bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Who pays for growth?
Authors: Pani Narendar , Banerjee Debosree
Published: April 2023

In the debate on inequality and growth there is a tendency to treat all differences as inequalities. This is despite the possibility of making conflicting arguments about the effect of inequality on growth. It could be argued that inequality, by increasing the savings of the rich, can improve the possibility of greater investment and growth, even as inequality, by reducing access of sections of the population to education, can reduce productivity and growth. These contradictory effects can offset each other thereby distorting estimates of the effects of inequality and growth. This paper makes a case for a more disaggregated approach to the issue. It distinguishes between inequality and aspirational difference, before going on to use the case of savings and consumption patterns in India to explore the very different questions involved in each of their influences on growth.
Optimal strategy of mean-field FBSDE games with delay and noisy memory based on Malliavin calculus
Authors: Ke Ang , Wu Jinbiao
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we study a nonzero-sum stochastic differential game for a system whose dynamics is governed by a mean-field forward-backward stochastic differential equation (MF-FBSDE) with delay and noisy memory. We transform the stochastic game into a set of stochastic optimal control problems. By applying Variational method and using Malliavin calculus, we establish the sufficient and necessary maximum principles of controls, so that all players are in Nash equilibrium in the game. Based on this, the optimal strategy for solving this kind of stochastic differential game problem is provided. We apply the result to finance, and consider the optimal consumption model in a financial market with delay and noisy memory that maximizes the recursive utility of each player in the Nash equilibrium. The numerical results illustrate the influences of mean-field, delay and noisy memory on the optimal recursive utilities of the players in the game. In addition, we give the proof of the existence and uniqueness of the solution of this new type of MF-FBSDE system under certain assumptions, and discuss the solution of its adjoint FBSDE system involving Malliavin derivatives.
Formulation and evaluation of peel-off gel mask with St. John's Wort oil and activated carbon from pinecone
Authors: Yağmur Hatice Karaer , Kaya İsmet , Özer Hatice Kübra
Published: April 2023

Objective Skin needs care to protect against environmental pollution. The facial skin can be protected such as cream, peel off mask and lotion facemask. This study aim is to develop the antibacterial peel-off mask gel containing St. John's Wort Oil (Hypericum perforatum oil).Methods This peel-off gel mask consists of ascorbic acid, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, as preservative), polyethylene glycol (peg), glycrine (as plasticizer), polysorbate (tween twenty, as stabilizer), ethanol and distilled water with the addition of St. John's Wort Oil and active carbon. The peel-off physical properties (homogeneity, spreadability, viscosity, film-drying time), chemical properties (pH value, stability and antibacterial activity properties) were examined. Using of an active ingredient in peel off mask, it strengthens the role of peel off mask by opening the clogged pores. Activated carbon was added to this formulation as an active ingredient due to its adsorbent activity. In this present study, activated carbon was obtained from pinecone.Results The specific surface area (SBET) of activated carbon was found to be 536.998 m²/g. The antimicrobial activity of the St. John's Wort Oil was tested against Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) as well as one pathogenic fungus (Candida albicans, ATCC 10231). Disc diffusion method was used to study antimicrobial activity.Conclusion The prepared peel of mask showed a good peeling feature without causing edema or irritation on the skin and that it can increase skin cleansing by removing the dirt in the skin pores.
Efficiency Improvement of Solar Panels Through Parasitic Parameters Extraction and Maximum Power Improvement with Enhanced Slime Mold Optimization Under Partial Shading Conditions
Authors: venkateshwarlu S. , Rao J V G Rama , Saleem Shaik Abdul
Published: April 2023

Solar energy offers several environmental, economic, and energy security advantages. Parasitic parameters and shading on solar panels can reduce efficiency. This paper presents a bio-inspired Enhanced Slime Mold (ESM) algorithm search strategy to find the optimal power point by simulating the behaviour of slime molds in a virtual environment. In a solar panel, proposed ESM provides not only for parameter extraction but also serves as Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) during Partial Shading Conditions (PSC). Proposed ESM dynamic behaviour is examined under solar irradiation and various temperature conditions. The effectiveness of proposed technique has been validated by extracting parameters from conventional polycrystalline and monocrystalline modules in the form of a 5S-5P arrangement. In the instance of MPPT operation, the proposed ESM algorithm is compared with Ant Bee Colony and Perturb& Observe (ABC-PO) to determine its efficacy. Moreover, during extraction of unknown parameters of solar cell ESM is compared with existing optimization algorithms such as Artificial Bee Swarm Optimization (ABC SO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Covariant Matrix (CM), Ant Bee Colony (ABC), and Advanced Particle Swarm Optimization (APSO). In this connection, proposed ESM algorithm is superior to above-mentioned algorithms due to high accuracy, a smaller number of computations, and minimum computational time.
Engineering Escherichia coli to assimilate β-alanine as a major carbon source
Authors: Poon Nga Yu , Sinskey Anthony J. , Zhou Kang
Published: April 2023

The threat of global plastic waste accumulation has spurred the exploration of plastics derived from biological sources. A well-known example is polyester made of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO). However, there is no known pathway to assimilate 1,3-PDO into the central carbon metabolism, posing a potential challenge to upcycling such plastic wastes. Here, we proposed that the 1,3-PDO assimilation pathway could pass through malonate semialdehyde (MSA) as an intermediate. Since MSA is a toxic aldehyde, β-alanine was chosen as a surrogate substrate in this study to construct the lower part of the proposed pathway. To this end, we successfully engineered E. coli MG1655 to assimilate β-alanine as the major carbon source. β-alanine could be easily converted into MSA using a β-alanine/pyruvate transaminase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PaBapt). However, the subsequent step to generate acetyl-CoA from MSA was unknown. After a series of phenotype screenings, adaptive laboratory evolution and transcriptomic analysis, two CoA-acylating MSA dehydrogenases from Vibrio natriegens (VnMmsD) were found to be able to complete the metabolic pathway. Optical density at 600 nm (OD600) of the resulting strain E. coli BA02 could reach 4.5 after 96 hours. Two approaches were subsequently used to improve its performance. First, PaBapt and both VnMmsDs were expressed from a single plasmid to mitigate antibiotic stress. Second, a native 3-hydroxy acid dehydrogenase (EcYdfG) was disrupted to address the carbon loss to 3-hydroxypropionate (3-HP) production from MSA. OD600 of the best performing strain E. coli BA07∆ could reach 6 within 24 hours using 5 g/L β-alanine. The construction of E. coli BA07∆ lays a solid foundation to establishing an 1,3-PDO assimilation pathway.
The Impact of Health Insurance on Maternal Health Care in Indonesia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hamzah Haidar Ali , Afladhanti Putri Mahirah , Rafika Kharin , Romadhan Muhammad Despriansyah , Deanasa Raehan Satya , Farhan Muhammad , Chang Patrick
Published: April 2023

Background Indonesia still has the highest maternal mortality rate (MMR) compared to other countries in Southeast Asia. In Indonesia, most maternal deaths occur before, during, or after delivery. Therefore, Indonesia’s government has rolled out various health insurance schemes so they have access to maternal healthcare services. This review aims to evaluate the impact of health insurance on maternal health care in Indonesia.Methods All searches for relevant studies were performed in PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane, and Garuda databases. This review focuses on RCT or observational study, and only articles written in English and Indonesian were retrieved. The main outcome was the utilization of maternal services and patient satisfaction.Results A total of 140,555 participants were enrolled with ten studies that met the inclusion criteria. Of these, seven studies reported on National Health Insurance (NHI) and the remaining reported on Local Health Insurance (LHI). Both NHI and LHI studies showed that insurance increases the use of maternal health care services significantly, including antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care services. Only two studies reported patient satisfaction. The LHI study showed that insurance increases the patient’s level of satisfaction significantly. On the other hand, the NHI study showed there is no difference between NHI and non-NHI patients’ levels of satisfaction. This was due to complicated procedures and long examination times for NHI users.Conclusion The implementation of health insurance appears to increase the utilization of maternal health care services, although the result on patients’ satisfaction is inconsistent between NHI and LHI studies.
Work Motivation of Social Workers in the Context of Management Innovations
Authors: Gallo Peter , Mihalcova Bohuslava , Balogova Beata
Published: April 2023

In the current turbulent and constantly changing conditions, there is a growing tendency to develop human resource activities through implementing managerial innovations. The present paper addresses social workers’ work motivation. The paper’s main goal is to determine the impact of work motivation on social service employees, representatives of generation X and generation Y. The present paper analyses generation X’s and generation Y’s work preferences accounting for the distinctiveness of social service work performance. An original questionnaire was distributed to the social workers. For the selection of respondents in social services facilities, the method of a random selection of respondents was used. In this method, each respondent has the same probability of being chosen. The research sample consisted of 201 employees of social services. The questionnaire tackled two areas: demographics (gender, age, and educational background) and work motivation (work environment, working atmosphere, career opportunities, upskilling, income, and demotivating agents at the workplace). The obtained data were statistically processed and evaluated. The data were analysed regarding correlations, differences, and similarities in the social workers’ perception of work motivation. The research shows no statistically significant relationship between generation X and generation Y regarding the main motivational stimulus in social workers. Both generations perceive motivation in the same way. Another outcome of the research is that Generation X respondents consider «financial remuneration» and «upskilling» more important than Generation Y respondents. Generation Y respondents consider «career growth», «work being interesting», «friendly work environment», «feedback», and «work-life balance» more important than Generation X respondents. Research respondents appreciate the scope for internal reflection and strengthening of internal motivation. External and internal motivational stimuli, as well as other motivational benefits, support improving the quality of social services and overall improving the quality of life of social services employees. The presented research brings findings applicable to the social service sector in the framework of managerial innovation and the scope of employees’ work motivation.
The Impact of Human Resources Maintenance on Enhancing Organizational Agility: An Applied Study on Secretariat of Northern Borders Region
Authors: Saad Mohamed Ali , Al-Naggar Samer Ahmed
Published: April 2023

The study aims to identify the impact of human resources maintenance on enhancing organizational agility. The research was built based on a set of studies and previous theoretical frameworks related to the research subject. The research data was collected at the application agency (the Municipality of the Northern Borders Region) through a survey list distributed to 384 employees in the application area. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data and verify the validity of the research hypotheses. There are no statistically significant differences between the opinions of the study sample due to the variable of gender, level of education, and experience concerning the level of human resources maintenance programs in the Municipality of the Northern Borders Region and the existence of a relationship between the maintenance of human resources in its various dimensions and organizational agility, as well as a strong positive impact of human resources maintenance on organizational agility. The study recommended the need to pay attention to human resources maintenance programs while working to raise awareness of the importance of enhancing organizational agility and increasing adequate financial support for the application of the philosophy of human resources maintenance and that the policies and procedures of human resources maintenance programs focus on taking into account supporting the agility of the organizational structure and organizational procedures at the level of the institution.
Impact of Brand Equity on Intention to Use Instant Coffee
Authors: Cuong Dam Tri
Published: April 2023

Today, brand equity is acknowledged as a key component of a company’s business strategy, a tactical issue for achieving a competitive edge, a key component of brand building, and a tool for gauging the long-term effects of actions in marketing. Research of brand equity on purchase intentions for goods like food, smartphones, and green products is frequently available empirically, whereas instant coffee studies are less prevalent. Thus, to close this gap in the literature, the aim’s research is to empirically evaluate the impact of brand equity on consumers’ intent to use instant coffee. The conceptual model of brand equity components is built on Aaker’s model. Using a Google form and a convenience sampling technique, this study examined a sample of 296 consumers who bought instant coffee. A 5-point Likert scale was used in the measurement. The research model was suggested based on earlier investigations. Data from 296 clients was obtained, and SmartPLS software was utilized to evaluate it. Analyze the scales’ validity and reliability concerning the measurement model. The reliability of the scales was assessed using composite reliability and Cronbach’s alpha. Discriminant validity was also assessed using the Fornell-Larcker index. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the effects of the research’s hypotheses. The results demonstrated that brand equity dimensions favorably influence consumers’ purchasing intentions for instant coffee. Specifically, brand awareness has a favorable correlation with consumers’ purchasing intent. Perceived quality and purchase intention are related positively. Additionally, brand associations and buyers’ purchase intentions have been positively impacted. Brand loyalty has also positively impacted consumers’ intentions to buy. Brand awareness is the most crucial factor that impacts the intention to buy instant coffee. The empirical research on the impact of brand equity components on the intention to purchase instant coffee is a gap in the literature that this study is aimed to fill. Moreover, the managers of instant coffee will also benefit from knowing how brand equity dimensions affect consumers’ intentions to buy instant coffee as they develop marketing strategies to increase those intentions.
Analysing Customer Loyalty, Customer Satisfaction and Service Quality at DLF Mall of India
Authors: Sao Ameet , Kumar Amit , Bapat Gautam , Khan Mohd Suhail , Singh Sakshee
Published: April 2023

The intense competition among shopping centre proprietors has led researchers to investigate the factors that influence customer loyalty. To this end, this research was conducted to explore the relationship between customer loyalty, service quality, and customer satisfaction at DLF Mall of India. A survey was conducted using a five-point Likert scale to collect data from customers, which was then analysed using structural equation modelling. The results of the analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between service quality and customer loyalty (β=0.528, CR=2.681, P<0.05), customer satisfaction and loyalty (β=0.78, CR=1.091, P<0.05), and service quality and customer satisfaction (β=0.65, CR=2.014, P<0.05). These findings support the proposed theory and the three hypotheses (H1, H2, and H3) that were formulated. Thus, the present study analysed the factors that contribute to customer loyalty, including service quality and customer satisfaction, in the context of DLF Mall of India and this study will contribute to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence for the significant influence of service quality and customer satisfaction on customer loyalty. Managers of shopping centres can use the insights from this research to enhance the quality of service and customer satisfaction at their establishments, which could ultimately lead to increased customer loyalty. However, the results of this study may not be generalizable to the entire nation, as the research was conducted only in the Delhi-National Capital Region. Further research in other regions of the country could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence customer loyalty. This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between service quality, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty in the context of a shopping centre. The results highlight the importance of providing high-quality service and satisfying customer needs to build long-term relationships with customers. Future research should consider conducting similar studies in other regions to gain a broader perspective of the factors that impact customer loyalty in the retail industry.
The impact of AI development on the development of marketing communications
Authors: Nesterenko Volodymyr , Olefirenko Oleg
Published: April 2023

Advertising has always been and remains an important part of companies’ operations. With the development of technology, its implementation and forms are constantly changing, allowing marketers to find new ways to influence consumers and promote products. One of these new forms, namely advertising created with the assistance of artificial intelligence, will be analyzed in the research. The research aims to assess the impact of technology on the development of marketing communications. The study applies ANNOVA techniques to achieve the paper’s aims. A general review of the possibilities of using artificial intelligence to improve the marketing campaign and modern developments in artificial intelligence technologies that can (or will) be implemented in the marketing industry was conducted. Many options for realizing all the benefits provided by the technology, aside from the possibility of increasing the efficiency of advertising and collecting user data, were highlighted. The results of the ANOVA modeling allowed confirming the hypothesis about the existence of a statistically significant difference in the perception of the advertising video created by artificial intelligence, as opposed to videos created exclusively by humans. Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference in the perception of the video created by artificial intelligence with regards to the gender factor. The authors briefly reviewed real-life cases of artificial intelligence technologies used by some large companies and showed their efficiency indicators. The authors also surveyed a group of people about their impressions of several commercials, one of which was written by artificial intelligence and the others not. The research brings new knowledge to modern marketing theory and allows for a fresh look at the current principles of advertising campaigns and further development of technologies in this area.
Unifying semiclassics and quantum perturbation theory at nonlinear order
Authors: Kaplan Daniel , Holder Tobias , Yan Binghai
Published: April 2023

Nonlinear electrical response permits a unique window into effects of band structure geometry. It can be calculated either starting from a Boltzmann approach for small frequencies, or using Kubo’s formula for resonances at finite frequency. However, a precise connection between both approaches has not been established. Focusing on the second order nonlinear response, here we show how the semiclassical limit can be recovered from perturbation theory in the velocity gauge, provided that finite quasiparticle lifetimes are taken into account. We find that matrix elements related to the band geometry combine in this limit to produce the semiclassical nonlinear conductivity. We demonstrate the power of the new formalism by deriving a quantum contribution to the nonlinear conductivity which is of order \tau^{-1}τ−1 in the relaxation time \tauτ, which is principally inaccessible within the Boltzmann approach. We outline which steps can be generalized to higher orders in the applied perturbation, and comment about potential experimental signatures of our results.
Positivity, low twist dominance and CSDR for CFTs
Authors: Bissi Agnese , Sinha Aninda
Published: April 2023

We consider a crossing symmetric dispersion relation (CSDR) for CFT four point correlation with identical scalar operators, which is manifestly symmetric under the cross-ratios u,vu,v interchange. This representation has several features in common with the CSDR for quantum field theories. It enables a study of the expansion of the correlation function around u=v=1/4u=v=1/4, which is used in the numerical conformal bootstrap program. We elucidate several remarkable features of the dispersive representation using the four point correlation function of \Phi_{1,2}Φ1,2 operators in 2d minimal models as a test-bed. When the dimension of the external scalar operator (\Delta_\sigmaΔσ) is less than \frac{1}{2}12, the CSDR gets contribution from only a single tower of global primary operators with the second tower being projected out. We find that there is a notion of low twist dominance (LTD) which, as a function of \Delta_\sigmaΔσ, is maximized near the 2d Ising model as well as the non-unitary Yang-Lee model. The CSDR and LTD further explain positivity of the Taylor expansion coefficients of the correlation function around the crossing symmetric point and lead to universal predictions for specific ratios of these coefficients. These results carry over to the epsilon expansion in 4-\epsilon4−ϵ dimensions. We also conduct a preliminary investigation of geometric function theory ideas, namely the Bieberbach-Rogosinski bounds.
Genre Parameters of Online Marketing Fraud Text
Authors: Kuleva Polina , Mel'nik Natal'ya
Published: April 2023

The article raises the problem of identifying the online marketing fraud text as a virtual genre. This type of Internet communication remains linguistically understudied. The research objective was to determine the specifics of the genre of online marketing fraud texts in line with modern genre studies. The research relied on the method developed by T. V. Shmeleva, who identified the following genre parameters: dictum-modus content, purpose, author, and addressee. The study featured 30 accounts of popular bloggers known in Russia as infogypsy or online marketing fraudsters. Online marketing fraud, or infogypsyism, is a special type of manipulative Internet communication aimed at obtaining commercial benefits by selling an information product, which, as a rule, possesses neither intellectual nor practical value for the consumer. The speech genre model projected onto the obtained material showed a high epistemological significance. The article introduces the definition and genre-forming features of the online marketing fraud text. Further research is needed to identify the dominant strategies and tactics for promoting information products by bloggers in social networks.
User’s Trust in Internet Services: Calculation Bases
Authors: Alekseev Mihail
Published: April 2023

This article explores the theoretical foundations of calculating the user’s trust in Internet services. The author conceptualized trust as a rational action and used the metaphor of calculation to examine the main objective factors that affect trust in internet services. These factors were divided into three groups according to the evaluation object: winnings, risks, and trustworthiness. The increasing offer makes the user face the trust dilemma. Trust in Internet services depends on many interrelated factors that encourage users to turn to online services. The factor of winning is especially important: online services save time and are more user-friendly. The risk factor is associated with the personal data that the user has to provide. The research facilitates the processes of digital transformation in general and can help to increase public trust in specific Internet services.
Murder in war as an ethical problem
Authors:   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Chernyak Alexey Z. , Ivleva Marina L. ,   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia
Published: April 2023

The article is devoted to the issue of the principles of moral restraint of warfare according to the division of war participants into legitimate and illegitimate targets of military attacks, which is actively discussed in the ethics of war. The authors analyze two competing ways of differentiating this view, corresponding to two versions of the most popular contemporary ethics of war, the Just War Theory (JWT). One approach assumes symmetric rights for both combatants and non-combatants on both sides of the war, while the other approach allocates rights according to the moral significance of the war in which the actors are involved as well as their contribution to it. The authors show that in both cases an important principle of justice is violated. But the reason for this, they suggest, is that in both cases differentiation is proposed according to a certain distribution of rights. In such a case, the only moral justification for creating a lethal threat to the subject in war is that the subject does not have the right not to be so threatened independent of any of his qualities. However, the authors argue that the proposed justifications for the loss of such a right in war are not sufficient. And from this it must follow that both principles of differentiation are unjust. Nevertheless, they can be fair, according to the authors, if we refuse to consider the presence or absence of the relevant right as the only moral justification for creating a lethal or comparable threat to someone in war.
The evolution of the Russian state in the context of formational views on the structure of the world history
Authors:   Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Svetlov Roman V. , Fedorov Alexander A. ,   Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University
Published: April 2023

The approach to history in general and the history of Russia in particular, which points to the presence of the necessary historical stages, is primarily associated with various trends in Marxism. In the case of the last centuries of Russian history, the most important point is the question of the nature of the 1917 Revolution. More generally, it is a question of the extent to which Marxist theory is able to substantiate the possibility of a “jump” through historical steps. We have chosen two Marxists from different periods as an example the attitude to the topic. The first example is G.V.Plekhanov, an outstanding Russian theorist and polemist. His reaction to the revolutionary events was twofold. The February Revolution of 1917 fully met his aspirations both in the medium term (the overthrow of “tsarism” and the continuation of the struggle against Germany) and in the long term (creation in Russia of prerequisites for economic development, and, therefore, a socialist revolution). On the contrary, the October Revolution was regarded by him as a tragic mistake. Another position on the October Revolution was expressed by a modern proponent of the formational approach, the Japanese philosopher Kajio Karatani. He significantly changed the understanding of how the social development of mankind takes place. The most important reason for historical change is the relationship of the three modes of economic exchange, which dictate those types of state system that are relevant in different historical eras. Karatani believes that the Russian Revolution was the reaction of an imperial-type state to pressure from national states. The idea of class reorganization, on which the teachings of the Bolsheviks were based, allowed the imperial, supranational structure of Russia to survive. After the Civil War it received the supranational name of the Soviet Union.
Digital sovereignty and political and administrative regimes
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Kulakova Tat’jana A. , Volkova Anna V. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: April 2023

Continuing the cycle of publications on the socio-political aspects of digitalization, the authors note that digital transformation, aimed primarily at social and anthropological changes, at expanding opportunities in managing society and the individual, has exacerbated the extremely fundamental issue of managing the Internet space and the problem of developing political and administrative modes. Based on the model of power organization proposed by M.Mann, the authors focus on the ability of the state authorities of the USA, EU, China, and Russia to combine collective and distributive, extensive and intensive, authoritative and diffuse power. State control in the conditions of total hybrid war and deepening uncertainty in the world, as it seems to many researchers, can be supported by the active implementation of digital transformation tools by modern states as a single “language” of coordination. Incomplete institutional viability forces governments to seek support in supranational and international structures. Financial and economic limitations, the lack of critical technical, technological and managerial competencies bind the possibility of implementing an independent policy of the country’s digital transformation, forcing it to maneuver between those who have the most advanced competencies in these areas. The non-obviousness and weak articulation of national values, ethical norms, the assimilation of alien ideals by the mass consciousness deprive the motivation of those employed in the digital sphere, who are looking for applications for their talents in other states. The authors conclude that involvement in publicity in the context of the rapid development of digitalization should be based on the principle of openness of the unconditional public good offered by the authorities, the public goal, which implies transparency, accountability, and controllability of the authorities. Responsibility of both the authorities and society for the present and future, which generate trust, are the foundations of solidarity in the face of external and internal challenges, providing both formal and informal types of coordination.
A história do direito constitucional
Authors: François Saint-Bonnet
Published: April 2023

Enquanto, por um lado, mantém seu interesse pela história dos regimes políticos após a Revolução Francesa, por outro lado a história do direito constitucional também se interessa pelo controle judicial da lei e pela proteção dos direitos e garantias fundamentais. Trabalhos de grande importância mostram a vitalidade dessa disciplina, alicerçada na história do direito.
Detection of infectious agents in equine pregnancy loss, stillbirth and neonatal death
Authors: Saey V. , Van Loo H. , Gryspeerdt A. , Pronost S. , Gasthuys F. , Rosiers K. , Cassart D. , Govaere J.
Published: April 2023

Equine abortion, stillbirth and neonatal death cause major economic losses to the equine industry worldwide. Both non-infectious and a wide range of infectious causes have been described. However, the relative contribution of pathogens to equine abortion, stillbirth and neonatal death is poorly documented, since available studies involve only a limited number of pathogens. Therefore, the objectives of the present retrospective monitoring study were to determine the prevalence of infectious agents associated with equine abortion and perinatal mortality in Belgium, and to set up a protocol usable under field conditions using polymerase chain reaction targeting. A real-time simple polymerase chain reaction for eight different abortifacient pathogens was conducted leading to the detection of at least one infectious agent in 37% of 105 analyzed cases. In the diagnosed cases, equine herpesvirus-1 was the most detected pathogen (49%), followed by Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (28%), Coxiella burnetii (18%), Leptospira interrogans (3%) and Neospora caninum (3%). None of the analyzed cases was positive for equine viral arteritis, equine herpesvirus-4 and Chlamydophila spp. In this study, PCR targeting is shown to have its value to detect a (co)-infectious cause in equine abortion, stillbirth and neonatal death, especially in field conditions where autolysis and contamination might preclude a full post-mortem examination protocol based on classical microbiological examination.
The Efficacy and Safety of Telerehabilitation for Fibromyalgia: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wu Yong-Qiang , Long Yi , Peng Wei-Jie , Gong Cheng , Liu Yue-Quan , Peng Xu-Miao , Zhong Yan-Biao , Luo Yun , Wang Mao-Yuan
Published: April 2023

Background

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by persistent and widespread musculoskeletal pain. Telerehabilitation is a promising treatment for patients with fibromyalgia through long-term monitoring, intervention, supervision, consultation, and education.

Objective

This study aimed to perform a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of telerehabilitation in patients with fibromyalgia.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to fibromyalgia and telerehabilitation were systematically searched in the PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases from inception to November 13, 2022. Two independent researchers screened the literatures and evaluated the methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The outcome measures included the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire scale, pain intensity, depression, pain catastrophizing, quality of life (QoL), and adverse events. Pooled effect sizes were calculated by Stata SE 15.1; a fixed effects model was used when I2<50%, whereas a random effects model was used when I2≥50%.

Results

A total of 14 RCTs with 1242 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that the telerehabilitation improved the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire score (weighted mean difference –8.32, 95% CI –11.72 to –4.91; P<.001), pain intensity (standardized mean difference [SMD] –0.62, 95% CI –0.76 to –0.47; P<.001), depression levels (SMD –0.42, 95% CI –0.62 to –0.22; P<.001), pain catastrophizing (weighted mean difference –5.81, 95% CI –9.40 to –2.23; P=.001), and QoL (SMD 0.32, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.47; P<.001) in patients with fibromyalgia compared to control interventions. Only 1 RCT reported a mild adverse event of telerehabilitation; the other 13 RCTs did not mention this.

Conclusions

Telerehabilitation can improve the symptoms and QoL of fibromyalgia. However, the safety of telerehabilitation remains uncertain due to the lack of sufficient evidence for the management of fibromyalgia. More rigorously designed trials are needed in the future to verify the safety and efficacy of telerehabilitation in fibromyalgia.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO CRD42022338200; https://tinyurl.com/322keukv
Dermatology Journals’ Editorial Boards Require Improved Gender Equity: JMIR Dermatology’s Future Directions
Authors: Minion Sarah , Kiene Julianne , Dellavalle Robert
Published: April 2023

Gender disparities exist across all facets of academic medicine including within the editorial boards of dermatology journals. Only 22% of these editorial boards comprised women, even though 51% of full-time, faculty dermatologists are female. When inviting academic dermatologists to our editorial board at JMIR Dermatology, we invited 50% women to represent the gender distribution of academic dermatologists; however, we have not sufficiently reached gender equity among accepted editorial board members. We will continue to strive toward the goal of gender equity on our editorial board and invite other dermatology journals to do the same.
Effects of Exergaming on Musculoskeletal Pain in Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Mo Nan , Feng Jin yu , Liu Hai xia , Chen Xiao yu , Zhang Hui , Zeng Hui
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Exercise is effective for musculoskeletal pain. However, physical, social, and environmental factors make it difficult for older adults to persist in exercising. Exergaming is a new pathway that combines exercise with gameplay and may be helpful for older adults to overcome these difficulties and engage in regular exercise.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to determine the efficacy of exergaming to improve musculoskeletal pain in older adults.

METHODS

The search was performed in 5 databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library). The risk of bias for randomized controlled studies was assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool in randomized trials (RoB 2), and the methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence-Based Database scale. Standardized mean difference and 95% CI were calculated using fixed-effects model meta-analyses in the Review Manager version 5.3 (RevMan 5.3).

RESULTS

Seven randomized controlled studies were included, which contained 264 older adults. Three of the 7 studies reported significant improvements in pain after the exergaming intervention, but only 1 reported a significant difference between groups after adjustment for baseline (P<.05), and another reported a significant improvement in thermal pain between the 2 groups (P<.001). The results of the meta-analysis of the 7 studies showed no statistically significant improvement in pain compared to the control group (standardized mean difference –0.22; 95% CI –0.47 to 0.02; P=.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the effects of exergames on musculoskeletal pain in older adults are unknown, exergame training is generally safe, fun, and appealing to older adults. Unsupervised exercise at home is feasible and cost-effective. However, most of the current studies have used commercial exergames, and it is recommended that there should be more cooperation between industries in the future to develop professional rehabilitation exergames that are more suitable for older adults. The sample sizes of the studies included are small, the risk of bias is high, and the results should be interpreted with caution. Further randomized controlled studies with large sample sizes, high quality, and rigor are needed in the future.

CLINICALTRIAL

PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42022342325; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=342325
Targeting Key Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in At-Risk Individuals: Developing a Digital, Personalized, and Real-Time Intervention to Facilitate Smoking Cessation and Physical Activity (Preprint)
Authors: Versluis Anke , Penfornis Kristell M , van der Burg Sven A , Scheltinga Bouke L , van Vliet Milon H M , Albers Nele , Meijer Eline
Published: April 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

Health care is under pressure due to an aging population with an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Smoking and physical inactivity are 2 key preventable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Yet, as with most health behaviors, they are difficult to change. In the interdisciplinary Perfect Fit project, scientists from different fields join forces to develop an evidence-based virtual coach (VC) that supports smokers in quitting smoking and increasing their physical activity. In this Viewpoint paper, intervention content, design, and implementation, as well as lessons learned, are presented to support other research groups working on similar projects. A total of 6 different approaches were used and combined to support the development of the Perfect Fit VC. The approaches used are (1) literature reviews, (2) empirical studies, (3) collaboration with end users, (4) content and technical development sprints, (5) interdisciplinary collaboration, and (6) iterative proof-of-concept implementation. The Perfect Fit intervention integrates evidence-based behavior change techniques with new techniques focused on identity change, big data science, sensor technology, and personalized real-time coaching. Intervention content of the virtual coaching matches the individual needs of the end users. Lessons learned include ways to optimally implement and tailor interactions with the VC (eg, clearly explain why the user is asked for input and tailor the timing and frequency of the intervention components). Concerning the development process, lessons learned include strategies for effective interdisciplinary collaboration and technical development (eg, finding a good balance between end users’ wishes and legal possibilities). The Perfect Fit development process was collaborative, iterative, and challenging at times. Our experiences and lessons learned can inspire and benefit others. Advanced, evidence-based digital interventions, such as Perfect Fit, can contribute to a healthy society while alleviating health care burden.
Вміст аргінази-1 у хворих на проліферативну діабетичну ретинопатію з різною тривалістю цукрового діабету залежно від генотипу CYP2E1
Authors: Hanyuk V.M.
Published: April 2023

Актуальність. Аргіназа-1 — фермент, що експресується в ендотелії і може сприяти накопиченню оксидантів і виникненню судинної дисфункції. Ген CYP2E1 (rs2070676) кодує фермент, який бере участь у метаболізмі ліків, інактивації N-нітрозамінів, поліциклічних вуглеводів та інших низькомолекулярних сполук. Мета: вивчити вміст аргінази-1 у сироватці крові хворих на проліферативну діабетичну ретинопатію (ПДР) з різною тривалістю цукрового діабету 2-го типу (ЦД2) залежно від генотипу CYP2E1 як можливого чинника розвитку ендотеліальної дисфункції. Матеріали та методи. До обстеження були залучені 106 пацієнтів офтальмологічної клініки з встановленим діагнозом ПДР із тривалістю ЦД2 до і понад 20 років (групи ДГ-1 і ДГ-2 відповідно). Контрольну групу (КГ) становили 43 добровольці без діабету, порівнянні за віком і статтю з пацієнтами груп ДГ-1 і ДГ-2. Поліморфізм гена визначали за допомогою полімеразної ланцюгової реакції RealTime на ампліфікаторі Gene Amp® PCR System 7500. Вміст аргінази-1 визначали в сироватці крові методом ELISA (набір Human Arginase, Hycult Biotech). Порівнювали дані за критерієм Крускала — Уолліса в статистичній програмі SPSS 23. Результати. У групі ДГ-1 вміст аргінази-1 становив 12,66 ± 11,81 нг/мл, у групі ДГ-2 — 17,57 ± 12,97 нг/мл, що вірогідно не відрізнялося від значень КГ — 14,80 ± 14,31 нг/мл. У групі помірної ПДР вміст протеїну був в 1,7 раза вище, ніж у КГ, і становив 24,02 ± 13,16 нг/мл. У групі тяжкої ПДР — 10,70 ± 7,24 нг/мл, спостерігали зменшення у 2,4 раза порівняно з групою з помірною ПДР (р < 0,05). У пацієнтів із прогресуючою ПДР вміст аргінази-1 становив 13,24 ± 11,93 нг/мл. У носіїв мажорного генотипу (СС) гена CYP2E1 різниця була менш значною, і вміст аргінази-1 при поглибленні стадії ПДР із помірної до тяжкої зменшувався в 2 рази. У носіїв поліморфного варіанта гена вміст аргінази-1 у КГ був більше ніж в 2,6 раза (р < 0,05), при поглибленні стадії ПДР із помірної до тяжкої зменшувався в 3,5 раза (р < 0,05) і на стадії прогресуючої ПДР був вище в 1,8 раза (р < 0,05) порівняно з тяжкою ПДР. Висновки. На стадії помірної ПДР відбувається критичний вплив надекспресії аргінази, що є шкідливим для ендотеліальних клітин. Носії поліморфного варіанта CYP2E1, зокрема алелі G, були однаково поширені в популяції (14–17 %), але мали підвищену схильність до експресії аргінази-1 при розвитку ПДР. Це дані підтверджують уявлення про вплив оксидативно-нітрозативного стресу як базового механізму в патогенезі ендотеліальної дисфункції і виникненні мікросудинних аномалій.
Запальна оптична нейропатія і атрофія зорового нерва (клінічні випадки)
Authors: Moyseyenko N.M.
Published: April 2023

Актуальність. Класифікація, патогенез і клінічні прояви невриту зорового нерва неоднозначні. Привертає увагу складність статистичного аналізу подібних випадків, особливо на початковому етапі, коли прояви схожі, але трактуються по-різному, обираються різні лікувальні тактики. Мета: дослідити особливості атрофії зорового нерва, викликаної запаленням зорового нерва, за допомогою оптико-когерентної томографії (ОКТ). Матеріали та методи. Обстежено в амбулаторних умовах в Івано-Франківському національному медичному університеті 2 пацієнти (4 ока) із запаленням зорового нерва. Проведено візометрію, офтальмоскопію і аналіз даних комп’ютерної периметрії та ОКТ, виконаних у приватних установах у містах первинного обслуговування і в Івано-Франківську. Результати. Було обстежено два пацієнти, В., 31 рік, і К., 25 років, з прогресивним зниженням зору впродовж двох років і семи місяців. В обох випадках встановлено діагноз атрофії зорового нерва, асоційованої із вірусною інфекцією. У випадку пацієнта В. атрофія почалася зі збільшення товщини шару нервових волокон (ШНВ) на стороні ураження на 19 % порівняно із протилежною стороною, а в пацієнтки К. — відразу зі зменшення вдвічі. Надалі у першому випадку зменшилась товщина ШНВ і шару гангліонарних клітин (ШГК) вдвічі порівняно із попереднім періодом, а в другому випадку залишилась на попередньому рівні. Зменшення товщини ШНВ і ШГК може вважатися критерієм, що ускладнює прогноз при невриті, і може розглядатися як параметр трансформації запальної невропатії в атрофію зорового нерва. Висновки. Неврит є важливим фактором формування атрофії зорового нерва. Раннє застосування ОКТ-параметрів структурних пошкоджень головки зорового нерва дозволить диференціювати тяжкість ураження при запальній невропатії різного генезу.
Аналіз cучасних технологій діагностики й лікування бінокулярного зору і слабкозорості, набутих унаслідок травматичних уражень ока й головного мозку
Authors: Petrov V.V. , Rykov S.O. , Kryuchуn A.A. , Antonov E.E. , Shargorodska I.V. , Shanoilo S.M. , Butenko L.V.
Published: April 2023

Проведено аналіз базових технологій використання мікропризмових структур для лікування порушень зору, набутих унаслідок травмування ока й головного мозку. Визначені переваги неінвазивного лікування таких порушень зору. Наведено результати використання мікропризмових структур для лікування порушень зору. Показано, що застосування мікропризмових структур дозволяє в багатьох випадках здійснювати ефективне лікування порушень зору, набутих унаслідок травмування ока й головного мозку. Аналіз результатів використання мікропризмових структур для неінвазивного лікування таких порушень зору показує, що висока якість лікування може бути досягнута при використанні мікропризмових структур високої оптичної якості. Досвід використання спеціально розроблених жорстких призм Френеля показує, що вони є ефективним методом лікування бінокулярного зору.