bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Latent profile of personality traits for American older adults and its transition during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Fu Mingqi , Guo Jing , Kang Hao , Huang Xiaorui
Published: October 2024

Background

The impact of COVID-19 on older adults’ personality development is essential for emergency management but under-researched. This study seeks to explore the personality profiles of older adults living in the United States and how these profiles transitioned during the pandemic.

Methods

Longitudinal data were collected from 3,550 adults aged 60 and older who participated in both the 2016 and 2020 waves of the Health and Retirement Survey (61.18% female, mean age 65.85 in 2016). Personality traits were assessed using the Midlife Development Inventory. COVID-19-related experiences including pandemic concerns, restricted healthcare access, financial instability, work challenges, disrupted social connections, and mutual aid behaviors. Latent Profile Analysis and Transition Analysis were used for analysis.

Results

Three distinct personality profiles were identified: Well-adjusted, Moderate-adjusted, and Poor-adjusted. About 42% of respondents experienced personality changes during the pandemic. Higher levels of COVID-19 concern were linked to an increased likelihood of transitioning to Poor-adjusted from Moderate (OR=1.06, p<0.05) or Well-adjusted (OR=1.05, p<0.01). Challenges such as healthcare delays and financial hardships hindered transitions from Poor- to Moderate-adjusted (Healthcare delay: OR=0.39, p<0.05; Financial hardships: OR=0.67, p<0.05) but increased the likelihood of Moderate-adjusted individuals transitioning to Poor-adjusted (Healthcare delay: OR=1.46, p<0.05; Financial hardships: OR=1.51, p<0.05). However, Poor-adjusted individuals who provided help to others were more likely to transition to Moderate-adjusted (OR=2.71, p<0.01).

Conclusions

Personality transitions during crisis are significant among older adults. Future interventions should focus on addressing traumatic concerns, encouraging helping behaviors, and mitigating healthcare and financial challenges to support older adults’ personality development during crisis.
The total joint arthroplasty care patterns in China during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multicenter cohort study
Authors: Zhang Tianyi , Wang Shan , Yan Li , Bai Huajuan , Guo Jiugong , Liu Jianchao , Liu Lihua
Published: October 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the care practices of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) throughout the world. However, the impact of the pandemic on TJA care practices has not yet been studied in China.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter cohort included patients aged 18 years or older who underwent TJA between January 2019 and December 2019 (prepandemic period) and January 2020 to December 2021 (pandemic period). Data were obtained from the medical records of 17 Chinese hospitals. Interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was used to estimate differences in monthly TJA volume, hospitalization proportion of TJA, preoperative characteristics, postoperative complications, 30-day readmissions, length of stay (LOS), and costs in inpatients undergoing TJA between the prepandemic and pandemic periods. Multivariate regression and propensity score matching (PSM) analyses were used to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital complications, readmissions at 30 days, LOS, and costs at the patient level.

Results

A total of 752,477 inpatients undergoing TJA in the prepandemic period, 1,291,248 in the pandemic period, with an average 13.1% yearly decrease in the volume of TJA during the pandemic. No significant changes were observed in the proportion of hospitalizations for TJA. ITS analyses showed increases in the proportion of comorbidities (8.5%, 95% CI: 3.4–14.0%) and the number of comorbidities (15.6%, 95% CI: 7.7–24.1%) in TJA cases during the pandemic, without increasing LOS, costs, complications, and readmission rates. Multivariate and PSM analyses showed 6% and 26% reductions in costs and readmission rates during the pandemic, respectively.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with more severe preoperative conditions and decreased volume, costs, and readmission rates in patients undergoing TJA in China. These findings demonstrate that the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a dramatic impact on the TJA care pattern in China, which may have resulted from active and strict strategies in combating COVID-19 as well as a rapid response in hospital management.
A scoping review of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: refusal rate, associated factors, and strategies to reduce
Authors: Bahreini Rona , Sardareh Mehran , Arab-Zozani Morteza
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the evidence regarding vaccine hesitancy including refusal rate, associated factors, and potential strategies to reduce it.

Methods

This is a scoping review. Three main databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from 1 January 2020 to 1 January 2023. All original studies in the English language that investigated one of our domains (vaccine hesitancy rate, factors associated with vaccine hesitancy, and the ways/interventions to overcome or decrease vaccine hesitancy) among the general population were included in this study. The data were charted using tables and figures. In addition, a content analysis was conducted using the 3C model of vaccine hesitancy (Confidence, Complacency, and Convenience) that was previously introduced by the WHO.

Results

Finally, 184 studies were included in this review. Of these, 165, 181, and 124 studies reported the vaccine hesitancy rate, associated factors, and interventions to reduce or overcome vaccine hesitancy, respectively. Factors affecting the hesitancy rate were categorized into 4 themes and 18 sub-themes (contextual factors, confidence barriers, complacency barriers, and convenience barriers).

Conclusion

Vaccine hesitancy (VH) rate and the factors affecting it are different according to different populations, contexts, and data collection tools that need to be investigated in specific populations and contexts. The need to conduct studies at the national and international levels regarding the reasons for vaccine refusal, the factors affecting it, and ways to deal with it still remains. Designing a comprehensive tool will facilitate comparisons between different populations and different locations.
Social isolation and loneliness prevention among rural older adults aging-in-place: a needs assessment
Authors: Southerland Jodi L. , Zheng Shimin , Dodson Kayla , Mauck Erin , Bacsu Juanita-Dawne R. , Brown Monique J. , Holloway Jeremy , Kim Steffi M. , Malatyali Ayse , Smith Matthew Lee
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The adverse effects of social isolation and loneliness (SI/L) have been documented among older adults in rural communities and contribute to poor health outcomes, premature disability and mortality, and increased burden on the healthcare system. The identification of factors contributing to SI/L among older adults can build the foundation for rural policymakers and leaders to allocate resources and develop tailored strategies more efficiently. The purpose of this article is to describe findings from a needs assessment designed to understand local factors that contribute to SI/L among rural older adults in a county in Northeast Tennessee. Findings from the needs assessment will be used by local stakeholders to develop strategies to promote age-friendly initiatives.

Methods

Eighty-two older adults [ages 62 to 74 years (59%); non-Hispanic white (95%); female (71%)] from three senior apartment complexes in a Northeast Tennessee county completed an 87-item needs assessment survey. The evaluation of social isolation utilized Lubben’s 6-item Social Network Scale, while loneliness was assessed using the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of SI/L. Given the limited sample size, statistical significance was considered at p < 0.10.

Results

The prevalence of social isolation and loneliness was 42% and 37%, respectively. Residing in the county <5 years [Adjusted OR (AOR): 3.35; 95% CI: 1.04–10.81; p = 0.04] and reporting resource-related barriers to aging-in-place (AOR: 6.56; 95% CI: 2.00–21.57; p = 0.004) were associated with increases in the odds of social isolation; whereas interest in intergenerational activities decreased the odds of social isolation (AOR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.05–0.69; p = 0.01). Boredom (AOR: 4.06; 95% CI: 1.63–12.11; p = 0.01) and limited knowledge about community services (AOR: 4.61; 95% CI: 1.42–15.02; p = 0.01) quadrupled the odds of loneliness. Similarly, older adults who were frail (AOR: 2.69; 95% CI: 0.88–8.17; p = 0.08) and who rated their community livability as low (AOR: 3.35; 95% CI: 0.81–13.87; p = 0.09) were more likely to experience loneliness.

Discussion

This needs assessment provided important information about the individual and social drivers of SI/L among rural older adults in the community. Findings support the generation of localized data to support muti-partner efforts to design sustainable programs to address SI/L.
Bayesian network model of ethno-racial disparities in cardiometabolic-based chronic disease using NHANES 1999–2018
Authors: Babagoli Masih A. , Beller Michael J. , Gonzalez-Rivas Juan P. , Nieto-Martinez Ramfis , Gulamali Faris , Mechanick Jeffrey I.
Published: October 2024

Background

Ethno-racial disparities in cardiometabolic diseases are driven by socioeconomic, behavioral, and environmental factors. Bayesian networks offer an approach to analyze the complex interaction of the multi-tiered modifiable factors and non-modifiable demographics that influence the incidence and progression of cardiometabolic disease.

Methods

In this study, we learn the structure and parameters of a Bayesian network based on 20 years of data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to explore the pathways mediating associations between ethno-racial group and cardiometabolic outcomes. The impact of different factors on cardiometabolic outcomes by ethno-racial group is analyzed using conditional probability queries.

Results

Multiple pathways mediate the indirect association from ethno-racial group to cardiometabolic outcomes: (1) ethno-racial group to education and to behavioral factors (diet); (2) education to behavioral factors (smoking, physical activity, and—via income—to alcohol); (3) and behavioral factors to adiposity-based chronic disease (ABCD) and then other cardiometabolic drivers. Improved diet and physical activity are associated with a larger decrease in probability of ABCD stage 4 among non-Hispanic White (NHW) individuals compared to non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and Hispanic (HI) individuals.

Conclusion

Education, income, and behavioral factors mediate ethno-racial disparities in cardiometabolic outcomes, but traditional behavioral factors (diet and physical activity) are less influential among NHB or HI individuals compared to NHW individuals. This suggests the greater contribution of unmeasured individual- and/or neighborhood-level structural determinants of health that impact cardiometabolic drivers among NHB and HI individuals. Further study is needed to discover the nature of these unmeasured determinants to guide cardiometabolic care in diverse populations.
Primary healthcare services’ accessibility and quality under compulsory social health insurance in Kazakhstan
Authors: Shurenova Makhabbat , Kurakbayev Kuralbay , Abildaev Tleukhan , Tazhiyeva Aigul
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Between 2020 and 2022, there was a rise in employment and entrepreneurial activity, despite some unemployment growth. In the Compulsory Social Health Insurance (CSHI), insured individuals, especially privileged and wage workers, increased. However, certain contributors, like those exempt from contributions and single social taxpayers, decreased, possibly due to legislative changes or the economic climate. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and accessibility of medical services within the frameworks of Compulsory Social Health Insurance and the state Guaranteed volume of free medical care based on data regarding waiting times and the volume of services provided.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed data from 2020 to 2022 on patients receiving care under Kazakhstan’s Mandatory Social Medical Insurance System (MSMIS) and Guaranteed Volume of Free Medical Care. Data included insurance status, labor market indicators, and medical service procurement. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and t-tests, with p-values indicating statistical significance (p < 0.05).

Results

It has been identified that overall, the execution of the plan for all types of medical care in Kazakhstan, including Almaty, reaches 100.0%, indicating sufficient financial support for the healthcare system. Rehabilitation centers and COVID-19 testing services stand out with shorter waiting times, whereas comprehensive diagnostic and advisory services require significantly longer waiting periods. The Guaranteed Volume of Free Medical Care typically offers a greater number of services with shorter waiting times compared to MSMIS, except for specialized medical care services in diagnosing new formations, where the Guaranteed Volume of Free Medical Care also has shorter waiting times but provides a greater number of services.

Conclusion

The study has allowed us to identify differences in the availability and volume of medical services provided between Compulsory Social Health Insurance and the state Guaranteed volume of free medical care.
Risk factors associated with cutaneous anthrax outbreaks in humans in Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Sukanta , Islam Md. Saiful , Haider Najmul , Hossain Muhammad Belal , Alam Md. Ashraful , Sharif Md. Ahmad Raihan , Uzzaman M. Salim , Rahman Mahbubur , Rahman Mahmudur , Haque Farhana
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To determine the risk factors associated with cutaneous anthrax infection in humans.

Methods

During 2013–2016, we investigated total 26 anthrax outbreaks across the country. We additionally conducted a case–control study to identify risk factors by recruiting four controls for each enrolled case. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated to identify risk factors using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Over the study period, a total of 1,210 suspected cutaneous anthrax cases were identified in seven districts of Bangladesh. Most of the cases (61%, n = 744) were detected from Meherpur district. Cases were detected over the year, with the peak number of outbreaks occurring in May. The overall attack rate of suspected cutaneous anthrax cases for 16 outbreaks was 20%, with the highest rate occurring among individuals aged 40–49 years. Persons who had a cut injury (aOR 19.04, CI: 4.08–88.86), weighed raw meat (aOR 5.73, CI: 3.03–10.83), mixed bones and meat (aOR 4.64, CI: 3.03–7.09), observed livestock slaughtering (aOR 2.86, CI: 2.02–4.04), had direct contact to an anthrax suspected livestock (aOR 2.68, CI:1.61–4.45), slaughtered livestock (aOR 2.29, CI: 1.3–4.02), and who did not wash hands with soap and water after direct contact (aOR 2.57, CI: 1.89–3.5) were more likely to develop cutaneous anthrax than people who did not have these exposures.

Conclusion

Prior cut injuries on exposed body areas during meat handling and slaughtering of sick livestock were identified as potential risk factors for cutaneous anthrax, highlighting the importance of preventing the slaughter of sick animals. However, stopping slaughtering sick livestock, handling meat and livestock by-products to reduce anthrax exposures from livestock to humans may be difficult to achieve given the associated financial incentives in Bangladesh. Interventions such as hand washing with soap during slaughtering and processing meat can be targeted to affected communities to ameliorate some risk.
Preference of urban and rural older people in Shandong Province for long-term care insurance: based on discrete choice experiment
Authors: Jin Wenxue , Wang Junlei , Hu Xiaoqian
Published: October 2024

Background

Severe population ageing and weak long-term care support systems has spurred China’s pilot program for long-term care insurance (LTCI). This study aimed to provide references for optimizing long-term care insurance policies in Shandong Province by measuring the preferences of urban and rural older people for LTCI.

Methods

Based on the discrete choice experiment, a questionnaire survey was conducted on urban and rural older people from Shandong Province. A mixed logit model was used for data analysis and the relative importance of attributes, willingness to pay, and preference heterogeneity based on residence type, number of children, chronic conditions, gender, education level and financial situation were further estimated.

Results

The results showed that individual premium, reimbursement rate and whose provision of home-based care can be reimbursed had a significant effect on the LTCI preference of urban and rural older people in Shandong Province. Benefit package and government subsidy lost statistical significance in full sample but played a role in certain subgroups. There were also differences in preferences for individual premium among different groups of older people.

Conclusion

Optimizing the policy design of long-term care insurance based on the actual needs of the older adults can help increase the utility of them and promote the smooth implementation of long-term care insurance.
The effect of community environment on the trajectory of depressive symptoms and cohort differences among middle-aged and older Chinese adults
Authors: Li Xuyang
Published: October 2024

Background

Urbanization has changed the living environment of middle-aged and older Chinese adults, but it also brings certain mental pressure to them. Few studies have explored the effect of community environment on the development trajectory and the cohort differences of depressive symptoms in Chinese individuals.

Methods

Based on the longitudinal data of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) from 2011 to 2020, using three-level hierarchical linear growth model, this study examined the effect of community environment on the trajectory of depressive symptoms and cohort differences among middle-aged and older Chinese adults in five cohorts from 1920 to 1929, 1930–1939, 1940–1949, 1950–1959, and 1960–1966.

Results

The results of this study showed that middle-aged and older adult individuals who lived in neighborhoods with better community physical and social environments had a protective effect on depressive symptoms. There was a cohort difference in the development of depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Chinese adults. The baseline depressive symptoms in the later birth cohorts were higher than those in the earliest cohort, and the development rate were also significantly higher. The role of community environment in the development rate of depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adult individuals varied across the cohort. A better community social environment had a more significant moderating effect on the development rate of depressive symptoms in the early birth cohort (1930–1939), and a better physical environment had a more significant moderating effect on the development rate of depressive symptoms in the 1940–1949 cohort.

Conclusion

Under the strategic background of healthy aging in China, the construction and improvement of community environment should become an important part of coping with the realistic challenges of the aging population, such as the expanding scale of depressed population among the middle-aged and older adult individual.
A novel framework for automated warehouse layout generation
Authors: Shahroudnejad Atefeh , Mousavi Payam , Perepelytsia Oleksii , Sahir  , Staszak David , Taylor Matthew E. , Bawel Brent
Published: October 2024

Optimizing warehouse layouts is crucial due to its significant impact on efficiency and productivity. We present an AI-driven framework for automated warehouse layout generation. This framework employs constrained beam search to derive optimal layouts within given spatial parameters, adhering to all functional requirements. The feasibility of the generated layouts is verified based on criteria such as item accessibility, required minimum clearances, and aisle connectivity. A scoring function is then used to evaluate the feasible layouts considering the number of storage locations, access points, and accessibility costs. We demonstrate our method's ability to produce feasible, optimal layouts for a variety of warehouse dimensions and shapes, diverse door placements, and interconnections. This approach, currently being prepared for deployment, will enable human designers to rapidly explore and confirm options, facilitating the selection of the most appropriate layout for their use-case.
Sexual and reproductive health literacy and its associated factors among adolescents in Harar town public high schools, Harari, Ethiopia, 2023: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Debella Adera , Tamire Aklilu , Bogale Kasahun , Berhanu Bekelu , Mohammed Hanan , Deressa Alemayehu , Gamachu Mulugeta , Lami Magarsa , Abdisa Lemesa , Getachew Tamirat , Hailu Saba , Eyeberu Addis , Heluf Helina , Legesse Henok , Mehadi Ame , Husen Dilbo Jemal , Angassa Wkuma Lensa , Birhanu Abdi
Published: October 2024

Background

In sub-Saharan African countries, including Ethiopia, the utilization of sexual and reproductive health information during adolescence is considered to be low. The aim of this study was to assess the level of sexual and reproductive health literacy among adolescents in Ethiopia as well as the factors associated with sexual and reproductive health literacy in this population.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was employed. Systematic sampling methods were used to select 909 study participants. A validated scale was used, consisting of 31 questions with a 5-point Likert scale. A total score was computed, ranging from 31 (minimum score) to 155 (maximum score), which was finally categorized into limited and adequate sexual and reproductive health literacy. A multivariate linear regression model was fitted to determine the factors influencing adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health literacy.

Results

The percentage of adolescents with slightly adequate and excellent sexual and reproductive health literacy was 38.9% and 6.3%, respectively. On the other hand, 677 (74.5%) participants overall had limited sexual and reproductive literacy. Healthcare workers and reading books were the preferred sources of sexual and reproductive health information that were associated with higher sexual and reproductive health literacy by 6.42 (95% CI 1.62–11.22) and 6.57 (95% CI 1.62–11.22), respectively. Adolescents' ability to pay for their healthcare was associated with better sexual and reproductive health literacy by 13.76 times (95% CI 8.21–19.32).

Conclusion

More than three-quarters of the adolescents had limited sexual and reproductive health literacy. Sources of sexual and reproductive health information, including healthcare workers, books, and the Internet, were significantly associated with adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health literacy. Hence, primary stakeholders need to incorporate sexual and reproductive health into the curriculum at high schools.
Dural tears with cauda equina herniation following percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Xie Shiwei , Luo Mingwei , Xiao Heng
Published: October 2024

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a prevalent condition that severely impacts patients' quality of life and work capacity. Traditional surgical treatments like laminectomy, while effective, involve significant invasiveness and potential complications, including long-term spinal instability and recurrent symptoms. With the advancement of minimally invasive techniques, percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) has become a popular option due to its reduced trauma and faster recovery. However, PELD, while beneficial, carries risks, including complications that may not be immediately evident. This report presents the case of a 60-year-old female patient who underwent PELD for L4/5 disc herniation but experienced significant postoperative complications, including increased pain and neurological symptoms. Initial conservative management failed, and further investigations suggested possible postoperative infection, though this was later ruled out through surgical exploration and bacterial cultures. The patient subsequently underwent open surgical exploration, which revealed extensive tissue damage and required additional interventions, including a minimally invasive lateral anterior approach for stabilization and fusion (MIS-OLIF). Postoperative recovery was successful, with complete symptom resolution and stable spine alignment at a six-month follow-up. This case highlights the complexity of managing PELD-related complications and underscores the importance of thorough diagnostic evaluation and the potential need for additional surgical interventions to ensure long-term patient outcomes.
Intertwined roles for GDF-15, HMGB1, and MIG/CXCL9 in Pediatric Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Zamora Ruben , Yin Jinling , Barclay Derek , Squires James E. , Vodovotz Yoram
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Pediatric Acute Liver Failure (PALF) presents as a rapidly evolving, multifaceted, and devastating clinical syndrome whose precise etiology remains incompletely understood. Consequently, predicting outcomes—whether survival or mortality—and informing liver transplantation decisions in PALF remain challenging. We have previously implicated High-Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) as a central mediator in PALF-associated dynamic inflammation networks that could be recapitulated in acetaminophen (APAP)-treated mouse hepatocytes (HC) in vitro. Here, we hypothesized that Growth/Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) is involved along with HMGB1 in PALF.

Methods

28 and 23 inflammatory mediators including HMGB1 and GDF15 were measured in serum samples from PALF patients and cell supernatants from wild-type (C57BL/6) mouse hepatocytes (HC) and from cells from HC-specific HMGB1-null mice (HC-HMGB1−/−) exposed to APAP, respectively. Results were analyzed computationally to define statistically significant and potential causal relationships.

Results

Circulating GDF-15 was elevated significantly (P < 0.05) in PALF non-survivors as compared to survivors, and together with HMGB1 was identified as a central node in dynamic inflammatory networks in both PALF patients and mouse HC. This analysis also pointed to MIG/CXCL9 as a differential node linking HMGB1 and GDF-15 in survivors but not in non-survivors, and, when combined with in vitro studies, suggested that MIG suppresses GDF-15-induced inflammation.

Discussion

This study suggests GDF-15 as a novel PALF outcome biomarker, posits GDF-15 alongside HMGB1 as a central node within the intricate web of systemic inflammation dynamics in PALF, and infers a novel, negative regulatory role for MIG.
Effects of Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl polysaccharides on growth performance, immune function, cecum microorganisms and short-chain fatty acids in broilers
Authors: Zhang Zhenping , Dong Shiqi , Li Jinrong , Aizezi Maimaiti , Huang Peng , Abula Saifuding , Mai Zhanhai , Liu Dandan , Wusiman Adelijiang
Published: October 2024

In this study, Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl polysaccharides (LSP) was prepared using the water-alcohol precipitation method to evaluate its effects on growth performance, slaughter performance, cytokines, immune organ indices, cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and microbial community structure in broiler chickens when added to the basal diet. Seventy-five broiler chickens were selected and randomly divided into five groups, with 15 chickens per group. All groups were fed a basal diet for 7 days. From 7 days of age, the control group continued to receive the basal diet, while the positive drug group was fed a diet supplemented with Astragalus polysaccharides (APS, 100 g/kg) in addition to the basal diet. The experimental groups were fed diets containing different concentrations of LSP (50, 100, and 200 g/kg) in addition to the basal diet, and the supplementation continued for 42 days. The findings indicated that the incorporation of LSP into the feed significantly enhanced average daily weight gain (ADWG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed to gain ratio (F/G), dressing percentage, percentage of breast muscle, percentage of leg muscle, and percentage of abdominal fat while concurrently reducing drip loss rate and cooking loss rate (p < 0.01) in comparison to the control group. Additionally, it significantly augmented the levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) in cytokines, secreted immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in immunoglobulins, as well as immune organ indicators (p < 0.05). Furthermore, LSP also modulated the intestinal microbiome composition by increasing the abundance of Bacteroides species and significantly changing concentrations of specific short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as propionic acid, isobutyric acid, acetic acid, and isovaleric acid (p < 0.01). These results suggest that dietary supplementation with LSP can effectively regulate intestinal microbiome composition while promoting short-chain fatty acid production. The alterations in microbial characteristics ultimately contribute to improved intestinal immunity and immune organ development as well as enhanced production performance and immune function in broilers.
Animal welfare of Lacaune lambs weaned from artificial feeding
Authors: Moreno Manrique María , Mínguez Balaguer Carlos , Ibáñez Sanchis Carla , González Clari Marta , Villagrá García Arantxa , Bueso Ródenas Joel
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Nowadays, many dairy sheep farms opt for milk replacers after birth. Weaning lambs from milk replacers is expected to be a stressful situation.

Methods

With the aim of researching this practice on the animal behavior, body weight yields, and sanitary status of Lacaune lambs, 60 healthy animals from the same lambing house were employed. Lambs were housed in a pen and had ad libitum access to forage, compound feed, and milk replacers. During a 4 days preexperimental period in which all the animals were fed with milk replacers, behavior, hematologic parameters, body weight and seric and fecal stress indicators were recorded. Later, an experimental period took place in which 20 lambs remained in the same conditions. Another 20 lambs were kept in a separate pen in the same barn under the same conditions, but the artificial milk feeding was interrupted (weaning). The third 20 lambs were weaned and also rehoused in fattening pens. After 4 days, the variables previously recorded in the three groups during the pre-experimental period were recorded again.

Results

Results showed that change of location and change of feed can have different and synergic effects on the behavior of the lambs. Change of feed had not specifically different effect on body weight than change of location. In the other hand, weaning had no significative effects on hematologic parameters and seric and fecal stress indicators.

Discussion

Weaning from artificial milk had significative effects on lambs weight and behavior. More research is needed to improve this ethical aspect in ovine production.
Veterinary neurology residency training in Europe—A survey on preparation and plans
Authors: Gonçalves Rita
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Difficulties in recruitment of veterinary specialists to academia is an ongoing problem for university teaching hospitals. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of veterinary neurology specialists that plan to work in academia after their residency training and identify the main factors that may influence that decision.

Methods

An electronic survey was distributed to European College of Veterinary Neurology (ECVN) residents in training and those that completed their residencies within the previous 12 months.

Results

Despite similar numbers of residents training in clinical practice and academic institutions, most respondents (79.7%) planned to work in private practice. The most influential factors for deciding future workplace were quality of life, salary, location, and the number of other specialists (with specialists in subjects other than neurology viewed as more important than neurologists) working in the same institution. The most common reasons for not choosing academia were low compensation, excessive bureaucracy, and high administrative workload compared to private clinical practice.

Discussion

Academic institutions need to review support for academic staff and provide stronger mentorship to overcome these problems and ensure provision of high-quality undergraduate teaching in veterinary neurology as well as promoting advancement of the field through basic and applied research.
Análisis y perspectivas de la Política Exterior estadounidense en las Américas
Authors: Sigmon Eric
Published: October 2024

La política exterior estadounidense en las Américas cambió sensiblemente entre la administración de Donald J. Trump (2017-2021) y la de Joe Biden (2021-2025). Las próximas elecciones ofrecerán a quien las gane —ya sea la vicepresidenta Harris (demócrata) o el expresidente Trump (republicano)— la oportunidad de actualizar la política exterior estadounidense en la región. Si Harris gana, es probable que inicialmente continúe la estrategia de Biden de buscar compromisos amplios y el multilateralismo para abordar los desafíos comunes, como promover la democracia, la gestión de la migración y el desarrollo económico, ajustándola con el tiempo para alinearse con su visión y prioridades. Si Trump gana, es de prever que vuelva a su anterior estrategia de política exterior nacionalista, priorizando las relaciones bilaterales sobre el multilateralismo, utilizando la confrontación y la coerción para avanzar en sus objetivos, centrándose exclusivamente en combatir la migración ilegal y en castigar las excepciones no democráticas de Cuba, Nicaragua y Venezuela. Sin embargo, gane quien gane, el gobierno estadounidense debería priorizar un nuevo enfoque hacia tres asuntos: la crisis en dos países (Haití y Venezuela), la mejora de la seguridad del hemisferio y la aplicación de una política comercial y de inversiones más sólida en la región.
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION FOR CRIMES COMMITTED ON THE TERRITORY OF UKRAINE
Authors:   Vasyl` Stus Donetsk National University, Turchenko O. , Husar V. ,   Vasyl` Stus Donetsk National University
Published: October 2024

The UN has repeatedly condemned Russian aggression and attempts to illegally annex Ukrainian territory, recognized the act of aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine (resolutions "Aggression against Ukraine" dated March 2, 2022, "Territorial integrity of Ukraine: protection of the principles of the UN Charter" dated October 7, 2022). Despite the open condemnation of the policy of the Russian Federation and its invasion of the territory of an independent state by the civilized world, the aggressor country continues to pursue its cruel goals, which contradict any prescriptions of international law and international humanitarian law. Every day, the rights of the civilian population, enshrined in the Geneva Conventions, are demonstrably violated through constant mass attacks, the targets of which are precisely the objects of civilian infrastructure. The international legal community is incredibly determined to ensure the possibility of bringing the Russian Federation to justice for crimes committed on the territory of Ukraine. The article analyzes the forms of material and non-material responsibility that are applied and can be applied to the Russian Federation as an aggressor state, the practice of applying sanctions, the requirements of the claims of Ukraine against the Russian Federation submitted to international jurisdictional bodies (the UN International Court of Justice, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea , of the European Court of Human Rights), the content and consequences of the decisions made. It is concluded that the appeal to international jurisdictional institutions does not concern the establishment of the fact of aggression by the Russian Federation, the resolution of the issue of the form and extent of the responsibility of the aggressor state. It is proved that the order of the International Court of Justice of the United Nations on the application of temporary measures is mandatory according to international law, which imposes clear legal obligations on the states-parties of the dispute and the violation of which "presupposes the obligation to make compensation in the appropriate form". The issues of state execution of the order and compensation in the proper form are considered by the Court in the decision on the merits of the case. The impossibility of preventing military aggression against Ukraine, the partial limitation of this state through the application of sanctions, give reasons to believe that the available methods and mechanisms of international legal responsibility are insufficient. That is why, at the diplomatic level, Ukraine should create new ways of limiting and holding Russia as a state and its individual citizens involved in the leadership and execution of crimes committed on the territory of Ukraine accountable. Key words: state, state functions, martial law, responsibility, coercive measures, security, armed conflict, sanctions.
FORMS AND DIRECTIONS OF ANALYTICAL WORK DURING THE CONDUCT OF INVESTIGATIVE (SEARCH) ACTIONS IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS REGARDING CRIMES OF ECONOMIC DIRECTION
Authors:   National University “Odesa Law Academy’’, Tsekhan D. M. , Padalka L. O. ,   assistant consultant to the deputy of Ukraine
Published: October 2024

The article is devoted to the analysis of the main forms and directions of analytical work during investigative (research) actions in criminal proceedings regarding crimes of an economic nature. The article draws attention to the importance of the analytical component of investigative activity at the current stage, in particular during the preparation and conduct of investigative (search) actions. It is emphasized that typical organizational and tactical models of conducting investigative actions, in particular searches, have been formed by practice. It was noted that, currently, analytical work partially replaces the informational component of the investigation, which was provided thanks to the use of confidential cooperation. The specifics of analytical work during preparation for a search in criminal proceedings regarding crimes of economic orientation are analyzed in detail. A formulated list of analytical tasks to be solved at this stage. The elements that are a priority for analytical research at the preparatory stage of searches are characterized. Defined forms and directions of use of analytical work during direct searches. Emphasis is placed on the importance of conducting analytical work when planning a series of searches within one criminal proceeding. The main functions of analytical work during searches are highlighted. The main functions of analytical work during interrogations, in particular the proposed models of interrogations, are highlighted and characterized. Attention is drawn to the role of analytical work to specify the subject of interrogation in terms of detailing the system of questions in correlation with the used technology of criminal activity, which is established or simulated by analysts who provide information and analytical support for the investigation of criminal proceedings. Keywords: criminal proceedings, investigation, investigative (detective) actions, analytical work, planning, search, interrogation.
SOME CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT NATIONAL DEFENSE OF HUMAN CIVIL RIGHTS
Authors:   Lutsk Institute of Human Development of the University ", Bundak О.А. ,   Ukraine", Popov A.A. ,   Lutsk Institute of Human Development of the University "Ukraine", Pikalyuk С.С. ,   Lutsk Institute of Human Development of the University "Ukraine"
Published: October 2024

The doctrinal and normative legal definitions of the concept of human civil rights, as well as national guarantees for the provision of civil rights, their types and possible ways of improvement are considered in the article. The authors analyze the concept, legal and philosophical basis of the implementation of human rights in the international and national aspect, relying on the texts of international documents, as well as the scientific research of foreign and Ukrainian scientists in the fields of the theory of the state and law, international law and constitutional law. The authors believe that the concept of human rights and, in particular, human civil rights, has not been unchanged throughout its history, and if at the first stages of its development it was connected with a person's belonging to the state ("citizenship"), it gradually almost lost this connection . An analysis of the modern meaning of the concept of "civil rights" shows that the modern Ukrainian translation of the title of the 1966 Covenant: "International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights" is misleading, ambiguous and does not reflect the essence of the concept of "civil human rights" in international context. There is a possibility that Ukrainian legal science will find another equivalent of the term "civil rights" in the sense of basic human rights. As a possible option, a fairly meaningful replacement option is offered - "fundamental (essential) human rights and freedoms according to P.M. Rabinovych. The authors draw attention to the fact that the concept of national guarantees of ensuring civil rights is not always given by scientists. To them in the broad sense should be attributed state, that is, which belong to this country and concern its people, reflect its character, features and social activity, positively acting conditions and means that ensure their actual implementation. Since the natural rights of a person and a citizen, enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine, are not exhaustive, an important guarantee of the protection of these rights should become a modern understanding of spiritual values. Keywords: civil rights, natural rights, basic civil rights, fundamental (essential) human rights and freedoms, national guarantees of ensuring civil rights.
SOCIOLOGIZATION OF NATURAL LAW: ON THE QUESTION OF THE COMPATIBILITY OF TYPES OF UNDERSTANDING OF LEGAL
Authors:   Mariupol State University, Chernykh Ye. M.
Published: October 2024

The article presents research of the widespread tendency to justify the concept of natural law within empirical sociocultural and anthropological factors in order to deprive it of its metaphysical character, which corresponds to sociological methodology. Emphasis is laid on the assumption of fundamental compatibility of the concepts of natural and sociological law, which, according to the author, is false. This outlines the related goal of the thesis that lies in proving formal logical and methodological incompatibility of the aforementioned concepts as well as inability of the sociological interpretation of natural law to solve the problem of lack of trust therein. Emphasis is also laid on inability of sociological methodology to solve the problem of ethical justification of the correctness of legal standards and behavior, which is clearly manifested in the projections of legitimacy and values. It is emphasized that the ethical foundations of law are not derived from the actual condition and require absolute values of transcendent (metaphysical) nature. The conclusion is made that natural law and sociological law are comparable but logically incompatible concepts, since they are formed according to opposite essential features determining the oppositeness of the elements that constitute their scope. In addition, the notions and concepts under research are opposite according to the ontological principles of origin and essence as well as according to the cognitive ideals forming the principles of their methodology. Together, this makes it possible to insist on the oppositeness of their nature. However, their oppositeness does not exclude complementarity in performance of the methodological work they do, albeit in their own way. Therefore, the gaps in knowledge of the ontological foundations of the theory of natural law are not a reason to abandon its instrumental capabilities as a value-oriented measure for the norms established by people. To restore trust in natural law, sociologization thereof is not enough, since the empirical methodology of sociologism creates only the illusion of solution to the problem of justifying the ethical foundations of the legal order solved by the concept of natural law in a different cognitive way. Key words: natural law, sociological law, sociologization of natural law, sociological methodology, metaphysics, legitimacy, values.
COMPETITIVE PROCEDURE FOR THE ACQUISITION OF A VACANT POSITION OF A LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICER: THEORETICAL ANALYSIS AND UPDATE OF THE LEGAL REGULATION
Authors:   National University ", Zakalenko O. V. ,   Odesa Law Academy", Osadchyi A. U. ,   National University "Odesa Law Academy"
Published: October 2024

The article examines the competitive procedure in local self-government bodies as the main way of filling vacant positions of local self-government employees, defines its concept, content and legal principles. The normative acts establishing the basis of the competition for filling the vacant position of a local self-government employee were analyzed, in particular, the provisions of the Law of Ukraine «On Service in Local Self-Government Bodies» dated 05.02.2023. However, the provisions of this Law in this part need to be specified at the sub-legislative level. therefore, the procedural aspects of the organization of the competition should be specified in the Standard procedure for conducting a competition for local self-government employees, which must be approved by the central executive body, which ensures the formation of state policy in the field of service in local self-government bodies (National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service Issues). It was concluded that the competitive procedure for filling a vacant position of a local self-government employee is a type of intra-organizational administrative procedures due to the fact that they are carried out within the bodies themselves or their system and are aimed at ensuring the functioning of the body or system of public administration bodies. The main tasks of this competitive procedure are highlighted, in particular, ensuring the practical implementation of the right to equal access to service in local self-government bodies and identifying persons who are able to professionally perform the duties of a local self-government employee. It was determined that the competitive procedure, like any administrative procedure, includes a clearly defined sequence of procedural actions that ensure a logical order of selection for the position of a local self-government employee. The structure of the tender procedure has been analyzed, which gives grounds for distinguishing the following stages: 1) preparation of the tender, 2) selection of a candidate for the vacant position of a local self-government employee, 3) decision-making based on the results of the competitive. Key words: public service, service in local self-government bodies, administrative procedures, competitive procedure, competitive procedure stages, competition, competitive commission, vacant position.