bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel case of 16q22.3 duplication syndrome in a child with overgrowth: case report and literature review
Authors: Moschella Antonino , Capra Anna Paola , Corica Domenico , Pepe Giorgia , Di Tommaso Silvia , Sallicandro Ester , Wasniewska Malgorzata G. , Briuglia Silvana , Aversa Tommaso
Published: December 2023

Background

Distal chromosome 16 duplication syndrome (also known as 16q partial trisomy) is a very rare genetic disorder recently described in few clinical reports. 16q trisomy is generally associated with a multisystemic phenotype including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), brain and cardiac defects, intellectual disability (ID) and an increased risk of both prenatal and postnatal lethality. Smaller copy number variants (CNV) within the 16q region create partial trisomies, which occur less frequently than full trisomy 16q.

Case presentation

We present the clinical case of a 12-years-old male with a 16q22.3q24.1 de novo heterozygous duplication whose phenotype was characterized by ID, facial dysmorphisms, stature and weight overgrowth. To date, only five other cases of this syndrome have been reported in scientific literature, and none of them comprised overgrowth.

Conclusions

Our case report highlights the great heterogeneity in clinical manifestations and provides new evidence for better defining the phenotypic picture for smaller 16q distal CNVs, suggesting unusual features.
Diagnostic test accuracy of machine learning algorithms for the detection intracranial hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis study
Authors: Maghami Masoud , Sattari Shahab Aldin , Tahmasbi Marziyeh , Panahi Pegah , Mozafari Javad , Shirbandi Kiarash
Published: December 2023

Background

This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to objectively evaluate the evidence of machine learning (ML) in the patient diagnosis of Intracranial Hemorrhage (ICH) on computed tomography (CT) scans.

Methods

Until May 2023, systematic searches were conducted in ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, IEEE Xplore Digital Library, CINAHL, Science Direct, PROSPERO, and EMBASE for studies that evaluated the diagnostic precision of ML model-assisted ICH detection. Patients with and without ICH as the target condition who were receiving CT-Scan were eligible for the research, which used ML algorithms based on radiologists' reports as the gold reference standard. For meta-analysis, pooled sensitivities, specificities, and a summary receiver operating characteristics curve (SROC) were used.

Results

At last, after screening the title, abstract, and full paper, twenty-six retrospective and three prospective, and two retrospective/prospective studies were included. The overall (Diagnostic Test Accuracy) DTA of retrospective studies with a pooled sensitivity was 0.917 (95% CI 0.88–0.943, I2 = 99%). The pooled specificity was 0.945 (95% CI 0.918–0.964, I2 = 100%). The pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was 219.47 (95% CI 104.78–459.66, I2 = 100%). These results were significant for the specificity of the different network architecture models (p-value = 0.0289). However, the results for sensitivity (p-value = 0.6417) and DOR (p-value = 0.2187) were not significant. The ResNet algorithm has higher pooled specificity than other algorithms with 0.935 (95% CI 0.854–0.973, I2 = 93%).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis on DTA of ML algorithms for detecting ICH by assessing non-contrast CT-Scans shows the ML has an acceptable performance in diagnosing ICH. Using ResNet in ICH detection remains promising prediction was improved via training in an Architecture Learning Network (ALN).
Upregulation of S100A8 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with depression treated with SSRIs: a pilot study
Authors: Gamboa-Sánchez Concepción , Becerril-Villanueva Enrique , Alvarez-Herrera Samantha , Leyva-Mascareño Gabriela , González-López Sandra L. , Estudillo Enrique , Fernández-Molina Alberto E. , Elizalde-Contreras José Miguel , Ruiz-May Eliel , Segura-Cabrera Aldo , Jiménez-Genchi Janeth , Pavón Lenin , Zamudio Sergio Roberto , Pérez-Sánchez Gilberto
Published: December 2023

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects more than 350 million people worldwide, and there is currently no laboratory test to diagnose it. This pilot study aimed to identify potential biomarkers in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from MDD patients.

Methods

We used tandem mass tagging coupled to synchronous precursor selection (mass spectrometry) to obtain the differential proteomic profile from a pool of PBMCs from MDD patients and healthy subjects, and quantitative PCR to assess gene expression of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) of our interest.

Results

We identified 247 proteins, of which 133 had a fold change ≥ 2.0 compared to healthy volunteers. Using pathway enrichment analysis, we found that some processes, such as platelet degranulation, coagulation, and the inflammatory response, are perturbed in MDD patients. The gene-disease association analysis showed that molecular alterations in PBMCs from MDD patients are associated with cerebral ischemia, vascular disease, thrombosis, acute coronary syndrome, and myocardial ischemia, in addition to other conditions such as inflammation and diabetic retinopathy.

Conclusions

We confirmed by qRT-PCR that S100A8 is upregulated in PBMCs from MDD patients and thus could be an emerging biomarker of this disorder. This report lays the groundwork for future studies in a broader and more diverse population and contributes to a deeper characterization of MDD.
Public satisfaction with health system after healthcare reform in China
Authors: Kang Lili , Zhang Tianyi , Xian Bensong , Li Changle , Khan M. Mahmud
Published: December 2023

Background

The Chinese central government launched the third phase of health system reforms in 2009. After a decade since the initiation of the reform, the health system has witnessed noteworthy gains. However, there is no concurrent improvement in public satisfaction with the health system. This study analysed various factors that influence public satisfaction with the system and examined whether perceived quality of care affects public satisfaction.

Methods

A longitudinal nationally representative survey was used for this study. We used five waves of China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) survey data. The final sample consisted of 145 843 observations. A two-way fixed-effects ordered logistic model was used for the analysis.

Results

The results indicate that perceived good quality of care was positively associated with public satisfaction in health system regardless of rural–urban residence. Older adults and individuals with more than 3 years of college education were less likely to be satisfied with the system in rural areas. Personal income and the density of medical professionals in the geographic area tend to improve public satisfaction in rural areas. Having medical insurance coverage and fair or good self-rated health improved the probability of reporting public satisfaction in urban areas. Married people and individuals who lived in the West region were less likely to be satisfied with the health system in urban areas.

Conclusions

Knowledge and skills of healthcare providers or physical quality of facilities are not sufficient in improving public satisfaction in the health system. Policymakers need to identify options to influence the important factors that affect public perception of the system. This analysis identified several policy-amenable factors to improve public perception of the health system in rural and urban China.
Effect of changing the acquisition trajectory of the 3D C-arm (CBCT) on image quality in spine surgery: experimental study using an artificial bone model
Authors: Privalov Maxim , Bullert Benno , Gierse Jula , Mandelka Eric , Vetter Sven Y. , Franke Jochen , Grützner Paul A. , Swartman Benedict
Published: December 2023

Background

Intraoperative 3D imaging using cone-beam CT (CBCT) provides improved assessment of implant position and reduction in spine surgery, is used for navigated surgical techniques, and therefore leads to improved quality of care. However, in some cases the image quality is not sufficient to correctly assess pedicle screw position and reduction, especially due to metal artifacts. The aim of this study was to investigate whether changing the acquisition trajectory of the CBCT in relation to the pedicle screw position during dorsal instrumentation of the spine can reduce metal artifacts and consequently improve image quality as well as clinical assessability on the artificial bone model.

Methods

An artificial bone model was instrumented with pedicle screws in the thoracic and lumbar spine region (Th10 to L5). Then, the acquisition trajectory of the CBCT (Cios Spin, Siemens, Germany) to the pedicle screws was systematically changed in 5° steps in angulation (− 30° to + 30°) and swivel (− 30° to + 30°). Subsequently, radiological evaluation was performed by three blinded, qualified raters on image quality using 9 questions (including anatomical structures, implant position, appearance of artifacts) with a score (1–5 points). For statistical evaluation, the image quality of the different acquisition trajectories was compared to the standard acquisition trajectory and checked for significant differences.

Results

The angulated acquisition trajectory increased the score for subjective image quality (p < 0.001) as well as the clinical assessability of pedicle screw position (p < 0.001) highly significant with particularly strong effects on subjective image quality in the vertebral pedicle region (d = 1.06). Swivel of the acquisition trajectory significantly improved all queried domains of subjective image quality (p < 0.001) as well as clinical assessability of pedicle screw position (p < 0.001). The data show that maximizing the angulation or swivel angle toward 30° provides the best tested subjective image quality.

Angulation and swivel of the acquisition trajectory result in a clinically relevant improvement in image quality in intraoperative 3D imaging (CBCT) during dorsal instrumentation of the spine.
How do trial teams plan for retention during the design stage of the trial? A scoping review
Authors: Murphy Ellen , Gillies Katie , Shiely Frances
Published: December 2023

Background

Retention to trials is important to ensure the results of the trial are valid and reliable. The SPIRIT guidelines (18b) require “plans to promote participant retention and complete follow-up, including list of any outcome data to be collected for participants who discontinue or deviate from intervention protocols” be included in trial protocols. It is unknown how often protocols report this retention information. The purpose of our scoping review is to establish if, and how, trial teams report plans for retention during the design stage of the trial.

Materials and methods

A scoping review with searches in key databases (PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL (EBSCO), and Web of Science from 2014 to 2019 inclusive) to identify randomised controlled trial protocols. We produced descriptive statistics on the characteristics of the trial protocols and also on those adhering to SPIRIT item 18b. A narrative synthesis of the retention strategies was also conducted.

Results

Eight-hundred and twenty-four protocols met our inclusion criteria. RCTs (n = 722) and pilot and feasibility trial protocols (n = 102) reported using the SPIRIT guidelines during protocol development 35% and 34.3% of the time respectively. Of these protocols, only 9.5% and 11.4% respectively reported all aspects of SPIRIT item 18b “plans to promote participant retention and to complete follow-up, including list of any outcome data for participants who discontinue or deviate from intervention protocols”.

Of the RCT protocols, 36.8% included proactive “plans to promote participant retention” regardless of whether they reported using SPIRIT guidelines or not. Most protocols planned “combined strategies” (48.1%). Of these, the joint most commonly reported were “reminders and data collection location and method” and “reminders and monetary incentives”. The most popular individual retention strategy was “reminders” (14.7%) followed by “monetary incentives- conditional” (10.2%). Of the pilot and feasibility protocols, 40.2% included proactive “plans to promote participant retention” with the use of “combined strategies” being most frequent (46.3%). The use of “monetary incentives – conditional” (22%) was the most popular individual reported retention strategy.

Conclusion

There is a lack of reporting of plans to promote participant retention in trial protocols. Proactive planning of retention strategies during the trial design stage is preferable to the reactive implementation of retention strategies. Prospective retention planning and clear communication in protocols may inform more suitable choice, costing and implementation of retention strategies and improve transparency in trial conduct.
Effect of dapagliflozin on proteomics and metabolomics of serum from patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Liu Jia , Chang Xiaona , Ding Xiaoyu , He Xueqing , Wang Jiaxuan , Wang Guang
Published: December 2023

Background

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduced the risk of cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the underlying mechanism has not been well elucidated. The circulating levels of proteins and metabolites reflect the overall state of the human body. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dapagliflozin on the proteome and metabolome in patients with newly diagnosed T2D.

Methods

A total of 57 newly diagnosed T2D patients were enrolled, and received 12 weeks of dapagliflozin treatment (10 mg/d, AstraZeneca). Serum proteome and metabolome were investigated at the baseline and after dapagliflozin treatment.

Results

Dapagliflozin significantly decreased HbA1c, BMI, and HOMA-IR in T2D patients (all p < 0.01). Multivariate models indicated clear separations of proteomics and metabolomics data between the baseline and after dapagliflozin treatment. A total of 38 differentially abundant proteins including 23 increased and 15 decreased proteins, and 35 differentially abundant metabolites including 17 increased and 18 decreased metabolites, were identified. In addition to influencing glucose metabolism (glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and pentose phosphate pathway), dapagliflozin significantly increased sex hormone-binding globulin, transferrin receptor protein 1, disintegrin, and metalloprotease-like decysin-1 and apolipoprotein A-IV levels, and decreased complement C3, fibronectin, afamin, attractin, xanthine, and uric acid levels.

Conclusions

The circulating proteome and metabolome in newly diagnosed T2D patients were significantly changed after dapagliflozin treatment. These changes in proteins and metabolites might be associated with the beneficial effect of dapagliflozin on cardiovascular and renal outcomes.
Performance of severity indices for admission and mortality of trauma patients in the intensive care unit: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rio Tatiane Gonçalves Gomes de Novais d , Nogueira Lilia de Souza , Lima Fernanda Rodrigues , Cassiano Carolina , Garcia Diogo de Freitas Valeiro
Published: December 2023

Background

Little is known about the performance of severity indices for indicating intensive care and predicting mortality in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of trauma patients. This study aimed to compare the performance of severity indices to predict trauma patients’ ICU admission and mortality.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study which analyzed the electronic medical records of trauma patients aged ≥ 18 years, treated at a hospital in Brazil, between 2014 and 2017. Physiological [Revised Trauma Score (RTS), New Trauma Score (NTS) and modified Rapid Emergency Medicine Score (mREMS)], anatomical [Injury Severity Score (ISS) and New Injury Severity Score (NISS)] and mixed indices [Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS), New Trauma and Injury Severity Score (NTRISS), Base-deficit Injury Severity Score (BISS) and Base-deficit and New Injury Severity Score (BNISS)] were compared in analyzing the outcomes (ICU admission and mortality) using the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristics Curves (AUC–ROC).

Results

From the 747 trauma patients analyzed (52.5% female; mean age 51.5 years; 36.1% falls), 106 (14.2%) were admitted to the ICU and 6 (0.8%) died in the unit. The ISS (AUC 0.919) and NISS (AUC 0.916) had better predictive capacity for ICU admission of trauma patients. The NISS (AUC 0.949), TRISS (AUC 0.909), NTRISS (AUC 0.967), BISS (AUC 0.902) and BNISS (AUC 0.976) showed excellent performance in predicting ICU mortality.

Conclusions

Anatomical indices showed excellent predictive ability for admission of trauma patients to the ICU. The NISS and the mixed indices had the best performances regarding mortality in the ICU.
Effects of C and N application on Azotobacter and nitrogen cycle in farmland soils of central Guizhou, China
Authors: Qiao Zhiwei , Liu Chao , Yan Ru , Qin Shihua
Published: December 2023

Carbon sources and nitrogen sources are two important groups of substances in analyses of the effects of exogenous additives on soil microorganisms. Glucose (present in soil) and urea (extensively used in agricultural production) are substances often used to study the specific effects of carbon and nitrogen addition on microorganisms. Azotobacter, a non-symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacterium, has been characterized in the laboratory and applied to soil in numerous studies. However, soil microorganisms display considerable diversity, and the effects of in exogenous substances stimulation on various microorganisms are uncertain. The potential effects of forced exogenous substance stimulation on Azotobacter are not well understood. Here, the effects of C and N application on Azotobacter growth and nitrogen cycle metabolism in farmland soil in central Guizhou, China, were studied through analysis of four treatment groups: control (CK), glucose treatment (C), urea treatment (N), and glucose + urea treatment (CN). The results showed that the relative abundances of the Azotobacter genus and relevant species were increased in group C, indicating promotion of Azotobacter growth (P < 0.001). The relative abundances of the Azotobacter genus and relevant species in group CN were significantly different from the abundances in group N and CK (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the relative abundances of nif genes (i.e., nifH, nifD, and nifK) and nirD were significantly increased in group C. However, the relative abundances of the aforementioned four nitrogen cycle-related genes did not significantly differ between group CN and groups CK and N. The main source species of the aforementioned four nitrogen cycle-related genes were Azotobacter species. The total nitrogen and alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen contents in soil did not significantly differ in a comparison between group C and groups N and CN. Piecewise structural equation modeling analysis revealed that bacterial α-diversity, Azotobacter, and nitrogen cycle genes had significant direct effects on the alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen content in soil and had negligible direct effects on the total nitrogen content in soil. These findings improve the broader understanding of Azotobacter and provide theoretical support for reduced Azotobacter utilization in soil.

Graphical Abstract
Baby blues, premenstrual syndrome and postpartum affective disorders: intersection of risk factors and reciprocal influences
Authors: Chechko Natalia , Losse Elena , Frodl Thomas , Nehls Susanne
Published: December 2023

Background

The aetiology and consequences of ‘baby blues’ (lower mood following childbirth) are yet to be sufficiently investigated with respect to an individual's clinical history.

Aims

The primary aim of the study was to assess the symptoms of baby blues and the relevant risk factors, their associations with clinical history and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and their possible contribution to the early recognition of postpartum depression (PPD).

Method

Beginning shortly after childbirth, 369 mothers were followed up for 12 weeks. Information related to their clinical history, PMS, depression, stress and mother–child attachment was collected. At 12 weeks, mothers were classified as non-depressed, or with either PPD or adjustment disorder.

Results

A correlation was found between the severity of baby blues and PMS (r = 0.397, P < 0.001), with both conditions increasing the possibility of adjustment disorder and PPD (baby blues: OR = 6.72, 95% CI 3.69–12.25; PMS: OR = 3.29, 95% CI 2.01–5.39). Baby blues and PMS independently predicted whether a mother would develop adjustment disorder or PPD after childbirth (χ2(64) = 198.16, P < 0.001). Among the non-depressed participants, baby blues were found to be associated with primiparity (P = 0.012), family psychiatric history (P = 0.001), PMS (P < 0.001) and childhood trauma (P = 0.017).

Conclusions

Baby blues are linked to a number of risk factors and a history of PMS, with both conditions adding to the risk of PPD. The neuroendocrine effects on mood need be understood in the context of individual risk factors. The assessment of both baby blues and PMS symptoms within the first postpartum days may contribute to an early identification of PPD.
Barriers to turning inventions into innovations in Brazilian public universities
Authors: Veiga Carla Carvalho da , Menezes Aline Brêtas de
Published: December 2023

Strong innovation drives enhanced competitiveness in a country, which can only be attained through investments in research and technology. Nevertheless, Brazilian firms deal with incremental innovation in terms of process innovation, design modifications, and product suitability to local market conditions. In addition, despite legislative changes and previous investments, Brazil’s ranking on the Global Index of Innovation (GII) fell from 47th in 2011 to 69th in 2017. This study examines the processes and activities that incorporate laws, norms, and cultures. It identifies the barriers researchers in Brazilian public universities face when trying to turn an invention into an innovation to determine the key features of these barriers and provide guidelines for overcoming them. Small-scale semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 key individuals in organizations involved with innovation at the university – and its limits. Data was subjected to content analysis, and the findings were consolidated based on grounded theory. Results indicate that cultural differences are the most important factor, followed by people’s lack of knowledge about the laws, norms, and policies that support innovation in public universities. Accordingly, the study offers guidelines to help manage barriers to turning inventions into innovations, including structuring the processes and activities to integrate Brazilian laws, norms, and culture, as well as connecting people and institutions to provide various technology transfer solutions.
Εκφάνσεις της ελληνικής ταυτότητας στην αναπαράσταση της ιστορίας
Authors: Δεληπέτρου Ευδοκία
Published: December 2023

Θέμα της μελέτης αποτελούν οι σκηνικές εκφάνσεις της εθνικής ταυτότητας, μέσα από τη θεατρική απόδοση της Ιστορίας, όπως πραγματοποιήθηκε στο Εθνικό Θέατρο, την περίοδο 1932-1967. Το σώμα της έρευνας αποτελείται από τις παραγωγές δώδεκα θεατρικών έργων, τα οποία λόγω της ιστορικής θεματολογίας τους συμβάλουν την εθνική αυτογνωσία. (Βασίλης Ρώτας, Να ζει το Μεσολόγγι, Αλέκος Λιδωρίκης, Λόρδος Βύρων, Αριστομένης Προβελέγγιος, Ο Ρήγας, Σπύρος Μελάς, Παπαφλέσσας, Ρήγας Βελεστινλής, Ηλίας Βενέζης, Μπλοκ C, Νίκος Καζαντζάκης, Καποδίστριας, Δημήτρης Μπόγρης, Χαραυγή, Σκοτεινιά στον Έπαχτο, Διονύσης Ρώμας, Τρεις κόσμοι – μια ζωή, Γιώργος Θεοτοκάς, Συναπάντημα στην Πεντέλη, Παντελής Πρεβελάκης, Το ηφαίστειο). Το κύριο μέρος της εργασίας χωρίζεται σε τρεις ενότητες, οι οποίες καθορίζονται από την περιοδολόγηση του σώματος της έρευνας: Η τελευταία μεσοπολεμική δεκαετία – Τα πρώτα μεταπολεμικά χρόνια – Μετεμφυλιακή περίοδος. Η αναλυτική προσέγγιση των παραστάσεων εστιάζει στο ιστορικό δραματουργικό περιεχόμενο, την θεατρική αισθητική της σκηνικής παρουσίασης και τα συμφραζόμενα των παραγωγών (σκηνοθεσίες: Φώτου Πολίτη, Δημήτρη Ροντήρη, Πέλου Κατσέλη, Σωκράτη Καραντινού, Κωστή Μιχαηλίδη, Στέλιου Παπαδάκη, Αλέξη Σολομού, Ντίνου Δημόπουλου, Αλέξη Μινωτή). Προτείνεται ο συνδυασμός της θεατρικής ιστοριογραφίας και της ανάλυσης παράστασης με έννοιες των ιστορικών και των πολιτισμικών σπουδών.Στα συμπεράσματα εξετάζονται τα στοιχεία που χαρακτηρίζουν την αναπαράσταση της ελληνικής ιστορίας, στη σκηνή του Εθνικού Θεάτρου, ως προς τις παραστασιακές εκφάνσεις της εθνικής ταυτότητας, τη διαλεκτική της μνήμης και της λήθης στα θεάματα, τις ιστορικές-ιδεολογικές συνθήκες και την ανταπόκριση του κρατικού φορέα στον εθνικό του ρόλο. Στη σκηνή του Εθνικού Θεάτρου η λήθη δεν καλύπτει μόνο τις ενοχλητικές διαστάσεις του παρελθόντος αλλά πρωτίστως τις δονήσεις εκείνες του παρόντος που θα μπορούσαν να προκαλέσουν ρωγμές στην εθνική ταυτότητα. Αναπτύσσονται μηχανισμοί αναπαράστασης, επιτέλεσης και επικοινωνίας μέσα από το ρεπερτόριο, τη σκηνοθεσία, τη σκηνογραφία και τον δημόσιο λόγο οι οποίοι συντελούν στην αισθητική και ιδεολογική περιχαράκωση των ιστορικών θεατρικών εγχειρημάτων εντός του πλαισίου της ελληνικότητας. Τα κείμενα και οι σκηνικές τους εκδοχές παρουσιάζουν, εν πολλοίς, μία εξωραϊσμένη εικόνα της Ελλάδας, αποκαθαρμένη από εθνικά μη αποδεκτές διαστάσεις της, με το ίδιο τρόπο που η ιστορία παρουσιάζεται αποκαθαρμένη από τις σκοτεινές, εθνικά μη αποδεκτές ή μη ενδιαφέρουσες όψεις της.
Από τον εμφύλιο στο μετεμφυλιακό κράτος
Authors: Σαραϊδάρης Θεόδωρος
Published: December 2023

Η παρούσα διατριβή εστιάζει στις εκπαιδευτικές πολιτικές του Υπουργού Παιδείας Κωνσταντίνου Τσάτσου και τις απόψεις του για την εκπαίδευση γενικότερα κατά τη θητεία του 1949-1950, που ήταν μια κρίσιμη μεταπολεμική περίοδος. Η έρευνα εξετάζει τον αντίκτυπο των πολιτικών του κατά τη διάρκεια αυτής της περιόδου. Στόχος της μελέτης είναι να παρέχει μια εις βάθος ανάλυση των εκπαιδευτικών πολιτικών του Τσάτσου και των επιπτώσεών τους στη θητεία του ως Υπουργού Παιδείας. Η εποχή στην ιστορία της ελληνικής εκπαίδευσης δεν έχει λάβει μεγάλη αναγνώριση και συχνά θεωρείται περιφερειακή. Ωστόσο, αρκετά κρίσιμα ζητήματα που σχετίζονται με την αναδιάρθρωση και τη λειτουργία της εκπαίδευσης επανήλθαν στην επιφάνεια. Η παρούσα εργασία στοχεύει να δώσει μια λεπτομερή ανάλυση της εκπαιδευτικής ιστορίας της Ελλάδας στη μετεμφυλιακή εποχή, ξεκινώντας με τον διορισμό του πρώτου Υπουργού Παιδείας, Κ. Τσάτσου. Η μελέτη στοχεύει να δώσει μια πιο ακριβή κατανόηση της εξέλιξης της ελληνικής εκπαίδευσης κατά τη διάρκεια αυτής της περιόδου, εστιασμένη στις πολιτικές και τις μεταρρυθμίσεις που εφαρμόζει η κυβέρνηση. Σε αυτή την εργασία, στοχεύουμε να προσφέρουμε μια πολύτιμη συμβολή στον επιστημονικό λόγο για το θέμα, διενεργώντας μια ενδελεχή εξέταση ιστορικών γεγονότων και σημαντικών προσώπων που εμπλέκονται. Οι ανακαλύψεις ρίχνουν φως στο ελληνικό εκπαιδευτικό σύστημα και οδηγούν στην ανάπτυξη εκπαιδευτικών πολιτικών. Η διαδικασία απαιτεί συνεχή δέσμευση με εκπαιδευτικά ιδρύματα και ιδεολογίες από τη Δύση, ιδιαίτερα τις ΗΠΑ, μαζί με άλλους σχετικούς εκπαιδευτικούς φορείς.
The new technological condition: From actor-centered to data-driven and future-oriented technology
Authors: Tsekeris Charalambos , Zeri Persefoni
Published: December 2023

In the ongoing process of the dynamical transformation of the knowledge basis of our contemporary society, under conditions co-shaped by the emerging “data-driven” and “future-oriented” technologies, a new logic comes to the fore, which has to do with the triumphant rise of networks and other phenomena pertaining to an enormous technological complexity. This review article turns its analytic attention on the hidden order forming the dominant model of the network society, as well as on the fundamental disruptive changes brought with the rise of information and knowledge to a central economic factor. Then, it elaborates on the preceding models of the society of individuals and the society of organizations, which were integrated in the reshaping and remodeling processes of the network society. The conclusions concern the unprecedented disconnection between the consciousness of the individuals and the domain of human experience, as well as between the specialized knowledge and the life-worlds of the citizens.
Protection of the Rights of Workers of Industrial Enterprises by International Humanitarian Law (on the Example of the War in Ukraine)
Authors: Yaroshenko Oleg , Melnychuk Nataliia , Moskalenko Olena , Prokopiev Roman , Yaryhina Yelyzaveta
Published: December 2023

The purpose of the research is to assess the state of protection of the rights of workers of industrial enterprises from the viewpoint of both international and national legislation in the conditions of a full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine. The research was conducted using qualitative analysis, formal-legal, logical-legal, system-functional methods, as well as the method of interpreting legal norms (method of legal hermeneutics). The paper states the insufficient effectiveness of the norms of modern international humanitarian law regarding the protection of the rights of workers of industrial enterprises in the conditions of martial law in Ukraine. The paper describes the general and special regime of regulation of the rights of workers of industrial enterprises in the conditions of martial law in Ukraine. For the first time, the authors proposed to understand the protection of the rights of individuals by international humanitarian law in both a broad and a narrow sense, and the meaning of such approaches was revealed. The publication developed recommendations for the protection of the rights of workers of industrial enterprises in the conditions of armed conflicts, recommendations which are important for the development of regulations, which indicates the practical significance of the paper.
The Principle of Solidarity Within the Italian Constitution. Recent Issues and Developments in the European Context.
Authors: Mangione Gabriella
Published: December 2023

The Constitution of the Italian Republic asserts the principle of solidarity in a particularly evident manner and marks one of the clearest instances and one of the most strongly enshrined manifestations of that principle within Europe. The centrality and pervasive way this watchword of the contemporary political and legal lexicon is used takes on a particular depth in the light of the immense tragedy of the migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea, who for several years now have been knocking on the doors of Europe day after day, with a profound effect on the Old Continent. The word solidarity has taken on an even more dramatic depth since Russia launched an unprovoked war of aggression against its peaceful neighbour, Ukraine, resulting in a significant armed conflict in Europe and an increase in the number of refugees and asylum-seekers from Ukraine. In contrast to the weak and uncertain European solidarity towards those migrants who reach its southern boundaries, the EU’s solidarity towards the Ukrainian people has been clear and evident.
A Comparative Study of Child Pornography Laws in the Republic of Korea and in Thailand against the Background of International Legal Frameworks
Authors: Pitaksantayothin Jompon
Published: December 2023

Child pornography is almost universally condemned as a form of child sexual abuse and exploitation. Consequently, child pornography is prohibited in many countries. In response to the pervasiveness of child pornography, the United Nations and the Council of Europe have adopted international legal frameworks to criminalize the production, distribution, and possession of child pornographic materials. At present, both the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and Thailand have their own criminal laws against child pornography. The purpose of this article is to present a comparative analysis of the child pornography laws in these two Asian nations against the background of these international legal frameworks to evaluate the extent to which the Korean and Thai child pornography laws are in line with them.
Validity of the Arbitration Clause in the International Employment Contract: the Viewpoint of the GCC Countries
Authors: Al-Sharaf Sharaf Khaled , Al-Tourah Anas Faisal
Published: December 2023

In this paper we will evaluate the significance of the arbitration clause in international employment contracts. Our aim is to understand how this particular alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism is utilized in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Even though the law in several countries aims to protect employees by prohibiting arbitration agreements (due to considerations of employee protection), we argue that it should be optional for the employee to enter into labour agreements with arbitration clauses. This is especially important when the arbitration agreement achieves the employees’ interests, and is agreed upon with informed and clear consent. We will engage with arguments which advocate the prohibition of arbitration agreements within Individual Employment Contracts (IECs); whilst taking the position that the flexibility, speed, confidentiality and predictability of arbitration provides specific advantages to international employees compared to litigation before court. Furthermore, in the context of a desire on the side of GCC countries to attract high-skilled labour (and when there are many misconceptions regarding the adjudicative functions of labour law courts in the GCC), arbitration clauses can play a significant role in mediating between different legal cultures.
The Way of Change and Surprise: A Strategic Cultural Analysis of China's South China Sea Policies from the 1930s to 2010s
Authors:   , Zhong Wenrui
Published: December 2023

This dissertation aims to discover the hidden pattern and rationales behind China's South China Sea policies over the last one hundred years from the perspective of Chinese strategic culture. A historical-cultural approach is a powerful tool in uncovering deeper understandings of the Chinese way of policy making and strategy on issues such as the South China Sea. The key research questions include: first, is there any historical legitimacy in China's sovereignty claim over the South China Sea islands? Second, do Beijing's South China Sea policies in various periods have any regularity or pattern, and how did they serve China's grand strategies at the time? By utilizing extensive Chinese and English primary sources and other sources, this study conducts a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the South China Sea issue from the framework of Chinese strategic culture.
Expansion of Pianism through a Reinterpretation of Bartók's Dance Suite for Solo Piano (1925)
Authors:   , Lee Jenny JungYeon
Published: December 2023

This project offers a comprehensive performance guide to Bartók's Dance Suite for solo piano based on a renewed interpretation of the piece. The Dance Suite (Táncszvit/Tanz Suite) is a unique work in Bartók's oeuvre, presented by the composer in two versions: one for orchestra (1923) and one for solo piano (1925). There has been little research done on this piece to enhance its popularity even though it may be a piece that illuminates one of Bartók's compositional philosophies: the unity of all cultures and folk song. Pianists must interpret this piece not only through the eyes of a soloist, but also as a musician who makes careful decisions—as if one were undertaking the making of a piano reduction of an orchestral score oneself. The methods presented intend to help pianists acquire and maintain a curious and flexible mind where freedom of interpretation is concerned, and hone inquisitive minds to overcome challenges when holding the reins of an orchestra across the eighty-eight keys of the piano towards limitless expansion and development of pianism and musicianship.
Implementing the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies with Black, Indigenous, and Womxn of Color
Authors:   , Jarrett Jodi Ann N.
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this descriptive multiple case study was to explore how counselors implement multicultural and social justice counseling competencies (MSJCC) when providing therapy to Black, Indigenous, and Womxn of Color. This study was informed by critical theory and intersectionality theory to capture the complex dynamics of identity and power through semi-structured interviewing, observations of archived counseling sessions, review of archived client case records, and administration of the Multicultural Awareness, Knowledge, and Skills Survey–Counselor Edition–Revised (MAKSS-CE-R), and the Social Justice Scale (SJS). The six doctoral student co-researchers provided rich portrayals of their experiences implementing the MSJCC, the role of identity, and the impact of power relations. Data revealed one overarching theme (the omnipresence of cultural humility), five themes (learning is a process, it starts with me: the catalyst of self-awareness, this is my identity, understanding clients in context: attending to power and intersectionality, and social justice is awareness: advocacy is intentional and active), and eight corresponding subthemes. Co-researchers provided insight into their experiences of barriers, oppression, resilience, and advocacy. Implications and conclusions from this research provide recommendations for mental health counselors, education programs, and research.
The Effects of Generational Stereotypes and Attribute Affirmation on the Collection of Audit Evidence
Authors:   , Kabutey Monica
Published: December 2023

As the workplace has evolved over the past few years, several studies have documented perceived differences in personalities, values, and preferences between generations in the workplace, including in public accounting. In this study, I examine whether exposure to a negative preconceived belief about a staff auditor's generation (generational stereotype) influences the affective state of staff auditors and ultimately causes them to reduce the extent to which they communicate with a client manager to gather the necessary information to perform an audit adequately. I also investigate whether attribute affirmation from a work buddy helps elicit positive affect to mitigate the effects that exposure to negative generational stereotypes may have on audit evidence collection. I conducted a 2 x 2 experiment using graduate auditing students as a proxy for staff auditors. I find that general affect (i.e., mood) rather than interpersonal affect (i.e., likability), drives the negative effect of exposure to generational stereotypes on willingness to collect more audit evidence. I also find that high levels of negative mood can negatively impact participants' self-efficacy. I, however, failed to find evidence of a moderated mediation. The presence of an attribute affirmation results in an insignificant increase in positive affect. When staff auditors are exposed to a negative generational stereotype, attribute affirmation does not evoke enough positive affect to help auditors overcome the generational stereotype threat.
Extending the Capabilities of Continuum Embeddings in First-Principle Simulations of Materials
Authors:   , Medrano Gabriel
Published: December 2023

In recent years, continuum models of solvation have had exceptional success in materials simulations as well as condensed matter physics. They can easily capture the effects of disordered systems, such as neutral liquids or electrolytes solutions, on material interfaces without the need for expensive statistical sampling. The Environ library (www.quantum-environ.org) implements different continuum models and correction schemes, which is the focus of this presentation. Recently refactored into a stand-alone library, many changes have been introduced in Environ, making it more flexible and computationally efficient. Introduction of a double-cell formalism allows for faster ab initio DFT calculations while reparameterization of soft-sphere continuum model allows for smaller density cutoffs. Furthermore, Environ's periodic boundary conditions correction schemes have been expanded by including the AFC90 library, which allows for faster DFT calculations of partially periodic systems, such as slabs, wires, and isolated molecules. Finally, stand-alone Environ can now provide atomic and molecular descriptors, which can be used to characterize solvated interfaces, e.g. in machine learning applications. The specific details of the implementations are reviewed as well as their efficiency and some choice applications for different calculation setups and systems.
The Effect of Formal Leadership Coaching Support on Principal Self-Efficacy
Authors:   , Heskett Lori L.
Published: December 2023

Principals today face greater job complexities and more diverse challenges than ever before because of decreases in resources, funding, and district support, along with increases in accountability expectations, student diversity, and unfunded federal and state mandates. Principals today are tasked with myriad responsibilities ranging from facilities management and fiscal and legal concerns to instructional leadership and stakeholder relationships. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of formal, structured leadership coaching and engage in further inquiry to determine the effect of leadership coaching on principal efficacy in a complex and challenging educational environment. This convergent parallel mixed-method research approach is meant to determine if elementary principals' participation in formal leadership coaching programs increases their level of efficacy, as well as how different districts structure and implement these programs for the benefit of their administrators.
Using Ethics to Teach Social Emotional Learning to At-Risk Youth: Recontextualizing Content and Determining Efficacy
Authors:   , Stodola Tyler James
Published: December 2023

At the Northwest Regional Learning Center (NRLC), an alternative high school in Arlington, Washington serving only at-risk youth, a new ethics course was conducted to assist students with their social-emotional learning development (SEL) and provide NRLC staff with greater insight into the lived experiences of students. Through semi-structured interviews, longitudinal ethical position surveys, and in-class observational ethnographic notes, this study presents shifts in student ethical positions over time as students engaged in this new course. By drawing from the knowledge at-risk students bring to school and focusing on behaviorism, progressive teaching theory, and constructivism, this course promoted open, student-led discussion that helped establish and build critical thinking skills, learn about perspectives in relation to others, and analyze various ethical positions. Through learning more about the lived experiences of their students, teachers at NRLC were able to contextualize and accommodate individual student behaviors, needs, and beliefs over their high-school experience. Drawing from student beliefs and experiences, the new course content was largely created by the students, providing at-risk youth an environment to openly share their beliefs while directly relating course content to their lives outside of school. As a representation of the power that social connection, redistribution of power dynamics in the classroom, and the wealth of knowledge students bring to school with them every day has, this study promotes the use of an ethics course in both general and alternative high schools as a more formalized and effective approach to teaching SEL.
Evaluating Stack Overflow Usability Posts in Conjunction with Usability Heuristics
Authors:   , Jalali Hamed
Published: December 2023

This thesis explores the critical role of usability in software development and uses usability heuristics as a cost-effective and efficient method for evaluating various software functions and interfaces. With the proliferation of software development in the modern digital age, developing user-friendly interfaces that meet the needs and preferences of users has become a complex process. Usability heuristics, a set of guidelines based on principles of human-computer interaction, provide a starting point for designers to create intuitive, efficient, and easy-to-use interfaces that provide a seamless user experience. The study uses Jakob Nieson's ten usability heuristics to evaluate the usability of Stack Overflow posts, a popular Q\&A website for developers. Through the analysis of 894 posts related to usability, the study identifies common usability problems faced by users and developers, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of usability guidelines in software development practice. The research findings emphasize the need for ongoing evaluation and improvement of software interfaces to ensure a seamless user experience. The thesis concludes by highlighting the potential of usability heuristics in guiding the design of user-friendly software interfaces and improving the overall user experience in software development.
An Analysis of Federico Alvarez del Toro's Marimba Concerto "El Espiritu de la Tierra"
Authors:   , Hastings Tyree
Published: December 2023

In this paper, I analyze the musical content in Federico Alvarez del Toro's marimba concerto El Espiritu de la Tierra. This dissertation represents my analysis of features I hear in the composition, and does not reflect the composer's original compositional process. Commissioned by the governor of Chiapas, the piece was composed in collaboration with internationally renowned marimba virtuoso Zeferino Nandayapa and premiered in 1984 with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Mexico City at Festival Cervantino in Guanajuato. The work has not been published and has been mentioned only briefly in scholarship. Particular attention in the analysis is given to indigenous and folk idioms from the southern region of Mexico combined with post-modern compositional techniques. My primary argument within the dissertation is that I believe the piece demonstrates a respect for tradition and heritage while concurrently utilizing non-traditional and contemporary compositional techniques. Analytically, I argue that two basic shapes are used throughout the piece, and I argue that the many cultural references within the piece solidify a preoccupation with the lineage of southern Mexico.
Evaluating an Exchange Program for the Treatment of Problem Behavior Maintained by Access to Tangibles
Authors:   , Bauer Melanie Sue
Published: December 2023

Previous studies, typically with children, have used delay-tolerance training to treat problem behavior maintained by access to tangibles. This often involves physical prompting and waiting rather than exchanging, two practices that may not be possible or relevant to adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). For many adults with ID in residential settings, exchanging items, rather than waiting per se, may be evocative for problem behavior. In the current study, I evaluated an exchange program to treat problem behavior maintained by access to tangibles for adults diagnosed with ID at a residential facility. I measured the latency to exchange low- and high-preference items following a request for the item and the individual's problem behaviors. Results demonstrated that the exchange program increased relinquishing of an item while decreasing the rate of problem behavior. This analysis provides another method to treat problem behavior maintained by access to tangibles for adults without using physical prompting.