bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autodeterminación y éxito académico de personas con discapacidad visual
Authors: Figueroa Escudero Elveri , Pérez Castro Judith
Published: April 2023

En este artículo abordamos las habilidades de autodeterminación de cuatro egresados con discapacidad visual, a través del método de los relatos de vida. Los resultados muestran que la autoconfianza y la autoinstrucción fueron las más relevantes para los entrevistados, las que utilizaron con el apoyo de otras como la autoeficacia, el autoconocimiento, el establecimiento de metas y la resolución de problemas. Los egresados señalaron haber enfrentado diferentes barreras durante sus estudios universitarios, especialmente de tipo pedagógico, no obstante, aquí también recurrieron a sus habilidades de autodeterminación para describir su discapacidad y plantear alternativas a los obstáculos generados por los contenidos, las actividades de clase y las estrategias de enseñanza utilizadas por sus profesores. Concluimos que, si bien la autodeterminación depende en gran medida de la voluntad y motivación individuales, las universidades deben contribuir a su fortalecimiento, a través de políticas y estrategias que abarquen los diferentes ámbitos institucionales.
How Young Adult Crime Fiction Influences and Reflects Modern Adolescents
Authors: Katelyn Mathew
Published: April 2023

When we read crime fiction, we oftentimes expect a cast dominated by adult characters. This is likely a result of decades’ worth of popular crime fiction narratives almost exclusively containing adult characters. The earliest literature in the mystery and crime genre that was targeted towards younger audiences contained teenage detectives and adult criminals because it allowed the younger audiences to read about powerful teenagers overthrowing adult authority while still only engaging in acceptable moral activities in an attempt to decrease or discourage juvenile delinquency. A newer trend among young adult crime fiction novels is the adolescent playing the part of the criminal in addition to the detective. Applying social cognitive theory explored in the study conducted by Black and Barnes to the roles of adolescents in Karen M. McManus’s young adult mystery novel One of Us Is Lying and its sequel One of Us Is Next, this paper will analyze the novels’ adolescent characters to show how adolescent characters in young adult crime fiction reflect their young audiences’ desires to subvert adult hierarchies while still displaying acceptable morals and how they possibly influence their sense of morality.
Taking the "Psycho" out of "Psycho-Killer"
Authors: Edwards Makayla
Published: April 2023

“Psycho”, “maniac”, and “madman” are all words that are found to be synonymous with serial killers and criminal activity. For decades, the media has perpetuated an extremely harmful image that those suffering from mental illness are violent and dangerous. These portrayals can be found across mediums from fictional books and movies to docuseries and podcasts. In the realm of fiction, specifically, some of the most harmful depictions can be found in horror films. These films tend to paint their villains to be caricatures of various psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, dissociative identity disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder), and narcissistic personality disorder. These misrepresentations are not only grossly exaggerated but also highly inaccurate. In this piece, I will explore and expose the negative distortions of mental illness in various horror films. The scope will focus on two of the most influential psychological thrillers in the industry: Psycho and The Shining. These films each depict an antagonist who displays exaggerated traits indicative of mental illness. By deconstructing and comparing these traits with modern research on the mental illnesses they are meant to represent, I will expose the inaccuracies of these portrayals. Furthermore, I will outline the lasting impacts of these inaccuracies on both the public perceptions of mental illness, as well as help-seeking among individuals suffering from psychological disorders. Even if the characters in these popular films are fictional, the stigma they direct toward mental illness is very real and must be addressed.
Opposition Discourse About National Recovery and Resilience Plans. Poland and Hungary Compared
Authors:   University of Warsaw, Dudzinska Agnieszka , Ilonszki Gabriella ,   Corvinus University of Budapest
Published: April 2023

Although the governments of Poland and Hungary seem to similarly contest the conditionality mechanism that requires one to respect the rule of law when using EU funds, there are differences between these countries. They become visible in the framing of political communication as regards the opposition parties. This article seeks to identify the grounds of the competition from parliamentary opposition of the governments in relation to the EU Recovery and Resilience Fund. An analysis of 2021’s parliamentary debates on national recovery and resilience plans revealed three communication frameworks: the financial frame (the policy dimension), the quality of governance frame (the politics dimension), and the European integration frame which shaped domestic political rivalry (the polity dimension). Differences within these framings between the narrative of the Polish and Hungarian opposition resulted from different institutional and structural contexts. The study confirms the importance of national opposition parties for the analysis of the process of European integration. The existence of a liberal opposition may promote the salience of the topic of European integration in domestic political debate.
The EU Eastern Enlargement Policy Under the Pressure of Geopolitics. The Bulgarian Case (Russia’s Little Brother)
Authors:   Sofia University, Veleva-Eftimova Mirela
Published: April 2023

The Bulgarian case is symptomatic of the susceptibility of the EU enlargement policy under geopolitical pressure. The aim of this text is to add arguments to the statement that the dynamic of Bulgaria’s accession to the EU has been strongly influenced by external factors – mainly Yugoslavia’s disintegration and the subsequential Kososvo crisis. This crisis brought up the issue of the huge Russian influence over Bulgarian politics and societies and, as a result, predetermined the perception of Bulgaria as a high security risk for EU. In this situation, Bulgaria was an object of de-securitisation by the EU’s enlargement policy, but at the same time its main instrument, namely, the conditionality policy, was neglected. From this point of view, the Bulgarian case is important because: it illustrates the effects of this discrepancy to date; it is instructive in the context of EU enlargement policy towards the Western Balkans with huge Russian influence; and also in the context of the acceleration of the EU’s eastern enlargement policy toward Ukraine and Moldova because of the pressure of the ongoing Russian military invasion. The opportunity for accelerating the pre-accession process under the infl uence of unpredicted external events created prerequisites for politicising the whole process, including the political use of the conditionality and the consequently unfinished preaccession preparation of the newcomers. The research task is fulfilled by a synthesis of primary and secondary sources organised around three main questions – Which external circumstances? Why? and, How? The results of a discourse analysis of interviews with key participants in Bulgaria’s EU integration process are used as a starting point.
European Green Deal: The Transformation of Consumer Behaviour and Business Marketing Communication as Opportunities to Increase Consumer Involvement in the Sorting of Waste in Latvia
Authors:   Riga Stradins University, Blumfelde-Rutka Kristine
Published: April 2023

The European Green Deal is the European Union’s latest expression of its ambition to become a world leader in addressing climate change (Kleinberga, 2020). Adaptation to climate change (CCh) is a key priority of the European Union (EU), exemplifi ed by the EU’s efforts to become “the first climate-neutral continent” (European Union, 2019) in the world by 2050. This article aims to analyse opportunities to increase consumer involvement in the context of waste sorting and climate change in Latvia, based on theoretical knowledge about consumer behaviour and empirical data analysis, to develop recommendations for marketing communication and consumer behaviour in the context of climate change content for waste management companies. There is a necessity to understand how to increase consumer involvement in waste-sorting due to the increasing amount of waste both in Latvia and the rest of the world. The following research methods have been used: the monographic method, secondary data analysis, the discourse analysis/coding method, the graphical method, and the qualitative method – a focus group interview. The most significant barriers that discourage consumers from sorting waste are the lack of infrastructure, the lack of information on how to sort waste properly and waste’s environmental impact, as well as the complex system that allows for differences in waste-sorting between municipalities and even neighbourhoods in the same city. Recommendations were developed as a result of the research for waste management companies in terms of communication, NGOs on education, and information for consumers, businesses, and waste management companies.
Desarrollo local y diseño organizacional municipal
Authors: Castillo Peñaherrera Cristian , Bravo Blandín Daniel
Published: April 2023

Este artículo analiza la relación entre el diseño organizacional del sistema de instituciones que son parte del Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado Municipal del cantón Cuenca, en Ecuador, y los Planes de Desarrollo y Ordenamiento Territorial del mismo cantón de los periodos 2009 - 2014 y 2014 - 2019. La investigación basa sus reflexiones en la discusión teórica entre la perspectiva del rol de los Estados y gobiernos locales y las teorías del diseño organizacional en el ámbito público, con lo cual se pone en valor la importancia de diseñar y consolidar sistemas de organizaciones públicas para llevar a la práctica planes de desarrollo. Este estudio es de enfoque cualitativo de alcance descriptivo que utilizó como métodos entrevistas, revisión bibliográfica y análisis de cuerpos normativos expedidos por las autoridades competentes, así como los informes de rendiciones de cuentas de las autoridades locales. La investigación revisa los planes de desarrollo y ordenamiento territorial y los relaciona con los diseños organizacionales aplicados en los mismos periodos. La hipótesis de la investigación es que la planificación territorial del largo plazo tiene un correlato con el diseño organizacional de los sistemas institucionales de los gobiernos locales.Palabras Clave: Administración local, administración pública, estructura administrativa, gobierno municipal, políticasJEL (español): H1 Estructura y ámbito del sector público

AbstractThis article analyzes the relationship between the organizational design in a local Government with the Development and Land Management Plans for the period 2009 - 2014 and 2014 - 2019. The research bases its reflections on the theoretical discussion between the perspective of the role of States and local governments and the theories of organizational design in the public sphere, which values the importance of designing and consolidating systems of public organizations to carry out development plans into practice. This study is of a qualitative approach of descriptive scope that showed methods of interviews, bibliographic review, and analysis of normative bodies issued by the competent authorities, as well as the reports of accountability of the local authorities. The research reviews the development and territorial planning plans and relates them to the organizational designs applied in the same periods. The research hypothesis is that long-term territorial planning correlates with organizational design of the institutional systems of local governments.

Keywords: Local administration, public administration, organizational structure, municipal government, politics JEL (inglés): H11 Structure, Scope, and Performance of Government.
Ekososiaalisesti kestävän kasvatuksen ihanteet ja haasteet. Tarkastelussa toisen asteen opiskelijoitten näkemykset koulukasvatuksen kehittämistarpeista
Authors: Koirikivi Pia , Benjamin Saija , Kuusisto Arniika
Published: April 2023

Koulukasvatuksen proaktiivista merkitystä ihmisten ja luonnon hyvinvoinnin sekä ekologisesti ja sosiaalisesti kestävän elämäntavan edistämiselle on viime vuosikymmeninä korostettu sekä kansallisesti että kansainvälisesti. Kestävä tulevaisuus toteutuu, mikäli sen arvot ja tavoitteet näyttäytyvät nuorille merkityksellisinä. Nuorten ajatuksia ei kuitenkaan usein kuulla koulukasvatuksen kehittämispyrkimyksissä. Analysoimme tässä tutkimuksessa toisen asteen opiskelijoitten (N=45) vuonna 2020 toteutetuissa haastatteluissa esittämiä näkemyksiä siitä, mikä koulukasvatuksessa on tavoiteltavaa. Lisäksi tarkastelemme, miten nuorten näkemykset suhteutuvat kasvatuksellisiin pyrkimyksiin rakentaa ekologisesti ja sosiaalisesti kestävää tulevaisuutta. Aineistossa oli hyvin vähän näkemyksiä luonnon hyvinvoinnin edistämisestä mutta sitäkin enemmän sosiaaliseen kestävyyteen liittyviä kehittämisehdotuksia. Tutkimus osoitti koulukasvatuksen jännitteisen tehtävän yhtäältä sopeuttaa nuoria nykyiseen yhteiskuntamalliin ja toisaalta tukea heitä toimimaan aktiivisina muutoksentekijöinä kestävän tulevaisuuden rakentamiseksi. Globaalien ongelmien ratkaisemiseksi tarvitaan muutoksia koulukasvatusta ohjaaviin ihanteisiin ja toimintatapoihin niin oppilaitosten sisällä kuin laajemmin yhteiskunnassa.
Vanhempien uupumus ja etäopetusjärjestelyt covid-19-poikkeusoloaikana
Authors: Sorkkila Matilda , Alasuutari Maarit , Pakarinen Eija , Lammi-Taskula Johanna , Kiuru Noona , Aunola Kaisa
Published: April 2023

Monien perheitten elämä kuormittui kevään 2020 aikana, jolloin lapset ja nuoret opiskelivat covid-19-pandemian vuoksi pääsääntöisesti etäopetuksessa. Tässä tutkimuksessa tarkastelemme, kuinka paljon yhtäältä vanhempien lastensa etäopiskelun tukemiseen käyttämä aika ja toisaalta kokemus lasten opetukseen liittyvästä vastuusta oli yhteydessä uupumiseen vanhempana. Tutkimus kartoittaa lisäksi vanhempien kokemuksia lasten etäopetuksen sujuvuudesta. Tutkimukseen osallistui 634 vanhempaa (89 % äitejä), joilla oli vähintään yksi kouluikäinen lapsi. Lasten lukumäärä ja ikäjakauma vaihtelivat perheittäin. Vanhemmat vastasivat määrällisiä ja laadullisia kysymyksiä sisältävään kyselylomakkeeseen, ja aineisto analysoitiin hyödyntäen kovarianssianalyysiä sekä lineaarista regressioanalyysiä. Vanhemmat, jotka käyttivät lastensa etäopiskelun tukemiseen enemmän aikaa ja kokivat olevansa itse vastuussa lastensa opetuksesta, olivat uupuneempia kuin vanhemmat, jotka kokivat vastuun etäopetuksesta olleen ensisijaisesti lastensa opettajalla. Myös avovastauksien laadullinen, temaattinen analyysi osoitti, että vanhemmat kokivat lastensa etäopiskelun sitovan heidän aikaansa ja hankaloittavan arjessa jaksamista. Monet katsoivat lisäksi etäopiskelun heikentäneen lapsen hyvinvointia. Tuloksia voidaan hyödyntää etäopetuksen käytänteiden kehittämisessä tulevissa kriiseissä, jotta ne tukisivat aiempaa paremmin perheiden hyvinvointia ja vastaisivat perheiden erilaisiin tarpeisiin.
History of pain management and theories of pain
Authors:   Postgraduate Institute for Public Health Workers under Health Ministry of Khabarovsk Krai, Unzhakov V.V. , Kim Ye.S. ,   Postgraduate Institute for Public Health Workers under Health Ministry of Khabarovsk Krai
Published: April 2023

The article deals with the history and theory of pain. In the historical aspect, the relationship between theory and practical issues of pain treatment is shown. The relevance of the problem of pain treatment is emphasized.
Compensation for moral damage in medicine: review of the regional situation and analysis of new explanations of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Authors:   Postgraduate Institute for Public Health Workers under Health Ministry of Khabarovsk Krai, Sveredyuk M.G.
Published: April 2023

The article provides an analysis and generalization of judicial practice on claims of patients against healthcare institutions in the region. The component (total and quantitative) of patients' claims for compensation for moral damage is shown. The author considers the clarifications of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation contained in the new Decree on compensation for moral damage, including the points affecting compensation aspects in the provision of medical care and causing harm to the health of patients
Possibilities complex therapy of optic neuritis associated with herpesvirus infection
Authors:   The S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Khabarovsk, Russia, Kolenko O.V. , Storozhilova D.A. ,   The S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Khabarovsk, Russia, Danilova L.P. ,   The S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Khabarovsk, Russia, Pshenichnov M.V. ,   The S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Khabarovsk, Russia
Published: April 2023

Background Recent studies increasingly indicate herpesvirus infection (HVI) as a possible cause of the development of optic neuritis (ON). Modern clinical pharmacology. has a wide range of immunotropic drugs used in clinical medicine, including ophthalmo- logy, for treatment of infectious and inflammatory eye diseases, despite this, immunocorrection methods have not previously been used in the treatment of ONof HVI ethology. Purpose. Clinical evaluation of use of Imunofan® in complex therapy of patients with ON associated with HVI. Material and methods. The study included 24 people (24 eyes) with acute ON associated with HVI. From the first day of admission to ophthalmological hospital, all patients received through irrigation system implanted into the retrobulbar space, dexamethasone solution on decreasing scheme, Emoxypine® 1 % 0.5 ml and Dicynone® 12.5 % 0.5 ml. The course dose of dexamethasone was 60 mg. All patients were divided into 2 groups. The 1st group consisted of 13 patients, who were treated according only to the above method. The 2nd group consisted of 11 patients who received additional intramuscular Imunofan® in the regimen and doses accor- ding to the manufacturer's instructions. Immunotherapy was carried out for 10–12 days. Results. Analysis of obtained data has shown that more significant positive dynamics was noted in patients of the 2nd group. Conclusion. The developed scheme of complex therapy of ON, associated with HVI with the inclusion of drug Imunofan® allowed shortening recovery time and improving functional results of treatment in absence of relapses of the disease within 6 months of follow-up.
The Future of Arbitration in Intellectual Property Disputes- An Opportunity for India's Growth and Resilience
Authors: Stanley Arnold , Khatri Lochana V
Published: April 2023

Today, protecting intellectual property rights is crucial to any business transaction. Intellectual property law is vital to the economy and the diplomatic process of international trade. Even if India's intellectual property regime has been growing in recent years, there is always a debate over whether it has a competent dispute adjudicating authority. Thus, the article examines the ability of ADR to arbitrate IP disputes in national/state court procedures. It also explores employing standard-essential patents (SEPs) under fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) conditions with smart contracts, blockchain technology, and new technical resources throughout the arbitration process. Finally, the paper will examine IP arbitration challenges in the context of rights in rem and personam, statutory restrictions, and state sovereignty.
“Empty Plates”: Impacts of Food Prices, Inequality and Trade on Malnutrition
Authors: Bayraktar Saglam Bahar
Published: April 2023

This paper studies the complex link between nutritional status and income by using panel data from 150 countries over the period 1960–2018 and employing a panel VAR approach under system GMM estimates. The causal link between nutrition intake and income may change from one income group to another due to different effects of similar factors. While hikes in food prices, unfair distributions of income and rising international trade flows lower nutrition intake in lower middle-income countries, the same factors lead to higher body weights in upper middle-income and high-income OECD countries. Therefore, Engel Curve and Efficiency Wage Hypotheses fail for a group of countries.
Strategies and values towards co-responsibility in care in European countries
Authors: Martínez-Tola Elena , De la Cal Barredo Mª Luz
Published: April 2023

Work-life balance policies are one of the most influential factors in the equal sharing of care between women and men. However, for far-reaching changes to take place in the gender-based division of work in societies, those policies must be accompanied by a new framework of social values, so that care tasks cease to be associated with families and with women.

This study links work-life balance models in European countries with predominant social values in regard to gender equality in care and employment. The sources of information used are previous studies on work-life balance plus data from the OECD, Eurostat and the European Values Study. A high degree of consistency is observed between the work-life balance models in place and the values held concerning gender equality in those countries with the most extreme models, both the most advanced and the most traditional.

The main conclusion drawn is that the traditional values that predominate in numerous countries may be holding back policies that could firmly foster co-responsibility on the part of women, men and public administrations on matters of care.
European workers´health and well-being: Do gender gaps persist between 2010 and 2015?
Authors: Merino Llorente Maria Cruz , Somarriba Arechavala Noelia , García Prieto Carmen
Published: April 2023

After the 2008 crisis, gender gaps in workers' health and well-being have persisted in different EU countries. Using 2010 and 2015 data from the European Working Conditions Survey, this paper estimates synthetic indicators by gender, considering workers' health status as well as environmental, organisational and psychosocial factors at work, by means of the P2distance measure.

The study attempts to answer questions such as which countries evidenced the largest and smallest gender gaps in both years and where these gaps widened or narrowed in addition to what mechanisms support these results.

Policies aimed at preventing and addressing occupational risks –in particular, psychosocial risks–would therefore be desirable to reduce these gaps.
Determinan Penggunaan Sistem Informasi Pengelolaan Keuangan Daerah dan Pengaruhnya terhadap Ketepatan Waktu Pelaporan Keuangan SKPD
Authors: Sari Diyah Cipta Sari , Rosidi Rosidi , Roekhudin Roekhudin
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to analyze the determinant of the use of SIPKD and its influence on SKPD financial reporting timeliness by using modified UTAUT model and DeLone and McLean model. Respondents of this research are the treasurer, treasurer receiption and financial administration officials SKPD in Singkawang City Government of 68 people. Data were analyzed used partial least square. The results showed performance expectancy, effort expectancy and influence of co-workers from human factors and training from organizational factors affect the use of SIPKD. This research did not found the effect of SIPKD use to SKPD financial reporting timeliness.
Abstrak
Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis determinan Penggunaan SIPKD dan pengaruhnya terhadap ketepatan waktu pelaporan keuangan SKPD menggunakan model UTAUT modifikasi serta model Delone dan McLean. Responden penelitian adalah bendahara pengeluaran, bendahara penerimaan dan pejabat penatausahaan keuangan SKPD Pemerintah Kota Singkawang sejumlah 68 orang. Analisis data dilakukan dengan menggunakan partial least square (PLS). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan ekspektasi kinerja, ekspektasi usaha, pengaruh rekan kerja dari faktor manusia dan pelatihan dari faktor organisasi berpengaruh terhadap penggunaan SIPKD. Hasil penelitian tidak menemukan pengaruh penggunaan SIPKD terhadap ketepatan waktu pelaporan keuangan SKPD.
Etisk analys av omdiagnostisering
Authors: Sandman Lars
Published: April 2023

Behovet av omdiagnostisering av patienter med olika tillstånd väcker etiska frågeställningar. I denna korta etiska analys som genomförts på uppdrag av Nationellt programområde för psykisk hälsa lyfts ett antal etiska frågeställningar kopplade till omdiagnostisering. Analysen går inte i på detaljer kring vem som ska genomföra en sådan, inte heller var i hälso- och sjukvårdssystemet det bäst sker – eftersom detta beror på vilket specifikt diagnosområde det handlar om. Analysen landar i följande övergripande slutsatser: Generellt är diagnossättande förknippat med etiska principer om att göra gott(genom att ge underlag för att patienten får rätt insatser) och icke-skada(genom att förhindra uppkomst av risker och vårdskada). Vårdgivaren har ett etiskt ansvar för att patienten får rätt diagnos (ellerdiagnoser). I detta ansvar ingår att också överväga vilka konsekvenserdiagnostisering och omdiagnostisering får ur ett vidare perspektiv –exempelvis om det kan innebära risker för andra individer. Patientens önskemål om omdiagnostisering kan vara en utgångspunkt, meninte avgöra frågan om huruvida en omdiagnostisering bör ske – eller resultatetav en sådan omdiagnostisering. Det finns skäl att skilja mellan situationer där skälet för omdiagnostisering äratt patienten i nuläget har en diagnos som negativt påverkar tillgången tillbehovsbaserade insatser eller riskerar att leda till vårdskada – och de fall därskälet för omdiagnostisering snarare drivs av att diagnosen inte längre äraktuell och snarare har påverkan på patientens upplevelse eller innebär hinderi patientens övriga liv. I det första fallet finns det generellt skäl att prioritera omdiagnostisering högreän i det andra fallet – beroende på hur stora det potentiella konsekvensernaför patienten är. I det andra fallet beror det på hur livet i stort påverkas men vidmindre allvarlig påverkan finns det generellt skäl att prioritera diagnostiseringhögre än omdiagnostisering.
Evaluation and minimization of risks associated with the certification bodies activities by using measurable indicators
Authors:   SE “State Road Transport Research Institute”, Bezrodnyi Mikhailo , Shevchuk Ganna ,   SE “State Road Transport Research Institute”
Published: April 2023

Approaches for determination, analyzing, evaluating and identifying risks associated with the activities of certification bodies for products, services, processes and management systems are described. The risks that arise from certification activities are covered in particular the risks related to conflict of interests. Risk management involves using certain methods in order to: – identify sources of information for identifying, analyzing, evaluating and treating risk; – monitor and analyze risks; – properly report and document results. Methods used in risk analysis can be qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative. During risk assessment, quantitatively assessed risk levels are compared with previously defined criteria. Based on the results of the risk assessment, decisions are made on further actions, in particular, on the need for risk treating or the absence of such a need. Risk management means the process of modifying risk, which may include, in particular, avoiding risk, taking risk in order to pursue an opportunity, removing the risk source, reducing the likelihood of risk, reducing of consequences, sharing the risk with another party or parties, retaining the risk by informed decision. During the monitoring, risk-related data are identified and collected. Then they analyze risks again for evaluating the effectiveness of their control risk applied to update the results of the previous risk analysis. SE “State Road Transport Research Institute” has developed a risk management process to identify on an ongoing basis, analyze and evaluate risks in its activities as a conformity assessment body. The results of the analysis and assessment such of risks were documented in the relevant risk matrix with binary assessment of the level risk identified. The disadvantage of this approach to risk assessment is that it does not allow to really evaluate the effectiveness (efficiency) of the control risk applied. Since 2018 the Institute applies new methodology or risk evaluation by using measurable indicators. It reduces the probability of their occurrence and provides an opportunity to realistically evaluate the effectiveness (effectiveness) of the control risk applied, including actions proposed/implemented to minimize/eliminate risks or consequence. Keywords: risk, risk management process, risk identification, risk analysis, risk evaluation, risk treatment, risk matrix, impartiality, certification body, management system, quality management system.
On determining the load capacity of highway bridges
Authors:   DerzhdorNDI SE, Redchenko Vasyl
Published: April 2023

Information is provided on the methodological recommendations developed and adopted by Ukravtodor for determining the carrying capacity of road bridges. The main provisions of these recommendations are briefly outlined. For practical application, the carrying capacity of the bridge is defined as: – the maximum total mass of the vehicle moving in the column is permissible; – the maximum total mass of a heavy vehicle moving in a single order is permissible; – permissible maximum load on the axle of the vehicle. The initial data for determining the actual carrying capacity of the bridge are the results of its inspection and data from technical documentation. All detected defects and deviations of the structure from the project should be analyzed and taken into account when determining its actual carrying capacity. The carrying capacity of the bridge is defined as the minimum value, which was determined by checking the boundary states for its main structures: supports, span structures and slabs of the carriageway. Inspections of sections of structures are performed by comparing the calculated force from the time load and the limiting force for the cross-section of the structure to be checked, minus the forces from constant and other loads. Recommendations for the selection of sections that are checked and algorithms for these checks are provided. When determining the carrying capacity in the form of an acceptable total mass of the vehicle in the column, the temporary load is taken according to the load schemes H-30 and H-40. These loads are truck columns weighing 30 tons each and weighing 40 tons each. The carrying capacity for the permissible weight of a single heavy vehicle is determined according to the NK-80 scheme (weight parameter 80 tons). The carrying capacity for the permissible axle load is determined by multiplying the load capacity ratio relative to the load according to the A-11 scheme (weight parameter 12 tons). Road signs in front of the bridge, which limit the weight parameters of vehicles, must have the value of the actual carrying capacity of the bridge according to the permissible total mass of the vehicle in the column and the permissible axle load, respectively. Keywords: road bridge, carrying capacity, road signs, technical condition.
Three little arbitrage theorems
Authors: Contreras G. Mauricio , Ortiz H. Roberto
Published: April 2023

The authors proved three theorems about the exact solutions of a generalized or interacting Black–Scholes equation that explicitly includes arbitrage bubbles. These arbitrage bubbles can be characterized by an arbitrage number AN. The first theorem states that if AN = 0, then the solution at maturity of the interacting equation is identical to the solution of the free Black–Scholes equation with the same initial interest rate of r. The second theorem states that if AN ≠ 0, then the interacting solution can be expressed in terms of all higher derivatives of the solutions to the free Black–Scholes equation with an initial interest rate of r. The third theorem states that for a given arbitrage number, the interacting solution is a solution to the free Black–Scholes equation but with a variable interest rate of r(τ) = r + (1/τ)AN(τ), where τ = T − t.
Uncertainty quantification of semi-destructive testing for chloride content assessment for a concrete bridge in maritime environment
Authors: Schoefs Franck , Awa Zahui Raissa Keita , Bonnet Stephanie , O’Conor Alan John
Published: April 2023

Reinforced concrete (RC) structures in harbors are designed for long life (50–70 years) and are subjected to chloride-induced corrosion. Diagnosis of these structures usually relies on inspections which consist of ponding salt in the concrete cover with semi-destructive testing (SDT). Uncertainties in inspection result in bad diagnosis, and consequently in bad decisions. This study aims at developing a methodology for quantifying the uncertainty of measurements taken on-site where the random properties of concrete play a role. This assessment was performed through multiple measurements by three operators from two laboratories on the same cores extracted from a 27-year-old existing bridge located in Ireland. A total of 566 measurements are available. The effect of the operator, laboratory, and protocols are highlighted and then modeled. It is shown that the error of assessment is a function of the chloride content and follows a student distribution. The standard deviation of this error reached approximately 15% of the chloride content. This error is further propagated through the Fick law parameters for measuring its effect on the diagnosis: a 17% change of the probability of corrosion initiation is shown. This is the first study of this type with in situ inspections and the work is partly transferable to other coastal or offshore structures.
NF-κB signaling pathway mechanism in cow intertoe skin inflammation caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum
Authors: Zhang Hefei , Zheng Jiasan , Sun Yue , Yang Chunxue , Yue Yang
Published: April 2023

Background

Fusobacterium necrophorum is the main pathogen inducing bovine foot rot. The infected site is often accompanied by a strong inflammatory response, but the specific inflammatory regulatory mechanism remains unclear.

Aim

A cow skin explants model was established to elucidate the mechanism of F. necrophorum bacillus causing foot rot in cows, and to provide reference for future clinical practice.

Methods

Cow intertoe skin explants were cultured in vitro, and F. necrophorum bacteria solution and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibitor BAY 1-7082 were added to establish an in vitro infection model. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, terminal - deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the pathological changes of the skin explants infected with F. necrophorum, the degree of tissue cell apoptosis, and the expression of the apoptosis-related protein Caspase-3, respectively. RT-qPCR, Western blot, and ELISA were used to detect the activation of the NF-κB pathway and inflammatory cytokines by F. necrophorum.

Results

The intertoe skin structure of cows infected with F. necrophorum changed with different degrees of inflammation, and the degree of tissue cell apoptosis was significantly increased (P < 0.01). In addition, infection with F. necrophorum significantly increased the phosphorylation level of IκBα protein and up-regulated the expression level of NF-κB p65. The high expression and transcriptional activity of NF-κB p65 significantly increased the expression and concentration of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8, thus inducing the occurrence of an inflammatory response. However, inhibition of NF-κB p65 activity significantly decreased the expression of inflammatory factors in the intertoe skin of cows infected with F. necrophorum.

Conclusion

F. necrophorum activates NF‐κB signaling pathway by increasing the expression of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐8 and other inflammatory factors, leading to foot rot in dairy cows.
The emerging roles of long non-coding RNA in host immune response and intracellular bacterial infections
Authors: Arunima Aryashree , van Schaik Erin J. , Samuel James E.
Published: April 2023

The long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved classes of non-coding regulatory transcripts of > 200 nucleotides in length. They modulate several transcriptional and post-transcriptional events in the organism. Depending on their cellular localization and interactions, they regulate chromatin function and assembly; and alter the stability and translation of cytoplasmic mRNAs. Although their proposed range of functionality remains controversial, there is increasing research evidence that lncRNAs play a regulatory role in the activation, differentiation and development of immune signaling cascades; microbiome development; and in diseases such as neuronal and cardiovascular disorders; cancer; and pathogenic infections. This review discusses the functional roles of different lncRNAs in regulation of host immune responses, signaling pathways during host-microbe interaction and infection caused by obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens. The study of lncRNAs is assuming significance as it could be exploited for development of alternative therapeutic strategies for the treatment of severe and chronic pathogenic infections caused by Mycobacterium, Chlamydia and Rickettsia infections, as well as commensal colonization. Finally, this review summarizes the translational potential of lncRNA research in development of diagnostic and prognostic tools for human diseases.
The association between penicillin allergy and surgical site infection after orthopedic surgeries: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Niu Tong , Zhang Yuelun , Li Ziquan , Bian Yanyan , Zhang Jianguo , Wang Yipeng
Published: April 2023

Background

Cephalosporins are used as first-line antimicrobial prophylaxis for orthopedics surgeries. However, alternative antibiotics are usually used in the presence of penicillin allergy (PA), which might increase the risk of surgical site infection (SSI). This study aimed to analyze the relationship between SSI after orthopedic surgeries and PA among surgical candidates and related alternative antibiotic use.

Methods

In this single-center retrospective cohort study, we compared inpatients with and without PA from January 2015 to December 2021. The primary outcome was SSI, and the secondary outcomes were SSI sites and perioperative antibiotic use. Moreover, pathogen characteristics of all SSIs were also compared between the two cohorts.

Results

Among the 20,022 inpatient records, 1704 (8.51%) were identified with PA, and a total of 111 (0.55%) SSI incidents were reported. Compared to patients without PA, patients with PA had higher postoperative SSI risk (1.06%, 18/1704 vs. 0.51%, 93/18318), shown both in multivariable regression analysis (odds ratio [OR] 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-3.50; p= 0.004) and propensity score matching (OR 1.84; 95% CI, 1.05-3.23; p= 0.034). PA was related to elevated deep SSI risk (OR 2.79; 95% CI, 1.47-5.30; p= 0.002) and had no significant impact on superficial SSI (OR 1.39; 95% CI, 0.59-3.29; p= 0.449). The PA group used significantly more alternative antibiotics. Complete mediation effect of alternative antibiotics on SSI among these patients was found in mediation analysis. Pathogen analysis revealed gram-positive cocci as the most common pathogen for SSI in our study cohort, while patients with PA had higher infection rate from gram-positive rods and gram-negative rods than non-PA group.

Conclusion

Compared to patients without PA, patients with PA developed more SSI after orthopedic surgeries, especially deep SSI. The elevated infection rate could be secondary to the use of alternative prophylactic antibiotics
Impact of cystatin C-derived glomerular filtration rate in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Kure Yusuke , Okai Tsukasa , Izumiya Yasuhiro , Yoshida Hisako , Mizutani Kazuki , Yamaguchi Tomohiro , Ogawa Mana , Shibata Atsushi , Ito Asahiro , Takahashi Yosuke , Shibata Toshihiko , Fukuda Daiju
Published: April 2023

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) impacts prognosis in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). While estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated from serum creatinine [eGFR (creatinine)] is affected by body muscle mass which reflects frailty, eGFR calculated from serum cystatin C [eGFR (cystatin C)] is independent of body composition, resulting in better renal function assessment.

Methods

This study included 390 consecutive patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) who underwent TAVI, and measured cystatin C-based eGFR at discharge. Patients were divided into two groups, with or without CKD estimated with eGFR (cystatin C). The primary endpoint of this study was the 3-year all-cause mortality after TAVI.

Results

The median patient age was 84 years, and 32.8% patients were men. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that eGFR (cystatin C), diabetes mellitus, and liver disease were independently associated with 3-year all-cause mortality. In the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the predictive value of eGFR (cystatin C) was significantly higher than that of eGFR (creatinine). Furthermore, Kaplan–Meier estimates revealed that 3-year all-cause mortality was higher in the CKD (cystatin C) group than that in the non-CKD (cystatin C) group with log-rank p = 0.009. In contrast, there was no significant difference between the CKD (creatinine) and non-CKD (creatinine) groups with log-rank p = 0.94.

Conclusions

eGFR (cystatin C) was associated with 3-year all-cause mortality in patients who underwent TAVI, and it was superior to eGFR (creatinine) as a prognostic biomarker.
Prevention of radial artery occlusion with rivaroxaban after trans-radial access coronary procedures: The RIVARAD multicentric randomized trial
Authors: Hammami Rania , Abid Slim , Jihen Jdidi , Triki Zied , Ben Mrad Imtinene , Kammoun Amine , Slim Mehdi , Kacem Marwen , Thabet Houssem , Abdessalem Aymen Ben , Mallek Souad , Charfeddine Selma , Triki Faten , Hejri Samia Ernez , Naffeti Ilyes , Denguir Hicheme , Kraeim Sondos , Abid Leila
Published: April 2023

Background

Radial artery occlusion (RAO) remains the most frequent complication of trans-radial access. Once the radial artery is occluded, its future use as an access site for coronary procedures, or as a conduit for coronary bypass grafting or fistula for hemodialysis, will be precluded. Therefore, we aimed to assess the value of the short-term use of Rivaroxaban to prevent RAO after a trans-radial coronary procedure.

Methods

This was a prospective, open-label, randomized study. The patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to one of two groups: those who received Rivaroxaban 10 mg for 7 days following the trans-radial coronary procedure (the Rivaroxaban Group) and those who received the standard treatment (the Control Group). The primary outcome was an occurrence of RAO evaluated by Doppler ultrasound at 30 days, and the secondary outcomes were hemorrhagic complications according to BARC classification.

Results

We included 521 patients randomized into two Groups: the Control Group (N = 262) and the Rivaroxaban Group (N = 259). The 1-month RAO was significantly reduced in the Rivaroxaban Group as compared to the Control Group [6.9% vs. 13%; p = 0.011, OR = 0.5, (95% CI, 0.27–0.91)]. We noted no cases of severe bleeding events (BARC3-5). The overall incidence of minor bleeding (BARC1) was 2.3%, with no significant difference between the two groups [Rivaroxaban Group = 2.7%, Control Group = 1.9%, p = 0.54, OR= 1.4, (95%CI 0.44–4.5)].

Conclusions

Short-term postoperative anticoagulation with Rivaroxaban 10 mg for seven days reduces the rate of 1-month RAO.
Research of influencing factors on permeability for carbonate rocks based on LBM simulation: A case study of low-permeability gas reservoir of Sinian Dengying Formation in Sichuan Basin
Authors: Yang Shan , Yang Hongzhi , Peng Xian , Lan Xuemei , Yang Yongfei , Zhao Yi , Zhang Kai , Chen Hongde
Published: April 2023

Instruction: Due to the declining production rate of conventional natural gas reservoir and the rising demand for natural gas resources, conventional natural gas resources cannot satisfy the needs of economic development. Unconventional gas resource is considered to be the most promising energy supplement, therefore it is an inevitable trend to explore and develop unconventional oil and gas resources such as low permeability reservoirs. At present, the carbonate gas reservoirs in the high permeability area of Sichuan Basin have been almost fully developed, while the remaining gas reservoirs in the low permeability area are not well developed. However, the key factors for effectively enhancing gas recovery rate in different types of low permeability reservoirs are not the same. Even gas reservoirs with the same macroscopic geological characteristics will show different development characteristics through the production processes.

Method: In order to analyze the factors affecting the effective production rate of low-permeability gas reservoirs, it is necessary to conduct research from the microscopic perspective, to reveal the effective production conditions of natural gas in low-permeability reservoirs. In this study, low-permeability carbonate samples of Sinian Dengying Formation from Sichuan Basin were taken. Micro-CT scanning technology was used to obtain core images for the carbonate rocks, and the digital carbonate core models at microscopic scale were reconstructed. Based on the reconstructed carbonate digital core models, LBM method was applied to obtain the absolute permeability of the core models.

Results: The results imply that the porosity, pore area fraction, throat area fraction, mean throat length, shape factor, coordination number and tortuosity are the factors affecting the absolute permeability of carbonate rocks.

Discussion: Subsequently, the relationship between different pore structure parameters and absolute permeability was obtained by multi-parameter fitting method, which provided a new research method for directly predicting the absolute permeability of carbonate rocks by using pore structure parameters.
Late Cenozoic cooling and evolution history of the Kangmar dome in southern Tibet: Insights from inverse thermal modeling
Authors: Ma Zining , Han Zhongpeng , Li Yalin , Xu Tiankun , Han Xu , Bi Wenjun , Zhang Wenzhong
Published: April 2023

The North Himalayan Gneiss Domes, which are essential parts of the Cenozoic extensional structures in Southern Tibet, record the thermal and tectonic processes that occurred after the India-Asian collision and are thought to be effective structures regulating post-collision intracontinental deformation. However, it is still unclear how these domes are formed and how they contribute to the regulation process. Here, we performed detailed geological mapping, elevation transect sampling, low-temperature thermochronological testing, and 3D modeling on the Kangmar dome, which is located west of the N‒S treading Yadong-Gulu rift, and its core-cover contact fault is suspected to be the northern continuation of the South Tibetan Detachment System (STDS). Our analysis revealed a discrepancy in the deformation histories of the dome’s northern and southern portions. We proposed a model in which the core-cover contact fault of the Kangmar dome was a part of the South Tibetan Detachment System and the doming event that occurred at ∼12.2 Ma was dominated by thrust stacking of the southward mid-crustal channel flow. The rapid cooling following the middle Miocene was possibly influenced by the N‒S Trending Yadong-Gulu rift activity. The present landscape was shaped by the incision of the Nianchu River, which was accompanied by increased glacial activity during the Pleistocene. Our findings enhance the intracontinental deformation patterns following collisions and shed light on the numerous domes in Himalayas and other orogenic belts.