bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decisioni per la cura del bambino piccolo nelle fasi critiche e terminali della vita
Authors: Ruggiero Rossana , Melado Fermin Gonzales , Brambilla Giorgia , Palazzani Laura , Kaczmarek Stefano , Salata Michele , Zucaro Luigi
Published: November 2022

L’articolo si basa sull’analisi comparativa di tre documenti: la Mozione del Comitato Nazionale di Bioetica su Accanimento clinico o ostinazione irragionevole dei trattamenti sui bambini piccoli con limitate aspettative di vita, la Legge del 22 dicembre 2017, n. 219 recante Norme in materia di consenso informato e di disposizioni anticipate di trattamento e la Lettera Samaritanus bonus della Congregazione per la Dottrina della Fede sulla cura delle persone nelle fasi critiche e terminali della vita. Nella consapevolezza della loro diversità è possibile individuare alcuni nodi centrali nella cura del paziente pediatrico nelle fasi critiche o terminali della vita: il problema della valutazione della qualità di vita; le cure di base di questi piccoli pazienti, con particolare riferimento: all’idratazione e nutrizione; alle cure palliative pediatriche; infine, al ruolo della famiglia nell’assunzione delle decisioni in ambito pediatrico. Gli autori presentano anche i punti di concordanza che emergono dall’analisi dei tre documenti dedicando attenzione al bambino piccolo con limitate aspettative di vita: guarire se possibile, curare e prendersi cura sempre e umilmente, riconoscere i limiti della medicina.
What happens on Mars, stays on Mars: a reply to Balistreri and Umbrello
Authors: Garasic Mirko Daniel
Published: November 2022

In a previous paper published in this journal, I have claimed that the – possible – acceptance of human enhancement on Mars does not (and should not) be followed by an emulation on Earth, as these two settings are not only two different planets, but they are also two different worlds. Some critics see my position as unconvincing and unstable. Yet, I am very glad that Maurizio Balistreri and Steven Umbrello engaged with my work in such a fiercely critical manner: it has pushed me to think more intensely on what I previously wrote, helping me realize what could have been explained more clearly and in depth. Hopefully, this reply will make my position less “philosophically dubious” and will also help Balistreri and Umbrello seeing some of the flaws in their own argument. I will shape this paper in a way that will rely quite heavily on the previous exchange of views, so to be as focused as possible on how to counterargue at least some of the critiques received. Hence, I will divide the paper into three parts, each addressing one of the points raised by them. I will call those 1) the future generations critique; 2) the natural boundaries critique and 3) the continuum critique.
The transition to online psychotherapy during the pandemic: a qualitative study on patients’ perspectives
Authors: Giordano Cecilia , Ambrosiano Ivan , Graffeo Maria Teresa , Di Caro Alessandro , Gullo Salvatore
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially increased online psychotherapies due to the impossibility of participating in vis-a-vis settings. In the last years, research about online therapy has been quickly growing. However, until now, few studies investigated patients’ perspective about the transition to online psychotherapy and, specifically, no qualitative research in group therapy has been done on this topic. This study aimed to explore the experience of 51 patients (39 group patients and 12 from individual psychotherapies) who continued psychotherapy in the online setting during the COVID-19 outbreak. A structured online questionnaire with open answers investigated the following topics: setting online, effectiveness, psychotherapy relationship, specific dynamics of online psychotherapy. Patients’ answers were analysed by means of Consensual Qualitative Research, modified version (CQR-M), an inductive method that allows analysing a large sample and relatively brief written answers. The results show the impact of shift to online platforms on patients and explore how easy or difficult it is for them to adapt to therapeutic processes are in online therapy (vs. in-person therapy), by highlighting potential barriers and resources to practice implementation. Participants’ responses have been arranged into three main domains: setting online, content/effectiveness of online therapy and therapeutic relationship. A fourth domain, specific for online group therapy, collected responses referred to the changes perceived regarding the group dynamics. From the patient’s perspective, online therapy is effective and satisfying. Patients perceived a positive quality of therapeutic relationship in online setting, whereas produced more controversial judgments concerned the changes due to the online setting. Finally, patients in group therapy gave more attention and importance in showing and seeing private personal spaces than the ones in individual therapy.
Mathematical knowledge for teaching in Africa 2014–2021: A review of literature
Authors: Mosvold Reidar
Published: November 2022

Background: A previous review of literature on mathematical knowledge for teaching in Africa indicated that most studies were small, qualitative studies that did not apply existing measures. The present literature review explores trends in more recent research from 2014 to 2021.Aim: The aim of the literature review is to investigate trends in peer-reviewed journal articles on mathematical knowledge for teaching in Africa from 2014 to 2021.Setting: A literature review of research on mathematical knowledge for teaching in Africa between 2014–2021.Methods: After a three-step search and initial coding, 24 studies were included in the review. Studies were coded in terms of genre, type of study, research problem, sample size, instruments, level and experience of teachers, location of the study and frameworks applied.Results: As compared with the previous literature review, there was variation in sample size, genre of the studies, as well as in the level and experience of participating teachers, and this indicates a field in positive development. Yet, there is a significant geographical lack of balance, as most studies were conducted in South Africa. In addition, there is a predominance of studies that investigate what knowledge teachers have, and many studies provide a deficit view of teachers’ lack of knowledge.Conclusion: Based on the trends in the studies reviewed, a shift in focus from teachers and their (lack of) knowledge to the knowledge demands of teaching is suggested.Contribution: An emphasis on exploring what is involved in teaching mathematics in African contexts might provide a productive turn in research that would be of international interest and significance.
Administrative penalties: Impact and alternatives
Authors: Aproskie Jason , Goga Sha’ista
Published: November 2022

Administrative penalties are imposed in South Africa for a specified set of prohibited practices. These are typically the most egregious anti-competitive acts, and therefore the main purpose of administrative penalties is to act as a deterrent, both to the offending firm and to other firms that may consider engaging in similar behaviour. With a spate of high-profile cases resulting in fines, there has been much discussion over fines and their ultimate impact on businesses and consumers. We discuss three arguments that have been raised. Firstly, we consider whether companies simply pass the cost of their fine through to consumers in the form of higher prices. Secondly, we look at the validity of the complaint that high fines could lead to poorer competitive outcomes due to firm exit. Thirdly, we assess suggested alternative mechanisms for disbursing the fine such as paying the fine in the form of lower prices.
Two-sided markets: An application to mobile termination in South Africa
Authors: Theron Nicola , Van Eeden Johann
Published: November 2022

The concept of a two-sided market has received increased attention in the academic literature of late. In this paper we argue that the market for call termination is an example of a two-sided market. We apply the concepts of a two-sided termination market to the current attempts by ICASA to reduce mobile termination rates through regulation. We also deal with the concepts of significant market power (SMP) and established significant market power (ESMP), and show that the traditional thinking around market power has to be adapted when one deals with two-sided markets. More specifically, we analyse these concepts by looking at the position of Cell C, a smaller player in the mobile market in SA. We show that market power (and appropriate pro-competitive remedies) in call termination markets cannot be established without considering the origination (retail) market – the other side of the two-sided market.
Advertising of legal services: Perceptions of attorneys
Authors: Boshoff C.
Published: November 2022

Professional practitioners are increasingly questioning the status quo with regard to restrictions on the advertising of professional services. It occurs against the background of developments such as deregulation and increased competition from non-professionals. Professional associations are largely uncertain how to address the issue. This study is an attempt to contribute towards the debate concerning advertising in the legal profession. It reports on a survey among 1 000 practising attorneys. The study found that attorneys are generally in favour of advertising their services, but believe that it should be conducted within the confines of certain specified guidelines.
Strategic planning for information technology in South Africa: An exploratory study
Authors: Lief K. , Hoffman A. R. , Lay P. M.Q.
Published: November 2022

Many studies have been performed recently in the United States and Europe examining the nature of, and approach to, strategic planning for Information Technology. Research into the influence of strategic planning on corporate performance has also increased significantly. By contrast, very few studies have been performed on the South African corporate environment both to confirm or deny alignment with overseas studies or to determine the strategic issues concerning senior management. This was the purpose of this exploratory study. The responses of senior management in 26 large organizations are analysed. The results indicate a need for extensive management education. After examining the South African situation the authors conclude with a number of assertions which could become the focus of subsequent studies.
Macroeconomic identification of the priced APT factors on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
Authors: Van Rensburg Paul
Published: November 2022

Employing prespecified macroeconomic variables as potential priced factors, the Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) may be modelled as a non-linear seemingly unrelated regression with across equation restrictions. This portrayal allows for the simultaneous estimation of factor sensitivities and the risk premium associated with each factor. The following macroeconomic variables were tested as potential factors: unexpected movements in (rand) gold returns. (dollar) returns on the Dow-Jones Industrial Index, the term structure of interest rates and inflation expectations together with the 'residual market factor' of Burmeister Wall. Using iterated non-linear seemingly unrelated regression (ITNLSUR) estimation techniques, it was found that all of the above variables except for gold price risk are priced, that is, are associated with statistically significant risk premia.
Implication of Online-Based Brief Psychotherapy in Anxiety Spectrum Disorder during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Halder Susmita , Mahato Akash Kumar , Samajdar Shinjini
Published: November 2022

Background:

The rapid, ongoing and progressive nature of corona virus pandemic situation is representing global public health disquiet. The uneasiness, apprehension or worry regarding the current circumstances is leading to mental health concern and the quality of life and functioning are being affected and leading to mental health problems. Excessive worry and tension could elevate negative emotions and consternation regarding necessities of daily life, preventive and control measures, life and health threats are the risk factors of aggravation of somatic symptoms. Supportive psychotherapy is an evidenced based therapeutic measure to manage negative emotions and feelings.

Aims and Objectives:

The present study aimed to explore the application of brief online based brief psychotherapy in the pandemic situation to intervene symptoms of anxiety, somatic concern, and associated negative emotions in daily life.

Method:

It is a case series of 5 adults with anxiety and somatic symptoms, aggravated in post COVID19 situation therapeutically intervened through brief online based brief psychotherapy.

Results:

Significant changes in symptom pattern and severity suggest positive indications of online brief therapy for anxiety and related symptoms in pandemic situation.
Unusual Exaggerated Inflammatory Response in Fuchs Uveitis
Authors: Karkhur Samendra , Soni Deepak , Patel Smita , Sharma Ria , Nyodu Richa , Sharma Bhavana
Published: November 2022

Objective:

To report a case of Fuchs uveitis with an unusual exaggerated inflammatory response in the form of multifocal fibrin deposition.

Case Report:

Fuchs uveitis syndrome (FUS) has a characteristic clinical appearance but is frequently overlooked when heterochromia is subtle or absent. Specific atrophic changes in the iris, keratic precipitates, minimal cells and flare, the lack of posterior synechia, and the frequent presence of cataract and secondary glaucoma represent the clinical spectrum observed during the usual natural course of FUS. The occurrence of multifocal fibrin deposition on the entire iris surface in a young Indian male patient who presented with the clinical picture of Fuchs uveitis is reported. The finding of multifocal fibrin was unusual and thought to be an exaggerated inflammatory response in FUS. The patient was managed with topical corticosteroid therapy which resulted in complete resolution of fibrin. Regular follow-up was advised in view of the chronic nature of the disease and predisposition to complicated cataract and secondary glaucoma.
Imaging characteristics of brain abscess in children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Liu Ke , Zhu Ming , Dong Sudan
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND:

Brain abscess is a rare disease in childhood requiring prompt medical and/or surgical treatment. The objective was to discuss the head computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of children with brain abscess in congenital heart disease (CHD) group compared with the group without CHD, further comprehend the imaging findings, and assess the severity of brain abscess in children with CHD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The radiological features of brain abscess in children hospitalized in Shanghai Children's Medical Center between September 2014 and September 2021 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS:

Forty-four children (14 females, 30 males), with a median age of 8.6 years (range 2–15 years), were enrolled in this study. CHD was found in 22 cases. Twenty-one of these 22 patients were with cyanotic CHD. The remaining 22 cases were without CHD. Among the 22 patients with CHD, superficial abscesses of 2–5 cm in diameter are the main imaging findings, which was the same as in children without CHD. In our study, brain abscesses of CHD are usually single, while other brain abscesses are usually multiple in children without CHD. There was statistically significant difference in the number of abscesses between the group with CHD and the group without CHD (χ2 = 6.3, P = 0.04). Compared with no CHD children, the nearest distance from the ventricular wall to the margin of brain abscess in children with CHD is often <7 mm.

CONCLUSIONS:

Brain abscesses in children with CHD have some special imaging characteristics. Superficial abscesses of 2–5 cm in diameter are the main imaging findings. Brain abscesses of CHD are usually single, while other brain abscesses are usually multiple in children without CHD. Compared with no CHD children, the nearest distance from the ventricular wall to the margin of brain abscess in children with CHD is shorter.
Magnetic resonance imaging-based radiomics analysis for the assessment of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis biological activity
Authors: Miao Zhoulin , Bo Ren , Xia Yuwei , Liu Wenya
Published: November 2022

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate predictive models based on a combination of T2-weighted images (T2WI) and different machine learning algorithms, and to explore the value of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) activity assessment by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This retrospective study included 136 patients diagnosed with HAE at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University between 2012 and 2020. All subjects underwent MRI and positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) before surgery. Taking the PET-CT examination results as the reference standard, patients were divided into active (90 cases) and inactive groups (46 cases). The volume of interest of the lesion was manually delineated on T2WI, and quantitative radiomics features were extracted. Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technology was used to balance the number of patients in the categories. To control for redundancy, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator was used for feature screening after normalization, and ten optimal features were obtained based on correlation coefficient screening. Three machine learning classifiers were trained using five-fold cross-validation and their performance was compared to establish an optimal HAE activity assessment model. The performance of the classifier was evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (ACC). The ten optimal features selected from each fold were combined using three machine learning algorithms: logistic regression, multilayer perceptron (MLP), and support vector machine, to establish an HAE activity prediction model.

RESULTS:

The three machine learning classifiers all showed good prediction performance with a mean AUC on the test set of more than 0.80, and the MLP showing the best performance (AUC = 0.830 ± 0.053, ACC = 0.817, sensitivity = 0.822, and specificity = 0.811).

CONCLUSION:

HAE activity can be accurately evaluated by a radiomics method using a combination of quantitative T2WI features and machine learning.
Exophytic cystic gastrointestinal stromal tumor mimics hepatic abscess or tumor
Authors: Lin Guisen , Wu Renhua
Published: November 2022

A middle-aged patient presented with epigastric pain, elevated white blood cell count, and mild anemia. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an exophytic gastric mass that mimicked a hepatic abscess or tumor, with intraperitoneal hemorrhage. The mass had heterogeneous texture, interstitial bleeding, and cystic change that showed delayed mild enhancement on multiphase CT. This was consistent with gastrointestinal stromal tumor that was confirmed by pathological and immunohistochemical analysis.
Neuroangiostrongyliasis: Global Spread of an Emerging Tropical Disease
Authors: Cowie Robert H. , Ansdell Vernon , Panosian Dunavan Claire , Rollins Randi L.
Published: November 2022

Neuroangiostrongyliasis (NAS) is an emerging parasitic disease caused by the neurotropic nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Since it was first discovered, in rats in southern China in the 1930s, this tropical to subtropical parasite has spread to much of Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands (including Hawaii), Australia, Japan, South America, the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, Africa, the Canary Islands, and the Balearic Islands. The parasite completes its natural life cycle in snails and slugs (intermediate hosts), and rats (definitive hosts). Humans become accidental hosts after ingesting infective third-stage larvae contained within uncooked or undercooked intermediate or paratenic hosts, an event that sometimes results in NAS, also known as rat lungworm disease. Although A. cantonensis larvae cannot complete their life cycle in humans, their migration into the brain and spinal cord combined with a powerful inflammatory reaction often leads to eosinophilic meningitis and can, in rare instances, lead to coma, paralysis, and death or, in other cases, chronic, disabling neurologic sequelae. Symptoms of NAS are diverse, which often makes it difficult to diagnose. Treatment may include administration of analgesics, corticosteroids, anthelminthics, and repeat lumbar punctures to reduce intracranial pressure. Unfortunately, few medical providers, even in endemic areas, are familiar with A. cantonensis or its epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. As the parasite continues to spread and NAS affects more people, medical practitioners, as well as the general public, must become more aware of this emerging zoonosis and the potentially devastating harm it can cause.
Plasmodium vivax Relapse Rates in Allied Soldiers during the Second World War: Importance of Hypnozoite Burden
Authors: Shanks G. Dennis
Published: November 2022

Allied soldiers suffered repeated relapses of Plasmodium vivax malaria during and immediately after the Second World War. This surprised many military medical officers who had underestimated the huge casualties produced by P. vivax malaria. Tropical (Philippines) strains of P. vivax were known to relapse more frequently than those from temperate regions (the United States). Intense exposure to mosquito infection likely increased the absolute number of hypnozoites in soldiers’ livers. Both quinine and quinacrine were used as chemosuppressive agents, but their inconsistent use until at least 1943 promoted intermittent parasitological failures. Fear of hemolytic reactions after a mass casualty event in 1943 engendered fear and avoidance of the only 8-aminoquinoline pamaquine then available to cure relapses. Variable chemosuppression likely prevented acquisition of effective parasitological immunity. Unexpectedly high relapse rates in soldiers were likely an indirect measure of the high hypnozoite burden and suggest how difficult it will be to eliminate P. vivax malaria from endemic areas.
Knowledge and Current Practices Related to Agricultural Water Microbial Quality among Kansas and Missouri Produce Growers
Authors:   Dept. of Horticulture and Natural Resources, Kansas State University, Olathe, KS 66061, USA, Nwadike Londa
Published: November 2022

Kansas State University and University of Missouri Extension educators have been providing training and information on agricultural water microbial quality to help produce growers reduce risk. However, we recognized the need to determine knowledge gaps among Kansas and Missouri growers related to agricultural water quality and best practices. A survey was developed to determine future extension outputs and activities to encourage growers to improve their practices related to water quality. The survey was distributed to Kansas and Missouri produce growers attending in-person or online produce-related events in late 2020 and early 2021 and was also distributed through email lists of produce growers from both states. Survey results (n = 101) indicate that 13.9% of the respondents tested their water for generic Escherichia coli more than once a year, whereas 38.6% of the participants had never tested their water. Approximately half (59.3%) of respondents indicated they used municipal water for postharvest uses, whereas 6.7% indicated the use of untreated surface water for postharvest activities. To address potential water contamination risks, researchers suggest that further training and educational resources would help growers improve practices related to water quality and produce safety.
Effect of Microplastics on the Germination and Growth of Terrestrial Plants
Authors: Hasan Md Mehedee , Jho Eun Hea
Published: November 2022

Objectives : The human beings of our globe are heavily reliant on the use of plastic products on a daily basis. Microplastics (MPs) are tiny particles that are formed as a result of plastic degradation. MPs can be found in terrestrial environment, but previous studies focused on the effects of MPs on marine environment and there are less studies on the effects of MPs on terrestrial environment. In particular, there is still a relatively limited number of studies on the effects of MPs on terrestrial plants. Therefore, this review paper aims to examine previous studies on the effect of MPs on the germination and growth of terrestrial plants.Methods : This review summarized the previous findings on the effect of MPs on the germination and growth of terrestrial plants in order to identify the research gaps and trends on the effects of MPs on terrestrial plants.Results and Discussion : Previous studies on the effect of MPs on the germination and growth of terrestrial plants were reviewed and the observations were summarized to find the gaps in this field of research. Previous studies showed that MPs can change soil properties and these changes can be different depending on the shape and size of MPs. MPs can also release chemicals such as phthalates and heavy metals that might have toxic effects on terrestrial plants. Different forms, types, and sizes of MPs were used in previous studies to study the effects on seed germination and growth of different plants. Most studies reported that MPs have negative effects on seed germination and plant growth (e.g., biomass, chlorophyll contents). Smaller MPs tend to have more significant effects than larger MPs. The changes in the soil properties due to MPs can change microbial community structures and this, in turn, may affect the soil-plant interaction.Conclusion : This study summarizes what have been reported in the previous studies on the effect of MPs on seed germination and growth of terrestrial plants. MPs are likely to affect seed germination and plant growth negatively, and this will eventually lead to reduction in food production and food quality. Owing to the various types, forms, and sizes of MPs that could be present in the terrestrial environment as well as the chemicals that could be released from MPs, there is much to explore to better understand the effect of MPs on terrestrial plants and the underlying mechanisms of such effects.
A Study on Analysing the Job Seekers' Perception and the Strategies of Recruitment Marketing
Authors: G. Karthik , G. Karpagavalli
Published: November 2022

The goal of the study is to demonstrate why a recruitment agency would utilize the employer branding of one of its clients as a recruitment marketing technique to draw in talent and fill the appropriate positions for their client's business. This study shows how businesses and job seekers have started to emphasize the importance of recruiting firms. But on the other hand, they should definitely build a relationship with job seekers who depend on recruitment firms to land a position at any respectable organization. These studies provide you an overview of the relationship between organizational traits, various aspects of job choice, and Candidate's perceptions of the job. This study also illustrates how employers and job seekers are beginning to recognize the value of recruitment agencies. A recruitment company will use their client's employer branding as a recruitment marketing tool to attract talent and fill the right position for their client's company in order to understand the terms recruitment marketing, employer value proposition, candidate perception for an organization, key features that attract a candidate to a specific company, segmentation, and personalization in recruitment marketing. Despite the numerous advantages of recruitment consultants' marketing efforts, some businesses still have misconceptions concerning what these options can do, exactly what they are capable of, and how they should be used. According to the findings of this study, one approach to addressing this issue is to improve employer branding. The challenge identified by this research can be tried to solve by leveraging candidates' perceptions, which will shift from generation to generation, and collaborating with recruitment firms to help candidates become more well-informed and aware of the benefits of the position.
Despesa sanitària pública i esperança de vida: una inversió saludable
Authors: Zueras Pilar , Rentería Elisenda
Published: November 2022

Durant la crisi financera i la posterior recessió econòmica, l'esperança de vida a Espanya va continuar amb la seva tendència de creixement, passant de 82,3 anys al 2008 a 82,92 anys al 2014. No obstant això, en un context de baixes taxes de mortalitat, és important conèixer l'evolució del temps que vivim en bona i mala salut. La gran heterogeneïtat regional d'Espanya i la seva sanitat pública descentralitzada ens permeten observar com diversos factors regionals econòmics i sociodemogràfics poden estar associats a canvis als indicadors de salut. En aquest treball analitzem l'evolució dels anys viscuts amb i sense les condicions de salut amb més prevalença i que són més incapacitants a partir dels 50 anys a 17 Comunitats Autònomes per entendre la seva associació amb diversos factors macro socioeconòmics, de provisió pública de serveis de salut, de despesa pública sanitària i de comportaments relacionats amb la salut. El període d'anàlisi s'estén des del 2006 al 2019, per poder captar les fases d'expansió, crisi i recuperació econòmica que el s’han viscut en els últims anys. Els resultats mostren que la despesa sanitària pública per càpita és un dels components que més explica les diferències de salut entre regions, i que una despesa sanitària pública més gran implica més anys viscuts en bona salut i menys anys viscuts en mala salut.
Analysis of the Level of IgG to SARS-CoV-2 Virus and Molecular Markers of Activation of CD25, CD54 (ICAM-1) and CD95 Lymphocytes in the Patients Who were Not Ill with COVID-19, Recovered from COVID-19 and Who had Acute Respiratory Infections. The Results of the Correction of Impaired Immune Homeostasis Using the Multitarget Immunotherapy Drug Mercureid
Authors: SN Gusev
Published: November 2022

Currently, the researchers have come across a paradox which consists in detecting protective IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 virus only in a subset of patients who have recovered from COVID-19. The other patients, who were in contact with the infected people, have not contracted COVID-19 (there were no symptoms of this illness detected and PCR was negative). Nevertheless, these people have got IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 virus too. It’s also worth pointing out that the presence of IgG to SARS-CoV-2 virus correlates with an altered immune response when infected with seasonal viral diseases; in particular, the ability to produce protective antibodies decreases.

All these factors predetermine different clinical courses of the disease and the consequences of the patient’s post-COVID condition (post-COVID conditions / PCC).

To examine the diverse immune responses of patients, including asymptomatic carriage, a study on 414 patients was conducted. The novelty of the research is the following. For the first time, not only the levels of protective IgG antibody titers to SARS-CoV-2 virus were determined, but also their correlations with lymphocyte activation markers CD25, CD54 (ICAM-1) and CD95 in three groups of patients, namely, people who did not have COVID-19, who recovered from COVID-19 and who had acute respiratory infections, were examined. The research is aimed at both scientific and practical purposes, including the search for new therapeutic options. The possibility of controlling the activation molecules of T-lymphocytes and editing their activity using the multitarget immunotherapy drug Mercureid was studied. The therapeutic efficacy of Mercureid usage was 75.6%.
Deixis am Phantasma as a Background Element and its Influence on the Processing of Poetry
Authors:   Saint Petersburg State University, Prokopenya Veronika , Akhapkin Denis ,   Saint Petersburg State University, Saenko Ekaterina ,   Saint Petersburg State University, Zhunussova Alina ,   Saint Petersburg State University
Published: November 2022

Deixis am phantasma is a linguistic device used in poetic texts to point to the uniqueness of an object of reference without directly revealing it. From a neurocognitive poetics model (NCPM) perspective, deixis am phantasma is a background element that activates existing knowledge, creates a sense of familiarity during reading, and is interrelated with text immersion. In our study, we aimed to investigate how the ability to identify the object of a deictic reference influences the processing of poetic texts. In a self-paced reading experiment, original poetic texts containing deixis am phantasma were preceded by a comment that either contained or did not contain information about the object of the deictic reference. The results showed that deixis am phantasma processing depends not only on the reader’s knowledge about the imaginary referent but also on the level of text immersion. When the level of immersion is high and the reader possesses knowledge about the object of reference, there is a significant decrease in reading times of the line with the deixis. Difficulties in processing occur only when the referent of the deictic expression is unknown to the reader and the level of text immersion is low, while no slowdown is observed when there is a high level of immersion. We suggest that when the reader is fully immersed into the textual world, an inability to establish reference is interpreted as a lack of knowledge, while in a situation with incomplete immersion, it is perceived as a communication abnormality.
The Most Common Antibiotic Prescribed Among the Paediatric Population
Authors:   Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia, Alharbi Naif Abdullah Mohammed
Published: November 2022

Objective: To gain a thorough understanding of antibiotic prescribing trends in the pediatric population. Method: The study was designed as a prospective observational study to collect various data from pediatric patients in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of antibiotic prescription trends in pediatrics. Result & conclusion: Data was collected from 90 pediatric patients, 41.1% (n = 37) of whom were male and 58.8% (n = 53) of whom were female. Antibiotics were prescribed to 71.1% (n = 64) of children, 17.7% (n = 16) of adolescents, and 10% (n = 9) of infants for the treatment of various infections. About 24.4% (n = 22) of patients were admitted to the hospital for three days, while 22.2% (n = 20) were only admitted for two days. The most common antibiotic prescribed by pediatricians is penicillin, which accounts for 46.6% (n = 42) of the total, followed by cephalosporin, which is seen in 35.5% (n = 32) of cases. By analyzing the prescription pattern of antibiotic use, it was discovered that the majority of patients, 66.7% (n = 60), received monotherapy, while 33.3% (n = 30) received dual therapy.
Effects of Mainstreaming Learners with Autism on Their Educational Experience in Public Primary Schools in Nyamache Sub County, Kisii County, Kenya
Authors:   Department of Education Foundation & Psychology, Maasai Mara University, P.O. Box 861-20500, Narok, Kenya., Onsare Leonidah Moraa , Mutai Paul , Milimu Lilian N.
Published: November 2022

: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of mainstreaming among autistic learners on their educational experiences in primary schools in Nyamache sub-county, Kisii County, Kenya. The study specifically was guided to address the following objectives; to assess the effect of Peer Interaction on educational experience of learners with autism, to find out the effect of learner’s Self-management on educational experience of learners with autism, to assess the effect of Antecedent Procedures on educational experience of learners with autism and to examine the effect of Peer-Mediated Interventions on educational experience of learners with autism in primary schools in Nyamache sub-county. A descriptive survey design was adapted in this study. The researcher used purposive sampling to select the 11 mainstreamed schools out of 102 primary schools with ASD learners. The 11 head teachers from these schools and also the 36 SNE trained teachers were selected as the subject of the study totaling to 47 respondents. Structured questionnaires, and observation schedules were formulated to collect the required data. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptively, frequency and percentages were used while for inferential statistics the Spear-man correlation and chi square test were used. The results revealed that the application of the four strategies played a significant role in improving the education experiences of the ASD learners in the mainstream schools. It was established that most of the respondents agreed that; pear interaction played a very significant role in enhancing education experience of learners with ASD. Similarly, majority of the respondents indicated that learner’s self-management, use of antecedent procedures and the peer mediated learning were also important strategies for enhancing education experience of the ASD learners. Further analysis using the chi square test of association and spearman correction revealed that there was a very significant association between the selected strategies for the study and educational experience of the ASD learners in mainstream primary schools. The study concluded that mainstreaming assists the learners with ASD as they learn new skills from their peers and hence their educational experiences are improved effectively. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that mainstreaming should be improved in all schools in order to accommodate learners who are challenges. Besides, teachers and other stakeholders in the Ministry of Education Science and Technology (MOEST) should take center stage to assist in recommending strategies on how to handle diverse learning in classroom
Aesthetic Measure of Architectural Photography utilizing Computer Vision: Parts-from-Wholes
Authors: Sardenberg Victor , Becker Mirco
Published: November 2022

The existing methods for solution space navigation require numerical values to score solutions. The authors introduce a method of quantitative aesthetic evaluation utilizing Computer Vision (CV) as a criterion to navigate solution spaces. Therefore, aesthetics can complement structural, environmental, and other quantitative criteria. The work stands in the extended history of quantifying the visual aesthetic experience. Some precedents are: Birkhoff [1933] and Max Bense [1965] built an approach with experiments to empirically support a measure, whereas Birkin [2010], Ostwald, and Vaughan [2016] devised the first computational methods working on vector drawings. Our research automates and accelerates aesthetic quantification by utilizing CV to extract computable datasets from images. We are especially keen on architectural images as a shorthand to assign an aesthetic value to design, aiming to navigate the solution space in architecture. This work devises a method for rearranging parts in architectural images focusing on formal aspects, in opposition to semantic segmentation where objects unrelated to architectural design (cars, persons, sky…) are quantified to score images [Verma and Jana and Ramamritham 2018]. It uses Maximally Stable Extremal Regions (MSER) [Matas 2004] to recognize architectural parts because it is superior to similar methods such as SimpleBlobDetector in this task. Our method disassembles the parts in a diagram of scaled parts (Fig. 2) to analyze them in isolation, and a diagram of connectivity graph (Fig. 3), to evaluate relationships. These diagrams are examined to compare photos of buildings, cars, and trees to assess the applicability of such a method to a range of objects. Parts and connections are thus quantified, and these values are inputted in a refined version of Birkhoff’s formula to calculate an aesthetic score for each image for navigating the solution space. Finally, it tests the method to draw comparisons between the discrete and continuous paradigms (Fig. 1) in the contemporary discourse of architecture, comparing Zaha Hadid Architects` Heydar Aliyev Centre and Gilles Retsin´s Diamonds House to argue that there is a difference between the aesthetic effects of continuous and discrete designs, besides their distinction in tectonic logic. The method proved to be an efficient procedure for comparatively quantifying the aesthetic judgment of architectural images, enabling designers to incorporate aesthetics as a complementary criterion for solution space navigation in computational design. The method of computational aesthetic measure for solution space navigation and its calibrations via crowdsourced evaluation of images is further detailed in a paper by the authors being published at the 2022 eCAADe conference.
Postdigital Architecture. What Now?!
Authors: Colletti Marjan
Published: November 2022

The hyphenated term ‘post-digital’ was coined over twenty years ago by sonic artist Kim Cascone as a means of thinking about the aesthetics of the time beyond the digital revolution in electronic music, and then adopted in the arts, media, and architecture. In architecture, the term has been adopted to promote an anti-digital ‘downgrading’ aesthetic agenda: as post(minus)digital. However, if understood as post(plus)digital – in short: postdigital – the expression appears to be indicative of an evolution of the digital beyond its first implementation as numerical or virtual alternative to traditional analogue design and making techniques. What postdigital traits and characteristics can be identified? How can they be implemented in architectural design? Why does it matter?
Computational Design in Railway Simulations: Challenges and Hope in Timetable Engineering
Authors:   Royal HaskoningDHV, Westerhuis Gijsbert
Published: November 2022

The environment of Railway Timetabling is dynamic with a fundamental need for adaptability on short notice. An excellent example where the use of computational design would be very beneficial. However, its use is still limited, many human actions are still necessary and progress is rather slow. During this workshop, you will get acquainted with the Railway industry, and its challenges for computational design and together, we will find solutions to these challenges.
Breaking bad news: a descriptive study of physicians’ perspective of Sindh, Pakistan
Authors: Abbas Syed Hamza , Abbas Syed Qamar , Mubeen Syed Muhammad , Mubashir Syed Muhammad , Zaman Aliya
Published: November 2022

Objective: To assess the perception and attitude of physicians related to breaking bad news.
Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at three teaching hospitals in Karachi and Mirpurkhas, Pakistan, from April 2019 to February 2020, after approval from Hamdard University, Karachi, and comprised physicians of either gender having direct patient contact. Data was collected using a questionnaire based on literature. The questionnaire was pilot-tested before distribution among the subjects. The responses were categorised with respect to age, gender and professional experience. Data was analysed using SPSS 25.
Results: Of the 230 subjects, 119(51.7%) were females. The overall mean age was 34.5±8.8 years and mean professional experience was 9.1±8.2 years. Overall, 19(8.3%) subjects believed they had a very good ability to deliver bad news, while 26(11.3%) avoided telling the patient the truth about diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Age had a significant association with correctly defining breaking bad news (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The skill level related to breaking bad news was found to be deficient.
Key Words: Breaking bad news, Communication, Pakistan.
Usage of wet blue shaving in sand-cement blocks: An approach towards solid waste management in tannery
Authors: US Shammy , MZ Abedin , MS Rahman
Published: November 2022

The experimental study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of wet blue shaving-sand-cement blocks as an alternative building material for conventional clay brick that can be a better management system for solid wastes in the tannery industry. Wet blue shaving (WBS) is one of the highly generated solid wastes from tanneries. There is no significant utilization of this waste. Preparation of building blocks from WBS incorporated with sand-cement would be a promising avenue for this waste management. Wet blue shavings mixed with sand-cement (cement:sand=1:5) in various proportions (0%, 1%, 2%, and 4% by total dry weight) were used to prepare total 48 building blocks (254mm x 127mm x 76.2mm) and their feasibility as a construction material was appraised based on their physical and mechanical characteristics. The Bangladesh Standards and the American Society for Testing Materials standards (ASTM) were used to assess the engineering qualities of the prepared blocks. Among all the composite block specimens, blocks with 1%, and 2% WBS show 17.65MPa, and 13.87MPa compressive strength, respectively in 28 days of water curing. The costs (1292 BDT/100 blocks) of this type of waste management method were found to be favorable. Due to the usage of clay bricks in abundance with the construction sector, the world requires alternatives to prevent the exploitation of the topsoil that makes the soil lose its fertility. As a result, the wet blue shaving composite block is regarded as an environment-friendly alternative among all disposal methods and would be a potential substitute for fired clay brick.
Success/Leaving Rate of the Military Students
Authors: VÁGNER Milan , HASILOVÁ Kamila
Published: November 2022

The military university type of education in the Czech Republic is provided by the University of Defence. As other universities, it has to deal with students prematurely leaving their studies. We have collected available data to assess students’ dropout rate. Using parametric and nonparametric methods, we identified that the highest leaving rate occurs during the first study year reaching a maximum after five and a half months from the studies beginning, then it gradually slows down. We assume that our results can help the academics and commanders to make timely decision and positively encourage the students in their studies.
Social Integration of Millenial Generation in the Lithuanian Armed Forces - What Cultural Challenges are Waiting for Organization to Retain Individuals in the Military Service?
Authors: BALSYS Paulius
Published: November 2022

Millenialls currently are one of the largest members of the age cohorts performing military service among the world armies, also in the armed forces of Lithuania. The expectations of Millenialls individuals are far more individualistic compared to previous generations: generation X, baby boomers. Researches show that millennials more often quit their jobs if the content of jobs do not meet their individual expectations. The vast majority of early military retirees in the Lithuanian armed forces belong to the category of junior officers (senior lieutenants and captains). The aim of this research is to reveal the value features of the social integration of the individuals of the millennium generation (officers, non-commissioned officers) serving in the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The research is done by qualitative research method using a semistructural interview approach- a total of 22 informants were interviewed. The study shows that these sociocultural aspects are condition of social inclusion in the organization (or allienation): the importance of self-realization (more important than career) versus unfulfilled expectations in military service, individual expression versus restriction of individual expression, the importance of favorable conditions to be creative versus meaningless content of the service. This study shows what socio-cultural challenges are relevant when talking about the integration of people today in the Lithuanian Armed Forces and that the socio-cultural content of military service will be increasingly significant and relevant in the future.