bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variceal bleeding is aggravated by portal venous invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma: a matched nested case-control study
Authors: Lim Jihye , Kim Ha Il , Kim Eunju , Kim Jiyoon , An Jihyun , Chang Seheon , Kim Seon-Ok , Lee Han chu , Lee Yung Sang , Shim Ju Hyun
Published: January 2021

Background

We hypothesized that portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) increases portal pressure and causes esophageal varices and variceal bleedings. We examined the incidence of high-risk varices and variceal bleeding and determined the indications for variceal screening and prophylaxis.

Methods

This study included 1709 asymptomatic patients without any prior history of variceal hemorrhage or endoscopic prophylaxis who underwent upper endoscopy within 30 days before or after initial anti-HCC treatment. Of these patients, 206 had PVTT, and after 1:2 individual matching, 161 of them were matched with 309 patients without PVTT. High-risk varices were defined as large/medium varices or small varices with red-color signs and variceal bleeding. Bleeding rates from the varices were compared between matched pairs. Risk factors for variceal bleeding in the entire set of patients with PVTT were also explored.

Results

In the matched-pair analysis, the proportion of high-risk varices at screening (23.0% vs. 13.3%; P = 0.003) and the cumulative rate of variceal bleeding (4.5% vs. 0.4% at 1 year; P = 0.009) were significantly greater in the PVTT group. Prolonged prothrombin time, lower platelet count, presence of extrahepatic metastasis, and Vp4 PVTT were independent risk factors related to high-risk varices in the total set of 206 patients with PVTT (Adjusted odds ratios [95% CIs], 1.662 [1.151–2.401]; 0.985 [0.978–0.993]; 4.240 [1.783–10.084]; and 3.345 [1.457–7.680], respectively; Ps < 0.05). During a median follow-up of 43.2 months, 10 patients with PVTT experienced variceal bleeding episodes, 9 of whom (90%) had high-risk varices. Presence of high-risk varices and sorafenib use for HCC treatment were significant predictors of variceal bleeding in the complete set of patients with PVTT (Adjusted hazard ratios [95% CIs], 26.432 [3.230–216.289]; and 5.676 [1.273–25.300], respectively; Ps < 0.05).

Conclusions

PVTT in HCC appears to increase the likelihood of high-risk varices and variceal bleeding. In HCC patients with PVTT, endoscopic prevention could be considered, at least in high-risk variceal carriers taking sorafenib.
The protocol of a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled phase III study evaluating different cycles of oxaliplatin combined with S-1 (SOX) as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer: RESONANCE-II trial
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Li Shuo , Sun Yihong , Li Kai , Shen Xian , Xue Yingwei , Liang Pin , Li Guoli , Chen Luchuan , Zhao Qun , Li Guoxin , Fu Weihua , Liang Han , Xin Hairong , Suo Jian , Fang Xuedong , Zheng Zhichao , Xu Zekuan , Chen Huanqiu , Zhou Yanbing , He Yulong , Huang Hua , Zhu Linghua , Yang Kun , Ji Jiafu , Ye Yingjiang , Zhang Zhongtao , Li Fei , Wang Xin , Tian Yantao , Park Sungsoo , Chen Lin
Published: January 2021

Background

Curing locally advanced gastric cancer through surgery alone is difficult. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy bring potential benefits to more patients with gastric cancer based on several clinical trials. According to phase II studies and guidelines, SOX regimen as neoadjuvant chemotherapy is efficient. However, the optimal duration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy has not been established. In this study, we will evaluate the efficacy and safety of different cycles of SOX as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer.

Methods

RESONANCE-II trial is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled phase III study which will enroll 524 patients in total. Eligible patients will be registered, pre-enrolled and receive three cycles of SOX, after which tumor response evaluations will be carried out. Those who show stable disease or progressive disease will be excluded. Patients showing complete response or partial response will be enrolled and assigned into either group A for another three cycles of SOX (six cycles in total) followed by D2 surgery; or group B for D2 surgery (three cycles in total). The primary endpoint is the rate of pathological complete response and the secondary endpoints are R0 resection rate, three-year disease-free survival, five-year overall survival, and safety.

Discussion

This study is the first phase III randomized trial to compare the cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy using SOX for resectable locally advanced cancer. Based on a total of six to eight cycles of perioperative chemotherapy usually applied in locally advanced gastric cancer, patients in group A can be considered to have completed all perioperative chemotherapy, the results of which may suggest the feasibility of using chemotherapy only before surgery in gastric cancer.

Trial registration

Registered prospectively in the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) with registration number ChiCTR1900023293 on May 21st, 2019.
Randomized phase II study comparing the efficacy and safety of SOX versus mFOLFOX6 as neoadjuvant chemotherapy without radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer (KSCC1301)
Authors: Miwa Keisuke , Oki Eiji , Enomoto Masanobu , Ihara Keisuke , Ando Koji , Fujita Fumihiko , Tominaga Masahiro , Mori Shinichiro , Nakayama Goro , Shimokawa Mototsugu , Saeki Hiroshi , Baba Hideo , Mori Masaki , Akagi Yoshito
Published: January 2021

Background

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT), the current standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), is associated with many radiotherapy (RT)-related side effects. We aimed to evaluate whether S-1 and oxaliplatin (SOX) or folinic acid, 5-FU, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6) can be as effective as neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) regimens for LARC without RT.

Methods

Patients with untreated resectable LARC were randomly assigned to receive SOX or mFOLFOX6. The NAC protocol period was 3 months. The primary endpoint was 3-year disease-free survival (DFS), and the secondary endpoints included pathological effects, surgical completion rate, 3-year survival, and safety.

Results

From September 2013 to October 2015, 56 and 54 patients were enrolled in the SOX and mFOLFOX6 arms, respectively. The 3-year DFS rates were 69.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 54.9–83.6) and 73.4% (95% CI 58.7–83.6) in the SOX and mFOLFOX6 arms, respectively; no significant differences were found between the arms (log-rank test; P = 0.5315, hazard ratio: 0.808, 95% CI 0.414–1.578). The 3-year survival rates were 92.3 and 91.8% in the SOX and mFOLFOX6 arms, respectively. The surgical completion rate was 98.1% overall, 100% in the SOX arm, and 96.0% in the mFOLFOX6 arm. The incidences of pathological response rates ≥grade 1b were 41.5 and 43.8% in the SOX and mFOLFOX6 arms, respectively. Both treatments were manageable and tolerable.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of SOX and mFOLFOX6, both of which may be new neoadjuvant treatment candidates in previously untreated LARC cases.

Trial registration

Date of enrolment of the first participant to the trial: 3rd Oct 2013; This study was registered in the UMIN clinical trials registry on 14th Aug, 2013. (Prospectively registered, UMIN-CTR number UMIN000011486). https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&recptno=R000013441&language=J
The effects of social comparison and depressive mood on adolescent social decision-making
Authors: Hu Yixin , Zhou Mengmeng , Shao Yunru , Wei Jing , Li Zhenying , Xu Shike , Maguire Phil , Wang Dawei
Published: January 2021

Background

Based on social comparison theory, two experiments were conducted to explore the effects of depression and social comparison on adolescents, using the ultimatum game (UG).

Methods

Before the formal experiment began, a preliminary experiment tested the effectiveness of social comparison settings. This study used the UG paradigm to explore adolescents’ social decision-making in the context of gain and loss through two experiments. These experiments were designed as a 2 (group: depressive mood group, normal mood group) × 2 (social comparison: upward, downward) × 3 (fairness level: fair 5:5, unfair 3:7, extremely unfair 1:9) three-factor hybrid study.

Results

(1) The fairer the proposal was, the higher the sense of fairness participants felt, and the higher their acceptance rate. (2) The acceptance rate of the participants for downward social comparison was significantly higher than that for upward social comparison, but there was no difference in fairness perception between the two social comparisons. (3) Under the context of gain, the acceptance rate of the depressive mood group was higher than that of the normal mood group, but there was no difference in the acceptance rate between the depressive mood group and the normal mood group under the loss context. Depressive mood participants had more feelings of unfairness in the contexts of both gain and loss. (4) The effects of depressive mood, social comparison and the fairness level of distribution on social decision-making interact.

Conclusions

The interaction of social comparison, depressive mood and proposal type demonstrates that besides one’s emotion, cognitive biases and social factors can also have an effect on social decision-making. These findings indicate that behavioral decision boosting may provide an avenue for appropriate interventions in helping to guide adolescents to make social decisions.
Family achievements in struggling with schizophrenia: life experiences in a qualitative content analysis study in Iran
Authors: Darban Fatemeh , Mehdipour- Rabori Roghayeh , Farokhzadian Jamileh , Nouhi Esmat , Sabzevari Sakineh
Published: January 2021

Background

The challenges of living with and taking care of a patient with schizophrenia can lead to positive changes depending on the experiences and reactions of family caregivers. Such changes may directly affect the family performance and the patient’s recovery stage. Present study aimed to explain the positive experiences reported by family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

The present study is a qualitative study of content analysis. Data were collected using semi-structured and in-depth interviews with 15 family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia referring to one of the psychiatric hospitals in Zahedan, Southeast part of Iran. Purposive sampling method was applied and data analysis was conducted using conventional content analysis proposed by Graneheim and Lundman.

Results

Data analysis created a theme entitled “family achievements in struggling with schizophrenia”. This theme included four categories including Developing positive personality traits in family members, Strengthening family ties, developing insight into the life, and social mobility.

Conclusions

The results provided insights that the experience of taking care of patients with schizophrenia led to positive consequences for family caregivers. Thus, it is recommended that psychiatrists or consultants help families rely on positive experiences and share these experiences with families with a newly-suffered patient.
Correction to: The dual HDAC-PI3K inhibitor CUDC-907 displays single-agent activity and synergizes with PARP inhibitor olaparib in small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ma Liying , Bian Xing , Lin Wenchu
Published: January 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
A flexible short protocol in women with poor ovarian response over 40 years old
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Feng Ting , Yang Jihong , Hao Yingying , Li Suying , Zhang Yan , Qian Yun
Published: January 2021

Background

Ovarian responsiveness to controlled ovarian stimulation is essential for a successful clinical outcome in assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles. We aimed to find a suitable new ovulation stimulation protocol for poor ovarian response (POR) patients over 40 years old.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 488 ART cycles was evaluated from January 2015 to June 2019. Comparisons were made between the flexible short protocol (FSP), routine short protocol and mild stimulation protocol.

Results

Compared with the routine short protocol, the FSP delayed the gonadotropin start time and reduced the total gonadotropin dose per stimulation cycle. At the same time, compared with the mild stimulation protocol, the FSP improved oocyte quality and embryo quality and improved embryo implantation potential after transfer. Furthermore, the use of the FSP reduced the probability of premature ovulation, as it inhibited the premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surge to a certain extent.

Conclusions

The FSP yielded better outcomes than other protocols for patients with POR over 40 years old in our study. However, further prospective studies are needed to provide more substantial evidence and to determine whether the FSP can be successful for both patients over 40 years group and younger POR patients.
N6-methyladenosine dynamics in neurodevelopment and aging, and its potential role in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Shafik Andrew M. , Zhang Feiran , Guo Zhenxing , Dai Qing , Pajdzik Kinga , Li Yangping , Kang Yunhee , Yao Bing , Wu Hao , He Chuan , Allen Emily G. , Duan Ranhui , Jin Peng
Published: January 2021

Background

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is known to impact many aspects of RNA metabolism, including mRNA stability and translation, and is highly prevalent in the brain.

Results

We show that m6A modification displays temporal and spatial dynamics during neurodevelopment and aging. Genes that are temporally differentially methylated are more prone to have mRNA expression changes and affect many pathways associated with nervous system development. Furthermore, m6A shows a distinct tissue-specific methylation profile, which is most pronounced in the hypothalamus. Tissue-specific methylation is associated with an increase in mRNA expression and is associated with tissue-specific developmental processes. During the aging process, we observe significantly more m6A sites as age increases, in both mouse and human. We show a high level of overlap between mouse and human; however, humans at both young and old ages consistently show more m6A sites compared to mice. Differential m6A sites are found to be enriched in alternative untranslated regions of genes that affect aging-related pathways. These m6A sites are associated with a strong negative effect on mRNA expression. We also show that many Alzheimer-related transcripts exhibit decreased m6A methylation in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, which is correlated with reduced protein levels.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that m6A exerts a critical function in both early and late brain development in a spatio-temporal fashion. Furthermore, m6A controls protein levels of key genes involved in Alzheimer’s disease-associated pathways, suggesting that m6A plays an important role in aging and neurodegenerative disease.
The insulin resistance by triglyceride glucose index and risk for dementia: population-based study
Authors: Hong Sangmo , Han Kyungdo , Park Cheol-Young
Published: January 2021

Background

Insulin resistance is suggested to have negative effects on cognition; however, results from large population studies are lacking. In this study, the potential relationships between the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, a simple surrogate marker of insulin resistance, and dementia were evaluated using a large-scale population dataset.

Methods

This was a retrospective, observational, cohort study using data from the National Health Information Database from 2009 to 2015 and included 5,586,048 participants 40 years age or older. The TyG index was used as a measure of insulin resistance, and participants were divided into quartiles based on TyG index. The incidence of dementia was assessed using hazard ratios (HRs) estimated with Cox proportional hazard modeling.

Results

During a median follow-up of 7.21 years, dementia was diagnosed in 142,714 (2.55%) participants. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD) were diagnosed in 74.3% and 12.5% of the participants. Multivariate-adjusted HRs for patients in the TyG index 4th quartile were higher for dementia (HRs = 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12–1.16), AD (HRs = 1.12; 95% CI 1.09–1.14), and VD (HRs = 1.18; 95% CI 1.12–1.23) compared with the 1st quartile of TyG index; however, this had a small effect size (Cohen’sd = 0.10, 0.08, and 0.13, respectively). These effects were independent of age, sex, smoking status, physical activity, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol.

Conclusion

In this large population study, TyG index was associated with an increased risk of dementia, including AD and VD, that was independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, although the effect size of the TyG index was small.
Development and testing of material extrusion additive manufactured polymer–textile composites
Authors: Loh Giselle Hsiang , Sotayo Adeayo , Pei Eujin
Published: January 2021

The adoption of Additive Manufacturing (AM) has gradually transformed the fashion industry through innovation and technology over the last decade. Novel AM systems and techniques are continuously being developed, leading to the application of AM polymers with textiles and fabrics in the fashion industry. This work investigates the development and testing of polymer–textile composites using polylactic acid (PLA) filaments on synthetic mesh fabrics using direct material extrusion (ME). An aspect of this paper highlights the appropriate combination of printing material, textile substrate, and printer settings to achieve excellent polymer–textile adhesion. Details of the printing process to create polymer–textile composites are described, as are the interfacial strength results of the T-peel tests, and the observed failure modes post-testing. The peel strengths for different ME bonded polymer–textile composites are examined and used to identify the compatibility of materials. This work visualised the potential of direct ME of polymers onto textile fabrics as a material-joining approach for new textile functionalisation, multi-material composite explorations and innovative aesthetic print techniques. This work also adds to the limited knowledge of AM polymer–textile composites, which can provide helpful information for designers and researchers to develop new applications and facilitate future research development in smart embedded and programmable textiles.
Recurrent massive hemoptysis in a patient with cystic fibrosis: balloon assisted Onyx embolization after bronchial artery coil recanalization
Authors: Mattay Raghav R. , Shlansky-Goldberg Richard , Pukenas Bryan A.
Published: January 2021

Background

Although not standard of care, Cystic Fibrosis patients with recurrent hemoptysis occasionally have coil embolization of bronchial arteries. In the event of recanalization of these arteries in this specific subset of patients, the presence of indwelling coils makes the prospect of conventional particle embolization more difficult, preventing both adequate catheterization of the coiled segment and reflux of the particles.

Case presentation

In this report, we describe a case of bronchial artery embolization of a complex Cystic Fibrosis patient with massive hemoptysis from recanalized coiled bronchial arteries utilizing a Scepter Balloon Catheter® (Microvention Terumo, USA) in administration of the liquid embolic agent Onyx® (Medtronic, USA).

Conclusions

The Scepter occlusion balloon catheter allowed for careful placement of the tip within the interstices of the pre-existing coils, allowing for Onyx injection directly into the coil mass without reflux, reconfirming the benefits of Onyx embolization in bronchial artery embolization and providing evidence that the Scepter occlusion balloon catheter should be added to the armamentarium of devices used in complex bronchial artery embolization for Cystic Fibrosis patients with massive hemoptysis.
Classifying bridges for the risk of fire hazard via competitive machine learning
Authors: Kodur V. K. , Naser M. Z.
Published: January 2021

This study presents a machine learning (ML) approach to identify vulnerability of bridges to fire hazard. For developing this ML approach, data on a series of bridge fires was first collected and then analyzed through three algorithms; Random forest (RF), Support vector machine (SVM) and Generalize additive model (GAM), competing to yield the highest accuracy. As part of this analysis, 80 steel bridges and 38 concrete bridges were assessed. The outcome of this analysis shows that the ML based proposed approach can be effectively applied to arrive at the risk based classification of bridges from a fire hazard point of view. In addition, the developed ML algorithms are also capable of identifying the most critical features that govern bridges vulnerability to fire hazard. In parallel, this study showcases the potential of integrating ML into structural engineering applications as a supporting tool for analysis (i.e. in lieu of experimental tests, advanced simulations, and analytical approaches). This work emphasizes the need to compile data on bridge fires from around the world into a centralized and open source database to accelerate the integration of ML in to fire hazard evaluation.
Entre a certeza e o cinismo: se Deus não existe, tudo é permitido? O papel das Cortes de Contas na preservação da verdade em tempos de fake news
Authors: Dantas Bruno , Ribeiro dos Santos Caio Victor
Published: January 2021

As fake news são, atualmente, pauta central no debate em diversos ramos do conhecimento. Isso porque, mais que mera desinformação, elas se revelaram ameaças concretas ao sistema democrático, levantando dilemas relacionados com a liberdade de expressão que parecem exigir dos estudiosos uma definição mais precisa dos limites de exercício desse direito. Nessa linha, este artigo tem por objetivo demonstrar qual é o papel e como as Cortes de Contas podem contribuir para a preservação da verdade em tempos de fake news. Para tanto, a pesquisa, que se desenvolve pelo método indutivo e por meio de revisão bibliográfica, busca, em um primeiro momento, tecer considerações de ordem sociológica e filosófica sobre as fake news, explorando quais questões de fundo a elas estão associadas e qual impacto exercem no direito para, em seguida, realizar uma exposição acerca do julgamento do TCU no Acórdão no 1.329/2020, ocasião em que a Corte se debruçou especificamente sobre o tema em questão.
Criminal compliance como medida de governança corporativa e seu papel na delimitação de responsabilidades penais
Authors: Viana Pereira Henrique , Pereira Mayrink Renata
Published: January 2021

A inflação legislativa penal para controle dos riscos inerentes à atividade empresarial aumentou a importância da adoção de programas de cumprimentos nas pessoas jurídicas. O criminal compliance, como medida de governança corporativa, deve ser utilizado para evitar a ocorrência de crimes empresariais, bem como impedir os riscos de indevida responsabilidade criminal, auxiliando na individualização de condutas e identificação de agentes delitivos. Em que pese a necessidade de adaptação dos institutos do direito penal clássico ao novo contexto criminal empresarial e a dificuldade em se delimitar a autoria nos crimes cometidos no âmbito de corporações complexas, para correto combate a essa criminalidade se impõe a observância do método penal construído pela teoria do crime. Esse método, como objetivo geral, se revela verdadeira garantia individual diante do poder de punir do Estado. O método utilizado, essencialmente, foi o de revisão bibliográfica, com análise e interpretação da doutrina relacionada com o tema.
A importância da participação popular na análise de impacto regulatório pelas agências reguladoras federais brasileiras
Authors: Gabardo Emerson , Domingues Graner Mateus
Published: January 2021

O trabalho busca apresentar o contexto do surgimento da análise de impacto regulatório (AIR) e sua gradativa implementação nas agências reguladoras federais no Brasil, especialmente quanto às formas e ao momento da participação popular. Apresenta considerações críticas em relação à atual regulamentação geral e em relação às normas internas de cada agência reguladora. Sugere propostas para uma melhor participação popular no procedimento de AIR, a fim de superar o déficit democrático, aprimorar a qualidade regulatória em busca de satisfazer o interesse público, contribuir para a prestação de um serviço adequado, consagrar os objetivos de um estado social, bem como contribuir para que a decisão regulatória seja mais eficiente, coerente, tenha maior previsibilidade, transparência e possibilidade de controle.
Vitmamin D supplementation with Cardiac Rehabilitation reduces the number of RVOT Premature
Authors: CISMARU Gabriel , GURZAU Diana , FRINGU Florina , MARTIS Alexandru , CALOIAN Bogdan , COMSA Horatiu , GUSETU Gabriel , PUIU Mihai , ISTRATOAIE Sabina , CISMARU Andrei , ROSU Radu , POP Dana , ZDRENGHEA Dumitru
Published: January 2021

Introduction. Vitamin D deficiency is a quite common pathology in European countries. Serum vitamin D levels are closely linked to physical fitness and lesser response to cardiac rehabilitation in various categories of patients with heart disease. Vitamin D is also involved in the function of heart cells via a vitamin D receptors found in cardiomyocytes. We present the case of a patient with vitamin D deficiency and symptomatic premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), in whom cardiac rehabilitation decreased PVC number, but association with vitamin D supplements led to a significant decrease in PVCs and complete disappearance of symptoms.

Keywords: cardiac rehabilitation, vitamin D, ventricular premature contractions, physical activity,
Review of Safety Requirements Regarding Trading and Storing of Pyrotechnical Articles in Poland
Authors: Półka Marzena , Bielesza Dorota , Szajewska Anna
Published: January 2021

Aim: The objective of the paper was to identify and analyse relevant requirements regarding the safety of storage and usage of pyrotechnic materials, intended for civil use. The review was based on binding applicable Polish and European legal acts. The results of the review pointed to the ambiguity of the provisions regulating the issues of safe usage and storage of pyrotechnical materials. Introduction: Some pyrotechnic articles, when triggered by a proper impulse, can lead to a violent reaction resulting in the release of a large amount of heat, and the creation of a blast wave. The effects of this reaction have a destructive impact on buildings situated nearby and pose a hazard to human life. Use and storage of pyrotechnic articles against the set rules is associated with the risk of fire or explosion, therefore a number of requirements have been introduced in this area. Methodology: In Poland there are many legal acts applicable to explosives. One of the most important one is the Act of 21 June 2002 on explosives designated for civil use, which presents pyrotechnic materials with respect to the safety of their usage and storage. Several key requirements have also been specified in agreements ratified in Poland and in other international acts, such as for example: the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road(ADR), and the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council 2013/29/EU of 12 June 2013 on the harmonisation of laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of pyrotechnic articles. Results: It was established that there is a need of adopting a legal solution for storing pyrotechnical products for temporary sales in containers located near commercial facilities (and serving as back-up facilities). Although the regulations are not clear-cut, such a solution is used in practice, thus it would be advisable to determine by means of legal acts whether it is permissible and what requirements should be fulfilled, for example by a container, in which pyrotechnic articles are temporarily stored. Conclusions: The specification presented in the article allows to see the need to minimize the hazards associated with the marketing of pyrotechnical materials and justifies the necessity of adopting a particularly diligent classification and use of nomenclature for these products. In case of storing pyrotechnical materials, it is erroneous to adopt the determination of class “G” for two variable of net mass values of the explosive (when determining safe distances for explosive storage facilities, including among others class 1, sub-classes 1.3, 1.4). The same applies to the hexogen equivalent of an explosive load (when determining safe distances for explosive storage facilities including class 1, sub-classes 1.1, 1.5 and 4.1). Such provisions are misleading and may cause erroneous interpretations of regulations.
Exploring Digital Literacy Levels and Technology Integration Competence of Turkish Academics
Authors: Ayyildiz Pinar , Yilmaz Adem , Baltaci Hasan Serif
Published: January 2021

Today’s individuals are expected to have skills in many areas as a natural consequence of the advances that have been taking place in society and technology. Particularly in developed countries, these skills are also called 21st century skills. Critical, creative and reflective thinking, problem solving and keeping up with the digital age (digital literacy) are some of these skills. Universities play a significant role in raising qualified individuals in our country. Updating the training programs, keeping up with the era and having a say in the digital world makes it a necessity for people who give education in these areas to be competent. From this point of view, this study aimed to explore the digital literacy levels of Turkish academics working in faculties of education and the perceptions of students towards technology integration competence of the academics. In this study, quantitative cross-sectional design was preferred. While selecting the participants, purposeful sampling method was used, and two different participant groups (academics and prospective teachers) were included in the process. Two scales with validity and reliability in the literature were used as data collection tools in the research. In the data collection process, firstly, a survey was administered to academics working in faculties of education, and then another one was conducted with prospective teachers. The results obtained were subjected to quantitative data analysis via SPSS 24 and AMOS 24 software, and descriptive and inferential statistics were generated. The results revealed that the variables of department, age and grade level created a significant difference in the digitalization of academics, whereas the gender variable significantly contributed only to the perceptions of prospective teachers.
Developing English language learners’ oral production with a digital game-based mobile application
Authors: Wang Zehua , Han Feifei
Published: January 2021

This study examined the effect of using a digital game-based language learning mobile application “Liulishuo” (speaking English fluently) to develop complexity, accuracy, and fluency of English monologic oral production among 30 English language learners in China. Monologic oral production was measured using the same narrative picture description task in pre- and post-tests. The learners followed the “Imitation of English Monologues” game 30 minutes each time, twice a week, for 20 weeks. The oral production was measured using six indices: the mean words per T-unit and lexical density (i.e., complexity), the mean repairs and errors per 100 words (i.e., accuracy), speech rate and the mean length of pauses (i.e., fluency). The paired samplet-tests showed that the participants produced more complex monologic speech, had significantly fewer errors, and increased speech rate, but the mean repairs and mean length of pauses remained unchanged. The unchanged repairs and pauses could be possibly due to the non-proceduralized linguistic knowledge in oral production, which may require a more extended period of treatment. Our study showed positive effects of using a digital game-based language learning mobile application on the improvement of complexity, accuracy, and fluency of English language learners in China’ monologic oral production with varying effects.
Quantile regression in genomic selection for oligogenic traits in autogamous plants: A simulation study
Authors: Oliveira Gabriela França , Nascimento Ana Carolina Campana , Nascimento Moysés , Sant'Anna Isabela de Castro , Romero Juan Vicente , Azevedo Camila Ferreira , Bhering Leonardo Lopes , Moura Eveline Teixeira Caixeta
Published: January 2021

This study assessed the efficiency of Genomic selection (GS) or genome‐wide selection (GWS), based on Regularized Quantile Regression (RQR), in the selection of genotypes to breed autogamous plant populations with oligogenic traits. To this end, simulated data of an F2population were used, with traits with different heritability levels (0.10, 0.20 and 0.40), controlled by four genes. The generations were advanced (up to F6) at two selection intensities (10% and 20%). The genomic genetic value was computed by RQR for different quantiles (0.10, 0.50 and 0.90), and by the traditional GWS methods, specifically RR-BLUP and BLASSO. A second objective was to find the statistical methodology that allows the fastest fixation of favorable alleles. In general, the results of the RQR model were better than or equal to those of traditional GWS methodologies, achieving the fixation of favorable alleles in most of the evaluated scenarios. At a heritability level of 0.40 and a selection intensity of 10%, RQR (0.50) was the only methodology that fixed the alleles quickly, i.e., in the fourth generation. Thus, it was concluded that the application of RQR in plant breeding, to simulated autogamous plant populations with oligogenic traits, could reduce time and consequently costs, due to the reduction of selfing generations to fix alleles in the evaluated scenarios.
Migrations of young spotted seals (Phoca largha) from Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan/East Sea, and the pattern of their use of seasonal habitats
Authors: Trukhin Alexey M. , Permyakov Peter A. , Ryazanov Sergey D. , Lobanov Vyacheslav B. , Kim Hyun Woo , Choi Young Min , Sohn Hawsun
Published: January 2021

We studied the migrations of young spotted seals during their annual cycle. In May 2017, we attached satellite tags (SPOT-293A) to three individuals (two underyearlings and one yearling) captured at their breeding ground in Peter the Great Bay, western Sea of Japan/East Sea. The operational time of the installed tags ranged from 207 to 333 days; a total of 27195 locations were uploaded. All three seals migrated east and further north along the coast of the mainland. The average daily migration speed of the seals ranged between 70 and 135 km/day. The yearling moved faster than the underyearlings. During early August, they arrived at their summer habitats, which were located in the northern part of the Tatar Strait (Sea of Japan/East Sea) for the underyearling seals and in Aniva Bay (Sea of Okhotsk) for the yearling seal. While moving from the place of tagging to the summer feeding grounds, the seals covered a distance of 2300 to 3100 km. From August to October, each seal permanently stayed within the same isolated area. The reverse migration of all three seals began in November. When the seals traveled south, they used the same routes by which they had moved north in the spring, but they moved at a faster speed. By December, two seals returned to their natal islands, where both stayed until their transmitters stopped sending signals (in March 2018).
Phase-locking of resting-state brain networks with the gastric basal electrical rhythm
Authors: Choe Ann S. , Tang Bohao , Smith Kimberly R. , Honari Hamed , Lindquist Martin A. , Caffo Brian S. , Pekar James J.
Published: January 2021

A network of myenteric interstitial cells of Cajal in the corpus of the stomach serves as its “pacemaker”, continuously generating aca0.05 Hz electrical slow wave, which is transmitted to the brain chiefly by vagal afferents. A recent study combining resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) with concurrent surface electrogastrography (EGG), with cutaneous electrodes placed on the epigastrium, found 12 brain regions with activity that was significantly phase-locked with this gastric basal electrical rhythm. Therefore, we asked whether fluctuations in brain resting state networks (RSNs), estimated using a spatial independent component analysis (ICA) approach, might be synchronized with the stomach. In the present study, in order to determine whether any RSNs are phase-locked with the gastric rhythm, an individual participant underwent 22 scanning sessions; in each, two 15-minute runs of concurrent EGG and rsfMRI data were acquired. EGG data from three sessions had weak gastric signals and were excluded; the other 19 sessions yielded a total of 9.5 hours of data. The rsfMRI data were analyzed using group ICA; RSN time courses were estimated; for each run, the phase-locking value (PLV) was computed between each RSN and the gastric signal. To assess statistical significance, PLVs from all pairs of “mismatched” data (EGG and rsfMRI data acquired on different days) were used as surrogate data to generate a null distribution for each RSN. Of a total of 18 RSNs, three were found to be significantly phase-locked with the basal gastric rhythm, namely, a cerebellar network, a dorsal somatosensory-motor network, and a default mode network. Disruptions to the gut-brain axis, which sustains interoceptive feedback between the central nervous system and the viscera, are thought to be involved in various disorders; manifestation of the infra-slow rhythm of the stomach in brain rsfMRI data could be useful for studies in clinical populations.
DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL ARCHITECTURE – DESIGN AND CREATION OF A WEB DATABASE
Authors: Soukup Petr , Sýkora Kryštof
Published: January 2021

The article deals with the design of database structures of a web application for the presentation of information about the development of rural architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries in the territory of today's Czech Republic. The processes of data structure design, description of the chosen solution and method of implementation are presented. The solution used is based on freely available technologies and applied to the creation of a smaller web portal. The described methods can be inspiring for similar types of web presentations, which are a frequent output of many activities and projects.The created web application contains various types of data: maps of selected villages, spatial models of selected rural buildings, their floor plans, created orthophoto, photo gallery, and other textual and graphical information documenting the development of rural architecture. Objects of interest are located on the used interactive map. The application allows users to search and filter the required data. The technological solution is based on the PostgreSQL database and the PHP Nette framework. The created portal presents interesting information about important values of rural architecture, which can be considered as a part of the cultural heritage. The web portal can be used by experts and the general public.
MODELING AND SIMULATION OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF PULVERIZED COW BONE AND LATERITIC PAVING TILES
Authors: Omoniyi Peter O. , Aweda Jacob O. , Ohijeagbon Idehai O. , Busari Ridwan A. , Ndagi Mustapha
Published: January 2021

This study included the experimental production and investigation of the mechanicalproperties of paving tiles produced from a mixture of laterite, silica sand, pulverized cow bones,and cement. Empirical models of compressive and flexural strength were also developed andherein presented for the paving tiles. The maximum compressive strength of the paving tiles wereobtained for 20, 15, and 10% cement content as 5.05, 5.05 and 3.08 MPa, while the maximumflexural strength for similar values of cement content were obtained as 1.83, 1.21 and 0.26 MParespectively. The results indicate that there was no noticeable difference in the values of thecompressive strength at 20 and 15% cement content, while a sharp reduction of the mechanicalproperties was experienced as the cement content reduces from 15 to 10%. Recommendedcomposition for paving tiles with pulverized cow bones composite is cement, 15%; pulverized cowbones, 30%; laterite 35% and silica sand, 20% respectively. Sustainable production of paving tilesand a sustainable environment can, therefore, be enhanced by replacing granite constituent withwaste cow bones, which can easily be replicated by the empirical models herein developed.
THE EFFECT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC VARIABLES ON PUBLIC SECTOR PERFORMANCE: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS ON PUBLIC EXPENDITURE IN TURKEY
Authors: BİRİNCİ Nagihan , TELATAR Osman Murat
Published: January 2021

Public sector performance is regarded as the impact of government activities on certain key economic
and social indicators, that is, the outcome of public sector activities. In this respect, the share of public
expenditures, which is considered as one of the most important indicators of the size of the public sector,
in the gross domestic product is also considered as a powerful tool in terms of revealing the public sector
performance. There are many studies in the literature examining the effect of public expenditures on socioeconomic
variables. In this study, different from other studies in the literature, the effects of socio-economic
variables on public expenditures were investigated. Thus, it is aimed to determine the effects of socioeconomic
variables on public performance through public expenditures. For this purpose, the effects of the
net public debt stock, the human development index, and the unemployment rate on public expenditure
were analyzed by cointegration tests for the 1990-2018 period in Turkey. Empirical results obtained reveal
that there is a long run relationship between variables. Accordingly, increases in net public debt stock and
human development index increase public expenditures, while increases in the unemployment rate create
a decrease in public expenditures.
GOOD FORECASTING OR INFORMATION LEAKAGE EXPLAINING MARKET BEHAVIOR PRIOR TO THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF SOVEREIGN RATING DOWNGRADES: EVIDENCE FROM TURKEY
Authors: KILIÇ Saim , ALP Ali , DELİKANLI İhsan Uğur
Published: January 2021

This paper aims to empirically test the impact of Turkey’s sovereign credit rating downgrades by three
major credit rating agencies on the Borsa İstanbul equity market prior to the official announcement,
and to ascertain whether any significant impact found is due to market players’ accurate forecasting or
information leakages. In this paper, the effects of nine downgrade announcements between 2016 and 2018
are analyzed using the Event Study method. In eight of the nine events, statistically significant negative
cumulative abnormal returns were estimated during the five trading days before the announcement.
Evidence suggests that three of the eight events reflected information leakage to the market, and five
indicated sound forecasting by market players alongside some information leakage. These results reveal
that it is necessary to take preventive measures against information leakage before the announcement of
the ratings assessments.
ULUSLARARASI İÇ DENETİM STANDARTLARI KAPSAMINDA YÜRÜTÜLEN İÇ DENETİM FAALİYETLERİNİN KURUMSAL YÖNETİM KALİTESİ ÜZERİNDEKİ ROLÜNÜN ÇOKLU REGRESYON ANALİZİ İLE DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: ŞİMŞEK Kezban , ATAMAN Başak
Published: January 2021

Kurumsal yönetim, işletme faaliyetlerinde etkinlik ve verimliliği, raporlamada güvenilirliği, paydaşların hak ve çıkarlarının korunmasını amaçlamaktadır. Kaliteli kurumsal yönetim uygulamaları, işletmelere daha etkin ve şeffaf bir yönetim anlayışına kavuşma, uluslararası finans kaynaklarından daha kolay ve ucuz maliyetle faydalanabilme imkanı sunmaktadır. Güvence ve danışmanlık faaliyetleri ile iç denetim, kurumsal yönetim süreçlerinde kalitenin sağlanmasında etkin rol üstlenmektedir. İç denetimin kurumsal yönetim adına kendisinden beklenen katkıyı sağlamasında ise uluslararası iç denetim standartları önemli bir rehber görevi görmektedir. Bu bakımdan standartlar kapsamında yürütülen iç denetim faaliyetlerinin kurumsal yönetim kalitesi üzerindeki rolünü ortaya koymak önem arz etmektedir. Bu çalışma, uluslararası iç denetim standartları kapsamında yürütülen iç denetim faaliyetlerinin kurumsal yönetim kalitesi üzerindeki rolünün çoklu regresyon analizi ile değerlendirilmesi amacıyla Borsa İstanbul Kurumsal Yönetim Endeksinde yer alan işletmeler üzerinde gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çoklu regresyon analizi kapsamında geriye doğru çıkarma yöntemi uygulanmıştır. Araştırma kapsamında gerçekleştirilen analiz sonuçlarına göre araştırma hipotezleri kabul edilmiştir. Uluslararası iç denetim standartları kapsamında yürütülen iç denetim faaliyetlerinin kurumsal yönetim kalitesi üzerinde etkisi olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır.
Spiritual constitution or structure
Authors: Kupa László
Published: January 2021

Kupa László (2005): Spiritual constitution or structure.
Az önkormányzat és a nonprofit szervezetek kapcsolata Siklós város példáján
Authors: Szegedi Brigitta , Tóth Réka
Published: January 2021

Szegedi Brigitta - Tóth Réka (2007): Az önkormányzat és a nonprofit szervezetek kapcsolata Siklós város példáján.
Gerillaművészet a Kulturális Fővárosban
Authors: Antus Kata
Published: January 2021

Antus Kata (2007): Gerillaművészet a Kulturális Fővárosban.
Civil szervezetek az Ormánságban - innováció, integráció, indikáció
Authors: Kispéter Zoltán
Published: January 2021

Kispéter Zoltán (2010): Civil szervezetek az Ormánságban - innováció, integráció, indikáció.
Módszertani kísérlet a street art befogadásának mérésére
Authors: Gáspár Gabriella
Published: January 2021

Gáspár Gabriella (2010): Módszertani kísérlet a street art befogadásának mérésére.
Végzős BA/BSc-s hallgatók munkaerőpiaci attitűdjei
Authors: Marton Melinda
Published: January 2021

Marton Melinda (2010): Végzős BA/BSc-s hallgatók munkaerőpiaci attitűdjei.
Ugyanúgy, de mégis másképp
Authors: Gonda Gábor
Published: January 2021

Gonda Gábor (2011): Ugyanúgy, de mégis másképp. A német kisebbséget érintő kényszermigrációs folyamatok néhány aspektusa Bonyhádon és Sopronban 1944 és 1946 között.
Rítusok az Úttörővezető c. folyóirat fényképein
Authors: Darvai Tibor
Published: January 2021

Darvai Tibor (2011): Rítusok az Úttörővezető c. folyóirat fényképein.
Mit ér a pécsi bölcsészdiploma – hallgatói szemmel
Authors: Bognár Adrienn , Péntek Eszter
Published: January 2021

Bognár Adrienn - Péntek Eszter (2011): Mit ér a pécsi bölcsészdiploma – hallgatói szemmel.
The effects of advertisements on our changing society
Authors: Csiszér Annamária
Published: January 2021

Csiszér Annamária (2011): The effects of advertisements on our changing society.
Szociális művészet
Authors: Gáspár Gabriella
Published: January 2021

Gáspár Gabriella (2012): Szociális művészet. A „szociális” jelentése a képzőművészetben.
A Pécsi Egyházmegye hitoktatóinak helyzete és jövőképe
Authors: Ragadics Tamás , Somodi Imre
Published: January 2021

Ragadics Tamás - Somodi Imre (2012): A Pécsi Egyházmegye hitoktatóinak helyzete és jövőképe.
Kulturális törésvonalak és regionális identitás Lengyelországban
Authors: Schmidt Andrea
Published: January 2021

Schmidt Andrea (2012): Kulturális törésvonalak és regionális identitás Lengyelországban.
Családok, barátok, közösségek – a testi, lelki és szociális jóllét kapcsolata városi felnőtt fiatalok körében
Authors: Busa Csilla , Kesztyüs Márk , Füzesi Zsuzsanna , Tistyán László
Published: January 2021

Busa Csilla - Kesztyüs Márk - Füzesi Zsuzsanna - Tistyán László (2012): Családok, barátok, közösségek – a testi, lelki és szociális jóllét kapcsolata városi felnőtt fiatalok körében.
Az önbecsülés és a társadalmi tőke egyes elemeinek hatása a kirekesztő nézetekre
Authors: Bognár Adrienn
Published: January 2021

Bognár Adrienn (2013): Az önbecsülés és a társadalmi tőke egyes elemeinek hatása a kirekesztő nézetekre.
Határok és hatások
Authors: V. Gilbert Edit , Novák Sára , Csatári Mónika
Published: January 2021

V. Gilbert Edit - Novák Sára - Csatári Mónika (2013): Határok és hatások. Parttalan vagy mederbe terelt irodalomtörténet?