bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful implementation of change in postgraduate medical education – a qualitative study of programme directors
Authors: Wijk Hanna , Heikkilä Kristiina , Ponzer Sari , Kihlström Lars , Nordquist Jonas
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Leaders in postgraduate medical education are responsible for implementing educational change. Although difficulties in implementing change are described both in the general leadership literature as well as in the field of medical education, knowledge of what characterises successful change leadership in postgraduate medical education is limited. The aim of this study is to explore the process used by educational leaders in successful change implementation in postgraduate medical education.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 programme directors to explore how they had implemented successful change projects. The sample consisted of programme directors who had reported in a previous survey having high educational impact at their workplace. Interviews were analysed using Ödman’s qualitative interpretative method.

Results

The interviews identified similarities in how participating programme directors had implemented changes. Five interconnected themes crystallised from the data: (1) belonging to a group, (2) having a vision and meaning, (3) having a mandate for change, (4) involving colleagues and superiors, and (5) having a long-term perspective.

Conclusions

Our findings illuminate important aspects of successful change management in postgraduate medical education. Change is ideally based on a clear vision and is implemented in coalition with others. A long-term strategy should be planned, including involvement and anchoring of key persons in several discrete steps as change is implemented. While some of these findings are congruent with the general literature on change management, this study emphasises the importance of a mandate, with successful change leadership dependent on coalition and the facilitation provided by the next level of leadership.
Process mapping in healthcare: a systematic review
Authors: Antonacci Grazia , Lennox Laura , Barlow James , Evans Liz , Reed Julie
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Process mapping (PM) supports better understanding of complex systems and adaptation of improvement interventions to their local context. However, there is little research on its use in healthcare. This study (i) proposes a conceptual framework outlining quality criteria to guide the effective implementation, evaluation and reporting of PM in healthcare; (ii) reviews published PM cases to identify context and quality of PM application, and the reported benefits of using PM in healthcare.

Methods

We developed the conceptual framework by reviewing methodological guidance on PM and empirical literature on its use in healthcare improvement interventions. We conducted a systematic review of empirical literature using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology. Inclusion criteria were: full text empirical study; describing the process through which PM has been applied in a healthcare setting; published in English. Databases searched are: Medline, Embase, HMIC–Health Management Information Consortium, CINAHL-Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus. Two independent reviewers extracted and analysed data. Each manuscript underwent line by line coding. The conceptual framework was used to evaluate adherence of empirical studies to the identified PM quality criteria. Context in which PM is used and benefits of using PM were coded using an inductive thematic analysis approach.

Results

The framework outlines quality criteria for each PM phase: (i) preparation, planning and process identification, (ii) data and information gathering, (iii) process map generation, (iv) analysis, (v) taking it forward.

PM is used in a variety of settings and approaches to improvement. None of the reviewed studies (N = 105) met all ten quality criteria; 7% were compliant with 8/10 or 9/10 criteria. 45% of studies reported that PM was generated through multi-professional meetings and 15% reported patient involvement. Studies highlighted the value of PM in navigating the complexity characterising healthcare improvement interventions.

Conclusion

The full potential of PM is inhibited by variance in reporting and poor adherence to underpinning principles. Greater rigour in the application of the method is required. We encourage the use and further development of the proposed framework to support training, application and reporting of PM.

Trial Registration

Prospero ID: CRD42017082140
Long noncoding RNA LINC00641 promotes renal cell carcinoma progression via sponging microRNA-340-5p
Authors: Zhang Jianping , Jin Shengming , Xiao Wenjun , Zhu Xuchao , Jia Chengyou , Lin Zongming
Published: April 2021

Background

Emerging evidences have revealed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have played critical roles in tumor occurrence and progression. LINC00641 has been reported to be involved in the initiation and development of several cancers in the recent years. However, the detailed biological role of LINC00641 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains largely unclear.

Methods

In this study, the expression and biological function of LINC00641 were assessed in renal carcinoma both in vitro and in vivo. Cell proliferation, migration and colony formation assay were performed to explore the effect of LINC00641on growth, progression and invasion of RCC cell. qRT-PCR, flow cytometry and luciferase reporter assay and in vivo tumorigenicity assay were also carried out.

Results

The expression of LINC00641 was overexpressed in RCC tissues and cell lines, and high LINC00641 expression was correlated with tumor-node-metastasis stage. Furthermore, Silencing of LINC00641 remarkably inhibited the ability of cell proliferation, colony formation, and invasive capacities, as well as increasing the apoptotic rates of RCC cells in vitro. Mechanistically, miR-340-5p was validated to be targeted by LINC00641 and knockdown of miR-340-5p counteracted LINC00641 silencing-mediated inhibition of RCC progression. In addition, in vivo experiment confirmed the findings discovered in vitro.

Conclusions

These results suggested that LINC00641 promoted the progression of RCC by sponging miR-340-5p.
Evaluating quality of life in families with Williams Syndrome patients
Authors: Moraleda Sepúlveda Esther , López Resa Patricia
Published: April 2021

Background

Williams Syndrome is a developmental disorder characterized by a variable intellectual disability. People with Williams Syndrome need the intervention of several clinical and educational specialists throughout their life. However, little is known about the impact produced by this disability in their immediate environment, especially in families. The purpose was to know the level of quality of life described by families with Williams Syndrome.

Methods

The sample was made up of 33 families belong to Spanish Williams Syndrome Association who were evaluated using the Kidslife Scale. Their children and adolescents were between 4 and 20 years old. Eight main quality of life domains were evaluated: emotional well-being, physical well-being, material well-being, personal development, interpersonal relations, social inclusion, self-determination and rights

Results

The obtained data indicated that the degree and presence of intellectual disability did not homogeneously influence people’s quality of life, but many variables could alter their quality of life to a greater or lesser extent. There are no significant differences between quality of life areas but significant differences appeared for level of dependence in the self-determination subarea (p < .05).

Conclusions

These results led us to analyse the social and emotional implications for families and their environment.
An evaluation of the recognised systemic inflammatory biomarkers of chronic sub-optimal inflammation provides evidence for inflammageing (IFA) during multiple sclerosis (MS)
Authors: Bolton Christopher
Published: April 2021

The pathogenesis of the human demyelinating disorder multiple sclerosis (MS) involves the loss of immune tolerance to self-neuroantigens. A deterioration in immune tolerance is linked to inherent immune ageing, or immunosenescence (ISC). Previous work by the author has confirmed the presence of ISC during MS. Moreover, evidence verified a prematurely aged immune system that may change the frequency and profile of MS through an altered decline in immune tolerance. Immune ageing is closely linked to a chronic systemic sub-optimal inflammation, termed inflammageing (IFA), which disrupts the efficiency of immune tolerance by varying the dynamics of ISC that includes accelerated changes to the immune system over time. Therefore, a shifting deterioration in immunological tolerance may evolve during MS through adversely-scheduled effects of IFA on ISC. However, there is, to date, no collective proof of ongoing IFA during MS. The Review addresses the constraint and provides a systematic critique of compelling evidence, through appraisal of IFA-related biomarker studies, to support the occurrence of a sub-optimal inflammation during MS. The findings justify further work to unequivocally demonstrate IFA in MS and provide additional insight into the complex pathology and developing epidemiology of the disease.
Comparison of neuromuscular and cardiovascular exercise intensity and enjoyment between standard of care, off-the-shelf and custom active video games for promotion of physical activity of persons post-stroke
Authors: Deutsch Judith E. , James-Palmer Aurora , Damodaran Harish , Puh Urska
Published: April 2021

Background

Active video games have been embraced for the rehabilitation of mobility and promotion of physical activity for persons post-stroke. This study seeks to compare carefully matched standard of care stepping activities, off-the-shelf (non-custom) active video games and custom active video games that are either self-paced or game-paced for promoting neuromuscular intensity and accuracy, cardiovascular intensity, enjoyment and perceived effort.

Methods

Fifteen persons (ages 38–72) with mild to moderate severity in the chronic phase post-stroke (average 8 years) participated in a single group counter balanced repeated measures study. Participants were included if they were greater than 6 months post-stroke, who could walk 100 feet without assistance and stand unsupported for three continuous minutes. They were excluded if they had cardiac, musculoskeletal or neurologic conditions that could interfere with repeated stepping and follow instructions. In a single session located in a laboratory setting, participants executed for 8.5 min each: repeated stepping, the Kinect-light race game, two custom stepping games for the Kinect, one was repeated and self-paced and the other was random and game paced. Custom video games were adjusted to the participants stepping volume. Ten-minute rest periods followed the exercise during which time participants rested and completed the PACES an enjoyment questionnaire. Participants were instrumented with a metabolic cart and heart rate sensor for collection of cardiovascular intensity (METs and % of max HR) data. Stepping frequency, accuracy and pattern were acquired via video. Data were analyzed using a RMANOVA and post-hoc comparison with a Holm's/Sidak correction.

Results

Neuromuscular intensity (repetitions) was significantly greater for the off-the-shelf and self-paced custom game, however accuracy was greater for the custom games. Cardiovascular intensity for all activities took place in the moderate intensity exercise band. Enjoyment (measured with a questionnaire and rankings) was greater for the custom active video games and rate of perceived exertion was lower for the custom active video games.

Conclusions

Custom active video games provided comparable intensity but better accuracy, greater enjoyment and less perceived exertion than standard of care stepping activities and a carefully matched off-the-shelf (non-custom) video game. There were no differences between the game-paced and self-paced custom active video games.

Trial registration:NCT04538326.
Accuracy of CT for measuring femoral neck anteversion in children with developmental dislocation of the hip verified using 3D printing technology
Authors: Cai Zhencun , Piao Chengzhe , Zhang Tianyu , Li Lianyong , Xiang Liangbi
Published: April 2021

Background

Accurate femoral neck anteversion angle (FNA) measurement is of great significance in the diagnosis and treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in children. The FNA measurement still remains a controversy. We aimed to verify the accuracy of our CT method by 3D printing technology and to evaluate its clinical value.

Methods

Sixty-eight children with unilateral DDH were enrolled, and their FNA was measured using 2D-CT and 3D-CT, respectively, by three observers. This procedure was repeated 3 months later. The above measurement outcomes were then compared with the results in the 3D-printed femur (3D-PF) model. The FNA in the 3D-PF model was measured by three observers (two radiologists and one orthopedist; all were professors) collectively through electronic angle instrument.

Results

The primary measurement of FNA at the affected hips by 2D-CT was 44.0 ± 6.1, 49.5 ± 8.9, and 52.8 ± 7.9°, respectively. On the 3D-CT, it was 47.6 ± 5.4, 49.3 ± 6.8, and 48.6 ± 6.2°. Three months later, the FNA on 2D-CT was 49.3 ± 10.5, 42.8 ± 7.4, and 45.1 ± 9.3°, and it was 48.0 ± 6.5, 48.9 ± 7.2, and 49.0 ± 5.7° on 3D-CT, respectively. The FNA in the 3D-PF model at the affected and unaffected hips was 48.5 ± 6.6 and 36.9 ± 13.1°. There were significant differences between 2D-CT and 3D-PF measurements, but no significant difference was found between 3D-CT and 3D-PF measurements. The results by 2D-CT showed significant differences among groups and between the groups. However, the results by 3D-CT had no significant differences among groups or between the groups.

Conclusion

The results of our study showed that 3D-CT is a more precise, and reproducible method for FNA measurement in DDH. The FNA at the affected hips is 11.6° larger than the unaffected in DDH children aged 3–8 years.
Upregulated endonuclease Regnase-1 suppresses osteoarthritis by forming a negative feedback loop of catabolic signaling in chondrocytes
Authors: Yang Jeong-In , Chun Jang-Soo
Published: April 2021

Background

Ribonucleases (RNases) play central roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA stability. Our preliminary results revealed that the endonuclease Regnase-1 is specifically upregulated in osteoarthritic chondrocytes. We herein explored the possible functions and regulatory mechanisms of Regnase-1 in a mouse model of osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

The expression and target genes of Regnase-1 were identified by microarray analysis in primary-culture mouse articular chondrocytes. Experimental OA in mice was induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). The function of Regnase-1 in DMM-induced post-traumatic OA mice was examined by adenovirus-mediated overexpression or knockdown in knee joint tissues, and also by using Regnase-1 heterozygous knockout mice (Zc3h12a+/−).

Results

Among the RNases, Regnase-1 was exclusively upregulated in chondrocytes stimulated with OA-associated catabolic factors. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression or knockdown of Regnase-1 alone in joint tissues did not cause OA-like changes. However, overexpression of Regnase-1 in joint tissues significantly ameliorated DMM-induced post-traumatic OA cartilage destruction, whereas knockdown or genetic ablation of Regnase-1 exacerbated DMM-induced cartilage destruction. Mechanistic studies suggested that Regnase-1 suppresses cartilage destruction by modulating the expression of matrix-degrading enzymes in chondrocytes.

Conclusion

Our results collectively suggest that upregulated Regnase-1 in OA chondrocytes may function as a chondro-protective effector molecule during OA pathogenesis by forming a negative feedback loop of catabolic signals, such as matrix-degrading enzyme expression, in OA chondrocytes.
Hypoxic preconditioning induces epigenetic changes and modifies swine mesenchymal stem cell angiogenesis and senescence in experimental atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis
Authors: Isik Busra , Thaler Roman , Goksu Busra B. , Conley Sabena M. , Al-Khafaji Hayder , Mohan Arjunmohan , Afarideh Mohsen , Abumoawad Abdelrhman M. , Zhu Xiang Y. , Krier James D. , Saadiq Ishran M. , Tang Hui , Eirin Alfonso , Hickson LaTonya J. , van Wijnen Andre J. , Textor Stephen C. , Lerman Lilach O. , Herrmann Sandra M.
Published: April 2021

Background

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is a risk factor for ischemic and hypertensive kidney disease (HKD) for which autologous mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) appears to be a promising therapy. However, MSCs from ARAS patients exhibit impaired function, senescence, and DNA damage, possibly due to epigenetic mechanisms. Hypoxia preconditioning (HPC) exerts beneficial effects on cellular proliferation, differentiation, and gene and protein expression. We hypothesized that HPC could influence MSC function and senescence in ARAS by epigenetic mechanisms and modulating gene expression of chromatin-modifying enzymes.

Methods

Adipose-derived MSC harvested from healthy control (N = 8) and ARAS (N = 8) pigs were cultured under normoxia (20%O2) or hypoxia (1%O2) conditions. MSC function was assessed by migration, proliferation, and cytokine release in conditioned media. MSC senescence was evaluated by SA-β-gal activity. Specific pro-angiogenic and senescence genes were assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Dot blotting was used to measure global genome 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) levels on DNA and Western blotting of modified histone 3 (H3) proteins to quantify tri-methylated lysine-4 (H3K4me3), lysine-9 (H3K9me3), and lysine-27 (H3K27me3) residues.

Results

Specific pro-angiogenic genes in ARAS assessed by RT-PCR were lower at baseline but increased under HPC, while pro-senescence genes were higher in ARAS at baseline as compared healthy MSCs. ARAS MSCs under basal conditions, displayed higher H3K4me3, H3K27me3, and 5hmC levels compared to healthy MSCs. During HPC, global 5hmC levels were decreased while no appreciable changes occurred in histone H3 tri-methylation. ARAS MSCs cultured under HPC had higher migratory and proliferative capacity as well as increased vascular endothelial growth factor and epidermal growth factor expression compared to normoxia, and SA-β-gal activity decreased in both animal groups.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that swine ARAS MSCs have decreased angiogenesis and increased senescence compared to healthy MSCs and that HPC mitigates MSC dysfunction, senescence, and DNA hydroxymethylation in ARAS MSC. Thus, HPC for MSCs may be considered for their optimization to improve autologous cell therapy in patients with nephropathies.
Application of an artificial neural network optimization model in e-commerce platform based on tourism management
Authors: Wei Cao , Wang Qinan , Liu Chengying
Published: April 2021

The advantages of e-commerce and information technology play an extremely important role in enhancing the competitiveness of the tourism industry and adapting to the needs of global economic integration. The development of e-commerce has played a huge role in all walks of life. For the tourism industry, the role of e-commerce is even more important. This article analyzes the influence of e-commerce on tourism production factors, such as optimizing tourism production factors, optimizing industrial structure, improving the competitiveness of tourism enterprises and playing the leading role of the government. This article attempts to find out the fundamental reason why e-commerce can enhance the competitiveness of China’s tourism industry, so as to find a better way for e-commerce to promote the development of China’s tourism industry. In order to accurately predict the scale and quantity of domestic tourism, an optimized neural network model is proposed to analyze and predict tourism data, and then analyze and research the data. Tourism development factors such as tourism development factors, changes in tourism demand and the optimization of industrial structure have effectively promoted the development of China’s tourism industry.
A regression-based Monte Carlo method to solve two-dimensional forward backward stochastic differential equations
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Wu Yi , Zhu Quanxin , Hu Songbo , Qin Chuan
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the numerical solutions to two-dimensional forward backward stochastic differential equations(FBSDEs). Based on the Fourier cos-cos transform, the approximations of conditional expectations and their errors are studied with conditional characteristic functions. A new numerical scheme is proposed by using the least-squares regression-based Monte Carlo method to solve the initial value of FBSDEs. Finally, a numerical experiment in European option pricing is implemented to test the efficiency and stability of this scheme.
First record of two sublittoral amphipods from Hawai‘i
Authors: Longenecker Ken
Published: April 2021

The first record of two genera of sublittoral amphipods, Autonoe Bruzelius, 1859 and Perioculodes G.O. Sars, 1892, is provided for Hawai‘i. The specimens most closely match Autonoe seurati (Chevreux 1907) and Perioculodes aequimanus (Kossmann, 1880). They were collected from an autonomous reef monitoring structure deployed in Honolulu Harbor, O‘ahu. Both species are likely recent introductions.
Reliability and validity of Arabic version of the brief international cognitive assessment for multiple sclerosis: Egyptian dialect
Authors: Farghaly Marwa , Langdon Dawn W. , Shalaby Nevin M. , Shehata Hatem S. , Abokrysha Noha T. , Hassan Amr , Hegazy Mohamed I. , Elmazny Alaa , Ahmed Sandra , Shaheen Shaimaa , Othman Alshaimaa S. , Yacoub Osama , Kishk Nirmeen A.
Published: April 2021

Background

Given the diversity of multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms including cognitive impairment in certain domains, the need to develop a rapid and at the same time thorough tool for cognitive assessment is mandatory and represents an unmet need in the clinical and research fields of MS. The Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS) is a good and practical tool to achieve this mission but is not present in the Arabic language for Arabic speaking countries yet.

Objectives

To assess the reliability and validity of Arabic version of the BICAMS (Egyptian dialect).

Methods

Ninety Egyptian MS patients and 85 matched healthy controls underwent neuropsychological testing using the BICAMS Arabic version (Egyptian dialect) battery including the Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT), California Verbal Learning Test 2nd edition (CVLT-II), and revised Brief Visuospatial Retention Test- (BVRT-R). Test–retest data were obtained from MS patients 2 weeks after the initial assessment. Mean differences between both groups were assessed controlling for age, gender, and educational level.

Results

The MS patients scored significantly lower on the SDMT, CVLT-II, and BVMT-R tests compared to healthy controls (p<0.001). For MS patients’ group, intra-observer (test–retest) reliability was satisfactory for SDMT, CVLT-II total, and BVRT-R total with r values of 0.85, 0.61, and 0.68, respectively.

Conclusion

BICAMS Arabic version is a reliable and valid tool for cognitive assessment of Arabic speaking MS patients in different clinical and research settings.
Anterior cruciate ligament femoral-tunnel drilling through an anteromedial portal: 3-dimensional plane drilling angle affects tunnel length relative to notchplasty
Authors: Moon Dong-Kyu , Jo Ho-Seung , Lee Dong-Yeong , Kang Dong-Geun , Won Hee-Chan , Seo Min-Seok , Hwang Sun-Chul
Published: April 2021

Background

Notchplasty is a surgical technique often performed during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with widening of the intercondylar notch of the lateral distal femur to avoid graft impingement. The purpose of this study was to correlate femoral-tunnel length with 3-dimensional (3D) drilling angle through the anteromedial (AM) portal with and without notchplasty.

Materials and methods

Computer data were collected from an anatomical study using 16 cadaveric knees. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) femoral insertion was dissected and outlined for gross anatomical observation. The dissected cadaveric knees were scanned by computed tomography (CT). Three-dimensional measurements were calculated using software (Geomagic, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA) and included the center of the ACL footprint and the size of the ACL femoral footprint. The femoral-tunnel aperture centers were measured in the anatomical posterior-to-anterior and proximal-to-distal directions using Bernard’s quadrant method. The ACL tunnel was created 3-demensionally in the anatomical center of femoral foot print of ACL using software (SolidWorks®, Corp., Waltham, MA, USA). The 8-mm cylinder shaped ACL tunnel was rested upon the anatomical center of the ACL footprint and placed in three different positions: the coronal plane, the sagittal plane, and the axial plane. Finally, the effect of notchplasty on the femoral-tunnel length and center of the ACL footprint were measured. All the above-mentioned studies performed ACLR using the AM portal.

Results

The length of the femoral tunnels produced using the low coronal and high axial angles with 5-mm notchplasty became significantly shorter as the femoral starting position became more horizontal. The result was 30.38 ± 2.11 mm on average at 20° in the coronal plane/70° in the axial plane/45° in the sagittal plane and 31.26 ± 2.08 mm at 30° in the coronal plane/60° in the axial plane/45° in the sagittal plane, respectively, comparing the standard technique of 45° in the coronal/45° in the axial/45° in the sagittal plane of 32.98 ± 3.04 mm (P < 0.001). The tunnels made using the high coronal and low axial angles with notchplasty became longer than those made using the standard technique: 40.31 ± 3.36 mm at 60° in the coronal plane/30° in the axial plane/45° in the sagittal plane and 50.46 ± 3.13 mm at 75° in the coronal plane/15° in the axial plane/45° in the sagittal plane (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results show that excessive notchplasty causes the femoral tunnel to be located in the non-anatomical center of the ACL footprint and reduces the femoral-tunnel length. Therefore, care should be taken to avoid excessive notchplasty when performing this operation.
Triage of referrals in a child and adolescent mental health service in Qatar: reducing waiting times and promoting needs-based prioritisation
Authors: Khan Yasser Saeed , Al-Shamlawi Mahmoud , Phiri Lazarus , Alabdulla Majid
Published: April 2021

This paper summarises the impact of a new triage process on referral prioritisation and waiting times in a community specialist child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) in Qatar. The process involves initial review of referrals by a CAMHS nurse to ensure that there is adequate clinical information, obtaining additional information from patients/families and referring clinicians by the psychiatric triage team, when necessary, followed by prioritisation and allocation of accepted referrals. The new process reduced the acceptance of inappropriate referrals, ensured prioritisation of referrals and significantly improved the service's compliance with waiting-time deadlines.
Ago2 protects Drosophila siRNAs and microRNAs from target-directed degradation, even in the absence of 2′-O-methylation
Authors: Kingston Elena R. , Bartel David P.
Published: April 2021

Target-directed microRNA (miRNA) degradation (TDMD), which is mediated by the protein ZSWIM8, plays a widespread role in shaping miRNA abundances across bilateria. Some endogenous small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) of Drosophila cells have target sites resembling those that trigger TDMD, raising the question as to whether they too might undergo such regulation by Dora, the Drosophila ZSWIM8 homolog. Here, we find that some of these siRNAs are indeed sensitive to Dora when loaded into Ago1, the Argonaute paralog that preferentially associates with miRNAs. Despite this sensitivity when loaded into Ago1, these siRNAs are not detectably regulated by target-directed degradation because most molecules are loaded into Ago2, the Argonaute paralog that preferentially associates with siRNAs, and we find that siRNAs and miRNAs loaded into Ago2 are insensitive to Dora. One explanation for the protection of these small RNAs loaded into Ago2 is that these small RNAs are 2′-O-methylated at their 3′ termini. However, 2′-O-methylation does not protect these RNAs from Dora-mediated target-directed degradation, which indicates that their protection is instead conferred by features of the Ago2 protein itself. Together, these observations clarify the requirements for regulation by target-directed degradation and expand our understanding of the role of 2′-O-methylation in small-RNA biology.
Bayesian modeling and estimation for complex multiparameter problems with real applications
Authors: Κοκή Κωνσταντίνα
Published: April 2021

Στην εποχή της πληροφορίας και του μεγάλου όγκου δεδομένων, η ανάπτυξη τεχνικών εκμάθησης (Machine Learning) με τη βοήθεια των ηλεκτρονικών υπολογιστών, μας έδωσε τη δυνατότητά να μελετήσουμε πολύπλοκα προβλήματα. Η μη εύρεση αναλυτικών λύσεων για εκτίμηση των παραμέτρων διάφορων υποδειγμάτων έχει οδηγήσει στην άνθιση της Μπεϋζιανής συμπερασματολογίας. Σε αυτή την κατεύθυνση στρέφεται και η παρούσα Διδακτορική διατριβή. Με εργαλεία τις τεχνικές εκμάθησης, ασχολούμαστε με τη μοντελοποίηση πολύπλοκων πολυμεταβλητών Μπεϋζιανών μοντέλων. Η διατριβή αυτή χωρίζεται σε δύο βασικά ερευνητικά πεδία. Το πρώτο πεδίο αφορά την ανάπτυξη Κρυμμένων Μαρκοβιανών μοντέλων (Hidden Markov models) με πεπερασμένα στάδια (states/regimes) και εξωγενείς επεξηγηματικές μεταβλητές. Ιδιαίτερα, επεκτείνουμε προηγούμενα Κρυμμένα Μαρκοβιανά μοντέλα, προτείνοντας συγκεκριμένη μεθοδολογία, βασιζόμενη στην Polya-Gamma τεχνική αύξησης δεδομένων (data augmentation) για την εκτίμηση των παραμέτρων, ενώ ταυτόχρονα επιλέγουμε στοχαστικά τις επεξηγηματικές μεταβλητές που επηρεάζουν την ανεξαρτητη μεταβλητή. Αξιοποιώντας μεθόδους βασισμένες σε Μαρκοβιανές Αλυσίδες Μοντε Καρλο (Markov Chain Monte Carlo), προτείνουμε ένα σχήμα προσομοίωσης για πιο ακριβή συμπερασματολογία και εν τέλει βελτιωμένες προβλέψεις, σε σχέση με προηγούμενες εργασίες. Αποδεικνύουμε εμπειρικά, ότι η μεθοδολογία αυτή υπερέχει, τόσο στις προβλέψεις όσο και στην επιλογή των επεξηγηματικών μεταβλητών, έναντι άλλων προτεινόμενων μοντέλων, σε προσομοιωμένα δεδομένα. Στη συνέχεια εφαρμόζουμε το προαναφερθέν μοντέλο σε realized volatility δεδομένα. Επιπλέον, μελετάμε χρονολογικές σειρές κρυπτονομισμάτων χρησιμοποιώντας τα Κρυμμένα Μαρκοβιανά μοντέλα, με απώτερο στόχο να κατανοήσουμε τα χαρακτηριστικά αυτών των καινούργιων επενδυτικών αγαθών (financial assets) \gr και τη σχέση τους με τα υπάρχοντα συμβατικά οικονομικά αγαθά (traditional financial assets). Τέλος, εφαρμόζοντας διάφορα Κρυμμένα Μαρκοβιανά μοντέλα σε σειρές αποδόσεων κρυπτονομισμάτων, δείχνουμε ότι το προτεινόμενο μοντέλο με τέσσερα στάδια έχει μεγαλύτερη προβλεπτική ισχύ από όλα υπόλοιπα μοντέλα της μελέτης μας. Το δεύτερο ερευνητικό πεδίο αφορά μία εφαρμογή των Μπεϋζιανών διαδικασιών Poisson για τη μοντελοποίηση της X-ray πιθανοφάνειας των Ενεργών Γαλαξιακών Νουκλεοτιδίων (Active Galactic Nuclei). Σε συνεργασία με μία ερευνητική ομάδα αποτελούμενη από φυσικούς και αστροφυσικούς, μέσω της Μπεϋζιανής προσέγγισης, λαμβάνουμε υπόψη τα \en Poisson σφάλματα που προκύπτουν από τις διακυμάνσεις των X-rays καθώς επίσης και την αβεβαιότητα στην εκτίμηση των φωτομετρικών ερυθρομετατοπίσεων. Έτσι, συμβάλουμε στην καλύτερη κατανόηση της δημιουργίας των υπερμαζικών μελανών οπών (supermassive black holes) στο σύμπαν.
Ελληνικά αστικά κέντρα σε πολεμική προπαρασκευή και δοκιμασία
Authors: Γιώτης Γεώργιος
Published: April 2021

Αντικείμενο της διατριβής αποτελεί η αεροπορική δοκιμασία και ο αγώνας του άμαχου πληθυσμού που έλαβαν χώρα στο διάστημα από τον Απρίλιο του 1939 έως τον Απρίλιο του 1941, με την ερευνητική διαδικασία να εστιάζει σε πόλεις ξεχωριστής σημασίας για την ελληνοϊταλική αναμέτρηση, όπως ήταν η Αθήνα, ο Πειραιάς, η Θεσσαλονίκη, η Πάτρα, τα Ιωάννινα, η Κέρκυρα, η Λάρισα και ο Βόλος. Ουσιαστικά, είναι μία απόπειρα, για να έρθει στην επιφάνεια η «λησμονημένη» ως τώρα προσπάθεια των αερόπληκτων μετόπισθεν και να αξιολογηθεί η συνδρομή της στην ταραγμένη περίοδο των έκτακτων συνθηκών.
PROCESNI MENADŽMENT KAO SREDSTVO UNAPRJEĐENJA OBUKE NA PRIMJERU PROIZVODNE TVRTKE
Authors: Bogdanović Mario , Baćac Dino
Published: April 2021

This article presents a methodology for training process improvement using process management and a systemic approach to training on the production company example. There is explicated the training process improvement systematically. Concretely, there is identified and presented existing training process (by BPMN graphic language), it is analyzed its appropriateness/efficacy (by experience, customer complaints, and questionnaire method), also are explained supportive measures for operative monitoring and new training process control. Offered methodology for training process improvement can be used in all companies where continuous training processes for new employees are needed. Using process solution this study resolved three research problems and validated three hypotheses: a) customer complaint level, skill level, and satisfaction after training process was not optimal; b) training process is redesigned according to defined weaknesses of the existing training process and according to systemic training approach; c) supporting tools to the new training process are new operative systems of evidence, evaluation, and control. In such a manner it is created a model with training target outcomes (high quality of skills after training process in sense of speed and quality of working performance) by which are generated the presumptions for efficacy improvement on the level of production workers and a production company.
UTICAJ RAZVOJA PREDUZETNIŠTVA I LIDERSTVA NA EKONOMSKI RAZVOJ
Authors: Miličković Milosav , Zahrah Miftah Alshafie Bilal , Jevremović Miroslav
Published: April 2021

The development of entrepreneurship and leadership is the backbone of the development of any society. In a market economy, the state of entrepreneurship changes every day and it is necessary to find new methods of its development and adaptation to market conditions. Today, Serbia is in a difficult economic situation. The global economic crisis halted the country’s belated transitional recovery the moment the momentum began to take hold. The road to its recovery leads through painful measures: rationalization of the oversized public sector and serious financial discipline, as well as the promotion of entrepreneurship and leadership as development strategies, without which sustainable economic growth will not be possible. This paper aims to contribute to the description and analysis of the development of entrepreneurship and leadership, with the intention that it contributes to faster development in Serbia. The paper analyzes the concept, general state, and importance of entrepreneurship, the relationship between entrepreneurship and leadership, and the role of entrepreneurship in economic development. Based on the analysis performed in the paper, the authors concluded that entrepreneurial opportunities arise from market changes and that the modern, rapidly changing and uncertain business environment is a theoretically potential area for entrepreneurial activities.
PORODIČNI BIZNIS KAO RAZVOJNA ŠANSA PRIVREDE SRBIJE
Authors: Miličković Milosav , Warda Muftah Shafee Alshibani , Jevremović Miroslav
Published: April 2021

The family business contains certain specifics from the organizational form, financing, inheritance, risk, insurance, and others. Family business is very important because it represents a significant part of every national economy and directly affects the well-being and stability of the whole country, but there is still not enough developed awareness of its impact, so this kind of business is not sufficiently researched. That family business is not sufficiently researched is proved by the fact that in market economies there is not enough literature on this way of doing business, so stakeholders do not have insight into the opportunities it provides, as well as problems and risks that must be considered before starting a family business. The subject of this paper is precisely the origin, development, ideas, advantages, and disadvantages of the family business in general. The goal is to present this idea, which can enable a complete financial and organizational analysis of the business venture, ie what are the initial funds and what works need to be undertaken and performed to further develop the family business in Serbia and beyond.
ZNAČAJ INVESTICIJA U OBRAZOVANJE ZA EKONOMSKI RAZVOJ NR KINE
Authors: Peters Katarina , Blažević Marko
Published: April 2021

This paper deals with educational issues in the People's Republic of China and potential economic development due to investments in the education system. In the period from 1998, there was a big growth in education which was accompanied, among other things, by positive growth in gross domestic product. The crucial importance of investing in education is providing a competent workforce which is a pillar of a successful modern economy. There is a difficulty of the proper allocation of resources and the reform of education is the hukou system in China, which restricts people to live and work in a certain location which is an obstacle for people to freely move and equal chances for education. So far, the discrepancy between rural and urban hukou has been noticed, with urban hukou recording a higher percentage of educated people, as well as a proportionally higher income, while rural hukou is lacking opportunities for further education. For China to achieve the planned economic growth, it is evident that it must reform its education, the focus of which would be on improving human/knowledge capital as well as set aside a higher percentage of gross domestic product for investments in education.
The video lectures course "Elements of Mathematical Logic" for students enrolled in the Pedagogical education direction, profile Primary education
Authors: Frantseva Anastasiya
Published: April 2021

The video lectures course is intended for full-time and part-time students enrolled in "Pedagogical education" direction, profile "Primary education" or "Primary education - Additional education". The course consists of four lectures on the section "Elements of Mathematical Logic" of the discipline "Theoretical Foundations of the Elementary Course in Mathematics" on the profile "Primary Education". The main lecture materials source is a textbook on mathematics for students of higher pedagogical educational institutions Stoilova L.P. (M.: Academy, 2014.464 p.). The content of the considered mathematics section is adapted to the professional needs of future primary school teachers. It is accompanied by examples of practice exercises from elementary school mathematics textbooks. The course assumes students productive learning activities, which they should carry out during the viewing. The logic’s studying contributes to the formation of the specified profile students of such professional skills as "the ability to carry out pedagogical activities for the implementation of primary general education programs", "the ability to develop methodological support for programs of primary general education." In addition, this section contributes to the formation of such universal and general professional skills as "the ability to perform searching, critical analysis and synthesis of information, to apply a systematic approach to solving the assigned tasks", "the ability to participate in the development of basic and additional educational programs, to design their individual components". The video lectures course was recorded at Irkutsk State University.
La concepción relacional de la justicia y los límites de las reivindicaciones legítimas: la cooperación, la reciprocidad y la interacción
Authors: Blanco Brotons Francisco
Published: April 2021

Desde una concepción relacional de la justicia de inspiración rawlsiana, las ideas de la cooperación, la reciprocidad y la interacción han sido propuestas para interpretar el fundamento de las reivindicaciones legítimas de justicia distributiva y para restringir su ámbito de aplicación a sociedades políticas o Estados particulares. En este artículo se analizan los principales intentos de justificar esta restricción y se argumentará en contra de ellos. Se finalizará con la presentación de otra forma de interpretar la concepción relacional de la justicia que posibilita una aproximación crítica a las complejas injusticias con las que nos interpela nuestro mundo en globalización, según la cual, si cualquier elemento de la estructura social impone relaciones evaluables desde la justicia, cualquiera de ellos puede ser un foco de injusticia, ya sea básico o no, formal o informal, estatal o trasnacional.
Condicionantes biosociales de las enfermedades no diagnosticadas
Authors: R. Coca Juan , Roche Cárcel Juan Antonio , Rodríguez Sánchez Juan Antonio
Published: April 2021

En este trabajo de investigación nos aproximamos al conocimiento de las enfermedades no diagnosticadas. Dichas enfermedades se enmarcan dentro de las llamadas enfermedades raras, debido a que no son frecuentes. Generan una serie de condicionantes en la vida de las personas afectadas y en sus relaciones sociales. Ello es fruto de la ruptura semiótica entre el código biológico y el social. Esta situación puede obligar a las personas con estas enfermedades a estar situadas fuera de la estructura social y ver reducido su capacidad para tomar decisiones. Por esta razón es necesario desarrollar puentes semióticos que conecten los códigos de los que hemos hablado.
Enfermedades priónicas: historia, diversidad e importancia socioeconómica como paradigma de las Enfermedades Raras
Authors: Charco Jorge M. , Barrio Tomás , Eraña Hasier
Published: April 2021

Las enfermedades raras son aquellas patologías que afectan a una proporción muy reducida de la población (menos de 50 casos por cada 100 000 personas). Por esta razón, la investigación sobre sus causas y mecanismos, algo imprescindible para dar con una forma de tratarlas o prevenirlas, es insuficiente. Por ello, los pacientes denuncien la falta de cobertura del sistema sanitario y la discriminación social que supone padecer una de estas patologías. Entre las enfermedades raras, se encuentran las denominadas enfermedades priónicas o encefalopatías espongiformes transmisibles. A pesar de ser relativamente conocidas gracias a la crisis sanitaria que supuso el “mal de las vacas locas” a finales del siglo pasado, se conoce todavía relativamente poco sobre estas patologías que afectan tanto a animales como a humanos. En este monográfico se pretende dar a conocer la fascinante historia y la diversidad de las enfermedades priónicas, que sacudieron los cimientos de la biología conocida hasta los años 80 al poner en escena a un nuevo y desconcertante tipo de agente infeccioso: los priones.
Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos y pueblos originarios. Lecturas desde la teoría de la justicia de Nancy Fraser
Authors: Wences Isabel
Published: April 2021

En este artículo el objetivo es leer desde las premisas de la teoría tridimensional de la justicia de Nancy Fraser, que comprende distribución, reconocimiento y paridad política, la jurisprudencia más relevante de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos en materia de pueblos originarios. Para llevar a cabo esta tarea el texto se divide en dos partes. En la primera, se exponen los lineamientos del planteamiento de Nancy Fraser sobre la justicia y, en la segunda, se analiza con base en las herramientas teórico políticas ofrecidas por esta pensadora, un conjunto de sentencias. Se concluye que la Corte IDH ha incorporado, en parte, esta perspectiva, aun cuando falta vigilar su implementación por parte de los Estados.
El sistema iberoamericano y los derechos humanos: una atmósfera favorable en el quehacer de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos
Authors: Díaz Galán Elena C.
Published: April 2021

La Conferencia iberoamericana constituye un espacio de diálogo, concertación y cooperación que asume como principio esencial la vigencia de los derechos humanos. Estos derechos conforman un ámbito de actuación del sistema iberoamericano. Los instrumentos aprobados por la Conferencia y otras instancias iberoamericanas proporcionan indicaciones políticas y jurídicas en el campo de los derechos humanos que deben ser desarrolladas a través de iniciativas, acciones, programas y agendas de cooperación. Los derechos de contenido social merecen una especial atención en las Cumbres iberoamericanas. Todo esto debería tener una influencia en las posiciones de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos, particularmente cuando aborde asuntos en los que queden afectados derechos económicos, sociales y culturales, tal como viene haciendo al hilo de recientes sentencias en la materia. La labor del sistema iberoamericano en los campos relativos a las migraciones y la cultura será especialmente interesante en el quehacer de la Corte IDH para determinar el contenido y alcance de los derechos que se reconocen y protegen en el sistema interamericano.
Newspaper Censorship in China: Evidence from Tunneling Scandals
Authors: Hope Ole-Kristian , Li Yi , Liu Qiliang , Wu Han
Published: April 2021

Media dissemination plays an important role in facilitating price discovery. Political pressure that restricts media dissemination can hinder this function and affect investors’ perceptions. This paper studies the magnitude of newspaper censorship in China and its economic consequences using a setting of tunneling scandals. We find significant evidence of censorship of tunneling-related negative news at the national and local levels. We further show that news that survives censorship reduces information asymmetry and improves pricing efficiency. Censorship blocks informative tunneling news and delays incorporation of tunneling reporting into prices.

This paper was accepted by Brian Bushee, accounting.