Great Debate Research Articles

The 1890s Bicycle Boom in the Ukrainian Lands: Local Mobilities between Technological Westernization and Imperial Politics

Abstract This is the first comparative study of the 1890s Bicycle Boom in the Ukrainian lands, which at that time were part of the Habsburg and Romanov Empires. This article reconstructs the world of bicycle producers, retailers, advocators, consumers, and riders, focusing on local agency in the adoption of Western cycling technologies. A comparison of bicycle clubs in the Ukrainian lands of the two empires illustrates how distinct imperial, ethnic, social, and gender politics influenced the social construction of cycling technologies. This article presents a portrait of technological progress in which local enthusiasts were key drivers of innovation, whereas the two imperial states responded with regulatory measures rather than actions that would promote technological development. Although Eastern Europe was late in launching its own mass production of bicycles, the cultural phenomenon of the 1890s Bicycle Boom in the Ukrainian lands, which stimulated great enthusiasm, public debates, and new standards of bodily performance, emerged simultaneously with the boom in bicycle-producing Western societies.

Great debate: pre-diabetes is not an evidence-based treatment target for cardiovascular risk reduction.

With the increasing burden of diabetes as a cause of macro- and microvascular disease linked to the epidemics of obesity, attention is being paid to dysglycaemic states that predict and precede the development of type 2 diabetes. Such conditions, termed pre-diabetes, are characterized by fasting plasma glucose, or plasma glucose levels on an oral glucose tolerance test, or values of glycated haemoglobin intermediate between 'normal' values and those characterizing diabetes. These last are by definition associated, in epidemiological terms, with a higher incidence of microvascular disease-mostly retinopathy. Pre-diabetes overlaps with the components of the 'metabolic syndrome'-among which are excess visceral adiposity; hypertension; hypertriglyceridaemia; high levels of small, dense low-density lipoproteins; and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. There is little doubt that pre-diabetes has important prognostic implications, especially for the occurrence of myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. It is disputed, however, whether pre-diabetes is itself an actionable disease entity, in addition to the risk factors characterizing it. Because of this uncertainty, the latest European Society of Cardiology guidelines chose not to include pre-diabetes as a treatment target for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, at variance from the three previous editions of such guidelines. This is spurring a debate, the Pro and Contra arguments featured in the present debate article.

How do knowledge-intensive business services improve innovation? A resource-based model for antecedents of innovation in a developing country

Purpose Firms strive to find new ways of boosting value creation through integrating knowledge for innovation. Open innovation has altered this quest for excellence and, accordingly, this study aims to investigate the antecedents and enablers of innovation performance in firms belonging to a knowledge-intensive service sector of a developing country. Design/methodology/approach As such, data were gathered through a survey approach, targeting telecom service firms in Pakistan. Hypotheses were tested using the partial least squares technique. Measurement and structural models were assessed following the recommended two-stage procedure. Findings Results showed that knowledge sourcing and customer engagement impact the innovation performance of firms, whereas transformational leadership, knowledge sourcing and customer engagement are linked to innovation with the mediating effect of absorptive capacity. Practical implications This research helps to improve the innovation management practices of the firms belonging to this important sector and thus enables them to achieve sustainable competitive advantage through building their absorptive capabilities. Originality/value Knowledge-intensive business services are largely excluded from the great debate on open innovation so far, with a few exceptions. This research proposes and tests a model of enablers of open innovation that contributes toward improving the innovation performance of telecom firms in a developing country.

SANCTIONS POLICY IN THE WORLD: EVOLUTION OF POLITICAL DISCOURSE

The author of the article aims to highlight the specific features of the application of sanctions in the international community in the context of the evolution of political discourse on sanctions policy. In his work, the author relies on the concept of the “three great debates” of the researcher Peter Wallensteen, applying it to the analysis of changes in the political situation around the use of sanctions and the reasons that lead to them. As main examples, the author analyzes sanctions of the League of Nations and the UN, as well as individual states. The author considers the change in political reasons leading to sanctions, as well as their transformation into an effective political instrument that is actively used primarily by international organizations. The issues of the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of sanctions are analyzed. The conclusions that the author comes to indicate that the successful implementation of sanctions policy requires the support of a sufficiently wide number of states. Thus, in the matter of using sanctions against certain states, the role of international organizations is undeniable. The development and formation of world politics and its trends bring new reasons for the use of sanctions. One should also not fail to take into account the leading world powers that are quite actively using sanctions policy for their own purposes.

Analysis of rehabilitation of individuals after cholecystectomy in sanatorium-resort conditions as a prerequisite for the development of the concept of physical therapy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LCС) is the most commonly performed surgical intervention. The presence of diseases of several body systems in individuals may indicate metabolic syndrome. The consequences of cholecystectomy are manifested by various symptoms and are generally called postcholecystectomy syndrome. The purpose of the article is to analyze the methods and means of rehabilitation of patients after LCC at the sanatorium stage on the example of the functioning of the Department "Lavanda Sanatorium" of CJSC "Ukrprofozdorovnytsia" of the sanatorium-resort complex "Morshynkurort". Research methods: analysis and synthesis of scientific and methodological literature, analysis of methods and means of rehabilitation of patients after LCC for one calendar year. A total of 1296 people diagnosed with gallbladder and biliary tract diseases received rehabilitation services, including those after LCC. Patients undergoing rehabilitation in the post-acute and long-term stages after surgical interventions are treated at the Lavanda Sanatorium department. The treatment period is from 18-24 days at the patient's request. The criteria for the quality of rehabilitation services were as follows: improvement of health, disappearance of pain, dyspeptic phenomena, increased appetite, normalization of bowel movements, normalization of instrumental and laboratory blood tests, etc. Patients after LCC have signs of metabolic and postcholecystectomy syndromes. In addition to the dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, there are also limitations of other various body systems, their functions, activities and participation. Therefore, it is necessary to use the international assessment tool "International Classification of Functioning and Participation" and, according to the established disorders, to set individual rehabilitation goals for patients. The use of mineral therapeutic water from well No. 3 in the village of Horishne, Stryi district, Lviv region, in a dilution of 3.0-3.4 g/dm3 on the functional state of the liver of patients after LCC in the conditions of the Morshynkurort sanatorium-resort complex leads to an improvement in liver function, which is confirmed by the results of biochemical studies of patients' blood. Conclusions. Preformed physical factors (physical procedures), heat therapy, various baths, mud therapy, reflexology, microclysters, exercise therapy and massage are traditionally the most popular in the prescription department. However, the use of such remedies, in addition to the use of mineral healing water, is a matter of great debate among the professional community and requires more detailed study in terms of evidence-based practice in health care.

Great debate: device-detected subclinical atrial fibrillation should be treated like clinical atrial fibrillation.

Great debate: device-detected subclinical atrial fibrillation should be treated like clinical atrial fibrillation.

The management of critical bone defects: outcomes of a systematic approach

BackgroundThe reconstruction of segmental long bone defects remains one of ‘The holy grails of orthopaedics’. The optimal treatment of which remains a topic of great debate. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes following the management of critical-sized bone defects using a classification-based treatment algorithm.MethodsA retrospective review of all patients undergoing treatment for segmental diaphyseal defects of long bones at a tertiary-level limb reconstruction unit between January 2016 and December 2021, was performed. The management of the bone defect was standardised as per the classification by Ferreira and Tanwar (2020).ResultsA total of 96 patients (mean age 39.8, SD 15.2) with a minimum six months follow-up were included. Most bone defects were the result of open fractures (75/96) with 67% associated with Gustilo-Anderson IIIB injuries. There was a statistical difference in the likelihood of union between treatment strategies with more than 90% of cases undergoing acute shortening and bone transport achieving union and only 72% of cases undergoing the induced membrane technique consolidating (p = 0.049). Of those defects that consolidated, there was no difference in the time to bone union between strategies (p = 0.308) with an overall median time to union 8.33 months (95% CI 7.4 – 9.2 months). The induced membrane technique was associated with a 40% risk of sepsis.ConclusionThis study reported the outcomes of a standardised approach to the management of critical-sized bone defects. Whilst overall results were supportive of this approach, the outcomes associated with the induced membrane technique require further refinement of its indications in the management of critical-sized bone defects.Level of evidence4.

Voices of Synodality from the Orthodox East contribute to the Great Debate

Voices of Synodality from the Orthodox East contribute to the Great Debate

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine is a connectogen with empathogenic, entactogenic, and still further connective properties: It is time to reconcile "the great entactogen-empathogen debate".

Science on methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and MDMA-like substances is faced with the unique situation that this class of psychoactive agents is referred to with two basic names for its effects on the mind: empathogens and entactogens. Empathogen usually refers to the prosocial, empathetic, and openness properties of MDMA, while entactogen usually refers to the introspective and self-awareness properties of this substance. We review the origin and usage of the two terms, and also review recent findings that support that MDMA is an empathogen and an entactogen. Mostly no specified reasons can be detected whether research groups employ the term "entactogenic," "empathogenic," both, or neither, in their publications. A case is made that the use of two basic names for the effects on the mind for the same class of psychoactive substances is not warranted because a holistic principle underlies empathogenic and entactogenic properties of MDMA: an intense feeling of connection. Entactogenic characterizes being deeply connected to oneself, and empathogenic being deeply connected to others. We therefore suggest the name connectogen as the new basic name for the mind effects of MDMA and MDMA-like substances, a term having the connotation of producing a joining together/producing a connection. Thus, MDMA is basically a connectogen with at least the two major connective properties: entactogenic (intrapersonal) and empathogenic (interpersonal). Furthermore, first evidence shows that MDMA might also have further connectogenic properties such as a strong sense of connection with the here-and-now, the body, the world, and with spiritual principles. Finally, we compare connectogenic properties of MDMA with connectogenic properties of classic psychedelics, and lay out some future research in this regard.

A Look at the Perception of Human and Civilizations in Friedrich Nietzsche’s Work Antichrist

Considering the perception lik a abilty to see, hear or become aware, in this research, focused upon a subject that has left a great mark on the world-wide literature and opened the door to great debates. This subject is mentioned in Nietzsche's famous work, ANTICHRIST. of man and person its nature of development your obstacles and this your obstacles How will be surpassed over One attempt to do has been studied. Same in time human being One individual and society One Part of its aspect civilization to be able to create in front of philosophical, religious, and political of your obstacle’s detection and this your determination to the reader reflection has been made. The main theme of this study while real politics and social of development According to Nietzsche, how it should be done was expressed. A pivotal aspect of Nietzsche’s analysis lies in the contradictory nature of the modern individual's consciousness and ignorance. Despite the allure of advancement, Nietzsche scrutinizes modernity’s superficial enlightenment, championing increased awareness and resilience against societal shortcomings. Nietzche challenges traditional notions of virtue, advocating for a shift away from rigid moral doctrines towards innate instincts and personal growth. Nietzsche’s discourse extends beyond mere criticism, promoting education, primal instincts, and nuanced comprehension of human development. Rejecting simplistic hierarchical frameworks, he attributes human advancement to intrinsic impulses rather than societal constructs. At the core of Nietzsche’s argument lies the concept of instinctual power, crucial for both societal progress and individual fulfillment. The study elucidates Nietzsche’s condemnation of compassion as an impediment to progress, echoing Aristotle’s insights. Nietzsche advocates for an unyielding stance against barriers hindering societal evolution, urging individuals to embrace self-esteem, self-affection, and autonomy. Nietzsche’s "Antichrist" provides profound reflections on humanity’s trajectory, urging a departure from dogmatic beliefs towards instinct-driven growth. The research underscores Nietzsche’s vision of a civilization harmonized with nature, liberated from societal constraints, and driven by individual integrity and primal instincts.

The Human Brain Versus Computer: Which is Smarter?

Our thoughts, movements, memories, and decisions are all controlled by the brain, which is the hub of the human neurological system. The complexity of the human brain has increased with evolution, and many of its fascinating characteristics are still poorly understood by researchers. When it comes to mathematical computations, quantitative analysis, and game show questions, computers may be able to consistently outperform human brains, but that does not imply that computers are generally smarter. Humans are more adept at drawing conclusions about a new situation by remembering prior experiences. Qualitative analysis and emotional intelligence are skills that humans possess. The article examines a few topics pertaining to the human brain's capacity for information. The amount of information that can be stored in the brain and its capacity for retaining and reproducing text and auditory information are evaluated and estimated based on the fact that the unit of information measurement is a bit. The potentials of the computer have been examined in order to simulate the recognition of pictures that occurs in the human brain. A theory is put out that real-time modeling of these processes is challenging to implement given the capabilities of today's computers. A Comparative Study of Human and Computer Intelligence Intellect in Humans and Computers: A Comparative Analysis Human vs. Computer Intelligence: An Evaluation of Cognitive Abilities An Investigation into the Relative Intelligence of Humans and Computers Human Intelligence and Computer Intelligence: A Comparative Analysis of Human and Machine Intelligence Comparison between Humans and Computers: An Empirical Study An Examination of the Capabilities of Human and Artificial Intelligence Human and Computer Intelligence: A Comparative Study of Cognitive Functions The Great Debate: Human Intelligence vs. Artificial Intelligence

Innovative therapeutic targets in cardio-oncology and a Great Debate in heart failure.

Innovative therapeutic targets in cardio-oncology and a Great Debate in heart failure.

Consciousness: A Tangled Hierarchy

Consciousness is one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the brain. The simple and yet fundamental question, “How do we have subjective experience?” remains a matter of great debate among neuroscientists. These debates have generated some challenges for consciousness research, namely the hard problem—do normal scientific approaches work for consciousness— and the binding problem—how are sensory inputs experienced in a unified manner? Historically, consciousness has been studied by searching for the neural correlates of consciousness which are defined as the minimal brain areas jointly necessary for conscious experience. One of the most popular experimental paradigms used to investigate the neural correlates of consciousness is binocular rivalry. In binocular rivalry, separate images are simultaneously presented to each eye and perception vacillates between them, providing a way of determining which neural changes are due to shifts in perceptual consciousness rather than changes in stimuli. As the research progressed, however, scientists realized that finding correlates of consciousness was insufficient and that explanatory theories of consciousness were needed to make further progress. This review article aims to introduce the field of consciousness research by presenting some of the core challenges to the field: tracing the search for the neural correlates of consciousness through the lens of binocular rivalry, and exploring four popular theories of consciousness. These are higher-order theory, global neuronal workspace theory, integrated information theory, and predictive processing. It concludes with a glance at the future directions of research that aim to resolve the beguiling phenomenon of consciousness.

The Value of Protocol Biopsy in Kidney Transplantation on Monitoring Transplant Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundThere is a great debate about the role of biopsies per protocol in kidney transplant recipients, and the published studies show contradictory results. We aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of protocol biopsies in kidney transplant recipients in improving short- and long-term outcomes. MethodsWe conducted searches until July of 2023 to identify all randomized clinical trials (RCT). Studies were identified through search strategies for CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS. Titles and abstracts were screened independently by 2 authors; 2 authors independently assessed retrieved abstracts and the full text. Assessment of risk of bias was carried out using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The outcomes of interest were: Acute rejection, graft loss, mortality, glomerular filtration rate, and safety outcomes. Meta-analysis was performed for variables of interest when appropriate. Quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE methodology. ResultsWe screened 5,695 records. Four trials met all eligibility criteria. No benefit of protocol biopsy was found in detecting acute rejection (3 studies RR: 2.0, 95% CI: 0.68–5.85, p = .2) or preventing graft loss at 12 months (2 studies, RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.06–1.72, p = .19). No differences were found between the groups in the glomerular filtration rate at 6 months post-transplantation (2 studies, MD 2.97, 95% CI 1.4–7.3, p = .18). A total of 23 safety events were present in the biopsy group compared to six in the control group. ConclusionNo benefit was found in performing protocol biopsy following kidney transplantation.

The Conceptual ‘APC Ring’: Is There a Risk of APC-Driven Guest Authorship, and Is a Change in the Culture of the APC Needed?

While guest or honourary authorship in academic papers is a broadly and widely discussed phenomenon in biomedical research, the issue of the use—or abuse—of article-processing charges (APCs) as a form of potential authorship exchange currency, that is, the ‘APC ring,’ is neither being considered nor discussed. The APC is central to the open-access (OA) movement, specifically the gold OA model. It is conceivable that, in a hyper-competitive academic publishing environment where the number of gold OA journals is growing, a segment of poorly funded researchers aiming to publish in ranked OA journals with out-of-reach APCs might turn to richer or well-funded researchers to cover the APC bill in exchange for authorship. Despite this, no published cases directly documenting APC-for-authorship schemes as a form of guest authorship appear to exist, which seems inconceivable. One possible explanation is that if such unethical behaviour were to be detected by APC-charging OA journals, it might not be reported as such. In this situation, APC-dependent OA journals would be conflicted between receiving a financial lifeline, the APC, and exposing authors that have abused the APC in their journals in exchange for authorship. How would publishers dependent on the APC-based OA model justify receiving APCs derived from an APC ring? Although this form of guest authorship is currently hypothetical, it seems highly likely, so this issue needs greater debate, and if actual case studies exist, these need to be openly and publicly debated to better appreciate how this phenomenon is taking place.

The Great Weight Debate: There are strong links between obesity and disease. Yet some people are heavy and healthy, puzzling scientists.

The Great Weight Debate: There are strong links between obesity and disease. Yet some people are heavy and healthy, puzzling scientists.

Structure-Based Analysis of Cefaclor Pharmacokinetic Diversity According to Human Peptide Transporter-1 Genetic Polymorphism.

Cefaclor is a substrate of human-peptide-transporter-1 (PEPT1), and the impact of inter-individual pharmacokinetic variation due to genetic polymorphisms of solute-carrier-family-15-member-1 (SLC15A1) has been a topic of great debate. The main objective of this study was to analyze and interpret cefaclor pharmacokinetic variations according to genetic polymorphisms in SLC15A1 exons 5 and 16. The previous cefaclor bioequivalence results were integrated with additional SLC15A1 exons 5 and 16 genotyping results. An analysis of the structure-based functional impact of SLC15A1 exons 5 and 16 genetic polymorphisms was recently performed using a PEPT1 molecular modeling approach. In cefaclor pharmacokinetic analysis results according to SLC15A1 exons 5 and 16 genetic polymorphisms, no significant differences were identified between genotype groups. Furthermore, in the population pharmacokinetic modeling, genetic polymorphisms in SLC15A1 exons 5 and 16 were not established as effective covariates. PEPT1 molecular modeling results also confirmed that SLC15A1 exons 5 and 16 genetic polymorphisms did not have a significant effect on substrate interaction with cefaclor and did not have a major effect in terms of structural stability. This was determined by comprehensively considering the insignificant change in energy values related to cefaclor docking due to point mutations in SLC15A1 exons 5 and 16, the structural change in conformations confirmed to be less than 0.05 Å, and the relative stabilization of molecular dynamic simulation energy values. As a result, molecular structure-based analysis recently suggested that SLC15A1 exons 5 and 16 genetic polymorphisms of PEPT1 were limited to being the main focus in interpreting the pharmacokinetic diversity of cefaclor.

A Comparative Study to Assess the Occupational Stress, Coping Strategies and Quality of Life among Governoment and Private Intermediate College Lecturers working in selected colleges at Guntur, Andhra Pradesh

The research is on comparative study of occupational stress, coping strategies and quality of life among teaching staff of Intermediate college lecturers working in Guntur. Concept of occupational stress has been of great debate among employers in different organizations and higher institutions since the last decades. Causal-comparative research design was adopted in the study and population comprised of lecturers in four Intermediate colleges in Guntur. the research hypotheses and questionnaires used as research instrument showed that there is significant difference between level of occupational stress to the coping strategies and quality of life among Private Intermediate colleges in Guntur. Percentage count table and Chi- square statistics was used to analyzed the questionnaire and hypotheses. Method: A Comparative study with Descriptive test design was used the simple random technique in which lottery method was used to select the samples for this study. Objectives: The design was adapted To assess, compare and to find the correlation of the level of occupational stress, coping strategies and quality of life among intermediate college lecturers working in the Government College and private college. Also to associate the occupational stress, coping strategies and quality of life with their selected demographic variable among them. Results: Mean, Standard deviation and Independent “t” test value of level of occupational stress, level of coping strategies and quality of life of intermediate college lecturers of government and private college lecturers In Government College the mean score in occupational stress was 33.02 with standard deviation of 14.39 where as in private college the mean score was 41 with standard deviation of 22.77. The calculated “t” test value was 2.094 which is statistically significant at the level of 0.05. In the level of coping strategies the mean score in Government College was 73.84 with standard deviation 11.2 and in private college the mean score was 80.1 with standard deviation of 12.9. The obtained independent “t” test value was 2.59 which is statistically significant the level of 0.05. The obtained mean score of quality of life in Government College was 15.3 with standard deviation 9.48 and in private college the mean score was 15.4 with standard deviation 12.8. The estimated independent “t” test value was 0.044 which is statistically not significant at 0.05 level. Conclusion: From the data of statistical findings, the occupational stress, poor coping strategies and low quality of life is effecting more in Private intermediate college lecturers than Government Intermediate college lecturers who were working in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.

Great Debate: SGLT2 inhibitors should be first-line treatment in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

Great Debate: SGLT2 inhibitors should be first-line treatment in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

The Influence of Referees on Romeo and Juliet

Dear Editors, It is a common situation, especially for young researchers, to receive decision letters from a journal office saying: “Major revision required - No guarantee of acceptance” or “We regret to reject.” It is said that experiencing repeated major revisions and even rejections make a researcher more mature, but what is a young researcher to do when even Dr Hwang is badly affected by this situation? [1] Then I read Kundakçı’s letter [2] and became even more pessimistic. I worried what if the referees turned into artificial intelligence and even more difficult times awaited the writers. So, I decided to write this letter, thinking that it might be interesting to discuss ideas on the subject with the metaphor of Romeo and Juliet. We all know William Shakespeare’s magnificent work Romeo and Juliet [3]. In this work, Romeo and Juliet, who fell in love with each other, failed to be patient in their plans and could not come together until they died. And a great debate has been going on for centuries: What makes their love interesting and unforgettable for all humanity is the greatness of their love or the fact that they could never unite? In fact, there is a metaphorical relationship between referees and “Romeo and Juliet”. Could it be that what determines our love for science and our desire to write scientific articles and makes it unique is that we cannot achieve success as a result of the comments of the referees? Or is it the magnitude of our love for writing that drives us to our enthusiasm for writing? Generally, it is not taught how to do peer review for scientific journals. If people have not made a special effort to learn, they learn the role of the referee from their own experiences or from studies previously published in the journal. This is actually a situation that may cause some problems in the standardization of the work done. Since the editors will reach a decision based on the recommendations of the referees, the qualifications of the referees and their scientific article evaluation behavior patterns become decisive in this regard. Since referees are also writers and are not free from all the prejudices of the age, they must act independently of all positive or negative influences when evaluating the manuscripts [4, 5]. The publishing policies of journals (double blind or single blind, etc.) supporting this independence is the way to prevent this great love from disappearing and not growing further with new separations. In the story of Romeo and Juliette we see Count Paris who tries to separate them and wants to marry Juliette, and Friar Laurence who is the wise adviser and tries to reunite them. As writers, editors or referees, we scientists perhaps have two options: to hinder this love of science, like Count Paris, or to advance the love of science, like Friar Laurence. Or in other words “to be or not to be” a scientist, that is the question. Kind Regards