bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parasitic system Ixodes persulcatus (Ixodinae) – Borrelia garinii – small mammals in the northwest of Russia
Authors: Grigoryeva L.A. , Miteva O.A. , Samoylova E.P.
Published: June 2024

Relationships between members of the parasitic system formed by the taiga tick Ixodes persulcatus (Schulze, 1930) at the preimaginal developmental stages, Borrelia garinii and small mammals were studied. Transovarial transmission of B. garinii in the taiga tick was not found. In natural biotopes of northwestern Russia, small mammals that were hosts of the preimaginal stages of Ixodes persulcatus included Myodes glareolus (Schreber, 1780) (52–53%), Sorex araneus Linnaeus, 1758 (33–34%), and Apodemus uralensis (Pallas, 1811) (14%). Larvae and nymphs were most numerous on hosts at the beginning of the season, in May and June. Subsequently, their number decreased by 5–10 times and slightly increased in September. In populations, up to 31.9% of M. glareolus individuals and 20.5% of A. uralensis individuals were infected with B. garinii. The aggregated type of distribution of taiga tick larvae and nymphs on hosts has been revealed. Infection of the main part of hungry larvae and nymphs occurred at the beginning of the activity season after wintering when feeding on overwintered infected hosts. This period is the key in circulation (exchange between vectors and reservoir hosts) and the preservation of B. garinii in the natural focus of borreliosis in northwestern Russia. Vertical transmission of B. garinii is possible from larvae and nymphs fed at the beginning of the season to nymphs and adult ticks that had molted in August-September, respectively. Horizontal transmission of the pathogen from small mammals, especially the bank vole, to larvae and nymphs, and vice versa, ensures the circulation and persistence of B. garinii in natural foci. The question of the preservation of the pathogen in overwintering preimaginal stages of ticks requires further research.
Express method for determining the sex of fingerlings of mouse-like rodents (Rodentia: Cricetidae) without anatomization
Authors: Saburova L.Ya.
Published: June 2024

A new effective method for sex determination of immature mouse-like rodents of the hamster family has been used (Cricetidae Fischer, 1817) based on physical impact on the urinary perineal area. The 212 immature specimens of five rodent species was tested: Myodes rutilus Pallas, 1779, M. glareolus (Schreber, 1780), Alexandromys oeconomus Pallas, 1776, Agricola agrestis (Linnaeus, 1761), Myopus schisticolor (Lilljeborg, 1844). Verification of the new method was provided using a control dissection of the studied samples of rodent. The effectiveness of express method of sex determination for under yearling rodent was 88.5–100% among samples of studied species. The effectiveness of morphological characteristics (body weight and length, anogenital distance) was 76.2–93.5% in the sex identification and only for four studied species. The new method was more successful than morphometric methods in sex determination for studied samples of immature M. schisticolor and M. glareolus by 19% and 6.8%, respectively. The close results had been detected for both methods in sex determination of M. rutilus. For sex determination of immature specimens of A. agrestis the morphometric characteristics effectiveness was 4.6% higher compared to the new method. For studied samples of A. oeconomus only the new method of sex determination of an under yearling specimens was effective. The preference in choose of non-anatomical method of sex determination of immature specimens of Cricetidae family is directly depends on the species of study rodent. The new method can be used in studies with vital animals.
Association between ligamentous stenosis at spondylolisthetic segments before fusion surgery and symptomatic adjacent canal stenosis at follow-up in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis
Authors: Oishi Yosuke , Nakamura Eiichiro , Murase Masaaki , Doi Katsumi , Takeuchi Yoshinori , Hamawaki Jun-ichi , Sakai Akinori
Published: June 2024

Study Design: A retrospective case-control propensity score-matching study.Purpose: This study aimed to longitudinally evaluate whether preoperative ligamentous stenosis at the spondylolisthetic segments could affect the incidence of symptomatic adjacent canal stenosis following one-segment fusion surgery.Overview of Literature: Several risk factors for symptomatic adjacent canal stenosis following fusion surgery have been assessed. Patients with lumbar canal stenosis mainly due to ligamentum flavum (LF) hypertrophy (ligamentous stenosis) also have LF hypertrophy in other segments.Methods: In total, 76 patients participated in this case-control study (neurologically symptomatic adjacent canal stenosis, n=33; neurologically asymptomatic cases at follow-up, n=43). Their risk factors during surgery and magnetic resonance (MR) images before the surgery and at follow-up were evaluated. Data from the two groups (n=25 each) were matched using propensity scores for age, sex, time to MR imaging at follow-up, surgical procedure, and LF hypertrophy in adjacent segments before the surgery and analyzed.Results: Compared with the asymptomatic group, the symptomatic adjacent canal stenosis group had a significantly larger LF area/spinal canal area in the spondylolisthetic segments before the surgery. During the follow-up periods (in months), they had a larger LF area/ spinal canal area in the adjacent segments: the two values were significantly correlated. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for determining symptomatic adjacent canal stenosis were high compared with on the cutoff value for the LF area/spinal canal area at the spondylolisthetic segments before the surgery. These results were the same after matching.Conclusions: Symptomatic adjacent canal stenosis is mainly caused by LF hypertrophy. Ligamentous stenosis at the spondylolisthetic segments before fusion surgery might be strongly associated with symptomatic adjacent canal stenosis at follow-up.
Artificial neural networks for the detection of odontoid fractures using the Konstanz Information Miner Analytics Platform
Authors: Liawrungrueang Wongthawat , Cho Sung Tan , Kotheeranurak Vit , Pun Alvin , Jitpakdee Khanathip , Sarasombath Peem
Published: June 2024

Study Design: An experimental study.Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the potential use of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in the detection of odontoid fractures using the Konstanz Information Miner (KNIME) Analytics Platform that provides a technique for computer-assisted diagnosis using radiographic X-ray imaging.Overview of Literature: In medical image processing, computer-assisted diagnosis with ANNs from radiographic X-ray imaging is becoming increasingly popular. Odontoid fractures are a common fracture of the axis and account for 10%–15% of all cervical fractures. However, a literature review of computer-assisted diagnosis with ANNs has not been made.Methods: This study analyzed 432 open-mouth (odontoid) radiographic views of cervical spine X-ray images obtained from dataset repositories, which were used in developing ANN models based on the convolutional neural network theory. All the images contained diagnostic information, including 216 radiographic images of individuals with normal odontoid processes and 216 images of patients with acute odontoid fractures. The model classified each image as either showing an odontoid fracture or not. Specifically, 70% of the images were training datasets used for model training, and 30% were used for testing. KNIME’s graphic user interface-based programming enabled class label annotation, data preprocessing, model training, and performance evaluation.Results: The graphic user interface program by KNIME was used to report all radiographic X-ray imaging features. The ANN model performed 50 epochs of training. The performance indices in detecting odontoid fractures included sensitivity, specificity, F-measure, and prediction error of 100%, 95.4%, 97.77%, and 2.3%, respectively. The model’s accuracy accounted for 97% of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the diagnosis of odontoid fractures.Conclusions: The ANN models with the KNIME Analytics Platform were successfully used in the computer-assisted diagnosis of odontoid fractures using radiographic X-ray images. This approach can help radiologists in the screening, detection, and diagnosis of acute odontoid fractures.
Prevalent morphometric vertebral fractures as a risk factor for subsequent clinical vertebral fractures after shortfusion surgery in older Japanese women with degenerative spondylolisthesis
Authors: Oishi Yosuke , Nakamura Eiichiro , Muramatsu Keiji , Murase Masaaki , Doi Katsumi , Takeuchi Yoshinori , Hamawaki Jun-ichi , Sakai Akinori
Published: June 2024

Study Design: A retrospective cohort study using the Kaplan-Meier method with propensity-score matching.Purpose: To evaluate whether the presence of prevalent morphometric vertebral fractures (VFs) poses a risk for subsequent clinical VFs after short-fusion surgery in women aged ≥60 years with degenerative spondylolisthesis.Overview of Literature: VFs are common osteoporotic fractures and are associated with a low quality of life. Subsequent VFs are a complication of instrumented fusion in patients with degenerative lumbar disorders. Thus, risk factors for subsequent VFs after fusion surgery must be analyzed. Population-based studies have suggested that prevalent morphometric VFs led to a higher incidence of subsequent VFs in postmenopausal women; however, no studies have investigated whether prevalent morphometric VFs are a risk factor for subsequent VFs after fusion surgery in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis.Methods: The study enrolled a total of 237 older female patients: 50 and 187 patients had prevalent morphometric VFs (VF [+] group) and nonprevalent morphometric VFs (VF [−] group), respectively. The time to subsequent clinical VFs after fusion surgery was compared between the two groups using the Kaplan-Meier method. Moreover, 40 and 80 patients in the VF (+) and VF (−) groups, respectively, were analyzed and matched by propensity scores for age, follow-up duration, surgical procedure, number of fused segments, body mass index, and number of patients treated for osteoporosis.Results: Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that the VF (+) group had a higher incidence of subsequent clinical VFs than the VF (−) group, and Cox regression analysis showed that the presence of prevalent morphometric VFs was an independent risk factor for subsequent clinical VFs before matching. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated comparable results after matching.Conclusions: The presence of prevalent morphometric VFs may be a risk factor for subsequent clinical VFs in older women with degenerative spondylolisthesis who underwent short-fusion surgery.
Clinical and radiological outcomes of selective fusion for rotatory olisthesis in degenerative lumbar scoliosis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Guodong , Luk Keith DK , Li Yang , Zhang Chenggui , Sun Jianmin
Published: June 2024

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.Purpose: To investigate the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of selective fusion for rotatory olisthesis (RO) in degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS).Overview of Literature: DLS is often associated with RO, and selective fusion of RO is a common surgical treatment option. However, the clinical and radiological outcomes remain controversial.Methods: A cohort of 54 consecutive patients with DLS and RO was included in the study. All the included patients underwent selective RO fusion and at least 2 years of follow-up. They were divided into two groups: group 1 with a curve <30° and group 2 with a curve ≥30°. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Numerical Rating Scale. The radiological assessment included RO location, offset and subluxated-disc orientation, Cobb angle, and coronal as well as sagittal alignments.Results: The offset value was greater in group 2 than in group 1 (13.4±4.7 mm vs. 9.3±3.5 mm, p<0.001). The subluxated disc was mainly oriented to the concave side in group 2 (15/21) but to the convex side in group 1 (20/33) (p =0.022). Group 2 had a higher rate of postoperative adjacent RO than group 1 (14/21 vs. 1/33, p<0.001). The ODI was comparable between both groups preoperatively but higher at the final follow-up in group 2 (34.9±9.5) than in group 1 (24.4±6.2). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the thoracolumbar/lumbar curve was identified as the risk factor for postoperative adjacent RO (odds ratio, 1.400; p=0.007). The receiver operating characteristic analysis verified it with an area under the curve of 0.960 (p<0.001).Conclusions: The clinical and radiological outcomes were maintained well in group 1 but not in group 2. Selective RO fusion in DLS with a lumbar curve <30° is a rational option. However, it should be avoided in those with a lumbar curve >30° because of a higher complication rate and a worse clinical outcome at the final follow-up.
The kickstand rod technique for correction of coronal malalignment in patients with adult spinal deformity: a systematic review and pooled analysis of 97 cases
Authors: Kumar Vishal , Dhatt Sarvdeep Singh , Bansal Parth , Srivastava Akshat , Baburaj Vishnu , Vatkar Arvind Janardhan
Published: June 2024

Coronal malalignment (CM) has recently gained focus as a key predictor of functional outcomes in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD). The kickstand rod technique has been described as a novel technique for CM correction using an accessory rod on the convex side of the deformity. This review aimed to evaluate the surgical technique and outcomes of corrective surgery using this technique. The literature search was conducted on three databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus). After reviewing the search results, six studies were shortlisted for data extraction and pooled analysis. Weighted means for surgical duration, length of stay, amount of coronal correction, and sagittal parameters were calculated. The studies included in the review were published between 2018 and 2023, with a total sample size of 97 patients. The mean age of the study cohort was 61.1 years, with female preponderance. The mean operative time was 333.6 minutes. The mean correction of CM was 5.1 cm (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.6–6.6), the mean sagittal correction was 5.6 cm (95% CI, 4.1–7.1), and the mean change in lumbar lordosis was 17° (95% CI, 10.4–24.1). Preoperative coronal imbalance and mean correction achieved postoperatively were directly related with age. The reoperation rate was 13.2%. The kickstand rod technique compares favorably with conventional techniques such as asymmetric osteotomies in CM management. This technique provides an additional accessory rod that helps increase construct stiffness. Because of limited data, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn from this review; however, this technique is a valuable tool for a surgeon dealing with ASD.
Artificial intelligence: a new cutting-edge tool in spine surgery
Authors: Kalanjiyam Guna Pratheep , Chandramohan Thiyagarajan , Raman Muthu , Kalyanasundaram Haritha
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this narrative review was to comprehensively elaborate the various components of artificial intelligence (AI), their applications in spine surgery, practical concerns, and future directions. Over the years, spine surgery has been continuously transformed in various aspects, including diagnostic strategies, surgical approaches, procedures, and instrumentation, to provide better-quality patient care. Surgeons have also augmented their surgical expertise with rapidly growing technological advancements. AI is an advancing field that has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of spine surgery. We performed a comprehensive narrative review of the various aspects of AI and machine learning in spine surgery. To elaborate on the current role of AI in spine surgery, a review of the literature was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar databases for articles published in English in the last 20 years. The initial search using the keywords “artificial intelligence” AND “spine,” “machine learning” AND “spine,” and “deep learning” AND “spine” extracted a total of 78, 60, and 37 articles and 11,500, 4,610, and 2,270 articles on PubMed and Google Scholar. After the initial screening and exclusion of unrelated articles, duplicates, and non-English articles, 405 articles were identified. After the second stage of screening, 93 articles were included in the review. Studies have shown that AI can be used to analyze patient data and provide personalized treatment recommendations in spine care. It also provides valuable insights for planning surgeries and assisting with precise surgical maneuvers and decisionmaking during the procedures. As more data become available and with further advancements, AI is likely to improve patient outcomes.
Value of Hounsfield units measured by chest computed tomography for assessing bone density in the thoracolumbar segment of the thoracic spine
Authors: Xue Congyang , Sun Guangda , Wang Nan , Liu Xiyu , He Gansheng , Wei Yubo , Xi Zhipeng
Published: June 2024

Study Design: A retrospective study.Purpose: To investigate the correlation between Hounsfield unit (HU) values measured by chest computed tomography (CT) and dual-energy Xray absorptiometry (DXA) T-scores. HU-based thoracolumbar (T11 and T12) cutoff thresholds were calculated for a cohort of Chinese patients.Overview of Literature: For patients with osteoporosis, the incidence of fractures in the thoracolumbar segment is significantly higher than that in other sites. However, most current clinical studies have focused on L1.Methods: This retrospective study analyzed patients who underwent chest CT and DXA at our hospital between August 2021 and August 2022. Thoracic thoracolumbar segment HU values, lumbar T-scores, and hip T-scores were computed for comparison, and thoracic thoracolumbar segment HU thresholds suggestive of potential bone density abnormalities were established using receiver operating characteristic curves.Results: In total, 470 patients (72.4% women; mean age, 65.5±12.3 years) were included in this study. DXA revealed that of the 470 patients, 90 (19%) had osteoporosis, 180 (38%) had reduced osteopenia, and 200 (43%) had normal bone mineral density (BMD). To differentiate osteoporosis from osteopenia, the HU threshold was established as 105.1 (sensitivity, 54.4%; specificity, 72.2%) for T11 and 85.7 (sensitivity, 69.4%; specificity, 61.1%) for T12. To differentiate between osteopenia and normal BMD, the HU threshold was 146.7 for T11 (sensitivity, 57.5%; specificity, 84.4%) and 135.7 for T12 (sensitivity, 59.5%; specificity, 80%).Conclusions: This study supports the significance of HU values from chest CT for BMD assessment. Chest CT provides a new method for clinical opportunistic screening of osteoporosis. When the T11 HU is >146.7 or the T12 HU is >135.7, additional osteoporosis testing is not needed unless a vertebral fracture is detected. If the T11 HU is <105.1 or the T12 HU is <85.7, further DXA testing is strongly advised. In addition, vertebral HU values that fall faster than those of the T11 and L1 vertebrae may explain the high incidence of T12 vertebral fractures.
Clinical use of quantitative computed tomography to evaluate the effect of less paraspinal muscle damage on bone mineral density changes after lumbar interbody fusion
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wang Song , Zheng Junyong , Xiao Xiao , Wang Hongyu , Peng Songlin
Published: June 2024

Study Design: A retrospective cohort study.Purpose: This study aimed to assess the reliability of quantitative computed tomography (QCT) in measuring bone mineral density (BMD) of instrumented vertebrae and investigate the effect of less paraspinal muscle damage on BMD changes after lumbar interbody fusion.Overview of Literature: Patients always experience a decrease in vertebral BMD after lumbar interbody fusion. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has analyzed the effect of paraspinal muscles on BMD changes.Methods: This retrospective analysis included a total of 155 patients who underwent single-level lumbar fusion, with 81 patients in the traditional group and 74 patients in the Wiltse group (less paraspinal muscle damage). QCT was used to measure the volumetric BMD (vBMD), Hounsfield unit value, and cross-sectional area of the paraspinal muscles at the upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV), vertebrae one segment above the UIV (UIV+1), and the vertebrae one segment above the UIV+1 (UIV+2). Statistical analyses were performed.Results: No significant differences in general data were observed between the two groups (p>0.05). Strong correlations were noted between the preoperative and 1-week postoperative vBMD of each segment (p<0.01), with no significant difference between the two time points in both groups (p>0.05). Vertebral BMD loss was significantly higher in UIV+1 and UIV+2 in the traditional group than in the Wiltse group (−13.6%±19.1% vs. −4.2%±16.5%, −10.8%±20.3% vs. −0.9%±37.0%; p<0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in the percent vBMD changes in the UIV segment between the two groups (37.7%±70.1% vs. 36.1%±78.7%, p>0.05).Conclusions: QCT can reliably determine BMD in the instrumented spine after lumbar interbody fusion. With QCT, we found that reducing paraspinal muscle destruction through the Wiltse approach during surgery can help preserve the adjacent vertebral BMD; however, it does not help increase the BMD in the instrumented vertebrae.
THE DUTCH-MUNSEE ENCOUNTER IN AMERICA
Authors: Otto Paul
Published: June 2024

Employing a frontier framework, this book traces intercultural relations in the lower Hudson River valley of early seventeenth-century New Netherland. It explores the interaction between the Dutch and the Munsee Indians and considers how they, and individuals within each group, interacted, focusing in particular on how the changing colonial landscape affected their cultural encounter and Munsee cultural development. At each stage of European colonization - first contact, trade, and settlement - the Munsees faced evolving and changing challenges. Understanding culture in terms of worldview and societal structures, this volume identifies ways in which Munsee society changed in an effort to adjust to the new intercultural relations and looks at the ways the Munsees maintained aspects of their own culture and resisted any imposition of Dutch societal structures and sovereignty over them. In addition, the book includes a suggestive afterword in which the author applies his frontier framework to Dutch-indigenous relations in the Cape colony.
THE KINNING OF FOREIGNERS
Authors: Howell Signe
Published: June 2024

Since the late nineteen sixties, transnational adoption has emerged as a global phenomenon. Due to a sharp decline in infants being made available for adoption locally, involuntarily childless couples in Western Europe and North America who wish to create a family, have to look to look to countries in the poor South and Eastern Europe. The purpose of this book is to locate transnational adoption within a broad context of contemporary Western life, especially values concerning family, children and meaningful relatedness, and to explore the many ambiguities and paradoxes that the practice entails. Based on empirical research from Norway, the author identifies three main themes for analysis: Firstly, by focusing on the perceived relationship between biology and sociality, she examines how notions of child, childhood and significant relatedness vary across time and space. She argues that through a process of kinning, persons are made into kin. In the case of adoption, kinning overcomes a dominant cultural emphasis placed upon biological connectedness. Secondly, it is a study of the rise of expert knowledge in the understanding of ‘the best interest of the child’, and how the part played by the ‘psycho.technocrats’ effects national and international policy and practice of transnational adoption. Thirdly, it shows how transnational adoption both depends upon and helps to foster the globalisation of Western rationality and morality. The book is an original contribution to the anthropological study of kinship and globalisation.
EXPLORING GYPSINESS
Authors: Engebrigtsen Ada I.
Published: June 2024

Romania has a larger Gypsy population than most other countries but little is known about the relationship between this group and the non-Gypsy Romanians around them. This book focuses on a group of Rom Gypsies living in a village in Transylvania and explores their social life and cosmology. Because Rom Gypsies are dependent on and define themselves in relation to the surrounding non-Gypsy populations, it is important to understand their day-to-day interactions with these neighbors, primarily peasants to whom they relate through extended barter. The author comes to the conclusion that, although economically and politically marginal, Rom Gypsies are central to Romanian collective identity in that they offer desirable and repulsive counter images, incorporating the uncivilized, immoral and destructive "other". This interdependence creates tensions but it also allows for some degree of cultural and political autonomy for the Roma within Romanian society.
SHADES OF INDIGNATION
Authors: Jankowski Paul
Published: June 2024

At the end of the twentieth century France found itself in the midst of another scandalous fin de siècle, awash with rumors and revelations of wrongdoing in high places. As the millennium expired, the Republic’s servants, some sitting, others retired, received much condemnation, whether welcomed or resented. When taken together, surely les affaires now approximate in political significance (if not in noise or invective) those of the Dreyfus or Panama scandals a century ago? Yet the author argues this is not so. Today, treason has vanished and is slowly giving way to a transgression different in kind, but equivalent in gravamen: the crime against humanity. Corruption is far from disappearing, yet now it inspires resignation rather than indignation - and as such, it has lost its power to scandalize. Jankowski claims that such transformations tell a tale. The state that once aspired to pre-eminence as the sole magnet of loyalty, touchstone of probity, and guarantor of right, has yielded significant ground to the individual who is now more likely to elevate his own dignity and cry scandal on his own behalf. [In these times,] Individualism is de-politicizing the group and [ultimately] diluting the mystique of France, the nation-state par excellence.
CULTURES OF ABORTION IN WEIMAR GERMANY
Authors: Usborne Cornelie
Published: June 2024

Abortion in the Weimar Republic is a compelling subject since it provoked public debates and campaigns of an intensity rarely matched elsewhere. It proved so explosive because populationist, ecclesiastical and political concerns were heightened by cultural anxieties of a modernity in crisis. Based on an exceptionally rich source material (e.g., criminal court cases, doctors’ case books, personal diaries, feature films, plays and literary works), this study explores different attitudes and experiences of those women who sought to terminate an unwanted pregnancy and those who helped or hindered them. It analyzes the dichotomy between medical theory and practice, and questions common assumptions, i.e. that abortion was “a necessary evil,” which needed strict regulation and medical control; or that all back-street abortions were dangerous and bad. Above all, the book reveals women’s own voices, frequently contradictory and ambiguous: having internalized medical ideas they often also adhered to older notions of reproduction which opposed scientific approaches.
THE POLITICS OF GERMAN DEFENCE AND SECURITY
Authors: Dyson Tom
Published: June 2024

The post-Cold War era has witnessed a dramatic transformation in the German political consensus about the legitimacy of the use of force. However, in comparison with its EU and NATO partners, Germany has been reticent to transform its military to meet the challenges of the contemporary security environment. Until 2003 territorial defence rather than crisis-management remained the armed forces' core role and the Bundeswehr continues to retain conscription. The book argues that 'strategic culture' provides only a partial explanation of German military reform. It demonstrates how domestic material factors were of crucial importance in shaping the pace and outcome of reform, despite the impact of 'international structure' and adaptational pressures from the EU and NATO. The domestic politics of base closures, ramifications for social policy, financial restrictions consequent upon German unification and commitment to EMU's Stability and Growth Pact were critical in determining the outcome of reform. The study also draws out the important role of policy leaders in the political management of reform as entrepreneurs, brokers or veto players, shifting the focus in German leadership studies away from a preoccupation with the Chancellor to the role of ministerial and administrative leadership within the core executive. Finally, the book contributes to our understanding of the Europeanization of the German political system, arguing that policy leaders played a key role in 'uploading' and 'downloading' processes to and from the EU and that Defence Ministers used 'Atlanticization' and 'Europeanization' in the interests of their domestic political agendas.
Study of control allocation algorithm for over-actuated underwater robot motion control using azimuth thrusters
Authors:   Russian State Scientific Center for Robotics and Technical Cybernetics, Solnyshkin Stanislav
Published: June 2024

The paper considers a problem of a mobile over-actuated underwater reconfigurable robot motion control using azimuth thrusters. To solve the control allocation problem, a configurator has been introduced into the control sys-tem. This makes it possible to synthesize the control law regardless of the number, position and type of the propul-sion-steering complex components. A control allocation algorithm is studied to determine both the control and the orientations of the azimuth thrusters.
ІНСТРУМЕНТИ ФІНАНСУВАННЯ «ЗЕЛЕНОГО» ІНВЕСТУВАННЯ В УМОВАХ СТАЛОГО РОЗВИТКУ
Authors: ХАХАЛЄВ Дмитро , НЕМАШКАЛО Каріна
Published: June 2024

Метою статті є теоретико-методологічне дослідження існуючих інструментів фінансування "зеленого" інвестування, визначення їх ефективності та розробка рекомендацій щодо покращення механізмів фінансування екологічно орієнтованих проектів в умовах сталого розвитку. У статті розглядаються сучасні підходи та інструменти для фінансування проєктів, що спрямовані на збереження навколишнього середовища та забезпечення сталого розвитку. Проаналізовано основні механізми залучення коштів для екологічно чистих технологій, відновлюваної енергетики, управління відходами та інших ініціатив, які сприяють зниженню негативного впливу на довкілля.
Розглянуто інструменті фінансування «зелених» проектів та визначено, що одним із найпопулярніших інструментів є «зелені» облігації, які дозволяють залучати капітал від інституційних та приватних інвесторів для реалізації проектів, що відповідають екологічним стандартам. Проаналізовано поточний стан ринку «зелених» облігацій, визначено основні тенденції та перспективи його розвитку. Окрім «зелених» облігацій, розглядаються й інші фінансові інструменти, такі як екологічні кредити, спеціалізовані інвестиційні фонди, гранти та субсидії, а також механізми державно-приватного партнерства. Особлива увага приділяється ролі міжнародних фінансових інститутів, таких як Світовий банк, Міжнародний валютний фонд та Європейський банк реконструкції та розвитку, які надають фінансову підтримку для реалізації проєктів сталого розвитку. Також розглядається вплив регуляторної політики та державних ініціатив на стимулювання «зеленого» інвестування.
Визначено важливість інтеграції екологічних критеріїв у процес прийняття інвестиційних рішень та необхідність розвитку інфраструктури для підтримки «зелених» інвестицій. У статті пропонуються рекомендації щодо вдосконалення фінансових інструментів та механізмів, які можуть сприяти більш активному залученню приватного капіталу в екологічні проєкти. Зроблено висновок, що ефективне використання фінансових інструментів може суттєво прискорити перехід до екологічно стійкої економіки.
ЕМПІРИЧНІ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ МІСЦЯ ТА РОЛІ ПОДАТКІВ У СУСПІЛЬСТВІ
Authors: РУЖИЦЬКИЙ Юрій , ПОКОТИЛОВА Олена
Published: June 2024

Уряди держав встановлюють податки зі своїх громадян і підприємств як засіб формування державних доходів, які потім використовуються для задоволення державних потреб. Крім того, податки використовуються для перерозподілу багатства, зменшення соціальної нерівності та сприяння економічній справедливості. Відповідно існують різні види податків, найбільш поширеними з яких є: прибуткові податки; податки на споживання; податки на багатство; податки на прибуток бізнесу; спеціальні податки (акцизи). Країна формує свою структуру податкових надходжень залежно від державної фінансової політики. Світова практика показує, що прибуткові податки переважають у структурі податкових надходжень розвинутих каїн, а податки на споживання – у країнах, що розвиваються. Податки виконують важливу роль в економіці: від нагромадження ресурсів до регулювання економічного зростання. Уряди також використовують податки як засіб стримування небажаних видів діяльності, таких як споживання спиртних напоїв, паління тощо. Податки використовуються урядами для фінансування державних і громадських соціальних проектів, а також створення сприятливого бізнес-середовища в країні для економічного зростання. Держава надає великого значення розвитку людського капіталу, і освіта займає центральне місце в цьому розвитку. Кошти від податків спрямовуються на фінансування, облаштування та утримання системи закладів освіти. Без податків державні внески в сектори соціального захисту населення та охорони здоров'я були б неможливі. Податки йдуть на фінансування таких послуг як охорона здоров’я, медичні дослідження, соціальне забезпечення тощо. Іншими важливими секторами є розвиток інфраструктури, транспорту, житлового будівництва тощо. Окрім соціальних проектів, уряди також використовують зібрані податки для фінансування секторів, які мають вирішальне значення для добробуту їхніх громадян, таких як безпека, наукові дослідження, захист навколишнього середовища тощо. Воєнні дії на території України змінили основне призначення податків, зменшилась їх роль у формуванні доходів бюджету, значно зросли видатки бюджету, які не притаманні у мирний час.
Project-Based Teaching in the Online Medium: Advantages and Disadvantages – Conclusions after an Online Study Module for Design Students
Authors: Angelova D. , Vodenova P. , Raycheva R.
Published: June 2024

In the paper, an analysis is made of an implemented short study module “Design Project” for the students of the “Engineering Design” Bachelor program from the University of Forestry in Bulgaria. The aim of this publication is to reveal the process, its failures, and its successes. The dynamics and evolution of the design process were followed during the five days of the study module. The interaction between the students themselves, the teaching staff and the sponsor was observed. To this end, the results of an inquiry are presented. In the conclusion, attention is directed to the online implementation of the Design Project and its influence, as a result of specific conditions (last year of study, the implementation of the Teams platform, the participating teaching staff, and the sponsor) which created the necessary environment for the event. It was found that the online module probably helped for a more concentrated and productive activity, and for the smooth procedures of the event without any waste of time.
The Gliadin Analysis by Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography of Traditional Fermented “Hamoum” Wheat in West Algeria
Authors: Leila A. , Benmehel B. , Youcef B. , Benaouda B. , Samia A.
Published: June 2024

Our ancestors had always used food fermentation without having a scientific explanation. Their natural phenomena with therapeutic potential became interesting only in the early twentieth century. A comparative study between the electrophoretic profiles of wheat proteins of fermented wheat type Hamoum (FWH) and regular unfermented wheat (NUW) was performed to identify the effect of fermentation realized by the traditional technique using underground storage (locally named Matmora) for 12 months. SDS-PAGE electrophoresis was performed after the sequential extraction of different proteins (albumins/globulins, gliadins and glutenins). The results showed a total degradation of the regular wheat proteins after fermentation. Fermented wheat type Hamoum (FWH) could be a good alternative for people with disorders related to gluten ingestion as compared to regular unfermented wheat (NUW).
FLYPAPER EFFECT DANA OTONOMI KHUSUS DAN DANA PERIMBANGAN PADA KABUPATEN/KOTA DI ACEH
Authors: Fahrizal M Alief , Sukartini Ni Made
Published: June 2024

Studi ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis gejala flypaper effect dari empat jenis dana transfer pemerintah pusat (DAU, DAK, DBH, Otsus) pada jenis Belanja Modal dan Belanja Barang dan Jasa pada level kabupaten/kota di Aceh. Data yang digunakan adalah realisasi APBD kabupaten/kota di Aceh tahun 2007 – 2020 yang dikumpulkan dari Direktorat Jenderal Perimbangan Keuangan. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif analisis regresi linier berganda, variabel dependen yang digunakan yaitu belanja modal dan barang jasa (dibagi pada dalam 2 model penelitian). Variabel bebas yang digunakan yaitu Dana Alokasi Umum (DAU), Dana Alokasi Khusus (DAK), Dana Bagi Hasil (DBH), dan Dana Otonomi Khusus (Otsus). Hasil dari penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terhadap belanja modal, terjadi flypaper effect pada DAU namun tidak terjadi pada ketiga dana transfer yang lain. Sedangkan terhadap belanja barang dan jasa tidak menunjukkan adanya flypaper effect pada ke-empat dana transfer. Meskipun pada sebagian besar dana transfer tidak ditemukan gejala flypaper effect, namun perlu menjadi catatan bahwa ternyata Dana Otsus tidak memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap belanja modal dan belanja barang jasa di Aceh. Hal ini harus menjadi fokus pemerintah untuk melakukan telaah lebih lanjut terhadap penggunaan Dana Otsus.
ANALISIS PERBANDINGAN KINERJA KEUANGAN BANK SEBELUM DAN SESUDAH AKUISISI PADA PT. BCA DIGITAL
Authors: Umam Khoirul , Murwanti Sri
Published: June 2024

Penelitian ini menjelaskan bahwa dalam era industri 4.0, persaingan di sektor perbankan semakin ketat akibat transformasi digital, mempengaruhi strategi bank untuk memenangkan kepercayaan nasabah. Strategi akuisisi dianggap sebagai cara untuk mencapai sinergi yang dapat meningkatkan performa perusahaan, meskipun hasil penelitian terdahulu menunjukkan ketidak-konsistenan dampaknya. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kausal komparatif dan pendekatan kuantitatif untuk menganalisis kinerja keuangan PT. BCA Digital sebelum dan sesudah akuisisi dengan memfokuskan pada enam rasio keuangan (CAR, ROA, ROE, NIM, BOPO, LDR). Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan terdapat peningkatan yang signifikan pada variable CAR, sedangkan variable LDR dan BOPO juga mengalami peningkatan tetapi tidak signifikan. Berbeda dari sebelumnya, variable ROA, ROE, dan NIM justru mengalami penurunan walaupun tidak signifikan. Untuk penelitian selanjutnya, disarankan memperpanjang periode pengamatan, menggunakan metode analisis alternatif, dan memantau variabel-variabel tambahan untuk mendapatkan wawasan yang lebih holistik tentang dampak akuisisi terhadap kinerja perusahaan.
PENGARUH MEKANISME GOOD CORPORATE GOVERNANCE TERHADAP KETEPATAN WAKTU PENYAMPAIAN LAPORAN KEUANGAN
Authors: Basompe Irene Margareta , Wulandari Ika
Published: June 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi pengaruh mekanisme Good Corporate Governance terhadap ketepatan penyampaian laporan keuangan dalam perusahaan keuangan. Fokus utamanya adalah pada kepemilikan manajerial, kepemilikan institusional, komisaris independen, komite audit, dan kualitas audit. Penelitian kuantitatif ini menggunakan teknik dokumentasi untuk pengumpulan data. Populasi penelitian meliputi perusahaan perbankan yang tercatat di BEI dari tahun 2019 hingga 2021, dengan 47 sampel yang dipilih dari 117 perusahaan menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Metode yang digunakan adalah analisis regresi logistik dan uji t. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa (1) kepemilikan manajerial memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap ketepatan penyampaian laporan keuangan, (2) kepemilikan institusional tidak memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap ketepatan waktu penyampaian laporan keuangan, (3) komisaris independen tidak memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap ketepatan waktu penyampaian laporan keuangan, (4) komite audit tidak memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap ketepatan waktu penyampaian laporan keuangan, dan (5) kualitas audit tidak memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap ketepatan waktu penyampaian laporan keuangan.
PENGARUH INTENSITAS MODAL, INTENSITAS PERSEDIAAN DAN KONEKSI POLITIK TERHADAP PENGHINDARAN PAJAK YANG DIMODERASI OLEH KOMITE MANAJEMEN RISIKO
Authors: Damayanti Endah , Sitorus Riris Rotua
Published: June 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis dan mengetahui pengaruh intensitas modal, intensitas persediaan, koneksi politik terhadap penghindaran pajak dengan dimoderasi oleh komite manajemen risiko. Populasi dalam penelitian ini perusahaan manufaktur sektor barang konsumsi yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) periode 2015 sampai dengan 2019 yang berjumlah 240 perusahaan. Jumlah sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini berjumlah 125 perusahaan yang diperoleh dengan menggunakan metode purposive sampling. Penelitian ini menggunakan analisis regresi linier berganda untuk membuktikan variabel independen dan variabel moderasi terhadap variabel dependen secara parsial. Hasil dari penelitian menyatakan bahwa intensitas modal, intensitas persediaan, koneksi politik, dan komite manajemen risiko berpengaruh terhadap penghindaran pajak. Hasil dari variabel pemoderasi menyatakan bahwa komite manajemen risiko dapat memoderasi intensitas modal dan intensitas persediaan terhadap penghindaran pajak, sementara itu komite manajemen risiko tidak dapat memoderasi koneksi politik terhadap penghindaran pajak.
Dispute Resolution Through Online Mediation Based on Supreme Court Regulations
Authors: Fitri Hidayati , Khairani Khairani , Efendi Roni
Published: June 2024

This article is motivated by the need for mediation to be carried out optimally to resolve cases in court. The purpose of this article is to explain the substance of mediation in the process of resolving divorce cases and the importance of mediation in resolving household disputes. The method used in this paper is the Normative method with a conceptual approach to analyze problem-solving from the aspects of legal concepts and values contained in norms. The data collection technique used in this paper is a documentation technique and the results are analyzed qualitatively. The research results show that the mediation regulations contained in PERMA which regulate mediation contain important substances that must be understood by the mediator and both parties. Mediation is important to carry out directly to minimize the occurrence of divorce and minimize disputes that may arise after the divorce occurs.
PENINGKATAN HASIL BELAJAR SISWA DENGAN METODE DEMONSTRASI PADA PEMBELAJARAN IPA SD ISLAM TERPADU QURROTA A’YUN TINGGEDE
Authors: Rabiana  , Wanasi Ridwan , Maharbid Dian Anggraeni
Published: June 2024

Abstrak
Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui bagaimana implementasi metode demonstrasi dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa kelas VC SD Islam Terpadu Qurrota A’yun Tinggede semester genap Tahun pelajaran 2023/2024. Penelitian ini merupakan Penelitian Tindakan Kelas yang dilaksanakan dengan model siklus secara berulang. Pada penelitian ini dilakukan dengan 2 siklus, dimana setiap siklus meliputi proses perencanaan, pelaksanaan tindakan, pengamatan dan refleksi. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di  SD Islam Terpadu  Qurrota A’yun Tinggede dengan objek penelitian adalah siswa kelas VC Semester Genap Tahun pelajaran 2023/2024 yang terdiri dari 27 orang siswa perempuan. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah tes, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Instrumen yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini meliputi lembar observasi aktivitas belajar, lembar diskusi dan soal tes evaluasi. Metode analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis data secara kuantitatif untuk mengukur kemajuan  hasil belajar siswa yang didapatkan dari hasil  tes formatif selama proses pembelajaran berlangsung. Berdasarkan penelitian ini diperoleh adanya peningkatan hasil belajar siswa dengan penggunaan metode demonstrasi dari siklus I ke siklus II. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penerapan metode demonstrasi pada pembelajaran IPA materi zat tunggal dan campuran mengalami peningkatan dari   siklus I ke siklus II. Hal ini dibuktikan dengan hasil belajar siswa pada siklus I dengan nilai rata-rata hasil tes formatif 67,78 meningkat menjadi 92,22 pada siklus II atau persentasi ketuntasan hasil belajar siswa pada siklus I hanya mencapai 33,33 % dan pada siklus II meningkat menjadi 100 %.
PENGARUH MODEL PROBLEM BASED LEARNING TERHADAP KETERAMPILAN BERBICARA SISWA KELAS V SDN IV DAWUNGSARI
Authors: Octarina Dewi  , Rajji Koswara Adiredja  , Yennie Indriati Widyaningsih  , Gunawan Dani
Published: June 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh model problem based learning terhadap keterampilan berbicara siswa. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah eksperimen dengan model one group pretest-posttest design yang melibatkan 31 siswa kelas V SDN IV Dawungsari. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap keterampilan berbicara siswa setelah diterapkan model problem based learning. Karena 25,08 > tα : 0,05 = 2,04 maka dapat disimpulkan menolak Ho, artinya pernyataan perbedaan rata-rata sebelum dan sesudah diterapkan model pembelajaran berbasis masalah adalah berbeda. Atau dapat dikatakan terdapat pengaruh/efektivitas model problem based learning terhadap keterampilan berbicara. Berdasarkan hasil analisis data penelitian diketahui bahwa pada saat pretest keterampilan berbicara siswa diperoleh nilai rata-rata sebesar 50,13. Sedangkan pada saat posttest keterampilan berbicara siswa memperoleh nilai rata-rata sebesar 78,74. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa model problem based learning dapat mempengaruhi keterampilan berbicara siswa kelas V SDN IV Dawungsari.
PENINGKATAN HASIL BELAJAR PENDIDIKAN PANCASILA MENGGUNAKAN MODEL PBL BERBANTUAN MEDIA PUZZLE DI KELAS IA SD NEGERI 1 PURWONEGORO
Authors: Fitriani Dyah , Salimi Moh , Prihati Prihati , Febrianti Fitri Ayu
Published: June 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan peningkatan hasil belajar Pendidikan Pancasila menggunakan model pembelajaran PBL berbantuan media puzzle di kelas I A SD Negeri 1 Purwonegoro tahun ajaran 2022/2023. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian tindakan kelas yang dilaksanakan dalam dua siklus dengan empat tahapan yaitu perencanaan, tindakan, observasi, dan refleksi. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui observasi, tes, dan studi dokumen. Analisis data dilakukan dengan merefleksi hasil obeservasi terhadap proses pembelajaran dengan indikator keberhasilan ketuntasan klasikal mencapai minimal 80% kategori sangat baik. Hasil belajar Pendidikan Pancasila mengalami peningkatan, rata-rata kelas siklus I sebesar 72,06 meningkat menjadi 85,58 pada siklus II, sedangkan persentase ketuntasan klasikal siklus I sebesar 55,77% kategori  cukup meningkat menjadi 84,62% kategori sangat baik pada siklus II. Hasil belajar  pada siklus II sudah melebihi indikator ketuntasan klasikal yaitu 80%. Penggunaan media puzzle membantu untuk meningkatkan pemahaman terhadap materi pembelajaran Pendidikan Pancasila, sehingga hasil belajar peserta didik dapat meningkat.