bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Focus of performance audit recommendations on the approach of public value creation: The case of the National Audit Office of Lithuania
Authors: Šalienė Asta , Tamulevičienė Daiva , Tvaronavičienė Manuela
Published: January 2025

Performance audits help to evaluate the performance of the audited public sector entities and, if the recommendations are implemented, contribute to their improvement. In light of the fact that the public sector is primarily concerned with the creation of value for society and for consumers of public services, it is essential that the impact of performance audits is determined with a specific focus on the creation of public value. Although the theory that Supreme Audit Institutions contribute to the creation of public value through their performance audit reports is beginning to emerge in the academic community, no criteria have yet been proposed to determine the impact of performance audits on the creation of public value. The objective of the study is to propose a framework for evaluating the creation of public value that is grounded in empirical evidence and incorporates a range of criteria for measuring the impact of performance audits on public value. In order to ascertain whether the objectives set out in the recommendations contained in the performance audit reports could be linked to the elements of a public value creation evaluation framework identified in the academic literature, a content analysis of the recommendations in the performance audit reports was conducted. A comprehensive analysis was conducted of all 114 reports published by the Lithuanian Supreme Audit Institution over the period from 2015 to 2022. The content analysis identified the segments of the content of the recommendations of the performance audit reports that are linked to the creation of public value. The aforementioned segments have been assigned detailed codes, which have been aggregated into a coding system. They provide a framework for the evaluation of public value creation, encompassing the four key directions of public value creation: consumers and society; strategy; governance; and supply chain. The criteria identified in each direction serve to reveal the impact of the objectives set out in the recommendations included in the performance audit reports on the creation of public value. Evaluating the impact of performance audit in terms of public value creation is important for managers, policy makers and other decision makers in audited public entities. The proposed framework for evaluating public value creation would help to measure this impact.
Corporações extrativistas, erosão democrática e política antiambiental no Brasil:
Authors: Neves Barros Juliana
Published: January 2025

O trabalho busca analisar o papel das corporações extrativistas na escalada de autoritarismo político, desmonte de direitos e desregulação ambiental no Brasil, experimentada no período entre 2019 e 2022. Considerando as discussões traçadas em torno da expansão capitalista no país e suas formas autoritárias, apresenta dados relativos à participação desses agentes econômicos, vinculados ao capital agromineral e fóssil, na intensificação das dinâmicas expropriatórias e no quadro de degradação ambiental. Problematiza a sub-representação dos interesses corporativos na crítica social realizada sobre tais processos e busca sinalizar algumas estratégias e mecanismos ideológicos que blindaram o capital reputacional das corporações nesse período, destacando-se a gestão das fronteiras da legalidade e da ilegalidade e a divisão do trabalho entre empresas e associações empresarias na realização do lobby junto ao poderes executivo e legislativo.
TOSSD:
Authors: Díaz José Alejandro Sebastian Barrios
Published: January 2025

TOSSD é um modelo internacional para medir a gama de recursos que promovem o desenvolvimento sustentável. O artigo examina criticamente a evolução do TOSSD enquanto modelo internacional de mensuração de cooperação para o desenvolvimento, procurando situá-lo no contexto mais amplo da natureza crítica e alternativa da Cooperação Sul-Sul (CSS). A pergunta que orienta a pesquisa é: como entender o TOSSD em perspectiva crítica? Além de ser entendido como um regime de produção de métricas e uma prática reguladora da cooperação, o TOSSD é um dispositivo que desativa a natureza crítica da CSS, de redesenhar a ordem internacional.
Quality of life in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism before and at different time-points after surgery and factors associated with its improvement
Authors: Ionova T. I. , Chernikov R. A. , Sleptsov I. V. , Buzanakov D. M. , Efremov S. M. , Nikitina T. P. , Tyulyubaev I. S. , Zolotukho A. V. , Bubnov K. A. , Vinogradova A. A. , Skvortsov V. V. , Rusakov V. F.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND: For a comprehensive assessment of the effect of surgery in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) it sounds reasonable to evaluate quality of life (QoL) and symptoms in PHPT patients at long-term after parathyroidectomy (PTE). The purpose of this study was to study the quality of life of patients with PHPT before and at different times after PTE and to determine the factors associated with its improvement after surgery.MATERIALS AND METHODS: During prospective observational study, patients filled out QoL questionnaires before, 3, 12, 24 months or more after surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student’s t-test, the Mann-Whitney U-test, χ2 criterion, the method of generalized estimating equations (GEE) and binary logistic regression. The differences were considered significant at the level of p<0.05.RESULTS: The study included 82 patients (mean age 53,7 years, 95% female) with symptomatic (73%) and asymptomatic (27%) PHPT. Median follow–up duration was 20 (3–31) months. At 3 months after PTE, there was a significant increase in QoL for all scales of the generic SF-36 questionnaire, except for the pain scale, compared with their preoperative values, followed by the preservation of positive changes at long term after surgery (GEE, p<0.05). At the long term after surgery, scores for all SF-36 scales, except for role physical functioning (p=0.011), became similar with the ones in comparison group adjusted to patients by gender and age (n=60, 52.5±9.2 years, 95% were women). An independent predictor of significant improvement in QoL after PTE was the preoperative level of the mental component according to the PHPQoL questionnaire (p=0.001) — the lower its level, the greater the probability of significant improvement in QoL according to the total PHPQoL index after surgery (OR=0.924, p=0.004).CONCLUSION. PTE is accompanied by significant improvement in QoL and regression of symptoms in patients with PHPT at long term follow-up after surgery. An independent predictor of significant QoL improvement after PTE is the preoperative level of the psychological component of QoL.
KI-67 as a predictive indicator of papillary thyroid cancer in Iraqi patients
Authors: Al-Timimi Noor Mohammed , Baraaj Abed Hassan
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND. KI-67 (MKI-67 in humans) is a protein able to bind to DNA which contributes to cell growth and cell proliferation. KI-67 is currently considered as a biomarker that is widely utilized as prognostic indicator for evaluating cell proliferation, diagnosing diseases, and conducting research. Several different kinds of cancer have high Ki-67 expression, which simplifying the choice of treatment for individuals with various cancer types.AIM. The objective was to evaluate the expression of KI67 in patients suffering papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) also the association between patients age and gender and KI67 expression.MATERIALS AND METHODS. To undertake an in-depth investigation of KI67 in malignant and normal tissues, we used thyroid tissue sections to analyze KI67 expression in 70 samples, 50 different PTC (44 female and 6 male), and 20 normal types (10 for each gender). Each group’s average age is between 20 and 60.RESULTS. The analysis of the data revealed a substantial difference in the expression of ki67 between the patients and control groups. Ki67 expression and either gender or age did not significantly correlate.CONCLUSION. This study suggest that KI67 may be a crucial marker for assessing the aggressiveness of tumors and inflammatory diseases.
A new way for the differential diagnosis of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and constitutional delay of puberty in adolescent men aged 13.5–17 years
Authors: Skorodok Y. L. , Ioffe I. Y. , Plotnikova E. V. , Nagornaya I. I. , Zhelenina L. A. , Kozhevnikova A. V.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND: Differential diagnosis of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) and constitutional delay of puberty (CDP) is extremely important since with the latter puberty begins and completes without any medical intervention and in the case of HH puberty does not occur or is incomplete. Failure to start treatment on time leads to medical and psychosocial maladjustment of the patient.AIM: Development of a method for differential diagnosis of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and constitutional delay of puberty in boys 13.5–17 years old by scoring the levels of LH, FSH, testosterone and inhibin B.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group was formed by adolescent men 13.5–17 years old with delayed puberty including all observations. Anamnesis, stage of puberty, testicular volume were assessed; serum levels of LH, FSH, testosterone (T) were determined by chemiluminescent analysis and inhibin B, AMH by ELISA. Stimulation tests were performed with triptorelin and human chorionic gonadotropin (3 days). Patients were followed up for 6–24 months.RESULTS: The study included adolescent men at the age of 13.5–17 years with delayed puberty: 56 for the purpose of development a method of differential diagnosis, 30 for its control (control group). We`ve created a method that allows differentiate HH and CDP. Through the ROC-analysis the most sensitive and specific HH markers were identified. The basal levels of LH, FSH, T, and inhibin B were selected as most available for outpatient testing. Based on the results of our own research and scientific data we selected ranges of values and rated LH, FSH, T and inhibin B depending on them (marks). Then we assigned the coefficients (k) for each hormone. Scores were calculated by multiplying the marks by k then summed and normalized to the maximum amount the patient could get. To increase the accuracy of diagnosis an age coefficient was introduced. The result of the calculation was the result of the scoring (S). S for CDP (10.65 [3.13–14.91]) differed significantly from that for HH (76.46 [57.79–83.74]) (p< 0.001). Diagnoses based on S (<21.16 and ≥55.07) in the control group were confirmed by follow up data in 97% cases. An algorithm for the differential diagnosis of HH and CDP by using S has been developed.CONCLUSION: The result of scoring of LH, FSH, testosterone, inhibin B levels ≥55.07 makes it possible to diagnose hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, < 21.16 — constitutional delay of puberty with a high probability. In the case of score ≥21.16 but < 55.07, calculation of the inhibin B/AMH ratio and/or stimulation tests are required.
Immunological status in patients with amenorrhea (literature review)
Authors: Absatarova Y. S. , Evseeva Y. S. , Andreeva E. N. , Zuraeva Z. T. , Sheremetyeva E. V. , Grigoryan O. R. , Mikheev R. K.
Published: January 2025

Amenorrhea is a common symptom of a whole range of nosologies among women of reproductive age, which can accompany any endocrinopathy in the stage of decompensation. In all the diversity of various links in the pathogenesis of reproductive disorders, the problem of immunopathology remains a little aside, however, the significance of these disorders is underestimated. This publication provides an overview of immune system abnormalities in a women with amenorrhea. As is known, in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), one of the clinical manifestations is amenorrhea. On the one hand, these nosologies differ significantly from each other in etiology, pathogenesis and approaches to therapy, and on the other hand, they have a common similarity, manifested by immunological disorders. The article provides information about the immune status of patients with PCOS and POI. Works devoted to various disorders in the immune system, pathologies of humoral and cellular immunity, which in the future may serve as the key to the development of new and non-standard methods of treating such socially significant diseases, are analyzed. Literature search was carried out in national (eLibrary, CyberLeninka.ru) and international (PubMed, Cochrane Library) databases in Russian and English. The choice of sources was prioritized for the period from 2018 to 2024.
The functional role and properties of transcortin in the human body
Authors: Chevais A. , Gadzhimuradova M. M. , Beltsevich D. G. , Romanova A. N. , Begova K. Sh. , Bagirova H. V. , Ebzeeva A. K. , Melnichenko G. A.
Published: January 2025

Steroid hormones take an active part in a whole complex of physiological processes that are fundamental for the normal development and functioning of the human body. In the bloodstream steroid hormones are bind with specific transport proteins, in particular with transcortin. The matter of changes in hormone-protein complex in various conditions were actively studied in the second half of the twentieth century, but currently this issue has been taken a back seat by the development of high-precision diagnostic methods of steroid hormones determining. This literature review presents accumulated data on the physicochemical properties of transcortin, genetic factors affecting its synthesis and secretion. Published data on its physiological significance in the human body are analyzed in detail within the framework of not only the “free hormone” hypothesis, but also the reservoir hypothesis. Research results have shown that the synthesis of transcortin has been detected in some extrahepatic tissues, including the adrenal glands, however, its role is unknown.
ASSOCIAÇÃO DO PERFIL LIPÍDICO COM EXCESSO DE PESO, ADIPOSIDADE ABDOMINAL E CONSUMO DE ALIMENTOS ULTRAPROCESSADOS EM ADOLESCENTES
Authors: Alves Fábia Gonçalves Ribeiro , Lourenção Luiz Felipe de Paiva , Vieira Viviane Novack Amaral Thiers , Simões Tania Mara Rodrigues , Barra Roberta Ribeiro Silva , Silva Rosangela da
Published: January 2025

Objetivo: investigar o estado nutricional, o consumo alimentar e o perfil lipídico, assim como a possível associação entre eles, em adolescentes. Método: estudo transversal com 115 indivíduos, de ambos os sexos, da rede pública de ensino em uma cidade sul-mineira, com avaliação antropométrica, bioquímica e de consumo alimentar. Resultado: média de idade foi de 14±2 anos, sendo 65% do sexo feminino. O excesso de peso foi identificado em 30% dos adolescentes e razão cintura/estatura (RCE) classificada como risco para complicações cardiometabólicas, em 19%. Observou-se HDL-colesterol baixo em 13% da população estudada, seguido da fração não HDL aumentada (11%). Em relação ao consumo alimentar, mais de 30% dos adolescentes relataram não consumir diariamente frutas, verduras ou legumes; mais de 65% relataram consumir alimentos ultraprocessados diariamente e 65% dos adolescentes realizavam, no máximo, três refeições ao dia e mais de 25% não realizavam o café da manhã. Observou-se associação entre RCE e concentrações séricas de triglicerídeos (p=0,040), e do consumo de hambúrguer/embutidos com excesso de peso (p=0,010) e HDL baixo (p=0,012). Conclusão: identificadas alterações no perfil lipídico associadas ao excesso de peso e RCE aumentada, além da associação com consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados na população avaliada.
A vacinação contra a Covid-19 pelo olhar feminino experiente
Authors: Silva José Victor Aragão , Silva Susanne Pinheiro Costa e , Silva Kelaine Pereira Aprigio , Félix Rosas de Vasconcelos Emília Carolina
Published: January 2025

Durante a pandemia causada pelo SARS-CoV-2, a conjuntura social engajou discussões na tentativa de redigir quais práticas estariam comprometidas com a integridade da vida humana. Por corresponderem à faixa etária que mais padeceu devido às complicações da Covid-19, as longevas puderam simbolizar dimensionamentos inerentes ao principal mecanismo de combate ao vírus por meio da interação na comunidade. Portanto, buscou-se compreender as representações sociais de idosas participantes de grupos de convivência acerca da vacinação contra a Covid-19. Assim, este texto trata de um estudo descritivo-exploratório, de abordagem qualitativa, no qual participaram 26 idosas cadastradas em Unidades de Saúde da Família (USF) de João Pessoa/PB. Foram aplicadas entrevistas grupais cujo conteúdo foi gravado e transcrito, sendo processado pelo software Iramuteq. Os resultados mostraram dois eixos discursivos onde a vacina significou um instrumento de seguridade social para reestabelecer a normalidade do cotidiano, como também foi considerada provedora de questões sociopolíticas, essencialmente no que tange ao âmbito informacional e à governabilidade na saúde.
Comunicação em saúde para enfermeiros/enfermeiras da Atenção Primária à luz do agir comunicativo
Authors: Moreira Kellen Campos Castro , Condeles Pedro César , Paula Fabiana Fernandes Silva de , Sousa Rosane Aparecida de , Goulart Bethania Ferreira
Published: January 2025

O artigo visa a explorar significados de comunicação em saúde para enfermeiros/as da Atenção Primária à Saúde, em um município do Triângulo Mineiro. Este é um estudo qualitativo, exploratório e descritivo, utilizou-se entrevistas com 29 enfermeiros/as da Estratégia Saúde da Família, gravadas em áudio, transcritas integralmente, analisadas seguindo referencial da Análise de Conteúdo. Identificaram-se duas categorias: a comunicação em saúde como tecnologia leve na atuação com usuários e a comunicação em saúde como elemento para o trabalho multiprofissional e intersetorial. Na primeira, tem-se a referida comunicação como repasse de informação, voltada ao entendimento do usuário sobre procedimentos e tratamento, e assistência à saúde. Na perspectiva do entendimento, aproxima-se do agir comunicativo por meio da linguagem, ainda que a lógica preventiva/curativa seja hegemônica no cotidiano e outros elementos sejam necessários. Na segunda, tem-se uma dimensão da comunicação no trabalho multiprofissional e revelou-se convergente com o agir comunicativo, concretizando-se pela parceria/busca pelo entendimento/integração e solidariedade. O agir comunicativo possibilita aproximação e avanços à prática comunicativa em saúde, visto que pretende impulsionar novos modos de pensar, agir e se comunicar livremente, por meio de interações mais dialógicas, participativas e igualitárias. Destaca-se a necessidade de progresso rumo à salutogênese e à promoção da saúde.
As armadilhas para a profissão docente quando professora é “tia”
Authors: Garnica Tamyris Proença Bonilha , Lima Luciana Aparecida de
Published: January 2025

O presente trabalho visa compreender as representações sociais das professoras que atuam na educação infantil e no ensino fundamental sobre a profissão e as razões que as levam a se autointitular “tia” ou recusarem o uso do termo. Trata-se de um estudo bibliográfico em que foram selecionados livros, teses e artigos a partir de temas como: as representações sociais da docência, a identidade do professor, valorização docente, profissionalização do magistério, relações de gênero e docência. A pesquisa foi embasada, portanto, a partir de aportes teóricos desenvolvidos por autores da área, a exemplo de Freire (2007), Santos (2010), Rufino (2020), Saviani (2009), e Sousa e Magalhães (2021). Dentre os resultados obtidos, os estudos têm indicado que as representações sociais das professoras são formadas a partir do contexto histórico da profissão, dos grupos e contextos em que vivem, além de questões políticas e econômicas, fatores fundamentais para a formação dos indivíduos e a construção de identidades profissionais. Ao término deste trabalho, é esperado que a abordagem proposta provoque reflexões aos leitores sobre a importância da valorização da profissão docente, sobretudo considerando as questões de gênero e sobre como as professoras poderão se perceber como trabalhadoras que exercem uma função fundamental para o desenvolvimento da sociedade.
Respektuje český zákonodárce princip subsidiarity trestní represe?
Authors: Musil Jan
Published: January 2025

In this article the author expresses the conviction that it is necessary to continue to uphold the principle of subsidiarity of penal repression (other terms used are “the subsidiarity role of criminal law”, “the limitation of criminal law” or “the ultima ratio principle”), no matter how ambiguous the hitherto development of the Czech Republic’s criminal policy may have been.
To assess the level of country’s criminal law repressiveness, we especially need to look at the scope of criminalization, i.e. the range of anti- social conduct against which the state applies criminal sanctions. Further elements to be considered are the severity of penal sanctions, the minimum age for criminal liability, the scope of circumstances excluding the illegality of an act, the conditions under which criminal liability of a person expires, the conditions under which criminal penalties are enforced, the rigor of procedural laws and above all the standard of fundamental human rights guarantees applicable during criminal proceedings.
In the author’s view, the tendency towards more repression has prevailed in the draft of the new Czech Penal Code and is manifested mainly through the criminalization of acts that have so far not been considered criminal offences or have only very recently been introduced by amendment to the Penal Code (esp. by increasing the number of the “prematurely completed” offences and the abstract generally- endangering offences). Further, the draft includes longer prison terms and would introduce a lower age limit for criminal liability and more severe sanctions for particularly dangerous recidivists.
The authors expresses serious doubts about this trend and points out its possible negative effects. In the final part the author speaks out for upholding the long-term objective of any modem criminal policy, which is to reintegrate offenders back into society instead of ostracizing them. The means to achieve this objective is the inclusion of offenders into the process of criminal prosecution and sentencing.
Několik zamyšlení nad některými problémy návrhu nového trestního zákona
Authors: Císařová Dagmar
Published: January 2025

Author analyses legal regulations basics of criminal liability and attend to circumstances eliminated irregularity, next analyses statutory text of some delicts and advises form by burglary, shop lifting and stealth and diversion.
Alternativní tresty z pohledu úvah de lege ferenda
Authors: Žatecká Eva , Fryšták Marek
Published: January 2025

The article deals with the activity of Probation and Mediation Service in the Czech Republic. It is aimed to the main problems of the enforcement and sentencing of the community service punishment. The article does not pay the attention only to the legal regulation, but to the main problems concerned with the measurement, extension of the works, consent of the accused, and the organisation of Probation and Mediation Service.
Počítačová kriminalita v osnově trestního zákoníku
Authors: Minárik Tomáš
Published: January 2025

This article deals chiefly with §§ 204–206 of the proposed (2007) Czech Penal Code, which are meant to implement Articles 2–6 of Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest 2001) and Articles 2–4 of Council Framework Decision (2005/222/JHA) on attacks against information systems, into Czech substantive criminal law. The article is critical of the Proposition due to its inconsistency with both of these documents.
Trestná zodpovednosť právnických osôb
Authors: Strémy Tomáš
Published: January 2025

The criminal liability of corporate entity has brought in a lot of questions and tasks whereby the individual problem area is still current and it is necessary to deal with it. The article is focused on recodification of Criminal Code in Slovak Republic, particularly on the criminal liability of corporate entity and on the proposal of code to establish the criminal liability of corporate entity. Furthermore, the author of the article deals with analyse of legal form of criminal liability of corporate entity from the international and domestic aspect. The author has compared the empirical data concerning economic criminal activity registered in Slovak and Czech Republic with the general criminality whereby it is essential to warn of an increase of the criminal activity in Slovak and Czech Republic in comparison with previous years. De Je ferenda, Slovak Republic should establish the criminal liability of corporate entity according to interactional responsibility and trend of the continental legal form.
Early Changes in the Tensile Strength and Morphology of Primary Sutured Skin Wounds in Rats
Authors: Gál Peter , Toporcer T. , Vidinský B. , Mokrý M. , Novotný M. , Kilík R. , Smetana K. , Gál T. , Sabo Ján
Published: January 2025

The specific aim of this study was to measure the TS of rat skin wounds during the first week following surgical injury. Biomechanical and histological data were collected daily (days 1 to 7 following surgery) from separate groups of Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 12) each with two 3 cm long parallel skin incisions on the back. The wounds were immediately closed by four simple sutures. A control group (N = 15) was used to obtain TS measurements of unwounded skin. TS was measured by applying a ramp load until wound separation and estimated by dividing the yield strength by the wound area. The time course of biomechanical recovery followed a step-plateau pattern with the largest increase in TS observed one day after surgery (0 – 1.60 g/cm2). The plateau stage extended from day 1 to 5 (1.60 – 3.88 g/cm2). The final step (day 5–7) indicated a period of rapid rise in wound TS (3.88 – 11.57 g/cm2). Since even on day 7 the mean TS was only 4% of unwounded skin, the wound had to be protected from tensile loads. Histological analysis confirmed that the early changes in TS (day 1) correlated with the fibrin accumulation of the wound edges followed by a plateau stage caused by the tissue proliferation. The rapid increase in wound TS was characterized by cross-linking the incisions with collagen fibres with escalating organization. We conclude that from a biomechanical perspective, sutures can be removed during the “plateau phase”, but the wound must be protected from tensile loads.
Anti-arthritic potential of crude sulfated polysaccharide from marine macroalgae Sargassum ilicifolium (Turner) C. Agardh: Regulation of cytokine cascade
Authors: Ramamoorthi Lavanya , Jeyabalan Srikanth , Sankar Seethalakshmi , Begum M. Yasmin , Duraipandian Chamundeeswari , Sekar Mahendran , Wong Ling Shing , Subramaniyan Vetriselvan
Published: January 2025

Seaweeds have been utilized as food, fodder, fertilizer, and medicine since ancient times; nevertheless, they have received only a little attention. In the current work, we extracted the sulfated polysaccharide from a marine source and investigated its anti-arthritic potential in vivo. The isolated and freeze-dried polysaccharide was tested for acute oral toxicity based on OECD 423. This step was followed by investigations on clinical signs and gross pathological alterations seen. A complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis was used to test the in vivo activity in female Sprague–Dawley rats, which were divided into five groups: (1) normal control, (2) arthritic control, (3) methotrexate treatment (0.1 mg/kg), (4) crude sulfated polysaccharide (CSP) (5 mg/kg), and (5) CSP (10 mg/kg). CSP was from the marine brown algae Sargassum ilicifolium from the Gulf of Mannar. The body weight, paw volume, and biochemical markers (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, urea, and C-reactive protein levels) were also measured for each group coupled with histopathological and immunohistochemistry studies. The acute toxicity investigation indicated that the lethal dose of 50% (LD50) of the polysaccharide was more than 2,000 mg/kg. In addition, animals from the methotrexate and CSP (5 mg/kg, p.o.) groups had a substantial reduction in paw volume compared to other treatment groups. Methotrexate and CSP treatment dramatically decreased the levels of the investigated marker enzymes. Histopathology revealed that low-dose CSP (5 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced the severity of synovitis, panniculitis, liver necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and cortical and paracortical necrotic foci in node, compared to the high dose (10 mg/kg, p.o.). Immunohistochemical studies revealed that CSP (5 mg/kg) significantly inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-2, and CD4 cells. Overall, it can be concluded that a low-dose CSP (5 mg/kg) is an efficient anti-arthritic agent that confers its effects via the cytokine pathway.
PSOP decomposition for EXOR-based synthesis
Authors: Bernasconi Anna , Ciriani Valentina , Cuciniello Gianmarco , Taheri Monfared Asma
Published: January 2025

In the classical CMOS technology, EXOR gates are considered expensive and impractical. Recently, the growing relevance of cryptography-related applications and emerging technologies has revived the interest in EXOR gates. In this contexts, it is therefore important to consider network representations that assume EXOR gates explicitly, since the non-EXOR gates have, in general, a higher cost than EXOR ones. As a result, the widely adopted And-Inverter Graph (AIG) logic networks, have recently evolved into the new XOR-AND Graph (XAG) multi-level logic representation, and the logic synthesis on XAGs mainly aims at reducing the number of AND nodes. In general, we call EXOR-based synthesis the synthesis methods that minimize the non-EXOR gates in a Boolean circuit. Projected Sum Of Product, PSOP, decomposition is an EXOR based technique that can be applied to any Boolean function as a very fast pre-processing step for further minimizing the circuit area in standard logic synthesis. In this paper, we exploit PSOP decomposition in EXOR-based synthesis. The experimental results validate the proposed pre-processing method in EXOR-based synthesis, showing an interesting gain in area, within the same time limit.
Design of high nonlinear photonic crystal fiber for ultrashort pulse laser generation
Authors: Hanoon Reem A. , Abdulhadi Ali H. , Abass Abdulla K.
Published: January 2025

This work demonstrates an optimal design for photonic crystal fiber (PCF) as a saturable absorber with high nonlinearity and low confinement losses. Using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.1 as simulation software, the propagation characteristics of the proposed PCF in terms of effective refractive index, effective mode area, chromatic dispersion, confinement loss, and nonlinearity were successfully simulated and examined in detail. A Finite Element Method (FEM) combined with a Perfectly Matched Layer (PML) absorbing boundary condition was applied to evaluate the PCF structure across a broad wavelength range from 1,000 nm to 2,000 nm. The proposed PCF features five concentric rings of air-filled holes symmetrically arranged in a hexagonal structure, with the silica core doped with a uniform level of concentration of 10 % mol of germanium (Ge). Simulation results indicate a remarkably low confinement loss at a wavelength of 1,550 nm, specifically on the order of 5 × 10−7 (dB/m). Additionally, it reveals a high nonlinearity of 11.2 (1/W.Km) coupled with a simultaneously low negative chromatic dispersion of −14.2 (ps/nm.m). This makes it an excellent candidate for various applications involving advanced nonlinear optical systems. Such findings highlight the possibility of the proposed Ge-PCF as a promising saturable absorber for ultrashort pulse laser generation, offering a viable and practical alternative to traditional saturable absorbers in the mid-infrared region.
Passing Down Local Memories: Generativity and Photo Donations in Preservation Institutions
Authors: Shiozaki Ryo
Published: January 2025

Digital preservation inherently involves multigenerational projects, necessitating consideration of intergenerational justice. However, there have been few discussions about this topic in the field of digital preservation. This study aimed to lay the groundwork for future theoretical research by investigating the concept of generativity proposed by Erikson. It specifically investigates the factors that influence individuals’ willingness to donate personal photographs to preservation institutions, with a particular focus on generativity. The results indicate that, while shared and loss experiences have a greater influence, generativity also has a significant impact on individuals’ attitudes towards photo donation. The results suggest that an intergenerational perspective is indeed applicable and valuable for digital preservation.
Relación costo-beneficio en la implementación de tecnologías productivas en el sistema-vaca becerro
Authors: Torres Aburto Víctor Fernando , Severino Lendechy Víctor Hugo , Gutiérrez Cervantes Adrián , Itza Ortiz Mateo , Espinosa Ortiz Valentín Efrén , Ahuja Aguirre Concepción
Published: January 2025

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la relación costo-beneficio de la implementación de tecnologías productivas en una unidad de producción pecuaria dedicada a la producción de terneros para abastecimiento. Las tecnologías evaluadas fueron: diagnóstico de preñez, evaluación andrológica de toros, suplementación alimentaria y programa sanitario. Los indicadores evaluados fueron: evaluación andrológica, tasa de fertilidad, intervalo entre partos, tasa de natalidad, becerros destetados y costo-beneficio. La evaluación andrológica indicó una mejora en la calidad seminal de los toros. La tasa de fertilidad, tasa de natalidad y becerros destetados se incrementó 33.5±1.3, 33.6±1.3 y 13.8±1.0 %, respectivamente. Se observó reducción en intervalo entre partos de 142.5±12.75 días y se obtuvo una relación costo-beneficio de 1.00. En conclusión, la relación costo beneficio no indicó ganancias. No obstante, la implementación de las tecnologías productivas generó un aumento en las variables productivas y reproductivas, logrando recuperar la inversión realizada durante el estudio.
A Coach's Guide to Velocity-Based Training: Definitions and Diagnostics
Authors: Thompson Steve W. , Fernandes John , Dorrell Harry , Greig Leon , Bishop Chris
Published: January 2025

Velocity-based training (VBT) uses the measurement of velocity to help inform and influence testing, monitoring, programming, autoregulation, and feedback strategies within strength and conditioning (S&C) practice. This review focuses specifically on the definitions and underpinning principles of VBT, as well as load-velocity profiling, while undertaking an in-depth evaluation of the literature and translating this information into practical recommendations for S&C coaches. There is a detailed evaluation of the different ways to construct a load-velocity profile (LVP), providing examples of simplicity, time efficiency, increased accuracy, and optimizing training prescriptions and manipulations. New approaches, such as combining ballistic and nonballistic exercises, and methods of extrapolation have been explored. In addition, this review highlights practical considerations regarding data analysis, specific exercises, statistical modeling, number of loads, and extrapolation methods. A worked example of using LVP data within Excel has also been presented. Finally, there is a focus on 1 repetition maximum prediction, the benefits and challenges of implementing such an approach, and the most appropriate ways of collecting reliable and valid data.
Upinio bebro (Castor fiber) bebraviečių pasiskirstymo luobos ir guntino upėse tyrimas
Authors: Lukošienė Daiva
Published: January 2025

River beaver’s (Castor fiber) lifestyle and ability to survive influence nature ecosystems. Beavers in their living environment raise the water level and thus flood areas of forest and land. This paper analyzes the results obtained from the assessment of river beaver habitats in two rivers with different water discharges. The study to determine the activity of beavers and their impact on the environment was carried out in October-November 2023. Active beaver sites were determined by fresh crawl paths and fresh tree bites. There are two types of beaver biotopes in the territory of north-western Lithuania chosen for the study: large and small natural rivers. The monitoring of beaver sites was carried out by investigating the studied area along Luoba – a large natural river and Guntinas – a small natural river.
The number of beavers hunted in Skuodas district is 3.4% of Lithuania. During the examination, fourteen beaver sites were discovered, which were located in beds of Luoba and Guntinas rivers. There were 60% more beavers in the Guntinas than in Luoba. The average distance between active beaver sites is 279 meters. During the study, after counting the gnawed woody plants near the beaver habitats, the main plants used in beaver’s diet were identified: willow (30%), aspen (21%), and birch (18%).
Acknowledgements
Authors: Journal Engaged Scholar
Published: January 2025

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A Delicate Balance
Authors: Corcoran Jan
Published: January 2025

My art is about my passion and expression of doodling, allowing the inherent ability of a line, a shape, or a colour to give voice to complex dialogue and relation with the painting. I paint to music, all kinds, that brings an intensity and energy that seems to take on a life of it's own within the work. 
Visit my website at https://www.jancorcoran.com.
A study on the effect of teacher play-supporting competency program applying child-teacher relationship training(CTRT)
Authors:   Research Institute for Early Childhood Education - Korea National University of Education, Kang Myoung-Hwa , Yoon Jae-Hui
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study is to develop a child-teacher play interaction program to enhance the play-supporting competence of early childhood teachers and to examine its effects on teacher-child interaction, teaching efficacy, and ego resilience. The participants were 27 classroom teachers and 27 children in their classes from 4 kindergartens in Daegu. Among 27 teachers, 13 teachers and their classes’ 13 children were selected as the experimental group, and 14 teachers and their classes’ 14 children were selected as the control group. Research instruments include teacher-child interaction, teaching efficacy, and ego resilience. Teachers in the experimental group participated in the program, consisting of 10 sessions 10 sessions held once a week. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 21.0 program, and effectiveness was examined through covariate analysis(ranked ANCOVA). The results of the teacher training program are as follows. First, this program is found to increase positive interactions between teachers and children. Second, teaching efficacy is found to be increased by this program. Finally, the teacher training program is also found to increase teachers ego resilience as well. The results of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of a play-supporting competency program in improving teacher’s interactions, teaching efficacy, and ego resilience.
Exploring the experience of a capstone design class that applied PBL (problem-based learning) for early childhood education student
Authors:   Research Institute for Early Childhood Education - Korea National University of Education, Koh Yoon-hee , Kim In-ae
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study is to investigate the classroom experience of early childhood education students through capstone design classes that apply PBL in universities. The research participants were 16 third-year college students from the Department of Early Childhood Education, G University, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and explored their experiences of a capstone design class that applied PBL for a total of 15 weeks from September 1 to December 12, 2023. Interviews, interviews, journals, and reports of research participants were collected and analyzed using the inductive category analysis method. As a result of analyzing the experience of pre-service early childhood teachers in capstone design classes that applied PBL, it was derived into a total of three categories: 'Classes that discover problems and solve them on their own', 'Team cohesion built through conflict', and 'Professors are also team members'. This study is expected to provide meaningful implications as basic data for the design and operation of capstone design courses in the early childhood education department of universities in the future.
Analysis of digital media usage in animations for young children
Authors:   Research Institute for Early Childhood Education - Korea National University of Education, Yu Jeong-in
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study is to explore the messages conveyed about digital media usage within animated content targeted at young children by analyzing depictions of digital media in such animations. The research sample consisted of 43 episodes of children’s animations broadcast on public channels during July 2024, featuring scenes that included digital media use. Data collection involved repeated viewings through official broadcasting websites to meticulously record instances of digital media utilization, which were then systematically analyzed. The findings reveal that animated characters utilized digital media functionally for various purposes, engaged in content creation to express their thoughts and imagination, and participated in creative play that transcended digital and non-digital domains. Additionally, the animations depicted interpersonal communication within digital societies, self-presentation on social networking services (SNS), and critical issues such as safety in digital environments, distinguishing truth from falsehoods, and the risks of over-immersion. Themes such as the convenience of robots alongside their limitations and digital divides were also addressed. This study highlights the potential of children’s animations to provide opportunities for young viewers to comprehend the world and to promote responsible digital citizenship through narratives about digital media usage.
A comprehensive understanding of early childhood teacher’ roles
Authors:   Research Institute for Early Childhood Education - Korea National University of Education, Chae Mi Young
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study is to investigate comprehensive meaning of early childhood teacher’ roles. Research findings reviewing study results on early childhood teacher’ roles are as follows: Firstly, role models were suggested by children educators are different from times. Recently, teacher’ roles to carry out high quality education and reflect demands of education field are added. secondly, early childhood teachers in era of the fourth industrial revolution are fostering children’s creative and critical thinking, supporting self-directed learning of children. Thirdly, teachers should perform national curriculum in educational institution. There are differences between teachers’ roles in traditional curriculum and recently those in child-centered curriculum. Fourth, parents and young children conceive teachers’ role as a close interaction with children. Fifth, early childhood teachers are awareness of their own main roles as nurturant and instructional roles. Finally, early childhood teacher’ roles of this study are classified with what to do. They are a warm-hearted caregiver, a child-centered curriculum manager to the future, a cooperative education assistant.
The analysis of research trends utilizing grounded theory in the field of early childhood education research
Authors:   Research Institute for Early Childhood Education - Korea National University of Education, Kim Miai , Sim Ji Kyeong
Published: January 2025

This study analyzed trends in domestic research papers utilizing grounded theory in early childhood education and explored their characteristics. A total of 74 papers published in academic journals in the field of education in South Korea were identified and analyzed through searches on Google Scholar, Dbpia, RISS, and the integrated search engine of University A. The study investigated the publication periods, research subjects, and topics of early childhood education studies that utilized grounded theory methodology. Additionally, it analyzed the characteristics of the research methods and how the research findings were presented. Through a review of qualitative research methodologies centered on grounded theory in early childhood education, the study aimed to explore the developmental directions of grounded theory research based on an understanding of paradigms rooted in ontology, epistemology, and methodology. The research findings were discussed as follows:: First, there are notable similarities with studies in other disciplines that utilize grounded theory, particularly in terms of the timing of research growth and the methodological emphasis on data collection through interviews with adult participants. Second, regardless of the research questions, there is a typical tendency to present the data analysis process itself as a key research outcome. Third, grounded theory is frequently employed as a tool for exploring processes. Lastly, the study highlighted the emerging characteristics of constructivist grounded theory in early childhood education research, emphasizing its phenomenological and hermeneutic approach. Based on these findings, the study provided suggestions for applying grounded theory methodology in early childhood education research.
A phenomenological study on the influence of kindergarten internship experiences on occupational identity of chinese preschool education majors
Authors:   Research Institute for Early Childhood Education - Korea National University of Education, Liu Wei , Yoon Mankeun
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the impact of internships on shaping the occupational identity of students majoring in preschool education, utilizing a phenomenological approach. Data were collected through interviews with six current students and six graduates from the preschool education program at Y University in China. The data were analyzed using Giorgi's phenomenological analysis method, resulting in 423 meaning units, 62 subordinate elements, and 27 overarching categories, which were synthesized into six key themes. These themes include: constructing an occupational self-portrait, achieving a sense of belonging and identity within the occupational group, validating and refining occupational perceptions, developing occupational emotions and attitudes, building occupational resilience, and clarifying career choices and plans. The findings highlight the significance of kindergarten internships for Chinese students majoring in early childhood education, emphasizing their value in practical implementation and resource investment.