bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Land use change detection and prediction using Markov-CA and publishing on the web with platform map server, Case Study: Qom Metropolis, Iran
Authors: Pirnazar Mojtaba , Haghighi Nasrin , Azhand Donya , Ostad-Ali-Askari Kaveh , Eslamian Saeid , R. Dalezios Nicolas , P. Singh Vijay
Published: September 2021

To achieve sustainable development, detailed planning, control and management of land cover changes that occur naturally or by human caused artificial factors, are essential. Urban managers and planners need a tool that represents them the information accurate, fast and in exact time. In this study, land use changes of 3 periods, 1994-2002, 2002-2009, 2009-2015 and predictions of 2009, 2015 and 2023 were assessed. In this paper, Maximum Likelihood method was used to classify the images, so that after evaluation of accuracy, amount of overall accuracy for images of 2013 was 85.55% and its Kappa coefficient was 80.03%. To predict land use changes, Markov-CA model was used after assessing the accuracy, and the amount of overall accuracy for 2009 was 82.57% and for 2015 was 93.865%. Then web GIS application was designed via map server application and evoked shape files through map file and open layers to browser environment and for design of appearance of website CSS, HTML and JavaScript languages were used. HTML is  responsible for creating the foundation and overall structure of webpage but beautifying and layout design on CSS.
Marine geological maps of the Campania region (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy): Considerations and contributions to a different scale of geological survey
Authors: Aiello Gemma
Published: September 2021

Marine geological maps of the Campania region have been constructed both to a 1:25.000 and to a 1:10.000 scale in the frame of the research projects financed by the Italian National Geological Survey, focusing, in particular, on the Gulf of Naples (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea), a complex volcanic area where volcanic and sedimentary processes strongly interacted during the Late Quaternary and on the Cilento Promontory offshore. In this paper, the examples of the geological sheets n. 464 “Isola di Ischia” and n. 502 “Agropoli” have been studied. The integration of the geological maps with the seismo-stratigraphic setting of the study areas has also been performed based on the realization of interpreted seismic profiles, providing interesting data on the geological setting of the subsurface. The coastal geological sedimentation in the Ischia and Agropoli offshore has been studied in detail. The mapped geological units are represented by: i) the rocky units of the acoustic basement (volcanic and/or sedimentary); ii) the deposits of the littoral environment, including the deposits of submerged beach and the deposits of toe of coastal cliff; iii) the deposits of the inner shelf environment, including the inner shelf deposits and the bioclastic deposits; iv) the deposits of the outer shelf environment, including the clastic deposits and the bioclastic deposits; v) the lowstand system tract; vi) the Pleistocene relict marine units; vii) different volcanic units in Pleistocene age. The seismo-stratigraphic data, coupled with the sedimentological and environmental data provided by the geological maps, provided us with new insights on the geologic evolution of this area during the Late Quaternary.
The effects of mobile thermal power plants on air quality in Turkey
Authors: Akdemir Andaç , Ergun Osman Nuri
Published: September 2021

In this study, daily averages of air quality parameters were measured in two stations (S1 and S2) of the organized industrial district in Samsun. The meteorological variables were measured at only one station (S1), such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, and ambient pressure in 2007, and the daily promised limit for nitrogen dioxide has been especially exceeded at 206 times for 1st station. However, exceeds of the limit value in 2006 for 1st station was reduced by approximately 3.5 times. The daily nitrogen dioxide concentration did not exceed the daily limit of WHO[1] as for 2nd station. The results obtained showed that under the influence of dominant wind direction, the second station measurement results are higher than that of the first station. To determine all of the possible environmental effects, the measurements should be analyzed from a multi-point perspective.
Earthquake response control of ground soft storey
Authors: Manchalwar Sakshi A
Published: September 2021

In the present study, friction damper, an energy dissipating passive device is explored to reduce the response of open ground storey building under lateral loading due to earthquake. This damper is installed in the selected bays of open ground storey so that the response is reduced. The masonry infill wall is macro-modeled in the form of compression only diagonal members. Three different types of bracing system were installed along with Pall friction damper – single diagonal tension – compression brace with friction damper, tension only cross brace with friction damper and chevron brace with friction damper were modeled using Wen’s plastic link element in SAP2000. G+4 storey buildings were analyzed using nonlinear time history analysis. The storey displacement and inter-storey drift for all the cases were compared in the study.
Geologic and geomorphologic study of the Terra Murata and Centane-Panoramica Sites (Island of Procida, Naples Bay, Southern Tyrrhenian Sea) aimed at solving some applied geological and geotechnical problems
Authors: Aiello Gemma
Published: September 2021

A geologic and geomorphologic study aimed at solving some geological and geotechnical problems, regarding the massive seepage of meteoric waters in the coastal cliffs of the Island of Procida (Naples Bay, Southern Italy) composed of both tuffs and loose pyroclastic deposits, has been carried out in the geosites of Terra Murata (Middle Ages village and coastal cliff towards the Corricella Bay) and Centane-Panoramica (coastal cliff facing on the Tyrrhenian Sea).A detailed geologic and geomorphologic survey has allowed to suggest solutions to the applied geological and geotechnical problems related to the occurrence of massive seepages of waters at the physical interface between pyroclastic rocks and loose pyroclastic deposits, characterized by different density, permeability and porosity and also controlled by a dense network of fractures, involving the pyroclastic deposits cropping out in the selected areas.Field sampling and geotechnical laboratory analyses have been carried out to calculate the values of main geotechnical parameters of the yellow tuffs cropping out at the Terra Murata Promontory. At the same time, a detailed monitoring of the seepages of waters has been carried out through a detailed geological survey of the tuff outcrops of the promontory. The obtained results have suggested a strong control from both the geomorphologic instability of the coastal cliff and tectonic setting. At the Centane-Panoramica geosite, the geological survey, coupled with geotechnical analyses and standard penetrometric tests, has accordingly evidenced that the geomorphologic instability was mainly concentrated in the sectors of the tuff coastal cliffs facing seawards towards the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Genesis of Langrial Iron Ore of Hazara area, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Haider Naghmah , Khan Sajjad , Siddiqui Rehanul Haq , Iqbal Shahid , UI-Haq Nazar
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a detailed mineralogical and genesis investigation have been carried out in the seven locations of the Iron Ore in Hazara area. Thick bedded iron ore have been observed between Kawagarh Formation and Hangu Formation i.e, Cretaceous-Paleocene boundary. At the base of Hangu Formation, variable thickness of these lateritic beds spread throughout the Hazara and Kohat-Potwar plateau. This hematite ore exists in the form of unconformity. X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), detailed petroghraphic study and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques indicated that those iron bears minerals including hematite, chamosite and quartz, albite, clinochlore, illite-montmorillonite, kaolinite, calcite, dolomite, whereas ankerite are the impurities present in these beds. The X-ray fluorescence (XRF) results show that the total Fe2O3 ranges from 39 to 56%, with high silica and alumina ratio of less than one. Beneficiation requires for significant increase in ore grade. The petroghraphic study revealed the presence of ooids fragments as nuclei of other ooids with limited clastic supply, which indicate high energy shallow marine depositional setting under warm and humid climate. The overall results show that Langrial Iron Ore is a low-grade iron ore which can be upgraded up to 62% by applying modern mining techniques so as to fulfill steel requirements of the country.
Study the bio-potential parameter for the detection of seismic and environmental changes in Indian region
Authors: Tiwari Rudraksh , Katta Vijay S , Kushwah Vinod Kuumar , Gaur Mulayam Singh , Dimri Priti
Published: September 2021

The changes the magnetic flux generated (electric, magnetic and electromagnetic waves) on the surface of earth due to sudden changes is a matter of discussion. These emissions occur along the fault line generated due to geological and tectonic processes. When sudden changes occur in the environment due to seismic and atmospheric variations, these sensing was observed by creatures and human bodies because the animals and trees adopt the abnormal signals and change the behavior. We have analyzed the changing behavior of recorded signal by live sensors (i.e., banyan tree). So we use the deep-rooted and long-aged banyan tree. The root of banyan tree (long-aged) has been working as a live sensor to record the geological and environmental changes. We record the low frequency signals propagated through solar-terrestrial environment which directly affect the root system of the banyan tree and changes that have been observed by live sensors. Then, very low frequency (VLF) signal may propagate to the earth-ionosphere waveguide. We have also analyzed the different parameters of live cells which is inbuilt in latex of the tree, so we record the dielectric parameters of green stem latex and found some parameters i.e., dielectric constant (ε) and dielectric loss (ε’) of various trees to verify these natural hazards and found good correlation. Therefore, we can say by regularly monitoring the bio-potential signal and dielectric properties of banyan tree and we are able to find the precursory signature of seismic hazards and environmental changes.
Diferencia de logro geolocalizado en educación presencial y a distancia en Colombia
Authors: Arias-Velandia Nicolás , Rincón-Báez William Umar , Cruz-Pulido Julián Mauricio
Published: September 2021

Los estudiantes exitosos se concentran con frecuencia en las regiones con mayores recursos. Este trabajo indaga la posible incidencia de la ubicación geográfica de la región de los estudiantes sobre su logro, evaluado externamente en programas universitarios de pregrado (presenciales, virtuales y a distancia) de ciencias económicas en instituciones de educación superior en Colombia. Se realizó un análisis mediante modelos georreferenciados y geolocalizados utilizando resultados de evaluación de los estudiantes del sistema FTP-Instituto Colombiano para la Evaluación de la Educación y de la División Político-Administrativa. Se hallaron altos logros en modalidad presencial en regiones centrales como Bogotá y Antioquia, pero también en regiones apartadas en modalidad a distancia tradicional, a pesar de que la ubicación no mostró tendencias estadísticamente significativas en el Modelo de Autocorrelación Espacial I de Moran. Se discuten las tendencias encontradas y los posibles límites de este modelo.
Nuclear medicine staff exposure to ionising radiation in 18F-FDG PET/CT practice: a preliminary retrospective study
Authors: Pavičar Bojan , Davidović Jasna , Petrović Biljana , Vuleta Goran , Trivić Saša , Šajinović Vlatko , Egeljić-Mihailović Nataša , Todorović Nataša , Predojević Branko
Published: September 2021

This retrospective study provides an insight into the levels of radiation exposure of six nuclear medicine (NM) staff (four technologists and two nurses) performing routine diagnostic 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) at the University Clinical Centre of the Republic of Srpska, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Disorders, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Data analysis included monthly staff exposure measured with personal thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) between June and December 2018, quantified in terms of normalised dose for the whole body [Hp(10)] and dominant hand [Hp(0.07)] and their comparison between each staff member and between the two groups (technologists and nurses). The study goal was to establish how our Department compared with reports from other PET/CT centres worldwide in terms of annual number of procedures and exposure limits and whether there could be room for further improvements in radiation protection. The number of procedures rose considerably from 208 in 2016 to 876 in 2019 and was 423 in the observed seven-month period. Mean individual whole-body exposure dose per GBq of injected 18F-FDG activity, [Hp(10)/A] was 18.55 μSv/GBq for the four technologists and 15.61 μSv/GBq for the two nurses. Mean dominant-hand exposure dose per GBq of injected 18F-FDG activity [Hp(0.07)/A] was 16.99 μSv/GBq and 25.44 μSv/GBq for the two groups, respectively. The average annual cumulative dose for all staff was (1.06±0.29) mSv for Hp(10) and (1.15±0.32) mSv for Hp(0.07). These results are comparable with those of similar studies. Staff doses were well below the annual limits. Nurses received slightly higher extremity doses than technologists. In view of the increasing trends in the number of PET/CT procedures, dose monitoring should be continued to identify exposure hotspots and maintain doses as low as possible.
Epigenetic toxicity and cytotoxicity of perfluorooctanoic acid and its effects on gene expression in embryonic mouse hypothalamus cells
Authors: Kim Hun , Hong Min-Wook , Bae Yun-ho , Lee Sung-Jin
Published: September 2021

Even though the endocrine-disrupting potential of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is well known, the mechanisms underlying its cellular and epigenetic toxicity at the critical stage of hypothalamic development are poorly understood. This is why we studied its effects on the embryonic mouse hypothalamic cell line N46 (mHypoE-N46) with a hope to shed more light on the mechanisms through which PFOA causes embryonic hypothalamic cell damage. To do that, we studied cell viability, global DNA methylation, and gene expression in cells exposed to PFOA. As the PFOA dose increased, cell viability decreased, while global DNA methylation increased. PFOA also significantly altered the expression of genes related to the apoptosis and cell cycle, neurotrophic genes, and the Tet, Dnmt, and Mecp2 genes. Our findings suggest that exposure to PFOA affects cell survival through the reprogramming of embryonic hypothalamic DNA methylation patterns and altering cell homeostasis genes. DNA methylation and changes in the Mecp2 gene expression induced by PFOA also imply wider ramifications, as they alter genes of other major mechanisms of the embryonic hypothalamus. Our study may therefore serve as a good starting point for further research into the mechanisms of PFOA effect of hypothalamic development.
Acute bronchiolitis: Why put an IV line?
Authors: Redant Sébastien , Nehar-Stern Nora , Honoré Patrick M. , Attou Rachid , Haggenmacher Caroline , Tolwani Ashita , De Bels David , Biarent Dominique
Published: September 2021

Background

Acute bronchiolitis is the most frequent cause of respiratory distress in pediatric emergency medicine. The risk of respiratory failure is frequently over evaluated, and results in systematic vascular access.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study in children under 18 months of age hospitalized for bronchiolitis. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether catheter insertion was useful for management. We monitored the number of catheters inserted in the emergency department and their subsequent use for rapid sequence intubation, adrenaline administration, or antimicrobial therapy. We recorded the number of secondary pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) admissions.

Results

We followed 162 patients and compared two populations, children with (population A, n = 35) and without (population B, n = 127) catheter insertion. There were no significant differences in age, oxygen saturation, heart rate, c-reactive protein, neutrophil count and the number of times nebulization was conducted at admission. Population A compared to B had a significantly higher temperature (38.1 ± 0.9 vs. 37.6 ± 0.7°C, P = 0.004) and respiratory rate (64 ±13 vs. 59 ±17, P = 0.033). Twelve patients were secondarily transferred to pediatric ICU, 3 from population A and 9 from B (NS). In a multivariate analysis, no significant relationship was found between ICU admission, venous access placement and potential confounding factors (pneumonia, age < 6 months, age < 3 months, food intake < 60%, temperature > 38° C, heart rate > 180 bpm, respiratory rate > 60/min, SpO2 < 95%, Spo2 < 90%, oxygen therapy, positive respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] sampling). Except for antimicrobial therapy (n = 32), catheters inserted in the emergency department were used in 5 patients for intravenous rehydration and in one patient in pediatric ICU for rapid sequence intubation.

Conclusions

There were no life-threatening events that required immediate venous access for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Medical treatment could be administered orally or via nasogastric tube in most cases. Peripheral catheterization was useless in immediate emergency management and only one child required a differed rapid sequence intubation.
The prognostic value of Krebs von den Lungen-6 and surfactant protein-A levels in the patients with interstitial lung disease
Authors: Zheng Peiyan , Zheng Xiaomao , Takehiro Hasegawa , Cheng Zhangkai Jason , Wang Jingxian , Xue Mingshan , Lin Quanming , Huang Zhifeng , Huang Huimin , Liao Chenxi , Sun Baoqing
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives

The highly variable clinical course of interstitial lung disease (ILD) makes it difficult to predict patient prognosis. Serum surfactant protein-A (SP-A) and Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) are known prognostic biomarkers. However, the clinical or pathophysiological differences in patients with these biomarkers have not been well evaluated. We investigated the clinical and pathophysiological differences through the comparison of SP-A and KL-6 levels before and after treatment.

Methods

This study included retrospective data from 91 patients who were treated for ILD between August 2015 and September 2019. Serum SP-A and KL-6 levels were measured before and after treatment. The patients were followed up for 3 months.

Results

Changes in the serum biomarkers (Delta SP-A and Delta KL-6) were found to be significantly correlated (rs = 0.523, P < 0.001); Delta SP-A and Delta KL-6 were inversely correlated with changes in pulmonary function (% predicted values of diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide [DLCO], forced vital capacity [FVC], and forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1]). Patients were divided into four groups based on their Delta SP-A and Delta KL-6 levels in a cluster analysis (G1, G2, G3, and G4). Both SP-A and KL-6 were elevated in the G1 group, with all the patients enrolled classified as progressive or unchanged, and 86.4% of patients showed improved disease activity in the G4 group, where both SP-A and KL-6 levels were reduced. In the G2 group, only SP-A levels decreased post-treatment, indicating an improvement in respiratory function; the patients were not at the end stage of the disease. Only the SP-A levels increased in the G3 group with immunosuppressive treatment.

Conclusions

Reduced serum SP-A and/or KL-6 levels are associated with improved lung function in patients with ILD. Some patients only showed a decrease in SP-A levels could prognosis an improvement in respiratory function. When only SP-A is increased, it may imply that the patients are at an early stage of disease progression. As a result, for proper disease monitoring, measuring both markers is important.
Clinical characteristics of adult patients with systemic vasculitis: Data of 1348 patients from a single center
Authors: Li Jing , Zheng Wenjie , Yang Yunjiao , Zhao Jiuliang , Li Mengtao , Wang Yanhong , Tian Xinping , Zeng Xiaofeng
Published: September 2021

Objective

To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with systemic vasculitis in China by analyzing the data from a nationwide registry database, the Chinese Registry for Systemic Vasculitis (CRSV).

Methods

The demographic data, clinical presentations, image and laboratory test results, disease activity assessment, treatment, and outcome of patients enrolled with the confirmed diagnosis of systemic vasculitis, including Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK), ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), Behcet’s syndrome (BD), Polyangitis nodosa (PAN), and unclassified systemic vasculitis (USV), were collected since July 2013 in the CRSV. The data during July 2013 and February 28 of 2020 were retrieved and analyzed.

Results

Up to February 2020, 3852 patients in total were registered in the CRSV. In Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), 1348 patients were registered, including 730 patients with TAK, 343 with Behcet’s disease (BD), 191 with AAV, 53 with USV, and 31 with PAN. More male patients were found in PAN (64.5%), BD (59.8%), and AAV (52.4%), while TAK was more prevalent in female patients (85.9%). The average age at disease diagnosis was 29.6 in TAK, 33.2 in BD, 28.6 in PAN, 39.4 in USV, and 48.1 in AAV. A significant difference was found between age at diagnosis of TAK and AAV. Gender comparisons revealed that the age at diagnosis of male patients with AAV was older than female patients. Hypertension (57.3%) and stroke (17.5%) were found to be more common in male patients with TAK, vascular involvement (27.3%) was found to be more common in male patients with BD, while neurological involvement (29.0%) was found to be more common in male patients with AAV than in females.

Conclusion

This registry is the first in China and provides rich information about the clinical characteristics of Chinese patients with systemic vasculitis. There are significant differences in clinical presentations between different categories of systemic vasculitis.
Contact interactions between soil and a corrugated metal sheet in soil-shell structures under construction
Authors: Machelski Czesław
Published: September 2021

During the construction of soil-shell objects, large deformations of the shell, which is made of corrugated metal sheet, occur. This enables geodetic techniques to be used when monitoring such objects. On this basis, displacements of selected points of the shell are determined, and it is then possible to obtain bending moments, as shown in this paper. Based on measurements using strain gauges in the circumferential band of the shell, internal forces in steel are estimated. The algorithm given in the paper enables the impact of soil on the shell in the examined objects to be analysed. The proposed method of analysing forces in the contact layer becomes especially useful when the static conditions of the model of a shell, which is considered as a bar submerged unilaterally in the soil medium, are met. The paper indicates the possibility of using both measuring techniques. Calculations include a smaller share of axial forces on the contact impact during the laying phase of the backfill. The paper provides examples of the analysis of built shells and record-breaking objects, with an assessment of the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Good mapping of contact forces, which were calculated on the basis of bending moments, was indicated even when there was not a dense grid of measuring points. An important advantage of the algorithm involves reduction of the circumferential band that is separated from the soil-shell system to the bar, which is an element resulting from the division of the structure into subsystems.
Rodney Stark, Subjective Religiousness and a Prolonged Farewell to Secularization Theory
Authors: Appolonov A. V.
Published: September 2021

In 1999, Rodney Stark announced that the secularization theory had died and should be buried in a graveyard of failed doctrines. He presented the rationale for this verdict in Secularization, R.I.P., which was supposed to show that the theory of secularization is not capable of correctly describing either the past or the current state of religiosity in European countries, and even more so in the rest of the world. While Stark’s findings have been accepted by many scholars, the current researches show that Stark was too hasty with his conclusion, and the theory of secularization still has significant descriptive and explanatory potential. Thus, the results of recent research by Ronald F. Inglehart show that, although religions continue to play an important role in the modern world, their importance is steadily declining even in countries and regions that were previously considered permanently religious (for example, in the United States or in South America). Accordingly, Inglehart speaks of “recent acceleration of secularization” as the reality in which most countries in the world live. In the situation of the ongoing discussion about how fully and accurately the secularization theory is able to describe the laws and mechanics of social changes, it also becomes relevant to consider the question of why the previous criticism of the theory, including that of Stark, was not very effective. It seems that in Stark’s case the following factors have played a negative role: an ideologized approach equating the theory of secularization with secularism, the interpretation of the subjective religiosity of some societies as an unchangeable constant, which, moreover, should be accepted as constant for all other societies, and an extremely simplified interpretation of fundamental principles of secularization theory, which, according to Stark, is no more than the prophecy about the end of religion. The incorrectness of some Stark’s critical ideas is demonstrated by a statistical analysis of long-term trends in the religiosity of Iceland, Great Britain, and the United States. The most telling example seems to be that of Iceland, whose religious landscape has changed dramatically over the past three decades and bears little resemblance to the image of rural religiosity of the 1980s that Stark drew in Secularization, R.I.P., and which he considered unchanged.
On the Protection of Intangible Heritage of Russian Folk Oral Music in the Context of Intercultural Communication (Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia)
Authors: Ping L. , Yuyshin M. A. , Arzumanov I. A.
Published: September 2021

The article discusses the issues of preserving the genre of Russian folk oral musical creativity in the village of the Argun and the city of Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, located in the northern part of China. The issue is viewed in the context of intercultural communication between descendants of Russian immigrants and Chinese locals. The article considers the factors in the formation of the ethnic group of Chinese Russians in Hulunbuir, an area of Russian immigrants’ compact settlement, and the markers of their distinct ethnic identity. Chinese Russians are a specific ethnic group since over several generations they fused with the local ethnicities yet preserved their unique cultural background. One of the peculiar aspects of Russian culture observed within the community of Chinese Russians is chastushka, or ditty, a short witty song expressing an individual’s attitude to any happening. The authors give records of the texts of ditties on various subjects, such as love, daily life, politics, etc. The folk genre of chastushka indicates intercultural communication between China and Russia and the integration of ethnic Russians into Chinese society. The article reveals the problems of protection of the Russian chastushka in the region and possible measures of state provision of its protection as intangible cultural heritage. Both national and local authorities take steps to ensure the continuity of various identities within the national identity of China. Several proposals have been put forward for the protection of the local heritage of this genre of the city of Hulunbuir. Such measures may include further research of cultural materials, enhancing tourism in the region, and incorporating ditties into local festivities Based on the historical and cultural significance, the research points to the real impact of Russian folk oral musical creativity in the processes of Russian-Chinese intercultural communication. The authors underline the significance of the ditty as intangible cultural heritage and the need to include the ditty in the list of the cultural heritage of Chinese Russians. The need to create conditions and state-organizational support for various forms of popularization of this genre, especially for those studying the Russian language, to preserve the oral folk musical creativity of Chinese ethnic Russians is substantiated.
The 43rd Annual Session of St Petersburg Arabists
Authors: Antonova N. G.
Published: September 2021

On April 19–21th, 2021, Institute of Oriental Manuscripts (Saint-Petersburg) hosted the 43rd Annual Session of St Petersburg Arabists in tribute to professor O. G. Bolshakov (1929 – 2020). The conference was held for two days under the chairmanship of Associate Professor S. A. Frantsuzov and included morning and afternoon sessions, which covered interesting reports by Arab scholars from St. Petersburg, Moscow and Kazan in person and online. Arabic messages were accompanied by scholarly discussions on various topics on the history of the Middle East and cultural linguistics. More than 35 speakers from different countries including Canada and Switzerland took part in the conference and were able not only to meet their colleagues, but also to take advantage of a spare day between the sessions and to visit unique sights St. Petersburg has to offer. MGIMO University was represented at the scientific conference by N. G. Antonova, lecturer of the Department of Middle East Languages, with a report on the topic The History of Arabisms in the Spanish Language devoted to the analysis of words borrowings, their introduction into the Spanish language, main groups and levels at which the linguistic process took place. A. O. Bolshakov and F. A. Asadullin delivered their reports about a prominent historian and Arabist O. G. Bolshakov who dedicated his life to the study of the history of Caliphate and Islam. Researchers in the field of linguistic cultural studies spoke about Moscow Arabs, development of the theory of jihad, and various aspects of the Arabic language. A lot of speakers touched upon the topic of religion, including pre-islamic beliefs, and the Quran, its translations and editions kept in the museum collections. The representatives of Saint Petersburg State University gave reports on a wide range of linguistic, historic and ethnographic issues. A. A. Mokrushina made an interactive presentation on the special aspects of commercials in Arab countries. Participation in the session of St. Petersburg Arabists served as a valuable opportunity to make a presentation of one’s current research to colleagues-Arabists, to carry out professional and scientific communication, to hold scientific discussions and to gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the Arabic language.
International Dialogue on Preservation of The Cultural Heritage of Russia (Surgut, 2021)
Authors: Stoyanova V. I.
Published: September 2021

On May 4, 2021, an international scientific and practical conference Preservation of the cultural heritage of Russia was held in Surgut. Masters and young scientists from Russia, the USA, Northern Ireland, Spain, Italy, Estonia and Moldova took part in the conference to gain new experience and share findings of their research on the topic. The main theme stated in the name of the conference determined its theoretical and practical focus. The conference comprised two major sections — Topical issues of preserving Russian culture and Implementation of projects for the preservation of Russian cultural heritage in Russia and abroad. N. K. Murnova opened the plenary meeting with a talk about Doctor of History Tatiana Vyacheslavovna Tobolina and her contribution to the study of Russian emigration of the 20th century. Orthodox Archpriest G. A. Zavershinskiy presented his books on history and religion. One of the key ideas of his report is that the common dichotomy of East and West is no longer viable and should be rejected in favor of antinomy and analogy of cognition. K. A. Frolova representing the Department of international relations of the Orthodox Church spoke about the problem of anti-Russia prejudice and integrity of Russian culture. Delegates representing MGIMO University (Moscow, Russia) presented their reports on periodicals published by Russian emigrants, identity as a general phenomenon, local museums preserving memories of unique events in regional history. Doctor of Philosophy V. S. Glagolev turned to the dimentiality of seeing beauty depending on historical and cultural peculiarities. N. L. Krylov from the Institute of Africa of the Russian Academy of Science devoted his report to the role of women in the conservation of Russian language and traditions in Northern African countries: Russian-speaking women living in Africa manage to assimilate in their countries of residence and nevertheless preserve their Russian identity. Moreover, they take an active part in social and religious local organizations. The conference gave a platform for many other exciting reports on tourism, museology, religious art and education. It was a special joy to hear a talk by T. D. Dzenlyuk, a fourth-generation Russian emigrant, about the work of an Orthodox church in Miami, USA, and the lifestyle of Russian emigrants there. The conference was rich in fascinating reports on diverse topics and ended with a folk concert.
Leading the Leaders: a Book Review on Unlimited Power by Anthony Robbins
Authors: Giray L.
Published: September 2021

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Metaphorisation and Metonimisation as Tools of Semantic Derivation (Based on English Coursebooks on Economics)
Authors: Anokhina S. P.
Published: September 2021

The paper studies two types of indirect (secondary) nomination: simulative and indicative ones, exemplified by extracts from English coursebooks on economics. The similative nomination is actualised through functional transfer, which is interpreted as a separate kind of metaphor termed “actional metaphor”. The analysis of indicative nomination is focused on metonymy and synecdoche (as its closely related device), which is conditioned by the same transfer principle on the basis of an essential attribute. The semantic derivates are considered in sentences representing such logic thought form as definition, which allows to reveal the metaphoric and metonymic processes in the field of English economic terminology.The research discloses the interrelations between the analysed term models and their functions as designators for target and source domains on the one hand, and cognitive metaphor types (ontological and conceptual), on the other hand. The author comes to the conclusion that both types can have either simple or complicated structure. Similarly, there are simple and complicated metonymies. These phenomena make the peculiarities of the given economic discourse when considered from the angle of semantic derivation. The tendency to the uniform secondary semiotic code in term metaphor description can be viewed as another valid peculiarity of economic discourse.With regard to the indicative secondary nomination, the main findings are as follows: the metonymic lexis is organized as a chain opposition: terms and nomens – terms – terms and common lexis – common lexis. The mechanism of forming “mixed” kinds of the indirect nomination, i.e. metaphtonymy and synecdoche-metonymy, is revealed in the course of the context analysis. This leads the author to a hypothetical argument that it is the actional metaphor that underlies these mixed types of semantic derivatives.Both types of the secondary nomination have a systemic nature: metaphor is described in other system units; metonymies have field structure and are actualised through specific oppositions.
“Linguistics of Distancing” Uniting Scholars at the Time of Pandemic
Authors: Sharapkova A.
Published: September 2021

The paper deals with the results of the “Linguistics of distancing” conference held on January 25-26, 2021. Within the framework of the conference the issues of ontology and evolution of language in the time of civilizational shift triggered by the pandemic were discussed. In unparalleled times of global coronavirus epidemic, the conference was organized in a unique format – blog conference, with personal communication embedded in its structure regardless of its being still a remote conference. The questions raised in plenary talks and zoom tables stepped beyond the borderlines of actual communication, igniting further discussions on Facebook, YouTube and other platforms. This open format made it not a usual conference but an unprecedented feast of intellectual pleasure, potentially leaving a longer legacy in the academic world.
TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE E VANTAGEM COMPETITIVA NAS POUSADAS DE CHARME EM FERNANDO DE NORONHA
Authors: Ferreira Thaís Barbosa , Severo Eliana Andréa , Guimarães Julio Cesar Ferro de , Nodari Cristine Hermann
Published: September 2021

Informações sobre questões ambientais e sociais associadas à empresa passaram a ser critérios de escolha dos consumidores.  Neste contexto, o Triple Bottom Line (TBL) ganhou força, uma vez que trouxe à tona o tripé da responsabilidade ambiental, social e econômica. Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a influência do TBL na geração de vantagem competitiva nas pousadas da Ilha de Fernando de Noronha. A metodologia utilizada foi a pesquisa quantitativa e descritiva, por meio de uma survey aplicada numa amostra de 144 pessoas que visitaram a Ilha. Para a análise de dados, foram utilizados os testes de normalidade e confiabilidade, análise fatorial confirmatória e regressão linear múltipla. A partir das três regressões lineares múltiplas entre o TBL nos Pilares Ambiental, Social e Econômico, e a vantagem competitiva pode se afirmar que o Pilar Econômico (R2=53,7%) é o que mais contribui para a geração de vantagem competitiva, seguido, respectivamente, pelos Pilares social (R2=27,1%) e ambiental (R2=23,6%). Esse estudo ressalta a importância de as empresas terem uma postura a favor do desenvolvimento sustentável, fazendo com que a sociedade possa ser fiscalizadora e defensora das questões ambientais e sociais, aumentando seu critério na hora da escolha das empresas cujos bens e serviços serão contratados.
Systolic-diastolic attitude in patients with acute decompensation of heart failure
Authors: Skorodumova E. G. , Kostenko V. A. , Skorodumova E. A. , Gayvoronskiy I. N. , Siverina A. V. , Rysev A. V.
Published: September 2021

The aim of the study was to evaluate the systolic-diastolic ratio in patients with acute decompensation of heart failure against the background of the intermediate function of the left ventricle. This article is based on data from 585 electrocardiograms of 195 patients (98 males and 97 females), the average age was 64.6±14.8 years. By the level of the ejection fraction of left ventricle (LVEF), all patients were divided into three groups: with a reduced LVEF an intermediate LVEF and a preserved LVEF. As a result it was shown that in the groups of intermediate and low EF, when the systole of ventricles dominate over the diastole, but under the treatment ratio changed to the prevalence of diastole. In the preserved LVEF sample diastole dominates at all stages of the observation. Analysis of the ratio described may be useful for assessment of treatment effectiveness and coronary flow in patients with different types of LV function under acute heart failure decompensation.
Current issues of using discounted value in financial statements
Authors: EFIMOVA Ol'ga V. , ROZHNOVA Ol'ga V.
Published: September 2021

Subject. We address the determination and use of discounted value in the preparation of financial statements under IFRS and problems associated with this estimate, including in circumstances of pandemics.
Objectives. We focus on a comprehensive study of the purpose, reasons, methods of calculating and applying the discounted value in the process of preparing the financial statements, and consider factors that affect the estimate and its changes, as well as its impact on the indicators of financial statements.
Methods. The study employs methods of logical, statistical, comparative, and linguistic analysis. We also review foreign and Russian scientific and practical literature, the rules contained in the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting, consolidated financial statements of Russian public companies for 2019 and 2020.
Results. We unveil problems associated with the use of discounted value and the area of its influence, make proposals to improve its measurement and disclosure in the preparation of financial statements. The scope of application of the results obtained includes: building up regular reporting by economic entities, primarily in terms of determining the discounted value, including in the direction of coordinating financial and non-financial reporting information and improving the reliability of disclosures and their analytic function.
Conclusions. To improve the reliability of financial statements, it is crucial to expand disclosures about approaches and assumptions used in measuring the discounted value and coordinate information about the elements of discounted value with non-financial reporting data.
The practice of digital transformation risk assessment of business entities in the Russian Federation
Authors: KHUTOROVA Natal'ya A. , ROGASHKOV Nikolai A.
Published: September 2021

Subject. The article discusses main practical approaches to assessing the risks of digital transformation and proposes an integrated model of risk-based approach to digital transformation that rests on key performance indicators for digital transformation risk assessment.
Objectives. The aim is to perform a critical analysis of the practice of assessing the risks of digital transformation of economic entities in the Russian Federation.
Methods. To perform the comparative analysis of practices of assessing the risks of digital transformation, we apply methods of analysis, comparison, and systematization of the obtained information.
Results. We analyzed the practice of assessing the risks of digital transformation of business entities, developed recommendations to improve models for assessing the digital transformation risks, and offered an integrated risk assessment model.
Conclusions. Given the specifics of the approach of Russian business entities to assessing the risks of digital transformation and a clear trend towards boosting the digitalization, it is advisable to apply a combined model, which includes both the assessment of the impact of digitalization measures on the economic performance of a company and qualitative risk assessment models based on the introduction of a risk-based Agile approach, embedded in the corporate culture of the company, as well as Due Diligence methods; to implement a mechanism of State support for companies, which are in the process of digital transformation.
Reducing transaction costs through possible models of the opportunistic behavior of suppliers
Authors: VASIN Leonid A. , STARUKHIN Vitalii A.
Published: September 2021

Subject. The article discusses the issues of reducing transaction costs with respect to the opportunistic behavior of suppliers.
Objectives. The study reveals forms and constituents of opportunism, analyzes possible model for the opportunistic behavior of supplier, illustrating the practical example. We suggest how transaction costs of manufacturing enterprises should be reduced.
Methods. The methodological framework comprises general methods of analysis, synthesis, deduction, induction. We used articles and monographs of the Russian and foreign scholars, and data of manufacturing enterprises in machine building and metallurgy, which authors gained as part of their professional career.
Results. Reviewing proceedings of foreign and national researchers on transaction costs with respect to the opportunistic behavior of supplier, we analyzed forms and constituents of opportunism. Models of suppliers’ opportunistic behavior are studied in terms of transaction costs incurred by the manufacturing enterprise, which performs orders for their suppliers. We suggest what should be done to prevent opportunism. We also revealed key strategies for responding to the opportunistic behavior of suppliers, which pursue lower transaction costs of manufacturing enterprises.
Conclusions and Relevance. Preventing opportunism, manufacturing enterprises make their relations with suppliers more reliable and effective, thus reducing transaction costs in procurement. It is noteworthy that opportunism prevention activities should be undertaken if their cost is lower than the losses due to opportunism.
The classification and the overview of business models of Islamic banks and Islamic financial companies
Authors: NAGIMOVA Al'mira Z.
Published: September 2021

Subject. This article discusses business models of Islamic banks and Islamic financial companies, their particular characteristics and risks.
Objectives. The study is intended to classify Islamic banks and Islamic financial companies by their business models, and identify the risks related to these models.
Methods. I conducted a desk analysis of published studies, which contains facts, figures and trends of recent changes in the Islamic financial industry. I used general scientific methods for classification and groupings, logical analysis and theoretical generalization.
Results. I classified Islamic banks and Islamic financial companies by qualities of their business models, and identified specific risks related to these models.
Conclusions and Relevance. I identified key risks for each of, and created a map of risks for all ten types of business models that indicate a key risk, estimated probability and risk management measures. The proposed map of risks is intended to be a supportive tool in setting up the further strategy for adapting Islamic finance throughout the Post-Soviet area. The study contributes to proceedings on issues and prospects of Islamic finance in the CIS countries. The analytical materials can be used by ministries and agents, top executives of banks and development institutions, investment, microfinance, lease, insurance and advisory companies, financial industrial groups that seek to raise or place capital in compliance with Islamic financial principles.