bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Was EU’s COVID-19 vaccine procurement strategy irrational? A re-analysis based on cost-effectiveness considerations
Authors: Gandjour Afschin
Published: November 2022

Aim

The European Union (EU) has received criticism for being slow to secure coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine contracts in 2020 before the approval of the first COVID-19 vaccine. This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the EU’s COVID-19 vaccine procurement strategy. To this end, the study retrospectively determined the minimum vaccine efficacy that made vaccination cost-effective from a societal perspective in Germany before clinical trial announcements in late 2020. The results were compared with the expected vaccine efficacy before the announcements.

Methods

Two strategies were analyzed: vaccination followed by the complete lifting of mitigation measures and a long-term mitigation strategy. A decision model was constructed using, for example, information on age-specific fatality rates, intensive care unit costs and outcomes, and herd protection thresholds. The base-case time horizon was 5 years. Cost-effectiveness of vaccination was determined in terms of the costs per life-year gained. The value of an additional life-year was borrowed from new, innovative oncological drugs, as cancer is a condition with a perceived threat similar to that of COVID-19.

Results

A vaccine with 50% efficacy against death due to COVID-19 was not clearly cost-effective compared with a long-term mitigation strategy if mitigation measures were planned to be lifted after vaccine rollout. The minimum vaccine efficacy required to achieve cost-effectiveness was 40% in the base case. The sensitivity analysis showed considerable variation around the minimum vaccine efficacy, extending above 50% for some of the input variables.

Conclusions

This study showed that vaccine efficacy levels expected before clinical trial announcements did not clearly justify lifting mitigation measures from a cost-effectiveness standpoint. Hence, the EU’s sluggish procurement strategy still appeared to be rational at the time of decision making.
Zero-profile implant versus conventional cage–plate construct in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for the treatment of single-level degenerative cervical spondylosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kahaer Alafate , Chen Ruilin , Maitusong Muzaipaer , Mijiti Peierdun , Rexiti Paerhati
Published: November 2022

Background

The clinical outcomes of single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with the Zero-profile (Zero-p) were evaluated in comparison with the anterior cervical cage–plate construct (CPC).

Methods

We performed a systematic search covering PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Medline, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (NCKI), Wan Fang Database, and Wei Pu Database. Articles focused on single-level ACDF or data of the single - level that can be extracted were included, and articles that did not directly compare Zero-p and CPC were excluded. Twenty-seven studies were included with a total of 1866 patients, 931 in the Zero-p group and 935 in the CPC group. All outcomes were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4.

Results

The meta-analysis outcomes indicated that operative time (WMD = − 12.47, 95% CI (− 16.89, − 8.05), P < 0.00001), intraoperative blood loss (WMD = − 13.30, 95% CI (− 18.83, − 7.78), P < 0.00001), risk of adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) (OR 0.31, 95% CI (0.20, 0.48), P < 0.0001), risk of dysphagia of short-term (OR 0.40, 95% CI (0.30, 0.54), P < 0.0001), medium-term (OR 0.31, 95% CI (0.20, 0.49), P < 0.0001), and long-term (OR 0.29, 95% CI (0.17, 0.51), P < 0.0001) of Zero-p group were significantly lower. The JOA score of Zero-p group at the final follow-up was significantly higher (WMD = − 0.17, 95% CI (− 0.32, − 0.03), P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in length of stay (LOS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analogue Score (VAS), fusion rate, segmental Cobb angle, cervical Cobb angle, prevertebral soft tissue thickness (PSTT), SF-36, subsidence, implant failure, and hoarseness between the two groups. This study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022347146.

Conclusion

Zero-p group reduced operative time, intraoperative blood loss, JOA score at follow-up and reduced the incidence of dysphagia and postoperative ASD, but the two devices had the same efficacy in restoring the cervical curvature, preventing the cage subsidence, and in postoperative VAS, NDI, LOS, PSTT, SF-36, fusion rate, implant failure, and hoarseness in single-level ACDF. The use of Zero-p in single-level ACDF was recommended.
Higher blood pressure versus normotension targets to prevent acute kidney injury: a systematic review and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Tran Phu Nguyen Trong , Kusirisin Prit , Kaewdoungtien Piyanut , Phannajit Jeerath , Srisawat Nattachai
Published: November 2022

Background

Renal hypoperfusion is one of the most common causes of acute kidney injury (AKI), especially in shock and perioperative patients. An optimal blood pressure (BP) target to prevent AKI remains undetermined. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of available randomized clinical trial (RCT) results to address this knowledge gap.

Methods

From inception to May 13, 2022, we searched Ovid Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, clinicaltrials.gov, and WHO ICTRP for RCTs comparing higher BP target versus normotension in hemodynamically unstable patients (shock, post-cardiac arrest, or surgery patients). The outcomes of interest were post-intervention AKI rate and renal replacement therapy (RRT) rate. Two investigators independently screened the citations and reviewed the full texts for eligible studies according to a predefined form.

Results

Twelve trials were included, enrolling a total of 5759 participants, with shock, non-cardiac, and cardiac surgery patients accounting for 3282 (57.0%), 1687 (29.3%) and 790 (13.7%) patients, respectively. Compared to lower mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) targets that served as normotension, targeting higher MAP had no significant effect on AKI rates in shock (RR [95% CI] = 1.10 [0.93, 1.29]), in cardiac-surgery (RR [95% CI] = 0.87 [0.73, 1.03]) and non-cardiac surgery patients (RR [95% CI] = 1.25 [0.98, 1.60]) using random-effects meta-analyses. In shock patients with premorbid hypertension, however, targeting MAP above 70 mmHg resulted in significantly lower RRT risks, RR [95%CI] = 1.20 [1.03, 1.41], p < 0.05.

Conclusions

Targeting a higher MAP in shock or perioperative patients may not be superior to normotension, except in shock patients with premorbid hypertension. Further studies are needed to assess the effects of a high MAP target to preventing AKI in hypertensive patients across common settings of hemodynamic instability.

Trial registration This systematic review has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021286203) on November 19, 2021, prior to data extraction and analysis.
First data on bacteria associated with bat ectoparasites collected in Kharkiv oblast, Northeastern Ukraine
Authors: Vlaschenko Anton , Răileanu Cristian , Tauchmann Oliver , Muzyka Denys , Bohodist Valeria , Filatov Serhii , Rodenko Olena , Tovstukha Ihor , Silaghi Cornelia
Published: November 2022

Background

Bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) serve as natural reservoirs for many zoonotic pathogens worldwide, including vector-borne pathogens. However, bat-associated parasitic arthropods and their microbiota are thus far not thoroughly described in many regions across the globe, nor is their role in the spillover of pathogens to other vertebrate species well understood. Basic epidemiological research is needed to disentangle the complex ecological interactions among bats, their specific ectoparasites and microorganisms they harbor. Some countries, such as Ukraine, are particularly data-deficient in this respect as the ectoparasitic fauna is poorly documented there and has never been screened for the presence of medically important microorganisms. Therefore, the aims of this study were to provide first data on this topic.

Methods

A total of 239 arthropod specimens were collected from bats. They belonged to several major groups of external parasites, including soft ticks, fleas, and nycteribiid flies from six chiropteran species in Northeastern Ukraine. The ectoparasites were individually screened for the presence of DNA of Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp., Bartonella spp., Borrelia spp., and Babesia spp. with conventional PCRs. Positive samples were amplified at several loci, sequenced for species identification, and subjected to phylogenetic analysis.

Results

Rickettsia DNA was detected exclusively in specimens of the soft tick, Carios vespertilionis (7 out of 43 or 16.3%). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed high similarity to sequences from Rickettsia parkeri and several other Rickettsia species. Bacteria from the family Anaplasmataceae were detected in all groups of the ectoparasites (51%, 122/239 samples), belonging to the genera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Wolbachia. The detection of Bartonella spp. was successful only in fleas (Nycteridopsylla eusarca) and bat flies (Nycteribia koleantii, N. pedicularia), representing 12.1% (29/239) of the collected ectoparasites. No DNA of Babesia or Borrelia species was identified in the samples.

Conclusions

We report for the first time in Ukraine the molecular detection of several bacterial agents in bat ectoparasites collected from six species of bats. The data presented extend the knowledge on the distribution of ectoparasite species in bats and their involvement in potentially circulating agents pathogenic for humans and vertebrate animals.

Graphical Abstract
The capacity of young national medicine regulatory authorities to ensure the quality of medicines: case of Rwanda
Authors: Shabani Jean Baptiste B. , Kayitare Egide , Nyirimigabo Eric , Habyalimana Vedaste , Murindahabi Marilyn M. , Ntirenganya Lazare , Irasabwa Clarisse , Rutungwa Eugene , Munyangaju Jose Edouard , Hahirwa Innocent
Published: November 2022

Background

Access to quality medicines is a global initiative to ensure universal health coverage. However, the limited capacity of National Medicines Regulatory Authorities (NMRAs) to prevent and detect the supply of poor-quality medicines led to the predominance of sub-standard and falsified (SF) medicines in the supply chains of many countries. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the capacity of a young NMRA to ensure the quality of medicines with Rwanda as a case study.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the capacity of the Rwanda FDA, a young NMRA, to identify gaps and existing opportunities for improving regulatory capacity and ensuring the quality of medicines.

Methods

This study used a descriptive cross-sectional design with both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative approach used a self-administered questionnaire to collect data from employees of Rwanda FDA who are involved in medicine regulatory practices based on their positions while the qualitative research approach covered a desk review of key regulatory documents. The data collection tool was developed from the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) for “Evaluation of National Regulatory System of Medical Products Revision VI”.

Results

Of the 251 WHO sub-indicators assessed, 179 sub-indicators (71%) were fully implemented, 17 sub-indicators (7%) were partially implemented, 9 sub-indicators (4%) were ongoing and 46 sub-indicators (18%) were not implemented by the time of the study. The results of the study showed that the estimated maturity level at which Rwanda FDA operates is maturity level 2. The study reported the challenges hindering the implementation of key regulatory functions that need to be addressed. Challenges reported include but are not limited to understaffing, lack of automation system, poor implementation of the quality management system, lack of screening technologies for SF medicines, low capacity of the quality control laboratory to test all sampled medicines and lack of regulatory inspection tools/equipment.

Conclusion

Findings indicated that all key regulatory functions were operating and supported by the legal framework. However, the implementation of key regulatory functions faced challenges that need to be addressed for better organizational effectiveness and compliance with the requirements of a higher maturity level.
Endoscopic surgery versus craniotomy in the treatment of spontaneous intracerebral hematoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Du Xiaolin , Lin Xiaoning , Wang Cheng , Zhou Kun , Wei Yigong , Tian Xinhua
Published: November 2022

Background

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) has high morbidity and mortality, with no clear standard of treatment available. Compared with the craniotomy approach, neuroendoscopy is a relatively minimally invasive treatment method, and may be an efficient alternative. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of neuroendoscopy and craniotomy in SICH patients.

Methods

The electronic databases Web of Science, PubMed, EmBase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched. According to the PRISMA template, we finally selected and analyzed 14 eligible studies that evaluated neuroendoscopy versus craniotomy. Primary outcomes included operation time, intraoperative blood loss volume, evacuation rate, residual hematoma, complications, hospital stay duration, clinical outcomes, and other parameters.

Results

A total of 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 10 retrospective studies (non-RCTs) involving 1652 patients were included in the final analysis. In the neuroendoscopy (NE) group, operation time (p < 0.00001), intraoperative blood loss volume (p < 0.0001), hematoma evacuation rate (p = 0.0002), complications (p < 0.00001), hospitalization days (p = 0.004), and mortality (p < 0.0001) were significantly different from those of the craniotomy (C) group, with a higher rate of good recovery compared with the craniotomy group (P < 0.00001).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that patients with SICH and physicians may benefit more from neuroendoscopic surgery than craniotomy.
Changing the outcomes of newborns with surgical conditions at a tertiary-level hospital in Kenya: a cluster randomized trial
Authors: Saula Peter , Kikuvi Gideon , Kombe Yeri , Marete Irene
Published: November 2022

Background

Globally, 10% of neonatal mortality in low-/middle-income countries (L/MIC) is directly attributed to surgical conditions, and appropriate referral and transport of newborns to tertiary-level hospitals for surgical care often underlie their survival. This study aimed at evaluating the outcomes of newborns with surgical conditions in a low-resource setting, in the context of a structured standard operating procedure (SOP) for newborn transport. 

Methods

A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted. Ten county hospitals that refer newborns with surgical conditions to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) were selected and randomized into intervention group (A) and control group (B). A structured standard operating procedure (SOP) for transport of newborns was introduced in the hospitals in group A via an education module. Thereafter, 126 newborns (63 in group A and 63 in group B) were enrolled, upon their admission to the MTRH. All the newborns from both groups of referring hospitals were given standard surgical care upon admission. Data on study variables was collected and analyzed, and the outcomes of the newborns in the two groups were compared to assess the effect of the structured SOP.

Results

The median age at admission was 4.1 days in group A and 4.6 days in group B. The top 4 surgical conditions were gastroschisis, hydrocephalus, Hirschsprung’s disease, and anorectal malformations. There was a statistically significant difference (p < .05) in all parameters that measured the clinical status of the newborns at admission, in the two groups. Mortality rate was 3.2% in group A and 28.6% in group B (p < .001), and hospital stay was 11 days in group A and 18 days in group B.

Conclusion

Appropriate transport of newborns with surgical conditions significantly improved their outcomes at the MTRH.

Level of evidence

II
Application of a method for the sustainable planning and management of ground source heat pump systems in an urban environment, considering the effects of reciprocal thermal interference
Authors: Belliardi Marco , Soma Linda , Perego Rodolfo , Pera Sebastian , Di Sipio Eloisa , Zarrella Angelo , Carnieletto Laura , Galgaro Antonio , Badenes Borja , Pasquali Riccardo , Bertermann David , Sanner Burkhard
Published: November 2022

The “Most Easy, Efficient and Low Cost Geothermal Systems for Retrofitting Civil and Historical Buildings” (GEO4CIVHIC) project aims to accelerate the deployment of shallow geothermal systems for heating and cooling purposes when retrofitting existing and historical buildings. Analyzing the implementation process of borehole heat exchangers (BHEs), allows the understanding of how to promote the long-term sustainability of shallow geothermal energy systems. The thermal interference between BHE systems represents a problem, especially due to the increasing deployment of this technology and its spread in densely built-up areas.

The main goal of this paper is to propose a conceptual model and to apply this to different case studies. The methodology includes phases to adopt an integrated approach for preventing long term thermal interference in neighbouring borehole heat exchangers, by providing management strategies and technical suggestions for design and operation.

The method developed follows the following steps: 1) literature review to determine what are the main drivers for thermal interference between shallow geothermal systems, in the context of the GEO4CIVHIC project case study sites; 2) to create a conceptual model to limit thermal interference at both design and operational phases; 3) to apply the developed method to real and virtual case studies in countries with different regulatory frameworks and to test its main strengths and weaknesses. The application of this conceptual model to specific case studies provides evidence of critical planning and operational characteristics of GSHP systems and allows the identification of measures to mitigate impacts of thermal interference to be identified.
The genome sequence of the malaria mosquito, Anopheles funestus, Giles, 1900
Authors: Ayala Diego , Akone-Ella Ousman , Kengne Pierre , Johnson Harriet , Heaton Haynes , Collins Joanna , Krasheninnikova Ksenia , Pelan Sarah , Pointon Damon-Lee , Sims Ying , Torrance James , Tracey Alan , Uliano-Silva Marcela , von Wyschetzki Katharina , Wood Jonathan ,   DNA Pipelines collective, McCarthy Shane , Neafsey Daniel , Makunin Alex , Lawniczak Mara
Published: November 2022

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Anopheles funestus (the malaria mosquito; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Culicidae). The genome sequence is 251 megabases in span. The majority of the assembly is scaffolded into three chromosomal pseudomolecules with the X sex chromosome assembled. The complete mitochondrial genome was also assembled and is 15.4 kilobases in length.
The Landscape as a Silent Witness of a Fragile Memory in Paweł Pawlikowski’s 2013 Film Ida
Authors: Frach Sylwia
Published: November 2022

This article focuses on Paweł Pawlikowski’s 2013 film Ida, analysing how the formal and aesthetic aspects question silent witnesses about the difficult past using pictures as a useful testifier. In the context of Poland’s national memory, its current political discourse and the Polish-Jewish relations during World War II, Ida offers a significant contribution. The process of scrutinising this difficult past becomes a journey, a troublesome event when a remembrance must be constructed and experienced. The film journey offers a possibility to get back to this period of time and encourages us to pose certain questions: how do sites of memory remain with us through cinematographic or photographic representations? How can we define this physical and mental landscape of the journey as being a fragile memory? Drawing on Carlo Ginzburg’s index paradigm, the author proceeds to reflect upon the traumatic events of the Holocaust in the Polish landscape through two important photographic moments related to cinema.
Perspektywy reformy Wspólnej Polityki Bezpieczeństwa i Obrony Unii Europejskiej do 2025 roku. Autonomia strategiczna UE?
Authors: Węc Janusz J.
Published: November 2022

PROSPECTS FOR REFORM OF THE EUROPEAN UNION’S COMMON SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY TO 2025: EU STRATEGIC AUTONOMY? The research objective of the paper is to highlight the prospects for the implementation of the main directions of the reform of the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) of the European Union until 2025. The caesuras of the work are marked by two events: the adoption of the Global Strategy for the Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union by the European Council on 28 June 2016 and the decision of the European Council of 24 March 2022 on the adoption of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defense. First of all, the research hypothesis should be established that the full implementation of CSDP reform, which was initiated with the adoption of the Global Strategy for the Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union, and the resulting projects can significantly strengthen the position of the EU in the international arena. This will lead to the establishment of the European Security and Defense Union and the EU Rapid Reaction Force (5,000 troops) by the end of 2025. However, since many of the planned reform elements have not yet been completed or initiated, much will depend on the political will of individual member state governments, the level of spending on reform implementation by member states and the EU, and the progress of other reforms already underway (including addressing the economic and social consequences of the pandemic crisis and implementing eurozone systemic reform). The following research questions should then be asked: (1) How has the implementation process of the Global Strategy for the European Union’s Foreign and Security Policy gone so far? (2) How has the implementation of new projects (including the European Defense Fund, PESCO, and the Strategic Compass) affected EU-NATO relations? (3) How do selected EU member states assess these projects? (4) To what extent can the project to establish a European Security Council with the participation of Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Poland compete with and usefully complement the EU Strategic Compass project? The first part of the analysis presents the implementation process of the Global Strategy for the Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union until 2022. The second part analyzes the goals, priorities, and assumptions of the Strategic Compass, the implementation of which is intended to lead the EU to strategic autonomy by 2030.
Tips for the shop floor for trainees working in paediatric hospital medicine
Authors: Chithiramohan Anita , Taylor Andrew
Published: November 2022

Paediatrics is one of the most useful rotations for junior doctors to undertake, allowing them to learn and develop the skills necessary to provide child-centred care. As with any speciality, it can be daunting to cover on-calls with no previous experience, so guidance for those starting paediatric placements can be valuable. This article provides up-to-date information and preparation strategies for all junior doctors, whether they are considering undertaking a paediatric rotation as a trainee or in a trust post, or are already in training, such as on general practitioner vocational schemes.
Multi-taper array for dynamic strain measurements by a Brillouin optical frequency-domain analysis
Authors: Catalano E. , Vallifuoco R. , Bernini R. , Zeni L. , Minardo A.
Published: November 2022

In this manuscript, we demonstrate that an array of tapers, consecutively formed along a single-mode optical fiber, can be used to realize a localized, dynamic strain sensing position with a Brillouin Optical Frequency-Domain Analysis (BOFDA) sensor. The multi-taper realizes a periodic modulation of the Brillouin frequency shift, which appears as a spectral resonance in the baseband transfer function acquired by the BOFDA sensor. Any strain acting along the multi-taper affects the magnitude of this resonance, offering a means to perform dynamic strain measurements in that position. Fabricating multi-taper arrays with a different period, more dynamic sensing positions can be realized along the same fiber. Measurements on two vibrating cantilevers were performed at a sampling rate of 46 Hz, using two multi-taper arrays with a length of 72 mm and 75 mm, respectively.
Facile Green Synthesis of Bromoaniline Molecules: An Experimental and
Computational Insight into their Antifungal Behaviour
Authors: Longkumer Naruti , Richa Kikoleho , Karmaker Rituparna , Singha Basanta , Sinha Upasana Bora
Published: November 2022

Through the bromination of organic substrates using cetyltrimethylammonium tribromide (CTMATB),
a series of bromoanilines have been synthesized using a greener synthetic process. The synthesized
bromoanilines were optimized by testing for antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum,
Penicillium italicum, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. The ADMET profiling was studied to
determine the drug likeliness of the compounds. In silico studies were done to understand the
ligand-protein interaction of the compounds with a target protein. Density functional theory (DFT)
studies have been carried out in order to study the reactivity of the compounds through their bandgap
energy to supplement and validate the antifungal property of the synthesized compounds.
The Twentieth Century through the History of the House at Sanatornaya Station in Vladivostok
Authors: Gaykin V.A.
Published: November 2022

Regional history and local history are of increasing interest to researchers due to the worldwide trend of increasing interest in the history of individual territories. The history of the mansion in the suburb of Vladivostok was not previously the subject of local historians. The article also raises the question concerning the importance of preserving the cultural and historical heritage. The author provides a literary and historical sketch about the history of the house, reflecting the history of the twentieth century with its wars and social cataclysms. The people, whose shelter was the mansion at Sanatornaya Station, were involved in many "Great Upheavals" that changed the world and Russia. They became symbols of cultural and political life in the last century. The house was built by the seaside oligarch Boris Briner and was used as a dacha. The mansion remembers the mischievous boy Yulia (Yula), grandson of the founder of the Briner dynasty who became a favorite of the postwar cinema audience, the world-famous actor Yul Brynner, the American Robin Hood from the famous western "The Magnificent Seven". In the 1930s the NKVD (Narodnyy Komissariat Vnutrennikh Del or People's Commisariat for Internal Affairs) turned the house into a special school for training world revolutionary fighters. In 1942, a young Korean guerrilla, Kim Song-joo, mastered the subtleties of sabotage and intelligence activities in this "training institution". In 1946 he became known to the world as Kim Il-sung, the leader of North Korea. In the 1990s the Oriental School successfully operated in the building of the Briner's former dacha, where Russian children studied the history of the foreign Far East, ancient and mysterious cultures.
Images of Daggers on Deer Stones (Historiographical Review of Russian Studies)
Authors: Likhacheva O.S.
Published: November 2022

The article presents the history of the study of images of daggers on "deer" stones. The carvings of this type of weapon are not only the most common on this type of statues, but also most often distinguished by a sufficiently high degree of elaboration and realism, which invariably attracts the attention of researchers to them. The work under consideration is divided into three blocks. These are specialized studies devoted to the study of "deer" stones. Monographs on the ancient history of individual regions, where "deer" stones are included as one of the types of monuments of this territory. Articles that touch upon various aspects of the study of these sculptures: the introduction of new materials into scientific circulation, the analysis and interpretation of known sources. Inside the blocks, the chronological sequence of presentation is observed. The analysis of the studies made it possible to identify certain successes in the study of the designated topic. The source base is collected to the maximum extent, the range of analogies for this category of images is indicated, and their chronological groups are highlighted. At the same time, classification schemes have not been developed, and all available information is mostly scattered and not systematized, which gives a number of tasks for its further systematic study.
A Critical Analysis and Review of the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach for Rural Development
Authors: Lusinga-Machikicho Susan , Mutanana Ngonidzashe
Published: November 2022

The main objective of this paper was to evaluate and analyse the importance of the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA) and its application to policies and projects for rural development. Literature focusing on the main components of the SLA was reviewed. The paper noted that the SLA is effective in interrogating the livelihoods of the poor and the various mechanisms contained in the approach such as all forms of capital, the vulnerability aspect, livelihood strategies and outcomes as well as the various laws and regulations governing the access and use of resources.  It has been observed by leading scholars such as Chambers and  Scoones (1992) as an inclusive and top- down approach. The approach has theoretically proven that it assists in understanding the livelihoods of the poor in rural communities. It is recommended that government and their development partners adopt and incorporate the SLA into their policies for sustainable livelihoods and development.
Political Factors Influencing the Shortage of Human Resources for Health in Samburu County Referral Hospital, Kenya
Authors: Omambia Salim M. , Nganga Nipher Khisah
Published: November 2022

Objective: The principal reason for carrying out the project was to determine the political factors that influenced the shortage of human resources for health at Samburu County Referral Hospital in Kenya. Design setting: The investigation deployed a cross-sectional study. Subjects or participants: A sample population of 145 participants was calculated using the Fishers et al method of 1998. Data collection was done using a survey with closed-ended queries. A strict inclusion criterion was followed to select the respondents from all trained health personnel in Samburu County Referral Hospital in Kenya. Data were analyzed using SPSS, presented in figures with various diagrams like charts and tables and interpreted using descriptive statistics.  Results: The results showed that according to the study, there were no programs set aside to ensure that all employees in the hospital were treated fairly. When it came to discharging their jobs especially posting, 72.6% (p-value 0.000 and OR 1.1), agreed that they gave bribes to be posted to their preferred working station. Segregation among the healthcare workers had been reported with 59.4% and 56.8% (p-value 0.00 and OR 1.1), of the healthcare workers agreeing that there was segregation by virtue of their religion, gender and culture. Conclusion: Political factors such as employees using their affiliate influence to get better working stations, preferential treatment and job posting were among the major issues highlighted in the study.
Svitlana Ozeranska, Systematization of Monopolies as a Condition for Effective Legal Limitation of Monopolism, „European Political and Law Discurse” 2021, vol. 8, iss. 6 (opr. Karol Dąbrowski)
Authors: Dąbrowski Karol
Published: November 2022

Przegląd wybranych czasopism zagranicznych: Svitlana Ozeranska, Systematization of Monopolies as a Condition for Effective Legal Limitation of Monopolism (Usystematyzowanie monopoli jako warunek efektywnego prawnego ograniczenia monopolizacji), „European Political and Law Discurse” 2021, vol. 8, iss. 6, s. 63–66, DOI: 10.46340/eppd.2021.8.6.10
Geneza i rozwój koncepcji wolności gospodarczej w ujęciu historyczno-prawnym
Authors: Kowalewski Mateusz
Published: November 2022

The aim of the article is to define the concept of economic freedom, using the ideas of the most important representatives of this doctrine. The article refers to the chronology and development of the concept of economic freedom, as well as the evolution of the policy of economic freedom along with the specification of the legal foundations determining the status of economic freedom over the centuries. The author refers only to the most important concepts for the issue in question, focusing on: (1) issues related to economic law and economic freedom or (2) aspects relevant to it in a given period. The initial thesis of the research is that economic freedom policy is a dynamic area, as evidenced by the multitude of legal acts implemented or amended every few years. Where specific legal phenomena are studied and need to be qualified at the same time, reference has been made primarily to the existing stock of well-known institutions. Economic freedom is a topic that has been the subject of lively discussion for many years. At its core, at various times, there were difficulties in determining (defining) economic freedom and its position in a given state. The political transformations lasting hundreds of years have caused economic changes in the state, accompanied by legal problems. The issue of economic freedom is related to the formation of relations between various entities operating on the territory of the state, and especially to how the state as an institution relates to entrepreneurs. Economic freedom has a significant impact on modern states, often leading to a change in their organizational model. For this reason, questions arise: What is economic freedom? What was its evolution? What is the attitude of the state to economic freedom? To what extent is economic freedom de facto “freedom” and what does it mean?
Sulgi X
Authors: Attinger Pascal
Published: November 2022

The reader will find in the following pages a new edition of Sulgi X, a text famous above all for its first part (ll. 1–73), describing the meeting of Innana and Sulgi. The goddess first speaks of her carnal union with the king and thereupon decrees a favourable fate for him. In the remainder of the hymn, Sulgi pays successive visits to Utu, Ninazu and Nanna. He then settles in the Egalmaḫ of Ninegala/Innana and ensures justice and prosperity.
Explaining Post-Pandemic Lumber Price Volatility and its Welfare Effects
Authors: van Kooten G. Cornelis , Zanello Rebecca , Schmitz Andrew
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented increase in the U.S. price of softwood lumber by more than 300%. The price increase has been attributed to constraints on supply and increased demand for lumber caused by a pandemic-induced boom in domestic housing construction and, more so, home improvements. However, the volatility in lumber prices after the COVID-19 outbreak remains unexplained. In this paper, we employ a theoretical model to explain the cause of price volatility. We examine why demand and supply functions for lumber might be quite inelastic over the period from March 2020 to April 2022, despite very small shifts in demand. This implies that slight movements in interest rates or changes in the prices of substitutes, for example, can lead to large jumps in prices. Price volatility harms consumers while greatly benefitting lumber producers. Overall, as a result of the pandemic, U.S. producers gained some $5.3 billion, while U.S. consumers lost $7.3 billion per quarter.
The Reception of the Bible in Geonic Literature
Authors: Visotzky Burton L.
Published: November 2022

This article surveys the reception of the Bible in rabbinic literature during the period from the close of the Talmud until the rise of Rashi and the medieval commentators who followed him – from approximately 650 to 1050 CE. It considers works of midrash and mysticism, as well as works of individual Geonim. The article charts the eclipse of biblical authority in the period, and its reemergence in Europe at the end of the Geonic era.
Chinese Film in the 1930s: Potential Energy and “Left-Wing” Influence
Authors: Yu Ji
Published: November 2022

The history of Chinese films in the 1920s and the 1930s refers to two periods that are at once continuous yet distinctive. Created and formed in the “Concept—Aesthetic” system of “Benevolence—Legend-Influenced Image Narration” of 1920s native film, Chinese film underwent an evolution from the literary film of the Domestic Film Movement to genre film in the tide of commercial films. Then upon entering the 1930s it faced double upheavals: within from the film industry and without, from the socio-historical context. This made Chinese films in the 1930s more complex than before. From the perspective of historical dynamics, potential energy and strong left-wing influence hidden within Chinese film itself were the main causes of this complex historical phenomenon.
Kantian Freedom as “Purposiveness”
Authors: Wright Ava Thomas
Published: November 2022

Arthur Ripstein’s conception of Kantian freedom has exerted an enormous recent influence on scholars of Kant’s political philosophy; however, the conception seems to me flawed. In this paper, I argue that Ripstein’s conception of Kantian freedom as “your capacity to choose the ends you will use your means to pursue” – your “purposiveness” – is both too narrow and too broad: (1) Wrongful acts such as coercive threats cannot choose my ends for me; instead, such acts wrongfully restrict my perceived options. And (2) rightful changes to the context in which I choose that render my means insufficient for my ends restrict my capacity to choose them. Alternatively, my purposiveness reduces to my entitlements; but then freedom as purposiveness is viciously circular or fails as a new approach to the “devastating” objection that motivates it.
Microbial Communities in the Lungs of Bats in China
Authors: Zhao Na , Ren Hongyu , Jiang Yan , Li Yinan , Lian Xingxing , Qin Tian
Published: November 2022

Objective:

Bats are the hosts of multiple pathogens, but the microbial composition of their lung tissues remains unknown. Our study investigated the species compositions and genera of important respiratory tract pathogenic bacteria in bat lung tissue.

Methods:

A microbiota study was conducted in Hebei, Henan and Guizhou provinces in China. Lung tissues were collected from 104 healthy bats. The lung tissue was subjected to 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene sequencing.

Results:

We obtained 7,708,734 high-quality bacterial sequences from 104 healthy bats. Overall, the annotations indicated 55 phyla, 73 classes, 164 orders, 322 families and 953 genera. The lung microbiota was highly polymorphic and variable among bats from Hebei, Henan and Guizhou. The genetic characteristics of the main recognized respiratory pathogens in the samples were analyzed.

Conclusions:

The findings indicate that the lungs of bats carry numerous bacteria with pathogenic importance. Pathogens disseminate through the respiratory tract in bats and are widely distributed among bats. Because bats prefer to inhabit areas placing them in close contact with humans, such as eaves and old buildings, further investigations are warranted to identify bat microbiota and their potential effects on humans.
The role of serum creatinine in the early detection of ureteral injury after gynecological and obstetric surgery
Authors: Link Gerold , Melick MJGJ van , Kruitwagen RFPM
Published: November 2022

Objective: Ureteral injury is a typical complication in pelvic surgery even though occurring not frequently. The goal of this study was to classify the importance of perioperative assessment of serum creatinine with clinical symptoms concerning the early detection of ureteral lesions after surgery. Patients and methods: The postoperative course of 7 gynecological and 2 obstetric patients raising doubt on ureteral integrity was analyzed, retrospectively, using medical records. Clinical symptoms (urinary production, flank pain), and the temporary changes of serum creatinine (µmol/L) as well as interdisciplinary diagnostic and interventional procedures were recorded. Glomerular filtration rate (GRF) was calculated using CKD-EPI formula (mL/min/1.73m2). Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, Fisher’s exact test, non-parametric tests, and regression analysis (SPSS). Results: 6/9 patients presented with ureteral impairment. In 5/6 patients unilateral (n=2) and bilateral (n=3) obstructions were detected all deriving from anterior colporrhaphy. 1 patient exhibited ureteral kinking healing spontaneously. In patients affected by ureteral obstruction diminishing of urinary outflow occurred significantly earlier than flank pain (2.8±1.0 vs. 28.8±9.2 hours, p=0.03). Mean increase in serum creatinine and decrease of GFR was from 72±16 before surgery up to 160±34 and from 79±18 down to 30±6 (p=0.07), respectively, within 8–48 hours after surgery being significantly different from respective values in patients without obstruction (p=0.03). The increase in creatinine in patients with unilateral obstruction followed a logarithmic graph indicating interference between deteriorated ipsilateral and functionally compensating contralateral kidney after 24 hours. Conclusion: Perioperative measurement of serum creatinine is useful in testing ureteral integrity. However, the negative predictive value is superior to the positive predictive value. According to decreasing GFR highly important is a contemporary registration of the urine outflow in the first hours after surgery.
Management the structure and properties of cast aluminum alloy AM4.5Kd (VAL10) by modification with fine crystalline ligatures
Authors:   Physico-Technological Institute of Metals and Alloys of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Prіgunova А. G. , Zhydkov Y. A. ,   Physico-Technological Institute of Metals and Alloys of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Babiuk V. D. ,   Physico-Technological Institute of Metals and Alloys of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Shenevidko L.K. ,   Physico-Technological Institute of Metals and Alloys of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Tsir T.G. ,   Physico-Technological Institute of Metals and Alloys of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: November 2022

To management the structure, mechanical and operational properties of the high-strength cast aluminum alloy АМ4.5Кд (ВАЛ10), the work uses a modification method based on the principle of structural inheritance, using rapidly cooled (Vcool. ≥ 10^5 °С/s) fine-crystal ligatures AlTi5 and AlZr10, and as well as ligatures of the chemical composition of the base alloy with nanoscale size of intermetallics and Alα crystals. Studies have shown that the introduction of fine-crystalline additives into the melt leads to a transition from a dendritic to a non-dendritic structure, a significant decrease in the size of the crystals of the Alα solid solution, and an increase in its degree of supersaturation. The microstructure becomes more uniform - the difference between the maximum and minimum size of the grains decreases. The most effective reduction of the grain size and the transition from dendritic to non-dendritic structure of the aluminum solid solution at increased cooling rates occurs when alloying with fine-crystal AlTi5 ligature introduced into the melt in terms of pure titanium 0.05-0.15 wt. %. We must think that the main factor of modification by rapidly cooled ligatures is the introduction of a large number of additional crystallization centers into the melt. After T6 heat treatment, the highest strength of AM4.5Kd alloy (VAL10) is achieved when modified with AlZr10 ligature, in particular, with a mass fraction of zirconium of 0.25%. Probably, this is mainly due to the expansion of the region of the solid solution of copper and zirconium in aluminum during high-speed cooling and its subsequent disintegration during heat treatment with the release of strengthening nano-sized CuAl2 and Al3Zr phases. Tribological studies of AM4.5Kd alloy (VAL10) were carried out. The alloy modified with fine crystal ligature of the base alloy composition in the amount of 12 wt.% has the highest wear resistance. Keywords: fine crystal ligatures, AM4.5Kd (VAL10), modification, microstructure, strength, wear resistance.
Structure formation of steel castings depending on the temperature-time parameters of melting and crystallization
Authors:   Physico-Technological Institute of Metals and Alloys of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Kondratyuk S.Ye. , Veis V.I. ,   Physico-Technological Institute of Metals and Alloys of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Parkhomchuk Z.V. ,   Physico-Technological Institute of Metals and Alloys of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: November 2022

The paper highlights modern ideas about the features of the processes of crystallization and structure formation in the volume of steel castings, depending on the temperature and time conditions for cooling the melt and cooling the castings, as well as the technological prehistory of charge materials. The analysis of the influence of modification and thermokinetic conditions of crystallization and cooling of steel castings is carried out, taking into account the chemical composition of steels at each stage of the technological cycle for producing cast products. At the stage of selecting charge materials, the conditions for preserving certain metallogenetic features of the initial charge in the structure of steel castings are considered, the existence of an equilibrium temperature (Te), when overheated above which heredity is lost, is considered. Due to this, the possibility of using secondary metal to improve the casting properties without changing their chemical composition is shown. The influence of temperature and time parameters in the pre-crystallization period, namely, the melt overheating temperature, the duration of isothermal treatment and the rate of its subsequent cooling, on the structure formation and properties of steel castings, including taking into account the metallogenetic features of the initial charge, is analyzed. Regularities of the influence of the temperature-time conditions of crystallization in the temperature range of the solid-liquid state on the nature of nucleation and structure formation during the crystallization of steel castings are shown. The features of structure formation and the formation of properties in steel castings under conditions of temperature-kinetic influence after their hardening are determined. And also considered the prospects for obtaining castings with a gradient structure to improve the special properties of cast products. The considered approaches to improve the quality and properties of steel castings open up the prospect of creating new technological solutions and automating technological processes for producing cast products with a predictable set of properties at or above the level of properties of similar rolled products. Keywords: castings, charge, heredity, equilibrium temperature, modification, crystallization, cooling rate, thermal treatment.