Regional Ministry Research Articles

Арктические сессии Петербургского международного экономического форума (ПМЭФ-2024)

The article summarizes the general results of the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2024, Forum), which took place in St. Petersburg from 5 to 8 June 2024. The author participated in two main Arctic sessions, which were devoted to the Northern Sea Route and international aspects of Arctic development, interacted with practitioners from federal and regional ministries and transport com-panies. This article is devoted to analysing these sessions.

10.X.2. Strengthening primary health care through best practice transfer: the CIRCE-JA approach

Abstract Primary health care (PHC) is a fundamental component of resilient, strong, and sustainable health systems. The main aim of PHC is to address people’s health in a high-quality comprehensive system approach, ensuring person-centred and integrated care across their lifespan, which includes their physical, mental and social well-being. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, health systems’ strengthening has become a global public health and European public health priority, and an overarching objective of the EU4Health programme. In Feb 2023, the three-year Joint Action on the transfer of best praCtices In pRimary CarE (CIRCE-JA) was launched. Its overall objective is to effectively transfer and implement six identified PHC best practices (BPs) across EU Member States (MS), with scientifically robust evidence-based approach, to ensure sound transferability methodology. Critically, it aims to increase MS capacity to deploy innovative care models in PHC and to effectively support health system transformation at this level of care. CIRCE-JA is a collaborative effort with 14 MS participating, bringing together 48 entities, to initially transfer the identified BPs into 42 new implementation sites, whilst at the same time generate all the necessary tools to facilitate uptake and evidence-informed decision-making across all MS. This implementation is based on the alignment of key BP characteristics to meet the local healthcare needs and priorities and match them with national and regional policies. It aims to facilitate integration of public health priorities to PHC practice, and to support the reorganization of services, for strong health promotion focus, synergies with community care, and better coordination of care. During this session key aspects will be discussed using the Pecha Kucha style, to inform the audience about current progress and CIRCE-JA using short stories, also on EU policies and priorities, and the EU4Health support for PHC and public health integration. What is urgently needed at EU-level when it comes to health systems’ strengthening in the post-COVID-19 period and why is PHC critical in this respect? How can the CIRCE-JA developments inform the ongoing transfer and future efforts for the selected BPs in terms of a robust scientifically evidence-based approach? How does the policy dialogue CIRCE-JA is establishing locally, nationally, regionally, supports not only the JA’s sustainability, but all future implementation efforts for PHC? Finally, a brief interaction with the audience will take a place to allow attendees to discuss on key priorities and challenges in their own settings and practice, including the barriers and difficulties that they have initially identifies in the implementation efforts. The output of this interaction will also inform the initial steps towards the establishment of the final deliverable of CIRCE-JA, i.e., the European Primary Healthcare Observatory, to sit on the European Commission’s Health Policy Platform. Key messages • Health systems’ strengthening necessitates strong PHC. CIRCE-JA delivers state-of-the-art tools and brokers policy dialogue to achieve it across Europe. • Several barriers and issues that facilitate the transferring process have been identified in the first implementation of this European initiative. Speakers/Panelists Christos Lionis CSFM & HSR-PH Lab, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece Ana M Carriazo Regional Ministry of Health and Families of Andalusia, Seville, Spain Alice Borghini National Agency for Regional Health Services AGENAS, Rome, Italy Radivoje Pribakovic NIJZ, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Testing an artificial intelligence algorithm to predict fetal heartbeat of vitrified-warmed blastocysts from a single image: predictive ability in different settings.

Could an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm predict fetal heartbeat from images of vitrified-warmed embryos? Applying AI to vitrified-warmed blastocysts may help predict which ones will result in implantation failure early enough to thaw another. The application of AI in the field of embryology has already proven effective in assessing the quality of fresh embryos. Therefore, it could also be useful to predict the outcome of frozen embryo transfers, some of which do not recover their pre-vitrification volume, collapse, or degenerate after warming without prior evidence. This retrospective cohort study included 1109 embryos from 792 patients. Of these, 568 were vitrified blastocysts cultured in time-lapse systems in the period between warming and transfer, from February 2022 to July 2023. The other 541 were fresh-transferred blastocysts serving as controls. Four types of time-lapse images were collected: last frame of development of 541 fresh-transferred blastocysts (FTi), last frame of 467 blastocysts to be vitrified (PVi), first frame post-warming of 568 vitrified embryos (PW1i), and last frame post-warming of 568 vitrified embryos (PW2i). After providing the images to the AI algorithm, the returned scores were compared with the conventional morphology and fetal heartbeat outcomes of the transferred embryos (n = 1098). The contribution of the AI score to fetal heartbeat was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression in different patient populations, and the predictive ability of the models was measured by calculating the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC). Fetal heartbeat rate was related to AI score from FTi (P < 0.001), PW1i (P < 0.05), and PW2i (P < 0.001) images. The contribution of AI score to fetal heartbeat was significant in the oocyte donation program for PW2i (odds ratio (OR)=1.13; 95% CI [1.04-1.23]; P < 0.01), and in cycles with autologous oocytes for PW1i (OR = 1.18; 95% CI [1.01-1.38]; P < 0.05) and PW2i (OR = 1.15; 95% CI [1.02-1.30]; P < 0.05), but was not significantly associated with fetal heartbeat in genetically analyzed embryos. AI scores from the four groups of images varied according to morphological category (P < 0.001). The PW2i score differed in collapsed, non-re-expanded, or non-viable embryos compared to normal/viable embryos (P < 0.001). The predictability of the AI score was optimal at a post-warming incubation time of 3.3-4 h (AUC = 0.673). The algorithm was designed to assess fresh embryos prior to vitrification, but not thawed ones, so this study should be considered an external trial. The application of predictive software in the management of frozen embryo transfers may be a useful tool for embryologists, reducing the cancellation rates of cycles in which the blastocyst does not recover from vitrification. Specifically, the algorithm tested in this research could be used to evaluate thawed embryos both in clinics with time-lapse systems and in those with conventional incubators only, as just a single photo is required. This study was supported by the Regional Ministry of Innovation, Universities, Science and Digital Society of the Valencian Community (CIACIF/2021/019) and by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI21/00283), and co-funded by European Union (ERDF, 'A way to make Europe'). M.M. received personal fees in the last 5 years as honoraria for lectures from Merck, Vitrolife, MSD, Ferring, AIVF, Theramex, Gedeon Richter, Genea Biomedx, and Life Whisperer. There are no other competing interests. N/A.

Policy Analysis for Anemia and Pregnant Women Care Eleviation Program Through Prospective Bride’s Preparation

Background: The percentage of pregnant women experiencing anemia in Indonesia has increased 37.1% compared to 2018 Riskesdas. The incidence of stunting is also influenced by the anemia and nutritional status of the mother during pregnancy. The implementation of 1000HPK has been widely implemented in all districts and cities throughout Indonesia but there are still obstacles in policy integration and cross-sector coordination caused by a lack of understanding of the program so that priority placement is not determined. Aim: to obtain policy recommendations for improving programs to prevent and alleviate anemia and Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) for pregnant women through the process of prospective bride’s preparation. Research method: The method used Action research with 3 stages. The sample are key persons of 1000 HPK program which are Public Health Office, BKKBN, Midwifery and Nursing Health Providers, and Regional Ministry of Religion (Kemenag and KUA). 24 people participate in FGD and 5 people for the In-depth Interview which was carried out at a place agreed upon by the respondents. Results: of the research provide recommendations for the need for collaboration between schools and universities for health education, schools and community health centers in providing blood supplement tablets, the need for an SOP for administration flow and procurement flow for Fe tablets as well as evaluation and monitoring. Modifying Fe tablets to make them popular with teenagers, creating health check formats for use, utilizing research and community service results and utilizing digital-based communications. Conclusion: achieving the goals of the anemia policy program requires cooperation and collaboration between various stakeholders. Keywords: Policy, Anemia, CED, Pregnant Women, Prospective Brides

Teachers’ Perceptions and Practices of Learner-Centred Grammar Teaching Methodology in Selected Secondary Schools of Oromia Special Zone Surrounding Finfinne

This study attempted to investigate teachers’ perceptions of learner-centred grammar teaching methodology and their classroom practices. To collect data, three schools were randomly selected in Oromia Special Zone surrounding Finfinne, Ethiopia. The researcher used a mixed approach that included a questionnaire and an interview. In order to fill the questionnaire, twenty-four English teachers were selected using census method since it was manageable. For an interview, four teachers were selected using purposive sampling. The findings of the study revealed that teachers have clear understanding towards learner-centred grammar teaching methodology. However, implementing the methodology was difficult because teachers usually focus on teaching grammar through presenting rules first followed by practicing the examples. In addition, students’ reluctance in actively participating in classroom discussion and fear of making mistakes were other problems. In order to create awareness in the implementation of a learner-centred method in grammar lessons, the concerned bodies like Woreda Education Office, Regional Education Bureau and Ministry of Education should prepare trainings for both teachers and students.

Practices of the Interaction of Muslim Communities of the Steppes with the Government (The 2nd Half of the 19th – Early 20th Century)

Based on the records of the central and local government of the Russian Empire, stored in the Central State Archive of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Russian State Historical Archive, the article analyzes the aspects and practices of interaction between the authorities and Muslim communities of the Steppe Region in the 2nd half of the 19th – early 20th century. Unlike the Orthodox population living in this administrative-territorial division, whose spiritual life was controlled by the officials assigned by the Holy Synod, Muslims were in the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Hence, the regional administration and several central ministries were directly involved in solving the problems of the spiritual life of Muslims of the Steppes. The competence of these authorities included establishing new parish organizations and constructing the worship places, founding confessional schools and religious and charitable societies, and organizing the believers’ pilgrimage to holy places. The legislation regulating the decision-making process for such tasks required submitting a petition to the local authorities, followed by their step-by-step consideration and then resolution. The central aspect of communication between the governing bodies and the Muslim communities was the establishment of the Spiritual Board in the Steppe region. The Kazakh population filed countless petitions to the central government during the first Russian Revolution of 1905–1907. As a result of the petition campaign, the practice of holding special and private meetings with the participation of representatives from authorities and Muslim communities of the region emerged. As sources evidence, when making decisions concerning the Muslims of the Steppe Region, local administrations relied on the trends in ethno-confessional policy implemented by the central government. Therefore, quite often, outcomes did not benefit the local Muslim population. However, in other aspects, the communication between the authorities and the Muslim communities can be characterized as constructive.

Assessment of Community Pharmacists’ Perception on Over the Counter Medications Use of Their Clients in Adama Town, Oromia, Ethiopia

Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are those that are offered to consumers without the need of a prescription. Pharmacists are among the medical professionals who play a crucial role in educating patients and assisting them in selecting nonprescription medications safely. Inappropriate self-medication with OTC drugs can have serious implications especially in extremes of ages including pregnant and lactating mothers. Therefore, the findings of this study may be used as preliminary information by concerned bodies. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate community pharmacists' perceptions of their clients' use of OTC drugs in Adama, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Methods: 94 community pharmacists in Adama town participated in a cross-sectional descriptive survey that was carried out at pharmacies between April to May of 2023. Data were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire, and a pilot study was conducted prior to the real data collection. After being coded and cleaned, the data was imported into SPSS version 21 for analysis. The mean, median, standard deviation, and inter-quartile range were used to characterize quantitative data. Frequency and percentage were utilized to characterize the qualitative data. Tables and graphs were utilized to present the results. Results: 98.9% of the respondents completed the survey. More than half (52.1%) of the participants held a Bachelor of Pharmacy qualification. According to 24.5% of pharmacists, OTC drugs were safe to dispense. Painkillers (94.7%) and cold, cough, and sore throat medications (78.7%) were the most often requested OTC medications. The choice of OTC medication dispensed was made by either pharmacists (66%) or consumers (34%). Insufficient knowledge of consumer (46.8%) and lack of exposure to medical information (25.5%) were the primary causes of OTC drug misuse. When they found a case of drug abuse, the majority (89.4%) of them said that counseling the clients was the best course of action. Conclusion: Inadequate knowledge of consumers and lack of exposure to medical information was the most leading cause of inappropriate use of OTC drugs, and the therapeutic categories of OTC drugs that patients misused the most were pain relievers (62.8%) as reported by community pharmacists. The majority (89.4%) of community pharmacists believed that counseling the clients was the best course of action when they found a case of OTC drug misuse. It is the duty of community pharmacists in patient education about OTC medications and their typical adverse effects. The Regional Health Bureau and Ministry of Health should provide learning opportunities for druggists to upgrade their education level and provide continuous pre-service and in-service training on OTC medication for all community pharmacists.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ СПЕЦИАЛИЗАЦИИ МОЛОЧНОГО СКОТОВОДСТВА В СЕВЕРО-ЗАПАДНОМ РЕГИОНЕ РФ

The Doctrine of national food safety defines dairy cattle products as being of para-mount importance in the diet of the population of the Russian Federation. Dairy cattle breeding accounts for a significant share in the structure of animal husbandry –about35%. Milk is an in-dispensable product for replenishing vitamins, full-fledged proteins, amino acids, etc. in the hu-man body. The use of milk as a food product for infants and young children makes it possible to classify it as a strategically important, irreplaceable product. The dairy cattle industry is critically important for the country’s economy and the livelihood of the population. The turnover of dairy products is 15% of the turnover in retail chains, over 1.3 million people work in the dairy industry at more than 20 thousand enterprises for processing and production of dairy cattle products. Dairy cattle breeding is one of the traditional branches of agriculture both in our region and in the Northwestern Federal District. Currently, digital innovations and technologies are being ac-tively introduced, considering the production potential of agricultural enterprises. As a result of the conducted research, we carried out a structural analysis of the enterprise, considering the specific weight of the main and additional industries. A typical structure of a dairy agricultural enterprise was proposed, which allows maintaining production potential and high production ef-ficiency, as well as contributing to the consolidation of personnel in rural areas. This article is of interest to the heads (administrations) of agricultural enterprises, municipalities and regional ministries of agriculture, as well as to the scientific community engaged in research on dairy cat-tle breeding. The application of the obtained results in practice can determine the prospects for further goal setting, considering the possibility of achieving the desired quantitative and qualita-tive characteristics of scientific and innovative development of regions in the future.

ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЕ ЭКСПЛУАТАЦИОННОЙ НАДЕЖНОСТИ СЕЛЬСКОХОЗЯЙСТВЕННОЙ ТЕХНИКИ С УЧЕТОМ РЕГИОНАЛЬНЫХ ОСОБЕННОСТЕЙ

The technical equipment of agricultural production in Russia is characterized by a low level of energy supply. In the regions of the country, where a sharp decrease in technical equipment has been stabilized, there is a decrease in the number of machines that have developed a standard service life. (Research purpose) The research purpose is assessing the operational reliability of agricultural machinery taking into account the regional features of the maintenance system, capital repairs and modernization of machinery. (Materials and methods) It was noted that in the Republic of Bashkortostan, a program is being implemented to subsidize the costs of agricultural producers for capital repairs and modernization of equipment, which has significantly increased the availability factor of tractors and combines while increasing their standard service life. (Results and discussion) It was established that the operational reliability of agricultural machinery is largely ensured taking into account the regional characteristics of the maintenance and repair system, which is determined by the leading and coordinating role of the regional Ministry of Agriculture in the field of state support for the technical service system of agricultural machinery, scientific, technical and personnel policy. The directions of activity of the engineering service of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Bashkortostan have been identified: subsidizing technical service enterprises; development of tools and technologies for maintenance and repair (import substitution); coordination of work for the serial production of new types of equipment; organization of interaction with industrial enterprises; search and development of constructive solutions to improve the design of components and assemblies; creation of zonal service centers by dealers in the territory of supervised regions; advanced training and retraining of engineering personnel; creation of a systematic catalog database data on tractor parts and mobile agricultural machinery; the development of the secondary market and the trade-in system of agricultural machinery. (Conclusions) Measures of influence on the system of maintenance and repair were determined, taking into account regional peculiarities in the field of state support for the system of technical service of agricultural machinery, scientific, technical and personnel policy of the region.

Regional import substitution policy amid economic sanctions: The case of the Republic of Tatarstan

The exhaustion of the traditional raw material export model, which results in a growing dependence of the core economic industries on imported goods and components, makes it increasingly relevant to develop tools for finding promising areas of import substitution. The paper proposes a methodology for assessing imported commodity groups to identify the priority areas for import substitution in a region. The theoretical framework of the study includes comparative and competitive advantage theories, as well as the concepts of production concentration, clusters, and industrial complexes. The research methods of economic-statistical, structural analyses and clustering were applied. The statistical data were retrieved from the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation, the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat), and the Unified Interdepartmental Statistical Information System (EMISS). The proposed methodology was tested using the case of imports and exports in the Republic of Tatarstan in 2013–2021. We identified four key commodity clusters for import substitution, which account for more than 40 % of the region’s current imports, these are 1) the important localized import-dependent commodity groups a) having potential for import substitution in the region (tools, petroleum products), b) promising for import substitution in the RF (equipment and mechanical devices, furniture), as well as 2) the important non-specific import-dependent commodities a) having potential for import substitution (paints, electrical machines), and b) promising for import substitution (milk, clothing). The largest producers of the Republic of Tatarstan were identified for each cluster. Matrix modeling showed that some commodity groups are positioned in the area of the region’s low specialization, low localization and share of imports, which are typically grouped into three additional clusters that do not require enhanced policy on import substitution: growing import-dependent goods (grain, etc.), goods requiring no particular attention (silk, wool, etc.), and significant import-dependent goods (essential oils, etc.). The research findings can be used by regional ministries and departments when making strategic decisions on import substitution.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of COVID-19 among Nurses at Mayo Hospital Lahore

COVID-19 is an unparalleled global challenge, necessitating unprecedented interventions. It emerged as a new and highly contagious virus (SARS-CoV-2), causing high mortality rates and overwhelming healthcare systems. Nevertheless, prior experience with coronaviruses and recent epidemics has provided a foundation for effective infection control and the rapid development of vaccines and treatments. Objective: To assess knowledge attitude and practices regarding COVID-19 among nurses of Mayo Hospital Lahore. Methods: COVID-19 is a unique global dilemma that requires unheard-of remedies. It was a brand new, extremely contagious virus called SARS-CoV-2 that had a devastating impact on health systems and caused high mortality rates. But recent epidemics and past experience with coronaviruses have laid the groundwork for rapid development of vaccines and treatments, as well as effective infection control. Results: The response rate was 100%. The mean age was 3.26+1.474. Among 90 study participants 11(11.2%) were 18-20years, 31(31.6%) were between 21-25years, 3 (3.1%) between 26-30 years, 35 (35.7%) between 31-35years and 11(11.2%) between 36-40years. Further, out of 90 study participant the overall proportion of knowledge attitude and practice were 72.2%, 36.2%, and 63.3% respectively. Conclusions: The overall level of knowledge and practice among nurses was good. However, the attitude was relatively low. National and regional ministry of health should continue efforts and battling of this pandemic disease since it’s still spreading all over the world.

Features of natural population movement in the Siberian Federal District during the coronavirus pandemic

The pandemic of a new corona virus infection (NCVI) has worsened the already unfavorable demographic situation in the Russian Federation. Aim of the study was to assess the changes in the demographic situation in the country and the Siberian Federal District and the causes contributing to them. Material and methods. Statistical data of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Rosstat, regional ministries of health of subjects belonging to the Siberian Federal District, and literature on the problems of demography were used. The following methods were used: analytical, historical, statistical, including statistical observation, summary and grouping of materials, absolute and relative statistical values, sampling. Results and discussion. The pandemic period of the new coronavirus infection in RF and SFD is characterized by a substantial increase in the mortality rate, which became the maximum in the newest history of Russia, i.e. since 1991. The structure of the main causes of death has changed. Diseases of the circulatory system, neoplasms, diseases of the digestive organs and external causes, accounted for 76.6 % of all causes in 2019, in 2021 they accounted for only 60.1 %, with NCVI taking second place among causes of death (19.1 %). The birth rate remains at a low level, and in 2021 was 9.6 per 1000 population, which is 16.5 % lower than in 2017, due to which the natural decline in population has significantly increased (to –6.3 in Russia and to –7.0 per 1000 population in SFD) and the average life expectancy has decreased. Conclusions. All of the foregoing points to the ineffectiveness of measures to prevent and forestall the adverse effects of the pandemic, which is practically inevitable in the case of new, poorly studied infectious diseases. The measures taken to organize medical care to the population in the conditions of the pandemic have not been adequate. This is evidenced by the higher rates of total mortality of the population, compared to the probable ones (caused by the increase in mortality from NCVI), a significant increase in natural population decline and a reduction in life expectancy.

How Protected Areas Are Transforming Within Megapolis: An Advanced Spatiotemporal Legislative Model

Compared to pristine ecosystems, urban protected areas (PAs) are exposed to intensified pressure and deterioration due to rapid population growth and entangled stakeholders’ interests. At the same time, these valuable ecosystems provide cities with ecosystem services, including cultural ones, and enhance the quality of life. Spatial analysis of PAs’ transformations in the context of the multidisciplinary approach contributes to the detection and safeguarding of vulnerable ecosystems. The study object is the protected areas of Moscow megapolis (within boundaries until 2012), whereas the study subject is the spatial and temporal PA’s transformations established by legislative acts. The research question is to devise a model of transformations designated by law within urban PAs and affecting their borders, land use, and rate of ecosystem deterioration. To achieve the research question, three goals were set: to gather spatial data on PAs’ transformations within Moscow designated by legislative acts; to design a comprehensive and exhaustive classification of PAs’ transformations established by legislative acts; to model spatial and temporal trends in transformations of Moscow PAs (1985-2022), according to the classification devised. The 3-compound framework for the analysis of legislative transformations (downgrading, downsizing, degazettment of protected areas) was coupled by content analysis of transformation events, GIS mapping, and spatial analysis of urban vegetation through NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) estimations and raster computations in QGIS and GDAL software. The originality of our study derives from: the analysis of the 4th transformations’ compound (design failures of new PAs); spatial comparison with positive transformations, strengthening nature conservation; uncovering detailed subtypes and levels of transformations; applying this approach to the local scale of megapolis. Our study is based on: 1985-2022 legislative acts with text and map representations of PAs’ borders, zones and land-use designated by regional government and national ministries; national and Moscow open-access spatial data hubs; Moscow online news; 2001-2021 Landsat imageries and Global Forest Change data on Moscow region. Adverse transformations affected a larger area than positive ones (53.8% of a total PA area compared to 22.6%). Positive transformations contributed by PAs’ design (49.5%) mostly, while adverse ones – by easing of restrictions on land use (60.3%) and failures in the design of new PAs (22.8%). Adverse transformations are mainly reflected in the downsizing of zones with the strictest prohibitions on land use (-68% on average) and a low share of designed PAs (54%) through the period 1985-2022. Woodland plantations dramatically expanded (+86.5%), replacing seminatural urban forests (2005-2021). Hence, PA’s ability to supply ecosystem services has been considerably diminished. In regard to Moscow, considerable adverse trends in nature protection were revealed, generally hidden from the public. The analyzed typology of Moscow PAs’ transformations is quite conventional and may be improved through comparisons with other megapolises abundant in natural heritage to advance the model devised and elicit threats to nature conservation.

Omicron new variant BA.2.86 (Pirola): Epidemiological, biological, and clinical characteristics - a global data-based analysis.

Since December 2019, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a threatening situation worldwide. The new variant of SARS-CoV-2, BA.2.86, also known as Pirola, is an Omicron subvariant that causes great concern because it has been found to contain a large number of mutations. This study aims to investigate and identify the biological and clinical characteristics of this threatening new variant of SARS-CoV-2, which is BA.2.86. This observational study was performed in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The literature was searched using the key terms including "SARS-CoV-2, Omicron, BA.2.86, Pirola, epidemiology, clinical characteristics". The data on Omicron BA.2.86 were obtained from the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GSIAD), PubMed, Web of Science, regional ministries, research institutes, and international print media. Initially, 26 documents were identified and 10 documents were included for the data analysis. The information on the prevalence and the biological characteristics of the new variant of SARS-CoV-2, Omicron BA.2.86, was recorded and synthesized for analysis. The Omicron BA.2.86 has been identified in 23 countries with 264 confirmed cases as of September 28, 2023. The number and distribution of these cases encompass the United Kingdom 66 (25.0%), USA 34 (12.87%), Denmark 31 (11.74%), Sweden 25 (9.46%), South Africa 20 (7.57%), Spain 20 (7.57%), France 15 (5.68%), Portugal 7 (2.65%), Japan 6 (2.27%), Canada 5 (1.89%), Thailand 5 (1.89%), Israel 5 (1.89%), Greece 5 (1.89%), Germany 3 (1.13%), Belgium 3 (1.13%), Luxembourg 3 (1.13%), Netherlands 3 (1.13%), South Korea 3 (1.13%). However, one case in each country has been reported in Australia, Italy, Iceland, Switzerland, and China. The disease has been reported more frequently in females (71.0%) than males (29.0%). To date, no deaths have been reported. The novel variant has spread more swiftly than other variants of SARS-CoV-2 and has crossed many international borders. The new Omicron variant BA.2.86 has affected 264 people in 23 countries. The disease is more common in females than males and mainly affects old age people (over 60 years of age). However, no deaths have been reported. The variant is spreading swiftly and transmitted more rapidly. The clinical manifestations in patients with Omicron BA.2.86 variant are not well documented and may be similar to earlier strains of COVID-19 by presenting with mild infectious symptoms, including headache, body ache, cough, fever, generalized myalgia, and severe fatigue. The global health authorities must take preventive measures to stop the outbreak of this emerging variant across the globe to minimize the disease burden.

Bilingual school choice and socio-economic segregation: an analysis for Spain based on PISA 2015

ABSTRACT In the academic year of 2004–2005, the Spanish region of Madrid began to implement a bilingual educational programme (MBP hereinafter) in state schools. One of the objectives of this programme was to make the study of a foreign language (English) accessible to students from economically disadvantaged families who cannot afford private foreign language classes. Our study aims to evaluate whether students from a disadvantaged socio-economic background really do have the same probability of participating in the MBP as their more privileged peers. The analysis use the PISA 2015 database which corresponds to the representative sample of the Community of Madrid in Spain, with added administrative information supplied by the Madrid Regional Ministry of Education concerning the identification of bilingual and non-bilingual schools. Using these data, we estimate a logit model directed at identifying which factors explain the choice by students of whether to attend a bilingual state school. The results obtained reveal that the probability of attending a bilingual school is higher for students belonging to socio-economically and culturally better-off households. This suggests that the MBP could be fostering segregation within the state education sector in Madrid.

Implementation of Program Islamic Religious Education Program at State Junior High School (SMPN) 2 Kuta Makmur, Aceh Utara

The flagship Islamic religious education program is a collaboration between the Aceh provincial government and the Aceh Regional Ministry of Religion. This program is intended to create excellence in PAI learning. The purpose of this study was to find out the implementation of the superior Islamic religious education program at SMPN 2 Kuta Makmur, North Aceh. The research method used is a qualitative research method. Data collection techniques used are interviews and observation. Furthermore, the data were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive analysis. The results of the study show that in practice the leading Islamic religious education program at SMPN 2 Kuta Makmur Aceh Utara is carried out by strengthening Guidance to Write and Read the Qur'an (BTQ) so that students become a Qur'anic generation. The implementation of the program begins with outreach to all school members. Obstacles faced in implementing this superior Islamic religious education program include the lack of operational costs and the lack of facilities owned by schools.

Exploring the values, preferences, and information needs of patients with NKX2-1-related disorders: A qualitative study protocol.

NKX2-1-related disorders have a prevalence of 1:500,000 and are therefore considered a rare condition according to the European Commission's definition. The European Reference Network of Rare Neurological Disorders is developing the first clinical practice guideline on the management of this condition, with the support of the Andalusian Health Technology Assessment Area, Endo-ERN, ERN-Lung and Imegen, within the framework of the ERNs Guidelines programme (DG SANTE/2018/B3/030). Within the scope of this programme, it becomes necessary to explore the patient perspective in order to include it in the ongoing clinical practice guideline and accompanying patient information booklet. This study will use qualitative methods to explore the values, preferences and information needs of patient with NKX2-1-related disorders and their caregivers. Participants will come from a variety of countries throughout Europe. One focus group and four semi-structured interviews will be conducted. Pairs will analyse the data using Grounded Theory. The Andalusian Regional Ministry of Health's Ethics Coordinating Committee for Biomedical Research (Sevilla, Andalucía, Spain) has approved this study protocol (29/03/2022). This is the first study to explore the values, preferences, and information needs of patients with NKX2-1-related disorders. The proposed study's findings will contribute to the generation of useful knowledge that will provide guidance to improve the care given to patients with the studied condition. While this study will provide valuable insights into the perspectives of patients with NKX2-1-related disorders, the findings are unlikely to be generalizable to patients with other conditions.

Safety and efficacy of intra-arterial bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation in patients with acute ischaemic stroke in Spain (IBIS trial): a phase 2, randomised, open-label, standard-of-care controlled, multicentre trial

Pilot clinical trials have shown the safety of intra-arterial bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) in stroke. However, the efficacy of different doses of intra-arterial BMMNCs in patients with acute stroke has not been tested in a randomised clinical trial. We aimed to show safety and efficacy of two different doses of autologous intra-arterial BMMNC transplantation in patients with acute stroke. The IBIS trial was a multicentre phase 2, randomised, controlled, investigator-initiated, assessor-blinded, clinical trial, in four stroke centres in Spain. We included patients (aged 18-80 years) with a non-lacunar, middle cerebral artery ischaemic stroke within 1-7 days from stroke onset and with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 6-20. We randomly assigned patients (2:1:1) with a computer-generated randomisation sequence to standard of care (control group) or intra-arterial injection of autologous BMMNCs at one of two different doses (2 × 106 BMMNCs/kg or 5 × 106 BMMNCs/kg). The primary efficacy outcome was the proportion of patients with modified Rankin Scale scores of 0-2 at 180 days in the intention-to-treat population, comparing each BMMNC dose group and the pooled BMMNC group versus the control group. The primary safety endpoint was the proportion of serious adverse events. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02178657 and is completed. Between April 1, 2015, and May 20, 2021, we assessed 114 patients for eligibility. We randomly assigned 77 (68%) patients: 38 (49%) to the control group, 20 (26%) to the low-dose BMMNC group, and 19 (25%) the high-dose BMMNC group. The mean age of participants was 62·4 years (SD 12·7), 46 (60%) were men, 31 (40%) were women, all were White, and 63 (82%) received thrombectomy. The median NIHSS score before randomisation was 12 (IQR 9-15), with intra-arterial BMMNC injection done a median of 6 days (4-7) after stroke onset. The primary efficacy outcome occurred in 14 (39%) patients in the control group versus ten (50%) in the low-dose group (adjusted odds ratio 2·08 [95% CI 0·55-7·85]; p=0·28), eight (44%) in the high-dose group (1·89 [0·52-6·96]; p=0·33), and 18 (47%) in the pooled BMMNC group (2·22 [0·72-6·85]; p=0·16). We found no differences in the proportion of patients who had adverse events or dose-related events, but two patients had a groin haematoma after cell injection in the low-dose BMMNC group. Intra-arterial BMMNCs were safe in patients with acute ischaemic stroke, but we found no significant improvement at 180 days on the mRS. Further clinical trials are warranted to investigate whether improvements might be possible at different timepoints. Instituto de Salud Carlos III co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund/European Social Fund, Mutua Madrileña, and the Regional Ministry of Health of Andalusia.

ШКОЛА КРЕАТИВНЫХ ИНДУСТРИЙ В РЕГИОНАЛЬНОЙ ЭКОНОМИКЕ ТОМСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

The development of creative industries in modern conditions is a factor in revitalizing re-gional economies around the world. In Russia, the creation of Creative Industries Schools based on educational institutions subordinated to regional departments and Ministries of Culture has become an important tool for the development of creative industries. These schools not only train personnel for the formation of human potential in creative industries, but also act as an important tool for economic and spatial development of the region. In this article, on the basis of collected and sys-tematized data on commercial activity of creative industries enterprises in Tomsk region by cities, as well as analysis of the experience of creating one of the schools in Tomsk, we develop models of "translucent box", reflecting the impact of the School of Creative Industries as a whole, as well as its individual projects - "Sibirskaya Ne_provincia" and "Creative landing" - on the economy of the region. The results of the study show that from the position of the development of the economic space of creative industries in the region the center, the city of the "second echelon" and other cities are distinguished. Creative industries are created mainly in the form of individual enterprises, the key types of creative industries, which create new business production of software and computer games, film industry, fashion, design, jewelry, as well as education. The projects of the School of Creative Industries have a positive impact on the spatial development of the region through the realization of creative and social projects. This article will be useful for representatives of the creative industries community, including project offices, Creative Industries Schools, educational organizations, city, and regional administrations, as well as creative clusters to develop a system of cooperation and collab-oration. The results will be presented at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2023 and at the Festival-Forum "Russian Creative Week 2023".

Waste Worlds: Inhabiting Kampala’s Infrastructures of Disposability by Jacob Doherty

Reviewed by: Waste Worlds: Inhabiting Kampala’s Infrastructures of Disposability by Jacob Doherty Grace Akese Jacob Doherty, Waste Worlds: Inhabiting Kampala’s Infrastructures of Disposability. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2022. 288 pp. I review this book from Accra, Ghana, where I am researching the aftermath of the demolition of Agbogbloshie, the infamous e-waste site in Accra, popularly known as the world’s largest e-waste dumpsite. In the summer of 2021, as part of the Greater Accra Regional Ministry’s campaign of #letsmakeAccrawork, the site was violently torn down amid armed military and police presence, and economic activities there were brought to a halt. What appears to be a complete erasure had precedents in evictions and similar demolitions in 1993, 2002, 2004, and 2015. Reading Doherty’s Waste worlds in the here and now of Agbogbloshie’s very own morally charged rhetoric of urban decongestion, displacement, economic precarity, and environmental harm, I couldn’t help but draw parallels about how urban social and environmental transformations manifest through waste and its infrastructure in Africa’s major cities. The title of the book Waste worlds: Inhabiting Kampala’s infrastructures of disposability is telling of the grounded and ethnographically rich nature of his accounts. Doherty offers a lively and engaging ethnography of Kampala’s waste and its infrastructural life. Waste is not just a matter of management within a technocratic regime. Waste foments lively engagements with people and places; as such, it is part of and creates lived worlds that “emerge through the process of inhabitation—the everyday world-making practices of cleaning, sorting, discarding, and salvaging” (6). Waste worlds are “the official and unofficial infrastructures and economies that constitute the city’s waste stream and develop around it” (3). In three parts, each with five chapters, Doherty thoroughly and engagingly transverses the “heterogeneous assemblage—of waste, technologies, [End Page 177] discourses, moral logics, forms of work, political rationalities” (22)—that make up these emergent worlds. What, then, do the densely inhabited waste worlds of Kampala look like? The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), a new municipal authority formed by President Museveni’s government, features prominently in Kampala’s discardscape. Created primarily to subvert the power of the city’s elected officials, KCCA’s mandate includes cleaning the city. Doherty shows that the KCCA evangelizes this mandate and embraces a moral charge to cleanse, reorder, and eventually redeem a city that has fallen from grace. Assuming an overlord, the authority enrolls a regime of disposability, which among other things, manifests in evictions and displacements, a process that Doherty describes as a “destructive creation” (69) where in the name of development, some places and livelihoods are inevitably sacrificed. Even as the KCCA actively renders some livelihoods and space waste as a necessity for development, it must also remove the waste created by residents. In its waste removal efforts, the authority is unable to maintain a sealed waste stream where waste collection, often outsourced to private services (in low-income settlements), travels from spaces of generation to final disposal–from homes, offices, and factories to landfills. Para-sites comprised of so-called informal waste scavengers and salvagers punctuate the city’s imagined linear waste stream. In a system designed to exclude them, they are the conditions of possibility that makes it function properly. In this highly charged field of struggles around waste and its infrastructure, the KCCA thinks of itself as a-political, wielding only a technical mandate to clean Kampala. In this field of struggle, I find Doherty’s attention to the play out of race and racialization in Kampala one of his most compelling contributions. There is limited direct engagement of race and racialization logic in the burgeoning studies on the politics of waste in Africa. To the extent that race is engaged, studies more broadly focused on toxic waste flows from the West to Africa and associated environmental justice concerns. Following Jemima Pierre’s (2013:xii) insight that a “modern, postcolonial space is invariably a racialized one,” the final part of the book sheds light on the racialized scripts and framings of urban futures that play out in highly publicized yet mundane events like the monthly cleaning exercises organized by...