bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An assessment of selected tax burdens and reliefs of hidden champions: Theoretical comparison between Slovakia and Ireland
Authors: Sariyev Nail
Published: June 2022

The purpose of the paper is to review and evaluate selected tax burdens and reliefs between Slovakia and Ireland in relation to a specific type of globally successful innovative company introduced to scientific literature as “hidden champion” (HC) by Simon (1990). In the process of writing the work, the following methods of comparison, logical generalization, analysis, and synthesis were used. The results showed that both countries lack in providing specific regime in research and development (R&D), corporate income, and value-added tax (VAT) aspects to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) (including HCs). Moreover, as reported by Ibec (2019), small companies face several challenges to their growth due to taxation. A parallel view on two countries (tax heaven and a classic approach country) provides a great prospect on all gaps in the taxation system. Although improvements are predicted and confirmed every second year, tax policy in the analyzed countries is not fully matched to current situations. The work reveals for the first time the fact that there are few specialized programs for SMEs, getting an exemption or applying for relief is difficult. In general, there is a lack of studies devoted to taxes within the concept of “hidden champions”. This paper contributes to this field from the perspective of policymaking, and it provides valuable insight for practice.
Ruptured appendicitis with undiagnosed Graves’ disease: contrast-induced impending thyroid storm
Authors: Sungworawongpana Chutida , Chaochankit Wongsakorn
Published: June 2022

Thyrotoxicosis is a relatively common endocrine disorder. The diagnosis
of thyrotoxicosis is upon clinical examination, laboratory, and further
investigation. To prevent the thyroid storm is the goal of treatment of
patients with thyrotoxicosis especially patients undergoing surgery.
Next-generation Liquid Biopsy Instruments: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Zhu Shu , Fang Yaohui , Guo Kefan , Ni Zhonghua , Xiang Nan
Published: June 2022

Conventional cancer diagnosis needs to excise diseased tissue from the
patient’s body for biopsy, causing severe injury to patients. Liquid
biopsy with the superior advantage of minimal invasiveness has shown its
ability to cancer diagnosis in real-time, and has been developing
promising diagnostic instruments. However, until today, the developed
instrument still cannot be an alternative to tissue biopsy in the
majority of research and clinical settings. In this paper, we firstly
summarize the challenges and limitations suffered by the existing liquid
biopsy instrument. Then, the opportunities and future progression of the
next-generation instrument are discussed in detail. In all, we hope that
the future liquid biopsy instrument can be eventually integrated into
the clinical workflow, and serve as a validated and reliable tool for
cancer diagnosis.
Asymptotic stability of nonlinear diffusion waves for the bipolar quantum Euler-Poisson system with time-dependent damping.
Authors: Wu Qiwei , Hou Xiaofeng
Published: June 2022

We shall investigate the asymptotic behavior of solutions to the Cauchy
problem for the one-dimensional bipolar quantum Euler-Poisson system
with time-dependent damping effects
$\frac{J_i}{(1+t)^{\lambda}}(i=1,2)$
for $-1<\lambda<1$. Applying the
technical time-weighted energy method, we prove that the classical
solutions to the Cauchy problem exist uniquely and globally, and
time-algebraically converge to the nonlinear diffusion waves. This study
generalizes the results in [Y.-P. Li, Nonlinear Anal., 74(2011),
1501-1512] which considered the bipolar quantum Euler-Poisson system
with constant coefficient damping.
Development, validity, and reliability of the Japanese version of the Cancer Needs Questionnaire - Young People (CNQ-YP-J)
Authors: Shinohara Yuki , Matsuoka Mari , Ogawa Masahiro , Tabata Ami , Hanai Akiko , Clinton-McHarg Tara , Maeda Yuko , Kato Masaya , Sugihara Yuta , Nagai-Tanima Momoko , Tsuboyama Tadao , Aoyama Tomoki
Published: June 2022

Background: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients experience
complex physical and psychosocial development and diverse lifestyle
changes. Therefore, each may have generation-specific needs. This study
aimed to develop the Japanese version of the Cancer Needs Questionnaire
– Young People (CNQ-YP-J) and verify its reliability and validity among
AYA cancer patients in Japan. Methods: The CNQ-YP-J was developed using
a standardized translation methodology. Content validity was assessed by
a group of experts, and a pilot test was conducted on six AYA cancer
patients. About 87 Japanese patients with AYA cancer participated in
this study. After exploratory factor analysis was conducted, the scale’s
reliability was examined using Cronbach’s α, item-total correlations,
and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the retest.
Criterion-related validity was analyzed using correlations between total
needs and concerns about physical effects and quality of life (QOL).
Results: Factor analysis showed an eight-factor structure, different
from the original scale, with one item excluded, resulting in a 69-item
scale. Cronbach’s α coefficient and ICC were above the minimum
acceptable criterion of 0.70, demonstrating high reliability. Concerning
criterion-related validity, high needs were positively correlated with
high concerns about physical effects and tended to be negatively
correlated with QOL. Conclusion: The CNQ-YP-J is a reliable and valid
scale to comprehensively assess the needs of AYA cancer patients in
Japan.
Mechanical loading of graphene quantum dots on SasG protein: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Mousanezhad Sedigheh , Davoodi Jamal
Published: June 2022

This research studies Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) adsorption on
Staphylococcus aureus surface protein G (SasG) using the molecular
dynamics simulation method that in addition to investigating various
aspects of adsorption, including edge and surface effects of GQDs, and
effects of orientation and size of GQDs, proposes a new study method in
edge effects studies. Through our simulations to find edge effects, we
found that even if GQD approaches the protein with its edges, GQDs’
edges are not freely adsorbed on the protein because when the particles
interact with each other, GQD rotates and then adsorbs the protein with
its surface; therefore, GQD having initial velocity was applied to the
protein to force the protein to interact with GQDs’ edges to find both
surface and edge effects. This is a new way of investigating that we
propose to study edge effects in the molecular dynamics simulation
method.
Pediatric burden and seasonality of Human Metapneumovirus over five years in Managua, Nicaragua.
Authors: Hacker Kathryn , Kuan Guillermina , Vydiswaran Nivea , Chowell Gerardo , Patel Mayuri , Sanchez Nery , Lopez Roger , Ojeda Sergio , Lopez Brenda , Mousa Jarrod , Maier Hannah , Balmaseda Angel , Gordon Aubree
Published: June 2022

Background Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is an important cause of
pediatric respiratory infection. We leveraged the Nicaraguan Pediatric
Influenza Cohort Study (NPICS) to assess the burden and seasonality of
symptomatic hMPV infection in children. Methods NPICS is an ongoing
prospective study of children in Managua, Nicaragua. We assessed
children for hMPV infection via RT-PCR. We used classical additive
decomposition analysis to assess the temporal trends and Generalized
Growth Models (GGMs) were used to estimate effective reproduction
numbers. Results From 2011-2016 there were 564 hMPV symptomatic
infections yielding an incidence rate of 5.74 cases per 100 person-years
(95% CI 5.3, 6.2). Children experienced 3,509 Acute Lower Respiratory
Infections (ALRIs), of which 160 (4.6%) were associated with hMPV
infection. Children under the age of one had 55% of all symptomatic
hMPV infections (62/112) develop into hMPV-associated ALRIs and were
five times as likely as children over one to have an hMPV-associated
ALRI (Rate Ratio 5.5 95% CI 4.1, 7.4 p <0.001). Additionally,
symptomatic reinfection with hMPV was common. In total, 87 (15%) of all
observed symptomatic infections were reinfections. The seasonality of
symptomatic hMPV outbreaks varied considerably. From 2011-2016, four
epidemic periods were observed, following a biennial seasonal pattern.
The mean ascending phase of the epidemic periods were 7.7 weeks, with an
overall mean estimated reproductive number of 1.2 (95% CI 1.1, 1.4).
Conclusions Symptomatic hMPV infection was associated with substantial
burden among children in the first year of life. Timing and frequency of
symptomatic hMPV incidence followed biennial patterns.
NobleStitch PFO Closure for Recurrent Strokes in a Patient on ECMO with COVID-19
Authors: Stout Perry Alexander , Tabrizi Nika Samadzadeh , Tribble Matt , Richvalsky Tanya , Youn Cindy , FACC Brion Winston, MD, MPH, FSVM, , Musuku Sridhar
Published: June 2022

Cryptogenic stroke is a complication commonly associated with patent
foramen ovales (PFOs). However, current guidelines do not address PFO
management in COVID-19 patients. This report describes a challenging
case of an unvaccinated patient with recurrent strokes and refractory
hypoxemia secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia who underwent a PFO closure
using NobleStitch.
Numerical Simulation of Elastic/Electromagnetic Waves Propagation in Stratiﬁed 3D Media: Ursin's Approach
Authors: Pinho David da Costa de , Priimenko Viatcheslav Ivanovich , Miranda Azeredo Marcia
Published: June 2022

Abstract. This work aims to present and implement a mathematical algorithm based on Ursin’s formal- ism to numerically simulate the propagation of elastic and electromagnetic waves in stratified 3D media. One of the significant advantages of the Ursin’s formalism is that, under certain conditions, this method allows one to consider partial differential equations describing various dynamic physical processes in a sin- gle form. Unlike the original work of Ursin, in the case of Maxwell’s equations, to describe the process of propagation of electromagnetic waves in air, we used a hyperbolic version of Maxwell’s equations; and in the Earth’s subsurface, a diffusion (parabolic) version. An analysis of the elastic/electromagnetic responses is carried out in this paper, proving the effectiveness of the mathematical algorithm through numerical simulations.Keywords: Waves PDE, Matrix Method, Mathematical Algorithm.Simulação Numérica de Propagação das Ondas Elásticas/Eletromagnéticas  em Meios 3D Estratificados: Abordagem de UrsinResumo. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar e implementar numericamente um algoritmo matemático, baseado no formalismo de Ursin, para a simulação da propagação de ondas elásticas e eletromagnéticas em meios 3D estratificados. Uma das grandes vantagens do formalismo de Ursin é que este método permite tratar, em certas condições, equações diferenciais parciais que descrevem diferentes processos físicos dinâmicos em uma única forma. Ao contrário do trabalho original de Ursin, no caso das equações de Maxwell, para caracterizar o processo de propagação das ondas eletromagnéticas no ar, usamos uma versão hiperbólica das equações de Maxwell, e na subsuperfície da terra - uma versão de difusão (parabólica). Uma análise das respostas elásticas/eletromagnéticas é realizada neste artigo, comprovando a eficácia do algoritmo matemático através de simulações numéricas.Palavras-chave: EDP’s de ondas, Método Matricial, algoritmo matemático. How to cite:
Comparison of objective function topology and accuracy between different travel-time approaches for converted wave events
Authors: Zuniga Nelson Ricardo Coelho Flores , Priimenko Viatcheslav Ivanovich , Ribeiro Fernando Brenha
Published: June 2022

Abstract. Many non-hyperbolic approximations were proposed to perform the velocity analysis for several effects which cause the non-hyperbolic behaviour in travel-time curves from PP and PS reflection events. With the application of the OBN (Ocean Bottom Nodes) technology, even the approximations that present good results in previous works lack good results when there was a large difference of datum between source and receivers. Recently, a converted wave moveout approach to describe the combined behaviour of many causes which generate the non-hyperbolicity, including the difference of datum, was proposed. In this work, we tested this approach to compare it to the best converted wave moveout approach presented in the last decades. Residual function maps, to study the complexity of the objective function topology and the comparison of travel-time curves, were tested to find which approach is the best option to perform the velocity estimation through an inversion procedure to recover velocity information of non-hyperbolic reflection events of a pre-salt structure obtained with OBN technology.Keywords: converted waves, OBN, non-hyperbolic travel-time Comparação de topologia da função objetivo e de acurácia entre diferentes abordagens de tempos de trânsito para eventos de onda convertidaResumo. Muitas aproximações não-hiperbólicas foram propostas para realizar a análise de velocidade para vários efeitos que causam o comportamento não-hiperbólico na curva do tempo de trânsito a partir de eventos de reflexão PP e PS. Com a aplicação da tecnologia OBN (Ocean Bottom Nodes), mesmo as aproximações que apresentam bons resultados em trabalhos anteriores carecem de bons resultados quando havia grandes diferenças de profundidade entre fonte e receptores. Recentemente, foi proposta uma abordagem para descrever o comportamento combinado de várias causas que geram a não-hiperbolicidade, incluindo a diferença de profundidade. Esta abordagem foi testada para ser comparada com a melhor abordagem apresentada nas últimas décadas. Os mapas residuais de funções objetivo, para estudar a complexidade da topologia da função objetivo e a comparação das curvas de tempos de trânsito, foram testados para descobrir qual abordagem é a melhor opção para realizar a estimativa de velocidades por um procedimento de inversão para eventos de reflexão de estruturas do pré-sal.Palavras-chave: ondas convertidas, OBN, tempo de trânsito não-hiperbólico
Mapping the Exposure Rate of Geogenic Radiation in Caçapava do Sul – Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Jesus Felipe Nascimento , Farias Bruna da Luz , Tavares Guilherme Navarro Diogo , Rosales Mario Jesus Tomas
Published: June 2022

Mapping the Exposure Rate of Geogenic Radiation in Caçapava do Sul – Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Mapeamento da Taxa de Exposição de Radiação Geogênica em Caçapava do Sul - Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil Keywords: geogenic radiation; Caçapava do Sul Granitic Complex; exposure scenario Palavras-chave: radiação geogênica; Complexo Granítico Caçapava do Sul; cenário de exposição
An Improved Visual Attention Model for Automated Vehicle License Plate Number Recognition Using Computer Vision
Authors: Ugwu Ejiofor Martins , Taylor Onate Egerton , Nwiabu Nuka Dumle
Published: June 2022

The role of an automatic licensed plate detection system (ALPDS) cannot be over-emphasized in the world today. The need for an automated system for vehicle license plate number recognition is important for security challenges. Therefore, this paper provides a smart system for vehicle license number recognition using Computer Vision. The system was trained using images of vehicles license numbers as training data. The training images were first annotated using the Visual Graphic Generator (VGG) annotation tool, after the annotation process, the trained images were pre-processed using the OpenCV library for conversion and masking of images. TesseractOCR was then used in extracting just texts from the images. The pre-processed and segmented images were then used in training the Mask R-CNN from a pre-trained weight. The result of the proposed system shows how the Mask R-CNN model was trained in ten training steps. The mask R-CNN model obtained accuracy and a loss value for each training step. The mask R-CNN model was evaluated using both training and test data. For the training and testing data, the Mask R-CNN was evaluated in terms of accuracy and loss. The evaluation was done using graphs. The results from the graph show that the Mask R-CNN had a better accuracy result in both training and testing data. The accuracy for training data was that of 95.25% and the accuracy for the testing data was 97.69%. For real-time vehicle license plate number recognition, we deployed our proposed model to the web. Here, we built a web application that allows real-time surveillance video.  Our model was tested on different vehicles in the car park. The result of the mask R-CNN on the test shows how the Mask R-CNN model was used in not just capturing and extracting the vehicle’s license plate number but predicting the characters that appeared on the vehicle’s license plate number. We also compared our proposed system with another existing system. The comparison was done in terms of accuracy, loss, and precision. The result of our proposed model gave us an accuracy of 97.69%, which is higher than the existing system (85%). This study can further be improved by using the Internet of Things in performing live video streaming and also providing a database system that will be storing the predicted vehicle numbers for cars that are detected.
Modeling Approaches for Fluidic Mass Transport in Next Generation Micro and Nano Biomedical Sensors
Authors: Cao Siyua , Weerasekera Naveen , Shingdan Dawa Ram
Published: June 2022

This review discusses on current methodologies and trends in modeling fluidic mass transport phenomena in micro and nano scale biomedical devices. We have presented the governing equations for species transport in micro and nano scales and provided analytical as well as computational approaches that can aid in obtaining solutions for complex flow problems. We have also reviewed novel methodologies that modern research community utilized for simulating species transport in micro and nano biomedical sensing devices.
Role of Work Stress as Mediating Variable between Compensation and Work-Life Balance on Employee Performance
Authors: Paramita Liana , Supartha I Wayan Gede
Published: June 2022

Good human resources are a determining factor for the company's success. Bank Perkreditan Rakyat (BPR) is financial institution which specialized in fund-lending facilities to communities. This study aims to analyze the role of work stress in mediating the effect of compensation and work-life balance on employee performance. This research was conducted at BPR Sandi Raya Utama, with 51 respondents. Data was collected by distributing questionnaire that measured by a Likert scale. The data analysis technique used in this research is Smart PLS. The results of this study indicate that compensation and work-life balance have a positive significant effect on employee performance but have a negative significant effect on work stress, while job stress has a negative significant effect on employee performance. Work stress partially mediates the relationship between compensation and work-life balance on employee performance.
Profitability and Company Size on Stock Prices with Debt-to-Equity Ratio as a Moderating Variable
Authors: Azizah Nur , Yuliana Indah
Published: June 2022

This study aims to find out whether profitability and company size were investors' considerations in assessing a company, thus affecting stock prices. The researcher also added a moderating variable, Debt to Equity Ratio to find out whether the relationship between the independent and dependent variables could be amplified or attenuated. The population of this study is companies listed on IDX from 2017 to 2020. The sampling method used is purposive sampling. Sample 244 companies from a total population of 721. Analysis of data using the partial least squares PLS method. Test results, suggest that profitability and company size affect stock prices positively and significantly, as well as no moderating effect of the Debt-to-Equity Ratio on the relationship between profitability and company size on stock prices.
The Role of Trust as Mediation between Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use on Repurchase Intention
Authors: Syaharani Dannia P. , Yasa N. N. Kerti
Published: June 2022

The rapid growth of online stores encourages intense competition between e-commerce. It is difficult to keep customers using e-commerce. This study aims to determines the effects of perceived usefulness and ease of use on repurchases intention in Zalora e-commerce mediated by trust. The research was focused in Denpasar with 120 respondents. Data collection with google forms questionnaires. Then analyzed using path analysis and Sobel test. The result show perceived usefulness and ease of use have significantly and positively affects repurchase intention. Perceived usefulness and Perceived ease of use have a significant positive effect on trust. Trust has a significant positive effect on repurchase intention. Trust significantly mediate perceived usefulness and ease of use on repurchase intention
The Current Situation of Secondary Students’ Physical Fitness in Hanoi Suburbs
Authors: Dung Phung Xuan , Vinh Nguyen Quang
Published: June 2022

The article is written to provide accurate and thorough information regarding the present level of physical fitness among secondary students in Hanoi suburbs. The researcher has employed conventional scientific research methods in the field of physical education to determine 12 criteria to assess the physical fitness of secondary school students in the suburbs of Hanoi through 03 factors: morphological traits (4 criteria), physical strength (7 criteria), and physical functions (1 criterion). In terms of morphological indicators, stamina, and agility, the results show that the students in Hanoi suburbs appear healthier than other Vietnamese students of the same age and sex in 2001; they are superior in speed and agility at some ages, and nearly equivalent in endurance and physical functions. This provides the foundation for suggesting strategies to increase the efficacy of physical education in today's schools.
Estudio para la instalación de una planta productora y comercializadora de una bebida isotónica de melón (Cucumis melo L.)
Authors: García Pacheco Yair , Caballero Gutiérrez Birina Luz , Pertuz Fontalvo Darina Luz De Los Ángeles , Rivera Pertuz Dary Luz
Published: June 2022

En este proyecto se realizó un estudio para determinar la factibilidad de mercado, técnica, administrativa y financiera para la elaboración y comercialización de una bebida isotónica a partir de pulpa de melón (Cucumis melo L.). Teniendo en cuenta que el proyecto comprendió diferentes estudios, la metodología empleada incluyó cuatro fases en las cuales se buscó dar cumplimiento a los objetivos planteados en orden cronológico, aplicando distintos tipos de investigación (descriptiva, correlacional, experimental y no experimental). Por medio de la evaluación integral del proyecto se estima que el proyecto arrojaría un Valor Presente Neto (VPN) de $ 878.590.965,61, una Tasa Interna de Retorno (TIR) de 64%, una relación beneficio/costo (B/C) 1,086577831 y un tiempo de recuperación del capital o Payback de 1,82 años, lo que garantiza la rentabilidad del proyecto y permite atender la necesidad de transformar este fruto con el fin de otórgale un valor agregado para su comercialización, en un mercado cada vez más extenso y dinámico.
Diseños óptimos para modelos no lineales con estructura de correlación: estudio de robustez
Authors: Correa Álvarez Cristian David , López-Ríos Víctor Ignacio
Published: June 2022

En este artículo se propone una metodología para comparar diseños D-óptimos exactos cuando no se cumple el supuesto de incorrelación del término de error en el modelo y se tienen bajo consideración cuatro estructuras de covarianza para modelarlo. Se halla una expresión simplificada de la matriz de información de Fisher para el caso general de observaciones correlacionadas y se utiliza en las cuatro estructuras de covarianza consideradas. Con cada estructura de covarianza se halla el respectivo diseño óptimo, conocido como diseño nominal, y se evalúa la robustez de los otros diseños óptimos hallando la eficiencia de éstos con relación al diseño nominal. Se concluye que los cuatro diseños óptimos son competitivos con respecto a las otras estructuras de covarianza consideradas, al observar una mínima pérdida de eficiencia de cada uno de estos diseños y mostrando que los diseños óptimos, al menos con las estructuras de covarianza consideradas, son robustos a la elección de la estructura de covarianza. Adicionalmente, se muestra, vía simulación, que, con los diseños óptimos, bajo cada estructura de covarianza se obtienen buenos estimadores para los parámetros del modelo al evaluar la magnitud del coeficiente de variación y el error cuadrático medio relativo.
Factores asociados a los estilos de vida de escolares de la ciudad de Manizales
Authors: Vidarte Claros Jose Armando , Vélez Alvarez Consuelo
Published: June 2022

Los estilos de vida de los escolares se convierten en factor primordial para su avance en los procesos educativos. El objetivo fue determinar los factores asociados a los estilos de vida de escolares de la ciudad de Manizales. Desde la perspectiva cuantitativa es un estudio descriptivo con fase asociativa, la muestra fueron 380 escolares con una media de edad de 14,3 años +/- 1,9 años de una institución educativa pública, los cuales diligenciaron el cuestionario Fantástico. Entre los resultados se destacan que sus estilos de vida son en mayor porcentaje satisfactorios y se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre el sexo y la realización de actividad física, el sueño y el stress, el tipo de personalidad y el control; la sexualidad con el orden; la edad con el consumo de alcohol, el desarrollo de la personalidad y la satisfacción; el grado escolar con el consumo de alcohol y el desarrollo de la personalidad y la satisfacción. y los niveles de estudios de los padres con la dimensión de familiares y amigos.
Evaluación espacial de zonas potenciales de centros de distribución de cafés especiales, caso del Departamento de Nariño - Colombia
Authors: Goyes Chaves Daniel Mauricio , Jaramillo Molina Ciro , Arango Pastrana Carlos Alberto
Published: June 2022

Los cafés especiales del Departamento de Nariño han sido reconocidos mundialmente por su excelente calidad, pero se han visto afectados por el inadecuado manejo del producto en su cadena de suministro, específicamente en las zonas donde se almacena, repercutiendo directamente en sus atributos diferenciales, por lo cual se presenta un acercamiento de resolver el problema de selección y ubicación de posibles zonas potenciales, para el establecimiento de un centro de distribución. En el presente estudio se aplicó un enfoque de toma de decisiones con criterios múltiples (MCDA), específicamente el proceso de jerarquía analítica (AHP) y combinación lineal ponderada (WLC), con la incorporación de criterios geográficos y su implementación en herramientas GIS (Geographical Information Systems). Se evaluaron 38 alternativas posibles (Municipios Productores), mediante criterios previamente identificados con la ayuda de expertos: producción Municipal, conectividad vial y temperaturas medias. Como resultado se obtuvo un mapa a nivel Departamental de posibles zonas potenciales y zonas inadecuadas. Como conclusión podemos afirmar que a medida que aumenta el número de criterios, implica mayor complejidad para la toma de decisiones. En detalle se describen los métodos, criterios y conjuntos de datos utilizados, resultados obtenidos y discusión, finalmente las conclusiones más significativas.
Specifics of Epidural Compression Syndrome Surgery in Patients with Spinal Malignancy
Authors: Kit O. I. , Zakondyrin D. E. , Rostorguev E. E. , Yundin S. V.
Published: June 2022

Background. Epidural spinal cord compression (ESCC) is the most common neurological complication in metastatic spinal tumours.

Materials and methods. The study included 87 spinal malignancy patients operated within 01.01.2014–30.09.2021. All patients had a  type of palliative decompressive and stabilising surgery: standard posterior access (SPA, 55  patients), minimally invasive posterior access (MPA, 22 patients) or anterior access (AA, 10 patients).

Results. The patient cohorts did not differ significantly by the duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, rates and types of postoperative complications. The AA cohort revealed a statistical difference by intraoperative blood loss. A Karnofsky performance status was statistically improved post- vs. pre-surgery (p < 0.05) at no significant change of Frankel neurological function status (p > 0.05). A Kaplan — Meier curve analysis showed no significant survival rate variation among the surgical techniques. Discussion. Our results suggest that posterior access interventions should be considered optimal. We report no statistical difference in the postoperative neurological and performance status dynamics between both cohorts, which encourages the MPA use in all patients with minimal epidural compression.

Conclusion. Posterior access with cytoreductive tumour removal in anterior spinal cord compression is advantageous over anterior surgery. A posterior access surgery with minimal spinal canal decompression is recommended in all patients with grade 1 tumoural epidural compression.
Cytoreductive HIPEC-Combined Surgery in Treatment of Advanced Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Zabelin M. V. , Safonov A. S. , Kuznetsov N. V.
Published: June 2022

Background. Ovarian cancer ranks 5th in the structure of female oncological mortality in the Russian Federation, with a first-year post-diagnosis rate of almost 35%. In 75% cases, ovarian cancer is diagnosed at stages III—IV. The disease usually represents as peritoneal carcinomatosis regarded as an advanced form that demands attention, which renders the issue highly relevant. We present a literature review and analysis of combined treatment outcomes in ovarian cancer patients hospitalised at the Kuvatov Republican Clinical Hospital within period 2020—2021.

Materials and methods. The article reviews foreign and national scientific literature, as well as reports the case data on 18 patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer and treated at the Department of Oncology of the Kuvatov Republican Clinical Hospital within period 2020—2021.

Results and discussion. A complete cytoreductive surgery was performed in 100% cases. In cohort I, mean operation time was 256 vs. 364 min, mean intraoperative blood loss — 1200 vs. 1050 mL, mean hospital stay — 14.6 vs. 18.7 bed-days. Postoperative complications were 16.7 vs. 50% in cohort I vs. II. A 30-day mortality rate was 0 vs. 16.6% in cohort I vs. II. The monitoring and enrolment of patients currently continues.

Conclusion. A  HIPEC procedure is not a  radical measure and can only achieve a  maximum efficacy if coupled with a complete cytoreduction. The treatment of stage III—IV ovarian cancer patients in a concurrent combined approach is promising and requires further in-depth research and a more robust statistics.
Minimally Invasive Treatment of Benign Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Gumerova G. T. , Gubaidullina G. M. , Nagaev F. R. , Bakiev R. R. , Suleymanova N. S.
Published: June 2022

Background. Nodular goitre is the commonest pathology of thyroid gland. According to published evidence, the endemic prevalence of iodine deficiency varies within 19–76 % population. The high rates and lack of symptoms at progressive nodules growth warrant the development of effective organ-preserving treatments. Imaging techniques for local precision targeting of individual lesions enable maximum-preserving interventions at thyroid tissue. Today’s world experience of percutaneous ethanol sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation is adequate. However, there exist no clear indications for sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation, and their consecutive use has not been assessed.

Materials and methods. We analyse minimally invasive organ-preserving treatments of benign thyroid nodules (ethanol sclerotherapy, RFA) in 63 patients at the outpatient and general surgery units of BSMU Clinic and MEGI Medical Centre, Ufa, during February 2019 — December 2020.

Results and discussion. Ethanol sclerotherapy was highly effective in 46.5 % patients, as evident from discontinued nodule’s blood supply in CDI and B-mode ultrasound, which remained stable in 10.5 % and restored after 3–4 weeks in 25 % patients. Sclerotherapy in colloid goitre was efficient only in 37.5 % patients. Ethanol sclerotherapy was RFA-followed in 25.4 % patients. RFA was favoured at a low-effective sclerotherapy providing for a weak positive dynamics of nodule size, local parietal blood flow preservation and intranodular vessels recanalisation at re-examination.

Conclusion. Sclerotherapy was high-effective in cystic nodules. Radiofrequency ablation can be considered most adequate for treating solid nodules. RFA-followed sclerotherapy is a rational choice in treatment of large cystic nodules (>5 cm3 ).
Comparative Assessment of Isolated Liver Chemoperfusion Techniques
Authors: Kaprin A. D. , Unguryan V. M. , Petrov L. O. , Ivanov S. A. , Nazarova V. V. , Pobedintseva Yu. A. , Filimonov E. V. , Kruglov E. A.
Published: June 2022

Background. Metastatic liver injury is a  distinct oncological problem, irrespective of primary malignancy. Resection surgery is not always feasible in such patients. Isolated liver chemoperfusion is a promising treatment option in multiple small-focal metastatic organic lesions. This technique is technically complex, which limits its broader evaluation and adoption in clinical practice. The diversity of isolated liver chemoperfusion techniques does not allow an adequate assessment of world experience and requires further research. The important considerations with introducing isolated liver chemoperfusion are: an optimal surgical technique, liver isolation control method, as well as physiological arterial and portal blood flow maintenance.

Materials and methods. A total of 21 patients were surveyed over June 2020 — December 2021. The patients were divided into 3 prospective cohorts: A) arteriocaval chemoperfusion, midline laparotomy access, technical-guided liver isolation, B) arteriocaval chemoperfusion, “in J laparotomy” access, ICG-guided liver isolation, C) arterio-porto-caval chemoperfusion, “in J laparotomy” access, ICG-guided liver isolation. A procedure’s tolerance was assessed with: the duration of surgery, postoperative ICU bed-days, total postoperative bed-days, hepatic cytolysis rates, chemotherapy side-effects severity.

Results and discussion. The duration of surgery shortened with “in J laparotomy”. Haemotoxicity did not differ between cohorts A and B, albeit appearing significantly lower in cohort C. The cytolytic syndrome duration statistically significantly reduced in C vs. A and B cohorts.

Conclusion. All the isolated liver chemoperfusion techniques employed are patient-safe. In ICG-guided liver isolation, the agent leakage into systemic blood flow is less likely, indicating a lower haemotoxicity. Arterioportal isolated chemoperfusion is more physiological compared to other techniques, thus facilitating lower hepatotoxicity. The use of “in J laparotomy” significantly reduces liver mobilisation and vascular cannulation times.
Challenges of Diagnosis and Treatment Choice in Riedel‘s Fibrosing Thyroiditis: Clinical Case Examples
Authors: Davydovich M. G. , Ipaeva R. V. , Derevyanko K. P.
Published: June 2022

Background. Clinically distinct Riedel’s fibrosing thyroiditis is extremely rare, accounting for only 0.05 % of histologically verified thyroiditis cases, as follows from the real clinical practice and literature. Classic Riedel’s thyroiditis is typified by a marked compression syndrome, which may lack at initial disease stages. A problematic verification often conduces to a diagnostic and, especially, therapeutic malpractice, as illustrated by the two hereby analysed clinical cases.

Materials and methods. The article presents two clinical cases of fibrosing thyroiditis, specifying the diagnosis and treatment choice in patients with this pathology. Diagnosis verification and therapy correction facilitated a favourable outcome.

Results and discussion. Riedel’s fibrosing thyroiditis can be reluctant to diagnosis due to asymptomatic thyroid dysfunction, the lack of strict radiological diagnostic criteria and rarity in clinical practice. This provokes diagnostic and later therapeutic malpractices, which correction permitted a favourable outcome.

Conclusion. Since treatment for compression syndrome-aggravated Riedel’s fibrosing thyroiditis is exclusively surgical, it continues posing a challenge as associated with likely severe complications. Essentially, the first treatment stage was inadequate in both cases. In the first case, the patient withdrew a thyroid hormone therapy already in 4 days, which precluded serious iatrogenic complications, while in the second case, the long-term drug misuse had conduced to cardiovascular pathology.
HOW ROMANIAN JOURNALISTS COVER LEADERSHIP EVENTS
Authors: HODOROG Mădălina
Published: June 2022

The self-help industry is largely growing worldwide, and the press is adapting to the topics covered by the industry.
The present paper examines how local and national journalists cover self-help events on leadership topic in Romania. The study included an analysis on The Woman Leadership Conference local event from Romania and how journalists covered the topic in online newspapers. By analyzing 1139 articles from 30 media institutions, the paper shows that journalists from national media institutions are keener to include leadership topics into their agenda and to cover events on leadership, in comparison with local journalists.
Análise de desempenho econômico e financeiro em cooperativas do ramo agropecuário
Authors: Souza Luciana Moro de , Thesing Nelson José , Prochnow Darlan Ariel
Published: June 2022

As cooperativas agropecuárias são consideradas como agentes fundamentais para o desenvolvimento rural sustentável. Para tanto, é essencial que estes empreendimentos apresentem viabilidade financeira, como forma de perenidade de suas atividades. Assim, o artigo tem, como objetivo principal, analisar o desempenho econômico e financeiro de duas cooperativas agropecuárias, localizadas no Noroeste do Rio Grande do Sul. O estudo contempla uma investigação de natureza aplicada, de abordagem quantitativa e descritiva. A coleta de dados conta com as demonstrações contábeis, no período de 2013 a 2019, para compreender o Balanço Patrimonial e a Demonstração de Sobras e/ou Perdas, pelos cálculos e recálculos matemáticos, para, desta forma, obter os Índices econômico-financeiros. Os resultados mostram que, a partir dos indicadores de liquidez, endividamento e rentabilidade, a situação financeira da cooperativa A é satisfatória em níveis de liquidez e rentabilidade. Em contrapartida, a cooperativa B apresentou situação preocupante em todos os índices calculados, situação que exige atenção de parte de seus dirigentes. Desta forma, tem-se presente um conjunto de informações, para a tomada de decisões coerentes com a situação financeira/econômica, evitando que se comprometa a perenidade do empreendimento cooperativo.
Palavras-chave: Cooperativismo Agropecuário. Indicadores de Desempenho. Perenidade.
Comunicação e diversidade
Authors: Cardoso Jessica Suzana Magalhães , Lopes Ivonete da Silva
Published: June 2022

O cooperativismo é uma atividade autogestionária guiada por valores que buscam o desenvolvimento social e econômico das comunidades. Baseado nesses princípios, este artigo analisa como se manifesta a diversidade racial e de gênero na comunicação do cooperativismo de crédito. Foram analisadas publicações realizadas em 2018 no Facebook pelos três maiores sistemas de crédito cooperativo do Brasil, e entrevistados os responsáveis pela comunicação deles e do Serviço Nacional de Aprendizagem do Cooperativismo (Sescoop). Todo o material obtido foi analisado com o método da análise de conteúdo. Os resultados obtidos revelam que as cooperativas e o Sescoop compreendem a comunicação como um espaço que pode contribuir para a efetivação dos princípios, entretanto não foi possível verificar a incorporação da diversidade na comunicação.
Palavras-chave: Cooperativismo de Crédito. Comunicação. Diversidade. Representação.
Qualidade do ambiente “Indoor” de serviços de diagnóstico por imagens em hospitais
Authors: Irazusta Silvia Pierre , Oliveira Fábio Henrique de , Cacuro Thiago Aguiar , Balsamo Paulo José
Published: June 2022

Estimativas de riscos de radiação em baixas doses e baixas taxas de dose são importantes, por exemplo, para populações que vivem em áreas contaminadas após acidentes nucleares ou em áreas de alta radiação natural de fundo, ou para proteção de radiação de indivíduos ocupacionalmente expostos à radiação ionizante. Este trabalho teve por objetivo estudar o ambiente interno no que diz respeito à Segurança Radiológica e à contaminação microbiológica por fungos aerotransportados, monitorando os potenciais efeitos mutagênicos causados por possíveis baixas doses de exposição à radiação. Como bioindicador de mutagenicidade, escolheu-se a produção de micronúcleos por Tradescantia pallida, um dos organismos mais sensíveis para a detecção de mutagênicos no ar; a pesquisa de contaminação por fungos foi realizada por deposição espontânea em placa. Foram monitorados cinco serviços de imagem de Hospitais da cidade de Sorocaba, estado de São Paulo, Brasil, dois deles públicos e os outros três privados. Os resultados apontaram atividade mutagênica nas salas de imagens dos dois hospitais públicos, mas não nos três serviços privados de imagens. Foram encontrados esporos, principalmente dos gêneros Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium e Fusarium, em todas as salas, indicando risco de infecções oportunistas, principalmente relacionadas à presença dos gêneros Penicilium sp e Fusarium sp. O bioensaio de T. pallida representa uma ferramenta coadjuvante no monitoramento desses ambientes internos e mostrou que existe atividade mutagênica, apesar de serem ambientes controlados. Portanto, mesmo nesses ambientes controlados os riscos relacionados à exposição à radiação ainda são imponderáveis.
Palavras-chave: Radiação ionizante. Tradescantia pallida. Mutagênese. Fungos Anemófilos.
Chirality of antidepressive drugs: an overview of stereoselectivity
Authors: Vashistha Vinod Kumar , Sethi Sonika , Tyagi Inderjeet , Das Dipak Kumar
Published: June 2022

Stereochemistry plays an important role in drug design because the enantiomers of a drug frequently vary in their biological action and pharmacokinetic profiles. Racemates of a drug with either an inactive or an unsafe enantiomer can lead to detrimental effects. The manufacturing industry may still produce racemates, but such decisions must pass through rigorous analyses of the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic characteristics of the particular enantiomer related to the racemates. The pharmacokinetics of antidepressants or antidepressive agents is stereoselective and predominantly favors one enantiomer. The use of pure enantiomers offers (i) better specificity than the racemates in terms of certain pharmacological actions, (ii) enhanced clinical indications, and (iii) optimized pharmacokinetics. Therefore, controlling the stereoselectivity in the pharmacokinetics of antidepressive drugs is of critical importance in dealing with depression and psychiatric conditions. The objective of this review is to highlight the importance of the stereochemistry of antidepressants in the context of the design and development of new chirally pure pharmaceuticals, the potential complications caused by using racemates, and the benefits of using pure enantiomers.
Upregulation of FOXP3+ Regulatory T Lymphocytes and CD8+ Lymphocytes in Patients with High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions Correlated with HPV Infection
Authors: Mitiļdžans Androniks , Zablocka Tatjana , Isajevs Sergejs , Gordjušina Valentīna , Rezeberga Dace
Published: June 2022

Modern therapeutic strategies for precancerous cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) focus on immune-modulatory and cancer vaccination. The local cervical immune status in cervical cancer and CIN could influence HPV infection persistence, progression and carcinogenesis. We analysed the role of FOXP3+ regulatory T lymphocytes, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in CIN I, CIN II and CIN III patients with and without HPV infection. Sixty-two patients were enrolled in the study. Each patient underwent a colposcopy-guided cervical biopsy. FOXP3+ lymphocytes and CD4+,CD8+ lymphocytes were detected by immunostaining in tissue samples obtained from a control group (n = 10), patients with CIN I (n = 20), CIN II (n = 14) and CIN III (n = 18) lesions. HPV was assayed by Aptima. The results showed that the numbers of CD4+ T lymphocytes did not differ between patients with CIN I, CIN II, and CIN III. However, patients with CIN II and CIN III had significantly upregulated CD8+T lymphocytes compared to patients with CIN I. In addition, patients with CIN II and CIN III had increased FOXP3 + T lymphocytes compared with patients with CIN I, which was associated with HPV status. Upregulation of FOXP3+ regulatory T lymphocytes and CD8-positive lymphocytes in patients with CIN II and CIN III suggested a pivotal role of T regulatory lymphocytes and CD8+ lymphocytes for counteracting the host immune response in the progression from CIN I to CIN II and CIN III.
Investigation of the Cortical Bone Microstructure and Hardness After Vacuum Drying: An Experimental Study
Authors: Lozins Roberts , Freibergs Roberts , Zemīte Vineta , Dehtjars Jurijs , Paegle Irina , Bicāne Luīze K. , Ciems Modris , Ozoliņš Dzintars
Published: June 2022

In this study, we examined if vacuum drying can be an effective way to remove water from substantia compacta, conducted in order to preserve bones for possible future transplantation. We found a number of interesting results. First, it seemed that vacuum drying removed the most of the water from substantia compacta. Second, we observed that vacuum drying did not damage the histological structure of the samples. These results indicate that vacuum drying might be used to remove water from compact bone, but more studies are required in order to assess how this method affects substantia compacta and also substantia spongiosa.
Distribution and Ecology of Neophyte Lactuca Tatarica Population on the East Baltic Sea Coast in Latvia
Authors: Laime Brigita , Tjarve Didzis , Znotiņa Vija , Laukalēja Zane
Published: June 2022

There is an increasing need for species occurrence data at a regional level for the global assessment of invasiveness of neophytes. Therefore, the distribution and habitats of Lactuca tatarica (L.) C.A. Mey. in Latvia (Baltic Sea region) was studied. L. tatarica was observed for the first time in Latvia in 1920. During the next 60 years, it was mainly found in synanthropic habitats. Since the 1980s, the species has spread along the Gulf of Riga (the Baltic Sea) coast. In 2019, recent data on the distribution of L. tatarica were obtained in a large-scale habitat mapping project. Lactuca tatarica was observed in 147 polygons (total area of 230 ha) representing nine habitat types of EU importance. The largest proportion of L. tatarica localities was recorded in beach habitats, and the highest abundance and total area in white and grey dunes. Lactuca tatarica was observed in the following associations: Cakiletum maritimae, Honckenyetum peploidis, Elymo-Ammophiletum arenariae, and Festucetum polesicae. In most localities, L. tatarica genets are scattered or in small groups covering small areas. In some coastal sections (southern part of the Gulf), L. tatarica forms dense stands that tend to spread. Lactuca tatarica in Latvia is considered as a neophyte successfully naturalised mainly in coastal dune habitats, and in some locations it corresponds to the criteria of invasive species with a high risk to endanger natural habitats.