bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Design and Fabrication of Pneumatic Soft Robot Actuators in a Single Casting Step
Authors: Silva Afonso , Fonseca Diogo , Neto Diogo M. , Babcinschi Mihail , Neto Pedro
Published: May 2024

Bio-inspired soft robots have already shown the ability to handle uncertainty and adapt to unstructured environments. However, their availability is partially restricted by time-consuming, costly, and highly supervised design-fabrication processes, often based on resource-intensive iterative workflows. Here, we propose an integrated approach targeting the design and fabrication of pneumatic soft actuators in a single casting step. Molds and sacrificial water-soluble hollow cores are printed using fused filament fabrication. A heated water circuit accelerates the dissolution of the core’s material and guarantees its complete removal from the actuator walls, while the actuator’s mechanical operability is defined through finite element analysis. This enables the fabrication of actuators with non-uniform cross-sections under minimal supervision, thereby reducing the number of iterations necessary during the design and fabrication processes. Three actuators capable of bending and linear motion were designed, fabricated, integrated, and demonstrated as 3 different bio-inspired soft robots, an earthworm-inspired robot, a 4-legged robot, and a robotic gripper. We demonstrate the availability, versatility, and effectiveness of the proposed methods, contributing to accelerating the design and fabrication of soft robots. This study represents a step toward increasing the accessibility of soft robots to people at a lower cost.
Low-Friction Soft Robots for Targeted Bacterial Infection Treatment in Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Wang Ben , Chen Yunrui , Ye Zhicheng , Yu Haidong , Chan Kai Fung , Xu Tiantian , Guo Zhiguang , Liu Weimin , Zhang Li
Published: May 2024

Untethered and self-transformable miniature robots are capable of performing reconfigurable deformation and on-demand locomotion, which aid the traversal toward various lumens, and bring revolutionary changes for targeted delivery in gastrointestinal (GI) tract. However, the viscous non-Newtonian liquid environment and plicae gastricae obstacles severely hamper high-precision actuation and payload delivery. Here, we developed a low-friction soft robot by assembly of densely arranged cone structures and grafting of hydrophobic monolayers. The magnetic orientation encoded robot can move in multiple modes, with a substantially reduced drag, terrain adaptability, and improved motion velocity across the non-Newtonian liquids. Notably, the robot stiffness can be reversibly controlled with magnetically induced hardening, enabling on-site scratching and destruction of antibiotic-ineradicable polymeric matrix in biofilms with a low-frequency magnetic field. Furthermore, the magnetocaloric effect can be utilized to eradicate the bacteria by magnetocaloric effect under high-frequency alternating field. To verify the potential applications inside the body, the clinical imaging-guided actuation platforms were developed for vision-based control and delivery of the robots. The developed low-friction robots and clinical imaging-guided actuation platforms show their high potential to perform bacterial infection therapy in various lumens inside the body.
High-Performance Ag
2
Se/Methyl Cellulose Thermoelectric Composites for Flexible Power Generators
Authors: Xiao Zuo , Meng Qiufeng , Du Yong , Wei Ping , Qin Jie , Chen Jingyu , Wang Zhongchang , Eklund Per
Published: May 2024

Flexible thermoelectric generators (FTEGs) offer a promising solution for powering wearable electronics, while their practical applications are mainly obstructed by the moderate properties of flexible thermoelectric (TE) materials. Here, flexible Ag
2
Se nanowire (NW)/methyl cellulose (MC) composite films were developed via facile screen-printing technology combined with cold pressing and annealing treatment, and a highest power factor of 1,641.58 μW m
−1
K
−2
at 360 K was achieved. The reasons for the high TE performance of the Ag
2
Se NW/MC composite films were because, after the annealing treatment, the Ag
2
Se NWs were sintered to form conductive network structures, the crystallinity of Ag
2
Se was markedly enhanced, and the content of insulating phase MC in the composite film was decreased. The Ag
2
Se NW/MC composite film held appreciable flexibility, as its room-temperature power factor (1,312.08 μW m
−1
K
−2
) can retain ~93% after bending for 1,000 cycles at a radius of 4 mm. Furthermore, the assembled FTEG consisting of 4 strips can generate a maximal power density of 3.51 W m
−2
at a temperature difference of 14.1 K. Our results open an effective and large-scale strategy for fabricating high-performance flexible TE materials and energy-harvesting devices.
Layer-by-Layer Flexible Organic Thermoelectric Devices based on PEDOT:PSS and PBFDO
Authors: Zhang Chan , Huang Haiming , Han Shaobo , Liu Xi , Mo Lixin , Zhao Jing , Mo Jinpeng , Che Canyan
Published: May 2024

Recent advances in n-type conducting polymers are beginning to rival those of p-type materials. Notably, the n-type conducting polymer poly(benzodifurandione) (PBFDO) demonstrates a notable Seebeck coefficient along with exceptionally high electrical conductivity, positioning it as a promising n-type thermoelectric material with substantial research potential. Despite its promise, the exploration of PBFDO’s thermoelectric properties and the development of related thermoelectric devices have been limited. In this study, we introduce a flexible thermoelectric device that utilizes a combination of the p-type polymer poly(3,4ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate and the n-type polymer PBFDO, using a straightforward print-and-fold technique. This approach enabled the production of flexible devices with thermoelectric generators whose properties were assessed. The polymer films and the resultant devices demonstrated commendable performance stability even after being subjected to 1,000 bending cycles at a 90° angle. Our findings corroborate the potential of PBFDO as a viable material for flexible thermoelectric applications, a development that is eagerly anticipated in the field.
Association between Abortion and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Premature Mortality: A Prospective Cohort Study from the UK Biobank
Authors: Yin Shaohua , Yang Yingying , Wang Qin , Guo Wei , He Qian , Yuan Lei , Si Keyi
Published: May 2024

Background:
Concerns have been raised about the increasing prevalence of both spontaneous and induced abortions worldwide, yet their effect on premature mortality remains poorly understood. We aimed to examine the associations between abortion and all-cause and cause-specific premature mortality, and the potential effect modification by maternal characteristics.
Methods:
Women aged 39 to 71 years at baseline (2006 to 2010) with prior pregnancies were derived from the UK Biobank and categorized as no abortion history, spontaneous abortion alone, induced abortion alone, and both spontaneous and induced abortions. All-cause and cause-specific mortality were ascertained through linkage to death certificate data, with premature death defined as occurring before the age of 70.
Results:
Of the 225,049 ever gravid women, 43,418 (19.3%) reported spontaneous abortion alone, 27,135 (12.1%) reported induced abortion alone, and 10,448 (4.6%) reported both spontaneous and induced abortions. During a median of 14.4 years of follow-up, 5,353 deaths were recorded, including 3,314 cancer-related and 1,444 cardiovascular deaths. Compared with no abortion history, spontaneous abortion alone was associated with an increased risk of all-cause premature mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02 to 1.17), and induced abortion alone was associated with increased risks of all-cause (aHR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.22) and cardiovascular mortality (aHR 1.27, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.48). The aHRs for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were higher for recurrent abortions, whether spontaneous or induced (
P
trend
< 0.05). The increased risk of all-cause mortality associated with induced abortion was higher in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy than in those without (40% vs. 9%,
P
interaction
= 0.045).
Conclusions:
Either spontaneous or induced abortion alone was associated with an increased risk of premature mortality, with induced abortion alone particularly linked to cardiovascular death. Future studies are encouraged to explore the underlying mechanisms.
Three-Dimensional Structure of Oceanic Mesoscale Eddies
Authors: Zhang Zhengguang , Wang Guihua , Wang Hailin , Liu Hanrui
Published: May 2024

Mesoscale eddies contribute to the global oceanic energy budget and cascade; they induce substantial mass and heat transport, thus playing a key role in the global climate system. The three-dimensional (3D) structures of mesoscale eddies should be studied in order to quantify their impact. In this paper, mesoscale eddies are reviewed from the perspective of their horizontal and vertical structures, temporal evolution, and fine structures. The universal 3D structure of mesoscale eddies is revealed via observations, and findings show that their tendency to achieve lowest-energy or minimum-dissipation states shapes their lowest-order coherent structure. Recent efforts also push forward to the higher-order structure of eddies: The understanding of horizontal structures is gradually evolving from symmetric to asymmetric, and the vertical structure based on separable variable assumption and vertical mode decomposition should further take the eddy vertical alignment and tilt into account. The temporal evolution of mesoscale eddies’ 3D structure is in a dynamical balance influenced by multiple competitive factors, such as eddies’ self-sustaining ability, background gradient and deformation, and generation of submesoscale fine structures. The submesoscale processes associated with mesoscale eddies have been intensively studied in recent years, and they should be considered as a fine-scale part of the 3D structure of eddies rather than separate instability processes. This review hopes to provide the readers with an enlightening, yet not thorough, review of the development of mesoscale eddies’ structures and brings up potential topics and unresolved difficulties for further research and development.
Forest Height Extraction Using GF-7 Very High-Resolution Stereoscopic Imagery and Google Earth Multi-Temporal Historical Imagery
Authors: Ni Wenjian , Li Zijia , Wang Qiang , Zhang Zhiyu , Liu Qingwang , Pang Yong , He Yating , Li Zengyuan , Sun Guoqing
Published: May 2024

With the advent of very high-resolution (VHR) imaging satellites, it is possible to measure the heights of forest stands or even individual trees more accurately. However, the accurate geometric processing of VHR images depends on ground control points (GCPs). Collecting GCPs through fieldwork is time-consuming and labor-intensive, which presents great challenges for regional applications in remote or mountainous regions, particularly for international applications. This study proposes a promising approach that leverages GF-7 VHR stereoscopic images and Google Earth’s multi-temporal historical imagery to accurately extract forest heights without the need for fieldworks. Firstly, an algorithm is proposed to collect GCPs using Multi-temporal Averaging of historical imagery provided by Google Earth (GE), known as MAGE. Digital surface model (DSM) is then derived using GF-7 stereoscopic imagery and MAGE GCPs in Switzerland. Forest heights are finally extracted by subtracting ground surface elevations from GF-7 DSM. Results show that absolute coordinate errors of MAGE GCPs are less than 2.0 m. The root mean square error (RMSE) of forest heights extracted from GF-7 DSM, derived using the original geolocation model, is 12.3 m, and the determination coefficient (
R
2
) of linear estimation model is 0.72. When the geolocation model is optimized using MAGE GCPs, the RMSE is reduced to 1.5 m and the
R
2
increases to 0.95. These results not only demonstrate the effectiveness of MAGE GCPs but, more importantly, also reveal the significance of precise geometric processing of VHR stereoscopic imagery in forest height estimations.
A Hybrid Spatiotemporal Fusion Method for High Spatial Resolution Imagery: Fusion of Gaofen-1 and Sentinel-2 over Agricultural Landscapes
Authors: Liu Shuaijun , Liu Jia , Tan Xiaoyue , Chen Xuehong , Chen Jin
Published: May 2024

Agricultural applications of remote sensing data typically require high spatial resolution and frequent observations. The increasing availability of high spatial resolution imagery meets the spatial resolution requirement well. However, the long revisit period and frequent cloud contamination severely compromise their ability to monitor crop growth, which is characterized by high temporal heterogeneity. Many spatiotemporal fusion methods have been developed to produce synthetic images with high spatial and temporal resolutions. However, these existing methods focus on fusing low and medium spatial resolution satellite data in terms of model development and validation. When it comes to fusing medium and high spatial resolution images, the applicability remains unknown and may face various challenges. To address this issue, we propose a novel spatiotemporal fusion method, the dual-stream spatiotemporal decoupling fusion architecture model, to fully realize the prediction of high spatial resolution images. Compared with other fusion methods, the model has distinct advantages: (a) It maintains high fusion accuracy and good spatial detail by combining deep-learning-based super-resolution method and partial least squares regression model through edge and color-based weighting loss function; and (b) it demonstrates improved transferability over time by introducing image gradient maps and partial least squares regression model. We tested the StarFusion model at 3 experimental sites and compared it with 4 traditional methods: STARFM (spatial and temporal adaptive reflectance fusion), FSDAF (flexible spatiotemporal data fusion), Fit-FC (regression model fitting, spatial filtering, and residual compensation), FIRST (fusion incorporating spectral autocorrelation), and a deep learning base method—super-resolution generative adversarial network. In addition, we also investigated the possibility of our method to use multiple pairs of coarse and fine images in the training process. The results show that multiple pairs of images provide better overall performance but both of them are better than other comparison methods. Considering the difficulty in obtaining multiple cloud-free image pairs in practice, our method is recommended to provide high-quality Gaofen-1 data with improved temporal resolution in most cases since the performance degradation of single pair is not significant.
Targeted Delivery of Engineered RVG-BDNF-Exosomes: A Novel Neurobiological Approach for Ameliorating Depression and Regulating Neurogenesis
Authors: Liu Shaobo , Chen Lei , Guo Mei , Li Yongbiao , Liu Qingshan , Cheng Yong
Published: May 2024

Addressing the urgent need for innovative depression treatments, this study heralds a breakthrough in major depressive disorder (MDD) therapy by intertwining clinical observations with neurobiological advancements. We analyzed brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in serum exosomes from a diverse group of 60 individuals, including first-episode, drug-free MDD patients, medicated MDD patients, and healthy controls. Our results revealed a significant decrease in BDNF levels within MDD patients’ exosomes, which notably increased post-medication, highlighting BDNF’s potential as a biomarker for both MDD diagnosis and treatment efficacy. Advancing these clinical findings, we developed RVG-modified exosomes engineered to overexpress BDNF (RVG-BDNF-Exos), designed to directly target neuronal cells. Our findings demonstrate that these engineered exosomes can successfully traverse the blood–brain barrier, targeting neurons in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. In our mouse model of depression induced by lipopolysaccharide, RVG-BDNF-Exos treatment led to a significant increase of BDNF in these key brain regions, crucial for mood regulation and neurogenesis. This intervention modulated the BDNF/TrkB/AKT signaling pathway, central to neural plasticity and implicated in depression’s pathogenesis. Behavioral assessments exhibited substantial improvements in depressive-like behaviors in mice treated with RVG-BDNF-Exos, including reduced immobility in Tail Suspension and Forced Swim Tests. Additionally, our treatment effectively decreased neuroinflammation, as evidenced by the reduction in microglia and astrocyte numbers. Moreover, RVG-BDNF-Exos treatment enhanced neurogenesis and regulated synaptic plasticity, as indicated by the increased expression of neuronal markers MAP2 and DCX, and synaptic proteins PSD95 and Syn-1. In conclusion, this study not only underscores the clinical potential of serum exosomal BDNF as a diagnostic and therapeutic marker for MDD but also demonstrates the efficacy of RVG-BDNF-Exos in alleviating depressive symptoms. Our findings pave the way for future targeted, personalized psychiatric treatments, offering a promising direction in MDD therapy.
Hydrogel-Encapsulated Pancreatic Islet Cells as a Promising Strategy for Diabetic Cell Therapy
Authors: Huan Zhikun , Li Jingbo , Luo Zhiqiang , Yu Yunru , Li Ling
Published: May 2024

Islet transplantation has now become a promising treatment for insulin-deficient diabetes mellitus. Compared to traditional diabetes treatments, cell therapy can restore endogenous insulin supplementation, but its large-scale clinical application is impeded by donor shortages, immune rejection, and unsuitable transplantation sites. To overcome these challenges, an increasing number of studies have attempted to transplant hydrogel-encapsulated islet cells to treat diabetes. This review mainly focuses on the strategy of hydrogel-encapsulated pancreatic islet cells for diabetic cell therapy, including different cell sources encapsulated in hydrogels, encapsulation methods, hydrogel types, and a series of accessorial manners to improve transplantation outcomes. In addition, the formation and application challenges as well as prospects are also presented.
USING INTERPOLATION FOR GENERATING INPUT DATA FOR THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT MONTE CARLO SIMULATION
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Botchkarev A. M.
Published: May 2024

Input modelling is a complex task within the Monte Carlo simulation, especially when the systems and processes under investigation reveal the non-linear behavior of several interdependent variables. Commonly used approaches for Monte Carlo simulation input modelling include selecting probability distributions and fitting them to existing data; resampling random variates from historical data; and using real-world data as an input model, which in the age of big data becomes more feasible. Each of the approaches comes with its own set of drawbacks. This note aims to describe a new method of input modelling for GDP Monte Carlo simulation based on interpolation of the GDP historical records. Also, this method has been implemented as a publicly available online tool using the Microsoft Azure Machine Learning Studio. A similar approach can be applied to other macroeconomic indicators, e.g., consumer price index (inflation) or current employment statistics. This note is intended for economists, data scientists, and operations research analysts interested in the GDP Monte Carlo simulation. It can also be used by academics, researchers, and practitioners in a broad subject area for generating input data for Monte Carlo simulation. Specifically, it can be of interest for Ph.D. candidates (VAC specialty 5.2.6) performing development of theory and methods of decision-making in economic and social systems, and application of artificial intelligence and big data methods in management.
ON THE QUESTION OF THE ECONOMIC COMPONENT OF INNOVATIVE MARKETING IN THE EDUCATIONAL ECOSYSTEM OF THE UNIVERSITY
Authors:   Rostov State University of Economics, Bezpalova A. G. , Legkonogikh A. N. ,   Southern Federal University
Published: May 2024

The relevance of the issue lies in the need to develop the concept of innovative marketing in the educational ecosystem of the university as a vector for increasing the rating and expanding the educational opportunities of a regional university. The aim ofthe study is innovative marketing in the educational ecosystem of a regional university and criteria of an internal and external nature that form its specifics. The tasks are aimed at analyzing existing approaches to innovative marketing in the educational ecosystem of regional universities (using the example of Rostov-on-Don), deter-mining trends in the development of both innovative marketing and the educational ecosystem of universities, researching innovative marketing in the educational environment of Rostov State Uni-versity of Economics and Southern Federal University and its influence on economic indicators. The study is based on monitoring, comparative, and situational analysis of educational practices of the universities under study, which made it possible to highlight the features of the introduction of innovative marketing and the formation of a modern ecosystem in universities that are inherently different. The main components of innovative marketing are summarized, the "false" criteria charac-terizing it are highlighted, as well as the reasons for the unrealization of marketing innovations in the educational process of both universities and the substitution of professional criteria for commer-cial ones. The result of the research is the modeling of the triptych "education-science-business", the integration of which into the educational ecosystem will increase the marketing potential of univer-sities due to the implemented innovative educational programs, as well as the release of in-demand specialistsusing the full range of professional competencies obtained at the university. The practical significance of the innovative marketing model in the educational ecosystem of the university is emphasized by its flexibility and adaptability to universities of different professional status. The model can be transformed, supplemented, and aggregated into the ecosystem of each university. All this suggests that the introduction of the innovative marketing model into the educational ecosys-tem of regional universities will show not only the communication, but also the economic efficiency of development. The discussion among colleagues of the criteria for innovative marketing in the educational ecosystem of the university received both critical and positive feedback, as universities of different status were selected, however, it is planned to continue research in this direction with a clear segmentation of regional universities.
SOCIOCULTURAL IMPACT OF BRAND COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGNS: POSITIVE PRACTICE
Authors:   Volgograd State University, Melnik T. I.
Published: May 2024

Currently, in modern society, the purchase of certain brands provides an individual with social interaction, serves to correlate their own actions with the actions of the desired social groups, brands serve as agents of socialization, and the possession ofcertain brands becomes a tool for join-ing certain communities and at the same time a means of distancing from other communi-ties. In addition, brands initiate the transformation of the existing value system in society. The article con-siders technological and socio-cultural changes leading to the formation of new post-material values in society.The purpose of the work is to identify a set of modern communication technologies that allow domestic companies to more successfully implement their own projects. To achieve this goal, the author solved the following tasks: technological and socio-cultural changes leading to the for-mation of new post-material values in society were considered;the relationship between the ongo-ing changes and the transformation of consumer behavior and marketing communications was shown;the positive practice of attracting attention to a particular social problem by a particular brand was identified and analyzed. As a result of the research, the author considered the communi-cation campaigns of famous brands, which were able to change the society's views on behavioral models, consciousness and worldview of people. The author's contribution consists in highlighting, based on the analysis, the main social problems to which modern brand communications are devoted:problems of climate change (including environmental protection, maintaining sustainable develop-ment as a result of abandoning the use of plastic packaging, recycling, carbon neutrality, etc., reduc-ing emissions, rational use of natural resources and the introduction of innovative practices and technologies, responsible consumption in general); problems of gender inequality; problems of ste-reotypes in the perception of appearance; problems of timely diagnosis of diseases and attention to the state of one's health in general. The result of the analysis was the identification of the necessary conditions for the success of the brand's communication campaign: connection with the brand's field of activity, its philosophy and values, the brand's own vision of ways to solve the social problem identified by it, etc., as a set of procedures (an interconnected sequence of actions) of communication technologies.
APPLICATION OF BOTULINUM TOXIN IN CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT OF MASTICATORY MUSCLES DYSFUNCTION
Authors: Mijoska Aneta , Jovanovski Sasho , Naumovski Borjan
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this paper is to describe the application of the botulinum toxin in diseases of the temporomandibular system of a muscular type such as masticatory hypertrophy, spasm, bruxism, and tension headaches of idiopathic etiology. The masticatory system is a complex apparatus with great adaptive capacity. Still, when that capacity is exceeded, functional disorders occur followed by a series of symptoms that depend on individual, local, and systemic etiological factors. Occlusal trauma exceeding the physiological limits of the teeth, periodontium, and TMJ leads to a series of functional disorders. Temporomandibular dysfunctions (TMD) are used to describe a large, heterogeneous group of diseases of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its adjacent tissues and organs. Botulinum toxin type A, hemagglutinin complex with 500 IU (DISPORT Ipsen Biopharm, UK) was used for the therapy of muscle disorders like bruxism or night teeth clenching in female patient 26 years old. Depending on the dose that was applied to the targeted muscle, a complete or partial reduction in contraction occurs with reduced function and weakening of the muscle. Two weeks after applying the neuromodulator, the patient reported a reduction in pain and episodes of teeth grinding and clenching. Bilateral hypotrophy of left and right masseter muscles was noticeable after 2 months. We concluded that botulinum toxin could be used as an effective treatment for reducing nocturnal bruxism and myofascial pain in patients with bruxism.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN THE DETECTION OF CONGENITAL HEART DISEASES IN CHILDREN
Authors: Poplata Indira , Hodžić Elvedina , Begić Nedim , Stijepović Ljiljana
Published: May 2024

Over the last few years, remarkable progress has been made in the field of congenital heart diseases. Improvements considering diagnostic modalities, especially imaging, in surgical and interventional techniques, as well as in postoperative therapy and care, have contributed to a significant reduction in mortality and morbidity. One of the most important applications of medical imaging techniques in children is the detection and treatment of congenital heart anomalies. Objective of this article is to show the importance of ultrasonography in the detection of congenital heart diseases in children. The study was conducted on children with simple and complex congenital heart diseases and was conducted on the Pediatric Clinic, UKCS. The research is descriptive on a representative sample. In our study, 166 children were observed, of which 148 children (77 boys, 71 girls) with simple congenital heart diseases, and 18 children (8 boys, 10 girls) with complex congenital heart diseases. Out of the total number of observed children, 115 had a surgical correction, 97 children with simple congenital heart diseases (45 boys, 52 girls) and 18 children with complex congenital heart diseases (8 boys, 10 girls). The number of children monitored through the Cardiac Counseling Center who didn’t undergo surgical correction was 51, all with simple congenital heart diseases. Out of the total number of observed children who were frequently coming for follow-ups, 28 children had changes on the ECG, and 138 of them had no changes on the ECG, 93 were surgically treated, and 73 of them were on conservative therapy. Based on the results of the research, we conclude that ultrasonography is an important method in the detection and treatment of congenital heart diseases.
IMPACTS OF TOBACCO USE AND EXPOSURE TO TOBACCO SMOKE ON HEALTH, SOCIETY, ECONOMY, AND ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Sančanin Branislav , Penjišević Aleksandra
Published: May 2024

Smoking represents a significant global public health challenge and is the primary preventable cause of disease and death. This problem is accentuated by the fact that a substantial 80% of adult smokers worldwide come from low- or middle-income countries. The aim of this paper is twofold: first, to highlight the health impacts associated with tobacco use, and second, to delineate the indirect damage caused to the environment during the life cycle of tobacco products - from production and distribution to consumption and waste generation. The reluctance of some countries to take decisive action, together with intense pressure from tobacco corporations, is hindering progress towards reducing the number of adult smokers and curbing tobacco use among minors. State interventions, supported by strict laws, are necessary to enforce the ban on indoor smoking, the ban on the sale of tobacco to minors, and the establishment of permanent interstate cooperation in the fight against cigarette smuggling. Educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of smoking and tobacco consumption are key to fostering a smoke-free culture. A strong media campaign, supported by state measures, could contribute to faster and more comprehensive targeting of target groups, especially younger age categories.
DIABETES TYPE 2 AND OBESITY
Authors: Kostadinov Nikolay
Published: May 2024

Diabetes mellitus type 2 is a socially significant disease, which etiologically and pathogenetically is to the greatest extent influenced by body weight. Obesity has become a pandemic of our time. It is most often caused by the imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. Excess calories accumulate as fat. In patients with DM type 2, obesity further increases the risk of atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, arterial hypertension, hepatic steatosis, chronic kidney disease, increased mortality. The aim of the present analysis is to determine the frequency of patients with type 2 DM 170 patients with DM type-2 were studied. Of them, 77 with a relative share of 45.% are men, 93 are women, who make up 54.7%. The method of calculating the body mass index, which serves to assess the physical condition of the patients, was applied. After processing the data, it was found that 4.4% of the patients had a normal body weight, 26.5% were overweight, 1st degree obesity - 34.7%, 2nd degree obesity - 20.3% and with obesity of the 3rd degree are 14.1% of the studied patients. Obesity is a serious metabolic disorder that harbors multiple health risk factors that may reduce quality and life expectancy among patients with type-2 DM.
LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF COVID-19
Authors: Dimitrovska Eli , Dimitrovska Marija
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a defining global event, impacting nearly every aspect of life worldwide. This paper presents a review of the long-term effects of COVID-19, focusing on the impacts on people’s physical and mental health. It synthesizes current knowledge from different studies, articles, analyses, and case reports to provide a comprehensive understanding of the prolonged physical, psychological and socioeconomic consequences of COVID-19. The virus has prolonged effects on various organ systems in human body especially in individuals who experienced severe cases or complications, as well as profound psychological impact. Efforts to address the physical and mental consequences of COVID-19 require a comprehensive approach involving healthcare professionals, mental health providers, policymakers, community organizations, and individuals themselves.
INVESTIGATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING ADHERENCE TO METFORMIN THERAPY IN TYPE 2 DIABETES
Authors: Mahmutović Aldijana , Lekić Lana , Zaimović Imamović Nermina , Kikanović Amir , Pavlović Ana
Published: May 2024

Adherence is the degree to which the patient’s behavior (taking medication, following a diet, and/or changing lifestyle) matches the agreed recommendations of the prescriber. Adherence is influenced by socio-economic factors, factors related to the health system, factors related to the disease, factors related to the patient and factors related to therapy. Many methods have been developed to measure adherence. Methods are divided into direct and indirect. Adherence is usually lower in patients with chronic conditions than in patients with acute conditions. More recent studies show adherence values to oral antidiabetic therapy of 65-85%. Adherence is usually considered optimal when patients take at least 80% of their prescribed medication. The research conducted on the sample made up of middle-aged, non-adherent respondents (35-65), who have been using metformin for a minimum of 6 months in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus showed the influence of different factors on adherence. The factors that showed the greatest influence on the low degree of adherence are: lower education, passive life, low physical activity, smoking, long-term therapy, change of therapy, concomitant therapy, metformin dosing more than 2 times a day, forgetting to take therapy. The average value of blood sugar for all subjects is 10.5 mmol/L, which indicates the ineffectiveness of the prescribed therapy, and which can be directly linked to the determined non-adherence of subjects to metformin therapy.
PENGARUH CURRENT RATIO DAN RECEIVABLE TURNOVER TERHADAP RETURN ON ASSET PADA PT. UNILEVER INDONESIA TBK
Authors: Pratiwi Anggun , Dalimunthe Ahmad Amin , Syafina Laylan
Published: May 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh Current Ratio dan Receivable Turnover terhadap Return On Asset pada PT. Unilever Indonesia Tbk. Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ialah data sekunder yang didapat dari situs resmi Bursa Efek Indonesia. Pendekatan penelitian yang digunakan adalah pendekatan kuantitatif dengan jenis penelitian asosiatif kausal. Teknik pengambilan sampel penelitian adalah sampling jenuh dengan menggunakan metode analisis data uji asumsi klasik, analisis regresi linear berganda, dan uji hipotesis. Berdasarkan hasil uji t, secara parsial variabel Current Ratio diperoleh hasil tidak berpengaruh terhadap Return On Asset dengan t hitung 1,914 dan t tabel 2,045 (1,914 2,045) dan nilai signifikansi 0,066 0,05. Dan hasil uji t secara parsial variabel Receivable Turnover diperoleh berpengaruh terhadap Return On Asset dengan t hitung 13,766 dan t tabel 2,045 (13,766 2,045) dan nilai signifikansi 0,001 0,05. Berdasarkan hasil uji F diperoleh Current Ratio dan Receivable Turnover secara bersama-sama (simultan) memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap Return On Asset dengan nilai F hitung sebesar 118,303 dan f tabel 3,32 (118,303 3,32) dan tingkat signifikan 0,001 yang berarti memiliki peranan penting dalam meningkatkan laba pada PT. Unilever Indonesia Tbk.
PENGARUH PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE, EWOM, DAN KESADARAN MEREK TERHADAP MINAT PRODUK FASHION DI MARKETPLACE SHOPEE
Authors: Simanjuntak Doan , Nuvriasari Audita
Published: May 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh Product knowledge¸Electronic Word of Mouth, dan Kesadaran Merek terhadap Minat Beli Online produk fashion Roughneck1991 di marketplace Shopee. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah 100 responden yang tertarik melakukan pembelian produk fashion Roughneck1991 secara online di marketplace Shopee. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunnakan purposive sampling dengan instrument penelitian yang digunakan adalah kuesioner. Berdasarkan hasil analisis regresi linear berganda dan uji hipotesa, maka hasil penelitian ini membuktikan bahwa: (1) Product knowledge berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap minat beli produk fashion Roughneck1991 di marketplace Shopee. (2) Electronic word of mouth tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap minat beli produk fashion Roughneck1991 di marketplace Shopee. (3) Kesadaran merek tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap minat beli produk fashion Roughneck1991 di marketplace Shopee.
PENGARUH LEVERAGE, KEBIJAKAN DIVIDEN DAN UKURAN PERUSAHAAN TERHADAP MANAJEMEN LABA
Authors: Amiliyana Nafa , Rahayu Sri
Published: May 2024

Pada umumnya laba yang disajikan pada laporan keuangan perusahaan dapat digunakan sebagai indikator untuk menilai kinerja pihak manajemen dalam mengelola kekayaan perusahaan. Beberapa pihak memandang tindakan manajemen laba dari dua sudut pandang yang berbeda. Sudut pandang praktisi memandang tindakan manajemen laba ini sebagai kecurangan. Sedangkan dari sudut pandang akademis memandang manajemen laba sebagai kebebasan manajer perusahaan untuk menentukan kebijakan akuntansi tertentu. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui Pengaruh Leverage, Kebijakan Dividen dan Ukuran Perusahaan Terhadap Manajemen Laba. Teknik pemilihan sampel dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metode purposive sampling dan diperoleh sampel sebanyak 30 perusahaan manufaktur yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia periode tahun 2018 â€“ 2022. Analisis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah analisis regresi linear berganda dengan menggunakan software SPSS versi 22. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa leverage tidak berpengaruh terhadap manajemen laba, kebijakan dividen berpengaruh positif terhadap manajemen laba dan ukuran perusahaan berpengaruh negatif terhadap manajemen laba.
ANALISIS PENGARUH PERTUMBUHAN EKONOMI DAN RATA-RATA LAMA PENDIDIKAN TERHADAP TINGKAT PENGANGGURAN TERBUKA DI PROVINSI KALIMANTAN UTARA TAHUN 2013-2022
Authors: Anwar Syaiful
Published: May 2024

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh pertumbuhan ekonomi dan rata-rata lama pendidikan terhadap tingkat pengangguran terbuka di Provinsi Kalimantan Utara . Penelitian ini merupakan time-series dengan objek penelitian pertumbuhan ekonomi, rata-rata lama pendidikan serta tingkat pengangguran terbuka di Kalimantan Utara. Data yang digunakan adalah data sekunder. Metode alat analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis data panel. Berdasarkan hasil analisis data panel yang dilakukan pada uji t (parsial) dan uji f (simultan) menyatakan bahwa Hasil dari penelitian uji parsial menunjukkan bahwa  nilai prob. t-statistic adalah 0,1553 0,05 artinya pertumbuhan ekonomi tidak berpengaruh terhadap tingkat pengangguran terbuka di Provinsi Kalimantan Utara. Hasil dari penelitian uji parsial menunjukkan bahwa nilai prob. t-statistic adalah 0,0003 0,05, artinya terdapat pengaruh rata-rata lama sekolah terhadap rata-rata lama pendidikan di Provinsi Kalimantan Utara. Hasil dari penelitian uji simultan menunjukkan bahwa nilai prob. t-statistic adalah 0,001435 0,05 artinya variabel independen (pertumbuhan ekonomi dan rata-rata lama sekolah) secara simultan atau bersama-sama mempunyai pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap variabel dependen (tingkat pengangguran terbuka). Hasil dari koefisien determinasi menunjukkan bahwa 38,2% variasi variabel dependen mampu dijelaskan oleh variabel independen (pertumbuhan ekonomi dan rata-rata lama pendidikan) dan 61,8 % dijelaskan oleh variabel lain yang tidak dimasukkan ke dalam model.
Analisis Permintaan Barang dan Jasa di Wilayah Perbatasan Kabupaten Nunukan (Studi Kasus: Pulau Sebatik)
Authors: Agusriyanti Rizky , Pratiwi Sulistya Rini , Rahmawati Meylin , Putri Ferica Christinawati , Kartini Kartini
Published: May 2024

Indonesia merupakan negara kepulauan terbesar di dunia yang letaknya sangat strategis, secara ekonomi maupun geopolitik. Gugusan kepulauan yang ada di Indonesia disatukan oleh lautan yang terhampar luas dan beberapa diantaranya berbatasan langsung dengan beberapa negara, berbatasan darat maupun laut. Tercatat bahwa sekitar 92 pulau merupakan pulau-pulau terdepan dan terluar yang berbatasan langsung dengan negara tetangga yaitu: Malaysia, Singapura, Filipina, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, dan Australia. Hal ini termaktub dalam Peraturan Presiden RI Nomor 78 tahun 2005 tentang pengelolaan pulau-pulau kecil terluar.
ANALISIS TATA KELOLA KEUANGAN DESA GUNA MEWUJUDKAN GOOD VILLAGE GOVERNANCE (Studi di Desa Pleret Kecamatan Pleret Kabupaten Bantul)
Authors: Novitasari Dini , Hilmiawan Gigih Aulia
Published: May 2024

Good governance is an important principle in effective and sustainable village government management. Good governance is fundamental to achieving sustainable development and increased village competitiveness. It also helps build trust between the village government and the community and ensures that village resources are utilised efficiently and in accordance with the public interest. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of how village financial management is implemented. This information illustrates the importance of good financial governance in village governance in Pleret and efforts to meet officially recognised principles of governance. This is important to ensure that village funds are used to the best of their ability for the welfare of local communities.
Perbandingan ROA, DER dan Harga Saham Pada Sektor Industri Hotel, Restoran dan Pariwisata Indonesia Sebelum dan Selama Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Safitri Maria
Published: May 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui perbedaan Debt to Equity Ratio, Return on Asset, dan Harga Saham pada perusahaan sektor Industri Hotel, Restoran dan Pariwisata Indonesia sebelum dan selama Pandemi Covid-19. Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian yautu data sekunder yang didapat dari situs resmi Bursa Efek Indonesia. Pendekatan penelitian yang digunakan adalah pendekatan kuantitatif..Teknik pengambilan sampel penelitian adalah purposive sampling dengan menggunakan metode analisis data Statistik Deskriptif, Uji Normalitas, Uji Beda Rata-rata dan Uji Hipotesis. Berdasarkan hasil uji Paired Sample T-Test, didapatkan nilai signifikansi sebesar 0.007 0.05 untuk variabel Debt to Equity Ratio. Melalui Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, nilai signifikansi menunjukkan sebesar 0,000 0,05 pada pengujian variabel Return on Asset dan Harga Saham. Hasil ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan pada Debt to Equity Ratio, Return on Asset, dan Harga Saham sebelum dan selama pandemi Covid-19 pada perusahaan sektor Industri Hotel, Restoran dan Pariwisata Â di Indonesia.
Role of the private sector within Latvia’s strategic defence documents: Dimensions of psychological resilience and strategic communication
Authors: Juberte Krūmiņa Lita
Published: May 2024

The comprehensive defence framework introduced in 2019 in Latvia has the potential to accelerate the implementation of national defence priorities, thus strengthening Latvia as one of NATO’s external border states. In a time of geopolitical turbulence and increasing hybrid threats, a whole-of-society approach is required and work in ever-new directions. As dimensions of psychological resilience and strategic communication are becoming an important part of the defence studies debate, the study focuses on the role of the private sector within Latvia’s strategic defence documents and aims to investigate where these dimensions are situated and how they have evolved in the strategic landscape. To study the role and evolution of the private sector within Latvia’s strategic defence documents, quantitative content analysis and qualitative text analysis were used for in-depth analysis of the documents. The study finds that the role of the private sector in the strategic defence documents has generally increased over the years and there has not been a significant change regarding private sector involvement in dimensions of psychological resilience and strategic communication. The long-term pattern indicates that dimensions of psychological resilience and strategic communication appear rare in strategic documents, suggesting that the private sector is not seen as a significant actor in achieving defence goals. Meanwhile, in more practical dimensions,an upward trend towards strengthening ties and sharing responsibilities is identified. The study therefore opens up a discussion regarding the need for a more institutionalised framework for psychological and strategic communication dimensions in order to achieve the strategic goals of comprehensive defence.
POLICY ON LONG-TERM REFINANCING OF COMMERCIAL BANKS
Authors: BARANOVSKYI Oleksandr
Published: May 2024

Introduction. Safe functioning of the commercial banks (CB) is mainly impacted by the justified, effective and clear policy of the central banks on refinancing of the commercial banks. While current refinancing supports current liquidity of the commercial banks and their ability to meet the economic standards, the long-term refinancing supports the macroeconomic and financial stability in the country and the development of the instruments of the investment refinancing of the central bank, the increase of the volume of the loans provided by the CB to the real sector of the economy and its structural reconstruction, supports export oriented industries and small and medium business, cooperation with the governments on refinancing of the important investment projects, and the increase of the financial mediation institute effectiveness.

The purpose of the article is to determine the substance, types, factors and the features of the realization of the policy on long-term refinancing of the commercial banks by National Bank of Ukraine (NBU).

Results. The substance of the long-term refinancing policy of the commercial banks, its types, stages and problems of development as well as the potential ways of its optimal realization are highlighted.

Conclusions. The development of the justified policy on long-term refinancing of the commercial banks by NBU and ensuring of the effectiveness of its realization can be done by the optimal execution by the regulator of the role of the last instance creditor. Referring to the above the considered provisions and recommendations need in-depth research.