bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of antinociceptive properties of new derivatives of 3-aminothieno[2,3-b]pyridine and 1,4-dihydropyridine in the tail immersion test
Authors:   St. Luka Lugansk State Medical University, Lugansk, Russia, Bibik I.V. , Frolov K.A. ,   St. Luka Lugansk State Medical University; Vladimir Dahl Lugansk State University, Lugansk, Russia, Dotsenko V.V. ,   Vladimir Dahl Lugansk State University; Kuban State University, Krasnodar, Russia, Krivokolysko S.G. ,   St. Luka Lugansk State Medical University; Vladimir Dahl Lugansk State University, Lugansk, Russia, Bibik E.Yu. ,   St. Luka Lugansk State Medical University, Lugansk, Russia
Published: December 2023

Introduction. Nowadays, the search for novel painkillers that exhibit both high efficacy and safety profiles is an essential problem of modern pharmacological research. Aim. To study the antinociceptive activity of ten samples of new derivatives of 3-aminothieno[2,3-b]pyridine and 1,4-dihydropyridine in the classical tail immersion test. Methods. 340 new cyanothioacetamide derivatives that were synthesized by us at the Chemex Research Laboratory (Vladimir Dahl Lugansk State University) underwent in silico screening. As a result, 10 compounds were selected that were the most promising for the pharmacological management of pain. In the experiment (tail immersion test), albino male rats were used, divided into 13 groups, 10 animals in each: the intact group, the control group (0.9% sodium chloride solution), the comparison group (metamizole sodium) and 10 experimental groups (according to the number of administered compounds). The compounds were administered intragastrically at a dose of 5 mg/kg 1.5 h before immersing the tail in hot water. Results. It was established that three samples with codenames AZ420, AZ331 and AZ383 showed a significant antinociceptive activity. The tail-flick time of rats in these experimental groups ranged from 31.4 s (AZ331) to 46.4 s (AZ383), while the significance of the differences p in comparison with the values of the control group ranged from 0.00073 (AZ420) to 0.00018 (AZ383). Conclusions. Four new derivatives of 3-aminothieno[2,3-b]pyridine and 1,4-dihydropyridine with high analgesic activity, promising for further preclinical studies, have been identified.
Studying the possibility of quantification of a metal-containing medicinal substance in the presence of metal impurities using bismuth subsalicylate as an example
Authors:   Novosibirsk State Medical University, Vizer A.A. , Ivanovskaya E.A. ,   Novosibirsk State Medical University
Published: December 2023

Introduction. The analysis of metals in pharmaceutical practice uses both for the quantification of an active ingredient and for assessment of elemental impurities. For metal-containing drugs, the analytical methods must be specific and free from the interference of elemental impurities. Aim. To study the influence of elemental impurities on the quantification of the pharmaceutical substance bismuth subsalicylate. Materials and methods. As a test sample the active pharmaceutical substance bismuth subsalicylate was used obtained by two different ways. Standard samples of elemental impurities of copper, lead and silver were prepared in concentrations with the maximum impurity content according to the European Pharmacopoeia. The analysis was carried out by stripping voltammetry. Results. The addition of solutions of elemental impurities of copper, lead and silver, either separately or as a mixture of all three solutions, does not cause the appearance of a signal on the voltammogram corresponding to the bismuth peak. When quantifying the pharmaceutical substance bismuth subsalicylate and comparing the peak height values, the ratio of the indicators turns out to be equal or close to 100%. Conclusion. The presence of elemental impurities of copper, lead and silver does not interfere with the quantification of the pharmaceutical substance bismuth subsalicylate by stripping voltammetry.
Clinical and anamnestic risk factors for antenatal death of a full-term fetus
Authors:   South Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russia, Kazachkov E.L. , Chizhovskaya А.V. ,   South Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russia, Kazachkova E.А. ,   South Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russia, Semenov Yu.A. ,   South Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
Published: December 2023

Introduction. Current clinical and laboratory methods for assessing the intrauterine growth of a fetus are indirect and often have a low prognostic significance. Meanwhile, the determination of risk factors of antenatal death of a full-term fetus with the assessment of their prognostic significance and the possible preventability of adverse perinatal outcome will identify ways to reduce the stillbirth rate. Aim. Determine the clinical and anamnestic risk factors for antenatal death of a full-term fetus in the Chelyabinsk region. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of the medical records of all cases with antenatal fetal death at 37 weeks 0 days – 41 weeks 6 days of pregnancy, registered in the territory of the Chelyabinsk region from 2019 to 2021, was carried out. Two groups were assigned: group 1 – women with antenatal death of the full-term fetus (158 patients), group 2 – women with live full-term births (50 patients). Results. Women with antenatal death of the full-term fetus statistically significantly more often lived in the city of Chelyabinsk and big cities of the Chelyabinsk region, had secondary vocational education and used to smoke tobacco; they had first or second pregnancy and first delivery. Among these women, female pelvic inflammatory diseases, hypertension, endocrine system diseases and specific infectious diseases (HIV infection, hepatitis C and tuberculosis) were statistically more common. These women had statistically more pregnancy-related complications such as hypertension without significant proteinuria; diabetes mellitus arising in pregnancy; gestational edema; false labour up to 37 full weeks of pregnancy; placental disorders; maternal care for poor fetal growth; acute respiratory infections. The following factors have a direct impact on antenatal death at full-term pregnancy: a history of hypertension, moderate pre-eclampsia, placental disorders, and fetal growth retardation. Conclusion. In the presence of risk factors directly affecting the occurrence of antenatal death of a full-term fetus, we consider it appropriate to deliver at 37 weeks 0 days – 38 weeks 0 days of pregnancy in order to reduce the risk of an adverse outcome of pregnancy.
Milk Fat Globule Membranes: Significance for Adaptation of the Fat Components of Formulas
Authors:   Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Zakharova I.N. ,   Moscow, Russian Federation, Dmitrieva Yu.A.
Published: December 2023

Aim. Based on literature data, to analyze the clinical significance of the milk fat globule membrane in the nutrition of newborns and young children. Key points. Breast milk has been and remains the “gold standard” for feeding a child of the first year. The composition of modern formulas is based on the new information on the breast milk components, which have the most important programming impact on the growing child body. Currently, scientists pay special attention to the optimisation of the fat component of formulas with the introduction of milk fat globule membranes — a unique structure surrounding glycerine nucleus and comprising complex lipids in the form of phospholipids, gangliosides and cholesterol. Conclusion. The scientific studies demonstrated the critical role of “minor” lipids in the process of postnatal formation of the central nervous system and visual analyzer, the formation of the immune system and the regulation of metabolic processes. It is now reliably known that formulas with milk fat globule membranes are well-tolerated and have favourable effect on the prevention of infectious diseases and lipid exchange status. Keywords: milk formula, long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, cell membranes, milk fat globule membrane
Sensitive Skin Management in Children up to 7 Years Old
Authors:   I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Geppe N.A. ,   Moscow, Russian Federation, Velikoretskaya M.D. ,   I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University); Moscow, Russian Federation, Sakaniya L.R. ,   Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology; Moscow, Russian Federation,   Center for Theoretical Problems of Physico-Chemical Pharmacology; Moscow, Russian Federation, Korsunskaya I.M. ,   Center for Theoretical Problems of Physico-Chemical Pharmacology; Moscow, Russian Federation, Isaichkina T.V. ,   I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University); Moscow, Russian Federation, Lesnikova O.A. ,   I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University); Moscow, Russian Federation, Soboleva V.A. ,   I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University); Moscow, Russian Federation,   I.I. Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera; Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: December 2023

Aim. To assess the effectiveness of skin cosmetics in skin restoration (decrease in dryness, irritation, itching) in children up to 7 years Design. An observative open clinical noncomparative study. Materials and methods. The study enrolled 50 children: 30 children with sensitive skin and 20 participants with head cradle caps. The study included 2 visits in the office. During the examination, the doctor assessed the severity of dryness and itching in children with sensitive skin, and the severity of dryness, itching and flaking of the scalp in children with cradle cap. The values varied 0 to 10 points. The duration of the study was 28 ± 3 days. Results. Within usage of the cosmetics, there was no negative effect on the skin. No patients require external anti-inflammatory treatments. Within washing, there was no lacrimation, conjunctiva irritation. Day 3–5 decreased dryness of the sensitive skin approximately twice, light itching was present only in 1 participant. At the end of the study, minimal skin dryness was observed in only 2 patients. On Day 3–5 of shampoo usage, the cradle cap group has had no complaints of itching and head skin dryness has significantly reduced. At the end of the study, the dryness, itching and squamous elements median values in all the patients was significantly lower. Conclusion. Regarding skin peculiarities in children up to 7 years old, it is quite important to find appropriate variants (ingredients and formulas) of skin management because without risk factors and taking into account hygiene rules increased sensitivity to the environment may be decreased leading to lower risk of irritation and skin conditions. Cosmetic components might positively influence skin moistening and maintain optimal barrier function. Keywords: epidermis, children, skin peculiarities, skin maintenance, skin dryness, skin conditions, itching, squamous elements, cradle cap, bathing
Differential Diagnosis of Progeroid Neonatal Syndrome
Authors:   I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Kungurtseva A.L. ,   Moscow, Russian Federation, Vitebskaya A.V. ,   I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University); Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: December 2023

Aim. Аnalysis and synthesis of the literature data on the problem of differential diagnosis of neonatal progeroid syndrome. Key points. One of the rarest representatives of premature aging syndromes is neonatal progeroid syndrome (Wiedemann–Rautenstrauch syndrome). It is an ultra-orphan disease with autosomal recessive type of inheritance, associated with a mutation in the POLR3A, POLR3B, POLR3GL genes and characterized by congenital lipodystrophy and premature aging. The disease manifests from the first days of life: low body length and weight at birth, pronounced phenotypic features (pseudohydrocephaly, progeroid facial features, generalized lipodystrophy, neonatal incisors). Severe bronchopulmonary and skeletal damage is seen over the course of life, and average life expectancy ranges from 7 months to 2 years but can reach 27 years. The differential diagnosis is made with Hutchinson–Gilford syndrome (progeria), which clinical signs manifest at 1.5-2 years of age, and with Marfan-progeroid lipodystrophy, Fontaine syndrome, and Sekkel syndrome. Conclusion. Early diagnostics is necessary for predicting the course of the disease, selection of treatment, and determining of further management. Keywords: neonatal progeroid syndrome, Wiedemann–Rautenstrauch syndrome, premature aging syndromes
Features of Clinical and Anamnestic Indicators of Infants of the First Year of Life with Impaired Motor Development, Born at Different Stages of Gestation
Authors:   Federal State Budget Institute Ivanovo Scientific-Research Institute named after V.N. Gorodkov, Malyshkina A.I. ,   Ivanovo, Russian Federation, Samsonova T.V. ,   Federal State Budget Institute Ivanovo Scientific-Research Institute named after V.N. Gorodkov; Ivanovo, Russian Federation, Krivonogov V.A. ,   Federal State Budget Institute Ivanovo Scientific-Research Institute named after V.N. Gorodkov; Ivanovo, Russian Federation
Published: December 2023

Aim. To identify the features of clinical and anamnestic indicators in children of the first year of life with impaired motor development, born at different stages of gestation. Design. Сomparative study. Materials and methods. 64 children of the first year of life with motor development disorders were examined. 4 groups were formed: 1st (n = 16) — full-term, 2nd (n = 16) — late preterm, 3rd (n = 16) — moderately premature, 4th (n = 16) — extremely preterm children. All children underwent an examination, which included an assessment of psychomotor development using the L.P. Zhurba and E.M. Mastyukova scale and studying the features of the course of their anamnesis. Results. Very premature children had a greater severity of cerebral ischemic and respiratory disorders in the neonatal period compared to full-term, late preterm and moderately premature patients (p < 0.001). Total score of psychomotor development according to the L.P. Zhurba and E.M. Mastyukova scale in patients of all study groups was below standard values (p < 0.001), while the total score in very premature infants was lower than in full-term infants (p = 0.004). Conclusion. The results obtained can serve as the basis for the development of a personalized approach to planning treatment and rehabilitation activities for children with motor development disorders. Keywords: perinatal damage to the central nervous system, impaired motor development, children of the first year of life, psychomotor development
HARMONIC SCALPEL COMPARED TO BIPOLAR COAGULATION FOR THYROIDECTOMY
Authors: Antoniv Vasyl R. , Shulyarenko Oleg V. , Galyga Taras M. , Shulyarenko Larysa V. , Perepadia Vladyslav M.
Published: December 2023

Introduction. The basic principles of high-efficient and safe thyroid surgery were established by 1920: identification and ligation of vessels, identification and preservation of laryngeal nerves, and parathyroid glands. Bleeding remains one of the major intraoperative complications of thyroid surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefits of the Harmonic when compared with bipolar coagulation for open thyroidectomy. Materials and methods: We enrolled 85 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for multinodular disease from 2019 till 2022 years. Patients were randomly assigned to either the group 1 (43 patients in which the operation was performed entirely using the Harmonic scalpel (HS) and no other haemostatic tool) or the group 2 (42 patients in which the operation was performed using classic technique of resorbable ligature, bipolar coagulation). The inclusion criteria were scheduled total thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter. Results. There were no significant differences between two groups regarding age, gender, ASA distribution, so two groups are comparable. The mean operating time in the group 1 was 62.84±0.66 (M±m) minutes, and that in the group 2 was 75.19±0.42 (M±m) minutes for thyroidectomy, and there was 19.65% (i.e. 12.35 minutes) statistically significant reduction in the operating time using the Harmonic scalpel device (p<0.05). The 48 hours mean total amount of drainage was 69.05±0.88 (M±m) ml for group 1 and 81.40±0.64 (M±m) ml for group 2, which was statistically significant (p<0.05). The rate of postoperative complications was comparable among the two groups (pχ2>0,05). Conclusions. The use of Harmonic scalpel in thyroid surgery is safe and effective and is associated with a significant reduction in operative time without increasing complications rate, may also permit a better view of structures to preserve nerves, vessels of parathyroid glands and parathyroid glands when operating. Other benefits include significantly lower blood loss, efficient hemostasis and sectioning in a single instrument.
Remote sensing and GIS approach to evaluate the UHI effect in Colombo city using landsat satellite data
Authors:   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Dissanayake D.M.D.O.K. , Kurugama K.M. ,   Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
Published: December 2023

This study examines Colombo’s heat island effect due to rapid development, with factors including urbanisation, reduced vegetation, increased energy use, heat-absorbing surfaces, and waste heat. Urban expansion absorbs and releases heat, raising night temperatures, while reduced vegetation disrupts natural temperature regulation. Energy consumption from air conditioning, industry, and transport worsens the effect. Heat-trapping surfaces and waste heat intensify the problem. The study analyses land surface temperature (LST), normalized vegetation difference index (NDVI), normalised difference building index (NDBI), and albedo’s role in the urban heat island (UHI) effect. UHI spread north, east, and southeast from 2001 to 2019. NDVI inversely correlates with LST, indicating vegetation mitigates UHI; NDBI positively correlates, showing that built areas contribute. Lower albedo values heighten UHI by absorbing more solar radiation. Urban thermal difference index (UTFVI) assessment identifies 27% of the region under high thermal stress. Future Colombo urban planning should integrate strategies like urban greening, cool roofs, sustainable planning, energy efficiency, and public awareness to address the UHI effect, enhance residents’ lives, and promote sustainability. Successful implementation requires collaboration among policymakers, urban planners, and residents for a resilient urban environment.
Analysing the Effect of Curing Temperature on Micro-annuli Formation in Existing Wellbore Cement Sheath for Underground Hydrogen Storage
Authors:   Department of Infrastructure Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Australia, Thirukumaran A. , Perera S.
Published: December 2023

Cement is used in a wellbore to isolate the formation fluids from the adjacent geologic regions. However, the interfaces between cement and casing as well as cement and formation can develop into leakage conduits in the form of micro-annuli. The formation of micro-annuli is a result of poor bonding which can be related to differential stress asserted on the wellbore system due to the changes in temperature and pressure. Micro-annuli are a type of cement sheath failure that can lead to significant leakage depending on the type of fluid and geometry of the micro-annuli. Studies over the years have assumed and simplified the pore geometry to be homogenous and uniform. In contrast, recent studies have revealed the complex nature of the geometry of the micro-annuli. In this experimental work, effort was made to visualise the initial cement bonding in three-dimensional space. X-ray CT scanning was carried out on cylindrical composite samples prepared with sandstone and API class G ordinary Portland wellbore cement. The images were reconstructed and analysed using AVIZO. The effect of different curing temperatures is illustrated through the quantification of micro-annuli and by analysing their geometry.
Heavy metal contamination in the water of a semi-urban lake – Bolgoda lake, Sri Lanka
Authors:   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, De Silva N.J.C. , Malinda K.M.D.R.P. , Elankeeran T. , Dilshara R.M.P. , Batapola B.D.N.M. , Ratnayake N.P. , Premasiri H.M.R. , Abeysinghe A.M.K.B.
Published: December 2023

Urbanisation and industrialisation have intensified the heavy metal contamination in inland water bodies. Therefore, this study investigates the recent status of heavy metal pollution in the water of the Bolgoda Lake in Sri Lanka, a semi-urban inland water body that receives both treated and untreated municipal and industrial discharge from the surrounding area. A total of 11 lake water samples were analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) to determine the concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, and V. Their mean concentrations in the Bolgoda Lake water were 0.661 ± 0.264 ppm, 0.010 ± 0.004 ppm, 0.090± 0.018 ppm, 0.007± 0.002 ppm, 0.043± 0.039 ppm, 0.002± 0.001 ppm, 0.662± 0.264 ppm, and 0.091 ± 0.018 ppm, respectively. However, the derived contamination factors of the analysed heavy metals revealed that Bolgoda Lake is highly polluted with Cd (22.0) and V (13.2), whereas moderately polluted with Pb (1.8). Compared to previous studies, heavy metal contents in Bolgoda Lake water have increased significantly, especially Cd and Pb. Therefore, Cd, V, and Pb can pose the greatest threat to the ecological environment of Bolgoda Lake, thus effective strategies such as treatment or recycling of wastewater and industrial discharges are needed to protect this lake from further contamination.
Foreign experience in the development of extreme tourism and its implementation in Ukraine
Authors: Denysyk Grygoriy , Kiziun Alla , Volovyk Volodymyr , Ataman Liudmyla , Denysyk Bogdan
Published: December 2023

Prospective directions of tourism development in foreign countries in the structure of which extreme tourism is one of the main ones are considered. Among such areas: dark and adventure tourism, wilderness tourism, unguided and volunteer tourism, incognita tourism and tourism to «cold islands», tourism in the Arctic and Antarctica, etc. It is noted that for the development of the characterized directions of extreme tourism of foreign countries, there are adequate prerequisites for their development in Ukraine.

At the beginning of the XXI century. extreme tourism in Ukraine began to develop actively, but spontaneously. The goal is to carry out an analysis of foreign experience in the development of extreme tourism for its introduction in Ukraine. In the research process, in addition to own searches in the countries of Western Europe and North and South America, Internet resources were used, systemic, spatial-resource approaches and methods - analysis and synthesis, complexity of abstraction - were used.

It is noted that the more active and organized development of extreme tourism in Ukraine is hindered by its belonging to sports and the lack of theoretical justification of the necessity. Taking into account the foreign experience in the development of extreme tourism is essential in solving these issues. The «dark» and adventurous directions of tourism development in foreign countries are characterized in more detail. «Dark tourism» refers to the attraction of tourists to places associated with death and human disasters. Adventure tourism includes some participation in sports, certain types of recreational activities and extreme tourism, which has a high level of certain risk. It was noted that in addition to the considered areas of tourism development in foreign countries, it is also necessary to learn more about the process of development of certain promising types of extreme tourism.

It is shown that the number of publications devoted to the prospects for the development of extreme tourism in Asian countries, especially among young people, is increasing. One of the aspects of such development is the consideration of foreign experience, which requires further detailed knowledge of it.

Keywords: tourism, extreme tourism, abroad, experience, directions of development, prospects.
Atlas of author's originals of thematic student maps: essence and meaning
Authors: Ostapchuk Serhii
Published: December 2023

Based on the processing and systematization of the author's original thematic maps of students majoring in «Geodesy and Land Management» of the National University of Water Management and Nature Management (Rivne), which were compiled in classes on the discipline «Cartography» during the last 25 years, prepared for publication in electronic and paper forms, a corresponding collection in the form of an atlas.

The atlas contains sections: «Administrative and territorial structure», «Natural conditions and natural resources», «Population and human development», «Economy», «Ecological state of the natural environment».

A total of 100 thematic maps are presented, which differ in terms of compilation time, dates of source data, technologies used, territorial coverage, scale, detail of thematic content, author's cartographic solutions. When creating all the maps, official data, mainly from the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, were used. Examples of such maps and notations for them are given in this article.

For the convenience of using the atlas, the frames of all maps and their out-of-frame fields in each section have one, only their own, color. According to the same principle of unification, the content of the atlas is displayed, each section is highlighted in its own color. Above the north side of the map frame on the left is the name and surname of the author of the map, and in brackets it is indicated whether it was handwritten or created using a specific software product. Below the southern side of the frame on the left is the date of the original data, according to which the corresponding map was drawn.

On the endpapers of the atlas, for unifying and educational purposes, the symbols of the educational institution are placed: a stylized image of the main building of the National University of Water Management and Nature Management, its coat of arms and logo. Such presentation, in our opinion, contributes to consolidation and patriotic education.

In order to properly develop the author's originals, it was necessary to study the given topic, analyze the source data and the features of their territorial distribution, familiarize yourself with already known maps of the same or similar topic, decide on the cartographic projection and scale, justify and carry out cartographic generalization, choose the most appropriate methods of representation and notations, create a paper sketch of the future map. Only with such a step-by-step approach and the presence of creative inspiration could one hope for a full-fledged final result when using the selected software product and subsequent meticulous editing of the image.

The value of the «Atlas of the author's originals of thematic student cards» is highlighted, which consists primarily in the performance of educational, research and unifying and educational functions.

Keywords: atlas, mapping, author's original, thematic map, notations.
Geography of interregional migrations of population of Ukraine in conditions of war
Authors: Dzhaman Vasyl , Dzhaman Yaroslav
Published: December 2023

out migration were ascertained.

Problems of geography of migrations in population of Ukraine have become specifically painful and pressing since Russia’s invasion in 2014 and could not but tell on migration causes, directions, scope, intensity and dynamics.

The scope and the directions of Ukrainian interregional migration flows have at last shown certainty in the pre-war period (2006–2013) with the coefficient of parameter stability amounting to 0,127. There appeared spatial regularities, namely, the capital of the country possessed the highest attractiveness power; the number of population was gradually growing in some regions such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Chernivtsi Oblasts, Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol; the majority of regions (20) showed the out migration; the maximal negative net balance of migration was characteristic for the Donbas oblasts, the southern and the central macro-regions.

The war period (2014–2021) was distinctive for essential polarization of the parameters of interregional migration. Kyiv Oblast had become an obvious leader in the attraction of migrants from other regions of Ukraine with the net balance grown 5,5 times in comparison to the period of peaceful years; the migrants were intensely arriving to the capital and the Kharkiv and the Odesa oblasts; the net balance of migration changed from negative to positive values in Dnipropetrovsk and western Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts; significant growth was shown in migrants leaving the zones directly adjacent to scenes of fighting, this resulting in negative net balance of migration for the Donetsk Oblast (3,9 times), Luhansk Oblast (2,1 times), and Zaporizhzhia Oblast (1,8 times), with still big values of negative net balance in the Kherson and the Mykolayiv oblasts; a new category of unwilling migrants – internally displaced persons – appeared in Ukraine in connection with war activity.

Russia’s large-scale war against Ukraine (from 24 February 2022) had caused significant flows of coerced migration raising the number of refugees, internally displaced persons, temporarily protected persons, forcibly brought out persons, etc. It was almost 6,5 million people who migrated within the territory of Ukraine in the first month of full-scale aggression (3,6 million people left abroad), the mid-May 2022 showed 7,1 million people being the internally displaced persons; with that, the essential number of internally displaced persons (4,5 million people) have returned to the places of their permanent residence. Migration within Ukraine takes place depending on the geography of war activities. According to the IOM, the number of officially registered internally displaced persons have now become stable amounting to 3,6 million people.

Keywords: population, migration, regions, interregional migration, war, Ukraine.
PENYELESAIAN SENGKETA PEMBERHENTIAN PENYELENGGARA PEMILU OLEH DEWAN KEHORMATAN PENYELENGGARA PEMILU (DKPP) (Studi Kasus Putusan DKPP No. 91/DKPP-PKE-III/2014)
Authors: Cenedy Robert
Published: December 2023

Pemilihan umum sebenarnya adalah tindakan penyaringan kepada pejabat publik. Dengan Bimbingan Pemilu. Salah satu masalahnya pada dasarnya adalah rendahnya integratif pemilihan umum. Masalah integritas rendah disebabkan oleh dua hal: yaitu integritas peserta pemilu dan integritas penyelenggara pemilihan umum. Adanya Dewan Kehormatan Penyelenggara Pemilihan umum (DKPP) secara permanen, karena fungsi audit oleh penyelenggara pemilihan umum merupakan langkah progresif untuk menjawab pentingnya integritas dan kredibilitas penyelenggara pemilihan umum. Masalah dalam penelitianini adalah: pertama, bagaimana proses investigasi pelanggaran kode ethis oleh penyelenggara pemilihan umum oleh DKPP di Kabupaten Kepulauan mentawai?Kedua, apa implikasi yuridis atas keputusan DKPP No 91/DKPP-PKE-III / 2014 tentang penghentian penyelenggaraan pemilihan umum oleh DKPP di Kabupaten Pulau mentawai? Penelitian ini menggunakan metode empiris normatif dan yuridis. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan pengumpulan data di lapangan dengan melakukan intervensi untuk data primer dan studi pustaka data sekunder, data dianalisis secara kualitatif dalam bentuk analisis deskriptif. Dari hasil penelitian diperoleh- beberapa kesimpulan: Pertama, proses penyidikan Pertama, proses penyidikan pelanggaran kode etis oleh penyelenggara pemilihan umum di Kabupaten Pulau mentawai diawali dengan pengaduan pelanggaran kode etis penyelenggara pemilu kepada DKPP daerah. Kemudian, melengkapi dokumen pengaduan. Kemudian, setelah menyelesaikan dokumen, dilanjutkan dengan verifikasi kewaspadaan administrasional. Persyaratan yang harusdiselesaikan adalah persyaratan material dan formal. Kedua, implikasi yuridis atas Keputusan DKKP No. 91/DKPP-PKE-III / 2014 tentang pemberhentianpenyelenggara pemilihan umum oleh DKPP di Kabupaten Pulau mentawai sangat sesuai dengan peraturan karena kewenangannya untuk membenarkan pengaduan dan memiliki legal standing untuk menyampaikan sebuah keluhan, sampai keputusan yang diberikan berdasarkan peraturan dan keputusannya tidak bisa dituduhkan. Juga keputusan yang diberikan berdasarkan bukti dan keterangan saksi.
Sollte die EU einen Klimazoll einführen? – Eine politische Rede zur Kontroverse über einen CO2-Grenzausgleich aus der Perspektive des chinesischen Handelsministers gestalten
Authors: Rebbe Carmen
Published: December 2023

Im Beitrag wird am Beispiel eines politischen Redebeitrages aus der Perspektive des chinesischen Handelsministers ine Möglichkeit entwickelt, den aktuellen Diskurs über einen Klimazoll im sozialwissenschaftlichen Unterricht der Sekundarstufe II aufzugreifen und dabei insbesondere der Kontroversität des Lerngegenstandes Rechnung zu tragen. Die Anforderungen zielen darauf, die Rede nicht nur schriftlich zu gestalten, sondern auch im simulativen Setting zu halten.
Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Proteins Targeted by Secondary Metabolite Compounds from Streptomyces: A Scoping Review
Authors: Zainuddin Muhammad-Safuan , Bhuvanendran Saatheeyavaane , Radhakrishnan Ammu K. , Azman Adzzie-Shazleen
Published: December 2023

Background:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized as rapid and progressive cognitive decline affecting 26 million people worldwide. Although immunotherapies are ideal, its clinical safety and effectiveness are controversial, hence, treatments are still reliant on symptomatic medications. Concurrently, the Streptomyces genus has attracted attention given its pharmaceutically beneficial secondary metabolites to treat neurodegenerative diseases.

Objective:

To present secondary metabolites from Streptomyces sp. with regulatory effects on proteins and identified prospective target proteins for AD treatment.

Methods:

Research articles published between 2010 and 2021 were collected from five databases and 83 relevant research articles were identified. Post-screening, only 12 research articles on AD-related proteins were selected for further review. Bioinformatics analyses were performed through the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) network, PANTHER Go-Slim classification system (PANTHER17.0), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Mapper.

Results:

A total of 20 target proteins were identified from the 12 shortlisted articles. Amyloid-β, BACE1, Nrf-2, Beclin-1, and ATG5 were identified as the potential target proteins, given their role in initiating AD, mitigating neuroinflammation, and autophagy. Besides, 10 compounds from Streptomyces sp., including rapamycin, alborixin, enterocin, bonnevillamides D and E, caniferolide A, anhydroexfoliamycin, rhizolutin, streptocyclinone A and B, were identified to exhibit considerable regulatory effects on these target proteins.

Conclusions:

The review highlights several prospective target proteins that can be regulated through treatments with Streptomyces sp. compounds to prevent AD’s early stages and progression. Further identification of Streptomyces sp. compounds with potential anti-AD properties is recommended.
The effects of back extensor strength in different body positions on health-related quality of life in patients with degenerative spinal deformity
Authors: Yang Sen , Chen Can , Tang Yong , Li Kai , Yu Xueke , Tan Jiulin , Zhang Chengmin , Rong Zhigang , Xu Jianzhong , Luo Fei
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND: Degenerative spinal deformity (DSD) is believed to originate from degeneration of the discs and facet joints and vertebral wedging. Currently, the nosogeny of DSD is not yet fully clarified and there has been no systematic study on the impact of their lower back muscle strength on quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To determine the characteristics of back extensor strength (BES) in different body positions and examine their correlations with health-related quality of life (HQOL) in degenerative spinal deformity (DSD) patients. METHODS: Participants comprised 60 DSD patients and 40 healthy volunteers. Maximal isometric BES was evaluated by dynamometers with the subject in three different positions (standing, prone, sitting). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ), and 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) score were used to evaluate patient HQOL. Correlations between the BES in different body positions and HQOL were analysed. RESULTS: The BES values in three body positions were significantly smaller in DSD patients than healthy subjects (P< 0.05). The standing BES was found to be negatively associated with ODI and RMQ (R= 0.313, p< 0.05 and R= 0.422, p< 0.01, respectively). A negative relationship between sitting BES and RMQ was also seen (R= 0.271, p< 0.05). In addition, the standing and prone BES were positively correlated with the physical functioning score of the SF-36 (R= 0.471, p< 0.01 and R= 0.289, p< 0.05, respectively), and the sitting BES was positively correlated with the role-physical score of the SF-36 (R= 0.436, p< 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the back extensor muscle is compromised in DSD patients and there are differences in predicting the severity of disability and physical HQOL scores with BES in different positions. Standing BES was the most reliable contributor to HQOL among three body positions.
Applicability of available NDT methods for damage detection in concrete elements reinforced or strengthened with FRP
Authors: Malla Pranit , Khedmatgozar Dolati Seyed Saman , Mehrabi Armin , Ortiz Polanco Jesus , Nanni Antonio , Dinh Kien
Published: December 2023

The application of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials in concrete structures has been rising due to their several advantages, including lightweight, high tensile strength, ease of installation, and corrosion resistance. They have been mostly implemented for strengthening and repairing existing structures in the form of an externally bonded system, i.e., sheet, jacket, near surface mounted. Furthermore, they have been recently utilized as internal reinforcement of concrete elements in the form of strands, bars, tendons, etc. Although higher durability and performance are associated with the FRP material in some aspects compared to steel, concerns remain regarding damages and defects in this material, many of which are related to their unique features. Importantly, debonding of FRP materials from a concrete surface or within a concrete element has always been an issue resulting in the premature failure of the structure. To this end, concrete elements strengthened or reinforced with FRP materials has to be inspected periodically to detect potential issues and hence prevent any premature failures. This study first determines all possible or potential damages and anomalies attributed to FRP reinforced/strengthened concrete (FRP-RSC) elements. It then investigates Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods that can be applicable to the inspection of FRP-RSC elements from a literature survey of past studies, applications, and research projects. Furthermore, this study evaluates the ability of two of the most commonly used NDT methods, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Phased Array Ultrasonic (PAU), in detecting FRP bars/strands embedded in concrete elements. GPR and PAU tests were performed on two slab specimens reinforced with GFRP (Glass-FRP) bars, the most commonly used FRP bar, with variations in their depth, size and configuration, and a slab specimen with different types of available FRP reinforcements. The results of this study propose the most applicable methods for detecting FRP and their damage/defects in FRP-RSC elements. This study further investigates the feasibility of two new methods for improving the detectability of embedded FRP bars. By providing the inspection community with more clarity in the application of NDT to FRP, this study offers means for verifying the performance and, therefore, help the proliferation of FRP materials in concrete structures.
Deep deterministic policy gradient with constraints for gait optimisation of biped robots
Authors: Liu Xingyang , Rong Haina , Neri Ferrante , Yue Peng , Zhang Gexiang
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we propose a novel Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithm for robotic motion control, that is, a constrained Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) deviation learning strategy to assist biped robots in walking safely and accurately. The previous research on this topic highlighted the limitations in the controller’s ability to accurately track foot placement on discrete terrains and the lack of consideration for safety concerns. In this study, we address these challenges by focusing on ensuring the overall system’s safety. To begin with, we tackle the inverse kinematics problem by introducing constraints to the damping least squares method. This enhancement not only addresses singularity issues but also guarantees safe ranges for joint angles, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the system. Based on this, we propose the adoption of the constrained DDPG method to correct controller deviations. In constrained DDPG, we incorporate a constraint layer into the Actor network, incorporating joint deviations as state inputs. By conducting offline training within the range of safe angles, it serves as a deviation corrector. Lastly, we validate the effectiveness of our proposed approach by conducting dynamic simulations using the CRANE biped robot. Through comprehensive assessments, including singularity analysis, constraint effectiveness evaluation, and walking experiments on discrete terrains, we demonstrate the superiority and practicality of our approach in enhancing walking performance while ensuring safety. Overall, our research contributes to the advancement of biped robot locomotion by addressing gait optimisation from multiple perspectives, including singularity handling, safety constraints, and deviation learning.
Supervised probabilistic latent semantic analysis with applications to controversy analysis of legislative bills
Authors: Alemayehu Eyor , Fang Yi
Published: December 2023

Probabilistic Latent Semantic Analysis (PLSA) is a fundamental text analysis technique that models each word in a document as a sample from a mixture of topics. PLSA is the precursor of probabilistic topic models including Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA). PLSA, LDA and their numerous extensions have been successfully applied to many text mining and retrieval tasks. One important extension of LDA is supervised LDA (sLDA), which distinguishes itself from most topic models in that it is supervised. However, to the best of our knowledge, no prior work extends PLSA in a similar manner sLDA extends LDA by jointly modeling the contents and the responses of documents. In this paper, we propose supervised PLSA (sPLSA) which can efficiently infer latent topics and their factorized response values from the contents and the responses of documents. The major challenge lies in estimating a document’s topic distribution which is a constrained probability that is dictated by both the content and the response of the document. To tackle this challenge, we introduce an auxiliary variable to transform the constrained optimization problem to an unconstrained optimization problem. This allows us to derive an efficient Expectation and Maximization (EM) algorithm for parameter estimation. Compared to sLDA, sPLSA converges much faster and requires less hyperparameter tuning, while performing similarly on topic modeling and better in response factorization. This makes sPLSA an appealing choice for latent response analysis such as ranking latent topics by their factorized response values. We apply the proposed sPLSA model to analyze the controversy of bills from the United States Congress. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our model by identifying contentious legislative issues.
Machine learning based software effort estimation using development-centric features for crowdsourcing platform
Authors: Yasmin Anum , Haider Wasi , Daud Ali , Banjar Ameen
Published: December 2023

Crowd-Sourced software development (CSSD) is getting a good deal of attention from the software and research community in recent times. One of the key challenges faced by CSSD platforms is the task selection mechanism which in practice, contains no intelligent scheme. Rather, rule-of-thumb or intuition strategies are employed, leading to biasness and subjectivity. Effort considerations on crowdsourced tasks can offer good foundation for task selection criteria but are not much investigated. Software development effort estimation (SDEE) is quite prevalent domain in software engineering but only investigated for in-house development. For open-sourced or crowdsourced platforms, it is rarely explored. Moreover, Machine learning (ML) techniques are overpowering SDEE with a claim to provide more accurate estimation results. This work aims to conjoin ML-based SDEE to analyze development effort measures on CSSD platform. The purpose is to discover development-oriented features for crowdsourced tasks and analyze performance of ML techniques to find best estimation model on CSSD dataset. TopCoder is selected as target CSSD platform for the study. TopCoder’s development tasks data with development-centric features are extracted, leading to statistical, regression and correlation analysis to justify features’ significance. For effort estimation, 10 ML families with 2 respective techniques are applied to get broader aspect of estimation. Five performance metrices (MSE, RMSE, MMRE, MdMRE, Pred (25) and Welch’s statistical test are incorporated to judge the worth of effort estimation model’s performance. Data analysis results show that selected features of TopCoder pertain reasonable model significance, regression, and correlation measures. Findings of ML effort estimation depicted that best results for TopCoder dataset can be acquired by linear, non-linear regression and SVM family models. To conclude, the study identified the most relevant development features for CSSD platform, confirmed by in-depth data analysis. This reflects careful selection of effort estimation features to offer good basis of accurate ML estimate.