bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self Balancing Robot using Arduino
Authors: Ramteke Shreyash
Published: June 2024

Abstract: This research paper presents the design, development, and implementation of an Arduino micro controller-based selfbalancing robot. This study looks at how sensors, actuators, and control algorithms can work together to provide stable and dependable balance control. The Two-Wheeled Self-Balancing Robot (TWSBR) was controlled in this work using a Proportional, Integral, and Differential (PID) controller. The suggested system makes use of a PID control algorithm for accurate motor speed adjustment and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for real-time orientation monitoring of the robot[4]. The two DC stepper motors applied the proper amount of torque in the right direction, which allowed the structure to maintain a vertical equilibrium state. The robot measures its tilt and angular velocity with a gyroscope sensor. The outcomes of the experiments indicate that the suggested method is efficient in preserving equilibrium in different circumstances, highlighting the possibilities of Arduino based systems for the creation of self-governing robotic systems. Through iterative testing and improvement [2], the objective is to build a selfbalancing robot that is sturdy and steady and can navigate and adapt to various surfaces and disturbances.
PMOS Integrated Current Mirror for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Sai Yerra Vivek
Published: June 2024

Abstract: This paper presents the design and implementation of a PMOS integrated current mirror tailored for biomedical applications. Current mirrors are fundamental building blocks in analog circuit design, finding extensive use in various signal processing stages, including amplification, filtering, and signal conditioning, critical in biomedical instrumentation. The proposed PMOS current mirror offers several advantages suited for biomedical applications, such as low power consumption, high input impedance, and compatibility with standard CMOS processes, ensuring seamless integration with other circuitry on a chip. The design focuses on achieving high accuracy and stability to facilitate precise measurement and processing of biomedical signals, essential for applications like biosensing, medical imaging, and neural interfacing. Simulation results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed PMOS current mirror in meeting the stringent performance requirements of biomedical devices while offering robustness against process variations and environmental noise. This work contributes to advancing the state-of-the-art in integrated circuit design for biomedical applications, promising enhanced reliability and efficiency in nextgeneration healthcare technologies.
Occupational Risk Assessment using Bow Tie Method in Chemical Industry
Authors: Bhatt Shubham
Published: June 2024

Abstract: This study applies Bow Tie Analysis to the storage area of a small chemical factory which is associated with paint manufacturing. The analysis focuses on potential causes and consequences of a fire in the storage area, giving emphasis to the existing safety barriers and escalation factors which may influence the behaviour of the barriers. In this paper, a semi quantitative method BTRA (Bow Tie Risk Assessment) of estimating and evaluating the overall risk is used where the results of the bow tie diagram are used as input data and the risk for each consequence is calculated using a risk matrix. The findings highlighted critical weaknesses in current safety practices of the organisation as the risk associated with each consequence was “high” and “very high”. Therefore, practical improvements to enhance risk management were suggested to improve overall safety.
Movilidad del cuidado alrededor de un centro de desarrollo infantil municipal en Cuenca, Ecuador
Authors: Ullauri-Ugalde Ana Cristina , Idrovo-Soliz Ana Sofia , Hermida-Palacios Carla Marcela
Published: June 2024

Historically, there has been an inequality in mobility conditions between men and women, which derives mainly from their gender roles in society. Generally, women are responsible for caregiving activities, such as caring for children. In this context, studying the mobility of care in different areas is vital. To reflect on this issue, the environment around the 27 Febrero Municipal Child Development Center in the city of Cuenca-Ecuador was used as a case study. Four instruments were applied: Case-type surveys to parents, open-source tools for the micro-scale evaluation of eMAPS environments, non-participant direct observation, and semi-structured interviews. It was found that, although the quality of the urban environment influences the mobility conditions for caregiving when traveling to and from the educational center, other factors are more relevant, such as the means of transportation used and personal safety.
Oymapınar Baraj Gölü’ndeki (Antalya) Aynalı Sazan (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758) Popülasyonunun Bazı Biyolojik Özelliklerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: Vural İsmail Abdullah , Becer Zehra Arzu
Published: June 2024

Bu çalışmanın yapıldığı Oymapınar Baraj Gölü, hidroelektrik enerji üretimi amacıyla kurulan baraj göllerinden biridir. Su ürünleri yetiştiriciliği ve avcılığına izin verilmeyen baraj gölünde Nisan 2017 ile Mart 2018 tarihleri arasında ekonomik yönden önemli bir yere sahip olan aynalı sazan (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758)’ın yaş, boy ve ağırlık dağılımları ile büyüme ve kondisyonu araştırılmıştır. Örneklenen 128 aynalı sazanın yaşları 0 - IX arasında bulunmuştur. Örneklerin % 50,8’ini dişiler, % 49,2’ sini erkekler oluşturmuştur. Dişilerin çatal boyları 14,5 – 66,6 cm, ağırlıkları 73,87 g ile 7089,5 g arasında; erkeklerin çatal boyları 11,2 – 57,7 cm ve ağırlıkları ise 41,73 g ile 5243,31 g arasında değişmiştir. 1. yaştaki örnekler % 26,6’lık bir oranla en baskın yaş grubunu oluşturmuştur. Popülasyonda boy-ağırlık ilişkisi tüm bireyler için W = 0,0356 FL2,8995 şeklinde tespit edilmiştir. Von Bertalanffy büyüme değerleri ise L∞= 90,15; W∞= 27841,57; k = 0,076; t0 =-1,403 olarak bulunmuştur. Kondisyon faktörünün 2,33 (Eylül) ile 3,55 (Mart) arasında değiştiği saptanmıştır. İncelemede IV yaş üzerinde örnek sayısının azlığı gölde kaçak avcılığa bağlı av baskısı olduğunu göstermektedir. C. carpio populasyonunun korunabilmesi için denetimin artırılması ve kaçak avcılığın önüne geçilmesi gerekmektedir.
Trends in Vitamin B12 Level Testing in Patients on Metformin From 2000 to 2020
Authors: Bhanja Debarati , Zain Areeba , Moeckel Camille , Waheed Abdul
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives: Metformin is one of the primary pharmacologic agents for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, it has been associated with interference in vitamin B12 absorption and deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency and T2DM can present diagnostic challenges for polyneuropathy. Diagnosis is essential for guiding treatment, yet the use of vitamin B12 level testing in this population may have dwindled over time amid changing practice guidelines. This study examines trends over time in the use of vitamin B12 level testing among patients on metformin.
Methods: This retrospective trend analysis used data from TriNetX, a real-world, longitudinal clinical database. Patients treated with metformin from 2000 to 2020 were identified using Rx Concept Unique Identifier codes. The number of patients who underwent vitamin B12 level testing at any time after 1 month from metformin initiation was tabulated. Patients were grouped by the year of B12 level testing. Trends in B12 level testing were assessed using the Jonckheere-Terpstra statistical test (P<.05).
Results: Out of 4,203,020 patients prescribed metformin, 1,055,995 (25.1%) underwent B12 level testing. The highest proportion of patients tested was in 2000 to 2002 (39.6%), while the lowest proportion was in 2018 to 2020 (20.1%). B12 testing utilization declined significantly by 19.5% from 2000-2002 to 2018-2020 (P=.001).
Conclusions: In this study, we found that the use of vitamin B12 level testing in patients on metformin has significantly declined over the years, potentially impacting early detection of B12 deficiency. Future studies with more granular data from real-life practice are recommended to understand the precise reasons and impact of this trend.
Changes in soil organic nitrogen fractions during vegetation restoration in karst areas and relationships with environmental factors
Authors: Wu Jianghong , Gong Xianghuan , Shu Yingge
Published: June 2024

Since soil organic nitrogen (N) accounts for over 90% of total soil N,
it is a vital indicator of soil fertility. However, there remains an
insufficient understanding of the impacts of changes in vegetation
restoration maturity on soil ON. Therefore, this study examined arable
land and restored grassland, shrub-grassland, shrub, and woodland of 5
a, 15 a, 20 a, and 40 a restoration maturity, respectively to
characterize changes in soil ON fractions in the 0–40 cm soil layer and
how these changes are regulated by environmental factors. Large changes
in soil ON fractions were observed in the 0–40 cm soil stratum of 15-a
grassland. TAN, AMN, ASN, AAN, and TUN exceeded those in control (CK) by
26.70%, 22.80%, 26.08%, 31.50% and 28.77%, respectively. AIN of
20-a shrub and 15-a scrub grassland exceeded those of cultivated land by
19.8% and 5.66%, respectively. AIN of 15-a grassland exceeded other
vegetation restoration maturities and facilitated soil N accumulation.
The rank of the ON components according to proportion was
AIN> TUN > AMN > AAN
> ASN. AN, TN and SOC had the greatest effects on ON
fractions of the soil, whereas powder and pH had no impacts. The results
suggest that vegetation restoration can increase the ON content and N
sequestration function. The results of this study can act as a
scientific reference for soil quality restoration.
Cis-variation Interacting with Trans-variation in Promoter Shaping G×E Effects of Hsp90 Underlies Divergent Phenotypic Plasticity for Thermal Adaptation in Two Congeneric Oyster Species
Authors: Jiang Zhuxiang , Wang Chaogang , Du Mingyang , Cong Rihao , Ao Li , Wang Wei , Zhang Guofan , Li Li
Published: June 2024

Global warming drives adaptive evolution by influencing natural
selection and exploiting temperature-related phenotypic plasticity.
However, predicting how phenotypic plasticity will evolve under climate
change remains a challenge, urging the need for understanding underlying
genetic and molecular mechanisms. In this study, we focus on the
expression plasticity divergence of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) which
is heat responsive and exhibited strong selective sweep in the upstream
noncoding region of two allopatric congeneric oyster species:
cold-adapted Crassostrea gigas and warm-adapted Crassostrea angulata.
Functional characterization confirmed Hsp90 expression is an ideal proxy
for thermotolerance. The expression divergence in constitutive and
plastic expressions, represents adaption to the mean and variance of
habitat temperature changes, respectively. By combining forward and
reverse genetic approaches, four causative loci with G+G×E effects in
the promoter region (cis-variations) of Hsp90 between C. gigas and C.
angulata were identified. Moreover, the allele g.-2291G of the causative
loci in C.angulata specifically binds to the positive transcription
factor Purine Rich Element Binding Protein B (PURB), explaining the
higher constitutive expression of Hsp90. Meanwhile the response of Purb
to thermal stress affects the magnitude of plastic expression in C.
angulata. This integrative study revealed that cis-variation interacts
with trans-variation induced by environmental changes underlying the G×E
effect, thereby mediating the divergence of plastic expression.
Furthermore, we established a paradigm for studying genetic variants and
their G×E effects at an unprecedented resolution at the single
nucleotide level in non-model organisms. This study will deepen our
understanding of the significant role of phenotypic plasticity in
adaptive responses and promote predictions of adaptive potential in
marine organisms under climate change.
One plate to find Them How a unique surviving photograph confirmed the Hochstetter Paradigm and located the White Terrace-Eighth Wonder of the World
Authors: Bunn Alfred Rex
Published: June 2024

This empirical research analyses a unique vintage photographic plate that confirms the location of a lost Wonder of the World, the Pink and White Terraces. Their location has been debated since 1886 when they were buried in a volcanic eruption. The paper develops a Parallax Effect methodology with a Skyline Gauge to test all 1886-2024 claims to the White Terrace location. Methods include photo-interpretation, photogrammetric optics, topography and forensic cartography. The results show nearly all claims have significant errors. The Gauge location is consistent with the coordinates provided by the 1859 Hochstetter Survey, the Hochstetter Paradigm and the early claimants.
NGS technologies for a comparative characterization of endophytic bacteria in the roots of Constantinople chickpeas (Cicer montbretii Jaub. & Spach) associated with cinnamon forest and yellow earth podzolic soils
Authors:   Agricultural University-Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Petkova Mariana , Sabeva Mariya ,   Institute of Plant Genetic Resources “Konstantin Malkov”, Sadovo, Bulgaria, Tahsin Nurettin ,   Agricultural University – Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Published: June 2024

Previous studies have analyzed bacterial taxa associated with rhizospheric cinnamon forest soil. Cicer montbretii Jaub. & Spach (C. montbretii), an endemic species for the region of Strandzha, was analyzed using a metagenomic approach. The diversity of endophytic microorganisms is essential for ecology, as it makes it possible to understand in detail the plant-microbial interactions. The objectives of this study were to isolate and identify endophytic bacteria from the roots of C. montbretii associated with cinnamon forest (A1) and yellow earth podzolic soils (A2). A study on endophytic bacteria in the roots of C. montbretii legume plant, done by assessing its PCR amplicon of 16S rDNA with the Illumina metagenomics technique, used to generate a total of 81,782 reads from the samples. The analyses revealed that Proteobacteria were similar in cinnamon forest and in yellow earth podzolic soils. Bacteriodota prevailed in yellow earth podzolic soils. Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were the common genera in cinnamon forest soil. The roots of the plants grown in A1 soil had the largest composition with Proteobacteria 78%, which consisted of the genus— Erwinia 13%, Pseudomonas 11%, Shingomonas 11%, Rhizobium 5%, and Bradirhyzobium 4%. In the A2 soil prevailed Proteobacteria 76% and Bacterioidota 15%. The most abandoned genus in A2 was Orchobactrum 20%, Stenotrophomonas 15%, Sphingobacterium 12%, Serratia 4%, and Flavobactrerium 4%. The α-diversity analysis indicated the richness and inverse Simpson diversity index of the bacterial endophyte communities for the root tissues to be 6.551 for A1 and 4,692 for A2 soil, respectively. The endophytic bacterial communities differed among the two soil samples, indicating that the soil and the climatic conditions considerably affected the entire endophytic community.
Economic efficiency of rice production among the small-scale women farmers in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
Authors:   University of Abuja, Nigeria, ALABI Olugbenga , ALUWONG Jeremiah ,   School of Agricultural Technology, Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria, Nigeria, ATTEH Paul ,   Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria, DIRISU Herbert ,   Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Nigeria, YUSUF Fadhilat ,   National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Abuja, Nigeria, POPOOLA Luqman ,   National Biotechnology Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria, AGADA Levi ,   National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Abuja, Nigeria, HARUNA Ojuh ,   Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Nigeria
Published: June 2024

This study evaluated the economic efficiency of rice production among the small-scale women farmers in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 100 small-scale women rice farmers. The primary data were collected with the aid of a well-designed and well-structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, farm budgeting technique, financial analysis, the Stochastic production frontier efficiency model, and the Tobit dichotomous regression model. The results show that 88% of women rice farmers were below 50 years old. The mean age was 44 years. Averagely, they were small-scale farmers with 1.31 hectares of farm land. The labor input in man-days constituted the highest percentage of about 50.8% of the total costs of activities involved in rice production. The net farm income and gross margin ratio was estimated at 416,800 Naira and 0.63 respectively. This shows that the rice production by women farmers was profitable and worthwhile. The mean allocative, economic, technical efficiency scores were 50.3%, 50.8%, and 51.20% leaving the efficiency gaps of 49.7%, 49.2%, and 48.8% for improvement respectively. The significant factors influencing the economic efficiency of the rice production among women farmers include the following: – farm size, labor input, household size, seed input, fertilizer input, chemical input, farm experience, and access to credit. The major constraints encountered by women rice farmers include the following: inadequate credit facilities (1st), high cost of labor (2nd), high cost of fertilizers (3rd) and high cost of herbicides (4th). The study recommends that farm inputs such as improved seeds, fertilizer input, chemical input and herbicides should be made available to women farmers at affordable prices. Credit facilities devoid of rigorous administrative procedures at low interest rate should be made available to women farmers Keywords: economic efficiency, rice production, Tobit regression model, small-scale women farmers, Abuja, Nigeria
Bunch thinning and its influence on the shoots growth dynamics in some syrah wine variety clones
Authors:   Agricultural University-Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Popova Anelia , Angelov Ludmil ,   Agricultural University-Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Published: June 2024

During the period 2020-2022, an experiment was conducted in the experimental vineyard of the Agricultural University – Plovdiv, and four clones of the wine variety Syrah, numbered 100, 174, 470 and 524, grafted on the SO4 rootstock were selected as the study object. During the „pea size“ phase, the green pruning operation – bunch thinning was applied. The shoots growth starts from the vegetation phase „first leaf appearance“ and ends at the „veraison“. The average duration is about 100 days, covering the period of May, June and July. It was found that the vine shoots from a clone 470 reached the greatest average length, V3 – 285, 265, 290 cm and V7 – 359, 336, and 380 cm, and those from a clone 100 were distinguished by the weakest growth, V1 – 197, 203 and 205 cm and V5 – 240, 228 and 245 cm. Differences were proven between the variants, both in the non-reduced (V1, V2, V3, and V4) and in those with reduced yields (V5, V6, V7, and V8), as after reducing the number of bunches, the length of the shoots was longer – high in all vines from the used Syrah clones. This study provides information on the relationship between the applied green pruning operation (bunch thinning) during the growing season and its effects on the vegetative growth. Balancing the vines bud load by controlling yield during the growing season is a preferred viticultural practice for increasing the grape quality. Keywords: Clones, Syrah, green pruning, bunch thinning, shoot growth
AlFeCoNiCu high-entropy alloys formed by spark plasma sintering of a powder mixture and a deposited layer
Authors: Batraev Igor , Dudina Dina , Ulianitsky Vladimir , Ukhina Arina , Bokhonov Boris , Samodurova Marina , Trofimov Evgeny
Published: June 2024

This investigation focuses on the structural characteristics of AlFeCoNiCu
high-entropy alloys (HEAs) fabricated using two approaches. The alloys were
obtained by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) or hot pressing (HP) treatment
of layers deposited by detonation spraying of a mixture of the elemental
powders. The feedstock powder mixture used for the spraying was also
directly consolidated by SPS under the same conditions (without any
pre-alloying treatment). The goal of this work was to conduct a comparative
analysis of the compositional and structural features of AlFeCoNiCu HEAs
formed by different methods. The SPS treated deposited layer showed a more
uniform structure and composition than the alloy obtained directly by SPS of
the powder mixture. All alloys processed by SPS or HP were face-centered
cubic solid solutions. The alloys obtained from the deposited precursors
showed deviations from the nominal composition of the powder mixture.
However, the compositional differences and nonuniformities did not affect
the hardness of the alloys or the influences of these factors compensated
each other.. This work shows that, for practical applications, thick samples
of AlFeCoNiCu can be produced by SPS of the elemental powder mixtures, while
for thin layers and coatings detonation spraying followed by SPS/HP can be
applied.
Plasma Biomarkers of Brain Injury and their Association with Brain MRI and Cognition in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: B. Karger Amy , M. Nasrallah Ilya , H. Braffett Barbara , A. Luchsinger José , M. Ryan Christopher , Bebu Ionut , Arends Valerie , Habes Mohamad , A. Gubitosi-Klug Rose , Chaytor Naomi , J. Biessels Geert , M. Jacobson Alan
Published: June 2024

Objective: To evaluate associations between plasma biomarkers of brain injury and MRI and cognitive measures in participants with type 1 diabetes (T1D) from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications study.

Research Design and Methods: Plasma amyloidß-40, amyloidß-42, neurofilament light chain (NfL), phosphorylated Tau-181 (pTau-181), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were measured in 373 DCCT/EDIC adults. MRI assessments included total brain and white matter hyperintensity volumes, white matter mean fractional anisotropy, and indices of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)-like atrophy and predicted brain age. Cognitive measures included memory and psychomotor and mental efficiency tests and assessments of cognitive impairment.

Results: Participants were 60 (range 44-74) years old with 38 (30-51) years T1D duration. Higher NfL was associated with an increase in predicted brain age (0.51 years per 20% increase in NfL, p<0.001) and a 19.5% increase in the odds of impaired cognition (p<0.01). Higher NfL and pTau-181 were associated with lower psychomotor and mental efficiency (p<0.001), but not poorer memory. Amyloid-ß measures were not associated with study measures. A 1-percentage increase in mean HbA1c was associated with a 14.6% higher NfL and 12.8% higher pTau-181 (p<0.0001).

Conclusions: In this aging T1D cohort, biomarkers of brain injury did not demonstrate an AD-like profile. NfL emerged as a biomarker of interest in T1D due to its association with higher HbA1c, accelerated brain aging on MRI, and cognitive dysfunction. Our study suggests that early neurodegeneration in adults with T1D is likely due to non-AD/non-amyloid mechanisms.
Data-Driven Phenotyping of Presymptomatic Type 1 Diabetes Using Longitudinal Autoantibody Profiles
Authors: Ghalwash Mohamed , Anand Vibha , Ng Kenney , L. Dunne Jessica , Lou Olivia , Lundgren Markus , A. Hagopian William , Rewers Marian , Ziegler Anette-G. , Veijola Riitta
Published: June 2024

Objective. To characterize distinct islet autoantibody profiles preceding stage 3 type 1 diabetes

Research Design and Methods: Type 1 Diabetes Intelligence (T1DI) study combined data from 1845 genetically susceptible, prospectively followed children who were positive for at least one islet autoantibody against insulin, glutamic acid decarboxylase or insulinoma antigen-2 (IAA, GADA, IA-2A). Using a novel similarity algorithm that considers individual’s temporal autoantibody profile, age at autoantibody appearance, and variation in positivity of autoantibody types, we performed unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis. Progression rates to diabetes were analyzed via survival analysis.

Results: We identified five main clusters of individuals with distinct autoantibody profiles characterized by seroconversion age and sequence of appearance of the three autoantibodies. The highest 5-year risk from first positive autoantibody to type 1 diabetes (69.9%; 95% CI 60.0-79.2) was observed in children who first develop IAA in early life (median age 1.6yr) followed by GADA (1.9yr) and then IA-2A (2.1yr). Their 10-year risk was 89.9% (95% CI 81.9-95.4). High 5-year risk was also found in children with persistent IAA and GADA (39.1%), or children with persistent GADA and IA-2A (30.9%). Lower 5-year risk (10.5%) was observed in children with late appearance of persistent GADA (6.1yr). The lowest 5-year diabetes risk (1.6%) was associated with positivity for single, often reverting autoantibody.

Conclusions: The novel clustering algorithm identified children with distinct islet autoantibody profiles and progression rates to diabetes. These results are useful for prediction, selection of individuals for prevention trials, and studies investigating various pathways to type 1 diabetes.
A prospective study on maternal periodontal diseases and neonatal adverse outcomes
Authors: Wen Ping , Li Huijun , Xu Xiaoyi , Zhang Feng , Zhao Dan , Yu Rong , Cheng Tianfan , Wang Hao , Yang Chuanzhong , Qin Wei , Yang Xiuqiao , Yao Jilong , Jin Lijian
Published: June 2024

Objective: It is evident that periodontitis is linked to various adverse pregnancy outcomes. This prospective study explored the potential link of maternal periodontal diseases to neonatal adverse outcomes.
Materials and Methods: A total of 193 generally healthy females in their third trimester (34–36 weeks) of pregnancy were enrolled. All subjects received full-mouth periodontal assessment, and the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) was calculated. Demographic data, lifestyles and anthropometric measurements of the neonates (e.g., body length and head circumference) were recorded. Herein, small-for-gestational age (SGA) referred to gender- and age-adjusted birth weight below the 10th percentile in line with the standard reference. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic spline were performed for examining the association of periodontal parameters with SGA. 
Results: There were 8.3% (16/193) of neonates with SGA. Significantly positive correlation existed between the percentage of tooth sites with increased probing depth and an elevated risk of SGA (OR: 1.052; P < 0.05). Yet, the PISA was positively associated with the risk of SGA (OR: 1.002; P < 0.05) as well. No significant link occurred between maternal periodontal status and other neonatal outcome measures.
Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the findings suggest that there could be a link between maternal periodontal diseases and neonatal adverse outcomes like SGA. Further investigation is required to clarify the current findings and potential implications for promoting maternal oral/periodontal health and newborn health.
Suicidio asistido: Análisis crítico de la jurisprudencia internacional y su aplicabilidad en el contexto jurídico ecuatoriano
Authors:   Investigador Independiente, Solorzano Zambrano Eduardo Alexander , Solórzano Zambrano Gina Yohanna ,   Investigador Independiente
Published: June 2024

El trabajo aborda el tema sobre el suicidio asistido, examinando su complejidad y controversia a nivel mundial. Se destaca la importancia de analizar la jurisprudencia internacional sobre este tema y su aplicabilidad en el contexto jurídico ecuatoriano, especialmente tras la emisión del reglamento para la eutanasia activa voluntaria y avoluntaria en el cumplimiento de la Sentencia Nro. 67-23-IN/24 de la Corte Constitucional. El objetivo principal del estudio es realizar un análisis critico de esta jurisprudencia internacional y evaluar su reconocimiento en el contexto jurídico ecuatoriano, considerando el marco legal y constitucional del Ecuador. Se empleó una metodología cuantitativa, descriptiva que incluyó una encuesta estructurada dirigida a abogados especializados en derecho penal del Ecuador. Los resultados reportaron una amplia conciencia sobre el suicidio asistido entre los encuestados el 96% tiene conocimientos en suicidio asistido, así también reveló opiniones divergentes sobre su aplicabilidad en diferentes contextos, el 64% de los encuestados refiere utilizar la eutanasia en enfermedades catastróficas o en etapa terminal, esto resalta los desafíos éticos y legales que enfrenta el país. De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos se destaca la necesidad de promover una comprensión más profunda de los temas relacionados con el suicidio asistido y fomentar un debate informado y empático sobre el tema tratado en este trabajo en la sociedad ecuatoriana.
La evaluación formativa como herramienta para el aprendizaje autorregulado en la educación
Authors:   Investigador Independiente, Montesdeoca Salazar Yadira Alexandra , Hernández Alcívar Maricela Isabel ,   Investigador Independiente, Palma Bravo Nelly Janeth ,   Investigador Independiente, Jordán Santamaría Leticia Alejandra ,   Investigador Independiente
Published: June 2024

El estudio examina la evaluación formativa como una herramienta para fomentar el aprendizaje autorregulado en la educación, centrándose en métodos, técnicas e implicaciones prácticas. Se destaca la importancia de diseñar instrumentos de evaluación formativa adaptados, incluyendo cuestionarios, rúbricas, portafolios y autoevaluaciones, para recopilar información detallada y proporcionar retroalimentación continua. La investigación subraya la necesidad de estrategias efectivas de implementación, enfrentando desafíos como la disponibilidad de recursos y la capacitación docente. Además, se discute el rol crucial del docente en promover la autorregulación del estudiante a través de la evaluación formativa. Se destacan las contribuciones del estudio al campo de investigación, resaltando su relevancia para mejorar la práctica educativa y el aprendizaje estudiantil. Se sugieren futuras direcciones de investigación, incluyendo la replicación del estudio en otros contextos y la exploración de nuevas metodologías de evaluación. Este artículo proporciona un marco integral para comprender y mejorar la implementación de la evaluación formativa en apoyo al aprendizaje autorregulado en entornos educativos.
La ejecución extrajudicial como grave violación de derechos humanos
Authors:   Investigador Independiente, Guano Aguirre Andrea Lizeth , Guano Jordan Nelson Atilio ,   Investigador Independiente
Published: June 2024

El presente artículo examina las ejecuciones extrajudiciales en Ecuador, destacando tanto los avances como las deficiencias en la aplicación de los principios de derechos humanos y el uso legítimo de la fuerza por parte de los agentes policiales. El análisis revela que, aunque el Estado ecuatoriano ha adoptado un marco normativo robusto, incluyendo la Constitución de 2008 y el Código Orgánico Integral Penal, existen significativas debilidades en la implementación práctica de estos principios. La falta de una capacitación adecuada para los agentes policiales, la ausencia de mecanismos efectivos de rendición de cuentas y una cultura de impunidad predominante han obstaculizado la aplicación efectiva de estas normas. A pesar de los esfuerzos por parte del Estado, las sentencias de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos no siempre han sido implementadas de manera consistente, evidenciando una brecha entre la normativa y su ejecución práctica. Para mejorar esta situación, se proponen recomendaciones enfocadas en políticas y prácticas que fortalezcan el respeto a los derechos humanos y aseguren una implementación efectiva de las sentencias judiciales y las garantías de no repetición. Es crucial que el Estado ecuatoriano no solo mantenga su compromiso normativo, sino que también desarrolle y fortalezca mecanismos operativos y de supervisión que aseguren una protección real y efectiva de los derechos fundamentales de sus ciudadanos.
Estándares de investigación judicial de graves violaciones a los derechos humanos
Authors:   Investigador Independiente, Benavides Sarango Mishela Stefany , Loor Alcívar Zoila Elizabeth ,   Investigador Independiente, Moreira Palacios Diego Fabián ,   Investigador Independiente, Tenorio Obando Kerly Valeria ,   Investigador Independiente
Published: June 2024

Este artículo examina los estándares de investigación judicial aplicados en casos de graves violaciones a los derechos humanos en Ecuador. A través de un enfoque cualitativo que combina el análisis documental de casos emblemáticos y entrevistas con expertos en derechos humanos y profesionales del ámbito judicial, se evalúa la efectividad de las prácticas actuales y se identifican las principales barreras y desafíos. Los resultados revelan inconsistencias en la aplicación práctica de los estándares, destacando la necesidad de fortalecer la independencia judicial, mejorar la capacitación de los operadores de justicia y asegurar recursos adecuados para una investigación efectiva. Las conclusiones sugieren la urgencia de reformas integrales en el sistema judicial ecuatoriano para garantizar una administración de justicia justa y eficaz en casos de derechos humanos. Este estudio proporciona una base sólida para futuras investigaciones y ofrece recomendaciones concretas para mejorar la implementación de los estándares de investigación judicial, con implicaciones significativas para la comunidad científica y la sociedad en general en términos de protección y promoción de los derechos humanos en Ecuador.
Análisis de riesgos psicosociales y su impacto en la salud mental de los trabajadores de una industria florícola en Ecuador: Un estudio de caso
Authors:   Investigador Independiente, Chimbo Chimbo Silvana de Lourdes , Retto Cortez María Isabel ,   Investigador Independiente, Cargua Hernández Ciro Abad ,   Investigador Independiente
Published: June 2024

Las condiciones de trabajo en la industria florícola ha sido objeto de estudio debido a los riesgos psicosociales que presentan los trabajadores, estos riesgos obedecen a diferentes factores que afectan a los trabajadores a nivel mundial, los cuales se pueden manifestar en forma de estrés, ansiedad, entre otros, afectando la salud en general. El estudio tiene como objetivo analizar los riesgos psicosociales en la salud mental de los trabajadores de la industria florícola en Riobamba, Ecuador. Se utilizó una metodología cuantitativa y cualitativa, descriptiva y de corte transversal, se empleo el cuestionario de evaluación de riesgo psicosocial del Ministerio del Trabajo, aplicado a 70 trabajadores. Los resultados resaltan una alta prevalencia de riesgos psicosociales que afectan al 41% de los trabajadores, con la dimensión de recuperación siendo la más afectada en un 61%, además se pudo constatar que los riesgos psicosociales afectan según la edad, género, nivel educativo y a que etnia pertenecían los trabajadores. Las conclusiones hacen énfasis en la necesidad de aplicar medidas proactivas para prevenir los riesgos psicosociales presentes y promover un entorno laboral saludable y productivo.
Análise de narrativas/cenas em tela
Authors: Rosa Mauricio , Esquincalha Agnaldo da Conceição
Published: June 2024

Esse artigo investiga como o processo de análise de cenas e a construção de planos de aula de matemática sobre gêneros e sexualidades por parte de professoras/ies/es de matemática (participantes de em uma disciplina de pós-graduação, que tratou de temáticas de exclusão/inclusão com produtos cinematográficos) pode contribuir para a compreensão/constituição da responsabilidade social dessas/us/es participantes diante dessas questões. Por meio da Teoria Queer, interseccionalidade e decolonialidade de gênero analisamos o processo de discussão das cenas e os planos de aula de matemática desenvolvidos pelas/peles/pelos professoras/ies/es. Assim, entendemos que as proposições de aulas de matemática sobre temáticas ligadas a gêneros e sexualidades partindo da análise de obras cinematográficas estabelecem a compreensão/constituição da responsabilidade social das/des/dos professoras/ies/es analisadas/es/os, por vezes, de forma inicial e ainda temerosa em relação à temática trans, por vezes, sob uma perspectiva queer de estranhamento e provocação de reflexões profícuas sobre a aula de matemática.
Impacto de la vacunación frente a la COVID-19 en Navarra, 2021-2022
Authors:   Instituto de Salud Pública y Laboral de Navarra, Pamplona, España., Castilla Jesús , Martínez-Baz Iván ,   Instituto de Salud Pública y Laboral de Navarra, Pamplona, España., Casado Itziar ,   Instituto de Salud Pública y Laboral de Navarra, Pamplona, España., García Cenoz Manuel ,   Instituto de Salud Pública y Laboral de Navarra, Pamplona, España., Marquínez Sara ,   Servicio de Medicina Preventiva e Higiene Hospitalaria, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Pamplona,, Trobajo-Sanmartín Camino ,   Instituto de Salud Pública y Laboral de Navarra, Pamplona, España., Guevara Marcela ,   Instituto de Salud Pública y Laboral de Navarra, Pamplona, España.
Published: June 2024

Fundamento. La COVID-19 tuvo un impacto importante en la salud de la población. Desde enero de 2021, una proporción creciente de la población ha recibido vacunas frente a la COVID-19 (vacunación COVID) que han demostrado una alta efectividad para prevenir formas graves de esta enfermedad. Este estudio ha evaluado el impacto de la vacunación COVID para prevenir hospitalizaciones y defunciones en Navarra.Métodos. A partir de la vigilancia epidemiológica reforzada y de estimaciones de efectividad de las vacunas se calculó el número de infecciones, ingresos hospitalarios y en unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) y defunciones que se han prevenido mediante la vacunación COVID entre enero de 2021 y septiembre de 2022.Resultados. Hasta septiembre de 2022, el 88% de la población había recibido alguna dosis de vacuna COVID. Se estima que la vacunación ha prevenido el 15% (n=45.320) de los casos confirmados, el 75% (n=12.703) de los ingresos hospitalarios, el 66% (n=877) de los ingresos en UCI y el 82% (n=3.367) de las defunciones. Durante 2021 descendió progresivamente la proporción de ingresos y defunciones por COVID-19 observados respecto a las que hubieran podido producirse sin vacunación. En ausencia de vacunación COVID, los ingresos y defunciones en las ondas de la variante Ómicron habrían superado ampliamente las cifras registradas en 2020. Se estima que se evitó un caso de COVID-19 confirmado por cada 13 personas vacunadas, una hospitalización por cada 45, un ingreso en UCI por cada 656 y una defunción por cada 171.Conclusiones. La vacunación COVID ha tenido un papel muy importante en la prevención de hospitalizaciones y defunciones en Navarra, cambiando totalmente la gravedad y letalidad de esta enfermedad.
Prevalence and Incidence of Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus Among HIV-Infected Individuals Receiving HAART in Chongwe District, Lusaka Province, Zambia
Authors: Hamoonga Bona Mwiinga , Tsarkov Anatolii , Petlovanyi Petro , Marinda Pamela Ayiera , Kumwenda Chiza , Oguta Tom Joseph , Musonda Evans , Phiri Crecious
Published: June 2024

Background: The Zambia National Health Strategic Plan (ZNHSP) 2011–2017 underscores the need for community-level risk factor stratification to bolster insufficient incidence and prevalence data. This study evaluates the prevalence and incidence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in HIV-infected patients on Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) and assesses associations with ARV use.
Methodology: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using the SMART CARE database in Chongwe district, involving 2070 HIV-infected persons on HAART. Statistical analysis included Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and logistic regression.
Results: Among participants, 33.8% exhibited hypertension, with an incidence case fatality rate of 85.7 per 1000 person-years (PYFU). Hypertension was notably higher in men (64%) than women (49%) and prevalent in the 18–45 age group (57.2%). The incidence of type II diabetes was 37.4 per 1000 PYFU. Logistic regression highlighted significant predictors for both conditions, including ART combination, age, and smoking status.
Conclusion: High prevalence and incidence rates of hypertension and type II diabetes were observed among HIV-positive individuals on HAART. Certain HAART combinations, particularly twoNRTIs plus a PI or INSTI, correlated with increased hypertension risk, while combinations including NNRTI or INSTI were linked to higher diabetes incidence.
Supervision of the activities of non-banking financial institutions
Authors: Yesimov S. S.
Published: June 2024

The article examines the supervision of the activities of non-banking financial institutions based on current legislation. The object of the study is the set of relationships that arise in the process of financial control over the activities of non-banking financial institutions. The subject is the laws and regulations of the National Bank of Ukraine regulating the activities of non-banking financial institutions. The methodological basis of the research is general scientific and private scientific methods of cognition. It is noted that effective control and supervision of the activities of non-banking financial institutions is an integral condition for ensuring the stability and development of the financial market, protecting the rights and legitimate interests of consumers of financial services. Supervision of non-banking financial institutions is characterized by the use of: a risk-oriented approach, which assumes that supervisory measures are carried out with different frequency, intensity and concentration on the identified risks of a non-banking financial institution depending on its risk profile. Risk-based supervision arises as a supplement to formal compliance supervision. Supervision of the activities of non-banking financial institutions includes: macro prudential supervision aimed at ensuring the safety and stability of the financial market; oversight of the judgment-based regulatory model; proportional (selective) regulation and supervision; behavioral supervision; a combination of forms of supervision based on a balanced combination of various forms of control and supervision activities of the National Bank of Ukraine. Expanding the powers of non-banking financial institutions to combine types of activities will lead to the development of the market by reducing the costs of its participants and introducing new digital technologies into the practice of non-banking financial institutions. One of the most urgent tasks facing the National Bank of Ukraine today is to overcome the approach to regulation exclusively by types of legal entities by moving to a more progressive model of regulation by types of activity.
Legal aspects of the application of the defense forces during the state of martial
Authors: Medvid L. P. , Simchukevich Y. W.
Published: June 2024

This article delves into the legal aspects of employing various defense components. It analyzes regulatory and legal documents that define the tasks and purposes of Ukraine’s Defense Forces, including security forces, defense forces, the defense industry complex, and citizens and public associations that voluntarily participate in ensuring national security. The article outlines their functions, as reflected in new strategic documents. It demonstrates that the primary focus of security and defense sector development is on restoring and maintaining the state’s defense capability at an appropriate level. The paper identifies additional powers granted to military command under martial law, which are associated with certain limitations on rights and freedoms, necessary to ensure the possibility of introducing and implementing martial law measures. The study analyzes the entities entrusted with tasks related to the implementation of the state’s defense function, namely: the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard of Ukraine, and the State Border Service of Ukraine. It reveals that the lack of a unified normative act regulating the interaction between security and defense sector institutions within the framework of tasks for ensuring the state’s defense poses a certain problem. This item examines the powers of the National Police of Ukraine under martial law and emphasizes the legal status and organization of territorial defense units. An analysis of criminal norms reveals that the amendments and additions to the Criminal Code of Ukraine will become the basis for establishing constitutional order in society and the state as a whole. The article states that in the context of the aggravation of the socio-political situation in Ukraine, caused by the active influence of the Russian Federation on the spread of anti-state and separatist tendencies and direct interference in all social processes of Ukraine, there is a need to unite all components of security and defense, given the complexity of the threats facing the country. It is noted that it will be possible to separate issues into separate security or defense ones only after the elimination of the threat from the Russian Federation.
Principles and stages of internal control application in the activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ministry of defense of Ukraine
Authors: Pashchenko E. M. , Chaliy M. G.
Published: June 2024

This article explores the issue of internal control within the system of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Ukraine study and regulate these issues through specialized structures such as control and audit departments, ensuring compliance with standards and internal regulations in military units and divisions.
The article analyzes the process of developing and implementing a new concept of internal control in the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, based on risk management principles. The activities of the internal control and audit structure are described, based on the principles of responsibility for the organization of this system, which are borne by the leaders at all levels of management of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. Mechanisms for managing internal control at various levels of military management are outlined, including coordination and monitoring of internal control functioning. The role of the Main Inspection of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Minister of Defense in ensuring effective internal control in the system is highlighted.
The importance of the COSO standard, legislatively entrenched in the USA and used in most government organizations, as well as the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 regarding the assessment of the effectiveness of the internal control system, are noted.
The article also discusses the fundamental principles of internal control in the activities of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, including legality, transparency, accountability, systematicity and purposefulness, as well as independence. This article is an important source for understanding the mechanisms of internal control and risk management in the defense sector of Ukraine. The article describes the stages of internal control, including planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation, as well as correction and improvement. Requirements for the organization of internal control include the creation of regulations, appointment of a responsible person, risk management, and monitoring. The article examines key aspects of internal control, such as improving internal audit processes, enhancing staff competency, and creating information systems. The development of the internal control theme is aimed at improving the efficiency and reliability of Ukraine’s defense sector, which is crucial for strengthening national security and defense capabilities.