Initial Growth Research Articles

Phenological observations on the growth and development of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

There is a need to summarise information using phenological models to develop a sustainable saffron production technology with further regulation of flowering at a certain phenological stage and determination of the appropriate flowering period to improve yield and quality under different environmental conditions. The purpose of the study is to establish the course of phenological phases of saffron growth and development in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Phenological observations and biometric measurements were performed in the study. According to field observations, there are a total of 6 phenological stages of saffron development. The rest period lasts from the third ten days of May to October and is divided into primary and secondary dormancy. During the primary dormant period, corms do not show external morphological changes and growth, but internal physiological and morphogenetic changes occur. In the secondary dormant period, the initial emergence of leaves and flowers and their differentiation take place. During the dormant period, saffron plants were left without aboveground organs. The flowering period falls in October. The passage of this phenological stage may be affected by changes in environmental conditions or agricultural technology. The growth of the root system began with the appearance of flowers and leaves. During the growing season, the growth of the leaf apparatus and the development of the root system continue. During this period, daughter corms are also formed from the buds of the mother corm. During the winter, the replacement corms continue to grow using the nutrient reserves of the mother corm. In early March, the development of the root system slows down and the daughter corms reach almost the final size. At the end of the growing season, the root system of the mother corm stops growing. The leaves begin to age from the top to the base. By the end of May, the daughter corms are fully developed and are preparing for the transition to a dormant state. The number of corms produced per unit area depends on the age of the plot, nutrient supply, and the level of agricultural technology. Older fields produce more corms. Due to the higher density, a larger yield of stamens is formed. Therefore, understanding the phenological reactions and influence of climatic factors on the stages of saffron growth and development in certain soil and climatic conditions is useful for future forecasting of harvest time

The politics of agro-industrial greening: policy processes, market institutions and local power relations in the sugarcane sector of French overseas departments

ABSTRACT In France, the agenda of agro-industrial greening has resulted in limited progress towards environmentally sustainable agriculture, while the prevailing productivist model remains dominant across agro-industrial systems. This article deploys an interdisciplinary analytical framework focused on two key explanatory variables – market and policy incentives – to explain the emergence or absence of agro-industrial greening initiatives. Additionally, it introduces a crucial intervening variable, power relations along the value chain, to understand the success or failure of such initiatives. Applying this framework empirically, a comparative analysis of greening dynamics within the sugarcane agro-industry across three French overseas departments is conducted. Following the liberalization of the European sugar market, private greening initiatives emerged in some of these territories but not others. I first demonstrate that policy processes did not play a determining role in instigating greening initiatives. Rather, local representations of market opportunities proved decisive. However, the ultimate outcomes of these initiatives were intricately tied to local power dynamics within territorially embedded agro-industrial value chains. Therefore, territorialized political economies not only impose structural constraints on greening initiatives, but also offer localized opportunities for eco-innovation through shifting discourses, representations and practices.

Geographies of super-philanthropy: Disaggregating the global philanthropic complex

In recent decades the world has witnessed an unparalleled growth of philanthropic initiatives and institutions that has proven inextricable from the vast accumulation and concentration of wealth on a global scale. Echoing recent calls for geographers to study philanthropy, this paper seeks to advance a critical geographical understanding of globalising philanthropy. Inspired by geographical scholarship on relational thinking, the paper frames the varied manifestations of contemporary philanthropy as a ‘philanthropic complex’ in order to understand philanthropy through central themes of relationality, intermediation and stabilisation. Advancing theories of philanthropy by characterising the complex's geographical unevenness and political functions of depoliticisation, the paper closes by outlining avenues in which relational thinking about philanthropy can advance geographical theories of elites and global development.

Academic Satisfaction and Meaning in Life: The Mediating Roles of Personal Growth Initiative and Career Adaptability

The present study examined the relationship between academic satisfaction and meaning in life. To further explain the relationship between these factors, we examined personal growth initiative and career adaptability as mediator variables. A total of 691 undergraduate students were invited as participants. They completed the following four inventories: the Meaning in Life Scale, the Academic Satisfaction Scale, the Career Adaptability Scale, and the Personal Growth Initiative Scale. The results indicated the following: (a) Chinese undergraduate students’ academic satisfaction could positively predict their presence of meaning in life and search for meaning in life. (b) The relationship between academic satisfaction and presence of meaning in life among Chinese undergraduate students was mediated by personal growth initiative and career adaptability, but the relationship between academic satisfaction and searching for meaning in life among Chinese undergraduate students was only mediated by personal growth initiative. This study demonstrated that academic satisfaction promoted meaning in life not only directly but also indirectly through the mediating effect of personal growth initiative and career adaptability.

Experimental study on the cold-seep methane hydrate formation kinetics

Cold-seep methane hydrates are widespread in the natural environment. A comprehensive understanding of the cold-seep methane hydrate formation kinetics is crucial for the knowledge of formation mechanisms and the development and utilization of natural gas hydrate. This study monitored the kinetics of methane hydrate formation in cold-seep fluids using continuous time-series Raman spectroscopy. A novel spectroscopic method was proposed to accurately determine the nucleation time of gas hydrates with a ten-second accuracy. Experimental results showed a smooth transition from dissolved methane to hydrated methane. Rapid hydrate nucleation and growth initiation were observed at the gas–liquid interface, forming hydrate films wrapping gas bubbles and suspending hydrate microcrystals in cold-seep fluids. Furthermore, a model for cold-seep methane hydrate formation kinetics was proposed, which indicated three distinct stages including an induction period, a metastable nucleation period, and a stable growth period.

610 From Flames to Facts: Unveiling Discrepancies in Burn Patient Documentation

Abstract Introduction Comprehensive and accurate burn documentation is essential for initial and ongoing patient care. However, the challenge of inaccurate and incomplete records poses preventable risks. Our study evaluates burn documentation at a tertiary care burn centre, focusing on discrepancies between initial Emergency Department (ED) assessments and final evaluations by the Plastic Surgery Burn Consultant (PS). We hypothesize that the ED reports inaccurate and incomplete burn injury details, leading to differences in burn size and severity compared to PS assessments. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of our provincial burn registry from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2021. We included patients admitted for burns warranting a PS consultation, excluding isolated first-degree, ocular, and inhalational burns, and those not requiring burn unit admission. Data covering time, date, etiology, injury details, treatment, and follow-up were collected and compared between ED and PS records. Incomplete entries lacked burn-specific data points. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were used to compare continuous outcomes, while Pearson’s Chi-Square test was employed for categorical outcomes. Wilcoxon’s Signed-Rank test was used to identify significant variations in TBSA estimates, with PS considered the "gold" standard. Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05. Results 358 patients were included, with most burns in male patients (76%) occurring at home and involving the head and neck. Burn etiology, circumstances, place, and anatomic location were well reported and consistent across PS and ED documentation. However, there were significant differences in TBSA estimates. The ED calculated a median TBSA of 20 (IQR: 19.8), while PS estimated a median TBSA of 14 (IQR: 16) (p< 0.0019). Notably, TBSA estimates for burns < 10% and 10-25% showed significant differences (p< 0.0001), tending toward overestimation by the ED. Deeper burns were consistently over-reported during initial ED assessments compared to the final PS determinations. Furthermore, 81% of the initial records were incomplete: 66% lacked initial treatment data, 49% missed TBSA, and 39% omitted burn depth. Conclusions Significant discrepancies were appreciated in the initial ED documentation of burn injuries at our tertiary care burn centre, with overestimations in TBSA and burn depth. Over 80% of initial documentation was incomplete, with TBSA omitted in 49% of charts in both local and peripheral transfer consultations. There is a collective urgent need for enhanced awareness and education on the importance of accurate and comprehensive burn patient documentation. Applicability of Research to Practice This research emphasizes the need for improved documentation strategies for burn patients seen in the acute care setting, raising the potential to venture into modalities such as artificial intelligence and electronic health record systems to enhance burn documentation.

Understanding the Saffron Corm Development-Insights into Histological and Metabolic Aspects.

The reproduction of Crocus sativus L., a sterile triploid plant, is carried out exclusively through corms, whose size determines the saffron yield. The development of daughter corms (DC) is supported by photoassimilates supplied by the leaves as well as by the mother corms (MC). While biomass partitioning during DC development is well studied, growth dynamics in terms of cell number and size, the involved meristems, as well as carbohydrate partition and allocation, are not yet fully understood. We conducted a comprehensive study into saffron corm growth dynamics at the macroscopic and microscopic levels. Variations in carbohydrate content and enzymatic activities related to sucrose metabolism in sources and sinks were measured. Two key meristems were identified. One is involved in vascular connections between DC and MC. The other is a thickening meristem responsible for DC enlargement. This research explains how the previously described phases of corm growth correlate with variations in cell division, enlargement dynamics, and carbohydrate partitioning among organs. Results also elucidated that the end of DC growth relates to a significant drop in MC root biomass, limiting the water supply for the DC growth, and establishing the onset of leaf wilting. The lack of starch accumulation in aged leaf cells is noteworthy, as is the accumulation of lipids. We hypothesize a signaling role of sugars in DC growth initiation, stop, and leaf aging. Finally, we established a predominant role of sucrose synthase as a sucrolytic enzyme in the maintenance of the high flux of carbon for starch synthesis in DC. Together, the obtained results pave the way for the definition of strategies leading to better control of saffron corm development.

Phase-field modeling of stored-energy-driven grain growth with intra-granular variation in dislocation density

We present a phase-field (PF) model to simulate the microstructure evolution occurring in polycrystalline materials with a variation in the intra-granular dislocation density. The model accounts for two mechanisms that lead to the grain boundary migration: the driving force due to capillarity and that due to the stored energy arising from a spatially varying dislocation density. In addition to the order parameters that distinguish regions occupied by different grains, we introduce dislocation density fields that describe spatial variation of the dislocation density. We assume that the dislocation density decays as a function of the distance the grain boundary has migrated. To demonstrate and parameterize the model, we simulate microstructure evolution in two dimensions, for which the initial microstructure is based on real-time experimental data. Additionally, we applied the model to study the effect of a cyclic heat treatment (CHT) on the microstructure evolution. Specifically, we simulated stored-energy-driven grain growth during three thermal cycles, as well as grain growth without stored energy that serves as a baseline for comparison. We showed that the microstructure evolution proceeded much faster when the stored energy was considered. A non-self-similar evolution was observed in this case, while a nearly self-similar evolution was found when the microstructure evolution is driven solely by capillarity. These results suggest a possible mechanism for the initiation of abnormal grain growth during CHT. Finally, we demonstrate an integrated experimental-computational workflow that utilizes the experimental measurements to inform the PF model and its parameterization, which provides a foundation for the development of future simulation tools capable of quantitative prediction of microstructure evolution during non-isothermal heat treatment.

Pd nanocubes enclosed by {100} facets for activating electroless Cu deposition on liquid crystal polymer substrates with strong adhesion strength

In this study, we investigate the catalytic performance of palladium (Pd) nanocatalysts with different surface atomic structures for activating electroless copper (Cu) deposition on liquid crystal polymer (LCP) substrates. These nanocatalysts include Pd nanocubes featuring {100} facets of square atomic arrangement as their predominant surface structure and Pd spherical nanoparticles characterized by random atomic arrangements, synthesized using an aqueous method. Our electrochemical measurements reveal that the induction time for the growth of Cu films is significantly shorter when utilizing Pd nanocubes compared to Pd nanospheres. This shorter induction time signifies a quicker initiation of Cu growth, primarily due to the presence of Pd {100} facets. Furthermore, we also develop a surface modification approach involving a crosslinking reaction that utilizes the highly branched polyethylenimine and linear polyvinylpyrrolidone on the Pd nanocubes. This method not only facilitates the adsorption of Pd nanocubes onto the LCP substrates but also achieves a robust peel adhesion strength (630 gf/cm) of the resulting Cu films, exceeding the industrial adhesion goal of 500 gf/cm. Moreover, in-depth synchrotron X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis provides valuable insights into the depth-dependent chemical changes within the Cu films and proves the removal of Cu oxides after the acid treatment.

Classification and evaluation of the methodology in human capital analysis at a company level

The purpose of the study is to explore the concept of human capital and its inherent factors, as well as to classify various approaches and methodologies for assessing human capital both within individual companies and in the national economy as a whole. This study aims to explore and consolidate methodologies used to assess human capital, offering valuable information for strategic decision making in an organizational context.Research methodology. The study primarily uses a qualitative research approach based on a comprehensive review of both domestic and international literature. Scientific methods such as comparative analysis, systematic analysis, and classification are used.Originality/value of the research. The importance of this research is in the amalgamation of diverse theoretical viewpoints and methods, leading to a holistic comprehension of evaluating human capital and its effects on both organizational effectiveness and societal advancement.Findings. The methodology employed in this study enables organizations to make well-informed choices regarding the allocation of resources, employee growth initiatives, and talent retention strategies. Moreover, the incorporation of the Human Capital Index (HCI) emerges as a pivotal instrument, offering a thorough evaluation of workforce capabilities and their influence on organizational effectiveness. The HCI's capacity to measure the outcomes of human capital investments on productivity, innovation, and the enduring sustainability of the organization underscores its crucial role in shaping strategic decision-making processes.

The rich-poor divide: Unravelling the spatial complexities and determinants of wealth inequality in India

This study presents the first in-depth analysis of spatial differences and factors influencing wealth distribution among households in India. It uses data from the latest National Family Health Survey, covering 707 districts. Techniques like the Lorenz curve, Gini coefficient, Location Quotient, Morans statistics, and Univariate and Bivariate LISA methods explore inequalities, concentration, and clustering patterns of rich-poor households at the district level. Additionally, spatial regression models such as OLS, GWR, and MGWR help to uncover spatial disparities and variability. Our findings demonstrate significant regional disparities, with the affluent household concentration being notably higher in north-western and southern India, while central, eastern, and northeastern regions exhibit greater inequality. Key factors impacting wealth inequality include rurality, low female literacy rates, educational level of household heads and prevalence of Scheduled Castes/Tribes. This study highlights the spatial dimensions of wealth inequality and provides a nuanced understanding of the factors contributing to these patterns. The GWR and MGWR models prove most effective, explaining more than 90% of the variation in wealth distribution factors. This study sheds light on the spatial dynamics and factors behind wealth disparities in India, offering strategic insights for equitable growth initiatives targeting diverse socio-economic sectors.

Harnessing impact evaluation to build evidence in upstream conservation initiatives

The conservation community needs to improve the quality and quantity of evidence to address urgent and complex environmental challenges. The growth of Upstream Conservation Initiatives (UCIs) such as those designed to eliminate deforestation by shifting consumer or corporate behavior, exemplify the tension between the urgency to act and the need to build evidence to enable progressive improvements in implementation. These initiatives—often led by non-governmental organizations (NGOs)—are rarely evaluated rigorously in terms of their causal effect on intended outcomes, contributing to the evidence deficit. Impact evaluations have been useful tools to analyze effectiveness and build evidence in other fields. However, they are seldom used in the conservation field broadly or in UCIs specifically. To help practitioners involved in UCIs make better use of these tools, we introduce the field of impact evaluation, its core concepts, and how it contrasts with and complements traditional performance measurement approaches. Using these concepts, we propose a guidance process which can be used by practitioners at the project design phase to weigh tradeoffs and consider the most appropriate impact evaluation methodologies. We then use this guidance process to analyze two UCIs implemented by an NGO in Indonesia. Through these case studies we show how impact evaluation concepts could have been employed in project design to improve implementation and promote progressive learning, even if actual impact evaluations were infeasible. We conclude by proposing recommendations on how implementers, donors, and academia can build off these ideas to improve learning and strengthen the evidence base.

Hypoxia Leads to Diminished Ovarian Reserve in an Age-Dependent Manner

Objectives: Perinatal hypoxia causes premature activation and initiation of growth in dormant follicles, leading to diminished ovarian reserve. An indirect mechanism such as the release of stress-related hormones may influence ovarian follicle recruitment under hypoxic conditions. We wanted to determine whether hypoxic ovarian damage results from increased follicle growth and “burnout” or from increased apoptosis and whether this damage is age-dependent. Design: Animal study was conducted. Participants/Materials, Setting, Methods: Using adult 6-week-old (n = 8) and one-day-old newborn (n = 20) ICR (CD-1) female mice, ovarian follicular counts were conducted on H&E-stained sections. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was performed on sections stained with Ki-67, anti-Caspase 3, and anti-FOXO3A. Results: Exposure to hypoxia resulted in significantly reduced proportion of primordial follicles versus normoxia in both adult dams and newborn pups (3.17 ± 2.75 vs. 17.89 ± 4.4%; p = 0.004; 40.59 ± 14.88 vs. 81.92 ± 31.56%, p = 0.001, respectively), concomitant with increased growing-primary and secondary follicles, and more pronounced in adult dams versus newborn pups (6-fold vs. 2-fold, respectively). Ki67 staining revealed higher scores of cell proliferation in follicular granulosa cells after exposure to hypoxia than normoxia. However, Caspase 3 and Foxo3A staining did not show any differences in these markers of apoptosis in oocytes, granulosa cells, theca cells, or stromal cells when exposed to hypoxia versus normoxia. Limitations: The current study has several limitations; first, the sample size for each group is relatively small, which could limit the generalizability of the findings. Second, the study used an ex vivo culture system, which may not fully capture the complex interactions that occur in the whole animal. Third, the exposure to hypoxia only lasted for 3 h, which may not be long enough to observe all the potential effects. In addition, the study only analyzed specific markers of apoptosis in a few cell types, and other cell types or apoptotic pathways might be involved. Lastly, the study provides evidence for accelerated follicular activation and decreased ovarian reserve, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully explored. Conclusions: Direct tissue hypoxia led to premature activation and initiation of growth in dormant follicles leading to diminished ovarian reserve. Hypoxic damage is age-dependent, with adult ovaries more susceptible than newborn ovaries. These findings support the possibility of follicular “burn out” as a potential mechanism responsible for hypoxia-induced loss of ovarian reserve.

Ethylene controls three-dimensional growth involving reduced auxin levels in the moss Physcomitrium patens.

The conquest of land by plants was concomitant with, and possibly enabled by, the evolution of three-dimensional (3D) growth. The moss Physcomitrium patens provides a model system for elucidating molecular mechanisms in the initiation of 3D growth. Here, we investigate whether the phytohormone ethylene, which is believed to have been a signal before land plant emergence, plays a role in 3D growth regulation in P. patens. We report ethylene controls 3D gametophore formation, based on results from exogenously applied ethylene and genetic manipulation of PpEIN2, which is a central component in the ethylene signaling pathway. Overexpression (OE) of PpEIN2 activates ethylene responses and leads to earlier formation of gametophores with fewer gametophores produced thereafter, phenocopying ethylene-treated wild-type. Conversely, Ppein2 knockout mutants, which are ethylene insensitive, show initially delayed gametophore formation with more gametophores produced later. Furthermore, pharmacological and biochemical analyses reveal auxin levels are decreased in the OE lines but increased in the knockout mutants. Our results suggest that evolutionarily, ethylene and auxin molecular networks were recruited to build the plant body plan in ancestral land plants. This might have played a role in enabling ancient plants to acclimate to the continental surfaces of the planet.

Memahami Aliran Khawarij, Qadariah, dan Jabariah

This article aims to see how history emerged, the main teachings and figures of the Kalam science school, namely: Khawarij, Qdariah and Jabariah. These three schools are schools that emerged in Islam and have different teaching principles. The method in this research is library research by collecting research data from literature and using the world of texts as the main material for analysis. Other relevant sources can also support and enrich the data needed using books by Islamic scholars. The results of this research show that the emergence of the khawarij was as people who left Ali's ranks, where the initial emergence of the khawarij was due to political events, namely the appointment of the Caliph. The main teachings of the khawarij were to disbelieve those who accepted the tahkim event. Furthermore, the teachings of the sect, while the Qdariah and Jabariah schools initially emerged due to the problem of divine destiny, the first understanding, namely the Qdariah understanding, they argue that humans can determine actions, while the Jabariah believes that in essence humans do not have a will, but are only forced to do so.

Pioneering Microsurgery Services in Low-income Countries: Insights from a Plastic Surgeon’s Experience in Ethiopia

Background: Microsurgery, a revolutionary tool in reconstructive procedures, has historically faced challenges in implementation within resource-limited settings. This article presents the journey of establishing microsurgery services at Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC) in Ethiopia, a nation where a significant portion of the population lacks access to microsurgery. The objective was to provide a guide for establishing a microsurgery center in resource-limited settings and share experiences, challenges, and successes encountered during the establishment of the microsurgery unit at JUMC. Methods: The methodology involved a needs assessment, collaboration with Operation Smile, training and capacity building, team and system building, and infrastructure and equipment setup. Strategies included identifying the demand for microsurgery services, collaborating with Operation Smile for resource acquisition, conducting training initiatives in India, and forming a multidisciplinary team. Results: The article introduces the initial series of free flap procedures conducted at JUMC, marking a significant milestone in the region’s surgical capabilities. Cases include forearm dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, postburn exposed calcaneal bone, and buccal squamous cell carcinoma, demonstrating the diversity and complexity of cases that necessitate microsurgical intervention. Conclusions: The journey of establishing microsurgery services at JUMC represents a significant milestone. Lessons learned provide valuable insights for other centers in developing countries aiming to initiate or enhance their microsurgery programs. Recommendations include continuous training, expanding collaborative networks, advocating for sustainable resource allocation, research and outcome monitoring, incorporating microsurgery into formal curricula, and adapting protocols based on local realities. Implementing these recommendations can contribute to the growth and sustainability of microsurgery initiatives in resource-limited settings.

Assessing the Drivers of Economic Growth in Pakistan: A Time-Series Analysis of Foreign Direct Investment and Oil Price Effects

This research looks at the factors that drive Pakistan's economic growth, with a particular emphasis on the influence of foreign direct investment (FDI) and oil prices. Using data from 1998 to 2022, the study applies the Auto Regression Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to examine the link between FDI, oil prices, and economic growth. The empirical findings show that FDI has a beneficial impact on economic growth, highlighting its importance as a driver for economic development in Pakistan. In contrast, the study finds that rising oil prices harm economic growth, emphasizing the negative effects of oil price volatility. Considering these findings, the study underlines the need for policies that encourage FDI inflows and industrialization to drive economic growth. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of government involvement to mitigate the negative effects of rising oil costs, since unchecked rises might stymie economic progress. Understanding the determinants of economic growth in Pakistan is critical for both policymakers and investors. FDI is critical for increasing productivity and creating jobs, yet oil price volatility can have a substantial influence on the country's macroeconomic stability and growth trajectory. Analyzing their effects gives useful insights for long-term economic growth initiatives. Overall, the study suggests a dual strategy for Pakistani policymakers: create a climate conducive to attracting FDI while taking steps to reduce the negative consequences of unpredictable oil prices. By prioritizing these policies, Pakistan may accelerate its economic growth and protect itself from foreign economic shocks.

HEALTH INFORMATICS: AI in health care: a tool for physician leaders

Artificial intelligence (AI) in health care is rapidly expanding, with the daily emergence of new initiatives, topics, and critical issues, making it challenging for physician leaders to organize and distill this complex topic. We offer a simple approach that involves classifying topics by three levels of scale: the individual, the organization, and the system or sector. Despite the widespread adoption of AI applications across all aspects of our daily lives, its implementation in health care remains limited. There is a need to engage, in all stages of development, key stakeholders, specifically governments, technology companies, health care providers, patients, and civil society. Cultural, social, and/or regional disparities can impact the integration of AI in health care, reflecting varied beliefs, attitudes, and practices. Our simplified approach to structuring and organizing this complex subject can serve as a valuable tool for physician leaders in conducting more focused discussions with stakeholders and decision-makers.

Acute Burn Care.

After studying this article and viewing the videos, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe the current epidemiology of burn injuries. 2. Understand burn pathophysiology and perform a wound assessment. 3. Summarize the initial emergency management of a burn patient. 4. Calculate the anticipated fluid resuscitation requirements for a burn injury, and diagnose the complications of overresuscitation. 5. Describe the diagnosis and management of inhalation injury. 6. List the goals of wound care for superficial and deep burns, and describe the closed dressing technique. 7. Perform excision of a burn wound. 8. Compare various wound closure techniques using autografts and skin substitutes. Plastic surgeons are essential members of the multidisciplinary burn team. Burn injuries remain common, and plastic surgeons have an opportunity to develop and innovate the field of acute burn care in light of workforce shortages. Burn pathophysiology is complex and dynamic, which informs the challenges encountered during the perioperative phase. Accurate burn wound assessment remains difficult, with implications for diagnosis and management. A systematic approach is required when stabilizing a major burn and/or inhalation injury with newly updated fluid resuscitation and triage guidelines. Wound care continues to evolve, with an emphasis on a closed dressing technique. For deeper burns, new surgical techniques are emerging for surgical débridement, along with improvements to traditional methods of tangential excision. Following excision, a number of established and novel techniques are available to close the wound with either autografts or skin substitutes.

UNVEILING THE DIGITAL ECONOMY: HOW DIGITIZATION TRANSFORMS ECONOMIC STRUCTURES

Giorgi Abashidze E-mail: giorgi.abashidze@bsu.edu.ge PhD student Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University. Assistant of Batumi Navigation Teaching University Batumi,Georgia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3233-6890 Abstract: One of the most significant processes currently underway in the modern economic system is the digital transformation, which results in the digitization of all economic sectors and creates the digital economy. This represents the current stage of economic development that affected all areas of human life and changed the way the economy functions and the way people live. The production processes, organizational relationships, distribution networks, marketing strategies, customer communication forms, and the way in which customers get goods and services have all undergone substantial change as a result of digital transformation. Consequently, the economic system is shifting from traditional markets to interconnected networks, from traditional consumers to active prosumer, from ownership-based models to access-based models, and from a consumer-driven economy to a sustainable economy (Rifkin, 2015). It should be mentioned that unlike traditional industries, which lack access to digital technologies, digital business and entrepreneurship can raise the rate of economic growth and create jobs in a short period of time. The digital economy has risen 2.5 times faster than the global GDP over the last 16 years (Huawei and Oxford Economics, 2017). Today, we are living in the process of the digital revolution, or the fourth industrial revolution, which has put a strong demand on individual countries to start digital transformation. This is critically important for small countries that are not rich in natural resources. As a result, it's critical to evaluate the current stage of digital business growth, trends in the emergence of digital business models and entrepreneurial initiatives, as well as the difficulties associated with the digitization of traditional industries. The study highlights the benefits of digital entrepreneurship and business over traditional ones. The stages of traditional businesses' digital transition are discussed, along with the models of digital business and entrepreneurship that are currently in use. Keywords: Digital Economy, Society 5.0, Technological Revolution, Transformation JEL classification: O3, L86.