bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of childhood tuberculosis diagnosis in Ethiopia: A multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Usmael Kedir , Manyazewal Tsegahun , Mohammed Hussen , Yimer Getnet , Oljira Lemessa , Roba Kedir Teji , Hailemariam Tesfahunegn , Adjeme Tigist , Tesfaye Dagmawit , Bisrat Haileleul , Ngadaya Esther , Woldeamanuel Yimtubezinash
Published: December 2023

Background
Children share 12% of the global 10 million people infected with tuberculosis (TB) each year. Closing case detection gap in children remains difficult, with 56% of all children and 65% under-five with TB missed each year. We aimed to assess the patterns of childhood TB diagnosis and underlying determinants in Ethiopia when different TB diagnostic platforms are applied.
Methods
A multi-site, cross-sectional study was carried out in Ethiopia as part of the larger EXIT-TB study - evidence-based multiple focused integrated intensified TB screening package. Outpatient children aged ≤ 15 with cough of any duration seeking care at four healthcare facilities in Ethiopia were enrolled consecutively. Participants underwent sputum Xpert MTB/RIF and/or smear microscopy and posteroanterior chest X-ray (CXR), and their clinical and sociodemographic data were captured using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Stata version 23. Multiple regression model was computed to determine the factors that influence TB case detection, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and p < 0.05 taken as statistically significant.
Results
A total of 438 children were enrolled. Of these, 399 had CXR examination of which 55 (13.8%) were suggestive of TB, 270 had Xpert MTB/RIF testing of which 32 (11.9%) were positive, and AFB smear microscopy was done for 51 children of which 2 (3.9%) were positive. Febrile children were more likely to be diagnosed with pulmonary TB than those without fever [aPR = 1.3, 95% CI (1.1–1.4)], and those with a TB contact history were more likely to be diagnosed with pulmonary TB than those with no such contacts [aPR = 1.2, 95% CI (1.1–1.3)]. Children from rural residences were more likely to be diagnosed with TB than those from urban residences [aPR = 1.3, 95% CI (1.1–1.5)].
Conclusion
The findings showed that clinical diagnosis remains an important method of TB diagnosis in children and the preferred choice to avert underdiagnosis. A more sensitive TB diagnostic method for children was symptom screening, followed by CXR and Xpert MTB/RIF assay or smear microscopy. Hence, an algorithm that combines clinical, CXR, and microbiological confirmatory tests can improve the rate of pulmonary TB diagnosis in children till more accurate and cost-effective diagnostic tools are accessible. Fever, weight loss, and TB contact history are highly associated with TB positivity rates in children.
Effects on major edaphic properties across various contexts: light drought vs. extreme drought
Authors: Meng Yu , Qiu Bing , Yu Zhilei , Yang Meijian , Xu Yingjun , Weng Baisha , Yan Denghua
Published: December 2023

Under climate change, there is a drastic increase in the frequency of drought events, which significantly impacts the biogeochemical processes in regional soil. However, the specific patterns of how different drought intensities affect the physicochemical and biological properties of soil remain unclear. Therefore, this study is based on the utilization of meta-analysis to investigate the impact patterns of drought, light drought, and extreme drought on crucial physicochemical and biological properties of soil under different conditions (soil depth, rhizosphere, experimental conditions, and land use types). The results indicate that: (1) During extreme drought, the variation in soil water content follows the pattern: surface (0-15cm) soil > shallow (15-45cm) soil, rhizosphere > non-rhizosphere, potted soil > field soil, cropland > grassland > forest. On the other hand, during light drought, the pattern is: surface (0-15cm) soil < shallow (15-45cm) soil, rhizosphere < non-rhizosphere, potted soil < field soil, cropland < forest < grassland. (2) Soil C:N ratio decreases during light drought, while soil AP (available phosphorus) and BG (β-1,4 glucosidase activity) activities decrease or are reduced during extreme drought. In terms of soil chemical properties under different conditions, extreme drought increases pH and MBC:MBN in shallow soil, non-rhizosphere, field soil, grassland, and forestland. Light drought decreases C:N ratio and BG activity in shallow soil, non-rhizosphere, field soil, and forest. (3) Extreme drought and light drought significantly decrease F:B (Fungal:Bacteria) ratio in shallow soil (15-45cm) by 119.6% and 217.4% respectively. They also increase F:B ratio in forestland and non-rhizosphere soil by 161.5% and 91.5% in the case of forestland, and 161.4% and 86.5% in the case of non-rhizosphere soil. Light drought significantly increases soil microbial diversity (Shannon index increase by 2.7%), while extreme drought significantly decreases soil microbial diversity (Shannon index decrease by 7.6%). This study contributes to the understanding of the impact of extreme drought and other drought events on regional soil ecosystems and provides scientific support for identifying the mechanisms through which extreme hydrological events affect soil biogeochemical processes. These findings are important for soil management and ecological conservation.
Selective Antimicrobial Effects of an Herbal Compound Rinse Against Multi-species Oral Biofilms
Authors: Tsai Yi-Wen C. , Siddiqui Danyal A. , Kotsakis Georgios A.
Published: December 2023

Background:
The growing utilization of oral rinses in dental and periodontal care has prompted the need for innovative products with selective antibacterial properties. This study evaluates the efficacy of an herbal compound rinse (StellaLife VEGA Oral Rinse, StellaLife Inc, IL) containing plant attenuations and propolis, in comparison to conventional antimicrobial oral rinses.
Materials and Methods:
Streptoccoccus oralis, Streptococcus gordonii DL1, Veillonella parvula, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Porphyromonas gingivalis were cultured and treated with StellaLife VEGA Oral Rinse (SL), 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX), and Listerine Cool Mint mouthwash. Planktonic bacterial growth was assessed through optical density measurements (OD600), and colony forming units (CFU) counts. A clinical ex vivo multi-species biofilm was used to evaluate antibiofilm effects through fluorescence biofilm tracking.
Results:
SL significantly inhibited the growth of F. nucleatum 12 hours after treatment and P. gingivalis 96 hours after treatment, while exhibiting lower toxicity toward commensal bacteria such as S. oralis, S. gordonii, and V. parvula compared to LIS or CHX. In the clinical ex vivo biofilm, StellaLife, CHX, and Listerine all showed significant antibiofilm effects, disrupting biofilm structure and reducing bacteria viability.
Conclusions:
SL’s selective action on oral bacteria, targeting pathogens while preserving commensal microbes, holds promise for selective preservation of eubiotic biofilms. This study demonstrates the potential of this herbal compound rinse as an effective aid to selectively combat particularly against periodontal pathogens. Additional clinical studies are warranted to validate these findings and explore their broader applications in oral health.
Post contrast three dimensional MP RAGE T1WI sequence compared to brain MRV (TOF study) in diagnosing brain sinus venous thrombosis
Authors: banihani maysoon , malabeh Qamar , shawaqfeh jameel , khawaldeh maher , AlHazaimeh Mohammad
Published: December 2023

Aim : To compare the accuracy of MRV TOF and post contrast MP-RAGE sequences in diagnosis of cerebral sinus venous thrombosis .
Methods and materials : After all informed consents were obtained and upon ethical committee approval from the ethical committee in Joradanian Royal medical services in Amman we perform this study as a retrospective study done on 50 patients with cerebral sinus venous thrombosis with 50 pateints control group done at king Hussein medical center in Amman Jordan . The guidelines and regulations of studies conducted in Royal medical services were followed . 68 females and 32 males with age range between 19 and 52 years All patients underwent brain MRI for evaluation of cerebral sinus thrombosis , all studies were done on seimens skyra 3 tesla machine with standardized protocol including 2 D TOF MRV , axial T2WI , axial FLAIR , Axial T1 , SWI and diffusion weighted images along with 3D MP-RAGE post contrast . Images were reviewed by two well experienced neuroradiologists ( Maysoon and Qamar ) in separate sessions , each MRI sequence was reported separately without knowing patients name or clinical history . The results for T2 WI , SWI , MRV TOF and MP-RAGE post contrast were reported . We used a confidence level score to standardize the results Then the results were analyzed using simple statistical methods .
Validity of ultrasound as a surrogate marker of serum inflammatory cytokines after tocilizumab introduction in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Ogasawara Michihiro , Minowa Kentaro , Goh Murayama , Yuko Matsuki-Muramoto , Toshio Kawamoto , Ken Yamaji , Tamura Naoto
Published: December 2023

Background
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by persistent synovitis, which is evaluated using ultrasound. Ultrasound-based global assessment of the joints is correlated with serum cytokine levels. This correlation was validated in cross-sectional but not in prospective studies. We aimed to verify this validity in a prospective study of RA patients treated with the interleukin (IL)-6 receptor inhibitor tocilizumab.
Methods
Twenty-four consecutive RA patients started on tocilizumab treatment were prospectively enrolled. Serum levels of 27 cytokines/chemokines were measured using a multiplex immunoassay (Bio-Plex assay). Clinical examination and comprehensive ultrasound assessment of joints were conducted at baseline and 24 weeks.
Results
Clinical and ultrasound global scores showed significant improvements at 24 weeks (Disease Activity Score 28-joint count-erythrocyte sedimentation rate: p = 0.001, ultrasound power Doppler global score with 40 joints [PD40]: p = 0.028); however, there was no significant improvement in the inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6: p = 0.93, vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]: p = 0.79, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]: p = 0.85). Before tocilizumab introduction, PD40 showed a significant correlation with multiple serum cytokines, including IL-6 (r = 0.584, p = 0.045), VEGF (r = 0.582, p = 0.047), TNF-α (r = 0.695, p = 0.012), and interferon gamma-induced protein-10 [IP-10] (r = 0.827, p = 0.001); this correlation was lost after 24 weeks. IL-6-associated cytokines (IL-8, IP-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1a) and growth factors (VEGF, platelet-derived growth factor-bb, fibroblast growth factor-basic) altered > 50% of the correlated partner-cytokines after tocilizumab introduction.
Conclusions
The ultrasound global score is not a reliable surrogate marker of multiple inflammatory cytokine statuses during tocilizumab treatment. Thus, it should not be a rationale to determine tocilizumab discontinuation in RA patients.
The relations between extractives and ash contents, annual rings width, share of latewood and hydrogen phosphate and sulphate anions concentrations in the wood and bark of the Pinus sylvestris L. stem
Authors: Krutul Donata , Antczak Andrzej , Marchwicka Monika , Radomski Andrzej , Drożdżek Michał , Zawadzki Janusz
Published: December 2023

Extractives and ash contents, share of latewood and annual rings width were analyzed in wood at different heights and different zones of the Pinus sylvestris L. stem cross-section. Additionally, the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a conductometric detector was applied to determine the sulphate (SO42−) and hydrogen phosphate (HPO42−) anions concentrations in wood and bark of Pinus sylvestris L. stem. Our results showed that the higher share of latewood in annual rings the lower ash and extractives contents in the wood, but the higher sulphate (SO42−) and hydrogen phosphate (HPO42−) anions concentration. The sulphate (SO42−) and hydrogen phosphate (HPO42−) anions concentrations in the bark of the Pinus sylvestris L. stem were higher at the top than at the butt-end part.
Mechanical and vibrational behaviors of bilayer hexagonal boron nitride in different stacking modes
Authors: Zhao Demin , Fang Kexin , Lian Zhilong
Published: December 2023

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is a semiconductor material with a wide band gap, which has great potential to serve as a nanoresonators in microelectronics and mass and force sensing fields. This paper investigates the mechanical properties and natural frequencies of bilayer h-BN nanosheets under five different stacking modes, which have been rarely studied, using molecular dynamics simulations. The mechanical properties, including Young's modulus, the ultimate stress, ultimate strain, Poisson's ratio and shear modulus, are studied for all five stacking modes. And the effects of strain rate, crystal orientation and temperature to bilayer h-BN nanosheets’ tensile properties have also been studied. Our findings suggest that bilayer h-BN nanosheets are basically an anisotropic material whose tensile properties vary substantially with stacking modes and temperature. Moreover, the natural frequencies are proposed in an explicit form based on the nonlocal theory. The differences of the fundamental natural frequencies among different stacking modes are affected by the constraint condition of bilayer h-BN sheet. The theory results match well with the simulation results. These findings establish elementary understandings of the mechanical behavior and vibration character of bilayer h-BN nanosheets under five different stacking modes, which could benefit its application in advanced nanodevices.
Study protocol: investigation of the current situation and influencing factors of metabolic syndrome in the adult population of Guizhou Province, China - A cross-sectional study
Authors: Huang Yu , Mo Qian , Xu Li , Li Lin , Zhou Jie , Dai Yuan-hua , Wu Xian-ming , Lan Cai-hong , Liu Tao , Yang Shuo
Published: December 2023

Background
Metabolic syndrome (MS) has become a public health issue of common concern and urgent need to be solved all over the world. Guizhou Province is located in southwestern China, and because of its unique climate conditions, geographic location, dietary habits, and differences in living habits among ethnic groups, there is a unique distribution of risk factors for MS. The study protocol is designed to investigate the prevalence and related influencing factors of MS among adult residents of Guizhou Province, and to construct a non-invasive risk assessment model for the onset of MS on the basis of risk factors. Additionally, the study will explore the dose–response relationship between different obesity indicators and MS.
Methods
This cross-sectional study will employ a comprehensive and multi-modal recruitment approach to recruit adult residents residing in various cities, counties, and township communities in Guizhou Province who understand written Chinese. During the 16-month survey period, at least 6,435 survey participants will be recruited. The questionnaire data will include personal history, disease history, personal lifestyle habits, blood biochemical indicators, and anthropometry. The dietary data questionnaire design will refer to the Chinese Food Composition List. Data will be collected using a project-based, multidimensional, self-management tool. Statistical analysis will use descriptive analysis methods to study the incidence and prevalence of MS. Logistic regression analysis and linear regression analysis will explore the correlation between various factors and MS, and a non-invasive risk assessment model for MS will be constructed through logistic regression analysis. And the dose-response relationship between BMI, other obesity indicators, and MS risk was analyzed by restricted cubic spline (RCS) fitting regression.
Discussion
The study protocol is intended to update the prevalence and related influencing factors of MS in Guizhou Province over the past decade. Unlike previous studies, we will explore the relationship between dietary patterns and metabolic health, which is crucial for future nutritional recommendations. Additionally, we will conduct in-depth research on the dose–response relationship between different obesity indicators and MS. This will not only provide key data for understanding obesity in Guizhou Province, but also will provide scientific support for our other research.
Is it ethical to reimburse “SMA Innovative Treatments” from government resources?
Authors: Yaftian Fateme , Mobinizadeh Mohammadreza , Olyaeemanesh Alireza , Mohamadi Efat
Published: December 2023

Background
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic disorder that disturbs the quality of life. This paper aims to gather current understanding of safety, efficacy and economic aspects of common SMA treatments to help Iranian policy-makers to adopt such novel treatments for this vulnerable population.
Methods
This is a rapid health technology assessment (HTA) research that was conducted in four steps: database review, screening, data extraction, and thematic analysis. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies focused on assessing medical interventions’ safety, efficacy and economic aspects in SMA patients compared to those who did not receive such interventions.
Results
Based on current data Nusinersen was found to be most effective (increased mobility achievements in SMA type 1 and 2) with the least side effects for SMA types 1 and 2. In terms of economic evaluations, all treatments were found to be not cost effective.
Conclusions
The decision regarding the reimbursement for such medical drugs must not focus on their cost-effectiveness but rather on creating access to such essential care and meeting patient needs and also national budget limitations. Managed Entry Agreements (MEAs) are flexible tools that can be used by service providers or payers to negotiate and reduce the financial burden for patients and payers.
Is Business Cycle Gender Neutral? An Analysis of Aggregate and Sectoral Working Hours in Canadian Economy
Authors: Trofimov Ivan D.
Published: December 2023

The paper conducts an empirical investigation into the cyclical dynamics of hours worked at the aggregate and sectoral level in Canada during the 01/1997–09/2002 period, using the non-linear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model. The focus of the paper is on three issues - the specific responses of hours worked to positive and negative shocks on the part of GDP, the presence of asymmetries, and the systemic differences in hours worked response between the genders (males, females and the aggregate category). The results confirm cyclicality of hours worked in all sectors and both genders. The short- or long-term cyclical asymmetry was not common (with certain exceptions) in most sectors and for both genders. The shedding of female labour during recession was not a characteristic of most sectors and the aggregate economy. Between the genders, there were no systemic differences in the signs of responses in hours worked, except for the two sectors traditionally dominated by male labour and for the aggregate economy that is characterised by growing importance of the services sectors (many of which are intensive in female labour).
Exploring Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathways in Apostichopus japonicus Under Heat Stress Based on Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Yang Yu , Lu Lixin , Li Siyi , Xie Rubiao , Zou Ange , Zhang Jianwei , Zhang Shuqing , Yang Jianmin , Sun Guohua
Published: December 2023

Background
High summer temperatures caused by changes in the global environment have significant impacts on marine organisms. The sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is a representative marine benthic organism and an economically important shallow-sea aquaculture species in China, and thus it is necessary to explore its response to environmental heat stress.
Results
Endoplasmic reticulum stress is an important regulatory strategy for organisms to respond to changes in the environment, and thus we analyzed the histology, ultrastructure, and transcriptome of the digestive tract of A. japonicus at three temperatures: normal (18°C), summer dormant (25°C), and lethal (32°C). Histological and ultrastructural results showed that heat stress caused morphological changes in the digestive tract of A. japonicus and inflicted alterations and damage to the endoplasmic reticulum of the enterocytes. Totals of 603 and 4615 differentially expressed genes were identified by transcriptome sequencing in the T25-vs-T18 and the T32-vs-T25 group comparisons, respectively. The GO results showed that DEGs in both group comparisons were significantly enriched in protein folding, chaperonin-mediated protein folding, and other protein-related GO terms. Also, KEGG enrichment analysis showed that both groups activated the pathway of protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum and induced the endoplasmic reticulum stress response. The endoplasmic reticulum molecular chaperones, including BiP, GRP94, and Hsp70, were all up-regulated in expression. At 32°C, in addition to the above endoplasmic reticulum molecular chaperones, the endoplasmic reticulum molecular receptors PERK, TRAF2, and XBP, which are downstream of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the unfolded protein response, were also up-regulated.
Conclusions
This study has characterized the internal molecular regulatory process of A. japonicus under heat stress from the perspective of endoplasmic reticulum stress and provides clues regarding the mechanisms behind homeostatic regulation in invertebrates under stress from the environment.
Experimental observation of real spectra in Parity-Time symmetric ZRC dimers with positive and negative frequencies
Authors: Tabeu Stéphane Boris , Fotsa-Ngaffo Fernande , Shouno Kazuhiro , Kenfack-Jiotsa Aurélien
Published: December 2023

We present in this work the first experimental observation of oscillations in Parity-Time symmetric ZRC electronic dimers. The system obtained is of first order ordinary differential equation due to the use of imaginary resistors. The coupled cells must share the same type of frequency: positive or negative. We observed the real and imaginary parts of the voltage across the components of a ZRC cell. Exceptional points are well identified. This work may be very useful in the generation of new type of oscillators. It can also be used in the design of new optoelectronic devices for major applications in the transport of information and the mimics of two-level systems for quantum computing.
Anonymous Lightweight and Secure Authentication Schemefor IoT-Enabled Smart Homes
Authors: Sharma Neha , Dhiman Pankaj Dhiman
Published: December 2023

The popularity of the IoT has recently increased due to the proliferation of IoT applications in various industries. Users can remotely access and control IoT appliances and devices from anywhere. Distributed IoT devices and smart environments have limited computing power. The attacker communicates through an open channel with the smart home environment. However, the secure access and privacy of smart devices are also a big challenge in smart home IoT (SH-IoT) networks. Robust and lightweight authentication protocols are required in SH-IoT environments to ensure security. In this paper, we propose a Secure Authenticated Scheme for Smart Home (SASSH) for smart home networks to provide secure communication. Moreover, this paper also provides an informal and formal analysis of the proposed scheme. The simulation analysis of the proposed scheme is done for validation usingthe AVISPA tool to determine whether it is secure. Our proposed scheme, which utilizes the AVISPAtool and RoR model, demonstrates high functionality, computational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Vibration damping through Natural Rubber and NBR Rubber
Authors: J Shreehari
Published: December 2023

We have carried Manufacturing of NBR and Natural rubber and performed DMA testing of NBR rubber. Comparing the DMA testing proves NBR rubber is better suitable damper in room temperature and Natural rubber in below zero degree conditions. We reused foam having characteristic properties of insulation, acoustic damping and a made a rubber-foam sandwich design. Compression strength testing, density, thermal stability testing were carried out on solid foam and hollow foam.
Slavery in the Roman Central Balkans
Authors: Mihajlović Vladimir
Published: December 2023

The paper reviews previous studies of slavery in the Central Balkan provinces concluding that the issue was marginal and has received very limited research attention. It also attempts to outline possible future directions for investigating archaeological evidence suggestive of an enslaved population. First, it explores funerary contexts that indicate the interments of slaves in a few urban necropolises, aiming to stimulate further discussion of similar cases. Similarly, the paper revises several architectural examples that may have been associated with slaves, mostly from imperial estates and residences, but also from one fortified metallurgical complex. Although the views expressed here are hypothetical and tentative, the purpose of the paper is to emphasize the importance of keeping the topic open and trying to improve our analytical and methodological tools for dealing with it.
Analysis of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes by microsatellite loci of the QTL-hotspot-­region associated with drought tolerance
Authors: Volkova N. E. , Slishchuk G. I. , Zakharova O. O. , Marchenko T. Yu. , Sichkar V. I. , Vozhehova R. A.
Published: December 2023

Purpose. To determine the polymorphism of microsa­tellite loci of the QTL-hotspot-region of linkage group 4, associated with drought tolerance in Ukrainian chickpea varieties. Methods. Extraction and purification of DNA from seedlings using the CTAB method; polymerase chain reaction; horizontal gel electrophoresis; determination of the size of amplification products using the “Image J” prog­ram. Results. Allelic combinations of microsatellite loci ICCM0249, NCPGR127, TAA170, NCPGR21, TA130, STMS11 of the QTL­hotspot­region of linkage group 4 of the chickpea genome were established. It was found that the loci STMS11, NCPGR127, NCPGR21 were not polymorphic within the sample of varieties analyzed, one allele was detected for each locus; two alleles were detected for the loci ICCM0249 and TAA170 and three alleles for the locus TAA130, indica­ting their polymorphism. Conclusions. Microsatellite loci STMS11, NCPGR127, NCPGR21 are non­polymorphic in seven Ukrainian chickpea varieties. Three loci are polymorphic with two alleles for ICCM0249 and TAA170 and three alleles for TAA130. According to the analysis of chickpea varie­ties, five types of allelic combinations of microsatellite loci ICCM0249, NCPGR127, TAA170, NCPGR21, TA130, STMS11 were established. An allele of 185 bp unique to the sample of cultivars studied was identified in the variety ‘Pamiat’
Time gap of the impact of risk insurance, life insurance and reinsurance on social progress: The case of Ukraine
Authors: Užík Ján , Yeremenko Olha , Sidelnyk Natalia , Koriahinа Tetyana , Mormul Mykola
Published: December 2023

The paper examines, using the example of Ukraine from 2003 to 2020, how and to what extent the development of various segments of the insurance market (risk insurance, life insurance, and reinsurance) influences the overall level of social progress. It also identifies the time gaps through which this influence manifests. The study creates a single measure that looks at various aspects such as social class differences, spending patterns, income changes, and government social spending (their standardized values, weighed by the principal component method, integrated through additive convolution). Using VAR modeling, the impact of the development indicators of different segments of the insurance market (risk insurance, life insurance, and reinsurance) at the current moment and with lags of one, two, and three years is investigated, as well as the level of social progress in Ukraine in previous years. The modeling confirms that social reforms yield significant results for social progress only after three years, similarly to the increase in the number of insurance companies. Given insurers’ assets and payout levels, their growth in life insurance has a faster impact on social progress than in risk, while the opposite is true for premiums. Insurance premiums transferred to Ukrainian reinsurers negatively and slowly (over three years) affect social progress, and to non-resident reinsurers – positively and faster (within a year). Across most indicators, life insurance not only influences Ukraine’s social progress more quickly than others but also provides a more substantial social effect.
The tropical version of El Gamal Encryption
Authors: Muanalifah Any , Isnawati Ayus Riana , Artes Jr. Rosalio , Nurwan Nurwan
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we consider the new version of tropical cryptography protocol, i.e the tropical version of El Gamal encryption.  We follow the ideas and modify the clasical El Gamal encryption using tropical matrices and matrix power in tropical algebra. Then we also provide a toy example for the reader’s understanding.
The personal spiritual path of A. S. Pushkin in the light of the concept of the Catholicity of the Russian world
Authors:   St. Nicholas Theological Seminary in Ugresha, (Zinkovskiy) Hegumen Methody ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: December 2023

The article examines the personal spiritual path of A. S. Pushkin from immature youthful fascination by liberal views to a more balanced and moderately conservative sound worldview. The author traces indirect influence of the ideology of catholicity in general, and in particular of the ideas of catholicity of the Russian world, upon the dynamics of the poet’s views. The ideology of the catholicity of the Russian world is based on the Gospel ideals of serving others in the image of Christ and in the Christian notion of catholicity, where each member of the assembly is in the service of everyone else in its circle. Those who occupy leading places in this catholic being carry out a greater service, according to the word of Christ: “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Mt 23:11). Being happily gifted with a visionary mind, A. S. Pushkin caught the main malignant phenomenon of the modern “higher” society, which broke the internal connection with the people and towered over them. The spiritual development of Pushkin was influenced by a number of people from different classes of Russian society, who subtly and gradually helped the poet to change the vector of his thinking. The Russian language also played a significant role in the development of Pushkin, bearing in itself the spirit of catholicity, the spirit of ministry. The idea of sacrificial service permeates the entire work of A. S. Pushkin, being imprinted in various images and characters.
Ensuring climate resilience in Central Asia through the establishment of a water management education program
Authors: Adamkulova Chinara , Aitbaev Zhorobai
Published: December 2023

This article is devoted to the issues of sustainable development in the Central Asia region. The authors have performed an analysis of the state of rational use of water resources. Ensuring climate resilience in water management in Central Asia is a critical challenge in today's world. This problem is of interest in connection with its possible impact on the sustainable development of the region. The purpose of this work is to analyze the current state of the rational use of water resources in Central Asia to identify ways to optimize their management. The study used a qualitative and quantitative analysis of data on water use collected from various sources, as well as a comparison method to assess the effectiveness of existing water management practices in the region. The authors revealed that the unbalanced distribution and inefficient use of water resources in Central Asia led to environmental and socio-economic problems. It has also been found that the existing mechanisms for managing water resources are not effective enough.
New Green and High-throughput Microwell Spectrophotometric Method
for Quality Control of Pharmaceutical Formulations of Selective
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors via Microscale Formation of their
N-Vinylamino-naphthoquinone Derivatives
Authors: Abuhejail Reem M. , Alzoman Nourah Z. , Darwish Ibrahim A.
Published: December 2023

Background:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are mostly prescribed for the
treatment of depression. This study describes the microscale in-microwell formation of blue-colored
N-vinylamino-naphthoquinone derivatives of SSRIs upon their reaction with 2,3-dichloro-1,4-
naphthoquinone (DCNQ) and acetaldehyde. The reaction was subsequently utilized as a basis for the
development of a new simple and sensitive microwell spectrophotometric method (MW-SPM) for
the quality control of pharmaceutical formulations of four SSRIs. These SSRIs are fluoxetine (FLU),
sertraline (SER), paroxetine (PAR), and reboxetine (REB).

Methods:

The MW-SPM procedure was performed in 96-microwell transparent plates, and the microplate
reader was employed to measure the absorbances of the reaction products at their peak
absorbance wavelength of 580 nm. The best conditions for the method were determined.

Results:

The relations showed good linearity (correlation coefficients were ≥0.9992) in the concentration
range of 5 – 600 μg/mL. The limits of detection ranged from 5.20 to 15.58 μg/mL. The precision
was deemed acceptable since all cases' relative standard deviation (RSD) values remained below
2.21%. Recovery experiments were conducted to confirm the accuracy of the method, yielding recovery
values of at least 97.8%. The MW-SPM method was effectively utilized to analyze SSRIs in
both their bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms, exhibiting acceptable accuracy and precision. The
recovery values ranged from 99.4% to 101.0% (with a margin of error of ± 0.5% to 1.6%). The results
were comparable with those of the pre-validated reported methods. Four different metric tools
evaluated the greenness of the proposed method, and the results proved that the method fulfills the
requirements of green analytical approaches. Furthermore, the ability to handle numerous microvolume
samples simultaneously in the described method provides it with a high-throughput characteristic.

Conclusion:

The proposed MW-SPM represents a valuable tool for an efficient analysis of SSRIs in
pharmaceutical quality control units.
Implementation Considerations for Family-Based Telehealth Interventions for Youth in Foster Care: Focus Group Study With Child Welfare System Professionals
Authors: Leo Hannah P , Folk Johanna B , Rodriguez Christopher , Tolou-Shams Marina
Published: December 2023

Background

Between 2016 and 2020, over 600,000 youth were served annually by the foster care system. Despite approximately half of foster youth struggling with emotional or behavioral challenges, few receive much-needed services to address their mental health concerns. Family-based interventions are efficacious in addressing both youth and caregiver mental health needs; however, foster youth participation in these family-based interventions is limited by many barriers, including out-of-home placement far from their family of origin. Telehealth is a promising tool for mitigating barriers to access to treatment interventions for foster youth and their families.

Objective

This study aims to understand child welfare system professionals’ perspectives on enabling factors and barriers to providing family-based interventions via telehealth to youth in out-of-county foster care placement.

Methods

This qualitative study derived themes from 3 semistructured focus groups with child welfare system professionals. Participants were asked to discuss how family-based interventions are delivered to foster youth and their caregivers in their jurisdictions, as well as to share their thoughts about how to use telehealth to improve access to family-based interventions for families with youth in out-of-home placement. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis and inductive thematic analysis, with the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations as the theoretical framework.

Results

Participants were 19 child welfare system professionals (eg, social workers, residential treatment staff, and supervisors) who participated in 1 of the 3 focus groups (6-7/group). Most participants were women (n=13, 68%), White individuals (n=10, 53%), and social workers (n=8, 42%). On average, participants worked in the child welfare system for 16.6 (SD 8.3) years. Participants identified multilevel factors impacting family-based intervention delivery including environmental factors (eg, Medicare billing and presumptive transfer), predisposing characteristics (eg, psychological resources), enabling factors (eg, transportation and team-based youth-centered care), and need factors (eg, motivation to engage). Participants expressed optimism that telehealth could increase access to needed mental health care, diverse providers, and longevity of care while also expressing some concerns regarding telehealth access and literacy.

Conclusions

Child welfare system professionals highlight the need to develop policies and telehealth interventions that are youth versus placement centered, include resources that limit barriers and bolster motivation for engagement, and follow a team-based care model. Findings from this study inform how telehealth can be used to increase access to and engagement with family-based interventions for youth in out-of-home placements and their caregivers of origin.
Hiệu quả của một số dạng phân hữu cơ từ phụ phế phẩm nông nghiệp lên sinh trưởng cây rau muống và cây bắp ở điều kiện nhà lưới
Authors: Trần Thạch Bằng , Trần Võ Hải Đường , Nguyễn Khởi Nghĩa
Published: December 2023

Nghiên cứu được thực hiện với mục tiêu đánh giá hiệu quả của 4 dạng phân hữu cơ sản xuất từ vật liệu hữu cơ gồm bã cà phê, bèo hoa dâu, vỏ trứng, xỉ than, phân bò và lông vũ lên sinh trưởng cây rau muống và cây bắp ở điều kiện nhà lưới. Có 4 dạng phân hữu cơ được tạo để thử nghiệm gồm phân phối trộn tươi, ủ compost không chủng nấm, ủ compost có chủng 4 dòng nấm phân hủy hữu cơ và phân trùn quế. Thí nghiệm được thực hiện trong nhà lưới gồm 11 nghiệm thức với 3 lặp lại. Kết quả cho thấy các vật liệu hữu cơ và 4 dạng phân thành phẩm đạt tiêu chuẩn phân hữu cơ. Phân ủ compost (compost), compost có chủng nấm (compost + N) và phân trùn quế (PTQ) có hàm lượng chất dinh dưỡng cao hơn phân phối trộn tươi (PPTT). Nghiệm thức PTQ có hoặc không bổ sung 50% đất giúp chiều cao cây, chiều dài rễ, sinh khối thân và rễ cây rau muống và cây bắp tương đương và thậm chí cao hơn so với nghiệm thức đối chứng dương (phân trùn quế trên thị trường).
Estudio comparativo sobre percepción de factores para la construcción de paz en familias y escuelas de municipios Colombianos afectados por el conflicto armado
Authors:   Corporación Universitaria del Caribe CECAR, Sincelejo, Sucre, Colombia, Meza Cueto Liliana Margarita , Peña Oviedo Nancy Rocío ,   Corporación Universitaria del Caribe CECAR, Sincelejo, Sucre, Colombia, Pérez Vitola Esteban Andrés ,   Corporación Universitaria del Caribe CECAR, Sincelejo, Sucre, Colombia, Godin Díaz Rubiela de la Concepción ,   Corporación Universitaria del Caribe CECAR, Sincelejo, Sucre, Colombia, Pérez-Contreras Blanca Flor ,   Corporación Universitaria del Caribe CECAR, Sincelejo, Sucre, Colombia
Published: December 2023

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo describir las diferencias en las percepciones sobre los factores de construcción de paz en niños, adolescentes, padres de familia y docentes de escuelas públicas colombianas. Metodológicamente el estudio se soportó en un enfoque cuantitativo con alcance descriptivo y diseño no experimental de corte transversal; el instrumento aplicado fue la escala Likert de Percepción de Paz, que evalúa los factores: mecanismos de participación, convivencia social, comunicación, estrategias pedagógicas e institucionalidad. La población estuvo conformada por 164 niños y niñas, 214 adolescentes, 104 padres de familia y 39 docentes de escuelas públicas. Los resultados indican que existen diferencias significativas en las percepciones sobre todos los factores para la construcción de paz.
Transformation of risks in institutional transformations of the region: prerequisites
Authors:   The Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Renzin O.M.
Published: December 2023

The current stage of economic development introduces significant additions and changes to traditional interpretations of scientific and practical problems. They are generated due to internal economic and external structural and dynamic restructuring, changes in the strategy and tactics of the functioning of economic agents, and geopolitical transformations. The ongoing processes affect the entire national and international system. However, to the greatest extent they influence the spatial structures in which complexes of responses to ongoing changes are focused. For the Russian economy, one of such flagship territorial entities in terms of sensitivity is the Far Eastern region. On the one hand, for many years it has been carrying out an active national process of economic development stimulating, carried out in a politically formulated long-term version, which is associated with active investment and institutional processes. On the other hand, it performs the functions of representing Russia’s interests in the implementation of cooperation with the Asian states that have historically had different orientations regarding potential partnerships. Thirdly, this is a region that is socially complex in terms of the tasks of forming and consolidating a permanent population, and the formation of labor potential here sufficient for economic development. Each of these functions, in conditions of increasing volatility, requires strengthening the quality of potential risk assessments and improving directions for minimizing their impact. The article examines the genesis of institutional engineering for the Far-Eastern region in 1967–2000, the emergence of technologies for forming the risk profile of ongoing transformations, and potential directions for its implementation.
Demographic and migration processes in the Russian Far East (2019–2022)
Authors:   The Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Motrich E.L.
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study is to analyze demographic and migration processes in the Russian Far East (consisting of 11 regions) under the negative influence of external factors in 2019–2022. The research algorithm includes: analysis of the total number and natural movement of the Far Eastern population; assessment of the migration dynamics of the Russian Far East in 2019–2022. It is shown that the Far East exists in a difficult demographic state, since the macro-region has seen a decrease in population due to a reduction in its natural growth and a negative balance of migration. It was determined that natural decline in the population of the Far East began to be observed in 2019, which was associated with its aging and the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic with a decrease in the birth rate. It was revealed that after the pandemic caused by COVID-19, even more people began to leave the Far East for other regions of Russia. As a result, the excess of the population leaving the macro-region over the arriving population in the Far East was more than 11%. It is shown that by 2022, migration interaction between the Far East and foreign countries was generally characterized by a negative balance. It was revealed that restrictions related to the pandemic, as well as sanctions on the Russian economy, had a negative impact on the entry of people into the Far East from the foreign countries. The author suggests that in order to attract people to the Far East, economic development of the macro-region is necessary, capable of increasing per capita incomes comparable to other more successful federal districts. All other things being equal, the main current goal is to ensure the maintenance of socio-economic system of the Far East, corresponding to the low population level of macro-region.
Health-saving urban space (vernacular aspect)
Authors:   The Pacific State University, Gareeva I.A. , Garnaga A.F. ,   The Pacific State University
Published: December 2023

The article presents analysis of inclusion of the health-saving spaces in the urban environment. Based on the analysis of the main theories and concepts that are the theoretical basis of the stated problem, the authors try to find out the vernacular ideas of citizens about the role and purpose of the spaces in which they live, work, and rest. A relationship has been identified between the presence or proximity of health-preserving spaces relative to vernacular areas and the assessment of the level of “well-being” of such areas. To confirm their hypothesis, the authors use sociological research. In conclusion, it is concluded that the mental perception of residents of the city of Khabarovsk does not form a clear idea of a health-saving urban space. At the same time, patterns of health-saving behavior among city residents differ depending on their predominant location in different areas of the city of Khabarovsk
Modern approaches to reducing alcohol consumption at the regional level: the experience of the Republic of Buryatia (based on the materials of sociological research)
Authors:   Buryat Scientific Center SB RAS, Bashkueva E.Yu.
Published: December 2023

The article presents an assessment of modern approaches to reducing alcohol consumption, introduced in practice in the Republic of Buryatia, based on the materials of the expert survey and SWOT-analysis. The survey involved employees of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Buryatia and doctors - prophylactologists, psychiatrists-narcologists of subordinate organizations: the State Autonomous Institution «Republican Narcological Dispensary», the State Budgetary Institution «Center of Public Health and Medical Prevention named after V.R. Boyanova» (N =20, 2022). The projects implemented by preventive medicine physicians of the State Budgetary Institution «Center of Public Health and Medical Prevention named after V.R. Boyanova» and «The Republican Narcological Dispensary», including «Auto Sobriety». The effectiveness of introduction of sobriety territories in the municipalities of the region was assessed. Positive results of everyday life in «sober villages» are revealed. SWOT-analysis of the regional policy in terms of reducing the level of alcohol consumption among the population is presented. It is suggested to strengthen interdepartmental cooperation and to introduce constant monitoring and analysis of situation, using modern sociological methods and involving independent researchers.
Science in anticipation of new transformations
Authors:   The Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Renzin O.M. , Polivaeva O.G. ,   The Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy  and  Public  Administration,  the  Far-Eastern  institute of management – branch  of  RANEPA
Published: December 2023

This review material presents information about the scientific and practical conference «Economic of the Russian Far East in the context of global transformations», which took place in Khabarovsk on November 9-10, 2023.A review of reports and speeches on the current problems of development of the Russian Far East and its scientific support was made.