International Research Cooperation Research Articles

Geopolitics Matters: Insights for Updating the EU's Approach to International Research and Innovation Cooperation

Geopolitics Matters: Insights for Updating the EU's Approach to International Research and Innovation Cooperation

СТАТУС НЕМЕЦКОГО ЯЗЫКА В СОВРЕМЕННЫХ ВУЗАХ

In the modern world in the context of internationalization, the status of a foreign language is largely determined by its demand in the field of higher education and science. The main tasks of the university’s activities include the development of academic mobility of students and staff, the creation of joint educational programs with foreign universities, and the expansion of international research cooperation. The fulfillment of these tasks is impossible without knowledge of a foreign language. The German language with a once high status, which is one of the main European languages of culture and science, found itself in the era of globalization and internationalization in a difficult situation due to the predominance of English in the educational space of universities not only in Russia, but also in Germany. The author analyzed the cooperation of leading universities with scientific and educational organizations in Germany, made an overview of activities aimed at maintaining and developing the German language, contributing to raising its communicative status in the educational space of universities. The article substantiates the need to preserve the German language in the educational space, since Germany has rich scientific traditions, is open to Russian specialists in the field of education and science, and is a promising partner for Russian universities.

THE INTERNATIONALIZATION AS A COMPONENT OF THE NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR IMPROVEMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION SPACE IN UKRAINE

The paper is devoted to the study of the issue of internationalization as a component of the national strategy for improvement of the higher education space in Ukraine. It is shown that internationalization of higher education is an instrument of achieving academic goals, values of cooperation and mutual benefit. The internationalization of higher education is seen as a multilevel phenomenon that includes supranational, continental, national, institutional, and individual levels. The national level of internationalization of higher education is analysed in detail on the example of higher education space in Ukraine. It is noted that Ukraine has made significant achievements in the internationalization of higher education through the implementation of the Bologna reform and reform in higher education management and governance. New opportunities for higher education in Ukraine through current international research and educational projects and cooperation with international organizations are highlighted. The institutional level of internationalization of higher education is presented on the example of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. Some findings of the author research of the attitude of students of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv to the issues of internationalization are also presented.

An Analysis of the Trends in the Arena of Cooperation by the International Research Cooperation Related Experts

An Analysis of the Trends in the Arena of Cooperation by the International Research Cooperation Related Experts

LANGUAGE OF THE LAW AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE: THE CHALLENGE FOR GLOBALIZED LEGAL EDUCATION AND A FEW DIDACTIC TOOLS

The legal field has long been seen as essentially nationally-based and immune to globalization. In academia this view persisted and was reflected in terms of a lesser internationalization of students, composition of the faculty, design curricula and programs, or lesser international research cooperation, compared to some other academic fields. The aim of this article is to explain the reasons why this is evolving and, as a result, why foreign languages and in particular the English language gain importance in the legal field as they did times ago in other academic fields. After spelling out objective reasons why law students are well advised to improve their linguistic skills, this article briefly recalls the specific difficulty of such endeavor in the legal field. Because the specialized legal language is the outcome of a long evolution, and is rooted in the cultural and institutional setting of a jurisdiction, it is in many respects different from the general language, and its terminology is almost not harmonized across languages. This raises challenges for international higher education, for both the instructor and the students. The aim of this article is thus also to elaborate on a few aspects and didactic tools that help make international teaching more effective, taking the “international law lab” as an example.

Uncertainty Quantification of the PHEBUS FPT-1 Test Modelling Results

One of the biggest experimental programs helping to improve nuclear installation safety is PHEBUS, an international cooperative research program that provides data for validating computer codes dedicated to the analysis of severe accidents and their calculation results. In the European Union, HORIZON 2020 EURATOM project MUSA (Management and Uncertainties of Severe Accidents) is in progress. Modelling of the PHEBUS FPT-1 test within the frame of this project is provided by project partners using different severe accident codes. Uncertainty quantification of the received results is provided using different methods and statistical tools. The Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI) is taking part in the MUSA project and this uncertainty exercise. LEI is using the RELAP/SCDAPSIM severe accident code together with GRS methodology and SUSA statistical tool to evaluate the uncertainties of modelling results of PHEBUS FPT-1 test. In this article, uncertainty quantification of the PHEBUS FPT-1 test modelling results provided by LEI in the frame of MUSA project are presented. Provided uncertainty analysis for total hydrogen generation showed that upper and lower uncertainty limits are bounding the experimental data. At the end of the calculation, the upper and lower uncertainty limits of calculations are within the band of experimental uncertainties. Uncertainty analysis for Cs/I release fraction showed that uncertainty limits are bounding experimental data until the middle of the heat-up phase, but at the end of the experiment, the calculated upper uncertainty limit is lower than the experimental data. Results of sensitivity analysis showed that the thermal conductivity of the ZrO2 layer of the shroud has the dominant influence on hydrogen generation and Cs/I release fraction calculation results. Other important parameters are changing at the different experimental phases. In the future, it is planned to update the RELAP/SCDAPSIM model for the PHEBUS FPT-1 test using the results of the provided sensitivity analysis. This will allow a better agreement with experimental data.

INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH COOPERATION IS EFFECTIVE MECHANISM FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE IMPROVEMENT

The article reveals the content of international research cooperation of science forensic institutions of Ukraine other countries across the world. One of the main areas of work of forensic science institutions of Ukraine is compliance with European standards for forensic examinations and forensic researches. Because of this current trend at the present stage is to expand participation of forensic science institutions in international cooperation, increase their role in the further development of theory and practice of forensic science and criminalistics. It is concluded that improvement of forensic activity in Ukraine and international cooperation in the field of expert support of justice is one of the leading activities of National Scientific Center «Hon. Prof. M. S. Bokarius Forensic Science Institute» of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine.
 The international agreements/memoranda with the partner institutions of NSC « Hon. Prof. M. S. Bokarius FSI» are indicated, in which provisions the main strategic directions of research cooperation in the field of forensic science and criminalistics are determined. It is concluded that in-depth research of problematic aspects of forensic practice, use of the latest and most advanced technology in conducting forensic examinations and forensic researches is the guarantee for to improving efficiency of forensic science institutions of Ukraine and in the near future will open new horizons for forensic science and criminalistics.

The History and Challenges of SCP-ECG: The Standard Communication Protocol for Computer-Assisted Electrocardiography

Ever since the first publication of the standard communication protocol for computer-assisted electrocardiography (SCP-ECG), prENV 1064, in 1993, by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), SCP-ECG has become a leading example in health informatics, enabling open, secure, and well-documented digital data exchange at a low cost, for quick and efficient cardiovascular disease detection and management. Based on the experiences gained, since the 1970s, in computerized electrocardiology, and on the results achieved by the pioneering, international cooperative research on common standards for quantitative electrocardiography (CSE), SCP-ECG was designed, from the beginning, to empower personalized medicine, thanks to serial ECG analysis. The fundamental concept behind SCP-ECG is to convey the necessary information for ECG re-analysis, serial comparison, and interpretation, and to structure the ECG data and metadata in sections that are mostly optional in order to fit all use cases. SCP-ECG is open to the storage of the ECG signal and ECG measurement data, whatever the ECG recording modality or computation method, and can store the over-reading trails and ECG annotations, as well as any computerized or medical interpretation reports. Only the encoding syntax and the semantics of the ECG descriptors and of the diagnosis codes are standardized. We present all of the landmarks in the development and publication of SCP-ECG, from the early 1990s to the 2009 International Organization for Standardization (ISO) SCP-ECG standards, including the latest version published by CEN in 2020, which now encompasses rest and stress ECGs, Holter recordings, and protocol-based trials.

Visualizing the intellectual structure and recent research trends of diabetic retinopathy.

To analyze the intellectual structure and recent research trends in diabetic retinopathy (DR) and unearth potential knowledge. English DR publication included in this study was exported from the Web of Science Core Collection, and Chinese DR publication was exported from China National Knowledge Infrastructure from the establishment time of the database to 2019. CiteSpace and Microsoft Excel were used to visually analyze DR research, including analysis of the number of publications, highly cited publication analysis, spatial distribution analysis, and keyword co-occurrence analysis. A total of 23 795 English studies and 11 577 Chinese studies, including 2089 studies related to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), were obtained. The data suggested the following: 1) The number of English and Chinese DR publications increased over time, and the growth rate of English publications was relatively fast. 2) The distribution of international scholars and institutions was close, while the distribution was scattered in China. Shanghai Jiao Tong University has the largest number of publications. Tien-Yin Wong was the core author with the largest number of publications. England and the United States are the core of international DR research cooperation. 3) Optical coherence tomography and risk factors are recent international research hot spots and trends. The difference is that TCM is a recent research trend under DR in China. DR has drawn an increasing amount of attention worldwide. The focus of research in this field has shifted from tertiary type DR treatment to secondary prevention strategies which focus on the screening and monitoring of disease progression. The advantages of TCM in the prevention of DR have attracted attention, and it is worth incorporating this with Western medicine to address this challenge.

Designing the Crops for the Future; The CropBooster Program.

Simple SummaryOur climate is changing and the world population is growing to an estimated 10 billion people by 2050. This may cause serious problems in global food supply, protection of the environment and safeguarding Earth’s biodiversity. To face these challenges, agriculture will have to adapt and a key element in this will be the development of “future-proof” crops. These crops will not only have to be high-yielding, but also should be able to withstand future climate conditions and will have to make very efficient use of scarce resources such as water, phosphorus and minerals. Future crops should not only sustainably give access to sufficient, nutritious, and diverse food to a worldwide growing population, but also support the circular bio-based economy and contribute to a lower atmospheric CO2 concentration to counteract global warming. Future-proofing our crops is an urgent issue and a challenging goal that only can be realized by large-scale, international research cooperation. We call for international action and propose a pan-European research and innovation initiative, the CropBooster Program, to mobilize the European plant research community and all interested actors in agri-food research and innovation to face the challenge.The realization of the full objectives of international policies targeting global food security and climate change mitigation, including the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement COP21 and the European Green Deal, requires that we (i) sustainably increase the yield, nutritional quality and biodiversity of major crop species, (ii) select climate-ready crops that are adapted to future weather dynamic and (iii) increase the resource use efficiency of crops for sustainably preserving natural resources. Ultimately, the grand challenge to be met by agriculture is to sustainably provide access to sufficient, nutritious and diverse food to a worldwide growing population, and to support the circular bio-based economy. Future-proofing our crops is an urgent issue and a challenging goal, involving a diversity of crop species in differing agricultural regimes and under multiple environmental drivers, providing versatile crop-breeding solutions within wider socio-economic-ecological systems. This goal can only be realized by a large-scale, international research cooperation. We call for international action and propose a pan-European research initiative, the CropBooster Program, to mobilize the European plant research community and interconnect it with the interdisciplinary expertise necessary to face the challenge.

Methodological framework for ex-post evaluation of programmes for international cooperation in research and development

Methodological framework for ex-post evaluation of programmes for international cooperation in research and development

Intrinsic two-dimensional multiferroicity in CrNCl2 monolayer* *Project supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (Grant No. 2019YFB1704600), the International Cooperation Research Project of Shenzhen (Grant No. GJHZ20180413182004161), the Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 2020CFA032), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51805395), and the China Scholarship Council (Grant No. 201906270142).

Two-dimensional multiferroics, which simultaneously possess ferroelectricity and magnetism in a single phase, are well-known to possess great potential applications in nanoscale memories and spintronics. On the basis of first-principles calculations, a CrNCl2 monolayer is reported as an intrinsic multiferroic. The CrNCl2 has an antiferromagnetic ground state, with a Néel temperature of about 88 K, and it exhibits an in-plane spontaneous polarization of 200 pC/m. The magnetic moments of CrNCl2 mainly come from the d5 xy orbital of the Cr cation, but the plane of the d xy orbital is perpendicular to the direction of the ferroelectric polarization, which hardly suppresses the occurrence of ferroelectricity. Therefore, the multiferroic exits in the CrNCl2. In addition, like CrNCl2, the CrNBr2 is an intrinsic multiferroic with antiferromagnetic-ferroelectric ground state while CrNI2 is an intrinsic multiferroic with ferromagnetic-ferroelectric ground state. These findings enrich the multiferroics in the two-dimensional system and enable a wide range of applications in nanoscale devices.

Designing language courses for twenty-first century competences: a model of teaching toward learner autonomy implemented in a university context in the Czech Republic

Abstract The twenty-first century is a time of unprecedented social and technological development. Defining the period is an internationally interconnected world pregnant with information, dynamic events, and individual choice. These attributes create a highly complex, unpredictable, ambiguous and volatile environment that places new demands on every adult individual to continue in their efforts to educate, requalify and upskill during the course of their whole life. Based on both national and international educational strategies, a willingness to pursue life-long learning and an ability for it represent the main objectives for the curricula and educational programs. The current study presents a language teaching model that aims at student autonomy in language learning. The model, specifically focused on business English, was based on student needs analysis studies conducted and replicated in 2006, 2013 and 2016 at ŠKODA AUTO University, and as part of an international HEI cooperation research between 2017 and 2020. The Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) approach is adopted to combine course topics and outlines. In-class and self-study activities aim at language competences proportionally distributed between reading, writing, listening, and speaking tasks. Teaching methods cover both individual work and peer cooperation. Course requirements provide students with a high degree of freedom when making decisions about the content of their projects. As such, this concept helps students find the area of their self-realization, which boosts their motivation, willingness and ability both to continue and self-direct their further learning.

Evaluation of the Prognosis of COVID-19 Patients According to the Presence of Underlying Diseases and Drug Treatment.

Certain underlying diseases such as diabetic mellitus and hypertension are a risk factor for the severity and mortality of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients. Furthermore, both angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are controversial at role in the process of COVID-19 cases. The aim of the study was to investigate whether underlying diseases and taking ACEi/ARBs, affect the duration of hospitalization and mortality in patients with confirmed COVID-19. Medical usage claims data for the past three years until 15 May 2020, from the “CORONA-19 International Cooperation Research” project was used. We analyzed the medical insurance claims data for all 7590 coronavirus (COVID-19) patients confirmed by RT-PCR tests nationwide up to 15 May 2020. Among the comorbidities, a history of hypertension (hazard ratio [HR], 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.056–2.158) and diabetes (HR, 1.867; 95% CI, 1.408–2.475) were associated significantly with mortality. Furthermore, heart failure (HR, 1.391; 95% CI, 1.027–1.884), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR, 1.615; 95% CI, 1.185–2.202), chronic kidney disease (HR, 1.451; 95% CI, 1.018–2.069), mental disorder (HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.106–2.343), end stage renal disease (HR, 5.353; 95% CI, 2.185–13.12) were also associated significantly with mortality. The underlying disease has increased the risk of mortality in patients with COVID-19. Diabetes, hypertension, cancer, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and mental disorders increased mortality. Controversial whether taking ACEi/ARBs would benefit COVID-19 patients, in our study, patients taking ACEi/ARBs had a higher risk of mortality.

E-Learning Integrated STEM Education Center (eLISE) in Asia: A Reflection Case Study of Taiwan and Vietnam Research Project

Objective:This article describes the implementation plan, advance and future directions of the academic and educational research center eLISE (e-Learning Integrated STEM Education Center) whose foundation intends to narrow the collaboration between Taiwan and Vietnam in e-Learning and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) in the framework of the New Southbound Policy[1], a long-term project announced by the Taiwanese government to strengthen the partnership with South Asian countries.
 Originality / contribution:This article contributes to the reflection about the promotion of international cooperation in innovation, scientific and technological research as well as the analysis of public policies guided towards e-Learning and STEM innovation.
 Information collection method / strategies: The stages of the research and innovation process were (1) Innovation e-Learning and STEM Instruction teaching material and module: test application, teacher workshops and interviews (2) Innovation e-Learning and STEM assessment through CloudClassRoom observation with Gamified Electronic Audio Response System and Google Bert. 
 Conclusions: The description of the implementation of eLISE, the explanation of the development of innovative curriculums and teacher workshops, as well as the talent exchange and the cooperation between industry and academy, highlights the importance of cultivate talents and workforces educated through STEM and e-Learning, seeking regional development and prosperity for both, Taiwan and Vietnam.
 
 [1] Office of Trade Negotiations, executive Yuan, Bureau of Foreign Trade, T. M. of E. A. New Southbound Policy Guidelines and Action Plan. (Taipei, 2017).

The Initial Training of Science Teachers in African Countries: A Systematic Literature Review

This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) on the initial training of science teachers in Africa based on selected research articles, in the period 2000–2020, that emphasize the importance of surveying knowledge that goes beyond those that historically have a longer path in the building of scientific knowledge, such as that of European or North American countries. The analysis included a total of 31 articles from the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases. The findings indicate a lack of knowledge, or at least visibility, considering the initial training of African teachers, particularly in developing countries. South Africa leads the number of publications. Within the five African countries implied in the SLR the following outputs were identified: (i) a division between teacher education research that is ‘place-based’ and one that uses (only) ‘universal theories’ (such as Vygotsky and Bandura); (ii) a tension between the application of student-centered learning and teaching models and more traditional classroom practices. Finally, the majority of articles highlight the importance of investing in further research around teacher education. Based on these outputs the importance of international cooperation in teacher education research articulating theory and practice to ensure a global and local perspective towards sustainable development is reinforced.

Circulating Hepatocyte Growth Factor Reflects Activation of Vascular Repair in Response to Stress

Background: Acute cardiovascular events arise when the arterial wall fails to repair the damage caused by cardiovascular risk factors. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) stimulates growth of vascular cells but has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in epidemiological studies. Here we tested the hypothesis that this association reflects activation of a protective vascular repair response. Methods: Small interfering RNA (siRNA) and recombinant human HGF were used to assess the role of HGF in regulation of human umbilical cord endothelial and coronary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration and viability. Proximity extension assay was used to determine HGF and other biomarkers in 4742 subjects participating in the Malmo Diet and Cancer study and in extracts of 200 human carotid plaques. Findings: HGF promoted migration, proliferation and survival of human endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Human atherosclerotic plaques with a high content of HGF had a more stable phenotype. Cultured vascular cells expressed HGF in response to stress. Plasma HGF correlated with circulating levels of cellular stress biomarkers such as soluble TRAIL receptor-2 and caspase-8. Decreased ability to respond with elevated HGF levels to cellular stress, as assessed by the ratios of HGF to soluble TRAIL receptor-2 and caspase-8, associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events during a follow-up period of 19.4±5.0 years. Interpretations: These findings provide support for a protective role of HGF in CVD and show that subjects with a low ability to express HGF in response to stress have an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Funding Information: The work was supported by the Swedish Society for Medical Research, Emil and Wera Cornell foundation, Hjelt foundation, the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education, Crafoord foundation, the Swedish Medical Society, Diabetes foundation, Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation, Diabetes Research and Wellness foundation, Albert Pahlssons foundation, SUS foundations and funds, Lund University Infrastructure grant ”Malmo population-based cohorts” (STYR 2019/2046) and Lund University Diabetes Center (Swedish Research Council - Strategic Research Area Exodiab Dnr 2009-1039 and the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research Dnr IRC15-006). Declaration of Interests: None. Ethics Approval Statement: All studies were approved by the respective Regional Ethical Review Boards and conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. All subjects gave written consent.

Striving for Global Representation

The third issue of the Société Internationale d’Urologie Journal hits many of the highlights of what we are trying to achieve with our fledgling journal. The truly global character and special flavor of the SIUJ are coming to the fore. This in turn is reflective of the mission of the larger SIU “to enable urologists in all nations, through international cooperation in education and research, to apply the highest standards of urological care to their patients.” We are a society of all urologists in all countries in the world, not limited by specific geographical or subspecialty boundaries. It is therefore critical that the pages of our journal provide represent broad global reach.

The application of acupuncture in obstetrics and gynecology: a bibliometric analysis based on Web of Science.

Acupuncture therapy has a wide range of applications in obstetrics and gynecology, especially for patients with reproductive issues, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, and pelvic inflammatory disease. In recent decades, acupuncture therapy has gradually attracted the attention of professionals in China and overseas due to its beneficial effects, and has been the focus of many studies. This study aimed to conduct a statistical analysis of the relevant literature to understand the current application and research status of acupuncture in obstetric and gynecologic diseases. A search of the SCI-EXPANDED database in the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) was performed. Search strategy included two formulas: #1 WC=Obstetrics & Gynecology, limited: index =SCI-EXPANDED time span=all years; #2 subject: (ACUPUNCTURE-MOXIBUSTION) OR subject: (ACUPUNCTURE) OR subject: (MOXIBUSTION), limited: index=SCI-EXPANDED time span=all years. The final result was acquired by searching #1 AND #2. CiteSpace software was used to analyze and visualize the annual distribution of articles, and the distributions of disciplines, countries/institutions, journals, and authors. Keywords were used to infer the application of acupuncture in obstetrics and gynecology. A total of 593 research literatures, including 323 original articles, were retrieved. Since 1972, the number of literatures has shown a general increase. Studies on reproductive medicine accounted for the highest proportion of the retrieved literatures (139, 23.44%). The United States (25.5%), China (14.0%), Germany (7.6%), Australia (7.3%), and Sweden (7.1%) were the main contributors. The centrality index showed that the United States (0.19), the United Kingdom (0.19), and Germany (0.16) had the closest cooperation. The retrieved literatures covered 15 subdivision areas, including menstruation, embryo transfer, production, and pelvic pain. Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology were found to be the most influential journals. The most frequently cited keywords were acupuncture (intensity =5.5326), low back pain (intensity =5.0506), and pregnancy (intensity =4.7016). Acupuncture is receiving an increasing amount of attention in obstetrics and gynecology, and international cooperation in research in this field is also increasing.

An illicit artisanal fishery for North Pacific white sharks indicates frequent occurrence and high mortality in the Gulf of California

AbstractLarge sharks shape ecosystems across their geographic ranges and have become a top research and conservation priority. Eastern North Pacific (ENP) white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) aggregations off the United States and Mexico are well described, but their population status is currently uncertain. Population assessments of ENP white sharks are complicated by migrations across international boundaries, vulnerability at aggregation sites, and undetermined mortality levels. While protective legislation exists both in the United States and Mexico, ongoing incidental and unreported catch may undermine assessments and management. Here, access to a clandestine artisanal fishery provides evidence for white shark abundance and mortality in the Gulf of California that has been underestimated by other methods (e.g., satellite telemetry, [by]catch data). Shark size estimates based on tooth measurements suggest abundance of both juvenile and mature sharks in the region, and updated population models indicate the potential for substantial impacts of this fishery on ENP population viability. The data here, fisher‐provided information, and anecdotal evidence suggest potentially high abundance at two specific regions, making directed future research efforts feasible in the Gulf. These data demonstrate that cryptic life histories and geopolitical boundaries can still limit fundamental understanding of megafauna distribution, necessitating international cooperation for both research and management.