Protective Index Research Articles

National identity and environmentalism: why national narcissism might undermine pro-environmental efforts

The extant literature recognizes national identity as a pivotal factor motivating both individual and collective actions to tackle environmental problems. Yet, prior research shows mixed evidence for the relationship between national identity and environmentalism. Here, we propose a theoretical approach that articulates distinctions between different forms of national identity and their differential associations with environmental attitudes and behaviors. Specifically, we argue that it is key to differentiate national identification, which reflects a positive attachment to one's country and ties to other compatriots, from national narcissism, which reflects viewing one's country as exceptional and deserving of special treatment. In contrast to national identification, national narcissism is consistently associated with lower environmental concern and predicts support for anti-environmental policies. We show that this is likely due to national narcissism being linked to belief in climate-related conspiracy theories, support for policies that challenge external pressures yet present the nation in a positive light (e.g., greenwashing), and focusing on short-term benefits for the nation. Extending past individual-level findings, we report a pre-registered analysis across 56 countries examining whether national narcissism is also linked to objective indices of lower environmental protection at the country level of analysis. Results revealed a negative relationship between countries' environmental performance and country-level national narcissism (while adjusting for national identification and GDP per capita). We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our approach and the country-level findings for advancing research in the field.

Production and immunological characterisation of recombinant flagellin C of <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>

SCIENTIFIC RELEVANCE. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the main causative agents of focal and diffuse suppurative inflammations in immunocompromised individuals. The multiple antimicrobial resistance of Р. aeruginosa has created an urgent need to develop effective preventive vaccines against this bacterium and to enhance their protective properties by selecting adjuvants. A promising strategy is to use flagellin, a P. aeruginosa flagellum component inducing the innate immune system through interaction with toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) and activating the T-cell immune response, as a component or adjuvant in vaccine development.AIM. This study aimed to produce recombinant flagellin C (FliC) of P. aeruginosa and investigate its immunogenicity, adjuvanticity, and protective properties.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The fliC nucleotide sequence was obtained by PCR on template DNA of P. aeruginosa PA-103 and was inserted into the pQE-30 plasmid for subsequent expression in Escherichia coli M15. Recombinant FliC purification involved two stages: isolation of inclusion bodies and their dissolution in buffers containing urea and guanidine hydrochloride. Mice were immunised by two intraperitoneal injections with a two-week interval. The immunisation used purified recombinant FliC at a dose of 50 μg per animal and its combination with the Klebsiella pneumoniae surface antigen in a 1:1 ratio. Serum samples from immunised mice were tested for specific antibodies to recombinant FliC by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protective properties of FliC were assessed by intraperitoneal challenge of mice with cultures of P. aeruginosa PA-103 and K. pneumoniae 204.RESULTS. The authors obtained the producing strain, generated recombinant FliC, and purified the protein to a 97.6% purity. The analysis of serum samples from immunised mice by ELISA and the protection assessment in challenge experiments showed that the purified recombinant FliC protein had immunogenic properties. Furthermore, the experimental challenge of FliC-immunised mice with P. aeruginosa confirmed that recombinant FliC had protective properties, as evidenced by the protection index of 3.0. Recombinant FliC exhibited adjuvant properties, as demonstrated by the effectiveness index of 6.1 observed in the experimental challenge of mice immunised with the combination of recombinant FliC and the surface antigen of K. pneumoniae.CONCLUSIONS. The purified recombinant FliC protein of P. aeruginosa demonstrated protective activity in mice challenged with P. aeruginosa and adjuvant properties when combined with the K. pneumoniae surface antigen, increasing the immunogenicity of the latter. The use of recombinant FliC holds promise for the creation of a candidate vaccine against P. aeruginosa infection.

Improved indicators for the integrated assessment of coastal sustainable development based on Earth Observation Data

ABSTRACT Target 14 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 14) depicts a better future regarding the capacity of coastal environments to cope with several developmental challenges. However, gaps in the data and indicators restrict the effective implementation of this global plan. In this context, under the umbrella of the Digital Belt and Road (DBAR) Program, the DBAR_COAST working group (WG) aims to solve the problems of coastal sustainable development along the Maritime Silk Road (MSR). This paper demonstrates the recent efforts of the DBAR_COAST WG to develop indicators based on Earth observation (EO) data (i.e. the natural coastal protection index (NCPI), the local proportion of habitats protected index (LPHPI), and the coastal eco-erosion index (CEEI)), which complement the existing indicators related to SDGs 14.2, 14.5 and 14.7. These indicators all satisfy indicative, robust, scientifically sound and accessible data principles. Based on them, both the coastal protection (NCPI = 0.97) and protected area coverage (LPHPI = 0.38) in the MSR still had much room for improvement in 2020, and pressure from aquaculture expansion (CEEI = 0.11) showed significant regionally spatial heterogeneity. These indicators serve to provide a guideline for indicator-based assessment in monitoring the progress toward achieving SDG 14.

Erythrocyte membrane-coated nanocarriers modified by TGN for Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an aging-related neurodegenerative disease, and the main pathological feature was β-amyloid protein (Aβ) deposition. Recently, bioactive materials-based drug delivery system has been widely investigated for the treatment of AD. In this study, we developed a red blood cells (RBC) membrane-coated polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles (NPs) loading with a therapeutic agent for AD, curcumin (Cur). A functional peptide TGNYKALHPHN (TGN) was conjugated to the surface of membrane for blood-brain barrier (BBB) transport (TGN-RBC-NPs-Cur). TGN peptide can be recognized by receptors on the BBB and has great potential for brain transport. To confirm the targeted delivery of Cur to the brain, a cell co-culturing immortalized human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells and human brain astrocytes glioblastoma (hCMEC/D3 and U-118MG) in vitro model was established. As a result, the BBB transporting ratio of TGN-RBC-NPs-FITC was 29.64% at 12 h which was approximately eight-fold than RBC-NPs-FITC. The improvement of drug accumulation in the AD lesion was confirmed by the NPs modified with the BBB-penetrating peptide in the fluorescence imaging and quantitative analysis with UPLC-MS/MS in vivo. The neuroprotective effects were evaluated with new object recognition behavioral test, in vitro AD cell model, dendritic spine stain, GFAP and IBA1 immunofluorescence stain. The spatial learning and memory abilities of the AD model mice treated with TGN-RBC-NPs-Cur were obviously enhanced compared with the AD control mice and were also better than Cur at the same dosage. These results were consistent with the values of protection index of rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cells (PC12 cells) treated by Aβ25–35. TGN-RBC-NPs-Cur increased the dendritic segments densities and restrained activation of microglia and astrocytes of AD mice, as well as reversed cognitive function of AD mice. All of the results demonstrated TGN-RBC-NPs-Cur a promising therapeutic strategy for delaying the progression of AD by designing biomimetic nanosystems to deliver drugs into the brain.

Green preparation of water-stable coptidis-dyeing composite nanofiber filters with ultraviolet shielding and antibacterial activity and biodegradability

Particulate matter pollution and bacteria in the air have become hot topics due to their serious transmissibility and harm. Personal protection with respiratory masks was essential for our daily lives, but the reliability of commercial masks was limited by environmental factors, bacteria contamination, and non-degradability. Here, we prepared coptidis-dyeing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/polyacrylic acid (PAA) composite nanofiber filters with ultraviolet (UV) shielding, antibacterial activity, and biodegradability. The water stability of membranes was controlled using a green electrospinning-heat treatment process, improving the durability of masks in high humidity. The functionalization of composite nanofiber membranes was given through different coptidis-dyeing methods for the first time. The dyed membranes could maintain filtration efficiency of above 98 % against various NaCl particles (diameter of 0.225–7.25 μm) with a pressure drop of 196 Pa under a test flow rate of 32 L/min. Even at 85 L/min, the membrane could also maintain an interception efficiency of over 95 %, while the air resistance was below 343.2 Pa, meeting the requirements of GB 19083-2010 medical protective mask technology. Due to the natural functional properties of coptidis, the dyed membranes exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus of 99.8 % and a good UV protection index (UPF) of 286, respectively. The multifunctional dyed membranes are expected to become a filter layer that replaces the traditional melt-blown layer, providing insights to advance personal protective equipment.

Frequency Measurement Under Non-Sinusoidal Conditions.

Frequency measurement is an important issue in electrical engineering. Electric power systems have become increasing complex over the last decade. The use of distributed generation, the connection of non-linear loads and the presence of unexpected system faults are the main causes of frequency variations. In addition, power quality includes frequency as an important index. From a hardware instrumentation point of view, frequency measurement has different requirements: i.) Large power systems have slow frequency variation due to the high inertia of the overall network. This kind of problem requires frequency measuring methods capable of detecting small and also slow frequency variations. ii.) Small power systems can have frequency variation due to their reduced short-circuit power capacity. This type of problem requires fast methods with the capacity to detect large frequency variations. There are different groups of methods intended for frequency measurement. The methods can be compared in terms of computation and dynamic response, especially when the main voltage is disturbed. This research work focuses on frequency measurement under non-sinusoidal conditions. The paper studies the behaviour of a modified version of Sezi’s method and its hardware implementation using a microcontroller. This system can be used for frequency measurement or as a synchronized sampling source in harmonic measurement (e.g. EN 61000-4-7) The fast time response of the system enables it to be used in almost all kinds of application: small and slow frequency variations; frequency triggering in power system protection and power quality index characterisation.

Surge in Fixed-Dose Combination Drugs: Need for Data Exclusivity Protection in India Recently, India Rejected the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Nations' Demand to Keep the Data Exclusivity Provision in the Free Trade Pact as it Would be Detrimental to its Generic

Surge in Fixed-Dose Combination Drugs: Need for Data Exclusivity Protection in India Recently, India Rejected the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Nations' Demand to Keep the Data Exclusivity Provision in the Free Trade Pact as it Would be Detrimental to its Generic

Investigating the Awareness Level of Consumer Rights Protection in India

Investigating the Awareness Level of Consumer Rights Protection in India

Human Rights Implications Of Minimum Age For Criminal Liability Laws In Sexual Offenses: A Case Study Of India

The abuse of children sexually is a terrible worldwide problem that leaves victims with lifelong scars. In order to ensure justice and deter similar acts, legislative frameworks are essential. Balancing this objective with the evolving rights and autonomy of teenagers poses a significant challenge. With an emphasis on India's Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, this study examines the human rights consequences of minimum age requirements for criminal liability laws pertaining to sexual offences. POCSO establishes 18 as the minimum age of consent for all sexual activities, which has raised concerns about the possible infringement of teenage rights, such as the freedom from unjustified arrest and imprisonment, privacy, bodily autonomy, and access to knowledge about sexual and reproductive health. The conflict between teenage rights and child protection is examined in the paper. This study examines how teenagers' ability to give consent is developing, as well as how criminalising any sexual behaviour under the age of 18 may violate their right to autonomy. International comparisons show how different countries handle this complicated topic and how their minimum age regulations vary. A human rights-based strategy for POCSO reform is put out in this study. In order to distinguish between consensual sexual behaviour between adolescents of similar ages and exploitative abuse, this study involves investigating the possibility of a tiered age of consent system. Furthermore, it is suggested to prioritise preventive interventions through detailed sexual education programmes for setting explicit rules for assessing capacity to consent. The necessity of open communication, stakeholder participation, and ongoing legislative revision is emphasised in the conclusion of the paper. India may develop a more effective framework for preventing child sexual abuse while defending the rights and welfare of all young people by giving human rights a higher priority.

Classification and Value Evaluation of Ecotourism Resources in Agricultural and Cultural Heritage Sites Based on Clustering Algorithm--Taking Hani Terraces Globally Important Agricultural and Cultural Heritage Site as an Example

Abstract Taking the Hani Terraces as an example, this study explores the classification and value evaluation of ecotourism resources in agricultural and cultural heritage sites, applying clustering algorithms with the aim of revealing their ecological, economic and social values and promoting the sustainable development of heritage sites. The study establishes an evaluation system including economic benefits, sightseeing resources, agricultural resources and ecological resources, and applies the gray system theory and cluster analysis method. Through the expert scoring of 27 evaluation indicators, combined with the gray clustering algorithm, the ecotourism resources of Hani Terraces were classified and valued. The results show that the vast majority of indicators (15/27) are rated as excellent, 11 indicators are good, and only 1 indicator is medium. In addition, the research on 80 households showed that the villagers’ perceived index of heritage protection averaged 4.44, the perceived index of ecological problems averaged 3.22, and the perceived index of tourism development averaged 3.84. In summary, the ecotourism resources of Hani Terraces have significant value and the local residents have a positive attitude towards their protection and development.

Meibomian gland dysfunction in people who have been in the refuge for a long time during the hostilities in Ukraine

Aims/Purpose: To study the indicators of the eye surface in people who have been in the refuge for a long time during the hostilities in Ukraine.Methods: We recruited 58 patients (main group) aged 32–75 years, who have been in the basement or underground from 3 to 5 month during the hostilities in Ukraine. The control group – 42 patients, aged – 32–72 years, who have been in their houses or flats. Each patients underwent additional examination: the Schirmer's test, the Norn's test, determination of the ocular protection index (OPI), contact meibography (Pult et al., 2012), compression test for evaluation of excretory capacity (Korb, 2005) and quality of the secretion (The International Workshop on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, 2011) of meibomian gland, and Ocular Surface Disease Index Questionnaire (OSDI). The International Workshop's Classification of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, 2011 was used to evaluate the severity of MGD.Results: In 75.8% patients of the main group Schirmer test was 4.8 ± 0.7 mm, Norn test was 4.1 ± 0.8 s, OPI test was 0.54 ± 0.8, test for evaluation of excretory capacity and quality of the secretion of meibomian glands was 2 stage, the mean of OSDI was 56.6 ± 3.4 (p < 0.05). In 71.4% patients of the control group Schirmer test was 14.1 ± 1.6 mm, Norn test was 9.7 ± 0.8 s, OPI test was 0.69 ± 0.1, test for evaluation of excretory capacity and quality of the secretion of meibomian glands was 1 stage, the mean of OSDI was 11.2 ± 1.7 (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Our findings suggest that 75.8% of all patients who have been in the refuge from 3 to 5 month, have significant changes in the indicators of the eye surface, which corresponds to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction stage 3 and 4 (p < 0.05). 71.4% patients of the control group who have been in their houses or flats have changes in the indicators of the eye surface, which corresponds to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction stage 1 and 2 (p < 0.05). Long stays in the refuge caused significant changes in the surface of the eye, which required treatment for 75.8% of all patients (p < 0.001, respectively).

Monitoring subtropical aquatic ecosystems: evaluating the use of Trophic State Indices (TSI) and Aquatic Life Protection (API) as baseline indices by monitoring an urban reservoir in southeastern Brazil.

The use of indices is recommended for continuous monitoring and assessment of aquatic ecosystems, as they summarize the technical complexity of the results of multiple analyzes performed and translate these results into quality classes that reflect the actions taken and indicate ways to recover and conserve the resources. Environmental trophic state indices provide information on how nutrients, light availability and other factors promote the development of algal biomass and contribute to increased enrichment status of aquatic systems. Lamparelli's Trophic State Index (TSI) distinguishes between lentic (lower phytoplankton productivity) and lotic (higher phosphorus concentrations and lower chlorophyll-a concentrations) environments. The Aquatic Life Protection Index (ALPI) reflects water quality based on the trophic state of the environment, determines the degree of toxicity to biota and indicates deficiencies in variables and conditions essential for the protection of aquatic life. The indices were applied to a long data series to monitor the Guarapiranga Reservoir, an urban reservoir in the state of São Paulo in southeastern Brazil, which suffers from the urbanization of its surroundings and the discharge of domestic wastewater. The evaluation of the time series from 1978 to 2021 using these indices showed a deterioration in the trophic status and conservation of aquatic life in the reservoir and in one of its tributaries. Considering that the joint assessment of the two indices provides an approach to environmental conservation, their long-term use reflected changes and impacts on the environment and showed the best-preserved sites. Both indices are suitable for application in a baseline network in subtropical environments. They can pinpoint locations for better monitoring and are sensitive to environmental changes.

Forging Technology in women’s security: Introduction Of M- Protection In India

The aim of the study is to widen the word technology in the women’s security zone. We all know that digitalization showed the magic of ‘snap of finger’ and made many things ‘one click ahead’. Now technology stepped in towards m- protection for women. Technology took the devoir to fortify the females by launching many women protection application in smart phones. Earlier we were only accustomed with the word like e- governance, e-commerce, m-governance etc. Requisite of the time is to be aware of the resources accessible in the market for personal safety. The study highlighted the core challenges and suggestion in relation to m- protection and tapped the reason shadowing the 100% utilisation of the m-protection in India.

Blockchain and fintech technologies in the digital space of financial and industrial companies

The relevance of the article lies in examining the functional relationship between blockchain and fintech technologies in the innovative digital space of financial and industrial companies. The research aims to investigate the directions for the development of large integrated systems of financial and industrial capital, based on the principles of intensive production. The research methodology included the following methods: analytical (literature review, quantitative analysis), methods of comparison, generalization, and systematization. In particular, quantitative analysis was applied to calculate the index of digital cyber protection, which serves as an indicator and summarizes the safe properties of information resources in the digital space of banking institutions and their ability to prevent cyber-attacks on the financial and industrial capital of subjects in united spheres of economic activity. The results of the research have shown that the optimal criteria for the index of digital cyber protection are financially linked to industrial capital. The article substantiates the macroprudential policy of Ukraine’s banking sector based on blockchain regulators and fintech technologies from the EU, which foster the intensive development of technological competitiveness among financial institutions. The article can be useful for financial and industrial executives, banking institutions, consulting firms, and educators seeking insights into the integration of blockchain and fintech technologies.

Trademark Protection Index: A Comparative Evaluation of Pakistan and the United Kingdom (UK)

The protection of trademarks is a major difficulty for less and more developed countries which are investigated in this research that focuses on Pakistan and the UK. While previous studies have put so much emphasis on innovation and patents, trademarks stand out as just as great all over the economy sectors. The study will conduct a comparative analysis of trademark protection indices over a decade using secondary data from International Property Rights (IPRI) website. The study concludes some major weaknesses that are responsible for intellectual property rights violations both in Pakistan and UK in the present time. It is fact that there is need to have law reforming in both nations that will make them fall into line with those of fully developed ones. Finally, given these findings it is clear reforms are necessary where trademark protection are concerned and thus suggestions have been made towards improvement in each jurisdiction.

Protection of Citizens' Electoral Rights: The Problem of the Proportionality of Criminal Sanctions

This article is a criminal law axiological study of the protection of electoral rights of citizens of the Russian Federation in modern conditions. The object and subject of research were determined on the basis of the analysis of current Russian legislation. The immediate object of the study are the Articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation determining liability for obstructing the exercise of electoral rights or the work of electoral commissions; for violating the procedure of financing a candidate’s electoral campaign, electoral union, work of an initiative group conducting a referendum, or another group of referendum participants; for falsifying electoral documentation, documentation of a referendum, documentation of an All-Russian vote; for falsifying the vote’s results; for unlawful provision and obtaining of an electoral bulletin, bulletin for voting at a referendum, bulletin for an All-Russian vote. The main methodological instrument of the study is the «protection index» introduced into scientific discourse by representatives of the Ural Law School. In recent years the «protection index» has become widespread both in the general theory of law and in different branches of law, including criminal law. The use of this index lies behind an attempt to show the proportionality of sanctions for crimes against the electoral rights of citizens. The current article determines the methodology of the study, its goals and tasks. The authors suggest supplementing the existing methods with a new electoral protection index, which will allow them to better present the specific features of the subject under research. The diversity of criminal law sanctions for electoral crimes makes the research objectives considerably harder to achieve, but, at the same time, renders them more relevant and valuable from the practical viewpoint because the proportionality of sanctions is a problem not only of the theory of criminal law, but also the practice of determining punishments in criminal cases. Besides, the criminal law norm sanction is viewed not only as an element of the law norm, but also as a part of the criminal law regulation mechanism. The suggested method makes it possible to illustrate the proportionality of the sanctions for electoral crimes in criminal law norms and to formulate suggestions on improving the current legislation.

Assessing neurotropic effects of new antiepileptic nitrogen-containing drugs

Objective: to evaluate an effectiveness of new nitrogen-containing compounds for alleviating epileptiform conditions in animal experimental study, and conduct molecular modeling of a new neurotropic drug.Material and methods. The anticonvulsant and psychotropic effects of six new heterocyclic compounds synthesized at the Institute of Fine Organic Chemistry were analyzed: № 1 (tetrahydrobenzothienopyrimidine), № 2 (pyridopyrimidine), № 3 (pyranotriazolopyridine), № 4 (thioalkylpyranotriazolopyridine), № 5 (pyrazolyltetrahydrothienoisoquinoline), and № 6 (thioxopyranopyridine). Experiments were carried out with 300 white outbred male mice weighing 18–24 g and 48 male rats weighing 120–150 g. The anticonvulsant spectrum of action was assessed in mice using the following tests: maximum electric shock, corazole-induced seizure. The psychotropic compound-related properties were analyzed using the following tests: elevated plus maze, open field, conflict situation. The neurotoxic compound-related effects were evaluated by incoordination of movements in rotating rod test. Comparison was performed with pufemide (3-(p-isopropoxyphenyl)succinimide), ethosuximide and diazepam.Results. The new nitrogen-containing drugs were revealed to exhibit high anticonvulsant activity, especially observed in corazoleinduced seizure test. All select compounds have anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, psychosedative or behavior-activating effects. Compound № 1 (N3212) is the most effective (median effective dose is 16 mg/kg) in antagonism to corazole action and is significantly superior to ethosuximide and pufemide exceeding by 10- and 5-fold, respectively. The compound shows least toxic (median lethal dose is 2300 mg/kg) and low neurotoxic (median toxic dose is 660 mg/kg) effects. Therapeutic and protective indices for Compound No. 1 exceeds that of ethosuximide by 17- and 13-fold, and of pufemide by 6- and 8-fold, respectively.Conclusion. The select compounds are superior to the approved drugs used in medical practice, pufemide and ethosuximide. A Compound N3212 selected among them may find application as an anticonvulsant drug with psychotropic effects.

Stable Colloidal Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: A New Green Nanofertilizer and Therapeutic Nutrient for Eggplant Immune Response Against Fusarium Wilt Disease

Cultivating crops often presents numerous challenges, including resource loss such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides, as well as the spread and escalation of infections. Nanotechnology offers promising solutions to enhance plant immunity and resolve agricultural issues. In this study, in order to prevent Fusarium-wilt disease in eggplants, we concentrated on the simple manufacture of colloidal ferric oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs) as a promising nanofertilizers. To evaluate the effectiveness of systemic resistance (SR) development, we evaluated markers of metabolic resistance, photosynthetic pigments, plant protection, and disease index (DI). Positively, Fe2O3 NPs exhibit significant antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum. However, when applied at a concentration of 20 µg/mL, Fe2O3 NPs proved to be the most effective treatment, reducing the percent disease index (PDI) from 82.5% in infected control plants to 22.5%. Similar results were observed with a concentration of 10 µg/mL Fe2O3 NPs. In both healthy and diseaseed plants, Fe2O3 NP treatments also showed beneficial effects on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, osmolytes, and photosynthetic pigments. Notably, compared to untreated Fusarium-infected plants, the application of Fe2O3 NPs at a concentration of 20 µg/mL significantly increased the levels of osmolyte, comprising soluble sugar, proline, and soluble protein, by 32.88%, 47.09%, and 31.34%, respectively. Furthermore, in both healthy and diseased eggplants, Fe2O3 NPs at a concentration of 20 µg/mL increased the levels of photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase enzymes. Overall, our research findings indicates that Fe2O3 NPs can successfully decreased the harmful effects that F. oxysporum causes to infected eggplants. With their promising therapeutic potential, these nanoparticles provide a secure and effective substitute for chemical fungicides in the management of Fusarium wilt disease.

Expanding Horizons Consumer Rights Under Consumer Protection Act, 2019

In this paper researchers want to highlight Consumer Protection in India, Consumer rights, Key features of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and by analysing new concept introduce by this act like CCPA, changes in the pecuniary jurisdiction, mediation, product liability and so on.

Translation and Validation of the Dutch Version of the Sun Exposure and Protection Index

Introduction: Skin cancer is currently the most common cancer type worldwide, and numbers are rapidly increasing. To improve primary prevention, individualised prevention strategies may be of interest as this enhances the chance of long-term behavioural change. The Sun Exposure and Protection Index (SEPI), previously validated in multiple languages, is a tool that could help identify individuals with risky behaviour and tailor interventions to the person’s propensity to change. The aim of the present study was to investigate the reliability and validity of a Dutch version of the SEPI for both usage in daily clinical practice and research. Methods: Patients were included at primary care settings and dermatology outpatient settings in a 1:1 ratio. Participants were asked to fill out the SEPI together with some baseline characteristics and the previously validated FACE-Q Skin Cancer – Sun Protection module. Construct validity was tested by comparing SEPI part I and the FACE-Q module using Spearman’s Rho. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach’s Alpha for both SEPI parts separately. To assess test-retest reliability, the SEPI was again filled out 3 weeks later, and scores were compared with Cohen’s weighted Kappa. Results: Of the 171 participants completing the first questionnaire, 147 (86.0%) participants also completed the follow-up questionnaire. Comparison between the corresponding SEPI part I and FACE-Q module questions showed good correlations regarding sun exposure habits (correlation coefficients ranging from 0.61 to 0.85). Internal consistency of SEPI part I was 0.63 and SEPI part II was 0.65. The test-retest analysis indicated reproducibility over time (weighted Kappa ranging from 0.38 to 0.76). Conclusion: In conclusion, the Dutch version of the SEPI is shown to be a valid and reliable tool for both usages in daily clinical practice and research to evaluate individual ultraviolet exposure and measure a person’s propensity to limit it.