bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Group A Streptococcal Infections in Pediatric Age: Updates about a Re-Emerging Pathogen
Authors: Di Pietro Giada Maria , Marchisio Paola , Bosi Pietro , Castellazzi Massimo Luca , Lemieux Paul
Published: April 2024

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) presents a significant global health burden due to its diverse clinical manifestations ranging from mild infections to life-threatening invasive diseases. While historically stable, the incidence of GAS infections declined during the COVID-19 pandemic but resurged following the relaxation of preventive measures. Despite general responsiveness to β-lactam antibiotics, there remains an urgent need for a GAS vaccine due to its substantial global disease burden, particularly in low-resource settings. Vaccine development faces numerous challenges, including the extensive strain diversity, the lack of suitable animal models for testing, potential autoimmune complications, and the need for global distribution, while addressing socioeconomic disparities in vaccine access. Several vaccine candidates are in various stages of development, offering hope for effective prevention strategies in the future.
Probiotic Effect of Streptococcus dentisani on Oral Pathogens: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Bedoya-Correa Claudia María , Betancur-Giraldo Santiago , Franco John , Arango-Santander Santiago
Published: April 2024

Probiotics, including Streptococcus dentisani, have been proposed as an alternative to re-establish the ecology of the oral cavity and inhibit the formation of pathogenic biofilms. The main objective of this work was to assess the probiotic ability of S. dentisani against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, and Candida albicans biofilms. The ability of the strains to form a monospecies biofilm and the probiotic potential of S. dentisani using the competition, exclusion, and displacement strategies were determined. All strains were moderate biofilm producers. The ability of S. dentisani to compete with and exclude S. mutans and S. mitis during biofilm formation was not significant. However, S. dentisani significantly reduced pathologic streptococcal biofilms using the displacement strategy. Also S. dentisani reduced the formation of the C. albicans biofilm mainly through competition and displacement. In vitro, S. dentisani exhibited probiotic potential to reduce the formation of potentially pathogenic biofilms. Further investigation is required to understand the biofilm-inhibiting mechanisms exhibited by this probiotic strain.
Anticholinesterase Activity of Methanolic Extract of Amorpha fruticosa Flowers and Isolation of Rotenoids and Putrescine and Spermidine Derivatives
Authors: Jankovská Dagmar , Jurčová Nikol , Kubínová Renata , Václavík Jiří , Švajdlenka Emil , Mascellani Anna , Maršík Petr , Bouzková Kateřina , Malaník Milan
Published: April 2024

Five putrescine and spermidine derivatives (1–5) together with five rotenoids (6–10) were isolated from a methanolic extract of the flowers of A. fruticosa that displayed promising inhibition of 76.0 ± 1.9% for AChE and 90.0 ± 4.0% for BuChE at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. Although the anticholinesterase activities of the isolated compounds did not reach that of galantamine, molecular docking revealed that all-trans-tri-p-coumaroylspermidine and trans-trans-cis-tri-p-coumaroylspermidine showed binding poses mimicking the known inhibitor galantamine and thus could serve as model molecules in future searches for new AChE and BuChE inhibitors.
Heterotrophy Compared to Photoautotrophy for Growth Characteristics and Pigment Compositions in Batch Cultures of Four Green Microalgae
Authors: Le Thanh Tung , Corato Amélie , Gerards Thomas , Gérin Stéphanie , Remacle Claire , Franck Fabrice
Published: April 2024

Four strains of green microalgae (Scenedesmus acutus, Scenedesmus vacuolatus, Chlorella sorokiniana, and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) were compared to determine growth and pigment composition under photoautotrophic or heterotrophic conditions. Batch growth experiments were performed in multicultivators with online monitoring of optical density. For photoautotrophic growth, light-limited (CO2-sufficient) growth was analyzed under different light intensities during the exponential and deceleration growth phases. The specific growth rate, measured during the exponential phase, and the maximal biomass productivity, measured during the deceleration phase, were not related to each other when different light intensities and different species were considered. This indicates species-dependent photoacclimation effects during cultivation time, which was confirmed by light-dependent changes in pigment content and composition when exponential and deceleration phases were compared. Except for C. reinhardtii, which does not grow on glucose, heterotrophic growth was promoted to similar extents by acetate and by glucose; however, these two substrates led to different pigment compositions. Weak light increased the pigment content during heterotrophy in the four species but was efficient in promoting growth only in S. acutus. C. sorokiniana, and S. vacuolatus exhibited the best potential for heterotrophic biomass productivities, both on glucose and acetate, with carotenoid (lutein) content being the highest in the former.
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Zinc Sulfate Alleviate Boron Toxicity in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Nassarawa Ismail Sanusi , Li Zhuolin , Xue Longshuo , Li Huazu , Muhammad Uzair , Zhu Shuijin , Chen Jinhong , Zhao Tianlun
Published: April 2024

Boron toxicity significantly hinders the growth and development of cotton plants, therefore affecting the yield and quality of this important cash crop worldwide. Limited studies have explored the efficacy of ZnSO4 (zinc sulfate) and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) in alleviating boron toxicity. Nanoparticles have emerged as a novel strategy to reduce abiotic stress directly. The precise mechanism underlying the alleviation of boron toxicity by ZnO NPs in cotton remains unclear. In this study, ZnO NPs demonstrated superior potential for alleviating boron toxicity compared to ZnSO4 in hydroponically cultivated cotton seedlings. Under boron stress, plants supplemented with ZnO NPs exhibited significant increases in total fresh weight (75.97%), root fresh weight (39.64%), and leaf fresh weight (69.91%). ZnO NPs positively affected photosynthetic parameters and SPAD values. ZnO NPs substantially reduced H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) by 27.87% and 32.26%, MDA (malondialdehyde) by 27.01% and 34.26%, and O2− (superoxide anion) by 41.64% and 48.70% after 24 and 72 h, respectively. The application of ZnO NPs increased the antioxidant activities of SOD (superoxide dismutase) by 82.09% and 76.52%, CAT (catalase) by 16.79% and 16.33%, and POD (peroxidase) by 23.77% and 21.66% after 24 and 72 h, respectively. ZnO NP and ZnSO4 application demonstrated remarkable efficiency in improving plant biomass, mineral nutrient content, and reducing boron levels in cotton seedlings under boron toxicity. A transcriptome analysis and corresponding verification revealed a significant up-regulation of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes, photosynthesis pathway, and ABC transporter genes with the application of ZnO NPs. These findings provide valuable insights for the mechanism of boron stress tolerance in cotton and provide a theoretical basis for applying ZnO NPs and ZnSO4 to reduce boron toxicity in cotton production.
Discoloration and Surface Changes in Spruce Wood after Accelerated Aging
Authors: Kúdela Jozef , Ihracký Pavel , Kačík František
Published: April 2024

Spruce wood is widely used in outdoor applications, but its susceptibility to degradation under exposure to sunlight and moisture is a major concern. This study investigates the impact of accelerated aging on spruce wood’s surface chemistry, microstructure, geometry, and discoloration. The study was performed in two outdoor aging modes: dry and wet. The accelerated aging effects were evident in the changes in spruce wood structure, as well as in the other studied properties. During aging, it developed significant discoloration. Under simulated rainless outdoor conditions (dry mode), spruce wood gradually became dark brown. Under conditions involving rain (wet mode), the discoloration was qualitatively different from the dry mode. FTIR spectroscopy showed that during the accelerated aging of wood, lignin was mainly degraded, especially in the early stages of the process. A linear correlation was found between the changes in lignin and the color changes in the wood. There was an increase in carbonyl groups in the dry mode, which contributed to the color change and was also influenced by changes in extractives. The wet mode caused the leaching out of carbonyl groups. The observed decrease in cellulose crystallinity, together with the degradation of hydrophobic lignin, may result in the increased hydrophilicity of photodegraded wood. For both modes, there were different changes in the wood micro- and macrostructure, reflected in the surface morphology. The roughness increased during the aging process in both modes. The slightest changes in the roughness parameters were identified in the grain direction in the dry mode; the most evident was that the roughness parameters increased perpendicular to the grain in the wet mode. The demonstrated mechanism backing up the aging-related changes to the spruce wood structure and the relations unveiled between these changes and the changes in the spruce wood surface properties can provide an issue point for seeking ways how to mitigate the negative effects of the environmental factors the wood is exposed to.
Toward a Generalizable Understanding of Rightist Movements: Utilizing the Revolutionary Right’s Value Wars in Iran (1995–2009) as a Case Study
Authors: Teimouri Amirhossein
Published: April 2024

Bringing rightist movement studies into the Iranian context, this study advances a generalizable understanding of the ideological, moral, and cultural activism of Islamist movements and their rightist counterparts. While numerous studies have discussed the economic explanation of rightist movements, I integrate Islamist movements in the Muslim world and rightist movements in the West to develop a generalizable cultural and moral explanation of rightist movements. Value and ideological conflicts, as well as moral outrage, drive this integrated understanding of rightist movements. The rise of innovative and contentious forms of millennialism in Iran—especially the increasing salience of the Jamkaran mosque, the rise of new media outlets and millennial discourses, and pertinent policies—provide evidence for proposing this generalizable understanding. I argue that the rise of performative contentions surrounding millennialism, known as Mahdaviat, within the pro-regime revolutionary rightist movement in Iran was Islamists’ ideological response to liberal threat perceptions. These threat perceptions were activated before the liberal Reform era (1997–2005). After the ascent of Ahmadinejad to power in 2005, ideological millennialism became the dominant discursive field in Iran’s state politics. Drawing on narratives of prominent Islamist figures and media personalities in Iran and events surrounding Mahdaviat, this paper advances a generalizable argument of the moral and cultural explanation of rightist movements.
Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Snowfall Conditions in Poland Based on the Snow Fraction Sensitivity Index
Authors: Somorowska Urszula
Published: April 2024

This study focuses on temperature and snowfall conditions in Poland, both of which were analyzed from 1981 to 2020. A 40-year record of daily snow fraction time series values was reconstructed using a unique and global multi-source weighted-ensemble precipitation (MSWEP) product, which provided a spatially and temporally consistent reference for the assessment of meteorological conditions. The average states and trends in snow fraction and temperature were analyzed across several years, focusing on the 6-month cold season (November–April). The impact of temperature on the snow fraction pattern was assessed by introducing a snow fraction sensitivity index. To predict short-term changes in snow conditions, a proxy model was established; it incorporated historical trends in the snow fraction as well as its mean state. This study provides clear evidence that the snow fraction is principally controlled by increases in temperature. A warming climate will thus cause a decline in the snow fraction, as we observed in vast lowland areas. Given the ongoing global warming, by the 2050s, snow-dominated areas may go from covering 86% to only 30% of the country’s surface; they will be converted into transient rain–snow areas. Our results demonstrate that a decline in snow water resources has already occurred, and these resources are expected to diminish further in the near future. New insights into the sensitivity of the snow fraction to climate warming will expand our collective knowledge of the magnitude and spatial extent of snow degradation. Such widespread changes have implications for the timing and availability of soil and groundwater resources as well as the timing and likelihood of floods and droughts. Thus, these findings will provide valuable information that can inform environmental managers of the importance of changing snowfall conditions, guiding them to include this aspect in future climate adaptation strategies.
Environmental and Economic Life Cycle Assessment of Enzymatic Hydrolysis-Based Fish Protein and Oil Extraction
Authors: Bashiri Bashir , Cropotova Janna , Kvangarsnes Kristine , Gavrilova Olga , Vilu Raivo
Published: April 2024

As global fish consumption rises, a large amount of waste is generated that is generally neglected. Considering the value embedded in these resources, sustainable methods become more important in extracting valuable ingredients from fish processing residues. Enzymatic hydrolysis is a fast and easily reproducible method for recovering protein ingredients and obtaining valuable by-products. To confirm its advantages, an environmental and economic impact assessment is essential. This study overviewed the sustainability and economic viability of extracting protein compounds and oil from Atlantic mackerel processing residues using enzymatic hydrolysis. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) methods were employed. It was found that the climate change impact of the whole process was 0.073 kg CO2-eq per 1 g of fish protein hydrolysate (FPH). As the process produces FPH as the main product and fish oil as the by-product, economic allocation was used to distribute the impacts of FPH and fish oil. The findings of the LCCA showed that producing 1 g of FPH costs EUR 3.68. The contribution analysis indicated the crucial role of electricity and fish in environmental impacts. To ensure the accuracy of the calculation, the results of an LCA study published previously were recalculated. The sensitivity analysis showed that the results were susceptible to the region and source of electricity production. This research provides valuable insights into the sustainability and economic aspects of using enzymatic hydrolysis for extracting protein ingredients and oils from Atlantic mackerel. This can inform future investigations of environmentally friendly and economically viable solutions for extracting fish ingredients.
Different Approaches of Forest Type Classifications for Argentina Based on Functional Forests and Canopy Cover Composition by Tree Species
Authors: Martínez Pastur Guillermo J. , Loto Dante , Rodríguez-Souilla Julián , Silveira Eduarda M. O. , Cellini Juan M. , Peri Pablo L.
Published: April 2024

Modern forestry systems rely on typologies of forest types (FTs). In Argentina, several proposals have been developed, but they lack unified criteria. The objective was to compare different approaches, specifically focusing on (i) phenoclusters (functional forests based on vegetation phenology variations and climate variables) and (ii) forest canopy cover composition by tree species. We conducted comparative uni-variate analyses using data from national forest inventories, forest models (biodiversity, carbon, structure), and regional climate. We assessed the performance of phenoclusters in differentiating the variability of native forests (proxy: forest structure), biodiversity (proxy: indicator species), and environmental factors (proxies: soil carbon stock, elevation, climate). Additionally, we proposed a simple FT classification methodology based on species composition, considering the basal area of tree species. Finally, we compared the performance of both proposals. Our findings showed that classifications based on forest canopy cover composition are feasible to implement in regions dominated by mono-specific forests. However, phenoclusters allowed for the increased complexity of categories at the landscape level. Conversely, in regions where multi-specific stands prevailed, classifications based on forest canopy cover composition proved ineffective; however, phenoclusters facilitated a reduction in complexity at the landscape level. These results offer a pathway to harmonize national FT classifications by employing criteria and indicators to achieve sustainable forest management and conservation initiatives.
Application of Magnetic Separation Technology in Resource Utilization and Environmental Treatment
Authors: Ku Jiangang , Wang Kunpeng , Wang Qian , Lei Zhongyun
Published: April 2024

Magnetic separation technology is a physical separation method that uses the differences in magnetism between matter to separate them from each other by different motion behaviors in a non-uniform magnetic field. It is highly efficient, green, and environmentally friendly, with little change in the physical and chemical properties of raw materials. Magnetic separation technology is commonly used in the field of mineral processing engineering for magnetite, hematite, titanite, and other magnetic ferrous metal oxide minerals. This paper summarizes the application of magnetic separation technology for resource utilization and environmental treatment in different fields, such as non-metal decomposition, valuable metal recovery, use of magnetic carrier chemical separation, biomedical targeted magnetic separation, and use of magnetic species separation in water and wastewater treatment. We seek to review the application and potential of magnetic separation technology in various fields, emphasize their key role, and explore possible directions for their future development.
Ways of Spouse Support in Garment Workers’ Workplace Resistance: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Islam Md. Mynul , Kusakabe Kyoko
Published: April 2024

This qualitative study aimed to explore the different ways of spouse support for garment workers in Dhaka city. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with male and female workers and their spouses and key informant interviews with relevant stakeholders to explore the different ways of support. The results highlight that male and female workers receive different ways of support for their ways in workplace resistance; therefore, male and female workers cannot participate in their workplace resistance in the same way. In terms of large collective resistance activities, husbands and wives support their spouses’ decisions to participate. Such agreement is important for workers to receive financial and other supports during the protest. However, not all female workers can participate inside and outside large groups of collective resistance as can male workers. Some female workers need to convince their husbands in order to participate inside and outside large groups of collective resistance, because husbands are serious about adherence to purdah. Such restrictions from husbands make it difficult for female workers who are in a dilemma between pressure from coworkers and from their husbands. In terms of small groups of collective resistance and individual resistance, women are more engaged than men, since men, being the main breadwinner in the family, cannot risk their jobs through such resistance.
Social Innovations for Empowering Pastoralist Women: Evidence from Dasenech, South Omo, Ethiopia
Authors: Dejene Melisew , Matewos Tafesse , Adem Addisalem
Published: April 2024

Innovations are vital for empowering women and youth by introducing alternative pathways for development. This study focuses on a social innovation project executed in Dasenech, South Omo, Ethiopia. The project introduced innovative initiatives (index-based livestock insurance (IBLI), a goat market value-chain system, an eco-friendly hydraulic ram pump, fodder production, and a vet drug store). Key among the goals of these initiatives was the empowerment of pastoralist women by promoting the livelihood base of the Dasenech Pastoralist Community. The present study assessed the contributions of these innovations to the empowerment of women and youth. We employed a mixed-method research approach to pool both quantitative and qualitative data using a household survey through Kobocollect, FGDs, KIIs, and case stories. We computed empowerment by employing a 5DE model with five domains, i.e., production, resources, income, leadership, and time use. The findings suggest that 93% of the project participants were empowered, recording “adequate achievements” in line with the 5DE model, i.e., with scores of at least 80% in four of the five requirements. Technological innovations that properly assess the context of the intervention area and, most importantly, that use proper avenues of implementation with women and youth as owners and leaders, have the capacity to empower such individuals in the economic, social, and political spheres.
Green Fiscal and Tax Policies in China: An Environmental Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Approach
Authors: Yan Jie , Wang Ruiliang
Published: April 2024

Implementing green fiscal and tax policies for reducing emissions and pollution without negatively impacting economic growth remains a challenge. We aimed to determine whether environmental protection and economic growth can both be attained under a green fiscal and tax policy. Specifically, we created a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model to explore the environmental, economic, and welfare impacts of green fiscal and tax policies. Additionally, a welfare analysis based on an environmental DSGE (E-DSGE) model was performed. We found that (1) raising the environmental or energy tax rate was beneficial for reducing emissions and environmental pollution. However, this approach inhibited economic growth, an outcome not conducive to improving welfare. (2) Increasing the subsidy rate for emission reduction not only incentivized businesses to reduce emissions but also improved economic growth and welfare. (3) The emission reduction mechanisms of environmental tax policies, energy tax policies, and subsidy policies are different. Among them, the environmental tax policy and the energy tax policy both reduce pollution by forcing businesses to increase their emission reduction efforts, but the former is a tax on pollution emissions, while the latter is a tax on energy consumption. However, emission reduction subsidy policies incentivize companies to increase their emission reduction efforts and reduce pollution emissions by alleviating their financial burden. (4) Increasing government spending on environmental remediation could promote economic growth. However, considering that this does not motivate companies to reduce emissions, increasing their share will lead to a reduction in emission reduction subsidies, ultimately negatively impacting social welfare. (5) An environmental tax would cause greater losses in welfare than an energy tax. These findings will enable policymakers to optimize expenditures and tax systems.
Evaluating the UN Global Compact Communication on Progress as a CSR Benchmarking Tool
Authors: Ribeiro Lucas , Branco Manuel Castelo , Chaves Cristina
Published: April 2024

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) extends beyond mere profit-seeking to encompass the ethical behavior of a company toward society, mitigating negative and generating positive impacts on the environment, consumers, employees, communities, and all stakeholders. The UN Global Compact (UNGC) is the world’s largest voluntary CSR initiative, and its Communication on Progress (CoP) requirement is a key reporting mechanism that allows participating companies to transparently showcase their progress and efforts regarding CSR. As more and more companies are reporting CSR practices, it is crucial to establish a global, standardized, trusted, accessible, and useful database that can be used by different stakeholders, including the companies themselves in the benchmarking process. This paper examines whether the UNGC CoP can be used as a sustainability benchmarking tool, based on well-established criteria, and compares it with other existing reporting frameworks. Results indicate that the UNGC CoP can be considered a benchmarking tool, being applicable to nearly all phases of the benchmarking process. The study also shows that the CoP stands out regarding other frameworks due to ample coverage of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), number of reporting companies, accessibility to all stakeholders, and consolidation of the information into one platform.
Combining Empirical and Physics-Based Models for Solar Wind Prediction
Authors: Johnson Rob , Filali Boubrahimi Soukaina , Bahri Omar , Hamdi Shah Muhammad
Published: April 2024

Solar wind modeling is classified into two main types: empirical models and physics-based models, each designed to forecast solar wind properties in various regions of the heliosphere. Empirical models, which are cost-effective, have demonstrated significant accuracy in predicting solar wind at the L1 Lagrange point. On the other hand, physics-based models rely on magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) principles and demand more computational resources. In this research paper, we build upon our recent novel approach that merges empirical and physics-based models. Our recent proposal involves the creation of a new physics-informed neural network that leverages time series data from solar wind predictors to enhance solar wind prediction. This innovative method aims to combine the strengths of both modeling approaches to achieve more accurate and efficient solar wind predictions. In this work, we show the variability of the proposed physics-informed loss across multiple deep learning models. We also study the effect of training the models on different solar cycles on the model’s performance. This work represents the first effort to predict solar wind by integrating deep learning approaches with physics constraints and analyzing the results across three solar cycles. Our findings demonstrate the superiority of our physics-constrained model over other unconstrained deep learning predictive models.
Immunogenicity and Protective Efficacy of Psoralen-Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Sanders John W. , Ewing Daniel , Sundaram Appavu K. , Gamble Christopher Scott , Blevins Maria , Liang Zhaodong , Sanders Leigh Ann , Ornelles David A. , Sun Peifang , Lenart Klara , Feuerstein Hendrik , Loré Karin , Petrovsky Nikolai , Williams Maya , Porter Kevin R.
Published: April 2024

COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has significantly impacted public health and the economy worldwide. Most of the currently licensed COVID-19 vaccines act by inhibiting the receptor-binding function of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The constant emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants resulting from mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) leads to vaccine immune evasion and underscores the importance of broadly acting COVID-19 vaccines. Inactivated whole virus vaccines can elicit broader immune responses to multiple epitopes of several antigens and help overcome such immune evasions. We prepared a psoralen-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (SARS-CoV-2 PsIV) and evaluated its immunogenicity and efficacy in nonhuman primates (NHPs) when administered with the Advax-CpG adjuvant. We also evaluated the SARS-CoV-2 PsIV as a booster shot in animals vaccinated with a DNA vaccine that can express the full-length spike protein. The Advax-CpG-adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 PsIV elicited a dose-dependent neutralizing antibody response in the NHPs, as measured using a serum microneutralization assay against the SARS-CoV-2 Washington strain and the Delta variant. The animals vaccinated with the DNA vaccine followed by a boosting dose of the SARS-CoV-2 PsIV exhibited the highest neutralizing antibody responses and were able to quickly clear infection after an intranasal challenge with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. Overall, the data show that the Advax-CpG-adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 PsIV, either by itself or as a booster shot following nucleic acid (NA) vaccines, has the potential to protect against emerging variants.
BCG Vaccination-Associated Lower HbA1c and Increased CD25 Expression on CD8+ T Cells in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes in Ghana
Authors: Aniagyei Wilfred , Mohayideen Sumaya , Sarfo-Kantanka Osei , Bittner Sarah , Vivekanandan Monika M. , Arthur Joseph F. , Boateng Agnes O. , Yeboah Augustine , Ahor Hubert S. , Asibey Shadrack O. , Owusu Elizabeth , Herebian Diran , Huttasch Maximilian , Burkart Volker , Wagner Robert , Roden Michael , Adankwah Ernest , Owusu Dorcas O. , Mayatepek Ertan , Jacobsen Marc , Phillips Richard O. , Seyfarth Julia
Published: April 2024

BCG vaccination affects other diseases beyond tuberculosis by unknown—potentially immunomodulatory—mechanisms. Recent studies have shown that BCG vaccination administered during overt type 1 diabetes (T1D) improved glycemic control and affected immune and metabolic parameters. Here, we comprehensively characterized Ghanaian T1D patients with or without routine neonatal BCG vaccination to identify vaccine-associated alterations. Ghanaian long-term T1D patients (n = 108) and matched healthy controls (n = 214) were evaluated for disease-related clinical, metabolic, and immunophenotypic parameters and compared based on their neonatal BCG vaccination status. The majority of study participants were BCG-vaccinated at birth and no differences in vaccination rates were detected between the study groups. Notably, glycemic control metrics, i.e., HbA1c and IDAA1c, showed significantly lower levels in BCG-vaccinated as compared to unvaccinated patients. Immunophenotype comparisons identified higher expression of the T cell activation marker CD25 on CD8+ T cells from BCG-vaccinated T1D patients. Correlation analysis identified a negative correlation between HbA1c levels and CD25 expression on CD8+ T cells. In addition, we observed fractional increases in glycolysis metabolites (phosphoenolpyruvate and 2/3-phosphoglycerate) in BCG-vaccinated T1D patients. These results suggest that neonatal BCG vaccination is associated with better glycemic control and increased activation of CD8+ T cells in T1D patients.
COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness among Patients with Psoriatic Disease: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Gazitt Tal , Eder Lihi , Saliba Walid , Stein Nili , Feldhamer Ilan , Cohen Arnon Dov , Zisman Devy
Published: April 2024

Limited information is available on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (psoriatic disease (PsD)). The objective of our research was to assess the effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in preventing SARS-CoV-2 positivity and severe infection in a cohort of patients with PsD and the association of immunosuppressants on SARS-CoV-2 infection-related outcomes from December 2020 to December 2021. Vaccine effectiveness was assessed in a matched nested case control study using conditional logistic regression adjusted for demographics, comorbidities and immunosuppressant use. Study outcomes included SARS-CoV-2 positivity and severe COVID-19 (moderate-to-severe COVID-19-related hospitalizations or death). At least one dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine was associated with reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 positivity and severe COVID-19 (OR = 0.41 (95% CI, 0.38–0.43) and OR = 0.15 (95% CI, 0.11–0.20), respectively). A more significant effect was found among patients who received three vaccines doses compared with those who did not receive any (OR (for positive SARS-CoV-2) = 0.13 (95% CI, 0.12–0.15) and OR (for severe disease) = 0.02 (0.01–0.05)). Etanercept and methotrexate were associated with higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 positivity (1.58 (1.19–2.10), p = 0.001 and 1.25 (1.03–1.51), p = 0.03, respectively). In conclusion, our results show that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are effective in reducing both infection and severe COVID-19-related outcomes.
Infection and Coinfection of Porcine-Selected Viruses (PPV1 to PPV8, PCV2 to PCV4, and PRRSV) in Gilts and Their Associations with Reproductive Performance
Authors: Vargas-Bermudez Diana S. , Diaz Andres , Polo Gina , Mogollon Jose Dario , Jaime Jairo
Published: April 2024

Seven novel porcine parvoviruses (nPPVs) (PPV2 through PPV8) have been described, although their pathogenicity and possible effects on porcine reproductive failure (PRF) are undefined. In this study, these nPPVs were assessed in gilts from Colombia; their coinfections with PPV1, PCV2, PCV3, PCV4, and PRRSV and an association between the nPPVs and the reproductive performance parameters (RPPs) in sows were determined. For this, 234 serum samples were collected from healthy gilts from 40 herds in five Colombian regions, and the viruses were detected via real-time PCR. The results confirmed the circulation of PPV2 through PPV7 in Colombia, with PPV3 (40%), PPV5 (20%), and PPV6 (17%) being the most frequent. Additionally, no PCV4 or PPV8 was detected. PPV2 to PPV7 were detected in concurrence with each other and with the primary PRF viruses, and these coinfections varied from double to sextuple coinfections. Additionally, the association between nPPVs and PRF primary viruses was statistically significant for the presence of PPV6 in PCV3-positive (p < 0.01) and PPV5 in PPRSV-positive (p < 0.05) gilts; conversely, there was a significant presence of PPV3 in both PCV2-negative (p < 0.01) and PRRSV-negative (p < 0.05) gilts. Regarding the RPPs, the crude association between virus detection (positive or negative) and a high or low RPP was only statistically significant for PCV3 and the farrowing rate (FR), indicating that the crude odds of a low FR were 94% lower in herds with PCV3-positive gilts. This finding means that the detection of PCV3 in gilts (PCV3-positive by PCR) is associated with a higher FR in the farm or that these farms (with positive gilts) have lower odds (OR 0.06, p-value 0.0043) of a low FR. Additionally, a low FR tended to be associated with the detection of PPV4 and PPV5 (p-value < 0.20). This study is important for establishing the possible participation of nPPVs in PRF.
Requirements for chocolate within the framework of technical regulation and standardization
Authors:   FSBSI Federal Scientifi c Center for Food Systems named after V.M. Gorbatov of the RAS, Moscow, FSBEI HE Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Zamula V.S. , Kuzlyakina Yu.A. ,   FSBSI Federal Scientifi c Center for Food Systems named after V.M. Gorbatov of the RAS, Moscow, FSBEI HE Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Savenkova T.V. ,   FSBSI Federal Scientifi c Center for Food Systems named after V.M. Gorbatov of the RAS, Moscow, FSBEI HE Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow
Published: April 2024

This article discusses the requirements for chocolate within the framework of technical regulation and standardization. The procedure for developing and approving a revised standard for chocolate is covered. The main changes to the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union regarding chocolate have been identifi ed and presented.
The land use planning measures used for the inclusion of land into agricultural use in the Russian Federation
Authors:   Land Use Planning Department, State University of Land Use Planning, Moscow, cademician of the Russian Academy of Sciences,, Volkov S.N.
Published: April 2024

The article considers the dynamics of the areas, structure, and condition of unused lands intended for agriculture and the volume of involvement in farming business, as well as the areas of land plots registered and transferred to rural commodity producers over the last years in the Russian Federation. It is shown that the current amount of land restoration doesn’t compensate for the needs of the state. The authors insist on necessity of comprehensive land use planning activities by developing appropriate land use planning procedures.
Satellite remote sensing for boundaries determination of agricultural lands
Authors:   LLC ", Denisov P. V. ,   IKIZ", Troshko K. A. ,   thematic product development department LLC "IKIZ", Lupyan E. A. ,   Institute of Space Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the field of Remote Sensing, Plotnikov D. E. ,   Institute of Space Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kashnitsky A. V. ,   Institute of Space Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Antoshkin A. A. ,   Institute of Space Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: April 2024

The main aspects of the use of satellite data for agricultural lands boundaries determination in the regions of the Russian Federation are discussed in the article. The paper also contains the information about the satellite data and the products based on it, and also proposes possible scenarios for using the results of satellite data processing.
State information systems as a part of land use planning in agriculture
Authors:   Department of Real Estate Cadastre and Land Use, State University of Land Use Planning, Moscow, Antropov D. V. , Ishamyatova I. K. ,   Department of Land Resources and Real Estate Management, State University of Land Use Planning, Moscow, Sinitsa Y. S. ,   Department of Real Estate Cadastre and Land Use, State University of Land Use Planning, Moscow
Published: April 2024

In the article, the authors discuss the lack of a unified source of information that can be used for solving land use planning problems in agriculture. Highlighting different levels of storage of such information, some state information systems are considered in this paper as the most important for solving such problems. The authors also propose the possible improvements in this sphere.
Russia-NATO and Ukraine-NATO relations: from “a new quality” to “a shattered peace”
Authors:   The Kosygin State University of Russia, Moscow, Chumakov V. A.
Published: April 2024

Political and legal foundations of the relations between Russia and Ukraine with NATO are examined in a comparative manner. The basic documents for interaction were studied in detail: Founding Act on Mutual Relations, Cooperation and Security between NATO and the Russian Federation and Charter on a Distinctive Partnership between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and Ukraine.An analysis of statements by offi cials of the USA, NATO, Russia and Ukraine in connection with Russian special military operation in Ukraine is provided. NATO continues its provocative policy of expansion unwinding a spiral of militarization and aggravation of geopolitical tensions in order to achieve superiority. The notorious “open door” doctrine has become so ossifi ed and hardened in its immutability that there is no reason to expect any changes, corrections or simply rethinking of its consequences for the security interests of NATO itself, its members and invitees. A stream of spells and predictable ritual statements, which do not contain the slightest element of novelty, is pouring out from Brussels. Moscow’s view on this is also well known and opposite to NATO’s one: the origin of the current deepest security crisis in the Euro-Atlantics was the destructive policy of the collective West thoroughly saturated with anti-Russian approaches and completely negating the proposals and initiatives that Russia had put forward as a possible solution to existing problems. The naked double standards and rough actions of NATO countries in Eurasia and other regions of the world testify to their desire, through the so-called controlled chaos and suff ering of millions of people, to prevent the establishment of a just multipolar world order implanting in its place a fl awed “rules-based order.” The architects of a unipolar world will be disappointed: hegemony led by the United States is impossible since there are Russia, China and India on the Eurasian continent. American elites cannot help but understand that they live in a country isolated by two oceans, the history of which is far shorter than Russian, Chinese and Indian which stretch back thousands of years.
Unresolvation of the Palestine problem — the main threat to regional security
Authors:   National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations named after E. M. Primakov Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Ivanov S. M.
Published: April 2024

The article analyzes the situation in the Middle East in connection with a new largescale armed confl ict between Israel and radical Islamist groups. The author reminds readers of the origins and causes of the Palestinian-Israeli confl ict and gives a detailed picture of the dynamics of events in the former British mandate territory of Palestine after 1948. The main reason for the ongoing tension in Israel's relations with the Arab and Muslim world is the disregard by the Israeli authorities and the leaders of a number of Arab countries of the relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly on the creation of the State of Palestine. The ongoing occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights and Lebanese Shebaa farms by the Israeli armed forces does not help to strengthen confi dence in Tel Aviv on the part of neighboring Arab countries. The author believes that the main goals of the attack on Israel by Hamas militants and Islamic Jihad (banned in the Russian Federation) on October 7, 2023 were, fi rstly, to attract the attention of regional and global players to the Palestinian problem, and secondly, to demonstrate the increased military capabilities of Hamas and the vulnerability of Israel, and thirdly, a slowdown or complete disruption of the process of further normalization of Israel’s relations with Arab countries. In addition, Palestinian radicals believed that a successful military operation against Israel could lead to an increase in fi nancial, economic, political and military assistance to Hamas from its supporters and sponsors. The author notes the growing involvement of a number of regional and extra-regional players in the armed confl ict in the Gaza Strip (Lebanese Hezbollah, Yemeni Houthis, Iran, Qatar, Turkey, USA, EU countries). The article also notes the limited capabilities of UN institutions and other international organizations at this stage for a comprehensive and fair Middle East settlement.
Some conceptual models of foreign policy decision-making based on historical examples
Authors:   Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Matyukhin D. S.
Published: April 2024

The article analyses four conceptual models of assessing foreign policy decision-making with relevant examples of application from the history of international relations. The study, in particular, examines the behaviorist model, which links changes in the actions of a specific country in the global arena with the peculiarities of the psychological profi le of a single high-ranking representative of state power. The article also addresses the cognitivist model of bounded rationality, which assumes that the decision-maker at the political level is limited in his or her thinking functions, may lack some necessary information, and almost always feels pressure from the external social environment. The study also explains how the incrementalist model works. Its proponents are convinced that a country's development, including its geopolitical position, is primarily infl uenced by confl ict between diff erent authorities who bargain with each other but eventually come to a mutually acceptable agreement. Finally, the article provides information on the model of comprehensive rationality, in which players with individual interests are guided by the desire to maximise benefits and minimise risks when making decisions, including in the field of foreign policy.
Formation of an Effective System of Currency Regulation and Control in Russia
Authors:   Kostroma State University (KSU), Kostroma, Koroleva M. L.
Published: April 2024

In the course of the conducted research, specific problems of the system of currency regulation and control related to negative trends in the Russian foreign exchange market in modern realities have been identified. Based on the evolution of the global and domestic system of currency regulation and control, trends and priority directions of its development have been identifi ed. Measures have been formulated to improve the system of currency regulation and control and increase their effectiveness, which can be used to develop drafts of existing regulatory legal acts and to form the main directions of monetary policy in our country. The categorical apparatus of currency issues has been supplemented on the basis of a comprehensive review of the system of currency control and currency regulation from various points of view. The concepts of "currency control", "currency regulation" and "currency off ense" have been clarifi ed. The consolidation of the basic concepts at the legislative level,the introduction of a currency monitoring system will minimize the number of currency violations and reduce labor costs when working out violations. The study confirmed the need to develop alternative channels of work in connection with the shutdown of the SWIFT system and the promotion of integration processes within the EAEU, which will eliminate many economic risks and ensure Russia’s resistance to sanctions. The proposed innovations will help to develop foreign economic relations between the countries more efficiently, dynamically and qualitatively.
Fragmentation Processes and Positions of the U.S. Dollar in the Global Monetary and Financial System
Authors:   Russian Foreign Trade Academy of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation (RFTA), Moscow, Kravchenko Yu. B.
Published: April 2024

The article discusses the development of fragmentation processes and changes in the position of the U.S. dollar in the global monetary and financial system. The article is divided into three main sections. The fi rst section provides indicators describing the positions of the U.S. dollar in the global monetary and fi nancial system. Based on the analysis of economic size of the EU, China and the United States the author emphasizes that the size of American economy is an important but not the only factor contributing to maintaining the U.S. dollar’s dominance in the global monetary and fi nancial system. Using econometric research methods, the author has compiled a long-term forecast for changes in the U.S. dollar’s share in the world’s official foreign exchange reserves. It has been scientifi cally proven that the dominance of the U.S. dollar in the global monetary and fi nancial system is mainly due to the accessibility and depth of the American fi nancial market. Scenarios for the future development of the global monetary and fi nancial system are proposed. The second section analyzes the risks associated with maintaining the U.S. dollar’s dominant position in the global monetary and fi nancial system. It has been found that negative spillovers from U.S. dollar appreciations fall disproportionately on emerging market economies when compared with advanced economies. The third section presents the principles for building a global fi nancial safety net. The article concludes that transition from the current global monetary and fi nancial system centered on the U.S. dollar to a more polycentric one would be very slow. Strengthening macro-fi nancial policy frameworks at the national level and ensuring the effective operation of the global financial safety net are proposed as ways to deal with external challenges in the context of the current global monetary and financial system.