bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of innovative technologies in criminal procedure law: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Predmestnikov O. G. , Bekhter A. R.
Published: June 2024

The latest information technologies aimed at accelerating the pace of innovation in the methodology of regulatory and legal research and criminal justice are priority elements of improving the quality of implementation of cyberspace components in the activities of law enforcement agencies in Ukraine and worldwide. The globalisation of the use of innovative technological processes, skills and methods – and, most importantly, the increased implementation of organisational and legal aspects of electronic document management in the work of law enforcement agencies ‒ contributes to the manifestation of possible challenges and obstacles that reorganise the activities of competent authorities and controlled institutions.
This research explores the use of innovative technologies in criminal procedural law, making a significant contribution to understanding how innovations can change the approach to justice and promote the development of a more fair and efficient judicial process in the future. The increasing complexity of criminal scenarios demands innovative approaches, upon which the effectiveness of justice and the protection of human rights depend. The article provides justification for modern technological solutions such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, biometric technologies, and the use of big data, and their potential in the criminal process. Emphasis is placed on the opportunities to improve access to justice, accelerate judicial procedures, and enhance trust in the judicial system. Potential risks and challenges accompanying the implementation of innovative technologies in the criminal procedural sphere, including issues of data confidentiality and the possibility of technology misuse, are also addressed. Through in-depth analysis, the research aims to highlight prospects for further development in the use of innovative technologies in the field of criminal procedural law and to deepen understanding of their impact on contemporary legal practice.
The purpose of the research is to make a dialectical and identification definition of innovative technologies in criminal procedural law. Comprehensive knowledge of the factors that determine the development of regulatory restrictions on the implementation and monitoring of the practice of introducing artificial intelligence in the national jurisdiction (criminal justice) and other sovereign political and territorial organisations of society. Identification of the most essential features and peculiarities of the internal structure of the interactive information environment (virtual space), which combines communication systems with electronic forms of digital data transmission to improve integration links between law enforcement agencies and executive structures of public administration. Formulation of conclusions and proposals based on the results of the research.
Rights of stateless persons in the Law of the European Union
Authors: Frantseva K. O.
Published: June 2024

The issue of protecting the rights of stateless persons remains relevant despite a number of international treaties aimed at preventing this negative legal phenomenon. The purpose of this article is to research and establish the peculiarities of the regulation of the legal status of stateless persons in the law of the European Union. The relevance of the chosen topic is due to the lack of comprehensive research and domestic science, as well as the need to study the legal standards of the European Union in the context of acquiring membership in this organization and the need to bring domestic legislation to the EU acquis. It has been established that the legal regime applied to stateless persons is close to that applied to persons who have the citizenship of third countries. At the same time, EU member states retain the right to determine the content of national citizenship, in particular, the grounds for acquisition and loss. However, this should take place taking into account their international obligations, as well as obligations related to EU membership, and be based on the principles of non-discrimination, legal certainty, ensuring gender equality, etc. Current EU regulations contain only minimum legal standards for the rights of stateless persons, which must be ensured by member states in their national legislation. It has been demonstrated that the lack of a single legislative approach to the definition of a stateless person among the EU member states can have negative consequences. Conclusions. The key practical problem in EU law today remains the need to introduce a single, unified for EU member states approach to determining a stateless person, as well as measures aimed at reducing cases of statelessness. Further development of EU law in this area should be aimed at convergence of the legislation of the member states in this area.
Leveraging artificial intelligence for enhancing postgraduate teaching: a framework to engaging professional learners
Authors: Omar Zoel-Fazlee , Mior Harun Mior Harris , Mohd Ishar Nor Irvoni , Mustapha Nur Arfah , Ismail Zurina
Published: June 2024

In the contemporary landscape of postgraduate education, the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has gained prominence as a transformative approach for optimizing pedagogical experiences, particularly among professional learners. This paper presents a framework aimed at harnessing the potential of AI to elevate postgraduate teaching, focusing on fostering active engagement and meaningful learning interactions within the context of professional education. Following the PRISMA guidelines, this research conducts a systematic review of pertinent literature sourced from Scopus and other reputable databases. Studies encompassing empirical investigations, conceptual frameworks, and pedagogical models that explore the integration of AI in postgraduate education for professional learners are selected. A stringent search strategy and clear eligibility criteria ensure the inclusion of studies that contribute to the development of the proposed framework. Drawing from the findings of the systematic review, this paper proposes a multidimensional framework that strategically incorporates AI into postgraduate teaching for professional learners. This paper contributes a novel framework for integrating AI into postgraduate education, specifically tailored to the needs of professional learners. The synthesized framework serves as a pragmatic guide for educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers aiming to leverage AI’s potential to enrich professional education. By strategically combining AI technologies with pedagogical strategies, educators can empower professional learners to thrive in their careers, offering them a robust learning experience that resonates within their professional pursuits.
International student recruitment: benefits and globalisation to the university
Authors: Zakaria S.F. , Mamat A.M.I. , Zakaria Z. , Supar A.
Published: June 2024

The internationalization of higher education has growing significance in Malaysia, with international student enrollment emerging as a pivotal element in this discourse. This paper assesses the impact of the government-to-government approach as recruitment strategies aimed at potential applicants, the direct financial benefits international students bring to the university and effectiveness of this recruitment strategy within the context of UiTM. The methodology used in this project was a descriptive approach. The research adopts a multidimensional framework encompassing various data sources, analyses, and evaluations. This study shows that student recruitment strategy through the government-to-government approach has a higher impact on student enrolment in comparison to other methods employed. This approach also creates avenues for potential collaborative endeavours across various departments within the university. It expands the prospects for collaborative research initiatives and opens doors to various other forms of cooperation. Over the course of the years 2021 to 2023, this initiative made a substantial contribution to the university’s revenue stream by generating a total of RM 683,107 in tuition fees. This study underscores the noteworthy financial impact of the initiative on the university’s financial sustainability, highlighting the potential implications and opportunities for further investigation in the field of higher education finance.
Teaching customer service principles using the massive open online course (MOOCs) platform
Authors: Mohamed Yunus Noor Azlina , Ibrahim Norzawani , Zakaria Ibhrahim , Zainuddin Ahmad Zuhairi , Mohd Salleh Mohammad Zaim , Abd Rahim Nur Najjah
Published: June 2024

This study reviewed the effects of a developing MOOC platform for Customer Service Principles course in higher education. Essentially, the Customer Service Principles course is designed to give knowledge and exposure about the fundamental of customer service and discover how to deliver customer service efficiently across various sectors. The development of a MOOC platform is believed to be an interactive learning method to attract and motivate students to clearly understand and to apply this course effectively. The originality of this study is the review of the MOOC platform as an interactive learning method specifically for Customer Service Principles course, something that has been unobserved by previous scholars. This study will contribute to the body of knowledge on the effect of the MOOC platform and to improve the learning activities for higher education institution.
Solastalgia y despoblamiento rural en contextos de desplazamiento forzado por minería a cielo abierto
Authors: Uribe-Sierra Sergio Elías , Toscana-Aparicio Alejandra , Mansilla-Quiñones Pablo
Published: June 2024

La expansión de la minería a cielo abierto en América Latina ha generado procesos de despoblamiento rural, evidenciados demográficamente en los censos de población y vivienda; pese a ello, existen pocas investigaciones al respecto. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar los cambios sociodemográficos en comunidades afectadas por los desplazamientos forzados derivados de dicha actividad. Se utilizaron métodos cualitativos para la recolección de información en terreno, y métodos cuantitativos para la comparación de indicadores censales entre 1990 y 2020. Asimismo, se estudió el caso de Salaverna, localidad ubicada en Zacatecas, México, que atraviesa una experiencia de desplazamiento forzado. Los resultados exponen que las empresas promueven desplazamientos de pueblos enteros con la premisa de extraer minerales con un enfoque sustentable y mejorar las condiciones de vida de la población para. No obstante, tales desplazamientos suelen efectuarse de forma involuntaria para los pobladores, quienes, en contextos de poder desigual sobre sus capacidades, intereses y necesidades, cambian su modo de vida y gestan sentimientos de solastalgia derivados de la angustia provocada por la devastación socioambiental y por la destrucción paulatina de sus pueblos, que, para ellos, puede representar el centro de su mundo.
“CHARENTS’ LAND OF NAIRI AND THE POETICS OF THE CITY IN THE SYMBOLIST NOVEL”
Authors: MAKARYAN ALBERT , TOGHRAMADJIAN THOMAS CHARLES
Published: June 2024

This article examines Land of Nairi, the only novel of the poet Yeghishe Charents, in the context of the Symbolist tradition. Although Charents’ earliest work (1912-1917) is considered perhaps the purest expression of Symbolist aesthetics in Armenian poetry, it has generally been accepted that Charents had decisively rejected his early artistic approach by the time of the novel’s composition. This study concludes that Land of Nairi exhibits certain hallmarks of Symbolist prose, namely a recondite revelation concealed under layers of multigeneric discourse and communicated in part by direct address from author to reader. Especially striking parallels exist between the narrative texture and symbolic framework of Land of Nairi and those of Petersburg by Andrei Bely, whose poetry exerted a discernible influence on Charents’s early work. Both authors create a spiritual topography overlapping the physical urban landscape, creating the impression that the city pursues obscure ends of its own, exerting a fatal and illusory power over its naïve inhabitants, including the narrators themselves. While Charents’s indebtedness to Bely should not be overstated, the resemblance between the two novels provides an entry point for reinterpretation of Land of Nairi as a continuation, rather than a rejection, of Charents’s early Symbolist tendencies.
THE HIGHER ORDER THINKING SKILL OF PRE-SERVICE TEACHER ACCORDING TO VAN HIELE’S THEORY OF THOUGHT IN ANALYSIS LEVEL
Authors: Pakaya Widi Candika , Sutadji Eddy , Mashfufah Aynin
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study was to characterize teacher candidate students' higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) using the Van Hiele analysis level. The qualitative descriptive method was employed in this study. The Van Hiele Geometry Test and the HOTS test served as the research instruments. Data were gathered via tests and interviews. Next, two participants who, in accordance with Van Hiele's theory, had attained the analytical level among third-semester primary school teacher education students served as the research subjects. According to Van Hiele's theory, the research's findings indicated that the students who attained the analysis level were unable to meet HOTS indicators including analysis, evaluating, and creativity indicators. Since the students did not state proper reasons to support the conclusion, which it was used during the process of conclusion.
PERAN PROFIL PELAJAR PANCASILA UNTUK MENINGKATKAN ETIKA BERILMU DI SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Randy Mohammad Yusuf , Suciptaningsih Oktaviani Adhi
Published: June 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis dampak dari keenam dimensi profil pelajar pancasila terhadap etika berilmu peserta didik di sekolah dasar. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah studi literatur. Tahap-tahap yang digunakan pada jenis penelitian ini adalah fokus artikel ilmiah, pengumpulan data, analisis data, dan kesimpulan. Hasil studi literatur menunjukkan bahwa profil pelajar pancasila berperan penting dalam membentuk etika berilmu peserta didik di sekolah dasar, antara lain: (1) Membentuk sikap tanggung jawab, rendah hati, jujur, dan saling menghormati dalam proses belajar dengan orang lain; (2) Membentuk sikap toleransi dan terbuka terhadap berbagai sudut pandang, serta memiliki ilmu yang bermanfaat bagi semua orang tanpa memandang perbedaan budaya; (3) Membentuk jiwa sosial dengan memiliki sikap saling membantu dan bekerja sama dengan orang lain; (4) Membentuk sikap bertanggung jawab, percaya diri, dan tidak mudah menyerah; (5) Membentuk sikap skeptis, tidak mudah percaya, dan bijaksana dalam menghadapi suatu permasalahan; dan (6) Membentuk sikap inovatif yang dapat menjadi agen perubahan positif bagi masyarakat. Oleh karena itu, guru harus menerapkan profil pelajar pancasila ini baik dalam proses pembelajaran, ekstrakurikuler, dan kegiatan P5 agar membentuk atau meningkatkan karakter dan etika dalam berilmu pada peserta didik di sekolah dasar.
THE INFLUENCE OF USE MATHEMATICS FRACTION BOARD LEARNING MEDIA AND PARENTAL ATTENTION ON MOTIVATION FOR LEARNING MATHEMATICS
Authors: Sobariah Laely , Amaliyah Nurrohmatul , Purwanto Sigid Edy
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this research were: 1)to determine the influence of learning media on motivation in learning mathematics; 2) to know the influence between parental attention and motivation in learning mathematics, and; 3) to understand the influence between mathematics learning media and parents' attention to motivate students in learning mathematics. This research is a quasi-experimental research with a quantitative approach. The research method used is analysis of variance (ANOVA) using a simple factorial design (2x2) and post hoc test of Dunnet Test. The population and sample used in this study were class III students at Dukuh 05 Pagi Elementary School. The instrument used in this study was in the form of a questionnaire containing statements using the Likert scale parameter. Based on the analysis that has been done, the researchers found that there was an influence between mathematics learning media and parents' attention to the motivation to learn mathematics. This can be seen from the results of the ANOVA test which showed a value higher than 4.047 (Fh of the 0.05 significance level) which were 14.14 on the learning media variable, 59.98 on parental attention, and 12.71 on the interaction between the two on motivation to learn mathematics. Researchers also found that there was interaction between variables in the Dunnet Test with parents' attention playing the highest role in influencing students' motivation to learn mathematics.
Baccus, Tobacco and Venus: old and new challenges for Public Health
Authors: Saulle Rosella , La Torre Giuseppe
Published: June 2024

Health and wellbeing is the most value that a person can have [1]. Baccus, Tobacco and Venus want to give a chance to take an active awareness and knowledge, about people’s “health”, “safety” and “life” in order to tobacco, alcohol and sexually transmitted diseases themes, aiming to promote “prolonging life” through more scientific-oriented studies. In this context, it’s necessary base focus on social-economic and cultural challenges - occurred during 20th- century in most industrialized countries- and on progress - made over the last twenty years - occurred in countries whose rapidly growing economies and that have determined and conducted to wellbeing and to the hope of a better life, even if in some case within country differences could exist [2]. However, wellbeing, but also behavioural lifestyle-related diseases (especially chronic diseases), paradoxically grew at the same time. We must not forget that not only personal characteristics and behaviour, but also economic and cultural surroundings, are the determinants of health [3].
Evaluation of the association between acne and smoking: systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies
Authors: Mannocci Alice , Semyonov Leda , Saulle Rosella , Boccia Antonio
Published: June 2024

Background: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases with a multifactorial pathogenesis.Examination of the literature regarding the contribution of smoking to acne shows contradictory results.The aim of this study was to undertake a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis about theassociation between acne and smoking.Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis, when possible were performed. The literature reviewwas based on Pubmed, Scopus and Google Scholar searches using the keywords “(smoking OR tobaccoOR nicotine OR cigarettes) AND acne”. Only cross-sectional studies were included. Meta-analyses wereperformed using the RevMan software version 5 for Windows. Four different meta-analyses were carried out:one evaluating the association between smoking habit and acne, one including data stratified by gender, onefor studies with a quality score > 6, and one relating to acne classification.Results: Six studies were selected. The first meta-analysis, including all studies, showed a non-significantrole of smoke in the development of acne: OR 1.05 (95% CI: 0.66–1.67) with random effect estimate. Thesecond meta-analyses, including data stratified by gender, showed a OR=0.99 (95% CI: 0.57–1.73) for malesand a OR of 1.45 (95% CI: 0.08–24.64) for females, using random effect for the heterogeneity in both cases.The third meta-analysis, included studies with a quality score >6 resulted in an estimated OR= 0.69 (95% CI:0.55–0.85): in this case it was possible to use the fixed effect estimate. The last meta-analysis, concerningthe severity grading, showed a non-significant result: OR=1.09 (95% CI: 0.61–1.95) using the random effectapproach.Conclusions: The first two meta-analyses found no signification association between smoking and thedevelopment of acne. However, when we performed the analysis with only good quality studies, theprotective significant effect was evident.
Nutritional status among the Shabar tribal children living in urban, rural and forest habitats of Orissa, India
Authors: Chakrabarty Suman , Bharati Premananda
Published: June 2024

Background: The current trend towards increasing urbanization due to urban migration among the scheduledtribes in developing countries like India should be reflected in differential nutritional outcomes and itsassociated factors. The aims of the present study are to investigate the nutritional status amongst Shabarchildren living in urban, rural and forest habitats and factors associated to nutritional state.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 577 Shabar children (boys and girls) aged 5 to 19years (258 urban, 195 rural and 124 forest). The anthropometric nutritional indices, socio-economic conditionand disease prevalence were used to evaluate the present conditions.Results: The results revealed that children from forest regions had the highest prevalence of under-nutritionfollowed by their rural and urban counterparts, 33.87%, 24.62% and 20.16%, respectively. Malaria prevalencein forest areas and economic conditions in rural and urban habitats might have been significantly related tounderweight and stunting.Conclusions: To reduce the prevalence and the extent of under-nutrition, it is essential to improve theeconomic conditions and to simultaneously carry out measurements for reducing malaria specifically in foresthabitats.
Editorial
Authors: Boccia Stefania
Published: June 2024

Public health surveillance can be defined as the ongoing, systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of data that relates to a health-related event in order to reduce morbidity and mortality as well as to improve health.Surveillance is undertaken to inform disease prevention and control measures, as data disseminated by a public health surveillance system can be used for immediate public health action, programme planning and evaluation, and formulating researchhypotheses. According to the definition of the WHO, an effective surveillance system has the following functions:• detection and notification of health events• collection and consolidation of pertinent data• investigation and confirmation (epidemiological, clinical and/or laboratory) ofcases or outbreaks• routine analysis and creation of reports• feedback of information to those providing the data• feed-forward (i.e. the forwarding of data to more central levels).• reporting data to the next administrative level.
Surveillance model for environmental contaminants through their monitoring in animal production
Authors: Scaramozzino Paola , Rombolà Pasquale , Battisti Sabrina , Sala Marcello , Ferrari Giancarlo , La Torre Giuseppe
Published: June 2024

Background: The aim of this paper is to propose a risk based surveillance model for environmentalpollutants, monitoring the presence and the quantity of toxic contaminants in cattle and sheep products.Methods: The province of Latina was chosen as study area. The official list of polluted sites was provided bythe Province. This was then integrated into a Geographic Informative System together with geographical,hydrographic, and geological data along with information regarding the farms that was obtained from theNational Livestock Registry. In order to identify the monitoring priority of polluted sites, a semi-quantitativerisk assessment was then set up. A score for each of the attributes considered in the risk evaluation was givento each site, based on two main criteria: the environmental hazard characterization and the quantification ofthe exposed animal population. The sample of farms to be monitored was defined according to statisticalcriteria.Results: 12 polluted sites were chosen as “at major risk” among the 58 identified therefore, inside therespective surrounding risk areas, 24 farms were chosen to be monitored. Biological materials to be sampledwere also defined. As a result, it was determined that 104 samples collected throughout a year would besufficient to detect any contamination in the territory of the Province, with an admitted prevalence of 10%among farms at risk (CL 95%).Conclusions: Risk based surveillance is more sensitive in detecting environmental pollution than surveillancethat is randomly performed, based on the same allocation of financial resources.
Prevalence of cutipositivity in a sample of homeless shelter population in Rome in the course of Latent Tuberculosis Infection surveillance plan. Preliminary results
Authors: Laurenti Patrizia , Quaranta Gianluigi , Bruno Stefania , La Torre Giuseppe , Cairo Antonio G. , Nardella Pierangela , Delogu Giovanni , Ardito Fausta , Pirronti Tommaso , De Lorenzis Antonio , Geraci Salvatore , Molina Roberta , Attanasio Giuseppe , Annunziata Francesca , Pelargonio Salvatore , Lauria Francesco , Gualano Alessandra , Ricciardi Walter
Published: June 2024

Background: in Europe homelessness is a known risk factor both for active and latent tuberculosis (TB). InRome 409 cases of TB were notified in 2004, but the real occurrence among homeless people is unknown.Tuberculosis surveillance has been organized with the aim to develop an integrated model for the riskevaluation and management of both Latent Tuberculosis infections (LTBI) and TB in Rome homeless people.Methods: the eligible individuals have been recruited in the homeless’ refuges. The Tuberculin Mantoux testhas been used to evaluate the infection prevalence; in case of a positive result, the individual’s expectoratehas been collected and the chest X-ray has been performed. A collecting data form has been filled in forevaluating some risk factors. Multiple logistic regression models have been carried out to find statisticallysignificant determinants of infection.Results: out of 120 subjects recruited, 108 came back for the evaluation of the skin test; the prevalence ofLTBI was 43.5% (47/108 subjects); no active TB cases were found. According to the multivariate analysis,factors significantly associated to LTBI are gender (for males OR = 4.94; 95% CI: 1.46 – 16.67, 1st model; OR5.84; 95% CI: 1.26 – 21.10, 2nd model), birth place (for Europe: OR 3.05; 95% CI: 1.02 – 9.13, 1st model; OR3.12; 95% CI: 1.10 – 8.88, 2nd model; for East Mediterranean native Region OR = 4.34; 95%CI: 1.15-16.39);Body Mass Index class (for obesity OR = 3.34; 95% CI:1.31-8.51).Conclusions: these preliminary results have demonstrated a high prevalence of LTBI among homeless people.Male gender, birth place (Europe and East Mediterranean native Region) and obesity were found to besignificant risk factors. The surveillance system allowed positive patients for LTBI to be rapidly directed to aspecialized centre for the clinical evaluation and the appropriate therapy in order to prevent the evolution ofdisease.
Microbiological air quality in an urban solid waste selection plant
Authors: Del Cimmuto Angela , D’Acunzo Francesca , Marinelli Lucia , De Giusti Maria , Boccia Antonio
Published: June 2024

Background: Exposure to bioaerosols may pose health risks to workers operating in the processing of UrbanSolid Waste (USW). The aim of this study is to evaluate microbiological air quality within an USW selectionfacility.Methods: Nine sampling points in an USW selection plant situated in central-southern Italy were selected.One outdoor sampling point provided the background data. Sampling was performed on a yearly basis (2005– 2009) upon request by the management of the selection plant. Total Mesophilic Counts (TMC), as well asfungal and Gram-negative concentrations were determined.Results: The highest viable fungal particles concentrations (medians) were found in waste delivery areas(about 20000 CFU/m3), while the lowest were found in the control rooms (485 – 967 CFU/m3). TMC (median)was highest (6116 CFU/m3) at the delivery pit, followed by the machine shop (3147 CFU/m3), where no wasteprocessing takes place. Medians of Gram-negative bacteria are below the suggested Occupational ExposureLimit of 1000 CFU/m3, although this limit was exceeded at several single time-points in the waste deliveryareas, and also in a personnel resting room. The lowest Gram-negative contamination was found in the controlrooms (medians <1 CFU/m3).Conclusions: Some areas within a USW selection plant act as internal sources of contamination towards thoseareas where partially processed waste, or no waste at all, is present. Well-designed air flows, or carefully-thought positioning of areas that are not directly involved in waste processing are necessary and effective inobtaining satisfactory microbiological air quality, provided that personal protection practices are strictlyenforced.
Rare Diseases in Public Health
Authors: Taruscio Domenica
Published: June 2024

Rare diseases (RD)s are a serious public health problem and represent unique challenges in many Countries, including EU and USA. RDs are life-threatening or chronically debilitating diseases characterized by low prevalence; this entrains limited resources as well as insufficient knowledge available for most of these individual diseases. However, RDs are numerous (possibly more than 6,000) and overall a considerable number of citizens can be affected. Special combined efforts are needed to reduce the global population effects of RDs, such as early mortality and a considerable reduction in an individual's quality of life.
Health and nutritional status of three adult male populations of Eastern India: an anthropometric appraisa
Authors: Banik Sudip Datta
Published: June 2024

Background: Tribes constitute a considerable proportion (8.2%) of the Indian population. Most of them areunderprivileged. In general, data are scarce on the nutritional status of the various tribal and rural populationsof India. The principal aim of this study was to understand the age-trend and ethnic variations inanthropometric characteristics and nutritional status in three adult male populations (Oraon, Sarak andDhimal) of eastern India. This report is significant because of the new and empirical data on thesecommunities. Oraon is an age-old tribe while Dhimal is a much less known small community and Sarak is alsoa less studied group.Methods: A cross-sectional study in the perspective of anthropometric assessment of health and nutritionalstatus has been undertaken among the adult male samples (aged 18 years and above) of three endogamousand tribal communities of eastern India, viz., Oraons (n=290), Saraks (n=158) and Dhimals (n=159). Themajor objective of the present study was to report nutritional status, based on Body Mass Index (BMI), MidUpper Arm Circumference (MUAC), Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) and Rohrer Index (RI) of the adult males of theOraon and Sarak communities of the district of Ranchi in Jharkhand and among the Dhimals of Darjeelingdistrict in West Bengal.Results: Results describing the situation of the Oraons was worse (53.10%) followed by the Saraks (27.85%)and the Dhimals (27.04%) with respect to low Body Mass Index (BMI) and high degree of undernutrition (BMI< 18.49 kg/mt2). Health profile of the adult males evaluated by Rohrer Index (RI) documented that 66.89% ofthe Oraons had subnormal health the condition (RI ≤ 1.19). In addition, 51.57% of Dhimals and 39.87% of theSaraks also exhibited to have subnormal state of health in this appraisal. Sizeable proportion of each of thesepopulations was observed to have poor nutrition, as evaluated by the standard cut-off values of MUAC.Conclusions: Results displayed prevalence of high level of undernutrition and considerable percentages ofnon-obesity in these populations. Age variation of anthropometric characteristics and nutritional statusgrossly showed conspicuous negative trend of the parameters with the advancement of age with a few minorexceptions
PRISMA: an attempt to improve standards for reporting systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Boccia Stefania
Published: June 2024

The advent of evidence-based medicine has challenged our understanding on the merits of various sources of information. The opinion of experts has become the lowest level of the hierarchies of evidence, while meta-analysis reaches the top [1]. Meta-analysis is currently the most cited study design in health sciences and, along with systematic review, it has become increasingly important in health care. This is self evident if we consider its use as a starting point for implementing all practice guidelines [2]. A meta-analysis can be defined as the systematic and rigorous quantitative integration of information on the same research question [3,4]. It goes beyond a literature review as it synthesises the results of the individual studies into a new result [5].
The public health evaluation of vaccines
Authors: De Vito Corrado , Marzuillo Carolina , Villari Paolo
Published: June 2024

Vaccines represent some of the most important tools available for the prevention of diseases. In addition to protecting the vaccinated individual from developing a potentially serious disease, they help protect the community by reducing the spread of infectious agents. Therefore, there are not only benefits for the single individual, but also advantages for the entire community and the society. This very simple consideration makes unique the public health evaluation of vaccines, with substantial differences with other public health interventions and a need to adopt different criteria to develop recommendations for use. The public health evaluation of vaccines is challenged by several factors. Vaccine randomized trials often lack adequate sample size, fail to provide critical study details, exclude important populations, and rely on proxies for important outcomes.
Discordant immunization schedules can complicate vaccine evaluation for Europe
Authors: Fletcher Mark A.
Published: June 2024

Background: Most of the world’s vaccines are produced in Europe. Although vaccine licensure can becentralized through the EMEA, immunization recommendations are established at the national levels,reimbursement policies vary widely (ranging from regional to national, from private to public) and the lag timecan be long between licensure and eventual introduction into a national immunization program.Methods: An example of this discordance is the paediatric combination vaccines. Young infants in some EUcountries receive a whole-cell pertussis vaccine, in a three- to five-vaccine combination (“DTPw | IPV | Hib”).Acellular pertussis vaccines have been introduced over the last decade in many other EU countries, with four-to six-vaccine combinations (“DTPa | IPV | HBV | Hib”). Either of these combinations may be administered witha “3 + 1” schedule, with the first dose given between the age of 2 to 3 months, a spacing of 1 to 2 monthsbetween doses, and the final (booster) dose usually given at anywhere between 12 and 24 months of age, butin a handful of countries as late as the age of 3 to 5 years. By contrast, a “2 + 1” schedule is applied in somecountries for the “DTPa | IPV | Hib” or “DTPa | IPV | HBV | Hib” vaccines: first dose, 3 months old; spacing, 2months between doses; final (booster) dose, 11 to 14 months of age.Results: Differing national policies in the EU may have led to delays in the introduction of the newest vaccines(e.g., pneumococcal conjugate, meningococcal conjugate, rotavirus, influenza, varicella-zoster, etc.) thatmust be shown to be compatible with the various infant immunization programs across Europe. This coulddelay the likelihood, in some EU countries, of the public health advancements that these new vaccines canprovide.Conclusions: Sharing of best practices from vaccination schedules might rationalize vaccine development,streamline the introduction of novel vaccines into the national immunization programs, and facilitate theevaluation of the impact of new vaccines in Europe.
“Acting as a unit”. A praiseworthy story from Cleveland
Authors: Bucci Roberto
Published: June 2024

This is a story that comes from Cleveland. It’s a story of zealous and ingenious men, of ideas and of cooperation. A story that is the result of various personal and diverse professional experiences, from different historical moments, all converged towards a single cause: excellence in health care. It is also a story about a private institution but nevertheless it offers many public health teachings: it’s the story of Albert Kanoti and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. The Cleveland Clinic was founded on February 5 1921 as an independent, not-for-profit academic medical center engaged in patient care, research, and education. In 1924 it added a 184-bed hospital to its outpatient facilities. It has also experienced tragic moments, when on May 15, 1929, nitrate-based x-ray films ignited in the original building, releasing poisonous fumes; 123 people died, including Dr. Phillips, one of the founders. Despite losses from the disaster and the stock market crash, the institution stayed afloat on the good will of prominent members of the community, and the large surgical practice of Dr. Crile, another of its founders. It expanded greatly after World War II, focusing on specialized medicine. The Cleveland Clinic Research Division investigated kidney disease, blood circulation, and artificial organs, including the artificial kidney. ClevelandClinic physicians, researchers and nurses pioneered enterostomal therapy, dialysis, and kidney transplant techniques, and were first to identify carpal tunnel syndrome and isolate serotonin, and all before 1960.
The future of the Italian Journal of Public Health
Authors: La Torre Giuseppe
Published: June 2024

When Prof. Ricciardi shared with me the idea of passing the witness of the editorship of the Italian Journal of Public Health, we were walking in a beautiful square in Lisbon, where we were attending to the annual EUPHA meeting. It was a cloudy and humid night, and at that time I did not realise fully all the possible implications of this decision. Anyway, I accepted. It is a big honour for me to be the successor of Prof. Ricciardi as Editor in Chief of this journal, and this for several reasons, from the academic and personal points of view. In the last seven years, the Italian Journal of Public Health has been a sort of contradiction in terms. It is with no doubt an Italian journal, in which many contributions from all over Italy appeared. But it is also an international journal, not only because it is written in English, but also due to the fact that almost 40% of published papers come from outside Italy. The reason why this has happened is mainly due to our membership to EUPHA and to several scientific network (this issue is a practical explanation of this kind of activity), and I really thank all colleagues who so kindly send in their manuscripts.
Collaboration between users and the institution of public health as the basis in successful strategic management
Authors: Djukić Nataša D. , Janičić Radmila R. , Vukašinović Zoran S. , Terzić Zorica J.
Published: June 2024

Background: The improvement of management in healthcare system is one of the basic goals of the modernmanagement style of Serbia. Among the most significant institutions of public healthcare is the Institute ofPublic Health, which has a long tradition within the country.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2007 to January 2008 at the Institutionof Public Health (IPH) in Kikinda. The study involved a population from the North Banat district, who, at thetime, used some of the Institution’s services: hygienic-ecological, epidemiological, and microbiological. Theinstrument of the study was a questionnaire which was used to assess the opinion of the users of theInstitution’s services in terms of the performance and the quality of the services provided.Results: The relation between political factors in the country and the public health services provided washighly assessed by the responders, with the highest influence being attributed to the changes in thegovernment, i.e. state elections, and the lowest to the local authorities. The responders were satisfied withthe quality of the provided services but satisfaction regarding the collaboration between the IPH and variousregional organizations was lower. The social factors, population aging and multicultural environment, wereevaluated as being the most significant for the performance of the IPH.Conclusions: The identification of population needs and requirements for active inclusion in resolving priorityproblems should incorporate in the strategic management of public healthcare institutions, which would leadto the achievement of defined goals, as well as to the improved satisfaction of the users.
The evaluation of public health in South Eastern Europe: from transition to progress
Authors: Gjorgjev Dragan , Sedgley Mike
Published: June 2024

Background: The public health services project of the South-eastern Europe health network has undertaken an evaluation of public health services in its nine member countries. The purpose of the evaluation of public health services provision in the South-eastern European (SEE) countries is to understand where these countries now stand in public health, the institutional, organisational, legislative and service delivery developments that are taking place and to identify strengths and weaknesses in their public health systems and services in order to inform decision making about investment and future reform.
Methods: The evaluation was orientated around “essential public health operations” that are deemed to form the core of public health activities and services and to be indispensable to the delivery of modern public health services in any country. The evaluation analysed these activities and services within the structure of the health system functions of stewardship, resource generation, financing and service delivery, as developed by WHO.
Results: The results demonstrate a mixed picture of strengths and weaknesses within the context of significant social, economic and political challenges in the region. Among the many visible and significant strengths in public health services in the region are well developed networks of public health institutes with well defined surveillance systems, highly experienced and well educated public health professionals as well as many positive examples of service delivery. But there are also many concerns and challenges, not the least of which is political focus, direction and support for modern public health services, as well as funding. Collaboration and partnership among sectors is weak and information and communication systems are inadequate and not sufficiently integrated.
Conclusions: Having emphasized the main weak and challengeable points in the Public Health systems and services in the SEE countries, the evaluation is also a first step to defining a way forward in the SEE countries to ensure that the turmoil of ‘transition’ is only a prelude to the comprehensive modernisation of public health services.
Traffic exposure and medication - a GIS based study on prescription of medicines in the Tyrolean Wipptal
Authors: Rüdisser Johannes , Lercher Peter , Heller Armin
Published: June 2024

Background: Environmental health studies often deal with health problems that are influenced by factors witha strong spatial component. However, most analyses of routinely collected health data (cancer register,medication data etc.) are performed at a spatially higher aggregated level. Analyses based on administrativeunits are frequently subject to confounding by different exposures or other factors and therefore possibleeffects may remain uncovered or effect estimates distorted.Methods: A medication prevalence study in the Tyrolean Wipptal, is presented as example for an addressbased analysis of public health data. To assess whether road or rail exposure is associated with theprescription of medicines the study population was divided in subgroups based on traffic source exposurelevels at each address (exposure groups). The medication prevalence proportion for each exposure group wasestimated using health insurance data.Results: Significant differences in medication for various exposure groups could be found. Mainly the railwayand main road exposure groups showed higher medication prevalence in some age and medication groups.Conclusions: Address based spatial analysis of health register data is still an underutilized Public healthtechnique. A persistent problem is the availability of important covariates (education, income etc.) on a moredetailed level than municipalities.This situation might be improved if national statistics agencies provide such statistical data on the basis ofthe European wide raster system.
Skin surveillance attitudes and behaviors in relation to skin checks for early signs of skin cancer in a sample of secondary school students and teachers in Palermo, Western Sicily
Authors: Sidoti Enza , Paolini Gabriele , Tringali Giuseppe
Published: June 2024

Background: Malignant melanoma (MM) can be readily treated in its earliest stages: survival rate, whendetected early, is up to 95,0%. This justifies investigations on contributive factors and measures forprecocious detection of skin tumors to improve early detection and to increase survival rates. The purpose ofthis survey was to collect information about knowledge, attitudes and behaviors on prevention in relation toskin checks for early signs of skin cancer on a sample of secondary school students and teachers.Methods: A sample of secondary school students and teachers from Palermo, was recruited using the clustersampling method. A self-administered questionnaire, consisting of twenty four multiple choice questions wasused as the survey instrument. Statistical analysis of data obtained was performed using Openstat software.Results: The research showed a good level of awareness about skin cancer risk factors, which seemed to bestrictly correlated with age. On the contrary, practice of skin self-examination (SSE) is not as widespread, andonly 4,8% regularly checked the parts of their bodies most exposed to the risk of developing skin cancer. Bothstudents and teachers indicated that school-based health education programs are the best way to promotethe importance of prevention.Conclusions: In many countries mortality is not increasing at the same rate as incidence for MM. The practiceof SSE may play a vital role in improving early detection and survival rates. Therefore, school interventions topromote knowledge of the benefits of regular SSE should be implemented.
The Italian information system on disability
Authors: Baldassarre Giordana , Battisti Alessandra , Del Bufalo Elisabetta , De Palma Elena , Solipaca Alessandro
Published: June 2024

Background: The Disability Information System Project started in 2000 following an agreement between thecurrent Ministry of Social Solidarity and Istat in implementation of article 41-bis of Law 162/98, thathighlighted the need to promote statistical and cognitive surveys on disability.Methods: The System was created to meet the increasing attention of policy makers and society in general topeople with disabilities and their participation in society. The system provides statistical information ondisability by integrating and coordinating data sources available relating to this issue in Italy and to establishnew sources that are suitable for addressing the current information gaps.Discussion: Activities of Istat in recent years have reached the ambitious goal of transforming the extensivedata and numerous documents of an administrative nature on disability into statistical information. It meansto create an organised body of information, documented and processed using statistical tools that can beunderstood and used by policy-makers, experts, and citizens.Conclusions: The phenomena analysed are very often characterised by various dimensions that are unlikelyto be independent of one another. It is precisely in studying these phenomena that the information systemprovides significant added value since it makes it possible to have quicker and a guided access to themultiplicity of data sources that describe different aspects of a topic. This makes possible for the user tointegrate information and to create an overall or sufficiently comprehensive picture.