bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technology Developments for Extreme Environment Gas Turbine Applications
Authors: Kulkarni Anand , James Allister , Kamel Ahmed
Published: April 2021

Electrical power generation is becoming increasingly reliant on gas turbines with multiple fuel capability, with research advances focusing on increased efficiency/power output and reduced emissions. Increasing gas turbine efficiency primarily requires higher operating temperatures and reduced coolant flow in the turbine flow path, which makes it challenging to increase component performance, as these will encounter high stresses and large temperature gradients. Current nickel-based alloys, which operate at operate at extreme environments, are exposed to stress caused by temperature or static/dynamic loading like creep and fatigue, oxidation and corrosion, wear, and damage due to vibrations. Higher turbine inlet temperatures are currently managed with internal/film cooling and thermal/environmental barrier coatings for hot section parts. Comprehensive solutions are needed to translate to achieve ultrahigh efficiencies, lower parts cost, reduced scrape rate, and life cycle savings. The paper discusses material developments coupled with innovative manufacturing approaches to be married with advanced design strategies to realize the needed improvements for hot gas path components. The case studies for combustion and turbine components will be presented to demonstrate the structure property relationships and improved component performance at lower cost.
Role of magnetic resonance imaging in ankle sprains
Authors: Othman Nawroz , AL-Najjar Salwa
Published: April 2021

Background and objective: Musculoskeletal injuries frequently occur in the ankle in both the athletic and general population. Ankle sprains are among the most frequent types of ankle injuries, which are conventionally diagnosed through clinical examinations. However, magnetic resonance imaging can provide a more precise diagnosis, leading to better injury management and prevention of consequent chronic complications. The present study aimed to examine the significance of magnetic resonance imaging in detecting and assessing changes that occur in ligaments and soft tissues in patients with ankle sprains. Methods: In a prospective study, 50 patients with ankle sprain referred to Rizgary and Erbil Teaching hospitals in Erbil city, Iraqi Kurdistan Region, from March 2018 to April 2019, were included in the study. They underwent clinical evaluation and MRI (GE general electric 1.5 Tesla). Two expert radiologists analyzed the magnetic resonance imaging images, and the results were compared. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 through descriptive statistics. Results: Most patients (64%) belonged to the age groups of 30-49 years old. Most of them (64%) were males. Most events of ankle sprain (66%) were because of sports and accidents. The clinical evaluation proved 82% of the ankle sprains. Regarding the laterality of the lesions, 60% were spotted in the right ankles and 40% in the left. According to magnetic resonance imaging results, both radiologists diagnosed that the ankle sprains included bone lesions, ligament injury, tendon injury, and effusion. There was an agreement of ≥ 96% between the two radiologists in this regard. The two radiologists were not significantly different in terms of diagnosing the ligament side. As reported by the radiologists based on the magnetic resonance imaging images, the anterior, lateral, and medial tendons were normal in most cases. Conclusion: Magnetic resonance imaging is a vitally important tool that can be utilized reliably and accurately to diagnose and evaluate changes in ligaments and soft tissues in patients with ankle sprains. Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); Ankle sprain; Ligaments; Injuries.
Knowledge, awareness, and preventive behaviors toward osteoporosis among a sample of premenopausal women in Erbil city, Iraq
Authors: Mohammed Lara , Dauod Ali
Published: April 2021

Background and objective: Osteoporosis is among the top five conditions causing disability and prolonged hospital stay; however, it is still underestimated worldwide, especially in developing countries. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and preventive practice in Erbil city toward this global disease. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 395 premenopausal women aged ≥25 years and ≤ 49 years old, who were recruited by simple random sampling throughout three months from the first of October to December 2015. A questionnaire was completed through a direct interview, which consisted of four parts, including questions about knowledge, attitude, practice, and demographic questions. The statistical package for the social sciences was used for data analysis. Results: The mean age of the participants was 35 ± 8.24 years. Almost half of them did not hear about osteoporosis before. The identification of risk factors by participants was poor. Out of 395 of the participants, 92.9% had no knowledge about the diagnosis of this disease. Approximately half of the participants believed that there is no way to prevent osteoporosis. Regarding practice scoring to prevent the disease, the total score (mean) was 2.9 out of a maximum of 12, which is very low, especially among females aged 25-29 years. Conclusion: The majority of premenopausal women in Erbil city had little knowledge of osteoporosis, however unaware of osteoporosis risk factors and poor preventive practice regarding prevention. Keywords: Osteoporosis; Knowledge; Premenopause; Disability; Iraq.
Insulin-Dependent Maturation of Newly Generated Olfactory Sensory Neurons after Injury
Authors: Kuboki Akihito , Kikuta Shu , Otori Nobuyoshi , Kojima Hiromi , Matsumoto Ichiro , Reisert Johannes , Yamasoba Tatsuya
Published: April 2021

Loss of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) after injury to the olfactory epithelium (OE) triggers the generation of OSNs that are incorporated into olfactory circuits to restore olfactory sensory perception. This study addresses how insulin receptor-mediated signaling affects the functional recovery of OSNs after OE injury. Insulin levels were reduced in mice by ablating the pancreatic β cells via streptozotocin (STZ) injections. These STZ-induced diabetic and control mice were then intraperitoneally injected with the olfactotoxic drug methimazole to selectively ablate OSNs. The OE of diabetic and control mice regenerated similarly until day 14 after injury. Thereafter, the OE of diabetic mice contained fewer mature and more apoptotic OSNs than control mice. Functionally, diabetic mice showed reduced electro-olfactogram (EOG) responses and their olfactory bulbs (OBs) had fewer c-Fos-active cells following odor stimulation, as well as performed worse in an odor-guided task compared with control mice. Insulin administered intranasally during days 8–13 after injury was sufficient to rescue recovery of OSNs in diabetic mice compared with control levels, while insulin administration between days 1 and 6 did not. During this critical time window on days 8–13 after injury, insulin receptors are highly expressed and intranasal application of an insulin receptor antagonist inhibits regeneration. Furthermore, an insulin-enriched environment could facilitate regeneration even in non-diabetic mice. These results indicate that insulin facilitates the regeneration of OSNs after injury and suggest a critical stage during recovery (8–13 d after injury) during which the maturation of newly generated OSNs is highly dependent on and promoted by insulin.
La orden de servicios 3/2018: ¿un instrumento para medir el riesgo de radicalismo violento en prisión?
Authors: C. Aguerri Jesús , Fernández Abad Carlos
Published: April 2021

El presente artículo tiene por objeto principal examinar el instrumento para medir el riesgo de radicalismo violento que introduce la Orden de Servicios 3/2018 de Instituciones Penitenciarias como parte de la respuesta que ha ofrecido el sistema penitenciario español ante el fenómeno de la radicalización islamista en las prisiones. En este sentido, se argumenta que, además de ser una pura construcción social, la figura del radical resultante presenta claras deficiencias que se traducen en una clara criminalización del pensamiento y en la adopción de una política basada fundamentalmente en la neutralización de la peligrosidad que, lejos de contribuir a prevenir la radicalización, no hace sino potenciar las causas que alimentan su existencia.
Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi Eğitim Sürecinin Öğrencilerin Sağlıklı Beslenme ve Ağız Hijyeni Alışkanlıkları Üzerine Etkisi
Authors: DEĞİRMENCİ Kübra
Published: April 2021

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, diş hekimliği eğitiminin öğrencilerin ağız sağlığı ve beslenme alışkanlıkları üzerindeki etkisini değerlendirmektir. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Çalışmaya Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi'nde 1.,2.,3.,4. ve 5. sınıflarda eğitim görmekte olan toplam 305 öğrenci katılmıştır. Öğrencilere, demografik, ağız sağlığı alışkanlıkları ile ilgili sorular sorulmuştur. Ayrıca, Wilhom İndeksi (Wİ) kullanılarak beslenme alışkanlıklarıyla ilgili sorular sorulmuş ve Wİ puanları elde edilmiştir. Veriler, Kruskall-Wallis ve Ki-Kare testleri ile analiz edilmiştir (p<0,05) Bulgular: Çalışmanın sonuçlarına göre, eğitim süreci öğrencilerin diş fırçalama sıklığı, diş ipi ve ara yüz fırçası kullanması üzerinde olumlu etki göstermiştir (p<0,05). Sigara içme alışkanlığı, 4.ve 5.sınıflarda sırasıyla %30.7 ve % 30.1 oranları ile eğitimin ilk üç yılına göre anlamlı derecede yüksek bulunmuştur (p<0,05). WI puanları değerlendirildiğinde ise 4.ve 5.sınıflarda 40 puanın altında alan öğrencilerin sayısının ilk üç yılda eğitim gören öğrencilere göre anlamlı derecede yüksek olduğu belirlenmiştir (p<0,05). Sonuç: Diş hekimliği eğitim süreci, öğrencilerin ağız sağlığı ile ilgili alışkanlıkları üzerinde olumlu bir etki göstermektedir. Ancak, eğitimin öğrencilerin sigara ve beslenme alışkanlıkları üzerine etkisinin daha düşük olduğu düşünülebilir.
Intravenous Interferon-β1a for the Treatment of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Acute Myocardial Infarct in Pigs
Authors: Deomic Niittynen Siiri , Liikamaa Laura , Jalkanen Juho , Jalkanen Sirpa , Savunen Timo , Gunn Jarmo , Anttila Vesa , Virtanen Laura , Taimen Pekka , Hollmén Maija , Pan Emily , Saura Emmi , Malmberg Markus
Published: April 2021

Background: To investigate the potential of intravenously administered porcine recombinant interferon-β1a (IFN-β1a) for myocardial protection during acute ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in an experimental animal model.
Methods: Twenty-two piglets (mean ± standard deviation, 26.7 ± 1.65 kg) were assigned to either the IFN group (n = 12) or the control group (n = 10). IR injury was induced by occluding the distal left descending coronary artery for 30 minutes, with a reperfusion period of 6 h. In the IFN group, the animals received 12.5 µg IFN-β1a intravenously repeatedly; the control group received saline solution. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cardiac troponin I (TnI) were measured, and the amount of myocardial damage was quantified by analyzing myocardial apoptosis and the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of methylene blue–stained cardiac tissue.
Results: In the IFN group, significantly more premature deaths occurred compared with the control group (25% versus 17%, P = .013). Between the groups, the mean heart rate was higher in the IFN group (102 ± 22 versus 80 ± 20 beats per minute, P = .02). IL-6 and TnI levels were comparable between the groups, with no significant difference, and there was no difference between the study groups in myocardial apoptosis in the infarcted myocardium. The percentage of MFI differed significantly between the IFN and control groups (90.75% ± 4.90% versus 96.02% ± 2.73%, P = .01).
Conclusion: In this acute IR injury animal model, IFN-β1a did not protect the myocardium from IR injury, but rather increased some of the unfavorable outcomes studied.
La ampliación del concepto tradicional de wrongful conception en el campo de la responsabilidad médica en Colombia
Authors: Fernández Muñoz Mónica Lucía
Published: April 2021

El presente artículo analiza la responsabilidad por anticoncepción fallida en caso de vulneración del deber de información respecto al riesgo de embarazo frente al uso de un anticonceptivo inyectable. Con base en el método de la investigación teórica, luego de una revisión de la figura en otros sistemas jurídicos donde ha tenido más desarrollo, la autora evidencia que Colombia propone una ampliación del ámbito de la responsabilidad médica a partir de un nuevo evento que supera el concepto tradicional de wrongful conception.
Mediación pedagógica del aprendizaje a partir de la pregunta generadora en la educación media: Aprendizaje basado en proyectos
Authors: Obando-Arias Milagro
Published: April 2021

Los modelos de mediación pedagógica pretenden devolver el protagonismo a la persona en sus procesos de aprendizaje, de forma que se aleje de un rol pasivo y receptor. Con esta premisa, el presente trabajo tiene por objetivo desarrollar y analizar estrategias desde un modelo de mediación pedagógica, en donde se utiliza la pregunta generadora como elemento clave en el proceso de aprendizaje. A partir de ese objetivo, se puede responder a la inquietud de cuáles son los alcances pedagógicos posibles de construir, cuando las preguntas generadoras surgen del estudiantado. Esta interrogante orientó el proceso realizado durante el primer semestre del año 2019, con estudiantes de enseñanza media, específicamente de séptimo y octavo años, dentro de los cursos de Estudios Sociales y Educación Cívica. El trabajo se realizó en el distrito de Mata Redonda, cantón de San José, Costa Rica. Esta investigación es de orden pedagógico, se basa en metodologías cualitativas propias de la investigación-acción pedagógica. Se fue construyendo mediante observación participante, sistematización de experiencias y reflexiones posteriores a los planeamientos didácticos. La persona que sintetiza este trabajo es docente a cargo de los cursos mencionados, por tanto, no se trata de una investigación externa. El análisis presente en estas páginas incluye ejemplos de actividades de mediación desarrolladas con los grupos de trabajo.
Perspectivas y acciones de campesinos de Anta-Cusco en torno al cambio climático
Authors: León Gabriel Doris
Published: April 2021

La interrogante principal de este ensayo es conocer si las actuales variaciones climáticas globales afectan a los Andes de una manera tan extraordinaria que impiden su enfrentamiento con los métodos usuales que han tenido los campesinos en la sierra sur desde los milenios anteriores, o si actualmente se dan formas tan dramáticas de cambio que los campesinos se ven impedidos de seguir produciendo. En el Cusco en particular son especialmente las ONG las defensoras de la idea de un cambio climático provocado por los hombres, por lo que tratan de invocar en los campesinos acciones para estabilizar sus formas de producción. Sobre la percepción de los campesinos mismos hay poco conocimiento. Por ello, se buscará conocer si los campesinos tienen una percepción de un cambio dramático en las condiciones hídricas y de temperatura a las cuales no podrían responder con sus métodos largamente usados en los últimos milenios. Se aborda el tema del cambio climático en la vida cotidiana campesina de Cusco, el modo en que los campesinos perciben esta problemática y las ideas de las ONG al respecto. El trabajo de campo se realizó en el distrito de Izcuchaca, provincia de Anta en Cusco1.
Chatbot: Reservasi Restoran Online pada Facebook Messenger
Authors: Haq Muhammad Saiqul , Waspodo Bayu , Nuryasin Nuryasin
Published: April 2021

Akses chatbot yang diberikan oleh Facebook ke dalam aplikasi Messenger memberikan peluang besar bagi pelaku bisnis untuk meraih pengguna Facebook yang mencapai 1,2 miliar. Sebagai perusahaan yang pelanggan utamanya berasal dari Facebook, maka AppServation Co., Ltd perlu melakukan pengembangan pada produknya untuk memberikan layanan secara langsung kepada pelanggannya melalui chatbot. Penelitian ini bertujuan meningkatkan layanan pelanggan AppServation Co., Ltd dengan menambahkan fitur reservasi berupa chatbot yang terdapat pada Facebook Messenger. Reservasi dapat dilakukan tanpa mengharuskan pelanggan mengunjungi halaman reservasi yang berada di luar Facebook. Metode pengembangan sistem yang digunakan untuk membangun chatbot pada sistem berjalan adalah menggunakan metode pendekatan analisis terstruktur (waterfall). Pengujian atas sistem yang dibangun dengan menggunakan metode behavior-driven development. Hasil pengujian sistem menunjukkan bahwa dengan sistem chatbot mampu melayani permintaan reservasi pada platform Facebook Messenger.
Survival Trends and Syndromic Esophageal Atresia
Authors: Tan Tanny Sharman P. , Beck Cara , King Sebastian K. , Hawley Alisa , Brooks Jo-Anne , McLeod Elizabeth , Hutson John M. , Teague Warwick J.
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Presence of a syndrome (or association) is predictive of poor survival in esophageal atresia (EA). However, most reports rely on historical patient outcomes, limiting their usefulness when estimating risk for neonates born today. We hypothesized improved syndromic EA survival due to advances in neonatal care.

METHODS:

A retrospective single-center review of survival in 626 consecutive patients with EA from 1980 to 2017 was performed. Data were collected for recognized risk factors: preterm delivery; birth weight <1500 g; major cardiac disease; vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheoesophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb abnormalities (VACTERL); and non-VACTERL syndromes. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate temporal trends in survival with respect to year of birth and syndromic EA.

RESULTS:

Overall, 87% of 626 patients with EA survived, ranging from 82% in the 1980s to 91% in the 2010s. After adjusting for confounders, syndromic EA survival did not improve during the study, with no association found between year of birth and survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95–1.01). Aside from lethal non-VACTERL syndromes, patients with nonlethal non-VACTERL syndromes (HR 6.85, 95% CI: 3.50–13.41) and VACTERL syndrome (HR 3.02, 95% CI: 1.66–5.49) had a higher risk of death than those with nonsyndromic EA.

CONCLUSIONS:

Survival of patients with syndromic EA has not improved, and patients with non-VACTERL syndromes have the highest risk of death. Importantly, this is independent of syndrome lethality, birth weight, and cardiac disease. This contemporary survival assessment will enable more accurate perinatal counseling of parents of patients with syndromic EA.
Enseñanza de la cirugía oral en tiempos de COVID-19
Authors: Linero-Segrera Itali Marcelly , Rueda–Jiménez Andrés
Published: April 2021

La pandemia por COVID-19 y las medidas de distanciamiento social para mitigar su propagación han provocado una disrupción social generalizada, cuyos impactos son amplios dentro de las instituciones de educación superior y entornos de aprendizaje. Docentes e instituciones de todo el mundo se han visto obligados a replantear sus propuestas educativas, implementando formas alternativas en el proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje. Al respecto de estas transformaciones, este artículo de reflexión discute la experiencia en la formación y enseñanza de la cirugía oral en tiempos de COVID-19 y el papel de la educación virtual como medida emergente ante esta situación. La educación de los odontólogos en las actuales circunstancias exige una adaptación de los programas académicos, en donde algunos de sus componentes teóricos y prácticos podrán ser impartidos desde la virtualidad y la simulación, sin olvidar, que, para la formación clínica continúa siendo esencial la actividad quirúrgica en situaciones reales.
New record of a natural host of Anastrepha grandis (Macquart, 1846) (Diptera, Tephritidae) in Brazil
Authors: Savaris Marcoandre , Souza-Filho Miguel F. , Cerignoni João A. , Mesquita Filho Walter , Zucchi Roberto A.
Published: April 2021

Sicana odorifera is reported for the first time as a natural host of the South American cucurbit fruit fly, Anastrepha grandis. This paper presents information on this new host and discusses the distribution of A. grandis and its hosts in Brazil. In addition, Cucurbita moschata is the first host of A. grandis recorded in the state of Paraná.
El arbitraje internacional y su contribución a la definición y delimitación de los espacios marinos
Authors: Jiménez-Pineda Eduardo
Published: April 2021

esta nota aborda la contribución de los arbitrajes internacionales interestatales, de un lado, a la definición de los espacios marinos y, del otro, a su delimitación. Así, se estudia el modo en que determinados laudos arbitrales especialmente relevantes han coadyuvado a la definición del mar territorial y su anchura, la alta mar y sus principios reguladores, la plataforma continental y, también, al régimen jurídico de las islas. Finalmente, la nota expone las principales aportaciones del arbitraje a la delimitación de los espacios marinos y refleja la interacción y desarrollo conjunto por parte del arbitraje, la Corte Internacional de Justicia y el Tribunal Internacional del Derecho del Mar.
INFLUENCE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ANTECEDENTS OF CONSUMER DECISION-MAKING STYLES ON MILLENNIAL CONSUMER’S INNOVATIVENESS IN BOTSWANA
Authors:   BA ISAGO University, Botswana, Chiguvi Douglas , Musasa Tinashe ,   BA ISAGO University, Botswana
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to measure the influence of psychological antecedents of consumer decision-making styles of millennial consumer’s innovativeness in Botswana. The study adopted a quantitative survey in gathering data from millennial consumers. Structured questionnaires with Likert scales were utilized in data collection. The targeted population comprised of 400 generation Y consumers in which 320 were successfully selected and tested through convenience sampling. The study results indicated that millennial consumers in Botswana are under no time pressure to complete their shopping activities and highly materialistic in their shopping choices. They are independent shoppers impervious to interpersonal influence and confident of their shopping decision-making. The results also revealed that millennial consumers in Botswana identify themselves as independent decision makers that do not rely on external influence. Finally, the study results pointed out that the greater majority of Batswana millennials are cognitive innovators than sensory innovators. The researchers recommended that retailers must be encouraged to add excitement in shopping amenities to attract and retain millennial sensory innovators. Tangible evidence on future research is also required on the actual effects of modern smart shopping on generational transformation from Gen X, Y to Z.
TOWARDS ENSURING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF SOUTH AFRICAN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION ERA
Authors:   University of Johannesburg, South Africa, Adelowotan Michael
Published: April 2021

The reality of the presence of disruptive technologies of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) era has dawned on everyone. However, the narratives have centered on how these technologies will aid the production and delivery of goods and services in a more efficient and transparent manner based on increased data accumulation and analysis. The focus of these technologies has been on how large manufacturing and service organizations can automate the development of processes, products and services. The question is “how will the small and medium enterprises survive in the 4IR era?” This paper will attempt to answer this question by considering and examining how the South African small and medium enterprises can seize the opportunities provided by the technologies of the fourth industrial revolution era for their development and sustainability thereby contributing to the socio-economic development and growth of the South African nation. The findings show that in spite of the concerns with respect to perceived threats of loss of jobs, increase in inequality, unemployment and poverty in view of the emerging technologies of the 4IR, the development of a well-articulated policy directions and strategy on the fourth industrial revolution by government coupled with a positive response by the business community will afford the entrepreneurs the opportunity to participate in the newly created supply chains and markets. Furthermore, the new technologies of the 4IR will result in the expansion of labor demand through increased productivity thereby creating new jobs that will far outweigh the old jobs lost through digitalization.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MONETARY POLICY AND PRIVATE SECTOR CREDIT IN SADC COUNTRIES
Authors:   Walter Sisulu University (RSA), Republic of South Africa, Sithole Vikela Liso , Ndlwana Tembeka ,   Walter Sisulu University (RSA), Republic of South Africa, Sibanda Kin ,   Walter Sisulu University (RSA), Republic of South Africa
Published: April 2021

This paper empirically examined the relationship between monetary policy and private sector credit in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) group of countries using a panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) co-integration technique for the period from 2009 to 2018. The Hausman test result indicated that the null hypothesis of long-run homogeneity cannot be rejected and hence we accept the pooled mean group estimators (PMGE) as a consistent and efficient estimator. The PMGE results showed that credit to the private sector and gross domestic product have a positive and statistically significant long-run impact on money supply. The impact of credit to the private sector on money supply is shown by the results to be statistically significant and positive both in the short and long run. The impact of gross domestic product on money supply was found to be statistically significant positive in the long run while positive but insignificant in the short run. The study recommends policy attention that is directed towards the appetite for accelerated growth, investment, and employment in the SADC region but more importantly with more regard to the establishment of sustained macroeconomic stability as a precondition to sustainable growth and for the creation of monetary union in the region.
CHALLENGES FACING SMALL TO MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN METSIMAHOLO MUNICIPALITY, SOUTH AFRICA
Authors:   Vaal University of Technology, South Africa, Madzimure Jeremiah , Tau Lebereko Phillip ,   MANCOSA College, South Africa
Published: April 2021

In South Africa, the failure rate of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) amounts to 75% in an estimated interval of 42 months of operation. The purpose of this study is to determine the challenges facing SMEs in Metsimaholo municipality, Free State province of South Africa. Quantitative data was acquired from 102 Metsimaholo SME owners or their representatives, utilizing questionnaires which were completed, returned, and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 software. It was then established that economic factors have realistic control on the sustainability of SMEs. In addition, further development of SMEs is restrained by competition from immigrant businesses, transportation of inventory, inadequate management skills, substandard marketing, miserable manipulation of financial activities and business, unreachable loans. Notwithstanding the afore-said outcome, SMEs must carefully look at obtaining business skills coaching and support, enlarge or vary the range of products, put back any profits made by a business into it in order to make it more successful. Cooperation amongst SMEs would be a strategy for them to challenge rivalry. Therefore, SMEs will bargain from transportation of goods bought in large quantities for a unit price that is lower than usual.
A REVIEW ON ACTOR-NETWORK THEORY AS A POTENTIAL TOOL FOR ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES
Authors:   Fatih Sultan Mehmet Foundation University, Turkey & Yildiz Technical University, Turkey, Dilaveroglu Busra , Polatoglu Cigdem ,   Yildiz Technical University, Turkey, Ciravoglu Aysen ,   Yildiz Technical University, Turkey
Published: April 2021

Actor-Network Theory (ANT) is an ontological approach, emerging from science and technology studies. As an ontological frame, ANT proposes that the work of science does not differ from other social processes, and sociality should not be understood as a priori knowledge. Instead, ANT offers a lens to see science as an assemblage of social, technical, conceptional, and textual processes entangled with human and non-human entities by looking at their material nature. ANT proposes to follow traces of material relations and how that material nature constitutes social. There has been a considerable increase in the threshold of ANT and Architecture studies. ANT seems to offer new perspectives to understand architecture by looking at architecture from its own material reality. Thus, this study aims to reveal the whole picture of the studies in the threshold of ANT and architecture by analyzing ANT concepts implemented in architecture. By relating ANT concepts to the architectural field, this systematic review aims to understand ANT and its implications of architectural studies. Visualizing the relations of ANT and architecture related categories, the review is supposed to reveal gaps and the most studied fields of ANT in architecture.
Individual property tax to fund public transport
Authors:   Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation, Leontev E. V. , Leontyeva Yu. V. ,   Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation
Published: April 2021

Efficient and reliable public transport is of prime concern to city dwellers. To function efficiently, public transport generally needs subsidies from the state or local government. Our goal was to design and develop an alternative model of property tax that would provide financing for public transport. It was hypothesised that if the market value of real estate depends on the proximity of public transport, property tax can be a reliable source of financing for public transport. Based on the hedonic pricing theory, we used multiple regression to measure the impact of public transport proximity on the value of residential property. The data on the market value of property and property tax was taken from statistical tax reporting forms of the Federal Tax Service. The data on various public transport infrastructure facilities was used from the specialized open registers. We tested our alternative model of property tax, using the case of the Ekaterinburg Metro and the Tram and Trolleybus Company, through regression analysis of 7,685 objects of residential property in the City of Ekaterinburg. It was found that the efficiency of the underground service is higher than that of the city’s tram network. On the average, the proximity of underground stations increases the value of housing by over 6%. As predictive estimation of the amount of tax determined by the proximity of public transport showed, the alternative model of property tax is sufficient to cover capital expenditures of the city’s public transport operators and could, therefore, contribute to further expansion and modernization of the transport network.
Introduction of the personal tax-free allowance in Russia and its budget implications
Authors:   Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Moscow, Russian Federation, Gromov V. V.
Published: April 2021

The social problem of poverty can be mitigated by introduction of a personal tax-free allowance. In this paper the likely effects that a personal tax-free allowance will have on the Russian budget is investigated. It has been assumed that a tax-free allowance will hit regional budgets because they depend greatly on income tax revenue. The indicated effects were estimated by applying a personal tax-free allowance to the data on economic conditions in 2019. Rosstat data on population, poverty, wages and gross regional product and Federal Tax Service data on the number of taxpayers and personal income tax revenues were used. For the purpose of the paper, two scenarios were calculated. In the first scenario, a zero personal income tax rate is applied to wages below the minimum cost of living. We found that under this scenario the consolidated budget of Russia loses over 1 trillion rubles while regional tax revenues reduce by more than 10%. In the second scenario, citizens whose income is below the minimum cost of living are exempt from personal income tax. We found that under this scenario regional tax revenues would be reduced by 1-5%. In both cases the introduction of the personal tax-free allowance puts greater pressure on regions that critically depend on the personal income tax receipts. It was concluded that the negative effect of an introduction of a personal tax-free allowance would be greater, the greater the prevalence of low-income taxpayers in a region. Also considerable regional disparities create a risk that such tax reform will deepen regional inequality and be disruptive for the Russian budgetary system.
Projected shortfall in personal income tax revenues of regional governments in Russia due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, Kakaulina M. O.
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a great strain on the Russian economy and budget revenue. The study aims at furnishing an estimate of losses in personal income tax revenue in regional government budgets in 2020–2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to investigate the shortfall in tax revenues, three factors were studied: the amount of damage caused by the COVID-19 outbreak to the whole economic system; the sensitivity of the state revenue base to the crisis; the sensitivity of regional tax revenue to the revenue base. The study was based on the annual reports of the Federal Tax Service of Russia, Rosstat data, Forecast of the Social and Economic Development of the Russian Federation, and data from the “National action plan to ensure the recovery of employment and incomes of population, economic growth and long-term structural changes in the economy”. It was found that recession will lead to a significant reduction in people’s income over the given period. As a result, personal income tax revenues will decrease. The budget losses will reach 416.6 billion rubles by the end of the 2020 fiscal year. This is equivalent to 0.4% of GDP and 9.7% of total income from personal income tax in an economic situation unmarred by the pandemic. The largest fall in public revenue is expected in the regions which stand out in regard to personal income tax revenues per capita. The research results confirm the initial hypothesis that the negative impact of the pandemic on personal income tax revenues depends on the share of income tax revenues of a particular region or municipality. The findings can be used by the regional and municipal financial authorities for developing draft budgets for 2022 and the planning period of 2023–2024.
Climate change impacts on agriculture sector: A case study of Pakistan
Authors: Ali Uzair , Jing Wang , Zhu Jialin , Omarkhanova Zhibek , Fahad Shah , Nurgazina Zhanar , Khan Zaid Ashiq
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT: The current article looks at the effects of climate change on agriculture, especially crop production, and influence factors of agricultural development in terms of their rational use in Pakistan. Due to the dependence of economic development, and agriculture in the South Asian region on access to renewable national resources and the associated vulnerability to climate change, the limited financial and professional resources of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan require a clear definition of national priorities in this area. In the preparation of this article, general scientific cognition methods, in particular, empirical-theoretical methods were used. Grouping and classification methods have been used to process and systematize the data. The ability to change productivity, depending on the variation of the average annual air temperature and the average annual precipitation rate, was considered using a two-factor regression model. The main finding of the study is that temperature and precipitation have a negative impact on agricultural production. This study can provide a scientific justification for the specialization of agricultural production in the regions of Pakistan as well as the execution of the necessary agricultural activities.
Poaceae das restingas da Ilha do Maranhão, Estado do Maranhão, Brasil
Authors: Dias Kauê Nicolas Lindoso , Almeida Jr. Eduardo Bezerra de
Published: April 2021

RESUMO In this study a floristic survey of species of Poaceae from the restingas and dunes vegetation of Ilha do Maranhão, located in the north of Maranhão State, was performed. Collections in the study areas and analysis of material from Herbarium MAR and SLUI was carried out. Thirty species were found, the genus Paspalum L. was the richest genus, whit four species. An identification key to the founded species, descriptions and illustrations are provided.
Novel C5-Dependent Mechanism of Neutrophil Stimulation by Bioincompatible Dialyzer Membranes
Authors: ROSENKRANZ ALEXANDER R. , KÖRMÖCZI GÜNTHER F. , THALHAMMER FLORIAN , MENZEL ERNST J. , HÖRL WALTER H. , MAYER GERT , ZLABINGER GERHARD J.
Published: April 2021

The objective of the study was to evaluate the contribution of reactive oxygen intermediate formation for receptor modulation on neutrophils by the cellulosic dialyzer membrane cuprophan (CU). In patients dialyzed with CU, CD11b and CD66b upregulation on neutrophils (by 104.3 ± 37.9% and 85.7 ± 31.1%, respectively), and a downregulation of L-selectin (by 44.9 ± 26.9%) was seen, whereas expression of CD11 a remained unaltered. Hemodialysis with polysulfone did not bring about major changes in surface receptor expression. In vitro incubation of isolated neutrophils in the presence of serum with hollow fibers of CU or polysulfone showed similar results: Only CU resulted in upregulation of CD11b and CD66b expression (by 65.5 ± 18.7% and 60.1 ± 24%) and a decrease in CD62L expression (by 60.6 ± 18.2%). In contrast to receptor alterations, generation of reactive oxygen intermediate by CU occurred in the absence of serum. Inhibition experiments with soluble complement receptor 1, which produced only partial inhibition of receptor up-/down-regulation, indicated the existence of also other than alternate complement-dependent mechanisms for neutrophil activation. By using C5-depleted serum instead of normal human serum, up-/down-regulation of CD11b, CD62L, and CD66b by CU was dramatically reduced, whereas C3-depleted serum did not produce that effect. C5-deficient serum repleted with purified C5, as well as purified C5 alone, was able to induce receptor modulation by CU comparable to normal human serum. L-Methionine, a specific inhibitor for the oxidative activation of C5, blocked the modulatory effect of CU in assays with purified C5 as well as with serum. As a result, in addition to the alternative pathway of complement, a C5-dependent mechanism probably activated by neutrophil-derived reactive oxygen intermediate leads to receptor modulation and subsequent generation of the well known side effects of bioincompatible dialyzer membranes.
Expression of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3-1α-Hydroxylase in the Human Kidney
Authors: ZEHNDER DANIEL , BLAND ROSEMARY , WALKER ELIZABETH A. , BRADWELL ARTHUR R. , HOWIE ALEXANDER J. , HEWISON MARTIN , STEWART PAUL M.
Published: April 2021

The secosteroid hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) plays a vital role in calcium metabolism, tissue differentiation, and normal bone growth. Biosynthesis of 1,25(OH)2D3 is catalyzed by the mitochondrial cytochrome P450 enzyme 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 1α-hydroxylase (1α-hydroxylase). Although activity of this enzyme has been described in several tissues, the kidneys are recognized to be the principal site of 1,25(OH)2D3 production. To date, enzyme activity studies using vitamin D-deficient animals have suggested that 1α-hydroxylase is expressed exclusively in proximal convoluted tubules. With the recent cloning of 1α-hydroxylase, specific cRNA probes and in-house polyclonal antiserum have been used to determine the distribution of 1α-hydroxylase along the human nephron. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization studies indicated strong expression of 1α-hydroxylase protein and mRNA in the distal convoluted tubule, the cortical and medullary part of the collecting ducts, and the papillary epithelia. Lower expression was observed along the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle and Bowman's capsule. Weaker and more variable expression of 1α-hydroxylase protein and mRNA was seen in proximal convoluted tubules, and no expression was observed in glomeruli or vascular structures. These data show for the first time the distribution of 1α-hydroxylase expression in normal human kidney. In contrast to earlier enzyme activity studies conducted in vitamin D-deficient animals, our data indicate that the distal nephron is the predominant site of 1α-hydroxylase expression under conditions of vitamin D sufficiency.
Mechanism of Increased Parathyroid Hormone mRNA in Experimental Uremia
Authors: YALCINDAG CEVDET , SILVER JUSTIN , NAVEH-MANY TALLY
Published: April 2021

Patients with chronic renal failure develop secondary hyperparathyroidism with increased synthesis and secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) resulting in severe skeletal complications. In rats with secondary hyperparathyroidism due to 5/6 nephrectomy, there are increased PTH mRNA levels, and this mechanism was studied. Parathyroid glands were micro-dissected from control and 5/6 nephrectomy rats and analyzed for PTH mRNA and control genes, and the nuclei were used for nuclear run-on experiments. The cytosolic proteins of the parathyroids were used to study PTH mRNA protein binding by ultraviolet cross-linking and the degradation of the PTH transcript in vitro. Nuclear run-ons showed that the increase in PTH mRNA levels was posttranscriptional. Protein binding to the PTH mRNA 3′-UTR determines PTH mRNA stability and levels. Parathyroid proteins from uremic rats bound PTH mRNA similar to control rats by ultraviolet cross-linking. To determine the effect of uremia on PTH mRNA stability, an in vitro RNA degradation assay was performed with parathyroid proteins from uremic rats. When parathyroid proteins from control rats were incubated with PTH mRNA, there was transcript degradation already at 30 min, reaching 50% at 60 min and 90% at 180 min. With uremic parathyroid proteins, the PTH mRNA was not degraded at all at 120 min and was moderately decreased at 180 min. This decrease in degradation by uremic parathyroid proteins suggests a decrease in parathyroid cytosolic endonuclease activity in uremia resulting in a more stable PTH transcript. The increased PTH mRNA levels would translate into increased PTH synthesis and serum PTH levels, which would lead to metabolic bone disease in many patients with chronic renal failure.
Renal Function in Mice
Authors: CERVENKA LUDEK , MITCHELL KENNETH D. , NAVAR L. GABRIEL
Published: April 2021

The present study was performed to validate a simple means for assessing renal function in anesthetized mice and to characterize the renal hemodynamic responses to acute volume expansion and how these responses are altered by concurrent angiotensin II (AngII) infusions. Inulin and para-aminohippurate clearances were used to assess GFR and renal plasma flow (RPF) in three groups of male C57B1/6 mice anesthetized with inactin (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and ketamine (10 mg/kg). To avoid the hypotension associated with repeated blood sampling, a single blood sample was taken after three timed urine collections. Renal function and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured under euvolemic conditions (2.5 μl/min, intravenously, n = 7) during isotonic saline volume expansion (12.5 μl/min, intravenously, n = 5) and during volume expansion with concurrent AngII infusion (5 ng/min · g, n = 5). MAP in the control group was 77 ± 2 mmHg; volume expansion alone did not change MAP significantly (83 ± 2 mmHg), but led to significantly greater values in both GFR and RPF (1.35 ± 0.14 versus 1.01 ± 0.1 ml/min · g and 11.26 ± 1.39 versus 6.29 ± 0.5 ml/min · g, respectively). Infusion of AngII during volume expansion led to significant elevations of MAP (100 ± 3 mmHg, P < 0.05) and prevented the increases in GFR and RPF elicited by volume expansion (0.77 ± 0.08 and 5.35 ± 0.48 ml/min · g, respectively). Volume expansion also elicited marked increases in absolute and fractional sodium excretion (6.1 ± 1.0 versus 0.62 ± 0.2 μEq/min · g and 3.1 ± 0.7 versus 0.4 ± 0.1%, respectively). AngII infusion attenuated the absolute and fractional sodium excretion responses to volume expansion (3.4 ± 1.2 μEq/min · g and 2.5 ± 0.5%, respectively). The present findings demonstrate that anesthetized mice exhibit marked renal hemodynamic and excretory responses to isotonic saline volume expansion. Concomitant AngII infusion attenuates these responses in spite of greater increases in arterial pressure.
Prevalence and Clinical Outcome Associated with Preexisting Malnutrition in Acute Renal Failure
Authors: FIACCADORI ENRICO , LOMBARDI MARIA , LEONARDI SABINA , ROTELLI CARLO FEDERICO , TORTORELLA GIOVANNI , BORGHETTI ALBERICO
Published: April 2021

Malnutrition is a frequent finding in hospitalized patients and is associated with an increased risk of subsequent in-hospital morbidity and mortality. Both prevalence and prognostic relevance of preexisting malnutrition in patients referred to nephrology wards for acute renal failure (ARF) are still unknown. This study tests the hypothesis that malnutrition is frequent in such clinical setting, and is associated with excess in-hospital morbidity and mortality. A prospective cohort of 309 patients admitted to a renal intermediate care unit during a 42-mo period with ARF diagnosis was studied. Patients with malnutrition were identified at admission by the Subjective Global Assessment of nutritional status method (SGA); nutritional status was also evaluated by anthropometric, biochemical, and immunologic parameters. Outcome measures included in-hospital mortality and morbidity, and use of health care resources. In-hospital mortality was 39% (120 of 309); renal replacement therapies (hemodialysis or continuous hemofiltration) were performed in 67% of patients (206 of 309); APACHE II score was 23.1 ± 8.2 (range, 10 to 52). Severe malnutrition by SGA was found in 42% of patients with ARF; anthropometric, biochemical, and immunologic nutritional indexes were significantly reduced in this group compared with patients with normal nutritional status. Severely malnourished patients, as compared to patients with normal nutritional status, had significantly increased morbidity for sepsis (odds ratio [OR] 2.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53 to 5.42, P < 0.001), septic shock (OR 4.05; 95% CI, 1.46 to 11.28, P < 0.01), hemorrhage (OR 2.98; 95% CI, 1.45 to 6.13, P < 0.01), intestinal occlusion (OR 5.57; 95% CI, 1.57 to 19.74, P < 0.01), cardiac dysrhythmia (OR 2.29; 95% CI, 1.36 to 3.85, P < 0.01), cardiogenic shock (OR 4.39; 95% CI, 1.83 to 10.55, P <.001), and acute respiratory failure with mechanical ventilation need (OR 3.35; 95% CI, 3.35 to 8.74, P < 0.0.5). Hospital length of stay was significantly increased (P < 0.01), and the presence of severe malnutrition was associated with a significant increase of in-hospital mortality (OR 7.21; 95% CI, 4.08 to 12.73, P < 0.001). Preexisting malnutrition was a statistically significant, independent predictor of in-hospital mortality at multivariable logistic regression analysis both with comorbidities (OR 2.02; 95% CI, 1.50 to 2.71, P < 0.001), and with comorbidities and complications (OR 2.12; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.89, P < 0.001). Malnutrition is highly prevalent among ARF patients and increases the likelihood of in-hospital death, complications, and use of health care resources.