bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Academic Literature on Compliance Programs, ESG, Corporate Governance, Fraud Prevention, Human Rights, Corruption, Data Protection, and SDGs
Authors: REVIEW ESG LAW
Published: July 2023

This academic summary provides an overview of key themes in recent open-access articles pertaining to compliance programs, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, corporate governance, fraud prevention, human rights, corruption, data protection, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as set forth by the United Nations. Scholars have extensively explored the significance of compliance programs in organizations, evaluating their role in ensuring ethical practices, legal adherence, and risk mitigation. Additionally, research has focused on the adoption and impact of ESG strategies, addressing their influence on corporate decision-making, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. Corporate governance remains a vital area of investigation, investigating board structures, executive compensation, and the effectiveness of governance mechanisms in enhancing firm performance and accountability. Simultaneously, efforts to combat fraud and corruption have led to analyses of fraud detection techniques, whistleblowing systems, and anti-corruption measures. The literature also highlights the evolving landscape of data protection, emphasizing regulatory developments, privacy frameworks, and organizational responsibilities in safeguarding data. Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on the integration of human rights principles into business practices, exploring the implications of human rights violations and strategies for promoting responsible corporate behavior. Lastly, articles have explored the alignment of corporate practices with the SDGs, examining businesses' contributions to global sustainability goals.
Academic Literature on Compliance Programs, ESG, Corporate Governance, Fraud Prevention, Human Rights, Corruption, Data Protection, and SDGs
Authors: ReGOV
Published: July 2023

This academic summary provides an overview of key themes in recent open-access articles pertaining to compliance programs, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, corporate governance, fraud prevention, human rights, corruption, data protection, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as set forth by the United Nations. Scholars have extensively explored the significance of compliance programs in organizations, evaluating their role in ensuring ethical practices, legal adherence, and risk mitigation. Additionally, research has focused on the adoption and impact of ESG strategies, addressing their influence on corporate decision-making, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. Corporate governance remains a vital area of investigation, investigating board structures, executive compensation, and the effectiveness of governance mechanisms in enhancing firm performance and accountability. Simultaneously, efforts to combat fraud and corruption have led to analyses of fraud detection techniques, whistleblowing systems, and anti-corruption measures. The literature also highlights the evolving landscape of data protection, emphasizing regulatory developments, privacy frameworks, and organizational responsibilities in safeguarding data. Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on the integration of human rights principles into business practices, exploring the implications of human rights violations and strategies for promoting responsible corporate behavior. Lastly, articles have explored the alignment of corporate practices with the SDGs, examining businesses' contributions to global sustainability goals.
A Wall of Despair: The Interplay of the Turkish Wall and Foreign Policy in Syria
Authors: Sever Ayşegül , Karadeniz Radiye Funda
Published: July 2023

The wall constructed along the Turkish-Syrian border is one of the new wave of border barriers built in the twenty-first century and represents a radical shift in Turkey's Middle East policy. The decision to erect the "Turkish Wall" was the result of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's government's desire to improve relations with the European Union, Russia, and the United States in the context of the Syrian Civil War. This article uses the concept of "fortified boundaries" as its framework to analyze the transformed border.
From the Mountains to the Élysée: The Precarious International Legitimacy of the Syrian Kurdish YPG and PYD
Authors: Elsayed Ahmed
Published: July 2023

This article examines the international legitimacy of the main Kurdish militia in northern Syria, the People's Defense Units (YPG), and its affiliated political party, the Democratic Union Party (PYD). Despite their origins in the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), listed as a terrorist organization in many countries, the YPG and PYD were anointed as partners of the Global Coalition against Daesh/ISIS and have been celebrated in Western capitals and press ever since. To understand this unusual trajectory, this article argues that, although defeating ISIS opened a "possibility space" for this alliance to emerge, the YPG and PYD's discursive and practical legitimation strategies have contributed to their remarkable international diplomatic standing. This position nevertheless remains perilous, largely due to an insurmountable barrier: Turkey.
Egypt: Egypt: Revolution, Failed Transition and Counter-Revolution, by Azmi Bishara. Translated by Mandy McClure, Chris Hitchcock, and Peter Daniel (book review)
Authors: Abdel Samei Marwa Fikry
Published: July 2023

Egypt: Revolution, Failed Transition and Counter-Revolution, by Azmi Bishara. Translated by Mandy McClure, Chris Hitchcock, and Peter Daniel. London: I. B. Tauris, 2022. 732 pages. $108 cloth, $86.40 e-book.
Tunisia: The Tunisian Revolution and Democratic Transition: The Role of al-Nahdah, by Mohammad Dawood Sofi (book review)
Authors: Cimini Giulia
Published: July 2023

The Tunisian Revolution and Democratic Transition: The Role of al-Nahdah, by Mohammad Dawood Sofi. Abingdon, UK: Routledge, 2022. 188 pages. £130 cloth, £38.99 paper, £27.29 e-book.
Yemen: Yemen in the Shadow of Transition: Pursuing Justice amid War, by Stacey Philbrick Yadav (book review)
Authors: Schmitz Charles
Published: July 2023

Yemen in the Shadow of Transition: Pursuing Justice amid War, by Stacey Philbrick Yadav. London: Hurst, 2022. 288 pages. £50 cloth
Modern History and Politics: The Muslim Brotherhood: Ideology, History, Descendants, by Joas Wagemakers (book review)
Authors: Valbjørn Morten
Published: July 2023

The Muslim Brotherhood: Ideology, History, Descendants, by Joas Wagemakers. Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press, 2022. 334 pages. €39.95 paper, e-book.
First Time Mothers Perception and Experience About Breastfeeding Support Received from Nurses in Health Facilities in Aba
Authors: Nwokoro Roseline Oluchi , Akunneh-Wariso Ngozi B.
Published: July 2023

This study investigated perception and explore the experiences of first-time mothers on breastfeeding support received from nurses in health facilities in Aba Nigeria. Four research questions and two hypothesis guided the study. The design of the study was a quantitative and qualitative design method. The population of this study comprised an accessible population of 386 women attending antenatal and post-natal in selected health facilities in Aba. Random sampling techniques was used to select 198 first time mothers from the population. A researcher made questionnaire and interview was used to collect data for the study. The questionnaire was subjected to a reliability test using Crombach Alpha and a reliability index of 0.71 was obtained. The data gotten from the instrument were analysed using mean and standard deviation while the interview data were analysed through several steps of systematising, condensing, and interpreting the data. The findings of the study revealed that 2% of the respondents were singles, 65% were married, 23% were divorced, 5% were separated while 5% were widows. 5% of the respondents had attended primary education, 25% had attended secondary education, 60% had attended tertiary education while 10% had no formal education. 5% of the respondents were business women, 25% were civil servants, 60% worked in private sector while 10% were artisans. Furthermore, the result revealed that the perception of first-time mothers on information breastfeeding support received from nurses in some selected health facilities in Aba includes and not limited to the fact that Nurses give enough breastfeeding information to first time mothers and that the encouragement of first time mothers is very important. The study concludes that first-time mothers do need professional, practical and social support in the form of information, emotional support and encouragement for initiation and maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Therefore, the study recommends that Nurses should they educate first time mothers on the importance of breastfeeding during antenatal.
Factors Influencing Contraceptive Use Among Traders in Boundary Market of Ajeromi Ifelodun, LGA, Lagos State
Authors: Uchenna Ngozi Grace , Farotimi Abosede Adekunbi
Published: July 2023

It is the intentional prevention of conception or impregnation during sexual activity through natural or man-made means. The widely accepted strategy is regulating and controlling fertility through contraception. Contraceptive use has been known to have numerous health benefits in the area of preventing unplanned pregnancies, ensuring optimum spacing between births, reducing maternal and child mortality, and improving the lives of women and children in general. This study is on factors influencing contraceptive use among traders in Boundary market of Ajeromi.Ifelodun. A quantitative research design was used for the study. A calculated sample size of 370 was gotten from the target population of 2645. Questionnaire was used to collect data from only the consented traders. The findings of the study reveals that 9(2.6%) of the respondents representing had poor knowledge of contraceptives, 176(50%), had moderate knowledge while 167(47.4%) had high knowledge of contraceptives. This means. most of the respondents had good knowledge of contraceptives while the perceived factors influencing contraceptive use identified among the traders were partner’s disapproval of use of contraceptives, in-frequent sex with spouse, financial implication, fear of side effects, religious inclinations, and cultural beliefs. Also, there was no significant association between socio-demographic characteristics and background knowledge of contraceptives among traders in Boundary market. It is recommended that stakeholders in the health committee of the market should liase with nearby health facility for quarterly outreach program in the market pending the availability of their own health facility.
Availability of Infection Control Protocol and Facilities, Practice Level and Barrier Perception Among Healthcare Workers in Secondary Healthcare Facilities, Southern Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Okon Aniekanabasi Jonathan , Olusola Festus Oluwafemi , Eyam Lilian Eberechukwu , Archibong Anietie Michael , Essien Unwana Augustine
Published: July 2023

The practice of infection prevention and control is key to prevention of healthcare acquired infections and protection of healthcare workers, patients and public health. There are however several challenges militating against the use of standard precautions among healthcare workers. This study was aimed at assessing availability of infection prevention and control (IPC) protocol and facilities, practice level and barrier perception among healthcare workers in secondary healthcare facilities, Southern Cross River State, Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design using quantitative methods to elicit information from 336 healthcare workers. A structured questionnaire was administered to respondents in this study an observational checklist was also used. The data generated was analyzed using SPSS version 25. The study comprised of 87.5% females and 12.5% males. Existence of IPC protocols in the facilities was assessed and over half of the respondents (53%) agreed to the availability of IPC protocols in their healthcare facilities. The study identified lack of: knowledge, time, equipment/materials and resources as factors perceived by healthcare workers as influencing their practice of IPC. Among all the factors, only lack of equipment/materials was found to be a significant perceived barrier to practice of IPC (t= 0.269, 0.012). The level of IPC practice was however found to be higher among those who perceived these factors as barriers. It is concluded that lack of time, knowledge, materials/equipment and resources are probable factors influencing practice of infection prevention and control in the secondary healthcare facilities. Healthcare facility management should make adequate provision of requirements for infection control in addition to training of staff and regular monitoring of compliance among health workers to protect public health.
Evaluation of antibiotic use patterns among farmers and antibiogram from livestock wastes and fish pond effluents in selected animal farms in Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Oka Ibiang Arikpo , Okon Aniekanabasi Jonathan , Etim Lawrence Bassey , Inyang Ikpeme Henry , Upula Sylvanus Akpak
Published: July 2023

The extensive and misuse of antibiotics in animal production has become a public health threat. The evaluation of antibiotic use pattern among farmers and antibiogram from livestock wastes and effluent from animal farms was conducted in Cross River State. A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken with 379 animal production farmers and multi-stage sampling technique was employed in the selection of farms and respondents. Bacteriological analysis of animal wastes samples and antibiotics susceptibility testing was also conducted. Results revealed that 66.8% of farmers had a good knowledge on the use of antibiotics and its resistance. Majority (91.0%) of the farmers used antibiotics in their animal farms and for purposes of growth promotion, treatment of disease and prevention. Tetracycline, ampicillin, streptomycin, cotrimoxazole, gentamycin and vancomycin were the most frequently used groups of antibiotics. A total of 240 bacteria were isolated and the percentage occurrence of bacterial isolates were: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14.2%), Escherichia coli (12.5%), Staphylococus aureus (10.8%), while Staphylococcus hominis (2.1%) had the least prevalence of occurrence. All the isolates showed multi-drugs resistance, Staphylococcus aureus showed the highest resistance to several antibiotics commonly used by farmers (80.8% to chloramphenicol, 80.8% to vancomycin and 73.1% of resistance to tetracycline). Statistical analysis of sociodemographic variables with farmers’ knowledge and antibiotics use showed that respondents’ level of education, years of farming experience, and farm type, were statistically significant (p<0.05). There is a need to improve farmers’ knowledge of antibiotics use and the possible consequences of their inappropriate use of antibiotics in farms.
The Institute of "Comradely Principles" and Subsidiary Configurations of Management of the Primary Production Link in the Russian Economy
Authors:   Synergy University, Osipenko Oleg V.
Published: July 2023

This work is devoted to the concept of partnership in the interpretation of A. A. Bogdanov. We are talking about comradely principles in the socio-economic system, that is, about comradely relations, a comradely organization, a comradely collective, a comradely society. The author makes an attempt to highlight the distinctive features and signs of “partnership”, so that in the future, with the help of these signs, it would be possible to select and consider specific forms of organizational relations on a comradely basis, as well as to conduct a comparative analysis of these forms of comradely organization of the economy Using examples of specific business units. The object of the study was the organization and structure of primary production processes, independent management. We are talking only about partnerships engaged in simple forms of production labor, the primary production process, about those subsidiary configurations for which the sign of the notorious “friendliness” is supposedly a key social criterion. The following forms of comradely economic relations are consistently considered in the work: Old Believer farms, monastic (temple) farms, Cossack communities, peasant farms, volunteer movement, as well as formal and informal associations of citizens engaged in creative practice in the field of folk art crafts and local associations “on interests”, and family business associations that legally exploit the statute of the subject of relations of taxation of professional activity (self-employment). The authors draw conclusions about the reason for the stability of the functioning of economic partnerships, which lies in the fact that economic practice is influenced by social institutions: the original way of life, religious beliefs, professional hobbies, high citizenship, blood ties, labor collectives that ensure friendly relations. “Friendly principles” are more typical of forms of organization, which are subsidiary configurations of management of the primary link of production, in contrast to the joint-stock form of organization of social production – a combination of labor law and entrepreneurial relations with the motivation of survival and enrichment.
Possibilities of Streamlining Competitive Interaction in the Light of A. A. Bogdanov's "Tectology"
Authors:   Synergy University, Kovalenko Alexander I.
Published: July 2023

The paper considers the general doctrine of organization – A. Bogdanov’s Tectology from the standpoint of modern theories of management, entrepreneurship and competition. A. Bogdanov’s views on entrepreneurship, competition, and the source of economic initiative are studied. The author of the article tries to answer the question of how A. Bogdanov treated organizational principles in market processes, transactional relations between economic entities. The author tries to understand exactly how A. Bogdanov understood entrepreneurship and competition. For these purposes, a contextual and formal-logical content analysis of the text of A. Bogdanov’s Tectology was carried out on the key terms “entrepreneurship”, “competition”, “initiative”. The views of A. Bogdanov are compared with the modern views of representatives of the neo-Austrian economic school, the positions of scientists in the field of the theory of entrepreneurship and competition. The author comes to the conclusion that A. Bogdanov, following K. Marx, did not distinguish between the socio-economic roles and statuses of an entrepreneur and business owners, generalizing them into a single class – the bourgeoisie. The figure of an entrepreneur (individual, serial, intracompany, social) carries a threat to the very idea of the class organization of society, since an entrepreneur can belong to any class: the bourgeoisie, the peasantry, the technical intelligentsia, or the proletariat. A. Bogdanov refers the entrepreneur to the bourgeoisie, the ruling class from which organizational activity passes to the lower classes. The author of the article comes to interesting conclusions when analyzing the use of the term “competition” by A. Bogdanov. In our opinion, A. Bogdanov generally denied the term “competition” in the semantic core of the concept, arguing that this term is used in different, unrelated senses in different industries and spheres of human activity.
QUALITY SERVICE ON PUBLIC SATISFACTION OF BPJS HEALTHCARE USERS
Authors: Deu Fitriani , Tahir Arifin , Isa Rusli
Published: July 2023

The achievement of perfect service quality will promote the creation of community satisfaction because service quality is a means torealize community satisfaction. This study aims to determine the influence of service quality on public satisfaction of BPJS users partially or simultaneously at Kabila Public Health Center, Bone Bolango Regency. The research employed a quantitative method with a total of 50 respondents. Data were collected through questionnaire and analysed using a simple regression analysis with the aid of the SPSS 25 Microsoft Excel application. The findings demonstrated that the service quality variable has a positive, indicating that if the quality improves, and so public satisfaction will follow. The results of the coefficient of determination test obtained the R Square value of 0.630, meaning that the influence of the quality variable is 63%. Therefore, the overall quality variable has an influence of 63% on the satisfaction variable. Whereas, the remaining 37% is influenced by other variables such as awareness, regulation, organization, income, skill and ability, and service facilities. Partially, service quality has a predominant influence over community satisfaction.
Projektbericht: Studierende erarbeiten Kurzbiografien zu Pastoren der NS-Zeit
Authors: Hertz Helge-Fabien , Tiedemann Lina
Published: July 2023

Im Wintersemester 2022/23 erarbeiteten Studierende der Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel im Rahmen eines Seminars zum Thema Kirche im Nationalsozialismus Biografien von schleswig-holsteinischen Pastoren
der NS-Zeit. Dieser Text reflektiert das Seminar und den Prozess studentischen Forschens und Publizierens.
Kanzeltäter?
Authors: Hertz Helge-Fabien
Published: July 2023

In dem Beitrag werden Überlegungen zur Rolle gesellschaftlicher Multiplikatoren im Rahmen des Zustandekommens und langjährigen Fortbestehens des nationalsozialistischen Gesellschaftsprojekts angestellt.
Besonderes Augenmerk wird dabei auf die evangelische Pastorenschaft gerichtet.
Karl Bitterling: „Ich werde dem Führer des Deutschen Reiches und Volkes, Adolf Hitler, treu und gehorsam sein“
Authors: Schroeter Oliver Joachim
Published: July 2023

Karl Georg Adolf Bitterling (* 16. April 1892 in Kollmar; † 11. Dezember 1964 in Husum) war Pastor in verschiedenen schleswig-holsteinischen Gemeinden und während der NS-Herrschaft Strafanstaltspastor in Neumünster.
Er verkörpert eine NS-konforme Positionierung jenseits von Mitgliedschaften in der NSDAP, SA oder SS. Zudem zeigt er die Vereinbarkeit dieser Haltung mit der Parteinahme für die Bekennende Kirche auf.
Friedrich August Hansen: „[…] daß wir im Geist der toten Millionen des Weltkrieges der Zukunft entgegenschreiten wollen“
Authors: Johnsen Lukas
Published: July 2023

Friedrich August Hansen (* 20. Mai 1891 in Lindholm; † 4. Mai 1954 in Wyk auf Föhr) war schleswig-holsteinischer Pastor vor, während und nach der Zeit des Nationalsozialismus. Nach dem Einsatz im Ersten Weltkrieg und
mehrjährigem Dienst als Pastor in Brasilien wirkte Hansen während der NS-Zeit in der Marinestadt Glückstadt. In Zeitungsbeiträgen verknüpfte er völkische Propaganda mit christlichen Feiertagen.
Fritz Haupt: „Da die Partei sich aber anfänglich sehr kirchenfreundlich gebärdete, habe ich sie in diesem Sinne in Reden und Aufsätzen unterstützt“
Authors: Nehlsen Jonathan
Published: July 2023

Fritz Julius Josef Haupt (* 17. Januar 1885 in Neisse; † 20. April 1969 in Bad Kreuznach) war ein deutscher Pastor. Haupt war im Ersten Weltkrieg als Divisionspfarrer und später als Marinepfarrer tätig. Den Großteil
seiner aktiven Zeit als Pastor verbrachte er in Hessen und Kiel. Er gehörte den Deutschen Christen an.
Hans Horstmann: „Nun aber hat unser Volk den Heimweg angetreten. Geeint in dem Willen des Führers wendet es sich ab von dem Wege, der es in die Fremde, in Schande und Schmach geführt hatte“
Authors: Fuhrmann Torben
Published: July 2023

Hans Horstmann, Pastor in Schleswig-Holstein während der NS-Zeit, war überzeugter Nationalsozialist. NS-konforme Mitgliedschaften und Verkündigungsbeispiele zeichnen ein eindeutiges Bild.
Zudem war er ein Vorkämpfer für das Grenzlanddeutschtum in Nordschleswig und Dänemark.
Adalbert Paulsen: „Die Farbe des deutschen Lebens ist braun! Und der Heros der braunen Farbe ist unser Kanzler und Führer Adolf Hitler“
Authors: Tiedemann Lina
Published: July 2023

Adalbert Paulsen (* 5. Mai 1889 in Kropp; † 9. Januar 1974 in Hamburg) war in der NS-Zeit Landesbischof der Evangelisch-Lutherischen Landeskirche Schleswig-Holstein. Er zeigte sich zunächst als überzeugtes Mitglied
der Deutschen Christen, bemühte sich jedoch zunehmend auch um kirchenpolitische Einigung. Paulsen warb er für den Nationalsozialismus und dessen Vereinbarkeit mit dem Christentum.
Erich Rönnau: „Das Glaubensbekenntnis gleicht der Parole der Soldaten, an der man Freund und Feind auseinanderkennt“
Authors: Stift Jonas
Published: July 2023

Erich Heinrich Lorenz Friedrich Rönnau (* 6. Dezember 1902 in Kiel; † 7. Juni 1989 in Gettorf) war schleswig-holsteinischer Pastor und Propst während und nach der Zeit des Nationalsozialismus. Im sogenannten
„Kirchenkampf“ war er aktives Mitglied der Bekennenden Kirche in Schleswig-Holstein und engagierte sich für die Wahrung der kirchlichen Autonomie.
Johannes Schröder: „Mut und Opferfreudigkeit zum Kampf für ein besseres, freies Vaterland, für eine glückliche Zukunft, die nicht mehr überschattet ist vom Dunkel der Tyrannei!“
Authors: Reinle Yannick
Published: July 2023

Johannes Karl Georg Hermann Schröder (* 7. Dezember 1909 in Kiel; † 28. Juli 1990 ebenda) war schleswig-holsteinischer Pastor während und nach der Zeit des Nationalsozialismus. Während seines Dienstes als Wehrmachtspfarrer
wurde er Zeuge der Niederlage in Stalingrad. In Kriegsgefangenschaft engagierte er sich für das „Nationalkomitee Freies Deutschland“ mit Aufrufen zum Widerstand gegen das NS-Regime.
Adolf Thomsen: „So ist der Pastor nicht als Pastor politische Instanz, aber auch kein Inhaber eines politischen Amtes als solcher kirchliche Instanz““
Authors: Drescher Kari Alina
Published: July 2023

Pastor Adolf Friedrich Martin Thomsen (* 30. Mai 1901 in Rendsburg; † 04. März 1997 in Flensburg) war ein deutscher Pastor und Rektor der evangelisch-lutherischen Diakonissenanstalt in Flensburg. Thomsen war ein
leitendes Mitglied der Bekennenden Kirche in Flensburg und positionierte sich gegen die Gleichschaltung der Kirche. Im Oktober 1936 war er Mitveranstalter der Evangelischen Woche in Flensburg.
Richard Schmidt: „Sehnsüchtig schaute ein Volk aus nach dem Befreier aus der Not. Da kam der Führer“
Authors: Gürsoy Emir
Published: July 2023

Pastor Richard Heinrich Traugott Schmidt (* 13. März 1877 in Rendsburg; † 5. August 1955 in Hamburg) war ein deutscher Pastor, der den Aufstieg der NSDAP unterstützte und offen für die Partei warb.
Zugleich distanzierte er sich von der völkischen und christentumsfeindlichen Ideologie Alfred Rosenbergs.
A survey on Iranian midwives’ knowledge about COVID-19 during pregnancy, delivery, postpartum, and neonatal feeding
Authors: Azarkish Fatemeh , Janghorban Roksana
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the care that maternal and newborn health professionals, especially midwives, provide. If they know how to care for COVID-19 patients during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum, they can manage these cases better. The study aimed to identify the knowledge of Iranian midwives about COVID-19 during pregnancy, delivery, postpartum, and neonatal feeding.
Aim: The study aimed to identify the knowledge of Iranian midwives about COVID-19 during pregnancy, delivery, postpartum, and neonatal feeding.
Methodology: This cross‑sectional study was conducted on 438 Iranian midwives from March to April 2021. Personal data and knowledge of them were gathered using an electronic web-based questionnaire. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software version 18.
Results: The mean age of participants was 31.8 ± 2.3. The mean knowledge score of midwives was 11.2 ± 2.8, which was moderate. 91.55% of Midwives were more knowledgeable about COVID-19 infection symptoms in pregnant women. 34.93% and 31.05% of midwives had correct knowledge about vaccination against COVID-19 during pregnancy and breastfeeding, respectively. Results showed no statistically significant relationship between personal characteristics and knowledge of them (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: Midwives’ knowledge about COVID-19 during pregnancy, delivery, postpartum, and neonatal feeding was moderate. Recommendations: Continuing educational programs are needed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education to design and implement for improving healthcare professionals’ knowledge about COVID-19 during pregnancy, delivery, postpartum, and neonatal feeding.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected our rheumatology patients using biological/targeted DMARDs?
Authors: Gulle Semih , Erez Yesim , Karakas Ali , Yuce Inel Tuba , Kocaer Sinem Burcu , Demirci Yildirim Tuba , Can Gercek , Sari Ismail , Birlik Merih , Onen Fatos
Published: July 2023

Introduction: We aimed to investigate the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the course and treatment of patients with inflammatory rheumatic musculoskeletal disease (iRMD) using biologic or targeted synthetic disease modifying and rheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs).
Methodology: The study was carried out in two stages: in the first stage we investigated the delay of b/tsDMARD treatment in the first 3 months of the pandemic; in the second stage, we investigated all patients who decided to continue treatment after interruption in the 12-month period.
Results: A total of 521 patients were included in the study. The iRMD diagnosis was listed as spondyloarthritis (SpA) (54.3%), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (25.7%), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) (8.4%), vasculitis (6.1%), and others (5.4%). Concurrent use of hydroxychloroquine (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.49), iv bDMARD use (HR = 1.34), and a history of discontinuation of drug in the first 3 months of the pandemic (HR = 1.19) were determined as factors that reduced 12-month drug retention rates. The use of glucocorticoid (HR = 3.81) and having a diagnosis of interstitial lung disease/chronic obstructive lung disease (HR = 4.96) were found to increase the risk of being infected by SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Conclusions: It was shown that approximately 1/5 of iRMD patients using b/tsDMARDs delayed their treatment due to the fear of COVID-19 in the first three months of the pandemic process. However, with good communication with the patients, b/tsDMARD treatment was restarted and the 12-month drug retention status was quite high.
A study of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity in Duhok City, Iraq
Authors: Hussein Nawfal R , Shahab Guleer H , Rasheed Narin A , Ahmed Alind N , Salih Reving S , Mahdi Ahmed S , Mansour Sabeeha A , Mahdi Shaveen , Naqid Ibrahim A , Ibrahim Nawshan , Musa Dildar H , Saleem Zana SM
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The study aimed to investigate the positivity rate of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and associated factors.
Methodology: Data and blood samples were collected between January 10th and December 30th, 2021 based on COVID-19 infection by using a designated questionnaire. The blood samples were used for the detection of total SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
Results: 743 participants were recruited and 62.58% of them were positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Among these, 56.34% denied any symptoms of COVID-19. A higher positivity rate was found among females than men (OR = 1.5, CI = 1.1-2.0, p = 0.0073). Participants that had been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past had a significantly higher prevalence of antibodies, and were nearly four times more likely to develop antibodies (OR = 4.0, CI = 2.4-6.8, p < 0.0001). Interestingly, only 3% of the participants with previous COVID-19 were seronegative while 46.54% were positive for antibodies without having a history of COVID-19 infection. Participants that reported symptoms were 2.6 times more likely to develop antibodies (OR = 2.6, CI = 1.9-3.6, p < 0.0001). Lastly, we found age to be significantly associated with the production of antibodies (CI = 13.3-14.7, p < 0.0001).
Conclusions: The information from this study can be used to mitigate and develop tailored vaccination efforts and plan evidence-based strategies to better mitigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Kurdistan-Iraq.
A revised interpretation of attachment structures in Hexapoda with special emphasis on Mantophasmatodea
Authors: Beutel Rolf. , Gorb Stanislav
Published: July 2023

Characters of hexapod attachment structures were analysed cladistically together with 110 additional morphological characters of immatures and adults. The results suggest the monophyly of Hexapoda, Ellipura, Diplura + Ectognatha, and Dicondylia. Lepidothrichidae is either the sister group of the remaining Dicondylia or part of a clade Zygentoma. Odonata is the sister group of Neoptera, and Plecoptera possibly the sister group of the remaining neopteran orders. Pliconeoptera are paraphyletic. Embioptera were placed as sistergroup of a clade comprising the remaining Pliconeoptera, Paraneoptera and Endopterygota. The branching pattern of the majority of the “lower neopteran” groups is Dermaptera + ((Dictyoptera + (Orthoptera + Phasmatodea)) + (Grylloblattodea + Mantophasmatodea)). The sister group relationship between Mantophasmatodea and Grylloblattodea is only weakly supported. Zoraptera were placed as sister group of Acercaria (Paraneoptera). The monophyly of Psocodea and Hemiptera was confirmed. Paraneoptera are the sister group of Endopterygota. Strepsiptera were placed as sister taxon to the remaining Endopterygota. Coleoptera + Neuropterida is weakly supported statistically. They are placed as sister group of Hymenoptera + (Amphiesmenoptera + Antliophora). The interrelationships within Antliophora remain uncertain. Attachment devices that have evolved in an apterygote lineage are the tufts of curved hairs on the apical tarsus of archaeognathan species (scopulae). Attachment pads were absent in the groundplan of Pterygota. The arolium is likely a derived groundplan feature of Neoptera, with secondary loss in several groups. It is usually smooth on its surface. The hairy surface of the greatly enlarged arolium and the hairy surface of the euplantulae are autapomorphies of Mantophasmatodea. Pad-like euplantulae are a potential synapomorphy of the clade comprising Dictyoptera, Phasmatodea, Orthoptera, Grylloblattodea (strongly reduced in size) and Mantophasmatodea. Hairy or smooth pulvilli have evolved several times independently. Hairy soles of tarsomeres are present in Embioptera, Dermaptera, Megaloptera, Raphidioptera, Coleoptera (groundplan) and Stylopidia (absent in the groundplan of Strepsiptera). The phylogenetic interpretation of this character is ambiguous. An eversible pretarsal vesicle is autapomorphic for Thysanoptera and a fossula spongiosa for Piratinae (Reduviidae). An extended empodium occurs in Nematocera excl. Tipulomorpha and in Tabanoidea. The presence of hairy pulvilli and the loss of the arolium are potential apomorphies of Diptera excl. Tipulomorpha. Plantar lobes are a derived groundplan feature of Hymenoptera and partly or completely reduced in Apocrita.
Evidence from embryology for reconstructing the relationships of hexapod basal clades
Authors: Machida Ryuichiro
Published: July 2023

Hexapod basal clades are discussed and their relationships reconstructed based on comparative embryological evidence. Monophylies of Diplura, Dicondylia and Ectognatha is strongly supported but no embryological evidence supports mono-phyly of the Entognatha. The developmental potential of the embryonic membrane (it forms part of the dorsal body wall) suggests that proturans may be basal to all other hexapods
Revision of the New World Dohrniphora Dahl species with hind tibial setae (Diptera: Phoridae)
Authors: Brown Brian , Kung Giar-Ann
Published: July 2023

The New World species of Dohrniphora with one or more large hind tibial setae are revised. Prior to our work, the known fauna consisted of 36 described species, including fi ve that are mostly known from specimens lacking hind tibial setae. Fifty-two new species are described, all from the Neotropical Region. Two names, D. anterosetalis Borgmeier & Prado and D. trudiae Disney, are both considered new synonyms of D. anteroventralis Borgmeier. The Dohrniphora species with hind tibial setae are not considered to be a monophyletic group, but some tentative monophyletic groups within this assemblage are proposed. In particular, a large group of small, yellow species is recognized as the probably monophyletic D. pyricornis group.
Phylogeny of Branchiopoda (Crustacea) - Character Evolution and Contribution of Uniquely Preserved Fossils
Authors: Olesen Jorgen
Published: July 2023

Phylogeny of Branchiopoda (Crustacea) has received intensive attention the last decade and a widely accepted full resolution of the relationships between the major branchiopod taxa is close. Various well-preserved fossil branchiopods (e.g., Castracollis, Lepidocaris, Kazacharthra, Leptodorosida) combine characters from major recent taxa and are therefore necessary for a full understanding of branchiopod phylogeny and evolution. Here is presented a morphology-based phylogenetic analysis of Branchiopoda, which combines recent taxa with the most well-preserved and informative fossils. The analysis results in support of the following clades: Branchiopoda, Sarsostraca (= Anostraca + Lepidocaris), Phyllopoda, Calmanostraca (= Kazacharthra + Notostraca), an unnamed clade consisting of Castracollis and Calmanostraca, Diplostraca, an unnamed clade consisting of Spinicaudata and Cladoceromorpha, Spinicaudata, Cladoceromorpha, Cladocera, and Gymnomera. The character support for all clades is presented, which provides a basis for a discussion of aspects of branchiopod evolution.
Stomatopod Interrelationships: Preliminary Results Based on Analysis of three Molecular Loci
Authors: Ahyong Shane , Jarman Simon
Published: July 2023

The mantis shrimps (Stomatopoda) are quintessential marine predators. The combination of powerful raptorial appendages and remarkably developed sensory systems place the stomatopods among the most effi cient invertebrate predators. High level phylogenetic analyses have been so far based on morphology. Crown-group Unipeltata appear to have diverged in two broad directions from the outset – one towards highly effi cient ‘spearing’ with multispinous dactyli on the raptorial claws (dominated by Lysiosquilloidea and Squilloidea), and the other towards ‘smashing’ (Gonodactyloidea). In a preliminary molecular study of stomatopod interrelationships, we assemble molecular data for mitochondrial 12S and 16S regions, combined with new sequences from the 16S and two regions of the nuclear 28S rDNA to compare with morphological hypotheses. Nineteen species representing 9 of 17 extant families and 3 of 7 superfamilies were analysed. The molecular data refl ect the overall patterns derived from morphology, especially in a monophyletic Squilloidea, a monophyletic Lysiosquilloidea and a monophyletic clade of gonodactyloid smashers. Molecular analyses, however, suggest the novel possibility that Hemisquillidae and possibly Pseudosquillidae, rather than being basal or near basal in Gonodactyloidea, may be basal overall to the extant stomatopods. In this context, it is signifi cant that in many respects, hemisquillids resemble the stem-lineage condition more so than any other extant forms.
New data on the Blattogryllidae-Plesioblattogryllidae-Grylloblattidae complex (Insecta: Grylloblattida: Blattogryllopterida tax.n.)
Authors: Cui Yingying
Published: July 2023

The taxon Blattogryllopterida tax.n., whose distinctive character is ‘in forewing, M + CuA splitting into MA and MP + CuA’ (as opposed to ‘into M and CuA’), is erected to make possible a taxonomic assignment of isolated grylloblattidan wings which cannot be conclusively assigned either to the Blattogryllidae or the Plesioblattogryllidae. Material of two blattogryllopteridan species collected from the Daohugou locality (Middle Jurassic; Northeast China) is described. The limited available data on the species Plesioblattogryllus minor Ren & Aristov, 2011 are complemented by descriptions of four wellpreserved specimens, some exhibiting variation in wing venation. Duoduo qianae gen.n. et sp.n. is erected on the basis of an isolated wing. Characters useful for the identification of members of the families Blattogryllidae and Plesioblattogryllidae as well as characters possibly linking these taxa with the extant Grylloblattidae are discussed.
Systematics and phylogeny of the Neotropical genera Pescolinus Sharp and Neopescolinus gen.n. (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)
Authors: Chani Posse Mariana
Published: July 2023

A systematic revision and a phylogenetic analysis of the closely related Neotropical genera Pescolinus Sharp, 1885 and Neopescolinus gen.n. (Staphylininae: Staphylinini: Philonthina) are presented. Both genera are revised using characters of external morphology and male and female genitalia, with keys for identification, diagnoses, descriptions, illustrations, a phylogenetic analysis, and a distributional map. Eight valid species are recognized for Pescolinus: P. palmatus Sharp, P. schmidti Bierig and six new species, P. aeneus, P. cartagensis, P. costaricensis, P. montanus, P. moyae and P. varablanquesis. Neopescolinus gen.n., from Costa Rica, is described for one new species, N. nevermanni. Lectotype is designated for Pescolinus palmatus Sharp. The cladistic analysis shows Pescolinus as a monophyletic genus which forms together with Linoderus Sharp, Odontolinus Sharp and Neopescolinus a well supported clade that belongs to a natural group of Neotropical Philonthina
Phylogeny of the North American scorpion genus Diplocentrus Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones: Diplocentridae) based on morphology, nuclear and mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Santibanez Carlos , Francke Oscar , Prendini Lorenzo
Published: July 2023

The scorpion genus Diplocentrus Peters, 1861, endemic to North and Central America, is the most diverse in family Diplocentridae Karsch, 1880. There is considerable morphological variation among the species of Diplocentrus. It is necessary to test the monophyly and phylogenetic position of Diplocentrus in order to revise its diagnosis and taxonomic limits. The present contribution provides a phylogenetic analysis of 29 species of Diplocentrus, five exemplar species representing the three putatively most closely related diplocentrid genera, and an exemplar of a more distantly related diplocentrid genus. The analysis was based on 95 morphological characters and 4202 aligned nucleotides from DNA sequences of five markers in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Separate and simultaneous parsimony analyses of the morphological and DNA sequence data were conducted with equal weighting and six implied weighting regimes. The nuclear and mitochondrial DNA datasets were also analyzed separately and simultaneously with Bayesian inference. The resulting topologies recovered the monophyly of Diplocentrus, with the exception of two neobothriotaxic species from central Mexico, for which a new genus Kolotl Santibáñez-López et al., 2014, is justified. The keyserlingii group, as previously defined, was not monophyletic due to the placement of two species in the mexicanus group; the rest of its component species were monophyletic, however. A third clade was recovered that has not been previously recognized: the zacatecanus group, comprising four species from northern Mexico and the southwestern U.S.A. New insights are provided concerning relationships among Diplocentrus and the diplocentrid genera Bioculus Stahnke, 1968 and Didymocentrus Kraepelin, 1905, the phylogenetic positions of which were previously ambiguous.
Systematic revision of the Oriental planthopper genus Miasa Distant (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Dictyopharidae), with description of a new genus from southern India
Authors: Song Zhi-Shun , Webb Michael , Liang Ai-Ping
Published: July 2023

The dictyopharid planthopper genus Miasa Distant, 1906 (Orthopagini) is revised to include three known species, M. producta (Lethierry, 1888), M. smaragdilinea (Walker, 1857), and M. wallacei Muir, 1923, and two new species M. borneensis sp.n. and M. nigromaculata sp.n., all distributed in Southeast Asia. The confusion regarding the taxonomy of Miasa species is clarified on the basis of a critical review and examination of historical material. Male genitalia of all species and fifth-instar nymph of M. smaragdilinea are described and illustrated for the first time. A new genus Indomiasa gen.n. which is closely related to Miasa, is also established for a single new species, I. distanti sp.n., from southern India. A phylogenetic analysis based on morphological characters of adults was conducted to reconstruct the species-level phylogenetic relationships of Miasa and Indomiasa. The results show that the monophyly of Miasa and Miasa + Indomiasa is well supported. Keys to the genera of Orthopagini in the Oriental region and to the species of Miasa are provided.
Reproductive biology and postembryonic development of a polyphagid cockroach Eucorydia yasumatsui Asahina (Blattodea: Polyphagidae)
Authors: Fujita Mari , Machida Ryuichiro
Published: July 2023

Reproductive biology, including mating behavior, ootheca deposition, ootheca rotation, and postembryonic development, were examined and described in a Japanese polyphagid, Eucorydia yasumatsui Asahina, 1971. E. yasumatsui lacks elaborate pre-copulation behaviors, in contrast to most cockroaches. On encountering a female, the male rushes to her, chases her, touching her with his antennae, and finally the pair initiates “tail-to-tail” copulation. The ootheca bears a well-developed, serrated keel along its dorsal median line and a flange on its anterior end, which is grasped with the female’s paraprocts while she carries the ootheca. The ootheca formed in the vestibulum emerges from her caudal end, with its keel upwards. Several hours later, she rotates the ootheca clockwise by 90°, viewed from the female’s side, into a horizontal position. After rotation, she carries the ootheca, maintaining this horizontal position for a few days, and then deposits it on the ground. The number of larval instars was 9 or 10 in females and 8 or 9 in males. Addition of annuli to the antennal flagellum occurs from the 2nd instar molting onwards, and annular division occurs both in the 1st annulus of the flagellum (meriston) and in the annulus following it (called “meristal annulus” from the 3rd instar on): one to several annuli from the former and a single annulus from the latter are added. Sexes can be distinguished from the 3rd instar on according to the changes of the postabdominal structures. Regarding exposed structures, in the female the posterior margin of abdominal coxosternum VIII becomes incised medially, the abdominal coxosterna VIII and IX retract, and the styli of segment IX disappear. The male does not undergo marked externally visible changes.
Dichotrachelus pesarinii sp.n., a missing link between the species from the central and the western southern Alps (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cyclominae)
Authors: Meregalli Massimo , Monguzzi Riccardo , Klass Klaus , Cervella Piero , Kahlen Manfred
Published: July 2023

A new species of Dichotrachelus associated with Saxifraga caesia is described, D. pesarinii sp.n., and a phylogenetic analysis is carried out based on morphological and molecular mtCOI data. The new species resolved as the sister group of the D. sulcipennis group, whose members are associated with Saxifraga oppositifolia. This placement suggests that this group differentiated in the central southern Alps, and that the new species represents an evolutionary link between the species from the central and eastern southern Alps and those from the western Alps. The evolution of the association of Dichotrachelus with particular Saxifraga species remains contradictory; scenarios are proposed.