Scientific Literature Research Articles

HANZE v2.1: an improved database of flood impacts in Europe from 1870 to 2020

Abstract. Assessing long-term trends in flood losses and attributing them to climatic and socioeconomic changes requires comprehensive and systematic collection of historical information. Here, we present flood impact data for Europe that are part of the HANZE (Historical Analysis of Natural HaZards) database. The dataset covers riverine, pluvial, coastal, and compound floods that have occurred in 42 European countries between 1870 and 2020. The data were obtained by extensive data collection from more than 800 sources ranging from news reports through government databases to scientific papers. The dataset includes 2521 events characterized by at least one impact statistic: area inundated, fatalities, persons affected. or economic loss. Economic losses are presented both in the original currencies and price levels and with the inflation and exchange rate adjusted to the 2020 value of the euro. The spatial footprint of affected areas is consistently recorded using more than 1400 subnational units corresponding, with minor exceptions, to the European Union's Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS) level 3. Daily start and end dates, information on causes of the events, notes on data quality issues or associated non-flood impacts, and full bibliography of each record supplement the dataset. Apart from the possibility of downloading the data (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8410025; Paprotny, 2023a), the database can be viewed, filtered, and visualized online at https://naturalhazards.eu (last access: 4 November 2024). The dataset is designed to be complementary to HANZE-Exposure, a high-resolution model of historical exposure changes (such as population and asset values) and be easily usable in statistical and spatial analyses, including multi-hazard studies.

Beyond the 9-to-5 grind: workaholism and its potential influence on human health and disease

Workaholism is often considered a conventional word in the general population to portray those individuals who continuously work and find it challenging not to work. It is usually described as a work addiction and operationalized as a compulsive need to work excessively hard. However, the concept of workaholism remains poorly understood. The first objective of this review is to define workaholism, followed by its related concepts, and how it is assessed. Notably, we distinguish workaholism from work addiction and work engagement. Next, we review the current research literature, largely from the last two decades, to suggest that workaholism contributes toward a wide range of health outcomes, ranging from sleep to stress. In particular, we focus on evidence suggesting that workaholism may be associated with differing risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and potentially other related metabolic abnormalities. Finally, we discuss potential limitations of the existing literature on workaholism, and we provide future directions for this emerging field. Specifically, we underscore the need to link workaholism with more biomarkers of metabolic diseases, such as those related to inflammation, the gut microbiome, and glucose homeostasis. In addition, we highlight the importance of establishing causality between workaholism and poor health outcomes, such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.

Religious hydro-healing and medical hydrotherapy: Links, benefits, contrasts and challenges

here seems to be some recognition of the relevance of dihydrogen oxide (water) in many spheres. Among others, literature in poetry, religious texts and medical science, address the value of water in emotional, physical and psychological healings. To understudy how religion, spirituality and medical science connect and contrast in domesticating water for healing purposes, this article undertook literary research on religious and medical hydro-healings in Christianity, African and Native American traditional religions, and medical science. It presented links, benefits, challenges and contrasts between spiritual healing and medical water therapy as well as inter-religious connections. Based on the literature, the article discovered that spiritual hydro-healing is spiritual, instantaneous and non-scientific, but medical hydrotherapy is organic, naturopathic, gradual and scientific or logical. On the positive side, the article found that indigenous spiritual knowledge is a key motivating factor in the popularity of hydro-healing practices. Whereas, on the negative, it observed the danger of the grey areas of spiritual hydro-healings which include, but are not limited to, unethical practices, commercialisation of healing waters, addiction, river baptism mortality and the quest for instantaneous hydro-healing leading to health hazards and death.Contribution: The article concluded with an urgent call to stakeholders to pay attention to the hydro-healing practices that can compromise public health and safety.

Environmental Taxation and Sustainable Environmental Protection - Reality or Myth? An Integrative Review

The increase in environmental pollution has different origins, and in each of them we can observe the actions and activities of human beings, whether natural or legal persons. In response to this, the legal figure of the environmental tax has been applied as a strategy and means of income to prevent, compensate for environmental damage and improve ecological quality, constituting a route to improve sustainable environmental protection. In this sense, this article examines, based on the scientific literature, the relationship between environmental taxation and sustainable development. The research topics are varied in terms of methodologies and theoretical perspectives, and the relationship between environmental taxes and their objectives remains controversial. The main findings of the review highlighted the importance and purpose of taxes; the difference between types of taxes; the justification for tax collection; and the orientation of the resources raised towards improving environmental protection and sustainable environment, which allows us to conclude on the need to reflect on the implementation of viable environmental policies aimed at ensuring social justice. In this sense, policy makers must have the appropriate profile that demonstrates expertise since sustainable development encompasses the protection of the environment by reducing pollution with educational and awareness-raising policies. Received: 11 July 2024 / Accepted: 30 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Myths about Stalin in Georgian Politics and Georgian History School Textbooks

Abstract The theoretical framework of the paper is established through the concept of political myths. The research delves into the diverse viewpoints presented in the scientific literature concerning this matter, and depending on the chosen topic, great attention is paid to the phenomenon of historical myths. The paper employs the method of content analysis to examine history textbooks. The research discusses two textbooks from the Soviet period and 14 textbooks covering Georgian and world history that were published after the Soviet era. Considering that history is currently taught in schools using textbooks published in 2012 and onward, the paper includes a table that specifically shows the facts related to Stalin in these textbooks.

Mechanical Recycling of New and Challenging Polymer Systems: A Brief Overview

AbstractPollution from plastics is a major issue in the current context, prompting the scientific community to focus its efforts on recycling these materials. Mechanical recycling emerges as the most popular due to its practicality and cost‐effectiveness. In fact, with the increase in environmental awareness, the adoption of new circular economy models, stricter regulations mandating disposal and recycling, and lower costs compared to other recycling techniques, this type of recycling is taking a predominant role over other method. However, the presence of a variety of products of different polymeric nature, the introduction of new biodegradable products, and the complexity of multilayer packaging combining different polymers, without concrete solutions for recycling create a heterogeneous range of materials that leaks into the environment. The scientific literature is actively addressing these challenges, and this review aims to explore the latest strategies for enhancing the mechanical recycling of new and challenging polymer systems. Specifically, it explores the recycling of materials originally designated for landfill, incineration or composting, focusing on advancements in management of these previously overlooked and problematic system. This underexplored perspective seeks to offer new insights and innovative solutions that can transform polymer waste management and advance more sustainable recycling practices.

A Bibliometric Review of Indoor Environment Quality Research and Its Effects on Occupant Productivity (2011–2023)

Over the past decade, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in influencing occupant productivity. Researchers have studied various buildings, including offices, schools, hospitals, and residential settings, to understand the relationship between IEQ and productivity outcomes. Studies have taken a multifactorial approach, considering multiple aspects of IEQ. Evidence from the literature review suggests that the quality of the indoor environment is an essential factor that affects the productivity of building occupants, and it is one of the fundamental issues in the development of societies. This area of research requires the responsible participation of researchers at all levels, as there is significant scope to contribute to knowledge. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the published literature on indoor environmental quality and its impact on building occupant productivity through the scientific literature available from one of the largest and most famous academic databases, Scopus; the study was determined in 2011 to 2023. The search used differential thresholds for IEQ keywords affecting building occupant productivity. Three discrete queries were performed, resulting in approximately 3861 publications. These were filtered by reducing false positives and excluding publications irrelevant to the research topic. The final results were 72 publications. This study also used Excel and VOS viewer to analyse and create graphs and network visualisation maps to show the growth of publications and their types, active countries and institutions for recovered publications, international collaboration, author keywords, active journals, and citation analysis. This study can significantly advance our understanding of building occupant productivity and enhance quality of life and work. Evaluating the research outputs is essential for highlighting contributions to knowledge and global collaboration in this research area. The potential impact of this study is not just theoretical. It can shape the future of our built environments and the lives of those occupying them.

Bibliometric Analysis of Spline Regression Model for Trend Mapping and Strategy Development Research Using Vosviewer

Bibliometric analysis is a quantitative method used to measure and analyze scientific literature. This technique involves the collection and analysis of publication data, such as journal articles, books, and conferences, to evaluate and understand patterns of scientific communication, research productivity, author collaboration, journal impact, and trends within a scientific field. Bibliometric analysis has a limitation in that it is challenging to visualize effectively, necessitating the use of software for proper visualization. Therefore, this article discusses bibliometric analysis on spline regression for trend mapping and strategy development using VOSviewer software. The research results show that the visualization of spline regression keywords with VOSviewer can help in understanding patterns of relationships between variables, research trends, and network structures in scientific literature. Based on the analysis results, bibliometric analysis on spline regression can be visualized in trend mapping, which can aid in planning further research strategies, including identifying collaboration opportunities and underexplored research areas.

The Beauty and Importance of Scientific Journals

For more than 300 years, academic journals have been the main means of communication in all disciplines to disseminate scientific discoveries and advances, both theoretical and methodological, through scientific article, since they have covered all the functions of knowledge generation. Writing articles is the highlight of the research process and through it we not only share ideas and foster the spirit of free and cooperative exchange of information, but also fuel the process of self-correction that makes science powerful. To be shared with the community, articles must go through a process of attribution of authorship, certification of validity, dissemination, distribution and archiving of knowledge. Throughout history, scientific journals have gone through different stages and through different problems inherent to the editorial process. In this essay on scientific publications, we will reflect on the nature of publications, their importance and usefulness both social and economic, their less luminous side as well as their role, as a systemic and almost irreplaceable mechanism, in the generation and transmission of scientific culture, of our knowledge and understanding about the world and about ourselves.

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.

The Use of Blockchain Technology in Improving the Reliability and Security of Accounting Information Systems: Impacts and Challenges

The use of blockchain technology in the context of Accounting Information Systems (SIA) has become an important topic in the academic and industry literature. By leveraging blockchain, the Triple Entry Accounting System application can improve information transparency and reliability while reducing fraud in business, improving audit efficiency, and improving data protection. This study aims to analyze the impacts and challenges associated with the implementation of blockchain technology in improving the reliability and security of accounting information systems. The research method used in this scientific paper is a type of qualitative method through the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) study. The results of this analysis show that the use of blockchain technology has a significant impact on the reliability and security of accounting information systems. Blockchain allows financial transactions to be recorded transparently, immutable, and trustworthy automatically through network consensus. However, there are several challenges that need to be addressed in implementing this technology, including scalability issues, high transaction fees, complex regulations, and a lack of understanding and awareness of blockchain technology among accounting practitioners. The reason for the choice of the title is that blockchain technology in Accounting Information Systems is not only relevant, interesting, and offers great opportunities, but also has the potential to make a significant contribution to the field of industry practice.

A Real-Time Associative Feature-Based Customer Relationship Management and Enterprise Resource Planning Integration Model for Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Abstract Customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) have been extensively discussed in the research literature respectively. However, existing studies do not reach a complete agreement on the CRM/ERP integration method, especially for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Generally, this work proposed a novel method for CRM/ERP integration approach via associative feature technology. A new feature type, Real-time Data Link Board (RDLB), is developed and detailed as a generic information carrier solution for multisystem integration between CRM and ERP packages. Valuable data elements are mapped into such data boards dynamically and synchronized across different data sources, structures, and databases. The contribution of this work is to present a well-defined and generically reusable data carrier definition, alongside related methods for ensuring consistent data modeling during the system integration phase across various digitalization engineering implementation projects. With this approach, the consistent management of data integration across intricate systems is achievable throughout application lifecycles, supported by the object-oriented software engineering foundation.

Examining the Empathy Profiles and Work Outcomes of Trauma Workers

Trauma work involves intervening with others enduring acute pain and suffering, often with heavy psychological and physical health impacts. An important question is whether dispositional empathy helps or hurts trauma workers in their occupational functioning. The current study addresses this gap in the research literature by using a person-centered approach to examine the empathy profiles and professional outcomes of a broad sample of trauma workers ( n = 315). We measured their trait empathy and organizational outcomes (occupational burnout, person-job fit, turnover intentions, job performance), and found three distinct empathy profiles which differed significantly in their occupational functioning. A ‘self-focused’ empathy profile (dominated by high personal distress responding) reported the worst functioning; an ‘other-oriented’ profile (high on perspective taking and empathic concern) had more positive functioning, and an unexpected ‘low reactivity’ profile (a full SD below the general population on empathy facets) showed the lowest exhaustion. Exploratory analyses revealed that first responders (e.g., police, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics) were overrepresented in the ‘low reactivity’ profile, while psychology-related professions (e.g., psychologists, counsellors, social workers) were underrepresented in that profile. The significance of these results, as well as their implications for empathy research and vocational counselling in the field of trauma work, are discussed.

Учебник РКИ делового (профессионального) общения: принципы моделирования

In the conditions of the new government demand for training foreign specialists of various profiles in Russian higher education, the task of optimising the existing educational paradigm in the field of teaching Russian as a foreign language for special purposes is actualised, the most important link of which is the methodological goal set for the formation of the learners' (foreign or Russian universities’ students) ability to overcome the ideological threshold in professional interethnic (intercultural) communication. The analysis of research and methodological literature gives grounds to assert that Russian linguodidactics is ready to ensure the convergence of the pedagogical process, in which formal language teaching, professional training and education in line with the Russian culture and value paradigm can be presented syncretically within the framework of problem-based and / or interactive approaches in one (unified) teaching tool — a textbook / workbook / training manual / training course / educational-methodical complex. As one of the possible strategies for a comprehensive solution to the problem of compliance of educational resources with the latest social challenges, the potential of a new method of creating teaching tools — the method of casual illustrated narrative (CIN), which provides synergetic presentation of the language and culture of business (professional) communication in the framework of the scenario form and thus determines the possibility of building a model of the space-time continuum of professional communication, is substantiated. As a proof of the success and practical significance of the proposed strategy — the SIN method — we present the online course "Russian for Life and Work" developed in 2024 for migrant workers from CIS countries (SPbU, Uzbek national version), the results of the approbation of which led the Russian government to instruct a number of Russian universities to create additional national versions.

A Systematic Literature Review, Research Challenges and Future Directions of Image Processing Algorithms in Solar Tracking System

A Systematic Literature Review, Research Challenges and Future Directions of Image Processing Algorithms in Solar Tracking System

Dynamic Magnetic Susceptibility Method in Studies of Coordination Compounds

The measurement of the dynamic magnetic susceptibility is a universal method, which is used for the evaluation of magnetic properties of single molecule magnets by scientists all over the world. An information in the Russian scientific literature that can be useful for practical mastering of this method is presently insufficient. To fill this gap, in this work we present a detailed procedure of a magnetochemical experiment for observing slow magnetic relaxation in coordination compounds of 3d- and 4f-element ions and the complete characterization of the dynamics of the magnetic behavior. Special attention is given to usually omitted but important details related to all stages of studying the magnetic relaxation dynamics. The main variants of sample preparation are described, the logics of the construction of a measuring sequence and the procedure of experimental data processing are discussed, and advantages and drawbacks of some programs of the calculation of magnetic relaxation dynamics data are considered. The main concepts and equations used in experimental data analysis are presented, and the primary conclusions that can be made from the obtained results are proposed.

Research trends and hotspots of radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancer treatment in the twenty-first century: a bibliometric analysis.

The treatment of radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC) has made significant advancements in the twenty-first century. This study aimed to assess the current state of research and identify potential new directions by conducting a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications on RAIR-DTC treatment. Publications relevant to RAIR-DTC, published from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2023, were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Bibliometric analyses of major keywords, authors, countries, institutions, publications, and journals were conducted using CiteSpace and VOSviewer. A total of 859 papers were included in the analysis. The results demonstrated a rising trend in the number of publications over time. The United States was identified as the leading contributor in terms of publication output, citations, and international collaborations. Gustave Roussy emerged as the top organization in publication productivity, while the journal Thyroid had the highest number of related publications. The research on RAIR treatment was categorized into three key hotspots: clinical trials of targeted therapies, novel therapeutic strategies, and debates surrounding the RAIR-DTC management. RAIR-DTC research is expanding from the clinical trial phase of tyrosine kinase inhibitor monotherapy to a more complex combination therapy strategy, in particular, the synergistic effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors and other therapeutic agents, requiring more high-quality prospective studies to validate the clinical benefits. Moreover, the timely identification of RAIR-DTC patients holds the potential to enable early disease intervention, constituting a pivotal novel research direction in the future.

Modern Bioeconomy Measurement in the Green Economy Paradigm: Four Pillars of Alternative Bioeconomy

The bioeconomic transition is not always seen as sustainable and environmentally friendly. In particular, it may contribute to increased global inequality, affect economic and social stability, and increase dependence on innovative biotechnologies that may be unaffordable for many countries. These issues are causing considerable controversy in the scientific community and require rethinking the balance between technology, ecology, and social justice. The motivation for this study was the need to provide a critical analysis of modern scientific production in order to find systematic evidence in the debate of the scientific community on bioeconomy. Therefore, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications from 2013 to 2023 from the Scopus database and identified scientific trajectories that contribute to the elimination of contradictions and debates around rethinking the balance of technological and environmental friendliness in the bioeconomic concept. The analysis of the publications has shown that the bioeconomy is actively integrated with the concepts of green and circular economies, but its impact on sustainability remains controversial. In particular, bioeconomic approaches can lead to environmental and social problems, such as depletion of bioresources and unequal access to biotechnology. Accordingly, four pillars of the alternative bioeconomy have been identified that can contribute to a more balanced development of this area.

THE IMPACT OF PHOSPHORUS WEAPONS DURING A FULL-SCALE WAR

Due to military actions, there is destruction of Ukraine's ecosystems, deterioration of sanitary and hygienic indicators of drinking water, air, and soil. With the onset of full-scale war, the negative impact of harmful and dangerous substances (the use of chemical, phosphorus bombs, and other weapons) prohibited by the Geneva Convention leads to unforeseen consequences for the environment of Ukraine. The purpose of the study is to analyze injuries resulting from the action of white phosphorus of various types of phosphorus weapons, namely explosive weapons with a wide area of effect, mines, ammunition, long-range missiles; artillery, mortar shells, various types of grenades in the conditions of russian aggression against Ukraine. The following methods were used in the work: content analysis, comparative analysis, and systematization of the researched material. Research of scientific publications by domestic and foreign scientists using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases for the period 2001-2023 was conducted. Phosphorus munitions such as WP are known for their high effectiveness in combat operations, but also lead to serious injuries, both traumatic and post-traumatic psychological changes. White phosphorus (explosive bombs) causes burns of human body tissues upon contact with burning material, as well as burns of the upper respiratory tract due to inhalation of smoke or gases emitted during combustion. The article analyzes the regulatory framework prohibiting the use of phosphorus munitions in armed conflicts. Clinical cases of gunshot combined injuries of limbs with massive soft tissue defects, gunshot fractures, and the presence of multiple foreign bodies of metal density due to the use of phosphorus munitions are considered. An analysis of scientific research by foreign scientists on this issue was conducted. The article provides algorithms for providing first aid due to the action of phosphorus munitions, as well as methodological recommendations of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine (Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No. 506 of March 20, 2022) for providing medical assistance at the prehospital stage in case of phosphorus munition injuries, burns, enteral poisoning, exposure to white phosphorus in the eyes.

TEACHING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE IN A MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMME IN TERMS OF USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

The use of artificial intelligence by students learning a foreign language is becoming more common. The paper presents the results of a survey conducted among master’s students on the use of artificial intelligence in the educational process. The survey showed that 12 out of 17 undergraduates use neural networks, while seven master’s students use neural networks in preparation for foreign language classes. The article offers certain tasks: a critical review of a scientific paper in a certain field of study, writing an abstract/theses, as well as a presentation of a scientific direction.