Modern Times Research Articles

Analysis of Memory and Alzheimer's Disease in the Contemporary Context

Introduction: In modern times, it is increasingly common to encounter people suffering from the well-known Alzheimer's disease. Specialists mention that this progressive and degenerative disease is becoming more visible due to the increase in life expectancy rather than something specifically attributable to contemporary times. This paper aims to analyze memory as a cognitive process and its importance, linking it to Alzheimer's as the most well-known disease associated with memory. Attention is focused primarily on the memory impairment it causes, seeking to enhance understanding among readers and professionals in training. Understanding symptoms, processes, and support alternatives are key to successfully addressing Alzheimer's disease, which is currently on the rise, particularly among older adults. Methods: The methodology used is videographic analysis and theoretical and documentary analysis, supported by the comprehension through a clinical case analysis using a commonly employed and easily accessible technique. This technique involves analyzing a relevant-themed film. Results: The results and discussion demonstrate the common symptomatology in Alzheimer's, the progressive deterioration of memory and cognitive functions, as well as the importance of social and emotional support in achieving adaptability and coping with the different stages of this complex disease for the patients, within clinical possibilities. Conclusions: This knowledge is useful for psychology professionals to assist both the patients and their families.

Pedagogy of collectivism: past, present, future

The problem discussed in the article concerns a pedagogical phenomenon that has a pronounced domestic specificity – the pedagogy of collectivism. In the light of modern educational tasks facing schools, the pedagogy of collectivism acquires special significance: it is a ready-made solution for the development of social qualities of the individual, well developed both in theory and in practice. This concept, covering a fairly wide range of pedagogical reality, can be studied from different angles. The purpose of this article is to present a qualitative analysis of educational systems that have developed in the conditions of unique educational organizations that have no analogues in the world - the International Children's Center “Artekˮ and the All-Russian Children's Center “Orlyonokˮ. The leading research methods are a qualitative analysis of educational systems, in the implementation of which the methods of analogy, argumentation, contextual justification were used. Orlyonok pedagogy, in which the laws of the life of the team were formed, the methodology of collective creative activity was born, for many years it became the basis of educational activities in children's health camps of the Soviet Union, in the work of pioneer squads and at communal gatherings. Artek pedagogy is a unique pedagogical phenomenon that includes Artek traditions, teamwork experience, productive idea generation, and modeling of social and pedagogical projects. Having different approaches to the choice of forms and content of educational activities, both of these unique pedagogical phenomena were based on a common ideology, common worldview, and perception of the world. The ideological component has become history, but in modern times, there is certainly a place for these achievements of Soviet pedagogy, educational and upbringing practice; they need to be rethought from the standpoint of modern socio-cultural conditions and new educational tasks. The main conclusions formulated as a result of a qualitative analysis of educational systems: 1) a comparison of Orlyonok pedagogy and Artek pedagogy provides opportunities for generalizing similar ideas into a single direction - the pedagogy of collectivism; 2) a qualitative analysis of these educational systems made it possible to identify the structural components of the pedagogy of collectivism, describe its essential characteristics, and formulate the prospects for its development.

Recent advances in the synthesis of SGLT2 Inhibitors and natural products from carbohydrates.

Recent advances in the synthesis of SGLT2 Inhibitors and natural products from carbohydrates.

Neuropepides as mediators of retinal neurodegeneration in a rat model of diabetic retinopathy

Background. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most widespread chronic diseases of modern times, particularly type 2 dia­betes, which is rapidly increasing among the adult population worldwide. Late diagnosis of diabetes often leads to complications, among which diabetic retinopathy (DR) holds a leading position. That’s why we study the role of neuropeptides in the development of neurodegenerative changes in the retina using an experimental DR model in rats. Materials and methods. A streptozotocin-induced model of type 2 diabetes mellitus was used. The study was conducted on the 60th and 120th days, taking into account the levels of S100b protein, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and nerve growth factor. Results. There was a significant increase in the level of S100b protein, indicating microglial activation and neuroinflammation. At the same time, brain-derived neurotrophic factor decreased, which suggests reduced neurotrophic support. An increase in nerve growth factor was interpreted as a compensatory response to da­mage. Serum clusterin and fractalkine were elevated as well, which may indicate the activation of the inflammatory process and damage to the blood-retinal barrier. Conclusions. Changes in the levels of these biomarkers may be used for early diagnosis and prediction of retinal neurodegeneration in DR. This study represents an important contribution to understanding the pathogenesis of DR and potential approaches to its correction.

The Evolution of the Shipbuilding Industry in Southeast Asia: From Ancient to Modern Times

The Southeast Asia maritime architectural practice characteristic of its geopolitical configuration is an ancient-and- modern palimpsest of maritime genius made of incremental revisionist and intersecting premodern technocultural paradigms before and after transforming into contemporary industrial modes in ship-construction. In this essay, I seek to map the longue durée of the shipbuilding sector in Southeast Asia focusing on an evolutionary chain that connects autochthonous waterborne conveyances, the balangay and jong that epitomize native epistemologies mobility with highly mechanised infrastructures in urban-industrial combined centre specific to Singapore, Ho Chi Minh as well as Subic Bay. Triangulating material culture studies, historiographical inquest, and econometric datasets at method level the inquiry deconstructs the dialect of endogenous innovation and exogenous imposition through which has enacted the ontogenesis of maritime shipbuilding practices from below. Local craftsmen and transoceanic mercantile circuits as antagonistic imbrications, the socio-technological sedimentations resulting from instances of colonial entanglement will be central to the examination. Through this lens, the paper problematizes maritime engineering's tradition-bound teleologies of progress and presents instead a heterochronic model of precolonial, colonial and postcolonial in iterative reinvention and syncretic accretion. Moreover, the investigation traces epistemic infrastructures underpinning maritime archives and representations engaging with the epistemological work made possible in erecting archaeological objects, ethnographic narratives and macroeconomic indicators on shore. Via this analytical lens, the study places Southeast Asia not as a just-peripheral or derivative site of shipbuilding breakthroughs but rather for epistemic node in the capitalist maritime-industrial complex: a nexus where geostrategic urgencies come into convergence with tech-cultural hybridity. This means that the paper sets regaining its status in global supply chains and oceanographic geopolitical configurations in its regionally enduring but also contemporary renaissance as a node for naval architectural production, questioning both the historical base and current triumph. Constructing premodern heritage of maritime with the vamp of late-capitalist industrial rationality in Southeast Asia shipbuilding seems as a necessary vector, if we want to ask broader questions about technological sovereignty; regional integration or the material infrastructures of transnational capitalism.

Hemp in History: An Evolutionary Perspective on its Types and Uses

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has played an integral role to human civilization from an ancient crop used for fiber and food into modern plant with diverse applications in industries ranging from textile to medicines. As one of the earliest domesticated crops, its uses have varied from textile production to medicinal applications, and in modern times, its revival has generated renewed interest for industrial, environmental, and therapeutic purposes. This review explores the historical trajectory of hemp, its geographic spread, key historical periods, industrial uses, challenges, and its present-day resurgence.

THE AESON CARMAT TOTAL ARTIFICIAL HEART AS A BRIDGE TO TRANSPLANT: A CASE REPORT

THE AESON CARMAT TOTAL ARTIFICIAL HEART AS A BRIDGE TO TRANSPLANT: A CASE REPORT

Study of Key Parameters of Water of Vatrak Riverbed of Kheda District Gujarat and Its Impact on Floristic Diversity

The Vatrak river is a tributary of the Sabarmati River. It flows for around 243 km in state of Gujarat. Origin of Vatrak river is in hills of Dungarpur, Rajasthan. It enters into Gujarat near village Moydi which is located in Meghraj Taluka of Aravali district. Vatrak flows parallel to Mahi River for 29 km in Rajasthan before entering Gujarat. Direction of the Vatrak river is South-west. It is joined by Mazum river on the border of Kheda District. Vatrak is joined by river Shedhi and Meshwo near Kheda Town. Vatrak finally merge with Sabarmati River at Vautha near Dholka. Maximum length of Vatrak river is located in the Kheda District of Gujarat. This study covers ecological study of surrounding area of Vatrak riverbed. Route of Vatrak river in Kheda district passes through various talukas like Kapadvanj, Kathlal, Mehmdabad, Kheda and Matar. The present study is aimed to analyze the quality of water using certain physio-chemical parameters. These parameters help in understanding the ecology of river system and level of various pollution. Metallic pollution is one of the most serious global problems in the modern time. It is now observed that the pollution of river ecosystem is mainly a function of biologically available metallic fraction rather than the total amount of metal present in water or in sediments. In highly dynamic environment of a river system hydrodynamical, chemical, and biological factors vary greatly with different time scale and along the length of river. Another aim of the study is to analyze the sediments characteristics. Phytoplankton is the most elementary component in the food chain of any aquatic ecosystem. The aquatic food chain is initiated by phytoplankton, which serve as an indicator of good water quality. Phyisico- chemical properties of water greatly affects the productivity of phytoplankton thus affects the flora-fauna species composition, biomass, productivity etc.

Система ветхозаветного судопроизводства

Holy Scripture is an inexhaustible source of wisdom for a Christian. Containing instructions not only of a moral and social nature, the text of the Bible allows us to find guidelines for modern times. To a certain extent, it is generally known that modern secular law has its source in religious law. That is why it seems useful to turn to the Old Testament judicial system, which allows us to analyze the features and specificity of the genesis of law. Although part of the Mosaic Law is lost in the New Testament, it is a reflection of the same moral law that is more accurately interpreted in Christianity. The morality of the Mosaic Law finds its expression in ideas and concepts about moral and immoral, in commandments, in references to love and conscience. The Ten Commandments are rightfully considered to be the quintessence of the Old Testament law. But is it possible to be more precise? How, for example, are they related to other laws in the Pentateuch? Should they be regarded as laws in themselves, or are they rather a set of moral principles that could be enshrined in case law and statutory law? These issues have been intensively discussed in recent years and an attempt has been made to study the issues in detail here.

An Analysis on The Promotion of Engineers' Professional Spirit from The Perspective of Engineering Ethics

In modern society, as the leader of new productive forces and the founder of emerging industries, engineer's engineering practice has a profound impact on human survival and development. However, since modern times, the improper implementation of some engineering activities has led to significant ecological imbalance and social risks, and seriously threatened the life safety of the public. As a result, the engineering profession has gradually become the focus of social and public attention, and its professional responsibilities have been widely scrutinized. In view of China's status as a major engineering country, the popularization and research of engineering ethics and professional spirit are particularly important. An in-depth analysis of the root causes of the lack of professional spirit of contemporary engineers will not only help us understand the nature of this phenomenon, but also provide strong support for the strategies and suggestions of cultivating and improving the professional spirit of engineers from the aspects of society, government, universities and other aspects.

The Role of the Clergy in the Development of Muslim Newspapers in Russia in the Late 19th – Early 20th Centuries

The article is devoted to the role of the clergy in the development of the Muslim press in Russia in the late 19th — early 20th centuries. Des pite the fact that the press is generally regarded as a secular phenomenon of Modern times, Muslim ‘ulama played an important role in the activities of the Russian press from its creation in Transcaucasia to periodicals, which were closed already under the Soviet regime in the summer of 1918. The high level of qualifi cation of ulama manifested itself not only in their religious activities, but also in providing activities press organs. In this article, we examine the newspapers “Nur” and “Ittifak” as publications that paid attention not only to problems directly aff ecting the life of the clergy, but also to problems concerning all members of the Muslim ummah of Russia.

The Relation of the Smolensk Citizens to the Returning of the City into the Russian State during the Russian-Polish War

This research is dedicated to reaction of different categories of Smolensk citizens to the returning of the city into the Russian state during the Russian-polish war of 1654–1667 and to the characteristics of the Russian policy related to Smolensk residents and its transformation in this period of time. The author analyses changes in relation of Smolensk citizens to the Russian power during the war, especially pays attention to their reasons. For this the Russian-polish war was divided into three period of time. We are analyzing the situation of Smolensk inhabitants and their reaction to the going events. We examine the relation between Russian troops and territory residents in every case. Also we research the general approach of Alexey Mihailovich to the Smolensk incorporation into Russia. We touch the loyalty problem of the loyalty of the population to the monarch in the early Modern time. We make a conclusion that a new Russian approach was used in relation to Smolensk and its inhabitants for the first time. It was aimed at an alliance with territory elites while fully preserving their positions in region.

Initiatives of the International Council on Archives in the field of training and professional development

The purpose of the article is to analyze the initiatives of the International Council on Archives (ICA)in the field of training and professional development. Given the current challenges, such research is critically important for ensuring a high level of archival work at the global level. The use of materials and documents of the ICA is an important basis for training high-quality personnel, who, in turn, will ensure the further development and popularization of this professional field. Therefore, the use of the work of ICA researchers is a priority task of most national authorities in the field of archival affairs. The ICA plays a central role in the standardization of archival education at the international level, ensuring the harmonization of knowledge and practices between countries. ICA initiatives contribute to the creation of networks of professional connections between archivists, which allows for the exchange of experience, best practices and innovations. The successful implementation of programs aimed at training archivists to work with digital documents and the latest technologies demonstrates the adaptability of ICA to rapid changes in the information environment. The use of modern educational formats, such as distance learning, certification programs, interactive trainings, etc., allows for flexibility and efficiency of professional development of archivists. Thus, ICA initiatives provide the foundation for creating a sustainable system of professional development of archivists, capable of meeting the challenges of modern times.

Differentiated Learning Instruction Strategy on Learners’ Academic Achievement in Edukasyon Sa Pagpapakatao

In modern times, teaching strategies are evolving from traditional ones to modern ones. Differentiated learning instruction is one of the teaching strategies that is diverse in nature and is flexible. This study was conducted to determine the effects of differentiated learning instruction strategy on learners’ academic achievement in EsP at Hinaplanan National High School, Hinaplanan, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, School Year 2023-2024. It specifically sought to find the effects of differentiated learning instruction strategy on learners’ academic achievement in Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, examine the learners’ attitude towards Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, determine the significant difference in the learners’ academic achievement in the EsP pretest and posttest when grouped according to their attitude towards EsP, and determine the effect of differentiated learning instruction strategy on learners’ academic achievement in Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao. The respondents were the sixty (60) Grade 7 learners. It made use of quasi-experimental method of research with the instrument that was adapted from the self-learning modules (2020) of Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao 7 and a researcher-made questionnaire on learners’ attitude towards the subject. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation as well as T-test were used to determine the significant difference in the learners’ academic achievement in EsP pretest and posttest and their attitude towards EsP. The findings of the study highlighted that the psychomotor domain has the highest mean which rated as outstanding. It revealed that there was a significant effect of differentiated learning instruction strategy on learners’ academic achievement in Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao. Through the revision and modification of the lesson's subject matter, delivery and strategies, it increases student involvement, and it increases also their participation. With it, the academic achievement of learners improved. Further, on the learners’ attitude towards Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, the result for both groups, experimental and control, was described as agree and positive. Learners already hold a positive attitude of the subject they are studying since then. Thus, the positive attitude increased motivation, engagement, and a stronger desire to learn. It can be concluded that differentiated learning instruction strategy is effective when it comes to improving learners’ academic achievement in Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao 7. It is recommended that school administrators and teachers should work collaboratively in utilizing differentiated learning instruction strategy to sustain learners’ achievement in Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao.

Wildness-Humanity-Naturalness: On the Writing of Animals in Bi Feiyu's Novels

Representing and expressing animals in nature through words is one of the literary traditions in ancient and modern times. The writing of animals in New Period literature has emerged as a remarkable literary phenomenon in the history of contemporary Chinese literature. This paper focuses on the novels of Bi Feiyu, a significant "late-generation" writer of New Period literature. It analyzes the various aspects and connotations of his animal writing from two basic themes: the countryside and the city. In his rural novels, animals carry the trauma and fear of the era, symbolize the imagination of freedom, and reveal the distortion of human nature by power. In urban novels, animals reflect the mental illnesses of urban residents. Meanwhile, through the comparison with other two writers with outstanding manifestations in animal writing, considering the author's self-expression regarding animals, humans, life, and humanity, this paper explores how animals, as literary devices, integrate with the author's growth experience and life, thus forming Bi Feiyu's unique animal writing centered around humanity.

History of Ancient Herbal Medicine

Ancient herbal medicine, which was conceived by ancient civilizations, is thousands of years old. Across various cultures, herbs have been used to cure illnesses, enhance well-being, and balance the body. This abstract explores the history and evolution of herbal medicine, from its earliest stages in prehistory to its role in modern integrative health practice. Medicinal plants have been found to date back to their earliest use in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, and India, where plant remedies were documented by ancient practitioners and developed their first medical Traditional Healing Systems Ayurveda. Greco-Roman classical herbalism further institutionalized plant medicine, which subsequently influenced subsequent medical traditions. During the Middle Ages, Islamic scholars and Christian monks conserved and developed herbal lore, which resulted in a Renaissance flowering of interest in plant medicines. During the twenty-first century, despite the expansion of pharmaceuticals, herbal medicine has seen a resurgence, driven by a renewed interest in holistic and natural approaches to health care. The article highlights striking historical developments, legendary medicinal herbs, and the persistent significance of herbal medicine in the modern health care scenario. Through scientific research, several ancient remedies have been verified, reaffirming the relevance of herbal medicine in modern times.

Experimental Analysis of Fresnel Lens-Based Solar Desalination Systems with Copper Receivers for Enhanced Thermal and Electrical Performance

Solar desalination represents a breakthrough technology for creating sustainable freshwater because it meets both the water quality standards and technology efficiency requirements of modern times. The current desalination methods, which depend on fossil fuels, encounter major obstacles regarding their energy requirements and economical performance. The research investigates the improvement of solar desalination performance through coupling Fresnel lens technology with copper-based receivers to maximize thermal characteristics and power generation benefits. This research successfully unites Fresnel lenses of high performance with copper receivers to reach increased steam temperatures alongside power production during the same procedure. The research team performed experimental tests using a system that included four large Fresnel lenses in Sharjah, UAE. Under different operating settings, the system demonstrated its performance by measuring its flow rates together with ambient temperatures and recording the steam output values. The experimental data showed that bigger Fresnel lenses boosted the steam temperature beyond 1000°C as well as pushing pressure levels to 8 bar, which led to remarkable system efficiency benefits. The copper receiver system generated 775 mA DC electric current, which collectively enhanced the system's power efficiency. The tested combination of Fresnel lenses and copper receivers demonstrates an effective way to enhance solar desalination systems, according to observed experimental data. The dual-function technology combines desalination efficiency improvement with electricity production capabilities to establish a sustainable freshwater production method for arid regions. This investigation creates a basis for developing economical renewable desalination systems going forward.

“Warm Fuzzies” in Healing: The Tradition of Embodied Body Touching in Folk Medical Encounters

Human touch (“warm fuzzy”) has a tremendous potential to communicate and heal. Although body touching is measured and conditioned in the clinical world, in the folk tradition, it is spontaneous and grounded in experiences of intersubjectivity. Watching numerous medical encounters in an Indian rural setting, we confirm haptic modalities are not just therapeutic but help patients and healers to deeply engage in intersubjective interactions. It is an emotional journey of patients and healers who come close to each other through the sequential process of experiencing “being-apart-from-oneanother,” followed by the feeling of “being-with-one-another,” “being-withinone-another,” and finally “being-for-one-another.” We believe intersubjectivity is the key to healing that starts with free body touching; it is the healing praxis of modern times.

What Is China's "National Color"

"National color" is tempered from the process of historical civilization, and modern times. In ancient times, the Qin Dynasty advocated black, and the atmosphere was simple; the Northern and Southern Dynasties advocated blue, which was bright and flying; the Song Dynasty advocated "preserving natural principles and removing human desires", fresh and elegant Green has become the mainstream; in addition, yellow, which symbolizes imperial power, and the majestic Chinese red have always been the national colorsthat will never fade in the hearts of the Chinese nation.

Stress Reduction and Management for Improved Mental Health Globally

Background: Stress is one of the leading public health challenges of the modern time. It is known to exacerbate and lead to long term negative health effects such as heart diseases and mental health disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic has also increased the levels of stress in patients as social support has decreased with isolation and quarantine processes during the time of the pandemic.Objective: This paper will go on to discuss what measures can be taken to reduce stress for improved physical and mental health.Method: For this project extensive literature review was conducted to determine what leads to stress and how intervention approaches can stop stress. Additionally, given the regency of the COVID-19 pandemic, this research specifically wanted to make recommendations that would most help people who felt the effects of social isolation due to the pandemic and make further recommendations based on this. This paper has utilized literature and data all from within the past ten years, utilizing the highest regarded sources, and subject matter expertise across authors to make recommendations and inferences.Conclusion: This study has found that exercise such as yoga, deep breathing meditation, and having a positive attitude through personality traits such as playfulness, are all ways in which a person can reduce stress and improve their mental and physical health for improved quality of life and longevity. Lifestyle and a person’s profession also heavily influences levels of stress. Students have been shown to have the most increased levels of stress during the pandemic as well as hospital workers due to the change of setting and uncertainty for students and the high stress of contracting COVID-19 and putting one’s life on the line during the pandemic.