bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can a penalized-likelihood estimation algorithm be used to reduce the injected dose or the acquisition time in 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT studies?
Authors: Chicheportiche Alexandre , Goshen Elinor , Godefroy Jeremy , Grozinsky-Glasberg Simona , Oleinikov Kira , Meirovitz Amichay , Gross David J. , Ben-Haim Simona
Published: January 2021

Background: Image quality and quantitative accuracy of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) depend on several factors such as uptake time, scanner characteristics and image reconstruction methods. Ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) is considered the gold standard for image reconstruction. Penalized-likelihood estimation (PL) algorithms have been recently developed for PET reconstruction to improve quantitation accuracy while maintaining or even improving image quality. In PL algorithms a regularization parameter β controls the penalization of relative differences between neighboring pixels and determines image characteristics. In the present study, we aim to compare the performance of Q.Clear (PL algorithm, GE Healthcare) and OSEM (3 iterations, 8 subsets, 6 mm post-processing filter) for 68Ga-DOTATATE (68Ga-DOTA) PET studies, both visually and quantitatively.Thirty consecutive whole-body 68Ga-DOTA studies were included. The data were acquired in list mode and were reconstructed using 3D OSEM and Q.Clear with various values of β, and various acquisition times per bed position (bp), thus generating images with reduced injected dose (1.5 min/bp: β=300-1100; 1.0 min/bp: β=600-1400 and 0.5 min/bp: β=800-2200). An additional analysis adding β values up to 1500, 1700 and 3000 for 1.5, 1.0 and 0.5 min/bp, respectively, was performed for a random sample of 8 studies. Evaluation was performed using a phantom and clinical data. Two experienced nuclear medicine physicians blinded to the variables assessed the image quality visually.Results: Clinical images reconstructed with Q.Clear, set at 1.5, 1.0 min/bp and 0.5 min/bp using β = 1100, 1300, 3000 respectively, resulted in images with noise equivalence to 3D OSEM (1.5 min/bp) with a mean increase in SUVmax of 14%, 13% and 4%, an increase in SNR of 30%, 24% and 10%, and in SBR of 13%, 13% and 2%, respectively. Visual assessment yielded similar results for β values of 1100-1400 and 1300-1600 for 1.5 and 1.0 min/bp, respectively although for 0.5 min/bp there was no significant improvement compared to OSEM.Conclusion: 68Ga-DOTA reconstructions with Q.Clear, 1.5 and 1.0 min/bp resulted in increased tumor SUVmax and in improved SNR and SBR at a similar level of noise compared to 3D OSEM. Q.Clear with β =1300-1600 enables one-third reduction of acquisition time or injected dose, with similar image quality compared to 3D OSEM.
Health and support service needs of individuals with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Pho Jacqueline Nhu Quynh , Tan Aidan Christopher , Chaudhary Katrina , Hines Sonia , Ellison Caroline , Isaac Vivian , Lim David
Published: January 2021

Background: All individuals should have the right to engage meaningfully in occupations that meet their aspirations and life goals as well as promote their health and wellbeing. For individuals with disability, meaningful engagement in occupations is supported by timely, effective and adaptive health and support services. However, research has revealed multiple barriers preventing utilization of these services by individuals with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. This review aims to identify gaps and solutions in health and support services of individuals with disability from CALD backgrounds to meaningfully engage in occupations.Methods: A scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. A detailed search strategy will be used to search CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, PsycInfo, JBI and Cochrane Library, as well as grey literature in Trove, Mednar and OpenGrey from January 1974 onwards. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations and full-text articles for eligibility against specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Potential conflicts will be resolved through discussion. Data will be extracted and presented in a diagrammatic or tabular form accompanied by a narrative summary. Discussion: The scoping review will present the health and support service needs of individuals with disability from CALD backgrounds and will extend the current reviews as it focuses the engagement in meaningful occupation. Findings from this review have the potential to inform local policy discussions and practice-based disability care.Systematic review registration: Open Science Framework (osf.io/hw2fb).
Human and natural drivers of the recent contrasting trends
between daytime and nighttime hot extremes
Authors: Yeh Sang-Wook , Lee Eun-Hye , Min Seung-Ki
Published: January 2021

The frequency and duration of extreme heat events, including heat waves (HWs, daytime hot extremes) and tropical night (TNs), are increasing significantly as the climate warms, adversely affecting human health, agriculture, and energy consumption. Although many detection and attribution studies have examined extreme heat events, the underlying mechanisms associated with the recent increase in HWs and TNs remain unclear. In this study, we analyze the controlling factors behind the distinct increases in HW and TN events over the Northern Hemisphere during boreal summer (June to August). We found that the occurrence of HW events has been increasing gradually since 1980, mostly due to anthropogenic forcing. However, the occurrence of TN events increased abruptly during the late 1990s and has changed little since then. We demonstrate that this sudden increase in TN events is closely associated with low frequency variability in sea surface temperature, including the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, indicating its natural origin. We further found that CMIP5 climate models fail to capture the observed non-linear increases in TN events, implying potentially large uncertainty in future projections of nighttime heat events and its impacts on human society and ecosystem.
Characterization of resistance mechanisms of Enterobacter cloacae Complex Co-resistant to Carbapenem and Colistin
Authors: Liu Shixing , Fang Renchi , Zhang Ying , Chen Lijiang , Huang Na , Yu Kaihang , Zhou Cui , Cao Jianming , Zhou Tieli
Published: January 2021

Background: The emergence of carbapenem-resistant and colistin-resistant ECC pose a huge challenge to infection control. The purpose of this study was to clarify the mechanism of the carbapenems and colistin co-resistance in Enterobacter cloacae Complex (ECC) strains. Methods: Nineteen ECC isolates co-resistant to carbapenems and colistin were collected from a regional medical center in China. Carbapenemase gene, extended-spectrum β-lactamase gene, AmpC cephalosporinase gene ampC, mcr series genes, and ecr gene were detected by PCR. Genetic clusters of based on hsp60 sequence analysis were performed. Expression levels of outer membrane protein OmpC/OmpF and efflux pump protein AcrA/AcrB were investigated. And the structural modification of lipid A of 19 ECC strains was analyzed. Results: This study showed that the mechanisms of carbapenem resistance in this study are: 1. Generating carbapenemase (7 of 19); 2. The production of AmpC or ESBLs combined with decreased expression of out membrane protein (12 of 19). hsp60 sequence analysis suggested 10 of 19 the strains belong to colistin hetero-resistant clusters and the mechanism of colistin resistance is increaseing expression of acrA in the efflux pump AcrAB-TolC alone (5 of 19) or accompanied by a decrease of affinity between colistin and outer membrane caused by the modification of lipid A (14 of 19). Moreover, an ECC strain co-harboring plasmid-mediated mcr-4.3 and blaNDM-1 has been found.Conclusions: This study suggested that there is no overlap between the resistance mechanism of co-resistant ECC strains to carbapenem and colistin. However, the emergence of strain co-harboring plasmid-mediated resistance genes indicated that ECC is a potential carrier for the horizontal spread of carbapenems and colistin resistance.
Laparoscopic versus open feeding jejunostomy insertion in oesophagogastric cancer
Authors: Mastoridis Sotiris , Bracalente Giada , Hanganu Chistine-Bianca , Neccia Michela , Giuliani Antonio , Gillies Richard , Marshall Robert , Maynard Nicholas , Sgromo Bruno
Published: January 2021

Background: Jejunal feeding is an invaluable method by which to improve the nutritional status of patients undergoing neoadjuvant and surgical treatment of oesophageal malignancies. However, the insertion of a feeding jejunostomy can cause significant postoperative morbidity. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of patients undergoing placement of feeding jejunostomy by conventional laparotomy with an alternative laparoscopic approach. Methods: A retrospective review of data prospectively collected at the Oxford Oesophagogastric Centre between August 2017 and July 2019 was performed including consecutive patients undergoing feeding jejunostomy insertion. Results: In the study period, 157 patients underwent jejunostomy insertion in the context of oesophageal cancer therapy, 126 (80%) by open technique and 31 (20%) laparoscopic. Pre-operative demographic and nutritional characteristics were broadly similar between groups. In the early postoperative period jejunostomy-associated complications were noted in 54 cases (34.4%) and were significantly more common among those undergoing open as compared with laparoscopic insertion (38.1% vs 19.3%, P = 0.049). Furthermore, major complications were more common among those undergoing open insertion, whether as a stand-alone or at the time of staging laparoscopy (n = 11/71), as compared with insertion at the time of oesophagectomy (n = 3/86, P = 0.011). Conclusions: This report represents the largest to our knowledge single-centre comparison of open versus laparoscopic jejunostomy insertion in patients undergoing oesophagectomy in the treatment of gastroesophageal malignancy. We conclude that the laparoscopic jejunostomy insertion technique described represents a safe and effective approach to enteral access which may offer superior outcomes to conventional open procedures.
Scaling-Up a New Socio-Mental Health Service Model in Iran to Reduce Burden of Neuropsychiatric Disorders: An Economic Evaluation Study
Authors: Hosseinijebeli Seyede Sedighe , Rezapour Aziz , Hajebi Ahmad , Lakeh Maziar Moradi , Damari Behzad
Published: January 2021

Background: The integration of core packages of mental health care into routine primary health care has been introduced as an effective way to achieve universal health coverage in mental health care. Based on the transition of mental health care in Iran, from introducing basic mental health care in PHC to the experience of community-based mental health centers for urban areas, a new socio-mental health service model has been so far proposed. This study aimed to estimate the impact of scaling-up the new socio-mental health model at the national level as well as its associated costs.Methods: This study was a cost-consequence analysis following One Health Tool methodology. The data required for the study were collected in the first quarter of the year 2020 with a time horizon from 2020 to 2030. The selected metric for summarizing health effects is healthy life years gained. Resources used in terms of medicines, staff salaries and outpatient visits were documented and associated costs were subsequently estimated in order to estimate the average cost of each intervention per case. Results: The health impacts are calculated in terms of healthy life years gained, after adjusting the prevalence and incidence rates for each disorder. In total, 1,702,755 healthy life years were expected to be gained. Considering total 1,363,581,654 US dollars cost in basic scenario, each healthy life years gained will cost around 801 US dollars. Based on the WHO criteria for cost-effectiveness threshold, all of the values ranged from 724 to 1119 US dollars obtained through eight different scenarios were considered as cost-effective given the GDP per capita of 5,550 US dollars for Iran.Conclusions: Mental health budget in Iran equals to about three percent of total health expenditure while the mental health cost per capita is estimated to be 1.73 US dollar which are relatively low considering the share of the MNS disorders in the national burden of diseases. The results of current study showing the cost of 16.4 US dollar per capita for scaling up this comprehensive mental health service model can convince high-level policy-makers to increase the share of mental health budget accordingly.
Bulk-up synchronisation of successive larval cohorts of Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto and Anopheles coluzzii through temperature reduction at early larval stages: effect on emergence rates, body size and mating success
Authors: Zubair Qaswa , Matthews Holly , Sougoufara Seynabou , Mujeeb Fatima , Ashall Simon , Aboagye-Antwi Fred , Tripet Frederic
Published: January 2021

Background: Malaria persists as a huge medical and economic burden. Although the number of cases and death rates have reduced in recent years, novel interventions are a necessity if such gains are to be maintained. Alternative methods to target mosquito vector populations that involve the release of large numbers genetically modified mosquitoes are in development. However, their successful introduction will require innovative strategies to bulk-up mosquito numbers and improve mass rearing protocols for Anopheles mosquitoes. Methods: Here we aimed to exploit the relationship between mosquito aquatic stage development and temperature so that multiple cohorts of mosquitoes, from separate egg batches, could be synchronised for a ‘bulk-up’ of the number of mosquitoes released. First instar larvae were separated into two cohorts: the first, maintained under standard insectary conditions at 27 o C, the second subjected to an initial 5-day cooling period at 19 o C. Results: Cooling of 1 st instars slowed the mean emergence times of An. coluzzii and An. gambiae by 2.4 and 3.5 days, respectively, compared to their 27 o C counterparts. Pupation and emergence rates were good (> 85%) in all conditions. Temperature adjustment had no effect on mosquito sex ratio and adult fitness parameters such as body size and mating success were also comparable with the control cohort. Conclusions: Bulk-up larval synchronization is a simple method allowing more operational flexibility in mosquito production towards mark-release-recapture studies and mass release interventions.
Fall Awareness Behaviour And Its Associated Factors Among Malaysian Community Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Wen Goh Jing , Singh Devinder Kaur Ajit , Mesbah Normala , Hanafi Anis Afifa Mohd , Azwan Adlyn Farhana
Published: January 2021

Background Falls are one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in older adults. However, despite adoption of prevention strategies, the number of falls in older adults has not declined. The aim of this study was to examine fall awareness behaviour and its associated factors among Malaysian community dwelling older adults. Methods A total of 144 community dwelling older adults (mean age of 70.69±4.3 years) participated in this study. Physical performance were assessed using timed up and go (TUG), gait speed (GS), chair stand and hand grip tests. Fall Awareness Behaviour (FaB) and Fall Risk Assessment Questionnaires (FRAQ) were administered to assess behaviour and fall prevention knowledge respectively. Results Stepwise linear regression analysis showed that the practice of fall awareness behaviour (R2=0.256) was significantly associated with being male [95% C.I: 2.178 to 7.789, p<0.001], having lower BMI [95% C.I: -0.692 to -0.135, p<0.05], living with family [95% C.I: 0.022 to 5.953, p<0.05] and those having higher functional mobility [95% C.I: -2.008 to -0.164, p<0.05]. Conclusions Fall awareness behaviour should be emphasized among older females, those with lower functional mobility, higher BMI and living alone.
Effect of sequentially fed high protein, hydrolysed protein, and high fibre diets on the faecal microbiota of healthy dogs: a cross-over study
Authors: Martinez-Lopez Lina Maria , Pepper Amy , Pilla Rachel , Woodward Andrew , Suchodolski Jan , Mansfield Caroline
Published: January 2021

BackgroundDietary content and environmental factors can shape the gut microbiota, and consequently, the way the gut microbiota metabolises fats, carbohydrates and proteins, affecting overall health of the host. We evaluated the impact of 3 diets (all meat, high insoluble fibre dry extruded diet and hydrolysed protein dry extruded diet) on the gut microbiota of healthy dogs in a cross-over sequential study. ResultsWe showed that diet can have a large effect on the gut microbiome in dogs, regardless of the order of feeding. High-protein (all meat) diets were characterised by an increase in bacteria belonging to the Fusobacteria and Bacteroidetes phyla, whereas a high-insoluble fibre commercial diet correlated with increases in Firmicutes and Actinobacteria phyla. However, the individual dog’s baseline microbiota had the most impact on the magnitude and nature of the changes in response to dietary intervention. Conclusion Our results suggest that the dog faecal microbiome is driven by protein and fibre composition, and targeted modification of these patterns could be useful in the modulation of the gut microbiota in different diseases.
The role of laparoscopic procedure against inguinal hernia comparing with open procedure
Authors: Sato Hideaki , Yoshizawa Jyoji , Sugiyama Akihide , Nakagami Tomokazu , Watarai Yu
Published: January 2021

BackgroundLaparoscopic approach, especially laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) for inguinal hernia (IH) is widely spread but few studies have compared its invasiveness with that of conventional approach (OPEN). This study compared the role and postoperative early phase symptoms of LPEC with OPEN at our institute.MethodsThe records of 940 IH patients from 2014 to 2019 were analyzed on the basis of age, sex, method of surgery, pre- and post-operative diagnosis, postoperative symptoms, and complications.ResultsThe OPEN group comprised 393 males, of which 44 were diagnosed with contralateral hernia (7.1%). In the LPEC group, 158 males had an average age of 3.88 years. The contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV) was identified in 148 patients during operation. OPEN operation time for patients aged <1 year was 42.7 minutes, vs 33.4 minutes for LPEC. The two groups experienced comparable paces of fever and first oral intake time; however, pain and recurrence rate were greater in the LPEC group.ConclusionLPEC can be performed to avoid contralateral occurrence; surgical time is reduced for patients aged <1 year. However, the reduced invasiveness of LPEC compared to that of OPEN did not minimize postoperative symptoms or complications.
Relationships between test positivity rate, total laboratory confirmed cases of malaria, and malaria incidence in high burden settings of Uganda: an ecological analysissis
Authors: Okiring Jaffer , Epstein Adrienne , Namuganga Jane F. , Kamya Victor , Sserwanga Asadu , Kapisi James , Ebong Chris , Kigozi Simon P. , Mpimbaza Arthur , Wanzira Humphrey , Briggs Jessica , Kamya Moses R. , Nankabirwa Joaniter I. , Dorsey Grant
Published: January 2021

Background Malaria surveillance is critical for monitoring changes in malaria morbidity over time. National Malaria Control Programmes often rely on surrogate measures of malaria incidence, including the test positivity rate (TPR) and total laboratory confirmed cases of malaria (TCM), to monitor trends in malaria morbidity. However, there are limited data on the accuracy of TPR and TCM for predicting temporal changes in malaria incidence, especially in high burden settings.Methods This study leveraged data from 5 malaria reference centres (MRCs) located in high burden settings over a 15-month period from November 2018 through January 2020 as part of an enhanced health facility-based surveillance system established in Uganda. Individual level data were collected from all outpatients including demographics, laboratory test results, and village of residence. Estimates of malaria incidence were derived from catchment areas around the MRCs. Temporal relationships between monthly aggregate measures of TPR and TCM relative to estimates of malaria incidence were examined using linear and exponential regression models. Results A total of 149,739 outpatient visits to the 5 MRCs were recorded. Overall, malaria was suspected in 73.4% of visits, 99.1% of patients with suspected malaria received a diagnostic test, and 69.7% of those tested for malaria were positive. Temporal correlations between monthly measures of TPR and malaria incidence using linear and exponential regression models were relatively poor, with small changes in TPR frequently associated with large changes in malaria incidence. Linear regression models of temporal changes in TCM provided the most parsimonious and accurate predictor of changes in malaria incidence, with adjusted R2 values ranging from 0.81 to 0.98 across the 5 MRCs. However, the slope of the regression lines indicating the change in malaria incidence per unit change in TCM varied from 0.57 to 2.13 across the 5 MRCs, and when combining data across all 5 sites, the R2 value reduced to 0.38. Conclusions In high malaria burden areas of Uganda, site-specific temporal changes in TCM had a strong linear relationship with malaria incidence and were a more useful metric than TPR. However, caution should be taken when comparing changes in TCM across sites.
On the Spatiotemporal Behavior in Biology-Mimicking Computing Systems
Authors: Vegh Janos , Berki Ádám József
Published: January 2021

Both the growing demand to cope with ”big data” (based on, or assisted by, artiﬁcial intelligence) and the interest in understanding the operation of our brain more completely, stimulated the eﬀorts to build biology-mimicking computing systems from inexpensive conventional components and build diﬀerent (”neuro-morphic”) computing systems. On one side, those systems require an unusually large number of processors, which introduces performance limitations and nonlinear scaling. On the other side, the neuronal operation drastically diﬀers from the conventional workloads. The conduction time (transfer time) is ignored in both in conventional computing and ”spatiotemporal” computational models of neural networks, although von Neumann warned: ”In the human nervous system the con-duction times along the lines (axons) can be longer than the synaptic delays, hence our above procedure of neglecting them aside of τ [the processing time] would be unsound” [1], section 6.3. This diﬀerence alone makes imitating biological behavior in technical implementation hard. Besides, the recent issues in computing called the attention to that the temporal behavior is a general feature of computing systems, too. Some of their eﬀects in both biological and technical systems were al-ready noticed. Instead of introducing some ”looks like” models, the correct handling of the transfer time is suggested here. Introducing the temporal logic, based on the Minkowski transform, gives quantitative insight into the operation of both kinds of computing systems, furthermore provides a natural explanation of decades-old empirical phenomena. Without considering their temporal behavior correctly, neither eﬀective implementation nor a true imitation of biological neural systems are possible.
Grameen Model and its ethical inclinations to Islamic Microfinance System: A Narrative-Textual Case Study
Authors: Bello Hashim Sabo , Isah Mustapha , Lame Danlami Mohammed
Published: January 2021

This study focuses on an in-depth literature review to understand the Islamic microfinance as a system and grameen model as a concept all embedded in ethical concern for shared values. The concept of Grameen model and its ethical behavior have come to the fore in recent years in both developed and developing countries as a result of growing sense of corporate wrongdoing. The paper addresses the Grameen model and its ethical relevance to the benefits and success of Islamic microfinance in modern economy. the Grameen model has always offered the concept of social microfinance and such a model results in a more fulfilling work life and career. It is a radically different approach to doing business that emphasizes making money as its main goal, but not for the sake of wealth alone. In the same sense, Islamic microfinance aimed to focus on profit/loss sharing by using the funds on economic generating, investing and trading activities to make a profit and share that profit with all the depositors and shareholders, whilst protecting the fabric of our society without engaging in activities prohibited and harmful to the society. With this in mind, the entire money-making process can be sanctified so that it becomes a holy and noble pursuits. To achieve the above, this research paper draw lessons from the activities of an impeccable vision and salvaging activities of illustrious personage and veteran of many years standing from Bangladesh in his quest for promoting economic development and eradication of poverty among rural dwellers. This paper considered Islamic microfinance as a tool that could be used to achieve the necessary economic and social security that a country would need today leading to the overall development of humanity. As the western culture offers classic microfinance as the way to do business and in recent years, postmodernism has nominated a new model-microcredit to supersede the statuesque. This study, in general, recommended for the revitalization of Islamic civilization that would geared towards a paradigm shift to now novel concept of spiritual microfinance as a way to stimulate business and get closer to God simultaneously and as well stimulates social entrepreneurs who must focus on the goal of having a healthy income statement and simultaneously championing some sort of social healing enterprise.

Keywords: Ethical finance, Investment, Islamic microfinance, microcredit, Shari’ah.
Sustainable Development: A Quantitative Analysis Regarding the Impact of Resource Rents on State Welfare from 2002 to 2017
Authors: Biewendt Marcel
Published: January 2021

This paper uses a quantitative analysis to examine the interdependence and impact of resource rents on socio-economic development from 2002 to 2017. Nigeria and Norway have been chosen as reference countries due to their abundance of natural resources by similar economic performance, while the ranking in the Human Development Index differs dramatically. As the Human Development Index provides insight into a country’s cultural and socio-economic characteristics and development in addition to economic indicators, it allows a comparison of the two countries. The hypothesis presented and discussed in this paper was researched before. A qualitative research approach was used in the author’s master’s thesis “The Human Development Index (HDI) as a Reflection of Resource Abundance (using Nigeria and Norway as a case study)” in 2018. The management of scarce resources is an important aspect in the development of modern countries and those on the threshold of becoming industrialised nations. The effects of a mistaken resource management are not only of a purely economic nature but also of a social and socio-economic nature. In order to present a partial aspect of these dependencies and influences this paper uses a quantitative analysis to examine the interdependence and impact of resource rents on socio-economic development from 2002 to 2017. Nigeria and Norway have been chosen as reference countries due to their abundance of natural resources by similar economic performance, while the ranking in the Human Development Index differs significantly. As the Human Development Index provides insight into a country’s cultural and socio-economic characteristics and development in addition to economic indicators, it allows a comparison of the two countries. This paper found out in a holistic perspective that (not or poorly managed) resource wealth in itself has a negative impact on socio-economic development and significantly reduces the productivity of the citizens of a state. This is expressed in particular for the years 2002 till 2017 in a negative correlation of GDP per capita and HDI value with the share respectively the size of resources in the GDP of a country.

Keywords: Human Development Index, sustainability, resource abundance, socio-economic welfare.
The Impact Of FDI Inflow On The Environment: A Case Of The Baltic-Black Sea Region Countries
Authors: Đonlagić Adisa , Moskalenko Bogdan A.
Published: January 2021

The article summarizes the arguments within the scientific challenge on improving approaches to estimate the environmental impact of FDI inflow on the economy. The main objective of the research is to systematize the existing statistical approaches to analyze whether and how the macroeconomic determinants could impact the environment in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. Systematization of theoretical and methodological materials on solving the problem of choice of applying more or less stringent environmental regulations with addition to more efficient industrial technologies which are supposed to have a positive impact on the environment. The relevance of solving this problem is that inceptive of FDI inflow could provide the economy with resources that reduce pollution, create better conditions for workers and local citizens. On the other hand, FDI is not interested in investing in economies with strict environmental legislation. The methodical tools of the research are carried out in the following logical sequence: the systematization of existing statistical methods panel data analysis; analysis of data that will be used in the estimation model and in further country environmental policymaking process; application of fixed and random effects models in estimation of the environmental impact of FDI on analyzed data. The research methods combine in the following dimensions: comparative analysis, regression analysis. The period from 1999 to 2018 was chosen as the research period. The objects of the research are foreign direct investment net inflows into the Baltic-Black Sea region countries` economies and their impact on its environment. The article presents the results of empirical analysis, which showed that FDI inflow has an impact on the environment, but it is severely limited by other more significant determinants. The pollution haven hypothesis in the Baltic-Black Sea trans-national region countries policy in attraction FDI has not been proved considering more strict high-standard environmental legislation in EU countries alongside with increase in GHG emission per capita. The results of the research can be useful within government policy-making processes considering the aim to incentivize FDI inflow.

Keywords: country investment potential, environment, foreign direct investment, greenhouse gas emission, national economy.
Transparency As A Way Of Attaining Quality, Safety And Optimal Food Purchases
Authors: Dove Martina , Balasubramanian Adhithya , Narayanan Badri G.
Published: January 2021

The present extensive literature analysis and interview study, with consumers living in Washington state, USA, set out to explore consumers’ perceptions of quality, safety, and transparency and see how these influence shopping preferences. Literature review included global studies which looked at food transparency, safety, quality, food certifications and environmental concerns. The findings indicate that organic foods are often linked to health, nutrition, environmental concerns as well as presence of children, and quality is measured by assessing freshness, taste, nutrition and traceability. Consumers are increasingly interested in knowing where their food comes, expressing willingness to switch to more transparent brands. Additionally, welfare of animals reared for consumption and support for local agriculture is also important to consumers, who are willing to pay more for organic products. However, this willingness also depends on demographic factors, such as gender, educational level, income or age. The results of the interviews yielded similar findings. Participants were guided by subjective perceptions of food quality and concerns driven by personal values and ethical and environmental considerations. Food safety was confusing for almost all of the consumers in this study, with many expecting stores to provide safe foods. The study utilized a concept testing method to evaluate the concept of food transparency and examine how it compares against the established food certifications (organic and free-range). Consumers exhibited trust in organic labels, expecting organic farming to ensure good farming practices and quality of life for animals reared for consumption; however, they were also aware that this trust is based on assumptions. As a result, they were receptive to more accurate and transparent information, that could guide their decisions and give them more certainty. Transparency concept was seen as a useful tool in identifying quality products that align with personal values, such as supporting local food producers, and was received well with consumers in the present study.

Keywords: food transparency, food quality, food safety, ethics, values, environment, agriculture, grocery shopping, food.
Performance Incentives To Increase Motivation; Potentials Of Meaningful Activities In Project Management
Authors: Zwerenz Dirk
Published: January 2021

Authors: Dirk Zwerenz, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8677-6050 PhD Candidate, University Kaposvár, Hungary; Head of Major Project Service, German Doka formwork technology GmbH, Maisach, Germany Pages: 95-118 Language: English DOI: https://doi.org/10.21272/sec.4(4).95-118.2020 Download: Views: Downloads: 57 31 Abstract Performance incentives to increase motivation; potentials for meaningful activities in project management, the author will concretize this with meaningful activities in project management. The ideal project leader is described by Mark Twain in his novel “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” (Twain, 1876) in the episode of Tom Sawyer painting the fence. Tom is able to motivate his friends for the actually boring activity in a way that they are willing to support him voluntarily. Regarding the law of human action discovered by Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain states: “To awaken a person’s desire, all that is needed is to make the object difficult to reach” (Twain, 1876). In 2006 Ariely, Loewenstein and Prelec examined the rules of irrational action described by Twain. They conclude that individuals make decisions based on their intrinsic motivation and sometimes not on “what is reasonable” (Ariely, Loewenstein, & Prelec, 2006). This enthusiasm of a project leader is transformed in this article and is reflected as a component “project brand strength” in the performance assessment of a project leader (Zwerenz, 2019). The author’s experience as a project leader in the implementation of several major projects also takes up this enthusiasm and expands it to include the identification of the project teams with themselves and the aspect of meaningful activities as an incentive in project management. That identification and motivation are on the one hand necessary to enjoy one’s profession seems understandable, on the other hand the boundaries between vocation and exhaustion are quickly crossed. Schmalenbach describes this in the article “Sacrifice of passion” in “DIE ZEIT”, issue 2-2019 with the provocative sentence “If you break down, you are a better person”. Committed project managers develop a very similar passion for “their” project and thus a comparable identification with their profession. The tension between income, recognition and prosperity is discussed. Furthermore, the dependencies of meaningfulness, recognition and income are derived from the literature and presented as factors influencing personal well-being. Finally, this article contributes to the design of a motivating variable remuneration system for project managers and other exposed occupational groups. Keywords: variable compensation, value management, development of individual competences, knowledge management, team management, management of individuals – development, motivation and reward, leadership, management of stakeholders, management of human resources, engineering and construction, research theory on project management.
LEAN HEALTHCARE COMO ESTRATÉGIA DE GESTÃO PARA SERVIÇOS DE ATENÇÃO DOMICILIAR
Authors: Souza Leticia , Bischof dos Santos Christiane
Published: January 2021

Diante de um cenário competitivo e cada vez mais exigente, os desafios da gestão na saúde especialmente na modalidade de atenção domiciliar são inúmeros, pois além do constante desenvolvimento, estes serviços necessitam avançar, aumentar a performance, reduzir custos para melhorar os resultados finais. Estas incitações foram estímulos que motivaram o desenvolvimento deste estudo.  O objetivo da pesquisa está focado em compreender se o Lean Healthcare pode ser uma estratégia para melhorar a Gestão de Serviço de Atenção Domiciliar associado ao desenvolvimento de um questionário estruturado para avaliar quais os principais desperdícios sob a ótica dos gestores dos serviços. Para atingir esse objetivo foi usado como método uma pesquisa exploratória descritiva de abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa,  primeiramente uma revisão bibliográfica sobre a metodologia Lean Healthcare, na sequência aplicação de um assessment aos gestores das empresas. Como resultado foi possível encontrar 6 das 8 categorias de desperdícios, classificar a criticidade e atribuir 4 princípios do Lean que são impactados. Em conclusão pode-se notar que relatos dos gestores corroboram com o resultados do questionário possibilitando a sua validação. Como contribuição este estudo sugere ferramentas do Lean Healthcare de acordo com os desperdícios encontrados, possibilitando asim uma gestão com mais valor aos clientes.
TAXATION OF FAMILY INCOME UNDER INDIAN TAXATION LAWS A NEW PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Hedau Amit
Published: January 2021

Since the monarchy pattern of ruling the state to the republic era, one aspect is common i.e taxation. The revenue required for funding the public services and maintaining law and order, various types of taxes are imposed on citizens and organisations by the competent authority. In India, the taxation of income is the exclusive power of Central Government and The Income Tax Act 1961 is the governing Act for the taxation matter. The present paper is conceptual in nature. The author wants to propose a new scheme of taxation of family income. As per the authors proposal the combine income of the family will be charged to tax instead of charging individuals income separately. The authors has given the reference of few prevailing schemes to support his claim. Before writing the conclusion of the paper, the positive and negative aspects of the new proposal are also discussed. The idea behind the new proposal is to condense the disparity in disposal income of individual and family income.
OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA DURING CHILDHOOD IN TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN SAUDI ARABIA
Authors: Khayat Abdullah
Published: January 2021

Background:Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder with the prevalence of 1-5%. OSA in there is a paucity of data regarding OSA in children in our region. This is particularly important as OSA is associated with neurocognitive deficits and cardiovascular complication. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of OSA among children referred to specialized centre in Saudi Arabia. Methods:A retrospective chart reviewstudy involving children Ã¢Â‰Â¤18 years, identified from pediatric tertiary care centrewho had an overnight polysomnography (PSG).OSA was diagnosed if the obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) washigher than 1event per hour. Results: There were 12 participants included.The mean age was 8 years (standard deviation [SD] Ã‚Â± 1.7). Of these, 6/12 (50%) had OSA. Compared with the non-OSA group, the OSA group had a lower sleep SpO2 during REM sleep (p = 0.008). Conclusion: Children with clinical symptoms should be referred for OSA diagnosis. A history of snoring may be useful indicators to facilitate a PSG, especially in resource-limited settings.
UNE TUMEUR DE LOVAIRE RARE: LA TUMEUR DE BRENNER (A PROPOS DUN CAS)
Authors:   Service De Gynecologie Obstetrique I Chu Hassan Ii Fes., Ammor Y. , Laaouze M. ,   Service De Gynecologie Obstetrique I Chu Hassan Ii Fes., Saoud K. ,   Service De Gynecologie Obstetrique I Chu Hassan Ii Fes., Mamouni N. ,   Service De Gynecologie Obstetrique I Chu Hassan Ii Fes., Errarhay S. ,   Service De Gynecologie Obstetrique I Chu Hassan Ii Fes., Bouchikhi C. ,   Service De Gynecologie Obstetrique I Chu Hassan Ii Fes., Banani A. ,   Service De Gynecologie Obstetrique I Chu Hassan Ii Fes.
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Les tumeurs de Brenner de lÃ‚Â’ovaire representent 1 a 2% de toutes les tumeurs ovariennes.Observation : Nous rapportons le cas dÃ‚Â’une femme de 60 ans G4P4 , sans antecedents pathologiques notables ,consulte pour des douleurs pelviennes chroniques dont LÃ‚Â’echographie pelvienne objective la presence dÃ‚Â’une masse latero-uterine gauche et retro-uterine faisant 71*57 mm non dopplerisee avec fine lame dÃ‚Â’epanchement intraperitoneal, et a la TDM AP : processus tumoral a composante mixte kystique et tissulaire et calcique heterogene retro uterin enclave dans le cul de sac de Douglas environ 119cm compatible avec un processus tumoral ovarien de type malin. La patiente a beneficiee dÃ‚Â’une annexectomie avec des biopsies multiples Discussion: Les tumeurs de Brenner de lÃ‚Â’ovaire correspondent a des tumeurs fibroepitheliales qui regroupent les tumeurs de Brenner benignes, malignes et celles a la limite de la malignite (borderline).Elles ne representent que 1 a 2 % de lÃ‚Â’ensemble des tumeurs ovariennes. Elles sont presque toujours benignes, rendant le diagnostic, le pronostic et le traitement bien codifies. Elles surviennent le plus souvent entre 40 et 50 ans. La plupart de ces tumeurs sont originaires de lÃ‚Â’epithelium cÃ‚Âœlomique. Un petit nombre de ces tumeurs serait developpe- a partir du reteovarii et dÃ‚Â’autres seraient dÃ‚Â’origine germinale. A lÃ‚Â’echographie, Le plus souvent, cÃ‚Â’est une masse echogene, dÃ‚Â’une echogenicite proche du myometre. Elle peut contenir des zones de transformation kystique. La presence de grosses calcifications peut, a tort, faire porter le diagnostic de myome sous-sereux avec une vascularisation pauvre au doppler couleur.En tomodensitometrie il sÃ‚Â’agit dÃ‚Â’une masse solide. A lÃ‚Â’angioscanner, on ne note pas de vaisseau au temps arteriel, ni de diffusion de produit de contraste au temps parenchymateux. Sur les cliches tardifs, il existe une prise de produit de contraste.Sur le plan anatomopathologique, les formes benignes sont petites, de decouverte accidentelle < 2 cm, certains sont volumineux, de consistance ferme, bien limite, a surface lisse, bosselee. A la coupe, solide, fibreux, gris blanc. Conclusion: La predominance des tumeurs de Brenner benignes a fait que leur diagnostic, leur pronostic ainsi que leur traitement soient bien codifies.
El Contrato de Permuta en la codificación civil peruana
Authors: Vidal Ramírez Fernando
Published: January 2021

El Contrato de Permuta pese a su raigambre romanista y tener asiento en la codificación civil peruana viene siendo tradicionalmente soslayado por la jurisprudencia y en la práctica, pues el Contrato de Compraventa se impone pese a que algunas relaciones jurídicas propiamente las genera una permuta. Así, por ejemplo, cuando se entrega un automóvil usado, cuyo valor es resultado de una tasación, para adquirir uno nuevo pagando, para el efecto, una diferencia igual o que excede el precio del nuevo automóvil, lo que se configura es una permuta conforme al artículo 1531, segundo párrafo1 del Código Civil. Sin embargo, y sin tenerse en consideración el acotado artículo 1531, en la práctica se considera este modo de adquirir automóviles, en las circunstancias anotadas, como efectuados a título de compraventa. El Código Civil sólo dedica dos artículos al tratamiento del contrato de permuta, pues el artículo 1602 la conceptúa y el 1603 la somete a las disposiciones de la compraventa, lo que determina no sólo el soslayamiento en que está incurso este contrato, sino que explica su desuso, aunque debe advertirse que la desuetudo no es derogatoria. La circunstancia expuesta motiva el presente estudio del Contrato de Permuta tomando en consideración sus antecedentes históricos, su sustantividad y su adopción por la codificación civil peruana.
KIRK KUŞAĞI (TOPLUMCU GERÇEKÇİ) ŞİİRİNDE NÂZIM HİKMET OLGUSUNUN MİTOLOJİK İFADESİ: APOLLON VE MÜZ’LERİ
Authors: ÖZKAYA Hilal
Published: January 2021

Bu çalışmada öncelikle Kırk Kuşağı şairlerinin kimlerden oluştuğu üzerinde durulmuştur. Ardından Nâzım Hikmet’in mitleştirilmesi üzerine yapılan tartışmalara kısaca değinilmiştir. Daha sonra Hasan İzzettin Dinamo’nun Nâzım Hikmet’i ve diğer Kırk Kuşağı şairlerini mitolojik birer karakter olan Apollon ve müz/musa benzetmesi temel alınarak diğer Kırk Kuşağı şairlerinin de şiirlerinden örneklerle Nâzım Hikmet’e bakışları ortaya koyulmuştur. Bu şairlerin Nâzım Hikmet’e duydukları saygı, sevgi ve bağlılığı ifade etmek için onu şiirlerinde mitleştirip yücelttikleri görülmüştür. Böylece Nâzım Hikmet’i Türk şiirinde bir konu, bir olgu haline getirecek şiirlerin ilk örneklerini onların verdiği tespit edilmiştir. Nâzım Hikmet ve Kırk Kuşağı arasındaki ilişkiyi anlamanın Toplumcu Gerçekçi Türk şiirinin serüvenini anlamayı kolaylaştıracağı tezine ulaşılmıştır.
The PWM rectifier with LCL filter direct power control based on power damping feedback
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Fan Bo , Zhao Zhengxin , Gu Shuaihui
Published: January 2021

Based on the topology and mathematical model of the three-phase voltage source PWM rectifier with LCL filter, the resonance produced by the LCL filter and the design method of filter parameters is analyzed. For the resonance problem of the LCL filter, a direct power control strategy of the LCL PWM rectifier based on power damping feedback is proposed. The double-loop control structure is constructed for the inner loop power and outer loop current. The virtual voltage source is constructed as equivalent to power damping in the power loop. The power loop of the output is adopted as a command value in the input current loop, and the current loop is designed to use deadbeat control to ensure the accuracy of current tracking. SVPWM is introduced in this novel direct power control method to generate PWM signals to drive the rectifier power switch and achieve a fixed switching frequency. The experimental results show that this proposed control method can achieve the unit power factor operation of the rectifier while it’s suppressing the resonance, and the system has a better dynamic and static performance.