bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GÉNERO E EDUCAÇÃO: O ACESSO À EDUCAÇÃO E O EMPODERAMENTO DE MULHERES EM CONTEXTO DE MIGRAÇÃO FORÇADA EM PORTUGAL
Authors: Sampaio Catarina , Ramos Natália
Published: February 2024

O presente artigo debruça-se sobre os resultados alcançados numa investigação centrada em compreender a realidade psicossocial de mulheres refugiadas em Portugal no âmbito de uma investigação de mestrado em Relações Interculturais. O principal objetivo foi analisar e refletir sobre as trajetórias migratórias, de resiliência e de integração, determinando quais as principais dificuldades e quais os principais fatores protetores presentes na situação de refúgio, de acordo com os significados que as mulheres atribuem às suas experiências. Nesse sentido, foram realizadas 9 entrevistas semiestruturadas e em profundidade a mulheres oriundas do Iraque, Líbia e Síria. O estudo desvelou um conjunto diversificado de dificuldades e de fatores protetores, sendo um dos temas mais prementes o acesso à educação. Assim, este artigo focar-se-á nas dificuldades e importância de acesso à educação para mulheres em contexto de migração forçada, na relação estabelecida entre o acesso à educação e a autonomia e empoderamento, bem como nas políticas públicas portuguesas nesta matéria, dando-se destaque ao estatuto do estudante em emergência por questões humanitárias, ao abrigo do qual sete das entrevistadas prosseguiram os estudos interrompidos pela guerra nos seus países de origem. Da investigação conclui-se a absoluta importância da garantia de acesso à educação para mulheres refugiadas, tendo tal salvaguarda implicações no acesso ao emprego qualificado, no estabelecimento de redes sociais, na diminuição do stress da aculturação, da exploração laboral e de outras vulnerabilidades e, por fim, na conquista da autonomia e do empoderamento pelas mulheres.
CONTRIBUIÇÕES DA EDUCAÇÃO JURÍDICA COM A IGUALDADE DE GÊNERO DESDE O DIREITO ANTIDISCRIMINATÓRIO
Authors: Nogueira Souza Luiza , Stolz Sheila
Published: February 2024

A pesquisa apresentada neste artigo versa sobre as possibilidades de abordagem do Direito Antidiscriminatório, destacando os vieses de gênero e de raça nos currículos dos cursos de Direito, para o alcance do Objetivo de Desenvolvimento Sustentável 5 da Agenda 2030 da Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU), relativo à igualdade de gênero e empoderamento de todas as mulheres e meninas. O enfrentamento à violência contra a mulher, assim como aos entraves ao crescimento profissional e pessoal, demanda providências jurídicas, em consideração à responsabilidade atribuída aos profissionais do Direito. Por meio de uma pesquisa exploratória-explicativa, o trabalho pretende demonstrar que o desenvolvimento de uma educação jurídica fundamentada no Direito Antidiscriminatório pode ser uma política educacional de contribuição com o ODS 5, no sentido de ser uma ação voltada para a equidade de gênero. Conclui-se que para o fomento dessas ações de equidade, é preciso que a educação jurídica forneça subsídios para a formação do profissional do Direito apto e sensível a questões de gênero e de raça.
HOMO FARMACUS
Authors: Frascareli Lígia Silveira , Ong Lucas Francis e Silva
Published: February 2024

Neste trabalho desenvolvemos um pensamento crítico acerca dos modos de consumo de fármacos, discutindo sobre a legitimação e/ou proibicionismo crescente dessas substâncias, utilizadas como verdadeiras próteses para aumento de desempenho e felicidade na busca de positivação da insatisfação humana. Para tal, utilizamos o referencial teórico da psicanálise aplicada, tomando de empréstimo concepções da psicanálise fora do campo estritamente clínico para compreensão deste fenômeno em sua dimensão social e política. Concluímos que o discurso relativo ao consumo de fármacos é pautado pelo neoliberalismo contemporâneo, que nomeia o natural humano como deficitário, autorizando subjetivamente o uso indiscriminado e abusivo de medicações que visam supostas melhorias, tratamentos, curas, upgrades. No contraponto, temos o discurso proibicionista, punitivo e condenatório acerca de drogas ilícitas e recreativas, gerando processos sociais cada vez mais excludentes e discriminatórios que localizam apenas nos outros, “drogados”, um modo de pertencimento social que diz respeito a todos nós, pois quando as limitações inerentes à condição humana são socialmente entendidas como negatividades, parece ser inevitável que o abuso de substâncias, sejam elas quais forem, se torne regra.
VIVÊNCIAS COTIDIANAS DE ESTUDANTES GAYS E NÃO GAYS
Authors: Dos Santos Silva Patrick , Heloísa Raimunda Herneck  , Jairo Barduni Filho
Published: February 2024

O presente artigo visa apresentar o resultado da pesquisa de mestrado: “A construção da homossexualidade nos espaços escolares: vivências e descobertas” cujo objetivo foi compreender a construção das masculinidades por meio de narrativas e experiências no contexto escolar de estudantes gays e não gays. A metodologia utilizada foi a técnica Snowball (bola de neve), além da organização de um grupo focal e de entrevistas semiestruturadas. Com base nas narrativas produzidas por estudantes gays e não gays foi possível inferir que as expectativas em busca do “homem de verdade” inseridas nos núcleos sociais vivenciados por eles não são únicas, sendo então distintas de acordo com as perspectivas e experiências de cada sujeito com o seu ciclo social. A homossexualidade apareceu, nesse contexto, como uma masculinidade subordinada, maior desvio da masculinidade hegemônica, e constantemente apontada como forma de se relacionar que não deve ser exercida na escola. Também ficou visível no relato dos estudantes a importância dos ciclos de relações estabelecidas para o enfrentamento de situações de violência ou de implicações por exercerem masculinidades e sexualidades não-hegemônicas. Os estudantes homossexuais optam, dessa forma, por manterem vínculos afetivos próximos com outros sujeitos homossexuais, pois se sentem mais acolhidos e mais seguros, criando guetos homossexuais nas escolas.
Prognosis and Clinical Significance of Piezo2 in Tumor: A Meta-analysis and Database Validation
Authors: Liang Tong , Wang Junhong , Zhu Chenglou , Hu Yongli , Gao Zhenhua , Da Mingxu
Published: February 2024

Objective:

The objective of this study is to assess the correlation between Piezo2 and
tumors through a comprehensive meta-analysis and database validation.

Methods:

Case-control studies investigating the association between Piezo2 and tumors were
obtained from various databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI),
SinoMed, Embase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, and PubMed. The search was performed
from the inception of each database up until May 2023. Two researchers independently
screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the included studies. Metaanalysis
of the included literature was conducted using Stata 12.0 software. Additionally, the
Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database predicted a correlation between
Piezo2 expression and prognostic value in tumor patients.

Results:

A total of three studies, involving a combined sample size of 392 participants, were included
in the meta-analysis. The findings revealed that the expression level of Piezo2 in tumor
patients was not significantly associated with age, gender, or tumor size. However, it was found
to be positively correlated with lymphatic invasion (OR = 7.89, 95%CI: 3.96-15.73) and negatively
correlated with invasion depth (OR = 0.17, 95%CI: 0.06-0.47), TNM stage (OR = 0.48,
95%CI: 0.27-0.87), and histological grade (OR = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.21-0.77). Confirming these
findings, the GEPIA database indicated that high expression of Piezo2 was associated with poor
prognosis of disease-free survival in patients with colon adenocarcinoma (HR = 1.6, P = 0.049)
and gastric cancer (HR = 1.6, P = 0.017).

Conclusion:

Piezo2 may be associated with poor prognosis and clinicopathological parameters
in tumor patients.
Explore on the Mechanism of miRNA-146a/TAB1 in the Regulation of Cellular Apoptosis and Inflammation in Ulcerative Colitis Based on NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Xia Xiaoying , Yang Qian , Han Xue , Du Yulin , Guo Shujun , Hua Mengqing , Fang Fang , Ma Zhigang , Ma Hua , Yuan Hui , Tian Wenjing , Ding Zebang , Duan Yanan , Huo Qi , Li Yao
Published: February 2024

Objective:

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic non-specific inflammatory
disease of the rectum and colon with unknown etiology. A growing number of evidence
suggest that the pathogenesis of UC is related to excessive apoptosis and production
of inflammatory cytokines. However, the functions and molecular mechanisms
associated with UC remain unclear.

Materials and Methods:

The in vivo and in vitro models of UC were established in this
study. MiRNA or gene expression was measured by qRT-PCR assay. ELISA, CCK-8,
TUNEL, and flow cytometry assays were applied for analyzing cellular functions. The
interactions between miR-146a and TAB1 were verified by luciferase reporter and
miRNA pull-down assays.

Results:

MiR-146a was obviously increased in UC patients, DSS-induced colitis mice,
and TNF-ɑ-induced YAMC cells, when compared to the corresponding controls. MiR-
146a knockdown inhibited the inflammatory response and apoptosis in DSS-induced
colitis mice and TNF-ɑ-induced YAMC cells. Mechanistically, we found that TAB1 was
the target of miR-146a and miR-146a knockdown suppressed the activation of NF-κB
pathway in UC. More importantly, TAB1 could overturn the inhibitory effect of
antagomiR-146a on cell apoptosis and inflammation in UC.

Conclusion:

MiR-146a knockdown inhibited cell apoptosis and inflammation via
targeting TAB1 and suppressing NF-κB pathway, suggesting that miR-146a may be a
new therapeutic target for UC treatment
Targeting Ubiquitin-specific Protease 5 Overcomes Chemoresistance via Negatively Regulating p53 in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Song Jing , Liu Lei , Wang Fang , Bao Di
Published: February 2024

Background:

Resistance to chemotherapy is a major obstacle in the
clinical management of gastric cancer, and the mechanisms underlying
chemoresistance remain largely unknown.

Aims:

This study aimed to investigate the involvement of ubiquitin-specific protease 5
(USP5), a deubiquitinating enzyme, in gastric cancer chemoresistance

Methods:

USP5 expression was analyzed in fifty paired gastric cancer and adjacent
normal tissues, chemo-sensitive and chemo-resistant gastric cancer lines using
quantitative ELISA. The role of USP5 was determined using loss-of-function and gainof-
function methods. USP5-mediated downstream effectors were analyzed using
biochemical methods focusing on p53.

Results:

USP5 expression was comparable in tumors and normal in the majority of
the cohort. Following chemotherapy treatment, USP5 expression significantly
increased in gastric cancer cells, while p53 levels remained unaltered. Overexpression
of USP5 amplified growth and migration while decreasing apoptosis induced by serum
withdrawal across multiple gastric cancer cell lines. Conversely, USP5 knockdown
effectively heightened gastric cancer sensitivity to paclitaxel and 5-FU treatments,
particularly targeting chemo-resistant gastric cancer cells by inhibiting proliferation and
migration and inducing apoptosis. Additionally, USP5 knockdown increased levels of
p53 but not MDM2, increased p53 activity and increased transcription of p53 target
genes. In contrast, USP5 overexpression decreased the level and activity of p53 and
inhibited transcription of p53 target genes. The anti-proliferative, anti-migratory, and
pro-apoptotic effects of USP5 were significantly diminished upon p53 depletion,
highlighting the interplay between p53 and USP5 in regulating gastric cancer cell
activities. Additionally, USP5 inhibition suppressed chemo-resistant gastric cancer cell
migration via suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and RhoA activity.

Conclusion:

Targeting USP5 inhibition has emerged as a promising alternative
therapeutic approach to overcoming chemoresistance in gastric cancer. Additionally,
our study sheds light on the novel role of USP5 as a regulator of p53 in gastric cancer.
Metformin Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome Expression and Regulates Inflammatory Microenvironment to Delay the Progression of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Liu Gaojie , Wang Feixiang , Feng Yanlin , Tang Hongsheng
Published: February 2024

Background:

Colorectal cancer is a common malignant tumor, with about one million
people diagnosed with it worldwide each year. Recent studies have found that metformin can inhibit
the production of inflammatory factors and regulate the polarization of immune cells. However,
whether metformin can regulate the inflammatory microenvironment and delay the progression
of colorectal cancer by inhibiting the inflammatory response has not been deeply studied yet

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism by which metformin inhibits
the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome, regulates the inflammatory microenvironment, and delays
the progression of colorectal cancer through in vitro cell experiments.

Methods:

In this research, NLRP3 was knocked down in human colorectal cancer cells, and metformin
was added to them. Cell proliferation ability was detected by CCK8, and cell migration
and invasion abilities were assessed by Transwell assay. The apoptosis rate was determined by
flow cytometry. In addition, the expression of NLRP3 inflammatory vesicles and inflammatory
factors in each group of cells was studied by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Finally, clinical colorectal
cancer samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

Results:

The results of the study showed that NLRP3 expression was significantly increased in colorectal
cancer cell lines and human colorectal cancer tissues. Knockdown of NLRP3 significantly
inhibited tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In addition, the proliferation, migration
and invasion of tumor cells were also significantly reduced by the addition of metformin intervention.
Furthermore, qRT-PCR and WB results demonstrated that the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-
α, TGF-β, and IL-10 was down-regulated in LS1034 tumor cells after NLRP3 knockdown. In addition,
metformin intervention also resulted in different degrees of downregulation of NLRP3 and
inflammatory factor expression (p <0.05). Notably, the reduction in inflammatory factors was
more pronounced after the combination of NLRP3 knockdown and metformin intervention.

Conclusion:

Metformin can inhibit the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby suppressing
the expression of inflammation-related factors, reducing the damage of the inflammatory microenvironment
to normal cells, and delaying the progression of colorectal cancer.
Indirubin, an Active Component of Indigo Naturalis, Exhibits Inhibitory Effects on
Leukemia Cells via Targeting HSP90AA1 and PI3K/Akt Pathway
Authors: Yao Yuanzhi , Li Xiaoying , Yang Xiaoqin , Mou Hai , Wei Lin
Published: February 2024

Background::

This research intended to predict the active ingredients and key target genes of Indigo
Naturalis in treating human chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) using network pharmacology and conduct the invitro
verification.

Methods::

The active components of Indigo Naturalis and the corresponding targets and leukemia-associated
genes were gathered through public databases. The core targets and pathways of Indigo Naturalis were predicted
through protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, gene ontology (GO) function, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of
Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Next, after intersecting with leukemia-related genes,
the direct core target gene of Indigo Naturalis active components was identified. Subsequently, HL-60 cells were
stimulated with indirubin (IND) and then examined for cell proliferation using CCK-8 assay and cell cycle, cell
apoptosis, and mitochondrial membrane potential using flow cytometry. The content of apoptosis-associated
proteins (Cleaved Caspase 9, Cleaved Caspase 7, Cleaved Caspase 3, and Cleaved parp) were detected using
Western blot, HSP90AA1 protein, and PI3K/Akt signaling (PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, and p-Akt) within HL-60 cells.

Results::

A total of 9 active components of Indigo Naturalis were screened. The top 10 core target genes (TNF,
PTGS2, RELA, MAPK14, IFNG, PPARG, NOS2, IKBKB, HSP90AA1, and NOS3) of Indigo Naturalis active
components within the PPI network were identified. According to the KEGG enrichment analysis, these targets
were associated with leukemia-related pathways (such as acute myeloid leukemia and CML). After intersecting
with leukemia-related genes, it was found that IND participated in the most pairs of target information and was at
the core of the target network; HSP90AA1 was the direct core gene of IND. Furthermore, the in-vitro cell experiments
verified that IND could inhibit the proliferation, elicit G2/M-phase cell cycle arrest, enhance the apoptosis
of HL-60 cells, reduce mitochondrial membrane potential, and promote apoptosis-related protein levels. Under
IND treatment, HSP90AA1 overexpression notably promoted cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis. Additionally,
IND exerted tumor suppressor effects on leukemia cells by inhibiting HSP90AA1 expression.

Conclusion::

IND, an active component of Indigo Naturalis, could inhibit CML progression, which may be
achieved via inhibiting HSP90AA1 and PI3K/Akt signaling expression levels.
Buenas prácticas agrícolas y de manufactura en cultivos de uchuva
Authors: Villarreal Navarrete Andrea del Pilar , Beltrán Acosta Camilo Rubén , Ramírez Luciano , Díaz García Andrés , Rojas Zambrano Emerson Duván , Zapata Narváez Yimmy Alexander , Wilches Ortiz Wilmar Alexander , Sanabria Torres Camilo Ernesto , Serralde Ordóñez Diana Paola , Ramírez Gómez María Margarita , Peñaranda Rolón Andrea María
Published: February 2024

Las buenas prácticas agrícolas (BPA) son un conjunto de fundamentos que deben aplicarse en las unidades productivas durante los procesos de producción y poscosecha para obtener productos agrícolas inocuos y de calidad. Se aplican teniendo en cuenta los aspectos económicos, sociales y medioambientales involucrados y se basan en cuatro pilares: el cuidado del medio ambiente, la calidad e inocuidad alimentaria, la viabilidad económica y la aceptabilidad social. Estos pilares están encaminados hacia una producción más sostenible y competitiva que aporte a la seguridad alimentaria mundial.
The Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Assessing Fall Risk: Systematic Review
Authors: González-Castro Ana , Leirós-Rodríguez Raquel , Prada-García Camino , Benítez-Andrades José Alberto
Published: February 2024

Background

Falls and their consequences are a serious public health problem worldwide. Each year, 37.3 million falls requiring medical attention occur. Therefore, the analysis of fall risk is of great importance for prevention. Artificial intelligence (AI) represents an innovative tool for creating predictive statistical models of fall risk through data analysis.

Objective

The aim of this review was to analyze the available evidence on the applications of AI in the analysis of data related to postural control and fall risk.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in 6 databases with the following inclusion criteria: the articles had to be published within the last 5 years (from 2018 to 2024), they had to apply some method of AI, AI analyses had to be applied to data from samples consisting of humans, and the analyzed sample had to consist of individuals with independent walking with or without the assistance of external orthopedic devices.

Results

We obtained a total of 3858 articles, of which 22 were finally selected. Data extraction for subsequent analysis varied in the different studies: 82% (18/22) of them extracted data through tests or functional assessments, and the remaining 18% (4/22) of them extracted through existing medical records. Different AI techniques were used throughout the articles. All the research included in the review obtained accuracy values of >70% in the predictive models obtained through AI.

Conclusions

The use of AI proves to be a valuable tool for creating predictive models of fall risk. The use of this tool could have a significant socioeconomic impact as it enables the development of low-cost predictive models with a high level of accuracy.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO CRD42023443277; https://tinyurl.com/4sb72ssv
Generation of Revision Identifier (rsid) Numbers in MS Word
Authors: Spennemann Dirk H.R. , Singh Claire L
Published: February 2024

The 2007 implementation of the Office Open XML standard for Microsoft Word introduced the assignation of individual revision save identifiers (Rsid) to document editing sessions that end in a save action. The relevant standards ECMA (2016) and ISO/ IEC 29500-1:2016 (2016) stipulate that these Rsid should be allocated randomised but with increasing numerical value, thereby documenting the progress of the editing. As MS Word is the most ubiquitous word processing software, Rsid appear to be a useful tool to examine and provide evidence for a wide range of common document generation editing and modification processes and file management operations, with implications for document analysis including, but not limited to academic integrity issues in student assignment submissions (e.g. contract cheating).
This paper presents the results of a series of experiments conducted to assess whether and how well MS Word implements the ECMA and ISO/ IEC standards. The results show that the number of allocated Rsid indeed increases with each edit and save action, with the previous Rsids carried over and retained. The newly allocated Rsid, however, do not conform to the standard as the numerical value of a Rsid associated with a save action may be larger or smaller than any or all of those allocated during that of the previous save actions. The allocation of a new Rsid is not necessarily caused by an edit event but that a new Rsid can also be generated if a file is saved as rtf or if it is sent as an e-mail from within MS Word, although the file was not edited in any way. Rsid numbers are not generated if a person opens a MS Word document, reads it and closes the file without saving, making this action impossible to detect.
MS Word template files on a given machine contain document (root) Rsid numbers that are generated when a newly installed application is launched for the first time. As these will be embedded as legacy Rsid into every new file generated from that template file, they act as signatures for all MS Word documents that are created.
The experiments have shown that user behaviour has a direct influence on the number of Rsid represented in a given file. Although the implementation of Office Open XML chosen by Microsoft is not compliant with the relevant standards, and thus Rsid cannot be used determine the exact chronological order of all editing sequences within a given document, the Rsid retain their value for document forensics as they are associated with specific edit events, and illuminate the document writing and editing process.
Mental Health Prediction Model on Social Media Data Using CNN-BiLSTM
Authors: Abdurrahim Abdurrahim , Fudholi Dhomas Hatta Fudholi
Published: February 2024

Social media has transformed into a global platform for expression and interaction where users can share photos, images, and videos. The rapid development and widespread use of social media afford the opportunity to analyze the construction of social life in societies and communities. As a result of alterations in lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health disorders increased. Mental health is a complex disease involving numerous individual, socioeconomic, and clinical variables. Natural language processing and analysis methods are required to address this complexity. The classification of mental health-related texts, which can serve as early warnings and early diagnoses, is facilitated by analytical and natural language processing techniques. In this investigation, a CNN-BiLSTM model was utilized, which was aided by a FastText-based word weighting method. The utilized data set consists of texts on mental health with labels such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), anxiety, depression, bipolar, mentalillness, schizophrenia, and poison. There are 35000 training records and 6108 test records. The data will undergo a data cleansing procedure, which will include lower text stages, number removal, reading mark removal, and stopword removal. Modeling with CNN-BiLSTM and FastText weighting yielded an F1-Score and accuracy of 85% and 85%, respectively. In comparison to the Bi-LSTM model, the F1-Score and accuracy were both 83%.
Biogas production European Union and national regulatory enactments and regulations in Latvia
Authors:   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Millers Janis , Pilvere Irina ,   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Beizitere Ilona ,   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
Published: February 2024

The article analyses the laws and regulations governing the production of biogas in the European Union (EU) and in Latvia, which determine practical economic solutions in the biogas industry. The strategic goals and basic directives of the EU energy policy are the ones on which the renewable energy sector in Europe is based, which are largely focused on a sustainable energy sector, putting the EU as a world leader in this field with a common energy market. However, each EU Member State has its own energy policy, so in order to achieve the common goal of a higher share of renewable energy in the national economy, the Member States choose different ways to achieve the goal. The aim of this article is to find out whether the regulatory acts in Latvia regulate the development of the biogas industry in a favourable way. Considering the unprecedented geopolitical situation created by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, during 2022 the renewable energy indicators to be achieved by 2030 were reviewed in the EU. They were adjusted to promote Member States' energy independence and, in the long term, the goals of climate neutrality and zero pollution, as well as to phase out dependence on Russian fossil fuels and reduce energy prices. The research shows that Latvia, following the legislation of the EU in the field of energy and also focusing on the use of renewable energy sources, to which biogas belongs, has adapted its package of policy planning documents and regulatory acts in order to comply with the goals set by the EU.
Optimal capital investment strategy through a flexibility services approach
Authors:   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Rauzins Martins , Lusis Peter ,   Monash University, Lidaka Eliza Liga ,   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
Published: February 2024

As the demand for electricity consumption and generation connection capacity to the infrastructure of the distribution system operator managed by JSC "Sadales tikls" (ST) increases, a shortage of available capacity is observed due to physical constraints of the network infrastructure. Historically, the company has addressed capacity constraints through capital investments in network upgrades, thereby increasing the nominal capacity of the elements installed in the network and increasing the capacity of the network. European experience shows that capital costs in network reinforcement can be deferred by offering the customers their desired capacity with temporary constraints. This study defines a process for designing an optimal investment strategy, which allows ST to compare the investment in network reinforcement against restrained capacity offer through customer demand flexibility. It was concluded that the concept of flexibility services versus reinforcing the existing network is the most cost-effective option to maintain a consistently high quality of energy supply while minimising the cost to the utility if the customer flexibility cost does not exceed 300 EUR/MWh. Adding that only by updating and improving input data, calculations and forecasts flexibility services can be further developed and implemented in Latvia.
Energy productivity in agriculture in EU countries – directions and dynamics
Authors:   Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Wicka Aleksandra , Wicki Ludwik ,   Warsaw University of Life Sciences
Published: February 2024

The productivity of inputs, especially energy, is a subject of interest in many countries, including the countries of the European Union and the EU itself. To achieve a more sustainable economy, the EU launched the European Green Deal, a development strategy to transform the EU into a zero-emission economy. The study aims to assess changes in the productivity of energy inputs in agriculture in EU countries in connection with the changes in the volume of production and energy inputs. Based on Eurostat data, changes for the period 2010-2020 were determined. It was found that agricultural production in the EU-27 increased by 1.36%, while the amount of energy used in agriculture increased by as much as 12%. As a result, energy productivity decreased by as much as 10% from EUR 360,000 to EUR 325,000 per 1 TJ of energy input. A decrease in energy productivity was observed in 20 of the 27 countries surveyed. On average, production or energy use volume changes in particular countries were not large and did not exceed 5% in the analysed period. An increase in the efficiency of energy use in agriculture is possible through rational concentration of production, mechanization and introduction of innovations in production technologies. The phenomenon of emission leakage outside the EU and large imports of food should be avoided, as the efficiency of energy use in agriculture in the EU is higher than in less developed countries. Achieving a reduction in energy consumption in agriculture seems to be difficult to reconcile with maintaining production volumes.
Productivity difference between a foreign direct investment and domestic capital firms in Latvia in the agricultural, forestry and fishing sector: a firm-level analysis
Authors:   University of Latvia, Jursa Aleksejs
Published: February 2024

This study examines firm-level panel data to determine the productivity level per employee between domestic capital firms and their foreign counterparts in the agricultural, forestry and fishing sector in Latvia during the 2014-2021 period. Two groups of firms were created. The first firm group represents firms in which at least 10% of the share capital belongs to foreign direct investors. While the second group represents firms whose share capital is fully owned by the residents of Latvia. Productivity indicators are calculated for both groups. To assess the productivity differences across domestic firms and firms with foreign capital in Latvia, the author has combined a rich firm-level dataset using ORBIS and Lursoft IT Ltd. data. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the firms with foreign capital are, on average, more productive than the firms whose share capital is only Latvian capital. The difference in productivity is especially visible in the forestry and logging sub-group in small size firms.
Audit of financial reporting as a tool for investment attractiveness of agricultural business enterprises
Authors:   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Kuzyk Natalya , Shevchuk Kateryna ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Kruhla Maryna ,   National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman, Kyiv, Ukraine, Aloshyn Vladyslav ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: February 2024

Development of financial statements audit as an effective practical tool for the investment attractiveness of agrarian business enterprises requires elaboration of its relevant theoretical positions with a detailed projection on the industry area to specify the content, tasks, information usefulness for investors, owners, and top managers of the enterprise. For this purpose, the role of the financial statements audits as a specific tool for improving the investment attractiveness of agrarian business enterprises is identified. The authors also substantiate the need to deepen its essential understanding, supplementing the audit components with various types of Due Diligence, which will provide users with complete information contained in the financial statements, the reliability of which is confirmed by the auditor. This will also enable a deeper use of analytical information to identify key risks and form an independent and objective opinion on the financial statements of a potential investment target.
Analysis of trends in the development of floriculture in Ukraine
Authors:   Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman, Kyiv, Ukraine, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0971-1303 Uliana , Kolesnikova Olena ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Ishchenko Yana ,   Vinnytsia National Agrarian University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine, Bulychov Vasyl ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: February 2024

The article presents an overview of the current state of the flower market and the factors affecting the formation of the market in Ukraine, the study of the main trends and prospects for development. Given the demand for flower products, it has been proven that the floriculture in the local market has good opportunities for development thanks to the use of modern marketing support tools, including the use of online technologies. In the conditions of European integration processes, increasing the competitiveness of floristic enterprises is gaining more and more importance. The purpose of the article is to study the essence and content of floriculture and production features and factors of competitiveness of enterprises growing floriculture products in Ukraine and the world. To achieve the goal of the article, the following tasks are identified: to characterize the development of the flower industry and the presence of demand for flower products on the world market and the market of Ukraine; carry out an assessment of the profitability of the floristic business and the possibility of expanding logistics routes using IT technologies; outline the influence of the terms of passing customs procedures and customs clearance on the effectiveness of the sale of floriculture products. Information on domestic participants in the flower industry is provided and problems related to the development of flower growing in Ukraine and the sale of finished products are identified. The Ukrainian flower business cannot be considered a new industry for Ukraine, but it is highly profitable and has a steady growth trend.
Changes in venison quality important to the consumer during venison harvesting and storage
Authors:   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Economics and Social Development, Proskina Liga , Valdovska Anda ,   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Cerina Sallija ,   Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics
Published: February 2024

Food quality is a set of characteristics of the food product that can be evaluated for each kind of food. Several characteristics are identified for each of them: degree of freshness, energy value, amounts of protein, vitamins, micro- and macronutrients as well as various additives etc. However, the main characteristics of quality food of animal origin relate to its healthiness and safety for the consumer. From the perspective of a producer, quality represents specific characteristics to be achieved by the producer, and product quality is one of the basic elements of economic development to produce competitive products. Food production and processing, especially food of animal origin, is a complicated process that involves several stages and production process deviations affected by risk factors, and the elimination of the deviations is usually associated with significant financial expenses. Risk factors can appear at one or more stages and pass from one production stage to another, thereby negatively affecting the subsequent stages and the final product. In the production of venison, one of the groups of risk factors relates to venison harvesting, pre-processing and storage. Properly processed venison is usually clean and its microbiological contamination is not high, while non-compliance with venison storage requirements as well as bacterial contamination of venison in case of the non-compliance with storage requirements should be considered as a cause of possible materialization of some risks. Therefore, the present research aims to identify changes in venison quality important to the consumer during venison harvesting and storage. Microbiological control of venison is an important factor that affects the quality of the product, its shelf life and, in the long term, the competitiveness of the enterprise in the market. The research has found that venison could be stored for 45 to 50 days in vacuum packaging at a temperature of +3 to +4 ̊C, provided that all the hygiene requirements are met during venison processing, which makes it possible not only to sell the product in the domestic market but also export the fresh venison.
Errattum to: Literature review on breast cancer-related lymphedema and related factors (Vol. 29 (2): P.25, 2023)
Authors: Editorial E
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT. A potential complication that affects a patient?s quality of life is breast cancer - related lymphedema (BCRL). Due to lymphatic system failure brought on by breast cancer treatment, it is secondary lymphedema. This literature review examines 50 articles that are connected to BCRL. The reason for the correction is an error in the paper?s Conclusion which occurred due to an oversight by the Editorial Team during preparation for electronic publication. CONCLUSION. The second sentence in the Conclusion that was: Instead of depending exclusively on one CDT domain to halt BCRL from developing and progressing, healthcare providers should take control of it early by inhibiting all domains of CDT functioning. Is changing to: Instead of depending exclusively on one CDT domain to halt BCRL from developing and progressing, healthcare providers should take control of it early by emphasizing the performance off all domains of CDT together. The Editorial Team deeply regrets the oversight and expresses gratitude to the authors for bringing it to our attention.
An Exploration of the Money Laundering Associated with the Bitfinex Bitcoin Hack
Authors: Gray Glen L.
Published: February 2024

Bitcoin, launched in 2009, has gone through inconspicuous years, halcyon years, and now, the chaos years. Writers predicted that bitcoin would replace fiat currencies and the underlying technology, blockchain, would significantly reduce the need for auditors. However, there have been numerous major cryptocurrency crimes and related bankruptcies. Called the “heist of the century,” in the 2016 Bitfinex hack, 119,754 bitcoins were illegally transferred from over 2,000 Bitfinex accounts to an external wallet. Starting in January 2017, about 25,118 of those bitcoins were transferred to other exchanges. Several money laundering techniques were employed; however, the perpetrators made mistakes and were arrested in 2022. They were identified through analyzing the bitcoin blockchain, geolocating the IP addresses used for communications, and identifying individuals when bitcoin was used for “real world” transactions. The bitcoin blockchain is publicly available and would be a great resource for Big Data, data analytics, and forensics classes.

JEL Classifications: K42.
Firm Boundaries and Voluntary Disclosure
Authors: Bourveau Thomas , Kepler John D. , She Guoman , Wang Lynn Linghuan
Published: February 2024

We study how vertical integration shapes firms’ public disclosures. Theory suggests that firms can use public disclosure to coordinate with supply chain partners and predicts a substitution between vertical integration and public disclosure of future strategic plans, since the internalization of production reduces the need to publicly coordinate. Using data on the extent of vertical integration, we find that firms that become more vertically integrated reduce their public disclosures about their product strategies and that the reduction is most pronounced for vertically integrated firms with greater internalization of production and those with the largest informational and strategic frictions along the supply chain.

JEL Classifications: D83; G14; L14; M41.
The Effect of Fermentation Time on The Quality of Mocaf (Modified Cassava Flour) with Raw Material Bokor Genotype Cassava
Authors: Prastiwi Erfa Kurnia , Fatoni Rois , Fathoni Ahmad , Setiarto R. Haryo Bimo , Damayanti Ema
Published: February 2024

Cassava genotype Bokor has a fairly high content of beta carotene, which is beneficial for health and can also support the development of the functional food industry. MOCAF (Modified Cassava Flour) is a product made from cassava flour which is processed by modifying cassava cells through fermentation. This study aims to analyze the effect of long fermentation time on the characteristics of MOCAF from beta-carotene-rich cassava genotype Bokor. In this study, three variations of fermentation time were used, namely 15 hours, 24 hours and 40 hours. The research results showed that the time of fermentation affected the physicochemical properties of MOCAF. NIR analysis showed that the fermentation time affected the chemical composition of MOCAF. At 40 hours (last time of fermentation), there was a decrease in fat content with a value of 1.59% and an increase in water, protein and fibre content with a value of 13.71%, 3.94% and 2.28%, respectively. Proximate analysis showed that there was an effect of the length of fermentation time on the MOCAF content, namely at 40 hours, there was an increase in water content with a value of 10.10%, a decrease in dry matter, ash, protein, fat, fibre with a value of 89.90%, 0.60%, 0.78% respectively, 0.45%, and 1.29%. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis shows the effect of fermentation time on the morphological properties of MOCAF starch granules. The longer the fermentation time, the more perforated or damaged the surface of the starch granules. Keywords:  Fermentation time, MOCAF flour, NIR (Near Infrared), Proximate, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope)
Model of Good Governance Principles in Improving the Performance and Quality of Services of Regency/City Population and Civil Registration Services in West Sumatera
Authors: Mulia Rizki Afri , Putri Rianda Prima , Ananda Bobi Rizki , Saputra Nika , Syamsir Syamsir
Published: February 2024

Good Governance is the principle that can improve the performance and quality of services at the District/City Population and Civil Registration Service (Disdukcapil) in West Sumatra. This research aims to analyze a model of Good Governance principles that can improve the performance and quality of services for the District/City Disdukcapil in West Sumatra. The principles of Good Governance used in this research consist of accountability, participation, efficiency and effectiveness, transparency, rule of law, and responsiveness. This research uses quantitative methods with Structural Equation Model data analysis techniques. The research sample consisted of 118 respondents who were employees of the Regency/City Disdukcapil in West Sumatra. The findings of the study indicate that implementing the Good Governance principles model can potentially enhance the performance and service quality of the District/City Disdukcapil in West Sumatra. This improvement is attributed to the adherence to key concepts such as accountability, transparency, rule of law, and responsiveness. Simultaneously, the concepts of efficiency, effectiveness, and participation do not substantially influence the performance and service quality of the District/City Disdukcapil in West Sumatera.
Assessing the Attractivity and Accessibility of the Romanian Airports
Authors:   Faculty of Geography, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Email: voicu.bodocan@ubbcluj.ro., Bodocan Voicu , Brisc Andrei-Cătălin ,   Faculty of Geography, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Email: andrei.brisc01@gmail.com.
Published: February 2024

Assessing the attractivity and accessibility of the Romanian airports. The research examines the changing dynamics of Romanian airports within the framework of European air transport deregulation and the subsequent “open skies” policy. A basic accessibility assessment method was applied, which involved weighting destinations according to their relative significance. The results highlight the dominance of certain airports and the limited competition for global hubs. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for detailed airport analysis to develop an attractiveness model specific to Eastern-Central Europe, incorporating economic, geographic, demographic, political, and infrastructure factors.
Keywords: accessibility, weighting, ranking, competition, airport.
Virtual Reality in Destination Marketing: The Why, the Who and the When
Authors:   Faculty of Geography, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Email: sergiu.grigore.prodan@stud.ubbcluj.ro., Prodan Sergiu Grigore , Egresi István ,   Faculty of Geography, Center for Research on Settlements and Urbanism, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Email: istvan.egresi@ubbcluj.ro.
Published: February 2024

Virtual Reality in Destination Marketing: The Why, The Who and The When. Virtual reality (VR) is one of the fastest growing areas in information and communication technologies. Starting with the 1990s, the technology has also been successfully employed in tourism. Among other purposes, VR is used in tourism to provide a more effective marketing of a destination than classical means such as (paper) brochures. While the literature on the use of VR in destination marketing has been steadily growing, it is still scarce and fragmented. The main objective of this study is to better understand how could VR be used to improve the marketing of tourism destinations. To gather data for this study an experiment was used: participants were invited to take an online virtual tour of a very popular landmark in Paris, and then fill out a questionnaire in order to share their experience. The data from the 89 questionnaires collected were then processed using SPSS. The results have shown that almost all of our respondents were satisfied with their VR experience. Moreover, the VR experiment has improved the users’ image of and satisfaction with the destination. This, in turn, has positively influenced their intention to visit or re-visit the destination and to recommend it to others. The study also found that some socio-demographic groups (female, older than 25 years) may be more suitable targets for destination marketing using VR than others. Finally, we learned that, although the use of VR is effective for destination marketing both before and after tourists visit the site, the technology may be more useful in improving the image of the destination when applied before the physical visit.
Keywords: virtual reality, virtual tourism, destination marketing, destination image, user satisfaction.