bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trend of pulmonary tuberculosis and rifampicin-resistance among tuberculosis presumptive patients in Central Tigray, Ethiopia; 2018 -2023: a six-year retrospective study
Authors: Gebremariam Guesh , Kiros Mulugeta , Hagos Selemun , Hadush Haftom , Gebremichael Amaha , Gebrekirstos Gebretsadkan , Tesfay Aregawi , Gebrewahid Teumelsan , Berihu Tesfay , Gebremariam Brhane
Published: July 2024

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health concern in the developing countries. Moreover, the emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is challenging. However, there are no organized data on the trends of pulmonary tuberculosis and rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the study area.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to fill the information gap in Central Tigray at St. Mary General Hospital between 2018 and 2023. Data were collected from the GeneXpert™ tuberculosis registration logbooks using standard checklists and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 22. After performing logistic regression, a p-value < 0.05 with a corresponding 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. Moreover, chi square test for trend was performed to assess the percentage of annual detection of pulmonary tuberculosis and rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis during the study years.

Result

Presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis patients with complete data (n = 3696) were included in the study. The overall prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis was 11.7%, of which 8.1% were resistant to rifampicin. The study revealed that the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis has been increasing, mainly in the recent four years. Likewise, an increase in rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis was observed with considerable fluctuations. Age, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and presumptive rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection were significantly associated with the presence of pulmonary tuberculosis. Moreover, pulmonary tuberculosis was more prevalent among participants in the productive-age group.

Conclusion

Although there have been fluctuations, an increasing of pulmonary tuberculosis and rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been observed in recent years. Hence, prevention and treatment strategies for tuberculosis should be strengthened to alleviate the burden of pulmonary tuberculosis and rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the study area.
From data acquisition to digital reconstruction: virtual restoration of the Great Wall’s Nine Eyes Watchtower
Authors: Li Zongfei , Liu Junshan , Dong Youqiang , Hou Miaole , Wang Xiaofen
Published: July 2024

This article presents the virtual restoration of the Nine Eyes Watchtower, a significant cultural heritage site along the Great Wall. By applying the Seville Charter and digital technology, a detailed virtual restoration workflow is developed. The methodology involves acquiring data from multiple sources, including physical evidence, historical data, and comparative data. Advanced survey technologies, architectural knowledge, historical research, and computer modelling techniques are integrated to accurately capture the architectural and historical significance of the Nine Eyes Watchtower. The virtual restoration process follows a systematic approach, combining evidence interpretation and explicit deduction steps. The main outcome is a comprehensive virtual restoration model that accurately represents the architectural features and historical context of the Nine Eyes Watchtower. The virtual scene includes environmental elements, with potential for immersive exploration. By bridging the gap between interpretation and deduction, this study advances the scientific understanding and presentation of virtual restorations. The project contributes to ongoing research, education, and appreciation of the Great Wall's cultural legacy, ensuring its continued relevance for future generations.
IMAGE Preview: Experience the geosciences around the world at IMAGE '24
Authors: Taylor Kelsy
Published: July 2024

Thousands of professionals and students from around the world are making plans to “stamp their passports to global energy” by attending the International Meeting for Applied Geoscience and Energy (IMAGE) set for 26–29 August in Houston, Texas.
The Politics of Collecting
Authors: Kim Eunsong
Published: July 2024

In The Politics of Collecting, Eunsong Kim traces how racial capitalism and colonialism situated the rise of US museum collections and conceptual art forms. Investigating historical legal and property claims, she argues that regimes of expropriation—rather than merit or good taste—are responsible for popular ideas of formal innovation and artistic genius. In doing so, she details how Marcel Duchamp's canonization has more to do with his patron's donations to museums than it does the quality of Duchamp's work, and uncovers the racialized and financialized logic behind the Archive of New Poetry's collecting practices. Ranging from the conception of philanthropy devised by the robber barons of the late nineteenth century to ongoing digitization projects, Kim provides a new history of contemporary art that accounts for the complicated entanglement of race, capital, and labor behind storied art institutions and artists. Drawing on history, theory, and economics, Kim challenges received notions of artistic success and talent and calls for a new vision of art beyond the cultural institution.
Genetic Regulation of Physical Fitness in Children: A Twin Study of 15 Tests from Eurofit and Fitnessgram Test Batteries
Authors: SILVENTOINEN KARRI , MAIA JOSÉ , SILLANPÄÄ ELINA , SUND REIJO , GOUVEIA ÉLVIO R. , ANTUNES ANTÓNIO , MARQUES GONÇALO , THOMIS MARTINE , KAPRIO JAAKKO , FREITAS DUARTE
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze the shared genetic background of physical fitness tests in children.

Methods

Physical fitness was assessed in 198 Portuguese twin pairs (6–18 yr old, 40% monozygotic) through 15 tests from the Eurofit and Fitnessgram test batteries. Genetic twin modeling was used to estimate the heritability of each test and the genetic correlations between them.

Results

Girls performed better than boys in flexibility, whereas boys performed better than girls in cardiorespiratory endurance and muscular strength. No sex differences were found in the influence of genetic factors on the physical fitness tests or their mutual correlations. Genetic factors explained 52% (standing long jump) to 79% (sit and reach) of the individual variation in motor performance, whereas individual-specific environmental factors explained the remaining variation. Most of the tests showed modest to moderate genetic correlations. Out of all 105 genetic correlations, 65% ranged from 0.2 to 0.6 indicating that they shared from 4% to 36% of genetic variation. The correlations between individual-specific environmental factors were mostly negligible.

Conclusions

Tests measuring the strength of different muscle groups showed only modest correlations, but moderate correlations were found between tests measuring explosive strength, running speed/agility, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Genetic factors explained a major portion of the variation in tests included in the Eurofit and Fitnessgram test batteries and explained the correlations between them. The modest to moderate genetic correlations indicated that there is little redundancy of tests in either Eurofit or Fitnessgram test batteries.
Digitalizando a experiência do cliente: case de implementação de inteligência artificial na MRV&CO
Authors: Burcharth Ana , Tavares Mascarenhas Lília , Crosara Andres
Published: July 2024

Este caso de ensino relata a trajetória de execução da estratégia digital na empresa MRV&Co. A experiência relatada mostra, especificamente, as etapas do processo de implantação de nova tecnologia de atendimento ao cliente baseada em inteligência artificial (chatbots), bem como os desafios vivenciados pelos protagonistas que conduziram o processo. Os resultados obtidos incluem redução no tempo de atendimento, redução dos contatos perdidos e remoção de aspectos negativos do atendimento humano. Este caso de ensino aborda o desafio de avaliação das alternativas de inovação, bem com o desafio de gerir a inovação sob a ótica de estratégia e processos por meio da utilização de uma tecnologia digital radicalmente nova para a empresa (chatbots) para atender o mercado atual. Sob uma perspectiva mais ampla de mudança de modelo de negócios, o caso reforça a importância de uma estratégia de inovação para a transformação digital. O caso pode ser utilizado em cursos de graduação e pós-graduação, em disciplinas que tenham como objetivo estimular discussões sobre a importância da adoção de estratégias de inovação com o fim de elucidar objetivos, prioridades, alinhamentos internos e os esforços necessários para se ter êxito. Além disso, o caso oportuniza a troca de experiências entre os discentes quanto à transformação digital do ponto de vista teórico e prático.
Ο ρόλος της έννοιας της μόνιμης εγκατάστασης στη φορολόγηση της ψηφιακής οικονομίας υπό το πρίσμα του διεθνούς και ενωσιακού δικαίου
Authors: Γεωργοπούλου Χριστίνα
Published: July 2024

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή εξετάζει το ρόλο της έννοιας της Μόνιμης Εγκατάστασης για τη φορολόγηση της ψηφιακής οικονομίας, μέσα από το πρίσμα των χαρακτηριστικών της γνωρισμάτων, των προϋποθέσεών της, καθώς και των αρχών που διέπουν την σε αυτήν απόδοση κερδών. Στο πλαίσιο της σχετικής προβληματικής, η έννοια της Μόνιμης Εγκατάστασης συγκρίνεται με άλλες εναλλακτικές προτάσεις που έχουν διατυπωθεί σε διεθνές και ενωσιακό επίπεδο για τη φορολόγηση της ψηφιακής οικονομίας, με σημείο αναφοράς τη συμβατότητά τους με την αρχή της διακρατικής ισότητας, -η οποία σύμφωνα με την παρούσα διατριβή αναγνωρίζεται ως η θεμελιώδης αρχή του διεθνούς φορολογικού δικαίου, έχοντας ένα ουσιαστικό και αντικειμενικό περιεχόμενο- καθώς και με τις λοιπές αρχές που αναγνωρίζεται ότι θα πρέπει να διέπουν τη φορολόγηση της ψηφιακής οικονομίας. Η διατριβή καταλήγει στο συμπέρασμα ότι η έννοια της Μόνιμης Εγκατάστασης παραμένει επίκαιρη και στην ψηφιακή εποχή, ως ένα αποτελεσματικό μέσο οριοθέτησης των δικαιωμάτων φορολόγησης μεταξύ του κράτους της φορολογικής κατοικίας και του κράτους πηγής, ενώ παράλληλα δύναται να λειτουργήσει και ως μοχλός ενίσχυσης της εναρμόνισης της άμεσης φορολογίας σε ενωσιακό επίπεδο, καθώς και της συνεργασίας για φορολογικά ζητήματα μεταξύ των κρατών σε διεθνές επίπεδο.
Illiberal Concept of EU Reform: Polish Conservative Ideologists in the Debate on Differentiated Integration
Authors: Tosiek Piotr
Published: July 2024

Differentiated integration is the outcome of intergovernmental negotiations resulting from states’ diverse preferences on the European Union’s systemic model. The heterogeneity of states’ preferences is rooted in many factors of differentiation, where economy and ideology play the leading roles. Their specific interconnection contributed to the creation of the Polish conservative vision of European integration proposed by ideologists close to the Law and Justice party. Three main postulates emerged from their opinions: re-constitution, intergovernmental democracy, and de-hierarchization. This article aims to place this EU vision in the context of the debate on differentiated integration. The thesis is the view that Polish ideologists transformed the political ‘vision’ into a hybrid ‘concept’ of differentiation combining temporal, institutionally based, policy-based, and territorial divergencies.
The Implications of Strengthening ‘European Strategic Autonomy’ and Its Defence Capabilities for the Growth of France’s Global Importance and Power
Authors: Młynarski Tomasz
Published: July 2024

France occupies a key position in Europe’s defence and security structures and the promotion of a ‘Europe of defence’ has been one of the political priorities of French leaders since the late 1990s. One of the key initiatives strengthening multilateral military cooperation in the EU is the European Intervention Initiative (EI2), which aims to instil a French strategic culture among Europeans. The aim of the study is to show that France is ‘shifting’ its power ambitions to Europe, which is to become a significant actor in international relations, equipped with mechanisms of political representation and credible military forces, enabling it to conduct a global-scale independent policy. The analysis leads to the conclusion that the strengthening of ‘European strategic autonomy’ serves to preserve a multipolar world, in which France will play the role of Europe’s ‘leader,’ and is expected to be conductive to the development of defence industry cooperation.
Analiza porównawcza zaangażowania parlamentów narodowych w reformę polityki imigracyjnej, azylowej i kontroli granic zewnętrznych UE między 2015 a 2020 r.
Authors: Dulak Michał
Published: July 2024

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE INVOLVEMENT OF NATIONAL PARLIAMENTS IN THE REFORM OF EU MIGRATION, ASYLUM AND EXTERNAL BORDER CONTROL POLICIES IN 2015-2020
The article tries to describe and explain the change in the involvement of national parliaments in the process of reforming the EU’s migration, asylum and bord control policies in the years 2015-2020. The research continues the threads that author have presented in the article entitled The involvement of national parliaments in 2015–2017 in actions to overcome the immigration crisis in the EU published in 2018. However, this analysis was mainly exploratory and descriptive. Therefore, by using a hypothetico-deductive method and drawing from observations about the activity of parliaments in using the treaty and non-treaty tools available to them, as well as from the conclusions about their involvement in the reform of migration, asylum and border control policies in 2015-2016, two hypotheses are tested: H1. The instrument of political dialogue was used more frequently by national parliaments during the 2020 reform than during the 2015-2016 reform; H2. Those parliaments that actively used treaty-based instruments in 2015-2016 were more likely to submit opinions on documents regarding the reform of asylum and migration policy after 2020. The results obtained show a decline in the involvement of parliaments measured by the number of political dialogue opinions sent to the EU institutions and the intensity of discussions in interparliamentary cooperation bodies. Nevertheless, the relatively large number of reasoned opinions under the subsidiarity control procedures, as well as the fact that new parliaments, which were not involved in issuing opinions on solutions regarding migration, asylum and border control policies in 2015-2016, allow us to ask new interesting research questions requiring further analysis.
Niemcy wobec reformy polityki klimatycznej Unii Europejskiej (Europejski Zielony Ład, pakiet Fit for 55)
Authors: Molo Beata
Published: July 2024

GERMANY TOWARDS THE REFORM OF THE EUROPEAN UNION’S CLIMATE POLICY (EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL, FIT FOR 55 PACKAGE)
The aim of the paper is to present Germany’s position during the government of Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU/CSU/SPD coalition: 2018-2021) and Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD/Alliance 90/Greens/FDP coalition: from 2021) towards changes in climate policy (understood as reform) introduced by the European Green Deal and the Fit for 55 package of legislative proposals, with particular emphasis on the issue of CO2 emission standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles. Germany’s support for increasing the level of ambition in the field of climate protection in the EU was largely the result of the belief that the success of the German transformation of the energy sector and achieving climate neutrality by 2045 also depends on the progress of the energy transformation process and the climate neutrality policy in the European Union.
Exact and Approximation Algorithms for Sparse Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Li Yongchun , Xie Weijun
Published: July 2024

Sparse principal component analysis (SPCA) is designed to enhance the interpretability of traditional principal component analysis by optimally selecting a subset of features that comprise the first principal component. Given the NP-hard nature of SPCA, most current approaches resort to approximate solutions, typically achieved through tractable semidefinite programs or heuristic methods. To solve SPCA to optimality, we propose two exact mixed-integer semidefinite programs (MISDPs) and an arbitrarily equivalent mixed-integer linear program. The MISDPs allow us to design an effective branch-and-cut algorithm with closed-form cuts that do not need to solve dual problems. For the proposed mixed-integer formulations, we further derive the theoretical optimality gaps of their continuous relaxations. Besides, we apply the greedy and local search algorithms to solving SPCA and derive their first-known approximation ratios. Our numerical experiments reveal that the exact methods we developed can efficiently find optimal solutions for data sets containing hundreds of features. Furthermore, our approximation algorithms demonstrate both scalability and near-optimal performance when benchmarked on larger data sets, specifically those with thousands of features.

History: Accepted by Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms—Discrete.

Funding: This research was supported in part by the Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation [Grant 224614], the Division of Computing and Communication Foundations [Grant 2246417], and the Office of Naval Research [Grant N00014-24-1-2066].

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2022.0372 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2022.0372 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
Champions of children's health and wellbeing
Authors: Goddard Charlotte
Published: July 2024

Training empowers practitioners to lead change in early years settings with healthier approaches to food and physical activities for children and families
Understanding how to design an engaging hard martial arts programme to improve quality of life among older people: a preliminary study
Authors: Sullivan Dan , Climstein Mike , Brymer Eric , Vecchio Luke Del
Published: July 2024

Background/Aims

Improvements to the quality of life of tai chi practitioners have been demonstrated in the literature; however, less is known about the possible effects on the quality of life of practitioners of harder styles of martial arts in older populations. The aim of this study was to identify what facets of a modified hard martial arts programme motivated participants to attend and therefore guide the design of future programmes.

Methods

A total of nine community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 75 years (± 7.3 years) who participated in 12 weeks of modified hard martial arts training were asked if they had perceived any changes to their health or quality of life over the participation period. A self-reported survey instrument, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, was used to measure change pre- and post-intervention, and semi-structured interviews were used to explore participants' motivators for participating, perceived benefits and concerns.

Results

Five themes emerged which were: (1) a general feeling that quality of life had increased; (2) an increase in social interaction; (3) increased physical abilities; (4) the need to preserve a safe training environment; and (5) a sense of loss relating to the study ending. Positive and Negative Affect Schedule scores indicated clinically significant improvement but did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

These themes may have important implications when designing future hard martial arts programmes aimed at attracting older persons who prefer to engage in vigorous exercise.

Implications for practice

As populations around the world age, engaging older adults in activities that promote fitness and social inclusion becomes increasingly important to maintain health into older age. Providing diverse and non-mainstream niche opportunities to older adults such as this programme will maximise engagement and potentially reduce loneliness and physical morbidity in older adults.
Risks Analysis and Internet Perception Among Spanish University Students
Authors: Rubio-Hernández Francisco J. , Giménez-Gualdo Ana M. , Díaz-López Adoración , Machado Vanessa Caba
Published: July 2024

Digital competence entails the healthy, safe, and responsible use of digital technologies to take engage in society, to learn, work and to interact with. However, the use of digital devices is not exempt of risks. The objectives of this study were to analyze the mediating effect of fear of missing out (FoMO) on phubbing and nomophobia, and to explore the perception of the use of Internet-connected devices among 522 Spanish university students, with an average age of 27.11 years. The 80.8% are women and 68.2% study degrees related with Educational Sciences. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining bivariate correlation with structural equation modelling (SEM), and qualitative content analysis. SEM analysis revealed that FoMO had a significant effect on nomophobia and phubbing. Qualitative content analysis underlined that the time spent, problematic use, and sense of dependence were the main concerns for participants. It is emphasized that the plethora of ICT opportunities exposes individuals to risk contexts, necessitating media education to mitigate psychological and social consequences stemming from Internet risks.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes associated with culture-negative status in limb osteomyelitis patients
Authors: Wu Hongri , Wang Xiaohua , Shen Jie , Wei Zhiyuan , Wang Shulin , Xu Tianming , Luo Fei , Xie Zhao
Published: July 2024

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes associated with culture-negative limb osteomyelitis patients.

Methods

A total of 1,047 limb osteomyelitis patients aged 18 years or older who underwent debridement and intraoperative culture at our clinic centre from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2020 were included. Patient characteristics, infection eradication, and complications were analyzed between culture-negative and culture-positive cohorts.

Results

Of these patients, 264 (25.2%) had negative cultures. Patients with a culture-negative compared with a culture-positive status were more likely to have the following characteristics: younger age (≤ 40 years) (113/264 (42.8%) vs 257/783 (32.8%); p = 0.004), a haematogenous aetiology (75/264 (28.4%) vs 150/783 (19.2%); p = 0.002), Cierny-Mader host A (79/264 (29.9%) vs 142/783 (18.1%); p < 0.001), antibiotic use before sampling (34/264 (12.9%) vs 41/783 (5.2%); p＜0.001), fewer taken samples (n＜3) (48/264 (18.2%) vs 60/783 (7.7%); p＜0.001), and less frequent presentation with a sinus (156/264 (59.1%) vs 665/783 (84.9%); p < 0.001). After initial treatments of first-debridement and antimicrobial, infection eradication was inferior in culture-positive osteomyelitis patients, with a 2.24-fold increase (odds ratio 2.24 (95% confidence interval 1.42 to 3.52)) in the redebridement rate following multivariate analysis. No statistically significant differences were found in long-term recurrence and complications within the two-year follow-up.

Conclusion

We identified several factors being associated with the culture-negative result in osteomyelitis patients. In addition, the data also indicate that culture negativity is a positive prognostic factor in early infection eradication. These results constitute the basis of optimizing clinical management and patient consultations.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):720–727.
Augmented versus non-augmented locking-plate fixation in proximal humeral fractures
Authors: Longo Umile G. , Gulotta Lawrence V. , De Salvatore Sergio , Lalli Alberto , Bandini Benedetta , Giannarelli Diana , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: July 2024

Aims

Proximal humeral fractures are the third most common fracture among the elderly. Complications associated with fixation include screw perforation, varus collapse, and avascular necrosis of the humeral head. To address these challenges, various augmentation techniques to increase medial column support have been developed. There are currently no recent studies that definitively establish the superiority of augmented fixation over non-augmented implants in the surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the outcomes of patients who underwent locking-plate fixation with cement augmentation or bone-graft augmentation versus those who underwent locking-plate fixation without augmentation for proximal humeral fractures.

Methods

The search was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Articles involving patients with complex proximal humeral fractures treated using open reduction with locking-plate fixation, with or without augmentation, were considered. A meta-analysis of comparative studies comparing locking-plate fixation with cement augmentation or with bone-graft augmentation versus locking-plate fixation without augmentation was performed.

Results

A total of 19 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, and six comparative studies were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, 120 patients received locking-plate fixation with bone-graft augmentation, 179 patients received locking-plate fixation with cement augmentation, and 336 patients received locking-plate fixation without augmentation. No statistically relevant differences between the augmented and non-augmented cohorts were found in terms of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire score and Constant-Murley Score. The cement-augmented group had a significantly lower rate of complications compared to the non-augmented group.

Conclusion

While locking-plate fixation with cement augmentation appears to produce a lower complication rate compared to locking-plate fixation alone, functional outcomes seem comparable between augmented and non-augmented techniques.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):646–655.
REPRESENTAÇÕES DO CRESCIMENTO EMPRESARIAL E CONDIÇÕES DE TRABALHO SOB A ÓTICA DE TRABALHADORES INDUSTRIAIS
Authors: Silva Saraiva Luiz Alex , Fernandes Magalhães Alex
Published: July 2024

O crescimento empresarial tem sido objeto de atenção uma vez que ampliar os negócios parece evidenciar o sucesso das práticas organizacionais. Todavia, este fenômeno precisa ser examinado considerando que, numa perspectiva crítica, o processo implica politização para evitar naturalizações e considerar os diversos agentes e influências a ele associado. Neste artigo, o objetivo é analisar as representações sociais do crescimento empresarial sob a ótica dos trabalhadores, o que foi feito mediante uma pesquisa qualitativa baseada nas trajetórias profissionais de trabalhadores industriais da região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, tratadas por meio de análise do discurso. Os principais resultados sugerem que os trabalhadores percebem as alterações no contexto e suas consequências para as empresas, o que resultou na decisão de crescimento empresarial. Todavia, os discursos são ambíguos, variando da adesão à ideia de que nada resta além de se adaptar, ao combate aos efeitos sociais do crescimento.
Nota Editorial
Authors: Maldonado Jorge Higinio
Published: July 2024

Nota
Acumulación regulatoria y crecimiento económico
Authors: Mejía Ciro José Libardo , Campo Robledo Jacobo
Published: July 2024

Nowadays, there is no consensus on the effects of regulation on economic growth. In this document, we analyze the relationship between regulation and economic growth for Colombia, using data on the accumulation of regulation and real GDP during the 1991 - 2019 period for 9 large productive sectors of the Colombian economy. Different models are estimated using time series and panel data techniques to present evidence at the economic sector level. The results show that, for some sectors, such as agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, manufacturing, electricity, gas and water, commerce, restaurants and hotels, financial and business services and community, social and personal services, there exists an inverted U relationship between regulatory accumulation and GDP. These results offer important lessons for those responsible for the design and formulation of public policies on matters of regulatory improvement.
Immunogenicity and reactivity of recombinant Zika virus NS1 inclusion bodies from an Indonesian isolate
Authors: MULYANINGRUM UTAMI , SUBRONTO YANRI WIJAYANTI , NUGRAHANINGSIH DWI ARIS AGUNG , WIJAYANTI NASTITI
Published: July 2024

Abstract. Mulyaningrum U, Subronto YW, Nugrahaningsih DAA, Wijayanti N. 2024. Immunogenicity and reactivity of recombinant Zika virus NS1 inclusion bodies from an Indonesian isolate. Biodiversitas 25: 2028-2034. Zika virus (ZIKV) still poses a significant global health hazard, with the potential for its dissemination to additional nations and the re-emergence of epidemics in previously impacted regions. Proper laboratory testing during surveillance can prevent future outbreaks. Non-Structural 1 (NS1) protein has been identified as a promising biomarker for detecting ZIKV infection. Therefore, this study produces and assesses the immunogenicity of the full-length recombinant ZIKV NS1 protein (rNS1FL) from an Indonesian isolate. It also studies its reactivity against other flavivirus members, especially the Dengue Virus (DENV). The cDNA fragment comprising the ZIKV NS1 sequence was synthesized and cloned into the pET28a plasmid. Subsequently, the recombinant plasmid was introduced into BL21(DE3)-competent Escherichia coli cells, and the protein was purified through affinity chromatography. Female BALB/c mice (Mus musculus) were intraperitoneally immunized with purified rNS1FL. An Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) evaluates the immunogenicity of rNS1FL and its cross-reactivity with the DENV NS1 monoclonal antibody. rNS1FL protein was expressed as insoluble fractions (inclusion bodies) at the expected size of approximately 48 kDa. The ELISA showed that immunization of BALB/c mice with purified rNS1FL from inclusion bodies led to a substantial triggering of NS1-specific antibodies. Furthermore, the test also revealed limited recognition of rNS1FL by the DENV NS1 monoclonal antibody. The findings indicated that rNS1FL inclusion bodies have immunogenic solid properties and did not display any cross-reactivity with the DENV NS1 monoclonal antibody. These observations showed the potential of rNS1FL as a serological diagnostic material for detecting ZIKV infection.
Mangrove forest composition, diversity, and disturbances in Carcar City and Sibonga Municipality, Southern Cebu Island, Philippines
Authors: LILLO EDGARDO P. , MALAKI ARCHIEBALD B. , ALCAZAR STEVE MICHAEL T. , CHAVEZ MARIA LEVY M. , ROSALES RAAMAH , TOMOL CHRISTINE JOY , PANTINOPLE ERWIN M. , REDOBLADO BERNARDO R. , MARGATE MARVIN A. , DIAZ JOHN LOU , ISABELO JETHER L. , CAGARA BEATRICE NICOLE R. , ABRIGANA MICHELLE , MAGO JIMMY E. , CAÑARIJO III DEMETRIO M. , SANCHEZ IAN REY G. , OBANDO MARIA ERICKA , BELAÑIZO JACINTO , BECERIL ROLAND , CARREON JENELYN , DIAZ GLORY GRACE G. , GONZAGA CHRISTINE FAYE O. , DAVIRAO CHERYLEN R. , REVILLAS MARY JANE S. , LIM JOHN MARK , LILLO EDUARD P.
Published: July 2024

Abstract. Lillo EP, Malaki AB, Alcazar SMT, Chavez MLM, Rosales R, Tomol CJ, Pantinople EM, Redoblado BR, Margate MA, Diaz JL, Isabelo JL, Cagara BNR, Abrigana M, Mago JE, Cañarijo III DM, Sanchez IRG, Obando ME, Belañizo J, Beceril R, Carreon J, Diaz GGG, Gonzaga CFO, Davirao CR, Revillas MJS, Lim JM, Lillo EP. 2024. Mangrove forest composition, diversity, and disturbances in Carcar City and Sibonga Municipality, Southern Cebu Island, Philippines. Biodiversitas 25: 2035-2043. Mangrove forests are one of the world’s most vulnerable tropical ecosystems. The study assessed the mangrove forest composition, diversity, and disturbances in Sibonga Municipality and Carcar City, Cebu Island, Philippines, as a basis for its conservation planning. A transect line was established for a minimum length of 1000 m and a maximum of 2000 m (seaward, middleward, and landward), at an interval of 100 meters. A 10 × 10 m quadrant was established within the transect line at 250 m intervals resulted in a total of 108 plots. Disturbances and threats in two sampling sites were evaluated through direct field observations and interview, and analyzed using the Beynen and Townsend disturbance index. The study identified 22 true mangrove species categorized into 11 families and 14 genera with Excoecaria agallocha L., Sonneratia alba Sm., Rhizophora apiculata Blume, and Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh dominating both sites. The endangered Pemphis acidula J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. was recorded in Sibonga. Aside from low diversity, both sites exhibited a high disturbance index due to illegal activities such as cutting, charcoal production, and land conversion. Such disturbances affects biodiversity and threatens coastal community. Urgent local government action is needed to preserve these ecosystems, emphasizing awareness and community involvement for long-term survival.
The importance of riparian vegetation in maintaining spring water quality in Yeh Penet Watershed, Bali, Indonesia
Authors: WIBOWO FEBRI ARIF CAHYO , ARISKA DWI PRAMUDYA ARISKA DWI PRAMUDYA , MUTTAQIN TATAG , PANGESTU MOCHAMMAD NICKO AGUNG
Published: July 2024

Abstract. Wibowo FAC, Pramudya AD, Muttaqin T, Pangestu MNA. 2024. The importance of riparian vegetation in maintaining spring water quality in Yeh Penet watershed, Bali, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2051-2062. Water quality changes along with population growth and human activities. Riparian ecosystems play an important role in maintaining water quality since riparian vegetation have a complex root system which acts as a filter of toxic substances to not enter the spring water. This research analyzes the relationship between riparian vegetation and water quality at five springs in the bamboo rehabilitation area of the Environment Bamboo Foundation (YBLL) in the Yeh Penet Watershed, Bali, Indonesia. At each spring, vegetation analysis was carried out to determine the diversity and composition of riparian vegetation, as well as water quality assessment based on bio-physiochemical parameters. The result of vegetation analysis found that spring 1 was dominated by Equisetum hyemale, spring 2 by Diplazium esculentum, spring 3 by Digitaria longiflora and springs 4 and 5 by Musa paradisiaca. The analysis of bio-physicochemical parameters showed that the water from the five springs was suitable for consumption, but it needs to be heated to a temperature of ±100°C before consuming it due to the presence of coli bacteria. Riparian vegetation diversity had a strong relationship with water quality parameters especially Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) values, Ammonia (NH3), and total coliform. Our findings confirm the importance of riparian vegetation in maintaining water quality in water springs within a watershed.
Understanding Homeownership Rates: the Impact of Co-residence Patterns
Authors: Marcinkiewicz Edyta
Published: July 2024

The socio-demographic context, which includes the co-residence patterns associated with the decisions of young adults on whether to live in the parental household or enter homeownership or renting, is directly reflected in homeownership rates at the aggregate level as a consequence of these decisions. However, the way in which tenure statistics are reported also matters in this respect. This applies specifically to household-level statistics, which are most often used to characterise housing systems. It is therefore possible to ask whether countries with high homeownership rates and, simultaneously, high shares of adult children living with their parents are truly high-homeownership societies. This study identifies the countries for which the reported tenure statistics are more influenced by demographic conditions as compared to other countries. These are the Mediterranean countries and the Central and Eastern European countries (with some exceptions).
Encouraging professional excellence among social workers from disadvantaged minorities: Palestinians in Israel as a case study
Authors: Mahajne Ibrahim , Alhuzail Nuzha Allassad
Published: July 2024

This article investigates the way in which disadvantaged minority social workers’ professional excellence is encouraged, drawing data from an analysis of primary documents and in-depth semi-structured interviews with 21 Palestinian welfare bureau managers in Israel. It finds that the Jewish voluntary sector is the sole player encouraging Palestinian minority social workers’ excellence, but its encouragement maintains the status quo regime, politicisation and alienation, and pushes towards neoliberalism. Most of the Palestinian welfare bureaus consciously prefer to avoid encouraging social workers’ excellence to avoid confrontation with the central government in the form of the Israeli Welfare Ministry. A small group of welfare bureaus sufficed with indirect encouragement, enlisting non-governmental organisations for the task because of the paucity of resources. A small number of bureaus that granted excellence certificates and a token gift applied three considerations. Excellence awards constituted a method for coping with the challenges facing Palestinian minority social work.
An axial clearance measurement method based on time-frequency analysis for high speed target in narrow space
Authors: Zhang Peng , Ren Yilin , Shao Bin , LIU Xianming , Lei Xiaohua
Published: July 2024

Frequency-Scanning interferometry (FSI) is often used for high-precision and large-scale static distance measurement. When FSI is applied to the measurement of high-speed moving targets in narrow space, the initial distance cannot be set large. The Doppler effect caused by target motion is serious. So, the interference signal will appear negative frequency component. Current frequency identification methods can only recognize positive frequencies, so the phase extraction can only extract monotonically increasing phase changes. This will result in the clearance demodulation error. A clearance measurement method based on FSI for high speed target in narrow space is proposed in this paper. By extracting the time-frequency information, utilizing the bidirectional threshold to determine the zero value of frequency, a sign judgement function is constructed to achieve the frequency and phase correction. The above procedure can avoid demodulation error in the initial clearance demodulation value. The experimental results show that the modified initial clearance demodulation error decreases from 36.5% to 0.4% at 12000 rpm.
Barriers to access to cancer care for patients from the conflict-affected region of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic: A qualitative study
Authors: Hovhannisyan Alina , Philip Celene , Arakelyan Jemma , Tamamyan Gevorg , Arakelyan Stella
Published: July 2024

Access to essential health services is a basic human right, yet many cancer patients living in conflict-affected regions face multiple obstacles to service use. The (former) Nagorno-Karabakh Republic was a conflict-affected region in the South Caucasus populated predominantly by ethnic Armenians. Multiple acute armed conflicts, the recent military occupation of the region, and the prolonged military blockade of the Lachin Corridor (a humanitarian corridor connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia) exacerbated existing social, health, economic, and political fragilities in this region. As a result, cancer services were disrupted, with limited clarity on how the ongoing military blockade of a humanitarian corridor affected cancer patients’ experiences of accessing cancer care locally and in bordering Armenia. Our study aimed to describe the experiences of patients from Nagorno-Karabakh in accessing the cancer care services they needed. We conducted remote semi-structured interviews with adult (aged ≥18 years) cancer patients receiving cancer care from three university hospitals in Armenia and face-to-face interviews with cancer care professionals from these hospitals. Interviews were conducted during the blockade of the Lachin Corridor between March and May 2023. Data were analysed thematically using a deductive approach. Twelve adult cancer patients (9 women) and 12 cancer care professionals participated. A key barrier to accessing cancer services was attributed to the Azerbaijani military occupation of the region and the blockade of a major roadway connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. Patients talked in length about the challenges of finding transport and travelling long distances to reach essential cancer services in Armenia. Policies of free anti-cancer medication provision and decentralised medication supply were paused because of the military occupation, affecting patients’ timely access to anti-cancer medication. Out-of-pocket expenses for treatment, anti-cancer medication, travel, and temporary accommodation in Armenia placed a significant financial burden on cancer patients, exacerbated by the humanitarian crisis. Conflict-affected regions blockaded by military forces lack the capacity and targeted support to sustain their essential health services and provide care to those in need of life-saving treatments. Coordinated action from national and international organisations and governments is urgently needed to enhance humanitarian assistance and healthcare support to patients, their families and wider communities affected by military blockades and armed conflicts.
Novel approaches to enable equitable access to monoclonal antibodies in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Malhotra Shelly , Cameron Anne-Isabelle , Gotham Dzintars , Burrone Esteban , Gardner Peter J. , Loynachan Colleen , Morin Sébastien , Scott Cherise P. , Pérez-Casas Carmen
Published: July 2024

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are revolutionizing management of non-communicable diseases in high-income countries and are increasingly being advanced for a range of infectious diseases (IDs). However, access to existing mAbs is limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and investment in developing fit-for-purpose mAbs for IDs that disproportionately affect LMICs has been limited. Underlying these access barriers are systemic challenges, including a lack of commercial incentives to target LMIC markets and complexity in manufacturing and regulatory processes. Novel strategies are needed to overcome systemic access barriers for mAbs. We outline key areas where new approaches could address these barriers, based on a multistakeholder consultation in March 2023. Three disease-market archetypes are identified to guide thinking about business models tailored to different contexts. New business models are needed to incentivize development and manufacturing of ID mAbs and to ensure mAbs are optimized with a target product profile and cost of goods that enable use in diverse LMIC settings. Lessons can be applied from voluntary licensing strategies and product development partnerships that have shown success in catalysing development and affordable supply for a range of infectious diseases. Technology transfer will be key to expand LMIC research and manufacturing capacity and to enable sustainable and diversified supply. Improved market intelligence, demand aggregation mechanisms, and portfolio-based manufacturing models could be used to de-risk commercial investment and establish a sustainable manufacturing ecosystem for affordable mAbs. Novel regulatory approaches and robust technology transfer may reduce data requirements and timelines for biosimilar approvals. Trailblazer products, with coordinated “end-to-end” support from funders, can demonstrate proof of concept for pathways to accessible mAbs across a broader range of LMICs. Research funders; local, regional, global health agencies; and, private sector partners should commit to implementing innovative partnerships and end-to-end strategies that enable equitable access to mAbs for infectious diseases in LMICs.
Does digital inclusive finance promote carbon emission reduction of enterprises
Authors: Peng Yu , Qiu Ying , Li You , Peng Xinwan
Published: July 2024

Can the information technology revolution lead to carbon emission reduction for firms? This study extends the limited evidence in the literature and investigate the role and mechanism of digital inclusive finance on enterprises’ carbon emissions using panel data of 247 prefectural-level cities and 6019 industrial enterprises in China. Our findings indicate that digital inclusive finance can promote enterprise carbon emission reduction, and this effect remains significant after the instrumental variable estimation test. The effect has regional heterogeneity and the development of digital inclusive finance in the area east of Hu Huanyong line has a significant impact on reducing enterprise carbon emission. The role of digital inclusive finance is heterogeneous in enterprise ownership, with a remarkable effect in non-state-owned enterprises. Sub-dimension analysis indicates that the breadth of coverage, depth of use, and degree of digitalization of digital inclusive finance have differential effects on reducing enterprise carbon emissions. The stepwise regression method shows that the impact of digital inclusive finance on enterprise carbon emissions can be passed through effect of technological progress, environmental protection investment and financing constrain. This study has significant reference value for evaluating the impact of financial inclusion and policy implications in formulating differentiated strategies for achieving carbon emission reduction efficiency in enterprises.
Retrospective evaluation of radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction for hypertrophic turbinates in dogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome
Authors: von Doernberg Marie-Cécile , von Rechenberg Brigitte , Richter Henning
Published: July 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to retrospectively assess the effect of Radiofrequency Volumetric Tissue Reduction (RFVTR) on hypertrophic turbinates and clinical outcome in brachycephalic dogs when included in multi-level surgery (MLS).

Study design

Clinical retrospective multicenter study.

Animals

132 client-owned brachycephalic dogs.

Methods

132 brachycephalic dogs with high-grade Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Ayndrome (BOAS) and hypertrophic turbinates were treated with RFVTR as part of MLS of the upper airways. Intranasal obstruction was evaluated by computer tomography (CT) and antero-/retrograde rhinoscopy before and 6 months after RFVTR. The clinical records, the CT images and the rhinoscopy videos were reviewed and clinical evolution was evaluated using a standardized questionnaire. The data was scored semi-quantitatively.

Results

In this study, 132 patients were included for a follow-up period of 120 weeks. RFVTR resulted in minor complications, including serous nasal discharge within the first postoperative week in all dogs, and intermittent nasal congestion between 3–8 weeks after treatment in 24.3% of the patients. Rhinoscopy and CT follow-ups were available for 33 patients. Six months after treatment intranasal airspace was increased (p = 0.002) and the presence and overall amount of mucosal contact points was reduced (p = 0.039).

Conclusion

MLS with RFVTR led to a significant reduction in turbinate volume at the 6-month follow-up examination and significant clinical improvement over a long-term period of 120 weeks. This suggests the viability of RFVTR as a turbinate-preserving treatment for intranasal obstruction in dogs with BOAS.

Clinical significance

RFVTR is a minimally invasive turbinoplasty technique for intranasal obstruction in dogs with BOAS and can be included in MLS without increasing complication rates.
Music and Social Inclusion: International Research and Practice in Complex Settings, Oscar Odena (ed.) (2022)
Authors: Ward Asha
Published: July 2024

Review of: Music and Social Inclusion: International Research and Practice in Complex Settings, Oscar Odena (ed.) (2022)

Abingdon: Routledge, 290 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-03203-719-6, h/bk, £125