bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Importance of Appropriate Medication Administration in Patients with Nasogastric Feeding Tube
Authors:   Department of Pharmacy, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632004, India, Rajkumar L A Pradeep , Chandy Sujith J , Bright Heber Rew , Jiji V J Hema , Basker Judith , Gunaraj K
Published: January 2024

Solid dosage forms like modified release and enteric coated formulations are considered inappropriate for nasogastric feeding tube (NGFT) administration due to varying pharmacokinetics which could lead to inadequate therapeutic responses or toxicity. An analysis was conducted to assess the appropriateness of prescribed medicines for NGFT administration in hospital inpatients so that physicians can be sensitized to the importance of this. In this cross-sectional study conducted in a large tertiary care centre, prescription data of in-patients with nasogastric feeding tube (NGFT) were retrieved through electronic pharmacy transactions. Adult patients who were admitted in the hospital for more than one day and were dispensed a NGFT were included. The appropriateness of medicines administered through NGFT was assessed using standard published literature. Details of medicines that were categorized as inappropriate were collated and analysed. In case of inappropriate prescribing, availability of appropriate dosage forms was also determined. A total of 510 patients were found eligible for analyses. Majority of the patients were dispensed at least one inappropriate dosage form. Among the dispensed oral solid dosage forms, 16.38% were found to be inappropriate for NGFT administration. Of these, 21.41% were dispensed on same day as the NGFT, 34.67% were dispensed before the NGFT and were continued throughout the hospital stay and 43.92% were dispensed within or after 24 hours of NGFT dispensation. These findings will improve awareness among healthcare professionals about the need for appropriate administration of oral formulations in patients intubated with NGFT. Keywords: Inappropriate Dosage Forms, Nasogastric Feeding Tube, Appropriate Dosage Forms, Modified Release Formulations
Depression and Tension Type Headache: Untangling the Cause and Effects Relationship through HSQ-EV and PHQ-9 in Medical students: A Pan India Study
Authors:   Department of Pharmacology, RUHS College of Medical Sciences, Jaipur, Mehta Rajat , Pareek Varun , Kumar Susheel , Sharma Lokendra , Rathore Rajveer Singh
Published: January 2024

Depression is a widespread mental disorder, affecting approximately 280 million people globally. It's characterized by persistent low mood and loss of interest in daily activities. Depression disproportionately affects women and is linked to a heightened risk of suicide, making it a significant public health concern. In 2019, it ranked as the largest contributor to mental health-related disability. Another prevalent issue is tension-type headache (TTH), a neurological condition causing a band-like discomfort around the forehead. Headache disorders, including TTH and migraines, were the 14th leading cause of disability worldwide in 2019. Migraines, characterized by severe pain and neurological symptoms, are particularly impactful and prevalent among women and high socio-demographic groups. Recent research has explored the relationship between depression and headaches, revealing a bidirectional association. People with chronic TTH often exhibit higher rates of anxiety and depression. Moreover, individuals with depression have an increased risk of developing migraines or TTH. A Pan-India cross-sectional observational study was conducted across many medical colleges in India between September 11, 2023 and September 28, 2023. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data using web-based linkages. Based on these findings, it was established there is positive association between Depression and TTH (p=0.003898, X2=11.09). We found a bidirectional relationship between Depression and TTH. We also found that depressed mood also increases the frequency and intensity of TTH. Keywords: Depression, Tension - Type Headache, Medical Students, Headache
Identifying exurbs: A multi-criteria approach for Germany
Authors: Gareis Philipp , Diller Christian
Published: January 2024

The debate about exurbanites and exurbs has ever been an Anglo-American phenomenon. Due to the limitless space for growth and the individual preferences of living in single-family homes, the exurban census tracts were the fastest growing urban type in the USA for several decades. The increase in highway infrastructure lead to an auto-centric development of land and an ongoing urban sprawl in search for natural amenities and affordable housing. This was not the case in Europe for a long time as Europeans preferred to live closer to the place of work and the historically grown structures of the urban development. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic and the restructuring of a new office culture with remote work as the new condition and growing preferences for more living space and green amenities, exurbs could also evolve in the European context. In this investigation, the authors try to identify exurbs in the German context based on a multi-criteria analysis. We find that they are mostly located in the east and north of Germany around Hamburg and Berlin, and to a minor extent to the west and south of Germany. While there has not been a significant increase of exurbs in the past years, the question remains whether the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the exurbanisation and the related issues to a sustainable urban development according to SDG 11. Further research on the characteristics of exurbs is needed to provide additional policy recommendations and monitor the development of potential exurbs in the future.
Thermoregulation of the Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonate
Authors: Smith Brittney
Published: January 2024

The birth of an extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonate is complex because of their immaturity. Respiratory and hemodynamic stabilization often takes precedence in the immediate delivery period. While establishing effective breathing and circulation is vital to the survival of the neonate, it is crucial to understand that other adverse outcomes can occur during the resuscitation and transport of the ELBW neonate. Impaired thermoregulation is one of the most detrimental adverse outcomes during the golden hour period and later in the neonatal intensive care unit. Hypothermia is an independent risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality and can impact multiple body systems, making management even more challenging. This article discusses the physiology of thermoregulation while exploring interventions to maintain normothermia in the ELBW neonate, ultimately improving long-term outcomes.
ПРОБЛЕМ УЗОРКА У КОМБИНОВАНОМ ПРИСТУПУ ИСТРАЖИВАЊУ
Authors: Stojšin Snežana , Vidicki Vladan
Published: January 2024

У првом делу рада пажња је посвећена карактеристикама истраживања друштвених појава у којима се комбинују квалитативни и квантитативни приступи. Представљене су најважније особине трећег методолошког приступа под називом комбиновани методи, као и основни циљеви због којих су они настали и због којих се практикују у различитим истраживањима. Након тога, други део рада односи се на специфичне проблеме, али и могућности, који се јављају приликом конструкције узорка у таквом комбинованом приступу истраживању. Наводи се како се проблеми јављају зато што квалитативни и квантитативни методи најчешће захтевају узорке из различитих група – оних који се заснивају или не заснивају на теорији вероватноће, односно узорке који имају различите карактеристике. Због тога комбиновани методолошки приступ у истраживању захтева нешто другачији начин одабира узорка од уобичајеног, што у први план ставља неке недоумице које се код истраживача могу јавити у вези са тиме како их решити. У складу са свим наведеним, основни циљ овог рада јесте анализа карактеристика, односно предности и недостатака различитог одабира узорка у истраживањима која настоје да интегришу квантитативне и квалитативне приступе у један засебни.
On the implementation of the concept of technological development of Russia
Authors:   NUST MISIS, Soloviev Victor P. , Pereskokova Tatyana A. ,   Institute — brunch of RGGRU (MGRI) in Stary Oskol
Published: January 2024

The problem of achieving the goals set in the Concept of Technological Development of the Russian Federation is considered. The implementation of the concept is aimed at achieving the technological sovereignty of the country. It is recognized that attempts at frontal liberalization of the Russian economy have led to the collapse of organizational forms of interaction and integration of scientific, educational and industrial activities in the civil sphere, to the degradation of engineering education and engineering schools. The Concept assumes the involvement of a large number of regions of the country in this innovative process by forming research and production clusters around leading engineering higher educational institutions in them. Statistical data on the economic, scientific, and human resources potential of Russian regions are presented. It is proposed to revise the legislative framework of the education system in the country, to implement real improvement of the educational process in universities based on modern approaches, to consider the feasibility of training masters in technical areas.
Gamification as an educational technology: philosophical and methodological aspect
Authors:   RAS Institute of Philosophy, Gafitulin Timur M.
Published: January 2024

The article provides an overview of the results of a philosophical and methodological study of gamification as an educational technology. The aim of the study was to find methodological guidelines that allow, in the vast field of research on the phenomenon of play in philosophy and education, firstly, to determine the boundaries of the game and its varieties, and secondly, to understand how and why the game can be introduced into the educational process. The research was carried out using methods of historical, cultural, and comparative analysis, and the structural and functional method was also used. As a result, three types of gamifications of the learning process were identified: how to introduce competitiveness, how to introduce dramatization and how to introduce creative practices. The article describes the change in the role of the teacher depending on the type of gamification chosen, the transition from pedagogical technology to pedagogical art is indicated. The theoretical significance of the research lies in the possibility of further development of types of gamifications, their detailing, the development of the issue of designing special types of games for various subjects, and the promising opportunity to create games with specified cognitive properties. The practical significance lies in the possibility of building training programs for developers and organizers of educational games around the found types of games.
Can the Unified State Exam be an effective tool for selecting applicants to universities (content aspects)?
Authors:   he Research Institute of Educational Technologies Autonomous Non-Profit Organization of Higher Education “International Police Academy of the WPA”, Osipov Mikhail Yu.
Published: January 2024

The subject of the research in this article is the content of the Unified State Exam (USE), as well as an assessment of its ability to serve as a tool for selecting applicants to universities. Among the methods used in the research, the results of which formed the basis of this article, is the method of social experiment. Its essence is that the author of the study tried to pass the training versions of the Unified State Exam in social studies, and also looked at a number of tasks on the Unified State Exam in other disciplines. During the study, it was found that there are a number of tasks on the Unified State Exam, to which the correct answer is in principle impossible and the correctness of which is determined entirely at the discretion of the compilers of this test (the so-called ‘failed tasks’). Examples of these tasks are given. Given the absence of a real result in the USE certificates of knowledge by applicants of certain sections of the school course, which are associated with sections of the university course in a particular field of study, as well as due to the presence of ‘failed tasks’, it is concluded that the USE is ineffective as a tool for selecting applicants to universities. In some cases, ambiguous interpretations of certain concepts, especially in the field of social sciences, are not taken into account when compiling tasks for the Unified State Exam. Also, the compilers of the Unified State Exam ignore the psychological patterns of such an exam, which leads to so-called "gaps in thinking" among exam takers. Therefore, the results of the Unified State Exam do not always reflect the real knowledge of applicants. The ways of improving the USE procedure in social and humanitarian disciplines (history, social studies) are proposed.
Role of additional educational programs in the development of entrepreneurial activity among Russian youth
Authors:   Irkutsk State University, Grabelnykh Tatyana I. , Lapina Anna V. , Sablina Natalya A. , Kakaulin Sergey P. , Tatarnikova Alena Yu.
Published: January 2024

The article discusses the increasing role of the institute of additional education in the development of entrepreneurial activity among Russian youth. It is substantiated that in conditions of unsustainable social development, the implementation of additional educational programs opens up new opportunities for young entrepreneurs due to the formation of universal competencies that allow them to quickly adapt to the threats and challenges of a changing world. Attention is focused on the need to ensure the quality and flexibility of educational programs in the development of successful entrepreneurship among young people. The article differentiates digital platforms and platforms that help increase the entrepreneurial activity of young people, taking into account the educational component. Two types of educational platforms are identified, on the basis of which the active development of universal competencies takes place in the conditions of digital transformations. The first type is represented by programs and activities aimed at developing youth entrepreneurship on a broad institutional basis. The second type reflects specialized platforms aimed at young people who already have higher education diplomas and are implementing their professional, educational and labor trajectories in the labor market. It has been proven that in the conditions of a separate Russian region, the formation and implementation of strategies for youth entrepreneurial activity have their own specifics and reflect the key problems of socio-economic development.
The problem of studying the competitiveness of higher education teacher and general education teacher in the context of modern challenges and threats of the digital world
Authors:   Moscow City University, Petryaeva Elena Yu. , Salakhova Valentina B. ,   the Russian Academy of Sciences, Sumenkova Julia I.
Published: January 2024

The relevance of the problem under study is determined by the fact that the global growth of digitalization of all spheres of economic activity accelerates the transformation of higher and general education and requires urgent “reassembly” of the skills of professional activity of university teachers and schoolteachers, adaptation of the entire education system to the demands of the digital economy and digital society. The aim of the article was to define the conceptual apparatus of the problem of competitiveness of a higher education teacher and a general education teacher in the context of modern challenges and threats of the digital world. The source of information for the analysis were academic studies of domestic and foreign authors on the designated problematics, placed in the lens.org database. VOSviewer program is used as a means of bibliometric analysis. The sample of the study consisted of 136 academic scientific publications from 2018 to 2023, indexed in domestic and foreign bibliographic and abstract databases of peer-reviewed scientific literature. As a result of the study, the definition of competitiveness of a university teacher and a schoolteacher is formulated; a list of factors determining the development of teacher competitiveness is presented; competencies (abilities, skills, abilities and qualities) of competitiveness of a university teacher and a schoolteacher are identified.
Ethical issues in using artificial intelligence technologies
Authors:   Kuban State Technological University, Pashkova Nataliya V. , Vesnyanov Maxim V.
Published: January 2024

The article discusses the ethical aspects associated with the use and development of artificial intelligence technologies. With the development of AI, problems arise that affect various areas of human life, including ethics, economics, medicine, education and others. Analyzes key ethical issues such as the autonomy of AI decision-making; determining who is responsible for damage caused by AI; transparency and data protection, as well as issues of inequality and the potential social consequences of AI. Our task was to identify the main ethical issues related to the use of artificial intelligence and to identify possible solutions for the use and development of AI. To address this, we reviewed and analyzed existing ethical and guiding principles, identified and systematized key ethical issues and different positions on AI. The theoretical sources for our analysis were the results of scientific research in the field of artificial intelligence, considering the ethical aspects of the use and development of such systems.
Student youth and terrorism: perceptions, assessments, effectiveness of confrontation
Authors:   Yaroslavl State Pedagogical University named after K.D. Ushinsky, Talanov Sergei L. ,   Yaroslavl Regional Office Russian Society of Sociologists, Khramkov Nikolai A. ,   Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Yaroslavl Region, Kushnarev Filipp Yu. ,   Yaroslavl State University named after P.G. Demidov, Zaitseva Marina A. , Lymarev Alexey V.
Published: January 2024

The article examines students’ ideas about terrorism, its causes, the scale and possible ways to reduce the terrorist threat. The authors conducted a sociological study, a questionnaire and a series of in-depth interviews among students and security guards of Yaroslavl universities. Students were tested to determine their readiness to survive in an extreme situation. During testing, it was found that most of the students, regardless of gender and age, do not know how to properly navigate and act in extreme and emergency situations. Boys are more prepared than girls for extreme situations and psychologically ready for self-defense. It was revealed that boys know better than girls the signs of explosive standard devices. In addition, it was found that not all students, regardless of gender, age, direction of study, know the main features of improvised explosive devices. Students tend to be more vigilant in public transport and at home (on the house territory) than at the university and near the university, believing that public places (universities) are well protected from terrorism. Most of the students are not satisfied with the work of electronic entrances at universities. It is revealed that the majority of students are aware of the main methods of carrying out terrorist acts by terrorists. The majority of students believe that the level of terrorist threat in the city has increased over the past year. According to a significant part of students, war and military conflicts are the main reasons why people become members of terrorist groups; as well as the presence of illegal, banned religious or ideological sects in the country, through which terrorists recruit people into their ranks, usually from marginals. Based on the results of the study, measures are proposed to improve the effectiveness of the fight against terrorism.
Psychological and pedagogical foundations for the development of civic identity in the process of professional education in higher education
Authors:   Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Mikhailova Olga B. , Kudinov Sergey I. , Kudinov Stanislav S.
Published: January 2024

The formation and development of civic identity are one of the important tasks of the education system and upbringing of youth. Modern education in general faces serious challenges and problems in the formation of social and civic identities among the younger generation. The purpose of this article is to conduct a theoretical analysis of the methodological foundations of the formation of civil identity and present the main directions and stages of its development in the educational and extracurricular educational process in higher education. The content of the article substantiates the need for scientific development of the phenomenon being studied on the basis of psychological and pedagogical methodology. The problems of the formation of civic identity in Russian and foreign studies are considered. The authors present a theoretical analysis of the concepts of “civic education” and “civic identity” as polyscientific and interdisciplinary categories, on the basis of which the structure of a person’s civic identity is constructed, consisting of cognitive, emotional, value and behavioral components. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that, based on the theoretical analysis carried out, the work identifies and illustrates in the form of a model the main markers of the formation of civic identity, focusing on which allows us to develop and introduce into the educational process educational technologies to support the development of civic identity among modern youth. The content of the article highlights and substantiates the main stages and forms of development of students' civic identity at different stages of education. In conclusion, it is noted that the process of civil self-determination of young people is a strategically important goal in shaping the security of the Russian state. A special role and mission for the implementation of the technology for the formation of civil identity is assigned to the teacher. Of course, to implement educational technologies, it is necessary, first of all, to work with the teaching corps of representatives of higher education, with the civic consciousness of the teaching staff, who form and develop the human capital of the country’s future generations.
Introspection of educational work with students of the academic group at the university
Authors:   Bashkir State Agrarian University, Altynbekov Oleg M.
Published: January 2024

The article presents the results of self-analysis of educational work in the supervised group of first-year students in the specialty “Veterinary Medicine” in the conditions of the Bashkir State Agrarian University. During the academic year, a number of curatorial hours devoted to patriotic, social, and moral topics were held in the supervised group. The study groups were attracted to participate in cultural and sports events held both within the walls of the university and outside it. The group identified a priority area of activity that most students were interested in — the topic of animal volunteering. The study groups together with the curator took part in charity events aimed at helping homeless animals. These events allowed the team to unite, which had a positive impact on academic performance: absolute academic performance increased by 14.9% with a relative academic performance of 100%. The final survey in the group showed that the overwhelming majority of respondents positively assessed the curatorial hours and the role of the curator in the life of the group.
Technology and methods of employment of graduates of higher education
Authors:   Volga State Technological University, Nizova Lyudmila M. , Mayakova Miralda E.
Published: January 2024

The advantages and problems of job search and employment methods for graduates of higher educational institutions have been studied. Author’s monitoring has shown that recently every third graduate is a certified unemployed. In modern socio-economic conditions, graduates of higher schools find themselves disoriented in the labor market. 60% work outside their specialty for reasons: 35.7% — it is difficult to find a job; 35.7% — low pay; 17.9% — got a more interesting job; 3.6% — do not like the specialty they received; 7.1% — other reasons. The factors for this are: imbalance of the labor market and the market of educational services; dissatisfaction of employers with the quality of professional education of graduates of educational institutions; low level of interest of educational institutions in the employment of graduates; inflated self-esteem of graduates of their professional level. The author’s monitoring made it possible to identify the most effective methods of employment and determine measures to improve them.
Spirituality as the highest dimension of human existence
Authors:   Grozny State Oil University named after аcad. M.D. Millionshtchikov, Umarovа Zara Ya.
Published: January 2024

The relevance of the study is dictated by the inadmissibility of the destruction of the human spirit, which is the basis of human existence. The article considers the impact of technogenic processes on human spirituality. It is shown that in modern society man experiences huge contradictions in his being. The daily flow of information leads to serious changes in the consciousness and lifestyle of people, generating a crisis of relations between them — aggression, intolerance, mistrust leading to mental disorders. The technological world has a strong impact on human nature: it makes high demands on intelligence, speed and intensity in production processes, which directly affects moral qualities and affects the mental and physical health of a person. he integrity and value of man is gradually being lost, he does not live, but functions. It is impossible to allow the power of technology over man. Despite the numerous transformations in the life of society, it should be noted that only man is the creator of spiritual culture, the top of which is formed by morality, religion, philosophy, art, leading to good, peace and the highest good on Earth.
Phenomenological analysis the aesthetic experience of the artist
Authors:   Luhansk State Academy of Culture and Arts named after Mikhail Matusovsky, Mazanenko Oksana M.
Published: January 2024

Based on the aesthetic-phenomenological analysis of the artist’s creativity, the article shows how intentional experiences ‘work’, enriching the aesthetic skills of the artist. They produce new meanings, building new horizons of intersubjective relations with the world and oneself. The intentional structure of creative acts with certain activity-psychological attitudes makes it possible to reveal the process of life-functioning of the author’s consciousness as a non-linear system of correlation of the interpenetrating layers of intentional experiences. A special role is given to existential experiences as a special way of being, prerequisites and conditions for the artist’s creativity.
The Sanctions of Japan and the EU Against Russian Energy Sector During the 2022 Crisis
Authors: Chizhevskaya M.
Published: January 2024

The aim of this article is to compare the measures taken by Japan and the European Union in response to the Ukrainian crisis escalation and subsequent world energy crisis. The article focuses on the sanctions policy of the two actors in the energy sphere, and the consequences from a socio-economic viewpoint. The volume of this study is limited to anti-Russian sanctions against basic fossil fuels – coal, crude oil, and natural gas. Under investigation are import restrictions, import diversification directions and EU–Japanese joint initiatives, taken to overcome the crisis under the US leadership. The study rests upon detailed statistical information from Japan’s and the EU’s, as well as international databases. Special attention is attributed to the problem of Russian gas import: Japan’s ongoing participation in the Sakhalin‑1 and 2 oil and gas projects, the routes of EU gas supplies alternative to Nord Stream‑1. The choice of actors is explained by the common situation which the EU and Japan found themselves in. Among the nations that introduced sanctions, they suffer the most, being short of natural resources and highly dependent on fossil fuel imports. Both imposed a wide range of sanctions in the energy sphere, following the hard line of the energy-independent United States. The paradox is that the EU, which is much more dependent on Russian fossil fuels, introduced much more severe sanctions than Japan. The author offers the following suggestion for this situation. First, Japan’s energy selfsufficiency ratio is lower than that of the EU, which is recognised by the G7 partners. Second, Japan, demonstrating full solidarity with Western countries, in contrast to the EU, still considers the Ukrainian crisis to be geographically distant, with relatively little effect on its domestic policy, except for the potential impact on the Taiwan Strait crisis escalation. Meanwhile, the energy crisis hits Japan directly, putting it into a situation where it must choose whether to follow the US’ and EU’s rigid approach, or to protect its own economic interests as much as possible. The study shows that, while the EU is putting democratic values protection ahead of the member states’ economic and social situation, Japan shows a more pragmatic approach in the energy sphere, trying to protect its industry and households from the devastating influence of the energy crisis, even if it goes against the G7 basic line and needs special approval. The degree of EU–Japan cooperation in solving common problems is seen as low. The absence of common proposals to overcome the crisis is explained by strategic dependence on the US, which is acting as the thought leader of the sanctions campaign under the G7 framework.
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles in armed conflicts in Syria and Nagorno-Karabakh
Authors: Tselitsky S.
Published: January 2024

Military conflicts in Syria and Nagorno-Karabakh have shown the increasing importance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on the battlefield. They have a significant impact on the character and forms of warfighting. In future wars a massive multi-stage and multi-echelon use of groups of reconnaissance and armed UAVs and loitering ammunitions is predicted which will greatly complicate the performance of air defense missions. An important trend is the increasing availability of various UAVs for both large and small states and even non-state armed groups. This in turn raises the risk of uncontrolled export of UAV technology.
Political crisis in Burkina Faso: internal and external factors of destabilization
Authors: Denisova T. , Kostelyanets S.
Published: January 2024

The article examines the causes of and prerequisites for the political crisis in Burkina Faso that became almost permanent during the years of its independent development. Burkina Faso is one of Africa’s poorest countries and has witnessed eight military coups, including two in 2022. By the end of the 2010s, it found itself at the epicenter of the Sahel crisis. Burkina Faso also changed its foreign policy orientation, abandoning the neocolonial dependence on France, and adopted a series of economic development plans. The authors analyze military, political and socio economic factors of the emergence of this political crisis against the backdrop of weakening state power, primarily in peripheral areas affected by armed conflict. The article also considers the problem of interference of external actors in the political life of Burkina Faso and the reaction of Economic Community of West African States to a series of military coups in the country. Special attention is paid to the role of tribal militias Koglweogo self defense groups and other similar organizations in the current conflict with Islamists in the northern regions of the country. It is noted that in areas under control of the rebels or, on the contrary, pro government non state actors (militias), the war economy is developing at a rapid pace, and the population is creating new local “self governance” structures that emerge as an alternative to the state power and are led by field commanders. It is concluded that the situation in the country resembles a vicious circle: successive governments are unable to implement development projects due to political instability, while weak economic development, in turn, causes political instability. At the same time, the ongoing strengthening of contacts between Burkina Faso and Russia generates hopes among residents of this West African country for finding a solution to the long term military and political crisis in foreseeable future.
The BRICS factor in South African diplomacy
Authors: Panin N.
Published: January 2024

The article examines the practical aspects of the Republic of South Africa’s (RSA’s) participation of in the work of BRICS as one of the key formats of modern network diplomacy. The study is based on data on the economic aspects of South Africa’s participation in BRICS. Pretoria’s political steps are also analyzed, with a focus on initiatives put forward during South Africa’s presidency in BRICS. It is concluded that RSA’s interest in BRICS is primarily driven by the desire to increase its prestige as a regional power. This priority is unlikely to lose its importance in the context of the expansion of BRICS following the 2023 summit in Johannesburg. The author suggests that the forthcoming expansion of BRICS, with the inclusion of Ethiopia and Egypt, takes into account South Africa’s interests and does not threaten its status as the key representative of this organization in Africa.
Science and sociality: achieving the social dimensions of science through contextualization of secondary school classroom instruction
Authors: Okeke Dr. Uchenna Kingsley , Rmaila Professor Sam
Published: January 2024

This position paper is predicated on two focus areas. First, it recognises that scientific inquiry is performed in social situations and questions whether and how standard epistemology can be augmented to tackle this aspect. Within this focus, the goals of science education are reviewed. The second focus addresses sociality as an essential feature of knowledge and questions how standard epistemology can be reformed from this generally social perspective. Specifically, this study on one hand addresses the social dimension of science education, and on the other hand, examines the suitability of instructional contextualisation as a possible strategy to achieve the social dimensions of science education. The aim is to initiate a conversation about the importance of framing science education studies and experiences within the sociocultural context of interests and needs to achieve reliable participation of all concerned. To this end, this paper argues that science education ought to place considerable emphasis on students’ acquisition of values and skills of sociality. Furthermore, a comprehensive goal of science education should constitute both the normative and the non-normative aspects of science with a particular emphasis on the development of character formation, moral values, creativity skills and competences. There is, therefore, a need for an examination of the social dimensions of science education and its curriculum implications, especially as science education serves as the nexus between science and society.
Non-Operating-Room-Anesthesia Efficiency for Gastrointestinal Endoscopic procedures. A different application of Pandit’s formula: a pilot study.
Authors: Agnoletti Vanni , Binda Cecilia , Sbrancia Monica , Russo Emanuele , Catena Fausto , Giibino Giulia , Bruschi Giuseppe , Antonini Marta Velia , Spiga Martina , Cilli Arianna , Bracci Paolo , Mastronardi Costantino , Santonastaso Domenico Pietro , Catena Rodolfo , Fabbri Carlo
Published: January 2024

Background
The demand for Non-Operating-Room Anesthesia for gastrointestinal procedures is increasing, and the main goal is to achieve an efficient elective non-surgical list use like those who work in operating rooms.
Aims
We decided to adopt and validate the Pandit formula used to measure efficiency and list utilization in the operating room to Non-Operating-Room Anesthesia for gastrointestinal procedures.
Methods
Data requested by Pandit’s formula were prospectively recorded from 1 April 2023 to 30 June 2023 and retrospectively analyzed to calculate the efficiency and list utilization. An isogram plot was used to illustrate the efficiency and list utilization as percentages.
Results
The mean value of efficiency and list utilization were: 94.98 % and 93.19%.
The average duration of GA-NORA was 5h 35mins. On four occasions it started with a delay of over 20 minutes. The total amount of scheduled cases was 136, four patients were cancelled (2.9%) and one added.
Conclusion
This formula represents a valuable and easy-to-use tool that provides a reference point for reasoning and analysis, and the goal of achieving 90% efficiency and list utilization was easily accomplished. The authors believe that the best way to measure efficiency inside or outside the operating rooms is to have a unique and user-friendly instrument or formula like the one that was presented.
Myeloid PTEN loss affects therapeutic response by promoting stress granules assembly and impairing phagocytosis of macrophages in breast cancer
Authors: Pan Yueyin , Li Yan , Wang Gang , Han Chaoqiang , Dong Menghao , Hua Hui , Chen Jian , Yu Haiyang , Zhang Rutong , Feng Xiaoxi , Xu Chao , Yang Zhenye
Published: January 2024

Breast cancer (BRCA) has become the most common type of cancer in women. The improvement of therapeutic response remains a challenge. Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is a classic tumor suppressor with emerging new functions discovered in recent years, and myeloid PTEN loss has been reported to impair the anti-tumor immunity. In this study, we revealed a novel mechanism of myeloid PTEN potentially affecting anti-tumor immunity in BRCA. We identified accelerated stress granules (SGs) assembly under oxidative stress in PTEN deficient bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), due to the upregulation of EGR1 transcripting TIAL1. The activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR (PAM) pathway also contributed to the promoted SGs formation. ATP consumption during SGs assembly in BMDMs impaired the phagocytosis of 4T1 cells, which might contribute to the damage of anti-tumor immunity. In BRCA neoadjuvant cohort, we observed poorer response in myeloid PTENlow patients with G3BP1 aggregating as SGs in CD68+ cells, which was consistent with the mechanism that PTEN deficient macrophages tend to have easier SGs assembly with impaired phagocytosis in our study. Our results revealed an unconventional impact of SGs on BMDMs and might provided new perspectives for drug resistance and therapeutic strategies for BRCA patients.
Modeling the Future Distribution of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus in China: Implications of Climate Change
Authors: Tong Qing , Xu Ming-da , Long Xin-zhou , Zheng Jia-qi , Han Xiao-yun , Cui Li-yong
Published: January 2024

Global climate dynamics are exerting an influence on the ecological and geographical distribution of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus, the primary vectors of dengue fever. These environmental shifts may potentially alter the suitable habitats for both mosquito species, leading to a transformation in their distribution patterns. Although there is already a substantial body of research on the impact of environmental and climate change on these vectors, there is still room for improvement and further exploration in understanding their potential distribution patterns under current and future environmental conditions. To understand the distribution of suitable habitats for Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in China under current and future climate scenarios, we used the Maximum Entropy Model (MaxEnt) model of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) based on observed occurrence records of these two mosquito species. This simulation predicted their distribution across mainland China for the present and future (2041–2100). The results indicate that the annual mean temperature (bio1), seasonality of temperature (bio4), and precipitation of the wettest quarter (bio16) are significant climate variables impacting the distribution of Ae. aegypti and A. albopictus. Under future climate scenarios, the original suitable habitats for Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus will remain stable, while the extent of suitable habitats is expected to increase over time. The predicted suitable habitats for Ae. aegypti are expected to expand in Guangxi and Guangdong. Under the ssp585 scenario for the years 2081–2100, new suitable habitats might emerge in the southern parts of regions such as Sichuan, Guizhou, Jiangxi, and Fujian. Ae. albopictus is predicted to expand its habitat, with Yunnan, Guangdong, and Guangxi gradually becoming its most suitable habitats. The northernmost extension is predicted to reach small suitable areas such as the southern part of Qiqihar and the western part of Daqing in Heilongjiang province. However, this expansion is hardly reflected along the western and northern borders of China and is primarily within its current range.
Optimizing crash box design to meet injury criteria: a protocol for accurate simulation and material selection
Authors: Rostro-Gonzalez Horacio , Puigoriol-Forcada Josep-Maria , Perez-Pena Armando , Menacho Joaquin , Garcia-Granada Andres-Amador
Published: January 2024

The design of a deformation element or crash box that meets a given injury criterion based on deceleration requires careful consideration of physical properties and space requirements. Variations in material yield stress or geometry, can result in statistical variations in the injury criterion output. Optimizing the crash box to fulfil two different injury criteria and two different energy levels may require more space than initially specified. In this study, we propose a protocol where the crash box is collapsed, and force-displacement is fitted to an equation. This fit is carried out with just two simulations and compared to 30 possible scenarios, obtaining a maximum error of 38.9%. With this initial fit, the appropriate thickness and yield stress can be chosen to perform crashes with two energy levels and monitor four injury values. With the ideal yield stress and sheet metal thickness, we introduce real statistical distributions using Montecarlo design to perform 200 simulations and obtain 400 injury values for each design proposal. This technique ensures that the design will meet injury requirements for any possible combination of thickness and yield stress accepted by quality inspection. If only one simulation is performed, all designs meet the requirements, but only the last proposed design decreased the average injury to 9.2g with a standard deviation of 2.68g and a maximum value of 14.4g, which is less than the required 15g. This technique minimizes the risk of finding combinations of yield stress and thickness that produce an undesirable injury criterion.
Pulmonary Abscess Secondary to Epididymitis Caused by Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase- Producing Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae: A Case Report
Authors: Li Runjun , Liu Junlong , Yang Liye , Lin Zhiwei , Rong Ling , Chen Gang , Tang Xiuying
Published: January 2024

Background: Pulmonary abscesses resulting from epididymitis caused by extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-hvKp) in a nondiabetic patientare extremely uncommon.The infection caused by this disseminated drug-resistant bacteria, which is generally considered an intractable case, poses a potential challenge in clinical practice.
Case presentation: In this case report, we present the clinical course of a 71-year-old male patient with epididymitis, who subsequently developed cough and dyspnea following anti-infection treatment. Imaging examinations revealed severe pneumonia and pulmonary abscess. The infection of ESBL-hvKp in the epididymis led to bacteremia and subsequent lung lesions. Due to poor response to anti-infection therapy, the patient required an extended duration of anti-infection treatment and ultimately chosed to discontinue treatment.
Conclusions: Acute epididymitis caused by ESBL-hvKP infection can result in the spread of the infection through the bloodstream, leading to severe pneumonia and lung abscess. Given the critical condition of the patient, even with active anti-infection treatment, there is a risk of treatment failure or potentially fatal outcomes.
Cirsilineol inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast activity and ovariectomy-induced bone loss via NK-κβ/ERK/p38 signaling pathways
Authors: He Rongxin , Wang Cong , Zeng Rong , Li Yong
Published: January 2024

Background
Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a chronic metabolic bone disease caused by excessive osteoclast formation and function. Targeting osteoclast differentiation and activity can modulate bone resorption and alleviate osteoporosis. Cirsilineol, an active constituent of vestita Wall, has shown numerous biological activities and has been used to treat many metabolic diseases. However, whether cirsilineol inhibits osteoclast activity and prevents postmenopausal osteoporosis still remain unknown.
Materials and methods
Primary bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) and RAW264.7 cells were used. Osteoclast activity was measured by TRAP staining, F-actin staining, and bone resorption assay after BMMs were treated with cirsilineol at concentrations of 0, 1, 2.5 and 5 µM. RT-PCR and western blotting were performed to evaluate the expression of osteoclast-related genes. In addition, female C57BL/6 mice underwent OVX surgery and were treated with cirsilineol (20mg/kg) to demonstrate the effect of cirsilineol on osteoporosis.
Results
Cirsilineol significantly inhibited receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, respectively. Additionally, cirsilineol inhibited F-actin ring formation, thus reducing the activation of bone resorption ability. Cirsilineol suppressed the expression of osteoclast-related genes and proteins via blocking nuclear factor (NF)-κβ, ERK, and p38 signaling cascades. More importantly, cirsilineol treatment in mice with osteoporosis alleviated osteoclasts hyperactivation and bone mass loss caused by estrogen depletion.
Conclusion
In this study, the protective effect of cirsilineol on osteoporosis has been investigated for the first time. In conclusion, our findings prove the inhibitory effect of cirsilineol on osteoclast activity via NK-κβ/ERK/p38 signaling pathways and strongly suggest that the application of cirsilineol can be proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy.
Aberrant neural computation of social controllability in nicotine-dependent humans
Authors: Gu Xiaosi , McLaughlin Caroline , Fu Qixiu , Na Soojung , Heflin Matthew , Fiore Vincenzo
Published: January 2024

Social controllability, defined as the ability to exert influence when interacting with others, is crucial for optimal decision-making. Inability to do so might contribute to maladaptive behaviors such as drug use, which often takes place in social settings. Here, we examined nicotine-dependent humans using fMRI, as they made choices that could influence the proposals from simulated partners. Computational modeling revealed that smokers under-estimated the influence of their actions and self-reported a reduced sense of control, compared to non-smokers. These findings were replicated in a large independent sample of participants recruited online. Neurally, smokers showed reduced tracking of forward projected choice values in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, and impaired computation of social prediction errors in the midbrain. These results demonstrate that smokers were less accurate in estimating their personal influence when the social environment calls for control, providing a neurocomputational account for the social cognitive deficits in this population.