bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of DRG-based management of healthcare facilities on amenable mortality in the European Union
Authors: Briestensky Rastislav , Ključnikov Aleksandr
Published: June 2021

The quality of healthcare management can have a significant impact on the healthcare results achieved. Results of hospital treatment are directly related to the patient’s health and quality of life, thus, it is necessary to examine the impact of different managerial approaches, including the ones related to financing, on indicators of healthcare provision. This article aims to determine whether there is a dependency between DRG-based (diagnosis-related groups) management of healthcare facilities and amenable mortality in the EU countries. Health expenditure per capita was measured in current international $, the number of doctors, nurses, and beds per 1,000 inhabitants were determined as the input factors, while amenable mortality was determined as the outcome factor. The order of the efficiency of the input-output ratio of individual countries was defined using DEA analysis. Subsequently, the countries with the own healthcare financing method were ranked versus the countries with DRG-based management and financing by the mean value between groups using the Mann-Whitney U-test, while no statistically significant dependence was found between them (p-value is 0.522-0.976 for 2012–2017). Thus, even though DRG-based hospital management has various expected benefits, such as better managerial efficiency and transparency of financing, this approach to healthcare financing and management does not significantly impact amenable mortality.
Potential influence of climate and land-use changes on green water security in a semi-arid catchment
Authors: Abbasi Alireza , Amirabadizadeh Mahdi , Afshar Amirhosein Aghakhani , Yaghoobzadeh Mostafa
Published: June 2021

Temporal and spatial changes of green water (GW) security due to climate and land-use/land-cover (LULC) changes can be used to make the best decisions for sustainable GW management. In this study, simultaneous effects of climate and LULC changes on water resources in Kashafrood Basin were evaluated using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). A land change modeler was set up to monitor LULC, assess changes and make predictions. The MIROC-ESM model derived from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 under two representative concentration pathway (RCP) emission scenarios RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 was applied to evaluate the effects of climate change. Two indices of GW-Scarcity and GW-Vulnerability, representing GW-Security, were quantified using the GW-Footprint concept in Kashafrood Basin. The results show that the annual average of blue water was predicted to increase by 142–350%, and GW storage and the annual averages of GW flow were predicted to decrease by 12–65 and 8–20%, respectively, depending on emission scenarios and time. The GW-Security estimates in the entire basin suggest a better condition in the future by indicating 24–45 and 16–52% decreases in GW-Scarcity and GW-Vulnerability, respectively, depending on emission scenarios and time.
Effect of urban underlying surface change on stormwater runoff process based on the SWMM and Green-Ampt infiltration model
Authors: Zhao Gaolei , Wan Yanlei , Lei Zhiwen , Liang Ruifeng , Li Kefeng , Pu Xunchi
Published: June 2021

The acceleration of urbanization has brought significant changes to the urban underlying surface. As a result, the flood disaster caused by stormwater runoff has become increasingly prominent. The infiltration function of the permeable area can lead to flood disasters, but the extent and depth of the effect are still unclear. Therefore, based on the storm water management model (SWMM) and Green-Ampt infiltration model, this paper discussed the effect of improving soil saturated hydraulic conductivity (SSHC) and soil capillary suction head (SCSH) on the stormwater runoff process. The results show that the increase in SSHC and SCSH can significantly reduce runoff and increase infiltration. However, the improvement of SSHC can more effectively alleviate flood disasters compared with the improvement of SCSH. The change of SSHC has a significant effect on the stormwater runoff with a critical SSHC value while the effect can be ignored. In addition, there is a cross value; when the value of SSHC and SCSH is larger than the cross value, the difference between SSHC and SCSH in reducing runoff duration no longer exists. The critical value and cross value are not constant but change with the change of rainfall intensity.
Cesarean Section Rates before and after the Implementation of Health Sector
Evolution Plan in Iran: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Authors: Khazaei Leyla , Alipour Abbas , Khodakarim Soheila
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Today, the issue that is challenging cesarean delivery is its overuse as the
conventional method of birth in the world, especially in developing countries. The Iranian health
system implemented the Health Sector Evolution Plan (HSEP) in 2014 to reduce CS rates.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of the implementation of the HSEP
on the rate of CS in an Iranian subpopulation (Qom province) in 13 years.

Methods:

In this longitudinal retrospective study, the trend of CS rate over 13 years (2005-2017)
in Qom province has been studied by using an interrupted time series analysis.

Results:

In the period after implementation of the HSEP, the rate of CS decreases by 0.1% monthly
compared to the previous period, which was not statistically significant. This trend is more definite
among governmental hospitals. In contrast, the pattern observed in non-governmental hospitals
has a monthly increased trend.

Conclusion :

After more than four years of implementation of the HSEP, it has not been able to significantly
reduce the overall CSs during this period in Qom province and has failed to reach the
plan's goals.
Proposing an underwater exercise program to increase respiratory muscle strength in the elderly
Authors: Yamashina Yoshihiro , Aoyama Hiroki
Published: June 2021

Ageing societies are more and more common across the world, placing growing emphasis on elderly care. Although elderly care has been implemented, these systems were developed prior to the growth in ageing societies and, in addition, life expectancies have since increased which means
that elderly people require care for longer. It is not enough to focus on the ease of provision of care and extending life, elderly care must also focus on improving health and wellbeing and elevating quality of life. These standards of care will also be applicable to disabled people and help
create healthier societies. Professor Yoshihiro Yamashina and Hiroki Aoyama, Aino University, Japan, are introducing more effective, low impact exercises in order to improve elderly care, with a specific focus on enhancing respiratory muscle strength. This could help reduce the risk of diseases
such as atelectasis and pneumonia and is important because pneumonia is a common cause of suffering and death in the elderly population. For those who are unable to undertake high impact sport, such as the elderly and people with injuries or chronic pain, aquatic exercises are effective. Yamashina
and Aoyama are working to better understand how water can be used to strengthen the respiratory muscles.
Five science strategies for tackling socio-political COVID-19 fallout
Authors: Annette Lucy
Published: June 2021

On 31 December 2019, the World Health Organization was informed of a viral pneumonia that was 10 days later identified as a novel coronavirus. An unprecedented pandemic ensued and tackling the virus and managing its repercussions has since been a priority for researchers and policy
makers worldwide. The virus has taken lives, jobs and homes have been lost, and ways of life have been completely upended. The virus has created challenges and caused destruction and with a view to aiding recovery, the United Nations (UN) has published its Framework for the Immediate Socio-Economic
Response to COVID-19. This includes the UN Research Roadmap for the COVID-19 Recovery, which highlights how countries across the globe can work together to develop strategies informed by science and evidence. In response to the complexity of COVID-19, the roadmap comprises several interrelated
strands, including a focus on science strategies to merge and unite research and information. The roadmap has identified five scientific strategies to ensure science can be effectively applied to key challenges. These are: data infrastructure, implementation science, rapid learning systems,
knowledge mobilisation and science of science.
Development of self-care acquisition support program for school children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Sugimura Atsushi
Published: June 2021

The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis (AD). This skin condition is prevalent among children but can affect people of any age, causing dryness, itchiness and soreness. In Japan, around 10 per cent of children are thought to have AD. In order to manage the condition, daily
skincare is important and, when it comes to children, providing educational interventions to parents has been found to be effective. Yet, this type of education is not always readily available. Atsushi Sugimura, Faculty of Nursing, Tokai University School of Medicine, Japan, wants to change
this and is working to promote the importance of self-care in the management of AD, with a view to improving the skin condition of school children with AD and also benefiting their parents. This research involves conducting interviews and questionnaires with school children and their parents
in order to discern how children can be supported in self care. The researchers will use their findings to develop a self-care acquisition support programme. A key goal of this work is to foster independence in school children, encouraging them to take responsibility for their skin and look
after it appropriately. Therefore, Sugimura and the team explored the relationship between school children's independence and parental care attitudes and found that when parental attitudes were restrictive, the care attitude of children was low. However, the researchers are considering the
limitations to interpreting causality and therefore will continue to investigate this relationship.
Development of a scale for nurses to assess their own shift leadership behaviours and factors associated with shift leadership behaviours.
Authors: Kitajima Hiroko
Published: June 2021

Nursing is a mentally and physically demanding job and the industry is particularly strained in Japan. Assistant Professor Hiroko Kitajima, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Medical and Welfare Saitama Prefectural University, Japan, believes improving nurses' time management
skills would be beneficial for the work-life balance and mental health of nurses, as well as patient care. Kitajima is filling a research gap with her work as there is a lack of research on the leadership ability of work zone leaders, aka non-titled nurses that assume responsibility. She and
her team have developed a scale for nurses to assess their own shift leadership behaviours and factors associated with shift leadership behaviours called the 'Nurse's Work Shift Leadership Behavior Evaluation Scale' and are verifying the reliability and validity of the scale in a project called
'Development of Nurses' Work Zone Leadership Evaluation Scale and Factors Affecting Work Zone Leadership'. Important collaborators on this research are Professor Eiko Suzuki, Assistant Professor Maki Matsuo and Assistant Professor Takae Machida. The researchers are adapting an existing scale
called the Development of the Self-evaluation Scale on Role Performance of Shift Leader Nurse' that was developed by Yamashina et. al. in 2011 and are focused on reducing the number of items and using the Katz model, which outlines three key personal skill sets for successful leaders: technical
skills, human skills and conceptual skills. Ultimately, Kitajima and the team are developing a programme based on empirical research that promotes the leadership of nurses in the work zone.
APPLICATION OF WEB BASED TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF AUTOMATED SMART CITY SERVICES
Authors: Lalić Dejan , Sajić Mirko , Vidović Željko , Kuzmić Goran , Bundalo Dušanka , Bundalo Zlatko
Published: June 2021

The paper considers, proposes and describes possibilities and methods to solve problems in providing services in smart cities, where citizens have to appear in person in the city or municipality premises or at the teller/counter of the institution. In this way, by using information and telecommunication technologies, Web based solutions and Internet, citizens obtain services online, from their homes or working places, using all types of their PC equipment or smart mobile telephone, and do not waste their time in the city or municipality premises. Their contacts are also reduced, which is very important in the context of actual Corona virus pandemic. The services are provided and charged automatically and online. No cash is used, which is also a potential carrier of the Corona virus. The proposed method and proposed solution are based on application of the specially developed algorithm for service automation, developed and implemented adequate software application and designed hardware solution that fully supports the software solution and the process of service delivery automation.  The proposed system decreases costs and increases availability, quality and speed of services realization in smart cities and municipalities. Also, the proposed solution uses reliable methods for identification and authentication of a person using a service. For identification are used pictures, taken by a Web camera or a smart mobile telephone, of an identity document and of the face of the user and appropriate software for text and face recognition.
AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THIRD-BODY PARTICLE TRANSPORT IN SLIDING CONTACT
Authors: Li Qiang , Lyashenko Iakov A. , Starcevic Jasminka
Published: June 2021

An experiment is designed to study the third-body particle transport in a rough contact. To study the influence of particles in a pure form, it is assured that the first bodies have no contact and the sliding is very slow, so that the process can be considered as quasistatic. An example of sliding contact of a 3D printed “rough body” on small spheres artificially located on a rubber layer is presented. The trajectory of particles during the sliding is captured for studying their movement and the correlation to the fluctuation of normal and tangential force.
A FRACTURE-INDUCED ADHESIVE WEAR CRITERION AND ITS APPLICATION TO THE SIMULATION OF WEAR PROCESS OF THE POINT CONTACTS UNDER MIXED LUBRICATION CONDITION
Authors: Cao Hui , Tian Yu , Meng Yonggang
Published: June 2021

Adhesive wear is one of the four major wear mechanisms and very common in almost all macro-, micro- or nanotribosystems. In an adhesive wear process, tiny material fragments are pulled off from one sliding surface and adhered onto the counterpart. Later these fragments form loose particles or transfer between the contact surfaces. Because of the topographical and physicochemical property non-uniformity of engineering surfaces, adhesive wear happens heterogeneously on the loaded sliding surfaces, and it is also discontinuous during sliding or rolling motion owing to the damage accumulation and fracture occurred inside the subsurface layers. Taking account of these characteristics, a novel fracture-induced adhesive wear criterion has been proposed in this study in order to predict local wear of material in sliding. Moreover, the proposed wear criterion is applied to predicting wear particle formation and morphology evolution of mixed lubricated rough surfaces during reciprocating sliding, and the simulation results are compared with the ball-on-disk experimental measurements.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AS MODERN CURRICULUM INNOVATION IN SERBIA, MONTENEGRO AND CROATIA
Authors: Vukić Tamara , Jovanović Marija , Todorović Dragan
Published: June 2021

Education for sustainable development, as an imperative of this day and age, has become an integral part of the curriculum in many education systems. The focus of this paper is education for sustainable development in Montenegro, Croatia and Serbia, with a particular emphasis on the goals and objectives of education for sustainable development. After presenting the specifics of sustainable development at the primary and secondary level of education in these countries, a comparative analysis of learning goals and objectives was conducted between the curriculum of the elective course Education for Sustainable Development in Serbia, interdisciplinary area Education for Sustainable Development in Montenegro and interdisciplinary topic Sustainable Development in Croatia. This comparative analysis established that the goals of education for sustainable development in all three cases are aimed at developing an active and responsible attitude of students towards other people, the environment, taking into account the future perspective, and that the goals and objectives of education for sustainable development in Montenegro and Croatia are more extensive and meaningful compared to the goals and objectives of the elective course Education for Sustainable Development in Serbia. Even though the goals and objectives of the new elective course, interdisciplinary topics and interdisciplinary areas specifically focused on sustainable development represent curriculum innovation in Serbia, Montenegro and Croatia, defining them is only a starting point for activities aimed at educating students to live and work in a modern society that is required to become sustainable.
THE PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF INFERTILITY
Authors: Opsenica Kostić Jelena
Published: June 2021

Editorial: The Psychosocial Aspects of Infertility
POSSIBILITY OF ORGANIC WASTE INCLUSION AND IMPLEMENTATION IN A CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEM
Authors: Momčilović Ana , Stefanović Gordana , Rajković Predrag , Milutinović Biljana , Savić Dragiša
Published: June 2021

Organic waste represents a challenging type of waste for implementation in the flows of a circular economy.  The main idea of the paper is the assessment of the inclusion possibility of different types of organic waste generated in one area into the flows of the circular economy. For this purpose, a mathematical model was developed and applied. Based on the mathematical model, the optimum mixing ratio of the several organic waste fractions, which will be subjected to the anaerobic digestion treatment and composting, is determined. Developed scenarios are based on the organic waste types and quantities available in the considered area. In each of the scenarios, process products, in the form of biogas and compost, are introduced into the flows of the circular economy. Based on the inputs and outputs in developed scenarios, the efficiency of the circular economy for each scenario is determined.
WORKER SAFETY DURING EXCAVATION AND TRENCHING CONSTRUCTION WORK
Authors: Radosavljević Jasmina , Vukadinović Ana , Đorđević Amelija
Published: June 2021

Earthworks are the integral part of any construction work in civil engineering and building construction. The construction activities performed during earthworks include the following: excavation, earthmoving, earth transport, and earth compaction. During earthworks, the excavation site is subject to harmful, flammable, or hazardous materials, damage to underground installations, the collapse of the earth, and many more risks. Therefore, construction work for trenching and excavation requires the implementation of adequate safety measures. This paper discusses the safety measures for workers during earthworks that involve excavations up to and exceeding one meter in depth.
CAN CLOSE COOPERATION BETWEEN ESP/CLIL EXPERTS AND DISCIPLINARY TEACHERS IN HIGHER EDUCATION LEAD TO FOSTERING ENGLISH EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT.
Authors: Hurajová Ľudmila
Published: June 2021

Current challenges and issues are so complex that without a close, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary cooperation it is very difficult or even impossible to solve and find innovative approaches to them. We are living in the era of big data, artificial intelligence and also virtual reality which are changing the paradigm of all our living including education. As far as communication within multidisciplinary and multinational working teams is concerned, English has become a preferable language that is used worldwide including academia and research. In non-English speaking countries Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have faced very similar challenge how to foster establishing English Education Environment (EEE). Most of their students speak different language and their level of English competence differs. Likewise, disciplinary teachers’ (DTs’) English competence and readiness to teach their courses in English vary. This contribution describes the project (Visegrad+) of HEIs from Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Albania and Serbia, intended to study if Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and close cooperation between ESP/CLIL experts and DTs can result in effective English learning-teaching environment. The main project outcome – web platform for ESP/ CLIL and DTs communities is presented. Finally, as far as interdisciplinary teacher cooperation is concerned, some observations during COVID19 pandemic are illustrated.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT OF CRITICAL READING SKILLS IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN RUSSIA IN THE CONTEXT OF EMERGENCY REMOTE TEACHING
Authors: Antonova Ksenia , Tyrkheeva Nadezhda
Published: June 2021

The paper considers the role of formative assessment of critical reading skills within the framework of distance education in conditions of emergency remote teaching English as a foreign language. A model of descriptors for assessment of critical reading skills at 4 levels of language competence and 3 levels of university education has been developed and tested on undergraduate and postgraduate students majoring in Economics, IT and the Humanities in Saint-Petersburg State University of Economics. The model has been tested and conclusions have been made about the effectiveness of formative assessment as a supplementary/helpful tool for the development of critical reading skills in emergency learning conditions of COVID pandemic.
TEACHING WRITING AND ERROR CORRECTION IN AN ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES CLASSROOM IN 2014-2020 IN UKRAINE
Authors: Didenko Iryna , Zhukova Nataliia
Published: June 2021

. Before 2014 teaching writing in the English for Specific Purposes course at Ukrainian universities was pretty similar to the General English course at secondary schools with strong emphasis on grammar. But the British Council “English for Universities” project started in 2014 in Ukraine triggered dramatic changes in teaching writing and error correction in an ESP class. Namely, catering the course for meeting the learners’ needs, identifying the genres to focus on, using three approaches to teaching writing: product, process and social-constructionist approaches, peer-learning and proofreading, emphasis on developing writing sub-skills rather than polishing grammar, introducing brand-new approach to assessment and evaluation of a piece of writing (peer evaluation and assessment, introducing the system of clear and concise criteria for assessment). The article describes not only the changes that were introduced, but also the impact of these changes on the readiness of graduates and students to function successfully in a professional environment relying on their feedback. The results of a quantitative research conducted in 4 focus groups: 30 (20+10) Master’s degree students and 30 (20+10) 1st-year Bachelor’s degree students from two universities of Ukraine are depicted.
ПРИПРЕМА БУДУЋИХ УЧИТЕЉА И ПРОБЛЕМ ФОРМИРАЊА КУЛТУРНОГ ИДЕНТИТЕТА
Authors: Trifunović Vesna , Zdravković Danijela , Stanojević Dragana
Published: June 2021

In the Republic of Serbia, education reforms have been implemented since 2000 with the aim of harmonizing this important field of society with the so-called European Education Area. The whole range of changes lawfully adopted and applied in practice at all levels of institutionalized education is mainly directed towards the standardization and unification of "domestic" education with the educational paradigms of a neoliberal society. Maintaining the continuity of cultural development and the formation of cultural identity are important issues for overall social development, and they are not given proper attention in the education strategy. In addition to that, the institutional preparation of future teachers does not sufficiently focus on this issue.In this paper we consider: (1) the normative framework that regulates the field of primary education and the formation of cultural identity in the Republic of Serbia, (2) the factors influencing the process of training future teachers for the formation of cultural identity and (3) the teachers’ competencies as a support to the formation of the cultural identity of younger school-age children.The importance of the harmonization of the basic guidelines of the normative framework regulating primary education and the formation of cultural identity with the basic intentions of preparing future teachers is emphasized. Especially from the perspective of the role of teachers in the process of establishing and preserving the cultural identity of generations reaching compulsory primary education in the context of intergenerational transmission of culture, cultural patterns and values. At the same time, the paper emphasizes the insufficient presence of content in the education of future teachers that would adequately prepare them for understanding the complex problem of forming a cultural identity.The authors point out the importance of the groundedness of future teachers’ preparation in terms of their academic knowledge of society, history and culture. The aim of the paper is to emphasize the importance of developing teachers’ competencies necessary for understanding identity issues and forming a cultural identity.The paper employs the descriptive-analytical method.
UBLIC THEATRE’S SOCIAL ROLE AND ITS AUDIENCE
Authors: Markovic Božović Ksenija
Published: June 2021

Today, public theatre is directed toward adapting to its contemporary socio-economic context. In doing this, it is trying to preserve its artistic values and at the same time fulfill and diversify its social functions and missions. When we talk about public theatre’s social function, i.e. the public value it produces, some of the main issues concern its contribution to the most pressing social matters. In general, these issues concern public theatre’s role in strengthening social cohesion, cultural emancipation and social inclusion, its role in the process of opening dialogues, revising formal history and re-examining traditional forms of thinking. Fulfilment of these functions is strongly linked with the character of public theatre’s audiences. In more practical terms, the scope of public theatre’s social influence is dependent on how homogenous its audiences are. If one considers artistic organizations’ need for sustainability as a key factor in their need for constantly widening their audience, and particularly the inclusion of “others” (those not belonging to the dominant cultural group), in the context of contemporary society’s need for social and cultural inclusion, then the task of today’s public theatres becomes rather difficult. Simply said, there are too many needs to be met at the same time. The main questions this paper is asking is: to what extent do Belgrade’s public theatres understand the importance of diversifying its audiences, and how do they perceive their social role? Starting from the fact that human capital is the primary resource and success factor of any theatre organization, we explore in what manner management and employees in these theatres address these issues, i.e. how they redefine theatre’s social role and attract audiences that do not fit the dominant theatre audience model.
A DOCTRINAL JUSTIFICATION OF THE INSTITUTION OF COMPULSORY SHARE IN MODERN LEGISLATURE
Authors: Krstić Novak
Published: June 2021

In terms of content, compulsory share is the most efficient and effective testation restriction. In the European Continental legal systems, this institution allows a testator’s family members to inherit a legally defined portion of the inheritance against the testator’s will. In modern legal theory and practice, the question is increasingly raised regarding the justifiability of guaranteeing the compulsory share. Views advocating a comprehensive restriction, even an outright abolition, of this institution are gaining prominence, arguing as they are for each individual to thus be able to fully exercise their property rights as they see fit. Although this has been the subject of fierce debate in legal circles recently, one must bear in mind that the compulsory share is a very important inheritance law institution with multiple functions, and that it should not be called into question in Europe. Therefore, the present author outlines the classical theories justifying the existence of the institution of compulsory share, analyses their basic tenets and ideas, and goes on to put forward his observations regarding which arguments can be used to defend regulating compulsory inheritance in modern legal systems.
УЛОГА АКЦИОНОГ ИСТРАЖИВАЊА У ПРЕВЕНЦИЈИ НАСИЉА У ШКОЛАМА – ПРИМЕР РЕФЛЕКСИВНЕ ПРАКСЕ
Authors: Maksimović Jelena , Stojanović Danijela , Osmanović Jelena
Published: June 2021

The aim of the action research conducted is focused on professional training and creating a favorable climate in the classroom for the development of each student. The paper emphasises how important and efficient action researches are in improving teachers’ reflective practice, as well as in providing support for its practical application. The research presented in this paper involved four stages of action research: teachers’ training, creation and realization of activities, evaluation of teachers and students and of the complete programme, as well. The formative evaluation was done by means of the questionnaire for the assessment of the accomplishments of workshop activities and interview conducted with the teachers after each of the activity was completed. The summation evaluation was done by means of the questionnaire for the assessment of the initial knowledge of the students and the ultimate knowledge they acquired regarding types and forms of violence, and reacting to and reporting peer violence. Finally, third questionnaire was used for the self-assessment of the teachers’ practice. The workshop activities included: active methods, the method of experiential learning, cooperative and problem method. The activities were realized through simultaneous individual activities, work in small groups, group discussions, talking circles and frontal forms of work. The results obtained showed positive changes among teachers regarding the acquisition of knowledge related to the preventive measures against peer violence. With regard to the students, the observed changes were related to their expansion of knowledge about violence, improvement of their mutual cooperation and higher level of tolerance in resolving conflicts.
STUDENT LEADERS ON BOLOGNA PROCESS IMPLEMENTATION – ADVANTAGES, SHORTCOMINGS AND PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Gajic Jelena , Savkovic Marina , Borovčanin Dušan
Published: June 2021

Almost two decades after the implementation of the Bologna Process in higher education around the world, the question of the applicability, justification and effectiveness of reforms implemented globally arises. The aim of this paper is to explore the attitudes, optimism versus pessimism, more precisely student representatives’"mood" regarding the implementation of the Bologna Process and Bologna tools. The overall sample consists of student representatives from 17 European Higher Education Area countries. The results of the research should be a step towards further higher education reforms, or, more precisely, a proposal to modify the existing plans, bearing in mind the different conditions and characteristics of the countries where they are implemented and their willingness to accept the reforms. The results indicate that mobility, diploma supplements and quality assurance are the most positive aspects of BP and employability, the social dimension and the financing model of higher education are weak points of BP.
РЕПРОДУКТИВНО ЗДРАВЉЕ ЖЕНА СА ОШТЕЋЕЊЕМ ВИДА
Authors: Jablan Branka , Sjeničić Marta
Published: June 2021

Results of numerous studies emphasize insufficient system efficacy in the realization of reproductive rights of women with disabilities. These women usually claim that the services related to this area are often unreachable and inaccessible, that they lack the information on reproductive health in the necessary form, that they encounter stereotypes and prejudices related to their sexuality and their realization in the role of a partner in a relationship and marriage. Visually impaired women are especially sensitive to this topic. Therefore, it often happens that they ignore certain health problems, contact the gynecologist too late, which can lead to late diagnosis. One of the impressions is also that the level of their knowledge about reproductive health increases with the number of their interactions and informal education through mass media.The aim of this paper is to depict the existing international and national normative frame which regulates the reproductive health of women with disabilities and to emphasize the problems related to the reproductive health of visually impaired women. It will also provide recommendations for amendments of the national normative frame.
Evaluación comparativa de un método de doma humanitaria y uno tradicional para el caballo de silla colombiano
Authors: Hoyos-Patiño Johann Fernando , Suárez-Salazar Juan Carlos , Estrada-Cely Gloria Elena
Published: June 2021

La presente investigación tuvo como propósito la comparación de dos métodos de doma: el tradicional y el humanitario, evaluando sus efectos sobre parámetros conductuales y fisiológicos en 32 potros Criollos Colombianos, distribuidos equitativa y aleatoriamente para cada tipo de doma.
 
El estudio comportamental se desarrolló mediante el método observacional de registro continuo de tiempo pre y post doma, a partir del seguimiento de cuatro parámetros actitudinales o conductuales en los especímenes, que fueron: atención, desconfianza, agresividad y obediencia; y el fisiológico fue desarrollado a partir del seguimiento de la frecuencia cardiaca, respiratoria, temperatura rectal, glucosa, leucocitos, linfocitos, monocitos y hemoglobina. El análisis de los resultados demostró que aunque por ambos métodos se obtienen éxito en el proceso de doma, mediante la humanitaria se producen potros dóciles y relajados, menos expuestos a la presencia de enfermedades, mientras en la tradicional, potros temerosos y asustadizos.
Gestión de casos: adaptación para pacientes pluripatológicos y cuidadores en Colombia
Authors: Hernandez-Zambrano Sandra Milena , Carreño-Moreno Sonia Patricia , Castiblanco-Montañez Ruth Alexandra , Mesa-Melgarejo Lorena , Chaparro-Diaz Lorena , Carrillo-Algarra Ana Julia , Gonzalo-Jiménez Elena
Published: June 2021

Objetivo: Identificar puntos de consenso de tomadores de decisiones, profesionales, y usuarios, frente a aspectos fundamentales que debe contener un Modelo de Gestión de Casos en el contexto colombiano, para atender personas en situación de pluripatología y sus cuidadores familiares. Método: Estudio descriptivo, Método consenso entre expertos, muestreo por conveniencia. Se realizó técnica Delphi de tiempo real en dos rondas. El análisis incluyó promedios aritméticos para determinar las propuestas más importantes y gobernables. Resultados: Participaron 25 expertos en la primera ronda y 23 en la segunda. Se obtuvo mayor consenso en: Mayor disponibilidad de recursos económicos para garantizar infraestructura y recursos humanos suficientes; cualificación de recurso humano; potenciar la figura de la enfermera gestora de casos; implementación de rutas de atención integrales; sistemas de información que faciliten el tránsito y conexión de los usuarios; planes de alta y vinculación de actores sociales para fomentar la autogestión. Conclusión: La adaptación del Modelo de GC en el sistema de aseguramiento colombiano, permitió identificar factores sustanciales para implementarlo en los niveles macro, meso y micro del sistema de salud, reconocido por los actores como altamente fragmentado.
Aportes de Richard Rorty para la organización de una biblioteca pública
Authors: Ramirez JuanJosé
Published: June 2021

En el contexto del neopragmatismo de Richard Rorty, se analiza una propuesta alternativa a los criterios habituales para la organización de una biblioteca. Se pretende mostrar cómo, en el marco de esa proposición, pueden catalogarse textos en función de sus usos y cómo las denominadas obras de ficción pueden constituirse en un aporte útil para una educación democrática.
En la historia de la cultura, existen textos con propósitos muy diferentes. Encontramos escritos cuya intención apunta a promover un determinado tipo de conducta para la vida pública y textos que buscan satisfacer el deseo de la autonomía privada de los individuos. Entre los primeros, están, entre otros, los tratados filosóficos, los manuales de conducta moral y el tipo de escritos que prescriben conductas deseables parala vida pública; entre los segundos, podemos encontrar las denominadas obras de ficción y ensayos cuya intención es mostrar, con minuciosidad, cómo se desenvuelven
algunas formas de vida en la búsqueda de la perfección privada. El presente trabajo sugiere la posibilidad de que los tratados filosóficos y las grandes obras teológicas, lo mismo que los manuales de moral o los escritos científicos, pueden ser considerados como contribuciones para nuestras fantasías privadas; mientras que géneros como la novela, el cuento o los ensayos periodísticos pueden resultar particularmente provechosos para estimular conductas sociales.
Interaction of anxiety, depression and hypertension on quality of life in patients with gynecological tumor and the moderating effect of social support
Authors: Gu ZhiHui , Wu Hui
Published: June 2021

Objective: To explore the effect of anxiety, depression and hypertension
on quality of life (QOL) of patients with gynecological tumor and the
interaction among them, and the moderating effect of social support.
Design: Cross-sectional design Setting: December 2019 to July 2020, the
COVID-19 outbreak phase. Population or Sample: A total of 695
gynecological cancer patients were collected. Methods: The study used
the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Self-Rating Depression Scale
(SDS), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Genera tool (FACT-G),
and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Scale
(MSPSS). Regression analysis and the simple slope analysis were
conducted. Results: QOL of patients with anxiety and hypertension had
seriously deteriorated [OR=10.297, 95%CI (5.647-18.775)]. And QOL
of patients with depression and hypertension also had seriously
deteriorated [OR=11.846, 95%CI (6.597-21.271)]. Calculated by
crossover analysis, the synergy index, attributable proportion and
relative excess risk due to interact of anxiety and hypertension
were1.698,0.371 and 3.822, and the correlation index of interaction
between depression and hypertension were 1.475, 0.295, and 3.493. The
Social Support &Depression interaction term and Social Support
&Anxiety interaction term were negatively correlated with QOL
(p<0.01), and explained an extra 5.7% and 5.6% of the
variance respectively (p<0.01). Conclusion: Anxiety,
depression and hypertension have interaction on the QOL of patients with
gynecological tumors. Social support can significantly moderate the
relationship between depression, anxiety and QOL respectively. Funding:
National Key R&D Program of China (Grant #2018YFC1311600). Keywords:
quality of life, depression, anxiety, social support, hypertension,
moderating effect
Impacts of anthropogenic change on biodiversity affect disease spillover risk
Authors: Glidden Caroline K , Nova Nicole , Kain Morgan P , Lagerstrom Katherine M , Skinner Eloise B , Mandle Lisa , Sokolow Susanne H , Plowright Raina K , Dirzo Rodolfo , Leo Giulio A De , Mordecai Erin A
Published: June 2021

The integration of biodiversity conservation and public health has
gained significant traction, leading to new efforts to identify win-win
solutions for sustainable development and health. At the forefront of
these efforts is pinpointing ways that biodiversity conservation can
reduce risk of zoonotic spillover, especially given the consequences of
pandemics and epidemics of wild animal origin. However, there is
currently an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms by which
biodiversity change influences the spillover process, limiting the
application of integrated strategies aimed at achieving positive
outcomes for both conservation and disease management. One limitation
has been a narrow focus on the relationship between infectious disease
and species richness only, thus missing other relevant dimensions of
biodiversity. Here, we review the literature, considering a broad scope
of biodiversity definitions, to identify cases where zoonotic pathogen
spillover is mechanistically linked to changes in biodiversity.
Extending biodiversity to include other dimensions of it, such as
functional diversity, landscape diversity, spatiotemporal diversity, and
interaction diversity, allows us to identify potential relationships
between biodiversity change and zoonotic spillover. By reframing the
discussion of biodiversity and disease using mechanistic evidence while
encompassing multiple dimensions of biodiversity, we work toward general
principles that can guide future research and more effectively integrate
the related goals of biodiversity conservation and spillover prevention.
Association between CD4, CD4/CD8 ratio and viral blips among virally suppressed HIV patients – a joint disease progression and time-to-event model
Authors: Chow Ngah Kuan , Harun Sabariah Noor , Khan Amer Hayat
Published: June 2021

Aim Viral blips that occur among virally suppressed
HIV-positive patients suggest immune activation and inflammation and
associated with slower CD4 count and CD4/CD8 ratio normalisation. With
the advances in HIV treatment, lifestyle and comorbidities begin to be a
concern despite successful antiretroviral therapy. We reported a study
incorporating the effect of CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratio normalisation on viral
blips in joint disease progression (DP) and time-to-event (TTE) model.
Methods A total of 152 HIV-positive patients receiving
efavirenz therapy were recruited. Joint DP and TTE models on viral blip
were developed for CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratio separately. Risk factors, such
as smoking status, pack-year and comorbidity scores, were included in
the analysis. Results Gompertz model best described the CD4 and
CD4/CD8 ratio DP models, while viral blips data were fitted with the Cox
proportional hazard model. History of opportunistic infections and
changing of antiretroviral regimen significantly affect the baseline CD4
and CD4/CD8 ratio. Comorbidity score was significant in both CD4
(asymptote CD4) and CD4/CD8 ratio DP model (recovery rate). Increase in
cumulative pack-year resulted in lower CD4/CD8 ratio recovery rate (β
-0.02, 95%CI: -0.03 to -0.01; p<0.001). Active smokers
with slow CD4 or CD4/CD8 ratio normalisation associated with more viral
blips. Conclusion CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratio are significant risk
factors of viral blips and potential markers of non-AIDS related
morbidities in virally suppressed patients. Early identification of
high-risk group with repeated viral load testing, lifestyle modification
and comorbidities management should be emphasised in the HIV treatment
long-term care plan.
A Novel SRY Pathogenic Variant from a 46,XY Female Harboring a Nonsense Point Mutation (G to A) in Position 293
Authors: Qin Shengfang , Wang Xueyan , Li Yunxing
Published: June 2021

SRY gene mutation is a common cause of 46,XY female. We report a 46,XY
female with a novel mutation of SRY c.293G>A (p.Trp98ter).
Our report provides evidence for a pathogenic role of the SRY gene
c.293G>A mutation in an individual and enlarges the
spectrum of molecular diagnosis for these patients.
Clinical presentation of neurofibromatosis in indigenous black Africans: Evidence for multidisciplinary team approach to diagnosis and management with emphasis on Ophthalmological perspective.
Authors: OGUN Olufunmilola , Adediran Olusegun A , Ogun Gabriel
Published: June 2021

Aim- To describe the pattern of clinical presentation of patients with
neurofibromatosis in a homogeneous black African population with
emphasis on ophthalmological presentation in a multidisciplinary
management setting. Methods- Ophthalmology clinic records from the
Department of Ophthalmology and database of the Department of Pathology,
both of University College Hopsital, Ibadan, Nigeria were reviewed for
cases of neurofibromatosis over a 10-year period (Jan 2010 and Dec
2019). Relevant demographic, clinical information, management,
complications and patient follow up were extracted from the records and
entered into a spreadsheet and analysed. Results - The 34 cases included
in this study comprised 19 males (55.9%) and age ranged from 18 months
– 60 years, with a median age of 15 years. The male to female ratio was
1.3:1 with approximately 35.3% (12 patients) in the paediatric age
group. The most frequent reason for consultation was unilateral
progressive painless lid swelling (plexiform neurofibroma) often
associated with ptosis. There was a positive family history of
neurofibromatosis in 9 out of 32 cases (28.1%). Café au laît macules
were observed in 22 out of 25 (88%) of cases. Typical neurofibromas
were present in 84.8% of the patients. There was no significant
difference in prevalence of plexiform neurofibromas with age (p= 0.05)
or sex (p= 0.79). Bone and joint abnormalities was present in 17.6% of
the patients. Ophthalmic examination showed conjunctiva changes in 3
cases, prominent cornea nerves in 2 cases. Iris lisch nodules was
present in 75.9% of cases that had documentation, cataract in 2 cases
and optic atrophy in 6cases.Three patients had ophthalmic pathway
gliomas. Patients were managed by multidisciplinary teams depending on
their needs. Conclusion- Multidisciplinary team management is advocated
because of the multi-system disorders these patient have and the need
for holistic, patient centred care that is of good quality, and
sustainable.
Management's Undue Influence over Audit Committee Members: Evidence from Auditor Reporting and Opinion Shopping
Authors: Berglund Nathan R. , Draeger Michelle , Sterin Mikhail
Published: June 2021

Audit committee members must be independent of management to protect shareholder interests. While current regulations restrict audit committee members from holding management positions (i.e., affiliations), studies find that management's preferences continue to impact audit committee decisions. This motivates analysis of independence threats beyond affiliations. We apply the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' conceptual approach to independence and examine the threat of management's undue influence over audit committee members. Examining the relative tenure of executives and audit committee members, we find that greater management influence is associated with a lower propensity of the auditor to issue a modified going concern opinion to a distressed client. We also find that greater management influence is associated with increased opinion shopping behavior. These findings are consistent with an undue influence threat to audit committee independence. Our results extend the academic literature and inform regulatory concerns on audit committee independence.

Data Availability: The data used in this paper are publicly available from the sources indicated in the text.

JEL Classifications: M40; M42.