bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Poly(L-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(L-lactide)/Zinc Oxide Nanocomposite Bioplastics for Potential Use as Flexible and Antibacterial Food Packaging
Authors: Srisuwan Yaowalak , Srihanam Prasong , Rattanasuk Surachai , Baimark Yodthong
Published: June 2024

High-molecular-weight poly(L-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(L-lactide) (PLLA-PEG-PLLA) is a flexible and biodegradable bioplastic that has promising potential in flexible food packaging but it has no antibacterial ability. Thus, in this work, the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZnOs) which have antimicrobial activity on various properties of PLLA-PEG-PLLA was determined. The addition of nano-ZnOs enhanced the crystallization, tensile, UV-barrier, and antibacterial properties of PLLA-PEG-PLLA. However, the crystallization and tensile properties of nanocomposite films decreased again as the nano-ZnO increased beyond 2 wt%. The nano-ZnO was well distributed in the PLLA-PEG-PLLA matrix when the nano-ZnO content did not exceed 2 wt% and exhibited some nano-ZnO agglomerates when the nano-ZnO content was higher than 2 wt%. The thermal stability and moisture uptake of the PLLA-PEG-PLLA matrix decreased and the film’s opacity increased as the nano-ZnO content increased. The PLLA-PEG-PLLA/ZnO nanocomposite films showed good antibacterial activity against bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. It can be concluded that nano-ZnOs can be used as a multi-functional filler of the flexible PLLA-PEG-PLLA. As a result, the addition of nano-ZnOs as a nucleating, reinforcing, UV-screening, and antibacterial agent in the flexible PLLA-PEG-PLLA matrix may provide protection for both the food and the packaging during transportation and storage.
Analysis of the Effects of Structural Parameters on the Thermal Performance and System Stability of Ventilation Air Methane-Fueled Reverse-Flow Oxidation Reactors
Authors: Zhang Zhigang , Yang Jiaze , Shao Shanshan , Cai Tao , Tang Aikun , Xiao Lu
Published: June 2024

Ventilation air methane (VAM) from coal mining is a low-grade energy source that can be used in combustion systems to tackle the energy crisis. This work presents a numerical analysis of the thermal and stabilization performance of a VAM-fueled thermal reversal reactor with three fixed beds. The effects of the combustion chamber/regenerator height ratio (β), heat storage materials, and porosity on the oxidation characteristics are evaluated in detail. It is shown that the regenerator temperature tends to vary monotonically with β due to the coupling effect of the gas residence time and heat transfer intensity. The optimal β is determined to be 4/6, above which the system may destabilize. Furthermore, it is found that regardless of the methane volume fraction, the regenerator with mullite inserted has the highest temperature among the heat storage materials investigated. In contrast, the temperature gradually decreases and the system becomes unstable as SiC is adopted, signifying the importance of choosing proper thermal diffusivity. Further analysis reveals that the porosity of the heat storage materials has little effect on the system stability. Decreasing the porosity can effectively reduce the oscillation amplitude of the regenerator temperature, but it also results in greater pressure losses.
Synchronization of Neurophysiological and Biomechanical Data in a Real-Time Virtual Gait Analysis System (GRAIL): A Proof-of-Principle Study
Authors: Maas Stefan A. , Göcking Tim , Stojan Robert , Voelcker-Rehage Claudia , Kutz Dieter F.
Published: June 2024

The investigation of gait and its neuronal correlates under more ecologically valid conditions as well as real-time feedback visualization is becoming increasingly important in neuro-motor rehabilitation research. The Gait Real-time Analysis Interactive Lab (GRAIL) offers advanced opportunities for gait and gait-related research by creating more naturalistic yet controlled environments through immersive virtual reality. Investigating the neuronal aspects of gait requires parallel recording of brain activity, such as through mobile electroencephalography (EEG) and/or mobile functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), which must be synchronized with the kinetic and /or kinematic data recorded while walking. This proof-of-concept study outlines the required setup by use of the lab streaming layer (LSL) ecosystem for real-time, simultaneous data collection of two independently operating multi-channel EEG and fNIRS measurement devices and gait kinetics. In this context, a customized approach using a photodiode to synchronize the systems is described. This study demonstrates the achievable temporal accuracy of synchronous data acquisition of neurophysiological and kinematic and kinetic data collection in the GRAIL. By using event-related cerebral hemodynamic activity and visually evoked potentials during a start-to-go task and a checkerboard test, we were able to confirm that our measurement system can replicate known physiological phenomena with latencies in the millisecond range and relate neurophysiological and kinetic data to each other with sufficient accuracy.
Mapping Soil Properties in the Haihun River Sub-Watershed, Yangtze River Basin, China, by Integrating Machine Learning and Variable Selection
Authors: Huang Jun , Liu Jia , Ye Yingcong , Jiang Yameng , Lai Yuying , Qin Xianbing , Zhang Lin , Jiang Yefeng
Published: June 2024

Mapping soil properties in sub-watersheds is critical for agricultural productivity, land management, and ecological security. Machine learning has been widely applied to digital soil mapping due to a rapidly increasing number of environmental covariates. However, the inclusion of many environmental covariates in machine learning models leads to the problem of multicollinearity, with poorly understood consequences for prediction performance. Here, we explored the effects of variable selection on the prediction performance of two machine learning models for multiple soil properties in the Haihun River sub-watershed, Jiangxi Province, China. Surface soils (0–20 cm) were collected from a total of 180 sample points in 2022. The optimal covariates were selected from 40 environmental covariates using a recursive feature elimination algorithm. Compared to all-variable models, the random forest (RF) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) models with variable selection improved in prediction accuracy. The R2 values of the RF and XGBoost models increased by 0.34 and 0.47 for the soil organic carbon, by 0.67 and 0.62 for the total phosphorus, and by 0.43 and 0.62 for the available phosphorus, respectively. The models with variable selection presented reduced global uncertainty, and the overall uncertainty of the RF model was lower than that of the XGBoost model. The soil properties showed high spatial heterogeneity based on the models with variable selection. Remote sensing covariates (particularly principal component 2) were the major factors controlling the distribution of the soil organic carbon. Human activity covariates (mainly land use) and organism covariates (mainly potential evapotranspiration) played a predominant role in driving the distribution of the soil total and soil available phosphorus, respectively. This study indicates the importance of variable selection for predicting multiple soil properties and mapping their spatial distribution in sub-watersheds.
A Visual Measurement Method for Deep Holes in Composite Material Aerospace Components
Authors: Meng Fantong , Yang Jiankun , Yang Guolin , Lu Haibo , Dong Zhigang , Kang Renke , Guo Dongming , Qin Yan
Published: June 2024

The visual measurement of deep holes in composite material workpieces constitutes a critical step in the robotic assembly of aerospace components. The positioning accuracy of assembly holes significantly impacts the assembly quality of components. However, the complex texture of the composite material surface and mutual interference between the imaging of the inlet and outlet edges of deep holes significantly challenge hole detection. A visual measurement method for deep holes in composite materials based on the radial penalty Laplacian operator is proposed to address the issues by suppressing visual noise and enhancing the features of hole edges. Coupled with a novel inflection-point-removal algorithm, this approach enables the accurate detection of holes with a diameter of 10 mm and a depth of 50 mm in composite material components, achieving a measurement precision of 0.03 mm.
Crisis and Organizational Sustainability: Empirical Analysis of the Implication of Transformational Leadership on the Decision to Stay Mediated by the Commitment of the Democratic Party in Indonesia
Authors: Putra Herzaky Mahendra , Suhariadi Fendy , Wijoyo Suparto , Ma’mun Sukron , Aldhi Ian Firstian , Hardaningtyas Dwi
Published: June 2024

The research focuses on the impact of transformational leadership on the decision to stay mediated by commitment after a court refusal regarding illegal extraordinary congress involving the outsiders of a political party in Indonesia (in this case, it is the Democratic Party currently led by Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono), where this phenomenon is classified as a crisis. Theories and the previous literature pointed out that transformational leadership would significantly affect an individual’s decision to stay with the institution through commitment. Therefore, this research empirically analyzes the hypotheses using quantitative methods on 349 respondents who are central (DPP) and local (DPD and DPC) active committees of the Democratic Party. Respondents are collected using cluster random sampling. Referring to theories and the previous literature, the latent variables of this research are constructed using dimensions. Transformational leadership (TL) has four dimensions which are charisma (idealized influence), inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individual considerations. Commitment has three dimensions which are affective, normative, and sustainable commitments. The decision to stay has two dimensions, which are intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. By using Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Square (SEM–PLS), the research revealed that the direct effect shows that transformational leadership and commitment significantly influence the decision to stay. On the other hand, the indirect effect indicates that commitment significantly mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and the decision to stay. The result indicates strong transformational leadership performed by Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono as the chief of the Democratic Party in Indonesia.
Managing the Right to Disconnect—A Scoping Review
Authors: Hopkins John
Published: June 2024

In recent years, several countries have introduced ‘right to disconnect’ laws to protect workers’ rest times, giving workers legal rights to disconnect from work-related communication outside normal working hours. This is a response to growing concerns for the digital wellbeing of workers, the state of hyperconnectivity created by today’s digital technologies, and how it can result in constant connectivity to work. The aim of this paper is to review the existing academic literature available on this topic, in order to identify key themes and potential research gaps relating to the right to disconnect and derive practical implications for managers needing to adopt this policy. Using the scoping review method and keywords ‘right to disconnect’, n = 9966 records were retrieved from the databases APA PsycNet, EBSCOhost, Emerald Insight, Gale, ProQuest Central, Scopus, and Web of Science, from which a final sample of n = 21 journal articles from n = 15 different countries were eligible for analysis. These articles were found to primarily span three academic disciplines: law, health, and business. Four key themes were highlighted—work–life balance, scope, governance, and health and wellbeing—as being critical factors for the successful implementation of the right to disconnect, as a sustainable digital wellbeing initiative for employees.
Analysis of the Development Patterns and Improvement Strategies of China’s Digital Economy—Drawing Insights from Data Collected across 227 Cities in China
Authors: Shen Rui , Li Junhong , Peng Yuan
Published: June 2024

The digital economy serves as a pivotal engine for both sustainable and high-quality urban development. However, the progress of this economy manifests a heterogeneous pattern when observed in various cities. Employing a hybrid approach combining QCA and NCA methods, this study delves into the configuration pathways that lead to high digital economic development in 227 Chinese cities at prefecture level and above. It further explores the heterogeneity characteristics and potential improvement strategies for digital economic development in each city. The findings reveal that the high-level development of the digital economy is a balanced outcome stemming from three pivotal factors: technology, organization, and the environment. Specifically, technological innovation, fiscal investment, and economic growth have consistently exhibited robust propelling effects throughout the development of the digital economy in different cities, regardless of their scale or economic standing. Notably, there are substantial disparities in the development trajectories of the digital economy among cities of varying sizes. For instance, in super and mega cities, technological innovation and industrial restructuring are the fundamental drivers of regional digital economic growth. On the other hand, for second-tier large cities, policy support, economic strengths, and fiscal investment are more pivotal in fostering the progress of the urban digital economy. These insights offer a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying the heterogeneity in digital economic development across Chinese cities, thus providing tailored theoretical guidance for cities at different development levels to enhance their digital economy.
Creating Sustainable Innovation Performance: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Harsono Teguh Widhi , Hidayat Kadarisman , Iqbal Mohammad , Abdillah Yusri
Published: June 2024

In response to the growing interest in innovation performance within dynamic business landscapes, this study aims to fill the gap in comprehensive review studies by examining the factors influencing sustainable innovation performance. Employing a Systematic Review approach, this study elucidates the contributions of prior research and identifies key factors impacting sustainable innovation performance. Various software tools such as Publish/Perish, VOSviewer, and bibliometrics are utilized for the Systematic Review analysis. The research conducted searches in the Scopus scientific database, spanning articles from 1998 to 2023. The findings highlight four predominant themes: knowledge management, research and development, product innovation, and product development. This synthesis of literature provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics shaping sustainable innovation performance within evolving business contexts, facilitating further exploration and understanding in this research domain. This paper’s significance lies in its contribution to enhancing comprehension of the factors driving sustainable innovation performance, thereby aiding practitioners and scholars in navigating and leveraging innovation within contemporary business environments. It offers a foundation for the development of sustainable policies and practices in harnessing innovation to enhance business performance, addressing the ever-changing dynamics of the business environment effectively.
Escalator Etiquette: Stand or Walk? A Systems Analysis
Authors: Fu Michael C.
Published: June 2024

Users of escalators and moving walkways with sufficient space to accommodate two lanes of users often follow an implied etiquette for the two lanes: one for walking and one for standing (in the US, China, and many countries, the convention is “walk left, stand right”). When there is high volume, e.g., when exiting a subway or train station or at the conclusion of an athletic event, the escalators often experience bottleneck congestion that constitutes the primary source of delay. It has been suggested that during such high-congestion periods, it would be more efficient if everyone just stood in both lanes, with empirical evidence used to support this counterintuitive finding. Simple deterministic queueing models are used to show under what conditions such results hold and also to provide further insights regarding tradeoffs between performance metrics as a function of the distribution of walkers and standers, which could inform practical implementation policies to increase efficiency.
Research on Grain Futures Price Prediction Based on a Bi-DSConvLSTM-Attention Model
Authors: Yun Bensheng , Lai Jiannan , Ma Yingfeng , Zheng Yanan
Published: June 2024

Grain is a commodity related to the livelihood of the nation’s people, and the volatility of its futures price affects risk management, investment decisions, and policy making. Therefore, it is very necessary to establish an accurate and efficient futures price prediction model. Aiming at improving the accuracy and efficiency of the prediction model, so as to support reasonable decision making, this paper proposes a Bi-DSConvLSTM-Attention model for grain futures price prediction, which is based on the combination of a bidirectional long short-term memory neural network (BiLSTM), a depthwise separable convolutional long short-term memory neural network (DSConvLSTM), and an attention mechanism. Firstly, the mutual information is used to evaluate, sort, and select the features for dimension reduction. Secondly, the lightweight depthwise separable convolution (DSConv) is introduced to replace the standard convolution (SConv) in ConvLSTM without sacrificing its performance. Then, the self-attention mechanism is adopted to improve the accuracy. Finally, taking the wheat futures price prediction as an example, the model is trained and its performance is evaluated. Under the Bi-DSConvLSTM-Attention model, the experimental results of selecting the most relevant 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 features as the inputs showed that the optimal number of features to be selected was 4. When the four best features were selected as the inputs, the RMSE, MAE, MAPE, and R2 of the prediction result of the Bi-DSConvLSTM-Attention model were 5.61, 3.63, 0.55, and 0.9984, respectively, which is a great improvement compared with the existing price-prediction models. Other experimental results demonstrated that the model also possesses a certain degree of generalization and is capable of obtaining positive returns.
Leprosy in Spain: A Descriptive Study of Admissions at Fontilles Sanatorium between 1909 and 2020
Authors: Juan Cristina , Lledó Lourdes , Torralba Miguel , Gómez José Ramón , Giménez Consuelo
Published: June 2024

Background: The study aimed to characterize patients with leprosy admitted to Fontilles throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, focusing on differences across three periods (I, II, and III). It also explored variables linked to patient survival. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study analyzing the medical records of Fontilles patients from 1909 to 2020. It assessed 26 clinical, sociodemographic, and temporal variables (n = 2652). Results: Most patients were male, single, multibacillary (MB), and farmers, from Andalusia and the Valencian Community. The origin of patients shifted over time towards being mostly foreign-born in period III. More than a half were previously admitted and had family members with leprosy. While leprosy reactions decreased over time, neurological symptoms were increasingly diagnosed. The age at onset, admission, and death increased progressively over time. The survival of patients with leprosy at Fontilles depended on the age at admission and the period. Conclusions: Improved knowledge, services, and awareness regarding leprosy led to increased age at onset and more favorable outcomes. The prolonged time between symptom onset and diagnosis indicates that leprosy is still a neglected disease. Although MB forms are more severe, leprosy classification did not significantly impact the survival rates of patients at Fontilles.
Factories of the Future in Digitization of Industrial Urban Areas
Authors: Bolshakov Nikolai , Celani Alberto , Badenko Vladimir , Benedicto Rafael Magdalena
Published: June 2024

This paper delves into the integration of Factories of the Future (FoF) and digital twin technologies within urban contexts, marking a significant leap in Smart Cities development. We present a thorough exploration of the principles and a scientifically grounded framework designed for seamlessly blending advanced manufacturing systems with the urban environment’s digital and physical aspects. Our detailed analysis has identified core principles crucial for this integration, focusing on interoperability, sustainability, adaptability, stakeholder collaboration, and strong data governance. We propose a structured framework that puts these principles into action, outlining strategic routes for incorporating digital twin and Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies into FoF, establishing public-private partnerships, enhancing education and workforce development, and setting up mechanisms for ongoing evaluation and enhancement. The potential of this integration to transform urban development is vast, providing a model for boosting operational efficiency, driving economic growth, and enhancing urban livability. Although challenges exist in realizing this vision, our research offers practical insights and strategies for cities and industries to effectively navigate the complexities of the digital era. This contribution enriches the growing field of urban science, advocating for a harmonious integration of industrial production with urban development in the Smart Cities framework.
Evaluation of Efficacy of Surface Coated versus Encapsulated Influenza Antigens in Mannose–Chitosan Nanoparticle-Based Intranasal Vaccine in Swine
Authors: Bugybayeva Dina , Dumkliang Ekachai , Patil Veerupaxagouda , Yadagiri Ganesh , Suresh Raksha , Singh Mithilesh , Schrock Jennifer , Dolatyabi Sara , Shekoni Olaitan C. , Yassine Hadi M. , Opanasopit Praneet , HogenEsch Harm , Renukaradhya Gourapura J.
Published: June 2024

This study focuses on the development and characterization of an intranasal vaccine platform using adjuvanted nanoparticulate delivery of swine influenza A virus (SwIAV). The vaccine employed whole inactivated H1N2 SwIAV as an antigen and STING-agonist ADU-S100 as an adjuvant, with both surface adsorbed or encapsulated in mannose–chitosan nanoparticles (mChit-NPs). Optimization of mChit-NPs included evaluating size, zeta potential, and cytotoxicity, with a 1:9 mass ratio of antigen to NP demonstrating high loading efficacy and non-cytotoxic properties suitable for intranasal vaccination. In a heterologous H1N1 pig challenge trial, the mChit-NP intranasal vaccine induced cross-reactive sIgA antibodies in the respiratory tract, surpassing those of a commercial SwIAV vaccine. The encapsulated mChit-NP vaccine induced high virus-specific neutralizing antibody and robust cellular immune responses, while the adsorbed vaccine elicited specific high IgG and hemagglutinin inhibition antibodies. Importantly, both the mChit-NP vaccines reduced challenge heterologous viral replication in the nasal cavity higher than commercial swine influenza vaccine. In summary, a novel intranasal mChit-NP vaccine platform activated both the arms of the immune system and is a significant advancement in swine influenza vaccine design, demonstrating its potential effectiveness for pig immunization.
Literature Review: Adaptive Planning Practices
Authors: Rangwala Tasneem
Published: June 2024

Plans are prepared to provide direction, set goals, manage risks, and ensure timely and successful implementation to achieve desired outcomes. However, plans fail to deliver desired outcomes when an unexpected event occurs. The adaptive planning process is known for its ability to respond to an unexpected event with pre-emptive preparation. The adaptive planning approach seeks to minimise uncertainties and associated risks during each stage of the planning process by (re)assessing the feasibility of water supply needs and the effectiveness of planning decisions. The two most prevalent concepts in the integration of adaptiveness in planning processes are the dynamic adaptive policy planning and the adaptive planning cycle (Mobius loop) frameworks; these frameworks are used to address the uncertainties and associated risks at the planning stage. The Mobius loop, or infinity loop, is gaining momentum, as it clearly illustrates the iterative and continuous nature of adaptation to changing conditions. However, the data on the successful implementation of ‘adaptive’ planning practices are limited, and there is little knowledge about these practices. This study reviews the literature in this field and discusses the different interpretations of adaptiveness and its benefits and challenges while developing long-term strategic plans. The findings identify gaps for future research and recommend the way forward for policymakers to promote adaptive planning practices.
The Role of Automation in the Analysis of Manganese in Environmental Water Samples
Authors: Rodríguez-Maese Rogelio , Rodríguez-Saldaña Verónica , Ferrer Laura , Leal Luz O.
Published: June 2024

Manganese is considered an emerging pollutant and it is perceived as a potential threat to human health and aquatic ecosystems. The need to determine and monitor the presence of Mn in environmental water requires increasingly precise and accurate chemical analytical techniques that provide reliable information to take timely measures in the event of potential environmental contingencies. The automation by flow analysis technique has allowed analytical procedures to isolate and preconcentrate manganese in environmental water samples. Additionally, it brings forth benefits such as greatly enhancing the sample processing capacity and a reduced time and reagent usage, leading to cost savings and minimized waste production, thereby aligning with the principles of green chemistry. In this review, a recent report of some flow analysis techniques (FIA, rFIA, SIA, MSFIA, LOV, and MPFS) is presented, highlighting the trend of automation, whose portability and miniaturization allow for complete in situ analysis. There are two remarkable analytical features from the studies evaluated here, which are sample throughput and accuracy, with a maximum processing time of 120 samples h−1 and an accuracy of 98%. The implementation of flow analysis techniques offers several advantages, such as miniaturization and portability. The discussed methodologies achieved limits of quantification as low as 0.26 µg L−1, enabling environmental monitoring that can easily detect the reference value of 0.05 mg L−1, established by the WHO and the EPA.
Multi-Cell Cooperative Resource Allocation and Performance Evaluation for Roadside-Assisted Automated Driving
Authors: Yang Shu , Zhu Xuanhan , Li Yang , Yuan Quan , Li Lili
Published: June 2024

The proliferation of wireless technologies, particularly the advent of 5G networks, has ushered in transformative possibilities for enhancing vehicular communication systems, particularly in the context of autonomous driving. Leveraging sensory data and mapping information downloaded from base stations using I2V links, autonomous vehicles in these networks present the promise of enabling distant perceptual abilities essential to completing various tasks in a dynamic environment. However, the efficient down-link transmission of vehicular network data via base stations, often relying on spectrum sharing, presents a multifaceted challenge. This paper addresses the intricacies of spectrum allocation in vehicular networks, aiming to resolve the thorny issues of cross-station interference and coupling while adapting to the dynamic and evolving characteristics of the vehicular environment. A novel approach is suggested involving the utilization of a multi-agent option-critic reinforcement learning algorithm. This algorithm serves a dual purpose: firstly, it learns the most efficient way to allocate spectrum resources optimally. Secondly, it adapts to the ever-changing dynamics of the environment by learning various policy options tailored to different situations. Moreover, it identifies the conditions under which a switch between these policy options is warranted as the situation evolves. The proposed algorithm is structured in two layers, with the upper layer consisting of policy options that are shared across all agents, and the lower layer comprising intra-option policies executed in a distributed manner. Through experimentation, we showcase the superior spectrum efficiency and communication quality achieved by our approach. Specifically, our approach outperforms the baseline methods in terms of training average reward convergence stability and the transmission success rate. Control-variable experiments also reflect the better adaptability of the proposed method as the environmental conditions change, underscoring the significant potential of the proposed method in aiding successful down-link transmissions in vehicular networks.
Diphyllobothriasis in outpatient practice in the Arkhangelsk Region. Review of clinical cases
Authors:   FSBEI HE Northern State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Arkhangelsk, Pozdeeva M. А. , Vinogradova A. N. ,   FSBEI HE Northern State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Arkhangelsk, Slepnev A. S. ,   FSBEI HE Northern State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Arkhangelsk, Agafonov V. M. ,   FSBEI HE Northern State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Arkhangelsk, Burmagina I. A. ,   FSBEI HE Northern State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Arkhangelsk
Published: June 2024

Diphyllobothriasis is an endemic helminthiasis both in the Arkhangelsk Region as a whole and in its Arctic territories. In addition, it is one of the most common biohelminthiases in the region. The maintenance of extensive foci of diphyllobothriasis in the Arkhangelsk region is facilitated by such factors as the presence of a large number of fishing reservoirs, as well as the food traditions of the population of consuming insufficiently disinfected river fish and caviar. Adults and adolescents predominate among the infected. Due to incomplete medical history, underestimation of laboratory test data, and the absence of clinical manifestations in the first months after invasion, the diagnosis of diphyllobothriasis and the amount of required medical care may be established late. In the Arkhangelsk Region, the incidence of diphyllobothriasis is significantly lower than the Russian average.
Research as a source of evidence
Authors:   FSBI National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after academician V. I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Klimov V. A.
Published: June 2024

The article presents the main sources of evidence that are an integral part of modern medical practice: primarily, controlled clinical studies. The concepts of research hypothesis, studied factors, and systematic and random errors are presented. A classification of errors is presented, and the design of their main types is described. The issues of the methodological level of planning, conducting, evaluating the results of the study, and their presentation in peer-reviewed medical publications are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the problems of external and internal validit y of the study and statistical and clinical significance of the results.
Clinical problems and treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors:   Infectious Diseases Hospital No. 4, Ufa, Korobka Yu. I.
Published: June 2024

Chronic viral hepatitis C is a chronic inflammatory disease lasting more than 6 months with predominant damage to liver tissue due to infection with the hepatitis C virus, which can lead to serious consequences: liver cirrhosis, liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), and death. The etiological factor of this disease is a small hepatotropic RNA virus from the Flaviviridae family. Infection with the hepatitis C virus in a greater proportion of cases (55–85 %) leads to a chronic course of the disease, and over the next decades in about a quarter of patients, it leads to the development of liver cirrhosis, which, in turn, can serve as the basis for the formation of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Basic models for ensuring the quality of medical services: global experience and development trends
Authors:   SBHI RR Kerch City Children’s Hospital, Rybachok O. A.
Published: June 2024

The article discusses global experience in ensuring the quality of medical services. Basic management models have been identified (from a historical perspective). These models evolved significantly in the 20th — early 21st centuries under the influence of the development of approaches to standardization, assessment, and quality control of medical services. Organizational models for managing the quality of medical care are analyzed based on the basic industrial model that currently dominates worldwide. The features of their formation have been identified, and the conditions for their ef fective use in practice have been characterized.
A decade of decent work in Russia
Authors:   Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Ustinovich Elena Stepanovna
Published: June 2024

This article presents the results of a study of the state and dynamics of the main indicators of «decent work» in the period from 2012 to 2022 in our country. The analysis was based on the relevant indicators recommended by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the articles presented in visualized material based on statistical information posted on the website of the Federal State Statistics Service of Russia. The main research methods were information analysis and statistical analysis. The study made it possible to draw the necessary conclusions based on its results. It is shown that the overall percentage of population employment remains relatively unchanged and is around 60 %. Positive trends, in general, include such indicators as a decrease in the unemployment rate, including, by gender, a decrease in the level of injuries, the number of overtime hours and the duration of work more than 48 hours a week; the decrease in the share of employees with low wages is almost linear downward trend, etc. Such areas as «Adequate earnings and productive employment», «Decent working hours» and «Safe work» fully correspond to the labor requirements of the 21st century. At the same time, existing problems that require a fair solution in the Russian labor sphere are emphasized. First of all, we are talking about the level of wages for men and women in a comparative aspect. The so-called «gender gap» in this area, unfortunately, continues to persist.
The importance of reporting on the sustainable development of an enterprise in Russia based on domestic and foreign experience
Authors:   Russian State Agrarian University named after K. A. Timiryazev, Moscow, Russia, Dzhikiya M. K. , Kirillova S. S. ,   Russian State Agrarian University named after K. A. Timiryazev, Moscow, Russia
Published: June 2024

The article identifies the most important functions of non-financial reporting, as well as the disadvantages and advantages of its Russian format; provides an analysis of the experience of compiling non-financial reports of foreign and domestic large companies; analyzes the structure of the non-financial report of Russian business, compiled in accordance with national and foreign standards using such methods of information analysis as systematization and comparison. New indicators of non-financial reporting «anti-corruption measures», «performance indicators (KPIs) in the field of sustainable development» and others have been proposed, which will contribute to further improvement and integration of non-financial reporting in Russia.
Green investments: world experience and review of Russian practice
Authors:   Russian State Agrarian University — Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Institute of Economics and Management of Agroindustrial Complex, Moscow, Russia, Maslakova V. V.
Published: June 2024

The transition to a green economy is of particular relevance for achieving the strategic national goals of sustainable development. The green economy is focused on reducing carbon emissions, efficient use of resources, and social sustainability. Green investments focus on social issues, such as improving the well-being of the population, the level of employment and the quality of life. That determines the relevance of this study. The purpose of the study is to analyze the world experience and Russian practice of green investment. The dynamics and structure of green investments in world and national practice are analyzed, and Russia’s role in global green finance is estimated in the article. A comparative analysis of Russia and foreign countries was carried out upon the index of efficiency of the country’s transition to a green economy. It is studied the difficulties and achievements of Russian green investments in the article. As research methods, it is used special statistical methods, such as analysis of dynamic series, construction and analysis of structural series, calculation of relative indicators of structure, comparison, intensity, coordination and dynamics in this study. The results of this study, including the results of a comparative analysis of green investment in Russia and in developed countries, are significant for the transition to a green economy, taking into account the existing difficulties of greening the economy.
Methods of planning and organizing excursions
Authors:   Department of Quality Management, Hospitality and Tourism, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, Zatsepilina N. P. , Kovaleva E. N. ,   Department of Higher Mathematics, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, Zatsepilina L. S. ,   Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, Sandberg A. B. ,   Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, Sekhnie М. Е. ,   Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies
Published: June 2024

The article examines the key role of designing excursion routes in the tourism industry, the features of planning such routes, and their significance for the development of tourism. Practical examples of various excursions in the city of Voronezh are presented, and prospects and trends in this branch of the hospitality industry are discussed. The key points are a thematic approach to planning excursions, interaction between educational institutions and tourism enterprises, as well as the use of modern technologies and the consideration of sustainable practices in the development of routes.
Identification of goods using Global Trade Item Number for customs purposes
Authors:   Russian Customs Academy, Lyubertsy, Kondrashova E.S. , Krasilnikova E.V. ,   Russian Customs Academy, Lyubertsy, Popova A.A. ,   Russian Customs Academy, Lyubertsy
Published: June 2024

The article discusses a type of goods coding, the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), and its use in identification for customs purposes. A study was conducted to identify product samples using the GTIN. Based on the study, conclusions were drawn about the effectiveness of the GTIN in identification for customs purposes.
The first 100 days after childbirth: cross-sectional study of maternal clinical events and health needs from primary care
Authors: Smith Holly Christina , Schartau Patricia , Saxena Sonia , Petersen Irene
Published: June 2024

Background

The first 100 days after childbirth are important for women recovering from pregnancy and birth.

Aim

To describe the most common clinical events or health needs documented in women’s primary care records in the first 100 days after childbirth.

Design and setting

Cross-sectional study using electronic health records from UK primary care data.

Method

Primary care records were examined from childbirth up to 100 days after childbirth for women aged 16–49 years who had given birth to a single live infant between 2006 and 2016 using IQVIA Medical Research Data. The most common clinical events or health needs based on documented symptoms, diagnoses, and medications were identified. How these varied by patient characteristic was explored.

Results

In total, 925 712 contacts were identified during the 100 days following 309 573 births. Women were most likely to use primary care to have a postnatal visit or check (60.6%,n= 187 455), for monitoring (such as a blood pressure reading) (49.9%,n= 154 328), and to access contraception (49.7%,n= 153 876). Younger women were more likely to have contacts for preventive care compared with older women, but were less likely to have contacts for ongoing mental and physical symptoms or conditions and pre-existing conditions. The highest peak in contacts occurred 42 days after birth, and related to a postnatal check or visit, monitoring a patient, and recording lifestyle factors (such as smoking status).

Conclusion

Primary care services should seek to match the needs of new mothers, taking account of a high volume of contacts, for a broad range of planned and responsive care following childbirth.
A mixed case study on workplace wellbeing
Authors:   , Cotter Regan
Published: June 2024

A mixed, multi-case study was undertaken to capture workplace health and wellbeing (H&W) initiatives within five organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand, 2022/3. The study used a framework based on Stoewen’s (2017) germinal 8 Pillars of Health and Wellness (physical, nutritional, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social, environmental, and financial) as a means of understanding workplace health and wellbeing within the five settings. The framework was used as a lens to investigate the workplace initiatives of five different New Zealand organisations and consider how they accorded with and deviated from the model. Originally seen as a multi-site case study, where leaders from five organisations participated in open-ended interviews, the study evolved into a narrative approach within each case study to create a strategic alignment between the voices, the literature, and the themes. Because this approach appeared deductive a priori, an inductive element was introduced via thematic analysis and a series of synergistic initiatives emerged where the pillars aligned with the themes. These workplace wellbeing initiatives enhance and communicate the desired organisational culture. Based on the study findings a new framework relevant to a contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand is proposed, The Workplace Wellbeing Kete. Further to this a set of guidelines and recommendations on how to construct, implement and evaluate a compelling workplace wellbeing programme is outlined in The Five Steps of a Workplace Wellbeing Programme.
A long-term physical activity programme: What keeps them coming?
Authors:   , Leathart Michelle
Published: June 2024

The Big Fun Model is a combination of the occupational therapy theory of sensory integration and gymnastics. Big Fun NZ has had athletes attending for upwards of eight years. If a therapy model is used to assess the success of the Big Fun NZ programme it could be seen as a failure due to the length of time that people have been attending the programme. If however a sports model is applied then the Big Fun NZ programme would be thought of as a success due to its long term retention of participants. Objectives: This research project aimed to answer the question 'What maintains/influences people's engagement in Big Fun NZ over an extended period of time and through different life stages?' This is to add to the small amount of literature regarding the factors that foster long-term involvement in physical activity programmes. Method: This research project interviewed seven family groups, usually a dyad of an athlete and their parent/guardian, who have been attending sessions for between 8 and 14 years. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and then analysed using QUAGOL. Results: From the analysis of the interviews consistency and routine were the two factors identified that maintained long-term involvement. With smashing parental assumptions, benefits of physical activity, and enjoyment being the three factors that worked to maintain involvement. The concept of integration versus segregation was also explored. With the participants in this research project preferring the exclusive environment that Big Fun NZ currently operates in. Conclusion: The themes identified in this research project fit into the occupational therapy Do-Live-Well framework. This framework is aimed at improving people’s health and well-being by using a health promotion emphasis rather than an illness emphasis. As a primary and secondary prevention strategy the Big Fun Model falls under health promotion, this categorisation gives clarity and direction to the role of Big Fun New Zealand within the adaptive physical activity community.
From education to employment: Investigating postgraduate employment outcomes of international students in the ICT sector of New Zealand
Authors:   , Joseph Patricia
Published: June 2024

This research investigates the employment outcomes of international students who completed postgraduate studies in New Zealand's information and communication technology sector against the backdrop of ongoing technology skills shortages and the sector's pivotal economic contributions. Adopting a mixed-methods approach to triangulate quantitative data from surveys with qualitative insights from semistructured interviews and existing literature, the research examines the influence of social capital and labour market barriers on international postgraduates’ employability. Convenience and snowball sampling were used to gather perspectives from international postgraduates, employers, industry experts, and education providers. Analysis revealed that post-study work opportunities significantly attract international postgraduate students to New Zealand and highlighted the importance of technical skills, soft skills, English proficiency, and cultural adaptability for employment post-study. The gap between perceived and actual employability outcomes underscored the critical role of industry-educator collaboration in relation to international postgraduate academic preparation for industry employment. Recommendations focus on strengthening these partnerships and updating policies to integrate postgraduates better into the local information, communications and technical workforce. The limitations suggest future research directions, including longitudinal studies and cross-cultural comparisons for clearer insights.
Investigar en la Facultad de Filosofía y Letras (UBA). Grupo de Estudios sobre la Cultura Escrita y la Historia de la Lectura (GECEHLec)
Authors: Valinoti Beatriz
Published: June 2024

El Grupo de Estudios sobre la Cultura Escrita y la Historia de la Lectura (GECEHLec), fue creado en julio de 2023 en el Instituto de Investigaciones Bibliotecológicas (INIBI) de la Facultad de Filosofía y Letras (Universidad de Buenos Aires). Se propone como un espacio de articulación de docencia, investigación y extensión en el que participan estudiantes de grado, de posgrado e investigadores con diversos grados de formación interesados en los estudios de la Cultura Escrita y la Lectura. A partir de grandes ejes temáticos: el libro, sus materialidades, la Historia de las Bibliotecas, la Historia de la Lectura, entre otros, con un enfoque interdisciplinario, donde el intercambio y la elaboración de proyectos y actividades enriquecen el abordaje de los procesos relacionados con la Cultura Escrita.