bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food safety challenges in the global supply chain
Authors: Yevheniia Kovalchuk
Published: January 2025

Food is more accessible and diverse than ever largely because of the food supply in the global food chain, but also are the challenges to food safety. Contamination risks, regulation differences, traceability gaps, and emerging threats (such as climate change and pandemics) exist. Contamination of one part of the world can quickly affect consumers worldwide, creating health crises and loss of trust, and taking a financial toll on businesses. Some of the major challenges are biological hazards such as Salmonella and Listeria, chemical contamination such as from pesticides and toxins and inadequate traceability systems. The regulations are very much country based and as a result of this we have enforcement gaps and it becomes very hard for business to comply. Food security is also exacerbated by climate change, which changes the way we grow, keep and transport food, and recent events like the COVID 19 pandemic have forcibly demonstrated weaknesses in ability to move and follow food around. On top of that, there’s food fraud: products being intentionally misrepresented to make a buck, at the expense of consumer health. In order to handle these challenges, innovative technologies and global cooperation are necessary. The use of blockchain and IoT helps in increasing traceability and allows the real time monitoring of the food quality. With artificial intelligence, we can predict risks that will happen before they happen, precision farming to ensure they’re sustainable and safer, and waste reduction. But if these solutions are going to be effective, governments and international bodies need to line up their food safety standards and deal with them together. Concluding, this study emphasizes on the collaboration that regulators, businesses and consumers need to come together. Through technology, harmonization of regulations and favoring sustainable practices, the food industry can develop a safer, more transparent and resilient supply chain. Through these efforts, we can safeguard public health, ensure public confidence in consumers, and confront the escalating intricacies of global food systems.
Blockchain-based payment gateways in e-commerce: Security, scalability and user experience
Authors: Arun Krishnakumar  , Humashankar Vellathur Jaganathan
Published: January 2025

The growth in e-commerce has accelerated the need for secure, convenient, scalable, and user-centered payment systems. There is a gap in the current system, as traditional payment gateways face security concerns, scalability issues, and inconsistency in user experience. The paper aims to explore how blockchain-based payment gateways can address these three issues effectively. It discusses integrating blockchain-based payment gateways with e-commerce platforms for enhanced security, scalability, and user satisfaction levels with case evidence. Blockchain is known to provide strong security through distributed ledgers and cryptographic algorithms. Both these technologies help effectively fight fraud and unauthorized access. Layer-2 solutions with consensus mechanisms solve the problem of scalability. Transparency in the payment model enhances credibility and satisfaction among all constituents. Nevertheless, regulatory compliance and interoperability issues are addressed in response to those critical challenges. The work contributes to actionable insights that the players in e-commerce who aspire to inculcate the technology inherited in blockchains as part of the foundation that must be laid toward their installation so that future customers can experience security plus efficiency in the execution of payments as well.
Isolation and characterization of plant growth promoting actinobacteria, Amycolatopsis samaneae (AM75), from the rice rhizosphere in mirza area, Assam, India
Authors: Nizara Ahmeda  , Saranga Ranjan Patgiri
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to isolate plant growth-promoting actinobacteria from the rhizosphere of rice. Rhizospheric soil samples were collected from the Aijung variety of rice in the Mirza area, Kamrup district, Assam, India. The isolate AM75 identified as Amycolatopsis samaneae, was characterized as gram-positive and non-motile. It exhibited varied colony characteristics on different selective media. The isolate produce several enzymes including urease, nitrate reductase, lipase, catalase, and amylase but did not demonstrate cellulase or gelatinase activity. Notably, isolate AM75 displayed various plant growth-promoting activities such as siderophore activity, hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, and zinc solubilization. However, it did not produce hydrogen sulfide (H2S) or solubilize phosphate. The optimal growth conditions for AM75 were pH 7.2, 30ºC temperature, and NaCl 2.5% concentration. Additionally, AM75 exhibited inhibitory activity against the plant pathogens Erwinia chrysanthemi ATCC11660, Aspergillus niger ATCC6275, and Fusarium oxysporum ATCC62506. The isolate was resistant to standard antibiotics, including rifampcin, streptomycin, ampicillin, and nalidixic acid.
The evolution of finance and controlling: SAP and intelligent systems
Authors: Chetan Sharma  , Rohini Sharma  , Kavita Sharma
Published: January 2025

In recent years, we've witnessed a remarkable evolution in how organizations manage their finance and controlling functions, particularly through the implementation of SAP and intelligent systems. Our research examines this significant shift from traditional manual processes to sophisticated automated solutions, revealing how this transformation has revolutionized financial operations. We explore not only the substantial improvements in efficiency and accuracy but also the enhanced capability for strategic decision-making that these systems provide. Through detailed analysis and real-world case studies, we investigate both the opportunities and complexities organizations face when adopting these intelligent systems. By comparing conventional approaches with modern solutions, we offer practical insights for finance professionals navigating this technological transition. Our findings demonstrate that technological innovation isn't just reshaping financial management and control—it's fundamentally redefining what's possible in the field.

This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on digital transformation in finance, providing valuable perspectives for practitioners and researchers alike who are interested in the future direction of SAP financial management and controlling systems.
Workshop on “Complexity in Socio-Economic Systems: The Connectivity Approach”
Authors: Cardinale Ivano , Reggiani Aura , Scazzieri Roberto
Published: January 2025

On June 6, 2024, the Accademia delle Scienze dell’Istituto di Bologna hosted a workshop on “Complexity in Socio-Economic Systems: the Connectivity Approach”, coordinated by Ivano Cardinale, Aura Reggiani, and Roberto Scazzieri. The workshop developed research lines addressed in a Special issue of the journal Networks and Spatial Economics (NETS), edited by the workshop coordinators in 2022. The workshop focused on three questions: what are the research perspectives on the architecture of complexity of socio-economic systems; what is the role of the architecture of connectivity in shaping complex subsystem-system dynamics in the socio-economic sphere; which contribution can be expected from a structural connectivity framework in shaping the design and implementation of policies. Keynote lectures by Terry Friesz, Kieran Donaghy and Ariel Wirkierman were followed by general discussion and concluding remarks by Alberto Quadrio Curzio.
Il Terzo nella relazione di alterità
Authors: Donati Pierpaolo
Published: January 2025

Every day we encounter the different, the Other than us. The diversity among us puts us in potential conflict. What to do? In these types of encounters there is little point in asking “who am I?” and/or “who are you?”, because arguing on the basis of preyed identities leads nowhere. Rather, the question is: “who am I for you and who are you for me?”, that is, focusing on our relationship, in which there is a boundary that divides us but also unites us. This is the Third included. It can generate misunderstandings and conflicts, or, vice versa, relational goods. It depends on how we treat it. The article talks about the Third as an emerging effect included between the Self and the Other, on which the identity of each of them depends. Only by taking care of the Third can we experience otherness as a relationship of recognition of the Other, and therefore of ourselves, and in this way find the meaning of what it means to be human.
Note, Discussioni e Recensioni / Notes, Discussions, and Reviews
Authors: C. D. Panaino Antonio
Published: January 2025

D.T. Potts, Aspects of Kinship in Ancient Iran, (Iran in the Ancient World, 1), Oakland, University of California Press, 2023, i-xv, 1-130
Analysis of content of thermal decomposition products of urine at prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia by terahertz nonstationary gas spectroscopy
Authors:   IPM RAS, 603950, Nizhny Novgorod, GSP-105, Vaks V.L. ,   Lobachevsky University, 603022, Nizhny Novgorod, Gagarina av, 23, Anfertev V.A. ,   IPM RAS, 603950, Nizhny Novgorod, GSP-105,   Lobachevsky University, 603022, Nizhny Novgorod, Gagarina av, 23, Domracheva E.G. ,   IPM RAS, 603950, Nizhny Novgorod, GSP-105,   Lobachevsky University, 603022, Nizhny Novgorod, Gagarina av, 23, Chernyaeva M.B. ,   IPM RAS, 603950, Nizhny Novgorod, GSP-105,   Lobachevsky University, 603022, Nizhny Novgorod, Gagarina av, 23, Maslennikova A.V. ,   Lobachevsky University, 603022, Nizhny Novgorod, Gagarina av, 23,   Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 603950, BOX-470, Nizhny Novgorod, Minin and Pozharsky square, 10/1, Atduev V.A. ,   Privolzhsky District Medical Center of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, 603001, Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhnevolzhskaya quay, 2, Rodionov M.A. ,   IPM RAS, 603950, Nizhny Novgorod, GSP-105,   Lobachevsky University, 603022, Nizhny Novgorod, Gagarina av, 23, Atduev K.A. ,   Privolzhsky District Medical Center of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, 603001, Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhnevolzhskaya quay, 2
Published: January 2025

The work is devoted to studying the metabolites composition for human urine of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia patients by terahertz (THz) high-resolution gas spectroscopy. The comparison of the composition of metabolites formed during thermal decomposition of urine of prostate cancer patients collected with preliminary prostate massage, without preliminary prostate massage and benign prostatic hyperplasia patients was carried out. The high-resolution THz spectrometer of 118-178 GHz frequency range with fast frequency sweeping developed by the authors was used. Free online spectroscopy databases were used for identification of substances. The sets of metabolites for two types of urine samples are revealed and metabolites which can be considered as potential markers of prostate cancer are determined.
Caracterización microbiológica en pacientes con diagnóstico de infección del sitio operatorio órgano-espacio intraabdominal en el servicio de cirugía general del Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, en Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: González-Apraez Jairo , Cuevas-Lopez Liliana , Ariza-Gutiérrez Aníbal , Bastidas-Santacruz Alexandra , Quiroga Camilo
Published: January 2025

Introducción. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el perfil microbiológico de los microorganismos aislados en los cultivos de pacientes con infección del sitio operatorio (ISO) órgano/espacio (OE) luego de cirugías intraabdominales realizadas en nuestra institución.
Métodos. Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo que incluyó pacientes que desarrollaron ISO-OE luego de ser sometidos a cirugía abdominal. Se hizo drenaje de la colección intraabdominal para toma de cultivos y determinación del perfil de resistencia.
Resultados. Se diagnosticaron 89 pacientes ISO-OE entre junio de 2020 y junio de 2023. El 68,5 % se llevaron a drenaje, que fue percutáneo en 54 pacientes (88,5 %). Los diagnósticos más frecuentes fueron oncológicos (n=22, 36,1 %), seguidos de colecistitis (n=15, 24,6 %) y apendicitis aguda (n=13, 21,3 %). El microorganismo más frecuentemente aislado fue Escherichia coli (72 %). Se identificó resistencia microbiana en el 45,9 % de los casos, específicamente de tipo AmpC (14,8 %), BLEE (13,1 %), a penicilinasas (8,2 %), tipo IRT (6,6 %) y a carbapenémicos tipo KPC (3,3 %). Los pacientes con mayor estancia hospitalaria tuvieron un mayor porcentaje de microorganismos con resistencia antibiótica (14 vs. 18 días, p=0,005).
Conclusiones. La resistencia antibiótica identificada es llamativa y se relacionó con modificaciones en la terapia antibiótica por medicamentos reservados para infecciones severas. La resistencia fue mayor en pacientes con estancia hospitalaria prolongada. Identificar la epidemiología local puede orientar el tratamiento e impactar en la evolución postoperatoria del paciente.
Power and Energy Transformation: Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Utilizing Complex q-Rung Picture Fuzzy Generalized Power Prioritized Yager Operators
Authors:   Department of Science and Humanities (Mathematics), University College of Engineering Nagercoil, Anna University, Tamilnadu, India, Petchimuthu Subramanian , M Fathima Banu M ,   Department of Science and Humanities (Mathematics), University College of Engineering Nagercoil, Anna University, Tamilnadu, India, Mahendiran C. ,   Department of Science and Humanities (Chemistry), University College of Engineering Nagercoil, Anna University, Tamilnadu, India, Premala T ,   Good Shepherd College of Engineering and Technology, Anna University, Tamilnadu, India
Published: January 2025

Existing studies in decision-making often face limitations in adequately handling complex and uncertain environments. This study addresses these shortcomings by introducing novel operations and aggregation techniques tailored for complex q-rung picture fuzzy numbers (Cq-RPFNs). Building upon the drawbacks of conventional approaches, we extend Yeager's operations to Cq-RPFNs, enabling comprehensive operations such as addition, multiplication, scalar product, and scalar power. Additionally, two aggregation operators, the Complex q-rung Picture Fuzzy Generalized Power Prioritized Yager Weighted Average, and the Complex q-rung Picture Fuzzy Generalized Power Prioritized Yager Weighted Geometric are developed to overcome the limitations of existing aggregation methods. Rigorous analysis of these operators for properties such as idempotency and monotonicity ensures their robustness in decision-making processes. Through a comprehensive multi-criteria decision-making method utilizing these operators, decision-makers are empowered to navigate complex decision landscapes effectively. Comparative evaluations against existing alternatives highlight the superiority and effectiveness of the proposed approaches. A case study focusing on India's Power and Energy Sector in 2024 demonstrates practical application, supported by numerical examples that validate the methodologies' efficacy. This study addresses the drawbacks of existing approaches and provides valuable insights and tools for decision-makers operating in complex and uncertain domains.
Targeting Toward Inferential Goals in Bayesian Rasch Models for Estimating Person-Specific Latent Traits
Authors: Lee JoonHo , Wind Stefanie A.
Published: January 2025

In educational assessment, researchers employ measurement models to estimate individuals’ latent abilities, rank these attributes, and analyze group-level distributions to meet various inferential objectives. This paper investigates two strategies for enhancing person-specific latent trait estimation: (a) semiparametric modeling using Dirichlet process mixtures to provide more flexible priors, and (b) alternative posterior summaries, such as constrained Bayes and triple-goal estimators, designed to minimize specific loss functions. We evaluate the performance of these strategies, both individually and in combination, within conditions that are common to curriculum-based assessments. Our results indicate that their effectiveness is highly dependent on test reliability, influenced by the level of within- and between-person variability in the data. Lastly, we emphasize the need to align posterior summaries with particular inferential goals, particularly when balancing trade-offs related to shrinkage effects.
TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE JOINT OPERATION OF PRECAST CONCRETE COATING DISKS AS PART OF SPAN BENDING METAL STRUCTURES
Authors: Dmytrenko Yevhen , Andrievska Maria , Yakovenko Ihor
Published: January 2025

Traditional methods of beam’s structures calculation for industrial buildings' coatings provide their consideration separately from the frame structures, in particular, reinforced concrete slabs, without taking into account their joint work, which leads to a significant safety margin of structures. Today, there is a significant number of industrial buildings and structures that require strengthening and reconstruction in Ukraine. In this regard, studies of the actual load-bearing capacity of single-storey industrial building frames are particular importance, both during reconstruction and new construction. Their results will significantly reduce costs and allow for more rational design of structures. At the same time, one of the most relevant areas is the study of the joint operation of metal load-bearing structures with precast concrete structures of hard discs coatings and slabs in their calculation. Moreover, in the Ukrainian national design standards, as well as in the educational and methodological literature, the calculation methods for taking into account the joint operation of such structures are not fully covered.
The purpose of study is to assess the reduction of metal consumption for  steel  truss structure in its bending calculation, taking into account the joint operation with a rigid precast concrete slab disc.
Method. As part of the study, It was calculated a flat roof truss from the paired corners of an one-storey industrial building according to the traditional design scheme – without taking into account the joint operation with the slab disc and taking into account the joint operation with the slabs by means of numerical modelling as part of a roof block using the finite element method. The modelling of the pavement fragment (block) was performed in LIRA FEM 2022 software.
The main results. It is performed a comparative analysis of the internal forces in steel truss elements and the total mass of the truss based on the selected cross-sections of its elements by two design models. The practical significance of the obtained results is to determine the economic effect by reducing the material consumption and the degree of unloading of steel trusses as part of the roofing block of a one-storey industrial building, taking into account their joint operation with hard discs of precast concrete slabs.
Advancing Uncertain Combinatorics through Graphization, Hyperization, and Uncertainization: Fuzzy, Neutrosophic, Soft, Rough, and Beyond. Fifth volume
Authors: Fujita Takaaki , Smarandache Florentin
Published: January 2025

This book is the fifth volume in the series of Collected Papers on Advancing Uncertain Combinatorics through Graphization, Hyperization, and Uncertainization: Fuzzy, Neutrosophic, Soft, Rough, and Beyond. This volume specifically delves into the concept of Various SuperHyperConcepts, building on the foundational advancements introduced in previous volumes. The series aims to explore the ongoing evolution of uncertain combinatorics through innovative methodologies such as graphization, hyperization, and uncertainization. These approaches integrate and extend core concepts from fuzzy, neutrosophic, soft, and rough set theories, providing robust frameworks to model and analyze the inherent complexity of real-world uncertainties. At the heart of this series lies combinatorics and set theory—cornerstones of mathematics that address the study of counting, arrangements, and the relationships between collections under defined rules. Traditionally, combinatorics has excelled in solving problems involving uncertainty, while advancements in set theory have expanded its scope to include powerful constructs like fuzzy and neutrosophic sets. These advanced sets bring new dimensions to uncertainty modeling by capturing not just binary truth but also indeterminacy and falsity. In this fifth volume, the exploration of Various SuperHyperConcepts provides an innovative lens to address uncertainty, complexity, and hierarchical relationships. It synthesizes key methodologies introduced in earlier volumes, such as hyperization and neutrosophic extensions, while advancing new theories and applications. From pioneering hyperstructures to applications in advanced decision-making, language modeling, and neural networks, this book represents a significant leap forward in uncertain combinatorics and its practical implications across disciplines.
The Birth of an Occupation: Professional Nursing in the Era of Public Health
Authors: Bald Anthony
Published: January 2025

This paper studies the origins of nursing as a professional occupation. In the early 20thcentury, hospitals founded training schools for nurses to meet the growing demand formedical care. Training schools increased overall nurse supply and soon became theprimary pathway for young women to receive a professional nursing credential. Iestimate how the availability of nurse training affected labor market outcomes. Usinglinked census records and training school openings as a source of variation, I show thatwhite women who were geographically close to an opening in adolescence were morelikely to become trained nurses. Effects are largest for women from well-off families, asproxied using father's occupation. Availability of nurse training caused women tosubstitute away from other occupations and had little effect on labor force participationor occupation-based measures of income. Furthermore, by their thirties, women whowere geographically close to an opening were less likely to become physicians. Theseresults paint a mixed picture: Nurse training provided new opportunities for women inthe workforce, reinforcing existing gender segregation in medicine. Over the course ofthe 20th century, nursing would grow to become the largest majority-female occupationin the United States.
Performance and Nutritional Attributes of Different Species of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) Cultivated under Different Growth Substrates
Authors: Ghimire Ashish , Shrestha Sundar Man , Thapa Gopal
Published: January 2025

Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) is cultivated on a wide range of substrates. However, the selection of appropriate species and substrate for its cultivation is crucial. This study, conducted in the two-factorial complete randomized design, was aimed at enhancing the performance of oyster mushrooms cultivated between November and March under sub-tropical conditions of Chitwan, Nepal through the selection of species and substrates. Three easily available substrates (paddy straw, water hyacinth, and corn cob) were used to cultivate three different species of oyster mushrooms (P. ostreatus, P. florida, and P. sajor-caju), and several parameters related to mycelial growth and yield were recorded. Water hyacinth was used along with paddy straw in the ratio 3:1 whereas paddy straw and corn cobs were used alone as separate treatments. The least number of days to spawn run completion was obtained from P. ostreatus grown on paddy straw (18 days) which was however statistically similar to several other combinations. The interaction between substrates and species of oyster mushroom showed no significant effect on the days to first harvest. In addition to early spawn run, the maximum Biological Efficiency (118.15%) and Benefit-Cost ratio (2.51) were also obtained from P. ostreatus on paddy straw. Besides, the combination of other species and substrates were also found superior based on nutritional attributes such as fiber, protein, and carbohydrate content. Cultivation of P. ostreatus on paddy straw can be considered optimal for the given conditions considering several growth, yield, and cost efficiency parameters however, some other locally available substrates such as water hyacinth and corn cobs can also be explored considering nutritional value and seasonal unavailability of paddy straw.
Effect of Varieties and Biofertilizers on Growth and Yield of Mung Bean in Kailali, Nepal
Authors: Sharma Raksha , Rajbanshi Devraj , Bohara Binod , Magar Sangita Gaha , Sharma Ganesh
Published: January 2025

Mung bean, one of the most important crop in terms of food and nutritional security, is often neglected in terms of soil nutrient management in cereal based cropping system, where biological properties of soil is ignored and application of chemical fertilizers is at large. Hence this study was conducted at Agronomy Farm, Far Western University, Kailali, Nepal during April-June 2022 to evaluate varieties under different biofertilizers and their combination on yield and yield attributing traits of mung bean. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatment consisted of 3 varieties of mung bean viz. Pratigya, Kalyan and SML-668 and 6 levels of biofertilizers viz. Rhizobium (R), Rhizobium+ Trichoderma (RT), Rhizobium+Pseudomonas (RP), Rhizobium+Trichoderma+Pseudomonas (RTP), Trichoderma+Pseudomonas (TP) and control. Growth and yield of mung bean were significantly influenced by variety, biofertilizers and their combinations but no significant interaction effects were observed. SML-668 performed better over Pratigya and Kalyan respectively in root parameters, leaf area index, yield attributing traits and yield generating 1.81 t/ha grain yield. Similarly, the combination of biofertilizers (RTP) generated significantly highest grain yield followed by RP and RT. The grain yield obtained with application of Rhizobium (R) was statistically at par with that from TP. The control plot yielded significantly lesser grain yield which was 7.6% lesser than rhizobium (R). So, the use of SML-668 variety and application of rhizobium either alone or in combination is recommended for better yield of mung bean at similar condition under rice-wheat cropping system.
Growth Performance of Cyprinus carpio Fry using Free Lysine Incorporated Feed in Aquarium
Authors: Lamsal Ram Kumar , Gurung Shailesh , Mandal Ram Bhajan , Shah Shambhu
Published: January 2025

A 90-day experiment was conducted at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Paklihawa, Nepal to assess the early growth response of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L. var. communis) at varying levels of free lysine supplemented diets in glass aquaria. The basal diet comprised a mixture of rice bran, wheat bran, mustard oilcake, and soybean meal (T0). Three other treatments included basal diet along with 0.08% free lysine (T1), 0.16% free lysine (T2), and 0.24% free lysine (T3). A completely randomized design (CRD) was employed with four treatments replicated three times. Advanced fry of common carp approximately 1.4 g size were stocked in 1x2x1 cubic feet aquariums with a 45-liters water capacity at the rate of 10 fish per aquarium. Locally prepared pellet feed, maintained with 30% crude protein based on different experimental diets, were supplied at 5% of wet body weight of fish with feed adjusted fortnightly. At harvest, fry fed with lysine supplemented diets (T2 and T3) exhibited relatively better growth in mean final weight, mean weight gain, mean daily weight gain, specific growth and feed conversion ratio compared to the control (T0) and treatment T1. T2 achieved the highest weight gain of 4.56±0.07g followed by T3(3.75±0.21 g) and T1 (3.52±0.31 g), while control (T0) achieved the lowest weight gain of 3.17±0.11 g. Treatment T2 proved to be most effective, showing the highest weight gain, daily weight gain, low FCR and high SGR. Water parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia, nitrate, phosphorous, and chloride) remained stable throughout the study.
The Public Trust in Representative Democracy: A Study Based in Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Rilwan V. M.
Published: January 2025

Most countries in the world have a democratic system of government.
Debates on representative democracy and public trust have continued for
decades. Today, people's faith in representative democracy is waning.
Thus, the main objective of this study is to examine people's trust in
representative democracy in Batticaloa district. It also aims to explore the
reasons for the decline in trust in representative democracy. This study is
based on primary and secondary data. A questionnaire method consisting
of interviews and structured questions was also used to collect the first-
level responses. According to the analysis carried out, the study revealed
that the people's confidence in representative democracy is low in
Batticaloa district. The economy and the failure of representative
democracy have been found to be the main factors behind low public
confidence in representative democracy. Increased corruption, non-
conduct of elections, non-election of the president through new elections,
family rule, abuse of power, majoritarianism, flawed government policies,
weakness of the government structure have been found to be the reasons
for the decrease in people's confidence. This study highlights the many
challenges that representative democracy has faced, and their causes, and
solutions. As such, this study emphasizes that people's trust in
representative democracy can be established when mechanisms such as
government transparency, establishing political trust, holding elections
in a timely manner, promoting direct democratic strategies, establishing
government accountability, and providing opportunities for people and
civil society to participate in political activities are implemented.
Spatial Distribution and Behavioural Causes with Prevention of Non- Communicable Diseases in Urban Populations: A Case Study of Salamulla, Kolonnawa, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors: Nanayakkara L. D. D. N.
Published: January 2025

At present, non-communicable diseases record an extreme
prevalence around the world, and Salamulla Grama Niladhari
Division is no exception. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the
spatial distribution of non-communicable diseases in Salamulla,
effect of the behaviour and lifestyle of urban population on the
occurrence of NCDs, most common non-communicable diseases,
and the prevention measures taken by the community and the
government. The mix-method approach was employed, collecting
primary data through questionnaire surveys and semi-structured
interviews. Analysis was performed by displaying GPS locations,
creating kernel density maps through ArcGIS Pro 3.2, performing
descriptive statistics with histogram through IBM SPSS 21 and MS
Excel 2016, and thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the
distribution of NCDs in Salmulla spans the South-eastern, Western,
Central, North-western, and Northern regions. South-eastern,
North-western regions and central area, which were urbanised
during a 10-year period, are the highest kernel density areas
recorded from the majority of NCDs. Gastritis is the most abundant
non-communicable disease. Further, internal factors like bad
habits, attitudes, age, posture, occupation, daily activities, socio-
economic status, parenthood, and external factors like religious
ideologies, food patterns, and physical activities were identified. It
indicates that the behaviour and lifestyle of respondents play a
significant role in the prevalence of NCDs. The community takes
preventative interventions like controlling sugar and/or salt
intake, and meditation. Government contributes by distributing
pots for cultivation and implementing awareness programmes to
address the issue.
Factors Related to The Perception of Hospital Noise in A Neuroscience Unit
Authors: Nogueiras Rodríguez-
Published: January 2025

Noise has doubled in recent decades; technological advances being its main cause. This means that the figures are well above the recommendations stipulated by the World Health Organization (WHO), which are 35 dB during the day, and 30 dB at night.
Comparison of Different Intensive Lipid-Lowering Therapies for Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: Ezetimibe and Rosuvastatin Versus High-Dose Rosuvastatin
Authors: Malhabi Noussaiba
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Dyslipidaemias is a risk factor for atherosclerosis that leads to unstable atherosclerotic plaque rupture and acute coronary syndrome. Therefore, it is crucial to find a better control of risk factors to prevent the occurrence of a new acute cardiovascular event.

Study aims: We aim to determine whether combining ezetimibe with a high-intensity statin would be a more effective and safer alternative therapy compared to high-intensity statin monotherapy for patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease.

Materiel and methods: 65 patients were randomly assigned to high-intensity rosuvastatin (group 1) (rosuvastatin 20 mg/d, n = 33), or a combination therapy (group 2) (ezetimibe 10 mg/d and rosuvastatin 10 mg/d, n = 32) with a 3 month of follow-up. A lipid and general blood test to assess effectiveness and safety is done in 3 weeks and 3 months. Informed consent from patients is obtained before they participate in the study.

Results: The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved the LDL-C goal of 55mg/dL in the third month: 60% in the second group vs. 33% in the first group, with a statistically significant difference (p=0.001). It was noted that there was a decrease in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Crp) without an increase in blood transaminases.

Discussion and conclusion: Statin combined with ezetimibe demonstrates significant benefits in lowering LDL-C and preventing cardiovascular as statin high dose in acute coronary syndromes. Our results are consistent with the literature.
Use of Streptokinase for intravenous thrombolysis in pulmonary embolism: Practice and results (Data from the pulmonary embolism registry of Bogodogo University Hospital Center in Burkina Faso (PER/UHC Bogodogo-BF)
Authors: Arthur Seghda Taryetba Andre
Published: January 2025

Objective : The objective of this part of the registry was to evaluate the practices and results in terms of Streptokinase thrombolysis in pulmonary embolism.

Methods : patients included in the pulmonary embolism registry were subdivided into those who had received streptokinase and those who had not. Chi-square and Fisher Exact tests were used in univariate analysis to determine the categorical variables associated with thrombolysis. To assess the clinical efficacy of streptokinase, vital constants at admission (t0) and 1h post-thrombolysis (t1) of thrombolyzed patients were matched and compared using the wilcoxon signed-rank test. Mean echocardiographic parameters were compared at t0 (admission) and t1 (24 hours). A p<0.05 value defined the significance threshold for judging a difference not related to chance.

Results: The proportion of thrombolysed patients was 13.7%. Streptokinase was used in patients at high risk of early death. Vital clinical parameters (blood pressure, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate) were significantly improved at the end of perfusion. Right ventricular dysfunction parameters were significantly improved after Streptokinase treatment. The proportion of minor bleeding was significantly higher in the Streptokinase group (11.6% vs 6% OR=2.9).

Conclusion : Streptokinase is used to treat pulmonary embolism in patients who satisfy certain severity criteria. The result is a significant improvement in clinical and echocardiographic parameters, at the cost of an increased risk of minor bleeding.
Опір матеріалів. Лабораторні роботи: навчальний посібник
Authors:   Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University, Подолянчук С.
Published: January 2025

Навчальний посібник містить рекомендації щодо виконання лабораторних робіт з курсу «Опір матеріалів», результатом яких є визначення напружень і деформацій експериментальних зразків та фізико-механічних характеристик матеріалів. Призначений для підвищення ефективності обробки та рівня оформлення результатів експериментальних досліджень.
Рекомендується для здобувачів вищої освіти спеціальності 014.10. Середня освіта (Технології).
“Innovations in HIV treatment: The role of long-acting antiretrovirals examining the advancements in HIV therapy, particularly long-acting injectable antiretrovirals”
Authors: Dubey Neha
Published: January 2025

The landscape of HIV treatment is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of long-acting antiretrovirals (LA-ARVs), offering a promising alternative to traditional daily oral regimens. This review examines the current advancements in LA-ARVs, focusing on their mechanisms, clinical efficacy, and potential to improve patient outcomes. LA-ARVs, such as cabotegravir and rilpivirine, delivered through injectable formulations, have demonstrated effective viral suppression with less frequent dosing, addressing challenges such as adherence and pill fatigue commonly associated with daily antiretroviral therapy. Clinical trials, including ATLAS and FLAIR, highlight their efficacy across diverse patient populations, with favorable safety profiles. Key advantages of LA-ARVs include enhanced adherence, reduced risk of drug resistance, and improved quality of life, particularly for individuals facing barriers to daily oral therapy. However, limitations such as high costs, the need for regular healthcare access, and long-term safety concerns present challenges to widespread adoption. Future developments in LA-ARVs, including next-generation drugs and expanded applications in preexposure prophylaxis, are poised to revolutionize personalized HIV care. As research progresses, LA-ARVs hold the potential to reshape the treatment paradigm, offering a more convenient and sustainable approach to managing HIV.
Combined intrathecal baclofen pump revision to the cervical level and lumbosacral ventral-dorsal rhizotomy for severe medically refractory hypertonia: illustrative cases
Authors: Abdelmageed Sunny , Bae Gloria H. , Mossner James M. , Trierweiler Robin , Keen Mary E. , Katholi Benjamin , Raskin Jeffrey S.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Medically refractory hypertonia (MRH) within the pediatric population causes severe disability and is difficult to treat. Neurosurgery for mixed MRH includes intrathecal baclofen (ITB) and lumbosacral ventral-dorsal rhizotomy (VDR). Surgical efficacy limitations can be mitigated by combining the two into a multimodal strategy. The authors examined outcomes following a multimodal neurosurgical strategy combining intraspinal ITB catheter revision to the cervical level and lumbosacral VDR.

OBSERVATIONS

Two patients with severe MRH resistant to ITB delivered through a thoracic catheter tip were identified: 1) a 16-year-old boy with quadriplegic mixed hypertonia and 2) a 17-year-old girl with secondary dystonia. The patient in case 1 experienced improvement in his Barry-Albright Dystonia Scale (BADS) score from 29 to 17 and lower-extremity modified Ashworth Scale score from 4 to 0 at 18 months postoperatively; the patient in case 2 experienced a decrease in her BADS score from 30 to 13 at 6 months postoperatively. Significant improvement in caregiving provisions, including patient positioning and transfers, was reported.

LESSONS

The authors highlight favorable outcomes using multimodal surgery in pediatric patients. Multimodal therapy is surgically feasible and better addresses MRH, particularly in patients in whom ITB monotherapy and polypharmacy have failed. Future studies with larger patient volumes are necessary to optimize indications and make more definitive outcome conclusions.

https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24599
Exploring Challenges and Solutions in Tourism Village Management in the Manggarai Region, NTT
Authors: Ndiung Sabina , Sutam Inosensius , Menggo Sebastianus
Published: January 2025

Objects in tourism villages are valuable resources which government villages can employ to improve the prosperity of rural communities throughout Indonesia. Using these assets is an essential component of managing a tourist destination. The level of service provided to tourists is determined by how successfully the management performs their responsibilities. This Community Service explores the challenges that arise when developing eight tourist villages in the Manggarai district of West Flores, Indonesia. This Community Service is expected to address numerous problems in the management of eight tourist villages by involving 93 tourism stakeholders. This Community Service activity was carried out in eight villages during two months (November – December 2023). Data collection in this service through questionnaires, observations and interviews, then data was analyzed descriptive-quantitatively. The results show that eight villages have a number of obstacles, such as unavailability of tourist information centers in tourist villages (86%), English language communication (82.8%), rabid animals or other infectious agents at tourist locations (82.8%), infrastructure (78 .5%), environmental sustainability (77.4%), followed by hygiene and health issues (71%). The West Flores tourism community has a lot of potential, but it will only come true if it has been prepared for and the right steps are taken immediately.
The Community Service of Coconut Fish Floss Business Group in Tamedan Village, Tual City
Authors: Hasyim Cawalinya Livsanthi , Ngangun Tati Atia , Rahael Kristina Priskila , Rahantoknam Meyske Angel , Madubun Usman , Matdoan Firmansyah , Taweatubun Madina , Rettob Wa Asri
Published: January 2025

Tamedan Village is one of the fish producing villages so obtaining raw materials for making fish floss is very easy to obtain. The partner for this activity is the coconut fish floss business group, which is still making shredded meat in a simple way due to a lack of knowledge about the shredded mixer tool which can speed up the processing process, the product packaging is also still very simple and has not been able to market its products widely due to limited knowledge about marketing activities and the lack of it. partner's understanding of business management and there is no bookkeeping yet. The aim of this service activity is Technology Transfer for using tools to make coconut fish floss to make it more practical. Carrying out counseling, training and demonstrations as well as assistance regarding the shredded production process using a shredded mixer, using labeled packaging and simple bookkeeping training. The results of this service activity can provide an understanding of shredded mixer tools, provide skills in processing fish floss and packaging with labels so that the product loks attractive and can increase sales and partner understanding in terms of financial recording.
Training on Environmentally Friendly Appropriate Science and Technology Based Household Waste Management
Authors: Azis Rahmawati , Juhanto Asrijun , Amiruddin Fitriyah , Sambu’ Esrianti , Samsidarwati Besse , Utami Nurul Salsabila , Akmal Akmal
Published: January 2025

Household waste management in Simbang Village has not been carried out optimally, where the administration has not maximized the 3R system (reduce, reuse, and recycle), low knowledge, positive attitudes, and skills in waste utilization and management, have not been utilized for economic improvement and empowerment. Implement methods to overcome partner problems: Planning, Action (Health promotion, counseling, Procurement and utilization of technology to produce waste recycling products, Training and simulation, Coaching and mentoring), Observation and Evaluation, and Reflection. The results of the training showed an increase in knowledge (81%), positive attitudes (76.2%), and skills (100%) in processing organic waste into solid and leachate compost (liquid compost), as well as positive behaviors related to waste management by starting to implement new behaviors in the form of "prevent, sort, and reuse". Through training based on environmentally friendly science and technology, the community and village government can be more aware and skilled in managing household waste to contribute to environmental sustainability positively.
Empowering Communities Based on Local Wisdom by Transforming Seashell Waste into Valuable Art
Authors: Effendi Harris , Nurhaida Dida , Busnetty Ida , Octaviani Dian , Sumiyarti Sumiyarti , Iskandar Layla Nurina Kartika
Published: January 2025

This community service activity was conducted in Sidamukti Village, Pandeglang Regency, Banten Province. Known for its coastal area, Sidamukti Village is home to a predominantly fishing community. The fishermen harvest various seafood, including clams, a type of seashell commonly used for its edible meat. While the fish is sold and the clam meat is consumed, the shells are often discarded as non-biodegradable waste that pollutes the environment. To address this issue, the PKM team from Universitas Trisakti explored an alternative approach by transforming seashell waste into valuable art. These activities employed the ABCD (Asset-Based Community Development) method, involving four key steps: 1) Observation; 2) Planning; 3) Implementation; and 4) Evaluation. The outcomes included the creation of handcrafted items such as necklaces, brooches, curtains, and lamps. As a result, the village community, particularly women, has become more empowered, and potentially generating additional income to support their families and enhance the local economy.
A Rare Case of Left Main Vasospasm Resulting in Sudden Cardiac Death
Authors: Roy Trinava , Patel Anjeli , Maheshwari Tania , Palli Vasu
Published: January 2025

Background: Coronary artery vasospasm (CAV) is transient spasm of a coronary artery that can lead to cardiac ischemia. We present a case with left main (LM) CAV identified on electrocardiogram (ECG) and cardiac catheterization resulting in appropriate therapy.

Case: A 52 year old female with months of spontaneously resolving episodic neck pain, flushing, and diaphoresis presented to the emergency department after a resuscitated cardiac arrest. Initial ECG was without evidence of ischemia, however high-sensitivity troponin (522) was elevated. Telemetry monitoring and ECG showed transient ST elevations in V1 and diffuse ST depressions with left bundle branch block. LV Function was preserved on transthoracic echocardiogram(TTE)

Decision Making: The intermittent ischemic changes on ECG, normal TTE findings, and reported episodic symptoms prompted emergent cardiac catheterization. Upon engagement of the LM coronary artery, CAV was observed and resolved with 225 mcg of intracoronary nitroglycerine. Therapy with calcium channel blocker and nitrate therapy was initiated with symptom and ECG resolution. In consultation with electrophysiology, an ICD was placed for secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD).

Conclusion: LM CAV should be considered in young patients without risk factors for ACS. Serial EKGs in addition to cardiac catheterization should be performed. Management of LM CAV post cardiac arrest should include medical management in addition to ICD placement to prevent SCD.