bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Strategic Implementation and Sustaining Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes in Sultanate of Oman: The Impact of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Fattah Fadi Abdel , AL_Alawi Abrar , Salah Mohammed , Alwishahi Maryam
Published: July 2023

Purpose – This study evaluates the strategic implementation and sustainability of therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLCs) in the Sultanate of Oman in response to the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the study examines the effectiveness of pharmacological measures used to manage NCDs during the pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach – Drawing from an extensive literature review, a conceptual model is developed, highlighting various external factors influencing the management of NCDs. The researchers adopt a quantitative research approach, collecting a representative sample of 412 participants from Oman. Statistical analysis is conducted using SPSS and PLS software to test the proposed hypotheses.
Findings – The results reveal significant direct effects between therapeutic lifestyle changes, the healthcare system, health behaviour, and NCDs management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, health behaviour is shown to mediate the relationship between therapeutic lifestyle changes and NCDs management, as well as the relationship between the healthcare system and NCDs management under pandemic conditions.
Practical implications – The findings suggest that the implementation of therapeutic lifestyle changes should be supported by the healthcare system and community involvement. The development of improved assessment tools to evaluate the impact of these strategies can aid in tailoring TLC interventions to the specific characteristics of the population. Moreover, effectively addressing the prevalence of NCDs in Oman requires policy changes and improvements in the healthcare system.
Originality/value – This study presents a unique conceptual model that contributes to the existing literature on NCDs and specifically addresses the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The research results and recommendations provided advance the role of TLCs in managing NCDs and contribute to filling the knowledge gap in this area.
Evaluation of Trans Anal Endorectal Pull-Through Outcomes in Hirschsprung Disease in Different Age and Gender Groups: A Comprehensive Systematic Review
Authors: Meidansar Farshid Ghasemi , Moradi Mohammad , Nabipoorashrafi Seyed Ali , Nasiri Seyyed Javad , Chavoshi Tahereh , Aldraji Mohammad , Jahangiri Fariba
Published: July 2023

Introduction;
The timing of endorectal pull-through for Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) is controversial. Early endorectal pull-through avoids the occurrence of preoperative enterocolitis. However, delayed pull-through (≥31 days) enables postnatal maturation of the anal canal and sphincter complex. The aim of this study was to identify the best age to perform trans-anal pull-through according to the literature.
Methods and Materials;
This was a comprehensive systematic review. All published articles from 2010 to 2022 were searched through Web of Science, Ovid Medline, PubMed, CINAHIL, and Embase databases, using the keywords Hirschsprung's disease, delayed or early treatment, trans-anal Pull-Through surgery, age, sex or gender, complications and outcomes. Articles that met the inclusion criteria along with good to fair quality according to the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment and low bias score in the Cochran collaboration tool were reviewed.
Results;
Sixteen studies were eligible to be reviewed. The overall results of this study showed that due to more common short-term complications at neonatal period and lower contrast enema diagnostic accuracy in determining the transition zone, postponing surgery until the child is several months old seems to be a reasonable decision. There was also no difference in terms of complications and outcomes of trans-anal Pull-Through surgery between females and males.
Conclusion;
it is not recommended to delay surgery too much for ages over 1 year. Ages between 3 and 12 months can be a good time to take interventional treatment for Hirschsprung's disease.
Circulating PCSK9 as a prognostic biomarker of cardiovascular events in individuals with type 2 diabetes: evidence from a 16.8-year follow-up study
Authors: Ruscica Massimiliano , Macchi Chiara , Giuliani Angelica , Rizzuto Alessandra Stefania , Ramini Deborah , Sbriscia Matilde , Carugo Stefano , Bonfigli Anna Rita , Corsini Alberto , Olivieri Fabiola , Sabbatinelli Jacopo
Published: July 2023

Background.
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, being twofold to fourfold more common in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than in individuals without diabetes. However, despite this decade-old knowledge, particularly challenging remains the identification of a specific prognostic risk biomarker.
Methods.
Taking advantage of a large sample of Caucasian patients (n = 568) with a diagnosis of T2DM followed for a median of 16.8 years, the present study was aimed at testing the hypothesis that fasting serum proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels could be prognostic for major cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality.
Results.
Median levels of PCSK9 were 259.8 ng/mL, being higher in women compared to men and increasing even more in the presence of a complication (e.g., diabetic kidney disease). PCSK9 positively correlated with markers of blood glucose homeostasis (e.g., HbA1c, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR) and the atherogenic lipid profile (e.g., non-HDL-C, apoB and remnant cholesterol). Serum PCSK9 predicted new-onset of MACE, either fatal or non-fatal, only in women (Odd Ratio: 2.26, 95% CI 1.12–4.58) and all-cause mortality only in men (Hazard Ratio: 1.79 [1.13–2.82]).
Conclusions.
Considering that up to two-thirds of individuals with T2DM develop ASCVD in their lifetime, the assessment of circulating PCSK9 levels can be envisioned within the context of a biomarker-based strategy of risk stratification. However, the sex difference we found highlight an urgent need to develop sex-specific risk assessment strategies.
Trial registration
It is a retrospective study
Impact of encorafenib on survival of patients with BRAF V600E -mutant metastatic colorectal cancer in a real-world setting
Authors: Zurloh Marie , Goetz Moritz , Herold Thomas , Treckmann Jürgen , Markus Peter , Schumacher Brigitte , Albers David , Rink Andreas , Rosery Vivian , Zaun Gregor , Kostbade Karina , Pogorzelski Michael , Ting Saskia , Schmidt Hartmut , Stiens Ray , Wiesweg Marcel , Schuler Martin , Kasper Stefan , Virchow Isabel
Published: July 2023

Purpose: Patients with BRAFV600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) have a dismal prognosis. The best strategies in these patients remain elusive. Against this background, we report the clinical course of patients with BRAFV600E mutant mCRC to retrieve the best treatment strategy.
Patients and Methods: Clinico-pathological data were extracted from the electronic health records. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Objective response rate (ORR) was assessed according to RECIST 1.1.
Results: In total, 51 patients were enrolled. FOLFOXIRI was administered to 12 patients, 29 patients received FOLFOX or FOLFIRI as first-line treatment. Median OS was 17.6 months. Median PFS with FOLFOXIRI (13.0 months) was significantly prolonged (HR 0.325) as compared to FOLFOX/FOLFIRI (4.3 months). However, this failed to translate into an OS benefit (p=0.433). Interestingly, addition of a monoclonal antibody to chemotherapy associated with superior OS (HR 0.523). A total of 64.7% patients received further-line therapy, which included a BRAF inhibitor in 17 patients. Targeted therapy associated with very favourable OS (25.1 months).
Conclusion: Patients with BRAFV600E-mutated mCRC benefit from the addition of an antibody to first-line chemotherapy. Further line treatment including a BRAF inhibitor has a dramatic impact on survival.
Development of super-specific epigenome editing by targeted allele-specific DNA methylation
Authors: Rajaram Nivethika , Kouroukli Alexandra G. , Bens Susanne , Bashtrykov Pavel , Jeltsch Albert
Published: July 2023

Background
Epigenome editing refers to the targeted reprogramming of genomic loci using an EpiEditor which may consist of dCas9, DNMT3A/3L and sgRNA. Methylation of the locus can lead to a modulation of gene expression. Allele-specific DNA methylation (ASM) refers to the targeted methylation delivery only to one allele of a locus. In the context of diseases caused by a dominant mutation, the selective DNA methylation of the mutant allele could be used to repress its expression but retain the functionality of the normal gene.
Results
To set up allele-specific targeted DNA methylation, target regions were selected from hypomethylated CGIs bearing a SNP in their promoters in the HEK293 cell line. We aimed at delivering maximum DNA methylation with highest allelic specificity in the targeted regions. Placing SNPs in the PAM or seed regions of the sgRNA, we designed 24 different sgRNAs targeting single alleles. We achieved efficient ASM in multiple cases, such as ISG15, MSH6, GPD1L, MRPL52, PDE8A, NARF, DAP3, and GSPT1, which in best cases led to 5-10-fold stronger average DNA methylation at the on-target allele. This corresponds to average differences of the DNA methylation gain in on- and off-target alleles of > 50%. Maximum DNA methylation was observed on day 3 after transfection followed by a gradual decline. In selected cases ASM, was stable up to 11 day in HEK293 cells and it led to an up to 3.6 change in allelic expression ratios.
Conclusions
We successfully delivered ASM in multiple targets with high specificity, efficiency and stability. This form of super-specific epigenome editing could find applications in the treatment of diseases caused by dominant mutations, because it allows silencing of the mutant allele without repression of the expression of the normal allele thereby minimizing side-effects of the treatment.
High-temperature Corrosion of Ni-based Alloys in CO2-rich Gases
Authors: Oleksak Richard P. , Tylczak Joseph H. , Teeter Lucas , Carney Casey S. , Doğan Ömer N.
Published: July 2023

Future technologies require structural materials resistant to environmental degradation in high temperature CO2-rich environments. Herein we exposed several commercially available Ni-based alloys (230, 263, 282, 617, 625, 740H) to atmospheric pressures gases intended to simulate the compositions expected in future direct-fired supercritical CO2 power cycles. The alloys were exposed to 95% CO2 + 4% H2O + 1% O2 and the same gas containing 0.1% SO2 at temperatures of 600, 650, 700, 750, and 800°C for 2500 h. With minor exceptions, chromia scales formed on all alloys at all temperatures in the SO2-free gas, yielding parabolic growth rates that followed a clear Arrhenius temperature-dependence. Behavior in the SO2-containing gas was more complex. Generally, the alloys performed well at temperatures of 650, 750, and 800°C. While some alloys further performed relatively well across the whole temperature range, several of the alloys experienced chromia failure and higher oxidation rates at temperatures of 600 and 700°C. Deviation from protective behavior was associated with internal sulfide formation and, additionally for the case of 600°C, external sulfate formation. The thermodynamic and kinetic factors influencing the accelerated corrosion in the presence of sulfur are discussed. The results suggest that caution is required when assessing compatibility of Ni-based alloys for CO2-based systems when sulfur-based impurities are expected.
A Fault tolerant Multimedia Cloud Framework to guarantee Quality of Experience (QoE) in Live Streaming
Authors: Evangeline Preetha , Chandrakasan Bharanidharan , M Vetri Selvan , Palanisamy Anandhakumar
Published: July 2023

The massive scale of Cloud computing has enabled the popularity of the internet and growth of multimedia streaming. Live streaming applications have greatly benefitted on deploying it in the cloud environment due to its abundant availability of resources and features that handle scalability with agility. Managing Device heterogeneity is critical and affects user experience drastically. Response time and bandwidth are other issues to be focused on. The streaming services involve both desktop users and mobile users. High-definition video applications are often challenging for mobile devices due to their limited processing capability and bandwidth-constrained network connection. Cloud computing environments are elastic in nature which balances the load according to the fluctuations in the network. It is also easy to re-commission the required services in case of failures. But downgrade of services is possible. The reasons for the downgrade of services are many however hardware failure is one of the chief causes and queue overflow during re-commissioning is another. Whatever the cause, the effect of downgrade is drastic on the customer. To meet up with the problem of resource allocation, bandwidth allocation and fault tolerance issues and at the same time to guarantee the desired level of Quality of Experience (QoE) to the end-users, an entire framework is proposed with novel algorithms for all the addressed issues. The resource allocation, performed at the cloud end needs to be dynamic. Our framework incorporates the proposed Guess Fit algorithm to provision virtual machines dynamically based on priority scores calculated using probabilities as a result of the combined Naïve Bayes algorithm with association rule mining. The scores also take into account the hit ratios and the penalty values. It is found to perform better than the existing Fit algorithms. On the client end, an efficient cluster bandwidth allocation algorithm (CBA algorithm) is proposed to share bandwidth resources among the fixed device and the mobile devices in a cluster. The framework also incorporates a switching table-based fault tolerance module. The switching table is entirely built based on AND-OR logic and help in desktop migration for uninterrupted streaming.
A Secure Biometric Key Generation Based on Coordinate Attention Mechanism And Reliable Feature Selection
Authors: zhou yang , WANG MingWen
Published: July 2023

With the development of the information era, the study of biometric keys has attracted increasing attention. However, the performance and safety of the proposed methods seem challenging to meet the needs of real applications. To solve this problem, this paper presents a finger vein biometric key system. The proposed system proposes an improved network in the feature extraction stage, which combines the coordinate attention mechanism and SkipNet to obtain richer feature information. An improved, reliable feature selection method is introduced to acquire more discriminative finger vein features. A Lagrange interpolation method then binds the user's finger vein features and keys. Finally, experiments are carried out on the public USM, Poly, and Net64 databases. The results indicate that we acquire a 1024-bit key with 0.049% FAR and 0% FRR in Net64 and 0% FAR and FRR in USM and Poly. Additionally, the system's security is analyzed from key randomness, system information leak attack, brute force attack, cross-matching attack, and spoofing attack. Experimental and theoretical analyses show that the proposed system has good accuracy and security.
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells repair endothelial injury and dysfunction by regulating NLRP3 to inhibit endothelial cell pyroptosis in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Xu ting , Chen Tao , Fang Hao , Shen Xiwei , Shen Xianjuan , Tang Zhiyuan , Zhao Jianmei
Published: July 2023

Vascular endothelial inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are the main causes of endothelial injury in Kawasaki disease (KD). Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Huc-MSCs) have multiple functions in immune regulation. This study examined whether Huc-MSCs inhibited endothelial inflammation and improved endothelial function in KD through constructing cell and in vivo animal KD vasculitis models. The pyroptosis factor NLRP3 was involved in the inflammatory process in the acute phase of KD. After tail vein injection of Huc-MSCs, inflammatory cell infiltration and the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins in the LCWE-induced KD mouse vasculitis model were significantly reduced. In vitro, NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis successfully induced HUVECs damage. Huc-MSCs effectively increased the abilities of impaired HUVECs to proliferate, migrate, invade, and form vessel-like tubes, while inhibiting their apoptosis, suggesting that Huc-MSCs can reduce inflammation and improve vascular endothelial function by inhibiting the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis pathway in KD, providing a possibility and novel target for KD endothelial injury and dysfunction.
The Role of Unemployment in the ESG Model at World Level
Authors: Leogrande Angelo , Leogrande Domenico , Costantiello Alberto
Published: July 2023

In this article, we investigate the role of Unemployment-U in the context of Environmental, Social and Governance-ESG model at World Level. We use data from 193 countries in the period 2011-2021. We apply Panel Data with Random Effects, Panel Data with Fixed Effects, Pooled Ordinary Least Squares-OLS, and Weighted Least Squares-WLS. We found that among other the level of U is positively associated, among others, to “GHG Net Emissions” and “Government Effectiveness”, and negatively associated among others, to “Maximum 5 Day Rainfall” and “Political Stability and Absence of Violence/Terrorism”. Furthermore, we confront eight different machine-learning algorithms to predict the future value of U. We found that the best predictive algorithm in terms of maximization of R-squared and minimization of MAE, MSE, and RMSE is the Linear Regression. The value of U is expected to growth of 1.51% on average for the analysed countries.
JEL Codes: D7, D70, D72, D73, D78.
Green synthesis of pyrazolines as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant agents
Authors: Pawar Kiran Prakash , Bhosale Sachin , Dhake Avinash , Shinde Nirmala
Published: July 2023

Green methods such as microwave technique and grinding technique has been found superior over the conventional method in view of reaction time and energy requirement. Comp research (2a-i), (3a-i) have been characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR and mass spectral analyses. They were screened for their in vitro anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and in vitro antioxidant activities. Antimicrobial activity was performed by Agar plate method and comp. 2d & 2e a active against gram negative bacteria E. coli and S. aureus, the comp. 3c and 3g show antioxidant activity as (IC50 = 48.13 and 46.03µg/ml), Comp’ 3c shows respectively anti-inflammatory activity at (EC50 = 11.00 ± 1.26 µg/mL). Comp. ,3c ,3d and 3e showed good anti-inflammatory activity at concentration (EC50 = 11.70 ± 0.98 µg/mL) & 11.70 ± 0.98 µg/mL respectively.
Covid-Induced Intimate Partner Violence: Scoping Review from Africa between 2020 – 2022
Authors: Wilson ANSAH Edward , ASAMOAH Anthoniette , BIMPEH Bernice , ANANI-ADZOE Laurenda F. , BOTHA Nkosi Nkosi
Published: July 2023

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) gained global notoriety as a preventable public health menace affecting 30% of females worldwide. The IPV which is implicated as a significant cause of premature mortality and morbidity worldwide has increased during the pandemic. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to synthesis evidence of the impact of the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic on incidence of IPV in Africa, occurring from 1st January, 2020 to 31st December, 2022. Using Tricco et al. procedure, thorough literature search was done in PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Dimensions, Taylor and Francis, Chicago Journals, Emerald Insight, JSTOR, Google Scholar, and MedRxiv. Consistent with the inclusion and exclusion protocols, 10 peer reviewed articles were eligible and used for this review. We report that : i) the SARS-COV-2 pandemic escalated the vulnerabilities of people to economic hardship, resulting in increased incidence of IPV during 2020–2022 in Africa, ii) psychological/emotional abuse was the most prevalent form of IPV victims suffered, iii) mental health conditions were the most reported effects of IPV on victims. The prevalence of IPV could undermine the achievement of the SDGs 5.2 by Africa, limiting the content’s quest to achieve full eradication of all types of violence against females. We recommend financial supports for females through social schemes like the Livelihood Employment against Poverty, as in Ghana, create sustainable livelihood for females and intensify public sensitisation on IPV and education on help-seeking avenues. It is important that a study is carried out to assess the structures available for dealing with IPV in Africa.
Activity of a Public Company in the Stock Market: Sensitivity Analysis of Its Key Indicators in the Context of a Neutral Approach to the Implementation Of Dividend Policy
Authors: Krylov Sergey
Published: July 2023

Research backgroundIn the conditions of a modern developed market economy, a rather important characteristic of the activities of a public company is its activity in the stock market (market activity), which involves the development of a dividend policy, which, on the one hand, should contribute to the achievement of the main goal of financial management - maximizing the material well-being of shareholders, and, on the other hand, take into account the interests of all other stakeholders interested in the activities of a public company (including potential investors) to ensure its sustainable development in the long term. Fulfillment of this requirement is possible only within the framework of a neutral approach to the implementation of the dividend policy of a public company.PurposeThe article is devoted to the consideration of the conceptual foundations for analyzing the sensitivity of key indicators of the activity of a public company in the stock market (market activity) to the main determining factors in the context of a neutral approach to the implementation of its dividend policy.Design/methodology/approachThe methodological basis of the study was the concept of a neutral approach to the dividend policy of a public company and the concept of sensitivity analysis, developed earlier by the author of this article.FindingsIt is shown that the key indicators of the market activity of a public company include the dividend yield ratio, dividend coverage ratio, the expected price of an ordinary share, the dividend yield of an ordinary share and the quote ratio of an ordinary share (price and earnings ratio per ordinary share). An analysis of the sensitivity of these indicators to the main determining factors in the context of a neutral approach to the implementation of the dividend policy of a public company involves the construction of appropriate elasticity models that allow determining the change in key indicators of market activity depending on changes in the factors that determine them. The constructed elasticity models of the key indicators of market activity listed above can be used in predictive and analytical assessments of their changes, and also make it possible to identify the causes of these changes by calculating the impact on the specified elasticity of the determinants contained in their models, performed by the appropriate methods of factor analysis, under the conditions of a neutral approach to the implementation of the dividend policy of a public company.Originality/valueThe author comes to the conclusion that the elasticity models developed by him for key indicators of the activity of a public company in the stock market in terms of the main factors determining them are a fairly effective tool for managing the market activity of a public company in the context of a neutral approach to the implementation of its dividend policy.JEL codes:C15, G32, G34, G35
Myocardial Work Combined with a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test is a Useful Prognostic Assessment of Patients with Non-obstructive Hypertrophic
Authors: Lin Yufen , Hou Shuhong , Lin Jianting , Zhang Tingting , Wu Bo , Qiu Sihua , Chen Jinhui , Chen Dongping , Huang Junlong
Published: July 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognosis of patients with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) using myocardial work combined with a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). The association between myocardial work and CPET parameters and left ventricular wall thickness was investigated. To achieve the study aim, 55 patients with non-obstructive HCM and 55 healthy control participants were enrolled. Echocardiographic data were collected and compared, and a CPET was performed separately for patients with HCM and controls. Differences in CPET and myocardial work parameters and changes in myocardial work parameters from before to after the CPET were compared between the two groups.
Results: Global longitudinal strain, global work index, global constructive work (GCW), and global work efficiency parameters were significantly reduced and longitudinal strain peak time dispersion (PSD) was prolonged in patients with HCM compared to controls (P < 0.001). No difference in global wasted work was observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). Regarding CPET parameters, peak oxygen uptake, anaerobic threshold, oxygen pulse, and metabolic equivalents were significantly lower in the HCM group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The slope of carbon dioxide ventilation equivalent was higher in patients with HCM, but the between-group difference was not significant (P > 0.05). After the CPET, there was a significant increase in PSD, but not GCW, in the HCM group, while there was a significant increase in GCW, but not PSD, in the control group. Maximal wall thickness showed a significant positive correlation with PSD (r =0.84, P <0.001), a significant negative correlation with GCW (r =-0.84, P <0.001), and a weak negative correlation with peak oxygen uptake (r =-0.45, P <0.001).
Conclusion: Myocardial work combined with a CPET can provide a valid assessment of the prognosis of patients with HCM. The effective myocardial work and CPET parameters are negatively correlated with left ventricular wall thickness.
Comparison of surgical outcomes in patients with closed nerve injuries in upper and lower extremities
Authors: Bazhanov Sergey P. , Shuvalov Stanislav D. , Tolkachev Valdimir S. , Korshunova Galina A. , Ostrovskij Vladimir V.
Published: July 2023

Patients with closed injuries of their brachial plexus and sciatic nerves make one of the most challenging cohort of patients as the recovery from the lost functions are rare and the number of disabilities is high. This is due to the damage by axonotmesis type when the anatomical integrity of the nerve trunk is preserved. For these patients the use of microsurgical neurolysis or electrical stimulation alone may turn ineffective, it’s also difficult to figure out the time for starting the procedures and proper stimulation modes. Thus, the investigation of the traumatic damage to peripheral nerves as well as various methods of surgical management of this cohort of patients is an urgent issue in neurosurgery, neurology, traumatology, orthopedics and rehabilitation.
This study as aimed to compare the outcomes of various surgical methods in patients with closed injuries of their brachial plexus and sciatic nerves.
Material and methods. The study involved 190 patients; 96 had closed injuries of their brachial plexus and 94 had closed injuries of their sciatic nerves. All patients were examined and treated in 2005-2021. These individuals were divided into three groups homogeneous by their gender, age and severity of neurological deficit: Group I (n=62) patients underwent microsurgical neurolysis, Group II (n=60) patients had microsurgical neurolysis followed by the single-level electrical stimulation, and Group III (n=68) patients had microsurgical neurolysis followed by the two-level electrical stimulation. The assessment of the clinical and functional status of the upper limb was carried out in dynamics using scale methods. The changes in clinical and functional status of the extremities were assessed with scale methods.
Results. We observed a better recovery of the limb functions in those patients who experienced the combination of microsurgical neurolysis and two-level electrical stimulation.
Conclusion. This technique improves surgical outcomes in patients with closed injuries of their brachial plexus and sciatic nerves due to faster pain relief and positive changes in clinical scores.
Nexus Between Intellectual Capital, Financial Performance and Sustainable Growth: Evidence from the Turkish ICT Industry
Authors: Lehenchuk Serhii , Zeytinoglu Emin , Hrabchuk Iryna , Zhalinska Iryna , Oleksich Zhanna
Published: July 2023

The paper aims to measure, using the VAIC model, the impact of intellectual capital and its elements on the financial performance and sustainable growth of Turkish ICT companies listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE). Panel data regression was used to analyse 31 Turkish ICT companies’ activity for 2019-2022. To measure the relationships between financial performance, sustainable growth and its determinants, sixteen functional models were developed, the formation of which was based on the following types of used dependent variables – Return on Assets, Return on Equity, Return on Sales, Sustainable Growth Rate. Ten independent variables were used, such as VAIC, Modified VAIC, Capital Employed Efficiency, Human Capital Efficiency, Structural Capital Efficiency, Research and Development Capital Efficiency, Relational Capital Efficiency, Leverage, Size, and Dummy Variable for Subbranch. The findings expand the understanding of the importance of intellectual capital management in generating enterprise value and providing sustainable advantages by high-tech companies in the context of forming a knowledge-based economy. The regression analysis of the impact of VAIC and its structural components on Turkish ICT companies’ financial performance and sustainable growth showed rather contradictory results. The most significant effects on the financial performance of Turkish ICT companies and sustainable development are Return on Assets – VAIC, Modified VAIC, Human Capital Efficiency, Research and Development Capital Efficiency, Leverage, Dummy Variable for Subbranch; Return on Equity – Human Capital Efficiency, Leverage; Return on Sales – Human Capital Efficiency, Leverage, Structural Capital Efficiency, Size; and Sustainable Growth Rate – Research and Development Capital Efficiency, Capital Employed Efficiency, Leverage. The expediency of increasing investments in the development of experience and professional skills of employees of Turkish ICT companies, as well as strengthening their innovative activities, which will ensure the growth of their profitability in the short term, have been substantiated.
Management of Digitisation Processes in the Field of Social Services
Authors: Rahmanov Farhad , Salahov Rashad , Hashimova Albina
Published: July 2023

Thanks to digital technologies, social spheres become increasingly mobile and resistant to transformational processes. Modern society needs to receive high-quality social services in a 24-hour format. It is essential to understand that digitalisation needs to be more socially neutral. On the one hand, digital technologies provide society with new perspectives, opportunities, and solutions, and on the other hand, they can cause the emergence of various risks. Management of the processes of digitalisation of social services involves not only the implementation of digital innovations but also the assessment of the consequences for society and the state. Thus, this article aims to analyse modern trends in digitalisation in the social services field and develop a scientific and methodological approach that will formalise the functional connections between digitalisation and the spheres of education, healthcare, and social protection. In the article, these statements are confirmed by the bibliometric analysis of keywords co-occurrence. It made it possible to identify the following vectors among studies of digitalisation in the field of social services: education, health care, and social protection, which foresee a change in the very essence of digitalisation through the prism of different scientifical approaches. In this regard, this article is devoted to studying the influence of digitalisation on critical indicators of education, health care, and social protection using Principal Component Analysis, Canonical Correlation Analysis and Multiple Regression Modelling. Based on a sample of 35 European countries in 2020-2022. Three canonical models were built, each of which tested the functional relationship between the indicators of the information and communication sector of the studied countries (Percentage of the ICT sector on GDP, Percentage of the ICT personnel in total employment, Percentage change of value added by ICT sector at current prices) and selected indicators of education, health care and social protection. As a result, it was found that, in general, the development of digital technologies has a positive effect on social services—still, the most significant relationship between digitalisation and the sphere of education and health care. As a result of regression modelling, it was found that the Percentage of the ICT personnel in total employment and the Percentage change of value added by the ICT sector at current prices are positively influenced by the Employment rates of recent graduates and negatively by Hospital beds and Expenditure on social protection.
Determinants of Technopreneurial Intention Among University Students: Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation (IEO) as Mediator
Authors: Koe Wei-Loon , Rusydi Abdul Rahim Mohd , Halim Mahphoth Mohd
Published: July 2023

Technology-based entrepreneurship or technopreneur-ship is crucial in driving business innovations in a country, especially in the Industrial Revolution 4.0 era. To date, the Malaysian government has put forth various efforts and implemented many strategies to develop youth technopreneurs. However, the establishment of new technological businesses still needed to be higher. In addition, reluctance to embark on entrepreneurship among university students remained a main issue and challenge. Therefore, the ultimate purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of technopreneurial intention among university students. The mediating role of individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) was also tested. This study employed the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the concept of IEO as the underpinning theories in developing the model of research and hypotheses. The research method adopted was quantitative because all variables were quantifiable. In particular, it utilised a survey questionnaire. The object of the research was individual university students chosen from a public university in Malaysia. A total of 5030 students was identified as the population of the study. Based on the proportionate stratified random sampling, 358 students were selected as a sample and surveyed. The collected data were further analysed using covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM). The findings empirically confirmed that contextual elements significantly and positively influenced technopreneurs’ intentions. However, computer and Internet self-efficacy were not significant in influencing technoprenuerial intention. IEO significantly mediated the relationship between contextual elements and technopreneurs’ intention regarding mediation testing. This research proved that aspects of contextual elements such as access to capital, access to information, and social networks were important in encouraging and developing technopreneurs. Furthermore, it confirmed a model for understanding and bolstering technopreneurial intention. It helped the government find significant external factors influencing students’ technopreneurial intention. It also sheds light on establishing effective ways of developing technopreneur-ship among youths early.
Extension of congruences and homomorphisms to translational hulls
Authors: Reilly Norman
Published: July 2023

L. M. Gluskin has shown that if $\alpha$ is an isomorphism of a weakly reductive semigroup $S$ onto a semigroup $T$, if $V$ is a dense extension of $S$ and $T$ is densely embedded in $W$ then $\alpha$ extends uniquely to an isomorphism of $V$ into W. P. Grillet and M. Petrich have shown that this result can be interpreted in terms of extending $\alpha$ to certain subsemigroups of the translational hull $\Omega(S)$ of $S$. Here the problem of extending homomorphisms between inverse semigroups is considered. As a preliminary to the main results the problem of extending congruences from $S$ to $\Omega(S)$ is considered and various classes of congruences are shown to be extendable. The main result shows that any homomorphism $\theta$ of an inverse semigroup $S$ into an inverse semigroup $T$ such that the ideal, in the semilattice $E$ of idempotents of $T$, generated by the image of the idempotents of $S$ intersects any principal ideal of $E_{T}$ in a principal ideal extends naturally to a homomorphism of $\Omega(S)$ into $\Omega(T)$. The extension described is unique with respect to certain natural restrictions.
On a space between $BH$ and $B_\infty$
Authors: Siegel Jerrold
Published: July 2023

Let $F\subseteq E_{\infty}\stackrel{p}{\to}B_{\infty}$ be the classifying space of fibre homotopy equivalence classes of fibrations with fiber $F$. An obstruction to the existence of a retraction $B_{\infty}\stackrel{r}{\to}E_{\infty}$ is developed. This obstruction is shown to vanish when $F$ is a stable space. Consequences of the existence of a retraction are indicated.
Determining the maximum turning force of the hydraulic backhoe excavator bucket
Authors: Shemiakin Stanislav
Published: July 2023

Introduction. Single-bucket excavators with both flexible and rigid suspension of work equipment are actively engaged in construction, stripping work and production mining. Excavators with rigid suspension are commonly used in construction, while excavators with flexible suspension are used in mining practice. This work considers the process of excavating rock with a single-bucket hydraulic backhoe excavator. The reliability and durability of excavators depend on the correct choice of the parameters of work equipment elements. Research objective is to determine the maximum turning force of the bucket of a hydraulic backhoe excavator, taking into account soil friction against the bucket bottom and side plates during rock excavation. Methods of research. When the maximum force on the bucket turning hydraulic-cylinder rods in the course of rock excavation is analytically defined, it is advisable to consider digging a trench in plain surface or in the open-pit in plain surface of a stope face provided that per one turn the bucket is filled to capacity. In this case, a segment of soil cut from the rock mass has maximum depth of cut as compared to other excavation methods. Total excavation resistance includes: resistance arising from cutting rock with a bucket with maximum depth of cut; resistance associated with the impact of gravity of the rock mass on the bucket; resistance associated with rock mass friction against the bucket bottom; resistance associated with rock mass friction against the inner surfaces of the bucket side plates. Results. The dependence has been determined between the maximum force on the bucket turning hydraulic-cylinder rods and bucket design parameters as well as the physical and mechanical characteristics of the face rock. The results analysis showed that both excavation process flow scheme and rock characteristics have a significant influence on the total bucket excavation resistance. Conclusions. The developed method of calculating the excavation resistance takes into account the internal forces of bucket interaction with rock and makes it possible to increase the accuracy of maximum digging force calculation. It therefore becomes possible to more reasonably approach the choice of the excavator bucket turning hydraulic cylinder parameters and thereby increase the reliability and durability of the machine as a whole.
Increasing the operating time of electrical submersible pumps by using self-cleaning filters
Authors: Korotkov Iurii
Published: July 2023

Introduction. The article considers issues relating to electrical submersible pumps (ESP) work under complicated operating conditions caused by a high content of solids in the pumped borehole fluid. Factors that cause or exacerbate these complications are also studied. The article justifies the urgency of increasing the operating time of submersible equipment under complicated operating conditions. Methods of research includes analyzing engineering and process approaches to ESP protection from a detrimental effect of solid particles. Within these approaches, specific ways of protecting borehole equipment from hydroabrasive wear are considered. It is concluded that today, in terms of economic indicators and efficiency, borehole and intake filters, mainly slotted, are preferable for ESP protection. The main advantages and disadvantages of known mass-produced slotted filter designs are considered. Results. The process of production tubing deformation in the course of pumping with ESP is considered and mathematically described. An engineering solution is proposed for a selfcleaning borehole slotted filter which makes it possible to eliminate the main disadvantages of slotted filters, specifically low dirt capacity and the need for tripping operations aimed at restoring the filter’s permeability. The method is given for calculating the deformation of the filter element within the slotted filter as part of the ESP below ground. Conclusions. The use of the described self-cleaning filter will increase the ESP operating time in wells characterized by solids circulation. Reducing trippings, and therefore the downtime of wells, during the operation of ESP with slotted filters will significantly reduce the costs of oil producing enterprises and increase oil production profitability.
Economic assessment of ecosystem services of the national natural capital
Authors:   Ural State Mining University, Logvinenko Oksana Aleksandrovna , Ignat’eva Margarita Nikolaevna ,   Ural State Mining University
Published: July 2023

Relevance. The implementation of the principles of sustainable development of the national economy requires full consideration of the natural component in the national wealth. In modern conditions, the economic assessment of ecosystem services of forest ecosystems is of paramount importance in solving this problem. The Russian Federation, owning natural resources on a scale significantly superior to other countries of the world, having forest ecosystems unique in size and undisturbed characteristics on its territory, needs their comprehensive and most complete economic assessment. The purpose of the research is development of theoretical and methodological foundations and development of methodological tools for the economic assessment of ecosystem services of Russia’s national natural capital. Research methodology. In the process of research, general scientific methods were used: dialectical, abstract-logical, as well as methods of comparative analysis, analogies, expert analysis. Results. The procedure for assessing the ecosystem services of the national natural capital has been clarified, the priority of the contribution of forest ecosystems to the national natural capital has been substantiated; methodological approaches to the economic assessment of the most significant eco-services of Russian forest ecosystems, regulating the air quality of the atmosphere, water regulation and anti-erosion, have been developed. Calculation formulas for their economic assessment are proposed, economic equivalents are substantiated, allowing to obtain cost results. Approbation of methodological approaches for federal districts and Russia as a whole has been carried out. The value of the increase in national natural capital is determined by taking into account the economic assessment of ecosystem services. Conclusions. The developed methodological approaches to the economic assessment of the most significant environmental services: air quality regulation, water regulation and erosion control can be used in the economic assessment of these services at the national and regional levels, which will clarify the corresponding amount of natural capital within the boundaries of individual regions and the country as a whole.
Pavel Ivanovich Kutyukhin (1899–1962) and former kutyukhinite (now kumtyubeite)
Authors:   Ural State Mining University, Barannikov Aleksandr Grigor’evich , Potapov Sergey Sergeevich ,   Institute of Mineralogy – a division of the the South Urals Federal Research Center of Mineralogy and Geo-ecology of the Ural Branch of RAS
Published: July 2023

Pavel Ivanovich Kutyukhin, a prominent specialist in geology and mineralogy of gold, rare metal and tungsten deposits of the Urals. For about 15 years he headed the departments of exploration and geology of ore deposits of the Geological Exploration Faculty at the Sverdlovsk Mining Institute. In honor of Pavel Ivanovich, a new mineral was named – kutyukhinite, calcium fluorosilicate, which was discovered by B. V. Chesnokov in the burnt dumps of the Chelyabinsk coal basin. The International Mineralogical Association did not approve it as a new mineral species, and recently a natural analogue, kumtyubeite, was found in the North Caucasus.
Association of Fe–Ti oxides in subalkaline dolerites of the Rai-Iz massif (Polar Urals)
Authors:   The Zavaritsky Institute of Geology and Geochemistry of the Ural Branch of RAS, Shiryaev Pavel Borisovich
Published: July 2023

The relevance of the research. Subalkaline dolerites, Fe–Ti oxides of which were studied in this work, occur within the largest deposits of chromium ores of the Rai-Iz massif. The study of the material composition and age of these rocks was carried out by the authors for the first time. The purpose of the research is to reveal the patterns of changes in the chemical composition of the main accessory minerals of rocks – titanomagnetite and ilmenite, and on the basis of the obtained data to evaluate the conditions for the formation of subalkaline dolerites of the massif. Research methodology. The chemical compositions of minerals were determined using microprobe analysis on a CAMECA SX 100 and scanning electron microscopy on a Jeol JSM-6390LV setup with an INCA Energy 450 X-Max 80 energy dispersive attachment. Raman spectra were obtained on a LabRam HR 800 Evolution spectrometer equipped with an Olimpus BX-FM microscope. The studies were carried out at the “Geoanalyst” сenter for the collective use of scientific equipment of the IGG, UB RAS. Results. The typomorphism of the chemical composition of titanomagnetite and ilmenite has been established for petrographic varieties of dolerites allocated on the massif. The T–fO2 parameters of dolerite formation were estimated and compared with metaultramafites. It is shown that titanomagnetite in amphibole dolerites undergoes maghemitization. The highest temperatures (1076–1126 °C) are recorded in pyroxene dolerites. The oxygen fugacity in these rocks is FMQ +0.6–+1 units. Hyalodolerite from the chilled margin of the pyroxene dolerite dike gives a temperature of 811–818 °C and an oxygen fugacity of 1.8 units above FMQ. The compositions of the associated ilmenite and titanomagnetite from amphibole dolerites correspond to fO2 = –2–0 units relative to FMQ and temperature 580–720 °C. The trend of change in T–fO2 parameters shows that the injection of the mafic melt occurred under conditions of metamorphism of ore-bearing ultramafic rocks. Conclusions. The formation of dolerite veins occurred under conditions of ultramafic rock metamorphism. The increased fugacity of oxygen at a relatively low temperature led to the maghemitization of titanomagnetite, rather than to the redistribution of components in the magnetite-ilmenite paragenesis.