bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resilience and gender-based violence
Authors: Potgieter Annette , Johannisen Jessica
Published: October 2023

During the national lockdown in 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa voiced concern about the ongoing problem of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa, calling it a pandemic alongside the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 intensified the occurrence of gender-based violence within South African communities which consequently highlighted the need for awareness regarding this phenomenon. South Africa is a predominantly Christian culture, yet the actions of community members seem to be defined by patriarchal cultures. There is therefore a need to rethink how we address social issues, especially GBV. This article aims at providing an interdisciplinary reflection on shaping stories of resilience relating to gender-based violence from the perspectives of both theology and social work at Hugenote Kollege.
MODEL OF A DIGITAL STANDARD REPLACEMENT ELEMENT WITH INTEGRATEDUSE OF DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION SOURCES
Authors:   Military Institute of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv Ukraine, Glukhov S.I. , Gakhovich S.V. ,   Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Okhramovych M.M. ,   Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Koval M.O. ,   Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kravchenko O.I. ,   Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
Published: October 2023

The paper presents the procedure for organizing the study of technical condition control in modern radio-electronic equipment, which is made on the element base of the fourth and fifth generations. The complex use of several methods of performance control is shown in digital standard replacement elements containing microcontrollers and calculated values of the output variables of the generalized module that correspond to real physical objects and could be used in the mathematical model of a digital standard replacement element. To reduce the number of test points in the diagnosis of digital standard replacement elements, as a source of diagnostic information used the parameters of the energy-dynamic process that occur in the power bus of digital elements when they switch from one logical state to another. This makes it possible to reduce the number of control points to one (power bus), while obtaining diagnostic information about technical condition of each logical element. The study is divided into four stages, which include: - analysis of the internal structure and allocation of subsystems in a typical replacement element; - decomposition of a typical replacement element and allocation of groups of variables; - synthesis of the structural and functional model of a digital typical replacement element; - simulation of the process of interaction of the developed mathematical model of the generalized microcontroller module with the external environment, analysis of the degree of adequacy of the model to real physical objects. In summary, the structural-functional model of a digital typical replacement element, which provides for the integrated use of two sources of diagnostic information: output reactions and characteristics of the energy-dynamic process in the power bus digital thesis.
STUDY OF THE FEATURES OF MODERN HYBRID WARS
Authors:   Odesa Military academy, Mamich V.V. , Maksimenko Yu.A. ,   Odesa Military academy, Popov S.A. ,   Odesa Military academy, Solodeeva L.V. ,   Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Shevchenko V.V. ,   Odesa Military academy
Published: October 2023

An important issue today has become a comprehensive study of the specifics of the development and implementation of modern hybrid warriors. The work is devoted to the current topic of modern military science – hybrid wars. Based on the analysis of various types of wars, a hybrid war is defined as a war with a complex character, with a wide range of various methods of action, including a fierce confrontation of diplomats, information warfare, ideological struggle, the application of economic and political pressure on the enemy, exceptional activity of special services and actual military actions. In the theoretical works of military specialists, experts, analysts, and scientists in recent years, the topic of hybrid wars and hybrid threats has been occupying more and more space of scientific discussion. At the same time, the palette of definitions, description of signs on the examples of military conflicts and modern wars is so colorful that the understanding of the very essence and content is blurred. Military thought is developing, but there should be no room for interchange of concepts and confusion of categories. War, if considered from the point of view of historical development, becomes more complicated, is conducted in an increasingly wide range of actions – traditional and unusual, direct and indirect (non-linear), combat and “non-military”, becomes more and more complex and integral, as well as – high-tech, information , regular and irregular. Asymmetric wars, alternative wars, unconventional wars, hybrid wars and other definitions are introduced into scientific and theoretical circulation. No matter what definitions are given, the fact that it is war remains unchanged. War of armies, war of peoples and war of different factions fighting for power, existence, influence, resources, territory, etc. Therefore, the essence and content must be defined as categories of war, but war that differs in its real features. The military doctrine of Ukraine considers wars as conflicts depending on the intensity and potential of the confronting states or group of states.
DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE TECHNICAL CONDITION OF DIGITAL THESIS THAT USES ENERGY DYNAMIC PROCESS PARAMETERS
Authors:   Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Okhramovych M.M. , Koval M.O. ,   Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kravchenko O.I. ,   Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Shevchenko V.V. ,   Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
Published: October 2023

The article examines the structural and functional diagrams of the device for diagnosing existing and prospective typical digital replacement elements, which contain microprocessor-based on large integrated circuits and are part of the radio-electronic equipment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The principle of operation of the device is based on the use as diagnostic information of initial reactions (IR) of object of diagnosis and parameters of the energy-dynamic process. The use of two power supply voltages and the step-by-step construction of the test sequence (TS) makes it possible to make a decision about the operational efficiency of the object of diagnosis with reliability no lower than specified for an acceptable time. Decision-making about the technical condition of a typical replacement element and localization of defects is carried out with the help of a personal computer based on the theory of fuzzy logic. The computer is the core that provides the analysis of the available and received diagnostic information, the formation of test sequences (TS) and decision-making about the technical condition of the object of diagnosis. It allows you to quickly process a large amount of diagnostic information, carry out its analysis, storage and replenishment due to the knowledge of experts and the accumulation of statistics. This makes it possible to exclude some elementary test effects, the need for which is eliminated based on the results of the obtained data, as well as to reduce the number of sets in the TS, which leads to a reduction in diagnosis time. Step-by-step execution of commands and current analysis of the situation allows not only to carry out diagnostics up to the first faulty element, but also makes it possible to conduct a further search for faulty elements. The advantage of the proposed device is the possibility of increasing the reliability of diagnosis without increasing its duration.
García Fueyo, B; Recepción del Derecho romano en la doctrina de Amador Rodríguez relativa al juicio de Primera Instancia, año 1609. Aranzadi, Pamplona. 2023. ISBN, 978-84-1163-334-5, (331 páginas)
Authors: Gil Garcia María Olga
Published: October 2023

La monografía que ahora presenta la Doctora Beatriz García Fueyo evidencia la necesidad de revisar meticulosamente los diferentes estudios de la recepción del Derecho romano, como es el caso de los de Amador Rodríguez.
Crónica del Congreso Internacional de casos prácticos. Innovación docente y Derecho global tras la pandemia, celebrado In Memoriam del Profesor Justo García Sánchez en la Universidad de Oviedo, España, el 28 y 29 de Septiembre del 2023
Authors: García Fueyo Beatriz
Published: October 2023

Relato sucinto de todas las intervenciones del pasado Congreso Internacional de casos prácticos. Innovación docente y Derecho global tras la pandemia in memoriam del profesor D.  Justo García Sánchez, celebrado en la Universidad de Oviedo a finales del mes de Septiembre 2023.
CollisionGP: comprobación de colisiones probabilística con procesos gaussianos
Authors: Muñoz Javier , Moreno Luis
Published: October 2023

La comprobación de colisiones es la operación primitiva de la planificación de movimientos que más tiempo consume. Se ha demostrado que los algoritmos de aprendizaje automático aceleran la comprobación de colisiones. Presentamos CollisionGP, un algoritmo basado en procesos gaussianos para modelar el espacio de configuraciones de un robot y comprobar colisiones. CollisionGP introduce una variable auxiliar Pòlya-Gamma para cada punto de datos en el conjunto de entrenamiento para permitir que la inferencia de clasificación se realice exactamente con una expresión de forma cerrada. Los procesos gaussianos proporcionan una distribución como salida, obteniendo una media y una varianza para la comprobación de colisión. La varianza obtenida se procesa para reducir los falsos negativos (FN). Demostramos que CollisionGP puede utilizar la aceleración de la GPU para procesar comprobaciones de colisiones para miles de configuraciones mucho más rápido que las librerías tradicionales de detección de colisiones. Además, obtenemos mejores resultados de precisión, ratio de verdaderos positivos (TPR) y verdaderos positivos (TNR) que los algoritmos del estado del arte basados en aprendizaje utilizando menos puntos de soporte, lo que hace que nuestro método sea más ligero.
Análisis comparativo de técnicas de segmentación de estructuras reticulares
Authors: Soler Francisco José , Peidró Vidal Adrián , Fabregat Jaen Marc , Payá Luis , Reinoso Óscar
Published: October 2023

El presente articulo pretende comparar nuestro trabajo anterior en segmentación de estructuras reticulares con redes neuronales frente a un algoritmo ad hoc con el mismo propósito. Actualmente, las redes neuronales o la inteligencia artificial son conceptos muy usados y sinónimos de avances y mejoras, pero en determinados casos es posible emplear técnicas más clásicas, fuera del paradigma de la inteligencia artificial para desarrollar el mismo tipo de tareas con resultados muy similares. Para corroborar esta última mención, en el presente artículo se realiza un análisis comparativo de forma cuantitativa y cualitativa entre un algoritmo ad hoc y el mejor modelo de red neuronal en nuestro último trabajo para segmentar estructuras reticulares. Para la implementación del algoritmo se emplean métodos clásicos como Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC) y crecimiento de regiones. Para realizar la comparación de forma cuantitativa se emplean métricas estandarizadas como precision, recall y f1-score. Estas últimas se calcularán sobre una base de datos propia, compuesta por mil nubes de puntos y generada automáticamente en trabajos anteriores. El algoritmo en cuestión esta diseñado expresamente para tal base de datos.
Desarrollo de componentes para aplicaciones basadas en microservicios
Authors: Cuadra Gomez Julen , Hurtado Ekaitz , López Alejandro , Estévez Elisabet , Oskar Casquero , Armentia Aintzane
Published: October 2023

La utilización de la computación en la Niebla está ganando terreno en el dominio de la fabricación avanzada. Este paradigma de computación distribuida habilita el análisis de los datos producidos por los activos de fabricación en los procesos industriales, acercando los servicios que suele ofrecer la Nube a los dispositivos que producen los datos, mejorando la seguridad de estos y el rendimiento de las comunicaciones. Las aplicaciones desplegadas en la Niebla suelen diseñarse como conjuntos de componentes distribuidos que aprovechan el paradigma de microservicios, generalmente encapsulados en contenedores, para adaptar su despliegue en nodos con capacidades heterogéneas. Este artículo hace uso de la Ingeniería Conducida por Modelos para proporcionar a los programadores de componentes pautas y herramientas a la hora de diseñar y desarrollar dichos componentes de aplicación, preparándolos para su posterior despliegue en forma de microservicios.
Localización y detección de anomalías utilizando imágenes en un marco bayesiano
Authors: Slavic Giulia , Marín-Plaza Pablo , Marcenaro Lucio , Martín Gómez David , Regazzoni Carlo
Published: October 2023

La localización y la detección de anomalías son desafíos importantes en la videovigilancia y en la detección de fallos. Considere el caso de un vehículo que patrulla en una estación de tren: este necesita saber dónde se encuentra e identificar las posibles anomalías, como son, un equipaje abandonado o comportamientos humanos sospechosos. En este artículo, abordamos la localización y la detección de anomalías mediante un marco bayesiano y modelos de aprendizaje profundo. Donde asumimos que el vehículo se mueve en un entorno conocido. Durante la fase de entrenamiento, se construye una Red Bayesiana Dinámica Acoplada a través del agrupamiento de los datos de odometría y el aprendizaje de un Autocodificador Variacional de Kalman utilizando las imágenes de una cámara. Posteriormente, en la fase de prueba, solo se proporcionan datos de video. El enfoque propuesto plantea el uso de un Filtro de Partículas de Salto de Markov Acoplado que aprovecha dicha Red Bayesiana Dinámica para extraer anomalías y localizar el vehículo. Por tanto, las anomalías son tanto una salida del método como un resultado intermedio para guiar el proceso de localización. En este trabajo hemos evaluado el método propuesto en dos conjuntos de datos reales.
Segmentación semántica de imágenes para navegación de vehículos autónomos en entornos estructurados
Authors: Tornero Martín Pascual , Yagüe-Cuevas David , Armingol José María , Escalera Arturo de la
Published: October 2023

El avance e inclusión de la Inteligencia Artificial en la sociedad ha permitido que tareas como la visión por computador puedan mejorar notablemente su desempeño y adaptabilidad a tareas de todo tipo. Cada vez más se encuentran soluciones basadas en IA que automatizan trabajos antes realizados por humanos. Sin embargo, labores sencillas para una persona como la comprensión del entorno que le rodea, identificando sus elementos, siguen siendo desafiantes para las computadoras, pero lograrlo tendría múltiples beneficios. Dado este planteamiento, el objetivo de este trabajo es el estudio del estado del arte actual sobre los métodos de segmentación semántica y desarrollar un sistema de visión artificial, que haga uso de los métodos analizados, para la navegación de un vehículo autónomo en un campus universitario. El sistema permitirá al vehículo conocer su entorno, planificar su movimiento y prever peligros, mejorando la seguridad y objetividad de la conducción. Además, se ha trabajado con una base de datos de imágenes en alta resolución del campus para probar y validar el sistema, logrando una mejor integración con el entorno real de operación.
THE EFFECTS OF GASOLINE PRICE, REAL EXCHANGE RATE AND FOOD PRICE ON VEGETABLE AND FRUIT EXPORT
Authors: BOZMA Gürkan , İMAMOĞLU İlyas Kays
Published: October 2023

This study examines the effects of gasoline prices, fluctuations in the actual exchange rate, and food prices on the export of vegetables and fruits from Turkey. In this study, the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) approach was utilized to examine the factors influencing the exports of vegetables and fruits from 2003:1 to 2019:12. The analysis was conducted with the assumption that the relationships between gasoline, actual exchange rates, and food prices are nonlinear. The objective of the study was to ascertain the asymmetric effects of gasoline, real exchange rate, and food prices on the exportation of vegetables and fruits. The findings of the NARDL model suggest that there is a significant relationship between long-term fluctuations in gasoline prices and the export of fruits and vegetables of different magnitudes. On the other hand, it has been observed that vegetable exports experience linear effects over an extended period in relation to the real exchange rate. On the other hand, it has been observed that fruit exports are susceptible to asymmetric effects. The present study suggests that fluctuations in food prices have diverse effects on vegetable exports.
A case study of an adverse drug reaction caused by long term use of proton pump inhibitors
Authors: Kumar Swetha Sathish , Ravindran Sivani , Philips Merin Levy , B. Syaam Ganesh
Published: October 2023

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are the class of drugs used to treat a wide variety of disorders related to the stomach's acid production. Although it is considered safe for short term use, reports revealed that many serious life-threatening adverse reactions occurred from long term use. Here we report a case of hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia induced by long-term use of PPIs in a patient with crest syndrome. From his past history, it was revealed that he was on pantoprazole 40 mg for more than 3 months. While he was admitted here for other complaints, we were able to discover that he had hypomagnesemia defined by low magnesium level of 1.3 mg/dL. As a consequence, he also showed signs of hypocalcemia with a low calcium level of 7 mg/dL. A peculiar complaint seen in this patient was three episodes of supraventricular tachycardia which is the most common cardiac manifestations of hypomagnesemia. As a conclusion, hypomagnesemia can sometimes be asymptomatic and cause unspecific and serious manifestations such as asthenia, paresthesia’s, seizures, arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest. Hence routine monitoring of serum magnesium and calcium levels should be made mandatory in practice for patients on long term use of PPI. Besides, it should be kept in mind that interchanging PPI class with histamine 2 receptor antagonist or fitful use of PPI may not cause hypomagnesemia.
A retrospective study of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis in adults for surgical outcomes at tertiary care hospital
Authors: Trivedi Keval R. , Shah Chaitry
Published: October 2023

Background: An invasive fungal rhinosinusitis is most lethal form of sinusitis. It includes acute and chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis. The most lethal fungi are Aspergillous species and mucormycosis, others are Alternaria, P. boydii and Sprothrix. Endoscopic debridement combined with intravenous antifungals are efficacious in management of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis.
Methods: Study conducted at department of otorhinolaryngology, GMERS Medical College and Hospital, Sola, Ahmedabad. The period of the study October 2020 to October 2022. Total 100 cases taken. All cases of biopsy proven invasive fungal rhinosinusitis above the age of 18 years are included in this study. Oral and written consent taken from all included patients. A nasal endoscopy followed by KOH mount, magnetic resonance imaging – peripheral nervous system (MRI PNS) done.  
Results: In our study, 57% patients were surgically treated with functional endoscopic sinus surgery, 23% patients treated with modified Denker’s approach debridement. On basis of MRI PNS, nasal endoscopy and symptomatic improvement of the disease, only 10 patients have recurrence of disease and 90 patients are completely recovered after surgical and medical management.
Conclusions: Maintaining high index of suspicion in at risk patient populations, followed by prompt evaluation and management is crucial in suspected invasive fungal rhinosinusitis. Early management with antifungal e.g. Amphotericin B intravenous injections, tab Posaconazole, tab Voriconazole and surgical intervention e.g. FESS, modified Denker’s approach debridement, FESS with middle meatal antrostomy very efficacious in terms of preventing the recurrence and mortality in patients.
OUTRA FACE DO CONFLITO
Authors: Ferreira Samuel Rocha
Published: October 2023

O objetivo do presente artigo é analisar os questionamentos da política indigenista emanada da carta régia de 12 de maio de 1798, nomeadamente os pedidos para sua abolição e a adoção de uma nova abordagem, na província do Pará entre 1821 e 1832. A hipótese desenvolvida é a de que o descontentamento com esta política indigenista foi mais pronunciado na região do Rio Negro, na medida em que proprietários de terra e negociantes tiveram muita dificuldade para obter braços indígenas em quantidades satisfatórias a partir dos mecanismos da carta régia supracitada. Eles passaram, então, a recorrer a práticas ilegais, como descimentos forçados e escravização de indígenas, e no intuito de institucionalizá-las questionaram a política indigenista então vigente.
Antenatal screening for Thalassemia minor among conceiving females: A preventive measure
Authors: Mehmood Sehrish , Yousuf Pervaiz , Shaiq Pakeeza Arzoo , Khalil Safia , Habiba Umme
Published: October 2023

Beta Thalassemia is one of the most common global health concerns worldwide. It affects a large population in Pakistan, too, thereby increasing the financial burden. Several screening procedures have been proposed to lessen the cost burden associated with Beta Thalassemia. This study focuses on studying the occurrence of beta-thalassemia trait among pregnant ladies, the commonest mutations among Beta Thalassemia Trait cases, and defining the hematological parameters to overcome this expensive burden.

Blood was collected via venipuncture to carry-out CBC (Complete Blood Count) and H.B. (Hemoglobin) Electrophoresis is used to detect beta-thalassemia minor. In this study, the main CBC parameters to screen BTT included MCV (≤75fl), MCH (≤25pg), RBCs (≥4.50 million), and Hemoglobin (≤12g/Dl), whereas Hb electrophoresis confirmed the final diagnosis. The cut-off values for the final confirmation of BTT through Hb electrophoresis were >3.5% HBA2 and <95% HBA. Statistical tests used during the study included Mean and Standard deviation. Tetra-arm multiplex PCR was carried out to detect mutations.

Thalassemia minor was detected in 15 out of 509 conceiving females present in our study cohort, thus overall incidence rate being 2.9%. Moreover, the most reliable parameters for screening beta-thalassemia minor included MCV, MCH, RBCs, and RDW. Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) didn't hinder the accurate diagnosis of the beta-thalassemia minor. Moreover, our data revealed the IVS 1-5(G-C) (4 samples) and FSc 8-9 (+G) (4 samples) to be the commonest mutations among carrier females. However, CD 30 mutation was found in 2 samples. However, Primers were designed for the most commonly reported mutations in Pakistan including F.Sc 8/9, IVS 1- 5, 619bp deletion, CD 16, and CD 30.

Extensive screening strategies and detailed genetic counselling are needed to identify the risk and genetic epidemiology of Beta Thalassemia in Pakistan.
Adverse pregnancy outcome in low PAPP-A levels: First trimester screening hospital based study
Authors: Jindal Ankur , Polipalli Sunil Kumar , Kapoor Seema , Mishra Ranjana
Published: October 2023

To assess the adverse pregnancy outcome in Low Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein -A (PAPP-A) levels in serum.

This is a prospective cohort study, which included 2150 pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, India. Blood samples were collected by the venipuncture method for First trimester screening to assess free β-hCG and PAPP-A concentrations were measured by Auto DELFIA (Perkin Elmer, Turku, Finland).

In this study a total of 210 women who have the low PAPP-A value less than 0.4 MoM were under the closer surveillance for serious pregnancy outcome. 33(15.6%) women had pre-eclempsia, 27 (12.9%) cases showed intra-utrine growth retardation (IUGR), 6 (3.0%) cases have intra-utrine death. 48 (22.8%) women have pregnancy induced hypertension, and 96(45.6%) cases have other pregnancy related complication.

Low PAPP-A levels gives an indication of adverse pregnancy outcome in the early gestation age during the first trimester.
Comparative study of extraction and analysis of DNA from different temperatures using phenol chloroform method
Authors: Kumar Mahesh , Dubey Deepali , Anita  , Dheer Tanushree
Published: October 2023

The extraction of DNA from biological samples is a fundamental process in forensic investigations, providing invaluable information for the identification and profiling of individuals involved in criminal activities. Saliva is a commonly encountered biological fluid at crime scenes and can serve as a rich source of DNA evidence. This article focuses on the extraction of DNA from saliva samples and explores the methods and techniques employed in forensic investigations to optimize DNA recovery and maximize profiling success. Saliva samples were collected in saline in a swab tube and half of the samples were kept at 4C and half at Room Temperature (RT) to understand the temperature variance. After that, DNA extraction was done using the phenol-chloroform method. The quality and quantity of the extracted DNA are assessed using established techniques such as Gel electrophoresis and qPCR amplification. The results of the experiments reveal the efficiency and reliability of the DNA extraction method for saliva samples. DNA was successfully extracted from the set conditions. Although the DNA bands obtained from 4oC were more prominent compared to the samples kept at RT. The identification of optimal DNA extraction methods for saliva samples can contribute to the development of standardized protocols and guidelines for forensic DNA analysis. In conclusion, this article sheds light on the extraction of DNA from saliva samples for its use in forensic investigation. The outcomes of this study have the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of forensic investigations. Further research in this field is warranted to explore emerging technologies and refine existing methodologies for DNA extraction from saliva samples in forensic contexts.
Noticias del BID: Vol. 10, no. 2, abril 1983
Authors:   Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo
Published: October 2023

Noticias del BID, publicación mensual que tiene por objetivo informar acerca de las actividades del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo.
Quantitative analysis of optic disc changes in school-age children with ametropia based on artificial intelligence
Authors:   The First Clinical Medical College of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China, Liu Fang , Wang Yu-Chuan ,   The First Clinical Medical College of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China, Cao Miao ,   The First Clinical Medical College of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China, Xie Lian-Feng ,   Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China, Liu Jing ,   Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China, Liu Lin-Lin ,   Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China
Published: October 2023

AIM: To explore changes in the optic disc and peripapillary atrophy (PPA) in school-age children with ametropia using color fundus photography combined with artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
METHODS: Based on the retrospective case-controlled study, 226 eyes of 113 children aged aged 6–12y were enrolled from October 2021 to May 2022. According to the results of spherical equivalent (SE), the children were divided into four groups: low myopia group (66 eyes), moderate myopia group (60 eyes), high myopia group (50 eyes) and emmetropia control group (50 eyes). All subjects underwent un-aided visual acuity, dilated pupil optometry, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, ocular axis measurement and color fundus photography.
RESULTS: The width of PPA, horizontal diameter ratio of PPA to the optic disc and area ratio of PPA to the optic disc were significantly different among the four groups (P<0.05). The width of the nasal and temporal neuroretinal rim, the roundness of the optic disc, the height of PPA, the vertical diameter ratio of PPA to the optic disc, and the average density of PPA in the high myopia group were significantly different compared with the other three groups (P<0.05). There were strong negative correlations between SE and area ratio of PPA to the optic disc (r=-0.812, P<0.001) and strong positive correlation between axial length (AL) and area ratio of PPA to the optic disc (r=0.736, P<0.001).
CONCLUSION: In school-age children with high myopia, the nasal and temporal neuroretinal rims are narrowed and even lost, which have high sensitivity. The area ratio of the PPA to the optic disc could be used as an early predictor of myopia progression, which is of great significance for the development prevention and management of myopia.
Long-term efficacy and safety of YAG laser vitreolysis for vision degrading myodesopsia
Authors:   Department of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China; He Eye Specialist Hospital, Shenyang 110034, Liaoning Province, China, Lin Tie-Zhu , Yang Xing ,   He Eye Specialist Hospital, Shenyang 110034, Liaoning Province, China, Pazo Emmanuel Eric ,   He Eye Specialist Hospital, Shenyang 110034, Liaoning Province, China, Hui Yan-Nian ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China, Shen Li-Jun ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
Published: October 2023

AIM: To assess the long-term efficacy and safety of yttrium-aluminum garnet (YAG) laser vitreolysis for vision degrading myodesopsia (VDM) caused by posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).
METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed VDM patients of PVD type undergoing YAG laser vitreolysis. The baseline demographic information, the patterns of floaters, the number of floaters, and the subjective improvement of floater sympotoms (ranging from 0 to 100%) from medical records were collected. Significant improvement was defined as a relief of floater symptoms of ≥50% at the final visit. The long-term efficacy and safety of YAG laser vitreolysis were analyzed. The risk factors linked to significant improvement of floater symptoms were defined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.
RESULTS: The final analysis included 221 patients with VDM. The mean age of patients was 61.08±7.74y, and the mean length of follow-up was 21.38±5.61mo. Totally 57.01% of patients experienced a significant improvement in their floater symptoms after YAG laser therapy, and none of them developed delayed retinal abnormalities such as retinal tears or detachments. Age (OR=1.049, 95%CI=1.007-1.092, P=0.021) was identified as a significant risk factor for significant improvement in VDM.
CONCLUSION: YAG laser vitreolysis is an effective and secure treatment for PVD-type VDM, and patients of advanced age are more likely to get favorable outcomes.
Retinal thickness and fundus blood flow density changes in chest pain subjects with dyslipidemia
Authors:   Department of Cardiology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200010, China, Wang Jin , Zhang Pei ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Gonghui Hospital, Shanghai 200040, China, Wang Xin ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China, Zong Rong-Rong ,   Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Jiang Jing ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China, Zhang Yu ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China, Qian Yi-Wen ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China, Li Qing-Jian ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China, Wang Zhi-Liang ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
Published: October 2023

AIM: To assess the retinal thickness and fundus blood flow density changes in chest pain patients with dyslipidemia using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).
METHODS: All subjects with chest pain as the main symptom accepted a comprehensive ophthalmological examination. According to the serum lipid levels, the participants were divided into the control group and the dyslipidemia group. The retina thickness and fundus blood flow density were determined using OCTA.
RESULTS: The study enrolled 87 left eyes from 87 adults with dyslipidemia and 87 left eyes from age- and sex-matched participants without dyslipidemia. The retina of dyslipidemia subjects was significantly thinner than that of the controls in the inferior (P=0.004 and P=0.014, respectively) and temporal (P=0.015 and P=0.019, respectively) regions, both inner and outer layers. In terms of blood flow density in the macula or optic disk, there was a decreasing trend in the dyslipidemia group compared with the control group, especially in the inferior and temporal regions.
CONCLUSION: Dyslipidemia may contribute to the decrease in retinal thickness and fundus blood flow density. Further validation of the association between abnormal lipid metabolism and fundus microcirculation alterations needs to be carried out in chest pain patients.
Comparative analysis of methods of diagnostic ultrasound of peritonsillar abscess
Authors:   426 Military Hospital» of the Russian Ministry of Defense, Samara,443110, Russia, Chechko A. N. ,   Samara State Medical University, Samara, 443096, Russia, Vladimirova T. Yu. ,   Samara State Medical University, Samara, 443096, Russia, Sapozhnikov K. V. ,   North-Western Institute of Management of RANEPA, Saint Petersburg, 199178, Russia
Published: October 2023

In the daily clinical practice of an otorhinolaryngologist, purulent-inflammatory diseases of the pharynx are often encountered. Peritonsillar abscess occupies one of the leading positions among them. Computed tomography and diagnostic ultrasound are proposed as auxiliary instrumental research methods in modern clinical guidelines. The first, with its high sensitivity, has a number of disadvantages: the high cost of the study and low availability. Ultrasound examination has a number of advantages, such as high availability, the ability to detect specific changes characteristic of an abscess, depending on the methods used. This article is devoted to the study of the effectiveness of various methods of diagnostic ultrasound of peritonsillar abscess.
Bacteriophages in therapy of bacterial rhinosinusitis
Authors:   Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Ear, Throat, Nose and Speech,  Saint Petersburg, 190013, Russia, Nacharov P. V. , Krivopalov A. A. ,   Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Ear, Throat, Nose and Speech,  Saint Petersburg, 190013, Russia, Khamgushkeeva N. N. ,   Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Ear, Throat, Nose and Speech,  Saint Petersburg, 190013, Russia
Published: October 2023

Inflammatory diseases of the paranasal sinuses are among the most common human diseases, and this problem is becoming more and more urgent every year. Patients with rhinosinusitis undergo complex therapy, including the use of systemic antibacterial drugs, to which resistance develops in pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria over time. At the same time, the choice and prescription of antibacterial drugs, as a rule, are empirical in nature and are based on information about typical pathogens and their presumed sensitivity to antibiotics. In addition, antibacterial drugs have a detrimental effect on the microbiome of the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses and intestines. The association of pathogenic bacteria in biofilms increases their resistance to antibacterial drugs and contributes to the chronicity of the inflammatory process. The results of a number of studies show that bacteriophages not only lyse antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria but also destroy biofilms in inflammation foci in the paranasal sinuses. Bacteriophages compare favorably with antibacterial drugs in that they do not have an ototoxic effect, do not cause allergic reactions, and do not inhibit the normal intestinal microflora. Bacteriophage preparations are indicated for a wider range of patients.
Effect of targeted therapy for cystic fibrosis on course of pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis: first russian experience
Authors:   National Medical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngology,  Federal Medical and Biological Agency, Moscow, 123182, Russia, Polyakov D. P. ,   Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, 117997, Russia, Pogodina A. A. ,   Clinical Diagnostic Center MEDSI, Moscow, 123242, Russia, Kondrat’eva E. I. ,   Academician Bochkov Medical Genetic Research Center, Moscow, 115522, Russia,   Research Clinical Institute of Childhood, Ministry of Health of the Moscow Region,  Center for Cystic Fibrosis, Moscow, 141009, Russia, Voronkova A. Yu. ,   Academician Bochkov Medical Genetic Research Center, Moscow, 115522, Russia,   Research Clinical Institute of Childhood, Ministry of Health of the Moscow Region,  Center for Cystic Fibrosis, Moscow, 141009, Russia, Petrov A. S. ,   Research Clinical Institute of Childhood, Ministry of Health of the Moscow Region,  Center for Cystic Fibrosis, Moscow, 141009, Russia
Published: October 2023

Cystic fibrosis is the most common hereditary disease characterized by multiple organ damage to the exocrine glands, one of the manifestations of which is chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), often polyposis-purulent. A part of patients with this disease require multiple surgical interventions on the paranasal sinuses. With the arrival of targeted therapy, which intracellularly corrects the structure and function of the mutant protein and is directed primarily at treating manifestations of the lungs and pancreas, a positive effect on the course of CRS was also noted. The review of stages of development of this direction of treatment of cystic fibrosis is provided in the article, and also one of the Russia’s first similar clinical observations is given.
Programy skupu aktywów Europejskiego Banku Centralnego w dobie kryzysu zadłużeniowego w strefie euro
Authors: Grabowski Wojciech , Stawasz Ewa
Published: October 2023

Przedmiotem artykułu jest analiza skuteczności programów skupu aktywów, które Europejski Bank Centralny wprowadził w odpowiedzi na kryzys zadłużeniowy części gospodarek strefy euro – tj. programów Securities Markets Programme i Outright Monetary Transactions. W artykule badana jest trwałość efektów wprowadzenia tych dwóch programów, mierzonych zmianą rentowności obligacji skarbowych. Wykorzystując kryterium informacyjne Akaike, dochodzimy do wniosku, że oddziaływanie programu Out- -right Monetary Transactions było dłuższe niż programu Securities Markets Programme.
The Survival Status of Golden and Steppe Eagles in a Capturing Area in China
Authors:   Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, MaMing R.
Published: October 2023

Our recent investigation in China encompasses the species and number studies of eagles in captivity, study of methods and tools used to capture raptors in the field, investigation into whether there is trade (and at which level), estimation of damage to wild populations and their resources, assessment of the current situation in the field, negative factors, conflicts between laws and traditional culture (such as the Intangible Cultural Heritage), and how to solve and effectively manage them. We know that the sources of origins of eagles are different. Some populations breed in China, while others migrate or pass through China. For example, in Aheqi County, a border county in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, we have counted 412 captured Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) in the past 20 years. At least 231 were caught by means of nets (56.1%), and about 163 juvenile birds were taken from their nests (39.6%). And 16 eagles weakened by starvation or overeating frozen food were caught in winter, and 2 were caught as a result of mutual fights. In early August 2023, a survey of eagle training showed that Golden Eagles accounted for 87.3% of all birds, while few falconers use Steppe Eagles (Aquila nipalensis). Certanly, other raptors such as Goshawks (Accipiter gentilis), Saker Falcons (Falco cherrug), Peregrines (Falco peregrinus), and Barbary Falcons (Falco pelegrinoides) are also captured occasionally by local people in Xinjiang. Finally, we are going to discuss some negative factors affecting raptors in steppe and desert regions, including bird mortality at power grid facilities, poisoning, and insufficient prey availability both in nesting areas and on migration paths.
Wintering Steppe Eagle in Hurghada (Egypt) from 2016 till 2022
Authors:   Red Sea Association for Environment and Water sports, Habib M.I.
Published: October 2023

The East African-Eurasian flyway is one of the most important routes for migratory soaring birds in the world. Each spring and autumn 37 species of migratory soaring birds navigate this flyway, with over a million birds passing through the larger bottlenecks. Soaring birds are almost entirely dependent on updrafts to sustain their migratory flight. This dictates and vastly reduces their choice of migration routes and funnels them along very narrow migration ‘corridors’. The lack of updrafts over large bodies of water prevents them from crossing seas, except at the narrowest of straits. Because of this, birds transit between Sinai and African Egypt by flying over land north of the Gulf of Suez, mostly between the town of Suez and the Great Bitter Lake. Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis), which is considered endangered, is almost entirely dependent on updrafts to sustain its migration flight. This species has undergone extremely rapid population declines within its European range. The majority of its range lies outside Europe, where it was not thought to be declining at a sufficiently rapid rate to approach the threshold for Vulnerable. However, recent information suggests that the population outside Europe may be exposed to greater threats than was previously thought, and that it also has undergone very rapid declines recently. The study aims to understand the ecology of aggregations of Steppe Eagle (outside breeding range) at dumping sites along the narrow migration corridors of the flyway at the Egyptian Red Sea coast during a time after the coast had been developed for tourism. Aggregating of eight Steppe Eagles were first observed at the Hurghada garbage tip on 10 December 2019; the aggregation that winter reached its peak in February 2020, when 1000 individuals were seen, mainly adults. In December 2021, 2100 individuals were observed, and in March 2022 there were 8000 to 10000 individuals, including 130 juveniles. During visits to the Cairo bird markets on October 6, 2022, I saw 10 Steppe Eagles for sale.
Mitochondrial phylogeny and systematics of palearctic eagles
Authors:   Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Starikov I.J. ,   Cherepovets State University, Wink M. ,   Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnologies, Heidelberg University
Published: October 2023

The eagles sensu lato are a polyphyletic group of large raptors represented in the Palearctic realm by 13 species belonging to two subfamilies: Aquilinae (true Eagles) and Haliaeetinae (Sea Eagles). Phylogenetic position of this group taxa at species level and above based on nuclear and mitochondrial markers is currently clarified (Mindell et al., 2018), while intraspecific variability and genetic differences between subspecies are generally not well understood. This study examined the available mitochondrial DNA sequences from GenBank and BOLD databases, also unpublished sequences obtained by the authors were added. Three markers for which sufficient data is available were selected for analysis: cytochrome oxidase 1 (COI) used for DNA-barcoding, cytochrome b (Cyt b), popular in phylogenetic studies, and the hypervariable control region of mtDNA. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using Bayesian Inference, Maximum Likelihood and Neighbor-joining methods, haplotype networks were also constructed. Genetic distances between taxa and time of its divergence were calculated. The obtained results are being discussed in a comparative context at the inter – and intraspecific levels. The possibility of its application and the use of particular genetic markers in general to solve problems of systematics of these species, as well as recent taxonomic changes are considered. The questions of the formation of taxa in the evolution process and their modern distribution in the Palearctic are discussed.
Status of the Saker Falcon in Hungary between 1980 and 2022
Authors:   MME BirdLife Hungary, Bagyura J. ,   MME BirdLife Hungary, Szitta T. ,   MME BirdLife Hungary, Haraszthy L. ,   University of Florida, Prommer M. ,   MME BirdLife Hungary, Horvath M.
Published: October 2023

There is limited data available about the status of the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) in Hungary before 1980. According to available sources, the species was a regular breeder in several habitat types, but was not common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The population decreased significantly through the 20th century falling to fewer than 50 pairs after World War II. The main reasons for the population decrease were DDT and widespread persecution (poisoning and shooting) of raptors by hunters. The species had reached the brink of extinction in Hungary by the 1970s. The Hungarian population of Saker Falcon is closely monitored and protected by MME BirdLife Hungary and the Hungarian National Park directorates’ ranger service over the last forty years. In the framework of Hungary’s national Saker Falcon conservation program, several significant actions have been undertaken: all potential breeding sites were surveyed, nest began to be formally guarded, artificial nests were installed on trees and high-voltage electric pylons, dangerous medium-voltage poles have been retrofitted with bird-friendly designs, and European Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus citellus) have been translocated to their former habitats. In addition, research activities including banding, GPStracking, and prey analyses have begun. The conservation program received significant support from WWF (1986–1990), the European Union’s LIFE Nature program (2016–2018), and the Hungarian government. Thanks to these varied and widespread efforts, the population started to increase slowly, but continuously between 1980 and 2010, with an average population growth rate was approximately 11% annually. The number of known nesting pairs has increased from eight pairs (1980) to 172 pairs (2010). Later population abundance showed fluctuating trends between 2011 and 2022, but remained more or less stable (143–185 pairs). The Hungarian population of Saker Falcons is estimated to be 180–200 nesting pairs. In 2022, 175 nesting pair were documented and 444 chicks fledged from 152 successful breeding attempts. A new EU funded “LIFE SakerRoads” project was launched in 2023 to increase the species’ population on the North-Hungarian Plain, where a significant decline was observed over the last decade.