bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Duration of Symptoms Does Not Affect Outcomes of Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Cha Elliot D. K. , Lynch Conor P. , Patel Madhav R. , Jacob Kevin C. , Geoghegan Cara E. , Jadczak Caroline N. , Mohan Shruthi , Singh Kern
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:

Previous studies have examined the impact of preoperative duration of symptoms (DOS) on lumbar spinal surgery outcomes although this has not been explored for anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF).

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the impact of preoperative DOS on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of ALIF with posterior instrumentation.

METHODS:

A database was retrospectively reviewed for ALIFs with posterior instrumentation. PROMs recorded at preoperative, 6-wk, 12-wk, 6-mo, and 1-yr postoperative timepoints included Visual Analog Scale back and leg, Oswestry Disability Index, 12-Item Short-Form Physical Component Score (SF-12 PCS), and PROM Information System physical function. Achievement of minimum clinically important difference (MCID) was determined by comparing differences in postoperative PROMs from baseline to established values. Patients were grouped based on preoperative DOS into <1-yr and ≥1-yr groups. Differences in PROMs were compared using a t-test, whereas MCID achievement used a χ2 test.

RESULTS:

Fifty-three patients were included, with 20 in the <1-yr group and 33 in the ≥1-yr group. The most common diagnosis was isthmic spondylolisthesis. No significant preoperative differences were observed in any PROM. DOS groups demonstrated significantly different scores for SF-12 PCS at 6 wk (P = .049). No significant differences in MCID achievement were observed between groups for any PROM.

CONCLUSION:

ALIF patients demonstrated similar levels of pain, disability, and physical function regardless of preoperative DOS, except for back pain and physical function at intermittent timepoints. MCID achievement did not differ based on DOS for all outcome measures.
Does Pre-existing Anticoagulation or Antiplatelet Therapy Increase the Risk of Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Progression?
Authors: Harland Tessa A. , Prabhala Tarun , Nardolillo AnneMarie , Dalfino John C. , Adamo Matthew A. , Paul Alexandra R. , Boulos Alan S. , Entezami Pouya
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:

Isolated traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (tSAH) is a common finding in mild traumatic brain injury that often results in transfer to a tertiary center. Patients prescribed blood-thinning medications (BTs) are believed to be at higher risk of clinical or radiographic worsening.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the rates of radiographic progression and need for neurosurgical intervention in patients with tSAH who are on anticoagulation (AC) and antiplatelet (AP) therapies with those who are not.

METHODS:

Analysis using a retrospective cohort design identified patients older than 18 years with isolated tSAH and a Glasgow Coma Scale of 15 on admission. Clinical information including use of BTs, administration of reversal agents, radiographic progression, and need for neurosurgical intervention was collected. Patients on BTs were divided into AP, AC, and AP/AC groups based on drug type.

RESULTS:

Three hundred eighty-four patients were included with 203 in the non-BT group and 181 in the BT group. Overall, 2.1% had worsening scans, and none required operative intervention. There was no difference in radiographic worsening between the non-BT and BT groups (2.4% vs 1.6%; P = 1.00). Crosswise comparison revealed no difference between the non-BT group and each BT subtype (AP, AP/AC, or AC). The non-BT group was more likely to have radiographic improvement than the BT group (45.8% vs 30.9%; P = .002).

CONCLUSION:

Neurologically intact patients on BTs with isolated tSAH are not at increased risk of radiographic progression or neurosurgical intervention. The presence of BTs should not influence management decisions for increased surveillance.
Volumetric 3-Dimensional Analysis of the Supraorbital vs Pterional Approach to Paramedian Vascular Structures: Comprehensive Assessment of Surgical Maneuverability
Authors: Houlihan Lena Mary , Abramov Irakliy , Loymak Thanapong , Jubran Jubran H. , Staudinger Knoll Ann J. , Farhadi Dara S. , Naughton David , Howshar Jacob T. , O'Sullivan Michael G. J. , Lawton Michael T. , Preul Mark C.
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:

Both the pterional and supraorbital approaches have been proposed as optimal access corridors to deep and paramedian anatomy.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess key intracranial structures accessed through the surgical approaches using the angle of attack (AOA) and the volume of surgical freedom (VSF) methodologies.

METHODS:

Ten pterional and 10 supraorbital craniotomies were completed. Data points were measured using a neuronavigation system. A comparative analysis of the craniocaudal AOA, mediolateral AOA, and VSF of the ipsilateral paraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA), terminal ICA, and anterior communicating artery (ACoA) complex was completed.

RESULTS:

For the paraclinoid ICA, the pterional approach produced larger craniocaudal AOA, mediolateral AOA, and VSF than the supraorbital approach (28.06° vs 10.52°, 33.76° vs 23.95°, and 68.73 vs 22.59 mm3 normalized unit [NU], respectively; P < .001). The terminal ICA showed similar superiority of the pterional approach in all quantitative parameters (27.43° vs 11.65°, 30.62° vs 25.31°, and 57.41 vs 17.36 mm3 NU; P < .05). For the ACoA, there were statistically significant differences between the results obtained using the pterional and supraorbital approaches (18.45° vs 10.11°, 29.68° vs 21.01°, and 26.81 vs 16.53 mm3 NU; P < .005).

CONCLUSION:

The pterional craniotomy was significantly superior in all instrument maneuverability parameters for approaching the ipsilateral paraclinoid ICA, terminal ICA, and ACoA. This global evaluation of 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional surgical freedom and instrument maneuverability by amalgamating the craniocaudal AOA, mediolateral AOA, and VSF produces a comprehensive assessment while generating spatially and anatomically accurate corridor models that provide improved visual depiction for preoperative planning and surgical decision-making.
Dynamic shapes of the zygote and two-cell mouse and human
Authors: Graham Chris F. , Windsor Shane , Ajduk Anna , Trinh Thanh , Vincent Anna , Jones Celine , Coward Kevin , Kalsi Dilraj , Zernicka-Goetz Magdalena , Swann Karl , Thomas Adrian L. R.
Published: December 2021

Mouse zygote morphokinetics were measured during interphase, the mitotic period, cytokinesis, and two-cell stage. Sequences of rounder–distorted–rounder shapes were revealed, as were changing patterns of cross section area. A calcium chelator and an actin-disrupting agent inhibited the area changes that occurred between pronuclear envelope breakdown and cytokinesis. During cell division, two vortices developed in each nascent cell and they rotated in opposite directions at each end of the cell, a pattern that sometimes persisted for up to 10 h. Exchange with the environment may have been promoted by these shape and area cycles and persisting circulation in the cytoplasm may have a similar function between a cell's interior and periphery. Some of these movements were sporadically also seen in human zygotes with abnormal numbers of pronuclei and the two-cell stages that developed from these compromised human zygotes.
Hollow Core-satellite ZIF-8/PDA/AgNPs Nanocomplexes: Fabrication, Structure and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Xu Xiaoyi , Liu Qiqi , Hui Shuhan , Jiang Shan
Published: December 2021

A hollow core-satellite ZIF-8/PDA/AgNPs was established and studied as an antibacterial agent. Polydopamine (PDA) was coated on ZIF-8 surface to form a hollow structure because ZIF-8 core was etched by the chelation of PDA and Zn2+. Then AgNPs were homogeneously decorated on the surface of ZIF-8/PDA by in situ reduction of Ag+ to avoid their aggregation. ZIF-8/PDA/AgNPs have good antibacterial activity, and they can totally inhibit bacterial growth at the concentration of 16 µg mL−1.
Book Review: Byzantine Military Rhetoric in the Ninth Century. A Translation of the Anonymi Byzantini Rhetorica Militaris, London -New York 2021
Authors: RóżYCKI Łukasz
Published: December 2021

Byzantine Military Rhetoric in the Ninth Century. A Translation of the Anonymi Byzantini Rhetorica Militaris, trans. Georgios Theotokis, Dimitrios Sidiropoulos, London – New York 2021.
Book review:Asaf Friedman, Art and Architecture of the Synagogue in Byzantine Palaestina, Cambridge: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2019
Authors: WEISS Zeev
Published: December 2021

Book Review:Asaf Friedman, Art and Architecture of the Synagogue in Byzantine Palaestina, Cambridge: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2019
Δια βίου μάθηση και εκπαιδευτικές διακρίσεις στα επιμορφωτικά προγράμματα
Authors: Τερζοπούλου Θεοδώρα
Published: December 2021

Σκοπός της παρούσας διατριβής είναι ο προσδιορισμός των παραγόντων που συμβάλλουν στη στάση των ατόμων με αναπηρία αναφορικά με την ένταξη στα επιμορφωτικά προγράμματα και την ολοκλήρωσή τους, όπως και η αποσαφήνιση των έμφυλων διαφοροποιήσεων που παρατηρούνται.Για την παραγωγή του υλικού της μελέτης αρχικά, διεξήχθη ποσοτική έρευνα, κατά την οποία πραγματοποιήθηκε διανομή ερωτηματολογίων σε άτομα με αναπηρία που έχουν παρακολουθήσει επιμορφωτικά προγράμματα, προκειμένου να διερευνηθούν οι δυσκολίες που συνάντησαν σε σχέση με την απόφασή τους για τη συμμετοχή σε αυτά, αλλά και τα εμπόδια που αντιμετώπισαν κατά τη φοίτησή τους. Ταυτόχρονα, μελετήθηκαν οι προσδοκίες από την επιμόρφωσή τους, οι διαστάσεις του φύλου και της προσβασιμότητας σε συνδυασμό με τη δια βίου μάθηση και τον ρόλο τους στην ισότιμη ένταξή τους στην κοινωνία. Στη συνέχεια, πραγματοποιήθηκαν συνεντεύξεις με διευθυντές/τριες επιμορφωτικών προγραμμάτων, με σκοπό την αποσαφήνιση των θέσεων και των στάσεών τους αναφορικά με τον σχεδιασμό των επιμορφωτικών προγραμμάτων τα οποία διευθύνουν, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τη διάσταση της αναπηρίας, αλλά και του φύλου.Από τη μελέτη προκύπτει ότι παρατηρούνται εκπαιδευτικές διακρίσεις κατά την επιμόρφωση των ατόμων με αναπηρία και, κατά περιπτώσεις έμφυλες ανισότητες. Τα άτομα με αναπηρία, σε μεγάλο ποσοστό, είτε είναι διστακτικά ως προς τη συμμετοχή σε επιμορφωτικά προγράμματα, είτε συμμετέχουν σε αυτά χωρίς, ωστόσο, να λαμβάνουν την απαραίτητη υποστήριξη, με αποτέλεσμα να αντιμετωπίζουν πολλαπλά εμπόδια ως προς την ολοκλήρωσή τους.
Andrographolide, isolated from Andrographis paniculata, induces apoptosis in monocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma cells via augmentation of reactive oxygen species production
Authors: Doi Hiroki , Matsui Taei , Dijkstra Johannes M. , Ogasawara Atsushi , Higashimoto Yuki , Imamura Seiji , Ohye Tamae , Takematsu Hiromu , Katsuda Itsuro , Akiyama Hidehiko
Published: December 2021

Background: Andrographolide (Andro) is a diterpenoid component of the plant Andrographis paniculata that is known for its anti-tumor activity against a variety of cancer cells.  

Methods: We studied the effects of Andro on the viability of the human leukemia monocytic cell line THP-1 and the human multiple myeloma cell line H929. Andro was compared with cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) and vincristine (VCR), which are well-established therapeutics against hematopoietic tumors. The importance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production for the toxicity of each agent was investigated by using an inhibitor of ROS production, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC).   

Results:  Andro reduced the viability of THP-1 and H929 in a dose-dependent manner. H929 viability was highly susceptible to Andro, although only slightly susceptible to Ara-C. The agents Andro, Ara-C, and VCR each induced apoptosis, as shown by cellular shrinkage, DNA fragmentation, and increases in annexin V-binding, caspase-3/7 activity, ROS production, and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Whereas Ara-C and VCR increased the percentages of cells in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases, respectively, Andro showed little or no detectable effect on cell cycle progression. The apoptotic activities of Andro were largely suppressed by NAC, an inhibitor of ROS production, whereas NAC hardly affected the apoptotic activities of Ara-C and VCR. 

Conclusions: Andro induces ROS-dependent apoptosis in monocytic leukemia THP-1 and multiple myeloma H929 cells, underlining its potential as a therapeutic agent for treating hematopoietic tumors. The high toxicity for (thus forming: The high toxicity for H929 cells, by a mechanism that is different from that of Ara-C and VCR, is encouraging for further studies on the use of Andro against multiple myeloma.) H929 cells, by a mechanism that is different from that of Ara-C and VCR, is encouraging for further studies on the use of Andro against multiple myeloma.
Dynamic spectrum management using frequency selection at licensed and unlicensed bands for efficient vehicle-to-vehicle communication
Authors: Randhava Keshvinder Singh , Roslee Mardeni , Yusoff Zubaida
Published: December 2021

Background: The exponential increase in pattern of vehicles on the roads demands a need to develop a vehicular infrastructure that may not only ease congestions and provide a better experience but also pivot the levels of safety among users. The development of wireless technology has made it convenient for machines, devices and vehicles to interact with one another. The efficacy of this wireless communications relies on utilising current and available technology to enable information to be shared efficiently. In the wake of the available advancement in wireless technology, a new dynamic spectrum management (DSM) in vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication that coexists with the existing Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network to increase the throughput in V2V communication is proposed. This will provide some solutions to enable a more efficient vehicular infrastructure.

Methods: This paper focuses on the utilization of DSM in V2V communications by selecting an appropriate frequency band through the selection of available licensed and unlicensed frequency bands for vehicles. Further investigations are done to identify the effect of interference in the dynamic spectrum by observing the path loss, SINR, and the throughput with various interfering users.

Results: The results show that the performance of the proposed DSM augments a significant improvement in the overall throughput and the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) value is reduced by up to 60% when compared to the fixed spectrum allocation.

Conclusions: Although the dynamic spectrum is still affected by the interference from the existing cellular users, the throughput of the dynamic spectrum remains sufficient to transmit the information to other vehicles.
Synchronous Display and Whiteboard-Like Freehand Writing App as Teaching Tool for Virtual Classroom amidst the Pandemic
Authors: Lai Daniel , Sook Ling Lew , Yin Ooi Shih
Published: December 2021

Purpose: The research evaluates if teachers can achieve better teaching outcomes by using a proposed mobile interactive system (MIS) developed for this study as an additional approach to enhancing teachers’ proficiency in Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) in the virtual classroom.  

Background: According to previous studies, teachers’ self-assessment on TPACK might be affected by their egos because they have autonomy over the students in the classroom. Some studies suggest that utilisation of an interactive whiteboard (IWB) promotes creativity in teaching and learning but that it is unsuitable for a virtual environment due to its large size and the high maintenance costs associated with owning one in a teacher’s residence. Besides, some studies also reveal that allowing the students to assess their teachers through TPACK  is able to reduce potential errors which might result from the TPACK self-assessment done by teachers.  

Methods: Pre- and post- experiments were conducted with the developed MIS integrated into teaching process. Synchronous display (SD) and whiteboard-like freehand writing (WFW) were features of the MIS integrated into the experimental group. Questionnaires were distributed to the students, and a reflective measurement model was formed using SmartPLS and IBM SPSS Statistics.  

Findings: Based on our findings, teachers’ Technological Content Knowledge had a significant positive effect on TPACK with the inclusion of MIS in online teaching. Predictive relevance was also evaluated through a Q2 value to predict the endogenous construct of the constructed model. The Q2 value was greater than zero, indicating that the model possesses a predictive relevance.  

Conclusion: The integration of the developed MIS in the virtual classroom has a significant positive impact on the students’ academic performance relating to concept learning and knowledge acquisition of subject matter.
Senior Citizen Activity Centre E-commerce and Cybersecurity: The Way Ahead to IR 4.0
Authors: Tan Swee Leng , Vergara Rossanne Gale , Khan Nasreen , Khan Shereen
Published: December 2021

Background - The Malaysian ageing community’s IT aptitude is limited and is a key factor preventing Malaysia’s ageing population from successfully entering Industry 4.0. This study aims to digitalize Malaysian older people with e-commerce. This will require cybersecurity awareness training due to potential cybersecurity threats when conducting business online.    Furthermore, this study advances the Industry 4.0 initiatives set by Malaysia’s National Industry 4.0 Policy Framework by means of a voluntary community-based training program. It also creates a policy that elevates Malaysia’s senior citizens’ current level of ICT innovation baseline commensurate with Industry 4.0 transformation standards. 

Methods – Participatory action research was conducted with members in a Senior Citizen Activity Centre (PAWE) through focus group discussions. Each focus group consisted of 6-8 people. Through identifying the community’s problem in the focus groups, an e-commerce platform was developed for the elderly to commercialise their existing products. The dissemination of e-commerce training and cybersecurity awareness were also conducted as part of mitigating fraud relating to online transactions.   

Results – The findings show that PAWE members’ IT aptitude was limited, that they needed assistance with understanding the e-commerce platform, and that they had limited cybersecurity awareness.  

Conclusions – The country’s ageing population programs and services are preparing for an ageing nation. In order for Malaysia’s ageing population to become self-sustainable, researchers suggest that Malaysian older persons become entrepreneurs. Third generation entrepreneurs must also be supported by social innovation, technological innovation, and cybersecurity awareness, which leads to achieving IR 4.0 and meets the economic, social and sustainable environmental goals.
Training strategies for the improvement of NATO Level 2 results for English Functional Level exams in the armed forces
Authors: Núñez Espinosa Miguel Ángel
Published: December 2021

Background: As NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) countries participate in many international missions and joint operations around the world, NATO considered it a necessity for personnel to be able to communicate in a common language. Therefore, one of the main tasks of the NATO multinational setting is the teaching and the assessment of languages. Consequently, there is a need for personnel to achieve the Standard Language Profiles (SLP). Each NATO country must develop SLP exams to achieve the required levels based on NATO STANAG (Standard agreement) 6001. If the examinees do not achieve those levels and the global results are unsatisfactory, NATO members can be affected by a reduction of financial support or the assignment to NATO postings. This study aimed to create a training strategies proposal (TSP) for personnel to achieve NATO L2.

Methods: The study consisted of four separate studies: 1) Preliminary survey/interview of military personnel about NATO L2 training; 2) gathering data from NATO L2 exams after normal training; 3) gathering of data from NATO L2 exams after the TSP had been implemented; 4) Post-training survey. Data was collected from examinees over a period of six months or one year, using mixed data collection methods: surveys, interviews, and exam results.

Results: A total of 50 examinees took part in the study. Results showed that the number of examinees who passed the NATO L2 increased after going through the TSP.

Conclusions: The results show that the TSP, using newer methodologies and different techniques, improved NATO L2 results. The outcomes of this study will help to inform future training and education programs.
Continued dysregulation of the B cell lineage promotes multiple sclerosis activity despite disease modifying therapies
Authors: Londoño Ana C. , Mora Carlos A.
Published: December 2021

A clear understanding of the origin and role of the different subtypes of the B cell lineage involved in the activity or remission of multiple sclerosis (MS) is important for the treatment and follow-up of patients living with this disease. B cells, however, are dynamic and can play an anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory role, depending on their milieu. Depletion of B cells has been effective in controlling the progression of MS, but it can have adverse side effects. A better understanding of the role of the B cell subtypes, through the use of surface biomarkers of cellular activity with special attention to the function of memory and regulatory B cells (Bregs), will be necessary in order to offer specific treatments without inducing undesirable effects.
Case Report: Case report: Administration of anticoagulant therapy after neuro-anesthesia procedure for hemorrhagic stroke patients with COVID-19 complications and its ethical and medicolegal consideration
Authors: Suryadi Taufik , Kulsum Kulsum
Published: December 2021

Background: Ethical dilemmas can occur in any situation in clinical medicine. In patients undergoing neuro-anesthesia for surgical procedure evacuation of intracerebral hemorrhage with a history of hemorrhagic stroke, anticoagulants should not be given because they can cause recurrent bleeding. Meanwhile, at the same time, the patient could also be infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), one of treatment is the administration of anticoagulants. Methods: A case report. A 46-year-old male patient was admitted to hospital with a loss of consciousness and was diagnosed with intracerebral hemorrhage due to a hemorrhagic stroke and was confirmed positive for COVID-19. Giving anticoagulants to patients is considered counterproductive so, an ethical dilemma arises. For this reason, a joint conference was held to obtain the best ethical and medicolegal solutions for the patient. Results: By using several methods of resolving ethical dilemmas such as basic ethical principles, supporting ethical principles, and medicolegal considerations, it was decided that the patient was not to be given anticoagulants. Conclusions: Giving anticoagulants to hemorrhagic stroke patients is dangerous even though it is beneficial for COVID-19 patients, so here the principle of risk-benefit balance is applied to patients who prioritize risk prevention rather than providing benefits. This is also supported by the prima facie principle by prioritizing the principle of non-maleficence rather than beneficence, the minus malum principle by seeking the lowest risk, and the double effect principle by making the best decision even in a slightly less favorable way as well as the medicolegal aspect by assessing patient safety and risk management.
The roles of self efficacy and sharia financial literacy to SMES performance: business model as intermediate variable
Authors: Srisusilawati Popon , Malik Zaini Abdul , Silviany Irma Yulita , Eprianti Nanik
Published: December 2021

Background: SMEs have made a major contribution to the national economy, but Pandemic covid-19 made the decline of SMEs which directly affected the economy in Indonesia. The purpose of this research focus to explore the innovation of business models the novelty of the research model in the business model of innovation research models is to include the variable self-efficacy. This research emphasizes self-efficacy and Islamic financial literacy as independent variables, business model innovation as an intermediate model and business performance variables as dependent variables, with the focus of research on SMEs. Methods: This quantitative study uses partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and a questionnaire survey to analyze the 40 Street Vendors which is categorized as SMEs around Unisba. In the initial stages, the Questionnaire was tested with the Validity and Reliability test. In the PLS-SEM analysis, the validity of the indicators / items forming latent variables is based on the significance value of t arithmetic obtained from the loading factor value divided by the standard error. After being collected, the data is then processed and analyzed. The analytical method used in this study is the simultaneous equation model, namely Partial Least Square (PLS). The statistical tool used to test the hypothesis is Smart PLS. Results: The results showed that self-efficacy and Islamic financial literacy through business model innovation, had a positive effect on SMEs business performance simultaneously or partially.  Conclusion: So that by having good self-efficacy and good Islamic financial literacy plus an appropriate business innovation model, it will improve the business performance of SMEs.
Labor law: national and international dimension
Authors: Lyutov Nikita , Bobkov Vyacheslav , Volk Elena , Voytkovskaya Ilona , Golovina Svetlana , Davletgireev Rustem , Dolzhenkova Yuliya , Zhavoronkov Roman , Zaharova Mariya , Korobchenko Viktoriya , Lushnikov Andrey , Odincova Elena , Safonov Valeriy , Seregina Larisa , Tomashevskiy Kirill , Tuchkova El'vira
Published: December 2021

The first volume of the collective monograph "Labor Law: National and International Dimension", prepared by leading experts in Russian and international labor law, labor economics, philosophy of law, is devoted to the general problems of modern labor law.
The first section of the volume deals with general theoretical issues of modern labor law, the second rethinks the principles of labor law in modern conditions, and the third analyzes modern employment problems. Most of the issues are investigated from the standpoint of the national labor law of Russia, international labor standards using the comparative legal method, as well as an intersectoral approach to legal research.
For practitioners and researchers in the field of labor, international law, economics and sociology of labor, as well as students, postgraduates and anyone interested in this issue.
The Essence and Main Differences of Consumer Societies from Credit Consumer Cooperatives in the Light of Attracting Citizens' Funds
Authors: Yudina O.
Published: December 2021

The article is devoted to the comparative analysis of the essence of consumer and credit cooperatives in the context of attracting citizens' funds, the transformation of their economic processes and functions in the genesis of microeconomic development. The research is based on the analysis of historical documents and Russian publications, as well as on statistical conclusions of economic data. The aim of the study was to study the evolution of consumer societies and credit cooperatives as instruments for attracting household finances on the example of Russian and foreign companies since the middle of the XIX century. Semantic definitions of the categories consumer society and consumer credit cooperative, tasks and historical stages of the development of the studied communication tools in the field of attracting the means of the population are determined. The author's experience of comparative characteristics of the analyzed economic entities is proposed, reflecting the risks, advantages and disadvantages of the studied communication objects. The functions of the Bank of Russia as the main regulator of consumer credit cooperatives are disclosed. The final results of the study substantiate the importance of financial literacy and present an algorithm that allows the population to distinguish the legal activities of consumer credit cooperatives from fraudsters.
Digital Natives Disconnected. The Qualitative Research on Mediatized Life of Polish and International Students in Rzeszow and Warsaw, Poland
Authors: Leonowicz-Bukała Iwona , Martens Anna , Przywara Barbara
Published: December 2021

Studies on the mediatization of everyday life are becoming more and more important in the area of media and communication studies in the Western scientific literature. The main questions of these analyses concern the range of this phenomenon and the possible consequences for the social, cultural and psychological life of societies and individuals. Using this approach, the authors of this paper present the results of a qualitative study based on the social experiment #NoWeb (#BezSieci), conducted on the population of 184 students of two Polish universities. For 7 days, the participants of the experiment tried to live offline, which means not using the Internet at all, and writing down their experiences in paper diaries. Only 8 of them were able to live offline until the last day of the project. The main research results of the study show that almost all areas of living are dependant and supported by online access, which has a strong influence on the capability to act offline among young adults. Lacking access to the Internet, the participants of the study were very often unable to deal with simple tasks. At the same time, the experiences of staying offline enabled them to discover new possibilities of everyday functioning and effective use of additional free time with benefits for their well-being and interpersonal relations.
Self-Efficacy of Teachers Working in Mainstream Schools – Research Communication
Authors: Nowak Beata Maria
Published: December 2021

This article presents the results of a study on the self-efficacy of teachers working at mainstream schools and the results of intergroup analyses (mainstream school teachers versus special education teachers), being part of a research project focused on identifying the determinants of teachers’ sense of self-efficacy. Intergroup comparisons were made due to assumed differences in the self-efficacy of teachers in mainstream and special schools, resulting from the specific organisation and functioning of the two types of schools and the differentiated actors. The theoretical basis was the social learning theory of A. Bandura. The research was conducted with the use of the “Sense of Efficacy Test” by M. Chomczyńska-Rubacha and K. Rubacha. A total of 801 teachers took part in the study, including 442 teachers from mainstream schools and 359 from special schools (special education centres – SOWs; youth sociotherapy centres – MOSs; youth education centres – MOWs; prisons – ZKs). Research analyses have shown that the sense of self-efficacy in teachers from mainstream schools is dependent on their place of residence – increasing along with its size. Cognitive and action resources are determined by the level of education of the mothers of the studied teachers, while motivational resources are determined by the type of school at which they work. A cluster analysis identified two independent groups of teachers – those scoring high and those scoring low in terms of self-efficacy. A model mismatched with the data was obtained, which means that on the basis of sociodemographic variables and other information about teachers (education level of their parents, type of school) it is not possible to predict their assignment unambiguously to the distinguished groups. In terms of intergroup analyses, a higher sense of self-efficacy and greater motivational and cognitive-action resources were noted in teachers from mainstream schools than in teachers from special schools. The place of work of teachers from both compared groups significantly differentiates their sense of self-efficacy and the level of motivational as well as cognitive-activity resources (teachers employed at a lower secondary school possess more motivational resources, compared to teachers employed in special education centres). In turn, teachers employed at prisons are characterised by a higher level of cognitive-activity resources compared to teachers employed at secondary schools and youth sociotherapeutic and educational centres.
Crisis of Values: a Critical Analysis
Authors: Kopciuch Leszek
Published: December 2021

In this article, I examine some theoretical doubts about the crisis of values. Among other things, I consider the following issues: crisis of values versus crisis of value consciousness; crisis of values in general versus crisis of concrete values; negative and positive aspects of the crisis of values; and theoretical crises versus crises of practical life. The aim of the considerations is to clarify the terminology used in the theories of crisis and to answer the question as to whether we are currently experiencing a crisis of values.
Los mayores cuentan. Our elders matters: their stories.
Authors: Porcel Gálvez Ana María
Published: December 2021

Este álbum ilustrado es resultado del proyecto TECMED, que investiga el desarrollo de un modelo de atención integrada en la persona, desde una perspectiva holística y unos cuidados dignos, éticos y transculturales. En este proyecto, coordinado por la Universidad de Sevilla, participan 6 países (España, Italia, Grecia, Túnez, Líbano, y Egipto), 10 socios y 6 entidades distintas. El libro, fruto de una iniciativa de la Comisión Europea y la Universidad de Sevilla, compagina relatos e ilustraciones, y está basado en historias reales de personas mayores como Katerina, de Grecia; Manuel, de España; Fatema, de Egipto; Hassen, de Túnez; Sami, del Líbano, y Alfonsina, de Italia. Ellos nos han contado sus vidas, sus circunstancias actuales, cómo están y cómo se encuentran en estos momentos. Y nosotros las hemos narrado e ilustrado a través de microcuentos.
Adaptive Clinical Trial Designs with Surrogates: When Should We Bother?
Authors: Anderer Arielle , Bastani Hamsa , Silberholz John
Published: December 2021

The success of a new drug is assessed within a clinical trial using a primary endpoint, which is typically the true outcome of interest—for example, overall survival. However, regulators sometimes approve drugs using a surrogate outcome—an intermediate indicator that is faster or easier to measure than the true outcome of interest—for example, progression-free survival—as the primary endpoint when there is demonstrable medical need. Although using a surrogate outcome (instead of the true outcome) as the primary endpoint can substantially speed up clinical trials and lower costs, it can also result in poor drug-approval decisions because the surrogate is not a perfect predictor of the true outcome. In this paper, we propose combining data from both surrogate and true outcomes to improve decision making within a late-phase clinical trial. In contrast to broadly used clinical trial designs that rely on a single primary endpoint, we propose a Bayesian adaptive clinical trial design that simultaneously leverages both observed outcomes to inform trial decisions. We perform comparative statics on the relative benefit of our approach, illustrating the types of diseases and surrogates for which our proposed design is particularly advantageous. Finally, we illustrate our proposed design on metastatic breast cancer. We use a large-scale clinical trial database to construct a Bayesian prior and simulate our design on a subset of clinical trials. We estimate that our design would yield a 16% decrease in trial costs relative to existing clinical trial designs, while maintaining the same Type I/II error rates.

This paper was accepted by J. George Shanthikumar, Management Science Special Section on Data-Driven Prescriptive Analytics.
A Test of Income Smoothing Using Pseudo Fiscal Years
Authors: Black Dirk E. , Pierce Spencer R. , Thomas Wayne B.
Published: December 2021

The purpose of our study is to further understand managerial incentives that affect the volatility of reported earnings. Prior research suggests that the volatility of fourth-quarter earnings may be affected by the integral approach to accounting (i.e., “settling up” of accrual estimation errors in the first three quarters of the fiscal year) or earnings management to meet certain reporting objectives (e.g., analyst forecasts). We suggest that another factor affecting fourth-quarter earnings is managers’ intentional smoothing of fiscal-year earnings. For each firm, we create pseudo-year earnings using four consecutive quarters other than the four quarters of the reported fiscal year. We then compare the earnings volatility of pseudo years to the earnings volatility of the firm’s own reported fiscal year. We find evidence consistent with fourth-quarter accruals reflecting managerial incentives to smooth fiscal-year earnings. This conclusion is validated by several cross-sectional tests, the pattern in quarterly cash flows and accruals, and several robustness tests. Overall, we contribute to the literature exploring alternative explanations for the differential volatility of fiscal-year and fourth-quarter earnings.

This paper was accepted by Brian Bushee, accounting.
An exploration of midwives' views of the latest World Health Organization labour care guide
Authors: Laisser Rose , Danna Valentina Actis , Bonet Mercedes , Oladapo Olufemi T. , Lavender Tina
Published: December 2021

Background/aims

Effective labour monitoring is integral to intrapartum care. Yet, to date, tools to facilitate this have not reached their potential. This study aims to explore midwives' initial reactions to the latest World Health Organization labour care guide, which is a replacement to the existing partograph, to enable adaptations to be made and to inform implementation strategies.

Methods

This was a qualitative study that used interviews and focus groups to gather data from a convenience sample of midwife delegates from six sub-Saharan Africa countries who were attending a midwifery conference in Malawi. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

A total of 43 participants participated; six focus groups and 12 individual interviews were conducted. Participants expressed both positive and negative views of the guide. Three main themes were found. The theme ‘sticking to what is familiar’ demonstrated reluctance to change; ‘chart based on usual or optimum practice’ suggested that midwives wanted a chart that reflects the routine care provided as opposed to the evidence-based care they should provide; and ‘measures for effective implementation’ highlighted the importance of having carefully considered and robust strategies for implementing the guide.

Conclusions

This rapid evaluation provided a snapshot of midwives' initial reactions to the new labour care guide. Although the existing partograph has not reached its full potential, midwives showed a reluctance to change it for something new. Feedback from participants has been fed into the development phase of the guide, informing its presentation, contents and field testing.
Factors influencing labour and birthing positions in Malawi
Authors: Zileni Barbara Debra , Glover Pauline , Teoh Kung-Keat , Zileni Chisomo Waazileni , Müller Amanda
Published: December 2021

Background/aims

The World Health Organization encourages women in labour to ambulate and assume upright positions shown to be associated with favourable childbirth outcomes. However, the literature shows that most women in developed and developing countries, including Malawi, give birth in the supine position. There is a lack of research on factors that influence choice of birthing positions among women in Malawi. This study aimed to identify these factors.

Methods

A face-to-face descriptive survey was conducted on 373 low-risk postnatal women in Malawi. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine association between sociodemographic characteristics and choice of labour and birthing position, as well as to identify predictive factors.

Results

Walking during labour was significantly associated with age (P=0.018) and monthly family income (P=0.012). During birth, women who had received some degree of education were more likely to use the supine position than those who had not (93% vs 78%; P=0.011). However, women with a higher level of income were less likely to use the supine position than women with low income (82% vs 93%; P=0.005).

Conclusions

Age, income and education influence Malawian women's choices for labour and birthing position. There is a need for Malawian women to be informed about and encouraged to use different labour and birthing positions, regardless of their socioeconomic and demographic status, to promote positions that improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Childbirth education sessions or classes during antenatal care should include information on different birthing positions.
The Truth Will Out: Mohsin Hamid Speaks His Name in The Reluctant Fundamentalist
Authors: Madiou Mohamed Salah-Eddine
Published: December 2021

The debate on Mohsin Hamid's The Reluctant Fundamentalist has, over the years, built what Stanley Fish calls an “interpretive community” which dictates how a work should be read and discussed. The quite tedious yet all-pervading claim that Hamid, in his novels, concerns himself with globalization, economy, neoliberalism, politics, multiculturalism, identity, and whatnot is today so fashionably common among Hamid critics that it feels like this is all what Hamid's literature has to offer. This article engages in a critical discussion with Hamid's The Reluctant Fundamentalist and its critics and suggests a new alternative to reading the novel and, by implication, Hamid's other novels. It argues that a significant aspect of The Reluctant Fundamentalist has been left undiscussed: art. Hamid's text, I submit, not only reflects on its own footprints, which makes it metafictional, but also revolves around Hamid's own artistic pursuits, experiences, and intimacies which, I suggest, are represented through Erica, herself a novelist in the story, whom Hamid artistically uses to speak his name.
Hegemonic Masculinity in K. Sello Duiker's The Quiet Violence of Dreams
Authors: Sapsford Jessica
Published: December 2021

Globally, long-held perceptions about gender are coming under scrutiny. Marginalized groups the world over are using social media to create platforms for themselves, thereby allowing activism and social engagement to flourish in ways that were not possible before. Forming part of this global social dynamism regarding gender are the efforts that South African academic institutions and society at large are making towards an active engagement with the process of rethinking patriarchal, colonial, and heteronormative structures. Our academic discourses should reflect our lived experiences, and research which does not seek to engage with the society that it focuses on is at risk of becoming irrelevant. Our country's own literary canon has the potential to incite meaningful interrogations of the world we live in. Literature can offer a somewhat more compact framework for analysing complex issues that affect our realities. One such issue is the prevalence of violence in South Africa against women, femininities in general, as well as non-conventionally masculine bodies.
Anti-Pinkwashing as Emerging Hope: Queering the Palestinian Liberation Movement in the Context of Institutionalised Neoliberalism
Authors: Lahiri Sukrita
Published: December 2021

Neoliberal processes take place in rapid compromises with political sovereignties of nations. The only unsovereign political space where neoliberalism is practiced today is Palestine, particularly in the West Bank, since the Oslo peace process. The portrayal of Islam in a certain light is essential to the success of neoliberal practices in the region. In line with this, Israel's official 2007 campaign, “Brand Israel,” saw millions of dollars spent for this propaganda. One of the central points is “pinkwashing” where Israel portrays itself as a haven for homosexuals while deliberately glossing over its occupation of Palestine. Israeli occupation does not distinguish between queer and straight. This phenomenon of employing gay rights as political strategy, and in this case anchored in Islamophobia, is termed by theorist Jasbir Puar as “homonationalism.” Gender is clearly an organising principle of Israeli repression and what needs to be looked at is whether gender is also an organising principle of Palestinian resistance. The Palestinian queer movement is deeply embedded in anti-pinkwashing activism and differentiates itself from Western notions of queerness. This article applies these crucial understandings to the current context of Palestine because it is a predominantly vibrant, contemporary site.
El derecho empresarial en un entorno de flipped classroom
Authors: Jiménez Cardona Noemí
Published: December 2021

El presente artículo centra su atención en la experiencia docente (innovación) que, como profesora e investigadora de la Sección de Derecho Mercantil del Departamento de Derecho Privado de la Universitat de Barcelona, he desarrollado en la disciplina de Derecho Mercantil del Grado de ADE, impartido en la Facultat de Economía y Empresa. Dicha experiencia tiene que ver con la utilización de la metodología docente activa de la clase inversa, y su complementación con la resolución de casos prácticos. Su aplicación ha resultado especialmente útil en orden a corregir la tradicional desmotivación de parte del estudiantado en el aula, su falta de asistencia a clase, así como la ausencia de implicación real de los estudiantes universitarios en un proceso de aprendizaje en el que, cada vez más, están llamados a asumir un papel protagonista bajo la guía del profesorado.
Elaboración de perfiles y personalización de ofertas y precios en la contratación con consumidores
Authors: Rubí Puig Antoni
Published: December 2021

La posibilidad de tratar grandes cantidades de datos (big data) y el desarrollo de algoritmos basados en inteligencia artificial y de nuevas herramientas de análisis han facilitado la personalización de diferentes elementos en la contratación online con consumidores. Mediante la elaboración de perfiles y otros tratamientos de datos personales, los empresarios consiguen personalizar sus ofertas, información, precios y servicios para consumidores individuales o segmentos de consumidores y, con ello, satisfacen mejor las preferencias de sus clientes. Sin embargo, los empresarios pueden recurrir a la personalización de sus contratos para apropiarse del excedente contractual que correspondería a los consumidores en un escenario uniforme, así como para manipular las preferencias de estos. El régimen jurídico previsto actualmente en el Reglamento General de Protección de Datos resulta insuficiente para dar respuesta a estos y otros riesgos que entraña la personalización.