bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draugijų politika, organizuota visuomenė ir korporatyvizmas XX a. ketvirtojo dešimtmečio lietuvoje
Authors: Butkus Martynas
Published: March 2024

The article presents the political decisions affecting associations and the ideological attitudes underlying them in Lithuania during the 1930s. The 1936 Law on Associations narrowed the autonomy of voluntary associations creating a need for the government to argue for intervention in the affairs of associations. The leaders of the authoritarian regime relied on the idea of organised society based on close cooperation between associations and the state. The article explores the concept of organised society and its links with corporatism, and looks at the plans of the authorities to reform associations. The aim is to assess the extent to which political decisions affecting associations, the idea of organised society, and corporatism were against or in line with the ideals of civil society.
Seasonal dynamics of the Upper Ob zoobenthos
Authors:   Novosibirsk Branch of the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, Russia, Novosibirsk, Vizer L.S. , Balatskaya T.A. ,   Novosibirsk Branch of the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, Russia, Novosibirsk, Dorogin M.A. ,   Novosibirsk Branch of the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, Russia, Novosibirsk
Published: March 2024

results of studies of the seasonal dynamics of the Upper Ob zoobenthos in the city of Novosibirsk are presented. Zoobenthos rivers Ob the growing season of 2022, the Ob was represented by 6 systematic classes: bivalves (Bivalvia) and gastropods (Gastropoda), small-lobed worms (Oligochaeta),leeches (Hirudinea), multi-legged crayfish (Amphipoda), insects (Insecta), including from the orders of mayflies (Efemeroptera), brooks (Trichoptera) and diptera (Diptera) from the families of bell mosquitoes (Chironomidae) and woodlice (Ceratopogonidae). A total of 43 species of invertebrates have been found. The largest number of taxa was observed in summer — 27, the minimum in autumn — 16. During the entire growing season, chironomid larvae and gastropods were observed in the benthic fauna. In the spring, the maximum species diversity was noted in the family of bell mosquitoes (Chironomidae) — 18 out of 24 of the total composition. The larvae of chironomids played the main role in the number, in the biomass — an autoacclimatizant — a gastropod mollusk (Viviparus viviparus (L.), belonging to a benthic non-feed for fish. The specific weight of this species in the total biomass reached 92.7%. In summer, V. viviparus (L.) dominated both in abundance and in biomass. The zoobenthos of the autumn period was characterized by a decrease in species diversity and abundance compared to previous seasons: 16 species from 5 classes were oted in the species composition, the number decreased by almost 2 times. The gastropod mollusk V. viviparus (L.) dominated in all indicators, as in summer. The average number of zoobenthos during the growing season was 527 copies/m2, the average biomass was 532,388 g/m2, of which 222 copies/m2 and 531,463 g/m2 were autoacclimatizant gastropod mollusk V. viviparus (L.).
Socio-psychological aspects of accounting and analytical profession
Authors:   Stavropol State Agrarian University, Stavropol, Russia, Leshcheva M. G. , Yakovenko V. S. ,   Stavropol State Agrarian University, Stavropol, Russia, Manzhosova I. B. ,   Stavropol State Agrarian University, Stavropol, Russia
Published: March 2024

It is difficult to overestimate the role and importance of economic services of economic entities, since all existing activities are reflected in economic indicators that require collection, registration, monitoring, processing and analysis. In addition, without the management of financial and economic activities, it is impossible to prepare adequate justifications for strategic and operational plans for the development of an economic entity. The leading role in this process belongs to the head and administrative and managerial personnel who make final management decisions. But they can implement this at the proper level only if they use accounting information and conduct its in-depth analysis. Only highly professional specialists in the field of accounting and analytical technologies can provide the necessary data for making adequate and effective management decisions, the role and importance of which remain at the highest level in the changing socio-economic and business environment. The object of the study is an accounting and analytical profession characterized by both certain socio-psychological difficulties and opportunities for long–term career success.
Economic security: control, expertise, investigation of financial and economic crimes
Authors:   Gorsk State Agrarian University, Vladikavkaz, Russia, Khosiev B. N. , Ostaev G. Ya. ,   Udmurt State Agrarian University, Izhevsk, Russia, Basieva L. V. ,   K. L. Khetagurov North Ossetian State University, Vladikavkaz, Russia
Published: March 2024

The article made a decision on the economic examination of the correctness of reflection in the accounting of financial and economic crimes in order to ensure the economic security of the enterprise, reflects the main considerations of the management system, for internal purposes of control (examination) a number of conceptual aspects of economic security are proposed, features of the application of economic and forensic analysis in the system of expert accounting research.
Design of an Order-Based Cost Accounting Information System Using Microsoft Visual Studio 2017
Authors: Dwiputri Ai Elpa , Rosmiati Mia
Published: March 2024

The Accounting Information System (AIS) is crucial for a company's commercial operations to run smoothly. One type of AIS is the Cost Accounting Information System which has a vital role, especially in manufacturing companies. More specifically, AIS Cost also depends on the method of collecting costs used by a company which consists of two types, namely process-costing and job order-costing. MSMEs MMC Fashion Knitting one of the manufacturing companies in Bandung that produces based on orders (job order-costing) still uses the Cost Accounting Information System manually so that the owner does not know the exact production cost and gross profit of each order. This study aims to create a simple application to process the Accounting Information System of Job Order Costing that can help the company's operational activities. Descriptive-qualitative research methodology is being employed. Interviews and documentation in the form of primary and secondary data were used to acquire the information. The System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) approach and Microsoft Visual Studio 2017 are used in this study's application design. The results of this study are the Accounting Information System of Job Order Costing Application which can produce output including sales order letter, production order letter, bill of material, production activities list, material stock report, cost of goods manufactured report, and income statement with variable costing method.
Design of an Information System for Management of Organic Waste Bins As a Processor for Fertilizing Compost for Family Medicinal Plants
Authors: Salsabila Andriputri Syifa , Supriyati S , Putri Pritha Andriana , Alifah Tsara Noor , Azzahra Almira Fathriana , Rahayu Syifa Siti , Bahri Ramadhan Syaeful
Published: March 2024

During global climate change and the threat of environmental pollution, society is increasingly aware of the crucial role played by nature conservation and waste management. One of the big challenges in this context is waste management, especially organic waste. This research uses a method with a qualitative research approach. Qualitative data collection techniques were carried out using interviews and observations to explore the problems faced. The approach used in this research is experimental research. The data collected is managed to create a design for a website-based information system that is used to provide various information and guidelines for managing organic waste bins. This website was designed with the aim of deepening understanding of the problems faced by the community regarding organic waste management and the use of organic waste bins. The research results provide an overview of the design of an information system that can be used for various activities related to managing organic waste bins. This website was designed with the aim of deepening understanding of the problems faced by the community regarding organic waste management and the use of organic waste bins. It is hoped that these results can be translated into a system that can provide significant support for organic waste management in the community so that the impact can be felt directly in the community with a healthier and more comfortable environment.
Analisis Arsitektur Enterprise Dalam Pengembangan Pelayanan Sistem Informasi Fasilkom Universitas Mercu Buana Menggunakan TOGAF ADM
Authors: Almuqsith Helga , Asshiddiq Raziq , Ramadhan Muhammad Al Hadid , Rahayu Puji
Published: March 2024

Sistem Informasi (SI) layanan sangat penting untuk Fakultas Ilmu Komputer di Mercu Buana University operasi, pengambilan keputusan, dan ekspansi bisnis. Masalah utama yang dihadapi adalah gangguan situs yang sering, yang dapat menghalangi penyediaan layanan yang lancar kepada konsumen. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menemukan solusi untuk masalah yang dihadapi fakultas ini dalam mengembangkan penawaran Layanan SI. Metode Open Group Architecture Framework, atau TOGAF, diterapkan dalam studi ini untuk memberikan solusi yang memenuhi tujuan dan tuntutan. Tujuan utama proyek ini adalah untuk meningkatkan efektivitas dan efisiensi layanan sistem informasi dengan mengembangkan arsitektur perusahaan dan sistem informasi terbaik di Fakultas Ilmu Komputer Universitas Mercu Buana. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menetapkan rencana yang jelas dan terorganisir untuk mengembangkan sistem Layanan SI yang lebih efektif yang selaras dengan tujuan dan tuntutan fakultas dengan menerapkan teknik TOGAF. Diperkirakan bahwa temuan penelitian ini akan menawarkan saran dan saran yang berguna untuk menciptakan layanan SI yang akan meningkatkan kebahagiaan pelanggan dan meningkatkan kualitas layanan. Singkatnya, studi ini menyoroti masalah utama dengan layanan SI yang disediakan oleh Fakultas Ilmu Komputer Universitas Mercu Buana dan menyarankan perbaikan berbasis TOGAF untuk masalah ini. Diperkirakan bahwa dengan menerapkan solusi ini dalam praktek, fakultas akan dapat mempromosikan pertumbuhan bisnis jangka panjang, meningkatkan layanan pengguna, dan meningkatkan efektivitas dan efisiensi layanan SI mereka
Aprender a empreender: significados produzidos em uma proposta de educação financeira no novo Ensino Médio
Authors: Marcarini Veronica Borsonelli , Reis Solange Taranto de
Published: March 2024

Este trabalho é parte de uma pesquisa de mestrado realizada pelo Programa de Pós-graduação em Educação em Ciências e Matemática do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo, cujo objetivo geral é analisar os significados produzidos por estudantes em uma disciplina eletiva do Novo Ensino Médio durante o planejamento e a execução de práticas, no viés da Educação Financeira. Para tal, foram elencados dois objetivos específicos com o propósito de ajudar a alcançar o objetivo geral. A concepção de Educação Financeira assumida é a proposta por Amarildo Melchiades da Silva e Arthur Belford. Para o desenvolvimento das práticas, foi utilizado o material da Estratégia Nacional de Educação Financeira como apoio, além do Modelo dos Campos Semânticos que serviu como base no decorrer de toda a pesquisa. O cenário da pesquisa foi a Escola Estadual de Ensino Fundamental e Médio e os atores foram os alunos do Ensino Médio, da disciplina Eletiva - Aprender a empreender. Para produção de dados foram utilizados registros em diário de campo, gravações de áudio e vídeo, questionários, observações diretas e observações participantes. Os resíduos de enunciação foram discutidos e analisados com a participação dos integrantes do Grupo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Modelo dos Campos Semânticos e Educação Matemática como parceiros no processo. Vislumbramos uma possibilidade de integração da Educação Financeira Escolar em todas as disciplinas, de modo que não seja trabalhada apenas como um conteúdo isolado, mas sim, como um tema presente no dia a dia da sala de aula.  Como produto educacional, produzimos um caderno de práticas educativas em Educação Financeira Escolar - versão para o professor e versão para o aluno - com sugestões de práticas para a sala de aula envolvendo variados temas da Educação Financeira.
Álgebra temprana: La simplificación de ecuaciones
Authors: Radford Luis
Published: March 2024

Situado dentro del campo de investigación del álgebra temprana (Blanton et al., 2017; Cai & Knuth, 2011; Kieran, 2018; Kilhamn & Säljö, 2019), este artículo se centra en la comprensión de los jóvenes estudiantes de las ideas básicas en torno a la simplificación algebraica de ecuaciones. El artículo busca contribuir al campo de investigación arrojando luz sobre los procesos de producción de significados que sustentan la simplificación de ecuaciones y las operaciones algebraicas involucradas. En la primera parte, se presenta una concepción teórica del pensamiento algebraico. También se describen dos sistemas semióticos no alfanuméricos que fueron diseñados para introducir a los estudiantes a la simplificación algebraica de ecuaciones. En la segunda parte, se analizan dos episodios de estudiantes de tercer grado (8-9 años de edad) que resuelven ecuaciones de tipo ax+b=cx+d.
Natasha Kellem's Minoritarian Liberalism
Authors: Lino E Silva Moises
Published: March 2024

Normative liberalism has promoted the freedom of privileged subjects, those entitled to rights – usually white, adult, heteronormative, and bourgeois – at the expense of marginalized groups, such as Black people, children, LGBTQ people, and slum dwellers. In this ethnographic analysis of Rocinha, the largest favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I explore what happens when liberalism is challenged by people whose lives are impaired by normative understandings of liberty. I call such marginalized visions of freedom “minoritarian liberalism,” a concept that stands in for overlapping, alternative modes of freedom. In this piece, I introduce Natasha Kellem, a charismatic self-declared travesti (a term used in Latin America to indicate a specific form of female gender construction opposite to the sex assigned at birth). Through interconnected experiences, I offer ethnographic evidence of non-normative routes to freedom for those seeking liberties against the backdrop of capitalist exploitation, transphobia, racism, and other patterns of domination.
El “trabajo con el certificado de discapacidad”
Authors: Levin Axel
Published: March 2024

Este artículo se basa en una investigación etnográfica llevada adelante durante los años 2020 y 2021 en el hospital público Carolina Tobar García, único monovalente en salud mental infanto-juvenil de la Argentina. Tiene como objetivo analizar el lugar de la certificación de discapacidad en las prácticas y estrategias de los/las profesionales al momento de abordar ciertas problemáticas. Se desarrollará la tensión que existe entre los estigmas sociales de la discapacidad y la accesibilidad a derechos que el Certificado Único de Discapacidad confiere. En este sentido, se analizará de qué manera los/las profesionales trabajan el certificado con los/las pacientes y sus grupos familiares. También, se abordará la importancia de la certificación de discapacidad para mejorar el pronóstico de los/las niño/as y adolescentes que se atienden en la institución cuando deben ser externados.
El significante comunidad como dispositivo de interpelación
Authors: Schiaffini Hernán
Published: March 2024

Se analiza el significante comunidad en torno a cuatro dimensiones centrales: como concepto de teoría social, como noción jurídica, como institución política y como forma de identificación. Para ello se recurre a trabajos etnográficos propios y de terceros realizados en Chubut y Río Negro, en la Patagonia argentina, en la actualidad. Se sostiene que la comunidad es una figura que se constituye recientemente, en el marco de dispositivos de interpelación/identificación vinculados a la articulación de experiencias históricas diversas. Como tal, se conforma en un contexto específico, ligado a la restauración democrática de 1983 y se cristaliza como forma político-jurídica de las relaciones interétnicas en el período que se abre en dicho momento.
Una aproximación al deporte mixto
Authors: Ibarrola David Sebastián , Buzzo Natalia Eva
Published: March 2024

Si bien los trabajos provenientes de los estudios sociales del deporte argentino se han incrementado en los últimos años, su abordaje de la temática del género no ha tratado en profundidad las modalidades de juego mixto. Aspirando a realizar un aporte en este sentido, este artículo tiene como objetivo comparar dos prácticas amateurs y de contacto: el quadball, una actividad novedosa que se practica en Argentina desde 2006, y el fútbol 5, representado en la experiencia de los circuitos recreativos de la ciudad de La Plata. Desde un enfoque etnográfico, recuperando observaciones en instancias competitivas, amistosas y sociales, y entrevistas a deportistas, ponemos atención en las relaciones que se construyen en ellas entre los practicantes de distinto género, las reglamentaciones y el papel de la institucionalización. Concluimos que, mientras que en el quadball se observa una reproducción, a veces matizada, de sentidos y construcciones propias del deporte en tanto ámbito de dominio masculino, en el fútbol 5 estos vínculos incluyen desafíos a los mandatos sociales de género.
La comunidad “corporada” cerrada en el México pos-indígena
Authors: Robichaux David
Published: March 2024

Me propongo analizar un tipo particular de comunidad a la que pertenecen decenas de millones de mexicanos cuyos ascendentes, de una o varias generaciones atrás, hablaban lenguas indígenas. El tipo de población, se podría decir, al que se dirigieron las políticas de aculturación o desindianización, gestadas en el México del siglo XIX y desplegadas en el XX en aras de forjar una nacionalidad mexicana. Estas personas viven en, o mantienen vínculos formales con, sus comunidades de origen que durante el Virreinato tenían la categoría jurídica de “repúblicas de indios”. A pesar de profundos cambios económicos y educativos -además de las predicciones de diversas vertientes de las teorías de modernización-, en lugar de desaparecer, estas comunidades se mantienen fuertes y son componentes esenciales para entender la formación social mexicana de hoy.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Effects of Pelargonium quercetorum Agnew Extracts on Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Azimi Kohan Ali , Dastan Dara , Fallah Mohammad , Matini Mohammad
Published: March 2024

Background: Trichomonas infection is a common sexually transmitted infection, and concerns about drug resistance to this infection are increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of Pelargonium quercetorum extracts on Trichomonas protozoans. Methods: One isolate of Trichomonas vaginalis was subjected to susceptibility testing against ethyl acetate, n-hexane, and aqueous extracts of P. quercetorum using the microtiter plate method. The minimum lethal concentration (MLC) of the extracts was measured in comparison with metronidazole under aerobic conditions. Results: All extracts had antiprotozoal activities against Trichomonas. After 48-hour exposure, the most antitrichomonal activity of the extracts belonged to the ethyl acetate, with an MLC of 250 µg/mL, followed by the n-hexane (500 µg/mL) and aqueous (25 mg/mL) extracts in comparison with metronidazole, with an MLC of 3.1 µg/mL. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that P. quercetorum has potential properties against Trichomonas protozoans, although further studies are needed to evaluate the antiprotozoal activity of its components.
Carbapenem Resistance among HIV-Infected Patients: A Scoping Review
Authors: Konar Kylie Divashnee , Chetty Rushern Ruvashin , Konar Selina , Pillay Somasundram
Published: March 2024

Background: Antibiotic resistance is an escalating global health concern, with carbapenems, potent last-line antibiotics, facing increasing resistance and potentially dire consequences. This scoping review sought to consolidate data on carbapenem resistance in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patient cohorts as the intricate relationship between HIV and antibiotic resistance remains inadequately understood. Methods: We employed a scoping review methodology and conducted a comprehensive search across Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane, and PubMed, utilizing specific search terms related to carbapenem resistance and HIV. We extracted and analyzed data, encompassing study design, geographic location, number of HIV-infected participants, CD4 cell counts, specimen types, cultured organisms, carbapenem susceptibility, and comparisons between HIV-infected and uninfected cohorts. Results: This review encompassed 15 studies, involving 2365 HIV-infected participants, primarily employing cross-sectional designs, with nine studies conducted in African countries. The most frequently analyzed specimens included urine, stool, and sputum, with Escherichia coli emerging as the most frequently cultured organism. Commonly used carbapenem drugs included imipenem, meropenem, and ertapenem, with varying susceptibility patterns. Imipenem and meropenem exhibited sensitivities exceeding 80%, except for one study with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which demonstrated 73% sensitivity. Ertapenem displayed fluctuating sensitivities ranging from 58% to 100% for different bacterial organisms. Only one study reported the colonization of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in HIV-infected patients, with HIV status not significantly influencing CRE carriage. When comparing HIV-infected and uninfected cohorts, four studies found no substantial impact of HIV status on carbapenem resistance. Conclusion: In the context of the HIV burden and opportunistic infections, carbapenem resistance demonstrated relatively consistent patterns across most studies comparing HIV-infected and uninfected cohorts. However, the presence of CRE among HIV-infected individuals raises concerns regarding nosocomial infections. The limited reporting of CD4 counts in the included studies necessitates further exploration of potential associations with immune status. E. coli, frequently cultured in these studies, exhibited varying resistance patterns, and the impact of HIV on these patterns remains uncertain. Carbapenem susceptibility displayed variability among different organisms, underscoring the nuanced nature of resistance. As such, this scoping review serves as a foundation for comprehending carbapenem resistance in HIV-infected populations but underscores the necessity for more comprehensive research in this field.
Performance of TANN, NARX, and GMDHT Models for Urban Water Demand Forecasting: A Case Study in a Residential Complex in Qom, Iran
Authors: Rezaali Mostafa , Fouladi-Fard Reza , Karimi Abdolreza
Published: March 2024

To keep the balance between demand and supply, methods based on the average per capita consumption were usually applied to predict water demand. More complicated models such as linear regression and time series models were developed for this purpose. However, after the introduction of artificial neural networks (ANNs), different applications of this method were used in the field of water supply management, especially for urban water demand prediction. In this study, multiple types of ANNs were studied to understand their suitability for a residential complex water demand prediction in the city of Qom, Iran. The results indicated that time series ANN (TANN), nonlinear autoregressive network with exogenous inputs (NARX), group method of data handling time series (GMDHT), and their wavelet counterparts (i.e., w-TANN and w-NARX) exhibited varying degrees of performance. Among the aforementioned models, w-NARX performed the best (based on the average overall error) with the test set root mean squared error (MSE) of 49.5 (m3 /h) and R of 0.93, followed by the GMDHT model with the test set MSE of 104 (m3 /h) and R of 0.97 and w-TANN with the test set MSE of 68.8 (m3 /h) and R of 0.91. In addition, the feedback connection in NARX compared to TANN demonstrated overall performance improvement.
Assessment of Toxic Elements and Peroxide Value in Lipsticks Collected From Karaj, Iran
Authors: Shavaly-Gilani Parisa , Mohamadi Sara , Fallahnejad Zahra , Jahanbakhsh Mehdi , Sadighara Parisa , Akbari Nader , Zeinali Tayebeh , Karami Leila
Published: March 2024

The present study aimed to evaluate the levels of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg), as well as peroxide values in 52 samples of lipstick in Karaj, Iran. The Varian Spectra AA-220 atomic absorption spectrometer was utilized to determine the concentration of metals. The average levels of the analyzed metals were in good accordance with the standard levels set by the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI 14622). The obtained results illustrated that the mean (±SE) levels of Pb, As, and Hg were 3.029±0.787, 0.546±0.090, and 0.044±0.002 µg/g, respectively. Moreover, the mean peroxide value (2.173±0.314 mEq/kg) was lower than the maximum amount set by ISIRI 14622 )10 mEq/kg). Therefore, a continuous monitoring program to ensure acceptable quality of these products along with an enhancement in the consumers’ awareness of the potential hazards of the regular use of cosmetic products is highly recommended.
Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used for Wound Healing in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area Enugu State Nigeria
Authors: Ukwubile Cletus Anes , Paul Simon , Modu Babagana
Published: March 2024

Background: Due to numerous advantages derived from the use of plants, at least 70% of the indigenes of the Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area (LGA) depend on plants. Objectives: The present study was performed to survey medicinal plants used for wound healing by the indigenes of communities in Uzo-Uwani LGA, Nigeria. Methods: A survey was conducted from February to September 2022 to find out plants that are employed for wound healing by the indigenes. Information was gathered through oral interviews, including semi-structured questionnaires, with traditional medicine practitioners in each community, herbalists, and elderly villagers. Results: Overall, 33 plants belonging to 26 families were identified consisting of trees (51.51%), herbs (33.33%), and shrubs (15.15%), and 15.15%, 36.36%, and 48.48% were endangered, threatened, and neither threatened nor endangered, respectively. From the findings, 51.51%, 24.24%, and 24.24% were collected wild, wild plus cultivated, and cultivated, respectively. Fabaceae (21.21%) and Asteraceae (9.10%) families were the highest used species for wound healing, respectively, followed by Liliaceae (6.10%) and Rubiaceae (6.10%) families. Leaves (36.36%) were the most frequently used part, followed by the stembarks (27.27%), whole plant (12.12%), and roots (9.10%), seeds (9.10%), as well as shoot, fruits/pods, and aerial parts (3.03% each). Decoction (72.72%) and infusion (27.27%) were the prominent methods of use. Pycnanthus angolensis had the highest use value (1.04%), fidelity level (100%), informants’ consensus factor (0.66 %), and Rahman’s similarity index (RSI) (84.06%) but low citation. Conclusion: Our findings documented medicinal plants used as ethnomedicinal prescriptions for wound healing by the indigenes with the view to providing alternate drug sources.
Structure-Based Virtual Screening of Cinnamic Acid Analogs Against RIPK3: Implications for Anti-Inflammatory Drug Discovery
Authors: Khoshbin Elham , Rahmani-Abidar Seyed Mohamad Soroosh , Moradi Shadi , Taherkhani Amir , Karkehabadi Hamed
Published: March 2024

Background: A common oral inflammatory disease known as apical periodontitis (AP) is caused by the intrusion of microorganisms into the dental pulp, resulting in an inflammatory response and bone degradation in periapical tissues. A growing body of evidence indicates that the receptor-interacting serine-threonine kinase 3 (RIPK3) is closely associated with AP. Objectives: This study sought to address the requirement for effective RIPK3 inhibitors by examining the potential of cinnamic acid natural metabolites capable of inhibiting RIPK3. Methods: The binding affinity of 20 cinnamic acids to the RIPK3 active site was evaluated by using AutoDock 4.0 software. The most favorable scores were assigned to the highest-ranking cinnamic acids based on their ΔGbinding values to the RIPK3 catalytic domain. A 100-nanosecond (ns) computer simulation was performed using molecular dynamics for the most efficacious inhibitor of RIPK3, and the findings were contrasted with those obtained for free RIPK3. The Discovery Studio Visualizer tool was employed to showcase the interactions between the RIPK3 active site and the highest-ranking metabolites. Results: The binding affinity of cynarin, rosmarinic acid (RosA), and chlorogenic acid (CGA) to the RIPK3 active site was noteworthy, as the ΔGbinding values were<-10 kcal/mol. Furthermore, cynarin exhibited inhibition constant values at the picomolar range. Upon complexation with cynarin, the RIPK3 conformation attained stability after approximately 25 ns of simulation. Conclusion: In general, cynarin, RosA, and CGA have the potential to be therapeutically beneficial in treating AP due to their ability to inhibit RIPK3.
MiR-15b and let-7a as Non-invasive Diagnostic Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease Using an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Darvishi Talemi Masoumeh , Tapak Leili , Rastgoo Haghi Alireza , Ahghari Parisa , Moradi Shadi , Afshar Saeid
Published: March 2024

Background: Gaining insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is crucial. Objectives: This study aimed to employ a systems biology approach to identify new non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers for AD. Methods: Gene expression data series GSE122063 and microRNA (miRNA) expression data series GSE90828 were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The Limma package under R software was used to assess differentially expressed miRNAs and differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Afterward the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by the STRING software and evaluated with Cytoscape software. The multilayer perceptron neural network (MLP-NN), a widely used artificial neural network (ANN), was employed to classify two groups. Results: A total of 1388 DEGs were identified in AD patients compared to the control group, and 11 differentially expressed miRNAs were found in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in comparison to the control group. The results revealed that EGFR, identified as a hub gene, was targeted by miR-15b-3p and let-7a-5p, while TLR4, another hub gene, was targeted by miR-15b-3p. The MLP-NN constructed using both hsa-let-7a-5p and hsa-miR-15b-3p achieved a sensitivity of 0.857 and an area under the curve of 0.917 in detecting Alzheimer’s patients. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that miR-15b-3p, by targeting EGFR and TLR4, and let-7a-5p, by targeting EGFR, may play a significant role in AD. Additionally, the constructed ANN utilizing the expression levels of plasma miR-15b-3p and let-7a-5p could serve as a potential non-invasive diagnostic tool with high sensitivity for AD detection.
Institutional Priority-Setting for Novel Drugs and Therapeutics: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Wang Daniel E. , Hassanein Maram , Razvi Yasmeen , Shaul Randi Zlotnik , Denburg Avram
Published: March 2024

Background: There is a lack of guidance on approaches to formulary management and funding for high-cost drugs and therapeutics by individual healthcare institutions. The objective of this review was to assess institutional approaches to resource allocation for such therapeutics, with a particular focus on paediatric and rare disease populations. Methods: A search of Embase and MEDLINE was conducted for studies relevant to decision-making for off-formulary, high-cost drugs and therapeutics. Abstracts were evaluated for inclusion based on the Simple Multiple-Attribute Rating Techniques (SMART) criteria. A framework of 30 topics across 4 categories was used to guide data extraction and was based on findings from the initial abstract review and previous health technology assessment (HTA) publications. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted using QSR NVivo 12 software. Results: A total of 168 studies were included for analysis. Only 4 (2%) focused on paediatrics, while 21 (12%) centred on adults and the remainder (85%) did not specify. Thirty-two (19%) studies discussed the importance of high-cost therapeutics and 34 (23%) focused on rare/orphan drugs. Five themes were identified as being relevant to institutional decision-making for high-cost therapeutics: institutional strategy, substantive criteria, procedural considerations, guiding principles and frameworks, and operational activities. Each of these themes encompassed several sub-themes and was complemented by a sixth category specific to paediatrics and rare diseases. Conclusion: The rising cost of novel drugs and therapeutics underscores the need for robust, evidence-based, and ethically defensible decision-making processes for health technology funding, particularly at the hospital level. Our study highlights practices and themes to aid decision-makers in thinking critically about institutional, substantive, procedural, and operational considerations in support of legitimate decisions about institutional funding of high-cost drugs and therapeutics, as well as opportunities and challenges that exist for paediatric and rare disease populations.
Innovative Models of Care for Hospitals of the Future
Authors: Clay-Williams Robyn , Hibbert Peter , Loy Graeme , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: March 2024

New ways of providing acute care outside of traditional hospital building complexes, such as virtual care or hospital in the home, are becoming more common. Despite this, many hospitals are still conceived as "bricks and mortar" centralised constructions, and few health service infrastructure organisations meet intensively with consumers or clinicians prior to conceptualising hospital design. Our study sought to understand the needs and expectation of community members and healthcare providers, and co-design innovative models of acute care to inform development of a new metropolitan hospital in Australia. Our study used a three-step approach, consisting of academic and grey literature reviews; a demographic analysis of the hospital catchment population; and a series of 20 workshops and 6 supplementary interviews with community members and local healthcare providers. We found that care should be tailored to the healthcare needs and expectations of each consumer, with consumers cared for in the community where possible and safe. We propose an innovative model of care for hospitals of the future, consisting of fully integrated acute care underpinned by appropriate digital architecture to deliver care that is community focussed. It is vital that new hospitals build in sufficient adaptability to leverage future innovation and meet the needs of growing and changing communities.
Policy Actors’ Perceptions of Conflicts of Interest and Alcohol Industry Engagement in UK Policy Processes
Authors: Severi Katherine , Hawkins Benjamin
Published: March 2024

Background: Alcohol industry organisations occupy a prominent position in UK alcohol policy, but their involvement has been contested by public health bodies on the basis that a conflict of interest (COI) exists between their economic objectives and those of public health. There are ongoing debates in the research literature about how to conceptualise COI and mitigate this in health research and practise. However, less attention has been paid to these issues in relation to the alcohol industry specifically. This article explores similarities and differences in beliefs among alcohol policy actors regarding COI and the implications of engagement with the alcohol industry in the context of UK public health policy. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with a range of policy actors (n=26) including medical professionals, parliamentarians, civil servants, academic researchers, health campaigners, and alcohol industry representatives. Interviews with alcohol industry representatives were supplemented with an analysis of industry responses to a public consultation. All data was thematically coded using NVivo software. Results: Two competing "coalitions" were identified, expressing beliefs about COI linked to alcohol industry engagement. Both divergent and convergent beliefs were expressed by the two coalitions in relation to the type of industry actor, form of engagement, the policy issue under discussion and the stage of policy process. Conclusion: Alcohol policy is a complex and contested space in which policy actors have differing, nuanced and contingent understandings of COI and identify varying risks associated with alcohol industry engagement. In identifying the areas of convergence and diversion in both understanding and evaluation of COI in alcohol-specific settings, these findings will assist both decision-makers and non-governmental actors in developing policies and guidelines to manage potential COI in future.
Applying Parse’s Human Becoming Theory for Caring of an Elderly with Spontaneous Pneumothorax Following the COVID-19: A Case Study
Authors: Mansouri Fatemeh , Darvishpour Azar
Published: March 2024

Introduction: The elderly are one of the main groups at risk of contracting COVID-19. Using Parse’s human becoming in practice can lead to important changes in a person’s health. This study aimed to apply this theory in caring of an elderly patient with spontaneous pneumothorax following COVID-19. Methods: This research was a case study which was conducted in 2023 in Guilan (Iran). This study was conducted based on the three principles of Parse’s theory (meaning, rhythmicity, and transcendence) using Purposive sampling. Nursing interventions were performed based on the PRISM model (presence, respect, information, services, and movement). The data analysis was done based on the qualitative analysis-synthesis process of Parse’s research methodology (2011). Results: Findings based on the first principle of Parse’s theory showed that the meaning of COVID-19 changed from "lethal" to "curable disease". In the second principle, the paradoxes of "disbelief/shock-active participation for recovery", "despair-hope", and "ignorance- searching for knowledge" were identified. According to the third principle, the patient and her daughter had learned how to take the path of transcendence and deal with disease conflicts and create the necessary change in dealing with paradoxes. Conclusion: The results showed that Parse’s theory could be used to improve health status and deal with paradoxes in elderly patients suffering from spontaneous pneumothorax. It is suggested that this theory will be used in future studies in the care of other patients.
The Unmet Needs of Women with Maternal Near Miss Experience: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Abdollahpour Sedigheh , Heydari Abbas , Ebrahimipour Hosein , Faridhoseini Farhad , Khadivzadeh Talat
Published: March 2024

Introduction: A maternal near-miss (MNM) case is defined as "a woman who nearly died but survived from life-threatening pregnancy or childbirth complication". This study was conducted on health care providers and near-miss mothers (NMMs) with the aim of discovering the unmet needs of Iranian NMM. Methods: In this qualitative study 37 participants of key informants, health providers, NMMs and their husbands were selected using purposive sampling. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted for data collection until data saturation was achieved. Data were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman conventional content analysis. Results: The analysis revealed the core category of "the need for comprehensive support". Eight categories included "psychological", "fertility", "information", "improvement the quality of care", "sociocultural", "financial", "breastfeeding" and "nutritional" needs emerging from 18 sub-categories, were formed from 2112 codes. Conclusion: Many of the real needs of NMM have been ignored. Maternal health policymakers should provide standard guidelines based on the needs discovered in this study to support the NMMs’ unmet needs.
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Motivation for Healing Scale in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Hossieni Fatemeh , Mohammadi Eesa , Hosseini Reza , Sadat Zohreh , Masoudi Alavi Negin
Published: March 2024

Introduction: This study was conducted to develop and validate a Motivation for Healing Scale (MHS) in Cancer. Methods: in this methodological study, the MHS draft was developed based on the approach of Waltz and colleagues using existing scales and concept analysis. The psychometric features, including face validity (qualitative and quantitative), content validity (qualitative and quantitative), structural validity (exploratory and confirmatory factors), and construct validity (convergent and discriminant validity) were assessed. Finally, the reliability was evaluated using internal consistency, and stability. Results: Based on the results of the qualitative phase, an initial item pool was generated with 55 items, Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed on the data collected from 404 patients. 25 Items were excluded during the psychometric evaluation phases. Reliability assessment and internal consistency assessment revealed that Cronbach’s alpha value of the 25-item MHS was 0.912. The results of intraclass correlation coefficient (0.93, 95% CI: 0.86– 0.96) showed the stability was strong. Conclution: The 25-item MHS is a valid and reliable scale for the assessment of motivation for healing in patients with cancer.
Relationship of calcium-sensing receptor gene polymorphism CASR rs 1042636, CASR rs 1802757, and cinacalcet response among Egyptian hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Behairy Maha Abdelmoneim , Shawky Sahar Mahmoud , Bawady Somia Abd El Hamid , Abdelsattar Hoda , Abdelsahheed Neveen Nabil , Elhag Ahmad Yehia
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a common complication associated with morbidity and mortality among hemodialysis (HD) patients. Objectives: The current study aims to evaluate the frequency of CASR gene polymorphism variants related to parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulation (CASR rs1042636 and CASR rs1802757) and to test the hypothesis that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CASR gene alter the response to cinacalcet among Egyptian HD patients with SHPT. Patients and Methods: A case-control study that included 50 HD patients with intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) ≥300 pg/mL treated with cinacalcet for a 6-month duration and 40 healthy volunteers as a control group. Eligible patients were recruited from Ain Shams university hospitals. Blood samples were collected from patients and controls to assess allele frequencies of CASR gene polymorphism variants using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), corrected calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), Ca×P product, iPTH level, and alkaline phosphatase before and after treatment. HD patients were categorized into two groups based on the reduction percentage; responders’ patients (iPTH ≥20%) and non-responders to cinacalcet treatment. Results: Of 50 HD patients, 48 (96%) carried the rs1042636 AA wild gene, while only two (4%) carried the rs1042636 AG mutant gene, 42 (87.5%) carried the rs1802757 CC wild genotype, and 6 (12.5%) carried the CT mutant genotype. The minor alleles T and G were (6.3% and 2%) respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the patient and control groups regarding the CASR genotypes or alleles distribution. There was no significant difference between responders and non-responder’s patient groups regarding CASR genotypes or allele frequencies. Moreover, no significant correlation between CASR genotypes or alleles to delta change of Ca, P, Ca×P product, or PTH was seen. However, CASR rs1802757 CT mutant genotype was associated with a significant reduction in alkaline phosphatase levels after treatment. Conclusion: There is no significant association between the gene polymorphism CASR rs1042636 or CASR rs1802757 and the reduction in PTH levels as a response to cinacalcet treatment among Egyptian HD patients with SHPT.
Hepatitis C Virus Infected Human Megakaryocytes and Platelets: Intra-and Extracellular Evaluation
Authors: Watanabe Caroline Mitiká , Souza Tancler Nathália Almeida , Marques Braz Aline Márcia , de Carvalho Shelly Favorito , Silva Giovanni Faria , Campos Pardini Maria Inês de Moura , Custodio Domingues Maria Aparecida , Valente Guilherme Targino , Abreu Machado Paulo Eduardo de , Tommasini Grotto Rejane Maria , Assis Golim Marjorie de
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to determine whether the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects human megakaryocytes and platelets and to measure the expression of receptors involved in virus-cell interaction. Platelets from healthy donors were infected with HCV in vitro and analyzed for viral expression and the receptors claudin-1 and cluster of differentiation 81 (CD81). HCV was detected on the surface and cytoplasm of both cells; cytoplasmic expression was higher compared to the surface. Platelets presented a claudin-1+/CD81-phenotype, and megakaryocytes showed aclaudin-1+/CD81+ phenotype. We conclude that megakaryocytes and platelets are susceptible to HCV infection, regardless of CD81 expression, and megakaryocytes may serve as possible sites of viral replication.
Sustainable Finished Leather Preservation
Authors: Shekinah Ruby , Kailasam Saranya , Mandal Sujata , Kanth Swarna V.
Published: March 2024

Part 1 of the current paper described the green synthesis of myrobalan capped copper nanoparticles for the preservation of the finished leather. In Part II of the current study, Copper Nanoparticles (CuNPs) were synthesized using green synthesis with wattle (tannin) extract as a reducing agent. Green synthesis is the preferred approach for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles due to its eco-friendly and cost-effectiveness for the preservation of finished leather. To improve the antibacterial qualities of leather with different types of finishes, the resin finished leather was coated with synthesized wattle copper nanoparticles (W-CuNPs). The chemical constituents of wattle induce the reduction of Cu2+ ions to CuNPs with the capping process and also remain as a stabilizing agent for the capping process. The formation of W-CuNPs was confirmed by UV-Spectroscopy at an absorbance of 467 nm. The identified functional groups such as -OH, C=C, and C-N were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR) which are responsible for the reduction and stabilization of copper nanoparticles. The spherical shape of the nanoparticles was ascertained by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), whereas Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) studies confirmed the presence of copper with 65%. The average particle size of W-CuNPs was found to be 96 nm. The zeta potential value of -24 mv affirmed the stability of the W-CuNPs. The maximum zone of inhibition was 12 mm against Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis) and 11 mm against Gram-negative (Serratia marcescens) bacteria on W-CuNPs coated finished leather, which exhibits strong antimicrobial activity. Hence, CuNPs synthesized by wattle extract have the potential to preserve the finished leather and its products as an antibacterial agent.