bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prevalence and influencing factors of coexisting prediabetes and prehypertension among Bangladeshi adults
Authors: Yesmin Maksuda , Ali Masum , Saha Sanjib
Published: June 2023

Background

Early detection of diabetes and hypertension is helpful to prevent and/or delay the onset of these diseases through proper interventions. Therefore, it is a prerequisite to know the prevalence of prediabetes and prehypertension and the factors associated with these conditions but people from developing countries including Bangladesh often remain undiagnosed and unaware of these conditions. In this study we investigate the prevalence of prediabetes and prehypertension and their associated factors in Bangladesh using nationally representative data.

Method

We used nationally representative Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017–18 survey data, which included a total sample of 14,704 adults aged 18 years and more from whom blood pressure and fasting plasma glucose were collected. Chi-square test was used to examine the differences between sociodemographic and outcome variables. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the factors associated with prediabetes and prehypertension.

Results

Overall, the prevalence of prediabetes and prehypertension was 8.6% with 14% of the sampled population having from prediabetes and prehypertension separately. Among the prediabetic and prehypertensive participants, one-fourth of the participant were from the richest families and around one-third were overweight/obese, while more than fifty percent had normal Body Mass Index (BMI) and completed secondary and higher education. In the univariate analysis, the richest wealth status (UOR 3.3, 95% CI: 2.46 -4.35) and overweight/obesity (UOR 3.2, 95% CI: 2.62–3.85) are the highest predictors for prediabetes and prehypertension. After adjusting the other variables, overweight/obesity remains the largest predictor for prediabetes and prehypertension (AOR:2.5, 95% CI:2.05–3.05). Further, people aged 31 and above and from the richest family had around 2 times and 1.8 times higher risk of being prediabetic and prehypertensive compared to the younger age people (18–30 years) and the poorest family (respectively).

Conclusion

The coexistence of prediabetes and prehypertension is an early sign of a greater burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the near future for Bangladesh. To reduce the higher burden of NCDs, our findings call for a multisectoral approach to identify the precondition of NCDs with particular attention to maintaining body weight.
The role of small airway function parameters in preschool asthmatic children
Authors: Yi Liangqin , Zhao Yan , Guo Ziyao , Li Qinyuan , Zhang Guangli , Tian Xiaoyin , Xu Ximing , Luo Zhengxiu
Published: June 2023

Background

Small airways are the major sites of inflammation and airway remodeling in all severities of asthma patients. However, whether small airway function parameters could reflect the airway dysfunction feature in preschool asthmatic children remain unclear. We aim to investigate the role of small airway function parameters in evaluating airway dysfunction, airflow limitation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR).

Methods

Eight hundred and fifty-one preschool children diagnosed with asthma were enrolled retrospectively to investigate the characteristics of small airway function parameters. Curve estimation analysis was applied to clarify the correlation between small and large airway dysfunction. Spearman’s correlation and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to evaluate the relationship between small airway dysfunction (SAD) and AHR.

Results

The prevalence of SAD was 19.5% (166 of 851) in this cross-sectional cohort study. Small airway function parameters (FEF25-75%, FEF50%, FEF75%) showed strong correlations with FEV1% (r = 0.670, 0.658, 0.609, p<0.001, respectively), FEV1/FVC% (r = 0.812, 0.751, 0.871, p<0.001, respectively) and PEF% (r = 0.626, 0.635, 0.530, p<0.01, respectively). Moreover, small airway function parameters and large airway function parameters (FEV1%, FEV1/FVC%, PEF%) were curve-associated rather than linear-related (p<0.001). FEF25-75%, FEF50%, FEF75% and FEV1% demonstrated a positive correlation with PC20 (r = 0.282, 0.291, 0.251, 0.224, p<0.001, respectively). Interestingly, FEF25-75% and FEF50% exhibited a higher correlation coefficient with PC20 than FEV1% (0.282 vs. 0.224, p = 0.031 and 0.291 vs. 0.224, p = 0.014, respectively). ROC curve analysis for predicting moderate to severe AHR showed that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.796, 0.783, 0.738, and 0.802 for FEF25-75%, FEF50%, FEF75%, and the combination of FEF25-75% and FEF75%, respectively. When Compared to children with normal lung function, patients with SAD were slightly older, more likely to have a family history of asthma and airflow obstruction with lower FEV1% and FEV1/FVC%, lower PEF% and more severe AHR with lower PC20 ( all p<0.05).

Conclusion

Small airway dysfunction is highly correlated with large airway function impairment, severe airflow obstruction and AHR in preschool asthmatic children. Small airway function parameters should be utilized in the management of preschool asthma.
A randomized controlled pilot trial to assess the effectiveness of a specially formulated food supplement and pelvic floor muscle training in women with stress-predominant urinary incontinence
Authors: Takacs Peter , Pákozdy Krisztina , Koroknai Erzsébet , Erdődi Balázs , Krasznai Zoárd , Kozma Bence
Published: June 2023

Background

Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is the first-line treatment approach for stress urinary incontinence. Creatine and leucine have been shown to improve muscle function. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness of a food supplement and PFMT in women with stress-predominant urinary incontinence.

Methods

Women with stress-predominant urinary incontinence were randomized in 1:1 ratio to receive daily oral supplementation for six weeks with either a food supplement (treatment group) or placebo (control group). Both groups were instructed to perform standardized daily PFMT. The primary outcome was the Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form (UDI-6) score. Secondary outcomes were the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) score, Patient’s Global Impression of Severity (PGI‐S), and Biomechanical Integrity score (BI-score) measured by Vaginal Tactile Imager. To have a power of 80% and a significance level of 5% to detect a decrease of 16 points in the UDI-6 score, a sample size of 32 was needed, with 16 patients in each arm of our trial.

Results

Sixteen women in the control group and sixteen in the treatment group completed the trial. Between-group analysis revealed no significant differences between the control and treatment group except for mean change (delta) in vaginal squeeze pressure [(cmH2O, mean ± SD), 5 ± 12 vs. 15 ± 15, P = 0.04] and mean change (delta) in PGI-S score [(mean ± SD), -0.2 ± 0.9 vs. -0.8 ± 0.8, P = 0.04]. Within-group analysis showed that UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores improved significantly from baseline to six weeks in the treatment group but not in the control group [UDI-6 score (mean ± SD) 45 ± 21 vs. 29 ± 21, P = 0.02; 43 ± 18 vs. 33 ± 26, P = 0.22] [IIQ-7 score (mean ± SD) 50 ± 30 vs. 30 ± 21, P = 0.01; 48 ± 23 vs.40 ± 28, P = 0.36]. PGI-S scores only improved in the treatment group from baseline to six weeks after treatment [PGI-S score (mean ± SD) 3.1 ± 0.8 vs. 2.3 ± 0.8, P = 0.0001]. BI-score, on average, improved significantly in the treatment and control group as well [SD unit, mean, from − 1.06 to -0.58, P = 0.001; from − 0.66 to -0.42, P = 0.04].

Conclusions

Women with stress-predominant urinary incontinence receiving a specially formulated supplement in addition to daily PFMT for six weeks had significantly improved urinary symptoms (decrease in UDI-6 score and IIQ-7) and BI-score compared to their baseline.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05358769. 27/04/2022.
Real-life effectiveness of anti-malarial treatment regimens: what are we aiming for?
Authors: Mbassi Dorothea Ekoka , Pfaffendorf Christoph , Mombo-Ngoma Ghyslain , Kreuels Benno , Ramharter Michael
Published: June 2023

Three-day artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is the current standard of care for the treatment of malaria. However, specific drug resistance associated with reduced efficacy of ACT has been observed, therefore necessitating the clinical development of new anti-malarial drugs and drug combinations. Previously, Single Encounter Radical Cure and Prophylaxis (SERCAP) has been proposed as ideal target-product-profile for any new anti-malarial drug regimen as this would improve treatment adherence besides ensuring complete cure and prevention of early reinfection. Arguably, this concept may not be ideal as it (1) necessitates administration of an excessively high dose of drug to achieve plasmodicidal plasma levels for a sufficient time span, (2) increases the risk for drug related adverse drug reactions, and (3) leaves the patient with a one-time opportunity to achieve—or not—cure by a single drug intake. Over the past years, SERCAP has led to the halt of promising drug development programmes, leading to potentially unnecessary attrition in the anti-malarial development pipeline. One proposition could be the concept of single-day multi-dose regimens as a potentially better alternative, as this allows to (1) administer a lower dose of the drug at each time-point leading to better tolerability and safety, (2) increase treatment adherence based on the intake of the anti-malarial drug within 24 h when malaria-related symptoms are still present, and (3) have more than one opportunity for adequate intake of the drug in case of early vomiting or other factors causing reduced bioavailability. In line with a recently published critical viewpoint on the concept of SERCAP, an alternative proposition is—in contrast to the current World Health Organization (WHO) treatment guidelines—to aim for less than three days, but still multiple-dose anti-malarial treatment regimens. This may help to strike the optimal balance between improving treatment adherence, maximizing treatment effectiveness, while keeping attrition of new drugs and drug regimens as low as possible.
Risk profiles and a concise prediction model for lymph node metastasis in patients with lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liang Shenhua , Huang Yang-Yu , Liu Xuan , Wu Lei-Lei , Hu Yu , Ma Guowei
Published: June 2023

Background

Lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and ranks the first in mortality. Pathological lymph node status(pN) of lung cancer affects the treatment strategy after surgery while systematic lymph node dissection(SLND) is always unsatisfied.

Methods

We reviewed the clinicopathological features of 2,696 patients with LUAD and one single lesion ≤ 5 cm who underwent SLND in addition to lung resection at the Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center. The relationship between the pN status and all other clinicopathological features was assessed. All participants were stochastically divided into development and validation cohorts; the former was used to establish a logistic regression model based on selected factors from stepwise backward algorithm to predict pN status. C-statistics, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated for both cohorts to test the model performance.

Results

Nerve tract infiltration (NTI), visceral pleural infiltration (PI), lymphovascular infiltration (LVI), right upper lobe (RUL), low differentiated component, tumor size, micropapillary component, lepidic component, and micropapillary predominance were included in the final model. Model performance in the development and validation cohorts was as follows: 0.861 (95% CI: 0.842–0.883) and 0.840 (95% CI: 0.804–0.876) for the C-statistics and 0.803 (95% CI: 0.784–0.821) and 0.785 (95% CI: 0.755–0.814) for accuracy, and 0.754 (95% CI: 0.706–0.798) and 0.686 (95% CI: 0.607–0.757) for sensitivity and 0.814 (95% CI: 0.794–0.833) and 0.811 (95% CI: 0.778–0.841) for specificity, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study showed an easy and credible tool with good performance in predicting pN in patients with LUAD with a single tumor ≤ 5.0 cm without SLND and it is valuable to adjust the treatment strategy.
METTL16 promotes glycolytic metabolism reprogramming and colorectal cancer progression
Authors: Wei Wei , Zhang Zhong-Yuan , Shi Bin , Cai Yike , Zhang Hou-Shun , Sun Chun-Lei , Fei Yun-Fei , Zhong Wen , Zhang Shuang , Wang Chen , He Bing , Jiang Guan-Min , Wang Hao
Published: June 2023

Background

Glycolysis is the key hallmark of cancer and maintains malignant tumor initiation and progression. The role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in glycolysis is largely unknown. This study explored the biological function of m6A methyltransferase METTL16 in glycolytic metabolism and revealed a new mechanism for the progression of Colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

The expression and prognostic value of METTL16 was evaluated using bioinformatics and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays. The biological functions of METTL16 in CRC progression was analyzed in vivo and in vitro. Glycolytic metabolism assays were used to verify the biological function of METTL16 and Suppressor of glucose by autophagy (SOGA1). The protein/RNA stability, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and RNA pull-down assays were used to explore the potential molecular mechanisms.

Results

SOGA1 is a direct downstream target of METTL16 and involved in METTL16 mediated glycolysis and CRC progression. METTL16 significantly enhances SOGA1 expression and mRNA stability via binding the “reader” protein insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1). Subsequently, SOGA1 promotes AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) complex ubiquitination, inhibits its expression and phosphorylation, thus upregulates pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4), a crucial protein controlling glucose metabolism. Moreover, Yin Yang 1 (YY1) can transcriptionally inhibit the expression of METTL16 in CRC cells by directly binding to its promoter. Clinical data showed that METTL16 expression is positively correlated to SOGA1 and PDK4, and is associated with poor prognosis of CRC patients.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that METTL16/SOGA1/PDK4 axis might be promising therapeutic targets for CRC.
The prevalence of canine dirofilariasis in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ying Zhu , Upadhyay Archana , Wang Jinhua , Han Qian , Liu Qun
Published: June 2023

Background

Dirofilariasis, the disease caused byDirofilariaspp., and in particular byDirofilaria immitisandDirofilaria repensin canines, occurs frequently in canids and felids, and occasionally in humans, in temperate, sub-tropical and tropical regions globally. Although highly effective, safe and convenient preventive medicines have been available for the treatment of dirofilariasis for the past three decades, the disease remains a major veterinary and public health concern in endemic areas. The insect vectors, host-parasite relationships and interactions ofDirofilariaspp. have received little attention in China, and there is very little information in English regarding the prevalence of dirofilariasis in animals and humans in the country. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the status of canine dirofilariasis in China based on the available literature in English and in Chinese.

Methods

We systematically searched five databases for epidemiologic studies on the prevalence of canine dirofilariasis in China and finally selected 42 studies eligible for inclusion in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model in the meta package in R v4.2.1.

Results

The random effects model gave a pooled and weighted prevalence ofDirofilariainfection among dogs in China in the past 100 years of 13.8% (2896/51,313, 95% confidence interval 8.2–20.4%) with a high level of heterogeneity (I2 =  99.5%).

Conclusions

Our analyses indicated that the prevalence of canine dirofilariasis in China has gradually declined, but that the range ofDirofilariaspp. has expanded. Older and outdoor dogs presented a higher rate of positive infection. The findings indicated that more attention should be paid to host factors for the effective control and management of this disease.

Graphical Abstract
Post-myomectomy omental infarction: a case report
Authors: Eboreime Ofunre , Yorwin Godwin , Ohenhen Victor
Published: June 2023

Background

Omental Infarction (OI) is uncommon and mimics common causes of acute abdomen. It is important to differentiate it from other abdominal conditions that require emergency management. It was first reported in literature in 1896 and about 400 cases have been reported till date.

Case presentation

We reported on a 41 year-old Para 0+0 Ibo house wife who presented with 10 years history of supra-pubic mass and five months history of excessive menstrual flow. After physical examination, a diagnosis of symptomatic uterine fibroid was made. She had myomectomy and the raw surface created after the excision of the myomas was covered with omentum. Wound infection developed on the 8th post-operative day leading to a wound breakdown and later partial extrusion of infarcted omental tissue through the dehisced wound. During re-exploration, the infarcted omental tissue was extracted and the residual abdominal abscess was drained. Surgical site wound infection occurred on the 3rd day after re-operation and a sub-acute intestinal obstruction developed on the 4th day thereafter which responded to conservative management.

Conclusion

Careful surgical technique is imperative when utilizing the omentum for reconstructive abdominal surgery. Torsion of the omentum and creation of excess tension while using the omentum for reconstructive procedures should be avoided and increase awareness of this uncommon disease condition by the surgeon is also important. This case is to report a rare finding of omental infarction following myomectomy.
The Chinese version of the Functionality Appreciation Scale: Psychometric properties and measurement invariance across gender and age
Authors: He Jinbo , Cui Tianxiang , Barnhart Wesley R. , Chen Gui
Published: June 2023

Background

Functionality appreciation, as an important aspect of positive image, is associated with fewer body image disturbances, fewer disordered eating behaviors, and improved psychological well-being. However, it has been under-researched in Asian countries. The current work aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS) among four Chinese samples of different ages, and further examine measurement invariance and differences of the FAS across gender and age groups.

Methods

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) were conducted to examine the factorial structure of the FAS among four Chinese samples of different ages, including middle school adolescents (n = 894, Mage = 12.17 years), high school adolescents (n = 1347, Mage = 15.07 years), young adults (n = 473, Mage = 21.95 years), and older adults (n = 313, Mage = 67.90 years). The measurement invariance of the FAS across gender and age was examined. Internal consistency reliability and construct validity were evaluated.

Results

The FAS had a unidimensional structure and was invariant across gender and age groups. The FAS presented sound psychometric properties in all age groups by gender, with good internal consistency reliability [e.g., high Cronbach’s α values (.91 ~ .97)] and good construct validity (e.g., significant associations with body appreciation, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating). Moreover, group comparisons showed minimal gender differences in functionality appreciation. However, significant age differences were found in functionality appreciation, with older ages generally associated with higher functionality appreciation.

Conclusion

Overall, findings suggest that the FAS is a sound instrument to be used in the Chinese context. Furthermore, functionality appreciation was found to be higher in older adults than adolescents or young adults, suggesting the potential important role of aging in functionality appreciation.
Promotion of axon regeneration and protection on injured retinal ganglion cells by rCXCL2
Authors: Zhang Zi-Yuan , Zuo Zhao-Yang , Liang Yang , Zhang Si-Ming , Zhang Chun-Xia , Chi Jing , Fan Bin , Li Guang-Yu
Published: June 2023

Background

In addition to rescuing injured retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) by stimulating the intrinsic growth ability of damaged RGCs in various retinal/optic neuropathies, increasing evidence has shown that the external microenvironmental factors also play a crucial role in restoring the survival of RGCs by promoting the regrowth of RGC axons, especially inflammatory factors. In this study, we aimed to screen out the underlying inflammatory factor involved in the signaling of staurosporine (STS)-induced axon regeneration and verify its role in the protection of RGCs and the promotion of axon regrowth.

Methods

We performed transcriptome RNA sequencing for STS induction models in vitro and analyzed the differentially expressed genes. After targeting the key gene, we verified the role of the candidate factor in RGC protection and promotion of axon regeneration in vivo with two RGC-injured animal models (optic nerve crush, ONC; retinal N-methyl-D-aspartate, NMDA damage) by using cholera toxin subunit B anterograde axon tracing and specific immunostaining of RGCs.

Results

We found that a series of inflammatory genes expressed upregulated in the signaling of STS-induced axon regrowth and we targeted the candidate CXCL2 gene since the level of the chemokine CXCL2 gene elevated significantly among the top upregulated genes. We further demonstrated that intravitreal injection of rCXCL2 robustly promoted axon regeneration and significantly improved RGC survival in ONC-injured mice in vivo. However, different from its role in ONC model, the intravitreal injection of rCXCL2 was able to simply protect RGCs against NMDA-induced excitotoxicity in mouse retina and maintain the long-distance projection of RGC axons, yet failed to promote significant axon regeneration.

Conclusions

We provide the first in vivo evidence that CXCL2, as an inflammatory factor, is a key regulator in the axon regeneration and neuroprotection of RGCs. Our comparative study may facilitate deciphering the exact molecular mechanisms of RGC axon regeneration and developing high-potency targeted drugs.
Opportunities, applications, challenges and ethical implications of artificial intelligence in psychiatry: a narrative review
Authors: Terra Mohamed , Baklola Mohamed , Ali Shaimaa , El-Bastawisy Karim
Published: June 2023

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant advances in recent years, and its applications in psychiatry have gained increasing attention. The use of AI in psychiatry offers the potential to improve patient outcomes and provide valuable insights for healthcare workers. However, the potential benefits of AI in psychiatry are accompanied by several challenges and ethical implications that require consideration. In this review, we explore the use of AI in psychiatry and its applications in monitoring mental illness, treatment, prediction, diagnosis, and deep learning. We discuss the potential benefits of AI in terms of improved patient outcomes, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. However, we also address the challenges and ethical implications associated with the use of AI in psychiatry, including issues of accuracy, privacy, and the risk of perpetuating existing biases in the field.

Results

This is a review article, thus not applicable.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges and ethical implications of using AI in psychiatry, the potential benefits of this technology cannot be ignored. Further research and development are required to address the limitations and ensure the safe and ethical integration of AI in the field of psychiatry. By doing so, AI has the potential to greatly improve patient outcomes and enhance the delivery of mental healthcare services.
Mass balance of generation, retention, and production for the Wolfcamp-sourced hydrocarbon in the Permian Delaware Basin: Insight on remaining recoverable resource and expulsion efficiency
Authors: Baskoro Anindito S. , Yu Alan Z. , Grossman Ethan L.
Published: June 2023

Detailed quantification of basin-wide hydrocarbon (HC) masses from generation to production is necessary for a quantitative petroleum system analysis, and ultimately, for accurate resource estimation. Such quantified HC masses must be balanced following the fundamental laws of mass conservation. Mass balance is particularly important for unconventional-conventional petroleum systems in which expulsion efficiency (EE) is a critical parameter defining HCs in place, within the source rock (SR) interval and outside. This study performs an HC mass balance assessment aiming primarily to obtain insights on the remaining recoverable and EE, applied to the Wolfcamp Formation (Fm) in the Permian Delaware Basin. Calculated generated HC volumes from the Wolfcamp Fm based on the assumed 3D geologic model and p90/50/10 SR properties are 878/2107/4514 billion barrels of oil equivalent (BBOE). The mass balance is performed with three calculation scenarios: (1) inversion of EE (based on the United States Geological Survey [USGS]-estimated remaining recoverable HC in the Wolfcamp Fm), (2) forward calculation with multiple assumed EE, and (3) HC expulsion simulation. The mass balance with the inversion of EE indicates that the p90/50/10 of 58%/62%/69% overall EE is required for the Wolfcamp Fm to achieve the USGS-estimated remaining recoverable HC of 35/78/140 BBOE. Both mass balance with forward calculation and expulsion simulation predict overall lower p90/50/10 EE of 50% and 30%/56%/75%, respectively, thus resulting in higher than the USGS-estimated remaining recoverable HC in the Wolfcamp Fm in most scenarios. All of the mass balance calculations are also consistent with the interpretation of Wolfcamp unconventional play as a self-sourced play. This workflow is an efficient tool for taking a quantitative look at the petroleum system, especially related to the possibilities of generated HC distribution in the system. The calculated mass balance can serve as a reference in modeling unconventional systems and resources.
The Impact of the Primary Sector on GDP of Greece, An Econometric Approach
Authors: Galazoula Sofia-Elvira , Toudas Kanellos , Boufounou Paraskevi
Published: June 2023

The agriculture sector has long been one of Greece's most important production sectors. Its significance is multifaceted, affecting both the economy and Greek society. Agriculture plays a critical role in rural development. Although the agricultural sector's involvement in the Greek economy has declined dramatically in recent years, it remains high when compared to other EU member states. This article investigates the relationship between Greece's GDP and the agricultural, industrial, and service sectors from 1996 to 2020, including the financial crisis and the pandemic COVID-19 era. In Greece, there is a negative association between GDP and agriculture, whereas industry and services appear to be positively related to the country's GDP.

 

JEL Classifications: O12, O5, O5

 

Key words: Primary Sector, GDP, Economic Growth
The use of the Game Theory Context in the strategic political marketing design. The case of the USA elections.
Authors: Markaki Evangelia , Chadjipadelis Theodore
Published: June 2023

This study presents a conceptual framework approach that can provide useful information about the political strategy via the rational decision-making process, as well as create an efficient tool for political marketing campaigns. Game theory combines the models of conflict and cooperation for people whose decision-making is considered rational. How can this be implemented in voting behavior, influencing a wide range of issues, relations and behaviors? We consider the political competition as a strategic game, where we have to identify the opposing players, the purpose of the game and its rules. Game theory helps us understand the decision-making process towards strategic issues during political competition. The modeling of the voting behavior can explain the way people form theirs in the challenging environment of the political competition. In the present study we will investigate the way game theory can be involved in American elections, trying at the same time to depict behaviors and political marketing strategies.  Using the game theory and the political marketing approach, our study examines the different strategies that politicians used during the last American election of 2016, explaining how their strategy influences the result of the elections. We focus mostly on financial, social and environmental issues, but also on issues about security, immigration and international relations. We measure the intensity of the candidates’ focus on these issues and we present two game theory matrixes as examples base on this innovative concept.

 

EL Classifications: G34, G14, M41.

Key words: game theory, political marketing, strategy, decision making
Audit Committee and Audit Report Lag: A Literature Review
Authors: Mitskinis Dimitris , Drogalas George , Nerantzidis Michail , Karagiorgos Alkiviadis
Published: June 2023

The paper aims to review studies dealing with audit report lag or audit delay and the Audit Committee in accounting literature over the period of 2006-2022. Research on factors related among audit report lag and audit committee has become more widespread in recent years and there was a considerable upsurge in these papers. This study combines electronic and manual searches to identify relevant studies. The search was performed using keywords such as “audit committee” and “audit report lag” or "audit delay" or "audit lag" and in total, 35 published studies were identified. The findings show that the majority of research studies the relevance of audit report lag / audit delay to the effectiveness of the Audit Committee which represented by its key characteristics (size, independence, member financial expertise, frequency of meetings, presence of women). The future shows that researchers are turning to additional characteristics of Audit Committee members to check whether they relate to audit report lag. Finally, we stand for the future of research with suggestions for new researches.

 

Keywords: Audit Delay, Literature Review, Corporate Governance

JEL: M42, G34
Implementation of a broad Accounting Framework of the General Government as a means of reforming the Financial Sector
Authors: Zoumi Aimilia
Published: June 2023

The aim of the present paper is to examine the implementation of the General Accounting Framework of the General Government as a means of reforming the Financial Sector, in relation to all the labyrinthine reforms, which could possibly have taken place before its imposition by the European Union. The implementation of IPSAS is a very important element for global development and prosperity, through the convergence and harmonization of public accounting monitoring systems in different countries and organizations. With the implementation of abroad Accounting Framework of the General Government as a means of reforming the Financial Sector will result in the statements of public sector entities being presented fairly in all respects, with transparency to position and performance of each individual entity and of the government in general and therefore the general public will be aware of the evolution of the government's financial performance. In accordance Government officials will be able to make appropriate decisions if they have timely, complete and reliable information on the actual financial position and financial performance of each public sector entity.

 

JEL classifications codes:Η83,P41, M48
Archäologische Informationsstelle «Aussenkrypta» unter der Pfalz des Basler Münsters
Authors: Schwarz Peter-A.
Published: June 2023

Die mit drei Apsiden versehene Aussenkrypta stammt aus der Zeit des ersten, unter Bischof Haito (805–823) errichteten Münsters. Die Befunde und Funde der Grabungen von 1947, 1963 und 1965 geben einen interessanten Einblick in die Geschichte des Münsterhügels. So entdeckte und konservierte man an dieser Stelle eine keltische Abfallgrube, Teile einer spätrömischen Umfassungsmauer, frühmittelalterliche Gräber, Reste des Haito- und des Heinrich-Münsters, und man trifft zudem auf die Fundamente des spätromanischen Münsters und der Niklauskapelle sowie auf verschiedene Treppen und Terrassierungen mittelalterlicher Zeitstellung. Die Pfalzmauer als jüngstes Element stammt aus der frühen Neuzeit.
An der Schneidergasse
Authors: Matt Christoph Philipp
Published: June 2023

«An der Schneidergasse» stellt die ältere Siedlungsgeschichte des Viertels zwischen Marktplatz, Schifflände, Blumenrain und Spalenberg vor. Das Heft geht auf die Entwicklung des Viertels im Birsigtal und auf die ältesten Funde ein. Es gibt einen Überblick über die ersten, längst verschwundenen bzw. in jüngere Bauten integrierten Häuser. Anhand von Beispielen wird das dort ausgeübte Handwerk vorgestellt. Eine ausführliche Literaturliste verweist auf Publikationen zum Thema.
Auf dem Münsterhügel
Authors: Hagendorn Andrea , Deschler-Erb Eckhard
Published: June 2023

Mit einem Beitrag von Guido Lassau
Aufgrund seiner strategisch wichtigen und zugleich Schutz bietenden Lage ist der Münsterhügel schon seit gut 3000 Jahren das Zentrum von Basel. Auf seinem Plateau wurden in fast allen Epochen befestigte Siedlungen und repräsentative Gebäude errichtet. Im ersten Jahrtausend v. Chr. liessen sich hier bronzezeitliche Fürsten und keltischer Adel nieder. In der Zeit zwischen ca. 58 v. und 400 n. Chr. bestimmten römische Feldherren und Kaiser das Geschick der Einwohner. Im Verlauf von drei Jahrtausenden hinterliessen die Menschen Kulturschichten von bis zu drei Metern Mächtigkeit. Darum ist der Boden des Münsterhügels heute ein einzigartiges Archiv für die Basler Geschichte.
Specific way of controlling yield and quality of crops of rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.) and tailoring some of its functional properties
Authors: Ciesielska Katarzyna , Ciesielski Ciesielski , Kulawik Damian , Oszczęda Zdzisław , Pisulewska Elżbieta , Tomasik Piotr
Published: June 2023

Plantations of rocket were watered with water treated for 30 min with low temperature, low-pressure glow plasma of low frequency (LPGP) either in the air (LPGPA), under nitrogen (LPGPN) or carbon dioxide (LPGPC). Watering with LPGPN offered the lushest plants. The kind of the plasma treated water had a minor effect on rooting of the plants. Always watering rocket provided higher yield of crops and watering with LPGPN was the most beneficial in this respect. The watering with the LPGP treated water, regardless its kind, decreased the level of fat in the crops by approximately 14%. Simultaneously, it was meaningless for the level of carbohydrates and slightly increased the level of proteins. All kinds of the LPGP-treated water increased the level of chlorophyll a but LPGPA and LPGPC decreased the level of chlorophyll b. The watering provided crops of a higher level of carotenoids, ascorbicacid and sulphur containing compounds. Watering with LPGPN was the most beneficial in this respect. Such watering influenced also composition of the essential oils extracted from the leaves. No novel components were found in the extracts butthe yield of some components was essentially influenced. Therefore, functional properties of the essential oil suitable as either a spice, flavoring agent and a cure useful in herbal medicine and aromatherapy could be tailored.
Ocena zawartości żelaza w wybranych płatkach owsianych
Authors: Dmitrowicz Aleksandra , Mystkowska Iwona , Plażuk Ewa , Targoński Jakub
Published: June 2023

Niedobór żelaza (Fe) stanowi jeden z najczęstszych i najbardziej rozpowszechnionych niedoborów składnika odżywczego. Niewystarczająca ilość żelaza, a zatem taka, która nie pozwala na utrzymanie funkcji fizjologicznych, może objawiać sięzawrotami głowy, zmęczeniem, bladością i suchością skóry czy też nieregularnym biciem serca. Brak tego mikroelementu może mieć niekorzystne skutki na długoterminowy rozwój neurologiczny i zachowanie u dzieci. Zaspokojenie zapotrzebowania na składnik odżywczy u osób w danym wieku i płci powinien opierać się w głównej mierze na średnim dziennym spożyciu zalecanych ilości żelaza. Płatki owsiane są źródłem wielu składników mineralnych, takich jak białko, potas, magnez, witamina B6, a także żelazo. Wyróżniamy trzy rodzaje płatków owsianych: klasyczne, błyskawiczne oraz górskie. Produkty różnią się procesem przetwarzania, stopniem rozdrobnienia i granulacją ziarna. Celem pracy było określenie różnic w zawartości żelaza w płatkach owsianych ze względu na rodzaj tego produktu spożywczego. Najwyższą zawartością Fe charakteryzowały się klasyczne płatki owsiane, cechującesię najmniejszym stopniem przetworzenia – 34,494 mg⋅kg-1. Niewiele mniejszą zawartość pierwiastka, na poziomie 33,967 mg⋅kg-1, stwierdzono w płatkach górskich, natomiast płatki błyskawiczne, poddane obróbce w największym stopniu, zawierały31,470 mg⋅kg-1 mikroelementu.
Znaczenie skrobi ze szczególnym wskazaniem na produkt przemysłowego przetwórstwa ziemniaków – skrobię ziemniaczaną
Authors: Ginter Agnieszka , Zarzecka Krystyna , Gugała Marek , Mystkowska Iwona
Published: June 2023

W pracy przedstawiono znaczenie skrobi w przetwórstwie spożywczym i innych gałęziach przemysłu przetwórczego, ze szczególnym wskazaniem na skrobię ziemniaczaną. Omówiono podstawowe informacje dotyczące budowy skrobi i jej znaczenia dla zdrowia człowieka. Na podstawie danych Głównego Urzędu Statystycznego przedstawiono przemysłowe przetwórstwo ziemniaka w Polsce oraz produkcję skrobi ziemniaczanej w ostatnim pięcioleciu (2018–2022). Liczne badania wykazały, że skrobia, w tym skrobia ziemniaczana, ma bardzo duże znaczenie w przetwórstwie spożywczym i przemysłowym. Doniesienia naukowe wskazują, że skrobię ziemniaczaną trudno jest zastąpić innym rodzajem skrobi ze względu na jej wyjątkowe cechy.
Wartość lecznicza i fizjoterapeutyczna miodu pszczelego
Authors: Mystkowska Iwona , Zarzecka Krystyna , Ginter Agnieszka , Dmitrowicz Aleksandra
Published: June 2023

Celem pracy było przedstawienie i podsumowanie już znanych informacji na temat wartości leczniczej i fizjoterapeutycznej miodu pszczelego. Badania wykazały, że działa on pozytywnie w leczeniu wielu schorzeń. Szczególnie korzystny wpływ przypisuje mu się na układ krążenia, pracę serca, układ nerwowy oraz schorzenia układu pokarmowego. Dobrze oddziałuje na układ oddechowy oraz dodatnio wpływa na skórę i błony śluzowe. Oprócz swoich działań prozdrowotnych miód ma jeszcze doskonałe właściwości fizyczne, np. lepkość, która pozwala na zastosowanie w terapii manualnej narządu ruchu zabiegu miodobrania.
Johannes Treutler (1820–1892) – kontekst historyczno- -kulturowy oraz postać pustelnika z Mariańskiej Góry
Authors: Fröhlich Sebastian
Published: June 2023

Ważnym elementem w życiu Johannesa Treutlera jest pustelnia – to tam zaczyna interesować się recepturami i wytwarzaniem preparatów zielarskich; prawdopodobnie dzięki strojowi pustelniczemu (a konkretnie – habitowi franciszkańskiemu)otrzymuje przepis na balsam jerozolimski. Jednak Treutler życie pustelnicze prowadzi w czasach, gdy nie ma ogólnych norm dotyczących jego stanu – choć pierwsi anachoreci pojawiają się około III w. [1], to prawna regulacja tej grupy na poziomie całego Kościoła pojawia się dopiero w Kodeksie prawa kanonicznego z 1983 r. Tak więc do drugiej połowy XX w. pustelnicy i pustelnice żyją i funkcjonują na zasadzie tradycji lub miejscowych regulacji wprowadzonych przez biskupów lub synody lokalne – te natomiast wdrażane nieumiejętnie doprowadzały do zanikania indywidualnych form życia konsekrowanego na danym terenie [2].
"Non fuit in memoria hominum senum tanta inundatio" Powódź wislana w Toruniu w 1465/1466 roku
Authors: Bogdańska Katarzyna
Published: June 2023

W artykule omówiono powódź wiślaną w Toruniu w 1465/1466 roku. Analizie poddano pięć przekazów źródłowych znanych z zapisów Hieronima Waldaua, Die älteste Thorner Stadtchronik, Thorner Denkwürdigkeiten, rękopisu Mollera oraz kroniki J.H. Zerneckego, a także opracowanie Juliusa E. Wernickego. Rozstrzygnięto kwestię daty początkowej wylewu, omówiono zniszczone elementy topograficzne, ustalono również poziom wody w mieście, co dało możliwość sklasyfikowania powodzi ze względu na jej genezę. Intrygującymi okazały się analizy szkód w Nieszawce, kilka lat wcześniej przeniesionej na inny teren.
Sławniejsza niż pierniki? - toruńska rzepa w XVIII wieku
Authors: Dygdała Jerzy
Published: June 2023

Toruń w XVIII w. znany był nie tylko z pierników, ale także ze słodkawej drobnej rzepy o smaku orzechowym. Uchodziła ona za wyjątkowy rarytas i była przez władze miasta przesyłana w prezencie na dwór królewski i dla wysokich urzędników Rzeczypospolitej. Była ona uprawiana w toruńskich wsiach położonych w dolinie Wisły, zwłaszcza w Czarnowie. W rzeczywistości była to odmiana rzepy bardzo popularna w krajach niemieckich w XVII–XIX w., uprawiana zwłaszcza w Brandenburgii koło wsi Teltow pod Berlinem, skąd też jej popularna nazwa – teltówka (Brassica rapa teltoviensis). W Polsce nazywano ją rzepą (rzepką) niemiecką lub toruńską W wielu polskich i niemieckich książkach kucharskich z tego czasu podawano sposoby jej przyrządzania.
Badania proweniencyjne - losy późnogotyckiej rzeźby Madonny z dzieciątkiem ze zbiorów Muzeum Okręgowego w Toruniu
Authors: Binnebesel Wiktor
Published: June 2023

Artykuł prezentuje efekty badań proweniencyjnych dotyczących późnogotyckiej rzeźby Madonny z Dzieciątkiem ze zbiorów Muzeum Okręgowego w Toruniu. Kwerendy archiwalne nie umożliwiły poznania miejsca pochodzenia zabytku, jednak pozwoliły na poznanie okoliczności w jakich omawiana rzeźba trafiła do toruńskiej kolekcji.
Fundacje pobożne i mecenat artystyczny króla Zygmunta I. Źródła – inspiracje – idee
Authors: Smołucha Janusz
Published: June 2023

Sigismund I grew up in an atmosphere of pietas Jagiellonica, the sources of which should be sought in the attitude of his mother Queen Elizabeth and his father Casimir IV, who was said to be “the most pious monarch of his time”. The royal couple raised their sons in the cult of their grandfather Władysław Jagiełło – the Apostle of Lithuania, and their uncle Władysław Warneńczyk, who gave his life in defense of Christianity. First, Jan Długosz, and then another royal teacher from Italy, the eminent humanist Filip Kallimach, had an important influence on his spiritual and intellectual formation. Traces of the then sublime educational atmosphere, maintained in the spirit of humanism, are still visible today in the form of Latin inscriptions on the entrance gates and walls of the Wawel Castle. They prove that the Renaissance ideas spreading over the Vistula in the first half of the 16th century were closely associated with the Christian-Catholic tradition. Before taking over the government in Poland, Prince Sigismund became known as the founder and generous protector of church institutions – especially in the Duchy of Głogów, which he managed in the years 1499-1506. However, he turned out to be a true patron of the arts and a patron of artists only as the ruler of the Polish-Lithuanian state. The greatest merit of this monarch was the introduction of Renaissance art to Poland, in which his second wife, Bona Sforza, from Italy, played an extremely important role. For her arrival in Krakow, the Wawel Royal Castle was rebuilt, and the Sigismund Chapel at the Wawel Cathedral, founded by him, is considered one of the most important “pearls of the Renaissance north of the Alps”. King Sigismund I the Old also renovated and decorated the confession of St. Stanisław, supplying it with paintings and presentations in the field of goldsmithing. On his initiative, on July 9, 1521, the Sigismund Bell, made in the Krakow bell foundry by Hans Beham of Nuremberg, was hung on the tower in the northern part of the Wawel cathedral.
Ku czci i pamięci najukochańszego brata kardynała. Z dziejów fundacji uniwersyteckiej Zygmunta I z 1518 roku przy ołtarzu św. św. Erazma, Zygmunta Króla Męczennika i Brygidy Królowej
Authors: Graff Tomasz
Published: June 2023

The article presents the history of the ministry at the altar of St. st. Erazm, King Sigismund the Martyr and Queen Brygida in the Krakow Cathedral, which was founded by Sigismund I in 1518. The king wanted to honor the memory of his brother Cardinal Fryderyk Jagiellończyk, for whom he erected an impressive tombstone in the cathedral a few years earlier. According to the sources, the patronage of this foundation belonged to the Collegium Maius of the University of Krakow, and the last owner of the ministry was in 1602 Professor Franciszek Bogucki. Bishop Jakub Zadzik in 1638 already described the ministry at the demolished altar, which did not function, and one of the reasons for this state of affairs was the neglect of the right of patronage by the University. This state of affairs was confirmed by the visitation of Bishop Andrzej Trzebicki in 1670. The article is accompanied by a fragment of the visitation from 1638 along with a translation.
Dzwon Zygmunta – świadek polskich dziejów
Authors: Rokosz Mieczysław
Published: June 2023

Funded by King Sigismund the Old, the great bell for the Wawel cathedral, cast by Hans Behem in 1520, transported from the bell foundry to Wawel in the early summer of 1521, after a solemn consecration and baptism, was hung on the new cathedral belfry. Like every church bell, it became a liturgical parament whose task was to toll during church holidays. However, the bell was royal. It was supported by the guild of carpenters of Krakow, Kleparz and Kazimierz under a document issued by the king, which strictly defined the dates of tolling. The service of the bell was paid for by the royal treasury. In addition, Sigmund tolled on the occasion of state ceremonies or events in the royal family. And this is the first time that Sigismund sounded over the Jagiellonian capital on July 13, 1521, in the memory of St. Margaret, that is on the eve of the Sending of the Apostles ( July 15), which was the yearly celebration of the victory at Grunwald. It was the second day, apart from the annual feast of St. Stanisław (in May 8th) which is church, state and national holiday. From then on, the sound of Sigmund adorned coronation ceremonies, tributes and royal funerals, royal entrances and entrances of royal brides to the capital, announced victories, and welcomed the victorious hetmans and King Jan III Sobieski when he returned from Vienna. It also tolled on the occasion of important events in the royal family, especially the birth of a descendant. After the partitions, when there was no king and the guild organization ceased to exist, the bell passed to the cathedral chapter and the bishop. Cathedral sanctuaries and random bell towers began to operate it. Most often its body was struck by the clapper. Full tolling only took place on the most important occasions.