Global Experience Research Articles

Sentinel-1-Based Soil Freeze–Thaw Detection in Agro-Forested Areas: A Case Study in Southern Québec, Canada

Nearly 50 million km2 of global land experiences seasonal transitions from predominantly frozen to thawed conditions, significantly impacting various ecosystems and hydrologic processes. In this study, we assessed the capability to retrieve surface freeze–thaw (FT) conditions using Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data time series at two agro-forested study sites, St-Marthe and St-Maurice, in southern Québec, Canada. In total, 18 plots were instrumented to monitor soil temperature and derive soil freezing probabilities at 2 and 10 cm depths during 2020–21 and 2021–22. Three change detection algorithms were tested: backscatter differences (∆σ) derived from thawed reference (Delta), the freeze–thaw index (FTI), and a newly developed exponential freeze–thaw algorithm (EFTA). Various probabilistic mixed models were compared to identify the model and predictor variables that best predicted soil freezing probability. VH polarization backscatter signals processed with the EFTA and used as predictors in a logistic model led to improved predictions of soil freezing probability at 2 cm (Pseudo-R2 = 0.54) compared to other approaches. The EFTA could effectively address the limitations of the Delta algorithm caused by backscatter fluctuations in the shoulder seasons, resulting in more precise estimates of FT events. Furthermore, the inclusion of crop types as plot-level effects within the probabilistic model also slightly improved the soil freezing probability prediction at each monitored plot, with marginal and conditional R2 values of 0.59 and 0.61, respectively. The model accurately classified observed binary ‘frozen’ or ‘thawed’ states with 85.2% accuracy. Strong cross-level interactions were also observed between crop types and the EFTA derived from VH backscatter, indicating that crop type modulated the backscatter response to soil freezing. This study represents the first application of the EFTA and a probabilistic approach to detect frozen soil conditions in agro-forested areas in southern Quebec, Canada.

MEDICAL CARE OF NEWBORNS WITH MECONIUM ILEUS. DATA ANALYSIS OF WORLD EXPERIENCE AND OWN OBSERVATIONS

According to various scientists, 10-20 percent of newborns with cystic fi brosis have meconium ileus (MI).MI is an obstruction of the small intestine that occurs in fetuses during the 20th-24th week of gestation due to a violation of the processes of the formation of meconium. The latter has an increased viscosity and cannot pass through the intestines causing their obturation. About 50 percent of the cases of MI are complicated by intestinal volvulus, intestinal atresia, malrotation, perforation with the development of meconium peritonitis and ascites, the formation of a meconium pseudocyst etc. The goal of the research is to conduct a systematic overview of the literature on the issue of MI in neonatal patients and to off er optimal tactics of medical support of newborns with MI on the basis of the analysis of relevant literary sources and our own observations related to this topic.The results. The overview of the literature in the historical aspect covering the last 20 years has demonstrated the following: due to the development and improvement of the methods of conservative surgical treatment of newborns with MI the mortality of the newborns with MI has decreased. The analysis of the data based on the global experience as well as on our own observations indicates the possibility of conservative therapy and surgical treatment of infants with MI and testifi es to the fact that in 50 percent of cases of uncomplicated MI the conservative treatment can be an eff ective option.The research contains the description of the step-by-step measures of conservative treatment. The indications for surgical interventions have also been specifi ed in the research.Conclusion. In treatment of newborns with MI resections and stomata should be avoided. Instead, preference should be given to gastric lavage.

Unraveling the Spatial Dimensions of Disease Outbreaks: Implications for the Future of Third Places—A Scoping Review

Third places are vital social spaces, outside the typical workplace and living environment, that facilitate meaningful interactions and contribute to an individual’s sense of community and well-being. Nevertheless, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, safety requirements led to the closure of many third places, disrupting socialization, and limiting the positive impact these spaces typically have on people’s lives. This recent global experience highlighted the need for interior design approaches to create more adaptable third places. Through this review, we aimed to explore the evolving influence of different disease outbreaks on the design of interior spaces, focusing on third places and similar communal environments. Emphasis was on exploring interior design approaches employed to reduce transmission risks, ultimately enhancing the resilience and sustainability of these spaces. A scoping review of the literature was conducted, adhering to the framework established by Arksey and O’Malley. Using content identifiers and a detailed flowchart, we found five themes: (a) flexibility through scalability and reconfiguration; (b) fluid circulation and optimized wayfinding; (c) natural ventilation and indoor–outdoor connection; (d) infection control by material selection and design; and (e) integration of technology. By highlighting these approaches, strategies for creating sustainable, resilient, and unobstructed third places are reviewed post-pandemic to ensure social and overall well-being continuity.

Experiences in global mental health.

Participating in Global Mental Health program development and education and training efforts is rewarding and exciting work. The author describes several global experiences he has engaged in over the past 30 years, which has focused on teaching and encouraging family therapy and mental health care that support human rights and promote human development as innovated and promoted by the Global Alliance for Behavioral Health, formerly the American Orthopsychiatric Association. The author learned through participation that merely presenting mental health information and treatment approaches through lecture presentation was not adequate to help professionals and advocates in low- and middle-income countries to build sustainable mental health care systems in their home regions. The author engaged in several collaborative program development efforts with local professionals at their invitation. These programs, consisting of multiyear partnerships based on the needs and culture of the home region, will be described in the article. The programs, based on relationships between local professionals and a U.S. team of experts in child mental health care, had long-term positive effects and were highly rewarding. The basis for these programs was an invitation by local professionals, followed by collaboration in setting the agenda for the U.S. professionals' visits, an on-going relationship in which local professionals trusted that the visitors want and need to understand the local cultural environment, and improvements that will be most helpful and sustainable. In this process, the author learned about the cultures he worked in and was a part of extremely meaningful and enlightening relationships and experiences. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Advancing equity in cross-cultural psychology: embracing diverse epistemologies and fostering collaborative practices.

Psychology, and cross-cultural psychology (CCP) in particular, plays a pivotal role in understanding the intricate relationship between culture and human behavior. This paper sheds light on the challenges of inequity and marginalization, especially concerning scholarship from the Global South, which have roots in historical colonial practices. It highlights how intellectual extractivism and the predominance of Western research methodologies often overlook the contributions of Global South scholars and indigenous ways of knowing. Such imbalances risk narrowing the scope of psychological inquiry, privileging American and European perspectives, and undermining the richness of global human experiences. This paper calls for a shift toward more equitable collaborations and the recognition of diverse epistemologies. By advocating for genuine representation in research and valuing local knowledge, it proposes pathways for a more inclusive and authentic exploration of human behavior across cultures.

Digitalization as a determinant of transformation of the real sector of the economy of the macroregion (using the example of the North Caucasus Federal District)

Purpose: is to study of the processes of digitalization and digital transformation of the real sector of the economy of the regions of the North Caucasus Federal District. Methods: the methodological basis of the study was the concept of the digital economy, the theoretical principles of supply-side economics, the systems approach, trend analysis and predictive analytics. The study is based on the use of the methods of economic and statistical analysis, scientifi c abstraction, analogies and scientifi c generalizations. The methods used are characterized by validity and show a high degree of eff ectiveness. Results: digitalization and digital transformation processes are underway in the North Caucasus Federal District, but the pace remains low. To accelerate these processes, it is necessary to solve two interrelated problems: fi rstly, to materialize the processes of digitalization and digital transformation in the real sector of the economy of the regions of the federal district, and secondly, to train personnel in certain specialties who can eff ectively operate digital technologies. In the fi rst case, it is possible to use the model of catch-up development at the regional level, which will make it possible to implement the principle of “advantage of backwardness” and use the accumulated global and regional experience in the transition to the modern trends in the operation of digital technologies. In the second case, it is proposed to organize special centers in the subjects of the district for retraining digital technologies specialists with the necessary competencies and/or advanced training with the issuance of the confi rming certifi cates. Such centers could train exclusive specialists at the request of enterprises or engage in refresher training and retraining of the necessary specialists. The creation of the centers is possible on the basis of public-private partnership. Conclusions and Relevance: the main task of the digital transformation of industry is considered to be the modernization of production process management, which will lead to the signifi cant increase in labor productivity. To implement such a scenario, the economic entities in the regions of the North Caucasus Federal District need to move away from the traditionalist approaches that take place in the organization and management of enterprises, and switch to the processes of digitalization and digital transformation of the real sector of the economy of the district.

“Bringing Sandton into Soweto”

Over the past five decades, a vast literature on gentrification has developed. Evidence of gentrification in South African cities has been recorded in historically White neighbourhoods or city districts. The presence of gentrification in peripheral, poor, traditionally Black townships has had very little (if any) consideration in the literature, and this investigation aims to address aspects of this scholarly oversight. The paper is set in the iconic South African township of Soweto. It is argued that the Vilakazi precinct in Orlando West is an example of tourism-led gentrification. The investigation unpacks the development and gentrification of the precinct and the range of tourism roles therein. The study found that residents’ experiences were mixed; some aspects of expanded leisure and services were seen positively, while forms of economic and social exclusion were also recorded following the literature on township tourism. This unique case study connects the Global North and South experience of tourism-led gentrification, arguing that much common ground between these regions is to be found.

Modern approaches to ensuring health protection of persons with disabilities based on interdepartmental interaction

The article provides an overview of the basic principles, approaches and activities in the field of ensuring the health of people with disabilities. An analysis of the global experience of the United Nations on this topic, modern legal regulation in the Russian Federation devoted to the issues of ensuring the rights of people with disabilities in the field of health care, including the formation and implementation of individual rehabilitation or habilitation programs for people with disabilities (disabled children), including medical rehabilitation, based on broad intersectoral and interdepartmental interaction, was carried out. The main aspects and scope of disability as a human rights and public health problem are analyzed, as well as the approaches, principles, objectives and action plans supported by the Russian Federation aimed at ensuring inclusive healthcare systems for people with disabilities and improving the level of health and well-being of people with disabilities at all ages and in all contexts

An Assessment of Pandemic Era Inflation, 2021–2022

This paper examines the inflationary period of 2021 to the middle of 2022 primarily by employing US data but is suggestive of the global inflation experience given important cross-border linkages. Inflation is posited as a result of buyer firms, operating across multiple, global supply chain stages, who must shift their purchases to a reduced set of supplier companies. Supply is crimped because of pandemic impacts on capacity. Supply-induced shortages cause global demands to concentrate around fewer oligopoly producers who hike markups and prices. Empirical work is directed at understanding which specific factors that affect pricing are most responsible for the experienced inflation. The paper finds that markup increases represent a larger fraction of price increases than the other price components, suggesting that profit-push is the most important cause of the global inflation experience. Industrial data show that cuts to the aggregate productive capacity of firms did occur, setting the stage for shortages to develop, particularly after demand recovered from the pandemic lockdown.

Public Relations in a Digital Era: Localising the Global Corporations’ Activities and Social Media Uses in Tanzania

Public Relations concepts and practice in different democracies vary according to the nature of their political, cultural, social, and the level of technological orientation or advancement. With the digital age and the increasing trend in globalization, Global or Multinational Corporations have both challenges and opportunities towards meeting their business goals as to win hearts and minds of customers/publics in a diverse environment. Public Relations in Digital Age: Localising Global Corporations Activities and Social Media Uses in Tanzania, using Standard Chartered Bank, Coca Cola Company, and Barrick (Acacia) Mines, as case, has investigated the activities done by the Corporations, social media engagement, Corporate Social Responsibility activities and comparing local and global activities of the Corporations. The three Corporations’ profiles were surveyed to grasp their natures - activities and new media uses while a three- year content analysis was done through Corporations’ social networking sites (SNS) – Facebook, Twitter and You Tube to understand their uses of SNS in enhancing their roles through Public Relations. The findings show that despite their differences in nature, they all use their global business experiences in dealing with local activities. They have been responding to silent calls for glocalisation by identifying the basic needs of their customers/publics, for example, localizing the brand (Coca Cola to Coca Cola Kwanza), changing the brand name altogether (Barrick to Acacia), as well as stretching their Corporate Social Responsibility activities in health, education, environment and sports and entertainment while strengthening their ties with the government by not only responding to legal obligations like paying taxes but also supporting communication and health sectors. However, more glocalisation process is still in need as compared to what has been done in other countries in responding to cultural-centric and polycentric PR approaches. Moreover, the MNCs use both asymmetric and symmetric communication through Facebook, Twitter and You Tube. Twitter has been the mostly used SN especially in a symmetrical communication followed by Facebook. It has been also observed that the sensitivity of Corporation’s activities increases the engagement in CSR activities. Since, the area has not been extensively researched, the researcher calls for more studies on glocalisation of MNCs and new media uses in developing countries and Tanzania in particular in attempt to exploit the potentials of Public Relations.

How Can a Global Experience Enkindle a Passion for Oncology Nursing?

I have had a broad global life experience. I was born in China and at the age of 11 years, my family decided that going to live with relatives in the United States was the best thing for me. I had to learn a new culture and l.

WORLD EXPERIENCE IN PRIMARY EDUCATION

Primary education serves as the cornerstone of a nation's educational system, shaping the future of individuals and societies. This article provides a comprehensive review of primary education systems worldwide, drawing on global experiences to identify key lessons learned and best practices. Through a thorough literature review and analysis of primary education systems in various countries, including both developed and developing nations, this study examines the structure, curriculum, teaching methods, assessment practices, and educational outcomes of primary education. Common challenges faced by primary education systems, such as access, quality, equity, and relevance, are explored, along with successful strategies for addressing them. The role of government policies, socio-economic factors, cultural influences, and technological advancements in shaping primary education is also examined. The findings highlight the importance of sharing global experiences and collaborating across borders to improve primary education and ensure equitable access to quality education for all children. This article concludes with implications for policymakers, educators, researchers, and other stakeholders, as well as recommendations for future research and collaboration in primary education.

Cluster Model for Establishing Special Economic Zones in Ukraine under Modern Conditions (Global Experience)

Object: Clusters are a relatively new form of organization, risk and profit sharing, and competitiveness enhance ment for both the global and Ukrainian economies. The potential of the cluster development model is significant, and, most importantly, it has been justified in developed countries worldwide. In particular, global practice confirms that the functioning of the most prosperous economies is supported by advantages in modern production technologies and man agement. Therefore, successful development of any level is possible through the comprehensive application of modern strategic management concepts. Thus, the object of the study is to reveal and substantiate the effectiveness of cluster model in establishing special economic zones in Ukraine. Methods: The paper uses general scientific and special methods, that are: the dialectical method of understanding cluster model for establishing special economic zones; comparative analysis methods; methods of empirical research, methods of statistical and structural analysis; methods of historical and logical analysis; identifying individual parts of an object, methods of system approach, identifying cause-and-effect relationships. Findings: Custers are established on the base of a unique internal environment and infrastructure specific to a par ticular region. This allows leveraging the competitive advantages of enterprises in a specific area through integration. A cluster serves as a stimulus for economic development, and regionalism forms the basis for its sustainable growth. Re gionalism is of great significance in selecting priority investment areas, as it can influence the level of uncertainty risk during the assessment of regional investment projects. Its effectiveness is confirmed by cluster development of the child nutrition project presented in the paper (Ivano-Frankivsk region, Ukraine). Conclusions: Cluster approach makes it possible to use available resources more efficiently. The cluster approach is connected with the policy of capacity-building as well as increasing competition profitability of national economies. There are also some cluster formations on the territory of Ukraine. Сluster is a convenient form of organizing a free economic zone. At the same time, each government develops its own approaches to the creation of clusters and regula tion of their activities, accordingly, organizes the activities of those responsible for the implementation of the national strategy of sustainable competitive development.

Enhancing Accessibility: Exploring the Impact of AI in Assistive Technologies for Disabled Persons

As per the World Health Organization, approximately 15% of the global population experiences some form of disability. The integration of Assistive Technology with Artificial Intelligence of Things devices has witnessed significant advancements. This paper, through research, aims to identify various assistive models utilized in diverse studies focusing on the application of Artificial Intelligence. Starting with past research studies in this area and emphasizing the manifold and noteworthy roles of AI in assistive technologies, the paper delves into the prospective applications of AI in the future of assistive technologies.

Assessment of the Global Experience of Strategies for Gender Asymmetry Reduction

Gender asymmetry often denotes significant gender inequality, encompassing disparities in societal norms, cultural convictions, and historical legacies. This asymmetry results in an unequal distribution of opportunities, resources, and power between individuals of different genders, with one gender often enjoying certain privileges over the other. This article analyzes the effectiveness of implemented and tested strategies in reducing gender asymmetry, with a special focus on four countries such as the United States, Great Britain, Germany and Kazakhstan. Special attention is paid to comparing approaches and results in different countries, which makes it possible to identify the most successful practices and general trends. Despite the implementation of various government policies and standards aimed at achieving equal pay for employees of all genders, women still tend to receive lower salaries compared to their male counterparts, even when they hold similar positions and perform similar job responsibilities. Through meticulous investigation and the application of statistical methodologies, it is attempted to gauge whether these strategies have contributed to a reduction in gender asymmetry, comparing the statistics from 2019 to 2023 for the outcomes’ evaluation. In conclusion, the article offers recommendations for the development and implementation of effective strategies that can be used by governments and organizations to further promote gender equality.

MANAGEMENT PUBLIC FINANCE IN THE CONDITIONS OF DYNAMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOKENIZED ECONOMY OF UKRAINE

The article highlights the results of a study of the specifics of public finance management in the context of the dynamic development of Ukraine's tokenized economy. It is substantiated that with the beginning of Russia's full-scale military aggression against Ukraine, budget revenues have significantly decreased and expenditures have begun to grow rapidly, which has led to significant imbalances in public finances and a significant increase in the budget deficit, which today has to be covered mainly from external sources. The author emphasizes that one of the alternative options for filling the budget revenues is taxation of the crypto industry, which has been developing rapidly and has become one of the TOP-5 countries in the world of cryptocurrency introduction in recent years. The author reviews the novelties of domestic legislation in the field of regulation of circulation of virtual assets and emphasis is the presence of contradictions in them with regard to the interpretation of their content and functions. The author identifies specific features of virtual assets and proves that they should be considered as an expression of the value of digital things created using the technology of a distributed ledger or other similar technology that allows their issue, transfer and storage in a decentralized manner, without the need to involve traditional financial intermediaries or centralized administrators. The author studies the global experience of taxation of virtual assets. It is substantiated that Ukraine should choose a policy of moderate regulation of the virtual asset market, capable of ensuring both budget revenues and control over the income from transactions with virtual assets. The author develops proposals for accelerating the introduction of the mechanism of taxation of virtual assets turnover as one of the alternative sources of formation of the state revenues of the country and successful implementation of the policy of moderate regulation of the virtual assets market.

Analysis of the planning, functional, and volumetric-spatial organization of temporary settlements

This article examines the experience of planning temporary settlements for the affected and displaced persons, evaluating global and domestic approaches. The analysis encompasses urban planning situations, volumetric-spatial, and functional-planning organization of temporary residential structures, defining typological characteristics and categorizing them. The main focus is on the functioning of temporary settlements using open, semi-open, and closed systems within the structure of habitation. The analysis of global practical experience reveals that at the urban planning level, temporary settlements constitute a structural and planning element primarily constrained by the population size and the potential use of existing service infrastructure. These indicators dictate the placement of this element (temporary settlement) within the settlement system and its functional purpose (transit or long-term settlements), consequently influencing the operational period (from a few months to half a year, up to 1 year, over 1 year, or indefinitely). The most common type is a settlement with a population capacity of up to 500 individuals, with the distinction of a residential zone as the main, and in some cases, the only zone (without the development of a public area or a common space core). Less widespread are settlements with a population capacity of over 500 to 1000 individuals, where a public center with facilities for domestic services, recreation, education, and work-related activities begins to form, mainly in the central core of the structure. An uncommon type of settlement is a residential structure with a capacity exceeding 1000 individuals, featuring the development of a comprehensive public center with a hierarchical network of sub-centers for social and domestic services and recreation, serving as nuclei for the formation of residential groups. Such settlements operate as closed self-servicing systems, meaning they are not dependent on functional connections with the community or the city within the settlement system. The planning aspects derived from global and Ukrainian experiences necessitate defining a temporary settlement as a new element in the urban planning system. Additionally, there is a need for further typological grouping of the reviewed examples of temporary settlements based on their interdependent developmental characteristics.

Examining the Role and Perception of Nepali Peacekeepers in Nepal’s Foreign Policy Narratives

In the mid of July, a few Members of the Parliament proposed the idea of downsizing the Nepali Army as one of the measures to decrease public spending. But this is not the first time that such debate has stirred in the Nepalese political stratum. The topic of downsizing the Nepalese Army has been reiterated from time to time in the higher echelons of the Nepali government, most notably following the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA). At the national level, The Nepal Army as an institution has been deployed since centuries for to accomplish a wide array of functions. On the international front, the Nepbat has been deployed in UN Peacekeeping missions since 1958 in war-prone regions and is largely regarded as a highly competent battalion of proven caliber. Nepal Army's global exposure and experience as such have also refined the institution's conflict resolution and crisis management skills. But despite such positive global acknowledgment and the rich experience that the Nepal Army has garnered, the deliberations regarding the utilization of their insights and experiences in Nepal’s foreign policy discourse seem to have been kept at an arm's length. To identify the role of the Nepali Army in promoting the value of world peace as enshrined in the Nepalese Constitution, this article has intended to investigate the level of recognition and influence of their insights in Nepal's foreign policy discourse. This qualitative study based on both primary and secondary data and process tracing and interview methods, identified that the imbalances in the state's priorities have led to the skills of Nepali peacekeepers from their global exposure being kept under the radar. The study has then suggested some of the possibilities for incorporating military expertise into Nepal's foreign policy discourse.

Dwelling with sustainable pedagogy aboard Amtrak: pathways for transdisciplinary and affective general education

ABSTRACT Intersecting pressures within higher education ask geographers to be ever-more applied, global, community-engaged, field-based, and sustainable. Particularly within the liberal arts education systems, we navigate these pressures for both students seeking geography degrees and those completing their general education. While aspirational if often economically driven, these goals are in some ways contradictory. How can a course be both field and community based? How can a program deliver global and sustainable experiences? Where is the balance between applied practice and critical theory? Focusing beyond these high-level questions, while nevertheless engaging with them, we question the very possibility of drawing upon the legacy of community-based field research to offer a study away experience to students that not only teaches sustainable tourism, but practices it. Using autoethnographic fieldnotes and student surveys, we ask how field-based programs may show significant curricular application both within and beyond geography. We do so via a case study of our Amtrak Tourism: Trains, Cities, and Sustainability domestic faculty-led study away program which seeks to simultaneously practice and teach multiple forms of place-based sustainable-tourism. Our findings point towards the significance of slow tourism and dwelling as key components necessary in navigating both the pedagogical and touristic paradoxes programs such as our face.

Evaluating population-level interventions to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use in healthcare and community settings: A systematic review protocol.

Inappropriate antibiotic use contributes significantly to the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. While government-initiated population-level interventions are fundamental in addressing this issue, their full potential remains to be explored. This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness of such interventions in reducing inappropriate antibiotic use among antibiotic providers and users in healthcare and community settings. We will conduct a systematic literature search across multiple databases and grey literature sources. We will include studies which evaluate the effectiveness of population-level interventions to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use in healthcare and community settings in both high-income and low- and middle-income countries. This includes government-initiated measures targeting antibiotic use through education, restriction, incentivization, coercion, training, persuasion, context modification, behavior modeling, or barrier reduction. Two reviewers will independently perform screening to select eligible studies, followed by data extraction. The outcomes of interest are various measures of antibiotic prescription and consumption, such as Defined Daily Dose (DDD) or number of prescriptions per year. We anticipate including a broad range of study designs and outcome measures. Therefore, we will narratively synthesize results using the categories of the population-level policy interventions of the Behavior Change Wheel Framework. We will organize outcome data by economic contexts, target populations, and implementation settings. This review will strengthen the evidence base for the use of population-level interventions to address inappropriate antibiotic use. Drawing lessons from global experiences, the findings will provide valuable guidance to health policymakers, public health authorities, and researchers on tailoring interventions to specific economic contexts, populations, and settings, thereby enhancing their capacity to drive substantial improvement in appropriate antibiotic use.