bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive support for families with parental cancer – Family-SCOUT: study protocol for the evaluation of a complex intervention
Authors: Dohmen Marc , Petermann-Meyer Andrea , Blei Daniel , Bremen Rebecca , Brock-Midding Evamarie , Brüne Manuela , Geiser Franziska , Haastert Burkhard , Halbach Sarah Maria , Heuser Christian , Holsteg Steffen , Heier Lina , Icks Andrea , Karger Andre , Montalbo Joseph , Nakata Hannah , Panse Jens , Rottmann Till-Philip , Sättler Kristina , Viehmann Anja , Vomhof Markus , Ernstmann Nicole , Brümmendorf Tim H.
Published: April 2021

Background: Families with minor children affected by parental cancer are at risk of considerable emotional and organizational stress that can severely burden all family members. So far, there has been a lack of comprehensive support services for affected families. The aim of this project is to implement and evaluate a complex psychosocial intervention for these families by providing advice, information and care on an emotional, psycho-social and communicative level during and after the cancer experience and across healthcare sectors.Methods: Family-SCOUT is a project supported by the German Innovation Fund (https://innovationsfonds.g-ba.de/). The evaluation is based on a mixed method quasi-experimental design with intervention and control group. A standardized postal survey at three measurement points (T0: study enrollment; T1: 3 months follow-up; T2: 9 months follow-up), secondary data from the participating health insurance funds, and semi-structured qualitative interviews are used for summative and formative evaluation. Study aim is to include n=560 families. Data will be analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle. The primary analysis is the comparison of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) response rates (minimal important difference (MID) ≥ 1.6 in at least one of the two parents) at T2 between the intervention and control group using Fisher’s exact test. The conduct of the study as well as the development and implementation of the intervention will be accompanied by comprehensive study monitoring following the principles of an effectiveness-implementation hybrid study. Discussion: Results will allow to test the effectiveness and efficiency of the intervention for the target group. First experience with the implementation of the intervention in model regions will be available. The evaluation results will serve as basis to assess the need of including the intervention in the catalogue of services of the statutory health insurance funds in Germany. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04186923. Retrospectively registered on 4 December 2019.
A Menstruating Taboo is Structuring and Shaping the Human Behavior in the Harvesting of Medicinal Plants in a Semiarid Landscape in Brazil
Authors: Siqueira Jorge Izaquiel Alves de , Siqueira Jorge Izaquiel Alves de , Senna-Valle Luci de , Chaves Edna Maria Ferreira , Lemos Jesus Rodrigues
Published: April 2021

BackgroundThis article presents, from a biocultural perspective, a menstruating taboo related to the touching, harvesting and preparation of home remedies based on the use of medicinal plants in a rural community located in a semiarid landscape of Cocal municipality, Piauí state, Northeastern Brazil. MethodsMethods used include participant observation and semi-structured interviews performed with 27 local people (21 female and six male) that recognized a taboo regarding the menstruating cycle and the harvesting of medicinal plants in Franco rural community, Cocal, Piauí, Northeastern Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were used to document data regarding the profile of research participants, their perceptions about the taboo documented, as well as the social and biocultural implications of the execution of this traditional practice of prohibition. Participant observation was conducted in order to grasp a better understanding of the social and biocultural implications of the taboo. Additionally, a photographic record was kept during this stage.ResultsIt was verified in Franco rural community that female adolescents and/or women in their menstruating period were prohibited from touching, harvesting and/or preparing home remedies based on the use of medicinal plants. Research participants believed that this can cause the death of medicinal plants, or that they lose their medicinal properties. This taboo has serious social and biocultural implications locally, and can be structured firstly as maladaptive of cultural information at the individual level, as it inhibits the ability of menstruating women to take care of themselves and the health of their families, and secondly as an adaptative strategy at the group level among its users (promotes the transmission of knowledge and cooperation among its users). This traditional practice has serious positive implications for maintaining local bioculturality, sustainability of local medical systems and women's health.ConclusionThis taboo documented within the Franco community is an important informal institution with great influence on human biocultural behavior. The inclusion of these perspectives on taboos in biocultural studies offers opportunities for a greater understanding of biocultural attitudes related to interactions between the human species/biota and the environment in a complex knowledge system.
The architecture of psychological well-being: A network analysis study of the Ryff psychological well-being scale 
Authors: Blasco-Belled Ana , Alsinet Carles
Published: April 2021

The proliferation of mental health research is orienting its efforts towards the exploration of psychological well-being. One of the main burdens is the measurement challenges reported by the Psychological Well-being Scale (PWBS), which has often been criticized for inconsistencies between the theoretical and the empirical model. A potential alternative to understand the structure of psychological well-being is network models, which conceptualizes psychological phenomena as emerging systems of mutually connected indicators. We examined the network structure of the Spanish 29-item PWBS in a sample of 1,404 adults. We estimated a regularized partial correlation network using the graphical LASSO algorithm in the item and dimension level. We tested the stability of both networks and identified the most important variables of the network. The PWBS network model revealed four dimensions, with self-acceptance, life purpose and environmental mastery clustering together. Node strength centrality suggested that self-acceptance is the most central dimension in the psychological well-being structure as measured by the PWBS. Despite the network model of psychological well-being did not replicate the theoretical structure of Ryff’s model, it provides a novel conceptualization of psychological well-being and proposes target indicators for mental health interventions.
Complete Recovery of Deep Venous Thrombosis From Coombs (+) Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Case Report
Authors: Zhou Mi , Yin Jie
Published: April 2021

Background: Acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is an aggressive thrombotic microangiopathy that if not treated, can have a 90% mortality rate. Timely, extensive plasma exchange (PEX) has been indicated to reduce the mortality rate to<10%, but its side effects are not well-known. We present here a case of a patient presented with Comb (+) TTP and developed catheter-associated deep vein thrombosis (DVT).Case presentation: A 27-year-young man presented with persistent thrombocytopenia and Coombs positive anemia was firstly diagnosed with Evans syndrome. However, he was refractory to a methylprednisolone pulse therapy with a combination of platelet transfusion and eventually developed microangiopathy of central nerve system. Sever pathogenesis was prevented by PEX. The immediate start of PEX (1500ml/d) induced a complete remission of acquired TTP and disappearance of neurological signs and symptoms. However, external iliac and femoro-popliteal venous thrombosis was diagnosed subsequently, inferior vena cava filter (IVC) filter was immediately planting accompanied with anticoagulation therapy. Meanwhile, PEX session was sustained as well as oral anticoagulant (rivaroxaban). 14 days later, the patient got full recovery.Conclusions: Catheter-related DVT under the setting of TTP should be cautious. It is necessary to start anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy for thrombosis early, especially in such cases when PLT count > 50×109/L.
Paleofluid flow: answers in the quartz.
Authors: Freville Kevin , Sizaret Stanislas
Published: April 2021

The search for carbon-free energy sources is at the heart of our concerns. It has become necessary to develop our capacities to harness the active energy flows of our environment while trying to have the lowest possible impact. Among these flows, one of the most stable is that linked to terrestrial thermal anomalies. Geothermal energy is an attractive option due to its regularity and the development of knowledge is encouraged, in France, by the national research funding agency. Geothermal systems are mainly associated with active hydrothermal circulations, fluids can be considered as a source of heat but also of metals. However, fluid circulation within active hydrothermal fields occurs at considerable depths and cannot be observed directly. In this study we propose a method for reconstructing the paleo-flow velocities recorded by quartz. The relative thickness of quartz growth bands is used to deduce the sense and velocity of the paleofluid flow. This contribution highlights the paleofluid flows velocities and the recharge/discharge area in the Limagne Basin geothermal province, which is currently under investigation. Finally, this study provides a tool to be used to study fossil hydrothermal systems containing quartz veins with comb textures.
Essential oils of basil cultivars selectively affect the activity of antioxidant enzymes in glial cells
Authors: Sahakyan Naira
Published: April 2021

The qualitative and quantitative composition of essential oils (EO) of Ocimum species, cultivated in high altitude Armenian landscape was quite different and the main components of O. basilicum var. purpureum; O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora and O. x citriodorum oils belong to the class of oxygenated monoterpenes. Investigated EOs possess remarkable antioxidant activity. They inhibit the tyrosinase activity, the enzyme responsible not only for the melanin production, but also for various aging-related metabolic processes. Investigated EOs had no any significant effect on catalase at the protein levels, but alter its activity in neuroglial BV-2 different cell lines. Treatment of the neuroglial cell lines with the sub-cytotoxic concentrations of three mentioned EOs influence also the activity of acetyl-CoA oxidase type 1. Practical Applications The microglial cells play a pivotal role as the neuroprotective agents against neuroinflammation. Different data included in the present article are stating that plant origin substances can play a role of regulators of enzymatic antioxidant capacity of cells. EOs extracted from the Ocimum different cultivars are able to trigger the activity of acetyl-CoA oxidase type 1 (or palmytoil-CoA oxidase type 1), which can serve as a basis of regulation of redox deviation in WT cells. So, it can be suggested them to be applied for the prevention of some processes, which can influence on the aging, as the process of ageing is commonly associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress caused by the increased level of free radical production, dysfunction of the microglia, high blood pressure and so on.
Disentangling temporal associations in marine microbial networks
Authors: Deutschmann Ina , Krabberød Anders , Benites L. , Latorre Francisco , Delage Erwan , Marrasé Cèlia , Balagué Vanessa , Gasol Josep , Massana Ramon , Eveillard Damien , Chaffron Samuel , Logares Ramiro
Published: April 2021

Microbial interactions are fundamental for Earth’s ecosystem functioning and biogeochemical cycling. Nevertheless, they are challenging to identify and remain barely known. The omics-based censuses are helpful to predict microbial interactions through the inference of static association networks. However, since microbial interactions are highly dynamic, we have developed an approach to generate a temporal network from a single static network. We applied it to understand the monthly microbial associations’ dynamics occurring over ten years in the Blanes Bay Microbial Observatory (Mediterranean Sea). For the decade, we identified persistent, seasonal, and temporary microbial associations. Moreover, we found that the temporal network appears to follow an annual cycle, collapsing and reassembling when transiting between colder and warmer waters. We observed higher repeatability in colder than warmer months. Altogether, our results indicate that marine microbial networks follow recurrent temporal dynamics, which need to be accounted to better understand the dynamics of the ocean microbiome.
Rapid prediction of thrust force coupling scale-span model and revised ANN in drilling CFRPs
Authors: Liu Yong , Li Qiannan , Qi Zhenchao , Chen Wenliang
Published: April 2021

This study develops an integrated methodology to rapidly predict the thrust force with a tapered drill-reamer (TDR) by coupling a scale-span model and revised artificial neural networks (ANN) in drilling carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs). First, the optimum mesh size of the scale-span finite element (FE) model of CFRPs was optimized to enhance simulation efficiency on the premise of ensuring accuracy in drilling. Then, an order-driven FE computation approach was first proposed to improve computing efficiency for batch samples and maximize utilization of the available computing resources. Modeling and solving of the weight indices of material property parameters (MPPs) and machining parameters for the thrust force were first carried out entirely based on a feature selection model. A multi-layer revised ANN architecture model which considers the material properties of CFRPs and the corresponding initial weight indices was first designed for the thrust force prediction in Python software. Finally, drilling experiments involving T700S-12K/YP-H26 CFRPs specimens with different machining parameters were carried out, which more than 25 prediction results of the fresh samples showed that the established ANN prediction model with a 16-18-18-18-16-1 architecture is highly prediction precision, and the maximum absolute deviation is only 4.56% with the comparisons of experiments.
Site Suitability analysis for artificial groundwater recharge potential zone using a GIS approach in Basaltic terrain, Buldhana District, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Chakraborty Monica , Tejankar Ashok , Ayyamperumal Ramamoorthy
Published: April 2021

We have selected the site suitability for artificial groundwater recharge in basaltic terrain in India. The overarching aim of this research is to identify appropriate locations for artificial groundwater recharge in the Godavari river basin in the semi-arid zone of Buldhana district, Maharashtra, India. The research involves the selection of an appropriate location with an artificial recharge, the use of weighted values in a (GIS) environment, and the development of thematic layers. The precise type of artificial recharge system, such as a check dam, nullah bund, drainage ditch trying to plug, or percolation ponds, is chosen. Water harvesting considers the availability of land, conventionally, while on the local conditions depends the suitability of a particular artificial recharge technique and the area which is to get benefited. As a result, decisions on the site for water conservation and structure construction could only be undertaken after detailed field research. In stipulated time, the GIS modelling approach provides an excellent tool for the identification of recharge zones with suitable structures. The integrated study helps in designing a suitable groundwater management plan for the areas such as the basaltic terrain.
In Silico and in Vitro Development of a New Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation Device for Renal Denervation
Authors: Pérez Noel , Muffly Karl , Saddow Stephen E.
Published: April 2021

Background: Renal denervation with radiofrequency ablation has become an accepted treatment for drug-resistant hypertension. However, there is a continuing need to develop new catheters for high-accuracy, targeted ablation. We, therefore, developed a radiofrequency ablation device with a basket catheter and bipolar electrodes for controlled, targeted ablation through Joule heating induction between 60°C and 100°C.Methods: Finite element modeling was used to determine the optimum catheter design to deliver a minimum ablation zone of 4 mm (W) x 10 mm (L) x 4 mm (H) within 60 seconds with a 500 kHz, 60 Vp-p signal, and 0.9 W maximum. The computational model was validated using in vitro phantom tissue impregnated with a color-changing thermochromic pigment.Results: The in vitro ablation zone closely matched the size and shape of the simulated area. The new electrode design directs the current density towards the artery walls and tissue, reducing unwanted blood temperature increases by focusing energy on the ablation zone. In contrast, the basket catheter design does not block renal flow during renal denervation.Conclusions: This computational model of radiofrequency ablation can be used to estimate renal artery ablation zones for highly targeted renal denervation in patients with resistant hypertension. Furthermore, this innovative catheter has short ablation times and the lowest power requirement of existing designs to perform the ablation.
Bionematicides as an alternative to methyl bromide fumigation
Authors: Westerdahl B. B. , Hasey J. , Grant J. , Beem L. W.
Published: April 2021

Fumigant use in perennial crops can be reduced through prolonging the life of existing orchards. The longer an orchard remains healthy and productive, the less often it will be terminated, fumigated, and replanted. Two trials were conducted to determine the effectiveness of DiTera, a toxin produced by the fungus (Myrothecium verrucaria) and Nema-Q, an extract of the soap bark tree (Quillaja saponaria) for management of root-lesion (Pratylenchus vulnus) and ring (Mesocriconema xenopla) nematodes on walnuts. In the first trial, spring and fall treatments of DiTera were applied each year for four years to variety ‘Chandler’ scion on seedling ‘Paradox’ rootstock, and to own-rooted ‘Chandler’ trees. On ‘Paradox’ rootstock, both DiTera and Nema-Q increased walnut yields (P ≤ 0.05) and produced more vigorous trees (P ≤ 0.05) without significant reductions in nematode populations (P ≤ 0.05). A second trial was conducted with three rates of DiTera and four rates of Nema-Q, combinations of the two products, and an untreated control on ‘Chandler’ scion on ‘Paradox’ rootstock. The highest rate of Nema-Q (P ≤ 0.05), and a combination treatment of DiTera plus Nema-Q (P ≤ 0.05) increased trunk circumference. Several treatments showed reductions in root-lesion and ring nematodes (P ≤ 0.05). Bionematicides can improve yield, growth, and vigor in walnut orchards infested with plant-parasitic nematodes.
Implementation of the Implied Powers Doctrine by the UN International Court of Justice
Authors: Shchokin Yu. V.
Published: April 2021

The article provides for an overview and analysis of the UN ICJ’s practice on implementation of the implied powers doctrine. Main Court’s cases (judgments and advisory opinions) related to this doctrine were examined (Reparation for Injuries Suffered in the Service of the UN (1949), Effect of Awards of Compensation made by the UN Administrative Tribunal (1954), Certain Expenses of the UN (1962), Legality of the Use by a State of Nuclear Weapons in Armed Conflict (1996), and Fisheries Jurisdiction (1998)).

It is noted that the implied powers doctrine became an implementation of the principle of efficiency, which is well known in international judicial practice as the principle interpretatio fiеnda est ut res magis valeat quam pereat. It allows to interpret the charters of international organizations in a more ‘dynamic manner’. The implied powers doctrine, on the one hand, expands the limits of such interpretation, and on the other hand, it limits it. Its antipode is the doctrine of inherent powers that allows to make more broadly interpretation of the charters of international organization based only on its goals. In this connection a comparative analysis of two competing doctrines – of implied powers and inherent powers – is made.

The author of the article examined the legal positions of the International Court of Justice that allow to the supporters of the inherent powers doctrine to assert that it has wide application. But, based on the methods of interpretation used by the ICJ in making these judgments and advisory opinions, he come to the conclusion that the Court fully supports exactly the implied powers doctrine.
Anti-corruption: strategy and practice
Authors: Kornienko M. , Tertyshnyk V.
Published: April 2021

The problems of the anti-corruption strategy, issues of elimination of criminal factors, improvement of legislation and the activities of law enforcement agencies are analyzed.

Anti-corruption problems should be solved systematically in a set of integrative measures of state-political, socio-economic, national-cultural, informational, criminological, legal and moral.

The priorities of the implementation of such a course are the urgent implementation of such strategic principles as DE monopolization, DE offshorization, requisition of energy security facilities, demarcation of business and power, and ensuring effective tax and customs policy. The effective mechanism against corruption is the disengagement of power and business, the elimination of factors of political corruption. It is proposed in the Law on the Prevention of Corruption, as well as in the laws regulating the status of civil servants, to enshrine the requirement of impeccable business reputation and integrity.

A system of new legislation should be developed and adopted: the Code of Evidence, the Code of Law Enforcement, the Investigator Status Function Act, the Detective Status Act, the Jury and World Court Act, and the Crime Detection, Prevention and Prevention Act.

It is proposed to state the disposition of the law of the Criminal Code of Ukraine on illegal enrichment in accordance with Article 20 of the UN Convention against Corruption of 31.10.2003. In particular, it is proposed to consolidate the responsibility of officials for a significant increase in assets that exceed the total assets of zero declaration and legal wages in the public service.

The mechanisms of the state government should provide for the function of prosecutorial supervision over the enforcement of anti-corruption legislation in the activities of enterprises, executive authorities and local government.

Systemic proposals are being made for the formation of a strategy and a comprehensive anti-corruption programed.
Standards for ensuring the legality of implementing unspount activities in criminal process through the prism of legal positions of the European court of human rights
Authors: Tumanyants A. , Krytska I.
Published: April 2021

The analysis of the legal positions of the ECHR in the aspect of the subject of the article under consideration made it possible to conditionally single out the following standards for ensuring the legality of the implementation of covert activity in criminal proceedings:- predictability. Its essence lies in the fact that the grounds, procedural order, conditions, timing, the circle of persons and crimes in relation to which it is allowed to carry out covert activities should be as detailed, clear and accurate as possible in the criminal procedural legislation. Moreover, any person had the opportunity to familiarize himself with the relevant regulatory prescriptions and foresee the actions that can be carried out in relation to him;- warranty against abuse. The content of this standard can be disclosed by more detailed highlighting of clarifying provisions ("substandards"). These include: control of interference in human rights and freedoms; the certainty of the circle of persons in relation to whom it is possible to carry out secret activities; limited corpus delicti, for the purpose of investigation or prevention of which covert activity is allowed;; the existence in national legislation of procedures that facilitate the law of the implementation of covert activity in criminal proceedings; the temporary nature of the implementation of secret activities in the criminal process;- verifiability. The essence of this standard can be disclosed through the establishment of judicial control over the decision of the issue regarding the possible destruction of information obtained in the course of conducting covert activities, which is not relevant to criminal proceedings, as well as the requirement for the mandatory opening of decisions that were the basis for conducting covert investigative actions;- exclusivity. The main content of this standard is that covert activity in criminal proceedings can be carried out only in cases where the disclosure or prevention of a crime in another way is impossible or is too complicated;- proportionality of the intervention and its expediency. The essence of this standard is that the implementation of certain covert coercive actions that are associated with the restriction of human rights and freedoms must be proportionate to the goals for which such actions are directed. Moreover, these goals and the applied coercion must be necessary in a democratic society;- inadmissibility of tacit interference in the communication of some subjects. First of all, this requirement concerns the need to legislatively guarantee non-interference in communication between a lawyer and his client, a priest and an accused, etc., which means a ban on targeted control over the communication of certain subjects, as well as the obligation to destroy information obtained in the course of an accidental, situational interfering with their communication.
Chief Editor’s Note on New Opportunities for BRICS-Related Research and Collaboration
Authors: Gladun E.
Published: April 2021

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Development of an air conditioning system with individual regulation of temperature and air flow rate in a compartment of a passenger car
Authors: STOYAKIN G. M. , KOSTIN A. V. , NAUMENKO S. N.
Published: April 2021

Maintaining optimal parameters of the microclimate in the car along the route is the most important requirement for the passenger’s travel. In the 1st class passenger cars, maintaining optimal microclimate parameters is achieved through the operation of the air conditioning system, which provides individual regulation of the air temperature in each compartment. Individual air temperature control systems used in air conditioning systems are divided into two groups: active and passive.The article proposes for consideration a combined active-passive system with a separate air supply with a lower and higher temperature compared to the temperature maintained in the compartment and the installation of individual induction terminals, which makes it possible to increase the efficiency of individual regulation of air parameters in the compartment.To assess the uniformity of temperature distribution and air flow rate over the car volume with the proposed control scheme, a three-dimensional modeling of the distribution of these parameters in the compartment was carried out on the basis of Autodesk CFD software.The given simulation results indicate the uniformity of temperature and air flow rate distribution over the compartment volume, which makes it possible to characterize the proposed system as sufficiently energy efficient, easy to operate and reliable in operation.
Determination of the maximum number of employees of the JSC Russian Railways engaged in transportation activities when planning measures for programs to increase labor productivity
Authors: EFIMOVA E. N. , SHANCHENKO P. A. , ERSHOVA E. V.
Published: April 2021

Introduction of measures aimed at increasing labor productivity should ensure an increase in the efficiency of production processes in terms of costs associated primarily with labor resources. Optimization of its number is reflected in the characteristics of the production process, and above all on its sustainability. Sustainability means the ability of a process to return to its original state despite the action of external and internal factors. Sustainability is characterized by indicators of reliability, safety and stability of the production process and is determined by a complex index indicator that includes the listed characteristics. Unreasonable recommendation and implementation of measures to increase labor productivity with the release of employees without taking into account the achieved level of sustainability can lead to a decrease in the efficiency of production, an increase in operating costs and disruption of basic production processes. In this regard, the problem arises of determining the permissible reserve for the release of employees when planning organizational and managerial measures, taking into account the sustainability of production processes associated with transportation activities.
'Por quem os Sinos Dobram': costumes de enterramentos de brancos e negros entre o Brasil e Angola. Séculos XVIII e XIX
Authors: De Almeida Suely Creusa Cordeiro , Florêncio Raquel Cristiane Muniz
Published: April 2021

Esse artigo busca aproximar realidades vividas entre principalmente duas conquistas portuguesas: o Recife, em Pernambuco, e Luanda, em Angola. O tema central são os rituais de enterramento realizados nesses locais e lidos através da documentação da Irmandade dos Homens Pretos da Vila do Recife, confrontada a uma aquarela de Debret, que representa o enterramento de uma negra, no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Utilizaremos mais de uma fonte primária; sendo estas um bando da região de Luanda, proclamado no governo de Francisco de Souza Coutinho e a crônica de Elias Alexandre, intitulada "História de Angola". A junção dessa documentação e a construção da narrativa procuram demonstrar como se mesclaram as culturas em contato em ambas as margens do Atlântico. O cotidiano da época em tela, verificado por meio das fontes, demonstra a não existência de uma dominação cultural completa do conquistador. A investigação sinaliza que os contatos havidos apontam que houve uma forte colonização às avessas, acontecida quando rituais do cristianismo católico foram ressignificados e reformulados pelos habitantes dos novos mundos, estes, criados, pela presença ibérica e, muito mais fortemente pela influência portuguesa nos lugares tratados por nossa investigação. A partir dessas considerações iniciamos nossa narrativa argumentativa.
HUMAN IN THE WORLD OF TECHNOLOGIES: ATTEMPT TO CONCEPTUALIZE A NEW ONTOLOGY
Authors: Yatsenko Olena
Published: April 2021

The article is devoted to the philosophical analysis of the phenomenon of technology and its influence to the content of modern socioculture. Based on the tradition of interpreting the phenomenon of technology as an explication of the content and structure of knowledge, the algorithm of effective activity and interaction, the author argues that the development of technology is not identical to increasing the number of tools and mechanisms, but means, above all, a simple and effective model of communication and social cooperation, which causes scientific and technological progress. It is argued that technology is the cement of modern culture, the channel of interaction between different levels of architecture of modern civilization. The understanding of the actual ontology of the technocratic standard as a space of pure freedom, purity of metaphysics is consistently substantiated, and therefore it is conceptualized that technology is the realization or materialization of possibility. It is proved that the metaphysical category of essence is replaced by the principle of functionality in the space of virtuality in the modern information society. The author argues that the development of virtual reality technologies is not the cause of such processes, but rather a natural consequence of history as the progress of human freedom. The idea of parity of actual and potential in the worldview orientations of the inhabitant of virtual space is substantiated, and it’s creates a distorted focus of perception of everyday life as vague and meaningless. Accordingly, virtual reality changes the predications of its own expediency: from the purpose of sublimation of irrational impulses to the production of rationality of a new emotional-affective variety, the criterion of which is fair to consider the metrics of public attention and publicity. The author argues that given the understanding of culture as a strategy of human survival, the issue of education is especially important not only as the acquisition of certain competencies, but also as a fundamental "experience of the possible."
THE MAIN APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF THE CITY PHENOMENON AS A SOCIAL SYSTEM
Authors: Horban Oleksandr , Nesterovskyi Anton
Published: April 2021

The article considers issues relevant to contemporary social philosophy regarding theoretical approaches to the study of the urban space phenomenon. The authors show how the social phenomenology of the city is studied within the socio-economic, socio-cultural, socio-ecological and urbanistic approaches. An analysis of the works of representatives of these approaches has made it possible to distinguish several dimensions of the city as a social phenomenon and the trend issues of relevant scientific research. Thus, within the framework of the spatial dimension, the city should be studied as the interaction of physical and social space, giving various configurations of the cultural and spiritual standard of living; the political and administrative dimension focuses the researcher on the study of the activity and interaction of formal organizations and administrative structures in terms of meeting a wide range of human needs. The economic dimension of the city allows considering it as a place of concentration of constantly operating markets, leading to an increase in consumption and the development of a consumer culture of social communities and groups; communication dimension shows it as a synergistic system of intersecting flows of information, under the influence and on the basis of which, complex interaction of social individuals, social institutions and groups is conducted with the aim of producing, using and distributing material and spiritual benefits. From the socio-cultural perspective, the city appears as a symbolic level of the existence of collective ideas, values, social, cultural codes; the so-called “urban myth” is of particular importance here.
Audyt efektywności kosztowej inwestycji w infrastrukturę drogową w powiatach województwa mazowieckiego
Authors: Jankowska Natalia , Modzelewski Piotr
Published: April 2021

Celem artykułu było sprawdzenie, czy możliwe jest przeprowadzenie wstępnego audytu efektywnościowego w zakresie pomiaru efektywności kosztowej w obszarze budowy infrastruktury drogowej przez samorządy lokalne, na podstawie informacji publicznej powszechnie dostępnej, bez konieczności zwracania się o dostęp do danych. Audyt efektywnościowy jest instrumentem, który pozwala m.in. na pomiar efektywności kosztowej i dokonywanie porównań pomiędzy jednostkami samorządowymi w zakresie realizacji poszczególnych szczegółowych rodzajów zadań. Przeprowadzenie takiego audytu w pełnej postaci jest jednak zwykle dość czasochłonne, skomplikowane i wymagałoby zaangażowania zespołów eksperckich, którzy musieliby pozyskać informacje wewnętrzne z poszczególnych jednostek samorządu terytorialnego (JST) na temat kosztów realizowanych inwestycji. Jednakże już wstępne porównania w zakresie wydatków publicznych na podobne lub takie same przedsięwzięcia mogą być bardzo przydatne zarówno w bieżącej pracy samorządów lokalnych, jak i niezwykle użyteczne dla obywateli, włączających się w procesy demokratyczne na poziomie lokalnym. Zasadne byłoby zatem postulowanie, aby już na poziomie powszechnie dostępnej informacji publicznej, niewymagającej specjalnego, zwykle każdorazowego ubiegania się o dostęp do danych, możliwe było dokonywanie porównań pomiędzy np. inwestycjami samorządowymi. Jednakże kluczem i warunkiem koniecznym do dokonania chociażby wstępnego audytu efektywnościowego jest zapewnienie porównywalności przy pomiarze efektywności kosztowej poszczególnych inwestycji. Taki wstępny audyt w zakresie kosztu jednostkowego realizowanych inwestycji dostępny powszechnie dla obywateli czy samorządowców może być następnie traktowany jako punkt wyjścia do dyskusji na forum publicznym, czy też dokonania dalszej, bardziej szczegółowej oceny zasadności dokonywanych inwestycji lub też zestawiania danych nt. efektywności kosztowej z miarami skuteczności wydatkowania środków publicznych.
The impact of the cohesion policy on the quality of life in big cities in Mazovia
Authors: Mackiewicz Marta , Szczech-Pietkiewicz Ewelina
Published: April 2021

Contemporary urban policies pay great attention to improving the quality of life of the inhabitants. Such an increasing interest in the quality of life is caused by its crucial importance for the location decisions of households and businesses. In recent years, urban development has been largely financed by EU cohesion policy funds. The paper intends to identify the areas in which the quality of life of the inhabitants of large cities in Mazovia has improved thanks to the implementation of cohesion policy. The study took into account large cities in Mazovia with over 100,000 inhabitants, i.e. Warsaw, Radom and Plock. The survey is based on data collected for the research project: ‚The impact of the cohesion policy on urban development in 2007–2013’, provided by the Ministry of Development. This includes in-depth interviews with representatives of units responsible for development strategy in the cities covered by the survey and a questionnaire survey among beneficiaries of projects co-funded by EU funds. An analysis of databases of projects implemented in large cities in Mazovia, financed with the participation of EU funds, as well as a research of literature on the quality of life in cities in Mazovia were also conducted. The results indicate that the inhabitants see the most improvement in the quality of life in connection with better transport in the cities. The quality of life has increased thanks to faster and more comfortable commuting to work, which leaves more time for other activities and spending free time.
Zmiany w systemie gospodarki odpadami komunalnymi – aspekty prawne i ekonomiczne na przykładzie m.st. Warszawy
Authors: Wieczorek Anna , Siekierski Maciej
Published: April 2021

Autorzy artykułu uważają, że: należy zrezygnować ze zbyt skomplikowanych metod ustalania stawek opłaty za gospodarowanie odpadami komunalnymi, przyjętych w ustawie o utrzymaniu czystości i porządku w gminach; najprostszym i najbardziej sprawiedliwym byłoby wprowadzenie jednej opłaty od każdej osoby, deklarującej miejsce zamieszkania na terenie Polski, a ww. opłatę można powiązać np. z podatkiem dochodowym. Takie rozwiązanie zlikwidowałoby spory, dotyczące tego, kto gdzie mieszka, ile ma nieruchomości oraz co oznaczają takie pojęcia jak: zamieszkują mieszkańcy czy domek letniskowy; kto i ile wody zużywa oraz jak to szacować; jak ustalać powierzchnie lokali. Na przykładzie Warszawy wykazano, że obowiązujący od dnia 01.03.2020 r. system gospodarowania odpadami komunalnymi, determinowany ustawą o utrzymaniu czystości i porządku w gminach jest mało precyzyjny – w wielu sytuacjach nie wiadomo jak naliczać opłaty; jest krzywdzący dla jednoosobowych gospodarstw domowych, których znaczącą liczbę stanowią emeryci i renciści.
Analiza głównych problemów i wyzwań w działalności ochotniczych straży pożarnych w województwie mazowieckim
Authors: Żurawicka Paulina , Kierzkowska Monika , Piwowarczyk Dariusz
Published: April 2021

W artykule zaprezentowano wyniki analizy głównych potrzeb, problemów i wyzwań związanych z działalnością ochotniczych straży pożarnych z terenu województwa mazowieckiego. W celu ich identyfikacji przeprowadzono badanie ankietowe, skierowane do mazowieckich jednostek OSP. Przedmiotowa analiza pozwoliła m.in. na rozpoznanie potrzeb ochotniczych straży pożarnych w zakresie poprawy wyposażenia, podnoszenia sprawności członków jednostek do prowadzenia akcji ratowniczych oraz zebranie informacji na temat przygotowania jednostek do prowadzenia działań ratowniczych. Nadesłane odpowiedzi umożliwiły także ustalenie najbardziej pożądanych przez jednostki OSP form wsparcia ich działalności. Niniejszą analizę uzupełniono również o podstawowe informacje nt. Krajowego Systemu Ratowniczo-Gaśniczego i analizę przepisów będących podstawą działalności i finansowania ochotniczych straży pożarnych, w tym w szczególności ustawy z dnia 24 sierpnia 1991 r. o ochronie przeciwpożarowej i ustawy z dnia 7 kwietnia 1989 r. Prawo o stowarzyszeniach.
Participatory Design of an Activities-Based Collective Mentoring Program in After-School Care Settings: Connect, Promote, and Protect Program
Authors: Milton Alyssa C , Stewart Elizabeth , Ospina-Pinillos Laura , Davenport Tracey , Hickie Ian B
Published: April 2021

Background

Out of school hours care (OSHC) services provide a unique opportunity to deliver early intervention programs to enhance primary school–aged children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive well-being; however, such programs are currently lacking.

Objective

This study aims to address the lack of well-being programs for children accessing OSHC services in the research literature by using participatory design (PD) to collaboratively develop and test an OSHC well-being program—the connect, promote, and protect program (CP3).

Methods

The study employed methods of PD, user (acceptance) testing, and iterative knowledge translation to develop a novel well-being program framework—CP3—with key stakeholders (eg, children, OSHC staff, volunteers, families, clinicians, educators, and researchers). Thematic techniques were used to interpret and translate the qualitative information obtained during the research and design cycles.

Results

The co-design process generated the CP3 model, which comprises a group-based mentoring approach to facilitate enhanced activities in OSHC settings. Activities are underpinned by 4 key principles of program delivery: build well-being and resilience, broaden horizons, inspire and engage, and connect communities.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, the CP3 program is the first co-designed well-being program developed specifically for OSHC services. This co-design process is key to ensuring local community needs—particularly those of young people accessing OSHC—are met and that these individuals are meaningfully and actively involved in all stages of the research and design process, from conception to implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
Self-reported Subjective Effects of Analytically Confirmed New Psychoactive Substances Consumed by e-Psychonauts: Protocol for a Longitudinal Study Using a New Internet-Based Methodology
Authors: Grifell Marc , Mir Fuster Guillem , Ventura Vilamala Mireia , Galindo Guarín Liliana , Carbón Mallol Xoán , Hart Carl L , Pérez Sola Víctor , Colom Victoriano Francesc
Published: April 2021

Background

During the last few years, the continuous emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has become an important public health challenge. The use of NPS has been rising in two different ways: buying and consuming NPS knowingly and the presence of NPS in traditional drugs as adulterants. The rise of NPS use is increasing the number of different substances in the market to an extent impossible to study with current scientific methodologies. This has caused a remarkable absence of necessary information about newer drug effects on people who use drugs, mental health professionals, and policy makers. Current scientific methodologies have failed to provide enough data in the timeframe when critical decisions must be made, being not only too slow but also too square. Last but not least, they dramatically lack the high resolution of phenomenological details.

Objective

This study aims to characterize a population of e-psychonauts and the subjective effects of the NPS they used during the study period using a new, internet-based, fast, and inexpensive methodology. This will allow bridging an evidence gap between online surveys, which do not provide substance confirmation, and clinical trials, which are too slow and expensive to keep up with the new substances appearing every week.

Methods

To cover this purpose, we designed a highly personalized, observational longitudinal study methodology. Participants will be recruited from online communities of people who use NPS, and they will be followed online by means of a continuous objective and qualitative evaluation lasting for at least 1 year. In addition, participants will send samples of the substances they intend to use during that period, so they can be analyzed and matched with the effects they report on the questionnaires.

Results

The research protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Hospital del Mar Research Institute on December 11, 2018. Data collection started in August 2019 and was still ongoing when the protocol was submitted (September 2020). The first data collection period of the study ended in October 2020. Data analysis began in November 2020, and it is still ongoing. The authors expect to submit the first results for publication by the end of 2021. A preliminary analysis was conducted when the manuscript was submitted and was reviewed after it was accepted in February 2021.

Conclusions

It is possible to conduct an institutional review board–approved study using this new methodology and collect the expected data. However, the meaning and usefulness of these data are still unknown.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/24433