bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Ergonomics Analysis of Archers through Motion Tracking to Prevent Injuries and Improve Performance
Authors: Ji Xiaoxu , Miller Jenna , Gao Xin , Al Tamimi Zainab , Arzalluz Irati , Piovesan Davide
Published: March 2024

Archery ranks among the sports with a high incidence of upper extremity injuries, particularly affecting the drawing shoulder and elbow, as well as inducing stress on the lower back. This study seeks to bridge the gap by integrating real-time human motion with biomechanical software to enhance the ergonomics of archers. Thirteen participants were involved in four tasks, using different bows with varied draw weights and shooting distances. Through the application of advanced integrative technology, this study highlights the distinct postures adopted by both males and females, which indicate the biomechanical differences between genders. Additionally, an analysis of the correlation between exposed spinal forces and these adopted postures provides insights into injury risk assessment during the key archery movements. The findings of this study have the potential to significantly enhance the application of training methodologies and the design of assistive devices. These improvements are geared towards mitigating injury risks and enhancing the overall performance of archers.
Development and Reliability Review of an Assessment Tool to Measure Competency in the Seven Elements of the Risk Management Process: Part Three—Evaluation of the Group Results from the RISK Tool
Authors: Marling Garry , Horberry Tim , Harris Jill
Published: March 2024

This study used ratings to form teams of participants with different risk management competence levels to determine if a collectively optimised team performed a risk management exercise better than a marginally or a sub-optimised team. This paper also determined whether team performance was better than individual performance on a risk management exercise. An experimental group was split into three teams of six participants based on their individual risk scenario exercise outcomes. The collectively optimised team had at least one member rated as having some high-level or expert competency in one of the seven risk management process elements. So, jointly, the group had this competency level in all elements. Similarly, the marginally optimised team’s members were rated as having just above average or high-level competency in the seven elements. Likewise, the sub-optimised team’s members were rated as having just above average competency, just below average, or no competency in the seven elements. Each team undertook the risk scenario exercise, and two observers rated their performances, as recorded on a video camera. The results were that the collectively optimised team performed better in each of the seven risk management elements than the other teams (the marginally optimised or the sub-optimised team). However, a significant difference was only evident between the collectively optimised and sub-optimised teams across all elements. Also, the teams performed better in each of the seven elements than individuals. These results imply that a team collectively optimised in the seven elements of the risk management process can better perform a risk management process than a sub-optimised team. These competency outcomes could be used to assemble risk management teams that are collectively optimised, leading to better results from the risk management process.
Temporal and Spatial Trends in Livestock Manure Discharge and Water Pollution Risk in Chaohu Lake Basin
Authors: Pan Fanghui , Huang Fei , Zhu Hongguang , Wang Youbao
Published: March 2024

Assessments of the spatiotemporal distribution of livestock manure and its risk to the watershed are important to prevent water pollution. In this work, the spatiotemporal livestock manure distribution and its risk for the Chaohu lake basin were evaluated based on the excretion coefficient method and ArcGIS technology. In detail, the amounts of livestock manure and its associated pollutants, including chemical oxygen demand (COD), five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), ammonia (NH4+-N), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP), were calculated from 2009 to 2019. Then, the diffusion concentrations of COD, BOD5, NH4+-N, TN, and TP and the water pollution risk index from livestock manure were estimated and predicted for the Chaohu lake basin. The results indicated that the mean amount of livestock manure had reached 1.04 × 107 t in the Chaohu lake basin in the studied decade. The COD, BOD5, NH4+-N, TN, and TP from livestock manure in Feixi and Feidong contributed 54.26% and 54.40% of the total in the whole basin. These results demonstrate the potential pollution risk of livestock manure for the Chaohu lake basin. Moreover, the diffusion concentrations of COD, BOD5, NH4+-N, TN, and TP for the lake basin were from highest to lowest as follows: Feixi > Feidong > Chaohu > Lujiang > Wuwei > Shucheng > Hefei. The water pollution risk index was more than 20 in Feixi and Feidong, indicating that these areas were heavily affected by local livestock manure. The water pollution risk index will be approximately 18 for the Chaohu lake basin in 2030, implying that the Chaohu lake watershed will suffer moderate pollution from animal manure. These results provide scientific support for policymakers to enhance manure utilization efficiency and control livestock manure loss, causing water eutrophication in Chaohu lake basin or other similar watersheds.
Impact of Bioethanol Concentration in Gasoline on SI Engine Sustainability
Authors: Rimkus Alfredas , Pukalskas Saugirdas , Mejeras Gabrielius , Nagurnas Saulius
Published: March 2024

This study presents an experimental investigation into the impact of blending bioethanol (E100) with conventional gasoline (E0), incrementally increasing biofuel levels up to E10, E50, and E70. The test was carried out in two stages: Stage I assessed the engine’s performance under fixed speeds (n = 2000 rpm and n = 2500 rpm) and fixed throttle positions (15%, 20%, and 25%) to measure changes in engine torque, efficiency, and environmental metrics by varying the concentration of bioethanol in the fuel. Stage II aimed to enrich the initial findings by conducting an additional test, running the engine at a fixed speed (n = 2000 rpm) and braking torque (MB = 80 Nm) and varying the ignition timing. Results indicated slight improvements in engine brake torque and thermal efficiency (up to 1.7%) with bioethanol content increased to 70%, and a notable reduction in incomplete combustion byproducts—carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons emissions (up 15% and 43%). Nitrogen oxide emissions were reduced by up to 23%, but carbon dioxide emissions decreased by a mere 1.1%. In order to increase thermal efficiency by adding higher bioethanol blend concentrations, adjusting the ignition timing to counter the longer ignition delay is necessary; however, higher emissions of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons are a major drawback of such a strategy. The results of the research are important in determining the optimal concentration of bioethanol in the mixture with gasoline for the energy and environmental sustainability of a spark ignition engine.
Towards Sustainable Modes for Remote Monitoring in Waste Management: A Study of Marginalized Urban Areas in Romania
Authors: Iacoboaea Cristina , Luca Oana , Șercăianu Mihai , Aldea Mihaela , Păunescu Mihnea , Popescu Andrei Laurențiu
Published: March 2024

Implementing circular and carbon-neutral waste management practices is essential for promoting environmental sustainability and public health. This is particularly critical in marginalized areas, where effective waste management strategies play a pivotal role in addressing environmental challenges, promoting community well-being, and fostering sustainable development. The article will explore waste management in marginalized urban areas in an integrated manner, exploring key European research domains: waste management, housing in informal settlements, and spatial information. We examined 37 Local Development Strategies (LDSs) for marginalized urban areas (MUAs) in Romania to determine whether they incorporate waste management measures. In addition, we used QGIS along with imagery accessible on the European Space Agency’s platform. This supplies Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite data. We referred to a specific urban area, namely the Municipality of Turda, selected from the endorsed LDS, where the illegal landfills are present. Based on the data presented in the LDS and confirmed with the in situ verification or remotely using street view platforms, we have determined that the identified areas indeed contain illegal waste deposits. To validate these findings, the methodology employed, along with observations and results from the Turda study area, can be extended to other territories and marginalized urban areas.
How Do Humanlike Behaviors of Connected Autonomous Vehicles Affect Traffic Conditions in Mixed Traffic?
Authors: Dinar Yousuf , Qurashi Moeid , Papantoniou Panagiotis , Antoniou Constantinos
Published: March 2024

Different methodologies are being used to study the effects of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in mixed traffic to exhibit the interactions between autonomous and human-driven vehicles (HVs). Microscopic simulation tools are popular in such an assessment, as they offer the possibility to experiment in economical, robust, and optimistic ways. A lack of reliable real-world data (also known as natural data) to calibrate and evaluate the connected autonomous vehicle (CAV) simulation model is a major challenge. To deal with this situation, one interesting methodology could be to deal with the CAVs as conventional human-driven vehicles and predict their possible characteristics based on the simulation inputs. The conventional human-driven vehicles from the real world, in this methodology, come to act as a benchmark to offer the measure of effectiveness (MoE) for the calibration and validation. For the three most common driving behaviors, a sensitivity analysis of the behaviors of AVs and an effective assessment of CAVs in a mixed traffic environment were performed to explore the humanlike behaviors of the autonomous technology. The findings show that, up to a certain point, which is directly related to the quantity of interacting vehicles, the impact of CAVs is typically favorable. This study validates the approach and supports past studies by showing that CAVs perform better than AVs in terms of their traffic performance and safety aspects. On top of that, the sensitivity analysis shows that enhancements in the technology are required to obtain the maximum advantages.
Rural Entrepreneurship and Innovation in BRICS Economies: Secondary Evidence from Rural Areas in South Africa
Authors: Mulibana Lavhelesani , Tshikovhi Ndivhuho
Published: March 2024

It has been propagated by scholars and practitioners that entrepreneurship and innovation are potent tools that can be harnessed to transform rural areas, grow rural economies, create jobs, and enhance the prospects of attaining sustainable development goals (SDGs). Subsequently, these disciplines have garnered attention from researchers for virtually a century. Nonetheless, these researchers often focused on entrepreneurship and innovation activities in urban areas, thereby neglecting entrepreneurship and innovation activities in rural areas. Thus, there is a paucity of literature on rural entrepreneurship and innovation in the BRICS economies. Within the context of the agency theory and the Triple Helix Model of industrial policy, this study systematically reviews the literature on rural entrepreneurship and innovation in the Republic of South Africa. The study revealed that rural firms are risk-averse, which challenges the doctrine of rural transformation through rural entrepreneurship and innovation. Moreover, the ability to engage in entrepreneurship and innovation by rural firms is highly dependent on the availability of support from the government and actor networks. Subsequently, rural firms fail when support has been phased out. Thus, the government and actor networks should do things differently, with an emphasis on teaching rural firms to be independent and sustainable entrepreneurs and innovators.
They Like to Do It in Public: A Quantitative Analysis of Culture-Led Regeneration Projects in ITALY
Authors: Micelli Ezio , Campagnari Francesco , Lazzarini Luca , Ostanel Elena , Pedri Stocco Naomi
Published: March 2024

This paper presents and discusses a quantitative analysis of culture-led urban regeneration initiatives in Italy. It draws on a database of projects built using the filter of the national funding schemes launched between 2012 and 2018. The main objective of the research is to build an overview of the phenomenon of culture-based urban regeneration in Italy, recognizing common trends and recurring dynamics. The projects in the database are analyzed quantitatively on the basis of 28 attributes, taking into consideration different aspects such as the projects’ localization, the typology, dimension and ownership of the spatial assets mobilized, the relationship with public policies, and the scale of actors and networks involved in the projects. The findings show that culture-led regeneration initiatives “like to do it in public”; namely, to achieve their objectives—to “do culture”—they seek to connect with the public sector to receive forms of economic, material, and organizational support, such as public spaces in which to host their activities. Therefore, the interaction with the public administration is interpreted as the sine qua non condition for the success of culture-led urban regeneration initiatives and to ensure that these are able to generate strong and durable impacts on the revitalization and regeneration of distressed urban neighborhoods.
Strategic Pathways to Alternative Marine Fuels: Empirical Evidence from Shipping Practices in South Korea
Authors: Lee Jeongmin , Sim Minseop , Kim Yulseong , Lee Changhee
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the transition to a sustainable shipping industry within the framework of the IMO’s 2050 carbon neutrality objective, focusing on sociotechnical systems analysis. This research delves into the sustainable paradigm shift towards alternative marine fuels, such as LNG, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen, from a sociotechnical transition perspective, analyzing the multilevel perspective challenges and opportunities. Specifically, it scrutinizes the implications of adopting these alternative fuels for global shipping, identifying technical uncertainties, financial constraints, and infrastructure needs. Through a comprehensive review of the existing literature on ship emissions and alternative fuels, coupled with sociotechnical transition theory, this study addresses the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in meeting the IMO’s environmental objectives. It emphasizes the necessity of collaborative governance, innovative niche strategies, and a holistic approach to leverage the current window of opportunity in facilitating the maritime industry’s transition to sustainable fuel options. Finally, this research enhances our understanding of the intricate interplay between technological, social, industrial, and cultural dynamics in the greening of shipping, and offers insights into the strategic adoption of environmentally friendly marine fuels for a sustainable future.
An ASCON AOP-SystemC Environment for Security Fault Analysis
Authors: Mestiri Hassen , Barraj Imen , Bedoui Mouna , Machhout Mohsen
Published: March 2024

Cryptographic devices’ complexity necessitates fast security simulation environments against fault attacks. SystemC, a promising candidate in Electronic System Levels (ESLs), can achieve higher simulation speeds while maintaining accuracy and reliability, and its modular and hierarchical design allows for efficient modeling of complex cryptographic algorithms and protocols. However, code modification is required for fault injection and detection. Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP) can test cryptographic models’ robustness without modifications, potentially replacing real cryptanalysis schemes and reducing the time and effort required for fault injection and detection. Through the utilization of a fault injection/detection environment, this paper presents a novel approach to simulating the security fault attacks of ASCON cryptographic systems at the ESL. The purpose of this methodology is to evaluate the resistance of ASCON SystemC models against fault attacks. The proposed methodology leverages the advantages of AOP to enhance the fault injection and detection process. By applying AOP techniques, we inject faults into the SystemC models without making any changes to the main codebase. This approach not only improves the efficiency of testing cryptographic systems but also ensures that the main functionality remains intact during the fault injection process. The methodology was validated using three scenarios and SystemC ASCON as a case study. The first simulation involved evaluating fault detection capabilities, the second focused on the impact of AOP on executable file size and simulation time, and the third focused on the ESL impact on the ASCON design process. Simulation results show that this methodology can perfectly evaluate the robustness of the ASCON design against fault injection attacks with no significant impact on simulation time and file executable size. Additionally, the simulation results prove that the ASCON development life cycle at the ESL reduces the amount of time devoted to the design procedure by 83.34%, and the ASCON security attack simulations at the ESL decrease the simulation time by 40% compared to the register transfer level (RTL).
Development of a Rapid and Sensitive CANARY Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Shiga Toxin 2 from Escherichia coli
Authors: Tam Christina C. , Wang Yangyang , Du Wen-Xian , Flannery Andrew R. , He Xiaohua
Published: March 2024

Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) causes a wide spectrum of diseases including hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The current Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) testing methods for STEC use the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) protocol, which includes enrichment, cell plating, and genomic sequencing and takes time to complete, thus delaying diagnosis and treatment. We wanted to develop a rapid, sensitive, and potentially portable assay that can identify STEC by detecting Shiga toxin (Stx) using the CANARY (Cellular Analysis and Notification of Antigen Risks and Yields) B-cell based biosensor technology. Five potential biosensor cell lines were evaluated for their ability to detect Stx2. The results using the best biosensor cell line (T5) indicated that this biosensor was stable after reconstitution with assay buffer covered in foil at 4 °C for up to 10 days with an estimated limit of detection (LOD) of ≈0.1–0.2 ng/mL for days up to day 5 and ≈0.4 ng/mL on day 10. The assay detected a broad range of Stx2 subtypes, including Stx2a, Stx2b, Stx2c, Stx2d, and Stx2g but did not cross-react with closely related Stx1, abrin, or ricin. Additionally, this assay was able to detect Stx2 in culture supernatants of STEC grown in media with mitomycin C at 8 and 24 h post-inoculation. These results indicate that the STEC CANARY biosensor developed in this study is sensitive, reproducible, specific, rapid (≈3 min), and may be applicable for surveillance of the environment and food to protect public health.
Integration of Multi-Omics, Histological, and Biochemical Analysis Reveals the Toxic Responses of Nile Tilapia Liver to Chronic Microcystin-LR Exposure
Authors: Li Yichao , Yang Huici , Fu Bing , Kaneko Gen , Li Hongyan , Tian Jingjing , Wang Guangjun , Wei Mingken , Xie Jun , Yu Ermeng
Published: March 2024

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a cyanobacterial metabolite produced during cyanobacterial blooms and is toxic to aquatic animals, and the liver is the main targeted organ of MC-LR. To comprehensively understand the toxicity mechanism of chronic exposure to environmental levels of MC-LR on the liver of fish, juvenile Nile tilapia were exposed to 0 μg/L (control), 1 μg/L (M1), 3 μg/L (M3), 10 μg/L (M10), and 30 μg/L (M30) MC-LR for 60 days. Then, the liver hepatotoxicity induced by MC-LR exposure was systematically evaluated via histological and biochemical determinations, and the underlying mechanisms were explored through combining analysis of biochemical parameters, multi-omics (transcriptome and metabolome), and gene expression. The results exhibited that chronic MC-LR exposure caused slight liver minor structural damage and lipid accumulation in the M10 group, while resulting in serious histological damage and lipid accumulation in the M30 group, indicating obvious hepatotoxicity, which was confirmed by increased toxicity indexes (i.e., AST, ALT, and AKP). Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis revealed that chronic MC-LR exposure induced extensive changes in gene expression and metabolites in six typical pathways, including oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, amino acid metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and lipid metabolism. Taken together, chronic MC-LR exposure induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy, inhibited primary bile acid biosynthesis, and caused fatty deposition in the liver of Nile tilapia.
Diversity and Molecular Evolution of Antimicrobial Peptides in Caecilian Amphibians
Authors: Benítez-Prián Mario , Lorente-Martínez Héctor , Agorreta Ainhoa , Gower David J. , Wilkinson Mark , Roelants Kim , San Mauro Diego
Published: March 2024

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are key molecules in the innate immune defence of vertebrates with rapid action, broad antimicrobial spectrum, and ability to evade pathogen resistance mechanisms. To date, amphibians are the major group of vertebrates from which most AMPs have been characterised, but most studies have focused on the bioactive skin secretions of anurans (frogs and toads). In this study, we have analysed the complete genomes and/or transcriptomes of eight species of caecilian amphibians (order Gymnophiona) and characterised the diversity, molecular evolution, and antimicrobial potential of the AMP repertoire of this order of amphibians. We have identified 477 candidate AMPs within the studied caecilian genome and transcriptome datasets. These candidates are grouped into 29 AMP families, with four corresponding to peptides primarily exhibiting antimicrobial activity and 25 potentially serving as AMPs in a secondary function, either in their entirety or after cleavage. In silico prediction methods were used to identify 62 of those AMPs as peptides with promising antimicrobial activity potential. Signatures of directional selection were detected for five candidate AMPs, which may indicate adaptation to the different selective pressures imposed by evolutionary arms races with specific pathogens. These findings provide encouraging support for the expectation that caecilians, being one of the least-studied groups of vertebrates, and with ~300 million years of separate evolution, are an underexplored resource of great pharmaceutical potential that could help to contest antibiotic resistance and contribute to biomedical advance.
On the Apparent Discretization of Spacetime and Its Connection with the Cosmological Constant
Authors: Giné Jaume , Luciano Giuseppe Gaetano
Published: March 2024

The emergence of a minimal observable length of order of the Planck scale is a prediction of many quantum theories of gravity. However, the question arises as to whether this is a real fundamental length affecting nature in all of its facets, including spacetime. In this work, we show that the quantum measurement process implies the existence of a minimal measurable length and consequently the apparent discretization of spacetime. The obtained result is used to infer the value of zero-point energy in the universe, which is found to be in good agreement with the observed cosmological constant. This potentially offers some hints towards the resolution of the cosmological constant problem.
Small Molecules for the Treatment of Long-COVID-Related Vascular Damage and Abnormal Blood Clotting: A Patent-Based Appraisal
Authors: Samarelli Francesco , Graziano Giovanni , Gambacorta Nicola , Graps Elisabetta , Leonetti Francesco , Nicolotti Orazio , Altomare Cosimo
Published: March 2024

People affected by COVID-19 are exposed to, among others, abnormal clotting and endothelial dysfunction, which may result in deep vein thrombosis, cerebrovascular disorders, and ischemic and non-ischemic heart diseases, to mention a few. Treatments for COVID-19 include antiplatelet (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) and anticoagulant agents, but their impact on morbidity and mortality has not been proven. In addition, due to viremia-associated interconnected prothrombotic and proinflammatory events, anti-inflammatory drugs have also been investigated for their ability to mitigate against immune dysregulation due to the cytokine storm. By retrieving patent literature published in the last two years, small molecules patented for long-COVID-related blood clotting and hematological complications are herein examined, along with supporting evidence from preclinical and clinical studies. An overview of the main features and therapeutic potentials of small molecules is provided for the thromboxane receptor antagonist ramatroban, the pan-caspase inhibitor emricasan, and the sodium–hydrogen antiporter 1 (NHE-1) inhibitor rimeporide, as well as natural polyphenolic compounds.
Application of Recombinant Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) Live Vector Oral Vaccine in the Prevention of F4+ Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Yu Jiangxu , Fu Jiyang , Liu Hongshuo , Kang Chao , Wang Zesong , Jin Yancheng , Wu Shuxuan , Li Tianzhi , Yang Ruicheng , Jin Meilin , Chen Huanchun , Wang Xiangru
Published: March 2024

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) causes severe diarrhea in piglets. The current primary approach for ETEC prevention and control relies on antibiotics, as few effective vaccines are available. Consequently, an urgent clinical demand exists for developing an effective vaccine to combat this disease. Here, we utilized food-grade Lactococcus lactis NZ3900 and expression plasmid pNZ8149 as live vectors, together with the secreted expression peptide Usp45 and the cell wall non-covalent linking motif LysM, to effectively present the mutant LTA subunit, the LTB subunit of heat-labile enterotoxin, and the FaeG of F4 pilus on the surface of recombinant lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Combining three recombinant LAB as a live vector oral vaccine, we assessed its efficacy in preventing F4+ ETEC infection. The results demonstrate that oral immunization conferred effective protection against F4+ ETEC infection in mice and piglets lacking maternal antibodies during weaning. Sow immunization during late pregnancy generated significantly elevated antibodies in colostrum, which protected piglets against F4+ ETEC infection during lactation. Moreover, booster immunization on piglets during lactation significantly enhanced their resistance to F4+ ETEC infection during the weaning stage. This study highlights the efficacy of an oral LAB vaccine in preventing F4+ ETEC infection in piglets by combining the sow immunization and booster immunization of piglets, providing a promising vaccination strategy for future prevention and control of ETEC-induced diarrhea in piglets.
Research on the Characteristics of Raindrop Spectrum and Its Water Vapour Transport Sources in the Southwest Vortex: A Case Study of 15–16 July 2021
Authors: Wang Ting , Li Maoshan , Gong Ming , Liu Yuchen , Jiang Yonghao , Xu Pei , Ma Yaoming , Sun Fanglin
Published: March 2024

This study investigated the convective weather features, precipitation microphysical characteristics, and water vapour transport characteristics associated with a southwest vortex precipitation event that occurred on the eastern edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, coinciding with a southwest vortex event, from 15 to 16 July 2021, using conventional observations of raindrop spectra, ERA5 reanalysis data, CMORPH precipitation data, and the HYSPLIT_v4 backward trajectory model. The findings aim to provide theoretical insights for improving the forecasting and numerical simulations of southwest vortex precipitation events. The findings revealed that the precipitation event induced by the southwestern vortex at Emeishan Station on 15–16 July 2021 was characterised by high rainfall intensity and significant precipitation accumulation. The raindrop spectrum exhibited a broad distribution with a notable bimodal structure. Both the Sichuan Basin and the Tibetan Plateau were dominated by the South Asian high pressure at higher altitudes, while a pronounced low-pressure system developed at mid and low altitudes within the basin, establishing a meteorological context marked by upper-level divergence and lower-level convergence. Throughout the event, notable vertical uplift velocities were recorded across the Sichuan Basin and Tibetan Plateau, along with distinct positive vorticity zones in the lower and middle strata of the Sichuan Basin, indicating that the atmosphere was in a state of thermal instability. The majority of moisture was in the mid and lower troposphere with evident convergence movements, which played a crucial role in the southwest vortex’s development. WRF numerical simulations of the Emeishan precipitation event more accurately modelled the weather conditions for this precipitation but tended to overestimate the level of precipitation. It was observed that the region around Emei Mountain primarily received moisture influx from the southern Bay of Bengal and the South China Sea, with moisture transport chiefly originating from the Sichuan Basin and in a south-westward trajectory.
Menstruation-Related Symptoms and Associated Factors among Female University Students in Vietnam
Authors: Matsuura Yukie , Tran Nam Hoang , Nguyen Binh Thanh , Phan Quang Ngoc , Nguyen Kien Trung , Yasui Toshiyuki
Published: March 2024

Menstruation and menstrual-related symptoms, stress, and lifestyle factors can significantly affect the health and academic lives of university students. This study aimed to explore menstruation-related symptoms and associated factors among female university students in Vietnam. This study used a cross-sectional design. Data from 349 students were analyzed for menstrual and menstrual-related symptoms using the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ). We found that 92.0% and 98.9% of the students had menstrual-related symptoms in the pre- and intra-menstrual phases, respectively. The most common symptoms in each phase were backache (71.1%) in the pre-menstrual phase and fatigue (90.3%) in the intra-menstrual phase. Menstruation-related symptoms were associated with stress. These results contribute significantly to our understanding of menstrual health among Vietnamese university students. These findings imply the need to strengthen support systems for university students, especially by providing proper information about menstruation and managing stress.
Nietzsche – Heimat en exil
Authors: Schober Angelika
Published: March 2024

Heimat et exil sont des notions opposées qui semblent s’exclure mutuellement. Cependant, l’exil peut être choisi délibérément de sorte que l’homme y trouve ses assises. C’est le cas de Friedrich Nietzsche qui prône le grand départ et pour lequel la mer au sens figuré devient l’unique Heimat. En mettant en question la quasi-totalité des valeurs de la culture européenne, y compris la notion de valeur elle-même, sa pensée se déploie autour d’une Heimatlosigkeit existentielle qui influence de façon décisive la réflexion philosophique jusqu’à nos jours.
The Impact of Soft Tools of EU Rule of Law on Member States: The Case of Spain
Authors: Měšťánková Petra
Published: March 2024

This article aims to analyze the interaction between the European Commission and a member state, Spain, in enforcing the rule of law. The case in point is the General Council of the Judiciary (Consejo General del Poder Judicial, CGPJ), whose composition has not been renewed for five years as a result of disagreements between the main political parties, the People’s Party (Partido Popular, PP) and the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (Partido Socialista Obrero Español, PSOE). This situation has raised doubts about the judicial independence in the country. In this context, the article addresses the following research questions: How has the European Commission influenced political actors to remedy the situation regarding the CGPJ? And how have Spanish political actors used EU actions in the domestic debate on the renewal and reform of the CGPJ? The Spanish case shows that in a pro-European context, political actors strategically use the EU to justify their approach in a given situation. The EU is also perceived as a safeguard against a possible deterioration of the situation. In addition, the visibility of the problem due to the involvement of the EU level makes the politicians concerned about the international image of the country.
Social and Political Aspects of the Periphery. A Case Study of the Central European Region
Authors: Šaradín Pavel , Bieleszová Štěpánka
Published: March 2024

Each country has specific regions, which differ mainly in social, demographic, cultural, and economic aspects. Our subject of interest is the study of peripheral environment that has undergone several migratory transformations in the 20th century that have affected it up to the present day. For this reason, the Sudetenland has become the subject of our research interest. The paper aims to show how the selected respondents from the studied region perceive everyday life and how it influences their political attitudes by combining three steps: the theoretical definition of the periphery, specific aspects of life in the selected Central European region, and qualitative structured interviews. For this purpose, we chose respondents' experiences with the political regime until 1989, quality of life, public services, the consequences of the transformation, access to education, the functioning of the community, and their attitudes towards supporting selected political parties. The paper shows how positive experiences of the past regime, but also emotions, mainly nostalgia, frustration and anger, are interwoven into support for political parties for some of the respondents. These factors lead to the choice of populist and radical parties. The authors uniquely extend existing theories of the periphery with a political science approach.
Effects of Corporate Greenwashing on Society; Corporate Greenwashing and Sustainability
Authors: Singh Shubham , Manoharan Sendhilkumar
Published: March 2024

Sustainability initiatives and societal well-being face significant challenges due to the pervasiveness of corporate greenwashing, which is defined by dishonest environmental marketing techniques. The numerous effects of "greenwashing" on modern society and sustainability projects are thoroughly examined in this paper. It reveals the complex ways in which greenwashing distorts the "truth gap" between claimed practices and actual ones, manipulates customer behavior, and impedes genuine sustainable advancement through painstaking investigation. This research highlights the critical role that technology plays in addressing this widespread problem by outlining the complex tactics used in greenwashing and drawing on empirical data and real-world examples.In addition, it puts up a series of strategic suggestions intended to promote increased consumer consciousness, support unbiased certification programs, push for legislative changes, encourage moral business practices, and promote cooperative partnerships among various stakeholders. Through the promotion of values such as openness, responsibility, and moral behavior, society may successfully combat the evil of greenwashing and create a road for real sustainability projects. This paper promotes coordinated group effort to counteract "greenwashing," supporting the admirable goal of sustainable development.
Optimation of the cell density, biomass production, lipid, and carbohydrate content of Nannochloropsis oculata with fluorescein and pH manipulation
Authors: Satriayudistira Jody Ashrib , Suyono Eko Agus , Budiman Arief
Published: March 2024

Nannochloropsis oculata is a potential marine microalga. However, the mass production of N. oculata encounters several challenges, such as the high costs of resources, contamination, and light absorption optimization. These problems can be solved by pH manipulation and fluorescein induction on culture media. Various studies have shown that pH values manipulation can cause fluctuations in cell density, dry biomass, and carbohydrate and lipid production of microalgae. On the other hand, fluorescein can act as a molecular antenna that improves light absorption. This research is novel because of its focus on its unique attempt to utilize pH manipulation combined with fluorescein induction to enhance the growth and metabolite production of N. oculata. The implications of this research may provide cost-effective, viable, and sustainable development of the algal industry in general. In this research, cultivation was carried out for seven days with four levels of pH (7 – 10) combined with three variations of fluorescein addition (0, 0.15, and 0.3 mL). Every treatment combination had three replications. Cell density and biomass as growth analysis parameters were calculated during the cultivation using the Haemocytometer and gravimetric methods. Bligh & Dyer and phenol sulfate methods were used to analyze lipid and carbohydrate content. Based on the result, the best treatment combination, pH 9 with 0.15 mL of fluorescein, increases cell density and carbohydrate content of N. oculata by 31.45 and 4.4%, albeit not statistically significant.
Properties of influenza viruses that caused epidemic increases in morbidity in Russia and countries of the world during 2022–2023. The effectiveness of vaccine prophylaxis
Authors: Burtseva Elena I. , Kolobukhina Ludmila V. , Panova Anna D. , Mukasheva Evgeniya A. , Krasnoslobodtsev Kirill G. , Kirillova Elena S. , Breslav Natalia V. , Trushakova Svetlana V. , Komarova Irina A. , Feodoritova Elena L. , Merkulova Liliya N. , Khlopova Irina N. , Kruzhkova Irina S. , Ignatieva Anna V. , Krepkaia Anastasia S. , Komissarov Andrey B. , Pochtovyi Andrei A. , Kustova Daria D. , Gushchin Vladimir A. , Tyurin Igor N. , Samkov Alexey A. , Antipyat Natalya А.
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this work was to determine the characteristics of the circulation of various viral respiratory pathogens during the epidemic season 2022–2023 against the background of the ongoing evolutionary variability of SARS-CoV-2.
Materials and methods. The article uses methods used in «traditional» and «hospital» epidemiological surveillance of acute respiratory viral infections.
Results and discussion. The period from October 2022 to September 2023 was characterized by early and high activity of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus, which was replaced by influenza B virus. The antigenic and genetic properties of strains were closely related to influenza vaccines viruses recommended by WHO experts for the current season. The effectiveness of influenza vaccines was confirmed (75.0%). All of the studied influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and B epidemic strais retained sensitivity to drugs with antineuraminidase activity. The structure and share of other ARVI pathogens have changed somewhat compared to the previous season: There was a tendency to increase the activity of HAdV and HMPV; almost equivalent activity of HRsV, HRV, HCoV and HBoV; and a decrease in HPIV activity. At the same time, the frequency of other ARVI pathogens did not reach the indicators of the pre-pandemic COVID-19 period. The rationale for updating the composition of influenza vaccines for the countries of the Northern Hemisphere in the 2023–2024 season is given.
NGS amplification panel for HBV (Hepadnaviridae: Orthohepadnavirus) sequencing
Authors: Chanyshev Mikhail D. , Vlasenko Natalia V. , Roev German V. , Kotov Ivan A. , Glushchenko Albina G. , Makashova Vera V. , Khafizov Kamil F. , Akimkin Vasily G.
Published: March 2024

Introduction. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a pressing global public health concern. The clinical course of the disease, particularly its tendency towards chronicity and response to therapy, is significantly influenced by the HBV genotype and specific mutations. There is an imperative need for a straightforward, highly sensitive, and dependable method for whole genome sequencing of HBV.
Objective. Development and testing of an amplification panel for HBV whole-genome sequencing.
Materials and methods. We introduce an NGS amplification panel designed for genome sequencing of HBV on the Illumina platform. A panel consisting of 54 primers, divided into 2 pools and amplifying overlapping regions of the HBV genome up to 300 bp in length, was tested on 246 HBV DNA samples.
Results. The studied samples represented a genotypic diversity of the virus, with a pronounced predominance of the genotype specific to the Moscow region: 216, 27, 2, and 1 sample were identified as genotype D, A, B, and E, respectively. Five samples contained at least one mutation associated with antiviral therapy resistance, and twenty-three samples contained at least one mutation associated with vaccine escape described in the literature.
Conclusion. The present paper describes the stages of whole-genome sequencing of HBV, provides a laboratory protocol, nucleotide sequences of the primers and an approach to the data analysis. Using a list of clinical samples as example, the reliability of the panel is shown. The HBV panel holds immense potential for utilization in scientific research, epidemiological monitoring, and advancement of personalized medicine approaches.
Why may the 21st century become the «century of pandemics»? А question for discussion
Authors: Ershov Felix I.
Published: March 2024

In the first 20 years of the 21st century, almost annual outbreaks of viral infections were recorded. It is becoming increasingly clear that until humanity changes its destructive attitude towards nature, epidemics of deadly diseases will continue to occur. A question arises for discussion: is the existing arsenal of antiviral agents sufficient to withstand the current unfavorable socio-economic situation in the world?
Implantação de protocolo assistencial voltado a pessoas com úlceras venosas na atenção primária a saúde
Authors: Matheus Fernanda Araújo Valle , Oliveira Juliana dos Reis Neponuceno de , Oliveira Carliana de Melo , Azevedo Larissa Pereira de , Santos Larissa Lima dos , Almeida Sheyla Santana de , Santos Simone Barbosa , Lassala Janaína Nascimento
Published: March 2024

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência da implantação de um protocolo assistencial voltado a pessoas com úlceras vasculares com foco nas úlceras venosas na atenção primária a saúde. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, realizado de março a julho de 2023, no Distrito Sanitário do Subúrbio Ferroviário, Salvador/BA. Resultados: A elaboração de um protocolo assistencial para pessoas com úlceras vasculares, com foco nas úlceras venosas, contou com apoio da enfermeira distrital, duas enfermeiras da assistência e um médico clínico e com a implementação dor referido protocolo por meio de reuniões online e presenciais para treinamento da verificação do índice tornozelo- braquial. Considerações finais: A elaboração do protocolo poderá favorecer a organização das unidades da atenção primária de modo que as pessoas portadoras de úlceras venosas possam receber um cuidado prestado de forma integral, holística e humanizada pelos profissionais que compõem a atenção primária a saúde.
Factors Associated with Use of Traditional Birth Attendants for Child Delivery: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Agboyo Genevieve , Asamoah Andrews , Ganle John , Kumah Augustine
Published: March 2024

Background

Even though the use of skilled birth attendants at birth reduces the risk of maternal mortality and associated complications, some pregnant women prefer to use either traditional birth attendants (TBAs) or deliver at home. Although the use of assisted delivery was reduced between 2014 and 2016 in North Tongu, the rate of TBA use among pregnant women in the district was increasing. There is, therefore, the need to establish the reason for this increase in TBA use. We conducted a study to assess factors that influence the use of TBAs in the North Tongu district.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional facility-based survey was conducted among 449 women who delivered within the past 12 months and were accessing postnatal care services in the North Tongu district. A simple random sampling method was used to select women who attend child welfare clinics. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the factors that were significantly associated with use of TBAs. All statistical analyses were done at a 95% confidence level with statistical significance at p ≤ 0.05.

Results

The mean age of the respondents was 27.0 years ± 6.2 SD. The prevalence of use of TBA during childbirth among women was 26.5%. Factors that significantly influenced use of TBAs during childbirth were age, religion, educational status, and parity. Other significant factors included several antenatal care visits and the attitude of health workers toward pregnant women.

Conclusion

Use of TBA services at birth in the study district remains relatively high. Women who use antenatal and postnatal care services should be educated on the importance of skilled delivery. There is also a need to equip TBAs and reposition them as link agents to facilitate referrals of pregnant women to health facilities where there is a need for additional birth attendants.
Penyuluhan Kenakalan Remaja dan HIV/AIDS dalam Meningkatkan Pengetahuan dan Peran Remaja di SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Kabupaten Malang
Authors: Wulandari Endah Sri , Oktavia Dini Ria
Published: March 2024

Community service in this activity has the aim of increasing the knowledge and role of adolescents about the dangers of juvenile delinquency which has a high risk of causing HIV / AIDS and has an impact on the future of adolescents. Adolescence is an age that is experiencing increased vulnerability to various health risks, especially those related to juvenile delinquency and reproduction, including the increased threat of HIV/AIDS. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a group of retroviruses that can duplicate, print, and insert genetic material to cause Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). This disease can weaken a person's immune system and cause opportunistic infections. The method used in this activity is in the form of lectures by providing counseling on the dangers of HIV/AIDS and juvenile delinquency. Students were given counseling using PowerPoint media and videos. Then participants were allowed to ask questions and formed 3 discussion groups to discuss issues related to juvenile delinquency. Participants were students of SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Kepanjen.