External Influences Research Articles

Causes of relapse and search for treatment reported by drug users in a rehabilitation unit

Objectives: To identify the causes of relapse and search for treatment by drug users.Methodology: This was a qualitative exploratory research carried out in an Addiction Rehabilitation Unit at a psychiatric hospital in Paraná State, Brazil. Data were collected from May to June 2010 through a semistructured interview with 12 drug addicts. They were further analyzed and organized into thematic categories.Results: Five categories emerged from the analysis: Environment influences relapse; Non-recognition of the powerlessness facing addiction; Difficulty in coping with frustrations; Inaction fosters cravings for psychoactive substances; Losses, co-morbidities, and recognition of powerlessness lead to the search for treatment.Discussion: Among the motivations for relapse, external influences related to the social context, as well as internal ones such as difficulties with self-perception were pointed out. The subjects attributed to losses, several aspects of their lives and the recognition of the control deficit over the addiction as the ultimate factors to search for treatment.Conclusion: It can be concluded that those subjects’ recovery is favored by the conjunction of physical, emotional, and social factors. Thus, it is deemed necessary that health professionals continuously refine their knowledge on this theme to be qualified to deliver thorough care to these clients.

NEUROBIOLOGICAL MARKERS CORRUPTION BEHAVIOR: THEORETICAL REVIEW

In the modern world, the fi ght against corruption becomes a matter of solving a global problem of society. As practice has shown, external infl uences aimed at preventing corrupt practices do not always have the desired eff ect. Therefore, recently, scientists around the world have shown increasing interest in internal regulators of corrupt behavior, most often due to moral components. This paradigm is based on the idea that corrupt behavior results from multiple, interacting cognitive-aff ective networks in the brain that can be biomedically manipulated to create opportunities for moral improvement. However, cognitive neuro-studies of moral aspects of behavior, including those involving corrupt actions, are currently in short supply. Most of them were carried out on foreign samples, that is, without taking into account the sociocultural aspect. In addition, one of the latest trends in this direction is the search for neuromarkers — those areas in the human brain that are activated when implementing thoughts and actions that are contrary to moral standards, including when making corrupt decisions. This article is intended to provide an annotated analysis of retrospective studies of neurobiological predictors of human behavior, mainly from the last 10–15 years, to introduce the Russian reader to innovative works in this direction.

Islamization in Bengal

This article investigates the historical and socio-cultural dimensions of Islamization in Bengal, shedding light on the processes that contributed to the region's Islamic transformation. Utilizing a comprehensive approach that incorporates historical records, literary sources, and indigenous narratives, the study examines pivotal moments and factors influencing the adoption and evolution of Islamic practices in Bengal. By delving into the intricate tapestry of Bengal's history, this research seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between local traditions, external influences, and the emergence of Islam as a prominent cultural and religious force in the region.

Reporting outcome measures in veterinary physiotherapy with particular reference to the treatment of canine and equine joint cases in the UK.

Outcome measures are extensively used within human physiotherapy, but a widely accepted issue in veterinary physiotherapy is that outcome measures lack sufficient evaluation and standardisation in terms of how they are implemented. This cross-sectional study aimed to provide clarity on (1) the current selection of outcome measures in canine and equine physiotherapy and (2) investigate external influences on outcome measure selection, including comparative literature availability, professional memberships and background. A structured scoping literature review consolidated current understanding and limitations. This informed a survey of qualified veterinary physiotherapists (n = 40). The statistical analysis comprised descriptive statistics. Key observations included (1) a lack of difference in outcome measure application between veterinary physiotherapists with and without a human physiotherapy background, (2) enhanced outcome measure utilisation by registry body members and (3) an overall skew towards subjective, rather than objective, outcome measure use. The study was limited by the absence of a defined veterinary physiotherapist population and subsequent convenience sample size. The apparent skew towards subjective outcome measures highlights objective outcome measure underutilisation and the need for a more extensive evidence base. In conclusion, there is a need to develop comprehensive professional development resources promoting the use of repeatable outcome measures such as goniometers and the Liverpool osteoarthritis scoring.

Nutrition and public health in Georgia: reviewing the current status and inspiring improvements: a joint event of the Georgian Nutrition Society, The Nutrition Society of the UK and Ireland and the Sabri Ülker Foundation, October 2023

AbstractGeorgia lies to the northeast of Türkiye, having a western border on the Black Sea. With a population of some 3·73 million, Georgia has a tradition of gastronomic excellence dating back millennia. However, changing lifestyles and external influences have, as elsewhere, led to problems of suboptimal nutrition, and lifestyle-related diseases and disorders prevail. There is considerable scope for improving the focus on public health (PH) and nutrition in Georgia. With this in mind, the Georgian Nutrition Society teamed up with The Nutrition Society of the UK and Ireland and the Sabri Ülker Foundation, a PH charity based in Istanbul, Türkiye, to host a conference and workshops in Tbilisi, Georgia. The primary purpose was to review the current status of PH and nutrition in Georgia with reference to the situation elsewhere, to share examples of best practice and to identify opportunities for improvement. A particular highlight was the presentation of a programme of nutrition education for family physicians recently implemented in Türkiye. This summary of the proceedings is intended as a blueprint for action in Georgia and also to inspire others to consider how PH might be improved via a focus on balanced nutrition.

Dynamics of changes in the temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity of distilled water in conductometric cells during heating and cooling

The problem of taking into account the influence of air on the properties of distilled water is considered, namely the lack of a single generally accepted method for calculating such an influence. The sensitivity of the structure of water to the influence of external factors is described and the possibility of recording and studying such factors by changes in the temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity of water is shown. The dependences of the temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity of distilled water on the rate of change in water temperature, the degree of filling of conductometric cells, as well as on the intensity of the exchange of carbon dioxide between water and air across their interface have been studied. It is noted that these metabolic processes are currently insufficiently studied. A hardware-software measuring complex has been developed and manufactured to study the temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity of water when its temperature changes within the range of 20–55 °C. The temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity of water in sealed conductometric cells was measured at different degrees of filling the cells with distilled water and the rate of heating and cooling of water. The degree of filling of the cells varied within the range of 10–100 %, the rate of change in water temperature varied within the range of 0.04–2.00 °C/min. With a constant heating and cooling time of 15 minutes in all experiments, the change in speed was achieved by changing the temperature of the heating element. The integral temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity is calculated based on the initial and final values of electrical conductivity and water temperature in each measurement cycle. The dependences of the temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity on the rate of change in water temperature at several constant degrees of cell filling were obtained. It has been shown that with a constant ratio of the volumes of water and air in the cell and an increase in the rate of heating of water, the temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity of water decreases by 19–22 %. It has been established that at a constant rate of water heating, with a decrease in the volume of water in the cell, the temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity of water decreases by 40–42 %. The results obtained can be used to quantify the dissociation coefficient of carbonic acid, the mobility of hydrogen ions, as well as the intensity of the gas exchange process under various external influences on water. Refinement of data on the electrical conductive properties of water and processes at the water/air interface is necessary for the development of models of atmospheric phenomena and climate change, as well as for the creation of sensors for weak changes in environmental parameters for the purposes of both environmental monitoring and medical diagnostics.

Forecasting weekly dengue incidence in Sri Lanka: Modified Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average modeling approach.

Dengue poses a significant and multifaceted public health challenge in Sri Lanka, encompassing both preventive and curative aspects. Accurate dengue incidence forecasting is pivotal for effective surveillance and disease control. To address this, we developed an Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model tailored for predicting weekly dengue cases in the Colombo district. The modeling process drew on comprehensive weekly dengue fever data from the Weekly Epidemiological Reports (WER), spanning January 2015 to August 2020. Following rigorous model selection, the ARIMA (2,1,0) model, augmented with an autoregressive component (AR) of order 16, emerged as the best-fitted model. It underwent initial calibration and fine-tuning using data from January 2015 to August 2020, and was validated against independent 2000 data. Selection criteria included parameter significance, the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), and Schwarz Bayesian Information Criterion (SBIC). Importantly, the residuals of the ARIMA model conformed to the assumptions of randomness, constant variance, and normality affirming its suitability. The forecasts closely matched observed dengue incidence, offering a valuable tool for public health decision-makers. However, an increased percentage error was noted in late 2020, likely attributed to factors including potential underreporting due to COVID-19-related disruptions amid rising dengue cases. This research contributes to the critical task of managing dengue outbreaks and underscores the dynamic challenges posed by external influences on disease surveillance.

Curricula for exclusion: interpreting the ideologies and forces underpinning policy developments in relation to the education of children with disabilities

ABSTRACT This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study which analysed key documents, such as curricula, laws and technical/research reports that informed curriculum development for children with disabilities in the Republic of Cyprus, from 1979 to date. The thematic document analysis sought to make meaning and interpret these developments, which are presented in three time periods: the era of segregation, the era of integration and the era of combatting inclusive education. The discussion raises issues that are significant for future policy development in Cyprus and other countries, such as the dilemma of common or special curricula for children with disabilities, the impact of external influences on curriculum development, and the consequences of ableist thinking and rhetoric that binds curricula and education policies.

Impact of Green Supply Chain Management Practices on the Environmental Performance of Manufacturing Firms Considering Institutional Pressure as a Moderator

This study aimed to investigate the influence of green supply chain management practices on the environmental performance of manufacturing firms, with a specific focus on understanding how institutional pressure moderated this relationship. The research design encompassed a holistic approach, incorporating an in-depth examination of the current literature and data collection via a well-structured questionnaire. Random sampling was utilized to gather data from manufacturing companies in Pakistan, and the data analysis employed PLS-SEM. The findings revealed a significant relationship between GSCM practices and the environmental performance of manufacturing firms. Moreover, the study identified that institutional pressure played a moderating role, influencing the strength of this relationship. Notably, the impact of GSCM practices on environmental performance varied under different levels of institutional pressure. This research underscored the importance of considering institutional pressure in understanding the link between GSCM practices and environmental performance. The implications extended to academics and practitioners, providing insights into the nuanced dynamics of sustainable practices in manufacturing settings. Practical implications involved tailoring GSCM strategies based on varying degrees of institutional pressure for optimal environmental outcomes. The original contribution of this study lies in its comprehensive exploration of the interplay between GSCM practices, institutional pressure, and environmental performance. By incorporating institutional pressure as a moderator, the research provided a nuanced understanding of how external influences shaped the effectiveness of GSCM in fostering ecological sustainability within manufacturing firms.

Revolutionizing breast cancer treatment: Harnessing the related mechanisms and drugs for regulated cell death (Review).

Breast cancer arises from the malignant transformation of mammary epithelial cells under the influence of various carcinogenic factors, leading to a gradual increase in its prevalence. This disease has become the leading cause of mortality among female malignancies, posing a significant threat to the health of women. The timely identification of breast cancer remains challenging, often resulting in diagnosis at the advanced stages of the disease. Conventional therapeutic approaches, such as surgical excision, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, exhibit limited efficacy in controlling the progression and metastasis of the disease. Regulated cell death (RCD), a process essential for physiological tissue cell renewal, occurs within the body independently of external influences. In the context of cancer, research on RCD primarily focuses on cuproptosis, ferroptosis and pyroptosis. Mounting evidence suggests a marked association between these specific forms of RCD, and the onset and progression of breast cancer. For example, a cuproptosis vector can effectively bind copper ions to induce cuproptosis in breast cancer cells, thereby hindering their proliferation. Additionally, the expression of ferroptosis‑related genes can enhance the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to chemotherapy. Likewise, pyroptosis‑related proteins not only participate in pyroptosis, but also regulate the tumor microenvironment, ultimately leading to the death of breast cancer cells. The present review discusses the unique regulatory mechanisms of cuproptosis, ferroptosis and pyroptosis in breast cancer, and the mechanisms through which they are affected by conventional cancer drugs. Furthermore, it provides a comprehensive overview of the significance of these forms of RCD in modulating the efficacy of chemotherapy and highlights their shared characteristics. This knowledge may provide novel avenues for both clinical interventions and fundamental research in the context of breast cancer.

Planting the seeds for success: A qualitative study exploring primary healthcare providers' perceptions about medical cannabis.

In Canada, cannabis legalization altered the way that the public can access cannabis for medical purposes. However, Canadians still struggle with finding healthcare professionals (HCPs) who are involved in medical cannabis counselling and authorization. This raises questions about the barriers that are causing this breakdown in care. Our study explored the perceptions of primary care providers regarding cannabis in their practice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by Zoom with HCPs in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) to discuss their experiences with medical and non-medical cannabis in practice. Family physicians and nurse practitioners who were practicing in primary care in NL were included. The interview guide and coding template were developed using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). A thematic analysis across the TDF was then conducted. Twelve participants with diverse demographic backgrounds and experience levels were interviewed. Five main themes emerged including, knowledge acquisition, internal influences, patient influences, external HCP influences, and systemic influences. The TDF domain resulting in the greatest representation of codes was environmental context and resources. The findings suggested that HCPs have significant knowledge gaps in authorizing medical cannabis, which limited their practice competence and confidence in this area. Referring patients to cannabis clinics, while enforcing harm-reduction strategies, was an interim option for patients to access cannabis for medical purposes. However, developing practice guidelines and educational resources were suggested as prominent facilitators to promote medical cannabis authorization within the healthcare system.

OBJECTS AS A FACTOR IN THE TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIAL REALITY

This article attempts to problematize objects in the context of changing social reality. An object is considered within the framework of the work, among other objects, as something with extension (i.e., the property of occupying a certain place in space), impenetrability, and the ability to resist external influences, which brings us to the possibility of considering an object as a subject. The problems of interaction between objects and social agents in modern society are considered. The phenomenological approach and the theory of social constructivism were chosen as the methodological basis, putting forward a thesis. The authors pay special attention to the study of the influence of the transformation of material elements on the characteristics of social space through social interaction. The authors analyze the process of adapting the operational potential of an object in the context of a game. The influence of objects on the social environment and interaction with agents is considered. The role of objects in communication and their social significance is determined. The authors define objects through three aspects: activity, discursive and spatial levels. The main focus is on studying the influence of objects on social interactions and their symbolic structures. It is argued that objects determine the boundaries of a social act and influence the process of socialization, and also gives examples of their regulatory impact on communication. The work also examines the symbolic content of objects and their influence on the nature of interaction.

Cultural conflict - civilizational transition and civil transformations - factors of influence and crisis of the cultural identity of the Arab Gulf countries (confrontation / assimilation - influence / change)

The research deals with the issue of cultural confrontation experienced by the local culture of the peoples of the Arab Gulf countries in front of the civilizational tide and structural transformations in social life, which coincides with cultural globalization and the revolution of technology and information that transcended borders and barriers. The Gulf Arab states have witnessed major structural transformations in line with the civilizational development in the fields of life brought about by oil wealth. The study sought to identify the most prominent sources of challenge and change, the great variation in the demography of the population, where the population weight coming from abroad with its diverse culture and life practices that lead to a change in public behavior and cultural environment in the new reality, so the study stands on the size of the impact contributed by human migrations coming to the Arab Gulf countries by addressing the following variables: - Demographic difference between citizens and residents. - The density of educational institutions for communities and international schools. - The heavy presence of traditional non-Arabic media institutions and others directed at foreign communities. She presented an analysis of the implications of this, and monitored the manifestations of change, transformation and conflict experienced by local cultures, based on Julian Steward's theoretical model, which focuses on the dynamic interaction between man and the environment, technology, social structure, and organization of work. To understand the reality of the social space of the peoples of the Arab Gulf countries, And the impact of internal interactions and external influences on this space and know the shape of structural transformations in the local culture of these peoples, and determine their characteristics, and read the future of these changes by trying to understand the course of transformation.

ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ РЕГИОНАЛЬНОЙ ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОЙ ПОЛИТИКИ В УСЛОВИЯХ НЕУСТОЙЧИВОГО РАЗВИТИЯ

The purpose of the article is to consider the conceptual directions of formation and development of regional economic policy in conditions of unstable development. Discussion: theoretical constructions and practical techniques for studying and substantiating the directions of sustainable policy formation are very complex and ambiguous, which confirms the importance of the issue under consideration. Results: the article attempts not only to assess the effectiveness of regional economic policy, but also to analyze specific tasks being solved to achieve common goals. The relevance of this article is due to the fact that in the modern world, in order to further move towards improving economic policy in the regions of the country, it is necessary to have a comprehensive picture of the work and projects already carried out, their positive and negative impacts, as well as to identify weaknesses that have not yet been worked out by local governments for further strategic planning. This article serves as a starting point for a deeper understanding of Russia's regional economic policy. By analyzing reforms, economic indicators and external influences, we contribute to the scientific discourse on regional economic dynamics. The scientific approach, combined with information from reputable sources, emphasize the importance of adaptive strategies, taking into account the specifics of the region, to solve problems and take advantage of the opportunities of the changing economic landscape. As Russia moves forward, armed with knowledge and insight, sound policy-making and sustainable development remain at the forefront of the country's regional economic agenda.

Current State of Archaeobotanical Research in Ghana: On Diet, Food Resources and Research Perspectives

This review delves into the changes in food consumption patterns over time in West Africa, emphasising the significant role played by archaeobotanical studies. West African food consumption has been influenced by various factors such as economic, environmental, and external influences. Our initial studies focused on plant and animal domestication and the spread of grains. The arrival of Europeans in the 15th century brought changes in foodways, introducing new crops from the New and Old World. Some misconceptions about African food and agriculture have been challenged, accentuating the region’s diversity and resilience. The paper discusses the initial focus on economic factors and the domestication of plants, leading to a better understanding of the connection between food and society. Additionally, it dispels misapprehensions about West African cuisine and highlights the impact of the Atlantic trade on foodways. The study underscores the significance of interdisciplinary research in rectifying any biases surrounding Africa’s food history. Archaeobotanical research has shed light on the dynamic nature of African foodways, including the integration of American crops into local food traditions. However, knowledge of the extent of adoption and use of these crops during the precolonial era remains limited. More research is required to comprehend the adoption of American crops and the resilience of African food systems.

Devising an approach for the automated restoration of shipmaster’s navigational qualification parameters under risk conditions

The object of this study is the safety control system of ship management, by identifying and restoring the qualification parameters of shipmasters in critical situations. The task solved in the study is the timely determination of an insufficient level of qualification for the performance of certain operations in controlling the movement of the ship, by applying a formal-logical model of detecting the intuitive actions of the operator-shipmaster and gradually restoring his/her qualification parameters using the devised method. The stages of development and the formal-logical structure of the model and method in terms of cognitive automation were described in detail as the study results. It was possible to ensure early detection of risks when controlling the movement of the ship in 56 % of cases, during a laboratory experiment on simulators, which in 24 % of cases turned out to be particularly dangerous. The interpretation of the results involved algorithmizing complex and formalized data on the actions of operators and the application of the method of restoring their qualification parameters, which allowed a comprehensive approach to safety management. The distinguishing features of the findings were to predict the level of danger by simulating maritime operations with input navigational and individual conditions. This made it possible to improve the effectiveness of operations to 89 %, reduce the phenomenon of loss of control over the course to 32 %, reduce critical situations to 7 % and the cost of resources. The scope and conditions of practical use involve a comprehensive assessment of external and internal influences on the level of danger, delay in decision-making by operators, as well as sailing conditions. The simulation results could be used to devise strategies for planning maneuvers, predicting risks, and developing maritime security systems

Organisational Design and Sustainability Performance

The collapse of many organizations could be linked to the weak performance of management team members. The management team is the engine of growth implemented through designing strategies with which organization will manage its internal affairs bearing in mind the external environmental influences. Drawing on our research and the work of others, we explore the various organization design strategies and how that could bring sustainability. In doing, it was deduced that sustainability initiative, and the accompanying changes to the organizational structure, must have executive sponsorship and the CEO must be a visible proponent of the sustainability vision for the company. Executive sponsorship accelerates engagement by employees and business units, but even better results can be expected if the CEO is proactive and assume personal leadership of a highly visible sustainability program. It was however, recommended that: The leader of the sustainability initiative should have a direct reporting relationship with both the CEO and the board of directors in order to send a signal to employees and other stakeholders about the important of the initiative and provide the initiative with access to the support and resources available from high-level executives and managers in other departments.

Проблемы и развитие когнитивных методов в стратегическом управлении

Managing an educational organization as a complex system in the modern dynamic world is a non-trivial task, given the fierce competition in the educational space, the pressure of economic factors, high requirements for student training and end-to-end digitalization. This, in turn, predetermines the need to use new models and approaches to the development and justification of management decisions in a strategic perspective. One of these approaches is cognitive modeling, which allows us to establish a scenario for the development of events under a set of interrelated factors corresponding to the current situation. Cognitive modeling is an effective ap-proach to studying the development of a situation based on the construction of a graph model. It makes it pos-sible to study and predict the state of a certain object; its constituent elements are: self-development, modeling of external influences and purposeful development of the situation (controlled development). The cognitive model has the advantages of a simulation model, but is easier to develop. The purpose of the article is to con-sider the problems and opportunities for the development of cognitive methods in the strategic management of an educational organization. The study analyzed the possibilities of using cognitive methods in the process of forming a set of scenarios to model trends in the development of a problem situation based on selected control factors. The stages of cognitive modeling in the strategic management of an educational organization are also outlined. Particular attention is paid to impulse modeling of potential scenarios in which an educational organi-zation may find itself under the influence of certain environmental disturbances. In addition, requirements for the cognitive model are formulated, the fulfillment of which will improve its accuracy and efficiency in the pro-cess of making strategic management decisions for an educational organization.

Legal Study of the Failure of Mediators in Resolving Disputes on the Division of Collective Property After Divorce (Study in Medan Religious Courts)

In Article 1 of the Marriage Law, marriage reflects the spiritual and physical bond between a man and a woman with the aim of forming a happy and lasting family based on faith in the Almighty God. In legally valid marriages, the role of assets is crucial in building a household, both as individual and joint assets. Issues related to marital assets often arise, affecting the well-being and comfort within the marriage. Reasons for divorce include invalid marriages, domestic violence, neglect of responsibilities, and prolonged disputes. When both parties seek divorce, mediation is utilized as a means to resolve conflicts, guided by a mediator seeking resolution options. This study identifies factors contributing to the failure of mediation in resolving disputes over joint property. These factors include parties' knowledge, absence, cultural and character differences, reluctance to compromise, prolonged and complex conflicts, ill intentions, external influences, lack of understanding of rights and obligations, and materialistic tendencies. The success of mediation in the Medan Religious Courts depends on the mediator's ability, derived from knowledge, education, training, and experience, which serves as a tool to effectively assist parties in resolving their disputes.

Prediction of airport runway settlement using an integrated SBAS-InSAR and BP-EnKF approach

The prediction of surface settlement occupies a crucial role in achieving effective catastrophe prevention and mitigation, as well as facilitating the maintenance of airport runways. Given the challenges associated with the manual collection of settlement data and the suboptimal timeliness of the Back Propagation (BP) technique in neural networks, this study proposes an integrated prediction method that combines the Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) with BP. This study focuses on the processing of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) pictures obtained from the ascending orbit of the Sentinel-1A satellite. The Small Baseline Subset Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (SBAS-InSAR) technology is employed to derive the settlement time series on the runway of Kangding Airport. Moreover, three sites with high coherence within the primary settlement region are employed to assess the dependability of the model after the expansion of the data by cubic spline interpolation. The findings of the study indicate that both the BP-EnKF and BP models exhibit favorable outcomes in predicting airport runway settlement. However, following the alteration of data caused by external environmental influences, the BP-EnKF model has superior adaptability to variations in data. It has been shown that the BP-EnKF model exhibits a prediction accuracy that surpasses the BP model by 9.25%.