bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE REPORT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENTS IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR: THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAPITAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Metelytsia Volodymyr , Gagalyuk Taras , Kolisnyk Olena
Published: October 2024

Introduction. Ukrainian agribusiness works in challenging conditions today, and the international community greatly supports it. The decision to grant Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU accession, adopted by the European Council in June 2022, and initiatives such as the provision of financial assistance under the Ukraine Facility program (June 2023) opened up new opportunities for the agricultural sector of Ukraine. The realization of these opportunities depends not only on Ukraine's ability to carry out reforms in the direction of European integration but also on the readiness of business entities to overcome the consequences of hostilities through recovery and reconstruction. Purpose. The article aims to provide scientific justification for the standardized forms of the Report on Sustainable Development and Investments (ESGI-report) in the agricultural sector of the economy for the preparation and publication of environmental capital indicators. Methods. The methods of induction and deduction, analysis, and synthesis formed the basis for developing environmental indicators for the ESGI report. The abstract-logical method became the basis for the study of the norms of European legislation and the leading systems for measuring sustainable development. The analogy method made it possible to propose indicative (reference) indicators for measuring sustainable development at the micro level. Results. The article systematizes the estimated and verifiable indicators of ecological capital. The first group includes risks and opportunities connected with climate change, the transition to sustainable technologies, and martial law. The second group comprises indicators that can be accurately measured with the help of calculators and technical means. They are related to the use of natural resources and the impact on the environment. To prepare the ESGI report, it is proposed that all materials posted on the Sustainable Reporting Platform (SR platform) be used: reporting forms, survey questionnaires, video recordings, as well as materials of webinars, presentations, and articles. The SR platform was developed within the framework of the MSCA4Ukraine program funded by the European Union. Conclusion. Attracting foreign investments for the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine's agribusiness is impossible without preparing and disclosing non-financial information about environmental capital at the micro level. One of the tools for disclosing such information is the ESGI report, which is posted on the SR platform. It is advisable to publish environmental indicators in standardized reporting forms to ensure their comparability with the data of other enterprises. At the same time, to assess the level of sustainable development, it is necessary to apply scientifically based reference values, which are based on best practices, statistical data and the company's own experience.
НОРМАТИВНО-ПРАВОВЕ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ТА МЕТОДИКА ЕЛЕКТРОННОГО ОБЛІКУ ДЕРЕВИНИ
Authors: Василішин С.І. , Остапчук С.М.
Published: October 2024

. Cталий розвиток лісової галузі можливий за умови, коли обсяги вирубок не випереджають обсягів закладення нових лісових масивів. Необхідність контролю за цими процесами на загальнодержавному рівні зумовлює потребу ведення системного обліку, і зокрема впровадження сучасних методів фіксації виробництва, наявності та руху деревини. Метою статті є розкриття та оцінка нормативно-правового забезпечення та методичних засад електронного обліку деревини в Україні, щоб виявити причини його повільного впровадження на практиці. Здійснено ретроспективний аналіз кроків з реалізації ідеї електронного обліку деревини в законодавчій площині. У статті розкрито методичні засади ведення електронного обліку деревини підприємствами-лісокористувачами та описано процес документування відповідних господарських операцій. Виявлено, що головною причиною повільного впровадження електронного обліку деревини була відсутність методичного забезпечення, що пояснюється слабкою зацікавленістю законодавчих органів у ліквідації «сірих схем» заготівлі деревини та пасивною позицією наукової спільноти щодо вивчення цього питання. Хоча електронний облік деревини не вніс революційних змін у сферу інформаційно-аналітичного забезпечення управління, а лише змінив форму фіксації і передачі даних, без якісного розширення їх змісту, він все ж сприяє своєчасному, якісному та оперативному складанню первинних документів на кожному етапі заготівельних робіт.
АУДИТ ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ ПУБЛІЧНОГО УПРАВЛІННЯ У ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННІ ФІНАНСОВОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ ДЕРЖАВИ
Authors: Штанцель С.Е.
Published: October 2024

Не зважаючи на значні теоретико-практичні напрацювання, розробки науковців щодо проблематики проведення аудиту ефективності публічного управління у забезпеченні фінансової безпеки, все ж в практичній діяльності повноважних суб’єктів існує ряд прогалин. Це потребує детального вивчення сучасного стану як проведення перевірки їх роботи, так і ідентифікації причин, які позначаються на економності, продуктивності, результативності, досягненні цілей дієвого, якісного виконання повноважень у фінансовій сфері для підтримки її стійкості. Мета статті полягала у дослідженні теоретико-практичних засад аудиту ефективності публічного управління у забезпеченні фінансової безпеки України. В цілому, серед причин недостатнього ступеня ефективності публічного управління у забезпеченні фінансової безпеки можна виділити: неякісне планування при розрахунку обсягів бюджетних асигнувань та призначень, не своєчасність, не ефективність прийняття управлінських рішень органами ДФМ, ДПС та ДМС; неналежна організація роботи для реорганізації митної служби, внаслідок чого неефективно витрачаються кошти бюджету; пролонгація термінів реорганізації митниці, як наслідок витрати коштів бюджету на утримання органів управління, що не виконують власні повноваження; недостатньо ефективні заходи та управлінський рішення ДФС, ДПС, ДМС щодо забезпечення надходжень до державного бюджету; не обґрунтованість процесів планування надходжень податків та зборів, мита до державного бюджету; відсутність належної координації в роботі ДПС, ДФС, ДМС щодо виконання відповідних повноважень цих служб із забезпечення надходжень до бюджету.
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO TAX AUDIT: THE IMPERATIVE OF ANALYSIS UNDER THE CONDITION OF UNCERTAINTY OF THE TERM
Authors: Kraievskyi Volodymyr , Savchenko Alla , Skoryk Maryna
Published: October 2024

Introduction. A tax audit is a comprehensive examination of the financial activities of business entities with the aim of assessing compliance with tax legislation and identifying possible violations. In modern conditions, when economic instability and constant changes in tax legislation are becoming the norm, ensuring the effectiveness and accuracy of tax audits requires the use of complex methodological approaches. One of the key problems of the tax audit is the uncertainty of terms, which makes it difficult to plan and conduct audit procedures. Uncertainty can be caused by various factors, including changes in legislation, economic crises, force majeure and other unforeseen events. This uncertainty creates additional challenges for auditors who must adapt their methodological approaches to new conditions. The purpose of the article is considering methodological approaches to the interpretation of tax audits, identify their advantages and disadvantages. To justify the analysis as an imperative element of the tax audit method in the system of control over compliance with tax legislation. Methods. The following methods were used in the study of methodological approaches to tax audits in conditions of uncertainty of terms: analysis of literary sources. A systematic review of scientific publications, articles, monographs and legal acts related to tax audit was conducted. This made it possible to identify existing approaches and theoretical foundations; Comparative analysis: a comparison of different methodological approaches used in tax audits in different countries and conditions was made. This helped identify the most effective practices and adapt them to conditions of uncertainty. Results. A detailed substantiation of methodological approaches to the interpretation of tax audit from the standpoint of linguistic semantics strengthens the opinions of those scientists and practitioners who believe that in parallel with independent audit and audit services in the field of taxation, the concept of tax audit can be used for inspections carried out by tax authorities. In this case, both tax authorities and independent auditors have the right to use the concept of tax audit and have the right to conduct it. However, in our opinion, it is more appropriate to use two separate terms, in particular, such as "state tax audit" and "independent tax audit".
ФОРМУВАННЯ КОНЦЕПТУАЛЬНИХ НАПРЯМІВ РОЗВИТКУ ТУРИЗМУ В УМОВАХ НЕВИЗНАЧЕНОСТІ
Authors: Марченко О.А. , Постол А.А. , Сальнікова М.В.
Published: October 2024

У статті розглянуто шляхи визначення структурно-функціонального змісту галузі туризму, що дає змогу формувати концептуальні напрями розвитку галузі, розробляти стратегії розвитку та здійснювати управлінські рішення під впливом соціально-економічних чинників суспільного розвитку в умовах невизначеності. Акцентовано увагу на необхідності врахування аналогічного досвіду інших країн у відновленні галузі, які також постраждали внаслідок воєнних дій. Визначено актуальні для повоєнного часу напрями розвитку туризму.
ЕЛЕКТРОННЕ УРЯДУВАННЯ: МІЖНАРОДНИЙ ДОСВІД ТА ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ ДЛЯ УКРАЇНИ
Authors: Медведенко І.В.
Published: October 2024

У статті визначено ключові аспекти впровадження електронного урядування в системі державного управління України з урахуванням міжнародного досвіду. Автор статті показує, як використання інформаційно-комунікаційних технологій впливає на ефективність та прозорість надання публічних послуг, зокрема через розвиток електронної взаємодії між державою, громадянами та бізнесом. Розглянуто правові та прикладні аспекти впровадження електронного урядування в Україні через прийняття законодавчих актів, цифровізацію публічних послуг та покращення взаємодії в онлайн та офлайн форматах. Досліджено перші кроки в запровадженні основ електронної демократії. Підкреслено позитивну динаміку індексу розвитку електронного урядування та висвітлено актуальність подальших досліджень для удосконалення державного управління в епоху цифрових трансформацій.
Machadonannus brailovskyi n. sp., una nueva especie de Schizopteridae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) de la región Afrotropical
Authors:   University of California, Riverside, Weirauch Christiane , Knyshov Alexander , Hoey-Chamberlain Rochelle
Published: October 2024

Compared to the faunas of the Neotropical and Australian regions, the biodiversity of Afrotropical Dipsocoromorpha (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) is either relatively small or poorly documented. Only 37 species of Dipsocoromorpha, or minute litter bugs, have so far been reported from that biogeographic region. Recent residue sorting efforts of trap samples from Africa recovered >800 specimens of Schizopteridae. Most specimens belong to the genera Hypselosoma Reuter, 1884, Pinochius Carayon, 1949, Kokeshia Miyamoto, 1960, and Dundonannus Wygodzinsky, 1950, and closely related undescribed genera. We here focus on an apparently rarely collected genus, Machadonannus Wygodzinsky, 1950, that has remained monotypic so far, with the type species only known from Angola, and describe a new species, Machadonannus brailovskyi n. sp., from the Central African Republic. Habitus images are provided, as are light microscopical, macrophotographic, and confocal microscopical documentation of morphological features.
Semium brailovskyi, new species (Heteroptera: Miridae: Phylinae: Semiini) from Baja California, with an updated key to species
Authors:   American Museum of Natural History, Schuh Randall T.
Published: October 2024

Semium brailovskyi, new species, is described from Baja California Norte, Mexico. The host is reported as Euphorbia misera (Euphorbiaceae). Color habitus images of male and female specimens, line drawings of the male genitalia, a key and distribution map to all Semium species are provided.
Insectos gallícolas, fitófagos y parasitoides asociados a frutos de Myrcianthes (Myrtaceae) en Colombia
Authors: Pujade-Villar Juli , Caicedo G. ,   Jardín Botánico José Celestino Muti
Published: October 2024

En este estudio se proporcionan datos referidos a la fauna asociada, de forma estricta u ocasional, a frutos de diversas especies de Myrcianthes de Colombia. Se ha detectado un gremio único de tres especies de euritómidos (Hym., Chalcidoidea Eurytomidae), dos de ellas son capaces de deformar los frutos por lo que éstos pasan a ser agallas. Se describen dichas agallas. Se han realizado una serie de experimentos controlados para conocer la biología de dichas especies de himenópteros, concluyendo que dos de ellas son fitófagas y una presumiblemente parasitoidea. Se reporta por primera vez el género Sycophila y Eurytoma para Myrcianthes spp., para Colombia. Además Sycophila se menciona por primera vez como género capaz de producir agallas. Se discute la influencia de ésta fauna y el daño que esta ocasiona en semillas
Traditional and bayesian approaches for testing mean equivalence and a lack of association
Authors: Hoyda Joseph J. , Counsell Alyssa , Cribbie Robert A.
Published: October 2024

Researchers are often interested in demonstrating that variables are unrelated. However, declar-ing a lack of relationship (e.g., no mean difference or no correlation) through nonrejection of the traditional null hypothesis (e.g., H_0: \mu _1- \mu _2 = 0; H_0: \rho = 0) is inappropriate. The two one-sided tests (TOST) method for testing mean equivalence is a popular approach to resolving this issue, and has been adapted for testing equivalence with various test statistics. In this study, two Bayesian alternatives to the TOST method for assessing equivalence of means or a lack of correlation were examined and compared to their equivalence testing analogs. The first is the Bayes factor method, which compares the relative evidence that the data were more likely under one hypothesis than another. The second method is Bayesian parameter estimation, using highest density intervals, which estimates a posterior distribution and seeks to demonstrate that the interval falls within bounds for establishing equivalence. The power rates of these procedures were first compared in a simulation study. Next, empirical examples of each of the approaches are shown using an openly available dataset on personality traits. Results identify the benefits and limitations of these competing alternatives under various testing conditions, and highlight the importance of using equivalence interval based methods in the behavioral sciences. .
Community health workers and accountability: reflections from an international "think-in"
Authors: Schaaf Marta , Fox Jonathan , Topp Stephanie M. , Warthin Caitlin , Freedman Lynn P. , Robinson Rachel Sullivan , Thiagarajan Sundararaman , Scott Kerry , Maboe Thoko , Zanchetta Margareth , Ruano Ana Lorena , Kok Maryse , Closser Svea
Published: October 2024

Community health workers (CHWs) are frequently put forward as a remedy for lack of health system capacity, including challenges associated with health service coverage and with low community engagement in the health system, and expected to enhance or embody health system accountability. During a 'think in', held in June of 2017, a diverse group of practitioners and researchers discussed the topic of CHWs and their possible roles in a larger "accountability ecosystem." This jointly authored commentary resulted from our deliberations. While CHWs are often conceptualized as cogs in a mechanistic health delivery system, at the end of the day, CHWs are people embedded in families, communities, and the health system. CHWs' social position and professional role influence how they are treated and trusted by the health sector and by community members, as well as when, where, and how they can exercise agency and promote accountability. To that end, we put forward several propositions for further conceptual development and research related to the question of CHWs and accountability.
Brazilian community health agents and qualitative primary healthcare information
Authors: Zanchetta Margareth , Pinto Rogério Meireles , Galhego-Garcia Wilson , Cunha Zeilma da , Cordeiro Hésio A , Fagundes-Filho Francisco E , Pinho Mônica A L , Voet Susan M V , Talbot Yves , Caldas Rodrigo S , Souza Thiago J de , Costa Edwaldo
Published: October 2024

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore female community health agents' views about the value of recording qualitative information on contextual health issues they observe during home visits, data that are not officially required to be documented for the Brazilian System of Primary Healthcare Information.

Background: The study was conducted in community primary healthcare centres located in the cities of Araçatuba and Coroados (state of São Paulo) and Rio de Janeiro (state of Rio de Janeiro), Brazil.

Methods: The design was a qualitative, exploratory study. The purposeful sampling criteria were being female, with a minimum of three years of continuous service in the same location. Data collection with 62 participants was conducted via 11 focus groups (in 2007 and 2008). Audio files were transcribed and submitted to the method of thematic analysis. Four themes guided the analysis: working with qualitative information and undocumented observation; reflecting on qualitative information; integrating/analysing quantitative and qualitative information; and information-sharing with agents and family health teams. In 2010, 25 community health agents verified the final interpretation of the findings.

Findings: Participants valued the recording of qualitative, contextual information to expand understanding of primary healthcare issues and as an indicator of clients' improved health behaviour and health literacy. While participants initiated the recording of additional health information, they generally did not inform the family health team about these findings. They perceived that team members devalued this type of information by considering it a reflection of the clientele's social conditions or problems beyond the scope of medical concerns. Documentation of qualitative evidence can account for the effectiveness of health education in two ways: by improving preventative care, and by amplifying the voices of underprivileged clients who live in poverty to ensure the most appropriate and best quality primary healthcare for them.
Comparing two ground-based seed count methods and their effect on masting metrics
Authors: Foest Jessie , Bogdziewicz Michał , Caignard Thomas , Hadad Martin , Thomas Peter , Hacket-Pain Andrew
Published: October 2024

Masting, i.e. interannually variable and synchronized seed production, plays a crucial role in forest ecosystems, influencing wildlife dynamics, pathogen prevalence, and forest regeneration. Accurately capturing masting variability is important for effective forest management, conservation efforts, and predicting ecosystem responses to environmental changes. The adoption of low-cost methods facilitates the large-scale data acquisition needed in this time of unprecedented environmental upheaval, but it is important to understand the reliability of such methods. We investigated the relationship between the timed count method and the quadrat-based method for monitoring seed production in European beech (Fagus sylvatica). The timed count method is fast, cost-effective, and suitable for areas with public access. These characteristics make time counts a practical choice for large-scale seed monitoring. However, the method has not been cross-calibrated with more traditional ground-based methods like quadrat sampling, which involves exhaustive seed collection from designated plots under tree canopies. Our research reveals a loglinear relationship between seed counts obtained by the two methods, and shows that the timed count is an effective method of estimating seed production. We also found that seed production exhibits greater dispersion in patchiness at lower levels of seed fall, which explains why the timed count method, covering a larger area, captures greater variability in seed fall compared to the quadrat method in such contexts. This highlights the importance of choosing an appropriate sampling strategy to accurately assess seed fall. The differences between the two methods introduce variability into derived masting metrics, such as the coefficient of variation and synchrony, with individual-level seed production variability metrics being more affected than population-level ones. The findings underscore the importance of understanding how different sampling methods can impact long-term ecological studies, particularly those focused on masting behaviour.
Crecimiento y empleo durante la pandemia del Covid-19: España, México, Colombia
Authors: Gesto Rodríguez José , Santacruz Villaseñor Ibrahim , González Rojas Deisy Yasmine
Published: October 2024

El presente trabajo analiza el impacto de la pandemia del Covid-19 en las economías española, mexicana ycolombiana, y su capacidad resiliente para crecer y generar puestos de trabajo. Esto, en virtud de queconsideramos importante conocer los impactos económicos, y hasta qué punto ha existido capacidad de lossistemas productivos para alcanzar una recuperación suficiente para crear empleo y bienestar social.Los resultados son los siguientes: 1). Las tres economías: la española, la mexicana y la colombiana observan unatendencia similar en el comportamiento del crecimiento económico y la generación de puestos de trabajo; 2). Lapandemia vino a incrementar las vulnerabilidades económicas y sociales que estás economías tenían antes deeste episodio sanitario.De este modo, las conclusiones a las que llegamos son, que: 1). Indudablemente que ambas economías hansorteado de manera significativa los efectos de la pandemia con diferentes estrategias económicas y sociales; 2).La ruptura de las cadenas globales de suministro de bienes, producto de la pandemia, y más recientemente por laguerra en Ucrania, presionan sobre el incremento de los costos de producción y los precios de mercado, situaciónque ha provocado una inflación global y nacional importante. 3). Además de la inflación, la volatilidad en elmercado de divisas, particularmente en Colombia, tienden a afectar al ciclo económico de esta economía.
Change in Tear Layer Thickness under Scleral Contact Lenses in Keratoconus Patients and Normal Cornea Volunteers
Authors: Thuangtong Atiporn , Taetrongchit Nuttacha , Kemahayung Rung
Published: October 2024

Objective: To quantify rate of post-lens tear thickness change under scleral contact lenses in keratoconus patients and normal cornea volunteers.
Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study where semi-scleral lenses were fitted to 20 eyes (5 subjects, 10 eyes in each group). After insertion, post-lens tear thickness was measured at 0, 30 minutes and every hour up to 6 hours using Anterior Segment OCT. To analyze post-lens tear thickness and its rate of change at each time point, both within and between groups, a linear mixed model was used.
Results: The initial mean post-lens tear thickness (µm) was 742 ± 50 and 440 ± 50 in keratoconus and normal cornea group, respectively. The mean rate of change (µm/hr) was highest in the first 30 minutes in both groups (80.8 ± 8.7, 132.2 ± 8.8 in keratoconus and normal cornea group). Following the first four hours in keratoconus and the first hour in normal cornea group, the reduction rate in post-lens tear thickness exhibited no statistically significant difference from the rate of change observed during the 5-6 hour period. The mean percentage of total change over 6 hours after lens insertion was higher in normal cornea compared to keratoconus group (36.6% vs 22.5%).
Conclusion: The reduction in post-lens tear thickness follows a nonlinear pattern. The mean rate of change was highest after insertion and remained stable after four hours in keratoconus and one hour in normal cornea group. The percent change over the 6-hour period was greater in normal cornea group.
Changes in Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer and Macular Ganglion Cell-Inner Plexiform Layer Thickness after Spinal Surgery in the Prone Position
Authors: Deeprasertwit Thoranis , Bunyaprateeprat Piya-Orn , Chirapapaisan Niphon , Wilartratsami Sirichai , Chonphimai Pratuangsri , Ritthison Nuchanat , Mukdar Yanee , Eiamsamarng Akarawit
Published: October 2024

Objective: Postoperative visual loss resulting from posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION) after spinal surgery is rare but devastating. A potential risk factor is the prone position during prolonged spinal surgery. We hypothesized that if this risk factor is linked to PION, the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) should decrease post-surgery.
Materials and Methods: The prospective cohort study was conducted in patients undergoing spinal surgery in the prone position. The RNFL and GCIPL thickness by optical coherence tomography before and after spinal surgery (6-week, 3-month post-operative) were analyzed.
Results: Nineteen patients (38 eyes) completed the study with three follow-up timepoints. The mean age was 53.78+/-12.71 year. No significant changes were observed in the RNFL thickness and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer changes at the 6 weeks and 3 months follow-ups, except for the RNFL at the inferior quadrant at 6 weeks follow-up. There were also no patients who experienced visual loss.
Conclusion: A transient decrease in RNFL thickness in the inferior quadrant was observed at the 6-week post-operative follow-up after spinal surgery. The prone position during surgery may be an intraoperative factor associated with the development of perioperative PION in patients undergoing spinal procedures.
Genotypic Analysis of ABCA4 Coding Sequence in Thai Patients with Stargardt Disease
Authors: Vatanashevanopakorn Chinnavuth , Soi-ampornkul Rungtip , Chaisidhivej Natapat , Sompohnmanas Asavarak , Dhirachaikulpanich Dhanach , Tantarungsee Nutnicha , Piampradad Saranporn , Prakhunhungsit Supalert , Phasukkijwatana Nopasak
Published: October 2024

Objective: To study the mutational spectrum of the ABCA4 gene in Thai patients with Stargardt disease.
Materials and Methods: DNA sequencing of all 50 exons of the ABCA4 gene was performed in nine Thai patients with clinically diagnosed Stargardt disease.
Results: Amino acid sequence variation in the ABCA4 gene was found in five patients. Six missense mutations, c.71G>A, c.635G>A, c.1268A>G, c.3626T>C, c.4283C>T, and c.5761G>A, previously associated with Stargardt disease, were identified in our cohort. The variant c.1268A>G was the most prevalent in our study.
Conclusion: In this cohort, only 56% of Thai Stargardt patients had missense mutations in the ABCA4 gene. Mutations in the non-coding regions of the ABCA4 or mutations in other genes may be responsible for Stargardt phenotypes in the remaining patients. Our findings are the first to reveal the mutational spectrum of ABCA4 leading to Stargardt disease in the Thai population and demonstrate a potential for ABCA4 screening as well as the importance of genetic variability in Thai patients with clinically suspected Stargardt disease.
Efficacy and Safety of Pilocarpine Eye Drops Combinations for Treating Presbyopia in a Thai Population: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Surachatkumtonekul Thammanoon , Jutasompakorn Pinpilai , Klinniyom Anchalika , Sermsripong Wasawat , Hokierti Kiatthida , Sangsre Prapasson , Rungsiri Ketchanya
Published: October 2024

Objective: This study aimed to assess and compare the effectiveness and side effects of various concentrations of pilocarpine eye drops (1.5%, 1.25%, and 1%), with and without 0.1% brimonidine, in treating presbyopia, specifically in a Thai population.
Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, and crossover trial was conducted at Siriraj Hospital from August 2022 to April 2023. The study included emmetropic individuals aged 40 to 60 with presbyopia (near visual acuity not exceeding J1+) and refractive errors within +/- 0.5D. The ten subjects were assigned randomly to 6 groups for the different concentrations and type of eyedrops using a computer-generated systematic randomization to receive 1.5%, 1.25%, and 1% pilocarpine with and without 0.1% brimonidine. And visual outcomes including visual acuity at distance and near were measured at 2, 4, and 6 hours post-application, with adverse effects monitored. Primary outcome was visual acuity at near after applied topical eye drops.
Results: Among the 10 participants (30% male, median age 46.5 years old), 1.25% pilocarpine and combined 1.25% pilocarpine + 0.1% brimonidine significantly improved near visual acuity at all time points (statistically significant with Bonferroni correction). Adverse effects, such as dry eye and irritation, were more common with 1.5% pilocarpine + 0.1% brimonidine.
Conclusion: In this preliminary study, 1.25% pilocarpine and 1.25% pilocarpine + 0.1% brimonidine showed promise in effectively treating presbyopia in the Thai study population, with acceptable side effect rates. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings and provide more robust insights into presbyopia management in the Asian demographic.
An Evaluation of the Precision of Ocular Trauma Score and Factors for Poor Visual Outcomes in Open Globe Injury: A Retrospective Analysis of Resourcelimited Hospital Settings
Authors: Oughtkaew Takarn , Puangrab Siwatus
Published: October 2024

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy and validity of ocular trauma scores (OTS) among patients with open globe injury (OGI) in rural hospital settings and to identify the determinants predicting poor visual outcomes.
Materials and Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted through a chart review of OGI patients between July 2018 and June 2023 at Bueng Kan Hospital. Demographic and preoperative factors affecting the final visual outcome were evaluated. OTS score for each patient was calculated and categorized. Final VA after 6 months was compared to the predicted VA from OTS study. Poor visual outcome was defined as legal blindness after 6 months of treatment.
Results: Thirty-nine eyes from patients with a mean age of 44.05 years were evaluated. Most subjects were male (94.87%), and workplace injuries were the most common (78.38%). Compared to the OTS study, patients in OTS category 2 achieved a significantly higher percentage of better final VA, while categories 3 and 4 showed similar outcomes. OTS category 1 patients had a lower proportion of no light perception (NLP) outcomes, though the difference was not significant. Poor visual outcomes were predicted by initial VA (OR=4.64), wound extension ≥10 mm (OR=20.66), and lens injury (OR=7.44).
Conclusion: OTS is beneficial for predicting final vision in patients with OGI, particularly with less severe trauma. Severe cases often lead to better visual outcomes, emphasizing the need for cautious management and counseling by ophthalmologists. Factors that estimate poor visual outcomes involve poor initial VA, wound extension  10 mm, and lens damage.
In vitro characterization of beta-cyclodextrin liposomal formulation of cisplatin nanomedicine
Authors: Wasubhadtanasaka Panijapatr
Published: October 2024

This study aims to develop a nanomedicine-based approach to protect healthy tissue during cancer treatment, improve patient compliance, reduce adverse drug reactions, and enhance the quality of life. By utilizing hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (BPCP) to increase drug hydrophilicity and liposomes for controlled release of cisplatin (CP), the hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin-cisplatin liposomal formulation (BCDCPLP) demonstrated improved stability, targeted delivery, and reduced toxicity. The study confirmed that the above formulation had the highest cytotoxicity against HeLa cells, with significantly lower IC50 and IC90 values than cisplatin alone. This is attributed to improved drug stability and cellular uptake. Caspase-3 and cleaved PARP assays confirmed that BCDCPLP and CP-loaded liposomes induced substantial apoptosis, with BCDCPLP showing the highest increase in caspase-3 activity and PARP cleavage at 85 kDa. The ability of BCDCPLP to enhance apoptosis was further demonstrated through Western blot analysis, where the density of PARP cleavage bands was highest in BCDCPLP-treated cells, followed by CPLP and CP-treated cells. The study highlights that the cumulative release of PARP from CP-nanocarrier complexes leads to more efficient apoptosis than free CP. These findings align with the synergistic effects observed when combining CP with PARP inhibitors, which induce mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and cytochrome C release, activating the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. The potential of these nanomedicines, especially BCDCPLP, is in reducing the required dosage while maintaining therapeutic efficacy offers promising advances in cancer therapy.
Estadística y violencia de género: estudio sobre la Agencia Nacional de Materiales Controlados de Argentina
Authors: Iazzetta Marco
Published: October 2024

La violencia por motivos de género se transformó en una problemática preponderante de la agenda pública. Esta situación llevó al Estado argentino a asumir compromisos y emprender acciones concretas para prevenirla y erradicarla.Entre estos organismos, se destaca la Agencia Nacional de Materiales Controlados (ANMaC), cuya misión es implementar políticas de control de armas de fuego, municiones, explosivos y demás materiales y elaborar políticas públicas para abordar la violencia armada. Al respecto, en estos últimos años, se abocó a la producción de herramientas normativas y al diseño de técnicas para la incorporación de la perspectiva de género en su gestión estratégica y operativa.El objetivo del presente artículo es hacer referencia a aquellas innovaciones impulsadas por la Agencia referidas al registro, sistematización, presentación e intercambio de información para el abordaje de este fenómeno. Para ello, en un primer momento, realizamos una serie de precisiones conceptuales, damos cuenta del marco normativo internacional referido a la violencia con armas de fuego por motivos de género y a diferentes registros estadísticos que reflejan dicha problemática en nuestro país. Posteriormente, nos referimos al abordaje que realiza la anmac en la materia, y nos detenemos, en especial, en dos instrumentos que fueron creados en el año 2022: la Guía de Orientación e Intercambio de Información para el Abordaje Integral de Situaciones de Violencia de Género y Violencia Familiar y el Registro Federal de Situaciones de Violencia por Motivos de Género. Por último, realizamos un análisis de la información proveniente de este último.
Relation between sarcopenia and hepatic encephalopathy in liver cirrhosis - a study in tertiary care hospital
Authors: Pathak Rahul , Jha Ashis Kumar , Jha Anurag , Kafle Brindeswari , Lamsal Manoj
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Liver cirrhosis is a common medical problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. Consequences of cirrhosis leading to encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric manifestation requiring hospital admission and poor prognosis. Similarly, sarcopenia in cirrhosis, resulting from multifactorial cause confers prognostic significance. The objective of this study is to find the relation between sarcopenia and hepatic encephalopathy.
Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted and data was taken from electronic medical records of patients admitted with hepatic encephalopathy in department of gastroenterology of Tribhuvan university Teaching hospital. A total of 96 cirrhotic patients were included during one and half year study duration. Sarcopenia was assessed using assessment tool like hand grip strength, chair stand test and CT measurement of either skeletal muscle area (SMA) or skeletal muscle index (SMI). Hepatic encephalopathy was graded according to West Haven criteria among admitted patients.
Results: Among 96 patients with cirrhosis, 85 patients (88.5%) were found to have sarcopenia. Prevalence of sarcopenia was higher among female compared to male (97% vs 84%). Similarly, sarcopenia was found to be higher in patients with HE-2 and HE-3 compared to HE-1 ( 91% vs 93% vs 79% respectively).
Conclusion: Sarcopenia is commonly associated with hepatic encephalopathy.
Bangladesh J Medicine 2024; 35: 195-199
Bibliometric Analysis of Bibliometric Analyses on Oral Health Literature (1999-2024): A Meta-Bibliometric Approach
Authors: Dagli Namrata , Haque Mainul , Kumar Santosh
Published: October 2024

This meta-bibliometric analysis investigates the evolution and trends of bibliometric analyses on oral health research over the past two and a half decades, based on publications in PubMed from 1999 to 2024. The study reveals a notable increase in the volume of bibliometric analyses, with China emerging as the leading contributor, followed by Brazil, India, and Saudi Arabia. The analysis highlights a trend towards international collaboration, enhancing the breadth of research perspectives. Major research themes include endodontics, dental caries, and pediatric dentistry. Despite these advancements, the study identifies gaps, including the need for more inclusive and multilingual databases and bibliometric analysis software that simplifies data integration from multiple databases for more comprehensive analyses. Overall, this analysis presents the current landscape of bibliometric analyses on oral health research and offers the research community meaningful insights that can guide future bibliometric analyses and improve the quality and relevance of oral health research assessments. The increasing volume and diversity of research output reflect a maturing field with a global focus. In contrast, the need for methodological advancements and broader inclusivity in research outputs points to areas for future development.
Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 04 October’24 Page : 934-949
Silver Diamine Fluoride – the magic bullet! Is it really a magic alternative in caries management
Authors: Done Vasanthi , Kanaparthi Saraswathi , Bandela Vinod , Alam Mohammad Khursheed , MV Pradeep Muralidhar
Published: October 2024

The goal of modern dentistry is to treat cavitated or non-cavitated teeth through non-invasive remineralization to prevent further progression of caries and to improve the function of teeth. Many preventive interventions have been put forward as an alternative to conventional restorative procedures; silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is one amongst them. SDF can arrest progression of carious lesion at a concentration of 12% and 38% preventing further caries growth. The aim of this paper is to consider whether SDF is really a magic alternative in caries management or not.
Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 04 October’24 Page : 993-998
Exploring the Ethical Dimensions of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Dental Education
Authors: Siang Lin Galvin Sim , Foo Jia Yee , Goh Shu Meng , Alam Mohammad Khursheed
Published: October 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics have revolutionized healthcare, particularly dentistry. Their integration in dental education offers opportunities to enhance learning, diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient care. However, ethical implications must be addressed to ensure responsible and ethical integration of these technologies. This review explores AI and robotics in dental education and highlights the associated ethical considerations. These technologies provide improved learning experiences and simulations. Intelligent tutoring systems offer personalized feedback, virtual reality simulations enable practice in a safe environment, and AI algorithms aid in analysing radiographic images. Despite their potential, ethical challenges arise, including data privacy, autonomy, equity, and professional integrity. Addressing these challenges requires transparency, informed consent, bias detection, and accountability. Dental curricula should in-corporate ethics, fostering collaborations between educators and AI/robotics experts. Professional development programs should prioritize ethics training, considering emerging technologies such as AI-powered learning and diagnostic assistance. By embracing ethical considerations, AI and robotics can be integrated in dental education guided by transparency, accountability, privacy, and patient-centric care. A comprehensive understanding of the ethical dimensions is essential to harness the transformative potential of AI and robotics while upholding ethical standards in dental education.
Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 04 October’24 Page : 999-1007
Investigation of a collective food poisoning in the province of Kenitra - Morocco from 2019 to 2023: A study to determine the epidemiological profile and the effectiveness of the management measures implemented
Authors: Elkhal Asmaa , Chibani Abdelkader , Dahou Badreddine , Sadek Sanae , Rkhaila Amine , Auajjar Nabila , Attarassi Benaissa
Published: October 2024

Aim The objective of this study is to examine collective foodborne illnesses (TIAC) reported in the province of Kenitra from 2019 to 2023, with the aim of determining the epidemiological profile and evaluating the effectiveness of the management measures implemented. On August 5, 2019, the survey therefore highlighted 9 cases (response rate of 75%), with an average age of 29 years and 75.5% women. Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting were the main symptoms. The study revealed a significant correlation between the consumption of fish (75% attack rate), fries (90%) and soda (80%). Likewise, the study conducted on February 1, 2022 revealed a significant correlation between intoxication and consumption of soup (RR=1.4), chicken (RR=2.4), salad (RR= 1.62) and bread (RR=2.4). Rice presents a higher risk (RR=5.1, p=0.05). Levels of staphylococcus aureus were detected during microbiological analyses, exceeding acceptable thresholds. Faced with these findings, monitoring of food safety practices seems necessary. Preventing these outbreaks in the future would be most effective by improving food handling, storage and preparation methods.
Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 04 October’24 Page : 1020-1029
Flexural strength and viscosity of dental luting composite reinforced with zirconia and alumina
Authors: Raja Awang Raja Azman , Islam Md Saiful , Jamayet Nafij , Ismail Noor Huda
Published: October 2024

Objectives Optimum flexural strength and viscosity are essential for longevity while efficiently handling dental luting composite. This study aims to investigate the effects of zirconia and alumina on the flexural strength (FS)and viscosity of dental cement made of silica rice husk. Materials and Methods Study groups with different percentages of weight (wt.): Group 1 (3 wt.% zirconia), Group 2 (3 wt.% alumina), and Group 3 (3 wt.% zirconia and 2 wt.% alumina), negative control specimen (0 wt.% zirconia/ alumina) and Rely-X U200 (3M ESPE). A universal testing machine and a rheometer were used to test FS and viscosity, respectively. One-way ANOVA and post-hoc Bonferonni test were used for data analyses. Results and Discussion FS and viscosity for Group 3 (3 wt.% zirconia and 2 wt.% alumina) were significantly higher compared to the negative control (p<0.05). Conclusion: Adding zirconia and alumina improved flexural strength without compromising the viscosity of dental luting composite. This experimental dental luting cement using hybrid fillers could be an alternative to resin luting cement.
Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 04 October’24 Page : 1048-1053
The Prevalence Pediatric Patients Attending in A Tertiary care Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Mohd Nurul , Husain Md Anwar
Published: October 2024

Introduction The incidence of skin conditions in young people typically varies between nations and within a single nation’s regions based on social, economic, racial, and environmental factors. A significant public health issue is the morbidity that skin diseases cause in children. There is a dearth of research on this pediatric issue in our nation, which is either centered on a condition, a community, or a particular population group. Objective To evaluate the dermatological complaints of the pediatric patients attending a dermatology outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital. Materials And Methods We retrospectively analyzed a total of 2472 pediatric patients who were in age range 0-18 years and came to the OPD of dermatology & venereology department of Ibn Sina Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, over a period of 1½ year from January, 2020 to June, 2021. Data were collected on special proforma and analyzed with appropriate method. Results Among 2472 patients 1157 (46.8%) were male and 1315 (53.2%) were female and most of the patients belonged to the age group 12-18 year (52.6%). Male female ratio was 0.88:1. All diseases were broadly classified into noninfectious (71.2%) and infectious dermatoses (28.8%). Dermatitis (38.9%), infections (28.8%) and acne (14.44%) came out to be the top most common cause for OPD attendances. For the specific skin diseases, 20.1% were atopic dermatitis, 14.44% were acne, and 11.8 % were fungal infections. Atopic dermatitis was the most common condition below 12 years of age. In 12-18 years of age group, the most common condition was acne; females were more affected than males. Among the viral infections, wart was the most common (22.1%). Conclusion Atopic dermatitis was found to be the most common noninfectious disease and fungal infection was the most common infectious disease in all age groups and genders.
Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 04 October’24 Page : 1054-1059
An epidemiologic blood group-1
Authors: Mohammed Amera Kamal , Musafer Karar N J , Al Thuwaini Tahreer Mohammed , Alshajrawi Omar Mahmoud , Al Astani Tengku Din Tengku Ahmad Damitri
Published: October 2024

Aim Polycythemia, also known as erythrocytosis, is an abnormal accumulation of red blood cells, packed cell volume, and hemoglobin that can lead to debilitating symptoms and significant mortality. Polycythemia is estimated to affect 22 people per 100,000. The epidemiology of polycythemia in Iraq is limited. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and incidence of polycythemia in Babylon City, Iraq, from 2018 to 2022 and to identify populations at high risk. Materials and Methods Due to the relative scarcity of epidemiological studies on polycythemia in Iraq, this study was conducted to identify some epidemiological features of polycythemia patients in Babylon province. A study conducted at the Babylon Central Blood Bank included 220 polycythemia patients. This data was obtained by reviewing all patient documents and the registration book from 2018 to 2022. Participants completed a questionnaire with information about their Sex, age, place of residence, smoking habits, and blood group. Statistics were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 and Prism software. Results were presented in numbers and percentages and analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results Results indicated that polycythemia increased between 2018 and 2020, with the highest numbers in 2018 and decreasing in 2022. There was a higher frequency in the age group of (41-50) years, and it was more common in males with polycythemia (92.72%) who were smokers (79.09%). Most polycythemia patients had the B blood group (38.2%), while the AB blood group had the lowest percentage (5.5%), and most cases were Rh-positive (91.8%). Conclusion this study provided an overview of the epidemiology of polycythemia in Babylon, Iraq. The findings indicate that polycythemia was more prevalent in men of middle age and with blood group B+. Therefore, further research is needed to examine the relevance of the ABO blood group to polycythemia severity and susceptibility.
Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 04 October’24 Page : 1068-1074