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The aim of this work is to analyse the transformation of the term intellectual, which is established as a kind of paradigm in modern and postmodern times. The focus of the research is first of all on the reduction of the role of the intellectual in modern times, which was echoed in the thoughts of numerous philosophers of modern and postmodern epoch. Then the postmodern dystopian novel Plato's Papers by the English writer Peter Aykroyd, is analysed. It is a dystopian work in which the aforementioned tendencies were given an artistic articulation. The hero of the novel Plato, as the research shows, represents a travestied image of the ancient philosopher Plato and acts in a modern telematized polis of the distant future. The works and fate of the postmodern Plato are articulated in the novel in a way that hints that escapism is the only possible answer to the challenges of the destructive relativizations of the postmodern era.

The goal of this article is to recount the birth and development of midwifery and maternal care education in Bulgaria after the Bulgarian Liberation at the end of XIX and the beginning of the XX century. The researchers set the following tasks: 1) to present the main reasons for the emergence of professional midwifery education in post-Liberation Bulgaria; 2) to show the place and role of the first professionally trained midwives in Bulgaria; 3) to outline the seminal work of notable personalities for the development of professional midwifery care. Historical method was used, secondary historical sources, documents and scientific papers were reviewed. Conclusions: Professional midwifery education helped the introduction and spread of modern Obstetrics/Gynecology medicine, which lead to decrease in maternal and infant mortality and slowly improved quality of life for Bulgarian women and children. Bulgarian nationals educated abroad brought to the country the scientific foundation and best practices in maternal health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botanic gardens are increasingly important agents of plant research and conservation. A large number of botanic gardens have been established throughout the globe since the mid-20th century to pursue new socio-environmental missions. Others, with histories that span centuries, have also undergone a deep transformation in the context of growing attention to matters of sustainability. Bridging key aspects of the scholarly literature on the genesis of the botanical garden institution in Europe and its legacy, this article presents the re-invention of these gardens as institutions of conservation, sustainability, and social engagement as they renew their relevance in the contemporary world. This article proceeds by covering three focal points. First, it summarizes the scholarly literature on the emergence of botanical gardens in Europe and their association with the rise of modern science, the nation-state, colonialism, and empire-building. Second, it presents accounts of current scientific and biodiversity conservation endeavours as reflexive engagements with these historical legacies, decolonization initiatives, and new socio-environmental missions. Third, this article points beyond its focus on the historical transformation of the European botanical garden institution, by identifying a more widely encompassing body of scholarship that puts forth frameworks for understanding the current role of botanic gardens on a global scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Thirty years after the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Nature met with researchers who are gaining insights that could help to prevent other atrocities and enable healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research reported on in this article was mainly undertaken to determine the obstacles to the enhancement of critical thinking in the learning of history at Form 3 level in secondary schools in the Masvingo urban area of Zimbabwe, in terms of the rationale of developing the learners' critical thinking. The promotion of critical thinking abilities is vital in education, since doing so helps to improve the learners' academic performance, as well as aiding in producing graduates with a multiplicity of skills that are required in the 21st century job market and in society as a whole. We used semi-structured interviews and lesson observations to reach conclusions on what recommendations to make in addressing the research problem. Several factors were identified as hindering the learners' acquisition of critical thinking, including the learners' and teachers' lack of self-efficacy, motivation and the poor learning environment. In addition to reflecting on the possibility of improving the learning and teaching of critical thinking, we recommend that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Zimbabwe's Schools Examination Council, teacher training colleges and teachers should all work together to develop the learners' critical thinking skills within the parameters of the Zimbabwean education system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]