Regular Exchange Research Articles

Political involvement in street‐level policy implementation as a two‐way relationship—The effect of policy capacity

AbstractTo date, research on politicians’ influence on the work of street‐level bureaucrats (SLB) and the consequences for policy implementation has mainly focused on disruptive effects of political involvement—for instance, poorer social equity in public service provision or political patronage. Our study opens up this perspective and argues that the relationship between politicians and SLB is a two‐way relationship shaped by capacities of the stakeholders themselves and their organisational environment. We link SLB research with policy capacity literature. We focus on the effect of political capacity because this type of capacity meaningfully influences whether SLB can actively control the relationship with politicians. We ask: What is the relevance of political capacity for policy implementation? We use data from Swiss social assistance where the phenomenon of interest, that is the political involvement, is institutionalised by law within the implementing agencies. We show that political capacity at the organisational and individual level has a confidence‐building effect. SLB and politicians learn how to engage with each other and how to make the most of the exchange. Politicians gain a deeper understanding and are able to politically legitimise the policy.Points for practitioners Existing research on politicians’ influence on the work of street‐level bureaucrats (SLB) has mainly focused on disruptive effects of political involvement—for instance, poorer social equity in public service provision or political patronage. We show that the relationship between SLB and political actors can actually lead to ‘non‐disruptive’ or even positive effects on public service provision due to certain capacities of the stakeholders themselves and their institutional environment. We identify two types of capacity that foster a constructive relationship between SLB and politicians: organisational and individual political capacity. Organisational political capacity: The institutional or organisational setting within which SLB and politicians implement public policy and provide public services can promote regular exchange and cooperation between these two types of stakeholders to a greater or lesser extent—or even require it (e.g. by law). If the setting is conducive, constructive contact between SLB and politicians takes place during policy implementation. Thus, SLB and politicians know each other and know how to interact, which enhances trust among them and mutual understanding of their respective duties, challenges, and interests. Individual political capacity arises from this as SLB learn how to use this contact for their needs, that is to obtain and sustain political support for their policy actions. Politicians also benefit from the exchange because they gain a deeper understanding of the respective policy and feel more confident in representing it towards the public and the politics. In short, the findings show how capacity at different levels may reinforce each other. The organisational context can promote political capacity through regular contact between SLB and politicians. Actors have to learn to work with each other and thereby enhance their individual political capacity.

A research data management (RDM) community for ELIXIR.

Research data management (RDM) is central to the implementation of the FAIR (Findable Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and Open Science principles. Recognising the importance of RDM, ELIXIR Platforms and Nodes have invested in RDM and launched various projects and initiatives to ensure good data management practices for scientific excellence. These projects have resulted in a rich set of tools and resources highly valuable for FAIR data management. However, these resources remain scattered across projects and ELIXIR structures, making their dissemination and application challenging. Therefore, it becomes imminent to coordinate these efforts for sustainable and harmonised RDM practices with dedicated forums for RDM professionals to exchange knowledge and share resources. The proposed ELIXIR RDM Community will bring together RDM experts to develop ELIXIR's vision and coordinate its activities, taking advantage of the available assets. It aims to coordinate RDM best practices and illustrate how to use the existing ELIXIR RDM services. The Community will be built around three integral pillars, namely, a network of RDM professionals, RDM knowledge management and RDM training expertise and resources. It will also engage with external stakeholders to leverage benefits and provide a forum to RDM professionals for regular knowledge exchange, capacity building and development of harmonised RDM practices, keeping in line with the overall scope of the RDM Community. In the short term, the Community aims to build upon the existing resources and ensure that the content of these remain up to date and fit for purpose. In the long run, the Community will aim to strengthen the skills and knowledge of its RDM professionals to support the emerging needs of the scientific community. The Community will also devise an effective strategy to engage with other ELIXIR structures and international stakeholders to influence and align with developments and solutions in the RDM field.

Interprofessional collaboration during a specialised mobile palliative care service pilot in the rural area of Lucerne.

Interprofessional collaboration in outpatient palliative care is critical to ensuring good quality of care in the home care sector. We investigated facilitators and barriers (FaBs) of interprofessional collaboration among healthcare professionals who participated in a 6-month pilot of a newly implemented specialised mobile palliative care service (SMPCS) in rural Lucerne. This study used a mixed-methods approach to collect (i) qualitative data on FaBs as perceived by nurses and primary care physicians (PCPs), and (ii) quantitative data across the entire interprofessional collaboration using a validated questionnaire expanded with 10 specific questions about the pilot. Identified facilitators of interprofessional collaboration were (i) use of standardised documents, (ii) clear allocation of responsibilities, (iii) regular exchange and clear communication and (iv) consideration of care coordination. Reported barriers were (i) a deficit of knowledge and experience of palliative care among PCPs and (ii) time constraints. This study provides valuable insights into FaBs of interprofessional collaboration in palliative care. Several recommendations can be drawn for how interprofessional collaboration may be optimised. Awareness of FaBs and their consideration in the implementation phase of new services can strengthen the foundation for a successful interprofessional collaboration.

ORGANIZATIONAL AND PEDAGOGICAL CONDITIONS OF USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES IN BLENDED LEARNING OF FUTURE OFFICERS

The article examines the organizational and pedagogical conditions of using information technolo- gies in blended learning of future officers. The purpose of the study is to justify the organizational and ped- agogical conditions of using information technologies in blended training of future officers. Methods of re- search are analysis, synthesis and generalization of the development of scientific and legal sources in the context of the use of blended learning in the educational process of higher education institutions, in partic- ular regarding the identification and justification of the organizational and pedagogical conditions for the use of information technologies in blended learning of future officers. The results of research. It is noted that the educational sector is quite sensitive to modern social chal- lenges and the emergence of digital technologies, because due to serious social problems, education of young people must continue taking into account traditional and modern practices of face-to-face (audi- tory), distance and, accordingly, blended learning. It is outlined that the blended system of learning in the system of higher military education is caused by the need to train future officers in a fairly short time, with an orientation to personal needs, requests of cadets, updating knowledge and skills, forming the necessary abilities for self-organization, self-improvement, the ability to use modern information technologies for rap- id communication, and solving professional tasks. The analysis of scientific and pedagogical literature al- lowed us to note that blended learning is considered as an educational program that includes partially on- line learning (choice and use of information technologies) and offline learning (controlled by the teacher). In the context of the research, it is indicated that the combination of traditional pedagogy with mod- ern information technologies contributes to the individualization of learning, increasing motivation and the development of cognitive interest, adaptability skills, independence, self-control of future officers, collab- oration and group work; ensures flexibility of the training process, quick feedback between the subjects of educational activity, development of digital skills; improves the quality of education; provides access to the latest scientific and educational resources that are constantly updated; increases the level of readiness to perform combat tasks in real conditions; and prepares cadets for remote coordination and management of units. Among the organizational and pedagogical conditions of the use of information technologies in the blended learning of future officers, the following ones are highlighted: infrastructural support of blended learning in the institution of higher military education; creating content with methodical materials; use of forms and methods of interactive learning; ensuring convenience and accessibility to educational materials; security and information protection in the institution of higher military education. The blended system of education enables teachers of the higher education institutions to combine the best methods of traditional pedagogy with modern technological tools, which contributes to a more flexi- ble, interactive and effective learning process that meets the requirements of the modern military environ- ment. The use of online resources in the conditions of blended education has significant advantages, in- cluding: reducing costs for educational materials and organizing classes; increasing motivation to acquire knowledge; supplementing traditional teaching methods with information technologies, including the use of multimedia resources, virtual simulations and interactive educational materials in combination with lec- tures and practical classes; creation of adaptive training programs that take into account the individual needs and level of preparation of each student; involvement of students by means of forums, online discussions, testing and group projects to acquire knowledge for performing functions in professional activities; stimulation of active participation of students in the educational process; development of critical thinking and teamwork; and providing feedback. Conclusions. However, blended learning requires special training from institutions of higher military education: teachers must have appropriate knowledge and skills for the effective use of information tech- nologies in the educational process, which includes regular refresher courses and exchange of experience with colleagues; provision of necessary technical resources and support, modern equipment, software and Internet access; constant evaluation of the effectiveness of the use of information technologies, which en- sures timely identification and elimination of problems, improvement of training methods; consideration of information security issues, protecting student data and ensuring the confidentiality of educational ma- terials. It is worth noting that the use of information technologies in blended learning of future officers re- quires a complex approach and compliance with certain organizational and pedagogical conditions, which ensures the training of highly qualified specialists capable of effectively performing their duties in modern conditions.

Practicing Interoceptive Sensitivity as a Couple: A Mixed-Methods Acceptance Analysis of a Dyadic vs. Single Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Training interoceptive sensitivity (IS) might be a first step in effectively promoting intuitive eating (IE). A dyadic interoception-based pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted to increase IE among couples aged 50+. The training consisted of three exercises, a Body Scan (BS), a hunger exercise (HU), and a satiety (SA) exercise. This study explored how spouses accepted the (dyadic vs. single) training. In a mixed-methods convergence design, the findings of a survey (n = 68 couples) and focus groups (n = 4) were synthesized. Moderate general acceptance (e.g., regarding feasibility and low burden) and a hierarchical gradient in favor of the BS (e.g., pleasantness and improved sleep quality) emerged. Barriers concerned a perceived lack of the exercises' usefulness and a limited understanding of the training purpose. A wish for regular feedback and exchange with the study stuff and other participants was expressed. Spousal training involvement was experienced as being rather beneficial. Previously harmonized dietary practices and daily routines appeared as constructive pre-conditions for the joint training. This study highlights the potential and implications of training couples in IS. Future interventions should involve a regular exchange and closer guidance by study staff to promote a better understanding of the processes and goals of IS and IE.

Devoted but Disconnected: Managing Role Conflict Through Interactional Control

The ideal worker is represented as constantly available for work. However, an increasing number and variety of workers experience conflict between work and family demands. Research has identified numerous practices to manage this conflict with positive implications for non-work relationships, but the implications of these practices for work relationships remain unclear. How do efforts to manage role conflict affect workplace relationships? To examine this question, we draw on ethnographic data from 72 STEM workers across three organizations. We find that workers who experienced role conflict interpreted interactions in the workplace—often unpredictable in timing, frequency, and length—as a threat to fulfilling both their work and family roles on a daily basis. Thus, they controlled work interactions to make time for both work and non-work roles. However, interactional control limited their sense of workplace belonging and opportunities for resource exchange. In contrast, workers who did not experience daily role conflict encouraged interactions, allowing these encounters to expand across time. As a result, their work extended into evenings and weekends, and they experienced a sense of belonging and more regular resource exchange. We identify how interactional control practices manage role conflict but limit the development of workplace relationships. We also expand the repertoire of how devotion to work can be performed, identifying the occupied worker who expresses devotion through focused and efficient work and interactions rather than availability for work and interactions.

A research data management (RDM) community for ELIXIR

Research data management (RDM) is central to the implementation of the FAIR (Findable Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and Open Science principles. Recognising the importance of RDM, ELIXIR Platforms and Nodes have invested in RDM and launched various projects and initiatives to ensure good data management practices for scientific excellence. These projects have resulted in a rich set of tools and resources highly valuable for FAIR data management. However, these resources remain scattered across projects and ELIXIR structures, making their dissemination and application challenging. Therefore, it becomes imminent to coordinate these efforts for sustainable and harmonised RDM practices with dedicated forums for RDM professionals to exchange knowledge and share resources. The proposed ELIXIR RDM Community will bring together RDM experts to develop ELIXIR’s vision and coordinate its activities, taking advantage of the available assets. It aims to coordinate RDM best practices and illustrate how to use the existing ELIXIR RDM services. The Community will be built around three integral pillars, namely, a network of RDM professionals, RDM knowledge management and RDM training expertise and resources. It will also engage with external stakeholders to leverage benefits and provide a forum to RDM professionals for regular knowledge exchange, capacity building and development of harmonised RDM practices, keeping in line with the overall scope of the RDM Community. In the short term, the Community aims to build upon the existing resources and ensure that the content of these remain up to date and fit for purpose. In the long run, the Community will aim to strengthen the skills and knowledge of its RDM professionals to support the emerging needs of the scientific community. The Community will also devise an effective strategy to engage with other ELIXIR structures and international stakeholders to influence and align with developments and solutions in the RDM field.

Aseptic Silk Ligatures Induce Bone Resorption Around Titanium Implants: A 12-Week Pilot Study in Rabbits.

Marginal bone resorption (MBR) around dental implants may sometimes be a self-limiting condition due to balancing immunologic reactions against utilized materials rather than a progressive bacterial infection. Contrary to previous assumptions from ligature-induced experimental peri-implantitis studies, a recent 8-week experiment by the present authors showed that marginal ligatures trigger an inflammatory immune response, resulting in bone resorption around implants in the absence of plaque. The present study aimed to investigate whether this inflammatory/immunologic reaction attenuates or progresses toward implant failure after a longer healing time (12 weeks). Sterile silk ligatures were placed around the top of titanium (Ti) implants and compressed against the femoral cortical bone plate of six rabbits. A nonligated implant was used as a control. After 12 weeks of submerged healing, ground sections of implants and surrounding tissues were investigated with light microscopy. The marginal soft tissues were also analyzed using selected quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) markers. Histologically, the ligatures were outlined by immune cells, including multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs), with adjacent fibrous encapsulation and resorbed peripheral bone that contrasted from the osseointegrated nonligated control implants. The difference in expression of qPCR markers was not significant, but > two-fold upregulation of markers CD11b, IL1β, ARG1, NCF1, and CD4 and > twofold downregulation of CD8 indicated a mild, focal inflammatory/immune response against the ligatures compared to controls, with upregulation of M1 and M2 macrophages, neutrophils, and helper T-cells as well as downregulation of killer T cells. Further, the bone formation markers OC and ALPL were > two-fold downregulated (consistent with the lack of osseointegration of the ligatures) compared to control implants. Marginal silk ligatures trigger an inflammatory/immune response and aseptic bone resorption around implants. Compared to the previous 8-week study, the inflammatory reaction against the silk appears to attenuate with time, with only a mild persisting inflammation that may block osseointegration; instead, a fibrous tissue encapsulation-type reaction is maintained. This may explain why traditional ligature experiments have required regular exchange of ligatures for the bone resorption to progress.

How Institution-Building Shapes Great Power Alignment: An Institutional Perspective on the China–Russia Partnership

Abstract Sino-Russian relations have thrived in the post–Cold War era. While the relationship has attracted ample academic attention, many of the underlying factors contributing to the bilateral rapprochement over the past three decades remain un(der)explored. This article examines the role played by one of the factors involved in this process: the development of institutional links between the two states. Bilateral institutions, which were largely absent until the mid-1990s, have rapidly proliferated into a dense network of commissions and subcommissions, working groups, and other institutionalised exchanges, encompassing virtually all sectors of interaction between China and Russia. The article employs analytical concepts borrowed from Institutionalist theory and develops criteria of analysis to assess the extent to which the process of bilateral institution-building has contributed to promoting and perpetuating Sino-Russian rapprochement, enabling the two states to forge a closer working relationship with each other. The article also examines what the limits of this process have been. It concludes that the practical impact of bilateral institution-building on policy-making has been modest; however, the institutions have come to constitute important forums to secure a regular exchange and familiarisation between senior decision-makers and stakeholders, allowing for an active communication of important information and mutual assurances regarding each country’s policy choices, intentions, and concerns.

Increasing Consistency, Traceability and Transparency in Data Science Projects: Analysis and Framework

Based on experiences in data-based projects, it was hypothesized that traditional project approaches often fail to ensure consistency, traceability, and transparency, contributing to a low success rate of such projects. This hypothesis was tested by compiling documented challenges from various data-based projects and comparing methods from literature and practice. The comparison enabled the formulation of objectives and led to the development of a novel method, focusing on standardization, regular exchange, and accountability to enhance consistency, traceability, and transparency of project-relevant objects. It also accommodates existing procedures for handling data-based projects. Application of this method allows for meticulous planning on multiple levels and iterative progress. Findings support the initial hypothesis, suggesting the method's potential to improve success rates in data-based projects.

Characteristics of Two Lagoons in the Coastal Area of the Baltic Sea

The proposed study is focused on an ecological analysis of Latvian coastal lagoons, emphasizing their unique but vulnerable nature. Coastal lagoons are recognized as fragile ecosystems of significant ecological, social, and economic value, as recognized by the European Directive 92/43/EEC (Habitats Directive). Despite their protected status, the existence of these ecosystems can be threatened by morphological, hydrological, and anthropogenic changes. The uniqueness of these ecosystems can be determined by the large number of influencing factors and their dynamics. They are affected by seawater, their level of fluctuation, wind exposure, overgrowing with macrophytes, freshwater sources, and water flow generated streams affecting sediment transport and accumulation. All the influencing factors determine a highly trophic ecosystem, which in the studied lagoons is rated as medium to poor ecological status, which confirms the above-mentioned vulnerability and fragility. The aim of this study was to analyze two lagoons in the coastal area of the Baltic Sea in the Riga Gulf, by characterizing, for the first time, their current conditions and ecological parameters because understanding such ecosystems is only partial. The physicochemical composition of lagoon sediments and water shows the impact of seawater by increased electrical conductivity and the concentration of SO42− and Cl− in water, while the presence of detritus in sediments is almost non-existent; thus, the content of organic matter is low with relatively variable pH. The results show that the diversity of studied benthic macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, zooplankton, and even phytoplankton species is low, but there is higher diversity in lagoons and their parts with regular water exchange with the sea. The study provides valuable insight into the ecological dynamics of coastal lagoons in Latvia, shedding light on their current conditions, anthropogenic impact, and the need for sustainable management measures.

Biopsy-based normalizations of gill monogenean-infected European catfish (Silurus glanis L., 1758) stocks for laboratory-based experiments.

Ectoparasites cause serious problems during the aquaculture production of food fishes. In this study, we set out to develop and test protocols for maintenance and sampling European catfish (Silurus glanis L., 1758) stocks infected with a gill monogenean, Thaparocleidus vistulensis (Siwak 1932) Lim 1996. When we compared the feasibility of two cohabitation-based parasite culture systems (i.e., static vs. flow-through), we found that the life cycle of T. vistulensis was completed in both habitats. In our experience, static tank systems with regular water exchange allowed better daily quality control of the parasite culture than continuous flow-through systems. We investigated the microhabitat preference of T. vistulensis on the gills of infected European catfish. A balanced distribution on the two lateral gill sets and a decreasing trend in parasite numbers from anterior gill holobranches towards the posterior ones was observed. Using these results, we developed a minimally invasive sampling protocol to estimate the parasite load of individuals. The biopsy aimed at four sectors (#6, #7, #10, and #11) situated within the distal and middle zones of the first holobranch on the left side, encompassing both rows of filaments. Biopsy-based estimates of parasite loads were validated by comparing them to full parasite counts of the same individuals and showed statistically significant correlations. Our biopsy-based method is designed to identify experimental animals with similar parasite loads and create groups of hosts with comparable burdens. This setup is expected to generate reduced between-group differences for expensive experiments (e.g., high throughput transcriptomic or epigenetic studies). We propose that the biopsy-based pre-sorting procedure should be considered in similar experiments with other cultured fish species and their gill monogeneans following a thorough fine-tuning of the experimental conditions.

Towards international collaboration of clinical research networks for EMDR: the EMDR Pain Network Germany.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based treatment, primarily established for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While it is increasingly being applied to chronic pain, its efficacy in this area is not yet supported by the same level of evidence as that which exists for PTSD. Studies in this area often show heterogeneous results with small case numbers, and the potential side effects of EMDR in the treatment of chronic pain are not well understood. Systematic documentation of treatment effects, potential predictors of treatment response and non-response, and side effects is crucial for progress in this field. The primary aim is to establish a research framework to systematically investigate the delivery of EMDR therapies by outpatient clinicians in the field of pain. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of treatment outcomes, side effects and determinants of treatment effectiveness, whether positive response or non-response. This framework will oversee the documentation and evaluation of EMDR interventions delivered in outpatient settings using an Embedded Continuous Cumulative Evaluation Design (ECCED). It will focus on detailed characterisation of positive and negative therapeutic effects. It will also identify and analyse prognostic factors that influence individual variability in response to treatment. Treatment materials, standardised assessments and an intervision platform for regular exchange will be provided. The establishment of the EMDR Pain Network Germany and an interdisciplinary scientific-clinical platform is essential to promote clinical exchange and understanding of the effects of EMDR in pain therapy. This platform offers standardised treatment protocols, an online data collection system with anonymised data, comprehensive baseline assessments and an intervision platform for regular exchange. The knowledge gained is intended to personalise future therapies and serve as a basis for large randomised clinical trials.

Innovation In Processing Local Food Products for Students of The Tourism Marketing Management Study Program at The Indonesian University of Education

Development of food innovations that use local raw materials as the main ingredient. This includes organic foods and food products that support local farmers. Traditional Indonesian food products such as rendang, chili sauce and crackers have undergone innovation in a more modern and ready-to-eat form for the global market. One of the innovations in processed local food products is cassava, cassava, or cassava in English, which is an important root crop in Indonesia. food consumption in many countries around the world. Innovation in the processing and use of cassava has played a major role in increasing food production and added value. Modernization in the processing and processing of cassava products in local food is an effort to create products that are more diverse, of higher quality, and in line with current consumer trends. This modernization can provide added value to processed cassava products and help promote the use of cassava in various dishes, one of which can be applied in cassava Bomb Brulle cheese sauce, Desert coconut snowballs. The collaboration between the NHI Tourism Academy (AKPAR) and students from the Indonesian University of Education (UPI) to organize training is a positive step in improving the skills and knowledge of UPI students, especially in the tourism marketing department, to equip graduates to open entrepreneurship. Consider establishing long-term cooperation between Akpar NHI and UPI. This could include regular training, student exchanges, or other joint projects that are beneficial to both parties.

거동 불편한 저소득 노인의 식품안전행동 영향요인에 관한 연구

Healthy eating in terms of nutrition and food safety is crucial for preserving an older adult’s quality of life when their immune systems start to decline. However, it has not gotten the same attention as other age groups. In order to map out a path for secure food safety in later life, this study provided meal services to low-income older adults with limited mobility and examined the determinants impacting their food safety behavior. In Seoul, a pre- and post-test survey was done on 104 older people who had used a healthy meal delivery service, and the results were compared and reviewed with survey data collected from 38 older people who had not used the service. The six-month subscription to the healthy meal delivery service includes daily nutritional monitoring, nutrition delivery, frequent counseling and educational services from a dietician, as well as lunch boxes customized to the customers' health state. The study revealed that older individuals in the experimental group had higher levels of the food safety behavior index after using the service. The index for the older individuals in the comparison group remained unchanged. The use of healthy meal delivery services including nutrition and food safety education was the only factor, according to regression analysis, that had a statistically significant impact on the older people's behaviors related to food safety when socio-demographic variables were controlled. These results show that regular information exchange and dietitian counseling have a positive influence on the food safety practices of elderly low-income individuals with limited mobility. Future legislative and practical initiatives will be required to provide regular dietitian monitoring and intervention to ensure food safety for elderly low-income individuals with limited mobility.

Communication strategies in an international school citizen science program investigating marine litter

Communication is an essential element of science, and while it is important in all scientific endeavors, it gains substantial strategic relevance in citizen science projects. For a school citizen science program to be successful, an adequate communication strategy needs to achieve a balance between learning objectives and the generation of scientific knowledge. In this community case study, we report on the communication strategies of an international network, namely, the citizen science program Científicos de la Basura (Litter Scientists), which collaborates with schoolteachers and schoolchildren to investigate anthropogenic litter on marine beaches and in rivers. The program has been active in Chile since 2007, and as of 2018, it had expanded to the 11 countries from the central and southern East Pacific. More than 40 teachers and collaborators from these countries work in this network making an effort to connect the research activities with the learning objectives of the school curriculum. The communication between the coordination team and the teachers includes three main elements (1 - design and planning; 2 - training and research; 3 - evaluation and sharing), with the following activities: (1a) regular internal communication within the coordination team to design, motivate and supervise adequate research projects, (1b) communication with teachers to design appropriate learning materials (co-creation) and get their feedback on the planned research activities, (2a) sharing the final research plan and transfer methodological skills through regular training of the teachers, (2b) responding to methodological questions by the teachers about the sampling, and coordinate data collection and validation, (3a) guiding teachers and schoolchildren in the evaluation and interpretation of their research results, and (3b) encouraging teachers and schoolchildren to communicate their scientific findings to the wider community. Intense internal communication and regular exchange with teachers guarantees successful learning and rigorous scientific information. The main challenges for the program are team capacity, socio-economic stability, internet access, and teachers’ workloads. Recommendations to achieve successful communication and good science are efficient team communication skills, customized contacts, collaborative work, guidance of field work, feedback from participants, and promoting the sense of community.

A Study on the Application of Picture Book Teaching in Elementary School English Teaching

Under the influence of the double reduction policy and new curriculum standards, the total number of classes has been reduced and the language competence has been put in great emphasis, English teaching is facing new challenges. This paper uses the literature research method and survey research method, choosing some primary school English teachers as the research target, to investigate the current picture book teaching situation and existing problems, according to that, several countermeasures are given. The research results suggest that many teachers are willing to choose picture books teaching in primary school English classrooms. However, there still exist problems such as a lack of innovation ability and a lack of thinking about the content of picture books. This paper proposes some countermeasures, such as regular teacher training and exchange meetings, and timely adjustment of English teaching classroom planning.

Control over the circulation of dual-use goods and technologies within the international regimes of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction

International legal cooperation in the field of control over the export, transfer, transit of dual-use goods and technologies is based on a number of mechanisms of general competence (for example, the UN, WTO) and specific regimes, the core of which constitute international treaties on the non­proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Chemical Weapons Convention, Biological Weapons Convention) and related multilateral export control groups (Zanger Committee, Nuclear Suppliers Group, Australian Group).
 While the mentioned international treaties define the goals and basic principles of cooperation of their parties to prevent the spread of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, the critical task of intergovernmental export groups, capable of responding more promptly to security challenges in the light of technological progress and market dynamics, is to ensure the development and regular updating of lists of controlled goods, dissemination and exchange of best practices in this area, articulation of instructions for participating states regarding the strengthening of national export control systems.
 Such a structure, promoting transparency and responsible behaviour of states, objectively increases the level of international security, ensures more profound and comprehensive cooperation and interaction of participating states, regular exchange of information on sensitive dual-use goods and technologies, which leads to a consensus on the specifics of the implementation of export control systems and harmonisation of national policies and regulatory mechanisms. At the same time, taking into account the "softness” of obligations arising from the activities of specialised export groups, the effectiveness of the control mechanism depends on the goodwill of the participating states and their commitment to the values and goals of these regimes and is also complicated by the limited participation of individual actors (for instance, India, Pakistan, North Korea, etc.).

Use of IV Hydration Instead of Exchange Transfusion for Prophylactic Management of Pain Crisis in Homozygous (SS) Sickle Cell Disease Helps Maintain Hgb Levels and Prevents Further Escalation of Iron Overload

Introduction: Indications for exchange transfusion in the management of sickle cell disease and its complications are over time becoming limited. Currently accepted indications include acute chest syndrome and cerebrovascular accidents only. However, there is often consideration of using exchange transfusions for management of sickle cell pain crisis episodes resistant to opioid-based pain management. This is, however, of questionable efficacy due to concerns of iron overload as well as alloimmunization. The excessive utilization of blood products also presents a significant challenge. Therefore, it is important to explore alternatives to exchange transfusion in the management of pain crisis in sickle cell disease. Method: This study aimed at investigating the effects of transitioning patients with homozygous SS disease from routine exchange transfusions to IV hydration protocols. The main objective was to examine the changes in Hgb levels and the status of iron overload in these patients. A cohort of 16 patients with a Ferritin level above 1000 ng/ml, who were already receiving regular exchange transfusions, were included in the study. Their Hgb levels and Ferritin levels were measured periodically. This group was then given IV hydration twice a week, regardless of whether they were experiencing pain issues. We then compared the Hgb and Ferritin levels during a 6-month period of active exchange transfusions and 6-month period of being on IV hydration protocols. Both periods were a year apart, allowing for adequate homeostatic changes to take place. Additionally, we compared the number of simple transfusions during both these periods. Result: The mean ferritin level in patients getting exchange transfusions was 6097 ng/mL with the mean Hgb level maintained at 7.48 g/dL. During the initial study period, there were 14 exchange transfusion sessions involving 96 units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). Additionally, 8 units of simple transfusion units were administered during the same period. Interestingly, as this cohort transitioned away from exchange transfusions, the number of simple transfusions increased to 30. Only one exchange transfusion occurred during the second 6-month observation period. During this time, ferritin level stopped increasing, and the mean was measured at 6076 ng/ml. The Hgb levels did show a slight decrease, with the mean being 6.90 g/dL, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the use of IV hydration protocol is effective in managing iron overload issues and maintaining an adequate Hgb level in patients who were previously undergoing routine exchange transfusions to prevent or manage pain crisis episodes. The results indicate that IV hydration should be initiated when ferritin levels increase beyond 1000 ng/ml, rather than waiting for more advanced stages. Moreover, the study shows that even when IV hydration is started at a later stage of iron overload, it still appears to limit further iron accumulation, as evidenced by the stabilization of ferritin levels. Overall, the use of IV hydration as an alternative to routine exchange transfusions holds promise in managing pain crisis and iron overload in sickle cell disease.

일본에서의 한국음악학의 전개 양상과 연구 성과 -1945년 이후를 중심으로-

This article examines the Korean musicology, developed in Japan since
 1945, by period and the the results by field.
 During the Japanese colonial period, Japanese research on Korean music
 was actively conducted in relation to the ruling policy of the Japanese
 Government-General of Korea, but after the defeat in World War II, research
 on Korean music decreased significantly. Therefore, the period from 1945 to
 1965 can be called the ‘gap period’ of the Korean musicology in Japan.
 In the 1970s, as Ethnomusicology grew significantly in Japan, Korean music
 research was conducted as part of it. Master's and doctoral theses on Korean
 music were published, related research also surged, and the Goryeoak
 yeonguhoe (Komagaku Research Society) was established (1976) beginning
 regular academic exchanges between scholars from the two countries.
 Therefore, the period from 1966 to the 1970s can be called the growth
 period of the Korean musicology in Japan.
 In the 1980s, in-depth research was conducted through long-term fieldwork
 and study abroad, and the number of studies increased significantly due to
 academic activities of various generations. Two research books, Song of
 Arirang and the Study of Sound were published, and six articles on Korean
 music were included in a collection related to Asian music, strengthening the
 status of Korean music research in Japan. In addition, high-quality academic
 exchanges between music scholars from both countries continued by the
 Komagaku Research Society. Therefore, the 1980s can be called the
 establishment period of the Korean musicology in Japan.
 The 1990s was a time when the research field expanded significantly, and
 research results came out in all fields except court music. In particular, it is noteworthy that research on the history of music during the Joseon Dynasty
 and modern music began. Although the number of studies has decreased
 compared to before, in terms of diversity in research, it can be said that the
 Korean musicology has entered a stable period during this period.
 In the 2000s, the number of studies decreased even more than before. This
 is because academic activities were centered around the third-generation
 researchers. Therefore, this period can be viewed as a stagnation period or
 period of generational change in the Korean musicology in Japan. It is
 noteworthy that while there was no articles on folk songs and instruments
 that had been studied steadily before, modern music history increased
 dramatically (12 articles) compared to the previous period (1 article).
 Since 2010, research results have increased significantly, the number of
 researchers has increased, and the publications in Korean journals (in Korean)
 have increased, marking a period of significant quantitative and qualitative
 development in Korean music research. Therefore, this can be called the
 prosperity period of the Korean musicology in Japan.
 It has been confirmed that Korean music research has been conducted in
 all fields in Japan since 1945. A total of 190 studies were conducted, with the
 most popular field being folk music (53), followed by music history (49) and
 musical instruments (32), followed by general theory (17), music style (14),
 music exchange (11), royal music (6), and etc (8). This is in contrast to the
 intensive publication of articles on court music in Japanese colonial period.
 The reason why so many studies on folk music seems to be the result of
 active research using ethnomusicological approach to collecting data through
 fieldwork while the reason why the study of modern music history has
 increased rapidly since 2000 may be because of interest in the special
 situation of the Japanese colonial period and materials written in Japanese in
 this period, which easily accessible to Japanese researchers.