bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Length-Weight Relationships of Anodonta anatina in Damba Reservoir
Authors: Asiru Raheem A. , Adedeji Hameed A.
Published: October 2024

Bivalves are molluscs of aquatic bottom dwellers that have many ecological impacts. Most importantly, they purify the water they inhabit. They are affected by environmental, ecological, and biological factors. The current study aimed to determine the length-weight relationship (LWR) of Anodonta anatina in the Damba Reservoir using standard procedural methods. One hundred samples were collected using the handpicking method at four sampling stations in the reservoir over five weeks. LWR was determined using morphometric measurements with digital Vernier caliper. The highest correlation coefficient (0.9632) was recorded for the TL-W relationship. The paired variable values of total length – weight (TL-W), height -weight (H-W), width – weight (WD-W), lever length – weight (LL-W), and umbo-anterior length – width (UAL-W) showed negative allometric values, with b values <3 (1.27, 1.07, 0.85, 1.02, 0.92 respectively). These results show that growth in length (TL, H, WD, LL, and UAL) was faster than the increase in weight of A. anatina in the Damba Reservoir relating to poor state of wellbeing.
Effects of 90-Minute Football Match on Red Blood Indices in Sedentary Young Males
Authors: Musa Ibrahim , Suleiman Haruna.O. , Abdul-Aziz Mabrouk Mohammed , Tanko Yusuf
Published: October 2024

While exercise-induced haemorheological alterations are well-documented in various sports, the specific impact of a football match on red blood cell (RBC) parameters remains unknown. This study investigates the acute effects of a 90-minute football match on RBC indices in sedentary young males. After inclusion and exclusion criteria, twenty (20) moderately active, non-smoking male volunteers (mean age: 20.00 ± 0.4 years) participated in the study. Venous blood samples were collected pre- and post- football match to assess RBC count, haematocrit (HCT), and plasma volume (PV). Data generated were subjected to paired student's t-tests using SPSS, to compare values between pre- and post-match measurements. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered indicative of statistical significance. The results showed a statistically significant decrease in haematocrit (HCT) and red blood cell count (RBC) after the match (p < 0.05) when compared to pre-match values. This was accompanied by a significant increase in plasma volume (PV) (p < 0.05), which was higher than pre-match values. These changes suggest that the physiological demands of the football match influenced blood parameters, likely due to fluid shifts and haemodilution during intense physical activity. These findings suggest potential implications for exercise physiology, diagnosis, and therapy in sports medicine.
Biochemical Assessments of Some Liver Function Parameters in Football Players and Sedentary at Rest
Authors: Musa Ibrahim , Mohammed Abdul-Aziz Mabrouk , Tanko Yusuf
Published: October 2024

Studies have revealed that athletes exhibit resting values of certain parameters that differ from those of the general population. This study aimed to assess the liver function status in football players and sedentary at rest. With a purposeful sampling technique, 20 male football players and 20 sedentary were recruited for this observational study following inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Ahmadu Bello University review board approved all procedures under the Declaration of Helsinki. Blood samples were taken at rest, to measure the liver function profiles. The independent t-test was used to compare the values. The level of significance was set at P< 0.05.  Our result showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in serum ALT activity (27.70 ± 2.1 IU/L vs 38.85 ± 3.0 IU/L) with a significant increase (p<0.05) in serum total bilirubin (11.35 ± 2.6 mmol/L vs 4.80 ± 1.6 mmol/L), and serum albumin (48.75 ±1.0 g/L vs 44.35 ± 0.7 g/L respectively) among the football players compared to sedentary. Notably, the AST activity and ALP value among the football players exceeded the normal limit but was not statistically significant (p> 0.05). These results suggested that regular football training increased liver function at rest. This observation has implications for sports medicine.
Desenvolvimento e aplicação de um índice de sustentabilidade para o atendimento e qualidade da água nos municípios das bacias PCJ
Authors: Guedes Walef Pena , Ferreira Denise Helena Lombardo , Sugahara Cibele Roberta
Published: October 2024

Atualmente, a garantia de água em quantidade e qualidade adequadas é uma preocupação urgente, destacando a necessidade de uma gestão sustentável dos recursos hídricos. Nesse processo, a utilização de indicadores abrangentes e o desenvolvimento de novos indicadores desempenham um papel crucial. A presente pesquisa possui como objetivo a proposição de um Índice de Sustentabilidade para o Atendimento e Qualidade da água para todos os municípios inseridos nas Bacias Hidrográficas dos Rios Piracicaba, Capivari e Jundiaí. Metodologicamente, recorreu-se à pesquisa exploratória e explicativa, sob abordagem quali-quantitativa e estudo de caso, amparada na análise multivariada. Optou-se pelas Bacias Hidrográficas dos Rios Piracicaba, Capivari e Jundiaí como objeto do estudo, tendo em vista a forte influência na região, bem como as expressivas atividades econômicas e demográficas. Os dados foram coletados para os dez indicadores do Sistema Nacional de Informação sobre Saneamento para o ano de 2021. A partir da consolidação do conjunto de dados dos indicadores selecionados foi possível aplicar a técnica multivariada de análise fatorial, e a partir dos escores fatoriais construir o Índice de Sustentabilidade para o Atendimento e Qualidade da água e o posterior ranqueamento das observações. Como resultados é possível inferir que a região enfrenta desafios complexos com relação ao atendimento e qualidade da água para grande parte dos municípios, no tocante sobretudo aos efeitos do estresse hídrico de determinadas Bacias. Além disso, foi possível identificar que os municípios de Campinas, Piracicaba e Americana se sobressaem dentre os demais com os melhores índices, ao contrário de Corumbataí, Monte Alegre do Sul e Rio das Pedras que apresentam os maiores desafios.  
Palavras-chave: Atendimento de água. Qualidade da água. Indicadores de sustentabilidade. Indicadores. Bacias PCJ.
Educação do campo: alternativas para o ensino de Geografia em Alto Alegre dos Parecis
Authors: Sarde Neto Emílio
Published: October 2024

Neste artigo pretende-se construir a reflexão sobre a educação do campo e o ensino de Geografia. A motivação está em perceber a diferença da prática da educação no campo com a convencional da rede urbana de ensino. Ainda, compreender a atuação das Escolas Famílias Agrícolas e Casas Famílias Rurais, analisar questões sobre a formação de educadores e educadoras do campo. Busca-se com a pesquisa bibliográfica os aportes necessários para compreender as dinâmicas da educação do campo em relevantes autores, mostrar aspectos de algumas abordagens para a educação do campo que podem ser utilizadas como alternativas no ensino da ciência geográfica, como a Pedagogia da Alternância que permite aos estudantes a alternância de vivências entre a escola e a atividade camponesa; também a Pedagogia do Oprimido que propõe conhecimento com base nas lutas dos povos; a Pedagogia do Movimento Sem Terra, baseada nas experiências do MST; e a Pedagogia da Terra com a proposta do respeito e da sustentabilidade pelo meio ambiente. O caminho na pesquisa compreende a leitura de livros e outros materiais na biblioteca do acampamento Che Guevara do MST, além da observação participante no trabalho dos educadores como membro da equipe da Universidade Federal de Rondônia.Conclui-se que são inúmeras as dificuldades nas escolas do campo, essas possuem uma abrangência específica e diferenciada, pois atendem as comunidades camponesas e tradicionais, se distinguem das escolas urbanas convencionais porque possuem diferentes realidades e temporalidades
ATLAS GEOGRÁFICO ESCOLAR DE ASSÚ (RN): MATERIAL DIDÁTICO PARA O ESTUDO DO LUGAR
Authors: Costa Geronimo da Silva , Guedes Josiel de Alencar , Bueno Miriam Aparecida
Published: October 2024

O ensino de Geografia na educação básica busca promover o estudo e/ou problematização do lugar enquanto espaço vivido, sendo este entendido como categoria de análise do espaço geográfico. Na última década, impulsionou-se a produção de materiais didático-pedagógicos que abordem a realidade em escala local e entre estes materiais estão os Atlas Escolares Municipais. O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi analisar o Atlas Geográfico Escolar do Município de Assú (RN) construído para ser utilizado como material didático, de forma a mediar o ensino-aprendizagem da disciplina Geografia no segundo ciclo do Ensino Fundamental. As etapas metodológicas da pesquisa consistiram em: 1) levantamento bibliográfico; 2) levantamento cartográfico; 3) trabalho de gabinete; 4) pesquisa de campo; e 5) organização das pranchas que compõem o Atlas. Como resultados, constatou-se que os Atlas se apresentam como importantes recursos didático-pedagógicos que podem dinamizar o ensino de Geografia, tendo o estudo do lugar como ponto de partida capaz de aproximar os educandos dos conhecimentos e conceitos geográficos. A falta de informações, em nível local, ainda é um grande limitador no fazer docente, pois elas se encontram fragmentadas e, por muitas vezes, descontextualizadas. Essa constatação fortalece o uso desses materiais didáticos em sala de aula. As representações cartográficas contribuem para o entendimento contextualizado da realidade local, possibilitando espacializar fenômenos, tanto físicos quanto sociais. Os Atlas assumem papel importante no que se refere ao ensino de Geografia, além de mediar o processo de ensino-aprendizagem para que seja capaz de conduzir ao pensamento espacial nos educandos.
A CONSOLIDAÇÃO DE ÁREAS URBANAS POLARIZADAS NO SEMIÁRIDO DO NORDESTE BRASILEIRO
Authors: Santos João Paulo Silva dos , Gomes Alexsandra Ferreira
Published: October 2024

Este artigo entende que a polarização é um fenômeno que atua na produção desigual do espaço capitalista. O seu objetivo é identificar, na produção acadêmica (entre os anos 2000 e 2021), fatores que podem ser relacionados com a consolidação de áreas urbanas polarizadas no Semiárido do Nordeste do Brasil. A metodologia utilizada foi a execução de revisão bibliográfica sistemática integrativa. Os dados textuais foram analisados com o apoio do software Iramuteq. Os principais fatores identificados foram: o movimento de expansão capitalista; ações estatais de desenvolvimento regional e de atração de atividades industriais; a continua especialização produtiva das áreas urbanas e a consequente expansão do comércio e dos serviços.
FLORESTA PETRIFICADA DE ALTOS (PI) COMO PATRIMÔNIO GEOLÓGICO E GEOMORFOLÓGICO PARA A GEOCONSERVAÇÃO
Authors: Silva Adriana Oliveira , Baptista Elisabeth Mary de Carvalho
Published: October 2024

As ocorrências de florestas petrificadas têm sido registradas em várias partes do mundo e inseridas numa perspectiva de proteção. Num contexto ainda oposto a este, a Floresta Petrificada de Altos (PI) encontra-se desvinculada de proteção legal, de valorização e reconhecimento da sua importância como um patrimônio para o município. Assim, o objetivo geral deste artigoanalisar a importância da Floresta Petrificada de Altos, Piauí, como patrimônio geológico e geomorfológico numa perspectiva de Geoconservação. No aspecto metodológico, esta pesquisa classifica-se como descritiva, explicativa e exploratória, adotando-se a abordagem qualitativa, e para o alcance dos objetivos os procedimentos realizados foram: pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e de campo, com observação direta, registro fotográfico e estudo cartográfico como complemento. Apresenta-se, então, a caracterização da área de estudo em seus aspectos físico-naturais, destacando alguns locais de interesse geológico e geomorfológico (LIGs). Enfatiza-se que as observações ocorreram entre os anos de 2019 e 2022, com o intuito de identificar mudanças ao longo do tempo. O trabalho apresenta sugestões de possibilidades e ações para a Geoconservação do patrimônio como, o enquadramento legal, a criação de um museu da geodiversidade, a elaboração e fixação de um painel interpretativo/informativo, confecção de cartilha educativa e cartões-postais. Almeja-se a sensibilização da sociedade de forma geral quanto ao reconhecimento da importância da Floresta Petrificada, visando contribuir para a valorização e divulgação deste patrimônio do município de Altos (PI).
ENERGIA EÓLICA E FINANÇAS LOCAIS: UMA ABORDAGEM DE CONTROLE SINTÉTICO DO IMPACTO ECONÔMICO NO MUNICÍPIO DE JOÃO CÂMARA/RN
Authors: Pinheiro Magnus Kelly de Oliveira , Uhr Daniel de Abreu Pereira , Uhr Júlia Gallego Ziero
Published: October 2024

ção de energia renovável, acadêmicos e entidades públicas e privadas dedicaram-se a avaliar o impacto da instalação e uso dessas fontes na economia, tanto nacional (Simas, 2012; Rintzel, 2017; Martini, Jordão e Grimaldi, 2018; Rodrigues; Gonçalves; Chagas, 2019; Rodrigues et al., 2019; Gonçalves; Rodrigues; Chagas, 2020) quanto internacionalmente (Lantz, 2008; Reategui; Hendrickson, 2011; IRINA, 2016a, 2016b; ICF International, 2015; Böhringer et al., 2013; Inglesi-Lotz, 2016; Brown et al., 2012; De Silva et al., 2016). Nesse sentido, este estudo objetiva identificar o impacto no Produto Interno Bruto per capita do município de João Câmara durante o período de 2012 a 2020, resultante da implementação de parques eólicos. Para isso, uma base de dados em painel foi construída, incluindo informações sobre PIB, PIB per capita, população e o ano de instalação. Os dados abrangem o período de 2001 a 2020, sendo obtidos do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) e da Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica (ANEEL). O método de controle sintético, proposto por Abadie e Gardeazabal (2003) e Abadie, Diamond e Hainmueller (2010), foi empregado para atingir o objetivo. Análises de robustez foram conduzidas por meio do teste de placebo e do método de Diferença em Diferenças sintético. Os resultados apontam que a instalação de parques eólicos em João Câmara resultou em um aumento estatisticamente significativo de R$ 11.942,09 no PIB per capita. Isto é, a energia eólica tem o potencial de impulsionar o crescimento econômico em municípios onde é implementada.
MULHERES AGRICULTORAS E A AUTONOMIA PERCEBIDA A PARTIR DAS CADERNETAS AGROECOLÓGICAS NO SERTÃO BAIANO
Authors: Fagundes Jose Paulo , Guedes Anor Aluizio Menine , Valle Carine Dalla , Dorr Andrea Cristina
Published: October 2024

O artigo tem como objetivo traçar o perfil de mulheres agricultoras, entender as especificidades da organização familiar e a comercialização da produção doméstica e sua contribuição para a autonomia destas mulheres. A pesquisa utilizou-se uma abordagem qualitativa, por meio de análise de dados secundários gerados pelas cadernetas de 57 agricultoras do projeto PRÓ-SEMIÁRIDO na Bahia desenvolvidas pelo Fundo Internacional de Desenvolvimento Agrícola (FIDA). Como resultado, constatou-se que quanto maior o acesso da agricultora à renda do seu trabalho, maior a percepção de autonomia e de essencialidade da caderneta agroecológica. Além disso, os resultados apontam para a importância do consumo e da comercialização dos produtos como forma de geração de renda e promoção da autonomia dos agricultores. E por fim, destaca-se a importância das cadernetas agroecológicas como ferramenta para a promoção da autonomia e geração de renda, contribuindo para a melhoria da gestão dos recursos, a promoção do consumo consciente e sustentável, e o aumento da participação das mulheres na agricultura e na tomada de decisões no campo.
RECONFIGURAÇÕES NA REDE URBANA PARAIBANA: OS PAPÉIS URBANO-REGIONAIS DESEMPENHADOS PELOS CENTROS SUB-REGIONAIS E CENTROS DE ZONA
Authors: Oliveira Taynan Araújo de , Gomes Rita de Cassia da Conceição
Published: October 2024

A pesquisa apresentada neste artigo constitui-se em um recorte da Tese de Doutoramento desenvolvida entre os anos de 2019-2023 e tem por objetivo discutir as reconfigurações ocorridas na rede urbana, tomando como recorte empírico o estado da Paraíba, no que tange à ampliação do número de hierarquias e às relações e papéis por elas desempenhados no contexto urbano-regional. Para alcançar o referido objetivo foram analisados os estudos da Região de Influência das Cidades (REGIC), o levantamento de dados secundários e o trabalho de campo exploratório realizado com o objetivo de entender a dinâmica dos Centros Sub-Regionais e Centros de Zona, hierarquias urbanas analisadas, bem como leituras teóricas que contemplam discussões importantes acerca da urbanização da região Nordeste, a rede urbana e os conceitos de hierarquia e heterarquia urbana. A partir da construção desta reflexão depreendeu-se que os Centros Sub-Regionais e os Centros de Zona, antes considerados pouco relevantes para articulação urbano-regional do estado da Paraíba passaram a desempenhar, mediante as transformações analisadas, importantes papéis na rede urbana e que o padrão hierárquico sofreu alterações mediante as reconfigurações observadas na estrutura urbana destes centros urbanos.
Las culturas del diseño. Antagonismos discursivos en torno al concepto de Guy Julier
Authors: Olivares Daniela
Published: October 2024

Presentamos una deconstrucción del concepto de cultura de diseño de Guy Julier, como punto de partida para describir un marco en referencia a las prácticas y sentidos que configuran al diseño.
Esto implica reconocer modelos de disciplina y de profesión, desde el punto de vista del contexto local, y puesto en relación con lo global.
Estableceremos vínculos entre esta matriz conceptual y nuestro horizonte epistémico, y realizaremos nuestro aporte en relación con lo que arroja nuestro contexto particular y nuestro objeto de estudio, que es la carrera de Diseño de Comunicación Visual, de la Universidad de la República, de Uruguay.
Factors influencing medication errors among nurses at a tertiary level hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Banu Mosha. Aktar , Mondal Reva , Begum Taslima
Published: October 2024

Medication errors represent a significant global issue, leading to numerous fatalities each year and adding complexity to healthcare systems. In Bangladesh, the prevalence of medication errors stands at 38%. This study aimed to identify the factors that influence medication errors among nurses at a tertiary-level hospital in the country. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 114 registered nurses at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, utilizing a convenience sampling method. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicated that nurses in Bangladesh exhibited moderate to high susceptibility to medication errors in a tertiary-level setting. Key factors identified as contributing to these errors included inadequate staffing levels (4.41 ± 0.81), patients being off the ward for other care (4.39 ± 0.74), communication issues between nurses and physicians (4.36 ± 0.95), nurses being pulled between teams and other units (4.32 ± 0.77), and insufficient in-service training on new medications (4.23 ± 0.87). Moreover, nurses working ward (F=11.51, P=.001) and working experience (t=4.13, P=.041) had a significant relationship with factors influencing medication errors. The research found several variables that cause medication mistakes, including nurses' service experience and working ward. This study's results might help hospital administrators establish effective intervention methods and mitigate medication error risk variables to improve patient safety and care.
Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2024, 10(4), 131-140
ErrorAnalysisandArtificialIntelligence:PreliminaryexplorationofEnglishasaForeignLanguagewrittenproductions
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Macías-Borrego Manuel
Published: October 2024

EstetrabajoexploralasposibilidadesqueofrecenlasnuevasherramientasdeInteligenciaArtificialalseraplicadasconelAnálisisdeErroresalosdocentesdeIngléscomoLenguaExtranjera(EFL)paradiseñarevaluacionesquemejorenlacompetenciaescritadesusestudiantesenelcontextodeuncursouniversitariodenivelB2delMarcoComúnEuropeodeReferencia(MCER).Paraevaluarelimpactodelaintegracióndeambasdisciplinassediseñóunestudiocomparadodecorpusenelquelamitaddelasproduccionesseevaluaronconherramientasdeinteligenciaartificial.Seobtuvieronconclusionessignificativas,yaquelasnuevastecnologíasinteligentesaportannuevasperspectivasqueayudaneficazmentealosestudiantesdeEFLaproducirtextosescritosmásapropiados.Entreotroshallazgos,seobservalaeliminacióndelerrorenmásdeun70%deloscasosyunamejoraplicacióndereglasgramaticalesenmásdeun75%.
La sostenibilidad de las plazas de vocación turística en México
Authors:   Universidad Marista de Mérida, Hernández-Cuevas Francisco Iván , Montalvo-Velázquez Allison ,   Universidad Marista de Mérida, Pasos-Cimé Miguel Alejandro ,   Universidad Marista de Mérida, Barrientos-Carrillo Ivonne Montserrat ,   Universidad Marista de Mérida, Corona-González Mariel ,   Universidad Marista de Mérida
Published: October 2024

El turismo posibilita alcanzar mejores niveles de bienestar para la sociedad; sin embargo, en la actualidad se cuestiona si realmente estos beneficios han llegado a la población receptora. El turismo sostenible es una alternativa de triple beneficio: conservación ambiental, desarrollo económico y social. El objetivo del documento es construir un índice de sostenibilidad turística en México. Con un enfoque cuantitativo, se analizaron 276 municipios de México denominados como plazas con vocación turística. A través del uso de fuentes secundarias se obtuvieron 25 variables procesadas por la técnica estadística de Análisis de Componentes Principales (ACP). Los resultados muestran un desempeño promedio nacional de 0,50, con la región del mar de Cortés como la mejor puntuada (0,57), y la península de Yucatán como la de menor desempeño (0,47). Esta información permite la adecuada formulación de políticas públicas de corte turístico orientadas a promover un desarrollo local sustentable en la sociedad.
Caracterización de proyectos de grado de Diseño Industrial de la Universidad de Investigación y Desarrollo, Bucaramanga - Colombia
Authors:   Universidad de Investigación y Desarrollo, Villamizar-Sarmiento Hernán Alonso
Published: October 2024

En las instituciones académicas los estudiantes, como parte de su formación, desarrollan proyectos de grado que abordan problemas específicos en sus respectivas áreas de estudio, para entregar documentos finales. Desde el programa de Diseño Industrial de la Universidad de Investigación y Desarrollo (UDI), se tomaron los 99 documentos entregados desde el 2015 al 2020 como insumo, y se desarrolló un proyecto en el que se identifican 25 datos registrables, con los que se elaboraron gráficas estadísticas, para ser analizadas y generar 12 características que identifican las tendencias de los proyectos y las preferencias de los estudiantes del programa. Posteriormente, se relacionaron estos resultados con los lineamientos mesocurriculares vigentes del programa para detectar pertinencia con el factor diferenciador del programa, con el perfil de egreso del estudiante y con la línea de investigación del grupo de investigación.
Age Group Differences in Social Media Language Use: Identity Representation via Emojis and Abbreviations
Authors: Pratik Emmanuel  , Isiaq Olufemi
Published: October 2024

This paper aims to analyse how age groups impact the use of social media language (SL) in online textual conversations, focusing on the type, polarity, and subjectivity of SL to explore identity representation across different age groups. During data collection in 2023, there were 4.76 billion social media users worldwide; hence, understanding the use of SL is essential for analysing how individuals express their emotions and identities online. SL consists of emoticons/emojis, abbreviations, and mixed language in textual conversations. For this study, a qualitative approach was used, with 46 participants from three age groups: 25-34, 35-44, and 45-54 engaging in mock group conversations for one hour using WhatsApp. The participants were separated into six group conversations. The findings show that the older age groups (35-44 and 45-54) prefer to discuss technical or professional topics, whereas the younger age groups (25-34) are more interested in games, food, entertainment, and fun. Furthermore, for the age group 25-34 there is a high usage of emoticons/emojis, whereas the age group 45-54 uses them the least. These findings indicate that age groups have a significant influence on the use of SL and topic preferences in textual conversations, providing insights that will be used to develop a Natural Language Processing (NLP) tool for online identity classification. This study enhances human-computer interaction by investigating how different age groups use SL in digital environments.
Evaluation of the Tissue Immune Microenvironment in the Diabetic Patients with Dental Implant
Authors:   Dental Science, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oradea, Romania, Slăvescu Dan , Abel Moca ,   Dental Science, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oradea, Romania, Raluca Iurcov ,   Dental Science, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oradea, Romania, Pop Alex Caleb ,   Bihor County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Romania, Cămărășan Andreea ,   Department of Morphological Disciplines, Medicine and Pharmacy Faculty, Univeristy of Oradea, Bihor County, Romania, Ligia Vaida ,   Dental Science, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oradea, Romania, Vigdorovits Alon ,   Department of Morphological Disciplines, Medicine and Pharmacy Faculty, Univeristy of Oradea, Bihor County, Romania
Published: October 2024

Long-term hyperglycemia in people with diabetes very frequently leads to damage and/or dysfunction of many tissues and organs of the human body, causing increased clinical morbidity. There is, however, an increased correlation between glycemic control and the onset of these consequences and in particular microvascular and macrovascular complications. The results of some studies have suggested that diabetes exerts an influence on the failure rates of implants compared to non-diabetic patients. One study demonstrates that HbA1c level (higher or lower than the threshold of 8.1) also influences the survival rate of dental implants. Biopsy fragments from 8 consecutive patients who had a titanium dental implant as well as diabetes were included in our study. The control group was represented by 4 patients with dental implants and who did not have diabetes. After the histological processing of the tissues, cell counts of CD4, CD8, CD20 and CD3 lymphocytes were performed by using QuPath. The findings characterize the composition of lymphocyte populations in the oral mucosa surrounding dental implants. In diabetic patients, poor glycemic control has been associated with a decreased CD4/ CD8, contrary to our findings in tissue. The decreased number of CD20 positive lymphocytes could be associated with the dysfunction of humoral immunity generally observed in patients with diabetes. In our study, a 2.5 x higher value of TCD4+ lymphocytes was noted compared to the average of TCD8+ type lymphocytes. These results support the involvement of these types of inflammatory cells in the potimplant bone healing processes. This process starts on the 10th day post-implant. Different studies raise, in these cases, the question of innate immune response vs adaptive immune response. Suppression of processes induced by CD8+ lymphocytes is associated with stimulation of bone formation. Our results support this hypothesis.
CONCEPTUAL MODEL OF LEGAL REGULATION OF DIGITALIZATION OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors:   Altai State University, Barnaul, Russia, KANAKOVA A.E.
Published: October 2024

The purpose of the research is to form a conceptual model of legal regulation of digital rights and freedoms in Russia. The article considers the problems of implementation of legal regulation of the process of digitalization of rights and freedoms. Despite the popularity of the stated research topic, today there is no unified comprehensive approach to the regulation of this sphere. Significant lag of the legislator from technological progress predetermines the need to rethink the approaches to the stated topic available in legal science. Results. For the reason that technologies offer different opportunities, the most correct is the differentiation of legal regulation of digitalization of rights and freedoms by the specified criterion. Thus, if an action committed in the digital space has an analog in the offline world, there is no need to create a new legal category, in this case it is necessary to amend the existing normative provisions. If there is no offline analog, it is more logical to talk about a new legal regulation within a separate field of law. The presented hypothesis was confirmed in this research through the analysis of such generalized categories as "digital life" and "digital immortality".
USE OF HIS OFFICIAL POSITION AS A QUALIFYING SIGN OF LEGALIZATION MONEY OR OTHER PROPERTY ACQUIRED BY CRIME
Authors:   Nizhny Novgorod Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, KHOVANSKAYA YA.A.
Published: October 2024

This article addresses the issue concerning the specific formulation of the qualifying characteristic "using one's official position" in the criminal offenses that entail criminal liability for the legalization (money laundering) of monetary funds or other property acquired through illegal means. The study examines the provisions of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation (hereinafter referred to as the Plenum of the SC RF), which elucidate the essence of this theoretical construct as reflected in its resolutions on various types of crimes. Additionally, the article pays attention to the opinions of scholars existing in the doctrine of criminal law.
Taxation and fiscal sociology: western financial opinion and lessons for Ukraine
Authors:   Berlin University of Applied Sciences of Economics and Techniques (HTW), Business School, Paientko Tetiana , Buriachenko Andrii ,   Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman
Published: October 2024

Introduction. In the process of fair interaction between authorities and taxpayers, a relationship of trust is created. This trust ensures support for government fiscal initiatives from the business sector. Conversely, if the relationship is not transparent and equitable, it can lead to a passive or even negative attitude towards taxes, thereby reducing the efficiency of the tax system. Problem Statement. There is a gap in Ukrainian fiscal theory, which is still underdeveloped in terms of fiscal sociology. Compared to Western countries, where fiscal sociology has already become an integral part of economic analysis, in Ukraine this issue has been studied only by a narrow circle of scholars. This limitation necessitates a deeper study and integration of sociological approaches into financial science, because without it, Ukrainian researchers and policy makers lose the opportunity to gain a more complete understanding of the interaction between economic and social processes. The purpose is to substantiate the directions of integration of fiscal sociology into Ukrainian financial theory and to develop recommendations for its inclusion into Ukrainian financial practice. Methods. The methods used are systematic, structural-functional, comparative analysis, analogy, grouping, description, comparison and generalization. Results. It is proved that by integrating fiscal sociology, Ukrainian fiscal theory can benefit from a more nuanced understanding of the socio-economic factors influencing fiscal policy. Such integration could lead to more effective policy making and a deeper understanding of the economic challenges facing Ukraine. Conclusions. Ukrainian academics and policymakers should prioritize the interdisciplinary study of fiscal policy, taking into consideration the rich tradition of fiscal sociology in the West. Joint efforts should be made to develop tax policies that strengthen state legitimacy by addressing issues of fairness, transparency, and trust. Strategies for managing public debt and improving tax morale should be a central element of fiscal policy to ensure that Ukraine's financial system can withstand socioeconomic pressures and contribute to long-term stability and development.
Approaches to excise taxation of heat-not-burn tobacco products in the EU countries: conclusions for Ukraine
Authors:   Growford Institute, Koshchuk Tetiana , Prokhorovych Oleksandr ,   State University of Trade and Economics, Yavorskyi Oleksandr ,   SESE “The Academy of Financial Management”
Published: October 2024

Introduction. The relevance of further modification of the excise tax on tobacco products in Ukraine, taking into account the European experience, is only growing. Problem Statement. Improvement of excise taxation of tobacco products. Purpose. The analysis of approaches to excise taxation of heat-not-burn tobacco products in the EU countries and, on this basis, the development of recommendations on the implementation of the relevant excise tax in Ukraine. Methods. In the course of the research, the following methods were used: abstract-logical, systematization, comparative analysis, expert evaluations. Results. To date, the European Commission has recommended taxing heat-not-burn tobacco products in accordance with the approaches used for the harmonized excise category “other smoking tobacco”, which provides for the establishment of relatively low excise rates. In all EU countries, Great Britain, Norway and Switzerland, the excise burden on heat-not-not tobacco products is lower compared to cigarettes. The discussion on the revision of Council Directive 2011/64/EU is ongoing. According to available information, changes to the legislation proposed to increase the minimum excise duty on cigarettes in the EU from 1.80 to 3.60 euros per pack of 20 cigarettes. In addition, the European Commission proposed to set a minimum excise duty on heat-not-burn tobacco products that is half as much as compared to cigarettes. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted in the first reading the project of the Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to the Tax Code of Ukraine Regarding Revising Excise Tax Rates on Tobacco Products” No. 11090, which provides for updating the excise tax growth schedule and switching to euro rates. According to the proposed changes, in 2028, Ukraine will comply with the European standard regarding the minimum level of excise duty on cigarettes of 90 euros per 1,000 cigarettes. In addition, the level of differentiation of the excise burden on cigarettes and heat-not-not tobacco products will gradually increase to 20% (excise duty on heat-not-burn tobacco products will be 20% lower than on cigarettes). Conclusions. Domestic excise innovations correspond to modern European practice and will contribute to better filling of state and local budgets. After all, on the one hand, there will be no currency risks for the state. On the other hand, the transition to heat-not-burn tobacco products, which are sold only legally, does not lead to the loss of tax revenues (which are related to illegal trade; they are equal to the amount of unpaid excise tax, VAT and retail excise duty).
The repression-dissent nexus in high-threat environments: Evidence from communist Romania
Authors: Surdea Vlad , Plopeanu Aurelian
Published: October 2024

We demonstrate the persistent role of political violence in shaping identities, making people from victimised communities more likely to engage in dissent even in high-threat environments. Theoretically, we argue that extreme repression instills anti-regime hostility that is curated and nurtured over time, making dissent the appropriate form of political behaviour when the opportunity arises, regardless of its consequences. Our research focuses on the Romanian Gulag, a network of labour camps, penal colonies and extermination centres used by the communist regime to suppress opposition, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths between 1945 and 1965. Using spatial regression and instrumental variable methods, we find that places with Gulag facilities had, on average, 5 times more people injured during the anti-communist revolution of 1989. Bayesian process tracing, conducted in a pathway case selected using causal forests, provides ample evidence in support of our theorised causal mechanism.
Ultrasensitive and highly selective Co2+ detection based on the chiral optical activities of L-glutathione-modified gold nanoclusters
Authors: Ding Qi , Wang Fang , Yang Weimin , Xing Xinhe , Lin Hengwei , Xu Liguang , Li Si
Published: October 2024

Developing highly sensitive and selective detection methods is crucial for environmental and healthcare monitoring. In this study, the chiral and fluorescent signals of L-glutathione-modified gold nanoclusters (L-GSH-Au NCs) were discovered to be responsive to Co2+, which displayed linear correlations with the concentration changes of Co2+. Notably, the chiral signal was more sensitive than the FL signal, whose limit of detection (LOD) was calculated to be 0.37 μM and 3.93 times lower than the LOD obtained with fluorescent signals. Moreover, the chiral signals exhibited unexpectedly high selectivity towards Co2+, effectively avoiding interference from other metal ions and biomolecules. Furthermore, the concentrations of Co2+ in various samples, such as Taihu water, tap water, bottled water, and animal serum, were accurately quantified using the chiral signals of L-GSH-Au NCs without complex pretreatment, with recoveries ranging between 95.64% and 103.22%. This study not only provides an innovative approach for Co2+ detection but also highlights the detection capabilities of chiral signals in complex environments.
Macrophage variants in laboratory research: most are well done, but some are RAW
Authors: Herb Marc , Schatz Valentin , Hadrian Karina , Hos Deniz , Holoborodko Bohdan , Jantsch Jonathan , Brigo Natascha
Published: October 2024

Macrophages play a pivotal role in the innate immune response. While their most characteristic function is phagocytosis, it is important not to solely characterize macrophages by this activity. Their crucial roles in body development, homeostasis, repair, and immune responses against pathogens necessitate a broader understanding. Macrophages exhibit remarkable plasticity, allowing them to modify their functional characteristics in response to the tissue microenvironment (tissue type, presence of pathogens or inflammation, and specific signals from neighboring cells) swiftly. While there is no single defined “macrophage” entity, there is a diverse array of macrophage types because macrophage ontogeny involves the differentiation of progenitor cells into tissue-resident macrophages, as well as the recruitment and differentiation of circulating monocytes in response to tissue-specific cues. In addition, macrophages continuously sense and respond to environmental cues and tissue conditions, adjusting their functional and metabolic states accordingly. Consequently, it is of paramount importance to comprehend the heterogeneous origins and functions of macrophages employed in in vitro studies, as each available in vitro macrophage model is associated with specific sets of strengths and limitations. This review centers its attention on a comprehensive comparison between immortalized mouse macrophage cell lines and primary mouse macrophages. It provides a detailed analysis of the strengths and weaknesses inherent in these in vitro models. Finally, it explores the subtle distinctions between diverse macrophage cell lines, offering insights into numerous factors beyond the model type that can profoundly influence macrophage function.
Impact of admission glucose and 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events on patients with chest pain in an emergency setting: insights from the China EMPACT registry
Authors: Yin Xinxin , Pan Xin , Zhang Jingyu , Wu Shuo , Cui Weikai , Wang Yuting , Li Chuanbao , Wang Jiali , Chen Yuguo
Published: October 2024

Objective

Although the association between admission glucose (AG) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) is well-documented, its relationship with 30-day MACE in patients presenting with cardiac chest pain remains unclarified. In light of this, this study aims to examine the correlation between AG levels and the incidence of MACE in patients with chest pain in an emergency setting.

Materials and methods

We consecutively enrolled patients who presented to the emergency department for chest pain symptoms within 24 h from the EMPACT cohort in Eastern China (clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier: NCT02536677). The primary outcome was 30-day MACE, including all-cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction, urgent target vessel revascularization, stroke, cardiogenic shock, and cardiac arrest (CA). The associations of AG levels with 30-day MACE were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression models.

Results

Among 1,705 patients who were included in this study, 154 (9.03%) patients met the primary outcome at 30 days. The average age of the patients was 65.23 ± 12.66 years, with 1,028 (60.29%) being male and 500 (29.33%) having diabetes. The median AG levels were 7.60 mmol/L (interquartile range: 6.30–10.20). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed significant differences in the 30-day MACE risk (P < 0.001 according to the log-rank test). We found that the highest AG level (Q4) was associated with increased MACE risk compared with the lowest AG level [adjusted hazard radio (aHR): 2.14; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2–3.815; P = 0.010]. In addition, Q4 level was also associated with increased all-cause death risk (aHR: 3.825; 95% CI: 1.613–9.07; P = 0.002) and increased CA risk (aHR: 3.14; 95% CI: 1.251–7.884; P = 0.015).

Conclusions

An elevated AG level significantly correlates with a higher incidence of 30-day MACE in patients with acute chest pain. The findings reveal the importance of managing AG levels to potentially reduce the risk of adverse cardiac events.
Plasma metabolome mediates the causal relationship between immune cells and heart failure: a two-step bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Tan , Liu Yanwei , Fu Juncong , Huang Langlang , Liu Zhongyong
Published: October 2024

Background

Prior research has established a correlation between immune cell activity and heart failure (HF), but the causal nature of this relationship remains unclear. Furthermore, the potential influence of metabolite levels on this interaction has not been comprehensively explored. To address these gaps, we employed a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach in two stages to examine whether metabolite levels can mediate the causal relationship between immune cells and HF.

Methods

Genetic information was extracted from summary data of genome-wide association studies. By applying a two-sample, two-step MR approach, we investigated the causal relationships among immune cells, metabolite levels, and HF, with a specific focus on the mediating effects of metabolites. Sensitivity analysis techniques were implemented to ensure the robustness of our findings.

Results

MR analysis revealed significant causal associations between HF and eight specific immune cells and five metabolites. Mediation analysis further identified three mediated relationships. Particularly, hexadecenedioate (C16:1-DC) mediated the influence of both the CD28- CD127- CD25++ CD8br%CD8br (mediation proportion: 19.2%) and CD28+ CD45RA + CD8br%T cells (mediation proportion: 11.9%) on HF. Additionally, the relationship between IgD + CD38br AC cells and HF appeared to be mediated by the phosphate to alanine ratio (mediation proportion: 16.3%). Sensitivity analyses validated that the used instrumental variables were free from pleiotropy and heterogeneity.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that certain immune cell levels are associated with the risk of HF and that metabolite levels may mediate these relationships. However, to strengthen these findings, further validation using MR analyses with larger sample sizes is essential.
Potential genetic association between coffee/caffeine consumption and erectile dysfunction: a Mendelian randomization study and meta-analysis
Authors: Xiang Nana , Hu Yanhua , Peng Wenchun , Luo Mei , Chen Hong , Zhang Qiuhua
Published: October 2024

Background

Coffee is a widely consumed beverage with potential benefits for various chronic diseases. Its effect on reducing erectile dysfunction (ED) risk is unclear. This Mendelian randomization (MR) study investigates the impact of coffee/caffeine consumption on ED.

Methods

Two sets of coffee consumption-associated genetic variants at the genome-wide significance level were obtained from recent studies of coffee consumption. Taking into account other sources of caffeine, genetic variants associated with caffeine consumption from tea were also obtained. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was utilized as the primary analysis. Sensitivity analysis methods and meta-analysis methods were performed to confirm the robustness of the results, while the genetic variants associated with confounders, e.g., diabetes and hypertension, were excluded.

Results

Genetically predicted coffee/caffeine consumption was unlikely to be associated with the risk of ED in the Bovijn datasets, with similar directional associations observed in the FinnGen datasets. The combined odds ratio for ED was 1.011 (95% CI 0.841–1.216, p=0.906) for coffee consumption from the genome-wide meta-analysis, 1.049 (95% CI 0.487–2.260, p=0.903) for coffee consumption from the genome-wide association study, and 1.061 (95% CI 0.682–1.651, p=0.793) for caffeine from tea.

Conclusion

Using genetic data, this study found no association between coffee/caffeine consumption and the risk of ED.
Shallow drainage of agricultural peatlands without land-use change: have your peat and eat it too
Authors: Heuts T. S. , Giersbergen Q. van , Nouta R. , Nijman T. P. A. , Aben R. C. H. , Scheer O. van der , Heuts P. G. M. , Skovsholt L. J. , Quadra G. R. , Smolders A. J. P. , Fritz C.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Drainage for agricultural purposes is one of the main drivers of peatland degradation, leading to significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, biodiversity loss, and soil eutrophication. Rewetting is a potential solution to restore peatlands, but it generally requires a land-use shift to paludiculture or nature areas.

Methods

This study explored whether three different water level management techniques (subsoil irrigation, furrow irrigation, and dynamic ditch water level regulation) could be implemented on dairy grasslands to yield increases in essential ecosystem services (vegetation diversity and soil biogeochemistry) without the need to change the current land use or intensity. We investigated vegetation diversity, soil biogeochemistry, and CO2 emission reduction in fourteen agricultural livestock pastures on drained peat soils in Friesland (Netherlands).

Results

Across all pastures, Shannon-Wiener diversity was below 1, and the species richness was below 5. The plant-available phosphorus (P) was consistently higher than 3 mmol L−1. None of the water level management (WLM) techniques enhanced vegetation diversity or changed soil biogeochemistry despite a notable increase in water table levels. The potential for CO2 emission reduction remained small or even absent. Indicators of land-use intensity (i.e., grass harvest and fertilization intensity), however, showed a strong negative correlation with vegetation diversity. Furthermore, all sites’ total and plant-available P and nitrate exceeded the upper threshold for species-rich grassland communities.

Discussion

In conclusion, our research suggests that incomplete rewetting (i.e., higher water tables while maintaining drainage) while continuing the current land use does neither effectively mitigate GHG emissions nor benefit vegetation diversity. Therefore, we conclude that combining WLM and reducing land-use intensity is essential to limit the degradation of peat soils and restore more biodiverse vegetation.