bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subjective perceptions of 8, 11 and 14°C chemotherapy liquid cooled gloves and socks
Authors: Roh Sang-Hyun , Baek Yoon Jeong , Lee Hye-Lin , Lee Do-Shin , Kang Chan Hyeok , Lee Joo-Young
Published: November 2023

We investigated the effects of peripheral cooling using chemotherapy gloves and socks at three cooling temperatures on subjective perceptions. The hands and feet were cooled with 8, 11, and 14°C by water-perfused gloves or socks. Nine females participated in six experimental conditions: hands or feet cooling at 8, 11, and 14°C. The heat was extracted at 3.8, 5.4, and 7.7 kJ·min1 via the gloves and at 4.1, 6.0, and 9.0 kJ·min-1 via the socks. While the results showed that overall subjective perceptions did not differ among the three temperatures (~ 9.0 kJ·min-1), there were significant differences in local thermal comfort, pain sensation, and pain discomfort among the three cooling temperatures (P < 0.05). When cooling the hands or feet at 8, 11 or 14°C, subjects felt ‘cold’ or ‘cool’, on average, at the end of 60-min cooling with no significant differences among the three temperatures, whereas subjects felt more uncomfortable at 8°C than 14°C for cooling either the hands or feet (P < 0.05). Subjects felt more pain at 8°C than 14°C cooling for both hands and feet. These results indicate that the 8°C cooling for 60 min might cause uncomfortable pain sensation, especially for cold-vulnerable individuals. We recommend 1) a cooling bout of less than 60 min, 2) a cooling temperature higher than 8oC when cooling the hands or feet, and 3) a higher temperature for the feet when the hands are simultaneously cooled. However, the present results on subjective perceptions should be interpreted with peripheral vasoconstriction of fingers and toes while cooling.
Reconstruction with the right gastroepiploic vein during pancreaticoduodenectomy and total pancreatectomy to prevent left-sided portal hypertension: a report of two cases
Authors: Hatai Sanshiro , Kaku Keizo , Kubo Shinsuke , Sato Yu , Noguchi Hiroshi , Okabe Yasuhiro , Ikenaga Naoki , Nakata Kohei , Nakamura Masafumi
Published: November 2023

Background

Left-sided portal hypertension including gastric venous congestion may be caused by ligating the splenic vein during pancreaticoduodenectomy with portal vein resection or total pancreatectomy. The usefulness of reconstruction with the splenic vein has been reported in such cases. However, depending on the site of the tumor and other factors, it may be impossible to leave sufficient length of the splenic vein, making anastomosis difficult. We report two patterns of reconstruction with the right gastroepiploic vein during pancreaticoduodenectomy and total pancreatectomy to prevent left-sided portal hypertension.

Case presentation

The first patient was a 79-year-old man who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer. The root of the splenic vein was infiltrated by the tumor, and we resected this vein at the confluence of the portal vein. Closure of the portal vein was performed without reconstruction of the splenic vein. To prevent left-sided portal hypertension, we anastomosed the right gastroepiploic vein to the middle colic vein. Postoperatively, there was no suggestion of left-sided portal hypertension, such as splenomegaly, varices, and thrombocytosis. The second case was a 63-year-old woman who underwent total pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer. The splenic vein–superior mesenteric vein confluence was infiltrated by the tumor, and we resected the portal vein, including the confluence. End-to-end anastomosis was performed without reconstruction of the splenic vein. We also divided the left gastric vein, left gastroepiploic vein, right gastroepiploic vein, and right gastric vein, which resulted in a lack of drainage veins from the stomach and severe gastric vein congestion. We anastomosed the right gastroepiploic vein to the left renal vein, which improved the gastric vein congestion. Postoperatively, imaging confirmed short-term patency of the anastomosis site. Although the patient died because of tumor progression 8 months after the surgery, no findings suggested left-sided portal hypertension, such as varices. Reconstruction with the right gastroepiploic vein during pancreaticoduodenectomy and total pancreatectomy is useful to prevent left-sided portal hypertension.
Phytochemistry, efficacy, and safety of medicinal plants used traditionally for the management of peptic ulcer diseases in Ethiopia: a systematic review
Authors: Mustefa Abdulkerim , Nardos Aschalew , Hailu Dejene , Deyno Serawit
Published: November 2023

Background

Despite significant advances in synthetic medicine, medicinal plants are still widely utilized to treat peptic ulcer disease. This study synthesized evidence on commonly used medicinal plants to manage peptic ulcer disease in Ethiopia.

Methods

The evidence was synthesized using electronic databases such as PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Science Direct, Hinari, and Google Scholar. This review considers all controlled in vivo and ex vivo anti-ulcer studies evaluating Ethiopian medicinal plants with regards to phytochemistry, efficacy, and safety. The search technique covered all published papers using descriptors like Ethiopia, medicinal plants, and anti-ulcer until January 30, 2022. The percentage of ulcer reduction was used to measure the success of the treatment.

Results

Anti-ulcer properties were investigated in 13 papers. Twelve in vivo and one ex vivo study were retrieved. Osyris quadripartita, Plantago lanceolata, Ensete ventricosum, Taverniera abyssinicia, Crotonmacrostachyus Persea Americana and Moringa stenopetala showed effect close to a standard control in difference ulcer induced model. Osyris quadripartite in the dose of 200 mg/kg, Ficus thonningii in dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg, Plantago lanceolata in dose of 400 mg/kg, Trigonella feonum-gracum in dose of 500 and 1000 mg/kg, Linum ussitatissimum in dose of 1000 and 1500 mg/kg, Urtica simensis 400 mg/kg have higher activity compared with standard control in difference different models. Phytochemistry studies revealed presence of numerous components, including flavonoids, phenols, tannins, and saponins, which may be responsible for the anti-ulcer activity.

Conclusion

This study revealed that there are some promising medicinal plant extracts that have been used in Ethiopia for centuries that could be used as anti-ulcer agents. The most effective anti-ulcer agents in animal models are Indigofera spicata Forssk, Thymus schimperi, and Urtica simensis. Identification of most active pharmacological agents and clinical evaluation of Ethiopian medicinal plants used to treat peptic ulcers are worthy of further investigation.
Predictive value of the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) complex variations for the incidence and rupture of ACoA aneurysms
Authors: Hassanin Bahaa Ghareeb , Abdelhameid Ahmed Kamal , Abbas Mohamed Abdala , Mohamed Reham Bakry , Schebesch Karl-Michael
Published: November 2023

Background

Increase pressure on arteries branching points and curves (hyperdynamic theory) is the most popular theory to explain the aneurysms formation that augmented by the observation of high incidence of anomalies (either A1 aplasia or hypoplasia) and the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms. It still underestimated the correlation between these anatomical anomalies and aneurysm occurrence and its rupture. We aim to estimate the incidence and type of anatomical anomalies of the anterior cerebral circulation, including the A2 segment in patients with ACoA aneurysms and their predictive value for aneurysm occurrence and rupture parallel to the risk of hypertension. Also, we study the impact of these anomalies on the configuration of the aneurysm, including the neck and size.

Results

A1 hypoplasia and aplasia were significantly higher in AcoA aneurysms group than in the control group (P < 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). These anomalies have no significant statistical difference between rupture and unruptured ACoA aneurysms. A2 anomalies were insignificantly different between both groups.

Conclusion

Congenital anomalies in the A1 segment (hypoplasia and aplasia) have a significant predictive value for AcoA aneurysms formation, with no predictive value for the aneurysm rupture. Concomitantly, A2 anomalies have no significant risk for AcoA aneurysms formation and rupture.
Investigating the prevalence of cervical spine instability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Rezakhah Amir , Kobets Andrew J. , Emami Sigaroudi Faezeh , Habibi Mohammad Amin , Derakhshesh Rahim , Javanshir Rezaei Naghmeh , Naseri Alavi Seyed Ahmad
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive, and systemic disease that broadly affects connective tissues, especially synovial joints. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of cervical spine instability in patients diagnosed with RA.

Material and methods

Fifty patients with rheumatoid arthritis referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia were selected by the census. After taking a history, the neck X-ray was taken from the lateral view in static, flexion, and extension.

Results

Among 50 patients, 11 were male (22%) and 39 were female (78%). The average disease duration period was 5.63 ± 5.21 years. 43 patients (86%) had normal AADI, 5 patients (10%) had abnormal dynamic AADI, and 2 patients (4%) had abnormal AADI static. Basilar invagination instability was not found in the studied patients. There was no significant difference in terms of gender between normal and abnormal cases of AADI. Among normal AADI cases, 40 cases (93%) were taking drugs and among abnormal AADI cases, 4 cases (57.1%) were taking drugs and 3 patients (42.9%) were not receiving drug treatment. There is a significant difference between normal and abnormal cases of AADI in terms of drug use.

Conclusions

In our study, 7 cases of abnormal AADI were found among 50 patients, of which 2 had abnormal static AADI, which indicates the worsening of cervical spine instability. The study also found that those not treated with DMARDS were more likely to have cervical spine instability.
A look back at the prodromal findings in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Ahadiat Seyed-Amirabbas , Hosseinian Zeinab
Published: November 2023

Background

Parkinson's disorder is a neurodegenerative illness that displays motor and non-motor manifestations. There is no definite cause of Parkinson's disorder, nor is there a medicine or treatment to prevent it.

Main body of the abstract

Non-motor manifestations of the disorder are referred to be progressive symptoms of the disorder by medical specialists since they might emerge chronically several years before motor symptoms. Among these symptoms are a loss of smell, constipation, a sleep disorder, melancholy, sexual dysfunction, and depression. In this paper, we focus on several different aspects related to Parkinson's disorder (PD) prodromal features and their prevalence in PD patients, pathophysiology, treatment (if possible), and the impact of prodromal symptoms on diagnosis, prognosis of life of patients.

Short conclusion

All people who present with these non motor prodermal symptoms should be considered by specialists for further tests for early diagnosis of this disease.
On considering Australia: exploring Indonesian restaurants in promoting ethnic foods as an instrument of Indonesian gastrodiplomacy
Authors: Yayusman Meilinda Sari , Yaumidin Umi Karomah , Mulyasari Prima Nurahmi
Published: November 2023

Food is said to be ethnic, when it comes from diverse regions that have crossed international borders. Ethnic food has the ability to contribute to the growth, promotion, and strengthening of intercultural connections. Recently, Indonesia has launched a gastrodiplomacy strategy, named ‘Indonesia Spice Up the World’ (ISUTW). ISUTW aims to increase spice exports to USD 2 billion by 2024 and present Indonesian ethnic foods toward the establishment of 4,000 Indonesian restaurants abroad. Australia as one of the closest neighbor countries is considered to be a strategic target nation. This study serves a dual purpose: first, to investigate the state of culinary traditions embraced by the Indonesian business owners working in culinary business in Australia and, second, to recognize the role of Indonesian diasporas, including students, who also partake in introducing distinctive Indonesian ethnic foods to both native Australians and fellow Indonesian residents in Australia. In this study, a mixed-methods approach was employed, which encompassed surveys, literature reviews, and focus group discussions. The findings of this study, such as Indonesian culinary business patterns and consumer behaviors in Australia, offer recommendations for the governments of Indonesia and Australia to maintain favorable diplomatic relations by means of promoting Indonesian ethnic foods, in this context called as gastrodiplomacy attempts.
Predictors of persistent asthma among preschooler wheezers: a retrospective case series study
Authors: Barakizou Hager
Published: November 2023

Background

Early childhood wheezing can evolve to different asthma phenotypes. Prediction of persistent asthma during the preschool years has proven challenging. Through this study, we aimed to identify predictors of persistent asthma in preschooler wheezers.

Methods

This was a retrospective case series study over 10 years. Patient data from 98 infants diagnosed with infantile asthma were obtained from their medical records. A multivariate logistic regression model was developed to determine predictors of persistent asthma in preschooler wheezers.

Results

The sex ratio was 1.72. The mean age at the first episode of wheezing was 7 ± 3.17 months. The mean age at diagnosis was 14.82 ± 4.28. Asthma was well controlled in 71 cases (72.44%) and partly controlled in 27 cases (27.56%). Two groups were identified: transient wheezers (61.33%) and persistent wheezers beyond the age of 5 years old (38.77%). The average age for wheezing disappearance was 24.28 ± 4.1 months.

Four predictive factors for persistent asthma were identified: familial atopy (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 4.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.52–12.45; p < 0.001), passive smoking (adjusted OR 5.98; 95% CI 2.48–13.64; p < 0.001), poor control of asthma (adjusted OR 5.23; 95% CI 2.47–14.76; p 0.0013), and aerosensitization (adjusted OR 7.38; 95%CI 3.87–17.84; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The main predictors for persistent asthma among preschooler wheezers were aerosensitization, family history of atopy, early exposure to passive smoking, and poor control of asthma. The detection of such factors allows for earlier diagnosis and targeted prevention strategies.
Impact of rest time on creep recovery of asphalt mixtures modified with calcined marl filler
Authors: Usanga Idorenyin Ndarake , Okafor Fidelis Onyebuchi , Ikeagwuani Chijioke Christopher
Published: November 2023

Recently, there has been a trend among pavement engineers and scientists to utilize natural mineral resources found in different parts of the world to develop and enhance sustainable infrastructure. One of such materials is calcined clay. However, the fatigue performance of asphalt mixtures made with these alternative materials needs to be properly studied. Due to its complex composition, asphalt concrete exhibits diverse non-linear characteristics when subjected to different conditions. As such, the impact of rest time, considering the effect of hardening relaxation and healing on the creep recovery of asphalt mixtures modified with calcined marl filler (CMF), has been evaluated in this present study. Thus, the locally sourced marl was pulverized and calcined to produce CMF. Different amounts of CMF were added to asphalt mixtures as a mineral filler, ranging from 0% to 100% by weight. Afterwards, the rheological properties of CMF mastic using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) were investigated. Notably, the outcomes of the experiments revealed compelling insights. Specifically, under the influence of 50% CMF modification, the asphalt mixtures exhibited a remarkable rutting resistance, with values reaching 12.7 kPa for unaged conditions and 16.1 kPa for aged conditions. Additionally, the results underscored an enhancement in the low-temperature characteristics of the bitumen mastic, which consequently contributed to heightened resistance against fatigue-induced damage. Furthermore, the statistical analysis, such as the student t-test, deployed to compare the creep recovery with and without rest time indicated that the creep recovery changes with the application of rest time. Hence, at long rest times, the hardening relaxation behavior reduces and the chances of healing increase, leading to a decrease in the amount of deformation in the samples.
Object detection using convolutional neural networks and transformer-based models: a review
Authors: Shah Shrishti , Tembhurne Jitendra
Published: November 2023

Transformer models are evolving rapidly in standard natural language processing tasks; however, their application is drastically proliferating in computer vision (CV) as well. Transformers are either replacing convolution networks or being used in conjunction with them. This paper aims to differentiate the design of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) built models and models based on transformer, particularly in the domain of object detection. CNNs are designed to capture local spatial patterns through convolutional layers, which is well suited for tasks that involve understanding visual hierarchies and features. However, transformers bring a new paradigm to CV by leveraging self-attention mechanisms, which allows to capture both local and global context in images. Here, we target the various aspects such as basic level of understanding, comparative study, application of attention model, and highlighting tremendous growth along with delivering efficiency are presented effectively for object detection task. The main emphasis of this work is to offer basic understanding of architectures for object detection task and motivates to adopt the same in computer vision tasks. In addition, this paper highlights the evolution of transformer-based models in object detection and their growing importance in the field of computer vision, we also identified the open research direction in the same field.
Sublethal concentrations of thiamethoxam induce transgenerational hormesis in cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover
Authors: Gul Hina , Güncan Ali , Ullah Farman , Ning Xinyuan , Desneux Nicolas , Liu Xiaoxia
Published: November 2023

In agroecosystems, insects have to compete with chemical insecticides, which are frequently present at sublethal concentrations. The exposure of insects to these modest stresses is now well-established to generate hormesis effects, which has implications for controlling insect pests. In this study, we assessed the sublethal effects of thiamethoxam on the biological parameters of Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), adults (F0) and subsequent transgenerational impacts, i.e., on the progeny (F1 generation), using an age stage, two-sex life table analysis. Results showed that thiamethoxam exhibited high toxicity against adult A. gossypii with the LC50 of 0.313 mg L−1 after 48 h exposure. The LC5 and LC10 of thiamethoxam considerably reduced the adult cotton aphids (F0) longevity and fecundity, while the reproductive days were reduced only at LC10. The pre-adult stage was decreased, while the adult longevity, total longevity, and fecundity were significantly extended in F1 aphids after exposure of F0 aphids to the sublethal concentrations of thiamethoxam. Moreover, the key demographic parameters such as intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase and reproductive days were significantly increased, while mean generation time and total prereproductive were significantly reduced in the progeny. No significant effects were observed on the net reproductive rate. Taken together, these results showed that the sublethal concentrations of thiamethoxam affect the directly exposed aphids (F0) while causing transgenerational hormetic effects on the F1 generation of A. gossypii. In conclusion, our research showed that thiamethoxam has both sublethal and transgenerational effects on cotton aphids; it could be effective in IPM programs targeting this key pest.
Suicidal ideation across depressive episodes: 9-year longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Kivelä Liia M. M. , Antypa Niki , Fried Eiko I. , Schoevers Robert , van Hemert Albert M. , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , van der Does A. J. Willem
Published: November 2023

Background

Depression is a highly recurrent disorder, with more than 50% of those affected experiencing a subsequent episode. Although there is relatively little stability in symptoms across episodes, some evidence indicates that suicidal ideation may be an exception. However, these findings warrant replication, especially over longer periods and across multiple episodes.

Aims

To assess the relative stability of suicidal ideation in comparison with other non-core depressive symptoms across episodes.

Method

We examined 490 individuals with current major depressive disorder (MDD) at baseline and at least one subsequent episode during 9-year follow-up within the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA). The Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS) was used to assess DSM-5 non-core MDD symptoms (fatigue, appetite/weight change, sleep disturbance, psychomotor disturbance, concentration difficulties, worthlessness/guilt, suicidal ideation) at baseline and 2-, 4-, 6- and 9-year follow-up. We examined consistency in symptom presentation (i.e. whether the symptom met the diagnostic threshold, based on a binary categorisation of the IDS) using kappa (κ) and percentage agreement, and stability in symptom severity using Spearman correlation, based on the continuous IDS scores.

Results

Out of all non-core depressive symptoms, insomnia appeared the most stable across episodes (r = 0.55–0.69, κ = 0.31–0.47) and weight decrease the least stable (r = 0.03–0.33, κ = 0.06–0.19). For suicidal ideation, correlations across episodes ranged from r = 0.36 to r = 0.55 and consistency ranged from κ = 0.28 to κ = 0.49.

Conclusions

Suicidal ideation is moderately stable in recurrent depression over 9 years. Contrary to prior reports, however, it does not exhibit substantially more stability than most other non-core symptoms of depression.
The Association of Prenatal Vitamin D Status With Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes
Authors: Mao Di , Yuen Lai-Yuk , Ho Chung-Shun , Wang Chi-Chiu , Tam Claudia Ha-Ting , Chan Michael Ho-Ming , Lowe William L , Ma Ronald Ching-Wan , Tam Wing-Hung
Published: November 2023

Context

Vitamin D inadequacy is globally prevalent among pregnant women; however, its impact on pregnancy remains inconclusive.

Objective

This study aims to explore the associations of maternal and umbilical cord serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels with pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.

Method

We used archived serum samples from the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) Study participants in the Hong Kong center and assayed maternal 25(OH)D levels at midgestation and umbilical cord 25(OH)D at birth using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectroscopy. Data regarding pregnancy and perinatal outcomes were extracted from the HAPO study dataset and the hospital computerized medical system.

Results

Only 247 (16.4%) mothers and 66 (5.0%) neonates met the criteria for vitamin D sufficiency (ie, 25(OH)D ≥ 75 nmol/L). The ratio of umbilical cord to maternal vitamin D levels was positively associated with maternal age and ambient solar radiation at the month of delivery, while negatively associated with maternal serum total 25(OH)D at midgestation (all P < .001). Umbilical cord serum 25(OH)D was independently associated with a lower primary cesarean section rate (OR 0.990, 95% CI 0.982-0.999; P = .032). There were no associations of maternal and umbilical cord 25(OH)D levels with other adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion

Placental vitamin D transfer was found to be higher with a lower maternal vitamin D level, older maternal age, and higher ambient solar radiation at the time of the delivery. The protective effect of sufficient vitamin D in a cesarean section will require further studies.
Population dynamics of Pentaclethra macroloba, a hyperdominant tree in the Amazon River estuary
Authors: Rocha Dantas Adelson , Pequeno Reis Leonardo , Carneiro Guedes Marcelino , Lira-Guedes Ana Cláudia , Patriota Feliciano Ana Lícia , Carlos Marangon Luiz
Published: November 2023

Pentaclethra macroloba is a hyperdominant tree of the Amazon estuary and highly exploited in the region, because the oil of its seeds has medicinal properties. Little is known about the influence of the flood polymodal cycle on the population dynamics of trees in the Amazon estuary. We evaluated the influence of tree diversity, climate, soil properties and flood level on the population dynamics of P. macroloba. During five years of monitoring (from 2011 to 2015), population density and mortality, recruitment and growth rates data were obtained of three populations of P. macroloba (Mazagão Velho, Maracá and Ajuruxi areas). Four transects were used in each area and 20 permanent plots were installed in each transect to study the population dynamics. Linear models were used to evaluate the relationship between biotic/abiotic factors and population density of P. macroloba. The population density of the three populations analyzed showed a significant decrease between the period from 2011 to 2015 (F = 381.3; p < 0.001). The Maracá area had a higher mortality rate (4.50% year−1) compared to Mazagão Velho (3.24% year−1) and Ajuruxi (1.96% year−1). The recruitment rate in Ajuruxi and Mazagão Velho were 1.05% year−1 and 0.32% year−1, respectively, and in Maracá there were no recruits. Annual growth rate of the Maraca area was higher (0.93 cm−1 year−1) compared to Ajuruxi (0.75 cm−1 year−1) and Mazagão Velho (0.65 cm−1 year−1) populations. The flood level had a negative and significant correlation with the population density of P. macroloba in the Maracá (F = 39.7; p < 0.01), Ajuruxi (F = 9.9; p < 0.05) and Mazagão Velho (F = 19.6; p < 0.05) areas. Only the Ajuruxi area had a positive and significant correlation with arboreal richness (β = 0.14; p < 0.05). The flood gradient is an environmental driver that regulates the population growth of P. macroloba. The hyperdominant characteristic of this species is the result of its adaptability and interactions between soil fertility and tree diversity.
Η πολυπλοκότητα των περιβαλλοντικών προβλημάτων και η αναγκαιότητα καλλιέργειας της συστημικής σκέψης στο πλαίσιο της Εκπαίδευσης για το Περιβάλλον και την Αειφορία
Authors: Παπαβασιλείου Βασίλης
Published: November 2023

Τα περιβαλλοντικά προβλήματα είναι ιδιαίτερα πολύπλοκα, καθώς προκύπτουν από την αλληλεπίδραση σύνθετων συστημάτων. Η  αποτελεσματική προσέγγισή τους, χωρίς την ανάπτυξη της συστημικής σκέψης είναι αδύνατη, αφού πρέπει να κατανοηθούν οι διαδραστικές σχέσεις που τα προκαλούν. Το ιδανικό συστημικό πλαίσιο εντός του οποίου μπορούν να μελετηθούν είναι της αειφορίας, η οποία ως συστημική έννοια, συνιστά έναν νέο τρόπο μακροπρόθεσμης σκέψης κατάλληλο για την ολιστική προσέγγιση των σύνθετων προβλημάτων που καλείται να αντιμετωπίσει η ανθρωπότητα. Για την επίτευξη των στόχων της καθοριστικός θεωρείται ο ρόλος της Εκπαίδευσης για το Περιβάλλον και την Αειφορία (ΕΠΑ). Ωστόσο, η σημερινή πραγματικότητα της ΕΠΑ καταδεικνύει ότι η προσέγγιση των περιβαλλοντικών θεμάτων παραμένει, στις περισσότερες των περιπτώσεων μονοδιάστατη και γραμμική. Τα περισσότερα σχολικά προγράμματα της ΕΠΑ εστιάζουν στις περιβαλλοντικές διαστάσεις των προβλημάτων και συνήθως δεν γίνονται οι απαραίτητες διασυνδέσεις με τα οικονομικά και κοινωνικά, ή και όταν γίνονται, είναι γενικόλογες και ασαφείς. Η ΕΠΑ στο παιδαγωγικό της πλαίσιο περιλαμβάνει συμμετοχικές μεθόδους διδασκαλίας, τις οποίες καλείται να αξιοποιήσει,  για να καλλιεργήσει τη συστημική σκέψη και να την εφαρμόσει στην εκπαιδευτική πράξη, προκειμένου να συμβάλει στην αλλαγή του τρόπου που σκέπτονται οι μαθητές/τριες, άρα και πώς ενεργούν, ώστε να βοηθήσουν στην επίτευξη των 17 αλληλένδετων στόχων της αειφόρου ανάπτυξης.
Συνεργασία σχολείου και κοινότητας προς την αειφορία
Authors: Γαβριλάκης Κώστας
Published: November 2023

Στον βαθμό που η αειφορία αποτελεί ένα συλλογικό όραμα και εγχείρημα, η συνεργασία μεταξύ προσώπων και οργανισμών μιας κοινότητας συνιστά θεμελιώδες στοιχείο για τη δρομολόγησή της. Στο κείμενο αυτό επιχειρείται μια σύντομη αναδρομή στην εξέλιξη της ιδέας της συνεργασίας του σχολείου με την ευρύτερη κοινότητα, αποσαφηνίζονται κεντρικές έννοιες, συνοψίζονται βασικές τυπολογίες και σκιαγραφούνται ενδεικτικά παραδείγματα. Στη συνέχεια, αναλύονται τα κύρια οφέλη, οι δυσκολίες και οι παράγοντες που ευνοούν την ανάπτυξη τέτοιων συνεργασιών.
Definitions of serious injury in long-term residential care: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Morrissey David , O'Donnell Elizabeth A. , Behan Laura , McMahon Martin , Keyes Laura M.
Published: November 2023

Background

Evidence indicates that the reporting of serious injury in long-term residential care has increased substantially over the past decade. However, what constitutes a serious injury in residential care is poorly and inconsistently defined. This may result in incidences being unnecessarily reported as a serious injury. It is therefore, crucial to develop a consistent definition of serious injury to reduce reporting burden and to facilitate comparison between different residential care settings and across jurisdictions. This protocol describes the methods for a systematic review of existing definitions from the literature to inform the development of a consistent definition of serious injury in long-term residential care.

Methods

A wide range of published peer-reviewed and grey literature will be sought for this review, including guidance and policy documents. Searches will be conducted of databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, SocINDEX, Academic Search Ultimate, and Westlaw International. Grey literature database searches will include Trip and Social Care Online. Country specific searches of government and health and social care websites will be conducted. Quality appraisal will be facilitated using the Quality Assessment for Diverse Studies (QuADS) tool and Tyndall’s checklist. The level of confidence in the findings will be assessed using the GRADE CERQual approach. A customised data extraction form will be used to extract data to reduce the risk of bias. Conceptual content analysis of data will facilitate identification of definitions of serious injury and their frequency within texts.

Conclusion

The findings will inform the development of a consistent definition of serious injury in long-term residential care that will reduce reporting burden, facilitate the accuracy of data collected and allow for comparison across jurisdictions. A more universal and consistent definition will enable regulators, policy makers, service providers and researchers to develop policy and practical interventions to prevent the occurrence of serious injury in long-term residential care.
Practical guidelines for Bayesian phylogenetic inference using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)
Authors: Barido-Sottani Joëlle , Schwery Orlando , Warnock Rachel C. M. , Zhang Chi , Wright April Marie
Published: November 2023

Phylogenetic estimation is, and has always been, a complex endeavor. Estimating a phylogenetic tree involves evaluating many possible solutions and possible evolutionary histories that could explain a set of observed data, typically by using a model of evolution. Modern statistical methods involve not just the estimation of a tree, but also solutions to more complex models involving fossil record information and other data sources. Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) is a leading method for approximating the posterior distribution of parameters in a mathematical model. It is deployed in all Bayesian phylogenetic tree estimation software. While many researchers use MCMC in phylogenetic analyses, interpreting results and diagnosing problems with MCMC remain vexing issues to many biologists. In this manuscript, we will offer an overview of how MCMC is used in Bayesian phylogenetic inference, with a particular emphasis on complex hierarchical models, such as the fossilized birth-death (FBD) model. We will discuss strategies to diagnose common MCMC problems and troubleshoot difficult analyses, in particular convergence issues. We will show how the study design, the choice of models and priors, but also technical features of the inference tools themselves can all be adjusted to obtain the best results. Finally, we will also discuss the unique challenges created by the incorporation of fossil information in phylogenetic inference, and present tips to address them.
Case Report: What—or who—killed Frank Ramsey? Some reflections on cause of death and the nature of medical reasoning
Authors: Misak Cheryl , Naylor C David , Tonelli Mark , Greenhalgh Trisha , Foster Graham
Published: November 2023

Philosopher Frank Ramsey died in 1930 aged only 26. There has been much speculation about the nature of his final illness and the sequence of events which led to his death. To prepare this case report, we traced Ramsey’s medical records and combined them with an extensive and unique dataset of contemporaneous sources. We use these to evaluate three possible explanations for Ramsey’s illness and its unexpectedly fatal trajectory—infectious (Weil’s disease), autoimmune (primary sclerosing cholangitis) and obstructive (gallstones). We explore how uncertainty surrounding each of these possibilities might have influenced Ramsey’s doctors’ thoughts and actions, including their ill-fated decision to perform the emergency operation that appears to have precipitated his final decline. We then reflect on the unfinished opus on which Ramsey was working when he died—on the nature of truth and how humans reason under conditions of uncertainty. We end with some thoughts linking Ramsey’s death to his philosophy.
Art History
Authors: SAMOGAEVA AYNAGUL'
Published: November 2023

It is intended for study in professional educational organizations of secondary vocational education that implement the educational program of secondary vocational education for training middle-level specialists in the specialty 43.01.02 "Hairdresser".
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of secondary vocational education.
For students of educational organizations of secondary vocational education.
Comprehensive economic analysis in enterprise management
Authors: Boronenkova Svetlana , Mel'nik Margarita , Chepulyanis Anton
Published: November 2023

The textbook outlines the methodology and presents the methodological tools of a comprehensive economic analysis focused on the features of the current stage of economic development and the structure of economic entities. Methodological recommendations are given for a detailed analysis of the use of resources, analysis of the range of products and their management, organization of production processes, identification of features of cost formation in various fields of activity, the specifics of making estimates and calculating in conditions of rapidly changing demand and unstable operating environment.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for use in master's programs, in the preparation of students specializing in accounting, analysis and auditing, and in the system of professional development of specialists of economic services.
Ethics of business relations
Authors: Petrunin Yuriy , Borisov Vladimir , Panina Ekaterina , Panov Mihail
Published: November 2023

The textbook examines the basic principles of morality as regulators of human relations; stages and factors of formation of moral behavior of a person; features of business relations with colleagues, subordinates, management; ethical aspects of negotiation; ethics of modern communications; rules of conduct and image of a business person; ethical problems facing a manager in the process of performing his functional duties. It contains control questions and discussion questions that allow for more effective use of materials in the educational process.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of secondary vocational education of the latest generation.
For students of secondary vocational education institutions, as well as for teachers.
Archives of personnel documents
Authors: Gerasimova Ekaterina
Published: November 2023

The textbook is based on the course read at the Department of Archival Science, which consistently describes the history of the formation of a set of documents on personnel from the XVIII century to the present. The development of the system of organization, storage and use of this documentation in the XX-XXI centuries is shown. The article highlights the history, theory and practice of such part of archival science as archives of personnel documents, in particular, the issues of description and examination of these documents. Theoretical and practical issues related to the storage, use and access to these documents, determining their value as historical sources are considered.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For university students specializing in the field of documentation, employees of departmental archives, as well as all students of the history of Russia, source studies, the history of state institutions, the history of archival affairs.
Financial security of the company
Authors: Kazakova Nataliya
Published: November 2023

The textbook provides theoretical and practical training of business analysts on the financial security of companies. Considers the regulatory legal and methodological basis for the diagnosis of bankruptcy of organizations, as well as corporate fraud as a type of economic crimes; analytical tools for assessing the level of financial security based on a risk-oriented approach, the basics of building an internal financial security control system, including monitoring of the company's business processes affecting its financial security, as well as methods for assessing the risks of corporate fraud. The methods of diagnostics of the processes of companies' activities that contribute to improving their financial security through the introduction of a comprehensive digital environment, predictive analytics and big data technology into the control and diagnostic processes of business management are considered. Each chapter includes knowledge assessment questions, tests and situational tasks.
It complies with the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation, is focused on the competence model of the main professional educational programs, and also provides the functionality (requirements for labor functions) of employees laid down in the state professional standard "Business Analyst".
For master's degree students studying in the areas of 38.04.01 "Economics", 38.04.02 "Management", 38.04.08 "Finance and Credit".
Fundamentals of entrepreneurship
Authors: Golubeva Tat'yana
Published: November 2023

A wide range of problems is considered, such as: forms of organization and financing of entrepreneurship; the relationship of entrepreneurs with business partners; the content of the business plan of a small enterprise; methods and means to ensure the effectiveness of entrepreneurial activity; the culture of entrepreneurship and much more. The study of the material presented in the manual will allow students to obtain the necessary theoretical knowledge about the essence of entrepreneurship and its role in the national economy of Russia, as well as practical skills in the field of entrepreneurial activity.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of secondary vocational education of the latest generation.
The textbook is intended for students of secondary specialized educational institutions.
Banking operations
Authors: Starodubceva Elena , Markova Ol'ga
Published: November 2023

The textbook examines the legal and organizational foundations of the formation and development of commercial banks, shows their role in the accumulation and mobilization of loan capital. The structure of the textbook provides the study of active, passive and advisory-intermediary banking operations, the activities of banks in the securities market
and the foreign exchange market, methods of bank risk management. The textbook combines theory and practice, domestic and international experience in analyzing the work of commercial banks. Specific calculations and methods by which commercial banks manage their activities are presented.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of secondary vocational education of the latest generation.
For students of secondary vocational education institutions, for practitioners of the financial, banking and tax systems, as well as for all those who are interested in the problems of money, loans, banks.
In Search of the Vocabulary for Eastern European Food Studies. Conceptual Remarks After the Workshop: Alternative Food Supply Networks in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Goszczyński Wojciech
Published: November 2023

The article aims to organise the discussion about the position and role of research on alternative food networks and sustainable food systems in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. It was inspired by a debate that ensued during a meeting of researchers of alternative food systems held in October 2017 in Riga. Based on the meeting, one can conclude that it is necessary to: 1) develop a universal theoretical framework to study food practices which will take into account the specificity of this part of Europe; 2) consider the unique activities and initiatives embedded in the tradition of the region; and 3) establish functional connections among researchers involved in food studies.
The young generation as the vanguard of democratic change in Central Europe
Authors: Poniedziałek Jacek
Published: November 2023

The aim of this article is to analyse the results of a youth study carried out in selected post-communist countries in Central Europe, published in the monograph The Me-Generation in a Post-Collectivist Space. Dilemmas in a Time of Transition. Its authors ask a question about the role of the young generation in the processes of systemic transformation. Their research reveals that young people have little involvement in public life, rarely participate in elections, and are mostly preoccupied with individual strategies and satisfying their own needs. Those who show an interest in public affairs and actively participate in political life tend to contest the idea of liberal democracy, and support nationalist and populist parties; they blame democracy for failing to fulfil their aspirations. This type of youth generates social changes that contribute to the strengthening of nationalist and anti-European trends in Central Europe. Nevertheless, conclusions presented in the study seem to be overly pessimistic, as there are also groups of young people who present post-materialist attitudes and who are interested in the democratisation of the political systems in their countries.
Are primary schools a development and stabilisation factor of rural municipalities? A study of the differences in their importance in the Czech suburban, intermediate and peripheral countryside
Authors: Kourilova Jana , Pelucha Martin
Published: November 2023

This paper assessed the importance of primary school development in relation to community life, availability of funding, and attractiveness of rural municipalities in the suburban, intermediate and peripheral countryside of the Czech Republic. The importance of primary schools was analysed based on empirical research of the mayors of small municipalities in regions at the NUTS 3 level, i.e. suburban countryside in a large metropolitan area (the Central Bohemia Region), intermediate – stabilised rural region with a low population density (the South Bohemia Region) and predominantly rural region, internal periphery (the Vysocina Region). The results are discussed in three main themes: (1) general importance of schools for municipal development, (2) factors for school maintenance/absence in the village, and (3) development problems of municipalities in particular types of rural regions. Generally, the study findings prove the above division depending on whether there is a school within the municipality, with disparities with different types of rural areas not significant. Representatives of rural municipalities with a school confirmed that that the school is an important element in terms of community life and the attractiveness of the municipality for current and future residents, whereas in municipalities without schools, the necessary institutional memory to assess the importance and potential of a school was missing. Therefore, schools are only perceived as a provider of education without the possibility to positively influence the life within the municipality. This approach to understanding primary schools in conjunction with trends in rural outmigration in distant rural municipalities enhances the vicious circle of socio-economic shrinkage.
Cycling Tourism on the Danube Cycle Route in Serbia: Residents’ Perspective
Authors: Pavluković Vanja , Kovačić Sanja , Stankov Uglješa
Published: November 2023

Cycling tourism is a rapidly developing type of tourism in Europe and it is recognised in the tourism strategic documents of the Republic of Serbia as one of the key tourist products that should be developed specifically in the Danube region. This paper aimed to examine residents’ perceptions towards cycling tourism on the Danube cycle route in Serbia using the modified Tourism Impact Attitude Scale (TIAS). In addition, a multiple regression model was used to test the effects of the independent variables on residents’ perceptions towards cycling tourism development. The research findings indicate that residents have a favourable attitude towards cycling tourism, which is in the initial phase of development in the study area, and that the independent variables are predictors of residents’ perceptions. Implications for tourism development and planning are discussed and future research opportunities provided.
The Role of Non-Governmental Organisations in the Development of Rural Tourism in Vojvodina (Serbia)
Authors: Jegdić Vaso , Škrbić Iva , Milošević Srdjan
Published: November 2023

Sustainable rural tourism requires a high rate of local participation to achieve planning and development objectives. Particularly significant is the role of local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to facilitate and plan useful projects pertinent to rural development and tourism that aim to include the local population in such activities. During the last two decades, the increasing number of NGOs in developing countries has led to them becoming influential actors in sustainable development in many fields and bearers of various ideas, projects and other activities. This is particularly evident in rural tourism, where NGOs have become prominent in the field of rural attractions as well as in the training and capacity building of local communities. Tens of NGOs whose activities are essentially directed towards rural development are active in Vojvodina, however, their actual role in sustainable tourism is not completely understood. This study regarding the NGOs concerned with rural development aimed to identify, analyse and evaluate the role of non-governmental organisations in sustainable rural tourism in Vojvodina. The starting presumption was that NGOs have a clear and significant role in the sustainable development of rural tourism in Vojvodina. The basic methods and techniques of data collecting were observation and analysis of documents and the techniques of standardised interviews, with elements of indepth interviews. This research has shown that the role of the non-governmental sector in the development of tourism in Vojvodina is not visible and well defined, but also that some NGOs achieve high-quality results.