bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A EPIDEMIA EM 2016-2019 DE FEBRE AMARELA SILVESTRE EM SAO PAULO, BRASIL: FATORES ASSOCIADOS ALÉM DA COBERTURA VACINAL
Authors: Ikefuti Priscilla Venâncio , Saad Leila del Castillo , Chiaravalloti Neto Francisco
Published: May 2024

Objetivos: Descrever a ocorrência de febre amarela (FA) no estado de São Paulo (SP) entre 2016 e 2019 e, após ajuste para cobertura vacinal, avaliar associações com variáveis ambientais e demográficas. Métodos: Este estudo ecológico de casos autóctones confirmados de FA em SP entre abril de 2016 a maio de 2019, considerou modelos gaussianos bayesianos latentes, efeitos aleatórios espaciais em nível de município e distribuições de probabilidade binomial negativa e Poisson inflado e não inflado por zero, onde foram considerados também a taxa de incidência por 100.000 habitantes. Resultados: Entre 2016 e 2019, ocorreram 648 casos humanos de FA, com letalidade de 35,5%. Entre as covariáveis consideradas nos modelos, a cobertura vegetal nativa e a população rural total foram associadas à ocorrência de FA, após ajuste para cobertura vacinal. Como esperado, a cobertura vacinal mostrou ter um efeito protetor: o aumento de um desvio padrão (DP) da cobertura em um determinado município resultou em 82% menos casos (risco relativo [RR] = 0,18; intervalo de credibilidade (IC) de 95% (0,11 – 0,27). A taxa de cobertura vegetal e a população rural mostraram-se fatores de risco, independentemente da cobertura vacinal. Um aumento de um DP nos valores dessas variáveis representou um aumento de 109% (RR= 2,09; IC 95%: 1,60 – 2,73) e 99% (RR=1,99; IC 95%: 1,41 – 2,87) no número de casos de FA, respectivamente. Conclusões: Este estudo demonstrou que além da cobertura vacinal, fatores locais como cobertura vegetal e tamanho da população rural são envolvidos na ocorrência da FA nos municípios afetados. Como os estoques de vacinas são limitados e grande parte da população ainda não foi vacinada, essas informações podem ajudar a identificar áreas de risco para aumento da cobertura vacinal e ampliar as ações de vigilância epidemiológica e entomológica.
REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA SOBRE A PRODUÇÃO CIENTÍFICA COM ÊNFASE NA RELAÇÃO ENTRE VULNERABILIDADE, AMBIENTE E SAÚDE
Authors: Rodrigues Willane da Silva , Ambrósio Halana Tereza Marques de Jesus , Aquino Júnior José
Published: May 2024

Objetivo: Analisar os dados acerca da produção científica nacional e internacional sobre temáticas relacionadas a saúde e ambiente com enfoque em situações de vulnerabilidade no território brasileiro. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão ancorada nos principais itens recomendados pela declaração PRISMA.  Buscou-se por artigos entre os anos de 2016 a 2021 no Portal de Periódicos CAPES. Para a seleção dos artigos, buscou-se pelas palavras chaves “vulnerabilidade, saúde e ambiente” nas línguas portuguesa e inglesa. Foram selecionados 156 artigos após aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, e, posteriormente analisados e agrupados em classes de categorias (A e B). Resultados: Na classe A, a temática Exposição/ avaliação de riscos se sobressaiu com uma frequência de 49 artigos. Na classe B, se sobressaiu a temática Vulnerabilidade Social com uma frequência de 75 artigos. Mais da metade das publicações (65%) foram provenientes de periódicos nacionais, sendo a maioria vinculados a instituições oriundas da Região Sudeste (15,6%). Conclusão: A disparidade científica entre regiões pode mascarar problemas que afetam as áreas mais vulneráveis socioeconomicamente, como as regiões Nordeste e Norte do país, dificultando assim a gestão e planejamento de políticas públicas voltadas a promoção da saúde ambiental, bem como melhoria da qualidade de vida destas populações.
CUIDADOS PALIATIVOS DOMICILIARES OFERTADOS PELO SISTEMA ÚNICO DE SAÚDE NO ESTADO DE SANTA CATARINA, PARA CRIANÇAS, ADOLESCENTES E ADULTOS JOVENS
Authors: Spada Giseli , Conceição Vander Monteiro da , Rossetto Maíra , Bando Daniel Hideki , Friestino Jane Kelly Oliveira
Published: May 2024

Os cuidados paliativos são regidos pelos princípios de reafirmação de importância da vida. Para crianças, adolescentes e adultos jovens, esse cuidado integral realizado por uma equipe multiprofissional tem se mostrado como um desafio, principalmente no que diz respeito ao cuidado domiciliar. Sendo assim, objetiva-se conhecer oferta de serviços de cuidados paliativos em oncologia pediátrica e adultos jovens, no domicílio, bem como a cobertura da assistência por região de saúde em Santa Catarina. Trata-se de um estudo ecológico, com dados secundários do Sistema de Informação Ambulatorial (SIA/SUS) e Sistema de Informação Hospitalar (SIH/SUS), para o estado de Santa Catarina, nos anos de 2018 a 2021. Foram investigados os registros de cuidados ofertados para as faixas etárias de 0 a 29 anos de idade. Para caracterização do cuidado paliativo, seguiu-se a denominação já apresentada para literatura. A Macrorregião da Grande Florianópolis foi a única a apresentar registros de internação domiciliar. No geral, houve queda nos atendimentos durante o primeiro ano de pandemia da COVID-19. Identificou-se que a distribuição não foi homogênea em todas as macrorregiões, porém foi notória a disparidade de oferta de registros de procedimentos no domicílio, o que nos leva a refletir se o baixo número reflete somente o pouco atendimento realizado, ou a falta de registros em sistemas vinculados à produtividade no SUS. A realização do estudo permitiu identificar disparidades entre a cobertura e acesso da população a esta modalidade de cuidado.
MOBILIDADE INTERESTADUAL PARA TRATAMENTO DE CÂNCER DE PELE NA REGIÃO CENTRO-OESTE DO BRASIL: UM ESTUDO ECOLÓGICO DE SÉRIE TEMPORAL
Authors: Ito Arianne Tiemi Jyoboji Moraes , Santos Bruna Nathália , Mota Adeir Archanjo da , Bernardes Sara Santos
Published: May 2024

Este estudo tem como objetivo caracterizar os fatores clínicos, de assistência à saúde e demográficos de residentes da região centro-oeste do Brasil diagnosticados com câncer de pele, para compreender os deslocamentos interestaduais realizados para receber o primeiro tratamento da doença no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Foi realizado um estudo ecológico analítico de série temporal, que analisou características do atendimento à população no período de 2008-2018, usando a base de dados dos Registros Hospitalares de Câncer e do Sistema de Informações de Mortalidade. As medidas de associação entre as variáveis foram realizadas utilizando os testes de Fisher e de Qui-quadrado. 42,2% dos casos registrados foram encaminhados para outra Unidade Federativa (UF) para realizar o primeiro tratamento, 77,9% dos casos registrados em Goiás iniciaram tratamento em outra UF, e quase todos os casos do DF realizaram o primeiro tratamento na mesma UF. Goiás (77,3%) e Mato Grosso (42,5%) foram os estados que mais encaminharam usuários para outra UF, e São Paulo a que mais recebeu usuários.  A mortalidade por câncer de pele aumentou 44% nesse período, principalmente em Goiás e Mato de Grosso do Sul. Os resultados destacam variáveis associadas a deficiência na assistência oncológica na região, que requerem estratégias para maior acessibilidade aos tratamentos.
A agroecologia e a multirreferencialidade do currículo
Authors: Barthes Angela , Basconi Tatiane Cristina Fernandes , Lengthorn Elena Elizabeth , Chalando Véronique , Gibert Anne-Françoise , Souza José Gilberto de
Published: May 2024

O ensino da agroecologia questiona suas referências e seu posicionamento entre ciência, prática e política. O conhecimento estruturante deve estar estabelecido nas epistemologias do conhecimento politicamente situado, ou seja, um conhecimento que  se processa com intencionalidade dos sujeitos sociais na transformação concreta do real . Neste sentido, é importante exigir a multirreferencialidade, a problematização e o reconhecimento das relações de poder e de injustiça. Propomos refletir sobre os objetivos da educação intencionalmente débil ou solida e explicá-los através de um modelo de educação política aplicado à agroecologia. A discussão centra-se nas possibilidades curriculares de uma educação transformadora que inclua, entre outras coisas, a complexidade das questões em jogo, a interdependência dos sistemas, a interdisciplinaridade e a justiça social.
Selected aspects of diversity of synanthropic flora in the chosen cities of central Poland
Authors: Bomanowska Anna , Witosławski Piotr
Published: May 2024

Changes in the geographical-historical, biological and ecological structure of synanthropic flora are among visible effects of urban development pressure. Taxonomic and geographical-historical diversity of synanthropic floras was analysed for the selected cities in central Poland: Łódź, Piotrków Trybunalski, Tomaszów Mazowiecki, Zgierz, Pabianice, Bełchatów and Radomsko. Floras of the analysed cities encompass 954 vascular plant species and are characterised by conspicuous uniformity (30.5% of species occur in all investigated cities). The most uniform flora is that of archaeophytes, followed by apophytes, kenophytes and diaphytes. The city of major importance for the spatial floristic system of cities in central Poland is Łódź. The flora of Łódź is characterised by highest species richness (820 species) and specificity (11.7% of the total pool of species and as many as 38.8% of diaphytes occur exclusively in Łódź), highest share of kenophytes (19.6%) as well as anthropophytes (56.3%), and the lowest share of archaeophytes (13.9%). Similarity analysis and classification conducted for total floras and separately for geographical-historical groups of plants in individual cities led on both occasions to the separation of two distinct groups of objects, the first consisting of the territorially adjacent Łódź, Zgierz and Pabianice (excluding the classification based on archaeophytes) and the second consisting of remaining cities.
Empirical uncertainty evaluation for the pose of a kinematic LiDAR-based multi-sensor system
Authors: Ernst Dominik , Vogel Sören , Neumann Ingo , Alkhatib Hamza
Published: May 2024

Kinematic multi-sensor systems (MSS) describe their movements through six-degree-of-freedom trajectories, which are often evaluated primarily for accuracy. However, understanding their self-reported uncertainty is crucial, especially when operating in diverse environments like urban, industrial, or natural settings. This is important, so the following algorithms can provide correct and safe decisions, i.e. for autonomous driving. In the context of localization, light detection and ranging sensors (LiDARs) are widely applied for tasks such as generating, updating, and integrating information from maps supporting other sensors to estimate trajectories. However, popular low-cost LiDARs deviate from other geodetic sensors in their uncertainty modeling. This paper therefore demonstrates the uncertainty evaluation of a LiDAR-based MSS localizing itself using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and matching LiDAR observations to a known map. The necessary steps for accomplishing the sensor data fusion in a novel Error State Kalman filter (ESKF) will be presented considering the influences of the sensor uncertainties and their combination. The results provide new insights into the impact of random and systematic deviations resulting from parameters and their uncertainties established in prior calibrations. The evaluation is done using the Mahalanobis distance to consider the deviations of the trajectory from the ground truth weighted by the self-reported uncertainty, and to evaluate the consistency in hypothesis testing. The evaluation is performed using a real data set obtained from an MSS consisting of a tactical grade IMU and a Velodyne Puck in combination with reference data by a Laser Tracker in a laboratory environment. The data set consists of measurements for calibrations and multiple kinematic experiments. In the first step, the data set is simulated based on the Laser Tracker measurements to provide a baseline for the results under assumed perfect corrections. In comparison, the results using a more realistic simulated data set and the real IMU and LiDAR measurements provide deviations about a factor of five higher leading to an inconsistent estimation. The results offer insights into the open challenges related to the assumptions for integrating low-cost LiDARs in MSSs.
Ethanedithiol-modified silica nanoparticles for selective removal of Hg2+ ions from aqueous wastewater
Authors: Mohan Anandhu , Ashwini Munusamy , Santhamoorthy Madhappan , Thirupathi Kokila , Suresh Ranganathan , Guganathan Loganathan , Arumugam Natarajan , Almansour Abdulrahman I. , Lin Mei-Ching , Kim Seong-Cheol , Kumarasamy Keerthika , Vy Phan Thi Tuong
Published: May 2024

A mesoporous silica nanoparticle was synthesized by incorporating (3-glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GPTS)) via sol-gel co-condensation method using Pluronic P123 as structure directing agent and further reacted with ethanedithiol (ED) by post-surface modification process. To produce ethanedithiol-modified silica nanoparticles, approximately 20 wt% of GPTS was incorporated into the mesoporous silica pore walls by reacting tetraethyl orthosilicate and GPTS mixture (80:20 wt/wt%). Next, the ethanedithiol groups were introduced onto the silica surface by reacting with the epoxy part of GPTS and thiol groups of ED to produce the ED-modified-mesoporous silica adsorbent (MS-ED NPs) material. The synthesized MS-ED NPs show a high surface area, pore size, and mesopore volume of approximately 556 m2/g, 2.7 nm, and 0.052 cm3/g, respectively. The MS-ED NPs showed selective removal of mercury ions (Hg2+) ions from the aqueous solution in the presence of other competitive metal ions with an adsorption amount of ∼168 mg/g with a removal capacity of approximately >90 % from the initial metal ion solutions (100 mg/L). The produced MS-ED NPs can be reusable up to 5 times by treating the metal-adsorbed MS-ED NPs in an acidic (0.1 M HCl) aqueous solution. Hence, the MS-ED NPs could be utilized to selectively remove Hg2+ ions from aqueous wastewater.
CT diagnosis of uterine leiomyosarcoma: a case report
Authors: Wang Yubo , Wu Jialei , Fu Yang , Li Jiageng , Wang Caiqiong , Liu Yingchun , Peng Zefei , Yang Bin
Published: May 2024

Background:

A uterine leiomyosarcoma is a relatively rare malignant tumor of the uterus with a high degree of malignancy that is prone to distant metastasis and recurrence in the early stages, and therefore has a poor prognosis. Plain and enhanced CT scans are important for the early diagnosis of uterine leiomyosarcoma.

Case report:

We report the case of a 47-year-old woman with a uterine leiomyosarcoma. A preoperative plain CT scan showed significant uterine enlargement, whereas an enhanced CT scan showed an uneven and significantly enhanced mass. A large mass was observed in the lower and middle parts of the abdomen intraoperatively. The large mass in the abdominal and pelvic cavities was a uterine mass with bilateral adnexal lesions, approximately 20 cm × 20 cm × 15 cm in size. Bilateral retroperitoneal masses were palpated. A total hysterectomy, left salpingectomy, right adnexectomy, and resection of the retroperitoneal mass were performed. The pathologic diagnosis was uterine leiomyosarcoma with bleeding and necrosis.

Conclusions:

Diagnosis of uterine leiomyosarcoma lacks clinical specificity. Imaging is helpful for early diagnosis, treatment, disease course assessment, and efficacy evaluation. Ultimately, a pathologic examination and biopsy are required to confirm the diagnosis.
Prolonged Activity Deprivation Causes Pre- and Postsynaptic Compensatory Plasticity at Neocortical Excitatory Synapses
Authors: Wise Derek L. , Escobedo-Lozoya Yasmin , Valakh Vera , Isaac Berith , Gao Emma Y. , Bhonsle Aishwarya , Lei Qian L. , Cheng Xinyu , Greene Samuel B. , Van Hooser Stephen D. , Nelson Sacha B.
Published: May 2024

Homeostatic plasticity stabilizes firing rates of neurons, but the pressure to restore low activity rates can significantly alter synaptic and cellular properties. Most previous studies of homeostatic readjustment to complete activity silencing in rodent forebrain have examined changes after 2 d of deprivation, but it is known that longer periods of deprivation can produce adverse effects. To better understand the mechanisms underlying these effects and to address how presynaptic as well as postsynaptic compartments change during homeostatic plasticity, we subjected mouse cortical slice cultures to a more severe 5 d deprivation paradigm. We developed and validated a computational framework to measure the number and morphology of presynaptic and postsynaptic compartments from super-resolution light microscopy images of dense cortical tissue. Using these tools, combined with electrophysiological miniature excitatory postsynaptic current measurements, and synaptic imaging at the electron microscopy level, we assessed the functional and morphological results of prolonged deprivation. Excitatory synapses were strengthened both presynaptically and postsynaptically. Surprisingly, we also observed a decrement in the density of excitatory synapses, both as measured from colocalized staining of pre- and postsynaptic proteins in tissue and from the number of dendritic spines. Overall, our results suggest that cortical networks deprived of activity progressively move toward a smaller population of stronger synapses.
Electrophysiological Mechanisms and Validation of Ferritin-Based Magnetogenetics for Remote Control of Neurons
Authors: Hernández-Morales Miriam , Morales-Weil Koyam , Han Sang Min , Han Victor , Tran Tiffany , Benner Eric J. , Pegram Kelly , Meanor Jenna , Miller Evan W. , Kramer Richard H. , Liu Chunlei
Published: May 2024

Magnetogenetics was developed to remotely control genetically targeted neurons. A variant of magnetogenetics uses magnetic fields to activate transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels when coupled with ferritin. Stimulation with static or RF magnetic fields of neurons expressing these channels induces Ca2+transients and modulates behavior. However, the validity of ferritin-based magnetogenetics has been questioned due to controversies surrounding the underlying mechanisms and deficits in reproducibility. Here, we validated the magnetogenetic approach Ferritin-iron Redistribution to Ion Channels (FeRIC) using electrophysiological (Ephys) and imaging techniques. Previously, interference from RF stimulation rendered patch-clamp recordings inaccessible for magnetogenetics. We solved this limitation for FeRIC, and we studied the bioelectrical properties of neurons expressing TRPV4 (nonselective cation channel) and transmembrane member 16A (TMEM16A; chloride-permeable channel) coupled to ferritin (FeRIC channels) under RF stimulation. We used cultured neurons obtained from the rat hippocampus of either sex. We show that RF decreases the membrane resistance (Rm) and depolarizes the membrane potential in neurons expressing TRPV4FeRIC. RF does not directly trigger action potential firing but increases the neuronal basal spiking frequency. In neurons expressing TMEM16AFeRIC, RF decreases the Rm, hyperpolarizes the membrane potential, and decreases the spiking frequency. Additionally, we corroborated the previously described biochemical mechanism responsible for RF-induced activation of ferritin-coupled ion channels. We solved an enduring problem for ferritin-based magnetogenetics, obtaining direct Ephys evidence of RF-induced activation of ferritin-coupled ion channels. We found that RF does not yield instantaneous changes in neuronal membrane potentials. Instead, RF produces responses that are long-lasting and moderate, but effective in controlling the bioelectrical properties of neurons.
On the Interplay Between Stimulus-driven and Goal-directed Processes in the Decision to Fight or Flee
Authors: Köster Massimo , Fischer Maja , Bossuyt Evelien , Buabang Eike Kofi , Moors Agnes
Published: May 2024

Traditional emotion theories assume that stimulus-driven processes are responsible for early emotional action tendencies and that goal-directed processes step in at a later stage to implement or correct these action tendencies. In contrast to this, a recent, goal-directed theory proposes that goal-directed processes operate in parallel with stimulus-driven processes at an early stage, that they enter in competition with the stimulus-driven processes, and that they defeat stimulus-driven processes in most cases. Recent studies found evidence that goal-directed processes can indeed determine early action tendencies, but they did not examine what happens when these processes enter in competition with stimulus-driven processes. The aim of the current study was to examine whether goal-directed processes can also determine early action tendencies when they are put in competition with a stimulus-driven process. To test this, we first conducted two experiments (N = 59; N = 40) to establish the operation of a stimulus-driven process and we conducted a third experiment (N = 103) in which the stimulus-driven process was pitted against a goal-directed process. Early action tendencies were measured with implicit measures (i.e., compatibility tasks). The first two experiments provided support for the operation of a stimulus-driven process in which negative valence elicits a tendency to fight. The third experiment suggested that the goal-directed process indeed operated in parallel with the stimulus-driven process, but not that the goal-directed process was able to literally defeat the stimulus-driven process.
“Quickening Life”
Authors: Phelan Joseph
Published: May 2024

Joseph Phelan, “‘Quickening Life’: Motherhood and the ‘Unborn Child’ in Aurora Leigh and The Ring and the Book” (pp. 1–31)

Both Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Aurora Leigh (1856) and Robert Browning’s The Ring and the Book (1868–69) have at their centers women who become mothers as the result of acts of sexual violence, but who are nevertheless moved to feats of self-sacrifice and even heroism in defense of what the Pope, in The Ring and the Book, calls the “unborn child.” This article examines the representation of attitudes towards the “unborn child” in these poems in the context of changing legal, medical, and social attitudes to abortion and infanticide in the mid-nineteenth century, and argues that their emphasis on the importance of motherhood and what Pompilia in The Ring and the Book refers to as the child’s “right of life” should not, as the dominant critical tradition suggests, be read as an endorsement of patriarchal ideology but as the product of an essentialist view of gender identity that represents gestation and motherhood as radical challenges to the prevailing social order rather than acts of acquiescence in it.
Mokytojų ir švietimo pagalbos specialistų profesinį stresą sukeliančių šaltinių analizė
Authors: Vaitkevičienė Asta , Alifanovienė Daiva , Kepalaitė Albina
Published: May 2024

The article analyses the data of an empirical study revealing the contexts of sources of occupational stress for teachers and educational support specialists. In order to analyse the experience of specialists, a questionnaire was compiled, the statements of which were formulated on the basis of the analysis of scientific (theoretical and empirical) research on occupational stress.N=205 respondents were surveyed with this questionnaire. Referring to the data from the exploratory and confirmatory statistical analyses of the survey data in the context of this sample, a final questionnaire suitable for use in the study of stressogenic sources of teachers and educational support specialists was constructed. Statistically significant relationships between sources of occupational stress were also revealed.
Utilitarian and Deontological Approaches to Liability of Internet Intermediaries for Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights
Authors: Drakšas Justinas
Published: May 2024

Internet intermediaries are the central figures through which the majority of informational flows go through on the Internet. It is therefore only natural to wonder, whether they should be held responsible, or even liable, for facilitating the exchange of illegal information being done by their users. Currently, academic literature focuses on two main views that could help to justify the imposition of liability on these subjects – these are the utilitarian and deontological theories of Internet intermediary liability. This paper attempts to deepen the understanding of these theories, by, firstly, identifying the main ideas behind the utilitarian and deontological approaches to the liability of Internet intermediaries; and secondly, looking at the main examples of regulation that are consistent with the utilitarian and deontological approaches, which could help to describe the overall evolution of intermediary liability models in the European Union.
The Abuse of Right Principle in Japan and Germany
Authors: Droell Felix
Published: May 2024

The article “The abuse of right principle between legal certainty and case-by-case justice deals with the application practice of the abuse of rights principle in Germany and Japan. As an instrument for resolving tensions between written law and the cultural and moral ideas of Japanese judges, the concept was imported to Japan in the 19th century in the course of the westernisation of the legal system. In the beginning, German and Japanese application practices were naturally very similar, but as time and historical development progressed, the two application regimes increasingly diverged. The Japanese judiciary has retained the free and little-controlled application practice of the 19th century, while the German judiciary today controls the concept much more tightly. In practice, this means that the Japanese Supreme Court does not give the lower courts any formal guidelines on application, but rather seeks to prevent grossly arbitrary applications by classifying possible arguments. The German judiciary, on the other hand, developed a complex structure of so-called case groups. Case grouping means that arguments are not classified as in Japan, but rather the actual factual constellations are conclusively determined as admissible or inadmissible. Thus, after approx. 120 years of independent development in Japan and Germany, there are considerable differences between the application practice of the prohibition of abuse of rights, despite the same starting point. The reasons for these differences are multifaceted in nature; within the framework of this paper, it was primarily possible to identify historical factors in the form of experience with arbitrary justice, cultural influences in the form of community orientation in Japan and institutional reasons in the form of court organisation.
On The Legal Limits and Criminal Procedural Implications of Applying Artificial Intelligence in Corporate Internal Investigations
Authors: Januário Túlio Felippe Xavier
Published: May 2024

The paper addressed the following questions: how can AI be applied in corporate internal investigations and what are the legal limits for its use? In case of effective application, how can it affect the admissibility and valuation of the information collected from these procedures in an eventual criminal lawsuit? It was demonstrated that, with the expectation of increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of compliance programs, AI has been used in real-time – and often predictive – supervision of employees, as well as in carrying out internal investigations, through, for example, lie detection systems. However, due to the limitations and risks of this technology, its employment must comply with legal parameters and restrictions. Therefore, three categories of restrictions were analyzed: with respect to (i) legal requirements for data processing, we noted that the processing of data to be used as input in those systems must find legal support in one of the hypotheses provided for in Articles 6 and 9(2) of the GDPR. Furthermore, the fundamental principles that substantiate the test of proportionality between the intended purpose and the intervention to be carried out, provided for in Article 5, must be observed. Regarding (ii) possible prohibitions on the use of AI systems in the context of internal investigations, we observed that the use of technologies to control and supervise the work environment must take into account the requirements of legality, shall not affect areas in which employees’ expectations of privacy must prevail, and, lastly, must observe a second test of proportionality, aimed at assessing whether the technology in question is adequate and necessary to achieve the purpose intended with it and whether the rights possibly affected by it should not prevail. About the (iii) limits to the admissibility and valuation of elements of information from internal investigations, we concluded that their admission in criminal proceedings will depend on a new judgment of legality and proportionality. In addition, they may be admitted when presented by the company, in its defence, or by Public Prosecution, provided that a third test of proportionality is observed and that these elements of information are not considered sufficient to substantiate the conviction of any defendant, therefore having probative value similar to elements from state investigation acts.
Legal Contours of Sustainable Development: Historical Tracker and Arguments Supporting Its Normativity
Authors: Korchahin Dmytro
Published: May 2024

In the present paper the author overviews the historical tracking of sustainable development as such. Besides, in the article, the current legal nature of sustainable development and some aspects helping to enhance its legal contours are revealed. The concept of sustainable development has gradually evolved through different political forums and discussions. This process has been taking more than fifty years. The current legal contours of sustainable development are not stable, making scientists look for their proper outline. Therefore, the practice of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is analysed, together with the EU (supranational) policymaking and the current state of environmental emergency. Based on the methods from the qualitative approach, the output on the legal contours of sustainable development and sustainability is proposed. Outside of the general formula of the obligation of states to act in a way that can guarantee sustainable development, some novel aspects of its enhanced regulatory value have been identified, bringing a new interpretation of the legal contours of sustainable development. These news aspects revolve around the realm of ambient reality (the current state of environmental emergency that dictates putting sustainable development at the centre of policymaking on different levels), the realm of ICJ case law (since the current case law is outdated, prospect advisory opinions of ICJ are needed to clear out the current legal contour of sustainable development), and the realm of supranational policymaking of the EU (in which sustainable development has become quite unstable but imperative, being at the heart of the factual policymaking).
Detecting inflectional patterns for Croatian verb stems using class activation mappings
Authors: Ševerdija Domagoj , Čorić Rebeka , Šošić Lucian , Orešković Marko
Published: May 2024

All verbal forms in the Croatian language can be derived from two basic forms: the infinitive and the present stems. In this paper, we present a neural computation model that takes a verb in an infinitive form and finds a mapping to a present form. The same model can be applied vice-versa, i.e. map a verb from its present form to its infinitive form. Knowing the present form of a given verb, one can deduce its inflections using grammatical rules. We experiment with our model on the Croatian language, which belongs to the Slavic group of languages. The model learns a classifier through these two classification tasks and uses class activation mapping to find characters in verbs contributing to classification. The model detects patterns that follow established grammatical rules for deriving the present stem form from the infinitive stem form and vice-versa. If mappings can be found between such slots, the rest of the slots can be deduced using a rule-based system.
Perceptions of Caregivers Towards Screen Use by Children: A Focus Group Study
Authors: Conde-Gómez Ana L. , Cerrato-Lara Maria , Martinez-Sánchez Jose M.
Published: May 2024

The recent advancement of technology has led to a significant increase in the access and use of digital devices by children of all ages. This study explores the perceptions of caregivers regarding the use of digital screens by children aged 0–13 years. To select the sample, an initial open webinar was held, involving approximately 100 participants. From this group, thirteen attendees volunteered to participate in a focus group, from which finally five mothers participated. During the session, the participants discussed the benefits and risks of technology, the guidelines and strategies they use to promote a healthy use of technology by their children, and their fears related to the topic. Results reveal that most of participants' children occasionally use digital devices in their leisure time and usually use the computer for homework. Their main concern is addiction, and although all of them apply strategies to regulate screen time. all feel that society pressures them to encourage children to use digital devices. They also highlight the need for further research to provide society with adequate digital education. These results are consistent with the literature and are useful for better understanding the concerns and strategies of parents regarding their children's screen time. The results of the study can be incorporated into the development of further outreach to families.
Assessing infectious disease surveillance infrastructure in Equateur province, Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2022
Authors: Nakasala Rodrigue , Ibe Ochi Akwiwu , Mundeke Odettia Mbutamuntu
Published: May 2024

Introduction: This study evaluates the infectious disease detection and surveillance infrastructure in Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, conducted as part of the Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) project. The province, with a population of 2.8 million inhabitants spread over 132,518 km², faces numerous challenges due to its ecosystem, making it highly susceptible to outbreaks. The assessment, conducted from January 28 to February 04, 2023, aims to assess the functionality of the diagnostic network, specifically focusing on the capacity of the national public health laboratory in Mbandaka, sample transportation logistics, and opportunities for waste management. The assessment of the capacity of the Mbandaka public health laboratory to detect infectious diseases such as COVID-19, Ebola virus, yellow fever, and measles reveals its significance in epidemiological surveillance in Equateur Province.1. According to the World Health Organization guidelines, "laboratory biosafety is of crucial importance to ensure the safety of personnel and environmental protection when handling coronavirus samples.2 Results: Results indicate that the national public health laboratory in Mbandaka possesses equipment for analyzing various infectious diseases, including COVID-19, Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), yellow fever, and measles. However, challenges such as a non-functional incinerator due to fuel shortages and difficulties in accessing health zones, predominantly accessible by river, hinder sample transportation and waste management efforts. Moreover, there is a lack of triple packaging materials for sample transportation and a need for training health workers on biosecurity protocols. To address these challenges, the study suggests potential solutions, such as utilizing drones for sample transportation to inaccessible health zones and improving collaboration between implementation partners and the Ministry of Health. Additionally, efforts should focus on enhancing communication infrastructure and securing fuel for laboratory operations. Conclusion: In conclusion, despite the existing challenges, the Mbandaka provincial public health laboratory demonstrates the capacity to support the response to certain epidemics in Equateur Province. However, addressing the identified weaknesses is crucial for enhancing infectious disease surveillance and response capabilities in the region.
Case report: CBD: THC medical cannabis in the treatment of neuropathic pain
Authors: R J Jacob Maria Teresa , J Milani Beatriz J
Published: May 2024

Chronic neuropathic pain affects millions of adults worldwide, creating a direct impact on quality of life. The control of neuropathic pain is a challenge in daily clinical practice. Current pharmacological treatment options for neuropathic pain afford substantial benefit for only a few people, often with adverse effects that outweigh the benefits. There is a need to explore other treatment options, with different mechanisms of action for treatment of this pathology. The use of cannabis and cannabinoid products is a growing area of research for the treatment of different pathologies including neuropathic pain. The studies developed so far and what is observed in the clinical practice, demonstrate the importance of this medication in a pathology of such complexity and difficult control, besides of that, more randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm medical cannabis an adjunct medication in the treatment of neuropathic pain. This case report aims to demonstrate the validity of joining GMP cannabis products as an adjuvant therapy for an effective with low profile side effects treatment leading to an improvement in quality of life.
Quality of life of elderly in dialytic treatment: a reflective theoretical study
Authors: de Oliveira Silva Cassandra Alves , de Sousa Wendy Chrystyan Medeiros , dos Santos Silva Elionai , Souza Terra Fabio de , de Carvalho Mariana Albernaz Pinheiro , da Silveira Cristiane Apareci , Cirillo Ciro Gatti , Cruz Robazzi Maria Lucia do Carmo
Published: May 2024

This is a reflective theoretical essay to stimulate readers to rethink how hemodialysis therapy affects the quality of life of elderly people with chronic kidney disease in this type of renal replacement procedure. The aim was to build reflections about hemodialysis treatment and quality of life, with emphasis on the elderly. Because it is an obligatory and exhausting therapeutic method, the patient undergoing hemodialysis has his physical activities reduced, including those of everyday life, generating dependence in the face of physical limitations arising from the disease itself and the health condition. It is hoped that this text can be a contribution to health professionals and managers of dialysis services, enabling them to think of ways to minimize the impact of this undesirable, but indispensable, renal replacement treatment.
Different techniques in management of navicular fossa stricture, a single institution experience
Authors: Dahshoury Zaki M El
Published: May 2024

Background: Evaluation of the functional and cosmetic results after repair of different cases with fossa navicularis stricture by different techniques of urethroplasty. Methods: This study included 43 male patients with different lengths of fossa navicularis stricture of different age groups (8-60 years). History, clinical examination, ascending urethrogram (AUG), and voiding cystourethrogram (VUG) were reported for all patients. Primary outcome was functional assessment using AUG and VUG. Secondary outcomes were cosmetic evaluation using the HOSE score and 90-day complications. Follow-up duration was 2 years (at the 6th month, the end of the first year, and the end of the second year) by clinical examination, flow rate, urethrogram, and urethrocystoscopy. Results: Cosmetic and functional success was achieved in 39 patients (90.6%). Follow-up was for 24 months. The flow rate had improved up to 15.3ml/sec. Four patients developed complications, one patient with restricture, two patients with subcoronal fistula, and one with glanular disruption. Conclusion: Different techniques were used for the repair of fossa navicularis stricture. The choice of suitable technique was according to different findings such as length of stricture, urethral caliber, associated Lichen sclerosus (LS), availability of penile skin, and hair distribution. The technique of repairing fossa navicularis stricture with the use of the transverse penile island flap with the glans cap keeps the glanular shape and configuration intact with optimum function.
Socio-political activism: transformational challenges in the context of war
Authors: Foster Larysa , Hetman Yuliia
Published: May 2024

The development of civil society is closely linked to the historical process of the formation of the Ukrainian nation. After the outbreak of full-scale war, civil society quickly adapted and at different levels solved social, economic, humanitarian, political, and other problems faced by the country. We hypothesize that martial law has a significant impact on the structure and functions of civil society, and on the activation of public and political involvement of Ukrainians. So, the article initially discusses theoretical aspects of the study of civil society in general and social practices of online activism and volunteerism during the war. It also summarizes the results of a pilot study of the socio-political activity of students of Kyiv universities. Studies of sociological indicators of civil society, sociological portraits of members of public organizations, online civic activity, practices of self-organization, various types of voluntary activities, and political participation of Ukrainians have always been and are relevant. Since new discourses, forms, and ways of realizing political participation and public initiative are only growing every year, new research challenges should be taken up, while using well-working concepts. Therefore, we carried out a pilot study of the socio-political activity of student youth by V. Stepanenko's 3D-dimensional scheme of civil society and made the following conclusions. On the wave of the national liberation struggle against RF, the vector of citizenship began to develop rapidly, there was a rethinking of the meaning of the state, the nation, and one's own identity, which had a certain impact on the worldview of young people and the general trends of activity. In general, the vector of activity among students is gradually developing: the palette of forms of activity and the frequency of their reproduction (as noted by students themselves) have significantly expanded. However, these activities are predominantly individualized and not systematic. Therefore, in general, the activity remains at a low level, partly due to the impossibility of developing the vector of openness during martial law.
Victory-in-freedom: Ukraine’s democratic resilience in the face of war
Authors: Alexseev Mikhail , Dembitskyi Serhii
Published: May 2024

The article offers a rare systematic analysis of political attitudes in societies experiencing massive military invasions using statistical analysis of two original surveys conducted by the Ukraine National Academy of Sciences Institute of Sociology — a panel survey tracking the same respondents in three waves (N = 329, November 2021, June-July 2022, and June 2023) and an additional larger survey (N = 869, June 2023). Despite devastating suffering, Ukrainians’ support for democracy as a political system and for freedom of speech have stayed remarkably resilient over this time period. Cross-sectional (multiple ordinary least squares regression) and longitudinal (linear mixed-effects model regression) tests, as well as supplementary focus group conversations in all of Ukraine’s macro-regions, show that this democratic resilience is grounded in the victory-in-freedom synergy — a widespread sense of shared sacrifice that drives determination to win the war and restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity. In particular, we found a clearer understanding of the importance of political freedoms and fighting for victory among individuals who experienced loss and trauma and a strong appreciation across Ukraine’s society that victory is vital to preserve democracy. Survey data also demonstrates that democracy support has become more intrinsic to Ukrainian national identity and that the initial surge of democracy support among Ukrainians in the face of Russia’s invasion has been more than a short-term rallying-round-the-flag. In combination, these factors explain the Ukrainians’ sustained, spirited resilience in the face Russia’s mass savage invasion over more than a two-year period. Moreover, support for democratic ideals doesn’t mean Ukrainians write a blank check of trust to their government. Longitudinal analysis indicates that as the war progressed, and hardship persisted respondents held their democratic institutions accountable. At the same time, the results of our study indicate that sustaining this resilience would require not only battlefield successes, but also accountable governance, countering Russia’s media impacts, and sustaining family incomes. Our findings contribute to the literature on war and democracy by showing the importance of considering both the external context (war duration and impacts and the aggressor state type) and the mobilization of national identity in the face of aggression.
Vaccine Coverage at 36 Months and 7 Years by Parental Birth Country, Washington State
Authors: Tasslimi Azadeh , Bell Teal R. , Moore Tyler P. , DeBolt Charla , Ibrahim Anisa , Matheson Jasmine
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Ensuring equitable vaccination access for immigrant communities is critical for guiding efforts to redress health disparities, but vaccine coverage data are limited. We evaluated childhood vaccination coverage by parental birth country (PBC) through the linkage of Washington State Immunization Information System data and birth records.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort evaluation of children born in Washington from January 1, 2006 to November 12, 2019. We assessed up-to-date vaccination coverage status for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP), and poliovirus vaccines at ages 36 months and 7 years. Children with ≥1 parent(s) born in selected non-US countries were compared with children with 2 US-born parents, using Poisson regression models to provide prevalence ratios.

RESULTS

We identified 902 909 eligible children, of which 24% had ≥1 non-US-born parent(s). Vaccination coverage at 36 months by PBC ranged from 41.0% to 93.2% for ≥1 MMR doses and ≥3 poliovirus doses and 32.6% to 86.4% for ≥4 DTaP doses. Compared with children of US-born parents, the proportion of children up to date for all 3 vaccines was 3% to 16% higher among children of Filipino-, Indian-, and Mexican-born parents and 33% to 56% lower among children of Moldovan-, Russian-, and Ukrainian-born parents. Within-PBC coverage patterns were similar for all vaccines with some exceptions. Similar PBC-level differences were observed at 7 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

The linkage of public health data improved the characterization of community-level childhood immunization outcomes. The findings provide actionable information to understand community-level vaccination determinants and support interventions to enhance vaccine coverage.
Diospyros barteri Hiern (Ebenaceae): new records for the vascular flora of Benin
Authors: Dassou Gbèwonmèdéa Hospice , Adomou Aristide Cossi , Kpétikou Chabi Ghyslain , Neuenschwander Peter
Published: May 2024

Diospyros barteri was recorded for the ﬁrst time from Dodja, a sacred forest in the Commune of Abomey-Calavi, Benin. We provide a detailed description, illustration, habitat, ecology, ﬂowering period, and population size of this species. These occurrences ﬁll a gap in the distribution of the species in the Dahomey-Gap territory. Our new records show the importance of botanical surveys in sacred forests which are hotspots of biodiversity in the country. However, sacred forests are unfortunately poorly maintained and managed and are difficult to access because they serve as central sites for ceremonies of local divinities in vodun celebrations.