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Introduction and purpose A pilonidal cyst also known as a pilondial sinus, is an inflammatory condition that occurs in the intergluteal region, which can lead to serious infections. It most commonly affects young men, with risk factors including the presence of hair in this area, excessive sweating, obesity, and poor hygiene. Symptoms include a lump, pain, and purulent discharge from openings in the skin. Diagnosis involves taking a medical history, a physical examination, and often an ultrasound. The aim of this paper is to present and compare the available methods for treating pilonidal cysts. Materials and methods Literature available in PubMed databases were reviewed using the following keywords: ‘’Pilonidal cyst’’, ‘’Hair cyst’’, ‘’Abscess’’, ‘’Treatment of pilonidal cyst’’,’’ Bascom II method’’,’’ Limberg flap’’,’’ Suchorski technique’’, ‘’V-Y or Z skin flap reconstruction’’,’’ the Karadakis’’ Results The available treatment methods can be divided into conservative and invasive approaches. Conservative methods include hair removal and improved hygiene. Among the surgical methods, there are traditional excision techniques and modern methods such as excision using the Bascom II method, Limberg flap, Suchorski technique, or V-Y or Z skin flap reconstruction. The Karadakis method, which involves shifting a skin flap, is particularly effective for obese patients. Conclusion Treatment of pilonidal cysts depends on the stage and symptoms. Abscesses require urgent surgical intervention, while asymptomatic cysts can be treated conservatively or surgically.

During the recycling of a cardboard box in the shape of a right prism with a square base to build a tetrahedron, there was the curious coincidence that the height of the first was equal to the inclined height of the second. After some bending and cutting on the prism, its dynamic conversion to the tetrahedron and vice versa was achieved. This fact motivated us to carry out a study on the meaningful learning of a small group of participants (N = 10) with minimum primary school education, regarding the volume of these two common geometric bodies. It was found that 70 % of the study population thought that the volumes were equal and that 100 % had forgotten the formula to calculate the volume of the tetrahedron. A template to build the model and a video to illustrate the mentioned transformation process are also presented.

As práticas pedagógicas centradas em videojogos têm vindo a tornar-se cada vez mais populares, dado oferecerem vantagens empiricamente validadas no que diz respeito ao envolvimento dos alunos, à sua motivação e sentido de agência. Estes construtos afetivos são agora reconhecidos como componentes-chave de uma aprendizagem eficaz e significativa, favorecendo o desenvolvimento de competências cognitivas de nível superior. Contudo, enquanto se atesta um número elevado de estudos sobre o uso de videojogos educativos nas áreas das Ciências, Tecnologia, Engenharia e Matemática (STEM), é necessário ainda explorar as potencialidades desses recursos nas disciplinas de Humanidades. Analogamente, devem ser empreendidos mais esforços no sentido da investigação e implementação de atividades que atribuam aos alunos, especialmente àqueles de níveis inferiores ao do Ensino Superior, o papel de designers de videojogos, aliado ao de jogadores. Desta feita, criam-se as condições para que os alunos construam material didático autêntico, sob a forma de experiências digitais imersivas, que apresentam tanto um valor educacional como de entretenimento. Assim, este artigo funciona como um Position Paper sobre a Aprendizagem Baseada em Jogos Digitais ou Digital Game-based learning (DGBL), descrevendo as vantagens afetivas de se jogar e criar videojogos educativos na sala de aula de Humanidades, enquanto reflete criticamente sobre possíveis obstáculos ao sucesso desta prática. O nosso objetivo é estudar como a tecnologia educativa e imersiva pode satisfazer as necessidades de aprendizagem da Geração Z, tendo em consideração os diferentes fatores contextuais que definem o seu perfil.

Género, Literatura Infantil y Juvenil y Formación de Identidades. Consol Aguilar Ródenas (2023). Colección Sendes Universitat Jaume I. 306 páginas. Identificadores: ISBN 978-84-19647-51-1 (paper)| ISBN 978-84-19647-52-8 (pdf) | ISBN 978-84-19647-53-5 (ePub).

New Ukrainian and world realities set new tasks for the higher educational establishments, which are related to the search for new, modern methods that allow to increase the effectiveness of training. Currently, topical are the issues of not only professional but also the personal development of the student forming the priority in the implementation of educational activities in universities, preparation for future professional activities, as well as for successful interaction in society. The concept of «individual social competence» is an important factor in creating a system of educational process which takes into account aspects of professional development, and at the same time the peculiarities of the formation of the student personality. The author analyses the concept of «competence», considers the key competences for lifelong learning, identified by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, including social competence, studies the scientific achievements of Ukrainian and foreign scientists, including G. Gedviliene, H. S. Han, K. M. Kemple, U.P. Kanning, M. Horenburg, G.W. Ladd, H. K. Ma, K. Monahan, M. Monnier, O.V. Varetska, N.I. Hlebova, D.V. Hubareva, O.I. Hura, M.O. Doktorovych, I.B. Zarubinska, O.O. Subina, V.M. Shakhrai. They explored different aspects of social competence of different age categories. The author concludes that, despite different interpretations, all scientists agree that social competence is an acquired skill, it can be formed and developed throughout life. It was also determined that the developed social competence determines the status of the individual in society, it affects the success in professional activities. The high level of social competence allows a person not only to be realized in professional activities, but also to influence the processes in society, which in turn determines its stability. The author’s definition of the concept of «individual social competence» is given in the paper; the author concludes that social competence is an integrated ability that contains other competencies: spiritual, civic, communicative, linguistic; the concept of social competence is closely related to professional competence, without the successful interaction of the individual with society it is impossible to acquire the skills and abilities inherent in a qualified specialist. Thus, an important task for modern higher education is the formation and development of social competence of students, which is the key to successful implementation of the future specialist in professional activities. The educational process should be aimed at forming a system of knowledge about interaction in society, understanding the system of social values, ability to cooperate in society, the ability to communicate constructively, because only a socially competent person can.

Lipoedema is a chronic progressive disorder of adipose tissue leading to an enlargement of lower extremities. It is considered to be rare; however, the prevalence of the disease is underestimated because it is commonly misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphedema and the general awareness is poor. The etiology of the disorder is considered to be multifarious, including genetic inheritance, hormonal imbalance and microcirculation alterations. Diagnosis is mainly based on medical history and physical examination. Management of lipoedema is focused on reducing the symptoms, improving the quality of life and preventing further progression of the disease. The aim of this paper is to raise the awareness of the disease and provide appropriate clinical guidance for the assessment of lipoedema. We searched through the PubMed/MEDLINE database and took into consideration all of the results available as of 6September, 2020 and outlined the current evidence regarding lipoedema epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and management. Better understanding of lipoedema is crucial for establishing an early diagnosis and a proper treatment, which in turn will reduce the psychological and physical implications associated with the disease.

El proceso de mejora de enseñanza-aprendizaje en el contexto universitario ha generado la aplicación de nuevas o mejoradas técnicas docentes, las cuales fomenten una participación activa del alumno y una mayor interacción con el profesor. El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido analizar el grado de satisfacción del alumnado universitario con una de las innovaciones docentes más populares, sobre todo, por su bajo coste y sencillez, que es el one minute paper, la cual registró una alta tasa de participación en el contexto analizado. En particular, esta experiencia docente se hizo en una asignatura de contabilidad en el Grado de Administración y Dirección de Empresas de la Universidad de Santiago de Compostela.

El Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior (EEES) promueve la aplicación de nuevas técnicas docentes para lograr una interacción significativa alumno- docente, corrigiendo problemas de aprendizaje oportuna y eficazmente. Este trabajo analiza la técnica one minute paper en estudios de grado universitario, y sus implicaciones sobre el rendimiento académico. Frente a un enfoque predominantemente teórico de trabajos previos, se aporta evidencia empírica con una amplia muestra de alumnos, constituyendo una experiencia docente extrapolable a otros centros educativos. En general, se obtuvo una alta participación en la técnica y existió una importante interacción en el aula. Además, la tasa de éxito en el examen fue superior entre aquellos alumnos que participaron mayoritariamente en los one minute papers, frente a aquellos que fueron evaluados solo con dicho examen. En conclusión, la aplicación de nuevas técnicas docentes contribuye positivamente al aprendizaje, mejorando el rendimiento académico y potenciando una mayor interacción profesor-alumno.

Admission Dysfunctions of the lumbosacral spine are among the most common problems related to the movement of contemporary society throughout the world, and its incidence increases with age. In recent years, increased interest in the issues fascia, which until recently was neglected in the etiology of low back pain. One of the therapeutic options that can be applied in the case of chronic pain syndrome lumbar-sacral spine techniques are easing myofascial (ang. Myofascial release, MFR), which is one of the latest methods in the field of manual medicine. Objective of the work The aim of the work was overview AD recently published study on the effectiveness of techniques easing myofascial pain in chronic lumbar-sacral spine. Material and methods To find the current investigate research (publications of the last 5 years) dedicated to MFR in the treatment of chronic pain, lumbar-sacral spine searched the following databases: PubMed, PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database), ScienceDirect and Academic Search Premier. The following keywords: myofascial release, myofascial release therapy, myofascial pain, chronic low back pain. Results 9 qualified to review the studies investigating the effect of loosening myofascial pain and range of motion, functional limitations, muscles, as well as the quality of life in people with chronic pain lumbosacral spine. Conclusions The results of this review show that there is little research on the MFR employs treat ailments low back pain lumbar - sacral. Based on the studies included in this review can be concluded that the MFR can be an effective treatment for back pain lumbar - sacral, but there is a need for further research with a well-developed research procedure that will allow the standardization of this therapeutic method.

En aquesta investigació es presenta el Projecte d'Innovació Docent ComunicArte16 dut a terme en el curs 2015-2016 en l'assignatura Estructura Econòmica del Sector de la Comunicació del grau en Comunicació i Relacions Públiques d'ESIC Business & Marketing School, on van participar 21 alumnes. ComunicArte16 té com a objectiu incrementar la participació de l'alumnat a través de la proposta i disseny de les seues pròpies accions docents a realitzar a l'aula. A partir de les 14 accions proposades, es va sol·licitar a cinc docents especialistes en la matèria que revelaren les seues preferències d'acord amb els objectius del currículum de l'assignatura. Aquest procés s'ha articulat sobre quatre eixos: analitzar, connectar, experimentar i crear (ACEC), seguint com a referència el Model d'Estils d'Aprenentatge de Felder-Silverman (FSLSM). Per a la selecció d'accions docents de ComunicArte16 es va seguir el Procés Analític Jeràrquic (AHP) que, a través de la comparació aparellada d'alternatives de tipus autoexcloents, va brindar una prelació ponderada i va donar lloc a la selecció efectiva de 4 accions, una per a cada eix. L'anàlisi dels resultats avala una alta acceptació de ComunicArte16 entre l'alumnat, incrementant la participació activa a l'aula i millorant el seu compromís a través d'una major taxa d'assistència a classe.

Europa ha implantado una estrategia institucional en la Universidad para transitar de un modelo educativo focalizado en la enseñanza hacia otro cuyo eje es el aprendizaje, imponiendo la necesidad de evaluar si ello se traduce en una mejora del rendimiento académico. Este trabajo analiza el efecto de un sistema de evaluación continua basado en la realización de diferentes actividades, destacando la aplicación de una técnica de innovación docente denominada one minute paper, sobre el resultado académico de alumnado universitario a través de modelos probit y tobit. Los resultados muestran que los alumnos han participado regular y satisfactoriamente en todas las actividades, las cuales han denotado una influencia positiva y significativa sobre la probabilidad de aprobar la asignatura en primera convocatoria oficial, y sobre la nota obtenida. Asimismo, el one minute paper ha mostrado su utilidad a la hora de mejorar sus resultados académicos.

This research seeks to provide a general overview of educational research in Latin America based on the study of articles published in Latin American impact journals and written by authors of the Region. Specifically, the 1,086 articles on empirical research in education written by Latin American authors and published in journals published in Latin America and indexed in jcr (isi Web of Science), Scopus or scielo, during the years 2014, 2015 and 2016 are reviewed. Four elements are reviewed: the authorship of the articles, the subject of study, the level of education addressed and the research methodology used. The results indicate that three countries (Brazil, Mexico and Chile) concentrate 75% of the papers, 59.1% of the authors are women and 53% of the papers are signed by three or more people. Among the most studied topics include Learning and school performance, Teachers and Teaching strategies, curriculum and teaching practices. Higher Education is clearly the most studied, with 43.1% of the papers. And, finally, there is no priority methodological approach, with practically half of qualitative articles, the other half quantitative. With all this information, it is possible to conclude some elements that translate into the need for greater support for research, a rethinking of topics and levels of study and a boost to collaborative research.

O artigo analisa a produção acadêmica publicada nas principais plataformas brasileiras de divulgação cientifica acerca da avaliação na Educação Infantil. O estudo utilizou como aporte metodológico a Analise de Conteúdo de Laurence Bardin, tendo como recorte temporal o período de 1996 até 2015. Os dados foram classificados em quatro categorias de analise, que sugerem uma producao acadêmica sobre a avaliação na Educação Infantil ainda escassa, todavia em ascensão, com predominância de producao na área de Educação. Outro ponto tratado no estudo refere-se aos múltiplos focos acerca da temática avaliação e Educação Infantil. Os estudos baseiam-se tanto em aspectos do microcontexto, como o registro e a documentação pedagógica, passando pelo uso de escalas e testes padronizados que objetivam avaliar o desenvolvimento da criança em aspectos de macrocontexto, como nas avaliações da qualidade do ambiente, das instituições e dos sistemas de ensino. Por fim, o artigo destaca ainda que essa temática requer uma ampla discussão a fim de construir uma melhor compreensão dos sujeitos que por ela são influenciados (professoras, crianças, famílias e equipes gestoras). Palavras-chave: Analise de conteúdo. Avaliação. Educação infantil.

This research paper aims to show the panorama and scope of the current existing sex education practices carried out by the Costa Rican public universities. It analyzes different initiatives, its theoretical approaches that guide the actions, their purposes and other relevant aspects. The analysis includes secondary information as well as the point of view of students and university staff, as inputs for decision-making aimed at improving the overall education of young people. The findings take part of an exploratory research based on qualitative and quantitative methodologies based on gender and constructionism perspective. The information was gathered via the application of a questionnaire to a specific uneven stratified cluster groups, composed by 766 enrolled undergraduate students since first semester 2011 at Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica. The statistical margin of error was 1.5% and the confidence level of 95%. In addition, two focus groups with students and depth interviews with 16 persons were made. Data were tabulated with CSPRO software and analyzed using R software. The findings suggest that Costa Rican universities recognize the importance of sex education as an essential part of overall development of students. Most of the initiatives are institutionalized; however, the lack of guidelines or policies on the subject, in most institutions, affects quality, consolidation and expansion of services. The need to strengthen and expand training activities on sexuality was identified as well. The students have a high opinion about the services offered, but few of them use these services, because they are perceived as less accessible and friendly. This paper concludes that it is a priority to maintain and strengthen existing initiatives on sexual education, so that they can effectively satisfy the needs of youth, with timely interventions and quality to enjoy a healthy and safe sexuality free from violence.

This research project revolves around the properties of text linguistics under a qualitative approach. The author analyzed drafts of a research paper by two university students as well as lesson plans and textbooks of high school Spanish Language and Literature courses and lesson plans of courses from the Licentiate degree in Education. According to the information from the drafts, students struggle with coherence and cohesion in writing; however, they succeed in choosing the correct language for the type of writing. Difficulties are most likely due to fact that this topic is not included in secondary education plans and is not commonly addressed in textbooks or university classes. In conclusion, teachers should include the properties of text linguistics in their lesson plans in order to help students overcome these difficulties.

This position paper attempts to ground the discussion on improving the quality of teaching in the context of Higher Education (HE) in order to take concrete directions toward what in the scientific literature is identified as a culture of quality in education. This concept implies an approach to continuing monitoring, reflection and change toward innovation through main stakeholders’ engagement. The paper will hence briefly introduce the policy context and research background at international and national level, in order to analyze the opportunities of implementing a culture of quality regarding teaching at the University of Trento. Furthermore, it will make a number of recommendations for the concrete implementation of the approach. The document is hence divided into the following parts: A first part, introducing the policy context regarding agenda for the modernization of HE in Europe and at international level. In this context, the issue of quality teaching is focused as key element towards better quality of Higher Education. A second part, regarding the importance and forms of innovation in pedagogical approaches in HIgher Education, as well as the conditions of professional development in academic staff regarding better teaching. A third part, consisting on the research carried out by our research unit within the University of Trento, regarding the issue of quality in Higher Education. A fourth part is devoted to introduce recommendations for the implementation of concrete measures and interventions at institutional level.

In South Africa, Stellenbosch University (SU) is the designated provider of Bachelor, Master and Doctorate level qualifications in Forestry and Wood Products Science. SU provides educational programs to both mechanical (sawmilling, preservation, composite products, furniture, etc.) and the chemical (pulp & paper) processing sectors. To ensure academic quality, SU regularly has her academic programs assessed externally. In 2000, several changes to the then existing 4 year B.Sc. Wood Science program were recommended. A restructured SU undergraduate program, similar to the B.Sc. Wood Products Processing program at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada, was consequently introduced in 2003. That same year, to provide more support to this effort, a partnership between UBC, SU and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, the SA institution responsible for the National Diploma and Bachelor of Technology degrees in similar subjects, was established. The objective was to develop and deliver successful tertiary programs in value-added wood product processing education for South Africa and later, for other African countries as well. A Wood Products Processing Education Project, implemented in 2004 and running until mid 2010, funded by the respective partner institutions and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) through the University Partnership in Cooperation and Development Program, was established. In addition to curriculum developments based on the UBC model, module content was modified to address relevant South African conditions. To make modules accessible to part-time students and members of industry off-campus, conversion of several Wood Products Science modules into e-learning format was implemented. A concise overview of Wood Science education at Stellenbosch University is given and the implementation and progress of the CIDA project at SU is briefly discussed. Solutions to the educational needs of the SA pulp & paper sector are also highlighted.

This paper aims to investigate the efficacy of project-based learning in teaching English for specific purposes, particularly in technical universities within the energy sector. A number of methods helped to achieve this task. They include establishing the practical value of ESP for the energy sector and designing special methodology and training forms according to the tasks of the discipline. Our approach focuses on developing language skills by applying speaking abilities in practice in real-life situations that can facilitate learning English in a professional context. In this article, we examine two crucial components of project work: role-play and case study. These activities facilitate collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills. Such kinds of projects help students expand their vocabulary and reinforce its usage in spoken English. Furthermore, presenting their findings and conclusions before their peers and teachers enhances their public speaking and presentation abilities. This paper advocates the use of project-based learning as a powerful tool for creating an immersive and meaningful language-learning experience. It showcases practical scenarios that students can simulate to enhance their learning experience. It also delves into the essential guidelines to ensure the success of this immersive teaching approach. In this paper, we provide a specific case study tailored for students in the energy sector, namely wind power integration in Ukraine. We detail the key stages of the implementation, the aims, and the critical highlights of this methodology. In the initial phase, the instructor should familiarize the students with new vocabulary and terminologies that are relevant to the renewable energy domain. It is recommended that students use industry-specific language in their discussions to augment their comprehension of the domain. This approach will help them build a solid foundation of the terminologies and lingo that are commonly employed in the renewable energy sector. The assignment objective is to provide a detailed and comprehensive overview of wind power as a renewable energy source in Ukraine, its prospects, and its feasibility. To accomplish this task, students must explore the intricacies of the project’s technological challenges, as well as its economic impact and public perception. Furthermore, students must analyse communication strategies that have been utilized to influence public opinion, while considering the potential environmental impacts and anticipating sustainability project outcomes. For students to excel in this assignment, they must conduct thorough research and thoughtfully organize their findings. They must also evaluate all options, consider potential solutions, and justify their choices. Finally, students will be required to present their findings to the class in a polished and engaging manner. The presentation is expected to finish with group discussions. Following presentations and group discussions, students are encouraged to provide constructive feedback to their peers. This activity not only enhances their speaking skills but also promotes active listening and develops communication skills. In conclusion, to augment project work, elements such as role-play and case study methods can be integrated into ESP learning. Conclusions. This approach provides students in the energy sector with valuable insights into the challenges and dynamics of their industry while simultaneously enhancing their speaking skills. Teachers can supplement project work with multimedia resources such as videos, interviews, or documentaries related to the energy sector, which can add variety to the learning process and expose students to different accents and communication styles.

This paper aims to review current research on the ketogenic diet as a potential therapeutic approach for obesity and type 2 diabetes. This diet is characterized by high fat intake, moderate protein, and minimal carbohydrates, leading to a state of ketosis in which the body utilizes ketone bodies as its primary energy source. Studies indicate that the ketogenic diet may positively influence blood glucose control, enhance insulin sensitivity, and facilitate weight reduction, particularly relevant in the context of insulin resistance. The paper discusses the biological mechanisms underlying these effects, as well as potential risks associated with long-term adherence to the diet. It underscores that, despite promising results, further research is necessary to better understand the long-term effects of the ketogenic diet and its applicability across various patient populations. Conclusions highlight the need for patient monitoring during the dietary regimen and the potential for integrating the ketogenic diet into a broader strategy for managing metabolic diseases

The paper offers a thorough analysis of the historical development of public administration, aiming to gain deeper insights into the current challenges facing the discipline. Utilizing an evolutionary theoretical lens, the study sheds light on the transitional development of Public Administration (PA). Additionally, it discusses the New Public Administration (NPA) and its implications for the integrity of the public administration discipline. Through a comprehensive review of literature, the paper establishes that despite the logical progressions of public administration presented in literature, there is evidence of a recurring identity crisis within the discipline, with significant implications for business education. Furthermore, the paper proposes an ideal concept of a lesson on Public Administration based on current literature, while examining the notion of the dichotomy between political science and public administration. It also argues that the theoretical framework underpinning the development of public administration is likely to evolve due to the dynamic societal consciousness that shapes this discipline. Ultimately, the paper suggests a theoretical framework that may gain traction in management and business education by combining the founding principles of public administration with the contemporary emerging needs of a transitional industrial order.

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a significant cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. It is defined as excessive bleeding, typically more than 500 ml of blood loss within the first 24 hours after childbirth. The Bakri Balloon technique has emerged as a promising solution for managing PPH, offering a minimally invasive approach to achieving hemostasis and preventing the need for more invasive surgical procedures. Aims: The aim of this paper review is to provide an overview of the effectiveness of intrauterine balloon tamponade in managing PPH. Methods: We conducted this paper review by selecting articles, retrospective cohort studies and reviews from clinical trials from PubMed. Results: Numerous studies have shown high success rates of treating PPH using The Bakri Balloon intrauterine tamponade. Conclusions: The Bakri Balloon intrauterine tamponade is an effective method in the management of primary postpartum hemorrhage.

Introduction and objective Osteoporosis is a disorder that leads to a decrease in bone mass, accompanied by a disruption in bone structure, resulting in an increased risk of bone fractures. It affects a large number of people worldwide and constitutes a significant social and economic problem. It primarily affects older individuals, especially postmenopausal women. Fractures associated with osteoporosis diminish the quality of life. Osteoporosis often remains asymptomatic and is difficult to diagnose, typically identified incidentally following a low-energy fracture. Diagnosis of osteoporosis involves measuring bone mineral density using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Osteoporosis is diagnosed when bone mineral density is found to be more than 2.5 standard deviations (SD) below the mean bone mineral density of healthy young adults with peak bone mass. Modifiable risk factors for osteoporosis include lack of physical activity, calcium deficiency in the diet, and alcohol consumption. Review methods The article was based on scientific papers retrieved from the PubMed website and scientific literature. The focus was on papers from 2016 to 2024. Articles written in English were utilized. Brief description of the state of knowledge Physical activity encompasses any muscular movement that increases energy expenditure beyond the resting metabolic rate, including weight-bearing exercises, strength training, high-intensity strength exercises, and balance and mobility training. Weight-bearing exercises yield the best results in osteoporosis prevention, recommended to be performed three times a week. Summary Physical activity is a scientifically proven preventive factor against osteoporosis, reducing the frequency of falls and increasing bone mineral density. Initiating physical activity at a young age yields significant benefits for bone strength.

Introduction Scientific research promotes the development of essential skills for medical practice. However, student participation in research projects is low, with multiple limitations and students' perceptions of deficient research skills. This study aims to describe the organization of the two medical student conferences held by the Scientific Society of Medical Students of the Universidad de Valparaíso and to analyze the papers presented. Finally, we make recommendations for promoting scientific research among medical students. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted, including all the presentations given at the conferences. Results The conferences comprised four phases: registration, evaluation, selection, and presentation. A total of 399 papers were received. A total of 157 case reports and 12 cross-sectional studies were presented, including 797 authors (56.7% women) from 21 universities. Most of the first authors were women in the internship cycle at public universities. The specialties with the highest representation were internal medicine (32.5%), pediatrics (18.3%) and surgery (13%). In the case reports, the best-evaluated section was the title (6.66 ± 0.76), and the worst-evaluated section was the discussion (6.17 ± 0.84). The case reports from private universities scored significantly higher in six of the eight items assessed. Conclusions Greater participation was represented by students in their internship cycle presenting case reports. The worst evaluated section was the discussion, which could reflect difficulties in the research process. It is crucial to increase student participation from the first years of the career and encourage their involvement in research. More studies are needed to evaluate student participation and barriers to scientific research.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The article discusses the interplay between language, cognition and culture from a cognitive diachronic perspective, focusing on the relation between religion and metaphorical thought. It investigates the role of the conceptual metaphor UNDERSTANDING IS LIGHT in religious discourse, using the example of The Revelations of Divine Love, written by Julian of Norwich, a late medieval anchoress. THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METODS: The paper draws on the Extended Conceptual Metaphor approach, Zoltán Kövecses’s elaboration of the Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT). The universalist bias of CMT means that the theory tends to ignore the sociocultural context of historical data, prioritising the influence of universal human embodiment on metaphorical thought. Using Kövecses’s approach, the paper shows how the gap in CMT methodology may be bridged to yield more reliable results. THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The present study connects Kövecses’s approach to Cognitive Linguistic research into sociocultural situatedness. To exemplify the problem, the analysis examines the cognitive‑cultural underpinnings of Julian’s use of the metaphor UNDERSTAND‑ ING IS LIGHT. RESEARCH RESULTS: The analysis shows that the metaphorical conceptualisation pattern may well derive from Julian’s sociocultural situatedness. The paper indicates that the anchoress’s metaphorical thought should be seen as embedded in the late medieval sociocultural context, rather than being considered solely in terms of universal aspects of embodiment. CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND THE APPLICATIVE VALUE OF RESEARCH: The study concludes that the idea of sociocultural situatedness may be pivotal in the analyses of historical texts. It seems important to incorporate this idea into Kövecses’s approach, which may inform the methodology of cognitive diachronic research into metaphorical conceptualisations. Furthermore, the results may be applied to teaching students how to approach historical texts, helping them gain a better understanding of the relation between metaphorical thought and culture.

Over the last thirty years English for Academic Purposes (EAP) has expanded, cutting across the domains of specialised discourse, and has shifted its focus to meet the needs of large numbers of non-native speaking students at the university level. In this regard, English for Academic Legal Purposes (EALP) can be defined as the teaching and learning of legal English as an ESP subject that includes the academic dimensions of EAP. This paper investigates how EALP textbooks has responded to the challenges of law school education. Reflecting on the pedagogic contributions of Carrick and Dunn (1985), Candlin, Bhatia, and Jensen (2002), and Prinsloo (2015), this paper begins diachronically with a sample of EALP-type textbooks from the point where Prinsloo completed his analysis. Drawing on these reviews, this paper attempts to provide some insights into the development of EALP-type textbooks and their response to the challenges of legal English education.

Introduction: Herbal medicine has been growing in popularity over the last few years. One of the most often used herbal remedy is Withania somnifera, more widely known as Ashwagandha Now known for its anti-stress, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-anxiety properties it ranks as a cure-all. However, there is a rising amount of alarming reports regarding its safety. It has been observed that its effects are not always beneficial, and for some patients the risks of taking it may be greater than the promoted benefits. Aim of study: The aim of this paper is to evaluate possible risks connected to Withania Somnifera consumption based on available research articles and case reports. Materials and methods: This article is based on the literature found in the PubMed Database from the period of 2004-2024 with the use of keywords such as “Ashwagandha”; “Withania Somnifera”, “herbal medicine”;”complementary medicine”;“liver injury”; “thyrotoxicosis”; “adrenal insufficiency”;”autoimmune diseases”. Results: The outcomes of all the reviewed studies in this paper indicate that Withania Somnifera might cause a wide range of side effects. They include herb induced liver injury, endocrine complications such as thyrotoxicosis and adrenal insufficiency, acute graft rejection in a kidney transplant recipient and possible contribution to the onset of new autoimmune disease in patient with the history of autoimmune disorders. Conclusion: Further long-term research is needed on the Ashwaghanda’s benefits but particularly on its safety and potential side effects. The common education on the risks of taking herbal supplements should be carried out among health professionals and the rest of the society. Ashwagandha should not be used by patients with liver, endocrine and autoimmune disorders as well as transplant recipients.