Internationalization Research Articles

“The human face of the UN plastics treaty”? The role of waste pickers in intergovernmental negotiations to end plastic pollution and ensure a just transition

Abstract Waste pickers are recognised as a key stakeholder in the ongoing negotiations towards an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution. Up to 34 million waste pickers contribute to recovering close to 60% of recycled post-consumer plastic waste globally. The International Alliance of Waste Pickers (IAWP) has actively engaged in the negotiations to safeguard a just transition for these important but vulnerable and frequently overlooked workers. This article explores how the IAWP has gained prominence in the plastics treaty negotiations through three iterative processes. First, the reiterative naming of “waste pickers” has constituted a symbolic practice and discursive influence that heightened recognition of waste pickers’ role as knowledge and rights holders in a just transition to end plastic pollution. Second, the performative dimension of waste picker advocacy has influenced official and informal events. Third, by engaging in “scale work”, waste pickers have influenced and leveraged their alliances to work towards a just transition across national, regional and international levels. By examining the role and influence of waste pickers in the plastics treaty through the frames of naming, performance and scale, the article contributes to advance the scholarly literature on just transition and grassroots movements in global environmental governance (GEG).

EOLinPLACE: an international research project to reform the way dying places are classified and understood.

Whenever possible, a person should die where they feel it is the right place to be. There is substantial global variation in home death percentages but it is unclear whether these differences reflect preferences, and there are major limitations in how the place of death is classified and compared across countries. EOLinPLACE is an international interdisciplinary research project funded by the European Research Council aiming to create a solid base for a ground-breaking international classification tool that will enable the mapping of preferred and actual places towards death. Mixed-methods observational research. We combine classic methods of developing health classifications with a bottom-up participatory research approach, working with international organizations representing patients and informal carers [International Alliance of Patients' Organizations (IAPO) and Eurocarers]. First, we will conduct an international comparative analysis of existing classification systems and routinely collected death certificate data on place of death. Secondly, we will conduct a mixed-methods study (ethnography followed by longitudinal quantitative study) in four countries (the Netherlands, Portugal, Uganda and the United States), to compare the preferences and experiences of patients with life-threatening conditions and their families. Thirdly, based on the generated evidence, we will build a contemporary classification of dying places; assess its content validity through focus groups with patients, carers and other stakeholders; and evaluate it in a psychometric study to examine construct validity, reliability, responsiveness, data quality and interpretability. Approved by the ethics committee of the University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (CE-068-2022) and committees in each of the participating countries. The findings will provide a deeper understanding of the diversity in individual end-of-life pathways. They will enable key developments such as measurement of progress towards achievement of preferences when care can be planned. The project will open new directions in how to care for the dying. Research Registry UIN 9213.

Аналіз наявних підходів до визначення поняття «національна безпека» та їх відповідність сучасним умовам

The article analyzes the existing approaches to the definition of the concept of «national security» and their relevance to modern conditions. Taking into account thematic sources on this issue, the main elements of the national security structure are identified and highlighted. Based on the analysis of scientific works of Ukrainian scientists, various conceptions of national security are considered, including legislative, functional, institutional approaches, as well as orientation towards the interests of the individual, society and the State. Particular attention is paid to the international context and the role of the State in ensuring its integrity and independence in the face of global challenges. The following conclusions are drawn: a) there is no unambiguous and unified approach from the point of view of content – this concept is multifaceted and includes various aspects; b) these approaches do not form a theoretical and methodological basis for modern and complete national security, which would take into account global and regional challenges, such as full-scale military aggression, cyber threats, information warfare and economic sanctions; c) the definition of the concept of national security needs to be adapted to new realities. Prospects for further research are outlined, which consist in adapting the theoretical foundations of the definition of the concept of «national security» to such areas as: 1) Development of integrated models of national security. It is necessary to continue research on the creation of models that integrate various aspects of national security: cybersecurity, information security, economic resilience and social cohesion. 2) Adaptation to cyber threats. Further research should be aimed at studying effective strategies for protecting against cyber threats and integrating cybersecurity into the overall national security system. 3) International cooperation in the field of security. An important area of research is the analysis of international alliances and partnerships that can strengthen national security. This includes studying successful practices of other countries and adapting them to the conditions of Ukraine.

REEXISTENCIAS TERRITORIALES DE MOVIMIENTOS INDÍGENAS EN LA REGIÓN ANDINO-AMAZÓNICA

Movements by indigenous peoples against neoliberal extractivist processes in Latin America have traditionally employed strategies focused on territorial recognition of their identity and culture. The issue under investigation is the recent resurgence of post-extractivist territorial-based social movements that are using strategies based on innovative economic models and creative development. The objective is to study these territorial social movements and socioecological conflicts by analyzing cases in the Andean-Amazonian region in Bolivia and Colombia. The methodology is qualitative and ethnographic, based on interviews and documentary analysis. In the case of the Rositas River in Bolivia, indigenous communities and producers have organized to oppose the construction of a dam and hydroelectric project. In the Colombian region of Cauca, the dispute is over 20,000 hectares of sugarcane monoculture where the local community is fighting to grow corn, beans and yucca. The common characteristics of these movements are ecofeminist involvement, autonomous forms of collective action and political experimentation, new languages, and patterns of struggle and mobilization including the deployment of international alliances

NATO’s Southern Flank: The Evolution of Türkiye’s Strategic Role and Its Implications for Regional Security

This article delves into the progressive development of Türkiye's strategic function within NATO, and what it signifies for regional security along the Alliance's Southern Flank. Türkiye, as a crucial NATO member since 1952, has steadfastly assumed a considerable part in the organization's collective defense, thereby bolstering the stability of the region. The article offers a historical review of Türkiye's involvement in NATO, tracking its journey from joining the Alliance during the initial Cold War years to navigating the more intricate security milieu of the post-Cold War era. The focus then shifts to the geopolitical challenges faced by NATO on its Southern Flank, particularly in the Middle East, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Black Sea region. Within this context, the article analyzes Türkiye's evolving strategic role, including its military capabilities and growing defense industry, diplomacy, and soft power initiatives, as well as its efforts to balance relations with NATO, Russia, and other regional actors. The article also explores Türkiye's strategic decision to acquire the Russian S-400 missile defense system, a move that underscores Türkiye's commitment to diversifying its defense capabilities and enhancing its national security, while also navigating the complex dynamics of international alliances and NATO's evolving security landscape. Subsequently, it discusses the possible advantages and hurdles that could arise from Türkiye's dynamic strategic role in regional security and on NATO's Southern Flank. Key topics addressed include the reinforcement of NATO's defense capabilities, the enhancement of regional security cooperation, and potential strains within the Alliance. The piece wraps up with an evaluation of future prospects for Türkiye's strategic function in NATO and the implications for regional security. This underlines the significance of maintaining a united and adaptable NATO that can adeptly respond to the evolving security challenges in the region.

Critical Success Factors in the Technology Commercialization Process: A Comparative Case Study of International Licensing Alliances among Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

In contemporary academia and industry, the commercialization of technology through licensing has emerged as a prevalent strategy. This paradigmatic shift has prompted numerous industrial firms to intensify their focus on technology commercialization as a mechanism to optimize the returns on their research and development investments, while concurrently leveraging their comprehensive technology portfolios. However, despite growing interest in this area, there exists a conspicuous gap in scholarly literature exploring how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can effectively and efficiently capitalize on this opportunity in a global context. The objective of the present study is to fill this void by offering an in-depth analysis of the key determinants that contribute to the successful commercialization of technology via licensing. Employing a qualitative research methodology, this paper presents a comparative case study that explores four separate international licensing alliances, each formed between the same licensor, specializing in solar mounting system engineering, and four different licensees, all engaged in the production and marketing of this specialized technology. Data were meticulously gathered through a triangulated approach that incorporated interviews with both licensor and licensees, extensive desk research, and on-site observations. Our empirical findings reveal that the critical success factors identified in existing literature are not uniformly significant. Specifically, four elements—relational dynamics, cultural considerations, human capital, and resource allocation—emerged as pivotal in ensuring the successful implementation of technology commercialization strategies. By elucidating these nuanced factors, this study contributes to both academic discourse and practical applications, thereby serving as a valuable resource for SMEs aiming to navigate the complexities of technology commercialization in international settings.

Constructing public–private partnerships to undermine the public interest: critical discourse analysis of Working Together published by the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking

BackgroundThe global burden of alcohol harm has increased and is forecast to grow further without effective policy implementation. Public–private partnerships aiming to address global health, and other societal challenges, are a burgeoning feature of neoliberal governance. Rhetorically distancing themselves from tobacco, the major alcohol companies are committed to tackling ‘harmful drinking’ and have created a distinct type of public relations organization for this purpose. The activities of such organizations are increasingly recognized as an impediment to the implementation of policies to reduce alcohol harm, including in low- and middle-income countries where markets are expanding.MethodsThe approach of critical discourse analysis is used to examine the discursive tactics and strategies used in Working Together; a ‘toolkit’ published by the key global level alcohol industry public relations organization, the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD). This study considers how it works discursively to set the terms of, and overcome skepticism about partnerships, to define aims and position various actors by constructing their roles. The construction of prospective partners provides insights into the alcohol industry itself.ResultsThe toolkit operates as an ideological resource for forming public–private partnerships across the world based on the accumulated know-how of the major companies through IARD. This allows the largest alcohol companies to exercise leadership of the industry, while remaining off-stage. The toolkit relies on a form of rhetorical work which creates distance from obvious corporate interests and the harms caused to population health and society. This is accomplished by working against evidence-informed population level approaches, and thus avoiding policies that will make any significant difference to overall alcohol harm. Unspecific “complexity” affords opportunity for preferred types of “actions”, and “partnership” provides opportunity to gain credibility by association, further minimizing the likelihood of any material harm being reduced.ConclusionsThe toolkit is designed to not only legitimate the inclusion of alcohol industry actors as initiating ‘partners’, but also assigns them roles as managers of a set of carefully constructed relationships. This vision of public–private partnership reproduces the hegemonic narrative that has successfully blocked policy advances for decades and led to growing alcohol harm globally.

Further refinement of the Patient-Reported Impact of Dermatological Diseases (PRIDD) measure using classical test theory and item response theory.

Existing dermatology-specific Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) do not fully capture the substantial physical, psychological and social impact of dermatological conditions on patients' lives and are not recommended for use according to the COSMIN criteria. Most were developed with insufficient patient involvement and relied on classical psychometric methods. We are developing the new Patient-Reported Impact of Dermatological Diseases (PRIDD) measure for use in research and clinical practice in partnership with patients. To examine the factor structure of PRIDD, determine the definitive selection of items for each subscale, and establish structural validity and internal consistency through classical and modern psychometric methods. Two cross-sectional online surveys were conducted. Adults (≥ 18 years) worldwide living with a dermatological condition were recruited through the membership network of the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (GlobalSkin). They completed the PRIDD questionnaire and a demographics questionnaire via an online survey. We examined missing data and distribution of scores for each item. The factor structure was assessed using confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis (Survey 1). Internal consistency was examined using Cronbach's α. Rasch measurement theory analyses were conducted, including iterative assessment of rating scale function, fit to the Rasch model, unidimensionality, reliability, local dependence, targeting and differential item functioning (DIF) (Surveys 1 and 2). Participants in Surveys 1 and 2 numbered 483 and 504 people, respectively. All items had ≤ 3% missing scores and all five response options were used. A four-factor model showed the best fit. PRIDD and all four subscales were internally consistent but showed some misfit to the Rasch measurement model. Adjustments were made to rectify disordered thresholds, remove misfitting items, local dependency and DIF, and improve targeting. The resulting 16-item version and subscales fit the Rasch model, showed no local dependency or DIF at the test level, and were well targeted. This field test study produced the final PRIDD measure, consisting of 16 items across four domains. The data triangulated and refined the conceptual framework of impact and provide evidence of PRIDD's structural validity and internal consistency. The final step in the development and validation of the PRIDD measure is to test the remaining measurement properties.

GLOBAL INJUSTICE AND INEQUALITY: REFLECTIONS ON WHY CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION MATTERS

Global injustice and inequality are problems related to the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities throughout the world. This causes a large number of people and countries to have limitations in achieving their potential. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare prospective citizens who are ready to face changes in the order of life in the country. Education is expected to be able to overcome the country's problems, especially injustice, and inequality. In building global insight and forming good global citizens, there are basic values contained in civic education. This value is the goal and foundation for the development of civics education. By using qualitative research methods through literature studies, the authors try to examine how important the role of civics education is in addressing global injustice and inequality. This research was conducted through several stages including collecting library data, taking notes, reviewing data sources, and processing information. The conclusion from this study is that it is important to involve the integration of civics education in the education system, focus on practical skills, community participation, research and innovation support, and building international alliances. Civic education also helps build a culture of tolerance and reinforces values of social solidarity to help eradicate discrimination and promote equality.

Implications of Russia- Ukraine War on World Peace and Security

The lingering tension between Ukraine and Russia have been visible since Ukraine gained its independence in 1991 not until 20 February, 2014 following the Ukraine’s revolution of dignity, and in February 2022 Russia lunched a full scale invasion of Ukraine. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is the most violent interstate conflict in the world since the second invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan in 2003 and 2001 respectively by the United States of America. The paper examined the nature and causes of this war, and consequences of the war. The Qualitative method of data analysis through the use of Secondary sources of data was used in achieving the said objectives. The paper adopts the power theory as theoretical framework in investigating the nature of the war, remote and immediate causes of the war. The paper found out that the war is hybrid in nature and there are remote causes such as Ukraine’s sense of national identity, idiosyncrasy of the leaders’ involved and immediate causes such as Ukraine’s sovereignty, and status of Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk, international alliances, that triggered the occupation of Ukraine by Russia in February of 2022. The paper recommends that respect for a state’s sovereignty as enshrined in international law and United Nation’s charter should be a thing of national concern of both countries, that referendum should be considered especially with issues surrounding the status of Crimea. Also the paper recommends mutual tolerance and respect for international law, to avert plunging the world into avoidable crises of unimaginable proportion

МІЖНАРОДНІ СТРАТЕГІЧНІ АЛЬЯНСИ ЯК ФАКТОР РОЗВИТКУ КОНКУРЕНЦІЇ ІТ-ГАЛУЗІ

The article analyzes the economic consequences of the foreign economic activity of Ukrainian IT companies and highlights the key patterns of their development. It is shown that the national IT sector is becoming an increasingly global business, which is important for studying the benefits of doing IT business in Ukraine and regulating institutional aspects in this area. A significant positive impact of the increase in the volume of services provided by the Ukrainian IT sector, such as software development, data processing, and database management, on the volume of services exports and the overall trade balance of services in Ukraine was identified. This is due to the export orientation of the development of the IT sector in Ukraine, the use of certain business models in this area, as well as the peculiarities of foreign economic activity of such enterprises. The analysis reveals the features and advantages of doing IT business in Ukraine, which determine its international competitiveness. The article also considers a strategic alliance as an effective form of association of companies that best meets the criteria of the strategic goals of the industry development. The study identifies the main types, types and motives for creating strategic alliances, and describes their advantages and disadvantages. Particular emphasis is placed on the problems of participation of Ukrainian companies in international strategic alliances at the present stage, and the author also provides directions for resolving these issues in order to ensure the competitiveness of the industry

Co-Designing Dementia Diagnosis And Post Diagnostic Care, The Cognisance Project: Forward with Dementia (FWD)

Despite many national guidelines for diagnosis and management of dementia, persons diagnosed with dementia and their family carer partners are often dissatisfied with the diagnostic process and receive limited post-diagnostic support. Teams from Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, the UK and Poland co-designed and delivered, in partnership with people living with dementia, family care partners and health care professionals, online packages, toolkits and campaigns to improve the dementia diagnostic process and post-diagnostic support.Our website www.forwardwithdementia.org (FWD) offers information in English, Dutch, French and Polish for people living with dementia, carers and health care practitioners developed based on published evidence, national dementia guidelines and, across five countries, from surveys focus groups and input from each target group; and refined after field testing. FWD uses engaging language and graphics to provide personal stories, tips, advice and local contacts for assistance. The FWD website, and in two countries an online tool-kit for curating the information, was promoted with social media, regionally-specific targetted campaigns, webinars, local events, television coverage and presentations to the public and to health care providers. The effectiveness of the internationally varied campaigns, evaluated using RE-AIM framework, demonstrated variable Reach and Engagement; Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance are still being assessed. In collaboration with the World Health Organisation, Alzheimer’s Disease International and Dementia Alliance International we have developed a playbook that facilitates FWD to be adapted and implemented internationally.

Configuring alliance portfolios for digital innovation

We examine how firms configure alliance portfolios—that is, networks of partnering firms—in order to exchange, share, or codevelop the capabilities they require to engage in digital innovation. We analyze data from 550 U.S. firms and the strategic alliances they formed within and across industrial sectors to study how the configuration of alliance portfolios in terms of size, degree of exploration, internationality, and competition affects the volume and quality of digital patents. We find that alliances appear to be an effective means, yet alliances for digital innovations require a different configuration when compared with alliances for non-digital innovations. Large and explorative alliance portfolios help with the creation of digital innovations while international alliances and alliances involving competitors do not. We discuss the implications of these findings for research on digital innovation and alliances. We also distill practical advice to executives charged with making strategic decisions about inter-firm partnerships.

Long‐term conservation efforts at flyway scale can halt the population decline in a globally endangered migratory raptor

AbstractMany threatened species require ongoing management, which is often funded through short project cycles. Evaluating whether the management is effective in protecting a species is important to inform future management investments. For migratory species, management may affect only part of a species' annual cycle, and reversing a population decline is challenging to achieve and demonstrate. Here, we evaluate whether conservation management projects funded by the European LIFE programme to safeguard a migratory vulture population achieved their major objective of stabilizing the target breeding population. Between 2012 and 2022, an international alliance of conservation organizations implemented multiple actions to reduce poisoning, direct persecution, and electrocution and collision with power lines along the Eastern Mediterranean flyway. We monitored breeding territories of the Balkan population of the globally endangered Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus between 2006 and 2022, and tracked 60 young birds with GPS transmitters since 2010. We used these data to examine whether population growth rate and survival probability had increased since project implementation. The mean annual survival probability of adult territorial birds increased by 1.9% since 2014 from 0.937 to 0.955, and the monthly survival probability of wild juvenile birds increased by 9.7% from 0.833 to 0.914 since 2018. The population growth rate across the Balkans increased by 6.9% from 0.939 before 2018 to 1.005 since 2018. This indicates that the Egyptian Vulture population has remained stable for the past 5 years (2018–2022), but at a population size that is only half (105 adult territorial birds in 2022) than at the beginning of the time series (204 in 2006). We caution that ongoing management along the flyway and reinforcement are required to ensure that the Egyptian Vulture population on the Balkans can recover, but we show that flyway‐scale collaboration of direct conservation actions can have lasting benefits for migratory species.

Enabling the evaluation of COVID-19 vaccines with correlates of protection

In February 2023, a meeting about correlates of protection (CoPs) against COVID-19 was organized by the International Alliance for Biological Standardization, the European Plotkin Institute for Vaccinology, and Vaccinopolis. The meeting aimed at reviewing the evidence, drawing conclusions, and identifying knowledge gaps.Collection of evidence is not straightforward. Neutralizing antibodies correlate with protection and are used for immunobridging studies within and between vaccine platforms for approval of new COVID-19 vaccines. In preparation for the next pandemic, it is vital that rapidly authorized initial vaccines are available to perform immunobridging studies very early. Additional components of the immune response likely contribute to protection against symptomatic infection. Current evidence is strongest for T lymphocytes and binding antibodies. Further studies are needed to consolidate this evidence and define their potential role in the evaluation of vaccines. For evaluation of mucosal vaccines, identifying CoPs against infection and transmission is key; further research is needed to identify and standardize methods suitable for clinical studies. CoPs for broadly protective beta-coronavirus vaccines remain a critical area of research.The knowledge, expertise, and capacity exist to conduct clinical studies using different designs in different populations to discover and validate CoPs, facilitating and accelerating evaluation of novel vaccines/vaccination platforms.

Translated article] Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Patients Being Treated for Scabies in Spain: Opportunities for Improvement — A Multicenter Cross-Sectional CLINI-AEDV Study

BackgroundSeveral studies support the hypothesis that scabies is on the rise in Spain. There are also concerns about the possible development of resistance to treatment and an increase in atypical presentations. The aims of this study were to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with scabies seen by dermatologists in Spain, to identify the possible emergence of atypical forms of scabies, and to explore the frequency of treatment failures and associated risk factors. MethodsWe conducted an observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study of data collected prospectively in April and May 2023 using the CLINI-AEDVp platform created by the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV). ResultsParticipating dermatologists from 31 hospitals in 15 of Spain's autonomous communities recorded 186 cases of active scabies (51% in women) during the study period. A diagnostic certainty level of A, B or C as per the International Alliance for the Control of Scabies Consensus Criteria was required for diagnosis. Overall, 92% of patients had clinical features of classic scabies and 66% had already been treated with a scabicide for the current episode. Of the treated patients, only 36% had received and completed adequate treatment (including the simultaneous treatment of all household members) and 50% had not received clear written recommendations. ConclusionsIn a high proportion of scabies cases, the patient has already received treatment. In those cases, we observe several remediable shortcomings that could explain why some of these treatments fail. Remedying these deficiencies should lead to better control of scabies and an improved assessment of the actual effectiveness of currently available scabicides.

Children's scabies survey indicates high prevalence and misdiagnosis in Auckland educational institutions.

Here, we present results of a survey of scabies prevalence in childcare centres and primary schools in Auckland. Children whose parents agreed to take part in participating centres in the Auckland region were examined for scabies by general practitioners and given questionnaires of relevant symptoms. Diagnoses of clinical or suspected scabies were made according to the International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) criteria. The survey was a stratified random sample of schools and early childcare centres. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was also used to complement the IACS criteria. A total of 181 children were examined, with 145 children with history information, 16 of whom (11.0%) met the criteria for 'clinical' or 'suspected' scabies. Weighted analysis, accounting for the survey design, indicated that the prevalence of scabies in early childcare centres was 13.2% (95% CI: 4.3 to 22.1), with no school-aged children fulfilling these criteria. A higher proportion had clinical signs of scabies with 23 (12.7%) having typical scabies lesions and a further 43 (23.8%) had atypical lesions. A total of 64 PCR tests were taken and 15 (23%) were positive. None of these cases were receiving treatment for scabies. Five were undergoing topical skin treatment: three with topical steroid and two with calamine lotion. The prevalence of children with scabies is high in early childcare centres in Auckland. Misdiagnosis is suggested by several PCR positive cases being treated by topical agents used to treat other skin conditions.

How do medical students visit psychologists in Hungary?

Abstract Background Mental health problems are more common among medical students than other student groups, and although medical students as future physicians will be responsible to give advice people for seeking healthcare, they frequently avoid seeking advice for their own mental health problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing medical students’ decisions to seek psychologist comparing international (IN) and Hungarian (HU) students. Methods A self-administered questionnaire based cross-sectional study included 688 medical students (IN: 326; HU: 362) at the University of Szeged in 2021. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the correlations between the variables influencing students’ visits to psychologists. Results In the sample, 50.9% of students (IN: 49.7%; HU: 51.9%) had poor mental health, 17.2% of them (IN: 14.1%; HU: 19.9%) visited psychologists. Both IN and HU students were more likely to visit a psychologist when they reported poor mental health (IN: OR = 3.08, 95% CI 1.47-6.45; HU: OR = 2.45, 95% CI 1.31-4.60). IN female students had significantly higher odds of visiting a psychologist than male students (OR = 2.21, 95% CI 1.11-4.41), and HU students were more likely to visit a psychologist when they were in the clinical years compared to the preclinical years (OR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.00-3.01). Conclusions Although healthcare-seeking behaviour is influenced by many factors, this study showed that the main reasons were the students’ mental health problems. Another point is that visiting psychologist was more typical during clinical years among Hungarian students what should encourage medical schools to improve students’ oriented mental health services. Key messages • Minimizing dangerous behaviour and providing medical students with proper mental health care. • Students have to get help during their final years to formal their career aims and reduce their stress level.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IN OUTER SPACE: FROM THE COLD WAR ERA TO FEBRUARY 24, 2022

The article reviews the changing landscape of international relations in the space sphere; examines the history of international cooperation in outer space: from the Cold War era to the beginning of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine; examines key partnerships and initiatives, the advantages of such cooperation and challenges. The author proves that international relations in the field of space exploration and research are dual in nature. On the one hand, countries form international alliances to implement large-scale space projects, on the other hand, states strive to have independent access to space to ensure national security. The author's periodization of the development of international relations in the space sphere is given: 1) the first decade of space exploration – during this period, international cooperation in outer space was completely missing, but it was during these years that the foundations of the international legislative framework were laid; it is still in force today; 2) since the 70s of the twentieth century, the number of states that explore space has been growing and the first international space organization, the European Space Agency (ESA), is being formed; 3) after the end of the Cold War, US cooperation with the former Soviet republics intensified, which further led to US dependence on third countries in the space sphere; 4) in the early 2000s, the number of participants in space activities increased at the expense of private companies, which became possible due to a technological leap, in particular the miniaturization of space technology and the cheapening of electronics; 5) Russia's war against Ukraine has changed the international landscape of space activities, strengthened public-private partnerships and demonstrated the growing role of satellite technologies in national security issues.

Optical microscopic study on a novel morphological classification method of multiple diagnostic features of Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis.

Optical microscopy is the gold standard technique used to confirm the diagnosis of scabies. Multiple diagnostic features of the pathogen Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis (S. scabiei) can be identified under a microscope and classified into 3 categories: mites, eggs and fecal pellets. However, mite and eggshell fragments can also be observed, which have been ignored in the 2020 International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) Criteria and by most researchers. In this study, we propose a novel morphological classification method that classifies multiple diagnostic features into 5 categories and 7 subcategories. Our results revealed that 65.2% (1893 of 2896) of the positive cases were confirmed through the identification of mites, eggs or fecal pellets, whereas up to 34.6% (1003 of 2896) of the positive cases were confirmed through the identification of mite or eggshell fragments. Therefore, the important diagnostic values of mite and eggshell fragments should be emphasized. Importantly, for the first time, mite and eggshell fragments were classified into 7 subcategories, some of which are easily ignored or confused with contaminating artefacts. We believe that this novel morphological classification method will be beneficial for operator training in interpreting slides and in improving the 2020 IACS Criteria.