bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of a 4-Week Manual Therapy and Exercise Intervention on Posture and Function in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hughes Lynne C. , Galloway Rebecca V. , Fisher Steve R.
Published: August 2022

Background and Purpose:

Thoracic hyperkyphosis is a common condition that progresses with aging and has been associated with impaired functional performance, increased risk of falls, and even mortality. Previous studies to improve posture primarily used exercise for durations of 3 months or longer. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility of a manual therapy intervention in community-dwelling older adults over a 4-week time frame that is comparable to the typical clinical setting, to test the appropriateness and procedures for the measurement of posture and function in the older population with hyperkyphosis, and to collect preliminary data to describe change in posture and function measures.

Methods:

Twenty-four participants with hyperkyphosis or forward head posture were recruited, and 22 participants completed this pilot study. Feasibility was measured based on attendance, tolerance, safety, and retention. Issues with measurement procedures were recorded. The intervention included manual therapy and exercise 3 times a week for 4 weeks to target spinal and peripheral joint stiffness, muscle lengthening, and muscle activation. Outcomes included height, kyphotic index (KI), Block Test, Acromion to Table (ATT), Timed Up and Go (TUG), 5 times sit-to-stand (5XSTS), Functional Reach (FR), 2-minute walk test (2MWT), and Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS). Data collected at visits 1, 6, and 12 were analyzed using 1-way repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance.

Results and Discussion:

Measurement and intervention protocols were found to be feasible. A significant effect for the aggregate dependent variables change over time was found. Univariate analysis of each dependent variable showed significance except for FR. All postural measures (height, KI, Block Test, and ATT) significantly improved statistically. The KI and ATT exceed the minimal detectable change for clinical significance. Function showed statistical improvements in the TUG, 5XSTS, 2MWT, and PSFS. Clinical significance was reached with the PSFS. Seven of 9 measures showed a statistically significant change in just 2 weeks.

Conclusions:

This pilot study suggests that manual therapy and exercise applied to older adults shows promise for improvement in measures of posture and functional performance in a clinically feasible 4-week time frame.
Passing for History
Authors: Williams Mark
Published: August 2022

This essay will realize an intersectional historiographic approach to the career of Ina Ray Hutton, one of the most important band leaders during the rise and fall of the swing era. Hutton was known as the “blonde bombshell of rhythm,” an appellation that was critical not only to her popular notoriety but also to her success performing a sustained act of racial passing, the full public awareness of which has arrived in a belated and untimely fashion (absent from her obituaries). Although her passing was likely known within certain delimited communities, it was hidden from the larger dominant white culture of the day and from the popular memory of her trans-media audience. This study will focus on the contexts of her work at the beginning of her career, and end with her late career on local and network television as sites that provide new speculative interventions to recognize the significance of this singular performer.
OXIDATIVE STRESS AND REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION: Sperm telomeres, oxidative stress, and infertility
Authors: Moazamian Aron , Gharagozloo Parviz , Aitken Robert J , Drevet Joël R
Published: August 2022

In brief

Oxidative stress is recognized as an underlying driving factor of both telomere dysfunction and human subfertility/infertility. This review briefly reassesses telomere integrity as a fertility biomarker before proposing a novel, mechanistic rationale for the role of oxidative stress in the seemingly paradoxical lengthening of sperm telomeres with aging.

The maintenance of redox balance in the male reproductive tract is critical to sperm health and function. Physiological levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) promote sperm capacitation, while excess ROS exposure, or depleted antioxidant defenses, yields a state of oxidative stress which disrupts their fertilizing capacity and DNA structural integrity. The guanine moiety is the most readily oxidized of the four DNA bases and gets converted to the mutagenic lesion 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Numerous studies have also confirmed oxidative stress as a driving factor behind accelerated telomere shortening and dysfunction. Although a clear consensus has not been reached, clinical studies also appear to associate telomere integrity with fertility outcomes in the assisted reproductive technology setting. Intriguingly, while sperm cellular and molecular characteristics make them more susceptible to oxidative insult than any other cell type, they are also the only cell type in which telomere lengthening accompanies aging. This article focuses on the oxidative stress response pathways to propose a mechanism for the explanation of this apparent paradox.
Production of extracellular vesicles from equine embryo-derived mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Tasma Zoe , Hou Weilin , Damani Tanvi , Seddon Kathleen , Kang Matthew , Ge Yi , Hanlon David , Hollinshead Fiona , Hisey Colin L , Chamley Lawrence W
Published: August 2022

In brief

Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have shown promise as off-the-shelf therapeutics; however, producing them in sufficient quantities can be challenging. In this study, MSCs were isolated from preimplantation equine embryos and used to produce EVs in two commercially available bioreactor designs.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have recently been explored for their potential use as therapeutics in human and veterinary medicine applications, such as the treatment of endometrial inflammation and infertility. Allogeneic MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) may also provide therapeutic benefits with advantage of being an ‘off-the-shelf’ solution, provided they can be produced in large enough quantities, without contamination from bovine EVs contained in fetal bovine serum that is a common component of cell culture media. Toward this aim, we demonstrated the successful isolation and characterization of equine MSCs from preimplantation embryos. We also demonstrate that many of these lines can be propagated long-term in culture while retaining their differentiation potential and conducted a head-to-head comparison of two bioreactor systems for scalable EV production including in serum-free conditions. Based on our findings, the CELLine AD 1000 flasks enabled higher cell density cultures and significantly more EV production than the FiberCell system or conventional culture flasks. These findings will enable future isolation of equine MSCs and the scalable culture of their EVs for a wide range of applications in this rapidly growing field.
Mezenchymalne komórki macierzyste w leczeniu głębokich oparzeń – wizja przyszłości, czy kolejny mit?
Authors: Surowiecka Agnieszka , Stendel Oliwia , Strużyna Jerzy
Published: August 2022

Mezenchymalne komórki macierzyste mają znaczący potencjał regeneracyjny i stosowane są w wielu wskazaniach. Wydzielają wiele czynników wzrostu, m.in. dla fibroblastów, śródbłonka, a także cytokin przeciwzapalnych, stymulują regenerację tkanek, promując sekrecję białek i glikozaminoglikanów macierzy zewnątrzkomórkowych, takich jak kolagen I, II, III i V, elastyna, ale także metaloproteinaz. Wydzielają egzosomy i mikropęcherzyki zawierające białka, kwasy nukleinowe, lipidy i enzymy. Ponadto wykazują działanie inaktywujące wolne rodniki. Celem niniejszego opracowania była próba zebrania dotychczasowej literatury dotyczącej zastosowania komórek macierzystych w leczeniu rany oparzeniowej.
The Collective Imagination and the Limitations for the Tianxia to Replace the Westphalian World Order
Authors: Česnakas Giedrius
Published: August 2022

The collective political imagination establishes world orders that define how political communities interact. The relative power of the West allowed the introduction of the first global world order, known as the Westphalian. However, the increasing relative power of the People’s Republic of China allows it to promote an alternative world order vision, which is the result of its political imagination. Zhao Tingyang’s re-imagined hierarchic Tianxia order is seen as a challenger to the Westphalian order. This paper analyzes whether the Tianxia order can replace the Westphalian, considering the contemporary global political environment. The discussion is based on Jeffrey Legro’s theory of collective ideas and foreign policy change, applying it to world order replacement analysis. The findings suggest that the Tianxia has significant limitations in replacing the Westphalian world order. The Westphalian order orthodoxy remains strong. The order is also adaptable, capable of including hierarchical elements. Despite the increase of the PRC’s relative power and its greater capabilities to shape norms with domestic support, continuity usually prevails, so the habit of sovereignty prevails over hierarchical order. Finally, the article argues that the Tianxia order is not resilient to the anarchic-competitive element of human nature.
Forced Migration in the Extraordinary Conditions of the Russian-Ukrainian War and Its Negative Consequences for the Gene Pool of Ukraine
Authors:   M. Rylskyi Institute of Art Studies, Folkloristics and Ethnology, Rendiuk Teofil
Published: August 2022

The article covers an exclusively new topic – forced migration processes in Ukraine and abroad, provoked by the current hot phase of the eight-year Russian-Ukrainian war. The immediate negative impact of this phenomenon on the demograph-ic situation in Ukraine and future consequences for the gene pool of the population of the Ukrainian state are studied for the first time. The features of forced migration in the extraordinary conditions of this war, such as quantitative indicators of migrants and emigrants, age and gender of their subjectivity, directions of migrants running within Ukraine and emigrants abroad, problems faced by migrants in the country and abroad, etc. are investigated in the article. The aim of the study is to show the huge and unexpected impact of large-scale military operations launched by the occu-pying Russian regular army on the lives and fate of peaceful and innocent people of Ukraine. A quarter of them has become forced refugees and displaced persons. The figures and facts also show the tragedy of millions of families and individuals who have been forced to leave their homes, leaving all the benefits acquired during their lives. The relevance of the work is justified by the necessity of immediate generalization and study of the latest statistical and demographic data on the current forced migration crisis in the extraordinary conditions of the current Russian-Ukrainian aggressive war. The methods of research include general and specific historical: analysis and synthesis (in the course of working with sources); objectivity (determining the scale of internal and external migration provoked by the hot phase of the eight-year Russian-Ukrainian war); generalization (to understand the real state of forced migration processes in Ukraine and abroad and to draw conclusions); statistical (for the use in the work of quantitative indicators of migration and emigration various in nature and importance); chronological (to present the material in sequential chronological order); synchronous (during the comparative characterization of the situation of internally displaced persons in Ukraine and abroad). The scientific novelty of the article is a comprehensive analysis of new statistical and demographic data on the unprec-edented scales of the 7 million forced resettlement movement within Ukraine and the forced emigration of almost 6 million inhabitants and the extremely negative impact of these phenomena on our state gene pool. The practical value of the work comes down to the fact that the factual material, the author’s views and conclusions can be used to prepare works on modern history of Ukraine, some foreign countries and the Ukrainian diaspora.
Assessment of the relationship of reservoir properties of hydrocarbon fields in the Lower Kura depression (Kursengi and Southern Kursengi areas)
Authors: Ganbarova Shura A. , Kerimov Vagif M.
Published: August 2022

The article is devoted to the analysis of the geological-petrophysical properties of the Kursengi and Southern Kursengi fields of the Lower Kura depression with a view to clarify the changes in the physical properties (carbonate content, permeability, porosity) of rocks with depth. Promising sediments and horizons of deposits are also considered based on a detailed analysis of numerous rock samples. Oil and gas bearing objects are especially distinguished by area, as well as possible oil and gas bearing blocks. The main purpose of these studies is to unravel changes in carbonate, porosity and permeability of rocks with depth based on core samples taken from drilled wells in the study area and to identify the factors causing these changes. To do this, using the obtained well data, the dependences of changes in depth of porosity, permeability and carbonate were compiled. As known, with increasing depth, rocks experience compaction. With the depth of changes in porosity, the rocks do not show any regularity, i. e. at some depths, an increase in the porosity of rocks is observed, and at some depths, a decrease, and this occurs in an abrupt manner. In our sections, the critical depths of porosity decrease are observed from 500 m to 1600 m, and the critical depth of porosity increase from 1600 m to 2950 m. In other words, the porosity of reservoirs, with a general gradual decrease in depth, begins to sharply decrease from a depth of 3200 m. In the study of core materials, it was found that the rocks are characterized by good reservoir properties. However, in many of the studied samples, the porosity of the rocks varies within a wide range of 12.8–27.8 %, and the permeability ranges from 0.001x10–15m2 to 120x10–15m2. Changes in petrophysical values are observed in both study areas. The reason for the change in petrophysical values in a wide range at the objects of study is associated with the lithological heterogeneity of the complexes and the occurrence depth of the reservoir.
Use of visual-diagnostic color parameters of soils and optical reflectometry for determination of organic carbon content
Authors: Herts Andriy I. , Khomenchuk Volodymyr O. , Kononchuk Oleksandr B. , Herts Nataliia V. , Markiv Viktor S. , Buianovskyi Andrii О.
Published: August 2022

To get additional tools for the assessment of carbon sequestration, along with the visual assessment of soil coloration with the applying of A. H. Munsell’s atlas, the analysis of color and spectral characteristics of soil using portable colorimeter NixPro and reflectometer Our Sci Reflectometer was carried out in this study. Elemental analysis of soil samples using X-ray fluorescence analysis was performed and the content of organic carbon was estimated. The spectral range of reflected light, which correlates most with the content of organic soil substance, was singled out. Based on the data, received by methods of reflectometry and colorimetry, prognostic regression models were constructed. A multiple linear regression equation with a statistically authentic luminosity predictor (L*) (R2=0.61) was obtained. It allows describing the link between the content of the organic substance in the studied soils and the parameters of the color setting system CIELab, as well as the equation describing 69 % of the data link dispersion between the integrated reflection coefficient and the organic carbon content of the soil. The link between the integral reflection coefficient and the total organic substance content was found. The most correlated spectral range with the content of organic substance – 500–632 nm was singled out. Regression models, which were based exclusively on the spectral data of pre-treated H2O2 soils, increased their predictability by 8–10 %. Approaches that can complement the tools for rapid determination of the organic carbon content in the soil were presented in the work. Researchers are expanding their arsenal of technical support for estimation of color or spectral coefficients of light reflection, based on which it is possible to conduct geospatial analysis and determine the content of the organic substance in low-humus soils with a probability of 69 %.
Geoecological contradictions in the functioning of urban ecosystems in conditions of increased anthropogenic impact and abnormal weather-climate changes
Authors: Tsaryk Ljubomyr P. , Kovalchuk Ivan P. , Tsaryk Petro L. , Kuzyk Ihor R. , Tsaryk Volodymyr L.
Published: August 2022

The risks of abnormal temperatures and rainfall on urban ecosystems have been assessed. According to urban ecosystems study results, the scale of anthropogenic changes in the functioning of green zones, urban and suburban regional landscape parks is demonstrated. It has been established that negative changes in components’ state of landscape systems contribute to the effective manifestation of a number of adverse processes and phenomena (reduction of groundwater levels, intensification of droughts, soil erosion and deflation, their dehumidification, depletion of landscape and biotic diversity, etc.). The SWOT-analysis method demonstrated the positive role of green zones in the functioning of urban ecosystems and its negative effects on the complex green zones. At the basic stage of the study on the example of the Ternopil urban system the dynamics of the temperatures and precipitation during 60-year period has been demonstrated, the differences in the temperature indicators of the surfaces of different districts of the city have been clarified. It is established that industrial, residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, transport infrastructure experience the greatest temperature fluctuations. The morphology of the earth’s surface, the presence of depressions, significant angles of earth’s surface inclination, the ratio of green zones with built-up and covered with asphalt, pavement, concrete and road network systems and storm sewers, etc. is an important factor in the intensification of slope water runoff in urban systems. The vulnerability of Ternopil urban system to climate change has been analyzed. Temperature calculations of various city surfaces have been done. The features of moisture circulation on artificial and natural surfaces of urban system have been shown schematically. The flooding regular risk places of the lowered parts of the city territory have been revealed. The runoff coefficients and the combined runoff coefficient for different surfaces of the city have been calculated. Based on these data, the surface runoff volumes in case of heavy rain have been calculated. It has been proven that in the event of torrential rains, the existing rainwater drainage system will not cope with the volume of runoff, causing flooding and inundation of urban zones. A set of measures aimed at preventing flooding of buildings, communications and streets, increasing the rate of safe removal of surface runoff from places of its concentration in the urban system has been proposed.
Perfil de estudantes diante de evento abordando a temática TIC
Authors: Lavor Otávio Paulino , Da Costa Leite Gladeston , Gomes Oliveira Elrismar Auxiliadora
Published: August 2022

As Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação (TIC) são ferramentas que podem ser inseridas nos processos educativos, sendo necessário que docentes possuam a habilidade necessária para planejar e executar as atividades. Nesse sentido, um evento realizado em uma universidade situada na região centro-sul cearense propôs a discussão sobre matemática e tecnologias através de palestras e minicursos abordando a temática. Objetivando determinar os perfis dos estudantes diante do evento, um questionário foi elaborado em escala Likert. Trinta participantes responderam a esse questionário e as respostas foram analisadas no software PSPP. Após agrupamento dos itens por fatores, foram identificados seis perfis em que aquele com maior quantidade de discentes está associado a boas percepções sobre o evento, o que faz acreditar que a temática é relevante e proporcionou diálogos produtivos durante as atividades. Diante do exposto, compreende-se que, através da análise fatorial, é possível correlacionar as variáveis apresentadas aos discentes com os fatores que descrevem cada perfil.
Apophenia, absorption and anxiety: Evidence for individual differences in positive and negative experiences of Hallucinogen Persisting Perceptual Disorder
Authors: Irvine Alexander , Luke David
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims

Little is known about individual differences in Hallucinogen Persisting Perceptual Disorder (HPPD). This study investigated visual processing style and personality across two HPPD types (HPPD I and HPPD II) and a Non-HPPD group.

Methods

An online survey was delivered to participants sourced from online HPPD and psychedelic user groups and forums (N = 117). Using one-way ANOVA, respondents were compared across four measures of individual difference. Using logistic regression, a range of visual symptoms and experiences were investigated as potential predictors of group categorisation.

Results

The HPPD I group had higher absorption and visual apophenia scores than the other groups and was predicted by higher drug use. The HPPD II group showed significantly higher trait anxiety than both other groups. Across the HPPD groups, HPPD II categorisation was also predicted by increased negative precipitating experiences, lack of prior knowledge and pre-existing anxiety diagnoses.

Conclusions

Anxiety, negative precipitating experiences and lack of prior knowledge are associated with negative experiences of persistent visual symptoms following hallucinogen use, whilst higher absorption and visual apophenia are associated with positive or neutral experiences. Together these findings indicate that differences in personality may play a role in determining an individual's experience of HPPD, highlighting the role of individual difference research in expanding knowledge around HPPD.
Protection and renewal design of vernacular architecture in Xiazhuang Village
Authors: Shi Yongting , Tamás Anna Mária , Sztranyák Gergely
Published: August 2022

The focus of this study is how Xiazhuang Village with high quality resources can achieve sustainable development in the new era by protecting and transforming vernacular architecture. Based on the layout of village, the characteristics of vernacular architecture and the ecological advantages of construction technology, this study puts forward the classification renewal and optimization design based on different buildings to solve the problems of village. Try to find a way to continue the historical context of vernacular architecture and satisfy the development of rural tourism at the same time.
Analysis of composite bridge deck considering the effects of concrete cracking
Authors: Brinissat Marame , Kuti Rajmund , Bichikhi Mohammed El Mehdi
Published: August 2022

Cracking in composite steel-concrete bridge decks is a common problem in civil engineering. Before, or shortly after, the bridge is subjected to live loads; various levels of cracking can appear, mostly due to plastic shrinkage and temperature effects.

This paper presents an investigation of the behavior of cracked concrete in a composite deck slab of a railway bridge supported by steel girders using the finite element method. Eurocode 4-2 proposes a few simplified methods for calculating shrinkage and cracking effects in concrete. Through the proposed methods of analysis, an analytical simulation of a continuous composite steel-concrete bridge deck is performed and some practical recommendations for analyzing beam girders of this type are given.
Konsep Khilafah Islamiyyah dalam Tafsir Klasik dan Kontemporer
Authors: Supriadi Bambang
Published: August 2022

The study of the Islamic caliphate is always interesting to discuss until now—either from a historical perspective, Islamic politics, or the interpretation of the Qur'an. Al-Qur'an as the holy book of Muslims, is believed to be eternal against all changes in time and place (sahih li kulli zaman wa makan) certainly gives signs about Islamic government (Khilafah Islamiyyah). This is clarified by the reading of the text of the Qur'an by the commentators, so that in this study it is expected to be able to conceptualize or construct the Khilafah Islamiyyah comprehensively in terms of various classical and contemporary commentaries. This study uses qualitative research methods, namely research that contains written data such as documents or other texts that are relevant to the topic of discussion, this written data is usually in the form of words or actions and not in the form of numbers (numeric). The collection of sources in this study was obtained using library research or book surveys. There are three steps in this technique. First, take an inventory of the verses about the Khilafah Islamiyyah. Second, reading, exploring, and collecting the interpretations of classical and contemporary commentators. Third, describe and analyze the concept of the Islamic Caliphate, so that comprehensive and holistic research findings or results can be obtained.
Mempraktekkan Teori dalam Permasalahan Politik dan Lingkungan
Authors: Gufron Uup
Published: August 2022

Conelly and Smith build on a big problem in this book about the difficulty of building and protecting the environment. It is due to many underlying factors. Among them is the human factor who does not have the awareness to protect the environment and nature. This is answered and solved by the author to protect the environment in the next section. At least the author divides the environment into two approaches, namely the political approach and the conventional approach. Politically, the environment must be recognized as a resource on earth that must be protected, because wealth has limitations. Politically too, humans must build a shared awareness by creating a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. This cooperative relationship is framed in ethical understanding between humans and other creatures such as animals, plants, earth, sea, sun, and the like.
Troubled Financing Rescue Strategy in Musyarakah Financing: PT. Sharia NTB Bank
Authors: Mas’ud Riduan
Published: August 2022

This study aims to evaluate the strategy undertaken by PT. Bank NTB Syariah in dealing with problems in musyarakah financing both in terms of policy and law. This research is descriptive qualitative research. The data in this study were obtained through an interview process with leaders from PT. Bank NTB Syariah and the analyst section of Bank NTB Syariah. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that PT. Bank NTB Syariah faces several problems, including weak supervision, availability of human resources, untrustworthy customers, customers who retire early, unstable weather, stalled project terms, customer death, not optimal Collateral, covid-19, to natural disasters. Steps that need to be taken by PT. Bank NTB Syariah is restructuring all aspects of financing. In addition, transaction systematics needs to be improved periodically
Bibliometric Analysis of Journals, Authors, and Topics Related to Halal Tourism Listed in the Database Scopus by Indonesian Authors
Authors: Mas’ud Riduan , Hamim Khairul
Published: August 2022

This study examines the current state of articles on halal tourism written by Indonesian authors and published in journals in the Scopus database. This study outlines traits, popular publications, writers, and subjects related to halal tourism. The Scopus database was used in this study along with bibliometric design analysis to find 65 articles by Indonesian writers that were linked to halal tourism. In August and September of 2021, data collection was done. To explain trends in Indonesian writers from articles, authors, and themes relevant to halal tourism, data were analyzed using Vosviewer and search results in the Scopus database. According to the study's findings, Indonesian authors have published more journal articles about halal travel in the Scopus database over the past few decades. Several publications with Scopus indexes have published articles on Halal tourism written by Indonesian authors. The most viewed journals are Islamic Marketing, and Abror is the author who contributes to the most articles in these publications. Indonesian authors do the most accurate writing on halal tourism, and difficulties with travel locations predominate.
Effect of different irrigation methods on productivity of maize in vertisols of Northern Karnataka
Authors: Meti C.B. , Balganvi Subhas
Published: August 2022

Field experiment was conducted to know the response of different surface irrigation methods for maize at Water and Land Management Institute Campus, Dharwad of Northern Karnataka during 2013-14 to 2015-16. The study revealed that, the increase in grain yield was 16.05 and 6.00 per cent in alternate furrow irrigation and in conventional furrow irrigation, respectively over flooding method of irrigation. The saving in irrigation water was to the extent of 32.10 and 10.83 per cent, respectively in alternate furrow irrigation and conventional furrow irrigation over flooding method of irrigation. The water productivity was 20.66,14.34 and 11.96 kg/ha-mm in alternate furrow irrigation, conventional furrow irrigation and flooding method of irrigation, respectively. The increase in water productivity was 72.27 per cent in alternate furrow irrigation over flooding method of irrigation and 19.54 per cent in conventional furrow irrigation as compared with that of surface flooding method. The gross benefit-cost ratios were 2.94, 2.675 and 2.53 in alternate furrow irrigation, conventional furrow irrigation and flooding method of irrigation, respectively. The increase in net income per ha-mm of water used was 87.93 and 24.38 per cent, respectively in alternate furrow irrigation and in conventional furrow irrigation over flooding method of irrigation.
Estimation of Profit Taxation Effect on Russian Companies’ Investments
Authors:   Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Moscow, Russian Federation, Belev S. G. ,   Ye.T. Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy, Moscow, Russian Federation, Matveev E. O. ,   Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Moscow, Russian Federation,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Moguchev N. S. ,   Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: August 2022

Lak of investments in fixed assets which stimulate economic growth is one of the problems of the modern Russian economy. According to the main hypothesis of the research, that corporate profit taxation decreases companies’ investment level, we aimed to assess the level of impact of profit taxation on investments in fixed assets. To test the hypothesis, we estimate the empirical investment equation, using the indicator of tax burden as one of the factors affecting investment. The theoretical basis of the research is the neoclassical cash-flow model. The marginal effective tax rate (METR) was used as an indicator of the tax burden. The empirical equation was estimated using a random effects model on the panel microdata, which includes financial statistics of 4,000 Russian companies for the period 2014–2018. The sample companies represent 78 regions of Russia and about 50 types of economic activity. We assumed heterogeneous effect of profit taxation and estimated the model separately for each of the three groups of companies differing in the degree of financial constraints. According to the results obtained, for the entire sample, for the entire period under review, we observe a negative impact of the marginal effective rate on the level of investment, significant at the 1% level. In aggregate, if the marginal effective tax rate falls by 1 percentage point, the investment level will increase by 0.05 percentage points. We obtained the following main results: profit taxation has a significant negative effect on the level of investment for companies that are not financially constrained, and the effect is not observed for financially constrained companies; younger companies are more sensitive to changes in profit taxation. However, general sensitivity of investment to profit taxation is quite modest.
Determinants of Value Added Tax in Oman
Authors:   College of Economics, Management and Information Systems, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman, Thottoli M. M. , Mamari N. A. R. ,   College of Economics, Management and Information Systems, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman
Published: August 2022

Value Added Tax (VAT) system started to implement only in the year 2018 in Gulf Corporation Councils countries. The main purpose of this study is to understand to a great extent the determinants of VAT in Oman by using a qualitative approach. The research survey has used purposive sampling techniques to select a group of individual accountants who are working in a small and medium sized business. The study has considered respondents’ basic knowledge in accounting and experience by adopting a qualitative approach and selected 26 respondents as sample size involving semi-structured interviews. The findings suggested that there is a positive impact on determinants of VAT (VAT law, VAT awareness, and VAT impacts) with the implementation of VAT in Oman. The study highlights the broad scope of VAT in Oman specially to remove VAT ambiguity among citizens. The study identified not only citizens believes on VAT but also each set of interviewees’ responses can be understood in different ways. The paper provides a path for strategic insights and practical thinking by software providers, accountants, managers, governments, and the general public. The study has shown that the majority of the respondents did not exactly know about the overall scope of VAT, intra sales and purchase between countries, input tax, output tax, and zero tax. Determinants of VAT law, VAT awareness and VAT impacts are not well understood, especially by micro, small and medium enterprises. But the majority of the respondents were ready to accept and agree that VAT impacts Oman’s GDP significantly.
Ownership Structure and Tax Avoidance in Asia: a Systematic Literature Review and a Research Agenda
Authors:   Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Kelantan, Machang, Malaysia, Syukur M. , Madah Marzuki M. ,   Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Kelantan, Machang, Malaysia, Zakaria M. ,   Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Kelantan, Machang, Malaysia
Published: August 2022

The paper aims to understand the impact of corporate ownership structure on tax avoidance in Asian contexts. The ownership structure in Asia is concentrated in one group of shareholders, which enables this shareholder to have a significant influence on tax avoidance. This research mainly reviews published research articles. Search terms, such as ownership, tax avoidance, and tax aggressiveness were used in the search function in all fields of the papers from Scopus and Web of Science databases. This study captured nine pieces of empirical research after applying several filtrations (inclusion and exclusion) in the article search. Most of selected researches were conducted in China, while some in Southeast Asia. There are four review questions in this research, namely: (1) How do shareholders influence tax avoidance levels in Asia; (2) What is the best way to measure the level of ownership and tax avoidance; (3) What type of corporate owners do scholars study the most and the least; (4) What are the methodological gaps in the research topic (corporate ownership and tax avoidance) that future scholars should be aware of. The paper finds that different shareholders behave differently towards tax, and the behaviour is according to the host country’s attributes, such as country settings, national tax policy, and investor protection levels. The study primarily helps governments and regulators understand the motives and techniques shareholders apply to avoid tax. Furthermore, it also provides repeatable methodological guidance in detail for future researchers to conduct a systematic literature review and for research students to formulate their hypothesis on the relationship between ownership structure and tax avoidance.
Tax Revenue, Night Lights and Underground Economy: Evidence from China
Authors:   Zhanjiang University of Science and Technology, Guangdong, China, Wang Y. K. , Zhang L. ,   Zhanjiang University of Science and Technology, Guangdong, China
Published: August 2022

This objective of this paper is to assess the correlation among economic growth, tax revenues, tax evasion and tax reforms in China. Especially, we explore the usefulness of a special proxy for economic activity: the amount of nightlight that can be observed from outer space as a measure of economic growth to measure its impact on tax revenue. Empirical analyses GDP and taxes were based on the data of National Statistical Yearbook of China from 1991 to 2020. The night-lights data was gathered from the United States Air Force Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP). Kuznets approach was used to estimate the correlation between China’s GDP and taxes. The theoretical model to measure and calculate the sum of night illumination brightness was designed. We used the SUR-OLS method and the sum of night lights data to estimate its impact on China’s tax revenues. We have found that the total tax revenue increases with the growth of GDP, revealing that China’s GDP has not yet reached the Kuznets inflection point where the elasticity of tax revenue is equal to zero. That is, China’s current GDP does not show serious tax evasion. To confirm the correlation between GDP and direct and indirect taxes, we have found that GDP and indirect tax revenue shows a J-shaped curve. However, the relationship between GDP and direct tax holds an N-shaped curve, indicating that indirect tax revenue is less likely to lead to tax evasion than direct tax revenue. The evidence suggests that there is a significant positive correlation between the sum of night lights and GDP, and the impact of sum of night lights on total tax revenue is also positive, but it is insignificant.
HIV-associated painful neuropathy: where are we?
Authors: Pires Karina Lebeis , Baranda Marcelle Seraphim de Menezes , Brum Talita Mota Almeida , Pessôa Bruno , Pupe Camila Castelo Branco , Nascimento Osvaldo José Moreira do
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT Background: After the advent of combination antiretroviral therapy, infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) ceased to be a devastating disease, but sensory neuropathy resulting from the permanence of the virus and the side effects of treatment have worsened the morbidities of these patients. Objective: To investigate the quality of life of 64 HIV-positive patients: 24 with painful neuropathy (case group) and 40 without painful neuropathy (control group). The impact of other factors on quality of life was also assessed. Methods To assess painful neuropathy, the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) scale, Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questions and Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS) were used. The Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scale was used to assess quality of life. Factors related or unrelated to HIV were obtained through the medical history and analysis on medical records. Results: The quality of life of patients with neuropathic pain was worse in six of the eight domains of the SF-36 scale. The number of clinical manifestations related to HIV, length of time with detectable viral load since diagnosis, length of time since the diagnosis of HIV infection and length of time of HAART use had a negative impact on quality of life. Higher levels of CD4, education and family income had a positive impact. Conclusions: Painful neuropathy related to HIV is a factor that worsens the quality of life of patients infected with this virus and should be included in the clinical evaluation.
Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with inherited neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Moreno Cristiane Araujo Martins , Camelo Clara Gontijo , Sampaio Pedro Henrique Marte de Arruda , Fonseca Alulin Tácio Quadros Santos Monteiro , Estephan Eduardo de Paula , Silva André Macedo Serafim , Pirola Renann Nunes , Silva Luiz Henrique Libardi , Lima Karlla Danielle Ferreira , Albuquerque Marco Antônio Veloso de , Camelo Filho Antonio Edvan , Marques Marcos Vinícius Oliveira , Yanagiura Mario Teruo , Cavalcante Wagner Cid Palmeira , Matsui Junior Ciro , Isihi Lucas Michielon de Augusto , Mendonça Rodrigo Holanda , Pouza Ana Flávia Pincerno , Carvalho Mary Souza de , Reed Umbertina Conti , Zanoteli Edmar
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT Background The COVID-19 pandemic has brought substantial challenges for current practices in treating hereditary neuromuscular disorders (hNMDs). However, this infection has not been the only concern for these patients. Social distancing has compromised multidisciplinary assistance and physical activity, and has brought about several mental health issues. We presented a follow-up on 363 patients with hNMDs at a Brazilian tertiary center during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective We aimed to show the frequency and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection among hNMD patients and to demonstrate the effects of the pandemic on life habits, disease progression and multidisciplinary supportive care status. Methods Three hundred and sixty-three patients (58% male and 42% female) were followed for three months through three teleconsultations during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Results There were decreases in the numbers of patients who underwent physical, respiratory and speech therapies. For several patients, their appetite (33%) and sleep habits (25%) changed. Physical exercises and therapies were interrupted for most of the patients. They reported new onset/worsening of fatigue (17%), pain (17%), contractions (14%) and scoliosis (7%). Irritability and sleep, weight and appetite changes, and especially diminished appetite and weight loss, were more frequent in the group that reported disease worsening. There was a low COVID-19 contamination rate (0.8%), and all infected patients had a mild presentation. Conclusion The isolation by itself was protective from a COVID-19 infection perspective. However, this isolation might also trigger a complex scenario with life habit changes that are associated with an unfavorable course for the NMD.
Passive smoking may be associated with bleeding of cerebral arteriovenous malformation in non-smoking women: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Wang Jiao , Zhang Shuai
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT Background Smoking has been considered to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, cancer, depression and other diseases in previous reports, and active smoking is considered to be a risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke. In addition, a retrospective study showed that male smokers were at increased risk of bleeding from arteriovenous malformation (AVM), compared with non-smokers. However, the effect of passive smoking on rupturing of cerebral AVM in non-smoking women has not been addressed. Objective This study aimed to assess the impact of tobacco exposure on AVM bleeding risk in non-smoking women. Methods A total of 393 non-smoking women diagnosed with AVM were included. They were divided into a bleeding group (205 women) and a non-bleeding group (188 women). We conducted univariate and multivariate analysis on these two groups. In univariate analysis, risk factors that might be related to AVM bleeding were analyzed. In multivariate analysis, the relationship between passive smoking and AVM rupture was analyzed by correcting confounding factors. Results Multivariate analysis showed that the proportion of passive smoking was statistically different between the bleeding group and the non-bleeding group (OR = 1.609; CI = 1.031-2.509; p = 0.036). Conclusion Passive smoking may increase the risk of AVM bleeding in non-smoking women. This increased risk may be related to the inflammatory response, vascular wall damage, hemodynamic disorders, changes in atherosclerosis and changes in gene expression caused by passive smoking.
Afectos criminales en la novela Perra brava (2010) de Orfa Alarcón
Authors: Leal Fabián , Navarrete Carolina , González Yéssica
Published: August 2022

Resumen Dentro del ámbito de la narcoliteratura latinoamericana, la mujer ha sido comúnmente representada como una sobreviviente ante los contextos narco y de pobreza, siendo además relegada a un segundo plano y retratada, en su mayoría, por autores hombres En el presente artículo se busca analizar la representación afectiva en la novela Perra Brava (2010) de la escritora mexicana Orfa Alarcón, específicamente en lo que concierne a los hechos de violencia llevados a cabo por la protagonista, los cuales dan cuenta de un proceso de transformación y son motivados por los afectos que la acometen. Resulta relevante dilucidar la dimensión afectiva predominante en la novela ya que esta apunta hacia a una nueva forma de representar la violencia y los crímenes en la narcoliteratura, la que hasta la fecha no ha sido estudiada de forma acabada dentro de las investigaciones vinculadas al fenómeno de lo narco.
Trichoderma: biological control efficiency and perspectives for the Brazilian Midwest states and Tocantins
Authors: Nascimento V. C. , Rodrigues-Santos K. C. , Carvalho-Alencar K. L. , Castro M. B. , Kruger R. H. , Lopes F. A. C.
Published: August 2022

Abstract Brazil is one of the world leaders in the agribusiness sector tending to directly influence a growing dependence on imported inputs, specifically synthetic agrochemicals. At the state level, in 2013, Tocantins stood out in first place in the ranking of agrochemical consumers, however, these products can cause several problems, such as poisoning to humans, environmental contamination, and increased resistance to phytopathogens. Biological control is an alternative to the use of agrochemicals towards eliminating pests naturally by using living organisms called Biological Control Agents (BCA). Currently, fungi of the Trichoderma genus are some of the most used organisms in biological pest control for their relevant characteristics that favor them in terms of survival in the environment, such as high capacity to adapt to ecological conditions, potential to colonize the rhizosphere of plants, mycoparasitism, production of volatile and non-volatile metabolites. In addition, it works on plant growth and productivity. In general, the use of Trichoderma favors the control of soil pathogens, such as Rhizoctonia, Pythium, Sclerotinia, and nematodes. Thus, this review aims to demonstrate the importance of using Trichoderma in biological control, as well as to present an overview and perspectives of research developed by respondents in the Brazilian Midwest region and Tocantins state.