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Abstract Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, with exposure to UVB radiation being a significant risk factor for its development. To prevent skin cancer, continuous research efforts have focused on finding suitable photoprotective ingredients from natural sources that are also environmentally friendly. This study aimed to develop oil-in-water photoprotective nanoemulsions containing marine macroalgae extract. A Box–Behnken experimental design was used to identify the most promising formulation composition, resulting in optimal physical properties. These properties, including droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential, were evaluated using dynamic light scattering (DLS). To assess the photoprotection capacity of the formulations, electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was employed to evaluate alterations in the electrical characteristics of excised pig skin membranes placed in Franz cells equipped with a 4-electrode set-up. The final composition of the nanoemulsion was caprylic/capric triglycerides 4%, Macrogolglycerol ricinoleate 30%, and algae extract 1%. The nanoemulsions had an average droplet size of 128.5 ± 8.6 nm, a PDI of 0.25 ± 0.06, and a zeta potential of 45.14 ± 0.02 mV. Compared to the control group, the photoprotective capacity of the oil-in-water nanoemulsions was statistically significant. Specifically, only a 15% reduction in the skin membrane electrical resistance following UVB exposure was observed when the formulation containing algae extract was used, whereas a 50% reduction was observed for the vehicle. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that the developed nanoemulsions based on natural ingredients show promising protective capacity against UVB exposure of the skin.

Rickettsia sibirica mongolitimonae is an emerging cause of tickborne rickettsiosis. Since the bacterium was first documented as a human pathogen in 1996, a total of 69 patients with this infection have been reported in the literature. Because of the rising rate of R. sibirica mongolitimonae infection cases, we evaluated the epidemiologic and clinical features of 29 patients who had R. sibirica mongolitimonae infections confirmed during 2007–2024 at the Center for Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, the reference laboratory of San Pedro University Hospital–Center for Biomedical Research of La Rioja, Logroño, Spain. We also reviewed all cases published in the literature during 1996–2024, evaluating features of 94 cases of R. sibirica mongolitimonae infection (89 in Europe, 4 in Africa, and 1 in Asia). Clinicians should consider R. sibirica mongolitimonae as a potential causative agent of rickettsiosis, and doxycycline should be administered promptly to avoid clinical complications.

This paper investigates the determinants of environmental sustainability by analyzing the impact of various economic, fiscal, and energy-related variables on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy intensity (EI) across 27 European Union member states from 2005 to 2022. Using dynamic panel data analysis through the system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator, we explore how key factors such as GDP per capita growth, foreign direct investment (FDI), portfolio investments (PI), trade openness (TO), and stock market performance (SMP) influence environmental outcomes. Additionally, the analysis examines the role of fiscal policies, represented by government deficit/surplus (GDT), and energy-related factors, such as renewable energy consumption (REC) and research and development expenditure (ERD), in shaping sustainability. The findings reveal that while GDP growth correlates positively with increased GHG emissions, it negatively impacts energy intensity, suggesting that economic expansion may drive emissions upward while concurrently promoting greater energy efficiency. Trade openness significantly mitigates GHG emissions, indicating that enhanced international trade facilitates access to cleaner technologies. The effects of FDI and PI present a more ambivalent picture, often associated with elevated GHG emissions in the absence of stringent regulatory frameworks. Notably, renewable energy adoption emerges as a critical driver of sustainability, effectively mitigating the environmental impacts of globalization. This study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between economic globalization and environmental sustainability, offering actionable policy recommendations to align economic growth with the EU's long-term environmental objectives.

Abstract Globally, the companies that make commercial use of bamboo culms produce different kinds of solid waste rich in lignocellulosic biomass, which in some cases is not used and is discarded in landfills or incinerated in the open air; losing the possibility of recovering them and using them in other productive sectors. The research objective were to produce a biochar from Guadua agustifolia Kunth sawdust, evaluate its potential environmental and agricultural use, obtain a biochar/TiO2 composite to inactivate Escherichia coli and use the biochar as a soil conditioner in medicinal plants producing phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Biochar composite (produced at 300 °C for 1 h) involved TiO2 at 450 °C for 1 h for inactivation of E. coli (initial concentration: 6.5 ± 0.3 Log10 CFU mL− 1). For agriculture, 2% biochar was used to evaluate B. pilosa L. and G. angustifolia plant growth for 90 days. The biochar/TiO2 composite had a high photocatalytic activity on E. coli, generating a final count of 1.97 ± 0.2 Log10 CFU mL− 1 after 60 min. Biochar (2%) increased the total phenol and flavonoid content in the medicinal plant B. pilosa L. and total phenols in G. angustifolia, tested at the nursery stage. This study provides new information on the conversion and use of G. angustifolia sawdust as an alternative for new bio-based materials with environmental and agricultural applications. In addition, obtaining biochar and composite could positively impact the bamboo production chain in Colombia because of renewable and globally accepted alternatives that help capture gaseous emissions causing the greenhouse effect.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1)/programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD‐L1) pathway have transformed urothelial cancer (UC) therapy. The correlation between PD‐L1 expression and ICI effectiveness is uncertain, leaving the role of PD‐L1 as a predictive marker for ICI efficacy unclear. Among several ways to enhance the efficacy of ICI, trials are exploring combining ICIs with serine/threonine‐protein kinase mTOR (mTOR) inhibitors in different tumor types. The potential interaction between mTOR inhibitors and PD‐L1 expression in UC has not been well characterized. In our study, we investigated how phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors (TAK‐228, everolimus and TAK‐117) affect PD‐L1 expression and function in preclinical bladder cancer cell models. TAK‐228 increased cell surface levels of glycosylated PD‐L1 in all but one of the seven cell lines, regardless of baseline levels. TAK‐228 promoted the secretion of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and interferon‐β (IFNβ), both linked to PD‐L1 protein induction. Blocking EGF and IFNβ receptors reversed the TAK‐228‐induced PD‐L1 increase. Additionally, TAK‐228 enhanced IFN‐γ‐induced PD‐L1 expression and intracellular HLA‐I levels in some cells. TAK‐228‐treated bladder cancer cells exhibited resistance to the cytotoxic effects of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8)+ T cells. The addition of an anti‐PD‐L1 antibody diminished this resistance in T24 cells. Increased expression of PD‐L1 under TAK‐228 exposure was confirmed in patient‐derived explants (PDEs) treated ex vivo. These preclinical findings suggest that mTOR inhibition with TAK‐228 can increase PD‐L1 levels, potentially impacting the specific immune response against UC cells. This highlights the rationale for exploring the combination of mTOR inhibitors with ICIs in patients with advanced UC.

This study aims to analyze the influence of financial literacy, debt management literacy, budgeting literacy, banking service literacy, and bookkeeping literacy on financing constraints for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The research population comprises 16,574 MSMEs in Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia. This study uses primary data from questionnaires distributed via social media using Google Forms to respondents according to the criteria. The data collection technique used a questionnaire consisting of respondents' identities and six points related to financial literacy, measured by a 5-point Likert scale. Sampling used random sampling; the number of samples was measured using the Yamane formula approach to obtain a sample of 391 MSMEs. The data analysis method uses SEM-PLS, with the help of the SmartPLS tool, to test external models, internal models, and hypotheses. The study results revealed that financial literacy, debt management literacy, budgeting literacy, banking service literacy, and bookkeeping literacy positively influence financial constraints in MSMEs. A better understanding of debt management and bookkeeping also reduces financial constraints. This research expands the financial management theory by integrating five dimensions of financial literacy in one comprehensive model, which helps MSMEs improve financial literacy and reduce barriers to access to financing for sustainable business growth.

Abstract Background Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) based on the detection of Plasmodium falciparum histidine rich protein 2 (PfHRP2) are widely used for the diagnostic of P. falciparum in Africa. However, deletions of the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes can lead to false negative test results and compromise appropriate case management. Due to the high burden of malaria in Mozambique, it is crucial to monitor the potential emergence of parasites with pfhrp2/3 gene deletions in the country. Methods The presence of pfhrp2/3 deletions was assessed during the 2023 high transmission season in 34 health facilities from 9 districts across 6 provinces in Mozambique. Children between 2 and 10 years of age attending the health facility with fever were tested by both the routine HRP2-RDT and a P. falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (PfLDH)-RDT, and dried blood spots (DBS) were collected from those testing positive by one or both RDTs. DBS from children with a negative HRP2-RDT but positive PfLDH-RDT were tested for the presence of pfhrp2/3 deletions by multiplex real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results 3208 children attended the health facilities during the study. 81.6% (2612/3208) participants were positive for at least one malaria RDT and, among them, 0.8% (210/2612) had discrepant RDT results (22 HRP2 − but LDH + and 188 HRP2 + but LDH −). The overall prevalence of suspected false-negative HRP2-RDT results in Mozambique was 0.91% (95% CI 0.58–1.39; 22/2424). pfhrp2/3 gene deletions were confirmed in 4 cases (1 in Nampula and 3 in Inhambane). Therefore, the prevalence of P. falciparum confirmed cases with pfhrp2/3 gene deletions in the six provinces sampled was 0.16% (95% CI 0.15–2.57; 4/2424), being 0.27% (95% CI 0.01–1.75; 1/367) in Nampula and 0.59% (95% CI 0.15–1.88; 3/503) in Inhambane. Conclusion pfhrp2/3 gene deletions were detected in 2 out of 6 provinces surveyed in Mozambique, but at a prevalence far below the 5% threshold recommended for a change in HRP2-based-RDT.

This paper aimed to synthesize hybrids of fluoroquinolones with tetracycline class representatives and conduct their preliminary characterization.

Abstract Background Malnutrition and sarcopenia are highly prevalent in patients with head neck cancer (HNC). An accurate early diagnosis is necessary for starting nutritional support, as both are clearly associated with clinical outcomes and mortality. We aimed to evaluate the applicability and accuracy of body composition analysis using electrical bioimpedance vectorial analysis (BIVA) for diagnosing malnutrition and sarcopenia in patients with HNC cancer undergoing systemic treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Methods Cross‐sectional, observational study that included 509 HNC patients. A comprehensive nutritional evaluation that included BIVA was performed. Results The prevalence of malnutrition was higher in patients that received treatment with chemotherapy (59.2% vs. 40.8%, P

Vertical profiles of salinity, and isotopic abundance ratios of hydrogen (δ2H) and oxygen (δ18O) of 18 landfast ice cores, collected along the northeast coast of James Bay in March 2019, and one ice core collected in Belcher Islands, were used to obtain the winter timeseries of the spatiotemporal evolution of the under-ice plume of La Grande River (LGR), the dominant river in the area. Variability in the isotopic composition and salinity of the ice cores indicated changes to the water source composition at the ice–water interface when the ice layers formed. The increased presence of river water beneath the ice during January–March was marked by more negative isotopic ratios in the lower portion of the ice as river discharge was increased for hydroelectric production. River water was the source of ∼43% of the ice in our ice core samples (n = 320) with the interquartile range from 16% to 71%. The river water fractions incorporated into the ice indicate that LGR under-ice plume extended more than 75 km north and at least 30 km south of the river mouth for ∼3 months. These findings correspond well with more challenging to obtain hydrographic observations. End-of-winter ice core sampling and analysis for isotopic abundance has potential as a tool to monitor dispersal of LGR discharge into the ice-covered coastal environment.

This study aims to bridge the gap between traditional consumer behavior analysis and modern techniques by integrating big data analysis, eye-tracking technology, and survey methods. The researchers considered that understanding consumer behavior is crucial for creating effective advertisements in the digital age. Initially, a big data analysis was performed to identify significant clusters of consumer sentiment from online reviews generated during a recent seasonal promotional campaign. The key factors were identified and grouped into the “Product”, “Model”, “Promo”, and “Effect” categories. Using these clusters as a foundation, an eye-tracking analysis measured visual attention metrics such as the fixation duration and count to understand how the participants engaged with the different advertisement content. Subsequently, a survey assessed the same participants’ purchase intentions and preferences related to the identified clusters. The results showed that the sentiment clusters related to products, promotions, and effects positively impacted the customer satisfaction. The eye-tracking data revealed that advertisements featuring products and models garnered the most visual attention, while the survey results indicated that promotional content significantly influenced the purchase intentions. This multi-step approach delivers an in-depth understanding of the factors that affect customer satisfaction and decision-making, providing valuable information for optimizing marketing strategies in the Korean skincare market. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating consumer sentiment analysis with visual engagement metrics to develop more effective and compelling marketing campaigns.

Pulau Jawa merupakan salah satu daerah seismik aktif karena terdapat zona subduksi yang disebabkan oleh pergerakan di bagian selatan Laut Pulau Jawa, yaitu Trench Sunda sehingga sering terjadi gempabumi. Keberadaan sesar-sesar yang melintang di daerah Jawa Barat sesar di Pulau Jawa juga termasuk dalam faktor yang menyebabkan gempabumi merusak. Untuk mengidentifikasi jenis gempa, perlu dilakukan analisis berdasarkan besar magnitudo, kedalaman hiposenter, dan mekanisme fokalnya. Dengan menggunakan metode segmen irisan vertikal (vertical cross-section) dapat diketahui arah subduksi lempeng, kedalaman hiposenter, dan jarak hiposenter terhadap titik awal lintasan, serta persebaran gempabumi. Pada penelitian ini, gempa intraslab di Tasikmalaya terjadi dengan kedalaman lebih dari 60 km, yaitu 115 km dengan Mw (moment magnitude) 6,5 dan mekanisme fokal oblique strike-slip.

In the waters of Banten, there are still many fishing vessels that should be required to have a certificate but do not have a certificate and have carried out shipping activities, the shipping activities carried out are illegal because they do not have a sailing permit, To get a sailing permit the ship owner must have a ship certificate. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to find out the implementation of ship inspection activities by marine inspectors at the Banten Class I Port Authority and Municipal Office, in order to find out what causes ships that do not have certificates. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method, as well as an interview method to obtain primary data through direct questions and answers with KSOP employees, and uses secondary data in the form of Ship Inspection SOPs and Study Literature. By increasing socialization about the importance of ship certification to ship owners through seminars, training, or socialization. KSOP can also expand information services through websites and call centers to make it easier for ship owners in the certification process.

Abstract Introduction Acne is a one of the most frequent skin conditions among teenagers and young adults. It is currently managed with topical retinoids and antibiotics, which can present numerous side effects, thus reducing treatment adherence and effectiveness. We evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a novel dermo-cosmetic cream (α-AZ) in treating mild to moderate acne. Methods Subjects were randomized into three groups: group 1 received α-AZ cream, group 2 was treated with α-AZ combined with an oral acne treatment routine, and group 3 received a topical acne treatment, for 84 days. All treated patients underwent a 28-day maintenance period with α-AZ cream. Total acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) scoring, quality of life (QoL), and skin tolerance were all evaluated during the treatment and maintenance periods. Results Acne and PIH lesions significantly decreased in group 1 compared to group 3 (p

Abstract Artificial light at night (ALAN) changes animal behavior in multiple invertebrates and vertebrates and can result in decreased fitness. However, ALAN effects have not been studied in European honey bees (Apis mellifera), an important pollinator in which foragers show strong circadian rhythmicity. Colonies can be exposed to ALAN in swarm clusters, when bees cluster outside the nest on hot days and evenings, and, in limited cases, when they build nests in the open. We captured and maintained foragers in incubated cages and subjected them to constant light (LL), constant dark (DD), or 12 h light:12 h dark (LD) cycle, and observed them with infrared cameras. After 79 h, there was a significant interaction of treatment and time because LL bees slept less. In detail, the bees maintained a regular sleep pattern for three days but LL bees showed a shift on the fourth day. LL bees had the largest sleep differences from LD controls, with trends of lengthened periods and increased phase misalignment from both LD and DD bees. LL bees also experienced significantly more disturbances from their nestmates and preferred to sleep in the lower portion of the cages, which had significantly lower light intensity. These findings suggest that ALAN can disrupt the sleep of honey bee foragers, which has implications for their behavior and overall colony health.

Abstract Background Generating insights into resource demands during outbreaks is an important aspect of pandemic preparedness. The EU PANDEM-2 project used resource modelling to explore the demand profile for key resources during pandemic scenarios. This review aimed to identify public health and healthcare resources needed to respond to pandemic threats and the ranges of parameter values on the use of these resources for pandemic influenza (including the novel influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic) and the COVID-19 pandemic, to support modelling activities. Methods We conducted a systematic literature review and searched Embase and Medline databases (1995 – June 2023) for articles that included a model, scenario, or simulation of pandemic resources and/or describe resource parameters, for example personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, length of stay (LoS) in intensive care unit (ICU), or vaccine efficacy. Papers with data on resource parameters from all countries were included. Results We identified 2754 articles of which 147 were included in the final review. Forty-six different resource parameters with values related to non-ICU beds (n = 43 articles), ICU beds (n = 57), mechanical ventilation (n = 39), healthcare workers (n = 12), pharmaceuticals (n = 21), PPE (n = 8), vaccines (n = 26), and testing and tracing (n = 19). Differences between resource types related to pandemic influenza and COVID-19 were observed, for example on mechanical ventilation (mostly for COVID-19) and testing & tracing (all for COVID-19). Conclusion This review provides an overview of public health and healthcare resources with associated parameters in the context of pandemic influenza and the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing insight into the ranges of plausible parameter values on the use of public health and healthcare resources improves the accuracy of results of modelling different scenarios, and thus decision-making by policy makers and hospital planners. This review also highlights a scarcity of published data on important public health resources.

Background: An adequate nutritional status in patients with cystic fibrosis correlates with higher survival and better pulmonary function. Body mass index (BMI) is an anthropometric indicator with independent association with pulmonary function, and it can hide alterations of nutritional status in cystic fibrosis. Objective: To determine the relationship of lung function with BMI and body composition parameters in children with cystic fibrosis in a Hight Complexity institution between 2015 and 2018. Materials and methods: It was an observational study with analytical, cross-sectional, and retrospective scope, including 33 patients between 5 and 17 years old. Spearman's test was applied to evaluate correlation of FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in first second) with BMI and five body composition parameters by bioelectrical impedance using InbodyS10 equipment. Statistical significance was considered with p

Abstract Assembly of the mammalian gut microbiota during early life is known to shape key aspects of organismal development, including immunity, metabolism and behaviour. While house mice (Mus musculus) are the major laboratory model organism for gut microbiota research, their artificial lab-based lifestyle could fundamentally alter ecological processes of microbiota assembly and dynamics, in ways that affect their usefulness as a model system. To examine this, here we directly compared patterns of gut microbiota assembly in house mice from the lab and from the wild, making use of a tractable, individually-marked wild population where we could examine patterns of gut microbiota assembly during early life. Despite lab and wild mice harbouring taxonomically distinct communities, we identify striking similarities in multiple patterns of their gut microbiota assembly. Specifically, age-related changes in both alpha and beta diversity, as well as the abundance of predominant phyla and aerotolerance of the microbiota followed parallel trajectories in both settings. These results suggest some degree of intrinsic programme in gut microbiota assembly that transcends variation in taxonomic profiles, and the genetic and environmental background of the host. They further support the notion that despite their artificial environment, lab mice can provide meaningful insights into natural microbiota ecological dynamics in early life and their interplay with host development.

BACKGROUND: This article is part of a special series designed to help health professionals in the process of developing a research project and writing a manuscript. The research question is the keystone in this process, and represents the first step of every research project. However, its importance is frequently neglected. OBJECTIVE: To highlight important considerations in the development and formulation of a research idea, with the purpose of identifying main guiding elements, in order to prevent errors in one of the most important stages of an experiment. METHODS: The authors performed a non-systematic literature review (PubMed.gov - U.S. National Library of Medicine/National Institute of Health) to retrieve papers that addressed the main steps to build a research question. RESULTS: The construction process includes the conception of the research idea, seeking an appropriate environment and resources, performing a literature review, then crafting and refining the research question, while being aware of potential challenges and pitfalls that may be encountered. The FINER and PICOT criteria can be useful tools in this process. CONCLUSION: It is essential to invest time, energy, and resources in the construction of the research question prior to detailing the study design, thus supporting the further development of the research project on a solid initial foundation.

Abstract Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic disease associated with its principal tick vector, Hyalomma spp. with increasing fatal incidence worldwide. Accordingly, CCHF is a World Health Organization-prioritized disease with the absence of effective preventive interventions and approved vaccines or effective treatments. This perspective raised from a multidisciplinary gap analysis considering a One Health approach beneficial for human and animal health and the environment exploring international collaborations, gaps and recommendations.

Hipertensi merupakan penyakit degeneratif yang disebut the silent killer, berarti penyakit tidak menunjukkan gejala sebelum dilakukan pemeriksaan kesehatan. Berdasarkan Laporan Riskesdas Provinsi Sumatera Barat 2018, Kabupaten Solok menempati urutan kedua di Provinsi Sumatera Barat dengan 14.414 kasus. Berdasarkan data penilaian kinerja Puskesmas Piladang tahun 2022 menunjukkan bahwa hipertensi menjadi penyakit terbanyak keempat, yaitu 522 kasus dengan cakupan pelayanan hipertensi sesuai standar hanya 10% dari target 100%. Inovasi program “TEPAT” dilakukan untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan dan kesadaran lansia terkait hipertensi melalui edukasi dan mendemonstrasikan tata cara terapi pijat. Kegiatan dilaksanakan di Balai Jorong Tambun Ijuk yang termasuk dalam wilayah kerja Puskesmas Piladang pada tanggal 30 September 2023 yang dihadiri 31 lansia. Edukasi disampaikan dengan metode ceramah mengenai hipertensi, metode demonstrasi program TEPAT “Terapi Pijat Hipertensi Minggat”, dan metode diskusi. Diharapkan hasil kegiatan ini dapat dijadikan sebagai ajang peningkatan pemahaman mengenai hipertensi dan terapi pijat hipertensi pada lansia di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Piladang

Abstract Background Erosive tooth wear is an increasingly common pathology in the youth population. It refers to the chronic, localized, painless loss of dental hard tissues caused by non-bacterial acids, often originating from external sources like acidic beverages. Energy drink consumption is on the rise, frequently preceding physical exercise to enhance perceived energy levels. However, there are other types of beverages that also provide energy, such as pre-workout drinks, classified as sports drinks. The main objective of this research study has been conducted with the purpose of analyzing the pH of energy drinks and pre-workout beverages, and studying the frequency of consumption of such beverages in amateur athletes who practice sports. Methods A total of 67 beverages were examined, comprising 43 energy drinks and 24 sports supplementation beverages, also known as pre-workout or pre-training beverages. The participants were given a survey to complete. They were asked to respond whether they consumed any type of pre-workout or energy drink, and they were also asked about the timing of consumption. Results The findings indicated an average pH of 3.3 among the studied beverages, indicating a pH below the critical threshold. Out of the 113 participants, 51% reported taking some form of supplementation. Conclusions Consequently, it was concluded that most of the analyzed beverages recorded pH values low enough to classify them as erosive, posing a threat to enamel surface. When analyzing the frequency of consumption of energy drinks and pre-workout beverages in amateur athletes, we observed that most participants aged 29 years or younger took supplements 3 to 5 times a week, while the older age groups more frequently took supplements 1 to 2 times a week.

Abstract In Bangladesh, Vibrio cholerae lineages are undergoing genomic evolution, with increased virulence and spreading ability. However, our understanding of the genomic determinants influencing lineage transmission and disease severity remains incomplete. Here, we developed a computational framework using machine-learning, genome scale metabolic modelling (GSSM) and 3D structural analysis, to identify V. cholerae genomic traits linked to lineage transmission and disease severity. We analysed in-patients isolates from six Bangladeshi regions (2015-2021), and uncovered accessory genes and core SNPs unique to the most recent dominant lineage, with virulence, motility and bacteriophage resistance functions. We also found a strong correlation between V. cholerae genomic traits and disease severity, with some traits overlapping those driving lineage transmission. GSMM and 3D structure analysis unveiled a complex interplay between transcription regulation, protein interaction and stability, and metabolic networks, associated to lifestyle adaptation, intestinal colonization, acid tolerance and symptom severity. Our findings support advancing therapeutics and targeted interventions to mitigate cholera spread.

PT. Atika Tunggal Mandiri is a company engaged in andesite stone mining located in the fifty municipalities, West Sumatra. The demand for andesite stones in the company continues to increase, necessitating an increase in production to meet it. Therefore, accurate prediction is needed to assist effective operational planning, enabling the estimation of future andesite stone production to meet market demand. This study aims to predict andesite stone production using the Machine Learning method, specifically the Support Vector Regression algorithm. The research utilizes data from January 2022 to November 2023 with an 80%:20% split for training and testing data. The experimental results using the Linear Kernel yielded an RMSE value of 3444.12 and an MAPE of 9.27%, categorized as "Very Good," followed by the RBF kernel and Polynomial kernel. Based on the obtained error results, the Support Vector Regression algorithm is the best algorithm for predicting andesite stone production.

Este artículo analiza los procesos de monumentalización en El Castillo, Meta-Colombia, realizados por instituciones oficiales, ONGs, defensores de derechos humanos y familiares de víctimas, dentro del marco de la justicia restaurativa. Estos procesos buscan abordar la violencia que ha marcado la región, utilizando el espacio público para narrar eventos históricos recientes que van desde la colonización hasta la influencia de la Unión Patriótica, abarcando también la militarización y paramilitarización del área, con graves consecuencias como asesinatos, desplazamientos y desapariciones forzadas. Se adoptó un enfoque cualitativo, que incluyó diálogos de saberes, análisis de archivos, entrevistas semiestructuradas y recorridos por los monumentos, además de observación participante. Estas herramientas permitieron comprender las percepciones y el impacto de los procesos de monumentalización, resaltando cómo las iniciativas comunitarias promueven un sentido de pertenencia y reivindican valores éticos, educativos y políticos del pasado. El estudio contrasta estas iniciativas con proyectos como el Parque y la Casa de la Memoria, diseñados e impuestos por agentes externos, incluyendo arquitectos, artistas, abogados e ingenieros, lo que ha generado discrepancias en el diseño y desconexión con las comunidades destinatarias. Esta situación se manifiesta en el deterioro de estos espacios y resalta el incumplimiento de una verdadera reparación integral.

Differences in the behaviors of shot-derived metal Pb and metalloids Sb and As render the remediation of metal(loid)-contaminated shooting range soils challenging. Treatment methods that generally reduce Pb solubility may simultaneously increase Sb and As solubility due to pH changes and ion competition. We investigated the potential of tailings from phosphate mining, previously used to immobilize Pb, to stabilize acidic shooting range soil without incurring the risk of enhanced Sb and As solubility. In a 2.5-year field trial, the soil of a former shooting range, surface-treated with tailings consisting of phlogopite, carbonate minerals calcite and dolomite, and residues of apatite, displayed no evidence of increased Sb or As solubility. Results from a parallel laboratory-scale pot experiment, carried out with test soils from the field site, supported the findings. Under acidic conditions, dissolution of the carbonate fraction of the tailings, and the subsequent decrease in soil acidity, contributed to the release of Sb and As from organic associations and/or Al/ Fe (hydr)oxide surfaces. We concluded that the abundant Ca2+ ions liberated upon carbonate dissolution probably reacted with the anionic species of Sb and As to form sparingly soluble Ca-antimonates and Ca-arsenates. Moreover, the solubility of intrinsic and apatite-derived P in the test soils, initially hypothesized to compete for adsorption with Sb and As and thereby increase their solubility, also decreased after tailings treatment. In conclusion, Pb-contaminated shooting range soil was successfully stabilized with the tailings without increasing Sb or As solubility.

Factory layout is the main foundation of the industrial world. A well-planned factory layout will help determine the efficiency and effectiveness of production activities and in some cases will also maintain the survival or success of a company. Based on the results of field observations and interviews that have been conducted, the problem faced by the company is the arrangement of the production floor layout that has poor flow, including workstations that have a relationship of material flow sequences that are placed far apart. This causes a lot of land area used and high OMH costs. One of the proposed methods that can be used to solve this problem is the Computerized Relationship Layout Planning (CORELAP) method. The CORELAP method was chosen to improve the facility's layout by producing a minimum material movement distance. In addition, this method allows for maximum area utilization, higher production capacity, and a more regular production flow. The total distance in the old layout is 39.25 meters and the new layout is 26.75, proving that the distance traveled by the proposed layout is more minimal meets the requirements of a proposed layout, and can reduce the company's OMH value.

Some of the amphibian populations in Panama are demonstrating slow recovery decades after severe declines caused by the invasion of the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). However, new species remain to be described and assessed for the mechanisms of disease resilience. We identified seven skin defense peptides from a presumably novel leopard frog species in the Tabasará range, at Buäbti (Llano Tugrí), Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca, and Santa Fe, Veraguas, Panama, herein called the Ngäbe-Buglé leopard frog. Two of the peptides were previously known: brevinin-1BLb from Rana (Lithobates) blairi and a previously hypothesized “ancestral” peptide, ranatuerin-2BPa. We hypothesized that the peptides are active against Bd and shape the microbiome such that the skin bacterial communities are more similar to those of other leopard frogs than of co-occurring host species. Natural mixtures of the collected skin peptides showed a minimum inhibitory concentration against Bd of 100 μg/ml, which was similar to that of other leopard frogs that have been tested. All sampled individuals hosted high intensity of infection with Bd. We sampled nine other amphibian species in nearby habitats and found lower prevalence and intensities of Bd infection. In addition to the pathogen load, the skin microbiomes were examined using 16S rRNA gene targeted amplicon sequencing. When compared to nine co-occurring amphibians, the Ngäbe-Buglé leopard frog had similar skin bacterial richness and anti-Bd function, but the skin microbiome structure differed significantly among species. The community composition of the bacterial skin communities was strongly associated with the Bd infection load. In contrast, the skin microbiome composition of the Ngäbe-Buglé leopard frog was similar to that of five North American leopard frog populations and the sympatric and congeneric Rana (Lithobates) warszewitschii, with 29 of the 46 core bacteria all demonstrating anti-Bd activity in culture. Because of the high Bd infection load and prevalence in the Ngäbe-Buglé leopard frog, we suggest that treatment to reduce the Bd load in this species might reduce the chytridiomycosis risk in the co-occurring amphibian community, but could potentially disrupt the evolution of skin defenses that provide a mechanism for disease resilience in this species.

This study employs a mixed-methods approach to delve into the intricate interplay among corporate governance, bankruptcy risk, forensic accounting, internal auditing, and ethics. While prior research has highlighted the correlation between weak governance, increased bankruptcy risk, and ethical lapses, the synergies among these factors necessitate deeper investigation. The authors conducted a meticulous bibliometric analysis of the Scopus database, focusing on the realms of accounting, internal audit, forensics, bankruptcy, and ethics within the overarching domain of corporate governance. Emphasizing the importance of robust governance principles in mitigating risks in accounting, the study revealed a substantial coverage of resources across various disciplines, with accounting (54.6%) and ethics (25.1%) leading the distribution. The dataset, comprising 5990 resources from 495 publications cited 151,911 times spanning from 1978 to March 2024, serves as a valuable resource for scholars aiming to fortify organizational resilience by integrating critical concepts identified in this research.

ABSTRACT Introduction In the Netherlands, since 1996, there is a national cervical cancer (CC) screening programme in place for women aged 30–60 years. The participation of Turkish‐ and Moroccan‐Dutch women is very low. To facilitate their informed decision‐making, we developed a culturally sensitive educational video, and evaluated it through a questionnaire study. Since we used multiple strategies for the recruitment of respondents, we aimed (1) to explore which sampling strategy resulted in which type of respondents, (2) to investigate which sampling strategy and individual characteristics were associated with successful recruitment of other respondents, and (3) to examine similarity between those recruited via respondent‐driven sampling (RDS). Methods Six sampling strategies were used and compared to explore their recruitment success: (1) RDS (i.e. peer‐to‐peer recruitment), (2) public and private women's Facebook groups, (3) Instagram, (4) researchers' network, (5) offline organizations (e.g., community centres and mosques), and (6) other channels (e.g. flyers, infographics, and information meetings). To do this, χ2 tests, a multivariate logistic regression, and intra class correlations (ICCs) were performed. Results Overall, 782 Moroccan‐ and 696 Turkish‐Dutch respondents were included in the analysis. Almost 40% filled out the questionnaire via RDS. RDS yields more often older, lower educated, and first‐generation immigrant women than average. Respondents recruited via RDS have more often low CC screening knowledge and make more often uninformed CC screening decisions than average. Social media channels, however, yielded more younger, highly educated, and second‐generation immigrant women than average. Sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes towards CC screening varied more strongly within than between network trees. The probability that paired respondents within a network tree had similar characteristics varied strongly depending on the characteristic. Conclusions By using RDS and asking respondents to recruit peers, the more hard‐to‐reach individuals (i.e. older, lower educated, and first‐generation immigrants) were reached. By using social media channels, younger, highly educated, and second‐generation individuals can be recruited. RDS yielded more often women with low CC screening knowledge and women making uninformed CC screening decisions. To reach the individuals in need of tailored information or an intervention conform their needs, we recommend to use RDS as an intervention delivery strategy. Patient or Public Contribution Following RDS, we involved Moroccan‐ and Turkish‐Dutch women in recruiting other Moroccan‐ and Turkish‐Dutch women. Through this recruitment, women were able to fill out our questionnaire, and watch our culturally sensitive educational video to improve their informed decision‐making in regard to the CC screening programme.

This study presents a novel strategy for classifying Motor Imagery (MI) related to hand opening/closing actions using electroencephalography signals. This approach combines the passive motion induced by a robotic glove and action observation. Two groups of subjects executed a protocol based on left and right hand movement MI to address this. Subsequently, spectral features were used on $mu$ and $beta$ bands, and machine-learning algorithms were used for classification. The results showed better performance for right-hand motion recognition using k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN), which achieved the highest performance metrics of 0.71, 0.76, and 0.28 for Accuracy (ACC), true positive rate, and false positive rate, respectively. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed methodology for improving the recognition of MI tasks of the same limb, which can contribute to the design of more robust brain-computer interfaces for the enhancement of rehabilitation therapy for post-stroke patients.

Los espacios verdes de la ciudad de Bogotá son áreas que generan bienestar a los moradores y visitantes de la capital colombiana, en particular el Jardín Botánico de Bogotá (JBB) por su infraestructura ecológica que permite el disfrute de servicios ecosistémicos a sus visitantes. El presente estudio, tiene como propósito generar una aproximación del valor monetario de los servicios ecosistémicos que presta el JBB. El estudio se llevó a cabo en el JBB José Celestino Mutis. Para la valoración biofísica se realizó un inventario de las especies maderables, se incluyó altura total y diámetro a la altura del pecho. Se determinó el volumen de madera de cada individuo y por especie, igualmente, el carbono almacenado en la biomasa aérea. Para la estimación del carbono se utilizó una ecuación alométrica. Con los valores del volumen se monetizó los metros cúbicos de madera con un valor doméstico de US$270,9 por m3 para determinar el servicio de provisión de madera. Con los valores del carbono se monetizaron los valores de los créditos de carbono de la Unión Europea para determinar el servicio de regulación atmosférica. Para los costos de viaje, se aplicó una encuesta a visitantes del JBB para determinar el servicio cultural de recreación. En este caso, se incluyó el costo de ingreso al JBB, el cual tiene un valor de US$1,05 y la alimentación. Finalmente, se calculó el valor económico total VET. Los servicios ecosistémicos proporcionados por el JBB generan un VET que alcanza los US$68.517.466,5 al año.

Objective The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the crucial role of healthcare and public health resource management, where scarcity impairs pandemic response resulting in increased disease transmission, delayed patient care and poorer health outcomes. In the EU PANDEM-2 project, we aimed to identify essential resource parameters for pandemic preparedness and response in the context of an emerging viral respiratory illness.Design After performing a systematic literature review, we conducted a Delphi study consisting of a structured questionnaire and consensus round with two separate panels of European public health experts (PHEs) and clinicians, respectively. Resources were categorised as material (n=23), human (n=18) or pharmaceutical (n=12). Data were analysed descriptively for both panels.Results Participants were 17 PHEs and 16 clinicians from nine countries. Consensus between the two panels was found on 40 resource parameters (17 material, 14 human, 9 pharmaceutical; 33 accepted and 7 rejected). Notably, clinicians selected three home care resources while PHEs did not, and PHEs selected two pharmaceutical resources which clinicians did not. No consensus was observed on 13 resources. Eleven additional resources were suggested and included (five for PHE and six for clinicians) among which were personal protective equipment for mobile teams, resources for primary care and resources related to mechanical ventilation.Conclusions The high level of consensus between the two expert panels indicates common goals in pandemic resource planning. The disagreement on 13 resource parameters reflects the different priorities between PHEs and clinicians in pandemic planning. This study has demonstrated the core components of resource modelling required for pandemic preparedness planning and shows the importance of consulting experts with both public health and clinical backgrounds. Including our proposed resources in pandemic models allows for more enhanced planning and training activities for future pandemics.

Conflict of interest: No Introduction and Objectives: Patients undergoing liver transplantation need long-term follow-up to ensure graft success and survival. Adherence to lifestyle recommendations and medication, particularly immunosuppressive therapy, is a key factor in graft survival and in reducing public health costs. Adherence impacts graft survival and public health costs. Given its importance and the lack of research in Latin America and Colombia, we assess local adherence levels and explore factors associated with non-adherence. Objective: To determine the prevalence of adherence to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments and the associated factors among liver transplant patients treated at a tertiary care hospital in Colombia Patients / Materials and Methods: The BAASIS questionnaire was used to assess adherence among liver transplant patients at a specialized transplant center in Colombia. In addition, ITBS questionnaire was used for the identification of barriers to immunosuppressive medication adherence (external vs. patient-controlled barriers). Demographic and clinical data were collected from 2006 to 2024. Results and Discussion: In this study, 398 post-transplant patients with a mean age of 49 at transplantation were analyzed. Logistic regression using the BAASIS scale showed 35.1% (140) were non-adherent to their immunosuppressive regimen. The ITBS scale categorized barriers as unintentional (e.g., skipping medications due to travel, depression, or running out) or intentional (e.g., forgetting, side effects, feeling well, or routine deviations). Bivariate analysis revealed a significant association with adherence at a 5% significance level. Pre-transplant follow-up variables also showed links to non-adherence and prior assessments of unsuitability by social work or psychology. Conclusions: Non-adherence in post-transplant patients is influenced by both intentional and unintentional factors, underscoring the need to address these in pre- and post-transplant education. Special attention should be given to non-adherence histories during pre-transplant evaluations and psychological or social work assessments that deem patients unsuitable at any point. More targeted follow-up and education could significantly reduce non-adherence rates.

IntroductionThe prevalence of myopia has increased significantly in recent years including an earlier onset of myopia development on the pediatric population. The main objective of the study is to compare CUVAF (Conjunctival Ultraviolet Autofluorescence) in children with and without myopia to validate its usefulness as an outdoor protective biomarker.MethodsA case–control observational study was conducted in a child cohort from subjects that attended to the Ophthalmology Department of Clínica Universidad de Navarra for an ophthalmological examination. The general exclusion criteria were (among others): amblyopia, congenital myopia, general ophthalmic disease, and any conjunctival alteration that might difficult the measurement of the CUVAF area. All participants underwent an automatic objective refraction under cycloplegic effect, biometry to measure axial length (AL) and central corneal radius (CCR), and completed a questionnaire about their lifestyle habits. A total of 4 images of the bulbar conjunctiva were taken with blue light in order to quantify the CUVAF area.ResultsA total of 263 subjects (6 to 17 years old) were analyzed with no significant differences in demographic data between case group and control group. There were 50 non-myopic subjects (19%) and 213 myopic subjects (81%). In relation to the outdoor activities (OA), myopic subjects spent significantly fewer hours per week outdoors than the control-group (p = 0.03). About the CUVAF area, the differences between groups were statistically significant, showing that the myopic group has a significantly smaller CUVAF area than the control-group (0.33 ± 0.72 mm2 vs. 0.78 ± 1.22 mm2; p = 0.0023), likewise, the frequency of CUVAF area absence between both groups showed an odds ratio (OR) of 2.52 (CI95% 1.33–4.74). A Pearson correlation test was done, obtaining a strong significant inverse correlation between myopia degree-CUVAF area (r = 0.1877; IC95% 0.068–0.302), and also ratio (AL/CCR)-CUVAF area (p = 0.002 and p = 0.04) respectively.ConclusionCUVAF is a useful biomarker for OA and it has an inverse relationship with myopia degree also in pediatric age, especially after the age of 12, so it could be useful to differentiate the risk of developing myopia. Having a CUVAF area greater than that corresponding to age, protect to myopia 2.5 times, being almost 5 times the protection in case of high myopia.

Understanding the Al-Qur'an has a very important role. But often understanding the verses of the Koran, especially those that have deep meaning, is a challenge for students in elementary schools. This research aimed to investigate the potential of elementary school students in improving their understanding of PAI material, especially understanding the short letters of the Al-Qur'an. The research method taken is the DnD method and was developed through the ADDIE model which includes Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. This research produced data taken from interviews with SDN Sindang II teachers and students, as well as filling out questionnaires by 24 grade 3 elementary school students. The results of this data can be concluded that the majority of students can understand the material regarding the meaning of the at-takatsur letter through the MATAKU DUA android application "Understanding the Meaning of the At-Takatsur Letter with Dubi and Ami" and learning can run effectively and improve students' thinking abilities.

Terahertz technology has experienced significant advances in the past years, leading to new applications in the fields of spectroscopy, imaging, and communications. This progress requires the development of dedicated optics to effectively direct, control and manipulate terahertz radiation. In this regard, 3D printing technologies have shown great potential, offering fast prototyping, high design flexibility, and good reproducibility. While traditional 3D printing techniques allow for the preparation of terahertz optical components operating at relatively low frequencies (

Resistant starch (RS) consumption can have beneficial effects on metabolic health, but the response, in terms of effects on the gut microbiota and host physiology, varies between individuals. Factors predicting the response to RS are not yet established and would be useful for developing precision nutrition approaches that maximize the benefits of dietary fiber intake. We sought to identify predictors of gut microbiota response to RS supplementation. We enrolled 76 healthy adults into a 7-week crossover study with 59 individuals completing the study. Participants consumed RS type 2 (RS2), RS type 4 (RS4), and digestible starch, for 10 d each with 5-d washout periods in between. We collected fecal and saliva samples and food records during each treatment period. We performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing and measured fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), salivary amylase (AMY1) gene copy number, and salivary amylase activity (SAA). Dietary fiber intake was predictive of the relative abundance of several amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) at the end of both RS treatments. AMY1-related metrics were not predictive of response to RS. SAA was only predictive of the relative abundance of one ASV after digestible starch supplementation. Interestingly, SCFA concentrations increased the most during digestible starch supplementation. Treatment order (the order of consumption of RS2 and RS4), alpha diversity, and a subset of ASVs were predictive of SCFA changes after RS supplementation. Based on our findings, dietary fiber intake and gut microbiome composition would be informative if assessed prior to recommending RS supplementation because these data can be used to predict changes in specific ASVs and fecal SCFA concentrations. These findings lay a foundation to support the premise that using a precision nutrition approach to optimize the benefits of dietary fibers such as RS could be an effective strategy to compensate for the low consumption of dietary fiber nationwide.

Pulmonary delivery and formulation of biologics are among the more complex and growing scientific topics in drug delivery. We herein developed a dry powder formulation using disordered mesoporous silica particles (MSP) as the sole excipient and lysozyme, the most abundant antimicrobial proteins in the airways, as model protein. The MSP had the optimal size for lung deposition (2.43 ± 0.13 µm). A maximum lysozyme loading capacity (0.35 mg/mg) was achieved in 150 mM PBS, which was seven times greater than that in water. After washing and freeze-drying, we obtained a dry powder consisting of spherical, non-aggregated particles, free from residual buffer, or unabsorbed lysozyme. The presence of lysozyme was confirmed by TGA and FT-IR, while N2 adsorption/desorption and SAXS analysis indicate that the protein is confined within the internal mesoporous structure. The dry powder exhibited excellent aerodynamic performance (fine particle fraction

Abstract The safety of children’s living environment is affected by several factors. Safer living environments have been offered as one explanation to decreases in children’s fractures. Earlier studies provide evidence of a decreasing trend in children’s fractures in the past decades. The objective of this study was to investigate demographic and clinical features of paediatric maxillofacial fractures during three time periods. A retrospective cross-sectional single-centre study was designed. The study included 474 patients aged ≤ 15 years admitted to Helsinki University Hospital in Finland with maxillofacial fractures during 1980–1989, 1993–2002 and 2013–2018. Maxillofacial fractures increased by 25% during the study period. The increase was greater in boys (28%) than in girls (19%), and significant in age groups 0–5 years (71%) and 13–15 years (32%). Exclusively mandibular fractures decreased by 20%, while exclusively midfacial fractures increased more than four-fold and exclusively upper-third fractures five-fold. Being hit by object and falls from height increased more than two-fold. A temporary increase in assaults and decrease in bicycle accidents in the middle period of the study was observed. During the three decades, paediatric maxillofacial fractures have increased and both fracture type and underlying aetiology have changed. These findings reflect improvements in diagnostics, traffic safety, regulations and technology. The role of factors such as interpersonal violence and economic fluctuation on the incidence of childhood maxillofacial fractures is discussed.

The fiscal sphere can be considered the quintessence of state participation in the economy. Fiscal regulation, respectively fiscal harmonization and control over national budgets, are considered as advanced coordination within the normative management. The impact of EU supranational fiscal regulation on the economies of member countries can be accomplished through budgetary consolidation. This article is dedicated to the analysis of the fiscal consolidation effects and the measures and instruments of fiscal regulation of the EU, which can theoretically be applied to the EU member countries, as well as the effectiveness of the supranational impact and national measures for the implementation and achievement of supranational solutions.

Abstract Background Recently, Europe has seen an emergence of mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs). Understanding citizens’ perceptions of and behaviours towards mosquitoes and MBVs is crucial to reduce disease risk. We investigated and compared perceptions, knowledge, and determinants of citizens’ behavioural intentions related to mosquitoes and MBVs in the Netherlands and Spain, to help improve public health interventions. Methods Using the validated MosquitoWise survey, data was collected through participant panels in Spain (N = 475) and the Netherlands (N = 438). Health Belief Model scores measuring behavioural intent, knowledge, and information scores were calculated. Confidence Interval-Based Estimation of Relevance was used, together with potential for change indexes, to identify promising determinants for improving prevention measure use. Results Spanish participants’ responses showed slightly higher intent to use prevention measures compared to those of Dutch participants (29.1 and 28.2, respectively, p 0.03). Most participants in Spain (92.2%) and the Netherlands (91.8%) indicated they used at least one prevention measure, but differences were observed in which types they used. More Spanish participants indicated to have received information on mosquitoes and MBVs compared to Dutch participants. Spanish participants preferred health professional information sources, while Dutch participants favoured government websites. Determinants for intent to use prevention measures included “Knowledge”, “Reminders to Use Prevention Measures”, and “Information” in the Netherlands and Spain. Determinants for repellent use included “Perceived Benefits” and “Cues to Action”, with “Perceived Benefits” having a high potential for behavioural change in both countries. “Self-Efficacy” and “Knowledge” were determinants in both countries for breeding site removal. Conclusion This study found differences in knowledge between the Netherlands and Spain but similarities in determinants for intent to use prevention measures, intent to use repellents and intent to remove mosquito breeding sites. Identified determinants can be the focus for future public health interventions to reduce MBV risks.

La comunicación interna es un elemento esencial para el adecuado funcionamiento de una entidad o empresa, ya que facilita la coordinación efectiva y la integración entre los trabajadores con el objetivo de alcanzar las metas de la organización. En este contexto, la investigación llevada a cabo tuvo como propósito evaluar la comunicación interna como una estrategia dentro de la gestión de recursos humanos en una institución pública del Perú. El estudio se enmarca como una investigación no experimental, de diseño descriptivo simple y enfoque cuantitativo. La población de estudio estuvo compuesta por 52 trabajadores, y se utilizó una muestra no probabilística censal, que abarcó a toda la población. El instrumento empleado fue un cuestionario de evaluación de la comunicación interna, y el análisis de los datos se realizó mediante estadísticas simples a través de tablas, figuras y frecuencias. Según los resultados obtenidos, se observa que el 44.2% de los trabajadores evalúa positivamente la comunicación interna, el 40.4% la considera regular y el 15.4% la califica como baja. A partir de estas conclusiones, se destaca la importancia de que las organizaciones, especialmente las entidades del Estado, establezcan estrategias y planificaciones sólidas en relación con las políticas de comunicación interna. Este enfoque estratégico puede contribuir significativamente a mejorar la coordinación, la cohesión y el desempeño general de la institución.

La Administración pública, basada en jerarquías y burocracias, demanda la descentralización y la modernización de actividades y herramientas, por lo que las nuevas tecnologías de información y comunicación conllevadas por la gobernanza electrónica cumplen un rol crucial en el análisis y la entrega de resultados gubernamentales. Por lo tanto, se tuvo como finalidad comprender la contribución de esta gobernanza en los Gobiernos locales mediante una revisión sistemática de 22 investigaciones disponibles entre 2019 y 2023, la cual se llevó a cabo mediante un enfoque cualitativo y utilizando el método del flujograma Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (Prisma). Se identificó que los gobiernos regionales y locales de la Administración pública consideran la presencia física fundamental para tomar decisiones, comunicar información y corregir fallas, con el objetivo de mantener una coherencia gubernamental. Este enfoque enfatiza la importancia de personalizar la atención y las soluciones para asegurar una participación equitativa en los procesos estatales. La investigación permitió entender que la gobernanza electrónica es crucial para mejorar la eficiencia de los Gobiernos locales, destacando la necesidad de gestionar los recursos de manera efectiva y el papel esencial de los gestores en la implementación de prácticas gubernamentales efectivas y adaptativas.

Rural development is a multifaceted concept encompassing economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions. This paper explores the various factors involved in promoting rural development, with a focus on the outcome produced by the interplay between agriculture, infrastructure development, non-farm activities, social and cultural relations, education, environmental sustainability and government interventions. Drawing from scholarly literature and empirical evidence, it examines the role of each of these components in enhancing the well-being of rural communities. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of rural economies, but diversification into non-farm activities and the development of infrastructure are equally important. Infrastructure investments improve market access, reduce transaction costs, and stimulate economic activity, while non-farm activities contribute to job creation and income generation. Moreover, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation can drive economic growth and create opportunities for rural businesses. Social and cultural relations play a vital role in rural development, fostering community cohesion and resilience. Education emerges as a key enabler of rural development, empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to participate in economic and social life effectively. Environmental sustainability is integral to rural development, as it ensures the long-term viability of rural ecosystems and livelihoods. Overall, rural development requires coordinated efforts across multiple fronts, involving various stakeholders and sectors. By addressing economic, social, cultural and environmental challenges in an integrated manner, policymakers can foster inclusive and sustainable rural development, thereby improving the well-being of rural communities and contributing to overall national development goals.

This article explores the complex relationship between state aid and the evolution of economic environment, with a particular focus on the competitiveness of the regions where the aid beneficiaries activate. Many economic theories and ideas discuss the impact of state involvement on economic growth, emphasizing that excessive intervention can result in inefficiencies and distortions. However, targeted and strategic aid has the potential to stimulate economic growth, promote innovation, and address market failures. The paper compares EU regions with a high Competitiveness Index to those at the bottom of the competitiveness list, examining the volume and nature of aid provided to companies in these regions. The aim is to determine whether a direct relationship exists between aid and competitiveness. The findings generally confirm the previous research highlighting the beneficial effects of state aid on businesses’ competitiveness, but with some original findings. We discovered that state aid supports the competitiveness of the beneficiaries, but some types of aid are more appropriate to sustain a company and make it more competitive. State aid promoting training, research, development, and innovative activities and infrastructure has greater potential to help companies become more competitive in the present global market.

Abstract Avoiding physical contact is regarded as one of the safest and most advisable strategies to follow to reduce pathogen spread. The flip side of this approach is that a lack of social interactions may negatively affect other dimensions of health, like induction of immunosuppressive anxiety and depression or preventing interactions of importance with a diversity of microbes, which may be necessary to train our immune system or to maintain its normal levels of activity. These may in turn negatively affect a population’s susceptibility to infection and the incidence of severe disease. We suggest that future pandemic modelling may benefit from relying on ‘SIR+ models’: epidemiological models extended to account for the benefits of social interactions that affect immune resilience. We develop an SIR+ model and discuss which specific interventions may be more effective in balancing the trade-off between minimizing pathogen spread and maximizing other interaction-dependent health benefits. Our SIR+ model reflects the idea that health is not just the mere absence of disease, but rather a state of physical, mental and social well-being that can also be dependent on the same social connections that allow pathogen spread, and the modelling of public health interventions for future pandemics should account for this multidimensionality.

Computer engineering students should develop competences related to the contents of databases design and SQL queries. For this purpose, the recommendations on the convenience of changing the traditional teaching methodology to the flipped classroom are followed. In this article we present a quantitative study in which we compare the potential for the development of engineering students' competences in the design and use of databases of the flipped classroom methodology and the traditional teaching methodology. The results obtained in the evaluation of the subject in two different courses are compared. In the first course, traditional teaching methodology was used. In the second one, flipped classroom was used when its implementation had already been tried and tested. The results of the content blocks of database design and SQL queries are compared, according to the type of learning promoted. In this article we show evidence that the implementation of the flipped classroom teaching methodology provides different results depending on the learning promoted and on the specific contents in the subject of relational databases. The benefits of implementing the flipped classroom depend on the content and type of learning promoted. We have found evidence that they improve theoretical learning outcomes for database design and in the resolution of non-reproductive activities in the SQL queries block. No conclusive benefits are reported for students’ competency development for either of the two content blocks.

Background: Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) has long been used as a traditional medicine. The primary active component of turmeric is curcumin. It has potential anti-inflammatory effects and high antioxidant activity. Curcumin contained in turmeric has been reported as an effective treatment for Oral lichen planus (OLP). OLP is a chronic autoimmune, inflammatory disease of the oral mucosa associated with systemic disease. This disease involves the skin and mucous membranes (mucocutaneous) of stratified squamous epithelium. Purpose: This narrative review conducted on Google Scholar, PubMed, Research Gate, and ScienceDirect databases aims to study the effectiveness of curcumin contained in Turmeric (C. longa L.) in OLP treatment. Review(s): OLP is a condition of the oral mucosa that is a chronic autoimmune mucocutaneous disease. As many as 0.5% to 2.2% of cases of OLP occur in the adult population. Systemic and topical corticosteroid drugs are usually used to treat OLP. However, the use of these drugs has many side effects, so it needs searching for a new active substance to treat OLP. Curcumin is a hydrophobic polyphenol extracted from the rhizome of the herb Curcuma longa (turmeric), which has a low molecular weight. The repeated use of steroids can cause side effects that cause atrophy of the mucosa and candidiasis. One natural product that is superior to corticosteroids is curcumin. This is due to curcumin's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chemopreventive properties in several diseases. Conclusion: This review suggests that OLP treatment using curcumin in Turmeric (C. longa L.) is effective because curcumin exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic activities, as well as immunomodulatory properties.

Cél: A nemzetközi rendészeti szakirodalom a közrendet sértő és a közbiztonságra veszélyt jelentő jogellenes emberi magatartások tanulmányozását tekinti fő feladatának. Viszonylag ritkábbak azok a kutatások, amelyek a rendészeti hatóságok és az ügyészi szervek belső működését veszik górcső alá. Arra is kevés példát találunk, amikor tudományos munkában a rendészetben dolgozó hivatalnokok által elkövetett bűncselekményekről olvashatunk. A Figyelő most ilyen írásokról is tudósít. Módszertan: Sümegh Attila recenziója az Orosz Föderáció Ügyészségének a korrupció elleni küzdelemben alkalmazott módszereiről ad körképet. A hivatali és a gazdasági vesztegetések felderítésének hagyományos módszerei mellett találkozhatunk olyan ügyészségi feladatokkal, amelyek feltárják a nem megfelelő jogi szabályozás azon hiányait, amelyek a korrupció veszélyét jelentősen növelhetik. Radvánszki Ronett összefoglalója az úgynevezett „rendőrbűnözés” Egyesült Államokban történt vizsgálatának metodikáját vázolja. Rámutat arra, hogy a legitim erőszak monopólium birtokában a jogszerűség határát átlépő rendőrök azt gondolhatják, hogy státuszuk miatt kevésbé vonhatók felelősségre. Megállapítások: Kivételesen széles körű és megközelítésében szakmaiságot hordozó megállapításokkal találkozhatunk Bélai Gábor munkájában, amelyből az egykori NDK (Német Demokratikus Köztársaság) és az NSZK (Német Szövetségi Köztársaság) kriminalisztikai gyakorlatát és a bűnüldözés eljárási rendjében mutatkozó eltéréseket ismerhetjük meg. Miközben meggyőződhetünk arról, hogy az egykori NDK kriminalisztikai képzése magas szakmai színvonalon történt, értenünk kell azt is, hogy a bűnüldözés ügyészi kontrollja az NSZK-ban a mai napig is lényegesen több garanciával szolgál, mint egy olyan felfogásban, ami nem követte a jogállami kritériumokat. Érték: A családon belüli erőszak tanulmányozásának szentelt publikációból Horváth Bíborka kiemeli a következőket: „A jelenlegi jogszabályok elsősorban az egyedi, nyilvános helyeken történő erőszakra fókuszálnak, és nem fordítanak kellő figyelmet azokra, akik intim partnereik, illetve családtagjaik miatt sokoldalú bántalmazás áldozataivá válnak.” Ez a kutatás is a családon belüli erőszak büntetőjogi dimenzióin messze túlhaladva azokról a morális értékekről számol be, amelyek forrása az egyéni és a társadalmi integráció eredményei lehetnek. Vörös Aura az állam erőszak-monopóliumának legitimitását tárgyaló tanulmányról nyújt információkat, különös tekintettel a rendőrségi erőszak-monopólium értelmezésére, ami minden demokratikusan működő alkotmányos hatalom számára megkerülhetetlen feladat.