bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vertical Linkages in Agri-Food Supply Chains: Roles for Producers
Authors: Körmendiová Bianka , Hupková Daniela , Dobošová Ľudmila , Stępień Sebastian , Borychovski Michał
Published: December 2023

Agricultural producers are entities that largely decide on the structure of the agri-food supply chain. Currently, the European Union is striving to shorten supply chains in agriculture, as short supply chains are ecologically, economically and socially more sustainable. The main objective of the paper is to examine the role of primary producers in the agri-food supply chains. The basic technique applied for data collection was questionnaire survey, which we carried out on family farms in Slovakia. Obtained data were statistically examined applying the statistical analysis using the Chi-square test. Based on the estimations, we could conclude that the choice of the main distribution channel depends on the size of the given company and also on the main type of production. Businesses with fewer than 10 employees prefer direct distribution channels that allow them to sell their products to final consumers. The identification of factors affecting the choice of the main distribution channel as well as a detailed analysis of the nature of dependence make it possible to formulate recommendations on what steps to take in order to increase the number of agricultural enterprises selling through short supply chains.
Organic Food Consumption in Hungary – Factors Supporting Consumption Growth
Authors: Kis Gyöngyi Györéné , Drexler Dóra , Soós Gabriella , Lugasi Andrea , Ujj Apolka
Published: December 2023

The aim of the research is to assess the behaviour of the consumers of organic products, with a particular focus on the frequency of consumption, the groups of purchased products, the preferred sales channels, the consumer motivations, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the market development. The data from the online questionnaire survey were analysed by descriptive statistical and relationship analysis methods. In 2020 and 2021, the frequency of purchase of organic products increased. The regular customers are mainly middle-aged, highly educated women with higher incomes, who mostly buy fruit and vegetables, mainly in discount stores. The respondents with relatively low frequency buy directly from organic producers, although the use of short supply chains could be a remarkable price-reducing factor.
Provision of post construction support (PCS) services to state water authorities in Nigeria: constraints and the way forward
Authors: Obeta Michael C. , Okafor Uchenna P. , Nnoli Chukwuemeka I.
Published: December 2023

Post-construction Support (PCS) services refer to all forms of assistance/support given to water service providers (WSPs) to enable them to detect, correct and maintain water system infrastructure or prevent future system faults. PCS enhances the quality and sustainability of water supply services. This paper examines the provision of PCS to state water authorities in Nigeria. Specifically, we identified the sources of PCS and relevance of PCS; then we discussed the pattern of occurrence of system faults the bureaucracy associated with PCS provision across the sampled states. Finally, we examined the constraints to PCS provision and the options for overcoming the challenges. The study used empirical data derived from questionnaire surveys, through key informant interviews (KIIs) and from published literature. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools. Results of the study revealed the current sources and patterns of PCS provision which vary widely across the sampled states. PCS is provided intermittently based on resource availability and on the willingness of the provider. The constraints and bureaucracies associated with PCS provision cause prolonged and avoidable delays and limit quality service delivery with often great consequences for the end users. WSPs lack legislative, and policy instruments to compel governments to act and ensure that PCS services are provided speedily and in a sustainable manner. The poor quality of service delivery in the area can be traced, in part, to a lack of needed PCS services. Consequently, the way forward for WSPs is to confront the dearth of PCS in the water supply sector frontally. Suggestions on how to surmount the dearth of PCS and improve the quality of service delivery in the area were advanced.
Telemedicine Cybersecurity Protection in Reproductive Healthcare
Authors: Wright Jorja , Burrell Darrell Norman
Published: December 2023

Telemedicine and telehealth have emerged as transformative forces in modern healthcare, reshaping the landscape of reproductive health for both women and men. These technologies have ushered in a new era of healthcare delivery, offering innovative solutions that enhance access, convenience, and quality of care in reproductive health. This article explores the profound impact of telehealth and telemedicine on reproductive healthcare and underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding the integrity of these services.
Multiple Streams Approach and Punctuated Equilibrium Theory: Compared and Contrasted
Authors: Spano Dominick
Published: December 2023

Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Approach (MSA) and Jones and Baumgartner’s Punctuated Equilibrium Theory (PET) are public policy frameworks that have existed for many years. Given their long-term popularity, it is important for readers to have a strong working knowledge on how said frameworks function, and be able to compare and contrast them. It has also been put forth that PET only serves as an updated version of MSA, but this paper argues that said assertion is inaccurate, as PET is a useful framework in its own right. By inspecting this paper, readers will learn about MSA, PET, how they are similar and different, how they can be operationalized or used in real life circumstances, how they have been tested, and it is ultimately concluded that PET is not just a reworking of MSA.
Channel tracking in IRS-based UAV communication systems using federated learning
Authors: Sharma Itika , Gupta Sachin Kumar
Published: December 2023

This paper aims to overcome the problems and limitations of the communications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) by incorporating Intelligent Reflecting Surface (IRS) into UAV for channel tracking. Since IRS may change the propagation environment, is a desirable option for combining with UAV to improve wireless network security. Due to its capacity to proactively configure the wireless environment, IRS technology is a potential one for future communication systems. IRS is able to provide steady communications and serve a greater coverage area by reflecting signals to create virtual LoS routes. Moreover, we develop a federated learning-based channel tracking technique in which federated learning is used to determine the security and pre-estimation constituent. In addition, for channel tracking, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) is developed. Due to their ability to understand long-term connections between data time steps, LSTMs are frequently used to learn, analyze, and classify sequential data.
The obstructive phenotype of chronic posttuberculosis disease - is there a role for the occupational exposure?
Authors: Arghir Ioan Anton , Trenchea Mihaela , Calboreanu Cristiana Libu , Ion Ileana , Fildan Ariadna Petronela , Oțelea Marina Ruxandra
Published: December 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) disease is treatable, but the postTB lung disease in previously treated patients is a reality which must not be ignored. A case report of a 52-year-old male patient, heavy smoker (50 pack-years), alcoholic, with occupational exposure to chemical hazards (such as gaz oil vapors, distillate fuels and industrial solvents), physical hazards (thermal extremes, noise, vibration, UV radiation), ergonomic hazards (manual handling activities); and psychosocial hazards (e.g. overload, isoloation from family and friends), was delayed diagnosed with severe extensive cavitary pulmonary TB disease in 1999, treated till 2001. The assessment of lung function was neglected before or after antiTB therapy ended, so COPD was ignored till 2009, when the patient was admitted in a Pneumology Hospital. Other long term postTB disorders, as left fibrothorax, bronchiectasis, cavitary open healling syndrome, were also identified. Chronic postTB lung disease (PTLD), centered on COPD, had unfavorable progressive evolution till September 2022, when premature death occured. In conclusion, the obstructive phenotype of PTLD was delayed diagnosed and had multiple risk factors as tobacco smoking, occupational exposure and severe TB disease itself. A protocol for monitoring obstructive lung disorders among workers in oil industry, especially those diagnosed with TB disease, should be properly adapted through a collaborative approach between the occupational and the chest physician.
Use of Secondary Rail Lines as Alternative Routes for Freight Rail Transportation
Authors: Adriana Pálková , Jaroslav Mašek
Published: December 2023

Rail transport is currently facing a number of problems. The European Union wants to shift as much freight as possible from road to rail and this is one of the key objectives of the Green Deal. This objective also requires rail carriers to improve their service quality in order to retain existing customers and attract new customers currently using road transport. However, there are a number of factors that are making the railways less competitive. One of these is the closure of the main lines. These lines are crucial to the successful organisation of transport. The article looks at the train costs incurred by carriers when main lines cannot be used for various reasons (line reconstruction, lack of capacity, etc.). The article compares the cost of a train running on a main line with two alternative lines. It examines and describes in detail the efficiency and economic impact of using the alternative routes in the event of an emergency on the main line, and also identifies the advantages and disadvantages of the secondary routes. The paper provides an insight into the usability of secondary routes when an alternative route is required.
Digitisation of Rail Transport: The Application that Delivers Faster and More Efficient Services
Authors: Čamaj Juraj , Kendra Martin , Židová Zuzana , Šohajek Petr , Čáp Jiří
Published: December 2023

The article analyses the use of modern technologies in rail freight transport with a specific focus on the process of transferring information from transport documents through automatic identification technology. The main transport document in this context is the consignment note, where automatic identification is required. The automatic identification technologies investigated are RFID/NFC and QR code, with the analysis suggesting that QR code is more accessible and convenient in the current railway environment. However, in practice, limitations have emerged regarding the capacity of the stored information and the readability of the QR code data. It concludes that the use of modern technologies in rail freight transport brings new opportunities and increases the efficiency of information transfer associated with transport documents. Despite the advantages of QR code technology, limitations have been identified, in particular in terms of capacity and readability. The results also show that users with access to modern technologies, such as internet-enabled mobile phones or computers with internet access, are able to handle this technology efficiently, suggesting potential process improvements in rail freight transport. Overall, the paper highlights the importance of integrated technology solutions within this sectoral area and suggests that technological advances are opening up new opportunities for more efficient management and monitoring of rail transport processes.
Medication overuse headache: awareness and risk assessment among patients attending health care settings in Jouf Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almulhim Marwa , Alhirsan Wejdan , Alashjaee Rasha , Alruwaili Abdulelah , Alanazi Ali , Alsharari Rakan , Alashjaee Faisal , Alrias Abdullah , Alotaibi Khalid
Published: December 2023

Objective:
This study aimed to assess the community awareness towards medication overuse headache (MOH), estimate people at risk of developing MOH and to identify the potential factors that affect awareness towards MOH.
Methods:
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in health care settings in Jouf region. The data were collected by interviewing patients using a structured questionnaire.
Results:
A substantial proportion of participants (89%) had not heard about MOH before. Tension-type headache was the most prevalent primary headache diagnosis (58%), the majority of participants experienced headaches 3-7 days per month (40.7%). Acetaminophen was the most common chronically used analgesic among primary headache patients.
Conclusion:
Migraine headache patients were considered at high risk to develop medication overuse headache. A significant association was observed between primary headache diagnosis and the perceived safest longest duration to use analgesics.
Beendigungsphase in der personzentrierten Kinder- und Jugendpsychotherapie
Authors: Hüsson Dorothea
Published: December 2023

Wie die Beendigungsphase einer Therapie gut gelingen kann, war bislang ein recht vernachlässigter Gegenstand psychotherapeutischer Reflexion. Gerade in der Psychotherapie mit Kindern und Jugendlichen will die Beendigungsphase gut bedacht und umgesetzt sein, zumal immer mehr Kinder und Jugendliche mit schmerzlichen und bedrohlichen Trennungserfahrungen aus ihren Familien konfrontiert sind. Bindungstheoretische und personzentrierte Ansätze können ein neues und vertieftes Verständnis für diese letzte Therapiephase eröffnen. Eigenreflexion und Wahrnehmung spezifischer Hinweise erleichtern der Therapeutenperson, das Therapieende personzentriert einzuleiten und so zu einem Gelingen der Beendigungsphase beizutragen. Kreative Anregungen veranschaulichen die gelungene Realisierung dieser Phase.
Entwurf für ein Handlungsmodell zur ethischen Reflexion in der Klientenzentrierten Psychotherapie
Authors: Keil Sylvia , Kroemer Jürgen , Pelinka Brigitte , Swoboda Johanna
Published: December 2023

Psychotherapeutisches Handeln enthält immer eine ethische Dimension. Diese wird jedoch außerhalb von speziellen Dilemma-Situationen kaum reflektiert. Ethik-Kodizes, Supervision und die in der Ausbildung erfahrene und gelernte klientenzentrierte Haltung sensibilisieren für ethische Probleme. Dies reicht aber nicht aus, Praktiker und Praktikerinnen in ihrem Anliegen zu unterstützen, beruf liches Handeln nach allgemein-ethischen Kriterien zu überprüfen. Auf Basis des begründungsorientierten, ethischen Kohärentismus wird ein Modell vorgestellt, mit dessen Hilfe die ethische Reflexion von komplexen Praxissituationen strukturiert werden kann. In Form einer Matrix berücksichtigt das Modell auf den horizontalen Achsen persönliche, klientenzentriert-ethische, empirisch-fachliche und allgemein-ethische Bereiche. Auf den vertikalen Achsen leitet die Matrix dazu an, implizite Normen, Werte und Prinzipien, die aus den genannten Bereichen abgeleitet werden, zu explizieren. Als Indikator für eine moralisch richtige Entscheidung wird ein felt shift betrachtet, der durch den Reflexionsprozess entlang der Matrix ausgelöst wird. Ein zusätzliches Qualitätskriterium wird dann erfüllt, wenn sich die Handlungsoptionen, die sich aus dem felt shift heraus ergeben, mit Normen und Werten nachvollziehbar begründen lassen.
Gordon W. Allport – Ein Protagonist der Humanistischen Psychologie
Authors: Höger Diether
Published: December 2023

Allport wird als bedeutsamer Vertreter der Humanistischen Psychologie vorgestellt. Nach einem biographischen Abriss werden seine typische Denk- und Arbeitsweise sowie deren gemeinsame Basis mit dem Personzentrierten Ansatz anhand seiner Auf fassung vom Wesen der Persönlichkeit und seiner Theorie der funktionellen Autonomie der Motive dargestellt.
Settling Scores: Best Practice for the Maintenance of Sheet Music
Authors: De Rege Risa
Published: December 2023

While music libraries fundamentally face the same preservation concerns as any other library, their collections face unique problems. Sheet music is heavily used in distinct ways, and comes in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and formats, all of which lead to maintenance issues that apply specifically to these materials. Arguing that genre and use inform the formats and damage we see in sheet music, this paper systematically explores the different features of scores, including bindings, sizes, and uses. I discuss the major preservation issues faced by circulating, printed music collections and suggest possible solutions.
Refugee Law and Durability of Protection: Temporary Residence and Cessation of Status. By Maria O’Sullivan. Routledge, 2019, 243 pp.
Authors: Gkogkaki Maria
Published: December 2023

book review
KONSEP SIWAISME DALAM TEKS TATTWA JNANA
Authors: Swidana I Kadek
Published: December 2023

Teks Tattwa Jnana merupakan salah satu teks ajaran Brahma Widya atau hakekat ketuhanan dalam Hindu. Sebagai kitab tattwa, Tattwa Jnana merupakan dasar semua kitab tattwa (bungkahing tattwa kabeh). Ajaran yang terkandung di dalamnya disebut Sang Hyang Tattwa Jnana dan Sang Hyang Prayogasandhi. Tattwa Jnana berarti ilmu kebenaran atau ilmu tentang hakikat tertinggi. Fokus sentris dari teks ini adalah konsep Siwaisme. Siwa yang menjadi entitas tertinggi yang penuh kesadaran sempurna yang disebut Cetana menyusup dan menguntai dalam Maya Tattwa asas kosmis yang tanpa kesadaran, kemudian terjadilah evolusi tattwa dari asas terhalus menjadi asas terkasar hingga mewujudkan ciptaan. Cara yang dapat dilakukan untuk kembali menuju kesadaran tertinggi (Siwa Tattwa) dan terlepas dari belenggu Maya Tattwa adalah Prayogasandhi, dengan itu seseorang dapat memurnikan kesadaran-Nya menuju kesadaran yang abadi. Esensi ajaran teks ini adalah dari Siwa kembali ke Siwa.
TRI UPASTAMBHA: FORMULASI PENGUAT KESEHATAN DI ERA NEW NORMAL
Authors: Arsana Made
Published: December 2023

Pandemi Covid 19 telah memantik berbagai problem kompleks dalam kehidupan manusia, sehingga memerlukan tindakan preventif untuk memutus rantai penyebarannya. Saat ini telah masuk pada era new normal yang merupakan pembiasaan baru pasca dilanda pandemi.  Menjaga kesehatan tetap menjadi salah satu tindakan penting yang harus dibudayakan di untuk mencegah penyebaran Covid 19, meski dalam kebiasaan baru. Tulisan ini menganalisis tentang Tri Upastambha sebagai formulasi penguat kesehatan dalam perspektif Ayurveda, yang dapat menjadi solusi menjaga stabilitas kesehatan di era Covid 19. Data dalam tulisan ini dikumpulkan dengan teknik observasi, wawancara, dan studi kepustakaan.  Secara konseptual Tri Upastambha adalah tiga pilar utama yang dapat dijadikan habitus untuk memperkuat kesehatan dalam pandangan Ayurveda yakni, Ahara, Nidra, dan Brahmacharya.  Ahara menekankan tentang pentingnya sajian makanan segar, untuk menguatkan energy Prana dalam tubuh. Nidra menitik beratkan tentang tidur berkualitas untuk menyeimbangkan unsur Tri Dosha dalam tubuh. Brahmacharya mengedepankan tentang pengendalian seksual dan  nutrisi pengetahuan menuju Ojakshaya (kekebalan tubuh). Ulasan tentang Tri Upastambha, diharapkan dapat berkontribusi bagi upaya membangun hidup sehat sebagai salah satu kunci desiplin mencegah penularan Covid 19 terjadi kembali.
TRADISI NGEREBEG PADA ERA MODERN DI DESA TEGALLALANG KECAMATAN TEGALLALANG KABUPATEN GIANYAR
Authors: Ida Ayu Gede Purnayatti Mandhara  , Ni Nengah Selasih  , I Putu Agus Aryatnaya Giri
Published: December 2023

Bali dengan segudang tradisi dan kebudayaan yang diwariskan secara turuntemurun. Perkembangan desa maupun kawasan akan berpengaruh terhadap kelestarian dan kebudayaan tersebut. Sebagai contoh adalah Tradisi Ngerebeg yang ada di Desa Tegallalang. Keunikan yang ada pada tradisi ini adalah peserta yang mengikuti Tradisi Ngerebeg diwajibkan untuk mewarnai tubuhnya dengan cat warna warni, hal tersebut yang membedakan tradisi ini dengan tradisi yang lainnya. Adapun masalah yang akan dibahas antara lain (1) Bagaimanakah pelaksanaan Tradisi Ngerebeg di Desa Tegallalang, Kecamatan Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar pada era modern (2) Bagaimanakah implikasi Tradisi Ngerebeg dalam menerapkan ajaran Tri Hita Karana di Desa Tegallalang, Kecamatan Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar pada era modern (3) Nilai-nilai apa sajakah yang terdapat pada Tradisi Ngerebeg di Desa Tegallalang, Kecamatan Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar. Teori yang digunakan untuk menganalisis masalah adalah teori religi dari Koentjaraningrat, teori fungsional struktural dari Talcott Parsons, teori nilai dari Tarigan. Metode yang dipergunakan untuk pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini adalah teknik observasi, wawancara, studi dokumentasi, teknik pencatatan dokumen. Data yang telah terkumpul dianalisis dengan metode analisis deskriptif kualitatif dengan langkah-langkah reduksi data, penyajian data, penyimpulan dan verifikasi. Berdasarkan analisis data yang dilakukan, diperoleh hasil penelitian: Pelaksanaan Tradisi Ngerebeg masih tetap dilaksanakan sampai saat ini dikarenakan adanya sejarah, adanya Tradisi Ngerebeg berawal dari dibangunnya Pura Duur Bingin  oleh Tjokorda Made pada saat perang dengan kerajaan Dalem Sukawati. Diempon oleh 11 KK, pada saat itu sedang ada upacara di Pura Duur Bingin dan warga nunas ica kepada wong samar untuk dibantu pekerjaannya, hingga sekarang diadakannlah Tradisi Ngerebeg tersebut untuk menghormati wong samar. Tradisi Ngerebeg tetap dilaksanakan dengan tujuan untuk menetralisir lingkungan yang ada di Desa Tegallalang. Adapun rangkaian dari tradisi Ngerebeg diawali dengan tahap persiapan dan dilanjutkan dengan puncak acara tradisi ngerebeg. Implikasi dari Tradisi Ngerebeg yaitu untuk menjalin hubungan harmonis dengan Tuhan Yang Maha Esa, untuk menjalin hubungan harmonis dengan alam lingkungan di Desa Tegallalang, untuk menjalin hubungan harmonis dengan sesama masyarakat Desa Tegallalang. Nilai yang terkandung dalam Tradisi Ngerebeg yaitu nilai hedonik, nilai artistik dan estetik, nilai etis, moral dan religius, nilai cultural/budaya, nilai praktis.

 

Kata kunci: Tradisi Ngerebeg, Era Modern
STRATEGI GURU PENDIDIKAN AGAMA HINDU DALAM MEMBENTUK KEPRIBADIAN HUMANIS PLURALIS SISWA KELAS XI DI SMA NEGERI 1 KEDIRI, TABANAN
Authors: Surya Ida Ayu Melanie , Sueca I Nyoman , Aryatnaya Giri I Putu Agus
Published: December 2023

Tingkat kemajemukan yang sangat tinggi yang dimiliki masyarakat Indonesia merupakan suatu potensi sekaligus sebuah ancaman yang sangat besar. Strategi yang diaktualisasikan dalam lingkup pembelajaran dapat membantu siswa membentuk watak, mengembangkan potensi diri kearah berpikir dan bertindak secara kritis. Strategi Guru Pendidikan Agama Hindu berperan sangat besar dalam memperkuat pemahaman siswa mengenai keyakinan dan pemahaman multikultural yang baik dan benar. Tujuan dalam penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui strategi guru pendidikan agama Hindu dalam membentuk kepribadian humanis pluralis siswa yang nantinya dapat dijadikan bahan evaluasi dalam penyelenggaraan kepribadian siswa Teori yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah multikulturalisme, teori rangsangan balas, dan teori humanistik. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan fenomenologi. Lokasi penelitian dilaksanakan di SMA Negeri 1 Kediri, Tabanan. Teknik penentuan informan dalam penelitian ini menggunakan Teknik purposive sampling dengan pengumpulan data berupa observasi, wawancara, studi kepustakaan dan dokumentasi. Data yang terkumpul akan dianalisis menggunakan teknik Miles dan Hubermen.
Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa, strategi guru pendidikan agama Hindu dalam membentuk kepribadian humanis pluralis siswa melalui tiga jenis kegiatan yaitu kegiatan intrakurikuler, ekstrakurikuler dan kokurikuler. Peran guru pendidikan agama Hindu dalam membentuk kepribadian humanis pluralis siswa adalah sebagai fasilitator, motivator, pembimbing dan pendidik. Tantangan guru-guru pendidikan agama Hindu dalam membentuk kepribadian humanis pluralis siswa adalah menghadapi pengaruh globalisasi dan tantangan dalam menghadapi sikap etnosentrisme.
Kata Kunci: Strategi, Guru, Kepribadian Humanis Pluralis
CERN's sanctions regime against Russian science: nature, features and consequences
Authors: Shugurov Mark Vladimirovich , Kolodub Grigorii Vyacheslavovich
Published: December 2023

The subject of the article is the process of forming the CERN sanctions regime regarding Russia's participation in global scientific megaprojects in the field of theoretical physics. The purpose of the article is to reveal the content and organizational mechanism of CERN sanctions aimed at ending institutional cooperation with Russia. The objectives of the study include determining the algorithm of the long-term bilateral strategic partnership between Russia and CERN; revealing the grounds and logic of CERN's unilateral termination of promising cooperation with Russia, as well as predicting the negative consequences of sanctions. The authors pay special attention to testing the research hypothesis that CERN's anti–Russian sanctions policy is based on a combination of, on the one hand, politicized principles, and, on the other, extreme prudence, which resulted in the "stretching" of the measures taken over time and their focus on taking into account the current geopolitical situation. This indicates the incompleteness of the transition from the logic of scientific diplomacy to the rigid logic of sanctions, which makes it possible to predict the preservation of some elements of scientific diplomacy in relations between CERN and Russia. The methodological base of the research includes traditional methods and approaches (analysis and synthesis, abstraction and generalization; modeling; forecasting; the general scientific principle of dialectical development; a systematic approach), as well as new methods (meta-analysis, discursive analysis, stochastic factor analysis). It is concluded that CERN's sanctions policy, based on an appeal to value motivations, is characterized by flexible consideration of the current geopolitical situation and the gradual nature of the restrictive measures taken. The research hypothesis about the preservation of a certain potential of scientific diplomacy in relations between CERN and Russia has been confirmed in the work. This is reflected in the continuation of cooperation and fulfillment of obligations under existing bilateral agreements. It is proved that, by their nature, CERN sanctions belong to an independent category of sanctions against Russian science, which are imposed by international structures operating in the field of megascience. The novelty of the research lies in the actualization of the need to develop a special direction of Russian scientific and technical policy aimed at mitigating the consequences of sanctions complications in relations with international organizational structures in the field of megascience.
Brain Qualitative and Quantitative Radiological Biomarker Association with Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. Summary of the Doctoral Thesis
Authors:   ,   Rīga Stradiņš University, Zdanovskis Nauris
Published: December 2023

Demographic changes in the population and timely diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases are among the major challenges in Europe and the world in the 21st century. Within the framework of the dissertation, the possibilities of magnetic resonance (MR) examination are explored in analysing study participants with cognitive impairments. The aim of the study is to determine the relationship between qualitative and quantitative brain biomarkers and cognitive function in patients with cognitive impairments. The literature review section of the study examines the concept of cognitive impairment and dementia, commonly used cognitive tests, describes commonly used qualitative visual assessment scales, and evaluates the use of quantitative biomarkers in the diagnosis of cognitive impairments. The material section evaluates demographic indicators of participants, divides participants into groups, and evaluates differences between participant groups. In total, 81 participants were analysed, of which 24 had no cognitive impairment and 57 had various degrees of cognitive impairments assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale. The methods section evaluates the application of statistical methods, including the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, post-hoc analysis, p-value correction after Bonferroni, Spearman correlation, principal component analysis. Results indicate that certain brain radiological biomarkers are associated with cognitive function outcomes, including both qualitative assessment scales and quantitative volume, cortical thickness, and white-matter fibre characteristic values. These identified relationships serve as the basis for further research on the use of quantitative radiological biomarkers in the diagnosis of cognitive impairment and to identify patients in the future who are at higher risk. In conclusion, the hypotheses that were defined during the work are confirmed – in the case of cognitive impairment and dementia, structural changes occur in the brain, which can be detected in MR images by performing a qualitative and quantitative analysis of brain structures, and cognitive impairment is associated with specific changes in the quantitative measures of the brain MR. Overall, MR examination can not only rule out large pathologies but also provide more extensive and detailed information on anatomical and structural changes in the brain that are essential for the diagnosis, control, and evaluation of interventions for cognitive impairment in the long term. 3.2 Clinical Medicine; Sub-Sector – Roentgenology and Radiology. Keywords: brain, radiological biomarkers, cognitive functions, dementia, magnetic resonance imaging. This research has been developed with financing from the European Social Fund and the Latvian state budget within the project No. 8.2.2.0/20/I/004 “Support for involving doctoral students in scientific research and studies” at Rīga Stradiņš University.
Galvas smadzeņu kvalitatīvu un kvantitatīvu radioloģisko biomarķieru izmaiņu saistība ar kognitīvo funkciju izmaiņām un demenci. Promocijas darba kopsavilkums
Authors:   ,   Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte, Zdanovskis Nauris
Published: December 2023

Populācijas demogrāfiskās izmaiņas un neirodeģeneratīvu slimību savlaicīga diagnostika un ārstēšana ir viens no lielākajiem izaicinājumiem Eiropā un pasaulē 21. gadsimtā. Promocijas darbā tiek aplūkotas magnētiskās rezonanses (MR) izmeklējuma iespējas, analizējot pētījuma dalībniekus ar kognitīvajiem traucējumiem. Darba mērķis ir noteikt galvas smadzeņu kvalitatīvo un kvantitatīvo biomarķieru saistību ar kognitīvo funkciju pacientiem ar kognitīvajiem traucējumiem. Pētījuma literatūras apskata sadaļā tiek raksturots kognitīvo traucējumu un demences jēdziens, biežāk izmantotie kognitīvie testi, aprakstītas biežāk izmantotās kvalitatīvās vizuālās novērtēšanas skalas un izvērtēta kvantitatīvo biomarķieru izmantošana kognitīvo traucējumu diagnostikā. Materiālu sadaļā ir izvērtēti dalībnieku demogrāfiskie rādītāji, dalībnieki tiek iedalīti grupās un izvērtētas atšķirības starp dalībnieku grupām. Kopumā tika analizēts 81 dalībnieks, no kuriem 24 nav kognitīvo traucējumu un 57 ir dažādas pakāpes kognitīvie traucējumi, kas tika izvērtēti pēc Monreālas kognitīvās novērtējuma (MoCA) skalas. Metožu sadaļā tiek izvērtēts statistisko metožu lietojums, kas ietver Manna-Vitnija U testu, Kruskala-Valisa H testu, post-hoc analīzi, p vērtību korekciju pēc Bonferoni, Spīrmena korelācijas, principiālo komponentu analīzi. Rezultāti norāda, ka noteikti galvas smadzeņu radioloģiskie biomarķieri ir saistīti ar kognitīvo funkciju rezultātiem, t. sk. gan kvalitatīvās novērtēšanas skalas, gan kvantitatīvās tilpuma, garozas biezuma un baltās vielas šķiedru raksturlieluma vērtības. Šīs noteiktās saistības ir kā pamats tālākiem pētījumiem par kvantitatīvo radioloģisko biomarķieru izmantošanu kognitīvo traucējumu diagnostikā, lai nākotnē spētu agrīni identificēt pacientus, kas ir kognitīvo traucējumu attīstības riska grupā. Secinājumos tiek apstiprinātas darba gaitā izvirzītās hipotēzes – galvas smadzenēs kognitīvo traucējumu un demences gadījumā notiek strukturālas pārmaiņas, kas ir konstatējamas MR attēlos, veicot galvas smadzeņu struktūru kvalitatīvu un kvantitatīvu analīzi, un kognitīvie traucējumi ir saistīti ar specifiskām izmaiņām galvas smadzeņu MR kvantitatīvajos rādītājos. Kopumā MR izmeklējums spēj ne tikai izslēgt lielas patoloģijas, bet arī sniegt daudz plašāku un detalizētāku informāciju par anatomiskām un strukturālām izmaiņām, kas ir būtiskas kognitīvo traucējumu diagnostikai, kontrolei un intervences izvērtēšanai ilgtermiņā. 3.2. klīniskā medicīna; apakšnozare – rentgenoloģija un radioloģija. Atslēgvārdi: galvas smadzenes, radioloģiskie biomarķieri, kognitīvās funkcijas, demence, magnētiskā rezonanse. Promocijas darbs veikts projekta Nr. 8.2.2.0/20/I/004 “Atbalsts doktorantu iesaistei zinātniski pētnieciskajā un studiju darbā” ietvaros
Programa de Educação pelo Trabalho pela Saúde - Interprofissionalidade: Experiência da Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia
Authors: Moraes Márcia Maria dos Santos de , Silva Roberta Scaramussa da , Oliveira Ana Paula Pessoa de , Rocha Erika Maria Sampaio , Almeida Milena Dórea de , Nascimento Ezequiel Batista do
Published: December 2023

Objetivo: Descrever e discutir as experiências vivenciadas e desenvolvidas pelos integrantes do Programa de Educação pelo Trabalho para a Saúde (PET-Saúde) Interprofissionalidade, parceria da Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia com a Secretaria de Saúde do município de Teixeira de Freitas/Bahia. Relato de experiência: O projeto formou cinco Grupos Tutoriais para atuação prioritária na atenção primária e contemplou ações com crianças, idosos, em doenças crônicas, saúde mental e práticas integrativas e complementares. As atividades envolveram docentes e estudantes dos cursos de saúde, bem como profissionais de saúde da rede. Ao longo de dois anos de projeto, foi possível conhecer, desenvolver e praticar competências comuns e colaborativas na educação e trabalho Interprofissional por meio de metodologias ativas de aprendizagem presenciais e remotas. Considerações finais: Ainda que interpelado pela pandemia da covid-19, o projeto conseguiu, por meio de adaptações, construir uma experiência de ações interprofissionais que contemplaram os princípios metodológicos da educação e trabalho interprofissional e avanços no tema dentro da universidade e na rede de saúde. Apesar dos desafios existentes para sua implementação, o PET-Saúde se mostrou como um bom dispositivo para promover a interprofissionalidade no contexto da saúde pública.
Proliferative vitreoretinopathy and it's prevention in cases of extensive penetrating wounds of the sclera
Authors:   Central City Clinical Hospital № 23, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, Shamkin S.S. , Subbotina S.N. ,   Central City Clinical Hospital № 23, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, Stepanyants A.B. ,   Ural State Medical University, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation
Published: December 2023

Relevance. Currently, there is no single algorithm for the management of patients with extensive penetrating wounds of the sclera, and the frequency of proliferative vitreoretinopathy, leading to adverse outcomes, is very high. Purpose. To present relevant data about prevention of proliferative vitreoretinopathy with extensive penetrating wounds of the sclera, as well as to identify the most effective methods. Material and methods. To complete this review, a literature search was carried out on the databases CyberLeninka, eLIBRARY, PubMed, using the keywords «proliferative vitreoretinopathy», «penetrating wounds of the sclera», «eye injury», «vitrectomy». Preference was given to scientific papers over the past 15 years. Results. There are various approaches in the treatment of severe penetrating wounds. Classical primary microsurgical treatment involves external treatment, suturing of the sclera wound, and delayed optical-reconstructive surgery (including vitrectomy) are performed 1–2 weeks after the acute inflammation reduces. As a rule, in the case of extensive wounds with a whole set of concomitant risk factors, this time is sufficient to trigger pathological proliferation, which aggravates the course of the wound process. This review presents publications proving that the treatment of severe complicated penetrating wounds of the sclera should go beyond the classical treatment and be aimed at early warning and prevention of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Conclusion. Modern data prove the indisputable advantage of early vitrectomy performed with extensive penetrating scleral and corneoscleral wounds. Vitrectomy in combination with other methods of prevention of proliferative vitreoretinopathy is the most promising direction for the future research. Key words: proliferative vitreoretinopathy, penetrating wounds of the sclera, eye injury, vitrectomy
Analysis approach to the of meteorological conditions that determine the gap in response to marine oil spills in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation
Authors:   N. N. Zubov’s State Oceanographic Institute, Zatsepa S.N. , Ivchenko A.A. ,   N. N. Zubov’s State Oceanographic Institute, Knizhnikov А.Y. ,   -, Solbakov V.V. ,   Federal Research Center “Computer Science and Control” of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: December 2023

The present study reviews the approach to assessing the oil spills response delay caused by hydrometeorological and geographical conditions at the operation site. To illustrate the method and discuss the results, the application of two mechanical response system in ice and ice-free conditions are considered. Two points of the northern and southern area of the Northern Sea Route are analyzed. It is found that the value of the OSR completion time can exceed a year with a very significant probability. The proposed analysis makes it possible to assess the possibilities of improving the response efficiency for existing and newly created oil spill response strategies in the region of interest, as well as to apply other measures to reduce the risks of the negative impact of accidental spills on Arctic ecosystems.
КЛИНИЧЕСКИЙ СЛУЧАЙ ПОРТАЛЬНОЙ БИЛИОПАТИИ
Authors:   Belarusian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Minsk, Belarus, Silivontchik N. N. , Kunach I. I. ,   2nd City Clinical Hospital, Minsk, Belarus, Ridchanka T. V. ,   2nd City Clinical Hospital, Minsk, Belarus, Buvaka Z. S. ,   2nd City Clinical Hospital, Minsk, Belarus, Harachka I. A. ,   2nd City Clinical Hospital, Minsk, Belarus, Nikalaichyk L. I. ,   2nd City Clinical Hospital, Minsk, Belarus, Ratseyeva L. M. ,   2nd City Clinical Hospital, Minsk, Belarus, Semenjaka S. V. ,   2nd City Clinical Hospital, Minsk, Belarus, Khramkou Y. A. ,   2nd City Clinical Hospital, Minsk, Belarus
Published: December 2023

Background. The term «portal biliopathy» (PB) refers to abnormalities of the entire biliary tract including intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts, the cystic duct as well as the gallbladder in patients with portal hypertension. Objective. To describe a clinical case of portal biliopathy. Material and methods. Clinical observation of a patient aged 42, who was examined and treated at the 2nd City Clinical Hospital, Minsk, Belarus in February 2023. Results. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and ultrasonography revealed portal hypertension, grade 2-3 esophageal varices and changes in the bile ducts. The subsequent use of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography made it possible to identify cavernous transformation of portal vein due to occlusive thrombosis as well as portal biliopathy with extensive stenosis of the ductus choledochus. Conclusions. The presented clinical case demonstrates the asymptomatic course of a severe pathology known as extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) with the development of portal hypertension and portal biliopathy.
Diversity of Fungal infections and Histopathological preparations of some economically important Fresh Water Fishes in Bhadra Reservoir Project, Karnataka, INDIA
Authors: Prapthi U.B. , Akarsh S. , Somashekar D.S. , Sowmya H.V. , Thippeswamy B.
Published: December 2023

Fungal infections are very serious diseases in culturable freshwater fishes. The present research work aimed to investigate the fungal infections in four economically important freshwater carps i.e. Catla catla, Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala and Cyprinus carpio which were collected from the Fish seed production unit at Bhadra Reservoir Project (BRP). The infected fishes were collected in polythene bags and brought for mycological study in the laboratory. The fungal strains were isolated using potato dextrose agar and Sabourd’s dextrose agar media. Out of 240 fishes, 168 (70%) infection have been recorded with six different fungal genera of Saprolegnia sp. (54.167%), Penicillium sp. (7.14%), Aspergillus sp. (14.285%), Trichoderma sp. (6.546%), Rhizopus sp. (4.167%) and Mucor sp. (13.695%). These fungi were frequently isolated and identified based on spore structure and morphological characteristics. The monthly variation and percentage of fungal infection in Catla catla was 35.10 %, Labeo rohita was 24.99%, Cirrhinus mrigala was 21.41% and Cyprinus carpio was 18.42%. Winter season (57.5%) and the rainy season (39%) was more favorable for the growth of Saprolegnia sp. than summer season (10%). Histopathological study was carried out to study the effect of Saprolegnia sp. on infected fish. Based on the results, Catla catla fishes were more susceptible to Saprolegnia sp. than other varieties of fishes.
Rational feeding — the basis for the healthy metabolism of cattle
Authors: Ксенофонтова А.А. , Буряков Н.П. , Ксенофонтов Д.А. , Бурякова М.А. , Косолапова В.Г.
Published: December 2023

В исследованиях, проведённых на зоостанции РГАУ–МСХА им. К. А. Тимирязева, изучали метаболическое равновесие между Mg и Ca на уровне энтеральной и внутренней среды организма жвачных животных при избытке Mg в рационе. Целью данного исследования было выявление механизмов влияния избытка магния в рационе на метаболизм кальция в организме жвачных животных. Быки-кастраты опытной группы в дополнение к основному рациону получали добавку в виде MgO из расчёта 1000 мг на 1 кг сухого вещества рациона. В ходе эксперимента установлено, что избыточное количество Mg поступало во внутреннюю среду организма неадекватно введённой дозе, большая его часть оставалась в энтеральной среде, где кумулировалась гликопротеинами полостной слизи химуса. Дополнительное введение в рацион животных Mg привело к нарушению гомеостатического равновесия, отмечена реабсорбция Ca из внутренней среды организма, в частности из костной ткани и волос, в полость желудочно-кишечного тракта, о чём свидетельствует увеличение концентрации данного элемента в растворимой и плотной эндогенной фракциях химуса разных отделов кишечника. Результаты исследований указывают на необходимость глубокого понимания физиолого-биохимических процессов, протекающих в организме продуктивных животных, что позволит эффективно корректировать рационы в соответствии с потребностями в питательных веществах на каждом из этапов выращивания и содержания крупного рогатого скота. Это может послужить превентивной мерой, направленной против развития метаболических нарушений, часто протекающих в субклинической форме, и тем самым поддерживать благополучие животных на высоком уровне.

The investigation conducted at the Russian Timiryazev State Agrarian University tested the metabolic balance between Mg and Ca in the body of ruminants with excess Mg in their diet. The aim of this research was to identify the mechanisms triggered by the high concentration of Mg affecting Ca metabolism. The steers of the test-group additionally consumed 1000 mg of MgO per 1 kg of the feed dry matter. The absorption of the excess Mg into the internal body environment was inadequate since most of it accumulated in the chyme mucus. The additional introduction of Mg into the diet disrupted the homeostatic balance and led to the Ca reabsorption from the internal structures such as bone tissue and hair into the gastrointestinal tract indicated by the increase of Ca in the soluble and dense endogenous chyme fractions of different sections of the intestine. Deep understanding of animal physiology and biochemistry will make it possible to modify effectively the diet of productive animals according to their needs in nutrients at every stage of cattle growth. Potentially this could prevent the development of metabolic disorders, often unnoticed, and thereby maintain animal welfare at a high level.
Divergent synthesis of complex withanolides enabled by a scalable route and late-stage functionalization.
Authors: Che Wen , Wojitas Lukasz , Shan Chuan , Lopchuk Justin
Published: December 2023

Withanolides are a group of naturally occurring C28 steroids based on an ergostane skeleton. They possess a high degree of polyoxygenation, and the abundance of O-functional groups has enabled various natural alterations to both the carbocyclic skeleton and the side chain. Consequently, these molecules possess intricate structural features that lead to their highly varied display of biological activities including anticancer, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. Despite being intriguing leads for further discovery research, synthetic access to the withanolides remains highly challenging-compounds for current biological research are mainly isolated from plants, often inefficiently. Here we report the divergent synthesis of eleven withanolides in 12 to 20 steps, enabled by a gram scale route and a series of late-stage functionalizations, most notably a bioinspired photooxygenation-allylic hydroperoxide rearrangement sequence. This approach sets stage for further biological research disconnected from a reliance on minute quantities of the parent natural products or their simple derivatives.
Role of Mass Transport in Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to Methanol Using Immobilized Cobalt Phthalocyanine
Authors: Chan Thomas , Kong Calton , King Alex , Prabhakar Rajiv , Babbe Finn , Kubiak Clifford , Ager Joel
Published: December 2023

Electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2R) using heterogenized molecular catalysts usually yields 2 electron reduction products (CO, formate). Recently, it has been reported that certain preparations of immobilized cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) produce methanol (MeOH), a 6 electron reduction product. Here, we demonstrate the significant role of intermediate mass transport in CoPc selectivity to methanol. We first developed a simple, physically mixed, polymer (and polyfluoroalkyl, PFAS)-free preparation of CoPc on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) which can be integrated onto Au electrodes using a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) adhesion layer. After optimization of catalyst preparation and loading, methanol Faradaic efficiencies and partial current densities of 36% (±3%) and 3.8 (±0.5) mA cm-2, respectively, are achieved in CO2-saturated aqueous electrolyte. Electrolyte flow rate has a large effect. A linear flow velocity of 8.5 cm/min produces the highest MeOH selectivity, with higher flow rates increasing CO selectivity and lower flow rates increasing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), suggesting that CO is an unbound intermediate. Using a continuum multiphysics model assuming CO is the intermediate, we show qualitative agreement with the optimal inlet flowrate. Polymer binders and CoPc strain were found to be not necessary to achieve a high Faradaic efficiency for methanol using CoPc and MWCNTs. We also investigated the role of formaldehyde as an intermediate, but its definitive role could not be established.