bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stepping down therapy for well-controlled mild asthma: an experience from University Medical Center at Ho Chi Minh City
Authors: Lam Nguyen-Ho , Nam Nguyen-Thanh , Vu Le-Thuong , Vinh Nguyen-Nhu , Tuyet-Lan Le-Thi
Published: January 2021

Background

Stepping down treatment for well-controlled mild asthma is challenging to clinicians. The step-down strategy using regularly-intermittent low-dose inhaled corticosteroid has been applied at the University Medical Center (UMC) of Ho Chi Minh City, called as “UMC” approach.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of UMC step-down strategy in well- controlled mild asthma.

Methods

A real-world retrospective descriptive study was conducted at UMC from 2009 to 2018. All asthmatic patients (age ≥ 12) who received step-down therapy using this UMC approach were evaluated.

Results

Among 2,072 asthma patients to be treated with UMC step-down strategy, only 112 subjects were eligible. The median age was 38.5 years and female was 62.5%. Most patients at their initial presentation were indicated step 4 treatment (87.5%). The controller medications before initiation of UMC treatment included fluticasone propionate 125 μg once-daily, salmeterol/fluticasone propionate 25/125 μg once-daily, and formoterol/budesonide 4.5/160 μg once-daily. After being treated with the UMC approach, the rates of well-controlled asthma ranged from 67.6% to 91.1%. During 1 year with UMC treatment, pulmonary function remained stable and only 7 subjects (6.3%) developed exacerbation.

Conclusion

The UMC step-down treatment for well-controlled mild asthma was relatively efficient in maintaining asthma control, stabilization of pulmonary function, and reducing risk of severe exacerbation.
A whole row automatic pick-up device using air force to blow out vegetable plug seedlings
Authors: Mao Hanping , Ma Guoxin , Han Luhua , Hu Jianping , Gao Feng , Liu Yang
Published: January 2021

Aim of study: To develop a whole row automatic pick-up device using air force to blow out plug seedlings, to avoid the damage to seedlings that the current way of seedling picking by needle insertion induces.Area of study: Jiangsu Province, China.Material and methods: We designed a pick-up device which mainly consists of a seedling transporting device, a seedling air loosening device, a seedling clamping device and an automatic control system. The damage rate of seedling was significantly reduced and the success rate of seedling picking was increased by using the new seedling air loosening method and the new designed end-effectors. A prototype of the new pick-up device was produced according to the calculation results, and the performance tests were arranged under actual production conditions in an indoor laboratory.Main results: The calculation showed that when the diameter of the blowhole in air nozzle is 3.5 mm, and the air pressure is between 0.146 MPa and 0.315 MPa, the seedlings can be blown out successfully. Besides, the clamping strain test showed that the new designed end-effector can meet the requirements of seedling picking. The orthogonal test showed that both the air pressure and water content significantly affected the success ratio. The success ratio reached 96.64% when air pressure was 0.4 MPa, water content was 55%-60% and airflow rate was 100%, what meets the current requirements of transplanting.Research highlights: This research can provide some references for the automatic transplanting technology.
Human Capital and Its Impact on Promoting the Knowledge Economy “Saudi Arabia as a Model”- An Applied Study During the Period (2010-2020)
Authors: Younis Safa Mohammed Elhassan
Published: January 2021

The study is an attempt to measure the impact of human capital in promoting a knowledge economy by applying it to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia set during the period from 2010 to 2020. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher began with a simple narration of the theoretical aspect of the topic to derive benefit from the theoretical background concerning the study of the study variables.
A Novel Metaphor Concerning the Terminology of Open Innovation
Authors: Yapa Shanta Rajapaksha , Senathiraja R , Kauranen Ilkka
Published: January 2021

The prime objective of the research was to determine how the apparel manufacturing sector is embracing digitization and its leaders are preparing for the digital age? so we wanted to find out what type of leadership style is needed for digital leadership. The present study used a sample of 50 RMG companies. We investigated relationships between three variables, Internet od Things, use of digitization-automation, use of smart phones and apps. Further, the variables’ influence on digitization has been assessed through multiple factors leading to digitization by allotment of weightage for each factor. The findings in this paper supports two variables; use of automized digital machines and internet of things being significant whereas, use of smartphones and apps is insignificant. It implies that preparation for leading in the digital age remains limited which require change oriented leadership behavior at all levels. Limitations of the paper include the data which is specific to Bangladesh RMG industry, therefore it cannot be generalized, further the economic meltdown due to COVID-19 pandemic might have influenced the results. The paper’s prime contribution is based on the assessment of predictor variables and their influence that it makes in providing leadership in the digital age which demand change oriented behavior of leaders.
Consistency of an Estimator for Change Point in Volatility of Financial Returns
Authors: Njeri Ngure Josephine , Gichuhi Waititu Anthony
Published: January 2021

A non parametric Auto-Regressive Conditional Heteroscedastic model for financial returns series is considered in which the conditional mean and volatility functions are estimated non-parametrically using Nadaraya Watson kernel. A test statistic for unknown abrupt change point in volatility which takes into consideration conditional heteroskedasticity, dependence, heterogeneity and the fourth moment of financial returns, since kurtosis is a function of the fourth moment is considered. The test is based on L2norm of the conditional variance functions of the squared residuals. A non-parametric change point estimator in volatility of financial returns is further obtained. The consistency of the estimator is shown theoretically and through simulation. An application of the estimator in change point estimation in volatility of United States Dollar/Kenya Shilling exchange rate returns data set is made. Through binary segmentation procedure, three change points in volatility of the exchange rate returns are estimated and further accounted for.
The Impact of CEOs' Compensations on Cost Stickiness in Industrial Companies Listed on the Amman Stock Exchange
Authors: Hussien Lina Fuad
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study is to analyze the asymmetry in cost behavior (cost stickiness) and to identify the impact of CEOs' compensation on the degree of cost stickiness behavior. The study population consists of the public shareholding companies listed on the ASE, which number (56) industrial company. Data were collected from (35) industrial companies for the period (2009 - 2019). To measure the degree of costs stickiness, The Model of Weiss (2010) was used. The Model of Weiss (2010) takes into account the costs and changes in the level of activity (sales) for the last four quarters of the company, Weiss (2010) model constructs the difference in logarithmic ratios of changes in cost. The study found that the CEO's compensation in Jordanian industrial companies consists of two forms. The companies pay fixed salaries or performance-related bonuses. The study found that the form of compensation that is paid to the CEO affects the behavior of managers. The results indicated that the performance-related rewards are accompanied by a decrease in the level of cost stickiness, and the compensation paid in the form of fixed salaries are accompanied by a high level of cost stickiness. The study recommends that companies should understand the role of the compensation form in administrative decisions, especially with regard to resource modifications, as management motives in relation to resource modifications must be taken into account because of their clear and direct impact on the cost structure of companies.
De invloed van contractuele en relationele aspecten op stakeholdermanagement
Authors: Philips Sander , de Groot Bert , Verweij Stefan
Published: January 2021

The influence of contractual and relational aspects on external stakeholder management: A case study of the Dutch A9 and A16 DBFM infrastructure projects

In the past decade, large infrastructure projects in the Netherlands have often been implemented through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), specifically using Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM) contracts. While the decision to implement projects through PPPs is based on expected advantages for internal parties – the public and private partners in the PPP –, there is a call for more focus on the advantages and disadvantages of PPPs for external stakeholders. External stakeholder management in DBFM projects is based on a contractual division of risks and responsibilities between the partners. However, it is clear from the literature that the contract does not guarantee successful stakeholder management. Relational aspects are important. Little research has been done, however, into the interplay of contractual and relational aspects in achieving successful stakeholder management. This article addresses this research need. A comparative case study was conducted into the PPP projects A9 Gaasperdammerweg and A16 Rotterdam. The study first shows that sanctions, when combined with a relational approach, have a positive effect on the relationships with stakeholders. Second, external stakeholder management cannot be simply outsourced to the private partner and continuous involvement of the public partner is important for success.
Eigendoms- en gebruiksrechten van genetische informatie
Authors: den Butter Frank
Published: January 2021

Ownership and user rights of genetic information

In 2003, the WRR suggested in the ‘Deciding on Biotechnology’ report that individuals should not be given ownership of their personal genetic information (DNA) to prevent risk selection and exclusion. Yet, that does not seem politically and ethically feasible. From that perspective, the research question of this article is how to regulate ownership and use of genetic information. Better predictability of health and longevity risk, through genetic information and thanks to new developments in geno-economics, possibly in combination with ‘big data’, makes risk selection by insurance companies attractive. That holds more specifically for the pension system. In addition to insurance for investment risk, the pension system also offers insurance for longevity risk. In itself, selection for longevity risk via premium setting is not unwarranted since the ‘bad risks’ with long life expectancy are the highly educated, so that the current implicit risk solidarity in pension insurance in The Netherlands, unlike in health insurance, brings about more inequality. But an unrestricted risk selection does raise ethical and social questions and does not fit into the new pension system in the Netherlands. That is why good and extensive legislation is needed for property rights and the utilization of genetic information of individual citizens. A similar focus on regulation is also in order for the use of DNA information of the government in criminal cases. Here the question is what additional options the government should have to use the information to solve crimes.
Naar eigen orderegels voor de rijksministerraad
Authors: Duijf C.M.A.M.
Published: January 2021

Naar eigen orderegels voor de rijksministerraad

De rijksministerraad en de Nederlandse ministerraad vergaderen volgens hetzelfde reglement van orde. In deze bijdrage wordt voorgesteld afzonderlijke orderegels voor de rijksministerraad in het leven te roepen. In deze orderegels kunnen onder andere de termijnen voor aanlevering van de stukken worden vastgelegd en kan voorzien worden in mogelijkheden voor de Caribische landen om de Raden van Advies te horen. Hierdoor worden de Caribische landen beter in staat gesteld hun rol in de rijksministerraad waar te maken. Dit is onder meer van belang omdat de besluiten van de rijksministerraad grote (maatschappelijke) gevolgen kunnen hebben voor de landen. Tijdens de coronacrisis is dit wederom gebleken.
2020/44 The (Non)Application of the Posting of Workers Directive to Aircrew: How a lack of legal certainty leads to a failure to apply the posting rules in the aviation industry
Authors: Busschaert Gautier , Pecinovsky Pieter
Published: January 2021

2020/44 The (Non)Application of the Posting of Workers Directive to Aircrew: How a lack of legal certainty leads to a failure to apply the posting rules in the aviation industry

This article focuses on the posting of workers in the aviation industry. The main problem is that it is not clear in which situations the Posting of Workers Directive should be applied to aircrew (i.e. cabin crew and pilots). The aviation sector is characterised by a very mobile workforce in which it is possible for employees to provide services from different countries in a very short timeframe. This makes it, to a certain extent, easier for employers to choose the applicable social legislation, which can lead to detrimental working conditions for their aircrew. This article looks into how the Posting of Workers Directive can prevent some air carriers from unilaterally determining the applicable social legislation and makes some suggestions to end unfair social competition in the sector. This article is based on a research report which the authors drafted in 2019 with funding from the European Commission (hereafter the ‘Report’)
2020/48 Norwegian parental benefits provisions disadvantaging men found outside the scope of Equal Treatment Directive (NO)
Authors: Wik Jonas Thorsdalen , Lund Dag Sørlie
Published: January 2021

2020/48 Norwegian parental benefits provisions disadvantaging men found outside the scope of Equal Treatment Directive (NO)

On 13 December 2019 the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Court held that a national provision that renders a father’s entitlement to parental benefits during a shared period of leave dependent on the mother’s situation, but not vice versa, fell outside the scope of Directive 2006/54/EC (the Equal Treatment Directive) since it did not concern “employment and working conditions” within the meaning of Article 14(1)(c) of that Directive. The action brought by the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) was thus dismissed. The Court consequently did not consider whether the Norwegian rules amounted to unlawful discrimination under the Directive. Furthermore, no assessment was made as to the potential breach with the general principle of equality of gender under EEA law, as this had not been pleaded by ESA.
De rol van de fairness opinion in de uitkoopprocedure
Authors: Baijer L.H.J.
Published: January 2021

De rol van de fairness opinion in de uitkoopprocedure. Noot bij Hof Amsterdam (OK) 14 januari 2020, ECLI:NL:GHAMS:2020:300 (Fortuna)

Bij een op 14 januari 2020 gewezen arrest hebben minderheidsaandeelhouders in de uitkoopprocedure van Fortuna succesvol verzet ingesteld tegen het arrest van 30 oktober 2018 en hebben zij tevens de subsidiair gevorderde uitkoopprijs aangevochten. In deze noot bespreekt de auteur de rol van de fairness opinion in deze uitkoopprocedure.
De Nijmeegse beeldenstorm
Authors: Verstoep J. , Bosman L.Z.
Published: January 2021

De Nijmeegse beeldenstorm. Beschouwingen bij Hof Amsterdam (OK) 21 juli 2020, ECLI:NL:GHAMS:2020:2033

In deze bijdrage bespreken auteurs de beschikking van de OK van 21 juli 2020, waarin zij onmiddellijke voorzieningen en een enquête heeft gelast bij de Stichting Katholieke Universiteit. Ze bespreken bepaalde juridische aspecten van onderhavige beschikking en de wijze waarop de OK die juridische begrippen in dit concrete geval heeft ingevuld.
Afwijken en archipels
Authors: van Oort S.P.
Published: January 2021

Afwijken en archipels. Afwijkingsbevoegdheden ten behoeve van noodsituaties in de wetgevingspraktijk sinds de motie-Jurgens c.s.

In een hogere regeling wordt niet toegestaan dat daarvan bij lagere regeling wordt afgeweken. Uitzonderingen daarop zijn experimenteerregelgeving en regelingen ten behoeve van noodsituaties. In dit artikel wordt bekeken hoe deze laatste uitzondering is uitgelegd in de wetgevingspraktijk. De conclusie is dat het begrip ‘noodsituaties’ in die uitzondering extensief wordt uitgelegd. In de praktijk zijn voor regelingen ten behoeve van noodsituaties aanvullende criteria ontstaan, waarvan wordt voorgesteld deze in aanwijzing 2.31 te codificeren.
IRREVERSIBILITY OF FRICTION AND WEAR PROCESSES
Authors: Sadowski Jan
Published: January 2021

Ways of energy dissipation by friction are analysed from a thermodynamic perspective. The non-equilibrium
and irreversibility of processes in tribological systems are found to be sufficient conditions for energy
dissipation. M. Planck’s currently prevailing opinion that mechanical work can be converted into heat without
limitations, e.g., by means of heat, is demonstrated not to apply to the friction of solids subject to wear.
Ranges of work conversion into friction heat are determined. The generation of tribological wear particles
is dependent on work of mechanical dissipation and its components – surface and volume work. A friction
pair or its fragments, where energy is directly dissipated, are treated as open thermodynamic systems. The
processes in place are described with the first law of thermodynamics equation. The effect of friction heat
and the work of mechanical dissipation on variations of internal energy, enthalpy, and energy transferred to
the environment as heat are defined. These dependences should be addressed when planning and interpreting
tribological tests.
Farmer's behaviors toward pesticides use: insight from a field study in Oriental Morocco
Authors: Benaboud Jamal , Elachour Mostafa , Oujidi Jamal , Chafi Abdelhafid
Published: January 2021

Pesticides are a vital component of modern agriculture. So, these chemical compounds could play a crucial role in maintaining high agricultural productivity. However, high-input intensive agricultural production systems in which more effective and widespread use of pesticides could harm human health and the environment. As we know, most of the farmers in developing countries used pesticides without taking the necessary precautions. The present study aims to assess farmers' knowledge and understand the pattern of use of pesticides in Oriental Morocco. We based our approach on a standardized questionnaire with 140 farmers to evaluate their knowledge, attitude, and awareness about the pictograms used on pesticide labels. The results show that the farmer had a low level of education; only 14% were in university. More than 65% overuse pesticides and 60% did not respect the pre-harvest interval. Many farmers did not know the standard pictograms used on pesticide labels, 90% acknowledged only the crossbones and the fire sign, and 33% gave false interpretation or misunderstood these pictograms. These results show that the farmers in Eastern Morocco seem to be ignorant of pesticide danger and lack of safety education. They have no idea how to deal with the pictogram on the pesticide label. Pesticide safety education is necessary to induce protective behavior among farmers and prevent the residue of pesticides in foodstuff. The comprehension of pictograms on pesticide labels is crucial to reduce the risk of poisoning.
Association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the ESR2 and FSHR genes with poor ovarian response in infertile Jordanian women
Authors: Sindiani Amer Mahmoud , Batiha Osamah , Al-zoubi Esra’a , Khadrawi Sara , Alsoukhni Ghadeer , Alkofahi Ayesha , Alahmad Nour Alhoda , Shaaban Sherin , Alshdaifat Eman , Abu-Halima Masood
Published: January 2021

Objective: Poor ovarian response (POR) refers to a subnormal follicular response that leads to a decrease in the quality and quantity of the eggs retrieved after ovarian stimulation during assisted reproductive treatment (ART). The present study investigated the associations of multiple variants of the estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) genes with POR in infertile Jordanian women undergoing ART.Methods: Four polymorphisms, namely ESR2 rs1256049, ESR2 rs4986938, FSHR rs6165, and FSHR rs6166, were investigated in 60 infertile Jordanian women undergoing ART (the case group) and 60 age-matched fertile women (the control group), with a mean age of 33.60±6.34 years. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected by restriction fragment length polymorphism and then validated using Sanger sequencing.Results: The p-value of the difference between the case and control groups regarding FSHR rs6166 was very close to 0.05 (p=0.054). However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of the other three SNPs, namely ESR2 rs1256049, ESR2 rs4986938, and FSHR rs6165 (p=0.561, p=0.433, and p=0.696, respectively).Conclusion: The association between FSHR rs6166 and POR was not statistically meaningful in the present study, but the near-significant result of this experiment suggests that statistical significance might be found in a future study with a larger number of patients.
Rechtsanwendungsprozesse im internationalen Steuerrecht
Authors: Goldberg Katharina
Published: January 2021

Based on the structuring doctrine of law („strukturierende Rechtslehre“), the author develops a model that depicts the actual process of applying the law in a processual way. One focus is on identifying the factors influencing the process of applying the law at different stages. At the same time, the problem of qualification conflicts in international tax law is presented as an example. This problem, in which two users of the law arrive at different results of their law application processes, is illuminated with the developed model. Exemplarily, the processes of applying the law in individual qualification conflicts are analyzed on the basis of the model.
The Effect of Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography (CT) Scans on the Calculated Dose of Radiotherapy in a Thorax Phantom
Authors: Ehtiati Athar , Hejazi Payman , Bakhshandeh Mohsen , Jabbary Arfaee Ali , Rajab Bolookat Eftekhar , Jadidi Majid , Ghorbani Raheb
Published: January 2021

Background: Despite the benefits of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans in better tumor volume delineation, it can affect the accuracy of dose calculation in radiation therapy. This study examined this effect on a thorax phantom. Objectives: The influence of different variables including the concentrations of the Visipaque contrast media, tumor sizes, and CT scan energies on the dose measurement was examined. Methods: Transparent cylinders containing the contrast media were inserted in the lung area of the phantom and the CT scans were made. Non-enhanced CT scans were also acquired. Treatment planning using 2 opposite fields was performed on the CT scans and the doses were calculated in the treatment planning system. The results of the 2 sets of enhanced and non-enhanced CT scans were compared. Results: The correlation between concentration and the percentage of mean dose of the tumor volume was significant in 2 of the tumor sizes. The differences in the mean doses of the 2 plans were examined and more than 3% increase was observed in higher concentrations of the contrast media. Conclusions: According to this study, the suitable concentration of the contrast media administered and the CT scan energy should be considered. This would help to decrease the discrepancies between the calculated and delivered dose in radiotherapy treatments to a clinically acceptable level. The importance of time delays for CT scans after administration of the contrast media is emphasized.
Antibiotic Prescription Patterns for Hospitalized Children Under 12 Years in a Tertiary Referral Teaching Hospital, Kerman, Iran
Authors: Sepehri Gholamreza , Amiri Mahnaz , Hosseininasab Ali
Published: January 2021

Background: Inappropriate prescriptions of antibiotics in children is common in most parts of the world. Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate antibiotic prescription patterns and the rational use of antibiotics in hospitalized children in a tertiary referral hospital in Kerman, Iran. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study evaluated prescription patterns of antibiotics for hospitalized children under 12 years old for six months from October 1, 2017, to March 31, 2018. Demographic information, including age, sex, most commonly-prescribed drug classes, name of antibiotic, duration and route of administration, diagnosis, and results of microbial culture and duration of hospitalization were recorded. Results: Most antibiotics were administered by parenteral route. The major infections for which antibiotics were prescribed were febrile seizures (34.4%), upper respiratory infections (25.5%), pyrexia with unknown origin (17.6%), and urinary tract infections (14.8%). Ceftriaxone, clindamycin, and vancomycin were the most frequently prescribed antibiotics. The selection of 84% of antibiotics was on an empirical basis. Ampicillin (83.9%) and clindamycin (81.0%) showed the highest resistance rate, followed by ceftriaxone (33.0%) and vancomycin (32.0%). Conclusions: Our results showed inappropriate use of antibiotics in hospitalized children. A relatively high resistance rate to prescribed antibiotics for children indicates that the selection of high-cost antibiotics, including ceftriaxone, vancomycin, and meropenem should be based on antimicrobial sensitivity tests.
Indeterminacy as Indecision, Lecture II: Seeing through the Clouds
Authors: MacFarlane John ,   Journal of Philosophy Inc.
Published: January 2021

One approach to the problem is to keep the orthodox notion of a proposition but innovate in the theory of speech acts. A number of philosophers and linguists have suggested that, in cases of felicitous underspecification, a speaker asserts a “cloud” of propositions rather than just one. This picture raises a number of questions: what norms constrain a “cloudy assertion,” what counts as uptake, and how is the conversational common ground revised if it is accepted? I explore three different ways of answering these questions, due to Braun and Sider, Buchanan, and von Fintel and Gillies. I argue that none of them provide a good general response to the problem posed by felicitous underspecification. However, the problems they face point the way to a more satisfactory account, which innovates in the theory of content rather than the theory of speech acts.
Two new species of Cypricercinae McKenzie, 1971 (Crustacea: Ostracoda) from Thailand
Authors: Savatenalinton Sukonthip
Published: January 2021

Two new species of the subfamily Cypricercinae McKenzie, 1971 are described from the Western part of Thailand: Pseudostrandesia ratchaburiensis sp. nov. and Strandesia prachuapensis sp. nov. Pseudostrandesia ratchaburiensis sp. nov. is mainly characterized by a flange on the antero-ventral part of the left valve (LV), a markedly large β seta on the mandibular (Md) palp, serrated bristles on the third endite of the maxillula (Mx1), a slender caudal ramus (CR) with a long claw Ga (length ca half that of the ramus) and a relatively low number (13) of spiny whorls in the Zenker’s organ. The discovery of both males and females of Pseudostrandesia ratchaburiensis sp. nov. in the present study constitutes the first report of a sexual population in this genus, thereby allowing for a comparison of the male reproductive organs (hemipenis and Zenker’s organ) from a new species with those of other genera of Cypricercinae. Strandesia prachuapensis sp. nov. is most closely related to Strandesia odiosa (Moniez, 1892) and Strandesia flavescens Klie, 1932 as they bear similar anterior flanges on the right valve (RV). The key diagnostic features of the new Strandesia species are a large carapace (ca 1.5 mm), an angulated antero-ventral part of the LV, a weak and small anterior inner list on the LV, an anterior flange on the RV, a markedly small aesthetasc Y on the second antenna, a large β seta on the Md-palp, smooth bristles on the third endite of the Mx1 and a slender CR with a short claw Ga (length ca ⅓ of the ramus). In addition, Pseudostrandesia complexa (Victor & Fernando, 1981) comb. nov. is here proposed.
Orden social, Estado y escuela: de la producción de lo común a la producción de la diferencia
Authors: Monarca Héctor , Fernández González Noelia , Méndez-Núñez Ángel
Published: January 2021

En este texto abordamos el papel de la escuela en la producción de lo común y la diferencia como mandatos del Estado en el marco de los procesos de producción-reproducción del orden social. Inicialmente, discutimos lo común como relato de ficción demandado a la escuela durante los procesos de formación del Estado-nación. A continuación, abordamos lo común producido por la escuela, como efecto desbordado del relato de ficción de lo común-universal. Finalmente, analizamos el mandato de la escuela contemporánea para la producción de la diversidad-diferencia, como nuevo régimen de verdad en la producción del individuo solipsista y las comunidades cerradas hiperfragmentadas. Como cierre, planteamos la paradoja de este nuevo mandato escolar para la producción de la diversidad-diferencia en un momento histórico en el que se ha consolidado un cierto común que podría servir de plataforma para disputar ese orden capitalista que hoy, como reverso, es lo único común globalizado.
CARTELS AND THEIR ROLE IN THE ORGANIZATION OF PRODUCTION AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Authors: Зенкина Елена Вячеславовна , Тумин Валерий Максимович , Костромин Пётр Александрович
Published: January 2021

In the modern world economy, an extremely important role is played by large international holding-type companies, often referred to as transnational corporations, financial, financial-industrial and other groups. The enterprises of such companies are located and operate in most countries of the world and have a significant impact on the main parameters of the functioning of a wide variety of markets for goods and services. With their economic potential, which often exceeds the corresponding potential of individual states, these companies are able to influence the development of market relations in both positive and negative directions. The so-called international cartel agreements, which generally mean mutual agreements between companies that often contradict the current legislation of countries, in order to establish a monopoly on certain goods (services) produced, control and capture markets, have a particularly acute negative impact on markets. In this regard, the article presents a brief history of the activities of international cartels and law enforcement practice to restrict their activities. The forms and key provisions of cartel collusion of enterprises of various industry orientations and spheres of activity are characterized. Some compensation schemes and forms of punishment for suppressing fraudulent actions of cartel participants are outlined. At the same time, there are shown situations when cartel agreements have a positive impact on the development of production, international trade and market relations. Despite strict antitrust laws, international cartels are created and operate in the markets, which should be taken into account by domestic companies when planning the results of work for them
The use of the bootstrap method for the assessment of investment effectiveness and risk – the case of confidence intervals estimation for the Sharpe ratio and TailVaR
Authors:   Poznań University of Economics and Business, Klaudia Jarno , Łukasz Smaga ,   Adam Mickiewicz University
Published: January 2021

This paper is aimed at presenting application of bootstrap interval estimation methods to the assessment of financial investment’s effectiveness and risk. At first, we give an overview of various methods of bootstrap confidence interval estimation, i.e. bootstrap-t interval, percentile interval and BCa interval. Then, bootstrap confidence interval estimation methods are used to estimate confidence intervals for the Sharpe ratio and TailVaR of the Warsaw Stock Exchange sectoral indices. The results show that the bootstrap confidence intervals of different types are quite similarly positioned for each of the analysed index and measure. Taking into the account the locations of confidence intervals for both the Sharpe ratio and TailVaR, the real estate sector tends to be the most advantageous from the investor’s viewpoint.
Condition of banks listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange during the first 3 months of the pandemic in Poland
Authors:   Bialystok University of Technology, Korzeb Zbigniew , Niedziółka Paweł ,   Warsaw School of Economics
Published: January 2021

The aim of the paper is to assess the condition of commercial banks listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange after the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. The consolidated results for Q1 and Q2 2020 were used focusing on selected evaluation areas such as: capital adequacy, profitability, liquidity, credit portfolio quality as well as operational efficiency. The authors concluded that as a result of the credit crunch and the retention of previously earned profits, almost every medium (except for mBank SA) and every large bank experienced an increase in capital adequacy ratios. Moreover, the profitability of the banking sector eroded in each group of banks, with the rule that ROE is higher in the group of medium and large banks compared to the small ones. With the exception of Idea Bank SA all banks during the pandemic experienced an improvement in liquidity ratios. There was reported an increase in the cost of risk, with the greatest augmentation in small banks. It is maintained that the larger the bank the lower cost of risk. In almost every institution, the risk is mitigated by an increase in the degree of coverage by provisions for impaired receivables. In small banks there was noticed a deterioration in operational efficiency. In medium and large banks, despite a sharp drop in profits and additional costs associated with the pandemic, the process of efficiency improvement was reinforced.
Konstrukcijos su nederinamuoju neveikiamosios rūšies dalyviu „galima“: diskurso žymiklio link
Authors: Šinkūnienė Jolanta
Published: January 2021

Straipsnio tikslas – aptarti konstrukcijų su nederinamuoju neveikiamosios rūšies dalyviu „galima“ vartoseną akademiniuose, žiniasklaidos ir grožinės literatūros tekstuose. Tyrimui naudojama lietuvių mokslo kalbos tekstynas CorALit (Corpus Academicum Lithuanicum), Dabartinės lietuvių kalbos tekstyno žiniasklaidos tekstų iš dienraščio „Lietuvos rytas“ patekstynis ir dvikalbis dvikryptis lygiagretusis grožinės literatūros tekstynas ParaCorpA→LT→A. Tirtos GALIMA + INF (+ NP), KAD / JOG-S ir GALIMA + INF (PARENT)1 konstrukcijos. Nustatyta, kad šios konstrukcijos vyrauja moksliniuose tekstuose ir yra vartojamos autoriaus požiūriui reikšti, santykiui su adresatu kurti ir sąsajoms tarp skirtingų teksto elementų žymėti. GALIMA + INF (+ NP), KAD / JOG-S konstrukcija koduoja subjektyvų autoriaus požiūrį ir (ar) atlieka kitas diskurso organizavimo, santykio su skaitytoju kūrimo funkcijas. GALIMA + INF (PARENT) yra sintaksiškai išlaisvėjusi ir vartojama kaip diskurso žymiklis perteikti intersubjektyvų autoriaus požiūrį, siekį pabrėžti autoriaus-skaitytojo bendrumą. Ji taip pat gali būti vartojama kaip reformulavimo žymiklis, rodantis sąsajas tarp skirtingų teksto elementų. Akivaizdžių šių konstrukcijų vartosenos skirtumų žiniasklaidos ir grožinės literatūros tekstuose, palyginti su moksliniais tekstais, nustatyta nebuvo, skiriasi tik konstrukcijų vartosenos dažnis.
Negalios sąvoka: ontologinės ir epistemologinės prielaidos
Authors: Jonutytė Jurga
Published: January 2021

Straipsnio tikslas – pristatyti šiuolaikinės negalios filosofijos problematiką, susitelkiant prie ontologinių ir epistemologinių eiblistinės kultūros prielaidų. Negalia straipsnyje suprantama ir aiškinama kaip kultūrinis fenomenas, o ne kaip natūrali biologinė duotis (tai būdinga visai negalios filosofijos krypčiai, iš kurios čia daugiausia remiamasi Billo Hugheso, Lennardo Daviso, Margrit Shildrick tekstais). Pirmiausia straipsnyje trumpai aptariama žmogiško kūno normos problematika (pasak Daviso, Michelio Foucault, George’o Canguilhemo), aiškiamasi, kiek ir kaip atskirose kultūrose įsigalinčios normos lemia negalios sąvoką, pagal kurią savo ruožtu konstruojamos kūnus kategorizuojančios sistemos (Jackie Leach Scully). Aiškinant ontologines negalios sąvokos prielaidas analizuojama Hugheso pasiūlyta ontologinio nugalinimo sąvoka ir kaip vienas iš nugalinimo būdų minimas perteklinio kūniškumo fenomenas. Ontologinis nugalinimas susiejamas su radikaliais, žmogaus prigimtį hierarchizuojančiais dvasiniais ir politiniais judėjimais (remiantis Roberto Esposito, Sergejumi Prozorovu). Epistemologinės negalios sąvokos prielaidos pateikiamos pristatant atsieto nuo materialaus kūno epistemologinio subjekto kritiką, plėtojamą Catherine Malabou ir Tomo Sparrow plastiškumo filosofijoje, epizodiškai lyginant ją su Luce Irigaray ir Alfredo Schutzo teorijomis. Išvadose susiejamos ontologinė ir epistemologinė negalios sąvoką grindžiančios plotmės ir nužymimas galimas kelias link šios sąvokos ištirpimo pakitusiose socialinėse praktikose.
Diffuse miliary hemangiomatosis with hepatic involvement in an infant in Dakar
Authors: Diop Khadim , Ndiaye Maodo , Ndiaye Mame Téné
Published: January 2021

We report the case of a 03-month-old female infant with no specific history, who was admitted in the Pediatric Department for an abdominal tumor that has evolved for 01 month. The physical examination noticed a large hepatomegaly and multiple raspberry-like papulo-nodules located on the trunk, scalp and limbs. The alpha-fetoprotein level was 842 ng/ml (42 times normal). The abdominal ultrasound and the CT scan made it possible to retain the diagnosis of diffuse miliary hemangiomatosis with liver damage. A favorable evolution was noted with propanolol and corticosteroids after a follow-up of 04 months.
Drift and termination of spiral waves in optogenetically modified cardiac tissue at sub-threshold illumination
Authors: Hussaini Sayedeh , Venkatesan Vishalini , Biasci Valentina , Romero Sepúlveda José M , Quiñonez Uribe Raul A , Sacconi Leonardo , Bub Gil , Richter Claudia , Krinski Valentin , Parlitz Ulrich , Majumder Rupamanjari , Luther Stefan
Published: January 2021

The development of new approaches to control cardiac arrhythmias requires a deep understanding of spiral wave dynamics. Optogenetics offers new possibilities for this. Preliminary experiments show that sub-threshold illumination affects electrical wave propagation in the mouse heart. However, a systematic exploration of these effects is technically challenging. Here, we use state-of-the-art computer models to study the dynamic control of spiral waves in a two-dimensional model of the adult mouse ventricle, using stationary and non-stationary patterns of sub-threshold illumination. Our results indicate a light-intensity-dependent increase in cellular resting membrane potentials, which together with diffusive cell-cell coupling leads to the development of spatial voltage gradients over differently illuminated areas. A spiral wave drifts along the positive gradient. These gradients can be strategically applied to ensure drift-induced termination of a spiral wave, both in optogenetics and in conventional methods of electrical defibrillation.
Single-cell RNA-seq reveals transcriptomic heterogeneity mediated by host–pathogen dynamics in lymphoblastoid cell lines
Authors: SoRelle Elliott D , Dai Joanne , Bonglack Emmanuela N , Heckenberg Emma M , Zhou Jeffrey Y , Giamberardino Stephanie N , Bailey Jeffrey A , Gregory Simon G , Chan Cliburn , Luftig Micah A
Published: January 2021

Lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) are generated by transforming primary B cells with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and are used extensively as model systems in viral oncology, immunology, and human genetics research. In this study, we characterized single-cell transcriptomic profiles of five LCLs and present a simple discrete-time simulation to explore the influence of stochasticity on LCL clonal evolution. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) revealed substantial phenotypic heterogeneity within and across LCLs with respect to immunoglobulin isotype; virus-modulated host pathways involved in survival, activation, and differentiation; viral replication state; and oxidative stress. This heterogeneity is likely attributable to intrinsic variance in primary B cells and host–pathogen dynamics. Stochastic simulations demonstrate that initial primary cell heterogeneity, random sampling, time in culture, and even mild differences in phenotype-specific fitness can contribute substantially to dynamic diversity in populations of nominally clonal cells.
ATP activation of peritubular cells drives testicular sperm transport
Authors: Fleck David , Kenzler Lina , Mundt Nadine , Strauch Martin , Uesaka Naofumi , Moosmann Robert , Bruentgens Felicitas , Missel Annika , Mayerhofer Artur , Merhof Dorit , Spehr Jennifer , Spehr Marc
Published: January 2021

Spermatogenesis, the complex process of male germ cell proliferation, differentiation, and maturation, is the basis of male fertility. In the seminiferous tubules of the testes, spermatozoa are constantly generated from spermatogonial stem cells through a stereotyped sequence of mitotic and meiotic divisions. The basic physiological principles, however, that control both maturation and luminal transport of the still immotile spermatozoa within the seminiferous tubules remain poorly, if at all, defined. Here, we show that coordinated contractions of smooth muscle-like testicular peritubular cells provide the propulsive force for luminal sperm transport toward the rete testis. Using a mouse model for in vivo imaging, we describe and quantify spontaneous tubular contractions and show a causal relationship between peritubular Ca2+ waves and peristaltic transport. Moreover, we identify P2 receptor-dependent purinergic signaling pathways as physiological triggers of tubular contractions both in vitro and in vivo. When challenged with extracellular ATP, transport of luminal content inside the seminiferous tubules displays stage-dependent directionality. We thus suggest that paracrine purinergic signaling coordinates peristaltic recurrent contractions of the mouse seminiferous tubules to propel immotile spermatozoa to the rete testis.
A small-molecule ICMT inhibitor delays senescence of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome cells
Authors: Chen Xue , Yao Haidong , Kashif Muhammad , Revêchon Gwladys , Eriksson Maria , Hu Jianjiang , Wang Ting , Liu Yiran , Tüksammel Elin , Strömblad Staffan , Ahearn Ian M , Philips Mark R , Wiel Clotilde , Ibrahim Mohamed X , Bergo Martin O
Published: January 2021

A farnesylated and methylated form of prelamin A called progerin causes Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). Inhibiting progerin methylation by inactivating the isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase (ICMT) gene stimulates proliferation of HGPS cells and improves survival of Zmpste24-deficient mice. However, we don't know whether Icmt inactivation improves phenotypes in an authentic HGPS mouse model. Moreover, it is unknown whether pharmacologic targeting of ICMT would be tolerated by cells and produce similar cellular effects as genetic inactivation. Here, we show that knockout of Icmt improves survival of HGPS mice and restores vascular smooth muscle cell numbers in the aorta. We also synthesized a potent ICMT inhibitor called C75 and found that it delays senescence and stimulates proliferation of late-passage HGPS cells and Zmpste24-deficient mouse fibroblasts. Importantly, C75 did not influence proliferation of wild-type human cells or Zmpste24-deficient mouse cells lacking Icmt, indicating drug specificity. These results raise hopes that ICMT inhibitors could be useful for treating children with HGPS.
Salvage Regimens after Failure of Previous Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Hyo-Joon , Jung Hye-Kyung , Kang Seung Joo , Lee Yong Chan , Park Seon-Young , Shin Cheol Min , Kim Sung Eun , Lim Hyun Chul , Kim Jie-Hyun , Nam Su Youn , Shin Woon Geon , Park Jae Myung , Choi Il Ju , Kim Jae Gyu , Choi Miyoung ,   Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointesinal Research
Published: January 2021

Background/Aims: As antibiotic resistance increases and new first-line therapies emerge, salvage therapies for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication failures are becoming more common and complicated. This study aimed to systematically review overall salvage regimens after previous failure of H. pylori eradication.Materials and Methods: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials evaluating salvage therapies after previous H. pylori eradication failure was performed. A meta-analysis was conducted when an adequate number of studies suitable for grouping was found.Results: Overall, 36 studies with 77 treatment arms were identified, and they were highly heterogeneous regarding previously failed regimens and salvage regimens under comparison. Bismuth quadruple therapy after failure of standard triple therapy showed a pooled intention-to-treat (ITT) eradication rate of 75.5% (95% CI, 71.6~79.1%), and the rates were significantly higher with 14-day therapy than 7-day therapy by 9% (95% CI, 2~15%). Levofloxacin triple therapy after failure of standard triple therapy demonstrated a pooled ITT eradication rate of 73.3% (95% CI, 68.4~77.3%). In direct comparison, the two regimens were not significantly different in eradication rates. No study evaluated salvage regimens after the failure of bismuth or non-bismuth quadruple therapy.Conclusions: The current studies regarding salvage regimens are highly heterogeneous. Bismuth quadruple therapy and levofloxacin triple therapy may be a reliable option after failure of standard triple therapy, but the regional profile of antibiotic resistance should be considered. Further studies are needed for salvage regimens after failure of non-bismuth or bismuth quadruple therapy.