Vital Condition Research Articles

Problems and prospects of digital development of small and medium-sized businesses in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus

In the modern world of rapidly developing technologies, digitalization has become not just a trend, but a vital condition for the successful functioning of any business, regardless of its scale. In Russia, as in many other countries, digitalization processes have taken a leading position among development priorities. Today digitalization implies the active and widespread introduction of modern digital technologies, automation tools and innovative solutions in all areas of business, which means a transition from traditional, manual methods of work to automated processes based on digital data. Digitalization is of particular importance for the development of Russian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is this segment of the economy that is the most dynamic, flexible and adaptable to changes in most developed countries of the world. The introduction of digital solutions in small and medium-sized businesses will improve their competitiveness, create new jobs, strengthen economic growth and make Russia more competitive at the global level. The article examines the results of a study of the state of small and medium-sized businesses in Russia and the Republic of Belarus, the degree of implementation of digital technologies in small and medium-sized businesses in the two countries. Based on the results of the comparative analysis, a conclusion was made about the positive dynamics of the development of both the SME sector as a whole and the level of its digitalization, the directions of digital development of small and medium-sized businesses in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus were determined.

Climatic Effects on the Growth of Fagus sylvatica L. in Mixed Stands with Pinus sylvestris L. in Lithuania

Climate change and warming will potentially profoundly affect forest growth and yield. However, climate change is not only a threat but also an opportunity for tree species to be more productive or colonize new territories where previously they were fragmented or absent. European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is a dominant and significant tree species in European forests with a pronounced ability to grow on a great variety of sites and to form mixtures with other tree species due to its shade tolerance. So far, only a few studies have analysed its growth and reaction to changing climatic conditions outside its natural gradient in the north. The aim of this study was therefore to clarify the main growth patterns and tree ring formation characteristics of beech (outside their natural distribution) in mixed stands with Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) The analyses were carried out in two-layered stands in the western part of Lithuania with tree-ring data measured on stem disks collected at 1 m height that were available from shelter-cut thinning activities in a number of forest stands in the region. Our results show that higher temperatures during the summer months of July and August generally inhibited the radial growth of beech under given site conditions. In contrast, warmer late-autumn and cooler early-winter periods together with warmer springs positively affected the radial increments. Above-average precipitation during the vegetation period contributed to the beech producing additional amounts of radial increments. The increasing temperature trends of the summer months and decreasing monthly amounts of precipitation during the vegetation period in recent decades tend to have adverse effects on the ecological conditions for beech growth and vitality in Lithuania. Despite these results, the European beech successfully grows in the sample region and has produced 200 m3 ha−1 in the analysed stands.

Predictability of adult patient medical emergency condition from triage vital signs and comorbidities: a single-center, observational study

BackgroundVital signs and comorbid diseases are the first information evaluated in patients admitted to the emergency department (ED). In most EDs, triage of patients takes place with vital signs and admission complaints only. Comorbidities are generally underestimated when determining the patient’s status at the triage area. This study aims to assess the relationship between initial vital signs, comorbid diseases, and medical emergency conditions (MEC) in patients admitted to the ED.MethodsThis prospective study was designed as a single-center observational study, including patients admitted to a tertiary ED between 16.06.2022 and 09.09.2022. Patients younger than 18, readmitted to the ED within 24 h, or absence of vital signs due to cardiac arrest were excluded from the study. Vital signs and comorbid diseases of all patients were recorded. The mortality within 24 h, the need for intensive care unit admission, emergency surgery, and life-saving procedures were considered “medical emergency conditions”. The role of vital signs and comorbid diseases in predicting emergencies was analyzed by binary logistic regression.ResultsA total of 10,022 patients were included in the study; 5056 (50.4%) were female, and 4966 (49.6%) were male. Six hundred four patients presented with an MEC. All vital signs -except diastolic hypertension and tachycardia- and comorbidities were found statistically significant. Hypoxia (Odd’s Ratio [OR]: 1.73), diastolic hypotension (OR: 3.71), tachypnea (OR: 8.09), and tachycardia (OR: 1.61) were associated with MECs. Hemiplegia (OR: 5.7), leukemia (OR: 4.23), and moderate-severe liver disease (OR: 2.99) were the most associated comorbidities with MECs. In our study, an MEC was detected in 3.6% (186 patients) of the patients with no abnormal vital signs and without any comorbidities.ConclusionAmong the vital signs, hypoxia, diastolic hypotension, tachypnea, and tachycardia should be considered indicators of an MEC. Hemiplegia, leukemia, and moderate-severe liver disease are the most relevant comorbidities that may accompany the MECs.

Mapping interpretations of the law in online content moderation in Germany

Content moderation is a vital condition that online platforms must facilitate, according to the law, to create suitable online environments for their users. By the law, we mean national or European laws that require the removal of content by online platforms, such as EU Regulation 2021/784, which addresses the dissemination of terrorist content online. Content moderation required by these national or European laws, summarised here as ‘the law’, is different from the moderation of pieces of content that is not directly required by law but instead is conducted voluntarily by the platforms. New regulatory requests create an additional layer of complexity of legal grounds for the moderation of content and are relevant to platforms’ daily decisions. The decisions made are either grounded in reasons stemming from different sources of law, such as international or national provisions, or can be based on contractual grounds, such as the platform's Terms of Service and Community Standards. However, how to empirically measure these essential aspects of content moderation remains unclear. Therefore, we ask the following research question: How do online platforms interpret the law when they moderate online content?To understand this complex interplay and empirically test the quality of a platform's content moderation claims, this article develops a methodology that facilitates empirical evidence of the individual decisions taken per piece of content while highlighting the subjective element of content classification by human moderators. We then apply this methodology to a single empirical case, an anonymous medium-sized German platform that provided us access to their content moderation decisions. With more knowledge of how platforms interpret the law, we can better understand the complex nature of content moderation, its regulation and compliance practices, and to what degree legal moderation might differ from moderation due to contractual reasons in dimensions such as the need for context, information, and time.Our results show considerable divergence between the platform's interpretation of the law and ours. We believe that a significant number of platform legal interpretations are incorrect due to divergent interpretations of the law and that platforms are removing legal content that they falsely believe to be illegal (‘overblocking’) while simultaneously not moderating illegal content (‘underblocking’). In conclusion, we provide recommendations for content moderation system design that takes (legal) human content moderation into account and creates new methodological ways to test its quality and effect on speech in online platforms.

The social implications of the vital city model: measuring the impact of urban vitality on neighbourhood sustainability

ABSTRACT Previous studies have identified vital urban spaces through the concentration of people, the diversity of land uses and buildings, accessibility, and the existence of a compact urban fabric. However, the relationship between urban vitality and social sustainability has not been studied in these terms. This paper seeks to analyse the social implications of the vital city model for residents in the context of a Latin American city: Santiago de Chile. To do so, we use the JANE index to measure the formal conditions of the built environment for urban vitality, and the Longitudinal Social Study of Chile to measure urban social sustainability. We first use a PCA technique to reveal six core components of urban social sustainability: Sense of belonging, Safety, Sociability, Well-being, Satisfaction with housing, and Conservation of the neighbourhood. We then test the associations between the strength of these six core components and the conditions for urban vitality by means of a multiple linear regression model. Significant associations between urban vitality conditions and urban social sustainability suggest that socially sustainable neighbourhoods are found in sectors with the presence of old buildings, accessibility to public transportation, and far from mega infrastructures.

Why and when physical cleanliness increases tourists’ payments under pay-what-you-want pricing: the mediating role of moral self-regard and the moderating role of regulatory focus

The pay-what-you-want pricing scheme has been frequently employed by nonprofit and for-profit tourism organizations. While this voluntary payment format can foster inclusivity by making tourism accessible to a larger population, one urgent challenge these institutions face is how to increase consumer payment to sustain both social and economic sustainability. The present work proposes a novel solution, that is, leveraging consumers’ actual or vicarious experience of physical cleanliness. Through two questionnaires and three experiments, this work demonstrates that physical cleanliness significantly boosts payment magnitude under pay-what-you-want. Importantly, this research identifies consumers’ regulatory focus as a vital boundary condition. Specifically, the positive cleanliness effect occurs among promotion-focused people but disappears among prevention-focused individuals. Besides, this study reveals that moral self-regard is the underlying mechanism driving the positive cleanliness effect. Theoretically, the current study presents a new perspective to understanding determinants of tourists’ voluntary payment decisions by investigating their embodied experience of physical cleanliness. It adds new insights to the sustainable tourism literature by addressing both social and economic sustainability through increased payments under pay-what-you-want pricing. Practically, the research findings provide destination managers and tourism providers with valuable guidance on how to boost people’s voluntary payments.

Brass wire ligation for treatment of the ectopic eruption of the mandibular second molar: a case report.

Ectopic eruption of the second permanent molar is a tooth replacement disorder during adolescence. If not treated in time, it can cause hard tissue of the adjacent first molar resorption, early tooth loss, decreased chewing efficiency, and other serious malocclusions. Timely detection and treatment of ectopic eruption of the second permanent molar are of great significance in preventing malocclusions in adolescents and establishing normal occlusion relationships. However, current case reports on the ectopic eruption of the mandibular second molar are relatively rare and are mostly concentrated on surgical and orthodontic treatments, and long-term follow-up is lacking. This paper reports a case in which brass wire ligation was used to treat ectopic eruption of the mandibular second permanent molar, allowing the permanent teeth to erupt smoothly and establish a normal occlusion. The patient was observed for five years after the operation. The occlusion was stable, and the tooth root development, pulp vitality, and periodontal conditions were normal. This paper provides a clinical approach that is short in treatment duration, simple, and minimally invasive for young mandibular second permanent molars with moderate mesial inclination and partial eruption. This method is of importance in helping children establish physiological occlusion.

Lost in time and space? Multisensory processing of peripersonal space and time perception in people with frequent experiences of depersonalisation.

Perception of one's own body in time and space is a fundamental aspect of self-consciousness. It scaffolds our subjective experience of being present, in the here and now, a vital condition for our survival and well-being. Depersonalisation (DP) is characterised by a distressing feeling of being "spaced out," detached from one's self, as well as atypical "flat" time perception. Using an audio-tactile paradigm, we conducted a study looking at the effect of DP experiences on peripersonal space (PPS)-the space close to the body-and time perception. Strikingly, we found no difference in PPS perception in people with higher DP experiences (High DPe) versus low occurrences of DP experiences (Low DPe). To assess time perception, we used the mental time travel (MTT) task measuring the individuals' capacity to take one's present as a reference point for situating personal versus general events in the past and the future. We found an overall poorer performance in locating events in time relative to their present reference point in High DPe. By contrast, Low DPe showed significant variation in performance when answering to relative past events, while High DPe did not. Our study sheds light on the close link between altered sense of self and egocentric spatiotemporal perception in individuals with DP experiences, the third most common psychological symptom in the general population.

Fair space for life: A dynamic care monitor working up to growth and flourishing for all.

Mental health disparities persistently cause inequity and social exclusion. Extensive research underpins the need to embrace the social determinants of health and facilitate network learning at various ecosystem levels. Despite valuable quality frameworks and ratified conventions, local practices which counter health inequity are scarce. The Dutch HOP-TR study collected health and needs of Homeless Service Users (HSU) in a rights-based, transdiagnostic, recovery framework. We assessed the survival modes and conducted a socio-ecological analysis, exploring what happened in care pathways at three ecosystem levels: individual HSU, caregiver networks, society. While documenting vital conditions for growth and citizenship, we explore major opportunities to develop 'fair space for life'. Under low distress levels, prosocial behavior is prominent (32.9%). High distress levels are found with an avoidant (42.0%) or aggressive mode (24.9%). Rising distress levels give more frictions in relations, psychiatric admissions, and police-justice contacts. The distress-induced descent in the social hierarchy causes social withdrawal, alienation, and marginalization. At society level, fair conditions for growth and citizenship are challenged by the cumulative impact of distress over the HSU' lives. This care monitor uncovers the impact of distress on caregiver interactions. The care pathways reveal that the survival strategies reflect a systematic, pervasive neglect. Unfair representations hold HSU personally responsible of their situation, disregarding the cumulative impact of environmental conditions over their lives. The diverse sources of unfairness are intrinsic to the health care system and culture. Therefore, the survival modes ask for profound culture transformations in a whole-system-whole-society approach. Given the need for action on health equity and the social determinants of health, this paper provides an example of a dynamic care monitor. The actionable data elicit dialogs and stimulate to enrich opportunities for inclusion and growth in communities and societies.

Physical, mechanical characterization, and artificial neural network modeling of biodegradable composite scaffold for biomedical applications

The performance of substitute osteoconductive scaffolds in guiding new bone formation and creating vital biological conditions in living organisms is of crucial importance. In this study, bioresorbable scaffolds were synthesized by incorporating polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (n-HAP) and Iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) (MNPs) using a freeze-drying technique. Subsequently, the magnetic nanocomposite scaffolds were immersed in a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution for 24 days to assess their degradability percentage. The physicochemical and morphological properties of the magnetic nanocomposite scaffolds were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the mechanical behavior was examined, while the pore dimensions and porosity were determined using immersion-based techniques. Noteworthy attributes of the magnetic nanocomposite scaffolds were observed, including a maximum swelling capacity of 176 %, a substantial porosity of 72.7%, and impressive mechanical characteristics, such as a compressive strength of 4.61 MPa and an elastic modulus of 2.13 GPa. The degradation study conducted in a PBS solution revealed that the scaffold with the highest n-HAP content (20 wt%) exhibited a degradation rate of approximately 21% after a 24-day period. The influence of environmental conditions, including time, temperature, and salt-containing environments, on the swelling behavior and bio-resorption of the scaffolds was examined. Additionally, an artificial neural network (ANN) was developed to forecast the impact of weight percentages of n-HAP and MNPs on various scaffold properties. According to the ANN predictions, increasing the weight percentages of n-HAP and MNPs resulted in a reduction in pore size, an increase in porosity, and an improvement in the mechanical properties of the scaffolds. Moreover, the incorporation of a higher number of nanoparticles led to increased absorption and swelling, facilitating bone tissue formation. Satisfactory accuracy in predicting scaffold properties was demonstrated through error analysis and linear regression plots, aiding designers in selecting appropriate weight percentages of nanoparticles for future designs. The findings indicate that the synthesized magnetic nanocomposite scaffold closely resembles the physical and mechanical characteristics of natural bone tissue. The utilization of an ANN for performance assessment demonstrated favorable efficiency and effectiveness. Therefore, the significance of the current study lies in the comprehensive investigation of the synthesis and characterization of a biodegradable magnetic nanocomposite scaffold, as well as the utilization of an ANN-based approach to predict and optimize its properties for potential bone tissue engineering applications.

Memória, discurso e universo acadêmico

This article analyzes the situation, aiming to inaugurate reflections on the following questions: under what vital conditions is knowledge produced in the space-time of neoliberal universities; whether there is gender inequality in these conditions; how it is felt and experienced by bodies that accumulate multiple exclusions; what socio-epistemological consequences this entails; and how to resist and act to reverse this situation. The method used is to review bibliographic and information sources. As a result, the article makes the first movement of articulation and systematization of statements. They are precariousness, acceleration, suffering, gender blindness, substantive (in)equality, epistemic violence, feminist epistemology, social memory and French discourse analysis. In a detailed and sustained manner, the conclusion presents the guidelines for carrying out future empirical studies.

Active Turnaround and Restructuring Dichotomy under a Disruptive Eve

Abstract Since the 1980s, humankind stepped into a disruptive era called “Disruptive Eve”, triggered by “Disruptive Innovation”, a concept consecrated by Clayton Christensen. This period has been marked by several disruptive factors such as specific technological advancements, economic trends, social changes, pandemics, and geopolitical events, making it stand out through its ever-increasing complexity and exponential developments. This volatile environment forces companies to face huge challenges. By far, the greatest challenges to deal with are business continuity, growth, and resilience capacity. To successfully provide these conditions, the company should embrace a new approach that this article is introducing, the new concept of Active Turnaround. Without this approach, it is difficult, if not impossible, to cope with all these intricacies, given such a complex and disruptive world. Active Turnaround is a key condition in providing “Preventive Leadership” and consecrating a new concept and practice, called “4As Leadership”, which is based on four imperative traits and capacities: Alertness, Agility, Anticipation, and Adaptability. Therefore, this article brings into debate several key concepts and processes that define and characterize Active Turnaround. The author presents the difference between turnaround and restructuring, details Active Turnaround as a vital condition of business continuity, growth, and resilience, and analyzes the diagnosis process as the active turnaround’s bedrock.

DIY Ventilator using Arduino

Abstract: This document shows the summaries of the several tests we have taken. Breathing occurs in the human lungs. Every time they inhale, they push a system that triggers motivation and the exhalation process. It is really reasonably priced. This can be used when a patient's vital condition is in jeopardy and they are suffering from the harmful consequences of lung or breathing problems. It usesa stepper motor component to propel the ambulance bag. Heartbeat levels are low during breathing, although this component can be. The levels of respiration and heartbeat are displayed on the LED screen. A ringer is included in the system to sound alert in the event that any anomalies related to a patient's critical condition or breathing problem are discovered. In addition, to prevent over- or under-air pressure, the ventilator should be able to track the patient's blood oxygen saturation level and exhale lung strain. The Arduino-powered ventilator that we are developing here satisfies all of these requirements, making it an affordable and dependable do-it-yourself ventilator that can be useful during a pandemic

Impacts of technological innovation: a systematic review for smart Bangladesh

Economic stability is the lifeline of a nation as it is the vital condition for the standard of living of the citizens. Economic growth and stability are prerequisites for an emerging country to upgrade to the status of a middle-income country. The potential dimensions of the digital economy in Bangladesh are intrinsically linked with the fostering of economic development and prosperity by the year 2041. Technological innovation is one of the major forces of economic growth and digital Bangladesh. It is expected to impact directly and indirectly the economic development since the Industrial Revolution. Accordingly, this research seeks to provide an overview of the present impacts of technological innovation, focusing on evolving trends that have direct and indirect impacts on the economy. The methodology of the study engages a qualitative approach using a systematic review of the research objectives, applying secondary data. The findings of the study reflect on the potential of technological innovation on individual, organizational, and environmental impacts on Bangladesh. Considering the nascent impacts of technological innovation the study suggests that policymakers should take prompt action to ensure an efficient labor force through research and development and this may follow organizational excellence and environmental sustainability. The study suggests that these three dimensions will cascade in the economic improvement of Bangladesh shortly.

Оценка экосистемных услуг зеленых насаждений г. Йошкар-Олы

In many parts of the world, urban green spaces are being explored as a source of ecosystem services. Their role in the provision of regulation of and, support of ecosystem services and even in the provision of cultural services is considered. At the same time, species assessment of the composition and vital condition of trees that provide ecosystem benefits in an urbanized environment is becoming increasingly relevant. The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of the most common species of woody plants in urban greening to the provision of ecosystem services. The research was carried out in Yoshkar-Ola, in different functional areas of the city: residential, recreational and industrial, where the assortment of trees was studied and their vital condition was assessed. For the most common tree species, the potential supply of providing ecosystem services was determined on a ten-point scale, taking into account adverse effects (so-called «ecosystem disservices»). It was established that Betula pendula, Tilia cordata, Sorbus aucuparia were the predominant species in the landscaping of the city, their share in the studied plantings reached 36–64%. Of the introduced species, Acer negundo, Picea pungens, and Thuja occidentalis are the most common in the landscaping of the city. Most of the trees of different functional zones belonged to the 1st and 2nd categories of life condition (healthy and with signs of slight oppression). Strongly weakened trees accounted for no more than 12% of the total number, and dying plants were rare. Betula pendula makes a significant contribution to the provision of ecosystem services in Yoshkar-Ola. Tilia cordata, Picea pungens and Sorbus aucuparia – do so mainly due to their high carbon storage capacity, phytoncide and aesthetic value. Acer negundo is considered to be a dangerous urban explerent and, despite its regulating and maintaining ecosystem services, its distribution in the urban environment should be limited.

Botanical and ecological characteristics of the floristic core of woody-shrub plant communities on technogenically devastated lands (Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine)

The long-term effect of man-made impact on the environment leads to a radical change in the biogeocenotic cover, among which a special place is given to the devased lands of the Kryvyi Rih region. Their area has increased significantly over the past fifty years and continues to grow and today is more than 30 thousand hectares. hectare. The process of restoring these lands, in particular the quarry-dump type, which were formed during open-pit mining, is usually slow, the natural vegetation cover here quite specific. The present study examines the results of assessing the floristic composition, ecomorphic characteristics, and vitality of woody and shrub plants that constitute the floristic core on technogenically devastated lands. The study utilized the results of our own research conducted from 2019 to 2023 on the territory of the disturbed areas in the Kryvyi Rih iron ore region. It has been determined that the floristic core on the devastated lands of the Kryvyi Rih region consists of 19 species belonging to 15 genera and 11 families. Within the ecological spectrum of the floristic complex (core) comprising woody and shrubby species, mesoxerophytes are prevalent, succeeded by mesotrophs, with a consistent occurrence of sciophytes and heliophytes. Our results indicate that the ecological conditions of the devastated lands are relatively favorable for the growth and development of woody and shrub plant species. It was found that the vital condition of the floristic complex (core) was assessed as «weakened». The condition of woody plants suggests the relative favorability of the ecological conditions of the dump for their growth and development.

The ecological crisis and safeguarding living conditions: ethical demands and premises for a new humanism

The interdependence and fundamental equality of all people in terms of dignity and rights leads us to postulate more humane and just living conditions, as well as to reflect on what haunts it, such as the prevailing liberalist and utilitarian tendencies and ecological imbalances. There has been greater sensitivity towards the environment and ethical proposals have been adopted to deal with this emergency, but the trend has not yet been reversed or changed. Nature continues to be treated as a res nullius and the effects of this trend are increasingly jeopardising the environment. It is therefore urgent to reflect on the crisis threatening the planet and re-establish the conditions for the survival of our "common home". Such a proposed solution may be possible with an ethical stance, i.e. by realising that every living being needs the vital conditions of a healthy environment. Ethical reflection as a proposed solution to the ecological crisis is justified by the fact that the context of interdependence between organisms and the habitat in which they find themselves, imposes rules that create a sense of belonging from which obligations and duties derive, and creates the awareness that what contributes to the preservation, integrity, stability, beauty and balance of the planet is just and good

Anisotropic compact star in linear f(Q)-action

In this paper, a significant leap forward in understanding compact stellar systems and the modified f(Q) gravity theory is achieved. The pivotal discovery lies in the successful derivation of an exact solution that fulfils the static geometry and spherical symmetry criteria, permitting the study of compact stellar configurations with an anisotropic fluid. The model is rigorously tested and satisfies the vital physical conditions within the stellar fluid, guaranteeing its viability. The numerical values of constant parameters have been calculated by using the observational data of the compact star, namely, Her X-1. The equi-mass contours highlight an impressive correlation between the f(Q) gravity parameters. Boosting α while keeping β fixed and concurrently boosting R leads to a significant global boost in mass distribution. This can be ascribed to the enhanced coupling arising from a higher α, which broadens the mass distribution. In addition, the larger object size arising from the rise in R allows for more mass accommodation. Therefore, raising both R and α leads to an exaggerated mass distribution, proving the combined influence of coupling strength and object size on total mass. Altogether, this investigation advances our knowledge of compact stellar systems and supports the evolution of the modified f(Q) theory of gravity, opening the way for more breakthroughs in this field.

THE LAW OF MEASURE IN THE USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE PROTECTION OF NATURE

Man, according to biologists, is an animal that belongs to the order of mammals, and within its framework, to the hominids family. Within this family he includes the species homo sapiens. As a creation of nature, he is a part of it. As a part of it, he actually represents human nature. He is born, grows, develops, reproduces, ages and dies according to natural laws. “Man is the measure of all that exists and of all does not exist”, says Protagoras.“ To have measure in everything is the first condition for achieving happiness,” says Democritus. For Aristotle, “two extremes are dangerous in human action: what is excessive and what is lacking. Our very nature suits exactly what is in the middle, neither too much nor too little.” Man, as a part of nature and a measure of everything that exists in it and of what did not exist, using its resources to create it in order to exist and use it, is obliged to respect the law of measure, as a law of nature. Respecting that law, man must take care to use the natural resources to a limit that will not lead to an unwanted change in its quality, and thus to the disruption of the conditions for his life. Unfortunately, man does not act like that, but mercilessly exploits and destroys nature. The thesis that the nature of Planet Earth has lost its self-regulating mechanisms is not true. On the contrary, the self-regulatory mechanisms of nature are increasingly coming to the fore. Global warming followed by unprecedented dry periods in certain parts of the Planet, the hunger of millions of people caused by them, catastrophic floods, hurricane-ravaged winds, increased mortality due to polluted air, epidemics and pandemics whose spread is facilitated by dense living in cities are nothing else, but regulatory mechanisms of nature by which it reduces the human population and tends to exterminate it. Man, ie, humanity, is the one who has lost self-regulatory mechanisms. Endless industrialization driven by the whip of profit, intoxicated by consumer obsession, with uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources, mercilessly destroys the ecosystem of Planet Earth. Due to the absence or ineffectiveness of self-regulatory mechanisms, Planet Earth, as the global natural environment of man, is facing a severe ecological crisis. Characteristic of this crisis is not only the destruction of living conditions by destruction and pollution of the natural environment, but also by the destruction of the entire ecosystem of the Planet, the maintenance of which is a vital condition for human life and the survival of civilization. Nature is omnipotent and inexorable when it comes to breaking its laws. Man, as humanized nature, can never be her master, as he imagines, but her servant and slave. The French philosopher Paul Holbach writes about this in his work “System of Nature.” Humanity must find self-regulatory mechanisms and strengthen the existing ones to the maximum. Otherwise, as Thomas Eliot says, “it comes to an end, not in a brutal detonation, but gradually and with a peaceful exhalation.

The Role of Cilostazol, a Phosphodiesterase-3 Inhibitor, in the Development of Atherosclerosis and Vascular Biology: A Review with Meta-Analysis.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) stands as the leading global cause of mortality. Addressing this vital and pervasive condition requires a multifaceted approach, in which antiplatelet intervention plays a pivotal role, together with antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and lipid-lowering therapies. Among the antiplatelet agents available currently, cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor, offers a spectrum of pharmacological effects. These encompass vasodilation, the impediment of platelet activation and aggregation, thrombosis inhibition, limb blood flow augmentation, lipid profile enhancement through triglyceride reduction and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol elevation, and the suppression of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. However, the role of cilostazol has not been clearly documented in many guidelines for ASCVD. We comprehensively reviewed the cardiovascular effects of cilostazol within randomized clinical trials that compared it to control or active agents and involved individuals with previous coronary artery disease or stroke, as well as those with no previous history of such conditions. Our approach demonstrated that the administration of cilostazol effectively reduced adverse cardiovascular events, although there was less evidence regarding its impact on myocardial infarction. Most studies have consistently reported its favorable effects in reducing intermittent claudication and enhancing ambulatory capacity in patients with peripheral arterial disease. Furthermore, cilostazol has shown promise in mitigating restenosis following coronary stent implantation in patients with acute coronary syndrome. While research from more diverse regions is still needed, our findings shed light on the broader implications of cilostazol in the context of atherosclerosis and vascular biology, particularly for individuals at high risk of ASCVD.