bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significance of serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Ibrahim Noha Hosni , Abd-Elhamid Yasser Abd-Elaziz , El Tanawy Refaat Mostafa , Abdel Hameed Rasha , Elbastawesy Hanaa Alaa Mahmoud
Published: November 2023

Background

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a well-known multi-system connective tissue disease, it has an unidentified aetiology that is characterised by abnormal immune system activation, vascular injury, which may progress to faulty neovascularization and inadequate vessel remodelling, and tissue scarring of the skin, lungs, and other internal viscera. Krebs von den Lungen-6 is a kind of transmembrane glycoprotein of type II alveolar epithelial cells and is specific for determining its damage. Regardless of the cause, serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 levels have been investigated in interstitial lung disease (ILD) of several etiologies and have been found to be a significant serum marker for ILD. The current research aims to look into the relationship between serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 levels and disease severity and clinical manifestations, specifically interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, in patients with SSc. In this study, 30 patients with systemic sclerosis and 30 control subjects—15 dermatomyositis patients and 15 healthy volunteers— were also incorporated to see if the change in serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 levels is specific for SSc as dermatomyositis is another connective tissue disorder with lung affection.

Results

A statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) in the median value of Krebs von den Lungen-6 when compared to the control groups was observed, which was 447.95 (145.68–817.98) in the SSc patients group, 158.80 (130.00–730.70) in the dermatomyositis group, and 48.10 (39.50–103.90) in the healthy control group. A significantly higher median value of Krebs von den Lungen-6 in ground glass, honeycombing, and nodular HRCT was established, with P-value (P < 0.001). There was a highly statistically significant discrepancy in the median Krebs von den Lungen-6 value between patients with ILD (717.7) and patients without ILD (145.7) with P-value (P < 0.001). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between Krebs von den Lungen-6 (U/ml) and Disease duration (years), Medsger severity scale, Digital ulceration, modified Rodnan skin score (MRSS), and P-value (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Krebs von den Lungen-6 could be a scleroderma biomarker. It has been linked to the development and severity of interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis patients and may shed light on the pathophysiology of some fibrotic lung changes.
Social Deprivation and End-of-Life Care Use Among Adults With Cancer
Authors: Cross Sarah H. , Yabroff K. Robin , Yeager Katherine A. , Curseen Kimberly A. , Quest Tammie E. , Kamal Arif , Zarrabi Ali John , Kavalieratos Dio
Published: November 2023

PURPOSE

Socioeconomic differences are partially responsible for racial inequities in cancer outcomes, yet the association of area-level socioeconomic disadvantage and race with end-of-life (EOL) cancer care quality is poorly understood.

METHODS

This retrospective study used electronic medical records from an academic health system to identify 33,635 adults with cancer who died between 2013 and 2019. Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined associations between decedent characteristics and EOL care, including emergency department (ED) visits, intensive care unit (ICU) stays, palliative care consultation (PCC), hospice order, and in-hospital deaths. Social deprivation index was used to measure socioeconomic disadvantages.

RESULTS

Racially minoritized decedents had higher odds of ICU stay than the least deprived White decedents (eg, other race Q3: aOR, 2.06 [99% CI, 1.26 to 0.3.39]). White and Black decedents from more deprived areas had lower odds of ED visit (White Q3: aOR, 0.382 [99% CI, 0.263 to 0.556]; Black Q3: aOR, 0.566 [99% CI, 0.373 to 0.858]) than least deprived White decedents. Compared with White decedents living in least deprived areas, racially minoritized decedents had higher odds of receiving PCC and hospice order, whereas White decedents in most deprived areas had lower odds of PCC (aOR, 0.727 [99% CI, 0.592 to 0.893]) and hospice order (aOR, 0.845 [99% CI, 0.724 to 0.986]). Greater deprivation was associated with greater odds of hospital death relative to least deprived White decedents, but only among minoritized decedents (eg, Black Q4: aOR, 2.16 [99% CI, 1.82 to 2.56]).

CONCLUSION

Area-level socioeconomic disadvantage is not uniformly associated with poorer EOL cancer care, with differences among decedents of different racial groups.
Cardiotoxicity of Agents Used in Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Zagami Paola , Trapani Dario , Nicolò Eleonora , Corti Chiara , Valenza Carmine , Criscitiello Carmen , Curigliano Giuseppe , Carey Lisa Anne
Published: November 2023

Cancer and cardiovascular diseases are the two major causes of mortality, morbidity, and disability worldwide. The improvement in effective therapeutic options for the management of breast cancer (BC) has led to an increased number of BC survivors, who can experience long-term toxicities from cancer treatments. Adverse events including cardiovascular toxicities must be considered in light of effectiveness of recently approved drugs for BC treatment, including elacestrant, tucatinib, neratinib, olaparib, the immune checkpoint inhibitors, trastuzumab deruxtecan, or sacituzumab govitecan. Many cancer drugs affect the cardiovascular system with a range of clinical manifestations. Prompt diagnosis and treatment as well as a multidisciplinary approach involving a cardio-oncologist is optimal for management of these cardiovascular events.
Patterns and Life Course Determinants of Black–White Disparities in Biological Age Acceleration: A Decomposition Analysis
Authors: Boen Courtney E. , Yang Y. Claire , Aiello Allison E. , Dennis Alexis C. , Harris Kathleen Mullan , Kwon Dayoon , Belsky Daniel W.
Published: November 2023

Despite the prominence of the weathering hypothesis as a mechanism underlying racialized inequities in morbidity and mortality, the life course social and economic determinants of Black–White disparities in biological aging remain inadequately understood. This study uses data from the Health and Retirement Study (n = 6,782), multivariable regression, and Kitagawa–Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition to assess Black–White disparities across three measures of biological aging: PhenoAge, Klemera–Doubal biological age, and homeostatic dysregulation. It also examines the contributions of racial differences in life course socioeconomic and stress exposures and vulnerability to those exposures to Black–White disparities in biological aging. Across the outcomes, Black individuals exhibited accelerated biological aging relative to White individuals. Decomposition analyses showed that racial differences in life course socioeconomic exposures accounted for roughly 27% to 55% of the racial disparities across the biological aging measures, and racial disparities in psychosocial stress exposure explained 7% to 11%. We found less evidence that heterogeneity in the associations between social exposures and biological aging by race contributed substantially to Black–White disparities in biological aging. Our findings offer new evidence of the role of life course social exposures in generating disparities in biological aging, with implications for understanding age patterns of morbidity and mortality risks.
Οι παιδαγωγικοί στόχοι της Εκπαίδευσης για το Περιβάλλον και την Αειφορία
Authors: Λιαράκου Γεωργία
Published: November 2023

Οι παιδαγωγικοί στόχοι αποτελούν μια σημαντική διάσταση της Εκπαίδευσης για το Περιβάλλον και την Αειφορία, καθώς λειτουργούν ως πυξίδα για τον εκπαιδευτικό σχεδιασμό. Είναι αυτοί που καθορίζουν τον προσανατολισμό του γνωστικού αντικειμένου, το διαφοροποιούν από άλλα συναφή πεδία, οριοθετούν το περιεχόμενό του και προσδιορίζουν τα μαθησιακά αποτελέσματα. Στο παρόν κείμενο αναλύουμε τις πέντε βασικές κατηγορίες παιδαγωγικών στόχων της Εκπαίδευσης για το Περιβάλλον και την Αειφορία αναδεικνύοντας τις κύριες διαστάσεις που θα πρέπει να λάβουν υπόψη τους οι εκπαιδευτικοί και οι εκπαιδευτές/τριες κατά τον σχεδιασμό της εκπαιδευτικής τους δράσης. Συγκεκριμένα αναφερόμαστε στην ευαισθητοποίηση των εκπαιδευμένων ως προς το υπό εξέταση ζήτημα, στις γνώσεις στις οποίες πρέπει να εστιάσουμε τόσο αναφορικά με τα ζητήματα περιβάλλοντος και αειφορίας που αναλύουμε όσο και σε σχέση με βασικές έννοιες που διαπερνούν όλα τα ζητήματα, στις στάσεις και τις αξίες, τις οποίες διακρίνουμε σε ατομικές και συλλογικές, σε βασικές ικανότητες που πρέπει να αναπτύξουν οι εκπαιδευόμενοι/ες και τέλος στη συμμετοχή και τη δράση ως επιστέγασμα της όλης εκπαιδευτικής διαδικασίας.
Η Μεθοδολογία CARE για την Ανάπτυξη Μαθησιο-κεντρικών Δραστηριοτήτων στο πλαίσιο της Εκπαίδευσης για την Αειφόρο/Βιώσιμη Ανάπτυξη
Authors: Κωστούλα-Μακράκη Νέλλη , Μακράκης Βασίλης
Published: November 2023

Σε αυτή την εργασία παρουσιάζουμε μια μετασχηματιστική μαθησιακή προσέγγιση που ονομάζεται CARE (Conceptualization, Activation, Reflection, Engagement) και η οποία συνδέεται με την εκπαίδευση για την αειφόρο / βιώσιμη ανάπτυξη. Η μαθησιακή προσέγγιση CARE περιλαμβάνει τέσσερις διαδραστικές διαδικασίες οι οποίες ξεκινούν από την εννοιολόγηση της μαθησιακής παρέμβασης, στη συνέχεια ακολουθεί η ενεργοποίηση η οποία υποστηρίζεται από τον κριτικό αναστοχασμό, και τέλος έχουμε την εμπλοκή των μαθητών για δράση. Επιχειρώντας να συνδέσουμε τη θεωρία με την πράξη, θα εστιάσουμε στην ανάπτυξη μιας μαθησιο-κεντρικής δραστηριότητας (Πρόσφυγες που διασχίζουν το Αιγαίο: Μαθαίνοντας από την Ιστορία) με την εφαρμογή της μεθοδολογίας CARE η οποία υποστηρίζεται από ψηφιακές τεχνολογίες. Το διδακτικό και μαθησιακό αφήγημα ενσωματώνει διάφορες γνωστικές περιοχές, όπως η Ιστορία, η Γεωγραφία, η Κοινωνική και Πολιτική Αγωγή και η Γλώσσα.  Mέσα από τη μαθησιακή προσέγγιση CARE, οι μαθητές συνδέουν τα 3Hs δηλαδή, τη γνωστική ανάπτυξη (Head), τη συναισθηματική ανάπτυξη (Heart) και τη δράση (Hand) έτσι ώστε να γίνουν φορείς αλλαγής.
Ολιστική Σχολική Προσέγγιση: Μια ολοκληρωμένη παιδαγωγική θεώρηση για την Εκπαίδευση για την Αειφόρο Ανάπτυξη
Authors: Ζαχαρίου Αραβέλλα , Κάτζη Χρυσάνθη
Published: November 2023

Η Ολιστική Σχολική Προσέγγιση (ΟΣΠ) αποτελεί μια ολοκληρωμένη εκπαιδευτική πρόταση σε σχέση με τον αναπροσανατολισμό των εκπαιδευτικών συστημάτων σε μοντέλα αειφορίας. Προϋποθέτει συνολικές αλλαγές στη δομή και λειτουργία του σχολείου και συνεπάγεται ριζική αναθεώρηση της μαθησιακής/παιδαγωγικής διαδικασίας και των περιεχομένων μάθησης, στοιχείων που συνιστούν καθοριστικούς παράγοντες για την προώθηση θεσμικών, κοινωνικών και πολιτισμικών αλλαγών. Ταυτόχρονα συμβάλλει στην καθιέρωση της μετασχηματιστικής μάθησης ως θεμελιώδους έννοιας για το πώς ως άτομα και ως οργανωμένα σύνολα, επανεξετάζουμε τη συμπεριφορά μας, επανατοποθετούμαστε στην κοινωνία και αντιλαμβανόμαστε τις δυνατότητες μας για αλλαγή στη βάση των αρχών της αειφορίας. Bασικό ερώτημα παραμένει το πώς μπορεί να επαναπροσδιορισθεί συνολικά το όραμα για την εκπαίδευση, έτσι ώστε να καταστεί εφικτή η ΟΣΠ που θα καταστήσει το σχολείο, ως οργανικό τμήμα της κοινωνίας, μέτοχο στον αειφόρο μετασχηματισμό της. Η παρούσα εργασία εξετάζει θεωρητικά την έννοια και το περιεχόμενο της ΟΣΠ σε συνάρτηση με την Εκπαίδευση για την Αειφόρο Ανάπτυξη (ΕΑΑ) και τη μετασχηματιστική μάθηση ως ζητούμενο για την ΕΑΑ, αλλά και δομικό στοιχείο της ΟΣΠ. Αναλύονται οι ιδιότητες που καθιστούν την ΟΣΠ μια ολοκληρωμένη προσέγγιση, και εντοπίζονται οι προκλήσεις, ως σημαντικοί ανασχετικοί παράγοντες στην προσπάθεια που καταβάλλεται για να καταστούν τα σχολεία κοινότητες μάθησης για την αειφορία.
The deep vault: a temporary refuge for temperate gorgonian forests facing marine heat waves
Authors: BRAMANTI LORENZO , MANEA ELISABETTA , GIORDANO BRUNA , ESTAQUE TRISTAN , BIANCHIMANI OLIVIER , RICHAUME JUSTINE , MÉRIGOT BASTIEN , SCHULL QUENTIN , SARTORETTO STEPHANE , GARRABOU JOAQUIM GARRABOU , GUIZIEN KATELL
Published: November 2023

Climate change poses a significant threat to coastal areas, marked by the increasing intensity and frequency of marine heat waves observed in various ecosystems around the world. Over the last 25 years, a vast number of Mediterranean populations of the red gorgonian Paramuricea clavata have been impacted by marine heatwaves. The last mass mortality occurred during the summer of 2022 in the Western Mediterranean Sea, affecting mostly shallow populations (down to 30 m depth). Here we provide an assessment of the health status of mesophotic P. clavata populations down to 90 m depth to investigate a depth refuge hypothesis. Results show that the impact of marine heat waves decreases with depth, with a significant drop in mortality below 40 m depth. These observations support the hypothesis of a depth refuge from marine heat waves that may allow, at least temporarily, the maintenance of P. clavata in the Western Mediterranean Sea. The present study strongly advocates for further investigations and monitoring of the mesophotic zone to chart potential areas that could serve as deep refuge for gorgonians.
Preschool pedagogy
Authors: Kirienko Svetlana , Pronyaeva Svetlana
Published: November 2023

This manual presents theoretical and practical material on the development, upbringing and education of preschool children, which will help in the professional training of students. The methodological complex is presented by the workshop at the end of each paragraph.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of pedagogical universities and colleges, teachers, specialists in the field of preschool childhood.
Calculation of thermal schemes of combined-cycle gas installations of thermal power plants
Authors: Kudinov Anatoliy , Ziganshina Svetlana , Husainov Kirill
Published: November 2023

The fundamentals of the theory of increasing the thermal efficiency of power plants through the use of gas turbine and combined-cycle technologies are presented. The classification is given, the basic and calculated thermal schemes, parameters and characteristics of gas turbine and combined-cycle gas installations of various types are given, the principles of their operation are described. The designs of combustion chambers and features of fuel combustion in the combustion chambers of gas turbine installations are given. Methods and examples of calculation of thermal schemes of gas turbine installations with heat recovery boilers and combined-cycle thermal power plants are presented.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of energy specialties of universities and faculties studying in the areas of training "Heat power engineering and heat engineering", "Power engineering", as well as for graduate students of universities and engineering and technical workers of power plants.
Modern methods of training elite swimmers
Authors: VORONCOV Andrey
Published: November 2023

The textbook is based on the personal experience of a well—known specialist in the field of swimming A.R. Vorontsov.
Technologies of preparation of swimmers of the highest international level for the largest competitions — the European championships, the world and the Olympic Games are considered. The analysis of the modern system of training in swimming is given. The development of a system of views on the training of swimmers is shown. The modern directions and content of the training process of swimmers of various specializations are highlighted, the features of classes in water and on land are revealed. The modern periodization of the training process is presented and examples of the construction of highly effective training programs by the world's leading trainers in the annual cycle of swimmer training are given.
The manual contains an extensive collection of training sessions and training series with a detailed description and methodological explanations of their implementation.
For professional swimming coaches, teachers and students of universities of physical culture, as well as for anyone interested in swimming.
Fundamentals of information systems design and development
Authors: Gagarina Larisa , Shevnina Yuliya
Published: November 2023

The textbook discusses the tasks of designing and developing information systems, describes the theoretical and practical use of modeling technologies IDEF0, DFD, UML. It contains many examples of the use of modern technological tools in the design of information systems for various subject areas.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of higher educational institutions studying in the areas of "Applied Informatics", "Software Engineering". It can be useful for students studying in other educational programs, as well as for self-education.
The genesis of the emergence and development of the theory of separation of powers until the end of the XIX century: the place of teaching in the science of state law.
Authors: Chernyavskiy Aleksandr
Published: November 2023

The monograph is devoted to the most significant, and at the same time controversial issue in the field of the theory of state law, namely, the theory of separation of powers. It presents, if possible, the full literary development of this issue in the XVII-XIX centuries. The importance of such an analysis is explained by the fact that every theory itself is the result of the circumstances preceding it and is connected with the events accompanying it. More than ever, the question now arises of how the internal content and application of this theory are filled in a particular state, whether the forms and ideas developed by the history and science of Western states are suitable for our Fatherland.
The author proves that the doctrine of the separation of powers was not a momentary matter, was not caused by instantaneous political circumstances; connected with contemporary events, it was also the result of past ones. In addition, it would be unfair to other thinkers and an elevation beyond the measure of Montesquieu's merits to assert that everything was new in his teaching, since we know that writers, both ancient and medieval, and later, but before Montesquieu, expressed the idea of the separation of powers and even with some detail. Without a doubt, the separation of powers is a means for the better administration of State activity, so that it indicates the best way to achieve state goals, but at the same time it does not follow only from this basis, but follows from the content of state activity itself. At the same time, the question is raised and considered, of course, from the position of scientists of the period under consideration: can the separation of powers exist with their unity?
For students, postgraduates and teachers of law schools and faculties.
International entrepreneurship
Authors: Kratko Irina
Published: November 2023

The author shows what the phenomenon and process of international entrepreneurship are, how conceptually international entrepreneurship differs from other subject areas of international business.
The textbook describes what competencies an international entrepreneur should have, what major decisions he makes in the process of internationalizing his business.
The author gives practical recommendations on assessing entrepreneurial opportunities, analyzing the international business environment and developing a business plan for his own startup abroad.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of higher educational institutions studying in the fields of Economics and Management, studying disciplines related to international entrepreneurship, as well as anyone who plans to bring their own business to the international arena or sees themselves in the future as the founder of a foreign startup.
Fundamentals of analysis of accounting (financial) statements of the company
Authors: Kazakova Nataliya , Permitina Lyudmila
Published: November 2023

The textbook discusses the basics of the analysis of accounting (financial) statements, including the disclosure of the features of the analysis of accounting indicators generated by RAS (FSBU) and IFRS; the basics of financial management as a set of tools and actions aimed at optimizing the financial model of the organization, providing an increase in the value of the company for shareholders and value for other stakeholders, as well as the rationale for decisions in areas of financial management. The theoretical material is accompanied by practical examples, control questions, tests and tasks that allow you to verify and consolidate the knowledge gained. In addition, the textbook has a workshop designed for students to independently complete tasks under the supervision of a teacher.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of secondary vocational education of the last generation.
For students studying in the system of secondary vocational education, as well as university students of all areas of training.
Marketing: ontological foundations of the general theory of markets
Authors: Bel'zeckiy Anatoliy
Published: November 2023

In the monograph, on the basis of a qualitatively new concept of organized market integrity, an attempt is made to build an ontology of the general theory of markets. Ontology is defined by a system of basic concepts and categories, around which conceptual structures are formed, forming abstract models designed to reflect the essential properties
and patterns of the structure, functioning, behavior and development of the market in interrelation and interaction with the external environment. The structure of scientific knowledge is fixed in the form of hypotheses of organized market integrity and functional isomorphism of market structures, as well as the principle of balance of economic interests of the main market participants.
For economists, methodologists, specialists in the field of forecasting and market research of various nature, organizers of production and management, teachers and students of management schools, graduate students and students of economic and humanitarian profiles interested in the theoretical foundations and apparatus of an integrated approach to market research.
Resistance of materials in examples and tasks
Authors: Atarov Nikolay
Published: November 2023

The textbook contains in detail considered and solved problems in the discipline "Resistance of materials", as well as brief theoretical information and formulas, tasks for independent solution. Will assist in the execution of calculation and graphic works, preparation for control works, computer testing, tests and exams.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for students of construction areas of training and specialties of universities. It can be useful for students of other technical areas of training and specialties.
Organizational behavior
Authors: Reznik Semen , Igoshina Irina , Chernikovskaya Marina , Shesternina Ol'ga
Published: November 2023

The textbook, prepared for methodological support of practical classes on the course "Organizational behavior", contains a set of business games, tests and specific situations that develop students' practical skills in the field of organizational behavior management.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students studying in the areas of training "Management" and "Personnel Management".
Risk analysis in the processes of ensuring information security of the life cycle of financial automated information systems
Authors: Caregorodcev Anatoliy , Romanovskiy Sergey , Volkov Sergey
Published: November 2023

One of the key elements of the development strategy of a modern organization is the solution of the task of transforming the information security risk management system. Today, more and more modern organizations are moving away from the maturity-based model in favor of a risk-based approach. The monograph examines this approach and provides recommendations for its application in credit and financial organizations.
It may be of interest both for employees of departments whose activities are related to risk analysis and management, credit and financial organizations, and for teachers, students and postgraduates studying in training areas and specialties related to the enlarged group of specialties and training areas 10.00.00 "Information security".
Dynamic optimization: search for the absolute extreme
Authors: Orel Evgeniy
Published: November 2023

The search for a global (absolute) extreme is required in most applications related to economics, finance, artificial intelligence and robotics. The monograph considers both methods using necessary and sufficient extremum conditions and direct optimization methods. The material is provided with numerous examples and drawings.
For mathematicians, specialists in the field of business and technology, students studying models and methods of dynamic optimization, as well as anyone interested in the problem of finding a global (absolute) extremum in optimal control problems and related branches of mathematics.
Introduction to data analysis. Searching for a data structure using Python
Authors: Krivolapov Sergey
Published: November 2023

The tutorial discusses Python language tools for identifying and subsequent use of the internal structure of data using Markov process methods, statistical, cluster and regression analysis of data.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students, postgraduates, researchers and teachers.
Convergence or Divergence? Analysis of Regional Development Convergence in Hungary
Authors: Bakucs Zoltán , Fertő Imre
Published: November 2023

The enlargement of the European Union (EU) led to an increase in regional development differences, challenging the EU structural policy. Whilst there are numerous papers discussing international and cross-EU development convergence, the issue seems under-researched at national level, especially when small territorial units are considered. This paper aims to partially fill this gap by using low aggregation (Local Administrative Unit 1, LAU1) territorial data between 2002 and 2013 a period that comprises Hungary’s EU accession and also the years of the recent Global Financial Crisis. We employ a novel approach to circumvent the lack of income, productivity or competitiveness data at LAU1 level by deriving two Regional Development Indices (RDI) resting on the estimation of internal migration functions. Once the RDIs are estimated, we proceed to a test sigma, beta and unit root convergence. Our results point towards regional divergence with rather bleak consequences for Hungarian and indeed European cohesion aims.
Monographs of rural communities: Polish school of research
Authors: Bukraba-Rylska Izabella
Published: November 2023

This article presents the most important dilemmas related to the monographic method, discussing them on the example of monographs of Polish villages. Particular emphasis is put on contentious issues such as: research statics – dynamics, representativeness – generalisations, and enumerative induction – analytic induction. The analysis of the selected monographs reveals that most of the objections reported with respect to such publications (i.e. focus on describing rather than analysing the problem, providing unnecessary details, lack of representativeness, and insufficient theoretical reflection) seem to be unfounded. In the end the article discusses circumstances that point to the need to return to this method, particularly in countries peripheral to the centre of the global academic field.
Tracing the impact of The Polish Peasant… – from rural sociology to migration studies
Authors: Krajewska Malwina
Published: November 2023

This paper consists of two sections. Firstly, it will recall the work of William I. Thomas and Florian Znaniecki and their successors. Thoughts published in this section will attempt to show how their methodological and theoretical heritage contributed to the development of sociology. Furthermore, it will show how their work, with alternate fortune and undeniable fame, inspired researchers for 100 years. Secondly, it will present significance of Thomas and Znaniecki heritage in the development of migration studies in addition to offering an essential overview of the contemporary migration issue. The article deliberates on the validity, topicality and current reception of methodology and theory proposed by Thomas and Znaniecki.
The impact of the age structure of active population on agricultural activity rate: The case study of the Timok Krajina region
Authors: Popović Vladimir
Published: November 2023

As agricultural activity is primarily linked to rural areas, negative demographic trends characterising them present as one of the basic factors of size and age structure changes in the agricultural population. On the other hand, the modernisation of agricultural production, combined with various stimulating mechanisms, impacts its attractiveness, thus influencing the number and age structure of agricultural producers. Change in the overall agricultural activity rate reflects these two processes, making it suitable to be analysed by quantification of effects that produce these changes by applying Das Gupta’s decomposition method. The Timok Krajina region is chosen as a characteristic example due to the recent and relatively significant rise in the overall activity rate in agriculture, in contrast to the national level, where a constant decline in this rate is present. This research focuses on the difference that occurred in the last intercensal period (between 2002 and 2011), aiming to determine the impact of changes in the age structure of the active population that performs an occupation on the change of overall activity rate in agriculture in the Timok Krajina region. The research results depict that the changes in activity rate in agriculture in the examined period almost completely occurred under the influence of demographic factors, while other factors, marked as the rate effects, had a symbolic impact.
The importance of local community attitudes for sustainable tourism in protected areas: The case of Tikvara Nature Park, Serbia
Authors: Obradović Sanja , Stojanović Vladimir , Knežević Svetlana Mirkov , Milić Dubravka
Published: November 2023

One of the most important elements of tourism development is encouraging the participation of the local community. In order to encourage their participation, it is necessary to be aware of the attitudes of the local residents with respect to the development of tourism. The aim of this research is to determine the attitudes of the local community towards the development of sustainable tourism and ecotourism in the protected area Tikvara, along with the local residents’ level of nature protection and preservation in the Tikvara Nature Park. A survey was conducted among 301 residents and the results indicate that while good community support for sustainable tourism activities in each area captured by the survey (planning, participation, activities, and decision-making) exists, local residents’ attitudes are affected by their sociodemographic characteristics. Nonetheless, a large number of locals were happy to participate in protection programs and believed that the environment should be protected for future generations to enjoy the natural and cultural resources of this area. These findings should be considered when designing sustainable tourism management strategies, while respecting the needs and rights of the local community, as the willingness of locals to develop sustainable tourism is essential for the success of this sector.
Tackling the Challenges of Plagiarism in the Age of Information Overload by LIS Professionals in Nigerian Academic Institutions
Authors: Onifade Abdurrahman Bello , Alex-Nmecha Juliet C.
Published: November 2023

The advancement in information and communication technologies (ICTs) has increased the generation and dissemination of information. This has created a remarkable shift from the previous promulgation of information explosion to the concept of information overload in this age, which seems to be characterised by the ease of intellectual theft in various forms. The sophistication of ICTs and the overwhelming availability of information have subjected many research outputs to the affliction of ‘copy-and-paste’ syndrome and copyright abuse; and there appears to be a dearth of literature on efforts being made by LIS professionals to tackle the challenges in Nigerian academic institutions. This study, therefore, sought to draw attention to how the challenges of plagiarism are tackled by LIS professionals in the age of information overload in Nigerian academic institutions. The study adopted the phenomenological research design of qualitative methodology, using semi-structured written interview that was developed by the researchers and sent electronically to the respondents. The data were presented textually with the insertion of verbatim quotations where necessary while the research findings were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings from the 45 respondents across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria revealed a high level of plagiarism and a moderate level of engagement in curbing the menace by LIS professionals. The study recommends a multifaceted approach to curb plagiarism; comprising information literacy instructions in academic institutions, institutionalised adoption and access to plagiarism detection software and advocacy programmes that promote ethical writing and ICT skills for LIS professionals.
Many Narratives or a Single Voice? The Role of Historical Policy in EU–Russia Relations
Authors: Marzęda-Młynarska Katarzyna
Published: November 2023

The purpose of the article is to analyse the process of change in Russian historical policy from a foreign policy perspective. The article hypothesizes that the historical policy can be considered as an indicator of changes in Russia’s foreign policy, allowing to infer the direction of its future development, playing both an ‘integrative’ and ‘disintegrative’ role. Using the example of the EU, the impact of Russia’s historical policy on the EU’s historical narrative is examined. While in the analysed context the new Russian historical narrative signalled a growing distrust and a more confrontational stance towards the EU (a disintegrative role), its unintended side effect was the construction of a common European historical narrative (an integrative role) pushed by the Central and Eastern European states in response to Russia’s aggressive rhetoric on historical issues, the interpretation of which few years earlier had divided the ‘old’ and ‘new’ member states.
Southwestern Georgia of the 19th Centuries in the Opinion of Foreigners: Analysis of Archival Materials
Authors: Makaradze Emzar , Gogolishvili Otar
Published: November 2023

The historical fate of one of the most critical regions, Southwestern Georgia, is indeed remarkable. This powerful centre of Georgian civilisation, with its historical plight, was forcibly torn off a mother’s bosom and became a part of another state. However, its inhabitants managed to preserve the love and respect for their native language. As a result of the war between Russia and Turkey (1877–1878), the region was reunited with its native land. Still, this time the Caucasian administration of the Russian Empire began to impede its development and tried to set this side against the rest of Georgia. According to Russian officials, it was to become an essential military outpost of Russian expansion in the Middle East and a springboard for the far-reaching plans of the empire.

Foreigners were also interested in this region of Georgia. They repeatedly visited this area and left us remarkable materials about the political, social, economic, cultural and educational life of South-West Georgia of that time (i.e., 19th centuries).
Dummheit, Narrheit, Tollheit
Authors: Sprengel Peter
Published: November 2023

In der literarischen Fehde zwischen Frühromantik und Spätaufklärung kommt es um 1800 zu wechselseitigen Dummheitsvorwürfen, aber auch zur grundsätzlichen Aufwertung nicht-rationalen Denkens bzw. Sprechens als dichterische Inspiration oder Narrenrede. Der erste Teil des Aufsatzes exemplifiziert diese paradoxen Beziehungen an Tiecks Komödie Prinz Zerbino, Kotzebues Satire Der hyperboreeische Esel und den von Varnhagen mitverfassten Testimonia Auctorum de Merkelio. In einem zweiten Schritt wird anhand des Steffens- und Schleiermacher-Schülers Nikolaus Harscher die krisenhafte Zuspitzung des romantischen Subjektivismus vorgeführt: Der ironische Preis von Dummheit und Faulheit und die Zitate aus Shakespeare’schen Narrenreden in Harschers Briefen aus Halle 1807 können kaum die existenzielle Gefährdung verdecken, die später bei ihm zum Wahnsinn führt. Noch in den Goethe-Exzerpten aus Harschers letzter Zeit lässt sich, wie im Schlussteil ausgeführt, die Spur von Erasmus’ Moriae Encomium wiederfinden.
Imbecyl, wiejski głupek, legiony durni
Authors: Maniowska Katarzyna
Published: November 2023

Głupota jest zjawiskiem trudnym do zdefiniowania, ponieważ lubi przybierać rozmaite formy: ignorancji, mentalnego lenistwa, hipokryzji, fanatyzmu. Jeszcze trudniej znaleźć adekwatną ripostę na przejawy głupoty, bowiem wszelkie środki retoryczne użyte w debacie z głupim adwersarzem błędnie zakładają ten sam poziom intelektualny między rozmówcami.
Felietony Umberta Eco zawarte w zbiorach pt. Pape Satàn aleppe staną się punktem wyjścia do rozważań o możliwościach opisania głupoty dostrzeżonej w społeczeństwie włoskim w latach 2000–2015. W niniejszym artykule o charakterze przeglądowym na tle kontekstu społecznego i politycznego zostanie poddane analizie zagadnienie środków stylistycznych użytych przez włoskiego semiotyka. Interpretuje on współczesność w ujęciu porównawczo-historycznym: komentowane wydarzenia są dla Eco oznaką niebezpiecznych procesów politycznych i społecznych.
Stosowane przez Eco takie tropy jak m.in. porównanie, analogia, antyteza, hiperbola, epitet, parodia okazują się być nie tylko intelektualną rozrywką. Eco pomny na niedawną przeszłość Włoch chce przede wszystkim przestrzegać przed konsekwencjami mentalnej indolencji, która już raz doprowadziła do tragedii faszyzmu.
Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) following hip and knee arthroplasty: results and findings of a multidisciplinary approach from a non-specialist prosthetic infection centre
Authors: Awad F , Boktor J , Joseph V , Lewis MH , Silva C , Sarasin S , Lewis PM
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a catastrophic complication following arthroplasty surgery. Recently a debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) procedure has gained popularity for PJI where a thorough debridement, irrigation and modular component exchange is undertaken.

Method

We present the outcome for DAIR, data collected prospectively, in a busy orthopaedic unit but not one specialising in PJI. All patients with PJI were included without loss of data or patients from 2012 to 2018 with a minimum follow-up of 5 years.

Results

Four total knee replacements, 17 total hip replacements, one revision total hip replacement and three hip hemiarthroplasties are included with an average duration from onset of symptoms to the DAIR procedure of 11 days (range 1–22 days). Staphylococcus aureus (24%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (32%) were the most common causative organisms, and the most common antibiotic regimens included intravenous teicoplanin and flucloxacillin. Average follow-up was 67 months (range 9–104 months). Only four patients went on to require revision surgery. An analysis of midterm patient outcome measures for 6 of the total hip replacement (THR) DAIR patients were compared with a database of 792 THRs (with a minimum two-year follow-up) carried out by the same surgeon revealed no significant difference in Oxford hip scores at one-year post-surgery (OHS DAIR 36.2 vs 39 for control group).

Conclusion

This study includes 25 consecutive patients treated with DAIR with only one reinfection, with a mean follow-up period of 5 years. Using a strict protocol, DAIR appears to offer a successful treatment strategy for the management of early PJI.
Optimizing clinical O2 saturation mapping using hyperspectral imaging and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy in the context of epinephrine injection
Authors: Gustafsson Nils , Bunke Josefine , Magnusson Ludvig , Albinsson John , Hérnandez-Palacios Julio , Sheikh Rafi , Malmsjö Malin , Merdasa Aboma
Published: November 2023

Clinical determination of oxygen saturation (sO2) in patients is commonly performed via non-invasive optical techniques. However, reliance on a few wavelengths and some form of pre-determined calibration introduces limits to how these methods can be used. One example involves the assessment of sO2 after injection of local anesthetic using epinephrine, where some controversy exists around the time it takes for the epinephrine to have an effect. This is likely caused by a change in the tissue environment not accounted for by standard calibrated instruments and conventional analysis techniques. The present study aims to account for this changing environment by acquiring absorption spectra using hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) before, during, and after the injection of local anesthesia containing epinephrine in human volunteers. We demonstrate the need to account for multiple absorbing species when applying linear spectral unmixing in order to obtain more clinically relevant sO2 values. In particular, we demonstrate how the inclusion of water absorption greatly affects the rate at which sO2 seemingly drops, which in turn sheds light on the current debate regarding the time required for local anesthesia with epinephrine to have an effect. In general, this work provides important insight into how spectral analysis methods need to be adapted to specific clinical scenarios to more accurately assess sO2.
Universal angular-dispersion synthesizer
Authors: Hall Layton A. , Abouraddy Ayman F.
Published: November 2023

We uncover a surprising gap in optics with regards to angular dispersion (AD). A systematic examination of pulsed optical field configurations classified according to their three lowest dispersion orders resulting from AD (the axial phase velocity, group velocity, and group-velocity dispersion) reveals that the majority of possible classes of fields have eluded optics thus far. This gap is due in part to the limited technical reach of the standard components that provide AD such as gratings and prisms, but due in part also to misconceptions regarding the set of physically admissible field configurations that can be accessed via AD. For example, it has long been thought that AD cannot yield normal group-velocity dispersion in free space. We introduce a “universal AD synthesizer”: a pulsed-beam shaper that produces a wavelength-dependent propagation angle with arbitrary spectral profile, thereby enabling access to all physically admissible field configurations realizable via AD. This universal AD synthesizer is a versatile tool for preparing pulsed optical fields for dispersion cancellation, optical signal processing, and nonlinear optics.
Data-driven inverse design of mode-locked fiber lasers
Authors: Fang Zhiwei , Pu Guoqing , Xu Yongxin , Hu Weisheng , Yi Lilin
Published: November 2023

The diverse applications of mode-locked fiber lasers (MLFLs) raise various demands on the output of the laser, including the pulse duration, energy, and shape. Simulation is an excellent method to guide the design and construction of an MLFL for on-demand laser output. Traditional simulation of an MLFL uses the split-step Fourier method (SSFM) to solve the nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation, which suffers from high computational complexity. As a result, the inverse design of MLFLs via the traditional SSFM-based simulation method relies on the design experience. Here, a completely data-driven approach for the inverse design of MLFLs is proposed, which significantly reduces the computational complexity and achieves a fast automatic inverse design of MLFLs. We utilize a recurrent neural network to realize fast and accurate MLFL modeling, then the desired cavity settings meeting the output demands are searched via a deep-reinforcement learning algorithm. The results prove that the data-driven method enables the accurate inverse design of an MLFL to produce a preset target femtosecond pulse with a certain duration and pulse energy. In addition, the cavity settings generating soliton molecules with different target separations can also be located via the data-driven inverse design. With the GPU acceleration, the time consumption of the data-driven inverse design of an MLFL is less than 1.3 hours. The proposed data-driven approach is applicable to guide the inverse design of an MLFL to meet the different demands of various applications.
Temperature investigation of low SWaP thulium-doped fiber lasers
Authors: Panitzek Dieter , Romano Clément , Eichhorn Marc , Kieleck Christelle
Published: November 2023

We investigate the temperature dependence of an in-band core-pumped thulium-doped fiber laser with a low SWaP (size, weight, and power) architecture. The temperature investigation is carried out both experimentally and numerically by a simulation model. We demonstrate experimentally that the investigated setup is resistant for temperatures till 353 K. In addition, we explain the observed behavior by considering the temperature depended spectroscopic parameters of thulium-doped silica fibers. Finally, a numerical investigation is carried out for higher temperatures up to 573 K and higher output powers up to 12 W as well as for different wavelengths and show that the considered fiber lasers works still efficient at these temperature ranges. We show the reliability of the considered thulium-doped fiber laser architecture for applications in harsh environment.
Enhancing microstructure and device performance of InGaN quantum dot micro-LEDs through substrate off-cut angle modulation
Authors: Gu Ying , Gong Yi , Zhang Fan , Zhang Peng , Hua Haowen , Jin Shan , Yang Wenxian , Zhu Jianjun , Lu Shulong
Published: November 2023

InGaN quantum dots (QDs) are regarded as a compelling candidate material for the fabrication of high-quality GaN-based micro-LEDs. In this work, to study the impact of a substrate structure on InGaN QDs and QD-based micro-LEDs, GaN-on-sapphire substrates with off-cut angles toward the a-axis of 0.2°, 0.4°, and 0.7° were utilized as templates for the fabrication of InGaN QDs and InGaN QDs-based micro-LEDs. Experimental results show that GaN template with 0.4° off-cut angle exhibits the narrowest terrace width and enables InGaN QDs to be higher and more uniform. The InGaN QD sample grown on 0.4° substrate has a very small wavelength shift of 2.5 nm with temperature increasing and owns the longest photoluminescence peak wavelength implying the highest In content. Furthermore, electroluminescence (EL) spectra demonstrate that QD-based micro-LED array has excellent wavelength stability under various injection currents, and the stability can be improved further on a GaN template with narrower terraces. The results indicate that altering the terrace width of GaN template is a feasible scheme for improving the properties of GaN-based micro-LEDs.