bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can mobile software-based physical activity education enhance the quality of life in perimenopausal women?
Authors: Amini Mahboobeh , Shekarchizadeh Parivash , Pirzadeh Asiyeh
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:

Menopause is a natural occurrence signifying the cessation of menstrual bleeding in middle-aged women. Perimenopause refers to a period of 2–8 years leading up to menopause, characterized by irregular cycles or the absence of menstruation for less than 12 months. The perimenopausal phase can be challenging for women due to the negative impact of associated symptoms on their quality of life. Recognizing the potential benefits of physical activity in mitigating these symptoms, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of physical activity education delivered via WhatsApp, using the Health Belief Model as a foundation, on the quality of life in perimenopausal women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This quasi-experimental study involved 80 women aged 40–50 recruited from comprehensive health centers in Isfahan. Cluster sampling was employed for participant selection. The study employed three questionnaires: the “International Physical Activity Questionnaire,” “Menopausal Women Quality of Life,” and the Health Belief Model Questionnaire. For the intervention group, education based on the Health Belief Model was delivered via WhatsApp via videos, posters, and podcasts every two weeks (a total of 5 packages). Additionally, exercise training videos were sent to participants. Data was collected two months after the intervention and analyzed using SPSS 26, with independent and paired t-tests applied (significance level: 0.05).

RESULTS:

The results indicated a significant increase in knowledge scores, Health Belief Model constructs, and physical activity levels within the intervention group, whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group. Notably, menopausal symptom scores decreased in the intervention group, particularly in psychological symptoms, and there was a significant decrease in the overall quality of life score (P = 0.018).

CONCLUSION:

Providing education via WhatsApp, grounded in the Health Belief Model, enhanced physical activity levels and improved the quality of life among perimenopausal women. This approach holds promise for promoting well-being in perimenopause.
Psychoactive substance use among medical and paramedical undergraduate students of Lucknow
Authors: Singh Hariom , Singh Shivendra K. , Manar Manish K. , Gupta Abhishek , Kar Sujita K. , Bajpai Prashant K. , Mishra Prabhakar , Sengar Mili
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:

Psychoactive drugs are substances that, when taken in or administered into one’s system, affect mental processes like perception, consciousness, cognition, mood, and emotions. The use of psychoactive substances often starts at a young age. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychoactive substance use among medical and paramedical undergraduate students of Lucknow.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 492 MBBS, BDS, and BSc Nursing students of Lucknow. A predesigned pretested semistructured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection and analysis by using the SPSS 26.0 version.

RESULTS:

The overall lifetime prevalence of “Ever use of the psychoactive substance” was 46.1%, whereas the overall current psychoactive substance use (in the past 3 months) was 35.2%. The prevalence of lifetime alcohol use was the highest at 36.6%, followed by tobacco (22.4%) and cannabis (17.9%). The prevalence was seen to be higher in males than in females and the highest in fourth-year academic students compared to other years.

CONCLUSION:

The present study indicates that male students consume more psychoactive substances than female students. Effective interventions and strategies must be planned and implemented to reduce substance use among medical and paramedical students and overcome the issue of substance use by promoting a healthy lifestyle and coping skills.
Exploring death anxiety among women with preterm births in Oman
Authors: Abu Baker Rasha , Qutishat Mohammed , Al Dameery Khloud
Published: February 2025

Preterm birth poses a global health challenge, with increasing rates and adverse outcomes. It is a leading cause of death and morbidity in children, impacting their development and contributing to health concerns and long-term consequences for infants and families as well. Death anxiety is an unavoidable, common phenomenon that humans experience across cultures and religions, which the consequences of preterm birth can influence. A descriptive correlational study methodology was used to attain the research’s goal. A convenience sampling of 180 women who have preterm babies born before 37 weeks of gestation completed a demographic table and Templer Death Anxiety Scale. The data were collected between January and March 2024. The participants in the study were categorized based on their levels of death anxiety, which were classified as high, medium, and low. The study results revealed that most participants showed a moderate level of death anxiety (70.66%, n = 106) in comparison to low levels (24%, n = 36) and high levels (5.33%, n = 8). The results of our study indicated significant differences in death anxiety among the study participants in terms of age, level of education, employment, and history of child deformities. This study is one of the few studies conducted in Oman exploring the relationship between death anxiety among women who have experienced preterm births in Oman. Women in Oman have moderate death anxiety levels. Several factors were identified in this study; healthcare providers must support those patients using education and psychosocial support to address their emotional needs.
Isfahan Artificial Intelligence Event 2023: Lesion Segmentation and Localization in Magnetic Resonance Images of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Davanian Fariba , Adibi Iman , Tajmirriahi Mahnoosh , Monemian Maryam , Zojaji Zahra , Montazerolghaem Ahmadreza , Asadinia Mohammad Amin , Mirghaderi Seyed Mojtaba , Esfahani Seyed Amin Naji , Kazemi Mohammad , Iravani Mohammad Reza , Shahriari Kian , Sharifi Nesa , Moharreri Sadaf , Sedighin Farnaz , Rabbani Hossein
Published: February 2025

Background:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common reasons of neurological disabilities in young adults. The disease occurs when the immune system attacks the central nervous system and destroys the myelin of nervous cells. This results in appearing several lesions in the magnetic resonance (MR) images of patients. Accurate determination of the amount and the place of lesions can help physicians to determine the severity and progress of the disease.

Method:

Due to the importance of this issue, this challenge has been dedicated to the segmentation and localization of lesions in MR images of patients with MS. The goal was to segment and localize the lesions in the flair MR images of patients as close as possible to the ground truth masks.

Results:

Several teams sent us their results for the segmentation and localization of lesions in MR images. Most of the teams preferred to use deep learning methods. The methods varied from a simple U-net structure to more complicated networks.

Conclusion:

The results show that deep learning methods can be useful for segmentation and localization of lesions in MR images. In this study, we briefly described the dataset and the methods of teams attending the competition.
Treatment-resistant inflammatory demyelinating pseudotumor with Marburg-like features: A narrative review-based treatment approach
Authors: Najafi Mohammad Amin , Houshi Shakiba , Riahi Payam , Nasr Salar , Najafi Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2025

Inflammatory demyelinating pseudotumor (IDP) mimics intracranial neoplasms in terms of both clinical presentation and imaging features. IDP with Marburg-like features represents a severe form of inflammatory demyelinating encephalomyelitis, marked by a dramatic onset, aggressive course, absence of remission, and the presence of tumor-like central nervous system demyelinating lesions. Key features of IDP in brain magnetic resonance imaging include open or incomplete ring enhancement, low T2 rim, peripheral diffusion restriction, absent or mild mass effect, and perilesional edema. In brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), elevated glutamate, choline, and lactate peaks are observed; however, brain MRS findings can be nonspecific and nondifferentiating. Pathologic findings show prominent perivascular lymphoid infiltrates consisting predominantly of leukocyte common antigen (LCA)+ and PAX5+ B lymphocytes in immunohistochemistry staining, parenchymal and perivascular macrophages (CD68+), some with visible myelin globules on Luxol Fast Blue staining, preferential loss of myelin with relative axonal preservation and the formation of axonal spheroids (swellings), reactive astrocytosis (GFAP+ and ATRX−), and remyelination with thinner myelin sheaths than background axons at the periphery of the plaque. A review of previous case reports revealed that prompt aggressive immunosuppression therapy in the IDP with Marburg-like features may lead to a favorable response. Initiating treatment with a cycle of high-dose corticosteroids followed by rescue immunosuppressive therapy using cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone, rituximab, or alemtuzumab demonstrated positive outcomes. In addition, maintenance immunosuppressive therapy with B-cell-depleting agents, such as rituximab and ocrelizumab, showed potential for controlling disease activity and improving long-term prognosis.
Evaluating Listening Behaviours of Nightclub Goers: An International Web-Based Study with Resident Advisor
Authors: Schuster-Bruce James , Beeley Petros , Petschi Cameron , Radomskij Paul , Kanegaonkar Rahul
Published: February 2025

Background: Nightclubs expose nearly 40% of young adults in high- and middle-income countries to damaging levels of noise with attendant risk of noise-damage hearing symptoms and sequelae of mood disorders, social isolation and dementia. This study evaluated clubbers hearing symptoms, visiting behaviours and safe listening habits. Material and Methods: A web-based, population-specific data collection tool was shown to visitors of the dance music website Resident Advisor over a 7-hour period. It identified how often and for how long clubbers attend loud music venues (as this will influence their safe-noise dose) alongside their attitudes, use of safer listening practices and whether their visit frequency changed with the presence of hearing symptoms. For analysis, we used descriptive statistics, Chi-squared test, Fisher exact test and logistic regression analysis. Results: We collected 1020 (29.0%) responses from 3516 data collection tool invites. Key findings are as follows: 73.4% (n = 749) of respondents had permanent ear symptoms (‘sometimes’, ‘often’ or ‘always’). Respondents attended loud music venues 1–5 times per month (78.5%, n = 801) for a duration of 5–6 hours a visit (41.1%, n = 419) on average. When in loud venues, 32.3% wore earplugs, 38.5% took regular listening breaks, 5.9% checked the noise level, 45.4% moved to a quieter spot and 13.2% had a hearing test in the last year. Two-thirds and one-half of those with no or temporary hearing symptoms, respectively, would attend music venues less often if they were to develop symptoms or if symptoms were to worsen. Conclusions: Based on our visit data, the average music venue patron has some degree of permanent hearing-damage symptoms and should be aware that they are very likely to exceed their safe-noise dose (and risk irreversible hearing damage) even in venues adhering to the World Health Organization standard for safe listening loudness.
Metastatic orbital mucoepidermoid carcinoma and primary tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis
Authors: Damasceno Renato Wendell Ferreira
Published: February 2025

A 21-year-old female patient presented with blurry vision and proptosis in the right eye (OD). Past medical history included a high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the left parotid gland 3 years ago. Her visual acuity was 20 / 20 in the OD and 20 / 20 in the left eye (OS). Ishihara’s test revealed a total absence of color perception in the OD and normal color perception in the OS. The Hertel exophthalmometry was 20 mm in the OD and 17 mm in the OS. Computed tomographic scans and magnetic resonance imaging showed an intraconal, oval-shaped, and heterogeneous mass. The patient underwent an eyelid-sparing orbital exenteration and was also treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The postoperative positron emission tomography scanning was normal. Clinical examination, histopathological evaluation, and immunohistochemistry were consistent with metastatic high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the right orbit following a high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the contralateral parotid gland. The patient had a local recurrence with orbital apex mass 3 years after the first orbital exenteration and underwent a new surgery with en bloc bony resection of orbital apex and orbital wall reconstructive surgery. The patient remains disease-free with no local or distant metastasis 5 years after the last surgery.
Double fold, double trouble: Duane retraction syndrome and epicanthus in a 2-year-old girl
Authors: Shrinkhal  , Singh Kushal , Garg Pragati , Shukla Ruchi , Banerjee Nilakshi
Published: February 2025

Duane retraction syndrome (DRS) is a congenital eye movement disorder that involves limited horizontal gaze, globe retraction, and palpebral fissure narrowing on adduction. Epicanthus palpebralis is the presence of the fold of skin at the medial canthal area. We report the case of a 2-year-old girl with congenital difficulty in moving her left eye outward. Bilateral epicanthus palpebralis with a pseudoesotropic appearance was noted. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain revealed the absence of the left-sided sixth cranial nerve, confirming DRS Type 1. Taking into consideration patients’ age and no functional defect with orthophoria in the primary gaze, no active intervention was done and the regular follow-ups were recommended. This case emphasizes the need for early recognition of DRS, especially with associated findings like epicanthus palpebralis, to guide appropriate management and optimize visual outcomes while monitoring for potential changes over time.
Patterns of ganglion cell complex defects and association with functional status in glaucoma patients and suspects
Authors: Amorim-Cabral Camila Lisandra Dantas , Zanrarini Vinicius Henrique Quintiliano , Paskova Mayara Fernanda , Hilariao Ana-Aurea Vilas Boas Pombo , Kasahara Niro
Published: February 2025

Purpose:

To evaluate the frequency and patterns of ganglion cell complex (GCC) defects by spectral-domain, high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and suspects.

Subjects and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study and included 220 patients with POAG and suspects. The OCT printouts were analyzed by two examiners who carefully searched for GCC defects and in common agreement stratified them into 10 different patterns. Structural and functional variables were compared among each different defect pattern.

Results:

The sample comprised 91 eyes of 47 patients. The most frequent GCC defect pattern was the minimal (39.1%). It affected more women than man at a rate of 1.4 and was associated with early disease. The inferior dominant defect pattern was found in 7.6% of participants and only POAG. The temporal raphe sign was observed in 5.4% of eyes and was associated with early disease.

Conclusion:

In this cohort of Brazilians patients with POAG and suspects, the minimal pattern was the most prevalent GCC defect and was noticed in eyes with early disease. The inferior dominant defect pattern had a low prevalence but was the most specific. Clinicians should pay attention to these defects when evaluating suspicious and patients with early disease.
Suitable areas for Juçara palm (Euterpe edulis Martius) cultivation in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil: proposal to encourage agro-ecological practices and non-timber products
Authors: Correia Tamíres Partélli , Oliveira Carlos Henrique Rodrigues de , Lyra Gustavo Bastos , Francelino Marcio Rocha , Oliveira Fabricia Benda de , Amaral Bruna Chaves , Gomes Marinna Lopes Ferreira , Conceição Maria Eduarda Marques da , Moura Marks Melo , Mendonça Bruno Araujo Furtado de
Published: February 2025

The Juçara palm (Euterpe edulis Mart.) is a native species of the Atlantic Forest biome, with high commercial value due to, among other uses, the extraction of the palm heart and pulp. This species has essential ecological interaction with fauna, providing food for many frugivorous species. However, it is on the list of endangered species, mainly due to the disorderly exploration of the palm tree for the extraction of the palm heart, but also due to climate change, habitat fragmentation, and defaunation. In this context, understanding which areas are suitable to grow this species is important for planning and supporting decision-making, as well as delimiting areas environmentally suitable according to the optimal requirements of species and land-use occupation. Our aim was to identify the suitable areas to cultivate Juçara palm in the State of Rio de Janeiro and provide a set of supporting maps and information for this productive sector, to increase agroforestry systems, or even for forest conservation and restoration purposes. Environmental parameters for the species (soil, elevation, air temperature and rainfall), and land use and land cover were assessed in order to perform the mapping of the optimal areas. The results indicate a potential for cultivation of Juçara palm in the State of Rio de Janeiro. All regions of the State have suitable areas, especially the Médio Vale do Paraíba, Centro–Sul, and Baixadas Litorâneas. The most restrictive variables to grow Juçara Palm in Rio de Janeiro State were rainfall and inadequate land use/cover for planting.
Keywords: environmentally suitable areas, geoprocessing, Juçara palm, planning.
Локальная управляемость и граница множества достижимости управляемой системы
Authors: Avakov Evgeny Rachievich , Magaril-Il'yaev Georgii Georgievich
Published: February 2025

Для управляемой системы обыкновенных дифференциальных уравнений определяется множество достижимости допустимых для нее траекторий относительно некоторых отображений. Основная цель работы - привести необходимые и достаточные условия для граничных точек этого множества достижимости. Рассмотрены содержательные примеры, иллюстрирующие полученные результаты.
Библиография: 11 названий.
Digital health technologies/interventions in smart ward development for elderly patients with diabetes: A perspective from China and beyond
Authors: Yang Wei , Lu Juan , Si Si-Cong , Wang Wei-Hua , Li Jing , Ma Yi-Xin , Zhao Huan , Liu Jia
Published: February 2025

Diabetes is highly prevalent among the elderly worldwide, with the highest number of diabetes cases in China. Yet, the management of diabetes remains unsatisfactory. Recent advances in digital health technologies have facilitated the establishment of smart wards for diabetes patients. There is a lack of smart wards tailored specifically for older diabetes patients who encounter unique challenges in glycemic control and diabetes management, including an increased vulnerability to hypoglycemia, the presence of multiple chronic diseases, and cognitive decline. In this review, studies on digital health technologies for diabetes in China and beyond were summarized to elucidate how the adoption of digital health technologies, such as real-time continuous glucose monitoring, sensor-augmented pump technology, and their integration with 5th generation networks, big data cloud storage, and hospital information systems, can address issues specifically related to elderly diabetes patients in hospital wards. Furthermore, the challenges and future directions for establishing and implementing smart wards for elderly diabetes patients are discussed, and these challenges may also be applicable to other countries worldwide, not just in China. Taken together, the smart wards may enhance clinical outcomes, address specific issues, and eventually improve patient-centered hospital care for elderly patients with diabetes.
Zamęt emocji i uczuć. Społeczeństwa Europy wobec wybuchu I wojny światowej
Authors: Szlanta Piotr
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this article is to analyze the feelings that swept through European societies in July and August 1914, during the so-called July Crisis that led up to the outbreak of war and during the first weeks of the conflict. Enthusiasm for the war prevailed mainly among the middle classes (especially the young people) and more so in the cities (especially those in which the universities or high schools were located) than in the countryside. Support for the war stemmed, inter alia, from the conviction that the war was defensive in nature, would be short, would lead to the unification and renewal of the nation, the breaking down of class and political divisions and the birth of a new culture. Representatives of the lower social strata had a more rational attitude towards it. Among them dominated anxiety, fear and depression. The health and lives of the mobilized were endangered everywhere. There was also uncertainty about the future, which was a prevailing feeling. After the outbreak of war, the societies of the belligerent parties were gripped by fear of spies. Irrespective of its scope, war enthusiasm died down as early as September 1914, with the lists of fallen soldiers, transports of wounded behind the frontlines and letters send home from the front lines causing it.
Współczesny brytyjski film o Wielkiej Wojnie i strategie wywoływania emocji u widza
Authors: Kulczewska-Rastaszańska Weronika Hanna
Published: February 2025

The following text examines the role of emotion and the way it is created in contemporary British historical films about the Great War. Themes, emotions and characters are pivotal in fictional storytelling, and cinematic depiction of historical events is no exception to this. The First World War has made a significant impact on British memory, and this military conflict has been frequently presented in literature, art, theatre, and film. In this paper the author outlines the fundamental challenges associated with the analysis of emotions in film, and then go on to examine specific examples. The following films and TV series were taken into consideration: Private Peaceful (2012, dir. Pat O’Connor), Birdsong (2012, dir. Philip Martin), The Passing Bells (2014, dir. Brendan Maher), Testament of Youth (2014, dir. James Kent), Journey’s End (2017, dir. Saul Dibb) and 1917 (2019, dir. Sam Mendes). The author analyses how, in those movies, the theme of love was interwoven in the cinematic discourse about the war, how the process of identification-projection affects the viewer’s perception of the characters, and what technical nuances (shots, angles, sounds) are frequently being used by filmmakers to achieve particular emotional effect or mood.
Impact of High-Fidelity Simulation on Training of Nursing Students in Adult Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Experience of a Moroccan Center
Authors: El Ougli Ghizlane , Boukatta Brahim , El Bouazzaoui Abderrahim , Touzani Soumaya , Houari Nawfal , El Fakir Samira , Kanjaa Nabil
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Cardiac arrest is one of the most serious circumstances needing quick response. Nurses are the first to arrive at the patient's bedside in the event of cardiac arrest, starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).As a method of teaching CPR, high-fidelity simulation has been demonstrated to have a substantial impact.Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the impact of adult CPR training based on high-fidelity simulation on anxiety and evolution in self-efficacy, satisfaction and self-confidence of undergraduate nursing students at the Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques in Fez, Morocco. Methods: An intervention study with a simulation group and a control group was carried out with 49 student nurses. The simulation group (n=25) received traditional training (theoretical lecture and procedural demonstration) and simulation-based CPR training, while the control group (n=24) received only traditional training. Data were obtained using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y1 and STAI-Y2), the Self-Efficacy Scale and the Student Learning Satisfaction and Confidence Scale. Results: Post-test results of the STAI-Y1 scale revealed a significant reduction in situational anxiety in the simulation group, with a mean score of 30.84 ± 1.84 out of 80, compared with the control group score (43.04± 1.36). Assessment of post-simulation self-efficacy showed a significant advantage for the simulation group (35.28±2.47) out of 40 over the control group (20.96±1.36). Mean CPR self-efficacy retention scores 30 days after training were significantly higher for the simulation group (34.80 ±2.19) than for the control group (20.88 ±1.36). Nevertheless, a significant decrease in mean self-efficacy scores was recorded for the simulation group between the post-test immediately after simulation training (35.28 ±2.47) and the post-test 30 days after training (34.80 ±2.19). Thus, the results revealed that mean satisfaction (23.16±0.68 out of 25) and self-confidence (36.08±0.99 out of 40) scale scores were high immediately after the simulation experience in the simulation group. Nevertheless, a significant increase in satisfaction (24.08±0.99) and a significant decrease (33.72±1.59) in self-confidence were recorded 30 days after simulation training. Conclusion: The outcomes demonstrated that adult CPR training using high-fidelity simulation was superior to the conventional approach in terms of decreasing anxiety and enhancing and maintaining undergraduate nursing students' self-efficacy, satisfaction, and confidence.
Expansão da soja no Arco Norte: uma análise de correlação de indicadores socioeconômicos e produtivos
Authors: Silva Emmily Eduarda Santos da , Souza Matheus Melo de , Oliveira Andréa Leda Ramos de
Published: February 2025

Entre 2006 e 2017, a área plantada com soja no Brasil cresceu 68%, contribuindo para o bom desempenho do PIB do Agronegócio, que aumentou 135% no mesmo período. Essa expansão, concentrada na região Centro-Norte, enfrenta desafios como a infraestrutura de transporte e obstáculos logísticos. Os portos do Arco Norte se apresentam como uma alternativa estratégica para o escoamento da produção, proporcionando menor congestionamento e maior proximidade com o mercado asiático. No entanto, a expansão do cultivo da soja levanta preocupações relacionadas ao desmatamento e à conservação ambiental, principalmente em áreas de floresta tropical. A pesquisa indica que, embora tenha impulsionado o PIB agropecuário e a renda das propriedades agrícolas, a riqueza gerada não é distribuída equitativamente, agravando a desigualdade social em municípios com grandes áreas de cultivo. A análise utilizou dados dos censos agropecuários e indicadores econômicos e sociais, aplicando técnicas de autocorrelação espacial para avaliar se há uma relação entre a expansão agrícola e o desenvolvimento socioeconômico. Apesar de a expansão da soja ter o potencial de promover o desenvolvimento econômico, ela também intensifica a desigualdade e gera impactos ambientais, reforçando a necessidade de políticas públicas que garantam um crescimento sustentável e justo.
Mineração no semiárido mineiro: neoextrativismo, atos de Estado, princípios de classificação e resistência de comunidades tradicionais
Authors: Barbosa Rômulo Soares
Published: February 2025

Há cerca de quatorze anos, iniciou-se o processo de licenciamento ambiental para um megaprojeto de mineração de ferro da empresa Sul Americana de Metais (SAM) no Vale das Cancelas, município de Grão Mogol, no norte de Minas Gerais. Esse projeto se insere no contexto de ampliação da fronteira mineral para o geossistema ferruginoso do Vale do Rio Peixe Bravo. A região é marcada pela presença de povos e comunidades tradicionais e pelos conflitos territoriais decorrentes da resistência a grandes empreendimentos neoextrativistas. O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar como se configura o processo de conflito territorial e de resistência das comunidades tradicionais geraizeiras ao referido projeto de mineração. Para tanto, foram examinados, à luz da abordagem crítica do neoextrativismo e dos efeitos sobre os lugares, atos de Estado e práticas de resistência locais. A estratégia metodológica mobilizou pesquisa bibliográfica, análise documental e observação direta na região do Vale das Cancelas e Alto Rio Pardo. Os resultados obtidos permitiram elucidar como, já no anúncio do projeto minerário, as comunidades tradicionais articularam suas lutas contra as expropriações territoriais que seriam causadas pela implantação do projeto minerário da SAM. Elas se organizaram como Movimento Geraizeiro, entrelaçado na Articulação Rosalino Gomes de Povos e Comunidades Tradicionais e enredado nos atos de Estado envolventes. Esses atos se constituem como eventos críticos importantes para o exame das práticas estatais, dos efeitos do neoextrativismo sobre os lugares e das formas de luta e resistência cotidianas.
Religiosas en América Latina: memorias y contextos
Authors: Fernández Fastuca Lorena , Facciola Mariana
Published: February 2025

Este libro aborda la vida y el papel de las congregaciones religiosas femeninas en la región desde diversas perspectivas. Nació a partir de las Primeras Jornadas Latinoamericanas sobre congregaciones religiosas femeninas, celebradas en 2019 en la Universidad Católica Argentina. A través de estudios históricos, sociológicos y teológicos, el libro busca visibilizar el impacto de las religiosas en educación, salud, y la defensa de los derechos humanos, así como sus desafíos contemporáneos. La obra destaca el compromiso de estas mujeres con los sectores más vulnerables y su resistencia ante dictaduras y exclusiones dentro de la Iglesia.
El libro está organizado en varias secciones temáticas, que abarcan desde el rol histórico de las religiosas hasta su influencia en dictaduras, su compromiso con los pobres y los retos actuales. También se examina la relación entre académicas y religiosas en la construcción de un campo de estudio interdisciplinario. Se enfatiza cómo las religiosas han sido agentes clave en la transformación social y cómo, a pesar de haber sido tradicionalmente invisibilizadas, han dejado una huella profunda en América Latina. Además, se presentan experiencias concretas de religiosas en contextos de inserción social y se reflexiona sobre el futuro de estas congregaciones en un mundo en cambio.
Assessment of the Novel Food D-tagatose for a Change to the Conditions of Use (RP1652)
Authors:   Food Standards Agency,   Food Standards Scotland
Published: February 2025

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) received an application from Bonumose, Inc., U.S.A (“the applicant”) for a change to the conditions of use of D-tagatose as a novel food to each nation of Great Britain in July 2022.

D-tagatose was first authorised in 2005 following an application pursuant to Regulation (EC) No. 258/97 Article 4.2 applicable to the UK (and EU) and is currently authorised as a novel food in Great Britain (GB) under assimilated Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2470. The novel food is an epimer of fructose and a sugar monosaccharide, with 75-92% the sweetness of sucrose “table sugar”. D-tagatose is produced via enzymatic conversion followed by purification to obtain a dried crystalline product. This application seeks to modify the conditions of use to permit a new novel food source, maltodextrin, and a modified enzymatic conversion production method. The applicant seeks to amend the specifications and include additional labelling options to use “tagatose” as a name of the novel food in the specified labelling for its authorisation.

The FSA and FSS in their evaluation of the application reviewed the safety dossier and supplementary information provided by the applicant. The FSA and FSS did not consider any potential health benefits or claims arising from consuming the food, as the focus of the novel food assessment is to ensure the change in the conditions of use to extend the food is safe, and not putting consumers at a nutritional disadvantage.

The FSA and FSS concluded that the applicant had provided sufficient information to assure that the change in the conditions of use for D-tagatose in its production is safe under the intended conditions of use.

The safety assessment represents the opinion of the FSA and FSS.
Safety Assessment on Genetically Modified Stacked GA21 X T25 Maize for Food and Feed Uses Under Assimilated Regulation (EC) No. 1829/2003 (RP2023)
Authors:   Food Standards Agency,   Food Standards Scotland
Published: February 2025

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) received an application from Syngenta Limited (“the applicant”) under assimilated Regulation (EC) No. 1829/2003 for GA21 x T25 maize.

GA21 x T25 maize is modified to introduce the mEPSPS and pat transgenes. The corresponding proteins produced confer tolerance to glyphosate herbicide (mEPSPS) and tolerance to glufosinate ammonium herbicide (PAT). The scope of the application is for the authorisation for import, processing, and food and feed use of GA21 x T25 maize. The application does not cover cultivation and no GA21 x T25 maize will be grown in the UK.

FSA and FSS reviewed the technical dossier and supplementary information provided by the applicant. The safety assessment included molecular characterisation, a comparative assessment, a food/feed safety assessment encompassing toxicity and allergenicity assessments, and a nutritional assessment.

Advice on the environmental risk assessment from the Advisory Committee on Release to the Environment (ACRE) was also taken into account by FSA/FSS who concluded that genetically modified GA21 x T25 maize is as safe as the conventional counterpart.

This safety assessment represents the opinion of the FSA and FSS.
Safety Assessment on the Safety and Efficacy of an Additive of Bacillus Velezensis as the Active Agent (Enviva® PRO 202 GT) Used as a Feed Additive for Turkeys for Fattening and Turkeys Reared for Breeding (RP1258)
Authors:   Food Standards Agency,   Food Standards Scotland
Published: February 2025

An application was submitted to the Food Standards Agency in September 2021 from Genencor International B.V, (‘the applicant’) for the new use application (extension of species) of an additive (Enviva® PRO 202 GT) containing Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, which has now been reclassified as Bacillus velezensis, under the category ’zootechnical additives” and functional group “gut flora stabiliser”. The additive is proposed to be used at the minimum content of 7.5 x 107 CFU/kg complete feed for use in turkeys for fattening and turkeys reared for breeding.

To support the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) in evaluating the dossier, the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF) was asked to review the dossier and the supplementary information from the applicant.

The FSA/FSS concluded, based on the ACAF’s advice, that the additive was correctly identified and characterised, and that the additive can be considered safe for the target species, the consumer and the environment.

The additive should be considered a skin sensitiser, respiratory sensitiser and a potential irritant to eyes for the user/worker.

The additive proved to be efficacious in chickens for fattening. The results can be extrapolated to turkeys for fattening and turkeys reared for breeding.
Safety Assessment on Cannabidiol (CBD) Used as a Novel Food for Use in Food Supplements (RP354)
Authors:   Food Standards Agency,   Food Standards Scotland
Published: February 2025

An application was submitted to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) in February 2021 from Bridge Farm Group (“the applicant”) for the authorisation of cannabidiol (CBD) isolate as a novel food.

The novel food is a ≥98% pure form CBD isolate which is intended to be used as a food ingredient in food supplements for adults (excluding pregnant and lactating women, and other specifically identified vulnerable groups, including those taking medication and the immunosuppressed).

The novel food was assessed based on the data provided. This review indicated it was appropriate for the provisional acceptable daily intake ADI for 98% or greater CBD to form part of the evidence for this assessment. For CBD a provisional ADI of 10 mg/day for a healthy 70 kg adult has been published by the FSA and was considered in assessing this novel food.

The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) reviewed the dossier and supplementary information provided by the applicant. The Committee did not consider any potential health benefits or claims arising from consuming the food, as the focus of the novel food assessment is to ensure the food is safe and not putting consumers at a nutritional disadvantage.

The FSA and FSS concluded, based on the advice of the ACNFP, that the applicant had provided sufficient information to assure the novel food, CBD isolate, was safe under the proposed conditions of use. The anticipated intake levels and the proposed use in food supplements was not considered to be nutritionally disadvantageous.

This safety assessment represents the opinions of the FSA and FSS.
Tipologias de lavagem de dinheiro relacionadas a comercialização de veículos automotores
Authors: Fernandes Alessandro
Published: February 2025

O texto destaca a ameaça global da lavagem de dinheiro, estimando entre 2% e 5% do PIB mundial. No contexto brasileiro, essa atividade ilícita na comercialização de veículos automotores pode movimentar entre R$ 218 bilhões e R$ 545 bilhões, sendo uma área propícia para práticas ilegais. O estudo aprofunda-se nas tipologias associadas, como a conversão de ativos, fraudes em locadoras de veículos, uso de veículos corporativos estrangeiros e lavagem de recursos oriundos de corrupção por meio da compra de automóveis. A pesquisa adota uma abordagem exploratória e qualitativa, culminando na elaboração de uma matriz de risco para identificar vulnerabilidades e contribuir para estratégias mais eficazes na prevenção e repressão dessas atividades ilícitas.
The Influence of Macroeconomic Factors on Financial Distress of Companies in Asean: an Analysis of SDG Implications
Authors: Rahayu Nur Ellyanawati Esty , Kusuma Hadri , Arifin Zaenal
Published: February 2025

Objective: This study aims to analyze the influence of macroeconomic factors, namely gross domestic product growth, inflation, interest rates, and the exchange rate of the US dollar on the financial distress of companies going public in ASEAN countries.
 
Theoretical Framework: gross domestic product has a negative effect on financial distress, while inflation, interest rates, and the US dollar exchange rate have a positive effect on it. Market as a control variable negatively affects financial distress.
 
Method: This study uses a sample of 3,285 nonfinancial-going public companies in ASEAN countries from 2009 to 2023 (15 years). This study uses secondary data, in the form of data on the company's annual financial statements.
 
Results and Discussion: The findings reveal that high inflation and interest rates significantly contribute to financial distress, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at fostering economic stability and resilience. This study's results indicate that, both collectively and by nation, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth positively and significantly affects the financial distress of publicly listed companies in ASEAN. The inflation and interest rates, both collectively within ASEAN and individually by country, exert a negative and significant influence on the financial distress of publicly listed companies in the region. The exchange rate of the US dollar, both in ASEAN as a whole and in nations other than Vietnam, adversely and significantly affects the financial distress of publicly listed companies in ASEAN. Finally, the market, as a control variable, has a positive and significant effect on the financial distress of publicly listed firms in ASEAN, both collectively and per nation, with the exception of Singapore.
 
Research Implications: The limitations of this study lie in the use of macroeconomic factors to examine their influence on financial distress in publicly listed companies in ASEAN. This study is also restricted to non-financial publicly listed companies. While this research provides valuable insights into the impact of macroeconomic factors on financial distress, it is important to acknowledge its limitations and consider the practical implications for various stakeholders.
 
Originality/Value: The results of this study not only back up what other research has found, but they also help us learn more about how macroeconomic factors, including GDP growth, inflation rate, interest rate, US dollar exchange rate, and capital market conditions, affect firms' finances. This study's novelty is rooted in its comparative approach to analyze data from different ASEAN countries, which provides greater insight into how macroeconomic factors play a role in different contexts.
Enhancing Digital Security: A Comprehensive Review of Password Management Practices and Tools
Authors:   Computer Science Department, Lagos State University of Science & Technology, Ikorodu, Adewale A. Shomope, , Adeniyi Dr. Akanni ,   Computer Science Department, Caleb University, Imota
Published: February 2025

As digital security concerns escalate, password management remains critical to safeguarding personal and organizational information. This review article explores current practices and tools in password management, evaluating their efficacy and user adoption. The article aims to provide recommendations for improving password security and usability by analyzing recent advancements and common pitfalls.
Numerical Simulation of Infectious Disease Spread Using the SIR Model: an Application of Euler's Method
Authors:   Department of Mathematics Education, Faculty of Health and Science, Universitas Nusantara PGRI Kediri, Indonesia, Widodo Suryo , Sulistyono Bambang Agus ,   Department of Mathematics Education, Faculty of Health and Science, Universitas Nusantara PGRI Kediri, Indonesia, Katminingsih Yuni ,   Department of Mathematics Education, Faculty of Health and Science, Universitas Nusantara PGRI Kediri, Indonesia
Published: February 2025

The spread of infectious diseases is a very complex phenomenon and requires mathematical modeling to understand the dynamics of the spread. One of the common approaches used to model the spread of diseases is the SIR (Susceptible-Infected-Recovered) model. This study aims to implement numerical methods, especially the Euler method, to simulate the spread of infectious diseases using the SIR model. This study focuses on the application of Euler's Method to solve differential equations that describe the changes in infected, susceptible, and recovered populations in a finite system. The Euler method is used to calculate the numerical solution of the system with a small time step. The simulation results show how the spread of the disease can be predicted in various scenarios, with sensitivity analysis to model parameters such as transmission rate and recovery rate. These simulations provide insight into the dynamics of the disease and help in designing more effective public health policies. In conclusion, the Euler’s method has proven to be a useful tool for modeling and predicting the spread of diseases, although the accuracy of the results is highly dependent on the choice of time step. Further research can examine the application of other numerical methods and their comparison with analytical models to improve prediction and accuracy in real applications.
Atypical Onset of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Young Male: Lessons for Early Detection in Primary Care
Authors:   Washington University of Health Sciences, San Pedro, Belize, USA, K. Ballmick Anil
Published: February 2025

Early diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is critical to preventing long-term complications, but atypical presentations can make recognition
challenging. This case report presents a 40-year-old male with subtle symptoms of fatigue and blurred vision, absent the hallmark signs of polyuria or
polydipsia, leading to a delayed diagnosis of T2DM. Risk factors, including obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and a positive family history, were key clues to
identifying the disease. Through a multidisciplinary approach combining lifestyle modification and metformin therapy, the patient achieved significant
improvements in glycemic control and overall health within three months. This report emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion
in family medicine to identify atypical presentations and highlights how early intervention can dramatically alter patient outcomes.
From Data to Decision: Leveraging Machine Learning for Crisis Response
Authors:   University of Warsaw, Faculty of Economic Sciences, Quantitative Finance and Machine Learning Department Ludwika Zamenhofa 10A, 122A, 00-187, Poland, Hasanli Nijat
Published: February 2025

This study explores the integration of machine learning (ML) techniques in early warning models (EWMs) for financial crises, emphasizing decision-making
in policy contexts. By com paring traditional statistical models such as logistic regression and advanced ML techniques, including boosting methods such
as AdaBoost, Gradient Boosting, XGBoost, LightGBM, and CatBoost, the research evaluates predictive accuracy and decision-making efficiency. Utilizing
a dataset spanning 13 countries over 49 years, this paper highlights key economic indicators such as Account-to-GDP, Inflation, and Housing Price Cycles
as critical predictors. The findings underscore the superior performance of boosting models and provide actionable insights for policymakers on optimizing
thresholds (τ) and balancing predictive error through relative preference (μ). Specifically, the analysis demonstrates how varying τ and μ influences model
effectiveness, highlighting the trade-offs between Type I and Type II errors. This research contributes to enhancing financial stability through informed
crisis anticipation and proactive policy interventions
The Effect of Beeswax Coating on the Organoleptic and Chemical Parameters of Tushetian Guda Cow Cheese
Authors:   Doctor of Food Technology, Associative Professor, ,Iakob Gogebashvili Telavi State University, Telavi, Georgia, Lali Elanidze , Tea Khositashvili ,   Doctor of Food Technology, Associative Professor, ,Iakob Gogebashvili Telavi State University, Telavi, Georgia, Gogritchiani Elza ,   Dairy and Dairy Products Technologist, Main Technologist of LTD Traditional, Tbilisi, Georgia
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the organoleptic and chemical analysis of Tushetian Guda cow cheese (control) made using standard technology and Tushetian Guda
cow cheese coated with beeswax. The study aimed to examine the effect of beeswax coating on the organoleptic and chemical parameters of Tushetian Guda
cow cheese. The results revealed that the use of beeswax coating improved the physical durability of the cheese, extended its shelf life, and preserved its
quality, texture, taste, and aroma. Storing Tushetian Guda cow cheese in beeswax inhibits the development of slime and mold on the surface, protects the
cheese from significant moisture loss, and maintains the texture and characteristic taste properties of cow cheese. The flavor and aroma of the beeswax lend
a piquant quality to Tushetian Guda cow cheese. Beeswax coating could become a new, eco-friendly, biodegradable, and safe alternative to the synthetic
packaging materials currently used in cheese production.