bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The burden of SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers across 16 hospitals of Kashmir, India—A seroepidemiological study
Authors: Haq Inaamul , Qurieshi Mariya Amin , Khan Muhammad Salim , Majid Sabhiya , Bhat Arif Akbar , Kousar Rafiya , Chowdri Iqra Nisar , Qazi Tanzeela Bashir , Lone Abdul Aziz , Sabah Iram , Kawoosa Misbah Ferooz , Nabi Shahroz , Sumji Ishtiyaq Ahmad , Ayoub Shifana , Khan Mehvish Afzal , Asma Anjum , Ismail Shaista
Published: November 2021

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has greatly affected healthcare workers because of the high risk of getting infected. The present cross-sectional study measured SARS-CoV-2 antibody in healthcare workers of Kashmir, India. Methods: Serological testing to detect antibodies against nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 was performed in 2003 healthcare workers who voluntarily participated in the study. Results: We report relatively high seropositivity of 26.8% (95% CI 24.8–28.8) for SARS-CoV-2in healthcare workers, nine months after the first case was detected in Kashmir. Most of the healthcare workers (71.7%) attributed infection to the workplace environment. Among healthcare workers who neither reported any prior symptom nor were they ever tested for infection by nasopharyngeal swab test, 25.5% were seropositive. Conclusion: We advocate interval testing by nasopharyngeal swab test of all healthcare workers regardless of symptoms to limit the transmission of infection within healthcare settings.
Incremental value of left atrial strain to predict atrial fibrillation recurrence after cryoballoon ablation
Authors: Motoc Andreea , Luchian Maria–Luiza , Scheirlynck Esther , Roosens Bram , Chameleva Hadischat , Gevers Maxim , Galloo Xavier , von Kemp Berlinde , Ramak Robbert , Sieira Juan , de Asmundis Carlo , Chierchia Gian–Battista , Magne Julien , Weytjens Caroline , Droogmans Steven , Cosyns Bernard
Published: November 2021

Objective

Atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence occurs in approximately 25% of the patients undergoing cryoballoon ablation (CBA), leading to repeated ablations and complications. Left atrial (LA) dilation has been proposed as a predictor of AF recurrence. However, LA strain is a surrogate marker of LA mechanical dysfunction, which might appear before the enlargement of the LA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the additional predictive value of LA function assessed using strain echocardiography for AF recurrence after CBA.

Methods

172 consecutive patients (62.2 ± 12.2 years, 61% male) were prospectively analyzed. Echocardiography was performed before CBA. Blanking period was defined as the first three months post-ablation. The primary endpoint was AF recurrence after the blanking period.

Results

50 (29%) patients had AF recurrence. In the overall study population, peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) ≤ 17% had the highest incremental predictive value for AF recurrence (HR = 9.45, 95%CI: 3.17–28.13, p < 0.001). In patients with non-dilated LA, PALS≤17% remained an independent predictor of AF recurrence (HR = 5.39, 95%CI: 1.66–17.52, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

This study showed that LA function assessed by PALS provided an additional predictive value for AF recurrence after CBA, over LA enlargement. In patients with non—dilated LA, PALS also predicted AF recurrence. These findings emphasize the added value of LA strain, suggesting that it should be implemented in the systematic evaluation of AF patients before CBA.
‘They eat it like sweets’: A mixed methods study of antibiotic perceptions and their use among patients, prescribers and pharmacists in a district hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan
Authors: Burtscher Doris , Van den Bergh Rafael , Nasim Masood , Mahama Gbane , Au Sokhieng , Williams Anita , Sattar Abdul , Penfold Suzanne , Van Overloop Catherine , Bajis Sahar
Published: November 2021

Background

Antibiotic resistance is a growing public health threat. In Afghanistan, high levels of indiscriminate antibiotic use exist, and healthcare programmes are not informed by understanding of local attitudes towards rational antibiotic use. Médecins Sans Frontières is an international non-governmental organization providing healthcare services to the Ahmad Shah Baba (ASB) District Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan, since 2009. This mixed-methods study aimed to explore the perceptions and attitudes toward antibiotics among patients, prescribers, and pharmacists in the ASB District hospital outpatient department.

Methods and findings

Knowledge of antibiotics including their purpose and function, how and why they are used, and drivers for choice of antibiotic was examined at patient, prescriber, and provider-level. The first phase of the study, an exploratory qualitative component using an interpretative approach, was used to inform the second phase, a structured survey. Thirty-six interviews were conducted with 39 participants (21 patients or caretakers and 18 hospital health workers). Three hundred and fifty-one (351) patients and caretakers completed the second phase, the structured survey. This study found that poor knowledge of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance is a driving factor for inappropriate use of antibiotics. Participant perceptions of living in a polluted environment drove the high demand and perceived ‘need’ for antibiotics: patients, doctors and pharmacists alike consider dirty and dusty living conditions as causes of ‘disease’ in the body, requiring antibiotics to ‘clean’ and ‘strengthen’ it.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the need for strategies to improve awareness and knowledge of the general public, improve practice of doctors and pharmacists, regulate antibiotic dispensing in private pharmacies, and implement antibiotic stewardship in hospitals.
Selection of a core collection of Prunus sibirica L. germplasm by a stepwise clustering method using simple sequence repeat markers
Authors: Sun Yongqiang , Dong Shengjun , Liu Quangang , Chen Jianhua , Pan Jingjing , Zhang Jian
Published: November 2021

Prunus sibirica is an economically important tree species that occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of northern China. For this species, creation of a core collection is critical for future ecological and evolutionary studies, efficient economic utilization, and development and management of the broader collection of its germplasm resources. In this study, we sampled 158 accessions of P. sibirica from Russia and China using 30 pair of simple sequence repeat molecular markers and 30 different schemes to identify candidate core collections. The 30 schemes were based on combinations of two different sampling strategies, three genetic distances, and five different sample sizes of the complete germplasm resource. We determined the optimal core collection from among the 30 results based on maximization of genetic diversity among groups according to Number of observed alleles (Na), Number of effective alleles (Ne), Shannon’s information index (I), Polymorphic information content (PIC), Nei gene diversity (H) and compared to the initial collection of 158 accessions. We found that the optimal core collection resulted from preferred sampling at 25% with Nei & Li genetic distance these ratios of Na, Ne, I, PIC and H to the complete 158 germplasm resources were 73.0%, 113%, 102%, 100% and 103%, respectively, indicating that the core collection comprised a robust representation of genetic diversity in P. sibirica. The proposed core collection will be valuable for future molecular breeding of this species and management of its germplasm resources.
Influenza virus vector iNS1 expressing bovine papillomavirus 1 (BPV1) antigens efficiently induces tumour regression in equine sarcoid patients
Authors: Jindra Christoph , Hainisch Edmund K. , Rümmele Andrea , Wolschek Markus , Muster Thomas , Brandt Sabine
Published: November 2021

Bovine papillomaviruses types 1 and 2 (BPV1, BPV2) commonly induce skin tumours termed sarcoids in horses and other equids. Sarcoids seriously compromise the health and welfare of affected individuals due to their propensity to resist treatment and reoccur in a more severe form. We have developed influenza (Flu) A and B virus vectors that harbour a truncated NS1 gene (iNS) assuring interferon induction and co-express shuffled BPV1 E6 and E7 antigens for sarcoid immunotherapy. In a safety trial involving 12 healthy horses, intradermal administration of iNSA/E6E7equ and iNSB/E6E7equ was well tolerated, with the only transient side effect being mild fever in four horses. Repeated screening of secretions and faeces by RT-PCR and plaque assay revealed no virus shedding, thus also confirming biological safety. In a patient trial involving 29 horses bearing BPV1-induced single or multiple sarcoids, at least one lesion per horse was intratumourally injected and then boosted with iNSA/E6E7equ and/or iNSB/E6E7equ. The treatment induced a systemic antitumour response as reflected by the synchronous regression of injected and non-injected lesions. Irrespective of vaccination schemes, complete tumour regression was achieved in 10/29 horses. In 10/29 horses, regression is still ongoing (May 2021). Intriguingly, scrapings collected from former tumour sites in two patients tested negative by BPV1 PCR. Nine severely affected individuals with a history of unsuccessful therapeutic attempts did not (6/29) or only transiently (3/29) respond to the treatment. INSA/E6E7equ and iNSB/E6E7equ proved safe and effective in significantly reducing the tumour burden even in severe cases.
Model for successful development and implementation of Cyber Security Operations Centre (SOC)
Authors: Abd Majid Maziana , Zainol Ariffin Khairul Akram
Published: November 2021

Cyberattacks have changed dramatically and have become highly advanced. This latest phenomenon has a massive negative impact on organizations, such as financial losses and shutting-down of operations. Therefore, developing and implementing the Cyber Security Operations Centre (SOC) is imperative and timely. Based on previous research, there are no international guidelines and standards used by organizations that can contribute to the successful implementation and development of SOC. In this regard, this study focuses on highlighting the significant factors that will impact and contribute to the success of SOC. Simultaneously, it will further design a model for the successful development and implementation of SOC for the organization. The study was conducted quantitatively and involved 63 respondents from 25 ministries and agencies in Malaysia. The results of this study will enable the retrieval of ten success factors for SOC, and it specifically focuses on humans, processes, and technology. The descriptive analysis shows that the top management support factor is the most influential factor in the success of the development and implementation of SOC. The study also contributes to the empirical finding that technology and process factors are more significant in the success of SOCs. Based on the regression test, the technology factor has major impact on determining the success of SOC, followed by the process and human factors. Relevant organizations or agencies can use the proposed model to develop and implement SOCs, formulate policies and guidelines, strengthen human models, and enhance cyber security.
Influenza vaccination coverage among emergency department personnel is associated with perception of vaccination and side effects, vaccination availability on site and the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Stöckeler Anna-Maria , Schuster Philipp , Zimmermann Markus , Hanses Frank
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Influenza is a major concern in hospitals, including the emergency department (ED), mainly because of a high risk for ED personnel to acquire and transmit the disease. Although influenza vaccination is recommended for health care workers, vaccination coverage is low.

Methods

This survey was conducted in the 2016/2017 and 2020/2021 influenza seasons. Questionnaires were sent to ED personnel in 12 hospitals in Bavaria, South-Eastern Germany. The response rates were 62% and 38% in 2016/2017 and 2020/2021, respectively. Data were compared between the two seasons as well as between vaccinated and not vaccinated respondents in 2020/2021.

Results

Significantly more ED personnel reported having been vaccinated in the 2020/2021 season. Factors associated with vaccination coverage (or the intention to get vaccinated) were profession (physician / medical student), having been vaccinated at least twice, the availability of an influenza vaccination on site (in the ED) as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, significant differences in the assessment and evaluation of influenza, its vaccination side effects and ethical aspects were found between vaccinated and not vaccinated ED personnel in 2020/2021. Unvaccinated respondents estimated higher frequencies of almost all potential vaccination side effects, were less likely to accept lay-offs if employees would not come to work during an influenza pandemic and more likely to agree that work attendance should be an employee´s decision. Vaccinated participants instead, rather agreed that vaccination should be mandatory and were less likely to consider job changes in case of a mandatory vaccination policy.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic might have contributed to a higher influenza vaccination rate among ED workers. Vaccination on site and interventions targeting the perception of influenza vaccination and its side effects may be most promising to increase the vaccination coverage among ED personnel.
Android malware classification based on random vector functional link and artificial Jellyfish Search optimizer
Authors: Elkabbash Emad T. , Mostafa Reham R. , Barakat Sherif I.
Published: November 2021

Smartphone usage is nearly ubiquitous worldwide, and Android provides the leading open-source operating system, retaining the most significant market share and active user population of all open-source operating systems. Hence, malicious actors target the Android operating system to capitalize on this consumer reliance and vulnerabilities present in the system. Hackers often use confidential user data to exploit users for advertising, extortion, and theft. Notably, most Android malware detection tools depend on conventional machine-learning algorithms; hence, they lose the benefits of metaheuristic optimization. Here, we introduce a novel detection system based on optimizing the random vector functional link (RVFL) using the artificial Jellyfish Search (JS) optimizer following dimensional reduction of Android application features. JS is used to determine the optimal configurations of RVFL to improve classification performance. RVFL+JS minimizes the runtime of the execution of the optimized models with the best performance metrics, based on a dataset consisting of 11,598 multi-class applications and 471 static and dynamic features.
Nuclear dengue virus NS5 antagonizes expression of PAF1-dependent immune response genes
Authors: Petit Marine J. , Kenaston Matthew W. , Pham Oanh H. , Nagainis Ariana A. , Fishburn Adam T. , Shah Priya S.
Published: November 2021

Dengue virus (DENV) disruption of the innate immune response is critical to establish infection. DENV non-structural protein 5 (NS5) plays a central role in this disruption, such as antagonism of STAT2. We recently found that DENV serotype 2 (DENV2) NS5 interacts with Polymerase associated factor 1 complex (PAF1C). The primary members of PAF1C are PAF1, LEO1, CTR9, and CDC73. This nuclear complex is an emerging player in the immune response. It promotes the expression of many genes, including genes related to the antiviral, antimicrobial and inflammatory responses, through close association with the chromatin of these genes. Our previous work demonstrated that NS5 antagonizes PAF1C recruitment to immune response genes. However, it remains unknown if NS5 antagonism of PAF1C is complementary to its antagonism of STAT2. Here, we show that knockout of PAF1 enhances DENV2 infectious virion production. By comparing gene expression profiles in PAF1 and STAT2 knockout cells, we find that PAF1 is necessary to express immune response genes that are STAT2-independent. Finally, we mapped the viral determinants for the NS5-PAF1C protein interaction. We found that NS5 nuclear localization and the C-terminal region of the methyltransferase domain are required for its interaction with PAF1C. Mutation of these regions rescued the expression of PAF1-dependent immune response genes that are antagonized by NS5. In sum, our results support a role for PAF1C in restricting DENV2 replication that NS5 antagonizes through its protein interaction with PAF1C.
Considering positionality: Responding ethically and teaching for social justice in the time of COVID-19
Authors: Terblanche Judith , van der Walt Charlene
Published: November 2021

Undoubtedly, the global COVID-19 pandemic ruptured life as we knew it. Globally, citizens’ freedom of movement, socialization needs and economic activity ground to a halt as governments around the world introduced stringent measures in response to the ravaging spread of the virus. In South Africa, a national lockdown was announced in March 2020, and the campuses of institutions of higher learning became lifeless and barren. The aftermath of the pandemic will surely be a time of mourning when considering losses in terms of life and socio-economic well-being. Despite these devastating realities, this moment could also be one of promise and hope. Considering commonplace resistance to change, the pandemic is forcing leaders and citizens to reflect on habitual behaviour and decisions. This period in time could become a moment of true transformation that could meaningfully address matters of inequality and injustice. All sectors and industries have to think anew about operational matters, inclusive of the higher education sector. South African higher education residential institutions were not prepared for the sudden transition from face-to-face lecturing to online teaching; from invigilated examinations to take-home online assessment. Further, the South African educational landscape is marred with disparity between the previously disadvantaged and advantaged institutions. These remnant realties from the country’s apartheid past continue to find expression in signifiers of inequality and found poignant expression in measurables such as students’ access to devices, data and a conducive learning environment. This inequality, compounded by the current pandemic, warrants a particular response from the educator to ensure meaningful education continues. In this contribution, we argue that educators need to assume a different role and position, which demands more than merely transitioning to online teaching platforms. The time is now for the educator in becoming to lead vulnerably in the nurturing of confidence through connection and to demonstrate equality in teaching and learning.
Young People and the Struggle for Participation: Contested Practices, Power and Pedagogies in Public Spaces, Andreas Walther, Janet Batsleer, Patricia Loncle and Axel Pohl (eds) (2020)
Authors: Suppers Janina
Published: November 2021

Review of: Young People and the Struggle for Participation: Contested Practices, Power and Pedagogies in Public Spaces, Andreas Walther, Janet Batsleer, Patricia Loncle and Axel Pohl (eds) (2020)

Abingdon and New York: Routledge, 221 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-42943-209-5, eBook, £36.99 GBP
Adult Education and the Formation of Citizens: A Critical Interrogation, Andreas Fejes, Magnus Dahlstedt, Maria Olson and Fredrik Sandberg (2018)
Authors: Estellés Marta
Published: November 2021

Review of: Adult Education and the Formation of Citizens: A Critical Interrogation, Andreas Fejes, Magnus Dahlstedt, Maria Olson and Fredrik Sandberg (2018)

New York: Routledge, 150 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-81536-280-7, $199.35 USD
An Educational Interventional Study on Stem Cell Awareness among Eligible Beneficiaries in Central India
Authors: Marskole Priyesh , Sethia Soumitra , Yadav Rashmi , Parmar Sachin , Parihar Leena
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND Stem cells are pluripotent cells that continuously divide, have the ability of selfrenewal, and can generate complex tissues and organs. Globally there are almost 20 lakh stem cell centres, whereas in India we don’t have such a good network of stem cell registries. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study says that if you have 10 lakh stem registries with you, you will be able to serve at least 40 % of the demand, but when we have 20 lakh of the global registry we are not able to meet the demand because of genetic variation. We wanted to spread awareness on stem cells from various levels like NGO’s, government, health sectors and everybody should take the initiative. The objective of the study was to assess knowledge and awareness of stem cells among eligible beneficiaries (ANC mothers and eligible couples) METHODS A cross-sectional educational interventional study was done in the Gwalior region for 2 months. A total of 100 eligible beneficiaries (ANC mothers and eligible couples) were registered for the study. Collection of questionnaire sheets & sorting out of data for analysis was done. RESULTS After awareness, 86 % of the subjects thought that the regenerated tissues from stem cells were good enough to replace the previous tissues and 91 % of the subjects were willing to donate stem cells after awareness. CONCLUSIONS Doctors and health workers can be a potential source of information for these subjects because of effective convincing strategies. KEY WORDS Stem Cells, Awareness, Umbilical Cord Blood (UCB).
GINKGETIN AMELIORATES NEUROPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN APP/PS1 TRANSGENICAL MICE MODEL
Authors: Zeng Y.-Q. , Wang Y.-J. , Zhou X.-F.
Published: November 2021

The extracellular accumulation of amyloid beta protein (Aβ), reactive gliosis and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) play critical roles in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Ginkgetin, a biflavone isolated from Ginkgo biloba leaves, was previously reported to exhibit strong neuroprotection against cytotoxic insults induced by oxidative stress and amyloid beta, but it remains unclear whether ginkgetin has therapeutic effect on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in vivo. In the present study, we investigated 9 months treatment effects of ginkgetin diet in APP/PS1 mice. Our results show that ginkgetin can significantly reduce plasma Aβ levels 59% and Aβ plaque 51% in the brain of APP/PS1 transgenic mice (P<0.05), effectively inhibits cerebral microhemorrhage 69% (P<0.05), significantly decreases astrogliosis 50% and ameliorate inflammation (P<0.05), exhibits several biological properties for AD.
Dieta de Maduro
Authors: Vasconcelos Iana , Santos Sandro
Published: November 2021

O artigo revisa a posição da Venezuela na geopolítica internacional e as mudanças políticas e econômicas ocorridas no país nas últimas décadas. Esse panorama contribui para o entendimento da chamada “crise humanitária” que transborda as fronteiras nacionais. Para muitos/as venezuelanos/as, entrevistados/as durante pesquisa de campo entre 2016-2020, a migração venezuelana para o Brasil se explica como a fuga de La Dieta de Maduro, uma anedota que expressa descontentamento com o regime político em vigor e culpabiliza o presidente da República pelo desabastecimento de gêneros alimentícios no país. Partindo desse conceito “nativo”, de caráter polifônico, apresentamos o emaranhado de interesses políticos e econômicos, internos e externos, que promovem a instabilidade social, as restrições alimentares e impulsiona os movimentos de emigração. Por fim refletimos sobre a relação entre uma “política da crise”, pactuada internacionalmente, e o estado de “crise política” na Venezuela.
Responsiveness of a Histologic Scoring System Compared With Peak Eosinophil Count in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Ma Christopher , Jairath Vipul , Feagan Brian G. , Guizzetti Leonardo , Zou Guangyong , McFarlane Stefanie C. , Shackelton Lisa M. , Collins Margaret H. , Hirano Ikuo , de Rooij Willemijn E. , Schaeffer David F. , Pai Rish K. , Bredenoord Albert J. , Dellon Evan S.
Published: November 2021

INTRODUCTION:

The optimal instrument for assessing histologic disease activity in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is unclear. We assessed the responsiveness of the EoE Histologic Scoring System (EoE-HSS) when compared with that of the peak eosinophil count (PEC).

METHODS:

Histopathology slides were obtained from patients with EoE at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment with swallowed topical budesonide or elimination diet. Two blinded gastrointestinal pathologists scored biopsies on the EoE-HSS, PEC, and 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) of overall histologic severity. Change was defined as an improvement by ≥0.5 SD in baseline VAS. Responsiveness was quantified using the standardized effect size (SES) and the probability that the index distinguishes a patient with improvement from a patient without improvement, which is the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Longitudinal validity was assessed using Pearson correlations between changes in EoE-HSS and both PEC and VAS.

RESULTS:

The EoE-HSS grade (SES 2.18 [95% confidence interval, CI: 1.46–2.88]; AUC 0.73 [95% CI: 0.57–0.84]) and stage (SES 2.07 [95% CI: 1.37–2.77]; AUC 0.73 [95% CI: 0.58–0.84]) were highly responsive, similar to PEC (SES 1.44 [95% CI: 0.80–2.07]; AUC 0.73 [95% CI: 0.58–0.84]). The EoE-HSS grade and stage were more highly correlated with changes in VAS (grade 0.92 [95% CI: 0.86–0.95]; stage 0.89 [95% CI: 0.81–0.94]) than with changes in PEC (grade 0.74 [95% CI: 0.58–0.85]; stage 0.66 [95% CI: 0.47–0.80]).

DISCUSSION:

The EoE-HSS is highly responsive, performs similarly to PEC, and is better correlated with changes in overall histologic activity in patients with EoE.
Symptomatic Pneumoperitoneum After Gastrostomy Tube Placement Managed by Pneumocentesis
Authors: Brotherton Tim , Chhaparia Anuj , Presti Michael , Sayuk Gregory , Elwing Jill
Published: November 2021

Pneumoperitoneum is a known complication of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement that typically resolves spontaneously with conservative management. We describe the case of a 72-year-old man who developed abdominal pain and distention after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement who was subsequently found to have a moderate-sized pneumoperitoneum. Despite supportive care, his abdominal pain failed to improve. We report paracentesis with air aspiration as an intervention for benign pneumoperitoneum resulting in rapid and durable resolution of abdominal complaints.
Tax Compliance: Respectful Treatment and Institutional Image
Authors: Prastiwi Dewi , Narsa I Made , Diamastuti Erlina
Published: November 2021

This study aims to analyze the effect of respectful treatment and institutional image on tax compliance. This study used a survey method of individual non-employee taxpayers at the Primary Tax Office (KPP) in the Regional Office of the DJP I, East Java, totaling 304 respondents. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The research findings showed that the strength of Crowding Theory and Trust Theory, and that the extrinsic intervention in the form of reward and punishment cannot always increase taxpayer compliance. Instead, a respectful approach and goodwill, ability and integrity of tax authorities in solving tax problems of taxpayers can increase tax compliance. This is supported by the results of the study that: 1) respectful treatment can improve institutional image; 2) respectful treatment can increase tax compliance; 3) institutional image can increase tax compliance. The implication of research results, respectful treatment of tax officers can be used to improve the image of the DJP and taxpayer compliance.
Matching Cost Against Revenue at Royalty Expenses
Authors: Santoso Muhammad Rifky
Published: November 2021

The recording of royalty expenses must not only be consistent but also complied with the principle of matching costs against revenue, especially in calculating taxable income. If all accounting principles are not met in recording the royalty expense, the tax authority will correct it Â so that the royalty expenses cannot be deducted from taxable income. By using a case in a tax court in Indonesia, there is a taxpayer who does not meet the matching cost against revenue principle when recording royalty expenses. The taxpayer deducts these royalty expenses for the previous year in the current year because the amounts of these royalty expenses are known exactly in the current year. Even though the taxpayer's financial statements were audited and had an unqualified opinion, the Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) as the tax authority in Indonesia negated the royalty expenses as a deduction from taxable income. This paper finds that a net sales-based royalty fee scheme can be estimated at the end of the year and deducted from gross income without waiting for a certainty on the amount of royalty expense on invoices received in the coming year. The accounting records of the taxpayer are not proper so that some data or documents cannot be proven in the tax court. The method of recording in the financial statements with an unqualified opinion does not guarantee that the recording follows tax regulations, especially following Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Modeling and optimization of finish diamond turning of spherical surfaces based on response surface methodology and cuckoo search algorithm
Authors: Kramar D. , Cica Dj.
Published: November 2021

Surface roughness is one of the most significant factors to indicate the product quality. Diamond turning is an efficient and highly accurate material removal process to improve the surface quality of the workpiece. In the present study, the arithmetic mean absolute roughness (Ra) and total height of profile (Rt) of spherical surface during finish turning of a commercial brass alloy CuZn40Pb2 were modeled using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The experimental investigations were carried out using the Central Composite Design (CCD) under dry conditions. The effect of cutting parameters such as spindle speed, feed rate and depth of cut) on spherical surface quality was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). A cuckoo search (CS) algorithm was used to determine the optimum machining parameters to minimize the surface roughness. Finally, confirmation experiments were carried out to verify the adequacy of the considered optimization algorithm.
A multi-objective selective maintenance optimization method for series-parallel systems using NSGA-III and NSGA-II evolutionary algorithms
Authors: Xu E.B. , Yang M.S. , Li Y. , Gao X.Q. , Wang Z.Y. , Ren L.J.
Published: November 2021

Aiming at the problem that the downtime is simply assumed to be constant and the limited resources are not considered in the current selective maintenance of the series-parallel system, a three-objective selective maintenance model for the series-parallel system is established to minimize the maintenance cost, maximize the probability of completing the next task and minimize the downtime. The maintenance decision-making model and personnel allocation model are combined to make decisions on the optimal length of each equipment’s rest period, the equipment to be maintained during the rest period and the maintenance level. For the multi-objective model established, the NSGA-III algorithm is designed to solve the model. Comparing with the NSGA-II algorithm that only considers the first two objectives, it is verified that the designed multi-objective model can effectively reduce the downtime of the system.
Thermosensitive hydrogel for in situ-controlled methotrexate delivery
Authors: Carrillo-Castillo Teresa Darlen , Luna-Velasco Antonia , Zaragoza-Contreras Erasto Armando , Castro-Carmona Javier Servando
Published: November 2021

Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used for the treatment of various types of cancer; however, it has drawbacks such as low solubility, lack of selectivity, premature degradation, and side effects. To solve these weaknesses, a hydrogel with the ability to contain and release MTX under physiological conditions without burst release was synthesized. The hydrogel was fabricated with a poly(ɛ-caprolactone)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL–PEG–PCL) triblock copolymer, synthesized by ring-opening polymerization. The characterizations by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry confirmed the copolymer assembly, whereas the molecular weight analysis validated the PCL2000–PEG1000–PCL2000 structure. The copolymer aqueous solution exhibited sol–gel phase transition at 37°C and injection capacity. The hydrogel supported a load of 1,000 μg MTX·mL−1, showing a gradual and sustained release profile of the drug for 14 days, with a delivery up to 92% at pH 6.7. The cytotoxicity of the MTX-loaded hydrogel was performed by the methyl thiazole tetrazolium assay, showing a mean inhibitory concentration of 50% of MCF-7 cells (IC50) at 43 µg MTX·mL−1.
A macro-level analysis of language learning and migration
Authors: Uebelmesser Silke , Sommerfeld Ann-Marie , Weingarten Severin
Published: November 2021

This article investigates the macro-level drivers of adult-age language learning with a focus on migration based on a new dataset on German language learning in 77 countries (including Germany) for 1992–2006. Fixed-effects regressions show that language learning abroad is strongly associated with immigration from countries of the European Union and the Schengen Area whose citizens enjoy free access to Germany, while language learning in Germany is strongly associated with immigration from countries with restricted access. The different degrees of uncertainty about access to Germany seem to be of importance for preparatory language learning. To shed light on country heterogeneities, we substitute the location fixed effects with a vector of country characteristics, which include several distance measures among others, and we estimate a random-effects model. Last, we provide some tentative arguments in favour of a causal interpretation. The main results related to the role of uncertainty are mostly unaffected. The Skilled Immigration Act from 2020 removes part of this uncertainty with potential positive effects on preparatory language learning and economic and social integration.
Analysis of optical Kerr effect on effective core area and index of refraction in single-mode dispersion shifted and dispersion flattened fibers
Authors: Aich Jayanta , Majumdar Angshuman , Gangopadhyay Sankar
Published: November 2021

A new technique is presented for computing very useful propagation parameters like effective core area and effective index of refraction of mono-mode dispersion shifted and dispersion flattened fibers both in the presence and in the absence of Kerr nonlinearity. The technique involves application of accurate but simple expressions for modal fields developed by Chebyshev formalism. The study of the influence of Kerr nonlinearity on the aforementioned parameters, however, requires the application of the method of iteration. For the purpose of such investigation, in linear as well as nonlinear region, we take some typically used dispersion shifted and dispersion flattened fibers and we show that the results found by our simple formalism are in excellent agreement with those obtained by using complex finite element method. Further, the necessary evaluation by our simple method needs very less computations. Thus, our formalism generates ample opportunity for applications in many areas in the field of nonlinear optics.
Maghnite: an innovative inorganic reinforcement utilized in the synthesis of polyamide 12 nanocomposites with optimized thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: Mrah Lahouari , Marref Mohamed , Megherbi Radja
Published: November 2021

This study will contribute to the identification and understanding of the reinforcement mechanisms of thermoplastic matrices by nanofillers. This aspect is addressed through the investigation of the thermal and mechanical properties of nanocomposites consisting of a polyamide 12 (PA12) matrix crammed with organically modified clay nanoparticles. An efficient approach to the synthesis of polyamide 12 (PA12) nanocomposites was investigated; Maghnite may be a processed Algerian mineral clay which will act both as a catalyst and as an inorganic reinforcement. Two sorts of organic substances were used, labeled CTA-Mag (1CEC) and CTA-Mag (2CEC), modified by cetyltrimethylammonium (CTA) ions. However, PA12/CTA-Mag nanocomposites are characterized by various physico-chemical techniques, XRD, FTIR, TGA, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). Measurements of tensile modulus, yield strength, lastingness, elongation at break and toughness were done to assess the behavior of the mechanical properties. Furthermore, we have analyzed the consequences of the mass fraction of the fillers on the structural, thermal and mechanical properties of those nanocomposites. Specific attention has been paid to the study of relationships between the macroscopic properties and therefore the structure of nanocomposites. Thermomechanical tests showed a big improvement within the properties of the nanocomposites compared to neat PA12.
A morphosyntactic analysis of nominal expressive suffixes in Russian and Greek
Authors: Steriopolo Olga , Markopoulos Giorgos , Spyropoulos Vassilios
Published: November 2021

This work investigates and compares nominal expressive suffixes in Russian and Greek within the framework ofDistributed Morphology. It shows that, although the suffixes under investigation share the same expressive meaning, they differ significantly in their syntactic structure, namely in the manner and place of attachment in the syntactic tree. More specifically, in both languages expressive suffixes can attach either as heads or as modifiers and, furthermore, they may occupy various syntactic positions. This illustrates that, despite their uniformity at semantic level, expressive suffixes exhibit variation with respect to their syntactic structuring both within and across languages.
Hidden Champions and their integration in rural regional innovation systems: Insights from Germany
Authors: Rietmann Carsten
Published: November 2021

This article studies the integration of Hidden Champions – little-known highly innovative global market leaders – in rural regional innovation systems (RIS) in Germany. These firms are analyzed in relation to their integration into a RIS framework, which differentiates two subsystems: knowledge generation and diffusion, and knowledge application and exploitation. The relevance of firm-internal and firm-external regional influencing factors on rural RIS integration is examined. The article proposes that Hidden Champions are weakly integrated in RIS due to their international sales focus and high technological specialization. To test this premise, 57 expert interviews with Hidden Champions and regional actors were conducted. It was found that key influences for RIS integration of this firm type are ownership structure, firm size, organizational status, location economies, and urbanization economies. Family businesses are on average more integrated than other firm types, but vary significantly in their integration.
Centrifuge Modeling Methodology for Energy Pile Pullout from Saturated Soft Clay
Authors: Ghaaowd Ismaail , McCartney John S.
Published: November 2021

This paper describes a test setup and methodology for centrifuge modeling of energy pile pullout from saturated soft clay, with the goal of understanding how pile heating improves the interface shear strength through thermal consolidation. A kaolinite clay layer was first consolidated outside the centrifuge within a cylindrical container with an inner diameter of 551 mm using a hydraulic piston to reach a thickness of 220–240 mm then permitted to equilibrate in the centrifuge under 50 g. An aluminum energy pile having a model-scale diameter of 25 mm and length of 255 m was then installed at a constant displacement rate through the clay layer and embedded into an underlying sand layer. An electrical resistance heater within the pile was used to heat the soil-pile interface to a target temperature, and thermocouples and pore water pressure transducers in the clay layer were used to track the coupled heat transfer and water flow processes. Detailed results are reported from a baseline test on an unheated pile and from a test on a pile where pullout was performed after heating the pile from 20°C to 65°C and cooling back to 20°C with no head restraint. The pullout capacity of the heated energy pile was 1.43 times greater than that of the unheated energy pile. Insights into the increase in capacity were gained from undrained shear-strength profiles in the clay layers measured using push-pull T-bar penetration tests performed after pullout.
Distinct Representations of Tonotopy and Pitch in Human Auditory Cortex
Authors: Allen Emily J. , Mesik Juraj , Kay Kendrick N. , Oxenham Andrew J.
Published: November 2021

Frequency-to-place mapping, or tonotopy, is a fundamental organizing principle throughout the auditory system, from the earliest stages of auditory processing in the cochlea to subcortical and cortical regions. Although cortical maps are referred to as tonotopic, it is unclear whether they simply reflect a mapping of physical frequency inherited from the cochlea, a computation of pitch based on the fundamental frequency, or a mixture of these two features. We used high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure BOLD responses as male and female human participants listened to pure tones that varied in frequency or complex tones that varied in either spectral content (brightness) or fundamental frequency (pitch). Our results reveal evidence for pitch tuning in bilateral regions that partially overlap with the traditional tonotopic maps of spectral content. In general, primary regions within Heschl's gyri (HGs) exhibited more tuning to spectral content, whereas areas surrounding HGs exhibited more tuning to pitch.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTTonotopy, an orderly mapping of frequency, is observed throughout the auditory system. However, it is not known whether the tonotopy observed in the cortex simply reflects the frequency spectrum (as in the ear) or instead represents the higher-level feature of fundamental frequency, or pitch. Using carefully controlled stimuli and high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we separated these features to study their cortical representations. Our results suggest that tonotopy in primary cortical regions is driven predominantly by frequency, but also reveal evidence for tuning to pitch in regions that partially overlap with the tonotopic gradients but extend into nonprimary cortical areas. In addition to resolving ambiguities surrounding cortical tonotopy, our findings provide evidence that selectivity for pitch is distributed bilaterally throughout auditory cortex.
Predictive Representations in Hippocampal and Prefrontal Hierarchies
Authors: Brunec Iva K. , Momennejad Ida
Published: November 2021

As we navigate the world, we use learned representations of relational structures to explore and to reach goals. Studies of how relational knowledge enables inference and planning are typically conducted in controlled small-scale settings. It remains unclear, however, how people use stored knowledge in continuously unfolding navigation (e.g., walking long distances in a city). We hypothesized that multiscale predictive representations guide naturalistic navigation in humans, and these scales are organized along posterior-anterior prefrontal and hippocampal hierarchies. We conducted model-based representational similarity analyses of neuroimaging data collected while male and female participants navigated realistically long paths in virtual reality. We tested the pattern similarity of each point, along each path, to a weighted sum of its successor points within predictive horizons of different scales. We found that anterior PFC showed the largest predictive horizons, posterior hippocampus the smallest, with the anterior hippocampus and orbitofrontal regions in between. Our findings offer novel insights into how cognitive maps support hierarchical planning at multiple scales.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWhenever we navigate the world, we represent our journey at multiple horizons: from our immediate surroundings to our distal goal. How are such cognitive maps at different horizons simultaneously represented in the brain? Here, we applied a reinforcement learning-based analysis to neuroimaging data acquired while participants virtually navigated their hometown. We investigated neural patterns in the hippocampus and PFC, key cognitive map regions. We uncovered predictive representations with multiscale horizons in prefrontal and hippocampal gradients, with the longest predictive horizons in anterior PFC and the shortest in posterior hippocampus. These findings provide empirical support for the computational hypothesis that multiscale neural representations guide goal-directed navigation. This advances our understanding of hierarchical planning in everyday navigation of realistic distances.
Bibliometric Review of Business-processing Digitalization
Authors:   Sumy State University, Khaba Hanna , Sygyda Lyubov ,   Sumy State University, Nazarenko Anastasiia ,   Sumy State University
Published: November 2021

This study aims to analyze and systematize the scientific background concerning the impact of digitalization on business processes transformation. For achieving this goal, a bibliometric analysis of scientific articles was conducted. The research period is 2000-2020. The initial data for the study were formed based on the analysis of 1290 scientific articles indexed in the scientometric database Scopus. The authors applied the VOSviewer software instruments to analyze the panel data. According to the results of the theoretical study, the most prominent scientists, impactful scientific journals, the contribution of countries, and the role of financial sponsors in the development of the research issue were identified. Based on the obtained results, further research directions in the digitalization of business processes were determined.
Weighted Hardy operators in local generalized Orlicz-Morrey spaces
Authors: Aykol C. , Azizova Z.O. , Hasanov J.J.
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we find sufficient conditions on general Young functions $(\Phi, \Psi)$ and the functions $(\varphi_1,\varphi_2)$ ensuring that the weighted Hardy operators $A_\omega^\alpha$ and ${\mathcal A}_\omega^\alpha$ are of strong type from a local generalized Orlicz-Morrey space $M^{0,\,loc}_{\Phi,\,\varphi_1}(\mathbb R^n)$ into another local generalized Orlicz-Morrey space $M^{0,\,loc}_{\Psi,\,\varphi_2}(\mathbb R^n)$. We also obtain the boundedness of the commutators of $A_\omega^\alpha$ and ${\mathcal A}_\omega^\alpha$ from $M^{0,\,loc}_{\Phi,\,\varphi_1}(\mathbb R^n)$ to $M^{0,\,loc}_{\Psi,\,\varphi_2}(\mathbb R^n)$.