bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Genetic Polymorphisms with Longevity in the population of the Sardinian Blue Zone
Authors: Errigo Alessandra , Dore Maria Pina , Pes Giovanni Mario
Published: September 2023

Background. In the central-eastern region of the Mediterranean island of Sardinia more than two decades ago, a mountain area was identified where the population displays exceptional longevity, especially among men (the longevity Blue Zone, LBZ). This community was thoroughly investigated seeking to understand the underlying factors of this phenomenon. In the present study, 11 genetic markers previously associated with longevity in several long-lived populations were analyzed. Methods. APOE (rs429358 and rs7412), APOE promoter (rs449647, rs769446, and rs405509), ACE1 (rs1799752), IL6 ‒174G/C (rs1800795), TNFα ‒308G/A (rs1800629), FOXO3A (rs2802292), KLOTHO (rs9536314) and G6PD (c.563C→T) were investigated. PCR-based genotyping was performed following genomic DNA extraction from 150 nonagenarians living in the LBZ and 150 controls from a nearby area. Results. No significant deviation of the frequency of the analyzed markers was detected between the two groups except a weak association with the –174G>C gene variant of the IL-6 gene (p=0.040), a major modulator of the inflammatory response. Conclusions. The findings of this study do not support a significant association of known genetic variants on survival in the population of the Sardinian LBZ. Other genetic or epigenetic traits might play a role not yet identified.
A Sympoietic View of Life: Gaia as a Holobiont Community
Authors: Gilbert Scott
Published: September 2023

A view of life, based on sympoiesis, metabolism, and the second law of thermodynamics is proposed. Sympoiesis is the notion that organisms develop as teams, and that symbionts play roles in forming their partners. Metabolism is seen to occur not only within these developmental symbionts, but between them, as well. This occurs through thermodynamic principles of finding the lowest free energy states. Once one accepts the thermodynamics of metabolism and that holobionts emerge through sympoiesis, Gaia becomes readily understood. New ethical principles flow from these considerations.
Hybrid Post-processing on GEFSv12 Reforecast for Summer Maximum Temperature Ensemble Forecasts on Extended Range Time Scale over Taiwan
Authors: Malasala Murali Nageswara Rao , Zhu Yuejian , Tallapragada Vijay , Chen Meng-Shih
Published: September 2023

Taiwan is highly susceptible to global warming, experiencing a 1.4°C increase in air temperatures from 1911-2005, which is twice the average for the Northern Hemisphere. This has led to higher rates of respiratory and cardiovascular mortality. Accurately predicting maximum temperatures during the summer season is crucial, but numerical weather models become less accurate and more uncertain beyond five days. To improve forecast reliability, statistical post-processing is needed to address systematic errors. In September 2020, NOAA NCEP implemented the Global Ensemble Forecast System version 12 (GEFSv12) to help manage climate risks. This study developed a Hybrid statistical post-processing method that combines Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Quantile mapping (QQ) approaches to predict daily maximum temperatures and extremes in Taiwan during the summer season. The Hybrid technique, utilizing deep learning techniques, was applied to the GEFSv12 reforecast data and evaluated against ERA5 reanalysis. The Hybrid technique was the most effective among the three techniques tested. It had the lowest bias, RMSE, and highest correlation coefficient. It successfully reduced the warm bias and overestimation of Tmax extreme days. This led to improved prediction skills for all forecast lead times. Compared to ANN and QQ, the Hybrid method was more effective in predicting summer daily Tmax and its extremes on an extended-range time scale deterministic and ensemble probabilistic forecasts over Taiwan.
Navigating through Noise Comparative Analysis of using Convolutional Codes Vs. Other Coding Methods in GPS Systems
Authors: Sabbry Nawras H. , Levina Alla B.
Published: September 2023

This research highlights the importance of error-correcting codes in ensuring secure and efficient data transmission over noisy channels. It discusses the application of Convolutional codes and the Viterbi algorithm for error detecting and correcting in applications where the data rate is high and the error probability is relatively low. This research extends beyond previous studies by conducting a comparative analysis of Convolutional codes, the Viterbi algorithm, and alternative coding methods utilized in satellite communication systems, by evaluating their effectiveness and efficiency relative to other coding approaches like BCH, LDPC, and turbo codes. The evaluation encompasses key performance metrics including error correction capabilities, computational complexity, and robustness against various error types. Additionally, practical implementation factors such as power consumption, computational requirements, and compatibility with existing hardware are considered. The analysis sheds light on the advantages and disadvantages of each coding method, offering insights into why convolutional codes and the Viterbi algorithm are particularly suitable for GPS systems.
Reducing Environmental Impacts at a Midwestern Academic Medical Center: Making Carbon Emissions Reduction a Reality
Authors: Bjorgaard Johannah , Potter Teddie
Published: September 2023

(1) Background: Human-generated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are the largest contributor to climate change worldwide. Climate change negatively impacts human and planetary health threatening the existence of life on earth. The healthcare industry is responsible for approximately 8.5% of carbon emissions in the United States. Measuring baseline GHG emissions is the first step in emissions reduction. However, very few models of measurement exist for health care organizations. This project aimed to develop and implement a program to measure and track GHG emissions at a Midwestern Academic Medical Center (MAMC) and to educate staff to manage the process. (2) Methods: A Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle and Quality Improvement methodology was used to develop, implement, and assess a standardized GHG emission inventory process to measure Scope 1 and Scope 2 baseline emissions, and provide virtual training and education to the accountable staff. A pre- and post-survey design was used to measure the knowledge and readiness of the staff after the implementation of the GHG inventory training. (3) Results: The GHG inventory process was validated through an external verification process and the measurement of Scope 1 and Scope 2 baseline GHG emissions was completed and verified for accuracy through a data comparison review. The pre-post-training survey showed an increase in the knowledge and readiness of staff in maintaining a GHG inventory. (4) Conclusions: This work shows the feasibility of obtaining baseline GHG emissions data at large medical centers. It represents the initial phase of the overarching goal to develop site-wide and system-wide carbon reduction strategies and a climate action plan within this health system.
A Novely Dual Mixing Attention Network for UAV-Based Vehicle Re-Identification
Authors: Yin Wenji , Peng Yueping , Ye Zecong , Liu Wenchao
Published: September 2023

Vehicle re-identification research under surveillance cameras has yielded impressive results. However, the challenge of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based vehicle re-identification (ReID) presents a high degree of flexibility, mainly due to complicated shooting angles, occlusions, low discrimination of top-down features, and significant changes in vehicle scales. To address this, we propose a novel Dual Mixing Attention Network (DMANet) to extract discriminative features robust to variations in viewpoint. Specifically, we first present a plug-and-play Dual Mixing Attention Module (DMAM) to capture pixel-level pairwise relationships and channel dependencies, where DMAM is composed of Spatial Mixing Attention (SMA) and Channel Mixing Attention (CMA). First, the original feature is divided according to the dimensions of spatial and channel to obtain multiple subspaces. Then, a learnable weight is applied to capture the dependencies between local features in the mixture space. Finally, the features extracted from all subspaces are aggregated to promote their comprehensive feature interaction. Moreover, the DMAM can be readily inserted into backbone networks at any depth to improve vehicle discrimination. The experiments show that the proposed structure gains a better performance compared with the representative methods in the UAV-based vehicle ReID task. Our code and models will be publicly released.
Does High-Speed Railway Promote the Quality of Urbanization? From a Dynamic Network Perspective
Authors: Chen Jingyu , Li Weidong , Wu Bingyu , Yu Zhen
Published: September 2023

Applying the improved social network analysis method and the idea of rolling window regression, this paper explores the impact of HSR network on the quality of urbanization and its dynamics. Based on a sample of 273 cities in China over 2009–2019, we find that the high-speed railway network has an increasing positive effect on the quality of urbanization, which proves the existence of network effect. The empirical results further show that this effect is closely related to the cov-erage rate of high-speed rail network. In addition, heterogeneity analysis reveals that urban ag-glomeration cities are the main beneficiaries. Academically, our study provides a plausible expla-nation and evidence from network size differences for the two conflicting views of the HSR effect. Practically, we also propose some important policy implications for countries in different high-speed rail network construction stages.
Effect of Feeding System, Birth Type and Gender on Carcass and Meat Quality of Karacabey Merino Lambs
Authors: Hanoglu Oral Hulya , Kecici Pembe Dilara , Alaturk Firat , Tolu Cemil , Ekiz Bulent , Gokkus Ahmet
Published: September 2023

Fifty-eight Karacabey Merino lambs were used to evaluate the effects of feeding system (triticale pasture, oat pasture, or stall fed), birth type (single or multiple), gender (male or female) and birth year (2016 or 2017) on various carcass and meat quality characteristics. Stall lambs had higher conformation (CS) and fatness scores (FS), meat L* and h* values than both pasture groups, possibly as a result of higher fat content, while oat pasture lambs had the most tender meat. Single lambs had higher CS, FS and Longissimus thoracis muscle section area, while females had higher subcutaneous and non-carcass fat depositions, over their counterparts. Both single born lambs and 2016 born lambs had a higher meat a* and C* values than their counterparts. In conclusion, a pasture-based feeding system is thought to be more suitable for Karacabey Merino than stall feeding system, for those who prefer leaner meat and/or meat products. However, it should not be ignored that stall fed lambs showed a better fattening performance in terms of conformation and fatness, in the same period.
Egg Morphology and Chorionic Ultrastructure of Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Powell Jonathan M. , Nixon Laura J. , Lourie Austin P. , Leskey Tracy C. , Walse Spencer S.
Published: September 2023

Knowledge regarding egg morphology can aid the selection of postharvest fumigants for insect control. Accordingly, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine eggs of spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), a pest recently invasive to the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. As the overwintering life stage of SLF, eggs are deposited on a variety of refugia, including many forestry products that can be distributed geographically via travel, commerce, and/or trade. For fumigation to control SLF, and potentially translate into a viable strategy for limiting the spread of SLF by subject pathways, the fumigant must permeate the chorion to react with biomolecules and/or disrupt cellular processes. SLF chorion was characterized by a porous network of aeropyles localized around the operculum, in cranial and caudal relation to the developing nymph, as well as an interstice between the operculum edge and the opercular rim. The confirmation of chorionic ultrastructure that allows for ready gas exchange warrants further investigation of fumigation efficacy, even for those “non-reactive” fumigants, such as phosphine and hydrogen cyanide, which must overcome the suppression of cellular processes coincident with overwintering.
Traffic Calming Measures and Their Slowing Effect on the Pedestrian Refuge Approach Sections (Case Study—on Urban Streets in Poland)
Authors: Majer Stanisław , Sołowczuk Alicja
Published: September 2023

Abstract: The ever-increasing use of motor vehicles causes a number of traffic safety and community issues, which are particularly severe in cities, accompanied with scarcity of parking spaces and challenges encountered in the road layout alteration projects. The commonly applied solutions include designation of through streets and implementation of on-street parking on residential streets and retrofitted traffic calming measures (TCMs). This article presents the results of the study conducted on a two-way street where Metered Parking System MPS was implemented together with diagonal and parallel parking spaces, refuge islands, horizontal deflection and lane narrowing by a single-sided chicane. The aim of this study was to identify those TCMs that effectively helped to reduce the island approach speed. Heuristic method was applied to assess the effect of the respective TCMs on reducing the island approach speed and the key speed reduction determinants were defined using cause and effect diagram and Pareto chart. Comparative analyses were carried out to rate the respective TCMs as effective, moderately effective or ineffective. Section 1 of this article presents the output of the literature review on urban parking analyses and TCM efficacy. Section 2 presents the study site and the applied heuristic method. The study results are presented in Section 3. Section 3 defines the determinants on the cause and effect diagram and analyses the determinants using the Pareto chart. The final conclusions and comments are given in Section 5. Although the study was limited to a single street in Poland, the findings may hold true in other countries where similar TCMs are used.
A Solution for Sustainable City Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making to achieve Sustainable Developmental Goals for Industry 4.0
Authors: D Akila , Pal Souvik , Sarkar Bikramjit , S Jeyalaksshmi , Muthaiyah Saravanan , Sonai Muthu Kalaiarasi
Published: September 2023

Due to a shortage of funding and other market challenges, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) have a tough time adopting new technologies. Numerous technological obstacles nega-tively impact the long-term commercial achievement of SMEs. The deployment of Industry 4.0 might resolve several technological challenges. A sustainable city is a difficult structure whose economical, societal, and ecological components interact and compete with one another. There is a dearth of actual methodologies for measuring interaction. The objective of Industry 4.0 is to obtain a better degree of performance effectiveness and profitability, and greater automation. Conse-quently, the purpose of the research is to determine the influence of Industry 4.0 in fostering economic efficiency in small and medium enterprises' sustainability. A Sustainable City using Multi-Criteria Decision Making (SC-MCDM) system is designed in this research to test and achieve sustainable developmental goals. This paper then gives a technique for calculating the interaction between various standards, such as static interactions and dynamical pattern resemblance, as well as the weight variables of every indication generated by the connection. Furthermore, the ap-plication of the suggested technique is proved by assessing the sustainable development goals of twelve Chinese cities within the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) paradigm. From a geographic-temporal viewpoint, spatial variations in city sustainability reveal regional inequalities in sustainability. Indicator scores suggest that the lack of research spending, falling financing in stationary assets, shortage of financial development, and inadequate shared transit are the most significant limiting factors for most communities. Furthermore, the growth of tertiary industries, the improvement of energy performance, the expansion of green areas, and the reduction of pollution emissions are the key driving forces for enhancing sustainability. Compared to other methodologies, Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) considers the interplay between conditions, which is an excellent way to assess the sustainability of a city. The experimental findings show the impact of MCDM and sustainability to achieve sustainable development goals.
Dynamic Response Characteristics of Steep Loess Slope with a Tunnel under the Earthquake Actions
Authors: Yue Jianping , Liang Qingguo , Fan Chuntan , Li Shijiu , Wang Lili , Sun Weiyu
Published: September 2023

With more and more transportation tunnels have been and will be constructed in loess areas in Northwest China with high earthquake potential, the overall stability of portal section under earthquakes actions and the related aseismic countermeasures attracted the attentions from both the scholars and engineers, especially the tunnels in the upper slope connecting the high bridges crossing rivers or valleys. In order to study the dynamic response characteristics and damage evolution of steep loess slope with a tunnel under the earthquake actions, a large-scale shaking table tests were performed on steep loess slope with a tunnel. Wenchuan-tangyu (WT) wave and El Centro (El) wave records were applied on the model to investigate the displacement response and acceleration response of loess slope with a tunnel under the horizontal (X) and the combined action of horizontal and vertical (X-Z) seismic loads, respectively. In particular, three-dimensional non-contact optical measurement techniques were used to obtain the slope surface displacements. The results showed that the main deformation pattern of the slope was horizontal movement and settlement when the seismic wave input was in the X and X-Z directions, respectively. However, the X direction seismic wave had a greater impact on the deformation of the slope, and the tunnel portal slope was destroyed under the action of a large horizontal seismic acceleration finally. Slope failure ahead of a tunnel could be divided into four stages, i.e. elastic deformation stage, plastic deformation accumulation stage, local failure stage, and overall failure stage. The peak ground displacement of X direction (PGDX) and peak ground displacement of Z direction (PGDZ) of the slope surface increased with the increasing of the input peak ground acceleration (PGA) when the input wave was same waveform and same direction. The existence of the tunnel had a great influence on the PGA and the PGA amplification factor (PGAAF) of the soil mass surrounding it. This was because the seismic waves encounter a tunnel surface with clear differences in the physical properties of the medium during their propagation in the slope, thereby forming a strong reflection and refraction effect, and the amplitude changed significantly. Numerical simulation results were basically consistent with the experimental results.
Evidence of West Nile Virus Circulation in Horses and Dogs in Libya
Authors: Ben-Mostafa Kholoud Khalid , Savini Giovanni , Di Gennaro Annapia , Teodori Liana , Leone Alessandra , Monaco Federica , Alaoqib Mohammed Masoud A. , Rayes Abdunnabi A. , Dayhum Abdunaser , Eldaghayes Ibrahim
Published: September 2023

West Nile virus (WNV) is a global important mosquito-borne Flavivirus causing West Nile disease (WND). In Libya, evidence of WNV circulation has been reported in humans but never in animals. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of the WNV infection in horses and dogs in Libya. A total of 574 and 63 serum samples from horses and dogs, respectively, were collected from healthy unvaccinated animals between 2016 - 2019. A commercially available competitive ELISA (c-ELISA) kit was initially used to test the collected samples for the presence of WNV Ig-G antibodies. Positive and doubtful sera were also tested by using the more specific virus neutralization assays to confirm whether the ELISA positive results were due to WNV or Usutu virus (USUV) antibodies. The seroprevalence of WNV IgG ELISA antibodies was 13.2% (76/574) and 30.2% (19/63) in horses and dogs, respectively. Virus neutralization test (VNT) showed that 77.5% (62/80) and 89.5% (17/19) of positive and doubtful horse serum samples and dogs serum samples, respectively, were positive with WNV neutralising titers ranging from 1:10 to 1:640. The results of the present study provided novel evidence about the WNV circulation in Libya.
Socio-Economic Value and Availability of Plant-Based Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) within the Charcoal Production Basin of the City of Lubumbashi (DR Congo)
Authors: Nghonda Dieu-donné N'tambwe , Muteya Héritier Khoji , Moyene Apollinaire Biloso , Malaisse François , Sikuzani Yannick Useni , Kalenga Wilfried Masengo , Bogaert Jan
Published: September 2023

The overexploitation of forest resources in the charcoal production basin of the city of Lubum-bashi (DR Congo) is reducing the resilience of miombo woodlands and threatening the survival of the riparian as well as urban human populations that depend on it. We assessed the socio-economic value and availability of plant-based non-timber forest products NTFPs in the rural area of Lubumbashi through ethnobotanical (100 respondents) and socio-economic (90 respondents) interviews, supplemented with floristic inventories, in two village areas selected on the basis of the level of forest degradation. The results show that 60 woody species, including 46 in the degraded forest (Maksem) and 53 in the intact forest (Mwawa), belonging to 22 families are used as sources of NTFPs in both villages. Among these species, 25 are considered priority species. NTFPs are collected for various purposes, including handcrafting, hut building, and traditional medicine. Moreover, the ethnobotanical lists reveal a similarity of almost 75%, indicating that both local communities surveyed use the same species for collecting plant-based NTFPs, despite differences in the level of degradation of the miombo woodlands in the two corresponding study areas. However, the plant-based NTFPs that are collected from miombo woodlands and traded in the urban markets have significant economic value, which ranges from 0.5 to 14.58 USD per kg depending on the species and uses. NTFPs used for handicraft purposes have a higher economic value than those used for other purposes. However, the sustainability of this activity is threatened due to unsustainable harvesting practices that include stem slashing, root digging, and bark peeling of woody species. Consequently, there is a low availability of plant-based NTFPs, particularly in the village area where forest degradation is more advanced. It is imperative that policies for monitoring and regulation of harvesting, and promoting sustainable management of communities’ plant-based NTFPs priority, be undertaken to maintain their resilience.
Ozone as Redox Bioregulator in Preventive Medicine. The Molecular and Pharmacological Basis of the Low-Dose Ozone Concept
Authors: Viebahn-Haensler Renate , León Fernández Olga Sonia
Published: September 2023

The best form of prevention against human infection through bacteria, viruses and other parasites is ozone disinfection of wastewater and drinking water as a highly effective, well-known method. As a therapeutic measure, various preclinical studies showed promising results, which are being revisited and reconsidered in times of pandemics and led to interesting results in recent clinical trials and reports, as presented by the example of protective measures against covid-19 in particularly vulnerable clinical personnel. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, repeated ozone treatments have led to new findings in the "immunomodulation" through ozone. The more effective immune response is discussed as the response of innate immune memory and opens interesting aspects for complementary treatment of autoimmune diseases.
The Heterogeneous Impact of Fintech on the Profitability of Commercial Banks: Competition and Spillover Effects
Authors: Song Xiaoling , Yu Huizhi , He Zehai
Published: September 2023

Using annual panel data of 46 listed commercial banks in China from 2012 to 2021 and constructing a two-way fixed-effects model, this study empirically analyzes the competition and technology spillover effects of fintech on the profitability of commercial banks. The results show that (1) in the early stages of fintech development, the competition effect is larger than the technology spillover effect; thus, it is negatively correlated with commercial banks’ profitability. However, with the spread of innovative fintech, the technology spillover effects and commercial bank profitability will gradually improve. (2) The influence of fintech on the profitability of commercial banks differs. Compared to large commercial banks, fintech has more significant negative effects on small- and medium-sized commercial banks in the short run. However, the role of fintech for such banks will also grow in the future. The results of this study provide practical guidance for how commercial banks can respond to the fintech wave. To realize sustainable development of the banking industry, commercial banks should change their business philosophy and revenue model, vigorously improve their fintech innovation capability, differentiate their choice of fintech development routes, develop personalized customization with a focus on users, and ultimately realize digital transformation and upgrading.
Newcomb-Benford Law in Neuromuscular Transmission: Validation at Hyperkalemic Conditions
Authors: --- Adriano Silva , Floquet Sergio , Lima Ricardo
Published: September 2023

Recently, we demonstrated the validity of anomalous numbers law, known as Newcomb-Benford´s law, at the mammalian neuromuscular transmission, considering different extracellular calcium concentrations . The present work continues to examine how alterations in extracellular solution modulate the first digit law in the context of the spontaneous release of acetylcholine from the neuromuscular junction. We investigated if the intervals of miniature potentials collected at the neuromuscular junction obey the law in a hyperkalemic environment. The analysis showed that the interval between the miniature potentials at high potassium concentrations follows Newcomb-Benford´s law. Also, our data allowed us to uncover a conformity fluctuation as a function of the number of intervals of the miniature potentials. Finally, we discuss the biophysical implications of the present findings.
The Presence of the Human Auditory Ossicles -Detected Post-mortem by CT Scan- as a Taphonomic Indicator
Authors: Guareschi Edda Emanuela , Poggesi Sara , Palmesino Marco , Magni Paola Annarosa
Published: September 2023

Three tiny bones compose the human ossicular chain: malleus, incus and stapes. Also known as auditory ossicles, they are united by joints in the middle ear cavity of the petrous part of the temporal bone. Completely developed 2 years after birth, the ossicular chain is involved in the physiological process of hearing, by which sound waves from the environment are converted into electrochemical impulses. In the last 500 years, most studies have focussed on the morphogenesis, morphological variability and clinical pathology of the ossicular chain, whilst only a few studies have added relevant knowledge to anthropology and forensic science.
The auditory ossicles and the enclosing petrous bone are some of the hardest in the human skeleton. This reflects in a relative resistance to fire. In the post mortem period and in favourable circumstances, the auditory ossicles can fossilize and survive for millions of years. Post mortem loss in skeletal or decomposed remains can be ascribed to their destruction or physical displacement, by either macro-micro-faunal action and/or any other natural or artificial disturbance. Physical displacement is closely connected to the depositional environment of the skeletal remains, such as burial, entombment (sarcophagus, coffin, vault…), submersion or exposure to natural elements. Auditory ossicles can be recovered in situ, or very close to their anatomical location, when the skeletal material has been involved in an archaeological excavation. In the case of accessible or disturbed remains, scavengers may remove the tiny ossicles, and/or they can slip out of the middle ear cavity following skull movements. Entombment offers an effective protection against the displacement of the auditory ossicles, whereas aquatic submersion and aquatic movement almost invariably displace them.
The preservation of the human auditory ossicles should be critically considered in the comprehensive context of any forensic investigation on human remains, since it can assist the reconstruction of their taphonomic history. Taphonomic histories of remains can add crucial information to forensic investigations (e.g., the Post Mortem Interval, PMI).
The aim of this study, limited by scarce relevant literature, is to discuss the potential role of the ossicular chain, detected by post mortem imaging techniques, as a taphonomical indicator in decomposing and/or skeletonized bodies.
On the issue of peculiarities of organization of preventive measures for patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Authors:   The Federal State Budget Scientific Institution “The N. A. Semashko National Research Institute of Public Health” of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Education, Nechaev V. S. , Zagoruychenko A. A. ,   The Federal State Budget Scientific Institution “The N. A. Semashko National Research Institute of Public Health” of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Education, Karpova O. B. ,   The Federal State Budget Scientific Institution “The N. A. Semashko National Research Institute of Public Health” of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Education
Published: September 2023

The problem of prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases in Russia is particularly acute, among which diseases of the circulatory system occupy the first place, becoming widespread. O b j e c t i v e : to analyze and study the features of the organization of preventive measures for patients with cardiovascular diseases, especially the elderly population. M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s . For the analysis were literary sources, statistical reporting data, regulatory documents, and electronic resources. In the context of this study, such methods as: studying and generalizing experience, content analysis, a systematic approach, and statistical analysis were used. R e s u l t s . In the framework of the study revealed a high overall and primary morbidity of BSK in older age groups, so you need to increase the interest of the population in activities of preventive medicine, in which medical services are provided free of charge; analyzed the main preventive measures in the world and the example of some of the subjects of the Russian Federation; the main role of physical activity of the population in the fight against CVD is determined; the main problems in the framework of prevention at the regional level are identified: low interest of the population in health care and low the problem of distribution of preventive measures in the framework of VHI programs is studied. C o n c l u s i o n . Higher common and primary morbidity of CVD in elderly age groups of population requires as priority-driven active enhancement of commitment of population in effective medical prevention on the basis of free-of-charge medical care and services. The key role of physical activity of population in prevention of CVD is approved. Among regional problems of CVD prevention of priority importance are critically low commitment of population in one’s own health care and inadequate exploration of prevalence of preventive activities within the framework of implementation of VMI programs.
Organization of preventive examinations of the adult population in the Healthy Moscow pavilions.
Authors:   Directorate for the coordination of the activities of medical organizations of the Moscow Department of Health, Bezymyanny A. S. , Grinin V. M. ,   I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Mingazova E. N. ,   N. A. Semashko National Research Institute of Public Health,   Kazan State Medical University
Published: September 2023

The value and originality of the new organizational approach implemented in the Healthy Moscow program lies in the fact that mobile pavilions have been set up as part of a large-scale preventive examination of the population in convenient location accessibility – park areas, squares and recreation areas, which makes it possible to identify not only diseases at an early stages, but also risk factors among population groups who consider themselves healthy, as well as organize targeted promotion of a healthy lifestyle. During the period of the Healthy Moscow program, more than a million citizens underwent preventive examinations in the pavilions, and to a greater extent the population that, for a number of reasons, rarely visits polyclinics and who do not have pronounced symptoms of diseases. However, according to the results of the surveys, it was revealed that approximately 12% of the so-called healthy people have diseases.
Comparative analysis of the standards of medical care for adults in the oncology profile approved before and after 2019 for the possibility of planning a program of state guarantees.
Authors:   Center for Healthcare Quality Assessment and Control of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Ledovskikh Yu. A. ,   FSSBI «N. A. Semashko National Research Institute of Public Health»,   FSBEI FPE «Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education» of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation
Published: September 2023

In the healthcare system in Russian Federation, in recent decades, standards of medical care have been formed, which are tabular forms indicating medical services, medicines, medical devices implanted in the human body, blood components and clinical nutrition (components), indicating average frequency indicators. P u r p o s e – a comparative analysis of the standards of medical care for adults in the oncology profile, approved by orders of the Ministry of Health of Russia in the period from 2012 to 2018, and the standards developed on the basis of clinical guidelines and approved in the period from 2019 to 2022, with a view to the possibility of planning a state guarantee program based on them. M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s . The comparison was performed by comparing the standards of medical care in the context of types of medical care, the conditions for providing medical care, localizations and nosological forms according to ICD‑10 blocks, types of medical interventions and assessing consistency with planning units of the state guarantees program. R e s u l t s . The standards of medical care in the oncology profile, approved in the period from 2012 to 2018, were developed in the context of the types of medical interventions and were not coordinated either with the planning units of the state guarantees program or with the methods of payment by diagnosis-related group. The introduction of a methodology for the formation of standards of medical care based on clinical guidelines using standardized modules of medical care made it possible to revise the principle of the formation of standards for the oncology profile and harmonize them with the planning units of the state guarantees program and methods of payment by diagnosis-related group. F i n d i n g s . Structuring the process of developing medical care standards based on clinical guidelines and developing a methodology for their formation makes it possible to realize the economic function of medical care standards.
Review of the regulatory framework regarding the use of multifocal IOLs for cataract surgery.
Authors:   Orenburg branch of S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Chuprov A. D. , Lositsky A. О. ,   Orenburg branch of S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Zhediale N. A. ,   Clinic «Sozvezdie oftal’mika»
Published: September 2023

Considering the increasing requirements for the quality of postoperative vision, the number of requests from patients for the implantation of a multifocal IOL is increasing, which makes it relevant to analyze the existing regulatory framework for the possibility and obligation to use this medical device in the provision of specialized medical care – surgical treatment of cataract within the framework of the state guarantees program. An analysis of the current regulatory framework showed that the existing regulatory framework allows the use of multifocal IOLs in the provision of medical services under the state guarantees program, however, it does not give the patient the right to choose, and makes considering the patient’s desire to implant this particular type of medical device is not mandatory when planning surgery. Considering the requirements of mandatory informed voluntary consent when receiving a medical service, the patient must be informed about the implantation or refusal to implant this type of medical device when providing him with specialized medical care. Most of the analyzed medical devices – IOLs with multifocal properties – are registered in the Russian Federation as “Intraocular lens for the posterior chamber of the eye, pseudophakic”, and not “Intraocular lens for the posterior chamber of the eye, pseudophakic, with increased depth of focus”. There is both a clinical need for changes (Clinical guidelines), and an organizational need to identify a group of operations, including with the application of additional coefficients to the tariff as part of the payment for medical services included in the program of state guarantees.
Accelerated corrosion of infrastructural seven-strand cables via additively manufactured corrosion flow cells
Authors: Glasscott Matthew , Ray Jason
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this project was to generate an accelerated corrosion methodology capable of producing seven-strand cables with simulated corrosive defects for calibration of nondestructive analysis (NDA) techniques. An additively manufactured accelerated corrosion cell was motivated and designed. Previous attempts at accelerated electrochemical corrosion used a large cable area with a current density that was too low (i.e., 1 A/m²)* to effectuate efficient corrosion. The accelerated corrosion cell presented here takes advantage of the restricted area within the corrosion flow cell to maximize the corrosion rate in a consistent and calibrated manner (i.e., 2,000 A/m²).
DATA SUBJECT ACCESS REQUEST: WHAT INDONESIA CAN LEARN AND OPERATIONALISE IN 2024?
Authors: Algamar Muhammad Deckri , Ismail Noriswadi
Published: September 2023

The enactment of the Indonesian Personal Data Protection (PDP) Law is in line with the nation’s position as the most promising digital economy in Southeast Asia. The PDP Law, amongst others, introduces Data Subject Access Request (DSAR), a cornerstone mechanism to exercise data subject rights mirroring the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). However, major causes of DSAR failure are predominantly triggered by resource constraint, lack of fundamental understanding, and technical gap when responding to such requests. In practice, DSAR management is time consuming and taxing since organisations shall manage numerous and complex requests within a tight timeline. By way of comparative analysis, we explore the concept of data subject rights, specifically the Rights to Access. Through observations and constructive responses by global data protection professionals, academics and non-lawyers, this paper alluded that similar failure scenario might occur in Indonesia when PDP Law grace period ended in 2024 – if the causes are not addressed and mitigated. Apropos, in safeguarding data subjects’ right, we assert that DSAR under the PDP law might bring disproportionate impracticality, hence there is demand for a robust consultation and holistic regulatory implementation. We also propose to consider a harmonized DSAR ASEAN framework for future proofing cross-border payment, in 2024 and beyond.
LEGAL REVIEW ON CPTPP AND ITS IMPLICATION ON BUMIPUTERA’S POLICIES IN MALAYSIA GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT
Authors: HARON MUHAMMAD HANAFI
Published: September 2023

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is an open and multi trade agreement that significantly liberalizes international procurement Trans-Pacific markets. Chapter 15 of the CPTPP is covers government procurement. Malaysia signed and eventually ratified CPTPP later in 2022 and needs to incorporate Chapter 15 into its government procurement regulations. Having said this, the question remains on how features of Chapter 15 will stand and comport with the existing protection mechanisms that are practiced by Malaysia in its government procurement regime, namely Bumiputera policy. Malaysia also has claimed some reservation and threshold amounts in the said Chapter under the Annexure 15-A of the State Schedule. Thus, the objective of this writing is, first, to review the existing legislation and regulations in Malaysia that cover government procurement. Then, it discusses how the ratification of the CPTPP will impact the existing Bumiputera policy practiced in government procurement ecosystems. Finally, this writing reviews the Government of Malaysia’s action and plan on government procurement post ratification of CPTPP. This study adopts a qualitative method that mainly relies on descriptive and analytical examinations of statutory provisions and relevant authorities. It concludes that Malaysia’s Bumiputera policy is still unflawed in the government procurement despite the ratification and adoption of Chapter 15 of the CPTPP. BNM as the financial policy advisor to the Government of Malaysia is not being statutorily vested with power to review and provide feedback on CPTPP to the government. This is due to the reservations and high price preferential system imposed by Malaysia for a much longer period before its finally fully incorporated and functional in Malaysia’s government procurement.
AN IDEAL LEGAL TENDER FOR THE DIGITAL ERA
Authors: Indrawati Fransiska Ari
Published: September 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated a shift towards digital payments and altered consumer behaviour when it comes to making payments. As a result, the use of state-issued money as legal tender continues to decline in most countries. In turn, the functions and existence of legal tender has decreased. Acknowledging such facts, the purpose of this research is to examine an ideal legal tender for the digital era that can restore the legal tender function while accommodating payment innovation. This research explores legal theories on money and legal tender, as well as the characteristics of various forms of money issued by the State and the private sector, i.e., fiat money, commercial bank money, cryptocurrency, and central bank digital currency. This research concludes that an ideal legal tender for the digital era should incorporate both cash and digital currency. Under this notion, central bank digital currency might serve as the ideal legal tender for the digital era. Nonetheless, there are certain prerequisites to the issuance of such legal tender. These include at least conducting thorough interdisciplinary research and pilot projects by the central bank, establishing an adequate regulatory framework, and ensuring public acceptance of such currency as a means of payment, as well as developing the necessary infrastructure.
THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS, COVID-19 AND THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: THE SAFE HAVEN POTENTIAL OF ISLAMIC ECONOMICS
Authors: Ahmad Abu Umar Faruq , Sahabuddin Mohammad
Published: September 2023

Islamic economics is an innovative phenomenon in the modern world. In many developed and developing countries, Islamic financial systems successfully work in parallel with their conventional peers. It is unfortunate that at the time when the world is suffering from a pandemic like COVID-19, the world community has witnessed a war between Russia and Ukraine that has disrupted the global economy. This study evaluates the safe-haven potential of Islamic economics to hedge against a global financial crisis, COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict and examines how Islamic economics has responded to this major disruption in the digital era. The published literature is reviewed to investigate the impact of major disruptive events like the global financial crisis 2008-2009, COVID-19 and the recent Russia-Ukraine conflict on the global economy. The findings also show that the global financial crisis, Covid-19, and the Russia-Ukraine war are the major events that have disrupted the paradigms of the changing process. Along with this changing process, the advancement of information technology plays a vital role in accelerating financial innovation in the digital era. Moreover, despite the major episodes, it has grown rapidly compared to the traditional counterpart. As the fastest growing part of the global economic system, Islamic economics has shown appeal to diverse investors and issuers.