bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Meta-analysis of E-learning Interventions in Teaching Evidence-based Practice for Health Science Students
Authors:   School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, LEBANON, Yammine Kaissar ,   Lebanese American University Medical Center-Rizk Hospital, Beirut, LEBANON, Zibara Victor ,   School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, LEBANON, Violato Claudio ,   Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, UNITED STATES, Bahous Sola Aoun ,   School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, LEBANON,   Lebanese American University Medical Center-Rizk Hospital, Beirut, LEBANON
Published: October 2024

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is currently considered as the golden standard for patient care. Many universities offer EBP courses to their healthcare professions students. However, no quantitative evidence synthesis has been conducted to compare EBP e-learning instructional methods to traditional methods, to better inform health education policymakers. Eight randomised studies reporting the effectiveness of e-learning methods compared to “no intervention” or to any other educational methods and including 1,243 learners met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analytical results revealed that e-learning was significantly better than “no intervention” [d = 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.060 to 1.776, I² = 99.5%, p < 0.0001] and as effective as other traditional methods such as lectures (d = 0.30, 95% CI = –0.348 to 0.952, I² = 90.5%, p = 0.3). The same conclusions were found when using the adjusted exam scores in relation to confounding variables such as the baseline characteristics and prior EBP knowledge of participants. The present meta-analysis demonstrates that teaching EBP via e-learning is an effective instructional method in times when lecture hours and face-to-face didactics are reduced or not possible such as during this COVID-19 pandemic and the likely-to-happen future outbreaks.
Needs Analysis of Virtual Reality Implementation in Indonesian Medical Curricula: A Qualitative Study
Authors:   Medical Education Master Programme, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, INDONESIA, Arif Luthfi Saiful ,   Medical Education Center, Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, INDONESIA, Soemantri Diantha ,   Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, INDONESIA,   Medical Education Center, Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, INDONESIA, Findyartini Ardi ,   Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, INDONESIA,   Medical Education Center, Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, INDONESIA
Published: October 2024

Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive technology that can be a learning tool for medical students. However, VR devices are costly and need high maintenance. In addition, prior research rarely integrates VR into medical education’s pedagogical and learning aspects. Questionnaires and guidelines for implementing VR are also scarce. This study analysed the need for VR implementation in medical curricula in Indonesia using qualitative descriptive methods. A non-discriminative snowball sampling technique was used, and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection. Data analysis was carried out using thematic analysis. This study included nine respondents from five medical schools (three state and two private). The results show that the VR implementation process must consist of several stages: needs exploration, blueprint creation, multidiscipline or multi-centre collaboration, training provision, success stories and scientific evidence, appreciation, and evaluation. Readiness factors assessed during the needs exploration stage include human resources, curriculum, infrastructure, funding, and regulations. In conclusion, VR implementation in Indonesian medical curricula must be carried out in seven steps, and five essential readiness factors must be extensively explored to ensure that the implementation is successful, has educational value, and has further potential development in the future.
Vieraita näyttämöllä. Suomen ja Viron teatteri- ja tanssisuhteet
Authors: Korsberg Hanna , Saro Anneli , Seppälä Mikko-Olavi
Published: October 2024

Guests on Stage – Finnish and Estonian Theatre and Dance Relations This book is a collaborative project by a joint Finnish-Estonian research team that explores Finnish and Estonian theatre and dance from the 19th to the 21st century and the rich interactions between the scenes of both countries. The aesthetic interactions have commonly been mixed with political and ideological objectives. The book contributes to the recent debate on transnationality by examining the activities of theatre makers and institutions, such as visits, tours, and drama translations. Although Estonia and Finland are geographically and linguistically close, their societies, theatre systems, and cultural influences have diverged. This situation has produced links, clashes, and cooperation characterized by a mixture of familiarity and strangeness. The transnational links have in many ways also raised questions of national identity. Finland and Estonia are still countries with active theatre scenes whose cooperation continues to find new forms.
Functional Connectivity Analysis of Prejudice Among Colombian Armed Conflict Former Actors.
Authors: Quiza-Montealegre Jhon Jair
Published: October 2024

Despite institutional efforts, reconciliation among former actors of the Colombian armed conflict has yet to be achieved, with prejudice being one direct driver of this drawback. We present an EEG-based functional connectivity study applied to four groups of former actors who completed an Implicit Association Test designed to measure prejudice toward victims or combatants. We analyzed seven measures of functional connectivity calculated in six different frequency bands and two experimental conditions. In the behavioral task, we found more prejudice toward victims from the same victims and more prejudice of civilians toward combatants. For the connectivity measures, we found differences in theta band among the victims’ and ex-paramilitaries’ groups concerning the civilians’ and ex-guerrillas’ groups, and differences in the beta2 band among the victims’ and ex-guerrillas’ groups concerning the ex-paramilitaries’ group. The results help us design more effective socio-cognitive interventions to reduce prejudice.
Clinical manifestations and effectiveness of therapy for eye allergy and dry eye syndrome
Authors: Kovalevskaya M. A. , Filina L. A. , Khailaika Alaa I.A. , Nikishina A. O.
Published: October 2024

Ocular allergies are a group of diseases that affect the surface of the eye and are usually accompanied by type 1 hypersensitivity reactions. Purpose: to evaluate the clinical manifestations of allergic conjunctivitis and compare the effectiveness and comfort of using epinastine 0.05 % and olopatadine 0.2 % in its treatment. Material and methods. The comparative study involved 106 people: 45 female students (42.4 %) and 61 male students (57.5 %), divided into 2 groups. Group I (64 people, 128 eyes) with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) received olopatadine 0.2 %, 1 drop twice a day for 30 days, Group II (42 people, 84 eyes) with atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) received epinastine 0.05 % (Epinepta®) 1 drop twice a day for 8 weeks. The condition of the ocular surface was assessed using the OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index), and the severity of allergic symptoms was assessed in points using the SCORAD index (scoring atopic dermatitis). The control group III consisted of 20 students with dry eye syndrome (DES) of mild severity (according to the OSDI index) caused by visual work on a computer, who used no medications at the time of the study. Results. After treatment, the decrease in mean OSDI and SCORAD scores was more pronounced in group II. Patients receiving epinastine 0.05 % reported significantly less ocular discomfort and itching than patients receiving the alternative drug (olopatadine 0.2 %). In both experimental groups, the Schirmer test showed a statistically significant increase in the volume of total tear production (p < 0.05) after the treatment, which was more pronounced in group II (Epinepta®). Conclusion. Epinastine 0.0 5% (Epinepta®) can effectively relieve the main symptoms of the disease due to its high affinity for histamine receptors, minimizing the risk of developing dry eye syndrome.
The effectiveness of transferring patients with open-angle glaucoma to therapy with a preservative-free fixed combination of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and a prostaglandin analogue
Authors: Korotkikh S. A. , Zhiborkin G. V. , Kozlova A. S. , Knyazeva E. S. , Shamkin A. S.
Published: October 2024

Purpose: to analyze the effectiveness of transferring open-angle glaucoma patients to therapy with a preservative-free fixed combination of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and a prostaglandin analogue. Material and methods. The study involved 58 people (24 men and 34 women), averagely aged 61.2 ± 7.1, diagnosed with stages II–III POAG and degree of compensation a-b (according to the Nesterov-Bunin classification). The patients were divided into three groups. Initally, Group 1 (22 people, 30 eyes) had received monotherapy with a beta-blocker (timolol), Group 2 (20 people, 27 eyes) had received monotherapy with the original prostaglandin analogue drug (latanoprost), and Group 3 (16 person, 19 eyes) had had therapy with the original drug, namely a fixed combination of a beta-blocker (timolol) and a prostaglandin analogue (latanoprost)). All patients were prescribed antihypertensive therapy with a fixed combination of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (dorzolamide) and a prostaglandin analogue (latanoprost) — the drug Dorzoprost, which was administered according to the standard regimen. We assessed the dynamics of intraocular pressure (IOP), perimetric indices, morphometric indicators of the optic nerve, tolerability of the drug regarding the effect on the ocular surface and safety regarding potential systemic side effects. Results. After 1 month of therapy, IOP significant decreased by 7.5 mm Hg (32 % of the initial value) in Group 1, by 3.7 mm Hg (19 %) in Group 2, and by 1 mm Hg (5 %) in Group 3. At month 3 and month 6, the hypotensive effect stabilized with respect to the previous control measurements (taken at 1 month) in all three groups. The morphometry of the optic nerve and the dynamics of perimetric indices showed no progression of glaucomatous optic neural opticopathy and no local or systemic undesirable effects of the therapy that could affect the compliance of the treatment. Conclusion. The Dorzoprost drug has demonstrated a high hypotensive efficiency when transferring patients from various basic therapy regimens and can be considered the drug of choice for patients with symptoms of keratoconjunctival xerosis and concomitant organ pathology requiring the use of systemic β-blockers.
Association of clinical-morphological and molecular-genetic factors (mutations in GNAQ and GNA11 oncogenes and АBСB1 gene polymorphism) in patients with iris melanoma
Authors: Saakyan S. V. , Svirina I. V. , Tsygankov A. Yu. , Burdennyi A. M. , Loginov V. I.
Published: October 2024

Purpose: to analyze the frequency of GNAQ/GNA11 mutations in circulating tumor DNA and tumor tissue, and the frequency of genotypes of polymorphic marker C3435T of ABCB1 gene in patients with iris melanoma. Material and methods. The study included 139 patients with uveal melanoma (UM) followed in 2011–2023. The experimental group included 46 patients with iris melanoma (n = 20, group I) and ciliary body involvement (n = 26, group II), who underwent a molecular genetic study. The comparison group III consisted of 30 UM patients managed in 2012. Morphologically, uveal melanoma was verified in all cases. Results. No mutations in the GNAQ/GNA11 genes were identified in group I. In group II, one heterozygous mutation in the GNAQ/GNA11 genes was detected in 2 patients (7.7 %). No significant associations with clinical or pathomorphological features were found (p > 0.1). In the comparison group III, mutations in the GNAQ/ GNA11 genes were detected in 27 patients (90 %). When comparing the frequency of heterozygous mutations in the GNAQ/ GNA11 genes significant differences between the experimental groups and the comparison group were revealed (F = 0.0000001, χ2 = 56.45). The CC genotype of the C3435T polymorphic marker of the ABCB1 gene was found in 90 % (F = 0.026418, χ2 = 5.36, significantly more frequently than in group III), in group II — in 92.3 % (F = 0.006183, χ2 = 7.75, significantly more frequently than in group III), in group III it was found in 60 %. The TT genotype was not detected in any group. Conclusion. This study has shown that the frequency of mutations in GNAQ and GNA11 genes, the frequency of CT genotype of ABCB1 polymorphic marker C3435T gene in iris melanoma is significantly lower than that in choroid melanoma, indicating a relatively favorable tumor behaviour.
Treatment and prevention of infectious complications at various stages of reconstructive surgery
Authors: Filatova I. A. , Shemetov S. A. , Kondratyeva Yu. P.
Published: October 2024

Purpose. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of monotherapy and combination therapy with Moxifloxacin-Optik and Mitraseptin-OphthalmoLOR drugs for the treatment of infectious complications after reconstructive operations on the accessory apparatus of the eye performed for congenital, post-traumatic, and senile pathology. Material and methods. 90 patients aged 18 to 75 years (M = 58.46 ± 7.31) with various pathologies of the auxiliary apparatus of the eye — 21 men (23.3 %) and 69 women (76.7 %) were included in the study. At the screening stage, 31 patients who showed signs of bacterial conjunctivitis were given a 7-day mono- or combined antimicrobial therapy, followed by an efficacy control according to bacteriological testing data. After 1 month, all 90 patients were divided into three groups depending on the therapy regimen. Group 1 (n = 30) had monotherapy with Moxifloxacin-Optik which started after the surgery and lasted up to 14 days. Group 2 (n = 30) had sequential therapy with Mitraseptin-OphthalmoLOR for 3 days before surgery and with Moxifloxacin-Optik for up to 14 days after surgery. Group 3 (n = 30) received combination therapy: Mitraseptin-OphthalmoLOR for 3 days before surgery and Mitraseptin-OphthalmoLOR + Moxifloxacin-Optician for up to 14 days after surgery. All patients had reconstructive plastic surgery on the auxiliary apparatus of the eye and underwent a standard ophthalmological examination before surgery and 3, 7 and 15 days after it. Results. All antimicrobial treatment plans showed high clinical effectiveness in the operated patients. The combined therapy with the antiseptic Mitraseptin-OphthalmoLOR and the antibiotic Moxifloxacin-Optik which brought about the greatest degree of eradication of conjunctival microorganisms (up to 100 %), has a pronounced antimicrobial effect, effectively controls the inflammation and reduces the therapy duration by 36 %, ensuring the best clinical tolerability. Conclusion. The use of various methods of antibiotic prophylaxis reduced the amount of bacterial microflora of the conjunctiva. The most effective method of preventing postoperative infectious complications is combined therapy with an antiseptic and an antibacterial drug.
Optic disc vasculitis secondary to mononucleosis: a case report
Authors: Voroshilova N. A. , Lukina M. K.
Published: October 2024

Vasculitis of the retina and the optic nerve is one of the most complex, rare and challenging issues in clinical ophthalmology. Managing patients with this diagnosis is difficult because practical ophthalmologists lack sufficient experience, clinical manifestations and courses of the disease are versatile and technical means of full-scale diagnostics and observation, including fluorescein angiography are limited. The report illustrates a particular case of optic nerve vasculitis in a young female patient. We assumed that an infectious mononucleosis that she had experienced led to immune dysfunction and the development of autoimmune vasculitis of the optic nerve. An immunosuppressive therapy was prescribed, which allowed achieving a good clinical result.
Prevalence of Geriatric Syndromes among Older Adults Living in the Community in the Central Mahalapye Sub-District, Botswana
Authors: Tshitenge Stephane Tshitenge , Kebaabetswe Poloko Moloko
Published: October 2024

The study aimed to describe the prevalence of geriatric syndromes among older adults living in the community. In addition, we evaluated the relationship between frailty and socio-demographic factors and other geriatric syndromes in the Central Mahalapye sub-district, Botswana. This cross-sectional study recruited 414 older adults from the community using the Botswana Pension Office’s roster. We employed a systematic random selection method to recruit 160 older adults in three main villages and we randomly chose 150 elderly individuals in 10 research villages also randomly selected using Microsoft Office. We used the brief-assessment-tool-for-comprehensive-geriatric-assessment to collect information about geriatric syndromes. We conducted a multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression to determine the relationship between the independent variables (sociodemographic factors and other geriatric disorders) and frailty. Most of older adults had geriatric syndromes, particularly Instrumental-Activity-of-Daily-Living impairment (n= 328, 79.2%). About half of the participants were at nutrition risk (n= 261, 63.0%)), had a mood disorder/ depression (n= 237, 57.2%), had visual impairment (n= 245, 59.2%), or were frail (n= 219, 47.1%). In approximately one-third of cases, participants reported hearing impairment (n= 127, 30.7%) or having experienced at least one fall in the past year (n= 117, 28.3%). Factors such as high education level, living with a partner, urinary incontinence, and cognitive impairment influenced frailty (p<0.05). We intend to explore the potential impact of family size (despite pension allowance), alcohol consumption, oral health issues, and tooth loss on the nutritional vulnerability of elderly individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular emphasis on Botswana.
Exploring the Health Impact on Antimicrobial Contaminants in Leather Industries Effluent in Vellore, India: Distribution and Risk Analysis
Authors: Mahalakshmi R. , Ramesh N.
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the presence and risks of common industrial antimicrobial agents used, in the vicinity of Vellore's leather industrial hub, Tamil Nadu, India. Water and sediment samples (n=25 each) were collected from two major tannery clusters, Ranipet and Ambur-Vaniyambadi. Using GC-MS and UPLC-DAD analyses, we attempted to detect six major antimicrobial classes such as chlorinated phenols, 2-(Thiocyanomethylthio) benzothiazole (TCMTB), ortho phenyl phenol (OPP), Para chloro m-cresol (PCMC), triclosan (TCS) and n-Octyl-isothiazolinone (n-OIT). Among them, only TCMTB, OPP, and PCMK were recorded in water samples, whereas in sediment samples none of the antimicrobials were found. Detection frequencies in water were 24%, with PCMC levels reaching up to 910 µg/L, TCMTB at 45.3 µg/L, and OPP at 821.3 µg/L. A comparative analysis with global studies showed that contaminant levels in this study are significantly higher than in other country reports. Human health risk assessment, based on USEPA methods, revealed a risk quotient (RQ) of 5.200 for PCMC, indicating a potential health risk, whereas TCMTB and OPP presented lower risks. Environmental risk assessment indicated hazard quotients (HQ) >1 for all detected antimicrobials, suggesting significant ecological risks. The study highlights the need for stringent regulations, improved industrial practices, and better wastewater treatment infrastructure. Continuous monitoring and more comprehensive studies with increased sampling are essential to develop strategies for reducing contaminants from leather industry runoff. These measures are crucial for protecting human health and aquatic ecosystems in the region.
Effectiveness of Aromatherapy on Lowering Blood Pressure among Mothers with Pre- Eclampsia
Authors: D Padmapriya. , B Sridevi.
Published: October 2024

Quasi experimental research was conducted among 60 pre – eclampsia mothers and were assigned equally in both interventional and placebo group. Self-structured questionnaire was used to collect the demographic and clinical data. The pre test level of blood pressure and the proteinuria level was assessed followed by that, the study participants were administered with Lavender aroma therapy in the interventional group and a routine hospital care was initiated in the placebo group for 3 days. Blood pressure level was monitored in three sessions per day for 3 days before and after the intervention in both interventional and placebo groups. Followed by that the proteinuria level was reassessed only on Day -3 sin both groups. The results revealed that the pretest and post test mean score of systolic BP in the interventional group was 146.73±1.40 and 135.83±3.01. The mean difference score was 10.89 with ‘t’ test value of t = 20.091 was statistically significant at p<0.001 level. The pretest and post-test mean score of diastolic BP in the interventional group was 76.81±3.09 and 73.16±2.82. The mean difference score was 3.65 with ‘t’ test value of t = 4.625 was statistically significant at p<0.001 level. The pretest and post-test mean score of proteinuria in the interventional group was 2.90±0.66 and 2.33±0.84. The mean difference score was 0.57 with ‘t’ test value of t = 2.664 was statistically significant at p<0.05 level. This clearly infers that administering aromatherapy was found to be effective in lowering blood pressure among mothers with pre- eclampsia.
Maternal and Foetal Health Status during Non-Stress Test among Antenatal Mothers: Descriptive Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Bhuvaneswari G. , A Gokul Krishna. , Parimala L. , P Thenmozhi , S Tamilselvi , T Mary Minolin
Published: October 2024

The Non-Stress Test (NST) is considered an effective method for evaluating fetal well-being during the prenatal period by using an electric monitor that continuously records the fetal heart Rate (FHR). The main aim of the study is to determine assess the different maternal positions on Maternal and Foetal Health Status during Non-Stress Test among Antenatal Mothers. A descriptive cross-sectional research design with a total of 60 antenatal mothers who fulfil and meet the inclusion criteria were selected as samples by using a convenient sampling technique. The socio-demographic and obstetrical data information was collected by a self-administered questionnaire using a structured questionnaire. The level of discomfort was assessed with the Maternal Comfort Rating Scale. The demographic and obstetric data were analyzed by frequency and percentage. Mean and standard deviation were used to assess the maternal and foetal parameters. The probability of p<0.05 or less was taken as statistical. Out of 60 samples, 34 (56.7%) of mothers aged between 21 - 30 years, 28(46.7%), had a gestational age between 36 - 37 weeks, 21(35.0%) had abdominal girth between 90 - 99 cm, 49(81.7%). The mean score of the foetal movements in left lateral and supine positions were 4.14 - 4.23. Comparatively, in semi sitting position the mean score was 2.78. Compared with the other two positions in the left lateral position the mean acceleration score was 2.78. This study concluded that Semi-fowler's position demonstrated favourable maternal blood pressure during the non-stress test in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Carbamate Poisoning with Benzodiazepines Overdose and Alcohol Dependence Syndrome - A Clinical Case Report
Authors: A Divya. , G Sathiyabama.
Published: October 2024

Globally, self-poisoning with various substances like pesticides, and chemical substances with suicidal intention is a major cause of death and disability. It appears that the variety of drugs that induce poisoning is influenced by several obscure factors, including ease of access to poisons, sociodemographic characteristics, and geographic location. The most often used toxins in India reportedly include chemicals, pharmaceutical substances, and pesticides. Poisoning management by the healthcare team is made more difficult by various aspects like the difficulty in identifying the allegedly consumed poison, co-ingestion of alcohol, and overdosing of other medications, the variety of clinical symptoms, and the requirement for prompt access to precise information for treatment. Furthermore, due to a lack of reliable diagnostic tools and criteria, conditions like poison-induced seizures, respiratory paralysis, and neuropsychiatric disorders are frequently misdiagnosed. Inappropriate treatment resulting from a misdiagnosis may raise the risk of morbidity or suicidality. This case report aims to present the conservative measures taken, the consequences seen, and the clinical results of carbamate poisoning in a chronic liver disease-diagnosed adult man. Adhering to the evidence-based guidelines for the ultimate management of poisoning may reduce poison-related morbidity and mortality while also improving patient outcomes.
Nükleer Tehdit ve Güvenli Alan Arayışı: Risk Toplumu Bağlamında Dr. Strangelove Filmi
Authors: Kültür Abdurrahman
Published: October 2024

Sanayi Devrimi ile birlikte toplumlar radikal değişimler geçirmiş ve hızla farklılaşmıştır. Sanayi Devrimi ile başlayan bu farklılaşmanın durağan seyretmemiş ve değişim farklı yönlerde hızla devam etmiştir. Farklı dönemlerde hakim olan toplum tiplerine yönelik kavram üretme ihtiyacı birçok araştırmacıyı kendi mefhumlarını üretmeye sevk ederken sinema ve edebiyat gibi sanat dalları ise bu kavramların yansıdığı alanlar olmuştur. Çalışmanın temel kavramlarından olan “risk toplumu” kavramı da modernleşmenin ürettiği yeni toplum tipinin anlaşılabilmesi için oldukça önemli olan ve riskin değişen anlamlarına ve günümüzün risklerinin küresel mahiyetine odaklanan bir teorik çerçeve olmuştur. Modern çağda insanlar artık büyük riskler ile yaşamak zorundadır. Sürekli tehdit ve tehlikelerle yüzleşmek zorunda kalan modern insan nihayetinde risk toplumunda varlığını sürdürmektedir. Küresel ısınma, nükleer tehdit gibi modern çağın yeni riskleri insanların yaşamını şekillendirmektedir. Bu riskler ile yaşamak zorunda kalan modern insanın en büyük talebi güvenlik olmaktadır. Güvenli alanını yaratmak için mücadele gerekmekte ancak küresel tehditler bunun için büyük bir engel teşkil etmektedir. Bu minvalde çalışmada Stanley Kubrick’in Dr. Strangelove/How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb filmi risk toplumu kavramı ve yeni güvenli alanın yaratılması bağlamında incelenmiştir. Kubrick’in bu eserinde Soğuk Savaş ile ortaya çıkan nükleer yarışın ve bunun yarattığı risklerin yıkıcılığı ele alınmaktadır. Bu çalışmada söz konusu eserdeki nükleer rekabetin yarattığı küresel risklerin sonucunda güven inşasının tersine dönerek yok oluşu ve bu yok oluş neticesinde ortaya çıkan güvenli alan arayışı ele alınmaktadır. Sonuç olarak Dr. Strangelove filmi, Soğuk Savaş döneminin nükleer rekabetini ve bu rekabetin yarattığı sıcak çatışma riskini ele almakta ve nükleer silahlanmanın yarattığı risklerin küresel mahiyetini vurgu yapmaktadır.
Gender Disparity in It- and Stem-Professions: Analysis of Key Factors
Authors: Varavva M. Yu.
Published: October 2024

The article focuses on the problem of professional integration of Russian women in new processes of information and technological development. The topic of gender inequality on labour market in certain shapes and forms is typical of nearly all today’s professions. The sphere of information and digital technologies is not an exception. IT- and STEM-industries present only one line in a vast scope of research dealing with women inclusion in this professional field. The author studies reasons for underestimation of labour and creative potential of women, due to which women find themselves connected with humanitarian and social occupations, while men – with occupations dealing with mathematics, engineering, high technologies and information science. It was pointed out that various professional skills, talents and creative dominance of women are not in demand. A whole set of external and internal factors were investigated that prevent women from entering professional spheres of IT and STEM, which can back up gender disparity and segregation in labour sphere. The author came to the conclusion that gender disparity not only exercises a negative impact on social and ethic relations but can cause direct economic and staff costs for the country. In its turn the extended presence of women in new digital industries and technical sectors can foster the development of economy and at the same time can help resolve numerous problems of gender inequality in labour sphere. Attaining gender balance is still an open and multi-sided topic in theoretical and practical plan on the junction of investigating labour economics and sociology of labour relations.
Processes of Managing Changes in Contex of Enterprise Digital Transformation
Authors: Tashkinov A. G.
Published: October 2024

The article studies theoretical and methodological provisions for managing changes and recommendations on speeding-up technological reforms in the context of enterprise digital transformation. The author shows how to treat transformation integrally, i.e. from rapid innovation to the development of digital culture. The following conclusion was drawn: transparence of digital initiatives, adequate training, support of personal development and willingness to use unknown approaches are not properly elaborated on employees’ level. To resolve this problem the author proposed to carry out organizational reforms and changes in cultural thinking at the enterprise in general with further transition to digital thinking. Culture relying on digital transformation is a visiting card of mature digital enterprises and can foster innovation and extended cooperation. Management of changes requires confident and competent top management. So that enterprise executives start moving in the direction of digital transformation they shall first of all understand potential benefits of such changes and losses they can incur, it they do not do it. Organizational changes can allow the enterprise to pass on to a new level of management and resolve a number of problems connected with personnel resistance and people adaptation to forthcoming changes.
Non-Standard Employment in Uzbekistan in Times of Digital Economy Development
Authors: Turaeva E. F.
Published: October 2024

In conditions of digital economy development non-standard employment becomes more and more important on labour market of Uzbekistan. In spite of its potential advantages, such as flexibility and feasibility of entrepreneurship non-standard employment brings its challenges, for example absence of social welfare and stable income. The author of the article analyzed the current standing of non-standard employment in Uzbekistan, showed key trends and challenges and also provided recommendations for improvement of the situation. The research findings highlighted the importance of developing adequate measures aimed at ensuring just working conditions and social welfare for all workers irrespective of their employment.
Crisis Strategy of Credit Organization in Context of Ensuring Economic Security: Theoretical Aspect
Authors: Orlova L. N. , Odintsov V. O.
Published: October 2024

The development of any state is closely connected with sustainability of its banking system. Credit organizations (commercial banks) are an important element of economy, as they process and store the major part of monetary means. That is why work and efficiency of commercial bank functioning attract attention both on the part of the public and on the part of state finance regulators. In conditions of global and local crises the most important task of the commercial bank is elaboration of effective crisis strategy that can ensure its finance stability during the crisis and at the same time foster successful overcoming of various risks in order to guarantee economic security. The research goal is to define the notion ‘crisis finance strategy of credit organization’, to identify on the theoretical level in-bank causes of crises and accompanying risks, to find methods of state impact on crisis in the banking sphere, like crises in different countries, and tools of crisis strategy, which could provide an adequate level of economic security of the credit organization.
Design and Synthesis of Benzimidazole Carboxamide Cysteine Protease Inhibitors as Promising Anti-leishmanial Agents
Authors: Akhter Gowsia , Hamid Hinna , Beg Mirza A. , Tantray Mushtaq A. , Dhawan Bharti , Alam Mohammad Sarwar , Selvapandiyan Angamuthu , Sayeed ur Rehman  , Kalicharan Sharma
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

More than 20 protozoan species of Leishmania are responsible for
causing Leishmaniasis, an infection spread by blood-feeding phlebotomine sandflies. A narrow
pool of drugs is currently available rendering the current drug stratagem to treat this infection .
Development of novel, less toxic, and more effective regimens is thus a need of the hour. Design
and synthesis of benzo[d]imidazole carboxamides as agents to combat Leishmaniasis are
also required.

Methods:

14 benzo[d]imidazole carboxamides were synthesized and gauged against L. donovani
promastigotes and intramacrophage amastigote forms. All of the tested compounds exhibited
significant anti-promastigote properties with IC50 well below 10 uM. Compounds 4a,
4b, and 4d, showing the highest anti-parasitic activity against promastigote forms (IC50 0.91-
1.33 μM), were also found to be associated with better anti-leishmanial potential (IC50 0.78-
1.67 μM) against the intramacrophage amastigotes comparable to Amphotericin-B (0.13 μM),
a drug used for Leishmaniasis. Compound (4a), namely N-(2-(trifluoromethyl)-1Hbenzo[
d]imidazol-5-yl)benzo[d][1,3]-5-carboxamide-dioxole, was found to be most potent
against L. donovani amastigotes among all the tested compounds, and demonstrated better antileishmanial
properties (IC50 0.78 μM) when compared to the standard. Compound 4a was also
assessed for its toxicity profile against THP-1 human monocytic cells. To establish the molecular
target(s) in silico, molecular docking studies were performed against cysteine protease,
a putative virulence factor of Leishmania parasites, and nucleoside diphosphate kinase, an enzyme
with a critical role in nucleotide recycling, also associated with resistance in Leishmania
strains. Compound 4a showed better binding affinity than the standard to these targets; furthermore,
the molecular dynamic simulation studies further affirmed the stability of compound
4a, within the active site of the targets. In vitro, cysteine protease inhibitory activity
(IC50 8.53 μM) using Bz-Arg-AMC hydrochloride fluorogenic peptide substrate established the
promising potential of 4a as a cysteine protease inhibitor.

Result:

Computational ADMET analysis indicated appropriate pharmacokinetic profile and
physicochemical characteristics for all members of the synthesized library.

Conclusion:

Both in vitro and in silico studies indicate that the synthesized imidazole carboxamides
can act as potent hits and that N-(2-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-5-
yl)benzo[d][1,3]-5-carboxamide-dioxole 4a can be an effective hit molecule which can be further
developed into potent lead molecule (s) to fight Leishmania donovani.
Development and Novel Therapeutics in Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Ingle Pravinkumar , Hamden Nurin Alesya , Soh Wai Kei , Loh Rosalina Wibawa Hui Cen , Hatware Ketan
Published: October 2024

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a complication of diabetes mellitus which causes retinal
damage which when left untreated will cause visual problems. As the prevalence of DR increases
over the years, there is a need to optimise the currently available treatments as well as developing
novel drugs to improve the therapy provided for the patients in the clinical practice. Several pharmacological
therapies like, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor and anti-inflammatory therapies
which include intravitreal, and implant of corticosteroids are significant in the management to
decrease the risk of DR-related vision impairment. Clinical trials for novel drug therapies are still
ongoing till this day to enhance the efficacy of DR treatment. Even though there are also modern
treatments such as laser therapy for the patients, prevention should be done to lower the number of
individuals affected by DR. Due to the complexity of DR, there are numerous obstacles to develop
new medications for DR which include the increasing healthcare cost of DR treatment. New insights
such as utilisation of artificial intelligence will be implemented into the management of DR
as it has proved its potential in aiding the screening process. In parallel with the increase in DR
prevalence and the number of treatments developed, extensive understanding of the mechanism of
action of DR should be further improved to prevent more complications in the future. This review
summarises the epidemiological trend, prevention strategies, challenges in treatment, current novel
therapeutics (including drugs under clinical trials), future therapeutic trends and possibilities for
implementing AI in the early diagnosis and management of DR.
The Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown Among Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Momani Aaliyah , Halimi Aram , Nazari Seyed Saeed Hashemi , Al-Marzouqi Zalikha , Mosavi Jarrahi Alireza Mosavi , Al-Yateem Nabeel , Rahman Syed Azizur , Al-Marzouqi Amina
Published: October 2024

Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess how the lockdown of the COVID-19
pandemic had affected the glycaemic control of adolescents aged 10-19 with type 1 diabetes.

Methods:

A comprehensive search of literature was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science,
and ProQuest. Published articles up to September 2022 were included. The Glucose Monitoring
Index (GMI) and HbA1c level were defined as outcome variables. Average glucose level was
found to be a common variable in both HbA1c levels and GMI; therefore, HbA1c and GMI were
converted to average glucose (mg/dL) using appropriate formulas. Studies reported the outcomes
in two or three periods (pre-lockdown, lockdown, and post-lockdown) were included in the analysis.
A paired wise meta-analysis was performed among the studies that reported all three periods.
Homogeneity across studies was assessed using I2 statistic.

Result:

Fourteen studies were included in the study. The pooled average glucose during the lockdown
decreased to 166.9 mg/dL (95% CI, 153.78, 180.02) from 205.793 mg/dL (95% CI, 188.412,
223.173) during the pre-lockdown period, then it increased to 204.23 mg/dL (95% CI, 186.17,
222.29) during the post-lockdown period. A paired wise meta-analysis indicated a reduction in average
glucose levels. However, it was not statistically significant, possibly due to the small number
of studies that reported data from all three periods.

Conclusion:

Although the descriptive analysis of our study showed that the lockdown had affected
(decreased) the average glucose level among adolescents with type 1 diabetes, this was not statistically
significant in the pooled analysis.
Investigation of Voltametric Behavior and Antioxidant Activity of Vanillin-based Chalcone Compound
Authors: Cogalmis Fatma Tuba , Yildiz Gulcemal , Sütay Berkay , Korkmaz Burak , Aydogmus Zeynep , Senkal Bahire Filiz
Published: October 2024

Background:

Chalcone-type molecules are significant compounds due to their biocompatible
properties. This study aimed to examine the electrochemical properties of vanillin chalcone
monomer (VC) and its polymer (PANI-VC), as well as to investigate the antioxidant properties of the
vanillin chalcone monomer.

Methods:

VC and PANI-VC were synthesized and characterized using FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
The electrochemical properties of both compounds were investigated using cyclic voltammetry.
The antioxidant activity of the monomer was assessed using the DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-
picrylhydrazyl) assay.

Results:

Two oxidation peaks and one reduction peak were observed for both the monomer and polymer
at pH 3 using cyclic voltammetry in Britton-Robinson buffer solution. The electrochemical
oxidation mechanisms of the monomer and polymer were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, and
the effects of pH and scan rate were also studied. The electrochemical oxidation mechanism was
further evaluated using density functional theory (DFT) computations, revealing that the electrochemical
process is adsorption-controlled. The antioxidant activity of VC was assessed using the
DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method.

Conclusion:

Chalcone-type compounds are known for their potential antioxidant, antimicrobial,
antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antimalarial, and neuroprotective effects. In this study, the electrochemical
properties of the synthesized vanillin chalcone monomer and its polymer were examined,
and their electrochemical mechanisms were evaluated through DFT calculations. The antioxidant
properties of the monomer were compared to those of ascorbic acid using the DPPH method, revealing
that the vanillin chalcone monomer possesses significant antioxidant activity.
A Review of Strawberry Picking Patents
Authors: Bao Yudong , Zhang Jingyang
Published: October 2024

Background:

As the demand for strawberries increases, the growing area of strawberries
is also increasing. However, the main method of harvesting strawberries is the traditional artificial
harvest, so the harvest is the most time-consuming and laborious operation in the production chain.

Objective:

By summarizing the recent years of strawberry harvest research, some valuable conclusions
have been drawn to predict the future development of strobing machinery, providing reference
to researchers in relevant fields.

Methods:

This paper examines the patents of recent strawberry harvesting machinery, by comparing
the characteristics of various mechanical structures, to plan the research route of the future strawberry
machine.

Results:

The emerging problems and future directions of technology are identified through analysis
and discussion of existing technologies.

Conclusion:

Improvements in its structure alone do not meet the demands of modernization, and
strawberry harvesting machines need to be more intelligent and integrated and use more efficient
ways. More relevant patents are needed to be invented.
A Review: Feasibility Study of Bamboo Reinforced Concrete Using Calotropis Gigantea as Self- Curing Agent
Authors: Mangal Parul , Juremalani Jayesh
Published: October 2024

Primarily, concrete undergoes wide self-desiccation, autogenous shrinkage, and other
mechanical properties that may be influenced by inadequate curing methods. Various researchers
have explored different materials for self-curing in concrete, including lightweight aggregates, waterretaining
admixtures, superplasticizers, polymers, natural fibers, and pozzolanic materials, each with
patented formulations capable of withstanding high-water content. These patented self-curing agents
serve as infill material within the concrete, aiding in its internal curing process. Numerous tests conducted
by different researchers have evaluated the efficiency and scope of self-curing in concrete,
focusing on physical, mechanical, durability, and microstructural properties. Results consistently
demonstrate improved concrete properties through the adoption of patented self-curing processes.
The majority of research in this area has concentrated on high-performance concrete, aiming to address
shrinkage issues resulting from low water-to-cement ratios. In the current research, emphasis is
placed on experimentally enhancing the mechanical properties of M45 grade concrete using patented
internal curing agents such as Calotropis Gigantea fibers and Polyethylene Glycol admixtures, alongside
bamboo reinforcement. Calotropis Gigantea fibers, maintained at a length of 10 mm, will be
added at varying percentages (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) by weight of the concrete. A battery of tests will
be conducted to analyze different properties of concrete, which includes workability, compressive
strength, flexural strength, degree of hydration, and comparative assessments against conventional
concrete. Additionally, optimization of admixture dosages, intended for internal curing, will be undertaken.
Utility of the Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Fibrosis Score in the Evaluation of Individuals with Medically-Complicated Obesity: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Nath Anand , Shope Timothy R. , Pardo Lameda Ivanesa L. , Koch Timothy R.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Individuals with high body mass index (BMI) are at risk for chronic liver disease. Liver biopsy is a gold standard for the diagnosis of liver disease, as well as for determining the NAFLD activity score and fibrosis stage. Blood alanine aminotransferase (ALT) can support the presence of steatohepatitis, while the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score (using clinical features and blood testing) may predict fibrosis. Based on prior studies, it is not clear whether the NAFLD fibrosis score is predictive of the NAFLD activity score or fibrosis stage.

Aims:

The aim was to examine whether clinical features and blood testing can identify the risk of chronic liver disease in those individuals with high BMI.

Objective:

Individuals with high BMI who may benefit from bariatric surgery were examined for the prevalence of steatohepatitis and for potential relationships between the NAFLD fibrosis score and the NAFLD activity score and fibrosis stage.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study of 593 consecutive individuals evaluated for bariatric surgery who underwent blood testing. Seventy individuals with a mean BMI of 49.9 kg/m2 un-derwent liver biopsy at surgery.

Results:

Elevated ALT was present in 102 subjects (17.2%). The correlation coefficient (R: 0.025; p = .83) between the NAFLD fibrosis score and NAFLD activity score was not significant, but there was a weak correlation between the NAFLD fibrosis score and fibrosis stage (R = 0.262; p = .028). Two individuals (3%) had cirrhosis.

Conclusion:

Elevated ALT may support the presence of liver disease in individuals with high BMI. There is a weak correlation between the NAFLD fibrosis score and the fibrosis stage. Fur-ther work is required to determine whether specific blood and clinical findings can be useful in making clinical decisions with regards to bariatric surgery in those individuals with high BMI.
Reconfiguración de redes eléctricas de distribución mediante el algoritmo de recocido simulado
Authors: Ñaupari Huatuco Zocimo
Published: October 2024

Este artículo presenta un nuevo algoritmo para resolver el problema de la reconfiguración de redes de distribución utilizando Optimización de Recocido Simulado. El método propuesto proporciona una mejora en relación al método clásico, así como la tasa de convergencia entre sus simulaciones, utilizando los recursos del software Open Distribución System Simulator (OpenDSS). Además de utilizar el concepto de búsqueda por malla del espacio selectivo, que reduce considerablemente el espacio de búsqueda de soluciones. El algoritmo propuesto tiene como objetivo reducir las pérdidas de energía en las redes de
distribución, su funcionamiento se aplicó al sistema sencillo de 5 barras. Finalmente, el algoritmo propuesto se aplicó al sistema de prueba de distribución de 33 barras, comúnmente encontrado en la literatura. Los resultados de la simulación muestran que el método propuesto es muy eficiente y garantiza la obtención del óptimo global.