Scientific Institutions Research Articles

The Role of the Federal Institutes of Education, Science and Technology in Forming a Workforce Aligned with Circular Economy Principles and Strategies

Objective: This study aims to assess the adherence of the themes and the current curricular matrices of the courses after high school at the Brazilian Federal Institutes of Education, Science, and Technology regarding the principles and strategies of the Circular Economy (CE). Theoretical Framework: In the current scenario of resource scarcity and climate emergency, CE emerges as a viable alternative. In Brazil, the Federal Institutes (FIs) can play a crucial role in training a qualified workforce for CE, offering professional education that meets market demands. Method: The methodology adopted is classified as qualitative and applied. Regarding its classification, it is descriptive. Regarding the design, it is classified as a documentary since the primary data source was the IFs' websites. Results and Discussion: The results reveal that 26.17% of the 554 courses evaluated have content related to CE. The analysis showed a predominance of disciplines, such as Environmental Management, but a gap in specific CE courses. Research Implications: From a practical perspective, this study provides insights into the need for changes in the current economic model regarding public education policies adopted in Brazil to prioritize areas of study. As for the theoretical contribution, the study discusses conceptual issues of CE based on findings from the Brazilian context in order to fill a research gap. Originality/Value The research highlights the importance of training professionals with critical and practical skills in CE, highlighting the need for curricular reform that meets new market demands and promotes a circular mindset.

Updates on the feasibility of utilizing e-learning to sustain medical radiation technology education in light of the escalating conflict in Sudan.

The purpose of the following paper is to offer an update on the feasibility of using e-learning to sustain medical radiation technology education in light of Sudan's ongoing crisis. The Sudanese acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research issued a resolution on October 7, 2023, to reopen higher education and scientific research institutes, as well as resume all academic activities at both governmental and private higher education institutions, effective October 15, 2023. Unfortunately, due to infrastructure deficiencies and a lack of appropriate capabilities to resume face-to-face teaching of medical radiation technology in Sudan's safe states, the majority of universities, including several medical radiation technology colleges, have decided to continue the educational process via e-learning. However, Sudan's e-learning system, currently the sole means of maintaining medical radiation technology education, suffers from significant flaws. If these challenges persist, students may graduate with a limited theoretical and practical grasp. Furthermore, the implementation of this style of education deprives eligible students, particularly those living in conflict zones, of the educational opportunities they require in light of the increased threat of war continuation.

A song for Pelagibacter. Using creative improvisation as a tool for novel science communication through the Ocean Science Jam

Sharing complex oceanic research in an accessible way with the public is being identified by scientific institutions, universities, governmental departments, and NGOs as a critical intervention in promoting better engagement with the sea. Art–science collaborations play an integral role in this. Traditionally, these involve pairing artists and marine scientists to work on a project which is then presented to an audience. Increasingly however more interactive relationships with the public are being seen as a beneficial way to merge art and scientific data. The Ocean Science Jam is such a project that brings musicians, artists, dancers, performers, and the public together to respond creatively in real time to visual and audio cues based on a theme related to marine scientists’ work. By mixing creativity with science in an integrative way the Ocean Science Jam not only acts as tool for public communication but also opens new ways for scientific data to be interpreted by non-scientists. This paper will explore this initiative from design to delivery highlighting the results of facilitating with the public moments where new responses to ocean science can be created through art. It will do so by combining the reflections of the creator of the Ocean Science Jam as well as feedback from the scientists and public who have participated. It will argue for the benefits of using improvisation and artistic co-creation for developing moments of embodied oceanic exchange and connection.

Genomes OnLine Database (GOLD) v.10: new features and updates.

The Genomes OnLine Database (GOLD; https://gold.jgi.doe.gov/) at the Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute is a comprehensive online metadata repository designed to catalog and manage information related to (meta)genomic sequence projects. GOLD provides a centralized platform where researchers can access a wide array of metadata from its four organization levels namely Study, Organism/Biosample, Sequencing Project and Analysis Project. GOLD continues to serve as a valuable resource and has seen significant growth and expansion since its inception in 1997. With its expanded role as a collaborative platform, it not only actively imports data from other primary repositories like National Center for Biotechnology Information but also supports contributions from researchers worldwide. This collaborative approach has enriched the database with diverse datasets, creating a more integrated resource to enhance scientific insights. As genomic research becomes increasingly integral to various scientific disciplines, more researchers and institutions are turning to GOLD for their metadata needs. To meet this growing demand, GOLD has expanded by adding diverse metadata fields, intuitive features, advanced search capabilities and enhanced data visualization tools, making it easier for users to find and interpret relevant information. This manuscript provides an update and highlights the new features introduced over the last 2 years.

Dynamics of damage by the buddle mite (<i>Cecidophyes ribes</i> West.) to collection varieties of black currant

The aim of research is to evaluate collectible black currant material according to resistance to bud mite in conditions of Kirov region, to study the dynamics of damage accumulation by a pest and to distinguish the varieties which have been showing the resistance for a long time. The evaluation of varieties had been held on the collectible plantations of fruit and berry crops of laboratory of FSBSI FARC of the North-East (Federal State Budget Scientific Institution “Federal Agricultural Research Centre”) (Kirov) which is situated in a central agro-climatic zone of Kirov region in 2014–2021. 36 black currant varieties of 2013 planting year were included in the research. The check variety is Vologda. The scheme of planting is 3.0 × 1.0 m, 5 plants on an every accounting plot. The repetition is single. As a result of a long-term study of the dynamics of bud mite damage accumulation, the varieties, which remain free from the pest longer than others were distinguished: Alexandrina (the features of the pest had not been noticed during the whole research); Dobriy Jinn (Kind Genie) and Gulliver (5.6% of the number of the studied) which showed the first damage on the 7th and 8th year after planting. Chishma, Yadrenaya, Mila, Vasilisa, Sputnick, Nezhdanchick (16.7%) showed the first features of damage on the 5th year of planting. The varieties with the resistance to a bud mite (47.2%) are promising as a basic material for bringing in a selection process and recommended for the production. The varieties with middle and low resistance to the pest can be recommended for amateur and commercial horticulture but as a basic material on resistance to a phytophage in selection, they are unsuitable. The analysis of a link between a degree of pest damage of studied varieties and productiveness showed an average negative relationship between these features (r = –0.62).

Enhancing the accessibility of science at The Lancet with native language abstracts

Today, 98% of peer-reviewed scientific publishing is in English, which is also the official language of most scientific events and international academic journals. UNESCO, through its Recommendation on Open Science, has called on scientific institutions to foster multilingualism in the practice of science, in scientific publications, and in academic communications. At The Lancet, we recognize the need to provide more equitable and inclusive access to scientific knowledge by providing abstracts translated into relevant languages. Following a pilot, a workflow for abstract translation was devised. I present here details of our abstract translation procedure and rollout.

Lecturer Performance: The Influence of Transformational Leadership Style, Work Environment, Compensation, and Institutional Transformation

This study aims to test and analyze the influence of transformational leadership style, work environment, compensation, and institutional transformation on the performance of lecturers at the Mandala Institute of Technology and Science. This study uses a quantitative approach. Data analysis uses descriptive statistical analysis and inferential statistical analysis that describes a certain characteristic or feature of a phenomenon that occurs and makes conclusions or generalizations about the population based on sample data. The sample used was 48 lecturers at the Mandala Institute of Technology and Science. The results of the study indicate that compensation affects lecturer performance, while transformational leadership style, work environment, and institutional transformation do not affect lecturer performance. The implications of this study indicate that increasing compensation can significantly improve lecturer performance at the Mandala Institute of Technology and Science, so it is important for institutions to focus on fairer and more adequate compensation policies. Conversely, improvements in transformational leadership style, work environment, and institutional transformation need to be adjusted to the specific context and needs of lecturers in order to have a more significant impact on performance.

Academic Community – the Target of the KGB of the Lithuanian SSR

Starting from the very beginning of the Soviet occupation, the academic community became the target of the Soviet government. The government aimed to break the elite of society because of its potential and real resistance against the system and to subject it to its policies. Education and science institutions, therefore, were very important in the fight of the Soviet regime for human consciousness. Education was to be used for Communist indoctrination and instilling the values of the worldview important to the Soviet regime both in the country and outside the country. In addition, science institutions had an important role to play in the Cold War race with the West in the areas of science, technology and industry. With their discoveries, scientists had to help create the superiority of the Soviet system against the West. Furthermore, in the guise of scientific relations with the West, there was an opportunity for “intelligence activities”. The KGB, using its resources, helped the Communist Party implement its objectives in conjunction with the academic community. The KGB paid great attention to the behaviour of the representatives of the academic community, their attitudes towards government policies and other issues, monitored their relationships, analysed anti-Soviet manifestations among students and lecturers, and sought to identify and eliminate people who according to the authorities were unreliable. A network of agents was established for the implementation of these tasks, but it was not as broad as the KGB desired. Lithuanian scholars and scholars of the Lithuanian diaspora served both as the tool and the target of the implementation of the Communist Party propaganda campaigns. Achievements demonstrated by Lithuanian scientists in the West had to declare the progress of the Soviet system and also to discredit political campaigns by the diaspora. Scholars recruited by the KGB had a none-the-less important role to play in carrying out the KGB tasks of technical and industrial espionage in the West and thus helping create the image of superiority of the Soviet Union. Conferences and internships both in the West and in Lithuania were the perfect medium for collecting a variety of scientific and technical information. KGB agent reports show that achievements in medicine and in particular in the laser area, dominated in the records obtained by the agents.

FOREWORD AND FAREWELL

As I write my final foreword as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Naval Sciences and Engineering (JNSE), it is with deep gratitude and pride that I look back on the transformative progress we have achieved together. I first took on this role with the responsibility of publishing the second issue of 2022, just as the journal transitioned from the Naval Sciences and Engineering Institute to the Turkish Naval Academy (TNA). Now, following my promotion to Rear Admiral (Lower Half) and my appointment as the Deputy General Manager of Naval Shipyards, I prepare to step down, filled with confidence in the journal's future impact. During my tenure, JNSE has not only expanded its reach but also evolved in structure. As the first Editor-in-Chief after this significant transition, I established a structured workflow to ensure the smooth handling of the journal’s workload. This progress would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our esteemed contributors, editors, reviewers, and readers, who have collectively strengthened the journal’s place as a respected publication in naval sciences and engineering. Naval sciences and engineering have always been at the forefront of the Turkish Navy’s priorities, with an increasing emphasis on innovation and self-reliance in defense capabilities. As researchers and engineers, our collective work—through publications like this journal—contributes, even if indirectly, to these larger goals. It is essential to recognize that advancements in naval platforms, weaponry, and defense systems depend heavily on foundational research in science and technology. Every study, every paper, and every breakthrough—however modest it may seem—plays a role in building the knowledge base that supports these ambitious naval goals. In this foreword, I highlight recent and ongoing projects of the Turkish Navy, from initial concepts to construction, to offer future contributors an idea of impactful areas of study. Research in fields like autonomous systems, AI-driven operations, and advanced propulsion technologies can shape the Navy’s future capabilities. As the quote often attributed to Faraday or Franklin reminds us, "What is the use of a newborn baby?" Theoretical research, like this newborn, may not reveal its full utility immediately, yet it holds the potential to make profound impacts over time. (Full foreword available in the PDF version.) As I transition from this role, I am proud of the journal’s achievements. One of the most notable milestones has been the introduction of Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) for all published papers since the second issue of 2022. This change has allowed for greater visibility, wider dissemination, and immediate online publication, which are crucial in the fast-paced world of research. Additionally, reorganizing the editorial team, including the appointment of key roles such as the Technical Editor, Layout Editor, and Secretariat from the capable staff of the TNA has ensured a streamlined workflow and elevated the journal's standards. The December 2024 issue is a testament to the journal’s interdisciplinary reach. This issue includes four valuable studies: one presenting a robust planning model for irrigation, a topic of relevance as climate change increasingly impacts maritime and agricultural resources; a second, developing a cybersecurity perception scale for maritime industry employees, reflecting the growing importance of cybersecurity in naval operations; a third, a performance analysis of adaptive MIMO techniques for visible light communication, which holds promise for improving naval communication systems; and finally, a paper on thyroid nodule segmentation using ultrasound, which highlights how advances in medical imaging can also improve healthcare aboard naval vessels. These papers, though diverse, reflect the journal's goal of fostering interdisciplinary innovation. As I conclude my tenure as Editor-in-Chief, I want to express my gratitude one last time to the readers, the dedicated editors who served alongside me, and the referees who ensured the quality of the research we published. It has been a privilege to oversee the journal through significant milestones, and I deeply appreciate the effort and commitment of everyone involved. Reflecting on my tenure, I am particularly proud of the journal's growth, both in scope and influence. Over these years, we have not only expanded our reach but have also contributed to shaping the dialogue around the future of naval technology. Though this marks the end of my tenure, I depart with the satisfaction of knowing that we have upheld the highest standards in naval science and engineering research. As I bid farewell, I leave with the hope that the journal continues to inspire and contribute to the advancement of naval sciences. May your journey be swift and your destination secure. Fatih ERDEN, Ph.D. Editor-in-Chief

Functional preference and spatial response of urban renewal entities in Beijing

In the process of rapid urban renewal, quantitative research on functional preferences and spatial layout norms of multi-type urban renewal entities is crucial for optimizing spatial governance and promoting orderly control of urban renewal. We investigate urban renewal in Beijing from 2006 to 2021 using directional distribution, spatial autocorrelation, and hotspot analysis. The findings are as follows: (1) The functional preference of each type of entity differs. While most private companies and other profit-oriented entities concentrate on producer services and residential functions, policy-oriented entities dominate the urban regeneration of public service activities. (2) Every entity shows a significant agglomeration characteristic, yet exhibits a differentiated spatial response pattern. Those entities with stronger leasing ability prefer the central zone while others are the opposite. (3) Diverse types of entities have differentiated spatiotemporal evolutions. The spatial directional divergence of state-owned enterprises and scientific research institutes has increased between 2006 and 2021. This is mainly influenced by the policy of relieving Beijing of nonessential functions. However, the rest entities show a balanced spatial development trend with the difference in each direction becoming smaller. Furthermore, the center of gravity of profit-oriented entities has shifted from the suburbs to the central zone due to a combination of administrative and market forces, whereas the center of gravity of policy-oriented entities tends to move outward from the central zone.

ECR Spotlight – Salvatore Lacava

ECR Spotlight is a series of interviews with early-career authors from a selection of papers published in Journal of Experimental Biology and aims to promote not only the diversity of early-career researchers (ECRs) working in experimental biology but also the huge variety of animals and physiological systems that are essential for the ‘comparative’ approach. Salvatore Lacava is an author on ‘ The role of mouse tails in response to external and self-generated balance perturbations on the roll plane’, published in JEB. Salvatore is a PhD student in the lab of Marylka Yoe Uusisaari at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Japan, investigating how mice use their tails to help them balance during locomotion and in response to external perturbations.

Effectiveness of joint mobilization on heel fat pad syndrome among obese patient in geriatric population

Objective. To determine the effect of joint mobilization on Heel Fat Pad Syndrome among obese geriatrics. Methods. The randomized controlled study was performed at the Saveetha Physiotherapy OPD, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. 202 samples aged above 60 years were collected based on the criterion for inclusion and exclusion. Interventions. The experimental Group (101Subjects) was treated with Ultrasound and Joint Mobilization. The Control Group (101 Subjects) was treated with Ultrasound and conventional Exercises. The lifestyle and Balance Assessment used the Foot Function Index and Berg balance scale. A numeric Pain Rating Scale was used to measure Pain. Results. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test revealed a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the experimental Group between the pre-test and post-test values of NPRS, FFI, and BBS. Similarly, the Control Group showed a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the pre-test and post-test values of NPRS, FFI, and BBS. The comparison of post-test scores between the Experimental Group and the Control Group also showed a significant difference (p < 0.001), indicating significant improvements in the experimental group. As a result, the effects of Joint Mobilization on Heel Pad Syndrome minimize the symptoms of heel fat pad syndrome, Improve Foot Function and balance and reduce pain. Conclusion. The study provided evidence that ultrasound and joint mobilization used in this study show a significant reduction in pain and balance with non-specific heel pain.

Application of the VDI 2221 method in the design of an air-to-water converter device

Indonesia's drought and water crisis problems have grown significantly in importance in recent years, especially in light of the country's fast population expansion, urbanization, and growing awareness of the effects of climate change. By 2040, there may be a clean water crisis in every region along Java's north coast, from Banten to Surabaya, according to projections made by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI). The water crisis could be a major worldwide concern and will be a highly complicated issue. One approach to resolving the water shortage is to design an air-to-water converter device. The purpose of this research is to design a device that can efficiently and effectively convert air into water through condensation processes. The design will be based on the VDI 2221 Method. The rationale behind selecting the VDI 2221 Method is that it is a methodical approach to design that can help a designer generate and guide multiple design options. The primary mechanism of this apparatus is condensation, which turns air into dew points. The author utilized Solidworks 2020 to create the air-to-water conversion device. Through the stages of VDI 2221, the finest design outcomes were obtained from this design. The air-to-water converter mechanism in this design is constructed by version 2, which was chosen as the best option. Based on ASTM A36 material, theoretical calculations on the frame produced a safety factor of 1.45 and a maximum stress of 1.72414 × 108 N/m2. Based on the turbine shaft calculation, the maximum stress of 1.07235 × 108 N/m2 and the safety factor of 2.57379 were obtained using Aluminum 6061 material

Analysis of air-to-water converter frame using ANSYS simulation

According to projections made by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), by 2040 every region along Java's northern coast—from Banten to Surabaya and Iswara—will be an urban area vulnerable to water scarcity. As a result, more careful consideration is required. Since air is an endless supply, turning it into water is one way to address the clean water shortage. A good design's structure is one of its essential components. This is because the device's structure must sustain both the renewable energy source and the complete system. By utilizing ANSYS Workbench and theoretical calculations to analyze the maximum stress results, the research aims to ascertain whether the machine frame is safe for usage. In this investigation, the ANSYS 2021 R1 software was used to apply the finite element method to ASTM A36 material under vertical loading. The air-to-water converter mechanism is still safe after simulations were run on its shaft and frame. This is demonstrated by the biggest maximum stress on the shaft (6.2194 MPa) from the ANSYS numerical simulation and the largest maximum stress (0.349 MPa) on the frame, both of which are still below the allowable stress. Furthermore, a 0.9694 difference in safety factor was found between theoretical calculations and shaft simulation, and a 0.1573 difference was found for the frame. The safety factor acquired from the shaft was 1.6043, while the safety factor gained from the frame was 1.6073

Evaluating the Impact of Semi-Immersive Virtual Reality on Urinary Catheterization Skills, Motivation, and Satisfaction in Nursing Students

Aims: The basic core skill and competency nursing students need is urinary catheterization. Semi-immersive virtual reality (SIVR) based research innovations based on situational learning theory have not been widely used to improve student proficiency. This study aimed to analyze the skills, motivation, and satisfaction of nursing students with urinary catheterization learning before and after the implementation of SIVR. Methods: The study was designed as a pre-test and post-test randomized controlled trial (RCT). The study population was undergraduate nursing students at the Bhakti Wiyata Health Sciences Institute, Kediri. The SIVR group (n=52) received catheterization skill practice through SIVR, whereas the control group (n=52) was given 2-dimensional video learning. The results obtained were catheterization skills, motivation, and satisfaction, which were evaluated before and after the intervention. In this study's statistical test analysis, the chi-square test and the independent t-test were used. Results: Post-test results showed a significant improvement in catheterization skills in the SIVR group (M = 92.74, SD = 1.05, p = 0.032) compared to the control group (M = 79.95, SD = 1.51), a significant improvement in motivation in the SIVR group (M = 6.48, SD = 0.54, p = 0.010) compared to the control group (M = 5.23, SD = 0.49), and a significant improvement in satisfaction in the SIVR group (M = 3.49, SD = 0.83, p = 0.024) compared to the control group (M = 2.88, SD = 0.52). Conclusion: SIVR simulation and video learning can improve nursing students' skills, motivation, and satisfaction. SIVR program learning can be recommended as an intervention for the effectiveness of the quality of practical learning following current technological advances and in the long term it is expected to improve graduates' practical skills.

Evaluation and risk assessment of heavy metals in wetland soil in the University of Lagos

A study was conducted to evaluate the concentration of heavy metals, and the physicochemical and microbiological properties of wetland soils at the University of Lagos. Soil samples were randomly collected from the Faculty of Science (FSC), Lagoon Front, and Distance Learning Institute areas at depths of 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, and 20 cm using a soil auger. The samples were stored in sterile nylon bags, appropriately labelled, and transported to the University of Lagos Central Research Laboratory for chemical analysis. The physicochemical characteristics measured included soil pH, determined using a pH meter, and moisture content, assessed through the oven-drying method. Heavy metal concentrations were analyzed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Microbial population diversity was examined using the disc diffusion method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, and mean values were evaluated using Tukey’s multiple comparison test at a probability level of P < 0.05. The results revealed that soil pH ranged from 7.20 to 8.81, with the highest value (8.81) recorded near the Faculty of Science (FSC-3). Eight heavy metals, including Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn, were analyzed. Lead concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 0.29 ppm, followed by nickel, which ranged from 0.01 to 0.13 ppm. Chromium ranged from 0.0 to 0.25 ppm, cadmium from 0.03 to 0.08 ppm, iron from 1.02 to 2.96 ppm, copper from 3.31 to 4.60 ppm, manganese from 3.31 to 5.16 ppm, and zinc from 1.67 to 9.17 ppm. Lead and zinc concentrations were found to be below the permissible limit at all locations, while chromium and cadmium were within permissible limits. However, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, and Ni exceeded the permissible limits. Correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation (P < 0.05) between Pb and Zn, likely due to effluents from human waste and seepage from nearby dumpsites into the lagoon, streams, or beaches. The isolated microbial flora included three bacterial genera, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus spp, and Enterobacter spp, as well as four fungal genera, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Aspergillus flavus, and Fusarium. Bacterial counts were lower than fungal counts in polluted soils, likely due to the nutrient status of the soil. The isolates were found to be tolerant to slightly alkaline pH and heavy metal pollutants, with microbial variation attributed to the impact of pH and heavy metals on the microbial population.

Breakthrough Rectal Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections After Meningococcal B Vaccination: Microbiological and Clinical Features.

4CMenB appears to be effective in reducing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) infections. Aims are to assess factors associated with breakthrough rectal Ng after 4CMenB and evaluate clinical and microbiological characteristics of breakthrough infections compared with before vaccination. This was a retrospective study of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) vaccinated with 4CMenB (2 doses) between 2017 and 2023 at the San Raffaele Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute), Milan, Italy, and tested for rectal Ng. Rectal Ng infection is considered breakthrough if it occurs >1 month after the second 4CMenB dose and with positive nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) result. Follow-up was from July 2017 (first 4CMenB vaccination) to November 2023 (data freeze). Rectal Ng was screened with both NAAT and gonococcal-specific cultures. Characteristics of individuals with or without breakthrough Ng and of Ng infections before or after 4CMenB were compared using Mann-Whitney and χ2/Fisher tests. Overall, 473 GBMSM vaccinated with 4CMenB were included, with a median age (interquartile range) of 43 (37-51) years; 451 of 473 were living with human immunodeficiency virus. The percentage of NAAT-positive rectal Ng swab samples was 76 of 957 (7.7%) after 4CMenB and 51 of 456 (11.1%) before. Breakthrough rectal Ng after baseline were 76 in 57 of 473 people. People with rectal Ng after 4CMenB were younger, more likely to have a previous sexually transmitted infection, and had more sexual partners than those without (all P < .001). Breakthrough rectal Ng infections were less frequently symptomatic (34.2% vs 66.7%; P = .001) and more likely with negative gonococcal-specific culture (55.3% vs 19.6%; P < .001) compared with before vaccination. Breakthrough rectal Ng infections after 4CMenB were 76 in 57/473 people, preferentially identified in GBMSM with higher-risk sexual behaviors, were less often symptomatic, and more often with negative gonococcal-specific cultures, suggesting lower infection virulence.

Equipping society for everyday lives: risk experts’ priorities for risk education in secondary schools

Risk experts and government agencies have long advocated for the inclusion of risk education as part of formal schooling; however, questions remain as to what risk education is and how it should be taught. Drawing on interviews with eleven risk experts based in scientific institutions and universities, we explored their views and priorities regarding secondary school-based risk education. Analysis of these expert interviews highlighted varied conceptualisations of the nature and purpose of risk education. Priorities for risk education included equipping young people for the risks and uncertainties they will experience as part of their lives. Furthermore, risk experts frequently prioritised probability and uncertainty as topics within risk education but deemed judgement and decision-making as more important to include in risk education. Most risk experts valued schools as a place for risk education, although a minority expressed reservations about the ability of teachers to adequately cover more complex risk material. Future research might helpfully investigate how risk concepts are taught in schools and how teachers believe these concepts can be taught effectively.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE OF STATE REGULATION OF THE FOOD INDUSTRY IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

The article is devoted to researching the international experience of state regulation of the food industry in the conditions of digital transformation and determining ways of its adaptation to Ukrainian realities. The experience of the EU, the USA, China, Canada, Australia and India in the application of digital transformation technologies and innovations in the state regulation of food business was studied. The key factors for the successful implementation of digital technologies in the regulatory mechanisms of the food industry have been identified, including: the creation of a legal framework, investment in the development of digital infrastructure, increasing the digital literacy of employees and consumers, as well as cooperation between state bodies. The results of the conducted research emphasize the need for an integrated approach combining technological innovation, cooperation between governments, industry and scientific institutions, as well as strict quality standards. The integration of advanced technologies and partnerships between the government and the private sector are key elements for the sustainable development of the food industry.

Scientific and technical business trips of scientists to Germany in the 1920s as one of the factors in the development of the Leningrad industrial complex

In the article, the author examines Leningrad scientists’ business trips to Germany in the 1920s as one of the directions of technology transfer mechanism implementation. The relevance of the study lies in the fact that the example of Leningrad shows the substance of this line of transfer, as well as a general assessment of its effectiveness. Thus, the historical memory of a unique experience is restored, which may be of interest at the present stage of Russia’s development. The study focuses on the problems of scientific and technical international cooperation with local scientific communities. This fills a gap in historical scholarship, as the specifics of such cooperation are considered mainly either at a community level or at the level of an individual organisation or individual. The main goal of the study is to determine the extent to which the contacts between Leningrad scientists and German specialists, established in the 1920s, influenced the modernisation of the Leningrad industrial complex. Research objectives are: to analyse the main cooperation directions between Leningrad scientists and German institutes, scientific centres, and laboratories in the period under consideration; to classify business trips, to identify general patterns, and to analyse the specific features of different types of business trips and their results. The article draws on a broad source base that includes previously unpublished archive documentation of the Russian State Academy of Economics, Central State Archive of St. Petersburg, and the Central State Academy of Technical Sciences of St. Petersburg. In the course of the study, drawing on specific cases, it was demonstrated that the active involvement of scientific personnel in Petrograd/Leningrad contributed to the accelerated development of a number of Soviet industries, such as diesel engineering, turbo and hydraulic turbine engineering, chemical processing of peat and shale, etc., made it possible to form the necessary technical base, as well as develop the human resources of scientific institutions and enterprises of the city.