bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of biopsychosocial comprehensive chronic pain management physiotherapy practice protocol in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain-a randomised control trial
Authors: Alagappan Thangamani Ramalingam , Roy Sudipta
Published: January 2025

Background: Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is a common condition treated by physiotherapists. Many existing treatments focus mainly on biomedical aspects, which have limited effectiveness and do not align with clinical practice guidelines that advocate for a biopsychosocial (BPS) approach. To address this issue, a new physiotherapy protocol has been developed that incorporates pain neurophysiological education, cognitive behaviour modification, and self-management strategies. This protocol will undergo clinical trial evaluation and has the potential to transform physiotherapy practices in line with these guidelines.
Methods:  A randomised, single-centre clinical trial will be carried out to compare the effect of a  comprehensive CMP management (CCPM)  which consists of 16 sessions weekly twice for 8 weeks neuroscience education program (4 sessions, 4 hrs) cognitive behaviour modification program (6 sessions, 6 hrs), self-management strategies (4 sessions, 4 hrs) and revision of the program (2 sessions, 2 hrs) along with usual care physiotherapy treatment for thrice weekly for 8 weeks, with standardised physiotherapy thrice weekly for 8 weeks as control group. The study aims to evaluate the effect of CCPM intervention on central sensitisation, as well as on fear avoidance, pain, disability, and pain self-efficacy The outcome variables will be measured at the beginning of the intervention and after 8 weeks.
Discussions: The Physiotherapy practice must adopt a multi-dimensional pathway of treatment that considers all the bio-psychosocial factors during treatment sessions, rather than just following a bio-model pathway of management.
Trial registration: CTRI/2023/05/053340 [Registered on: 31/05/2023]
Determination of minimal inhibitory concentration of citric acid as a root canal irrigant against E. faecalis and C. albicans
Authors: Ravi Athira , Ephraim Rena , Belchada Dhanya Kamalakshan , Kanadan Anjali
Published: January 2025

The clinical success of primary teeth endodontic therapy depends strongly on attaining prepared root canals with sufficient disinfection levels. Therefore, using natural or chemical cleaning agents to properly clean the root canals is becoming more and more important. With little to no impact on the organic components, citric acid is effective in dissolving the smear layer and the inorganic components of root dentine. Study included the custom preparation of citric acid to 3 different concentrations-6,8, and 10%. MTCC strains of C. albicans and E. faecalis were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose agar plates and blood agar respectively. Three wells each were prepared on cultured plates and the solutions of citric acid was inoculated into them. The zone of inhibition was noted after 24 hours in each plate. The greatest zone of inhibition will be determined in each of the plates and the concentration was recorded with E. Faecalis and C. Albicans. The lowest concentration of citric acid that is capable of inhibiting bacterial growth will be taken as the minimum inhibitory concentration of citric acid against the respective organism. 8% concentration of citric acid can be used as an irrigant and gives a greater inhibition zone almost as much as that of 10 % citric acid.
Evaluating shock index as a prognostic tool in septic shock patients
Authors: Laguvaram Srikesh , G. M. Pranam , Hirevenkanagoudar Usha , Chetty Sanjeev
Published: January 2025

Background: Septic shock is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. The shock index (SI), defined as a quotient obtained by dividing the heart rate (HR) with systolic blood pressure (SBP), is a potential tool that may aid in early prognostication of outcomes in paediatric septic shock, though data on its utility remains limited.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Navodaya Medical College, Raichur, over one year. A total of 100 children aged 1 month to 12 years with septic shock were included. SI values were calculated and analysed for their association with inotrope requirement, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), length of PICU stay, and outcomes. Children with cardiogenic, hypovolemic, or obstructive shock and those previously treated at other centres were excluded.
Results: Out of 100 children with septic shock, 76 survived and 24 died, with a mortality rate of 24%. Elevated SI values (>1.2) were seen in 78%, correlating with disease severity. Survivors had a mean SI of 0.9±0.1, while non-survivors had 1.3±0.2 (p<0.05). Among elevated SI cases, 64% required inotropes, and 42% developed MODS compared to 8% with normal SI (p<0.01). The average PICU stay was longer for elevated SI cases (7±3 days versus 4±1 days). Persistently high SI values predicted poor outcomes and mortality.
Conclusions: Elevated SI can be a valuable non-invasive parameter that aids health care professionals in triaging sick children in a limited resource setting, allowing for timely referral to higher centres. Continuous monitoring of SI trends alongside HR and SBP can aid in early identification of high-risk patients, enabling timely and targeted interventions.
Comparative study about early full versus conventional partial enteral feeding in preterm new-born infants of 28-34 weeks
Authors: Baloda Mamta , Shah Maulik , Aravind Akshay , Bhagora Nutan
Published: January 2025

Background: Enteral feeding is a critical component of neonatal care for preterm infants. Enteral feeding is indicated for a range of medical conditions, including prematurity, where infants cannot suck and swallow effectively; neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy or brain injuries; congenital anomalies like cleft palate; and critical illnesses that prevent adequate oral intake. This study aims to evaluate and compare the outcomes of early full enteral feeding with conventional partial enteral feeding in preterm newborn infants born between 28 and 34 weeks of gestation, focusing on parameters such as growth and development, long term morbidity and mortality.
Methods: This is a comparative prospective observational study designed to compare full enteral feeding with partial feeding on preterm. Total 180 preterm infants were included in the study. Participants were allocated into two groups - 90 preterm: full feed, and 90 preterm: partially feed.
Results: A study of 180 infants compared full and partial feeding groups, each with 90 babies. The full-feeding group showed fewer complications (16% total) with no necrotizing colitis, while the partial-feeding group had more issues (30.33% total), including 3% with necrotizing colitis. Full-fed babies had better outcomes with higher discharge rates (88% versus 80%) and lower death rates (9% versus 15%). While both groups showed similar length growth, full-fed babies maintained more stable weight gain over 15 days.
Conclusions: This study concludes that full enteral feeding is more beneficial approach in the nutritional management of preterm infants leading to improved growth in terms of weight, length and head circumference gain.
Rheumatic chorea as the first presenting sign in a 12-year-old male child
Authors: Patel Bhargav G.
Published: January 2025

Rheumatic chorea (RC) is a movement disorder seen in young children and adolescents with a recent history of incompletely treated group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) pharyngitis. Although, it rarely presents as the first manifestation of the disease, physicians should be aware of the disease, so that early diagnosis and prompt treatment may lead to elimination of the pathogen and prevent further disease progression. We present a case of a 12 years old male child who presented with only RC as the first clinical sign.
Prevalence and risk factors of allergic rhinitis in pediatric population
Authors: Rahman Masroor , Rahman Farhana , Jewel Arif Mahmud , Al-Mamun Abdullah-
Published: January 2025

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) significantly affects the pediatric population, with rising prevalence rates and substantial impacts on quality of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in children and identify key risk factors contributing to its development. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and identify the risk factors of allergic rhinitis in the pediatric population.
Methods: This retrospective observational study involved 150 pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis symptoms at the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, and the Department of Pediatric Medicine, Bashundhara Ad-din Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Inclusion criteria comprised children aged 1 to 18 years with allergic rhinitis symptoms. Demographic data, risk factors, and comorbidities were collected and analyzed using SPSS 22.0.
Result: The study included 150 pediatric patients, predominantly male (64.00%), with the majority aged 6-12 years (46.67%) and residing in urban areas (69.33%). Allergic rhinitis was present in 70.00% of the patients, with a significant association to family history, high environmental exposure, and passive smoke exposure. Among those diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, comorbidities were common, with 45.71% having asthma, 50.00% having eczema or atopic dermatitis, and 24.29% having conjunctivitis.
Conclusion: This study shows that 70% of pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis are mainly males aged 2 to 12 years, with significant risk factors being family history and environmental exposure, alongside common comorbidities like asthma and eczema.
Audit of surgical tracheostomy in ICU setting: an institutional study
Authors: Mohanty Sanjeev , Balasubramanian Sudha , Padmanabhan Deepthi , Kumaragurubaran Balaji , Ramesh Gunakeerthana
Published: January 2025

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the indication, timing of the procedure, immediate, early and late complication of surgical tracheostomy in intensive care unit.
Methods: The study was done on patients who are in need for surgical tracheostomy in intensive care unit at MGM Healthcare hospital for a period of 4 years from the year July 2019 to June 2023. All patients were taken up for surgical tracheostomy at the operation theater under monitored anaesthetic care.  All patients were followed up for 1 year in the postoperative period.
Results: This is a retrospective study, conducted in the Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, A total of 78 patients were taken into study. Among them, the major indication for tracheostomy was the need for prolonged ventilation accounting for 76 patients and diaphragmatic palsy accounting for 2 patients. Early tracheostomy was done for 14 patients within 1-7 days of intubation and late tracheotomy were done for rest 64 patients between 8 to 14 days of intubation.  Early Complication like hemorrhage occurred in 7 patient, surgical emphysema in 3 patients.
Conclusion: Prolonged intubation is the main indication for surgical tracheostomy, performed after 1 week of intubation.  Complications of tracheostomy can be life threatening and should be carefully monitored. Ideally, the procedure performed in operating room results in better outcomes. However, in case of acute airway compromise and emergency situations ICU settings and bed side procedures can avoid morbidity and mortality stand points in post operative period.
Fungal infection among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Gautham Varun Krishna Mohan , Kanitha M. Senthil , Rejitha I. M.
Published: January 2025

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) involves persistent inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses, often attributed to Aspergillus species as a primary etiological agent. Effective treatment involves complete eradication of fungal pathogens and restoration of sinus function, commonly achieved through functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological features, assess the prevalence and identify the mycological profile of fungal rhinosinusitis.
Methods: This study was a prospective observational analysis involving a cohort of 50 patients treated at the Tirunelveli Medical College between June 2017 and July 2017. Nasal sinus tissues and secretions were collected for mycological and bacteriological analysis. Samples were processed on the same day, with fungal elements identified via KOH mount and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Bacterial cultures were grown on MacConkey agar and species identification was performed using biochemical tests.  
Results: Fungal culture results showed that 72% of the patients had a negative culture, while 28% had a positive culture. Among the 50 patients, 36 did not have diabetes or hypertension. All sinuses were involved in 40 patients and 24 had nasal polyps, with bilateral polyps being the most common. The most frequently isolated fungal species was Aspergillus. KOH positivity was strongly correlated with culture positivity, with 9 out of 10 KOH-positive patients also being culture-positive, while KOH negativity was associated with culture negativity in 35 out of 36 patients.
Conclusions: CRS significantly affects quality of life, with fungal infections being a notable cause, especially in patients with unilateral sinus involvement. Effective treatment requires endoscopic sinus surgery, followed by antifungal therapy.
Questionários contextuais do Pisa em pesquisas educativas: Revisão sistemática
Authors: Soares Talita Emidio Andrade , Santos Wagner dos
Published: January 2025

Este artigo apresenta uma revisão sistemática da literatura em periódicos, utilizando o método Prisma, para analisar produções acadêmicas que empregam questionários contextuais do Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa). Foram selecionados 22 artigos, classificados em três categorias de análises: desempenho educacional de estudantes; fatores ambientais, socioemocionais e políticos; e qualidade psicométrica. Os estudos abordam diversas perspectivas em variados contextos, com foco predominante no uso do questionário do estudante como instrumento de análise. Destaca-se o número expressivo de estudos comparativos entre países. Contudo, são reduzidas as análises desenvolvidas no contexto sul-americano.
“How Many Brothers-in-Law — So Many Wolves”. Yuri Krizhanich on “Chuzhebeshie” (Xenophilia) and Dynastic Marriages
Authors: Yusim Mark
Published: January 2025

The article examines the concept of union as a mode of political association characteristic for the medieval society and its feudal organization, in which power was closely tied to a person, family and dynasty. The main form of state union was dynastic marriage, although the cause of union could also be conquest or the election of a monarch to the vacant throne of a neighboring state. Because of this personal and family character of unions, many of them were short-lived, but some of them, due to geographical and other conditions and circumstances, grew into real and lasting unions, as, for example, the history of insular Great Britain shows. The unions between French and English dynasties, on the other hand, did not lead to real unification. In Italy, due to the fragmentation of the country, political marriages, despite their high frequency, also did not lead to the formation of stable alliances and served only private political purposes. An example of a sharply negative attitude to interstate matrimonial alliances are the views of the encyclopedist writer Yuri Krizhanich, expressed in his treatise “Politics” (Razgowory ob wldatelystwu), written in Russia in 1663—1666.
Medieval Toponym and Modern Geographical Map: In Search of Correspondence
Authors: Konovalova Irina
Published: January 2025

The article summarizes the experience of the author’s research work with medieval Islamic geographical writings and maps and is devoted to the question of the peculiarities of toponyms found in them and the relationship of the latter with modern geographical nomenclature. This problem is examined mainly on the basis of the geographical work of the outstanding Arab geographer al-Idrisi (12th century), in particular, those of his materials that relate to Eastern Europe. A number of al-Idrisi toponyms have been identified that cannot be directly compared with a modern geographical map. The study of the geographical specificity of such place names, as well as their functions in al-Idrisi’s system of ideas about Eastern Europe, led to the conclusion that place names denoting large geographical objects, such as a river or mountain system, are a collective geographical image created by al-Idrisi himself based on fragmentary information. The functional role of such a toponym was to embody a geographical idea that evokes a complex of various associations among the audience to whom the medieval geographer was addressing.
Marcianus Capella’s Views of the Universe. To the Origins of Medieval Culture and Scientific Knowledge
Authors: Petrova Maya
Published: January 2025

The paper is devoted to the reconstruction of the philosophical ideas on the universe of Marcianus Capella, of the Latin Platonist of the second half of the 5th century, which take place in his encyclopedic work “De nuptiis Philologiae et Mercurii” (“On the Marriage of Philology and Mercury”), which is a characteristic instance of the state of late Roman science. It is noted not only that this work belongs to the Roman rhetorical tradition (and not the philosophical Greek one), but also its noticeable influence on the development of Medieval Western European culture. Its demand by such authors as John Scotus (Eriugena), Remigius of Auxerre, Martin of Ireland is shown. The circle of Marcianus’ sources is indicated (including “Menippean satire”, Apuleius’ “Metamorphoses”, Varro’s “Nine Sciences”, “Chaldean Oracles”, works of Porphyry and others).
How “De administrando imperio’s” Passage about the Cities of “Outer Rhosia” Was Made
Authors: Kozlov Sergei
Published: January 2025

The article attempts a “back translation” of the De administrando imperio’s passage about the cities of “outer Rhosia” (cap. 9.3—7) from Byzantine-centric positions into the original “language” of the mixed population of Rus’. The “cultural translation” undertaken in the article, ch. 9 shed new light on the diplomatic channels of Byzantium and, in particular, made it possible to judge local intermediaries in its contacts with Russia. Apparently, the basis of the “Rhosian dossier” was information received through Slavic translators from the Russian elites of Kiev (presumably from among the Rurikovichs), which explains the depth of knowledge in the language and culture of the Kiev group of Rus that DAI demonstrates. Neither Old Russian nor Old Scandinavian texts preserved direct analogies to the “outer Rhosia” list. The considered indirect analogies also do not provide solid grounds for the geographical attribution of this list, but allow us to make an assumption about the spatial imagination of Rus’, elements of which may be reflected in ch. 9. At the heart of this imagination is the Baltic-Northern sailors’ view of the urban configuration of “Western” Rus’, structured along the river routes from the Baltic to the Black Sea.
“And That Books Laid Out Before Us”: the Oldest Copy Book of the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery
Authors: Gryaznov Anatoly
Published: January 2025

The article studies the manuscript of the OR RNB. SPb DA. Q.IV.120, which is the oldest surviving monastery copy book. The existing manuscript was created in the second third of the 16th century. The paleographic and codicological analysis allowed to reconstruct its original structure and to distinguish the multi-temporal layers transmitting the text of earlier copy books (Manuscript α and Manuscript β). The creation of the first of them dates back to the first years after the death of the Belozero prince Mikhail Andreevich in 1486 and is connected with the withdrawal of the ownership documentation of Belozero landowners to the Grand-Ducal treasury. Manuscript β was compiled around 1500 and reflected the further development of the clerical tradition of the Kirillo-Belozersky monastery. The creation of the first copy books in the Kirillo-Belozersky monastery was the result of systematization and structuring of the proprietary documentation accumulated by the end of the 15th century. Manuscript α and Manuscript β testify to the development of archival work in the Kirillo-Belozersk monastery, and the reconstruction of their text gives an idea of the first known monastic copy books. While the very existence of multi-temporal layers in Manuscript Q.IV.120 has long been established in historiography, the reconstruction of the order of the texts of acts in Manuscript α was an unexpected result of the study.
Lost in Translation: Medieval and Modern Heraldic Vocabulary
Authors: Staroskolskaia Daria
Published: January 2025

The article discusses obstacles appearing before a Russian translator while working with modern and medieval texts on heraldry. The cases analyzed in the article show not only the most peculiar mistakes but the circumstances of their appearance. First of all it investigates the process of historical development of heraldic lexis and grammar, translation of which always require vast accompanying explanatory texts. The author suggests some ways of solving disputable situations, based on personal experience of linguistic analysis and translation of medieval rolls of arms, heraldic treatises and romans. In the whole, it outlines general difference of blazon traditions.
Why Do Children Make Coats of Arms?
Authors: Grephenstein Alexander
Published: January 2025

The author analyzes the tendency of teenage children (13—15 years old) to independently create coats of arms. Schoolchildren received an optional task - to make a coat of arms of a family, class, school, city, usually without any information or methodological support. The work involved a conversation about the rules of heraldry; familiarity with examples of coat of arms creation; presentation of projects by authors and their collective discussion. The difference in the technical skill of the performers made it difficult to assess the actual heraldic merits. A total of 31 draft coats of arms were analyzed. In the course of the work, features of the perception of coats of arms by their young compilers emerged — such as the manifestation of age-related psychological characteristics, and such trends in changes in the worldview of modern schoolchildren. Everything included in the coat of arms was interpreted and motivated through the prism of a purely individual perception. Characterized by an orientation towards originality of visual content and extreme specificity. The most common starting point in drawing up a coat of arms was the interests and hobbies of the author, the professions of parents and relatives, family realities — household members, favorite cups. pets. A number of projects were created on the basis of generalized images of family, home and love. Among the coats of arms created by children, vowels are rare — no more than 20 %. An unexpectedly large number of projects were drawn up within the framework of heraldic logic. The experiment showed that knowledge of family history extends no further than grandparents. He also showed that heraldic creativity (even within the framework of elective classes) has great potential for initiating interest in heraldic knowledge among schoolchildren.
Sun as the Symbol of the Monarch in Russian Culture of the Second Half of 18th Century
Authors: Pchelov Evgeny
Published: January 2025

The article discusses metaphorical comparison of a monarch to the sun in Russian culture of 18th—19th centuries. The tradition dates back to civilizations of the Ancient East, however it was later reconsidered in the Christian sense. The sun is not only the ruler but Christ himself (“the Sun of Righteousness”). Thus, similitude of a monarch and the sun was also that of Christ. Such juxtaposition often occurred in Old Russian culture, beginning in the premongolian epoch and further to the Tsardom of Muscovy, when it entered panegyrical poetry. In the time of Peter the Great the importance of such metaphor increased under influence of Western European emblematics, wide spread in xylography, numismatics, medallic art, etc. The sun was the epithet for nearly all Russian monarchs and after Peter throughout 18th and 19th centuries. At the same time the sun, especially rising, became closely associated with women on throne in particular, achieving additional meaning regrading that they have seized power. The ascend to the throne of Elizabeth of Russia after coup in 1741 was described by Russian poets as the shining sun in the morning hour dispersing the obscurity of her predecessor. The metaphor was so appropriate that it was repeated in the same circumstances of Elizabeth II accession supplemented with masculine features of Phoebus. That image was inherited by her grandson Alexander I.
Nomine Digna Viri: How Anglo-Norman Historians Searched for a Language to Describe Female Power
Authors: Sirotkina Anastasia
Published: January 2025

This article examines female potestary images in historical works of the first half of the 12th century: “Gesta Regum Anglorum” and “Historia Novella” by William of Malmesbury, “Chronicon ex Chronicis” by John of Worcester, “Historia Anglorum” by Henry of Huntingdon, “Historia Ecclesiastica” by Orderic Vitalis, and the anonymous work “Gesta Stephani”. To create the most complete picture of how the authors described the claim of Matilda, the daughter of King Henry I, to power, the most significant texts from the point of view of historiography were selected. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is used to study changes in the description of the image of the Mercian Lady Aethelflæd. The way of describing Empress Matilda is compared with the language of describing Aethelflæd. A hypothesis is put forward according to which the Anglo-Saxon historical tradition, in contrast to the Anglo-Norman, practically lacked the language of description of female potestary images. In historiography, there is a widespread opinion that medieval authors tended to endow outstanding powerful women with masculine vocabulary. In this article, the author concludes that the claims of Empress Matilda to power, as well as the titles characteristic of her documents, introduced changes in the language of description of powerful female images.
English Traveler Grenville Temple About the Military Potential of Russia and Turkey in the Balkans in the 30s of the 19th Century
Authors: Kovalyov Maksim
Published: January 2025

Mutual perception of Russia and Europe in the first third of the 19th century became more complex with the emergence of the Eastern question and thanks to the formation of the concept of Orientalism in the last century. The article analyzes the results of the Russian-Turkish War of 1828—1829, the results of the military reform of Sultan Mahmud II (1808—1839), and the assessment of the armed forces of the Ottoman Empire and Russia in the 1830s from the point of view of the British traveler G. Temple. The author of the article comes to the conclusion that the Russophobia demonstrated by the traveler does not have a specific expression. It represents only an interpretation of the typical Oriental discourse.
Micropolities Within the British Empire: a Special Path of Historical and Political Development
Authors: Morozov Evgenii
Published: January 2025

The article is devoted to the problems of the history and evolution of the political status of micropolities within the British Empire in the colonial and post-colonial periods. A micropolity, as a small and relatively isolated territory, is a space of complex and multidimensional processes. As a rule, they move more slowly and do not always repeat similar phenomena over large areas. The article examines micropolities that are of great strategic importance or have become objects of international territorial disputes: Malta, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, Gibraltar, British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos). Of the micropolities examined, only Malta received full independence. The remaining territories did not receive such independence, primarily because third countries claim them: Spain to Gibraltar, and Mauritius to Chagos. Akrotiri and Dhekelia are located in the complex Cyprus crisis area involving both island states, as well as Turkey. In addition, all these micropolities retain important military-strategic significance for Great Britain; and Chagos is also an American military base. Despite the small size of micropolities, their history is accompanied by a range of political, economic and international problems that are far from being resolved. These factors prevented their decolonization and made them important objects of political processes of the post-colonial era.
Between Internationalism and Imperialism: Great Britain and the Problem of the Creation of International Legal Regimes for Dependent Territories after the World Wars
Authors: Romanova Ekaterina
Published: January 2025

The distinctive features of the new world order after both the First and Second World Wars were the creation of an international organization, which largely determined its legal basis. The creation of the mandate system in accordance with the Charter of the League of Nations, the provisions of the UN Charter on international trusteeship and non-self-governing territories became important steps towards the internationalization of the colonial issue. Although the mandate system extended only to the German colonies and some territories of the Ottoman Empire, and the international trusteeship system, which was largely a continuation of it, affected only a tiny fraction of the vast territories under British control, the creation of these international legal regimes gave a new dimension to the colonial issue: it was taken beyond the scope of the politics of each individual colonial empire and became an international issue. Based on the documents of the British Cabinet and Colonial Office, the article seeks to answer the question, how the internationalization of the colonial issue, founded on the articles of the Charters of the League of Nations on the mandate system and the UN on the international trusteeship system and non-self-governing territories, was perceived by British officials in terms of their capabilities and limitations for conducting colonial politics.
The Southerner as Universalist: Racial Dimensions of President Woodrow Wilson’s Global Agenda
Authors: Romanov Vladimir
Published: January 2025

The article examines the foreign policy views of the 28th President Woodrow Wilson, who is traditionally considered to be a supporter of universalism and liberal internationalism. The author’s attention is focused on the racial aspects of the theory and practice of Wilsonism. First of all, an analysis of the origins of Wilson’s approach to the surrounding world is presented. These origins trace the traditions of European (primarily English) imperialism, the racist beliefs of the “Southern gentleman” and his belief in “American exceptionalism”. The president’s first foreign policy experience in the Chinese and Latin American directions is assessed as “missionary diplomacy” aimed at helping, as it seemed to him, “underdeveloped” peoples who are unable to independently take responsibility for the prospects of their own progress. This policy did not bring any significant positive results. The goal of Wilson’s global program, formed during the First World War and during the post-war settlement, was to create a “new world”. But from the point of view of resolving racial issues, it turned out to be, as shown in the article, quite limited. The author substantiates the conclusion that Wilson’s proposals for a national settlement and the fate of colonially dependent peoples were not universal in nature. The League of Nations and the mandate system, created as a result of the Paris Peace Conference, turned out to be just neocolonial instruments for maintaining power in the hands of the great Western powers.
Practices of Soviet Cultural Diplomacy in Latvia on the Example of Excursion Trips and Tours of Artists. 1920s — 1930s
Authors: Mikhailova Yulia
Published: January 2025

The article is devoted to the analysis of the practices of Soviet cultural diplomacy in Latvia in the 1920s and 1930s. The author focuses on such aspects as the organization of excursion trips and Soviet “artistic export” to Latvia — tours of musicians and theatres. This was one of the most favorable ways to create a positive image of the USSR abroad. Performances of Soviet artists (theatre groups and studios, opera and chamber singers, musicians) were positively received by the public, especially in the Baltic countries, where the Russian language and Russian culture were well known. Organized trips to the USSR with a demonstration of Soviet achievements left positive emotions and memories among tourists. All this helped Soviet diplomacy to build special, “apolitical” lines of communication and, through “soft power”, to form a positive image of the country. Cultural and artistic exports to Latvia, the “exchange” of theatre groups and artists in the interwar period were built into a system aimed at expanding the USSR’s international relations and promoting state values and ideology. At the same time this activity was complicated by different approaches of the Soviet diplomats and politicians to how cultural and propaganda work should be carried out abroad, a lack of funding, and ideological attitudes. The main body that controlled “cultural rapprochement with foreign countries” remained the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks) and the Politburo. During its meetings could be made final decisions on whether to allow or prohibit sending a particular person or artistic group abroad. The organs of the Soviet political system sought to exert constant influence on the formation of “communication channels” established in addition to official diplomatic work, which became especially evident in the 1930s.
Language Policy of the Colonial Authorities in Congo Using the Lingala Language as an Example
Authors: Tatarovskaya Irina
Published: January 2025

One of the urgent problems of African studies is related to the description of the language policy of the colonial authorities in Africa. The expansion of Portugal, France, Belgium, and England to the African continent had not only political and economic consequences, but also influenced the culture and languages of Africans. The article is devoted to the language policy of the colonial authorities of France and Belgium in the Congo, using the Lingala language as an example. Its implementation was conditioned by the complex ethnolinguistic situation in Central Africa. The origin of the Lingala language dates back to the second half of the 19th century, so the description and study of its history is closely related to the colonial period in Africa. The origin and development of the Lingala language is in many ways similar to the history of other new languages of the colonial era, but it is the most representative. The paper provides a detailed analysis of several hypotheses of the origin of this language. The article describes the language reforms carried out by Catholic and Protestant missionaries in relation to the Lingala language. The role of missionary organizations in Africa in the field of education and in the choice of the language of education and science is analyzed. Currently, the language situation in the developing countries of Africa is difficult and painful due to historical reasons and the peculiarities of the ethnolinguistic situation.
Russia in the System of International Relations of the 19th Century on the Materials of Scientific Articles by Russian Historians Published in the Journals “New and Modern History” and “Russian History” in 2014—2024
Authors: Dudarev Vasiliy
Published: January 2025

This article considers the main aspects of the Russian Empire’s foreign policy in 1800—1914, which were the subject of articles by Russian historians in two journals of the leading Russian historical institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences: Institute of World History of the Russian Academy of Sciences (journal “New and Modern History”) and Institute of Russian History of the Russian Academy of Sciences (journal “Russian History”) for the period from 2014 to 2024. The assessment of how scientific articles cover political, diplomatic, institutional, prosopographical, etc. aspects of this topic in a wide chronological and geographical space contributes to the formation of a picture of modern Russian historiography devoted to Russia’s foreign policy orientation in the 19th century, to the understanding of the main vectors of Russian historical science of the last 10 years on this problem and also shows possible directions for deepening the study of this topic.
“First Greetings of the Slavophiles to the New Reign” and a Discussion on the Foreign Policy Strategy of the Russian Empire in 1894—1895
Authors: Bukharin Mikhail
Published: January 2025

With the beginning of the reign of Emperor Nicholas II, the revising the foreign policy strategy and tools for its implementation became a more acute question in Russian socio-political thought. The overwhelming majority demanded the continuation of the previous line. On November 10, 1894, the outstanding historian Slavist V. I. Lamansky held a speech at the Slavic Charitable Society in which he called for a revision of the basic principles of Russian foreign policy. Lamansky insisted that active intervention in international conflicts throughout almost the entire 19th century followed a political line aimed at realizing the interests of opponents of the Russian Empire, primarily Austria-Hungary and Germany. Lamansky called for sobering up in foreign policy, for focusing exclusively on Russia's national interests. Lamansky’s speech provoked a sharp reaction in both Russian and Eastern European public thought. Its discussion continued in 1894 and 1895. Previously unpublished evidence is introduced into scientific circulation ‒ fragments of letters from I. V. Yagić to university Slavists and F. F. Oldenburg to I. V. Lamansky himself. These documents, coupled with already well-known documents (some of which fell out of the field of view of researchers of international relations and socio-political thought), largely enrich the history of polemics on key foreign policy issues in Russia at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. V. I. Lamansky’s speech itself can be considered as one of the earliest manifestos of political realism. Following previous foreign policy principles led the Russian Empire to be drawn into the First World War.
“Peace Without Reconciliation”: the Russian Press About the Results of the Second Balkan War and the Bucharest Peace Treaty of 1913
Authors: Kotov Boris
Published: January 2025

The article examines Russian society’s perception of the results of the Second Balkan War in the summer of 1913 and the Bucharest Peace Treaty. Based on the involvement of a wide range of periodicals — from social democratic to Black Hundreds — the author shows that Russian society was almost unanimous in its assessment of the Bucharest Peace Treaty as an extremely unstable temporary agreement, which not only did not solve the Balkan issue, but created new hotbeds of conflict in the region. The nuances of the positions of various periodicals are considered, which determined the diversity of options for interpreting the events that took place and assessing the future prospects for the development of the situation in the region.
Russian Diplomat Aleksandr Nikolaevich Svechin: Service and Destiny
Authors: Shatokhina-Mordvintseva Galina
Published: January 2025

The name of Aleksandr Nikolaevich Svechin (1859—1936), an employee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire, is associated with important milestones of Russia’s bilateral relations with Italy, Turkey, France, but first of all with the Netherlands, where he was in the diplomatic service during the First World War. Up to date no studies were devoted to A. N. Svechin in either Russian or foreign historiography. The aim of this study is to make a scientific reconstruction of his biography. The basis of this article is archival records, genealogies, “Yearbooks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs” published in 1861—1916, which contains data concerning the activities of Russian diplomacy and the staff of the department, collections of documents, the Dutch press of 1912—1922, “Lists of civilian ranks” and other reference books, as well as Internet resources. These sources made it possible to draw up a biography of A. N. Svechin, to provide information about his closest relatives, to trace the stages of Svechin’s promotion from the junior diplomatic post of attaché and the lowest civil rank of collegiate registrar to the appointment of state councillor in deed Svechin in 1912 as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and his service as the head of the Russian diplomatic mission in The Hague until the end of his career in 1918.
Modernization of the Spanish Educational System during the Transition Period and Soviet-Spanish Relations in School Education (Late 1970s and Early 1980s)
Authors: Kuzina Nataliya
Published: January 2025

This article explores the modernization of Spain’s educational system during the transition period following the death of Francisco Franco (late 1970s and early 1980s), with a focus on Spain’s engagement with Soviet expertise in school education. After 1975, Spain launched active reforms aimed at democratizing all areas of society, including the education system. The article highlights key aspects of the movement for public and secular schooling, as well as issues surrounding universal education and teacher employment. Special attention is given to the role of the Pedagogical Renewal Movement (MRP), which became a leading force in reforming the education system, advocating for democratic school governance and the use of modern teaching methods. The study of Soviet-Spanish relations in the field of education is based on archival documents held in the State Archive of the Russian Federation (GA RF). These materials include correspondence between the ministries of education of both countries, requests from Spanish educational institutions for exchanges, and the study of Soviet pedagogical methods, as well as joint projects related to the education of special-needs children. The analysis of these materials shows that during the democratization process, Spain actively sought new educational approaches, and the Soviet model attracted interest from Spanish reformers and educators. This cooperation was reflected in exchanges of delegations, publications, and scientific research.
American Soy in the USSR: the Transfer of the U.S. Agricultural Practices into the Soviet Economy During Détente
Authors: Tarbeev Igor
Published: January 2025

This article, based on previously unpublished documents from the Russian State Archive of Contemporary History (RGANI), examines the transfer of American ideas and practices to the USSR. The case study focuses on an expert memorandum submitted by the Institute for the U.S. and Canadian Studies of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) in 1976, addressing issues related to the production and use of soybeans in the Soviet Union. The research follows a constructivist approach, highlighting how the image of the United States as a technological leader became more prominent during Soviet economic reforms, and how American modernization practices were seen as a model to follow. The use of anthropological methods provides a detailed look on how Soviet officials viewed and implemented American ideas within their own economic system. Using cultural transfer theory and tracking the “life” of the memorandum within soviet bureaucratic practices, the author explores why some expert recommendations were set aside, while others were adopted. The study concludes that the success of American ideas, such as the “soy project”, depended on the support of influential officials and the ability to adapt these ideas within smaller, manageable modernization efforts that didn't require major changes to the Soviet economic structure.
The USSR and the Сollapse of Socialist Orientated Regimes in Ghana and Mali, 1966—1970
Authors: Mazov Sergey
Published: January 2025

Drawing on recently available documents from Russian archives, the author revealed unknown circumstances and facts concerning the reaction of the Soviet authorities to the military coups in Ghana (24 February 1966) and Mali (19 November 1968), which led to the fall of socialist oriented regimes that were friendly and ideologically close to the USSR. It is established that there was no unanimity in the Soviet leadership and expert community on the issue of providing military assistance to the supporters of the deposed president of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah. It is shown that the USSR after February 1966 believed that Modibo Keita’s regime in Mali had little chance of staying in power, did not accede to his requests for increased economic and financial aid, and reacted with restraint to his overthrow. The author traced the impact of the coups in Ghana and Mali on the processes which led to the domination of pragmatism in Soviet policy in Africa.
Triumphant Return? Soviet Historians at the International Congress in Rome (1955)
Authors: Gruzdinskaya Victoria
Published: January 2025

The article is devoted to the participation of Soviet scientists in the X International Congress of Historical Sciences. The forum was held in Rome from September 4 to 11. The congress brought together more than 1 500 historians from 34 countries. After a long break, scientists from the USSR took part. Preparations for the forum began in the summer of 1954. The first step was the establishment of the National Committee of Historians of the USSR under the International Committee of Historical Sciences. The article attempts to examine the preparation and participation of Soviet historians in the congress. The study focused on the following questions: can we say that this was a triumphant return of Soviet historical science to the world? Or did scientists from the USSR take a marginal position in the world community of historians? What did the leaders of the Soviet delegation count on and what did they actually get? The article is based on materials from the Archives of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Russian State Archives of Contemporary History, the Scientific Archives of the Institute of Russian History of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Masaryk Institute and the Archives of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, published memoirs and diaries of scientists, and periodicals. It was revealed that agreements on joint projects and future meetings were reached within the framework of the congress.