bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Full-Scale Field Test On Retaining Structure Enhanced With Soil Nails And Prestressed Anchors
Authors: Wang Hui , Cheng Jian-hua , Guo Yuan-cheng
Published: December 2021

Retaining structure enhanced with soil nails and prestressed anchors is found good at constraining the horizontal displacement and therefore ensuring the stability of the foundation pit during excavation. Based on these advantages, such retaining structure is widely used in foundation excavation practice. This paper presents results of a series of in-situ tests conducted to investigate the mechanical behaviors of retaining structure enhanced with soil nails and prestressed anchors. Behaviors of three different retaining structures enhanced with i) soil-nails; ii) soil-nails and prestressed anchors without unbonded part; iii) soil-nails and prestressed anchors with a 2.5m unbonded length, were monitored during staged excavation to investigate the influences of i) the prestressing force and ii) unbonded length of the prestressed anchors on the performance of the entire retaining system. It was found that the affecting the stress and deformation of composite retaining system, which is in agreement with the other published results in the literature. The variation of the magnitude and distribution of soil nail force responding to the anchor prestressing force however showed no systematic trend. The unbonded length of anchors, which is suggested to be the main factor affecting the structural stability in dense materials in the literature, is found to have little influence in loose fill materials used in this study. Studies presented in this paper are useful for the rational design and serviceability analysis of the composite soil-nailed retaining structure enhanced with prestressed anchors.
Preservation of Data Integrity in Public Cloud Using Enhanced Vigenere Cipher Based Obfuscation
Authors: JAITHUNBI A. K. , SABENA S. , SAIRAMESH L.
Published: December 2021

Today’s internet world is moves to cloud computing to maintain their public data privately in a secure way. In cloud scenario, many security principles are implemented to maintain the secure transmission of data over the internet. And still, the main concern is about maintaining the integrity of our own data in public cloud. Mostly, research works concentrates on cryptographic techniques for secure sharing of data but there is no such mentioned works are available for data integrity. In this paper, a data masking technique called obfuscation is implemented which is used to protect the data from unwanted modification by data breaching attacks. In this work, enhanced Vigenere encryption is used to perform obfuscation that maintains the privacy of the user’s data. Enhanced Vigenere encryption algorithm combined with intelligent rules to maintain the dissimilarity between the data masking for perform encryption with different set of rules. This work mainly concentrates on data privacy with reduced time complexity for encryption and decryption.
Reviewing the Clinical Spectrum Related to Kmt2b Gene Mutations: Unusual Clinical Presentation and a Possible New Pathogenic Mutation
Authors: Toro Cristina del , Romero Jesús Olivares
Published: December 2021

Introduction KMT2B related dystonia is a childhood onset generalized dystonia. Since its first description in 2016, different phenotypic spectrum have been reported. The aim of the case report is to provide data that may help to understand the spectrum of KMT2B-related disorders. We present two members of a family with a possible non-previously described pathogenic mutation and an unusual KMT2B related dystonia presentation: an adult onset and focal dystonia.Case Presentation The index patient is a 32 year-old woman with a generalized dystonia. Her maternal uncle presented a focal dystonia. Next-generation sequencing revealed a heterozygous missense mutation in KMT2B gene (19q13.12), described as a variant of uncertain significance (VUS). Although characteristic phenotype of KMT2B dystonia is a childhood onset generalized dystonia, different phenotypes have been related according to the kinds of mutations in this gene, also varying the age of symptom onset and the penetrance of the mutation. Asymptomatic or sub-clinical carriers and adult onset has been described. Due to the low prevalence of this variant in the general population and the low penetrance and high intrafamilial variability of this entity, we suggest that this mutation might be a pathogenic variant.ConclusionsKMT2B related dystonia is an emerging and prevalent monogenic dystonia whose incidence, genetic variability and clinical spectrum remain unknown. Despite the study of this gene is indicated in childhood onset dystonia, description of cases such as ours shows that its sequencing in patients with an adult-onset dystonia with family history can be useful for the diagnosis.
Evaluation of Metal Contamination, Flux and the Associated Human Health Risk from Atmospheric Dustfall in Metal Mining Areas of Southern Jharkhand, India.
Authors: Mahato Mukesh Kumar , Singh Abhay Kumar , Giri Soma
Published: December 2021

Metals can be apprehended in the atmospheric environment of copper and iron mining areas of Jharkhand, which falls in one of the most mineralised areas of India with extensive mining and industrial activities. The study was taken up to appraise the metal contamination in the atmospheric dust to evaluate the metal fluxes and associated health risk considering the seasonal variations. Sixty samples were analysed for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) and the contamination levels were assessed by various indices. The metal content of dustfall samples exceeded the average shale values for most of the metals. Higher metal concentrations were found in the locations in close vicinity of mining and industrial areas. The principal component analysis suggested both geogenic and anthropogenic sources for metals in the atmospheric dustfall. Human health risk as determined by hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) suggested considerable risk to the child populace through the ingestion pathway for both the mining areas, higher being in iron mining areas. The metal flux and the health risk were higher in summers as compared to winters for both the mining areas. Consequently, the results advocate the necessity of periodic monitoring of the freefall dust of the mining areas and development of proper management strategies to reduce the metal pollution.
School-Based Harm Reduction with Adolescents: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study
Authors: Fischer Nina Rose
Published: December 2021

A pilot study of the Safety First: Real Drug Education for Teens curriculum showed significant results pre to post with high school freshmen. Negative outcomes of drug education are linked to failure to engage students because of developmentally inappropriate material or activities are too unrelated to young people to be meaningful. A few harm reduction studies showed significant increase in student's drug related knowledge. Students were less likely to consume substances and less likely to consume to harmful levels. More studies are necessary to evidence harm reduction efficacy in the classroom. The goal of this study was to measure harm reduction knowledge, attitude and behaviors, including drug policy advocacy, before and after Safety First. Data was analyzed using AVOVA, linear regression, t-tests and thematic coding. Survey results, corroborated by the qualitative findings, showed a significant change (p <.05) in high school freshmen knowledge, attitudes and behaviors in relationship to substance use pre to post class. These findings have implications for replication of the curriculum to other sites. Institutional Review Board approval was granted before the study was conducted with human subjects. The file number is 2017-0746. The date of initial registration was June 29 th , 2017, and continued approval has been granted through August 8 th , 2022.
Immediate Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Painful Sensitivity and Postural Stability in Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: Study Protocol for A Controlled Randomised Clinical Trial.
Authors: FREITAS JOAO PAULO , Corrêa Leticia Amaral , Bittencourt Juliana Valentim , Armstrongd Karine Marcondes , Nogueira Leandro Alberto Calazans
Published: December 2021

Background: Low back pain is one of the main public health concerns. Chronic low back pain (cLBP)reduces functional capacity and affects postural stability.Although health professionals widely use spinal manipulation, its immediate effect on painful sensitivity and postural stability is lacking. This study aims to verify the immediate effects of lumbar spinal manipulation on the pressure pain threshold and postural stability in individuals with cLBP. Methods: A two-arm, placebo-controlled clinical trial with parallel groups and examiner-blinded will be conducted with 80 participants with cLBPfrom an outpatient physical therapy department,randomly allocated at a 1:1 distribution. The experimental group will receive a lumbar spinal manipulation technique, and the placebo group will receive a simulated lumbar spinal manipulation. Both groups will receive one session of treatment and will be evaluated before and immediately after the intervention.The primary outcomes will be the pressure pain threshold and postural stability. Pain intensity and patient´s expectation will be assessed as a secondary outcome. The pressure pain threshold will be assessed using a pressure algometer in 6 different anatomical regions. The evaluation of postural stability will be performed in a baropodometry exam by displacing the centre of pressure. The pain intensity will be measuredusing the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. A Likert scale will be used for the patient´s expectationabout the treatment. A two-way analysis of variance will compare the effect of the interventions between groups. Discussion:This study will provide insights regarding the immediate effects of spinal manipulation in patients with cLBPagainst a simulated spinal manipulation using objective outcomes and considering patients’ expectations regarding the treatment.Trial registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials:RBR-3ksq2c; registered on 13 July 2020.
The mediating effect of risk management for Palestinian Islamic banks’ strategic planning and profitability performance
Authors: Abusharbeh Mohammed
Published: December 2021

This paper examined the mediating effect of risk management for strategic planning and profitability of Islamic banks in Palestine. The questionnaires were distributed randomly among 97 directors who have experience in strategic and risk management. A structural equation model was employed to test the research hypotheses. The result revealed that strategic planning and risk management have a significant positive effect on profitability, while strategic planning has a significant positive effect on risk management. In addition, risk management was evidenced to partially mediate the linkage between strategic planning and profitability. The current study yielded support for the claim that risk management played a significant mediating role in the relationship between strategic planning and profitability. Bank directors having good strategic planning and effective risk control tend to get a higher level of profitability. Therefore, Islamic banks should construct a proper strategy in line with their risk management practices and provide a robust risk assessment to protect their financial resources. Ultimately, they can attain superior profitability.
Development of the automated system for assessing radiation risks to the population of the Russian Federation based on the data of radiation-hygienic certification of territories
Authors: Akhmatdinov R. R. , Biblin A. M. , Repin L. V.
Published: December 2021

The assessment of the radiation risk based on the data of the radiation-hygienic passports of the territories makes it possible to give a brief quantitative characteristic of the negative impact of sources of ionizing radiation on the health of the population of various regions of the Russian Federation at the population level. The calculation of individual indicators of radiation risk for the population of particular region of the Russian Federation is a time-consuming task that requires referring to radiation-hygienic passports of territories for particular years. Therefore, the purpose of the performed work was to develop specialized software designed to assess the indicators of radiation risk to the population of the Russian Federation according to the data of the radiation-hygienic certification system of territories. Automation of the calculation of radiation risk allows not only to simplify the calculation procedure but also to carry out a spatial-temporal analysis of risk in dynamics for different regions of the Russian Federation over long periods. The methodological basis for the software development is guideline MR 2.6.1.0145-19 “Calculation of radiation risk according to the data contained in the radiation-hygienic passports of the territories to provide a comprehensive comparative assessment of the radiation safety status of the population of the subjects of the Russian Federation”. To achieve the set goal, two computer programs were developed: 1) to automate the process of calculating radiation risk based on the information contained in the radiation-hygienic passports of territories, a computer program “Calculation of radiation risk indicators according to RGPT data”; 2) for the spatial visualization of the calculations, a specialized geographic information system “Radiation risks of the population of the Russian Federation according to radiation-hygienic certification data”. The computer programs developed in the course of the work allow an automated calculation of radiation risk based on the data of radiation-hygienic passports of territories, visualize the spatially distributed results of calculating radiation risk, carry out a preliminary assessment of the state of radiation safety, based on the data contained in radiation-hygienic passports of territories using radiation risk indicators.
Universal calibration of a scintillation spectrometer with a NaI(Tl) detector when measuring 137Cs activity in counting samples of arbitrary density and volume
Authors: Sednev K. A. , Nekrasov V. A. , Repin V. S.
Published: December 2021

The article proposes an empirical method for constructing a universal calibration for a scintillation gamma spectrometer, which allows determining the activity and specific activity of 137Cs with an accuracy of no more than 15% in counting samples of arbitrary density and volume in cylindrical containers with a volume of 250 ml and 500 ml. To construct calibration ratios, measurements of 137Cs sample media prepared on the basis of materials of different densities (quartz sand, plastic granules and sawdust) were performed. The calibration was carried out by preparing samples from the listed materials with a volume of 50 to 250 ml in increments of 50 ml for a 250 ml container and 100-500 ml in increments of 100 ml for a 500 ml container. Along with taking into account the volume of the counting sample, its weighing was also carried out. The result of the measurements performed for each material was the ratio of the activity of the counting sample to the counting intensity in the 137Cs window, depending on the volume. The universal calibration factor is obtained by taking into account the counting rate from the mass and volume of the sample for the corresponding measuring vessel.
Consumption behavior and the lack of financial literacy among teens
Authors: Trisnani Sifa Asri , Adriyani Atika Dian , Wandansari Rifky Aulia , Isthika Wikan
Published: December 2021

Purpose – The main purpose of this study is to examine role of  financial literacy, peer conformity, and hedonic lifestyle towards teenagers’ consumption behavior.Method -  Consumer behavior explains the desire to have excessive consumption. The population in this study were all adolescents high school and university in the region of Central Semarang, amounting to 26 583 students, with a sample of 100 adolescents. This study uses a quantitative approach to data collection methods in the form of a questionnaire. The analytical method used is multiple linear regression analysis.Result - Peer conformity, hedonistic lifestyle, and financial literacy simultaneously influence consumer behavior adolescent high school and university in the Middle Semarang with a contribution of 37%. Partially significance value 0769 for peer conformity and 0. 992 for financial literacy while lifestyle 0:00 hedonic significance value. In this study, only hedonic factors that influence consumer behavior of teenagers.Implication -  This study can be used to understand behavior in teenager, especially in terms of purchase and consumption behavior.Originaility -  This research examine financial literacy in teenager phase.
The comparison of Islamic banks performance in Indonesia before and after the Action to Defend Islam event
Authors: Visita Luksi
Published: December 2021

Purpose – This study aims to compare the performance of Islamic banking before and after the Islamic defense action. The action to defend Islam is a manifestation of populism, which resulted in mixed responses.Method – Financial performance consisting of return on assets (ROA), financing to deposit ratio (FDR), third party funds (DPK), non performing financing (NPF) and profit sharing financing on total financing were analyzed from 30 Islamic commercial banks and Sharia business units in Indonesia. The data were analyzed using different test paired sample T-test.Result – The results show that only TPF and FDR have significant differences. The DPK value increases, while the FDR decreases.Implication – This study can support industry to consider aspects needed to be taken care of during political events.Originality – This study enriches the empirical study of political and business interaction.
Prediction of financial condition of Indonesian banks using Altman Z-Score model
Authors: Kamal St Ibrah Mustafa , Visita Luksi
Published: December 2021

Purpose – Banking is one of the hearts of the economy in Indonesia. This study aims to determine the financial condition of banking in Indonesia.Method – The data in this study uses financial reports of bank. The technique of data analysis uses the Altman Z-Score model. By using five variables that represent the liquidity ratio X1, X2 and X3 profitability, X4 and X5 activities. With the criteria of assessment Z-Score 2.99, it is categorized as a very healthy company. 1.81 Z-Score 2.99 is in the gray area so that the probability of being saved and the possibility of bankruptcy is the same depending on the policy decision of the company management as the decision maker. Z-Score 1.81 is categorized as a company which has an enormous financial problem at high risk, so that the possibility of bankruptcy is very largeResult – As the result, it can be seen that Indonesian banks from 2008-2010 were at risk of going through financial difficulties and then survived and in the following years became more stable, while some banks were in unstable but survived and fixed their financial issues.Implication – This research can help Indonesian banks to evaluate their financial performanceOriginality – The originality of this research lies in the object under study, test analysis, and research location.
Role of Grab on the social life changes of Bengkulu City
Authors: Widanti Afrima , Rahmayanti Dewi
Published: December 2021

Purpose – The presence of Grab has invited many discussions. The purpose of this study is to know the role of Grab on changes in social life in Bengkulu city both in terms of Grab drivers, consumers, and other conventional transportation.Method – This study uses a qualitative approach with an in-depth interview method. The total respondents in this study are 38 people consisting of 5 people from Grab drivers, 30 people from consumers, and five people from conventional transportation.Result – This study found that there were changes in Grab drivers' income, but there were no social changes in Grab drivers. On the other hand, there were social changes in Grab consumers and conventional drivers. Implication – This study can be used by public, government, and private sector to understand better consumer behaviour in online transportation field.Originality – As the growth of online transportation in Indonesia is increasing, this study offers early understanding upon the phenomena.
Kastetme Sanatı
Authors: Demir Rabia
Published: December 2021

1960 sonrası Postmodern sanat pratikleri ile “her şey sanat” ve “herkes sanatçı” olarak kabul edilir. Buna göre bir sanatçı, sanat amacı ile üretilmemiş herhangi bir şeyi sanat olarak sergileyebilir. Öyle ki bu şeyin sanatçı tarafından üretilmiş olması da gerekmez. Her şeyin sanat olarak sunulduğu çağdaş sanatta sanatçı, sanat eseri, mekân ve izleyici/alımlayıcının konumu da değişir. Tüm bu değişkenler sanat eserinin bağlamını da kökünden sarsmıştır. O halde; “bu şey sanattır”, “bu kişi sanatçıdır” denildiğinde ne kastedilmektedir? Sanat eseri olarak sunulan bu ‘şeyi’ diğer şeylerden ayıran nedir? Sanatçı mı, bağlam mı, mekân mı, yoksa piyasa mı? Bu sorular bağlamında makalede, sanatçı-sanat eseri, sanat eseri-izleyici, sanat eseri-bağlam, sanat eseri-mekân ve sanat eseri-piyasa ilişkisi çağdaş sanat eserleri ile örneklendirilerek incelenmiştir.
INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF COVID-19 OUTBREAK ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, PERCEIVED STRESS, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AWARENESS AND EXERCISE BARRIERS: A NATIONAL STUDY
Authors: AKÇAY Burçin , YILMAZ GÖKMEN Gülhan , KEÇELİOĞLU Şule , KESKİN Esra , TÜRKMEN Ozan
Published: December 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on physical activity, perceived stress, awareness of physical activity, and exercise barriers nationally.

Methods: The survey was sent on-line and data were collected from 1087 volunteers between May 8 and May 31, 2020. The physical activity levels of the respondents were evaluated with the Physical Activity (PA) Questionnaire-Short Form and stress levels with the Perceived Stress Scale. The awareness of exercise and barriers to exercise were questioned with qualitative questions. One-way ANOVA, the Chi-squared test, and Pearson Correlation analysis were used to evaluate the data.

Results: During the COVID-19, 70% of adults had inadequate PA. It was observed that the stress level was different in terms of PA levels (p
Use of exponential distribution in mathematical models of dependability
Authors: Zelentsov B. P.
Published: December 2021

The exponential distribution of time to event or end of state is popular in the dependability theory. This distribution is characterized by the strength that is a convenient parameter used in mathematical models and calculations. The exponential distribution is used as part of dependability-related process simulation. Examples are given to illustrate the applicability of the exponential distribution. Aim. The aim of the paper is to improve the dependability-related simulation methods when using the exponential distribution of periods of states or times to events. Methods. The assumption of the exponential distribution of time between events can be justified or discarded using methods of the probability theory and/or mathematical statistics or on the basis of personal or engineering experience. It has been experimentally established that the failure flow in an established mode of operation is stationary, ordinary and produces no consequences. Such flow is Poisson and is distinct in the fact that the time between two consecutive failures is distributed exponentially with a constant rate. This exponential distribution is reasonably extended to the distribution of an item’s failure-free time. However, in other cases, the use of exponential distribution is often not duly substantiated. The methodological approach and the respective conclusions are case-based. A number of experience-based cases are given to show the non-applicability of exponential distribution. Discussion. Cases are examined, in which the judgement on the applicability or non-applicability of exponential distribution can be made on the basis of personal experience or the probability theory. However, in case of such events as completion of recovery, duration of scheduled inspection, duration of maintenance, etc., a judgement regarding the applicability of exponential distribution cannot be made in the absence of personal experience associated with such events. The distribution of such durations is to be established using statistical methods. The paper refers to the author’s publications that compare the frequency of equipment inspections with regular and exponentially distributed periods. The calculated values of some indicators are retained, while for some others they are different. There is a two-fold difference between the unavailability values for the above ways of defining the inspection frequency. Findings and conclusions. The proposed improvements to the application of exponential distribution as part of dependability simulation come down to the requirement of clear substantiation of the application of exponential distribution of time between events using methods of the probability theory and mathematical statistics. An unknown random distribution cannot be replaced with an exponential distribution without a valid substantiation. Replacing a random time in a subset of states with a random exponentially distributed time with a constant rate should be done with an error calculation.
The interconnection between generalized trust and corruption practices of the population (results of sociological research in Altai Krai)
Authors: Spirina Anastasia S. , Maximova Svetlana G.
Published: December 2021

The relevance of the topic is determined by the importance of the category of generalized trust, which is recognized, within the framework of the concept of social capital, as the foundation for developing the attitude of trust as «a priori benevolence», which can later be considered as the basis for reducing the corruption practices of the population. The low degree and lack of generalized trust can generate a calm attitude towards corruption and facilitate the participation of the population in corrupt activities. A high degree of trust in an individual contributes to confidence in the actions carried out by them, their compliance with established norms, rules or agreements, due to which the likelihood of the implementation of corrupt actions is minimized. This duality of the relationship between corruption and trust is explained by the existence of different forms and levels of trust in society, when different types of trust play their «role». The purpose of the study is to identify the presence of interconnection of generalized trust and corruption in the Altai Krai’s society. The basis of this article consists of integrative theoretical and methodological background, which includes concepts of theories of trust and of corruptogenicity of a society. The novelty of the research lies in the identification of possible points of interdependence of social trust and corruption in society. The article focuses on the sociological analysis of corruption practices and public perceptions of corruption. The level of coverage of everyday corruption and the degree of generalized trust among the population of Altai Krai were determined based on the results of a sociological survey of the urban and rural population aged 18 to 70 years (n = 1200). Corrupt practices of the population are presented in the work by the level of involvement of the population in everyday corruption for the sixteen proposed situations of contacting state authorities. The hypotheses about the presence of interconnection/dependence between generalized trust and corrupt practices were tested. For some figures, a connection was found between socio-demographic characteristics, the degree of generalized trust, the coverage of domestic corruption and its demand. The dependence of some corrupt practices on generalized trust were also revealed. The authors have used regression analysis in the present research.
Development Trends of Subjects of the Russian Federation During the Pandemic Period
Authors: Valentey S. D. , Bakhtizin A. R. , Borisova S. V. , Kol’chugina A. V. , Lykova L. N.
Published: December 2021

There is a growing number of publications in the scientific literature on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the situation in national economies. The number of studies in which this problem is considered at the regional level is much smaller. At the same time, due to differences in the levels of development of regional economies, the impact of the pandemic on regional economies is different and differs from that recorded at the macro level. The research results presented in the article continue the publication of annual analysts on the development trends of the economies of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, which began in 2012, however, it is based on a new methodology. The indicators used in the analysis are no longer related to the gross regional product. The authors made an attempt to determine: the existence of a relationship between the “quality of the social environment” of the regions and the economic activity carried out on its territory; to specify the sources of financing for the development of the social environment of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The author have identified the groups of regions where the provision of a certain level of social well-being can be achieved through the development of their own economy, as well as the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, where this is not possible in the short term. All groups of regions, except for the second, shows the absence of a strong correlation between the levels of social well-being and economic activity. It is indicated that transfers from the federal budget play a significant role in supporting social well-being in most constituent entities of the Russian Federation. They largely compensate for the lack of economic activity to finance costs. The question is raised about the need to move to a reasonably asymmetric model of building relations between the federal center and the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and a reasonably asymmetric model of interbudgetary relations adequate to it.
Organizational and Economic Basis of Functioning of Transportation Complexes of the EU And PRC
Authors: Karpov Yu. A.
Published: December 2021

The effective functioning of the transport complex is associated with the development of transport infrastructure, including sea, river, road, aviation, railway transport, which meets the needs of the country’s economy in the delivery of goods and passengers. The article provides a comparative analysis of the organizational and economic foundations of the functioning of the transport complex in the EU and China. On the example of the EU countries and the PRC, it has been proved that the effective functioning of the transport complex in developed countries ensures the connectivity of territories and contributes to the growth of socio-economic development.
Valuatio of Inequality in the Russian Federation and its Decomposition Using the Theil Index
Authors: Gagarina G. Y. , Bolotov R. O.
Published: December 2021

The high level of interregional socio-economic inequality is one of the main problems of spatial development of the Russian Federation, which is enshrined in several state strategic planning documents. Such a situation requires constant monitoring of this inequality and the search for solutions to this problem. The article analyzes the current situation of interregional inequality in the Russian Federation according to a few key indicators of socio-economic development and assesses the dynamics of changes in inequality of the subjects of the Russian Federation in the period 2000–2019. In addition, the article decomposes interregional inequality using the Theil index and proves that differences between federal districts explain a relatively small part of interregional differentiation, while differences between regions within districts account for more than 80% of all regional variation.
Post-Soviet States of Eurasia in International Economic Relations
Authors: Chufrin G. I.
Published: December 2021

The present article is devoted to the analysis of participation of new post-Soviet Eurasian states in international economic relations, of current goals and strategic targets of this policy in the economic development of these states. Many, in fact the majority of them appeared to be unable after achieving political sovereignty to solve complex economic problems of national development since they had neither organizational experience in carrying out an independent and effective economic policy nor the personnel, technological and financial provisions for these goals. Therefore new independent Eurasian states had to approach foreign countries searching for adequate forms and methods of cooperation with them on these issues. In this connection the article explores the nature of interrelations between post-Soviet states with their principal foreign partners on a bilateral basis as well as in multilateral international economic organizations, of the comparative role of political and economic factors in these relations. Some of the post-Soviet states have begun their participation in the Eurasian integration project headed by Russia, others aim at solving their external political and economic problems by strengthening relations with the USA and European Union on a priority basis, still others see the way out in promoting their orientation primarily on their closest regional partners (such as China, Turkey, Iran). However, neither of these directions of external economic activities has become a dominant one on the post-Soviet space. Moreover, some of their elements may get a priority significance, neighboring others or even replacing them at various stages of development of this or that post-Soviet state. Besides, three decades after their formation the new sovereign Eurasian states having endured complex processes of national state building began to differ substantially from each other by their political systems, by levels of economic development and above all – by their strategic goals, aspirations and orientations. And in its turn this has caused serious changes in their approaches to building relations with their external partners, both in bilateral and multilateral formats. Under these conditions the most important national priority of Russia is to implement such a foreign policy at the post-Soviet space that would react timely and most flexibly at social, political and economic processes going on there and emphasizing that most important goal of such a policy is neither a political expansion or an institution of a great power hegemony but development of partnership and friendly relations with the post-Soviet states on the basis of equality and mutual benefits.
Successful delayed endovascular correction of migration of transcatheter aortic valve prosthesis in left ventricle outflow tract: case report
Authors: Gorovaya A.D. , Zubarev D.D. , Krasnov V.S. , Chernyavskiy M.A. , Prokhorikhin A.A.
Published: December 2021

We report the successful endovascular correction of the migration of a transcatheter aortic valve prosthesis in the left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT). A 72-old man was underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) at Almazov National Medical Research Centre for severe aortic stenosis. During the procedure, the self-expanding prosthesis dislocated 10–12 mm into the LVOT. The frame was optimised with the use of a balloon catheter, and aortic regurgitation I-II degree was achieved. However, on day 17 of hospitalisation, acute heart failure with episodes of asystole occurred as a result of severe paravalvular regurgitation; cardiopulmonary resuscitation was necessary. The prosthesis malpositioning was corrected by traction with endovascular snare devices. The patient was stable during the postprocedural period and discharged on day 31.
Dislocation of self-expanding prostheses into the LVOT is a complication specific to TAVI that may quickly aggravate a patient’s condition; therefore, correction of valve malpositioning should be performed as soon as possible. The case reported here in an illustration of successful endovascular correction of dislocation performed with the snare traction technique. This bail-out approach can be used by interventional cardiologists in similar situations.
Received 27 May 2021. Revised 29 July 2021. Accepted 30 July 2021.
Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.
Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.
Contribution of the authorsLiterature review: A.D. Gorovaya, D.D. Zubarev, A.A. ProkhorikhinDrafting the article: A.D. Gorovaya, V.S. Krasnov, A.A. ProkhorikhinCritical revision of the article: A.D. Gorovaya, M.A. Chernyavskiy, A.A. ProkhorikhinSurgical treatment: D.D. Zubarev, V.S. Krasnov, A.A. ProkhorikhinFinal approval of the version to be published: A.D. Gorovaya, D.D. Zubarev, V.S. Krasnov, M.A. Chernyavskiy, A.A. Prokhorikhin
Aorto-digestive fistula: a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Belov D.V. , Garbuzenko D.V. , Andrievskikh S.I. , Anufrieva S.S.
Published: December 2021

Aorto-digestive fistulas are a rare but extremely dangerous cause of massive gastrointestinal bleeding with a high risk of death. The aim of the review was to examine the modern principles of aorto-digestive fistula diagnosis and optimal treatment modalities.Scientific publications and their reference lists were searched on PubMed database, Google Scholar and Russian Science Citation Index. Articles relevant to the topic, published over the past 25 years (1996-2021), were included and they were searched and categorised using the following key words: ‘gastrointestinal bleeding’, ‘aorto-digestive fistulas’, ‘diagnosis’ and ‘treatment’. Inclusion criteria were limited to gastrointestinal bleeding associated with aorto-digestive fistulas.Patients with aortic aneurysms or those who have undergone prosthetics should have increased alertness regarding the formation of aorto-digestive fistulas. With a presence of gastrointestinal bleeding and exclusion of other sources based on multispiral computed tomography data with intravenous bolus contrast enhancement, this will allow for quick verification of the diagnosis and also enable timely medical measures to be taken. In an emergency situation, to achieve rapid hemostasis in unstable patients, endovascular aortic replacement is most justified. Open reconstruction of the aorta in situ with simultaneous elimination of the hollow organ defect and sanitation of fistula-associated foci of infection should be considered as a radical intervention for aorto-digestive fistulas.Received 19 May 2021. Revised 7 July 2021. Accepted 9 July 2021.Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.Contribution of the authors: The authors contributed equally to this article.
Impact of atrial fibrillation on long-term outcomes in patients with coronary artery bifurcation lesions undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Khelimskii D.A. , Krestyaninov O.V. , Badoian A.G. , Baranov A.A. , Utegenov R.B. , Bessonov I.S. , Sapozhnikov S.S.
Published: December 2021

Background. Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common types of cardiac arrhythmias. The frequent combination of atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease in clinical practice can be attributed to common risk factors and relationships among pathogenetic mechanisms.Aim. This study aims to evaluate the impact of atrial fibrillation on immediate and long-term clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary bifurcation lesions.Methods. This study included 709 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary bifurcation lesions. All patients were divided into two groups: those with and without atrial fibrillation.Results. This multicentre registry showed that the incidence of atrial fibrillation was 11.7%. Compared to patients without a history of atrial fibrillation, those that did were older (66.8 ± 8.5 vs. 62.9 ± 9.0 years, p = 0.0002) and more often had cerebrovascular (22.9% vs. 10.4%, p = 0.003) and peripheral artery disease (18.1% vs. 7.2%, p = 0.002). The overall incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events at the hospital stage was 1.8%. The average follow-up duration was 476 ± 94 days. No difference in long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (15.0% vs. 13.1%, p = 0.6) was observed between patients with and without atrial fibrillation. Patients with atrial fibrillation were more likely to have adverse events, such as bleeding (13.8% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.22), stroke (2.5% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.23) and myocardial infarction (7.6% vs. 5.0%, p = 0.28), although differences between the groups were insignificant.Conclusion. Atrial fibrillation was not associated with mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary bifurcation lesions.
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03450577
Received 4 August 2021. Revised 27 September 2021. Accepted 28 September 2021.
Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.
Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.
Contribution of the authorsConception and study design: D.A. Khelimskii, O.V. Krestyaninov, A.G. Badoian, A.A. Baranov, R.B. Utegenov, I.S. Bessonov, S.S. SapozhnikovData collection and analysis: D.A. Khelimskii, A.G. Badoian, A.A. Baranov, R.B. Utegenov, I.S. Bessonov, S.S. SapozhnikovStatistical analysis: D.A. Khelimskii, A.G. Badoian, I.S. BessonovDrafting the article: D.A. Khelimskii, O.V. Krestyaninov, A.G. Badoian, A.A. Baranov, R.B. Utegenov, I.S. Bessonov, S.S. SapozhnikovCritical revision of the article: D.A. Khelimskii, O.V. Krestyaninov, A.G. Badoian, A.A. Baranov, R.B. Utegenov, I.S. Bessonov, S.S. SapozhnikovFinal approval of the version to be published: D.A. Khelimskii, O.V. Krestyaninov, A.G. Badoian, A.A. Baranov, R.B. Utegenov, I.S. Bessonov, S.S. Sapozhnikov
Aortic root prosthesis with pericardial cusps "Russian conduit": A hydrodynamic experiment
Authors: Bazylev V.V. , Batrakov P.A. , Khadiev D.M. , Egorov A.A. , Eremin N.A.
Published: December 2021

Aim. The study aimed to compare the hydrodynamic characteristics and durability of the aortic root prosthesis with pericardial cusps with various options for the formation of commissures.Methods. Nine conduits with pericardial valves were formed according to the technique described by Ozaki. The prostheses were divided into 3 groups of 3 specimens each: group 1 — without additional reinforcing seams on the top of the commissure; group 2 — with an additional U-shaped seam without gasket; and group 3 — with an additional suture with an opposite pericardial gasket. The prostheses were fixed on a stand for hydrodynamic testing of artificial heart valves. The hydrodynamic characteristics of the prostheses were evaluated. The hydrodynamics of the frame biological prosthesis was used for comparison. After assessing the hydrodynamic parameters of the aortic root prostheses, their work durability was tested. Defects of the pericardial cusps were studied macroscopically.Results. Two samples from group 2 were withdrawn from testing ahead of schedule at around 11 × 106 cycles, which is approximately 3.5 months of normal heart function. The other prostheses remained competent and were removed for an examination at 32 × 106 cycles, which is approximately 9.6 months of normal heart function.Conclusion. The hydrodynamics of the aortic root prosthesis with pericardial valves was comparable to the hydrodynamics of the frame biological prosthesis. Additional U-shaped sutures in the commissure area of the pericardial cusps did not increase the functional durability of the aortic root prosthesis with pericardial leaflets and served as additional risk factors for leaflet perforation. Implantation of pericardial leaflets into a vascular graft resulted in a different distribution of dynamic stress compared to the original aortic valve neocuspidisation, which preserved the aortic root.
Received 8 July 2021. Revised 30 August 2021. Accepted 7 September 2021.
Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.
Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.
Contribution of the authorsConception and study design: V.V. Bazylev, P.A. BatrakovData collection and analysis: P.A. Batrakov, D.M. Khadiev, A.A. Egorov, N.A. EreminDrafting the article: P.A. BatrakovCritical revision of the article: V.V. Bazylev, P.A. BatrakovFinal approval of the version to be published: V.V. Bazylev, P.A. Batrakov, D.M. Khadiev, A.A. Egorov, N.A. Eremin
Distribution of stem-end rot on the canopy in ‘Hass’ avocado trees in two coastal areas in Peru
Authors: Llanos Melo Alejandro Kepler , Apaza-Tapia Walter Eduardo
Published: December 2021

Stem-end rot (SER) of avocado is caused by several fungal species, and it is presented worldwide. This plant disease currently affects several avocado producer regions in Peru, causing fruit rot, impacting the industry negatively. Research about SER distribution in the canopy of avocado trees is limited. Thus, the present study aimed to compare which areas in the canopy are prone to have more SER in ‘Hass’ avocado harvested fruit in two different coastal areas in Peru. The experiment was conducted in the northern (Barranca) and southern (Cañete) of Lima. ‘Hass’Avocado fruits from both producer areas were collected to identify the causal agent; Lasiodiplodia theobromae was isolated from infected fruits. Identification was conducted based on morphological features and a partial DNA sequence of the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (tef1-α). The results showed that fruits inside the tree canopy were prone to have a higher disease incidence than the fruits located in the external site (P<0.001). Besides, internal-site fruits displayed a higher percentage of infected fruit for each grade disease (P<0.001) than external-site fruits, except for grade 0 (fruits without symptoms) and grade 1. Finally, the results suggested that the altitude where the fruit is positioned on the canopy could influence the incidence of SER, where fruits located in the high part revealed less incidence than the low section. The results are valuable for enhancing management strategies and avoiding postharvest loss of avocado fruits in our region.
The Significant Role of Nutraceutical Compounds in Ulcerative Colitis
Treatment
Authors: Maio Azzurra Chiara De , Basile Giovanna , Iacopetta Domenico , Catalano Alessia , Ceramella Jessica , Cafaro Danilo , Saturnino Carmela , Sinicropi Maria Stefania
Published: December 2021

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) mainly
affecting the colon and the rectum. Its main characteristics include relapsing and remitting
mucosal inflammation, starting in the rectum and typically extending continuously
proximally through part of or the entire colon. UC pathogenesis depends on multiple factors,
such as genetic predisposition, defects in the epithelial barrier, dysregulated immune
responses, and environmental causes. The most frequent symptoms are abdominal pain,
weight loss, mucus discharge, bloody diarrhoea, incontinence, nocturnal defecations, fever,
and anemia. Existing therapies for UC include 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and its
derivatives, steroids, immunosuppressants, and biological drugs. However, limited efficacy
and unwanted adverse effects hardly limit these strategies of treatment. In the last decades,
research studies have been driven towards complementary and alternative
medicines for the treatment of UC. Various nutraceuticals have exhibited promising results
in modulating intestinal inflammation while improving symptoms. These compounds
possess a wide spectrum of positive health effects evidenced by in vitro studies,
characterized by their involvement in antioxidant defenses, cell proliferation, and gene
expression. The present review analyzes the available data about the different types of nutraceuticals
and their potential effectiveness as adjuvant therapy of IBD, with particular
emphasis to UC.