bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Fundamental Concepts of Machine Learning for Medical Enhancement
Authors: Bathla Rohit , Jain Prateek , Behl Rachna , Saxena Abhishek
Published: October 2024

Machine learning (ML), a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), has recently
gained prominence in the technology domain and is driving advancements in the
healthcare system. This innovation enables healthcare professionals to prioritize patient
diagnosis over time-consuming and intricate treatment procedures, significantly
transforming the healthcare sector. Considering the challenges posed by shortages and
high demand for skilled practitioners in healthcare systems, the emergence of machine
learning presents a promising solution. Consequently, it offers hope for countries
grappling with overburdened healthcare systems and a shortage of healthcare
professionals. Utilising healthcare data can provide valuable insights, such as
pinpointing ideal trial samples, gathering extra data points, continually analysing data
from trial participants, and minimising data-related errors. Employing a machine
learning-based approach aids in detecting early symptoms of an epidemic or pandemic,
allowing more time to focus on patient health and care rather than data entry or
information retrieval. This chapter examines the prospects and scope of Machine
Learning in healthcare. The key Machine Learning applications for healthcare are
identified and discussed. The ML-based solutions are utilised to lower overall
healthcare expenses, improve the general efficacy of hospitals and healthcare systems,
and provide a variety of treatment alternatives. Machine learning will soon influence
hospitals and doctors.
Exploring the Linkages Among Chronic Illness, Substance Use, and COVID-19 Infection in Adults Aged 50 Years and Older: Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis of National Representative Data
Authors: Ruksakulpiwat Suebsarn , Niyomyart Atsadaporn , Riangkam Chontira , Phianhasin Lalipat , Benjasirisan Chitchanok , Adams Jon
Published: October 2024

Background

The co-occurrence of chronic illnesses and substance use presents complex challenges for health care systems. Understanding the interplay between these factors, compounded by the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, is essential for effective intervention strategies.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the relationships among chronic illness, substance use, and COVID-19 infection in adults aged 50 years and older.

Methods

Participants were 1196 adults aged 50 years and older. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographic information. Logistic regressions and multiple regression analyses were used to determine associations between chronic illnesses, substance use, and COVID-19 infection. Mediation analysis was used to determine the effect of chronic illness mediators in the association between COVID-19 concerns and substance use.

Results

The mean age was 68 (SD 10.3) years, with 58.6% (701/1196) being women. Adjusted analysis revealed that age and sex (women) significantly predicted a lower level of substance use (P<.05). However, marital status (separated or widowed) and chronic illness significantly predicted a higher level of substance use (P<.05). Furthermore, having dementia, arthritis, and high cholesterol significantly predicted a higher level of concern about the COVID-19 pandemic (P<.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that individuals with hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 1.91, 95% CI 1.37-2.66; P<.001), lung disease (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.23-4.75; P=.01), heart condition (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.28-3.10; P=.002), stroke (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.07-5.16; P=.03), and arthritis (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.25-2.37; P=.001) were more likely to have their work affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The mediation analysis showed a significant effect of COVID-19 concern on substance use through the mediation of chronic illness, with a 95% CI of –0.02 to –0.01 and an indirect effect of –0.01.

Conclusions

Our study reveals complex associations among chronic illnesses, substance use, and COVID-19 infection among adults aged 50 years and older. It underscores the impact of demographics and specific chronic conditions on substance use behaviors and COVID-19 concerns. In addition, certain chronic illnesses were linked to heightened vulnerability in employment status during the pandemic. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions addressing physical health and substance use in this population during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cardiomeds, an mHealth App for Self-Management to Support Swiss Patients With Heart Failure: 2-Stage Mixed Methods Usability Study
Authors: Simioni Lisa , Tessitore Elena , Hagberg Hamdi , Schneider-Paccot Aurélie , Blondon Katherine , Gschwind Liliane , Meyer Philippe , Ehrler Frederic
Published: October 2024

Background

Mobile health apps have shown promising results in improving self-management of several chronic diseases in patients. We have developed a mobile health app (Cardiomeds) dedicated to patients with heart failure (HF). This app includes an interactive medication list; daily self-monitoring of symptoms, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate; and educational information on HF delivered through various formats.

Objective

This study aimed to perform a mixed methods usability study of Cardiomeds.

Methods

Smartphone users with HF were recruited from the HF outpatient clinic at the University Hospital of Geneva. The usability test was conducted in 2 stages, with modifications made to the app after the first stage to address major usability issues. Each stage required 10 participants to perform 14 tasks, such as entering vital signs, entering a new medication and time of intake, or finding information about HF. Each task was timed, sessions were recorded, and all data were anonymized. After completing the tasks, patients completed the System Usability Scale 10-item questionnaire and answered 5 open questions about their perceptions of Cardiomeds.

Results

Twenty patients with HF, 75% (15/20) of whom were men, with a mean age of 55 years, were included in this study. The average time to complete all 14 tasks was 18 (SD 5.7) minutes. Manual medication entry was the most time-consuming task, taking an average of 154.40 (SD 68.08) seconds in the first stage, 103.10 (SD 42.76) seconds in the second stage, and 128 (SD 63) seconds overall. The mean overall success rate was 77% (SD 0.23%) for the first stage and 94% (SD 0.07%) for the second stage. A total of 30% (3/10) of participants in the first stage completed all tasks without any help compared with 50% (5/10) of participants during the second stage. The average System Usability Scale score was 80% (SD 17%), showing a slight increase from 79% (SD 16%) in the first stage to 80% (SD 28%) in the second stage, which qualifies the app as “good” in terms of usability. Between the 2 stages, part of the app interface was redesigned to address the key issues identified in the first stage. Despite these improvements, problems related to guidance were frequent and comprised 36% (8/22) of the problems in the first stage and 40% (6/15) in the second stage. In response to open questions, 85% (17/20) of the participants responded that they would like to use the app when it became available.

Conclusions

The usability test indicated that Cardiomeds is a suitable and user-friendly app for patients with HF. The app will be further tested in a randomized clinical trial (2022-00731) after acute HF hospitalization to assess its impact on patients’ knowledge about HF, self-care, and quality of life.
Intervention to Improve Well-Being, Nutrition, and Physical Activity in Adults: Experimental Study (Preprint)
Authors: Aubert Morghane , Clavel Céline , Le Scanff Christine , Martin Jean-Claude
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Mindfulness improves well-being, improves emotional regulation, reduces impulses to eat, and is linked to increased physical activity. Mindfulness interventions usually focus on 1 aspect but do not offer an approach to holistically improving lifestyle.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to address this gap by designing and evaluating a holistic mindfulness intervention.

METHODS

Committing to a 12-week intervention with 2-hour sessions without knowing whether you will enjoy it can be a hindrance for someone completely unfamiliar with mindfulness. For this reason, we decided to design a mindfulness intervention with short sessions over a reduced number of weeks. The aim is to enable novices to discover different aspects of mindfulness while at the same time offering a satisfactory practice for people who are already practicing mindfulness. We designed and evaluated a web-based mindfulness intervention in 5 sessions of 5 to 10 minutes each on well-being, diet, and physical activity to support a healthier lifestyle. The first 2 sessions focus on formal mindfulness meditation to enable novices to discover mindfulness and its main principles. Then there are 2 sessions about food. The first session about food aims to develop a sense of satisfaction with the food we eat and to focus our attention on new sensations. The second session about food aims to develop the ability to resist the lure of unhealthy foods. Finally, there is a session on physical activity. The aim is to develop a particular awareness of the body during movement, to increase satisfaction with physical activity, and to develop regular exercise.

RESULTS

In total, 32 participants completed the intervention. After the intervention, we observed decreases in negative affect, anxiety, and emotional distress, and an increase in dispositional mindfulness. There was no effect on reported healthy eating habits and physical activity habits. Few participants repeated the exercises as recommended. The majority of our participants were new to mindfulness. The majority of our participants reported being satisfied with the different sessions. A few minor difficulties were mentioned, mainly related to the environment in which the participants carried out the sessions. Only 1 session was less satisfactory for one-third of the participants. The session on resistance to unhealthy foods was formulated too strictly and the idea of banning certain foods was a hindrance for one-third of the participants. A reformulation is needed.

CONCLUSIONS

The mindfulness exercises were well accepted and promoted a state of mindfulness. It would be interesting to provide easier technical access to the exercises via a mobile app so that they can be repeated easily.
Technology and Continuous Glucose Monitoring Access, Literacy, and Use Among Patients at the Diabetes Center of an Inner-City Safety-Net Hospital: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Sabben Gaëlle , Telfort Courtney , Morales Marissa , Zhang Wenjia Stella , Espinoza Juan C , Pasquel Francisco J , Winskell Kate
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Despite the existence of an increasing array of digital technologies and tools for diabetes management, there are disparities in access to and uptake and use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, particularly for those most at risk of poor diabetes outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess communication technology and CGM access, literacy, and use among patients receiving treatment for diabetes at an inner-city safety-net hospital.

METHODS

A survey on digital technology ownership and use was self-administered by 75 adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes at the diabetes clinic of Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. In-depth interviews were conducted with 16% (12/75) of these patient participants and 6 health care providers (HCPs) to obtain additional insights into the use of communication technology and CGM to support diabetes self-management.

RESULTS

Most participants were African American (66/75, 88%), over half (39/75, 52%) were unemployed or working part time, and 29% (22/75) had no health insurance coverage, while 61% (46/75) had federal coverage. Smartphone ownership and use were near universal; texting and email use were common (63/75, 84% in both cases). Ownership and use of tablets and computers and use and daily use of various forms of media were more prevalent among younger participants and those with type 1 diabetes, who also rated them as easier to use. Technology use specifically for diabetes and health management was low. Participants were supportive of a potential smartphone app for diabetes management, with a high interest in such an app helping them track blood sugar levels and communicate with their care teams. Younger participants showed higher levels of interest, perceived value, and self-efficacy for using an app with these capabilities. History of CGM use was reported by 56% (42/75) of the participants, although half (20/42, 48%) had discontinued use, above all due to the cost of the device and issues with its adhesive. Nonuse was primarily due to not being offered CGM by their HCP. Reasons given for continued use included convenience, improved blood glucose control, and better tracking of blood glucose. The in-depth interviews (n=18) revealed high levels of satisfaction with CGM by users and supported the survey findings regarding reasons for continued use. They also highlighted the value of CGM data to enhance communication between patients and HCPs.

CONCLUSIONS

Smartphone ownership was near universal among patients receiving care at an inner-city hospital. Alongside the need to address barriers to CGM access and continued use, there is an opportunity to leverage increased access to communication technology in combination with CGM to improve diabetes outcomes among underresourced populations.
Correction: Smartphone-Based Survey and Message Compliance in Adults Initially Unready to Quit Smoking: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Ulm Clayton , Chen Sixia , Fleshman Brianna , Benson Lizbeth , Kendzor Darla E , Frank-Pearce Summer , Neil Jordan M , Vidrine Damon , De La Torre Irene , Businelle Michael S
Published: October 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

—
Vaping Greed, Perception, and Addiction (Preprint)
Authors: Newton Chad , Dalton Alannah , Sun Yehao , Robinson Desjamebra , Rahman Irfan
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

The greed of e-cigarette manufacturers including economic, capitalist, incentive, cultural, moral, psychological, and philosophical dimensions, contributed to the origin and development of vaping greed and shaped users' behaviors.

OBJECTIVE

Vaping greed is manifested in the large market share taken by the companies, but these all significantly harm users' health and the communities.

METHODS

This is involved via social media perception of adolescents and teenagers as an individual or in a group. The addiction could be transgenerational and can induce trauma both at an individual level and a community level

RESULTS

It is important to identify the greed and public health perceptions, and measures are taken to treat the symptoms of the greed by educating the users and making them aware of their unfulfilled needs to regain authenticity and establish an infallible authority to enforce universal morality.

CONCLUSIONS

This will eradicate the complications of addiction and the root of such capitalists’ greed for tobacco/nicotine perception, addiction, and marketing.
Learner’s feedback on the use of free, globally accessible CME-accredited e-learning modules in Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (Preprint)
Authors: van der Zwan yvonne G. , van Wijngaard-de Vugt Conny , Abu-Libdeh Abdulsalam , Kalaitzoglou Evangelia , Karabouta Zacharoula , Drop Stenvert L.S. , Boot Annemieke M. , Ng Sze May , Idkowiak Jan
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

The European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) e-Learning website, www.espe-elearning.org, is a free, globally accessible online resource to enhance learning in Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes. The content is created by world-leading experts in Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes and is closely aligned with published international consensus guidelines. In August 2022, 30 hours of e-learning courses received accreditation from the European Accreditation Council for CME (EACCME®). These CME courses cover three categories: (1) Paediatric Endocrinology, (2) Paediatric Diabetes, and (3) Paediatric Endocrinology in Resource Limited Setting.

OBJECTIVE

To assess learners' demographics and feedback from mandatory surveys after completion of CME e-learning courses, and identify areas for improvement

METHODS

The ESPE e-learning committee created a mandatory survey for each CME e-learning module. The survey includes baseline demographics and feedback on the quality of the learning content, assessed using a five-level Likert scale. Data was extracted from the start of the CME modules in August 2022 until April 2024.

RESULTS

From August 2022 until April 2024, 324 surveys were completed: 144 (44%) in the category Paediatric Endocrinology, 140 (43%) in the category Paediatric Diabetes ISPAD Guidelines, and 40 (12%) in the category Paediatric Endocrinology in Resource Limited Setting. There was global participation, with most learners practising in Europe (n=202 (62%)), followed by the Americas (n=36 [11 %] North America, n=11 [3%] South America), Asia (n= 45 [14%]), Africa (n=29 [9%]), and Oceania (n=1 [0.31%]). Most of the users indicated to be medical experts (37%), followed by fellows/residents (33%), medical students and nurses (7% and 8%, respectively); 9% of learners practise in resource-limited countries. Overall, the learning content was well received for all modules regarding accessibility, organisation, level of interest, improvement of learner’s clinical practice, appropriateness of content and provision of feedback (Likert scale 1-2/5). Learners’ free-text feedback identified some areas of improvement, including reducing text-heavy content, providing more graphical content and more interactive case reports. Most learners' free text feedback consists of encouraging and thankful comments.

CONCLUSIONS

The ESPE CME-accredited e-learning modules are well-received and accessed globally to provide free CME education in Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes.
Integrating Virtual Reality with Savoring to Promote Well-being of Patients With Chronic Respiratory Diseases: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Pancini Elisa , Fumagalli Alessia , Maggiolini Sveva , Misuraca Clementina , Negri Davide , Bernardelli Luca , Villani Daniela
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are widespread pathologies that cause non-reversible airflow limitations as well as a variety of extrapulmonary adverse effects. For these reasons, these pathologies are related to frequent hospitalizations and, consequently, high levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. In this respect, relaxation in Virtual Reality (VR) integrated with savoring, which is the ability to generate and amplify positive emotions, can be used to increase well-being and relaxation in CRDs patients.

OBJECTIVE

This pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a two-week VR-based relaxation intervention integrated with savoring in CRDs patients in increasing emotional and psychological well-being, positive emotions, relaxation, oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) and decreasing negative emotions.

METHODS

This study involved 45 hospitalized CRDs patients from the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Unit of IRCCS INRCA Casatenovo. Alongside traditional pulmonary rehabilitation, the experimental group (N = 23) took part in the four-session VR-based intervention, while the active control group (N = 22) listened to relaxing music. In each session, the experimental group experienced a relaxing virtual scenario followed by a savoring exercise. Both groups filled out the self-reported questionnaires before the intervention (T0), after (T1), and in the one-month follow-up (T2), and before and after each session. The experimental group's VR acceptance and sense of presence were also measured.

RESULTS

Regarding the primary outcomes, taking T0 and T1 into account, repeated measures ANCOVAs revealed a significant increase for the experimental group in emotional and psychological well-being, positive emotions, relaxation, and a significant decrease in negative emotions compared to the control group. The psychological changes were maintained at T2. Concerning secondary outcomes, patients reported high VR acceptance and sense of presence.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that relaxation VR integrated with savoring can promote well-being and reduce clinical symptoms not only in the post-intervention, but also in the long term. Indeed, savoring can amplify the positive effects of relaxing VR and help patients to focus and amplify their positive experiences, thus counteracting the negative psychological consequences of CRDs.

CLINICALTRIAL

anzctr.org, ACTRN12624000435583; https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12624000435583.aspx (retrospectively registered). This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the IRCCS INRCA Casatenovo but for administrative issues the trial registration was no completed prospectively. The registration was therefore completed retrospectively before data analysis and paper writing.
Knowledge Gain and the Impact of Stress in a Virtual Reality-based Medical Emergencies Training with Automated Feedback – A Randomized Controlled Trial. (Preprint)
Authors: Lindner Marco , Leutritz Tobias , Backhaus Joy , König Sarah , Mühling Tobias
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

A significant gap exists in the knowledge and procedural skills of medical graduates when it comes to managing emergencies. In response, highly immersive virtual-reality (VR)-based learning environments have been developed to train clinical competencies.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of virtual-reality-based (VR-based) simulation training, augmented with automated feedback, compared to video seminars at improving emergency medical competency among medical students. Furthermore, the study investigated the relationship between learning outcomes and physiological stress markers.

METHODS

72 senior medical students underwent VR-based emergency training (intervention) or viewed video seminars (control) on two topics (acute myocardial infarction and exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in an intra-individual crossover design. Levels of applied knowledge were assessed objectively by open-response tests pre/post-intervention and after 30 days. Additionally, two electrodermal activity markers representing physiological stress response were measured during VR sessions using a wearable sensor. Participants also rated their estimated learning success and perceived stress.

RESULTS

Immediately after the intervention, short-term knowledge gain was comparable between both groups. However, VR training led to significantly better long-term knowledge gain compared to video seminars (VR: 17.8 ± 15.1%, control: 11.9 ± 18.0%, difference: -5.9, 95% CI [-11.5, -0.4]). Participants rated the VR training as significantly more effective for learning. While physiological stress markers generally increased during VR sessions, they correlated only weakly and negatively with knowledge gains. No correlation was found between perceived stress and knowledge outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

VR-based simulation training with automated feedback can provide substantial long-term learning advantages over a traditional method in the context of emergency-medicine education. Although VR training induced stress, it had only a weak impact on performance and self-assessment. Given the time constraints faced by clinical educators, self-moderated VR-based learning proves to be a valuable addition to medical training.
Agreements and disagreements between professionals and users about the experience of a telehealth service for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (telePrEP): a qualitative study (Preprint)
Authors: Santos Lorruan Alves dos , Deus Luiz Fábio Alves de , Unsain Ramiro Fernandez , Leal Andrea Fachel , Grangeiro Alexandre , Couto Marcia Thereza
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Men who have sex with men face high HIV prevalence globally. In Brazil, the prevalence among MSM is over 15%. Strategies such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are crucial to reduce HIV transmission. However, increasing PrEP coverage and adherence is challenging due to stigma, changes in risk perception, and difficulty in maintaining regular clinical follow-up.

OBJECTIVE

We analyzed the perceptions and experiences of users and healthcare professionals about PrEP clinical follow-up via asynchronous remote consultations (telePrEP) in five PrEP services in three Brazilian regions.

METHODS

We conducted 19 interviews with users and six interviews with healthcare professionals. The interviews addressed motivations and experiences with in-person and remote PrEP and were thematically analyzed using the QSR Nvivo® software.

RESULTS

In summary, users, primarily cisgender men, positively evaluated telePrEP and highlighted practicality, autonomy, and reduced stigma as benefits of telePrEP. They reported less embarrassment when sharing personal information remotely and the convenience of avoiding frequent trips to healthcare facilities. Healthcare professionals, on the other hand, expressed concerns about losing connection with patients and potentially reducing the quality of care due to the lack of face-to-face interactions.

CONCLUSIONS

The successful implementation of telehealth services for PrEP should consider these different perceptions to adequately meet both groups' needs. Additional studies are needed to explore implementation in other contexts and improve healthcare professionals' training to deal with the specificities of PrEP care.
Perspectives on Long-Term Follow-Up among Living Kidney Donors
Authors: Singh Sunita K. , Jaure Allison , Caton Natasha , Johnston Olwyn , Hanson Camilla S. , Dominello Amanda , Gill Maia P. , Young Linnea , Yetzer Kathy , Chritchley Sarah , Chang Doris , Gill John S.
Published: October 2024

Key Points

In a survey of 685 previous living kidney donors, donors wanted lifelong annual follow-up with a primary care provider.

Living donors wanted information on clinical and laboratory assessment and health reassurance.

Donors also wanted access to specialized care in the event of hospitalization or change in health.

Background

The long-term follow-up of living kidney donors is highly variable in Canada.

Methods

We surveyed perspectives on postdonation follow-up among 685 living donors in the two largest transplant programs in Canada (43% survey response rate). The anonymous survey was informed by semistructured interviews with 12 living kidney donors. The survey was developed on the basis of themes identified in the semistructured interviews, guidance from the research and clinical teams, and feedback from pilot testing with six previous donors.

Results

Most (73%) of the respondents received follow-up after the first donation year from a primary care provider, and 70% reported annual follow-up visits, including blood and urine tests. Most (71%) received a follow-up reminder from their transplant center, and follow-up was higher (86% versus 68%) among those receiving reminders. Donors wanted specialist involvement if new health or kidney-related events occurred. Most (70%) were satisfied with their follow-up, and 66% endorsed annual lifelong follow-up. Donors wanted more information about lifestyle and living donor outcomes and wanted to contribute to research to increase understanding of long-term donor health outcomes.

Conclusions

Donors wanted annual lifelong follow-up, including clinical assessment and laboratory tests, and more information about their postdonation health. A transplant center–led, primary care provider–administered model of long-term follow-up may best meet the care and information needs of most donors.
More-than-Human Jerusalem
Authors: Handel‬‏ ‪Ariel , Mayslits Kassif Ganit , Chen Agmon Yael , Levy Omri
Published: October 2024

As a city that is at the same time unified, divided, fragmented, contested, mixed, neoliberal, post- and neo-colonial, Jerusalem / Al-Quds presents a unique combination of urban conditions. It is divided between East (part of the occupied West Bank) and West, and between Palestinian, Jewish-orthodox religious, and Jewish secular neighborhoods. It is a religious meta-city, in which past and future fantasies and obsessions are part of quotidian life, but also a fascinating place of everyday practices, unexpected encounters and productive frictions defying top-down categorizations. At the same time, it is a modern neo-liberal city, in which local and global capital play a major role in new urban developments.  
It would be a mistake, however, to describe Jerusalem solely from an anthropocentric point of view, while neglecting its more-than-human components. The article will present the fruits of a three-year study, conducted as part of the More-than-Human Jerusalem Lab in Bezalel's Master's in Urban Design: Liquid Jerusalem (2021), Growing Jerusalem (2022) and Terra Jerusalem (2023). Together with the students, we explored possibilities for a renewed interaction between artificial and planned elements and between living organisms in the urban space, focusing on water, vegetation and soil in the city and their interweaving in urban culture and everyday experience.
The lab sought to challenge the separations between "nature" and "culture", and to develop nature-based solutions to offer a new perspective on the city, one that can open different futures of inclusion, care and cooperation between the human populations—but also between them and the more-than-human inhabitants of the city. Through a series of projects, the article will describe the research and methodological process of thinking about Jerusalem as a laboratory of the more-than-human suggesting planning tools designed to enhance urban resilience, justice and inclusion.
‘Dance of Agency’
Authors: Sarkar Jaya
Published: October 2024

Rather than diminishing design to a mechanical process governed by utility, efficiency and economy, this paper conceptualises the architecture of the Basilica of La Sagrada Família in Barcelona as posthuman. The Cathedral’s social, cultural and psychological implications will be considered in this paper. La Sagrada Família is an “unfinished cathedral” in Catalonia built by the architect Antoni Gaudí in 1882. It receives over 3 million visitors a year. Considering La Sagrada Família under the posthumanist lens enables it to be intertwined with the environment and technology. Posthumanism involves delegating particular acts of human agency into technological devices. Using Kenneth Frampton’s concept of architecture dealing with the tension between its ‘representational’ and its ‘ontological’ dimensions, this article highlights how posthumanism can enable new design methods to be integrated with the Cathedral’s original ideas, casting a reassessment of existing theories of design. This article also considers other theories of design and architecture. These are Andrew Pickering’s concept of the ‘mangle,’ Jonathan Hale’s rematerialisation theory, Steve Tomasula’s concept of human scale in architecture, and Francesca Ferrando’s theory of philosophical posthumanism. The paper explores the process of bringing the original architectural idea of La Sagrada Família to expression in material reality. It analyses how the construction of increasingly sophisticated technological devices is a kind of collision and interaction between human goals, material resistance and future sustainability. Finally, the article demonstrates how the ‘dance of agency’—an ongoing, open-ended and temporally structured operation involving a dialectic of resistance and accommodation—can be carried out using the posthumanist theory of future sustainability in order to transform La Sagrada Família into a shared, plural, hopeful architecture that is embodied and entangled.
THE ‘MATERIAL EXPENSES’ APPROACH TO THE THEORY OF VALUE AND DISTRIBUTION IN THE WEALTH OF NATIONS
Authors: Gehrke Christian
Published: October 2024

The paper discusses the influence of physiocratic ideas on Adam Smith’s approach to the theory of value and distribution in The Wealth of Nations (WN). It is shown that Smith attempted to elaborate on the contributions of the Physiocrats by adopting elements of two different approaches to the theory of value and distribution which he found in their writings: A material-based approach and a labor-based one. While tentatively proposing a labor theory of value, Smith also retained elements of the material expenses approach which he had inherited from his precursors. The paper specifically draws attention to some tensions and inconsistencies that arise from the simultaneous presence of the two different approaches to the theory of value and distribution in the WN.
LIBERALIZACIÓN COMERCIAL Y RESTRICCIÓN EXTERNA. UN ANÁLISIS COMPARATIVO PARA MÉXICO Y PERÚ, 1990-2022
Authors: López González Teresa , Castañeda Martínez Ana Erika
Published: October 2024

RESUMEN
En este trabajo presentamos un análisis comparativo del impacto diferenciado de la liberalización comercial sobre la restricción externa al crecimiento económico en México y Perú, en el periodo 1990-2022, utilizando el modelo débil de la ley de Thirlwall (1979). La hipótesis que guio la investigación sostiene que los efectos de la liberalización comercial en el crecimiento económico están determinados tanto por las características estructurales, institucionales y financieras de cada economía como por la política macroeconómica que se instrumente en conjunto con el proceso de liberalización comercial. La evidencia empírica aportada muestra que la liberalización comercial no suavizó la restricción de la balanza comercial sobre el crecimiento de las economías de México y Perú.
 
TRADE LIBERALIZATION AND EXTERNAL RESTRICTION. A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS FOR MEXICO AND PERU, 1990-2022
ABSTRACT
This paper presents a comparative analysis of the differentiated impact of trade liberalization on the external restriction to economic growth in Mexico and Peru, in the period 1990-2022, using the weak model of Thirlwall’s Law (1979). The hypothesis that guided the research maintains that the effects of trade liberalization on economic growth are determined both by the structural, institutional and financial characteristics of each economy, as well as by the macroeconomic policy that is implemented jointly with the trade liberalization process. The empirical evidence provided shows that trade liberalization did not soften the restriction of the trade balance on Mexico’s and Peru’s economic growth.
ADAM SMITH’S THEORY OF VALUE AND THE FALLING RATE OF PROFIT: UNCOMMON CONCEPTIONS AND COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
Authors: Tsoulfidis Lefteris
Published: October 2024

Smith’s theory of value and distribution, which emphasizes labor time as the determinant of prices, has been widely misunderstood. Ricardo misinterpreted it as relevant only to primitive societies, while Marx inaccurately aligned it with his own labor theory of value. In reality, Smith’s perspective oscillates between a labor-based and a labor-commanded approach to relative prices, intended for modern economies. Neoclassical economists further distorted Smith’s views by incorporating utility theory. Moreover, while Smith is often linked to the theory of a falling rate of profit due to competition, he actually attributed it to rising capital intensity. Contrary to the belief that Smith was a staunch advocate of free markets, he supported reasonable government intervention.
Solar Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging System
Authors: Ahire Roshan
Published: October 2024

This project outlines the design and implementation of a solar-powered electric vehicle charging station that addresses the dual challenges of high gasoline prices and harmful emissions. The number of countries adopting electric vehicles continues to rise, as they not only promote environmental sustainability but also significantly lower transportation costs by substituting expensive fuels with more affordable electricity. In this context, developing an electric vehicle charging infrastructure offers an innovative and effective solution. This system enables electric vehicles to charge while in motion, eliminating the need for stationary charging stops. Powered entirely by solar energy, it requires no additional power supply. The system incorporates solar panels, batteries, transformers, regulator circuits, copper coils, AC/DC converters, Atmega328P controllers, and LCD displays. This technology demonstrates the feasibility of an on-road solar-powered wireless charging system for electric vehicles.
Configuraciones de significado del cuerpo académico de educación superior respecto a los principios de inclusión y diversidad
Authors: Seguel Arriagada Andrés , Otondo Briceño Maite
Published: October 2024

La comprensión de los principios de inclusión y diversidad es un proceso dialógico y recursivo que los sujetos construyen y reconstruyen a lo largo de su trayectoria de vida. Los disensos críticos de inclusión la comprenden desde las relaciones de alteridad, mirada como un proceso interpelativo. A su vez, la diversidad es comprendida como un proceso de reconocimiento de las diferencias y diversidades de los sujetos. El objetivo de la investigación es develar la configuración de significado respecto a la inclusión y diversidad desde los discursos activos del cuerpo académico que forma educadores desde las experiencias vividas. La investigación se enmarcó en un paradigma interpretativo de naturaleza cualitativa, con un diseño fenomenológico hermenéutico. Se utilizó una muestra por conveniencia de diez participantes a los que se les realizó una entrevista semiestructurada. Los participantes configuran el significado de inclusión y diversidad como un espacio multifactorial para la expresión de la singularidad, en la que el cuerpo académico y el estudiantado pueden expresar su diversidad como elemento enriquecedor del proceso educativo. Esto se produce por la construcción de experiencias formativas que responden a un diseño universal de la enseñanza y del aprendizaje.
Antidepressant Herbal Plants: An Updated Review
Authors: Sheikhar Chander , Rani Ritu , Singh Ajeet Pal , Singh Amar Pal
Published: October 2024

The symptoms of this illness include mood swings, protracted melancholy, disinterest, and diminished cognitive performance. These symptoms give the patient discomfort and have a substantial negative impact on their capacity to function and lead fulfilling personal, social, and professional lives. Depression treatment has to be comprehensive and involve medicine. For several centuries, herbal chemicals have been the subject of scientific inquiry, and ongoing studies are being conducted to explore their possible medical benefits. Herbs used in traditional medicine have been shown to be highly beneficial in lowering depression and its symptoms as well as enhancing patient function. Plants are used in biology and medicine in a variety of ways. They are an excellent resource for the creation of innovative drugs due to their high levels of safety, accessibility, availability, tolerance, and low levels of toxicity. Depression is caused by a multitude of variables, such as inflammation, brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and monoamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin (5-HT), noradrenaline, and 5-HT). Herbal medicines have gained a lot of attention lately since they are less costly and have less adverse effects than traditional depression treatments. Recent years have seen a significant amount of study on the possible application of sedative and antidepressant plants. The primary emphasis of this review has been herbal medications with antidepressant properties.
Keywords: Depression, herbal medications. Herb, antidepressant plants
Vigilancia por laboratorio de mucormicosis asociada a COVID-19 en Colombia
Authors: Lizarazo Diana , Duarte Carolina , Gamba Julieth , Escandón Patricia
Published: October 2024

Introducción: Ante la alerta epidemiológica emitida por la Organización Panamericana de la Salud / Organización Mundial de la Salud (OPS/OMS) sobre mucormicosis asociada a COVID-19 (CAM) el Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS) implementó la vigilancia nacional por laboratorio obligatoria para esta micosis.  Objetivo: Describir los hallazgos de la vigilancia por laboratorio de CAM en Colombia durante julio 2021 a enero de 2022.  Métodos: De acuerdo con los lineamientos emitidos por el INS, se realizó el diagnóstico de mucormicosis por histopatología y cultivo de pacientes que cumplían la sospecha clínica y previo diagnóstico de la micosis realizado por personal de los laboratorios de las Unidades Primarias Generadoras de Datos (UPGD).  Resultados: En Colombia se notificaron 16 casos de CAM, de los cuales 10 fueron confirmados y 6 descartados, provenientes de siete departamentos del país.  Conclusiones: Los resultados confirman la presencia de casos de CAM en nuestro país, haciendo énfasis en la necesidad de realizar una rápida intervención diagnóstica y terapéutica multidisciplinaria derivada de la toma de acciones de prevención y control oportunas.
Erythema nodosum leprosum: A pediatric case report successfully treated with thalidomide
Authors: Delgado Natalia , Rashid Forero Jalil , Pérez Pilar , Rios Rolando , Salgado Doris M. , Romero Andres Felipe
Published: October 2024

We present the case of a 10-year-old patient who visited our hospital with prolonged fever, multiple nodular lesions on the skin, and diagnostic studies that confirmed leprosy. As a complication, there is a type 2 leprosy reaction that does not respond adequately to the use of steroids; therefore, we used thalidomide, a medication that is infrequently used in children. However, we were able to control the inflammatory response.
Common roots of Riza Fakhretdin and the Service Tatars Baishevs in the context of Genetic Genealogy
Authors: Vladimirov Oleg Olegovich
Published: October 2024

The publication presents a comparative analysis of the results of genetic studies and information from the funds of the “Local Order” (f. 1209) and “Landrat Books and Census Records” (f. 350) of the Russian State Archive of Ancient Acts concerning the genealogy of the famous scientist-educator, historian, theologian and public figure Rizaetdin Fakhretdin. As a result of the study, the plausibility of the family legends of R. Fakhretdin about the origin of his ancestors from the Shirdan village of Sviyazhsk district, was proven, their common origin with the famous service Service Tatar family of the Baishevs was shown.
For citation: Vladimirov O.O. Common roots of Riza Fakhretdin and the Service Tatars Baishevs in the context of Genetic Genealogy. From History and Culture of Peoples of the Middle Volga Region. 2024, vol.14, no.3, pp.146–153. https://doi.org/10.22378/2410-0765.2024-14-3.146-153 (In Russian)
New document on voivodes of cities assigned by the Kazan Palace Office, September 1656
Authors: Belousov Maxim Rudolfovich
Published: October 2024

The article introduces into scientific circulation, investigates, and publishes a document on the history of local government of the Moscow State in the mid-17th century and the administrative activities of the Military Records Office and the Kazan Palace Office – list of voevodes and officemen of cities assigned by the Kazan Palace Office, September 1656. The document studied in the article was deposited in the fund of the Military Records Office of the Russian State Archive of Ancient Acts (RGADA). The article gives an archaeographic description of the published document, and substantiates the proposed dating of the document. The article describes the information potential of the document. The article is addressed to specialists in the history of public administration, and the source studies of office documents.
For citation: Belousov M.R. New document on voivodes of cities assigned by the Kazan Palace Office, September 1656. From History and Culture of Peoples of the Middle Volga Region. 2024, vol.14, no.3, pp.154–160. https://doi.org/10.22378/2410-0765.2024-14-3.154-160 (In Russian)
Archival documents on the events in the Yaik Cossack army that preceded the “pugachevshina”
Authors: Dubovikov Alexander Maratovich
Published: October 2024

This article shows in detail the process of development in the Yaik Cossack army of the conflict situation between ordinary Cossacks and their senior leadership during the several decades preceding the “pugachevshina”. Currently, this topic continues to be poorly studied and practically unrelated to the topic of “pugachevshina”. Documents deposited in the capital’s archives (RGADA and RGVIA), as well as in the Orenburg regional archive (OGAOO), made it possible to reconstruct in detail the events of the Yaik Cossack uprising of 1772 and show their direct connection with the “pugachevshina”.
For citation: Dubovikov A.M. Archival documents on the events in the Yaik Cossack army that preceded the “pugachevshina”. From History and Culture of Peoples of the Middle Volga Region. 2024, vol.14, no.3, pp.52–68. https://doi.org/10.22378/2410-0765.2024-14-3.52-68 (In Russian)
Teptyars in the legislation of the Russian Empire in the 1790s
Authors: Sharafiev Emil Ilkhamutdinovich
Published: October 2024

This article is devoted to the study of one of the key moments in the social history of the Teptyars in the 18th–19th centuries – the process of their transition from the peasant class to the military class. The article, based on published legislative acts of the Russian Empire of the 1790s, reconstructs the sequential chain of events that marked the formation of the Teptyars in a new social status. The details and features of the socio-economic nature of their class transformation are revealed.
For citation: Sharafiev E.I. Teptyars in the legislation of the Russian Empire in the 1790s. From History and Culture of Peoples of the Middle Volga Region. 2024, vol.14, no.3, pp.86–95. https://doi.org/10.22378/2410-0765.2024-14-3.86-95 (In Russian)
Loyal service to the Fatherland: in honour of the 75th anniversary of N.M. Valeev’s birth
Authors:   Federal Research Center “Kazan Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Akhmetova Milyausha A.
Published: October 2024

The article is dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Doctor of Philology, Professor, Academician of the Tatarstan Academy of Sciences, Honoured Scholar of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Russian Federation, the member of the Union of Writers of Russia and the Presidium of the Union of Local Historians of Russia – Nail Mansurovich Valeev. It describes him as an outstanding Russian humanities scholar, literary critic, art critic, historian, local historian, cultural studies scholar, major organiser of scientific events and a public official. His unique and resonant academic work, significant and conceptual projects contribute to the prestige of our republic and country. Over the three decades of his life in the city of Elabuga, he wrote hundreds of articles and ten books about the historical and cultural heritage of Elabuga, about the fate of Elabuga merchants-benefactors. His enormous work on organising a purposeful study of the history of the city led to the recognition of Elabuga as one of the tourist-attractive cities of Russia. Regularly held international scientific conferences devoted to the study of the fate of the merchant dynasties of the city and the creative heritage of the forgotten classic of Russian literature D.I. Stakheev, attracted the attention of scholars from all over Russia and around the world, as well as the descendants of the merchant dynasties of the Stakheevs from Australia, Switzerland, Great Britain, France, etc. to the rich history of the city. Huge work was carried out by N.M. Valeev to draw the attention of the Republic of Tatarstan Academy of Sciences academics and the scholars of the Federal Research Center “Kazan Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences” to the study and preservation of the historical and cultural heritage of the city of Chistopol. Academic works of N.M. Valeev about the life of Kazan art of the twentieth century, the Literary Chistopol encyclopedia, the monograph Boris Pasternak in Chistopol. To the origins of the “Doctor Zhivago” novel and other works caused a wide resonance around the country and the world, attracted the attention of specialists to the rich history of Tatarstan and Chistopol.