bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recovery 4.0. Ageing labour markets, digitalization of the economy and Covid-19
Authors: Checcucci Pietro
Published: April 2022

In light of the demographic trends and the consequences of the pandemic, this paper examines the implications of the shift in skills which is needed in order to favour business digitalisation. The consequences of digitalisation for the employability of both younger and older workers are discussed, and the acceleration of the tele-workability phenomenon, triggered by the pandemic on certain categories of jobs, is also explored. The strategy of the Italian PNRR is then described, looking for possible gaps concerning the employability of social groups and/or trade-offs between the strategy and the digital transformation of the economy. Alla luce delle tendenze demografiche e delle conseguenze della pandemia, l'articolo prende in esame le implicazioni della trasformazione delle competenze, necessaria per favorire la digitalizzazione delle imprese. Si discutono le conseguenze per l'occupabilità dei lavoratori giovani e maturi e si esplora l'accelerazione impressa dalla pandemia alla remotizzazione di alcuni lavori. Viene infine esaminata la strategia del PNRR italiano, evidenziandone eventuali mancanze riguardanti l'occupabilità di specifici gruppi sociali e i contrasti con la trasformazione digitale dell'economia.
First allergy conference in Qatar: Let's explore allergy with a new lens
Authors: Al-Nesf Maryam , Ibrahim Tayseer
Published: April 2022

Allergic diseases are common medical conditions that now show an increasing trend globally and contributes to poor quality of life of the affected individual. Allergies can be fatal in a few instances such as anaphylaxis, severe asthma, and hereditary angioedema if the symptoms are not recognized and treated correctly. (1, 2) The first Allergy Conference in Qatar aimed to highlight the burden of allergic diseases in Qatar and globally with a special focus on educating both the physicians and the community. The preparation for this conference over the past three years threw up a few challenges, mainly owing to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that affected all forms of face-to-face interactions and social gatherings. Therefore, our conference was held virtually on February 05, 2022, which was more than two years from the first planned date. The conference was sponsored by the Hamad Medical Corporation in partnership with the Qatar Allergy and Immunology Society. In our scientific program, the scientific committees selected topics related to 3 major areas in allergy practice (systemic, respiratory, and skin allergy disorders). Abstract submissions were encouraged in areas related to audits, case reports, service development, and clinical and basic research in the field of allergy. Additional topics were included related to the current COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 vaccinations. We received 34 abstracts and accepted 28 for poster abstracts. Among them, 6 received approval for oral presentations; and 6 (21.4%) had the term COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 in their title, which supported the burden related to COVID-19 in our community and association between this new pandemic and our allergy practice and disorders.
Results of penicillin skin testing in patients with suspected penicillin allergy – the Qatar experience
Authors: Mudawi Dalal , Taha Salma , Ibrahim Yaldez , Omar Mervat , Mobayed Hassan
Published: April 2022

Background: Unverified penicillin allergy has been linked to adverse patient events and increased healthcare expenditure owing to the usage of broad-spectrum, expensive antibiotics. Penicillin allergy test is the gold standard to diagnose penicillin allergy; and in this study, we present data from Qatar which have not been published before.

Methods: Patients with a history of penicillin allergy who underwent penicillin allergy testing between January 2015 and December 2020 at the Allergy Division of the Hamad General Hospital were retrospectively reviewed from the division registry. Benzylpenicilloyl-polylysine (PPL) and minor determinant mixture (MDM) kit DAP-penicillin (0.04 mg +0.5 mg)/vial) (penicillin G, amoxicillin (20 mg/vial), and lately clavulanic acid (20 mg/vial) (DAP, Diater, Madrid, Spain) were used for skin and intradermal testing according to published guidelines. Patients with negative skin tests were administered direct oral challenge with amoxicillin/clavulanate (500/125 mg) and observed for 2 hours.

Results: Of the 189 charts reviewed, 183 patients had a complete data set for analysis. Patients were predominantly women (n = 132, 72%) with an average age of 42 years. Of these patients, 149 (81.4%) had a history of an immediate allergic reaction to penicillin, 10 had a history of delayed reactions, and 24 had other or undefined reactions. A total of 39 (21.3%) patients were diagnosed with penicillin allergy (30 patients with positive skin test results and 9 using a direct oral challenge).

Of the 30 patients with positive skin testing, 5 reacted to PPL, 8 to MDM, 13 to amoxicillin, and 4 to clavulanic acid.

Conclusion: Previous studies indicate that 90% patients with a history of penicillin allergy were able to tolerate the drug (10% were truly allergic). Our data showed that 21% were truly allergic to penicillin. This high positive rate can be attributed to the high pretest probability based on the detailed history obtained before the test, which led to the exclusion of patients with symptoms incompatible with penicillin allergy from the test.
Correlation between skin test results and historical manifestations in patients with suspected lidocaine hypersensitivity
Authors: Khalil Sally , Taha Salma , Al-Nesf Maryam
Published: April 2022

Background: Adverse reactions to local anesthetics (LA) are relatively common; however, true IgE-mediated allergy is extremely rare, estimated to occur in less than 1%. Investigating patients with suspected allergy to LA should begin with a detailed history to exclude other more common operation theater related culprit medications, followed by skin testing. The subcutaneous challenge is considered the gold standard for confirming true IgE-mediated allergy to LA. In this study, we have described the skin prick test results of patients with suspected lidocaine allergy who had historical reaction symptoms typical to IgE-mediated allergic reactions.

Methods: The data were retrieved from the allergy procedure log registry for patients who were referred to the allergy clinic with a suspected allergic reaction to lidocaine at the Hamad Medical Corporation between 2016 and 2020. These patients’ symptoms of historical reactions to lidocaine were compared to their skin test results.

Result: A total of 7 patients were identified. The skin test result for lidocaine was positive in only 1 patient; his historical reaction was anaphylaxis (urticaria/angioedema and shortness of breath). The remaining 6 patients had a negative result for skin and challenge tests. Of these 6 patients with negative results, 4 had only urticaria/angioedema as historical reactions; 1 had systematic manifestation (tachycardia) along with urticaria/angioedema, and 1 experienced systemic symptoms (shortness of breath, chest pain, and palpitation) with no skin or mucous membrane involvement ().

Conclusion: Negative skin test and subcutaneous challenge with a history of generalized cutaneous symptoms and/or systemic symptoms during the reaction to LA can be attributed to many causes, such as an IgE-mediated reaction against a component other than lidocaine (e.g., latex), medication side effects (adrenaline in combined preparations), and/or symptoms of primary disease (chronic spontaneous urticaria/angioedema).
Gut microbial influences on the adaptive immune system and the development of cow milk allergy
Authors: Augustine Tracy , Badri Fariada , Murugesan Selvasankar , Espino Guarch Meritxell , Ameen Al-Aghbar Mohammad , El Nahas Rana , Akobeng Anthony , Elawad Mamoun , Al Khodor Souhaila , Adeli Mehdi , van Panhuys Nicholas
Published: April 2022

Allergic diseases constitute significant health and economic issues in both developed and developing nations, with epidemiological studies demonstrating a rapid increase in the global prevalence of food allergy among the pediatric population. Cow milk protein allergy (CMPA), one of the most common forms of food allergies observed in early childhood, affects between 2%–6% of infants and children under 3 years of age. CMPA can present as either an IgE-mediated atopic allergy or a non-IgE mediated allergic response. Antigen-specific T cells play a pivotal role in directing the type of inflammatory immune response that occurs as well as in the formation of immunological memory. IgE-mediated CMPA is thought to develop because of an abnormal expansion of allergen-specific type-2 helper T (Th2) cells and a corresponding deficiency in immune regulation by regulatory T cells (Tregs), thereby altering the Th2/Treg balance. The gut microbiota, established very early during childhood through host-microbe interactions, can influence the incidence of allergic diseases. In this study, we aimed to analyze both the microbiome composition and CD4+T cell differentiation patterns in pediatric patients with and without cow milk allergy to establish the association between these factors. Using 16S rRNA sequencing, we analyzed the microbiome composition in stool samples of allergic and non-allergic pediatric patients aged between 1–4 years and identified the microbial species abundant in IgE and non-IgE mediated cow milk allergies. To assess the CD4+T cell differentiation patterns, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from these patients were re-stimulated with cow milk antigen, and T cell subsets were assessed using flow cytometry. Antigen-specific CD4+T cells were identified and sorted for high throughput sequencing and subsequent gene expression analysis. The CD4+T cell differentiation patterns of the total and antigen-specific T cells were analyzed and statistically compared with controls. The identification of the correlation between the CD4+T cell differentiation patterns and species-specific microbial abundance in IgE and non-IgE mediated cow milk allergies can help in determining how the gut microbiome influences the CD4+T cell immune compartment development, ultimately leading to the development of cow milk allergy in pediatric patients.
Contact dermatitis in hemodialysis patients at Al Wakra hospital
Authors: Elmadhoun Ihab , Mahi Saad , Pulikkan Rony , Emam Ahmed
Published: April 2022

Background: Patients undergoing hemodialysis are exposed to various potential allergens from medication, dialysis catheters, topical antiseptics, and different adhesive dressings. Many patients develop a local allergic reaction and get itchy rashes, which may get infected, leading to significant morbidity and preventable health cost. In this study, we aimed to report the incidence of contact dermatitis (CD) and its potential complications in hemodialysis (HD) patients at the Al Wakra Hospital Dialysis unit.

Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of documented local allergic reactions at vascular access sites for the HD patients at the Al Wakra Hospital.

Results: Currently, 102 patients are getting maintenance HD through catheters or arteriovenous (AV) fistula. Twelve (14.4%) patients developed CD (7 [58%] had cuffed jugular dialysis catheter, and 5 [42%] had an AV fistula). Most patients (75%) developed CD in the early period of dialysis initiation, and 25% developed it later in the course. Most patients responded to removing adhesive plasters and dressing the vascular access site using gauze only and topical steroids (hydrocortisone 1% cream/mometasone 0.1% cream). Two (16.6%) of the 12 patients developed vascular access site infection, of whom 1 had an AV fistula and developed a severe rash with cellulitis leading to sepsis and 2 admissions, although blood cultures remained negative. The patient responded to IV antibiotics and local mometasone 0.1% cream. Complete removal of all adhesive tapes helped prevent recurrence of the rash. Later, dressing of the AV fistula site was performed only with a cotton gauze. The second patient had a jugular catheter and developed an allergic rash leading to cellulitis and tunnel infection. Swab culture showed Staphylococcus aureus from the exit site sensitive to cloxacillin/cefazolin. The patient improved after local and oral antibiotics and removal of adhesive tapes. The catheter was not removed, and the patient did well.

Conclusion: The incidence of CD at our dialysis unit is 14.4%. Previously published reports from other dialysis units showed a lower incidence of 1.25%. Early identification and diagnosis of allergic rash at the vascular access site and avoidance of adhesive plasters and other potential allergens prevent complications like infection and loss of precious vascular accesses in these patients.
Chronic urticaria and COVID-19 vaccination: Qatar data (preliminary report of COVAC-CU-international)
Authors: Purayil Saleema , Thalappil Sherin , Al-Nesf Maryam , Kocaturk Emek
Published: April 2022

Background: It is a well-known fact that patients with chronic urticaria (CU) are not at a higher risk for a serious allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis from medications. However, there is a fear and some misconceptions regarding allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine among patients and physicians, which might result in resistance to vaccination. Data about the incidence and severity of COVID-19 vaccine reactions in the CU population are scarce. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the real-world (Qatar) experience of the effects of COVID-19 vaccination on patients with CU and analyze the rates of vaccine-associated reactions and risk factors associated.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study conducted as a part of COVAC-CU international under the GALEN UCARE program. Adult patients with CU who received one or more doses of COVID-19 vaccination were administered a questionnaire regarding their demographic characteristics and any potential unfavorable effect of the vaccination from the November 03 to December 31, 2021.

Results: These are preliminary results from an ongoing study. The data were collected from 91 patients with CU, of whom 79.12% had chronic spontaneous urticaria, 15.3% had chronic inducible urticaria, and the remaining had both. Of these patients, 74.7% were women. The average age of the patients was 39.3 (range 15–68) years. The majority (84.6%) of them received 2 vaccine doses, 13.1% received 3 doses, and the remaining received 1 dose. Most (70.3%) of these patients did not experience any worsening in CU after vaccination. A total of 62.6% patients reported some type of side effects to the vaccine (16.4% had CU exacerbation and 46.1% other types of reactions, such as fever and muscle pain). None of the patients reported anaphylaxis. Two patients reported improvement in their symptoms.

Conclusion: Our local data suggest that patients with CU in Qatar can safely take the COVID-19 vaccine. Most patients with CU did not experience any worsening in symptoms, and there were no reports of a severe reaction (anaphylaxis). We recommend maximizing symptom control prior to vaccination to minimize the risk of worsening urticarial symptoms.
Chronic upper airway inflammation related to high Th2 cytokines in Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease case
Authors: Benhsaien Ibtihal , Yang Rui , Ailal Fatima , Weisshaar Marc , Mele Federico , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Bustamante Jacinta , Bousfiha Ahmed
Published: April 2022

In this report, we have described a child suffering from Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD) owing to an autosomal recessive, complete T-bet deficiency, which impairs IFN-γ production by innate and innate-like adaptive, but not mycobacterial-reactive purely adaptive lymphocytes. In this study, we explored the persistent upper airway inflammation (UAI) and blood eosinophilia in this patient. Unlike the wild-type (WT) T-bet, the mutant form of T-bet from this patient did not inhibit the production of T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines, including IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13, when overexpressed in Th2 cells. Moreover, Herpesvirus saimiri immortalized T cells from the patient produced abnormally large amounts of Th2 cytokines, and the patient had markedly high plasma IL-5 and IL-13 concentrations. Finally, the patient’s CD4+ αβ T cells produced most of the Th2 cytokines in response to chronic stimulation, regardless of their antigen specificities, a phenotype reversed by the expression of WT T-bet. T-bet deficiency thus underlies the excessive production of Th2 cytokines, particularly IL-5 and IL-13, by CD4+ αβ T cells, causing blood eosinophilia and UAI. The MSMD of this patient results from defective IFN-γ production by innate and innate-like adaptive lymphocytes, whereas the UAI and eosinophilia result from excessive Th2 cytokine production by adaptive CD4+ αβ T lymphocytes.
Labeling of penicillin allergy in patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Qatar: A retrospective audit
Authors: Hasan Elajez Reem , Bakdach Dana , Al-Adawi Rana , Elgaily Dina , Karawia Ahmed , Mohamed Asmaa
Published: April 2022

Background: Penicillin (PNC) allergy is a major healthcare concern that necessitates antibiotic substitution which is associated with increased costs, worse clinical outcomes, and increased risks of antimicrobial resistance. Many patients are labeled as PNC allergic; however, this has been rarely confirmed. In this audit, we aimed to determine the characteristics of PNC allergy labeling.

Methods: A list of all the patients labeled with PNC allergy who presented to the Hamad General Hospital (HGH) for any medical reason from January to December 2021 was generated from pharmacy system. Of those, 30% were randomly selected for audit review. Electronic health records of the selected patients were retrospectively reviewed to identify the allergy labeling characteristics and whether the patients had recently received an antibiotic within the PNC class without developing any allergic reaction.

Results: Of the 464 patients identified with labelled PNC allergy, 139 patients were randomly selected and reviewed. Of the reviewed patients, 82 (59%) were women with an average ( ± SD) age of 46 ( ± 16.5) years. Forty-six patients were categorized to have a mild PNC allergy, and only 18 were categorized as severe with the remaining patients categorized as having a moderate PNC allergy. Despite documentation of severity, an accurate description of the allergic reaction event was significantly lacking with only 30/139 (21.5%) patients having clear documentation of the event description. Twenty (14.4%) patients labeled as PNC allergic received at least one antibiotic within the PNC class (e.g., piperacillin-tazobactam, ampicillin-sulbactam, or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid) safely without any documented reactions. Interestingly, of those 20 patients, 4 were categorized as being severely allergic to PNC. However, as more than 80 patients presented to the hospital for reasons not requiring antibiotics; experiences with PNC could not be assessed effectively.

Conclusion: Poor documentation of the details of allergic reactions may falsely affect future antibiotic decisions. The results of this audit highlight the need for standardizing the documentation process of medication allergy. In addition, reviewing the patient's experience with other drugs within the PNC class can guide healthcare providers during the PNC allergy evaluation.
Anti-inflammatory properties of raw honey and its clinical applications in daily practice
Authors: Mohammed Hashim
Published: April 2022

Background: Honey is a natural product; and in terms of phytochemical composition, it contains a high number of flavonoids and polyphenols such as quercetin, kaempferol, chrysin, and apigenin. Flavonoids found in honey mitigate the inflammatory processes, thereby exhibiting the anti-inflammatory potential of honey. Besides their anti-oxidant activities, flavonoids have the ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes such as LOX, COX, iNOS, and pro-inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, nitric oxide, and chemokines. Furthermore, flavonoids modulate transcriptional factors such as NF-?B, thereby controlling the expression of several inflammatory mediators.

Methods: Clinical uses of natural raw honey have been studied at our Umm Ghuwailina Health Center, Doha, Qatar, with daily application under occlusion with promising results, in various patients with multiple conditions, including eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. A layer of honey was applied to the lesion site, covered with a transparent securement dressing, and washed off for 7 consecutive days for patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. The Three Item Severity (TIS) score, which includes erythema, edema/papulation, and excoriation on a scale from 0 to 3, was used for atopic dermatitis. For psoriasis, the primary outcome measure was the intensity component of the validated Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and the Visual Analogue Score (VAS). Participants who were allergic to honey or receiving any corticosteroid within the last one month were excluded.

Results: Twelve patients with atopic dermatitis had a significant improvement from a TIS score of 6 to 1 noticed in the honey-treated lesion 1 week later. With regard to psoriatic lesions, 6 patients were studied. There was a significant overall improvement in their psoriatic lesions, reaching a PASI score of 80 even one month after stopping the topical honey application. The vast majority of patients showed a significant improvement and no side effects.

Conclusion: Raw natural honey might be a promising efficacious and cost-effective alternative to advanced anti-inflammatory products. However, well-designed double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm the benefits of honey from different botanical sources.
Do we need aerobiological air monitoring in desert climates? The Qatar experience
Authors: Gharbi Dorra , Al-Nesf Maryam A. , del Mar Trigo Maria
Published: April 2022

Knowledge about diurnal, seasonal, and annual fluctuations in airborne pollen and fungal spores in any geographical area is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment of allergies. Aerobiological analysis enables the detection of airborne pollen and spores, thus providing information on plant phenology, plant distribution, related diseases, and the risks for some species in terms of allergies. Although pollen and fungal spores have been widely studied as aeroallergens throughout the world, not much is known about the biological aerosols in countries with a desert environment; and these could be present in much higher concentrations than expected. Arid desert regions (including the region surrounding the Arab Gulf), characterized by hot weather, poor soils, and low biological productivity, have typically been neglected when building ambitious biomonitoring networks for the large-scale monitoring of biological particles; however, few studies in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and recently Qatar have aimed to delineate the various botanical families that contribute to inhalant allergens in this region.

Understanding the aerobiological features of countries with hot and desert climates may better prepare healthcare providers to assist patients with allergic rhinitis. It may be argued that one of the reasons why aerobiologists have only recently turned their attention to the state of Qatar investigating how pollen and fungal spore records could contribute to evaluating the correlation between different pollen conditions and allergy symptoms.

The first aerobiological network of Qatar was monitoring (2017–2020) the atmospheric pollen concentrations of Doha and Al Khor to determine the association between the possible risk of respiratory allergies and the distribution of certain species throughout the region. In the Qatari database, more than 25 native taxa have been recorded, up to 50% of which can be considered allergenic. This includes Amaranthaceae and Poaceae pollen among the major aeroallergens causing allergy symptoms in Qatar. Our study has confirmed a statistically significant association between Amaranthaceae and asthma and allergic rhinitis. To summarize, it is worth considering aerobiological monitoring in desert climate regions when assessing the effectiveness of pollen allergy therapy and planning prevention methods for patients.
SCIG administration: A promising and patient convenient alternative for those receiving long-term IVIG
Authors: Hassini Slim , Samuel Soosan , Shibul Sibi , Al-Nesf Maryam
Published: April 2022

Background: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy has been used as antibody replacement therapy in primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID) for more than 50 years. In this study, we aimed to define IVIG usage and adverse reactions and complications in PID and explain how subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) replacement therapy is an alternative that improves the patient experience. In addition, the additional nursing responsibilities associated with this service were also identified.

Methods: Data and service satisfaction surveys for the last 10 years were reviewed from the Allergy and Immunology Division log registry for those on IVIG and SCIG.

Results: IVIG practice: Most patients currently on IVIG in our unit have PID. Adverse reactions occur during the initial 30 to 60 minutes of the infusion and are mild and self-limited. Infusion reactions are more likely to occur in patients receiving IVIG for the first time. Infusion-related complications included pyrogenic reactions, allergic reactions, and vasomotor symptoms. Complications reported in the literature such as the transmission of blood-borne pathogens and other serious complications, including thrombotic events, renal adverse events, and aseptic meningitis were never reported. Pyrogenic reactions occurred at a rate ≥ 100 mL/hr in at least 3 patients, and a slower infusion rate of ≤ 75 mL/hr mitigated this rate-related complication.

SCIG program: This program started in Qatar in 2017. Usually, the clinician assesses and evaluates several factors to help select candidates for this therapy, including the perceptions of inconvenience and/or pain of IV infusions, presence of difficult vein access, and other relevant clinical and social factors. Once training in the appropriate techniques has been accomplished (3–6 sessions), it is most often self-administered in the home setting by the patient or a parent for a child. Table 1 summarizes patients on SCIG.

Additional nursing responsibilities: The nursing role in subcutaneous IgG administration is primarily that of an educator and to help the patient/family become independent. This can be achieved by the assessment of appropriate patient selection for self-administration. Determining which patients are suitable include adequate patient education with return demonstration of the necessary skill set, monitoring parameters, educating patients about their medication, and providing educational resources and support.

Conclusion: SCIG administration can be a convenient alternative for patients with PID receiving long-term IVIG.
DERADICALIZAREA: ÎNTRE TEORIE ȘI PRACTICĂ
Authors: DUȚU Daniel-Mihai
Published: April 2022

Pentru combaterea ideologiilor extremiste și a amenințării radicalizării în masă, specialiștii au elaborat o serie de cercetări cu scopul de a identifica și de a înțelege factorii care duc la radicalizarea unui individ, dar și factorii care, având un efect invers, pot duce la deradicalizarea acestuia. Așadar, există tot mai mulți autori care recunosc importanța studierii procesului deradicalizării și a potențialului său pentru societatea actuală. De aceea, lucrarea urmărește atât aprofundarea acestuia prin prezentarea terminologiei specifice, a unor modele de deradicalizare teoretice și practice, cât și semnalarea unor dificultăți și limitări intervenite pe parcursul desfășurării unor programe naționale de dezangajare și deradicalizare, cauzate de lipsa informațiilor practice cu privire la rezultatele acestor inițiative de deradicalizare.
OPORTUNITATEA ȘI NECESITATEA COMUNICĂRII STRATEGICE ÎN CONTEXTUL EXTINDERII ȘI DIVERSIFICĂRII FENOMENULUI HIBRID
Authors: ȚUȚUIANU Bogdan
Published: April 2022

În era internetului, a tehnologiei din ce în ce mai avansate și a mediului informațional omniprezent și imens exploatat, comunicarea în domeniul securității și apărării a căpătat o importanță deosebită. Într-o perioadă a extinderii și diversificării fenomenului hibrid, a unei competiții geopolitice asertive, bazate în largă măsură pe orice metode și mijloace menite să asigure îndeplinirea intereselor statale proprii, se constată utilizarea media și a rețelelor de socializare mai mult ca oricând pentru influențarea și chiar manipularea opiniei publice menite să schimbe percepții, să inducă în eroare, să polarizeze și să dividă. Astfel, a apărut necesitatea conceptului de comunicare strategică, dezvoltat în lumea occidentală, inclusiv la nivelul Alianței Nord Atlantice, pentru a sprijini realizarea obiectivelor de securitate ale Alianței și ale Statelor Membre. Articolul de față se dorește o pledoarie pentru acordarea unei importanțe sporite la nivel militar și politic comunicării strategice, în contextul extinderii și diversificării fenomenului hibrid ca realitate care trebuie revelată și contracarată la adversari și folosită pentru atingerea propriilor scopuri.
IMPACTUL SECURITAR AL MILITARIZĂRII SPAŢIULUI COSMIC
Authors: POPESCU Alba Iulia Catrinel
Published: April 2022

Competiţia pentru cucerirea militară a spaţiului cosmic a dominat agenda publică în perioada Războiului Rece, fiind expresia în plan spaţial a competiţiei geopolitice dintre Occidentul capitalist şi Răsăritul comunist. Având ca punct de pornire cercetările pentru dezvoltarea armamentului strategic, marile puteri ale perioadei postbelice au lansat programe spaţiale cu caracter militar, transformând spaţiul cosmic într-un teatru de operaţii cât se poate de real. Teatru, momentan, degrevat, prin Tratatul privind spaţiul cosmic, de armele de nimicire în masă. Cu toate acestea, nereglementarea acţiunilor militare în spaţiul cosmic şi, mai ales, problemele legate de definirea limitei dintre spaţiul cosmic şi spaţiul atmosferic, pot oricând deveni explozive. Acest articol îşi propune să prezinte principalele puteri spaţiale, programele militare spaţiale pe care le derulează şi potenţialul impact securitar al militarizării spaţiului cosmic.
CONCEPTUL DE RESURSĂ UMANĂ ȘI ROLUL ACESTEIA ÎN DEZVOLTAREA SOCIETĂȚII MODERNE
Authors: MAZILU (ALEXANDRESCU) Elena-Alexandra
Published: April 2022

De-a lungul timpului, resursele umane au devenit resurse strategice în cadrul societății, cu toate că automatizarea și digitalizarea au un impact major asupra forței de muncă. Resursele umane au reușit să se reinventeze tot timpul, să găsească soluții noi și să se adapteze continuu, în funcție de procesele de modernizare și de retehnologizare. Avantajul major al resurselor umane constă în faptul că acestea au o capacitate extraordinară de transformare, de a ține pasul cu tendințele de modernizare, sprijinind permanent procesul de dezvoltare și modernizare a societății moderne. Strategiile de resurse umane au un rol esențial în procesul de dezvoltare și transformare a resurselor umane.
COORDONATELE FUNDAMENTALE ALE UNUI GHID DE AUDIT DE REGULARITATE/CONFORMITATE, APLICABIL ÎN CADRUL MINISTERULUI APĂRĂRII NAȚIONALE
Authors: TIMOFTE Vasile
Published: April 2022

În acest articol, doresc să prezint maniera în care am încercat să configurez un Ghid de audit intern de regularitate/conformitate pentru entitățile Ministerului Apărării Naționale, pornind de la modelul deja existent în Direcția audit intern, pentru un astfel de tip de audit, dar căutând să adaug elemente noi, desprinse din următoarele surse de documentare: legislația națională în vigoare pe acest domeniu; studiul realizat în rândul unor auditori interni și al unor reprezentanți ai entităților din armată, pe baza Modelului Balanced Scorecard; provocările pe care noul fenomen sociosanitar le-a generat la nivel global și național ‒ pandemia de Coronavirus; noile cercetări și realizări obținute în ultimii ani de către teoreticieni și practicieni în domeniul auditului public intern.
ALERGAREA RETRO – O TENDINȚĂ ÎN PREGĂTIREA FIZICĂ A MILITARILOR
Authors: BĂIȚAN George-Florin
Published: April 2022

Alergarea este unul dintre cele mai simple și mai practice moduri de a menține militarii într-o formă fizică bună. Alergarea retro este o modalitate excelentă de antrenament, care trebuie introdusă în procesul de instruire fizică sistematică a militarilor, fiind remarcabilă pentru dezvoltarea capacităților condiționate și coordonative necesare îmbunătățirii performanțelor fizice ale acestora. Le va dezvolta sistemul cardiovascular, va tonifia mușchii și va întări oasele și ligamentele din întregul corp.
ORIENTAREA ‒ O DISCIPLINĂ SPORTIVĂ NECESARĂ PENTRU INSTRUIREA MILITARILOR
Authors: BĂIȚAN George-Florin
Published: April 2022

Astăzi, complexitatea operațiunilor tactice și a desfășurării trupelor este de așa natură încât este esențial pentru toți militarii, să poată interpreta o hartă și să fie în stare să folosească o busolă, pentru a se deplasa rapid și eficient pe câmpul de luptă. Orientarea poate fi folosită pentru a dezvolta multe dintre calitățile esențiale unui militar loial, demn și onest. Acțiunea de a găsi drumul

Astăzi, complexitatea operațiunilor tactice și a desfășurării trupelor este de așa natură încât este esențial pentru toți militarii, să poată interpreta o hartă și să fie în stare să folosească o busolă, pentru a se deplasa rapid și eficient pe câmpul de luptă. Orientarea poate fi folosită pentru a dezvolta multe dintre calitățile esențiale unui militar loial, demn și onest. Acțiunea de a găsi drumul pentru a ajunge la destinație oferă orientaristului provocarea de a naviga pe un teren complex și accidentat, în timp ce se deplasează cu viteză, combinând deprinderile de orientare și capacitatea de efort aerobă. Pentru a fi competitiv la acest nivel, acesta trebuie să se antreneze în mod regulat, nu numai pentru a crește calitățile motrice (precum viteza și rezistența), ci și pentru a-și îmbunătăți abilitățile cognitive (mentale). Militarii care participă la activități fizice specifice orientării beneficiază de o îmbunătățire a capacității cardiovasculare, a puterii și a energiei care le permit să susțină efortul fizic sau mental pentru perioade lungi de timp, le construiește un anumit nivel de conștientizare de sine și le dezvoltă un simț al coeziunii de echipă.

 

pentru a ajunge la destinație oferă orientaristului provocarea de a naviga pe un teren complex și accidentat, în timp ce se deplasează cu viteză, combinând deprinderile de orientare și capacitatea de efort aerobă. Pentru a fi competitiv la acest nivel, acesta trebuie să se antreneze în mod regulat, nu numai pentru a crește calitățile motrice (precum viteza și rezistența), ci și pentru a-și îmbunătăți abilitățile cognitive (mentale). Militarii care participă la activități fizice specifice orientării beneficiază de o îmbunătățire a capacității cardiovasculare, a puterii și a energiei care le permit să susțină efortul fizic sau mental pentru perioade lungi de timp, le construiește un anumit nivel de conștientizare de sine și le dezvoltă un simț al coeziunii de echipă.
THE ADVANTAGES OF USING THE MILITARY PENTATHLON IN PREPARATION FOR MILITARY COMBAT
Authors: BĂIȚAN George-Florin
Published: April 2022

The contemporary operational environment in which the military carries out its military actions is a complex one and, therefore, requires the completion of an effective training program, a process of continuous education of the physical qualities and motor skills indispensable to the fighters. Therefore, the use of specific and associated means of sports training, customized according to the specific content of the military pentathlon, becomes extremely useful, because it has the role of improving the skills of the military and achieving maximum performance through them. Since its inception, the military pentathlon has been designed to help increase the level of physical training of the military and to capitalize on their ability to perform, a competition that was specifically related to physical, mental, intellectual, practical, creative abilities and leadership required of the military on the battlefield.
ENGINEERING ACTIVITIES OF THE MECHANIZED BRIGADE IN OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS
Authors: ȚECU Cristian
Published: April 2022

In the current context, when the dynamics of defensive and offensive operations is pronounced, which involves numerous and frequent movements and maneuvers of forces and means, modern armies attribute the primary role in ensuring their own mobility and countermobility of adversary forces which demonstrates the pronounced dynamic character of military actions. Due to the conditions and volatility of the operational environment in which the military forces must act, the engineering support is an important factor in the preparation and conduct of operations, but also in achieving the desired end state. In offensive operations, which are executed jointly, the engineer’s missions support the development of the combat environment for the maneuvering forces in contact, accelerate through mobility, tactical movement and provide the necessary infrastructure to protect their own forces.
STRATCOM PREDICTIVE DATA ANALYSIS FOR STRATEGIC PLAN FORECASTING
Authors: Popescu Maria-Magdalena
Published: April 2022

The idea of gathering intelligence from open source, human or social media as regular practice for structures in the field has been a frequently debated topic for specialized literature. Unlike this, gathering intelligence from corroborated Strategic Communication (StratCom) sources and instruments so that the information extracted that way be later on stored in databases and sieved through predictive analytics software to then reveal state or non-state actors’ measures and behaviors has recently been shared as a novel thesis of the present author and recently taken over by doctoral schools in the field. The current paper provides an extended insight into the topic, to consolidate the construct.
THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON THE PROCESS OF PLANNING AND DECISION MAKING
Authors: GIMIGA Silviu-Iulian
Published: April 2022

Planning or forecasting, as a function of management, has a special role in the military field, in conjunction with the development of new technologies, because it offers the possibility of exposing possible courses of action and helps the military leader in decision making. Judicious planning, a correct presentation of resources and how to use them, setting goals and opportunities to achieve them are aspects that contribute to the completion of the decision-making process and involve the need for modern technologies applied. In the current context, the possibility offered by the modeling and simulation of military actions has also developed ways to obtain an effective decision, by using calculation systems and identifying different courses of action, knowing all the risk factors. All the changes suffered by the military equipment and technological systems have forced the emergence of new doctrines, restructurings and acquisitions absolutely essential to ensure the purpose of the military organization, national security and international alliances based on peacekeeping. Regarding the military system, the development of new technologies and the attribution of the decision-making process contribute to the emergence and use of ”smart ammunition”, which is mainly based on the efficient flow of information, systematized operation and resource management in a timely manner
COMPARATIVE ALALYSIS OF ISR DOCTRINES IN SOME NATO MEMBER STATES
Authors: JIANU Valeriu-Adrian
Published: April 2022

Through comparative analysis we can identify certain similarities and differences between certain allied states from a doctrinal point of view, based on certain established criteria. The concept of ISR is for the states of modern armies a continuous topic of debate, aiming to develop and implement at all levels, to streamline the planning and execution of operations and to ensure real support as soon as possible to decision makers at all levels. The doctrines of NATO member states represent the common starting point in legislative and procedural harmonization, so that, in the modern operational environment, a common allied language can be used effectively.
ASPECTS OF ROMANIA՚S MARITIME STRATEGY ‒ PAST AND PRESENT
Authors: TĂNASE (MĂXINEANU) Lavinia Elena
Published: April 2022

The historical research through the study of documents allows us an analysis of the evolution and maturation of strategies in general, and maritime and naval strategies in particular, on both a global and national scale, the objective of this study being knowledge and understanding of strategies over the ages. This study is relevant both for the military environment in terms of direct threats to territorial integrity and for the private sector, taking into account the economic importance of maritime and river borders.
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN ROMANIAN ORGANIZATIONS AND THE SPECIFICITY OF THE NATIONAL DEFENCE SYSTEM
Authors: IONAȘCU (HULUBA) Alina-Elena
Published: April 2022

This paper is written from the contextual perspective of understanding and reviewing the processes associated with human resources management (HRM) in organizations. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to explore the trends of HRM practices in order to identify the specific characteristics of Romanian organizations and to establish its specificity in the national defence system. In the first part of the paper we will refer to the research framework and point out the evolving and conceptual benchmarks that are of importance to this approach. The characteristics of human resources management in Romanian organizations are established by comparisons with other countries, while the central axis of comparison is represented by the member states of the European Union (EU). Starting from the results of this analysis, the particularities of HRM that are defence-related, identified through the study of the regulatory framework and comments regarding the current guidelines are made. In the conclusions, the paper will present main ideas resulted, personal contributions, issues addressed and research limitations.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ERGONOMICS IN HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Authors: FRASZIN (GURĂU) Mariana
Published: April 2022

The role of human resources management is to have competent and motivated staff for maximum results and this objective is supported by the application of management policies and strategies at the organizational level. The importance of ergonomics in human resource management has been specified in numerous presentations of researchers, especially in the military field. This article presents some aspects associated with human resource management and the positive effects that ergonomics has in optimizing working conditions. It also describes the correspondence between increasing the performance of the organization and ergonomic interventions in the interaction between technique/equipment and staff.
THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF REALITY
Authors: MIREANU Constantin
Published: April 2022

Defining reality and the mechanisms by which people perceive it is a difficult and challenging task in this age of post-truth, where everything is relative, interpretable, and dynamic, without generally accepted norms. However, there is a close relationship between the human and the social environment. This binomial is a construction that integrates the human mind, body, spirit and environment. The continuous interaction between the human and the social environment creates the reality that manifests itself as a continuous process of coding and decoding. But, the way we interpret a situation determines the consequences of our actions and even the way things can evolve, so starting from the wrong premises, from a wrong interpretation of a situation, people behave accordingly. Therefore, in this material starting from the way the representation of the individual is formed about the environment, society, world from the perspective of neuroscience, social psychology, cognitive sociology, the main aspects of how to construct reality will be reviewed.
ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS IN EASTERN EUROPE
Authors: PASTOR Viliam
Published: April 2022

In recent years, more and more complex threats to security have emerged, highlighting the need for stronger and closer security cooperation at all levels. The crisis caused by virus SARS COV 2 brought to the forefront security in Europe, testing both the resilience once the infrastructure of critical complicated, and preparation for crisis situations and the means for managing them. Eastern Europe, plagued by various conflicts in recent decades, still faces many challenges today, such as uncontrolled population growth, declining living standards and climate change due to global warming. The latter will exacerbate the situation in the future. As environmental security is an emerging concern that cannot be addressed with traditional solutions, new ways of dealing with it need to be developed. Cooperation forms the core of such means, aiming an intersectoral approach and ensuring broad stakeholder participation in order to integrate the principle of sustainable development into national policies.
TRANSLATING THE FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENTS OF THE MILITARY INTO SPECIFIC CrossFit TRAINING
Authors: BĂIȚAN George-Florin
Published: April 2022

CrossFit is a branded physical training program that is ”extensive, general, and comprehensive”, including a series of exercises and workouts with increasing intensity, which can be an effective form of exercise for military personnel seeking a various training routine. Based on the biomechanics of the human body translated into functional movements and exercises, which allow the daily tasks to be performed efficiently, constantly varied and performed at a high intensity, CrossFit can also have positive mental and emotional effects, raising the level of certainty of the military in relation to their own abilities, capabilities and judgments. CrossFit means a lot more than just pulling the strings in the gym, it՚s a great way to get in shape, gain muscle mass or lose weight, and live a healthy lifestyle. The CrossFit community is well known for its close relationships with its members, for promoting patriotism, and for supporting the local community and military veterans, working hard in a variety of ways to uphold these values.
To determine the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions and their association with pattern of tobacco
Authors: Sidhu Jaskirat , Sidhu Sandeep , Kathuria Navneet Singh , Sidhu Gagandeep Kaur , Katoch Vandana , Mahajan Bela
Published: April 2022

Aim: To determine the Prevalence of Oral mucosal lesions and their association with Pattern of tobacco. Methods: Following ethical approval, a descriptive, cross sectional research with 200 participants was done at the department of oral pathology. Individuals aged 16 and up who visited the research location and were consulted for wilful involvement in the study were included. Personal interviews were used to collect demographic information as well as tobacco use status utilising a selfdesigned proforma. Tobacco consumption habits were broadly classified into four categories based on the following criteria: smokers were those who reported daily or less than daily use of smoked form of tobacco without use of smokeless tobacco, whereas smokeless tobacco users were those who reported daily or less than daily use of smokeless tobacco without use of smoked form of tobacco. Individuals who used both forms throughout the research were classified as dual users, whereas those who never used tobacco or had a history of quitting one or both kinds were classified as nontobacco users. Results: The study population consisted of 100 people, 70 percent of whom were men and 30 percent of whom were females, with a mean age of 47.41 10.52 years.