bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STANDARDE UE ȘI JURISPRUDENȚĂ ÎN STUDIUL STATULUI DE DREPT ȘI AL DREPTURILOR OMULUI
Authors: Bzova Laura
Published: February 2024

Drepturile omului sunt drepturi fundamentale și, prin urmare, inalienabile, adică acele drepturi a căror încălcare ar duce la un atac la esența însăși a umanității. Din acest motiv, este important ca toată lumea să fie conștientă și să cunoască drepturile omului, conținutul lor și formele de protecție prevăzute pentru acestea, deoarece fiecare ar trebui să se poată bucura de drepturile sale fundamentale cu unicul scop de a trăi în pace, fără deosebire. Drepturile omului, democrația și statul de drept creează un mediu în care țările pot promova dezvoltarea, pot proteja oamenii împotriva discriminării și pot asigura accesul egal la justiție pentru toți. Nenumărate exemple de decizii judecătorești cu privire la chestiuni legate de drepturile omului, a căror natură însăși necesită percepția unei mai mari precauții și reflecție asupra vieților în joc, le avem pe agenda zilnică a curților supreme din întreaga lume. Subiectele abordate sunt de natură diversă, iar expertiza juridică ar trebui să se concentreze întotdeauna pe promovarea celor mai înalte principii ale valorii umane, nu numai în ceea ce privește protejarea drepturilor fundamentale ale acestora de a supraviețui cu demnitate, ci și în favoarea coexistenței lor pașnice. Domeniul divers, înfloritor și în prezent universal recunoscut al drepturilor omului oferă numeroase puncte de reflecție și necesită eforturi constante din partea avocaților, a cercetătorilor și a activiștilor, având în vedere provocările încă deschise care privesc statele ca principalii actori în protejarea și, în același timp, încălcarea drepturilor omului. De fapt, există numeroase instituții internaționale care promovează și protejează drepturile fundamentale. Cu toate acestea, până în prezent, documentele obligatorii din punct de vedere juridic pentru state există doar la nivel regional, care sunt apoi revizuite și/sau sancționate de către instanțe în caz de încălcare. În domeniul drepturilor omului, o astfel de complementaritate este deosebit de eficientă în promovarea justiției internaționale și a cooperării pe mai multe niveluri, reflectând natura universală a drepturilor omului. Organisme internaționale cvasi-judiciare care completează curțile și tribunalele, deși nu produc decizii obligatorii din punct de vedere juridic.
Empresas agrícolas en el sur de Jalisco: tendencias y perspectivas
Authors:   Universidad de Colima, Amezcua Luján Martha Karina , Barajas Pérez Juan Saúl ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Flores Michel Osvaldo
Published: February 2024

Se expone el contexto de las empresas agrícolas en el Sur de Jalisco a partir de las tendencias de cultivos e implicaciones fiscales para dichas entidades, asimismo, se exploran diversos aspectos técnicos en la producción del aguacate a fin de reflejar el dinamismo propiciado en la región por la adopción de cultivos innovadores que proliferaron en la década de los años 2000. Finalmente, se contrastan tales tendencias con las perspectivas agrícolas de organismos como la ocde1 y la fao2 para identificar diferencias o convergencias entre las acciones emprendidas por las empresas de esta zona, y la visión o panorama agrícola de tales organismos internacionales en relación a la diversificación, adopción, rendimiento y superficie de cultivos, incursión en nuevos mercados con alto potencial para consumirlos, los acuerdos establecidos en el ámbito fiscal para incentivar el sector agrícola y la exportación.
La asociación en participación
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Salcedo González Alejandro , Aviña Vázquez Carlos Rafael ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Cantero Villalvazo Roberto ,   Universidad de Guadalajara
Published: February 2024

La asociación en participación data desde la antigüedad en donde figuras jurídicas como la commenda de los romanos se constituía para que una de las partes participara aportando capital y la otra participara con el trabajo de la travesía en el viaje, y ambas partes compartían las utilidades del negocio. En México, la asociación en participación se regula en 1934 en la Ley de Sociedades Mercantiles como un contrato y no como sociedad. Las características de la asociación en participación comparten las de un contrato bilateral y oneroso. Los efectos fiscales y laborales también se analizan en el presente ensayo.
Los derechos humanos como fuentes rectoras de las mutaciones constitucionales de los Estados democráticos en Latinoamérica
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Orozco González Ivonne Alejandra
Published: February 2024

El presente documento es un trabajo empirico y comparativo que parte del análisis de los ordenamientos costitucionales y protectores de los derechos humanos en Latinoamerica a través de un estudio comparativo. El origen de los Estados latinoamericanos es muy diverso y los fenomenos institucionales garantistas han sido sumamente distintos, pero existe una gran heterogeneidad en las caracteristicas de los Estados democraticos en América Latina, donde el papel del Estado es esencial para la resolucion de las necesidades sociales; es innegable que el constitucionalismo latinoamericano como vehiculo para la protección de derechos humanos tiene distintas etapas pero para un autor en particular poseen tres caracteristicas inamovibles que describen este proceso: “la heterogeneidad, la no originalidad y la peculiaridad” (Belaunde, 2003).
Rendimiento del capital y su impacto sobre la distribución funcional de los ingresos en México (2003-2013)
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Vaca Medina Jesús , Vaca Medina Gustavo ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Saldivar Legazpi Gistavo ,   Universidad de Guadalajara
Published: February 2024

Desde la década de 1980, varios países alrededor del mundo, incluido México, han mostrado tasas de crecimiento económico sostenido, pero con desigualdad creciente. La razón está en que el crecimiento es absorbido por una minoría. Utilizando la metodología propuesta por Piketty (2014), y con datos obtenidos principalmente del Sistema de Cuentas Nacionales, se calculó que la riqueza nacional se encuentra concentrada aproximadamente en el 1% de la población, mientras cerca del 60% del ingreso nacional se obtiene a través del rendimiento de la riqueza. Estas cifras, aunadas a la fuerza de divergencia r > g, detallan el objetivo de la investigación, el cual busca poner en relieve la crítica situación de nuestro país en materia de desigualdad, así como explicar la constante evolución de la misma en un periodo comprendido del 2003 al 2013. Se concluye haciendo énfasis en la necesidad de reinsertar al Estado como regulador de los mercados para el combate eficiente de la desigualdad.
La reforma energética en México y la NIIF-6 para la industria petrolera y del gas
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Aementa Catalán Alfredo , Aviña Vázquez Carlos Rafael ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Salcedo González Alejandro ,   Universidad de Guadalajara
Published: February 2024

La reforma energética se inició en el 2013 y se concreta en el 2014, terminando con el monopolio de la paraestatal Pemex en el uso exclusivo de los derechos de explotación de los hidrocarburos. La reforma energética se espera atraerá inversionistas nacionales y extranjeros. Existe la necesidad de que en nuestro país se fortalezcan la reglamentación y aplicación de las normas de información financiera, así como del impacto ambiental de las empresas de tal sector. El propósito de este artículo es analizar las principales características de la NIIF-6 para la etapa de extracción y evaluación de las industrias del petróleo y del gas.
Las sociedades cooperativas, modelo de desarrollo en la economía social solidaria
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Torres Arévalo Luz Elena , López Amezcua José Enrique ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Porras Zarate Sergio ,   Universidad de Guadalajara
Published: February 2024

Las sociedades cooperativas, las cajas populares y las cajas de ahorro y préstamo han sido una oportunidad de desarrollo económico para nuestro país y para los demás países del mundo, otorgando progreso integral del individuo, su familia y su comunidad siendo la prioridad de la cooperativa; generando un país donde el progreso se mida por el grado en que cada mexicano logre desarrollar sus habilidades y vocaciones en el trabajo, en la vida familiar y en la vida comunitaria. Ello empieza porque cada uno de nosotros pueda trabajar en lo que más le gusta y lo que mejor puede hacer.
Responsabilidad social corporativa: un análisis en las instituciones financieras en Brasil
Authors:   Universidad de Pernambuco, Gentil de Souza Fernando , Marques de Motta Juliana Araújo ,   Universidad de Pernambuco, Almeida de Faria Juliano ,   Universidad de Pernambuco
Published: February 2024

La responsabilidad social de las empresas es hoy en día un tema destacado en todo lugar. Actualmente, el papel de la empresa va más allá de la creación de lucro, siendo preciso también vislumbrar medios de promover el bienestar social como un todo. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo investigar el nivel de responsabilidad socio ambiental de las empresas a través de un estudio de caso concerniendo a las cuatro mayores empresas nacionales del sector. Para ello, fue realizada una investigación descriptiva con análisis de contenido de informes de sustentabilidad anuales publicados por las empresas investigadas, así como un análisis del crecimiento del sector en los últimos años, además de las investigaciones efectuadas en diversos sitios web, acerca del sector financiero nacional y de las empresas estudiadas. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que las empresas a lo largo de los años vienen invirtiendo cada vez más, en cuestiones relacionadas a la responsabilidad socio ambiental, sin embargo, aún presentan resultados contradictorios en algunos aspectos.
La carga tributaria y su incidencia en la disminuci6n del déficit fiscal
Authors:   Universidad de Camagüey, Torres Mora Ines Josefina , Agramontés García Elizabeth del Carmen ,   Univercidad de Camagüey, Gil Basulto María Saturnina ,   Universidad de Camagüey
Published: February 2024

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar la carga tributa- ria como herramienta de estudio y control para el gobierno local, en función de las decisiones para la disminución del deficit fiscal. Trata los aspectos que relacionan, fundamen- talmente, el análisis de la carga tributaria del municipio como elemento clave que vincula esta actividad con el po- tencial emanado del territorio para la captación de ingresos por concepto de tributos y a su vez su relación con el valor agregado bruto producto de la producción y la circulación mercantil, contribuyendo, desde la gesti6n financiera de go- bierno, a la satisfacción de las necesidades reales de desa- rrollo de la localidad, partiendo de un enfoque totalmente analftico de las principales dificultades tanto de la gesti6n tributaria en su conjunto como de su vinculación con la ges- tión estratégica del territorio. Se propone un esquema lógico cuyo objetivo es des- cribir los principales pasos a seguir para la determinación de la carga tributaria y su análisis, considerando que este proceso no se debe ver desde la oficina tributaria, sino desde el gobierno local.
Prolegómenos para la construcción de una disciplina de los estudios fiscales
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Zambrano Brambila Hiram , De Obeso Orendain Juan Carlos ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Hernández Monrreal Efrén ,   Universidad de Guadalajara
Published: February 2024

En el presente artículo los autores analizan el concepto de paradigma construido por Thomas S. Kuhn en "La Estruc- tura de las Revoluciones Cientfficas", y diversos conceptos correlativos que lmre Lakatos expone en "La Metodologfa de los Programas de lnvestigaci6n Cientffica" (Vargas-Men- doza, 2014). A partir de ese análisis, los autores presentan su opinión sobre los paradigmas dominantes en los estudios fiscales y se cuestionan el estado actual de una eventual dis- ciplina que los aborde. Se concluye que no existe un paradigma unificado en los estudios fiscales, debido a la multidisciplinariedad de estos estudios y a la ausencia de una teorfa que unifique las vertientes de tipo jurfdico, econ6mico, contable, financiero público, político e incluso sociológico que los conforman. Se identifica como un reto para los programas de inves- tigaci6n relativos a los estudios fiscales la eventual cons- trucción de vínculos entre las vertientes mencionadas, y en la conformación de esos programas se reconoce la impor- tancia de la nueva antropología constitucional formada a partir de la reforma constitucional en materia de DDHH en la CPEUM ocurrida en 2011.
Algunas reflexiones en torno a la metodología básica para la interpretación de normas fiscales (Primera parte)
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Sánchez Sierra Antonio , Lemus Arellano Maricela ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Daza Mercado Marco Antonio
Published: February 2024

Los métodos de interpretación jurídica en el derecho mexicano son, a decir de los especialistas múltiples y muy variados. Estudiar todos y cada uno de ellos nos llevaría a escribir auténticos y complejos tratados sobre esta disciplina del derecho. Aunado a lo anterior, la especialidad del derecho fiscal eleva más aun el nivel de complejidad y de cómo llevar a cabo la argumentación y la interpretación de las ya de por sí difíciles normas fiscales mexicanas. En primer lugar encontramos a quienes se encargan directamente de la impartición de justicia, es decir, los tribunales colegiados, el Tribunal Federal de Justicia Fiscal y Administrativa (TFJFA), la Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación (SCJN) y los tribunales de tipo administrativo en el país. En segundo lugar se encuentra el Estado como actor, quien en sus funciones de derecho público aplica las normas fiscales en su carácter de organismos fiscales, como son el Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT), el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) y el Instituto para el Fomento Nacional para la Vivienda de los Trabajadores (Infonavit), principalmente; y en tercer lugar están los profesionales de la contaduría pública
Deuda pública y estructura financiera en la alternancia política del municipio de Tampico Tamaulipas, México (1993-2011)
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Fernández Morales Héctor Alberto , Noda Ramírez Eder ,   Universidad Veracruzana
Published: February 2024

En la última década la alternancia política en México ha ido involucrando un nuevo escenario en la competencia de partidos y el manejo de las políticas públicas. El endeudamiento en los estados y municipios es un tema central en la agenda pública, el cual juega un papel fundamental para el desarrollo de las finanzas públicas locales como parte de los procesos de descentralización y coordinación fiscal entre los diferentes niveles de gobierno. El objetivo de este documento es analizar la deuda del Ayuntamiento de Tampico, localizado al sur del estado de Tamaulipas desde la cuenta pública, en un contexto de alternancia política; de esta manera, reflexionar sobre la problemática del endeudamiento desde lo local y la propia política de deuda que está relacionada con el manejo general de la estructura financiera del municipio.
Contribuciones de técnica legislativa en el diseño jurídico de legislaciones fiscales
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Álvarez Ascencio Esmeralda , Plascencia de la Torre Gloria María ,   Universidad de Guadalajara
Published: February 2024

El presente análisis aporta los elementos de una técnica legislativa en materia fiscal, para ello, se considera, convergen tres aspectos: el legislativo, el jurídico y el fiscal. Así mismo, se busca suministrar elementos útiles a los legisladores y a los demás sujetos encargados de crear normas jurídicas para el mejoramiento técnico de las leyes en la materia. Este documento también nos permite analizar desde una perspectiva amplia lo que las entidades federativas deben ajustar en el área de ingresos en relación al aspecto jurídico.
La descentralización del municipio en México. Un estudio de la perspectiva territorial y las competencias en materia recaudatoria
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Alcantar López Cristian Omar , Flores Ortega Gerardo ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Padilla Barbosa Livier ,   Universidad de Guadalajara
Published: February 2024

Este artículo analiza la situación del municipio en México, como primer orden de gobierno y receptor de las necesidades de los habitantes dentro de su jurisdicción, además de las atribuciones en materia recaudatoria que dispone como herramienta principal para poder generar recursos y ofrecer los bienes y servicios que la población demanda. La Constitución Política de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos (cpeum) establece al país como un Estado federado, con tres entes de gobierno: federal, estatal y municipal, con una organización como sistema federado, con fundamento en la descentralización territorial y de funciones según el orden de gobierno que corresponda. Lamentablemente las competencias en materia de recaudación de los municipios mexicanos son limitadas en comparación con otros países de la Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económicos (ocde). Por lo que es necesario explicar y analizar la necesidad de un mayor compromiso y participación de los municipios en la obtención de recursos económicos.
El velo corporativo dentro del sistema fiscal mexicano: caso de estudio empírico comparado
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Ivonne Alejandra Ivonne Alejandra , Naranjo Martínez Zayda Anahí ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Huerta Villalobos María Magdalena ,   Universidad de Guadalajara
Published: February 2024

Este trabajo es un estudio empírico y comparativo de la doctrina del levantamiento del velo corporativo partiendo del análisis de un caso en particular en México. El objetivo principal de este trabajo es estudiar si el procedimiento previsto para el levantamiento del velo corporativo con fundamento en el artículo 26, fracción X, del Código Fiscal de la Federación (cff), posee los criterios establecidos por la jurisprudencia y el derecho comparado o si se transgreden los criterios jurídicos previstos para el levantamiento del velo corporativo. El levantamiento del velo corporativo se entenderá como la penetración en la personalidad jurídica de una sociedad, es decir, levantar el manto que protege a esta; por la que los socios o accionistas quedan susceptibles a ser obligados al pago de las responsabilidades y obligaciones adquiridas por la sociedad. Este fenómeno bajo las leyes fiscales mexicanas debe ser estudiado desde un punto de vista crítico, esto se ha hecho necesario en un esfuerzo por perseguir aquellas compañías creadas para evadir el pago de impuestos, y en consecuencia defraudando el sistema fiscal.
La optimización de los excedentes de los flujos de efectivo del estado de
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Velázquez Hurtado Enrique , Plascencia de la Torre Gloria María ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Mora Pérez Cesar Omar
Published: February 2024

La administración de los recursos públicos es una tarea complicada, sobre todo para gobernantes que no necesariamente cuentan con un perfil profesional financiero o administrativo, ya que deben atender a una seria de normas y leyes de diferentes ámbitos de los tres niveles de gobierno, los tesoreros de los municipios y del propio estado de Jalisco obedecen a todo un marco legal que los rige y que deben cumplir a cabalidad, sin embargo, existen premisas financieras que no solo aplican a las empresas privadas, sino aplica a toda entidad que maneja recursos económicos. La Ley de ingresos de los municipios y el Estado emanada de la ley de Hacienda Municipal del estado de Jalisco y sus municipios, establece todos los conceptos de ingresos que pueden recibir estas entidades, asimismo enumera conceptualmente cada uno de los ingresos, lo que no se incluye en dicho ordenamiento jurídico, es la forma en que deberán invertirse los excedentes de efectivo que por logística cronológica reciben los municipios
Impuestos al agua y derechos humanos en México
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Sánchez Sierra Antonio , Daza Mercado Marco Antonio ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Lemus Arellano Maricela ,   Universidad de Guadalajara
Published: February 2024

En México la constitución política garantiza y obliga al Estado a dotar a sus ciudadanos del derecho humano de acceso al agua potable para su consumo personal y doméstico.1 Por consiguiente, el Estado mexicano debe de abastecer de agua potable a más de 132´268,152 (Ciento treinta y dos millones, doscientos sesenta y ocho mil, ciento cincuenta y dos habitantes,2 tarea nada sencilla y costosa. El suministro de agua potable conlleva un proceso de captación, embalse, conducción por tuberías primarias, tratamiento y potabilización, depósito, bombeo a tuberías secundarias y finalmente el abastecimiento directo a la población. En el contexto anterior, el Estado mexicano, requerirá de una considerable inversión económica para que las actuales y futuras generaciones de mexicanos no carezcan de este vital líquido. Los impuestos pueden solucionar el financiamiento del abastecimiento de agua potable para los siguientes años. Este trabajo presenta una propuesta de financiamiento a través de los impuestos, para generar los recursos económicos indispensables.
Quantitative vaginal fluid creatinine in prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM): factors associated with diagnostic power
Authors: Ho Thang Viet , Vo Tuan Minh , Do My Thi Ngoc , Dang Dung Ngoc Yen , Le Yen Ngoc Hai
Published: February 2024

Prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) remains a challenge in obstetrics with serious complications. Quantitative vaginal fluid creatinine concentration is a promising test for diagnosing PROM in resource-limiting settings. However, uncovered factors may affect the diagnostic power of this potential test. We aimed to investigate how clinical factors may affect this diagnostic power.

We conducted a case-control diagnostic test study at Hung Vuong Maternity Hospital, Vietnam. Pregnant women between 24–42 weeks were enrolled into case and control groups, with a ratio of 1:2. Sterile speculum examination for fluid leak from cervix, nitrazine test and ferning test were used to determine membranes’ status. Quantitative creatinine from vaginal fluid was measured using the Jaffe method. We calculated sensitivity and specificity to describe the test’s diagnostic power. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Youden’s J statistic were used to identify the optimal cut-off value of the test. Logistics regression models were used to detect factors that may affect the diagnostic power of the test. Ethics approval was obtained from the local ethics committee and all participants gave written informed consent.

We recruited a total of 693 pregnant women into the study – 231 participants in the study group and 462 participnts in the control group. There were two clinical factors affecting diagnostic power of quantitative vaginal fluid creatinine concentration: dilated cervix [OR=6.08(4.26–8.68); p<0.001) and urinary incontinence [OR=0.52(0.29–0.92); p=0.03). The optimal cut-off value for creatinine concentration is 0.29 mg/dL in the general group, in the closed cervix group and in the group with no urinary incontinence during pregnancy. The dilated cervix group provided a lower cut-off value (0.26 mg/dL) while the urinary incontinence group had a higher cut-off value (0.31 mg/dL). They both had lower diagnostic powers compared to the general group. However, the test accuracy, sensitivity and specificity remain above 90% in all subgroups.

Quantitative creatinine in vaginal fluid is a potential diagnostic test for PROM in resource-limiting settings. Doctors should remain vigilant about its limitation in clinical applications.
Outcomes of complex mitral valve repair through right mini-thoracotomy using artificial chordae
Authors: Bui Vinh Duc An , Nguyen Dinh Hoang , Pham Chuong Tran Viet , Phan Thuan Quang , Nguyen Thanh Van Thai , Vuong Ngoc-Minh , Le Thao Nhat , Ho Thang Duc , Ung Tam Nhat Minh , Van Dung Hung , Nguyen Nam Hoai
Published: February 2024

Mitral regurgitation (MR) affects 2%–3% of the global population. The rising incidence of degenerative causes in developing countries leads to an increase in the number of surgeries for degenerative MR. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of minimally invasive mitral repair (MIMR) using artificial chordae in complex cases of mitral valve regurgitation.

This is a retrospective analysis of MIMR through right mini-thoracotomy approach with intermediate-to-complex level of repair difficulty. We analyzed the demographic information, echocardiography results, surgical details, and mid-term survival outcomes.

49 patients underwent surgery with a mean age of 49.1±13.3 years. 34 patients (69.39%) were classified as having intermediate level of MR complexity, four patients (8.2%) had a complex mitral valve score, and 11 patients (22.4%) were diagnosed with Barlow’s disease. We performed a ring annuloplasty in all patients, with additional repair techniques including edge-to-edge (10.2%), commisuroplasty (26.5%), and interscallop indentation closure (22.5%). There were no in-hospital deaths. We recorded three cases with minor complications: one case of pleural effusion, one case of low cardiac output syndrome, and one case of acute lower limb compartment syndrome. Cumulative recurrent MR rates measured at 12-mon, 24-mon and 36-mon are 92%, 88%, and 84%, respectively.

MIMR of complex mitral valves using artificial chordae was effective, with low complication and recurrent rates. Optimal results can be achieved through proper lesion evaluation and choosing the appropriate repair strategies using artificial chordae combining with edge-to-edge, commisuroplasty or indentation closure techniques.
A retrospective study of hematological and biochemical parameters in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in Vietnam
Authors: Le Kim My , Dang Phuoc Ha Huu , Nguyen Thuan Thi Minh
Published: February 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has had a serious impact on global public health. Currently, there are not many studies evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on changes in biochemical and hematological parameters of COVID-19 patients in Vietnam. This study aimed to investigate clinical characteris tics and changes in hematological and biochemical parameters in COVID-19 patients.

This retrospective and cross-sectional study collected the medical records of 654 COVID-19 patients treated at Dong Nai General Hospital from August to December 2021. Medical information from COVID-19 patients was collected through handwritten medical records and HIS-FP software.

The age of the study population was 56.69±15.97. Diabetes was the most common comorbidity and had a significant relationship with COVID-19 severity and mortality. For hematological tests, total white blood cell (WBC) and Percentage of neutrophils (%NEU) in non-survivors (12.87±6.45) signifi- cantly increased compared with survivors (9.08±4.48) (p<0.001). Neutrophils (NEU), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) increased in both non-survivors and survivors; lymphocytes (LYM) and percentage of lymphocyte (%LYM) decreased in both groups. For biological parameters, aspartate transaminase (AST) in non-survivors [55.9 (38.5–89.1)] significantly increased compared with survivors [36.55 (23.02–67.12)] (p<0.001). Lactate dehy drogenase (LDH) activity, C-reactive protein (CRP), and D-dimer levels increased in both non-survivors and survivors.

NEU, LYM, NLR, PLR, LDH, CRP, and D-dimer were related to the severity of COVID-19 disease.
The Relation of Possible Selves and Self-Concept Clarity to Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Zheng Sally
Published: February 2024

The present study investigated the role of perceived discrepancies from the ideal, ought, and feared selves, and self-concept clarity in the context of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The primary aim of the study was to examine whether these self-schematic constructs could predict the severity of worry over and above other worry-related schemas such as intolerance of uncertainty (IU), negative problem orientation (NPO), positive and negative metacognitive beliefs, and negative beliefs about emotions. Individuals with probable GAD (N = 144) were recruited from Prolific and administered self-report measures of the aforementioned constructs. All self-discrepancies and self-concept clarity were associated with worry as well as worry-related schemas; self-schematic constructs were also significantly inter-related. Only positive and negative metacognitive beliefs and self-concept clarity emerged as unique correlates of worry. These findings contribute to theoretical understandings of GAD by suggesting that self-schematic constructs, particularly self-concept clarity, may play an important role in maintaining worry.
The Role of Schematic Support and Emotional Valence in Associative Memory in Young and Older Adults
Authors: Lecompte Mariah
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the combined effect of positive facial expressions and prior knowledge on the associative memory of young and older adults. When asked to remember the association between paired items (i.e., associative memory), older adults tend to perform significantly worse than young adults. However, older adults’ associative memory performance can be ameliorated by high levels of schematic support from previous knowledge. Additionally, older adults tend to show a bias in attention and memory towards positive information, a phenomenon named the positivity effect. However, there is a gap in the literature about whether valence, such as the emotional expression of facial stimuli, will interact with or moderate the beneficial effect of schematic support on older adults’ associative memory. The current study aimed to examine this question by testing young and older adults on their memory for low schematic name-face and high schematic occupation-face associations of difference valences (happy vs. angry emotional facial expression). Associative memory performance was indexed by recognition discrimination (i.e., Hit rate-False alarm rate). This study found that occupations were significantly better recognized than names, for both happy and angry pairs. However, the valence effect was present only for occupation-face pairs, with a better recognition for positive pairs, in both age groups. The findings suggest that schematic support is an effective associative memory booster strategy that facilitates the valence memory advantage for positive over negative pairs.
Investigating the Role of Resilience as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Trauma and Disordered Eating Symptoms
Authors: Gervasio Julia
Published: February 2024

Traumatic life experiences (TLEs) increase the risk of negative health outcomes and psychiatric conditions including eating disorders (EDs). EDs are disorders that capture disturbances in eating and eating-related behaviours and are often comorbid with other pathologies. TLEs have been linked to ED symptomology in nonclinical undergraduate samples. This study investigates if multi system resilience is associated with a lower level of ED symptoms. Participants completed an online questionnaire study. Data were collected for measures of TLEs, resilience, and disordered eating symptoms. Measures of anxiety, depressed mood, and dieting behaviours were also administered. Resilience did not significantly moderate the relationship between TLEs and disordered eating symptoms. Results suggest that dieting behaviour is the most important factor related to disordered eating symptoms, and that sexual trauma is particularly predictive of ED symptomology. Implications are discussed in the context of a nonclinical sample. Limitations of this study and future directions are also presented.
Psychosocial Mechanisms of Methamphetamine Use Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men: An Integrated Theoretical Approach
Authors: Berlin Graham
Published: February 2024

I proposed an integrated theoretical model as a framework to examine psychosocial factors associated with gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men’s (GBM) methamphetamine use and problematic methamphetamine use. The proposed model was estimated using structural equation modeling among 2449 GBM. The model was good fit for the data among the HIV negative GBM and GBM living with HIV subsamples. Heterosexist discrimination and childhood sexual abuse were associated with psychological distress. In turn, psychological distress was associated methamphetamine use in the past six months indirectly through cognitive escape and sexual compulsivity (HIV negative subsample only). Findings demonstrate the utility of integrating minority stress theory and other models into treatment models for methamphetamine using GBM. More specifically, the results support the need for GBM-specific interventions that address heterosexism and provide adaptive coping strategies to prevent and reduce the harms of methamphetamine use.
The Relations among the Fear-Avoidance Model of Chronic Pain, Fear of Falling, and Disability in hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Chuchin Jessica
Published: February 2024

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) are two understudied chronic pain conditions characterized by connective tissue dysfunction with hallmark hypermobility. These conditions include disease manifestations of chronic pain, frequent dislocations, reduced muscle strength, and proprioceptive difficulties, which singularly or in combination, lead to disability. The current study examined the impact of fear-avoidance [FA] constructs (as per the FA Model of Pain, including pain catastrophizing, pain hypervigilance, pain-related fear, depression, anxiety) and fear of falling on disability in hEDS/ HSD. Group differences between hEDS/HSD participants and healthy controls were assessed. A total of 168 individuals with hEDS/HSD and 108 controls participated. Pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and fear of falling predicted 26.5% of the variance in disability, over and above pain severity and age. Participants with hEDS/HSD showed significantly higher scores on all constructs, with exception of anxiety and depression, which did not differentiate the groups. This novel work in hEDS/HSD mirrors FA studies done in other chronic pain conditions and provides evidence of the relationship between FA factors, pain experience, and disability in this patient population. Future research is needed to apply these findings to create individualized interventions that improve disability, and therefore quality of life, for the hEDS/HSD population.
Relations among Executive Functioning, Pain Catastrophizing, and Disability in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Patients with Chronic Pain
Authors: Cooper Jennifer
Published: February 2024

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is often accompanied by chronic pain-related disability, but the underlying mechanisms require further understanding. Here, I examine the relations among domains of executive functioning (EF) with pain catastrophizing, disability, depression, and anxiety. Moreover, I assess the extent to which EF uniquely contributes to pain catastrophizing and disability. Participants were adults with chronic pain and mTBI who underwent a naturalistic neuropsychological assessment in a community clinic. EF revealed moderate correlations with pain catastrophizing and small to moderate correlations with disability. After accounting for depression and anxiety, EF explained a small incremental amount of variance in pain catastrophizing and disability. While further investigation with larger samples will be important, these findings provide a step towards clarifying the factors associated with pain catastrophizing and pain-related disability. The results highlight that neurocognitive and psychological factors may exacerbate the effects of chronic pain in this population.
EFFICIENCY USE OF RESOURCES AND PROFITABILITY OF “UGU” (FLUTED PUMPKIN) (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) PRODUCTION AMONG SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN SOUTHEAST, NIGERIA
Authors: UTOBO O. , EZEANO C.I. , NWANKWO F.O. , ONUGU C.U. , OFFIA E.O. , NZEOCHA C.C.
Published: February 2024

This study examined efficiency use of resources and profitability of fluted pumpkin production among small-scale farmers in Southeast, Nigeria using 400 farmers selected through multistage and purposive sampling techniques. Data collection was done with structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that 80% of fluted pumpkin farmers were females while 20% of them were males and aged 38years that operated on the average of 0.7ha which earned them average annual income of N 98,000.00 from fluted pumpkin sales. Results also revealed that the farmers had formal education with 12years average farming experiences and average household size of 7 persons. R2 was 0.794 meaning that 79% of the variations in output of fluted pumpkin in the study area were accounted for, by the independent variables included in the model. The F-value of 19.774 was significant at 1%. Results further showed that farm size (0.517), cost of manure (0.331), farming experience (0.327), and capital input (0.221) were significant and positively related to output of “ugu”. However, age (-0.022) and household size (-0.039) were inversely related to output of “ugu” in the area. The most technical efficient factor inputs were farm size (88.539) and labour (3.166), while fluted pumpkin seed (0.273) and capital input (0.377) were technically inefficient considering their values. The inputs of farm size (3.924) and capital input (24.900) were underutilized, while labour (0.169), cost of fluted pumpkin seed (0.004), cost of manure (0.002) and agro-chemicals (-0.001) were over-utilized. The result of profitability analysis showed that the cost-return-ratio was 1:1.44, meaning that every N1 invested would generate a profit of N0.44k.  It would be concluded that small-scale “ugu” producers in Southeast, were not utilizing productive resources efficiently, though cultivation of “ugu” in the area is s viable venture. There is the need for regular training of the farmers in resource utilization and management for optimum productivity.
Topic Selection and Satisfaction in Communication between Taiwanese Senior High School Students and their Grandparents
Authors: Chen Chin-Hui , Lu Wan-Rong
Published: February 2024

As Taiwan's population ages, intergenerational communication has become more prevalent in daily life. To gain insights into this form of communication, the researchers conducted a survey to explore topic selections and satisfaction levels in conversations between senior high school students and their grandparents in Taiwan. There is a lack of existing literature derived from Chinese-speaking communities regarding this research topic. The questionnaire comprised two parts: one focusing on actual and anticipated communication topics, and the other assessing participant satisfaction levels with the discussed topics during intergenerational talks. The differences between the answers given by grandparents and grandchildren were compared using SPSS. Significant differences might compromise the possibility of creating satisfying grandparent-grandchild relationships. Convenient sampling method was adopted, yielding 76 sets of samples providing corresponding views on intergenerational communication regarding topic selection and satisfaction levels. Findings revealed that senior high school students preferred discussing family, leisure, and health topics with their grandparents. Conversely, grandparents were inclined to discuss health, occupation, and family matters with their grandchildren. Notably, family emerged as the most popular topic, and this topic generated the highest satisfaction levels in both generations.

However, the most significant disparity in topic selection between grandchildren and grandparents was observed in the area of occupation. Grandparents showed a preference for discussing occupation with their grandchildren, while the grandchildren tended to ignore this topic. The differences in age and generational perspectives could contribute to this gap and potentially lead to dissatisfaction in intergenerational conversations. The results of this study hold the potential for enhancing and promoting the quality of intergenerational communication within family contexts. By understanding the preferred topics and recognising potential sources of dissatisfaction, efforts can be made to bridge the intergenerational gaps and foster better communication between grandparents and grandchildren. Such improvements can strengthen family bonds and promote a positive and harmonious intergenerational dynamic.
The Influence of eHealth Literacy and Self-Efficacy on Online Health Information-Seeking Behaviour among University Students: Cyberchondria as a Mediator
Authors: Mayukh Nafisa
Published: February 2024

COVID-19 has seen an increased reliance on online health information, raising concerns over cyberchondria, a condition characterised by excessive worry about health based on online information. This quantitative survey study examines the prevalence of cyberchondria and its correlation with eHealth literacy among 168 university students and their online health information-seeking behaviour. The results showed a significant negative correlation between eHealth literacy and cyberchondria, revealing that individuals with higher eHealth literacy were less likely to experience cyberchondria. This study also found that demographic factors such as age, gender, and education level were associated with cyberchondria. The findings suggest that eHealth literacy is an important protective factor against cyberchondria as individuals with higher eHealth literacy may be better able to critically evaluate online health information and avoid becoming overly anxious about their health. Thus, public health interventions should focus on improving eHealth literacy, especially for those with a heightened risk of cyberchondria, through online health information literacy courses and training healthcare providers on how to discuss cyberchondria with patients.
Writing Anxiety: The Case of Law Students
Authors: Chin Chiu Jin , Chua Yong Eng
Published: February 2024

Writing has been acknowledged as a key skill to law students and lawyers. In English as a Second Language (ESL) learning, law students form part of ESL learners. Multiple studies shed light on the unsatisfactory writing performance among ESL learners and link such poor writing performance to an affective construct, writing anxiety. Nevertheless, research on writing anxiety among law students, whose writing ability is requisite, is scarce. With the objectives of determining anxiety level and identifying anxiety types experienced by law students at a Malaysian private university, this study offers insights into their writing experience as ESL learners. A mixed methods approach, consisting of Cheng’s (2004) Second Language Writing Anxiety Inventory (SLWAI) and the semi-structured interview, is applied to achieve the research objectives. The key findings reveal that the highest percentage of the law students studied in this research encounter a high level of writing anxiety. While cognitive anxiety is the most predominant form of writing anxiety, avoidance behaviour is the least obvious form. Based on these findings and the conclusions drawn, this study draws attention to the necessity of addressing writing anxiety among law students in tandem with building strong basic writing skills.
Influencer Marketing to Youth: The Impact of Instagram Influencer on Healthy Food Choices Among Youth
Authors: Kar Kei Chang
Published: February 2024

Healthy food choices have become a trend among youth as they are more concerned about their health. The increasing role of social media in affecting the behavioural change of today's society can be seen as social media has become an integral part of most people worldwide. The rise of influencer marketing on social media platforms is affecting the consumer's eating behaviour. However, previous studies have shown contradictory results regarding influencers' impact on youth's healthy eating behaviour. Scholars suggest that Instagram has a definitive effect in encouraging healthy eating behaviour among youth, but there is a lack of research that mainly focuses on Instagram's influencer marketing and its impact on eating behaviour. This study aims to focus on the roles of influencer marketing on Instagram in influencing youth's healthy eating behaviour. The Healthy Food Promotion Model is reviewed to explain the underlying mechanism of healthy food promotion. A qualitative research method was applied to collect the data. Intensive interviews were conducted with six Instagram users in Malaysia via Zoom Meeting. The study concludes that Instagram influencer marketing plays a vital role in influencing the healthy eating behaviour of youth. Future researchers are advised to conduct longitudinal studies on this research to adapt it to the continuous evolution of social media platforms. It is also to explore other possibilities of social media influencer marketing in influencing youth's healthy eating behaviour.
A Need Analysis of Incorporating New Teaching Approach via Technology
Authors: Ramasamy Raganeswari , Mohamad Mariam , Sanmugam Mageswaran , Chee Me Hooi
Published: February 2024

English plays a vital role in our lives as it helps communication. There are four major English skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. However, it has always been a huge problem when it comes to writing among students in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of using the 4Cs, which are collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creative thinking of the 21st-century learning skills, to foster students' narrative writing skills using online learning platforms via mobile learning. A need analysis was conducted using a questionnaire through Google Forms. The respondents for this study were 100 teachers who teach the English language among Form 4 students in Malaysia and have different teaching experiences. The findings revealed that integrating the four main skills (4Cs) of the 21st-century skills and online learning platforms via mobile learning has great potential to foster narrative writing skills among upper-secondary students. This study was significant as it explored the potential and requirement of the 4Cs and online learning platforms via mobile learning in developing students’ narrative writing skills. The outcomes from this study could enable future researchers or policymakers to provide specific guidelines by incorporating the 4Cs, using online learning platforms via mobile learning and preparing appropriate online writing modules for students in Malaysia to progress in their writing skills. Such initiatives align with the Ministry of Education’s blueprint that promotes the integration of new teaching and learning approaches, especially by using technological features in the Malaysian education system (Education Blueprint 2013-2025).
Coexistence, cooperation, and competition between banks and non-banking entities
Authors: Marecki Łukasz , Wójcik-Czerniawska Agnieszka
Published: February 2024

Financial stability is essential for the functioning of the economy, and competition between banks is seen as an essential factor for their stability. Reframing the conflict and each party’s goals in such a way that they are mutually dependent increases a party’s chances of reaching an agreement. This study investigates the relationship between bank size and the institution’s stability. Government regulators and anyone else’s ability to keep an eye on the entire financial system is jeopardized when large portions of it are left largely unregulated. Price competition (marginal-cost pricing) reduces the market power of a single firm as the number of firms in an industry grows. Since the 1990s, the banking industry, according to previous studies, has been experiencing concentration and competition. Some argue that the lack of technology in small banks may put them at an advantage in terms of customer satisfaction, but this is not necessarily the case.