bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New interinstitutional, multimodal presurgical evaluation protocol associated with improved seizure freedom for poorly defined cases of focal epilepsy in children
Authors: Schur Solon , Moreau Jeremy T. , Khoo Hui Ming , Koupparis Andreas , Simard Tremblay Elisabeth , Myers Kenneth A. , Osterman Bradley , Rosenblatt Bernard , Farmer Jean-Pierre , Saint-Martin Christine , Turpin Sophie , Hall Jeff , Olivier Andre , Bernasconi Andrea , Bernasconi Neda , Baillet Sylvain , Dubeau Francois , Gotman Jean , Dudley Roy W. R.
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVE

In an attempt to improve postsurgical seizure outcomes for poorly defined cases (PDCs) of pediatric focal epilepsy (i.e., those that are not visible or well defined on 3T MRI), the authors modified their presurgical evaluation strategy. Instead of relying on concordance between video-electroencephalography and 3T MRI and using functional imaging and intracranial recording in select cases, the authors systematically used a multimodal, 3-tiered investigation protocol that also involved new collaborations between their hospital, the Montreal Children’s Hospital, and the Montreal Neurological Institute. In this study, the authors examined how their new strategy has impacted postsurgical outcomes. They hypothesized that it would improve postsurgical seizure outcomes, with the added benefit of identifying a subset of tests contributing the most.

METHODS

Chart review was performed for children with PDCs who underwent resection following the new strategy (i.e., new protocol [NP]), and for the same number who underwent treatment previously (i.e., preprotocol [PP]); ≥ 1-year follow-up was required for inclusion. Well-defined, multifocal, and diffuse hemispheric cases were excluded. Preoperative demographics and clinical characteristics, resection volumes, and pathology, as well as seizure outcomes (Engel class Ia vs > Ia) at 1 year postsurgery and last follow-up were reviewed.

RESULTS

Twenty-two consecutive NP patients were compared with 22 PP patients. There was no difference between the two groups for resection volumes, pathology, or preoperative characteristics, except that the NP group underwent more presurgical evaluation tests (p < 0.001). At 1 year postsurgery, 20 of 22 NP patients and 10 of 22 PP patients were seizure free (OR 11.81, 95% CI 2.00–69.68; p = 0.006). Magnetoencephalography and PET/MRI were associated with improved postsurgical seizure outcomes, but both were highly correlated with the protocol group (i.e., independent test effects could not be demonstrated).

CONCLUSIONS

A new presurgical evaluation strategy for children with PDCs of focal epilepsy led to improved postsurgical seizure freedom. No individual presurgical evaluation test was independently associated with improved outcome, suggesting that it may be the combined systematic protocol and new interinstitutional collaborations that makes the difference rather than any individual test.
A survival analysis of ventricular access devices for delivery of cerliponase alfa
Authors: Craven Claudia L. , Gissen Paul , Bower Rebecca , Lee Laura , Aquilina Kristian , Thompson Dominic N. P.
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVE

Late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by tripeptidyl peptidase 1 enzyme deficiency. At the authors’ center, the medication cerliponase alfa is administered every 2 weeks via the intracerebroventricular (ICV) route. This requires the placement of a ventricular access device (VAD) or reservoir and frequent percutaneous punctures of this device over the child’s lifetime. In this study, the authors audited the longevity and survival of these VADs and examined the causes of device failure.

METHODS

A single-center survival analysis of VAD insertions and revisions (January 2014 through June 2020) was conducted. All children received cerliponase alfa infusions through a VAD. Patient characteristics and complications were determined from a prospectively maintained surgical database and patient records. For the VAD survival analysis, the defined endpoint was when the device was removed or changed. Reservoir survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank (Cox-Mantel) test.

RESULTS

A total of 17 patients had VADs inserted for drug delivery; median (range) age at first surgery was 4 years 4 months (1 year 8 months to 15 years). Twenty-six VAD operations (17 primary insertions and 9 revisions) were required among these 17 patients. Twelve VAD operations had an associated complication, including CSF infection (n = 6) with Propionibacterium and Staphylococcus species being the most prevalent organisms, significant surgical site swelling preventing infusion (n = 3), leakage/wound breakdown (n = 2), and catheter obstruction (n = 1). There were no complications or deaths associated with VAD insertion. The median (interquartile range) number of punctures was 12.0 (7.5–82.0) for unrevised VADs (n = 17) versus 29.0 (6–87.5) for revised VADs (n = 9) (p = 0.70). The median survival was 301 days for revisional reservoirs (n = 9) versus 2317 days for primary inserted reservoirs (n = 17) (p = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

In the context of the current interest in intrathecal drug delivery for rare metabolic disorders, the need for VADs is likely to increase. Auditing the medium- to long-term outcomes associated with these devices will hopefully result in their wider application and may have potential implications on the development of new VAD technologies. These results could also be used to counsel parents prior to commencement of therapy and VAD implantation.
NILAI BUDAYA MASJID JAMIâ€™ SUNGAI LUMPUR KELURAHAN II ULU PALEMBANG SEBAGAI SUMBER PEMBELAJARAN SEJARAH
Authors: Susanti Maya , Idris Muhamad , Suriadi Aan
Published: October 2021

Masjid Jamiâ€™ Sungai Lumpur Palembang adalah salah satu masjid tertua yang berada di Kota Palembang (1259 H/1837 M) hingga sampai saat ini Masjid Jamiâ€™ Sungai Lumpur masih terawat dengan rapi. Permasalahan penelitian adalah untuk mengetahui nilai budaya Masjid Jamiâ€™ Sungai Lumpur sebagai sumber pembelajaran sejarah. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui nilai budaya Masjid Jamiâ€™ Sungai Lumpur sebagai sumber pembelajaran sejarah. Metode penelitian adalah metode deskriptif kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan observasi, dokumentasi, wawancara dan kajian pustaka. Teknik analisis data dengan reduksi data, penyajian data, dan verifikasi. Dari hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan Masjid Jamiâ€™ Sungai Lumpur memiliki nilai sejarah syiar Islam di Kota Palembang pada abad 19 Masehi. Masjid Jamiâ€™ Sungai Lumpur memiliki nilai budaya berupa nilai tangible dan intangible. Nilai budaya tangible Masjid Jamiâ€™ Sungai Lumpur antara lain seni arsitektur bangunan masjid, seni ukiran, seni lukis, benda upacara keagamaan (bedug, bendera, tongkat, panggung kotbah). Nilai budaya intangible Masjid Jamiâ€™ Sungai Lumpur antara lain: konsep sembilan, konsep kearifan lingkungan pelestarian lahan basah. Nilai sejarah dan nilai budaya Masjid Jamiâ€™ Sungai Lumpur dapat dijadikan sumber ajar, materi pengayaan materi penyebaran agama Islam dan sejarah lokal.
Mexico: Strengthen education on adolescent reproductive health
Authors:   Frontiers in Public Health
Published: October 2021

Unprotected sex among Mexico’s young people often leads to unplanned pregnancy and unwanted births as well as risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV. From 1999 to 2002, FRONTIERS worked with the nongovernmental organization MEXFAM to test the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost of community-, clinic-, and school-based interventions to improve the reproductive health (RH) of youth aged 10–19. Eight cities were selected as intervention sites, and four as control sites. In the intervention sites, researchers worked with coordinators and “multipliers”—local community members such as teachers, community leaders, health-care providers, and peer educators—who taught courses on adolescent RH. In the community intervention, multipliers conducted outreach through events such as plays, sports events, parades, and concerts. In the clinic-based component, providers offered youth-friendly services at their health facilities. Four of the intervention cities also received a school-based intervention. As concluded in this brief, young people in Mexico have a general knowledge of RH, but their weak understanding of reproductive physiology and STIs makes them vulnerable to the consequences of risky behavior. Program managers should strengthen education on adolescent RH for both young people and service providers.
Detecting Driver Drowsiness with Multi-Sensor Data Fusion Combined with Machine Learning
Authors: Kulhandjian Hovannes
Published: October 2021

In this research work, we develop a drowsy driver detection system through the application of visual and radar sensors combined with machine learning. The system concept was derived from the desire to achieve a high level of driver safety through the prevention of potentially fatal accidents involving drowsy drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving resulted in 50,000 injuries across 91,000 police-reported accidents, and a death toll of nearly 800 in 2017. The objective of this research work is to provide a working prototype of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems that can be installed in present-day vehicles. By integrating two modes of visual surveillance to examine a biometric expression of drowsiness, a camera and a micro-Doppler radar sensor, our system offers high reliability over 95% in the accuracy of its drowsy driver detection capabilities. The camera is used to monitor the driver’s eyes, mouth and head movement and recognize when a discrepancy occurs in the driver's blinking pattern, yawning incidence, and/or head drop, thereby signaling that the driver may be experiencing fatigue or drowsiness. The micro-Doppler sensor allows the driver's head movement to be captured both during the day and at night. Through data fusion and deep learning, the ability to quickly analyze and classify a driver's behavior under various conditions such as lighting, pose-variation, and facial expression in a real-time monitoring system is achieved.
Toward love and sex narrative generation using a noun conceptual dictionary
Authors: Ono Jumpei , Kawai Miku , Ogata Takashi
Published: October 2021

At “The International Congress on Love & Sex with Robots,” love and sex issues related to robots have been discussed. This discussion of robots has applications in nursing care and other. Love and sex are also important themes for narratives. We develop a system to generate stories, and consider a robot that tells stories as one of the applications of story generation. The purpose is to present a prototyping system that generates a new narrative expression based on the theme of “love and sex” by exchanging the concept of character in the input narrative expression with a new concept using our noun concept dictionary. We call the method of collecting nouns based on a certain theme and embedding them in a story to give the story a certain atmosphere “colouring.” This paper is to develop a prototype of a system that uses “colouring” to give a certain atmosphere to a story. We create a prototype and study the issues of the system. In the future, this prototype will serve as a stepping stone to a system that generates narratives based on specific themes. Eventually, we will study the use of robotic interactive psychotherapy, in which the robot converses with humans.
Natural Phosphates Characterization and Evaluation of their Removal Efficiency of Methylene Blue and Methyl Orange from Aqueous Media
Authors:   Sultan Moulay Slimane University of Beni Mellal, Research Group in Environmental Sciences and Applied Materials (SEMA),  FP Khouribga, B.P. 145, 25000, Morocco, Assimeddine Meryem , Abdennouri Mohamed ,   Sultan Moulay Slimane University of Beni Mellal, Research Group in Environmental Sciences and Applied Materials (SEMA),  FP Khouribga, B.P. 145, 25000, Morocco, Barka Noureddine ,   Sultan Moulay Slimane University of Beni Mellal, Research Group in Environmental Sciences and Applied Materials (SEMA),  FP Khouribga, B.P. 145, 25000, Morocco, Elmoubarki Rachid ,   Sultan Moulay Slimane University of Beni Mellal, Research Group in Environmental Sciences and Applied Materials (SEMA),  FP Khouribga, B.P. 145, 25000, Morocco, Sadiq M’hamed ,   Sultan Moulay Slimane University of Beni Mellal, Research Group in Environmental Sciences and Applied Materials (SEMA),  FP Khouribga, B.P. 145, 25000, Morocco
Published: October 2021

This study evaluated the capacity of a rock phosphate for the adsorption of organic dyes methylene blue MB and methyl orange MO in aqueous solution, in order to minimize the impact of these dyes on the environment. The physicochemical characterization of natural phosphates (NP) shows that its mineralogy is carbonate-fluorapatite, calcite and quartz, as demonstrated by X-ray diffraction. An infrared (IR) analysis completed the structural study by confirming the characteristic bands of a carbonated fluorapatite type B. The influence of adsorbent dose, pH, initial concentration and temperature of the dye solution on adsorption onto NP was studied. The experimental results show that MB is adsorbed almost entirely at an adsorbent dose of 1 g/L and at a more basic pH and that the Langmuir model describes its isotherm well. For MO, adsorption is performed at acidic pH, such that discoloration reaches 60% at pH 4 and NP adsorbent dose of 10 g/L. The maximum adsorbed amounts of MB (pH=9) and MO (pH=4) were found to be 9.54 and 1.09 mg/g, respectively. The kinetic data were analyzed to show that the pseudo-second-order model seems to be the most appropriate to describe the adsorption dynamics of both dyes on the naturel phosphate. The thermodynamic results show that the adsorption is endothermic for MB and exothermic for MO. So, rock phosphate shows a good potential as a sorbent for cationic dyes removal from wastewater.
Dukungan tenaga kesehatan dalam keberhasilan ASI eksklusif: A scoping review
Authors: Fitriani Dyah Ayu , Astuti Adari Wuri , Utami Fitria Siswi
Published: October 2021

Latar belakang: Dua tahun pertama kehidupan manusia merupakan masa emas untuk membentuk fondasi pertumbuhan, perkembangan, dan kesehatan dalam jangka panjang, sehingga sangat penting untuk memastikan bahwa anak usia 0-2 tahun mendapatkan nutrisi yang optimal. Upaya yang lebih mudah dan lebih murah untuk mencapainya adalah dengan memberdayakan ibu dalam pemberian ASI Eksklusif dan terus memberikan ASI hingga 2 tahun, serta makanan pendamping yang berkualitas. Tujuan penelitian: Mereview evidence terkait dukungan tenaga kesehatan pada ibu dalam keberhasilan ASI Eksklusif. Metode: Scoping review ini menggunakan framework dari Arksey dan O’Malley. Hasil: Berdasarkan 8 artikel terseleksi, diperoleh 3 artikel dengan  grade A dan 5 artikel dengan grade B, 1 artikel dari negara berkembang dan 7 artikel dari negara maju. Tiga tema muncul sebagai hasil dari scoping review yaitu jenis dukungan tenaga kesehatan, Respon ibu terhadap dukungan tenaga kesehatan, dan manfaat dukungan tenaga kesehatan dalam keberhasilan ASI Eksklusif. Simpulan: Dari 8 artikel yang ditelaah ditemukan bahwa dukungan tenaga kesehatan adalah salah satu faktor yang terkait dengan pemberian ASI Eksklusif pada ibu yang menyusui. Secara khusus, ibu yang menerima dukungan tenaga kesehatan yang memadai memiliki manfaat dalam meningkatkan kepercayaan diri dan kepuasan ibu serta dapat menambah wawasan dan pengetahuan ibu dalam ASI Eksklusif.
A novel nicotinoyl thiourea manganese complex: synthesis, characterization, and biological activity studies
Authors: ÖZGERİŞ Fatma Betül , YILDIRIM Merve , GÖRMEZ Arzu , ÖZGERİŞ Bünyamin
Published: October 2021

Bu çalışmada daha önce grubumuz tarafından sentezlenen nikotinoil tiyoüre, nikotinik asit ve 3,5-dimetoksi anilinden başlanarak sentezlenmiştir. Elde edilen ürün Mangan (II) asetat tetrahidrat ile tepkimeye sokularak 1:1 metal-ligand oranıyla nikotinoyil tiyoüre mangan kompleksi sentezlenmiştir. Sentezlenen yeni metal kompleksinin kimyasal yapısı FTIR, HRMS, XRD ve elementel analiz ile karakterize edilmiştir. Çalışmanın ikinci bölümünde sentezlenen metal kompleksin antibakteriyel ve antioksidan aktiviteleri araştırılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre metal kompleksi herhangi bir antibakteriyel aktivite göstermemiştir. Bununla birlikte metal kompleksi DPPH, ABTS ve kuprak metotlarında standart antioksidanlara göre güçlü veya eşit potansiyelli antioksidan özellikler sergilemiştir. Bu nedenle, metal kompleksi gıdanın korunması gibi aşamalarda ve oksidatif stres ile ilişkili birçok hastalığın tedavisinde bir antioksidan ajan olarak değerlendirilebilir.
Epidemiology Study on Poisoning in Patients Received Pre-hospital Emergency Services in Ghaemshahr, Iran
Authors:   Department of Anesthesiology and Operating Room, Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran., Nasiri Ebrahim , Talebi Peyman ,   National Medical Emergency Organization, Ministry of Health, Treatment and Education, Tehran, Iran., Mahmoudpour Qasem ,   National Medical Emergency Organization, Ministry of Health, Treatment and Education, Tehran, Iran., Rezaei Orimi Jamal ,   Student Research Committee, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Published: October 2021

Background: Poisoning is an important public health issue and causes high mortality rate each year worldwide. Having epidemiological information can lead to proper planning for its prevention and intervention. Objective: This study aims to investigate the one-year prevalence and causes of poisoning in patients received pre-hospital emergency services in Ghaemshahr, Mazandaran, Iran. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. After reviewing the medical files of 12552 patients collected from the Medical Emergency and Accident Management Center in Ghaemshahr, Iran in 2016, 398 poisoned patients were found. Their data including age, gender, place of residence, agent and cause of poisoning, and received therapeutic interventions were extracted and recorded. Results: Of 398 patients, 17.3% had received treatment; 271 (68.1%) were male and 127 (31.9%) were female. The most common cause of poisoning was abuse (58.1%); 58.3% of the poisonings were caused by the use of medications and the rest were non-medication poisonings. Tramadol (29.6%) was the most common medication that had caused poisoning. Among non-medication poisonings, the most common agent were substances (22.6%) and alcohol (13.1%). The most common route of exposure to poisoning agent (toxins) was by ingestion. Conclusion: Due to the increasing abuse of substances and medications such as tramadol among young people and considering the high prevalence of intentional poisoning in young women, there are a need for psychological support, proper monitoring of medicine distribution, and creating social and recreational opportunities for the young people in Iran.
Effect of an Intervention Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior on Self-Care Behavior of Patients With Hypertension: A Clinical Trial
Authors:   Department of Health Training and Enhancement, Faculty of Health, Guilan Medical University, Rasht, Iran., Mehrabia Fardin , Farmanbar Rabiollah ,   Department of Health Training and Enhancement, Faculty of Health, Guilan Medical University, Rasht, Iran., Mahdavi Roshan Marjan ,   Department of Cardiology, Heshmat Hospital, Guilan Interventional Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran., Farzan Ramyar ,   Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran., Omidi Saeid ,   Department of Health Training and Enhancement, Faculty of Health, Guilan Medical University, Rasht, Iran., Aghebati Roghayeh ,   Department of Health Training and Enhancement, Faculty of Health, Guilan Medical University, Rasht, Iran.
Published: October 2021

Background: Hypertension is an important health problem and one of the most important causes of disability and mortality. Objective This study aims to evaluate the effect of an educational program based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on self-care behaviors in hypertensive patients. Materials and Methods: This is a clinical trial conducted on 180 patients with hypertension referred to health centers in Rasht, Iran in 2014. They were divided into two intervention (n=75) and control (n=75) groups. Data collection tools included a demographic form, the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Food Frequency Questionnaire, and a TPB questionnaire with five constructs including attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavior control, and behavioral intention related to hypertension. Collected data were analyzed in SPSS v. 18 software using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Before intervention, two groups were similar in terms of the scores TPB constructs. After intervention, the mean scores of attitude changed from 4.51 to 4.58; mean scores of subjective norms changed from 4.16 to 4.19; mean scores of perceived behavior control changed from 3.64 to 4.23; and mean scores of behavioral intention changed from 3.88 to 4.24. These differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). No difference was observed in the control group. Conclusion: An educational program based on TPB can promote the self-care behaviors among hypertensive patients
Management of Anesthesia During Splenectomy and Cholecystectomy in a Pregnant Woman With Hereditary Spherocytosis
Authors:   Department of Anesthesiology, Anesthesiology Research Center, Alzahra Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences (GUMS), Rasht, Iran., Khoshrang Hossein , Ghazanfar Tehran Samaneh ,   Department of Anesthesiology, Anesthesiology Research Center, Alzahra Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences (GUMS), Rasht, Iran., Ebrahimi Louyeh Hourvash ,   Rheumatology Research Center, Razi Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences(GUMS), Rasht, Iran., Moafi Madani Seyyed Masoud ,   Department of Anesthesiology, Anesthesiology Research Center, Alzahra Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences (GUMS), Rasht, Iran.
Published: October 2021

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is a familial hemolytic disorder with intracorpuscular mechanism that characterized by the production of red blood cells with sphere-like shape prone to hemolysis and can lead to hemolytic anemia, splenomegaly, jaundice and gallstones. One of the main reasons for referring these patients to the operating room is splenectomy and cholecystectomy to treat the complications of HS. Perioperative concerns in these patients include severe anemia with a need for blood transfusion, aplastic attacks, hypoxemia and acidosis. On the other hand, management of anesthesia during splenectomy and cholecystectomy in pregnant woman with HS is very challenging due to physiological changes associated with pregnancy, choosing the appropriate time to perform the surgeries, and complications of anesthesia drugs on mother and fetus. This case study report the management of anesthesia in a pregnant woman with HS, candidate for simultaneous cholecystectomy and splenectomy.
Pulmonary Function in Long-Term Survivors of Childhood and Adolescence Osteosarcoma: Case Report
Authors: Ribeiro Erica Vieira de Melo , Araujo Orlei Ribeiro de , Wandalsen Gustavo Falbo , Lima Jales Henrique Pereira de , Sousa Rosa Massa Kikuchi de
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Chemotherapy used in osteosarcoma have the potential to cause lung damage. The objectives were to analyze lung volumes and capacities, and respiratory muscle strength of patients treated with chemotherapy and surgery for osteosarcoma. The study was designed as a prospective case-series of patients, through the analysis of spirometry, impulse, oscillometry, and manovacuometry tests. Case report: In twenty-one patients, the median age at diagnosis was 15 years, and at inclusion, 30 years. The median disease-free survival time was 10 years. Eight different chemotherapeutic agents were used: cisplatin, doxorubicin, methotrexate, carboplatin, ifophosphamide, epidoxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and etoposide. There were test abnormalities in 14 patients (66.6%), with mild obstructive disorders on spirometry in three patients (14.3%), and obstructive patterns on oscillometry in seven patients (33.3%). On spirometry, the mean ± standard deviation (SD) values of forced vital capacity (FVC) were 91.9%±12.2; for forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were 87.4%±12.2 and FEV1/FVC ratios, 95.4%±7.9. On oscillometry, mean ± SD values for resistance at 5 Hz were 126.2%±36.2; for resistance at 20 Hz, 128.4%±32.4; reactance at 5 Hz, -0.75±0.68 kPa/L/s; for resonant frequency, 15.6±4.2 Hz. Nine patients (42.8%) had reduced maximum pressures on the manovacuometry: Maximum Expiratory Pressure (MEP) were reduced in eight patients, and inspiratory (MIP) in three. The mean ± SD MIP was 89.4±29.5; MEP, 88±37.7. Conclusion: Mild abnormalities in pulmonary function tests in this series of patients were observed years after treatment for osteosarcoma.
Anti-adherent Molds Yield Hydraulic Concrete Samples Suitable for Assessments of Surface and Water Absorption
Authors: Mora Ernesto , Castellón Erick
Published: October 2021

To assess several quality parameters of hydraulic concrete, cubic samples of this material are commonly assembled in engineering laboratories using molds. It is ubiquitous the use of cubic metallic molds of volume 125 cm3; these molds require the application of demolding substances (such as oils) on their surfaces to avoid the adhesion of the final hardened concrete sample to the molds. Despite this common practice suitable for evaluating mechanical traits of the materials, the use of a demolding agent spoils the concrete samples for the assessment of surface and water absorption parameters. To overcome this difficulty, we propose a new anti-adherent cubic mold that requires no demolding agent. The construction of the new mold based on anti-adherent polytetrafluoroethene (PTFE, Teflon®) is described with its use. To assess the claimed advantages of the new anti-adherent molds in testing surface and water diffusion traits of concrete samples, experiments on water contact angles, rates of water absorption and drying were performed on concrete specimens obtained with the classic and the new PTFE molds. It was proved the advantage of the anti-adherent mold over common metallic molds. The use of an oil as demolding agent in the concrete samples assembled in metallic molds produced conspicuous differences of water contact angles and absorption in comparison to clean concrete samples produced with PTFE molds.
MACROENVIRONMENT OF MODERN INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP OF UKRAINE
Authors: Horiashchenko Yuliia
Published: October 2021

The article examines the state and trends of innovative entrepreneurship in Ukraine. The influence of factors of action on the entrepreneurship of individual-group environment, nanoenvironment, submicroenvironment, microenvironment, mesoenvironment, macroenvironment has been studied. The key indicators of innovation activity in the country and regions are analyzed, in particular the dynamics of information and communication technologies goods exports in total exports of Ukrainian goods, introduced innovative products, performed scientific and technical works and their share in gross domestic product, employees involved in research and development, and also the employed population in the field of education, information, telecommunications, professional, scientific and technical activities, sold innovative products in the amount of industrial, patent applications of residents, etc. The connection between the gross regional product per capita and the level of information and innovation support has been established. The current state of innovative entrepreneurship in Ukraine is characterized by significant innovation and information gaps between regions and industries due to socio-economic inequality, disproportionate economy, different levels of information support and other macro-environmental factors. As a result of the disproportion in the country’s economy, the number of active startups in Kyiv region and Kyiv city is 185, while in some regions there are none. In regions with a higher level of per capita gross regional product, there is a greater number of Internet subscribers, the concentration of the employed population in innovative activities such as education, information and telecommunications, professional, scientific and technical activities that require special knowledge and skills. It is proved that modern Ukrainian entrepreneurship operates in conditions of instability, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. Given the dynamism of innovation processes in the economy, the rapid changes in society and the significant interest and scientific achievements of scientists in the field of innovative entrepreneurship, we consider it necessary to continue to constantly assess its condition and develop operational, tactical and strategic decisions.
HYBRID WAR AS A NEW FORM OF INTERSTATE CONFRONTATION
Authors: Duginets Ganna , Busarieva Tetiana
Published: October 2021

The weakening of the modern system of global security, its deformation and fragmentation lead to the growing chaos of international relations. Modern destructive technologies used in the interests of solving the problem of ensuring the global domination of the West, combined with unskilled and short-sighted actions of governments and irresponsible slogans of the opposition, put individual states and nations on the brink of disaster. Globalization as the strengthening of international economic, financial, political, cultural, demographic relationships and interdependencies affects all three key areas of managing the collective activities of people at the national level: administrative state (political) governance; management of the socio-economic sphere; management of the cultural and ideological sphere. In each area of governance, there are key areas of criticality, which can have a strong impact on the stable development of an individual country. In the context of growing global criticality, the composition of forces taking part in conflicts is changing, new non-traditional threats are emerging. In the context of globalization and the strengthening of the mutual influence of countries in the world space, as well as the rapid development of information technologies, interstate rivalry and confrontation can take fundamentally new forms. In this regard, the issues of the genesis of the phenomenon of hybrid wars and their new form of interstate proto-resistance acquire an important role. The purpose of this article is to analyze the concept of hybrid war from the standpoint of an interdisciplinary approach and prove that hybrid war, being a natural result of globalization, is not just a technology of interstate confrontation, but a separate concept taken in practice as a basis in the modern interstate confrontation between Russia and the United States. The problem of hybrid war is relatively new, in connection with which there is a large number of interpretations of this definition, which makes it difficult to select effective mechanisms to counter the hybrid aggressor.
FORECASTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET OF TOURIST SERVICES IN THE POST-LEKORONOVIRAL PERIOD
Authors: Bielousova Natalia
Published: October 2021

The article provides a general assessment of the activities of the international market of tourism services in the pre-coronavirus period and predicts the recovery of the tourism industry as a component of the economy, after overcoming the pandemic. The article offers statistical and informative material on the role of tourism in the system of world services and the international economy, compares the number of people employed in tourism by years and analyzes the foreign experience of the functioning of the tourist services market, defining the main trends in the development of tourism in the future as a segment of the world economy. It is substantiated that tourism is one of those sectors of the world economy that has suffered more from the pandemic, taking into account UNWTO monitoring, IMF data, analytical studies of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the results of the analysis of economic stability of European agencies Standard and Poor’s, Fitch and Moody’s.
Scenarios of the world’s exit from the economic crisis, in which tourism plays one of the main roles, are proposed, and the consequences of the introduction of certain scenarios into their practical implementation are predicted.
The chances of overcoming the crisis are assessed for Ukraine, which is lagging behind in the implementation of measures in support of the tourism sector, and poses a serious threat to the competitiveness of the industry in the international market during the forecast period of economic recovery. Attention is focused on the fact that financial reforms are being carried out in Ukraine, in which tourism accounts for a relatively small share in the country’s economy. Therefore, the recovery of the tourism segment of the country’s economy is possible under the V-shaped scenario, which will allow the tourism industry to be restored after the pandemic without significant losses. The ways of exit of Ukraine from the difficult economic situation in the tourism industry are determined and the development trends of the Ukrainian market of tourist services are predicted. Information about the strengths and weaknesses of the development of the world tourism market will help determine the most promising areas of activity in the tourism sector and predict the economic feasibility of introducing one direction or another into the public system of economic relations.
IMPORTANCE OF ECOSYSTEM ASSETS FOR PROVIDING THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TERRITORIES
Authors: Ilina Mariia , Shpyliova Yulia
Published: October 2021

National environmental policy in Ukraine declares introducing of the ecosystem approach into all aspects of social and economic development, as well as conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems. The legislative acts sustain support of ecosystem services will enhance sustainable development of the society and ecosystems. One of the Sustainable Development Goals for Ukraine until 2030 concerns protection and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems like inland freshwaters, mountains, forests and meadows. It proves ecosystem management tools are relevant for the environmental policy and methodological basis for those tools being applied is assessment of ecosystem assets and services. Concept of ecosystem assets is quite innovative in Ukraine, and its definitions and visions of functions differ a lot. Both Ukrainian and foreign researchers focus mostly on ecosystem services, approaches to assess them and administration of the payments. Ecosystem assets and issues on their evaluations well as introduction of the ecosystem approach into the managerial practices are still underdeveloped. The paper is to define economic sense of ecosystem assets for provision of the sustainable development of territories. Evaluation of ecosystem assets is important for local communities in order to assess scope of ecosystem payments, elaborate local development strategies, and make decisions if economic activities communities carry on have to be altered. There are no universal rules for such the evaluation, and with foreign experience alone it is difficult to decide how territorial communities can assess their ecosystem assets and which tangible benefits they will get from it. Therefore, it is needed make more efforts in Ukraine too in order to introduce the tool and identify priority areas for its application, i.e. land and water use, biodiversity and so on. So that enhance implementation of the ecosystem approach into the management practices, considerable amendments in the legislation are required. Pilot projects on evaluation of ecosystem assets would be helpful and confirm feasibility of the approach. Even more, such the projects would assist to assess ecosystem services particularly produced by protected areas, water, soils and landfills.
EPISTEMOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK FOR PUBLIC TRUST IN PUBLIC SECTOR INSTITUTIONS RESEARCH
Authors: Brychko Maryna , Yevdokymova Bohdana
Published: October 2021

The article considers the place and role of public trust in the functioning of public sector institutions. Trust in government is a multi-conceptual category, which is based on a combination of economic, social, and political interactions between government authorities at different levels and citizens. The authors of the article propose to conduct an epistemological study of trust in government at three main (micro-, meso-, macro-) and intermediate levels. At the micro-level, it is proposed to determine trust based on the results of economic agents' cooperation with public authorities through the provision of public services. At the meso level, trust in the government is defined by the competence of central government agencies that formulate and implement public policy in the relevant field, to solve economic and social problems of society, as well as their ability to generate positive expectations for citizens future well-being. At the macro level, trust in the government is derived from the economic efficiency of the "whole government." The authors propose to consider the intermediate level as trust in local governments, which is determined by both the quality of public services and the efficiency of public administration. It was shown that trust in the institutions of the public sector of the economy could not be formed separately from the personal characteristics of its Chairman or head. In the historical context of the development of Ukraine's statehood, systematic events related to corruption in the management of the public institution that receives wide media coverage have led to systemic distrust of economic actors towards public sector institutions and the state as a whole. The authors found that certain levels of trust in government interact, and therefore, the erosion of trust at one level can affect trust at others, which, accordingly, leads to a deterioration in the results of public policy in general. Strengthening trust at one level due to the synergetic effect will help strengthen trust in government in general. The article also shows that trust in government institutions and the government in general reduces the risk of opportunistic behavior and, consequently, can push society to give preference to long-term results of public policy over short-term benefits.
Stock Dividend Ex-Day Abnormal Return
Authors: Kadioglu Eyup , Kirbas Ayhan
Published: October 2021

This study examines the impact of the ex-day of stock dividend on stock return and volume on Borsa Istanbul stock exchange. The data covers 1,220 stock dividends associated with 305 companies over the period 1997-2018. A positive abnormal return and volume is seen around the ex-day of stock dividend. The cumulative average excess return over market return starts to significantly rise ten days before ex-day and reaches its highest level on the ex-day before falling back in the days following. Our findings show that abnormal return around ex-day is strongly associated with stock dividend pay-out ratio, asset size and a company’s market value. The share of listed companies with higher stock dividend pay-out ratio or lower asset size or lower market capitalization, can generate respectively 5.97%, 6.08% and 5.88% abnormal return over market index return.
Toronto's Little India Field Trip
Authors: Bauder Harald
Published: October 2021

An educational fieldtrip to Toronto's Little India
Covid-19 in 40 dialysis facilities. A prospective multicenter cohort study in Spain
Authors:   San Pedro de Alcántara Hospital, Cáceres, Spain, Deira Javier , González-Sanchidrián Silvia ,   San Pedro de Alcántara Hospital, Cáceres, Spain, Rocha André ,   San Pedro de Alcántara Hospital, Cáceres, Spain, Musso Carlos ,   Research Department, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina,   Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Simón Bolivar, Barranquilla, Colombia, Ruiz-Calero Rosa ,   Universitary Hospital of Badajoz, Spain, Puello Suleyka ,   University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain, Gómez Belén ,   Río Hortega University Hospital, Valladolid, Spain, Ramos Manuel ,   University Hospital of Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz, Spain, Stefan George ,   University Assistance Complex of León, Spain, Lopez Francisca ,   Costa del Sol Hospital, Marbella, Málaga, Spain, Torregrosa Eduardo ,   Manises Hospital, Valencia, Spain, Lerma José ,   University Assistance Complex of Salamanca, Spain, Grande Jesús ,   Virgen de la Concha Hospital, Zamora, Spain, Hernández Esther ,   Río Carrión General Hospital, Palencia, Spain, Martín Jesús ,   Nuestra Señora de Sonsoles Hospital, Ávila, Spain, Gascón Antonio ,   Obispo Polanco Hospital, Teruel, Spain, Dorado Pedro ,   INUBE Extremadura Biosanitary University Research Institute; Department of Medical-Surgery Therapeutics, University of Extremadura, Plasencia, Spain
Published: October 2021

Aims: Assess the incidence of COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic in 40 hemodialysis units in Spain. Material and methods: We analyzed 396 Rt-PCR performed March 14th to April 28th, 2020 in a cohort of 2398 hemodialysis (HD) patients corresponding to 19 hospital units and 21 satellite centers. Results: We performed Rt-PCR in 14% of the patients, with a marked variability depending on the location. The overall COVID-19 incidence was 3.2% (range 0-15.9%). It was significantly higher in the hospital units (4.5%) than in the satellite units (1.9%) (p=0.0003). There was a positive and significant correlation between the COVID-19 incidence in the units and their proximity to Madrid (R2=0.6235, p=0.0013), which was the main epidemic focus. Conclusion: Our study showed a low incidence of COVID-19 in HD, higher in hospital units and closer to Madrid.
Antenatal hydronephrosis: a five-year retrospective study
Authors:   Department of Pediatrics/Neonatology, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, Gaia Maria , Capela Mariana ,   Department of Pediatrics/Neonatology, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, Peixoto Margarida ,   Department of Pediatrics/Neonatology, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, Borges Joana ,   Department of Pediatrics/Neonatology, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, Ferreira Graça ,   Department of Pediatrics/Neonatology, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Antenatal hydronephrosis (ANH) is common in fetal ultrasounds. Though mostly transient, it can be associated with congenital abnormalities and kidney injury. The authors went to assess the evolution of children with ANH and identify risk groups. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of children with ANH from 2013‑2017. Renal pelvis anteroposterior diameter (APD) of 4 and 7mm or more in the second and third trimester, respectively, defined diagnosis of ANH. APD also defined severity stratification. The primary out‑ comes included occurrence of urinary tract infection (UTI) and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). Results: We identified 198 cases, with male predominance (76.8%) and a 2.1% incidence. It resolved antenatally in 12.1%, with a lower mean value of APD in these cases (p=0.017), and persisted in 43.4%. CAKUT were found in 8.6% of the patients. At least 1 episode of UTI occurred in 9.1% of patients during follow‑up. The degree of ANH in the 3rd trimester was related to postnatal persistence and degree (p<0.001) and the postnatal degree was related to the occurrence of UTI (p=0.008). The 3rd trimester and postnatal degree were also associated to the presence of CAKUT (p=0.036; p=0.001), although not with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). The persistence of ANH through the 2nd and 3rd trimester was related to postnatal persistence (p=0.002) and degree (p=0.007), and the presence of CAKUT excluding VUR (p=0.034). The optimal cut‑off for the APD in the 3rd trimester to predict the occurrence of negative outcomes (CAKUT and/or UTI), through a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, was 8.225mm with 76% sensitivity and 59% specificity. Discussion: ANH is frequent and reflects a wide range of conditions, requiring follow‑up. Most cases resolve spontaneously and require no further intervention other than ultrasounds. 3rd trimester and postnatal degree are related to prognosis, allowing the definition of risk groups and the improvement of patient management.
Heart failure on peritoneal dialysis: Where do we stand?
Authors:   Nephrology Department, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, Reis Marina , Almeida Catarina ,   Nephrology Department, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, Gomes Ana ,   Nephrology Department, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, Fernandes João ,   Nephrology Department, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Published: October 2021

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the most frequent cause of death in peritoneal dialysis patients and an important obstacle for the improvement of technique survival. Heart failure diagnosis and management is particularly challenging among dialysis patients, and this condi‑ tion remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in this population. The most common phenotype of heart failure among peritoneal dialysis patients is heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, diastolic disfunction and left ventricular hypertrophy. Unfortunately, unlike what happens with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, there is lack of evidence to support a specific drug regimen to treat heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Several conditions associated with end stage kidney disease, such as anemia, hyperphosphatemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism, inflammation, and insulin resistance seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and for this reason, the term uremic cardiomyopathy has been proposed. There is a lack of evidence regarding the optimal heart failure treatment for peritoneal dialysis patients and more studies are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of the new drugs available for heart failure treatment. This review explores the spectrum of heart failure on peritoneal dialysis, its pathogenesis, risk factors and possible therapeutic and preventive measures.