bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DIGITAL FINANCIAL ASSETS AS A NEW TYPE OF DIGITAL RIGHTS
Authors:   Perm State University, Akinfieva V. V.
Published: December 2023

Abstract: the article is devoted to a new type of digital rights – digital financial assets that have recently received a positive interpretation in the norms of Russian private law as a result of the adoption of Federal law No. 259-FZ of July 31, 2020 “On digital financial assets, digital currency and on amendments to certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation”. The article describes the evolution of legislative approaches and scientific views on the term “digital financial assets”. The “reference point” is taken as a known date-March 20, 2018. – date of submission of the Draft Federal law No. 419059-7 “On digital financial assets” to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. The legal definition of the term “digital financial assets” effective from January 1, 2021 is analyzed through the prism of generic characteristics. In conclusion, the main results of the study are formulated in the form of specific conclusions that reflect the author's view of the new institution of civil law.
Neuroscience and Neurocriminology: Methodological Principles of Integration
Authors: Sudakova Tatyana
Published: December 2023

The development of neurosciences determined the emergence of many innovative branches of scientific knowledge, «transformed» the appearance of scientific disciplines of various profiles. Today it is announced that there is a characteristic «neuromolecular style of thinking» among representatives of various sciences. In the criminological context, there is an intensification of development and the quite natural attractiveness of the traditional problem of the ratio of biological and social in criminal behavior. In this area, the neurophysiological basis of research, converged by the use of modern neurotechnologies and the further development of theoretical and methodological principles on the new quality of such research, allows us to take a different look at the existing methodology for assessing the causes and conditions of individual criminal behavior. In the Russian criminological school, these issues received an impetus due to the development of both a foreign doctrine based on extensive empirical material and the formation of its own neuroscientific schools. At the same time, the key problems of neuroscience, despite their revolutionary breakthrough, today do not have generally recognized fundamental solutions in explaining the entire mechanism of activity of the higher functions of the brain and nervous system. At the same time, psychiatric research, including their modern neuroscientific context, is an attempt to prove the unambiguous presence of an organic basis for mental deviations and is related closely to the achieved results in the field of neuroscience. They have great significance for criminology and the further development of integrative knowledge in the field of personal properties of the person who committed the crime. Experts note the ambiguity of existing interpretations of integrative knowledge of psychiatry, accompanying the modern discussion about the possibility of neuroprotection in this scientific field. Neurocriminology and its further potential despite all its independence are thus determined to a large extent by the general context of the existence and development of neuroscience.
Staklo u Dubrovačkoj republici u svjetlu arheoloških nalaza
Authors: Topić Nikolina
Published: December 2023

Monografija „Staklo u Dubrovačkoj Republici“ obuhvaća srednjovjekovni i novovjekovni stakleni materijal iz arheoloških istraživanja na lokalitetima u povijesnoj jezgri Dubrovnika i na dubrovačkom području od 2005. do 2016. godine. Srednjovjekovno i novovjekovno staklo predstavlja vrlo široko područje istraživanja koje sve više postaje predmetom arheološke obrade i u okviru jugoistočne Europe i Balkana. Na dubrovačkom području pronađen je široki spektar staklenih nalaza iz razdoblja srednjeg i novog vijeka, no tek je dio tog materijala u prošlosti prezentiran s arheološkog stajališta. Također je i bogata arhivska građa, koja svjedoči da je staklarstvo bilo jedan od značajnijih zanata u Dubrovačkoj Republici, ukazivala na potrebu za opsežnijom obradom nalaza. Monografija Nikoline Topić po prvi put donosi zajedničke rezultate arheoloških istraživanja i istraživanja arhivske građe o dubrovačkom staklarstvu, koje nadopunjavaju i kemijske analize stakla kombiniranim metodama.
Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Carbon Fiber/Glass Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites Filled with Al2O3 Particles
Authors: KAYKILARLI Cantekin , HAYDAROV Aymurat , KÖSE Duygu , YEPREM Hasibe Aygül
Published: December 2023

In this study, we produced Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) reinforced carbon fiber and glass fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP, GFRP) composites and investigated mechanical and tribological properties. Al2O3 was dispersed in epoxy resin using a mechanical stirrer. The composites are produced via the hand lay-up method and dried at room temperature for 48 hours. The properties of composites were determined via Archimedes’ method, flexural, impact, hardness and wear tests. The highest flexural strength and hardness were found at 946.3 MPa and 48.7 HBA for 3 wt.% Al2O3 reinforced CFRP, respectively. The highest impact strength was observed at 187.4 kJ/m2 for an un-reinforced GFRP composite. The lowest Coefficient of Friction (COF) and wear depth was found 3 wt.% Al2O3 reinforced GFRP composites.
DToL Tissue and Blood Sampling Standard Operating Procedure: Chordata: Vertebrata (general) v1
Authors: Januszczak Inez
Published: December 2023

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) contains guidance on how to sample tissue and blood from Vertebrata specimens submitted to the Darwin Tree of Life (DToL) project. Please note this SOP covers sampling tissue and blood either during an appropriate veterinary procedure or post-mortem. It is applicable if the submitter/centre in question has opportunities to sample tissue from animals that are being either being euthanized for clinical purposes, undergoing veterinary procedures. or eligible biobanked carcasses (storage dependent). This SOP does not cover procedures regarding bio banked, pre - dissected tissue or blood. This SOP is covers animals in general - please refer to the DToL Chordata: Vertebrata: Aves and DToL Chordata: Vertebrata: Fish tissue sampling SOPs for more a more detailed breakdown for those groups. This is version one of this SOP, and may be subject to change in the future.
Assembling MAGs using KBase v1
Authors: Beckley John
Published: December 2023

This protocol describes the steps to run a KBase narrative to assemble MAGs from raw reads.
Indonesian Adaptation of The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ): Psychometric Properties
Authors: Dharmansyah Dhika , Budiana Dian
Published: December 2023

The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was created to assess physical activity in the community. This study aims to explore the use of IPAQ in Indonesia with a psychometric approach and cross-cultural adaptation of Indonesia. Stages of Psychological Evaluation The IPAQ questionnaire began with translating the questionnaire from English to Indonesian, construct assessment by expert judgment, and statistical measurements were carried out to determine the validity and reliability tests. The questionnaire was tested on 25 respondents. The Indonesian version of the IPAQ has a satisfactory criterion validity. A total of 7 question items in the IPAQ were valid. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value was 0.910, and Bartlett's test of sphericity was X2 = 573,434 (df=28, p0.000). The Indonesian version of IPAQ is valid and reliable as a measuring tool for physical activity in Indonesian people.
The Interplay of Parental Financial Behaviour and Financial Literacy and The Moderating Effects of Parental Income
Authors:   People&Global Business Association, j j
Published: December 2023

Purpose: The moderating effect of parental income on parental financial behaviour and financial literacy is increasingly becoming important. The objective of this study was to determine whether the relationship between parental financial behaviour and financial literacy of young adults is moderated by parental income.
Design/methodology/approach: Financial literacy was measured through financial knowledge, financial behaviour, financial attitudes, and financial decision-making. Quantitative research approach was adopted for this study. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data among young adults in South Africa. Moderated regression analysis was used to analyse data. Four hypotheses were tested.
Findings: The results showed that Parental income moderated the relationship of Parental financial behaviour with financial behaviour, financial attitude, and financial decision-making. Furthermore, the results indicated that parental income did not moderate the relationship of Parental financial behaviour and financial knowledge. Therefore, the overall results indicated that the relationship between parental financial behaviour and financial literacy is moderated by parental income.
Research limitations/implications: Due to the low levels of general literacy among the respondents, which negatively affected data collection; some young adults did not understand the questionnaire and withdrew from participating in the study. Furthermore, even though confidentiality and anonymity were guaranteed, respondents were reluctant to participate in the study. They feared exposing their financial position and displayed a lack of trust.
Originality/value: This study is amongst the first to investigate whether the relationship between parental financial behaviour and financial literacy is moderated by parental income. This study concluded by providing recommendations and suggestions for future research.
O DIREITO AO ACESSO À JUSTIÇA NO BRASIL: UM ESTUDO ACERCA DE SUA EVOLUÇÃO NAS CONSTITUIÇÕES BRASILEIRAS
Authors: Silva Souza Roberta Kelly
Published: December 2023

O direito ao acesso à Justiça constitui um dos mais importantes temas do estudo do direito, mas não é possível afirma com precisão quando surgiu tal direito. No entanto, há indícios de preocupação com o acesso à Justiça desde o Código de Hamurabi (séculos XXI a XVII a. C.). No Brasil, surgiu explicitamente pela primeira vez na Constituição de 1946, mas em virtude de movimentos por parte dos políticos e governantes tal direito não era exercido na prática, existindo apenas no papel. Com a promulgação da “Constituição Cidadã” de 1988, o acesso à justiça foi efetivamente assegurado a todos os brasileiros e residentes no País, em seu artigo 5°, inciso XXXV, como direito fundamental.  O presente estudo teve, portanto, como objetivo geral verificar e analisar a evolução histórica do acesso à Justiça nas Constituições brasileiras. Apesar da previsão constitucional do acesso à justiça, ainda há muito que se fazer para que o povo tenha um acesso digno e efetivo à Justiça, pois com a facilidade do acesso ao Poder Judiciário, o sistema está entrando em colapso, não suportando a quantidade de demandas ajuizadas, necessitando de outros meios para desafogar a crise judiciária, como a criação dos Juizados Especiais.
Brand Communications in TikTok: Thematic and Formats Analysis of Videos of Ukrainian companies
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine, Oltarzhevskyi Dmytro , Popaz Iryna ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: December 2023

The research aims to identify and systematize thematic directions and creative formats of content used in brand communications on the TikTok platform. 112 videos, each receiving more than 1 million views, from 25 Ukrainian companies were selected for analysis. As the study results showed, videos on behalf of brands in TikTok can be conditionally divided into three categories: entertaining, useful tips, and educational. Simultaneously, entertaining videos related to humor, jokes, pranks and coverage of life situations make up more than 90% of all content. In turn, it is possible to single out the most common formats of entertaining videos that companies use for marketing purposes. Among them are sketches, street polls, and challenges that are based on game mechanics and work effectively to attract viewers. The recommendations developed as a result of the research relate to companies’ search for their own star column, which provides the largest number of contacts and interaction with stakeholders, and methods of humanizing content, which ensures the right tone of voice. Comprehensibility, dynamism, and triggering of the video are the essential characteristics that correspond to the algorithms of TikTok promotion, providing viral effects and increasing the number of views and audience engagement indicators. It was concluded that the TikTok platform helps implement the communication strategy of brands aimed at building long-term relationships with stakeholders, creating conditions that contribute to the formation of desired consumer behavior, and can be successfully used as a source of lead generation and organic traffic to stimulate sales.
Artistic and Journalistic Genres on the Pages of Regional Press of Ternopil Region: Analysis of Local Lore Content
Authors:   Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National University, Peleshok Olga
Published: December 2023

The article, based on the analysis of narratives of regional press of Ternopil region at the beginning of the 21st century, clarifies the trends of genre correlation in coverage of local lore topics. Its presentation on the pages of the analyzed newspaper periodicals in artistic and journalistic genres was traced. In the modern conditions, when there is an active transition to digital media, the number of traditional print newspaper periodicals decreases. Regional press belongs to the sources of information that are gaining extra importance nowadays, that requires comprehensive study. The objective of the article is to analyze the genre specifics of artistic and journalistic genres of regional press of Ternopil region at the beginning of the XXI century. The subject of the study is the genre features of local lore content of regional newspapers and their narrative specificities. The empirical basis of the study was the regional newspapers of Ternopil region (“Berezhanske viche”, “Halytskyi visnyk”, “Nova doba”, “Visnyk Nadzbruchchya”, “Kolos”, “Narodne slovo”, “Zborivska dzvinytsia”, “Vilne slovo”, “Dialoh”, “Holos Lanovechchyny”, “Visti Prydnistroviia”, “Homin voli”, “Zemlia Pidhayetska”, “Voliia”, “Podilske slovo”, “Holos narodu”, “Novyny Shumshchyny”) published during the period of 2000‒2015. As a result of the research, a holistic view in the coverage of local lore topics of regional press of Ternopil region at the beginning of the 21st century was formed, and a comprehensive analysis of its artistic and journalistic genres was carried out. It was ascertained that the genre of essay dominates in terms of qualitative indicators (60%) as a tool for comprehensive coverage of the narrative specificity of the local lore texts. It was found that the genre palette of local lore materials was also represented in the regional newspapers by sketches ‒ 37.4% and life stories ‒ 2.6%. It is emphasized that journalistic genres, which acquire a specific representation in the columns of the analyzed newspapers, are adapted to the main functions of regional newspapers. At the same time, under the influence of general trends of development of media space, mutually enriching and intercorrelated processes of genre creation are traced, that is genre transformation.
Richard Steele is a Publicist and Organizer of the English Periodical Print Media
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine, Meleshchenko Olexander
Published: December 2023

The journalistic activity of Richard Steele, the British journalist and educator at the beginning of the 18th century and his role in organization of English print periodicals are considered. He is one of the four leading essayists of that time and competes only with Daniel Defoe, Jonathan Swift and Joseph Addison for the right to be called the founder of English professional journalism. Picking up Defoe‘s idea of creating perhaps the first edition in the world, where the news and the analysis would be combined, as well as Swift‘s idea of a literary mask, on behalf of which the readers can be educated through entertainment, Steele, together with Addison, published the magazine “The Tatler” in 1709 – 1711, which immediately gained popularity in the homeland and the overseas colonies, as well as on the European continent. In 1711 – 1712, the idea of literary masks was perfected and embodied in the pages of the even more popular magazine “The Spectator”. In 1713, the third magazine of the co-founders and the co-authors was published – “The Guardian”, but it was inferior in popularity to the previous editions, especially “The Spectator”. In 1714, this gave reason to Addison to publish independently a continuation of this magazine, which in terms of popularity and circulation ranked third in the English-speaking world after the Bible and the works of W. Shakespeare. Since then, the creative paths of peers, friends and co-authors diverged, each of them published their own editions. And if Defoe and Addison had enough enthusiasm for each of their several projects, then Steele founded and published ten magazines during the different periods of their existence from 1713 to 1720. The political conjuncture, working for the interests of the Whig party and the parliamentary factional activity dictated Steele to have at hand several of his own printed bodies that could be used for one purpose or another. Thus, Richard Steele became an outstanding organizer of the English periodical print media in the first twenty years of the 18th century.
China’s Modern Media Market
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine, Na Rigele
Published: December 2023

The objective of the article is to determine the main trends in development of online media in China. In modern China, as in most developed countries, online media have become the most influential and stable. The relevant literature on the trends in development of Chinese online media and media models driven by algorithms has been systematically reviewed and analyzed. A case study method was used to analyze in detail the working principles of the Toutiao and Douyin algorithms, as well as their economic and political advantages. It is shown that with transformation of China‘s traditional media industry, online media that work under the algorithm model (i.e., as personalized media), and especially the short videos have begun to gain weight as the main force of government propaganda and economic stimulation of consumption. The use of short video accounts is expanding. It is no longer just an exchange of videos from life, but a function of communication between business advertising and online shopping. The personalized media represented by algorithms successfully influence the consumer. But they can lead to cognitive fatigue of the audience, and then can have a negative impact in the long term.
Communications Trends During the War (on the Example of Banking Industry)
Authors:   Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, Kyiv, Ukraine, Levchenko Inna
Published: December 2023

The main objective of the study is to analyze communications of the Ukrainian bank system during the first three months of the war. The review is significant due to the first perspective of communication trends in the sector. For this purpose, we monitored the communication channels of 14 systemically important banks during the first three months of the war. We analyzed and determined the most frequent channel among the banks and the average number of communication channels. We conducted a comparative analysis and determined the financial institutions with the most extensive communication system as well as summarized the trends that communication professionals in financial institutions should pay attention to. We ascertained the leading banks with identical communication channels, including the official website and social media. The average number of communication channels are 5 (the maximum number of channels amounts 7), and Facebook and Instagram constituted the most common one. Currently, the financial institutions test the new kinds of social media, including TikTok, a media for creating short videos. In addition, the video formats in the analyzed financial institutions could be more developed, as evidenced by the small number of videos for the study period. Among the key trends of communications in the banking industry, one should highlight the use of social network Facebook as a leading communication channel, the quantitative superiority of content in social networks compared to the site, the lack of development of video formats, the testing of new social networks and the potential for development of social networks (except Facebook and Instagram).
UNMANNED TRANSPORT AND THE REFORMATTING OF HUMAN NEEDS: NICHE AND EVOLUTIONARY SCENARIOS
Authors: Anokhov I. V.
Published: December 2023

There are quite a few phenomena in human civilisation that could be compared to transport in terms of the scale and irreversibility of their impact on the development of society. The domestication of the horse and the invention of the wheel are rightly regarded as some of mankind’s greatest achievements. The current stage of transport development claims to be a Revolution 2.0: the advent of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GPS) has made it possible not only to locate but also to remotely control unmanned vehicles. In the near future, this could radically change both the transportation system and human life as a whole.

The purpose of the article is to consider niche and evolutionary scenarios for the development of unmanned vehicles. It is proved that unmanned transport involves large scale and very similar transportation of homogeneous products in order to cover higher investment costs through economies of scale. In addition, such transport requires extreme predictability in the entire chain: from the receipt of raw materials to the delivery of the finished product to the end user. The accident intolerance of unmanned vehicles can be solved by creating an isolated transportation system along closed circuits in which there is no room for a person.

The article notes that there is a non-zero probability that unmanned vehicles will not be able to outperform traditional transport in terms of their characteristics and will therefore only operate in certain market niches.
FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN CAPITAL AND SOCIAL-LABOR RELATIONS: THE EXPERIENCE OF SINGAPORE
Authors: Abdurakhmanov K. Kh.
Published: December 2023

The article discusses Singapore’s experience in the formation and development of human capital and social-labor relations. Singapore's successful implementation of policies in the areas of education, health care and the development of social and industrial relations was studied. Among the four major ‘economic tigers’ of East Asia, Singapore is the undisputed leader, as evidenced by key economic indices and ratings. Singapore has steadily improved its economic performance thanks to Lee Kuan Yew’s forward-looking policies and rigorous implementation, and anticipating challenges on many fronts. The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan has identified six key areas of cooperation with Singapore in the near future, which are outlined in the article. There are great prospects for cooperation in the field of education, the development of information and telecommunications technologies, the financial and banking sectors, partnership in the areas of ‘smart nation’ and ‘digital government’ in the field of ‘smart cities,’ digital public services, fintech and artificial intelligence. In this way, Singapore has shown that investment in human capital can pay big dividends, and that nothing is impossible when it comes to technological breakthroughs in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
THE IMPACT OF INNOVATION ON THE COSTS INCURRED BY TRANSPORT COMPANIES
Authors: Orlovtseva O. M. , Gubanova E. V.
Published: December 2023

This article analyses the impact of innovation on the costs of transport companies. In order to carry out the research, the types of innovation in the transport industry and the innovation strategies of transport companies are considered. The case method has been identified as the research method. The analysis concludes that innovation has an impact on both operational performance and shareholder value. Firstly, the value of companies is influenced by innovations related to the purchase of new equipment, the improvement of production indicators and the increase in the quality of services/goods offered.

The main objectives of digital technologies are to improve the control of operational processes, to enhance customer interaction and to reduce costs. Together with the purchase of new equipment, this can be seen as one of the ways of increasing the value of the company.
ASSESSMENT OF CYCLICAL AND STOCHASTIC WIND FLOW TO ENSURE POWER SYSTEM RELIABILITY
Authors: Zubakin V. A. , Yusupov K. N.
Published: December 2023

This article highlights current issues related to the problem of variability of wind power generation, which is becoming increasingly important as wind power’s contribution to the overall energy balance of many countries grows. Various aspects of wind flow volatility, including its random and deterministic components, are considered. The random component is associated with unpredictable changes in wind speed and direction, while the deterministic component is due to known patterns, such as daily and seasonal variations. The article proposes different methods for levelling the stochasticity of wind power flows. This is important for the stability and reliability of the power system, as it reduces the likelihood blackouts and ensures a more even distribution of load. The article also gives examples of the economic and environmental impact of using the proposed methods.
Prevalence Of Children Above 6 Years of Age Undergoing Dental Treatment Under General Anesthesia
Authors: Kowshihan P  , Dr. Lavanya Govindaraju
Published: December 2023

For most children, dental treatments are often completed within the normal dental setting using any of a variety of behavior management techniques. In some cases, special behavior management methods, including general anaesthesia (GA), could also be required to supply optimal dental treatment. The aim of the study is to analyse the prevalence of children undergoing general anesthesia above 6 years. The retrospective study was conducted in a private dental college, Chennai, India. Data has been collected from the records of the children above 6 years of age who were treated under general anesthesia between september 2020 and february 2021. A total of 13 children who have been treated under general anesthesia were included in the study. Data has been collected and following parameters like gender, age groups were tabulated in excel sheet and verified through SPSS software.It  has been found that males were more prevalent than females. Children under 10 years were more prevalent than other age groups. Various studies suggest that children with repeated general anesthesia are more likely at the risk of developing behavioural problems and emotional changes compared to healthy children who were not exposed to general anesthesia .  It has been observed that two or more exposure to general anesthesia  before the age of four were associated with an increased risk of attention problems, cognitive impairment, and learning disabilities, moreover single exposure to the general anesthesia was not associated with learning disability. It is needed to ensure early detection and prompt treatment for these conditions in order to prevent further complications.
Denoising and R-Peak Detection in ECG Signals: A Performance Evaluation
Authors: Poonam Chhabra  , Rosy Madaan
Published: December 2023

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a continuous electrical signal from the heart that is recorded to understand the activity and condition of the heart. A recorded ECG signal always follows a defined pattern for a normal heart condition. Variation in the normal ECG pattern can be seen in cases of numerous cardiac abnormalities. A recorded ECG is also affected by a number of noises and distortions, resulting in a low SNR. A variation in ECG pattern can lead to incorrect study and improper diagnosis of heart condition. Thus, to perform an efficient analysis, it is necessary to preprocess the ECG waveform. ECG preprocessing requires noise removal and analysis of necessary features needed to study cardiac activity. In this paper, ECG preprocessing is evaluated by using two noise removal techniques, i.e., finite and infinite impulse response. After this, the R-peaks are detected using discrete wavelet transform (DWT), maximal optimal DWT, principal component analysis and independent component analysis. A wavelet transform technique is further proposed using Savitzky-Golay filtering and DWT. The results obtained from the proposed methodology represent the best results compared to those of other methods explicated in this paper.
Leading Competencies That Develop The Professional Competence of The Future Applied Decorative Arts Teacher
Authors: Gulyamov Komiljon Makhmudovich
Published: December 2023

This article discusses the concept of “professional competence of a future teachers of applied decorative arts”. The leading competencies and their components, which are part of the professional competence of future teachers of applied decorative arts, have been identified.
Irritability as an important non-specific symptom to evaluate in childhood mental health
Authors: Anduaga Jorge , Flores Filiberto
Published: December 2023

Objective: To examine the symptom irritability reported in Mexican children aged fourto twelve in a series of studies at general practice and in the general population using the Brief Screening and Diagnosis Questionnaire (CBTD for its initials in Spanish) in order to identify probable syndromes and its association with internalizing and externalizing problems. Material and Methods: A combined base of six studies (N=1,881) carried out between 2005 and 2018 was compared with the 1995 population study at Mexico City (N=1,223). The total prevalence of three probable irritability syndromes was obtained for sex and age group. The strength of the association between these irritability syndromes and internalizing and externalizing problems as defined by the CBTD was obtained. Results: Irritability was six to eleven times higher than in 1995, prevailing in the most symptomatic cases. The association with externalizing syndromes was three to four times higher and two to six times higher with internalizing syndromes. Conclusions: The three syndrome definitions seem to adequately address childhood irritability detecting clinically significant cases and those most in need of care.
Early Childhood Education that Promotes Lifelong Learning, Health, and Social Well-being: The Abecedarian Project and its Replications
Authors: Ramey Sharon , Ramey Craig
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The Abecedarian Project was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that tested the effects of 5 years of early education combined with social and health supports on learning and cognitive development in infants from high-risk environments. This article provides a reflective review of its key findings from 50 years along with results from variations also tested in RCTs. Methods: The Abecedarian Project and its replications all used a comparative efficacy RCT design. The Early Education treatment group received systematic early education with pediatric health care, early nutritional enhancement, and family social services while the Health/Social Services comparison group received health and family supports but not the formal early education program. In childhood, key outcomes were cognition and school-age academic achievement; in adulthood, assessments included post-high school educational attainment, employment, income/assets, adult family relationships, brain development, and social decision-making. Results: At all tested ages after 12 months of age, the Abecedarian Early Education was associated with significant benefits in children’s cognitive development, school and educational achievements, and multiple indicators of positive health and indicators of adult social adjustment. Collectively, the major replication studies provide affirmation of the positive impact of high-quality early education, although the breadth and magnitude of benefits vary with the child’s environmental risks and dosage of the early education intervention. Some unexpected long-term associations include enhanced caring and future planning in social decision-making, positive relationships with parents, altered brain structure, and improved cardiovascular health. Conclusions: This series of RCTs improved developmental trajectories of infants born into multi-risk social, economic, and biological life circumstances, thus strongly resolving that human malleability is achievable. The challenge ahead concerns how to effectively disseminate and practically use these findings to realize widespread benefits. We nominate both a guiding conceptual framework to help plan and measure strategic interventions as well as a set of hallmarks associated with successful community implementation of effective child and family programs.
A Cross-Case Analysis on Filial Care Assumption among Filipino Adults
Authors: O. Uy Huemer
Published: December 2023

the Filial Care Theory which states that the older person’s vulnerability stimulates the caring behaviors from the family members. Methods: Through a multiple case study approach using cross-case synthesis, various situations that led five adult Filipino children into assuming filial care duties and the kinds of support involved in the said filial care interaction were explored. Results: It was determined that filial care involves sentience among family members, a desire to sustain the older person, strengthened family support, affinity, solidarity and compassion, and a commitment to return a past favor. Discussion: Filial care is a response to the older person’s needs and limitations. Apart from the older person’s vulnerability, it was deduced that filial care requires both the older persons and their adult children to be emotionally vulnerable towards one another.
TREATMENT OF RECURVATUM KNEE IN A PATIENT WITH CEREBRAL PALSY BY POSTERIOR DISTAL FEMORAL HEMIEPIPHYSIODESIS. A CASE REPORT.
Authors: Montenegro Nei
Published: December 2023

Genu recurvatum is characterized as an hyperextension deformity of the knee in the sagittal plane, with impacts on walking, pelvis tilting and also on ankle’s and foot’s biomechanics. Amongst its causes are conditions like cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, arthrogryposis, tibial tuberosity arrest and syndromes with generalized ligamentous hyperlaxity. Specially in cerebral palsy, factories like hamstrings lengthening and equinus deformity of the foot can produce this knee condition. The treatment methods to correct this deformity are more aggressive to date, such as quadricepsplasty, hamstring tenomyoplasty and femur or tibia osteotomies. We describe here the treatment of a patient with mild hemiparetic hypertonic cerebral palsy GMSCF I, with unilateral genu recurvatum, using a safe and minimally invasive technique with posterior hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal femur, performed with two transphyseal cannulated screws for correction. This technique has great potential for correcting the recurvatum knee in the immature skeleton during growth and can be a good alternative to the more aggressive methods currently used for the treatment of this deformity
Exploring Long Covid: An Unexpected Research Journey in Family Medicine Leading to Translational Research
Authors: Jamoulle Marc
Published: December 2023

In the realm of day-to-day family medicine and general healthcare, where each patient's journey commences and concludes, certain enigmatic occurrences exist. These phenomena, while not yet medically explained, inflict considerable suffering and distress. A family physician chronicles the journey initiated by curiosity, one that weaves together diverse fields of study and evolves into translational research. The pivotal inquiry revolves around comprehending the experiences of individuals whose lives have undergone profound and abrupt alterations, characterized by cognitive challenges and enduring fatigue and pain persisting for months or even years following a Covid infection. To address this question, a research project gradually took shape, with each step contributing to its development. The course of this research, unexpected and groundbreaking, is illuminated in this presentation.
Role of Integrins Involved in Mn2+-Dependent Adhesion to Fibronectin Peptide of Mastocytoma P-815 Cells and Peritoneal Mast Cells
Authors: Okada Yasuyo , Ueyama Kiyomi , Nishikawa Jyun-ichi , Ichikawa Atsushi
Published: December 2023

Mn2+-dependent integrin-mediated adhesion to the extracellular matrix is extensively studied, however, its implication in mast cell biology remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate the role of Mn2+ in promoting adhesion in mouse mastocytoma P-815 cells (P-815) and peritoneal mast cells (PMC) to the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-enriched fibronectin peptide (RGD matrix) within the culture medium. Our findings indicate that Mn2+ induces cell adhesion, with optimal results achieved when P-815 were exposed to 2 mM Mn2+ for 30 min at 37ºC, resulting in approximately 40% cell adhesion to the RGD matrix. The Mn2+-dependent P-815 adhesion was inhibited by anti-integrin α4, β1, and β3 subunit function-blocking antibodies, and by the integrin αIIbβ3 antagonist tirofiban, indicating the involvement of integrins α4β1 and αIIbβ3. Similarly, Mn2+-dependent PMC adhesion to the RGD matrix was inhibited by anti-integrin α4, α5, β1, β3, and β7 subunit function-blocking antibodies and tirofiban, demonstrating the involvement of integrins α4β1, α4β7, α5β1, and αIIbβ3. Integrins α4β1 and αIIbβ3 were consistently involved in Mn2+-induced adhesion reactions in both P-815 and PMC, while integrins α4β7 and α5β1 were specifically implicated in the response to PMC only. The addition of the actin inhibitor cytochalasin D, glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein (GPI-AP) cleaving enzyme phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, and the PKA inhibitor H-89 significantly reduced Mn2+-dependent P-815 adhesion to the RGD matrix. However, adding the myosin II inhibitor brebbistatin and the RhoA inhibitor Y27632 did not produce the same effect. Furthermore, cellular cholesterol removal with 6-O-α-maltosyl-β cyclodextrin significantly diminished Mn2+-dependent P-815 adhesion, concomitant with a decrease in the expression of integrin α4 and β1 subunits on the cell surface.
Assessment of Spinal Motion in Young Adults (15 to 26 Years of Age) Without Spine Deformity Using Inertial Sensor and Manual Measurements
Authors: Verma Yashvi , Knott Patrick , Yung Anthony , Antonacci M Darryl , Betz Randal
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The evaluation of spinal range of motion is paramount in the context of spinal disorders, especially considering emerging surgical techniques focused on motion preservation and circumventing spinal fusion. Manual measurement techniques, which utilize a goniometer and tape measure, demand proficiency to accurately assess spinal motion. This becomes further complicated in patients with spinal deformities. Inertial sensors emerge as a potential clinical solution. By assessing electronic inertial sensor performance in capturing thoracolumbar spinal range of motion, this study evaluates the level of association observed between the range of motion measurements captured by manual and sensor methods. Methods: Participants included 19 healthy young adults (74% female, average age 20 years [range 15-26]) without spinal conditions. Each performed a series of manual spinal motion evaluations quantified using a standard goniometer and a tape measure. Participants repeated the motions with an electronic inertial sensor attached to their C7 spinous process. Each manual and electronic motion sequence was performed three times. Data were analyzed with a Pearson’s correlation to assess congruence between the datasets, and a paired t-test compared the mean values between the two groups to examine the two motion measurement methodologies. Results: Association between the different planes of motion for manual and electronic repeated clinical motions were moderate (r=0.44) to strong (r=0.70). Manual measurements showed similar levels of variation to that of the electronic measurements. Upon comparing the manual and electronic measurement sets through a paired t-test, the mean values exhibited no statistically significant differences. Conclusion: The electronic motion measurements were congruent with manual measurements based on the correlation values and t-tests presented. Thus, inertial sensors can approximate the measurements of manual methods in assessing spinal range of motion. This demonstrates the potential for clinical adaptation of these sensors into spine centers to objectively assess patient outcomes in spinal motion preserved surgeries.
Standardization of HIT Diagnostic Assays, with K070, a chimeric human-mouse antibody, mimicking heparin dependent pathogenic antibodies
Authors: AMIRAL Jean , BOUVEYRON Nicolas , LEGROS Elodie , KOBAYASHI Katsushi
Published: December 2023

This study reports the K070 monoclonal antibody, a human-mouse recombinant chimeric monoclonal antibody, IgG1 isotype, targeted to Heparin and PF4 complexes, which mimics Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia. This antibody has a strong reactivity to Heparin-PF4 complexes, and a much weaker one to PF4 alone. When plasmas spiked with this antibody at concentrations ≥ 0.5 µg/ml are tested at the standard immunoassay dilution, a dose dependent reactivity is obtained. This opens the perspective to use this material to calibrate immunoassays for a quantitative measurement of heparin dependent antibodies, when the disease is suspected. Furthermore, when plasmas are spiked at a higher concentration, from 20 to 200 µg/ml, they test positive in functional assays, like Platelet Aggregation/Activation Tests or Flow Cytometry methods, in presence of a low (0.1-1.0 IU/ml) but not a high (10-100 IU/ml) heparin concentration. In functional assays K070 reactivity level depends on the platelet rich plasmas used. In Platelet Aggregometry Tests some platelet rich plasmas are already positive when tested with plasmas supplemented with 20 µg/ml, whilst others require 100 to 200 µg/ml. At this latter concentration, all tested plasmas generate a strong positive responses with functional assays. K070 is then a useful antibody for calibration of immunoassays and standardization of functional methods used to diagnose Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia.
Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 and Health-Related Quality of Life of Mild Cases an outpatient clinic
Authors: Candido Patrícia , Mendonça Luís , Pereira Paulo , Valente Elisa , Morais Camila , Miranda Michael , Câmara Samuel , Romão Poliana , Higuchi Eunice , Manzano João , Leite Katia , Pimenta Ruan , Srougi Victor , Reis Sabrina
Published: December 2023

Background/aim: The clinical spectrum of COVID-19 infection ranges from asymptomatic infection to deadly and potentially lethal disease. Although some studies have been performed, data on the long-term effects and persistent symptoms after COVID-19 are limited. We aimed to evaluate the long-term effects in an adult population with SARS-CoV-2 infection treated in a patient clinic. Materials and Methods: The study included a random sample of 231 adults (≥18 years) with a positive outpatient test result for SARS-CoV-2 who were not hospitalized. We adapted six quality of life questionnaires already validated. We performed an overall analysis of the frequency of responses and then statistically correlated the frequency of symptoms with gender, age, and presence of comorbidities. Results: The mean age was 40.25 years old, 62.8% were women, who had a higher frequency of various symptoms (p < 0.05). We found a higher frequency of symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 in patients under 40 years: Shortness of breath at rest (p = 0.004), Shortness of breath when walking at your own pace (p = 0.007), Shortness of breath when performing sexual activities (p = 0.047), Tired or low energy (p = 0.002), Difficulty in concentrating (p = 0.047), Heart change even without physical exertion (p = 0.005), Headache (p = 0.007) and Memory problems (p = 0.031). Conclusion: Our study showed that individuals that required no hospitalization might have persistent quality of life symptoms after recovery from COVID-19 infection. Therefore, there is a need for long-term follow-up and rehabilitation strategies for patients should be developed.
Teachers’ Distress Amid COVID-19: Examining the Effects of Job Satisfaction and Efficacy, Confidence in Protective Behaviors, and Virus Anxiety
Authors: Fulkerson Gregory , Thomas Alexander , Kemmerer Kirsten , Scienza Nicole
Published: December 2023

This study examines survey data collected from teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic to understand how they experienced non-specific psychological distress. This analysis focuses on the role of job satisfaction and efficacy, confidence in the use of protective behaviors such as masking, and levels of virus anxiety. In addition, we consider group differences or inequalities between different demographic subpopulations. Results suggest that levels of psychological distress were most highly related to teachers' levels of virus anxiety and to a lesser extent, their levels of job satisfaction and efficacy. While we find some weak support for differences in distress based on race and gender, and for confidence in protective behaviors, these effects are removed when controlling for virus anxiety and job satisfaction and efficacy. We discuss implications that identify possible solutions to mitigate teachers’ distress levels.
Evaluation of antimicrobial properties of conventional poly methyl methacrylate denture base resin materials containing silver doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles against cariogenic bacteria and candida albicans
Authors: PN Savitha , Dayalan Malathi , Choudhary Vikram T
Published: December 2023

The main aim of the study was to find the antimicrobial properties of a poly methyl methacrylate resin (PMMA) which is modified with silver-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles. This research study was done to prove that the incorporation of silver-doped TiO2 nanoparticles improves the antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

The poly methyl methacrylate resin (PMMA) powder was modified using 0 wt%(control) 1wt% and 3wt% silver doped TiO2 nanoparticles Test specimens were prepared of dimensions 5 mm × 5 mm × 2 mm. The antimicrobial properties of the specimens were evaluated by calculating CFU/ml. The obtained values were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal Wallis test, and post-hoc Tukey’s test at a significance level of 5%.

The incorporation of silver-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles into denture base resin improved antimicrobial activity. Compared to 1% and 3% nanoparticle doped, 3% has given better antimicrobial activity calculated using CFU/ml. It is reduced to one-fourth the microbial growth compared to the control group.

The addition of silver-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles to denture base resin is an effective method for antimicrobial and antifungal action.