bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a novel approach to community health care delivery in Ifanadiana District, Madagascar
Authors: Razafinjato Bénédicte , Rakotonirina Luc , Cordier Laura F. , Rasoarivao Anna , Andrianomenjanahary Mamy , Marovavy Lanto , Hanitriniaina Feno , Andriamiandra Isaïe Jules , Mayfield Alishya , Palazuelos Daniel , Cowley Giovanna , Ramarson Andriamanolohaja , Ihantamalala Felana , Rakotonanahary Rado J. L. , Miller Ann C. , Garchitorena Andres , McCarty Meg G. , Bonds Matthew H. , Finnegan Karen E.
Published: March 2024

Despite widespread adoption of community health (CH) systems, there are evidence gaps to support global best practice in remote settings where access to health care is limited and community health workers (CHWs) may be the only available providers. The nongovernmental health organization Pivot partnered with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) to pilot a new enhanced community health (ECH) model in rural Madagascar, where one CHW provided care at a stationary CH site while additional CHWs provided care via proactive household visits. The program included professionalization of the CHW workforce (i.e., targeted recruitment, extended training, financial compensation) and twice monthly supervision of CHWs. For the first eighteen months of implementation (October 2019-March 2021), we compared utilization and proxy measures of quality of care in the intervention commune (local administrative unit) and five comparison communes with strengthened community health programs under a different model. This allowed for a quasi-experimental study design of the impact of ECH on health outcomes using routinely collected programmatic data. Despite the substantial support provided to other CHWs, the results show statistically significant improvements in nearly every indicator. Sick child visits increased by more than 269.0% in the intervention following ECH implementation. Average per capita monthly under-five visits were 0.25 in the intervention commune and 0.19 in the comparison communes (p<0.01). In the intervention commune, 40.3% of visits were completed at the household via proactive care. CHWs completed all steps of the iCCM protocol in 85.4% of observed visits in the intervention commune (vs 57.7% in the comparison communes, p-value<0.01). This evaluation demonstrates that ECH can improve care access and the quality of service delivery in a rural health district. Further research is needed to assess the generalizability of results and the feasibility of national scale-up as the MoPH continues to define the national community health program.
Factors related to willingness to participate in biomedical research on neglected tropical diseases: A systematic review
Authors: Raimundo-Silva Vinícius , Marques Caio Torres , Fonseca João Rezende , Martínez-Silveira Martha Silvia , Reis Mitermayer Galvão
Published: March 2024

Background

Understanding the barriers to and facilitators of participation in research could enhance recruitment rates for biomedical research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and help to avoid the problems associated with poor recruitment.

Methodology/principal findings

We conducted a systematic review to identify factors related to willingness to participate in biomedical research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Our search included the following databases: Medline/PubMed, Embase (Embase.com), Global Index Medicus (WHO), Web of Science (Core collection), and gray literature. We included studies that analyzed or reported factors associated with willingness to participate in NTD research, using either quantitative methods (such as clinical trials, cohorts, and cross-sectional studies) or qualitative methods (such as focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, and in-depth interviews). There were no language restrictions, but we excluded review articles, notes, case reports, letters to the editor, editor’s notes, extended abstracts, proceedings, patents, editorials, and other editorial materials.

Screening of citations, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment was conducted by independent reviewers, according to the study protocol registered on PROSPERO. For analyses, we assessed the frequency of barriers, enablers, and the frequency of recruitment interventions mentioned in the included studies. The protocol for this systematic review was registered under registration number CRD42020212536. (S1 Appendix)

We identified 2070 citations, 1470 from the databases, and 600 from other sources. From those, eleven studies were selected for data extraction and analysis. The studies were conducted in Africa, Asia, and North America. Personal health benefits, monetary benefits, and community engagement and sensitization strategies were identified as the main reasons for participating in biomedical research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). However, distrust in researchers, lack of knowledge about research methods among potential participants, and previous negative experiences were identified as the main barriers to participating in biomedical research on NTDs.

Conclusions/significance

This systematic review provides recommendations for improving adherence to biomedical research on Neglected Tropical Diseases, which can be applied in practice.
Public perceptions of synthetic cooling agents in electronic cigarettes on Twitter
Authors: Liu Andrew H. , Hootman Julia , Li Dongmei , Xie Zidian
Published: March 2024

Amid a potential menthol ban, electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) companies are incorporating synthetic cooling agents like WS-3 and WS-23 to replicate menthol/mint sensations. This study examines public views on synthetic cooling agents in e-cigarettes via Twitter data. From May 2021 to March 2023, we used Twitter Streaming Application Programming Interface (API), to collect tweets related to synthetic cooling agents with keywords such as ‘WS-23,’ ’ice,’ and ’frozen.’ The deep learning RoBERTa (Robustly Optimized BERT-Pretraining Approach) model that can be optimized for contextual language understanding was used to classify attitudes expressed in tweets about synthetic cooling agents and identify e-cigarette users. The BERTopic (a topic modeling technique that leverages Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers) deep-learning model, specializing in extracting and clustering topics from large texts, identified major topics of positive and negative tweets. Two proportion Z-tests were used to compare the proportions of positive and negative attitudes between e-cigarette users (vapers) and non-e-cigarette-users (non-vapers). Of 6,940,065 e-cigarettes-related tweets, 5,788 were non-commercial tweets related to synthetic cooling agents. The longitudinal trend analysis showed a clear upward trend in discussions. Vapers posted most of the tweets (73.05%, 4,228/5,788). Nearly half (47.87%, 2,771/5,788) held a positive attitude toward synthetic cooling agents, which is significantly higher than those with a negative attitude (19.92%,1,153/5,788) with a P-value < 0.0001. The likelihood of vapers expressing positive attitudes (60.17%, 2,544/4,228) was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than that of non-vapers (14.55%, 227/1,560). Conversely, negative attitudes from non-vapers (30%, 468/1,560) were significantly (P < 0.0001) higher than vapers (16.2%, 685/4,228). Prevalent topics from positive tweets included “enjoyment of specific vape flavors,” “preference for lush ice vapes,” and “liking of minty/icy feelings.” Major topics from negative tweets included “disliking certain vape flavors” and “dislike of others vaping around them.” On Twitter, vapers are more likely to have a positive attitude toward synthetic cooling agents than non-vapers. Our study provides important insights into how the public perceives synthetic cooling agents in e-cigarettes. These insights are crucial for shaping future U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations aimed at safeguarding public health.
Influence of acclimatization time on parameters of barometric whole-body plethysmography in healthy adult cats
Authors: Benz Petra , Zablotski Yury , Schulz Bianka
Published: March 2024

Background

Pulmonary function testing by barometric whole-body plethysmography (BWBP) is a long-established and well-accepted, non-invasive investigative procedure in cats.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate, if different acclimatization times influence the measurement parameters of BWBP in healthy adult cats.

Animals

48 healthy adult cats.

Methods

In the prospective observational study, healthy cats were placed in a measuring chamber and BWBP was performed over 30 minutes. Parameters obtained during the three measurement units of 10 minutes each (T1, T2 and T3) were compared.

Results

All measurement parameters except for tidal volume per body weight changed significantly (p<0.05) over the three time periods. From T1-T2, the parameters minute volume per body weight (p<0.001), peak inspiratory flow per body weight (p<0.001), peak expiratory flow per body weight (p = 0.002), pause (p = 0.03), enhanced pause (p = 0.03) and quotient of peak expiratory flow divided by expiratory flow at end expiratory volume plus 50% tidal volume (p = 0.03) changed significantly. From the time interval T2-T3, only respiratory rate (p = 0.02), inspiratory time (p = 0.02), expiratory time (p = 0.04), and relaxation time (p = 0.01) changed significantly. All measurement parameters except for tidal volume per body weight changed significantly (p<0.05) between T1 and T3. Age had a significant influence on all parameters except for peak expiratory flow per body weight and peak inspiratory flow per body weight. The parameters were not influenced by sex.

Conclusion and clinical importance

All measurement parameters except tidal volume per body weight were significantly affected by acclimatization time. Controlling for age and sex, there was still a significant influence of acclimatization time on all parameters except for tidal volume per body weight. Standardization of the acclimatization time for future studies would be appropriate in order to maintain comparability.
Systematic Literature Review of Disseminating Health Information to BIPOC Communities
Authors: Kelly Damien , Ostovar-Kermani Tiffany G
Published: March 2024

This study conducted a systematic literature review to explore best practices for disseminating health information and strategies to advance equitable health outcomes in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. The researchers searched databases such as Science.gov, ERIC, Social Science Research Network, and CHAT AI, identifying 4,726 articles. After quality evaluation, 23 articles were included in the review, encompassing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies conducted between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2023.

The most effective health information dissemination methods involved direct community interactions, utilizing versatile communication strategies. Real-time engagement and accessibility to public health experts enhanced community trust and participation. Narrative storytelling, focus groups, workshops, and technology for visual representations were effective tools. However, obstacles arose from limited stakeholder interaction, language barriers, and cultural, educational, and generational differences. Insufficient funding for human resources hindered communication opportunities, and the absence of previous research impact data caused frustration among decision-makers.

The study concludes that diverse communication methods are crucial for engaging BIPOC communities, emphasizing community involvement in selecting settings, language, and cultural activities. The findings have implications for policymakers, healthcare providers, community organizations, and researchers, guiding the development of targeted and effective health communication strategies to improve healthcare outcomes in BIPOC communities.
An Empirical Evaluation of Policy Options for Increasing Dairy Production in Indonesia: A System Dynamics Approach
Authors: Priyono Priyono , Nurmalina R , Burhanuddin Burhanuddin , Ilham N
Published: March 2024

Domestic dairy production in Indonesia grows slower than consumption, resulting in an excess demand that imports must fulfill.Â  Accelerating dairy production can no longer be solved partially; a holistic system approach is required.Â  This study aims to empirically evaluate the policy options for accelerating dairy production in Indonesia. Â The data used in this study were secondary data from Badan Pusat Statistik, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Industry, the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, Bank Indonesia, and FAO.Â  A system dynamics approach was used to construct the model and describe the short-, medium-, and long-term impacts based on policy scenario options.Â  The empirical results showed that the calf rearing program policy, increased female dairy cattle imports, higher conception rates, and import tariffs all positively impacted the share of domestic dairy production to dairy demand.Â  On the other hand, a policy of increasing dairy consumption, if not accompanied by an increase in domestic dairy production, harms the domestic dairy production share.Â  Except for the policy of increasing dairy consumption, all policy scenarios increased the long-term share of domestic dairy production more than the short- and medium-term. Â It is concluded that an optimistic policy through calf rearing, increased import of female cows, conception rate, and maintaining import tariffs was the best policy with the highest impact on increasing the share of domestic dairy production compared to pessimistic and moderate policies.
POTENTIAL OF NATURAL BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN MANAGEMENT OF MELASMA
Authors: Gupta Jyoti , Rani Anjna , Kumar Arvind , Kumar Bimlesh
Published: March 2024

Melasma is a form of inherited hyper-melanosis that appears as asymmetrical, brown-colored, uneven, reticulated macules on UVR-exposed skin, particularly on the facial area. The etiopathogenesis of melasma has been linked to several causes, including UV exposure, endocrine factors, genetic predisposition, anti-epileptic medications, and various cosmetics. The initial course of treatment for hyperpigmentation involves applying topical formulations of widely used substances like kojic acid, glycolic acid, and hydroquinone. Pharmaceuticals such as melatonin, tranexamic acid, and cysteamine hydrochloride are administered orally in this process. Chemical peels and laser therapy are examples of second-line therapies that are applied under the direction of trained experts. Unfortunately, these treatments have certain drawbacks and complications, including erythema, dryness, and skin peeling, and they take time to work, necessitating the use of herbal formulations for the management of hyperpigmentation. Bioactive compounds isolated from plants, such as arbutin, aloesin, flavonoids, hesperidin, licorice, ellagic acids, genistein, and quercetin, inhibit melanogenesis without melanocytotoxicity by different mechanisms. This review provides information on natural bioactive compounds used for the management of melasma.
Multiplicity of semiclassical solutions for a class of nonlinear Hamiltonian elliptic system
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zhou Huitao , Mi Heilong
Published: March 2024

This article is concerned with the following Hamiltonian elliptic system:

−

ε

2

Δ
u
+
ε

b

→

⋅

∇

u
+
u
+
V

(

x

)

v
=

H

v

(

u
,
v

)

in

R

N

,

−

ε

2

Δ
v
−
ε

b

→

⋅

∇

v
+
v
+
V

(

x

)

u
=

H

u

(

u
,
v

)

in

R

N

,

\left\{\begin{array}{l}-{\varepsilon }^{2}\Delta u+\varepsilon \overrightarrow{b}\cdot \nabla u+u+V\left(x)v={H}_{v}\left(u,v)\hspace{1em}\hspace{0.1em}\text{in}\hspace{0.1em}\hspace{0.33em}{{\mathbb{R}}}^{N},\\ -{\varepsilon }^{2}\Delta v-\varepsilon \overrightarrow{b}\cdot \nabla v+v+V\left(x)u={H}_{u}\left(u,v)\hspace{1em}\hspace{0.1em}\text{in}\hspace{0.1em}\hspace{0.33em}{{\mathbb{R}}}^{N},\end{array}\right.

where

ε
>
0

\varepsilon \gt 0

is a small parameter,

V

V

is a potential function, and

H

H

is a super-quadratic sub-critical Hamiltonian. Applying suitable variational arguments and refined analysis techniques, we construct a new multiplicity result of semiclassical solutions which depends on the number of global minimum points of

V

V

. This result indicates how the shape of the graph of

V

V

affects the number of semiclassical solutions.
Ovarian reserve and fertility parameters in post-pubertal females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: a case-control study
Authors: Nawar Marwa , Mohammad Marwa Sayed , Shabaan Asmaa , Elsedfy Heba
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by impaired activity of the enzyme required for cortisol and aldosterone production, resulting in increased adrenal androgen synthesis. Factors affecting fertility in CAH patients include ambiguous genitalia and their complications, excessive androgen secretion, adrenal progesterone hypersecretion, and various psychosocial factors. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level is used to assess ovarian reserve in women. A few data on serum AMH levels in CAH patients are available in the literature. The aim of the study was to evaluate ovarian reserve in a group of post-menarche females diagnosed with CAH by measuring serum AMH level and assessing the number of antral follicles sonographically.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted on 17 post-pubertal CAH females and 17 age-matched healthy female controls; the mean age of the patient group was 15.09 ± 3.55 years ranging from 11 to 24 years, while the mean age of the control group was 16.04 ± 3.72 years ranging from 12 to 25 years, the mean post-menarchal age of the patients group was 3.29 ± 1.37 years ranging from 1 to 6 years while the mean post-menarchal age of the control group was 4.13 ± 1.62 years ranging from 1 to 9 years. The degree of hirsutism was compared between the two groups according to the modified Ferriman-Gallwey score, clitoral length was assessed using a digital caliber. Serum levels of adrenal androgens in addition to basal levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, and serum AMH were measured in both groups.

Results

Patients had smaller uterine volumes, and smaller ovarian volumes but a comparable number of antral follicles and comparable serum AMH levels relative to controls.

Conclusions

Good compliance with treatment in patients with CAH results in good hormonal control, low risk of PCOS, good fertility parameters, and a good ovarian reserve.
Preparation of amorphous silicon-doped Y2O3 aerogel enabling nonlinear optical features for ultrafast photonics
Authors: Zhao Qingxi , Chu Hongwei , Pan Zhongben , Liu Benxue , Pan Han , Zhao Shengzhi , Li Dechun
Published: March 2024

Amorphous aerogels with the microscopic nanoscale three-dimensional meshes provide superb platforms for investigating unique physicochemical properties. In order to enhance the physical, thermal and mechanical performances, one efficient and common approach is integrating diverse functional materials. Herein, we report a simple strategy to fabricate the amorphous silicon doped Y2O3 aerogels with the post-gelation method under the N2/EtOH supercritical atmosphere. The impact of Si concentration on the nonlinear optical properties is investigated for the first time. The maximum modulation depth is 1.65 % with a saturation intensity of 0.78 MW cm−2 with the 1-ps laser excitation at 1590 nm. Finally, we incorporated the silicon-doped Y2O3 aerogel based saturable absorber (SA) into an erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) and achieved various mode-locking operations at different wavelengths in the super C band, in terms of the conventional soliton, harmonic soliton molecules pulses, and dual-wavelength soliton mode-locking. Overall, this work confirms that amorphous silicon-doped Y2O3 aerogels are good nonlinear optical materials and pave a way for the ultrafast photonic and nonlinear optical applications with amorphous materials in near future.
Modeling anomalous transport in fractal porous media: A study of fractional diffusion PDEs using numerical method
Authors: Ahmad Imtiaz , Mekawy Ibrahim , Khan Muhammad Nawaz , Jan Rashid , Boulaaras Salah
Published: March 2024

Fractional diffusion partial differential equation (PDE) models are used to describe anomalous transport phenomena in fractal porous media, where traditional diffusion models may not be applicable due to the presence of long-range dependencies and non-local behaviors. This study presents an efficient hybrid meshless method to the compute numerical solution of a two-dimensional multiterm time-fractional convection-diffusion equation. The proposed meshless method employs multiquadric-cubic radial basis functions for the spatial derivatives, and the Liouville-Caputo derivative technique is used for the time derivative portion of the model equation. The accuracy of the method is evaluated using error norms, and a comparison is made with the exact solution. The numerical results demonstrate that the suggested approach achieves better accuracy and computationally efficient performance.
Optimized framework numerical solution for swirling hybrid nanofluid flow with silver/gold nanoparticles on a stretching cylinder with heat source/sink and reactive agents
Authors: Yasmin Humaira , Lone Showkat Ahmad , Mahnashi Ali M. , Hamali Waleed , Shamshuddin M. D. , Saeed Anwar
Published: March 2024

The heat and mass transportation for nanofluid across a swirling cylinder under the actions of magnetic effects and Cattaneo–Christov heat flux is reported in the current analysis. The objective of this study is to examine the energy and mass transmissions through hybrid nanofluid under the influence of heat source/sink and reactive species. The hybrid nanoliquid has been prepared by the dispersion of silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) in the base fluid ethylene glycol (C2H6O2). The flow phenomena are expressed in the form of nonlinear partial differential equations and are converted to a nondimensional form, by employing the similarity substitution. For the computational estimation of the problem, the parametric continuation method is employed. The demonstration of velocity, mass, and energy outlines versus distinct physical factors is exposed in the form of figures. It has been perceived that the axial and swirling velocity outline drops with the influence of the Reynolds number, magnetic effect, and the insertion of Au and Ag NPs in C2H6O2. Furthermore, the hybrid nanofluid energy curve declines with the effect of the Reynolds number, thermal relaxation factor, and the volume friction of NPs.
Study on influencing factors and regularity analysis of eddy current method applied to detection of reinforcement corrosion
Authors: Lin Xumei , Yu Shijie , Wang Peng , Wang Shiyuan
Published: March 2024

Rebar corrosion is one of the main reasons for the deterioration of concrete structures. In order to ensure the safe operation of reinforced concrete structures, it is necessary to detect the corrosion rate of rebars in time. This article adopts the eddy current method based on electromagnetic induction to detect steel corrosion, studies the mechanism of alternating current (AC) impedance change induced by steel corrosion in coils, and establishes a mathematical model between steel corrosion and coil AC impedance. Meanwhile, the quantitative relationship between excitation signal frequency, concrete thickness, coil parameters, and coil impedance is studied. Through experiments, it was found that in the early stages of steel corrosion, there is a linear relationship between the scanning peak value of the coil impedance and the mass loss rate of the steel bars, and the slope of the fitting curve decays exponentially with the increase of the concrete thickness. The method used in this paper has an absolute error of less than 0.01 and a relative error of less than 8 % in detecting the mass loss rate of rebars at the initial stage of steel corrosion. When the concrete thickness is less than 20 mm, the relative error is lower than 4 %.
Experience(s) of Decorporation: The Invisibilisation of Care in John Lanchester’s Capital (2012)
Authors: Borrego Alice
Published: March 2024

In The Ethics of Care (2006), Virginia Held underlines that care cannot be conceived without recognising our interdependence and responsibility for one another. Despite recent efforts to divide our society between private and public spheres, no such clear delimitation is possible in the ethics of care. Yet, as the Covid-19 pandemic has shown, the neoliberal financialisation of healthcare systems is redefining our ability to look after others. John Lanchester’s ‘crunch lit’ novel Capital (2012) draws attention to what I call “experiences of decorporation”: the vulnerable ageing body and the medical system both become victims of a market-logic which invisibilises the cared for, the carer, and the caring. Taking place on a single street in London, the metonymic construction of the novel calls for an analysis of how the illness and death of Petunia Howe, the oldest resident on Pepys Road, is symptomatic of the ethical effacement of the body politic under the clout of neoliberal politics.
NORADRENERGIC INFLUENCE ON TONIC FIRING IN TRIGEMINAL GANGLION NEURONS
Authors:   Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Telka M.V. , Maslov V.Yu. ,   Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Veselovsky M.S. ,   Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Fedulova S.A. ,   Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: March 2024

Adrenoreceptors play a key role in sympathetic influences on sensory neurons in normal and neuropathic conditions. We studied noradrenaline action on tonic firing in cultured rat trigeminal ganglion neurons. In a majority of the neurons (68%), Noradrenaline application had no marked effect on the firing properties. The rest of the cells (32%) were highly sensitive to noradrenaline action; they lost the ability to tonic firing and single action potential parameters significantly changed. It was established that NA-induced action on the firing is mainly due to the activation kinetics slowing of voltage-gated calcium channels. The data suggest a possibility of differential sympatho-sensory interaction in the trigeminal pathways.
Detection of herpes viruses in patients with classical trigeminal neuralgia
Authors:   SI “Institute of Neurosurgery n. acad. A.P. Romodanov NAMS of Ukraine”, Kyiv, Ukraine, Fedirko V.O. , Vasilyeva I.G. ,   SI “Institute of Neurosurgery n. acad. A.P. Romodanov NAMS of Ukraine”, Kyiv, Ukraine, Chopyck N.G. ,   SI “Institute of Neurosurgery n. acad. A.P. Romodanov NAMS of Ukraine”, Kyiv, Ukraine, Tsjubko O.I. ,   SI “Institute of Neurosurgery n. acad. A.P. Romodanov NAMS of Ukraine”, Kyiv, Ukraine, Makarova T.A. ,   SI “Institute of Neurosurgery n. acad. A.P. Romodanov NAMS of Ukraine”, Kyiv, Ukraine, Dmitrenko A.B. ,   SI “Institute of Neurosurgery n. acad. A.P. Romodanov NAMS of Ukraine”, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: March 2024

A comparison of the presence frequency of herpes viruses HSV1/2, VZV, HHV-6, HHV-7, EBV, CMV was conducted in 430 patients with classical trigeminal neuralgia (TN) using RT PCR method. In the venous blood of patients with paroxysmal pain syndrome (TNP) and persistent background pain (TNB), herpes viruses were detected in 36.3% (97/267) and 80.4% (131/163) cases, respectively. The effectiveness of microvascular decompression and long-term outcomes were assessed depending on the presence of herpes viruses. Pain syndrome completely regressed in 404 out of 430 patients (93.9%), partially in 25 patients (5.8%), and persisted in 1 patient (0.2%). In TNB group, pain recurrence and partial regression were observed more frequently (20.2% (34/163) and 12.8% (21/163), respectively) if compared to TNP group (1.8% (5/267) and 1.5% (4/267), respectively). Complete pain regression in TNB group was less than in TNP group: 86.5% (141/163) and 98% (263/267), respectively. The presence of herpes viruses in patients with TN, a higher frequency of detection of herpes viruses, as well as a higher percentage of patients with recurrence of pain in TNB versus TNP group suggest a potential role of herpes viruses in the development of pain syndrome. Thus, studying herpes viruses in the blood could be recommended for improving the diagnostics and therapy of patients with classical TN.
An outstanding gerontologist. Artist. Composer. In memory of Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Vladyslav Viktorovych Bezrukov
Authors:   Bogomoletz Institute of physiology NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Sagach V.F. , Tkachenko M.M. ,   Bogomoletz Institute of physiology NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine;
Published: March 2024

Domestic gerontology has long and glorious traditions and achievements, starting with the laureate Nobel Prize I.I. Mechnikov, O.O. Bogomolets, I.I. Schmalhausen, O.N. Severtsov, O.V. Nagorny, M.M. Horev, D.F. Chebotaryov, V.V. Frolkis A prominent place in this series of outstanding scientists is also V.V. Bezrukov (1940–2023).
The K2 Effect on American Health
Authors: Faison Tenille D
Published: March 2024

Examines evidence for the beneficial effects of cheese on health.
Myanmar Citrus
Authors: Iddison Phil
Published: March 2024

The author's visit to Myanmar in 2015 and observations on Asian citrus varieties in the markets along the Irrawaddy River.
Magic Bread
Authors: Peterson Don
Published: March 2024

Background about conditions affecting gut integrity and how recent scientific advances in microencapsulation of "resistant starch"  which is proven to assist in preserving gut integrity can be replicated in the domestic kitchen.
MAPEANDO OS LUGARES DE FALA NO CENTRO DE GOIÂNIA (GO)
Authors: Silva Valdiney Vieira da , Xavier Maria Pereira da Silva
Published: March 2024

A Cartografia é sistêmica, comunicativa, relacional, fundamentada no contexto de sua confecção e consumo. Ocupa lugar estratégico no contexto produtivo e social de seu tempo. Institui-se como linguagem e representação do mundo, carregando as contradições de uma narrativa científica dominante, sedimentando processos profundos de dominação territorial e produção de desigualdades em lógicas de países imperialistas. Contemporaneamente questiona-se o mapa como instrumento de dominação. O mapa tem sido inserido no processo de construção de signos sociais que valorizam o modo de vida e a complexidade da composição social e suas múltiplas narrativas, vivências e representações. Contribuindo com esse processo esta investigação tem como objetivos: mapear os lugares de fala no centro urbano de Goiânia - GO; refletir sobre o conceito de lugar de fala e discutir a respeito da cartografia e do ato de mapear. A metodologia é composta de sustentação teórica do campo da Cartografia Geográfica; atividade de campo e elaboração de mapa com utilização de software cartográfico. Os resultados demonstram as diversas possibilidades cartográficas de mapeamento dos lugares e espaços de fala de reivindicações populares, trabalhistas e culturais. Os desafios percebidos são as necessidades de fortalecimento da compreensão da cartografia como ferramenta essencial para abarcar a complexidade e a dinamicidade social.
A SANTERÍA ENQUANTO CONSTITUINTE DA PAISAGEM DE PLAYA BACURANAO EM HAVANA, CUBA
Authors: Pequeno Victor Dantas Siqueira
Published: March 2024

O presente artigo contempla as discussões sobre os estudos de paisagens orientados pela Nova Geografia Cultural. O objetivo consistiu em compreender como a Santería atua na paisagem da Playa de Bacuranao em Havana. Dos procedimentos metodológicos foram realizadas pesquisas bibliográficas e trabalhos de campo para com a coleta de dados através da observação não-participante, anotações em diário de campo e de registros fotográficos. Verificou-se a emergência de temporalidades e significações distintas entre praticantes religiosos e não-praticantes que experienciam o mesmo espaço.
TURISMO RURAL COMUNITÁRIO NO MUNICÍPIO DE LAURO MÜLLER, SANTA CATARINA: POTENCIALIDADE PARA CICLOTURISMO
Authors: Leiria Bianca Bez Batti , Silva José Gustavo Santos da , Ladwig Nilzo Ivo
Published: March 2024

O turismo rural comunitário está sendo adotado como estratégia de desenvolvimento local em um paradigma territorialista, que privilegia a iniciativa local, a empresa e também uma economia de serviços diversos. São iniciativas que se encontram enraizadas nos seus contextos geográficos e sociais locais e nas redes de relações sociais. Este segmento vem ganhando espaço no trade turístico como fonte promissora de geração de empregos, destacando-se também na sustentabilidade local e conservação da natureza. O estudo objetivou analisar o potencial do turismo rural comunitário nas comunidades rurais do município de Lauro Müller, Santa Catarina, que apresenta paisagem natural e cultural diversificada de elementos formadores. Por meio da pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e de campo, foi possível analisar as potencialidades e deficiências da área de estudo, assim como propor um roteiro cicloturístico entre as comunidades. A proposta de roteirização cicloturística entre as comunidades apresentou-se como uma alternativa para o incremento de renda às famílias que residem neste território.
ANÁLISE DO POTENCIAL DE ROCHAS BASÁLTICAS PARA REMINERALIZAÇÃO DE SOLOS, REGIÃO DE IRAÍ E FREDERICO WESTPHALEN, RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRASIL
Authors: Cardozo Emanuélle Soares , Pinto Viter Magalhães , Vieira Bruno Müller , Cézar Nadaleti Willian , Alves Johny Barreto
Published: March 2024

A utilização de fertilizantes químicos em larga escala gera consequências danosas ao meio ambiente, como a contaminação de solos e a eutrofização de corpos hídricos. O desenvolvimento e o aperfeiçoamento de técnicas que visem suprir as necessidades nutricionais dos solos brasileiros com menor impacto ambiental possível, têm se intensificado na última década. A remineralização dos solos é um tipo de adubação agrícola por meio da adição de rochas moídas, sendo uma alternativa de baixo impacto ambiental. A região estudada tem na atividade agrícola sua principal fonte econômica, com solos desenvolvidos sobre rochas basálticas. Os basaltos, além de gerar um solo rico em nutrientes para agricultura, são rochas de ampla utilização na construção civil e rodovias. A região possui várias pedreiras, além de mineração de ametista e ágata. Essas atividades geram grande material de rejeitos e resíduos com possível potencial para remineralização de solos. A Instrução Normativa nº 5 Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA) do Brasil atribui os parâmetros mínimos para que uma rocha seja destinada à remineralização de solos. Neste estudo traçou-se um comparativo entre a geoquímica e a mineralogia dos basaltos aflorantes nos municípios de Iraí e Frederico Westphalen, norte do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, com os parâmetros estabelecidos pelo MAPA. Constatou-se que as litologias analisadas são potenciais remineralizadores de solos, com teor médio de K2O equivalente a 1,29%; o teor da soma de bases abrangendo um intervalo entre 13,35 e 15,05%; e o índice médio de sílica livre correspondente a 12,31%.
Conceptualisation and Determination of the Concept of Creating Shared Value: The Results of a Delphi Study
Authors: Krawiec Wioletta , Sibińska Anna , Grzegorczyk Wojciech
Published: March 2024

Objective: The purpose of the article is to present the genesis of the concept of Creating Shared Value (CSV), re-conceptualise it, and point out the main dimensions of value creation. In addition, the article describes the existing interdependencies between the various dimensions and the distinct approaches to defining these dimensions.
Research Design & Methods: The article presents the results obtained from an expert survey conducted using the Delphi method. The survey allowed us to obtain experts’ opinions on approaches to defining the creation of shared value and its dimensions.
Findings: The results obtained suggest a different approach to understanding and defining the concept of CSV and the dimensions of value creation. In the study experts pointed to the connection of the CSV concept with other management theories and concepts in corporate social responsibility and sustainability. They emphasised the role of creating shared value to different stakeholder groups in the complex internal and external business environment. The difficulty of linking company strategy, business models, and activities with social, environmental, or economic goals was pointed out.
Implications / Recommendations: The article presents the results obtained from the first part of a study aimed at constructing a tool to measure the creation of shared value. They are the starting point for both the development of the dimensions of the construct and the factors which can be measured to evaluate the creation of social, economic and environmental value in each dimension.
Contribution: The article contributes to the understanding of the concept of CSV as a management theory in the context of enhancing the competitive position of organisations and provides a methodological basis for developing a CSV measurement tool.
Consumers’ Knowledge and Decisions about Choosing Organic Sunscreen Products
Authors: Engler-Jastrzębska Monika , Wilczyńska Aleksandra
Published: March 2024

Objective: The aim of the survey was to assess respondents’ knowledge about organic sunscreen products and to learn about differences in self-assessed levels of knowledge between those who choose and do not choose organic sunscreen products.
Research Design & Methods: The survey was conducted using a structured, close-ended survey questionnaire, via an electronic form using the CAWI technique, and with a printed questionnaire. The survey collected the responses of 1,263 Polish consumers.
Findings: The results show that both objective and subjective knowledge about organic sunscreen products is low. Identifying this category of products is difficult and knowledge about the UV filters used is low.
Implications / Recommendations: An effort should be made to widen consumer knowledge about organic sunscreen products. Greater public awareness of organic sunscreen products, better knowledge of credible labels and the health and environmental benefits of their use could help consumers improve their purchasing decisions and lead them to choose this product category.
Contribution: The results are an important guideline for marketing management, the information obtained will help guide the marketing activities of sunscreen product manufacturers.
Wyzwania współczesnego zarządzania zasobami ludzkimi – analiza polskojęzycznych ofert internetowych firm konsultingowych
Authors: Strużyna Janusz
Published: March 2024

Objective: To identify the challenges theorists of HRM face. Such challenges are hidden in the content of HRM consulting firm offers.
Research Design & Methods: The analysis of the content of online offers of Polish consulting firms was based on general guidelines for qualitative research formulated by Saldana (2011), Charmaz (2009), and Silverman (2007).
Findings: The analysis of the content of the offers revealed five categories and four dimensions considered by consultants to be of key importance to practitioners. These results organise and extend HRM issues in an original way.
Implications / Recommendations: The synthesis of the categories and dimensions identified points to three topics that are emerging as a challenge for the “new normal” in HRM: 1) naturalisation of the language used in HRM, 2) the hidden logic of the improvement process and its consequences, 3) cognitive challenges that go beyond the concept of the simple mechanism of adapting theory to practice.
Contribution: The research results contribute to the knowledge base on key challenges consultants see for improving HRM. The categories and dimensions of HRM improvement uncovered in the study differ from those discussed in other studies. Two new challenges for practitioners and researchers have emerged. The first concerns how to go about improving methods of analysing organisations and their management. In this respect, kaleidoscope-like thinking is recommended. Such an approach differs from thinking based on multidimensionality, complexity, and interdisciplinarity. The second challenge concerns improving theoretical knowledge by considering the practice of consulting companies working on the market. These issues have not been sufficiently described in the literature.
Empirical Testing of Grossman’s the Demand for Health Model: The Case of Russia
Authors:   National Research University Higher School of Economics, Volkova Olga N. , Volkova Aleksandra N. ,   National Research University Higher School of Economics
Published: March 2024

Healthcare services constitute one of the most important markets as they are used by all people regardless of age, wealth, and worldview. In order to effectively manage both private and public healthcare systems and to expand the scope of services provided in a timely manner, it is necessary to understand the nature of the demand for health, depending on the development of society and individuals. This paper is devoted to the empirical testing of one of the most influential models of health economics – Michael Grossman’s model of health demand – by means of econometrical modelling. We used data from RLMS HSE (Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey of HSE) for 2019 and 2020. The paper tested the hypotheses that educational level positively affects the demand for health, that women invest in their health more responsibly than men, that the “age”- “demand for health” link has non-linear character, and the rate of health amortization is not constant during the life of an individual. We concluded that health demonstrates the features of both consumption and investment good. It was also found that income affects the demand for health just within the consumption interpretation of this construct, not within the investment one. The study showed that people with a low income tend to consume medical services more actively by spending more time in hospitals. It can be assumed that demand for medical services will increase during the economic crisis, job cuts, inflation, and a drop in real incomes of the population. The results of the study may help to predict the demand and consumption of medical services and to facilitate decision-making in Russia's healthcare system in the future.
Dynamic Connectedness between Crypto and Conventional Financial Assets: Novel Findings from Russian Financial Market
Authors:   Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin, Ullah Mirzat
Published: March 2024

In the dynamic landscape of the Russian digital economy and increasing financial openness, crypto assets have emerged as influential players in the financial market. The geopolitical and economic developments after a conflict with Ukraine have presented formidable challenges in the shape of financial and trade sanctions, coupled with the suspension from the SWIFT banking system, has plunged the Russian economy into a precarious situation. The current study delves into the network spillover effects between a prominent crypto asset and various financial assets including equity, exchange rates, crude oil, gold, and commodity futures using daily data from January 01, 2018, to August 31, 2023. The purpose of the study is to provide empirical and theoretical insights into countering the impact of sanctions on Russia, proposing a pragmatic solution for the Russian financial market. The research methodology involves the application of network spillover estimation and value-at-risk analysis. Notably, the findings expose a robust association between crypto and financial assets, where crypto assets play a pivotal role in transmitting risk within the financial landscape. While their impact on other financial assets remains relatively subdued, short-term correlations exhibit volatile fluctuations, often marked by sharp increases in downside risk. Theoretical implications follow the portfolio theory of asset pricing, with extreme risk spillover originating from long-run fluctuations in the crypto market, impacting market sentiment and elevating risk propagation in the Russian financial market. These results carry practical significance for payment and receipt processes, as well as trading activities with foreign countries, presenting essential insights for policymakers and investment decision-makers.
Default Prediction for Russian Food Service Firms: Contribution of Non-Financial Factors and Machine Learning
Authors:   National Research University Higher School of Economics, Bukharin Egor O. , Mangileva Sofia I. ,   Yakov & Partners, Afanasev Vladislav V. ,   National Research University Higher School of Economics
Published: March 2024

The food service industry's instability due to COVID-19 and sanctions has heightened the need for developing an efficient tool to assess default risks in this industry. Default prediction modelling relies heavily on how well a model fits the specific environment. Due to that, some adjustments have to take place in order to adapt the classical default prediction models to the Russian food service industry. We build hypotheses that adding non-financial factors and employing modern prediction methods can increase the accuracy of the models significantly. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of non-financial factors' inclusion and modern modelling methods on the accuracy of default prediction for the food service industry in Russia. Tests for a sample of 1241 firms for the period from 2017 to 2021 have shown that creating a prediction model with modern methods, such as Random Forest and XGBoost increases the accuracy of the prediction from 70% to about 80%, compared to standard Logit model. The addition of non-financial factors to the models also increases the accuracy slightly, which however, does not provide a significant effect. The most important metrics in predicting default turned out to be Current Liquidity Ratio and the ratio of Working Capital to Total Assets. The most important non-financial factors are Total Assets and Age. Our results correspond with existing research in this field and form a new knowledge layer due to being applied to a specific industry. The results can be used by banks or other counterparties that interact with food service industry firms in order to assess their credit risk.
Ações de educação permanente da enfermagem frente à homofobia: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: West Milka Gabrielle de Lira Nóbrega , Araújo Ednaldo Cavalcante de , Vilar Cláudia Margareth de Lira Nóbrega , Batista Maria Amanda Lima , Pereira Danilo Martins Roque , Silva Adrian Thaís Cardoso Santos Gomes da
Published: March 2024

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar na literatura científica ações de educação permanente da enfermagem frente à homofobia. Métodos: revisão integrativa da literatura com busca estruturada em junho de 2022 em oito bases de dados, utilizando os descritores Nursing Education, Homophobia, Sexual and Gender Minorities. Amostra final foi composta por seis estudos primários. Resultados: as ações de educação permanente da enfermagem apoiam-se em estratégias como utilização de materiais didáticos, palestras, estudos de casos e grupos focais, com abordagem de conteúdos como questões identitárias de gênero e de orientação afetivossexual, disparidades de saúde e sua relação com a homofobia nos locais de cuidados de saúde. Considerações finais: realizadas em variados cenários de cuidados de saúde, as ações de educação permanente mostraram-se exitosas quanto à sensibilização dos enfermeiros no enfrentamento da homofobia nos serviços de saúde, sendo necessária, no entanto, sua ampliação para a criação de espaços de saúde que atendam às necessidades específicas dessas pessoas.