bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND SME'S PERFORMANCE
Authors: Aurangzeb  , Asif Muhammad , Amin Muhammad Kashif
Published: June 2021

Purpose of the Study: This study aimed at investigating the level of tangible and intangible resources management of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) entrepreneurs that affect the business unit performance.

Methodology: The population used in this study was 300 entrepreneurs and executives representing businesses in Pakistan's production and service sectors. This study was quantitative, and data was collected through questionnaires related to business performance. There were three factors of intangible resource management, i.e., human capital management, relationship capital management, and customer capital management. Data were analyzed using structural equation modelling.

Principal Findings: The outcomes indicated that human capital management and customer capital management positive and significant influence on the business performance of SMEs, whereas no influence on capital management. Technology capital management fully mediates the association between human capital management and customer capital management.

Applications of the study: This study is useful in strategic management and implementation to build relation capital among approximately 6 million business units of SMEs and micro SMEs in Pakistan, which will lead to the strong foundations of the country.

Novelty/Originality of this study: The present study examined the resources management practices of SMS across the country for the first time that indicates that how efficient resource management practices influence the performance of business units and entrepreneurs in a developing economy like Pakistan.
Skin-to-Skin Contact (Kangaroo Care) During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ludington-Hoe Susan M. , Lotas Marilyn , D'Apolito Karen
Published: June 2021

Early recommendations to separate mothers from their newborns during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have created a detrimental separation practice. This article presents a review of the latest information regarding the (1) 3 modes of transmission of the virus to the neonate; (2) incidence, clinical signs, and severity of COVID-19 in the neonate; (3) factors to be considered to balance risk and benefits of separation and skin-to-skin contact (SSC) when conducting shared decision making; and (4) compendium of published SSC guidelines; and concludes with recommendations for safe practice of SSC to prevent and/or restrict COVID-19 infection in neonates.
Yarı Sentetik Spinosyn İnsektisit Olan Spinetoram’ın Alman Hamamböceği [Blatella germanica L. (Blattodea: Blatellidae)] Nimflerine Karşı Ölüm Etkisi
Authors: KÜÇÜKSARI Ferhat , TUNAZ Hasan
Published: June 2021

Bu çalışmada laboratuvar koşullarında yarı-sentetik sponisin insektisidi Spinetoram’ın solüsyon halinde üç farklı uygulama yüzeyinde (beton, fayans ve parke) Blatella germanica (L.)’nin nimflerine karşı rezidual kontak toksisitesi araştırılmıştır. Bu bağlamda üç farklı yüzeyde B. germanica’nın 3. ve 4. dönem nimflerine karşı 1, 3, 5, 7 ve 9 gün süreyle Spinetoram’ın 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 25, 50, 75 ve 100 mg aktif madde m-2 konsantrasyonlarında biyolojik testler yürütülmüştür. Spinetoram’ın tüm yüzey uygulamalarında, maruz kalma süreleri ve konsantrasyonları, B. germanica nimflerinin ölüm oranları üzerinde önemli etkiye sebep olduğu gözlemlenmiştir. Uygulanan tüm yüzeylerde daha düşük Spinetoram konsantrasyonları (2.5 ve 5 mg m-2) B. germanica nimflerinde düşük ölüm oranına neden olmuştur. Bununla birlikte, 50, 75 ve 100 mg m-2 konsantrasyonları, B. germanica nimflerinin 9 günlük maruz bırakma süresinden sonra % 100 ölüm ya da % 100’e yakın ölüme neden olmuştur. Genel olarak, B. germanica nimflerinin ölüm oranı maruz bırakma süresiyle artarken, nispeten düşük Spinetoram konsantrasyonlarında (7.5, 10, 15 ve 25 mg m-2) % 100 ölüm sağlanamamıştır. Spinetoram uygulanan üç farklı yüzeyde de Spinetoram konsantrasyonlarının B. germanica nimflerine karşı etkinliğinde önemli farklılıklar ortaya çıkmıştır. 100 mg m-2 Spinetoram konsantrasyonunda B. germanica nimflerinin ölüm oranının 5. gün sonunda beton yüzeyde diğer yüzeylere göre daha yüksek olduğu görülmüştür. Bununla birlikte, diğer Spinetoram konsantrasyonlarında, 5. gün sonunda nimflerin ölüm oranı genellikle üç yüzeyde de benzer bulunmuştur. Sonuç olarak, Spinetoram’ın ev zararlısı olan B. germanica’nın mücadelesinde kullanılma potansiyeline sahip olduğu ve bu böceğin mücadelesinde kullanılan geleneksel sentetik kimyasalların kullanımını düşürebileceği ortaya çıkmıştır.
Representasi Matematis Siswa Bina Prestasi MTsN 1 Jember dalam Menyelesaikan Masalah Segiempat Ditinjau dari Level van Hiele
Authors: Islam Muhammad Ainul Yaqin Fiddinil , Sunardi Sunardi , Ambarwati Reza , Alfiah Siti
Published: June 2021

This study aims to determine mathematical representation of Students’ Ability in Solving Quadrilateral Problems Based on Van Hiele’s Levels at an Enrichment Program in MTsN 1 Jember.. This research is a descriptive qualitative research. The subjects of this study were 17 students of class IXA at ​​MTsN 1 Jember. The data collection method on this research are using test and interview methods. The test instrument on this research were a test of ability to think geometry and a test of mathematical representation on rectangular material. The results of data analysis were carried out by comparing the results of the mathematical representation test with interviews, then categorized based on Van Hiele's level of thinking from the results of the geometric thinking ability test. The results showed that students with a visual thinking level had a tendency to use symbolic and verbal representations in solving problems. Students with the analytical thinking level tend to use verbal, visual, and symbolic representations in solving problems. 

Keyword: Mathematical Representation, Quadrilateral, High Achiever Student, Van Hiele levels
Eksplorasi Etnomatematika pada Aktivitas Membatik di Rumah Produksi Batik Dewi Sinta Banyuwangi Sebagai Bahan Ajar Siswa Kelas VII
Authors: Badiah Rislatul , Trapsilasiwi Dinawati , Setiawani Susi , Putra Ferry Kurnia , Astari Nida'an Chofiyyah
Published: June 2021

Mathematics is one of the sciences that is often used in culture. Forms of cultural activities containing mathematical concepts are called ethnomatematics. Mathematics related to culture will make it easier for students in the learning process. The purpose of this research is to know and describe ethnomatematics on the activities of batik in Batik Production Batik Dewi Sinta Banyuwangi and as material for student worksheet. This type of research is qualitative research with ethnographic approach. The data were collected form observation and interview. The research subjects were owners and employees at the Batik Production Batik Dewi Sinta Banyuwangi. This research uses descriptive qualitative data analysis. This research showed that there were mathematical concepts on the activities of batik in Batik Production Batik Dewi Sinta Banyuwangi wich includes counting, calculating, measuring, and designing activities. The product of this research is a teaching material in the form of student worksheet for class VII which contains ethnomatematics in batik activity.

Keywords: Ethnomathematics, activity of batik, Students Worksheet
Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation in Islamic Students at Salafiyah Islamic Boarding School Situbondo
Authors: Deviantony Fitrio , Wuryaningsih Emi Wuri , Putri Nindy Arum setianing
Published: June 2021

Background: The experience of adolescents related to sexuality and problems related to the lack of knowledge in understanding sexual identity will lead these adolescents to sexually deviant behavior

Purpose: This study aimed to determine adolescents' characteristics in understanding gender and determine the orientation of adolescents related to sexual attraction in the Salafiyah Sukorejo Islamic school.

Methods: This study used an observational analytic approach, with many respondents, as many as 478 students in Salafiyah Islamic schools. The sampling technique in this study used a simple random sampling technique. This study uses the Kinsey scale research instrument with a Cronbach's Alpha value of 0.929 and uses the Bem Sex Role Inventory instrument with a Cronbach's Alpha value of 0.868

Results: This study indicates that most students have a heterosexual type of sexual orientation, namely 96.3%, and the sexual identity of the majority of students, namely gender androgyny, as much as 43.9%.

Conclusion: %. From the data above, this problem needs to be addressed further, such as early detection, assessment of sexual orientation, and prevention efforts related to sexual problems, which are useful for minimizing the occurrence of deviations in sexual orientation and gender identity in adolescent students
Characteristics of Traffic Accidents on Highways: An Analysis Based on Patients Treated at a Regional Trauma Center
Authors: Lee Sung Yong , Sun Kyung Hoon , Park Chan Yong , Kim Tae Hoon
Published: June 2021

Purpose There have been increasing concerns about serious traffic accidents on highways. The purpose of this study was to analyze factors affecting traffic accidents on highways and the severity of the resulting injuries. Methods This retrospective study was conducted at a regional trauma center. We reviewed 594 patients who had been in 114 traffic accidents on highways from January 2018 to June 2020. We collected demographic data, clinical data, accident-related factors, and meteorological data (weather and temperature). Results Environmental risk factors were found to be significantly associated with the incidence of traffic accidents on highways. Injury severity and the death rate were higher in sedans than in any other type of vehicle. Tunnels were the most common location of accidents, accounting for 47 accidents (41.2%) and 269 injured patients (45.3%). The injury severity of individuals riding in the driver’s seat (front seat) was high, regardless of vehicle type. Three meteorological risk factors were found to be significantly associated with traffic accidents: rainy roads (odds ratio [OR] 2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.84–3.29; p=0.01), icy or snowy roads (OR 5.12; 95% CI 2.88–7.33; p<0.01), and foggy conditions (OR 2.94; 95% CI 2.15–4.03; p<0.05). Conclusions The injury severity of patients was affected by seat position and type of vehicle, and the frequency of accident was affected by the location. The incidence of traffic accidents was strongly influenced by meteorological conditions (rain, snow/ice, and fog).
Моделювання та оптимізація багатофазного послідовного технологічного процесу
Authors: Стенін О. , Пасько В. , Солдатова М. , Стенін С. , Стенін С.
Published: June 2021

В умовах конкуренції та нестабільності виробничі компанії змушені постійно вдосконалювати виробничий процес і розробляти нові інноваційні технології та обладнання з метою збереження своїх позицій на ринку. Важливу роль в цьому відіграють удосконалення методів планування і управління процесом розвитку виробництва, розробка інноваційних продуктів і прогнозування заходів з адаптації до мінливих вимог зовнішнього і внутрішнього ринку. У даній роботі розглядається багатофазний послідовний технологічний процес (ПТП) з розгалуженою структурою на кожній фазі виробничого процесу. Для пуассонівського потоку надходження і обробки деталей запропонована математична модель у вигляді багатоканальної СМО з очікуванням і обмеженням черги. На основі цієї моделі сформовані критерії оцінки роботи ПТП і синтезовані вартісні моделі для вирішення завдань інновації та оптимізації ПТП. Вирішені для кожної фази виробничого процесу завдання оцінки ефективності інноваційного оновлення обладнання та завдання вибору оптимальної кількості обладнання. У разі невідповідності потоків надходження і обробки деталей даної математичної моделі, значення вихідних критеріїв визначаються за результатами певного числа багаторазового імітаційного моделювання роботи ПТП.

Бібл. 11, іл.2
Розробка інфологічної моделі інноваційного програмного продукту
Authors: Стенін А. , Мелькумян К. , Солдатова М. , Польшакова О.
Published: June 2021

В даній статті запропоновано інфологічну модель процедури створення інноваційного програмного продукту для організаційно-технічного об’єкту, який функціонує в певній предметній області. Така модель передбачає створювати на кожному етапі вибір потенційно найкращого інноваційного рішення на даний момент часу в даній предметній області. Вибір потенційно найкращого рішення запропоновано робити на основі інтелектуальної системи підтримки прийняття рішення ситуаційного типу. При цьому оцінка альтернативних інноваційних рішень і вибір потенційно найкращої альтернативи виконується з можливістю корекції попередніх рішень на більш ранніх етапах процедури створення інноваційного програмного продукту.

Бібл. 15, іл. 5
Застосування моделей IRT та MIRT до аналізу тестів з аналітичній геометрії
Authors: Круглова Н. , Диховичний O. , Лисенко Д.
Published: June 2021

У статті проведено дослідження щодо побудови методики аналізу комп’ютерних контрольних робіт з вищої математики, які містять тестові завдання різних типів, у тому числі, й завдання типу «вбудовані відповіді», які мають декілька пов’язаних між собою підзавдань, та проведенння на підставі цієї методики аналізу якості контрольної роботи з вищої математики. В основу методики покладено методи Класичної Теорії Тестів (КТТ) та Сучасної Теорії Тестів (IRT), які довели свою ефективність у статистичному аналізі тестів. Основну увагу в роботі зосереджено на використанні моделейMultidimensional Item Response Theory (MIRT), яка дозволяє відразу проводити дослідження цілого вектору компетентностей студентів, та більш ретельно аналізувати їх. Також у дослідженні використовуються й одновимірні моделі IRT, результати застосування яких порівнюються з використанням MIRT. Серед одновимірних моделей буловідібрано добре відомі моделі Муракі і Бірнбаума, а серед багатовимірних - двовимірні 2-PL і GPCM. Залучені у дослідження багатовимірні моделі є компенсаторними. Питання застосування некомпенсаторних моделей не розглядалось. Порівняння відповідності даним різних моделей було проведено на основі спеціальних інформаційних критеріїв. На їх підставі дещо кращим виявились одновимірні моделі. В якості основного інструментарію обрано середовище програмування R, яке надає потужний набір програмних засобів статистичного аналізу тестів. У якості базового пакету програм обрано пакет mirt.  Даними для дослідження обрано модульну контрольну роботу з аналітичної геометрії. Контрольну роботу писало 105 студентів ФІОТ НТУУ «КПІ імені І. Сікорського» 121 спеціальності потоку ІТ. Контрольну розміщено на платформі MOODLE і проводилась вона дистанційно. Аналіз результатів тестів на підставі обраних моделей продемонстрував узгодженість результатів аналізу як одновимірних, так і багатовимірних моделей. Але багатовимірні моделі дозволяють деталізувати аналіз різних компетентностей, у даному випадку – знань з векторної алгебри й знань прямих, площин, поверхонь у просторі. Проведений аналіз показав, що тестову контрольну роботу складено у цілому правильно, дозволив систематизувати завдання за складністю, а для питань типу «вбудованівідповіді» - деталізувати складності підзавдань. Оцінюючи у цілому результати застосування одновимірних та багатовимірних моделей IRT, слід відмітити їх ефективність в аналізі як тестів з вищої математики, так і у контролі знань з інших дисциплін.

Бібл. 19, іл. 5, табл. 6
Розробка алгоритму керування мобільним роботом на основі фазифікації локальної карти місцевості
Authors: Баламут В. , Крилов Є. , Анікін В.
Published: June 2021

На основі огляду та аналізу літератури для керування маленьким легким мобільним роботом на основі нечіткої логіки розроблено алгоритм, який ґрунтується на фазифікації локальної місцевості та на визначенні небезпеки напрямів руху. Отриманий алгоритм може бути використаний при розробці систем керування колісних роботів різного призначення, зокрема роботів, призначених для функціонування у замкнених просторах. Метою роботи є розробка з використанням методів нечіткої логіки ефективного та економного алгоритму управління малим легким мобільним роботом на основі фазифікації локальної карти місцевості.

Бібл. 10, іл. 2, табл. 2.
Передача управляючої інформації у системах широкосмугових телекомунікацій технології 5G
Authors: Бойко Ю. , П’ятін І. , Карпова Л. , Пархомей I.
Published: June 2021

У цій статті розглядається полярний код, який застосовується для передачі управляючої інформації в широкосмугових телекомунікаційних системах. Кодування каналів містить набір процедур для виявлення помилок, виправлення помилок, узгодження швидкості, перемежування бітів та відображення інформації до фізичних каналів управління або транспортного рівня. У статті досліджується модель низхідної лінії зв'язку з полярним кодуванням та багатопозиційною цифровою фазовою модуляцією. Для запропонованої моделі досліджено ймовірність виникнення бітових помилок для різних кодових швидкостей. У статті проаналізовано структурну схему моделі адаптивного прийняття рішення щодо режиму модуляції цифрової системи зв'язку. Досліджено залежності ймовірності бітових помилок від ефективної швидкості полярного коду при різних типах модуляції. На основі отриманих залежностей розроблений адаптивний алгоритм вибору режиму модуляції для швидкості кодування R=0,5. Використання полярних кодів для побудови сигнально-кодових конструкцій може підвищити ефективність системи зв'язку.

Бібл. 36, іл. 12.
Great Geo-Political Revolution
Authors: Brutentz K.
Published: June 2021

Our time is the period of milestones’ shift, of the most dramatic changes. Geopolitics is one of the areas of mankind’ being where we can especially manifestly see how the history has quickened its run. The author analyses the developments of the last decade of the recent century and the first decade of this century. These decades faced two major geopolitical shifts, each of which has led to a radical change of the world’s landscape. The result was a sharp turn in the international political and economic relations, namely the breaking down of the unipolar order and the formation of a polycentric world. Major changes have taken place and continue to undergo in the balance and the alignment of forces on the arena of entire continents and in a planetary scale. Hundreds millions of people are increasingly involved in the historical creativity.
Brazil and Russia: Different Trajectories of Development?
Authors: Irishin G.
Published: June 2021

This publication represents the materials of the regular academic seminar “The current problems of development” conducted by the Center of the problems of development and modernization within IMEMO. The attention of the key speakers and other seminar participants is focused on the comparison of the two BRICS countries – Brazil and Russia. The main emphasis is made on the analysis of the trends of social development. The point is that the quality of human capital determines the quality of economic growth, as well as the country's place in the world in the long run.
Afghan Endspiel and Regional Security
Authors: Malysheva D.
Published: June 2021

The article is devoted to the military operation in Afghanistan ending up in 2014, to the upcoming withdrawal of the main U.S. military contingents and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from this country, and to the new situation in South and Central Asia emerging in this regard. The author pays special attention to the evolution of the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan, including such important elements as the "New Silk Road" concept and the "Trans-Afghan Pipeline" (TAPI) geopolitical project, as well as to the stance of the leading regional powers (Russia, China, Pakistan, India) on the Afghanistan conflict regulation and security arrangements draft for regional development.
US-Saudi Partnership: Historic Motivations and New Conclusions
Authors: Vysotskii A.
Published: June 2021

The article provides an analysis of economic and political factors that determine the stability of bilateral partnerships during the Cold War and the post-bipolar world. The authors shows the impact of high international political turbulence (events of September 11, outburst of Iraqi problems, “Arab spring”) on the priorities of American strategy in the Middle East, as well as the prospects for Washington’s positive foreign policy agenda in the region, including the revision of traditional relations and reaching a compromise with new potential partners.
Japan: Course Towards Joining to Trans-Pacific Community
Authors: Strel’tsov V.
Published: June 2021

Currently, ten countries are negotiating the membership in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TTP). After joining of Japan (Japan is the third-largest economy of Asia-Pacific region after USA and China) the TTP will acquire a qualitatively new status while becoming a full-fledged prototype of a Pacific free trade area. As a result, such a zone could cover a wider range of countries on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. From this point of view, Japan’s participation certainly will mark a qualitative leap in the TPPs evolution, namely a transfer from the status of a peripheral economic block into a structure of global importance. Participation of Japan (which is an economic heavyweight) in the TTP will give a new impetus to the development of the world economy. Also, it will be an important step in coping with the aftermaths of the global financial and economic crisis. A happy end story, i.e. the creation of an effective framework for economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region, would have a considerable positive impact on the integration processes in Europe, where the acute debt crisis has put under question the viability of the European integration model.
Looking at Quantization of a Wave Function, From Weber (1961), to Signals From Wavefunctions at the Mouth of a Wormhole
Authors: Beckwith Andrew W
Published: June 2021

We utilize how Weber in 1961 initiated the process of quantization of early universe fields to the problem of what may be emitted at the mouth of a wormhole. While the wormhole models are well developed, there is as of yet no consensus as to how, say GW or other signals from a wormhole mouth could be quantized, or made to be in adherence to a procedure Weber cribbed from Feynman, in 1961. In addition, we utilize an approximation for the Hubble parameter parameterized from Temperature using Sarkar’s H ~ Temperature relations, as given in the text . Finally after doing this we go to the Energy as E also ~ Temperature, and from there use E (energy) as ~ signal frequency. This gives us an idea of how to estimate frequency generated at the mouth of a wormhole.
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting Breast Cancer Patients from a Chinese Multicenter Prospective Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: Huang Xin-Juan , Li Xu-Ying , Luo Lu
Published: June 2021

Aims: To assess the occurrence of Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) after standard antiemetic therapy in the acute (24 h post-chemotherapy) and delayed (2–5 days post-chemotherapy) phases, as well as to identify risk factors for CINV in the acute and delayed phases. Methods: This prospective longitudinal and observational study analyzed the data of 400 breast cancer patients scheduled for chemotherapy over two cycles in two hospitals. The self-report survey was developed to assess the occurrence of CINV and their associated factors. CINV was evaluated with a Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer Antiemetic Tool (MAT) on days 2 and 6 of chemotherapy. The incidence of acute and delayed CINV were presented by frequency and percentage. Generalized equation estimates (GEE) was used to identify risk factors of acute and delayed CINV. Results: There were 400 evaluable patients with complete Round 1 data, 334 for Round 2 data. Among 400 patients, 29.8% and 23.5% experienced acute and delayed CINV, respectively. Risk factors associated with for acute CINV were pain/insomnia, history of CINV, history of motion sickness (MS), and highly emetogenic chemotherapy regimen, while history of MS, CINV history, number of completed chemotherapy cycle number < 3, and the incidence of acute CINV were risk factors of delayed CINV (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings may help nurses working for Chinese population in identifying patients at risk for CINV and in planning effective program to reduce the occurrence of CINV.
System Availability Study Results in the Example of Radio Communication System in the Underground Mine
Authors: Bazargur Batzorig , Bataa Otgonbayar , Budjav Uuganbayar
Published: June 2021

The availability rating of any system is the probability that it will be able to operate for a given time in other words, to restore the system in the case of a system failure, or during the failure it is a measure of the availability index of resource system. We aimed to complete the study for the reasons as below. The rating and upgrading of underground mine radio communication system availability is to ensure operation reliability of the underground mine and to establish reliable radio communication system for miner’s safety during failure. Therefore, our study is contributed to reveal system availability rating of single resource (with two parallel connections) system and two resources (with three parallel connections) system. The study is related to not only practical contribution but also reliability engineering theory. To achieve this result, we have used Exponential, Weibull, and Poisson distributions. The readiness rating of single resource (with two parallel connections) and two resources (with three parallel connections) systems were calculated using Matlab software and the simulation results were introduced. This result confirms that any system has a resource system, which increases its readiness rating. The study was in examples of single resource radio communication system on the two shafts of the underground mine and two resource radio communication system for three shafts. During the initial system reliability enhancement study, the readiness of the dual resource system was assessed. The rating shows a 99 percent result, which is very meaningless for systems with more than two n-resources and we have revealed that it can show more than 100 percent result. In the process of the study on system reliability improvement the rating availability of system which has two resources was 99 % result. It is very meaningless for systems with more than two n-resources or more than 100% result.
Risk-Return Analysis on Optimum Portfolio Selection of Islamic Stocks
Authors: Amaroh Siti , Nasichah Chanif
Published: June 2021

This study aims to determine the optimum portfolio category and analyze the risk-return on a formed portfolio. Data was taken from eighteen listed companies indexed by Jakarta Islamic Index during 2015-2018. Stock returns are calculated based on the closing price at the end of each month in the period. Sharia Certificate of Bank Indonesia is a proxy of risk-free return, while the market return is measured by the value of the Jakarta Islamic Index. Stocks are sorted by the value of excess return to beta (ERB) from highest to lowest, and to obtain optimal stock portfolio candidates, and the ERB value must be compared with the cut-off rate value. Seven issuers qualify for forming the optimum portfolio of shares. The results show that the optimum portfolio return is greater than the expected return and the expected risk-free return. When compared between individual stock returns and portfolio stock returns, some individual stocks provide higher returns than portfolio returns. However, the risk of individual shares was also higher than the risk of the portfolio. This finding proves that risk can be reduced optimally in Islamic stocks selection by forming an optimum portfolio.
Endodontic Treatment of Periapical Lesions Using Bioceramic Sealers
Authors: Shumilovich Bogdan , Podoprigora Anna , Sushchenko Andrey , Rostovtsev Vladimir , Bishtova Irina , Stepanov Iliya
Published: June 2021

This article presents clinical cases of successful endodontic treatment of the main types of combined apical and marginal pathology. Based on the results obtained, the optimal method that ensures a successful treatment result for this pathology in one visit, often without subsequent surgical manipulations, is an adequate endodontic mechanical intervention with subsequent obturation of the root canals with a bioceramic sealer, which is confirmed by the literature data.
Vitamin D Deficiency Manifested by Premature Ventricular Complexes from RVOT: A Report on Two Twins
Authors: Cismaru Gabriel , Lazea Cecilia , Iacob Daniela , Cainap Simona
Published: June 2021

Vitamin D receptor is present in almost every cell of the body. Although some studies have suggested that values >30ng/ml would be sufficient, there is no consensus on the optimal values of serum vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to “benign” manifestations, such as back pain, joint pain, fatigue, and heavy sweating. Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) originating from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) are considered “benign,” as they occur in patients without structural heart disease and their exact cause remains unknown. We describe the case of a 10-year-old boy with frequent PVCs and vitamin D deficiency that was corrected after vitamin D supplementation. On the contrary, his twin brother had normal serum vitamin D and no PVCs. The disappearance of PVCs occurred after treatment with vitamin D 2000 IU/day.
Relationship between the Deformation Properties of the Left Ventricle and the Severity of Coronary Atherosclerosis in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Bekmetova F. , Fozilov Kh. , Doniyorov Sh. , Alieva R. , Mukhamedova M. , lkhomova L. , Khoshimov Sh. , Bekmetova S.
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to assess the properties of left ventricular myocardial deformation in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) with various degrees of coronary lesions. Methods and Results: The study included 74 patients with stable angina pectoris Class II-IV aged between 40 and 70 years. All patients underwent the following examinations: assessment of traditional risk factors, physical examination, general clinical and laboratory blood tests, 12-lead ECG, 24-hour ABPM, transthoracic echocardiography, two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), and coronary angiography (CAG). The SYNTAX score was calculated retrospectively according to the SYNTAX score algorithm. All patients were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 included 21 patients with a low SYNTAX score (0–22), for whom standard drug therapy was recommended; Group 2 included 28 patients with an intermediate SYNTAX score (23–32), to whom PCI was recommended; Group 3 included 25 patients with a high SYNTAX score (≥33), to whom CABG was recommended. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) obtained using the modified biplane Simpson's method was significantly lower in Group 3 than in Groups 1 and 2 (P=0.001); it should be noted that this indicator was within the normative values in Groups 1 and 2, and belonged to the gradation “mild dysfunction.” A more objective quantitative assessment of the contractile function of the LV myocardium was obtained by assessing the GLS and SR. The comparative analysis of the LV myocardial deformation properties in the three studied groups showed that in Group 3 the GLS and SR indicators were significantly lower than in Group 1 (P=0.000 and P=0.0020). Moreover, GLS (global longitudinal strain) and SR (strain rate) were significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (P=0.0001 and P=0.0133, respectively). GLS significantly correlated with LVEF (r=0.57; P<0.05), E/A (r=0.22; P<0.05), and SYNTAX score (r=-0.63; P<0.05). SR significantly correlated with LVEF (r=0.49; P<0.05) and SYNTAX score (r=-0.37; P<0.05) Conclusion: The results obtained indicate the diagnostic value of STE with the determination of GLS and SR in a comprehensive assessment of the severity of SAD. GLS and SR significantly correlate with the clinical course of the disease, as well as indicators of LV remodeling and LV diastolic dysfunction. STE analysis of GLS and SR has incremental diagnostic value over transthoracic echocardiography in predicting significant CAD.
Life Quality and Cytokines Profile in Patients with Asthma and Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ivanchuk Yuliya , Tribuntceva Ludmila , Budnevsky Andrey , Shkatova Yanina , Ovsyannikov Evgeniy , Tokmachev Roman
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate levels of leptin, adiponectin, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α, oxidative damage, and antioxidant status in patients with bronchial asthma (BA), compared to patients who suffer from both BA and osteoarthritis (OA), and analyze the quality of life in such patients. Methods and Results: The study included 103 patients (34 men and 69 women) diagnosed with moderate asthma aged from 30 to 70 years (mean age of 58.52±7.14 years). The levels of IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α, adiponectin, leptin, total antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidative damage (TOD) were measured. Two questionnaires were used in this study: Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) and Asthma Control Test (АСТ). The levels of leptin, TNF-α, and Il-6 were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1. On the contrary, the IL-4 level was higher in Group 1 than in Group 2. The TAS value was significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (P=0.0001). The TOD value was significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (P=0.0000). The domains of AQLQ(S) activity, symptoms, and emotions were decreased in patients of Group 2. The values of the ACT test were 18.0±2.61 points and 16.78±1.92 points in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (P=0.0077). Conclusion: In patients with both asthma and osteoarthritis, levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as leptin, IL-6, and TNF-α, are significantly elevated as well as values of total oxidative status, which correlate with poorer asthma control and quality of life.
Hematological Alterations Induced by Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Altayeb Twasol Elsheikh Musa , Mohammed Nasreldeen Ali , Abdelghani Sara , Eltayeb Lienda Bashier
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to assess visceral leishmaniasis (VL) among infected Sudanese patients in Al–Gedaref state. Methods and Results: A case-control study was conducted among patients with VL attending Al–Gaderif Teaching Hospital. A total of 80 subjects were included in the study: 40 patients with VL (the main group [MG]) and 40 apparently healthy individuals (the control group [CG]). The complete blood count (CBC) was determined using the Sysmex KX-21 N hematological analyzer. The platelet-poor plasma was used to determine prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). The age group of 12-21 years was the most frequent (40%) among VL patients. Male patients were significantly more frequent (72.5%) than females (P-value=0.02). In MG, the Hb level was 8.71±1.73g/dL, compared to 14.25±4.11g/dL in CG, which reflected the severity of the disease. WBCs and neutrophils decreased significantly, compared to CG, but lymphocytes increased significantly. Thrombocytopenia was observed among pediatric patients, indicating bleeding tendency as one of the VL complications. The platelet and coagulation profile of patients was also altered. PT and aPTT were prolonged significantly, compared to CG.
The Peculiarities of Heart Rate Variability in Student Athletes
Authors: Martusevich Andrew , Bocharin Ivan , Ronzhina Natalia , Apoyan Solomon , Dilenyan Levon , Gurjanov Maxim
Published: June 2021

The aim of this research was to study the peculiarities of heart rate variability (HRV) and microcirculation in students, depending on their sport specialization. Methods and Results: Our study included the results of a survey of 96 students from 18 to 21 years of age who were the members of the national teams of their universities in athletics (n=49) and floorball (n=47). For ECG registration and analysis of hemodynamic findings, including those characterizing the HRV, we used the “Medical Soft” sports testing system (“MS FIT Pro”). For monitoring, we used the standard hemodynamic patterns (blood pressure, HR, stroke volume, cardiac output, and others), statistical and spectral indicators of the HRV, as well as an integral criterion of the state of microcirculation. The studied HRV parameters in most students generally were within the age range. At the same time, track and field athletes have large adaptive resources and, consequently, a more optimal level of myocardial fitness, in comparison with floorball players. Conclusion: The orientation of sports training among students affects heart condition.
Rail Track with Rail Compression
Authors: Sukhodoev V. N.
Published: June 2021

The problem of damping the noise on the track, arising from the movement of the train, is solved sufficiently but it is simple, if the rail with spacers is laid inside the longitudinally located band sleeper-mechanism. The result is a layered rail thread, consisting of belts: a rail tape with elastic spacers on three sides, a tie-mechanism tape and a ballast layer. The unity of the layers is carried out due to their own mass. This is the static track without external load. Rail compression is an effective property of rail tracks. It is formed in the sleeper mechanism under the influence of vertical forces with displacements and their horizontal derivatives. When loading the track, the compression is carried out repeatedly with subsequent unloading.n this case, each previous changes in the conditions in work of the track are taken into account in the subsequent cycle of loading and unloading. A rail track with a rail compression is a kind of self-adapting linear system, which is necessary with frequent changes in load and operating conditions for silent performance of a functional purpose. The specificity of this path is that the movement of the wheel creates rail vibration and noise, which are immediately damped by compression with damping. The balance between the occurrence of noise and its suppression is achieved by the ratio of the lengths of half-sleeper shoulders as a lever. The condition for the appearance of a shift of the compression forces in the direction from vertical shoulder of the half-sleepers is the unequal settlements of the horizontal shoulder of the L-shaped half-sleepers and its eccentric loading. As a result of the research, the advantages of a rail track with rail compression have been revealed, which is a guarantor of the stability of the design parameters during long-term operation of the track. The cost of a rail track with rail reduction is halved as a result of steel savings, lower labor costs and operational needs.
Re-evaluation of the 1941 Rock Slide at Brilliant Cut, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Authors: Hamel James V.
Published: June 2021

On March 20, 1941, more than 110,000 yd3 (84,000 m3) of rock slumped from Brilliant Cut in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Failure was triggered by water pressure buildup due to ice blockage of drainage outlets on the slope face. I investigated this slide as part of my Ph.D. research at the University of Pittsburgh in 1968–1969 and have continued to study it. Historical photographs discovered in 1997 provided new insights on the construction and failure of Brilliant Cut and led to this re-evaluation. In this paper, my 1968–1969 work is summarized and then additional geological and historical information is presented along with key observations from the historical photographs. These photographs reveal that slope excavation at Brilliant Cut in 1930–1931 removed lateral support, in turn initiating stress release and progressive failure that loosened or broke bedrock adjacent to the cut. This fractured rock mass remained marginally stable for a decade but then collapsed in March 1941. The 1941 failure was triggered by water held back in rock fractures by a frozen crust over talus and fractured rock on the slope face. A progressive failure mechanism by Brooker and Peck explains the behavior of Brilliant Cut from 1931 to 1941. Sliding Block stability analyses demonstrate the mechanism of progressive failure and suggest that friction angles were reduced gradually to near-residual values along the failure surface, with low water levels in the slope. With drainage blocked in 1941, a water level developed about 30 ft (9 m) above the basal failure surface to initiate the catastrophic failure. This water level is below that previously inferred to have existed at the time of failure.
An Integrated InSAR-Borehole Inclinometer-Numerical Modeling Approach to the Assessment of a Slow-Moving Landslide
Authors: Francioni Mirko , Stead Doug , Sharma Jayanti , Clague John J. , Brideau Marc-André
Published: June 2021

We use results of satellite-based interferometric synthetic aperture radar, Global Positioning System, and borehole inclinometer data to constrain numerical models that improve understanding of slope deformation at the Alexandria landslide, British Columbia, Canada. Surface monitoring data and borehole slope inclinometer measurements provide important insight into the slope failure mechanism. We initially analyzed the data in a geographic information system (GIS) to create thematic maps of the landslide area (hillshade, slope, and aspect), to identify key geological features, and to produce an engineering geomorphology map of the landslide. The monitoring data and the geological/engineering geomorphological models provide important constraints for two-dimensional landslide limit equilibrium and finite difference analyses. The initial limit equilibrium analysis improved understanding of the sliding surfaces. The finite difference models were then used to simulate and investigate the potential slope deformation mechanism. The combined slope monitoring/modeling results show that the Alexandria landslide is a slow-moving, multiple-block, retrogressive slope failure. The close agreement between the limit equilibrium and finite difference analyses, together with the satellite and ground-based slope monitoring and GIS data, highlight the importance of using a multidisciplinary/integrated approach in landslide studies.
Sparse Neural Networks for Inference of Interwell Connectivity and Production Prediction
Authors: Yu Junjie , Jahandideh Atefeh , Hakim-Elahi Siavash , Jafarpour Behnam
Published: June 2021

A new neural network-based proxy model is presented for prediction of well production performance and interpretation of interwell connectivity in large oil fields. The workflow consists of two stages. The first stage uses feature learning to describe the general input-output relations that exist among the wells and to characterize the interwell connectivity. In the second stage, the identified interwell connectivity patterns are used as network topology to develop a multilayer neural network proxy model, with nonlinear activation functions, to predict the production performance of each producer. The estimation of connectivity patterns in the first stage serves as an interpretable feature-learning step to improve the effectiveness of the proxy model in the second stage. Identification of interwell connectivity is based on the selection property of the ℓ1-norm minimization by promoting sparsity in the estimated connectivity weights. The sparsity of the network is motivated by the domain knowledge that each production well is mainly supported by a few nearby injection wells. That is, a proxy model that allows each producer to communicate with all the other wells in the field is inherently redundant and must have an unknown sparse representation. The sparse structure of the connection weights in the resulting network is detected by promoting sparsity during the training process. Two synthetic numerical examples, with known solutions, are first used to demonstrate the functionality and effectiveness of ℓ1-norm regularization for interwell connectivity identification. The workflow is then applied to a real field waterflooding example in Long Beach to predict oil production and to infer interwell connectivity information. Overall, the workflow provides a proxy model that effectively combines the implicit physical information from simulated data with reservoir engineering insight to identify interwell connectivity and to predict well production trends.
Primary Pituitary EBV-associated NK/T-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Motov Stefan , Butenschoen Vicki Marie , Ryang Yu-Mi , Gempt Jens , Boeckh-Behrens Tobias , Liesche-Starnecker Friederike , Schneller Folker , Rothhammer Veit , Seifert Christian , Slotta-Huspenina Julia
Published: June 2021

BackgroundPrimary pituitary NK-/T-cell lymphomas are extremely rare pathologies and there is only limited information about their clinical course, treatment and prognosis.Case presentationWe present a case of a 78-year-old patient with a sellar nodular mass. After onset of symptoms with productive cough, hoarseness, swallowing disorder and recurrent fever her condition rapidly deteriorated. Open biopsy through a right pterional approach was performed and histopathological evaluation revealed an EBV-associated NK/ T-cell lymphoma. High-dose corticosteroid therapy was initiated. However the patient passed away 37 days after admission due to respiratory insufficiency. ConclusionWe describe an unusual case of EBV-associated NK-/T-cell lymphoma of the CNS manifesting as a pituitary gland tumor. This particular entity presented with a pronounced aggressive local tumor growth with lethal outcome.
Diffusion modeling reveals effects of multiple release sites and human activity on a recolonizing apex predator
Authors: Eisaguirre Joseph , Williams Perry , Lu Xinyi , Kissling Michelle , Beatty William , Esslinger George , Womble Jamie , Hooten Mevin
Published: June 2021

Background: Reintroducing predators is a promising conservation tool to help remedy human-caused ecosystem changes. However, the growth and spread of a reintroduced population is a spatiotemporal process that is driven by a suite of factors, such as habitat change, human activity, and prey availability. Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) are apex predators of nearshore marine ecosystems that had declined nearly to extinction across much of their range by the early 20th century. In Southeast Alaska, which is comprised of a diverse matrix of nearshore habitat and managed areas, reintroduction of 413 individuals in the late 1960s initiated the growth and spread of a population that now exceeds 25,000. Methods: Periodic aerial surveys in the region provide a time series of spatially-explicit data to investigate factors influencing this successful and ongoing recovery. We integrated an ecological diffusion model that accounted for spatially-variable motility and density-dependent population growth, as well as multiple population epicenters, into a Bayesian hierarchical framework to help understand the factors influencing the success of this recovery. Results: Our results indicated that sea otters exhibited higher residence time as well as greater equilibrium abundance in Glacier Bay, a protected area, and in areas where there is limited or no commercial fishing. Asymptotic spread rates suggested sea otters colonized Southeast Alaska at rates of 1-8 km/yr with lower rates occurring in areas correlated with higher residence time, which primarily included areas near shore and closed to commercial fishing. Further, we found that the intrinsic growth rate of sea otters may be higher than previous estimates suggested. Conclusions: This study shows how predator recolonization can occur from multiple population epicenters. Additionally, our results suggest spatial heterogeneity in the physical environment as well as human activity and management can influence recolonization processes, both in terms of movement (or motility) and density dependence.