Changes In System Research Articles

Using Museum Education Methods for Social Change

ABSTRACT Museum educators are well versed in employing multiple techniques for engaging museum visitors. Many use these skills and approaches to support marginalized and vulnerable populations, such as families with an incarcerated adult, families with food insecurity, or unhoused families. Determining how to carry out these beneficial intentions, however, can be challenging. Discovery Museum in Massachusetts, a science-focused children's museum, partnered with a local non-profit organization and a medium security prison to pilot a support program for incarcerated men and the children in their lives. With local and federal funding, Museum educators met with the incarcerated men and created themed activity kits for the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and brothers to play with during family visits at the prison. Over four years, Museum educators developed meaningful relationships with prison staff, learned the value of listening and persistently offering many types of support, and developed a deep understanding that systemic change is challenging and slow-moving, even with imaginative and determined educators. While quantitative data about improvement in the lives of the men proved difficult to obtain, lessons for educators about how to collaborate with organizations that have opaque and unfamiliar structures, as well as methods for supporting and engaging vulnerable people, are shared.

Multiple-Shaded or All Alike? Local Responses to the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Implementation in Florida

ABSTRACT State variations in school policies and strong local governance have differentiated American school districts from their neighborhoods and led to substantial variability among local education agencies across states. With a burgeoning interest in delivery systems for more equitable educational opportunities, the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) serve as one example of localized policies tied to federal and state regulations that influence academic and non-academic outcomes. This current study explores how local education agencies in Florida have responded to state guidelines related to MTSS and identifies key similarities and dissimilarities among local policies. By using policy and regulation information regarding MTSS practices from 77 school district websites, this study finds the largely uniform information available on Florida school districts’ web pages. This suggests that current local responses to MTSS offer limited details of how they assess diverse students, provide individualized support, and promote systemic changes. Furthermore, this study points out a pattern of mimicry in local responses to state policies, addressing a dearth of robust leadership in policy execution at the school district level.

Morpho-physiological digestive features of genetically closelyrelated sympatric lacustrine whitefish forms with different feeding habits.

The effect of different feeding habits on gut morphology and digestive function has been intensively studied during the last decades but sympatric closelyrelated fishes are relatively rare objects of such studies. In the present study, we have identified both morphological and physiological changes in the digestive system of a sympatric pair of whitefish represented by "normal" Coregonus lavaretus pidschian (benthivorous) and "dwarf" C. l. pravdinellus (planktivorous) forms. There were statistically significant differences in terms of histometric variables between segments of the stomach (height of lining epithelium, fold thickness and height values, and number of folds) and intestine (enterocyte height and fold height) within each form as well as between forms for the same segment of the digestive tract like in the stomach (height of lining epithelium and fold thickness) and intestine (enterocyte height, fold height and fold thickness). Both forms had a similar number (8-9 bands) and molecular weight of isoforms/isoenzymes of alkaline proteases inhibited by PMSF (serine proteases) based on zymogram analyses. The maximum level of activity of alkaline proteases, alkaline phosphatase, and aminopeptidase N were registered in the pyloric caeca for both forms. In contrast to these enzymes, the activity of α-amylase as well as of non-specific lipases and esterases in the pyloric caeca was similar or even lower if compared to other intestinal segments. In conclusion, both sympatric forms of whitefish showed some similarities in several of studied biochemical and histological parameters of their digestive tracts, regardless of their different feeding habits, which might be related to their genetical background.

Neurobehavioral plasticity in the rodent gustatory system induced by regular consumption of a low-calorie sweetener during adolescence

Habitual consumption of low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) during juvenile-adolescence can lead to greater sugar intake later in life. Here, we investigated if exposure to the LCS Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K) during this critical period of development reprograms the taste system in a way that would alter hedonic responding for common dietary compounds. Results revealed that early-life LCS intake not only enhanced the avidity for a caloric sugar (fructose) when rats were in a state of caloric need, it increased acceptance of a bitterant (quinine) in Ace-K-exposed rats tested when middle-aged. These behavior shifts, which endured months after the end of Ace-K exposure, were accompanied by widespread changes in the peripheral taste system. The anterior tongue had fewer fungiform taste papillae, and the circumvallate papillae had a reduced anterior to posterior span and diminished expression of genes involved in sweet reception, sweet and bitter intracellular signaling, fructose transport, and cellular progeneration in the Ace-K-exposed rats. Ace-K exposure also led to a significant reduction in dopamine-producing cells of the ventral tegmental area. The collective findings reveal that LCS intake early in life alters the taste-brain axis and the behavioral responsiveness to both positive and negative tastants that are important determinants of dietary preferences.

Gender disparities in industry payments to neurosurgeons: a comprehensive analysis of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Open Payments data (2016-2022).

This study aimed to investigate the extent of gender disparities in financial interactions between neurosurgeons and the medical device industry, examining the differences in the number, amount, and types of payments made to male and female neurosurgeons. Utilizing data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Open Payments database covering 2016-2022, the authors conducted a comprehensive analysis of industry payments to neurosurgeons. This methodology included univariate and multivariate analyses to examine the disparities in payments, with a focus on identifying significant differences in compensation across genders. An analysis of 24,074 industry transactions totaling $388,916,456.88 underscored pronounced gender disparities, with female neurosurgeons involved in merely 2.47% of these transactions and receiving just 0.91% of the overall financial value. The data revealed significant discrepancies in compensation between genders across all contributing companies. Male neurosurgeons engaged in a higher average number of annual transactions compared with their female counterparts (4.60 vs 2.75, p < 0.001), across various financial interactions. This included a greater participation in royalties and licenses (1.49 vs 0.31, p < 0.001), consulting fees (2.16 vs 1.63, p = 0.024), and acquisitions (0.01 vs 0.00, p = 0.006). On average, female neurosurgeons were compensated $16,303.66, starkly lower than the $75,523.20 average received by their male counterparts (p < 0.005). This gap was especially significant in royalties and licenses, where females earned an average of $5168.57 compared with $61,898.47 for males (p = 0.004). Additionally, in acquisitions, female neurosurgeons received no payments at all, whereas males averaged $2153.43 (p = 0.042). Several of these disparities remained significant even after accounting for potential confounding factors, highlighting a systematic bias in compensation and industry engagement against female neurosurgeons. The study underscores a significant gender-based disparity in the financial interactions between neurosurgeons and the medical device industry. These disparities highlight the need for systemic changes to address the underlying factors contributing to inequity in compensation and industry collaboration opportunities. Implementing equitable compensation structures, mentorship programs, and inclusive policies is a crucial step toward achieving gender parity in neurosurgery and ensuring the field benefits from the diverse skills and perspectives of all its members.

Self-Similarity Analysis of Heartbeat Fluctuations in Sleep Among Female Shift Workers

Cardiovascular signals exhibit self-similarity characteristics, which are influenced by changes in autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation caused by shift work. This study aims to assess the self-similarity properties of inter-beat interval (IBI) in healthy female shift workers and non-shift workers in different sleep stages to detect alterations in heartbeat fluctuations due to shift work. Short- and long-term self-similarity properties of the IBI signal ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] scaling exponents, respectively) were analyzed using Detrended Fluctuation Analysis. Time and frequency indices were also calculated. In addition, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to reduce dimensionality and evaluate group separability based on the obtained features. Most indices showed similar values in the different sleep stages for both groups, but [Formula: see text] during light sleep and sympathovagal balance during REM sleep showed a significant decrease in shift workers compared to non-shift workers ([Formula: see text]). In addition, PCA was able to separate shift workers from non-shift workers and differentiate between nighttime and daytime sleep of workers. This analysis aids in identifying cardiovascular impairment associated with shift work and suggests a loss of ANS self-similarity in shift workers, indicating reduced adaptive capacity. Such alterations in ANS behavior could lead to serious health consequences related to cardiovascular disease.

Global urban activity changes from COVID-19 physical distancing restrictions

During the COVID-19 pandemic changes in human activity became widespread through official policies and organically in response to the virus’s transmission, which in turn, impacted the environment and the economy. The pandemic has been described as a natural experiment that tested how social and economic disruptions impacted different components of the global Earth System. To move this beyond hypotheses, locally-resolved, globally-available measures of how, where, and when human activity changed are critically needed. Here we use satellite-derived nighttime lights to quantify and map daily changes in human activity that are atypical for each urban area globally for two years after the onset of the pandemic using machine learning anomaly detectors. Metrics characterizing changes in lights from pre-COVID baseline in human settlements and quality assurance measures are reported. This dataset, TRacking Anomalous COVID-19 induced changEs in NTL (TRACE-NTL), is the first to resolve COVID-19 disruptions for all metropolitan regions globally, daily. It is suitable to support a variety of post-pandemic studies that assess how changes in human activity impact environmental systems.

Permafrost Response in Northern High‐Latitude Regions to 1.5°C Warming and Overshoot Scenarios Achieved via Solar Radiation Modification

AbstractThe thawing of carbon‐rich northern high‐latitude permafrost might unleash irreversible changes in the Earth's climate system. Previous studies have suggested that solar radiation modification (SRM) can significantly slow the degradation of permafrost, potentially restoring its extent and soil carbon stocks to levels comparable to those under equivalent global warming caused by greenhouse gas increases alone. However, this study identifies that the efficacy of SRM in mitigating permafrost degradation is contingent upon the warming trajectory and the timing of SRM intervention. Employing SRM to keep global warming at a maximum of 1.5°C can substantially reduce permafrost degradation; however, simulations suggest that by 2300, approximately half of the permafrost area reduction and one‐third of the carbon losses expected under the high‐emissions SSP5‐8.5 scenario would still take place. By employing SRM to achieve a return to 1.5°C warming stabilization levels after a temperature overshoot, it is possible to effectively restore the permafrost area. However, the lost permafrost carbon cannot be regained. Additionally, the soil carbon within permafrost regions displays contrasting trends between the phases of overshoot and subsequent stabilization. Our simulations show that achieving the 1.5°C warming target after a 4°C temperature overshoot could necessitate up to 7% increase in SRM application due to permafrost carbon release. Moreover, perturbed parameter ensemble simulations indicate that the key parameter influencing the uncertainty of soil carbon losses in permafrost regions under 1.5°C warming and overshoot scenarios is distinct from that under the SSP5‐8.5 scenario.

Comparison of integrated versus parallel continuous renal replacement therapy combined with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with COVID-19 ARDS

IntroductionAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, leading to requirement of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in 70% of ECMO patients. Parallel arrangement of CRRT and ECMO circuits is common in adult patients. However, CRRT may also be integrated directly into the ECMO circuit. This study compares the safety of both approaches.MethodsThis retrospective analysis included 105 patients treated with continuous veno-venous haemodiafiltration and veno-venous ECMO (Cardiohelp©) for COVID-19-induced ARDS between April 2020 and December 2021. Of these, 48 patients received a parallel connected CRRT running independently from ECMO (parallel approach), while in 57 patients, CRRT was integrated into the ECMO circuit (integrated approach) by connecting the CRRT access line to the post-oxygenator port and the CRRT return line to the pre-oxygenator position. Local protocol for risk assessment of this device combination mandated a maximum return line pressure below 250 mmHg in the CRRT system.ResultsAt CRRT initiation, the integrated group had significantly higher median pressures in CRRT lines compared to the parallel approach group (access line 110 mmHg vs. -25 mmHg, return line 170 mmHg vs. 50 mmHg; p < 0.01). However, median transmembrane pressures were similar between both groups (20 mmHg vs. 20 mmHg, p = 0.16). In-hospital mortality (p = 0.99), catheter associated infections (p = 0.47), bacteraemia (p = 0.96), filter clotting (p = 0.58) and unplanned CRRT system changes (p = 0.45) within the first 72 h of CRRT were comparable between both groups. The integrated group exhibited higher rates of bleeding events (37% vs. 23%; p = 0.08). Thromboembolism occurred in four cases in the integrated group, while one pneumothorax was observed in the parallel group. No cases of air embolism, device associated haemolysis or blood leakage was documented.ConclusionsDespite higher pressures in CRRT lines, the integrated approach provided comparable safety to the parallel approach. In case of hygienically challenging settings (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), the minimization of extracorporeal accesses and the streamlining of alarm management are decisive factors in providing intensive care medicine. Therefore, the integrated configuration of CRRT into the ECMO circuit can be advantageous in daily intensive care medicine.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BLOOD PLASMA "LIPID PEROXIDATION - ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION" SYSTEM DEPENDING ON NASAL MUCOSA MICROFLORA COMPOSITION IN VARIOUS CHRONIC RHINITIS PHENOTYPES

Abstract Chronic rhinitis is the most common ENT disease. Over the past decade, there has been an increased incidence of chronic rhinitis. In all forms of chronic rhinitis, there is a decrease in the protective properties of nasal mucous membrane, which can be accompanied by activation of nasal bacterial microflora. Dysbiosis of nasal mucous microbiota contributes to the development of inflammation, activation of immune cells with the development of immune reactions, activation of lipid peroxidation processes and changes in the activity of antioxidant defense factors in nasal cavity and blood. There is evidence that different phenotypic variants of chronic rhinitis are characterized by own specific spectrum of microorganisms in the nasal cavity, which significantly affects the course of diseases, as well as the state of the POL-AOZ system. The aim of our work was to comparatively assess quantitative composition of the microbial flora and indicators of the POL-AOZ system in patients with various forms of chronic rhinitis. The article presents the results of a laboratory examination of 165 patients with chronic rhinitis, including 45 patients with chronic allergic rhinitis, 49 patients with chronic vasomotor rhinitis, 32 patients with chronic atrophic rhinitis, and 39 patients with chronic infectious rhinitis. The control group consisted of 40 apparently healthy donors. In accordance with the study design, at the first stage, all subjects underwent a bacteriological examination of nasal mucous membrane and a quantitative assessment of the isolated microflora representatives. At the second stage, the LPO-AOP indices were determined in the blood plasma using a spectrophotometric method. Statistical analysis of the obtained results was performed using the Statistica 8.0 software package. To assess differences in the groups, the Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon nonparametric tests were used. The critical level of statistical significance for testing scientific hypotheses was considered equal to p˂0.05. The data are presented as a median (Me) and interquartile range (Q25 – Q75). Changes in nasal mucosa microbiome induce a decrease in the activity of antioxidant defense factors in all studied phenotypic forms of chronic rhinitis. In cases of chronic allergic, vasomotor and infectious rhinitis, a significant increase in the level of both primary and secondary lipid peroxidation products is observed. Studies show that the greatest increase in lipid peroxidation activity is recorded in chronic infectious rhinitis, as well as the greatest nasal mucosa dysbiosis is revealed in this phenotype. Thus, the leading pathogenetic mechanism in chronic rhinitis is presented by hypoxia due to intermittent nasal congestion, which contributes to changes in the POL-AOZ system. At the same time, activated microbial flora also contributes to aggravation of such changes.

Management control system stability and change in a global corporation: the role of cultural capital

Purpose This paper aims to understand the role that the “cultural capital” of managers has on the stability and change of management control systems (MCS) in the subsidiary of a global corporation. Design/methodology/approach A seven-year longitudinal case study was conducted at the US subsidiary of a Japanese-based global corporation. The theoretical concepts of cultural capital and MCS package typology are used to examine how management controls were understood by locally hired employees and expatriate Japanese managers at the case study site. Findings The findings show that the managers at the Japanese headquarters transferred an MCS package that had a high level of interdependence between cultural control and results control to their US subsidiary in the 1960s. This MCS package did not influence the behavior of locally hired employees in ways that the Japanese expatriate managers expected; instead, it led to the cultural exclusion of local employees. Even when the Japanese managers were faced with a changing environment, the MCS package did not change. When Japanese managers realized they could not achieve their goals in the USA without local managers, they slowly started to hire mid-career local managers. As the number of local managers increased, the expatriate Japanese managers started to become more aware of the impact of their cultural capital. This has resulted in changes in the MCS package for local managers in the US subsidiary. Originality/value This study revealed that even when the strategy of a company and the environment in which it operates changes, an MCS package may not change quickly. The authors show that the cultural capital of managers plays a role in MCS stability and change.

The Future Hospital in Global Health Systems: The Future Hospital Within the Healthcare System.

Future hospitals must be able to adapt in many ways to the changing demands on their roles and functions within evolving healthcare delivery infrastructures. These include changing population structures and needs, new models of healthcare provision, technological advances, and innovations in design, all while enhancing their environmental sustainability. This article sets out the issues that those determining healthcare policy and designing future hospitals must consider if they are to become and remain fit for purpose within the wider health and social care system. It also examines the need for, and challenges to, strategic healthcare planning, creating future hospitals that are sustainable, net-zero carbon organisations, and ensuring resilience in the face of a range of potential shocks. Future hospitals play a crucial role in healthcare worldwide, regardless of the country's income level. Hospitals cannot be viewed without broader health system changes, infrastructure, community and cultural factors, staffing and other considerations. We anticipate that future hospitals will enhance population health in all settings and support the move towards more consumer-centric healthcare. We urge clinical and policy planners to consider the factors discussed carefully to maximise the benefits.

Development of Career Centers of Russian Universities: Challenges and Opportunities

Placement training of students for employment is a serious challenge for modern Russian universities. University graduates are faced with solving the problem of employment in the face of continuous transformation of the labor market. As a result, the issue of training highly professional specialists capable of adapting to the dynamically changing requirements of employers and willing to build a successful career throughout their lives is on the agenda. As the university practice of career centers shows, the job search assistance and employment support is usually carried out within its framework. Meanwhile, the issue of training students for career development should become a key one in the philosophy of university education. In modern conditions, universities are designed to prepare a student who is potentially capable of acting independently to develop his career to meet the challenges of the labor market and his own vision of an individual educational trajectory and professional interests. Thus, university training programs for specialists in a context of ever-changing technologies in the professional sphere need to be adjusted accordingly. It assumes restructuring the system of relations between all the subjects of the educational process, when it is necessary to take into account the importance of readiness for employability and building a career of a university graduate and his life self-determination. Despite the importance of the employability problem and career development readiness to achieve the sustainable development of the Russian economy, this topic has been little studied by domestic scientists. At the same time, Russia's higher education development agenda began to see the problem of graduate employment as a special one especially during the pandemic. In particular, the topic on developing career centers of universities has gained momentum in the large-scale program of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation on the development of Russian universities Priority-2030. Thus, this study will be useful to the stakeholders of systemic changes in processes related to building employment conditions for students and graduates. Also, this study can contribute to analytical basis development for the expansion of career centers of Russian universities.

The Effect of Audible Joint Manipulation Sounds in the Upper Cervical Spine on Brain Wave and Autonomic Nervous System Activity.

High-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) manipulation is a common manual therapy technique used for treating pain and musculoskeletal dysfunction. An audible manipulation sound is commonly experienced by patients who undergo HVLA manipulation; however, there is little known about the effects and clinical relevance of the audible manipulation sound on cortical output and the autonomic nervous system. This study aimed to identify the immediate impact of the audible manipulation sound on brainwave activity and pupil diameter in asymptomatic subjects following an HVLA cervical manipulation. 40 subjects completed this quasi-experimental repeated measure study design. Subjects were connected to electroencephalography and pupillometry simultaneously, and an HVLA cervical distraction manipulation was performed. The testing environment was controlled to optimize brainwave and pupillometry data acquisition. Pre-manipulation, immediately after manipulation, and post-manipulation data were collected. The presence of an audible manipulation sound was noted. Twenty subjects experienced an audible manipulation sound. Brainwave activity changes were significant (p < 0.05) in both the audible manipulation sound and non-manipulation sound groups. Pupil diameter changes (p < 0.05) occurred in both eyes of the non-manipulation sound group and in the left eye of the audible-manipulation sound group. Brainwave activity patterns were similar in both groups. The presence of an audible manipulation sound is not required to produce central nervous system changes following an HVLA cervical manipulation; however, the audible manipulation sound does prolong the effects of brainwave activity, indicating a prolonged relaxation effect.

Changes and Long-Term Effects of the Immune System after COVID-19 Infection

Following the pandemic in 2020, physical health has generally declined. All of this is brought on by modifications to the body's immune system and the consequences of sequelae. The current research gap is caused by the neglect of COVID-19's after effects. In this paper, the relationship between immune system changes, complications and their physical conditions was studied, and preliminary results on the harm and prevention of the sequelae were obtained. The immune system's alterations during the epidemic infection and its consequences are the main topics of this article, including cytokine storms, inflammatory responses, and changes in immune cells. At the same time, the article explores the relationship between complications and underlying health conditions, such as chronic diseases and autoimmune diseases, and the harm they cause. Through observation and analysis in the later stages of the epidemic, the article explores the reasons for the general decline in people's physical fitness and changes in the immune system. In the future, it is hoped that there will be improvements in disease analysis and prevention measures after pandemic diseases.

Sustainability beyond the triple bottom line: evaluating transformative change in food systems

The concept of ‘sustainability’ has developed into a rich discourse concerned with diverse human responsibilities in our economic life, and as such it is in constant danger of over-simplification. The conventional two-way analysis of sustainability, into (1) human needs as ends and (2) means to meet such needs, and the scheme of nine planetary boundaries, are taken as starting points for a more balanced proposal set out in this conceptual paper. Inspired by the framework of Doughnut Economics and drawing on a collection of recent articles in this journal, we identify a set of 12 aspects for evaluating transformative change and apply them to food systems: seven typically instrumental goods (means) and five typically final goods (ends). Recognising that such classifications are worldview-dependent, however, our ‘home model’ breaks down the 12 aspects into 37 criteria as the basis for a practical tool for evaluating particular business models and policy initiatives. The paper concludes by offering a philosophical account of transformative change and identifying institutional factors crucial for local progress towards sustainability transitions, in food systems and also more broadly.

Dual-protein system composed of soy protein and β-lactoglobulin: effect of transglutaminase-mediated crosslinking on its allergenicity and conformation.

The escalating global prevalence of food allergies has intensified the need for hypoallergenic food products. Transglutaminase (TGase)-mediated crosslinking has garnered significant attention for its potential to reduce the allergenicity of food proteins. This study aimed to investigate the effects of TGase crosslinking on the potential allergenicity and conformational changes in a dual-protein system composed of β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) and soy protein isolate (SPI) at varying mass ratios (10:0, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7 and 0:10 (w/w)). TGase preferentially crosslinked the 7S and 11S subunits of soy protein, rather than β-LG. Crosslinking treatment reduced the allergenic potential of both soy protein and β-LG, with the degree of reduction depending on the protein ratio. The β-LG5:SPI5 and β-LG7:SPI3 mixtures showed the most significant reduction in antibody reactivity towards soy protein and β-LG, respectively. Additionally, TGase-mediated crosslinking significantly reduced the binding capacity of all dual-protein samples to serum immunoglobulin E from allergic patients, compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The allergenicity reduction was accompanied by structural modifications, including a decrease in β-sheet content, an increase in β-turn and random coil structures, enhanced ultraviolet absorption and intrinsic fluorescence, reduced free sulfhydryl levels and altered intermolecular forces. These changes suggest that TGase-induced crosslinking may disrupt or mask allergenic epitopes, thus lowering allergenicity. TGase crosslinking effectively reduced the allergenic potential of the dual-protein system by inducing structural changes. These findings underscore the potential of TGase in developing hypoallergenic dual-protein food products and provide a scientific foundation for future research and application in the food industry. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Recommendations of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Section of Polish Neurological Society and Immuno-oncology Section of Polish Society of Oncology on oncological risk in patients with multiple sclerosis undergoing immunomodulatory therapy.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. Changes in the immune system also observed in cancer may suggest a higher prevalence of cancer in the MS patient population. In recent years, many highly effective immunosuppressive drugs have been introduced into disease-modifying therapy (DMT) which may be associated with a higher risk of cancer development in patients with MS. This paper presents current data on the oncological risk of individual drugs. In addition, it provides recommendations on the management for qualifying for DMT and monitoring the safety of the therapy from anoncological perspective.

Euro-atlantic course of Ukraine as a reflection of political traditions of ukrainian society and a guarantee of national security

The article analyzes the processes of formation of political traditions of Ukrainian society and political mentality, their impact on public sentiment and political decision-making, which can be both supportive and legitimate basis, and rejection and objection without rational understanding and justification, and a barrier to political and economic development. Ukraine's accession to the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is in line with Ukraine's national interests and the fundamental mental principles generally typical for the Ukrainian people. Ukrainians' choice of the democratic path of development in the community of European countries is one of the main reasons for Russia's current full-scale war in Ukraine. Despite Russia's desire to change this and return Ukraine to its sphere of influence, Ukrainians have consolidated around the idea of victory and the Euro-Atlantic vector of their Motherland. Due to its history and geopolitical position, Ukraine has strong ties with European countries and geographically belongs to Europe. Ukrainian political traditions have a historical basis and are in consonance with fundamental European values. The closeness of Ukrainian political traditions to European ones primarily are in the support of democratic values and freedoms, in persistence and unity in defending justice, in rejection of dictatorial authoritarian practices, in the ability of Ukrainian society to self-organize and build effective horizontal ties, and in individualism. Ukrainians, like Europeans, consider the dignity of the human person as a fundamental value, and violence as unacceptable and humiliating. The Russian-Belarusian narrative about the right of the state to use force against its citizens has not worked in Ukraine. During national revolutions and in times of war, Ukrainians have shown courageous resistance, defending their freedom even at the cost of their lives, and have been admired around the world. These fundamental features of the Ukrainian political mentality contributed to the formation of the Ukrainian political nation, and in combination with the Cossack military traditions, the experience of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army and a number of patriotic organizations, they are now influencing the heroic military resistance to the Russian occupiers. However, there is another side: the long stay of Ukrainian lands as part of other state entities had its impact and is also reflected in current political attitudes, preferences, and patterns of behavioral reactions that hinder Ukraine's modernization. Especially destructive was the influence of Russian state entities, the period of being part of the USSR, during which there was an intense extermination of the Ukrainian elite and patriotic activists and their families, banning everything Ukrainian, imposing inferiority complexes, and powerful propaganda that weakened and disorganized Ukrainian society, shaping the consciousness of Homo soveticus, a person with very limited rights and opportunities, a cog in an undemocratic state system. Ukrainians are freeing themselves from this Soviet legacy, and the bitter irony is that the Russian war against Ukraine has contributed to that most of all. The processes of Euro-Atlantic integration require hard work and efforts from both the government and society, not only modernization and qualitative reform of the main spheres of life, but also a certain restructuring of consciousness and lifestyle, ensuring individual responsibility and freedoms. On the one hand, these processes are significantly complicated by the full-scale war with Russia, but on the other hand, the war is also a catalyst for socio-political changes in the Ukrainian political system and more intensive cooperation with the Western world.

Exploring Mechanisms and Management of Drug Tolerance and Resistance in Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a multifaceted mental disorder affecting approximately 1% of the global population, significantly disrupting cognitive function, emotion, and behaviour. Antipsychotic medications are the primary treatment, targeting neurotransmitter regulation to alleviate symptoms. However, long-term use often leads to drug tolerance and resistance, diminishing treatment effectiveness and potentially exacerbating the patient's condition. This article examines the mechanisms and contributing factors associated with drug tolerance and resistance in schizophrenia, focusing on adaptive changes in neurotransmitter systems, alterations in drug metabolism, and neural remodeling. It explores the interplay of biological, environmental, and treatment-related influences on therapeutic outcomes and identifies common patterns in tolerance and resistance manifestations. Furthermore, the article proposes practical management strategies, including drug rotation, dosage adjustments, combination therapies, and the utilization of next-generation antipsychotics. By providing clinicians with insights into tailoring treatment approaches to individual patient needs, this study aims to improve the overall management of schizophrenia. A deeper understanding of drug tolerance and resistance is essential for optimizing treatment efficacy and enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals. Future research directions are also suggested to better elucidate the genetic underpinnings of these phenomena, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies.