bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic concepts of public debt management
Authors: Musiiets Bogdan
Published: April 2024

In the conditions of a full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine, our state faces the question of attracting funds from both residents and non-residents to solve military and social problems, as a result of which the national debt is formed and its constant growth occurs. The receipt of macro-financial assistance (soft loans) from the EU had the greatest impact on the growth of public debt. The growth of Ukraine’s public debt was influenced by the receipt of loans under the programs of the IMF, the World Bank, the EBRD, and the government of Canada. The growth of the national debt determines the need to choose an effective method of managing the national debt, because the country’s debt security depends on the management of the national debt. The article analyzes the management of public debt from a theoretical and scientific point of view. The purpose of the work is to conduct an analysis of the economic category of «public debt management», its principles and stages. The main areas of activity of the concept of «public debt» are determined both from a regulatory and legal point of view, and from a scientific point of view; its classification by criteria is given. Public debt is an important economic category that reflects a set of economic relations in the field of attracting positional financial resources with the involvement of the financial deficit of the national sector of the economy on the basis of repayment, payment and maturity.
ANALYSIS OF TARGETED CONSTRUCTS IN THE INFORMATION FLOWS OF TELEGRAM CHANNELS
Authors: Oleksiuk Oleksii
Published: April 2024

The growing saturation of the business environment by information leads to increasing the importance of fast and efficient processing with information flows for making management decisions. Omni-channel and information saturation of the social environment of human activity, and the increasing complexity of decision-making by companies due to this, prompts the constant development of communicative and analytical technologies based on them. The study is based on interdisciplinary approaches to the analysis of information from open sources in socio-economic research and aims to develop applied approaches to the identification and analysis of information constructs in information flows. Nowadays, information constructs take on various forms, namely: brand popularity, viral user-generated content, propaganda, fakes, etc. Working with the information environment is becoming a significantly important component of state, sectoral, corporate and personal development strategies. The paper describes the author’s methodology for studying information constructs, which includes approaches to collecting data from various open channels, structuring and cataloguing information sources, pre-processing and statistical analysis of text messages, developing semantics of analysis, preparing machine learning models, testing of the effectiveness of using various models, and forecasting the existing and new information constructs in communication channels.
ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE ENTERPRISES
Authors: Oriekhova Tetyana , Svirhun Artem
Published: April 2024

Investment is a powerful driving force that has a direct impact on ensuring macroeconomic balance and the gradual socio-economic development of the country. The state and prospects of further innovative development depend on the efficiency and effectiveness of the investment process. The agro-industrial complex of Ukraine is integral and one of the most important sectors of the economy. The effectiveness and efficiency of the agricultural sector’s functioning directly impact the country’s economic development and macroeconomic stability. Accordingly, an effective investment policy in the agricultural sector will make it possible to ensure the exit of the Ukrainian agricultural sector from the financial, material, and technological crisis. The relevance of the research lies in the fact that in the works of domestic scientists, the main attention is focused to a greater extent on the need to attract foreign investments. At the same time, the influence of foreign investments on the development of the agro-industrial complex, in particular, and the national economy in general, which is even more actualized in martial law conditions, is not sufficiently covered. That is why there is a need for an in-depth study of trends in the influence of foreign investments on the agro-industrial sphere of Ukraine. The article analyzes the level of influence of foreign investments on the development of the agro-industrial complex of Ukraine.
Information Sources and Stages of Strategic Analysis
Authors:   ", Hryniavskyi Serhii ,   Institute of Agrarian Economics",   National Scientific Centre, Kyiv, Ukraine, Zhuk Valerii ,   "Institute of Agrarian Economics" National Scientific Centre, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: April 2024

To effectively carry out its economic activity, the enterprise needs to quickly respond to internal and external environmental changes, carrying out a strategic analysis. The effectiveness of such an analysis largely depends on the accountant's qualifications as the subject of its implementation. The article's purpose is to critically evaluate information sources, stages, and methods of strategic analysis, strengthening its theoretical and methodical support with the growing functional capabilities of the accountant. It was determined that the object of strategic analysis of the management process is the enterprise as an open management system and the forms and types of its activities. Strategic analysis helps create a system of main indicators of the enterprise's long-term development. The main tasks, information sources and strategic analysis stages were revealed. The strategic analysis methods, which are within the competence of a professional accountant, were critically evaluated. The article discusses the relationship between the functions of accounting and strategic analysis, given that both processes are performed by an accountant using many methods and professional judgment. It was established that qualitative strategic analysis is the key to effective enterprise strategic management. It is confirmed by the fact that the management strategy needs information about the strategic position of the enterprise, which is provided by accounting. An organizational and methodical mechanism for conducting strategic analysis by accountants of enterprises with an optimal set of methods and information sources was proposed. Combining accounting tools with traditional methods of strategic analysis (SWOT and GAP analysis) ensures obtaining conclusions for forming/adjusting the enterprise's development strategy in conditions of dynamic changes in the external and internal environment.
Accounting for Government Grants According to IAS 20: The Problems and Directions for Improvement
Authors:   Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University, Zhytomyr, Ukraine, Lehenchuk Serhii , Vyhovska Nataliya ,   Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University, Zhytomyr, Ukraine
Published: April 2024

Given the long application period of IAS 20 and several unsuccessful attempts to revise it by the IFRS Council, scientists have identified shortcomings in its application in practice, which prevent the disclosure of representatively reliable and relevant information for users about government grants and other government assistance. The article aims to identify and analyze the problems of applying IAS 20 “Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance” in modern conditions and form directions for its improvement. The historical aspects of the development of IAS 20 allow us to understand the reasons for its long-term use without significant changes. The literature review shows that in comparison with Ukrainian researchers, for the vast majority of foreign researchers, IAS 20 is the object of institutional analysis; they consider the introduction of changes to its composition not only from the standpoint of improving the current accounting methodology but as a social-institutional practice that changes the understanding of the state and the results of the company's activities from the perspective of stakeholders. The article describes attempts to develop alternative accounting standards for government grants and other government assistance for enterprises. It presents examples of non-compliance of the individual provisions of IAS 20 with the converged Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting requirements. Three main areas of development of IAS 20 have been identified based on the goals of government assistance: overcoming the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, and overcoming the consequences of war. The practicality of understanding the accounting system in terms of government assistance as a social-institutional practice that forms knowledge about ethical behaviour and social justice at enterprises and spreads it among members of society, prompting them to make informed decisions, was proven.
The Financial Results of Agricultural Enterprises in the Pre-War and Wartime Period
Authors:   ", Lupenko Yurii ,   Institute of Agrarian Economics",   National Scientific Centre, Kyiv, Ukraine, Lupenko Andrii ,   "Institute of Agrarian Economics" National Scientific Centre, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: April 2024

The financial results of business entities are an important indicator of the state of the industry, based on which operational and systemic decisions are made regarding the determination of development priorities, regulatory and legal regulation, budget financing, taxation and other state management mechanisms. Timely identification of existing trends and possible risks and a comprehensive assessment of the influence vectors and dependencies of all economic activity components, especially in martial law conditions, allows for more balanced and effective decisions capable of ensuring stable long-term development. The article aims to identify the latest trends in the formation of financial results of agricultural enterprises and assess the prospects of their growth in the conditions of war and post-war reconstruction. The article examines a set of indicators characterizing the financial results of agricultural enterprises over the past decade. The main trends regarding the dynamics and volumes of critical financial indicators of enterprises, including the individual branches of agricultural products, have been clarified. The main factors influencing the financial results of enterprises, changes in the structure of their financial assets and liabilities, and individual indicators of financial stability and solvency are determined. The study results show that in the pre-war period, agricultural enterprises' financial results steadily improved, reaching their historical maximum in 2021. Such a trend indicated the real prerequisites for further qualitative growth of the agricultural industry. In martial law conditions, most of the positive trends slowed down significantly. At the same time, the preservation of the financial potential of agricultural enterprises and the prospects for their growth depend, first of all, on the duration of the war and the possibilities of state support.
The Insurance Market, Market of Insurance and Market of Insurance Services: Scientific Views, New Understanding and Definition
Authors:   Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman, Kyiv, Ukraine, Shirinian Artur , Shіrіnyan Lada ,   National University of Food Technologies, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: April 2024

Educational programs need to be updated and improved, taking into account the latest legislative changes to correctly reflect the transformations of financial services markets and the evolution of the main concepts of financial science. This affects the quality of educational training, the scientific component in higher education institutions of Ukraine, and the professional competence of future practitioners and scientists. The article aims to reveal, improve the essence and formulate the definition of the concepts of the market of insurance services, insurance market, and market of insurance, taking into account the new legislation in the insurance field and achievements of financial science. The methodological basis of the research is the position of the theory of open economy, as well as the methods of system analysis. The study includes four sections: the first section provides a brief review of scientific works on the definition of the insurance market; the second section contains the analysis of Ukrainian insurance legislation regarding the insurance market; the third section presents the quantitative calculations and a new understanding of basic concepts; in the last subsection, the authors explain how the concepts of the insurance market and the market of insurance services differ, highlight the activities of the regulatory bodies of the insurance market, and show the unresolved problem of insurance guarantees in the market. The analysis points to the still unsolved problem of state guarantees of returning insurance premiums to clients if the insurer ceases insurance activity. In this regard, the expediency of creating the Insurance Guarantee Fund, which should become a participant in the insurance market, is argued. It was found that the concepts of the market of insurance services and the market of insurance are identical. The concept of the insurance market covers the market of insurance and is distinguished by the fact that there are regulatory bodies in the insurance market. Based on the provisions of the open economy theory and the analysis of behavioral aspects of market participants, the work proposes new definitions of the concepts of the market of insurance services and the insurance market.
Rancangan Alat Material Handling dengan Pendekatan Anthropometry Berdasarkan Perhitungan Recommended Weight Limit dan Lifting Index Pada PT. XYZ
Authors: Hanafi Muhammad Faisal Yunia , Priyana Efta Dhartikasari , Negoro Yanuar Pandu
Published: April 2024

Salah satu aktivitas yang dilakukan pada PT. XYZ yaitu pengambilan sampel water treatment sebanyak 25 sample point dengan jarak yang berjauhan serta berat masing-masing sampel 1Kg. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan menggunakan wadah yang diangkat secara manual dengan total berat sampel 25kg. Pekerja kerap mengeluh sakit pada bagian lengan atas sampai bahu. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui batas maksimal beban yang dapat diangkat oleh pekerja dengan melakukan analisis Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) dan Lifting Index (LI) serta memberi solusi agar pekerjaan lebih efisien. Hasil perhitungan diketahui berat beban yang diangkat melebihi batas pengangkatan yang direkomendasikan dikarenakan nilai LI>1 dan dengan bobot RWL maksimal 10.90Kg, aktivitas pekerja tersebut berisiko cidera tulang belakang. Berdasarkan diskusi dengan pihak perusahaan diperlukan alat bantu material handling berupa troli, dimensi troli usulan yaitu (a) lebar alas troli adalah 35 cm; (b) panjang alas troli adalah 80 cm; (c) tinggi troli 54,47 cm; (d) lebar pegangan troli 35,19 cm; (e) tinggi pegangan troli 95,16 cm.
Disparities in Criminal Justice Decision-Making.
Authors: Smith Ann , Hutton Jane , Kamperis Samuel , Lee William , Pina Sanchez Jose
Published: April 2024

Confidence in the justice system relies on it being both impartial and being seen to be impartial. It is therefore troubling that there are well-documented disparities between men and women and between ethnic groups at various stages of the criminal justice process. We report statistical analysis of existing data to (1) better understand the existing disparities, (2) investigate what information is available that might be useful in drawing a distinction between causation (discrimination) and association, (3) consider what statistical tools could be used to quantitatively investigate these relationships. Two datasets were investigated, looking at two different ends of the justice system. The first dataset describes the Metropolitan Police Force’s stop and search practices, an entry point into the criminal justice system. The second dataset describes sentencing, the final stage of that system, focusing on shoplifting offences dealt with by a sample of magistrates' courts.
Study on the electrical-thermal properties of lithium-ion battery materials in the NCM622/graphite system
Authors: Li Hao , Wu Xv , Fang Sheng , Liu Mei , Bi Shansong , Zhao Ting , Zhang Xiangjun
Published: April 2024

The phenomenon of fire or even explosion caused by thermal runaway of lithium-ion power batteries poses a serious threat to the safety of electric vehicles. An in-depth study of the core-material thermal runaway reaction mechanism and reaction chain is a prerequisite for proposing a mechanism to prevent battery thermal runaway and enhance battery safety. In this study, based on a 24 Ah commercial Li(Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2)O2/graphite soft pack battery, the heat production characteristics of different state of charge (SOC) cathode and anode materials, the separator, the electrolyte, and their combinations of the battery were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that the reaction between the negative electrode and the electrolyte is the main mode of heat accumulation in the early stage of thermal runaway, and when the heat accumulation causes the temperature to reach a certain critical value, the violent reaction between the positive electrode and the electrolyte is triggered. The extent and timing of the heat production behaviour of the battery host material is closely related to the SOC, and with limited electrolyte content, there is a competitive relationship between the positive and negative electrodes and the electrolyte reaction, leading to different SOC batteries exhibiting different heat production characteristics. In addition, the above findings are correlated with the battery failure mechanisms through heating experiments of the battery monomer. The study of the electro-thermal properties of the main materials in this paper provides a strategy for achieving early warning and suppression of thermal runaway in batteries.
Implications of WRF model resolutions on resolving rainfall variability with topography over East Africa
Authors: Mwanthi Anthony M. , Mutemi Joseph N. , Opijah Franklin J. , Mutua Francis M. , Atheru Zachary , Artan Guleid
Published: April 2024

There is an increasing need to improve the accuracy of extreme weather forecasts for life-saving applications and in support of various socioeconomic sectors in East Africa, a region with remarkable mesoscale systems due to its complex topography defined by sharp gradients in elevation, inland water bodies, and landuse conversions. This study sought to investigate the impacts of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model spatial resolution on resolving rainfall variability with topography utilizing nested domains at 12 and 2.4 km resolutions. The model was driven by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)-Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) Global Forecast System (GFS) final (FNL) reanalysis to simulate the weather patterns over East Africa from 3rd April 2018 to 30th April 2018, which were evaluated against several freely available gridded weather datasets alongside rainfall data from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) stations. The reference datasets and the model outputs revealed that the highlands had more rainfall events and higher maximum daily rainfall intensity compared to the surrounding lowlands, attributed to orographic lifting enhancing convection. Rainfall was inversely proportional to altitude from 500 m to 1,100 m above sea level (ASL) for both coarse and fine resolutions. The convection-permitting setup was superior in three aspects: resolving the inverse altitude-rainfall relationship for altitudes beyond 3000 m ASL, simulating heavy rainfall events over the lowlands, and resolution of the diurnal cycle of low-level wind. Although the coarse resolution setup reasonably simulated rainfall over large mountains, only the convection-permitting configuration could accurately resolve rainfall variability over contrasting topographical features. The study notes that high-resolution modeling systems and topography-sensitive bias correction techniques are critical for improving the quality of operational weather forecasts in East Africa.
Public health: a forgotten piece of the adaptation law puzzle
Authors: Boocock Jennifer , McDonald Jan , McCormack Phillipa C.
Published: April 2024

This paper uses the problem of extreme heat to illustrate the inadequacy of laws for protecting public health under climate change. Climate change is already having serious effects on public health. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report highlights significant adaptation gaps for human health protection, urging that public health adaptation must be ‘proactive, timely and effective’. The law can be a powerful tool for advancing adaptation to protect public health, but there has been very little scholarly analysis of its potential, or whether in some circumstances it may promote maladaptation. For example, legal regimes for land use planning typically respect existing uses of property and make retrofitting for climate-proofing hard to mandate. These regimes can take many years to amend so new infrastructure continues to comply with outdated approaches, such as relying on air conditioning for cooling and offering limited shading. Laws also promote a focus on crisis management during a heat event but fail to promote the preventive action necessary to foster resilience. We present a case study of how the law exacerbates public health risks from extreme heat and falls short of facilitating adaptation in the Greater Western Sydney region of Australia, an area with a population of 2.6 million. In 2019, this area experienced a record near-surface air temperature of 52°C (125.6°F) causing significant adverse physical and mental health impacts. The public health impacts of extreme temperatures in this region are well documented, as are the increasing strains on emergency and health services. This case study demonstrates that laws could help to control heat in the landscape and secure the safety of vulnerable populations, but to do so they must prioritize adaptation to the health impacts of climate change.
New-onset atrial fibrillation following arteriovenous fistula increases adverse clinical events in dialysis patients with end-stage renal disease
Authors: Song Wenhui , Wu Lizhou , Sun Chong , Kong Xianglei , Wang Haiyan
Published: April 2024

Background

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients have a high potential cardiovascular burden, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients. Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access for MHD patients, but AVF significantly affects the haemodynamics of the cardiovascular system, leading to or exacerbating CVD, including atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of AVF on cardiac function, especially of the left atrium (LA), in patients with ESRD and to further explore the relationship between AVF establishment and the occurrence of AF.

Methods

We selected 1,107 ESRD patients on haemodialysis using AVF and 550 patients with tunneled-cuffed catheters (TCC) admitted between January 2016 and December 2022 for follow-up to compare the rate of AF between the two groups. A total of 153 patients in the AVF group with complete information (clinical data, echocardiographic and biochemical indices, and other data) were enrolled and retrospectively analysed for risk factors for the development of AF and were followed up for adverse clinical outcomes (including all-cause death, cardiac death, readmission due to heart failure, and stroke).

Results

The incidence of new-onset AF was higher in the AVF group than the TCC group after dialysis access was established (16.30% vs. 5.08%, P < 0.001). Echocardiography showed that the LA anteroposterior diameter increased (P < 0.001) and the incidence of AF increased from 11.76% to 26.14% (P = 0.001) after AVF establishment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age and LA enlargement were independent risk factors for new-onset AF after AVF establishment (P < 0.05). Adverse clinical outcomes were more common in patients with AF than in patients without AF (P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox risk regression analysis suggested that new-onset AF (HR = 4.08, 95% CI: 2.00–8.34, P < 0.001) and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (HR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.20–4.88, P = 0.01) after AVF establishment were independent risk factors for adverse clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

LA enlargement after AVF establishment is associated with a significant increase in the incidence of AF, in addition, AF which is as an important influential factor in patients with MHD combined other systemic diseases might increase adverse clinical events.

Clinical Trial Registration

(NCT 06199609)
Developing professional digital competence in Norwegian teacher education: a scoping review
Authors: Norhagen Sigrun Lindaas , Krumsvik Rune Johan , Røkenes Fredrik Mørk
Published: April 2024

The widespread use of educational technology in schools compels teachers to seamlessly integrate technology while developing students’ digital competence. As educational technology continually evolves, digital competence becomes a dynamic target. Thus, teacher education must effectively prepare student teachers to teach effectively with technology. Researchers are increasingly examining the concept of teachers’ digital competence and how teacher education supports student teachers’ acquisition of digital skills for future employability. In Nordic countries like Norway, the term Professional Digital Competence (PDC) frames a teacher’s essential knowledge for using digital technology in teaching and learning. Despite this focus, there’s limited understanding of how Norwegian teacher education fosters PDC. This scoping review investigates current research on PDC and its implementation within Norwegian teacher education. Findings from numerical and thematic analysis offer insights into the prevalent types of PDC research. Thirty-four peer-reviewed papers were identified and coded along three dimensions: (1) theoretical perspectives, (2) research questions and methods, and (3) application and implementation. The review reveals a predominant focus on student and teacher educator perceptions or self-assessments when measuring digital competence. Our findings show that professional digital competence in teacher education is diverse and multifaceted. However, there are gaps in the current state of knowledge. To address this, we propose a definition and a framework to guide teacher educators. Future research should broaden participant profiles and involve a more diverse group of educators.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Tuo Lin , Yan Li-ting , Liu Yi , Yang Xing-xiang
Published: April 2024

Background

NAFLD (Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) is becoming an increasingly common cause of chronic liver disease. Metabolic dysfunction, overweight/obesity, and diabetes are thought to be closely associated with increased NAFLD risk. However, few studies have focused on the mechanisms of NAFLD occurrence in T1DM.

Methods

We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the causal association between T1DM and NAFLD with/without complications, such as coma, renal complications, ketoacidosis, neurological complications, and ophthalmic complications. Multiple Mendelian randomization methods, such as the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, weighted median method, and MR-Egger test were performed to evaluate the causal association of T1DM and NAFLD using genome-wide association study summary data from different consortia, such as Finngen and UK biobank.

Results

We selected 37 SNPs strongly associated with NAFLD/LFC (at a significance level of p < 5 × 10−8) as instrumental variables from the Finnish database based on the T1DM phenotype (8,967 cases and 308,373 controls). We also selected 14/16 SNPs based on with or without complications. The results suggest that the genetic susceptibility of T1DM does not increase the risk of NAFLD (OR=1.005 [0.99, 1.02], IVW p=0.516, MR Egger p=0.344, Weighted median p=0.959, Weighted mode p=0.791), regardless of whether complications are present. A slight causal effect of T1DM without complications on LFC was observed (OR=1.025 [1.00, 1.03], MR Egger p=0.045). However, none of the causal relationships were significant in the IVW (p=0.317), Weighted median (p=0.076), and Weighted mode (p=0.163) methods.

Conclusion

Our study did not find conclusive evidence for a causal association between T1DM and NAFLD, although clinical observations indicate increasing abnormal transaminase prevalence and NAFLD progression in T1DM patients.
Glucagon kinetics assessed by mathematical modelling during oral glucose administration in people spanning from normal glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes
Authors: Andreozzi Francesco , Mancuso Elettra , Rubino Mariangela , Salvatori Benedetta , Morettini Micaela , Monea Giuseppe , Göbl Christian , Mannino Gaia Chiara , Tura Andrea
Published: April 2024

Background/Objectives

Glucagon is important in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis, with also effects on lipids. In this study, we aimed to apply a recently developed model of glucagon kinetics to determine the sensitivity of glucagon variations (especially, glucagon inhibition) to insulin levels (“alpha-cell insulin sensitivity”), during oral glucose administration.

Subjects/Methods

We studied 50 participants (spanning from normal glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes) undergoing frequently sampled 5-hr oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The alpha-cell insulin sensitivity and the glucagon kinetics were assessed by a mathematical model that we developed previously.

Results

The alpha-cell insulin sensitivity parameter (named SGLUCA; “GLUCA”: “glucagon”) was remarkably variable among participants (CV=221%). SGLUCA was found inversely correlated with the mean glycemic values, as well as with 2-hr glycemia of the OGTT. When stratifying participants into two groups (normal glucose tolerance, NGT, N=28, and impaired glucose regulation/type 2 diabetes, IGR_T2D, N=22), we found that SGLUCA was lower in the latter (1.50 ± 0.50·10-2vs. 0.26 ± 0.14·10-2 ng·L-1GLUCA/pmol·L-1INS, in NGT and IGR_T2D, respectively, p=0.009; “INS”: “insulin”).

Conclusions

The alpha-cell insulin sensitivity is highly variable among subjects, and it is different in groups at different glucose tolerance. This may be relevant for defining personalized treatment schemes, in terms of dietary prescriptions but also for treatments with glucagon-related agents.
Anthropogenic activities dominated the spatial and temporal changes of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in the Hehuang valley in the northeastern Qinghai Province between 2000 and 2020
Authors: Xu Bin , Mao Xufeng , Li Xingyue , Wei Xiaoyan , Zhang Ziping , Tang Wenjia , Yu Hongyan , Wu Yi
Published: April 2024

The Hehuang Valley (HV) is a key development area in the Qinghai Province; understanding changes in the vegetation within this area is of great significance if we are to maintain the ecological quality of this regional environment. Based on the 30 m spatial resolution Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) time series dataset, this paper analyzes the spatial and temporal characteristics and evolutionary trends of NDVI in the HV from 2001 to 2020 under the influences of climate change and human activities, by applying Mann-Kendall trend analysis, the Hurst index, and residual analysis. Analysis showed that firstly, high NDVI values (>0.5) were distributed in the low elevation areas of the HV except for towns and cropland, while the low NDVI values (<0.5) were mainly distributed in the high elevation regions; the NDVI exhibited an increasing trend over the study period. Second, human activities promoted NDVI growth in the HV by changing land-use types, although there is a risk of vegetation degradation in the future. Third, the proportion of NDVI changes affected by climate change and human activities was determined to be 87.24% of the HV; furthermore, the contribution of human activities was three-fold higher than that of climate change. Fourth, managers should scientifically manage grasslands and forests and implement specific anthropogenic interventions based on the characteristics of regional NDVI degradation, to improve ecosystem resilience. These results can be used to quantitatively analyze the relative contributions of natural and anthropogenic factors to the ecological changes in the HV, and provide reference guidelines for the management of ecological environments.
State care services as devices of acceptance to the social body: the case of Afro-descendant migrant mothers in Chile, beneficiaries of the National Child Health Program
Authors: Reyes Muñoz Yafza , Reyes Muñoz Vania
Published: April 2024

Introduction

In the field of medical anthropology, particularly from the practices of medical care in a situated context, the text discusses how state care services under the “National Child Health Programme” implemented by nursing professionals in Chile transmit values and expectations that could be transformed into devices of acceptance to the social body for migrant mothers of African descent who come with their children to health centres.

Methods

The Methodology employed in this study was devised through a case study in the commune of Talca, within the Maule region, utilizing semi-structured interviews with nurses who work within the Programme, as well as open interviews and thematic workshops with migrant women users of the Programme.

Results

The results point to the valuation of the programme by the women, who identify it as an instance of providing and receiving care for their children; they also recognise that they are judged by their caregivers for not “correctly” following the instructions given to them with their children living in Chile or for exercising transnational maternity. On the other hand, nursing professionals revealed racial and class prejudices about women of African descent, especially Haitian women.

Discussion

It is suggested that this programme, recognized regionally as an effective assistance and care policy in the fight against infant mortality and morbidity, becomes an acculturation device for migrant mothers and their children born in Chile. It is expected that both mothers and children adhere to the program’s guidelines, resulting in similar behaviours and attitudes as those of Chilean mothers. This generates few instances of learning and appreciation of the native cultures of the new Chilean infants and reveals that categories of differences such as ethno-racial, gender, and migratory status are articulated in the nurses’ health practices, emphasising the mandate to follow the instructions of migrant mothers and their children.
Exploring the immunopathology of type 2 inflammatory airway diseases
Authors: AlBloushi Shaimaa , Al-Ahmad Mona
Published: April 2024

Significant advancements have been achieved in understanding the roles of different immune cells, as well as cytokines and chemokines, in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic airway conditions. This review examines the pathogenesis of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), marked by complex immune dysregulation, with major contributions from type 2 inflammation and dysfunctional airway epithelium. The presence of eosinophils and the role of T-cell subsets, particularly an imbalance between Treg and Th17 cells, are crucial to the disease’s pathogenesis. The review also investigates the pathogenesis of eosinophilic asthma, a unique asthma subtype. It is characterized by inflammation and high eosinophil levels, with eosinophils playing a pivotal role in triggering type 2 inflammation. The immune response involves Th2 cells, eosinophils, and IgE, among others, all activated by genetic and environmental factors. The intricate interplay among these elements, chemokines, and innate lymphoid cells results in airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness, contributing to the pathogenesis of eosinophilic asthma. Another scope of this review is the pathogenesis of Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA); a complex inflammatory disease that commonly affects the respiratory tract and small to medium-sized blood vessels. It is characterized by elevated eosinophil levels in blood and tissues. The pathogenesis involves the activation of adaptive immune responses by antigens leading to T and B cell activation and eosinophil stimulation, which causes tissue and vessel damage. On the other hand, Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitive response that occurs when the airways become colonized by aspergillus fungus, with the pathogenesis involving activation of Th2 immune responses, production of IgE antibodies, and eosinophilic action leading to bronchial inflammation and subsequent lung damage. This analysis scrutinizes how an imbalanced immune system contributes to these eosinophilic diseases. The understanding derived from this assessment can steer researchers toward designing new potential therapeutic targets for efficient control of these disorders.
Development of a visual Adhesion/Invasion Inhibition Assay to assess the functionality of Shigella-specific antibodies
Authors: Batani Giampiero , Vezzani Giacomo , Lashchuk Sabrina , Allaoui Abdelmounaaim , Cardamone Dario , Raso Maria Michelina , Boero Elena , Roscioli Emanuele , Ridelfi Matteo , Gasperini Gianmarco , Pizza Mariagrazia , Rossi Omar , Berlanda Scorza Francesco , Micoli Francesca , Rappuoli Rino , Sala Claudia
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Shigella is the etiologic agent of a bacillary dysentery known as shigellosis, which causes millions of infections and thousands of deaths worldwide each year due to Shigella’s unique lifestyle within intestinal epithelial cells. Cell adhesion/invasion assays have been extensively used not only to identify targets mediating host-pathogen interaction, but also to evaluate the ability of Shigella-specific antibodies to reduce virulence. However, these assays are time-consuming and labor-intensive and fail to assess differences at the single-cell level.

Objectives and methods

Here, we developed a simple, fast and high-content method named visual Adhesion/Invasion Inhibition Assay (vAIA) to measure the ability of anti-Shigellaantibodies to inhibit bacterial adhesion to and invasion of epithelial cells by using the confocal microscope Opera Phenix.

Results

We showed that vAIA performed well with a pooled human serum from subjects challenged with S. sonnei and that a specific anti-IpaD monoclonal antibody effectively reduced bacterial virulence in a dose-dependent manner.

Discussion

vAIA can therefore inform on the functionality of polyclonal and monoclonal responses thereby supporting the discovery of pathogenicity mechanisms and the development of candidate vaccines and immunotherapies. Lastly, this assay is very versatile and may be easily applied to other Shigella species or serotypes and to different pathogens.
Association between life’s essential 8 and periodontitis: a study based on NHANES 2009–2014
Authors: Hou KeGui , Zhang Hongli , Song Wenpeng , Li Shi , Liu JiaRui , Ma Zhaofeng
Published: April 2024

Background

This research aims to investigate the relationship between Life’s Essentials 8 (LE8), the American Heart Association’s latest indicator, and periodontitis. The purpose is to provide guidance on preventative measures.

Methods

Data for our investigation were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2014, with a total of 8,784 participants eligible. LE8 scores were compiled from 8 index scores (the score for each component of diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep duration, body mass index, blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure). Periodontitis was classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Academy of Periodontology (CDC/AAP). The study utilized multivariable logistic analyses to investigate the potential correlation.

Results

After controlling for all covariates, LE8 was discovered to have a significant negative correlation with periodontitis prevalence [0.91 (0.88, 0.94)]. This trend continued to hold statistical significance even after converting LE8 into a categorical variable. Furthermore, a noteworthy adverse correlation was discovered across both genders, specifically males [0.35 (0.22, 0.55)] and females [0.39 (0.25, 0.60)], as well as for the majority of categorical classifications, namely ethnicity, age, education level, and marital status. However, only the age subgroups displayed some degree of significant difference from each other.

Conclusion

Life’s essential 8 was negatively associated with periodontitis, but more prospective trails are needed to confirm our findings.
Anti-biofilm activity of marine algae-derived bioactive compounds
Authors: Behzadnia Asma , Moosavi-Nasab Marzieh , Oliyaei Najmeh
Published: April 2024

A large number of microbial species tend to communicate and produce biofilm which causes numerous microbial infections, antibiotic resistance, and economic problems across different industries. Therefore, advanced anti-biofilms are required with novel attributes and targets, such as quorum sensing communication system. Meanwhile, quorum sensing inhibitors as promising anti-biofilm molecules result in the inhibition of particular phenotype expression blocking of cell-to-cell communication, which would be more acceptable than conventional strategies. Many natural products are identified as anti-biofilm agents from different plants, microorganisms, and marine extracts. Marine algae are promising sources of broadly novel compounds with anti-biofilm activity. Algae extracts and their metabolites such as sulfated polysaccharides (fucoidan), carotenoids (zeaxanthin and lutein), lipid and fatty acids (γ-linolenic acid and linoleic acid), and phlorotannins can inhibit the cell attachment, reduce the cell growth, interfere in quorum sensing pathway by blocking related enzymes, and disrupt extracellular polymeric substances. In this review, the mechanisms of biofilm formation, quorum sensing pathway, and recently identified marine algae natural products as anti-biofilm agents will be discussed.
Risk factors of Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales intestinal colonization for subsequent infections in hematological patients: a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Wang Zihan , Shao Chunhong , Shao Jing , Hao Yingying , Jin Yan
Published: April 2024

Objective

Infections caused by Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) have high treatment costs, high mortality and few effective therapeutic agents. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for progression from intestinal colonization to infection in hematological patients and the risk factors for 30-day mortality in infected patients.

Methods

A retrospective case-control study was conducted in the Department of Hematology at Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from April 2018 to April 2022. Patients who developed subsequent infections were identified as the case group by electronic medical record query of patients with a positive rectal screen for CRE colonization, and patients who did not develop subsequent infections were identified as the control group by stratified random sampling. Univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis determined risk factors for developing CRE infection and risk factors for mortality in CRE-infected patients.

Results

Eleven hematological patients in the study developed subsequent infections. The overall 30-day mortality rate for the 44 hematological patients in the case-control study was 11.4% (5/44). Mortality was higher in the case group than in the control group (36.5 vs. 3.0%, P = 0.0026), and septic shock was an independent risk factor for death (P = 0.024). Univariate analysis showed that risk factors for developing infections were non-steroidal immunosuppressants, serum albumin levels, and days of hospitalization. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, immunosuppressants [odds ratio (OR), 19.132; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.349–271.420; P = 0.029] and serum albumin levels (OR, 0.817; 95% CI, 0.668–0.999; P = 0.049) were independent risk factors for developing infections.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that septic shock increases mortality in CRE-infected hematological patients. Hematological patients with CRE colonization using immunosuppressive agents and reduced serum albumin are more likely to progress to CRE infection. This study may help clinicians prevent the onset of infection early and take measures to reduce mortality rates.
Carbapenem- and colistin-resistant Enterobacterales in intensive care unit patients in Mediterranean countries, 2019
Authors: Dos Santos Sandra , Diene Seydina M. , Benouda Amina , Zerouali Khalid , Ghaith Doaa M. , El-Mahdy Rasha H. , El Tayeb Sawsan H. M. , Boutiba Ilhem , Hammami Adnene , Chrabieh Remie , Daoud Ziad , Mereghetti Laurent , Francois Patrice , Van Der Mee-Marquet Nathalie ,   on behalf of the consortium
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The colonization of patients by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) has been associated with heightened mortality, especially in vulnerable individuals within intensive care units (ICUs). Our study aimed to comprehensively assess CPE prevalence among ICU patients across the Mediterranean region pre-COVID-19, conducting a multicenter prevalence study in the first quarter of 2019.

Methods

We collected clinical data and rectal or fecal samples from 256 ICU patients for CPE testing. Additionally, we performed whole-genome sequencing on 40 representative CPE strains to document their molecular characteristics.

Results

Among the 256 patients, CPE was detected in 73 samples (28.5%), with prevalence varying from 3.3 to 69.0% across participating centers. We observed 13 colistin-resistant CPE strains, affecting three ICUs. Genetic analysis revealed highly diverse E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains, predominantly from international high-risk clones. Notably, blaOXA-48 and blaNDM-1 were the most prevalent carbapenemase genes. Molecular typing uncovered potential patient clusters in six centers. Significantly, longer hospital stays were associated with increased CPE carriage (p < 0.001). Nine centers across Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Lebanon voluntarily participated.

Discussion

Our study provides CPE prevalence in Mediterranean ICUs and reaffirms established CPE presence in this setting but also provides updates on the molecular diversity of CPE strains. These findings highlight the imperative of reinforcing infection control measures in the participating ICUs to curtail escalated mortality rates, and of strictly applying isolation measures around patients originating from the Mediterranean region when transferred to other healthcare institutions.