bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Chlamydia trachomatis screening from the perspective of health economics: a systematic review
Authors: Yao Huan , Li Cuizhi , Tian Fenglin , Liu Xiaohan , Yang Shangfeng , Xiao Qin , Jin Yuqing , Huang Shujie , Zhao Peizhen , Ma Wenjun , Liu Tao , Dong Xiaomei , Wang Cheng
Published: October 2023

Background

Most Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections are asymptomatic. The infection can persist and lead to severe sequelae. Therefore, screening for CT can primarily prevent serious sequelae.

Aim

To systematically evaluate CT screening from the perspective of health economics, summarize previous findings from different target populations, and make practical recommendations for developing local CT screening strategies.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochran Library, and National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database (Ovid) were searched from January 1, 2000, to March 4, 2023. Studies reporting the cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit, or cost-utility of CT screening were eligible to be included. A narrative synthesis was used to analyze and report the results following the PRISMA guidelines. The Consensus on Health Economic Criteria (CHEC) list was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies.

Results

Our review finally comprised 39 studies addressing four populations: general sexually active people (n = 25), pregnant women (n = 4), women attending STD and abortion clinics (n = 4), and other high-risk individuals (n = 6). The total number of participants was ~7,991,198. The majority of studies assessed the cost-effectiveness or cost-utility of the screening method. The results showed that the following screening strategies may be cost-effective or cost-saving under certain conditions: performing CT screening in young people aged 15–24 in the general population, military recruits, and high school students; incorporating CT screening into routine antenatal care for pregnant women aged 15–30; opportunistic CT screening for women attending STD and abortion clinics; home-obtained sampling for CT screening using urine specimens or vaginal swab; performing CT screening for 14–30-year-old people who enter correctional institutions (i.e., jail, detention) as soon as possible; providing CT screening for female sex workers (FSWs) based on local incidence and prevalence; adding routine CT screening to HIV treatment using rectal samples from men who have sex with men (MSM).

Conclusion

We found that CT screening in general sexually active people aged 15–24, military recruits, high school students, pregnant women aged 15–30, women attending STD and abortion clinics, people entering jail, detention, FSWs, and MSM has health economic value. Due to the different prevalence of CT, diversities of economic conditions, and varying screening costs among different populations and different countries, regions, or settings, no uniform and standard screening strategies are currently available. Therefore, each country should consider its local condition and the results of health economic evaluations of CT screening programs in that country to develop appropriate CT screening strategies.
Impact of adapted taekwondo vs. multicomponent training on health status in independent older women: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Valdés-Badilla Pablo , Guzmán-Muñoz Eduardo , Herrera-Valenzuela Tomás , Branco Braulio Henrique Magnani , Hernandez-Martinez Jordan , Nobari Hadi
Published: October 2023

This study, called the TKD and Aging Project, aimed to analyze and compare the effects of an adapted taekwondo program concerning multicomponent training on blood pressure, morphological variables, food consumption frequency, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical fitness, handgrip strength, and postural balance in independent older women. A randomized controlled trial study was conducted with parallel groups for 8 weeks (24 sessions of 60 min each), employing a double-blind design and incorporating repeated measures. Twenty-eight older women initially participated in the intervention. Three participants were excluded because they did not participate in the re-assessments. Thus, 14 older women from the adapted taekwondo group (TKD; age: 62.86 ± 2.38 years) and 11 from the multicomponent training group (MCT; age: 63.18 ± 1.94 years) participated in the final analysis. A two-factor mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) model with repeated measures was performed to measure the time × group effect. The TKD showed significant improvements in the mental health (p = 0.024; ES = 0.91) and general health (p < 0.001; ES = 0.75) dimensions of the HRQoL, as well as in the chair stand (p = 0.001; ES = 1.18), arm curl (p < 0.001; ES = 2.10), 2-min step (p < 0.001; ES = 1.73), and chair sit-and-reach (p = 0.001; ES = 0.91) tests. Additionally, it showed a significant reduction in postural balance for the eyes-closed condition in the center of the pressure area (p = 0.021; ES = 0.89), mean velocity (p = 0.004; ES = 0.79), and mediolateral velocity (p < 0.001; ES = 1.26). However, the MCT showed significant increases in the general health (p = 0.013; ES = 0.95) dimension of the HRQoL and a significant reduction (p = 0.039; ES = 0.28) in the mediolateral velocity of postural balance for the eyes-closed condition. Multiple comparisons showed that the TKD scored significantly higher in the chair stand (p = 0.017; ES = 1.79), arm curl (p = 0.003; ES = 1.77), and 2-min step (p = 0.018; ES = 0.91) tests than the MCT. Compared to multicomponent training, taekwondo improves postural balance and provides better benefits in terms of physical fitness and HRQoL for older women. Therefore, it is possible to recommend it as a safe physical activity strategy, as long as it is well-dosed, since it showed high adherence to intervention in older women.
Impact of meteorological factors on the incidence of hand-foot-mouth disease in Yangzhou from 2017 to 2022: a time series study
Authors: Guo Zaijin , Wang Yin , Li Yunshui , Zhou Luojing
Published: October 2023

Background

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a significant public health issue in China, and numerous studies have indicated a close association between HFMD incidence and meteorological factors. This study aims to investigate the relationship between meteorological factors and HFMD in Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China.

Methods

HFMD case reports and meteorological data from Yangzhou City between 2017 and 2022 were extracted from the National Notifiable Infectious Disease Surveillance System and the Meteorological Data Sharing Service System, respectively. A generalized additive model (GAM) was employed to assess the exposure-response relationship between meteorological factors and HFMD. Subsequently, a distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) was used to explore the exposure-lag-effect of meteorological factors on HFMD.

Results

HFMD in Yangzhou City exhibits obvious seasonality and periodicity. There is an inverted “U” shaped relationship between average temperature and the risk of HFMD, with the maximum lag effect observed at a temperature of 25°C with lag 0 day (RR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.74–2.47). As the duration of sunshine and relative humidity increase, the risk of HFMD continuously rises, with the maximum lag effect observed at a sunshine duration of 12.4 h with a lag of 14 days (RR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.17–3.77), and a relative humidity of 28% with a lag of 14 days (RR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.01–1.64). There is a “U” shaped relationship between average atmospheric pressure and the risk of HFMD, with the maximum effect observed at an atmospheric pressure of 989 hPa with no lag (RR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.25–1.69). As precipitation increases, the risk of HFMD decreases, with the maximum effect observed at a precipitation of 151 mm with a lag of 14 days (RR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.19–2.53).

Conclusion

Meteorological factors including average temperature, average atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, precipitation, and sunshine duration significantly influenced the risk of HFMD in Yangzhou City. Effective prevention measures for HFMD should be implemented, taking into account the local climate conditions.
A cluster of X-linked miRNAs are de-repressed with age in mouse liver and target growth hormone signaling
Authors: Petrashen Anna P. , Lin Yufei , Kun Bianca , Kreiling Jill A.
Published: October 2023

Growth hormone (GH) signaling influences lifespan in a wide variety of mammalian species. We previously reported that a cluster of miRNAs located on the X-chromosome are de-repressed with age in male mouse liver, and a subset, the mir-465 family, can directly attenuate expression of the growth hormone receptor (GHR) in vitro leading to a reduction in GH signaling. Here we show that this cluster of miRNAs is also upregulated in the liver with age in females, and that calorie restriction and the Ames dwarf genotype, both known to delay aging, attenuate the upregulation of the miRNA cluster. Upregulation of mir-465 in vivo leads to a reduction in GHR mRNA in the liver and an attenuation of GH signaling, indicated by a reduction in GHR, IGF-1, IGFBP3, and ALS mRNA expression. There is a corresponding reduction in IGF-1 protein levels in the liver and plasma. These results suggest that the age-associated upregulation of the X-chromosomal cluster of miRNAs could influence lifespan.
Air pollution particulate matter (PM2.5) prediction in South African cities using machine learning techniques
Authors: Morapedi Tshepang Duncan , Obagbuwa Ibidun Christiana
Published: October 2023

Background

Air pollution contributes to the most severe environmental and health problems due to industrial emissions and atmosphere contamination, produced by climate and traffic factors, fossil fuel combustion, and industrial characteristics. Because this is a global issue, several nations have established control of air pollution stations in various cities to monitor pollutants like Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Ozone (O3), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Particulate Matter (PM2.5, PM10), to notify inhabitants when pollution levels surpass the quality threshold. With the rise in air pollution, it is necessary to construct models to capture data on air pollutant concentrations. Compared to other parts of the world, Africa has a scarcity of reliable air quality sensors for monitoring and predicting Particulate Matter (PM2.5). This demonstrates the possibility of extending research in air pollution control.

Methods

Machine learning techniques were utilized in this study to identify air pollution in terms of time, cost, and efficiency so that different scenarios and systems may select the optimal way for their needs. To assess and forecast the behavior of Particulate Matter (PM2.5), this study presented a Machine Learning approach that includes Cat Boost Regressor, Extreme Gradient Boosting Regressor, Random Forest Classifier, Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine, K-Nearest Neighbor, and Decision Tree.

Results

Cat Boost Regressor and Extreme Gradient Boosting Regressor were implemented to predict the latest PM2.5 concentrations for South African Cities with recording stations using past dated recordings, then the best performing model between the two is used to predict PM2.5 concentrations for South African Cities with no recording stations and also to predict future PM2.5 concentrations for South African Cities. K-Nearest Neighbor, Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine, Decision Tree, and Random Forest Classifier were implemented to create a system predicting the Air Quality Index (AQI) Status.

Conclusion

This study investigated various machine learning techniques for air pollution to analyze and predict air pollution behavior regarding air quality and air pollutants, detecting which areas are most affected in South African cities.
The combining ability of extra-early maturing quality protein maize (Zea mays) inbred lines and the performance of their hybrids in Striga-infested and low-nitrogen environments
Authors: Okunlola Gbemisola , Badu-Apraku Baffour , Ariyo Omolayo , Ayo-Vaughan Moninuola
Published: October 2023

Maize production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces challenges due to the damage caused by the parasitic weed, Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benths and low soil nitrogen. To address these constraints and improve food security and nutrition, this study assessed the combining ability of 47 inbred lines and four testers, grouped them into heterotic groups, identified effective testers, and determined the stability of the lines in hybrid combinations under contrasting research conditions. The study was conducted at Mokwa and Abuja during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons. One hundred and ninety-six hybrids comprising 188 testcrosses, 6 hybrids derived by intermating the four testers, and two commercial checks were evaluated using a 14 × 14 lattice design with two replicates. Results revealed that under Striga infestation, the best quality protein maize (QPM) hybrid, TZEEQI 468 × TZEEQI 321, outyielded the best check, TZEEQI 342 × TZEEQI 7, by 24%. Under low-N, QPM hybrid, TZEEQI 515 × TZEEQI 321 outyielded the best check, TZEEQI 507 × TZEEQI 7 by 11% while under optimal conditions the best QPM hybrid, TZEEQI 506 × TZEEQI 321 outyielded the best check, TZEEQI 342 × TZEEQI 7 by 2%. General combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) significantly influenced grain yield and other measured traits across the test environments. These indicated the importance of both additive and non-additive genetic variances in trait inheritance. GCA was more important than SCA for grain yield and most traits in contrasting environments. Four inbred lines had significant and positive GCA effects for grain yield under Striga-infested conditions, while three lines had similar GCA effects under low-nitrogen conditions. These lines demonstrated outstanding potential for developing Striga-resistant and low-nitrogen-tolerant hybrids. The study identified four heterotic groups using the heterotic grouping method based on the general combining ability of multiple traits (HGCMAT). Inbred lines TZEEQI 490 and TZEEQI 460 were identified as testers. The QPM hybrid TZEEQI 515 × TZEEQI 321 exhibited outstanding yield and stability across contrasting environments, highlighting the need for extensive on-farm trials to confirm its superiority and potential for commercialization in SSA.
Circular economy for aquatic food systems: insights from a multiscale phosphorus flow analysis in Norway
Authors: Pandit Avijit Vinayak , Dittrich Nils , Strand Andrea Viken , Lozach Loïs , Las Heras Hernández Miguel , Reitan Kjell Inge , Müller Daniel Beat
Published: October 2023

As wild-caught fish become scarce, feed ingredients for farming fish, such as salmon, are increasingly sourced from agricultural plants that depend on mineral fertilizers. Since these fish are naturally carnivorous, they have difficulty digesting the phosphorus in plant-based feed. So additional phosphorus supplements are added to the feed, resulting in a disproportionate increase in mineral phosphorus use and emission. Aquatic food production is increasingly relying on agriculture and mineral phosphorus resources. The feed surplus and the excreta are seldom collected and recycled, leading to a massive loss of nutrients to water bodies and the seafloor, resulting in local risk for eutrophication. Norway currently produces more than half of the world’s Atlantic salmon, and it is set to increase production from currently 1.5 to 5 Mt. in 2050. This has large implications for feed supply and emissions globally. There is a lack of studies that analyze the phosphorus system in aquatic food production at a sufficient spatial and temporal granularity to effectively inform interventions for a more circular use of phosphorus. Here, we present a multi-scale phosphorus flow analysis at monthly resolution ranging between 2005 and 2021 for aquatic food production in Norway and quantitatively discuss the effectiveness of alternative strategies for improving resource efficiency. The results indicate that P emissions from aquaculture have nearly doubled in the period between 2005 and 2021. The P use efficiency (PUE) in Norwegian aquaculture was 19% in 2021. The addition of phytase to the feed could improve the PUE by 8% by reducing P supplements and emissions by 7 kt/y. The use of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture close to fish farming sites could absorb emissions by 4 kt/y by creating new marine food products. Sludge collection systems could reduce P emissions by 4 to 11 kt/y, depending on the technology. Using the sludge in local agriculture would exacerbate the current P accumulation in soils close to the coastline, given that the animal density in this region is already high. Hence, a large and sophisticated processing infrastructure will be needed to create transportable, high-quality secondary fertilizers for effective sludge recycling in regions with a P deficit.
Early wound morbidity and clinical outcomes associated with P4HB mesh compared to permanent synthetic mesh in umbilical and small to medium, routine ventral hernia repairs
Authors: Deeken Corey R. , Rosen Michael J. , Poulose Benjamin K. , Bradbury Kasia , Huang Li-Ching , Ma Jianing , Badhwar Amit
Published: October 2023

Background

Permanent synthetic meshes such as polypropylene (PP) have been utilized for hernia repair for decades, but concerns remain regarding potential long-term, mesh-related complications. A resorbable polymer such as poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) represents an alternative with high initial strength, that gradually resorbs, leaving an abdominal wall that is at least as strong as it would be in its native state. We aimed to compare early wound morbidity and clinical outcomes associated with P4HB to traditional, permanent PP in umbilical and small to medium, routine ventral hernias using data from the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC).

Methods

Inclusion criteria for the umbilical cohort included: all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wound classes, all Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) hernia grades, and hernia defects <3 cm. The small to medium, routine ventral hernia cohort was limited to CDC class I wounds, VHWG hernia grades I and II, and hernia defects <5 cm. The study group was comprised of P4HB meshes; the comparator group was an aggregate of PP meshes. Clinical outcomes were assessed at 30 days.

Results

There was no significant difference in early wound morbidity, readmission, or reoperation between the P4HB and PP cohorts. A small number of patients experienced SSO, with ≤4% requiring procedural intervention. None of the patients (0% in all cases) experienced skin/soft tissue necrosis, infected seroma, infected hematoma, exposed/contaminated/infected mesh, enterocutaneous fistula, graft failure, or pain requiring intervention at 30-days. However, P4HB was associated with significantly greater operative time, length of stay, and use of myofascial release compared to PP (p < 0.05 in all cases).

Conclusions

Short-term clinical outcomes associated with resorbable P4HB mesh are comparable to permanent synthetic PP mesh in umbilical and small to medium, routine ventral hernia repairs, despite significant differences in operative time and length of stay. Longer-term follow-up is needed to expand on the clinical relevance of these short-term findings.
Tapentadol Immediate Release (IR) versus Morphine Hydrochloride for Postoperative Analgesia of Patients Undergoing Total Abdominal Hysterectomy—A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Starčević Sanja , Radovanović Dragana , Škorić-Jokić Svetlana , Bojanić-Popovicki Milica , El Farra Suzana , Mihalek Nora , Golijanin Danica , Dugandžija Tihomir , Tomas Petrović Ana
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to examine the efficacy of tapentadol immediate release (IR) and morphine hydrochloride in the treatment of acute postoperative pain after total abdominal hysterectomy, as well as to examine the frequency of opioid-related side effects in observed patients. Materials and Methods: The prospective observational study was conducted over five months, and it included a total number of 100 patients. The two cohorts had different types of postoperative analgesia, and the effects were observed for 24 h postoperatively, by following the pain scores on NRS (Numerical Pain Scale), contentment with analgesia, and opioid-related side effects. Results: Statistical significance was found when assessing pain 24 h after surgery while coughing, where patients in the tapentadol IR group had significantly higher mean pain scores (p < 0.01). The subjective feeling of satisfaction with postoperative analgesia was statistically significant in the tapentadol IR group (p = 0.005). Vertigo appeared significantly more in patients from the morphine group (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Tapentadol IR (immediate release) and morphine hydrochloride are both effective analgesics used in the first 24 h after total transabdominal hysterectomy. Overall satisfaction of patients with analgesia was good. The frequency of side effects was higher in the morphine group, with statistical significance regarding the vertigo.
Stage or Sub-Stage: The Contribution of Small Mammals to the Characterization of Middle Pleistocene Local Climate Variation
Authors: Lebreton Loïc , López-García Juan Manuel
Published: October 2023

In western Europe, the Middle Pleistocene is marked by Acheulean settlement and their diversification after the MIS 12. The Arago cave recovery of numerous human settlements correlate to MIS 14, 13 and MIS 12 making it an important site for the understanding of the Lower Palaeolithic in Southwestern Europe. It is also an important site for the understanding of palaeoenvironments and palaeobiodiversity as it has yielded rich faunal associations. The faunal associations allow us to observe three climatic stages within this study: two cold ones and a mild one. Small vertebrates, with their abundance and their diversity, are particularly useful for observing these periods, which historically have been correlated to glacial or interglacial stages. If the first cold phase, dated 438 ± 31 ka, is correlated to the Marine Isotopic Stage 12 (MIS 12), the correlation of the following phases to isotopic stages can be discussed. They may correspond to climatic variations of the MIS 12. Indeed, the latest studies about palaeoclimatic reconstitution which allow us to define the evolution of the palaeo-temperature show that these differences are relatively small. Therefore, instead of a correlation to MIS 12, 13 and 14, the medium complex of the Arago cave could belong solely to MIS 12. The correlation of these environmental changes to other global data, notably the isotopic curve, is challenging because there are various local factors influencing faunal association. We propose here both hypotheses and discuss the various factors which influence the distribution and the representation of the small vertebrate species present on the site.
Armature Reaction Analysis and Performance Optimization of Hybrid Excitation Starter Generator for Electric Vehicle Range Extender
Authors: Gao Mingling , Ren Jinling , Hu Wenjing , Han Yutong , Geng Huihui , Yan Shilong , Xu Mingjun
Published: October 2023

The armature reaction of the hybrid excitation starter generator (HESG) under load conditions will affect the distribution of the main magnetic field and the output performance. However, using the conventional field-circuit combination method to study the armature reaction has the problem of low accuracy and inaccurate influencing factors. Therefore, this paper proposed a graphical method to analyze the armature reaction and a new type of HESG with a combined-pole permanent magnet (PM) rotor and claw-pole electromagnetic rotor. The analytical formula of the voltage regulation rate under the armature reaction was derived using the graphical method. The main influencing parameters of the armature reaction magnetic field (ARMF) were analyzed, and the overall output performance was analyzed using finite element software. On this basis, comparison analyses before and after optimization and the prototype test were carried out. The results show that the direct-axis armature reaction reactance, quadrature-axis armature reaction reactance, and voltage regulation rate of the optimized HESG were significantly reduced, the output voltage range of the whole machine was wide, and the voltage regulation performance was good.
Reasons Why Only Kuwaiti Citizens Drive Electric Vehicles despite Being Only a Quarter of the Population
Authors: Banna Sumayya , Ottesen Andri , Alzougool Basil
Published: October 2023

The adoption of fully battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs) in Kuwait is currently at less than one percent of the population, and hence Kuwait has the lowest index rank among countries around the globe. Effectively, only Kuwaiti nationals have the opportunity to own EVs, as there are no fast direct-current charging stations in Kuwait, and Kuwaiti landlords (expats cannot own real estate) do not allow the installation of EV-charging home wall boxes at their rented properties. Given these facts, this paper only focuses on the preferences of Kuwaiti nationals, even though they only constitute 25 percent of the population of Kuwait. To accomplish the present objectives, a quantitative descriptive method (closed-ended questions) was used to collect data from a sample of 227 Kuwaiti nationals who were representative of the owners of half a million internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and that were categorized as early majority consumers. The findings of the present study indicate that over 50 percent of the respondents would prefer to buy an EV in the following three years when certain criteria were satisfied, including government-controlled pricing policies and recharging point availability, high-speed roads, and free EV-dedicated parking spaces. Furthermore, over 40 percent of respondents stated that they would contemplate purchasing an electric vehicle if the price of gasoline or diesel increased by 19 to 50 percent. The findings also indicated that more than 40 percent of respondents believed that EVs are fire- and crash-safe, and roughly 50 percent of the respondents would be willing to pay between 6 and 20% more for an EV because they believe that EVs are ecofriendlier vehicles and are significantly faster than conventional petrol vehicles. Additionally, respondents rewarded those vehicles with an excellent mark because of their ecological, economical, and technological attributes and benefits.
Observance of the principle of respect for the honor and dignity of the employee when managing labor: some aspects
Authors:   Legal Department of Hotel Vavelberg LLC, St. Petersburg, Sitnikov A.A.
Published: October 2023

The article discusses issues related to the implementation by the employer of powers not directly provided for by the norms of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation. But at the same time, such powers are very important in practice and relate to the control of employees by means of audiovisual surveillance at the workplace, as well as the establishment of mandatory requirements for the appearance of employees in local regulations (the so-called dress code). The abuse of such powers by the employer may lead to a violation of the principle of respect for the honor and dignity of the employee. The author draws conclusions about the possibility or impossibility of implementing certain management decisions based on the correlation of the constitutional principles that are reflected in labor relations regulated by the legislation of the Russian Federation.
Legislation on early assignment of old-age pensions: some issues of regulatory practice
Authors:   Department of Labor Law Ural State Law University named after V.F. Yakovlev, Yekaterinburg, Istomina Ye.A. , Fedorova M. Yu. ,   Department of Labor Law Ural State Law University named after V.F. Yakovlev, Yekaterinburg
Published: October 2023

Many workers carry out labor activities in working conditions that deviate from normal (in harmful, dangerous,difficult conditions, etc.). In this regard, they may have the right to an early old-age insurance pension. However,the legislation on compulsory pension insurance is very voluminous and difficult to apply. In a number of cases, in order to exercise their right to pension provision, employees go to court. This article has been prepared taking into account materials from judicial practice and shows the problems of applying the rules of law on early oldage pensions, which the parties to the employment contract should pay attention to in order to properly form and implement the employee’s pension rights.
Features of differentiation and individualization in the regulation of working hours
Authors:   Department of State and Legal Disciplines of the Belarusian State University of Economics, Berezyuk L.A.
Published: October 2023

The article is devoted to the issue of ensuring flexibility in the legal regulation of working time by taking into account the unity, differentiation and individualization of the norms of labor legislation. The author substantiates the conclusion that the flexibility of labor legislation requires a significant amount of effort to ensure the rights and legitimate interests of workers in the implementation of labor activities; as well as directions for improving certain norms of labor legislation.
On the issue of surgical treatment of patients with congenital orofacial clefts combined with other organ and system comorbidities
Authors: Rogozhina Yu. S. , Blokhina S. I. , Bimbas E. S.
Published: October 2023

Relevance. Surgical treatment of patients with congenital orofacial clefts and comorbidities of other organs and systems remains a complex problem in specialized surgery, and it requires concentration of knowledge of individual characteristics and diagnosed disorders during their implementation, taking into account the sequence, volume and time of execution.

Purpose. Optimize the tactics of surgical treatment of children born with orofacial clefts combined with disorders of other organs and systems, improving rehabilitation effectiveness.

Material and methods. The work focuses on the results of a study of 2475 patients with congenital orofacial defects during the long-term follow-up period (1998-2022) in the Bonum Medical Center (Yekaterinburg). There were 823 cases of congenital orofacial clefts combined with disorders of other organs and systems. The disease combination groups were systematized and determined the tactics of surgical treatment of orofacial defects and the rehabilitation techniques for comorbid defects.

Results. To date, out of 823 patients with orofacial clefts and comorbidities of other organs and systems, 591 (71.81%) patients are known to have received comprehensive surgical rehabilitation, part of them turned 18 years and were withdrawn from the long-term follow-up care, the rest – 232 (28.19%) continued to receive specialized care in the Bonum Center system. Of the 823 patients, 370 children needed primary cheilo-rhinoplasty, 196 people (52.97%) had surgery at the traditionally accepted time (in the first six months of the child's life), 302 children (81.62%) had surgery by the age of nine months, and 329 children (88.92%) by one year. Based on the individual indications, thirty-six children (9.73%) had surgery after one year, of which eight patients (2.16%) after two years. Of the 823 patients, 770 people needed palatoplasty (cleft repair of hard and soft palates), while in the conditions of special preparation, the operation was performed in 360 children (46.75%) by 18 months, in 483 children (62.73%) by24 months, and 588 children (76.36%) by the age of 3 years. Considering the cleft palate complexity, 102 children (13.25%) needed further treatment later due to physical condition restrictions and social reasons.

Conclusion. The proposed strategy of surgical treatment of children with orofacial clefts combined with disorders of other organs and systems allows treatment of congenital orofacial malformation in the most favourable period based on the patient's physical condition.
Effect of geometrical defects on the acoustical transport properties of periodic porous absorbers manufactured using stereolithography
Authors: Lomte Amulya , Sharma Bhisham
Published: October 2023

Additive manufacturing allows the fabrication of acoustical materials with previously unrealizable micro- and macrostructural complexities. However, the still nascent understanding of various geometrical defects occurring during the additive process remains a barrier to accurately predicting
the acoustical behavior of such complex absorbers. In this study, we present the results from our efforts on numerically modeling the absorption behavior of periodic porous absorbers fabricated using the stereolithography (SLA) technique using the hybrid micro-macro multiphysics approach.
Specifically, we focus on understanding the role played by the expansion or shrinkage of the solid ligaments during the SLA process on the acoustical properties of the final printed samples. First, the periodic absorbers are modeled using COMSOL multiphysics, where the transport properties
are derived using the micro-modeling method and sound absorption behavior using the Johnson-Champoux-Allard-Lafarge-Pride semi-empirical model. Then, results from the expansion study guide the changes in the ligament sizes in the unit cell modeling. Finally, the fabricated samples are tested
using an impedance tube, and the measured absorption properties are compared to the a priori numerical predictions. Results indicate that accounting for fabrication defects within the numerical modeling schema can provide reliable sound absorption predictions for additively manufactured porous
absorbers.
Toward high-quality X-59 sonic thump measurements
Authors: Anderson Mark C. , Gee Kent L. , Durrant J. Taggart , Loubeau Alexandra
Published: October 2023

Brigham Young University has been investigating best practices for recommendation to NASA in upcoming X-59 sonic thump measurements. This preparatory work has focused both on obtaining high-fidelity data and standardizing signal analysis techniques for sonic thumps. Included in the
research are topics such as whether to use a ground-based or elevated microphone, how to use low-noise microphones and still recover high-fidelity data at low frequencies, and estimating the uncertainty in a given measurement due to local atmospheric turbulence effects. Also included is a
study of windowing techniques, zero padding, and the removal of high-frequency ambient noise contamination.
Experimental dynamic flow characterization of hydraulic bushings
Authors: DeGarmo Britton , Kennedy Michael , Fredette Luke
Published: October 2023

The dynamic properties of hydraulic bushings are often modeled in the time and frequency domains with low-order, lumped-parameter models, typically assuming steady developed flow in their fluid passages, whereas in situ flow conditions are unlikely to meet such criteria. Hydraulic bushings
exhibit tuned properties emerging from nonlinear interactions involving these flow characteristics, so higher resolution descriptions of the underlying physics are needed under realistic flow conditions. This paper discusses an approach to isolate the fluid passage features in production bushings
to enable experimental characterization for steady, oscillatory, and transient flow. More robust models of dynamic responses in the time and frequency domains are expected to result from this more precise determination of each flow path's contribution to the nonlinear system response. An apparatus
capable of generating steady and dynamic flow is proposed, and some validation data are given to demonstrate the functionality of the experiment. Some challenges with the approach are considered, including the system's hydraulic compliance and cavitation. The flow testing apparatus is used
on an example two-passage production bushing adapted for controlled steady or dynamic flow through one or both flow paths. Finally, some nonlinear flow properties of a typical hydraulic bushing's flow passages are given.
Gestión administrativa y coaching educativo en directivos escolares del Callao
Authors: Caipo Ulloa Elena Noely , Palacios Garay Jessica Paola
Published: October 2023

La gestión administrativa en las instituciones educativas resulta ser una labor titánica para muchos directivos. El uso del coaching como una herramienta que coadyuva a potenciar las capacidades del hombre, se circunscribe dentro del liderazgo y la gestión administrativa, como una forma de cristalizar las destrezas de los directivos. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la relación entre la gestión administrativa y el coaching educativo. Fue desarrollado bajo un enfoque descriptivo correlacional, un diseño no experimental, con corte transversal. La muestra se determinó mediante el uso de la formula correspondiente a poblaciones finitas, con un nivel de confianza del 95%, siendo de 80 directivos elegidos intencionalmente. Se utilizó como técnica la encuesta y como instrumento dos cuestionarios. Los resultados demostraron un valor Rho de Spearman de 0,535 y una significancia de 0,000. Se concluyó que existe una correlación directa, positiva y moderada entre la gestión administrativa y el coaching educativo.
ПАРОДОНТОПРОТЕКТОРНІ ВЛАСТИВОСТІ ГЕЛЮ ДЛЯ РОТОВОЇ ПОРОЖНИНИ «ФІАЛКА» В УМОВАХ ЕКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОГО КАЛЬЦІЙ-ДЕФІЦИТНОГО СТАНУ
Authors: Горбатовська Н.В. , Новицька І.К.
Published: October 2023

Мета дослідження. Експериментальне вивчення на токсичній кальцій-дефіцитній моделі пародонтопротекторних властивостей гелю для ротової порожнини «Фіалка». Матеріали та методи дослідження. Експериментальне моделювання патології пародонту у піддослідних тварин на фоні токсичного кальцій-дефіцитного стану проводили на протязі 30 діб за наступною схемою. Було сформовано 4 групи:1 група – інтактні тварини; 2 група – тваринам щоденно із питною водою давали розчин ЕДТА (2 %) і три рази на тиждень вводили per os препарат «Варфарин Орион» в дозі 5 мг/кг (у перерахунку на діючу речовину варфарин натрію – 0,01 мг/кг) 3 група – введення препарату «Варфарин Орион» та 2 % розчину ЕДТА (2 %) та нанесення на оболонку альвеолярного відростку гелю «Плацебо»;4 група – введення препарату «Варфарин Орион» та 2 % розчину ЕДТА і починаючи з 7 доби щоденне, протягом 3 тижнів, нанесення на слизову оболонку альвеолярного відростку гелю «Фіалка», після чого в крові та в тканинах пародонту вивчали активність лужної фосфатази, лактатдегідрогенази, сукцинатдегидрогенази, цитохромоксидази та вміст кальцію і фосфору. Висновки. 1. На тлі розвитку кальцій дефіцитних станів і патології кісткової тканини відбувається розвиток гіпоксичних станів як на системному рівні, так і локально, в тканинах пародонту, обумовлений падінням рівню оксигенації тканин, розвитком ендотеліальної дисфункції, блокуванням окисно-відновлювальних процесів в тканинах пародонту та активацією процесів гліколізу. 2. Дослідження пародонтопротекторних властивостей гелю для ротової порожнини «Фіалка» на фоні виникнення кальцій дефіцитних станів показало ефективність його застосування за показниками активності окисно-відновлювальних процесів (найбільш позитивні зміни за показником ЛДГ/СДГ+ЦХО, що характеризує співвідношення анаеробних/аеробних процесів в 3,3 рази.
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Authors: González Felipe
Published: October 2023

Lo que sea en castellano
The Effect of the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Stock Markets: The Case of Amman Stock Exchange (ASE)
Authors: Ghazi Aldeki Raneem
Published: October 2023

This paper has analyzed the movement of the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper has used time-series analysis using the Vector Autoregression (VAR) model using data from Jan. 1, 2020 to May 31, 2022. It was found that the number of new cases of coronavirus infection eight days ago affects the performance of the market index with an inverse relationship. Also, the ambiguity bias ten days ago affects the performance of the market index with an inverse relationship. The study recommends investors to speculate on the Amman Stock Exchange, because, for about a week, investors can speculate without being affected by the drop in stock prices as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Amman Stock Exchange is a suitable environment for investment in times of crises. The study also recommends the foreign investment in the Amman Stock Exchange, because the negative impact of the spread of the coronavirus on the financial market is low compared to other markets that witnessed a significant deterioration in their stock prices when the pandemic appeared, where the negative market reaction was strong during the early days of the pandemic.
Are the Sentiments Portrayed in the Chairperson's Letter to Shareholders Consistent with the Financial Performance?
Authors: Abdel-Majid Alsaleem Albadri , Aldain Abdullah Alshorman Salah
Published: October 2023

This study aims to investigate to what extent the sentiments portrayed in the chairperson's letter to shareholders are consistent with a firm's financial performance. The sample of this study comprises 115 chairpersons' letters to shareholders, representing 13 commercial banks listed in the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) over a 10-year period (from 2010 through 2019). The chairpersons’ letters to shareholders are analyzed for positive and negative sentiments. Financial performance is measured using return on assets. The data is analyzed using a linear mixed regression model. Communicative disclosure and strategic disclosure are used to explain the relationships found.

The findings of this study revealed that the level of financial performance has a significant positive relationship with positive sentiments, while it has a negative and insignificant relationship with negative sentiments. This study concludes that the chairperson's letter to shareholders is both communicative and strategic.
Estudio comparativo de algunos procedimiento de evaluación de cafeína en café, té y yerba mate
Authors:   , Gatti Oscar Osvaldo
Published: October 2023

La encuesta bibliográfica que hemos realizado en procura de conocer la totalidad de métodos y procedimientos ideados y propuestos para la valoración de la cafeína en alimentos nervinos -especialmente en el café, té, y yerba mate- pone de manifiesto, por una parte, el marcado interés demostrado por numerosos investigadores en el afán incesante y tesonero de mejorar paso a paso los anteriores o hallar nuevos, de manera de acercarse más y más a la máxima exactitud posible; y por otra, -después de una prolija comparación de los resultados obtenidos por los diferentes medios empleados -que no podría afirmarse a ciencia cierta si se habría logrado ese propósito. En efecto -y llama poderosamente la atención del estudioso que ningún investigador, si nos atenemos a la muy amplia bibliografía consultada, se haya preocupado por estudiar analíticamente la pureza de los residuos cafeínicos finales, después de la purificación más o menos completa indicada, y si lo hizo, de no publicar nada al respecto. Todas fincan el grado de exactitud alcanzado en el mayor residuo obtenido, referido a 100 partes. Un estudio integral de la cuestión expuesta -tomando en consideración todos los factores interferentes físicos y químicos, de todos los procedimientos ideados y aconsejados hasta el presente- tendría tal magnitud, exigiría un esfuerzo tan grande y prolongada, que sólo sería posible llevarlo a buen término con la colaboración de gran número de ayudantes; en verdad factible solamente para un instituto de investigaciones. En estas razones se hallarla muy probablemente las causas de que tal cuestión no haya sido acometida hasta el presente. Sin embargo, convencidos de que es posible alcanzar resultados muy útiles e importantes, dé verdadero interés teórico-práctico,sin necesidad de recurrir a tan magna como ímproba tarea, con sólo practicar el estudio analítico minucioso de todos los métodos y procedimientos de valoración que se practican corrientemente en la actualidad en los laboratorios correspondientes como también de aquellos que dentro de cada grupo hayan alcanzado de acuerdo a las conclusiones de su autor o investigadores que lo hayan practicado, una exactitud superior a los demás. Y es premisamente este trabajo de estudio analítico de los procedimientos que la larga experiencia ha indicado como los mejores, que ofrecemos a la consideración benévola de los distinguidos profesores de la Facultad de Química y Farmacia, de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata, deseoso así de ofrecer una modesta contribución a resolver la - cuestión, que hemos puesto de manifiesto, en su faz práctica, de verdadero interés indudablemente.
El pensamiento y la obra de Luis Ramiro Beltrán Salmón en torno a la comunicación, el desarrollo y la planificación
Authors:   , Brunet Marcelo Andrés
Published: October 2023

Se trata de un trabajo de investigación, producto final de la Maestría en Planificación y Gestión de Procesos Comunicacionales en el que el autor construye un corpus en base a la producción intelecual del pionero del campo comunicación-desarrollo Luis Ramiro Beltrán Salmón. Con recursos de procesamiento informático construye códigos y categorías de análisis que le permiten un proceso de interpretación más rico, centrando el interés en los conceptos de Desarrollo, Comunicación, Planificación, Educación y TIC.
OPTIMISATION OF PROGRAM BUDGET PERFORMANCE AMONG NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS IN UGANDA: A CASE OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN UGANDA SUPPORT PROGRAMME
Authors: Oketcho Godwin , Tusubira Festo Nyende
Published: October 2023

This study set to establish the determinants of budget performance in Civil Society in Uganda Support Programme (CUSP) by the German Agency for International Cooperation in Uganda (GIZ-Uganda). We focused on implementing partners (IP) related determinants as budgetary control, leadership/ governance, organization structure, and of human resource. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design based on samples drawn from across 127 IPs that closed their contracts with CUSP. The unit of observation comprised 127 program coordinators, 127 finance staff, and 127 service extension of IPs’ staff, with a population of 381 staff. A two-stage sampling technique was adopted first, stratified sampling to select staff category amongst the IPs, then purposive sampling to select respondents within the staff categories. An online semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Results show that budgetary control significantly and negatively affects budget performance however, leadership and organisational structure have a significant positive influence on budget performance and human resources did not have any influence. This implies that management of IPs, IDAs and other similar organizations should ensure they have good leadership or governance and organization structures besides investing in budgetary control through policy framework that can translate to effective budget performance.
STUDENT PERSPECTIVE TOWARDS KAWASAN RUKUN TETANGGA (KRT) ON FORMING LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Authors: Kamaruzaman Siti Afifah , Kaspin Khairul Ghufran
Published: October 2023

Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) has existed in Malaysia since 1975. Since its establishment, KRT has played a role in safeguarding the safety of the local community and has experienced a phase of change which is to become a medium of unity among communities of various ethnicities through organized activities. In this regard, students are a group that is often associated with activities organized by KRT in developing the leadership skills. The objective of this study is to identify the students’ perspective towards KRT of their own place of residence in forming the spirit of leadership. Therefore, a set of questionnaires was conducted as a research instrument involving a study sample of 120 students of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer software version 23.0. Results found the level of agreement among students on leadership skills is high of which the total mean is 4.08. This found that there is still an awareness of the importance of leadership skills among students. In order to ensure that the impact of the implementation of KRT activities on strengthening leadership skills in residential areas continues to be successful, all parties must join hands and unite in intensifying the implementation of KRT activities.