bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The p53 Family of Transcription Factors Represses the Alpha- fetoprotein Gene Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wölfel Gisela , Ostheim Elisabeth , Staub Agnes , Tümen Deniz , Heumann Philipp , Schmid Stephan , Schlosser Sophie , Müller Martina , Gulow Karsten , Kunst Claudia
Published: September 2023

Background: p53 deletion and mutation as well as upregulation of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) are hallmarks of hepatocarcinogenesis. p63 and p73 belong to the family of p53-related transcription factors expressing a variety of isoforms. The expression of dominant negative (ΔN) p73 is related to the reduced survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we characterized the interaction between p53 family-dependent signaling pathways and the regulation of AFP at the gene and protein levels as essential determinants of therapeutic response and prognosis in HCC.

Methods: Putative p53-, p63- and p73-binding sites within the AFP gene were identified in silico. Hep3B cells were transfected with plasmids encoding for p53, p63 and p73 to analyze the interplay of the p53 family with AFP. AFP transcription was determined by RT-qPCR. Protein levels of AFP, p53, p63 and p73 were analyzed by Western blot.

Results: Underlining the importance of the crosstalk between the p53 family-dependent pathways and AFP regulation we identified eight novel putative binding sites for the members of the p53 family within the introns 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, and 12 of the AFP gene. Accordingly, full-length isoforms of p53, p63 and p73 efficiently downregulated AFP both on mRNA and protein level. Thus, the p53 family members were identified to be major regulators of AFP repression. Of note, p63 was characterized as a novel and p73 as the most efficient repressor of AFP.

Conclusion: p53 mutation and upregulation of AFP are essential oncogenic events in the development of HCC. Here we show that AFP gene regulation occurs via a combined action of the p53 family members p53, p63 and p73. All three tumor suppressors reduce AFP gene and protein expression. Thus, our findings reveal a novel interaction of p53 family-dependent signaling pathways and AFP regulation at the gene and protein levels in HCC.
The Gut Microbiota Profile in Heart Failure Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Simadibrata Daniel Martin , Auliani Salwa , Widyastuti Putu Ayu , Wijaya Alya Darin , Amin Hilman Zulkifli , Muliawan Hary Sakti , Siswanto Bambang Budi , Simadibrata Marcellus
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims: Traditional cardiovascular risk factors are established predictors of heart failure (HF). However, the human gut microbiota is suggested to potentially interact with the cardiovascular system through the “gut-heart axis”, which induces inflammation and contributes to HF pathogenesis. This systematic review aims to confirm the interconnection between the gut microbiome in HF patients.

Methods: Peer-reviewed human studies comparing the gut microbiota profile in adult patients with HF and healthy controls (HCs) up to April 18, 2022, were searched in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Library. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).

Results: A total of nine studies, including 317 HF patients and 510 HCs, were included in the review. Decreased gut microbiota richness and similar microbial diversity (alpha diversity), and significantly different gut microbiota composition (beta diversity) were observed between HF patients and HCs. In comparison to HCs, HF patients had a greater abundance of Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Synergistetes phyla; Enterococcus, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Veilonella genera and Ruminococcus gnavus, Streptococcus sp., and Veilonella sp. species. In contrast, there was decreased abundance of Firmicutes phylum; Blautia, Eubacterium, Faecalibacterium, and Lachnospiraceae FCS020 genera; and Dorea longicatena, Eubacterium rectale, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Oscillibacter sp., and Sutterella wadsworthensis species in HF patients.

Conclusions: Gut microbiota diversity, richness, and composition in HF patients differ significantly from the healthy population. Overall, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing gut microbiota was depleted in HF patients. However, different underlying comorbidities, environments, lifestyles, and dietary choices could affect gut microbiota heterogeneity.
Child Labour – What Can We Do about It?
Authors: Frączek Maciej , Żyła Aleksandra
Published: September 2023

Background: Despite increasing knowledge of its harmful consequences, child labour is a persistent issue in developing countries; moreover, the number of working children has increased in recent years.

Research objectives: To explore the issue of child labour by defining its drivers and indicating strategies for reducing its extent and impacts. To answer the following research question: What are the feasible solutions to the problem of child labour that might also be applied in the context of social economy or social entrepreneurship?

Research design and methods: The authors rely on a combination of an analytical and synthetic approach and draw mostly on a review of the literature as well as normative acts (in the latter case, taking advantage of the dogmatic-legal method). Information resources comprise scientific research, studies of international institutions, legal acts, and websites. The last section employs heuristic methods to identify new sectors of social economy activity in the context of efforts to combat and prevent child labour. As a result, the considerations are primarily qualitative in nature.

Results: Despite the absence of instances of direct implementation of social economy (entrepreneurship) solutions designed to address the problem of child labour in developing countries, it is possible to identify numerous prospective domains and instruments where this sort of activity might be conducted.

Conclusions: Child labour is a complex issue in developing countries since both internal and external factors contribute to its emergence and perpetuation. Its abolition requires immediate cooperation of multiple institutions and organisations from the governmental, private, and social spheres. It appears that social economy organisations should be included in the list of existing actors in this field.
Deneysel İktisadın Tarihi
Authors: ERKUŞ Sefa , DEMİRTAŞ Burak Kağan
Published: September 2023

Bu çalışmanın temel amacı Türkçe yazında görece yeni olan deneysel iktisat alanına, iktisatta kontrollü deneylerin kullanımının tarihsel gelişimine ilişkin referans olabilecek şekilde katkı sunmaktır. Şüphesiz ki deneysel iktisat çalışacak araştırmacılar için deneysel iktisadın tarihsel gelişim sürecini öğrenmek oldukça önem arz etmektedir. İktisatta deneysel yöntemin tarihini öğrenmek araştırmacılara yöntemin geçmişte karşılaştığı sorunları analiz etme imkanı sunarken, yöntemin şimdi ve gelecekteki yönü hakkında yapılabilecek araştırmalar hakkında da ipuçları vermektedir.
İktisatta kontrollü deneylerin kullanımına özellikle iktisatçılar uzun süre direnç göstermiş olsa da bugün iktisat alanında kontrollü deneylerin kullanıldığı çalışmaların sıklıkla yayınlandığı görülmektedir. Soğuk savaş döneminde oyun teorik modellerin deneyler yürütülerek sınanması deneysel yöntemin yaygınlaşması için ilk itici güç olmuştur. 80’li yıllardan itibaren insan davranışlarını açıklama çabası ile davranışsal iktisatçıların yürüttüğü deneyler, yöntemin iktisatçılar arasında yaygınlaşmasını sağlayan bir diğer önemli etken olmuştur. 2002 yılında Nobel İktisat Ödülü’nün piyasa mekanizmasını kontrollü laboratuvar deneyleri yürüterek araştırdığı ve deneysel iktisat yöntemine katkıda bulunduğu için Vernon L. Smith’e verilmesi, iktisatta deneysel yöntemin artık ana akım yöntemlerden biri haline geldiğinin de bir tescili olarak göz önünde bulundurulabilir.
Deneysel iktisat tarihinin yazımına ilişkin bazı güçlükler bulunmaktadır. Bunlardan biri yöntemin disiplinler arası bir karakter taşıması iken diğeri de deneysel yöntemin erken dönemine ilişkin bilgilerin çoğunlukla kişisel anılara, hikayelere dayanmasıdır . Deneysel iktisadın tarihsel gelişimi incelendiğinde çoğunlukla bireysel tercihler, piyasaların işleyişi ve oyun teorik modellerin teorik öngörülerinin sınanmasına ilişkin deneylerin gerçekleştirildiği görülmektedir. Bu sebeple bu çalışmada da deneysel iktisadın tarihsel gelişimi bu üç ana başlık altında toplanmıştır. Bunlara ek olarak, deneysel iktisadın gelişimine etki eden önemli teorik gelişmelere ve kişilere de çalışmada ayrıca değinilmektedir.
MELTING PROCESS SIMULATION OF PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL LAYER USED IN THE BUILDING ENVELOPE
Authors: Saliby Ammar , Kovács Béla
Published: September 2023

The melting process of phase change material (PCM) for thermal energy storage purposes has been studied and
simulated in this paper. Using the ANSYS (Fluent) 2023 R1 software, the melting of a rectangular PCM zone with
left and right sides exposed to convection heat and the other sides adiabatic is simulated. The study also discusses the
program specifications, numerical modeling equations, and assumptions. For a total melting duration of 360 min,
the contours of the liquid fraction, temperature, density, and velocity of phase change material particles are shown at
regular intervals of 30 min. The contours aid in identifying how the melting interface changes in shape and motion
as melting time increases. It also describes how the melting fraction changes over time, which provides information
regarding the amount of melted PCM at various points.
Bacterioplankton and Bacteriobenthos as Ecological Indicators of the Reservoirs' Ecology-Sanitary State and the Safety of Water Use
Authors: Starosyla Ye. V. , Yuryshynets V. I.
Published: September 2023

Bacterioplankton and bacteriobenthos of the middle and lower sections of the Kyiv Reservoir, and the upper section of the Kaniv Reservoir was studied in July 2021 under abnormally high water and air temperatures. The average numbers of bacterioplankton were similarly high (Kyiv Reservoir 14.4 ± 6.2·106 cells/cm3, Kaniv Reservoir - 17.6 ± 1.4·106 cells/cm3), with wider range in the Kyiv Reservoir. The bacteriobenthos numbers was significantly higher in the upper section of the Kaniv Reservoir (Kyiv Reservoir - 8.8 ± 5.6·109 cells/g, Kaniv Reservoir - 26.5 ± 6.2·109 cells/g). Significant differences were found in numbers of different trophic groups: eutrophic and oligotrophic bacteria were more numerous in the Kaniv Reservoir; their ratio (EB/OB) was <1 in the Kyiv Reservoir and >1 in the Kaniv Reservoir. This indirectly indicates the predominance of easily oxidizable organic matter in the upper section of the Kaniv Reservoir under the point pollution of the section within the boundaries of the big city (Kyiv). The significant positive correlation (p<0.01) was established between the eutrophic bacteria number in plankton and benthos and organic matters content (in terms of PO). According to the ecological classification of the surface waters' quality based on the of planktonic eutrophic bacteria numbers, the middle section of the Kyiv Reservoir belonged to the categories "very good" - "satisfactory", II, III quality classes, in the near-dam section - "bad" to "poor", IV and V quality classes. The considered sections of the Kaniv Reservoir corresponded to the "poor" category, class V. The content of the opportunistic microflora was maximal in the lower section of the Kyiv Reservoir (the main components were Escherichia coli & coliform and Staphylococcus spp.) and in the Obolon Bay of the Kaniv Reservoir (Enterococcus spp.).
“I Heard You Went to Nam”: Home, Hospitality, and Legitimated Violence in Percival Everett’s Walk Me to the Distance
Authors: Mitchell Keith Bernard
Published: September 2023

Historian Daniel S. Luck has noted in Selma to Saigon that “the civil rights movement and the debates over the Vietnam War were at the center of the turbulence of the 1960s” (1). While true, one also recognizes that the afterlives of the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War are momentous historical events with which America continues to contend. Several African American writers of the post-civil rights/post-Vietnam era, including Percival Everett, have written works of fiction that continue to grapple with the afterlives of these cataclysmic historical events. Set in the American West, Everett’s 1985 novel Walk Me to the Distance finds its protagonist, David Larsen, a returning Vietnam veteran, at loose ends. David winds up stranded in a small, remote town, Slut's Hole, Wyoming, where he eventually decides to stay. His decision to settle in the West is as much influenced by his romanticization of life on the American Frontier as it is with his disgust for a rapidly changing country where he feels he no longer belongs. In this essay, I argue that Walk Me to the Distance is not only an astute meditation on Frontier Mythology and Frontier justice associated with the early settlement of the American West but also that the novel reveals that these foundational myths and ideas continue to be paradigmatic features of American culture in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
Resonancias iusnaturalistas en el utilitarismo de Jeremy Bentham
Authors: Muñoz Rincón Anamaría
Published: September 2023

La obra Tratados de legislación civil y penal de Jeremías Bentham, en el marco de la escuela utilitarista, tuvo una influencia importante en la educación legal que le siguió al periodo de la Independencia en Colombia. La recepción local positiva de la obra tuvo que ver con la asociación entre el utilitarismo y el Estado moderno, pues se pensaba que la propuesta de Bentham encarnaba valores racionales y metódicos que se diferenciaban por completo del iusnaturalismo característico del periodo colonial. Sin embargo, algunos de los postulados centrales de esta obra, al ser estudiados en detalle, no parecen alejarse de manera radical de las posiciones propias del iusnaturalismo. En este sentido, este trabajo pretende proponer que existen más similitudes que diferencias entre el iusnaturalismo y el utilitarismo propuesto por Bentham, a través de un estudio detallado de la oposición benthamiana a la noción de derechos naturales en dos de sus textos más paradigmáticos.
Procedencia de la declaración de nulidad o del reconocimiento de inexistencia contractual en el ordenamiento jurídico colombiano
Authors: Cadena Afanador Walter , Fuentes Feria Ellen Marcela
Published: September 2023

Este trabajo analiza las normas colombianas de carácter civil y comercial que consagran las categorías de inexistencia y validez de los contratos. Se identificarán las diferencias en materia de derecho privado y comercial frente al fenómeno de la inexistencia. Se examinarán las falencias en las expresiones empleadas por la legislación colombiana. Para ello, se estudiará la jurisprudencia y la doctrina más significativa en relación con las consecuencias jurídicas ante la carencia de solemnidades o elementos esenciales del contrato. Mediante una metodología dogmática, cualitativa, normativa y descriptiva se evalúan las diferentes hipótesis desarrolladas frente a la figura de la inexistencia y sus respectivas consecuencias, de cara a la acción jurisdiccional en caso de controversia. Finalmente, se propone una herramienta jurídica para acudir a la jurisdicción sin desdibujar la figura de la inexistencia tanto en materia comercial, como, especialmente, en materia civil.
Compra y venta de agua en Wall Street, ¿negocio o límite por el carácter de derecho fundamental? Aproximación al caso colombiano
Authors: Echeverría Molina Judith , Molinares Hassan Viridiana
Published: September 2023

El objetivo de este artículo de reflexión con enfoque cualitativo, que se desarrolla dentro del proyecto de investigación Justicia Constitucional y Derechos, es reflexionar sobre los alcances y el impacto que podría generar la comercialización del agua en bolsas de valores como Wall Street, propuesta que fue noticia a finales del año 2020. Aplicamos un método inductivo, que partió de la pregunta: ¿Es posible comercializar el agua, derecho humano, recurso natural no renovable y bien de uso público, en bolsas de valores o su carácter de derecho humano impone limitaciones? La hipótesis que desarrollamos es, centrándonos en el análisis del caso colombiano, que no es apropiado y resulta contradictorio transfigurar el acceso y disposición del agua a un commodity comercializable. Luego del análisis documental de fuentes secundarias, concluimos que, a pesar de que en este momento parece una “ficción” la noticia sobre la comercialización del agua, es necesario anticiparnos a escenarios que plantean este tipo de negocio.
Rethinking the Effectiveness of Consumer Protection Policies and Measures in the Financial Marketplace
Authors: Iheme Williams C.
Published: September 2023

This paper aims to identify and challenge the common practice among financial institutions of designing and selling complex financial products to consumers who lack full comprehension, thus preventing them from making informed decisions before consuming such financial products. This deceptive approach leads many consumers to experience financial losses, with significant negative consequences for society as a whole. The paper delves into the motivations behind financial institutions to produce and successfully sell complex financial products; they flourish, mainly because they often take advantage of the inadequate regulatory systems, amongst other things. Furthermore, it explores the enabling environment created by laissez-faire contract, which prioritizes principles like pacta sunt servanda and caveat emptor, resulting in regulators overlooking and undervaluing the abuse faced by financial consumers, leaving them largely responsible for resolving their own challenges. The paper exposes the shortcoming of policy measures aimed at preventing consumer exploitation, including the flawed disclosure rules that place the burden of comprehension on consumers while being manipulated to undermine their full understanding.

Additionally, it critiques the use of complicated language and heavy use of financial jargon in financial information booklets, which, although meeting legal disclosure requirements, hinder the comprehension of consumers. To address these issues, the paper proposes a new disclosure rule grounded in the concepts of caveat venditor and contra proferentem. This rule would require financial institutions to present information against their own self-interest and provide an equal number of disadvantages alongside advantages for the products they offer. Furthermore, it suggests that regulators and courts should play a pivotal role in supervising and assessing compliance, issuing annual performance-rated certificates that financial institutions must prominently display in their establishments and incorporate into their product information leaflets. This approach would allow consumers to easily identify consumer-friendly financial institutions
Accessory gene regulators and virulence genes associated with the pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus from clinical and community settings in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Enwuru Nkechi V. , Adesida Solayide A. , Enwuru Christian A. , Mendie Udoma E.
Published: September 2023

Staphylococcus aureus is a prominent pathogen that causes serious community and hospital-acquired infections globally. Its pathogenicity is attributed to a variety of secreted and cell surface associated proteins that are modulated by the quorum-sensing accessory gene regulator (agr) system. In this study, we investigated the presence of toxin genes and agr involved with S. aureus from clinical samples and apparently healthy individuals. Unequivocal identification of the isolates was obtained with the Vitek 2 system. We screened 70 clinical (CL) and 22 community (C) S. aureus strains for the methicillin resistance (mecA) gene, agr and superantigens (SAg) (enterotoxins and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1) using PCR techniques. A total of 12 clinical isolates were classified as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA); 89 isolates belonged to one of the four agr groups (agr1-4), and 3 isolates were non-typeable. Of the agr groups, agr1 was the most prominent and mostly consisted of isolates from pus/wounds. The methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates were distributed within the four agr groups while MRSA strains were restricted to agr1 and agr3. The most common enterotoxin gene, sei, was likewise more prevalent in MSSA strains than in MRSA strains, where sea predominated. The co-existence of two or more enterotoxins was confirmed in 40% of the isolates. sea occurred through all the agr groups except agr3 and sei was not found in agr1 and agr4. The toxic shock toxin (tst) gene was detected in six MSSA. These findings suggest that MSSA may cause more lethal infections than MRSA because of the increased frequency of toxic genotypes seen in MSSA strains.
Significance:

Isolates in the agr1,3 groups had more SAg toxin genes, whereas isolates in the agr4 groups possessed more tst genes.
The MSSA isolates contained higher proportions of virulence genes than MRSA.
The clinical implications of this discovery include that MSSA may cause more lethal infections than MRSA due to the greater number of toxigenic genotypes discovered.
From waste cooking oil to oxygen-rich onion-like nanocarbons for the removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions
Authors: Ntuli Themba D. , Sikeyi Ludwe L. , Mongwe Thomas H. , Mkhari Orlette , Coville Neil J. , Nxumalo Edward N. , Maubane-Nkadimeng Manoko S.
Published: September 2023

Vegetable cooking oil is used in domestic and commercial kitchens owing to its ability to modify and enhance the taste of the food through the frying process. However, as the oil is used through several frying cycles, it changes colour to dark brown and acquires an unpleasant smell. At this point, the waste oil is usually discarded, thereby finding its way into freshwater streams due to poor disposal and thus becoming an environmental pollutant. To provide an alternative, ‘green’ route to waste oil disposal, herein we report on the metal-free synthesis of onion-like nanocarbons (OLNCs) made from waste cooking oil via flame pyrolysis. The OLNCs were then applied in the removal of hexavalent chromium ions from aqueous solutions. The as-synthesised OLNCs were found to have similar properties (size, quasi-spherical shape etc.) to those synthesised from pure cooking oils. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy data showed that the OLNCs contained C-O-type moieties which were attributed to the oxygenation process that took place during the cooking process. The OLNCs from waste oil were applied as an adsorbent for Cr(VI) and showed optimal removal conditions at pH = 2, t = 360 min, Co = 10 mg/L and Q0max = 47.62 mg/g, superior to data obtained from OLNCs prepared from pristine cooking oil. The results showed that the OLNCs derived from the waste cooking oil were effective in the removal of hexavalent chromium. Overall, this study shows how to repurpose an environmental pollutant (waste cooking oil) as an effective adsorbent for pollutant (Cr(VI)) removal.
Significance:

Waste cooking oil outperformed olive oil as a starting material for the production of OLNCs for the removal of toxic Cr(VI) from water.
The superior performance of the OLNCs from waste cooking oil was attributed to the higher oxygen content found on their surface and acquired through the cooking process.
Not only are the OLNCs produced from waste cooking oil effective in the removal of Cr(VI), but they can be used multiple times before replacement, which makes them sustainable.
An assessment of the economic impact of South Africa’s public universities
Authors: Bawa Ahmed C. , Pouris Anastassios
Published: September 2023

With the understanding that universities play multiple social purposes, we aimed to provide an estimation of the economic impact of the public universities in South Africa. Using models described in the literature, we estimated economic benefits from four university activities – university exports, research at universities, the production of graduates and universities as business entities. Comparative analysis shows that, as an economic sector, Higher Education contributes more to South Africa’s gross value added than other economic sectors such as Wood and Wood Products, Textiles, Clothing and Leather Goods, or Paper and Paper Products. It is comparable to sectors such as Gold Mining, and Beverages and Tobacco. Taking into account a number of assumptions, which are explained in the text, for 2018 the total economic impact was estimated at about ZAR513 billion. Governmental expenditure on higher education in that year was ZAR66 billion. These figures produce a cost–benefit ratio for the sector of 1 : 7.7, considering only these four university activities.
Significance:
The South African public higher education institutions form a very significant economic sector within the national economy. In terms of the gross value added, it is very similar in size to the gold mining industry. Taking into account four activities of universities, this sector contributes about ZAR500 billion annually to the economy, which is likely to be an underestimate of the actual contribution. This finding opens the way for policymakers to understand the importance of the sector as an area of investment. Recognising the potential limitations of the use of the modelling developed for other economies, our study indicates the importance of further work to indigenise the economic modelling for local conditions.
Quantification of toxic metals in cropland soil using X-ray fluorescence
Authors: Mvelase Mashinga J. , Masiteng Paulus L.
Published: September 2023

We aimed to assess toxic heavy metals in soil samples from cropland in Weenen (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa) using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. The metal contents in the soil samples were detected and quantified by wavelength dispersive XRF (WD-XRF) spectroscopy. On average, the values of all elements (mg/kg) were: Al (91.4 ± 6.9), Ba (0.488), Ca (16.8 ± 5), Fe (39.3 ± 0.8), K (15.7 ± 0.04), Mg (10.1 ± 0.3), Mn (0.6), Na (8.0 ± 1), P (1.3 ± 0.4), Si (458 ± 8) and Ti (5.6 ± 0.3). Toxic metals such as Hg, Cd, As, Pb, and Cr were not detected in the soil samples. The macronutrient P, which is capable of causing eutrophication in water bodies, was present at a low level in soil samples. The metal contents in both control and field samples were comparable, suggesting that the metals were mostly of lithogenic origin and not entirely influenced by anthropogenic activities. The metal levels we detected were within the limits reported to be safe by other studies.
Significance:
Although they are within the detection range, the toxic heavy metals mercury, cadmium, arsenic, lead and chromium, which enter the environment through the use of fertilisers on agricultural land, were not detected in this WDXRF spectrometry analysis. The remaining elements detected are lithogenic and non-anthropogenic, as the field and control samples had comparable concentrations. Nitrogen was not quantified, but phosphorus was present in a low concentration, so the field water run-off into the water bodies need not directly lead to water pollution in the area studied.
Association of accelerometry-based and self-reported physical activity with cardiovascular risk in South African children
Authors: Arnaiz Patricia , Guntlisbergen Felix , Infanger Denis , Gerber Markus , Adams Larissa , Dolley Danielle , Joubert Nandi , Nienaber Madeleine , Nqweniso Siphesihle , Du Randt Rosa , Steinmann Peter , Utzinger Jürg , Walter Cheryl , Pühse Uwe , Müller Ivan
Published: September 2023

The burden of non-communicable diseases is increasing, with risk factors emerging early in life. Physical activity reduces cardiovascular risk, but limited evidence exists for children from lower-income countries and mostly relies on self-reported methods that might be inaccurate and biased. We aimed to compare self-reported and accelerometer-measured physical activity in relation to cardiovascular risk markers in children from underserved communities in South Africa. We analysed cross-sectional data from 594 children aged 8 to 13. Physical activity was measured via accelerometry and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). Correlation analyses and linear regression models examined the relationship between accelerometer-measured and self-reported physical activity and their association with cardiovascular risk markers (body mass index, blood pressure, blood lipid profile and glycated haemoglobin). Results show a positive but weak correlation between PAQ-C scores and accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). MVPA was inversely associated with body mass index, whilst sedentary behaviour correlated positively with lipid levels. PAQ-C scores were inversely associated with systolic blood pressure. The comparison of self-reported and accelerometer-measured physical activity in children from Gqeberha, South Africa, revealed inconsistencies in their correlation and association with cardiovascular risk markers. Accelerometry provided a more accurate cardiovascular risk estimation than PAQ-C, although associations were weak. Further, longitudinal studies should investigate the predictive power of both methodologies. These findings inform researchers and public health practitioners in the choice of method for physical activity appraisal beyond practical considerations, especially when combined with cardiovascular risk and in lower-income settings.
Significance:
We explore two widely used methods to assess physical activity levels in children. By comparing both methods, we expose inconsistencies in their correlation and association with cardiovascular risk markers. These data can guide researchers and public health practitioners in the use of one method beyond practical considerations. Whilst this work focuses on children from marginalised areas of South Africa, the issues explored are of relevance to other lower-income settings.
Open data set: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7217145
Predictores del Nivel de Actividad Física, Fatiga Física y Mental Autoinformada en Estudiantes de Ciencias del Deporte
Authors: Akpınar Öznur , Güler Melek , Yanar Nazlı
Published: September 2023

El objetivo de este estudio fue revelar la posibilidad de que los niveles de actividad física de los estudiantes universitarios predigan los niveles de fatiga autoinformados. Participaron voluntariamente en la investigación un total de 331 estudiantes (mujeres: 130, hombres: 201) de la Facultad de Ciencias del Deporte de la Universidad Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey ; y se utilizaron el Cuestionario de información personal, el Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física y la Escala de Fatiga de Chalder. Los datos recogidos en el estudio se analizaron en el programa estadístico Jamovi (2.0.0) con intervalo de confianza del 95% y nivel de significancia de 0,05. Para analizar los datos se utilizó la prueba t de muestra independiente, la prueba de correlación de Pearson, la prueba de regresión multinomial y el diagrama de dispersión. Las mujeres tuvieron puntuaciones de fatiga total y fatiga física significativamente más altas que los hombres, mientras que los hombres tuvieron puntuaciones totales de MET significativamente más altas que las mujeres (p<0,05). A medida que aumentaron las puntuaciones totales de MET de los participantes, su fatiga total y fatiga mental disminuyeron significativamente (p<0,05). La investigación demostró que el aumento de los niveles de actividad física de los estudiantes de ciencias del deporte puede disminuir los puntajes de fatiga física y mental autoinformados.
Examination of hydrodynamic behavior of wind deflectors in the normal inner temperature with the point of more efficiency (Case study: Bwhsa Köppen climate classification of Kashan City)
Authors: Mohammadali Karbasforoushha
Published: September 2023

One of the ways to achieve a building with higher energy efficiency and an efficient system is to use local architectural experiences. In the meantime, a wind deflector is one of the elements used in the past to create comfort. In the Bwhsa Köppen climate classification of Kashan City, they used to move and cool the air in the building. This study investigates the interior of these settlements in this climate to aim to reach greater efficiency of this element by CFD software, Energy Plus, and Open Studio with a descriptive-analytical method and then analyzes the results. A comparison of the results of the analysis of wind speed in wind turbines and how the wind is oriented in the interior is shown. Due to the low thermal mass of the wind deflector walls compared to the room, the temperature fluctuation is always higher than in the room. The main factors in temperature drop are proportionality of dimensions-air inlet valve to the windshield, water temperature, measurements, and height of the windshield column. Finally, to reduce the room temperature further, the priority is to use a spray windshield over windshield wipers. Especially windshields with water spray in which most of the room has a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius and are in Kashan city’s thermal comfort range.
Interpersonal Communication in Virtual Laboratories during the pandemic: a systematic literature review
Authors: Artemova Inna , Ulloa Cazarez Rosa Leonor , Chávez Aguayo Marco Antonio
Published: September 2023

Interpersonal communication is crucial in education for developing lifelong problem-solving skills. Despite its decline during the pandemic, research in virtual educational environments, such as Virtual Laboratories, remains limited. On the other hand, the pandemic has stimulated exploration and development of these tools. The objective of this article is to identify problematic situations in Virtual Laboratories to enhance interpersonal communication. Employing a Systematic Literature Review method encompassing articles published between 2019 and 2022, our study yields the following key findings: a) Interpersonal communication remains undercovered in main focus; b) Technical and natural disciplines dominate in Virtual Laboratories; c) The research on interpersonal communication is insufficiently addressed in main objectives and results; d) Interpersonal communication is valued for various pedagogical reasons, with its relevance in collaborative learning standing out; e) The concept of Virtual Laboratory adopted by researchers may guide the way the importance of interpersonal communication is seen. This research will benefit the innovation process in the context of Virtual Laboratories in need to develop the competencies of global importance.
EVALUATION OF YIELD AND QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF OIL SUNFLOWER (Helianthus annuus L.) VARIETIES CULTIVATED IN SEMIARID IRRIGATED CONDITIONS IN THE NORTHEAST OF TURKEY
Authors: GÜL Volkan , GIDIK Betül , SEFAOĞLU Fırat
Published: September 2023

Sunflower is an oil plant grown in many parts of the world, capable of growing in many different climatic conditions. It is of great importance to carry out studies on the adaptation of new varieties and to determine the varieties suitable for the ecology of the region in areas where sunflower cultivation is intense. This study was carried out to determine some sunflower cultivars' yield and quality characteristics (SANBROMR, BOSFORA, SYBARBATİ, ROSETTA, LG5485, P64LL62, SYGIBRALTAR, P64LC108 P64LE119, P64LP130, P63LE113, 11TR077, ESNIEGARA, ADELYA, and DERAY) in 2020-2021 Bayburt conditions. It has been determined that there are significant differences between the cultivars in terms of the parameters examined. The highest average seed yield (4194.2 kg ha-1) and average linoleic acid content (65.09%) were obtained from the BOSFORA variety, the highest average oil content (48.78%) and average oil yield (186.02 kg ha-1) were obtained from ESNİEGARA variety, and the highest average oleic acid content (41.78%) was obtained from 11TR077 variety. The results obtained from the research emphasize the importance of varieties in sunflower plants. They show that BOSFORA and ESNIEGARA varieties come to the fore regarding yield and quality elements in ecologies with a semi-arid climate.
DIGITAL FINANCIAL INCLUSION TO ACCELERATE THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Naumenkova Svitlana , Mishchenko Svitlana ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Mishchenko Volodymyr ,   Institute for Economics and Forecasting of the NAS of Ukraine
Published: September 2023

The content, direction, and main components of digital financial inclusion are determined to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in the conditions of the post-war recovery of Ukraine. Based on the use of the World Bank database, which contains the results of representative surveys at the level of household finances, a quantitative assessment of the level of digital financial inclusion in the main directions of basic financial services of adults in Ukraine compared to other world countries was carried out. According to the results of the research, the authors justify the conclusion that the digital financial infrastructure and the level of digital financial services in Ukraine remain relatively low compared to European countries and middle-income economies. It has been identified the reasons for the "financial exclusion" of the population of Ukraine from the system of formal financial services. It was concluded that the transition to the "cashless economy" model in Ukraine is slowing down due to barriers. The main barriers limiting the access of the population of Ukraine to formal financial services are underdevelopment of the financial infrastructure, forced exclusion of a part of the population from financial services, not enough money of a large number of consumers, lack of trust in financial institutions, high level of the shadow economy in Ukraine and others. The results of the study contain recommendations to overcome existing barriers to expand the population's digital access to basic financial services in Ukraine. The issue of recognizing free access to the Internet as a fundamental right of every person – a digital right – has been updated.
Introduction of Censorship by Foreign Internet Platforms
Authors: Diskin E. I.
Published: September 2023

Internet platforms have considerable power over information flows on a global scale in the conditions of mass digitalization of modern life. Currently, Internet platforms can control the ability of self-expression of billions of Internet users, including Russian ones. The concentration of the most popular platforms in the United States, where there is a vacuum of legal regulation of Internet platforms that enjoy legal protection as distributors of information along with the press and other types of media, has led to the fact that Internet platforms are actively creating a system of censorship of information, carefully masking such censorship and giving it the appearance of conscientious moderation aimed at combating extremism, false information, aggression, and other illegal phenomena. Censorship in its digital incarnation is fundamentally different from censorship that existed in the past. If earlier censorship used to be based on normative regulation and was regulated in detail, now it is hidden and it uses new technical opportunities. Being a product of the American political system, Internet platforms censorship is based on the political preferences of their leadership. Using historical and legal analysis, including analysis of the history of censorship since its appearance and transformation into the state institution, the author concludes that Internet platforms censorship represents a new phenomenon that has not been described in detail before, requiring reflection in legislation in order to ensure protection of the constitutional rights of users. Effective protection of the constitutional rights of Internet users is impossible without legislative prohibition of Internet platforms censorship and international cooperation aimed at combating this phenomenon.
The Concept of Factor Analysis in the Implementation of Law-Making Process in the Russian Federation as an Innovative Method of Research (Case Study of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation)
Authors: Batyr V. A.
Published: September 2023

The paper offers some tools for modeling the prospects of social development through factor analysis as a method based on a mathematical analysis of the impact of various circumstances on the results of law making and law-enforcement activities, determining its effectiveness. The author coins the concept of «factor», which is a phenomenon accessible to human cognition (phenomenon-basis), causing and conditioning the emergence of another phenomenon (phenomenon-consequence); the possibility and ability to act from one state (stage) to another state (stage), or the actual sequential change of states in the development of something. The author identifies and classifies the basic factors (political, economic, social, spiritual) and indicator factors, which when interacting reveal the law-making factors as effective indicators. These factors are the interpreted conditions, causes, parameters that influence the law making and law-enforcement process and the actual result of this process; together they form a group of diagnostic indicators. These approaches are based on the established practice of implementing strategic planning documents adopted in the Russian Federation (general goal-setting; goal-setting according to the sectoral and territorial principle; forecasting; planning and programming), when target indicators and certain methods of their calculation are used as criteria for achieving the result of 51 state programs implemented in 8 directions. For the purposes of factor analysis in the implementation of law-making process, it is necessary to develop the capabilities of information systems. The author proposes a matrix of the factor system aiming at creating of a scientific image full with ideas as to the interaction of conditions (factors). On this basis, factor-modeling technologies are identified, their goals, types and main stages are determined, and an analysis of the legal framework governing relations in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation is undertaken. The author proposes developing the Arctic Code of the Russian Federation. The proposed methodology can be used quite effectively to improve the law-making procedures.
El matrimonio civil tras la libertad de cultos del sexenio democrático: de una situación de hecho a una realidad de derecho
Authors: Soria Moya Mónica
Published: September 2023

Bajo el gobierno provisional del sexenio democrático, el anhelo legislativo de influencia liberal promulgó, entre otras, la ley provisional de matrimonio civil obligatorio de 18 de junio de 1870 precedida de una importante reforma constitucional en materia religiosa.

 Procalmada la libertad de cultos el matrimonio civil se impuso de hecho desde las juntas revolucionarias. Tras la novedosa pero efímera ley se dotó de efectos civiles a las uniones oficiadas en los ayuntamientos, y pese a su breve vigencia, será referencia para los promotores del Código Civil.

Para ello, en el presente trabajo se analiza la relación Iglesia‑Estado tras la revolución de septiembre, a través del estudio de la prensa y los debates parlamentarios del artículo 21 de la Constitución de 1869 con el que se llega a la secularización del matrimonio con la aprobación de la ley de 18 de junio de 1870.

El oportunismo político evidenció el ensayo que la ley suponía: el matrimonio civil obligatorio se convirtió en ley y el canónico en la costumbre ante la inobservancia de un pueblo de tradición católica.
Alberto Lista y el espíritu de partido
Authors: Carbajosa Aguilera Manuel
Published: September 2023

El artículo «Espíritu de partido», escrito en El Censor por Alberto Lista en 1820, ejemplifica la concepción negativa que desde el liberalismo español más conservador se tenía de la figura del partido político a inicios del Trienio liberal. Lista elabora un conjunto de reflexiones dirigidas a demostrar cómo, a su juicio, el espíritu de partido influye sobre el resto de peligros del sistema constitucional.
Enviado el (Submission Date): 16/03/2023Aceptado el (Acceptance Date): 3/04/2023
La monarquía constitucional: la fórmula política de la España liberal
Authors: Pérez Núñez Javier
Published: September 2023

Recensión de:  Juan Ignacio Marcuello Benedicto y Carlos Dardé Morales, La Corona y la Monarquía constitucional en la España Liberal, 1834-1931, Silex, Madrid, 2022, 818 p. ISBN: 978-84-19077-30-1
Enviado el (Submission Date): 02/03/2023Aceptado el (Acceptance Date): 12/04/2023
Dumocala o el Estado imperfecto
Authors: Sánchez Quiñones Luis
Published: September 2023

La Constitución polaca de 1791 es la gran desconocida de Europa. A pesar de promulgarse unos meses antes de la Constitución francesa del mismo año, su eco nunca alcanzó la resonancia de aquélla. Otorgada en un momento muy delicado para la Reczspospolita, sus orígenes están fuertemente ligados a la crisis del estado polaco, siendo tal trance, la principal razón de su corta existencia. El presente artículo examinará tales hechos y las dificultades que presentó constitucional, así como los motivos de su fracaso.  
Fecha de envío / Submission date: 24/03/2023Fecha de aceptación / Acceptance date: 27/04/2023
Del reformismo ilustrado a la revolución liberal: reivindicaciones y proceso de construcción de la provincia de Logroño
Authors: Ollero Vallés José Luis
Published: September 2023

Recensión de / Review of: Francisco Javier Díez Morrás, El nacimiento de la provincia de Logroño. Hacia la construcción de La Rioja contemporánea, Instituto de Estudios Riojanos, Logroño, 2022, 772 pp.
Enviado el (Submission Date): 7/04/2023Aceptado el (Acceptance Date): 3/05/2023
Introducción al monográfico: Aprendizaje y Educación de Adultos para el Desarrollo Sostenible. Prácticas docentes transformadoras
Authors: Pascual Sevillano Ángeles , Fombona Cadavieco Javier
Published: September 2023

Introducción al monográfico "Aprendizaje y Educación de Adultos para el Desarrollo Sostenible. Prácticas docentes transformadoras"
La organización de las aulas en educación infantil y primaria: el espacio como elemento clave en la transición
Authors: González-Moreira Alba , Ferreira Camino , Vidal Javier
Published: September 2023

La transición del alumnado de educación infantil a primaria puede ser una oportunidad o una experiencia negativa que se arrastra durante la etapa obligatoria. Uno de los cambios durante este proceso, es el aula, que condiciona la metodología y el tipo de aprendizaje que se lleva a cabo en ella. El objetivo de este artículo es detectar los cambios de las aulas del último curso de educación infantil y primero de primaria como elemento que afecta a la transición. Los resultados muestran diferencias entre las aulas de infantil y primaria dentro de los centros analizados y similitudes entre las aulas de cada etapa. Se concluye que existe una falta de continuidad entre las aulas de infantil y de primaria que no facilita la transición entre dichas etapas.