bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AGROTÓXICOS: CONTROVÉRSIAS SOCIOCIENTÍFICAS COMO POSSIBILIDADE DIDÁTICA NO ENSINO DE CIÊNCIAS
Authors: Moreno Glaucia Sousa
Published: March 2020

This work reports on the socioscientific controversy surrounding the subject of pesticides as a didactic possibility in teaching sciences in basic education. The analysis points out the need to understand the subject by means of scientific, social, economic, environmental and political aspects in a decision-making process. To reach our goal, we have opted for the methodology of “Three Pedagogical Moments”, to structure a didactic sequence thought for the teaching of science in basic education. Thus, it provides an emergency of critical awareness about the consequences of pesticide use and the education of students on the reality of their effects, through contents and / or knowledge of science practiced in schools. This methodology could assist in the development of critical, conscious and consistent teaching that advances in the condition of maximum consciousness for the maximum possible condition of consciousness, based on ethical values, social justice, and environmental responsibility. This work also proposes a structured didactic sequence with interdisciplinary knowledge of sciences of nature in dialogue with the Agrarian sciences.
CONTRIBUIÇÕES DO ENFOQUE CIÊNCIA, TECNOLOGIA, SOCIEDADE EM UMA UNIDADE DE APRENDIZAGEM: UM RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA NO ENSINO DE GENÉTICA
Authors: Santos-Furtado Leandro Dos , Vasconcelos Sinaida Maria
Published: March 2020

This work consists of the analysis, from a teaching-learning experience, of a teaching practice focused on Science, Technology, and Society in a Learning Unit (UA) with the theme of DNA and identification of people to develop learning content. Genetics The research was based on the qualitative approach. The stages were developed in a public school in Belém-Pa, with students from the 2nd year of high school. After the analysis, it was found that the proposal made offers relevant contributions that corroborate changes and improvements in the teaching-learning process, as students developed skills and competencies such as argumentation, critical thinking, overcoming myths about science and technology and scientific knowledge. with their ethical, social, economic, political and legal perspectives. Contributing also to the formation of critical, reflective, conscious and autonomous students for intelligent social decision making.
UMA ABORDAGEM DE JOGOS DE TABULEIRO NO ENSINO EM CIÊNCIAS CONTÁBEIS
Authors: Alves Sirlene Siqueira , Silva Armando Paulo da , Damasceno Eduardo Filgueiras
Published: March 2020

The accounting higher education has techniques of knowledge transfer for the professional formation of the academic, therefore, most of the teaching techniques are focused on the disclosure of the laws due to the financial movement of the organizations. Knowing this, much of the advancement in teaching is due to the transmission of the experience of the accounting professor and the student facing the labor market operations. There are other methods of teaching accounting such as lecture, case study, seminars, discussion and debate, however they are still focused on the transmission of experiences or the fictional representation of teaching. This article aims to highlight the use of board games in the Accounting Science course, the teaching based on game fiction, as a way of fixing the content in the teaching of cost accounting, compared to traditional teaching methods. To prove the hypothesis, a board game was created, focused on promoting student engagement and favored the transmission of course content. For research observation and control, questionnaires based research methods were used before and after the use of the game in specific classes of the Accounting Science course. The results were demonstrated through graphs for better visualization. Thus, it was possible to conclude that there was a significant difference in the results before and after the application of this teaching method. In addition, students interacted and became cooperatively involved, which proved the effectiveness of the method in motivating and engaging students in the teaching-learning process.
AFETO NO TRABALHO DOCENTE COM ALUNOS SURDOS DE ENSINO MÉDIO
Authors: Silva Sandra de Fátima Faustino dos Santos , Ribeiro Suzana Lopes Salgado , Calil Ana Maria Gimenes Corrêa
Published: March 2020

This article aims to highlight the teachers' perceptions about the affection, relationships, and teaching of deaf high school students. The qualitative research methodology used 12 interviews with teachers who work directly with this target audience. We could see that the teachers had motivations and established effective relationships with their students and that this is seen as a way to bring teachers and students closer. The research did not blind to the contradictions present in the speeches but tried to understand the teachers within the complex reality of their doing. Seeking to reflect on the importance of affection for socialization relations and pedagogical practice, both from the point of view of new forms of closeness and empathy, as well as in the reproduction of fears and insecurities.
The Financialization of Civil Society Activism: Sustainable Finance, Non-Financial Disclosure and the Shrinking Space for Engagement
Authors: Cerrato Davide , Ferrando Tomaso
Published: March 2020

Inspired by the principles of sustainable finance and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting, the European Union Directive 95/2014 on non-financial disclosure recognized that metrics and more transparency would foster internal debates, ensuring proper governance and helping to promote dialogue between management, the board and stakeholders, including civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Although significant academic attention has been paid to the -limited- space that the third sector had in the definition of the content of the Directive, not enough has been said on the way in which the Directive and ESG reporting can be leveraged by non-financial actors and what are the consequences of embracing accounting, non-financial reporting and corporate governance as tools for campaigning. This paper tries to fill the gap and asks some direct questions: are the Directive and the EU approach to sustainable finance opening spaces of engagement and confrontation that contribute to a true transition into a socially and environmentally sustainable future? Is the encounter between the financial realm and civil society a real win-win in the best interest of future generations and the planet? After presenting the background of the Directive and the three main opportunities that the ESG framework presents for civil society engagement, we conclude with a critical reflection on what is lost when civil society sits around the same table as financial institutions, uses their vocabulary and accepts that the conversation can only happen around those social and environmental causes that are financially material.
Impact of Natural Disasters on Water Resources in Georgia Caused by Global Warming
Authors: Kandelaki Nodar , Iordanishvili Irina , Ujma Adam , Iremashvili Inga , Iordanishvili Konstantin , Kupreishvili Shorena , Shurghaia Vladimer , Natroshvili Giorgi
Published: March 2020

Ecological and hydrological problems of water reservoirs on rivers of the Black Sea coast in the context of the increasing air temperature and emissions of greenhouse gases, the melting of glaciers, and the occurrence of floods and forest fires have been analysed in the given article. The article presents the results of field and theoretical studies of sedimentation processes in the large water reservoirs of Georgia focusing on their morphometric conditions during the warming period.
Three-Dimensional Analysis of a Landslide Process on a Slope in Carpathian Flysch
Authors: Zabuski Lesław
Published: March 2020

The paper presents a 3D (spatial) analysis of deformation processes in the landslide slope Bystrzyca in Szymbark near Gorlice (Low Beskid – Carpathians; N 49°37′ 09″, E 21°05′ 49″) carried out by the computer code FLAC3D based on the finite difference method. The numerical analysis was performed to determine the influence of the orientation of layers and discontinuities and of hydrogeological conditions on slope deformations and the failure mechanism during sliding processes. The massif is modeled as an elasto-plastic medium obeying the Coulomb-Mohr criterion. Two variants of hydrogeological conditions are analyzed, namely the “dry slope” (without water) and the “wet slope” (entirely saturated). The influence of the orientation of discontinuities (modeled as “ubiquitous”) on the landslide mechanism is investigated as well. Few orientations of discontinuities with respect to the dip direction of the slope surface are considered, namely consequent, insequent, and subsequent (two variants in each case). The results show a clear impact of the pattern of discontinuities and hydrogeological conditions on the deformational behavior of the landslide and the shape of the slip surface. The 3D approach and results of the numerical simulation of the landslide movement prove the necessity of 3D modeling in some cases.
Identification of the Causes of a Landslide in Koronowo (Polish Lowlands)
Authors: Zabuski Lesław , Kulczykowski Marek , Świdziński Waldemar
Published: March 2020

The paper discusses difficulties of identifying the causes of a landslide. These difficulties are illustrated in the example of a catastrophic landslide on the embankment of the western bank of the Brda River, which affected a bridge abutment of a disused narrow-gauge railway line from Bydgoszcz to Koronowo (Polish Lowlands). The railway was closed in 1992, and after the removal of the track, the bridge served as a pedestrian overpass. The landslide occurred in February 2011. Investigations revealed that the first signs of the landslide were cracks and subsidence that appeared at the embankment crest. Then, an initially slow movement accelerated suddenly, resulting in an over 45 m total displacement of the soil mass. The primary passive cause of the landslide movement resulted from the geology of the mass (loose soils underlain by cohesive soils) and from the steep inclination of the embankment surface. Active causes, however, are often ambiguous. In this case, no significant apparent phenomena which could trigger the movement occurred in the days preceding its initiation. Therefore, a detailed analysis of atmospheric conditions was carried out to identify and explain the causes. It was proved that the fundamental triggering cause of the landslide was a combination of rainfall, snowfall, snow-melting and air temperature. Moreover, an important cause was a faulty construction of a ditch with a sewage pipe on the crest of the embankment.
Efficient Nonparametric Causal Inference with Missing Exposure Information
Authors: Kennedy Edward H.
Published: March 2020

Missing exposure information is a very common feature of many observational studies. Here we study identifiability and efficient estimation of causal effects on vector outcomes, in such cases where treatment is unconfounded but partially missing. We consider a missing at random setting where missingness in treatment can depend not only on complex covariates, but also on post-treatment outcomes. We give a new identifying expression for average treatment effects in this setting, along with the efficient influence function for this parameter in a nonparametric model, which yields a nonparametric efficiency bound. We use this latter result to construct nonparametric estimators that are less sensitive to the curse of dimensionality than usual, e. g. by having faster rates of convergence than the complex nuisance estimators they rely on. Further we show that these estimators can be root-n consistent and asymptotically normal under weak nonparametric conditions, even when constructed using flexible machine learning. Finally we apply these results to the problem of causal inference with a partially missing instrumental variable.
Fetal renal artery impedance in pregnancies affected by preeclampsia
Authors: Ma’ayeh Marwan , Krishnan Vidhya , Gee Stephen E. , Russo Jessica , Shellhaas Cynthia , Rood Kara M.
Published: March 2020

Background

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific vascular endothelial disorder characterized by multi-organ system involvement. This includes the maternal kidneys, with changes such as continuous vasospasm of renal arteries and reduced renal blood flow. However, it is unclear whether similar renal vascular changes are seen in the fetus. This study sought to compare renal artery impedance in fetuses of women with and without PE.

Methods

This was a prospective Doppler assessment study of the fetal renal artery impedance in 48 singleton fetuses. The group with PE consisted of 24 appropriately grown fetuses in pregnancy complicated by both mild and severe PE and a control group of 24 uncomplicated pregnancies. Doppler studies included renal artery systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio, pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), and identification of end-diastolic blood flow.

Results

Fetuses of mothers with PE were more likely to have a lower renal artery Doppler S/D ratio (7.85 [6.4–10.2] vs. 10.8 [7.75–22.5], P = 0.03) and lower RI (0.875 [0.842–0.898] vs. 0.905 [0.872–0.957], P = 0.03). However, there was no statistically significant difference in PI. There was also no difference in the incidence of absent end-diastolic flow.

Conclusion

This study suggests that PE results in changes in blood flow to the renal arteries of the fetus. This may be associated with long-term adverse health effects later in adulthood.
Cassirer, Langer, and Dilthey on the Distinctive Kinds of Symbolism in the Arts
Authors: Makkreel Rudolf
Published: March 2020

This paper examines the ways in which Ernst Cassirer and Susanne Langer place the arts in the spectrum of symbolization. Langer claims that Cassirer is wrong to consider artistic symbolism as a more concrete mode of linguistic symbolism. Instead, artists create presentational symbols that are just as capable of formal articulation, i. e., of complex combinations, as words are. According to Langer, the presentational modes of articulation of music and the visual arts are altogether different from the syntactical mode that governs language. I argue that the way Langer imposes her presentational model on the literary arts goes too far in decontextualizing them from the real world. Thus I propose a more inclusive artistic spectrum which proceeds from Langer’s presentational symbolism to the typifying mode of symbolization suggested by Wilhelm Dilthey to Cassirer’s more ideational linguistic mode.
Is subliminal face processing modulated by attentional task sets? Evidence from masked priming effects in a gender decision task
Authors: Sim Eun-Jim , Harpaintner Marcel , Kiefer Markus
Published: March 2020

Unlike classical theories of automaticity, refined theories suggest that unconscious automatic processes depend on cognitive control settings. Cognitive control influences on unconscious word and object processing are well documented, but corresponding findings in the field of face processing are heterogeneous. The present study therefore investigated, whether subliminal face priming in a gender categorization task is susceptible to feature-specific attention. Participants performed a gender decision task by orthogonally varying gender congruency (prime-target: same vs. different gender) and emotion congruency (prime-target: same vs. different emotional facial expression) using a masked priming paradigm. Perceptual vs. emotional induction tasks, performed prior to prime presentation, served to activate corresponding attentional task sets. Subliminal gender priming (faster reactions to gender-congruent primes) differed as a function of induction task and emotional congruency. Following perceptual induction, gender priming was only obtained in the emotionally congruent condition, whereas following emotional induction gender priming was observed independently of emotional congruency. In line with the classical notion of automaticity, subliminal gender priming did not depend on a specific attentional focus. However, attention to shape facilitated subliminal processing of task-irrelevant emotional facial expressions. Most likely, mutual facilitation of emotionally congruent prime and target representations enhanced gender priming compared with emotionally incongruent pairings.
Association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head: An update meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Tao , Ye Shanshan , Chen Zhenzhong , Ma Yunmiao
Published: March 2020

Objective To investigate the correlation between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Methods Open published studies relevant to MTHFR C677T polymorphism and non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head were electronic systematic searched in the databases of cochrane central register of controlled trials, EMBSE and CNKI. The correlation between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head was calculated by odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95%CI). The publication bias for the included studies were assessed by Begg’s funnel plot and Egger’s line regression text.

Results After systematic searching the electronic databases, 11 original studies were finally included the present work. The I2 test indicated significant statistical heterogeneity (I2=53.5%, P=0.018) across the included 11 publications. The polled results indicated that subjects of Caucasians with CC genotype had decreased risk of developing non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (OR=0.65,95%CI: 0.44-0.96, P=0.031). However, there was no correlations between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head in American Jewish and East Asian races(p>0.05). Sensitivity analysis indicated the pooled ORs were not sensitive to any included single study. The Begg’s funnel plot was generally left and right symmetrical which indicated no obviously publications. The Egger’s line regression test also demonstrated no statistical publication bias (t=1.57, P=0.15).

Conclusion According to the present evidence, MTHFR C677T polymorphism was correlated with non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head especially for Caucasians race. Subjects of Caucasians race with CC genotype had decreased risk of developing non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
Co-Integration Test of Selected Indexes on the Share Market and Index of Housing Real Estate Prices
Authors: Wolski Rafal
Published: March 2020

The integration of financial markets is an ongoing process throughout the world. Research shows that, from Australia through Europe to the United States, the capital and real estate markets are integrating, influencing each other. Although this process seems obvious, only research can show whether it actually occurs. Identifying these relationships is important for analyzing the entire market. Many methods, such as estimating the cost of equity, have been developed with the stock market in mind. Meanwhile, real estate valuation requires the cost of equity. Market integration is the rationale for using equity market methods on the real estate market.

Aim of the work - the research is aimed at verifying whether there is cointegration between the secondary housing market and the stock market. A research hypothesis was put forward: the stock market and secondary housing market are integrated.

Research methodology - the study used co-integration analysis using the Engle-Granger test. The study was conducted in the period from the third quarter of 2006 to the fourth quarter of 2018.

Result - The tests carried out showed the existence of co-integration in one out of 36 cases for the explanatory variable - the delayed WIG index and the explained variable in the average price of residential real estate on the secondary market for the 7 largest Polish cities.

Originality / Value - demonstrating the co-integration of markets justifies the use of analytical methods developed for stock markets on real estate markets. The research has no equivalent study on the Polish market. Similar analyses were carried out, but not for the stock and real estate market.
Evaluating Critical Factors Impacting Real Estate Development Decisions
Authors: Pandya Jigar V , Patel Vikram M.
Published: March 2020

We find that critical factors affecting real estate project decisions can vary while market changes in the city of Ahmedabad have led to the majority of landmark buildings facing obsolesce, redevelopment and spatial redundancy. Case studies can assist in data collection in the cultural context and accommodate indirect observations of the variables analyzed in the early stages of research (Teegavarapu & Summers, 2008; Rowley, 2002). Decisions have led to capital losses for some, while bringing about profitable opportunities for developers who take timely risks.

We also find that the land pooling technique used by the State in city development has successfully promoted land banking for public purpose but has also contributed to speculative land price appreciation. AHP rankings show that the surveyed practicing developers prioritized location factors such as neighborhood character and availability of land above land use zones and land auctions. Among project factors, FAR (Floor Area Ratio), abutting road width and road frontage of the land ranked higher compared to building design. In the professional practice category, the availability of finance, the timing of project announcement and past project experience of the developers ranked higher compared to brand value and speculation.
Investigating the Influence of Replacing Two Biomass Ashes with Conventional Filler on High and Intermediate Temperature Performance of Mastic and Mixture
Authors: Ameli Alireza , Babagoli Rezvan , Jalali Farhang , Khabooshani Mohammad
Published: March 2020

The aim of this research was to evaluate the rheological properties of mastics and performance of mixtures consisting of two biomass ashes named as coal waste ash (CWA) and rice husk ash (RHA) used as a replacement of limestone filler at different concentrations. The high and intermediate temperature behavior of binders was evaluated through multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) and linear amplitude sweep (LAS) tests. Moreover, Marshall stability, resilient modulus, dynamic creep, moisture susceptibility, wheel track, indirect tensile strength, and four-point beam fatigue tests were implemented to investigate the mechanical performance of mixtures. Based on MSCR test results utilization of RHA led to improve the rutting resistance of binders, while CWA decreases the rutting resistance of binders. LAS test results indicated that addition of RHA to original binder increase the fatigue life of binder, while CWA decreases the fatigue behavior of mastics. Based on the results, the addition of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) increases the fatigue life of mastics. Results revealed that the addition of RHA improves the Marshall stability, resilient modulus, rutting properties, moisture resistance, and tensile strength of asphalt mixtures, while CWA has negative impact. In general, the obtained results from this study indicated that reuse of RHA and CWA waste materials in the northern part of Iran, where there are lots of RHA and CWA materials, especially RHA, in pavement engineering, has two main effects. First, environmental problems are reduced. Second, the performance properties of mixtures are enhanced.
Energy-Minimizing Cubic H-Bézier Curve
Authors: Hussain Maria , Zafar Sana , Hussain Malik Zawwar
Published: March 2020

In shape designing, a curve is required to pass smoothly through the given data set values. Minimum energy curves are usually known as smooth curves. The aim of this research article is to construct a G1-approximating curve with minimum energy. For this purpose, a cubic H-Bézier curve is considered for which the tangent directions are held to be unknowns. The optimal cubic H-Bézier curve is procured by minimizing the stretch energy, strain energy, and curvature variation energy by solving an optimization problem of two parameters relating to the magnitudes of endpoint tangent directions.
Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Novel Candidate Genes Associated with Productivity and Disease Resistance to Moniliophthora spp. in Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.)
Authors: Osorio-Guarín Jaime A , Berdugo-Cely Jhon A , Coronado-Silva Roberto A , Baez Eliana , Jaimes Yeirme , Yockteng Roxana
Published: March 2020

Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.), the source of chocolate, is one of the most important commodity products worldwide that helps improve the economic livelihood of farmers. Diseases like frosty pod rot caused by Moniliophthora roreri and witches’ broom caused by Moniliophthora perniciosa limit the cacao productivity, this can be solved by using resistant varieties. In the current study, we sequenced 229 cacao accessions using genotyping-by-sequencing to examine the genetic diversity and population structure employing 9,003 and 8,131 single nucleotide polymorphisms recovered by mapping against two cacao genomes (Criollo B97-61/B2 v2 and Matina 1-6 v1.1). In the phenotypic evaluation, three promising accessions for productivity and 10 with good tolerance to the frosty pod rot and witches’ broom diseases were found. A genome-wide association study was performed on 102 accessions, discovering two genes associated with productivity and seven to disease resistance. The results enriched the knowledge of the genetic regions associated with important cacao traits that can have significant implications for conservation and breeding strategies like marker-assisted selection.
Low Prevalence of Celiac Disease among Patients with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Latvia
Authors: Dekante Alise , Daugule Ilva , Pavlovics Sergejs , Kikuste Ilze , Polaka Inese , Tzivian Lilian , Kojalo Ilona , Putnins Vieturs , Tolmanis Ivars , Rumba-Rozenfelde Ingrida , Boka Sarmite , Vanags Aigars , Leja Marcis
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims: Studies suggest that the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) is increased in individuals with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), in particular, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); however, the evidence is conflicting. We aimed to analyze the prevalence of CD in patients with FGIDs in Latvia.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients with FGIDs, referred for a gastroenterologist consultation in a secondary gastroenterology practice unit. Patients were divided into three groups – patients only with IBS (IBS group), patients only with functional dyspepsia (FD) (FD group), patients with mixed symptoms IBS and FD (Mixed group). Patient levels of tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) and/or antiendomysial IgA group antibodies (EMA-IgA) were evaluated. Four duodenal biopsies were obtained and reported according to Marsh classification. Patients diagnosed or being referred for confirmation of CD were excluded from the study.

Results: Overall, 1,833 FGIDs patients were enrolled. Celiac serology was available for 1,570 patients, duodenal histology for 582 patients, both histology and serology for 319 patients. In total, celiac seropositivity was present in 1.78% (28/1570) (3.18% in IBS group, 0.90% in FD group and 1.11% of cases in the mixed group). Fifteen patients had histopathological changes (2.58%; 15/582). Three IBS patients (2.36%) were both serology and biopsy positive. None of the FD patients had CD.

Conclusion: Prevalence of biopsy-proven CD in patients from Latvia with FGIDs was low. Routine screening for CD could be considered only among patients with IBS.
Inferior Pancreatico-Duodenal Artery Aneurysm with Superior Mesenteric Artery Stenosis
Authors: Fetti Alin Cornel , Puia Vlad Radu , Comsa Mihai , Stanca Marius Horatiu , Puia Aida , Al Hajjar Nadim
Published: March 2020

Pancreatico-duodenal artery aneurysm (PDAA) associated with stenosis or occlusion of the celiac trunk is a rare condition. Furthermore, PDAAs associated with stenosis of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) are even more uncommon, with only six cases reported in the literature. We report a case of a 61-year old male patient who presented with hematemesis, haematochezia and haemorrhagic shock. The upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed an ulcerous lesion at the third portion of the duodenum, without achieving the haemostasis. The emergency laparotomy (suture of the lesion and gastro-entero-anastomosis) permitted temporary haemostasis. Computed tomography angiography identified the PDAA ruptured into the third portion of the duodenum and the SMA stenosis at its origin; a dense network of collateral vessels was present. The patient was successfully managed with coil embolization. Short and mid-term follow-up were without incidents.
Outcomes of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Subepithelial Lesions Localized Within the Submucosa, Including Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Multicenter Prospective Study
Authors: Kobara Hideki , Miyaoka Yoichi , Ikeda Yoshio , Yamada Takayoshi , Takata Masashi , Fujihara Shintaro , Nishiyama Noriko , Fujita Koji , Tani Joji , Kobayashi Nobuya , Chiyo Taiga , Yachida Tatsuo , Okano Keiichi , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Mori Hirohito , Masaki Tsutomu
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) seems to be a reasonable option for gastrointestinal subepithelial lesions (SELs) localized within the submucosa. Indications for ESD include small neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and indeterminate SELs. However, the prospective data regarding ESD and surveillance remain unclear. This study was performed to prospectively investigate the outcomes of ESD, including organ-specific outcomes and the mid-term prognosis.

Methods: This prospective multicenter study included 57 patients who underwent ESD for SELs localized within the submucosa [definite NETs (n = 42) and indeterminate SELs (n = 15)]. The efficacy and safety of ESD were evaluated in the whole cohort and in subgroups (NETs and indeterminate SELs). All patients were followed up.

Results: The rates of en bloc resection, curative resection, and complications were 98.2%, 66.7%, and 7.7% for the overall population (n=57); 100%, 61.9%, and 2.4% for NETs (n=42); and 93.3%, 80.0%, and 20.0% for indeterminate SELs (n=15), respectively. The rates of curative resection for NETs were poorer in the stomach (20%, n=5) and duodenum (33%, n=3) than in the rectum (71%, n=34). Including 11 of 16 patients with NETs who underwent a conservative approach resulting in non-curative resection, no patients developed tumor recurrence during the follow-up period (median, 24.5 months; range, 1–60 months). ESD followed by surveillance demonstrated acceptable mid-term outcomes for non-curative NETs.

Conclusions: ESD can be an efficient therapy for SELs localized within the submucosa. However, gastric and duodenal ESD for NETs may be limited in terms of its curative and technical aspects. Clinicians should be aware of the potential complications of ESD for indeterminate SELs.
Association of Serum Homocysteine Levels with Histological Severity of NAFLD
Authors: Xu Yilun , Guan Yaqi , Yang Xingyi , Xia Ziqiang , Wu Jinming
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims: Studies on the association between homocysteine and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have shown inconsistent results. Our study concerns the association of homocysteine with the histological severity of NAFLD, especially non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and significant fibrosis (SF) after adjusting for other well-identified risk factors.

Methods: This study enrolled 289 patients with biopsy proven NAFLD. The association of homocysteine with the severe histological features was examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis and subgroup analysis. The area under curves (AUC) and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test for the adjusted logistic regression models was analyzed.

Results: After multivariable regression analysis, homocysteine showed significant correlation with NASH (OR 0.79 95%CI: 0.69-0.89), p<0.001) and SF (OR 0.83 95%CI: 0.72-0.95, p=0.009). Spearman’s correlation analysis showed homocysteine levels were inversely correlated with the grade of hepatocellular ballooning and the stage of liver fibrosis (Spearman’s ρ=-0.13, p=0.033; Spearman’s ρ=-0.16, p=0.007), but had no correlation with the severity of steatosis and lobular inflammation. The subgroup analyses showed that homocysteine was strongly associated with NASH in females but was weaker in males (female OR: 0.61 95%CI: 0.45-0.84; male 0.86 95%CI: 0.75-0.99), and on SF showed no significant differences in the subgroups. The models showed good discrimination for NASH (AUC 0.789, 95% CI: 0.736-0.843) and for SF (0.784 95%CI: 0.719-0.848) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, p=0.346 for NASH; p=0.908 for SF).

Conclusion: Elevated serum homocysteine levels are negatively associated with NASH and SF in subjects with NAFLD.
Vocal Fold Paralysis is a Common Complication in Esophageal Cancer Patients with Esophagorespiratory Fistula
Authors: Paul Gregor , Echterdiek Fabian , Bohle Wolfram , Zoller Wolfram
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims: The development of an esophagorespiratory fistula (ERF) in patients with esophageal cancer (EC) is associated with poor prognosis. We observed a high rate of vocal fold paralysis (VFP) in patients with ERF. Data on prevalence and complications of VFP in ERF are lacking. The present study investigated the incidence of VFP in patients with malignant ERF and examined possible risk factors and the impact on survival.

Methods: We performed a retrospective case-control study of 46 institutional cases of EC patients with ERF in a time period of eleven years. Patients were matched to 92 randomly selected controls (EC patients without ERF) in a 1:2 fashion for tumor localization and histology. Demographics, clinical characteristics, recurrence, treatment modalities as well as survival were analyzed.

Results: Esophageal cancer patients with ERF developed more often VFP than EC patients without ERF (59% vs. 21%; p=0.02; odds ratio (OR) 4.9). Esophageal cancer patients with ERF had a more pronounced weight loss (7.1 vs. 11.5 kg; P = 0.008), as well as higher rates of esophageal (p=<0.001; OR 22.9) and tracheal stenting (p=<0.001; OR 76.8). Proximal tumor growth (p=0.004; OR 7.9), fistula formation to the trachea (p=<0.001; OR 17.2) and recurrent disease (p=0.04, OR 4.7) was associated with VFP development in EC patients with ERF. Vocal fold paralysis in ERF did not adversely affect five-year survival.

Conclusions: Vocal fold paralysis is a common complication in more than half of the patients with ERF in EC. It is associated with proximal tumor growth, fistula formation to the trachea and disease recurrence, but does not influence survival.
Efficacy of Hemospray in Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mutneja Hemant , Bhurwal Abhishek , Go Andrew , Sidhu Gurpartap Singh , Arora Shilpa , Attar Bashar M
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims: Hemospray is a non-contact modality of endoscopic hemostasis that has been used in the management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) with varying success. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of Hemospray in the management of UGIB.

Methods: An electronic bibliographic search of digital dissertation databases was performed from inception till October 2019. All prospective studies, including randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of Hemospray in the management of UGIB were analysed. The primary outcome was immediate haemostasis and the secondary outcome was rebleeding rate. Subgroup analyses based on etiology of UGIB (tumour-related, variceal, etc) were also performed.

Results: A total of 11 prospective studies, including 4 randomized trials were included for the analysis. The pooled immediate haemostasis rate with Hemospray was 93% (95% CI 90.3-95%, p<0.001). Rebleeding occurred in 14.4% (95% CI 8.8-22.8%, p<0.001) of patients. For the subgroup of tumour-related bleeding, the immediate haemostasis rate was 95.3% (95% CI 89.6-97.3%; p <0.001) and rebleeding rate was 21.9% (95% CI 13.9-32.7%, p <0.001). In patients with variceal bleeding, immediate haemostasis was achieved in 92.7% (95% CI 83.6-96.9%; p<0.001) of patients, with a rebleeding rate of 3.1% (95% CI 0.9-10.2%, p <0.001).

Conclusion: Hemospray shows high immediate haemostasis and low bleeding percentages. The odds were in its favour compared to conventional endoscopic modalities, but not statistically significant. The results are undermined by the risk of bias in the studies. Nevertheless, it is an easy technique that should be further investigated with better studies.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Diagnosis and Current Management
Authors: Surdea-Blaga Teodora , Popovici Elvis , Fadgyas Stănculete Mihaela , Dumitrascu Dan Lucian , Scarpignato Carmelo
Published: March 2020

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an eosinophil-rich, Th2 antigen-mediated disease of increasing worldwideprevalence. Originally considered common in children and young adults, it can be seen at any age, withthe highest prevalence between 30 and 40 years. Symptoms reflect esophageal dysfunction, and typicalendoscopic pictures consist of rings, furrows, exudates and edema. Progressive disease leads to pathologictissue remodeling, with ensuing esophageal rigidity and loss of luminal diameter caused by strictures. Thedefinitive diagnosis is histological (at least 15 eosinophils/HPF, high power field), upper gastrointestinalendoscopy with multiple esophageal biopsies being mandatory. Current therapeutic options include dietaryand pharmacologic treatments. Despite being successful in a high proportion of patients, elemental diet hasmultiple disadvantages. Therefore, a step-up approach (using a two-, four- and six food elimination diets) ispreferred, being globally effective in up to 79% of cases and avoiding unnecessary restrictions. Drug therapyrelies on proton pump inhibitors and topical corticosteroids. Esophageal dilation may be required to increaseluminal patency, leading to immediate symptomatic improvement in 95% of EoE patients, who have stricturesor narrow caliber esophagus. The chronic nature of the disease necessitates long-term therapy. In this review,current diagnostic and treatment options are discussed and a treatment algorithm is proposed.
Testing the Food Experience in Healthy Human Volunteers: a Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Pribic Teodora , Lopez Quiro , Lucas Eduardo , Livovsky Dan M. , Rovira Alex , Accarino Anna , Azpiroz Fernando , Pareto Deborah
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims: For a healthy food to be introduced to the consumer’s diet, it has to be attractive, yet testing for food acceptance and the sensory postprandial responses is still not standardized. The main objective of this study was to demonstrate that healthier foods can be obtained without impact on the responses to ingestion.
Methods: A randomized, cross-over, double-blind, pilot study in non-obese, healthy men (n=8) comparing the responses to a standard sausage rich in animal fat (mortadella) versus a modified product based on a plant-derived fat analogue and an aroma. Palatability and postprandial sensations were measured on 10 cm scales and brain activity was evaluated by functional magnetic resonance imaging before and after each meal on separate days.
Results: Both meals were rated equally palatable and induced the same degree of homeostatic sensations (satiety, fullness) with a similar hedonic dimension (improved mood and digestive well-being). Both meals induced similar changes in brain connectivity: decreased activity in the frontal-parietal, basal ganglia and thalamus, visual occipital, sensory-motor, temporal superior and in the “default-mode” networks, while increased activity was detected in the network associated with white matter.
Conclusion: A substantial improvement in the nutritional profile of food can be achieved without affecting the responses to ingestion.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) effect on GDP in EU countries: Labor force perspective
Authors: Ahmadov Dayanat
Published: March 2020

This paper analyzes the impact of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) workforce on GDP in EU countries as a proxy for what could happen in Azerbaijan. We first estimate the effect of STEM labor force, which is measured by number of workers in STEM occupations, on GDP in 28 EU countries for 1992-2015. We use STEM labor force as the basis for innovation and productivity in a country as opposed to educational attainment used mostly for developed countries. Then, we use the estimated marginal effects to quantify the potential contribution of STEM labor force on GDP per capita in Azerbaijan. It was found that adding 44,000 STEM jobs (28% increase) in STEM labor force in Azerbaijan, is predicted to cause $1944 increase in GDP per employee which corresponds to $1102 in GDP per capita approximately.
Reverse knowledge transfer from Central to Western Europe: Selected Case Studies
Authors: Ferencikova Sonia
Published: March 2020

Reverse knowledge transfer refers to the knowledge flow from the subsidiaries to the parent companies. The paper analyzes if the subsidiaries located in former transitional country (Slovakia) can create and transfer original knowledge to the parent companies in so-called developed Western Europe and focuses on the drivers, communication channels and contributions of such a knowledge flow for both, the headquarters and the subsidiaries. Qualitative research of four subsidiaries of multinational corporations was conducted to identify reverse knowledge transfers and to study them in-depth using case study method.
Formalization of the waste management task in Ukraine for ensuring the environmental stability of Eastern Europe
Authors: Kolodiichuk Iryna , Kolodiichuk Volodymyr
Published: March 2020

The article outlines the current problems and contradictions in the waste management system in Ukraine from the standpoint of ensuring the ecological stability of the Eastern European region. The accepted paradigm of creating a recirculating economy is provided by a territorially balanced waste management system in the regions of Ukraine. The coefficient of territorial provision of utilization capacities has been proposed and tested, which allowed the evaluation of their existing potential integrally, and determined the formed regional disproportions between waste generation and utilization. In order to solve the existing imbalances in Ukraine in a comprehensive way, the stage of transition to recirculating recycling technologies of waste is proposed. The mathematical formalization of the problem of waste management in Ukraine specifies the space-time parameters of solving the problem of the system balance and provides the variability of input and output parameters for solving empirical problems.
Outcome of capital investment on labor productivity in agriculture sector of Ukraine
Authors: Onegina Viktoriya , Megits Nikolay , Antoshchenkova Vitalina , Boblovskyi Oleksandr
Published: March 2020

Ukraine's agricultural sector accounts for 17% of the country's GDP and is continuously growing. For six consecutive years (2013-2018), Ukraine harvested over 60 million tons of grain annually, and 2018 export of ag commodities reached $18.6 billion. (State, 2020).  The anticipated land reform envisions lifting the moratorium on the agricultural land sale, which should encourage capital investments in ag.  The article analyzes the trends of investment opportunities in the Ukrainian ag sector for the last decade. The regression analysis of labor productivity with variables of fixed capital-worker ratio and yield of grain confirmed that the function of labor productivity depended on the value of fixed capital per worker.  As the U.S. investment in ag machinery export to Ukraine plays a significant role, we evaluated its effect on the current level of labor productivity in the Ukrainian agribusiness, comparing it with the U.S. farming outcome.
Understanding the effects of toxic leadership on expatriates' readiness for innovation: an Uzbekistan case
Authors: Hoffman Ettiene Paul , Sergio Rommel Pilapil
Published: March 2020

Ever-growing business challenges emphasize the necessity for organizations to develop a competent workforce to achieve more stable and inclusive growth. Therefore, this study explored the ever-growing interest in expatriate workers to support organizational competitiveness. This study focuses on Uzbekistan, as its growing competitiveness is pressurizing leader-follower dyads and organizational innovation capabilities to improve productivity, reduce costs, and become more profitable. Workplace environments can be sensitive towards leadership behaviours that can adversely affect expatriates’ readiness for innovation. Therefore, this research study addressed the gap in empirical evidence within the leadership literature relevant to the interplay between toxic leadership and expatriates’ readiness for innovation. This qualitative descriptive study employed an explorative phenomenological cross-sectional design (n=10) into expatriates’ real-life experiences to understand the effects of toxic leadership on their readiness for innovation. The findings from the phenomenological study suggest that toxic leadership can adversely affect expatriate’s readiness for innovation.
Can HRM Utilize Hero Analyses in Identifying Employees’ Profiles? The Case of the Slovak and Czech Republics
Authors: Šajgalíková Helena , Copuš Lukáš
Published: March 2020

Finding feasible ways to predict the behaviour of organizations’ current and future employees is one of the most crucial HRM roles. The identification of heroes is a potential and innovative technique. The objective of the study is to identify heroes recognized by university students (to-be employees) and the values the students attach to them, as the grounds for establishing an employee profile useful in recruitment and selection processes. Simultaneously, the study pays attention to the respondents’ cultural context, namely the one of national culture (students of Slovak and Czech universities). The sample employee profiles open new opportunities for further exploration of the approach on the academic level as well as in the HRM practice. The differences identified in applicants’ hero categories significantly enhance understanding of their behavioural tendencies. The findings open several questions about the role of companies as well as educational systems in future employees’ value system evolution.