bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Of emotion and existentialism: questioning sovereignty during genocide
Authors: Ali Al-Hassani Ruba
Published: April 2024

In late June 2004, the occupying US force in Iraq “handed over” sovereignty to the newly installed Iraqi Governing Council, leaving me forever contemplative about the concept of sovereignty. What is this tangible form of sovereignty that can be handed over by an occupying force? What does it mean to hand it over after invading and committing crimes in a country once deemed sovereign, despite the violation of its people’s fundamental rights by both national and international bodies? What does it mean to maintain interventionism in a country to whom one has “handed over” sovereignty? Similar questions troubled me recently in light of the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
Simulacra of Sovereignty and Statehood: The Biopolitics of Deferral, Simulation and Subalternity
Authors: Teti Andrea
Published: April 2024

The Implications of the Performativity of Orthodox Paradigms Reflections on categories such as the ‘state’ and ‘sovereignty’ must be conducted on at least two inextricably intertwined levels: the articulation of concepts and taxonomies on the one hand, and their role in actually-existing politics on the other. Unfortunately, the epistemic framework within which orthodox liberal Political Science operates favours Weberian (1919) approaches which conceive of formal institutions within a broader series of ontologically fixed and ‘independent’ domains: sovereignty, the political sphere, the social sphere, the economy. While Skocpol and others refine this framework rendering more complex, and thus more realistic, such refinements do not ultimately transcend the logic underlying these concepts and the broader taxonomical framework they are formulated within. This limitation comes back to haunt orthodox approaches in ways that undermine them.
Polymer-based drug-eluting stent treatment extends the time to reintervention for patients with symptomatic femoropopliteal artery disease: clinical evidence and potential economic value
Authors: Gray William A , Soga Yoshimitsu , Fujihara Masahiko , Iida Osamu , Babaev Anvar , Kawasaki Daizo , Zeller Thomas , O'Connor David , Jaff Michael R , Chavez Anna M , Müller-Hülsbeck Stefan
Published: April 2024

Aim:
Use long-term follow-up data from the IMPERIAL study to determine whether drug-eluting polymer-based nitinol stent treatment can delay the time to repeat intervention for femoropopliteal artery disease and how such a delay may result in cost savings in a value-based episode of care.
Patients & methods:
The IMPERIAL randomized controlled trial was an international study of a paclitaxel-eluting polymer-coated stent (Eluvia, Boston Scientific, MA, USA) versus a polymer-free paclitaxel-coated stent (Zilver PTX, Cook Corporation, IN, USA) for treating lesions of the femoropopliteal arterial segment. Study patients (n = 465) had symptomatic lower limb ischemia. Safety and efficacy assessments were performed through 5 years. Mean time to first reintervention was calculated in post-hoc analysis for patients who underwent a clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) through 3 or 5 years following the index procedure. To simulate potential cost savings associated with differential CD-TLR burden over time, a cost-avoidance analysis using input parameters from IMPERIAL and US 100% Medicare standard analytical files was developed.
Results:
Among patients with a first CD-TLR through 3 years of follow-up, mean time to reintervention was 5.5 months longer (difference 166 days, 95% CI: 51, 282 days; p = 0.0058) for patients treated with Eluvia (n = 56) than for those treated with Zilver PTX (n = 30). Through the 5-year study follow-up period, CD-TLR rates were 29.3% (68/232) for Eluvia and 34.2% (39/114) for Zilver PTX (p = 0.3540) and mean time to first reintervention exceeded 2 years for patients treated with Eluvia at 737 days versus 645 days for the Zilver PTX group (difference 92 days, 95% CI: -85, 269 days; p = 0.3099). Simulated savings considering reinterventions occurring over 1 and 5 years following initial use of Eluvia over Zilver PTX were US $1,395,635 and US $1,531,795, respectively, when IMPERIAL CD-TLR rates were extrapolated to 1000 patients.
Conclusion:
IMPERIAL data suggest initial treatment with Eluvia extends the time patients spend without undergoing reintervention. This extension may be associated with cost savings in relevant time frames.
UM LUGAR AO SOL: A RACIONALIDADE NEOLIBERAL E A CONSTITUIÇÃO DE DISCURSOS SOBRE O TRABALHO EM COLEÇÕES DIDÁTICAS DE PROJETO DE VIDA DO NOVO ENSINO MÉDIO
Authors: Morais Edvânia Batista de , Silva Francisco Vieira da
Published: April 2024

The current research focuses on didactic collections of Life Project, with the aim of investigating how discourses about work, present in these educational materials, intersect with neoliberal rationality, which permeates the entire process of curriculum reconfiguration that Brazilian high school has undergone in recent years, particularly concerning the Novo Ensino Médio (NEM - a new reformulation of high school in Brazil) and the Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC - set of guidelines for the Brazilian educational curriculum). To accomplish our objectives, the discursive studies of Michel Foucault were used, especially in relation to discourse, statement, and his reflections on neoliberalism. The corpus consists of statements extracted from three Projeto de Vida didactic collections, which were approved in the Programa Nacional do Livro e do Material Didático (PNLD - Brazilian Textbook Program), 2021 edition. We decided to examine samples of textbook collection entitled Projto de Vida that corresponds to teacher’s guide. We did this in order to construct a critical view about directions that are recommended to teachers Based on the analysis conducted, it was possible to observe that the connection between work and neoliberalism occurs through discursive regularities linked to the instabilities of the world of work and the need to generate flexible, autonomous, and proactive youth behaviors, as they advocate values related to resilience and competition, terms strongly linked to the business field and connected to BNCC-EM and NEM.
Abwägung, „Belief Revision“ und Rangtheorie
Authors: Sieckmann Jan-Reinard
Published: April 2024

An approach to analyse the structure of balancing is the idea of defeasible reasoning. This is often explained by using a non-monotonic logic, admitting that new information can invalidate formerly valid inferences. A more fruitful alternative seems to be the the- ory of belief revision, which allows not only invalidating inferences, but to define how beliefs should change facing new information. A sophisticated version of belief revi- sion theory is developed by Wolfgang Spohn in his “ranking theory”. The issue of this paper is to analyse how this “ranking theory” fits into the structure of normative argu- mentation, distinguishing four types of balancing: epistemic, normative, relative, and intersubjective balancing.
DREAM Act, DACA, and Social Membership
Authors: Mayorga Layla Y. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2024

The DACA program, administered by the Department of Homeland Security, protects Dreamers—undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.However, without legislative support, Dreamers face the imminent threat of losing their homes, rights, and deportation. I argue for the passage of the DREAM Act, which would protect Dreamers from unfair targeting and provide a path to citizenship. Dreamers possess a unique social membership in American society, and it is ethically imperative to shield them from deportation and grant them equal rights as fellow citizens if we ought to demonstrate a commitment to addressing oppression and injustice.
Artificial Intelligence Role, Techniques, and Optimization Algorithms in Industrial-Level Applications
Authors: Arora Dr. Amit , Kacker Dr. Ruchin , Kumar Singh Dr. Sanjay
Published: April 2024

Artificial Intelligence Role, Techniques, and Optimization Algorithms in Industrial-Level Applications" delves into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in various industrial domains. This comprehensive exploration unravels the pivotal role that AI plays in optimizing processes, enhancing decision making, and automating operations across sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and more. The chapter offers an insightful overview of the diverse AI techniques employed in these industrial settings, including machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, and natural language processing. It highlights their practical applications and showcases how these techniques are revolutionizing the industrial landscape. Moreover, the chapter introduces readers to optimization algorithms, such as genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization, simulated annealing, and ant colony optimization, which play a vital role in finding optimal solutions to complex industrial problems. Real-world case studies are presented, demonstrating the remarkable successes achieved through the synergy of AI techniques and optimization algorithms. This chapter provides a window into the present and future of AI in industry, revealing how these technologies are reshaping productivity, quality, and efficiency while opening up new avenues for innovation
Wireless Technology for Smart Cities and Urban Planning
Authors: Roy Dr. Gunjan Mittal , Shukla Dr. Sambhavi , Singh Dr. Damyanti
Published: April 2024

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of wireless communication technologies related to IoT applications in smart cities and urban planning. In this context, it explains various wireless technologies used in IoT for smart cities and urban planning including Wi-Fi, Zigbee, LoRa, cellular networks (4G/5G), Bluetooth and other emerging standards, including the strengths and weaknesses of each protocol. It covers the fundamental theory of IoT and its architecture. The scope of the chapter covers various IoT applications in urban planning. This work emphasizes on the role of IoT in various aspects of urban planning, including transportation, energy management, environmental monitoring, public safety and infrastructure optimization. It highlights the transformative impact of wireless IoT technologies on urban development. The chapter also discusses various challenges with their advanced solutions in implementing IoT in smart cities
Cultural and Instructional Influences on Figurative Language Comprehension by Inner City Children
Authors: Ortony Andrew , Turner Terence J. , Larson-Shapiro Nancy
Published: April 2024

This study examined cultural and instructional influences on the comprehension of figurative language by elementary school children in Harlem, New York. Specifically, it examined children’s exposure to and participation in the creative, verbal street game called “sounding” or “playing the dozens,” and it studied the effects of a program of creative writing instruction provided by visiting writers. The results indicate that the special instruction tended to improve the figurative language comprehension of the children. Also, those children who frequently engaged in sounding comprehended figurative language better than those who did not. This latter effect could not be accounted for by differences in general language ability. The results are taken as support for a “language experience” view of the development of figurative language comprehension in preference to any strong form of a “cognitive constraints” view.
Viewpoints: Transaction Versusb Interaction—A Terminological Rescue Operation
Authors: Rosenblatt Louise M.
Published: April 2024

This article differentiates the usages of transaction and interaction as reflections of differing paradigms. The transactional theory of reading is dissociated from information-processing and interactive processing. The implications for research of various concepts basic to the total transactional theory of reading are discussed.
Superior Mesenteric Artery Thrombosis and Intestinal Ischemia in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Fountain Cade , Shakran Dina , Pham Thuytien , Popal Omar , Bajwa Muhammad
Published: April 2024

We describe the case of an elderly female with a complex medical history, including
hypertension, chronic kidney disease, hypothyroidism, and multiple cardiovascular and
pulmonary conditions, who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain.
Due to the patient’s chronic kidney disease, two non-contrast CT scans initially ordered
showed unremarkable results. The decision to order a third CT scan with contrast finally
demonstrated a thrombus in the superior mesenteric artery with potential bowel ischemia.
The patient’s condition deteriorated rapidly during the discovery of mesenteric artery
thrombosis and extensive gangrenous bowel during surgery. Due to the irreversibility of the bowel ischemia, the patient was placed on comfort measures and passed away.
Fluxo humano: um olhar sobre os refugiados no mundo
Authors: Arcanjo Fábio Ávila , Lara Glaucia Muniz Proença
Published: April 2024

Este artigo toma como corpus o documentário Human flow (2017), dirigido pelo cineasta chinês Ai Weiwei. O filme leva o espectador a uma jornada, guiada pelo olhar do referido diretor, cujo foco é mostrar as precárias condições de vida dos refugiados. À luz das “tendências francesas em análise do discurso”, mobilizamos como dispositivo de análise a Semântica Global proposta por D. Maingueneau (2005), tomando como categorias de análise os temas, o vocabulário, a dêixis enunciativa e o modo de enunciação. As mencionadas categorias permitem-nos apreender, na materialidade verbal, as lutas de pessoas que se encontram em extrema situação de vulnerabilidade.
Principal’s Leadership Style of SDN 3 Ujung Tanjung Banyuasin III Sub-District, Banyuasin Regency
Authors: Aminah Aminah
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study is to describe the leadership style of the Principal of SDN 3 Ujung Tanjung, Banyuasin III District, Banyuasin Regency, from 2015 until now. The research method that researchers use is a qualitative descriptive research method with case study research procedures. Case study research is a form of qualitative research that examines human behavior or objects at a certain time to reveal their behavior or actions. The behavior, actions, and events he did were obtained from the opinions of others based on his behavior and understanding, and he had collaborated with the perpetrator on an object. The results of this study show that during the period 2015–now the principal’s leadership style applied by the principal of SDN 3 Ujung Tanjung, Banyuasin III District, Banyuasin Regency is a democratic leadership style.
REHABILITATION OF SPINAL DEFORMITIES IN ADOLESCENTS – THE FAMILY DOCTOR'S POINT OF VIEW
Authors:   “Carol Davila” University od Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Iancu Mihaela Adela , Călin Ramona Dorothea ,   “Carol Davila” University od Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Popescu Daniela ,   “Carol Davila” University od Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Popovici Călin ,   “Alessandrescu-Rusescu” National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Bucharest, Romania, Kozma Andrei ,   Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
Published: April 2024

The spinal deformities that are commonly detected in the adolescent years has a significant impact on public health. In recent years, additional risk factors have been identified such as the modern lifestyle, sedentary lifestyle, online school during the Covid 19 pandemic. The spinal deformities that are commonly detected in the teenagers are scoliosis - with the special form adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and kyphosis – the special form Scheuermann kyphosis. The risk for spinal deformity among teenagers whose parents had a spinal deformity is higher in most situations. The family physician usually monitors both parents and children. Considering this, the family physician performs targeted screening on teenagers whose parents suffer from a spinal deformity, due to their genetic predisposition. Teenagers with spinal deformities without further limitations or pain have to be treated according to the indication guidelines. Kinetotherapy alone or in combination with medical massage, orthopaedic approaches, are approach to correct of posture, improve and maintain flexibility, to reduce the pain, the pulmonary dysfunction. Adolescents and adults with restrictive ventilation disorders can only be addressed in specialized centres for rehabilitation of breathing. The role of the family physician is to identify spinal deformities early, to intervene through physical therapy in order to correct the posture and reduce complications.
Keywords: spinal deformities, rehabilitation, adolescent, family physician.
GAIT DISORDERS IN THE ELDERLY AND THE RISK OF FALLS
Authors:   “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy – Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, Bucharest, Romania, Chiriți Gheorghe , Dimulescu Dana-Maria ,   “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy – Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, Bucharest, Romania
Published: April 2024

Falls are the leading cause of injury in people over 65 in the United States. In 2018, 27.5% of seniors over age 65 reported at least one fall in the past year and 10.2% had injuries after a fall in the past year. One feature of walking that has been used to identify people who are at risk for falling is gait unsteadiness. An unsteady gait pattern will be characterized with greater kinematics variability. Decreasing variability of walking patterns may help to prevent falls by achieving a more stable gait pattern, thus improving the control of the whole-body position and by reducing the mediolateral momentum of the centre of mass. Walking more slowly, with a higher STF and shorter STL, may help to stabilize the gait pattern and allow greater adjustment and flexibility to changes in walking conditions (increasing or decreasing walking speed), especially in patients with history of falls. Compared with the elderly with no history of falls, elderly people who are at risk for falls will have the following characteristics of gait: decreased ankle plantar flexion and hip extension during push-off, increased hip flexion during the swing phase, reduced mediolateral sway and decreased reaction time.
Key words: elderly falls, gait analysis.
THE IMPORTANCE OF REHABILITATION AFTER ANKLE SPRAINS IN CHRONIC ANKLE INSTABILITY PREVENTION
Authors:   National Institute of Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Balneoclimatology, Bucharest, Romania, Romila Andreea-Ramona , Drăghescu Laurenția ,   National Institute of Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Balneoclimatology, Bucharest, Romania
Published: April 2024

Chronic ankle instability occurs in 20–40% of patients with a history of ankle sprain and as late as 6.5 years following the injury. The main causes are considered to be lateral ankle ligament laxity, peroneal muscle weakness and ankle proprioceptive deficits. These sequelae are usually met if the rehabilitation program was not correctly applied (both length and also quality execution). Limiting the apparition of chronic ankle instability by following a physical therapy program correctly established, in cases where there are no other chronic ankle pain and/or chronic ankle instability causes (like coexistent fractures, arthropathy, midfoot or subtalar sprains, subtalar instability, ankle impingement syndrome, sinus tarsi syndrome, peroneal tendinopathy, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, ankle and foot arthrosis). The treatment depends on the injury mechanism (the most typical is inversion) and on grade of the sprain (mild, moderate, severe) and includes three phases (acute, subacute and the rehabilitative phase). The physical therapy program begins during the subacute phase and is continued during the rehabilitative phase, which can last up to three weeks. Surgical reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments is rarely necessary. It is important to point out to our patients the fact that returning to daily activities (such as work and sports) prior to adequate healing and rehabilitation may result in chronic pain and/or functional or mechanical instability.
Keywords: ankle sprain, chronic ankle instability, physical therapy.
Percepciones del Protectorado español y su legado: lengua, cultura y literatura españolas en el Marruecos postcolonial
Authors: Velasco de Castro Rocio
Published: April 2024

La producción marroquí en lengua española continúa siendo una gran desconocida, al igual que el contexto en el que se inserta: la pervivencia de la lengua y la cultura españolas en Marruecos. Dentro de este marco, el principal objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la percepción marroquí del colonialismo español y de su legado tras la independencia a través de la selección de un corpus literario representativo de autores que han elegido el español como lengua de expresión literaria.La hipótesis de partida es la coexistencia de una visión ambivalente en la que confluyen la mitificación de la resistencia anti-colonial y la idealización del Protectorado español. Se trata, en suma, de identificar y cotejar estas percepciones – a priori antagónicas– del pasado colonial generadas tras la independencia a través de diferentes generaciones de escritores marroquíes de la antigua zona norte que se expresan en español. Entre ellos, Mohamed Chakor (Tetuán, 1937), MohamedSibari (Alcazarquivir, 1945), Mohamed Bouissef Rekab (Tetuán, 1948) y Esther Bendahan Cohen (Tetuán, 1964).
pasado cargado de futuro. Conversando con Martin Conway sobre la historia europea del siglo XX
Authors: Domper Lasús Carlos
Published: April 2024

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De “PP auténtico” a extrema derecha tout court. Historia, ideología y organización de VOX
Authors: Forti Steven
Published: April 2024

En este artículo se propone un análisis de la historia, la ideología, la organización y los resultados electorales de Vox, formación que se considera la declinación española de la nueva extrema derecha europea. El primer apartado reconstruye la historia de Vox desde los orígenes del partido hasta su consolidación en el sistema político español. El segundo apartado se centra en laideología de la formación liderada por Santiago Abascal, poniendo de relieve tanto los referentes teóricos, así como las principales propuestas programáticas que se centran esencialmente en el nacionalismo, el nativismo, el autoritarismo, los valores tradicionales y las políticas económicas neoliberalistas. El tercer apartado está dedicado a la organización y el liderazgo del partido –poniendo de manifiesto el marcado proceso de hipercentralización y falta de democracia interna, mientras que el cuarto y último apartado recopila los resultados electorales conseguidos por la formación ultraderechista en los comicios celebrados entre 2014 y 2023.
Inteligência artificial e tecnologias: desafios para o desenvolvimento das competências docentes na educação em Moçambique
Authors: Matenga Joana André Machuza , Rodas Cecílio Merlotti
Published: April 2024

A inteligência artificial (IA) é uma área da computação que desde a sua origem preocupa-se com a manipulação dos computadores de forma inteligente, ou seja, em fazer com que possuam capacidades e habilidades que antes cabiam aos seres humanos. Nesse sentido, é importante que o docente, como facilitador da aprendizagem, faça o uso dessa inteligência de modo a tornar o processo de ensino e aprendizagem mais dinâmico, interativo e colaborativo, assim como divulgar informações relevantes aos seus alunos de acordo com os seus interesses e anseios. O presente trabalho propõe-se a refletir sobre os desafios para o desenvolvimento das competências docentes no uso da IA e tecnologias na educação em Moçambique. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, com objetivo de auxiliar os profissionais da educação, especificamente os docentes, no desenvolvimento de competências para o uso da IA na educação. Para a recolha de dados, recorreu-se à pesquisa bibliográfica e documental. Em Moçambique, a IA ainda é um grande desafio para todos os setores, inclusive para a educação, destacando-se a inexistência dos sistemas educacionais que se utilizam das tecnologias da IA, a inexistência de infraestruturas adequadas para suportar essa tecnologia, o acesso limitado à Internet e a falta de docentes qualificados para o seu uso. Assim, considera-se o estabelecimento de parcerias com os outros países que já tenham implementado a IA na educação como suporte ao processo de ensino e aprendizagem, como uma estratégia para a materialização deste processo, e capacitação dos docentes com vista ao desenvolvimento de competências digitais para o uso da IA.
IPNU-IPPNU efforts in increasing religious social values through sholawat roadshow activities at pac dolopo
Authors: Sholihah Alhimni Hidayatus , Mustofa Zamzam , Mukminin Amir , Fadilah Hanura Dewi
Published: April 2024

The class action study conducted was intended to identify efforts to improve the quality of rote asmaul husna by using the method of singing. This use of the singing method has had a positive effect. From one cycle to the next, repairs were made. It makes it easier for students to memorize asmaul husna. By studying disciples, have indicated that application of the singing method has had a positive effect on learning asmaul husna in elementary school Kedungjati. Singing methods can improve participants' performance because they are active, creative and excited during the lesson. Studies have shown that the practice of singing to students successfully increases rote asmaul husna is performed at 33% precycle, in the I cycle is 58%, while in the II cycle increases 83%.
La evaluación de la Cooperación Sur-Sur, avances y desafíos para la generación de evidencia desde América Latina. Estudio de cinco agencias de cooperación: Brasil, Chile, Colombia, México y Uruguay
Authors: Soto Narváez Fabiola , Vázquez Sergio
Published: April 2024

La Cooperación Sur-Sur (CSS) se ha posicionado como una modalidad sin la cual no se pueden explicar las relaciones internacionales, sobre todo, en regiones como América Latina donde estas acciones son pieza clave para reforzar las relaciones entre países, en diversas temáticas. Con una clara orientación al intercambio y fortalecimiento de capacidades, la CSS se considera hoy como un mecanismo relevante e innovador para la consecución de la Agenda de Desarrollo 2030. Con el fin de gestionar la css y otras modalidades de cooperación, algunos países latinoamericanos han creado agencias de cooperación internacional para el desarrollo. Al interior de estas instituciones han ganado relevancia algunas funciones, particularmente la evaluación, con el propósito de generar evidencia que permita rendir cuentas sobre lo que acontece con los programas y proyectos de cooperación, así como fortalecer a las propias agencias a través del aprendizaje institucional. Con el objetivo de incursionar en las “cajas inexploradas” que muchas veces son las agencias de cooperación para el desarrollo en América Latina, esta investigación propone aproximarse a ellas a través del análisis de la evaluación de la CSS, cuyos orígenes en otros contextos y agendas internacionales requieren revisarse, a través de sus rasgos propios e innovadores, así como los trasladados de otras latitudes, para comprender lo que hoy acontece en estas instituciones.
Birth rates in post-socialist Serbia, Slovenia and North Macedonia - spatial differentiation and recent trends
Authors: Petrović Marko , Tošović Lidija , Krstić Filip
Published: April 2024

This research paper focuses on the temporal and spatial variations of birth rates in Serbia, Slovenia, and North Macedonia from 2000 to 2022. One of the main objectives is to identify the factors that have led to differences among these three former Yugoslav republics, taking into account their specific demographic characteristics, levels of economic development after the dissolution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and the influence of historical events on demographic processes. National-level data and data at the NUTS 3 statistical regional level were used to accurately capture regional disparities within each country. Data from population censuses conducted by national statistical institutes, as well as Eurostat data, serve as the basis for the analysis of these processes. To provide a comprehensive understanding of the demographic landscape in the region, a range of factors were considered. Factors such as inherited demographic conditions, migrations, economic influences, population policy measures, and the impacts of war events in the former Yugoslavia are of crucial importance for a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of shaping long-term birth rate trends in the region. The research pays special attention to spatial differences in terms of heterogeneity in birth rates both between the countries and within each country at the regional level. Furthermore, the study examines the dynamics of the demographic transition process in the previously mentioned countries. The selection of Serbia, Slovenia, and North Macedonia for this research is motivated by their specific demographic characteristics and varying levels of economic development following the breakup of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. By focusing on these three countries, the study tends to contribute to a deeper understanding of the interplay between demographic trends, economic factors, and socio-historical context in the region.
What could have been – comparison of age and sex standardization of mortality in Slovenia and Serbia
Authors: Stojilković Gnjatović Jelena , Sambt Jože , Lotrič Dolinar Aleša
Published: April 2024

The average age in Slovenia and Serbia has risen over the last two decades from around 40 years in 2002 to exactly the same value for both countries in 2022 (43.8 years). While some drivers of aging population in Slovenia and Serbia are similar (low fertility and inertia of the baby boom generation), Slovenia attracts migrants and has longer life expectancy. As the coronavirus pandemic has become a serious burden worldwide, excess mortality due to Covid-19 and various diseases become prominently important factor for age structure in both countries. The paper explores the importance of age structure composition as an (unfortunate) precondition for higher mortality in 2020 and 2021 in Serbia and Slovenia and compares the demographic “price” of different mortality patterns. As a method, we use the standardization of mortality data at different points in time in order to show the difference between the experienced mortality level and the expected rates. The methodological procedure is to hold constant age and sex specific mortality rates in 2020 and 2021 and apply them to the age structure in 2002, 2005, 2010 and 2015. We chose both 2020 and 2021 because the mortality rate in Slovenia was highest in 2020 at 11.4‰ and then fell to 11‰ in 2021 and 10.6‰ in 2022. In Serbia, on the other hand, the mortality crisis was more severe, as the mortality rate in 2020-2021-2022 was 16.9‰-19.9‰-16.4‰. The results of our study indicate that the mortality rates in both Slovenia and Serbia would be significantly lower if Covid-19 had hit the younger population. In Slovenia, if the 2020 pandemic happened to the 2002 population, it would cost 7 lives per 1000 inhabitants, 7.5 in 2005, 8.7 in 2010 and 10.1 in 2015. In Serbia, if the 2021 happened to the population in 2002, the mortality rate would be 13.9 per 1000, 14.9 (2005), 16.9 (2010) and 18.5 in 2015. The differential mortality patterns also highlight that the male population was subject to higher mortality than the female population. Since Covid-19 was an unexpected challenge that left a clear but uneven mark on both Slovenian and Serbian society, the comparison of the mortality burden for Serbia can be of practical importance, as various conclusions and recommendations can be drawn from Slovenian experience.
Spatial differentiation of human mortality in the Republic of Srpska
Authors: Majić Aleksandar , Marinković Draško , Čvokić Dimitrije
Published: April 2024

Over the past two decades, the Republic of Srpska has experienced a continuous rise in the overall mortality rate among its population. The primary determinant of mortality growth is the process of demographic aging and the increase in the share of the elderly population in the total population of the Republic of Srpska. This research aims to point out spatial and regional differences in population mortality based on gender, age and cause of death. Regional differentiation was performed using cluster analysis, based on the non-hierarchical k-means clustering method. The surge in the death rate, particularly in 2020 and 2021, underscores the substantial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The obtained results indicate marked differences in mortality between individual municipalities and regions, given that higher mortality rates are recorded in smaller local communities. The regions of Banja Luka and Bijeljina have more favourable trends in terms of mortality compared to the rest of the Republic of Srpska. Extremely negative characteristics were registered in almost all small and dwarf municipalities, such as East Mostar, East Drvar, Kupres, etc. The variation in mortality rates between genders implies a greater mortality rate among men across all local communities. Additionally, the age-specific mortality pattern highlights an elevated mortality rate among older segments of the population, contributing notably to changes in life expectancy. The prevalent causes of death primarily involve diseases of the circulatory system and neoplasms, both exhibiting elevated mortality rates. Such spatial analyses can be of great importance in the creation of public policies at the local, regional, and national levels.
Population Dynamics under Environmental Challenges in Serbia
Authors: Mirić Natalija , Gligorijević Vera , Vasić Petar , Bakić Damjan
Published: April 2024

One of the biggest challenges Serbia is facing is demographic in its nature, and it stems from negative trends in population dynamics in the past several decades. Estimates suggest that the Serbian population has decreased by more than 600 000 in the last decade due to a negative natural and migration balance. Apart from socioeconomic and cultural-psychological factors that shape the demographic changes, it is reasonable to assume that population dynamics beings are affected by climate change, especially in terms of rising average temperatures which cause the appearance of various climatic and weather extremes, as well as by air pollution. Such environmental challenges act through socioeconomic mechanisms, such as changes in livelihoods, agricultural production, land use, economic conditions, health, quality of life and wellbeing. Proposed work will be the first study in Serbia that seeks to explain how and through which mechanisms environmental challenges influence the three components of population dynamics - fertility, mortality and migration, and, in accordance with this knowledge, to create population projections (scenarios) that consider the impact of environmental changes. The innovativeness of the methodological approach lies in the use and combination of demographic, socioeconomic and environmental data from different sources at the individual, regional and national level. In order to examine causal pathways, we will use Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), which allows to distinguish between direct and indirect effects of environmental challenges on population dynamics. Results will help to environmentally-wise identify the most sensitive area and demographic groups, which is important for public policy planning in the long run. If environmental challenges indeed influence fertility, mortality and migration, the population forecast and population policy have to be adjusted to the climate and pollution feedback.
Methodological questions in researching the mortality of statistically variable ethnic groups in Serbia
Authors: Trnavčević Nevena , Knežević Aleksandar
Published: April 2024

Questions of ethnic identity in multicultural societies are of particular importance today and are reflected in various ethnostatistical and ethnodemographic studies. In addition to the population census, an equally important source of data for ethnodemographic research is the vital statistics that has been recorded in Serbia since the first half of the 19th century, but the distribution of data by nationality has only been available since the 1950s. In the post-war period, vital statistics underwent methodological changes, particularly between 1965 and 1970, when the publication of vital events by nationality was suspended, making it difficult to study the demographics of those ethnic groups that experienced negative natural increase for the first time during this period. The second problem is related to the application of subjective criteria in the ethnic declaration of vital events, which directly causes a statistical discrepancy between the declared ethnic identity of the mother at birth and the statement of the death reporter of the same person. This phenomenon is especially pronounced in statistically variable (floating) ethnic groups whose population size fluctuates due to their frequent change of attitude when stating their own ethnic identity in official statistics. Therefore, in this paper we will focus on the study of the quality of ethnostatistical data of vital statistics using the example of a comparative analysis of selected mortality indicators according to the period 1970-2020 which directly influenced the pronounced fluctuations in the dynamics of the natural movement of certain ethnic groups. This will show whether vital statistics data can be accepted and used without restriction as a quantitative basis for demographic and other research.
Active and healthy aging in Croatia: An example from the city of Zagreb
Authors: Klempić Bogadi Sanja , Podgorelec Sonja
Published: April 2024

For the quality of life and satisfaction of older individuals, in addition to financial status and social inclusion, good health and preserved functional abilities are crucial. The way to achieve a better quality of life in old age is linked to the concepts of active and healthy aging. This approach enables individuals to participate in the workforce for a longer period and reduces the needs and costs that the growing older population places on the healthcare system and various social services. In promoting active and healthy aging, researchers emphasize the importance of a life cycle perspective, focusing on activities throughout one's life rather than just in old age. We will present findings from a qualitative research study on aging in place of individuals aged 65 and older living in the city of Zagreb. Interviews were conducted with a sample of 20 older residents of Zagreb from December 2022 to January 2023, covering various aspects of their lives both past and present, using a life cycle perspective. The aim was to assess the extent to which an active lifestyle during different life stages influences overall quality of life in old age. Results showed that a significant predictor of healthy and active aging is regular physical activity and an active lifestyle. Additionally, the preservation of various interests and plans (future-oriented thinking) and the (material and social) opportunities for their realization were confirmed as crucial for the personal satisfaction of older individuals living in their own homes. Alongside regular physical activity, being in any way involved in the community, maintaining a social network (relationships with family members, friendships, neighbourly relations, relationships with former colleagues), and participating in leisure activities while fulfilling daily obligations (self-care) were extremely important for older individuals. Active and healthy aging is the result of an active lifestyle, primarily physical activity, the prolonged preservation of independence, individual involvement in the community, and maintaining a broad range of interests in all aspects throughout one's life.
The phenomenon of demographic aging in Serbia through the perspective of life in elderly households and (in)active aging
Authors: Anđelković Marija , Paunović Radulović Dragana
Published: April 2024

The aging of the population represents one of the dominant social processes that is intensifying at the beginning of the 21st century. Its ubiquity and implications, above all in economic and social segments of society, justify the creation of the concept of "aging society". Therefore, the goal of this paper is to review the achieved level of the aging process through the analysis of demographic indicators. Census data on the structure of households consisting of elderly people, whether single or multi-member households, was analysed to identify socially vulnerable categories that require organized and systemic support from society. The paper also deals with issues of active aging, measured by the relevant index of active aging, as well as issues of longevity and years spent in health, which are quantitatively described by indicators of life expectancy and healthy years of life. According to data in 2022 on the share of people over 64 in the total population, which is 22%, Serbia ranks among the oldest countries in Europe. More than two-thirds of municipalities in Serbia have a higher proportion of elderly people than the national average, and large regional differences are also observed. The data also show that almost every fifth household is an ""elderly"" household, that is, it consists only of old people. Elderly households are more represented in rural areas (23.9%) compared to urban areas (20.3%). Most elderly households are single (62.3%), and the most numerous are in Belgrade and Vojvodina and in urban areas (62.0%). Two-thirds of single elderly households are made up of women, and this share is higher in urban areas (72.4%) than in other settlements (63.5%). The economic activity of the elderly was analysed based on the Census data 2022. Most of them receive a pension as their main source of income (94.3%), only 1.8% of them are employed, while 1.5% of them declared that they do housework. From the perspective of active aging and additional income, there is a great need for some kind of engagement of these persons.
Value of people – human capital in Serbia with a special focus on educational attainment
Authors: Kokotović Kanazir Vlasta , Panić Milena , Drobnjaković Marija
Published: April 2024

Human capital is an important determinant of overall socio-economic development. In addition to economic parameters, human capital is significantly influenced by the level of formal and informal education attained. Previous research in this area has focused on formal education and the skills acquired in relation to better positioning in the labour market. Accordingly, the main objective of the conducted research is to determine the state and level of development of human capital in Serbia. This analysis is based on the set of indicators that represent the achieved level of education and then its utilization, measured by the index of human capital utilization. It is carried out for the territory of Serbia at the municipal level (168) with official statistical data (2022). In order to look at the demographic development through the prism of human capital, it was necessary to apply a multidimensional approach, referring in particular to the qualitative characteristics of the population. The results enabled the categorization of municipalities according to their human capital potential. In addition, the research results also provided an insight into the utilization of existing human capital, which sheds light on the mismatch between the education attainment and the labour market demand. It is obvious that most municipalities in Serbia are characterized by an insufficient educational attainment in general or in the local context. The research shows that it is crucial to change the general perception of demographic problems and challenges, not predominantly in relation to population size, but more in advancement of education and skills capacities. This will allow the development of applicable and more realistic public policies.
(Dis)similarities between the urban systems of the former Yugoslav republics
Authors: Živanović Zora , Tošić Branka , Nikolić Teodora
Published: April 2024

National urban systems are dynamic and subject to constant change, which can be the result of spontaneous development or planned action, while major changes can be caused by changes in administrative boundaries. The observation of the past and present state of the urban system and the search for deviations from certain regularities in terms of population size of the cities within the urban system and their causes are necessary for planning the future organisation of the settlement network in each country. Polarisation, which is expressed in the pronounced population dominance of the capital, is a key feature of urban systems in all former Yugoslav republics, with slight differences in scale. Today's state is mainly the result of an intensive urbanisation process in the second half of the 20th century and the creation of new administrative borders after the collapse of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. However, certain dissimilarities in later development could allow interesting conclusions to be drawn about different developmental factors and causal relationships. Against this background, the current hierarchy (vertical dimension), the spatial (horizontal) dimensions and the development of the urban systems of the former Yugoslav republics were analysed in order to assess possible development trends in the future. Prominent approaches for researching and modelling urban systems were used within the study, in particular the Rank-size Rule and the Law of the Primate City. The study is based on available data, including previous and recent censuses (with the exception of Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina for the most recent).
Analysis of the 50 Most Impactful Publications Pertaining to COVID-19 and Orthopaedic Surgery: What Have we Learned?
Authors: Ladehoff Lauren , Harris Andrew B. , Root Kevin T. , Criscione Jaynie , Clampitt Bryan , Becsey Alexander N. , Oni Julius K.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

There has been abundant research published regarding the impact of COVID-19 on orthopaedic surgical patients which have varying degrees of impact on clinical practice. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the most influential articles relating to COVID-19 and patients undergoing orthopaedic surgical procedures. Though the global pandemic is over, it is beneficial to understand how the resilience of the healthcare system adapted to guide policy development and improve patient care amidst a worldwide time of crisis.

Methods

The Clarivate Web of Science Core Collection was searched for ‘COVID-19 AND orthopaedic surgery’ and returned 388 articles. The most influential peer-reviewed publications were determined by citation number. Expert opinion and review articles were excluded. Article title, journal name, type of study, country of publication, and clinically relevant findings of each study were collected.

Results

The top-50 most influential manuscripts concluded these articles were collectively cited 1875 times. The total citations ranged from 13 to 111 citations per article with a mean of 38 (95% confidence interval [31, 44]). England (14), the United States (11), and Italy (10) had the top number of publications. The top affiliations were IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi (5) and the University of London (4). The most popular journals were Bone & Joint Open (10) and International Orthopaedics (10). Though the articles were largely heterogeneous, they described the necessity of orthopaedic surgeons during the pandemic as well as safety precautions to prevent COVID-19 transmission in orthopaedic patients.

Conclusion

This comprehensive analysis identified the 50 most influential peer-reviewed clinical publications regarding COVID-19 and orthopaedic surgery, which is a concise resource that can be used to inform patient decision-making regarding orthopaedic care and COVID-19. The top-50 articles highlighted the importance of resource utilization, increased use of telemedicine, enhanced infection control measures, patient-centered care, and the well-being of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.