bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MODERN TRANSFORMATIONS OF NATIONAL ECONOMIES IN RESPONSE TO THE GLOBALIZATION OF FINANCE AND CREDIT
Authors: Кулініч Тетяна
Published: November 2024

The study's relevance is determined by the fact that the global economy is a chaotic system composed of millions of interconnected elements (economies of individual countries). In this context, it is emphasized that each national economy experiences periods of growth and decline. These cycles have an irregular nature and can be triggered by intermittenсies in the finance and credit sectors in globalized economies, specifically phenomena of sudden, unpredictable surges in activity or volatility that cause their transformation, while in periods of relative stability, they ensure their sustainability. Thus, the article's aim is a comprehensive analysis of typical transformations of national economies as a response to the globalization of the finance and credit. The study emphasizes that the globalization of the finance and credit creates a highly dynamic and complex environment where the economies of various countries are closely interconnected. As a result of globalization, financial crises, technological innovations, and geopolitical events can rapidly spread across the globe, triggering significant changes in the economies of different nations. These processes are quite chaotic, but they exhibit certain recurring patterns. The transformations of national economies, driven by core intermittent events, manifest in the liberalization of financial markets, the development of financial innovations, the strengthening of central banks, and the reinforcement of international cooperation. Most countries have liberalized their financial markets by lowering barriers for foreign investors and expanding access to financial services. National economies are actively developing financial innovations such as fintech, blockchain, and cryptocurrencies to adapt to the new conditions of global competition. Central banks are playing an increasingly important role in stabilizing financial systems and mitigating the effects of financial crises. Countries are collaborating internationally to develop common rules and standards in the financial and credit sectors, aiming to minimize the risks of global financial crises. The transformations of national economies affect developed and developing countries, bringing about positive and negative consequences.
БРЕНД ЯК РЕЗУЛЬТАТ МАРКЕТИНГОВОЇ ІНФОРМАЦІЇ В КОНТЕКСТІ КОРПОРАТИВНОЇ СОЦІАЛЬНОЇ ВІДПОВІДАЛЬНОСТІ БІЗНЕСУ
Authors: Панюк Тетяна , Паламарчук Оксана
Published: November 2024

Сьогодні світ бізнесу зазнає значних трансформацій. Підприємства все більше усвідомлюють особистий вплив на суспільство та навколишнє середовище. Клієнти прагнуть підтримувати компанії, які поділяють їх цінності й беруть на себе соціальну відповідальність. У цьому контексті бренд перетворюється на потужний маркетинговий інструмент для досягнення бізнес-цілей та створення позитивних змін. Корпоративна соціальна відповідальність (КВС) – це не просто сучасний тренд, а й стратегічний підхід компаній, який впливає на їх репутацію. КСВ передбачає активну участь підприємств у вирішенні соціальних проблем, захисті навколишнього середовища та створенні сприятливих умов для розвитку кваліфікованих кадрів. Бренд, у свою чергу, виступає обличчям компанії, що формує уявлення споживачів про її цінності, якість продукції та ставлення до суспільства. Бренд, що асоціюється із соціальними ініціативами, не лише зміцнює свою репутацію, а й створює емоційний зв’язок зі споживачами, підвищуючи їх лояльність.
Alternative Food Networks in Afghanistan: The Role of Collaborative Agribusiness in Food Security
Authors: Amirzai Safia , Chau Vinh Sum
Published: November 2024

Afghanistan has been an understudied country despite its current difficulties stemming from political conflict for decades and its adverse impact on the country and society, such as food security. This article presents firsthand findings on the potential of collaborative agribusiness initiatives as part of Afghanistan's food system to address food security challenges.These embody an emerging body of literature known as alternative food networks, as part of the Slow Food movement that prioritizes community wellbeing, as a solution to food security. Findings are drawn from selected interviewees who are key Afghan stakeholders, ranging from farmers to experts in the agribusiness sector, relating to collaborative agribusiness initiatives which play a crucial role in fostering food security in Afghanistan. Specifically, it argues that through collaborative initiatives among farmers and the integration of marginalized groups, agricultural productivity increases, which ultimately leads to better food security. Three components emerge – resilience, resource enhancement and revelation (3Rs) – as the conceptual contribution. This approach of alternative food network improves access to markets and resources, particularly for smallholder farmers in remote regions and provinces.
Pensare per immagini: note sul processo terapeutico e connessioni metodologiche con il lavoro di un artista
Authors: Teresa Sagna Maria
Published: November 2024

L'Autrice indaga il fenomeno della co-creazione di immagini mentali e dei suoi effetti all'interno del processo terapeutico, attingendo dalle scoperte neuroscientifiche di Allan Shore e dagli studi dell'Infant Research, mostrando fertili contaminazioni di metodo con il lavoro di un noto artista italiano, Paolo Galetto. Viene evidenziato quanto il pensare per immagini, come tappa intermedia verso la simbolizzazione, consenta un contatto profondo tra paziente e analista (tra emisferi destri) con eviden-ti progressi nella relazione di cura.
Il Cobra di Pugacëv. Interventi a sorpresa nella lingua del paziente: una efficace manovra affettiva
Authors: Bertuletti Emilio
Published: November 2024

Partendo dalle radici del movimento psicoanalitico e usando l'immagine di una manovra dell'aeronautica militare denominata "Il Cobra di Pugacëv", in questo articolo l'Autore intende esplorare e dimostrare l'utilità ed efficacia di brevi interventi inaspettati nella lingua del paziente straniero. Avvalendosi di vignette cliniche, lo scritto si concentra sull'uso strategico di queste espressioni, intercalari anche gergali, così come di gesti, tutti a intensa valenza affet-tiva e, pertanto, in grado di avvicinare il terapista sia all'area degli affetti che a quella del senso-di-Sé del paziente, nonostante egli difenda e protegga i suoi spazi interni.
Vedere l'invisibile
Authors: Mattioli Moreno
Published: November 2024

Questo articolo vuole mettere in evidenza come la teorizzazione di Matte Blanco sull'inconscio come insiemi infiniti abbia delle ricadute cliniche importanti che la co-munità psicoanalitica non sembra ancora avere raccolto. Forse la formulazione dell'inconscio in termini logici mantiene lontani la maggior parte degli psicoanalisti che sembrano più portati a trattare con concetti psicologici e non logici. Questo lavo-ro ha come intento quello di mostrare come la logica introdotta da Matte Blanco, non sia una logica metaforica, ma il cuore dell'essere dell'inconscio. Vedere l'invisibile è uno dei focus dell'insegnamento di Matte Blanco. La logica introdotta dall'Autore cileno è un modo per poter "indicare" dei fatti clinici che nella pratica comune potrebbero non essere visti. La logica che riguarda il continuum conscio-inconscio permette di individuare le stratificazioni della psiche, creando la possibilità di orientare l'individuazione di cosa appartenga alla superficie e cosa, invece, alla profondità.
Crimini ambientali e risposta istituzionale nel "polmone del mondo"
Authors: De Felice Deborah , Riccio Vicente , Giura Giuseppe
Published: November 2024

Questo lavoro presenta i primi risultati di una ricerca che ricostruisce le dinami-che dei crimini ambientali in due comuni dello Stato di Amazonas: Apuí e Lábrea, in Brasile, e la risposta istituzionale ad essi nella descrizione di attori istituzionali. In questa fase, l'analisi è principalmente qualitativa e si basa su interviste semi-strutturate a professionisti della giustizia penale che, in quel territorio, si occupano di crimini ambientali.
Max Weber tra sociologia e diritto: un recente monito per un corretto approccio interpretativo
Authors: Cascavilla Michele
Published: November 2024

Nel presente contributo si analizza l'apporto alla conoscenza e all'interpretazione del pensiero sociologico-giuridico weberiano contenuto nel re-cente volume di Costantino Cipolla Versus Max Weber, apporto che si può far consistere in diversi moniti da seguire per una corretta comprensione della sociolo-gia del diritto dell'autore tedesco, sempre esposta al rischio di letture parziali per via della sua accentuata complessità.
The Selective Return of Labor Casualization in Western European Ports
Authors: Doga Karatepe Ismail , Scherrer Christoph
Published: November 2024

This study examines the impact of demands for labor flexibility on the peculiar post-World War II labor regimes in the ports of Antwerp and Hamburg. These labor regimes included the formation of monopolistic pools of unionized dockworkers, which guaranteed companies a steady supply of experienced personnel and an elementary form of job security for registered workers. The study argues that dockworkers were able to more or less defend the pool system. However, a "market" labor control regime developed for logistical workers outside the confines of these ports, in the immediate vicinity of these ports as well as in Vlissingen, a new port near Antwerp. Vlissingen has become particularly important for the handling of perishable fruit, such as bananas, whose handling requires a high degree of flexibility. The research is guided by the power resources approach and the concept of labor control regimes. It includes field visits and expert interviews.
Una mirada interdisciplinaria a las empresas familiares después de la covid-19
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Pérez Esparza Aimée , Rodríguez Hernández Édgar Ricardo , Huerta Villalobos María Magdalena , Chávez Jiménez Enore Adriana , López Mateo Celina , González Ordaz Gilberto Israel , del Carpio Ovando Perla Shiomara , Ulloa Alzate Ariana Carolina , Llamas Díaz José Álvaro , García Casillas Stephanie , de la Cruz Cómer Paula Malinali , Chávez Ascencio Jonathan Daniel , Sánchez Aceves Delfino de Jesús , Macías González Gizelle Guadalupe , Islas Torres Claudia , Contreras Zamora Areli Saharaim , F. Galán Jiménez Jaime Sebastián
Published: November 2024

México cuenta con una gran participación de empresas familiares, hoy en día tenemos contacto con la mayoría de estas, ya sea consumiendo algún bien o servicio, o desempeñando alguna función en dichas organizaciones. Sea cual sea su tamaño y sector de desempeño, invariablemente, representan la principal fuente de empleo de la población y son uno de los principales motores de la economía. La relevancia de su estudio es innegable y, más aún, frente a contextos de crisis como lo fue la pandemia por la covid-19. Esta obra analiza desde un enfoque interdisciplinar los efectos, retos y desafíos que enfrentaron las empresas familiares durante la pandemia. Generar conocimiento a partir de las experiencias y aprendizajes adquiridos en el marco de un contexto disruptivo es de gran valía tanto para promover líneas de investigación futuras como para proponer acciones que fortalezcan la resiliencia de las empresas familiares. Una mirada interdisciplinaria es un aporte que busca sumar esfuerzos académicos que enfaticen a las empresas familiares como objeto de estudio, puesto que cada una que surja, sobreviva y crezca, representa un respiro socioeconómico para nuestro país y significa una oportunidad laboral que puede contribuir a mejorar las condiciones de vida de las familias mexicanas.
Charting uneven progress of sustainability: A multi-dimensional assessment of the SDGs in Northeast India
Authors: Roy Ajishnu
Published: November 2024

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are used to assess progress in the fields of the environment, economy, and society. Although assessments conducted at national and international levels are popular, subnational research, especially on India, is less common. Using 84 accessible indicators (2021–2022), a comprehensive study of 15 SDGs was conducted across 103 districts in eight states in the northeastern region (NER) of India. Pearson’s correlation, hierarchical clustering, network analysis, input-oriented data envelopment analysis (DEA), inequality (using the Theil and Atkinson indices), and relative SDG scoring were performed using ‘R’. Four SDG groupings (environmental, social, economic, and socioeconomic) and individual SDGs at the overall, district, and state levels were analysed. The results showed that the SDGs were asynchronous and had significant inequalities among the NER districts, with SDG 13 showing the highest disparity and SDG 2 the lowest. Many districts performed worse socioeconomically, even when they had higher environmental scores. This study provided the first comprehensive multi-dimensional assessment of SDG progress across Northeast India at the district level, revealing critical disparities and complex interactions between environmental and socioeconomic goals. Finally, limitations in mitigating the drawbacks of the NER SDG framework were discussed, coupled with policy suggestions for environmental, societal, and economic aspects. The findings offered valuable insights for policymakers in designing targeted interventions, promoting balanced development, and addressing regional inequalities to achieve sustainable development in this ecologically sensitive and socioeconomically diverse region.
Migration Security in Ukraine: Risks, Threats, and Prospects for Overcoming Bondarevska K. V.
Authors:   University of Customs and Finance, Bondarevska Kseniia V.
Published: November 2024

The aim of the article is to identify the risks and threats to migration security in Ukraine under martial law, as well as to develop promising directions for overcoming them, taking into account the realities of today. The article presents the author’s vision of the definitions of the concepts of «migration security», «migration challenges», «migration risks», «migration threats», identifies the characteristic features and differences of migration security, including: coverage of migration security as a component of national security, multi-level, multi-vector migration security and migration policy, the need for constant monitoring and assessment of risks and threats. An analysis of migration trends in the context of wartime realities is carried out, migration risks and threats that affect the economic, social, demographic, and educational spheres are characterized. In particular, these are: a decrease in the birth rate and a deepening of the aging of the population, the risk of deterioration in the qualitative composition of the population (demographic sphere); loss of highly skilled workforce and intellectual potential, departure of young people abroad (educational sphere); loss of labor potential, shortage of labor force in certain types of economic activity and specialties, relocation of business and withdrawal of assets abroad (economic sphere); a drop in the purchasing power of the population in Ukraine and a deterioration in well-being, the risk of a negative impact of immigrants on the national composition of the population of Ukraine and stability in society (social sphere). The priorities of ensuring migration security in Ukraine are substantiated, including: neutralization of negative emigration factors; overcoming immigration challenges; regulation of territorial movements of the population within the country and abroad; combating illegal migration; conducting an effective policy for the protection of Ukrainians abroad; re-emigration of Ukrainians. Promising directions for ensuring migration security in Ukraine are proposed, including: development of comprehensive programs for re-emigration of Ukrainian citizens; attraction of international sources of support; cooperation with international organizations in the field of studying the problem of migration security; improvement of institutional support of migration policy; monitoring of migration processes.
Risks of Developing the Ukrainian Insurance System in the Context of European Integration
Authors:   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Voytovych Lyudmyla M.
Published: November 2024

The aim of the study is to identify, analyze and assess the main risks that affect the development of the insurance system in the process of integration with the European economic space, as well as to develop recommendations for minimizing these risks to ensure the stability and competitiveness of the Ukrainian insurance system in the new conditions. Analyzing the scientific works of scholars, the essence of riskiness has been determined, the risks of the insurance system have been systematized, the main threats to insurers have been allocated and methods of their management have been proposed. The study pays special attention to the adaptation of the Ukrainian insurance system to the requirements of European legislation and standards. The results of the study can be used to improve risk management strategies in domestic insurance companies, also to form the State policy in the field of insurance in the context of European integration. Some of the most popular global risks not only for the insurance system, but for the country’s economy as a whole – cyber risks, digitalization risks, cyber underwriting risks, InsurTech risks – are substantiated. Further research can be aimed at studying the following aspects: introduction of the latest technologies in insurance in order to improve risk management; analysis of social changes and behavioral trends of consumers of insurance services; assessment of new specific risks in various sectors of insurance activity; creating comprehensive risk management models that take into account financial, technological, regulatory, social, and ecological factors.
Strategic Enterprise Management in the Context of the Experience Economy: Integrating Emotional Marketing into the Business Model
Authors:   National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute», Raiko Diana V.
Published: November 2024

This article addresses the pressing issue of strategic enterprise management within the framework of the modern experience economy. The main objective of the article is to demonstrate the necessity of integrating emotional marketing into a company's business model to enhance its competitiveness and meet consumer needs. Various approaches to strategic management and their adaptation to the conditions in which preference is given to the emotional perception of products and services are analyzed. By reviewing, systematizing, and summarizing the scientific works of numerous scholars, the article emphasizes that traditional approaches to enterprise management no longer meet the contemporary market challenges. In the context of global competition, enterprises are compelled to seek new ways to attract and retain customers. A crucial component of this process is understanding the psychological aspects of consumer behavior, as well as the enterprise's ability to rapidly adapt its strategies to changing market demands. This not only ensures increased profitability but also enhances brand reputation. It is substantiated that the successful implementation of an emotional marketing strategy requires changes in enterprise management approaches at all levels—from operational to strategic. This includes the development of new methods for evaluating the efficiency of marketing activities focused on consumers' emotional responses, as well as the implementation of innovative technologies that allow for a better understanding and fulfillment of customer needs. The article also notes that the implementation of emotional marketing requires continuous market monitoring and a readiness for rapid changes on the part of enterprises. This entails the need for developing flexible management strategies that allow for quick responses to new trends and the adaptation of offerings to individual customer needs. Additionally, it is important to ensure synergy between different enterprise departments to maximize the impact of the implemented measures. Future research prospects in this area include developing specific approaches to evaluate the efficiency of integrating emotional marketing into an enterprise's business model, as well as analyzing the impact of such strategies on the long-term sustainability of the enterprise in a changing market environment.
Advanced Cyber Threats and Cybersecurity Innovation - Strategic Approaches and Emerging Solutions
Authors: Jobanpreet Kaur  , Syed Nazmul Hasan  , Shuchona Malek Orthi  , Md Alamgir Miah  , Mohammad Abdul Goffer  , Clinton Ronjon Barikdar  , Jahid Hassan
Published: November 2024

Given that the size and complexity of digital ecosystems are constantly growing, cybersecurity is constantly under attack by increasingly complex threats ranging from ransomware attacks to cyber-attacks based on artificial intelligence. Thus, this paper focuses on these new generation cyber threats and assesses the old and advanced security technologies that address them. This study addresses the future of advanced threats and emerging solutions deep diving into the application of AI, blockchain and the use of Zero Trust architectural concepts in mitigating cybersecurity risks. Moreover, a number of strategic measures – such as dynamic threat identification, multiple-tier protection systems, and sound data security programs – are discussed to enhance the organizational defense against possible weaknesses. Results show that it is crucial for companies to adopt an amalgamated model that incorporates innovative technologies together with active cybersecurity measures. In turn, this paper suggests directions for further research and policy implications for enhancing a current and relevant cybersecurity framework.
Explorando el potencial de reactividad cruzada de DER F 24, un alérgeno de citocromo de Dermatophagoides Farinae: un enfoque bioinformático
Authors: Munera Marlon , Buendía Emiro , Garcés Jose , Chávez Yoiner , Escobar Manuela , Sánchez Andrés
Published: November 2024

Introducción: Der f 24, que es un alérgeno caracterizado de Dermatophagoides farinae, es un homólogo de la proteína de unión de ubiquinol citocromo c reductasa (UQCRB). Datos experimentales revelaron que la reactividad de IgE en Der f 24 se concentra en un epítopo ubicado en las posiciones de aminoácidos 1-32, correspondiente a la región N-terminal. Sin embargo, la posible reactividad cruzada entre Der f 24 y otras fuentes alergénicas no ha sido explorada utilizando enfoques experimentales o in silico. Objetivo: en este estudio, utilizando datos experimentales previamente publicados y herramientas bioinformáticas, exploramos posibles alérgenos que reaccionan de manera cruzada con Der f 24 en diversas fuentes alergénicas importantes en los trópicos. Métodos: se realizó una alineación múltiple entre las secuencias de aminoácidos de Der f 24 y fuentes alergénicas comunes (crustáceos, insectos, ácaros, roedores, helmintos y Bos taurus) para explorar la identidad y la homología estructural. Se utilizaron las herramientas in silico ElliPro y BepiPred para predecir epítopos de células B. La herramienta Consurf se utilizó para identificar regiones conservadas entre homólogos. Resultados: se encontraron doce homólogos de Der f 24 en varias fuentes alergénicas como ácaros, insectos, crustáceos y mamíferos, con un promedio de 65% de homología entre ellos. Se predijeron tres epítopos lineales (15-19 GFRK, 48-51 RRLP y 75-80 FLPKEQW) y un epítopo discontinuo (K105, K107, E108, E109, I112, N113), todos ellos conservados entre las UQCRB estudiadas aquí. Finalmente, según el análisis de ConSurf, los epítopos predichos en este estudio están altamente conservados entre la familia de proteínas UQCRB. Conclusión: se encontró reactividad cruzada entre Der f 24 y varios homólogos en fuentes alergénicas como ácaros, insectos y mamíferos, lo que sugiere que Der f 24 es un alérgeno con alto potencial de reactividad cruzada.
Identidades & Movimentos Sociais
Authors: Ribas Ana Maria
Published: November 2024

O número 26 da Revista Encontros refere-se ao tema Identidades e Movimentos Sociais, dentro de uma conceptualização ampla. Os professores, inseridos em diferentes instituições, oferecem diversas contribuições ao tema e, assim fazendo, eles expressam as necessárias conexões entre ensino-pesquisa e/ou teoria-prática.
Connected Communities | Learning lessons from person-centred community-based support services’ implementation: a mixed-methods study protocol.
Authors: Christian Danielle L. , Berzins Kathryn , Weldon Jo C. , Toma Madalina , Gabbay Mark , Watkins Caroline , Forder Julien
Published: November 2024

Background Person-centred community-based support services (PCCBSS) are an array of non-clinical services provided by organisations such as NHS Trusts, voluntary sector organisations, or local authorities. All PCCBSS involve an individual (variously known as a 'social prescriber’, ‘link worker’, ‘signposter’, ‘navigator’, ‘connector’ or ‘neighbourhood coach’) who talks with a service user before directing them to a range of relevant community sources of social, emotional, and practical support. Despite much recent investment in social prescribing, and its increased prominence within the policy context across England, little is understood about how PCCBSS are implemented. Research is required across different contexts to describe PCCBSS implementation; in particular, how social care providers successfully interact to support the implementation of PCCBSS, and how services responded to circumstances imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Purpose The aim of this post-implementation mixed-methods study is to explore how PCCBSS are implemented and become part of usual working practice. Using three services in North West England as case studies, we will examine factors influencing PCCBSS implementation and establish where there is learning for the wider adult social care system. Focus The study comprises two work packages (WPs): WP1: collecting data by reviewing service documents from three PCCBSS case studies; WP2: interviewing staff and service users (≤20 participants per PCCBSS); Key implementation data will be systematically abstracted (from WPs1&2) into a coding frame; combining contextual determinants from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) with process-related domains from Normalization Process Theory (NPT). Key outputs The findings from WP1 and WP2 will be presented in the form of an illustrated ‘pen portrait’, developed collaboratively with Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast (ARC NWC) public advisers, to illustrate how implementation evolved for each of the PCCBSS across key time-points in the process (initiation; operation; maintenance). The findings will also inform an online implementation toolkit providing recommendations for setting up future PCCBSS.
Mechanisms of international economic cooperation to support the global energy transition: ways to improve
Authors: Onysiuk Serhii
Published: November 2024

The global energy transition is a complex process and requires deep international economic cooperation and joint efforts to achieve sustainable development.
Effective interaction between countries, financial institutions and the private sector is essential to ensure sufficient investment in renewable energy and technological innovation. International financial mechanisms, such as green bonds, can significantly contribute to accelerating this process, but they must ensure access to resources for all participants, especially developing countries. Reforming the international financial system and developing new instruments for attracting private capital is an important step towards reducing risks and increasing the investment attractiveness of renewable energy projects. Removing barriers to investment in countries with unstable economies through the development of technical assistance programs and financial guarantees is also an important condition for success.
The energy transition can only be successfully realized through a concerted international effort involving both developed and developing countries. A sustainable energy future and ambitious climate change targets can only be achieved through global cooperation, innovative financial solutions and technology sharing.
Influencing factors and prospects of Chinese agricultural outward foreign direct investment
Authors: Du Wei
Published: November 2024

Against the backdrop of global economic and trade internationalization, China's outward foreign direct investment has exhibited consistent growth over the years.
Notably, China has engaged in agricultural cooperation with over 100 countries, becoming the global leading donor of foreign direct investment in agriculture and the world's fifth-largest importer of agricultural products. This paper reveals the structure of Chinese agricultural outward foreign direct investment to summarize their developmental stages and influencing factors. The study utilizes relevant data on China's foreign direct investment from 2014 to 2023 to assess the investment stage and analyze the future development trends in China's agricultural trade. The research results indicate that currently, despite some decline in 2021 and 2022, China's agricultural foreign direct investment is in a stage of rapid development. It can be concluded that the levels of agricultural economic development, national policy support for agriculture, and agricultural technology have all improved. However, the structure is significantly influenced by global external factors, although the overall trend remains favorable, with significant potential for advancement. The results could also have important practical significance for further promoting the growth of the scale of agricultural foreign investment and enhancing the international competitiveness of China's agriculture.
Postoperative Residual Paralysis and Respiratory Status: Comparative Study of Pancuronium and Vecuronium
Authors: Bissinger U , Schimek F , Lenz G
Published: November 2024

The objective of this prospective double-blind study was to determine whether postoperative residual paralysis (PORP) after pancuronium or vecuronium results in hypoxemia and hypercapnia in the immediate admission period to the recovery ward. Eighty-three consecutive surgical patients received balanced or intravenous anesthesia with pancuronium for operations lasting longer than one hour or vecuronium for those lasting less than 60 min, both combined with neostigmine at the end of anesthesia. Standard clinical criteria assessed neuromuscular function intraoperatively. Postoperatively, we determined neuromuscular function (acceleromyography with supramaximal train-of-four (TOF) stimulation of the ulnar nerve, and a 5-s head lift) and pulmonary function (pulse oximetry: SpO2, and blood gas analysis: SaO2, PaCO2). We defined PORP as a TOF-ratio 70 %, hypoxemia as a postoperative SpO2 ³ 5 % below the pre-anesthestic level together with a postoperative SaO293 %, and hypercapnia as a PaCO2 ³ 46 mm Hg. Among the 49 pancuronium and 27 vecuronium patients studied, the PORP rates were 20 % in the pancuronium group and 7 % in the vecuronium group (p>0.05). Hypoxemia and hypercapnia occurred more often in pancuronium patients with PORP than in those without PORP namely 60 % vs. 10% (p<0.05) and 30 % vs. 8 % (p>0.05), respectively. We conclude that PORP after pancuronium is a significant risk factor for hypoxemia.
The Impact of Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise Interventions on the Management and Outcomes of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Qi F , Li T , Deng Q , Fan A
Published: November 2024

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic disorder that includes non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis without or with moderate inflammation and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), characterized by necroinflammation and a more rapid progression of fibrosis. It is the primary pathological basis for hepatocellular carcinoma. With its prevalence escalating annually, NAFLD has emerged as a global health epidemic, presenting a significant hazard to public health worldwide. Existing studies have shown that physical activity and exercise training have a positive effect on NAFLD. However, the extent to which exercise improves NAFLD depends on the type, intensity, and duration. Therefore, the type of exercise that has the best effect on improving NAFLD remains to be explored. To date, the most valuable discussions involve aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Exercise intervenes in the pathological process of NAFLD by regulating physiological changes in cells through multiple signaling pathways. The review aims to summarize the signaling pathways affected by two different exercise types associated with the onset and progression of NAFLD. It provides a new basis for improving and managing NAFLD in clinical practice.
Cadmium-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice – Prophylactic Supplementation of Quercetin Exerts Hepatoprotective Effect by Modulating PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu L , Zhao Q , Huang J , Lei S
Published: November 2024

This current study seeks to examine the pre-protective function of Quercetin in Cadmium (Cd)-induced liver damage, along with its modulation of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. A total of 60 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to four groups: control (C), quercetin (Q, 100 mg/kg/day), Cd (Cd, 2.5 mg/kg/day), and quercetin and Cd (Q+Cd). Before receiving Cd treatment, quercetin was administered intragastrically for 4 weeks. In the present study, liver markers, oxidative stress parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokines, liver histopathology, apoptotic markers and PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling molecules were examined. We observed that the body weight of the Cd-treated mice dramatically rise after 4 weeks of quercetin pre-administration, and the Cd concentration was significantly decreased. Liver function markers like alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly reduced in quercetin treatment in Cd-induced mice. Additionally, we observed that quercetin reduced Cd-mediated liver injury in mice by assessing the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH) concentrations and the histological alterations. By monitoring tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), quercetin successfully reduced the inflammatory cytokines that the Cd metal caused in the liver. Additionally, in the liver tissues of Cd-mediated, quercetin could enhance the expression of Bcl-2 and decrease the expression of p-Akt, p-PI3K, Bax, Caspase-9, Caspase-3, NF-κB. In conclusion, quercetin protects against Cd induced liver injury via several pathways, including oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis, and its protective effect correlates with antioxidant activity.
Sensibilidad de la longitud de anclaje al fallo por hendimiento en el nuevo Eurocódigo 2
Authors: Gil-Martín Luisa María , García-Moro David , Hernández Montes Enrique
Published: November 2024

En el nuevo Eurocódigo 2 [1], el cálculo de la longitud de anclaje se ha modificado notablemente con respecto a la versión anterior. La nueva formulación es significativamente más sensible al fallo por hendimiento del hormigón. En la versión anterior, la longitud de anclaje podía fluctuar hasta un máximo del 30% debido a los efectos de hendimiento, confinamiento de armadura y presión lateral. Sin embargo, en el nuevo Eurocódigo 2, debido al efecto de hendimiento del hormigón generado por la cercanía de las barras entre sí o a los bordes, la longitud de anclaje puede incrementarse hasta tres veces. Además, considerar el efecto del confinamiento de la armadura transversal puede llevar a reducciones considerables de esta longitud. Se presentan diversas representaciones gráficas y ejemplos para cuantificar la sensibilidad frente al hendimiento de la nueva formulación.
Māori Sleep Health Across the Lifespan: Scoping Review of New Zealand Research
Authors: Baddock Sally , Campbell Angela , Love Rachelle , Paine Sarah-Jane
Published: November 2024

Indigenous communities globally experience poorer health outcomes in comparison to non-Indigenous people. This holds true for Māori, the Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand and these inequities include sleep health. We aimed to collate and summarise peer reviewed literature to understand where sleep health equity gaps lay to inform policy and future research. We conducted a systematic search of widely used literature databases using keywords including “sleep” and “Māori”. Eighty seven studies provided data on Māori sleep health versus non-Māori sleep health. Inequities were identified at all life stages and over all sleep health dimensions of sleep duration, efficiency, timing, alertness, and sleep quality. Socio-economic deprivation and unemployment were associated with poorer sleep health outcomes. We concluded that a public health policy for sleep that prioritises Māori and targets long-term, sustainable achievement of sleep health equity goals is required. Future sleep health research should aim to involve Māori at all stages.
Synthesis, enzyme inhibition, and docking studies of new schiff bases of disalicylic acid methylene-based derivatives as dual-target antibacterial agents
Authors: Al-Wahaibi Lamya H. , Mahmoud Mohamed A. , Alzahrani Hayat Ali , Abou-Zied Hesham A. , Abdelmoez Alshaimaa , Youssif Bahaa G. M. , Bräse Stefan , Rabea Safwat M.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Bacteria have acquired resistance to almost all antibiotics currently in use due to their extensive, broad, and improper utilization over a prolonged period. DNA gyrase and DHFR exhibit significant promise as targets for antibacterial therapeutics.

Methods

We have developed a series of disalicylic acid methylene/Schiff bases hybrids (6a-l) that function as antibacterial agents by targeting DNA gyrase and DHFR.

Results and discussion

The findings showed that 6a-l have significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with inhibition zones (IZ) comparable to or even higher than the reference Ciprofloxacin. MIC testing revealed that 6h and 6l were 1.5 times as effective than ciprofloxacin against S. aureus. Compounds 6h and 6l had MBC values of 28 and 33 nM for S. aureus, compared to Ciprofloxacin’s 45 nM, indicating that they are more potent bactericidal agents. The MIC values for compounds 6c, 6e, 6h, 6j, and 6l against A. flavus were between 14.50 and 19.50 µM, while the MIC value for fluconazole was 11.50 µM. Also, the studied compounds had MIC values between 18.20 and 22.90 µM against C. albicans, while Fluconazole had a MIC value of 17.50 µM. Compound 6h showed a MIC value of 1.70 µM against the clinical strain S. aureus (ATCC 43300) (MRSA), making it an effective antibacterial agent. Compounds 6h, 6j, and 6l inhibited E. coli DNA gyrase with IC50 values of 79, 117, and 87 nM, respectively, compared to the reference novobiocin (IC50 = 170 nM). Additionally, compounds 6h and 6l, the most potent E. coli gyrase inhibitors, showed encouraging results on DHFR. Compounds 6h and 6l exhibit IC50 values of 3.80 µM and 4.25 µM, respectively. These values are significantly lower and hence more effective than Trimethoprim’s IC50 of 5.20 µM.
Relationship between the sense of nursing professional pride and adversity quotient, grit levels among nurses in blood purification centers: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Wenbin , Li Lin , Jiang Qian , Fang Yiqian , Yang Qian
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study aims to examine nursing professional pride levels in blood purification center nurses, explore its relationship with adversity quotient and grit, and identify influencing factors.

Methods

Using convenience sampling, this study selected 231 nurses from blood purification centers at 11 tertiary hospitals in China during July to August 2023 as research subjects. A general data survey questionnaire, nurse professional pride scale, nurse adversity quotient self-assessment scale, and the Oviedo resilience scale were employed for the investigation. The results were statistically analyzed using descriptive analysis, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple stepwise linear regression analysis.

Results

In the blood purification center, the average scores were as follows: nursing professional pride (69.53 ± 15.21), adversity quotient (132.90 ± 41.10), and grit (30.95 ± 10.54). There was a significant positive correlation between nursing professional pride, adversity quotient, and grit (P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis (n = 231) revealed that education background, professional title, average monthly income, adversity quotient, and grit significantly influenced nursing professional pride (P < 0.001). The R2 value indicates that this study accounted for 76.2% of the total variance in nursing professional pride.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate that blood purification center nurses have a moderate level of nursing professional pride. The level of nursing professional pride can be enhanced by focusing on factors such as adversity quotient and grit.

Registration

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Pidu District People's Hospital, Chengdu, China (2021 No. 231). All participants were informed of the relevant information and research purposes before their participation. Participants were also required to independently and anonymously complete the questionnaires.
Development and Assessment of a Miniaturized Test Rig for Evaluating Noise Reduction in Serrated Blades Under Turbulent Flow Conditions
Authors: Totu Andrei-George , Olariu Cristian-Teodor , Trifu Andrei-Tudor , Totu Andreea-Cătălina , Cican Grigore
Published: November 2024

The implementation of serrated stator blades in axial compressor and fan stages offers significant advantages, such as enhanced performance and reduced noise levels, making it a practical and cost-effective solution. This study explores the impact of serrated blade design on noise reduction under specific engine operating conditions. A small-scale experimental test setup with a turbulence-inducing grid was designed for testing multiple grid sizes in order to identify the most promising configuration which replicates rotor–stator interaction. Numerical simulations and early experimental tests in an anechoic chamber using a four-blade cascade configuration at an airflow speed of 50 m/s revealed a small but notable noise reduction in the 1–6 kHz range for a partially matched grid–blade geometry. Serrated blades demonstrated an overall sound pressure level reduction of 1.5 dB and up to 12 dB in tonal noise, highlighting the potential of cascade configurations to improve acoustic performance in gas turbine applications.
Duration of Antimicrobial Treatment in Adult Patients with Pneumonia: A Narrative Review
Authors: Dimopoulou Dimitra , Moschopoulos Charalampos D. , Dimopoulou Konstantina , Dimopoulou Anastasia , Berikopoulou Maria M. , Andrianakis Ilias , Tsiodras Sotirios , Kotanidou Anastasia , Fragkou Paraskevi C.
Published: November 2024

Pneumonia remains a major global health concern, causing significant morbidity and mortality among adults. This narrative review assesses the optimal duration of antimicrobial treatment in adults with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Current evidence about the impact of treatment duration on clinical outcomes demonstrates that shorter antibiotic courses are non-inferior, regarding safety and efficacy, compared to longer courses, particularly in patients with mild to moderate CAP, which is in line with the recommendations of international guidelines. Data are limited regarding the optimal antimicrobial duration in HAP patients, and it should be individually tailored to each patient, taking into account the causative pathogen and the clinical response. Shorter courses are found to be as effective as longer courses in the management of VAP, except for pneumonia caused by non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria; however, duration should be balanced between the possibility of higher recurrence rates and the documented benefits with shorter courses. Additionally, the validation of reliable biomarkers or clinical predictors that identify patients who would benefit from shorter therapy is crucial. Insights from this review may lead to future research on personalized antimicrobial therapies in pneumonia, in order to improve patient outcomes.
Investigation of Potent Antifungal Metabolites from Marine Streptomyces bacillaris STR2 (MK045300) from Western Algeria
Authors: Boublenza Nesrine , Dergal Nadir Boudjlal , Belyagoubi Larbi , Cherif Ameur , Ayad Abdelhanine
Published: November 2024

Fungal infections significantly threaten public health, and many strains are resistant to antifungal drugs. Marine Actinobacteria have been identified as the generators of powerful bioactive compounds with antifungal activity and can be used to address this issue. In this context, strains of Actinomycetes were isolated from the marine area of Rachgoun Island, located in western Algeria. The isolates were phenotypically and genetically characterized. The most potent antifungal isolate was selected, and its crude extract was purified and characterized by the GC/MS method. The results revealed that the STR2 strain showed the strongest activity against at least one target fungal species tested on a panel of fungal pathogens, including Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium oxysporum. The molecular assignment of the STR2 strain based on the 16S rRNA gene positioned this isolate as a Streptomyces bacillaris species. The presence of safranal (2,3-dihydro-2,2,6-trimethylbenzaldehyde) in the crude chloroform extract of Streptomyces bacillaris STR2 strain was discovered for the first time in bacteria using chromatographic analysis of its TLC fractions. Moreover, certain molecules of biotechnological interest, such as phenols, 1,3-dioxolane, and phthalate derivatives, were also identified. This study highlights the potential of marine actinomycetes to produce structurally unique natural compounds with antifungal activity.
Editorial to the Special Issue “Molecular Mechanisms and Regulation in Allergy and Immune Diseases, Immunodeficiencies”
Authors: Lis Kinga
Published: November 2024

Allergies and other immunity disorders are a current and deepening problem of the modern world, closely related to the progress of civilization [...]