bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MRI-Based Nomogram Analysis: Recognization of Anterior Peritoneal Reflection and Its Relationship to Rectal Cancers
Authors: Zhang Shaoting , Chen Fangying , Ma Xiaolu , Wang Minjie , Yu Guanyu , Shen Fu , Gao Xianhua , Lu Jianping
Published: January 2021

Background: This study is aimed to explore the factors influencing the visualization of the APR and evaluated the feasibility of measuring the distance from the anal verge to APR (AV-APR), the tumor height on MRI and the accuracy of determining the tumor location with regard to APR. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 110 patients with rectal cancer. A univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the independent factors (age, gender, T stage, the degree of bladder filling, pelvic effusion, intraoperative tumor location, BMI, uterine orientation, the distance from seminal vesicle/uterus to rectum) associated with the visualization of the APR on MRI. The nomogram diagram and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) were established. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate the consistency of the distance of AV-APR. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to characterize the agreement between measurements of the tumor height by colonoscopy and MRI. The Kappa statistics was used to evaluate the value of MRI in the diagnosis of the tumor location with regard to the APR. Results: Multivariate logistic regression showed that BMI (P=0.031, odds ratio, OR=0.835), pelvic effusion (P=0.020, OR=7.107) and the distance from seminal vesicle/uterus to the rectum (P=0.001, OR=0.276) were correlated with the visualization of APR. The cut-off point of BMI and the distance from seminal vesicle/uterus to the rectum is 25.845kg/m2 and 1.15cm. The area under curve (AUC) （95% Confidence Interval, 95%CI）of the combined model is 0.840 (0.750-0.930). The favorable calibration of the nomogram showed a non-significant Hosmer-Lemeshow test statistic (P=0.195). The ICC value (95%CI) of the distance of AV-APR measured by two radiologists was 0.981 (0.969-0.989). The height measured by MRI and colonoscopy were correlated with each other (r=0.699, P＜0.001). The Kappa value was 0.854. Conclusions: BMI, pelvic effusion, and the distance from seminal vesicle/uterus to rectum could affect the visualization of APR on MRI. Also, it’s feasible to measure the distance of AV-APR, the tumor height, and to evaluate the tumor location with regard to APR using MRI.
ggtreeExtra: Compact visualization of richly annotated phylogenetic data
Authors: Yu Guangchuang , xu shuangbin , Dai Zehan , Guo Pingfan , Fu Xiaocong , Liu Shanshan , Zhou Lang , Tang Wenli , Feng Tingze , Chen Meijun , Zhan Li , Wu Tianzhi , Hu Erqiang
Published: January 2021

We present the ggtreeExtra package for visualizing heterogeneous data with a phylogenetic tree (https://www.bioocnductor.org/packages/ggtreeExtra). It supports more data types and visualization methods than other tools and has many features that are not available elsewhere. The ggtreeExtra package is a universal tool for tree data visualization. It extends the applications of phylogenetic tree in different disciplines by making more domain specific data to be available to visualize and interpret on the evolutionary context.
Quality of Life and Health Status among those receiving Renal Replacement Therapy in Trinidad and Tobago. West Indies.
Authors: Sanchez Sharlene Maria , Teelucksingh Surujpal , Ali Ronan , Bailey Henry , Legall George
Published: January 2021

Purpose:The determinants of quality of life for patients on renal replacement therapy vary across the world. In this cross sectional study, the factors accounting for a good quality of life in the resource-constrained twin-island of Trinidad and Tobago will be explored.Patients and methods:Five hundred and fifty three patients met inclusion criteria for the study. From the 103 patients receiving renal transplants, 100 participated and among the 84 on peritoneal dialysis, 80 took part in the study. Among the 1000-odd patients who were receiving hemodialysis, 350 were studied using convenience sampling. To be included, one had to be on renal replacement therapy for 3 months or more and at least 18 years of age. The Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL-36) and the EuroQol (EQ-5D-3L) instruments were administered after demographic data was collected. Transplant recipients were further evaluated with the Kidney Transplant Questionnaire (KTQ). Inferential analysis of data included 95% confidence intervals, ordinary least squares regression, analysis of variance, pairwise correlation and Pearson’s bivariate analysis. SPSS24, STATA14 and MINITAB18 were used.Results:Of the 530 patients, 52.5% were male, 37.5% were in the 56-65 years age group and 51.3% were of Indo-Trinbagonian descent. Hypertension (25.5%) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (62.0%) were reported as the main causes of kidney disease in the dialysis group. In the transplant category, chronic glomerulonephritis (45%) was the main aetiology of kidney disease. The KDQOL-36 domain scores and significantly associated variables included modality of renal replacement, Charlson’s Comorbidity Index, ethnicity, income and employment status. Transplant patients performed the best in the KDQOL-36 and EQ-5D-3L. Patients on peritoneal dialysis had a better quality of life than hemodialysis patients. Increasing patients’ access to renal transplantation or peritoneal dialysis will markedly improve health status for the number of years on renal replacement therapy. Among patients on hemodialysis, an arteriovenous fistula or graft significantly impacted on quality of life.Conclusion:Renal transplant recipients enjoy the best quality of life and health state among patients on renal replacement therapy in Trinidad and Tobago. Given the limitations in resources, patients on peritoneal dialysis also enjoy a good quality of life while the presence of an arteriovenous fistula or graft improved quality of life scores for those receiving hemodialysis. Policies should be implemented to achieve an acceptable quality of life for all patients receiving renal replacement therapy.
Site-specific metastases of gallbladder adenocarcinoma and their prognostic value for survival: a SEER-based study
Authors: Yang Yingnan , Tu Zhuolong , Ye Chentao , Cai Huajie , Yang Shouzhang , Chen Xuehai , Tu Jinfu
Published: January 2021

Background: Gallbladder cancer is a rare but highly malignant cancer, which often progresses to a metastatic stage when diagnosed because of its asymptomatic manifestation. In this study, we intended to analyze the prognostic value of metastatic gallbladder adenocarcinoma (GBA) with site-specific metastases.Methods: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, GBA patients diagnosed with metastases between 2010 and 2016 were selected to identify the prognosis according to the isolated metastatic sites, including liver, lung, bone, brain and distant lymph nodes (DL). Kaplan-Meier methods were used for survival comparisons and multivariable Cox regression models were constructed to find out independent factors that associated with survival.Results: Data from 1526 eligible patients were extracted from the SEER database. Among the patients, 788 (51.6%) had isolated liver metastases, 80 (5.2%) had isolated distant nodal involvement, 45 (2.9%) had isolated lung metastases, 21 (1.4%) had isolated bone metastases, 2 (0.1%) had isolated brain metastases and 590 (38.7%) had multiple metastases. No significant survival difference was shown between patients with single or multisite metastases (P>0.05). Patients with isolated lung or DL metastases had significant better survival outcomes than those with isolated bone metastases (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that performing surgery at primary site, receiving chemotherapy were associated with better OS and CSS for patients with isolated liver or DL metastases.Conclusions: The study showed that different metastatic sites affect survival outcomes in metastatic GBA patients. Highly selected subset of patients with liver or DL metastases might benefit from surgery at primary site.
TGF-β-induced α-SMA expression is mediated by C/EBPβ acetylation in human alveolar epithelial cells
Authors: Ding Hui , Chen Jinjun , Qin Jingping , Chen Ruhua , Yi Zili
Published: January 2021

Background: The morbidity and mortality rates associated with IPF are high, while powerful and precise therapeutic options with IPF are lacking. Object: Through in vitro model, this study sought to determine whether binding of acetylated CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ) to alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) promoter could affect the activity of the latter as well as assess if it is essential for epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and extracellular matrix deposition in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Methods: The expression of EMT and C/EBPβ in A549 cells with transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) as pulmonary fibrotic model were detected by western blotting and qPCR. Collagen-I expression using ELISA was performed. The luciferase activity was used to examine the activity of C/EBPβ. Knockdown of C/EBPβ was performed by siRNA. We also investigated the effect of deacetylation of C/EBPβ on EMT using sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). The binding ability of C/EBPβ with α-SMA promoter was affirmed via chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA). The relationship of α-SMA and acetylated C/EBPβ was investigated by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). SiRNA-mediated knockdown of C/EBPβ in A549 cells attenuated TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation and ECM deposition. The extent of association between acetylated C/EBPβ and α-SMA promoter was dynamically monitored. Results: It was confirmed that deacetylation of C/EBPβ in A549 cells successfully ameliorated TGF-β1-induced EMT, as shown by reduction in α-SMA expression and excessive collagen-I accumulation. Conclusion: The EMT and fibrotic effect of TGF-β1 is dependent on acetylated C/EBPβ-mediated regulation of α-SMA gene activity. C/EBPβ acetylation may play a central role in pulmonary fibrosis.
Implementation and effectiveness of continuous kangaroo mother care: a participatory action research protocol
Authors: Mohammadi Marzieh , Bergh Anne Marie , Heidarzadeh Mohammad , Hosseini Mohammad Baghr , Sattarzadeh Niloufar , Valizadeh Leila , Sarvaran Behzad , Hakimi Sevil
Published: January 2021

Background The efficacy of continuous kangaroo mother care (C-KMC) in reducing neonatal mortality and morbidity among low birth weight and premature infants has been confirmed. Despite the recommendations of the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the Ministry of Health of Iran to use C-KMC for eligible hospitalized neonates, this type of care is not performed due to implementation problems. This protocol aims to describe the design, implementation, and assessment of C-KMC in one tertiary hospital by means of participatory action research.Methods The objective of this study is to design and implement a C-KMC program for neonates that will be performed in two phases using a stages-of-change model. The first phase will be conducted in three consecutive activities of designing, implementing, and assessing the introduction of C-KMC. The second phase of the study has a before-and-after design to assess the effectiveness of C-KMC by comparing the length of preterm neonates’ stay in hospital and exclusive breastfeeding at discharge before and after implementing C-KMC.Discussion KMC is an important component of neonatal developmental care as part of family-centered care. Applying this type of care requires creating appropriate strategies, budget allocation, and clear and coordinated planning at different levels of the health system. The stages-of-change model is one of the appropriate approaches to the implementation of C-KMC.
Pulmonary fibrosis and its related factors in discharged patients with new coronavirus pneumonia: A cohort study
Authors: Li Xiaohe , Shen Chenguang , Wang Lifei , Majumder Sumit , Zhang Die , Deen M. Jamal , Li Yanjie , Qing Ling , Zhang Ying , Chen Chuming , Zou Rongrong , Lan Jianfeng , Huang Ling , Peng Cheng , Zeng Lijiao , Liang Yanhua , Cao Mengli , Yang Yang , Yang Minghui , Tan Guoyu , Tang Shenghong , Liu Lei , Yuan Jing , Liu Yingxia
Published: January 2021

Background: Thousands of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients have been discharged from hospitals, persistent follow-up studies are required to evaluate the prevalence of post-COVID-19 fibrosis.Methods: This study involves 462 laboratory confirmed patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital from January 11, 2020 to April 26, 2020. A total of 457 patients underwent thin-section chest CT scans during the hospitalization or after discharge to identify the pulmonary lesion. A total of 287 patients were followed up from 90 days to 150 days after the onset of the disease, and lung function tests were conducted in about three months after the onset. The risk factors affecting the persistence of pulmonary fibrosis were identified through regression analysis and the prediction model of the persistence of pulmonary fibrosis was established.Results: Parenchymal bands, irregular interfaces, reticulation and traction bronchiectasis were the most common CT features in all COVID-19 patients. During the 0-30, 31-60, 61-90, 91-120 and >120 days after onset, 86.87%, 74.40%, 79.56%, 68.12% and 62.03% patients developed with pulmonary fibrosis and 4.53%, 19.61%, 18.02%, 38.30% and 48.98% patients reversed pulmonary fibrosis, respectively. It was observed that Age, BMI, Fever, and Highest PCT were predictive factors for sustaining fibrosis even after 90 days from onset. A predictive model of the persistence with pulmonary fibrosis was developed based-on the Logistic Regression method with an accuracy, PPV, NPV, Sensitivity and Specificity of the model of 76%, 71%, 79%, 67%, and 82%, respectively. More than half of COVID-19 patients revealed abnormal condition in lung function after 90 days from onset, and the ratio of abnormal lung function did not differ on a statistically significant level between the fibrotic and non-fibrotic groups.Conclusions: Persistent pulmonary fibrosis was more likely to develop in patients with older age, high BMI, severe/critical condition, fever, long time to turn the viral RNA negative, pre-existing disease and delay to admission. Fibrosis developed in COVID-19 patients could be reversed in about a third of the patients after 120 days from onset. The pulmonary function of less than half of COVID-19 patients could turn to normal condition after three months from onset. An effective prediction model with an average Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.84 was established to predict the persistence of pulmonary fibrosis in COVID-19 patients for early diagnosis.
Circulating Tight-junction Proteins are Potential Biomarkers for Blood-Brain Barrier Function in a Model of Neonatal Hypoxic/Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Andersson Axel Erik , Mallard Carina , Ek Carl Joakim
Published: January 2021

Background Neonatal encephalopathy often leads to lifelong disabilities with limited treatments currently available. The brain vasculature is an important factor in many neonatal neurological disorders but there is a lack of diagnostic tools to evaluate the brain vascular dysfunction of neonates in the clinical setting. Measurement of blood-brain barrier tight-junction proteins have shown promise as biomarkers for brain injury in the adult. Here we tested the biomarker potential of tight-junctions in the context of neonatal brain injury.Methods The levels of TJ-proteins (occluding, claudin-5, and zonula occludens protein 1) in both blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as well as blood-brain barrier function via 14C-sucrose (342 Da) and Evans blue extravasation were measured in a hypoxia/ischemia brain-injury model in neonatal rats.Results Time-dependent changes of occludin and claudin-5 levels could be measured in blood and CSF after hypoxia/ischemia with males generally having higher levels than females. The levels of claudin-5 in CSF correlated with the severity of the brain injury at 24h post- hypoxia/ischemia. Simultaneously, we detected early increase in blood-brain barrier-permeability at 6 and 24h after hypoxia/ischemia.Conclusions Levels of circulating claudin-5 and occludin are increased after hypoxic/ischemic brain injuries and blood-brain barrier-impairment and have promise as early biomarkers for cerebral vascular dysfunction and as a tool for risk assessment of neonatal brain injuries.
Efficacy and Safety of Arbidol in Treatment of Patients with COVID-19 Infection: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: ghaderkhani Sara , khaneshan Arezoo salami , Salami Amir , alavijeh Parvaneh ebrahimi , Kouchak Hamid Emadi , khalili Hossein , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Ahmadinejad Zahra , Rasolinejad Mehrnaz , Hajiabdolbaghi Mahboubeh , Jafari Sirous , Hasannezhad Malihe , Seifi Arash , abasian Ladan , ghiasvand fereshte , Avanaki Foroogh Alborzi , edalatifard Maryam , Rahimi Mojgan
Published: January 2021

Background: The outbreak of COVID-19has led to a high demand for finding effective antiviral agents. Preliminary experiments showed that Umifenovir could inhibit coronavirus replication in vivo. There is limited data on the clinical efficacy of COVID-19-infected pneumonia. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate this medication based on clinical findings.Methods: The present study was designed as a clinical trial to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of this medicine compared to empirical treatment. For this purpose, multi-stage sampling was considered. 56 people who have mild to moderate symptoms without signs of sever pneumonia , were selected by accidental non-random sampling method. This sample size was subsequently divided into two groups (group A threated with hydroxycloroquine and group B who threated with combination hydroxycloroquine and Umifenovir) by randomized block sampling (1:1). During the study, three patients left the case group. Their clinical sighns and symptoms were evaluated on 3 th and 7 th and 14 th days after oncet illness while taking these medicines in the disease course. The SPSS software was used for data analysis and the significance level was considered to be P<0.05.Results: On the seventh days after visit patients , there were statistically significant differences in recuperation dry cough(p = 0.001), weakness(p = 0.004), gastrointestinal symptoms(p = 0.043) and shortness of breath (p = 0.001) between the two groups, so that in patients who under orescription combination HCQ and Umifenovir group had a faster recovery.Generally during illness , there were statistically significantly faster melioratation myalgia(p = 0.03), gastrointestinal symptoms(p = 0.047), and weakness(p = 0.007)in patients who threated with both HCQ and Umifenovir .Conclusion: Evaluation clinical findings in mild to moderate COVID-19 patients symptoms and sighns recuperation faster in group who under orescription combination HCQ and Umifenovir .regimen. In other words, adding Umifenovir to the empirical treatment accelerated the recovery process of patients’ clinical symptoms.
BiVO4/Fe3O4@Polydopamine Superparticles for Tumor Multimodal Imaging and Synergistic Therapy
Authors: Wang Ze , Wang Guan , Kang Tingting , Liu Shuwei , Wang Lu , Zou Haoyang , Chong Yu , Liu Yi
Published: January 2021

Background: Despite tremendous progress has been achieved in tumor theranostic over the past decade, accurate identification and complete eradication of tumor cells remain a great challenge owing to the limitation of single imaging modality and therapeutic strategy. Results: Herein, we successfully design and construct BiVO4/Fe3O4@polydopamine (PDA) superparticles (SPs) for computed tomography (CT)/photoacoustic (PA)/magnetic resonance (MR) multimodal imaging and radiotherapy (RT)/photothermal therapy (PTT) synergistic therapy toward oral epithelial carcinoma. On the one hand, BiVO4 NPs endow BiVO4/Fe3O4@PDA SPs with impressive X-ray absorption capability due to the high X-ray attenuation coefficient of Bi, which is beneficial for their utilization as radiosensitizers for CT imaging and RT. On the other hand, Fe3O4 NPs impart BiVO4/Fe3O4@PDA SPs with the superparamagnetic property as a T2-weighted contrast agent for MR imaging. Importantly, the aggregation of Fe3O4 NPs in SPs and the presence of PDA shell greatly improve the photothermal conversion capability of SPs, making BiVO4/Fe3O4@PDA SPs as an ideal photothermal transducer for PA imaging and PTT. By integrating advantages of various imaging modalities (CT/PA/MR) and therapeutic strategies (RT/PTT), our BiVO4/Fe3O4@PDA SPs exhibit the sensitive multimodal imaging feature and superior synergistic therapeutic efficacy on tumors. Conclusion: Since there are many kinds of building blocks with unique properties appropriating for self-assembly, our work may largely enrich the library of nanomateirals for tumor diagnosis and treatment.
Single-Cell Transcriptomic Profiling and Characterization of Endothelial Progenitor Cells: New Approach for Finding Novel Markers
Authors: Abdelgawad Mohamed Essameldin , Desterke Christophe , Uzan Georges , Naserian Sina
Published: January 2021

Background: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are promising candidates for the cellular therapy of peripheral arterial & cardiovascular diseases. However, hitherto there is no specific marker(s) defining precisely EPCs. Herein, we are proposing a new in-silico approach for finding novel EPCs markers. Methods: we assembled five groups of chosen EPCs-related genes/factors using Pubmed literature & gene ontology databases. This shortened database of EPCs factors was fed into publically-published transcriptome matrix to compare their expression between endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), HUVECs and two adult endothelial cell types (ECs) from skin and adipose tissue. Further, the database was used for functional enrichment on mouse phenotype database and protein-protein interaction network analyses. Moreover, we built a digital matrix of healthy donors' PBMCs (33 thousand single cell transcriptomes) and analyzed the expression of these EPCs factors Results: Transcriptome analyses showed that BMP2,4 & ephrinB2 were exclusively highly expressed in EPCs; the expression of neuropilin-1 & VEGF-C were significantly higher in EPCs & HUVECs compared with other ECs; Notch 1 was highly expressed in EPCs & skin-ECs; MIR21 was highly expressed in skin-ECs; PECAM-1 were significantly higher in EPCs & adipose ECs. Moreover, functional enrichment of EPCs-related genes on mouse phenotype and STRING protein database has revealed significant relations between chosen EPCs factors and endothelial & vascular functions, development and morphogenesis, where ephrinB2, BMP2 and BMP4 were highly expressed in EPCs and were connected to abnormal vascular functions. Single cell RNA-sequencing analyses has revealed that among the EPCs regulated markers in transcriptome analyses: i-ICAM1 & Endoglin were weekly expressed in the monocyte compartment of peripheral blood; ii-CD163 & CD36 were highly expressed in CD14+ monocyte compartment whereas CSF1R was highly expressed in CD16+ monocyte compartment; iii-L-selectin & IL6R were globally expressed in the lymphoid/myeloid compartments; iv-interestingly, PLAUR/UPAR & NOTCH2 were highly expressed in both CD14+ & CD16+ monocytic compartments. Conclusions: The current study has identified novel EPCs markers that could be used for better characterization of EPCs sub-population in adult peripheral blood and subsequent usage of EPCs for various cell therapy and regenerative medicine applications.
Customer attitude to the local currency implementation
Authors: Kljucnikov Aleksandr , Civelek Mehmet , Krajcík Vladimіr , Polach Jirі
Published: January 2021

Carrying local currencies into practice in limited geographical regions has become a major obstacle to overcome due to the awareness and trust of potential users. In this context, the purpose of this research is to explore and examine how the trust and knowledge of potential users about local currencies differ between their genders and working experiences. In line with this target, the researchers gained data from 413 workers in the Cieszyn Silesia region by using questionnaire surveys. Chi-Square and Z-score tests were calculated by SPSS statistical software to get statistically significant differences between the determining variables. The analyses corroborated the nonexistence of statistically significant differences between genders and work experiences in the local currency knowledge of potential users. Most of the respondents in the analyzed region were aware of local currencies. Publicity and prevalence of local currencies and mutual interactions between employees might be the reasons for the similarities in the knowledge of potential users. Furthermore, this study confirms that the trust of workers differs regarding their gender and work experience. Comparing to men and more experienced potential users, the propensity of women and less experienced employees to trust local currencies is higher. The reasons for these differences in gender and work experiences might stem from the education levels, perceptions, adoptions, instincts, and interests of potential users regarding these currencies. These results can be mounting evidence to consider for institutions, organizations, governments, and practitioners when implementing local currencies to increase the competitiveness of less developed regions. This study is only limited to a region, and the respondents are only employees. Other limitations are that this research examines two obstacles of the implementations of local currencies and two characteristics of respondents, namely, age and work experience.
Keywords: awareness, Cieszyn Silesia region, community currency, digital currency, gender, local currency, trust, work experience.
Factors Influencing Consumers’ Green Purchase Behavior: Green Advertising as Moderator.
Authors: Hussain Syed Asad , Haq Mirza Amin Ul , Soomro Yasir Ali
Published: January 2021

Environmental sustainability importance increases, the environmental degradation problems attract the discussions around the world concerning many areas of life, consumption, and disposition of goods. Green marketing and advertisement have become a popular choice by companies to influence the consumer buying process. This study aimed to examine the moderated role of green advertisement among the influence of environmental concern, social impact, and self-image on green purchase behavior. The survey sample is 458 responses from various consumers. The methodological tools were quantitative research methods. The study applied confirmatory factor analysis and moderation analysis to evaluate the six hypotheses developed and proposed in the conceptual framework. The authors performed regression and moderation analysis after achieving the model fit indices and Cronbach’s alpha. The regression analysis reveals that independent variables environmental concern, self-image, and social impact had a significant influence on green purchase behavior. Furthermore, environmental concern and self-image have a more substantial influence on green purchase behavior. The moderation results revealed that green advertisement has a positive and significant moderated relationship among environmental concern, self-image, social influence, and green purchase behavior. The obtained results indicated that marketers could increase green purchase behavior. In turn, it will allow supporting the green environment by taking the above determinants of green purchase behavior into consideration for developing green policies and strategies which are mutually beneficial for the consumer as well as for the safe environment. The findings of this study suggest that green advertisement could increase green purchase behavior. Herewith, people become greener and environment-conscious in their routine life. The authors suggested practical implications for the strategists and marketers who are willing to go green. The study results present an overview of how marketers could devise more effective strategies and advertisement to endorse the green purchase behavior.
Keywords: green purchase behavior, green products, sustainable consumption, eco-friendly environment, social influence, self-image, and green advertisement.
Using Digital Devices in the Online Shopping: a Study of Demographic Differences
Authors: Bacik Radovan , Gavurova Beata , Fedorko Richard , Olearova Maria
Published: January 2021

The paper deals with the investigation of the analysis that reveals the impact of digitalization as the development of new communication platforms, which are also changing the consumer’s purchasing behavior in the online environment. The main goal of this research is to identify consumer preferences concerning the communication platforms of digital equipment for purchasing in the online environment. The study is focused primarily on smartphones, tablets, phablets, laptops, PDAs, and desktops. The survey sample amounts to 414 respondents. The authors observed the differences in preferences on types of digital devices based on the sex, generations, the level of education of respondents, and the frequency of the purchase. Methodological tools of this study are non-parametric tests and ordinal regression analysis. The analysis results stated that the most preferred device for the online purchase is the notebook for males and so for females. Herewith, the authors did not find statistically significant gender differences. It is expected that the impact of innovation various changes in these preferences, especially in a change to use tablets and smartphones. The analysis has shown that people mostly purchase via smartphone. Moreover, they are the customers with a higher frequency of purchases, and customers of generation X, which means that even the older consumers. The paper includes practical implications, particularly for business entities, for the reason that knowledge of the options leads to the right set of strategies and will follow the effective achievement of business aims. Businesses with the characteristics of an innovative and active entity have a much greater chance of becoming a prosperous company. These companies are able to respond flexibly to the values of those consumers who are using their digital devices. The ever-increasing global interest in digital shopping signals the urgent need to deepen knowledge of consumer behavior.
Keywords: digital devices, E-commerce, online shopping, Slovakia, generation, regression analysis, non-parametric methods.
Innovation Mechanism in Monetary Policy Forecasting: Unification of all Macroeconomic Puzzles in SVAR Model
Authors: Kuznyetsova Angela , Klishchuk Olha , Lisnyak Andrew , Kerimov Atik , Babayev Azer
Published: January 2021

The article is devoted to developing a forecasting mechanism unifying all macroeconomic puzzles, which violate fundamental macroeconomic relationships among variables of the monetary transmission mechanism in Ukraine. The violations mentioned above caused by breaking one-law price (PPP puzzle), uncovered interest rates rule (UIP puzzle), plausible emergence of new sophisticated financial instruments, and causality of international risk-sharing conditions under the financial capital spillover. The authors calculated the residuals in the VAR model of monetary transmission mechanism (MTM) to analyze the correlations between shocks and disturbances in these variables. Furtherly these correlations were put in constructing the restriction matrix for building a structural vector autoregressive model. The correlations between shocks and disturbances were employed for estimating the impulse response functions used for determining the duration of half-life shocks for the real exchange rate. The obtained results allowed noticing that relationships between macroeconomic variables in the monetary transmission mechanism were not similar if considering the established foreign exchange arrangement. In particular, during 2007-2020, relationships among MTM variables were violated. Besides, the half-life duration of the real exchange rate was far longer. While in cases for Ukraine before switching to floating exchange rate regime and after it became less explicit and half-lives were shorter. The findings allowed confirming the impact of the currency arrangement switching on violation of traditional linkages between the variables of foreign exchange rate channel of MTM. Thus, it showed that during the fixed arrangement, absolutely all reactions were violated. Although after the introduction of a flexible exchange rate, the sign of REER correlation with foreign trade terms has changed to positive and more strengthened. Therefore, it has demonstrated a positive impact on the dynamics of real GDP and lower inflation. The findings of the current study could be used to improve existed methodical approaches for establishing structural constraints on variables responses to the shock of the exchange rate. The algorithm for designing optimal monetary policy strategies could take place in empirical data and forecasting exchange rate volatility.
Keywords: PPP puzzle, UIP puzzle, MTM, financial innovations, REER, SVAR.
The Knowledge Management and Safety Compliance in OECD Economies: Some Experience for Jordan Industrial Sector
Authors: Pi Shih-Ming , Al-Zu’bi Ghassan
Published: January 2021

The paper investigates the role of knowledge management and safety compliance in OECD economies and applies some recommendations for the Jordan industrial sector. This study reveals the main problems with safety compliance which are resulted in fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries. The main purpose is to determine the innovation and economic factors that influence safety compliance to provide a relevant recommendation for improving the situation. The research object is chosen as countries because they present generalized information on safety compliance and provide an opportunity to develop some policy recommendations. In the frame of the paper investigation of the knowledge management and safety, compliance was carried out in the following logical sequence: first, it provides the relevant literature review, then it discusses methodology and data description, and at last, it presents empirical results with policy recommendation and conclusions. There was collected panel data for 29 OECD economies on such indicators as fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries per 100 000 workers, wealth, energy efficiency indicators, gross fixed capital formation, patent applications, high-technology exports and manufacturing value-added. Methodological tools of the research were the random effect estimations in Stata for the latest available data 2010-2015. The obtained results showed that the increase in GDP per capita in selected OECD economies reduces the fatal occupational injuries per 100 000 workers. Thus, an increase in GDP per capita by 1000 USD leads to a decrease in fatal occupational injuries per 100000 workers by 0,039. Also, an increase in GDP per capita by 1000 USD leads to an increase in non-fatal occupational injuries per 100000 workers by 7,8. The other important innovation variables are high technological export and patent application by residents, which reduce the level of non-fatal occupational injuries. Systematization of literary sources and approaches for solving the problem of safety compliance indicates that both economic and innovation parameters have to be addressed to reduce fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries. The results of this research can be useful for policy-makers who are responsible for knowledge management and safety compliance.
Keywords: knowledge management, safety compliance, OECD economies, innovations, occupational injuries.
Landscape Performance of Ebony Crepe Myrtle Cultivars in Low-input Landscapes in North-central Texas
Authors: Harp Derald , Chretien Kevin , Brown Mariah , Jones Curtis , Lopez-Serrano Jose
Published: January 2021

The Ebony series of crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) cultivars includes several (Ebony Embers, Ebony Fire, Ebony Flame, Ebony Glow, and Ebony and Ivory), marketed today under the Black Diamond® brand. These are relatively new crepe myrtle cultivars unique for their dark foliage, but with little information concerning their performance in north-central Texas, especially in low-input landscapes. The study was conducted from 2014 to 2017 at three locations in north-central Texas with three soil types, an acidic fine sandy loam, a neutral pH silt loam, and an alkaline heavy clay. Although soils and environmental conditions caused variations between sites, overall performance among cultivars was consistent across all study sites, with Centennial Spirit having better landscape performance than any of the Ebony cultivars tested. ‘Ebony and Ivory’ and ‘Ebony Blush’ had the overall lowest landscape performance. Ebony cultivars grew more slowly, had fewer blooms, and were more susceptible to powdery mildew than Centennial Spirit. While the trees may perform better in more intensively managed landscapes, the Ebony cultivars did not perform as well as Centennial Spirit in low-input landscapes in north-central Texas.
Özel Öğrenme Güçlüğü Olan Çocukların Matematik Öğrenme Sürecine İlişkin Veli Deneyimleri: Bir Durum Çalışması
Authors: TEMUR Özlem Doğan , KORKMAZ Nurdan
Published: January 2021

Giriş: Özel öğrenme güçlüğü yaşayan bireyler matematiksel kavram ve becerilerin ediniminde de başarısız olabilmektedirler. Bu sebeple ilkokulda matematik öğretiminin bu matematiksel becerilerin geliştirilmesini sağlayacak şekilde gerçekleştirilmesi önemlidir. Bu araştırmada özel öğrenme güçlüğü olan öğrencilerin velilerinin matematik eğitimi süreci hakkındaki deneyimlerinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır.Yöntem: Özel öğrenme güçlüğü olan öğrencilerin matematik öğrenme sürecine ilişkin veli deneyimlerini ortaya koymayı amaçlayan bu çalışmanın deseni nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden durum çalışmasıdır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu geliştirilmiştir. Araştırmada ölçüt örneklem modeli benimsenmiştir. Araştırmanın örneklemini ilkokul 1-4. sınıf ve hafif düzey öğrenme güçlüğü olan öğrencilerin velileri oluşturmaktadır. Yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu verileri içerik analizi yapılarak analiz edilmiştir.Bulgular: Araştırmada velilerin kendilerini birçok alanda yetersiz gördükleri, özel eğitime başladıktan sonra çocuklarının özgüvenlerinin yerine geldiği, matematiğe karşı tutumlarının olumlu hale döndüğü, çocuklarının işlem becerilerinde de olumlu biçimde etkiler hissettikleri, çocuklarını en çok bellek becerileri ve hatırda tutma üzerinde desteklemeye çalıştıkları gibi sonuçlara ulaşılmıştır.Tartışma: Araştırmanın sonunda velilerin çocuklarının matematik eğitimi sürecinde bazı sıkıntılar yaşadıkları, tanı alma süreci hakkında önemli deneyimlere sahip oldukları, öğretmenin matematik eğitimi sürecinde olumlu ve olumsuz olmak üzere etkili olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır.
Theoretical Analysis on the Thermal and Electrical Properties of Fiber Reinforced Laminates Modified with CNTs
Authors: DARICIK Fatih , TOPCU Alparslan
Published: January 2021

In the present study, the effect of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) fillers weight fraction on the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of the epoxy was calculated analytically. The results were then compared and it was found out that the MWCNTS has a significant effect on the electrical conductivity of the epoxy. The MWCNT modified epoxy composites were considered as the matrix material to design quasi-isotropic carbon fibre/epoxy composite. The change of the weight fraction of the MWCNTs on the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of the carbon fibre/epoxy laminates was also calculated. Finally, the hygrothermal load and the bending load response of the laminated composites were researched. MWCNTs fix the mismatch between the hygrothermal properties of the epoxy matrix and the carbon fiber.
Analysis of Splicing Method on Bursting Strength of the Knitted Fabrics
Authors: UYANIK Seval
Published: January 2021

The study was carried out as two parts. In the published previous part, the spliced yarn performances were investigated to reveal optimum splicing method in terms of fiber type and yarn count on the basis of splicing methods including air splicing, wet splicing and mechanical (twin) splicing by using pure and blended ring-spun yarns containing cotton, viscose, polyester, modal, and acrylic fibers at different yarn counts of Ne 20, Ne 30 and Ne 40. The study revealed that twin splicer was the best for cotton fiber and acrylic fiber, whereas it was the worst for regenerated cellulosic fibers. All splicer types can be used for polyester fiber, and the best splicer type was air splicer for fine yarns, on the contrary, it was twin splicer for coarse yarns. The current study which is the second part of the study aimes to determine the bursting strength properties of the knitted fabrics on the basis of splice types. For this, the obtained yarns by splicing in different splicer in the previous work were knitted, and then the tests of structural properties and bursting strength were applied for the fabric samples. The results of the study unexpectedly indicate that splice types do not have effect on the bursting strength of the knitted fabrics in spite of the results of the previous study showing splice types clearly affect yarn strength. But, fiber types are effective on the bursting strength as expected. Besides, fabric structural properties do not have effect on the bursting strength because of constant knitting parameters.
Kompozit Malzemelerin Delme İşleminde İtme Kuvvetinin Taguchi Metodu ile Optimizasyonu ve Regresyon Analizi ile Tahmini
Authors: BAŞAR Gökhan , FEDAİ Yusuf , KIRLI AKIN Hediye
Published: January 2021

Cam Elyaf Takviyeli Polimer (CETP) kompozitler, diğer malzemelere göre daha üstün özelliklere sahip olmasından dolayı birçok mühendislik uygulamalarında kullanılmaktadır. Bu kompozitlerin montajında delme işlemi yaygın olarak uygulanmaktadır. CETP malzemelerin delinmesinde; yüksek delik yüzey kalitesi ile minimum deformasyon ve itme kuvveti için delme parametrelerinin belirlenmesi oldukça önemlidir. Bu yüzden, delme işlemi sırasında oluşan delik yüzeyi hasarını en aza indirmek için optimum delme koşulları belirlenmelidir. Bu çalışmada, delme işleminde itme kuvveti Taguchi Metodu kullanılarak optimize edilmiştir. Ayrıca, itme kuvvetinin tahminine yönelik matematiksel modeller geliştirilmiştir. Delme parametrelerinin itme kuvveti üzerindeki etki oranları varyans analizi ile belirlenmiştir. Varyans analizine göre itme kuvveti üzerindeki en etkili parametrenin ilerleme olduğu görülmüştür. İtme kuvvetini tahmin etmek için Taguchi Metodu, birinci ve ikinci dereceden regresyon modelleri kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlar ile deney sonuçları karşılaştırılmıştır. Ayrıca, üç boyutlu grafikler incelendiğinde, % çok duvarlı karbon nanotüp oranı ve kesme hızı arttıkça itme kuvvetinin azaldığını ve ilerleme arttıkça itme kuvvetinin arttığını göstermiştir.
Miedo a los otros. Representaciones de la frontera México-Estados Unidos y COVID-19 en medios digitales
Authors: Méndez Fierros Hugo , Reyes Piñuelas Erika Paola
Published: January 2021

La pandemia por COVID-19 generó transformaciones en distintos ámbitos de la vida humana, y la comunicación sociodigital es central para su comprensión. Los usuarios que publican comentarios en medios y redes aportan elementos para la construcción social de la realidad. El objetivo fue interpretar, mediante análisis de contenido, representaciones de 1 303 usuarios de cuatro medios transfronterizos de Baja California, México, y California, EUA, en Facebook, YouTube y páginas web, sobre el COVID-19 y las restricciones para cruzar la frontera. El cierre de la frontera y el COVID-19 constituyen un fenómeno social emergente y son escasas las investigaciones previas, lo cual representó una limitación. Al final se encontró que las representaciones alimentadas por desinformación proyectaron miedo a los otros; los comentarios reflejan uso mayoritario de información no verificada, odio y atribución de culpa por contagio a los otros. La frontera fue representada como intersticio de entrecruzamientos e interdependencia económica, cultural, política, ambiental y sanitaria.
Autism - A Comprehensive Array of Prominent Signs and Symptoms
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad Shahid , Murtaza Bibi Nazia , Al-Ghamdi Maryam A. , Ali Akbar , Zamzami Mazin A. , Khan Jalaluddin A. , Ahmad Aftab , Rehman Mujaddad Ur , Kazmi Imran
Published: January 2021

Background:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition characterized by multiple psychological and physiological impairments in young children. According to the recent reports, 1 out of every 58 newly-born children is suffering from autism. The aetiology of the disorder is complex and poorly understood, hindering the adaptation of targeted and effective therapies. There are no well- established diagnostic biomarkers for autism. Hence the analysis of symptoms by the pediatricians plays a critical role in the early intervention.

Methods:

In the present report, we have emphasized 24 behavioral, psychological and clinical symptoms of autism.

Results:

Impaired social interaction, restrictive and narrow interests, anxiety, depression; aggressive, repetitive, rigid and self-injurious behavior, lack of consistency, short attention span, fear, shyness and phobias, hypersensitivity and rapid mood alterations, high level of food and toy selectivity; inability to establish friendships or follow the instructions; fascination by round spinning objects and eating non-food materials are common psychological characteristics of autism. Speech or hearing impairments, poor cognitive function, gastrointestinal problems, weak immunity, disturbed sleep and circadian rhythms, weak motor neuromuscular interaction, lower level of serotonin and neurotransmitters, headache and body pain are common physiological symptoms.

Conclusion:

A variable qualitative and quantitative impact of this wide range of symptoms is perceived in each autistic individual, making him/her distinct, incomparable and exceptional. Selection and application of highly personalized medical and psychological therapies are therefore recommended for the management and treatment of autism.