bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of delayed antiretroviral therapy initiation among people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tao Yan , Xiao Xueling , Zhang Ci , Xie Ying , Wang Honghong
Published: October 2023

Objective

HIV continues to be a global challenge. Key recommendations for HIV prevention and treatment are presented on rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. However, several studies showed a high prevalence of delayed ART initiation. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the prevalence of delayed ART initiation among HIV-infected patients globally.

Methods

This review summarised eligible studies conducted between January 2015 and August 2022 on the prevalence of delayed ART initiation in HIV-infected adults (age ≥ 15). Relevant studies were systematic searched through PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and Chongqing VIP databases. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates. The heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran’s Q test and I2 statistics. Moreover, potential sources of heterogeneity were explored using univariate subgroup analysis.

Results

Data on the prevalence of delayed ART initiation was pooled across 29 studies involving 34,937 participants from 15 countries. The overall pooled prevalence of delayed ART initiation was 36.1% [95% confidence interval (CI), 29.7–42.5%]. In subgroup analysis, the estimated pooled prevalence decreased with age. By sex, the prevalence was higher among male patients (39.3%, 95% CI: 32.2–46.4%) than female (36.5%, 95% CI: 26.9–50.7%). Patients with high CD4 cell count were more likely to delay ART initiation than those with low CD4 cell count (>500cells/mm3: 40.3%; 201-500cells/mm3: 33.4%; and ≤200cells/mm3: 25.3%).

Conclusions

Our systematic review and meta-analysis identified a high prevalence of delayed ART initiation. The prolonged time interval between diagnosis and treatment is a prevalent and unaddressed problem that should spur initiatives from countries globally. Further research is urgently needed to identify effective strategies for promoting the early ART initiation.
A mechanistically novel peptide agonist of the IL-7 receptor that addresses limitations of IL-7 cytokine therapy
Authors: Dower William J. , Park Angie Inkyung , Bakker Alice V. , Cwirla Steven E. , Pongtornpipat Praechompoo , Williams Blake M. , Joshi Prarthana , Baxter Bryan A. , Needels Michael C. , Barrett Ronald W.
Published: October 2023

Interleukin (IL)-7 is broadly active on T-cell populations, and modified versions have been clinically evaluated for a variety of therapeutic applications, including cancer, lymphopenia, and infectious diseases; and found to be relatively well-tolerated and biologically active. Here we describe novel IL-7R agonists that are unrelated in structure to IL-7, bind to the receptor subunits differently from IL-7, but closely emulate IL-7 biology. The small size, low structural complexity, and the natural amino acid composition of the pharmacologically active peptide MDK1472 allows facile incorporation into protein structures, such as the IgG2-Fc fusion MDK-703. This molecule possesses properties potentially better suited to therapeutic applications than native IL-7 or its derivatives. We compared these compounds with IL-7 for immune cell selectivity, induction of IL-7R signaling, receptor-mediated internalization, proliferation, and generation of immune cell phenotypes in human and non-human primate (NHP) peripheral blood cells in vitro; and found them to be similar in biological activity to IL-7. In cynomolgus macaques, MDK-703 exhibits a circulating half-life of 46 hr and produces sustained T-cell expansion characteristic of IL-7 treatment. In the huCD34+-engrafted NSG mouse model of the human immune system, MDK-703 induces an immune cell profile very similar to that generated by IL-7-derived compounds; including the pronounced expansion of memory T-cells, particularly the population of stem-like memory T-cells (Tscm) which may be important for anti-tumor activities reported with IL-7 treatment. Clinical administration of IL-7 and modified variants has been reported to induce anti-drug antibodies (ADAs), including IL-7 neutralizing antibodies. The novel peptide agonist reported here scores very low in predicted immunogenicity, and because the peptide lacks sequence similarity with IL-7, the problematic immunogenic neutralization of endogenous cytokine should not occur. The properties we report here implicate MDK-703 as a candidate for clinical evaluation in oncology, anti-viral and other infectious disease, vaccine enhancement, and treatment of lymphopenia.
Patterns of long-term care utilization during the last five years of life among Swedish older adults with and without dementia
Authors: SM-Rahman Atiqur , Meinow Bettina , Hydén Lars-Christer , Kelfve Susanne
Published: October 2023

Aims

The aims of this study were to compare the patterns of long-term care (LTC) use (no care, homecare, residential care) among people with and without dementia aged 70+ in Sweden during their last five years of life and its association with sociodemographic factors (age, gender, education, cohabitation status) and time with a dementia diagnosis.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all people who died in November 2019 aged 70 years and older (n = 6294) derived from several national registers. A multinomial logistic regression was conducted to identify which sociodemographic factors predicted the patterns of LTC use.

Results

Results showed that the time with a dementia diagnosis and cohabitation status were important predictors that influence the patterns of LTC use during the last five years of life. Nearly three-quarters of people living with dementia (PlwD) used residential care during the last five years of life. PlwD were more likely to reside in residential care close to death. Women who lived alone, with or without dementia, used residential care to a higher degree compared to married or cohabiting women.

Conclusions

Among people without a dementia diagnosis, as well as those who were newly diagnosed, it was common to have no LTC at all, or use LTC only for a brief period close to death. During the last five years of life, PlwD and those living alone more often entered LTC early and used residential care for a longer time compared to people without dementia and people living alone, respectively.
USP7 attenuates endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptotic cell death through deubiquitination and stabilization of FBXO7
Authors: Lee Su Hyoun , Chung Kwang Chul
Published: October 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease (NDD) characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Similar to other NDDs, the buildup of toxic protein aggregates in PD leads to progressive neuronal loss, culminating in neurodegeneration. Accumulating evidence indicates that alterations in subcellular organelles, particularly the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), are critically involved in pathological neurodegenerative events in NDDs, including PD. Mutations in the F-box only protein 7 (FBXO7 or PARK15) gene have been found to cause early onset autosomal recessive familiar PD. FBXO7 functions as an adaptor protein in the Skp1-Cullin1-F-box protein (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, which promotes substrate ubiquitination. Although FBXO7 is involved in the ubiquitination of various target proteins, little is known about the upstream regulatory mechanism of FBXO7 and/or its modulator(s). Ubiquitin specific protease 7 (USP7) is a deubiquitinating enzyme that regulates the balance between protein synthesis and degradation by removing ubiquitin from target substrates. The role of USP7 in various types of cancer is well-established; however, its role in NDDs has not been elucidated to date. In this study, we identified that USP7 acts as a novel regulator of FBXO7, positively regulating the stability of FBXO7 through Lys48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, USP7 was found to mitigate ER stress-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis by preventing the proteasomal degradation of FBXO7. Taken together, our study suggests that the functional relationship between FBXO7 and USP7 may play a crucial role in ER stress-induced apoptosis and the pathogenesis of PD.
Sex and age-dependent characterization of the circadian clock as a potential biomarker for physical performance: A prospective study protocol
Authors: Yalçin Müge , Relógio Angela
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Circadian rhythms (CR) regulate daily cycles in behavior, physiology and molecular processes. CRs are endogenous and vary across individuals. Seasonal changes can influence CR. Accordingly, rhythms with different characteristics (amplitude, phase) are depicted during the summer months, as compared to winter. Increasing evidence points to an influence of circadian regulation on physical performance. Here, we aim to obtain a comprehensive circadian gene expression profile for physically active individuals, which can potentially be used for the identification of optimal time intervals for physical exercise.

Methods and analysis

To explore these different aspects, we propose a study where we will carry out a molecular analysis of CR by measuring the expression of specific clock and clock-controlled genes, based on a non-invasive approach using RNA extracted from saliva in physically active, healthy participants. We will collect data across two seasons and use computational algorithms to integrate the molecular data with hormonal data (cortisol and melatonin), and generate a profile of CR in healthy individuals of different sex and age groups. Finally, we will use computational tools to predict optimal time intervals for physical performance based on the above-described data, thereby retrieving valuable data on the circadian clock as a key factor for health maintenance and optimization.
Computational design of novel nanobodies targeting the receptor binding domain of variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Longsompurana Phoomintara , Rungrotmongkol Thanyada , Plongthongkum Nongluk , Wangkanont Kittikhun , Wolschann Peter , Poo-arporn Rungtiva P.
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an urgent need for effective therapeutic and diagnostic strategies to manage the disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, the emergence of numerous variants of concern (VOCs) has made it challenging to develop targeted therapies that are broadly specific in neutralizing the virus. In this study, we aimed to develop neutralizing nanobodies (Nbs) using computational techniques that can effectively neutralize the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs. We evaluated the performance of different protein-protein docking programs and identified HDOCK as the most suitable program for Nb/RBD docking with high accuracy. Using this approach, we designed 14 novel Nbs with high binding affinity to the VOC RBDs. The Nbs were engineered with mutated amino acids that interacted with key amino acids of the RBDs, resulting in higher binding affinity than human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and other viral RBDs or haemagglutinins (HAs). The successful development of these Nbs demonstrates the potential of molecular modeling as a low-cost and time-efficient method for engineering effective Nbs against SARS-CoV-2. The engineered Nbs have the potential to be employed in RBD-neutralizing assays, facilitating the identification of novel treatment, prevention, and diagnostic strategies against SARS-CoV-2.
An ex vivo rat trachea model reveals abnormal airway physiology and a gland secretion defect in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Harris Elex , Easter Molly , Ren Janna , Krick Stefanie , Barnes Jarrod , Rowe Steven M.
Published: October 2023

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease hallmarked by aberrant ion transport that results in delayed mucus clearance, chronic infection, and progressive lung function decline. Several animal models have been developed to study the airway anatomy and mucus physiology in CF, but they are costly and difficult to maintain, making them less accessible for many applications. A more available CFTR−/− rat model has been developed and characterized to develop CF airway abnormalities, but consistent dosing of pharmacologic agents and longitudinal evaluation remain a challenge. In this study, we report the development and characterization of a novel ex vivo trachea model that utilizes both wild type (WT) and CFTR−/− rat tracheae cultured on a porcine gelatin matrix. Here we show that the ex vivo tracheae remain viable for weeks, maintain a CF disease phenotype that can be readily quantified, and respond to stimulation of mucus and fluid secretion by cholinergic stimulation. Furthermore, we show that ex vivo tracheae may be used for well-controlled pharmacological treatments, which are difficult to perform on freshly excised trachea or in vivo models with this degree of scrutiny. With improved interrogation possible with a durable trachea, we also established firm evidence of a gland secretion defect in CFTR−/− rat tracheae compared to WT controls. Finally, we demonstrate that the ex vivo tracheae can be used to generate high mucus protein yields for subsequent studies, which are currently limited by in vivo mucus collection techniques. Overall, this study suggests that the ex vivo trachea model is an effective, easy to set up culture model to study airway and mucus physiology.
Comparative analysis of the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Safety of sertraline
Authors: Ushkalova E. A. , Ushkalova A. V.
Published: October 2023

Depressive disorders and anxiety are the most common mental disorders in the perinatal period, occurring in 14–23% of women. Antidepressants from the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) group are considered the drugs of choice for the treatment of these disorders. Although SSRIs are the best-studied antidepressants used in pregnant women, there are still conflicting opinions about their effect on pregnancy course and outcomes of pregnancy. At the same time, the risks associated with their use in pregnant women are often exaggerated, while the risks of untreated mental disorders are underestimated. SSRI use during pregnancy has been associated with a modestly increased risk of adverse events, including postpartum haemorrhage, miscarriage, preterm birth, cesarean delivery, fetuses small for their gestational age and low birth weight, low Apgar scores, and increased rates of neonatal hospitalization to intensive care units. However, depressive and anxiety disorders in the mothers themselves also contribute to similar outcomes, so it is not always possible to distinguish the contribution of medication and illness. Comparative data on the effects of different SSRI medications on outcome for the mother and fetus during pregnancy are limited, but paroxetine and fluoxetine are reported to pose the greatest risk to the fetus/neonate. Information on the safety of citalopram and escitalopram during pregnancy and lactation is limited. Citalopram has the highest concentrations in amniotic fluid of all SSRIs. According to current data, sertraline has the most favourable safety profile during pregnancy and lactation, which is explained by its low penetration through the placenta. Sertraline concentrations in the fetus are approximately 1/3 of those in maternal plasma. Sertraline has the lowest concentrations in breast milk of all SSRIs and is associated with a low risk of adverse effects in a baby, making it the drug of choice for nursing mothers. In conclusion, sertraline is one of the best studied SSRIs and has a favourable safety profile for both the mother and the fetus/neonate.
Migraine in perimenopausal women
Authors: Klimentova D. A. , Tabeeva G. R.
Published: October 2023

Sex hormones have a significant influence on the course of migraine in women. Perimenopause is accompanied by unstable cycle length, vasomotor, urogenital and other symptoms, while the course of migraine usually worsens. In postmenopause ovarian follicular function decreases, and the course of migraine improves in most cases. However, a number of studies have shown that the course of migraine does not change or even worsen after menopause. Perimenopausal and postmenopausal migraine patients are also more likely to suffer from vasomotor symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy is prescribed to relieve vasomotor symptoms, which may worsen the course of migraine. In this review, the influence of perimenopause and postmenopause on the course of migraine, the use of hormone replacement therapy, and methods to relieve and prevent attacks in patients with migraine are examined in detail.
Possibilities of combined use of peptides in the treatment of post-stroke asthenia
Authors: Emelin A. Yu. , Lobzin V. Yu.
Published: October 2023

Among the various syndromes in the post-stroke period, asthenic disorder plays an important role, the presence of which is associated with unfavourable course of the disease. Post-stroke fatigue is, on the one hand, the result of organic brain lesions and, on the other hand, a person's emotional reaction to the clinical manifestations of stroke and its consequences. Affective and cognitive disorders are common comorbidities of fatigue after stroke. To correct asthenic manifestations, a holistic approach with pharmacological, physical, and psychological treatments is used. The main components in the pathogenesis of fatigue are hypoxia and energy imbalance, so it seems reasonable to include in the complex therapy of post-stroke fatigue the drug Cytochrome C, which is a key peptide of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Considering the frequent combination with cognitive disorders of different modality, the use of bovine cerebral cortex polypeptides in patients with post-stroke fatigue is pathogenetically reasonable. Inclusion of drugs with a complex mechanism of action on hypoxia, oxidative stress, energy deficiency, and neuroplasticity processes in the therapeutic algorithm may increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Differential diagnosis of ischemic stroke in the arteries of the vertebrobasilar system
Authors: Kulesh A. A. , Demin D. A. , Vinogradov O. I.
Published: October 2023

Stroke in the arteries of the vertebrobasilar system is characterized by a variety of nonspecific symptoms, many mimickers, and often atypical clinical presentation, which, together with the low sensitivity of CT and MRI of the brain, leads to incorrect and untimely diagnosis. This article addresses in detail the issues of differential diagnosis of this disease with Guillain–Barre syndrome, myasthenic crisis, central pontine myelinolysis, multiple sclerosis, Wernicke encephalopathy, vestibular neuronitis, Meniere's disease, and vestibular migraine.
The phenomenon of “visual snow”: clinical and pathophysiological correlations, differential diagnosis and treatment (literature review)
Authors: Kamaeva A. S. , Kiryanova E. A. , Tabeeva G. R.
Published: October 2023

Visual snow syndrome (VSS) is a visual perception disorder characterized by persistent positive visual symptoms described by patients as “tiny dots, pixel vision, interference as on TV”. To date, the prevalence of VSS may be as high as 2.2–3.7% of the population, which significantly increases the interest not only of physicians but also of medical researchers. In addition, patients may have other visual symptoms as well as tinnitus, migraine, dizziness, tremor, fibromyalgia, paresthesias, depersonalization, derealization, anxiety, and depression. VSS may affect quality of life, educational, professional and social activities. The article discusses the criteria for diagnosis, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, clinical cases, and approaches to the treatment of VSS.
Diagnosis and treatment of depression according to the functional recovery paradigm
Authors: Usov G. M.
Published: October 2023

Since the appearance of the first antidepressants, ideas about the goals of long-term treatment of depression have changed considerably. The prevailing priority in the 1960s to 1980s of relieving current depressive symptoms and ending the current episode – shifted to achieving remission in the early 1990s and functional recovery in the mid-2010s. The general recognition of a new approach to the treatment of depression is reflected in the inclusion of functional disorder in the ICD-11 diagnostic criteria for a depressive episode. The paradigm shift in therapy has been driven by advances in the field of psychopharmacology that have led to the development of antidepressants with a fundamentally new mechanism of action that provides a broader therapeutic effect combined with a more favorable tolerability profile. Agomelatine provides a harmonious and complete reduction of depression symptoms, including those resistant to other antidepressants, and a stable clinical and functional remission of high quality, i.e., it allows the achievement of all three therapeutic goals.
Non-specific neck pain (cervicalgia). Guidelines of the Russian Society for the Study of Pain (RSSP)
Authors: Parfenov V. A. , Yakhno N. N. , Kukushkin M. L. , Davydov O. S. , Churyukanov M. V. , Golovacheva V. A. , Evzikov G. Yu. , Isaikin A. I. , Bakhtadze M. A. , Medvedeva L. A. , Kalinsky P. P. , Shirokov V. A.
Published: October 2023

Neck pain (NP) is one of the most common complaints of patients in outpatient practice and is predominantly non-specific (musculoskeletal) in nature. When examining a patient with NP, it is necessary to rule out a specific cause of the condition. The diagnosis of nonspecific NP (NNP) is based on a clinical examination that excludes signs of specific NP (“red flags”). If there are no signs of specific NP (“red flags”), early (in the first 4 weeks) magnetic resonance imaging is not indicated. It is recommended to inform the patient with NNP about the favorable prognosis of the disease, its risk factors, avoidance of prolonged excessive static and physical activity, incorrect (non-physiological) positions and postures, the effectiveness of therapeutic exercises (kinesiotherapy) and the advisability of maintaining physical activity. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants can be used to relieve NNP. For subacute and chronic NNP, kinesiotherapy, manual therapy in combination with psychological therapy methods (for depressive and anxiety disorders, pain catastrophizing, pain behavior), and antidepressants are recommended. Radiofrequency denervation may be effective for chronic NNP associated with cervical facet joint pathology. There are no convincing data on the efficacy of electrotherapy, ultrasound, traction, and wearing a cervical collar in the absence of orthopedic indications. For preventive treatment of NNP, kinesiotherapy and an educational program to avoid excessive static and physical activity, incorrect positions and postures are recommended. The issues of duration and frequency of therapeutic exercises for the treatment and prevention of NNP need further investigation.
Extract and fraction of cashew nut testa ameliorate the hyperglycemic mice induced by Streptozotocin and high-fat diet
Authors: Duc Van Huy , Thi Thao Nguyen Ly , Lu Chinh Phan Nhan , Thi Thanh Dao Thuy , Thanh Le Long , Thi Ngoc Nguyen Nhu , Ton Ngoc Nguyen Huynh , Thi Tung Dang Loan
Published: October 2023

Drug strategy is a standard method for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), a non-communicable disease with increasing prevalence, which may cause side effects. Therefore, natural compounds with limited adverse effects have come back into vogue for treating T2D. This study aims to evaluate the effects on rehabilitating hyperglycemic mice of cashew nut testa (husk) extract and fraction known as potential bio-substances for improvement in T2D. First, the hyperglycemic mice were induced with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks and then were injected with streptozotocin (STZ, dozen for injection was 40 mg/kg/week) for 2 weeks. Next, the confirmed hyperglycemic mice were treated with pioglitazone (HG+PG group), total extract (HG+TE group), and saponin-rich fraction (HG+SRF group) for 3 weeks. Then, the evaluation was based on body mass; blood glucose (BG) level; BG tolerance, lipid profile, pancreatic histology and the expression IRS-1 in the pancreas. The results showed that body mass and BG level significantly increased in hyperglycemic mice. After substance treatment, there was no change in body mass in TE and SRF groups. However, BG level of HG+TE group mice significantly decreased compared to hyperglycemic mice and only BG tolerance of HG+SRF group was improved. Besides, HG+TE and HG+SRF groups modulated the triglyceride, HDL and LDL close to those expressed in normal mice. In addition, histological images of the pancreas revealed the restoration in both HG+TE and HG+SRF groups. Simultaneously, the IRS-1 expression in HG+TE group pancreas was restored to its expression in normal mice. These results demonstrate that the TE and SRF of cashew nut testa could ameliorate BG, lipid profile and pancreatic IRS-1 expression and restore the damaged pancreas and islets in hyperglycemic mice.
Creativity and Innovation Management for Increasing Entrepreneurship Performance in the New Normal Era in East Bolaang Mongondow District
Authors: Trang Irvan , Murni Sri , Dotulong Lucky O. H.
Published: October 2023

Human resources are an important factor in an organization because they play a role in planning, implementing and controlling or in other words as system managers in an organization.Quality human resources are human resources who have creativity and innovation at work. An Entrepreneur is a human resource who is directly involved in carrying out their business activities. To create that, entrepreneurs need to carry out creativity and innovation in order to improve their performance in maintaining and developing their business. This is of course in line with the current phenomenon, where many businesses are bankrupt, closed, out of business in the current new normal era of the Covid 19 pandemic, including in East Bolaang Mongondow Regency, where there are many entrepreneurs engaged in in mining, marine agriculture as well as a variety of other different businesses affected by the outbreak. The purpose of doing this research is to analyze and study and develop a variable and instrument that is able to identify indicators that influence the increase in the performance of entrepreneurs in East Bolaang Mongondow Regency. The stages of the method used in the approach and achievement of this research are by observation, identifying the population, the sample in this case the respondents (entrepreneurs) in East Bolaang Mongondow Regency, using the survey method, distributing questionnaires and giving open questions to get the best results. accurately, then process the data and evaluate the results obtained for seminars and publication.
Las asimetrías entre los procesos penales español y alemán y cómo abordarlos mediante una traducción transparente basada en el derecho comparado
Authors: Holl Iris
Published: October 2023

Due to the system-bound nature of the law, when a legal text rooted in a legal system A is translated to be received in a legal system B, the translator must deal with the challenges arising from the asymmetries between the legal systems involved. The purpose of this paper is to dive deeper into the nature of these asymmetries and its implications for the translation process. Due to its relevance for professional translation practice, we have chosen the legal subdomain of cross-border criminal prosecution between Spain and Germany as a case study. First, the translation situations that typically arise in these settings are described. Secondly, applying the methodology of comparative law, some important connecting and differentiating points of criminal proceedings in Germany and Spain are outlined. Thirdly, the asymmetries between the two legal systems that have been identified in the comparative legal study are revised to determine their origins and to decide whether a typology can be established for translation purposes. As a last step, the adequate translation method for these settings is discussed and possible translation techniques are outlined.
MODEL OF DISTRIBUTION AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENTFLOWS IN BUSINESS PROCESSES
Authors: Usov Anatolij V. , Trofimenko Irina B.
Published: October 2023

Analysis of trends in the development of the corporate communications market shows that in order to improve economic performance, companies strive, when building automated systems, to integrate business processes on the basis of common platforms. The use of such platforms requires an increase in the throughput of the communication system and taking into account the peculiarities of the functioning of such systems in the management of the corporate network. The studies of the effectivenessof the distribution of information flows in business processes in digital marketing presented in the article contain the following key stages. It is shown that none of the information technologies provides routing control based on the forecast of changes in information flows, which reduces the efficiency of automated systems functioning. Therefore, a hierarchical system of dynamic models has been developed that reflects the process of transferring information between various services of automated systems. The models contain information about the history of changes in information traffic and serve as the basis for calculating the predictive characteristics of changes in information flows. A method for increasing the efficiency of distribution of information flows in corporate computer systems of automated systems is proposed, taking into account the restrictions on their throughput and the discrete nature ofthe distribution of traffic over network channels. For the first time, a method for routing traffic in corporate computersystems is proposed, which minimizes the average time of message delays in the network. The method makes it possible to find routes in computer systems that ensure the minimum transmission time for a given traffic distribution in the network nodes. The model makes it possible to select the optimal information transmission routes in computer systems that ensure the minimum message transmission time for a given distribution of information flows. The use of the developed model of distribution and management of information flows makes it possible to increase the productivity of corporate computer systems at enterprises.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AS PART OF THE FEASIBILITY STUDY OF PROJECTS
Authors: Kolesnikov Oleksii Ye. , Olekh Tetiana M. , Obenewaa Danso Janet
Published: October 2023

The tasks of environmental assessment of projects are to determine quantitative criteria for decision-making on the admissibility or inadmissibility of the project, to ensure the choice of options and types of planned economic activities with the lowest environmental and social costs, to obtain quantitative criteria for assessing the effectiveness of environmental measures. project implementation. Environmental assessment accompanies all stages of the project-investment cycle. One of the main principles of evaluating the effectiveness of projects is the inclusion of environmental results and costs in the cash flows that are taken into account in the analysis of the project. According to the traditional cost-benefit economic analysis, a project is considered effective and feasible if the benefits outweigh the costs. The paper presents modified methods of expert and environmental assessment that accompany all stages of the project-investment cycle of the project. The authors propose harmonization of approaches to environmental impact assessment, which are used in national and world practice. The methodology is shown, whichis aimed at generalizing the Ukrainian and international experience in EIA and specifying the evaluation criteria. Developed and proposed methodological aspects of environmental impact assessment can be used to develop a final EIA. The study describes a comprehensive impact assessment for any components of the environment. The proposed criteria allow us to draw specific conclusions on the assessment of the impact on each environment, which is a priority in the environmental assessment.
Adherencia a medidas de prevención de contagio por Sars-Cov2 en universitarios
Authors: Aránzazu Arenas Isabella , Sanabria Toloza Luis Javier , Sánchez Salazar William Nelson , López Arenales Karen Sofía , Lastra Pérez María Carolina , Aránzazu Moya Gloria C.
Published: October 2023

Objetivo: Establecer los principales comportamientos y características que afectaron la adherencia a las medidas establecidas para reducir el impacto del Covid-19.
Materiales y Métodos: En un estudio observacional analítico de corte transversal, se evaluaron 530 estudiantes universitarios de diferentes universidades de Bucaramanga y su área metropolitana, mediante un muestreo por bola de nieve. Se evaluaron variables sociodemográficas y el cuestionario de adherencia diseñado y validado que incluye 13 preguntas (suma máximo 39 y mínimo 0 con opciones de respuesta en escala de likert de 4 opciones) y 3 preguntas sobre el tapabocas. El punto de corte de buena adherencia fue la media más una desviación estándar, (30 puntos). La investigación es clasificada como sin riesgo según la Resolución 008430. Los datos fueron analizados con regresión lineal en STATA 14
Resultados: Entre los evaluados el 64,5% fueron mujeres, el 83,3% estudiaban en universidad privada y el promedio de edad fue 20,7 con DE 4,0. Se evidencia cumplimiento de las principales medidas efectivas para el control de la trasmisión del virus SARS-Cov2. Sin embargo, un pequeño porcentaje, nunca las aplicó. Las mujeres tienen mayor adherencia a las medidas. Se observa el R2 0,035 y P=0,0008. Donde ser mujer implica 1,8 puntos más en puntaje de adherencia. El promedio del cuestionario de adherencia fue de 24,96 con DE 5,36 puntos y hay una correlación negativa -0,0489 entre edad y puntaje.
Conclusiones: Ser mujer y asistir a una facultad de salud en universidad privada implica mayor adherencia a las medidas.
Corpus linguistics in building professional communicative competencies of graduates of higher educational institutions
Authors: Lebedieva Natalia , Kosharna Natalia , Petryk Lada , Rudnik Yuliia , Terletska Liubov
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the article is to study the role of corpus linguistics methods in the formation of students’ professional communicative competence. The study used the method of expert evaluation, a method of questionnaire with open questions. There was a change in the minimum score in the experimental
group ranging from 50 to 67. Such results are signifi cant and demonstrate the eff ectiveness of the method under consideration. After the experimental training, the value of the criterion was Temp2=4.41, which is higher than the critical value. The practice of creating a corpus at the stage of course planning and selection of educational content has proven its capability and, most importantly, its versatility. The use of both the idea of compiling a subject area corpus and the statistical evaluation of vocabulary is highly eff ective. A scientifi cally based selection of professionally relevant foreign language vocabulary items is eff ective in Teaching a foreign language for any profession. Further research should be aimed at expanding the scope of corpus linguistics in this area.
Embodied Theories of Knowledge and the Evil Eye in the Roman World
Authors: Alvar Nuño Antón
Published: October 2023

This article aims at enriching current interpretations of the Evil Eye in the Roman world by applying embodied theories of knowledge to the social environments that triggered this belief. In general terms, religious belief is grounded on representational processes of the body and of its surrounding environment; these, together, organize specific mental reference-systems. In other words, actual experience is encoded in a mental frame that may later be used to make plausible explanations of a given situation. The psychosomatic feeling of envy (the Evil Eye was often conceptualized as an emotion) that the individual experienced at a given situation was processed into a complex socio-cultural reasoning that included 1) the identification and description of the pain suffered by the envious person (including the idea that the whole colour of their skin became bluish – livor); 2) the monitoring of one’s own moral conduct in the situation that triggered the feeling of envy; 3) the association of envy with a whole system of beliefs of mystical harm that could affect others; and 4) the possibility of restraining it. This experience fed the variety of cognitive strategies that individuals then elaborated in order to externalize their responsibility towards random misfortune.
Characteristics of Mothers Admitted to Intensive Care Units During Hospitalization for Delivery of a Live Born Infant: United States, 2020-2022
Authors: Horon Isabelle
Published: October 2023

This report provides health data from the National Center for Health Statistics.
Tetramolopium stemmermanniae (Asteraceae), a New Species from Pōhakuloa Training Area, Hawaii Island
Authors: Evans Steven A. , Hastings Nancy E. , Yorkston Mitsuko , Morden Clifford W. , Tembrock Luke R.
Published: October 2023

Abstract— A new species endemic to Hawaii Island, Tetramolopium stemmermanniae, is described and illustrated. Molecular and morphological evidence support T. stemmermanniae as being distinct from T.arenarium var. arenarium, T.consanguineum
ssp. leptophyllum, and T.humile ssp. humile, which occur at Pōhakuloa Training Area, Hawaii Island. Tetramolopium stemmermanniae shares an upright and multibranched habit with T.arenarium var. arenarium and T.consanguineum ssp. leptophyllum
but differs in the number and color of ray and disc flowers, and in having an open, paniculate inflorescence. We provide a description of the new taxon, include a key to the Tetramolopium species of Hawaii, and a brief description of the habitat where the newly described species occurs.
Resolving Relationships in Mentzelia Section Bartonia (Loasaceae) in the Face of Cytonuclear Discordance
Authors: Moore Abigail G. , Kelly Khadijah , Schenk John J.
Published: October 2023

Abstract— Phylogenetic studies conducted with two nuclear ribosomal markers created the first phylogenetic framework in which to understand evolutionary relationships in Mentzelia section Bartonia (Loasaceae), but low molecular variation resulted in several
large polytomies and an incomplete understanding of species relationships. We applied a genome skimming approach to determine whether additional genetic variation generated from high-throughput sequencing could resolve relationships in one of the largest polytomies in the section. Among the
20 species sequenced, five species that have pinnatisect leaf morphology were previously hypothesized to be monophyletic and we tested whether additional data would resolve the group as monophyletic. For the chloroplast genome, reads were assembled with de novo and reference guided approaches,
whereas reference guided approaches were taken for the nuclear ribosomal cistron region and a single anonymous nuclear locus. Significant discordance was identified among all three gene trees. Exhaustive measures were taken to ensure phylogenetic and assembly-based errors were not responsible
for the observed discordance among gene trees. We attribute incongruence to a low phylogenetic signal to noise ratio that is likely caused by the clade radiating recently and rapidly and perhaps unique evolutionary histories among genomes. Despite incongruence, several well-supported relationships
emerged across data sets, and although two out of three gene trees did not recover a monophyletic pinnatisect group, all hypothesis tests for a monophyletic pinnatisect group among gene trees failed to reject monophyly of the group.
Anthyllis dalmatica (Fabaceae), a New Endemic Species from Croatia
Authors: Conti Fabio , Stinca Adriano
Published: October 2023

Abstract— Following a morphometric approach, in this paper a new species, Anthyllis dalmatica, is described and illustrated from Croatia (Southeastern Europe). It belongs to the A. vulneraria species complex (Fabaceae), a poorly investigated and critical
taxonomic group for Eurasian vascular flora. The new species is a restricted endemic to the montane belt of Mt. Mosor in central Dalmatia, where it grows on limestone rocky slopes. Anthyllis dalmatica is morphologically closely related to the Italian endemic A. apennina, occurring
in the central Apennine, from which it differs by a less-wide calyx, a lower ratio between standard limb length and width, a wider standard, and by the color of corolla and calyx at flowering time, which are dark yellow. Based on current knowledge, we propose that A. dalmatica should
be included in the category critically endangered (CR) according to IUCN criteria. To promote its recognition and conservation, a new key to the taxa belonging to the A. vulneraria species complex from Croatia is also proposed.
Sample size effects on the critical state shear strength of granular materials with varied gradation and the role of column-like local structures
Authors: Cantor David , Ovalle Carlos
Published: October 2023

Assessing the shear strength of coarse granular soils is challenging because testing devices in the laboratory often limit the maximum particle size (dmax). Although engineering standards define representative elementary volumes (REVs) using the aspect ratio α = X/dmax, where X is the characteristic sample size, they often disagree on the minimum α, as the effects of sample scale on shear strength are still not well understood. This paper presents a discrete-element study on the combined effect of specimen size and grading on the critical state shear strength of granular materials. The study covers a wide range of aspect ratios and demonstrates that the macroscopic response is stable for α ≥ 15 – which is significantly higher than the standard requirement of α ≥ 10 for simple shear tests. The granular microstructure is also strongly affected by α and the formation of column-like structures of grains carrying strong contact forces, reaching sample size independent conditions only for α ≥ 20. Such column-like structures are shown to be primarily composed of the largest classes of grains, supporting the fact that grading has no effect on the critical state shear strength and dmax correctly serves to scale a granular sample to the size of the testing device.
Excitation-wavelength-dependent photoluminescence/electrical conductivity of copper oxide nanorods
Authors: Bajwa Amardeep , Kaur Harpreet , Kumar Sanjeev , Singh Gurjinder
Published: October 2023

This research work reports the synthesis of copper (II) oxide (CuO) nanoparticles using the wet chemical co-precipitation method. The synthesised nanoparticles were characterised using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy in terms of absorption, crystal structure and size, morphology and elemental composition, and particle size. The existence of functional groups was verified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The synthesised copper (II) oxide nanoparticles showed an absorption peak at 397 nm, and a Tauc’s plot study showed a band-gap energy of 3.2 eV. The effects of varied excitation energies – namely, 3.81 and 3.54 eV – on the emission spectra of rod-shaped nanoparticles were assessed through photoluminescence spectroscopy, and the release of red, orange, green, violet and yellow colours was observed. The voltage–current characteristics of nanoparticle pellets were measured using a two-probe technique. The increase in the direct-current electrical conductivity of pellets heated at 100 and 200°C was ascertained. Overall, this research work provides valuable insights into the electronic properties of copper (II) oxide nanoparticles, which could have potential applications in various fields such as catalysis and electronics.
Variable speed limit in foggy conditions considering dynamic sight distance and friction
Authors: Qiu Hao , Zhu Wenfeng , Wang Jiaheng , Zeng Zhixuan
Published: October 2023

Fog is a weather condition that can significantly threaten expressway safety and efficiency by reducing natural visibility and the road friction coefficient. The variable speed limit (VSL) strategy is an effective traffic-management method for harmonising vehicle speed and reducing rear-end crash potential under foggy conditions. Two key inputs – driver sight distance and the road friction coefficient – determine the reliability of VSL calculation. However, a driver's sight distance in a running vehicle (i.e. the dynamic sight distance (DSD)) is significantly lower than that at rest. Additionally, a dust–water coupled film on the expressway surface will also affect the dynamic friction coefficient (DFC). Based on a stopping sight distance model, a new VSL strategy that considers the DSD, DFC, alignment and slope is proposed. The results obtained from simulations based on the CarSim software program and the Simulink programming environment showed that, in foggy conditions with a natural visibility of 200 m, the speeds calculated by the proposed VSL strategy in straight and curved road segments were 70 km/h and 67 km/h, respectively, 16% and 11% higher than China's legal speed limit. A braking experiment on Wentai expressway in Zhejiang province, China confirmed that these speeds are safe and could improve efficiency. The research results provide a theoretical basis and support for the management of expressways in foggy conditions.
Evolution of comprehensive transportation and tourism economy in China’s Yellow River basin
Authors: Wang Wei , Guan Lei , Gong Liang , Han Hailun
Published: October 2023

The development of tourism economic systems (TESs) in the Yellow River basin (YRB) was assessed by investigating the importance of high-quality, comprehensive transportation systems (CTSs). The characteristics of the coupled and dynamic interactions between these two systems at macro- and micro-levels were analysed using data fitting, a coupling model and the Haken model. The results revealed the temporal trends and spatial heterogeneity of CTSs and TESs. The comprehensive development score of the TES indicated a nearly linear trend. In most provinces, CTS development lagged behind TES development. The coupling coordination degree (CCD) for all provinces was 0.1–0.3, indicating a stage of imbalance and recession. The CCDs of the middle and lower reaches of the YRB indicated a slight increasing trend, while that of the upper reaches exhibited a slightly decreasing trend. The average synergy level between the two systems was in the middle stage. In the synergy development process, the TES was an order parameter that controlled the path and direction of the coordinated evolution of the two systems for the nine provinces and three reaches, respectively. The evolution of both CTSs and TESs contributed to negative feedback on the tourism and transport systems, ultimately enhancing the system order. This study offers insights and recommendations for policymakers on promoting the coordinated evolution of CTSs and TESs for sustainable development.