bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atheroprotective effects of 17β-oestradiol are mediated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells
Authors: Jehle Julian , Tiyerili Vedat , Adler Sandra , Groll Katharina , Nickenig Georg , Becher Ulrich M.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

17β-oestradiol (E2) mediates vasculoprotection in various preclinical and clinical models of atherosclerosis and neointimal hyperplasia. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects are still not fully elucidated. Previous studies have demonstrated the essential role of the peroxisome-proliferator-activated-receptor-γ (PPARγ) in mediating vasculoprotective effects of E2 in vivo. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether PPARγ mediates vasculoprotective mechanisms of E2 in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMC).

Material and methods

Primary HCASMC were stimulated with E2 (10 nM), the selective oestrogen receptor α (ERα) agonist propylpyrazole triol (PPT) (50 nM) and the selective ERα antagonist methyl-piperidino-pyrazole (MPP) (1 µM), respectively. Changes in PPARγ mRNA, protein expression, and DNA binding affinity were assessed.

Results

E2 significantly increased PPARγ expression in HCASMC (1.95 ±0.41-fold; n = 5; p = 0.0335). This effect was mimicked by ERα agonist PPT (1.63 ±0.27-fold; n = 7; p = 0.0489) and was abrogated by co-incubation with ERα antagonist MPP (1.17 ±0.18-fold; n = 3; pvs. control > 0.05). PPARγ-DNA binding activity to PPRE remained unchanged upon stimulation with E2 (0.94 ±0.11-fold; n = 4; pvs. control > 0.05). Pharmacological inhibition of PI3K/Akt by LY294002 abrogated E2-induced expression of PPARγ (0.24 ±0.09-fold; n = 3; pvs. E2 = 0.0017).

Conclusions

The present study identifies PPARγ as an important downstream mediator of E2-related atheroprotective effects in HCASMC. PPARγ agonism might be a promising therapeutic strategy to prevent neointimal hyperplasia and consecutive cardiovascular events in postmenopausal women with depleted E2 plasma levels.
ANCA subclasses in IgG4-related disease and ANCA-associated vasculitis
Authors: Capecchi Riccardo , Giannese Domenico , Sutera Donatella , Scarmozzino Rocco , Croia Cristina , Tavoni Antonio , Migliorini Paola
Published: July 2020

Introduction
IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a fibro-inflammatory condition characterized by fibrotic lesions with lymphoplasmacytic infiltration in one or more organs. Differential diagnosis from ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) can be difficult and AAV-IgG4-RD overlap has been reported. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCA) are a hallmark of AAV and ANCA of IgG4 subclass have been detected in AAV-IgG4-RD overlap, but the role of IgG4 ANCA in differentiating AAV and IgG4-RD is presently unclear.

Material and methods
Anti-myeloperoxidase antibodies of each IgG subclass were detected by ELISA in 20 IgG4-RD ANCA-negative patients, in 35 ANCA-MPO+ AAV and in one AAV-IgG4-RD overlap patient.

Results
In the IgG4-RD cohort, 7 patients are positive for at least one ANCA-MPO subclass, but antibody amounts are very low compared to AAV. In the AAV-IgG4-RD overlap patient, only IgG2-ANCA and IgG3-ANCA are detected. AAV patients in the active phase of the disease present higher amounts of IgG4 ANCA-MPO; on the contrary, ANCA-MPO subclass-positive IgG4-RD patients do not display a higher disease activity. In AAV patients, co-expression of more than one ANCA-MPO subclass is associated with higher disease activity, while no such relation can be established in IgG4-RD.

Conclusions
Evaluation of ANCA subclasses does not help in phenotyping IgG4-RD patients. The lack of correlation with disease activity in IgG4-RD and the distribution of ANCA subclasses in the overlap patient suggest that ANCA-MPO do not play a major role in IgG4-RD.
An experimental study of buckwheat polysaccharide in adjuvant therapy for S180 sarcoma mice
Authors: Fan Duo-Jiao , Sun Peng , Han Shu-Ying
Published: July 2020

Introduction

To discuss the auxiliary therapeutic effect of buckwheat polysaccharide (BP) on S180 sarcoma.

Material and methods

Buckwheat polysaccharide was extracted with water and precipitated with ethanol. Solid tumor and ascites tumor mice models were established. The mice in the high, medium and low dosing groups (n = 24, each group) had their stomachs filled with different doses of BP. The cyclophosphamide (CTX) group and the model group (n = 24, each group) were used as control groups. The influence on the life cycle, the rate of suppressing the tumor, the thymus index, and the spleen index were evaluated. Tumor cells were cultured in vitro and intervened with drugs; flow cytometry was used to detect the changes in the cell cycle.

Results

Buckwheat polysaccharide significantly improved the lifespan and survival rate of the mice. The group of mice treated with the medium dose showed the best survival rate when compared to the ones that received high and low doses of BP (p < 0.01). The tumor cells cultured in vitro were arrested in the G0/G1 phase to some extent (p > 0.05). The cyclophosphamide arrested the cycle of the tumor cells in the G2/M period (p < 0.01). Buckwheat polysaccharide could increase the thymus index, spleen index and the rate of suppressing the tumor, but the differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Buckwheat polysaccharide had no obvious effect in inhibiting the growth of tumors, but it significantly extended the lifespan, increased the survival rate and reduced the toxic effect of CTX.
Investigating exercise intensity in virtual reality among healthy volunteers
Authors: Szary Patryk , Kiper Paweł , Buchta Katarzyna , Bedrunka Dawid , Zabłotni Sabina , Rutkowska Anna , Szczepańska-Gieracha Joanna , Rutkowski Sebastian
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Currently, few studies have presented comprehensive reports on exercise intensity in virtual reality among healthy subjects. The aim of the paper was to evaluate the energy expenditure of young individuals during an active game in virtual reality.

Methods

A total of 32 healthy adults, 12 males and 20 females, were examined. Their mean age was 20.6 (± 1.4) years. The average BMI equalled 23.29 (± 2.3) kg/m2. The subjects participated in 15-minute training sessions, with the frequency of 4 sessions weekly, for 2 weeks. Xbox 360® and Kinect® Adventures software were used for the virtual reality training. Energy expenditure expressed in kcal, metabolic equivalent of task (MET), and the number of steps were the primary outcomes. The SenseWear Armband was used to assess energy expenditure. The study applied the Xbox 360 console along with a Kinect motion sensor.

Results

During one day of training, the average energy value was 3.7 MET and 46 kcal. During one session, 318 steps were noted. The analysis of all predictors between trainings of each single day did not show any statistically significant difference.

Conclusions

Training in virtual reality with the application of the Kinect system provides health benefits and can be an alternative to traditional physical activity. However, 15 minutes of daily training cannot be the only basis for physical activity.
Effects of cinnamon extract supplementation on creatine kinase activity in badminton athletes
Authors: Junaidi Junaidi , Apriantono Tommy , Winata Bagus , Hasan Fahmi , Apriyanto Tirto , Syahruddin Syahruddin
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Cinnamon extract, which is the result of extraction from the bark of the genus Cinnamomum, belonging to the Lauraceae family, which grows in several continents, such as Asia, Australia, and America (South America), has made researchers enthusiastic to apply it as an athlete supplement. The purpose of this study was to examine whether 6-week daily consumption of cinnamon extract would affect anaerobic performance and reduce creatine kinase activity in badminton athletes.

Methods

Overall, 30 male badminton athletes (aged 19–21 years) were enrolled and recruited into the study; 15 participants were randomly assigned to the cinnamon group and the other group was a placebo group. Both groups underwent pre- and post-supplementation tests, which covered anaerobic capacity (20-m sprint test) and physical fitness (vertical jump, agility T-test, and sit-ups). A 5-minute rest was applied between the tests. Blood serum was analysed with the use of a chemistry auto-analyser (Cobas Mira S, USA) with the kinetic method to measure creatine kinase activity before and after the tests.

Results

For the post-test creatine kinase activity, the results showed a significant main effect for group (p = 0.022) and time (p = 0.018) and significant time × group interactions (p = 0.013). The T-test revealed a significant two-way interaction for time × group (p = 0.007). Additionally, there was a significant main effect for group (p = 0.025) and time (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

We demonstrated that cinnamon extract could reduce creatine kinase activity and improve agility T-test performance in badminton athletes.
Assessing the quality of life and depression among patients with heart failure and heart attack
Authors: Giournta Anna-Maria , Alikari Victoria , Platis Charalampos , Oikonomopoulou Georgia , Alefragkis Dimitrios , Theofilou Paraskevi
Published: July 2020

Background

Health-related quality and of life and depression are major issues among patients with heart diseases. The aim of the current study was to assess the levels of quality of life and depression among patients with heart failure and heart attack as well as the correlation between these domains and the differences in both categories.

Participants and procedure

In this cross-sectional study the following tools were used: a) the Missoula-VITAS Quality of Life Index (MVQoLI-15), which examines 5 domains of quality of life, and b) the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), which measures depression among patients. Finally, a questionnaire about sociodemographic elements was completed by the patients. Data were analyzed through IBM Statistics SPSS 20.0. The statistical level was set at 0.05%.

Results

The mean value of CES-D Total and MVQoLI-15 were higher for the patients suffering from heart failure than those suffering from a heart attack. However, the dimensions of MVQoLI-15 Interpersonal Relationships, Well-Being and Transcendence were lower for heart failure patients compared to the levels of the patients suffering from a heart attack. According to the Pearson r test, there was a statistically significant negative correlation be-tween the quality of life and depression (p = .001) in the overall sample.

Conclusions

Patients with heart failure experience more depression and lower quality of life than heart attack patients.
Gallium-67 SPECT-CT for the evaluation of head and neck: preliminary study on maximum standardised uptake value in lesions, and in the parotid and submandibular glands
Authors: Oohashi Makoto , Toshima Hiroo , Hayama Kazuhide , Ogura Ichiro
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the gallium-67 (67Ga) single-photon emission-computed tomography (SPECT-CT) for the evaluation of head and neck, especially maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) in lesions, and in the parotid and submandibular glands.

Material and methods

Fourteen patients with head and neck lesions who underwent SPECT-CT at 72 hours after injection of 67Ga were included in this study. The 67Ga SPECT-CT parameters SUVmax were compared between the parotid glands and submandibular glands. Statistical analyses for the SUVmax were performed by Mann-Whitney U test. A p value lower than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results

Of all 14 patients, 67Ga SPECT-CT was positive for two cases (one malignant lymphoma and one osteomye­litis). The SUVmax for malignant lymphoma and osteomyelitis were 11.21 and 10.95, respectively. Furthermore, SUVmax for parotid glands and submandibular glands of all patients were 4.86 ± 1.89 and 4.64 ± 1.64, respectively (p = 0.694).

Conclusions

This study investigated the 67Ga SPECT-CT for the evaluation of head and neck, especially SUVmax of lesions, and the parotid and submandibular glands. 67Ga SPECT-CT may be an effective technique for the evaluation of maxillofacial lesions.
Editorial
Authors: Sąsiadek Marek , Hartel Marcin
Published: July 2020

The article presented below [1] provides an update of the previous version of the guidelines for the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), which was published in the Polish Journal of Neurology and Neurosurgery (Neurologia i Neuro­chirurgia Polska) in 2018 [2].
Recommendations of the Polish Medical Society of Radiology and
the Polish Society of Neurology for a protocol concerning routinely used
magnetic resonance imaging in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sąsiadek Marek , Hartel Marcin , Siger Małgorzata , Katulska Katarzyna , Majos Agata , Kluczewska Ewa , Bartosik-Psujek Halina , Kułakowska Alina , Słowik Agnieszka , Steinborn Barbara , Adamczyk-Sowa Monika , Kalinowska Alicja , Krzystanek Ewa , Bonek Robert , Serafin Zbigniew , Sławek Jarosław , Nowacki Przemysław , Stępień Adam , Jóźwiak Sergiusz , Rejdak Konrad , Selmaj Krzysztof , Walecki Jerzy
Published: July 2020

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a widely used method for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) that is essential for the detection and follow-up of the disease.

The Polish Medical Society of Radiology (PLTR) and the Polish Society of Neurology (PTN) present the second version of their recommendations for investigations routinely conducted in MRI departments in patients with multiple sclerosis. This version includes new data and practical comments for electroradiology technologists and radiologists. The recommended protocol aims to improve the MRI procedure and, most importantly, to standardise the method of conducting scans in all MRI departments. This is crucial for the initial diagnostics necessary for establishing a diagnosis, as well as for MS patient monitoring, which directly translates into significant clinical decisions.

MS is a chronic immune mediated inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), the aetiology of which is still unknown. The nature of the disease lies in a CNS destruction process disseminated in time and space. MRI detects focal lesions in the white and grey matter with high sensitivity (although with significantly lower specificity in the latter). It is also the best tool to assess brain atrophy in patients with MS in terms of grey matter volume and white matter volume as well as local atrophy (by measuring the volume of thalamus, corpus callosum, subcortical nuclei, and hippocampus) as parameters that correlate with disability progression and cognitive dysfunctions. Progress in MR techniques, as well as advances in postprocessing the obtained data, has driven the dynamic development of computer programs that allow for a more repeatable assessment of brain atrophy in both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. MRI is unquestionably the best diagnostic tool available to follow up the course of the disease and support clinicians in choosing the most appropriate treatment strategy for their MS patient. However, to diagnose and follow up MS patients on the basis of MRI in accordance with the latest standards, the MRI study must adhere to certain quality criteria. Such criteria are the subject of this paper.
Gross tumour volume comparison in oropharynx carcinomas using different intelligent imaging software. A retrospective analysis
Authors: Stuppner Sigmund , Waskiewicz Justyna , Ruiu Antonio
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To compare gross tumour volume (GTV) in oropharynx carcinomas using different intelligent imaging software and to evaluate which method is more reliable for tumour volume definition in comparison with 3D ProSoma software.

Material and methods

We retrospectively studied 32 patients with histopathologically confirmed oropharynx carcinomas on dual-source computed tomography (CT) (all patients underwent multislice CT examination after applying 75 ml iodinated non-ionic contrast media). One radiologist calculated the tumour volume – manually measuring tumour length (L), width (W), and height (H) – and then calculated the tumour volume using the formula 0.5236 × L × W × H. The other radiologist used the syngo.CT-Liver-Analysis software to calculate the tumour volumes. Both volume measuring methods were compared with the 3D ProSoma software, which is used by radiotherapists to calculate tumour volumes. Graphpad Prism software was used for statistical data.

Results

syngo.CT-Liver-Analysis software for gross tumour volume determination has greater reliability than the standard manual method with Syngo Plaza in comparison with the 3D ProSoma software.

Conclusions

syngo.CT-Liver-Analysis software is a reliable tool for GTV calculation, with a high correlation score, like that of radiotherapeutic 3D ProSoma software.
Waste Cooking Oil Management at Three Gastronomic Establishments in Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil: Problems, Prospects and Solutions
Authors: de Souza Gabriela Rezende , Cornélio Ribeiro André Geraldo
Published: July 2020

The waste cooking oils (WCOs), when wrongly discarded, bring environmental damages, additionally to structural problems and financial losses if released in the sewage system. However, the correct management of this residue allows its reuse and recycling, representing economic gains,
besides social and environmental benefits. There are several alternatives to recycling and reusing WCOs and the biodiesel production presents itself as one of the most important. Nevertheless, it is necessary to guarantee the residue quality in order to utilize its potential, as well as a
coordinated management of WCO, promoting the correct processing and disposal of this waste. In this context, this article aims to propose an environmentally appropriate WCO onsite handling and collection in Lavras-MG, by evaluating the WCO management at three establishments in the city. The
evaluation had taken into account the quantity of WCO generated, handling, storage and collection methods adopted, and the quality of the residue, by analyzing levels of acid, iodine and peroxide and saponification value. The results revealed the current management of the WCO, the actors involved
in the management chain, the way the different frying and storage processes influence the WCO quality for reusing and recycling and possible alternatives to improve the management. The WCO management chain, composed of ACAMAR, G-Óleo, E1 and E2, is widespread and shows potential to
transform the WCO into several other products, in addition to biodiesel and handmade soap. At long last to coordinate the correct WCO handling, collection, processing and disposal it is essential to guarantee the participation of the generators, collectors, and the government.
Municipal Soil Waste Compost and Biochar Effects on Soil Properties and Wheat Grain Yield
Authors: Moradia Salahedin , Jahanbanb Leyla
Published: July 2020

Application of different biosoilds in agriculture is considered as an important strategy to promote soil quality and plant yield. In order to study the effects of municipal solid waste compost (MSW) [in 2% and 4% (w/w) levels] and biochar (BC) [in 0.2% and 0.8% (w/w) levels] on soil
properties and wheat grain yield, this research was conducted as a factorial arrangement based on randomized complete block design. The results showed that in most cases the soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon, N, P and K increased affected by different treatments, especially
in concurrent application of MSW and BC. The soil micronutrients concentration was significantly increased by biosolids, BC and MSW application. For micronutrients, co-application of BC and MSW was superior than applying them individually. The grain yield was significantly promoted by the
treatments, especially under the co-application of MSW and BC treatments. Generally, although the concurrent application of the highest rate of BC (0.8%) and MSW (4%) might be suggested as an efficient procedure to promote the soil fertility and wheat grain yield, their levels of application
for each plant needs to be carefully studied under field conditions.
Determination of Elemental Composition of Soil Samples from Selected Dumpsites in Nasarawa, Kogi and Niger States, Nigeria
Authors: Musa J.J. , Bala J.D. , Mustapha H.I. , Otache M.Y. , Musa E.T. , Akos M.P . , Yerima Y.I . , Daniel E.S.
Published: July 2020

The growing dominance of urban environment with heavy metals through natural and anthropogenic depositions and the potentially adverse health implications following environmental contaminations have focused attention on the disposal of municipal and industrial wastes. This study employed
analytical procedures to investigate the concentrations of chromium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese and aluminium at the municipal waste dump site of the study areas. Soil samples were randomly collected from different waste dumpsite across Nasarawa, Kogi, and Niger states and an undisturbed
soil 100m away from the dumpsites was chosen as the control. From the result obtained, it was observed that the metals in all dumpsite types followed the order: Mn>Fe>Zn>Cu>Cr>Al. Mn had the highest mean concentration which was recorded in Bida, Borgu and Minna in Niger State
while Al was the least detected in all the dumpsites with the lowest mean concentrations (5.7±0.96) recorded in Borgu. Mean concentration of all the metals at the dumpsites was higher than at the control which means there is an anthropogenic contribution from the environment. The concentrations
of the heavy metals were generally lower than their respective guideline values for the protection of human and environmental health. However, with prolong practice of dumping refuse at these sites; concentrations of the heavy metals may increase above the recommended limits. Therefore, we
recommend that further research be carried out on the heavy metals concentration of the waste materials to identify those that are potential sources of soil contamination to suggest appropriate treatment and disposal methods.
Enhancement of Maize By-Products Through Solid State Fermentation: Improved Feed Resource for Ruminant Production
Authors: Funmilayo O. Bamigboye
Published: July 2020

In Nigeria, maize by-products are abundantly available but not in use as feedstuff in livestock production due to preponderance high fibre composition. Treatment of maize by-products to enhance its utility in ruminant production was therefore investigated in the present study. Rumen
liquor, urea and both were used to treat maize cob and maize straw. Chemical composition and in-vitro gas production analysis were carried out using standard procedures. Results showed that crude protein ranged from 2.7 (corn straw) to 13.1 % (rumen liquor and urea treated corn-cob), ash:
4.5–9 % in rumen liquor and urea treated corn-cob and rumen liquor treated corn-cob respectively. Insoluble but degradable fraction (b) ranged between 5.5 ml (untreated corn straw) and 37.0 ml (corn-cob + rumen liquor + urea). The rate of potential gas production of treated and untreated
maize by-products ranged from 6.0 - 39.0 ml in untreated corn straw and corn-cob + rumen liquor + urea respectively. Metabolisable energy, organic matter digestibility and short chain fatty acid ranged from; 3.2 - 8.2 MJ/kg, 22.7 - 55.7 % and 0.2744 - 0.8720 μmol respectively. In conclusion,
the use of rumen liquor or/and urea to treat maize by-products improved and bettered the nutritive composition. However, the use of both rumen liquor and urea was ranked best considering the parameters examined.
Application of Analytic Hierarchy Process Decision Model for Solid Waste Management Strategy in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: Joel Sotamenou , Ernest Molua L. , Ajapnwa Akamin
Published: July 2020

Municipal solid waste management is one of the global challenges that the world is facing today as countries make strides towards the Millennium Development Goals. The aim of this paper is to identify the most appropriate municipal solid waste management strategy in Yaoundé.
The tool used in this study is the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), one of the multi-criteria decision-making techniques. Based on the synthesis of the decision/policy makers' judgements elicited, the Sustainable Development and Waste Service Quality criteria are identified as the priority
objectives that should be applied for the municipal solid waste management strategy in Yaoundé, meanwhile the alternatives Pre-collection and Selective Collection are suitable actions to be integrated into the current municipal solid waste management strategy in Yaoundé.
Internal Control Quality and Dividend Policy in French Setting: Does Managerial Ownership Concentration Matter?
Authors: Gontara Héla
Published: July 2020

Purpose: The paper examines the association between internal control quality (ICQ) and dividend policy in the French setting. It also investigates how managerial ownership concentration moderates this relationship.Design/methodology/approach: We measure ICQ by using the framework developed by Michelon, et al. (2015).Findings: Based on a sample of 760 firm-year observations over the period of 2011-2014, we find that ICQ is positively and significantly associated with dividend policy indicating that better controls increase dividend payout ratio. In addition, managerial ownership concentration moderates the association between ICQ and dividend policy since this association becomes non-significant under high percentage of managerial ownership.Originality/value: Our study adds to the internal control literature by focusing on a developed civil law market. With respect to investors, our results also provide substantive evidence that ICQ plays an important role in increasing dividend payout ratio.
The Accounting Profession Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Papadopoulou Sofia , Papadopoulou Maria
Published: July 2020

The aim of the present study is to investigate how the accounting profession in Greece has been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic; our focus is on showcasing the ways in which the accounting professionals have adapted to emergency changes implemented in response to the pandemic, as well as the problems having potentially emerged in their professional field. Within this scope, a structured questionnaire was employed, with the sample of respondents consisting of 171 randomly selected accountants based in Greece. The results were obtained by means of descriptive and inferential statistics analysis methods. The research results showed that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the activity of accounting professionals, who were forced into changes in their work routine, while, generally, experiencing difficulty in adapting to the newly emerging work demands. Finally, the research findings revealed that the importance of the accounting profession in Greece is even more pronounced during periods of emergency, when the country’s economy is at risk, as the one examined.
Leveraging Digital Technology to Transform Accounting Function: Case Study of a SME
Authors: Pan Gary , Lee Benjamin
Published: July 2020

Digital transformation is taking hold of the processes and systems in accounting at a rapid pace and in a drastic way. With its emphasis on data and analysis, accounting entity is well suited to reap the benefits digital technologies have to offer. With the rapid infusion of digital technologies in accounting entity, the accounting literature has been calling for more empirical studies to examine the way accounting function leverages digital technology to enhance its analytical capabilities so as to obtain deeper business insights. This paper conducts an empirical study to examine the process of a SME’s accounting function leveraging data analytics to enhance its financial analysis capability and revenue growth prediction in developing its future business strategy. In this study, we have used Lewin’s (1951) change theory as our analytical perspective. We have drawn on Food Co’s data analytics adoption experience by interviewing relevant internal stakeholders and reviewing secondary data extensively. Our analysis identified three stages of “unfreeze-change-refreeze” digital transformation process and several intervention actions that were instrumental in enacting the implementation of data analytics platform.
Sustainability Accounting and Competitive Advantage of Quoted Companies in Nigeria
Authors: Akintoye Ishola Rufus , Taiwo Oluwasikemi Janet , Owolabi Babatunde Ayodeji
Published: July 2020

This study examined the effect of sustainability accounting on competitive advantage of quoted companies in Nigeria. The study adopted ex-post facto research design with 167 listed firms as the population. 28 quoted firms were chosen with the use of purposive sampling. Data from 2009 to 2018 were obtained from secondary sources. Content analysis was employed as a tool to analyze the disclosures in sustainability reports. Models were estimated using the Hausman test. The findings of the study shows that sustainability accounting measures have a significant joint effect on change in turnover and market share with Prob. (F-stat) of 0.03533<0.05 and 0.0000<0.05 respectively. Therefore, concludes that sustainability accounting has a significant effect on competitive advantage since practicing and accounting for sustainability will create reputational benefit for the companies.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Williams Richard
Published: July 2020

Journal of Agricultural Studies (JAS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JAS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 8, Number 2AncaLuiza Stanila, CPA, RomaniaAngel Ramon Sanchez Delgado, Universidade federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, BrazilAriel Reinaldo Soto Caro, Universidad de Concepción, ChileArnaud Z. Dragicevic, IRSTEA, FranceBabak Mohammadi, University of Tehran, IranBenard Kiplangat Rop, University of Nairobi, KenyaBoumahdi Merad Zoubeida, University Blida, AlgeriaCamilla H. M. Camargos, University of Campinas, BrazilChenlin Hu, The Ohio State University, USACleber Duarte, University of Guararapes, BrazilEben von Well, Agricultural Research Council, South AfricaEliana Mariela Werbin, National University of Cordoba, ArgentinianElizabeth Amélia Alves Duarte, College Maria Milza-FAMAM, BrazilEric Krawczyk, University of Michigan, USAEwa Moliszewska, Opole University, PolandFábio Cassola, UNICAMP, BrazilFortune Ogo-ndah Awala, University of Port Harcourt, NigeriaGuitong Li, China Agricultural University, ChinaHedayatollah K. Soureshjani, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, IranJanerson Jose Coelho, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, BrazilJeferson Coutinho, Federal Institute of Science, BrazilJuliana Nneka Ikpe, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, NigeriaMd. Sadique Rahman, ShereBangla Agricultural University, BangladeshMohamed Mattar, King Saud University, Saudi ArabiaMohammed El Basuini, Kagoshima University, JapanNkemkanma Vivian Agi, Rivers State University Port Harcourt, NigeriaRafael Cardoso Rial, Federal Institute of Mato Grosso do Sul, BrazilSabatino Cuomo, University of Salerno, ItalySahar Bahmani, University of Wisconsin at Parkside, USAServet Aras, Bozok University, TurkeyShakirudeen Abimbola Lawal, University of Cape Town, South AfricaShubha Kumari, ICARRCER, IndiaSina Nabaei, Azad University, IranSomaia Alkhair, Alzaeim Alazhari University, SudanSudu Hakuruge Pushpa Malkanthi, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Sri LankaToncho Gospodinov Penev, Trakia University, BulgariaTugay Ayasan, East Mediterrenaen Agricultural Research Institute, TurkeyUtkarsh R. Moon, Mahatma Gandhi College of Science, IndiaWossenie Shibabaw Mebratie, Bahir Dar University, EthiopiaZakaria Fouad Abdallah, National Research Centre, EgyptZeinab Mohammadi Shad, Iowa State University, USAZhao Chen, Clemson University, USA Richard WilliamsEditorial AssistantJournal of Agricultural Studies--------------------------------------Macrothink Institute5348 Vegas Dr.#825Las Vegas, Nevada 89108United StatesPhone: 1-702-953-1852 ext.521Fax: 1-702-420-2900Email 1: jas@macrothink.orgEmail 2: jas@macrothink.comURL: http://jas.macrothink.org
Barn i kontakt med barnevernet: Betydningen av å anerkjenne skolen som en del av barnets omsorgsmiljø
Authors: Thrana Hilde Marie , Kojan Bente
Published: July 2020

I denne artikkelen settes det søkelys på skolesituasjonen til barn som er i kontakt med barnevernet. Det tas her utgangspunkt i velkjent kunnskap om at denne gruppen barn har størreutfordringer i skolen enn andre barn. Artikkelen bygger på empiri fra prosjektet Aktiv støtte til barnevernsbarn i skolen – innovasjon i skolen i samarbeid med skole og barnevern. Her har kvalitative intervjuer av ti barn og ni foreldre vært viktige bidrag for å gi et bredere kunnskapsgrunnlag om barnas erfaringer fra både skolehverdagen og hjemmelivet. Betydningen av at barna opplever seg inkludert og sosialt verdsatt i skolehverdagen, som innvirker på deres hverdagsliv i sin helhet, er sentralt i foreldrenes og barnas fortellinger. I artikkelen drøfter vi behovet for en utvidet forståelse av hva som ligger i begrepet barnets omsorgsmiljø når barnevernet skal gjøre undersøkelser av barnets situasjon. Vi anvender et hverdagslivsperspektiv som belyser barnets situasjon ut fra barnets og forelderens ståsted. Dette kan bidra til å se helheten i barnets omsorgsmiljø, som inkluderer både hjem og skolemiljø. I diskusjonen peker vi på hvilke implikasjoner det vil ha for barnevernet og samarbeidende instanser å inkludere skolen som en del av barnets omsorgsmiljø når det skal iverksettes undersøkelser og tiltak overfor barn og familier.
Exploring New Ways of Communicating CSR to the Relevant Stakeholders: An Empirical Study
Authors: Bashar Mohammad Abul
Published: July 2020

A flower must be pollinated properly to produce seeds as final outcome of next germination to create new flowers and so on. Accordingly Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) actions and practices of an enterprise should be communicated with its stakeholders. CSR and CSR communication should go hand-by-hand. The recent business trend shows that businesses are becoming increasingly aware of CSR and CSR communication systems. Existing studies, firm’s case study and real world phenomenon also reveal that business houses and society are benefiting from CSR actions and communicating those with their stakeholders. This research explores CSR and CSR communicating strategies and finds that stakeholders have in-depth concerns about CSR. It’s interesting that popular CSR practices like charity and philanthropic actions have been replaced by environmental (carbon footprint, air and water pollution), legal    (complying regulatory imperatives) and ethical (promoting corporate ethics, norms and values) etc. Moreover, the study also shows that communicating CSR actions through CSR reporting, company annual reports or firm’s sustainability reports and advertising have become less fashionable means of exchanging CSR efforts while academic books (companies are cited as examples or extracted as referred case studies), newspaper, internet and third party (social, political, local government authorities) association have become more trusted ways of communicating CSR motives, practices and actions.
Risk Factors for Elbow Joint Contracture After Surgical Repair of Traumatic Elbow Fracture
Authors: Carlock Kurtis D. , Bianco Isabella R. , Kugelman David N. , Konda Sanjit R. , Egol Kenneth A.
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

The ability to predict contracture development after elbow fracture would benefit patients and physicians. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the development of posttraumatic elbow joint contracture.

Methods:

A retrospective review of elbow fractures (AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association [OTA] type 13 and 21) treated at one institution between 2011 and 2015 was performed. Data collected included demographics, injury information, treatment, and postoperative elbow range of motion (ROM). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with contracture development. Notable contracture was defined as an arc of motion less than 100° flexion/extension, which has been associated with reduced ability to perform activities of daily living.

Results:

A total of 278 patients at least 1 8 years of age underwent surgical repair of an elbow fracture or fracture-dislocation during the study period and had at least 6 months of postoperative follow-up. Forty-two (15.1%) developed a clinically notable elbow contracture, of whom 29 (69.0%) developed heterotopic ossification (HO). Multivariate analysis of preoperative variables demonstrated that AO/OTA 13-C fracture classification (odds ratio [OR], 13.7, P = 0.025), multiple noncontiguous fractures (OR, 3.7, P = 0.010), and ulnohumeral dislocation at the time of injury (OR, 4.9, P = 0.005) were independently associated with contracture development. At 6 weeks postoperatively, an arc of elbow ROM less than 50° flexion/extension (OR, 23.0, P < 0.0005) and the presence of HO on radiographs (OR, 6.7, P < 0.0005) were found to be independent risk factors for significant elbow stiffness.

Discussion:

Ulnohumeral dislocation, multiple noncontiguous fractures, AO/OTA 13-C fracture classification, limited elbow ROM at 6 weeks postoperatively, and the presence of radiographic HO at 6 weeks postoperatively are associated with contracture development after surgical elbow fracture repair. Patients with these risk factors should receive aggressive physical therapy and be counseled as to the possible development of a contracture requiring surgical intervention.
The Influence of Exposure in Training to the Open Bankart on the Declining Current Use of the Procedure
Authors: Neviaser Robert J. , Parker Rachel L. , Neviaser Andrew S.
Published: July 2020

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of exposure to the open Bankart during residency and fellowship on the trend toward obsolescence of the procedure. Our hypothesis was that the open Bankart would be used with decreasing frequency and that this would be related to lack of exposure to the procedure during training.

Methods:

A survey consisting of 10 questions about their experience with the open Bankart procedure in residency, fellowship, and practice, as well as their current usage of it and other operations, was sent to members of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons. Respondents were divided into groups based on the year of completion of training.

Results:

Statistical analysis of the responses revealed a notable trend of progressively diminished use of the open Bankart by those trained before 2000 compared with those completing training between 2001 and 2017. Ancillary findings included more surgeons using the open Bankart for revision cases than as a primary procedure and many using the Latarjet for patients with less than 15% or even no glenoid bone loss.

Conclusion:

We concluded that a statistically notable trend of the decreasing use of the open Bankart was observed despite excellent reported outcomes and that its current role is most likely as a revision procedure. Lack of exposure to the operation in training is a major factor in its decline, and this decreasing exposure is self-perpetuating.

Level of Evidence:

Survey
Effect of the Comparative Continuation on L2 Writing Performance
Authors: Han Jia-ling
Published: July 2020

This study is a follow-up study of the continuation task, aiming to investigate the long-term alignment effects of the comparative continuation on L2 writing performance. The research lasted for a period of 16 weeks and employed a pretest-treatment-posttest research design. Two comparable groups of fifty-five Chinese undergraduate EFL learners participated. Both groups were assigned the same writing tasks i.e. writing an argument essay of the same topic within 30 minutes. One group was given an input text with comparative ideas before writing, while another group did not have any reading materials. After 8-week treatment, both groups received a posttest, in which the data were compared and analyzed with those of pretest. Results showed that (i) the comparative continuation task resulted in greater improvement in EFL learners’ writing performance than topic-writing task. (ii) the comparative continuation task was superior to the topic-writing task in incurring less meaning-based errors, but there was no difference in form-based errors between the two groups. The results can provide some enlightenment for teaching and research of foreign language writing.
Human Capital, Industrial Structure Upgrading and Economic Growth in China: A Literature Review
Authors: Yang Bai
Published: July 2020

The research on human capital, industrial structure upgrading and economic growth has always been one of the focus issues in academia. The existing literature is developed from different perspectives. First of all, the research on human capital mainly focuses on the research of human capital and economic growth, including the relationship between total human capital and economic growth, the relationship between human capital structure and economic growth, and the relationship between healthy human capital and economic growth. Secondly, the research on the upgrading of industrial structure includes the upgrading of industrial structure and economic growth, the influencing factors of the upgrading of industrial structure and so on. Among them, the influencing factors mainly include technological progress, market supply and demand, population, trade and government policies. Thirdly, the research on the impact of human capital on the upgrading of industrial structure mainly includes the matching of heterogeneous human capital and industrial structure, and the impact mechanism of human capital on industrial structure. This paper systematically reviews the development of literature on human capital, industrial structure upgrading and their relationship, and points out the problems existing in the literature, possible improvements in the future and several issues that may need attention in the future.
An Irreversible Heat Engine Working at the Reversible Efficiency
Authors: Íñiguez José C.
Published: July 2020

The thermodynamic analysis of the coupling of one cycle in the operation of a reversible heat engine with a work-degrading step in which the whole of the engine’s work output is frictionally degraded into heat at the temperature of its cold reservoir, allows identification of the fact that the engine’s reversibility is dependent on the continued availability of its work output. As long as this work remains available the engine will be reversible, this on reason of the fact that the initial condition can be restored via the simple expedient of using the said work to propel the inverse cycle. The moment this work becomes, for whatever reason, unavailable, restoration of the engine’s initial condition becomes impossible, and what was a reversible engine becomes irreversible. The inability of current thermodynamic terminology to deal with this situation is brought to light and a simple suggestion aimed at correcting this deficiency is advanced.
Factores incidentes en el profesorado para la elección del aprendizaje invertido como referente metodológico
Authors: Pozo Sánchez Santiago , López Belmonte Jesús , Fuentes Cabrera Arturo , López Núñez Juan Antonio
Published: July 2020

El objetivo de este estudio se centra en analizar los factores que inciden en el profesorado para utilizar o descartar el aprendizaje invertido (en inglés, flipped learning) como metodología, tales como el ámbito de la asignatura, la etapa educativa, el tipo de centro y el nivel de formación continua. La investigación se basa en un diseño no experimental y cuantitativo de tipo descriptivo y correlacional. Se ha empleado un cuestionario ad hoc validado como instrumento de medida sobre una muestra de 642 enseñantes de diversos centros docentes de España. Los resultados reflejan que el empleo del aprendizaje invertido como metodología didáctica es muy infrecuente, siendo las causas principales para ello el desconocimiento por parte del profesorado sobre cómo funciona la metodología y la falta de recursos técnico-pedagógicos existente en el centro donde imparte docencia. Su uso mayoritario se focaliza en las materias relacionadas con los ámbitos de la filología y las matemáticas, dentro de la educación secundaria y superior, y con especial protagonismo de los centros privados y concertados respecto a los públicos. Asimismo, la formación específica en aprendizaje invertido resulta ser un factor determinante para la aplicabilidad de dicho procedimiento, independientemente del nivel de conocimiento de otras metodologías activas.
Air pollution and health condition of inhabitants of big cities in Śląskie Voivodship
Authors: Mielecka-Kubień Zofia , Wójcik Andrzej
Published: July 2020

Big cities in Śląskie Voivodship, especially those from the territory of the former Upper Silesian Industrial District, are characterised by a high level of industrialization, relatively high standard of living and very high level of environmental pollution. The aim of the study described in this paper is to assess the levels of selected types of air pollution in big cities in Śląskie Voivodship and to compare them against chosen reports on the health condition of the population of the voivodship in the years 2014–2016. The study was based on data from the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection and Statistics Poland. The comparison of selected indicators of the health condition of the populations in the studied cities against their levels of air pollution demonstrated that in cities where air pollution reached the highest levels, the values of indicators of mortality were also the highest, whereas the values of indicators of life expectancy of newborn babies were the lowest. The worst situation regarding both the air pollution and health condition was observed in Chorzów, Dąbrowa Górnicza and Rybnik, and the best in Bielsko-Biała and Tychy.
The use of register data to monitor micro, small and medium-sized enterprises’ economic situation at the local level on the basis of the example of Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodship
Authors: Chłoń-Domińczak Agnieszka , Ptak-Chmielewska Aneta
Published: July 2020

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) play a significant role in the economy. According to the European Commission data, the SME sector in 2018 represented 99.8% of all enterprises in Europe, and likewise in Poland, therefore it is vital to have access to information regarding this sector and its economic situation on the lowest possible level of aggregation. The aim of the study described in this paper is to assess as to what degree data collected in public registers in Poland, including the information compiled by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) register, can constitute a source of information about the situation and development of the SME sector at the local level.
The paper presents the economic situation of the SME sector in Europe, and also a range of information collected in ZUS registers relating to micro enterprises (including the self-employed enterpreneurs), small and medium-sized enterprises. Information concerning the SME sector in Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodship as of December 2018 is used in the research. The results confirm that register data enables the assessment of the economic situation of micro, small and medium- sized enterprises at the level of gminas (municipalities, communes), as per the OECD recommendations to broaden knowledge about the condition of the sector at a local level.