Journal articles on the topic 'Kadimah (Organization : Vienna, Austria)'

Hakoah Vienna was the most important Jewish sports organization in interwar Austria. Indeed, Hakoah, which means strength or power in Hebrew, was one of the most significant sports clubs on the continent of Europe during that period. This article examines the early history of Hakoah, its rise to international fame, and its demise in 1938 at the hands of the Nazis and their sympathizers in Austria.

The article is devoted to the characteristics of the main tasks of the faction of Stanczycy. The author notes on the specifc position of the «Aus-trian» Poles under the rule of Austria-Hungary and its difference from the position of the «Russian» Poles under the rule of the Russian Empire. Emphasized is the value of studying Polish history and organizing various activities focused on history and culture for Stanczycy, though at the same time they expressed their loyalty toward Vienna administration.

There are numerous open-air museums worldwide, and public spaces often incorporate both permanent and temporary outdoor exhibitions. Based on studies conducted on open-air museums and exhibitions in Vienna and its surrounding areas, as part of the academic cooperation program TU Vienna – TU Lviv, this article explores the European approach to the architectural and spatial organization of such institutions. Through this research, contemporary approaches to their architectural and spatial organization were examined, and both positive and negative aspects were highlighted. This article aims to analyze the distinct features of the architectural and spatial organization of European open-air museums and exhibitions, identifying their positive aspects and approaches that could be implemented in Ukraine. In Ukrainian studies, the topic of modern open-air museums is only gaining popularity and is not well presented. Hence, involving local scholars in this globally expanding field would be relevant. European open-air museums, particularly in Austria, show several trends in spatial organization, including a comprehensive approach, accessibility, family-oriented infrastructure, wide implementation of interactive elements, and integration of multimedia technologies. These museums blend original artifacts with modern enhancements to provide visitors with a unique experience. Noteworthy aspects observed in open-air museums and exhibitions, which are scarce or absent in Ukraine, include combining several neighboring objects into one museum complex, a large number of children's playgrounds, ample recreation and food areas, inclusiveness, infrastructure for dog walking, provision of venues for holding mass events, and onsite production and sale of themed merchandise in souvenir shops. The principles of spatial and architectural organization in open-air museums and exhibitions in Vienna and its vicinity boast several positive features that we believe are pertinent for implementation in Ukraine. Notably, interactivity to engage visitors and inclusivity, which is poised to be a pressing issue during Ukraine's post-war reconstruction, stand out as crucial aspects. The findings from this study can serve as a foundation for enhancing existing or designing new open-air museums in Ukraine.

Open Government is en vogue, yet vague: while practitioners, policy-makers, and others praise its virtues, little is known about how Open Government relates to bureaucratic organization. This paper presents insights from a qualitative investigation into the City of Vienna, Austria. It demonstrates how the encounter between the city administration and “the open” juxtaposes the decentralizing principles of the crowd, such as transparency, participation, and distributed cognition, with the centralizing principles of bureaucracy, such as secrecy, expert knowledge, written files, and rules. The paper explores how this theoretical conundrum is played out and how senior city managers perceive Open Government in relation to the bureaucratic nature of their administration. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to empirically trace the complexities of the encounter between bureaucracy and Open Government; and second, to critically theorize the ongoing rationalization of public administration in spite of constant challenges to its bureaucratic principles. In so doing, the paper advances our understanding of modern bureaucratic organizations under the condition of increased openness, transparency, and interaction with their environments.

This article examines the relationship between transnational and intergovernmental organizations in the formation of the international nuclear order in the 1950s. It focuses on three major events in September 1958: the second United Nations (UN) International Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in Geneva, the third Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs (held in Tyrol), and the second General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna. The three nuclear conferences of 1958, linked closely in time and location, were shaped by interplays of science and politics at a unique moment in nuclear history. The analysis here sheds light on the organizational and institutional beginnings of the Cold War nuclear order and the evolving distinction between transnational and intergovernmental organizations that shaped it. The article shows that competitive dynamics affected relations between the IAEA and the Pugwash organization and between the IAEA and other organizations of the UN.

The diversity of physical phenomena embraced by the study of Chemically Peculiar (CP) stars results in an associated research community with interests that are equally diverse. This fact became once more evident during the CP#Ap Workshop that took place in Vienna (Austria) in September 2007, and which gathered over 80 members of this research community. Besides the excellent scientific outcome of the meeting, during the workshop the community had the opportunity to discuss its organization and plans for the future. Following on those plans, the Working Group has submitted a proposal for a Joint Discussion during the IAU XXVII General Assembly, in Rio de Janeiro, which has meanwhile been accepted. Moreover, through an ApN newsletter forum, the Working Group has compiled requests from the community concerning atomic and related data. These requests have been put together and will be shared with Commission 14.

The article reveals the specifics of the Jewish national organization in the Freistadt camp (Austria-Hungary) functioning. The organization’s establishment was made possible with the assistance of the Presidium of the Union for the Liberation of Ukraine in Vienna and the Ukrainian camp community. It was very important that the leaders of the Jewish and Ukrainian organizations realized the urgent need for political awareness of peoples enslaved by the Russian tsar (in particular, the Jewish and Ukrainian), and the importance of Ukrainian-Jewish understanding. One of the first joint political actions of Jews and Ukrainians in the camp was their articulation of their critical attitude to the imperial order in Russia during a visit to the camp by the representative of the Russian Red Cross A.V. Romanova. Already in the spring and summer of 1916, the Jewish educational group managed to expand its activities in the camp, organizing national cultural and artistic events for the campers and conducting educational courses. The key to success in its work was the provision of regular financial assistance from the profits of the camp cooperative union «Tea». At the same time, the Ukrainian organization of the camp provided significant intangible assistance to the Jewish group – by temporarily providing free of charge camp premises for theatrical performances, concerts and various national educational events. Unfortunately, despite the mutual recognition of the national and political aspirations of both peoples (Jewish and Ukrainian), the pace and nature of state and political transformations in Ukraine prompted the Jewish organization to distance itself first and then declare its rejection of Ukrainian «independence». In turn, such a hostile attitude of the captured Jews to the independent aspirations of Ukrainians led to the cessation, and then a complete break between the two communities, which in turn called into question their experience in the joint struggle against Russian despotism.

e aim of the article is to examine some works of two authors from the first half of the 20th century, both native speakers of the German language in order to look for common mental constructs and symbols. Many literary critics comparing Robert Müller and Ernst Jünger emphasize the similar roles they played in the literatures of Austria and Germany, respectively. Robert Müller and Ernst Jünger leave the impression that they search for order in the contradictory universe and if they do not find it, they create it. They are both social analysts, they are multi-talented, both dreamers and travelers, obsessed by pure ideas, within whose framework they try to sort out everything that exists, they are both idealists. Robert Müller is Head of the Academic Society for Literature and Music in Vienna and founder of the illicit organization "Katakomba" and the Vienna Association of Magazines Pubishers and author of numerous publications. Despite the numerous attempts to portray his work in its true light and to show his great role in the German-speaking cultural area, Ernst Jünger's reception in Germany is permanently marked by his image of the person and officer Ernst Jünger. The reasons for this is, on the one hand, moral tabooing in Germany after the Second World War, and, on the other hand, his internal development, which has transformed the "scandalous" young writer into a fully integrated member of bourgeois life which he used to highly criticize in his early years.

Since the 1970s, historiography about the pre-World War II phase of the Croatian Ustaša concentrated on Italian and Hungarian state support for Ante Pavelić's national-separatist/terrorist organization from approximately 1929–1934, and identified Nazi support when it became more significant in the late 1930s and put the group in charge of the Independent State of Croatia in 1941. More recent scholarship has investigated the support of Croatian exiles in the United States and Argentina for the Ustaša movement, as well as how the Ustaša regime, once in power, tried to legitimate its policies of racial “cleansing” and social revolution against capitalism and secularism. The first aim of this article is to return to the early period of the Ustaša, when it was a terrorist organization, and to show that it had an important base in Austria that senior Austrian police officials tolerated. The article, therefore, takes a somewhat different position from that of historian Arnold Suppan, who argued that the Austrian police could find no evidence that the Ustaša in Austria had been involved in terrorism, and that the Austrian government had made a good faith effort to expel Ustaša members. The fact that elements of the Austrian police indeed knew about the Ustaša network and protected certain senior members supports historian Gerhard Jagschitz's argument that the Vienna police had not turned over a new leaf in the postwar period and had not shed all political activities. However, Jagschitz concentrated on the problems surrounding the establishment of a domestic intelligence agency in the 1920s, showing how it ultimately was not effective. This article concentrates on 1929–1934, demonstrating that while the Austrian political police was not all-knowing, certain decisions not to share what it knew about ultra-nationalist Croatian terrorism damaged the Austrian police's international reputation. Second, this article argues that the Yugoslav police possibly turned to shadowy extra-judicial groups to carry out assassinations against Ustaša figures, in part because the Austrian police were not aggressive enough in repressing the organization. This adds an additional factor to the interpretations of historians James Sadkovich and Mario Jareb, who contend that Yugoslav police violence was an extension of the Serbian dictatorship's attempt to repress Croatian nationalism by any means necessary.

April 2019 was perhaps remarkable for the amount of industry news about gene therapy, and notably the announcement by a global contract development and manufacturing organization, Catalent, that it was creating a capability in gene therapy product development and manufacturing through its acquisition of Paragon Bioservices, Inc (MD, USA). This move followed just a few weeks after another similar major contract development and manufacturing organization gene therapy acquisition. There was other encouraging gene and cell therapy news reported from AveXis (IL, USA), Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma (CA, USA), Kiadis Pharma (Amsterdam, The Netherlands), Fibrocell (PA, USA), Autolus Therapeutics plc (London, UK), ReNeuron (Surrey, England) and Kite Pharma (CA, USA). Also, there was plenty of therapeutic delivery technology innovation announced, including Calixar’s (Lyon, France) membrane protein stabilization drug discovery technology, the Eli Lilly (IN, USA)/Avidity Biosciences LLC (CA, USA) deal around antibody oligonucleotide conjugates, ViiV Healthcare’s regulatory filing for its long-acting anti-HIV-1 intramuscular injection, Marinomed Biotech’s (Vienna, Austria) solubilization technology and an EU approval filing for Novo Nordisk’s (Bagsværd, Denmark) oral delivery formulation of glucagon-like peptide-1 analog semaglutide. Diseases and treatment approaches that currently figure strongly in many biotech and big pharma pipelines and portfolios, notably nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and immuno-oncology, were as ever in the news, along with a number of rare disease therapies. As always, information sources employed to provide the materials used in compiling this update included company press releases, conference news and other news websites.

Kidney transplantation (KTx) in end-stage renal disease is associated with a significant increase in quality of life (QoL) and self-perceived health, optimally leading to the maintenance of employment or return to work (RTW) in working-age patients. The aim of this study was to assess individual factors including the QoL and mental health of kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) associated with employment after transplantation. A cross-sectional study including working-age patients with a history of KTx after 2012 was conducted at two Austrian study centers (Vienna and Graz). Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18), World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-Bref) and Workability Index (WAI) were assessed along with detailed questionnaires on employment status. Out of n = 139 KTRs (43.2 ± 9.07 years; 57.6% male), 72 (51.8%) were employed. Employed patients were more frequently in a partnership (p = 0.018) and had higher education levels (p = 0.01) and QoL scores (<0.001). Unemployed KTRs reported fatigue and mental health issues more often (p < 0.001), and had significantly higher anxiety, depression and somatization scores (BSI-18). In unadjusted logistical regression, workability score (WAS; odds ratio (OR) = 3.39; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.97–5.82; p < 0.001), partnership (OR = 5.47; 95% CI 1.43–20.91; p = 0.013) and no psychological counseling after KTx (OR = 0.06; 95% CI = 0.003–0.969; p = 0.048) were independently associated with employment. Self-assessed mental health, workability and QoL were significantly associated with employment status after KTx. Thus, in order to facilitate RTW after KTx in Austria, vocational rehabilitation and RTW programs addressing KTRs should focus on increasing social support and care for their mental health.

ABSTRACT The Austrian Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) has seen its electorate steadily decline in recent years. As the party struggles to communicate clear messages to voters, debates about the internal party’s communication and leadership are increasingly being played out in the media. This study examines the perceptions of local political actors of the SPÖ regarding intra-party communication between organizational levels. The research methodology includes problem-centered interviews and group discussions with 12 local SPÖ actors from Lower Austria and Vienna. The results of the study shed light on key issues such as the need for improved intra-party communication and better transition structures for activists within the party organization. The recent success of the Communist Party (KPÖ Plus) in the federal state of Salzburg in April 2023 underscores the challenges facing the SPÖ in the current situation. Two of the three candidates for the membership referendum from April 24-May 10, 2023, in which the party base will make a preliminary decision on the future leadership of the SPÖ in order to end internal strife, argue for breaking through elitist bubbles and creating a grassroots participatory party that reflects the grassroots sentiment surveyed in this study. Keywords: social democracy, organizational communication, organizational crisis

In the second half of the 19th century the incidence of food adulterations increased very rapidly, prompting many European countries to put into force food laws to fight these practices. A number of parallel attempts were undertaken to establish a collection of instructions for the assessment of food samples to warrant the comparability of results obtained and interpreted by different experts. The first official steps towards such a standardization was made in 1891 at an international meeting of food chemists and microscopic scientists in Vienna. As a consequence, Austria installed a “Scientific Commission” in 1891, which drafted chapters for a future Codex Alimentarius Austriacus. In 1907, a Codex Commission was installed by the Ministry of Interior, but it took about four years, from 1907 to 1911, before the first edition of this compendium was published. So far, four editions have followed. The Codex Alimentarius Austriacus is a set of standards and guidelines for stakeholders, authorities, and law courts as a base for their activities. It has evolved over the past 100 years to become a flexible instrument, which has become indispensable for Austria. After 1945, attempts were made in different parts of the world to develop standardized rules for the testing of food samples to prevent trade barriers within the respective region. In Europe for instance, the development of a Codex Alimentarius Europaeus initiated by the Austrian Hans Frenzel, and based upon the model of the Codex Alimentarius Austriacus, made good progress. A number of other European countries were involved in this project. However, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nations were intent on impeding such regional activities to prevent trade barriers at a global level. Between 1960 and 1963, steps were taken to install a FAO/WHO Codex partly in close cooperation with the Codex Alimentarius Europaeus. Since 1963, the FAO/WHO Codex Commission has issued the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius, which took its name and some organizational aspects from Codex Alimentarius Europaeus, that was itself modeled after the Codex Alimentarius Austriacus. The Codex Alimentarius Europaeus was incorporated into the Codex Alimentarius Commission as the regional coordinating committee for Europe, thus providing a model for the six regional coordination committees of the Codex Alimentarius Commission existing today.

Information on the distribution of filamentous fungal pathogens, which cause potential life-threatening invasive infections mostly in immunocompromised persons, is of great importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology and clinical outcome in patients with infections due to filamentous fungi at the University Hospital of Vienna, Austria. We conducted a retrospective observational study and consecutively included patients of any age with filamentous fungal infections between 2009 and 2017. The classification for probable and proven invasive filamentous fungal infections was based on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group (EORTC) criteria or the expert opinion of an experienced clinical mycologist. We included 129 patients (median age: 52 years; 47.3% female) with episodes of 101 proven and probable invasive and 35 localized filamentous fungal infections (16 sinus, 14 eye, one ear, and four deep cutaneous). Aspergillus fumigatus alone accounted for 50.3% of the fungi, which was followed by the Mucorales group (13.7%) and Fusarium spp. (8.5%). Diagnosis was mainly based on culture findings. The lung was the most frequent site of infection. The 30-day and 90-day overall mortality of invasive fungal infections was 30.2% and 42.7%, respectively. We observed a high all-cause mortality among patients with invasive filamentous fungal infections. Prospective data collection in a nationwide registry would be necessary to provide important information on surveillance to clinicians and other decision-makers.

Information on the distribution of filamentous fungal pathogens, which cause potential life-threatening invasive infections mostly in immunocompromised persons, is of great importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology and clinical outcome in patients with infections due to filamentous fungi at the University Hospital of Vienna, Austria. We conducted a retrospective observational study and consecutively included patients of any age with filamentous fungal infections between 2009 and 2017. The classification for probable and proven invasive filamentous fungal infections was based on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group (EORTC) criteria or the expert opinion of an experienced clinical mycologist. We included 129 patients (median age: 52 years; 47.3% female) with episodes of 101 proven and probable invasive and 35 localized filamentous fungal infections (16 sinus, 14 eye, one ear, and four deep cutaneous). Aspergillus fumigatus alone accounted for 50.3% of the fungi, which was followed by the Mucorales group (13.7%) and Fusarium spp. (8.5%). Diagnosis was mainly based on culture findings. The lung was the most frequent site of infection. The 30-day and 90-day overall mortality of invasive fungal infections was 30.2% and 42.7%, respectively. We observed a high all-cause mortality among patients with invasive filamentous fungal infections. Prospective data collection in a nationwide registry would be necessary to provide important information on surveillance to clinicians and other decision-makers.

In previous decades, industrial production and its spatial structure were strongly shaped by Fordist principles; mass production, fragmentation and standardization of production processes, and the emergence of large firms led to a spatial dispersal of production and a concentration of headquarters and control. But in the 1970s and 1980s this model of the organization of production seems to be losing importance in industrial countries. Standardized mass production was increasingly competed for by newly industrializing countries, and flexible production technology lowered the importance of scale economies. These changing conditions forced firms to reorganize their production and decision structures. Both an increasing centralization of enterprises (based on the new automation and information technologies— ‘neo-Fordism’) and a decentralization of production (towards small-scale firms) seem possible. It is to be expected that these changes are related to changes in the spatial division of labor and in the organizational characteristics of plants. An empirical analysis of Austria revealed marked changes in the organizational status of plants and in the spatial pattern of control in the period from 1973 to 1981. Externally controlled employment decreased in those areas which had the highest shares in 1973, namely, the old industrial areas and the peripheral rural areas. Major employment increases of externally controlled plants on the other hand occured in areas with a low degree of external control in 1973, namely, the agglomerations and tourist areas. Concerning the spatial pattern of control, there was a clear tendency to decentralization due mainly to a decline in the importance of Vienna as a headquarters location.

In this paper, a thorough radio- and chem-ecological evaluation of ElSibai-Abu ElTiyur granites located within Egypt’s crystalline basement rocks was conducted for risk and dose assessments. Twenty granitic samples from the study area’s various lithological units were analyzed using high-resolution γ-ray spectrometry to determine the natural radioisotopes (U-238, Th-232, and K-40) concentrations. The average concentrations of U-238, Th-232, and K-40 were 38.72, 38.23, and 860.71 Bq/kg, respectively, exceeding the GAV (global average value) documented by UNSCEAR (Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, Vienna, Austria). The radiological parameters and indices judging the usage of ElSibai-Abu ElTiyur granites in homes were computed. The obtained results showed that ElSibai-Abu ElTiyur granites are safe to be used by inhabitants as superficial building materials, as per the globally accepted values and the recommended safety limits approved by UNSEAR, WHO (World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland), ICRP (International Commission on Radiological Protection, Ottawa, ON, Canada), and EC (European Commission, Luxembourg). Further, the samples were subjected to ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) analysis for quantifying radionuclide variations with chemical composition. Geochemically based on the ICP-MS results, the studied granites proved to be highly evolved A-type granites. They span the metaluminous to peralkaline fields. The REE patterns are characterized by the enrichment of the light rare earths (LREE) over the heavy ones (HREE) where (La/Yb)n = 5.2, (Gd/Yb)n = 1.63 with pronounced negative Eu-anomalies (Eu/Eu*)n = 0.49. The albite granite exhibits the highest concentrations of Ga, Nb, Ta, U, and Y, and REE (Gd, Dy, Ho, Yb) than the Na-metasomatic granites. Finally, the obtained data serve as a valuable future database for finding out the compatibility of the geochemical data with the natural radioactivity levels of granites.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) officially launched the Code of Practice for Ensuring the Rights of Victims and Survivors of Human Trafficking on 18 April 2023 at the 23rd Alliance Conference Against Trafficking in Persons in Vienna, Austria. Developed from survivor leader Jerome Elam's idea for a Victim and Survivor's Bill of Rights, the Code of Practice seeks to extend relevant international and regional standards for the protection of victims and survivors. To accomplish this, the Code of Practice offers specific guidance to Member States of the OSCE in the treatment, engagement and empowerment of victims and survivors of human trafficking. Drafted in collaboration with the Inaugural OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Board (ISTAC), the 'Code of Practice' relies on the lived experience of ISTAC to create an umbrella of knowledge and support to protect victims and survivors. In addition, the Code of Practice seeks to minimize any additional trauma imparted upon victims and survivors upon their engagement by anti-trafficking stakeholders, including governmental organizations, the media and civil society. This is primarily accomplished by giving specific guidance on using trauma informed care in all aspects of victim and survivor identification and recovery and during their involvement with the legal system. The Code of Practice also offers recommendations for gender sensitive, disability sensitive, cultural and religious considerations to be employed by the anti-trafficking community. The role of survivor leaders is highlighted by the Code of Practice and member states are advised to foster the inclusion of survivor leaders in the development and refurbishment of legislation, policies and protocols for addressing the crime of human trafficking. The OSCE/ODIHR Code of Practice is an extension of existing policies and broadens the scope of protecting victim and survivors' rights so that the opportunity to reclaim their lives is allowed into full bloom. The unique nature of the Code of Practice in using the lived experience of survivor leaders adds a new dimension to the tools used by the anti-trafficking community and expands the reach of the fight against the darkness of human trafficking.

The civic-political activity of Sydor Golubovych during the World War I was analyzed in the article based on the complex study of archive sources, periodicals and scientific literature. His role in the political organizations in Vienna during his emigration period in 1914-1915-s and after his return to L’viv in 1915-1918-s was determined. Namely, the prerequisites of reorganization of the Main Ukrainian Council into the Common Ukrainian Council, problem of political struggle among different party groups within the political circles in Galicia and Bukovina were highlighted. The main aspects of Golubovych’s activity in the Common Ukrainian Council (CUC) were revealed, within the council his main attention was drawn to the issues of the “Military bank” creation, issues related to the Ukrainian refugees, migrant workers, internees from Galicia and Bukovina, who according to the official data were 90 thou in different parts of Austria, Germany and Czech Republic. Moreover, it is mentioned that S. Golubovych was a participant of the political actions for autonomy of Ukrainian schooling, separate Ukrainian university opening in L’viv, transformation of the STC into the Ukrainian academy of science, etc. It was found that after his return to L’viv in August 1915, S. Golubovych as a member of the L’viv’s delegation of the CUC and member of the Regional Credit Union (RCU) was predominantly responsible for the problems of region’s restoration after the military actions. Simultaneously, the main attention was drawn to the busy social activity, namely he was included into the senior council at Stavropigijskyi institute – former Moscow-oriented institution transferred to the Ukrainians by the Austrian governor general Kollard, and was a founder and editor of the newspaper “Ukrayinsʹke slovo” that was the main media source in Galicia. Furthermore, during 1917-1918-s the politician frequently visited Ternopol’s region where he endeavored to keep close contacts with his electorate.A role of S. Golubovych was described before the November events of 1918, where he as a figure of the Ukrainian National Democratic Party (UNDP) and member of the Ukrainian Parliamentary Representation (UPR) participated in meetings and demonstrations’ organization devoted to the independence proclamation of the Ukrainian National Republic (UNR), peace treaty agreement in Brest-Lytovsk, was actively involved in implementation of so called “viche week” organized to support the autonomy demands of the Eastern Galicia as a separate Ukrainian territory within the Austrian monarchy, etc.

The purpose of the study is to highlight the specific features of the European poster of the 1890s. of the time of its formation on the example of the line of exhibition posters (art posters) of the leading directions of the Art Nouveau style. Methods of research. During the writing of the study, a historical and cultural approach was applied and a systematic approach was used for art-historical, stylistic, and comparative artistic analysis. The scientific novelty consists in conducting an overview art analysis of the exhibition posters of the leading European countries (Great Britain, Germany, Austria and Poland) in comparison with the generalized regularities of the French posters of the period of the 1890s. It was determined that the posters for author’s, personal and group art exhibitions have unique features, and it was outlined all distinctive features of this type of artistic production. The work of the «Glasgow Four» (C. R. Mackintosh, J. G. McNair, the Macdonald sisters) in the field of linear direction posters and the works of other authors were considered. Features of linear organization and individual floreal elements in the posters of German-Austrian Secession artists (F. von Stuck, L. von Hoffmann, P. Behrens, G. Klimt, K. Moser, J. Olbrich and others) were identified on the occasion of various level exhibitions in Munich, Berlin, Vienna in the 1890s. The parameters of the formation of the national and romantic trend in the exhibition poster of Polish artists F. Wygzywalski, Y. Mehoffer, J. Bukowski, and T. Aksentowicz were determined. Visualization techniques were analyzed, taking into account the specifics of the poster and general stylistic trends in the art of those years. Considerable attention was paid to highlighting the regional features of poster design in the specified countries, as well as the features of the authors’ individual style within these regional models. Conclusions. In the general cultural and historical context of the time, the exhibition poster was an important component of the formation of national trends in the artistic style of the time, primarily floreal, linear, national-romantic. Reflecting the stylistic guidelines of the time, the exhibition poster, aimed at a wide audience, contributed to the formation of a holistic artistic vision as a manifestation of the cultural and artistic guidelines of the specified period.

Introduction. Festival forms of socio-cultural behavior, as an algorithm for displaying agitation, educational, and entertainment functions during mass events, have recently become the object of study. The need for scientific generalization creates an environment of mutual understanding to strengthen intercultural dialogue, have highlighted the attention to historical experience of such cross-cultural events, for analysis of strategies and mechanisms of translation of information and forms of behavior to create understanding in society and among the participants, promoting a positive image of the country. The subject of the study was the methods of youth mobilization used by the Komsomol in the Mordovian ASSR, during the VI (Moscow, July 28 – August 11, 1957; 3,400 participants; 131 countries; the motto “For peace and friendship”) and VII (Austria, Vienna; 18,000 participants; 112 countries; motto “For peace, friendship and peaceful coexistence”) of the World youth and student festivals (WFMS). Materials and Methods. Materials from the archives of the Republic of Mordovia, statistical data, as well as scientific literature were used to solve the research tasks. The research was conducted on the principle of historicism, objectivity and consistency. The statistical method was used for data processing. Results. Based on the study of archival sources and available scientific literature were the main problems of the festival movement, as well as the participation of Mordovia Komsomol festivals of youth and students in the second half of 1950-ies. Against the background of increasing participation of the Komsomol in the festival movement, the processes of self-organization and innovative activity of Komsomol organizations in conducting youth policy are shown. Discussion and Conclusion. As you know, such festivals have been held since 1947. They are organized by the world Federation of democratic youth (WFDY) and the International Union of students (IUS). The decision to create the WFDY and hold festivals was made at the world conference of youth and students in London in 1945. The tradition of holding irregular festivals of left-wing youth organizations is still attractive in modern youth politics. The XIX festival was held in Russia (Moscow/Sochi; October 14–22, 2017, 185 countries, the motto “For peace, solidarity and social justice, we fight against imperialism-respecting the past, we build the future”. VI world festival of youth and students 1957 (Moscow), still perceived as a unique event for the Soviet Union in the framework of international cultural policy during the cold war. In the article, through the activities of the Komsomol of Mordovia, an attempt is made to consider the goals and objectives of the VI and VII world festival of youth and students, in the context of the youth festival policy in the Soviet Union. As it is known, in the 1950s, the festival movement was organized in the format of traditional political, social and cultural events for the Soviet society. However, it should be taken into account that during their implementation, new forms of communication, methods of mobilization, and broadcasting of information were also born to create mutual understanding among young people.

Abstract Abstract 3846 INTRODUCTION There is strong evidence indicating that the clear-cut separation of prefibrotic primary myelofibrosis (PMF) from essential thrombocythemia (ET) by consequent application of the World Health Organization (WHO) 2008 criteria is reflected in different, well defined clinical pictures and divergent prognoses (Barbui et al, JCO 2011,Thiele et al, Blood 2011). Very recently the specific risk profile for arterial and venous thrombosis in WHO- diagnosed ET was published (Carobbio et al, Blood 2011). In PMF so far all published data on vascular events were exclusively based on overt disease manifestations until now there are no data available regarding prefibrotic stages. Consequently, we aimed to evaluate the corresponding risk profile of patients with WHO-diagnosed prefibrotic PMF. METHODS A total number of 264 patients with WHO-defined prefibrotic PMF derived from either the Medical University of Vienna or an International Database (Barbui et al, JCO 2011) were studied. Nonfatal thrombotic events considered in this study were reported as rates per 100 patient-years and included transient ischemic attacks, thrombotic cerebrovascular accidents, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease, deep vein thrombosis of peripheral vasculature, pulmonary embolism, and abdominal large vein thrombosis. Cardiovascular risks factors considered, comprised of arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and tobacco use. To evaluate risk factors for total thrombosis and for arterial and venous events in particular multivariate Cox- regression analysis including the co-variables sex, age, previous thrombotic event, laboratory parameters measured at diagnosis and need for cytoreductive and/or antiplatelet therapy during follow-up was calculated. P values less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. RESULTS After a median follow- up of 5.8 years (range0.0 – 27.2), the total rate of non fatal thrombotic events was 2.1% patient-years (95% CI, 1.5–2.8); the incidence of arterial events was higher (1.7% patient- years) than of venous events (0.6% patient-years).Considering thrombosis in general a higher white blood cell (WBC) count enhances the risk significantly (p=0.005; HR 1.15). This is also true in arterial events in particular (p=0.047; HR 1.12). A lower platelet count is associated with a higher risk for thrombotic events; for thrombosis in general this association is of borderline significance (p=0.056; HR 0.99), for arterial thrombosis in particular of significance (p= 0.042; HR 0.99). A lower hemoglobin level is associated with a higher risk for venous thrombosis (p=0.007; HR 0.59). CONCLUSION Leukocytosis appears as a risk factor for thrombosis in general and also for arterial thrombosis in particular in WHO-diagnosed prefibrotic PMF. Moreover, higher platelet counts seem to decrease significantly the risk for thrombotic events in general and arterial thrombosis in particular. Anemia is associated with a higher risk for venous thrombosis. These observations are partly in line with recently published findings in WHO-diagnosed ET (Carobbio et al,2011) and might indicate the existence of a specific risk profile for thrombotic events in prefibrotic PMF. This is the first study reporting data on the risk profile for thrombosis in WHO-diagnosed prefibrotic PMF. Certainly these findings ask for validation in a larger patient population. Disclosures: Gisslinger: Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Celgene Austria: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; AOP-Orphan Pharmaceuticals AG: Speakers Bureau. Vannucchi:Novartis: Honoraria.

Problem setting. Since ancient times, guardianship of the health of the population has become an obligatory part of the foundation of a powerful state. Later on, special bodies began to be created, whose powers at first were limited only to the monitoring of food supplies, but with the spread of epidemics their role increased and spread around the world. In the 19th century, cities began to grow rapidly and the number of inhabitants increased. States were faced with the challenge of ensuring healthy living conditions. Analysis of recent researches and publications. The scientific research on this issue is reflected in the works: Derjuzhinsky V.F., Busse R, Riesberg A., Lochowa L. V., Hamlin C., Shambara K., Norman G. Scientists have analysed the regulatory framework of individual countries in the medical context. Target of research. Identification of the essence and features of sanitary legislation (including international sanitary conventions, interstate agreements on sanitation and epidemiology) operating in the territory of European countries in the XIX century. Article’s main body. The legal and regulatory framework for sanitation includes a set of legal, technical and legal standards, the observance of which involves ensuring that an adequate level of public health is maintained. European countries in the nineteenth century devoted considerable attention to sanitation not only in domestic law, but also in the international arena. Health protection, sanitation and preventive measures are reflected in many legislative acts, for example, the “Medical Regulations” (Prussia, 1725), the “Law on Health Insurance during Diseases” (Germany, 1883) and, in Austria, the “Health Statute” (1770), the “Public Health Act” (Great Britain, 1848 and 1875) and the “Medical Act” (Great Britain, 1858) and the “Public Health Protection Act” (France, 1892). The legislative acts formulated the powers of sanitary authorities, and in the same period, works on the impact of ecology on human health and on the importance of a healthy lifestyle appeared. The State has a duty to protect citizens who have the sole property, their labour, but health is essential to work. Separately, it should be noted that in the middle of the XIX century elements of the international health system began to emerge in Europe. In particular, starting from 1851. At the initiative of France, a number of international conferences on sanitation were organized in Paris. Subsequently, such conferences were held in Constantinople (1866), Vienna (1874), USA (1881), Rome (1885), Dresden (1893). These conferences addressed various issues of sanitation and the fight against epidemic diseases. At the same time, the application of land and river quarantine in Europe was considered impossible by most delegates. Instead, the use of “sanitary inspection” and “observation posts” with medical personnel and the necessary means for timely isolation of patients and disinfection of ships was recommended Conclusions and prospects for the development. Thus, the forms of organization of national health systems in Europe in the 19th century were diverse. Each country created and developed its own unique systems, different ways of attracting financial resources for medical care and health preservation. Thanks to the development of the legislative framework, water supply, sewerage, working and living conditions, sanitation and hygiene have improved. International cooperation to combat epidemics has made a significant contribution to the development of effective and progressive legislation in the international arena, and has greatly influenced the creation of appropriate domestic legislation in Member States, developing more effective models to combat epidemic diseases.

Introduction: Venetoclax in combination with hypomethylation agents (HMAs) is a first-line induction regimen recommended by NCCN guidelines for patients aged older than 75 years or unfit for intensive chemotherapy. Since December, 2020, venetoclax has been approved in China for the treatment of AML patients who are older or unfit for intensive chemotherapy, and is gradually being used in an increasing numbers of hospitals in China. However, the efficacy and safety of venetoclax plus HMAs for the treatment of newly diagnosed adult AML patients, especially AML patients fit for intensive chemotherapy. Since January 2022, we have initiated a multicenter, prospective, observational study (No.2022219) to investigate the efficacy and safety of venetoxlax-based AML induction therapy in a real world setting. Here, we report the primary results of this study. Methods: A total of 25 sites in 19 provinces or municipalities across China participated in this study. The study population consisted of adult patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia who had received venetoclax and HMA induction therapy and were available for evaluation. Diagnosis was based on the 2016 World Health Organization criteria. Risk stratification was performed according to the 2017 ELN recommendations. Clinical data were retrospectively collected from the electronic healthcare system and reviewed by the principal investigator of the lead site (The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University). The primary endpoint was composite complete remission (CRc, including complete remission, CR, and complete remission with incomplete hematologic recovery, CRi). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.0 (Illinois, USA) and R4.0.4 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). Comparisons of categorical variables between groups were performed using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, and the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used for continuous variables. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Clinical data were collected from a total of 418 patients with newly diagnosed AML between January, 2022 to February, 2023. The minimum dose of venetoclax were 14 days. The baseline characteristics of all patients were shown in Table 1. The median age of all the patients were 64 (53-70 years). The was no difference in the gender distribution of patients (male to female ratio = 1.25:1). 231/418 (55.3%) patients had an ECOG score of ≥ 2 at the time of initiation of the induction treatment. 327 (80.9%) patients were considered unfit for intensive chemotherapy. 350/418 (83.7%) patients received azacitidine and venetoclax, and 12.3% of the patients received decitabine and venetoclax. Five patients were treated with specific targeted drugs along with decitabine and azacitidine, one patient was treated with flumatinib, two patients were treated with gititinib, and one patient was treated with sorafenib. A total of 384 (91.9%) de novo AML and 34 (8.2%) secondary AML patients were included in this study. According to the 2017 ELN criteria, 60 (14.4%), 114 (27.3%), and 244 (58.4%) patients were grouped to favorable, intermediate, and adverse risk groups, respectively. The overall response rate (ORR) for all patients was 77.5% (324/418). The composite complete remission (CRc) rate was 80% (48/60), 86% (98/114) and 73% (178/244) in the favorable, intermediate and adverse-risk group respectively (Figure 1A). There was no difference in CRc rates in patients with de novo AML or secondary AML(79% vs 65%, P=0.0699) (Figure 1B). Treatment responses varied among different sites (Figure 1C). The median amounts for platelet infusions and red blood cell infusions were 6.0 U (3.0-11.0 U) and 4.0 U (1.0-8.0 U). The median time of hospitalization during the induction treatment was 31 days (26-37 days). The median cost of induction treatment were $14,755 ($8,654- 22,991). Conclusion: In this study, venetoclax in combination with a hypomethylation agent showed comparable responses across all genetic subgroups in this real-world study of China，which was compared to the results of clinical studies conducted primarily in Western countries. Currently, we have collected 800 samples in this study. We will analyze and report the short- and long-term efficacy of venetoclax plus hypomethylating agent for the treatment of newly diagnosed AML in the near future.

Can Gio mangrove forest (CGM) is located downstream of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), situated between an estuarine system of Dong Nai - Sai Gon river and a part of Vam Co river. The CGM is the largest restored mangrove forest in Vietnam and the UNESCO’s Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. The CGM has been gradually facing to numeric challenges of global climate change, environmental degradation and socio-economic development for the last decades. To evaluate sediment quality in the CGM, we collected 13 cores to analyze for sediment grain size, organic matter content, and trace element concentration of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn. Results showed that trace element concentrations ranged from uncontaminated (Cd, Cu, and Zn) to very minor contaminated (Cr, Ni, and Pb). The concentrations were gradually influenced by suspended particle size and the mangrove plants.ReferencesAnh M.T., Chi D.H., Vinh N.N., Loan T.T., Triet L.M., Slootenb K.B.-V., Tarradellas J., 2003. 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The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is the world's largest security-oriented intergovernmental organization. Its mandate includes issues such as arms control, promotion of human rights, freedom of the press, and fair elections. It employs around 3,460 people, mostly in its field operations but also in its secretariat in Vienna, Austria and its institutions. It has its origins in the 1975 Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) held in Helsinki, Finland.

Abstract Background Even in European welfare states with close to universal health coverage, undocumented migrants often fail to gain access to essential health services, falling “off the radar” of public health policies. Our study aimed to explore the characteristics, health problems and health care needs of undocumented Chinese migrants in Vienna, Austria. Methods We analysed anonymized medical records of 74 Chinese migrants utilizing the services of a non-governmental organization (NGO) providing primary care to uninsured people in Vienna during a three-month period. The medical data was then coded using the International Classification of Primary Care, 2nd version. Results At present, NGOs in Austria fill major gaps in access to health services that exist in the public system. The most frequently diagnosed health problems in the study sample were cardiovascular and metabolic-related diseases (hypertension and diabetes) and there was a high burden of multiple chronic non-communicable diseases. Conclusions NGOs can play a vital role in providing health services to underserved groups, and they can also contribute to public health surveillance and the collection of high-quality data.

This article examines local political party organization of the SPÖ and its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The practices and initiatives adopted by local political, social, and democratic party groups in two Austrian regions, a rural town in Styria and an urban district in Vienna, during the COVID-19 pandemic were examined. Using Problem-centered interviews (PCI) and group discussions as instruments for data collection, it was investigated how these parties adapted their activities to maintain engagement and support from the population in the face of unprecedented challenges. The results showed that both parties transitioned to online formats for meetings and events. Measures such as telephone assistance for emotional support, projects to support local businesses, and social measures for those in financial need were introduced to meet the urgent needs of people in the communities. Despite some challenges such as fluctuating motivation, difficulties in maintaining online engagement, ICT competencies, and dealing with personal overload, local parties demonstrated resilience and adaptability during the crisis.

Historical urban settlements and traditional structures are significant indicators and meaningful documents of past ways of life. From a contextual perspective, the preservation of these values and the revitalization of architectural heritage are like sustaining through the conservation of the integrated and continuous culture tied to the past just like a human brain does. The present study encompasses all dimensions of a strategic model to conservation versus adaptation developed for one of the historical building types (Vienna Gasometers), which holds substantial historical values. It involves addressing functions, spatial organization, the manner of interaction with historical building remnants, old-new compatibility, form, structure, and material usage, as well as conducting architectural evaluations. In this study, first; following the architectural assessment of each monumental structure, their spatial, formal, functional, and structural relationships with each other are examined to grow these essences and values for a new vision of the city. Second, the advantages and disadvantages of the conservation approach are critiqued in comparison to adaptive renovation of the city heritages. As an illustrative example, the Simmering region and Gasometer structures located in the outer parts of Austria which is historically the most iconic heritage have been chosen. The preservation of the physical characteristics of Gasometer monumental structures while renovation of the functions of the space within this framework reflect not only Europe's industrial, historical, and social evolution but also hold significance in terms of safeguarding socio-economic and cultural values. Furthermore, they contribute to shaping contemporary notions of conservation while adapting them to the vision of the new era.

Objective To investigate the effect of sport climbing on a biomechanical marker of axial posture in patients with Parkinson's disease, as well as its association with age, body mass index and health-related quality-of-life outcome measures. Design Pre-planned secondary analysis of our randomized controlled, semi-blind trial (unblinded patients, blinded assessors) comparing sport climbing to unsupervised exercise. Setting Single-centre study conducted at the Department of Neurology of the Medical University of Vienna, Austria. Participants Forty-eight Parkinson's disease patients (aged 64 ± 8 years, Hoehn & Yahr stage 2–3) were included. Intervention Sport climbers ( n = 24) followed a 12-week, 90 min/week supervised top-rope sport climbing course in an indoor climbing gym. The unsupervised training group ( n = 24) independently followed the ‘European Physiotherapy Guidelines for Parkinson's Disease’ and World Health Organization recommendations for an active lifestyle for 12 weeks. Main measures Posture was assessed with the horizontal distance of the seventh cervical vertebra to the wall at baseline and after the intervention. Results Participating in the sport climbing group significantly predicted the biomechanical marker of axial posture ( P = 0.044). The improvement in the biomechanical marker did not affect the quality of life, depression, fatigue, physical activity or fear of falling. Participants in the sport climbing group showed a significantly decreased horizontal distance of the seventh cervical vertebra to the wall after the intervention (−1.7 cm (95%CI [−2.6, −0.8]). In the unsupervised training group, no difference was found (−0.5 cm; 95%CI −1.3, 0.2]). Conclusions We conclude that sport climbing improves a biomechanical marker of axial posture in Parkinson's disease.

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Leducq PlaqOmics Background Our definition of vulnerable plaques is predominantly driven by histological analysis. The molecular mechanisms behind the vulnerable histological characteristics are not fully understood. Here we use mass spectrometry-based proteomics data, to identify molecular mechanisms linked to vulnerable plaques. Methods Atherosclerotic lesions from two hundred patients undergoing endarterectomy surgery were collected (149 male and 51 female plaques). From a total of two hundred plaque samples, extracellular matrix proteins were extracted and processed for untargeted proteomics analysis. The resulting protein levels were linked to existing histological characteristics, transcriptomic, and clinical data. Results We detected 1499 proteins in atherosclerotic lesions, which were mostly affiliated with biological processes including extracellular matrix organization, coagulation, and peptidase activity. Linear regression identified 240 proteins associated with plaque vulnerability index (a semi-quantitative score summarizing the presence of SMC cells, macrophages, plaque hemorrhage, and fat in the plaque). Among the proteins associated with high plaque vulnerability index we identified an overrepresentation of enzymes involved in glycolysis – including the rate limiting enzymes HK3 (beta =0.40 p =0.003) and PKM (beta =0.19 p =0.009). This was driven by macrophage numbers and fat content in the plaque. Furthermore, data from a validation cohort of 120 patients from the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, revealed that HK3 and PKM were associated with plaque progression (p =&lt;0.001, p =0.017) and clinical symptoms (p = &lt;0.001, p = &lt;0.001). Conclusion Enzymes involved in the glycolysis process show higher presence in vulnerable plaques. This suggests an important role for energy metabolism in plaque vulnerability.

Background: For developed countries, healthy aging is one of the challenges and the number of healthy life years and especially the quality of life (QoL) are important. Objective: This study aimed to assess the association between nutritional status and different domains of QoL in (pre)frail community-dwelling elders. Design: Baseline data from persons, who participated in a 12-week nutritional and physical training intervention program, conducted from September 2013 - July 2015. Setting: (Pre)frail community-dwelling elders living in Vienna, Austria. Participants: A total of 83 older persons living at home, 12 men and 71 women (86%) aged 65 to 98 years. Measurements: Structured interviews were conducted at participants’ homes. Mini Nutritional Assessment® long-form (MNA®-LF) was used to investigate the nutritional status. The QoL domains were assessed with the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaires. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between nutritional status and QoL domains, adjusted for possible confounders. Results: 45% of the participants were at risk of malnutrition and 3% were malnourished. Compared to normal nourished people, persons who had an impaired nutritional status, significantly differed in the QoL domain ‘autonomy’ with mean (SD) scores of 50.0 (14.9) vs. 57.3 (13.7); p=0.022 and in the QoL domain ‘social participation’ with scores of 40.1 (13.6) vs. 47.0 (11.2); p=0.014, respectively. According to linear regression analyses, the MNA®-LF score was significantly associated with ‘overall QoL’ (β=0.26; p=0.016) and the QoL domains ‘physical health’ (β=0.23; p=0.036), ‘autonomy’ (β=0.27; p=0.015), and ‘social participation’ (β=0.28; p=0.013). Conclusions: There was a significant association between nutritional status and QoL in elderly (pre)frail community-dwelling people, in particular for the QoL domains ‘autonomy’ and ‘social participation’. However, it remains unclear whether malnutrition was the cause or the consequence, or it was mediated through a third possible factor e.g. the functional status.

ObjectiveTo introduce Soda Pop, an R/Shiny application designed to be adisease agnostic time-series clustering, alarming, and forecastingtool to assist in disease surveillance “triage, analysis and reporting”workflows within the Biosurveillance Ecosystem (BSVE) [1]. In thisposter, we highlight the new capabilities that are brought to the BSVEby Soda Pop with an emphasis on the impact of metholodogicaldecisions.IntroductionThe Biosurveillance Ecosystem (BSVE) is a biological andchemical threat surveillance system sponsored by the Defense ThreatReduction Agency (DTRA). BSVE is intended to be user-friendly,multi-agency, cooperative, modular and threat agnostic platformfor biosurveillance [2]. In BSVE, a web-based workbench presentsthe analyst with applications (apps) developed by various DTRAfundedresearchers, which are deployed on-demand in the cloud(e.g., Amazon Web Services). These apps aim to address emergingneeds and refine capabilities to enable early warning of chemical andbiological threats for multiple users across local, state, and federalagencies.Soda Pop is an app developed by Pacific Northwest NationalLaboratory (PNNL) to meet the current needs of the BSVE forearly warning and detection of disease outbreaks. Aimed for use bya diverse set of analysts, the application is agnostic to data sourceand spatial scale enabling it to be generalizable across many diseasesand locations. To achieve this, we placed a particular emphasis onclustering and alerting of disease signals within Soda Pop withoutstrong prior assumptions on the nature of observed diseased counts.MethodsAlthough designed to be agnostic to the data source, Soda Pop wasinitially developed and tested on data summarizing Influenza-LikeIllness in military hospitals from collaboration with the Armed ForcesHealth Surveillance Branch. Currently, the data incorporated alsoincludes the CDC’s National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System(NNDSS) tables [3] and the WHO’s Influenza A/B Influenza Data(Flunet) [4]. These data sources are now present in BSVE’s Postgresdata storage for direct access.Soda Pop is designed to automate time-series tasks of datasummarization, exploration, clustering, alarming and forecasting.Built as an R/Shiny application, Soda Pop is founded on the powerfulstatistical tool R [5]. Where applicable, Soda Pop facilitates nonparametricseasonal decomposition of time-series; hierarchicalagglomerative clustering across reporting areas and between diseaseswithin reporting areas; and a variety of alarming techniques includingExponential Weighted Moving Average alarms and Early AberrationDetection [6].Soda Pop embeds these techniques within a user-interface designedto enhance an analyst’s understanding of emerging trends in their dataand enables the inclusion of its graphical elements into their dossierfor further tracking and reporting. The ultimate goal of this softwareis to facilitate the discovery of unknown disease signals along withincreasing the speed of detection of unusual patterns within thesesignals.ConclusionsSoda Pop organizes common statistical disease surveillance tasksin a manner integrated with BSVE data source inputs and outputs.The app analyzes time-series disease data and supports a robust set ofclustering and alarming routines that avoid strong assumptions on thenature of observed disease counts. This attribute allows for flexibilityin the data source, spatial scale, and disease types making it useful toa wide range of analystsSoda Pop within the BSVE.KeywordsBSVE; Biosurveillance; R/Shiny; Clustering; AlarmingAcknowledgmentsThis work was supported by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency undercontract CB10082 with Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryReferences1. Dasey, Timothy, et al. “Biosurveillance Ecosystem (BSVE) WorkflowAnalysis.” Online journal of public health informatics 5.1 (2013).2. http://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/681832/dtra-scientistsdevelop-cloud-based-biosurveillance-ecosystem. Accessed 9/6/2016.3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “National NotifiableDiseases Surveillance System (NNDSS).”4. World Health Organization. “FluNet.” Global Influenza Surveillanceand Response System (GISRS).5. R Core Team (2016). R: A language and environment for statisticalcomputing. R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria.6. Salmon, Maëlle, et al. “Monitoring Count Time Series in R: AberrationDetection in Public Health Surveillance.” Journal of StatisticalSoftware [Online], 70.10 (2016): 1 - 35.

OPENING Welcome to this special feature of Approaches, which was inspired by the 1st Mediterranean Music Therapy Meeting. Organised by the Giovanni Ferrari Music Therapy School of Padua, with the support of the Italian Association of Professional Music Therapists (AIM) and the Italian Confederation of Associations and Music Therapy Schools (CONFIAM), this event took place on 22nd September 2018 in Padua, Italy. Reflecting the theme of this meeting, Dialogue on Music Therapy Interventions for Dementia and End-of-Life Care: Voices from Beyond the Sea, this special feature aims to raise awareness and promote dialogue around music therapy in the Mediterranean region with a focus on dementia and end-of-life care settings. The special feature contains brief country reports. Although reports vary in writing style and depth of information, each report has a two-fold overall focus: to outline briefly the current state of music therapy within each country and to describe particular applications of music therapy within dementia and end-of-life care contexts. Additionally, this special feature contains a Preface by Melissa Brotons, who was the keynote speaker at the 1st Mediterranean Music Therapy Meeting, as well as a conference report outlining key aspects of this meeting. THE SEA AROUND US: A NOTE ON THE MEDITERRANEAN The name of the Mediterranean Sea originates from the Latin mediterraneus, meaning “middle of the earth”. This name was first used by the Romans reflecting their perception of the sea as the middle or the centre of the earth. Interestingly, while perceived as a middle point, the Mediterranean was also experienced as something that surrounded people. Thus, both the Ancient Greeks and the Romans called the Mediterranean “our sea” or “the sea around us” (mare nostrum in Latin, orἡ θάλασσα ἡ καθ’ἡμᾶς [hē thálassa hē kath’hēmâs] in Greek). The Mediterranean Sea is linked to the Atlantic Ocean. It is surrounded by the Mediterranean basin and enclosed by land: on the north by Southern Europe and Asia Minor, on the south by North Africa, and on the east by Western Asia. Since antiquity the Mediterranean has been a vital waterway for merchants and travellers, facilitating trade and cultural exchange between peoples of the region. The Mediterranean region has been the birthplace of influential civilizations on its shores, and the history of the region is crucial to understanding the origins and evolvement of the modern Western world. Throughout its history the region has been dramatically affected by conflict, war and occupation. The Roman Empire and the Arab Empire are past examples with lasting footprints in the region; while ongoing conflicts in Syria, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories are contemporary examples, some of which have led to a refugee crisis in the region. As such, the history of the region has been accompanied by endeavours and struggles to define and redefine national identities, territories and borders. Interestingly, Cyprus is one of just two nations, and the first one in the world, to include its map on its flag (the second is Kosovo – a Balkan country close to the Mediterranean region). The sea touches three continents, and today the Mediterranean region can be understood, framed and divided differently based on varying geopolitical and other perspectives (see, for example, the Eastern Mediterranean Region of the World Health Organization [WHO, 2020]). For the purposes of this special feature, we understand the Mediterranean region as including 12 countries in Europe, five in Asia and five in Africa. These countries, in clockwise order, are Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. Despite its relatively small geographical area, the Mediterranean region is characterised by the richness of cultures, religions and musical traditions. Likewise, there is a dramatic diversity in terms of political and socio-economic situations. This diversity is equally reflected in the development of dementia and end-of-life care in these countries. Regarding dementia care, in 2016, the Monegasque Association for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease, published the Alzheimer and the Mediterranean Report where is underlined that “[in] many Mediterranean countries, there is still little knowledge about the problems surrounding Alzheimer’s disease, which remains under-estimated and insufficiently documented” (AMPA, 2016, p.7). The report identified a concerning rise in the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders in the Mediterranean area, but little biomedical, fundamental and clinical research, unequal and unspecialised access to home care services, and also a general lack of training among professionals and a lack of status recognition for family carers. In terms of end-of-life care, in 2017 the first systematic attempt to map and assess the development of palliative care in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region was published (Osman et al., 2017). Results demonstrate that palliative care development in Eastern Mediterranean countries is scarce. Most countries are at the very initial stages of palliative care development, with only a small fraction of patients needing palliative care being able to access it. This situation also applies to the integration and provision of palliative care within care homes and nursing homes offering long-term care for older people (Froggatt et al., 2017). Recent reviews also demonstrate that palliative care is variable and inconsistent across the region, while various barriers exist to the development of palliative care delivery. Examples of such barriers include the lack of relevant national policies, limited palliative care training for professionals and volunteers, as well as weak public awareness around death and dying (Fadhil et al., 2017). Similar barriers around legislation, training and public awareness are met in the development of music therapy in many Mediterranean countries. Music therapy, as a contemporary profession and discipline, and indeed its applications in dementia and end-of-life care, are equally limited and characterised by diversity across the region. As such, this special feature is a modest attempt to bring together perspectives and present initial information for areas of work which are not widely developed, explored or documented so far in most Mediterranean countries. Hopefully this publication will raise further awareness and inform the future development of music therapy with specific reference to its potential applications to dementia and end-of-life care in each country. This becomes even more relevant considering the increase of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer, in the region (Fadhil et al., 2017). BEHIND THE SCENES Inviting authors Although the 1st Mediterranean Music Therapy Meeting included speakers only from a few Mediterranean countries, this special feature attempted to include authors from every single Mediterranean country. In addition to inviting the speakers from the meeting to contribute to this special feature, we invited authors from each of the other Mediterranean countries. After listing all the countries, we tried to identify music therapists in each of them. We drew on our own professional networks, as well as information available on the websites of the European Music Therapy Confederation (EMTC) and the World Federation for Music Therapy (WFMT), along with relevant publications in the open access journals Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy and Voices: A World Forum of Music Therapy. In countries where we could not identify a music therapist (with or without direct experience of working in dementia and end-of-life care), we attempted to identify and invite other relevant professionals with an explicit interest in music therapy. When this second option was impossible, no authors were invited. There were also cases where potential authors who met the above criteria did not respond to the invitation. As such, this special feature does not include a report from every Mediterranean country. The absence of reports from some countries, however, does not necessarily reflect the lack of music therapy work in these countries. Some of the contributing authors are members or representatives of professional associations and some are not. In either case, their contribution to this special feature aims to represent their views and experiences as individuals without claiming to represent national or other professional bodies. Depending on the position of each individual author, different aspects of music therapy may be explored, prioritised, silenced or challenged in each country report. We want to be clear: these reports are not about absolute ‘truths’ and do not provide comprehensive accounts of music therapy and of its applications in dementia and end-of-life care in each country. Instead of being a ‘full stop’, we see these reports as an opening; as invitations for dialogue, debate, critique and mutual growth. We encourage readers to engage with the contents of this special feature critically; being informed by their own experiences and practices, as well as by related literature and historical trajectories in the field (e.g. De Backer et al., 2013; Dileo-Maranto, 1993; Hesser & Heinemann, 2015; Ridder & Tsiris, 2015a; Schmid, 2014; Stegemann et al., 2016). The challenge of the review process All reports were peer-reviewed. Although we strived to ensure a ‘blind’ review process, this was difficult to achieve in certain cases due to the nature of the reports and the small size of the music therapy communities in certain countries. We invited music therapists living and working in Mediterranean countries to serve as reviewers. We also invited some music therapists living in other parts of the world, given their experience and role within international music therapy bodies and initiatives. Reviewers were requested to evaluate not only the accuracy of the information provided in each report but also the reflexive stance of the authors. This comes with acknowledging that in some instances authors and reviewers came from diverse professional and disciplinary spheres, where music therapy can be understood and practised differently. This was particularly relevant to country reports where we could not identify reviewers with ‘inland’ knowledge of the music therapy field and of its relevance to local dementia and end-of-life care contexts. Towards hospitality Professionalisation issues – which seem to be a common denominator across the reports of this special feature – are often an area of controversy and conflict, where alliances and oppositions have emerged over the history of the music therapy profession within and beyond the Mediterranean region. Writing a country report, and indeed reviewing and editing a collection of such reports, can be a ‘hot potato’! Although it is impossible to remain apolitical, we argue (and we have actively tried to promote this through our editorial and reviewing work) that a constructive dialogue needs to be characterised by reflexivity. It needs to be underpinned by openness and transparency regarding our own values and assumptions, our pre-understanding, our standpoint, as well as our invested interests. Professionalisation conflicts within some Mediterranean countries have led to the development of multiple and, at times, antagonistic associations and professional bodies. In Spain, for example, there are over 40 associations (Mercadal-Brotons et al., 2015), whereas in Italy there are four main associations (Scarlata, 2015). In other countries, such as Greece (Tsiris, 2011), there are communication challenges and conflicting situations between professional association, training programmes and governmental departments. Although such challenges tend to remain unarticulated and ‘hidden’ from the professional literature and discourse, they have real implications for the development of the profession within each context and for the morale of each music therapy community. Overall, this special feature aims to promote a spirit of open dialogue and mutual respect. It is underpinned by a commitment to remain in ongoing dialogue while accepting that we can agree to disagree. As editors we tried to remain true to this commitment, and this became particularly evident in cases where reported practices and concepts were at odds with our own perspectives and understandings of music therapy and its development as a contemporary profession and discipline in Western countries. Indeed, the perspectives presented in some of the reports may sit on the edge or even outside the ‘professional canon’ of music therapy as developed in many contemporary Western countries. In line with the vision of Approaches, this special feature opens up a space where local-global tensions can be voiced (Ridder & Tsiris, 2015b), allowing multiple translations, transitions and borders to be explored. What becomes evident is that definitions of music therapy are inextricably linked to cultural, including spiritual and political, meanings and practices of music, health and illness. Mediterranean people are known for their hospitality but also for their passionate temperament. We hope that this special feature creates a hospitable and welcoming environment for professional and intercultural exchange where passion can fuel creative action and collaboration instead of conflict. We invite the readers to engage with each report in this spirit of openness and reflexivity. This special feature will hopefully be only the start of future dialogue, debate and constructive critique. To this end, we also invite people to add their voices and perspectives regarding music therapy in the Mediterranean region in relation to dementia and end-of-life care. Music therapists, palliative care practitioners and other professionals are welcome to submit their own papers in the form of articles, reports or letters to the editor. References AMPA (2016). Alzheimer and the Mediterranean Report 2016: Overview – challenges – perspectives. Retrieved from https://ampa-monaco.com/files/MAA_Rapport_GB_web_sml.pdf De Backer, J., Nöcker Ribaupierre, M., & Sutton, J. (2013). Music therapy in Europe: The identity and professionalisation of European music therapy, with an overview and history of the European Music Therapy Confederation. In J. De Backer & J. Sutton (Eds.), The music in music therapy: Psychodynamic music therapy in Europe: Clinical, theoretical and research approaches (pp. 24-36). London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Dileo-Maranto, C. (Ed.). (1993). Music therapy: International perspectives. Saint Louis, MI: MMB Music, Inc. Fadhil, I., Lyons, G., & Payne, S. (2017). Barriers to, and opportunities for, palliative care development in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The Lancet Oncology, 18(3), e176-e184. Froggatt, K., Payne, S., Morbey, H., Edwards, M., Finne-Soveri, H., Gambassi, G., Pasman, H. R., Szczerbinska, K., & Van den Block, L. (2017). Palliative care development in European care homes and nursing homes: Application of a typology of implementation. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 18(6), 550.e7-550.e14. Hesser, B., & Heinemann, H. (Eds.). (2015). Music as a global resource: Solutions for social and economic issues (4th ed.). New York, NY: United Nations Headquarters. Mercadal-Brotons, M., Sabbatella, P. L., & Del Moral Marcos, M. T. (2017). Music therapy as a profession in Spain: Past, present and future. Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy, 9(1), 111-119. Retrieved from https://approaches.gr/mercadal-brotons-a20150509 Osman, H., Rihan, A., Garralda, E., Rhee, J.Y., Pons, J.J., de Lima, L., Tfayli, A., & Centeno, C. (2017). Atlas of palliative care in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Houston: IAHPC Press. Retrieved from https://dadun.unav.edu/handle/10171/43303 Ridder, H. M., & Tsiris, G. (Eds.). (2015a). Special issue on ‘Music therapy in Europe: Paths of professional development’. Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education, Special Issue 7(1). Retrieved from https://approaches.gr/special-issue-7-1-2015/ Ridder, H. M., & Tsiris, G. (2015b). ‘Thinking globally, acting locally’: Music therapy in Europe. Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education, Special Issue 7(1), 3-9. Retrieved from https://approaches.gr/special-issue-7-1-2015/ Scarlata, E. (2015). Italy. Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education, Special Issue 7(1), 161-162. Retrieved from https://approaches.gr/special-issue-7-1-2015 Schmid, J. (2014). Music therapy training courses in Europe. Thesis at the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna, Austria. Stegemann, T., Schmidt, H. U., Fitzthum, E., & Timmermann, T. (Eds.). (2016). Music therapy training programmes in Europe: Theme and variations. Reichert Verlag. Tsiris, G. (2011). Music therapy in Greece. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy. Retrieved from https://voices.no/community/?q=country-of-the-month/2011-music-therapy-greece World Health Organization (WHO) (2020). Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean Countries. Retrieved from: http://www.emro.who.int/countries.html