bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anesthesia during rigid bronchoscopy for tracheobronchial foreign body removal in children：A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies
Authors: wang Weiping , Li Shangyingying , Liu Hui , Tian Qin , Chen Hang , Tu Shengfen , Yang Fei
Published: January 2021

Background: There is no consensus regarding the optimal anesthetic
approach to rigid bronchoscopy in children suffering from
tracheobronchial FBA. We performed this meta-analysis to assess the
efficacy and safety of the different anesthesia agents and ventilation
modes for tracheobronchial foreign body removal via rigid bronchoscopy
in young children. Methods: A systematic search of three major databases
for all relevant articles. A meta-analysis was performed to analyze the
data. Results: Four trials for evaluating different anesthetics and six
trials for evaluating two kinds of ventilation modes were found.
Compared with the sevoflurane-based volatile anesthesia group , the rate
of perioperative complications included hypoxemia (OR, 2.07; 95% CI,
1.38–3.11; P=0.0004; I2 = 0%), apnea (OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 1.11–6.78; P
= 0.03; I2 = 60%), laryngospasm (OR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.67–4.98;
P=0.0001; I2 = 0%), cough/bucking (OR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.86–4.63;
P<0.00001; I2 = 0%), and body movement (OR, 3.51; 95% CI,
2.03–6.09; P<0.00001; I2 = 0%) were significantly increased
in the propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia and the duration of
operation were longer in the Group Prop. Compared with the control
ventilation group , the incidences of laryngospasm (OR, 0.16; 95% CI,
0.05–0.56; P=0.004; I2 = 54%), apnea (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.09–0.50;
P=0.0004; I2 = 0%), and cough/bucking (OR, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.01–0.10;
P<0.00001; I2 = 41%) increased in the spontaneous ventilation
group and the duration of operationand emergence from anesthesia
significantly prolonged in the Group SV. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis
suggests that sevoflurane-based volatile anesthesia was superior to
propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia for the management of
foreign body aspiration in children. There is still no strong evidence
indicated that one ventilation technique was superio
Four times out of Europe: serial invasions of the winter moth, Operophtera brumata, to North America
Authors: Andersen Jeremy , Havill Nathan , Caccone Adalgisa , Elkinton Joseph
Published: January 2021

Reconstructing the geographic origins of invasive species is critical
for establishing effective management strategies. Frequently, molecular
investigations are undertaken when the source population is not known,
however; these analyses are constrained both by the amount of diversity
present in the native region and by changes in the genetic background of
the invading population following bottlenecks and/or hybridization
events. Here we explore the geographical origins of the invasive winter
moth (Operopthera brumata L.) that has caused widespread defoliation to
forests, orchards, and crops in four discrete regions: Nova Scotia,
British Columbia, Oregon, and the northeastern United States. It is not
known whether these represent independent introductions to North
America, or “stepping stone” spread among regions. Using a combination
of Bayesian assignment and approximate Bayesian computation methods, we
analyzed a population genetic dataset of 24 polymorphic microsatellite
loci. We estimate that winter moth was introduced to North America on at
least four occasions, with the Nova Scotian and British Columbian
populations likely being introduced from France and Sweden,
respectively; the Oregonian population likely being introduced from
either the British Isles or northern Fennoscandia; and the population in
the northeastern United States likely being introduced from somewhere in
Central Europe. To our surprise, we found that hybridization has not
played a large role in the establishment of winter moth populations even
though previous reports have documented widespread hybridization between
winter moth and a native congener. We discuss the impact of genetic
bottlenecks on analyses meant to determine region of origin.
Liothyronine and Levothyroxine Prescribing in England: A Comprehensive Survey and Evaluation
Authors: Stedman Mike , Taylor Peter N. , Premawardhana Lakdasa , Okosieme Onyebuchi , Dayan Colin , Heald Adrian
Published: January 2021

Introduction: The approach to thyroid hormone replacement varies across
centres but the extent and determinants of variation is unclear. We
evaluated geographical variation in levothyroxine (LT4) and liothyronine
(LT3) prescribing across General Practices in England and analysed the
relationship of prescribing patterns to clinical and socioeconomic
factors. Methods: Data was downloaded from the NHS monthly General
Practice Prescribing Data in England for the period 2011-2020. Results
Overall, 0.5% of levothyroxine treated patients continue to receive
liothyronine. All Clinical Commission Groups (CCGs) in England continue
to have at least one liothyronine prescribing practice and 48.5% of
English general practices prescribed liothyronine in 2019-20. Factors
strongly influencing more levothyroxine prescribing (model accounted for
62% of variance) were the CCG to which the practice belonged and the
proportion of people with diabetes registered on the practice list plus
antidepressant prescribing, with socioeconomic disadvantage associated
with less levothyroxine prescribing. For liothyronine prescribing (model
accounted for 17% of variance), factors that were associated with
increased levels of liothyronine prescribing were antidepressant
prescribing and % of type 2 diabetes mellitus individuals achieving
HbA1c control of 58mmol/mol or less. Factors that were associated with
reduced levels of liothyronine prescribing included smoking and higher
obesity rates. Conclusion: In spite of strenuous attempts to limit
prescribing of liothyronine in general practice a significant number of
patients continue to receive this therapy, although there is significant
geographical variation in the prescribing of this as for levothyroxine,
with specific general practice and CCG related factors influencing
prescribing of both levothyroxine and liothyronine.
Durability of Left Atrial Lesions after Ethanol Infusion in the Vein of Marshall
Authors: Laredo Mikael , Ferchaud Virginie , Thomas Olivier , Moubarak Ghassan , Cauchemez Bruno , Zhao Alexandre
Published: January 2021

Background Ethanol infusion in the vein of Marshall (EIVM) has shown to
be effective for treating atrial fibrillation (AF) and perimitral left
atrial (LA) flutter (PMLAF). Aims To assess the persistence of LA
lesions created by EIVM by electro-anatomical mapping (EAM) at repeated
procedure for recurrent atrial tachycardia (AT) or AF. Methods We
included consecutive patients who underwent EIVM then repeated CA for
recurrent AT or AF with high-definition EAM in a single center. Acute
and long term EIVM effect was assessed at the index and redo procedures
by comparing the area of bipolar voltage <0.05 mV in the vein
of Marshall (VOM) region before, immediately after and late after EIVM.
Results 24 consecutive patients (mean age 68.6±6.1 years, 58% men)
underwent redo procedure after previous successful EIVM for persistent
AF (n=21; 88%) or PMLAF (n=5; 21%). In each case, EIVM had an acute
effect, with a post-EIVM scar in the VOM (median 12.4 cm2
[interquartile range (IQR) 7.6–15.7]). Mitral isthmus (MI)
bidirectional block was obtained in 20/24 patients (83%). In each
patient, the EIVM-related lesion persisted, with a chronic scar in the
VOM region (median 13.1 cm2 [IQR 8.1–15.9]). One quarter of
patients (5/20) had late MI reconnection, which was located at the
mitral annulus edge or in the coronary sinus. Conclusions Atrial lesions
created by EIVM are durable, which reinforces the efficacy profile of
EIVM. Reconduction sites in the MI are located at the edge of the mitral
annulus and in the coronary sinus.
Acute Postoperative Pain
Authors: Zach Kelly , Gonzalez-Sotomayor Julio A.
Published: January 2021

Inadequate management of acute postoperative pain increases morbidity and mortality. Poorly controlled pain results in delayed hospital discharge and may lead to the development of chronic pain. Current evidence supports the implementation of a multimodal analgesic regimen, where different pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions are used. The selection of the different components of this multimodal analgesic approach should consider their potential benefits and limitations, as well as the unique patient characteristics and the surgical procedure. It is the responsibility of the perioperative health care provider to formulate an optimal pain management strategy to ultimately enhance patient satisfaction and improve short- and long-term outcomes.
Aesthetic Principles
Authors: Sarhaddi Deniz , Nahai Foad
Published: January 2021

The perception of beauty impacts our daily lives, such that the pursuit of beauty is often the pursuit of an improved quality of life. Although there are guidelines for facial proportions, there is no set beauty ideal in the modern day. Aesthetic surgeons should be familiar with facial proportions and should be able to modify these with respect to cultural and ethnic variations. To achieve imperceptible scarring, aesthetic surgeons should be able to control tissue tension, properly orient incisions, appreciate anatomical subunits, and avoid distortion of surrounding structures. Aesthetic surgery, when performed with craftsmanship, can achieve a long-lasting and harmonious result. 
This review contains 10 figures, and 26 references.
Keywords: defining beauty, facial aesthetic proportions, facial subunits, scarring, resting skin tension lines, evolution of facelift, SMAS, facial aging
Genetic Composition and Autoantibody Titers Model the Probability of Detecting C-Peptide Following Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis
Authors: Williams MacKenzie D. , Bacher Rhonda , Perry Daniel J. , Grace C. Ramsey , McGrail Kieran M. , Posgai Amanda L. , Muir Andrew , Chamala Srikar , Haller Michael J. , Schatz Desmond A. , Brusko Todd M. , Atkinson Mark A. , Wasserfall Clive H.
Published: January 2021

We and others previously demonstrated that a type 1 diabetes genetic risk score (GRS) improves the ability to predict disease progression and onset in at-risk subjects with islet autoantibodies. Here, we hypothesized that GRS and islet autoantibodies, combined with age at onset and disease duration, could serve as markers of residual β-cell function following type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Generalized estimating equations were used to investigate whether GRS along with insulinoma-associated protein-2 autoantibody (IA–2A), zinc transporter 8 autoantibody (ZnT8A), and GAD autoantibody (GADA) titers were predictive of C-peptide detection in a largely cross-sectional cohort of 401 subjects with type 1 diabetes (median duration 4.5 years [range 0–60]). Indeed, a combined model with incorporation of disease duration, age at onset, GRS, and titers of IA–2A, ZnT8A, and GADA provided superior capacity to predict C-peptide detection (quasi-likelihood information criterion [QIC] = 334.6) compared with the capacity of disease duration, age at onset, and GRS as the sole parameters (QIC = 359.2). These findings support the need for longitudinal validation of our combinatorial model. The ability to project the rate and extent of decline in residual C-peptide production for individuals with type 1 diabetes could critically inform enrollment and benchmarking for clinical trials where investigators are seeking to preserve or restore endogenous β-cell function.
OGTT Glucose Response Curves, Insulin Sensitivity, and β-Cell Function in RISE: Comparison Between Youth and Adults at Randomization and in Response to Interventions to Preserve β-Cell Function
Authors: Arslanian Silva , ghormli Laure El , Kim Joon Young , Tjaden Ashley H. , Barengolts Elena , Caprio Sonia , Hannon Tamara S. , Mather Kieren , Nadeau Kristen , Utzschneider Kristina M. , Kahn Steven E. , Consortium The RISE
Published: January 2021

Objective: We examined the
glucose-response-curves [Biphasic (BPh), Monophasic
(MPh),
Incessant-Increase (IIn)], during an oral
glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and their relationship to insulin sensitivity
(IS) and b-cell function (bCF) in youth vs. adults with IGT or recently diagnosed type 2
diabetes.

Research Design and Methods: This was both a cross-sectional and
longitudinal evaluation of participants in the RISE study randomized to
metformin alone for 12 months or glargine for 3 months followed by metformin
for 9 months. At baseline/randomization, OGTTs (85 youth, 353 adults) were categorized
as BPh, MPh, or IIn. The relationship of the glucose-response-curves to hyperglycemic-clamp-measured
IS and bCF at baseline, and the change in glucose-response-curves 12 months after randomization were
assessed.

Results: At randomization, the prevalence of
the BPh-curve was significantly higher in youth than adults (18.8%
vs. 8.2%), with no differences in MPh or IIn. IS did not differ across glucose-response-curves
in youth or adults. However, irrespective of curve type, youth had lower IS
than adults (p<0.05). bCF was lowest in IIn vs. MPh and BPh in
youth and adults (p <0.05). Yet, compared with adults, youth had higher bCF in BPh and MPh (p<0.005), but not IIn
curves. At month 12, the change in glucose-response-curves did not differ
between youth and adults, and there was no treatment effect.

Conclusions: Despite a 2-fold
higher prevalence of the more-favorable BPh curve in youth at randomization, RISE
interventions did not result in beneficial changes in glucose-response-curves
in youth compared with adults. Moreover, the typical b-cell hypersecretion in youth was not
present in the IIn curve, emphasizing the severity of b-cell dysfunction in youth with this least-
favorable glucose-response-curve.
Analysis Of Efficiency Of Windu Shrimp Cultivation Business Policulture System In Tugurejo Sub-District Tugu Districts Semarang City
Authors: Sulistyowati Sulistyowati
Published: January 2021

This study aims to calculate technical efficiency and determine the financial efficiency of the cultivation of windu shrimp with the Polyculture system by farmers in Tugurejo  village,  Tugu  district,  Semarang  City  based  on  simple  investment  criteria, namely BC ratio (Benefit Cost Ratio), BEP (Break Event Point), ROI (Revenue On Invensment) to measure how much efficiency the use of capital is against revenue. The method used is descriptive analysis with a questionnaire and field observations. The data used are primary data collected through interviews with respondents and key persons. The sample was 25 people so that all (census) were taken in October 2019-March 2020. The results showed that the BC ratio analysis was 1.64, BEP (Q) tiger prawns were 160.49 kg / Ha per year and for BEP prices IDR 35,680 / kg, BEP (Q) of milkfish as much as 755.25 kg / Ha per year and for BEP prices of IDR 12,175 /kg, ROI is 137.97%> 100%, the tiger prawn cultivation business with an efficient polyculture system in the use of capital to revenue and worthy of cultivation.
Fish Plaza as a Centre of Fisheries Product Trading in Tuban Regency, East Java
Authors: Suprapti Yuyun , Munir Miftachul , Zainuddin Muhammad
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this research is to find out how Plaza Ikan encourages fish traders to increase their business. One of the efforts of the Tuban Regency Government to increase the added value of fish products is to establish a fish Plaza. The fish plaza is an integrated fish auction place that is packaged in a modern way and integrates with the sale of fresh fish, smoked fish and various processed fish. With the concept of integration, it is hoped that the economy of Tuban fishermen will improve. The research method used a qualitative descriptive method, while the data collection using interviews and questionnaire techniques. Of the 30 respondents who answered everyday trading at the fish plaza, 20 respondents strongly agreed, 7 respondents agreed and 3 respondents were doubtful. A comfortable place to sell, 17 respondents strongly agree, 8 respondents agree, 3 respondents doubt, 2 respondents disagree. Profits are increasing, 5 respondents disagreed, 25 respondents strongly disagreed. The consumers are many and varied, 12 respondents strongly agree, 5 respondents agree, 3 respondents doubt, 4 respondents disagree, 6 respondents strongly disagree
Invasive Status of Tarebia Granifera Based on Density of Population in River of Gunung Sejuk Village, South Buton Regency
Authors: Sirza LM. Junaidin , Purnama Muhammad Fajar , Anwar Khoirul , . Salwiyah , . Abdullah
Published: January 2021

This research was conducted from May to August 2020, located in the Wandoke Watershed, Gunung Sejuk Village, South Buton Regency. This study aims to analyze the invasive status of the alien species Tarebia granifera based on the perspective of its population density in the river of Gunung Sejuk village. This research is intended to examine the dominance of T. granifera species to local gastropod commodities in the typical habitats and niches of the Wandoke river. Determination of the station or location of the observation begins with a preliminary survey, making it easier to select and determine research stations. Determination of research stations using purposive sampling technique or method of designating stations deliberately, based on the presence of invasive alien species populations of T. granifera and T. granifera sampling using simple random sampling or T. granifera sampling is done randomly in a square transect measuring 100 m2 , using a quadratic transect measuring 1 m2, with the assumption that each point in the transect measuring 100 m2 has homogeneous conditions. The population density of T. granifera at each station in the months of May - August (Spatial and Temporal) shows the size is not much different, where the density range is 21 ind/m2- 43.33 ind/m2. The results of measurement and population density analysis of T. granifera in the waters of the Wandoke river, Gunung Sejuk village is the massive empirical evidence of the invasive pattern of the thiaridae snail.
Effect Utilization Mangrove Rhizophora Sp Fruit Extract in Production of Coffee Powder in Perspective of Water Content and Organoleptic Test
Authors: Sukma Raka Nur , Zahro Mahfudlotuz
Published: January 2021

Utilization of mangrove seeds is not as popular the use of wood tree. Utilization of wood from mangrove tree is used as raw material for making charcoal and building materials.The local community rarely uses mangrove seeds for food, drinks, scrubs and coloring. This is not enough of public knowledge about the benefits of mangrove seeds. The public mindset that the only sources of carbohydrates are rice and corn. There is not much knowledge about the potential and benefits of mangrove seeds as a coffee drink. The research method used in this research is experimental research. In this experiment, 3 repetitions of treatment and 3 replications. Water content data in the mangrove seed ground coffee was tested by normality test.        The proximate test results show ash content of 1 to 4% when averaged is 2.6%. While the general requirement for roasted coffee (SNI.01.2983-1992) is 7-14% ash content. The color of coffee is influenced by the value of the extract content of the coffee, water soluble coffee juice will give it a deep black color ( Pastiniasih, 2012). The juice content of magrove coffee is high enough for each treatment so that the steeping gives a visually visible black color.
Coral Reef Fishes Biodiversity In Pahawang Island,Pesawaran District Lampung
Authors: Yuliana Darma , Rahmasari Ayu , Yulianto Herman , Damai Abdullah Aman
Published: January 2021

The components of coral reef ecosystem can be described by the unique regulation in community level. Coral reef fishes use coral reef as their habitat and they highly depend on coral reef health. Otherwise, the condition of coral reef health can be predicted by the biodiversity of coral reef fishes. The research aim was describe communities differences between two explored area in marine tourism spots in Pahawang Island. This research was conducted on November 2019 at two stations on the coral reefs ecosystem of Pahawang Island represented the two quitely different area, the marine tourism and the visitor areas.  The coral reef fishes were observed by using visual census method with a Line Transect length of 30 meters and a visibility of 2.5 meters left and right of the transect.  Coral reef fish community structure was measured by diversity, similarity, and dominancy indexes. A total of 1.940 coral reef fish species from 13 families were recorded. Pomacentridae is the most speciose family (1.091 species), followed by Siganidae (308 species) and Labridae (166 species). Biodiversity of coral reef fishes at Pahawang Island showed results diversity index (H') in both observation stations classified as medium with a low dominance index value (C) and similarity index (E)  at both stations classified as high, presumably as a result of tourism activities. The diversity index at station 2 has a greater value than station 1 as a tourist area with diving and snorkeling tourism activities, at station 2 there are more types or genus of reef fish, compared to station 1.
The effect of demographic characteristics on employment in Sub- Saharan Africa.
Authors: Ndung’u Francis Kamau
Published: January 2021

This study aimed at establishing the effect of demographic characteristics on employment in Sub Saharan Africa.  The study used data ranging from the year 1990 to the year 2015 that was obtained from the data banks of World Bank and FAOSTAT. The panel data that was obtained and used was for 30 Sub-Saharan African Countries. The traditional Neo classical production function was utilized in this study in estimating the regression results. Hausman test was carried out and it determined that fixed effects estimations were preferred to random effects and as a consequence, random effects estimations were made use of during the analysis of data. In establishing the relationship between demographic characteristics and employment, demographic characteristics, imports and services sectors variables were found to statistically and significantly influence employment. However, domestic capital was found to negatively influence employment though this was not statistically significant, while exports was found negatively and statistically significantly influencing employment.
Motives and Consequences of Social Network Sites: Teachers in Greece A Case Study
Authors: Gougas Vasileios , Malinova Lucia
Published: January 2021

the last fifteen years and especially during the pandemic of the COVID-19 virus, there have been an intense In use of Social Network Sites (SNS) by all age, social and professional groups. Logically, that teacher could not escape from this trend. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the hedonic use, utilitarian use, socializing, procrastination, job escapism, work productivity of the specific professional team from the use of SNS. For this reason, a questionnaire consisting of 30 questions was created which was given to a sample of 351 teachers (N=351, Cronbach’s alpha=0.90) in Greece. The results showed that the strongest motivation for the use of SNS is job escapism. It became apparent that the negative effects are associated with escapism and socializing, while hedonic use seems to be more linked with procrastination.
Reflections on post-bailout policy analysis in Ireland
Authors: Murphy Mary , Hogan John
Published: January 2021

This short article reflects on observations from the forthcoming volume Policy Analysis in Ireland, edited by Hogan & Murphy. The volume forms part of the International Library of Policy Analysis series, which covers more than twenty countries, published by Policy Press and edited by Michael Howlett and Iris Geva-May. While various themes emerge from the Irish volume, this article focuses on only one core question: whether and how the 2008 economic crisis contracted and expanded the capacity for policy analysis in Ireland. The troika of the International Monetary Fund, European Central Bank and the European Commission are associated with policy capacity innovation, but also with significant austerity. Both had a major and long-term impact on public services. While the article documents a range of successful post-bailout attempts to improve policy analysis capacity, it also points to often less conscious, but sometimes deliberate, decisions that diminished some forms of policy analysis capacity. We find economic policymaking capacity enhanced while changes to resources and policy opportunity structures depleted both space and the capacity for social policy analysis. This was particularly so within the equality and social justice sectors. Given ongoing social risks, the Covid-19 pandemic and the climate crisis, Ireland needs to adjust for a future of permanent uncertainty, or perpetual crises, and should seek to rebalance investment in social policy capacity and to develop systems for integrated policy analysis.
Changes in the Quality of Old Apple Cultivars After Freeze-Drying
Authors: Sikora Fryderyk , Lachowicz Sabina , Kapusta Ireneusz , Dylawerski Marek , Zyska Wojciech , Ochmian Ireneusz
Published: January 2021

There are several thousand different cultivars of apple trees but only a limited number are cultivated on an industrial scale. Old cultivars can be useful, for example, in the processing industry due to their different composition. In many cases, they have higher organic acid content. The content of mineral components, colour, and polyphenols in the fruit of 7 old apple tree cultivars, growing in the Wolinski National Park, was studied. The changes that occurred in the fruit after freeze-drying were also evaluated. The trees from which the fruit was picked for analysis, despite the lack of chemical protection, were fruiting and the apples had only a few symptoms of damage caused by pests or diseases. The fruit was characterised by a high soluble solids content (14.4-16.4%), in which sugars and especially fructose dominated. The number of organic acids varied greatly and ranged from 0.27 (Oberlander Himbeerapfel) g to 1.07 g/100 g (Winter Goldparmane). The content of polyphenols in fresh apples ranged from 186 mg (Horneburger Pfannkuchenapfel) to 354 mg/100 g (Winter Goldparmane) and increased after freeze-drying from 666 mg (Weisser Winterkalvill) to 1486 mg/100 g (Winter Goldparmane). The dominant group of polyphenolic compounds was phenolic acid. The freeze-drying process caused unfavourable changes in the colour of the pulp. The fruits of Oberlander Himbeerapfel cultivar were most susceptible to these changes. However, the least darkened fruit of Horneburger Pfannkuchenapfel.
Analysing flood history and simulating the nature of future floods using Gumbel method and Log-Pearson Type III: the case of the Mayurakshi River Basin, India
Authors: Islam Aznarul , Sarkar Biplab
Published: January 2021

Floods of the Mayurakshi River Basin (MRB) have been historically documented since 1860. The high magnitude, low-frequency flood events have drastically changed to low magnitude, high-frequency flood events in the post-dam period, especially after the 1950s, when the major civil structures (Massanjore dam, Tilpara barrage, Brahmani barrage, Deucha barrage, and Bakreshwar weir) were constructed in the MRB. The present study intends to find out the nature of flood frequency using the extreme value method of Gumbel and Log-Pearson type III (LP-III). The results show that the highest flood magnitude (11,327 m3s−1) was observed during 1957–2009 for the Tilpara barrage with a return probability of 1.85% and the lowest (708 m3s−1) recorded by the Bakreshwar weir during 1956–77 with a return probability of 4.55%. In the present endeavour, we have computed the predicted discharge for the different return periods, like 2, 5, 10, 25, 50,100, and 200 years. The quantile-quantile plot shows that the expected discharge calculated using LP-III is more normally distributed than that of Gumbel. Moreover, Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) test, Anderson–Darling (AD), and x2 distribution show that LP-III distribution is more normally distributed than the Gumbel at 0.01 significance level, implying its greater reliability and acceptance in the flood simulation of the MRB.
Constructing non-orthogonal split-split-plot designs using some resolvable block designs
Authors: Mejza Iwona , Ambroży-Deręgowska Katarzyna , Ozawa Kazuhiro , Mejza Stanisław , Kuriki Shinji
Published: January 2021

We consider a new method of constructing non-orthogonal (incomplete) split-split-plot designs (SSPDs) for three (A, B, C) factor experiments. The final design is generated by some resolvable incomplete block design (for the factor A) and by square lattice designs for factors B and C using a modified Kronecker product of those designs (incidence matrices). Statistical properties of the constructed designs are investigated under a randomized-derived linear model. This model is strictly connected with a four-step randomization of units (blocks, whole plots, subplots, sub-subplots inside each block). The final SSPD has orthogonal block structure (OBS) and satisfies the general balance (GB) property. The statistical analysis of experiments performed in the SSPD is based on the analysis of variance often used for multistratum experiments. We characterize the SSPD with respect to the stratum efficiency factors for the basic estimable treatment contrasts. The structures of the vectors defining treatment contrasts are also given.
A Sustainable Way of Teaching Basic Mathematics
Authors: Summer Anita
Published: January 2021

Quality primary education is one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Undoubtedly, mathematics plays a key role in overcoming future challenges, and mathematical competence and problem-solving skills could help provide appropriate solutions to current and future social, environmental and economic challenges. The following paper deals with Sustainability in Basic Mathematics Education as a great number of students experience anxiety in learning mathematics. The literature-based research text explores the following question: How should a sustainable primary education in mathematics be implemented and which concrete pedagogical initiatives need to be taken? The present article addresses why some students encounter challenges in learning mathematics at the beginning of their education in school. Moreover, it demonstrates how competent teaching could decrease students’ difficulties and in learning mathematics.
Rural Space Governance in Extremadura (SW Spain). Analysis of the Leader Approach
Authors: Alonso Gema Cárdenas , Masot Ana Nieto
Published: January 2021

The LAGs (Local Action Groups) are in charge of designing the development strategy under the LEADER Approach for their areas of action, as well as managing European aid for Rural Development in order to promote new economic activities with which generate progress and alleviate the demographic and socioeconomic problems of its most depressed municipalities. Thus, in this paper the qualitative analysis of LEADER in Extremadura (SW Spain) in the 2007–2013 programming period is presented through the results of a questionnaire to the technical staffs of the 24 LAGs in order to complement the various previous quantitative studies and to know the opinion of essential actors in the rural development processes. During the 2007–2013 period (with the EAFRD as European Fund to finance rural development aids) LAGs have faced great bureaucratic and administrative burdens, which adds to the difficult economic situation experienced in recent years. This has hindered the true labor of these partnerships, that is, to revitalize their territories of action in order to create socioeconomic and, consequently, demographic development.
A Technical Efficiency Analysis of Financial Subsidies Allocated by the Cap in Romanian Farms Using Stochastic Frontier Analysis
Authors: Galluzzo Nicola
Published: January 2021

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has undergone radical changes as a consequence of international agreements. Through a parametric approach based on Stochastic Frontier Analysis, it has been possible to estimate the impact of financial subsidies allocated under the Common Agricultural Policy for the period from 2007 to 2017 in the framework of the first and second pillars to Romanian farms that are part of the FADN dataset. The findings have revealed the positive effect of financial subsidies allocated to disadvantaged rural areas in increasing technical efficiency, and a modest impact of decoupled payments disbursed under the first pillar of the CAP on the Romanian farms investigated.
Business Models for Management and Entrepreneurs as a Tool for Survival and Success
Authors: Walaszczyk Ludmiła , Dingli Sandra
Published: January 2021

The need for survival in today's market drives an increase in the delivery of easy to use ‘just-in-time’ resources that respond to the often-dynamic workplace. Innovative business models are the resources that support entrepreneurs to be more competitive in the market. Based on the research conducted in two European ERASMUS+ projects – Understanding and Developing Business Models – ProBM (2016–2018) and its continuation in the years 2019–2021, the authors discuss the findings on the need for business models to be implemented in enterprises. The paper also includes recommendations for managers and entrepreneurs on what should be considered in order to survive in today's competitive and global marketplace. The authors present the level of awareness of the entrepreneurs in the area of business models and the response to these results in the form of micro-learning. This involves a compendium on business models and bite-sized modules directed towards adult educators in management, start-ups, managers, and entrepreneurs. The insights provided are expected to be valuable to researchers and practitioners interested in the topic of business models.
Low-power latch comparator with accurate hysteresis control
Authors: Khanfir Leïla , Mouïne Jaouhar
Published: January 2021

Recent research has focused on finding ways to control hysteresis of dynamic comparators. The current proposed techniques are based on either geometrical dimension adjustment or digital control. The first case does not allow for post fabrication control, while the second has limited accuracy. This paper presents a new dynamic comparator design with external hysteresis adjustment using an analog voltage. This is achieved by proposing an architecture including control devices with a specific sizing. This is performed with no significant increase of the design complexity, keeping the power consumption as low as possible. The design is analyzed, showing that the proposed solution allows accurate hysteresis adjustment without affecting the inherent circuit properties. The dynamic comparator is also implemented using a 180 nm commercially available CMOS technology. The results show that a variation of 550 mV of the control voltage allows an accurate hysteresis adjustment ranging from 0 to 40 mV, according to the input conditions. Moreover, the simplicity of the circuit in conjunction with the use of dynamic technology have allowed the best performances to be achieved compared to the current state of the art, in terms of energy with an FoM equal to 116 fJ/decision and silicon area of 180 µm2 .
Global Language Politics: Eurasia versus the Rest
Authors: Kamusella Tomasz
Published: January 2021

Globalization in the early 21st century can be considered as the age of inequality that splits the world into the rich North and the poor South. From the perspective of language politics, only very few discussed the division across the globe, especially, between Eurasia and the “Rest of the world.” In Eurasia, indigenous languages and scripts are used in official capacity, while the same function is fulfilled almost exclusively by non-indigenous (post/colonial) European languages in the Rest of the world. In the countries where they are spoken, non-Eurasian languages have limited presence in the mass media, education, or in cyberspace. This linguistic imperialism par excellence is a long-lasting and pernicious legacy of European (western) colonialism. The aforementioned divide is strongly associated to the use of ethnolinguistic nationalism in state building across many areas of Eurasia, while this ideology is not employed for this purpose outside the region.
Motivations of Young Consumers to Participate to Collaborative Consumption
Authors: Puiu Andreea-Ionela
Published: January 2021

Collaborative consumption is currently an exciting topic of interest for many debates and controversies being perceived as a fast-growing social phenomenon. Considering the contemporary development processes via sharing economy, there is an interest to prove that the segment of young consumers practices changed from traditional buying and owning behaviour to collaborative consumption stratagems. Thus, the central objective of the present study is to explore the potential young consumer behaviour adjustments and to discuss the motivations behind those changes by considering the emergence of collaborative consumption.

The primary hypothesis of the present article states that intrinsic and extrinsic motivations influence teenager’s attitudes and behavioural intentions regarding participation in collaborative consumption.

Regarding the methodology, the author’s performed confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. The objective was to determine if previously exposed motivational factors influence positively the young consumer’s behavioural intention and their attitude towards a supposed adherence to collaborative consumption schemes.
Analysis of the Dynamic Response of Offshore Floating Wind Power Platforms in Waves
Authors: Junlai Li , Yonghe Xie , Weiguo Wu , Chi Zhang
Published: January 2021

Floating wind power platforms are in constant motion due to waves when deployed at sea. This motion directly affects the stability and safety of the platform. Therefore, it is very important to study the laws governing the platform’s dynamic response. In this paper, the dynamic characteristics of an offshore floating wind power platform were analysed under nine different sets of operating conditions using a numerical calculation method. Following this, a scaled 1:50 platform model was tested in a tank. Model tests were carried out with different wave conditions, and dynamic response data for the platform were measured and analysed. The hydrodynamic variation rules of floating wind power generation platform in waves were obtained. Some effective measures for maintain the stability and safety of wind power platforms are put forward that can provide a reference for dynamic stability research and the design of floating wind power platforms in the future.
Automatic Control of Ship Motion Conducting Search in Open Waters
Authors: Kula Krzysztof Stefan
Published: January 2021

In this work a search operation support system is presented, which is an additional autopilot function block. Its task is to lead a vessel included in the search by the SAR services to the datum position on the basis of the data entered by the operator into the system and then automatically to search the indicated area according to the newly defined search pattern. The set goal can be achieved thanks to the autopilot that guides the ship along a given trajectory consisting of straight lines and arcs. High control accuracy is provided by the IMC control system using a relatively simple non-linear ship model. The simulation tests of the tanker model confirmed that the indicated search area can be precisely checked in a shorter time than when using the expanding square search pattern.
Radiotherapy-associated angiosarcoma in the breast reconstructed by autologous free-flap and treated with electrochemotherapy
Authors: Cencelj-Arnez Romi , Novak Jerica , Klevisar Ivancic Andreja , Bosnjak Masa , Cemazar Maja , Snoj Marko
Published: January 2021

Background

Radiotherapy-associated angiosarcoma (RAA) of the breast is a rare complication of radiotherapy, which is often difficult to identify and has poor prognosis. It usually presents as violaceous skin, erythema or rapidly growing palpable firm mass that can be confused with other benign skin lesions.

Patients and methods

After reviewing the literature, we found only four cases with RAA after mastectomy and autologous breast reconstruction. The presented case is the first that was treated by electrochemotherapy. The patient presented with secondary angiosarcoma of the breast five years after mastectomy, immediate breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric artery perforator free flap and adjuvant radiotherapy.

Results

Electrochemotherapy was feasible, safe and effective in treatment of radiation induced sarcoma. Most of the treated lesions in several consecutive electrochemotherapy sessions responded with complete response, but multiple recurrences occurred in non-treated areas.

Conclusions

Patients with breast cancer after skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction, who receive radiotherapy, need regular long-term follow up and low threshold for biopsy of any suspicious lesions is mandatory. Electrochemotherapy proved as one of feasible modalities of treatment for RAA.
Prospective evaluation of probabilistic dose-escalated IMRT in prostate cancer
Authors: Wegener Daniel , Berger Bernhard , Outtagarts Zhoulika , Zips Daniel , Paulsen Frank , Bleif Martin , Thorwarth Daniela , Alber Markus , Dohm Oliver , Müller Arndt-Christian
Published: January 2021

Background

Cure- and toxicity rates after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) of prostate cancer are dose-and volume dependent. We prospectively studied the potential for organ at risk (OAR) sparing and compensation of tumor movement with the coverage probability (CovP) concept.

Patients and methods

Twenty-eight prostate cancer patients (median age 70) with localized disease (cT1c–2c, N0, M0) and intermediate risk features (prostate-specific antigen [PSA] < 20, Gleason score ≤ 7b) were treated in a prospective study with the CovP concept. Planning-CTs were performed on three subsequent days to capture form changes and movement of prostate and OARs. The clinical target volume (CTV) prostate and the OARs (bladder and rectum) were contoured in each CT. The union of CTV1–3 was encompassed by an isotropic margin of 7 mm to define the internal target volume (ITV). Dose prescription/escalation depended on coverage of all CTVs within the ITV. IMRT was given in 39 fractions to 78 Gy using the Monte-Carlo algorithm. Short-term androgen deprivation was recommended and given in 78.6% of patients.

Results

Long-term toxicity was evaluated in 26/28 patients after a median follow-up of 7.1 years. At last follow-up, late bladder toxicity (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, RTOG) G1 was observed in 14.3% of patients and late rectal toxicities (RTOG) of G1 (7.1%) and of G2 (3.6%) were observed. No higher graded toxicity occurred. After 7.1 years, biochemical control (biochemically no evidence of disease, bNED) was 95.5%, prostate cancer-specific survival and the distant metastasis-free survival after 7.1 years were 100% each.

Conclusions

CovP-based IMRT was feasible in a clinical study. Dose escalation with the CovP concept was associated by a low rate of toxicity and a high efficacy regarding local and distant control.
Estimation of the impact of migraine on self-rated health: A cross-sectional study in Slovenia
Authors: Popit Matjaž , Zaletel-Kragelj Lijana , Eržen Ivan , Zadravec-Zaletel Lorna , Zaletel Marjan
Published: January 2021

Aim

With the aim of providing a foundation for evidence-based public health actions, as well as the more individualised clinical treatment of migraine in Slovenia, the objective of our study was to assess the association between poor self-rated health (PSRH) and migraine, adjusted for selected comorbidity and socioeconomic factors.

Methods

The survey, conducted between August and December 2014, involved included 6,262 adults aged 15 years and over. Binary logistic regression was used in univariate as well as multivariate analysis. Three multivariate models were defined: MODEL 1 (migraine and comorbidities related to the physical dimension of health); MODEL 2 (comorbidities related to the mental dimension of health); MODEL 3 (demographic and socioeconomic factors).

Results

In univariate as well as all three multivariate models, the odds of PSRH were statistically significantly higher in migraine sufferers in comparison to non-sufferers (univariate model: ORmigraine=yes vs. migraine=no=2.22 (p<0.001); MODEL 1: ORmigraine=yes vs. migraine=no=2.27 (p<0.001); MODEL 2: ORmigraine=yes vs. migraine=no=1.51 (p=0.002); MODEL 3: ORmigraine=yes vs. migraine=no=1.56 (p=0.001)).

Conclusion

Migraine is an important PSRH-related factor. Comorbidities related to the physical dimension of health do not reduce the power of association between migraine and PRSH, while comorbidities related to the mental dimension reduce the power of association of migraine and other health conditions. The power of the association between migraine and PRSH is also independent of demographic/socioeconomic factors. We can also conclude that migraine seems to be a phenomenon that is in a bi-directional relationship with mental states (thus having an impact on PSRH) and is itself a stressor.
On Extremal Problems for Pairs of Uniformly Distributed Sequences and Integrals with Respect to Copula Measures
Authors: Durante Fabrizio , Fernández-Sánchez Juan , Ignazzi Claudio , Trutschnig Wolfgang
Published: January 2021

Motivated by the maximal average distance of uniformly distributed sequences we consider some extremal problems for functionals of type

μ

C

↦

∫
0
1

∫
0
1

F
d

μ

C

,

{\mu _C} \mapsto \int_0^1 {{{\int_0^1 {Fd} }_\mu }_C,}

where µC
is a copula measure and F is a Riemann integrable function on [0, 1]2 of a specific type. Such problems have been considered in [4] and are of interest in the study of limit points of two uniformly distributed sequences.
Urgent surgical department in multidisciplinary hospital repurposed as infectious hospital for new coronavirus infection (COVID-19)
Authors: Korolkov A. Yu. , Teplov V. M. , Zaitsev D. A. , Tcebrovskaya E. A. , Nikitina T. O.
Published: January 2021

Objective. In this paper, we show the work of the emergency surgical department on the example of a large repurposed multidisciplinary hospital, also its necessity even for infectious hospitals not accepting patients with acute surgical pathology.

Methods and Materials. The work of surgical department of Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University repurposed for COVID-19 patients was analyzed. About 1500 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized during 4-month period.

Results. All patients undergoing surgery were in severe condition (at intensive care unit). Most common surgery in abdomen was diagnostic laparoscopy. Spontaneous bleedings of different localization occurred in these patients, what required endovascular and endoscopic treatment. We observed only Clavien – Dindo 1-degree postoperative complications. Mortality rate was high and amounted to 75 %.

Conclusion. The work of surgical department in an infectious hospital for the treatment of a new coronavirus infection is extremely difficult. An infectious hospital should have a 24-hour diagnostic service (US, CT, MRI). Patients severity and the working conditions necessitate the availability of the trained surgical personnel. Given the high risks of bleedings in patients with COVID-19, it is necessary to have a 24-hour endoscopy and endovascular surgery departments with the ability to perform diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Lung cancer patient with purulent complications – oncological or thoracic patient? (commentary to article Korymasov E.A. Et al. «Who, how and where should treat a patient with surgical complications of lung cancer (organizational, diagnostic, therapeutic, socio-ethical aspects)?»)
Authors: Akopov A. A. , Deynega I. V. , Agishev A. S.
Published: January 2021

.