Scientific Research Research Articles

Improved Back-Propagation Neural Network Applied to Enterprise Employee Performance Appraisal and Evaluation

Evaluating employee performance in enterprises is beneficial for improving talent competitiveness, operation level production, and overall enterprise performance. At present, many performance appraisal methods lack objectivity and fairness, which is not conducive to the long-term development of enterprises. Therefore, more research into scientific and effective performance appraisal methods is required. This study takes the grassroots employees of Enterprise A as an example, improving the existing performance appraisal evaluation indices to evaluate employee performance from three dimensions, including achievement, ability, and attitude, as determined by index weights using the analytic hierarchy process approach. An improved back-propagation neural network (BPNN) method is then designed to obtain performance appraisal and evaluation results. The error between the output of the improved BPNN method and expected output was small. Of the 20 extracted samples, the maximum and minimum error values were 0.05 and 0.01, respectively, and the average error was 0.03. The improved BPNN method evaluated only one out of 20 samples incorrectly, and the accuracy of the improved BPNN method was 96.21%, which is 19.88% and 10.75% higher than those of support vector machine and standard BPNN, respectively. The findings demonstrate that the improved BPNN method can be used in the appraisal and assessment of enterprise employee performance and has practical application value.

The Traditional Dwelling of the Mordvins: On the History of Classification and Transformations

Ethno-cultural tradition has historically determined the type of dwelling to be constructed for a relatively long period of time. However, in response to changing circumstances, the type of residential building can also change significantly. The lack of a comprehensive analysis of the history of classification and transformation of the Mordovian dwellings in the indigenous territory of residence and in other regions of Russia represents a significant obstacle to scientific research in this field. In the context of the current surge in interest in ethnotourism and the preservation of cultural heritage, this scientific research is particularly relevant for younger generations. Information on the history of formation and classification (by the way of its vertical development, by horizontal layout and by the method of construction) of the traditional Mordovian dwelling in the Mordovian Territory / Republic of Mordovia, Volga region, Siberia was collected by the author both in the Republic of Mordovia and in ethnographic expeditions in Tyumen, Kemerovo, Chelyabinsk, Sverdlovsk, Kurgan region, Altai, Krasnoyarsk Territory and other regions of Russia (1991–2018). By vertical development dwellings of the distant past can be classified as following forms: a hut; a dugout and a semi-dugout; a bathhouse; an izba; wooden and adobe houses. According to the horizontal layout the dwellings can be classified as single-chamber, two-chamber, three-chamber dwellings, etc. According to the material and method of construction they are either made of log (mainly), clay, adobe or bricks, due to natural, economic and other factors. Outside Mordovia, Mordovian dwellings differ by material: wood, clay, stone, adobe houses; and by structure: log cabins and crosses (the latter is most common in the villages of Kalinovka, Pokrovka of the Sorokinsky district of the Tyumen region). Dwelling complexes near Mordovia in settlements in the Mordovian region were constantly changing. This was facilitated by the rise in the material well-being of rural residents. The share of two- and three-chamber housing increased with time. The process was faster in towns, more prosperous settlements, settlements located near highways, railways, industrial centers, while in the villages where the population came into contact with urban culture less often, this transition was slower. It would be inaccurate to speak of original and special Mordovian dwellings these days. The Mordvins have been living in next to the Russians for many centuries, their types of economy and building traditions are very similar. The housing of the Mordovian settlers are now largely indistinguishable from those of the surrounding population. The characteristics identified are more indicative of regional than ethnic differences.

Traditional insights into ITK and its delineation for sustainable crop protection

The challenge of producing sufficient food to feed the growing population is aggravated by pests and diseases, with insect pests alone causing 15-20 percent losses in food production. Despite the availability of numerous synthetic and conventional pesticides, traditional practices, known as Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK), have been utilized by farmers for generations and have been adequate to date. These practices are deeply rooted in local culture and are environmentally safe. ITKs are a wealth of agricultural wisdom intertwined with religious and cultural beliefs that have significantly contributed to plant protection. It considers the interconnectedness of all living beings and the natural environment. In the context of the current scenario, it is essential to preserve and safeguard these traditional practices. Numerous government centres and policies are dedicated to this goal, recognizing the importance of documenting ITK for future use. Although ITKs were initially practiced without scientific validation, modern research has characterized and supported many of these methods. This review emphasizes the significance of Indigenous Technical Knowledge, the support systems in place and the necessity of detailed documentation and scientific characterization of ITK in use. By focusing on preserving and validating ITKs, we can reduce reliance on harmful chemical pesticides, promote sustainable agricultural practices and ensure food safety and security.

Sleep for infants after discharge from a neonatal ward: Expert- and parent endorsed strategies.

This study aims to outline sleep strategies grounded in scientific research and endorsed by sleep experts, integrating parental input into the evaluation process, to assist parents in supporting infant sleep after discharge from a neonatal ward. A Delphi method, consisting of three rounds, was employed. Sleep strategies based on scientific literature were presented to sleep experts and parents of infants discharged from a neonatal ward. A literature search identified 11 sleep strategies. These strategies were incorporated in Delphi round 1. Out of 17 sleep experts, 13 reviewed and revised these 11 sleep strategies, resulting in a list of 8 sleep strategies. In round 2, these strategies were ranked by 14 out of 17 sleep experts, with "knowledge gathering" being ranked the most important sleep strategy. In round 3, the same list of 8 sleep strategies was ranked by 35 parents. They found "sleep hygiene" and "swaddling" the most important strategies. This study offers 8 sleep strategies that are grounded in scientific research, supported by experts, and evaluated by parents. Experts and parents prioritize sleep strategies differently. Therefore, healthcare professionals should offer practical and customized sleep strategies that align with the unique needs of each family. Experts and parents prioritize sleep strategies differently. This study offers a summary of sleep strategies that are grounded in scientific research, supported by experts, and include parental feedback in the evaluation process. Healthcare professionals can use these strategies to offer practical and customized sleep advise that aligns with the unique needs of each family.

Utilizing Multimedia and Interactive Platforms in a Secondary Vocation School Politics Course: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background and Aim: Using multimedia and interactive platforms in education has the potential to enhance students' overall learning performance and study motivation. This study explores the integration of Bilibili, a popular video-sharing platform, into the political science curriculum for secondary vocational school students in China. By comparing the performance and motivation levels of students using Bilibili with those following traditional teaching methods, the study aims to determine the effectiveness of multimedia tools in improving educational outcomes among vocational students. Specifically, this study seeks to evaluate whether Bilibili can enhance secondary vocational school students' understanding of basic political science concepts and principles, improve their application and analytical skills in the subject through a quasi-experimental design, and assess their motivation to learn political science using the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). The results indicate that students in the experimental group who used Bilibili showed significant improvements in test scores and exhibited higher levels of motivation compared to the control group. Materials and Methods: A quantitative research design was used to compare the effects of using Bilibili with conventional instruction. 114 secondary vocational school students were selected via stratified random sampling, with 56 in the control group and 58 in the experimental group. Pre-test and post-test assessments measured learning outcomes and motivation levels across key political science concepts and principles. Results: The use of Bilibili significantly improved understanding of political science concepts compared to traditional methods. Post-test scores were notably higher in the experimental group, indicating the effectiveness of integrating Bilibili into the teaching process. Both mean and t-test analyses supported the superiority of Bilibili-enhanced learning in increasing student motivation and academic performance. Conclusion: Implementing Bilibili as a teaching tool positively impacts academic performance in political science students at secondary vocational schools. This approach significantly enhances learning outcomes and student motivation, offering valuable insights for educational program design in vocational education.

A Unified Approach to Health Data Exchange: A Report From the US DHHS.

Health information technology, such as electronic health records (EHRs), has been widely adopted, yet accessing and exchanging data in the fragmented US health care system remains challenging. To unlock the potential of EHR data to improve patient health, public health, and health care, it is essential to streamline the exchange of health data. As leaders across the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), we describe how DHHS has implemented fundamental building blocks to achieve this vision. Across DHHS, we have implemented 3 foundational building blocks called for by the 2016 21st Century Cures Act to create a unified approach for secure, high-quality, and timely exchange of health data across the health care system. The United States Core Data for Interoperability provides a minimum baseline for data elements that must be available in federally regulated health information technology systems such as certified EHRs. These data elements now must be accessible using Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources-a secure, flexible, and open-industry standard for health data exchange. The Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement provides a network to securely exchange health data across the country. The 3 building blocks of United States Core Data for Interoperability, Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources, and Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement are now in place thanks to diligent public and private sector work over 2 administrations. Across DHHS, we are working to refine these building blocks and increase their adoption through regulatory authorities, grants, and public-private partnerships. The technological building blocks described in this article are creating a unified approach to health data exchange for patient access, clinical care, quality improvement, scientific research, public health, and other uses of health data. Collaborations between the public, nonprofit, and private sectors are needed to maximize their potential. By unlocking the potential of health data, these building blocks are the foundation of a 21st-century digital health care system that will improve the experience of patients and clinicians and result in better health outcomes.

Medicinal plants used in traditional bone setting by the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya, India

Meghalaya is one of the 8 states of Northeastern India; it is known for its scenic beauty, unique culture, vibrant traditions and rich bio-diversity. Traditional bone setting is a field of study that focuses on ancient methods of treating bone fractures and joint dislocations, often practiced by traditional healers. This ancient art of healing fractures and musculoskeletal injuries has been passed down through generations, blending indigenous knowledge with practical experience. Conservation initiatives should also encourage the local communities to ensure sustainable practices that benefit both nature and people. The purpose of this study was to identify, document and preserve knowledge about the medicinal plants used in traditional bone settings by the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya. The data for the ethnobotanical study were collected by interviewing the traditional bone setters through a pre-structured questionnaire. Through extensive field surveys and interviews with 115 traditional bone setters, a total of 85 medicinal plant species (belonging to 44 families) were recorded. The Zingiberaceae family contributed the most species with 11 species, followed by Asteraceae with 7 plant species and Urticaceae with 6 species, Acanthaceae, Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Amaranthaceae and Plantiginaceae with 3 species each, while other species were represented by 2 and 1 species. More scientific investigation is required to validate the folk claims/medicine and further research and validation of these practices could lead to the development of alternative or complementary therapies for bone-related ailments.

Assessment of greenness, blueness, and whiteness profiles of a validated HPLC-DAD method for quantitation of Donepezil HCl and Curcumin in their laboratory prepared co-formulated nanoliposomes

White and Green Analytical Chemistry are innovative approaches in analytical chemistry that prioritize both sustainability and efficiency. Together, these approaches aim to advance scientific research while minimizing environmental impact and enhancing safety. This integration of environmental consciousness into analytical practices represents a significant step forward in achieving sustainable scientific progress. In the present study, a sensitive eco-friendly HPLC-DAD method was carried out and validated to allow concurrent determination of Donepezil HCl (DPZ) and Curcumin (CUR) in their pure form and laboratory made nano-liposome formulation. Optimum seperation was accomplished by utilising Zobrax Eclipse Plus C18 column (4.6*100 mm,5 μm) with gradient elution of the mobile phase composed of 0.02 M phosphate buffer at pH 3.2 and ethanol at flow rate of 1.5 ml/min. A diode array detector (DAD) was implemented for detection at 273 nm and 435 nm for DPZ and CUR, respectively, with the column oven set at 40 °C. The method was validated according to ICH specifications in terms of accuracy, precision, linearity range, detection and quantification limit. The calibration plots were linear with correlation coefficients (r2) = 0.999 over the range (0.1–100 µg/ml) and (0.1–100 µg/ml) for DPZ and CUR, successively. The validated HPLC-DAD approach was adopted to analyse both medications in laboratory prepared nano-liposomal formulation in which the analytes were successfully quantified with good recovery values and no disrubtion from the added excipients. The investigation of whiteness, blueness, and greenness metrics revealed a major benefit of the suggested approach over previous reported ones.

The commercial roots of the genomic commons.

Accounts of the origins of the genomic commons typically focus on the development of public repositories and data-sharing agreements. This article tells a different story. During the 1990s in the United States, efforts of private companies to prevent the patenting of certain kinds of DNA sequences were essentially a conservative response to shifts in the sociotechnical constitution of the pharmaceutical innovation system, and to the operation of intellectual property as one of the key knowledge control regimes that regulate that system. In this context, the idea of 'the commons' was rehabilitated from earlier tragic theorizations to argue that industry's ability to deliver new pharmaceutical products would be better served if certain kinds of intellectual property were left in the public domain. The genomic commons is not a neutral space of disinterested scientific research that naturally aligns with some abstract 'public good', but is part of an innovation system that has evolved to serve the interests of a range of stakeholders, among which the big pharmaceutical companies enjoy a dominant position.

Diversity patterns and knowledge gaps of Atlantic Forest epiphyllous bryophytes: a highly neglected group.

Epiphyllous bryophytes are a group of plants with complex adaptations to colonize the leaves of vascular plants and are considered one of the most specialized and sensitive groups to environmental changes. Despite their specificity and ecological importance, these plants represent a largely neglected group in relation to scientific research and ecological data. This lack of information directly affects our understanding of biodiversity patterns and compromises the conservation of this group in threatened ecosystems. Based on the compilation of data from a systematic review and virtual herbarium databases, we provide the first biogeographic assessment of diversity patterns of epiphyllous bryophytes in the Atlantic Forest hotspot. We also identify their phorophytes and assess sampling bias, knowledge gaps, and the current conservation state of epiphyllous bryophytes. The state of knowledge about epiphyllous bryophytes in the Atlantic Forest is still incipient and taxonomic and geographically biased. Sampling effort and climate variation highly influenced species richness patterns. Notably, Bromeliophila natans, a threatened and endemic species, has not been recorded in the past 20 years, possibly indicating extinction due to anthropogenic activities such as habitat loss. We found that the occurrence information, distributed across the domain, was positively influenced by the presence of protected areas, forest cover and density of cities, whereas it was negatively influenced by distance to access roads and research centers. More fieldwork and taxonomic and molecular studies are urgently needed to uncover biodiversity patterns and conservation priorities of this sensitive group. Without an increased collection effort, we may lose important species and their contributions to people.

Living Lab Dementia: process evaluation of an academic-practice partnership in German long term care for people living with dementia - study protocol

BackgroundLiving Labs, as a type of academic-practice partnerships, possess the potential to transform care and research into a participatory partnership and narrow the research-practice gap to improve evidence-based and Person-centred care. Given the lack of systematic investigations of Living Labs in healthcare, we will establish a dementia-specific academic-practice partnership (Living Lab Dementia) in Germany and conduct a process evaluation. The aim of this study is to gain insights into the intervention itself (mechanisms of impact) and its implementation process (degree of implementation, barriers, and facilitators).MethodsThis process evaluation of the multi-center research project PraWiDem (German acronym for linking professional nursing practice and research in dementia) will be conducted applying a convergent mixed methods design and will be based on the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for the development and evaluation of complex interventions. The intervention is presented in a logic model which describes relevant basic theoretical assumptions, intervention components, implementation aspects, mechanisms of impact, relevant outcomes, and the context in which the intervention is delivered. Data will be collected before the intervention (T0), during the intervention period, and at follow-up after 18 months (T1). Qualitative data will be collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Quantitative data sources will be process documents and questionnaires.DiscussionOur study will provide important insights into the Living Lab Dementia intervention and its implementation processes. The results of this evaluation will contribute to the refinement of the intervention and its implementation processes, and will enable to measure the impact of these processes in future studies.

A renewable light unto the nations? Modelling the limits of culturally appealing climate frames: a case study from Israel

ABSTRACT This study examines why some climate frames lose their discursive dominance over time despite successfully appealing to the cultural values and beliefs of the target audience. It argues that while ‘cultural climate frames’ are more effective in garnering public attention than frames emphasizing the science of climate change, they eventually lose strength if the value they promote no longer applies to the material context in which they communicate. The article uses Israel as its case study to examine why it officially abandoned its pro-climate policy in 2015 after enthusiastically promoting it since 2007. Critical discourse analysis of 58 semi-structured interviews with key policy actors, five public opinion surveys, media coverage, and government protocols identifies ten distinct frames that dominate Israeli climate discourse. It points to the ‘climate techno-opportunity’ framing as the most prominent among the ten frames due to its strong cultural appeal to both secular and religious Jewish audiences that commonly view Israel as a ‘start-up nation’ or as a ‘light unto the nations.’ The framing, however, ultimately lacked scientific validity or the resilience to survive the high-profile bankruptcies of several Israeli cleantech companies, and Israel’s 2010 natural gas discoveries that provided a quicker solution to Israel’s energy sector.

New scientific analysis reveals the independent bronze production system of indigenous Yue Group in Southern China during early Western Zhou period

New scientific analysis reveals the independent bronze production system of indigenous Yue Group in Southern China during early Western Zhou period

A "hand-held" polarimeter for on-site chiral drug measurement and chemical reaction monitoring.

A polarimeter is a common but critical instrument for measuring the optical rotation of chiral compounds, ranging from thepharmaceutical to chemical industry, or even employed in monitoring chemical reactions for research purposes. Developing a portable polarimeter helps to transfer the measurements from the laboratory to on-site detection. Herein, we design a new portable polarimeter with a"hand-held" scale. Technically, we innovatively adopted a rotary potentiometer coupled with a high-precision voltmeter to signify the angle changes after polarized light travels through the chiral compound solution. Compared with the commercial disc polarimeter that uses a dial to measure the optical rotation, sucha design shows superiority in being easy to read. This "hand-held" polarimeter meets the high demand for on-site detection on the premise of low cost. Bland-Altman analysis results showed consistency between our device's optical rotation detection method and the commercial disc polarimeter. The "hand-held" polarimeter can measure the optical rotation of achiral drug and be applicable to monitor the progress of a chemical reaction. As such, this "hand-held" polarimeter shows great potential to assist scientists in scientific research, or for on-site measurement with high portability.

Research on the Current Status of the Application of Ethnic Music Elements in Secondary School Music Education

Folk music is an indispensable branch of the tree of Chinese culture and a treasure of our outstanding traditional culture. Our national music comes from our ancestors' love for the nation for thousands of years. By integrating the essence of folk music into contemporary middle school music teaching, we can better promote, develop and enhance the charm of folk music. As Mr. Zhou Yin-chang pointed out, "Chinese as mother tongue" music education should become a focus, rather than just bringing young people into the stream of history, it aims to help young people better understand the tradition, inherit and carry forward the tradition, and better move towards the future. Through systematic investigation, analysis and research, we find that the teaching and application of folk music should have a good psychological foundation, which is derived from Piaget's theory of cognitive development, Vygotsky's theory of culture-historical development and other professional psychological theories. Based on this, we need to take measures to enhance the interest of middle school students in folk music, at the same time, we also need to train excellent teachers, so that they can better spread, carry forward and inherit the excellent traditional culture, and actively participate in various social practices, and strive to realize the true inheritance of folk music.

Global research progress and trends in traditional Chinese medicine for chronic kidney disease since the 21st century: a bibliometric analysis

ObjectiveThis study analyzed literature on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating chronic kidney disease (CKD) to identify research trends and provide guidance for future studies and clinical practice.MethodsThe study used data from Web of Science from 2000 to 2024 to analyze English-language literature on CKD and TCM. Bibliometric analysis was done using R software and the bibliometric package, with scientific mapping and visualization analysis conducted using tools like Citespace, VOSviewer, and ScimagoGraphica to explore research trends and connections.ResultsThis study revealed that a total of 1,153 relevant documents were retrieved, and the number of published articles showed an increasing trend, reaching a peak in 2022. In terms of article publication, China ranked first with 760 articles, closely followed by the United States with 132 articles. Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine published 60 papers, the most among academic institutions, followed by Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine with 54 papers. In terms of individual authors, Liu Xinhui holds the record for the highest number of published articles, totaling 17, followed by Li Ping and Li Shunmin. The prevalent keywords include “chronic kidney disease,” “TCM,” and “oxidative stress.” Currently, the prominent areas of research interest include network pharmacology, gut microbiota, oxidative stress, and related topics. The current research trend in this field is towards the adoption of novel methodologies such as network pharmacology and the emphasis on exploring the relationship between gut microbiota and CKD.ConclusionGlobal research on TCM in the treatment of CKD is showing a positive development trend, but further research on safety, efficacy evaluation, and international cooperation is still needed. The development trend is to adopt new scientific research methods and focus on exploring the mechanism of TCM in treating CKD.

The Research on Strategies of Cultivating Senior High School English Autonomous Reading Ability from the Perspective of Key Competence

In the context of core literacy teaching, high school is a critical period for students’ learning and development. While teaching students English knowledge, English teachers in high schools should pay more attention to the cultivation of their autonomous learning ability. English reading is an important part of English teaching in senior high school, and English teachers need to cultivate students’ good autonomous reading ability in teaching. Therefore, to effectively develop and improve students’ autonomous reading ability and encourage them to form a good reading habit in the process of learning, English teachers in senior high schools should change their traditional educational ideas in time, and constantly seek more scientific, reasonable, and interesting teaching methods in the process of teaching, to stimulate students’ reading interest, improve their English reading ability and effectively improve their English comprehensive literacy ability. Based on this purpose, this paper briefly analyzes the effective ways to cultivate English autonomous reading ability in senior high schools in literacy idea.

Exploration and Empirical Study on Spatial Distribution of SOC at the Core Area in Coastal Tamarix Forests’ Inland Side of Changyi National Marine Ecological Area

The forest soil carbon pool plays a vital role in terrestrial ecosystems, being of great significance for maintaining global balance, regulating the global carbon cycle, and facilitating ecological restoration. Shandong Changyi Marine Ecological Special Protection Area is the only state-level marine special protection area in China with tamarisk as the main object of protection, and it is the largest continuous and the best preserved natural tamarisk forest distribution area on the mainland coast of China. Compared to other forested areas, research on the spatial distribution of SOC at the core area in coastal Tamarix forests’ inland side appears to be relatively scarce. Based on this, this paper takes the core area of the Changyi National Marine Ecological Special Protection Zone, located on the southern coast of Laizhou Bay, as the research subject, based on the potassium dichromate oxidation-external heating, one-way ANOVA, and Bonferroni methods, analyzing the spatial distribution of the SOC content inland of coastal Tamarix forests. The research yielded the following conclusions: (1) The surface layer (0–10 cm) contributes significantly to the total SOC content within a 0–60 cm depth, accounting for at least 31% and shows notable surface accumulation. (2) The combined SOC content in the surface and subsurface layers (10–20 cm) accounts for at least 50% of the total SOC content within a 0–60 cm depth, indicating the dominance of these two soil layers in carbon storage. (3) The SOC content decreases with the soil depth at all six sampling points within the 0–60 cm range, with a marked drop from 0–10 cm to 10–20 cm. (4) One-way ANOVA and multiple comparisons reveal that the soil depth significantly affects the SOC distribution, particularly between the surface and 20–30 cm layers (p < 0.001), indicating high robustness and statistical significance. (5) Horizontally, the total SOC at 0 m is 45% lower than at 2 m in the 0–60 cm layer. The SOC in the 0–20 cm layer fluctuates significantly with distance from the shrub trunk, while the SOC in the 30–60 cm layers is low and stable, with minimal variations with depth. In addition, this study found that the SOC content in the core area of the protected area is lower than that in the common forest ecosystem. In the future, scientific ecological restoration projects and management protection methods should be used to improve soil’s carbon storage and carbon sink capacity. These findings not only validate the patterns of SOC’s spatial distribution in coastal Tamarix forest wetlands but also provide a scientific basis for carbon assessment and the formulation of ecological protection measures in coastal wetlands.

Exploring the Potential Use of Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, and Postbiotics as Adjuvants for Modulating the Vaginal Microbiome: a Bibliometric Review.

Women's health is related to several factors that include physical, mental, and reproductive health. Additionally, the vaginal microbiota modulation performs a fundamental role in the regulation of physiological homeostasis and dysbiosis, which provides us a potential overview of the use of different biotic agents and their implications for female health. The objective of this work was propitiated insights and conception about the influence of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics as adjuvants for prevention/treatment on the main infections that can affect women's health. Therefore, seventy-one studies published in the Web of Science Core Collection database from 1999 to 2024 were evaluated and performed to a bibliometric analysis employing the VOSviewer software for scientific mapping and network analysis. Our results suggest that administration of biotic agents as adjuvants are relevant for the prevention and/or treatment of the main diseases that affect female health, since they contribute to a healthy vaginal microbiota through anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Most clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of intervention using probiotics to the detriment of other biotic agents in women's health, being bacterial vaginosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and vulvovaginal candidiasis, the main diseases evaluated. However, preclinical studies have emphasized that the inhibition of pathogens responsible for the process of vaginal dysbiosis may be due to the formation of biofilm and the synthesis of compounds that could prevent the adhesion of these microorganisms. Future perspectives point to the beneficial modulation of the vaginal microbiota by biotic agents as a promising adjuvant approach to improve women's health.

The Courage of Public Reason: Sergei Alexandrovich Tokarev as a Historiographer

S. A. Tokarev founded the Russian historiographical tradition, laying the conceptual framework for studying the history of Russian ethnography (its pre-Soviet period), and the origins and history of foreign ethnology. Here we regard historiography in its professional sense and not just as a functional appendage of scientific research. In the author’s interpretation, historiography is not only (and not so much) a narrative about the past, but rather an internal dialogue of science and its self-reflection, a refined form of research into the past and modernity. S. A. Tokarev’s appeal to this genre dates back to the turn of the 1940s–1950s, when a unique constellation of conditions for a successful historiographical search developed. These conditions were rooted both in the internal scientific dynamics (ethnography had acquired a stable status of an independent discipline and a high degree of maturity of professional discourse) and in external circumstances (here the ideological vector coincided with the public sentiment — the struggle against cosmopolitanism on the one hand and the legitimate pride of the victorious people on the other). In this context it was crucial to create a respectable historiographical tradition, which would highlight the significant (and in the Soviet era - the leading) role of Russian science in the global context. The author’s interest is not in the analysis of S. A. Tokarev’s historiographical concept, but rather in the circumstances and conflicts (interdisciplinary, political and ideological) surrounding the preparation and publication of vast historiographical works. The article touches upon the usually neglected topic about scientific preferences and the specifics of a scientist’s research strategy as a projection of his psychotype. Why was it Tokarev who make the historiographical breakthrough? How was the “research laboratory” of a Soviet scientist organized, constrained by the rigid framework of planning, by external (political and ideological) and internal (scientific community) censorship, and under conditions of chronic academic and teaching overload? These issues are of considerable scientific interest.