bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Modified Laminotomy for Interlaminar Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: Technical Report and Preliminary Results
Authors: Feng Zhiyun , Wu Yuxu , Wu Honghao , Jon Tae Gyong , Yuan Ying , Chen Zhong , Wang Yue
Published: December 2023

Objective: To introduce a technique of laminotomy using a common trephine to enlarge the interlaminar space at L4/5 segment for interlaminar endoscopic lumbar discectomy (IELD) and report the anatomical basis of this procedure, technical details, as well as primary clinical outcomes of a consecutive patient cohort with L4/5 lumbar disc herniation (LDH).Methods: On anteroposterior fluoroscopy, the intersection of the medial edge of the inferior articular process and the inferior endplate of L4 vertebra was taken as the target. Using a common trephine, laminotomy was performed to remove a big portion of the posterior wall of the canal under the guidance of endoscopy. From June 2018 to December 2021, the consecutive patients who underwent L4/5 IELD were prospectively studied. Clinical outcomes were assessed at the day before surgery, 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, 12 months after surgery, and the last follow-up. Numerical Rating Scale, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and MacNab criteria were used to evaluate back and leg pain, the quality of life, and clinical efficacy, respectively.Results: There were 64 men and 44 women, with an age of 50.3 ± 14.9 years. The operating time was 74.54 ± 17.42 minutes. The mean follow-up time was 32.7 ± 18.6 months (range, 12–64 months). The complications of IELD included numbness, neck pain, and recurrence. Both leg pain (6.2 ± 1.9 vs. 1.8 ± 0.8, p < 0.001) and back pain (3.1 ± 2.3 vs. 1.7 ± 0.9, p < 0.001) quickly improved after this procedure and maintained (1.1 ± 1.5, 1.1 ± 1.3) at final follow-up. Physical disability due to back pain, as assessed using RMDQ, was improved remarkably after surgery (15.0 ± 5.8 vs. 2.9 ± 4.1, p < 0.001). In addition, MacNab outcome grade was evaluated as good-to-excellent in 96 cases (88.9%).Conclusion: A convenient technique of laminotomy using a common trephine was proposed for the L4/5 IELD. It can efficiently enlarge the interlaminar entry to perform endoscopic discectomy. This procedure is particularly suitable for treating LDH with concomitant lumbar spinal stenosis and migrated herniated disc.
Spine Surgical Robotics: Current Status and Recent Clinical Applications
Authors: Wang Jiangtao , Miao Junxian , Zhan Yi , Duan Yongchao , Wang Yuanshun , Hao Dingjun , Wang Biao
Published: December 2023

With the development of artificial intelligence and the further deepening of medical-engineering integration, spine surgical robot-assisted (RA) technique has made significant progress and its applicability in clinical practice is constantly expanding in recent years. In this review, we have systematically summarized the majority of literature related to spine surgical robots in the past decade, and not only classified robots accordingly, but also summarized the latest research progress in RA technique for screw placement such as cervical, thoracic, and lumbar pedicle screws, cortical bone trajectory screws, cervical lateral mass screws, and S2 sacroiliac screws; guiding targeted puncture and placement of endoscope via the intervertebral foramen; complete resection of spinal tumor tissue; and decompressive laminectomy. In addition, this report also provides a detailed evaluation of RA technique’s advantages and disadvantages, and clarifies the accuracy, safety, and practicality of RA technique. We consider that this review can help clinical physicians further understand and familiarize the current clinical application status of spine surgical robots, thereby promoting the continuous improvement and popularization of RA technique, and ultimately benefiting numerous patients.
Delay of Surgery for Spinal Metastasis due to the COVID-19 Outbreak Affected Patient Outcomes
Authors: Hsieh Chia-Jung , Wu Chun-Yu , Lin Yen-Heng , Huang Yu-Cheng , Yang Wen-Chi , Chen Tom Wei-Wu , Ma Wei-Li , Lin Wei-Hsin , Hsu Feng-Ming , Xiao Furen , Yang Shih-Hung , Lai Dar-Ming , Chen Chang-Mu , Chao Shin-Yi , Tsuang Fon-Yih
Published: December 2023

Objective: The present study is to analyze the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 2019) outbreak and the subsequent lockdown on the outcomes of spinal metastasis patients.Methods: The study was a retrospective analysis of data from a prospective cohort study. All patients underwent surgical intervention for spinal metastases between January 2019 and December 2021 and had at least 3 months of postoperative follow-up. The primary outcome was overall mortality during the 4 different stages (pre-COVID-19 era, COVID-19 pandemic except in Taiwan, national lockdown, lifting of the lockdown). The secondary outcomes were the oncological severity scores, medical/surgical accessibility, and patient functional outcome during the 4 periods as well as survival/mortality.Results: A total of 233 patients were included. The overall mortality rate was 41.20%. During the Taiwan lockdown, more patients received palliative surgery than other surgical methods, and no total en bloc spondylectomy was performed. The time from surgeon visit to operation was approximately doubled after the COVID-19 outbreak in Taiwan (75.97, 86.63, 168.79, and 166.91 hours in the 4 periods, respectively). The estimated survival probability was highest after the national lockdown was lifted and lowest during the lockdown. In the multivariate analysis, increased risk of mortality was observed with delay of surgery, with emergency surgery having a higher risk with delays above 33 hours, urgent surgery (below 59 and above 111 hours), and elective surgery (above 332 hours).Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic and related policies have altered daily clinical practice and negatively impacted the survival of patients with spinal metastases.
Biomechanical Study of 3 Osteoconductive Materials Applied in Pedicle Augmentation and Revision for Osteoporotic Vertebrae: Allograft Bone Particles, Calcium Phosphate Cement, Demineralized Bone Matrix
Authors: Jia Chongyu , Zhang Renjie , Wang Jiaqi , Zhang Bo , Zhang Huaqing , Kang Liang , Zhou Luping , Shen Cailiang
Published: December 2023

Objective: This study assessed biomechanical properties of pedicle screws enhanced or revised with 3 materials. We aimed to compare the efficacy of these materials in pedicle augmentation and revision.Methods: One hundred twenty human cadaveric vertebrae were utilized for in vitro testing. Vertebrae bone density was evaluated. Allograft bone particles (ABP), calcium phosphate cement (CPC), and demineralized bone matrix (DBM) were used to augment or revise pedicle screw. Post the implantation of pedicle screws, parameters such as insertional torque, pullout strength, cycles to failure and failure load were measured using specialized instruments.Results: ABP, CPC, and DBM significantly enhanced biomechanical properties of the screws. CPC augmentation showed superior properties compared to ABP or DBM. ABP-augmented screws had higher cycles to failure and failure loads than DBM-augmented screws, with no difference in pullout strength. CPC-revised screws exhibited similar strength to the original screws, while ABP-revised screws showed comparable cycles to failure and failure loads but lower pullout strength. DBM-revised screws did not match the original screws’ strength.Conclusion: ABP, CPC, and DBM effectively improve pedicle screw stability for pedicle augmentation. CPC demonstrated the highest efficacy, followed by ABP, while DBM was less effective. For pedicle revision, CPC is recommended as the primary choice, with ABP as an alternative. However, using DBM for pedicle revision is not recommended.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined With Electroacupuncture Treatment Regulate the Subpopulation of Macrophages and Astrocytes to Facilitate Axonal Regeneration in Transected Spinal Cord
Authors: Zhang Rongyi , Wang Junhua , Deng Qingwen , Xiao Xingru , Zeng Xiang , Lai Biqin , Li Ge , Ma Yuanhuan , Ruan Jingwen , Han Inbo , Zeng Yuan-Shan , Ding Ying
Published: December 2023

Objective: Herein, we investigated whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation combined with electroacupuncture (EA) treatment could decrease the proportion of proinflammatory microglia/macrophages and neurotoxic A1 reactive astrocytes and inhibit glial scar formation to enhance axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI).Methods: Adult rats were divided into 5 groups after complete transection of the spinal cord at the T10 level: a control group, a nonacupoint EA (NA-EA) group, an EA group, an MSC group, and an MSCs+EA group. Immunofluorescence labeling, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blots were performed.Results: The results showed that MSCs+EA treatment reduced the proportion of proinflammatory M1 subtype microglia/macrophages, but increased the differentiation of anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype cells, thereby suppressing the mRNA and protein expression of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-1β) and increasing the expression of an anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin [IL]-10) on days 7 and 14 after SCI. The changes in expression correlated with the attenuated neurotoxic A1 reactive astrocytes and glial scar, which in turn facilitated the axonal regeneration of the injured spinal cord. In vitro, the proinflammatory cytokines increased the level of proliferation of astrocytes and increased the expression levels of C3, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan. These effects were blocked by administering inhibitors of ErbB1 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) (AG1478 and AG490) and IL-10.Conclusion: These findings showed that MSCs+EA treatment synergistically regulated the microglia/macrophage subpopulation to reduce inflammation, the formation of neurotoxic A1 astrocytes, and glial scars. This was achieved by downregulating the ErbB1-STAT3 signal pathway, thereby providing a favorable microenvironment conducive to axonal regeneration after SCI.
A Predictive Model of Failure to Rescue After Thoracolumbar Fusion
Authors: Roy Joanna M. , Segura Aaron C. , Rumalla Kranti , Skandalakis Georgios P. , Covell Michael M. , Bowers Christian A.
Published: December 2023

Objective: Although failure to rescue (FTR) has been utilized as a quality-improvement metric in several surgical specialties, its current utilization in spine surgery is limited. Our study aims to identify the patient characteristics that are independent predictors of FTR among thoracolumbar fusion (TLF) patients.Methods: Patients who underwent TLF were identified using relevant diagnostic and procedural codes from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database from 2011–2020. Frailty was assessed using the risk analysis index (RAI). FTR was defined as death, within 30 days, following a major complication. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to compare baseline characteristics and early postoperative sequelae across FTR and non-FTR cohorts. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the discriminatory accuracy of the frailty-driven predictive model for FTR.Results: The study cohort (N = 15,749) had a median age of 66 years (interquartile range, 15 years). Increasing frailty, as measured by the RAI, was associated with an increased likelihood of FTR: odds ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) is RAI 21–25, 1.3 [0.8–2.2]; RAI 26–30, 4.0 [2.4–6.6]; RAI 31–35, 7.0 [3.8–12.7]; RAI 36–40, 10.0 [4.9–20.2]; RAI 41– 45, 21.5 [9.1–50.6]; RAI ≥ 46, 45.8 [14.8–141.5]. The frailty-driven predictive model for FTR demonstrated outstanding discriminatory accuracy (C-statistic = 0.92; CI, 0.89–0.95).Conclusion: Baseline frailty, as stratified by type of postoperative complication, predicts FTR with outstanding discriminatory accuracy in TLF patients. This frailty-driven model may inform patients and clinicians of FTR risk following TLF and help guide postoperative care after a major complication.
Which Indicator Among Lumbar Vertebral Hounsfield Unit, Vertebral Bone Quality, or Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry-Measured Bone Mineral Density Is More Efficacious in Predicting Thoracolumbar Fragility Fractures?
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhou Lu-Ping , Zhang Xian-Liang , Li Dui , Wang Jia-Qi , Jia Chong-Yu , Zhang Hua-Qing , Kang Liang , Zhang Ren-Jie , Shen Cai-Liang
Published: December 2023

Objective: Hounsfield units (HU), vertebral bone quality (VBQ), and bone mineral density (BMD) can all serve as predictive indicators for thoracolumbar fragility fractures. This study aims to explore which indicator provides better risk prediction for thoracolumbar fragility fractures.Methods: Patients who have received medical attention from The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University for thoracolumbar fragility fractures were selected. A total of 78 patients with thoracolumbar fragility fractures were included in the study. To establish a control group, 78 patients with degenerative spinal diseases were matched to the fracture group on the basis of gender, age, and body mass index. The lumbar vertebral HU, the VBQ, and the BMD were obtained for all the 156 patients through computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The correlations among these parameters were analyzed. The area under curve (AUC) analysis was employed to assess the predictive efficacy and thresholds of lumbar vertebral HU, VBQ, and BMD in relation to the risk of thoracolumbar fragility fractures.Results: Among the cohort of 156 patients, lumbar vertebral HU exhibited a positive correlation with BMD (p < 0.01). Conversely, VBQ showed a negative correlation with HU, BMD (p < 0.05). HU and BMD displayed a favorable predictive efficacy for thoracolumbar fragility fractures (p < 0.01), with HU (AUC = 0.863) showcasing the highest predictive efficacy, followed by the DEXA-measured BMD (AUC = 0.813). VBQ (AUC = 0.602) ranked lowest among the 3 indicators. The thresholds for predicting thoracolumbar fragility fractures were as follows: HU (88),VBQ (3.37), and BMD (0.81).Conclusion: All 3 of these indicators, HU, VBQ, and BMD, can predict thoracolumbar fragility fractures. Notably, lumbar vertebral HU exhibits the highest predictive efficacy, followed by the BMD obtained through DEXA scanning, with VBQ demonstrating the lowest predictive efficacy.
Epigastric pain was atypical presentation of appendicitis
Authors: Elrobaa Islam , Abualhaya Ammar
Published: December 2023

A 28 years old, female patient, presented to our ED for epigastric pain since 10 hours. Last menstrual period was 25 days before her presentation . The patient has normal vital signs. She denied any loose motion or vomiting. The patient did blood work up that showed normal result, she had negative pregnancy test, normal White blood cells , normal CRP , renal function and lipase enzyme. The pain did not relief with pain killers or PPI . The Ultrasound abdomen US decided to rule out unlikely cholecystitis . The US showed : Tubular non-compressible structure seen in the right iliac fossa likely representing inflamed appendix and no sonographic signs of cholecystitis . Back to the patient she denied lower abdominal tenderness , she said she got all abdominal pain and more at epigastric area . CT abdomen decided that showed : acute appendicitis with likely obstructive appendicolith. The patient got admission in surgical ward by surgical team for appendectomy . After the operation , the pathological report showed Acute gangrenous appendicitis with periappendicitis.
Fica Espanhol no Paraná
Authors: Drogui Amábile Piacentine , Silva Jacicarla Souza da
Published: December 2023

Este texto apresenta resumidamente a trajetória de ações e as perspectivas do movimento Fica Espanhol no Paraná. A ênfase histórica está nos trabalhos registrados a partir de 2016, quando o então presidente da república propôs alterações na Lei de Diretrizes e Bases da Educação Nacional, afetando diretamente as políticas linguísticas. Essas proposições foram aprovadas e, em 2017, culminaram na Lei 13.415, que retira o direito de consulta à comunidade escolar e institui, de modo antidemocrático, um único idioma como de oferta obrigatória em todas as escolas do país. Diante de tantos atos discricionários, as manifestações começaram a surgir e as universidades públicas paranaenses se uniram para lutar pelo plurilinguismo, pela democracia nas políticas linguísticas e por uma lei que assegure o direito de aprender a língua espanhola na Educação Básica (EB) no Paraná. Mediante ampla mobilização política, com participação dos professores da EB, dos estudantes dos cursos de Letras Espanhol das Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) do Paraná e de autoridades representativas, o movimento alcançou relevantes resultados, os quais culminaram na aprovação de uma emenda à constituição do estado Paraná, que assegura a oferta do ensino de Espanhol no Ensino Fundamental II e Ensino Médio. Neste momento, o Fica Espanhol no Paraná acompanha a implementação da Lei e luta para que ela ocorra de modo efetivo.
“Nós (não) podemos fazer isso!”
Authors: Silva Carolina Fernanda Soares
Published: December 2023

O objetivo central deste artigo é caracterizar as recontextualizações (BAUMAN; BRIGGS, 2006 [1990]; SILVERSTEIN; URBAN, 1996; BLOMMAERT, 2008) do cartaz “Rosie, a Rebitadora” em seu trânsito por e entre espaços antifeministas. Ademais, identifico a performatividade de gênero e o sexismo presentes nesses processos. Levando em consideração o hibridismo online/offline (BLOMMAERT et al, 2019) das relações na contemporaneidade, a metodologia utilizada é a etnografia digital (HINE, 2015), com o aporte da rede social Facebook e das concepções no que diz respeito à utilização dos memes nesse ambiente (VARIS; BLOMMAERT, 2015). A bibliografia na qual me apoio para a compreensão das produções de “Rosie” no período de guerra são as postulações de Aguierre (2018) e Lôbo (2017). Além disso, a compreensão das questões de gênero e do feminismo advém de Butler (1990; 2004) e hooks (2018 [2002]). Faludi (2001) e Vaggione e Biroli (2020) são as principais autoras que contribuem para o entendimento sobre as disputas antifeministas ao longo dos tempos. Sendo a citacionalidade (NAKASSIS, 2019) um elemento analítico para a interpretação do que é modificado nas circulações dos textos, concluo que os discursos analisados agem definindo a subjetividade das pessoas em torno do gênero, em função da heteronormatividade e dos papéis sociais incumbidos.
A Natural Language Processing approach to Complexity Assessment of 18th-century health literature
Authors: Zilio Leonardo , Finatto Maria José Bocorny , Vieira Renata , Quaresma Paulo
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we present an experiment for complexity-level analysis of Portuguese texts from the 18th century using NLP tools. The 18th century was the time for the realization of a new world that had been built since the Renaissance, it was the period of consolidation of many of the current sciences. One of its characteristics is the presentation of scientific written records in national languages, rather than Latin, and the expressed wishes that the specialized texts could be more understandable to people of lesser erudition. As such, we intend to collaborate to identify if and how these wishes were fulfilled. To achieve this goal, we resort to an NLP supporting methodology to detect degrees of complexity of a medical work of this time period and compare it with two other works that have hypothesized lesser and greater complexities. By using NILC-Metrix, we intend to identify features of a continuum of complexity in this kind of document.
O rótico retroflexo na Região Metropolitana de Porto Alegre
Authors: Ricardo Júlia , Schwindt Luiz Carlos
Published: December 2023

Neste estudo se aborda o uso de róticos em posição de coda na Região Metropolitana de Porto Alegre, particularmente a articulação retroflexa, na perspectiva da Sociolinguística Variacionista (Labov, 1966, 1972). O estudo é composto por 45 entrevistas do corpus Ricardo-Schwindt, abrangendo 5 cidades da região. Os resultados indicaram baixa presença do rótico retroflexo na Região Metropolitana em comparação com outras variedades do português brasileiro, mas um aumento significativo quando comparado ao seu uso na capital, Porto Alegre, nas décadas de 1980 e 1990. A pronúncia retroflexa parece estar relacionada, entre outros aspectos, a contextos que compartilham propriedades fonéticas com essa variante, sugerindo alguma motivação assimilatória para sua emergência. Identificaram-se, além disso, diferenças significativas no uso do retroflexo entre as cidades analisadas.
Effect of Reprocessing on the Crystallization of Different Polyesters
Authors: Taha Taha Zoubeida , Ádámné Major Andrea , Ronkay Ferenc
Published: December 2023

The changes in crystallization characteristics of four polyesters were investigated during multiple processing. Two of these were petroleum-based materials: poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly (butylene terephthalate) (PBT), and two were bio-based materials: poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and poly (butylene succinate) (PBS). We found that during non-isothermal crystallization the different type of polyesters shown different behaviour: the PET and PLA materials were more sensitive to the cooling rate than the PBT and PBS. Interestingly, at low cooling rates, the number of reprocessing steps had no significant effect on the crystallinity of PBT and PBS, but reduced it for PET, but increased it for PBT.
Hierarchical Structures of National Economic Spaces: The General and the Particular
Authors:   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Dzhurka Natalya
Published: December 2023

The paper explores the structures of interregional economic interactions of two countries, Japan and China, that are different in terms of the scale of physical space and, accordingly, the density of economic activity. The methodological feature of the conducted cross-country study is the focus on the question of how far we can get starting from the position ‘all objects are unique’. The assumption of the existence of functional hierarchies is tested for the national economic spaces under consideration; the backbone of spatial economic interactions that form commodity markets homogeneous in terms of locational characteristics of supply and demand are constructed; system effects generated by the established structures of interactions are determined. As part of the search for evidence of the existence of functional hierarchies, real interregional balances are compared with theoretical balances built in accordance with the assumptions of the models of successively inclusive hierarchy of W. Christaller (without counter commodity flows between hierarchical levels) and A. Losch’s economic landscape (taking into account counter commodity flows between hierarchical levels). For comparison purposes, the centrality coefficient is used, the critical value of which in W. Christaller’s model is 100%, whereas in A. Losch’s model it is about 40%. The parameters of the existing functional hierarchies (mainly, the degree of homogeneity of national economic spaces with respect to interregional links and the ‘list’ of central functions) are determined using the method of dyadic factor analysis, and the system effects at different hierarchical levels – using the method of localized division of composite blocks of multipliers of interregional balances. The study has shown that the properties of economic spaces, indeed, depend on the parameters of physical spaces, but the degree of similarity of the structures of interregional interactions in countries with different parameters of physical spaces is not zero. In particular, the estimates indicate the existence of functional hierarchy in both Japan and China (the centrality coefficient in the two cases is about 40%), general multiplicative effects and the degree of self-sufficiency of the regions of the highest levels of functional hierarchies in Japan and China are comparable, whereas the values of system effects absorbed by these regions are different
Stress on Real Income in Russian Regions Under the Pandemic and Sanctions
Authors:   Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod, Malkina Marina
Published: December 2023

The study is devoted to assessing the stress of real incomes of the population (regarding wages) and the real financial result of enterprises in the Russian regions during the pandemic and sanctions shocks of 2017–2023. We used a number of methods of deflation, elimination of seasonal and random components in the dynamics of indicators. To assess the stress level, a stress index, developed by the author earlier, which is a moving (with a one-month step) difference between the standard deviation and the average value of the annual growth rate of each indicator under study, as well as a way to decompose it by source, was used. Integral real income stress index was calculated as the sum of two particular stress indices normalized by the method of equivalent variances on the scale of the entire spatiotemporal sample. As a result of the study, similarities and differences in the reaction of real incomes of the population in regions and federal districts under the impact of pre-pandemic, pandemic and new sanctions shocks were revealed, as well as different reactions of wages and financial results of the enterprises in them, certain spatial effects, areas of stability and increased risk. It has been established that the reduction of the level of real income stress across the country occurs due to the greater stability of the growth rates of the indicators under consideration in regions with high incomes, while the positive influence of the effect of interregional diversification has not received empirical confirmation
The Sectoral Dimension of Trade Expansion in the Western Macrozone of the Asia-Pacific Region: The Role of Global Formats
Authors:   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Izotov Dmitriy
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of countries participation in global trade formats on the turnover of commodity and industrial products in the Western macrozone of the Asia-Pacific Region (APR) in 1993–2021. It is shown that over the last three decades the Western macrozone of the APR, which includes the countries of East Asia, Oceania and Australia, has become the most dynamic economy in the world due to the reduction of restrictions in intra-regional trade. The estimation of border effects based on the gravity model confirmed the long-term total cost reduction for trade in commodity and industrial products in the Western macrozone of the APR. The estimates identified the crucial importance of global format mechanisms for trade expansion in the Western macrozone of the APR in the long run: by 113% for commodity products; by 101% for industrial products. The assessment of indirect trade effects revealed the key role of global formats in expanding trade in the Western macrozone of the APR by creating a common ‘benchmark’ for reducing trade barriers, including by extending such behavior to countries that have not acceded to the GATT and WTO. The discovered multiplication of direct and indirect trade effects of the GATT and WTO indicated the sufficiency of the mechanisms of global formats for the formation of a free market for commodities in the Western macrozone of the APR, which does not require the creation of free trade zones, in contrast to the market for industrial goods, which operates under conditions of monopolistic competition. The estimates obtained in the study complement the existing conclusions on the impact of integration formats on trade, indicating that the sectoral aspect of trade interactions is a key parameter for identifying rational motives explaining the use of specific integration instruments to expand trade within the Western macrozone of the APR. On the basis of the obtained assessments the motives of Russia’s long-term trade and economic positioning within the Western macrozone of the APR with reliance on the WTO mechanisms under the conditions of preserving the raw material model of the national economy are explained
Modern World Economy: Some Aspects of Systemic Changers
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Ershov Mikhail , Tanasova Anna ,   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation
Published: December 2023

Modern global economy is witnessing the creation of brand-new processes which were not seen before. Although the forecasts of economic growth in 2023 are being revised in the direction of improvement, nevertheless, a number of new problems require a lot of attention. Much of what is happening now is unprecedented – in particular, large-scale sanctions of the Western countries against Russia and China, changing processes in commodity markets, increased fragmentation of world economic relations, increased activity of regional associations of countries, etc. All this is complemented by high uncertainty in the geopolitical arena, which makes the problems much more acute and their solution even more difficult. Regulators and businesses in all countries are forced to shape their approaches taking into account the ongoing changes, largely changing the long-standing traditional algorithms for their solutions. The article shows a number of new problematic nodes that have been forming in the world in recent years. The sanctions policy of the Western countries against Russia, which has intensified since 2022, has directly or indirectly affected almost the entire world, increasing trends towards fragmentation. In Russia, under such conditions, significant changes are also required in domestic economic policy. The most important role in this could be played by monetary policy, changes in which may contribute to increasing the strength of the internal foundations of growth and transformation of the economy. At the same time, the changes may lead to a reduction in dependence on external financial markets and the external environment in general
Modeling and Assessment of the Quality of Life in Macro-Regions of Russia Based on the Methodology of Quality Economics
Authors:   Institute for Regional Economic Studies RAS, Okrepilov Vladimir , Gagulina Natalya ,   Institute for Regional Economic Studies RAS
Published: December 2023

The article touches upon the pressing topic of changes in the quality of life in connection with the rapid increase in instability of economic development caused by the exacerbation of key problems in the main areas of human life: economic, social, and environmental. The purpose of this study was to model and obtain quantitative estimates to analyze modern changes in the quality of life of the population. The methodology of quality economics for modeling and assessing the quality of life was selected and justified, and a comparative analysis of changes in the quality of life at the regional level was performed. When constructing a model for assessing the quality of life, the principles and basic provisions of a multi-level quality management system were taken as a basis. A system of indicators in which a generalized indicator of quality of life acts as a result of integral indicators: medical and demographic conditions, socio-economic well-being, comfort and safety of the living environment, was developed. Analysis of the results of the modeling showed that the positive dynamics of the quality of life in Russian macro-regions is characterized by a slowdown in growth rates towards the end of the period under study, and the growth rate of the quality of life in 2020 becomes negative. The obtained quantitative results are in good agreement with expert assessments of the manifestations of economic instability observed in practice, the most striking of which was the coronavirus pandemic
The Influence of Crumb Rubber and Cement Inclusions Containing Graphene Oxide on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Soil
Authors: Faruqi Muhammad Alfian , Mohammed Bashar S , Anwar Abdullah , Dharmawansyah Dedy , Hermansyah Hermansyah
Published: December 2023

Improving the physical properties of problematic soil has became fundamental consideration in various constructions, especially geotechnical engineering, to avoid failures, increase stability and strength of soil. Silty sand  is one of the problematic soils and often encountered in the field where the fine gradation contained in the soil allows the soil to easily deform under pressure and lateral forces. In this study, silty sand was mixed with three variations of crumb rubber content (5, 10, and 15% based on soil weight), 6% cement (based on soil weight), and 0.05% graphene oxide (based on cement weight) to measurement and analysis of physical and mechanical properties. Soil Consistency limits, compaction testing using the Proctor Apparatus, and direct shear test were carried out for each mixed variable. The test results showed that the consistency limits and dry density decreases with increasing rubber content in the soil-cement matrix containing graphene oxide. Substitution of graphene oxide into the soil-cement matrix was able to increase in the stress and shear strength of the soil at each in variation in rubber content.
Bioactive Compounds and Pharmacological Potential of Hojasen (Flourensia cernua): A Mini review
Authors: Linares-Braham Andrea , Palomo-Ligas Lissethe , Nery-Flores Sendar Daniel
Published: December 2023

Flourensia cernua, commonly known as hojasen, is a shrub that is widely distributed in northern Mexico and the southern United States. The presence of this shrub indicates the characteristic flora of the Chihuahuan desert and southern Arizona, and it is an endemic plant of the Coahuila region in Mexico. The leaves and flowers of F. cernua are commercially available in Mexican markets for preparing infusions and are used as traditional medicine, mainly for gastrointestinal disorders such as indigestion, diarrhea, stomach pain, and dysentery, among others. Several studies have shown that F. cernua extracts contain bioactive compounds that can act as antioxidants in vitro by stopping free radicals from doing damage. In addition, F. cernua extracts have antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi. Additionally, F. cernua extracts have demonstrated antibacterial effects against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Also, the anti-inflammatory effect of leaf extract at different doses has been studied to see how it affects the production of inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) in macrophage cultures. Therefore, identifying its components and pharmacological properties can promote its use as an adjunct or therapeutic candidate in controlling various diseases. With its potential to alleviate gastrointestinal issues, provide antioxidant protection, and inhibit fungi and bacteria, hojasen extract may prove to be a valuable addition to the treatment of many diseases. This minireview aims to expand the existing knowledge about hojasen, a semi-desert shrub that possesses different bioactive compounds belonging to families of interest such as flavonoids, sesquiterpenoids, and coumarins, hoping to arouse the interest of other researchers to further investigate the activities, properties and uses attributed to Flourensia cernua.
Traditional remedies for diabetes used by the Ao (Naga) tribe in Mokokchung district, Nagaland, India
Authors: Pegu Joynath , Bawri Amal , Yam Gyati , Talom Duman , Rochill Inubo , Jamir Imlikumba , Teron Robindra
Published: December 2023

Diabetes, a metabolic disorder, poses a significant global health challenge and is recognized as a major non-communicable disease. This widespread issue not only impacts the well-being of individuals but also poses economic burdens, particularly on developing nations. Consequently, there is a pressing need for appropriate solutions and effective medicines, making it a focal point of research globally. Despite remarkable progress in modern allopathic medicine, there exists no definitive cure for diabetes within this system. Additionally, allopathic drugs, while beneficial, often come with severe side effects that can lead to various physiological disorders. In the light of these challenges, ethnobotanical exploration emerges as a viable alternative, providing an avenue to identify potential folk medicines for treating metabolic disorders.The current study aimed to investigate the diversity of medicinal plants traditionally used by the Ao (Naga) tribe in Mokokchung for diabetes treatment and to document these folk remedies. Mokokchung district, Nagaland, is home to the Ao (Naga) tribe, a community reliant on ethnomedicinal herbs for their daily needs and healthcare. The study, conducted between September 2021 and March 2022, involved structured interviews with traditional healers to collect information on their use of medicinal plants in managing various ailments. The study findings underscored the richness of medicinal plants and folk formulations employed in diabetes treatment within the Mokokchung district of Nagaland. A total of 32 medicinal plant species from 26 families were documented. Despite the advancements in modern medicine, traditional ethnomedicinal practices are gradually losing favor, particularly among younger generations, leading to the erosion of this invaluable knowledge. Hence, there is an urgent need for further scientific investigation to validate the claims and efficacy of folk medicines used for diabetes treatment. Inthis background, there is a critical requirement for inventory, documentation and scientific validation of these practices and folk medicines. Immediate attention to these efforts is crucial to preserve this invaluable knowledge and facilitate its integration with modern medical practices, ensuring the preservation and effective utilization of this traditional wisdom.
Survey of the Beneficial Flowers Available in Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Muthukumaran M , Parveen M , Vetri Velavan S
Published: December 2023

The flora of an area is considered a vital part of the environment, regulating the prosperity of the biosphere and people's health. It is highly suggested that the proper utilization of plant resources in each part of a country has been useful in conserving the availability and productivity of the flora. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the survey of the beneficial flowers available in Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, India, from December 2019 to February 2020. The survey studies were divided into four different zones in Coimbatore District: Perur, Ganapathy, Thudiyalur, and Periyanaickenpalayam, respectively. The survey resulted in the collection of 40 plant species belonging to 38 genera, dispersed over 25 families of flowering plants / angiosperms. The dominant families were Apocynaceae and Oleaceae when compared to other families. This study reveals that species such as Calotropis gigantean, Chrysanthemum morifolium, Couroupita guianensis, Nerium oleander, Nyctanthes arbortristis, Nelumbo nucifera, and Tabernaemontana divaricata were used as ritual flowers. The beneficial flowers showed a maximum for ornamental flowers (43 percent), followed by ritual flowers (35 percent), medicinal flowers (15 percent), and cooking flowers (7 percent), respectively. The highest blooming of the flowers (14.89 percent) occurred in March, and the lowest in November and December. Flowers were documented as having economic value, with the highest rate in Rosa sp., and Jasminum sp., which were used as ornamental, medicinal, and cosmetic preparations as valuable resources. Scientific key information on taxonomy and technical approaches to beneficial flowers was analyzed. Flowers play a vital role in human life from birth to death and are used in all auspicious events in India, especially in daily prayers in temples and Indian households.
Początki naukowych badań nad bursztynem w Gdańsku i kolekcja Jacoba Theodora Kleina (1685–1759)
Authors: Sobecka Anna
Published: December 2023

The article deals with the collection of Jacob Theodor Klein and the beginnings of scientific interest in amber in early modern Gdańsk. The text is intended to show the importance of this forgotten collection and the ongoing research into succinite (Baltic amber). The objects from Klein’s collection themselves have been dispersed, and have not survived to the present day, but Klein’s written inventory, which in 1740 ended up in the collection in Bayreuth to later reach Erlangen, allows the collection to be analyzed thoroughly. It is the numerous drawings of amber exhibits that are of particular importance. Thanks to the activities of Klein and his contemporaries, including Johann Philipp Breyn, and the drawings made at their request by their daughters, it is possible to trace the flow of objects between collections and reconstruct the meaning of the ‘paper museums’ they created. The text points to the key role of illustration as an element of information exchange in the respublica litteraria of the time and collaboration of scholars. The role of Gdańsk collections as the basis for the great collections being created at the time in St Petersburg and Dresden is also highlighted.
Działalność Hunów w Europie jako przykład zderzenia cywilizacji
Authors: Gralak Tomasz
Published: December 2023

The result of the military, political and economic activity of the Huns in Europe was the depopulation of vast areas, massive ethnic changes, and the destruction of many previous political organisms. The question arises as to why they were so successful. They had knowledge and skills that were alien to the European civilization of that time but perfectly known among the nomadic population of Central Asia and China. Therefore, their activity can be seen as a confrontation of different cultural models. In this sense, it was a clash of civilizations – almost in a sense proposed by S. Huntington.
Metody odkrywania niedawnej przeszłości
Authors: Kasztelan Robert
Published: December 2023

The article aims to show the possibility of studying events from the recent history with the help archaeology of the contemporary past. The reader will have the opportunity to get to know historical and ethnographic sources related to the anti-communist underground unit headed by a commander nicknamed “Tarzan”. The article will also present the relics of earthworks (bunkers, dugouts). They will be interpreted using archaeological methods.
Wybrane motywy archeologiczne z zakresu archeologii śródziemnomorskiej na monetach europejskich z lat 1990–2005
Authors: Lajsner Włodzimierz
Published: December 2023

The role of coins is not limited only to a means of payment, but through the various iconographic and epigraphic contents they contain, coins are also a means of cultural communication. The obverse and reverse of coins are a specific form of image, which includes motifs understood as a repeating decorative element that is also a pattern or an iconographic element expressing specific symbolism and themes. Archaeological motifs reflect archaeological monuments or their elements, and their themes commemorate not only the monument itself, but also related aspects studied by archaeologists, e.g. the broadly understood context. The aim of the considerations was to examine the numismatic form of commemorating and popularizing archaeological heritage on the example of selected motifs referring to monuments of Mediterranean archeology appearing on European coins in the years 1990–2005. First, the motifs were analyzed in terms of the form of their depiction on coins, then the archaeological theme with which the motifs were connected was determined and, on its basis, axiological considerations were carried out, the aim of which was to learn a potential answer to the question – why a given motif was placed on a coin.
Nowoczesna archeologia Profesora Jana Żaka (1923-1990). W 100. rocznicę urodzin
Authors: Minta-Tworzowska Danuta
Published: December 2023

On March 23rd, 2023 the 100th anniversary of Professor Jan Żak’s birth was marked with an exhibition and a seminar meant to present the modern archeology he had been creating. In addition to Professor’s scientific achievements, there were fragments presented of three documentaries to illustrate his involvement into popularization of archeology. The article discusses also Professor’s work and scientific activities in the field of early medieval archeology, methodology of archaeology and general prehistory, widely recognized and appreciated not only in Poland but also abroad. In 1945 Jan Żak took part in the military operations of the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division, and his professional life took place in the realities of the People’s Republic of Poland. Particularly important were his organizational achievements as well as scientific contacts with researchers from Western Europe. The article also presents the direction of contemporary archeology methodology established by J. Żak, continued by his students and subsequent generations or archaeologists.
Jose Luis de Palma Fernández, Las organizaciones interprofesionales agroalimentarias. Regulación jurídica, Editorial Reus, Madrid 2023
Authors: Moreno Mozo Fernando
Published: December 2023

Review
Concrete corrosion in nuclear power plants and other nuclear installations and its mitigation techniques: a review
Authors: Rasheed Pathath Abdul , Nayar Sunitha K , AlFantazi Akram
Published: December 2023

Nuclear power plants (NPPs) have been affected by various failures through corrosion which causes economic losses, increased chance of the radiation exposure and environmental risk. One of the major durability issues in reinforced concrete is the corrosion of reinforcement which significantly reduces the life of reinforced concrete. Considering the increasing demand for longer service lives of NPPs, and the high cost involved in building and maintaining it, adequate preventive measures should be followed to minimize the corrosion. This review majorly discusses about the mechanism of corrosion of steel in NPP structures with emphasis on the mechanisms relevant to NPPs, possible reasons for the concrete corrosion as well as potential failure happening in NPPs. The majors reason for the concrete corrosion in nuclear power plants are mainly corrosive external and internal environment, thermal and mechanical stress, moisture content, microorganisms and stray electrical currents. The corrosion of NPPs may result in loss of structural integrity and leakage of radioactive material. The review also discusses about various corrosion prevention and protection techniques against concrete corrosion and concludes with an overview of present methods and possible future perspectives used to enhance the efficiency of concrete corrosion mitigation methods with focus of NPPs.
PharmoCo: a graph-based visualization of pharmacogenomic plausibility check reports for clinical decision support systems
Authors: Raupach Lena , Königs Cassandra
Published: December 2023

The first approaches in recent years for the integration of pharmacogenomic plausibility checks into clinical practice show both a promising improvement in the drug therapy safety, but also difficulties in application. One of the difficulties is the meaningful interpretation of the text-based results by the medical practitioner. We propose here as an appropriate and sensible solution to avoid misunderstandings and to include evidence-based, pharmacogenomic recommendations in prescriptions, which should be the graph-based visualization of the reports. This allows for a plausible interpretation and relate complex, even contradictory guidelines. The improved overview over the pharmacogenomics (PGx) guidelines using the graphical visualization makes the medical practitioner’s choice of dose and medication more patient-specific, improves the treatment outcome and thus, increases the drug therapy safety.