bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microplastic Accumulation in Lake Van Sediment
Authors: ONLU Harun , GOK Hande
Published: March 2024

The impact of microplastics on ecosystems and living organisms is an issue of increasing concern. In this study, sediment samples collected from 3 different stations in 4 settlements on the shore of Lake Van in October 2021 were analyzed for the presence of 4 different types of microplastics, namely LDPE, PP, PS, and PET. Methods such as sieve filtration, organic matter removal and density separation were used to isolate microplastics in the collected samples. After isolating microplastics from the samples, visible microplastics were detected and photographed in the relevant samples, bacterial density was measured with microbiological analysis, microplastic particles were measured with a sensitive balance, the color and shape of microplastics were examined with a stereomicroscope, and microplastic particles were identified with FTIR spectroscopy. The spectra obtained from the sediment samples were compared with reference peaks in KnowItAll and the Spectroscopy Online virtual library and PS was identified as the predominant polymer type. When microplastic was analysed, it was determined that the predominant microplastic form was white/transparent and the microplastic size was between 3 and 5 mm. As a result of microbiological analyses, the presence of Escherichia coli (6/2 100 cfu/ml) was detected in the water samples of Van1 and Erciş1 lakes, and the highest total coliform bacteria count was found in Erciş2 lake. In this study, information about the presence of microplastics in sediment, which is one of the elements of Lake Van aquatic ecosystem, was obtained.
Physical Activity and Its Relationship With Diabetes, Hypertension, and Social Demographic Factors in Rural and Urban Malawi
Authors: Mzumara Thokozani , Banda Owen
Published: March 2024

Background
Physical activity (PA) is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle and is a significant contributor to global health by lowering the risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and other Non-Communicable Diseases. Despite this, PA research has rarely been the focus of public health activities in Malawi.
Objective
The study aimed to evaluate and compare PA Patterns of urban and rural Malawians and their relationship with hypertension, diabetes, and demographic and behavioral factors.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study that utilized the secondary research approach. The review analyzed data collected from Karonga and Lilongwe using questionnaires administered from May 2013 to April 2017. The data was entered in the SPSS version 27. Next, the Chi-square test was used for univariate analysis. Furthermore, a binary logistic regression model was used to assess the risk factors. The value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
The study involved 30575 participants, with 16672 from urban areas and 13903 from rural sites, and 1168 (38.2%) males and 18907 (61.8%) females. Many study participants (97.7%) met WHO criteria for physical activity, with 13610 (97.9%) in rural areas and 16254 (97.5%) in urban areas meeting WHO recommendations. Age, gender, occupation, diabetes diagnosis, and hypertension diagnosis showed a significant association with PA in both settings. However, drinking depicted a strong positive association in urban areas and not in rural areas. Smoking showed no statistically significant associations with PA in both sites (> 0.05).
Conclusion
The study confirms previous work. PA is higher in rural areas than urban areas highlighting the role of urbanization and globalization in African cities. In general, the Malawian population follows the physical activity recommendations closely. However, efforts to improve PA should ensure equity and equal access to PA facilities focusing on men and urban residents, unemployed, hypertension and diabetes patients.
Banking tools for stimulating the investment activity of business entities
Authors: Saltykova Hanna , Kozhushko Iryna , Gurieiev Dmytro
Published: March 2024

The research is devoted to the investment activity of domestic enterprises in the conditions of a changing and difficult-to-predict economic environment, which is currently an extremely relevant issue. Intensification of investment activities is traditionally considered the main driver of economic growth and ensuring the expanded reproduction of production potential. The purpose of the article is to study the main factors affecting the investment activity of enterprises with an emphasis on the instruments of the national banking sector, to single out the most important of them, to investigate the strength of their influence and, on this basis, to forecast the volume of bank lending as a source of financing investment activity. Methodical approaches to the interpretation of the definition of "investment activity" were analyzed, the main factors affecting the analyzed aspect of entrepreneurial activity were identified as the basis for determining the capabilities of business entities to increase their investment activity. The possible impact on the investment activity of enterprises of instruments of the domestic banking sector and the monetary policy of the National Bank of Ukraine has been singled out and analyzed. The current state of the relationship and the stimulating effect of the banking sector's tools on the investment activity of enterprises has been studied. An econometric model of the influence of individual factors on the volume of bank lending to economic entities and, as a result, their investment activity, was built. A close interrelationship of the identified features was revealed and a forecast of possible ways of further development of the investigated aspect of entrepreneurial activity was made. The theoretical significance of the conducted research lies in the expansion of scientific views on the stimulating effect of the banking sector's instruments on the investment activity of enterprises. The practical value lies in the formation of recommendations for the integration of banking sector tools into the process of stimulating the investment activity of enterprises. We consider it expedient to direct further research in the context of research into opportunities for improving this area of activity of the domestic banking system.
Economic resilience: trends and key determinants
Authors: Chupandin Roman , Chupandina Tetyana
Published: March 2024

This article synthesizes arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discourse on economic resilience. The main aim of the conducted research is to systematize literary sources and approaches to addressing the issue of economic resilience, as well as identifying key factors and relationships. It is evidenced that economic resilience is a crucial component of economic development, directly impacting the social and cultural aspects of society. Methodologically, the research employs bibliometric analysis and content analysis, covering the period from 2000 to 2022. Scientific publications on economic resilience indexed in Scopus were chosen as the research object. The article presents the results of bibliometric analysis, demonstrating a deep connection between economic resilience and societal development. The empirical evidence confirms and theoretically substantiates that economic resilience fosters the development of various economic sectors, increases production, stabilizes the financial system, and enhances the quality of life. Furthermore, a resilient economy plays a pivotal role in achieving sustainable development through preserving natural resources and implementing environmentally friendly technologies. The analysis underscores the necessity of developing and implementing policies aimed at ensuring economic resilience, which should focus on stimulating innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and developing human capital. Such an approach will maximize the potential of the economy to achieve sustainable development and improve societal well-being. The findings of this research can be valuable for the scientific community, governmental institutions, and the business environment, facilitating the formulation of effective strategies for managing economic and social development.
Development and improvement of the mechanism of professional orientation activities in the conditions of modern society
Authors: Rybalchenko Svitlana , Matvieieva Yuliia , Barykin Artem , Bohdan Eduard
Published: March 2024

In modern society, career guidance activities are becoming more and more relevant, as rapid changes in the labor market require people to constantly adapt and develop professional skills. The development and improvement of the toolkit of the career guidance mechanism becomes a strategic task aimed at ensuring effective training and orientation of young people in modern conditions. The article is devoted to the analysis of modern trends in the development of vocational guidance tools and the determination of ways of its improvement. During the study of the toolkit of the career guidance mechanism, a bibliometric analysis was performed using such software tools as VOSviewer, Web of Science, Scopus Tools Analysis and Google Trends. A bibliographic analysis of the problems of development and improvement of the toolkit of the mechanism of career guidance activity, carried out with the help of the Scopus® database, made it possible to determine the high level of relevance of the selected research direction. In this study, the clustering of scientific papers on career guidance activities was carried out using the VOSviewer software. Seven research clusters have been identified that reflect modern tools in career guidance activities. Each cluster focuses on specific aspects, such as professional orientation of students, use of mentoring, consideration of the human factor, motivation of career decisions, analysis of career choices, development of modern skills, interests and psychological features. Clusters have important interrelationships and reflect a wide range of approaches to career guidance activities. The results of the study emphasize the importance of further development and improvement of tools and strategies for professional guidance of students and pupils. The article proposes the main elements of career guidance activities, which form a complex mechanism aimed at supporting students in choosing the most suitable career path. Within the framework of the mechanism, the most popular and relevant (based on the Google Trends database) career guidance tools are singled out.
Fiscal efficiency of ecological taxes administration in Ukraine
Authors: Kravchenko Olena , Dmytrenko Alla , Serhiienko Yuliia , Kravchenko Dmytro
Published: March 2024

The problem of ecological protection occupies a rather important place in the planning of budget expenditures of Ukraine. Every year, the state must allocate funds from both local and state budgets to ensure ecological protection. Solving environmental problems is possible only by consolidating the efforts of the state, local self-government bodies, business owners, and individual citizens, and they require significant funding. The form itself should play an essential role in financing ecological protection measures. Ecological taxation is one of the measures that can encourage the transition of the population to a more ecological choice and increase the number of budgetary resources to support various environmental protection projects. It performs a complex function of regulating socio-economic processes while having a significant impact on solving ecological problems. As part of the study, the share of revenues from the payment of ecological taxes in the total tax revenues of the consolidated budget in Ukraine and their dynamics during 2015-2021 was analyzed. Based on the results, it was concluded that the payments are pretty insignificant and almost do not cover all the costs allocated by the state for restoration, protection, and protection of the environment. The structure of ecological taxes paid in Ukraine is almost unchanged. To ensure the increase in the revenue part of the state and local budgets, the planned, actual, and forecast trends of receipts of ecological taxes to these budgets were studied. The obtained data indicate that over the next three years, tax revenues from the payment of ecological taxes will grow and in 2025 will reach the amount of UAH 7.28 billion, which in percentage form indicates an increase in the number of revenues by 74% compared to 2021. Also, the main areas of allocation of funds for environmental preservation and protection were determined.
Gauging student readiness for university education: a transitional journey
Authors: Mbaleki Chuma , Mbodila Munienge , Legg-Jack Dagogo William
Published: March 2024

Access to higher education in South Africa remains one of the principal components of the transformation agenda, driven by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). During apartheid, access to education was racialised. Despite the massive participation rates by previously marginalised groups in the post-apartheid dispensation, epistemological access remains worrisome. Transformation of the higher education system is a key dimension the democratic government has undertook to use to measure the progress of social transformation, as an enabler for student readiness and smooth transition to university education. In this study, we use distributive analysis in a random sample of 1,940 first time-entering students (FTENs) from diverse population groups and backgrounds to establish readiness and the existence of a coordinated transition from basic to higher education. To establish readiness the study assesses first-year students’ academic attitudes and needs, background, and motivational factors, as well as general well-being. To establish the existence of a planned and coordinated transition, a specific attention is paid to career guidance, qualification choice, as well as background and motivational factors. The findings show that despite the clear theoretical framework for a transformed higher education system, there is still no pronounced and planned coordination between basic and higher education. Secondly, the preuniversity socioeconomic conditions signal a long journey still needing to be travelled to achieve a transformed higher education. This is demonstrated by skills gap, lack of basic academic and motivational support, needed to build a global competitive and ready student.
The transnational dimension of organised crime: an investigation into the operational structure of cybercrime in Nigeria
Authors: Ojolo Tolulope Lembola , Singh Shanta Balgobind
Published: March 2024

The world of Transnational Organised Crime (TOC) is a complex and multifaceted one. At present, no part of the world is immune from the corrupting influence and destabilising effects of Transnational Organised Crime. Their influence is global, and in certain circumstances, their convergence poses the greatest risk. The purpose of this article is to examine existing literature on TOC and demonstrate that the development of Information & Communication Technology (ICT) and globalisation has led to the expansion and complexity of criminal organisations that take advantage of these changes for financial gain. The study focused on how cybercrime perpetrators in Nigeria learn in practice. Collaboration is found as a pivotal element in the learning process and is commonly characterised by both informal and contractual engagement between young people who are interested in cyber criminality and others who have substantial expertise in the illicit industry. A total of 29 cybercrime perpetrators were recruited on purpose with the semi-structured interview approach to gather qualitative data. A range of themes was identified through the use of NVivo (v.12), a qualitative software, and subsequently analysed using a content qualitative analytical tool. This study employs a qualitative methodology to explore various dimensions of the social learning process,information-sharing practises, group dynamics, and network paradigm of cybercrime perpetrators in Nigeria. Results indicate that the operational framework of cybercrime in Nigeria is complex and heavily reliant on co-offending, criminal apprenticeship, and criminal mentoring. Respondents emphasised that these elements give direct support in the context of criminal activities. The paper concludes that transnational crime cannot be effectively addressed from a national standpoint; rather, a concerted international and regional effort is required to enhance the fragile capacities of states, subregions, and regional organisations
Spindle cell carcinoma of the breast: a case study report from Mankweng hospital & literature review
Authors: Mathopa Cassius Tumelo Makgabo , Makhandule Fumani Charles , Bhuiyan Mirza M. Z. U.
Published: March 2024

Spindle cell carcinoma of the breast is a rare breast malignancy, and it accounts for <1 % of breast neoplasms. Tumours are usually large, well-circumscribed, and cystic-containing lesions in the upper outer quadrant of the breast.

The aim: The main objective of the case report is to highlight our experience with Spindle cell carcinoma of the breast.

Result: A case presentation of a 58-year-old female who was referred from the peripheral hospital to our breast oncology clinic with a left breast mass rapidly growing for the past five months. The mass measured 23cm x 20 cm, palpable in all quadrants of the breast but more in the upper outer quadrant of the breast. Mammography and ultrasound showed a massive heterogeneous left breast solid mass involving the entire breast and all quadrants, with areas of cystic components and increased flow. There were no calcifications noted. She was assessed as BI-RAD 5. A core needle biopsy showed spindle cell carcinoma of the left breast. The patient was offered a modified radical mastectomy.

Conclusion: Spindle cell carcinoma of the breast poses a diagnostic challenge due to the rarity of the disease; overlapping morphological features on histology and biomarkers specific to spindle cells have not been extensively studied
Para una historia crítica del yajé y el ayahuasca: la hipótesis de Gow a la luz del yajé
Authors: Nazar Pedro Musalem
Published: March 2024

En este artículo se comparan, desde una perspectiva histórica, dos formas de medicina tradicional amazónica: por una parte, el culto del yajé y, por otra, el uso del ayahuasca en el seno del vegetalismo, y del chamanismo indígena regional que le rodea. Se usan para ello, las ideas de Peter Gow respecto del ayahuasca, en cuanto forma histórica, social y cultural. Se adopta un enfoque comparativo para tornar comprensibles semejanzas y diferencias entre el yajé y el ayahuasca: ambos términos en este trabajo se emplean no solamente para indicar una misma sustancia, sino también ―y sobre todo― dos formas de práctica social desarrolladas en dos zonas contiguas de la Amazonía Noroccidental. De igual modo, se describen y confrontan los procesos coloniales de la misión católica y de las caucherías, en que estas tradiciones chamánicas se desarrollaron. Al final, se realiza un análisis de tipo etnográfico para complementar el contraste.
Między światami. Poszukując kształtu rzeczywistości po antropocenie
Authors: Kijko Maciej
Published: March 2024

In-Between Worlds: Searching for the Shape of Reality After the Anthropocene
The purpose of the article is to highlight the serious challenge of living in the Anthropocene era. Recognizing humans as a force of geological significance, it is also necessary to take into account our responsibility for the state of the world and the search for ways to adequately deal with the threat posed by the deepening degradation of the planet, which is ultimately likely to lead to the disappearance of the human and many other species. One way to deal with the danger is to change the way we describe the situation and find a new language for expressing our new attitude to reality. The path proposed in the text is to step out of the framework of the Western perspective and look to numerous indigenous visions of the world for ways of thinking about, describing, and existing in the world that are different from the one that led to the catastrophe.
Codzienność rozszczelniona. O "Codziennej walce" Manu Larceneta
Authors: Kaja Damian
Published: March 2024

In the proposed reading of Manu Larcenet’s Le Combat Ordinaire, everyday life appears not only as the setting of the story but also its fundamental—though by no means obvious, despite the abundance of everyday life imagery and motifs—theme. In Larcenet’s unspectacular narration, conducted in a tone oscillating between buffo and serious, human day-to-day affairs, obscured by the facade of ritual, appear as an effort, a task to complete, a risk to be taken, a problem of existence in the “cracks” of which the most important experiences occur, defined by the dialectics of life and death, health and illness, nature and culture, order and disorder.

The article presents an analysis of the key dimensions of this “everyday struggle:” from the textual game whose stake is the axiology of everyday life (the issue of intimate diary, the value of journalism as a profession), to the sense of locality and the construction of identity based on memory and postmemory, to use Marianne Hirsch’s concept (references to the war in Algeria). The interpretation of Larcenet’s graphic novel was carried out based on three premises: (1) the everyday settles into fiction thanks to mimesis; (2) contact with everyday life may lead to an epiphanic revelation of a spiritual truth (drawing on Jolanta Brach-Czaina’s concept described in her philosophical essay Szczeliny istnienia [Cracks in Existence], this phenomenon can be called the “unsealing” of everyday life); (3) literary depictions of human daily existence are where literature and sociology intersect, as a result of which literary works (or, comics in this case) help reveal the structures of everyday life.
Opowiedz mi "Miasto narysowane". O translinearnej możliwości poznawania Lublina z bliska
Authors: Jankowski Jakub
Published: March 2024

Recount The Drawn City to Me: Towards a Translinear Exploration of Lublin
The aim of the exercise proposed in this article is to closely read five comic books about Lublin, looking for translinear connections between them. Thus discovered, the links should bring about a peculiar reading experience and reveal a multifaceted perception of Lublin. This “Drawn City” is a mix of folk tales, urban legends, historical facts, and everyday human existence. The proposed translinear reading brings all of these together, offering an insight into the true nature of the city and its residents.
Director–Composer Duo: Polanski & Komeda’s Deconstruction of Film Music Conventions in Horror Cinema. "Fearless Vampire Killers" (1967) and "Rosemary’s Baby" (1968)
Authors: Pomostowski Piotr
Published: March 2024

This article looks at the relationship between music and image in the two final films that Roman Polanski made with Krzysztof Komeda. Fearless Vampire Killers and Rosemary’s Baby are cinematic examples of a very close collaboration between a director and a composer. The article deals with the function of music in relation to genre films. The most important question is the extent to which Krzysztof Komeda’s compositions adhere to or depart from the horror film music convention. A key issue in this context, and one that applies to both of the analyzed films, is the technique of leitmotifs which Polanski and Komeda developed already in their first short films. In Fearless Vampire Killers and Rosemary’s Baby, the jointly developed director-composer method evolved greatly, and Polanski’s collaboration with Komeda took on a very distinctive style, which the author of this article attempts to describe and define.
 
 
The text is a translation of an excerpt from the chapter "Nieustraszeni zabójcy wampirów i Dziecko Rosemary, czyli filmowe wyzwanie dla jazzmana, który przestaje nim być” [The Fearless Vampire Killers and Rosemary’s Baby, or a film challenge for a soon-to-be ex-jazzman] in the book Reżyser na ścieżce dźwiękowej. Funkcje muzyki w twórczości filmowej Romana Polańskiego [The director on the soundtrack: functions of music in Roman Polański’s films] published by Wydawnictwo Naukowe UAM, Poznań 2018.
Powrót do ruin. O atrakcyjności niemieckiego powojnia
Authors: Gortat Jakub
Published: March 2024

Return to the Ruins: The Appeal of Post-War Germany
One of the most important dates in Germany’s postwar history was May 6, 1955, when the Federal Republic joined the North Atlantic Alliance, an event which perfectly reflected the dynamics of geopolitical changes that had taken place in the ten years since the end of World War II. The article focuses on the depictions of the German civilian population in selected motion pictures which, at least in theory, do not hold ordinary Germans responsible for war crimes. A look at the German war-torn landscape and its functionality will play an important role in the analysis, as it is against this background that the key plot lines are developed. Emphasis is placed on the allegorical and metaphorical significance of the ruins and their hidden meanings.
The films under investigation are works created independently of German cinematography (except for two recent international co-productions). This is because the purpose of the analysis is to present the changing attitudes of filmmakers representing nations hostile to Germany until 1945 to the civilian population of ruined German cities. These attitudes, it is worth emphasizing, sometimes stand in opposition to the prescribed perception of Germany and Germans resulting from Cold War political realities and dictating that the nation be treated with sympathy, trust, friendship, and love as a new ally.
Kabalistyczna egzegeza opowiadania "Śmierć i busola" Jorge Luisa Borgesa
Authors: Moreno-Szypowska Jadwiga Clea
Published: March 2024

Kabbalistic Exegesis of Death and the Compass by Jorge Luis Borges
This article seeks to decipher Jorge Luis Borges’ short story Death and the Compass in a Kabbalistic spirit. The author shows how the Argentine writer uses various methods of Jewish hermeneutics. A detailed analysis of selected elements of the story, such as names, time, place, geographic directions, colors, geometric figures, types of plants, or words used by Borges, leads to a surprising interpretation of the story, in which what is important is not just solving the murder mystery, but showing the inverted relationship between the seeker and the sought. In Borges’ hands, Kabbalah—whose purpose is to bring one closer to God—loses its religious overtones and becomes a creative tool for writing a successful story. Thus, the most important current of Jewish mysticism leaves the realm of faith to enter the realm of the ludic, where man and the devil play cops and villains.
GESTÃO DO CONHECIMENTO NAS E PARA AS DISCIPLINAS
Authors: Domiciano Dâmaris Queila Paredes Oliveira , Satur Roberto Vilmar , Santos Ludinaura Regina Silva dos , Brito Raíssa Carneiro de , Moreira Elaine Cristina de Brito
Published: March 2024

A Gestão do Conhecimento emerge a partir da necessidade da adoção de novas condutas de gestão com o intuito de criar as condições para potencializar a criação de novos conhecimentos e seu compartilhamento e, para tanto, une-se, desde sua gênese, a diversificadas áreas que permitiram melhor compreensão, aplicação, disseminação e uso da informação para criar, de forma inovadora, novos conhecimentos e a forma como aplicá-los nos espaços organizacionais e informacionais. O objetivo deste ensaio teórico é apresentar a Gestão do Conhecimento e seus paradigmas, enquanto disciplina, nas disciplinas e para além delas, por meio de um comparativo entre a interdisciplinaridade, transdisciplinaridade e multidisciplinaridade na organização do conhecimento. Desse modo, foram utilizados os autores tradicionais e contemporâneos de diferentes áreas com o intuito de compor o estudo bibliográfico necessário para essa análise. Isto ocorreu, através de breve contexto histórico sobre a gênese da Gestão do Conhecimento e o seu relacionamento entre diversas disciplinas científicas (e para além delas) e suas implicações na produção do conhecimento científico. Os resultados obtidos permitiram traçar o perfil da Gestão do Conhecimento como uma ciência que está ligada intimamente a outras disciplinas científicas com objetos idênticos e diferentes caracterizando sua natureza interdisciplinar e multidisciplinar, além de encontrar integração entre diferentes disciplinas que transcendem as fronteiras existentes, não se limitando a um único olhar ou área do conhecimento, características fundamentais de sua natureza transdisciplinar.
APLICAÇÃO DO MODELO DE GESTÃO DO CONHECIMENTO DE NONAKA E TAKEUCHI PARA A TRANSFERÊNCIA DE KNOW-HOW EM UNIVERSIDADES FEDERAIS
Authors: Giazzon Luana , Avila Lucas Veiga , Rosa Carmen Brum
Published: March 2024

As universidades federais desempenham um papel crucial no avanço da pesquisa, desenvolvimento tecnológico e inovação no Brasil, impulsionando a produção de conhecimento e tecnologias inovadoras sob o Marco Legal da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (MLCTI). No entanto, a transferência eficaz desse conhecimento para a sociedade e o setor produtivo enfrenta desafios complexos. Nesse contexto, a transferência de know-how se destaca como um elemento-chave para ligar a pesquisa acadêmica à aplicação prática. Este artigo explora o desenvolvimento de um modelo de transferência de know-how para universidades federais, usando o Modelo de Gestão do Conhecimento de Nonaka e Takeuchi como base conceitual. Ao considerar a interação entre diferentes stakeholders, o objetivo é, por meio do modelo, facilitar o processo transferência de know-how, maximizando o impacto das universidades federais na inovação e no desenvolvimento tecnológico do país. O artigo examina o cenário das universidades federais no Brasil, considerando o MLCTI e os desafios e oportunidades na transferência de conhecimento. Destaca a importância da transferência de know-how como componente es da transferência de tecnologia. O desenvolvimento do modelo de transferência de know-how enfatiza as relações entre universidades, pesquisadores e empresas, contribuindo para uma abordagem mais eficaz na promoção da inovação e no desenvolvimento tecnológico.
Microbiome Derived Nanomaterials for Improved Pulmonary Delivery:
Recent Advancements and Future Prospects
Authors: Singh Dilpreet
Published: March 2024

The human microbiome, comprising a complex community of microorganisms, has
emerged as a crucial factor in maintaining health and influencing disease states. Recently, there has
been growing interest in harnessing the potential of microbiome-based nanomaterials for enhanced
pulmonary drug delivery. This abstract presents an overview of recent advancements and prospects
in this field. Microbiome-based nanomaterials offer a targeted and personalized approach to pulmonary delivery, leveraging an understanding of the lung microbiome. These nanomaterials can be engineered to encapsulate drugs or therapeutic agents, modulate the lung microbiome, act as diagnostic
tools, regulate immune responses, and facilitate vaccine delivery. While significant progress has been
made, challenges, such as formulation stability, safety, efficacy, and regulatory considerations, need
to be addressed for successful translation into clinical practice. With continued research and technological advancements, microbiome-based nanomaterials hold great promise in revolutionizing pulmonary healthcare, providing novel strategies for the treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases.
Exacerbation of Mirror Movement Disorder: A Complex Case of Childhood-onset Mirror Movements Aggravated by Essential Tremors, and Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Zarei Sara , Nasouri Farnoush , Kamali Setareh , Patel Shivani , Jamil Rahma , Amaar Ayymen Y , Mohamed Ahmed , Zarei Rojeen , Altamimi Sadiq
Published: March 2024

Background

Mirror movement (MM), also known as bimanual synkinesis, is characterized by simultaneous involuntary movements of homologous muscles accompanying voluntary movements of contralateral body regions. MM can be observed in various neurological conditions, including cerebral palsy, corticobasal syndrome, Parkinson's disease, certain types of symptomatic epilepsies, Creutzfeldt-Jakob's disease, Huntington's disease, and others.

Case Description

A 52-year-old female with a history of epileptic seizures, essential tremors and mild MM was presented to a neurology clinic for seizure management. She had a long-standing history of seizures since childhood. Initial neurological examination revealed mild MM disorder. During the follow up visits, patient’s mirror movements were exacerbated months before she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Multiple antiepileptic drug regiments along with Carbidopa-levodopa were used and dose adjustments were done during follow up visits to help stabilize the patient’s symptoms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this case highlights the progressive nature of mirror movement disorder (MMD) and its association with other neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, essential tremors, and Parkinson's disease. The primary aim of this study was to showcase that individuals with early childhood onset of MMD may experience a deterioration of their condition as they acquire additional neurological disorders, such as essential tremors or Parkinson's disease. Moreover, this study seeks to elucidate how the exacerbation of mirror movement symptoms in such cases can serve as an early indicator of the onset of Parkinson's disease. Medication adjustments played a crucial role in managing the patient's symptoms, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment plans and close monitoring.
A Study of how the Serum Levels of Inflammatory Markers Correlate with Hemoglobin Oxygen Saturation Percentage and the Type of Respiratory Support Received by Covid-19 Patients Hospitalized in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Moghadaci Ali , Saghari Sam , Abbasi Zahra , Zandieh Mohammad Arad , Gholami Mohammad Hossein , Hushmandi Kiavash , Rudi Abdolqayum Movahedi , Raesi Rasoul
Published: March 2024

Aim

This study aimed to shed light on how serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and C-reactive protein (CRP) correlate with hemoglobin oxygen saturation percentage (SpO2) and the type of respiratory support received among COVID-19 patients hospitalized in COVID-19 intensive care units.

Background

The clinical care of patients who suffer from COVID-19 requires knowledge of laboratory findings and the way these findings are linked with the type of respiratory support.

Methods

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted using data from the clinical records of 31 patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit at 22nd-Bahman Hospital in Khaf, Eastern Iran, during the first half of 2021. The study utilized a checklist developed by the researcher for data collection. The data were analyzed with Kolmogorov-Smirnov, independent t, one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey's post hoc statistical tests in the SPSS-22 statistical package. The significance level was established at p <0.05.

Results

The mean CRP, LDH, and serum levels of IL-6 were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients with SpO2 <93 than in patients with SpO2 ≥93 (p <0.05). Patients receiving intubation and non-invasive respiratory support exhibited significantly greater serum levels of IL-6, CRP, and LDH than patients receiving other respiratory support (p <0.05). The mean CRP, serum levels of IL-6, and LDH were significantly lower among survivors than those who died (p <0.01).

Conclusion

Understanding the relationship between the serum levels of IL-6, CRP, LDH, and SPO2 and the type of respiratory support can help predict the management of acute respiratory patients, but this decision-making method based on serum levels should be further investigated. and to be compared with the current methods of management of treatment of acute respiratory patients.
Animal de letras III: Tres relatos
Authors: Woolf Virginia
Published: March 2024

Este tercer volumen de la colección Animal de letras tiene como protagonistas a tres textos de la autora inglesa Virginia Woolf: La marca en la pared, Lunes o martes, y La señora Dalloway en la calle Bond, los cuales fueron traducidos por estudiantes del semillero Animal de letras, del programa de Estudios Literarios y Edición de la Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano.
Escaneo científico: Agroclimatología
Authors: Flórez Martínez Diego Hernando
Published: March 2024

El análisis de tópicos tendenciales permite identificar temas persistentes en la ventana de observación relacionada con la investigación en Agroclimatología especialmente en factores abióticos cómo temperatura, precipitaciones y disponibilidad del recurso hídrico. En la Figura 1 se presentan los tópicos tendenciales entre 2017 y 2021. Se destaca la investigación en temas como cambio climático, sequía, adaptación, mitigación y gestión del recurso hídrico.
Escaneo científico: actualización información mercado frutales actuales y potenciales y limites máximos de residuos (LMR) de pesticidas
Authors: Contreras Pedraza Carlos Alberto , Cardenas Solano Leidy Johanna , Morales Castañeda Alexis
Published: March 2024

El presente informe realiza un análisis actualizado de datos de exportaciones e importaciones de frutales tanto a nivel mundial y en Colombia en el periodo comprendido entre 2016 y 2021, identificando su dinámica en cantidad y valor, crecimiento, mercados actuales y potenciales de mango, limón, arándano, piña, naranja, toronja, mandarina, gulupa, uchuva y pitahaya. Se realizó una actualización con novedades en las restricciones internacionales con referencia a moléculas de origen químico para el control de plagas, enfermedades y arvenses en dichas frutas teniendo en cuenta el Límite Máximo de Residuos de pesticidas. Los datos analizados de exportaciones e importaciones fueron recuperados de la base de datos de Trademap®, la cual consolida estadísticas e indicadores de comercio exterior y es administrada por el Centro de Comercio Internacional (ITC por sus siglas en inglés), a su vez, agencia conjunta de la Organización Mundial del Comercio y las Naciones Unidas. Para esta actualización se evidenciaron cambios respecto a países con mercados potenciales, entre los cuales figuran como novedad diez países: Francia, Estados Unidos, Países Bajos, Polonia, Eslovenia, Francia, Canadá, Reino Unido, Bélgica, Italia y Emiratos Árabes Unidos. Entre los mercados actuales que dejaron de figurar se encuentran los países: Republica Dominicana, Brasil, Guatemala, Tailandia y por la situación actual de guerra, Rusia y Ucrania. Respecto a los Límites Máximos de Residuos (LMR) de pesticidas para cada frutal analizado se presentaron modificaciones de valores o inclusiones de nuevas moléculas para naranjas en Estados Unidos, para berries en la Comunidad Europea y arándanos y cítricos en Japón, mientras que, para Canadá, Rusia y en la base del codex alimentarius de la FAO no se presentaron novedades.
Digital Assets in International Investment Arbitration: Potential Barriers to Qualifying Investments?
Authors: Mengying Wang
Published: March 2024

In the context of advancing technology and economic progress, data has emerged as a critical factor of production, characterized by its proprietary attributes and inherent investment value. Within the domain of international investment arbitration, the concept of qualifying investment assumes paramount importance, serving as a linchpin for delineating the scope of applicability of international investment agreements and establishing the jurisdiction of arbitral tribunals. Consequently, the question of whether data, in conjunction with other associated assets involved in data processing activities, can qualify as a qualifying investment and thereby warrant protection under international investment agreements, stands as a primary concern demanding precise explication within the purview of international investment law. Currently, the determination of the qualifying of digital investments predominantly follows two distinct paths: firstly, by interpreting the broad definition of investment and the non-exclusive enumerations contained in international investment agreements, thereby aligning digital assets with the applicable scope of such agreements; secondly, by adopting objective methodologies developed through arbitral practice, wherein digital assets, under specific circumstances, fulfill the criteria elucidated in the “Salini text”. Nevertheless, the significant disparities between digital assets and traditional forms of investment pose certain challenges for arbitral tribunals in determining the qualifying digital investments, which may result in uncertain arbitral awards in this area. Such uncertainty could hinder the process of digital transformation of economic and social life. To respond to this challenge, a potential solution is to stipulate in concluded and revised international investment agreements that digital assets can qualify as qualifying investments.
A Translation Study of Cultural Vacancy in the book To Live under the Guidance of Relevance Translation Theory
Authors: Zhang Huihui , Sun Bingwen
Published: March 2024

The cultural vacancy refers to the cultural information carried in one language that has no counterpart in another language. Cultural vacancies are common in the book To Live, and the quality of its translation affects foreign readers’ understanding and acceptance of the distinctive Chinese culture. In this paper, the author sorts out the version of To Live translated by Michael Berry on the Internet, and studies the English translation methods of its cultural vacancies guided by Relevance Translation Theory, including literal translation, free translation, and transliteration with annotations, in order to improve the translation quality of To Live, to accurately convey the meaning of the original text of To Live to foreign readers, to promote the exchange and dissemination of To Live written by Yu Hua and other excellent Chinese novels in the world, and improve China’s cultural soft power.
SYNERGISTIC DRUG COMPATIBILITY OF SUMATRIPTAN SUCCINATE AND METOCLOPRAMIDE HYDROCHLORIDE (IN SITU GEL FORMULATIONS) FOR NASAL DRUG RELEASE OPTIMIZATION
Authors: RIYA V KALEBAR  , PANKAJ GAJARE  , MAMLE DESAI SN  , VISHAL U KALEBAR  , RAVINDRANATH H ALADAKATTI
Published: March 2024

Objective: Migraine is a prevalent neurological condition that causes lifelong tenacious headaches and significantly impacts the daily lives of individuals. Despite being frequently underestimated or neglected, it affects the individual’s routine activities, performance, self-confidence, and identity. Treatment often involves the administration of painkillers, which can lead to various complications. This study aimed to develop and characterize an in situ nasal formulation of sumatriptan succinate and metoclopramide hydrochloride to enhance drug residence time in the nasal cavity and improve drug bioavailability.
 Methods: Eight formulations of intranasal in situ gels were prepared using the “Cold Method” and evaluated for various parameters, including appearance, texture, viscosity, pH, gel strength, gelation temperature, drug content, and in vitro/ex vivo drug diffusion. FT-IR studies confirmed no interactions between sumatriptan succinate, metoclopramide hydrochloride, and the excipients. Simultaneous estimation method was used to evaluate drug content, in vitro and ex vivo drug diffusion.
Results: Among the formulations, “Sumatriptan Succinate Metoclopramide Hydrochloride Polymer (SMP8)” exhibited the most favorable characteristics. The percent cumulative drug release was determined to be 96.803±0.0015 for sumatriptan succinate and 92.569±0.0028 for metoclopramide hydrochloride, aligning with the Higuchi model kinetics. In vitro and ex vivo diffusion studies demonstrated that SMP8 provided sustained drug release for up to 9 h, making it the optimal dosage formulation for nasal drug delivery in the treatment of migraine.
Conclusion: This study’s findings suggest that the developed intranasal in situ gel formulation, SMP8, effectively releases sumatriptan succinate and metoclopramide hydrochloride over an extended period. By improving drug residence time and bioavailability, this formulation has the potential to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance in the management of migraine.
EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY OF AMNIOTIC MEMBRANE GRAFTING FOR CORNEAL SURFACE DISORDER: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL STUDY
Authors: Yadav Pawan Kumar , Arya Ajay Kumar , Shukla Aparna
Published: March 2024

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of freeze-dried amniotic membrane grafting (AMG) and compare it against traditional medical therapy for the management of corneal surface disorders.
Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients with corneal surface disorders who were randomized equally either into the AMG group (n=30) or medical management group (n=30). Patients in both groups were followed up for 8 weeks after receiving group-specified intervention or till complete resolution (whichever was earlier). Treatment outcome, healing time, improved vision, decreased pain, recurrence rate, and corneal clarity were the main outcome metrics.
Results: The most common corneal disorder was persistent epithelial defect (38.33%), closely followed by impending perforated corneal ulcer (31.66%). Majority of the patients (36.66%) had corneal involvement of >75%, while 31.66% had involvement ranging from 50 to 75%. The success rate of AMG (96.7%) was significantly higher than that of medical management (76.7%) in the treatment of corneal surface disorders (p=0.022). During the follow-up period, the incidence of allergic reactions was slightly lower in the AMG group (6.7%) compared to the medical management group (10.0%). Overall, the incidence of side effects and other complications was low in both the AMG group and the medical management group. The severity of side effects was comparable in both the study groups (p=0.886). The recurrence rate of corneal surface disorders in the in the AMG group (6.7%) was statistically lower than that in the medical management group (26.7%) (p=0.037).
Conclusion: The findings of the present study supported the use of AMG as an effective and safe alternative to medical management for the treatment of conditions affecting the corneal surface.
ASSOCIATION OF RISK FACTORS WITH PREVALENCE OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: SHAIKH MOHAMMED NADEEM , STANLEY HELOISE , SINGLA DISHA , ARORA SMRITI
Published: March 2024

Objective: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is among the most common complications of pregnancy associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. There is an increased risk of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and operative delivery and their associated potential morbidities in women with GDM, especially in India, with increasing obesity, lifestyle, and dietary changes. Hence, this study was undertaken to study the prevalence of GDM and evaluate its maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Methods: This study was conducted on 200 pregnant women between 26 and 28 weeks of gestation who were screened for GDM and diagnosed to have GDM based on WHO criteria. Risk factors associated with GDM and neonatal complications were studied.
Results: Most of the GDM cases were significantly associated with body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2, family history of diabetes, previous macrosomia/ large for gestational age (LGA) babies, and history of GDM with p<0.001. The incidence of preeclampsia and polyhydramnios was significantly higher among GDM cases. Operative delivery and assisted (forceps) delivery had a strongly significant association with GDM (p<0.001). Hypoglycemia was the most common complication noted in neonates of GDM women. The incidence of complications was also significantly higher among neonates born with GDM.
Conclusion: Our study concluded that BMI, family history of diabetes, past GDM, and previous LGA babies were important risk factors for GDM. The study emphasizes the need to screen all pregnant women for GDM so that timely diagnosis and intervention will reduce both maternal and perinatal complications.