bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Common late complications of longitudinal forefoot amputations in neuropathic foot treatment
Authors: Macedo Rodrigo Sousa , Macedo Lucas Sousa , Sakaki Marcos Hideyo , Sposeto Rafael Barban , Ortiz Rafael Trevisan , de Andrade Corsato Marcos , Godoy-Santos Alexandre Leme , Fernandes Túlio Diniz
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To describe and quantify the complications arising in consecutive neuropathic patients undergoing partial longitudinal amputations of the foot.

Method:

A retrospective study was conducted with data collected from the medical records of patients monitored at the Insensitive Foot Clinic of the Foot and Ankle Group of our institution who underwent partial amputation of foot rays from 2000 to 2016.

Results:

A total of 28 patients met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 31 amputated/partially amputated feet. Of these, 18 (58.1%) feet were amputated/partially amputated due to diabetes, seven (22.6%) due to leprosy, two (6.5%) due to alcoholic neuropathy, two (6.5%) secondary to traumatic peripheral nerve injury, and two (6.5%) due to other causes. Fifth ray amputation was the most frequent type (n=12). The cause of amputation was the presence of an infected ulcer in 93.6% of the samples. At a mean follow-up time of 60 months, 13 (41.9%) feet required new amputations—five (38.5%) transtibial, five (38.5%) transmetatarsal, two (15.4%) of the toes, and one (7.7%) at Chopart's joint. Patients with diabetes had a 50.0% reamputation rate. Patients who initially underwent amputation of the fifth ray had a 58.3% reamputation rate.

Conclusion:

Partial longitudinal amputation of the foot in neuropathic patients exhibited a high reoperation rate, especially in patients with diabetes or in patients with initial amputation of the peripheral rays. Declaration of interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest.
Histological and clinical evaluation of wound healing in pressure ulcers: a novel animal model
Authors: Sami Diana G , Abdellatif Ahmed
Published: June 2021

Objective:

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a major healthcare problem, commonly associated with older people, patients who are bedbound and patients with diabetes. The impact of PUs can decrease patients' quality of life, and lead to high morbidity and mortality rates. In this study, we aimed to describe a novel PU model that simulates pressure ulcers in humans to provide a research tool for new drug testing.

Method:

Diabetes was induced using streptozocin in 75 adult Sprague Dawley rats. To create the PU, skin was sandwiched between two magnets, one of them implanted below the panniculus carnosus muscle and the other above the skin. The model was tested on nondiabetic rats and diabetic rats, each with pressure ulcers, compared to nondiabetic rats with excisional wounds.

Results:

Results showed that the PU model in diabetic (p-value<0.000001) and non-diabetic rats (p-value<0.05) exhibited significantly delayed healing (no healing over 21 days) compared with the excisional wound that was completely healed by day 21.

Conclusion:

Diabetic rats showed significant changes in intact skin compared with non-diabetic rats, as well as a significant delay in the healing process compared with the non-diabetic group. By effectively impairing the skin contraction otherwise seen in the rats, and thereby delaying healing and making it similar to that seen in hard-to-heal PUs in humans, this model provides an effective tool for wound healing research.
Pain and analgesics in patients with hard-to-heal ulcers: using telemedicine or standard consultations
Authors: Wickström Hanna , Öien Rut F , Midlöv Patrik , Anderberg Peter , Fagerström Cecilia
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To compare consultations carried out via video with those performed in person for patients with painful, hard-to-heal ulcers, with a focus on ulcer pain and pain treatment. A further aim was to investigate predictors for pain and pain treatment.

Method:

This was a register-based, quasi-experimental study based on data from the Swedish Registry of Ulcer Treatment (RUT). A total of 100 patients with hard-to-heal ulcers diagnosed via video consultation were compared with 1888 patients diagnosed in person with regard to pain assessment, intensity and treatment. Ulcer pain intensity was assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS). Normally distributed variables (age, VAS) were compared between consultation groups using Student's t-test. Non-normally distributed variables (ulcer size, ulcer duration) were compared using the Mann–Whitney U-test, except for healing time, which was analysed with a log-rank test. Categorical variables (gender, ulcer aetiology and prescribed analgesics) were compared using Pearson's chi-square test (χ2). A p value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. Predictors for pain and pain treatment were analysed in multiple regression analyses.

Results:

The results showed a high presence of pain; 71% of patients with pain reported severe ulcer pain. There was no significant difference in ability to assess pain by VAS in the group diagnosed via video consultation (90%) compared with the group diagnosed in person (86%) (χ2, p=0.233). A significantly higher amount of prescribed analgesics was found for patients diagnosed via video (84%) compared with patients diagnosed by in-person assessment (68%) (χ2, p=0.044). Predictors for high-intensity pain were female gender or ulcers due to inflammatory vessel disease, while the predictors for receiving analgesics were older age, longer healing time and being diagnosed via video consultation.

Conclusion:

To identify, assess and treat ulcer pain is equally possible via video as by in-person consultation. The results of this study confirm that patients with hard-to-heal ulcers suffer from high-intensity ulcer pain, with a discrepancy between pain and pain relief. Further well-designed randomised controlled studies are necessary to understand how best to deploy telemedicine in ulcer pain treatment.
Diabetic foot ulcer management in a multidisciplinary foot centre: one-year healing, amputation and mortality rate
Authors: Van Georges Ha , Amouyal Chloe , Bourron Olivier , Aubert Carole , Carlier Aurelie , Mosbah Helene , Fourniols Eric , Cluzel Philippe , Couture Tihbault , Hartemann Agnes
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To describe the rates of healing, major amputation and mortality after 12 months in patients with a new diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) and their care in a French diabetic foot service (DFS).

Method:

A prospective single-centre study including patients from March 2009 to December 2010. The length of time to healing, minor amputation, major amputation and mortality rate after inclusion were analysed using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results:

Some 347 patients were included (3% lost to follow-up), with a median follow-up (IQR) of 19 (12–24) months. The mean (SD) age was 65±12 years, 68% were male, and the median duration of the ulcer was 49 (19–120) days. Complications of the DFU were ischaemia (70%), infection (55%) and osteomyelitis (47%). Of the patients, 50% were inpatients in the DFS at inclusion (median duration of hospitalisation 26 (15–41) days). The rate of healing at one year was 67% (95% confidence interval (CI): 61–72); of major amputation 10% (95% CI: 7–17); of minor amputation 19% (95% CI: 14–25), and the death rate was 9% (95% CI: 7–13). Using an adjusted hazard ratio, the predictive factors of healing were perfusion and the area of the wound. The risk factors for a major amputation were active smoking and osteomyelitis. The risk factors for mortality were perfusion and age.

Conclusion:

This study confirms the need to treat DFUs rapidly, in a multidisciplinary DFS.
Correlation between vitamin D levels and hard-to-heal wounds: a systematic review
Authors: Smith Karen , Hewlings Susan
Published: June 2021

Objective:

Hard-to-heal wounds are a major biological, psychological, social and financial burden on both individual patients and the broader health system. They are associated with a variety of comorbidities and have a complex aetiology, but are typically associated with nutritional deficiencies, such as low vitamin D levels. This systematic literature review evaluates the current research regarding the connection between inadequate vitamin D status and wound healing.

Method:

PubMed and EBSCO databases were searched following PRISMA guidelines for primary research studies relating to pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers or venous ulcers and vitamin D status.

Results:

A total of 10 studies, involving 2359 participants, met the inclusion criteria. There was a strong correlation between low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and the presence of all three types of hard-to-heal wounds.

Conclusion:

Research suggests a correlation between low vitamin D levels and hard-to-heal wounds. However, it is not clear if the relationship is causal or only correlational. There is also emerging evidence on the use of vitamin D supplementation for the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds. More research is needed to understand the correlation between vitamin D and hard-to-heal wounds.
Topical cream containing nanoparticles with vitamin E to prevent radiodermatitis in women with breast cancer: a clinical trial protocol
Authors: Schmidt Fernanda Mateus Queiróz , González Carol V. Serna , Mattar Rodrigo Calixto , Lopes Luciana Biagini , dos Santos Marinilce Fagundes , de Gouveia Santos Vera L.C.
Published: June 2021

Objective:

Little is known about the efficacy of products aiming to prevent radiodermatitis, which affects between 90–95% of women with breast cancer. The use of antioxidants is promising, however, there is a lack of evidenceon their effectiveness. Here, the authors present a clinical trial protocol to evaluate the effects of applying a cream containing nanoparticles with vitamin E to prevent radiodermatitis in patients with breast cancer.

Method:

The protocol recommends that 108 women with breast cancer, receiving radiotherapy, are included in this triple-blinded, randomized, controlled study at an oncology hospital. Patients will be divided in three groups of 36 individuals each: group A will receive a cream with lipid nanoparticles and vitamin E, group B will receive a cream without nanoparticles nor vitamin E, and group C will receive a cream with nanoparticles without vitamin E. The primary endpoints will evaluate the incidence, degree, and time of onset of radiodermatitis. The secondary endpoints will focus on the quality of life, symptoms, and local temperature. Patients will be assessed three times a week, from the start of their radiotherapy treatment to two weeks after the last session. This protocol was approved by the research ethics committee of the institutions involved and registered on an international trials database.
Modelling of sensitivity of underground space stability to the in situ stress uncertainties: case study at the Bukov underground research facility phase II (Rozna mine, Czechia)
Authors: Gong Libin
Published: June 2021

Numerical modelling has been widely used in the underground excavation design, where the in situ stress state plays a crucial role in the stability analysis. However, determination of an exact stress state for a specific geological region remains uncertain due to the complicated tectonic nature and measurement limitations. The stability is thus better analysed by considering the in situ stress as a finite spectrum and pinpointing the possible worst-case scenario. The most probable scenarios of in situ stress states in the Rožná mine area were analysed based on the varying trends in principal stress ratio and mean stress values obtained from four different measurement/analysis campaigns. The influence of different in situ stress judgement on the deformation and failure characteristics of the Bukov Underground Research Facility (URF) (Phase II, Czech) were investigated by the finite volume program FLAC3D. Results show that the increased horizontal stress anisotropy and the mean stress level jointly increase the overall deformation and lower the URF stability. Such influences on the roadway horizontal convergence are more considerable than the vertical ones. A mathematical model considering mean stress and horizontal stress ratio was proposed to quantitatively describe the overall stability, especially useful for excavations possessing complicated configuration.
Controlling the optical pathlength in continuous-wave reflectance spectroscopy using polarization
Authors: Macdonald Callum M. , Sridhar Susmita , Do Hung T. X. , Luna-Labrador Javier , Adel Mouloud , Da Silva Anabela
Published: June 2021

We investigate potential improvements of continuous-wave diffuse reflectance spectroscopy within highly scattering media by employing polarization gating. Simulations are used to show the extent at which the effective optical pathlength varies in a typical scattering medium as a function of the optical wavelength, the total level of absorption, and the selected polarization channels, including elliptical and circular polarization channels. Experiments then demonstrate that a wavelength dependent polarization gating scheme may reduce the prior knowledge required to solve the problem of chromophore quantification. This is achieved by finding combinations of polarization channels which have similar effective optical pathlengths through the medium at each wavelength.
Adaptive optics for dynamic aberration compensation using parallel model-based controllers based on a field programmable gate array
Authors: Wu Yu-Cheng , Chang Jui-Chi , Chang Chia-Yuan
Published: June 2021

Adaptive optics (AO) is an effective technique for compensating the aberrations in optical systems and restoring their performance for various applications such as image formation, laser processing, and beam shaping. To reduce the controller complexity and extend the compensation capacity from static aberrations to dynamic disturbances, the present study proposes an AO system consisting of a self-built Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor (SHWS), a deformable mirror (DM), and field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based controllers. This AO system is developed for tracking static and dynamic disturbances and tuning the controller parameters as required to achieve rapid compensation of the incoming wavefront. In the proposed system, the FPGA estimates the coefficients of the eight Zernike modes based on the SHWS with CameraLink operated at 200 Hz. The estimated coefficients are then processed by eight parallel independent discrete controllers to generate the voltage vectors to drive the DM to compensate the aberrations. To have the DM model for controller design, the voltage vectors are identified offline and are optimized by closed-loop controllers. Furthermore, the controller parameters are tuned dynamically in accordance with the main frequency of the aberration as determined by a fast Fourier transform (FFT) process. The experimental results show that the AO system provides a low complexity and effective means of compensating both static aberrations and dynamic disturbance up to 20 Hz.
Strain, bending, refractive index independent temperature sensor based on a graded index multimode fiber embedded long period fiber grating
Authors: Niu Huiwen , Chen Wenhuan , Liu Yue , Jin Xiren , Li Xiang , Peng Feng , Geng Tao , Zhang Shuo , Sun Weimin
Published: June 2021

A novel embedded ultra-long period fiber grating (EULPFG) based on a graded index multimode fiber (GI-MMF) is proposed for temperature measurement. Due to the small RI difference of the modes near the GI-MMF self-imaging point, the resonant peak of transmission spectrum is wavelength-insensitive to refractive index (RI), strain and bending. However, the sensor is sensitive to temperature. The experimental results show that the temperature sensitivity of the EULPFG is 90.77 pm/°C. The sensitivities of other physical parameters are suppressed, and the suppressed sensitivities are at least one order of magnitude less than those of similar sensors. The EULPFG with anti-interference from other parameters is expected to be used in ocean monitoring systems to measure the temperature of the seawater.
Distributed refractive index sensing based on bending-induced multimodal interference and Rayleigh backscattering spectrum
Authors: Xu Pengbai , Yu Xinfeng , Chen Zeji , Sheng Liwen , Liu Jiaqing , Zhou Shuai , Wen Kunhua , Xu Ou , Dong Xinyong , Yang Jun , Qin Yuwen
Published: June 2021

A distributed refractive index (RI) sensor based on high-performance optical frequency domain reflectometry was developed by bending a piece of standard single-mode fiber to excite sets of higher-order modes that penetrate the surrounding medium. External variations in RI modifies the profiles of the sets of excited higher-order modes, which are then partially coupled back into the fiber core and interfere with the fundamental mode. Accordingly, the fundamental mode carries the outer varied RI information, and RI sensing can be achieved by monitoring the wavelength shift of the local Rayleigh backscattered spectra. In the experiment, an RI sensitivity of 39.08 nm/RIU was achieved by bending a single-mode fiber to a radius of 4 mm. Additionally, the proposed sensor maintains its buffer coating intact, which boosts its practicability and application adaptability.
Tunable circular dichroism based on graphene-metal split ring resonators
Authors: Zhang Youdan , Liu Houquan , Xu Ronghui , Qin Zujun , Teng Chuanxin , Deng Shijie , Chen Ming , Cheng Yu , Deng Hongchang , Yang Hongyan , Qu Shiliang , Yuan Libo
Published: June 2021

The chiroptical response of the chiral metasurface can be characterized by circular dichroism, which is defined as the absorption difference between left-handed circularly polarized incidence and right-handed circularly incidence. It can be applied in biology, chemistry, optoelectronics, etc. Here, we propose a dynamically tunable chiral metasurface structure, which is composed of two metal split-ring resonators and a graphene layer embedded in dielectric. The structure reflects right-handed circularly polarized waves and absorbs left-handed circularly polarized waves under normal incidence. The overall unit structural parameters of the chiral metasurface were discussed and analyzed, and the circular dichroism was 0.85 at 1.181 THz. Additionally, the digital imaging function can be realized based on the chiral metasurface structure, and the resolution of terahertz digital imaging can be dynamically tuned by changing the Fermi level of graphene. The proposed structure has potential applications in realizing tunable dynamic imaging and other communication fields.
Subject/ive bodies: the resistance poetics of Chrystos and Mahadai Das
Authors: MacDonald Geoffrey
Published: June 2021

Recent criticism has considered how literary texts harness historical and ideological forces in the representation of the body. However, much of that scholarship focuses on hegemonic structures such as Western medicine, post-human technologies or colonial race theories. This article looks at how two poets from the Americas – Indigenous North American Chrystos (Menominee) and Mahadai Das from Guyana – express representations of the body from a position of marginalisation to emphasise the connections between individual subjectivity and social transformation. I discuss the body as theme for producing a resistance poetry that directly connects desire, disaffection, sexuality and mourning to decolonisation. I perform close readings that emphasise the linkages between intimate relations and social movements. Chrystos and Das speak to a constitutive divide in post-colonial studies between the personal and political in what is called resistance literature. By centring deeply personal perspectives on decolonial struggle within a figurative context that encourages contemplation and complexity, these poets contribute to a diversification of resistance theory that addresses gender, anti-racist, sexual diversity and other movements of the last few decades.
“Have you any Bread and Wine?”
Authors: Mac Gabhann Fionnán
Published: June 2021

In this article, I examine the traditional children’s game Roman Soldiers as a vehicle through which children contemplated community amid sectarian strife. Drawing on published and archival sources from Ireland, Britain, and the Americas, I suggest that children played with, critiqued, and, at times, subverted the conflicts that engulfed their societies through this game. In the process, children frequently highlighted the necessity of reciprocity for the maintenance of communal accord.
“I Know Just How He Feels”
Authors: Baird Mary Twining
Published: June 2021

This essay is written in the ethnographic present. It is based on research in South Carolina carried out in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the cooperation and consent of the residents of the John’s Island Community. All lines from the games and songs were sung during the presentation October 18, 2019, 2:30 P.M. at the American Folklore Society Annual Meeting in Baltimore, MD. The description of the Vulture’s gait and the Ranky Tanky body shake were demonstrated.
Looking for Peekaboo
Authors: Rice Claiborne
Published: June 2021

In the context of a preliminary investigation of peekaboo play in a local day care, this essay examines the particulars of one child’s actions as she attempts to engage another child in peekaboo. Four elements of the child’s performance contribute to its evaluation as peekaboo: the stylized motions of looking and eye-covering, the intent to make and keep eye contact with the play partner, the rhythmic timing of covering-uncovering motions, and the opportunistic nature of the attempt to play. Considering peekaboo as a folk illusion puts these kinds of early performances in the context of a developmental trajectory that spans the entire childhood.
Propaganda and Propagation
Authors: Soileau Jeanne Pitre
Published: June 2021

Propaganda is more a part of twenty-first century life than ever. Children are every bit as influenced by it as the adults around them. How do children respond to various means they encounter that seek to sway their minds? Through schoolyard games and rhymes schoolchildren show that they are cognizant of all the propaganda they are handed. Their lore reflects both an acceptance of some propaganda ideas, and a cleverly framed rejection of others.
The online student experience: A MAC-ICE thematic structure
Authors: Henry Mel
Published: June 2021

Attracting and retaining students in a COVID-distanced online higher education market is more important than ever. With limited access to campus, extensive student choice, and precarious institutional revenue, understanding what makes a positive online student experience in the eyes of students themselves, is vital for institutional survival. Through an in-depth case study of online first-year university students, this research identified six themes that describe students’ lived experiences of online education (OE), summarised as a motivation, ability, circumstances – interaction, curriculum, environment, or MAC-ICE, thematic structure of the online student experience (OSE). Where online students are deeply motivated, possess the skills to participate effectively in online university education, and are situated in conducive circumstances, they may be well placed for a positive student experience. Supplementing this, universities may facilitate a quality OSE through meaningful interaction with instructors, peers, and course content; flexible, challenging, and relevant curricula; and a reliable, innovative learning environment commensurate with the on-campus student experience. The rich description provided by this research enables generation of propositions about students’ experiences of OE, and suggests opportunities to enhance the OSE through consideration of identified themes.

 

Implications for practice or policy:

The OSE can be described by students’ motivation, ability, and circumstances, alongside institutional interaction, curriculum, and environment.

OE may be perceived to involve more work, greater concentration, better time management, more self-regulation, and a heavier reliance on technology, than on-campus education.

OE research may be confounded, where particular MAC-ICE themes are insufficiently considered.

Online student outcomes may be increased through purposeful consideration of all MAC-ICE themes.
Effects of smartphone-based collaborative vlog projects on EFL learners’ speaking performance and learning engagement
Authors: Huang Hui-Wen
Published: June 2021

This study examined how smartphone-based collaborative video projects influenced English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ speaking performance and learning engagement using blended learning in China. The collaborative video projects helped students engage in two smartphone-based video filming tasks to combine language learning with real-life experiences simultaneously. A total of 65 college students used smartphones to participate in 3-minute collaborative video tasks that were related to the learning context of the classroom textbook. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected during this 8-week intervention. This included pretest and post-test speaking scores, a questionnaire on group collaboration, students’ final reflections and focus group interviews. A paired-sample t test, descriptive analysis and qualitative content analysis were used to analyse the data. The results indicate that students’ speaking abilities were significantly improved at the end of the intervention. They enjoyed group collaboration in the video projects and appreciated acquiring digital media production skills. Interview results highlight the opportunities for and challenges of the educational application of video projects in EFL classrooms.

 

Implications for practice or policy:

Integrating collaborative vlog projects in EFL classrooms can stimulate students’ speaking performance.

Student-made collaborative vlogs can help students develop 21st century skills, especially in digital media production.

Smartphone-based vlog projects can increase learners’ engagement and enhance their group collaboration skills.
Ultrasound Neuromodulation: Integrating Medicine and Engineering for Neurological Disease Treatment
Authors: Chen Yuhao , Li Yue , Du Meng , Yu Jinsui , Gao Fei , Yuan Zhen , Chen Zhiyi
Published: June 2021

Neurological diseases associated with dysfunctions of neural circuits, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), depression and epilepsy, have been increasingly prevalent. To tackle these issues, artificial stimulation or regulation of specific neural circuits and nuclei are employed to alleviate or cure certain neurological diseases. In particular, ultrasound neuromodulation has been an emerging interdisciplinary approach, which integrates medicine and engineering methodologies in the treatment. With the development of medicine and engineering, ultrasound neuromodulation has gradually been applied in the treatment of central nervous system diseases. In this review, we aimed to summarize the mechanism of ultrasound neuromodulation and the advances of focused ultrasound (FUS) in neuromodulation in recent years, with a special emphasis on its application in central nervous system disease treatment. FUS showed great feasibility in the treatment of epilepsy, tremor, AD, depression, and brain trauma. We also suggested future directions of ultrasound neuromodulation in clinical settings, with a focus on its fusion with genetic engineering or nanotechnology.
Consumer engagement behavior perspective in social media: Mediating role and impact on brand equity
Authors: Zailskaite-Jakste Ligita , Minelgaite Inga
Published: June 2021

This study analyzes marketing communication (MC) impact on brand equity (BE) in social media (SM) seeking to identify mediating role of consumer engagement behavior (CEB) between generated functional and hedonic content on brand equity (BE). The CEB is divided into three levels: consuming, contributing, and creating. A survey-based empirical study with 402 respondents was conducted in the Eastern Europe country Lithuania. The implemented five control variables disclosed new mediation tracks and the good fit of the model, with the main findings of the research being that CEB occurring via SM platforms mediates the relationship between marketing communication and BE. 

These outcomes suggest that companies seeking to make an impact on BE through CEB in level creation, should develop company-created utilitarian content which may engage consumers, extending the reach of their content and helping to facilitate long-term brand loyalty.

Keywords: marketing communication; consumer engagement behavior; social media; brand equity.
How to make estimates with compensation for nonresponse in statistical analysis of census data
Authors: Terek Milan , Muchova Eva , Lesko Peter
Published: June 2021

The paper deals with the problem of solving the nonresponse problem in a realized census. The purpose is to modify the method of poststratification using weights to compensate for nonresponse, which is known in sample surveys, for its application in censuses. The suggested approach offers more accurate estimates because of compensation for nonresponse and the possibility to formulate broader conclusions based on the census data. The approach is advised in all surveys in which the costs of realization the survey by the census, are practically the same as for sample survey and the list of all units of the population is available.
The commercial banks’ credit risk efficiency: Empirical evidence from Kosovo
Authors: Sahiti Arbana , Sahiti Arben
Published: June 2021

Commercial banks' credit risk management is a function that focuses on events that may affect the achievement of objectives. Improper management will result in negative consequences or results. Therefore, banks usually pay more attention to events with a higher probability and impact of a direct loss of revenue and capital than events that may result in positive effects. This research adopts secondary data and seeks to analyze credit risk management of commercial banks in Kosovo through a developed DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) model. The study covers seven commercial banks in Kosovo for the period 2008-2016 and uses Tobit regression to determine credit risk efficiency. The estimation results show a statistically significant positive relationship between bank efficiency, capital adequacy, and loans.  Moreover, the study found that banks' efficiency factors, including profitability, deposits, costs, banks size, GDP growth, and inflation, are not statistically significant.
Expert-based evaluation of digitalization and mass customization in the Baltic non-life insurance online platforms
Authors: Baranauskas Gedas , Raišienė Agota Giedrė
Published: June 2021

The expansion of online distribution platforms illustrates how non-life insurance companies are shifting to digital and customized personal line insurance products. This research extends previous investigations on digital insurance transformations and customization trends in the European and Baltic markets. Expert-based evidence on predominant as-is features in existing non-life insurance online platforms and evaluation on a practical spread of 3 capabilities of the Mass Customization concept are key research outcomes. Results reveal that neither the Mass Customization concept and its capabilities nor combinations with digital and personalization solutions are sufficiently widespread. Results of the digitalization evaluation indicate that the level in the Baltic non-life insurance sector is between Satisfied and Rather Good and is equal to the level of service provider’s preparation for digital solutions. However, it is behind the actual needs of end-users. Findings show that standardization is a predominant as-is feature in the Baltic non-life insurance online platforms.
The gender aspects of career development and leadership in organizations
Authors: Pirtskhalaishvili Dea , Paresashvili Nino , Kulinich Tetiana
Published: June 2021

A Work-life balance is an important factor in the career management process. Thus, we find it interesting to focus on these issues when studying the career management process. The individuals employed in all administrations of Tbilisi districts were selected as the object of our research. The surveyed respondents were 50% of the employees. The aim of the research was to study career management issues from a gender perspective. It is important for us to find out how cultural and traditional values ​​influence career management. The findings of the research analysis were combined in three main areas. Some of the findings are related to the improvement of the organization management methods, the second part is aimed at the proper use of employees' self-management and free time, and the conclusions of the third category should be taken into account by the legislature.
Factors affecting credit risk in lending activities of joint-stock commercial banks in Vietnam
Authors: Ngo Thanh , Le Vinh , Le Hai
Published: June 2021

This paper studies factors affecting credit risk in lending activities of joint-stock commercial banks in Vietnam. Data is collected from audited financial statements of 23 banks, and macroeconomic data from General Statistics Office of Vietnam in the period of 2009 – 2019. This paper uses GMM method which is carried out by using R programing language in Jupyter Notebook. The findings show that lagged credit risk, profitability and inflation have positive effects on credit risk, while bank capital, bank size, economic growth and loans to deposits ratio have negative ones. In addition, the findings also show that the nonlinear effects of loan growth on credit risk with U shape relationship, and this paper also calculates the relative importance of each variable.
Political elite behavior effectiveness in combating the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study of Vietnam
Authors: Tran Huong Thi
Published: June 2021

The article aims to develop an empirical approach to identifying the key factors in the political elite behavior effectiveness in combating the COVID-19 pandemic propagation exemplified by Vietnam. Using regression analysis and the Chow test, we identified key behavioral factors that affect the effectiveness of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of mortality rates and the state of the economy. The study sample was formed by data from 67 countries worldwide for 2020. The results suggest that the Rule of Law significantly influences the state of the economy in a pandemic. The COVID-19 mortality rate is affected by the Global Health Security Index, gender, and cultural factors. Based on the constructed linear multivariate regression models, we calculated the contribution of significant factors to the effectiveness of combating the pandemic in Vietnam, their stimulating and de-stimulating effects compared to the average values of these indicators for the sample countries.
The effectiveness of human capital in the context of the digital transformation of the economy: The case of Ukraine
Authors: Rodchenko Volodymyr , Rekun Ganna , Fedoryshyna Larysa , Roshchin Ihor , Gazarian Svitlana
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this article is to empirically assess the qualitative parameters of the effectiveness of human capital for business digitalization in Ukraine. Using a survey of 500 business representatives in Ukraine and the Fibonacci rule, and taking into account the digital business transformation level, the qualitative levels of human capital efficiency have been classified. Also, using the method of principal components, the system of factors of human capital's effectiveness for the intensification of digitalization has been empirically substantiated. An empirical model for assessing the quantitative levels of human capital effectiveness in the context of digital business transformation has been developed using integral assessment. The potential for the development of business digitalization based on the factors' actual values has been determined. The results obtained can become the basis to improve the quality of human capital for the successful introduction of modern digital technologies into the country's business processes.
Impact of peat industry development on regional sustainability
Authors: Semin Alexander
Published: June 2021

The study aimed to substantiate the nature of the interaction between the economic efficiency of the peat industry and the sustainability of the region on the example of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area (KhMAA) of Russia. Based on the development indicators of the districts of KhMAA for 2017-2020, the factors characterizing the components of sustainable regional development were determined using the principal components’ method. Using the fuzzy sets’ method, the values, levels of the factors, and the integral indicator of sustainable development were calculated, and the realized and unrealized potential of peat industry development in the context of the districts of the study area were determined. The causal relationships between indicators of regional sustainable development and peat industry potential, and the nature of dependence between the indicators, are argued. The regional development prospects were revealed through the peat industry development based on the regression models built by calculating the elasticity coefficients.
Recent Advances in (Bio)Chemical Sensors for Food Safety and Quality Based on Silver Nanomaterials
Authors: Ivanišević Irena , Milardović Stjepan , Kassal Petar
Published: June 2021

There is a continuing need for tools and devices which can simplify, quicken and reduce the cost of analyses of food safety and quality. Chemical sensors and biosensors are increasingly being developed for this purpose, reaping from the opportunities provided by nanotechnology. Due to the distinct electrical and optical properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), this material plays a vital role in (bio)sensor development. This review is an analysis of chemical sensors and biosensors based on silver nanoparticles with application in food and beverage matrices. It consists of academic research published from 2015 to 2020. The paper is structured to separately explore the designs of two major (bio)sensor classes: electrochemical (including voltammetric and impedimetric sensors) and optical sensors (including colorimetric and luminescent), with special focus on the type of silver nanomaterial and its role in the sensor system. The review indicates that diverse nanosensors have been developed, capable of detecting analytes such as pesticides, mycotoxins, fertilisers, microorganisms, heavy metals, and various additives with exceptional analytical performance. Current trends in the design of such sensors are highlighted and challenges which need to be overcome in the future are discussed.
R-Skript Leukopenie 07 Transfusion.R v1
Authors: not provided Lindathuer , Ahrens Norbert
Published: June 2021

R script to analyze blood donors blood counts.
HOTS QUESTIONING ABILITY AND HOTS PERCEPTION OF LANGUAGE TEACHERS IN INDONESIA
Authors: Gozali Imelda , Lie Anita , Tamah Siti Mina , Jemadi Fransiskus
Published: June 2021

This study is part of a larger-scale research aimed at mapping the pedagogical competence of teachers of English and Indonesian Language across three cities of differing demographic features in Indonesia. As a subset of the study, this paper focused on investigating the ability to formulate higher-order thinking (HOT) questions in the classroom among the teachers, as well as getting their perception about applying HOTS in their classes. The mapping was done by comparing the abilities across teachers’ regions, years of service, and subjects taught (English and Indonesian Language). This research was designed as a case study involving quantitative and qualitative data analyses, with 15 (fifteen) secondary school teachers as the participants.  Data were collected through classroom observations, document (lesson plan) analyses, as well as teachers’ interviews. Quantitative analysis was performed on the teachers’ scores in formulating HOTS questions, while teaching documents and transcripts were coded for qualitative analysis. Although the statistical results revealed no significant difference between the HOTS questioning scores of the teachers in the different regions and years of service, qualitative data suggested that language medium, as shown by the difference between English and Indonesian Language teachers, might be an important factor affecting the abilities of teachers to ask HOT questions, as well as their perception of the applicability of HOTS in their classes. The inquiry into the teachers’ perceptions of HOTS also displayed a gap between teachers in the bigger city and those in more remote regions, as well as between the novices and the practitioners.
GENRE ANALYSIS OF MINUTES OF MEETINGS CONDUCTED IN ENGLISH BY THAI ENGINEERS
Authors: Changpueng Piyatida , Patpong Pattama
Published: June 2021

Meetings are one of the common activities that play an important role in the field of business.  For the community of Thai engineers, meetings become the salient aspects of their work, and therefore the effective writing of minutes of meetings is required. As such a writing is essential in the field, analyzing the corpus of the minutes of meetings would shed a light the patterns of meaning instantiated through those minutes.  A corpus of 115 minutes of meetings were collected and analyzed using the genre analysis framework (moves and steps) of Swales (1990), Bhatia (1993), and Thaweewong (2006).  Further, the lexico-grammatical features e.g., tenses and voices instantiated through the meetings were examined. Results of the analysis showed that Thai engineers use e-mail as the medium in writing the minutes in two ways:  using regular e-mail messages (e-mail form) and using the company form. In terms of moves, there were seven common moves observed in the writing of the minutes: (1) the heading; (2) an opening salutation; (3) establishing a correspondence chain; (4) the content of the meeting; (5) a closing correspondence chain; (6) a closing salutation; and (7) attaching a document.  In terms of lexicogrammar, there are some prominent features such as the simple present tense, active voice, noun phrases, proper nouns, abbreviations, and key word lists.  The results above can be further utilized by course designers when developing the materials for their course. It is expected that the knowledge of moves and lexico-gramamtical features can help engineering students and novice engineers practice writing the minutes of meetings effectively.
ENGLISH TEACHERS’ CONCEPTUALIZATION OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE LITERACY IN RELATION TO INDONESIA’S GERAKAN LITERASI SEKOLAH (SCHOOL LITERACY INITIATIVE)
Authors: Widiati Utami , Wulyani Anik Nunuk , El Khoiri Niamika , Hanifiyah Lina , Nindya Meyga Agustia , Tengku Sharif Tengku Intan Suzila
Published: June 2021

This study aims to explore how, in relation to Indonesia’s Gerakan Literasi Sekolah (GLS – School Literacy Initiative), Indonesian English teachers of secondary schools conceptualize L2 literacy in terms of linguistic and other sign systems, cognitive, sociocultural, and developmental dimensions, a model of literacy beliefs profile by Kucer (2014). The data were collected through a survey questionnaire adapted from Kucer’s model, comprising 37 closed-ended items on conceptual understandings of foreign language literacy, presented in values of 1 to 5 Likert-scale indicating statements from strongly disagree (SD), disagree (D), neutral (N), agree (A), to strongly agree (SA). After being moderated for validity and clarity, the questionnaire was distributed to various groups and forums of English teachers through Google-form. With this convenience sampling procedure, 157 English teachers, mostly from East Java Province, Indonesia, responded to our questionnaire. The results of descriptive analyses in the forms of mean percentages portray how English teachers in our study successfully frame L2 language literacy as reflected in Kucer’s dimensions, which potentially equip them with knowledge about taking part in the success of GLS implementation. They seem to understand that the core of literacy lies in the cognitive dimension, suggesting the use of literacy to express meanings, and that the expressions of meaning require linguistic literacy dimension as the vehicle. These cognitive and linguistic literacy dimensions are affected by the sociocultural literacy dimension, and the employment of the three dimensions tends to continually exist as we are experiencing new and novel events from day to day. Future research might focus on exploring how these understandings about literacy are finally realized in the classroom.
THE CORRELATION BETWEEN INDONESIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ RECEPTIVE VOCABULARY KNOWLEDGE AND THEIR READING COMPREHENSION LEVEL
Authors: Hartono Dang Arif , Prima Stefanus Angga Badara
Published: June 2021

While the literature has shown that vocabulary mastery affects reading comprehension, only a few Indonesian researchers investigated this. To narrow this gap, this study aims to: 1) measure Indonesian university students' knowledge of receptive vocabulary, 2) measure their reading comprehension level, and 3) investigate the association between the two variables. The participants in this study were 168 first-year university students from a private university implementing English-medium instruction (EMI). We utilized the updated vocabulary level test to measure their receptive vocabulary size and the IELTS academic reading test to measure their reading comprehension level. The participants mean scores on the updated VLT were 28.73, 26.63, 22.27, 22.42 and 23.12 at the 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000-word level respectively. Only 34 out of 168 participants could be considered to have a sufficient vocabulary size. On average they scored 16.08 (SD = 7.96) on the IELTS academic reading test, which was roughly equivalent to 5 in IELTS band score. We also found strong and significant correlations between the participants’ scores on the IELTS academic reading test and the updated VLT at all levels, with the largest effect size on the 4,000-word level (r = .71, p .001, BCa 95% CI [0.64, 0.78], r2 = .50). These findings indicated that the participants did not have sufficient vocabulary knowledge and had a low reading proficiency, potentially inhibiting progress in their academic pursuits. We discussed the findings in relation to the teaching of English in EFL, ESL, and EMI contexts. Practical implications of the findings are also discussed.