bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysing spending behaviour for different airline tourists: Evidence from Taiwanese tourists travelling to North-East Asia
Authors: Lu Jin-Long
Published: May 2021

This study investigates the spending behaviours of Taiwanese outbound tourists travelling to Japan or Korea and explores the differences between various airline travellers. 432 travellers were analysed and found that their spending behaviours were quite different at destinations. The seemingly unrelated regressions model was further employed and the results suggested that the impacts of trip characteristics and personal socio-demographics on various levels of travel expenditures vary somewhat across different types of airline users, and tourist consumption behaviours at destinations are partially subject to prepaid expenditures. Implications for the aviation and tourism industry are discussed.
Screening of Wheat Genotypes Against Leaf Rust Under Artificial and Natural Environmental Condition
Authors: Yamin Saqib Yamin , Tariq Javed Asgar , Memon Raza, Muhammad , Bhutto Sadam Hussain , Asif Muhammad Usman
Published: May 2021

Rust diseases are considered to be responsible for significant qualitative and quantitative damages on wheat. However, the severity of rust diseases can be managed through development of resistant lines. The present study was aimed to scrutinize existing wheat germplasm against leaf rust and stripe rust of wheat. For this purpose 30 wheat genotypes were assessed for disease resistance under artificial inoculation conditions and 16 genotypes were evaluated under natural conditions at Nuclear Institute for Agriculture (NIA), Tandojam, Pakistan. The disease severity ratings were taken according to Cobs’scale. The studies revealed that wheat genotypes were markedly differed in their resistance to leaf and stripe rust. Among the tested wheat lines / varieties, 6 were rated as resistant, 6 moderately resistant, 13 showed MRMS type response, 2 showed moderately susceptible reaction, 3 lines/varieties displayed susceptible response against leaf rust under artificial conditions. Moreover, under natural conditions 1 was rated as resistant, 2 showed MRMS type response against leaf rust and all were found resistant or immune against stripe rusts under both the conditions. Hence, it was suggested that resistant genotypes evaluated from these studies can be deployed in the future breeding strategies to evolve the resistant varieties against leaf & stripe rusts of wheat
FUZZY APPROACH FOR GROUP DECISION-MAKING IN CRISIS SITUATIONS
Authors: Škoda Michal , Flegl Martin , Lozano Carmen
Published: May 2021

The importance of correct and clear decisions during a complex and difficult situation is very easy to understand, but not so easy to achieve. Especially in situations where decision-makers must decide under time pressure and uncertainty. For instance, typical crisis situations have such characteristics. Given the uncertainty, subjectivity and ambiguity of human knowledge, crisis situations are also characterized by conflicting interests. In this article, we propose an approach based on fuzzy set theory to help decision-makers to find the collective decision considering weights of each member of the decision-making group. More specifically, the proposed approach uses new and innovative transformation of fuzzy numbers through α-level cuts. The key role in the transformation process is played by the shape and position of fuzzy numbers. Additionally, the Hamming distance will be used for the final interpretation of the results, in order to minimize the loss of information caused by defuzzification.
A Refined Model of Convectively Driven Flicker in Kepler Light Curves
Authors: Van Kooten Samuel J. , Anders Evan H. , Cranmer Steven R.
Published: May 2021

Light curves produced by the Kepler mission demonstrate stochastic brightness fluctuations (or flicker) of stellar origin which contribute to the noise floor, limiting the sensitivity of exoplanet detection and characterization methods. In stars with surface convection, the primary driver of these variations on short (sub-eight-hour) timescales is believed to be convective granulation. In this work, we improve existing models of this granular flicker amplitude, or F
8, by including the effect of the Kepler bandpass on measured flicker, by incorporating metallicity in determining convective Mach numbers, and by using scaling relations from a wider set of numerical simulations. To motivate and validate these changes, we use a recent database of convective flicker measurements in Kepler stars, which allows us to more fully detail the remaining model-prediction error. Our model improvements reduce the typical misprediction of flicker amplitude from a factor of 2.5–2. We rule out rotation period and strong magnetic activity as possible explanations for the remaining model error, and we show that binary companions may affect convective flicker. We also introduce an envelope model that predicts a range of flicker amplitudes for any one star to account for some of the spread in numerical simulations, and we find that this range covers 78% of observed stars. We note that the solar granular flicker amplitude is lower than most Sun-like stars. This improved model of convective flicker amplitude can better characterize this source of noise in exoplanet studies as well as better inform models and simulations of stellar granulation.
A Test Collection for Dataset Retrieval in Biodiversity Research
Authors: Löffler Felicitas , Schuldt Andreas , König-Ries Birgitta , Bruelheide Helge , Klan Friederike
Published: May 2021

Searching for scientific datasets is a prominent task in scholars' daily research practice. A variety of data publishers, archives and data portals offer search applications that allow the discovery of datasets. The evaluation of such dataset retrieval systems requires proper test collections, including questions that reflect real world information needs of scholars, a set of datasets and human judgements assessing the relevance of the datasets to the questions in the benchmark corpus. Unfortunately, only very few test collections exist for a dataset search. In this paper, we introduce the BEF-China test collection, the very first test collection for dataset retrieval in biodiversity research, a research field with an increasing demand in data discovery services. The test collection consists of 14 questions, a corpus of 372 datasets from the BEF-China project and binary relevance judgements provided by a biodiversity expert.
Mesure du potentiel de marche et de l’accessibilité dans les espaces urbains pour les piétons âgés
Authors: Huguenin-Richard Florence , Cloutier Marie-Soleil
Published: May 2021

La marche se distingue des autres modes parce qu’elle induit, pour celui qui la pratique, une immersion complète des individus dans l’environnement (Amar, 2010). Elle est aujourd’hui fortement revalorisée dans les centres urbains en France et plus généralement en Europe et Amérique du Nord, au titre de mode de déplacement doux et non polluant mais également en tant que mode de déplacement actif, bon pour la santé. Pour autant, les besoins des piétons pour circuler en sécurité et confortablement doivent être mieux pris en compte pour que la marche devienne une réelle alternative et ceci quel que soit l’âge des marcheurs. Les besoins spécifiques des plus âgés ne sont malheureusement pas suffisamment reconnus par les pouvoirs publics, l’environnement urbain restant le territoire des jeunes actifs, réservé aux usagers les plus performants. Alors que la pratique de la marche à pied est le révélateur de la qualité de l’environnement urbain, le piéton âgé du fait de sa lenteur et de ses fragilités, n’est pas forcément légitime et perd son droit de cité dans une ville trop souvent dévolue à la vitesse. Il y a là un réel enjeu à relever afin de rendre les villes de demain plus accessibles, agréables à vivre, universelles et accueillantes. Cet article présente un outil d’audit de marchabilité adapté aux piétons âgés. Une cartographie fine et détaillée de l’indicateur mis en place à partir de relevés sur le terrain permet de diagnostiquer les problèmes et d’identifier les besoins pour garantir un bon niveau d’accessibilité. Au final, c’est l’absence de continuité dans les cheminements qui ressort comme élément le plus perturbateur de la mobilité à pied dans le site mis à l’étude.
Primer registro de Nebalia troncosoi Moreira, Cacabelos & Domínguez, 2003 (Crustacea: Phyllocarida) en el Mediterráneo ibérico
Authors: Soler-Membrives Anna , Moreira Juan
Published: May 2021

Los leptostráceos de las costas occidentales de la península Ibérica han sido comparativamente mejor estudiados que los de las mediterráneas en los últimos años. En este trabajo se reporta por primera vez la presencia de Nebalia troncosoi Moreira, Cacabelos & Domínguez, 2003 en las costas del Mediterráneo ibérico a partir de ejemplares recogidos en 2014 frente al Delta del Ebro. El material examinado coincide con la descripción original de la especie, que está caracterizada por presentar un rostro largo (cuatro veces más largo que ancho), un caparazón corto en relación a su altura, el cuarto artejo del pedúnculo de la anténula con una única espina distal, el flagelo antenular más corto que el pedúnculo y compuesto por 6–7 artejos, el exopodio de la maxilla II más largo que el primer artejo del endopodio, el borde dorsal y posterodorsal de los pleonitos VI–VII con dentículos agudos y las escamas anales sin una meseta definida en el borde medial.
Fauna de ectoparásitos en el vampiro común Desmodus rotundus (Geoffroy, 1810) (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) de Huarochiri, Lima, y una lista de los ectoparásitos en murciélagos del Perú
Authors: Minaya David , Mendoza Jorge , Iannacone José
Published: May 2021

El murciélago hematófago Desmodus rotundus (Geoffroy, 1810) es una especie de importancia zoonótica y amplia distribución. El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar su fauna ectoparasitaria y elaborar una lista de los artrópodos parásitos presentes en los murciélagos del Perú. Los murciélagos fueron capturados en el distrito de San Bartolomé, provincia de Huarochirí, Lima, Perú. La preparación de la lista se llevó a cabo mediante la búsqueda en las principales bases de datos en línea. Se estudiaron 27 murciélagos, de los cuales el 70,37 % (n = 19) estaban infectados con al menos una especie de ectoparásito. Se registraron las especies de Diptera Strebla wiedemanni Kolenati, 1856, y Trichobius parasiticus Gervais, 1844, y el ixódido Ornithodoros peruvianus Kohls, Clifford & Jones, 1969. La especie de mayor abundancia y prevalencia fue O. peruvianus. Se reportan tres especies de piojos en D. rotundus, que consideramos como parásitos accidentales. En cuanto a la lista, hasta la fecha se han reportado 104 especies de ectoparásitos distribuidos entre los grupos principales: Diptera, Hemiptera, Siphonaptera, Phthiraptera, Mesostigmata e Ixodida a partir de ejemplares de 75 especies de murciélagos en 19 departamentos del Perú. Aspidoptera falcata Wenzel, 1976, y Megistopoda aranea (Coquillett, 1899) (Streblidae) son los ectoparásitos con el mayor número de huéspedes registrados. Lophostoma silvicolum d’Orbigny, 1836; Phyllostomus elongatus (Geoffroy, 1810) y Phyllostomus hastatus (Pallas, 1767) son los huéspedes con el mayor registro de ectoparásitos en murciélagos del Perú (s = 10). Según el nivel de especificidad de los ectoparásitos para sus huéspedes, las especies monoxenas (s = 47) fueron las dominantes, seguidas por las oligoxenas (s = 21). Las regiones geográficas con mayor información acerca de ectoparásitos huéspedes fueron Loreto y Madre de Dios. Es necesario ampliar los estudios ya que el 60.3% de las especies de murciélagos del Perú no tienen registros de ectoparásitos.
Οἶκος, terre et ¥€$ : le site architectural comme ressource
Authors: Berque Augustin
Published: May 2021

On montre ici qu’une ressource existe dans un rapport ternaire S-I-P, à la fois logique et ontologique, où la terre est en position de sujet-substance S, l’humain en position d’interprète I, et l’interprétation en position d’accident-prédicat P ; ce dont résulte la réalité S/P (S en tant que P pour I). L’architecture en est l’une des expressions ; c’est sa dimension écouménale et terrestre, qu’il importe de lui rendre, alors que le capitalisme tend à l’en abstraire.
Récit en mouvement : la construction d’un territoire paysan à Rio Bonito do Iguaçu au Brésil
Authors: Col Mathilde Teixeira
Published: May 2021

Dans le contexte de crise socioenvironnementale que nous traversons, il est inévitable de repenser nos manières d’habiter les territoires, afin de rompre avec les logiques dominantes de monopolisation et d’exploitation abusive des ressources terrestres. Au Brésil, pays où les inégalités foncières sont structurelles, le mouvement paysan des « sans-terre » est le protagoniste de la lutte pour la réforme agraire, en faveur de la justice sociale et environnementale. Ce carnet de terrain porte sur la construction d’un territoire paysan, fruit d’une vision collective, situé à Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, au centre ouest du Paraná. La présentation de ce territoire et des modes d’habiter locaux est conduite sous forme d’un récit en mouvement. Issu d’une enquête de terrain réalisée du 2 au 5 mars 2020, cet exposé s’inscrit dans un travail de thèse portant sur la perspective d’autonomie à travers la construction collective de ce territoire.
La Paille, un matériau pour transmettre
Authors: Ehrlich Volker , Vermès Édouard
Published: May 2021

Les deux auteurs, architectes de l’agence d’architecture Trait Vivant, partagent leur métier entre enseignement et conception architecturale. Ils posent une question fondamentale : quelle marge de manœuvre possède l’architecte pour changer le paradigme sociétal au travers de son œuvre ? Les architectes sont dépositaires du lourd bilan environnemental et social du secteur de la construction et de l’entretien des bâtiments, qui représente près des trois quarts de la production de déchets et le premier poste de dépense d’énergie primaire.Cet article développe la démarche qui a orienté Trait Vivant dans la conception de projets utilisant quasi exclusivement des ressources biosourcées et géosourcées peu transformées. Par ailleurs, l’enseignement et l’encadrement de chantiers de formation et chantiers participatifs auprès d’étudiants architectes ou ingénieurs est un levier abordé dans ce texte. Au regard d’une variété de projets presque tous liés à la construction en bottes de paille, il nous semble que la valeur écologique d’un projet telle que nous l’entendons ne peut être comprise qu’au travers de l’acte même de bâtir. Il est aujourd’hui admis que les principes aujourd’hui à l’œuvre dans le secteur conventionnel du bâtiment doivent être renversés afin d’assurer des pratiques soutenables. La toute première condition de ce changement passe par l’introduction de savoirs théoriques et pratiques dans les écoles, où sont formés décideurs, constructeurs et prescripteurs de matériaux de demain. L’engouement pour la formation à l’utilisation de ressources naturelles pour construire existe au-delà de l’offre dans les écoles, les chantiers hors les murs où sont massivement présents les étudiants en architecture en témoignent. Les qualités sensorielles des matériaux mis en œuvre, ainsi que l’intensité citoyenne que ceux-ci convoquent pendant le chantier sont porteuses d’espoir.Puisse ce carnet de terrain contribuer à l’esquisse d’une approche holistique, d’un renouveau désirable et néanmoins réalisable de nos cultures constructives, à partir de matériaux multimillénaires, le bois, la terre et la paille.
Un « patrimoine » de recherche en construction
Authors: Sauvé Lucie
Published: May 2021

Le Colloque international francophone sur la recherche en éducation relative à l’environnement (ERE), tenu à Montréal, en novembre 1997, a été l’occasion de faire un bilan descriptif et critique des activités de recherche en ERE au sein de la francophonie et de poursuivre la réflexion sur les enjeux et perspectives d’une telle recherche. Bien que peu diffusée et rarement discutée, la recherche en ERE produite en langue française apparaît déjà relativement riche et diversifiée. À part le constat de l’importance récemment accordée au courant de la recherche sur les représentations sociales, l’exploration des activités et des productions de recherche francophones en ERE conduit aux mêmes observations et suscite les mêmes questions que pour l’ensemble de la recherche en ERE. En particulier, il importe de définir la spécificité de la recherche en ce domaine, de développer des outils conceptuels pour la caractériser, d’en évaluer la pertinence et d’identifier des voies de développement. Cet article propose quelques réflexions et observations sur ces questions.
Pour une recherche en éducation relative à l’environnement « centrée sur l’objet partagé »
Authors: Goffin Louis
Published: May 2021

Dans cet article, l’auteur s’interroge sur les fondements éthiques et méthodologiques de la recherche en éducation relative à l’environnement. À partir d’une analyse critique contextualisée de quatre recherches menées à la Fondation Universitaire Luxembourgeoise d’Arlon en Belgique, il reconstruit pour les comparer deux modèles de recherche, l’un centré sur le chercheur, l’autre centré sur « l’objet de recherche partagé ». Il conclut sur la nécessité du partenariat pluri-acteurs pour la recherche en éducation relative à l’environnement, rendant celle-ci à la fois plus réaliste et plus efficace.
L’éducation relative à l’environnement en Colombie - Une proposition nationale construite dans un processus de recherche
Authors: Carrasco Maritza Torres
Published: May 2021

Cet article expose le processus de construction de la proposition nationale d’éducation relative à l’environnement (educación ambiental) en Colombie. Ce processus s’inscrit dans le cadre d’une recherche en trois phases, axée sur la réflexion critique et la participation. Lors de chacune des phases, soit l’exploration, l’approfondissement et l’implantation, notre équipe de travail interdisciplinaire a détecté une série de difficultés d’ordre conceptuel, méthodologique et stratégique qui ont empêché jusqu’ici d’atteindre les résultats souhaités en matière de formation de citoyennes et de citoyens respectueux et capables d’un processus éthique dans la gestion de l’environnement. Des stratégies ont été mises au point pour surmonter ces obstacles. Ces dernières ont été adoptées dans les lignes directrices de la politique nationale d’éducation relative à l’environnement et sont devenues des outils intégrants des politiques nationales éducatives et environnementales en Colombie.
Context-Dependent miR-21 Regulation of TLR7-Mediated Autoimmune and Foreign Antigen–Driven Antibody-Forming Cell and Germinal Center Responses
Authors: Schell Stephanie L. , Bricker Kristen N. , Fike Adam J. , Chodisetti Sathi Babu , Domeier Phillip P. , Choi Nicholas M. , Fasnacht Melinda J. , Luckenbill Sara A. , Ziegler Steven F. , Rahman Ziaur S. M.
Published: May 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in healthy B cell responses and the loss of tolerance in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), although the role of many miRNAs remains poorly understood. Dampening miR-21 activity was previously shown to reduce splenomegaly and blood urea nitrogen levels in SLE-prone mice, but the detailed cellular responses and mechanism of action remains unexplored. In this study, using the TLR7 agonist, imiquimod-induced SLE model, we observed that loss of miR-21 in Sle1b mice prevented the formation of plasma cells and autoantibody-producing Ab-forming cells (AFCs) without a significant effect on the magnitude of the germinal center (GC) response. We further observed reduced dendritic cell and monocyte numbers in the spleens of miR-21–deficient Sle1b mice that were associated with reduced IFN, proinflammatory cytokines, and effector CD4+ T cell responses. RNA sequencing analysis on B cells from miR-21–deficient Sle1b mice revealed reduced activation and response to IFN, and cytokine and target array analysis revealed modulation of numerous miR-21 target genes in response to TLR7 activation and type I IFN stimulation. Our findings in the B6.Sle1b.Yaa (Sle1bYaa) spontaneous model recapitulated the miR-21 role in TLR7-induced responses with an additional role in autoimmune GC and T follicular helper responses. Finally, immunization with T-dependent Ag revealed a role for miR-21 in foreign Ag–driven GC and Ab, but not AFC, responses. Our data suggest a potential multifaceted, context-dependent role for miR-21 in autoimmune and foreign Ag–driven AFC and GC responses. Further study is warranted to delineate the cell-intrinsic requirements and mechanisms of miR-21 during infection and SLE development.
Incidence, Prevalence, and Severity of and Risk Factors for Hip and Groin Problems in Swedish Male Ice Hockey Players: A 1-Season Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wörner Tobias , Thorborg Kristian , Clarsen Benjamin , Eek Frida
Published: May 2021

Context

The epidemiologic focus on time loss may underestimate the true magnitude of hip and groin problems in male ice hockey players.

Objective

To describe the prevalence, incidence, and severity of hip and groin problems (time loss and non–time loss) in Swedish ice hockey players over the course of a season and explore potential preseason risk factors for these conditions.

Design

Prospective 1-season cohort study.

Setting

Professional and semiprofessional Swedish ice hockey players.

Patients or Other Participants

A total of 12 professional and semiprofessional male ice hockey teams were invited to participate. Of those, 9 teams agreed, and 163 players were included in the analyses.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Hip and groin problems in the previous season (time loss, non–time loss), isometric adduction and abduction strength, and 5-second squeeze test results were recorded before the season and served as independent variables in the risk factor analysis. Main outcome measures were cumulative incidence of hip and groin problems, average prevalence, and odds ratios (ORs) for groin problems in season.

Results

Cumulative incidence was 45.4% (95% CI = 37.6%, 53.4%) for all problems and 19% (95% CI = 13.3%, 25.9%) for substantial problems. Average prevalence was 14.1% (95% CI = 10.8%, 17.5%) for all and 5.7% (95% CI = 4.3%, 7.2%) for substantial problems. Among reported problems, 69.2% had a gradual onset, and only 17% led to time loss. Players with non–time-loss problems in the previous season had higher odds for new problems (all: OR = 3.3 [95% CI = 1.7, 6.3]; substantial: OR = 3.6 [95% CI = 1.8, 8.4]). Preseason strength was not significantly associated with the odds for subsequent problems.

Conclusion

Hip and groin problems are common in ice hockey players and may lead to substantial impairments in performance. Only 1 in 5 problems led to time loss, and 7 in 10 had a gradual onset. Non–time-loss problems in the previous season were a significant risk factor for new problems, whereas decreased preseason hip-adduction and -abduction strength was not.
Positive Reframing: An Important but Underutilized Coping Strategy in Athletes Undergoing Sport-Related Knee Surgery
Authors: Flanigan David C. , Everhart Joshua S. , DiBartola Alex C. , Blough Christian , Schiele Steven E. , Harris Kristie M. , Emery Charles F.
Published: May 2021

Context

How specific coping strategies are associated with short-term outcomes among athletes after knee surgery is unknown.

Objective

To determine whether (1) specific coping strategies were associated with return to sport, satisfaction, self-reported knee function, or kinesiophobia after sport-related knee surgery and (2) these associations varied by age, sex, or surgical procedure.

Study Design

Case series.

Methods

Athletes (N = 184; men: n = 104, women: n = 80; aged <20 years: n = 38; aged 20–25 years: n = 35; aged 26–31 years: n = 36; aged 32–40 years: n = 36; aged >40 years: n = 39) who underwent outpatient knee surgery at a single center were enrolled. Use of specific coping strategies (self-distraction, venting, acceptance, positive reframing, emotional support, and instrumental support) was assessed preoperatively with the Brief-Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced inventory. Relationships among coping strategies and postoperative satisfaction, return to sport, International Knee Documentation Committee–Subjective and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia scores at a median 10.7 months follow-up were determined with consideration for age, sex, and surgical procedure.

Results

Return to the prior level of sport was 72%, and satisfaction was 86%. Most coping strategies had age-specific utilization rates; positive reframing was used least frequently in individuals aged <20 years. Satisfaction increased with greater positive reframing among those aged <20 years and decreased with greater self-distraction among men. Return to sport was higher with greater positive reframing in people aged <32 years. No coping strategies predicted International Knee Documentation Committee–Subjective scores. Greater positive reframing correlated with less kinesiophobia in individuals aged <20 years and greater instrumental support with less kinesiophobia in those aged >40 years. No other coping strategies were associated with outcomes. The surgical procedure was not related to an association between coping strategies and outcomes.

Conclusions

Coping strategies had age-specific associations with outcomes after knee surgery in athletes. Positive reframing was infrequently used in younger athletes. Greater use of positive reframing in this group may improve return to sport and satisfaction and reduce fear of reinjury.
Non-Gaussian hyperplane tessellations and robust one-bit compressed sensing
Authors: Dirksen Sjoerd , Mendelson Shahar
Published: May 2021

We show that a tessellation generated by a small number of random affine hyperplanes can be used to approximate Euclidean distances between any two points in an arbitrary bounded set

T

, where the random hyperplanes are generated by subgaussian or heavy-tailed normal vectors and uniformly distributed shifts. The number of hyperplanes needed for constructing such tessellations is determined by natural metric complexity measures of the set

T

and the wanted approximation error. In comparison, previous results in this direction were restricted to Gaussian hyperplane tessellations of subsets of the Euclidean unit sphere. As an application, we obtain new reconstruction results in memoryless one-bit compressed sensing with non-Gaussian measurement matrices: by quantizing at uniformly distributed thresholds, it is possible to accurately reconstruct low-complexity signals from a small number of one-bit quantized measurements, even if the measurement vectors are drawn from a heavy-tailed distribution. These reconstruction results are uniform in nature and robust in the presence of pre-quantization noise on the analog measurements as well as adversarial bit corruptions in the quantization process. Moreover, if the measurement matrix is subgaussian then accurate recovery can be achieved via a convex program.
A comparison of breast cancer survival across different age groups: a multicentric database study in Penang, Malaysia
Authors: Tan King Fang , Adam Farzaana , Hussin Hasmah , Mohd Mujar Noor Mastura
Published: May 2021

This study compared breast cancer survival and the prognostic factors across different age groups of women in Penang, Malaysia. Data on 2,166 women with breast cancer who had been diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 were extracted from the Penang Breast Cancer Registry and stratified into 3 age groups: young (< 40 years old), middle-aged (40-59 years old), and elderly (≥ 60 years). The overall and relative survival rates were calculated using the life table method, median survival time was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and comparisons between groups were conducted using the log-rank test. Prognostic factors were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model. The 5-year overall and breast cancer-specific survival rates for women with breast cancer in Penang were 72.9% and 75.2%, with a mean survival time of 92.5 months and 95.1 months, respectively. The 5-year breast cancer-specific survival rates for young, middle-aged, and elderly women were 74.9%, 77.8%, and 71.4%, respectively, with a mean survival time of 95.7 months, 97.5 months, and 91.2 months. There was a significant difference in breast cancer survival between age groups, with elderly women showing the lowest survival rate, followed by young and middle-aged women. Disease stage was the most prominent prognostic factor for all age groups. Survival rates and prognostic factors differed according to age group. Treatment planning for breast cancer patients should be age-specific to promote better cancer care and survival.
Характеризация решения задач сильно-слабо выпуклого программирования
Authors: Dudov Sergey Ivanovitch , Osiptsev Mikhail Anatol'evich
Published: May 2021

Рассматриваются конечномерные задачи минимизации сильно или слабо выпуклой функции на сильно или слабо выпуклом множестве. Приводятся необходимые и достаточные условия решения задач такого вида на основе получения оценки поведения целевой функции на допустимом множестве, учитывающей параметры сильной и слабой выпуклости, а также некоторые локальные характеристики множества и функции. Отдельно рассматривается задача математического программирования для сильно и слабо выпуклых функций. Кроме того, получены достаточные условия глобального и локального решения с дифференцируемой целевой функцией, предполагающие выполнение "сильного" условия стационарности.
Библиография: 33 названия.
Associations of transcription factor 7-Like 2 (TCF7L2) gene polymorphism in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa population of Pakistan
Authors: Hameed Taha , Khan Zahid , Imran Muhammad , Ali Saif , Abdo Albegali Abdullah , Ikram Ullah Muhammad , Ejaz Hasan
Published: May 2021

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most prevalent component of metabolic syndrome. Environmental factors and various complex genes like transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene have involved in the disease development.

Objective: To determine TCF7L2 genetic association (rs7903146C/T and rs12255372G/T) in T2DM patients of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa population of Pakistan.

Subjects and methods: This study comprised of 176 subjects including 118 T2DM patients and 58 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was extracted and genotype of common variants (rs7903146 C/T and rs12255372 G/T) was carried out by amplification-refractory mutation system (ARMS)-PCR of sequence specific oligonucleotides.

Results: The distribution of genotype of TCF7L2 SNPs (rs7903146 C/T and rs12255372 G/T) was significantly associated with T2DM as compared to the controls (p <0.0001). The genetic models of the rs7903146 (C/T) and rs12255372 (G/T) SNPs were significantly associated between cases and controls (p <0.0001). On the other hand, the significant association was observed between the two SNPs and different biochemical parameters like serum fasting glucose, lipid profile, creatinine and blood HbA1c levels (p <0.05).

Conclusion: It is concluded that the SNPs of the TCF7L2 gene are significantly associated with T2DM disease susceptibil- ity in the population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of Pakistan.

Keywords: T2DM; TCF7L2; Genetic association, ARMS-PCR, Single nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs), Khyber Pakh- tunkhwa.
Delegation and Staff Commitment in the School of Finance and Banking, Kigali, Rwanda
Authors: Kiiza Pascal , Picho Epiphany Odubuker
Published: May 2021

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between Delegation of Authority and Staff Commitment in the School of Finance and Banking in Kigali Rwanda. A cross-sectional survey design was used with the target sample size of 97 out of 130 parent population. The total number of questionnaires that were filled and returned was 78, giving a high response rate of 80.5 percent. Due to the heterogeneous nature of the population, the researchers used stratified sampling and random sampling. Descriptive analysis involving frequencies, percentages and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient for inferential statistics were carried out. The correlation between the two variables was weak at .287, and significant at .011 value. The results were linearly correlated and this implies that staff commitment is positively correlated with Delegation of Authority; whenever employees are delegated authority, they are likely to be more committed and vice versa.Keywords: Delegation; Authority; Staff Commitment
Challenges and Prospects in Tanzanian Higher Education
Authors: Rupia Clara
Published: May 2021

This short paper briefly discusses some of the challenges facing higher education in Tanzania and the panaceas that government and other institutions are implementing to address the challenges. The paper uses secondary data obtained from the country’s Ministry of Education and Vocation Training and from selected higher education institutions in the country. The challenges are identified as occurring mainly in the areas of funding, quality assurance, relevance, ICT, equity and internationalization. The following strategies for addressing these challenges are reported: matching rising enrolments with public facility enhancement; encouraging the establishment of private universities; cost-sharing; affirmative action; and distance education.
Earthquake Rupture Forecasts for the MPS19 Seismic Hazard Model of Italy
Authors: Visini Francesco , Pace Bruno , Meletti Carlo , Marzocchi Warner , Akinci Aybige , Azzaro Raffaele , Barani Simone , Barberi Graziella , Barreca Giovanni , Basili Roberto , Bird Peter , Bonini Marco , Burrato Pierfrancesco , Busetti Martina , Carafa Michele , Cocina Ornella , Console Rodolfo , Corti Giacomo , D’Agostino Nicola , D’Amico Salvatore , D’Amico Vera , Dal Cin Michela , Falcone Giuseppe , Fracassi Umberto , Gee Robin , Kastelic Vanja , Lai Carlo , Langer Horst , Maesano Francesco , Marchesini Andrea , Martelli Luca , Monaco Carmelo , Murru Maura , Peruzza Laura , Poli Maria , Pondrelli Silvia , Rebez Alessandro , Rotondi Renata , Rovida Andrea , Sani Federico , Santulin Marco , Scafidi Davide , Selva Jacopo , Slejko Dario , Spallarossa Daniele , Tamaro Alberto , Tarabusi Gabriele , Taroni Matteo , Tiberti Mara , Tusa Giuseppina , Tuvè Tiziana , Valensise Gianluca , Vannoli Paola , Varini Elisa , Zanferrari Adriano , Zuccolo Elisa
Published: May 2021

In recent years, new approaches for developing earthquake rupture forecasts (ERFs) have been proposed to be used as an input for probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA). Zone- based approaches with seismicity rates derived from earthquake catalogs are commonly used in many countries as the standard for national seismic hazard models. In Italy, a single zone- based ERF is currently the basis for the official seismic hazard model. In this contribution, we present eleven new ERFs, including five zone-based, two smoothed seismicity-based, two fault- based, and two geodetic-based, used for a new PSH model in Italy. The ERFs were tested against observed seismicity and were subject to an elicitation procedure by a panel of PSHA experts to verify the scientific robustness and consistency of the forecasts with respect to the observations. Tests and elicitation were finalized to weight the ERFs. The results show a good response to the new inputs to observed seismicity in the last few centuries. The entire approach was a first attempt to build a community-based set of ERFs for an Italian PSHA model. The project involved a large number of seismic hazard practitioners, with their knowledge and experience, and the development of different models to capture and explore a large range of epistemic uncertainties in building ERFs, and represents an important step forward for the new national seismic hazard model.
Kebijakan Bantuan Pangan Non Tunai Dalam Perspektif Filsafat Hukum Murni
Authors: Akhyar Wira Iqomudin , Gunawan  , Haris Widiasmoro  , Layla Izza Rufaida
Published: May 2021

Bantuan pangan nontunai bersendikan efisiensi berkeadilan dan ekonomi inklusif. Norma hukum efisiensi berkeadilan mensyaratkan pemerataan sebesar-besarnya bagi rakyat Indonesia. Penelitian ini bertujuan menjawab pertanyaan bagaimanakah filosofis efisiensi berkeadilan pada program bantuan pangan nontunai? Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah yuridis normatif. Bahan utama teori hukum murni Hans Kelsen sebagai daya terang dan hasil keputusan Mahkamah Konstitusi dalam menafsirkan diksi “Efisiensi Berkeadilan”. Hasil yang ditemukan pada kajian ini ialah gagasan Bantuan Pangan Non Tunai (BPNT) awalnya bersendikan distribusi pangan berbasis efisiensi (asasnya) dan memberlakukan redistribusi keuangan inklusif. Artinya dalam ranah ide dasar BPNT masih di dalam program yang sewajarnya, namun di salah satu lokasi, implementasi program ini bermasalah dalam mewujudkan keadilan masyarakat. Pendulum efisiensi dominan ke arah ekonomi penguasa Kapital, sehubungan dengan fakta hukum adanya monopoli jalur pasokan ke E-Warong. Berkeadilan yang berbasis pada kemakmuran sebesar-besarnya bagi masyarakat (utilitarianisme) masih menjadi distopia (jauh dari ideal). Sudah saatnya merubah pola distribusi pasokan bahan pangan dengan kebijakan bantuan langsung tunai.

 

Kata Kunci : Bantuan Pangan Non-Tunai, Efisiensi Berkeadilan, Utilitarian.
Experiencia profesional de un modelo de realidad aumentada que facilite la experiencia del usuario para pagos en la Municipalidad de Cartago
Authors: Víquez Jerez Lester
Published: May 2021

Con esta investigación, se pretende realizar un Modelo de Realidad Aumentada que facilite trámites municipales tales como pagos de patentes e impuestos en la Municipalidad de Cartago y que permita al usuario mejorar su experiencia utilizando su cámara del celular o tableta. De esta manera, en tiempo real, obtendrá información. Se presenta la solución mediante un diseño conceptual de la plataforma tecnológica, tanto a nivel de hardware como de software, que se adapte al problema de tramitación. Otro valor agregado de la propuesta es que permitirá modelar una tecnología poco conocida y explotada en nuestro país, que facilitará al usuario la consulta de trámites municipales.
Camino al desarrollo, una microempresa en busca de una movilidad urbana sostenible
Authors: Chinchilla Arias Evelyn
Published: May 2021

Este artículo promueve la movilidad urbana sostenible de la mano del fortalecimiento de una PYME costarricense al realizar una indagación definida como investigación aplicada la cual es fundamentada en un análisis FODA que señala la importancia del servicio al cliente en una empresa. Un análisis de Estados Financieros enfocado en conocer los movimientos contables para la toma de decisiones y un diagnóstico en el área de mercadeo que puntualiza el uso de un medio de transporte ecológico para trasladarse a lugares de trabajo, entre otros, esto con el objeto de crear un plan de mejora orientado a nuevas inversiones que logren aumentar el rendimiento financiero de la empresa y la continuidad de la misma.
Emprendedurismo y liderazgo empresarial en las organizaciones del siglo XXI
Authors: Hernández Gómez Gabriela
Published: May 2021

En el entorno actual de competencia global, la supervivencia de una organización depende de su capacidad para generar valor agregado a sus clientes y proveedores, lo cual es la base de su competitividad y posicionamiento en el mercado. El recurso humano constituye un activo intangible que tiene gran relevancia en el éxito de cualquier organización y una fuente de ventaja competitiva, dado que su cultura organizacional y socialización, les permite innovar, adaptarse al cambio y apoyar el incremento de la productividad en medio de la globalización. Las teorías del comportamiento humano han ido abriéndose camino en los procesos empresariales, tomando cada vez más relevancia la satisfacción laboral, la motivación, la calidad de vida de las personas, el medio ambiente de trabajo, el compromiso organizacional y el bienestar laboral. Es por esto que, a través de la historia, el significado de liderazgo ha ido modificándose de acuerdo con los cambios del desarrollo humano. El liderazgo es un proceso complejo en el que intervienen multitud de elementos, comúnmente definido como un conjunto de habilidades gerenciales o directivas que un individuo tiene para influir en la forma de ser de las personas o en un grupo de personas determinado. Es por esto que un líder emprendedor con inteligencia emocional impulsa a sus seguidores hacia el éxito y les ayuda a conseguir sus metas. Como conclusión, se reconoce el potencial de la cultura organizacional y su socialización como aspectos fundamentales para que las empresas logren sus objetivos, respondan ágilmente a las circunstancias cambiantes del entorno y alcancen el éxito competitivo. Asimismo, las necesidades psicológicas básicas son indispensables para el bienestar y el fomento de la motivación intrínseca de todos los seres humanos. Una de las fallas en el emprendimiento es llegar a creer que, si se es buen emprendedor, también se puede ser buen empresario, lo que no siempre resulta cierto, ya que antes de centrarse en una empresa, el emprendedor debe enfocarse en sí mismo y en adquirir las capacidades que lo llevarán al crecimiento personal y empresarial.
Utilizing a chromosomal-length genome assembly to annotate the Wnt signaling pathway in the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri
Authors: Vosburg Chad , Reynolds Max , Noel Rita , Shippy Teresa , Hosmani Prashant S. , Flores-Gonzalez Mirella , Mueller Lukas A. , Hunter Wayne B. , Brown Susan J. , D’Elia Tom , Saha Surya
Published: May 2021

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, is an insect vector that transmits Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the causal agent of the Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening disease. This disease has devastated Florida’s citrus industry, and threatens California’s industry as well as other citrus producing regions around the world. To find novel solutions to the disease, a better understanding of the vector is needed. The D. citri genome has been used to identify and characterize genes involved in Wnt signaling pathways. Wnt signaling is utilized for many important biological processes in metazoans, such as patterning and tissue generation. Curation based on RNA sequencing data and sequence homology confirms 24 Wnt signaling genes within the D. citri genome, including homologs for beta-catenin, Frizzled receptors, and seven Wnt-ligands. Through phylogenetic analysis, we classify D. citri Wnt ligands as Wg/Wnt1, Wnt5, Wnt6, Wnt7, Wnt10, Wnt11, and WntA. The D. citri version 3.0 genome with chromosomal length scaffolds reveals a conserved Wnt1-Wnt6-Wnt10 gene cluster with a gene configuration like that in Drosophila melanogaster. These findings provide greater insight into the evolutionary history of D. citri and Wnt signaling in this important hemipteran vector. Manual annotation was essential for identifying high quality gene models. These gene models can be used to develop molecular systems, such as CRISPR and RNAi, which target and control psyllid populations to manage the spread of HLB. Manual annotation of Wnt signaling pathways was done as part of a collaborative community annotation project.
Early Adaptation of Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support in a Case of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock after Cardiac Arrest and Prolonged Long QT
Authors: Solsi Anup
Published: May 2021

Evidence is limited on the best management strategies to ensure adequate cardiac function after out of hospital cardiac arrest found to be due to ventricular arrhythmia from Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TC). With a small number of TC cases subsequently leading to cardiogenic shock with biventricular failure, even less is known regarding optimal treatment approaches. Here, we present a unique case of a middle-aged female brought into the hospital after multiple out of hospital cardiac arrests, likely from TC associated ventricular arrhythmia from acquired long QT syndrome, that went onto develop severe cardiogenic shock with biventricular failure. Although management of cardiogenic shock is typically through inotropes and vasopressors, these medications have adverse effects including decreasing end organ perfusion and increasing myocardial oxygen consumption, potentially making them harmful in TC. The decision was made to treat the patient with temporary mechanical circulatory support using just left-sided Impella CP device, which resulted in dramatic hemodynamic improvement. This case emphasizes how early use of temporary mechanical circulatory support in the form of Impella CP can improve outcomes in patients with severe cardiogenic shock from TC. 2. Keywords: Cardiogenic Shock; Impella CP; Long QT Syndrome; Mechanical Circulatory Support; Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Brunner’s gland adenoma of duodenum
Authors:   Institute of Digestive Disease, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China, Yang Zhong-Xin Yang , Liu Wei ,   Department of Gastroenterology, Yichang Central People’s Hospital, Yichang, China
Published: May 2021

A 78-year-old man presented to our hospital with a 1-year history of abdominal distension and constipation. Except for hypertension, he had no documented medical history. Physical examination was unremarkable. Laboratory examination confirmed no abnormality. Although no clues for abdominal distension were found, esophagogastroduodenoscopy demonstrated a large pedunculated duodenal mass with surface erosions.
EFFICIENCY OF VARIOUS MATERIALS APPLICATION FOR RADIATION SHIELDING AT TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE OF SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL BY DRY METHOD
Authors: Rudychev V.G. , Azarenkov N.A. , Girka I.O. , Rudychev Y.V.
Published: May 2021

A model of the transport container intended for transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SFN) is studied. The passage of γ-quanta from the major long-lived isotopes is examined. The radiation shields made of iron, lead and
depleted uranium, which are equivalent in mass to the thickness of iron of 15 to 35 cm is considered. The calculations are carried out using the Monte Carlo method (in MCNP and PHITS packages). The change in the characteristics of γ-radiation beyond the shields, made of different materials and with different thicknesses, is determined. For SNF from WWER-1000 with the thicknesses up to ~ 21 cm, the shield made of lead and uranium is shown to be more effective. If the thickness of the shield exceeds ~ 21 cm, then the shield made of iron is more
effective. Increasing the thickness of the shields above 25 cm is shown to be inefficient, since the shields mass increases but the dose rate decreases slightly in this case.
THE EFFICIENCY ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE SYSTEM OF NUCLEAR SAFETY CONTROL OF NSC-SO
Authors: Godun R.L. , Doroshenko A.O. , Muliar D.О.
Published: May 2021

According to the results of a comprehensive analysis, it was found that the nuclear safety monitoring system (NSMS) does not fully comply with the requirements put forward to it. By assessing the sufficiency of the detection
points of this monitoring system, it was found that there is no monitoring at the cluster of nuclear fissile materials (NFM) in the central hall and at the “northern” cluster in 305/2 rooms. The effectiveness of monitoring the
“southern” cluster of NFM in the room. 305/2 is insufficient and does not comply with the standards regulated by the rules of nuclear safety. Also, a number of other requirements to the NSMS (as the emergency alarm systems of the spent nuclear waste storage facility) are not fulfilled. It is proposed to re-arrange the measuring channels (MC) of the system, decommission excess (non-informative) MC and use their equipment to organize new effective monitoring points; to upgrade the software and arrange individual ground of the system to reduce the influence of high-frequency interference.