bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpretable machine learning models for detecting peripheral neuropathy and lower extremity arterial disease in diabetics: an analysis of critical shared and unique risk factors
Authors: Wu Ya , Dong Danmeng , Zhu Lijie , Luo Zihong , Liu Yang , Xie Xiaoyun
Published: July 2024

Background

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) are significant contributors to diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which severely affect patients’ quality of life. This study aimed to develop machine learning (ML) predictive models for DPN and LEAD and to identify both shared and distinct risk factors.

Methods

This retrospective study included 479 diabetic inpatients, of whom 215 were diagnosed with DPN and 69 with LEAD. Clinical data and laboratory results were collected for each patient. Feature selection was performed using three methods: mutual information (MI), random forest recursive feature elimination (RF-RFE), and the Boruta algorithm to identify the most important features. Predictive models were developed using logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), with particle swarm optimization (PSO) used to optimize their hyperparameters. The SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) method was applied to determine the importance of risk factors in the top-performing models.

Results

For diagnosing DPN, the XGBoost model was most effective, achieving a recall of 83.7%, specificity of 86.8%, accuracy of 85.4%, and an F1 score of 83.7%. On the other hand, the RF model excelled in diagnosing LEAD, with a recall of 85.7%, specificity of 92.9%, accuracy of 91.9%, and an F1 score of 82.8%. SHAP analysis revealed top five critical risk factors shared by DPN and LEAD, including increased urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum creatinine (Scr), older age, and carotid stenosis. Additionally, distinct risk factors were pinpointed: decreased serum albumin and lower lymphocyte count were linked to DPN, while elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and higher D-dimer levels were associated with LEAD.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the effectiveness of ML models in predicting DPN and LEAD in diabetic patients and identified significant risk factors. Focusing on shared risk factors may greatly reduce the prevalence of both conditions, thereby mitigating the risk of developing DFUs.
Principles of digital professionalism for the metaverse in healthcare
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Zahra , Shokri Mehdi , Saeidnia Hamid Reza , Kozak Marcin , Marengo Agostino , Lund Brady D , Ausloos Marcel , Ghiasi Nasrin
Published: July 2024

Background

Experts are currently investigating the potential applications of the metaverse in healthcare. The metaverse, a groundbreaking concept that arose in the early 21st century through the fusion of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies, holds promise for transforming healthcare delivery. Alongside its implementation, the issue of digital professionalism in healthcare must be addressed. Digital professionalism refers to the knowledge and skills required by healthcare specialists to navigate digital technologies effectively and ethically. This study aims to identify the core principles of digital professionalism for the use of metaverse in healthcare.

Method

This study utilized a qualitative design and collected data through semi-structured online interviews with 20 medical information and health informatics specialists from various countries (USA, UK, Sweden, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Italy, Iran). Data analysis was conducted using the open coding method, wherein concepts (codes) related to the themes of digital professionalism for the metaverse in healthcare were assigned to the data. The analysis was performed using the MAXQDA software (VER BI GmbH, Berlin, Germany).

Results

The study revealed ten fundamental principles of digital professionalism for the metaverse in healthcare: Privacy and Security, Informed Consent, Trust and Integrity, Accessibility and Inclusion, Professional Boundaries, Evidence-Based Practice, Continuous Education and Training, Collaboration and Interoperability, Feedback and Improvement, and Regulatory Compliance.

Conclusion

As the metaverse continues to expand and integrate itself into various industries, including healthcare, it becomes vital to establish principles of digital professionalism to ensure ethical and responsible practices. Healthcare professionals can uphold these principles to maintain ethical standards, safeguard patient privacy, and deliver effective care within the metaverse.
Refugee and immigrants’ food consumption, housing and sociodemographic characteristics in southern Brazil
Authors: Vacca Eduarda Fellomena , Vinholes Daniele Botelho
Published: July 2024

Objective

To describe the food consumption of immigrants and refugees in a city in southern Brazil and evaluate the associations with sociodemographic and housing characteristics.

Method

This is a cross-sectional study with users of an association specialized in assisting refugees and immigrants in Porto Alegre-RS. Individuals aged 18 or over of both sexes with an understanding of Portuguese were included. An online questionnaire with sociodemographic, housing, and food characteristics was available to service users, and data analysis was performed using SPSS, considering p < 0.05.

Results

The study included 68 individuals, predominantly women (76.5%) with a mean age of 34.39 (± 8.9) years and mainly from Venezuela. The food group most frequently consumed daily was the cereal group. Groups such as legumes and vegetables, meat and eggs, biscuits, and cold meats presented a higher weekly consumption frequency. Fruit, Brazil nuts and walnuts, dairy products, regular soda, ready-made desserts, frozen ready-made meals, and fried foods had the highest monthly consumption. There was an association between the consumption of fried foods and sex, cereal consumption and self-declared color, the consumption of biscuits, chocolate drinks, schooling, and cold meats consumption and age.

Conclusion

In this study we observed that men consumed more fried foods than women and low education level was associated with the frequent consumption of biscuits, chocolate drinks, ham, salami or mortadella and ready-made meals. This study allowed us to investigate the profile and diet of people among refugees and immigrants in the South of Brazil since most of the data on food consumption of this type of population are from the North, and these regions are different in relation to socioeconomic characteristics. It is essential to become aware of the health and food situation of this population group to assist in the acculturation process and ensure adequate reception.
Hsa_circ_0043532 contributes to PCOS through upregulation of CYP19A1 by acting as a ceRNA for hsa-miR-1270
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Fang Jianye , Liu Yingxue , Zhu Wenqian , Xu Yangying , Zhang Yu , Shen Wei , Li Duan , Hao Cuifang
Published: July 2024

Background

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) accounts for about 75% of anovulatory infertility. The cause of PCOS is not clear. CircRNAs acting as miRNA sponges mediate the post-transcriptional regulation of multiple genes. CYP19A1 is a limiting enzyme in the ovarian steroidogenesis pathway. However, the mechanism of circRNAs regulating granulosa cell (GC) estradiol secretion in PCOS remains to be elucidated.

Methods

Bioinformatics was used to predict the potential target miRNAs of circ_0043532 and target genes of miR-1270. Target miRNAs and mRNA expression were verified by qRT-PCR in GCs from 45 women with PCOS and 65 non-PCOS. Western blot, ELISA and dual-luciferase reporter assays were applied to confirm the substrate of miR-1270.

Results

Circ_0043532 and CYP19A1 were significant up-regulation in GCs from patients with PCOS. The predicted target miRNAs of circ_0053432, miR-1270, miR-576-5p, miR-421 and miR-142-5p, were notably decreased in GCs from patients with PCOS. Mechanistic experiments showed that circ_0043532 specifically binds to miR-1270. MiR-1270 was negatively regulated by circ_0043532. Concomitantly, miR-1270 inhibited CYP19A1 expression and estradiol production, which could be reversed by circ_0043532 over-expression.

Conclusion

We identified that circ_0043532/miR-1270/CYP19A1 axis contributes to the aberrant steroidogenesis of GCs from patients with PCOS. This study broadens the spectrum of pathogenic factors of PCOS, and circ_0043532 might be a potential therapeutic target for PCOS.
Continuous non-invasive vs. invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring during neuroradiological procedure: a comparative, prospective, monocentric, observational study
Authors: Chapalain Xavier , Morvan Thomas , Gentric Jean-Christophe , Subileau Aurélie , Jacob Christophe , Cadic Anna , Caillard Anaïs , Huet Olivier
Published: July 2024

Background

In the perioperative setting, the most accurate way to continuously measure arterial blood pressure (ABP) is using an arterial catheter. Surrogate methods such as finger cuff have been developed to allow non-invasive measurements and are increasingly used, but need further evaluation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy and clinical concordance between two devices for the measurement of ABP during neuroradiological procedure.

Methods

This is a prospective, monocentric, observational study. All consecutive patients undergoing a neuroradiological procedure were eligible. Patients who needed arterial catheter for blood pressure measurement were included. During neuroradiological procedure, ABP (systolic, mean and diatolic blood pressure) was measured with two different technologies: radial artery catheter and Nexfin. Bland-Altman and error grid analyses were performed to evaluate the accuracy and clinical concordance between devices.

Results

From March 2022 to November 2022, we included 50 patients, mostly ASA 3 (60%) and required a cerebral embolization (94%) under general anaesthesia (96%). Error grid analysis showed that 99% of non-invasive ABP measures obtained with the Nexfin were located in the risk zone A or B. However, 65.7% of hypertension events and 41% of hypotensive events were respectively not detected by Nexfin. Compared to the artery catheter, a significant relationship was found for SAP (r2 = 0.78) and MAP (r2 = 0.80) with the Nexfin (p < 0.001). Bias and limits of agreement (LOA) were respectively 9.6 mmHg (− 15.6 to 34.8 mmHg) and − 0.8 mmHg (− 17.2 to 15.6 mmHg), for SAP and MAP.

Conclusions

Nexfin is not strictly interchangeable with artery catheter for ABP measuring. Further studies are needed to define its clinical use during neuroradiological procedure.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, registration number: NCT05283824.
Assessment of antimicrobial stewardship programmes and antibiotic use among children admitted to two hospitals in Sierra Leone: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kamara Ibrahim Franklyn , Fofanah Bobson Derrick , Nuwagira Innocent , Kamara Kadijatu Nabie , Tengbe Sia Morenike , Abiri Onome , Kamara Rugiatu Z. , Lakoh Sulaiman , Farma Lynda , Kamara Abibatu Kollia , Hailu Binyam , Dove Djossaya , Squire James Sylvester , D’Almeida Selassi A. , Sheriff Bockarie , Mustapha Ayeshatu , Bawa Najima , Lagesse Hailemariam , Koroma Aminata Tigiedankay , Kanu Joseph Sam
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health concern and irrational use of antibiotics in hospitals is a key driver of AMR. Even though it is not preventable, antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes will reduce or slow it down. Research evidence from Sierra Leone has demonstrated the high use of antibiotics in hospitals, but no study has assessed hospital AMS programmes and antibiotic use specifically among children. We conducted the first-ever study to assess the AMS programmes and antibiotics use in two tertiary hospitals in Sierra Leone.

Methods

This was a hospital-based cross-sectional survey using the World Health Organization (WHO) point prevalence survey (PPS) methodology. Data was collected from the medical records of eligible patients at the Ola During Children’s Hospital (ODCH) and Makeni Regional Hospital (MRH) using the WHO PPS hospital questionnaire; and required data collection forms. The prescribed antibiotics were classified according to the WHO Access, Watch, and Reserve (AWaRe) classification. Ethics approval was obtained from the Sierra Leone Ethics and Scientific Review Committee. Statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS version 22.

Results

Both ODCH and MRH did not have the required AMS infrastructure; policy and practice; and monitoring and feedback mechanisms to ensure rational antibiotic prescribing. Of the 150 patients included in the survey, 116 (77.3%) were admitted at ODCH and 34 (22.7%) to MRH, 77 (51.3%) were males and 73 (48.7%) were females. The mean age was 2 years (SD=3.5). The overall prevalence of antibiotic use was 84.7% (95% CI: 77.9% – 90.0%) and 77 (83.8%) of the children aged less than one year received an antibiotic. The proportion of males that received antibiotics was higher than that of females. Most (58, 47.2 %) of the patients received at least two antibiotics. The top five antibiotics prescribed were gentamycin (100, 27.4%), ceftriaxone (76, 20.3%), ampicillin (71, 19.5%), metronidazole (44, 12.1%), and cefotaxime (31, 8.5%). Community-acquired infections were the primary diagnoses for antibiotic prescription.

Conclusion

The non-existence of AMS programmes might have contributed to the high use of antibiotics at ODCH and MRH. This has the potential to increase antibiotic selection pressure and in turn the AMR burden in the country. There is need to establish hospital AMS teams and train health workers on the rational use of antibiotics.
Distributions, interactions, and dynamics of prokaryotes and phages in a hybrid biological wastewater treatment system
Authors: Wang Dou , Liu Lei , Xu Xiaoqing , Wang Chunxiao , Wang Yulin , Deng Yu , Zhang Tong
Published: July 2024

Background

Understanding the interactions and dynamics of microbiotas within biological wastewater treatment systems is essential for ensuring their stability and long-term sustainability. In this study, we developed a systematic framework employing multi-omics and Hi-C sequencing to extensively investigate prokaryotic and phage communities within a hybrid biofilm and activated sludge system.

Results

We uncovered distinct distribution patterns, metabolic capabilities, and activities of functional prokaryotes through the analysis of 454 reconstructed prokaryotic genomes. Additionally, we reconstructed a phage catalog comprising 18,645 viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs) with high length and contiguity using hybrid assembly, and a distinct distribution of phages was depicted between activated sludge (AS) and biofilm. Importantly, 1340 host-phage pairs were established using Hi-C and conventional in silico methods, unveiling the host-determined phage prevalence. The majority of predicted hosts were found to be involved in various crucial metabolic processes, highlighting the potential vital roles of phages in influencing substance metabolism within this system. Moreover, auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) related to various categories (e.g., carbohydrate degradation, sulfur metabolism, transporter) were predicted. Subsequent activity analysis emphasized their potential ability to mediate host metabolism during infection. We also profiled the temporal dynamics of phages and their associated hosts using 13-month time-series metagenomic data, further demonstrating their tight interactions. Notably, we observed lineage-specific infection patterns, such as potentially host abundance- or phage/host ratio-driven phage population changes.

Conclusions

The insights gained from this research contribute to the growing body of knowledge surrounding interactions and dynamics of host-phage and pave the way for further exploration and potential applications in the field of microbial ecology.
The discourse on technological literacy: exploring visual representations enabled by the visual cultures of four Swedish vocational education and training programmes
Authors: Larsson Andreas , Fälton Emelie , Stolpe Karin
Published: July 2024

In today’s rapidly changing world, technology has profoundly impacted our daily lives, making it increasingly difficult to predict what skills will be necessary for the future. To address this challenge, 21st-century skills have been proposed as a framework for shaping future education, in which one of the skills is technological literacy. How the latter is understood, positioned, and approached is influenced by discourses produced within and among various societal practices, such as the educational system. This article provides a glimpse of the discourse on technological literacy by exploring how “technological literacy” is portrayed within the visual cultures of four Swedish upper secondary VET programs. Our results indicate that the portrayals of becoming technologically literate for VET students vary among the programmes. However, they all emphasise practical and hands-on activities, where students can be seen engaging with various tools, equipment, and objects relevant to each programme’s field of study. Teamwork and peer-to-peer learning are also portrayed as central to these programmes, simultaneously as leadership roles and the distribution of responsibilities among students are commonly featured. While the programmes’ visual portrayals reflect diversity in ethnicity and gender, traditional gender roles are still (re)produced in the pictorials.
A preclinical mice model of multiple sclerosis based on the toxin-induced double-site demyelination of callosal and cerebellar fibers
Authors: Vejar Sebastián , Pizarro Ignacio S. , Pulgar-Sepúlveda Raúl , Vicencio Sinay C. , Polit Andrés , Amador Cristian A. , del Rio Rodrigo , Varas Rodrigo , Orellana Juan A. , Ortiz Fernando C.
Published: July 2024

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an irreversible progressive CNS pathology characterized by the loss of myelin (i.e. demyelination). The lack of myelin is followed by a progressive neurodegeneration triggering symptoms as diverse as fatigue, motor, locomotor and sensory impairments and/or bladder, cardiac and respiratory dysfunction. Even though there are more than fourteen approved treatments for reducing MS progression, there are still no cure for the disease. Thus, MS research is a very active field and therefore we count with different experimental animal models for studying mechanisms of demyelination and myelin repair, however, we still lack a preclinical MS model assembling demyelination mechanisms with relevant clinical-like signs.

Results

Here, by inducing the simultaneous demyelination of both callosal and cerebellar white matter fibers by the double-site injection of lysolecithin (LPC), we were able to reproduce CNS demyelination, astrocyte recruitment and increases levels of proinflammatory cytokines levels along with motor, locomotor and urinary impairment, as well as cardiac and respiratory dysfunction, in the same animal model. Single site LPC-injections either in corpus callosum or cerebellum only, fails in to reproduce such a complete range of MS-like signs.

Conclusion

We here report that the double-site LPC injections treatment evoke a complex MS-like mice model. We hope that this experimental approach will help to deepen our knowledge about the mechanisms of demyelinated diseases such as MS.
Health simulation through the lens of self-determination theory — opportunities and pathways for discovery
Authors: Davies Ellen
Published: July 2024

Health simulation is broadly viewed as an appealing, impactful, and innovative enhancement for the education and assessment of health professions students and practitioners. We have seen exponential and global growth in programmes implementing simulation techniques and technologies. Alongside this enthusiasm and growth, the theoretical underpinnings that might guide the efficacy of the field have not always been considered. Many of the principles that guide simulation design, development and practice have been intuited through practical trial and error. In considering how to retrofit theory to practice, we have at our disposal existing theories that may assist with building our practice, expertise, identity as a community of practice, authority and legitimacy as a field. Self-determination theory (SDT) is an established and evolving theory that examines the quality of motivation and human behaviours. It has been applied to a variety of contexts and provides evidence that may support and enhance the practice of health simulation. In this paper, SDT is outlined, and avenues for examining the fit of theory to practice are suggested. Promising links exist between SDT and health simulation. Opportunities and new pathways of discovery await.
The heritagization of cultural politics: anthropological research on Chinese cultural heritage
Authors: Zhou Xing , Huang Jie
Published: July 2024

Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, in alignment with globalization and the megatrend within the international socio-cultural sphere, China has initiated a large-scale “intangible cultural heritage (ICH) protection movement” through its proactive leadership and management of cultural heritage administration. As a significant component of Chinese cultural politics, this movement has profoundly influenced the cultural lives of Chinese society and its citizens and is poised to continue doing so. Some Chinese anthropologists have also participated in and significantly contributed to this movement in various ways. This paper comprehensively and meticulously examines these fundamental ways. Building upon this analysis, this paper further provides an overview and assessment of the research outcomes of anthropological research on Chinese cultural heritage, both domestically and internationally. The author posits that the paramount contribution of anthropologists, both domestically and internationally, to Chinese cultural heritages and the related protection endeavors lies in their academic research outcomes being predominantly based on their respective fieldwork practices. These outcomes, shaped and realized through on-the-ground fieldwork, hold exceptional value for cultural heritage administration and national cultural policies, as they effectively provide cultural criticism and dissenting perspectives.
Calibration of flow differential pressure coefficients on pump-turbine by thermodynamic method
Authors: Zhang Wenkui , Xu Hongyi , Liu Wei , Hu Xinwen , Liu Juan
Published: July 2024

On-line monitoring of flow rate is rather important to evaluate the water consumption of the pump-turbine and the overall efficiency of the pumped storage station. Flow rate can be worked out based on the flow differential pressure measured in the flow passage and coefficients determined on model test. But the coefficients must be calibrated to obtain the reliable flow rate. As thermodynamic method is a common way to measure the discharge of prototype pump-turbine, site test is carried out on a vertical pump-turbine with 600 m rated head to calibrated the coefficients in this paper. Measuring devices are designed to satisfy both the turbine and pump operating conditions, and test results of flow rate at both turbine and pump operating conditions are presented and show that the calibrated coefficients are different to the predicted values. The calibrated results indicate the importance of site calibration on prototype turbine to ensure the monitoring validity on real-time flow rate.
Coexisting with wildfire: strengthening collective capacity by changing the status quo
Authors: Eriksen Christine
Published: July 2024

This article is the fuller written version of the invited closing plenary given by the author at the 10th International Fire Ecology and Management Congress. The article provides a consideration of our capacity to cope, care, and coexist in a fiery world from a social and structural point of view. It focuses on privilege as the root cause of a long and troublesome history within the wildfire profession of not valuing all generational knowledge equally, not treating all cultures with the same respect, not embracing diversity and inclusion, and not affording the same status to all disciplines and voices. The article argues that we can strengthen our collective capacity to coexist with wildfire by embracing local and indigenous fire stewardship practices, by enabling workforce diversity and inclusive leadership culture, and by providing sustainable working conditions for wildland firefighters. To do so requires individual and collective noticing of what is wrong, and everyday action steps towards equity.
Biomarkers in Oncology: Complexities in Biomarker-Driven Studies and Statistical Analysis
Authors: Uno Hajime , Horiguchi Miki
Published: July 2024

Biomarker-driven trials are key for precision oncology but challenge design and analysis
Medical students’ knowledge on palliative care – a survey of teaching in Finland
Authors: Niemi-Murola Leila , Vanhanen Aija , Akrén Outi , Karihtala Peeter , Pöyhiä Reino
Published: July 2024

Background Most studies on palliative medicine (PM) undergraduate education have focused on contents and organizational issues but not the outcome. Students’ learning outcomes should be studied to improve teaching in medical schools. Methods A questionnaire about perceived PM education and attitudes on palliative care (PC) was sent to 543 last year students in all five Finnish medical schools in 2018–2019. In total, 175 (32 %) responses were received from four universities. The students evaluated both the quantity and quality of their PM teaching, implementation of European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) guidelines and their satisfaction to the training. There were two palliative case scenarios, and the students were asked to find the best treatment option. In addition, students´ attitudes towards end-of-life (EOL) care issues were examined. Results In the Finnish universities, PM education was available mainly integrated with oncology, geriatrics, and general medicine. A total of two universities also offered a specific PM course. In average, 50–70% of the EAPC curriculum was covered by lectures, small-group teaching, seminars, and bedside teaching with significant differences between faculties. Only 30–60 % of students were satisfied with the education received. The highest rankings were given in the universities with a special PM course. Students from these universities expressed less anxiety in facing EOL issues. Conclusions In Finland, the coverage of EAPC curriculum is satisfactory, but the PM education is mainly given integrated with other specialties. The dedicated course on PM was associated with increased perceived knowledge and satisfaction of PM education. However, PM training was not associated with students’ attitudes on PC.
Extending Professional Identity Formation to develop academic faculty for a new medical school
Authors: Nonaillada Jeannine , Hoffmann Jason C. , Martin Rob Armstrong
Published: July 2024

Academic health centers have a responsibility to foster professional development approaches and engagement environments for faculty to elevate both knowledge and sense of belonging as medical educators. This new educational methods submission depicts faculty development and engagement initiatives implemented at a single institution that were created and influenced by the psychological framework of Professional Identity Formation. The authors suggest ways that academic medical centers can draw upon the formation of these programs to best serve their faculty for cultivating development and engagement for professional growth.
Scientific Expertise as a Key Factor of Socio-Economic Development
Authors: Todosiychuk A.
Published: July 2024

The article discusses the issues of increasing the role of scientific expertise in the management of science, education and economics, its impact on the effectiveness and quality of scientific, scientific, technical and educational activities. Scientific expertise in the fields of sciences that have a direct impact on the development of the intellectual capital of society, as the main factor of economic growth and social progress, is of particular relevance and importance. The results of the analysis of the quality of education, the effectiveness of intellectual activity, and the regulatory legal framework in terms of scientific expertise are presented. Based on the identified problems, recommendations are made to improve the legal support and the mechanism for conducting scientific expertise, on the state of which, along with other factors, the level of scientific, technological and socio-economic development of the country depends.
The Impact of Sanctions on Russia's Global Economic Relations
Authors: Basovskiy Leonid
Published: July 2024

The work assesses the impact of sanctions on world economic relations based on changes in the relationships between the most important indicators of economic development of countries — economic growth rates. An assessment of world economic relations, the degree of closeness of economic interaction between countries in the work is given by determining the correlations of economic growth rates in countries for the periods before and after the introduction of antiRussian sanctions — for the period 2005–2012 and for the period 2014–2022. The results obtained from assessing the closeness of world economic ties indicate that anti-Russian sanctions introduced at the initiative of the United States have had a significant and very complex impact on international economic relations. Firstly, despite the anti-Russian nature of the sanctions, which were initiated by the United States, they practically did not disrupt Russia’s ties with the United States. This suggests that the sanctions were introduced with the expectation that they would strike not only the Russian economy, but also the economies of the most developed partners of the United States, such as the EU countries, Great Britain, and Japan. This in turn can serve as a stimulus for the development of the US economy. Secondly, sanctions have changed the structure of Russia’s world economic ties and increased the closeness of ties between the Russian economy and China and Singapore. Morocco, preserved Russia’s ties with Belarus, India, and Indonesia. Anti-Russian sanctions, on the one hand, limited Russia’s world economic ties; on the other hand, they opened up opportunities for the development of economic ties with new large and rapidly developing countries.
Building an Ecosystem Brand As an Element of Strategic Potential
Authors: Shishkin Andrey
Published: July 2024

The article discusses issues related to the definition of the strategic potential of the company and its formation at the current stage of development of market relations. The study of the main approaches to the definition of the concept of strategic potential of the company is carried out. Additions to the definition of the concept of strategic potential of the company based on existing realities are indicated. The issues related to the concept and development of business ecosystems are considered. The role of business ecosystems in the further development of business structures is determined. Various approaches to the formation of the concept of a business ecosystem are considered. An addition to the definition of the concept of a business ecosystem has been formed and the necessary arguments for the transition of business ecosystems to the formation of a common digital system are given. The analysis of the concept of the brand of the business ecosystem and the need for its formation as an element of the intellectual property of the business ecosystem is carried out. The inclusion of the ecosystem brand concept into the overall strategic potential of the organization is justified
Econometric Analysis of Inflationary Processes in the Tula Region
Authors: Kalyanov Aleksandr , Shishkin Andrey
Published: July 2024

The article analyzes the concept of inflation and possible factors that affect it at the regional level. The issues of formation of inflationary processes at the state level are considered. The analysis of statistical data on the inflation rate of the Russian Federation from 2003 to 2023 is carried out. The main factors influencing the inflation rate in the Tula region are highlighted. A study was conducted, during which statistical methods were used — regression and correlation analysis. The result of the study was the identification and assessment of the importance of factors influencing the inflation rate in the Tula region.
A Comparative Study of the Business Models of NIKE and Adidas
Authors: Camara Mariam
Published: July 2024

In recent years, the business model concept has become a popular tool in business practice for managing intense competitiveness among companies. The purpose of this article is a comparative study of the business models of NIKE and Adidas companies that allow them to maintain leadership in the sporting goods market. The main tasks are to define the concept of “business model”, to reveal strategies, tactics such as branding, marketing in NIKE and Adidas business models that affect the success of companies and also the role of sponsorship in brand promotion. The hypothesis of the study suggests that through business models, companies create value, ensure sustainability, and even ensure their successful development and maintain competitiveness in the conditions of rapid advances in technology. The research used the methods of study, comparison and analysis.
Yield and grain quality of different wheat honeyboods, grown in the conditions of chernozem soils of the Volga Republic of Tatarstan
Authors: Serzhanov Igor , Shaykhutdinov Farit , Garaev Razil , Serzhanova Al'bina , Zalyalov Ranis
Published: July 2024

The paper presents a comparative assessment of the yield and grain quality of spring soft wheat of various genotypes (varieties) in the conditions of chernozem soils of the Volga region of the Republic of Tatarstan. The research was conducted in 2022-2023 at Avangard LLC in the Buinsky district of the Republic of Tatarstan. Such varieties of spring soft wheat as Simbirzit, Yoldyz, Idelle, Balkysh, Alvaris, Ekada 109, Burlak and Arhat, which were zoned in the region, were tested. The seed qualities of the tested spring wheat varieties in both years of research were determined before sowing in the laboratory of the Buinsky MRO and the RO branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Rosselkhoznadzor for the Republic of Tatarstan" and they meet the requirements of GOST R52325-2005. In the conditions of 2022, the yield of various varieties of spring wheat fluctuated in a wide range (from 3.22 t/ha for the Simbirzit variety to 5.48 t/ha for the Arhat variety), on average, reaching the level of 3.97 t/ha for all varieties. In the dry year in 2023, the most important varieties were Ekada 109 – 3.41 t/ha, Alvaris – 3.50 and Arhat – 3.57 t/ha. The average yield for all varieties was 3.26 t/ha. On average, over 2 years, such varieties as Ekada 109 – 3.75 t/ha; Balkysh – 3.8; Alvaris – 4.02 and Arhat – 4.06 t/ha turned out to be the most productive. According to the data obtained in the laboratory of the Buinsky elevator, after determining the technological qualities of grain grown in 2022-2023 in the fields of Avangard LLC, it was revealed that in all tested varieties of spring soft wheat, the grain turned out to be suitable for baking in terms of the mass fraction of gluten – 21.0-24.3% and the IDC index – 81-92 units.
Modeling of the wastewater treatment system of livestock farms
Authors: Savdur Svetlana
Published: July 2024

Among the sources of pollution of surface water bodies from agricultural activities, livestock, pig and poultry complexes can be prioritized, which are uncontrolled and diffuse sources of suspended solids, organic compounds, biogenic elements, heavy metals and pathogenic microflora, which causes biochemical pollution and has a particularly detrimental effect on the state of inland reservoirs. Wastewater from agricultural processing enterprises and household water from rural settlements with unpredictable pollutants play a significant role in pollution. The livestock sector is one of the largest consumers of water. The large number of animals in a confined space, the use of hydraulic harvesting systems when removing their waste products, leads to the formation of manure in significant quantities. Sanitary and hygienic standards in industrial premises are supported with the help of water – animals are washed with it, rooms are cleaned, and they are disinfected, food is prepared, dishes and equipment are washed, manure is washed off with water, and so on. Accordingly, as the demand for water in animal husbandry increases, the volume of wastewater discharge that contains manure into nearby water bodies increases. The effluents that are formed as a result of the activities of the livestock sector are classified as containing a large amount of harmful substances with a high concentration. Depending on the sources of pollution and the main pollutants, technical solutions should be developed to reduce the volume of wastewater and its treatment. The effectiveness of their functioning can be ensured with the help of modern information processing methods, using methods of system analysis of complex objects based on a mathematical description of the technological process. To analyze the state of the treatment system as a whole and predict the development of emergency situations, a software implementation of a wastewater treatment system for livestock farms was created.
Performance analysis of a 1.5 MW organic Rankine cycle in a Carnot battery system for grid balancing services
Authors: Tassenoy Robin , Van De Velde Hannes , Couvreur Kenny , De Paepe Michel , Lecompte Steven
Published: July 2024

Due to the increasing share of variable renewable energies in the energy mix, large-scale (>1 MW), long duration (>4 h) energy storage systems are becoming essential to ensure secure and stable energy supply. Carnot batteries, a combination of a power-to-heat, a thermal storage and a heat-to-power system, could provide a possible solution. Organic Rankine cycles have been considered as power-toheat technology for Carnot batteries. However, it is not clear which grid services these organic Rankine cycles could deliver. To answer this question, a 1.5 MW organic Rankine cycle, suitable for integration in a Carnot battery, was modelled dynamically in Modelica. Dynamic finite volume heat exchanger models were used, while the operation of the pump and turbine was considered quasi-steady state due to their low time constant compared to the heat exchangers. The storage tanks were assumed perfectly mixed and modelled by time-varying boundary conditions. Furthermore, a control strategy driven by the requirements of the electrical grid was proposed. The dynamic model simulates and evaluates the organic Rankine cycles’ response to the qualification test profiles for grid balancing services. It was found the organic Rankine cycle can deliver a 1 MW capacity for downward and upward secondary and tertiary reserve. Delivery of a 0.5 MW symmetric capacity for primary reserve is currently not possible due to the required full activation time. Nevertheless, the results indicate that the delivery of secondary and tertiary grid balancing services with the organic Rankine cycle could be an additional revenue stream to increase the financial feasibility of Carnot battery systems and it is thus worthwhile to investigate its potential financial benefits.
La ganadería ovina y caprina de Los Pedroches (provincia de Córdoba, España) en el contexto del desarrollo sostenible.
Authors: Luque-Revuelto Ricardo Manuel , Moreno-Muñoz Daniel , Giménez-García Rubén
Published: July 2024

Los Pedroches es una de las principales comarcas andaluzas en producción de ovino y caprino, si bien este sector, que cuenta con una extensa implantación y una larga trayectoria histórica, se ha visto afectado por la crisis agraria y de los espacios rurales. Se pretende, mediante diferentes técnicas de análisis geográfico, caracterizar la situación actual de la cabaña ovina y caprina de Los Pedroches, y aquilatar su importancia como modelo de acción económica sostenible en Sierra Morena frente a la despoblación y a la crisis rural. Entre los resultados obtenidos se concluye que podría ser un sector clave en dicha comarca desde un punto de vista de la industria agroalimentaria y el comercio, e incluso desde la consideración de nuevas actividades emergentes como el turismo rural y la valorización y gestión del patrimonio cultural y natural.
Combined impact of drought and land use changes on water resources in the Tabular Middle Atlas, Morocco.
Authors: EL-BOUHALI, Abdelaziz , Amyay Mhamed , El Ouazani Ech-Chahdi Khadija
Published: July 2024

The quantitative degradation of water resources in the Tabular Middle Atlas is linked to climate and changes in agricultural practices. The relationship between these variables is identified through the analysis of hydroclimatic data, fieldwork, and the processing of Landsat satellite images in two representative sectors of the Middle Atlas. Interviews with local populations and piezometric measurements performed in the Guigou depression show that the groundwater table has dropped from a few meters deep to over 45 meters in several locations. Additionally, monitoring of the surface water area of Aoua lake between September 1984 and September 2022 from satellite images indicates remarkable variations, with periods of prolonged drying. The critical situation of water resources in this sector of Morocco is explained by the recurrence of drought periods of varying severity, increasing temperatures, and the progressive extension of irrigated areas across the depressions. In three decades, irrigated areas have multiplied by more than five in the Guigou depression and by more than three in the Imouzzer-Aoua depressions. Changes in climatic parameters associated with modifications in agricultural practices have strongly influenced water resources in the Tabular Middle Atlas.
Territorial Impact Assessment, Cost Benefit Analysis and Do Not Significant Harms principle for sustainable works and plans design.
Authors: Prezioso Maria
Published: July 2024

Economic, financial, and spatial analytical models are known to be integral parts of large territorial works and plans. Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) and, newly, Territorial Impact Assessment (TIA) and Do Not Significant Harms principle (DNSH) are required to support the decision-making and evaluation process underlying climate change, initial strategic investment confirmation and final reporting. Looking at them from an economic-geographical perspective and drawing inspiration from ongoing experiences in Europe and Italy, methodological and operational guidelines are suggested in the paper to address this issue, so that both the environmental and social costs are reflected in the costs/prices/returns and in the mitigation of the public works impacts, creating a strong link between economy, territory, and environment, so that externalities can become internalities. The underlying thesis is that, knowing the territorial impacts generated by the TIA and the sustainable consistency of the project with the DNSH taxonomy, it is possible to adopt compensatory and mitigation actions, including in the related CBAs; and, at the same time, to minimise the costs resulting from the lack of policy coordination in territorial action between regional and local plans, both horizontal and vertical, when large infrastructure projects come from top-down decision as in the case of Recovery and Resilience Facility plan
Mi nombre es Aardvark y soy africano
Authors: Ortega Jorge , Miranda-Gutiérrez Aranza , Barrera Carlos A.
Published: July 2024

En la oscuridad de la noche llega sigilosamente un misterioso animal de nariz y orejas largas, encuentra comida fácilmente y sus ojos parecen brillar en la oscuridad, nos llenan de curiosidad. ¿Pero qué animal es este? Este intrigante ser nocturno es el aardvark africano, también conocido comúnmente como “cerdo hormiguero”, un fascinante mamífero que desempeña un papel crucial en los ecosistemas africanos y cuya anatomía única lo hace perfectamente adaptado a los hábitos fosoriales (adaptado a la excavación).
Flores de agave, centros de interacción del semidesierto
Authors: Mayagoitia Toulet Diego José
Published: July 2024

Conozcamos juntos la interesante relación y dependencia que tienen las actividades económicas y culturales realizadas alrededor de los agaves en el semidesierto duranguense con sus visitantes florales y polinizadores, especialmente los murciélagos.
Nadando sobre camas de alga, la nutria marina
Authors: Flores-Martínez José Juan , Rojas-Sánchez J. Vladimir , Yañez-Chacón Marcos Andrés
Published: July 2024

Las nutrias marinas que alguna vez nadaron en las aguas de la Alta y la Baja California en Norteamérica, ahora sólo se encuentran en los extremos del hemisferio norte del gran océano Pacífico. Es ahí donde se sienten tan cómodas que comen, duermen y se reproducen mientras flotan plácidamente en el mar.
Entre sombras y selvas: el enigmático jaguarundi
Authors: Jesús-Espinosa Daniel , Contreras-Moreno Fernando M. , Sánchez-Pinzón Khiavett
Published: July 2024

Sin manchas que lo camuflen y sin miedo a la luz del día, el jaguarundi se desplaza por la selva desafiando la naturaleza de los felinos, nadie parece notarlo, nadie lo mira y es así como su existencia pasa desapercibida ante nosotros...
Elefantes marinos: documentalistas del calentamiento del vasto océano
Authors: Pelayo González Lili , Burciaga Cifuentes Luis M. , Hernández Camacho Claudia J.
Published: July 2024

¡Gigantes marinos y viajeros incansables de aspecto malhumorado! Los elefantes marinos, protagonistas de esta historia, habitan soleadas costas y oscuras profundidades en el océano Pacífico y nos advierten del aumento en la temperatura marina.
El fototrampeo en los monitoreos mastofaunísticos
Authors: Cruz-Bazan Erika J. , Ramírez-Albores Jorge E. , Chavez-Lugo Eber G.
Published: July 2024

En el ámbito del conocimiento y la conservación de la biodiversidad, los mamíferos son uno de los grupos mejor estudiados y su monitoreo desempeña un papel fundamental para comprender su distribución, abundancia, comportamiento, y salud de las poblaciones en un ecosistema determinado.
Adaptaciones de los mamíferos arborícolas para tomar agua
Authors: Santamaria Giulia , Sánchez Vidal Rafael Omar
Published: July 2024

La hidratación es fundamental para los seres vivos, especialmente durante los meses donde las temperaturas son más altas, pero los animales que viven en lo alto de los árboles ¿cómo pueden hidratarse?
El borrego berberisco en México: desafíos y perspectivas
Authors: Ramírez-Albores Jorge E. , Ochoa-Espinoza J. Javier , Cruz-Bazan Erika J.
Published: July 2024

Aunque la introducción de mamíferos exóticos puede tener beneficios cinegéticos (es decir, regulación de las poblaciones animales con fines de caza deportiva o de subsistencia), es importante considerar los posibles impactos negativos y tomar medidas para mitigar cualquier riesgo para la biota y ecosistemas nativos. En este contexto, el borrego o chivo berberisco (Ammotragus lervia), también conocido como arruí o muflón del Atlas, una especie exótica introducida con fines cinegéticos representa un caso emblemático de la interacción entre especies invasoras y biodiversidad nativa.
Una centinela común, de puerto y moteada
Authors: Pelayo González Lili , Anaya González María Ximena , Burciaga Cifuentes Luis M.
Published: July 2024

Si quisiéramos elegir una especie que pudiera indicarnos la salud de los océanos, tendría que ser una especie que los haya habitado por miles de años, que se haya adaptado a los distintos desafíos climáticos y que su distribución nos permita conocer su historia. Actualmente, existe una candidata para informarnos sobre el estado de los mares costeros del norte, la foca de puerto.
Three trailblazer councils to pilot MacAlister's ‘families first’ plan
Authors: Simpson Fiona
Published: July 2024

Council leaders share early proposals on delivery of the government's Families First for Children scheme designed to ‘test new ways to reform every part of children's social care’ in response to the Care Review