bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of CMIP6 Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) Simulations for Summer Season against MODIS Derived AOD from 2000 to 2014 over Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Assiri Mazen Ebraheem , Alsubhi Yazeed , Siddiqui Muhammad Haroon
Published: July 2022

Arabian Peninsula is one of the highly affected regions by atmospheric aerosols mainly due to the frequent dust outbreaks and storm activities in the region. These aerosols are primarily responsible to change the energy budget that drives the climate system. Besides, the spatial and temporal aerosol properties are comprehensively described based on aerosol optical depth (AOD). Thus, the present study focuses on the evaluation of AOD variability, trends, and performance of Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project (CMIP6) individual models and their mean relative to satellite observation from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) over the Arabian Peninsula during summer (JJA). To achieve this, the AOD (550nm) data of eight CMIP6 models and TERRA-MODIS DTB are acquired for the period 2000–2014. We employed different statistical methods such as simple average, bias, root mean square error, standard deviation, mean absolute error, correlation, and regression for validation purposes. Further, trends and time series analyses are done to assess the AOD variability over the region. The results show that the summer AOD mean is high (0.5–0.9) over eastern and southern regions, whereas low mean values (0.2–0.5) are found in northwestern regions of the Peninsula. Overall, the AWI, BCC, CESM, and AMM acquired low bias, mean absolute error along with high correlation co-efficient and show a good agreement with MODIS. It is also revealed that the AOD variability and trends are higher in eastern and southern regions and lower in the north and northwestern regions.
Judgment Towards Emotions As a Mediator of the Relationship Between Emotional Eating and Depression Symptoms in Bariatric Surgery Candidates
Authors: Dalrymple Kristy , Maleva Viliyana , Chelminski Iwona , Zimmerman Mark
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Emotional eating is common in bariatric surgery candidates, and often is associated with depression and poorer weight loss outcomes following surgery. However, less is known about other modifiable risk factors that may link depression and emotional eating. The aim of the current study was to examine facets of mindfulness as potential mediators of the relationship between emotional eating and depression severity in bariatric surgery candidates. Methods: Bariatric surgery candidates (n=743) were referred by their surgeons for a comprehensive psychiatric presurgical evaluation that included self-report questionnaires assessing depression severity, emotional overeating, and facets of mindfulness. Mediation effects were examined for each mindfulness facet based on prior research. Results: Only the nonjudging mindfulness facet significantly mediated the relationship between emotional eating and depression, suggesting that greater emotional eating may be associated with greater depression severity through higher levels of judgement towards thoughts and emotions. A reverse mediation analysis showed that depression severity was not a significant mediator of the relationship between nonjudging and emotional eating. Conclusion: Fostering a nonjudgmental stance towards thoughts and feelings may be helpful in improving eating habits that would support greater postsurgical success. Other clinical and research implications are discussed.Level of Evidence: Level V, descriptive study
A model for design and development of online Health Professions Education Faculty Development Courses in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Keiller Lianne , Nyoni Champion , Wyk Chantel Van
Published: July 2022

The design and development of faculty development courses require a theoretical base that is cognisant of contextual factors. The purpose of the study was to determine the feasibility of a specific conjecture map as a model for the design and development of online health professions education faculty development courses in sub-Saharan Africa through a heuristic evaluation approach. The authors hypothesise that using heuristic evaluation strengthens an educational model’s theoretical basis and feasibility. Twenty-five health professions educators from nine sub-Saharan African countries participated in this multi-phased study. In the first phase, the participants completed a survey evaluating the model and the accompanying author-generated heuristics. Then, recommendations based on agreement from the participants were used to revise the model and the heuristics. In the subsequent phase, participants reviewed the revisions made and commented on the feasibility of the model within their local context. All six heuristics were revised following the initial phase, where 80 problems had been identified. The model was revised based on the responses and re-presented to participants. The model was deemed feasible by all except one participant upon revision. There was a strong relationship and inter-rater agreement of feasibility between 0.84 and 0.95 in terms of practicality, demand, acceptability, and adaptability of the model. Revisions to the final model and guidance documents incorporated all changes recommended by the participants, confirming the feasibility of a model for the design and development of online health professions education faculty development courses in sub-Saharan Africa. Theoretical models are often developed through a top-down approach which omits the practice-based considerations that could change the formulation of the model. This study demonstrates the convergence of a theoretical and process model with theoretical, expert and end-user data triangulation. Further research is needed to test this empirically developed model for designing and developing online health professions education faculty development courses in sub-Saharan Africa.
Systemic Factors Associated with Long-Term Glaucoma Progression – 10-year follow-up results based on electronic medical records
Authors: Yoon Jung Suk , Lee Eun Ji , Kim Hyungjoong , Kim Tae-Woo
Published: July 2022

Glaucoma is a multifactorial disease where various systemic features are involved in the progression of the disease. Based on initial systemic profiles in electronic medical records (EMRs), this study aimed to develop a model predicting factors of long-term rapid retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning over 5 years in 505 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Eyes with faster or slower RNFL thinning were stratified using a decision-tree model, and systemic and ophthalmic data were incorporated into the models based on random forest and permutation methods, with the models interpreted by Shapley additive explanation plots (SHAP). According to decision tree, higher lymphocyte ratio (> 34.65%) was the most important systemic variable discriminating faster or slower RNFL thinning. Higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin (> 32.05 pg) and alkaline phosphatase (> 88.0 IU/L) concentrations were distinguishing factors in the eyes with lymphocyte ratios > 34.65% and < 34.65%, respectively. SHAP demonstrated larger baseline RNFL thickness, greater fluctuation of intraocular pressure (IOP), and higher maximum IOP as strongest ophthalmic factors, while higher lymphocyte ratio and higher platelet counts as strongest systemic factors associated with faster RNFL thinning. Machine learning-based modeling identified several systemic factors as well as previously acknowledged ophthalmic risk factors associated with long-term rapid RNFL thinning.
Comparing perioperative outcomes of robotic-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy and laparoscopic adrenalectomy in the treatment of large adrenal tumors (≥5 cm): a propensity-matched score analysis
Authors: Yang Lin , Wu Yao , Li Sheng , Liu Xiao Qiang , Deng Wen , Liu Weipeng , Fu Bin
Published: July 2022

Introduction:
At present, the advantages of robotic-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy over laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large adrenal tumors (≥ 5 cm) are still controversial. Our study aimed to clarify whether robotic-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy has significant advantages.
Materials and methods
A total of 244 patients with adrenal tumors ≥ 5 cm who underwent minimally invasive surgery in our hospital from 2010 to 2021 were included in this study. There were 77 patients in the robotic-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy group and 167 patients in the laparoscopic adrenalectomy group. After propensity score matching, each group included 77 patients.
Results
There were no significant differences between the groups, in postoperative morbidity (p = 0.125)、estimated blood loss (p = 0.678)、operative time (p = 0.451), and postoperative hospital stay ( p = 1.000). The rate of conversion to open surgery in the robotic-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy group was significantly lower than that in the laparoscopic adrenalectomy group [0(0.0%) vs 6(7.8%), p = 0.031]. However, the total hospitalization cost in the robotic-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy group was significantly higher than that in the laparoscopic adrenalectomy group [53452 (46717, 60499) vs 33196 (27317, 41521), p < 0.001].
Conclusions
Both robotic-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy and laparoscopic adrenalectomy are safe and effective in the treatment of large adrenal tumors. If the risk of conversion to open surgery is high, robotic-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy should be the first choice.
A thematic analysis of mental health, addiction and gambling discussion on Reddit during the recent cryptocurrency market downturn
Authors: Johnson Benjamin , Stjepanović Daniel , Leung Janni , Sun Tianze , Chan Gary C. K.
Published: July 2022

Purpose
Considering the volatility of the cryptocurrency market, it is important to investigate the impact that market participation has on mental health. Therefore, we analyzed Reddit discussions regarding mental health, gambling, and addiction from members of the cryptocurrency discussion board, r/cryptocurrency, during a recent downturn in the cryptocurrency market.
Methods
We collected 1315 threads submitted to the subreddit r/cryptocurrency between January 3rd to February 4th. A thematic analysis was employed, which included threads that discussed psychological wellbeing, mental health or gambling.
Results
We thematically analyzed the content of 130 threads, which contained 7635 comments. Our analysis identified three main themes present in user discussion. Theme 1 (emotional state and mental health) captured users' discussion on their wellbeing, mental health and emotional responses to the market downturn. Theme 2 (strategies for coping) examined coping strategies recommended by users to combat distress to the market conditions or trading urges. Theme 3 (likeness to gambling) captured discussion on the relationship between cryptocurrency and gambling based on its fixating properties and risk profile.
Conclusions
Reddit is a valuable resource for examining the experiences and attitudes of the cryptocurrency community. Accounts of Reddit users' experiences provided insight into the mental distress market downturns can cause and strategies to combat problems due to trading. Our findings offer qualitative insights into the problems experienced by individuals who cryptocurrency trade and encourage further investigation into its relationship with mental health.
Assessing Parental Marital Quality and Divorce Related to Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health among 50,000 Chinese College Students
Authors: Wang Wen , Yin Ruoyu , Cao Wenzhen , Wang Yu , Zhang Tingkai , Yan Yan , Tang Kun
Published: July 2022

Background: This study aimed to investigate the associations between parental marital quality, divorce and sexual and reproductive health outcomes among Chinese young people.Methods: The study included 51,124 students from a large-scale cross-sectional study in China from 2019 to 2020. The exposure is parental marital quality and marital status reported by students. The outcomes are dichotomous variables, including sexual experiences, high-risk sexual behaviors, unintended health outcomes and sexual abuse. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between parental marital quality, divorce and sexual and reproductive health outcomes, stratified by sex and adjusted by socio-demographic covariates.Results: The prevalence of students' parents who had been divorced was 10.72%, and the divorced family group rated perceived parental marital quality less than half of the ratings of the intact family group. Results showed that parental divorce was associated with a higher likelihood of sexual abuse, high-risk sexual behaviours, and unintended health outcomes. A higher perceived parental marital quality was associated with a lower probability of poorer sexual and reproductive health outcomes, such as forced penetrative vaginal or anal intercourse (male: OR: 0.73, 95%CI: 0.64-0.83; female: OR:0.71, 95%CI: 0.65-0.77), casual sexual intercourse (male: OR: 0.78, 95%CI: 0.73-0.83; female: OR: 0.77, 95%CI: 0.72-0.83), and sexually transmitted infections (male: OR: 0.79, 95%CI: 0.70-0.89; female: OR: 0.82, 95%CI: 0.73-0.91).Conclusions: Parental marital quality and status are associated with poorer sexual and reproductive health outcomes among young people, suggesting that specific intervention programmes should be implemented for those children from unharmonious families or divorced families to prevent adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis of the larval and adult stages of Dibothriocephalus dendriticus (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea)
Authors: Sidorova Tuyana Valeryevna , Kutyrev Ivan Alexandrovich , Khabudaev Kirill Vladimirovich , Sukhanova Lubov Vasilyevna , Zheng Yadong , Dugarov Zhargal Nimaevich , Mazur Olga Evgenievna
Published: July 2022

Tapeworms of the genus Dibothriocephalus are widely distributed throughout the world, some of which are agents of human diphyllobothriasis, one of the most important fish-borne zoonoses caused by a cestode parasite. Genomic and transcriptomic data can be used to develop future diagnostic tools and epidemiological studies. The present work focuses on a comparative analysis of the transcriptomes of adult and plerocercoid D. dendriticus and the identification of their differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Transcriptome assembly and analysis yielded and annotated 35129 unigene, noting that 16568 (47%) unigene were not annotated in known databases, which may indicate a unique set of expressed transcripts for D. dendriticus. A total of 8022 differentially expressed transcripts were identified, including 3225 upregulated and 4797 downregulated differentially expressed transcripts from the plerocercoid and adult animals. The analysis of DEGs has shown that among the most differentially expressed genes there are important genes characteristic of each stage. Thus, several genes are characteristic of D. dendriticus plerocercoides, including fatty acid-binding protein and ferritin. Among the most highly expressed DEGs of the adult stage of D. dendriticus is the Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor, in two putative isoforms. The analyses of GO and KEGG metabolic pathways revealed that a large number of the DEGs of D. dendriticus are associated with the biosynthesis of various substances such as arginine and folate, as well as with various metabolic pathways such as galactose metabolism, selenocompound metabolism, phosphonate and phosphinate metabolism. This will contribute to further research aimed at identifying targets for new generation drugs and the development of specific vaccines.
Health Value of China’s Long-term Care Insurance in Older Disabled People: Role of Institutional Care
Authors: Zhou JinQiu , Zhu Bin , Yan YuHua , Hou LiSha , Wu JinHui , Dong BiRong , Dou QingYu
Published: July 2022

BackgroundSince the public long-term care insurance (LTCI) system was piloted in Chengdu, China in July 2017, there has been a considerable growth of LTC institutions in China. This study aimed to evaluate the health value effect of LTCI in older patients with severe disabilities in an LTC institution.MethodsThis study was based on data from 985 severe disability patients with or without LTCI from July 2017 to October 2020 in the Eighth People's Hospital, Chengdu, China. The Cox proportional hazard model estimated LTCI’s health value, including survival probability and risk of pneumonia/pressure ulcers. Subgroup analysis was performed for sex, age, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and the number of drugs.OutcomeIn the analysis 519 and 466 patients in LTCI and non-LTCI groups, respectively, were included. In adjusted Cox analyses, the LTCI group had a significantly elevated survival rate compared at 12 months (P<0.001, OR=1.758, 95% CI 1.300-2.376). At 40 months, the adjusted survival rate was 62.6% in the LTCI group, which was significantly higher (53.7%; P=0.003, OR=1.438, 95% CI 1.131-1.831). The subgroups of patients aged 60 to 79 years (interaction P=0.007) and CCI≥3 (interaction P=0.026) were more significantly associated with survival improvement than those aged >80 years and CCI< 3. The LTCI group was also at lower risk for hospital-acquired pneumonia (P=0.016, HR 0.622, 95% CI 0.422-0.917) and pressure ulcers (P=0.008, HR 0.695, 95% CI 0.376-0.862). The improved survival of LTCI remained stable in sensitivity analyses.ConclusionFor older patients with severe disabilities, in a long-term care institution, LTCI significantly improved their health profile and longevity after a year, suggesting the large role and development potentiality of institution care in the LTCI system of China.
Cryptosporidium in Dairy Cattle, Sheep, Humans, and Manure in and around Adama and Asella Towns, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Berhanu Kassahun , Ayana Dinka , Megerssa Bekele
Published: July 2022

In Ethiopia, several studies have reported the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection in young calves, lambs, and HIV positive patients. However, studies on cattle and sheep of all age categories, and humans (farm workers and animal owners) were limited. A cross-sectional study design was thus conducted from October 2021 to April 2022 to study the occurrence of Cryptosporidium in dairy cattle, sheep, humans, and manure in and around Adama and Asella towns, Oromia, Ethiopia. Dairy cattle and sheep were stratified according to their age and randomly sampled. Stool samples from volunteered farm workers and household members were collected purposefully. A semi-structured questionnaire was also used to collect information about manure handling practices. All samples (dairy cattle = 234, sheep = 200, humans = 56, manure = 58) were processed with sugar floatation technique and the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. A univariate regression analysis was used to test the association of individual factors with the occurrence of Cryptosporidium. Associated factors were subjected to multivariate regression analysis to identify potential risk factors. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium in dairy cattle, sheep, humans, and manure was 20.5%, 14%, 16%, and 13.20%, respectively. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection in dairy cattle at the ages of 1–12 months and 13–36 months was 3.48 and 3.07 times higher, respectively, in comparison to the age above 36 months. Similarly, the occurrence was 2.69 times higher in sheep aged 1–6 months than in those aged older than 6 months. And also, a higher average level of oocyst count (above 10 oocysts) per-field was examined in dairy cattle (3/48) aged 1–12 months, followed by sheep (1/28) aged 1–6 months. Furthermore, the likelihood of infection was 13 times greater in farm workers compared with the rural farmer members. In addition, the occurrence of oocysts was 22.8 times higher in manures from dairy cattle than manure from sheep. From data on manure handling practices, only 16.8% of them had manure storage holes, 98.1% used manure for crop production, and all of them used manure without treatment. The current study revealed the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection in all age groups of dairy cattle and sheep, farm workers, animal owners, and manures. Therefore, more studies on adult animals and manure is required to investigate their contribution to environmental contamination as well as their role as a source of infection in young calves and lambs. In addition, molecular characterization is also required to identify the zoonotic species of Cryptosporidium.
Monthly Pan Evaporation Modelling using Hybrid machine learning algorithms in a semi-arid environment
Authors: Al-Mukhtar Mustafa , Elbeltagi Ahmed , Kushwaha N. L. , Vishwakarma Dinesh Kumar
Published: July 2022

Evaporation is one of the most critical hydrologic processes that have direct impacts on agricultural efficiency, the planning and operation of water resources projects. Hence, an accurate estimation of evaporation is essential for proper management of water resources. However, the non-linearity, non-stationary, and stochastic features of the evaporation process constitute the major problem in developing reliable and robust predictive models. As such, machine learning (ML) algorithms has been identified as efficient alternative methods to overcome such as complexity. The purpose of this study was to explore the applicability of coupling the additive regression model (AR) with four different machine-learning algorithms- Random Subspace (RSS), M5 Pruned (M5P), Reduced Error Pruning Tree (REPTree), and Bagging for predicting pan evaporation rates. The evaluated methods were applied using data from three different agroclimatic stations in Iraq i.e. Baghdad, Mosul, and Basrah. The best-input combinations were determined using the regression model. Results revealed that the best predictions are achieved by incorporating wind speed, relative humidity, the minimum, and mean temperatures. All the ML models performed well in predicting evaporation at the investigated locations. However, the AR-M5P was found to be the best performance among the other evaluated methods. The statistical indices MAE, RMSE, RAE, RRSE, and r from AR-M5P at Baghdad- Mosul during testing were 33.82, 45.05, 24.75, 28.50, and 0.972–25.82, 35.95, 23.75, 29.64, and 0.956, respectively. The findings of this study demonstrated the superior performance of the applied methods which can be employed to address other environmental problems.
Roles of the autism candidate genes neuroligin-3, neuroligin-4, and neurobeachin in synaptic plasticity ande excitation-inhibition balance in the dentate gyrus
Authors:   , Muellerleile Julia
Published: July 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with a multifarious clinical presentation. Even though many genetic risk factors have been identified and studied in mouse models, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the autistic phenotype are still unclear. Based on the high rates of comorbidity with epilepsy, it was hypothesized that the balance between excitation and inhibition in neural circuits may be disrupted in autistic individuals. In this dissertation, synaptic and network activity was measured in three different genetically modified mouse models that exhibit the characteristic behavioral abnormalities of the disorder: the Neurobeachin (Nbea) haploinsufficient mouse, the Neuroligin-3 (Nlgn3) knockout (KO) mouse, and the Neuroligin-4 (Nlgn4) KO mouse. Each of the affected proteins is involved in the formation and/or function of synapses in the central nervous system. Therefore, it was posited that the reduction or deletion of these proteins might alter the balance of excitatory to inhibitory synaptic transmission in individual neurons and in neural circuits. Extracellular recordings in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of anesthetized mice revealed that the excitation-inhibition (E-I) balance was reduced in Nbea haploinsufficient and Nlgn4 KO mice, but unchanged in Nlgn3 KO mice despite a reduction in excitatory synaptic transmission to dentate granule cells. Unexpectedly, the intrinsic excitability of dentate granule cells was altered in all three mouse models. These results imply that a homeostatic increase in the intrinsic excitability is able to compensate for the decreased excitatory transmission in Nlgn3 KO mice, whereas the decreased intrinsic excitability in the Nbea haploinsufficient and Nlgn4 KO mice leads to a reduction in the E-I balance. Taken together, these findings suggest that the influence of genetic factors on the E-I balance might be a potential common mechanism underlying the development of ASD.
SYSTEM OF FACTORSFORMING INNOVATIVE ACCEPTANCE OF ENTERPRISES TO NON-CONVENTIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY
Authors: Babenko V. , Koniaieva Ye. , Gorbunov L. , Oliynyk Ju.
Published: July 2022

In our opinion, the realization of the potential of innovation in a particular enterprise can provide a set of factors that shape the final readiness of the enterprise to implement innovations in its management system. These include logistical, organizational and managerial, financial factors, staff willingness to accept innovations and more. The presence of these conditions allows to fully identify and realize the potential of innovation. Deficiencies in the development of some factors reduce the effectiveness of the implementation of the potential, up to the rejection of the enterprise of various innovative assumptions. Based on this, in our opinion, the problem of forming socio-economic and organizational-production conditions of perception of innovation potential in Ukraine is insufficiently developed, while innovation susceptibility is the basis for the formation of innovation and information system of modern production, which should prepare appropriate conditions for effective innovation. .
Accordingly, innovation susceptibility is the resulting vector of a set of conditions for effective implementation of innovations. In our opinion, the innovative susceptibility of the enterprise as a socio-economic category requires special attention in terms of both theoretical development and related methodological approaches to its implementation, which are necessary for the formation of tools for effective operation of innovative enterprises.
In the given research the complex system of interaction of factors in the course of formation of innovative susceptibility of the enterprises to non-conventional renewable energy technologies is developed, the system of the factors influencing innovative susceptibility to non-conventional renewable energy for the enterprises and the organizations is analyzed. The presented factors have a complex impact on the innovative susceptibility of the enterprise to non-conventional renewable energy. In this case, the positive impact arises under the condition of synergetic potential, which complements the interaction of these factors.
METHODS OF ACCOUNTING FOR THE PROCESSES OF REPRODUCTION OF FIXED ASSETS OF THE ENTERPRISE AS A SOURCE OF INTERNAL INVESTMENT FOR THE ENTERPRISE
Authors: Skorba O.
Published: July 2022

The article is devoted to the research of current state of amortization policy in Ukraine. The article examines depreciation reforms carried out starting from 1997 up to the present time and makes the conclusion that they only brought the national depreciation policy closer to the countries with the market economy, but the real accumulation of funds for fixed assets was not achieved. Consequently, depreciation allowances are not only unable to stimulate the development of the economic entity, and are not able to even provide simple maintenance of basic (even manufacturing) facilities, which leads to their depreciation, and money for renovation or repair is not.
In the work is stated that the use of a particular method of accrual of depreciation of fixed assets is appropriate to choose depending on the corrosiveness of the management functions, the objectivity, etc. The result will be to achieve the maximum effect from the application of the appropriate method of accrual of depreciation. The end result will be willingness of the subjects of management to the production of products (services).
Examining current amortization policy, which was formed at the present stage of economic development in our state, continues to be ineffective. In our view, the current amortization policy does not fulfill its main function - motivation to the real accumulation of funds for renewal of worn and morally and technically outdated main assets of the enterprise. Today no company is not able during the regulatory period of service of fixed assets to offset their costs for their renewal, but for the need for renewal. We believe that the feasibility of choosing a method of accrual of depreciation must be carried out taking into account the correlation for the management functions, the objectivity and feasibility of use by a particular entity of management.
Our proposed mechanism for selecting the optimal depreciation policy by the management of the enterprise, based on the real accumulation of "real" money can be a source of internal investment for renewal and renovation of basic assets of the state.
The obtained results of the research is relevant in an environment where the deterioration of the basic equipment of enterprises is sometimes up to 90%, and the necessary funds for renovation and repair of the basic equipment of the enterprise.
Utility of PCR in the Diagnosis of Tubercular Lymphadenitis on Fine Needle Aspirates
Authors: Fernandes Hilda , Shetty Anup Kumar , . Archana
Published: July 2022

Background

Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Diagnosing tubercular lymphadenitis includes identification of epithelioid granulomas, positive Acid Fast Bacilli detected with Ziehl Neelsen’s stain. The disadvantage is the time taken for formation of granulomas. With the advent of RT-PCR, the diagnosis of tubercular lymphadenitis can be made with ease [1].

Aims and objectives: To utilize PCR and mycobacterial culture on samples obtained from Fine needle aspiration of lymph nodes in order to aid in early diagnosis of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis.

Materials and methods: Observational descriptive prospective study; Patients with lymphadenopathy >1 cm, above the age of 2 years were included ; FNA was performed, material was used for routine cytological studies (PAP, MGG and Ziehl Neelsen-stained slides), PCR and culture (wherever possible); Comparative values of PCR and culture were utilized for statistical analysis

Results: Out of 80 cases studied, M. Tuberculosis by PCR was detected on 36 cases (45%); PCR and culture demonstrated MTB in 42.55% of the cases. 9 cases (11.25%) of reactive lymphadenitis were found to be of tubercular etiology on PCR analysis. The Chi-squared test was highly significant. PCR has been found to have a sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 100%, 92.59%, 90.91% and 100%, respectively. Positive RT-PCR was more common in cases with chronic granulomatous inflammation when compared against reactive lymphoid hyperplasia with a chronic inflammatory infiltrate.

Conclusion: From this study, we conclude that RT-PCR is a useful ancillary technique to conclusively identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis in samples obtained from fine needle aspiration of lymph nodes.
Variety productivity of Phaseolus vulgaris L. for green pods in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine
Authors: Yatsenko V. V. , Vorobiova N. V. , Yatsenko A. O.
Published: July 2022

Purpose. To reveal the features of productivity formation of French bean varieties of different ecological and geographical origin in the conditions of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.
Methods. During 2020–2021 six early maturing varieties of beans – ‘Zironka’, ‘Casablanca’ (Ukraine), ‘Lila Königin’ (Germany), ‘Laura’ (Poland), ‘Fruidor’ (France) and ‘Paloma’ (the Netherlands) were studied in the field (Uman, 48°46’N, 30°14’E). Biometric and productivity indicators of plants, as well as the biochemical composition of products (green beans) were analyzed in technical and full maturity of the culture (BBCH 75 and 99).
Results. The dwarf varie­ties ‘Lila Königin’ and ‘Casablanca’ were identified, which can be used in breeding as a source of this trait. Varieties with high attachment of the lower bean, suitable for mechanized harvesting – ‘Casablanca’, ‘Zironka’, ‘Laura’ and ‘Paloma’ were identified.  It was revealed that the most productive varieties were ‘Zironka’, ‘Casablanca’ and ‘Paloma’, the mass of beans in which was in the range of 43.1–86.0 g, and the yield of green beans was 9.39–19.35 t/ha. In terms of seed yield, the varieties ‘Zironka’ turned out to be highly productive – 3.51 t/ha, ‘Casablanca’ – 3.78 t/ha and ‘Lila Königin’ – 2.65 t/ha. Evaluation of the biochemical composition of green beans of French bean did not allow to distinguish varieties by a set of indicators, however, as a source of traits with a high percentage of dry residue stood out variety ‘Paloma’ – 11%; by the share of protein – ‘Fruidor’ – 18.7%; for the share of sugars – ‘Lila Königin’ – 2.60%, for the content of ascorbic acid ‘Fruidor’ – 23.0 mg/100 g and with low content of nitrates – the variety ‘Lila Königin’ – 129.0 mg/kg.
Conclusions. The evaluation of French bean varieties by morphological variability and productivity allowed to recommend ‘Paloma’ and ‘Casablanca’ varieties for use in production. Varie­ties with improved biochemical parameters that can be used as sources of traits for breeding were identified.
Improvement of a prosecutor’s participation in the conducting operative search cases by the units, that conduct operative search measures
Authors: Tikhonov Serhii , Vasylyncnuk Viktor , Vyshnevskyi Serhii
Published: July 2022

In the course of normative-legal improvement of operative search activity (further OSA) role of the Prosecutor’s Office should be extended with processual supplement of operative search cases. It would be wise to attach in the law a provision that would oblige the heads of operational units in case of fixation operational and investigative measures information about the preparation or commission of a criminal offense, immediately notify the prosecutor (who oversees compliance with the law during operative and search activities) for the acceptance the decision about making changes to the Unite register of Pre-Trial investigations (URPI).

For a prosecutor (who is informed with the operative search case since the moment of its creation) it would be much easier to find existence or absence the signs of criminal in given materials of OSA and to accept the right decision. For the investigator or processual head who do not have access to the case it would be much harder.

The proposed changes will significantly reduce the time required for the prosecutor to make a decision on the registration of information in the URPI. Also they will have an influence on quality of information and acceptance of right processual decisions including right chose of body of Pre-Trial investigation.Except that due to the mentioned before causes the prosecutor who conduct the observation of legality during OSA should be appointed as processual head or included in the group of processual heads in case if according to the criminal proceedings some information is enrolled to the URPI. Due to the fact that the relevant law provides for the supervision of prosecutors over the observance of laws by the bodies, that make OSA and according the norms and rules mentioned in the law of Ukraine about operative search activity it is necessary that proposed changes were made directly in the law, that regulate OSA.

It would be reasonable to anticipate in the Law of Ukraine about operative search activity that in order to prevent the simultaneous conducting of operational and search measures that partially restrict the human rights of one person by different subjects of operational and investigative activities, the Office of the Prosecutor General may maintain a secure register of operational proceedings.
Delimitation of the concepts of «gift» and «illegal benefit» in administrative and criminal law
Authors: Habuda Andrii , Danchenko Kateryna
Published: July 2022

The article raises issues of interpretation and application of anti-corruption terminology, in particular, the definitions of "gift" and "illegal benefit". It is noted that the correct delineation of these concepts is important not only for legal science in the application of applied research but also for rulemaking and law enforcement. It was found that courts allow different applications of Art. 172-5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses and Art. 368 of the Criminal Code and as a consequence – incorrect qualification and incorrect definition of a liability. Also, we noticed that the problems of delimitation of gifts and improper benefits are not so much a problem of legislation as to the distorted practice of its application.

Considering doctrinal developments and normative provisions of anti-corruption legislation, the author's approach to determining the differences between the studied terms is proposed. The principle position is substantiated, according to which, when delimitation of illegal benefit and a gift, violation of restrictions on receiving which constitutes an administrative offense, first of all, it should be borne in mind that illegal benefit is always provided for what act using the powers, authority or official position given to him. A gift is received by such a person not for committing or not committing an act with the use of the powers or powers granted to him, but for free, free of charge. Given that the dilemma of the gift and illegal benefit becomes acute in the law enforcement sphere, the authors propose to eliminate it by determining the relevant law enforcement guidelines by the Supreme Court.
"Success fee" of an advocate: on the way to the unity of judicial practice
Authors: Popov Oleksandr
Published: July 2022

The presented work is devoted to the study of the legal nature of the "success fee" as a form of attorney’s remuneration for the provision of legal assistance, as well as to the consideration of the possibilities of applying the structure of such remuneration in the national legal field.

The review of the current legislation of Ukraine, as well as the legislation of other countries on the perception and legal regulation of the "success fee", based on the traditional division of law systems into Anglo-Saxon and Continental, was carried out. It is noted that the "success fee" by its nature is an additional remuneration to a lawyer, that is, a premium (bonus) that is paid to the latter in the event of a successful resolution of the client’s case, in addition to the fee that is payable for the provision of services provided by the lawyer under the contract for the provision of legal assistance.

Based on the fundamental function of the Supreme Court to ensure the unity of judicial practice, the dynamics of law enforcement approaches is traced at the level of its legal opinions, affecting the nature of the "success fee" and its legality. It is argued that the current practice of the Supreme Court has weakened its categorical attitude to the "success fee" and proceeds from the acceptability of this form of additional attorney’s remuneration, the payment of which depends on the outcome of the case. Also, the conclusions of the Supreme Court on the application of certain norms of procedural laws consider the possibility of resolving the issue of compensation for the costs incurred by a person to pay the “success fee” when the court decides on the distribution of court costs.

According to the results of the study, in order to avoid any differences in law enforcement approaches in the future, separate proposals were made for the proper settlement of the issue of "success fee" in national law.
Ensuring food sovereignty in modern conditions of challenges and threats
Authors: Turenko A.
Published: July 2022

Food security issue is extremely important in many parts of the world. It is no coincidence that the right to food is enshrined today at the level of international and national law. The agenda of sustainable development of individual states and the whole world is formed taking into account the fact that there are new challenges and threats to economic security (rising food prices, financial crises, climate change and related weather shocks, wars), which lead to significant changes in the production, distribution and consumption of food worldwide. They must be resolved if we want to live in a world based on food security. Food sovereignty is an important element in fighting against poverty. The Russian-Ukrainian war of 2022 led to the closure of ports, the cessation of oilseed processing, and the introduction of export and licensing restrictions and bans on certain crops and food. The main problems that need to be resolved in the context of food security include: disruption of spring sowing; availability of agricultural labor; availability of agricultural resources, especially fuel; obstacles in logistics and food chains; restrictions on access to agricultural land; damage to crops as a result of hostilities; destruction of the infrastructure of the food system. In this paper the author tries to answer the most acute problems of food security in the context of globalization and regional integration, as well as the Ukrainian-Russian war.
Litigation investment as a tool to overcome obstacles in the exercise of the right to access to court: the essence and prospects for implementation in Ukraine
Authors: Popov O.
Published: July 2022

The presented work is devoted to the study and disclosure of the essence of litigation investment as a tool to overcome financial barriers to access to justice, as well as to the consideration of the possibilities and ways of implementing this institution in Ukraine.
Litigation investment is proposed to be considered as a mechanism in which one party (investor), which is not the subject of disputed legal relations, assumes the burden of full or partial coverage of the legal costs of a person – a participant in the dispute (recipient), who is not able to pay them on his own and, in case of resolution court case in favor of such a person, is entitled to a financial reward.
Based on an analysis of the experience of other countries that have introduced litigation financing tools, a review of the most common models and schemes of litigation investment has been carried out.
Based on the results of the study, the point of view was expressed that the introduction of the institution of litigation investment in Ukraine has its own prospects, however, it requires the preparation of an appropriate legal ground, both at the level of substantive and procedural law. In particular, it is considered necessary to legislate in the civil legislation the construction of a separate contract - an agreement on the financing of legal costs. Along with this, it is noted that it is necessary to reform the procedural legislation, at least in the following directions: 1) provision in procedural codes for the possibility of financing court costs by a third, uninterested party; 2) fixing the structures of "success fee" and "conditional fee"; 3) introduction of the class action structure.
Military and military-civil administrations in the system of territorial organization power in Ukraine: a comparative analysis
Authors: Lialiuk O.
Published: July 2022

The article examines the issue of the constitutional and legal status of military and military-civilian administrations, as well as the problems of their territorial organization. The problems of the constitutional and legal status of these bodies are primarily related to the lack of their constitutional and legal regulation, which in practice can lead to abuses, violations of the rights and freedoms of citizens. In addition, the functioning of military and military-civilian administrations entails the termination of the activities of local self-government bodies in the territories defined in the laws. First of all, we are talking about elected bodies of local self-government - councils, when the inhabitants of the territory can exercise their right to vote. Also, the formation and functioning of military and military-civilian administrations is associated with a significant expansion of the powers of the President in this area.Along with this, military and military-civilian administrations are endowed by law with significant powers, including powers in the system of local self-government, as well as in the system of executive power, which makes them the most influential structures in the respective territory.The shortcomings of the legal regulation of the territorial basis of the activities of military and military-civilian administrations are analyzed. Through a systematic and comparative analysis, conclusions were drawn about which administrative-territorial units within the region it is not advisable to introduce military-civilian administrations, and conclusions were drawn about the need for an identical approach to the formation of military and military-civilian administrations at all territorial levels.The issues of interaction of military-civilian administrations with other public authorities are considered.
Ensuring environmental security, citizens’ life and health under martial law: environmental and legal aspects
Authors: Anisimova H.
Published: July 2022

The article is devoted to the consideration of environmental and legal problems of ensuring environmental safety, realization of environmental rights and satisfaction of interests, use of natural resource potential under martial law. The purpose of the research is a comprehensive study and analysis of environmental legislation considering the imposition of martial law. In view of this, the methodological basis of the article is a complex of general philosophical, general scientific, special scientific and actual legal methods. It is argued that the environmental function of the state to ensure environmental security, environmentally balanced nature management and to maintain environmental balance in Ukraine should be the modern narrative, which will contribute to the formation of a new environmental order under martial law for Ukraine and Europe. The original definition of the state environmental policy under martial law is formulated. It is proposed to improve the compensation system for damage caused by Russia's aggression to the environment, citizens’ environmental rights and interests, as well as to optimize the institutional and legal framework for environmental security under martial law. Based on our own conclusions and summaries, several suggestions and recommendations to improve the current national legislation are provided. It is proved that at the legislative level there should be clear mechanisms for legal protection of environmental rights and interests of citizens during hostilities. It is found that proper ensuring Ukraine sovereignty under martial law is impossible without considering a number of environmental and legal factors: (a) further improvement of the legal framework of the mechanism for the realization and protection of environmental human rights and interests; (b) establishing effective legal guarantees for environmental security; (c) improvement of the legal regime of use, reproduction (restoration) and protection of natural resources and complexes, all natural and resource potential of Ukraine, etc.