ставлення до них інших персонажів і навпаки. Проаналізовано їхні особистісні якості шляхом аналізу зовнішності героїв, способу життя та особливостей професійної діяльності. З’ясовано, що це особистості непересічні, нетипові, подекуди дивакуваті, які виробили власне ставлення до моралі, до суспільства, загалом до життя.
Regional studies and conceptual fuzziness: A critical review
Authors:   School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED), Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada, Rauf Muhammad Adil , Weber Olaf ,   School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED), Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
Published: May 2021

Regional and spatial studies, such as urban planning, energy planning, and sustainable development, address the complexity of the inter-disciplinary relationship between subsystems and their components. Such studies require multidisciplinary concepts, varied lenses, and differentiating approaches and models to address the conflict between contextual sensitivity and universal applicability. This paper reviews the debate on the research approaches adopted in regional studies and initiated by researcher Ann Markusen, followed by a review of contemporary literature on the concept of fuzziness in the qualitative research. Markusen evaluated the conceptual fuzziness, empirical evidence, and policy dimensions of regional studies. The argument was based on three fundamental aspects of regional and urban development studies; strong contestation of phenomena, empirical evidence to support the concept, and collective action to deal with the problems under investigation. A conceptual fuzziness and the methodological weaknesses in the qualitative research, highlighted by Markusen almost two decades ago, persist in interdisciplinary qualitative research. In this study, we have dissected the concept of fuzziness to distinguish between Inherited fuzziness derived from the configurational complexity of a case and bequeathed fuzziness that could be transferred ahead due to a researcher’s methodological and perceptual weaknesses. Despite efforts made to address the relevance, reliability, validity, and replicability of the qualitative research, the field is still facing challenges from conceptual bias, methodological and operational constraints, empirical weakness, and prejudiced interpretation.
Does The Suitability of Industry 4.0 Roadmap Have an Impact on Improving The Economy?
Authors: PURNOMO BUDI S. , SOFIA ALFIRA , APANDI R NELLY NUR
Published: May 2021

West Java Province claims to have realized investment in line with the Industry 4.0 policy. This claim is based on gross added value in the five leading sectors of the processing industry, which had the highest percentage among other areas. On the other hand, one of the goals of development is to achieve economic improvement. Many previous studies have examined the effect of investment realization on economic growth. Still, very few have specifically considered the recognition of investment specifically in the leading sectors of the Industry 4.0. West Java, as one of the best investment destination provinces with the suitability of a manufacturing roadmap set by the central government, is expected to have a good economic improvement. So this study aims to prove the effect of investment realization on economic improvement in all regencies/cities in West Java empirically.The design of this study is causal research using a simple linear regression analysis method. The sampling technique used was purposive, namely 27 regencies/cities in West Java. Secondary data sources are documents from the Board of Investment and Integrated Licensing (BPMPT), the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), and the West Java Central Board of Statistics (BPS). The indicators used for investment realization variables are the total investment value and labor absorption. While the indicators for economic growth variables are the Expenditure Index, Human Development Index (HDI), and Per Capita Expenditure (PPP).The results of the study showed that there were positive and significant effects of the investment realization variable on the economic growth variable for all the models tested. This finding supports the theory, which stated that the suitability of the investment roadmap would further enhance economic growth. However, there are differences in the determination coefficients and the correlation coefficients. Correlation coefficients between investment value and labor absorption in 5 sectors with HDI scores at the provincial level showed a very strong relationship. While the correlation coefficients of the linear regression model from various models tested to measure the effect of investment realization on economic growth in the Regencies/Cities in West Java showed weak correlation. This research shows that the proposed model still needs to be finalized with other variables, including industrial performance, investment return, tax effectiveness, and government governance
Phenomenon of interaction between organizational climate and human resource assessment in large public sector organisations
Authors: Papsiene Palmira , Vaitkeviciene Dainora , Vidreviciene Inga
Published: May 2021

While intensively researching organizational climate and human resource assessment, the question naturally arises, in case these both phenomena operate in the same organization, what is a relationship between them? This question is answered by a survey in which human resource assessment was represented by fifty questions combined into three latent variables: assessment methodology, assessment organization, decisions and implementation, and organizational climate was represented by thirty-nine questions combined into a common latent variable of organizational climate. By comparing latent variables of human resource assessment and organizational climate the cluster model of the interaction between human resource assessment and organizational climate was formed. A total of four types have been identified, three of which are more favourable to the implementation stage of human resource assessment than organisational climate, and one where the organisational climate is indifferent in the context of human resource assessment. This research collected information on phenomenon of human resource assessment impact on organizational climate in large organizations, as it is more pronounced there. Also, human resource assessment process is more full and more formalized in these organizations, and organizational climate is the result of interaction between individuals in the group and not the impact of a single individual.
The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Share Price: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Raza Hamad , Gillani Syed Muhammad Ahmad Hassan , Kashif Muhammad Tayyab , Khan Nohman
Published: May 2021

This article presents the systematic literature review of 91 published research papers on the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on share price between 2014 and 2019. The results indicate that the interest in the topic of CSR and its affect on firm value in terms of share price has significantly grown throughout this period. The findings show that the literature can be categorized based on three main methods of the studies: whether the paper seeks to focus on exploratory research (Qualitative); whether they seek to emphasize the objective measurement by performing mathematical, statistical or numerical analysis of data gathered (Quantitative); or articles that seek to draw conclusions from previously published studies (Review). This article attempts to cover the systematic review and bibliometric analysis by presenting findings through analysis on selected articles, which highlight some possible gaps and opportunities in the literature along with a scope of directions for future research.
Enhancing Shareholder Value through Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure in a Developing Country
Authors: Chaudhry Asim Ali , Ramakrishnan Suresh , Sulimany Hamid Ghazi H , Sharif Ayesha
Published: May 2021

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an imperative product or service strategy established to maintain a competitive advantage. CSR has accomplished a broader recognition and a more vigorous acceptance in corporate practices as well as in the academic literature. It is evident that CSR is an ever-expanding, wide area of research and practice. Companies engage in CSR practices to fulfil the expectations of stakeholders and to build healthy relationships with them. The current study employed pooling regression analysis to 36 listed companies in Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) from 2009 to 2018. The research has found that the CSR disclosure derives to enhance shareholder value. Likewise, CSR disclosure has a positive significant effect on shareholder value. The proposed study has value for Pakistani government, stock exchange, shareholders, and policy makers by highlighting the distinct impact on shareholder value and its relation with corporate social responsibility disclosure.
The Influence of Lean Practices and Leadership on Business Excellence: Malaysian E&E Manufacturing Companies
Authors: FOK-YEW OON , ABDUL HAMID NOR AZIATI
Published: May 2021

The objectives of this study are to adopt the well-known business excellence model (BEM), Baldrige excellence framework 2019-2020 criteria and examine in Malaysian Electrical and Electronics (E&E) manufacturing companies. We have identified those elements in BEM like leadership, customers, measurement, analysis, knowledge management (MAKM), strategy, and operations that influence on business results. This study also aims to assess the Lean practices influence on the operations and results of business excellence (BE). The theoretical framework is guided by BEM and Leadership theory. A stratified random sampling was employed to choose the sample from the four sub-sectors of E&E industry. A total of 500 questionnaires was circulated in Peninsular Malaysia with return usable 156 questionnaire utilized for data analysis. The outcome from the structural analysis suggested that positive relationships between strategy, operations, and Lean practices on achievement of BE. The limitations from present study suggest a future research may focus on other industries, Industry 4.0 companies and also ascertain what are the leadership behaviours more favourable to achieve BE. The conclusions of this study extend the knowledge by assisting theory building efforts especially in the operations management domain and BE management. The practical implication is adoption of Baldrige excellence framework and Lean practices will enhance infrastructural decision in fields of business strategy such as human resource policies, best practices, benchmarking and quality management. This study contributes to the methodology perspective by covering both economic and non-economic performance measure metrics.
Financial Wellbeing and Mental Health: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hassan Mohd Faizul , Mohd Hassan Naffisah , Kassim Erne Suzila , Utoh Said Yahya Mahyuddin
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study is to identify and appraise literatures on relationships between financial well-being and mental health. Conducting a systematic review on what is available from the literature is fundamental as a mean for keeping track of the study progress and synthesizing the emerging setting. The search was performed using related keywords of the two constructs from Psychinfo, Scopus and Google Scholar databases between the year 2001 and 2019. The initial search yields a combination of 2,222 papers and after performing the exclusion criteria, a total of 37 documents were used as the data.  Analyses of the studies were conducted to answer the questions of what are the measures of financial wellbeing and mental health and how does financial wellbeing affect mental health? The findings suggest a diverse perspective of financial wellbeing and the term financial hardship, financial situation, financial strain, financial stress and financial security that carry similar meaning were used in literature. There were also various indicators that measure mental health and the use of CES-D, Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), general health questionnaire (GHQ-28), Mental Health Index (MHI-5), International Diagnostic Interview (WHO-CIDI), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Goldberg Depression and Anxiety Scales, Depression Anxiety Stress (DASS-21) and Kessler 10 Measure of Psychological Distress (K10) was common. There is an increasing trend of the study and also consistent findings that indicate for a significant relationship between financial wellbeing and mental health.  Hence, taking proactive prevention to keep healthy financial wellbeing such as financial educating and financial literacy is very crucial to reduce the burden of mental depression, and further the burden of healthcare and social protection.
Past, present and future of ecotourism, a systematic literature review from last decade.
Authors: Ismail Fadillah , Imran Amina , Khan Nohman , Qureshi Muhammad Imran
Published: May 2021

The environmental appreciation calls for broader concern to people and organizations around the world toward environmental sustainability while travelling. The contribution of this study is to review the literature of the last five years, from 2011 to 2020, from the Scopus database, which relates to the topic of ecotourism. The PRISMA statement concept is used to explain the process of selection and rejections of articles for the literature review. Finally, 47 articles are reviewed, selected, and analyzed to fill the existing theoretical gap of ecotourism. The outcomes of the literature are classified according to three main sections include the authors, variables used or tested, and the core findings. Inevitably, this literature review concludes that ecotourism leads to tourism which aims to protect the environment while progressing the economic growth without the need to scarify the nature and the habitats of flora and faunas. It is also a growing trend, which ecotourism can be widely publicist through social media forums with the key aim to preserve nature and attain environmental sustainability.
Development of Service Quality Model as Determinants toward Banking Performance
Authors: Susan Marcellia , Winarto Jacinta , Gunawan Ika
Published: May 2021

Banking services are required by companies to support operation and finance activities. Likewise, the general public is also assisted by banks for various financial transactions. Descriptive research was used to obtain depiction of the quality of banking services, both private and government banks in Indonesia. This study also analyzes banking performance and its determinants. Hypothesis testing is done to verify the effect of the service quality dimensions on banking performance, Hypothesis testing is done to verify the effect of the service quality dimensions on banking performance, and the results show that Reliability, Responsiveness, Assurance and Tangibles are determinants of Banking Performance. The results of the study can be utilized by private banks to maintain or improve the service quality in order to provide better services for the community, which in turn can also improve performance.
Thailand Foreign Direct Investment to CLMV Countries: Macro Economics Approach
Authors: Chemsripong Sujinda
Published: May 2021

Thailand FDI allows countries to enter new markets through imports of goods at lower prices and access to foreign technology because FDI strengthens the economy and increases competition in the era of globalization. Therefore, concerning economic development and regional issues in the context of developing countries Thailand is one of the emergings. Identifying the key factors involved in TFDI is critical for sustainable growth. This study focuses on the factors that define TFDI to CLMV countries using macroeconomic analysis. Quantitative analysis using multiple regression equations on 15-year time series data, during 2005-2019.  The results showed that GDP factors, foreign exchange rates, inflation, the proportion of working-age workers to the country's population, and international cooperation are the major driver of Thailand's outward FDI investment.
Metastatic Vulvo-Vaginal Choriocarcinoma Mimicking a Vulvar Hematoma: A Case Report
Authors:   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Ethiopia, AF Sium
Published: May 2021

Choriocarcinoma, included in gestational trophoblastic neoplasms, is a tumor with high malignant potential [1]. Next to the lung, vulvo-vaginal metastasis comprises 30% of all metastatic incidences in choriocarcinoma. Metastasis in this region is often misleading in its initial appearance. Recent onset vulvo-vaginal swelling may be the sole clinical presentation, as sometimesantecedent pregnancy remains uninformative [2]. We report a case of metastatic choriocarcinoma who presented as a case of vulvar hematoma.
A Comprehensive Review of Possible Immune Responses against Novel SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus: Vaccines Strategies and Challenges
Authors:   Department of Microbiology, Stamford University Bangladesh, 51 Siddeswari Road, Dhaka, Bangladesh, A Shahriar , AR Mahmud ,   Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail, Bangladesh, H Ahmed ,   Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative (UODA), Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka, Bangladesh, N Rahman ,   Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh, MC Khatun ,   Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Published: May 2021

The current deadly COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus appeared in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and spread globally. The epidemic is still spreading, and there are no effective strategies to prevent the infection. Many companies and institutes are trying to figure out the solution by developing vaccines and antiviral drugs, but still, it requires advanced research and long times. However, scientists were able to decide that Immunological response induction is the ultimate target for any vaccine candidate. The immune response to SARS-CoV-2 involves all the immune system components that together appear responsible for viral elimination and recovery from the infection. Many immunological studies have been conducted based on T cell immunity because dependence on the antibody is not the only solution whether some studies showed that antibody wiped out very early. Some studies suggest that cytotoxic T cells and memory T cells give long term immunity. Nonetheless, the vaccines racing from the front provide promising results in various phases (preliminary to phase 2) to induce enough potent neutralizing antibodies. Besides, some vaccines showed T cell-based immune response, which may induce long-term immunity memory T cells. This review mainly illustrated potential vaccine development strategies and challenges by focusing on T-cellbased immune response against SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus.
High β-Glucan Barley Improves Postprandial Hyperglycemia after Meal Loading in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors:   Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan, Fuse Yukie , Higa Mariko ,   Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan, Fujitani Asami ,   Nutrition Support Team, Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan, Ichijo Takamasa ,   Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan, Aoe Seiichiro ,   Department of Food Science, Faculty of Home Economics, Otsuma Women’s University, Tokyo, Japan, Hirose Takahisa ,   Division of Diabetes, Metabolism, and Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
Published: May 2021

Objective: We investigated whether barley with a high β-glucan content (7.2 g per 100 g) improves postprandial plasma glucose levels and fluctuations using a meal tolerance test and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A meal tolerance test (500 kcal) was conducted using two types of test meals: one with white rice (WR diet) and one with white rice mixed 1:1 with high β-glucan-containing barley (BR diet). Both meals included the same side dish. Plasma glucose changes over 180 minutes were compared after ingestion of the test meals. In addition, participants wore a CGM device for the 2 study days, to measure the daily variations in glucose levels when the WR or BR diet as staple food was provided 3 times a day with the same side dish in both meals. Results: Twenty-nine patients with type 2 diabetes (age 52.5 ± 15.1 years, BMI 27.5 ± 4.7 kg/m2, HbA1c 8.1 ±1.8 %) were included in this study. The incremental area under the curve of plasma glucose levels after BR diet ingestion was significantly lower than that after WR diet ingestion (7934.0 ± 4151.2 vs 9434.0 ± 4701.2 mg·min/dL). CGM showed a 24-hour standard deviation of blood glucose after the BR diet was significantly lower than that after the WR diet. Conclusion: These results suggest that postprandial plasma glucose elevation and fluctuation in patients with type 2 diabetes are suppressed by adding high-β-glucan barley to white rice in meals.
Median Door to Needle Antibiotic in Potential Febrile Neutropenic Patients in an Emergency Department of a University Metropolitan Tertiary Hospital in Barcelona (Spain): Results of an Initial Audit
Authors:   Nefro-Urological Cancer Nurse Navigator Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Spain, MC Blanco
Published: May 2021

Objective: Febrile Neutropenia is a potentially life-threatening complication, which can increase morbidity and poorer clinical outcomes when first antibiotic dose is delayed in patients with potential Febrile Neutropenia (FN). Lately, is remarkably gaining consideration within the experts, aware of the prevailing poor FN guidelines compliance as reported in written literature. This research explores the ED adherence to Key Performance Indicators of ED care as indicated in evidence-based guidelines in a tertiary University Hospital in Barcelona. Methods: This is a retrospective observational cohort study of oncology patients receiving anticancer therapy in the previous 30 days of presenting to ED with: non-specific neutropenia, non-specific bacteraemia, fever, infection or septicaemia, from the 1st January 2017 until the 31st of December 2017. 166 patients were elective for the study. Results: Time to first AB dose within one hour only occurred in 16 (9.6%) of the cases. 69.3% (115) of the patients received their first AB dose within more than two hours which is non-complaint with the FN protocol. Conclusions: Evidence of some poorer outcomes accentuate an impending need to take action (implement policies, establish clinical pathways and an effective model of care) to improve FN ED management and achieve better clinical results.
Identification of PICK1 PDZ-Domain Antagonists: Pharmacophore-Based Virtual Screening, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamic Simulation Analyses
Authors: Rathod Shravan B.
Published: May 2021

PICK1 (protein interacting with C kinase-1) plays a key role in the regulation of intracellular trafficking of AMPA GluA2 subunit that is linked with synaptic plasticity. PICK1 is a scaffolding protein and binds numerous proteins through its PDZ domain. Research showed that synaptic plasticity is altered upon disrupting the GluA2-PDZ interactions. Inhibiting PDZ and GluA2 binding lead to beneficial effects in the cure of neurological diseases thus, preventing PDZ-GluA2 binding is thought to novel therapeutic target in such diseases. To target this, generally, peptides were synthesized and tested. Though small organic molecules have been targeted to prevent these interactions, the number of such molecules is inadequate. Thus, in this study, ten molecular libraries containing large numbers of molecules were screened against the PDZ domain using pharmacophore-based virtual screening to find the best hits for the PDZ domain. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation studies revealed that two hits (Hit_I and Hit_III) show efficient binding to the PDZ domain. This study suggests that tested hits may have potency against the PDZ domain and can be considered effective to treat neurological disorders.
Late-Stage β-C(sp3)–H Deuteration of Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Uttry Alexander , Mal Sourjya , van Gemmeren Manuel
Published: May 2021

Carboxylic acid moieties are highly abundant in bioactive molecules. In this study we describe the late-stage β C(sp3)–H deuteration of free carboxylic acids. Based on our finding that the C–H activation with our catalyst systems is reversible, the de-deuteration process was first optimized. The resulting conditions involve a novel type of ligands, which, amongst other positions, for the first time enables the functionalization of non-activated methylene β-C(sp3)–H bonds and can be used to achieve the desired deuteration when using a deuterated solvent. The reported method allows for the functionalization of a wide range of free carboxylic acids with diverse substitution patterns, as well as the late-stage deuteration of bioactive molecules and related frameworks.
Nutritional Analysis of Biovalorisaton of Homogeneous Food Processing By-products
Authors: Faustinelie Winnie , Chi Lik Lee Ken
Published: May 2021

Okara and Brewer's Spent Grain (BSG), the food by-products generated during soybean and beer production, respectively, are two of the many food processing side streams that are suitable for human consumption but often discarded. Okara and BSG offer good amounts of both macro and micronutrients. More importantly, they are an exceptional source of proteins. Solid-state fermentation was used to enhance the bioavailability of their intrinsic nutrients. In this study, eight unique strains of Aspergillus Oryzae were used to ferment both Okara and BSG. Subsequently, various quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted to determine the Total Polyphenolic Content (TPC) and Total Flavonoids Content (TFC) of the fermented biomasses. TPC and TFC were determined via spectroscopic analysis. The microbial fermentation of Okara by Black Koji resulted in the highest increase of TPC and TFC (5- and 13-fold respectively), compared to the control Okara. Meanwhile for BSG, the microbial fermentation by M-1 resulted in the highest increase of TPC in BSG (7-fold).