bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A hybrid particle-ensemble Kalman filter for problems with medium nonlinearity
Authors: Grooms Ian , Robinson Gregor
Published: March 2021

A hybrid particle ensemble Kalman filter is developed for problems with medium non-Gaussianity, i.e. problems where the prior is very non-Gaussian but the posterior is approximately Gaussian. Such situations arise, e.g., when nonlinear dynamics produce a non-Gaussian forecast but a tight Gaussian likelihood leads to a nearly-Gaussian posterior. The hybrid filter starts by factoring the likelihood. First the particle filter assimilates the observations with one factor of the likelihood to produce an intermediate prior that is close to Gaussian, and then the ensemble Kalman filter completes the assimilation with the remaining factor. How the likelihood gets split between the two stages is determined in such a way to ensure that the particle filter avoids collapse, and particle degeneracy is broken by a mean-preserving random orthogonal transformation. The hybrid is tested in a simple two-dimensional (2D) problem and a multiscale system of ODEs motivated by the Lorenz-‘96 model. In the 2D problem it outperforms both a pure particle filter and a pure ensemble Kalman filter, and in the multiscale Lorenz-‘96 model it is shown to outperform a pure ensemble Kalman filter, provided that the ensemble size is large enough.
Identification of distinct phenotypes related to benralizumab responsiveness in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma
Authors: Yamada Hideyasu , Nakajima Masayuki , Matsuyama Masashi , Morishima Yuko , Arai Naoki , Hida Norihito , Nakaizumi Taisuke , Masuko Hironori , Yatagai Yohei , Saito Takefumi , Hizawa Nobuyuki
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To characterize the clinical phenotypes of severe eosinophilic asthma based on early responsiveness to benralizumab in terms of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) improvement.

Patients and methods

Sixty-four participants diagnosed with severe eosinophilic asthma and who had completed 4 months of benralizumab treatment were included in this analysis. Pre-treatment clinical factors were compared between responders and non-responders according to improvements in ACT or FEV1. Correlations between the sums of increased Type 2-related inflammatory parameters and changes of ACT or FEV1 were also evaluated before and after the 4-month treatment. A two-step cluster analysis was performed to identify distinct phenotypes related to benralizumab responsiveness in terms of FEV1.

Results

At the 4-month timepoint, all parameters, except for FeNO, were significantly improved after benralizumab treatment. FEV1 responders were associated with higher levels of Type 2-related inflammatory parameters. An improvement in FEV1 but not in ACT was clearly associated with increases in the sums of increased type 2-related inflammation parameters (p = 0.0001). The cluster analysis identified 5 distinct phenotypes of severe eosinophilic asthma according to the variable FEV1 responsiveness to benralizumab. The greatest response was found in the distinct phenotype of severe eosinophilic asthma, which was characterized by modest increase in total IgE and FeNO relative to blood eosinophils with least exposure to smoking.

Conclusion

This study, to the best of our knowledge, is the first cluster analysis to report distinct phenotypes related to clinical benralizumab response in a real-world population with severe eosinophilic asthma. These results may help to predict responsiveness to benralizumab in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma.
Isolation and cultivation of a novel sulfate-reducing magnetotactic bacterium belonging to the genus Desulfovibrio
Authors: Shimoshige Hirokazu , Kobayashi Hideki , Shimamura Shigeru , Mizuki Toru , Inoue Akira , Maekawa Toru
Published: March 2021

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) synthesize magnetosomes composed of membrane-enveloped magnetite (Fe3O4) and/or greigite (Fe3S4) nanoparticles in the cells. It is known that the magnetotacticDeltaproteobacteriaare ubiquitous and inhabit worldwide in the sediments of freshwater and marine environments. Mostly known MTB belonging to theDeltaproteobacteriaare dissimilatory sulfate-reducing bacteria that biomineralize bullet-shaped magnetite nanoparticles, but only a few axenic cultures have been obtained so far. Here, we report the isolation, cultivation and characterization of a dissimilatory sulfate-reducing magnetotactic bacterium, which we designate “strain FSS-1”. We found that the strain FSS-1 is a strict anaerobe and uses casamino acids as electron donors and sulfate as an electron acceptor to reduce sulfate to hydrogen sulfide. The strain FSS-1 produced bullet-shaped magnetite nanoparticles in the cells and responded to external magnetic fields. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the strain FSS-1 is a member of the genusDesulfovibrio, showing a 96.7% sequence similarity toDesulfovibrio putealisstrain B7-43T. Futhermore, the magnetosome gene cluster of strain FSS-1 was different from that ofDesulfovibrio magneticusstrain RS-1. Thus, the strain FSS-1 is considered to be a novel sulfate-reducing magnetotactic bacterium belonging to the genusDesulfovibrio.
Determinants of a mobile phone-based Interactive Voice Response (mIVR) system for monitoring childhood illnesses in a rural district of Ghana: Empirical evidence from the UTAUT model
Authors: Adjei Timothy Kwabena , Mohammed Aliyu , Acheampong Princess Ruhama , Acquah-Gyan Emmanuel , Sylverken Augustina , Twumasi-Ankrah Sampson , Owusu Michael , Owusu-Dabo Ellis
Published: March 2021

Background

The use of a mobile phone-based Interactive Voice Response (mIVR) System for real time monitoring of childhood illnesses provides an opportunity to improve childhood survival and health systems. However, little is known about the factors that facilitate its use. This study sought to identify key determinants and moderators of mIVR system use among caregivers in a rural district of Ghana using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model.

Methods

The mIVR system was designed to provide real-time data on common symptoms of childhood illnesses after answering several questions by caregivers with sick children. A structured questionnaire with closed questions was used to collect data from 354 caregivers of children under-five living in rural communities, four (4) months after introducing the system. Regression analysis was used to identify key determinants and moderating factors that facilitate the use of the system based on the UTAUT model.

Results

A total of 101 (28.5%) caregivers had used the system and 328 (92.7%) had intention to use the mIVR system. Caregivers’ level of education and household wealth were associated with use of the mIVR systems (p<0.001). Behavioural intention (BI) to use mIVR system was positively influenced by performance expectancy (PE) (β = 0.278, 95% CI: 0.207, 0.349), effort expectancy (EE) (β = 0.242, 95% CI: 0.159, 0.326) and social influence (SI) (β = 0.081, 95% CI: 0.044, 0.120). Facilitating conditions (FC) (β = 0.609, 95% CI: 0.502, 0.715) and behavioural intention (β = 0.426, 95% CI: 0.255, 0.597) had a positive influence on user behaviour (UB). Mobile phone experience and household wealth significantly moderated the effect of PE, EE, SI, and FC on behavioural intention and usage of mIVR systems.

Conclusion

The perceived usefulness of the mIVR system, ease of use, social influences, and facilitating conditions are key determinants of users’ attitude and use of mIVR system. These relationships are significantly moderated by users’ phone experience and wealth status.
Managing urban solid waste in Ghana: Perspectives and experiences of municipal waste company managers and supervisors in an urban municipality
Authors: Lissah Samuel Yaw , Ayanore Martin Amogre , Krugu John K. , Aberese-Ako Matilda , Ruiter Robert A. C.
Published: March 2021

Increased population growth and rapid urbanization have resulted in the generation of large quantities of solid waste across major urban cities in Ghana, outstripping local authorities’ ability to manage and dispose of waste in a sanitary manner. This study explored the perspectives and experiences of municipal waste company managers and supervisors in the Ho municipality of Ghana on solid waste management practices. A qualitative inquiry was conducted by adopting a phenomenological approach, using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions for data collection. A total of 35 participants, made up of 12 managers and 23 supervisors took part in the study. Transcribed data were imported into NVivo 11.0 software for coding. Content analysis was applied to analyze all transcribed data using processes of induction and deduction. The results showed that organizational capacity, resources, and expertise; community factors such as socio-cultural beliefs and a low sense of responsibility towards solid waste management among urban residents; contextual factors such as regulations, and weak enforcement all influence and shape the level of efficiency and effectiveness of solid waste management practices in the study setting. The findings suggest that policy frameworks and procedures implemented to curb poor urban waste management practices should be systematic and thorough in order to tackle the issue of solid waste in the study setting and Ghana in general. The nature of the identified issues and challenges requires multidimensional and multilevel interventions to provide sustainable solutions for managing urban waste in Ghana.
Trends in intake and outcomes for European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in the Czech rescue centers
Authors: Lukešová Gabriela , Voslarova Eva , Vecerek Vladimir , Vucinic Marijana
Published: March 2021

The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a species found in abundance throughout Europe. Nevertheless, it has seen a decline in some regions. This study aimed to analyze trends in intake and outcomes for hedgehogs admitted into rescue centers in the Czech Republic. In the period from 2010 to 2019, 16,967 European hedgehogs were admitted in 34 rescue centers in the Czech Republic. Most hedgehogs were admitted in September (25.30%) and October (22.14%), the fewest in March (0.96%). Most admitted hedgehogs were hoglets (59.49%). The treatment was successful in 44.39% of admitted hedgehogs; those were subsequently released into the wild. On average, they stayed in rescue centers for 48.77 days (median of 30 days). Death or euthanasia was an outcome for 25.27% and 3.15% of admitted hedgehogs, respectively. Only 0.59% of the hedgehogs remained in captivity with a permanent handicap. The highest release rate was achieved in hedgehogs admitted after falls into pits and other openings (83.19%), whereas the least success was achieved in poisoned hedgehogs (13.21%). An increasing trend (rSp = 0.9273, p < 0.01) was found in the number of hedgehogs admitted to rescue centers during the monitored period. Furthermore, not all of them required human care. Given the fact that less than a half of the admitted hedgehogs could be released, raising public awareness of this issue could help to avoid unnecessary interventions (especially in hoglets).
Intraoperative laparoscopic detection of sentinel lymph nodes with indocyanine green and superparamagnetic iron oxide in a swine gallbladder cancer model
Authors: Mihara Kisyo , Matsuda Sachiko , Nakamura Yuki , Aiura Koichi , Kuwahata Akihiro , Chikaki Shinichi , Sekino Masaki , Kusakabe Moriaki , Suzuki Shunichi , Fuchimoto Daiichiro , Onishi Akira , Kuramoto Junko , Kameyama Kaori , Itano Osamu , Yagi Hiroshi , Abe Yuta , Kitago Minoru , Shinoda Masahiro , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: March 2021

Mapping of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) can enable less invasive surgery. However, mapping is challenging for cancers of difficult-to-access visceral organs, such as the gallbladder, because the standard method using radioisotopes (RIs) requires preoperative tracer injection. Indocyanine green (ICG) and superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) have also been used as alternative tracers. In this study, we modified a previously reported magnetic probe for laparoscopic use and evaluated the feasibility of detecting SLNs of the gallbladder using a laparoscopic dual tracer method by injecting ICG and SPIO into five swine and one cancer-bearing swine. The laparoscopic probe identified SPIO nanoparticles in the nodes of 4/5 swine in situ, the magnetic field counts were 2.5–15.9 μT, and fluorescence was detected in SLNs in all five swine. ICG showed a visual lymph flow map, and SPIO more accurately identified each SLN with a measurable magnetic field quite similar to the RI. We then developed an advanced gallbladder cancer model with lymph node metastasis using recombination activating gene 2-knockout swine. We identified an SLN in the laparoscopic investigation, and the magnetic field count was 3.5 μT. The SLN was histologically determined to be one of the two metastatic lymph nodes. In conclusion, detecting the SLNs of gallbladder cancer in situ using a dual tracer laparoscopic technique with ICG and SPIO was feasible in a swine model.
Norovirus evolution in immunodeficient mice reveals potentiated pathogenicity via a single nucleotide change in the viral capsid
Authors: Walker Forrest C. , Hassan Ebrahim , Peterson Stefan T. , Rodgers Rachel , Schriefer Lawrence A. , Thompson Cassandra E. , Li Yuhao , Kalugotla Gowri , Blum-Johnston Carla , Lawrence Dylan , McCune Broc T. , Graziano Vincent R. , Lushniak Larissa , Lee Sanghyun , Roth Alexa N. , Karst Stephanie M. , Nice Timothy J. , Miner Jonathan J. , Wilen Craig B. , Baldridge Megan T.
Published: March 2021

Interferons (IFNs) are key controllers of viral replication, with intact IFN responses suppressing virus growth and spread. Using the murine norovirus (MNoV) system, we show that IFNs exert selective pressure to limit the pathogenic evolutionary potential of this enteric virus. In animals lacking type I IFN signaling, the nonlethal MNoV strain CR6 rapidly acquired enhanced virulence via conversion of a single nucleotide. This nucleotide change resulted in amino acid substitution F514I in the viral capsid, which led to >10,000-fold higher replication in systemic organs including the brain. Pathogenicity was mediated by enhanced recruitment and infection of intestinal myeloid cells and increased extraintestinal dissemination of virus. Interestingly, the trade-off for this mutation was reduced fitness in an IFN-competent host, in which CR6 bearing F514I exhibited decreased intestinal replication and shedding. In an immunodeficient context, a spontaneous amino acid change can thus convert a relatively avirulent viral strain into a lethal pathogen.
The endgame, and the Qing eclipse1
Authors: Elkins James
Published: March 2021

Presented as an archival text for the Journal of Contemporary Painting, James Elkins’ ‘The endgame, and the Qing eclipse’ is an abridged version of the the final chapter of a book-length study, Chinese Landscape Painting as Western Art History (Hong Kong University Press, 2010). Elkins demonstrates the unusual structure of the history of Chinese painting, whereby the Ming decline and Qing eclipse have no real parallels in the West. Yet, as a counter-hypothesis, he argues that Late Ming and Qing artists appear to art history as a form of postmodernism. In itself, this represents a nuanced reading of the temporalities of modern and postmodern periods (which challenges comparative approaches and indeed the fundamental structures of western art history). Crucially, the account provides ways of thinking about how Chinese landscape painting is viewed through the lens of art history, a discipline that Elkins claims is partly, but finally and decisively, western.
Chabet: The Russian connection
Authors: Merewether Charles
Published: March 2021

This article focuses on the Filipino artist Roberto Chabet and his Russian Paintings of 1984. It explores the influence of Russian art, especially Vladimir Tatlin on his work in the 1980s and others, notably Malevich and El Lissitzky’s Proun work. The article looks back at Chabet’s trips to Europe and his first installations and work on paper in the 1970s, prefiguring the radical nature of his subsequent Russian painting.
Writing from the other side: Critical reflections on the calligraphy of Zhang Qiang
Authors: Jie Feng
Published: March 2021

This article presents the specific case of a contemporary practitioner of Chinese calligraphy, Zhang Qiang, who is a notable figure within the current Avant-Garde movement. After outlining aspects of his practice, which has been controversial along gender grounds, the article turns to his specific project of ‘bi-directional’ calligraphy. It is argued this work opens up a more rewarding way into his work as an enquiry into writing, which bears connections with Derrida’s deconstructionist account of writing and trace. However, in a brief exchange at Tate Modern, Zhang offers a form of ‘writing lesson’, which both helps takes us towards the decontructionist account of general writing, yet equally reveals a reliance upon the cultural category of ‘Chinese calligraphy’, which takes us away again – arguably symptomatic of a wider struggle for Chinese contemporary art to gain recognition in the West.
Revisiting the Decameron
Authors: Patel Raksha
Published: March 2021

Review of: Revisiting the Decameron

Flowers Gallery, London, UK, 4 July–6 August 2020
Insight: Week 8, Aimée Parrott
Authors: Wilson Sarah Kate
Published: March 2021

Review of: Insight: Week 8, Aimée Parrott

Viewing Room, Pippy Houldsworth Gallery, London, UK, 5–11 August 2020
A Virágos Magyarország mozgalom szerepe a falufejlesztésben = The role of Floral Hungary project in village regeneration and rural development
Authors: Bérczi Szabolcs , Csemez Attila , Sallay Ágnes
Published: March 2021

A Virágos Magyarország mozgalom hazánkban növekvő népszerűséggel bír. Az évente megrendezett versenynek egyre nagyobb a presztízse, a jelentkezők száma évről évre nő. A környezet szépítése mellett legtöbb esetben a turisztikai attrakciók bővítését jelenti a mozgalom a résztvevő települések számára. A pályázók rendszerint komplex környezet-megőrzési és turisztikai programot állítanak össze, melytől a település vonzerejének növekedését várják. Összességében tehát falu- és vidékfejlesztési eszközként tekintenek a Virágos Magyarország mozgalomra. Cikkünkben a falusi települések által benyújtott pályázatokat elemeztük, vizsgálva, hogy az egyes falvak településhálózatban betöltött szerepe mennyiben határozza meg a zöldinfrastruktúra fejlesztésének főbb programpontjait és irányait, illetve mik az összefüggések a hálózati szerepkör és a falvak fejlesztési stratégiája között.
A magyar turizmus Kárpát-medence szintű kiterjesztésének lehetőségei = Possibilities for expanding Hungarian tourism at Carpathian Basin level
Authors: Tőzsér Anett
Published: March 2021

A turizmus a gazdaságnak egy olyan ágazata, amely képes a kormány nemzetegyesítő céljait komplexen támogatni és megvalósításukat elősegíteni. Ezt elsősorban a térség szellemi-kulturális öröksége és kultúrnemzeti kapcsolódásának összefüggései támasztják alá, illetve a Magyarország számára rendelkezésre álló történelmi lehetőség, hogy már nem kényszerülünk izolált gondolkodásra és cselekvésre (DOBOS 2011, SZÁSZ 2015). Napjainkban az Európai Unió nemzetek közti együttműködésért tett törekvései lehetővé teszik, hogy egységes nemzetben és a sokszínű Kárpát-medencei magyar értékekben gondolkodjunk a turizmus területén is. Jelen kutatás a Kárpát-medence turisztikai termékeinek feltárására irányul, és szakmailag indokolja meg, hogy Magyarország turisztikai vonzerői és desztinációi sok esetben miért csak a határon túli elemekkel válhatnak teljessé, s miért csak általuk valósulhat meg igazán hatékony turisztikai hasznosításuk. Ezen kívül javaslatot fogalmaz meg a Kárpát-medencei turisztikai összefogás és hasznosítás stratégiai irányaira és lehetőségeire is.
A válság utáni autóipari beszállítói rendszerek és a hazai beszállítók lehetőségei
Authors: Mészáros Ádám
Published: March 2021

A gazdasági válság az autóipart különösen mélyen érintette. Nem csupán a nagymértékű visszaesés gyakorol hatást a beszállítókra, a beszállítói rendszer mélyebb átalakulásának is szemtanúi vagyunk. Várhatóan tovább fog növekedni az ágazat koncentrációja, mélyülni fognak a beszállítói kapcsolatok, nagyobb lesz a különböző együttműködések szerepe, illetve előtérbe kerülnek a környezetvédelmi szempontok, és a várhatóan ismét magassá váló energiaárak miatt bekövetkezik egy jelentős technológiai váltás. Mindezek változásokat generálnak a ma alapvetően toyotista elvek szerint működő beszállítói rendszerekben. Kulcsfontosságú az a kérdés, hogy a magyar beszállítók meg tudják-e őrizni pozícióikat a megváltozott környezetben. A Suzuki beszállítóit vizsgáló, mélyinterjús kutatáson alapuló klaszterelemzés a magyarországi beszállítók négy csoportját különítette el. A „hazai kisvállalkozások”, a „heterogén hazai középmezőny”, a „külföldi nagyvállalatok” és a „megfiatalodott dinoszauruszok” csoportja várhatóan eltérő módon fog beilleszkedni a megváltozott értékláncba, ahol elsősorban a vállalati méret, a technológiai együttműködésben való részvétel képessége válik egyre fontosabb versenyelőnnyé.
A társaságirányítási jelentés és a könyvvizsgáló szerepvállalása Új elem az európai pénzügyi beszámolási kultúrában
Authors: Bordáné Rabóczki Mária
Published: March 2021

A nyitottság, az átláthatóság és az elszámoltathatóság napjaink egyre gyakrabban hangoztatott elvárásai a köz- és a privátszféra vállalataival szemben. Ezek az elvárások a társaságirányítás legáltalánosabban elfogadott alapelvei közé tartoznak, amelyek gyakorlati megvalósítása a társaságok által közzétett információkon keresztül biztosítható. A Vezetéstudományban a közelmúltban jelent meg egy cikk a BÉT-en jegyzett társaságok önkéntes stratégiai adatszolgáltatásának értékeléséről. Jelen cikk a tőzsdei vállalatok társaságirányításra vonatkozó kötelező és ajánlott közzétételéről nyújt nemzetközi és hazai áttekintést. Célja annak vizsgálata, hogy az irányítással megbízottak és a könyvvizsgáló hogyan jelentsenek „felelősen” a társaság által követett társaságirányítási gyakorlatról, és mire terjedjen ki a jelentés, hogy az a tulajdonosok mellett a társadalom mind szélesebb körét, a közérdeket, a „közjót” szolgálja.
A Miles és Snow-féle stratégiatipológia kutatási kérdései (Research issues of Miles and Snow strategic typology)
Authors: Csepeti Ádám
Published: March 2021

Jelen dolgozat a Miles és Snow (1978) által kidolgozott stratégiai tipológiával kapcsolatos legjelentősebb kutatások megállapításait igyekszik összefoglalni. A szerző az elmúlt három évtized Miles és Snow-i kutatásaiban leginkább érintett területek alapján osztályozza a feldolgozott cikkeket, majd részletesen ismerteti a Kutató, Elemző, Védekező és Reagáló stratégiát követő vállalatokra vonatkozó marketing- és teljesítményimplikációkat. A vizsgálatok korlátainak és hiányosságainak feltárását követően a Miles és Snow-i stratégiai típusok aktuális elméleti, kutatás-módszertani és gyakorlati kihívásainak, valamint alulkutatott aspektusainak bemutatásával a cikk útmutatást kínál a stratégiai menedzsment leendő kutatóinak is. / === / The present paper strives to summarize the findings of the most important and outstanding researches concerning the strategic typology developed by Miles and Snow (1978). The present author classifies the reviewed articles of the past three decades according their mostly covered research areas, then exposes in detail the marketing and performance implications of the Prospector, Analyzer, Defender and Reactor strategic types pursued by the firms. After the exploration of the limitations and deficiencies of the past empirical investigations, by the demonstration of the actual conceptual, methodological and practical challenges as well as the underresearched aspects of strategic types of Miles and Snow, the artricle also offers fruitful guidelines to future researchers of strategic.
Szorzószámos értékelés az információtechnológiai iparágakban
Authors: Aranyossy Márta
Published: March 2021

Milyen szerepe van a pénzügyi-számviteli fundamentumoknak az információtechnológiai (IT) és internetcégek piaci árazásában? Jelen kutatás egyszerre két oldalról közelíti meg ezt a kérdést: az IT- és internetcégek kulcsértékteremtő tényezőit keresi a piaci árfolyamok tükrében, másrészt a szorzószámos értékelési módszertant igyekszik tesztelni e speciális iparágak mintáján. Az elemzés nyolc cash flow, számviteli és eredményrátán alapuló modellt vet össze többféle becslési hibamutató, statisztikai tesztek és lineáris regresszió segítségével. Az eredmények arra utalnak, hogy míg az IT-cégeknél a leghatékonyabb – EBIT-en és iparági viszonyszámon alapuló – értékelési modellek hasonló hibával becsülnek, mint más iparági modellek a korábbi empirikus vizsgálatok esetében, addig az internetcégek esetében a hibák nagysága már többszörös, így ezen iparágak racionális árazása továbbra is kérdéses.
Fecal Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4: An Emergent Biomarker in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Pinto-Lopes Pedro , Melo Francisco , Afonso Joana , Pinto-Lopes Rui , Rocha Cátia , Melo Daniel , Macedo Guilherme , Dias Cláudia Camila , Carneiro Fátima , Magro Fernando ,   for the Portuguese IBD Study Group (GEDII)
Published: March 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) is a membrane-bound glycoprotein that acts as a receptor but also exists in a soluble form. It has been recognized as a mediator of inflammation and considered a biomarker in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS:

We evaluated a prospectively recruited cohort, consisting of 101 patients with IBD, using validated clinical indexes; 22 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) underwent endoscopic evaluation. Fecal DPP-4 (fDPP-4) levels were analyzed and correlated with clinical scores, Mayo endoscopic score (in UC patients), serum DPP-4, C-reactive protein, and fecal calprotectin. Immunohistochemical staining for DPP-4 in intestinal biopsies was also performed.

RESULTS:

When compared with remitters, median fDPP-4 levels were higher in patients with ileal Crohn's disease (CD) (7,584 [1,464–7,816] vs 2,104 [630–2,676] ng/mL, P = 0.015) and lower in patients with UC exhibiting clinical activity (1,213 [559–1,682] vs 7,814 [2,555–7,985] ng/mL, P < 0.001). Patients with UC presenting endoscopic activity also had lower levels than remitters (939 [559–1,420] vs 7,544 [4,531–7,940] ng/mL, P = 0.006). Fecal DPP-4 discriminated clinical activity from remission with areas under the curve of 0.76 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58–0.94, P = 0.015) and 0.80 (95% CI 0.68–0.93, P < 0.001) in CD and UC, respectively; it allowed to differentiate endoscopic activity in patients with UC, with areas under the curve of 0.84 (95% CI 0.63–1.00, P = 0.009). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed higher DPP-4 apical expression in UC remitters, but no statistically significant differences were revealed between patients with ileal CD.

DISCUSSION:

Our results suggest that fDPP-4 can be used as a biomarker of IBD activity, particularly in UC. The expression profiles in intestinal tissue might represent a functional compartmentalization of DPP-4 expression.
Antecedents of Firm’s Risk-play – A Structural Equation Modeling Approach in an Emerging Market Context
Authors: DasGupta Ranjan , Singh Rashmi
Published: March 2021

Firm-risk and managerial risk-taking though distinct are used interchangeably in empirical literature. Here, we identify these two distinctly by examining different proxies for them. We use income stream uncertainty and accounting beta to proxy firm-risk, and market risk and capital intensity ratio represent managerial risk-taking. Once defined, our objective is to find the antecedents of both these by using the most advanced structural equation modelling (SEM) approach from created constructs of performance, psychological, corporate governance, shareholding patterns, fundamental valuation and firm’s characteristics drivers. We formulate seven hypotheses based on empirical literature representing these constructs. We use data of 269 Indian firms for 18 (1999-2017) years to run SEM and then analyse our results individually and combinedly. SEM is used here to test the unidimensionality of the seven constructs (consisting of 19 drivers) and to analyze these drivers (i.e. antecedents) influence on firm-risk and managerial risk-taking i.e. firm’s risk-play. Results prove that present firm-performance, corporate governance drivers, promoters’ shareholding and firm’s characteristics are driving firm’s risk-play. However, fundamental valuation drivers have no role to play in influencing income stream uncertainty, systematic operating risks and managerial risk-attitudes. Psychological drivers and foreign shareholdings act only as a catalyst of firm-risk.
Valuation and Service Trusts
Authors: Fargher Ian
Published: March 2021

The oblique nature of control over assets of a trust has always been challenging when personal asset distribution is at issue. This is no more apparent than in the context of Family Law. Complex organisational arrangements may make sense when considering tax planning or asset protection strategies, however, they may present difficulties for the application of sections 79 and 75 of the Family Law Act 1975. Specific difficulties are experienced when dissecting the economic structures of professionals, where the issues of professional and business intangible assets and tangible assets are held within service trust structures, intertwined with personal professional wages, incorporated professional entities, professional distributions and family distributions. Service trust arrangements have become popular for Australian professionals, such as, doctors, accountants, lawyers and engineers due to their tax effectiveness which passed the court’s test in the 1978 case FCT v Phillips. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has issued ‘safe harbour’ rules for the operation of service trust arrangements which may provide some, in principle, assistance to Family Law decision making. This paper investigates the Family Law issues with respect to partner distributions where a service trust structure is in place. In this regard, the paper considers the business structuring concepts including the rights and roles of those associated with trusts, particularly the exercising of control. Secondly, the paper reviews the courts decisions with respect to looking through business trust structures with reference to the reasoning expressed in past judgements. Finally, the paper considers the Family Law distribution effects of tangible and intangible assets when professional services are encased within a Philips Trust type structure. This paper should be of interest to those involved, or potentially involved, in Family Law asset distribution. Specifically, legal and professional advisors, such as lawyers, accountants and valuation professionals. The paper’s objective is to assist in clarifying the complex issues of understanding business structures underpinning the transaction based cash flows between entities and their potentially intertwined equity.
Australian, Malaysian and Indonesian Accounting Academics' Teaching Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Djajadikerta Hadrian Geri , Trireksani Terri , Ong Tricia , Roni Saiyidi Mat , Kazemian Soheil , Zhang Junru , Noor Abd Halim Mohd , Ismail Shafinar , Ahmad Mohamad Azmi Nias , Azhar Zubir , Shahbudin Amirul Shah Md , Maradona Agus Fredy , Yanto Heri , Wahyuningrum Indah Fajarini Sri
Published: March 2021

This study analyses and presents accounting academics' experiences in six universities in Australia, Malaysia, and Indonesia to adapt to the swift change to the remote virtual classroom delivery model forced by the COVID-19 pandemic, while also gaining valuable lessons from this unique situation. In this study, autoethnography's basic principles were used. The main results suggest that the universities' combined current information and communication technologies, learning management systems, blended learning experiences, training, and supports, although not without hitches, were able to accommodate the shift to a remote virtual classroom model quite effectively. However, the move to fully online assessment has been conceded to likely increase the embedded risk of student cheating. The availability of reliable internet connection for students is also crucial in ensuring access equality and effective remote virtual classroom delivery.
Ideación suicida y autoconcepto en estudiantes mexicanos de bachillerato
Authors: Caldera Montes Juan Francisco , Reynoso González Oscar Ulises , Caldera Zamora Iván Alejandro , Rodríguez Barba Miguel Antonio , Iñiguez Gómez María Elena
Published: March 2021

La presente investigación tuvo tres objetivos principales, estudiar la relación entre el autoconcepto y la ideación suicida en estudiantes de bachillerato, comparar ambas variables según el sexo de los alumnos e identificar la fuerza de las dimensiones del autoconcepto en la predicción de la ideación suicida. El muestreo utilizado fue no probabilístico incidental y se conformó por un total de 567 estudiantes. Una relación negativa fue encontrada entre la ideación suicida y los factores académico-laboral, social, familiar y físico del autoconcepto. No se encontraron diferencias entre hombres y mujeres en la ideación suicida, pero sí en los factores emocional y físico del autoconcepto. Con respecto a la predicción de la ideación, los factores “Autoconcepto familiar” y “Autoconcepto académico-laboral” conformaron el modelo, explicando entre el 12.1% y 16.2% de la varianza. Finalmente, el estudio recomienda fomentar actividades que incrementen el autoconcepto de las personas y prevenir con ello problemas de ideación
Escala de liderazgo en entrenadores de fútbol: estudio psicométrico y descriptivo
Authors: Bohórquez Gómez-Millán M Rocío , Checa Esquiva Irene
Published: March 2021

El liderazgo ha sido una de las variables de interés en la psicología aplicada al deporte. El Modelo Multidimensional de Liderazgo de Chelladurai y Saleh (1980) sirvió de base para la creación de la Leadership Sport Scale (LSS). La versión para entrenadores (LSS-3) presenta debate respecto a su estructura factorial y sus valores de fiabilidad. El objetivo de este estudio es ofrecer una solución factorial aceptable para la escala LSS-3 en versión española (Ruiz-Barquín y De la Vega, 2015) en una muestra de 326 entrenadores de fútbol, varones, con edades comprendidas entre los 17 y 59 años y evaluar sus cualidades psicométricas. En segundo lugar, se investigan las posibles diferencias en las sub-escalas de liderazgo (Entrenamiento e Instrucción, Apoyo Social, Feedback Positivo, Conductas Democráticas y Conductas Autocráticas) en función del título deportivo, el nivel educativo y los años de experiencia del entrenador. Tras sucesivos Análisis Factoriales Exploratorios, se obtuvo una escala con 32 ítems divididos en 5 factores que explicó el 42% de la varianza. Los valores de fiabilidad obtenidos son aceptables, excepto en la escala de Conducta Autocrática. Los entrenadores con más experiencia son los que puntúan significativamente más en Entrenamiento e Instrucción, mientras que los entrenadores con menos estudios puntúan significativamente más en conducta autocrática. En función del título deportivo no se presentan diferencias.
Atracción, deseos y conductas sexuales: Evidencias de la diversidad en la orientación sexual de jóvenes españoles
Authors: Nebot-García Juan E. , Ballester-Arnal Rafael , Ruiz-Palomino Estefanía
Published: March 2021

Introducción. La orientación sexual ha sido una de las dimensiones sexuales que más se ha intentado normativizar, invisibilizando las realidades que se alejaban de la heterosexualidad. Por eso, este estudio pretende profundizar en las experiencias sexuales con el mismo sexo y el opuesto en mujeres y hombres jóvenes. Método. 500 mujeres y 500 hombres españoles, de entre 18 y 25 años, respondieron un cuestionario ad hoc sobre diversidad sexual. La edad media de la muestra fue de 21.23 años (DT=1.99). Resultados. Un 26.1% de los participantes se identificaba con una orientación diferente a la heterosexual, siendo el 12.8 bisexuales y el 10.8% homosexuales. En general, las mujeres refieren sentir mayor atracción sexual por ambos sexos, así como mayores prevalencias de conductas sexuales y mayor disposición a realizarlas con ambos sexos. Conclusión. La sexualidad es más compleja de lo que se estimaba tradicionalmente, observándose gran diversidad de comportamientos, independientemente incluso de la orientación sexual autoadscrita. Estos resultados podrían ser útiles, en terapia, para trabajar la autoaceptación y normalizar la propia diversidad y, como prevención, para educar en la tolerancia y el respeto, reducir el estigma del colectivo LGTBI y flexibilizar en la población general algunas ideas asumidas sobre la sexualidad.
¿Chateamos? motivaciones del uso de las apps de citas en el colectivo LGB
Authors: Giménez-García Cristina , Martínez-Gómez Naiara , Elipe-Miravet Marcel
Published: March 2021

Las aplicaciones de citas suponen un nuevo entorno para experimentar relaciones afectivo-sexuales, en particular entre el colectivo LGB. Por ello, se analiza el uso las aplicaciones de citas en población LGB, en comparación con población heterosexual, evaluando también las diferencias de género en el uso y la relación con otras variables como el valor otorgado a la sexualidad y sensualidad, la autoestima y la regulación emocional. En total, participaron 185 personas (65.4% mujeres y 34.6% hombres) con edad promedio de 29.15 años (DT = 6.91), identificándose un 44.3% como heterosexuales y un 55.7% como parte del colectivo LGB. En general, la población LGB usa en mayor medida las aplicaciones de citas y de manera más frecuente que la heterosexual. Dentro del colectivo, se observa que los hombres informan un mayor uso que las mujeres y, entre las personas usuarias, se observaría una mayor autoestima y uso del sexo para evitar el malestar emocional. Dadas las diferencias encontradas, además de la existencia de indicadores psicológicos asociados al riesgo, parece necesario incluir este escenario de interacción sexual en las estrategias de intervención preventivas y de atención clínica, desde un enfoque inclusivo y con perspectiva de género.
Threat-anticipatory psychophysiological response is enhanced in youth with anxiety disorders and correlates with prefrontal cortex neuroanatomy
Authors: Abend Rany , Bajaj Mira A. , Harrewijn Anita , Matsumoto Chika , Michalska Kalina J. , Necka Elizabeth , Palacios-Barrios Esther E. , Leibenluft Ellen , Atlas Lauren Y. , Pine Daniel S.
Published: March 2021

Background: Threat anticipation engages neural circuitry that has evolved to promote defensive behaviours; perturbations in this circuitry could generate excessive threat-anticipation response, a key characteristic of pathological anxiety. Research into such mechanisms in youth faces ethical and practical limitations. Here, we use thermal stimulation to elicit pain-anticipatory psychophysiological response and map its correlates to brain structure among youth with anxiety and healthy youth. Methods: Youth with anxiety (n = 25) and healthy youth (n = 25) completed an instructed threat-anticipation task in which cues predicted nonpainful or painful thermal stimulation; we indexed psychophysiological response during the anticipation and experience of pain using skin conductance response. High-resolution brain-structure imaging data collected in another visit were available for 41 participants. Analyses tested whether the 2 groups differed in their psychophysiological cue-based pain-anticipatory and pain-experience responses. Analyses then mapped psychophysiological response magnitude to brain structure. Results: Youth with anxiety showed enhanced psychophysiological response specifically during anticipation of painful stimulation (b = 0.52, p = 0.003). Across the sample, the magnitude of psychophysiological anticipatory response correlated negatively with the thickness of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (pFWE < 0.05); psychophysiological response to the thermal stimulation correlated positively with the thickness of the posterior insula (pFWE < 0.05). Limitations: Limitations included the modest sample size and the cross-sectional design. Conclusion: These findings show that threat-anticipatory psychophysiological response differentiates youth with anxiety from healthy youth, and they link brain structure to psychophysiological response during pain anticipation and experience. A focus on threat anticipation in research on anxiety could delineate relevant neural circuitry.
Injectable calcium phosphate and styrene–butadiene polymer-based root canal filling material
Authors: Kaka Hala B. , Salman Raid F.
Published: March 2021

Background

Three-dimensional obturation of the root canal system is mandatory for a successful root canal treatment. Using a filling material with optimal properties may enable the root canal to be sealed well and therefore obtain the desired obturation.

Objective

To develop a new injectable paste endodontic filling material using calcium phosphate powder and a styrene–butadiene emulsion polymer.

Methods

The powder phase comprised an equivalent molar ratio of tetracalcium phosphate, anhydrous dicalcium phosphate, bismuth oxide, and calcium chloride. The liquid phase comprised a styrene–butadiene rubber emulsion in distilled water. The powder and the liquid were mixed to achieve a paste consistency. The paste was subjected to various tests including flow, setting time, dimensional change, solubility, and radiopacity to indicate its suitability as a root canal filling material. All these tests were conducted according to the American National Standards Institute–American Dental Association for endodontic sealing materials. After passing these tests, the paste was submitted to an injectability test.

Results

The material showed acceptable flowability with 19.1 ± 1.3 min setting time and 0.61 ± 0.16% shrinkage after 30 days of storage. We found the highest solubility at 24 h (6.62 ± 0.58%), then the solubility decreased to 1.09 ± 0.08% within 3 days. The material was more radiopaque than a 3 mm step on an aluminum wedge. Furthermore, the material showed good injectability of 93.67 ± 1.80%.

Conclusions

The calcium phosphate powder in styrene–butadiene emulsion met basic requirements for a root canal filling material with promising properties.
Benefits, limitations and controversies on patient-based real-time quality control (PBRTQC) and the evidence behind the practice
Authors: van Rossum Huub H. , Bietenbeck Andreas , Cervinski Mark A. , Katayev Alex , Loh Tze Ping , Badrick Tony C.
Published: March 2021

Background

In recent years, there has been renewed interest in the “old” average of normals concept, now generally referred to as moving average quality control (MA QC) or patient-based real-time quality control (PBRTQC). However, there are some controversies regarding PBRTQC which this review aims to address while also indicating the current status of PBRTQC.

Content

This review gives the background of certain newly described optimization and validation methods. It also indicates how QC plans incorporating PBRTQC can be designed for greater effectiveness and/or (cost) efficiency. Furthermore, it discusses controversies regarding the complexity of obtaining PBRTQC settings, the replacement of iQC, and software functionality requirements. Finally, it presents evidence of the added value and practicability of PBRTQC.

Outlook

Recent developments in, and availability of, simulation methods to optimize and validate laboratory-specific PBRTQC procedures have enabled medical laboratories to implement PBRTQC in their daily practice. Furthermore, these methods have made it possible to demonstrate the practicability and added value of PBRTQC by means of two prospective “clinical” studies and other investigations. Although internal QC will remain an essential part of any QC plan, applying PBRTQC can now significantly improve its performance and (cost) efficiency.
Adjective–noun compounds in Mandarin: a study on productivity
Authors: Shen Tian , Baayen R. Harald
Published: March 2021

In structuralist linguistics, compounds are argued not to constitute morphological categories, due to the absence of systematic form-meaning correspondences. This study investigates subsets of compounds for which systematic form-meaning correspondences are present: adjective–noun compounds in Mandarin. We show that there are substantial differences in the productivity of these compounds. One set of productivity measures (the count of types, the count of hapax legomena, and the estimated count of unseen types) reflect compounds’ profitability. By contrast, the category-conditioned degree of productivity is found to correlate with the internal semantic transparency of the words belonging to a morphological category. Greater semantic transparency, gauged by distributional semantics, predicts greater category-conditioned productivity. This dovetails well with the hypothesis that semantic transparency is a prerequisite for a word formation process to be productive.
Improving Data Delivery in Large Environments and Mobile Areas
Authors: Najim Nada I.
Published: March 2021

Advances in communication technology have significantly altered our knowledge about telephone networks. The remarkable expansion in communication is obvious in numerous aspects of life of life; the transmission of information has never been easier. Wireless communication has also had a remarkable development, and these facilities have become more reliable and easily accessible.

This study, through a descriptive approach in accordance with earlier studies, aims to explain how to increase the capacity of wireless data delivery in addition to other important challenges that face the enhancement of these services in remote areas. This study highlights the challenges that accompany the adoption of wireless networks in remote areas: particularly signal strength. This is highly linked to the specific features of rural areas in terms of living habits in separated nodes rather than in high-density population centers areas.
Theta correspondence for p-adic dual pairs of type I
Authors: Bakić Petar , Hanzer Marcela
Published: March 2021

We describe explicitly the Howe correspondence for the symplectic-orthogonal and unitary dual pairs over a nonarchimedean local field of characteristic zero. More specifically, for every irreducible admissible representation of these groups, we find its first occurrence index in the theta correspondence and we describe, in terms of their Langlands parameters, the small theta lifts on all levels.
Legitimate and Illegitimate Political Self-entrenchment and Its Impact on Political Equality
Authors: Kouroutakis Antonios
Published: March 2021

Self-serving politicians and self-entrenchment of the political establishment is a diachronic problem tantalizing liberal democracies. Incumbent political actors around the world constantly purport to entrench not only their presence in the political arena, but also their power and as a result, barriers to entry to new political actors are set, the chain of the democratic choice is disrupted and equality of opportunity is distorted. This article focuses on the available means in the constitutional system in order to safeguard a level playing field in the political arena. To this end, this article has three scientific objectives. First, it elaborates on the significance of equality of opportunities in the political system. Second, it identifies how political self-entrenchment creates an uneven playing field. Third, it focuses on the remedies that exist in the constitutional system and examines both legal and quasi legal mechanisms. With an analysis on the current means that are available in the constitutional system, the judicial review, and the alternative political processes based on independent bodies and quasi-judicial mechanisms, this article concludes that self-entrenchment and self-serving politicians are mainly left to be resolved by political means, the so called self-corrective promise of politics.