bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FOREIGN EXPERIENCE OF LEGAL REGULATION OF REDUCING THE LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION OF TERRITORIES TO A LEVEL ACCEPTABLE FOR HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine, Pakholok Yuliia
Published: March 2023

The article summarizes the foreign experience of legal regulation of reducing the level of radioactive contamination of territories to a level acceptable for human health and the environment, as well as it deals with the proposals for improving the legislation of Ukraine developed on the basis of foreign experience. It was established that the national legislation does not define general legal principles and mechanisms in the field of reducing the level of radioactive contamination of territories to a level acceptable for human health and the environment. Both general scientific methods and special-legal methods, including formal-legal, comparative-legal and historical-legal methods, were used to conduct the research. The experience of legal regulation of reducing the level of radioactive contamination of territories to a level acceptable for human health and the environment of such foreign countries as France, the United States of America, Germany, Spain, and the Czech Republic is analyzed separately. The experience of these countries indicates that there the general principles of reducing the level of radioactive contamination of territories to a level acceptable for human health and the environment are defined at the legislative level. In addition, in most foreign countries, a special state body has been created, which is entrusted with the authority to implement programs in the field of reducing the level of radioactive contamination of territories to a level acceptable for human health and the environment. In this regard, it is proposed to supplement the Law of Ukraine "On the Use of Nuclear Energy and Radiation Safety" with a section "Radioactively Contaminated Territories", the effect of which would extend to the entire territory of Ukraine, and to define there a system of measures to reduce the level of radioactive contamination of territories to an acceptable level for human health and environment level. After all, there is no national legislative framework regulating the issue of reducing the level of radioactive contamination of territories to a level acceptable for human health and the environment as a whole. The norms contained in the laws are of a local nature: they apply only to the territories affected by the disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
LEGITIMATE EXPECTATIONS OF INVESTORS IN THE RENEWABLE ENERGIES
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine, Poiedynok Valeriia
Published: March 2023

The article aims at studying the approaches of international investment tribunals to the definition and protection of the legitimate expectations of investors in the renewable energies sector in case where a host state changes or cancels the previously established investment incentive schemes. The author also provides recommendations for Ukrainian authorities regarding the treatment of investors in order to settle existing conflicts and prevent them in future. The research methodology consists of the system-structural method, methods of analysis and synthesis, comparative and prognostic methods. At the beginning of the 21st century, many countries (including those in the European Union) enacted schemes, such as feed-in tariffs (FITs) or other special rates, to encourage long-term investment in the renewables. Confronted with a global financial crisis in 2008–2009, however, many of these countries reduced or eliminated altogether their original investment incentive frameworks. These amendments have prompted a significant number of investment disputes based on claims of breaches of investors' legitimate expectations over the stability of remuneration schemes, alleged to amount to an infringement of the fair and equitable treatment (FET), under the second sentence of Article 10 (1) of the Energy Charter Treaty. Ukraine now faces the same problem in its own relations with investors in renewable energies. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully study the existing (particularly negative) foreign experience in order to mitigate the risks of both losing disputes and inhibiting the development of the "green" energy sector. In order for the state not to bear the burden of compensation payments over the lawsuits by investors, changes in the regulatory regime should be proportionate, reasonable, non-arbitrary and in the public interest, but not radical or unpredictable. At the same time, any lawsuit by an investor poses a risk for the state, since the outcomes of the investment disputes resolution are unpredictable. In this regard, proper communication and negotiations with investors are extremely important to prevent lawsuits, which also carry the danger of creating a negative information background for green energy.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION ACTS FOR JUDICIAL PRACTICE OF UKRAINE
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine, Venediktov Sergii
Published: March 2023

The article analyses the peculiarities of the application of the standards of the International Labour Organization in the judicial practice of Ukraine. Despite the fact that the claimants very often, when filing the lawsuits, strengthen their argumentation by referring to the ILO Convention or Recommendation, these international standards do not form the direct basis of the subsequent court decisions. This circumstance is viewed primarily as one resulting from the tendency of understanding the concept of international labour law as international public labour law, namely, when the law that is associated with the cooperation of states, interstate associations, international organizations, and national level social partners. Its subject is interstate public relations, regarding the establishment and implementation of international standards of human rights in the field of labour. In turn, international public labour law is always characterized by a complex nature, which is expressed by the combination of elements of international law with national labour legislation. So, on the one hand, after the ratification of an international act, under the Article 9 of the Constitution of Ukraine it becomes part of the national legislation and in the future, moreover, its provisions do not actually function independently, but are developed in the legal acts of Ukraine. But, on the other hand, the given circumstance in no way eliminates the possibility of direct application of the international standard in the case of non-regulation of the relevant issue in the legal acts of Ukraine. This is expressly specified in the Article 81 of the Labour Code. The rule states that, if an international agreement in which Ukraine participates establishes rules other than those contained in the legislation of Ukraine on labour, the rules of the international agreement are applied. Taking into account the enormous regulation of employment relationships at the state level, in Ukraine, the direct application of ILO conventions and recommendations is appropriate, first of all, in cases of gaps existing in national legal acts. In addition, it should be noted that the ILO Constitution obliges each ILO member state to report on the measures it has taken to apply the ratified Conventions. Such reports are based not only on national legislation, but also on judicial practice. This fact strengthens the role of the judiciary in the implementation of Ukraine's international obligations, because the results of its activities may affect the international image of the state. In addition, active involvement of the courts in the implementation of international standards at the national level creates a unique pool of information that allows the ILO to develop further ways of effective international regulation in the field of labour.
THE PLACE OF AN EXPERT AMONG THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IN CIVIL CASES
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine, Vilinskyi Maksym
Published: March 2023

The purpose of the article is to clarify the place of an expert among the participants of the legal proceedings in civil cases. Methods. The article uses general scientific and special scientific methods of research as: method of analysis, systemic one, deduction, generalization, historical method, comparative legal method, analysis of documents, and grouping. Results and Conclusions. The question of determining the place of the expert among the participants in the legal proceedings in civil cases is examined in the article. For this purpose, a historical comparative analysis of the Civil Procedural Code of Ukraine (hereinafter – the CPC of Ukraine) in the versions of different years, a comparative legal analysis of foreign legislative experience, and the doctrinal approaches of domestic scientists to the solution of the specified issue were made. On the basis of the study of the civil procedural legislation of the Europe, Asia and North America countries, it was established that they use two approaches to solving the issue of determining the place of the expert among the participants in the legal proceedings: the absence of a legal fixation of the expert place within a certain group of participants in the proceedings; legislative confirmation of the expert place as a part of "other participants in the legal proceedings". The author defines the main criterion for classifying the expert as "other participant in the legal proceedings" is a legal interest in the consideration of the case, namely one of its elements. On the basis of the study of domestic scientific approaches, it was established that in the structure of the "legal interest" concept, it is reasonable to distinguish two components: the material-legal and the procedural-legal, where the latter belongs to the expert, which determines his assignment to "other participants in the legal proceedings". At the same time, the impossibility of recusal of the expert within the framework of a civil case on the basis of the presence of such an interest is substantiated. Based on the differences in procedural and legal functions in the case and the relation to the administration of justice by the court, the division of the other participants in the legal proceedings was carried out into: persons, who organisationally ensure the justice performance by the court, and persons, who contribute to the court's establishment of facts and circumstances relevant to the case, and the expert can be assigned to the second subgroup. In connection with that, it is expedient to set out Art. 65 of the CPC of Ukraine in the new version in order to legislate such a division.
DISCRETIONARY POWERS OF ADMINISTRATIVE COURTS IN THE FIELD OF HUMAN AND CIVIL RIGHTS PROTECTION
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine, Zadyraka Nataliia
Published: March 2023

The article considers the category of discretionary powers of administrative courts. It is noted that human rights and freedoms and their guarantees determine the content and orientation of the activities of our state, the Constitution of Ukraine not only declares the idea that a person is the highest social value of society, but emphasizes that the activities of the state guarantee protection and are aimed at the realization of its legal rights, freedoms and interests. It is stated that ensuring guarantees of man and citizen rights in relations with public administration bodies is the responsibility of any law-based state, and Ukraine is no exception. The above-mentioned necessitated the creation of administrative justice in our state, which, on the one hand, protects the rights of a person and a citizen, and on the other hand, with the help of a single judicial practice, ensures the legality of the activities of public authorities. Administrative justice is the most important procedural and legal instrument in the field of full protection of constitutional rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of man and a citizen. Methodology: The methodological basis for the article are general and special methods of legal science, in particular: the method of dialectical analysis, the method of prognostic modeling, formal and logical, normative and dogmatic, sociological methods. The results of the study: in order to resolve the issue of legislative consolidation of the concept of "discretionary powers of the administrative court", the proposal in part 1 of Art. 4 of the CAS of Ukraine "Definition of terms" a separate paragraph defines the concept of the following content: "discretionary powers of the administrative court – the rights and powers of the administrative court (first, appellate, cassation instances, Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court) granted to it by the state, enshrined in the provisions of the articles of the CAS of Ukraine, which enable the administrative court to freely act considering and deciding an administrative case, to choose between two or more legal alternatives to that, which in its opinion is more appropriate (more reasonable)".
ON THE QUESTION OF THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "COMPLIANCE" AND ITS FEATURES IN THE BUSINESS FIELD
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine, Korshun Angelina
Published: March 2023

In spite of compliance being a fast developing practice in the business sphere the main concept of compliance as a category is particularly underexplored. The variety of compliance spheres is not able to formulate the widely recognised and unified understanding as well as definition of the compliance as a general term in the business area. The article interrogates the concept and term of "compliance" in the field of business, by exploring the definition, usage and characteristic features of this term in the legislation of Ukraine (in the banking field and in the field of regulation of the stock market (capital markets and organized commodity markets), in scientific literature and in international advisory acts, standards and practices. The aims of the research are to arrive at a better understanding of the formulated definitions of the term, determine the advantages and disadvantages of existing definitions of the term "compliance", formulate proposals for the economic and legal definition of compliance, as well as highlight the characteristic features of compliance in the field of business. To achieve the aforementioned goals of the research, the author used the following methods: the method of comparative analysis, induction and deduction, structural-functional, systemic methods, etc. The article establishes that the definition of the term "compliance" in the legislation of Ukraine requires unification and change of the principle of fixing term's definitions for individual spheres of business, where the implementation of compliance is regulated at the level of Law. The author also notes the presence of different approaches to defining the content of compliance in scientific literature on law and categorizes approaches that form the basis of definitions of the term "compliance" formulated by scientists. The work examines the definitions of the term formulated in international practice and international standards, on the basis of which the author comes to the conclusion that the given definitions are excessively laconic and that there is a need to include features that would better characterize compliance in the definition of the term. Based on the research and analysis conducted, the author identifies the most relevant characteristic features of the term "compliance" and proposes her own formulation of the specified concept.
The Physical Concepts on Special Tube Surfaces Generated by Normal Curves in Galilean 3-Space
Authors: ALMAZ Fatma , ALYAMAC KULAHCİ Mihriban
Published: March 2023

In this study, we examine the tube surfaces formed by normal curves in Galilean 3-space, and we give Clairaut’s theorem on the tube surfaces using geodesic normal curves. Also, we attempted to explain why the specific kinetic energy and angular momentum of particles may be on tube surfaces
Justification of the need for the system of medical support for high school students with enhanced mental abilities
Authors: Setko Andrei G. , Zhdanova Olesya M.
Published: March 2023

INTRODUCTION: To fully realize the intellectual potential of high school students with enhanced abilities, it is crucial to create conditions that promote and preserve their physical and mental health.
METHODS: To scientifically support the system of assisting students with enhanced mental abilities in the face of risk factors within the educational environment, a one-stage study was conducted at a multidisciplinary lyceum for gifted adolescents. The study focused on identifying risk factors associated with the organization and intensity of the educational process and daily routine of students in grades 911. To further support the use of biofeedback in the school medical system, students were taught the diaphragmatic breathing technique. The effectiveness of this technique was evaluated through a comparative analysis of the functional state of the central nervous- and cardiovascular systems, as well as the psycho-emotional status of students before and after two weeks of functional biofeedback training.
RESULTS: We found that students were at risk for health problems due to poorly organized educational activities, high intensity of studies and neglect of health-promoting habits such as adequate sleep and walking. However, it has also been found that academic demands can enhance mental performance, albeit at the cost of increased stress on the body's regulatory systems. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a support system for students that addresses these concerns. One promising intervention is diaphragmatic breathing training, which has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mental performance and adaptability in students.
CONCLUSION: Our findings have enabled the scientific substantiation and development of a comprehensive system to support students with enhanced abilities throughout their educational path. This system involves assessment of the psychophysiological state of students, identifying those at risk and those in good health, and organizing a range of corrective, health-promoting, and health-protecting measures. These measures are designed to enhance compensatory capabilities and psychophysiological reserves, as well as to strengthen students' health during the learning process.
Corrections for geographical differences in photoperiod in time-series analysis
Authors: Ragozin Oleg N. , Tatarinzev Pavel B. , Pogonysheva Irina A. , Gudkov Andrei  B. , Shalamova Elena Yu. , Pogonyshev Denis A. , Beisembaev Anvar A.
Published: March 2023

This article presents the results of the development of the corrections for geographical differences and photoperiodism in time-series analyses of physiological and demographic indicators.
the models were created using the results of the studies of biological rhythms obtained using the software developed by the author using wavelet analysis and photoperiodic stability of the chronotype during adaptation to the conditions of the North, shift work in healthy individuals as well as in subjects with somatic or mental pathology. We also assessed long-term demographic rhythms of the population living in different regions of Russia.
For standardization and ranking of interseasonal, inter-regional studies (physiology of movements and shift work) in chronophysiological format, we propose the use of the calculated "photoperiodic latitudinal coefficient". To improve the accuracy of the models, we propose the use of the "signal- noise coefficient" in the interpretation of the results, an assessment of the "degree of polyrhythmicity" and the "rhythm instability index" in the presence of "inserted" or "quantized" rhythms.
Blood concentrations of brain natriuretic peptide (Nt-pro-BNP) and the regulation of hemodynamic reactions in healthy adult Arctic residents
Authors: Dobrodeeva Liliya K. , Samodova Samodova V. , Balashova Svetlana N. , Pashinskaya Ksenia O.
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND: In previous studies, we have observed that the levels of Nt-pro-BNP in healthy individuals are lower than among patients with coronary heart disease and hypertension. Additionally, Nt-pro-BNP concentration increases with age. Interestingly, Arctic residents have higher levels of Nt-pro-BNP compared to those living in other northern territories.
AIM: To study the role of Nt-pro-BNP in the regulation of hemodynamic reactions in adults residing in the Arctic.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 111 healthy adults (66 women and 45 men) aged 4655 years living and working on Svalbard, and in the Murmansk region comprised the study group. The comparison group included 118 healthy adults of the same age from the Arkhangelsk region (59 women and 59 men). Peripheral venous blood samples were taken. Hemogram and concentrations of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD10+, CD16+, CD19+, CD23+, CD25+, CD71+ lymphocytes were studied by an indirect immunoperoxidase reaction and a flow cytometry. Blood concentrations of Nt-pro-BNP, endothelin-1, total NO, endogenous NO2, nitrate NO3, cortisol, norepinephrine, epinephrine were assessed using enzyme immunoassay. Data were presented as means and standard errors of the mean (Mm). Depending on the distribution, unpaired t-tests or MannWhitney U-tests were used for all comparisons.
RESULTS: Blood concentration of Nt-pro-BNP was higher in the Arctic residents compared with those living in Arkhangelsk. Elevated concentrations of Nt-pro-BNP in the Arctic residents were associated with higher levels of norepinephrine and cortisol and lower concentrations of epinephrine and endothelin-1. Moreover, we observed a re-distribution of lymphocytes and monocytes from the circulating to the marginal pool. These features of the hemodynamic reaction were more pronounced among the Arctic residents and among women in all settings.
CONCLUSION: The effect of natriuretic peptide is associated with simultaneous activation of the concurrent activation of norepinephrine and cortisol secretion, which poses a risk of disrupting the body's mechanisms for maintaining a narrow range of osmolarity in the internal environment.
Analysis of the associations between urban infrastructure and population lifestyle: rationale, study design and methodology
Authors: Popovich Marina V. , Kontsevaya Anna V. , Oussova Ekaterina V. , Zinovyeva Veronika A. , Lopatina Maria V. , Drapkina Oksana  M.
Published: March 2023

The creation of a socially comfortable urban environment is crucial for reducing health risks among the population. Numerous foreign studies have shown that urban infrastructure such as buildings, transportation, street design, public spaces, and access to resources such as healthy food, recreational areas, and places for physical activity have a significant contribution to the health of urban residents.
In Russia, the evidence on this topic is still scarce. Therefore, it is important to introduce the research methodology of the first Russian study on the associations between urban environment and population lifestyle. The aim of this article is to describe the rationale for the study, the study design, and the methodology of a comprehensive assessment of the municipal infrastructure that affects the health of the population. Additionally, the article will analyze the association between infrastructure and lifestyle to create a unified preventive environment at the municipal level. This will lead to the development of a comprehensive intersectoral health promotion program that takes into account the risk factors for the health of the population in a specific municipality.
Perioperative anesthesia in children with oncological diseases: prospective single-center continuous cohort study of a 6-year clinical experience
Authors: Matinyan Nune V. , Kuznetsov Dmitry A. , Kovaleva Ekaterina A. , Tsintsadze Anastasia A. , Belousova Ekaterina I. , Akimov Vasilii P. , Maslova Anastasia I.
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND: Effective anesthesia is one of the most important factors in rapid and successful rehabilitation after surgery. Inadequately selected analgesia and consequent pain significantly slow down the recovery process and are associated with several complications that cover almost all organs and systems and reduce the patients quality of life in the long term.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze 6 years of clinical experience with perioperative epidural anesthesia in the Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology, considering the effectiveness, safety, and satisfaction of patients and their legal representatives with this medical aid.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective single-center continuous cohort study was conducted on patients who received epidural analgesia as part of perioperative anesthesia in the period from 2016 to 2021. Data from 702 (48.5%) boys and 745 (51.5%) girls were analyzed. Children were divided into three main groups according to age: from 1 month to 1 year (14.3%), from 1 year to 7 years (37.8%), and from 8 years to 18 years (47.8%). The area of surgical intervention was also considered: abdominal surgery (65.2%), thoracic (8.5%), and orthopedic (26.4%). The choice of the local anesthesia level has also influenced the results. The main study outcomes were the intensity of postoperative pain syndrome in pediatric oncosurgery and additional consumption of narcotic analgesics after the administration of a mixture of topical drugs with or without adjuvants into the epidural space.
RESULTS: The effectiveness of epidural anesthesia in the intraoperative period was quite high, which is confirmed by the stability of hemodynamic parameters. Intraoperatively, additional administration of systemic narcotic analgesics was noted in 5% of the total sample. In all observed patients, epidural adjuvants (morphine and promedol) ensured the optimal duration of action and analgesic efficacy of caudal blockade in the postoperative period; therefore, additional painkillers were not needed. Satisfaction with the intervention was generally high, with 98% providing a rating of very good or good.
CONCLUSION: Anesthesia methods (epidural blockade), optimal pain control, and active postoperative recovery (including early oral nutrition and mobilization) in fast-track surgery reduce stress reactions and organ dysfunction, significantly reducing the time required for a full recovery.
Spinal anesthesia during caesarean section in parturients with gestational diabetes: prospective controlled non-randomized study
Authors: Degtyaryov Evgeny N. , Shifman Efim M. , Snezhko Vera D. , Zhukоvets Irina V. , Khodus Sergey V.
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases the incidence of cesarean section (CS) to 57.4%. Chronic high blood glucose levels can affect opioid receptors and neurotransmitter metabolism. Pregnant women with GDM require more analgesics and consumed more opioids in the immediate postoperative period after CS than patients without GDM. Thus, in parturients with GDM, the features of the spinal anesthesia (SA) course during CD surgery and the postoperative course remain not fully understood.
OBJECTIVE: To assess SA during CS in parturients with GDM.
METHODS AND METHODS: A prospective controlled study was conducted. The study group included patients with compensated GDM, excluding the criteria for manifest diabetes. The control group included patients without carbohydrate metabolism impairment. The inclusion criteria were as follows: SA, full-term and singleton pregnancy, elective CS, age 1525 years, normal venous blood glucose levels in the morning before surgery, parity of pregnancy, and childbirth. The exclusion criteria were as follows: patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists class IV, inadequate SA requiring the administration of drugs for general anesthesia, severe extragenital pathology, preeclampsia and eclampsia, insulin therapy, and use of oral hypoglycemic agents. After SA induction, Bromage motor block and sensory block were assessed.
RESULTS: Sensory block was achieved in 53% after 3 min, 84% after 4 min, and 100% of the patients in the control group after 5 min. In the GDM group, the threshold of 50% was reached after 7 min, and in all patients, sensory block was noted after 10 min. In the assessment of motor block by Bromage, all patients in the control group achieved motor block after 5 min, whereas in the GDM group, only 77.5% achieved motor block.
CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that with SA during CS in patients with GDM, compared with parturients without carbohydrate metabolism alteration, the rates of sensory and motor block development decreased. Differences in pain intensity were noted after the early postoperative period, and significant pain sensations in the GDM group are manifested on average 60 min earlier than that in the non-GDM group.
Using the blockade of interfascial space of the erector spinae muscle (erector spinae plane block) in minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery: prospective randomized study
Authors: Stukalov Anatoliy V. , Lakhin Roman E. , Garbuzov Evgenii Y. , Ershov Eugene N. , Stukalov Nikolay V.
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND: Despite the successful development of cardio-anesthesiology, no consensus exists on the preferred anesthesia method for coronary artery bypass grafting.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of perioperative analgesia in minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery (MIDCAB) using ultrasound-assisted blockade in erector spinae plane (ESP).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, two-center, randomized study included 37 patients who underwent MIDCAB surgery. In group 1, before the induction of general anesthesia, an ESP block was performed; in group 2, the operation was performed only under general anesthesia.
RESULTS: The consumption of fentanyl for anesthesia differed in groups 1 (ESP block) and 2 (general anesthesia): 0.9 (0.8; 1.0) mg vs 3.0 (2.6; 3.2) mg (p 0.01). The norepinephrine dosage was higher in group 2 than in group 1: 0.18 (0.16; 0.22) mcg/kg/min vs 0.05 (0.04; 0.06) mcg/kg/min (p 0.01). Postoperatively, the pain score was lower in group 1 than in group 2, and no additional opioids were required during the first 34 h after extubation. Thereafter, no differences in pain scores were observed between the groups.
CONCLUSION: The use of an ESP block with a single injection of a local anesthetic is effective in reducing the total dosage of fentanyl used during surgery, dosage of norepinephrine, and mechanical ventilation and improve the quality of postoperative analgesia during MIDCAB.
Comparative characteristics of regional anesthesia methods in thoracic surgery: randomized, prospective, open-label, controlled trial
Authors: Zhikharev Vasiliy A. , Bushuev Alexandr S. , Koriachkin Victor A. , Porkhanov Vladimir A. , Glushchenko Vladimir A.
Published: March 2023

OBJECTIVE: To compare and analyze the effectiveness of regional anesthesia methods in thoracic surgery.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 150 patients were examined, 75 each underwent thoracotomy and surgery with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) access. Depending on the type of regional anesthesia, patients were divided into one of these five groups: epidural blockade (EB) group (n=30), paravertebral blockade (PVB) group (n=30), erector spinae plane (ESP) block group (n=30), serratus anterior plane (SAP) block group (n=30), and control (group 5, only systemic anesthesia was used, n=30). The intensity of postoperative pain syndrome, need for promedol and tramadol, and incidence of atelectasis and hypotension were assessed. The length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) was recorded.
RESULTS: The median pain value during thoracotomy was the lowest in the EB group. In the ESP and SAP block groups, the pain syndrome was more pronounced and corresponded to the median values of the control group. EB and PVB with VATS access had the maximum analgesic effect, and the median values of the pain syndrome during ESP and SAP blocks made it possible to reduce the intensity of the pain syndrome relative to the control group. The EB and PVB groups generally did not require promedol postoperatively. All patients with thoracotomy in the ESP block, SAP block, and control groups used narcotic opioids. With VATS access, in the ESP and SAP block groups and control group, all patients receiving analgesic therapy used a narcotic analgesic. In the control group, FBS was performed more often in absolute terms; however, no significant differences were found (p=0.227, 2 test). Arterial hypotonia in the EB group was significantly more common than that in patients with other anesthesia types (p=0.0164, chi-square test). The control group recorded the highest number of days of patient stay in the ICU (Me [thoracotomy], 3 days; Me [VATS], 2 days). In the control group, only the EB (Me [thoracotomy], 2 days; Me [VATS], 1 day, p=0.022, 2 criterion) and PVB (Me [thoracotomy], 2 days; Me [VATS], 1 day, p=0.008, 2 criterion) reduced the length of ICU stay.
CONCLUSION: With thoracotomy, the choice remains between epidural or paravertebral anesthesia. EB more often than others causes arterial hypotension. In VATS access, ESP and SAP blocks can be alternatives to neuraxial methods. During the ESP block, catheterization can reduce pain intensity compared with those without it. EB and PVB can reduce the length of ICU stay.
Chronic post-thoracotomic pain syndrome in cardiothoracic surgery after minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery: prospective cohort study
Authors: Stukalov Anatoliy V. , Lakhin Roman E. , Gritsai Alexander N. , Ershov Eugene N. , Stukalov Nikolay V. , Garbuzov Evgenii Yu.
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND: No consensus has been established on the role of epidural anesthesia in relation to the prevention of chronic post-thoracotomic pain during minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of epidural anesthesia on the incidence of chronic post-thoracotomic pain syndrome after minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) surgery.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 87 patients who underwent MIDCAB surgery. In group 1, epidural anesthesia was performed before the induction of general anesthesia; in group 2, the operation was performed only under general anesthesia.
RESULTS: The use of fentanyl for anesthesia varied: 0.5 (0.5; 0.6) mg in group 1 versus 3.5 (3.3; 3.6) mg in group 2 (p 0.01). The incidence of chronic post-thoracotomic pain in patients 3 months after surgery was higher in group 2 than in group 1 (39.1% vs 17.2%, p=0.005). The severity of pain at rest was 3 points (2; 3) in group 1 and 3 points (3; 3.5) in group 2 (p=0.018); however, during a deep breath, these differences became insignificant: 4 points (4; 4) in group 1 and 4 (4; 5) points in group 2 (p=0.453). At 6 months after surgery, chronic post-thoracotomic pain was present in 15.6% of the patients in group 1 and 34.8% in group 2 (p=0.011). After 6 months, the severity of pain at rest was 2.5 (2; 3) in group 1 and 3 (3; 3.75) in group 2 (p=0.01). No differences in cough were found: 4 (3.75; 4) points in group 1 and 4 (4; 4.5) points in group 2 (p 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The use of epidural anesthesia led to a decrease in the incidence of chronic post-thoracotomic pain in patients undergoing MIDCAB surgery.
Bleeding during epidural analgesia: case report
Authors: Novikov Alexey Yu. , Smirnov Grigorii A. , Titovets Oleg A. , Koriachkin Viktor A. , Zabolotskii Dmitry V.
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND: Bleeding at the puncture site during neuraxial blocks is a potentially dangerous complication, and its risk is significantly increased in patients receiving antithrombotic therapy.
CLINICAL CASE DESCRIPTION: Patient S. (aged 60 years) was admitted to the department of vascular surgery (Vladivostok). He was diagnosed with Leriches syndrome, for which he took 100 mg of aspirin and 75 mg of clopidogrel. On January 12, 2022, combined spinal-epidural anesthesia was performed, and the epidural space was punctured on the fourth attempt. However, massive bleeding was observed from the puncture site. Intraoperatively, before the great vessels were clamped, 100 units/kg of heparin (8000 units) was administered. After the operation, the epidural puncture site was revised: the sticker was soaked with hemorrhagic discharge and removed, and a new sticker was applied. On January 12, 2022, nadroparin calcium 9500 IU anti-Xa/ml 0.3 mL was given two times a day in the ICU. On the same day, intensive bleeding was noted in the area where the epidural catheter was located. This was treated locally with cold and two doses of fresh frozen plasma. On January 13, 2022, magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine showed the spinal cord without displacement and compression, the puncture area had no signs of bleeding, the epidural catheter was removed, and the patient was discharged for outpatient treatment on day 7.
CONCLUSION: To reduce bleeding risk in neuraxial blockade, the recommendations for preparing for surgery patients receiving anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy must be followed, and the pharmacokinetics of antithrombotic drugs must be taken into account. If puncture and catheterization of the epidural space are technically difficult, manipulation should be abandoned.
HIGH PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGIES USED IN FUSHENG SCREW COMPRESSORS
AUTHORS
Authors: Spasskiy Anatoly A. , Spasskiy Ivan A.
Published: March 2023

In the context of negative changes occurring in the planets biosphere, such as pollution of the environment and the atmosphere, global warming, and depletion of energy resources, increasingly high criteria are imposed on manufacturers of refrigeration equipment, the most important of which are: (a) enhancement in the energy efficiency of refrigeration equipment; (b) decrease of material consumption of refrigeration units, and (c) use of clean and safe materials and refrigerants.

The Taiwanese company, Fusheng, has been one of the world leaders in the production of screw refrigeration compressors for several decades. The experts at the company are always working to enhance the manufactured equipment and implement the most cutting-edge technologies.

Recently, the most effective steps in this area have been the advancement and mastering of the manufacturing of special two-stage low-temperature screw compressors of the SRT series, as well as the production of compact screw compressors with an integrated BSR series oil separator with a variable compression ratio and semisealed screw refrigeration compressors with a volumetric capacity of 85 m3/h to 1946 m3/h

The SRT compressor series consists of six types, with a first-stage volumetric capacity of 120759 m3/h and a second-stage volumetric capacity of 50300 m3/h
Miraculous life-saving role of patent foramen ovale: a case report
Authors: Jeršovs Kirils , Aveniņa Sofija , Krutovs Vladimirs , Kaļiņins Artjoms
Published: March 2023

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a relatively uncommon anatomical variant that predisposes patients to several complications, such as atrial septal aneurysm, thromboembolism, stroke, platypnea-orthodeoxia, and paradoxical embolism. Despite this, in rare cases, PFO can be a life-saving factor. We present a 72-year-old man with a PFO and fulfilled Virchov’s triad after being stationary, dehydrated, and suffering from chronic venous insufficiency. A subsequent transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a large thrombus (approx. 20 cm in length) dwelling in the PFO in between both atria. In this case, PFO effectively saved the patient from such complications as pulmonary embolism and paradoxical embolism.
Information, attitudes and behaviors of mothers about breastfeeding behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic process
Authors: PARLAK Mehmet Emin , KÜÇÜKKELEPÇE Osman , ENER Dilek , ÖZ Erdoğan , BAYAR Volkan
Published: March 2023

Objectives: In this study, besides the factors affecting breastfeeding, such as the tendency to breastfeed, the number of children, educational status, maternal age, working style, it was investigated how the breastfeeding behavior was affected during the epidemic.
Methods: At least 384 mothers were included in the study with a 95% confidence level, 0.05 margin of error, and 403 mothers were included in the study. A questionnaire form prepared by the researchers was used as a data collection tool and consent form was obtained from the participants.
Results: The mean age of the mothers participating in the study was 29.2 ± 5.9 years (range:18 to 52 years). Two hundred and one (49.8%) mothers participating in the study do not find it safe for mothers with COVID-19 to breastfeed their baby. However, only 20.2% of mothers think that COVID-19 can be transmitted to the baby through breast milk. Ninety-eight (24.4%) mothers stated that they could breastfeed their babies even if they had COVID-19, and 15.5% stated that mothers with COVID-19 around them could breastfeed their babies.
Conclusions: Although the COVID-19 epidemic had a negative impact on all aspects of life globally, it did not generally change the breastfeeding decisions of breastfeeding mothers. In fact, due to the closures and extended maternity leave, mothers spent more time with their babies and enabled them to breastfeed more frequently. However, it should not be neglected that misinformation is at a substantial level. In the studies conducted, wrong or incomplete information was observed in a significant part of the mothers who did not consider breastfeeding due to the epidemic, although the rates were low. For this reason, besides health professionals, media organs should be actively used for information.
Isolated Axillary Lymph Node Recurrence from Serous Ovarian Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: HÖBEK Pelin , ONAN M.anıl
Published: March 2023

Ovarian cancer is the most mortal gynecological malignancy among women worldwide. The appropriate treatment protocol is cytoreductive surgery and the main aim is to remove all primary carcinoma focus and all metastatic lesions. A 37 years old woman (gravida 5, para 3) presented with complaints of abdominal distension. During the gynecological examination, bilateral adnexal masses in the solid structure were observed. Staging surgery was performed and 8 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy regimen were given. A pathological axillary lymph node was detected in the positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging at the follow-up 6 months after the end of the chemotherapy regimen. The biopsy result from the axillary lymph node was reported as serous carcinoma metastasis. Metastasis of ovarian carcinoma to the axillary lymph node is uncommon and has a poor prognosis. High-grade ovarian serous carcinoma with axillary lymph node metastasis was presented in this case report.
Editorial: After a Last wave of the Pandemic: Towards a Post-COVID Era (Public Policies in Times of Pandemics II)
Authors: Farantos Georgios , Koutsoukis Nikitas-Spiros
Published: March 2023

This is an Editorial in the Special Edition of the European Scientific Journal entitled “After a Last Wave of the Pandemic: Towards a Post-Covid Era” (Public Policies in Times of Pandemics II). It is a great honor for us, the proposal made by the Editorial Team to participate as Guest Editors of this second Special Edition. After the success of the first special edition entitled "public policies in times of pandemics", we decided to continue by publishing a second special edition. Unfortunately, the remarkably distinguished Professor of the University of the Peloponnese Nikitas-Spiros Koutsoukis passed away just before the publication of this volume. This Special Edition is dedicated to the memory of Professor Nikitas-Spiros Koutsoukis.
Challenges and Adjustments of Healthcare and Labor Policies in Greece During the COVID-19 Era: A Critical Assessment of the Key Social Policy Responses
Authors: Tzagkarakis Stylianos Ioannis , Melidis Michail
Published: March 2023

The welfare state in Greece even before the outbreak of the global pandemic experienced multiple challenges and problems mainly as a result of its chronic structural, administrative, and financial problems which were further deteriorated by austerity measures. The pandemic that followed the ten-year economic crisis led to a new multifaceted crisis, adding further pressure on the National Health System as well as on the labor market, and precipitating the uptake of targeted measures and policies to support both the NHS with equipment, staff, and employment due to the imposition of national and local lockdowns. Confronted with such weaknesses, the establishment of a new welfare state would need to bear a higher degree of flexibility, inclusivity, and efficiency in order to live up to the increasing societal, health, and economic demands.  In this sense, the aim of this paper is to explore the variations in health and labor policies (two key pillars of the welfare state) during the COVID-19 pandemic and assess whether there is a need for further interventions with regard to social security and prosperity of citizens. The methods followed include the analysis of secondary quantitative data collected from a range of international and national databases. The analysis shows that – among new challenges such as telework - in the labor market policies, while there is a trend during the pandemic of decreasing in-work poverty and unemployment, still Greece faces more problems than the majority of the EU member states, in terms of job inclusion and poverty reduction. At the level of healthcare policy, during the crisis, although Greece increased its spending on NHS support compared to the pre-pandemic era in 2020, these increases were below those of the majority of EU Member States and structural problems still exist.
Digital Transformation and COVID-19: The Case of Greece
Authors: Vratimos Achillefs
Published: March 2023

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant problems to different public sector functions worldwide. This extends further than just public health. To protect citizens and keep services functional, the digital transformation of the public sector was selected by many countries as the most reliable solution (a policy with the goal of servicing citizens on-time and efficiently). Greece lagged significantly behind the European average in terms of digital governance. A different policy aiming at the development of digital governance applications was adopted in mid-2019. The scope of this paper is to examine how the pandemic (since the first months of 2020) has contributed to the impressive acceleration of the digital transformation processes of the central administration. This paper presents in detail the innovative applications implemented by Greece in the context of combating and limiting the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as supported by statistics that reflect the spread of these applications. In summary, we see that through digital governance applications, the implementation of the lockdown was controlled, and, at the same time, many procedures were made digital. As a result, there would be no need for physical presence in public services for their processing. Examples of that include electronic prescribing, continuous monitoring of COVID cases, and vaccination appointment scheduling for the defense against COVID-19.This, therefore, became possible because of this digitalization approach. The success of this approach is evident in the National Theater’s performances, as well as many of the country's museums contents, which were converted and transmitted in digital format. Volunteerism was also promoted to strengthen hospitals and other units. Such state measures to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences demonstrated the importance of leveraging the digital resources of public administration (networks, connectivity and interaction of digital skills) and how effectively Greece grasped the opportunity to accelerate the implementation of a lot of digital transformations towards digital governance.