bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fertile Ground
Authors: Fourie Reinhardt , Marx Knoetze Hannelie
Published: October 2024

Yellowstone is an American, contemporary Western primetime television series which has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. In this article, we critically read purposive samples from this popular cultural text through the prism of the plaasroman (Afrikaans farm novel), a seminal subgenre in Afrikaans literature. Through an analysis of a range of tropes, we identify similarities between these seemingly disparate genres in terms of the representation of the Boer and Frontier myth, ownership and belonging, centre-periphery dichotomies, and identity. The value of this analysis is two-fold: First, it lies in what such a comparative analysis reveals about the contemporary moment in both a local and transnational context. The resurgence of nostalgic yearning for a particular brand of patriarchal, heteronormative, conservative, rural simplicity in the narratives of Yellowstone is read against the background of farm, and land, as depicted in the plaasroman. This is relevant given that there is a similar propensity for nostalgia in certain South African contexts which takes the form of appropriations of the construct of the Afrikaner Boer imaginary and the concomitant utopian farm ideal. Second, and perhaps more importantly, we argue that analysing Yellowstone from the theoretical vantage point of the plaasroman, which originates from a minor language and literary system, inverts the ways in which Global North genre-lenses are usually used to read Global South genres. The research follows a controlled case comparison approach and, building on a deep description of the plaasroman, presents an analysis and interpretation of Yellowstone’s first season.
“There Is No Heaven to Go to, Because We’re in It Already. We’re in Hell, Too. They Coexist”
Authors: Broodryk Chris , Bester Lelia
Published: October 2024

This article explores the idea and articulation of place in Taylor Sheridan’s western series 1883 and Yellowstone. Through narrative and genre analysis, we critically compare these two series to demonstrate that genre semantics combine in a particular series-specific syntax to articulate place differently. Our thinking on place and adjacent concepts of trails and knots, inhabiting and occupation, as well as the differentiation between place as object and place as event, is primarily informed by the scholarship of Tim Ingold. We argue that these series’ specific and gendered articulations of place are meaningfully linked to each series’ protagonist, Elsa Dutton and John Dutton respectively. Finally, we suggest that the two series generate an additional western-genre binary that we base on Ingold’s work: occupation (particular to Yellowstone) vs. inhabiting (specifically in 1883). The Yellowstone character Beth Dutton notably reifies this binary. Yellowstone, here framed as post-heydey western, postwestern and post-Western, articulates place as nostalgic and static compared to 1883’s more expansionist and dynamic iteration of place.
Factors Militating against the Efficacy of the Mutual Agreement Procedure: A Comparison between South Africa, Kenya, Uganda and Ghana
Authors: Kekana Nelson
Published: October 2024

The effective resolution of transfer pricing disputes has been identified as one of the primary challenges to eliminate double taxation and/or double non-taxation as well as to enhance the free flow of trade and investment. This article investigates the unique challenges faced by selected African countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Uganda and Ghana, which militate against the use of the mutual agreement procedure (MAP) as a preferred Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) transfer pricing dispute resolution mechanism. The research used a qualitative legal review of existing literature in the selected regimes by comparing the domestic tax law framework in these countries. Transfer pricing manipulation is a significant source of illicit financial flows of capital as identified in the research by Global Financial Integrity on Africa, which drew from Ghana, Kenya and Uganda as case studies. South Africa and Kenya are considered as the gateways to Africa with many multinational enterprises (MNEs) taking residence in them before expanding to the rest of Africa. The article focuses specifically on a number of guidelines that should be in place for the effective use of the MAP in the resolution of tax treaty disputes. It also demonstrates how the absence of guidelines, or the lack of clarity thereof, discourages both taxpayers and revenue authorities from effectively using the MAP to resolve transfer pricing disputes. The absence of guidelines has resulted in many aggrieved taxpayers opting to approach the courts as opposed to using the MAP as a mechanism to resolve tax treaty disputes. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of how resolved transfer pricing disputes eliminates double taxation. The article recommends that the same benefits enjoyed under the domestic dispute resolution process be incorporated into the MAP. It also makes recommendations on how jurisdictions with a low tax treaty network can address this challenge to enable them to effectively use the MAP as a tax treaty dispute resolution.
The Russia-Ukraine War: An Exploratory Study into the Potential Impact of Cyber Warfare on Asymmetric War Efforts
Authors: Snyman Susan
Published: October 2024

Purpose: The war in Ukraine brought attention to “new” tactics on the battlefield—namely cyber warfare. It is attracting increased attention from media and civilians, enabling civilians from countries outside of Ukraine to help fight for Ukraine. The impact of cyber warfare on kinetic war efforts is not well understood.
Methodology: Secondary data were collected, which included verified reports of cyber interventions in support of either party to the Russian-Ukraine war. Various cyber interventions are discussed in terms of the type of intervention, modus operandi, and potential effect. All data have been published in English by credible sources. The effect of cyber interventions will be analysed to determine their potential impact on states that are party to an asymmetrical war.
Findings: Cyber warfare can potentially act as a force multiplier in kinetic efforts through actionable intelligence collected. Currently, the effect of cyber warfare seems to be negligible, as neither party to the Russian-Ukraine war effort has achieved its political ideologies. In fact, the use of drones has brought about an escalation in violence.
Implications: A better understanding of cyber interventions and more effective application of these in a kinetic war could potentially aid a nation-state in achieving its ideological objectives faster, thereby reducing the intensity of the negative socioeconomic impact on nation-states not party to the conflict. Current scholarly debates about cyber warfare view the impact of cyber interventions in a kinetic effort as negligible. This article will point to a linchpin that could change the current opinion of scholars.
Code-Switching and Code-Mixing in Sesotho Accordion Music: A Sociolinguistic Perspective
Authors: Tjabaka-Mokapane Lemohang , Thetso Madira , Martins Thabo Paul
Published: October 2024

This article explores the use of code-switching/mixing in Sesotho accordion music within a sociolinguistic framework. Code-switching/mixing is one of the sociolinguistic concepts that is mainly highlighted in conversation. It refers to switching or mixing between two or more languages in the context of a single conversation or situation. Just like a conversation, Sesotho accordion music also exhibits the phenomenon of code-switching/mixing. The Basotho accordion music (’mino oa koriana) is one of the forms of the oral tradition from Lesotho whose singing is accompanied by a homemade drum, and it has its own unique and acceptable taste. This music is seen as both captivating and complex. We observe that its fascination and its complex features are a result of the incorporation of code-switching/mixing in a single song. We know how the songs are generated, and they are part of the generic culture and popular culture of the people. We purposively selected four songs from recorded tapes that used code-switching/mixing. Using critical discourse analysis, the results reveal that code-switching/mixing in the accordion music of the Basotho reflects intertextuality, which includes borrowing, inclusion and exclusion, literary and conversational intertextuality. The study also shows that code-switching/mixing reflects repetition used for emphasis, clarity or amplification. The findings further express affirmation of class/age identity and the intention of clarifying the speech content for the interlocutor. One of the emerging issues is that change in pronunciation may reflect tone and register in the accordion music of the Basotho.
Menstrual Rite of Passage: Implications for HIV Prevention
Authors: Museka Godfrey
Published: October 2024

Indigenous knowledge ingrained in rites of passage associated with birth, puberty, marriage, and death is often blamed for exacerbating HIV and AIDS prevalence rates in African societies. Against this backdrop, this study utilises the hermeneutic phenomenology of religion to explore the potential role of the Shona-Manyika menstrual rite of passage in complementing or impeding modern biomedical HIV prevention strategies. Given that there is limited research on the menstrual rite of passage among the Shona dialects, the Manyika included, data were qualitatively gathered through purposively selected individual interviews with key participants and focus group discussions in the Shona-Manyika Gandanzara community. The study finds that the menstrual rite of passage or some of its aspects have manifest and latent functions that can promote or impede the use of modern biomedical HIV prevention strategies such as condom use, abstinence, faithfulness, and delayed coital debut. Thus, the role of the menstrual rite of passage as a cultural approach in mitigating HIV transmission is ambivalent. This implies that the cultural approach to HIV prevention can be an important mitigatory strategy if interventionists can capitalise on aspects of rituals that are useful.
From Activism to Influence: Unpacking the Romanticisation of Mental Illness Online
Authors: Kgatla Lesedi
Published: October 2024

Social media has become an integral part of daily life, particularly among youths, shaping interactions and influencing mental well-being. Unfortunately, this has also led to a rise in cyberbullying, particularly concerning the sharing of personal struggles, such as depression. Despite these challenges, some youths have adeptly navigated social media to promote mental health awareness and activism. However, a subset of these activists has become popular influencers, sometimes prioritising maintaining their online status over their advocacy roles. Consequently, there is a concern that some may inadvertently glorify or romanticise depression to sustain their popularity. In this article, I explore the influence of social media on mental health activism, focusing on its effects on the mental well-being of youths. I examine whether the portrayal of depression by influencers or mental health activists contributes positively to destigmatisation efforts or if it inadvertently perpetuates misconceptions. The data were collected from the different social media platforms of nine participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for an in-depth understanding of the mined data. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The themes that emanated from the findings were: disguised “activism” and killing two birds with one stone, increased popularity versus activism, and irrelevant content. The study highlights the importance of investigating the impact of social media on mental health activism by recognising the potential implications on the mental well-being of youths. Social media influencers aim to change perceptions of depression, but there is still a growing concern whether the proposed new image of depression is helpful or misleading.
Psycho-Social Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding Among the Primigravida Mothers at a Public Hospital in the uGu District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Naicker Jessica , Sibiya Maureen N. , Chetty Krishnavellie
Published: October 2024

Primigravidae, first-time mothers are generally inexperienced at motherhood, which affects breastfeeding initiation and intent. Therefore, they need frequent professional and social support that must be clinical and practical for successful exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) outcomes. The study aimed to qualitatively explore the psychosocial factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding among primigravida mothers at a public hospital in the uGu District, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. A qualitative phenomenological and explorative research methodology was used to conduct the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 purposive sampled primigravida mothers from the postpartum ward from day one today to four post-delivery. Data was collected until saturation was reached. Based on Bandura's Self-Efficacy and Social Cognitive Theoretical Framework, the study has shown that personal, social, and environmental factors strongly influence maternal attitudes toward breastfeeding efficacy. Five significant themes that emerged from the data analysis were (a) factors influencing maternal self-efficacy, (b) challenges to EBF, (c) cultural influence on EBF, (d) the role of support systems to EBF, and (e) breastfeeding support strategies. The study showed that stakeholders need to apply critical clinical interventions if South Africa reaches the global nutritional target of 50% EBF by 2025. These include healthcare workers (HCWs), Policymakers, Employers, the Department of Health, the Department of Education, the Department of Labour, and the Department of Social Services. Access to child support grants, social services, ARVs through mobile clinic services, and frequent face-to-face antenatal care were among the study's recommendations to address doubts, fears, and anxieties around EBF intent, practice, and duration.
State Credit of Russia in the 1st Third of the 19th Century and Foreign Money Markets
Authors: Lebedev S. K.
Published: October 2024

The article delves into the problem of Russian public debt and the interaction of its financial administration with foreign creditors in the first third of the 19th century. Existing literature appears to lack a comprehensive overview of the negotiations between the Russian government and foreign banks for loans during this period, in contrast to the wealth of publications on government and railway securities in the later part of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The primary objective of the author is to present projects of external loans and the makeup of creditors in connection with the empire’s public credit policy during the period of instability resulting from wars and revolutions in the early 19th century. To accomplish this, the author references sources such as the Finance Committee journals in the Russian State Historical Archive and materials from the Collection on the History of Finance in Russia in the Manuscript Department of the Russian National Library. Of particular significance is the correlation between Russia’s foreign loans, facilitated by Ludwig Stieglitz (court banker since 1828), and the activities of his company, L. N. Stieglitz and Co., which held a prominent position in Russia owing to its trade volume. Information gleaned from sources regarding both successful and unsuccessful foreign loans to Russia suggests that during tumultuous periods in capital markets due to the wars of the early 19th century and revolution of 1830, the government received offers not only from top bankers but also from firms with weaker credit. The Russian financial administration, for its part, sought to maintain stable long-term ties with traditional markets, with the best of foreign financiers. The author also underscores the pivotal link between the mediation of Russian state credit and the foreign trade activities of Ludwig Stieglitz's firm. In 1831, Hamburg capitalists proposed utilizing the entire exported government copper, rather than the customs revenues of the Russian Baltic ports, as collateral for a loan, with the stipulation that the copper be handled by L. Stieglitz's trading house. Commencing at least in 1838, Stieglitz initiated the dispatch of substantial quantities of copper to his personal account and to a joint account with the Rothschild frѐres, Paris; the Rothschild frѐres evolved into world bankers and substantial metal traders (copper and nickel) and invested in the transport infrastructure of many countries, including Russia, by the mid-19th century. And despite the growth of London's financial importance since the beginning of the 19th century and the gradual decline of Amsterdam, attempts by British competitors to undermine the monopoly position of the bankers Hope and Co. in the issue of Russian loans in the early 1830s did not meet with success.
Human Biosafety Concept when Carrying out Medical Procedures Related to the Use of High Medical Technologies in the Field of Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues: Constitutional and Legal Aspect
Authors: Mossberg E. Yu.
Published: October 2024

The article is devoted to the analysis of the concept of human biosafety during medical procedures using high medical technologies in the field of transplantation of human organs and (or) tissues. An analysis of the regulatory framework in the field of ensuring human biological safety during medical procedures in the field of transplantation and donation is provided, which demonstrates that the biosafety of patients in the Russian Federation is ensured by providing recipients with high-quality biomaterial as strictly established by the legislator based on the achievements of modern medical science. The legislation establishes medical restrictions for potential donors in order to ensure the biological safety of recipients. Special requirements have also been established for medical personnel who have the right to carry out medical procedures related to the transplantation of human organs and tissues. The domestic legislator is actively implementing the concept of biological safety in the field of VMT use by establishing certain criteria and restrictions for this type of assistance, which ensures citizens the right to receive qualified, high-quality medical care in the field of transplantation and donation of human organs and (or) tissues.
International Legal Protection of Intellectual Property in the Period of Digitalization
Authors: Tillaboev Sh. M.
Published: October 2024

This article explores current issues related to changes in the regulation of intellectual property in the era of active digitization. The paper examines the impact of digital technologies on the creation, protection, and utilization of intellectual assets. The author proposes specific measures and mechanisms aimed at modernizing international standards and regulatory acts in this field. In particular, there is a need for the modification of existing international conventions and agreements, as well as the development of new standards for security and data protection, strengthening law enforcement mechanisms, and establishing international systems for monitoring and controlling digital content. The proposed measures are intended to ensure more effective counteraction to violations of intellectual property rights in the context of rapid development of digital technologies and increasing demands for their protection.
Qualification of Threats to Destroy or Damage Someone Else’s Property when Committing Crimes against Property
Authors: Borovskikh R. N. , Shmygina O. V.
Published: October 2024

The article is devoted to the actual problems of the qualification of crimes involving threats of destruction or damage to atypical types of property. A criminal legal assessment is given of threats to destroy or damage property that has no economic value and threats to destroy or damage property that is devoid of a physical (bodily) attribute. As a result of the conducted research, it was concluded that the assessment of the criminal relevance of the above–mentioned threats should be carried out on the basis of the concept of «threat – as an objective and subjective informational impact».
Modal-intentional understanding of reflection
Authors: Sizikova Tatiana E.
Published: October 2024

In modern conditions of increasing complexity and uncertainty, reflection as a necessary condition for self-organization and self-development, is given increased attention in psychological research. Within the framework of the non-classical paradigm, the activity components of reflection are investigated: methods, types, forms, means, mechanisms, processes, stages, properties that are revealed in the existence of reflection in thinking, consciousness, personality, perception and activity. We turned to the definition of the independent existence of reflection, therefore, its ontology. We have identified the modalities of reflection,developed on the basis of the principle of triangulation a triangular network of modalities of reflection, permeated with the intentionality of reflection and regulated on the basis of dynamic balance with the help of reflection itself, its modalities. Such a systemic view of the integrity of reflection corresponds to the principles of the post-nonclassical paradigm and has an applied meaning – modal – intentional analysis of reflection allows to single out not only the level of development of modalities and orientations, but also to purposefully influence development to increase the stability of the personality in situations of problematicity and uncertainty.
Postmodern and postmodernism: catastrophe and/or new harmony
Authors: Akulova Taisia A.
Published: October 2024

The text of the work presents an analysis of some of the world's phenomena in the era of postmodern from a psychological standpoint. A person can feel uncertainty and anxiety due to changes in the postmodern world. Along with reality, there is a virtual version of it, real objects and events are replaced by their signs, or simulacrum. There are catastrophic phenomena at different levels of human life. Art also undergoes changes, which, on the one hand, reflect the state of reality and the inner world of the person-creator, and on the other hand, they construct the present and the future, influencing the perception of the viewer. The article raises questions about what is art in current time, what are the characteristics of art perception, and how artworks can affect a person in the postmodern world.
The Russian-language version of the Constructivist Epistemological Assumptions Scale: The psychometric analysis
Authors: Fedorov Alexandr A.
Published: October 2024

The internal structure, reliability and construct (convergent and discriminant) validity of the Russian-language version of the Constructivist Epistemological Assumptions Scale (CEAS) developed by M. Berzonsky (1994) are examined. The sample was 207 subjects. The confirmatory factor analysis revealed that this scale cannot be viewed as a unidimensional instrument. The exploratory factor analysis allowed to reveal a conceptual core of the scale associated with the relativistic aspect of constructivism. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability of CEAS are acceptable. The obtained correlations confirm convergent and discriminant validity of the scale. It is concluded that CEAS is a more promising tool for assessing epistemological beliefs than the Attitudes about Reality Scale (AARS) by R. Unger et al.
Adaptation of measurement of ambiguity tolerance (MAT-50): analysis of reliability
Authors: Goptar Ekaterina M. , Zlobina Marina V.
Published: October 2024

The importance of the problem of ambiguity and uncertainty nowadays is indisputable. In this regard, the role of research and diagnostics of such psychological construct as tolerance to ambiguity increases. The article presents an overview of modern methods of diagnosing tolerance and intolerance to ambiguity, as well as the results of the first stage of adaptation of the Measurement of Ambiguity Tolerance (MAT-50) (Norton, 1975) in Russian sample (n = 756). Data were obtained on the reliability of the questionnaire internal consistency (0.87). It is planned further to establish the factor structure and validity of the questionnaire.
“Open society” versus “complete truth”
Authors: Shamolin Roman V.
Published: October 2024

The consciousness of people who consider themselves civilized is still focused on some values, which are considered universal and evolutionarily necessary by default. These are the values of the “Open Society”, once expressed by the neo-positivist philosopher Karl Popper. Our article contains a short excursion into the history of their establishment, but it leads to the idea that we are witnessing their self-denial at the current moment. The history has not ended and we are faced with the question – what to do: press the panic button or open the champagne?
Neurodiversity as a paradigm and as a counterculture
Authors: Pervushin Nikolay S.
Published: October 2024

The ideas of neurodiversity are more and more popular today and could be considered at different levels of analysis. At first, neurodiversity is the original idea that the characteristics of an individual`s brain structure affect the features of his way of thinking and behavior.

Secondly, it is the neurodiversity paradigm. Its proponents believe that many psychiatric diagnoses are socially constructed. The neurodifferent brain is considered not as a pathology, but as a feature that causes problems only because of the cruelty and inappropriateness of the world of neurotypical. The paradigm is especially widely used by individuals with ASD. Researchers note logical contradictions in the paradigm. It is a socio-cultural construct which is demanded by modern society and mass culture. Different movements against oppression are spreading to ever wider contexts. The media image of individuals with ASD is associated with the demand for traits of individualism, specificity, distinction and non-systemic in modern society. Consequently, the media create a romanticized image of the autistic, which leads to the popularity of the paradigm of neurodiversity.

Finally, active supporters of the neurodiversity paradigm are representatives of a specific culture that has a special language, symbols, identity, values, communicative preferences, etc. Analyzing features and manifestations of this community, author comes to the conclusion that the culture of neurodiversity is opposed to the dominant one. There is a paradox: the paradigm of neurodiversity is in line with trends of modernity, while the neurodiversity culture acts as a counterculture.
Dynamics of Protective-Coordinating Strategies, Level of Anxiety and Quality of Life in Oncogynecological Patients during Art Therapeutic Impact
Authors: Sultanova A. N. , Stankevich A. S. , Chernikova D. V. , Evlakhova A. S. , Solomatenko V. D. , Kutenkova T. V.
Published: October 2024

The results of a study of oncogynecological patients with low quality of life indicators and high levels of stress and situational anxiety are presented. We have also shown that art therapy methods have a positive effect on cancer patients, reducing the level of stress and anxiety, as well as improving the quality of life.
Influence of the COVID-19 on the Time Perspective
Authors: Dorosheva E. A. , Kudinov V. N. , Krutikov Ya. D.
Published: October 2024

Influence of getting over a new coronavirus infection on the time perspective is considered. The sample included 111 respondents, 60 of which had coronavirus infection (recovery no later than 3 weeks ago), 51  –  had  no  coronavirus-19  and  to  the  last  two  months  had  no  sharp  diseases.  The  Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) and the Semantic Time Differential (L. I. Wasserman, E. A. Trifonova, K. R. Chervinskaya) were used. It is shown that the recovered COVID-19 are inclined to more negative past perspective, than conditionally healthy respondents, have more fatalistic present  perspective and less focused on the future and see him more negative. Least the disease affected present perspective.
Double Bind in Russian Media during the COVID-19 Epidemic
Authors: Pervushin N. S.
Published: October 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unexpected event for mankind, as a result of which people experienced a prolonged situation of uncertainty, self-isolation and faced a number of unique restrictive measures. Researchers note a deterioration of the psychological health of population during the pandemic. In this case, a special role is played by media, which activity leads to infodemic and aggravation of negative psychological effects among the population.

This study focuses on the activity of Russian media during the COVID-19 epidemic through the lens of G. Bateson’s concept. The dynamics of the publication activity of Russian media in the first and second wave of the spread of coronavirus in relation to the dynamics of the epidemic is analyzed. In addition to this, news content and discourse were studied.

The first wave of the epidemic was significantly higher in media coverage than the second, although in terms of scale, the second wave of COVID-19 was more devastating. It was revealed that both state and independent media decrease their activity as the epidemic in Moscow declines. Thus, in the summer of 2020 in regions with an increasing number of newly diagnosed cases of COVID-19, the audience receives a double bind: “the epidemic does not deserve the former attention, although the risk of infection increases”.

State media broadcast a calming discourse, though restrictive measures are unprecedented, especially in the first wave of the epidemic. Here we face another double bind: “you shouldn’t be afraid of COVID-19, but you can’t leave home unnecessarily and you have to change your lifestyle and adapt to the situation”. Double binds from media are considered regarding masks, gloves, necessary quarantine measures, teleworking, online study, statistics, actions in case of infection, vaccination, etc.

Prolonged exposure in the set of media double binds regarding COVID-19 leads to various manifestations of schizophrenic symptoms. In the first wave of the epidemic hebephrenic manifestations are noticeable: messages are ridiculed without taking into account the context; a specific language is created. Another way is a spread of conspiracy theories. The last option is an escape from the topic, which is noticeable when comparing the publication activity, interest and emotional reaction of the media sphere during the first and second wave. The obtained results mean the necessity of reflection on the work of media in potential similar periods in the future. This leads to a dilemma between liberty and security.
COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review of the First Publications
Authors: Pervushina O. N. , Shabalin A. P.
Published: October 2024

The  COVID-19  pandemic  has  put  humanity  in  conditions  of  an  enormous  global  experiment  which would have been impossible to conduct in a laboratory. Humanity as a whole and each person individually have found themselves in a situation of uncertainty concerning the level of threat, its duration, ways to deal with it (i.e., protection, prevention and treatment), prospects etc. The whole world has been following the situation with the pandemic intently since the very outbreak while trying to estimate the risks of the infection and the spread of the virus. The said situation has also awoken unprecedented interest in the  scientific  community.  Virologists,  biologists,  physicians,  sociologists,  psychologists,  economists, philosophers were in the extensive list of specialists who presented the research findings on different aspects of the pandemic during its first months. The goal of this review is to consider the main topical areas of the publications in order to identify the most important problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the possible strategies and ways to solve these problems. It is shown that the first reactions to the threat (namely, an increase in the level of anxiety, stress reactions, depressive states, and a decrease in the level of subjective well-being) are connected with the uncertainty of the situation and the lack of guidance on developing relevant behavioral strategies. The data on the influence of quarantine measures on the psychological state of affected people are presented. The role of the media, the responsibility and possible strategies of the authorities are shown. The state and reactions to the pandemic of the most vulnerable groups of the population are analyzed. The guidelines for effective measures of the authorities in the current situation are indicated. Possible strategies and resources for the most effective solution of the problems that have arisen or have manifested themselves during the pandemic are identified.
Development of Screening Psychosocial Stressors Objectively Test (SPOT) for the Parents having Children with Intellectual Disability (Feasibility Study)
Authors: Mr. Satish Narni  , Dr. Ghousia Farheen  , Dr. K.G. Ambady
Published: October 2024

In the present study an attempt has been made by the researcher to develop a free associative projective test named screening psychosocial stressors objectively test (SPOT) for the parents having children with intellectual disability (Feasibility Study) Here in this test researcher screen and find out the level of stress caused by their psychosocial needs of parents having children with intellectual disability. This free associative projective test can be helpful to the clinicians in assisting them in screening and finding out the stress and its root causing needs, A clinician by using this tool can recommend suitable therapy to a patient based on the patients’ views, needs, stressors and his or her personality trait in order to reduce their stress level, which ultimately leads to better adjustment in their personal and professional life. And also, this pilot study (N=60) indicate that SPOT is psychometrically a sound tool as the content validity of this tool has been established in terms of (7) expert opinion by using Delphi Method and the reliability was established in terms of parallel form reliability and the result suggested high (0.95). Further researches are recommended to standardize this free associative projective test for the assessment of various psychosocial disorders in parents having children with intellectual disability and in individuals. which may lead to significant indications for intervention and thereby improving their quality of life of an individual.
Os desafios e dificuldades enfrentadas por portadores de hanseníase durante a pandemia da COVID-19
Authors: Matos Mayra Olivia Printes , Anjos Andressa Alves dos , Macedo Caroline Gomes , Quaresma Tatiane Costa
Published: October 2024

Objetivo: Identificar os desafios enfrentados por pacientes hansênicos durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Métodos: O estudo é uma revisão integrativa, para o qual foi realizado um levantamento dos artigos nas bases de dados Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) e PubMed. Os descritores e a combinação utilizada foi: (HANSENÍASE) AND (COVID-19), (HANSENÍASE) AND (COVD-19) AND (PANDEMIA), (HANSENÍASE) AND (PANDEMIA), (LEPROSY) AND (COVID-19), (LEPROSY) AND (PANDEMIC), (LEPROSY) AND (COVID-19) AND (PANDEMIC). Incluíu-se os artigos que discutiam sobre a Hanseníase e o desfecho da doença na população durante o período pandêmico, de forma gratuita, em todos os idiomas, publicados a partir do início da disseminação da COVID-19, de 2019 a 2022. Resultados: Houve remanejamento do sistema de saúde para tentar conter o avanço da infecção por SARS-CoV-2. Tal fato levou à diminuição de profissionais disponíveis para os setores de hanseníase nas unidades de saúde, a carência de medicamentos, diagnóstico deficiente e problemas psicológicos aos indivíduos, havendo a subnotificação de casos em vários locais, como o Brasil. Conclusão: Sugere-se a capacitação profissional sobre o manejo de pacientes hansênicos e a utilização desse estudo para traçar planos que visem a melhoria programas de saúde pública para que não sejam afetados gravemente com fatores externos.
Práxis do método canguru na percepção dos profissionais de enfermagem
Authors: Albuquerque Letícia Kessia Souza , Feijão Alana Mara Lima , Alves Carlos Natanael Chagas , Braga Filho Francisco Marcelo Alves , Sousa Rosalice Araújo de , Freitas Vanessa Cavalcante Colares de , Alves Karine Sales Braga , Noronha Rômulo de Sousa , Araujo Jéssica Cristina Moraes de , Carneiro Luziana de Paiva
Published: October 2024

Objetivo: Analisar a Práxis do Método Canguru na Percepção dos profissionais de enfermagem. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo exploratório descritivo com abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvido no Serviço de Cuidados Intermediários Neonatais no Hospital Regional do Norte. Participaram do estudo 8 Enfermeiras e 12 Técnicas em Enfermagem. Para a coleta de informações foi utilizada uma entrevista semiestruturada e para análise das informações a Análise Temática de Minayo. Resultados: Os resultados foram divididos em três  categorias: Compreensão dos profissionais de enfermagem sobre o Método  Canguru, onde estes compreendem o Método como assistência humanizada dividida em três etapas;  Desafios encontrados pela equipe de enfermagem  para a realização do Método Canguru,  como principais desafios a ausência materna, condições clínicas do RN, ausência de informações sobre os benefícios e  comodismo de alguns profissionais; e o Seguimento do Método Canguru, que tem inúmeros benefícios para à mãe e bebê, entre eles, ganho de peso, estímulo ao aleitamento materno, formação de vínculo. Conclusão: Considera-se que o Método Canguru surgiu com o intuito de prestar uma assistência humanizada completa ao RN, mãe e seus familiares, para que assim possa diminuir a mortalidade neonatal.
Conhecimento de usuários de uma unidade básica de saúde sobre os fatores de risco para o câncer gástrico
Authors: Rodrigues Rogéria de Sousa , Pinheiro Ana Carolina Marinho , Neves Jucilene Luz , Ferreira Milena Farah Damous Castanho
Published: October 2024

Objetivo: Caracterizar o conhecimento dos usuários de uma unidade de saúde acerca do câncer gástrico. Métodos: O presente estudo trata-se de uma pesquisa de campo de caráter descritiva com abordagem qualitativa, a coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturada, para a análise dos dados coletados utilizou-se a técnica de Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin. Resultados: Quanto aos fatores de risco para o câncer gástrico 5 (50%) associaram a alimentação em horário irregular, consumo de álcool, frituras, medicamentos, e os outros 5 (50%) não sabiam os riscos. Diante do exposto neste estudo foi possível identificar que a maioria dos usuários da unidade básica de saúde tinham pouco conhecimento sobre os fatores de risco para o câncer gástrico, como também todos os aspectos que se relacionam a esse tipo de câncer, os hábitos alimentares foram os fatores de risco que mais se destacaram na fala pelos entrevistados. Conclusão: Desse modo, torna-se importante a efetivação de ações de educação em saúde na comunidade afim de orientar a população sobre o que é a neoplasia, sinais e sintomas e fatores que ajudam a reduzir os riscos, como também quais são os fatores de risco.
Estratégias para o controle de desempenho da cobertura vacinal infantil
Authors: Belém Clemilde Silva , Sousa Denise Ribeiro , Figueiredo Júnior Adilson Mendes de , Silveira Stelacelly Coelho Toscano
Published: October 2024

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência de estratégias para o controle de desempenho da cobertura vacinal infantil em uma cidade do estado. Relato de experiência: As implementações de estratégias para melhorar a cobertura vacinal foram: a busca ativa de faltosos, a vacinação após o horário de expediente, e a qualificação do registro da vacinação nos Sistemas de Informação. Para as vacinas Penta e Vip, entre os anos de 2020 e 2021 houve um aumento de 10% e 19%, e entre 2021 e 2022 um aumento considerável de aproximadamente 43% e 35%, respectivamente. Pode-se ressaltar que diversos fatores influenciam o uso dos serviços de imunização, criando obstáculos à manutenção da vacinação em dia. Dentre estes, encontram-se os determinantes sociais, as atitudes e o conhecimento dos usuários sobre vacinação, a proximidade geográfica das unidades de saúde em relação às suas residências e a qualidade das relações interpessoais entre a população e os profissionais que trabalham na APS, incluindo um aspecto subjetivo, que é o grau de satisfação ou insatisfação dos usuários com o atendimento prestado. Considerações finais: Houve um impacto positivo na cobertura vacinal da população-alvo. Entretanto, reconhece-se que o estudo não foi realizado a longo prazo.
Norepinefrina descontinuada no choque séptico para redução da hipotensão
Authors: Amorim Luciana Maria Marques , Marques Renata de Amorim
Published: October 2024

Objetivo: Descrever de forma abrangente as principais evidências clínicas relacionadas à ordem de descontinuação dos vasopressores noradrenalina e vasopressina em pacientes em recuperação de choque séptico. Métodos: Revisão Integrativa da Literatura. A busca dos estudos ocorreu nas bases de dados LILACS e Pubmed. A busca foi realizada utilizando-se as palavras-chave registradas nos DeCs e nos MeSh da seguinte forma: “Choque séptico”, “Vasopressina”, “Hipotensão”, “Agentes vasoconstrictores” e “Norepinefrina”. Resultados: Dos nove artigos analisados, quatro demonstram que houve maior incidência de hipotensão com a descontinuação de vasopressina antes da norepinefrina em pacientes com choque séptico, três desses na primeira hora após o desmame. Esses achados ressaltam a necessidade de individualizar a abordagem de descontinuação de vasopressores, considerando a condição hemodinâmica de cada paciente e monitoramento contínuo. Considerações finais: Em pacientes críticos que utilizam de forma concomitante a vasopressina e a norepinefrina, a interrupção da norepinefrina antes da vasopressina promove menor incidência de hipotensão.
Trends in Acute Kidney Injury Related Deaths in the US from 1999 to 2020
Authors: Mirza Daayl Naim , Butt Neha , Mahmood Asma , Jamshed Romesa , Imran Habiba , Nihan Khuld , Baig Muhammad Usman , Azam Hafsa , Shabbir Muhammad Raffey , Suchwani Diksha , Hussain Tooba , Ladhwani Naresh Kumar , Ahmed Jawad
Published: October 2024

Background

Acute kidney injury requiring dialysis is linked to long-term care demands, higher hospital mortality, and increased healthcare expenses. We aim to assess nationwide trends and regional variations in acute kidney injury-related mortality in the US.

Materials and Methods

We used death certificates from the CDC WONDER database (1999-2020) to calculate age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) and annual percent change (APC). The data were stratified by year, gender, race/ethnicity, and geographic region.

Results

From 1999 to 2020, there were a total of 4,599,652 deaths attributed to acute kidney injury. The AAMR for acute kidney injury-related deaths surged from 11.4 in 1999 to 20.1 in 2020. Men consistently exhibited higher AAMRs than women throughout the study period (overall AAMR in men: 20.1; women: 13.2). When examining average AAMRs by race/ethnicity, Black/African Americans recorded the highest rates at 21.9, followed by American Indian or Alaskan Native (16.4), Whites (15.6), Hispanics (14.5), and Asian/Pacific Islander (10.7). Significant regional disparities were observed, with the southern region reporting the highest AAMR (17.2) and non-metropolitan areas having higher AAMRs than metropolitan areas (18.3 vs. 15.6). States in the top 90th percentile for acute kidney injury deaths included Indiana, Kentucky and South Carolina, which had nearly double the AAMR compared to states like New York, Utah, and Vermont.

Conclusion

In the last two decades, the United States has experienced a troubling increase in acute kidney injury-related deaths, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted and equitable healthcare interventions to address persistent disparities in gender, race, geography, and urbanization.
Intracranial pressure monitoring and treatment practices in severe traumatic brain injury between low-and middle-income countries and high-income countries: Data or dogma?
Authors: Ajoku Uchenna , Hawryluk Gregory , Kullmann Marcel
Published: October 2024

Background:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring forms the cornerstone of most severe TBI (sTBI) management guidelines, yet treatment practices vary between high income countries (HIC) and low/middle-income countries (LMICs). We sought to find the reasons for variation in ICP monitoring and treatment practices between neurosurgeons in low- and high-income countries.

Methods:

We developed a 34-item anonymous survey questionnaire on ICP monitoring and treatments, which was emailed to neurosurgeons of various neurosurgical societies (Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America) who manage TBI.

Results:

One hundred and six respondents from 23 countries completed the questionnaire. Sixty-nine were from Africa, 16 were from North America, 12 were from Western Europe, and 8 were from Asia. About 48.72% of respondents from LMICs versus 96.43% from HICs have had training on ICP use. Among practitioners who monitor ICP invasively in <50% of patients that need it, 41.6% and 37.5% from LMIC cited availability and cost as the major constraints, versus 3.3% and 6.67%, respectively, in HIC. Only 7 (8.97%) from LMIC follow Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines all the time compared to 17.86% from HIC. When asked about their knowledge of randomized controlled trial(RCT), 78.57% of respondents from HIC versus 11.54% from LMIC knew about RCTs that tested the role of ICP monitoring in sTBI.

Conclusion:

Significant differences exist in ICP monitoring and treatment in patients with sTBI between high and LMICs. Cost and availability are the main determinants of ICP monitor usage. Practice pattern among the respondents was not completely supported by evidence.
Primary and metastatic cerebral Ewing’s sarcoma: A case report about a rare entity and literature review
Authors: Mhiri Mariem , Abbes Amal , Ben Dhia Rihab , Gouta Narjes , Frih Ayed Mahbouba
Published: October 2024

Background:

Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) is a rare malignant tumor primarily affecting young individuals, with cranial localization being particularly uncommon. While intracranial metastatic ES is infrequent, only four cases of intracranial metastatic ES are reported in the literature; it presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Case Description:

We present a distinctive case of ES to delineate its clinical, radiological, and histopathological characteristics. Our patient, a 33-year-old, manifested symptoms of intracranial hypertension and gait disturbance. Neurological examination revealed a static and kinetic cerebellar syndrome. Imaging studies and stereotactic biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of primary and metastatic cerebral ES. The treatment regimen encompassed chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Conclusion:

Our case underscores the importance of considering ES in the differential diagnosis of dural-based lesions exhibiting cystic components and heterogeneous contrast enhancement, particularly in young individuals. Early recognition and intervention hold promise for optimizing patient outcomes.