bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The changing characteristics of a cohort of children and adolescents living with HIV at antiretroviral therapy initiation in Asia
Authors: Sornillo Johanna Beulah , Ditangco Rossana , Kinikar Aarti , Wati Dewi Kumara , Du Quy Tuan , Nguyen Dinh Qui , Khol Vohith , Nguyen Lam Van , Puthanakit Thanyawee , Ounchanum Pradthana , Kurniati Nia , Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya , Jamal Mohamed Thahira A. , Sudjaritruk Tavitiya , Fong Siew Moy , Kumarasamy Nagalingeswaran , Kosalaraksa Pope , Nallusamy Revathy A. , Nik Yusoff Nik Khairulddin , Sohn Annette H. , Kariminia Azar ,   on behalf of the TREAT Asia Pediatric HIV Observational Database of IeDEA Asia-Pacific
Published: September 2023

Despite improvements in HIV testing and earlier antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in children living with HIV through the years, a considerable proportion start treatment with advanced disease. We studied characteristics of children and adolescents living with HIV and their level of immunodeficiency at ART initiation using data from a multi-country Asian cohort. We included children and adolescents who were ART-naïve and <18 years of age at ART initiation from 2011 to 2020 at 17 HIV clinics in six countries. Incidence rates of opportunistic infections (OIs) in the first two years of triple-drug ART (≥3 antiretrovirals) was also reported. Competing risk regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with first occurrence of OI. In 2,027 children and adolescents (54% males), median age at ART initiation increased from 4.5 years in 2011–2013 to 6.7 in 2017–2020, median CD4 count doubled from 237 cells/μl to 466 cells/μl, and proportion of children who initiated ART as severely immunodeficient decreased from 70% to 45%. During follow-up, 275 (14%) children who received triple-drug ART as first treatment and had at least one clinic visit, developed at least one OI in the first two years of treatment (9.40 per 100 person-years). The incidence rate of any first OI declined from 12.52 to 7.58 per 100 person-years during 2011–2013 and 2017–2020. Lower hazard of OIs were found in those with age at first ART 2–14 years, current CD4 ≥200 cells/μl, and receiving ART between 2017 and 2020. The analysis demonstrated increasing number of children and adolescents starting ART with high CD4 count at ART start. The rate of first OI markedly decreased in children who started ART in more recent years. There remains a clear need for improvement in HIV control strategies in children, by promoting earlier diagnosis and timely treatment.
Sample-efficient multi-agent reinforcement learning with masked reconstruction
Authors: Kim Jung In , Lee Young Jae , Heo Jongkook , Park Jinhyeok , Kim Jaehoon , Lim Sae Rin , Jeong Jinyong , Kim Seoung Bum
Published: September 2023

Deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is a powerful approach that combines reinforcement learning (RL) and deep learning to address complex decision-making problems in high-dimensional environments. Although DRL has been remarkably successful, its low sample efficiency necessitates extensive training times and large amounts of data to learn optimal policies. These limitations are more pronounced in the context of multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL). To address these limitations, various studies have been conducted to improve DRL. In this study, we propose an approach that combines a masked reconstruction task with QMIX (M-QMIX). By introducing a masked reconstruction task as an auxiliary task, we aim to achieve enhanced sample efficiency—a fundamental limitation of RL in multi-agent systems. Experiments were conducted using the StarCraft II micromanagement benchmark to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. We used 11 scenarios comprising five easy, three hard, and three very hard scenarios. We particularly focused on using a limited number of time steps for each scenario to demonstrate the improved sample efficiency. Compared to QMIX, the proposed method is superior in eight of the 11 scenarios. These results provide strong evidence that the proposed method is more sample-efficient than QMIX, demonstrating that it effectively addresses the limitations of DRL in multi-agent systems.
Leisure time physical activity and exercise performance in active older people in rural areas–Comparison of the first and second COVID-19 related lockdown in Germany
Authors: Lohmöller Maris , Zieschang Tania , Koschate Jessica
Published: September 2023

The closure of all sports facilities during the two lockdowns in Germany favoured a reduction of leisure time physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to compare leisure time physical activity during the 1st and 2nd lockdown and to examine exercise performance before and after resumption of exercise. Leisure time physical activity was measured by the Longitudinal Urban Cohort Ageing Study (LUCAS) functional ability index and energy expenditure in the Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. Participants’ exercise performance was extracted from a chip-controlled fitness circuit. Differences were tested for statistical significance using Friedman tests. 35 participants above 60 years were included from the Oldenburg area (20 women, 15 men, mean age and standard deviation 71±6 years). The decline in energy expenditure was higher during the 2nd lockdown (1st lockdown: Median -55.7 kcal.day-1, Q0.25−121.3 kcal.day-1, Q0.75 132.9 kcal.day-1; 2nd lockdown: Median -119.7 kcal.day-1, Q0.25−255.6 kcal.day-1, Q0.75−65.1 kcal.day-1; Friedman test: p<0.001, n = 35, W = 0.262). The time spent in the fitness circuit decreased from lockdown to lockdown as well as the number of participants exercising there. Intense activities were performed during the two lockdowns by only 7 and 3 participants, respectively, and were not resumed by two-thirds of the participants after the 2nd lockdown. During the 1st lockdown, exercise performance on resistance exercise devices increased in most of them, while it decreased by 1 to 7% during the 2nd lockdown. The lockdowns limited leisure time physical activity in older adults. This was more pronounced during the lockdown in winter 2020/2021, when participants engaged less in outdoor activities. Therefore, measures should be taken to maintain physical activity and muscle strength, especially during winter months, with a home-based training, if visiting gyms is not possible.
Reading Eliot’s “East Coker”: Temporality of all things and Human Life in it
Authors:   The T. S. Eliot Society Of Korea, LEE Cheolhee
Published: September 2023

It has been commonly accepted that although Eliot’s Four Quartets is very abstractive and incomprehensible, “East Coker” is relatively more easily accessible than “Burnt Norton.” This is in part due to the fact that instead of meditating on the metaphysical meaning of time, Eliot realistically depicts the finiteness of all things in “East Coker.” By embracing inevitatably the universality of finiteness and the existential limitedness of time, human beings come to seek for a genuine way of life as a limited being. More specifically, in “East Coker” Eliot underlines that keenly aware of the limitedness of their existence, wo/men should keep in their mind the significance of humility, conscious waiting, endless spiritual search for redemption, prioritizing love over knowledge.
Fundamentações sobre Bibliotecas Virtuais, Digitais e Repositórios
Authors: Serra Liliana
Published: September 2023

Este artigo discorre sobre as confusões que podem ocorrer com a terminologia utilizada em bibliotecas relacionadas ao conteúdo digital. Termos como biblioteca eletrônica, biblioteca virtual, biblioteca digital, repositório digital e repositório institucional são abordados, buscando conceituar as características e diferenças presente nesta terminologia. O método utilizado neste artigo foi a revisão de literatura consultada, prioritariamente, no período de 2002 a 2017, originando uma pesquisa qualitativa. Ao apresentar as definições e situações para distinguir os termos utilizados para identificação dos recursos, este artigo oferece subsídios aos leitores, apresentando a variedade de descrições adotadas, assim como as características existentes, orientando o tipo de serviço prestado pela biblioteca. O texto conclui com a importância do esclarecimento dos conceitos, visando colaborar com a identificação de cada um, assim como suas opções de implementação.
O Livro na Biblioteca Digital
Authors: Serra Liliana
Published: September 2023

As bibliotecas são formadas por livros digitais, impressos etc. O artigo, fruto de pesquisa bibliográfica realizada com recorte de 1993 a 2016, discute sobre o livro digital na biblioteca. Primeiro é feita distinção entre biblioteca virtual e digital. A virtual é formada por links, com o conteúdo disposto em sítios da Web. A digital utiliza repositório para armazenamento dos arquivos e permite a coleta de seus metadados por provedores de serviços, a partir da utilização do protocolo OAI-PMH. O livro digital é analisado, com breve história até a identificação de tipologias: livro estático, livro dinâmico e livro expandido. Os livros digitais podem ser de conteúdo aberto ou licenciado. Quando aberto, são armazenados em repositórios digitais. Quando licenciados, um link direciona o leitor à plataforma de leitura. A contratação por bibliotecas é realizada por meio de aplicação de modelos de negócios, que pode ser perene ou transitório. O artigo conclui que os livros digitais implicam na construção de bibliotecas virtuais e digitais. Virtual quando o acervo é formado por títulos licenciados e digitais quando são títulos disponíveis em formato aberto.
O Bibliotecário na Complexidade do Mercado de Trabalho na Economia Digital
Authors: Cintra Fermann Angélica , Paletta Francisco Carlos
Published: September 2023

Este artigo apresenta reflexões da pesquisa em andamento, que busca compreender a profissão do profissional da informação, a partir de sua formação, competências técnicas e comportamentais na economia digital, ditada pelas tecnologias emergentes. Tem-se como propósito propiciar novas reflexões quanto aos desafios impostos pelo mercado de trabalho ao bibliotecário, cujas habilidades não são exclusivas de sua formação e pode ser incorporado por outras tantas profissões. O uso da metodologia Quadripolar apoiada pela técnica Delphi, permite compreender um contexto que ainda está sendo construído, num cenário futuro, a carreira do bibliotecário em uma economia em rede. Os pilares de investigação são: formação e empregabilidade. Estes são compostos por docentes, recrutadores ou empresas de recrutamento e empresas que estão passando pela transformação digital ou já nasceram digital.  A pesquisa tem como base documental a visão de trabalho, suas dimensões e carreiras; seguindo sobre a era digital onde a escolha do profissional, suas competências e habilidades torna-se uma estratégia no modelo de negócio adotado. Nesta conjuntura, a informação dialoga preferencialmente com as tecnologias digitais e o futuro do trabalho, que vem sendo amplamente debatido por organizações em todo o mundo.
Informação e Conhecimento como Agentes de Transformação Econômica
Authors: Wrublak Laura Regina , Paletta Francisco Carlos , Da Silva Terezinha Elisabeth
Published: September 2023

Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo analisar a informação, o conhecimento e as Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação como agentes de transformação econômica no campo das dimensões de estudo da informação: científica, tecnológica, industrial, de mercado, estratégica e social. Nesse sentido, adotou-se a metodologia qualitativa com o levantamento e a seleção da bibliografia aplicando-se análise de conteúdo, envolvendo a identificação e a descrição de teorias que abordam a informação e o conhecimento como agentes de transformação econômica nas seis dimensões de estudo da informação apresentadas. Como resultado da análise, concluiu-se que as principais mudanças no setor econômico se deram a partir da reconfiguração do mercado de trabalho e da relação entre os setores público, privado e a sociedade. A dimensão científica se destaca nesta dinâmica, uma vez que é a principal fonte de geração de conhecimento e de inovações com fortes reflexos sobre a economia, ao dar o suporte necessário para o desenvolvimento das estruturas sociais e econômicas emergentes e atuar com o ensino e a qualificação de recursos humanos, além de estudar e gerar mecanismos eficazes que possibilitam às organizações e a sociedade lidar com tais transformações.
A Experiência das Pessoas com Deficiência Visual com Chatbots Web
Authors: Diego de Oliveira Rodrigo , Leite Ribeiro Okimoto Maria Lucia
Published: September 2023

O presente artigo trata da acessibilidade em chatbots web para pessoas com deficiência visual, com o objetivo de identificar barreiras que impeçam o uso, acesso ou proporcionem uma má experiência para esses usuários diante desse tipo de interface conversacional. Os chatbots podem ser definidos como serviços ou tipos de programas alimentados por regras ou inteligência artificial, que buscam simular o diálogo de um ser humano por meio de interações baseadas em texto e/ou voz. O método utilizado para identificar as barreiras de acessibilidade consistiu na execução de um estudo exploratório e qualitativo, baseado em doze entrevistas com pessoas com deficiência visual de diferentes perfis. Os resultados mostraram que os cegos que tiveram experiências com chatbots enfrentaram uma série de dificuldades e frustrações, porém sentiram-se confortáveis ao interagir com um robô em vez de um ser humano. Concluiu-se que, apesar das barreiras encontradas, as pessoas cegas acreditam no potencial inclusivo da tecnologia e há a necessidade de aprofundar o tema para projetar interfaces mais acessíveis.
Uso de Infográfico na Recuperação da Informação: Estudo do Coronavírus
Authors: Ohmaye Helio , Paletta Francisco Carlos
Published: September 2023

Por causa do novo coronavírus, incorporamos novas palavras e conceitos em nosso cotidiano, devidamente apropriadas na linguística. No ambiente do “novo normal, achatar a curva, assintomático, comorbidade, transmissão comunitária, imunidade de rebanho, lockdown, quarentena, distanciamento social, live e home office”, além de outros termos, constitui um glossário assimilado pela sociedade. Tempos de crise costumam ser acompanhados por salto na inovação intelectual e tecnológica, conforme voltamos o olhar para as duas guerras mundiais e nas pandemias ocorridas no século XX. A revisão da literatura a partir da pesquisa bibliográfica em base de dados editoriais, relacionados na área de infografia, especialmente no contexto de produção de documentos descritivos, revela a quase inexistência de material produzido. Com os desdobramentos ocorridos com fechamento de instituições culturais, como museu e biblioteca, noticiário diário com a temática da pandemia e o isolamento social, a opção da pesquisa quantitativa foi direcionada para órgãos e entidades de divulgação informacionais contendo infográficos. O método bibliométrico realizado em formato não presencial e remoto apresenta resultados que justificam o tratamento técnico e teórico relacionado com o efeito causado pelo coronavírus e/ou COVID-19, sem objetivo de comparação.
Web 2.0 Tools in Documentation and Information Center: Knowledge Management Model
Authors: Paletta, Dr. Francisco Carlos , Ayres Carla , Morais Thais Fernandes , Zanchet Gisele
Published: September 2023

This paper aims to examine concepts of Web 2.0, knowledge management, information management, enterprise portals, Information and Documentation Centre, Virtual Library, and social networking. The methodology used is the systemic literature review. Briefly it narrates the emergency of KM tools and features to its deployment. Relates how knowledge management can help institutions and enterprises in terms of organizing their information and its importance in decision taking. It describes the advancement of Web 2.0 and the ease it brings to society. As results it presents that there are no more borders between people, that everyone can share, discuss, and generate knowledge through the tools that innovative technologies offer.
Entry Barriers for Industry 4.0 in Argentina
Authors: Gutnisky Julieta , Montilla Delfina , Salimbeni Sergio
Published: September 2023

Industry 4.0 is a topic that has aroused great interest in recent years. The market, which demands more complex and differentiated products, must be attended to. Traditional centrally controlled production processes will be replaced by decentralised ones. Physical systems will be digitised, factories will self-regulate, optimising their own operation. Productivity will be improved; Quick solutions will be provided in case of production problems and abnormal operations. Many challenges must be faced, such as high implementation costs, organisational and process changes, security and data protection and the need for qualified personnel at all organisational levels who are capable of dealing with the growing complexity of future information systems. production. To address these issues, this article provides an analysis of entry barriers for Industry 4.0 in Argentina. First, a literature review was performed. This work revealed a set of 12 entry barrier factors. Second, based on the literature review and coding procedure, a synthesis and framework were developed. Third, a survey was carried out in 108 Argentine companies, obtaining the classification and strength of each of these 12 factors.
Identification of genetic polymorphisms in the stearoyl CoA desaturase gene and its association with milk quality traits in Najdi sheep
Authors: Matar Abdulkareem M. , Al-Garadi Maged A. , Aljummah Riyadh S. , Abid Islem , Ayadi Moez
Published: September 2023

The nutritional quality of milk, which is determined by its fatty acid (FA) composition, and the candidate gene stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) can be used in conjunction with these traits to improve the quality of dairy products. The aim of this study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the SCD gene and its associations with the milk composition and FA profiles of Najdi dairy sheep and 72 multiparous Najdi ewes under the same feeding system. Milk and blood samples were taken during the first lactation (<30 days in milk). Analysis and alignment DNA sequences identified SNP g.87C>A in the promoter and SNP g.1033G>A in exon 2 of the SCD gene. Association analysis showed that SNP g.87C>A was significantly associated (P ≤ 0.05) with palmitic acid (C16:0), alpha linoleic acid (ALA – C18:3-n3), linolenic acid (LA – C18:2-n6), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). In addition, the SNP g.1033G>A showed a significant (P < 0.05) association with odd-chain FAs (heptadecanoic acid [C17:0] and heneicosanoic acid [C21:0]). The results showed that SCD gene may be important in the synthesis of PUFA and contributes to healthier dairy products. Overall, the Najdi breed SNP SCD gene showed that the association with milk traits is crucial, particularly with essential fatty acids: ALA-n3 and LA-n6 in milk fat.
Don’t we know enough about models? Integrating a replication study into an introductory chemistry course in higher education
Authors: Rost Marvin , Sonnenschein Ines , Möller Stephanie , Lembens Anja
Published: September 2023

This paper presents the German translation and replication of the Students’ Understanding of Models in Science (SUMS) instrument, aiming to assess how first-semester university students comprehend the submicroscopic level in chemistry courses. The assessment of students’ understanding is a prerequisite for improving teaching practices, particularly in addressing the persistently high drop-out rates observed in chemistry and chemistry-related programs. Employing a quantitative methodology, a sample of 181 undergraduate chemistry students was surveyed. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling, resulting in two statistical models that demonstrated an excellent fit to the data, although no empirical preference could be established for one model over the other. Based on the investigation, framing models as exact replicas of the natural world cannot be considered an empirically meaningful dimension of understanding models in science. Additionally, the reliabilities of the latent constructs were found to be insufficiently low to establish generalizable measurements. These findings are discussed with a focus on epistemology and advocate for a stronger integration of model theory in chemistry teaching and learning. Finally, the importance of establishing a stronger connection between empirical evidence and the implementation of curricular changes in higher education is emphasized.
Mechanistic role and potential of Ayurvedic herbs as anti-aging therapies
Authors: Raina Kirti , Kumari Ruchika , Thakur Palak , Sharma Rohit , Singh Randeep , Thakur Abhinay , Anand Vikas , Sharma Rohit , Chaudhary Ashun
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Medicinal plants and herbs are the most important part of the Ayurveda. The term Rasayana in Charaka Samhita confers long life, youthfulness, strong body, freedom from diseases and the plants mentioned in Rsayana possess antiaging property. Aging is the collective term used for the complex detrimental physiological changes that reduce the functional ability of the cell. Oxidative stress, telomeres shortening, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction are the main factors that regulate the aging process. Chronological aging is an irreversible process but the factors causing biological aging can be controlled. Ayurvedic herbs are better for the management of age-related problems. There are several natural bioactive agents present in plants that can delay the aging process in humans. They trigger actions like enhancing gene longevity and telomerase activity, ROS scavenging furthermore regeneration of tissues.

Content

The plants mentioned in the Rasayana of Ayurveda have antiaging potential and can be used to solve modern problems related to aging. Some Ayurvedic plants and their antiaging potential has explained in this review. The main causes of aging, medicinal plants and their use as potential antiaging mediator are covered in this study.

The process of aging is still an enigma. It is a complex, irretrievable, dynamic process that involves a number of factors and is subject to a number of environmental and genetic influences. Rasayana aspect has not been much investigated in clinical trials. Aging is considered to result from free radical damage. According to Charaka, Rasayana drugs open the partially or fully blocked channels. Many Rasayanas show free radical scavenging activity and has the potential to mitigate the effects of aging. It gives an overview of the significance of Ayurvedic medicinal plants as a source of inspiration and the use of these plants as remedies for antiaging.

Outlook

This study briefly outlooks the causes of aging and how medicinal plants can be used to reverse the aging process. In this study, we discussed the antiaging potential and mechanistic roles of Ayurvedic herbs. These herbs have the properties to slow down the natural process of aging and can successfully manage common age-related problems.
The crystal structure of bis(acetonitrile-κ1N)tetrakis(μ2-2,6-difluorobenzoato-κ2O:O′)rhodium(II) (Rh–Rh), C32H18F8O8N2Rh2
Authors: Zhong Zihao , Meng Miao
Published: September 2023

C32H18F8O8N2Rh2, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 11), a = 9.28200(12) Å, b = 11.33638(13) Å, c = 16.0352(2) Å, β = 105.9326(14)° V = 1622.47 Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0297, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0763, T = 150 K.
Schneiden von Batterie- und Brennstoffzellenkomponenten
Authors: Ma Ling , Schabel Sebastian , Fleischer Jürgen
Published: September 2023

Im Kontext der Transformation des verbrennungsmotorischen Antriebsstranges zu nachhaltigeren Mobilitätslösungen bieten sowohl Batterieals auch Brennstoffzellen ein großes Potenzial. Die parallele Entwicklung von Produktionstechnologien zur Nutzung von Synergieeffekten ist für die wirtschaftliche Massenproduktion von entscheidender Bedeutung. Ein zentraler Prozessschritt ist dabei das Schneiden der Einzelkomponenten. Im Rahmen dieses Beitrags werden Prozessketten, Materialmikrostrukturen sowie mechanische Eigenschaften aus produktionstechnischer Sicht zur Diskussion der Synergiepotenziale verglichen.
Seed dormancy and germination ecology of several clover species
Authors: Rezaei-Manesh Hamed , Ghaderi-Far Farshid , Nosratti Iraj , Siahmarguee Asieh , Chauhan Bhagirath S.
Published: September 2023

This research was carried out to evaluate the effect of (1) different methods of breaking seed dormancy (physical and chemical scarification, high temperature, hot water and after-ripening), and (2) environmental factors (temperature, salinity and water stress) on seed germination of
Trifolium angustifolium, T. arvense, T. fragiferum, T. fucatum, T. repens, T. subterraneum and Trifolium sp. All experiments were conducted in the Seed Research Laboratory of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran,
in 2021. All the examined clover species were dormant after harvest, with little germination. Mechanical scarification with sandpaper or sulphuric acid resulted in more than 88 and 52% germination, respectively. Seeds were able to germinate between 5 and 35°C, but the highest germination
(≥ 98% on average) occurred at 20°C. Fluctuating temperature regimes were more efficient in improving the germination than constant temperatures. Seeds of clover species, in addition to having a hard seed coat, have a non-deep physiological dormancy. Fresh seeds showed a high sensitivity
to water stress compared with after-ripened seeds. However, relative resistance to salinity stress was observed. The results obtained in this research can be used to develop effective sowing strategies and support the successful establishment of these clover species.
Benefits of Pervious Concrete for Urbanized Habitats
Authors:   ZAPA beton a.s., Czech Republic, Giunti Giuseppe , Miczek Daniel
Published: September 2023

Pervious (draining) concrete is a new generation concrete which, for its structure, allows rainwater to enter the subsoil and at the same time is determining the final surface without the need for any additional layer. Pervious concrete allows to drain off up to 95% of precipitation, which represents a significant contribution to ecology and sustainability. Therefore, its use is particularly suitable in city parks, bike paths, in the vicinity of apartment buildings, swimming pools and parking lots. Rainwater is not purposelessly be drained by the city sewer system, but it is absorbed directly in place and contributing to the environmental improvement of the urban habitat (replenishment of groundwater supplies, water for roots of plants and trees, reduction of the thermal island of the city, etc.). Unlike prefabricated paving blocks (interlocking and flat paving), pervious concrete makes it possible to realize structured and complex shapes of finished surfaces without the need for laborious cutting, waste, dust and with generally faster laying. This paper summarizes the current achievements within the Buzzi Unicem Group and the use of pervious concrete in the Czech and Slovak Republic.
The Future of Executive Education and Training in Government Institutions: A Study on a Group of Government Institutions in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Hammouri Saleh Al , Ismail Solahuddin Bin , Abualrejal Hussein Mohammed
Published: September 2023

This study explores the prospective trajectory of executive education and training in government institutions, focusing on a selection of government entities within the United Arab Emirates. The research delves into the evolving landscape of executive education, taking into account the rapid technological advancements, shifting social dynamics, and global challenges that influence the field. Through a comprehensive analysis of data gathered from the selected group of government institutions, the study examines various aspects of executive education, including the integration of traditional face-to-face and remote training methods. The findings offer insights into the perceptions of stakeholders regarding the significance of innovative methodologies, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on educational approaches, and the extent to which collaboration and access to high-quality education play a pivotal role. The research underscores the need for a balanced approach to executive education that addresses both current demands and future trends, positioning government institutions in the United Arab Emirates to effectively navigate the evolving landscape of executive education and training.
Unsafe abortion; the hidden cause of maternal death
Authors: Kubuka Amos E , Abdulrahman Hawa M , Soa Asmah H , Kivishe Peter W
Published: September 2023

Despite the advancements in medical technology, unsafe abortion is common worldwide and it is estimated that about 13% of maternal deaths occur each year due to unsafe abortion predominantly in developing countries. However, since 1990, substantial global progress has been made to address various causes of maternal death including severe bleeding, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and obstructed labor. On the contrary there has been minimal efforts in addressing the risks associated with unsafe abortion though highly preventable. The high prevalence is owed to a lack of awareness on safe abortion practices, desire for educational pursuit and poor use of contraceptives that lead to unplanned pregnancy. In attempting unsafe abortion, early health complications such as infection, hemorrhage, injury to internal organs, infertility and post abortion stress disorders are seen as long-term complications. Thus, mass education on contraceptives is highly needed to protect mothers from death due to unsafe abortion.
PARTICIPAÇÃO ESTUDANTIL
Authors: Pereira Idilea Thomaz de Aquino , Barão Gilcilene de Oliveira Damasceno , Sartori Leandro
Published: September 2023

O artigo apresenta inventário sobre o processo de formação política e cultural desenvolvido numa escola municipal pública e que desde a sua criação (1987) mantém as referências educativas baseadas nas utopias dos movimentos sociais e populares dos anos de 1980 e, assim, materializam o princípio constitucional da gestão democrática. Para isso, o foco é o processo de organização da participação estudantil, desde a pré-escola aos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental. Ao analisar este objeto lidamos com alguns documentos, como a legislação referente a formação dos grêmios escolares e levantamento bibliográfico.  Nossas conclusões apontam que  o trabalho desenvolvido com os estudantes desta escola tenta formar e emancipar os sujeitos; há um investimento constante na formação político-pedagógica, dando desdobramentos às práticas curriculares que subsidiem o desenvolvimento intelectual e que contribuam para a formação de sujeitos que defendam com consistência seus pontos de vista e que se tornem pessoas comprometidas com a coletividade e com as transformações sociais.
Relações Entre Estado e Empresas e Arenas como Espaço Legítimo para Crimes Estatal-Corporativos: O Caso do Trabalho Escravo no Brasil
Authors: Paganini Paulo , Medeiros Cintia Rodrigues de Oliveira
Published: September 2023

Este artigo tem como objetivo explorar a gênese das arenas como sendo um espaço de relação interorganizacional que pode promover ou abrir caminho para a consecução de crimes corporativos. Tomando como base o cenário brasileiro de erradicação da escravidão, argumentamos que há a criação de arenas e contra-arenas dinâmicas como espaços para ora evitar e ora promover crimes corporativos enquanto o Estado desempenha o papel de facilitador de tais crimes. Essa discussão afirma que a promoção e a prevenção de crimes corporativos são legitimadas tanto pelo Estado em seu regime de permissão quanto pelos atores que atuam nesse campo por intermédio da formação de arenas. Para mapear os elementos-chave dessas arenas, nossa pesquisa se baseia nas técnicas de shadowing, entrevistas em profundidade e observação de campo. Após formado o corpus de pesquisa, analisamos os fenômenos principalmente por meio de codificação aberta, axial e seletiva, com base na abordagem da Grounded Theory.
Methodological importance of legal constructions and their influence on the legal norms interpretation
Authors:   № 8049 Regional Service Center of the Main Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Kyiv, Serediuk Vitalii
Published: September 2023

The article reveals the methodological significance of legal constructions and shows their influence on the interpretation of legal norms. It has been found that legal construction is one of the epistemological tools of legal science and means of interpreting legal norms in the process of their implementation. A concentrated expression of the possible conditions of law enforcement determines the methodological significance of legal constructions during the interpretation of legal norms. The legal construction is shown as a set of stable connections of the object, which ensure its integrity and identity. Emphasis is placed on the fact that intraindustry and inter-industry connections of legal norms allow law to preserve its properties as a regulatory in the face of internal and external changes, to be stable and stable. The existence of a stable structure determines the existence of law as a system is a condition for the existence of law. The author came to the conclusion that in order to optimize legal interpretation activity, it is necessary to improve the process of eliminating defects in legal constructions. The ambiguity and inconsistency of legal constructions is a consequence of the increase in the number of scientific terms, special expressions, contradictions and gaps in the normative material. The reason for this is hasty normative design without compliance with the requirements of legal technique. With the help of legal constructions, insightful, detailed and in-depth clarification of the content of legal norms is carried out.
How the natural resource curse contributed to the autocratic developments in Russian politics since the fall of the USSR
Authors:   Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland, Serres Dominic , Lehtosalo Lotta ,   Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland
Published: September 2023

The natural resource sector has become a dominant part of the Russian economy and thus affected the political developments of the state greatly. Understanding of the interplay of Russian politics and economics after the fall of the Soviet Union is integral for understanding why Russia has developed steadily into a more autocratic direction during the past few decades. The phenomenon through which we will be analyzing the intertwining of political and economic spheres of Russia is the natural resource curse concept. We seek to understand what factors have contributed to Russia’s failure to avoid the natural resource curse and give examples on how the natural resource curse manifests itself especially in today’s Russia political reality. Does the abundance of natural resources contribute to the emergence of a hyper-presidential, autocratic regime in Russia?
Stany Zjednoczone i Arabia Saudyjska w świetle Miast soli ‘Abd ar-Raḥmāna Munīfa i Hologramu dla króla Dave’a Eggersa – pytanie o koszty postępu ekonomicznego
Authors:   Uniwersytet Warszawski, Kubarek Magdalena
Published: September 2023

The article analyzes two literary works: At-Tīh (The Lost), the first part of the five-volume Mudun al-milḥ (Cities of Salt, 1984–1989) series by Saudi writer ‘Abd ar-Raḥmān Munīf, and the novel A Hologram for the King (2012) by American writer Dave Eggers. The plot of both novels is set in Saudi Arabia. Both works are interesting studies of the mechanisms behind economic expansion and the impact of technological progress on the societies of the particular regions. However, both novels are characterized by a different historical and cultural perspective. Saudi Arabia illustrated in Minīf’s novel at the beginning of the oil age appears to be a completely different political and economic formation than the modern wealthy Saudi Kingdom illustrated in Eggers’ novel. The position of American capital and industry in the world economy in the first half of the 20th century and the first decade of the 21st century is also different. The geopolitical situation has also changed over the past decades: a new major player – China – has emerged among the economic powers. Despite these differences the analysis of both novels shows that the mechanisms ruling economic expansion remain unchanged and its costs to societies and individuals are difficult to assess. Both works also raise questions about the extent of modernization processes and cultural transformation, as well as the persistence of values, behavior patterns and thought patterns, which reveal their presence especially where the confrontation between the Eastern and Western World takes place.
Wspomnienia polskiej uczennicy zesłanej w okresie powojennym na Syberię w perspektywie dokumentów
Authors:   Uniwersytet Papieski Jana Pawła II, Kozieja Szymon , Kozioł Justyna ,   Politechnika Opolska
Published: September 2023

Background: The article aims to present the fate of children sent with their families to the Soviet Union in the post-war years, preserved in the memory and private collections of Janina Góral (de domo Nesterowicz). The interview touches on such topics as Soviet crimes, conditions in Siberia, the denationalization of Polish children, the struggle against religion, rape – including an example of a mass rape whose victims and perpetrator are still alive – and attempts to cope with inhuman realities. The collected materials also describe the reality of Soviet school, daily and family life of exiled Poles in Siberia. Objectives: Initially, the recording of Janina Góral’s testimony by a team of volunteers from the group Niezapomniani – Inicjatywa Brzeskiej Młodzieży Patriotycznej within the framework of the Kotwica Pokoleń project was aimed at popularizing the history of Brzeg witnesses to history. With the deepening of the research, it became a priority to compile the collected materials into one coherent narrative, which will help answer the question about the course of the deportation of the person reporting and the brutal reality she faced at that time in school and beyond. Methods: The main tool used in the research is oral history, recorded as part of the Kotwica Pokoleń project. The primary source critique was done on the basis of sources, from the private collections of the person who gave his account. These included school certificates, personnel files, schoolgirl characteristics, and documents related to the repatriation, delivery duty and work of Michal Nesterowicz, Janina’s father. Criticism was also extended to Russian and Polish literature related to the issue under study. Results: With the help of the research, the exact history of Janina Góral’s education from grades 4 to 9 was determined, the overwhelming majority of which took place in Siberia near the town of Zima. In addition to determining the living conditions and the course of the deportation, attention was paid to the various forms of oppression and dangers faced by Polish children. Conclusions: The research showed the inconsistency of Janina Góral’s account with the documentation. They also revealed the communist school system in Siberia in light of the experiences of the Polish schoolgirl, and expanded knowledge of life in forced settlements in the Soviet Union in the Irkutsk region. In addition, they revealed the crime of gang rape that occurred against two exiled Polish women and a Ukrainian woman. They also demonstrated the value of combining research conducted by the oral history method with private collections. In addition, they draw attention to the trauma that war and captivity leave in a person.
Briefing: British civil engineering biography – 10 years on
Authors: Chrimes Mike
Published: September 2023

Biography illuminates the lives of past generations of engineers and puts their engineering achievements in human context. It joins the dots between the design and construction of works by individuals and teams. Recognising that the civil engineering profession lacked a reference source on the lives and achievements of previous generations, the Institution of Civil Engineers’ Archives Panel established an editorial board under the initial chairmanship of Professor Sir Alec Skempton to create a biographical dictionary in 1995. Work on the project resulted in three published volumes, the last of which appeared in 2014. This paper reflects on what has happened in the world of civil engineering biography in the following decade and what more can be done to ensure the lives and achievements of civil engineers can be adequately recorded for posterity.
KORUNMA İHTİYACI OLAN ÇOCUĞUN EKOLOJİK SİSTEM KURAMI BAĞLAMINDA İNCELENMESİ: SYSTEM CRASHER FİLMİ ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: ERTEN Rabia , KELEBEK Özge
Published: September 2023

Bu çalışma kapsamında ekolojik sistem kuramının kavramları ve sunduğu fikirler bağlamında System Crasher (Nora Fingschdeith, 2019) filminin başkahramanı olan 9 yaşındaki Benni isimli koruyucu bakım hizmetinden yararlanan çocuğun gelişim sürecine etki eden çevresel faktörlerin detaylı bir şekilde ortaya çıkarılması amaçlanmıştır. Buna ek olarak System Crasher filminin ekolojik sistem kuramı bağlamında değerlendirilmesinin sosyal hizmet eğitiminde kuramsal bilginin öğretilmesinde nasıl kullanılabileceği sorusuna da cevap aranmıştır. Çalışmada nitel araştırma yöntemi kullanılarak film incelenmiş ve içerik analizi uygulanmıştır. Filmdeki sahnelerin canlandırılmasına yardımcı olacak veriler betimsel anlatım yolu ile aktarılmıştır. Ekolojik sistem kuramı Benni’nin gelişim sürecini, yaşadığı problemlerin kaynaklarını ve bu doğrultuda yapılacak müdahalelerin neler olabileceğini daha geniş bir perspektiften anlama imkânı sunmuştur. Benni özelinde yapılan bu araştırma; ekolojik sistem kuramının sunduğu bilgi zemininden yararlanarak korunma ihtiyacı olan çocuklara yönelik biyopsikososyal değerlendirme ve müdahalelerin gerekli olduğu temel argümanını ortaya koymaktadır. Aynı zamanda System Crasher filmi örneğinde yapılan bu değerlendirme, sosyal hizmet eğitiminde kuramsal bilginin öğretilmesinde filmlerin kullanımının nasıl olacağına dair fikir vermektedir.
PLASTİK BAZLI ENDÜSTRİYEL ÜRÜN ÜRETİMİNE YÖNELİK TESİS YERLEŞİMİNİN YENİDEN TASARLANMASI ÜZERİNE BİR SİMÜLASYON ÇALIŞMASI
Authors: AÇIKKAPI Mustafa Alper , TÜZEMEN Adem
Published: September 2023

Bu çalışmada, plastik bazlı endüstriyel tüketim malzemelerinin imalatını gerçekleştiren bir işletmenin mevcut tesis yerleşim düzeninin yeniden tasarlanması suretiyle, işletmede üretilen 4 farklı ürünün üretilmesi sürecinde, streç film üretiminde oluşan toplam taşıma mesafesinin azaltılması ve buna bağlı olarak da taşıma sürelerinin iyileştirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu bağlamda; çalışmanın birinci bölümü olan Giriş başlığında tesis yerleşim tasarımı kavramı hakkında genel bilgilere yer verilmiş, konuya ilişkin literatürde yer alan muhtelif çalışmalar izah edilmiş ve akabinde tesisin mevcut yerleşim planı aktarılmıştır. Çalışmanın ikinci bölümünde işletmede üretilen streç film ürününün iş akış şemasına yer verilerek her bir iş istasyonu arasında oluşan taşıma mesafeleri ve taşıma süreleri sunulmuştur. Çalışmanın üçüncü bölümünde işletmenin mevcut tesis yerleşim düzeninin ARENA programı ile simülasyonu izah edilmiştir. Çalışmanın dördüncü bölümünde, işletmenin mevcut tesis yerleşimine alternatif olarak deneme-yanılma yöntemi aracılığıyla 3 farklı senaryo oluşturulmuş, bu senaryolara göre oluşan taşıma mesafeleri ve simüle edilmiş taşıma süreleri bağlamında en fazla iyileştirmenin sağlandığı alternatif çözüm tespit edilmiştir. Çalışmanın Sonuç bölümünde ise, çalışmada elde edilen sonuçlar irdelenmiştir.
A "Parenting Licence" Granted by One’s Existing Children? Critical Analysis of the Judgment in Ex Parte JCR 2022 5 SA 202 (GP)
Authors: Holness Willene , Clark Brigitte , Edgcumbe Aliki , Mnyongani Freddy , Soni Sheetal , Shozi Bonginkosi , Thaldar Donrich
Published: September 2023

In Ex parte JCR 2022 5 SA 202 (GP) the Pretoria High Court per Neukircher J seeks to introduce new requirements for all surrogacy agreements in South African law. The court considered the psychological impact of surrogacy on the children of both the surrogate parents and the commissioning parents and the need to put in place procedures ‘for preparing them for this process [of not bringing the surrogate baby home]’ or ‘for a new addition to their family’, respectively. The court ordered the mandatory psychological assessment of the existing children of the surrogate parents and commissioning parents. A report emanating from such an assessment would ostensibly assist the court in determining the best interests of the existing children of the parties to the agreement.
We argue that the psychological evaluation of the existing children of the parties to a surrogate motherhood agreement fundamentally upsets the balance between the interests of the parties involved in the surrogacy process. In fact, it shifts the balance of power almost entirely into the hands of the existing children, such that they may be said to decide whether their parents allowed to have any more children. We argue that the court’s interpretation that such assessments would be in the best interests of existing children, is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the court’s duty in this regard. The new assessment requirement is more likely to undermine these children’s interests, to violate the commissioning parents’ constitutional rights to dignity and equality, and their rights to reproductive autonomy, privacy, and access to reproductive healthcare.
The laboratory parameters in predicting the severity and death of COVID-19 patients: Future pandemic readiness strategies
Authors: Alsayed Ahmad R. , Ahmed Syed Imran , AL Shweiki Anas Osama , Al-Shajlawi Mustafa , Hakooz Nancy
Published: September 2023

The range of clinical manifestations associated with the infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) encompasses a broad spectrum, ranging from flu-like symptoms to the occurrence of multiple organ failure and death. The severity of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is categorized based on clinical presentation and is divided into three distinct levels of severity identified as non-severe, severe, and critical. Although individuals of all age groups are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, middle-aged and older adults are more frequently impacted, with the latter being more likely to develop severe illness. Various laboratory characteristics observed in hospitalized COVID-19 patients have been correlated with adverse outcomes. These include elevated levels of D-dimer, liver enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, ferritin, prothrombin time, and troponin, as well as decreased lymphocyte and platelets counts. This review investigated the relationship between baseline clinical characteristics, initial laboratory parameters upon hospital admission, and the severity of illness and mortality rates among COVID-19 patients. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has concluded, understanding the laboratory predictors of virus severity and mortality remains crucial, and examining these predictors can have long-term effects. Such insights can help healthcare systems manage resources more effectively and deliver timely and appropriate care by identifying and targeting high-risk individuals. This knowledge can also help us better prepare for future pandemics. By examining these predictors, we can take steps to protect public health and mitigate the impact of future pandemics.