bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Care Providers’ Acceptance of a Personal Health Record: Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Yousef Consuela Cheriece , Salgado Teresa M , Farooq Ali , Burnett Keisha , McClelland Laura E , Abu Esba Laila Carolina , Alhamdan Hani Solaiman , Khoshhal Sahal , Aldossary Ibrahim Fahad , Alyas Omar Anwar , DeShazo Jonathan P
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Personal health records (PHRs) are eHealth tools designed to support patient engagement, patient empowerment, and patient- and person-centered care. Endorsement of a PHR by health care providers (HCPs) facilitates patient acceptance. As health care organizations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia begin to adopt PHRs, understanding the perspectives of HCPs is important because it can influence patient adoption. However, no studies evaluated HCPs’ acceptance of PHRs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify predictors of HCPs’ acceptance of PHRs using behavioral intention to recommend as a proxy for adoption.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted among HCPs (physicians, pharmacists, nurses, technicians, others) utilizing a survey based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. The main theory constructs of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and positive attitude were considered independent variables. Behavioral intention was the dependent variable. Age, years of experience, and professional role were tested as moderators between the main theory constructs and behavioral intention using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

RESULTS

Of the 291 participants, 246 were included in the final analysis. Behavioral intention to support PHR use among patients was significantly influenced by performance expectancy (β=.17, P=.03) and attitude (β=.61, P<.01). No moderating effects were present.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified performance expectancy and attitude as predictors of HCPs’ behavioral intention to recommend PHR to patients. To encourage HCPs to endorse PHRs, health care organizations should involve HCPs in the implementation and provide training on the features available as well as expected benefits. Future studies should be conducted in other contexts and include other potential predictors.
First National Remote Emergency System for Malignant Hyperthermia (MH-NRES) in China: Protocol for a WeChat applet Design, Development, and Evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: Yu Hong , Tan Lingcan , Teng Yi , Xu Zhao , Xiao Kun , Yin Jin , Zuo Yunxia , Zhu Tao , Deng Xiaoqian
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare life-threatening anesthetic emergency. With respect to the high fatality rate, difficulty in early recognition and the lack of disease-specific drug (i.e., dantrolene) in China, more effort is need to strengthen early diagnosis and effective treatment of MH emergency. Nowadays, mobile health applications (mHealth apps) are changing the way of medical practice, which are an accessible tool for helping anesthesiologists to deal with MH crisis. However, no related mHealth-based emergency system is available now.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to outline the methods for a WeChat applet development used to design National Remote Emergency System for Malignant Hyperthermia (MH-NRES) in China, as well as the methods for evaluation of the user experience and perception of the system.

METHODS

The system adopts client-server architecture, with a custom user interface operating as clients and the back-end system operating as the server. The client-side software was developed using uni-app technology with Vue.js-based framework, which consists of six modules: quick diagnosis, dantrolene mobilization, instruction on dantrolene use, MH treatment, recovery period treatment, and DNA test and Biopsy. The back-end system was developed based on the Spring framework. The system will be evaluated by administrating a modified user version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (uMARS). The pilot testing in Sichuan Province of China and the following evaluation on a national scale are planned.

RESULTS

The theoretical framework design of this system took a total of 4 months (May-August 2021). The development of the system is planned to take 4 months (September-December 2021). The pilot testing in Sichuan Province is planned to take 2 month and the following evaluation to take 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

We have described a novel approach using the WeChat applet to develop the MH-NRES which can help anesthesiologists in China to make rapid diagnosis, effectively management and dantrolene mobilization in real time when MH cases occur, and provide subsequently gene diagnostic services and family counselling. Findings from the evaluation process is expected to suggest that this system is both feasible and welcomed by anesthesiologists.
Treatments for Primary Delusional Infestation: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Lu Justin Di , Gotesman Ryan D , Varghese Shawn , Fleming Patrick , Lynde Charles W
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Delusional infestation, also known as Ekbom syndrome, is a rare delusional disorder characterized by the fixed belief that one is infested with parasites, worms, insects, or other organisms. Although delusional infestation is a psychiatric condition, patients often consult dermatologists with skin findings, and it is currently unclear what treatments are recommended for this disorder.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to systematically review and describe the treatment and management of patients presenting with primary delusional infestation.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted using Ovid on MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Register of Clinical Trials. Relevant data, including treatment, dosage, response, adherence, and side effects, were extracted and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 15 case series were included, comprising 280 patients (mean age 53.3 years, 65.4% female) with delusional infestation. Overall, aripiprazole had the highest complete remission rate at 79% (11/14), although this was limited to 14 patients. Among drug classes, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were the most effective with a 79% (11/14) complete remission rate and 43% (9/21) partial remission rate in patients with comorbid depression, anxiety, or trichotillomania. First-generation antipsychotics and second-generation antipsychotics had similar complete remission rates (56/103, 54.4% vs 56/117, 47.9%, respectively) and partial remission rates (36/103, 35% vs 41/117, 35%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the rarity of delusional infestation, we only found 15 case series. However, we found that first-generation antipsychotics appear to be similar in effectiveness to second-generation antipsychotics for the treatment of primary delusional infestation. Larger studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of pharmacological therapy for delusional infestation.

CLINICALTRIAL

PROSPERO CRD42020198161; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=198161
Effects of servant leadership on the leader's innovative behavior
Authors: Lan Yuanyuan , Xia Yuhuan , Yang Lin
Published: October 2021

Servant leadership has become an increasingly popular construct in organizational behavior research because of its effectiveness in organizations. Using self-determination theory and broaden-and-build theory, we proposed a moderated mediation framework in which the leader's sense of
accomplishment would mediate the relationship between servant leadership behaviors and the leader's innovative behavior. The leader's extraversion was used as the boundary condition of the relationship. Participants comprised 232 leaders and their immediate supervisors, working in firms based
in northern China. Results show that servant leadership behaviors indirectly influenced leaders' innovative behavior via their sense of accomplishment. In addition, leaders' extraversion strengthened the impact of sense of accomplishment on their innovative behavior, as well as the indirect
effect of servant leadership behaviors on their innovative behavior. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Effectiveness of behavioural medical rehabilitation under real-life conditions in germany: a propensity-score matched analysis
Authors: Markus Miriam , Euhus Annemarie , Bethge Matthias
Published: October 2021

Objectives: In Germany, behavioural medical rehabilitation programmes have been implemented for patients with musculoskeletal disorders and additional mental health comorbidity. The aim of this cohort study is to assess the relative effectiveness of behavioural medical rehabilitation under real-life conditions.
Design: Participants received either a common or behavioural medical rehabilitation programme. Propensity score matching was used to provide balanced samples of both groups (German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00016404).
Participants: A total of 360 patients treated in behavioural medical rehabilitation were compared with 360 matched controls. The mean age of study participants was approximately 53.5 years (standard deviation (SD)=7.0 years) and 74.0% were women.
Results: No significant and clinical meaningful differences were found in return to work, applications for disability pension, and the number of patients receiving social security benefits in the year after rehabilitation. However, participants in behavioural medical rehabilitation reported better self-rated work ability, physical functioning and self-management skills, and decreased pain disability and fear-avoidance beliefs 10 months after rehabilitation. Standardized effect sizes were between 0.13 and 0.22.
Conclusion: Behavioural medical rehabilitation had no clinical meaningful effect on maintaining and restoring work ability. However, behavioural medical rehabilitation affected pain and disease management skills 10 months after completing the rehabilitation programme.
Restoring a Smile Post Covid-19 Associated Mucormycosis: A Case Report
Authors: Dhande Sharayu
Published: October 2021

Oral health is influenced by a variety of local and systemic factors. Oral cavity is exposed to a variety of viruses, bacteria and fungi. SARS-CoV-2 caused Corona virus disease (COVID) predisposes the affected individuals to immunocompromised state, thereby increasing the risk of other infections. Mucormycosis is now-a-days most commonly encountered fungal infection in the post COVID era. Diagnosis of such aggressive infections is based on co-relation of clinical signs and symptoms and radiographic features with histopathological diagnosis. Surgical debridement of the affected area is the first line of treatment. Prosthetic rehabilitation of the surgically resected area is the next step in the treatment of such fulminant infections in order to help restore form and function for the affected individual. The present case report focusses on treating this life-threatening fungal infection by surgical debridement with adjunctive anti-fungal therapy and prosthetic rehabilitation in a mucormycosis affected patient in order to restore form and function.
Comparative study of Crescentic Cartilage and Anterior Tucking Tympanoplasty
Authors: Gupta Abhishek
Published: October 2021

Introduction: This study was undertaken to know the better technique of two methods i.e. cresentric cartilage tympanoplasty (CCT) and anterior tucking tympanoplasty (ATT) operated by single handed endoscopically. Material and Methods: This study was conducted on hundred patients at Shyam Shah Medical College, Rewa, MP. Hundred patients were selected using certain criteria and fifty patients each were operated by cresentric cartilage supported tympanoplasty(CCT) and anterior tucking technique(ATT). Audiometrically results were analysed preoperatively and postoperatively. Results: Maximum patients affected were teens and males. Maximum patients had large central perforation followed by subtotal and then total perforations in both the groups of cresentric cartilage tympanoplasty (CCT) and anterior tucking tympanoplasty (ATT). We operated under local anaesthesia and some under general anaesthesia in both the groups. Discussion: Hearing being special sense organ needs restoration for normal development and personality grooming. Newer method with evolution of medical sciences have devised techniques of reconstruction of hearing mechanism to give better results. Comparative study using cresentric cartilage tympanoplasty (CCT) and anterior tucking tympanoplasty (ATT) was done to know the better outcome and method. Conclusion: Cresentric cartilage tympanoplasty (CCT) is better of the two methods as it doesn’t shrink or change the shape.
Protivoopuholevoe vliyanie luchevoj terapii na ortotopicheskuyu PDX-model' adenokarcinomy pishchevoda cheloveka
Authors: Киблицкая А. А. , Гончарова А. С. , Анисимов А. Е. , Снежко А. В. , Димитриади С. Н. , Маслов А. А. , Геворкян Ю. А. , Колесников Е. Н.
Published: October 2021

Adenokarcinoma pishchevoda razvivaetsya, kak pravilo, v nizhnej chasti organa. Prodolzhitel'nost' zhizni i vyzhivaemost' pri dannom zabolevanii zavisyat ot stadii patologicheskogo processa i sostoyaniya zdorov'ya pacienta. Naibolee uspeshnyj metod dlya lecheniya adenokarcinomy pishchevoda — himioluchevaya terapiya. Problema podbora optimal'nyh doz oblucheniya dlya polucheniya maksimal'nogo effekta po sej den' aktual'na. Cel'yu issledovaniya bylo izuchit' effektivnye dozy i ocenit' protivoopuholevuyu aktivnost' luchevoj terapii na ortotopicheskom PDX adenokarcinomy pishchevoda cheloveka. Issledovanie proveli na samkah myshej linii Balb/c nude (n = 25). Ortotopicheskuyu transplantaciyu osushchestvlyali putem implantacii obrazcov opuholi pacienta v shejnyj otdel pishchevoda immunodeficitnoj myshi. Luchevoe vozdejstvie na ortotopicheskie ksenografty issledovali v 3 etapa s kratnost'yu oblucheniya 1 raz v dozah 4, 6, 8 i 10 Gr. Po rezul'tatam gistologicheskogo analiza ksenografty 1-j generacii vosproizvodili osnovnye morfologicheskie harakteristiki opuholi pacienta. Ocenka dinamiki rosta ob"emov opuholevyh uzlov eksperimental'nyh zhivotnyh pozvolyaet sdelat' vyvod, chto u zhivotnyh, obluchennyh v odnokratnoj doze 6, 8 ili 10 Gr, srednie znacheniya ob"emov opuholevyh uzlov statisticheski znachimo otlichalis' (r ≤ 0,01) ot znachenij v kontrol'noj gruppe posle kazhdoj iz trekh procedur luchevogo vozdejstviya. Po raschetam pokazatelya tormozheniya rosta opuholi pri summarnoj doze 18 Gr nablyudali znachitel'noe podavlenie rosta opuholi. Dal'nejshee povyshenie dozy luchevogo vozdejstviya bylo neeffektivno. Ustanovili, chto snizhenie ob"emov opuholevyh uzlov v ksenograftah korreliruet s uvelicheniem razovoj dozy, pri etom summarnaya doza bolee 18 Gr pagubno vliyaet na sistemu krovetvoreniya i biohimicheskie pokazateli krovi myshej.
From Deviations to Shortfalls: The Effects of the FOMC's New Employment Objective
Authors:   Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Bundick Brent , Petrosky-Nadeau Nicolas ,   Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Published: October 2021

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) recently revised its interpretation of its maximum employment mandate. In this paper, we analyze the possible effects of this policy change using a theoretical model with frictional labor markets and nominal rigidities. A monetary policy which stabilizes “shortfalls” rather than “deviations” of employment from its maximum level leads to higher inflation and more hiring at all times due to expectations of more accommodative future policy. Thus, offsetting only shortfalls of employment results in higher nominal policy rates on average which provide more policy space and better outcomes during a zero lower bound episode. Our model suggests that the FOMC's reinterpretation of its employment mandate could alter the business-cycle and longer-run properties of the economy and result in a steeper reduced-form Phillips curve.
Pricing Poseidon: Extreme Weather Uncertainty and Firm Return Dynamics
Authors:   Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Kruttli Mathias S. , Tran Brigitte Roth ,   Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Watugala Sumudu W. ,   Cornell University
Published: October 2021

We present a framework to identify market responses to uncertainty faced by firms regarding both the potential incidence of extreme weather events and subsequent economic impact. Stock options of firms with establishments in forecast and realized hurricane landfall regions exhibit large increases in implied volatility, reflecting significant incidence uncertainty and long-lasting impact uncertainty. Comparing ex ante expected volatility to ex post realized volatility by analyzing volatility risk premia changes shows that investors significantly underestimate extreme weather uncertainty. After Hurricane Sandy, this underreaction diminishes and, consistent with Merton (1987), these increases in idiosyncratic volatility are associated with positive expected stock returns.
THE ISSUE OF THE COLLAPSE OF THE SOVIET EMPIRE
Authors: Martirosyan S.
Published: October 2021

The author of the article argues that the M. Gorbachev Reconstruction (Perestroyka) had deliberately been designed to cause the collapse of the Soviet Union, to drag the country in the world economy and lay a foundation to establish a “New World Order”. Meanwhile, the author demonstrates how the process of collapse was kept secretly, and the role of foreign factors contributed to that collapse.
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PEDAGOGICAL CONDITIONS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNICATIVE ACTIVITIES OF STUDENTS WITH MENTAL DELAY
Authors: PROSKURNYAK YELENA
Published: October 2021

In the given article the concept of “communicative activity”, feature of its development in pupils of teenage age with intellectual infringement of development is analyzed. On the basis of structural components its indicators, criteria are allocated, psychological and pedagogical conditions for its optimum development in the given contingent are defined.
Communication Problems Affecting the Lives of High School 12th Grade Students
Authors: Yıldız Yasemin , Tutkun Ömer Faruk
Published: October 2021

In this study, it is aimed to reveal the communication problems faced by high school 12th grade students in their lives. Semi-structured interview model, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. Interview form was used as data collection tool in the study. The study group of the research consists of 24 high school students in Pendik district of Istanbul province. The data obtained from the interviews have been analyzed using the method of descriptive analysis. The findings obtained in the research are given below: 1- The communication problems that high school 12th grade students face with their families are mostly not to understand and to make pressure. 2- High school 12th grade students' communication problems with their friends are mostly insecurity, selfishness, gossip and slang speeches. 3- The communication problems that high school 12th grade students encounter with their teachers are mostly misunderstanding and humiliating behavior. 4- Communication problems that high school 12th grade students encounter in social life are mostly rude behaviors and intolerance. 5- According to high school 12th grade students, effective communication should be most within the framework of understanding, listening and respect for each other.
Is the Czech Republic a Welfare State?
Authors: Kliková Christiana , Navrátil Boris
Published: October 2021

Is the Czech Republic a welfare state? This question is to be answered through this article, whose purpose is to classify Czechia into one of the types of the welfare state. The introduction of the article describes the creation of the welfare state and the main factors influencing its origin. The article also describes the characteristic features of the welfare state and presents its typology. The section entitled “The Czech Republic and the welfare state” expounds on the constituent stages of development of the Czech social policy until the present day. The article concludes with the comparison of some aggregate indicators and characteristics of social policies found in Sweden, Germany and the United Kingdom with similar indicators from the Czech Republic; this basis forms the assignment of the Czech Republic to one of the types of the welfare state.
Evaluation of the Efficiency of Public Support for Cluster Organizations in the Czech Republic
Authors: Žižka Miroslav , Hovorková Valentová Vladimíra , Pelloneová Natalie , Štichhauerová Eva
Published: October 2021

The research presented in the paper aims to find out whether the public support (subsidies) received by cluster organizations for their development and activities is efficient. That means whether the state receives a return on investment in the form of increased revenues to public budgets. The research was conducted on a sample of seven cluster organizations that include the following sectors: furniture, packaging and textile production, engineering, the automotive industry, IT and nanotechnology. For each cluster organization, the data on subsidies was drawn from the moment of their establishment until 2017. At the same time, a list of the cluster member organizations was drawn up, with financial data being collected only for business entities. For each enterprise, information about paid corporate income tax, income tax on employment from employee wages, and social and health insurance paid by the companies and their employees was collected. In the next phase, increases in taxes and insurances were monitored and compared to the year in which the cluster organization drew a subsidy for the first time. Subsequently, the public support efficiency rate and payback period were calculated. The research results show that public support for cluster organizations is efficient, with a relatively short payback period.
Protective effects of bisoprolol against cadmium-induced myocardial toxicity through inhibition of oxidative stress and NF-κΒ signalling in rats
Authors: Liu Jinhua , Xie Ying , Han Zhujun , Wang Hailong , Xu Wenhu
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The aim of the study was to investigate the mitigative effects of bisoprolol (BIS) in cadmium-induced myocardial toxicity on oxidative stress and its inhibitive effect on nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) signalling in rats.

Material and Methods

Male albino Wistar rats were assigned to control, Cd, BIS 2 (2 mg/kg b.w.) and BIS 8 (8 mg/kg b.w.) groups with nine rats in each. Over four weeks, the control group was administered 1% gum acacia, all other groups received 3mg/kg b.w. CdCl2 dissolved in distilled water, and the BIS groups were additionally given bisoprolol in gum acacia. Blood samples were collected for biochemical estimations. Blood pressure and serum biomarker (lactate dehydrogenase, aspirate transaminase, alanine transferase and creatine kinase-MB, enzyme (superoxide dismutase, lipid hydroxy peroxidase, catalase and malondialdehyde), and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) concentrations were measured. Western blot analysis was conducted for NF-κB and glutathione S-transferase (GST). After sacrificing the rats, cardiac tissue samples were examined histopathologically.

Results

Our findings pointed to a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the studied serum biomarkers and levels of the relevant enzymes in the BIS 8 group compared to the Cd group. A significant decrease (P < 0.05) in NF-kB p65 expression and TNF-α levels was noted in the BIS 8 group relative to the BIS 2 and Cd groups, indicating a reduction at a higher dose. In microscopy, histopathological changes in the cardiac muscles of the BIS 8 group were evident compared to those of the Cd group.

Conclusion

BIS seemed to have protective effects against cardiac injury induced by cadmium and could be considered a novel therapeutic drug and prognostic biomarker in the pathology of the many cardiovascular diseases caused by heavy metal intake.
Coxiella burnetii DNA in milk, milk products, and fermented dairy products
Authors: Valkovska Linda , Mališevs Artjoms , Kovaļenko Kaspars , Bērziņš Aivars , Grantiņa-Ieviņa Lelde
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Q fever in dairy cattle has been investigated in Latvia since 2012. In 2015, 10.7% of farms tested positive for the DNA of C. burnetii, its aetiological agent, in bulk tank milk. The presence of C. burnetii DNA and infectious bacteria in dairy products has been assessed in several countries, and because Latvian milk may contain them, parallel assessment in this country is recommended. Accordingly, the present study tested shop and farm retail dairy products from Latvia and included foreign products for comparison.

Material and Methods

Investigation was carried out of 187 samples of a diverse range of dairy products from 41 Latvian milk producers. Twenty-six comparable samples pooled from Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain were also included. The all-countries total number of fermented milk products was 160. Special attention was paid to products that could be more attractive to children because of their added chocolate, cacao, berry and fruit content. DNA was extracted and amplification of C. burnetii IS1111 was performed using a commercial PCR kit.

Results

Overall positivity was 60.56%. Domestic products were positive more often (60.96%) than foreign ones (57.69%). Only 26.67% of unpasteurised Latvian cow’s milk samples were positive whereas 76.47% of pasteurised equivalents and 63.13% of fermented milk products were. Sweetened and fruit-containing samples were 71.43% positive.

Conclusion

The shedding of C. burnetii via milk should be monitored and only milk from healthy animals allowed for sale for direct human consumption without pasteurisation. Raw milk quality and the effectiveness of industrial heat treatment and pasteurisation methods in Latvia and other countries should be carefully assessed to ensure adequate consumer health protection.
Relationship between quality of life indicators and cardiac status indicators in chemotherapy patients
Authors: Geršak Blaž Matija , Kukec Andreja , Steen Henning , Montenbruck Moritz , Šoštarič Maja , Schwarz Arne Kristian , Esch Sebastian , Kelle Sebastian , Giusca Sorin , Korosoglou Grigorios , Wülfing Pia , Dent Susan , Lenihan Daniel
Published: October 2021

Aim

With the aim of improving personalized treatment of patients on chemotherapy, the objective of the study was to assess the degree of association between selected Quality of life (QoL) indicators and both clinical and imaging cardiac status indicators when detecting deterioration in QoL of these patients.

Methods

In a cohort clinical study in Hamburg, from August 2017 through October 2020, 59 cancer patients, aged 18-80 years, were evaluated before chemotherapy, and at several follow-ups, using EQ-5D and SF-36 QoL questionnaires, fast strain-encoded (fast-SENC) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), conventional CMR, and echocardiography, and further received a clinical and biomarker examination. Data was analyzed using survival analyses. A decline of more than 5% in each observed QoL metric value was defined as the observed event. Patient were separated into groups according to the presentation of cardiotoxicity as per its clinical definition, the establishment of the indication for cardioprotective therapy initiation, and by a worsening in the value of each observed imaging metric by more than 5% in the previous follow-up compared to the corresponding pre-chemotherapy baseline value.

Results

Among clinical cardiac status indicators, the indication for cardioprotective therapy showed statistically good association with QoL scores (EQ-5D p=0.028; SF-36 physical component p=0.016; SF-36 mental component p=0.012). In terms of imaging metrics, the MyoHealth segmental myocardial strain score was the only one demonstrating consistently good QoL score association (EQ-5D p=0.005; SF-36 physical component p=0.056; SF-36 mental component p=0.002).

Conclusions

Established fast-SENC CMR scores are capable of highlighting patients with reduced QoL, who require more frequent/optimal management.
Transparency and mirroring of literary translations of fairy tales by the English writers
Authors: Shmakova Anastasiia Valerievna
Published: October 2021

The subject of this research is the English-Russian translation of fairy tales from the perspective of transparency and mirroring. The goal of this research is to determine the strategy for literary translation of the English fairy tales. Linguostylistic and comparative analysis is conducted on B. Zakhoder's translations of such fairy tales as “Alice in Wonderland” by L. Carroll, “Winnie the Pooh and All, All, All” by A. Milne, and “Mary Poppins” by P. Travers. The modern theory of translation largely focuses on the various aspects of equivalence and adequacy of the original and translated texts; describes the requirements for the quality of translation, including literary translation. Russian and foreign researchers show heightened attention to the concepts of transparency and mirroring in translation, namely literary translation of children's literature substantiated by the specificity of the target audience. The scientific novelty consists in application of the modern postulates of the theory of translation to children's literature, which broadens knowledge in this scientific field. The main conclusion lies in following the theory of translation transparency for the child reader in translation of children's literature. As a result of the analysis of B. Zakhoder’s translations of fairy tales by L. Carroll, A. Milne, and P. Travers into the Russian language, it is noted that they reflect the general patterns of translation children's fiction, take into account psychological characteristics of the audience, text is adapted to be comprehensible for children, considerable attention is given to the emotional component, expressiveness, and humor. Although B. Zakhoder’s translations are not the full interpretation, he follows the theory of transparency. Imaginative interpretation of the text demonstrates the specificity of translator’s individual style.
Making Wellington: earthquakes, survivors and creating heritage
Authors: McClean Robert
Published: October 2021

Landing at Te Whanganui a Tara in 1840, New Zealand Company settlers lost no time to construct the "England of the South" using familiar building materials of brick, stone, clay and mortar. Within months of settling at Pito-one (Petone), the newly arrived people not only experienced earthquakes, but also flooding of Te Awa kai Rangi (Hutt River). Consequently, the original plan to build the City of Britannia at Pito-one was transferred to Lambton Harbour at Pipitea and Te Aro.

The construction of Wellington was severely disrupted by the first visitation occurring on 16 October 1848 when the Awatere fault ruptured releasing an earthquake of Mw 7.8. The earthquake sequence, lasting until October 1849, damaged nearly all masonry buildings in Wellington, including newly constructed Paremata Barracks. This event was soon followed by the 2nd visitation of 23 January 1855. This time it was a rupture of the Wairarapa fault and a huge 8.2 Mw earthquake lasting until 10 October 1855.

Perceptions of buildings as "permanent" symbols of progress and English heritage were fundamentally challenged as a result of the earthquakes. Instead, the settlers looked to the survivors – small timber-framed buildings as markers of security and continued occupation. A small number of survivors will be explored in detail – Taylor-Stace Cottage, Porirua, and Homewood, Karori, both buildings of 1847 and both still in existence today. Also the ruins of Paremata Barracks as the only remnant of a masonry structure pre-dating 1848 in the Wellington region. There are also a few survivors of 1855 earthquake including Christ Church, Taita (1854) and St Joseph's Providence Porch, St Mary's College, Thorndon (1852).  There are also the post-1855 timber-framed legacies of Old St Paul's Cathedral (1866), Government Buildings (1876) and St Peter's Church (1879). Improved knowledge about the historical evolution of perceptions of heritage in Wellington as a result of past earthquake visitations can help inform public education about heritage values, how to build today and strengthen existing buildings in readiness for future earthquake visitations.
Multiple Perspectives On Writing For Research Publication Across Academic Fields
Authors:   , Omidian Taha
Published: October 2021

Writing for research publication is one of the primary means of disseminating knowledge in contemporary academia. It is through this particular form of knowledge dissemination that a rich body of scientific knowledge about a given phenomenon is accumulated. The primary goal of this dissertation is to explore the linguistic characteristics of this specific sub-register of academic writing. For this purpose, the study adopts a multi-perspective approach through which patterns of language use in research writing are investigated at three different linguistic levels: lexis, multi-word expressions, and general lexico-grammatical items. In doing so, careful consideration are given to disciplinarity, intra-textual variation, and L1-LX expert writing as key parameters of variation in writing for research publication. A secondary goal of the dissertation is to explore and highlight the benefits of methodological triangulation in corpus linguistic research. To this end, linguistic patterns in this study are identified, triangulated and verified through various inductive corpus-based analytical techniques to offer multiple, complementary perspectives on the discourse of research writing across disciplines. The data analyses in this dissertation are based on a representative corpus of empirical research articles (c. 4.5 million words) from a wide range of disciplines: biology, chemistry, dentistry, physics, mechanical engineering, applied linguistics, business, management, politics, and sociology. The analyses rely on both quantitative and qualitative assessments to provide a better understanding of the identified patterns. The results of these analyses show that the language of research writing is characterized by highly specialized and conventionalized discourses that are far from being homogeneous. It is found that such characteristics have the potential to govern the delineation of authors’ linguistic choices at various levels of language use such as lexis, multi-word expressions, and more complex lexico-grammatical linguistic structures. It is also found that any characterization of research writing with no careful consideration given to such factors as disciplinary writing and intra-textual variation would be incomplete. The results of the analyses also reveal considerable differences between L1 and LX expert writing in fulfilling the communicative practices related to the evaluation and elaboration of research findings.
Groundwater Quality and Farm Nitrogen Management on the West Coast, South Island, New Zealand
Authors:   , Baker Tim
Published: October 2021

Dairy farming in the West Coast region has undergone substantial intensification over the last decade. Associated with this intensification has been an increased use of nitrogen fertiliser and an increasing number of farms applying dairy shed effluent (DSE) to land. The aim of this project was to assess the current and potential effects of these practices. Groundwater quality in the most intensive dairying areas on the West Coast was assessed through the monitoring of twenty-two bores on four occasions in 2001. Elevated (>1 g/m3) nitrate-nitrogen concentrations were found in nineteen of these bores (54 of 74 samples, 72%). The only long-term data available, from 3 bores, showed significant increasing trends in nitrate-nitrogen (e.g. 0.41 g/m3/yr in the Bertacco bore) and chloride over the period September 1998 – June 2003. Spatially isolated occurrences of microbial contamination were also recorded: in 7 bores and 12% of all samples analysed. Overall, groundwater quality of the shallow unconfined groundwater of the Kowhitirangi area was of better quality, and less affected by landuse practices, than the deeper unconfined aquifers of the Grey and Inangahua Valleys. Nitrogen isotope analysis indicated the source of the nitrate-nitrogen was likely to be from a fertiliser or soil organic nitrogen source (average d15N of 3.5‰); however, the significant increasing trends of chloride (e.g. 0.50 g/m3/yr in the Bertacco bore, 0.22 g/m3/yr in the Coleman/Lyndale bore) suggest an effluent-based source is affecting groundwater quality in the Kowhitirangi and Grey Valley areas. Groundwater dating, using chloroflurocarbons, suggested that the groundwater in the river recharge dominated shallow aquifer of the Kowhitirangi area is approximately 7 years old. In the deeper unconfined aquifers of the Grey Valley it is approximately 12 years old. These results suggest that the full effects of landuse intensification over the past decade are yet to been seen in terms of changes in groundwater quality. Land application of DSE is currently managed through a regional permitted activities rule that sets a maximum DSE nitrogen-loading rate of 275 kgN/ha/yr. An evaluation of this rate through the use of the NLE and OVERSEER nitrate leaching models suggested that this rate may be sustainable in the future. However, the lack of control over nitrogen fertiliser application rates and detailed (West Coast-specific) data on the rates of complex nitrogen transformations that occur following DSE and nitrogen fertiliser application warrant further research.
Multithreaded wedge detection method on triangular 3D CAD objects using mesh traversal method
Authors: KIRIK Özkan , ÖZDEMİR Caner
Published: October 2021

In this study, a multithreaded method for triangular mesh three-dimensional computer aided design objects is proposed to detect and extract wedges. Wedge detection is time consuming process for such objects that have large number of facets. To take the advantage of parallel computing opportunities, the algorithm is refactored in this study. Scope of variables, memory management and stack use are optimized for efficient use of computational resources. The proposed method is focused to calculation efficiency and performance on multicore / multithreaded processors and it is evaluated with benchmark, complex and realistic objects.
Pituitary adenoma: important genetic factors and clinical diagnostic issues
Authors: Juknytė G. , Karinauskė E. , Liutkevičienė R.
Published: October 2021

Pituitary adenoma (PA) is a benign tumor of parenchymal cells in the adenohypophysis. Clinically significant PA occurs in 1 in 1064 of the population. Invasive PAs, pituitary carcinomas, are aggressive and can spread from sella turcica to other tissues. PA invasiveness and tumor-caused metabolic disorders can also be fatal, as almost every human organ and tissue is directly or indirectly affected by hormones secreted by the anterior or posterior pituitary gland. Most PAs occur spontaneously and their origin is not well known. It is thought to be a disease of multifactorial etiology, the occurrence of which is influenced by genetic factors, hormonal stimulation, and growth factors. PA can be inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.Recently, many new genetic alterations have been identified that make people predisposed to pituitary adenomas. Attempts are also being made to find new molecular diagnostic and prognostic targets that would contribute to more effective treatment of pituitary adenomas. Since the development of pituitary adenomas can be significantly influenced by epigenetic changes in pituitary cells, there is currently an increasing focus on the study of epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and micro-RNA studies. Analysis of mRNA expression is also performed to assess the decrease or increase in gene expression in the case of pathology. All of these studies are aimed at finding new molecular markers for the development of targets for the treatment of pituitary adenomas.Therefore, in this article, we review the genetic issues of pituitary adenoma.
Parkinson’s disease and exosomes: from pathogenesis to diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Mišeikaitė A. , Vaitkienė P.
Published: October 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is considered the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease, with a mean onset age of 55 years. Although the clinical symptoms, neuronal changes, and various molecular mechanisms involved in this neuropathological disorder have been studied for many years, the diagnosis and treatment of the disease remain challenging. Of great interest are exosomes, extracellular vesicles isolated from the cellular endosomal system. It has been investigated that most cells, including nerve cells, in the brain can secrete these 50-150 nm diameter vesicles which can affect protein activity and gene expression. Due to their internal content and ability to move in an intercellular environment, exosomes are considered to play an important role in the accumulation and transportation of various molecular markers, such as α-synuclein protein or microRNA (miRNA), and to take a part in inflammatory processes in nervous tissue. Since the content of the exosomes depends on the cell that secretes them and can change during the progression of the disease, exosome studies can help to understand the pathogenesis and control the course of the disease. There is growing evidence of the importance of exosomes for cell-to-cell communication, mediating the exchange of biological information and substances, and the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Due to their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, exosomes may be promising for drug or molecular transportation and help in the development of more effective treatments for PD and other diseases of the nervous system.The article reviews the biogenesis of exosomes and their potential roles in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcome of Parkinson’s disease.
Clinical features of early multiple sclerosis
Authors: Čelpačenko I. , Stankevičiūtė R. , Malciūtė M. , Balnytė R.
Published: October 2021

Background. In recent years, the incidence rate of multiple sclerosis (MS) has been increasing worldwide. Its heterogeneous presentation in combination with various conditions mimicking MS presents great diagnostic difficulties. Delayed treatment increases the risk of disability, therefore, establishing a clear phenotype of early MS can help in a more efficient diagnostic process. This study aimed to establish clinical features of early multiple sclerosis.Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of data was performed in patients hospitalized with the following ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases Version 10) diagnoses: G37.8 (other specified demyelinating diseases of central nervous system) and G37.9 (demyelinating disease of central nervous system, unspecified). Patients hospitalized from January 1, 2015 to January 1, 2020 were included. The data was obtained from medical records and included sex, age, neurological signs and symptoms, risk factors associated with MS, and final diagnosis. Chi-squared test was used to compare categorical variables. The relationship between two quantitative variables was performed using Spearman correlation coefficient. Mann-Whitney U test and independent-samples t-test were used for comparison between groups. The results were interpreted as statistically significant when p-value < 0.05.Results. A total of 138 patients were included in the study: 92 (64.5%) women and 46 (35.5%) men. The patients were divided into the following age groups: 28 (20.3%) patients aged 18-30 years (mean 24.89±3.725), 58 (42.0%) aged 31-50 years (mean 40.43±6.093), and 52 (37.7%) 50 years and older (mean 57.83±5.498). 49 (35.5%) patients converted to MS and 89 (64.5%) patients were diagnosed with other diseases than MS. Patients converted to MS (n=20) were more likely to have a diminished sense of vibration and proprioception compared with non-converted patients (n=16), (χ2=9.033, p=0.003). No other differences were found between converted and non-converted patients. Converted females (n=10) were more likely to have positive Rossolimo’s reflex than converted males (n=2), (χ2=4.451, p=0.035). Converted patients older than 50 years presented with more symptoms (U=10.519, p=0.005) compared with younger patients and were more likely to have positive Babinski’s reflex (n=13), (χ2=6.993, p=0.03), decreased muscle strength (n=14), (χ2=13.481, p=0.001), ataxia (n=13), (χ2=8.135, p=0.017), and diminished sense of vibration and proprioception (n=12), (χ2=7.918, p=0.019).Conclusion. Diminished sense of vibration and proprioception was more common in MS group. Positive Rossolimo’s reflex was more prevalent among converted females, whereas MS patients older than 50 years had more neurological signs and symptoms than younger patients. Positive Babinski’s reflex, decreased muscle strength, ataxia, and diminished sense of vibration and proprioception were more frequent in patients older than 50 years compared with younger patients.
AUTOMATED QUEUING SYSTEM ON PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED STATE-OWNED COMMERCIAL ENTITIES IN KENYA: A CONCEPTUAL PAPER
Authors: Kegoro Henry , Ochieng Judith
Published: October 2021

Despite the vital role of automated queuing system on organizational performance from human resource management literature, researchers have paid little attention on state-owned commercial entities and more specifically in Kenya. Studies have revealed controversial findings on the link between automated queuing system and organizational performance thus the need for further studies to bridge the knowledge gaps. The general objective of this study will be to examine the influence of automated queuing system on performance of selected state-owned commercial entities in Kenya. Three specific objectives will be examined. The first objective will be to determine the extent of adoption of automated queuing systems in the selected State-owned entities in Kenya. The second objective will be to establish the influence of automated queuing systems on performance of selected State-owned entities in Kenya. The third objective will be to assess the challenges experienced by selected State-owned entities in Kenya when implementing automated queuing system policies and the fourth objective will be to ascertain ways of mitigating the challenges of implementing automated queuing system policies in State-owned entities in Kenya. This study will be informed by Queue management theory and technology acceptance theory. Exploratory research design will be utilized in this study. Desktop research analysis will be adopted. Published materials including peer-reviewed journals, conference papers, theses and reports relevant with the topic of the current study will be reviewed. Findings, conclusions and recommendations of this study will be derived from findings of previous empirical studies. Recommendations will be made in accordance with recommended protocols and guidelines of statistical literature. Further research will be recommended in other areas using different methodologies to facilitate collaboration of the results.
Bringt die Erbschaftswelle neue familiale Konflikte und soziale Ungleichheiten?
Authors: Vogel Claudia , Martin Jan , Künemund Harald
Published: October 2021

Erbschaften sind hochgradig ambivalent besetzt, und zwar sowohl in Familien als auch in der Gesellschaft. In diesem Beitrag wird ein Überblick zum Erbschaftsgeschehen in Deutschland gegeben. Gut sieben Prozent der Erwachsenen haben in den letzten 15 Jahren geerbt, wobei die Hälfte der Begünstigten lediglich einen Betrag von bis zu 32.000 Euro erhalten hat. Nur eine sehr kleine Gruppe von weniger als einem Prozent der Erbinnen und Erben berichtet den Erhalt von einer Million Euro oder mehr. Zudem werden Wirkungen der Vermögenstransfers in den Familien sowie in der Gesellschaft insgesamt diskutiert. Verdeutlicht wird, dass viele zunächst plausibel scheinende Annahmen – etwa: Erbschaften würden bestehende Ungleichheiten verschärfen – einseitig verkürzt sind. Entsprechend ergeben sich auch neue Perspektiven auf die Besteuerung von Erbschaften und Schenkungen.