bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate finance management strategy: investments and risks
Authors: Charaeva Marina
Published: January 2021

The article examines and develops the methodological and methodological basis of corporate finance management in the context of their strategic development, when investment and financing decisions are particularly relevant from the point of view of determining acceptable risks and the financial well-being of the corporation. The conceptual and methodological foundations of analytical support for corporate finance management are developed, based on the definition of investment policy, its implementation through investment business planning and identification and assessment of financial risks in the framework of achieving strategic goals related to the modernization of Russian corporations. The ways of improving the quality of the corporate finance management strategy based on the introduction of budgeting technology and the use of controlling the implementation of the corporation's financial strategy are proposed. It is intended for postgraduates, undergraduates, university teachers, researchers and practitioners, full-time and part-time students studying in the areas of "Economics", "Management", "Finance and Credit" (master's level), as well as anyone interested in the problems of strategic management of corporate finance.
History
Authors: Kas'yanov Valeriy , Samygin Sergey , Shevelev Vladimir
Published: January 2021

The textbook covers all the topics and questions of the course "History". The main attention is paid to the leading trends, stages and events of cultural, civilizational and state development from antiquity to the present day. The authors take into account the latest historical research and developments that have recently appeared in historical science. Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of secondary vocational education of the latest generation. Addressed to students of secondary vocational educational institutions, it can also be used by high school students in preparation for final exams at school and by applicants taking entrance exams to universities and colleges.
Analysis of financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS
Authors: Plaskova Nataliya
Published: January 2021

The textbook introduces modern methods and techniques for analyzing the activities of a commercial organization using the information contained in its financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. Considerable attention is paid to the disclosure of calculation and analytical procedures for identifying and quantifying the impact of factors on the level of business performance. The presentation of each chapter is accompanied by practical calculation and analytical materials using the "cross-cutting task" technique, the initial information base of which is the actual financial statements of the company prepared in accordance with IFRS. After each chapter, there are control questions and tests for self-control. The tutorial includes a practical business game in the form of a built-in "Workbook". It is a solution of interrelated tasks using practical materials — the financial statements of a real commercial organization — and illustrates all the methodological methods of analysis contained in the textbook. Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation. For students of higher educational institutions studying under bachelor's and master's degree programs in Economics, as well as teachers and postgraduates of economic specialties, students of the system of professional training and advanced training of accountants, auditors, financial managers, practitioners of financial and analytical services of organizations.
History of the State and Law of Russia. Volume 3
Authors: Smykalin Aleksandr , Bazhenova Tat'yana , Zipunnikova Natal'ya , Motrevich Vladimir , Sokolova Elena , Shamsumova Emma
Published: January 2021

The third part of the anthology contains materials reflecting the periods of formation of a limited monarchy in Russia and the further development of the legal system; the formation and development of the Soviet state and law in the XX century. The documents are arranged in chronological order.
Nonlinear problems of structural mechanics. Methods of optimal design of structures
Authors: Tuhfatullin Boris
Published: January 2021

The textbook discusses methods of optimal design of structures, including methods for minimizing the functions of one and several variables; methods for solving linear and nonlinear programming problems; examples of optimal design of flat steel frames with elements made of rolled and composite I-beams. It is intended for students studying in the specialty 08.05.01 "Construction of unique buildings and structures", undergraduates studying in the training program 08.04.01.24 "Modern technologies of design and construction of buildings and structures", studying the discipline "Nonlinear problems of structural mechanics", as well as for postgraduates of the direction 08.06.01 " Engineering and construction technologies. Construction of buildings and structures", studying the discipline "Construction Mechanics".
Hydraulics
Authors: Yudaev Vasiliy
Published: January 2021

The textbook corresponds to the general education programs of the general courses "Hydraulics" and "Fluid Mechanics". The basic physical properties of liquids, gases, and their mixtures, including the quantum nature of viscosity in a liquid, are described; the laws of hydrostatics, their observation in natural phenomena, and their application in engineering are described. The fundamentals of the kinematics and dynamics of an incompressible fluid are given; original examples of the application of the Bernoulli equation are given. The modes of fluid motion are supplemented by the features of the transient flow mode at high local resistances. The basics of flow similarity are shown. Laminar and turbulent modes of motion in pipes are described, and the classification of flows from a creeping current to four types of hypersonic flow around the body is given. The coefficients of nonuniformity of momentum and kinetic energy for several flows of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids are calculated. Examples of solving problems of transient flows by hydraulic methods are given. Local hydraulic resistances, their use in measuring equipment and industry, hydraulic shock, polytropic flow of gas in the pipe and its outflow from the tank are considered. The characteristics of different types of pumps, their advantages and disadvantages, and ways of adjustment are described. A brief biography of the scientists mentioned in the textbook is given, and their contribution to the development of the theory of hydroaeromechanics is shown. The four appendices can be used as a reference to the main text, as well as a subject index. Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation. For students of higher educational institutions who study full-time, part-time, evening, distance learning forms of technological and mechanical specialties belonging to the group "Food Technology".
Pooled vs. Dedicated Queues when Customers Are Delay-Sensitive
Authors: Sunar Nur , Tu Yichen , Ziya Serhan
Published: January 2021

It is generally accepted that operating with a combined (i.e., pooled) queue rather than separate (i.e., dedicated) queues is beneficial because pooling queues reduces long-run average sojourn time. In fact, this is a well-established result in the literature when jobs cannot make decisions and servers and jobs are identical. An important corollary of this finding is that pooling queues improves social welfare in the aforementioned setting. We consider an observable multiserver queueing system that can be operated with either dedicated queues or a pooled one. Customers are delay-sensitive, and they decide to join or balk based on queue length information upon arrival; they are not subject to an external admission control. In this setting, we prove that, contrary to the common understanding, pooling queues can increase the long-run average sojourn time so much that the pooled system results in strictly smaller social welfare (and strictly smaller consumer surplus) than the dedicated system under certain conditions. Specifically, pooling queues hurts performance when the arrival-rate-to-service-rate ratio is large (e.g., greater than one) and the normalized service benefit is also large. We prove that the performance loss due to pooling queues can be significant. Our numerical studies demonstrate that pooling queues can decrease the social welfare (and consumer surplus) by more than 95%. The benefit of pooling is commonly believed to increase with system size. In contrast, we show that when delay-sensitive customers make rational joining decisions, the magnitude of the performance loss due to pooling can strictly increase with the system size.

This paper was accepted by Terry Taylor, operations management.
Bayesian Decision Making in Groups is Hard
Authors: Hązła Jan , Jadbabaie Ali , Mossel Elchanan , Rahimian M. Amin
Published: January 2021

Hardness of Making Rational Group Decisions
Functional alignment achieves soft-tissue balance in total knee arthroplasty as measured with quantitative sensor-guided technology
Authors: Chang Justin S. , Kayani Babar , Wallace Charles , Haddad Fares S.
Published: January 2021

Aims

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using functional alignment aims to implant the components with minimal compromise of the soft-tissue envelope by restoring the plane and obliquity of the non-arthritic joint. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of TKA with functional alignment on mediolateral soft-tissue balance as assessed using intraoperative sensor-guided technology.

Methods

This prospective study included 30 consecutive patients undergoing robotic-assisted TKA using the Stryker PS Triathlon implant with functional alignment. Intraoperative soft-tissue balance was assessed using sensor-guided technology after definitive component implantation; soft-tissue balance was defined as intercompartmental pressure difference (ICPD) of < 15 psi. Medial and lateral compartment pressures were recorded at 10°, 45°, and 90° of knee flexion. This study included 18 females (60%) and 12 males (40%) with a mean age of 65.2 years (SD 9.3). Mean preoperative hip-knee-ankle deformity was 6.3° varus (SD 2.7°).

Results

TKA with functional alignment achieved balanced medial and lateral compartment pressures at 10° (25.0 psi (SD 6.1) vs 23.1 psi (SD 6.7), respectively; p = 0.140), 45° (21.4 psi (SD 5.9) vs 20.6 psi (SD 5.9), respectively; p = 0.510), and 90° (21.2 psi (SD 7.1) vs 21.6 psi (SD 9.0), respectively; p = 0.800) of knee flexion. Mean ICPD was 6.1 psi (SD 4.5; 0 to 14) at 10°, 5.4 psi (SD 3.9; 0 to 12) at 45°, and 4.9 psi (SD 4.45; 0 to 15) at 90° of knee flexion. Mean postoperative limb alignment was 2.2° varus (SD 1.0°).

Conclusion

TKA using the functional alignment achieves balanced mediolateral soft-tissue tension through the arc of knee flexion as assessed using intraoperative pressure-sensor technology. Further clinical trials are required to determine if TKA with functional alignment translates to improvements in patient satisfaction and outcomes compared to conventional alignment techniques. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(3):507–514.
Generalised kinetics of overall phase transition useful for glass crystallisation when assuming non-isothermal conditions
Authors:   Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Avramov Isak , Šesták Jaroslav ,   University of West Bohemia
Published: January 2021

The modelling of reaction kinetics is a fashionable subject of publications. We developed an analogue of the KJMA equation under non-isothermal conditions α(T)=1−exp(−(T/θ)N) that describes the dependence of degree of transformation α(T) at a constant rate, q, of heating with characteristic temperature θ(q) and power N, proportional to the Avrami parameter, n. This equation is valid even when the activation energy of the process is not constant. We demonstrate that reliable information about the activation energy is obtained when the experimental data are plotted in coordinates: logq (heating rate) against logTp (peak temperature).
The structure of oxide glasses studied by high-energy x-ray diffraction
Authors:   Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (SPring8/JASRI), Kohara S. , Umesaki N. , Ohno H. ,   Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (SPring8/JAERI), Suzuya K. , Sakai I. ,   Ritsumeikan University
Published: January 2021

The use of high‑energy x‑ray diffraction techniques with the latest generation synchrotron sources has created new approaches to study quantitatively the structure of noncrystalline materials. Recently, this technique has been combined with neutron diffraction at pulsed source to provide more detailed and reliable structural information not previously available. This article reviews and summarises recent results obtained from the high energy x‑ray diffraction on several oxide glasses, SiO2, B2O3 and PbSiO3, using bending magnet beamlines at SPring‑8. In particular, it addresses the structural models of the oxide glasses obtained by the reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) modelling technique using both the high energy x‑ray and neutron diffraction data.
Intrinsic strength and the structure of glass
Authors:   Rutgers University, Kurkjian C. R. , Gupta P. K. ,   Ohio State University
Published: January 2021

Intrinsic strength is the strength of a glass without extrinsic flaws. Knowledge of the composition dependence of the intrinsic strength is important both technologically for the development of high strength glass compositions and theoretically as it may provide important structural information. Intrinsic strength is easy to define but difficult to measure experimentally. In this paper we discuss intrinsic (σ*) strength measured in normal laboratory conditions as well as the inert intrinsic (σ0*) strength. We define these terms in a rigorous manner and indicate how to gauge if they have been measured by developing a set of criteria. Based on these criteria, we tabulate those values of intrinsic strengths that have been measured to date.
Sinhogarismo en tiempos de confinamiento: Vivencias profesionales y ciudadanas en la ciudad de Barcelona
Authors: Matulic Domandzic María Virginia , Munté Pascual Ariadna , De Vicente Zueras Irene , Redondo Sama Gisela
Published: January 2021

El presente artículo versa sobre la incidencia del confinamiento a causa del COVID-19 en el ejercicio del Trabajo Social, en el caso concreto del sinhogarismo. A partir de los resultados de un estudio sobre la intervención del Trabajo Social en tiempos de crisis sanitaria que abarca diferentes ámbitos, se muestra la vivencia y el impacto personal de la situación de confinamiento en los/as técnicos/as sociales así como de las personas sin hogar con las que estos/as trabajan. El diseño metodológico de la investigación es de carácter cualitativo e incluye trabajo de campo empírico a pesar de estar limitado por las restricciones del contexto de confinamiento. Los resultados muestran la existencia de elementos comunes en la vivencia de la situación de confinamiento si bien se dilucidan significativas diferencias como consecuencia de la desigualdad social. Dichas diferencias orientan hacia donde se debe dirigir el Trabajo Social, tanto a nivel general como en el ámbito del sinhogarismo, para poder dar respuesta a las necesidades sociales acorde al contexto sociohistórico en el que se desempeña.
La nueva normalidad y los futuros escenarios en Trabajo Social
Authors: Nomen Leila
Published: January 2021

La nueva normalidad es un proceso que ha desencadenado la pandemia para propiciar la idea de que se volverá al estado pre pandemia. En el presente artículo se analiza el concepto de nueva normalidad no como un retorno sino desde la perspectiva de que esta atraerá cambios y nuevas normas. Se plantean las medidas que se han adoptado en España para abordar esta crisis -que además de sanitaria, también es social y económica-, junto con los grupos y/o colectivos que se han visto mayormente afectados, para repasar qué papel fundamental han adquirido los/las trabajadores/as sociales en este proceso. La disciplina de Trabajo Social se ha vuelto imprescindible en el momento de atender a una comunidad con recursos mermados y mayores necesidades. En este sentido nace una nueva pobreza en la que, además de los/las usuarios/as que se atendían en el pasado, se añaden todas aquellas personas que no pueden volver a sus trabajos y/o países. Las intervenciones que se han venido realizando van desde las entrevistas telefónicas a las actuaciones en emergencias, las cuales no son novedosas pero sí adaptadas a esta nueva realidad. Concluyendo, se analizan las perspectivas que generan estos cambios de contexto, es decir, los futuros escenarios del Trabajo Social.
Comorbid mental disorders and quality of life of people with epilepsy attending primary health care clinics in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Tsigebrhan Ruth , Fekadu Abebaw , Medhin Girmay , Newton Charles R. , Prince Martin J. , Hanlon Charlotte
Published: January 2021

Background

Evidence from high-income countries demonstrates that co-morbid mental disorders in people with epilepsy adversely affect clinical and social outcomes. However, evidence from low-income countries is lacking. The objective of this study was to measure the association between co-morbid mental disorders and quality of life and functioning in people with epilepsy.

Methods

A facility-based, community ascertained cross-sectional survey was carried out in selected districts of the Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Participants were identified in the community and referred to primary health care (PHC) clinics. Those diagnosed by PHC workers were recruited. Co-morbid mental disorders were measured using a standardised, semi-structured clinical interview administered by mental health professionals. The main outcome, quality of life, was measured using the Quality of Life in Epilepsy questionnaire (QOLIE-10p). The secondary outcome, functional disability, was assessed using the 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS-2).

Results

The prevalence of comorbid mental disorders was 13.9%. Comorbid mental disorders were associated with poorer quality of life (Adjusted (Adj.) β -13.27; 95% CI -23.28 to-3.26) and greater disability (multiplier of WHODAS-2 score 1.62; 95% CI 1.05, 2.50) after adjusting for hypothesised confounding factors. Low or very low relative wealth (Adj. β = -12.57, 95% CI -19.94 to-5.20), higher seizure frequency (Adj.β coef. = -1.92, 95% CI -2.83 to -1.02), and poor to intermediate social support (Adj. β coef. = -9.66, 95% CI -16.51 to -2.81) were associated independently with decreased quality of life. Higher seizure frequency (multiplier of WHODAS-2 score 1.11; 95% CI 1.04, 1.19) was associated independently with functional disability.

Conclusion

Co-morbid mental disorders were associated with poorer quality of life and impairment, independent of level of seizure control. Integrated and comprehensive psychosocial care is required for better health and social outcomes of people with epilepsy.
Monsters with a shortened vertebral column: A population phenomenon in radiating fish Labeobarbus (Cyprinidae)
Authors: Golubtsov Alexander S. , Korostelev Nikolai B. , Levin Boris A.
Published: January 2021

The phenomenon of a massive vertebral deformity was recorded in the radiatingLabeobarbusassemblage from the middle reaches of the Genale River (south-eastern Ethiopia, East Africa). Within this sympatric assemblage, five trophic morphs—generalized, lipped, piscivorous and two scraping feeders—were reported between 1993 and 2019. In 2009, a new morph with prevalence of ~10% was discovered. The new morph, termed ‘short’, had an abnormally shortened vertebral column and a significantly deeper body. This type of deformity is common in farmed Atlantic salmon and other artificially reared fish, but is rare in nature. In the GenaleLabeobarbusassemblage, the deformity was present exclusively within the generalized and lipped morphs. The short morph had between seven and 36 deformed (compressed and/or fused) vertebrae. Their body depth was positively correlated with number of deformed vertebrae. In another collection in 2019, the short morph was still present at a frequency of 11%. Various environmental and genetic factors could contribute to the development of this deformity in the GenaleLabeobarbus, but based on the available data, it is impossible to confidently identify the key factor(s). Whether the result of genetics, the environment, or both, this deep-bodied phenotype is assumed to be an anti-predator adaptation, as there is evidence of its selective advantage in the generalized morph. The Genale monstrosity is the first reported case of a massive deformity of the vertebral column in a natural population of African fishes.
A slow rainy season onset is a reliable harbinger of drought in most food insecure regions in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Shukla Shraddhanand , Husak Greg , Turner William , Davenport Frank , Funk Chris , Harrison Laura , Krell Natasha
Published: January 2021

Since 2015, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has experienced an unprecedented rise in acute food insecurity (AFI), and current projections for the year 2020 indicate that more than 100 million Africans are estimated to receive emergency food assistance. Climate-driven drought is one of the main contributing factors to AFI, and timely and appropriate actions can be taken to mitigate impacts of AFI on lives and livelihoods through early warning systems. To support this goal, we use observations of peak Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as an indicator of seasonal drought conditions following a rainy season to show that delays in the onset of the rainy season (onset date) can be an effective early indicator of seasonal drought conditions. The core of this study is an evaluation of the relationship of the onset dates and peak NDVI, stratified by AFI risks, calculated using AFI reports by the United States Agency of International Development (USAID)-funded Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET). Several parts of SSA, mostly located in East Africa (EA), reported the “Crisis” phase of AFI—requiring emergency food assistance—at least one-third of the time between April 2011 to present. The results show that the onset date can effectively explain much of the interannual variability in peak NDVI in the regions with the highest AFI risk level, particularly in EA where the median of correlation (across all the Administrative Unit 2) varies between -0.42 to -0.68. In general, an onset date delay of at least 1 dekad (10 days) increases the likelihood of seasonal drought conditions. In the regions with highest risks of AFI, an onset delay of just 1 dekad doubles the chance of the standardized anomaly of peak NDVI being below -1, making a -1 anomaly the most probable outcome. In those regions, a 2-dekads delay in the onset date is associated with a very high probability (50%) of seasonal drought conditions (-1 standardized anomaly of NDVI). Finally, a multivariate regression analysis between standardized anomaly and onset date anomaly further substantiates the negative impacts of delay in onset date on NDVI anomaly. This relationship is statistically significant over the SSA as a whole, particularly in the EA region. These results imply that the onset date can be used as an additional critical tool to provide alerts of seasonal drought development in the most food-insecure regions of SSA. Early warning systems using onset date as a tool can help trigger effective mid-season responses to save human lives, livestock, and livelihoods, and, therefore, mitigate the adverse impacts of drought hazards.
A class for itself? On the worldviews of the new tech elite
Authors: Brockmann Hilke , Drews Wiebke , Torpey John
Published: January 2021

The emergence of a new tech elite in Silicon Valley and beyond raises questions about the economic reach, political influence, and social importance of this group. How do these inordinately influential people think about the world and about our common future? In this paper, we test a) whether members of the tech elite share a common, meritocratic view of the world, b) whether they have a “mission” for the future, and c) how they view democracy as a political system. Our data set consists of information about the 100 richest people in the tech world, according to Forbes, and rests on their published pronouncements on Twitter, as well as on their statements on the websites of their philanthropic endeavors. Automated “bag-of-words” text and sentiment analyses reveal that the tech elite has a more meritocratic view of the world than the general US Twitter-using population. The tech elite also frequently promise to “make the world a better place,” but they do not differ from other extremely wealthy people in this respect. However, their relationship to democracy is contradictory. Based on these results, we conclude that the tech elite may be thought of as a “class for itself” in Marx’s sense—a social group that shares particular views of the world, which in this case means meritocratic, missionary, and inconsistent democratic ideology.
Validation of prognostic indices for short term mortality in an incident dialysis population of older adults >75
Authors: Thorsteinsdottir Bjorg , Hickson LaTonya J. , Giblon Rachel , Pajouhi Atieh , Connell Natalie , Branda Megan , Vasdev Amrit K. , McCoy Rozalina G. , Zand Ladan , Tangri Navdeep , Shah Nilay D.
Published: January 2021

Rational and objective

Prognosis provides critical knowledge for shared decision making between patients and clinicians. While several prognostic indices for mortality in dialysis patients have been developed, their performance among elderly patients initiating dialysis is unknown, despite great need for reliable prognostication in that context. To assess the performance of 6 previously validated prognostic indices to predict 3 and/or 6 months mortality in a cohort of elderly incident dialysis patients.

Study design

Validation study of prognostic indices using retrospective cohort data. Indices were compared using the concordance (“c”)-statistic, i.e. area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Calibration, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were also calculated.

Setting & participants

Incident elderly (age ≥75 years; n = 349) dialysis patients at a tertiary referral center.

Established predictors

Variables for six validated prognostic indices for short term (3 and 6 month) mortality prediction (Foley, NCI, REIN, updated REIN, Thamer, and Wick) were extracted from the electronic medical record. The indices were individually applied as per each index specifications to predict 3- and/or 6-month mortality.

Results

In our cohort of 349 patients, mean age was 81.5±4.4 years, 66% were male, and median survival was 351 days. The c-statistic for the risk prediction indices ranged from 0.57 to 0.73. Wick ROC 0.73 (0.68, 0.78) and Foley 0.67 (0.61, 0.73) indices performed best. The Foley index was weakly calibrated with poor overall model fit (p <0.01) and overestimated mortality risk, while the Wick index was relatively well-calibrated but underestimated mortality risk.

Limitations

Small sample size, use of secondary data, need for imputation, homogeneous population.

Conclusion

Most predictive indices for mortality performed moderately in our incident dialysis population. The Wick and Foley indices were the best performing, but had issues with under and over calibration. More accurate indices for predicting survival in older patients with kidney failure are needed.
A universal RT-qPCR assay for “One Health” detection of influenza A viruses
Authors: Nagy Alexander , Černíková Lenka , Kunteová Kateřina , Dirbáková Zuzana , Thomas Saumya S. , Slomka Marek J. , Dán Ádám , Varga Tünde , Máté Martina , Jiřincová Helena , Brown Ian H.
Published: January 2021

The mutual dependence of human and animal health is central to the One Health initiative as an integrated strategy for infectious disease control and management. A crucial element of the One Health includes preparation and response to influenza A virus (IAV) threats at the human-animal interface. The IAVs are characterized by extensive genetic variability, they circulate among different hosts and can establish host-specific lineages. The four main hosts are: avian, swine, human and equine, with occasional transmission to other mammalian species. The host diversity is mirrored in the range of the RT-qPCR assays for IAV detection. Different assays are recommended by the responsible health authorities for generic IAV detection in birds, swine or humans. In order to unify IAV monitoring in different hosts and apply the One Health approach, we developed a single RT-qPCR assay for universal detection of all IAVs of all subtypes, species origin and global distribution. The assay design was centred on a highly conserved region of the IAV matrix protein (MP)-segment identified by a comprehensive analysis of 99,353 sequences. The reaction parameters were effectively optimised with efficiency of 93–97% and LOD95%of approximately ten IAV templates per reaction. The assay showed high repeatability, reproducibility and robustness. The extensivein silicoevaluation demonstrated high inclusivity, i.e. perfect sequence match in the primers and probe binding regions, established as 94.6% for swine, 98.2% for avian and 100% for human H3N2, pandemic H1N1, as well as other IAV strains, resulting in an overall predicted detection rate of 99% on the analysed dataset. The theoretical predictions were confirmed and extensively validated by collaboration between six veterinary or human diagnostic laboratories on a total of 1970 specimens, of which 1455 were clinical and included a diverse panel of IAV strains.
Patterns of change in cardiovascular risk assessments and ankle brachial index among Puerto Rican adults
Authors: Noel Sabrina E. , Cornell David J. , Zhang Xiyuan , Mirochnick Julia C. , Mattei Josiemer , Falcón Luis M. , Tucker Katherine L.
Published: January 2021

Background

Puerto Rican adults have higher odds of peripheral artery disease (PAD) compared with Mexican Americans. Limited studies have examined relationships between clinical risk assessment scores and ABI measures in this population.

Methods

Using 2004–2015 data from the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study (BPRHS) (n = 370–583), cross-sectional, 5-y change, and patterns of change in Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and allostatic load (AL) with ankle brachial index (ABI) at 5-y follow-up were assessed among Puerto Rican adults (45–75 y). FRS and AL were calculated at baseline, 2-y and 5-y follow-up. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine cross-sectional and 5-y changes in FRS and AL with ABI at 5-y. Latent growth mixture modeling identified trajectories of FRS and AL over 5-y, and multivariable linear regression models were used to test associations between trajectory groups at 5-y.

Results

Greater FRS at 5-y and increases in FRS from baseline were associated with lower ABI at 5-y (β = -0.149, P = 0.010; β = -0.171, P = 0.038, respectively). AL was not associated with ABI in cross-sectional or change analyses. Participants in low-ascending (vs. no change) FRS trajectory, and participants in moderate-ascending (vs. low-ascending) AL trajectory, had lower 5-y ABI (β = -0.025, P = 0.044; β = -0.016, P = 0.023, respectively).

Conclusions

FRS was a better overall predictor of ABI, compared with AL. Puerto Rican adults, an understudied population with higher FRS over 5 years, may benefit from intensive risk factor modification to reduce risk of PAD. Additional research examining relationships between FRS and AL and development of PAD is warranted.
Biotic and abiotic factors causing the collapse of Robinia pseudoacacia L. veteran trees in urban environments
Authors: Wilkaniec Agnieszka , Borowiak-Sobkowiak Beata , Irzykowska Lidia , Breś Włodzimierz , Świerk Dariusz , Pardela Łukasz , Durak Roma , Środulska-Wielgus Jadwiga , Wielgus Krzysztof
Published: January 2021

Robinia pseudoacacia L. is an interesting example of how one plant species can be considered invasive or useful depending on its environment. In the past this tree species was planted for decorative purposes and for wood in Poland. For many years it was recommended in poor and degraded habitats because it facilitated late-successional plant species. The aim of this study was to verify if black locust can still be regarded as a resistant tree species in urban greenery. The health condition of old tree specimens growing along streets and in parks was compared. The occurrence of pests and pathogens on R. pseudoacacia trees was assessed and the content of mineral elements in leaves was examined. The research results showed that the health of black locust trees growing in the urban environment in Polish cities, especially along streets (in comparison to park sites), deteriorated significantly due to the interaction of harmful biotic and abiotic factors. Increased level of toxic metals (Fe, Zn, Pb, Mn and Cd) in plant tissues and the accumulation of pests and pathogens negatively influenced the health of R. pseudoacacia.
Avoidance behaviour in laboratory house mice (Musmusculus) and Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) towards predator odours
Authors: Adduci Luciana B. , León Vanina A. , Schlötelburg Annika , Busch María , Fraschina Jimena
Published: January 2021

Mus musculus and Rattus sp. are considered pest species because they reach high densities in urban areas, crop fields and food storage and productive systems such as breeding farms and orchards. Their control relies mainly on rodenticide application, but the effectiveness of this application is reduced due to behavioural responses and resistance. Novel methods are based on the use of chemical signals as odours that may be attractants, repellents or may reduce the reproductive success of pest species. The aim of this paper is to study the aversive effect of TMT, cat urine and cat body odour on predator-inexperienced Mus musculus and Rattus norvegicus under laboratory conditions. The experimental apparatus comprised three boxes connected by PVC pipes in a linear arrangement. In lateral boxes, odour sources or distilled water were introduced, while animals were placed in the central box at the beginning of the experiment. Rats showed freezing behaviour, reduced visits in the presence of TMT and cat fur. Mice reduced their visits with cat body and cat urine. This study provides evidence of the usefulness of using fear responses as a way to control rodent pests, which must be adapted to the environment and species to be applied.
Measles epidemic in pediatric population in Greece during 2017–2018: Epidemiological, clinical characteristics and outcomes
Authors: Gianniki Maria , Siahanidou Tania , Botsa Evanthia , Michos Athanasios
Published: January 2021

Background and aim

A measles outbreak occurred in Greece during 2017–2018 affecting mainly pediatric population. The aim of the study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the cases diagnosed in the major pediatric tertiary hospital of Athens, where 26.5% of national pediatric measles cases were diagnosed and treated.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of children 0–16 years old, who presented at the emergency department and/or were hospitalized with clinical presentation compatible with measles and diagnosis was confirmed with molecular detection of the measles RNA in pharyngeal swabs. Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory characteristics were retrieved from medical records and analyzed.

Results

A total of 578 children with measles were identified during the study period. 322 (55.7%) were male with median age 36 months (range:1–193), while the largest number of documented cases (251; 43.4%) were children aged 1–5 years. Most children (429/578; 74.2%) belonged to the Roma minority and only 64 (11.1%) had Greek origin. 497 (91.5%) children were unvaccinated and 37 (6.8%) were partially vaccinated with measles vaccine. Hospitalization was required for 342 (59.2%) children, whereas one or more complications were reported in 230 (67.2%) of them. Most frequent complications were elevated transaminases (139; 40.6%), acute otitis media (72; 21%), dehydration (67; 19.6%) and pneumonia (58; 16.9%). 11 children (3.2%) required intensive care admission for altered mental status/status epilepticus (3), sepsis (2) and ARDS (6). 119/342 (34.8%) children were treated with antibiotics because of possible or confirmed bacterial coinfection. One death was reported, concerning an 11-month-old unvaccinated infant, with underlying dystrophy, who died of sepsis.

Conclusion

Measles is not an innocent viral infection, as it is still characterized by high morbidity and complications rates. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated populations could trigger new outbreaks, resulting in significant cost in public health. To avoid future measles outbreaks, high vaccination coverage should be achieved, as well as closing immunity gaps in the population and ensuring high-quality measles surveillance.
Acetone application for administration of bioactive substances has no negative effects on longevity, fitness, and sexual communication in a parasitic wasp
Authors: Jatsch Anne-Sophie , Ruther Joachim
Published: January 2021

Administration of defined amounts of bioactive substances is a perseverative problem in physiological studies on insects. Apart from feeding and injection, topical application of solutions of the chemicals is most commonly used for this purpose. The solvents used should be non-toxic and have least possible effects on the studied parameters. Acetone is widely used for administration of chemical substances to insects, but possible side-effects of acetone application on fitness and behavioral parameters have been rarely investigated. Here we study the effects of acetone application (207 nl) on fitness and sexual communication in the parasitic wasp Nasonia giraulti Darling. Application of acetone had neither negative effects on longevity nor on offspring number and offspring sex ratio of treated wasps. Treatment of females hampered courtship and mating of N. giraulti couples neither directly after application nor one day after. Male sex pheromone titers were not influenced by acetone treatment. Three application examples demonstrate that topical acetone application is capable of bringing active amounts of insect hormones, neuromodulators, and biosynthetic precursors even in tiny insects. We advocate the use of acetone as a convenient, conservative, and broadly applicable vehicle for studying the effects of bioactive substances in insects.
The prevalence and clinical outcome of supraventricular tachycardia in different etiologies of pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Fingrova Zdenka , Ambroz David , Jansa Pavel , Kuchar Jan , Lindner Jaroslav , Kunstyr Jan , Aschermann Michael , Linhart Ales , Havranek Stepan
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) frequently suffer from supraventricular tachycardias (SVT). The main purpose of our study was to identify the cumulative incidence of SVT in patients with different etiologies of PH. The secondary objective was to analyse the clinical impact of SVT.

Methods

We retrospectively studied the prevalence of SVT and the clinical outcome in 755 patients (41% males; 60 ± 15 years; mean follow-up 3.8 ± 2.8 years) with PH of different etiologies. The prevalence of SVT was analysed separately in isolated pre-capillary PH (Ipc-PH) and in patients with combined post- and pre-capillary PH (Cpc-PH).

Results

The prevalence of SVT in the Ipc-PH group (n = 641) was 25% (n = 162). The most prevalent arrhythmias were atrial fibrillation followed by a typical atrial flutter (17% and 4.4% of all Icp-PH patients). An excessive prevalence of SVT was found in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (35%, p = 0.01). Out of the overall study population, Cpc-PH was present in 114 (15%) patients. Patients with Cpc-PH manifested a higher prevalence of SVT than subjects with Ipc-PH (58; 51% vs. 162; 25%; p <0.0001) and were more likely to have persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation (38; 29% vs. 61; 10%; p <0.0001). Parameters significantly associated with mortality in a multivariate analysis included age, male gender, functional exercise capacity and right atrial diameter (p < 0.05). Neither diagnosis of SVT nor type of arrhythmia predicted mortality.

Conclusions

The study detected a significant prevalence of SVT in the population of PH of different origins. Different spectrum and prevalence of arrhythmia might be expected in different etiologies of PH. Patients with an elevated post-capillary pressure showed a higher arrhythmia prevalence, predominantly due to an excessive number of atrial fibrillations. The diagnosis of SVT was not associated with mortality.
Converting the maybes: Crucial for a successful COVID-19 vaccination strategy
Authors: Attwell Katie , Lake Joshua , Sneddon Joanne , Gerrans Paul , Blyth Chris , Lee Julie
Published: January 2021

Background

Broad community acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccination will be critical for effectively halting the spread of the virus. In this study, we focus on factors that differentiate those who are undecided from those who are either willing or unwilling to accept a prospective COVID-19 vaccine.

Methods

An online survey in May 2020 assessed Australian adults’ willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine (yes, maybe, no). A multinomial logistical regression of responses (N = 1,313) was used to identify correlates of vaccine willingness between the three groups.

Results

65% were willing to vaccinate, with 27% being in the ‘maybe’ category. Respondents were more likely to be in the ‘maybe’ than the ‘yes’ group when they perceived COVID-19 to be less severe, had less trust in science, were less willing to vaccinate for influenza, and were female. They were more likely to be in the ‘maybe’ than ‘no’ group when they perceived COVID-19 as severe, and less likely to be a hoax, had more trust in science, and greater willingness to vaccinate for influenza. A repeat of the survey in November 2020 with a subset of participants found fewer of them saying yes to the vaccine (56%) and more saying maybe (31%).

Conclusions

The effectiveness of any COVID-19 vaccine rollout will be reliant on maximizing uptake. The significant number of people who remain undecided about whether or not to get a COVID-19 vaccine, despite the ongoing devastating consequences of the virus for individuals, communities, and economies, is concerning. Our findings aid current research seeking to inform policy regarding how to convince the undecided to vaccinate.
From anti-Franco resistance to the crisis of left-wing culture: Triunfo and La Calle, two weeklies in the democratic transition
Authors: García González Gloria
Published: January 2021

The fortunes of the two weekly magazines Triunfo and La Calle reflect the decline of the Marxist left in Spain during the transition to democracy. While Triunfo evolved from a position of resistance under the Franco regime towards a pragmatism that disenchanted many of its readers, in 1978, the creation of the new weekly La Calle represented a rallying cry to a readership that had already begun to drift away from the Marxist left, both in political terms and in terms of the kind of publication it was keen to buy. The study of the two magazines in these crucial years of the transition serves to exemplify the demise of the Spanish left: with time, both lost their market niche to more moderate and more profitable publications.
The market for satirical magazines in late Francoism and the Transition (1970–84): Dissent and political opposition
Authors: Salgado de Dios Francesc
Published: January 2021

This article offers a first collective history of the main satirical reviews during the Spanish Transition (La Codorniz, Hermano Lobo, Barrabás, El Papus, Por Favor and El Jueves), which comprised a publication segment aimed at expressing a barely recognized freedom of the press. The text describes the development of this sector of the non-daily press, satirical magazines, which burst onto the scene only to contract a few years later, in the early 1980s. The sector attracted a readership of its own, giving cover to a non-conformist, sometimes disenchanted editorial approach that challenged much of the so-called discourse of consensus, which was politically hegemonic in the press during the Transition.
Beyond Tordesillas: New Approaches to Comparative Luso-Hispanic Studies, Robert P. Newcomb and Richard A. Gordon (eds) (2017)
Authors: Pérez Isasi Santiago
Published: January 2021

Review of: Beyond Tordesillas: New Approaches to Comparative Luso-Hispanic Studies, Robert P. Newcomb and Richard A. Gordon (eds) (2017)

Columbus, OH: Ohio State University Press, 216 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-81421-347-6, h/bk, $89.95

ISBN 978-0-81427-567-2, e-book, $29.95
A bizalmat befolyásoló tényezők vizsgálata az üzleti kapcsolatokban (Affects of Transaction cost and Social Exchange Constructs on trust In supply chain relationship)
Authors: Piricz Noémi
Published: January 2021

Az üzleti célú kapcsolatok vizsgálatakor legtöbbször felmerül a bizalom fogalma is, amellyel először a szociálpszichológia és a szociológia foglalkozott. A szerző cikkében azzal foglalkozik, hogy milyen tényezők befolyásolják a bizalmat az üzleti kapcsolatokban. Ezért magyarországi szervezeteket (elsősorban üzleti vállalkozásokat) kérdezett meg kvantitatív módszer alkalmazásával. Ez az empirikus kutatás igyekszik a bizalom lehető legtöbb tényezőit összegyűjteni, ahol a kérdőívben a válaszolók egyik létező – vevői vagy beszállítói – kapcsolatukra gondolva válaszoltak a bizalmon túl a partner hírnevére, az észlelt elégedettségre és konfliktusra, az információcserére, a lecserélhetőségre, valamint a kapcsolatspecifikus beruházásokra vonatkozóan. Az eredmények azt mutatják, hogy egyik változó sem jelent kizárólagos befolyásoló erőt, hanem közösen alakítják ki a bizalom adott szintjét. _______ This article is based on the assumption that trust promotes commitment between partners in the supply chain and improves the chances of return on supply chain success. In contrast, a lack of trust between them often increases transaction costs and results in inefficiency. The results of this research, based on multi-country surveys with 729 returns from France, Hungary, Korea, Tunisia and the United States on supply chain professionals, reveals a strong affect of transaction cost constructs (TCC) (asset specificity and behavioral uncertainty) and social exchange constructs (SEC) (replaceability, perceived satisfaction, partner reputation, and perceived conflict) on trust-commitment variables in partnership based supply chain relationships. This paper employed a structural equation model to extract information from the survey data. Among the findings, the research indicates that a firm’s trustcommitment in dealing with their supply chain partnership is highly associated with not only transaction cost, but more so with social exchange variables. This study may open a new research avenue in that there is another construct, SEC, beside TSC that influences the degree of trust and commitment.