bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ACE2 gene transfer ameliorates vasoreparative dysfunction in CD34+ cells derived from diabetic older adults
Authors: Joshi Shrinidh , Montes de Oca Ildamaris , Maghrabi Ahmad , Lopez-Yang Christine , Quiroz-Olvera Julio , Garcia Charles A. , Jarajapu Yagna Prasada Rao 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Diabetes increases the risk for ischemic vascular diseases, which is further elevated in older adults. Bone marrow-derived hematopoietic CD34+ stem/progenitor cells have the potential of revascularization; however, diabetes attenuates vasoreparative functions. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the vasoprotective enzyme of renin–angiotensin system in contrast with the canonical angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). The present study tested the hypothesis that diabetic dysfunction is associated with ACE2/ACE imbalance in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) and that increasing ACE2 expression would restore reparative functions. Blood samples from male and female diabetic (n=71) or nondiabetic (n=62) individuals were obtained and CD34+ cells were enumerated by flow cytometry. ACE and ACE2 enzyme activities were determined in cell lysates. Lentiviral (LV) approach was used to increase the expression of soluble ACE2 protein. Cells from diabetic older adults (DB) or nondiabetic individuals (Control) were evaluated for their ability to stimulate revascularization in a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia (HLI). DB cells attenuated the recovery of blood flow to ischemic areas in nondiabetic mice compared with that observed with Control cells. Administration of DB cells modified with LV-ACE2 resulted in complete restoration of blood flow. HLI in diabetic mice resulted in poor recovery with amputations, which was not reversed by either Control or DB cells. LV-ACE2 modification of Control or DB cells resulted in blood flow recovery in diabetic mice. In vitro treatment with Ang-(1-7) modified paracrine profile in diabetic CD34+ cells. The present study suggests that vasoreparative dysfunction in CD34+ cells from diabetic older adults is associated with ACE2/ACE imbalance and that increased ACE2 expression enhances the revascularization potential.
Epigenetic modifications of the renin–angiotensin system in cardiometabolic diseases
Authors: Elgazzaz Mona , Lazartigues Eric 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) are among the most prevalent and the highest mortality diseases. Single disease etiology such as gene mutation, polymorphisms, or environmental exposure has failed to explain the origin of CMD. This can be evident in the discrepancies in disease susceptibility among individuals exposed to the same environmental insult or who acquire the same genetic variation. Epigenetics is the intertwining of genetic and environmental factors that results in diversity in the disease course, severity, and prognosis among individuals. Environmental exposures modify the epigenome and thus provide a link for translating environmental impact on changes in gene expression and precipitation to pathological conditions. Renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is comprising genes responsible for the regulation of cardiovascular, metabolic, and glycemic functions. Epigenetic modifications of RAS genes can lead to overactivity of the system, increased sympathetic activity and autonomic dysfunction ultimately contributing to the development of CMD. In this review, we describe the three common epigenetic modulations targeting RAS components and their impact on the susceptibility to cardiometabolic dysfunction. Additionally, we highlight the therapeutic efforts of targeting these epigenetic imprints to the RAS and its effects.
An iterative algorithm for discrete Lyapunov matrix equations
Authors: Wu Ai‐Guo , Zhang Ying , Sun Hui‐Jie , Duan Hua‐Jie 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this paper, an iterative algorithm is established to solve discrete Lyapunov matrix equations. In this algorithm, a tuning parameter is introduced such that the iterative solution can be updated by using a combination of the information in the last step and the previous step. Some conditions for the convergence of the proposed algorithm are given. In addition, an approach is also developed to choose the optimal tuning parameter such that the algorithm achieves its fastest convergence rate. A numerical example is employed to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Competitiveness of Regional Health Systems and Specific Medical Organizations in the Context of the Coronovirus Pandemic
Authors: Asadulaev Asadula , Starobinskaya Nadegzda , Shvetc Petr 
Published: January 2021

Research background: As the experience of a number of countries whose health systems were considered effective has shown, the pandemic has caused multiple disruptions, system overloads, and in some cases complete collapse. The negative experience made us think about what characteristics of the system and each specific medical organization are determining, and which parameters contributed to the increase of problems in the system, and which ones ensured the ability of the medical cluster or organizations to successfully function in the complex conditions of the pandemic. Consequently, mechanisms for evaluating medical institutions and clusters that would be able to monitor the health system in a normal situation and monitor its readiness for peak loads are coming to the fore.
Purpose of the article: This article is intended to identify the key factors for ensuring the competitiveness of regional medical clusters and develop a methodology for assessing the level of competitiveness of institutions in the context of a pandemic.
Methods: The methodology of evaluation is built based on modified matrices of competitiveness based on the matrix of strategic mechanisms. Findings & Value added: The article analyses the successful strategic practices of medical market leaders for other players and maintaining the effectiveness of the healthcare system even during global pandemics. As the scientific increment can be considered the results of analysis of mechanisms for evaluating medical institutions and clusters that could monitor the health care system in a normal situation and monitor its readiness for peak loads.
Distance Education During the 2020 Global Crisis Lockdown
Authors: Kicheva Maria , Dimitrova Boryana 
Published: January 2021

Research background:Distance education in Bulgarian universities is a relatively new form of human capital training, applied until recently on a limited scale. The global 2020 health and economic crisis, related to the mass lockdown of the in-person educational process throughout the world, has imposed a new challenge to the anti-crisis management of the universities, schools and other educational institutions in Bulgaria: the obligatory application of the distance learning process. For the optimal development of the educational systems in the conditions of similar future crises, it is necessary to have various information about the impact of the crisis on the different groups of educational institutions and especially about the response of the students.Purpose of the article:This article aims to highlight the identified problems and challenges that distance education is facing and to provide recommendations for its future optimization to individual learners and educators, as well as to the educational institutions themselves and third stakeholders.Methods:The method of self-administered survey, conducted through Google Forms and the descriptive method, through which the authors of the article share their observations of the educational process, conducted during the lockdown, were used.Findings & Value added:Main findings include the pre- and after- lockdown levels of technical armament of the respondents, specifics of the loans taken for its provision, the forms of online training used and the personal assessment of the respondents for their effectiveness, the difficulties encountered during the educational process.
Design of a Supply Chain Performance Monitoring System for a Company in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Majercak Peter 
Published: January 2021

Research background: Design of a methodology for the measurement of logistics processes in production plants to plan, control and manage logistic chain links. The article develops theoretical knowledge in the field of logistics chain management and methods of monitoring them.
Purpose of the article: Material flow and logistics performance management is one of the most important areas for a manufacturing company, which significantly contributes to the overall results of the company’s management and its competitiveness. In order for the company to have its resources to use effectively, it needs to have information on its performance and weaknesses in the chain. The condition for obtaining this data is a system for measuring performance in accordance with the company’s goals.
Methods: For the analysis of the current state and the identification of weak points in the measurement process, the root cause analysis will also be used, which aims to identify weak points in the process.
Findings & Value added: The aim of the paper will be to create a brief theoretical a basis that will enable the analysis of the current system of evaluation of logistics performance and supply chain in the selected company and the identification of weaknesses with regard to the strategy and philosophy of the company and a proposal for changes that would increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Supply chain. The most significant contribution can be attributed to the proposal for implementation systematic evaluation of suppliers using a scoring model designed specifically for company.
Customer Behaviour and Sentiment Due to The COVID-19 Global Pandemic
Authors: Majercakova Margita , Rostasova Maria 
Published: January 2021

Research background: Identifying customer behaviour is one of the most critical activities in the implementation and evaluation of the analytical phase of the company’s algorithm for marketing activities. Analyses are performed based on of research activities aimed at identifying the psychological processes of an individual, related to the selection of goods and services to meet his needs and desires, the distribution of his available resources (money, time, effort) into items related to consumption and overall perception and thinking of the customer in a specific time period. The emergence of a global crisis, Covid-19, has significantly changed consumer behaviour in the market, shopping motives and consumer sentiment. This aspect has prompted several studies that have placed great emphasis on identifying factors influencing customer behaviour during this specific period.
Purpose of the article: The article presents the results of these analyses, which were carried out during the initial stages of the emergence and spread of the pandemic.
Methods: The methods used to address this issue were based on the analysis, synthesis and comparison of data obtained by primary and secondary research, as well as the use of methods of deduction and induction, to draw general and specific conclusions related to the topic.
Findings & Value added: he results of the findings not only confirm the expected change in customer behaviour in times of crisis, but the added value of solving this problem is to obtain important evidence for immediate decision-making and management of companies in times of crisis caused by “force majeure”.
Global Economic Impacts of COVID 19 to Increase the Protection of Society By Using Thermal Imaging Cameras to Measure the Temperature of Human Body
Authors: Mariš Ladislav , Adamová Veronika 
Published: January 2021

Research background:In 2020, a pandemic of COVID-19 has started. One of the symptoms is that a person has an elevated body temperature. One of the preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19 is the body temperature measuring. But this does not immediately mean, that person´s elevated body temperature indicates the presence of COVID-19. It also does not mean, that a person with COVID-19 must have fever. In generally, there is accepted a preventive measure to measure a body temperature, that can help to detect an infected person. The demands for body temperature measuring devices has increased. One of these devices is the thermal security cameras (TSC).Purpose of the article:The aim of this paper is to point out the increased use of the TSC during the global pandemic of COVID-19. At the same time, it is necessary to point out the real benefits of using these devices in relation to global trend and significant economic impacts on society.Methods:The analysis of available materials and data of the implementation of the TCS in relation to COVID-19 crisis. There are case studies elaborated on two manufacturing companies with different approaches to the implementation of preventive measures.Findings & Value added:Firstly, the increased demand for protecting and preventive measures have an impact on the extreme increase in prices for these technologies compared to the pre-pandemic period. Secondly, accepted protecting and safety measures, such as TSC, do not have the expected benefits in relation to COVID-19.
Remote certification processes during global pandemic times
Authors: Nowicki Paweł , Kafel Piotr 
Published: January 2021

Research background:Conformity assessment as defined in the ISO/IEC 17000 standard shows that the specified requirements for the product, process, system, person or entity have been met. A special type of conformity assessment is certification, in which the assessment is carried out by independent organizations, which has been confirmed by an accreditation body. The current crisis related to the development of the COVID-19 global pandemic has forced many organizations to change traditional forms of operation and, where it was possible, switch to a remote mode of work.Purpose of the article:The need to adapt to new realities did not bypass the certification bodies that adapted to the emergency situation, using the possibilities of remote work, including as part of certification processes. The purpose of this publication is to indicate the context of the certification bodies’ operation and the impact of such proceedings on trust in the results of their work as well as to show the changes of the way of conducting certification audits by the certification bodies.Methods:For above mentioned matter, four certification bodies were analysed in the area of remote certification processes. The used methodology was a case studies including a direct interviews with certification bodies representatives.Findings and Value Added:The main findings are related to the following issues concerning that remote auditing processes ensure business continuity; there is an increased confidence in results among customers of certification bodies; changes in process costs.
Sustainable Urban Development in the Context of Globalization and the Health Crisis Caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sarbu Roxana , Alpopi Cristina , Burlacu Sorin , Diaconu Silviu 
Published: January 2021

Research background: The concept of sustainable development had as its starting point the global ecological crisis 1929-1933 and was later developed by encompassing all economic and social and human spheres, reaching that today, sustainable development is the new path of humanity. Sustainable development has been conceived as a solution to the ecological crisis determined by the intense industrial exploitation of resources and the continuous degradation of the environment and seeks first of all to preserve the quality of the environment. Sustainable development promotes the concept of reconciling economic and social progress without endangering the natural balance of the planet.
Purpose of the article: The objective of this paper is to highlight the trends determined by the current health crisis.
Methods: The main research method is the bibliographic study doubled by a secondary documentary analysis that allowed us to identify both the historical evolution of the concept and the detachment of current trends.
Findings & Value added: All these concepts take on a new meaning in the current pandemic context and the trend seems to be man’s return to nature and villages, perhaps determined by home isolation as the central method imposed by most countries in the fight against Coronavirus.
Globalization and COVID-19: The Role of Local and Regional Authorities In Context Of International Relations
Authors: Wurst Hašová Blanka , Varvažovská Pavla 
Published: January 2021

Research background: International Municipal Cooperation in context of globalization and decentralization can be considered as a widely researched phenomenon. Still, the recent COVID-19 Pandemic prepared unexpected developments at all levels of the society.
Purpose of the article is to examine the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on models/forms of cooperation between crucial players in the international relations arena, with a special focus on the international-regional/local cooperation axis.
Methods of content and comparative analysis based on primary sources and scientific literature review are used. In the methodological framework of the Multi-level Governance Concept (Marks, G., 1993), reactions of relevant International Organizations on COVID-19 with regard to local and/or regional Self-Government Authorities are analysed.
Findings and value added: The crisis deepened the importance of local and regional Self-Government Authorities in the recovery process and urged international players to pay an increased attention to mutual cooperation and subsequent implementation of measures needed. Especially the Multi-stakeholder Partnership has been strengthened. This paper intended to contribute to current academic and public policy debate.
The impact of taxes and administrative activities of SMEs on their performance
Authors: Bilek Stanislav , Kmecova Iveta , Tlusty Michal 
Published: January 2021

Research background: The paper outlines selected problem areas of the legislative - legal environment and administrative burdens for SMEs. Data for this paper were obtained within the scientific activities at the University of Technology and Business in Ceske Budejovice Project TL01000349 Stabilization and development of SMEs in rural areas. The primary objective of the paper is to demonstrate that small and medium-sized enterprises are overburdened both from an administrative point of view. The theoretical part of the paper is devoted to the presentation of experts on a given topic and from these views the logical conclusion and recommendations for the methodological part of the paper are based. The following, practical part, explains each hypothesis and outlines the whole course of calculation. Each hypothesis is then rejected or confirmed. All findings are verbally analysed in the discussion of the results.
Purpose of the article: The main purpose of the research is to prove that small and medium-sized enterprises are overburdened with administrative burdens and taxes.
Methods: Primary data for the area of legislative-legal and administrative burden were obtained through a questionnaire survey in SMEs. The data will be evaluated using a statistical method comparing the mean value, specifically using a one-sample t-test.
Findings & Value added: The results of the paper will confirm or reject the predetermined hypotheses that apply to small and medium-sized enterprises. This knowledge will be important for further analysis and will outline the administrative complexity of the business of these companies.
Challenges of external personnel marketing
Authors: Gajanova Lubica 
Published: January 2021

Research background:In the long term, employees are without a doubt the most important success factor for any company. Due to the demographic change, numerous companies are increasingly confronted with a shortage of skilled workers and are therefore facing the increased competition in gaining of the qualified employees. This challenge is exacerbated by a globalization, digitization and the change from an industrial society to a service one as well. In addition, the Slovak and worldwide labor market in the coming years will be characterized by a change of generation, which will form the majority of the available potential of the workforce. Against this background, aspects such as employer attractiveness and employer branding are becoming increasingly important and influential in the field of personnel management.Purpose of the article:Due to demographic developments and the upcoming change of generation, companies will face the difficulty of inspiring qualified employees in the future. This creates numerous challenges for external personnel marketing. The overall goal of this paper is to contribute to the current state of research on the challenges of personnel marketing in the future.Methods:The method of collecting data through a questionnaire and the contingency analysis to process the data were chosen for this research.Findings & Value added:The objective of the paper is to setting up specific recommendations for the use of external personnel marketing, against the background of changing requirements and attitudes of generation Z.
Earnings management under a global magnifier
Authors: Krastev Vladislav , Durana Pavol , Valaskova Katarina 
Published: January 2021

Research background:Legal earnings manipulation is current hot topic, which is evidenced by a significant number of academic articles from the countries of developed markets. But this issue has been still the research gap for the emerging countries. Slovakia and Bulgaria are emerging counties with the similar economic and political history. The existence of the purposeful earnings management is confirmed in both countries. Therefore, the enterprises from these countries are selected to the common comparison.Purpose of the article:The main purpose and the set target of delivered examination is to disclose significant conformity or discrepancy in the dimension of the legal managers’ earnings modification in the Slovakian and Bulgarian enterprises.Methods:The provided financial modelling used 1,089 Slovak enterprises and 1,421 Bulgarian enterprises. Two parametric tests were computed for this study. Fisher’s F-test to detect the ratio between the variances of the populations, and t-test for two independent samples to test provided hypothesis of the article.Findings & Value added:The paper aimed at the earnings before interest, taxes (EBIT) in two emerging countries under a global magnifier. It was detected that the dimension of financial managers’ earnings manipulations in the Slovakian and Bulgarian enterprises is not significantly different. The similar nature of the approach of the management to the earnings manipulation was identified.