bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traumatic Brain Injury Mortality and Correlates in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Meta-Epidemiological Study
Authors: Naik Anant , Bederson Maria M. , Detchou Donald , Dharnipragada Rajiv , Hassaneen Wael , Arnold Paul M. , Germano Isabelle M.
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:

It is estimated that up to 69 million people per year experience traumatic brain injury (TBI) with the highest prevalence found in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A paucity of data suggests that the mortality rate after severe TBI is twice as high in LMICs than in high-income countries.

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze TBI mortality in LMICs and to evaluate what country-based socioeconomic and demographic parameters influence TBI outcomes.

METHODS:

Four databases were searched for the period January 1, 2002, to January 1, 2022, for studies describing TBI outcomes in LMICs. Multivariable analysis was performed using multivariable linear regression, with the outcome as the pooled mortality by country and the covariates as the adjusted parameters.

RESULTS:

Our search yielded 14 376 records of which 101 were included in the final analysis, totaling 59 197 patients and representing 31 LMICs. The pooled TBI-related mortality was 16.7% (95% CI: 13.7%-20.3%) without significant differences comparing pediatrics vs adults. Pooled severe TBI-related mortality was significantly higher than mild. Multivariable analysis showed a significant association between TBI-related mortality and median income (P = .04), population percentage below poverty line (P = .02), primary school enrollment (P = .01), and poverty head ratio (P = .04).

CONCLUSION:

TBI-related mortality in LMICs is 3-fold to 4-fold higher than that reported in high-income countries. Within LMICs, parameters associated with poorer outcomes after TBI include factors recognized as social determinants of health. Addressing social determinants of health in LMICs might expedite the quest to close the care delivery gap after TBI.
Primary Care First Initiative: Impact on Care Delivery and Outcomes
Authors: Adida Elodie , Bravo Fernanda
Published: April 2023

Problem definition: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched the Primary Care First (PCF) initiative in January 2021. The initiative builds upon prior innovative payment models and aims at incentivizing a redesign of primary care delivery, including new modes of delivery, such as remote care. To achieve this goal, the initiative blends capitation and fee-for-service (FFS) payments and includes performance-based adjustments linked to service quality and health outcomes. We analyze a model motivated by this new payment system, and its impact on the different stakeholders, and derive insights on how to design it to reach the best possible outcome. Methodology/results: We propose an analytical model that captures patient heterogeneity in terms of health complexity, provider choice of care-delivery mode (referral to a specialist, in-person visit, or remote care), and quality of service (health outcomes and wait time). We analyze the provider decision on the mode of care delivery under both FFS and PCF and study whether PCF can be designed to yield a socially optimal outcome. We characterize analytically when patients, payer, and providers are better off under PCF and show that, in many cases, PCF can be designed to yield a socially optimal outcome. We numerically calibrate our model for 14 states in the United States. We observe that the average health status in a state is a source of heterogeneity that crucially drives the performance of PCF. We find that the model motivated by the current PCF implementation results in too much adoption of referral care and too little adoption of remote care. In addition, states with poor average health status may use more in-person care than socially optimal under a baseline (low) level of capitation. Moreover, relying on high levels of capitation leads to low adoption of in-person care. Managerial implications: Our results have health policy implications by shedding light on how PCF might impact patients, payer, and providers. Under the current performance-based adjustments, low levels of capitation should be preferred. PCF has the potential to be designed to achieve socially optimal outcomes. However, the fee per visit may need to be tailored to the local population’s health status.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2023.1207 .
Real-Time Spatial–Intertemporal Pricing and Relocation in a Ride-Hailing Network: Near-Optimal Policies and the Value of Dynamic Pricing
Authors: Chen Qi (George) , Lei Yanzhe (Murray) , Jasin Stefanus
Published: April 2023

In “Real-Time Spatial–Intertemporal Pricing and Relocation in a Ride-Hailing Network: Near-Optimal Policies and The Value of Dynamic Pricing,” Chen, Lei, and Jasin consider a dynamic pricing problem faced by a ride-hailing service provider who manages a fixed number of servers and serves price-sensitive customers within a network. Servers serve arriving customers by relocating from the requested origins to destinations within a certain travel time. The authors first propose a static pricing policy based on the optimal solution to a deterministic relaxation of the original stochastic problem. They show that the proposed static policy matches the best possible asymptotic performance of any static policy. The authors further propose a dynamic pricing policy that adaptively changes the prices in a way that reduces the impact of past demand randomness on the balance of future distributions of servers and customers across the network. They show that the dynamic pricing policy achieves significantly better asymptotical performance. The proposed policies and their performance guarantees are further extended to a case where the firm jointly decides the relocation of vacant servers
Effect of Lifestyle Factors on Serum Antioxidant Levels in Apparently Healthy Individuals
Authors: Rangaraju Harini , Sankar Shenbaga Lalitha
Published: April 2023

Introduction Lifestyle factors are among the multiple factors that initiate pathology of non-communicable diseases (NCD) which starts in young age and remains undetected till the clinical symptoms occur. Serum antioxidant levels in individuals with varied lifestyle habits were evaluated to determine the relationship between lifestyle factors, reactive oxygen species and development of NCD. Objectives The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of serum antioxidants in the metabolic changes initiated by lifestyle choices of apparently healthy individuals. Materials and methods 104 healthy volunteers of age 20-30 years from South Indian Population were randomly selected after obtaining informed consent for the cross section observational study. The inclusion criteria were Fasting glucose <100mg/dl, Triglycerides <150mg/dl, Total cholesterol< 200mg/dl and Hemoglobin >12 g/dl (females) and >14g/dl (males). Lifestyle factors like age, gender, diet, socioeconomic condition, physical activity, psychological stress, smoking, alcohol were determined based on questionnaires. Fasting serum antioxidants- Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Coenzyme Q10 – single dilution method HPLC, serum uric acid and body mass index (BMI) were estimated. Pearson correlation and Spearman rho correlation was done using SPSS software version 17 with “p” value <0.05 were considered as significant. Results Mean of Age (25.30±3.214), BMI (22.5±4.65), Superoxide dismutase (U/mL) (181.78±17.9), Glutathione peroxidase (U/L) (8607.36±1237.2), Coenzyme Q10 (μg/L) (484.12±59.65) and Uric acid (mg/dL) (4.92±1.27) are as noted in the study group. A positive correlation was found between SOD, CoQ10 and increased dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, low BMI, higher Socio economic status. GPx and uric acid had a positive correlation with age, smokers and alcoholics, and negative correlation with physical activity. Gender wise differences significantly seen in GPx and Uric acid. Conclusion Serum antioxidants are altered by the lifestyle choices of the study population.
Design and performance enhancement of an all-optical demultiplexer for optical computing applications employing photonic crystals
Authors: Swarnakar Sandip , Saikiran Yerravalli , Chavadi Yashwanth Kuruva , Bhavan Kumar Katta , Venkata Rakesh Naddi , Kumar Santosh
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a photonic crystal (PhC) based 1×2 demultiplexer is designed to work efficiently at 1550nm, which is the operating wavelength of optical communication. In designing a 1×2 demultiplexer, the PhC structure employs Y-shaped square-lattice silicon rods with air as its basis in accordance with the principle of beam interference. This study presents a 15×15 rod-based PhC optimized structure with air as its background. Several distinct phase studies are carried out making use of a wide variety of lattice constant and refractive index values of PhCs. The design achieves enhanced performance in accordance with parameters such as having higher contrast ratio of 15.64 dB, high transmission efficiency of 77.92%, fast response time of 15.03 fs, and low insertion loss of 1.08 dB with optimal values for refractive index (RI), silicon rod radius, and lattice constant. The results of the simulation that used the finite-difference-time-domain technique illustrate the good performance of this structure, which exhibits a higher contrast ratio and bit rate, average transmitted power, and fewer power losses.
Gap design to enable functionalities into nested antiresonant nodeless fiber based systems
Authors: Zhong Ailing , Ding Meng , Dousek Daniel , Suslov Dmytro , Zvánovec Stanislav , Poletti Francesco , Richardson David J. , Slavík Radan , Komanec Matěj
Published: April 2023

By modifying the interconnection design between standard single-mode fiber (SSMF) and nested antiresonant nodeless type hollow-core fiber (NANF), we create an air gap between SSMF and NANF. This air gap enables the insertion of optical elements, thus providing additional functions. We show low-loss coupling using various graded-index multimode fibers acting as mode-field adapters resulting in different air-gap distances. Finally, we test the gap functionality by inserting a thin glass sheet in the air gap, which forms a Fabry-Perot interferometer and works as a filter with an overall insertion loss of only 0.31 dB.
Low loss SiN films for integrated photonics deposited by PVD at low temperature
Authors: Kempf Eva , Calvo Michele , Domengie Florian , Monfray Stephane , Boeuf Frederic , Charette Paul G. , Orobtchouk Regis
Published: April 2023

Integration of SiN films with Si photonics platforms is attractive for the 3D integration of multiple waveguide levels in optical routing circuits. This paper reports on the optical characterization of SiN films deposited by PVD and PECVD with the STMicroelectronics 300 mm Photonic R&D platform at CMOS-compatible temperatures. SiN deposition was engineered to reduce the propagation losses caused by 2nd harmonic vibrational absorption of NH bonds.
BDNF signaling in correlation-dependent structural plasticity in the developing visual system
Authors: Kutsarova Elena , Schohl Anne , Munz Martin , Wang Alex , Zhang Yuan Yuan , Bilash Olesia M. , Ruthazer Edward S.
Published: April 2023

During development, patterned neural activity instructs topographic map refinement. Axons with similar patterns of neural activity converge onto target neurons and stabilize their synapses with these postsynaptic partners, restricting exploratory branch elaboration (Hebbian structural plasticity). On the other hand, non-correlated firing in inputs leads to synapse weakening and increased exploratory growth of axons (Stentian structural plasticity). We used visual stimulation to control the correlation structure of neural activity in a few ipsilaterally projecting (ipsi) retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons with respect to the majority contralateral eye inputs in the optic tectum of albino Xenopus laevis tadpoles. Multiphoton live imaging of ipsi axons, combined with specific targeted disruptions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, revealed that both presynaptic p75NTR and TrkB are required for Stentian axonal branch addition, whereas presumptive postsynaptic BDNF signaling is necessary for Hebbian axon stabilization. Additionally, we found that BDNF signaling mediates local suppression of branch elimination in response to correlated firing of inputs. Daily in vivo imaging of contralateral RGC axons demonstrated that p75NTR knockdown reduces axon branch elongation and arbor spanning field volume.
Activation of actin-depolymerizing factor by CDPK16-mediated phosphorylation promotes actin turnover in Arabidopsis pollen tubes
Authors: Wang Qiannan , Xu Yanan , Zhao Shuangshuang , Jiang Yuxiang , Yi Ran , Guo Yan , Huang Shanjin
Published: April 2023

As the stimulus-responsive mediator of actin dynamics, actin-depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin is subject to tight regulation. It is well known that kinase-mediated phosphorylation inactivates ADF/cofilin. Here, however, we found that the activity ofArabidopsisADF7 is enhanced by CDPK16-mediated phosphorylation. We found that CDPK16 interacts with ADF7 bothin vitroandin vivo, and it enhances ADF7-mediated actin depolymerization and severingin vitroin a calcium-dependent manner. Accordingly, the rate of actin turnover is reduced incdpk16pollen and the amount of actin filaments increases significantly at the tip ofcdpk16pollen tubes. CDPK16 phosphorylates ADF7 at Serine128 bothin vitroandin vivo, and the phospho-mimetic mutant ADF7S128Dhas enhanced actin-depolymerizing activity compared to ADF7. Strikingly, we found that failure in the phosphorylation of ADF7 at Ser128 impairs its function in promoting actin turnoverin vivo, which suggests that this phospho-regulation mechanism is biologically significant. Thus, we reveal that CDPK16-mediated phosphorylation up-regulates ADF7 to promote actin turnover in pollen.
Determinant factors of leprosy-related disability; comparison of acceleration failure time and parametric shared frailty models
Authors: Masresha Bezanesh Melese , Yesuf Kasim Mohammed , Moyehodie Yikeber Abebaw , Biresaw Hailegebrael Birhan , Mulugeta Solomon Sisay , Addisia Gedam Derbew
Published: April 2023

Background

Leprosy is an illness persisting for a long time or constantly recurring brought about byMycobacterium leprae. The collusion of the causing agent with Schwann cells leads to incapable of being changed loss of fringe nerve tissue; followed by incapacity and that is not restricted to actual powerlessness yet additionally makes a negative picture, prompting segregation and social disgrace against the altered people also, their families.

Methods

The analysis of this study comprises 205 samples of patients at All African TB and Leprosy Rehabilitation and Training Centre from January 2015 up to December 2019 G.C who were taking medication for leprosy and who possess all necessary data. Territorial conditions in the region of the patients were utilized as a clustering impact in all frailty models. Acceleration failure time models and parametric shared frailty models with Weibull and log-strategic patterns were utilized to dissect hazard factors related to disability ensued by leprosy. All fitted models were looked at by utilizing AIC.

Results

From that of 205, 69(33.7%) experienced at least one kind of disability grade during treatment taking. In light of AIC, log-logistic-gamma shared frailty model was the final best fitting model and also there was considerable variation among patients. The final model showed the age of patients, symptom duration, treatment category of patients, and sensory loss were found to be the most significant determinants of leprosy disability.

Conclusion

In this investigation, there is proof of heterogeneity at the group level and disability was related to the age of patients, symptom duration, treatment category of patient, what’s more, sensory loss subsequently, uncommon consideration ought to be given to these huge indicators, which eventually diminish the event of disability. To lessen the patient-related postponement, the program should lay more noteworthy accentuation on bringing issues to light in the local area by zeroing in on key messages like indications, inability result of the late discovery, accessibility of free treatment what’s more, accessibility of disease care in general wellbeing office.
Women want male partner engagement in antenatal care services: A qualitative study of pregnant women from rural South Africa
Authors: Audet Carolyn M. , Sack Daniel E. , Ndlovu Godfrey H. , Morkel Caroline , Harris Jacob , Wagner Ryan G. , Seabi Tshegofatso M.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Evidence strongly shows that a supportive, involved male partner facilitates maternal HIV testing during pregnancy, increases maternal antiretroviral (ART) adherence and increases HIV-free infant survival. Partner engagement in antenatal care (ANC) is influential; however, the most effective strategy to engage male partners is currently unknown. Engaging pregnant women to understand whether male partner involvement is welcome in ANC, what this involvement entails and how best to invite their partner is an important first step in determining how best to engage male partners.

Methods

We interviewed 36 pregnant women receiving ANC services at a district hospital in rural Mpumalanga, South Africa to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their current relationship, the type of partner support they receive, whether they would like their male partner to be involved in their ANC, and how best to invite their male partner to their appointments. We conducted a thematic analysis of the qualitative interviews using MAXQDA software.

Results

Financial, emotional, and physical support were noted as important aspects of support currently provided by male partners, with most pregnant women wanting their partners to engage in ANC services during pregnancy. Preferred engagement strategies included participation in couple-based HIV testing and counseling, regular ANC appointment attendance, and delivery room presence. Women who reported a positive relationship with her partner were more likely to prefer inviting their partner without health facility assistance, while those who reported challenges in their relationship preferred assistance through a letter or community health worker. Pregnant women perceived regular business hours (due to their partner being employed and unable to take off work) and having a partner involved in multiple relationships as barriers in getting their partner to attend ANC services.

Discussion

Rural South African women, even those in unsatisfactory relationships want their male partners to attend their ANC visits and birth. To make this possible, health facilities will have to tailor male partner engagement outreach strategies to the preferences and needs of the pregnant woman.
Comparison of different New Radio (NR) waveforms for wireless communications
Authors: Baki A. K. M.
Published: April 2023

New Radio (NR) waveforms of existing wireless communication systems need further improvement in order to support future wireless communications. NR is the radio interface technology proposed by the 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP) for 5G. Prototype Filter (PF) of NR plays a vital role in performance improvement of wireless systems. NR waveforms can adapt in a better way to different channel conditions. Some of the NR filtering techniques are Filtered-OFDM (F-OFDM), Filter Bank Multi-Carrier (FBMC), and Universal Filtered Multi-Carrier (UFMC). NR waveforms require performance improvement when high reliability, massive connectivity, lower power consumption, and time-critical applications are required. Areas of improvement are Power Spectral Density (PSD), Bit Error Rate (BER), Signal to Interference Ratio (SIR), Doppler Diversity, and Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR). This paper compares different performance parameters of Filtered-OFDM, FBMC, and UFMC using existing proto-type filters and novel proto-type filters. The novel and better PFs, described in the paper, were proposed first time by the authors and his research group. Proposed novel prototype filters for FBMC, Filtered-OFDM, and UFMC are respectively Binomial filter and Fractional Powered Binomial Filter (FPBF). With FPBF based OFDM, PSD improvement was 97.5 dB, and BER improvement was 0.07 at 0 dB SNR. With Binomial filter based FBMC, OOBE improvement was 19.7 dB and BER improvement was 0.03 at 0 dB SNR. PAPR improvement with Binomial filter based FBMC was 1.16 dB at 64-QAM and 1.1 dB at 256-QAM. With FPBF based UFMC, improvement of interference level was 122 dB within 3rd~52thsub-bands due to 1stsub-band. BER improvement was 0.09 at 0 dB SNR. SIR improvement was 5. 27 dB with 15 KHz sub-carrier spacing and 16.55 dB with 30 KHz sub-carrier spacing of UFMC. Novel NR filters, discussed in the paper, are good candidates for future 6G wireless systems.
A conversation with Jeanine Tesori
Authors: Knapp Raymond , Replogle-Wong Holley
Published: April 2023

Jeanine Tesori, in conversation with Raymond Knapp and Holley Replogle-Wong of the UCLA Center for Musical Humanities, discusses her journey, creative process and commitment to telling the stories of people underrepresented on the musical stage. The Q&A that followed, with members of a recent student production of Fun Home, engaged her in further discussions about contemporary musical theatre and the specific challenges of bringing Fun Home to life onstage.
El tiempo entre costuras, Espacio Ibercaja Delicias, Madrid, Spain, 19 May 2022
Authors: Laird Paul R.
Published: April 2023

Review of: El tiempo entre costuras, Espacio Ibercaja Delicias, Madrid, Spain, 19 May 2022
Simultaneous analysis of antihyperglycemic small molecule drugs and peptide drugs by means of dual liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Vollmer Aline C. , Wagmann Lea , Weber Armin A. , Meyer Markus R.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The study aimed to evaluate dual liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) for the simultaneous analysis of small and large molecule drugs by development and application of a validated bioanalytical method.

Methods

The oral antihyperglycemic drugs (OAD) dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, glibenclamide, glimepiride, metformin, pioglitazone, repaglinide, saxagliptin, sitagliptin, and vildagliptin, as well as the antihyperglycemic peptides exenatide, human insulin, insulin aspart, insulin degludec, insulin detemir, insulin glargine, insulin glulisine, insulin lispro, and semaglutide were included in the analytical procedure. Analytes were extracted using a combination of protein precipitation and solid-phase extraction. Two identical reversed-phase columns were used for separation followed by Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry. The whole procedure was validated according to international recommendations.

Results

Different MS parameters had to be used for the two analyte groups, but dual LC separation allowed elution of all analytes within 12 min using the same column type. The analytical procedure was accurate and precise for most of the compounds except for exenatide, semaglutide, and insulin glargine, which were included qualitatively in the method. Analysis of proof-of-concept samples revealed OAD concentrations mostly within their therapeutic range, insulins could be detected in five cases but at concentrations below the lower limit of quantification except for one case.

Conclusions

Dual LC in combination with HRMS was shown to be a suitable platform to analyze small and large molecules in parallel and the current method allowed the determination of a total of 19 antihyperglycemic drugs in blood plasma within 12 min.
Konjunkte Partizipien in der Erzählung des Einsiedlers Abraham und seiner Nichte Maria — Ein Beitrag zur narrativen Syntax des Kirchenslavischen
Authors: Stern Dieter
Published: April 2023

This article argues that conjunct participles form along with the dative absolute the core strategies of Church Slavonic narrative syntax. It is meant to show that word order preferences in participial constructions, which have been observed by among others Zhivov (2011) are possibly determined by Gestalt psychological patterns that hold the middle ground between discourse organization and visual perception. Utilizing the Gestalt concepts of figure and ground and the derived concept of complex figure, it is argued that the larger part of conjunct participle constructions serve the representation of complex figures, with a margin of cases shading off into figure-ground relations. In addition, a liminal zone of participial usage where Gestalt principles seem not to apply on principled grounds is being identified.
LECTOESCRITURA DE PERSONAJES DE FICCIÓN AUDIOVISUALES:
Authors: Vivas Moreno Agustín , Valhondo-Crego José Luis
Published: April 2023

La presente investigación tiene como principal establecer una teoría sobre la evolución de la lecto-escritura de personajes audiovisuales a través del examen de guiones de cine. Para ello, se parte del estudio del dilema clásico del personaje en la construcción del drama. Se emplean tres casos en el marco de la historia del cine en el siglo XX. La metodología compara los guiones de Graham Greene, Paul Schrader y David Mamet, así como de los procesos creativos declarados por estos autores. Se concluye que la lectoescritura de los personajes de ficción audiovisuales pasa por tres etapas en su construcción: en una primera etapa, centrada en la personalidad de los estados mentales de los protagonistas, en un segundo momento, en el protagonismo creador de los autores, y en una tercera etapa se incide en la escenificación de la interacción entre los personajes. Una posible explicación a la evolución señalada guardaría relación con el proceso denominado reencantamiento del mundo, donde los valores supremos son la eficacia, el control, la calculabilidad y la previsión ha dejado un estrecho margen a la posibilidad de la magia.
Pharmacological Inactivation of the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis Increases Affiliative Social Behavior in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Jacobs Jessica T. , Maior Rafael S. , Waguespack Hannah F. , Campos-Rodriguez Carolina , Forcelli Patrick A. , Malkova Ludise
Published: April 2023

The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) has been implicated in a variety of social behaviors, including aggression, maternal care, mating behavior, and social interaction. Limited evidence from rodent studies suggests that activation of the BNST results in a decrease in social interaction between unfamiliar animals. The role of the BNST in social interaction in primates remains wholly unexamined. Nonhuman primates provide a valuable model for studying social behavior because of both their rich social repertoire and neural substrates of behavior with high translational relevance to humans. To test the hypothesis that the primate BNST is a critical modulator of social behavior, we performed intracerebral microinfusions of the GABAAagonist muscimol to transiently inactivate the BNST in male macaque monkeys. We measured changes in social interaction with a familiar same-sex conspecific. Inactivation of the BNST resulted in significant increase in total social contact. This effect was associated with an increase in passive contact and a significant decrease in locomotion. Other nonsocial behaviors (sitting passively alone, self-directed behaviors, and manipulation) were not impacted by BNST inactivation. As part of the “extended amygdala,” the BNST is highly interconnected with the basolateral (BLA) and central (CeA) nuclei of the amygdala, both of which also play critical roles in regulating social interaction. The precise pattern of behavioral changes we observed following inactivation of the BNST partially overlaps with our prior reports in the BLA and CeA. Together, these data demonstrate that the BNST is part of a network regulating social behavior in primates.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) has a well-established role in anxiety behaviors, but its role in social behavior is poorly understood. No prior studies have evaluated the impact of BNST manipulations on social behavior in primates. We found that transient pharmacological inactivation of the BNST increased social behavior in pairs of macaque monkeys. These data suggest the BNST contributes to the brain networks regulating sociability.
How the Taliban Are Losing the Peace in Afghanistan
Authors: Jackson Ashley , Weigand Florian
Published: April 2023

Afghanistan’s Taliban are back in power. How did they get there? How can their discriminatory policies be explained? And what can be done about it? The article looks back at the failure of international engagement in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021 and the dynamics that enabled the Taliban to reemerge. Having gained control of the country again in August 2021, the article unpacks the way they govern and control populations, how decisions are made within the divided movement, and how its highly oppressive policies have developed. The article concludes by looking at the Taliban’s approach toward the international community and the resulting limited pathways for constructive engagement.
Reproductive Biology of Greenback Mullet, Planiliza subviridis (Valenciennes, 1836) from Segara Anakan Cilacap
Authors: Sukmaningrum Sri , Jannah Dian Nasyitatul , Nuryanto Agus
Published: April 2023

Greenback Mullets (Planiliza subviridis) are a commercial commodity and are fished daily in the Segara Anakan Cilacap, although has not been overfished. Continuous and unregulated fishing might harm the Greenback Mullets population. Therefore, sustainable fisheries of this species are still needed. Reproductive biology is among the essential aspect that supports sustainable fisheries. This research aims to obtain information on the reproductive biology of Greenback Mullet in Segara Anakan Cilacap. The research used a survey method with a purposive random sampling technique. The observed parameters were the gonad maturity stage, gonad maturity index, and fecundity. The data were analyzed descriptively. The female individuals have gonad maturity stages III and IV, gonad maturity stage was 16.81±2.59 and 16.92±2.51, and fecundity was 37,208-183,661 and 38,468 - 272,835 in August and October, respectively. Conversely, male individuals have a low gonad maturity stage and gonad maturity index. Based on the data, Greenback Mullets in the Segara Anakan estuary have maximum gonad maturity stage, gonad maturity index, and fecundity in August and October, while in February they were in early gonadal development. These data are essential for sustainable fisheries management in the Segara Anakan estuary Cilacap, Central Java, especially for Planiliza subviridis.
Transaminase Enzyme and Liver Histopatological Structure of Mice Facing to Smoke Cigarettes After Administerred with Enhalus acoroides Peel Extract
Authors: Saulahirwan Rivanty , Sinay Hermalina , Karuwal Ritha Lusian
Published: April 2023

The objective of this research were aimed to determine the level of transaminase enzymes and the histopathological structure of mice liver exposed to cigarette smoke after treatment of E. acoroides peel extract. Completely randomized design was conducted with 3 doses treatment groups (P1, P2, P3) and a control group (K+, K-) with 3 times repeated. The test was carried out during 14 days for cigarette smoke, and 14 days for seagrass peel extract tretment. The data measured were the levels of SGOT, SGPT and were analyzed using the Anova test. Liver histopathology (necrosis, parenchymatous, hydropic degeneration and normal) were described descriptively. The results showed that the administration of seagrass E. acoroides peel extract had a significant effect on decreasing levels of SGOT, SGPT (p value 0.05) when compared with K+. The P3 treatment had lower levels of SGOT (80.07±3.1 IU/L) and SGPT (88.3±2.1 IU/L). Liver histopathology consist of 34 necrosis cells less than the positive control group (K+) and normal cells were 47, higher than the positive control group (K+). It can be concluded that  E. acoroides peel extract had a significant effect on SGOT, SGPT levels in mice exposed to cigarette smoke. Peel extract of E. acoroides 75 mg/kgBW (P3) was an effective dose to reduce the levels of SGOT, SGPT and improve the histopathological structure of mice liver exposed to cigarette smoke.  This research is expected to be useful for the community, especially in the coastal areas regarding the benefits of using E. acoroides as a therapeutic agent against free radicals originating from cigarette smoke.
Toxicity of formaldehyde, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and phthalates in engineered wood products (EWPs) from the perspective of the green approach to materials: A Review
Authors: Ulker Ozge Cemiloglu , Ulker Onur
Published: April 2023

Adhesives, flame-retardant chemicals, and paints are used in engineered wood products (EWPs) to increase some of the properties of wood. Most of the engineered wood composites, including plywood, particleboard, and fiberboard, used as furniture components contain formaldehyde resins as an adhesive. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) added formaldehyde to the list of human carcinogens (Group 1) in 2004. Flame-retardant chemicals are semi-volatile organic compounds that can migrate from the products to the air. There are developmental neurotoxic effects from flame-retardant additives, among which polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are commonly used in EWPs. The flexibility and durability of plastics are increased using phthalates, which are a class of synthetic chemicals, by adding them to the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that is used in the wood-plastic composites (WPC). Formaldehyde, PBDEs, and phthalates are toxicants that are commonly present in value-added furniture products. This review summarized the toxic effects of these chemicals from the aspect of human health and from the perspective of green products.
Civic Engagement to Empower Young People to Impact Health and Well-Being
Authors: Korich Faye , Fields Errol L.
Published: April 2023

Civic engagement is positively associated with important health and developmental benefits for participating adolescents and young adults. As illustrated by youth political participation, social activism, and rallies for racial justice during the COVID-19 pandemic, youth civic engagement is often inspired by and responsive to problems that are salient to a young person’s lived experiences. Providers can empower youth and encourage civic engagement by eliciting issues that are important to them and directing them to community resources and opportunities for civic participation that can help them address these issues.
Expanding Telehealth in Adolescent Care: Moving Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: North Steve
Published: April 2023

Telehealth use has expanded dramatically through the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, allowing improved access and convenience for many patients. Before coronavirus disease 2019, there was limited research on the use of telehealth to reach adolescents. During the pandemic, research revealed that adolescents and their parents felt telehealth was convenient and provided confidential, high-quality care. As the use of telehealth to reach adolescents evolves in the postpandemic period, medical providers have the opportunity to transform how care is delivered to adolescents but must strive to ensure that the care is designed to decrease digital health inequities and provide coordinated care.
Language Proficiency and Hiring of Immigrants: Evidence from a New Field Experimental Approach
Authors:   Linnaeus University, School of Business and Economics, Department of Economics and Statistics, Carlsson Magnus , Eriksson Stefan ,   Uppsala University, Sweden, Rooth Dan-Olof ,   Linnaeus University, School of Business and Economics, Department of Economics and Statistics. Stockholm University, Sweden
Published: April 2023

Labor markets in advanced economies have undergone substantial change in recentdecades due to globalization, technological improvements, and organizational changes. Due tothese developments, oral and written language skills have become increasingly important evenin less skilled jobs. Immigrants – who often have limited skills in the host country languageupon arrival – are likely to be particularly affected by the increase in language requirements.Despite this increase in literacy requirements, little is known about how immigrants’ languageproficiency is rewarded in the labor market. However, estimating the causal effect ofimmigrants’ language skills on hiring is challenging due to potential biases caused by omittedvariables, reverse causality, and measurement error.To address identification problems, we conduct a large-scale field experiment, where wesend thousands of fictitious resumes to employers with a job opening. With the help of aprofessional linguist, we manipulate the cover letters by introducing common second-languagefeatures, which makes the resumes reflect variation in the language skills of real-worldmigrants. Our findings show that better language proficiency in the cover letter has a strongpositive effect on the callback rate for a job interview: moving from the lowest level of languageproficiency to a level similar to natives almost doubles the callback rate. Consistent with therecent development that language proficiency is also important for many low- and mediumskilledjobs, the effect of better language skills does not vary across the vastly different typesof occupations we study. Finally, the results from employer surveys suggest that it is improvedlanguage skills per se that is the dominant explanation behind the language proficiency effect,rather than language skills acting as a proxy for other unobserved abilities or characteristics.
Trends in Development of Russian National Payment System Under Growing Foreign Political Pressure
Authors:   Vladivostok State University, Krasova Elena , Grivanov Roman ,   Vladivostok State University
Published: April 2023

The article deals with Russian national payment system (NPS) development and considers it through the factor of growing geopolitical pressure. The main scientific and practical problem of the article is increasing risk of political, financial, economic and social damage for Russia as a result of Western countries’ sanctions. The purpose of the research is to identify key trends in Russian NPS development under intensified foreign political pressure. The methodological and conceptual basis of the article includes theories of sustainable socio-economic development, financial markets and public finances, the National Security Strategy of Russia, the Strategy for the National Payment System Development for 2021–2023. The article notes significant achievements in the Russian NPS development in recent years. The authors highlight key trends in the NPS development, namely: increasing in number and volume of non-cash payments inside the country, expanding use of bank cards as a payment instrument, developing tools of bank card service, restructuring operations on bank cards, developing independent national payment instruments (Financial messaging system and “Mir” payment system). The main risks and threats for the NPS associated with negative for Russia foreign policy factors are also outlined.
Alternative Protective Instruments of the Russian Currency Market in the Context of High Volatility and Sanctions
Authors:   Southern Federal University, Nekrasova Inna
Published: April 2023

Many economists name deflationary nature as one of the advantages of cryptocurrencies. In this regard, some cryptocurrencies are credited with the ability to protect capital from inflation of fiat currencies. However, this issue is debatable. In addition, the relevance of the topic under study is due to the need to create a digital means of payment for international settlements between Russia and its friendly countries. The purpose of this study is to analyze the possibility of using bitcoin and stablecoin as a protective anti-inflationary asset on long-term investment horizons and an international means of payment under sanctions, respectively. To achieve this goal, the author of the article considered the main approaches to determining the role of bitcoin and stablecoin in the economy and money circulation, identified the main threats associated with the legalization of these currencies. As a result of the study, a classification of stablecoins was presented in terms of the type of collateral and the main factors preventing the transformation of bitcoin into a protective asset were identified. At the end of the study, a conclusion was made about the potential use of bitcoin as a protective asset, and stablecoin as a means of international settlements.
Credit: The Target Aspect
Authors:   Orenburg State University, Revtova Elena
Published: April 2023

The subject of the study is credit as a system object. The aim is to develop a model of intrasystem of credit goals. Hypothesis of the study. It is assumed that the contradictions in the credit system serve as a source of its development can be used to manage its development. Methods. The study was carried out on the basis of systemic, target and categorical scientific-methodological approaches with the application of methods of critical analysis of scientific literature, generalization, systematization, categorical method “Order of goals”. Results: 1) three structural levels of credit goals (Super-goal, Goal, Sub-goal) were identified; 2) a categorical model of credit was developed; 3) seven types of contradictions in the system of credit goals (four types of internal contradictions between its components and three types of external contradictions with the environment) were studied; 4) approaches to managing contradictions in the credit system, aimed at its sustainable and progressive development were suggested. Conclusions. 1) The study of contradictions in the system of credit goals showed that they are a complex, are divided into external and internal, are hierarchical in nature, can be managed from the outside. 2) The revealed contradictions in the system of credit goals made it possible to create the concept of management of its development, based on the control of their course.
Free Trade Zone Agreements Between the EAEU and Iran: Trends, Problems and Development Prospects
Authors:   Volgograd Institute of Management, Branch of Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Novikov Maxim , Zemlyanskaya Stella ,   Volgograd State University
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this article is to review and analyze domestic and foreign studies on the effectiveness of the application of preferential trade regimes. The main objective of the article is to summarize the theoretical and practical experience of using preferential trade instruments and to develop recommendations for improving the efficiency of the EAEU tariff preferences system. The modern normality of international economic relations is the growth of regional trade agreements, which are used not only as instruments of economic cooperation, but also as agents of the political will of individual states. One of the manifestations of such a policy is the strengthening of foreign policy confrontation between the United States and the countries of the Middle East, which is practically reflected in the growth of economic and administrative barriers to mutual trade. Having foreign policy disagreements with Western powers served as prerequisites for strengthening the foreign economic rapprochement of these states and the EAEU member states. The optimal format for the implementation of such initiatives is the economic integration of countries through preferential agreements. The first practical step towards the implementation of this process was the signing of the agreement on a free trade zone between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the EAEU. In such a situation, improving the effectiveness of national preferential trade schemes is a priority.
Strategies for Internationalization of Chinese State-Owned Oil and Gas Companies During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Shuang Wu
Published: April 2023

The article is devoted to the problems of strategic management of international expansion of Chinese state-owned oil and gas companies during the coronavirus pandemic. A brief description of Chinese stateowned oil and gas companies (OGCs), the main directions and formats of their internationalization is given; an analysis of the impact of crisis phenomena in the global economy associated with the pandemic on the market of hydrocarbons and petroleum products is carried out. The features of strategic management of the international expansion of the Chinese OGCs in the conditions of the COVID-19 crisis are analyzed. The prospects for the development of the Chinese oil and gas business in the world market are evaluated. The conducted research has shown that the largest Chinese oil and gas companies are pursuing an aggressive marketing policy in foreign markets, which allows not only to ensure large supplies of hydrocarbon raw materials to China, but also to sell significant volumes of products abroad with the help of foreign partners. Such a policy corresponds to the vector of the Chinese leadership’s foreign policy, which is focused on achieving a balance in international relations and actively countering pressure from the United States. In the context of the COVID-19 crisis, the Chinese oil and gas business in the international arena faces not only new risks and challenges, but also receives a number of unique opportunities.
Trends in the Digitalization of the Monetary Sphere of the Russian Economy
Authors:   International Institute of Design and Service, Smirnova Nadezhda
Published: April 2023

Payment systems in modern conditions are undergoing a significant transformation, which is objective due to the progress of information and computer technologies. In this regard, the purpose of the work was to study the main directions and trends of digitalization of the monetary sphere of the economy based on statistical and expert methods, as well as using vertical and horizontal analysis techniques. The author analyzes the changes in the money supply, which allowed us to establish an increase in the share of non-cash funds in it both in domestic money turnover and in the economy of developed countries. The structure and dynamics of transactions with payment cards are considered, reflecting the growth in the number and volume of transactions of the population and legal entities with their help. The types of electronic money systems and the scope of their use in calculations are characterized. The specific features of the functioning of cryptocurrencies and the leaders of the corresponding segment of the money market are revealed. The advantages and disadvantages of the central bank digital currency and the prospects for its issuance in the Russian Federation and abroad are studied. The study of changes in the monetary and payment turnover of the domestic and world economy made it possible for the author to establish the objectivity of the processes taking place, as well as the correspondence of the state of the monetary sphere to the needs of users and the requirement of economic development.