bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Reasons for Choosing Psychiatry Among Psychiatrists in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Javaid Syed Fahad , Amiri Leena , Mugaddam Fadwa Al , Ahmed Hind Mohd , Alkharoossi Amani
Published: June 2022

Aims

The global burden of mental disorders continues to grow with significant health, social and economic consequences. Unfortunately, the gap between the need for mental health care and its provision remains wide all over the world. The recruitment and retention of psychiatrists is a long-standing concern in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with social stigma playing a potential role. This study aimed to investigate the factors that affect the choice of psychiatry as an area of practice by psychiatrists in the UAE. A secondary aim was to assess differences in the factors which affected career decisions among those participants with different backgrounds to establish any cultural and generational differences in choosing psychiatry as a career.

Methods

We conducted correlational research using an anonymised 30-item online questionnaire. We recruited qualified psychiatrists currently working in the UAE. The structured questionnaire assessed the participants’ sociodemographic factors and reasons for choosing psychiatry. Ethical approval was received from the Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (SS-REC) at United Arab Emirates University. Statistical analysis, including Pearson correlations and chi-square tests, was performed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 26.

Results

Out of 70 participants approached, 54 completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 77%. 69% of the participants were female, with a mean age of 38 years. 46% were UAE citizens. We found that the doctors trained in the UAE were statistically more likely to face opposition to specialising in psychiatry (p-value <0.001). Participants with a family member or friend as a psychiatrist were more likely to choose psychiatry as a first choice (p-value 0.01). Psychiatrists below the age of 35 were more statistically likely to face opposition to their decision to specialise in psychiatry (p-value 0.006). Psychiatrists who regretted their decision to specialise in psychiatry were statistically more likely to feel this way in their first year of residency (p-value <0.001). This study had its limitations, including the generalisability of findings and the sociodemographic factors of participants. The self-reported methodology could have subjected findings to bias, including social desirability bias.

Conclusion

Multiple sociodemographic factors influence the decision to specialise in psychiatry in the UAE. These findings would be helpful to identify hurdles faced by the young UAE clinicians in choosing psychiatry, partly explaining the dearth of UAE-trained psychiatrists in the country. Further research is required to study these reasons in detail, helping to improve the recruitment and retention of UAE psychiatrists in the future.
Exploring the Effects of Early Trauma in a Forensic High Secure Population: Evaluating Associations Between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)
Authors: McPhail Emma , Meggison Neil , Yanson Ian , Majumder Pallab , Sales Christian
Published: June 2022

Aims

To examine links between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) categories and diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) in this population; it is predicted that there will be a positive association between number of ACEs and ASPD. The effectiveness of high secure hospital admission and treatment in reducing number of risk incidents was also examined. ACEs are known to impact significantly on the development of the personality and future psychiatric risk. Currently, research into links between distinct ACE categories and the diagnosis of ASPD in the high-secure inpatient population is limited.

Methods

Data were collected from a sample (n = 221) including all patients in the Mental Health, Personality Disorder and Women's Services at a high-secure hospital. Records were examined for evidence of abuse/neglect during childhood, and a number of markers of household dysfunction. The statistical relationship between each ACE category and subsequent diagnosis of ASPD was examined through paired t-tests. Frequency of incident reports (IR1s) involving violence was compared in the first, third and fifth years post-admission.

Results

Significant associations with adult diagnosis of ASPD were seen in categories of childhood physical abuse, sexual abuse, divorced/separated parents, Looked After Child (LAC) status and parental substance misuse, and total number of ACE categories present overall. Significant reductions in frequency of IR1s were seen in all services between first- and fifth- year post admission.

Conclusion

A significant association between ACEs in specific domains and ASPD in adulthood was found. The importance of detailed exploration of childhood circumstances in this group is highlighted, as well as the need for further investigation of the psychological and social mechanisms underlying.
The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Suicidal Thoughts in the United Kingdom
Authors: Rathod Shanaya , Phiri Peter , Pallikadavath Saseendran , Graves Elizabeth , Brooks Ashlea , Rathod Pranay , Lin Sharon
Published: June 2022

Aims

Background: The impact of the pandemic and resultant restrictions on suicidal thoughts may vary across populations, geographical areas, between high and low socio-economic groups and vulnerable populations. Aim: To investigate the psychological impact of COVID-19 and resultant restrictions on suicidal thoughts in the United Kingdom.

Methods

The study group conducted a cross sectional survey using a questionnaire based on published approaches (Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7, Patient Health Questionnaire 9, Impact of Events Scale-Revised) to understand the psychological impact of COVID-19 and the resultant restrictions on suicidal thoughts. The study was conducted in 3 phases to capture the different phases of the pandemic restrictions:

Phase 1: 1st May 2020 to 31st July 2020

Phase 2: 12th November 2020 to 12th February 2021

Phase 3: 1st July 2021 to 30th September 2021

Inclusion: All individuals above 16 years of age who wanted to participate were eligible.

Analysis strategy: Descriptive analysis and logistic regression is applied in this study.

Results

The study recruited 29133 participants in phase 1; 83851 participants in phase 2 and 75204 participants in phase 3. The largest age group of participants was 45–64 years. About two thirds of respondents were female. Majority of participants were of White British ethnicity. 31% participants in phase 1, 30% in phase 2 and 19% in phase 3 reported suicidal thoughts.

The preliminary regression analysis indicates that younger and male participants reported more suicidal thoughts among other findings which will be reported in the presentation.

Limitations: The non-probability sample design and time limited surveys meant that longitudinal changes were not possible to elicit.

Conclusion

There is mixed evidence on whether rates of suicidal thoughts increased during the pandemic. The results of this study will add to the evidence base and influence future pandemic planning and efforts to developing resilience and good mental health in society.
Alcohol Related Brain Damage Presentations in an Acute General Hospital
Authors: Amanullah Talha Muneer , Henstock David , Azam Bushra
Published: June 2022

Aims

Alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) is used to describe a variety of clinical syndromes associated with excessive intake of alcohol. It can present with cognitive and neurological syndromes, including Wernicke's encephalopathy, Korsakoff's syndrome, alcohol dementia, cerebellar atrophy and frontal lobe dysfunction, Central pontine myelinolysis and Marchiafava Bignami disease. In up to 25% of cases ARBD can be complicated by traumatic head injury and brain blood supply disturbances. In the absence of clear national guidelines, standards or established pathways of care across most of the UK, most patients are unable to access appropriate service provision. The North Derbyshire mental health liaison team (MHLT) provides assessment and diagnosis of acute alcohol related brain injury, assess severity (based on clinical presentation, investigation findings, cognitive assessment) and provide a care plan with follow-up to various community services. Aim and objectives: To find out the discharge outcome for patients with ARBD diagnosis by the north MHLT, help us identify service gaps and look at ways to improve patient's care in this group.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 300 patients who were referred to liaison team for drug and alcohol problems and were seen by the drug and alcohol lead nurse within the liaison team. Patients who were given a diagnosis of ARBD by the liaison team were included in the study.

We looked at

1.

Age and gender distribution

2.

Team who gave the initial diagnosis

3.

Discharge destination

4.

Community follow-up and engagement

Results

We identified 17 patients who were given diagnosis of ARBD. There was relatively equal distribution of male to female patients. Majority of diagnosis’ were given by liaison team. The discharge destination was variable with around half referred to ARBD rehabilitation unit and Derbyshire recovery partnership. Engagement was poor with only 20% of patients engaging with services.

Conclusion

Recommendations:

1.

Detailed cognitive tests need doing for screening and to establish severity

2. Consideration for which neuroimaging modalities can help aid diagnosis, if any, should be made.

3.

ARBD leaflets to be given

4.

ARBD diagnosed patients who do not need rehabilitation unit, should be referred for social care assessment as an inpatient and / or be followed up in the community under Care Act

5. Considerations with the Multi Disciplinary Team for ways to improve engagement in the community, perhaps with more frequent and robust follow-ups.
Improving Trainee Doctor Participation in Undergraduate Psychiatry Teaching: A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Hughes Natalie , Reakes Frank , Davies Jo , Brown Richard , Muthu Prakash
Published: June 2022

Aims

Good medical practice encompasses teaching students which is a core competency for trainee doctors. The aim of this project was to assess and improve junior doctor participation in undergraduate psychiatry teaching.

Methods

2 surveys were conducted: 1) Psychiatry-related trainee doctors working in Severn Deanery were emailed a questionnaire to assess their involvement in undergraduate teaching, including barriers and motivators for teaching; 2) doctors with a formal role in teaching were sent a questionnaire to explore their views on recruiting trainee doctors to teach. Questionnaires consisted of multiple answer questions, matrix questions and qualitative free text answer questions. Trainees were then delivered a presentation advertising teaching opportunities. The impact of this on recruitment into psychiatry undergraduate teaching was reassessed by questionnaire.

Results

44 responses were received to the first survey; 13 to the second. The most common answer trainees gave for factors that prevented involvement with teaching students was “unaware of teaching opportunities,” and “lack of overall availability due to clinical commitments.” The most common factor chosen as a motivator for involvement was “notification of session date/timing early in placement” and “protected teaching time in job-plan.” The results highlighted difficulties recruiting trainee doctors to teach, resulting in tutors reducing, cancelling or adapting sessions due to lack of support.

Conclusion

This project identifies barriers and motivators of trainee doctor involvement in undergraduate medical education. To ensure lasting participation of trainees in medical education, support is needed for protected time to teach in clinical roles.
Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) in Young People: What We Know About It, the Role of CBT as a Treatment Option, and the Development of High-Quality Psychoeducation Material for Clinical Use
Authors: King Judy , Wilkinson Hannah
Published: June 2022

Aims

We aim to explain more about PMDD in young people and explore the evidence looking at the role of CBT as an intervention. We aim to develop high-quality psychoeducation material with the involvement of young people, to be able to offer clinically relevant information and empower young people with PMDD.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in 2019 and updated in February 2022 using the Cochrane Library, Psych-info, MEDLINE, Cinahl, EMBASE and Google Scholar, to look at the evidence available for CBT in young people with PMDD or PMS. The search included PMS as well as PMDD due to the heterogeneity in definitions used in studies.

Focus groups with young people are underway to develop high quality written psychoeducation material about PMDD.

Results

There were no specific studies looking at CBT as an intervention in young women under the age of 18 with PMS or PMDD. There was one intervention study with a treatment arm of psychoeducation in 62 young people under 18 with PMS versus a no treatment group (Taghizadeh 2013), with improvement in symptoms after 3 months from baseline reported.

There were more studies available in women over the age of 18. The search identified 3 meta- analyses in 2009 and 2012 (Busse 2009, Lusty, 2009; Kleinstauber 2012) and a more recent systematic review (Landolt 2020). Kleinsteiber et al included 22 RCTs, with a median age of 39, and broadly showed CBT to have a small to medium positive effect size, although any conclusions were limited due to the small numbers involved in the individual trials and methodological flaws. Landolt 2020 looked at CBT or elements of CBT as an intervention arm over the last 30 years or so in woman of all ages. Variations of CBT including virtual, group, couple and psychoeducation alone were included, and all were reported to have favourable outcomes.

Conclusion

There is a huge gap in research looking at PMDD in the adolescent population. Translating research from adults is not ideal. Increasing awareness and developing psychoeducation is a step in the right direction.
Mania With Psychotic Symptoms a Rare Clinical Presentation of Fahr's Disease- a Case Report
Authors: Pinto Joana Marques , Andrade José Diogo , Andrade Joana , Martins Vera
Published: June 2022

Aims

Fahr's disease is a rare neurodegenerative disease with radiological findings of symmetrical and bilateral idiopathic calcifications of the cerebellum, periventricular white matter, and basal ganglia, characterized by the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Methods

We report a case of a 46-year-old male who presented with psychomotor agitation, aggression, restlessness, irritability, decrease need for sleep and psychotic symptoms including grandeur and mystical delusions. He had a previous history of an admission 4 years prior with a similar presentation. Computed tomographic scan of the patient demonstrated a bilateral calcification of globus pallidus. Laboratory investigation was unremarkable. Due to agitation, the patient started treatment with Haloperidol 10 mg and Levomepromazine 25 mg presenting resulting in important extra-pyramidal symptoms (EPS), namely marked motor rigidity. Subsequently, a switch was made to Olanzapine 5 mg with persistence of clinically significant EPS. A final switch was made to Aripiprazol 15 mg (gradually titrated) and a mood stabilizer was started (Sodium Valproate), with full clinical remission within a month and no signs of EPS.

Results

The age of onset of manic symptoms in this patient is not suggestive of bipolar disorder (average age onset 25). On the other hand, Fahr's disease usually presents within the 4th and 5th decade of life. The clinical presentation usually involves motor symptoms (movement disorder and Parkinson like symptoms) and dementia, but purely psychiatric presentations have been described. The localization of calcifications also seems to have a clinical correlation, as Pallidal calcifications as the ones identified in our patient have been associated with manic symptoms. Idiopathic forms in which no metabolic or other underlying causes are identified, treatment is usually symptomatic, but one has to be cautious because these patients have an increased sensitivity to neuroleptics and can thus easily develop EPS.

Conclusion

Psychiatrists should consider Fahr's disease as a differential diagnosis in a manic episode, especially with a late age of onset, which is not suggestive of a bipolar disorder. This case also further emphasizes the importance of neuro-imaging in psychiatry and underlines the importance of a careful treatment approach in this type of patients because of an higher risk of developing EPS.
Changing Patient Profile in a Psychiatric Hospital During COVID Pandemic: A Comparison With Pre-COVID State
Authors: Kar Nilamadhab , Jiwanmall Stephen Amarjeet
Published: June 2022

Aims

COVID-19 pandemic has a massively adverse mental health impact and people with pre-existing psychiatric illnesses are one of the most severely affected groups. We intended to study the changes in the patient profile in a psychiatric hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing it to the period just before the pandemic.

Methods

Consecutive patients (n = 210) admitted to psychiatric ward under one team during COVID-19 pandemic (February 2020 to January 2022) were compared with patients (n = 234) admitted in the immediate pre-pandemic period (January 2017 to January 2020). Demographic (age, gender, and ethnicity) and clinical variables (diagnosis, admission days, Mental Health Act status, risk to self and others) were collected from the electronic patient records and analysed.

Results

During the pandemic monthly admission rates have gone up by 38.1% over the base rate of 6.32/month. There was no difference in the mean age at admission; or the proportion of patients aged 18–40 years or above in the pre-pandemic and pandemic groups. Similarly the gender composition of patients in the two periods was comparable. Proportion of patients from Asian background increased from 7.7% to 16.8% during pandemic period (p < 0.05). The number of hospital days decreased from 31.97 ± 45.8 days in the pre-pandemic period to 22.44 ± 25.1 days during pandemic (p < 0.05). Along with increased admission rates, it suggested a rapid flow of the admission and discharge during the pandemic. Considering diagnostic composition between pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods, psychotic (27.8% v 26.7%) and mood disorders (18.8% v 23.3%) were the predominant; and substance related disorders (20.5% v 16.7%) were the most common comorbidities. Risk to self was associated with 84.3% admissions during the pandemic compared to 78.6% in the pre-pandemic period; however, risk to others was noted in 13.8% v 22.2% (p < 0.01) respectively. There was no difference in proportions getting admitted under Mental Health Act or being discharged with Community Treatment Order. Interestingly, proportions of patients getting discharged under the care of Home Treatment Team decreased from 31.1% pre-pandemic to 16.5% during pandemic period (p < 0.005).

Conclusion

There is an increase in admission rate and decrease in the number of admission days, suggestive of increased demand of clinical resources during pandemic. This could be reflective of the stressful situation and adverse impact on mental health in the pandemic period. As the impact on mental health is expected to continue, there is a need for greater resources both in community and inpatient psychiatric services.
The Prevalence of Electrocardiogram (ECG) Changes in Patients on Clozapine
Authors: Howson Rachael , Rana Zain , Kurkar Micheal
Published: June 2022

Aims

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic primarily used in the management of individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders, prescribed to those with symptoms unresponsive to alternate antipsychotic medications. Clozapine is known to have cardiovascular side effects and is associated with an increased risk of significant cardiac events including myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, and sudden cardiac death. Regular electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring is recommended to facilitate early detection of cardiac complications. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and evaluate the nature of ECG changes, assessing for tachycardia and corrected QT (QTc) interval prolongation, in patients prescribed Clozapine, and to determine whether the appropriate action was taken following identification of these changes.

Methods

We conducted retrospective data collection examining consecutive ECGs of 50 adult patients prescribed Clozapine within the East sector of the Cherrywood Outpatient Psychiatry Department at The Royal Oldham Hospital. Patients were identified using the clinic's Clozapine database. The PARIS electronic record system and patient written notes were utilised to obtain patient demographics, diagnoses, and ECGs. We assessed rate, rhythm and QTc intervals amongst the ECGs taken and compared the most recent ECG findings with those from previous ECGs.

Results

Of the 50 patients prescribed Clozapine, 34 were identified as having 2 consecutive ECGs in their notes, enabling ECG comparison and assessment for changes. Amongst these 34 patients, 11 (32.35%) demonstrated new-onset ECG changes; 8 with new sinus tachycardia, 1 with new QTc prolongation and 2 with additional rhythm strip abnormalities. Based on these new findings, 50% were then referred for a repeat ECG. No plan had been made for the other 50%. ECGs of 8 (23.53%) individuals demonstrated changes which remained present across the consecutive ECGs. Plans for these patients included referral for cardiology opinion (25%), repeat ECG (25%) and dose reduction (50%). A further 8 patients demonstrated an improvement in findings on their most recent ECG. In 3 (37.50%) of these cases, Clozapine had been reduced during the period between ECG recordings. 7 (20.59%) individuals demonstrated no ECG changes.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest many individuals prescribed Clozapine develop ECG abnormalities, with the largest proportion developing sinus tachycardia. Regular monitoring remains beneficial within the outpatient department to determine the nature of ECG changes, and further methods may be required to ensure appropriate management plans are in place should these changes arise.
Characterization of a Half-Bent RuNO Mode on a Dinuclear Ruthenium Complex through Reduction Reaction
Authors: Arikawa Yasuhiro , Yamada Motoki , Otsubo Yuji , Takeuchi Yuki , Ikeda Ayumi , Horiuchi Shinnosuke , Sakuda Eri , Umakoshi Keisuke
Published: June 2022

To study behavior of a NO ligand on a dinuclear complex, preparations of dinuclear complexes having a NO and an inert ligand through substitution reactions were targeted. Reduction of a CO or a tBuNC coordinated dinuclear complexes resulted in dinuclear complexes with a half-bent NO ligand.
Câmeras na farda reduzem a letalidade policial?
Authors: Sérgio de Lima Renato , Bueno Samira , Sobral Isabela , Pacheco Dennis
Published: June 2022

Estudo sobre a adoção de câmeras corporais pela Polícia Militar do Estado de São Paulo evidencia que o efeito pode ser positivo, mas exige mudanças mais amplas para funcionar
Rumos para um sistema de saúde resiliente
Authors: Massuda Adriano , Bigoni Alessandro , Paschoalotto Marco Antonio , Tasca Renato
Published: June 2022

A Covid-19 evidenciou a necessidade de fortalecer a atenção primária à saúde com a reorientação de financiamento, de governança e de alocação de recursos humanos e tecnológicos.
O que fazer com a epidemia de ansiedade no trabalho
Authors: Story Joana , Cristina Alves Thais
Published: June 2022

Como em um quebra-cabeça, sistemas de recursos humanos de alto desempenho juntam harmonicamente diferentes práticas para alcançar ao mesmo tempo o bemestar de colaboradores e a competitividade organizacional.
A Systematic Approach to the Study of Descriptive Geometry
Authors: Sal'kov N.
Published: June 2022

The issues of inconsistency of some terms used in descriptive geometry with the rules of GOST R 2.105-2019 ESCD "General Requirements for Text Documents", as well as related to the projection of surfaces, are considered. The structure of descriptive geometry’s textbooks is considered, according to which all textbooks of this discipline have been built up until recently. This structure forms a sequence in the study of descriptive geometry in almost all higher education institutes. Criticism of this structure, which has been using for teaching since time immemorial without significant changes what, in particular, presents significant difficulties in descriptive geometry studying, is given.

In contrast with the existing structure, a new one is proposed (if the structure proposed near 50 years ago can be called new), but this new structure is almost nowhere used for release of information on descriptive geometry. This proposed structure is scientifically justified, practically verified and offered for universal use.

In addition, the classification of positional and metric problems, and use of algorithms common for them is proposed.

The proposed structure contains the following sections: 1. Basic concepts of descriptive geometry. 2. Set up of geometric figures in a drawing. 3. Positional problems. 4. Metric problems. 5. Conversion methods. 6. Involutes.

The sections arranged in the proposed coherent system, considered separately from each other and not subject to mixing, make it possible to systematize and algorithmize the processes of descriptive geometry layout and studying.
To the Question of the Classification for Analytical Surfaces
Authors: Strashnov Stanislav , Rynkovskaya Marina
Published: June 2022

Until this day, in scientific and technical literature there are descriptions of around 600 analytical surfaces, divided into 38 classes. In turn, it is possible to divide almost each class of surfaces into sub-classes, groups, or types, that is, to compose a classification for surfaces. It will make it easier their further study. For some classes of surfaces there is no sense to set up classification schemes, since these classes consist of a small number of surfaces, or the classification will contain a bare listing of surfaces. These surfaces can include minimal and one-sided surfaces, spiral and helical ones, surfaces of Ciceika and Edlinger, as well as undulating, wavy and corrugated surfaces, and several others. The "others" category includes surfaces which, although highlighted in separate classes, are few, or they are in the process of studying. The study of scientific literature has shown that a classification for revolution surfaces, as well as for transfer and Peterson ones has not yet been set up. This paper is devoted to these classes of analytical surfaces. As the study has showed, it is possible to draw interesting conclusions based on presented classifications. In this paper it has been shown how the appearance of scientific publications devoted to classification for surfaces promote the emergence of numerous works on application of relevant surfaces in architecture, construction, engineering, shipbuilding, light industry products, topography and cartography. But devotion to analytic surfaces’ geometric forms should not be an end in itself in actual practice. So, today architects are passionate about parametric architecture, which is based on knowledge of analytical surfaces’ geometry. However, some leading architects believe that the parametric architecture oversaturated the human life’s space, resulting in a style crisis. Despite architects and engineers’ conflicting opinions, geometers must go ahead of society's immediate demands, creating new forms, classifications, and proposals.
Increasing the Visibility of Representation for Objects Studying in Descriptive Geometry
Authors: Ignat'ev S. , Muratbakeev E. , Voronina M.
Published: June 2022

Increasing the visibility of representation for objects studying in the process of solving basic problems related to descriptive geometry (DG) significantly improves the understanding and perception of the discipline by students. A team of authors representing St. Petersburg Mining University’s DG and Graphics Chair developed their own projects, which are interactive graphics that allow teachers to visualize the solution of some DG course’s problems directly during academic studies. Projects have been created by the Wolfram Mathematica (WM) system tools and divided into 7 sections: points, lines, planes, geometric elements’ mutual position; relative position of a straight line and a second order surface; relative position of a plane and a second order surface; relative position of second order surfaces; mutual position of revolution bodies and polyhedrons; relative position of polyhedrons; a tangent plane to a second-order surface. Difficulties that have arisen in the work, ideas and possibilities for further implementation of proposed principles for using computational WM algorithms when creating and employing these projects in the process of students’ geometric-graphic training are discussed. It is noted that WM allows you manipulate data and observe how the result is changing dynamically, that certainly makes it possible and is an advantage of WM for using it in students’ geometric-graphic teaching. Lecturers of DG and Graphics Chairs can: use the proposed in this work projects aimed at implement various graphic constructions for both preparation of academic studies and in real-time mode during them; create elements of information supply for the educational process; develop demonstration support for academic studies, that in turn will ensure the proper material assimilation by students.
Rozliczyć przeszłość? O pozornej defaszyzacji Włoch w okresie transformacji (1943-1948)
Authors: Sondel-Cedarmas Joanna
Published: June 2022

RECKONING WITH THE PAST? ON THE ILLUSORY DE-FASCISATION OF ITALY IN THE PERIOD OF TRANSFORMATION (1943-1948)
This chapter discusses de-fascisation process in Italy during the systemic transformation in 1943-1948. It will examine whether the national reconciliation policy pursued by the Alcide De Gasperi’s governments in the second half of the 1940s contributed to the emergence of a societal vision of Mussolini’s relatively mild dictatorship, which in turn made full reckoning with the fascist legacy impossible. More specifically, the chapter discusses the following issues: 1) illusory de-fascisation of Italy’s administrative apparatus, 2) the Togliatti amnesty and the absence of Italian Nuremberg, 3) anti-fascist milieu narratives on fascism as a closed chapter in national history, and 4) the phenomenon of the renaissance of neo-fascist groups against the background explicit legal norms prohibiting practicing any form of apology for the Mussolini.
Russia’s Demographic Policy after 2000: Motivations, Solutions and Short-Term Results
Authors: Diec Joachim
Published: June 2022

The present study examines the directions of Russia’s demographic policy in the context of the accumulating challenges in this area and analyzes the results of this policy as well as the prospects for further development of the situation. The development of the Russian population since the Soviet era shows a steady tendency: the number of births in the regions inhabited by ethnic Russians is seriously declining, with an increase in regions inhabited by ethnic groups traditionally professing Islam. Remedial steps were already taken in the 1990s, but the turning point was 2007, when the regulations related to the introduction of Maternity Capital entered into force. Another important step was the initiation of the national project “Demography”, which significantly increased social assistance not only for families with children, but also for the older generation. The Maternity Capital policy positively correlates with the increase in births in the following years, however, after the Crimean events, the positive trend collapses and the birth rate shows a clear decreasing tendency. Undoubtedly, success has been achieved in extending life expectancy. The tendency of a definitely positive net migration is not retreating either. The long-term effect of these processes is the aging of the Russian society and the change of the ethnic structure towards an increase in the number of the country’s Muslim population. A significant population growth is observable in metropolitan cities as well as in tourist and agricultural regions of the South-West while peripheral and rural areas are dying out. The fact that despite legislative and organizational efforts the number of the Federation’s inhabitants is falling indicates the limited nature of social policies aimed at manual control of social processes.
Partnerstwo Wschodnie jako przestrzeń kształtowania się społeczeństwa obywatelskiego – planem kolejnego rozszerzenia UE?
Authors: Labuda Marta
Published: June 2022

EASTERN PARTNERSHIP AS A PLACE OF CIVIL SOCIETY FORMATION – A PLAN FOR THE NEXT EU ENLARGEMENT?
The article is an attempt to look at the EU enlargement policy from the angle of the Eastern Partnership as a place of civil society formation. The aim is to present the main motives of the next EU enlargement to the east. The research was based on a qualitative methodology with the use of institutional, legal and comparative analysis. The research material covered original acts and press releases of EU institutions, key scientific studies and internet portals devoted to the issue. The research shows the shaping of civil society in the EaP states creating a new perspective for the program and speaks in favor of EU enlargement in this direction.
Democracy between Spaces of Citizenship and Civic Competences: Two Explorations with Privileged Witnesses in Italian Context
Authors: Nuzzaci Antonella , Natalini Andrea , Rizzi Paola
Published: June 2022

The contribution analyses the results of two surveys carried out by the Italian team within the international project #ShareEU – Shaping of the European Citizenship in the Post-Totalitarian Societies. Reflections after 15 Years of EU Enlargement, on aspects of citizens’ beliefs and attitudes towards European integration, citizenship and civic competences, including the exploration of concepts such as totalitarianism/authoritarianism, democracy and “democratic life”. The results show that adults are concerned with equipping young people with skills and attitudes that will help them to think and act as citizens, advocates of a citizenship they believe in, preparing them, from the primary level of education, to play a vital role in becoming agents of change rather than simply passive observers of events. The capacity of education to succeed in building respect in individuals for fundamental human rights and the values of an ethic of citizenship is emphasised. Among the agencies, the school is confirmed as the leading institution capable of promoting a culture of citizenship that increases the likelihood that students can become citizens in their values and actions, thus avoid ing the risk of falling into disengagement and iniquity. Democracy seems to be the bearer of fundamental human and common values and is characterized as an effective approach to improve the quality of life, even if the basic question still remains that of how to teach it.
Propedeutyka przygotowania aktywnego obywatela europejskiego w świetle ministerialnych wytycznych programowych dla edukacji wczesnoszkolnej w Polsce
Authors: Mach Elżbieta M.
Published: June 2022

INTRODUCTION TO THE PREPARATION OF AN ACTIVE EUROPEAN CITIZEN IN THE LIGHT OF MINISTERIAL CURRICULUM GUIDELINES IN GRADES 1-3 OF PRIMARY SCHOOL IN POLAND
The author reflects on the propaedeutic preparation of Polish children for life in a pluralist European society of the 21st century. The article analyzes the document of the Polish Ministry of Education, the regulation setting out the goals and content of education in grades 1-3 of primary school and asks questions about civic education, European education, patriotism, shaping national identity in the light of European identity, and building the competences of the future.
Post-2015 India-Nepal Relations and China Factor in South Asia
Authors: Aryal Saroj K.
Published: June 2022

The India-Nepal relationship has always been regarded as a distinctive one because of strong cultural, political, and civil ties. The unannounced economic blockade imposed by India in 2015, however, takes the India-Nepal relationship to a cult. The misplayed neighbourhood policy of India after 2015 moved Nepal towards its northern neighbour. Likewise, for India, Nepal is equally very strategic to China as one of the signatories and the core component of the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’. Thus, the Indian-Nepal partnership bitterness and multilevel Chinese participation in Nepal is the same scenario for India’s overall neighbourhood policy misconduct and China’s growth in South Asia. This study examines the major events that occurred in Nepal after 2015, encouraging distancing relationships with India and closeness to China.
Presidentialization of Parliamentarism in Serbia – Causes and Consequences
Authors: Jovanović Milan
Published: June 2022

Although the principle of separation of powers in Serbia has been regulated following the parliamentary model in the span of three decades, it has in practice functioned most often as a semi-presidential system. This paper analyzes two groups of factors that are the cause of presidentialization. Institutional factors that systematically create an environment suited for presidentialization include shortcomings in the constitutional design, the proportional electoral system and oligarchic tendencies in the party system. Direct election gives the President of the Republic strong legitimacy, and by retaining the position of party leader, in an electoral system with closed electoral lists and weak intra-party democracy, the head of state can easily control the parliamentary majority, the government and the parliament, thus upsetting the balance of power. Another group of factors that strongly affect the action of the aforementioned institutional aspects are a political culture with a strong authoritarian tradition and a lack of respect for the constitution and the democratic tradition. The consequences are strong authoritarian and populist tendencies and a departure from the liberal concept of democracy. The options proposed by the academic and political public as a solution to the situation blocking the consolidation of democracy in Serbia include the normativization of the incompatibility of office of the head of state and party leader, the abolition of direct elections, and a semi-presidential system.
Analysis of Important Factors Having an Impact on Safety in Road Tunnels – Research Findings
Authors: Schmidt-Polończyk Natalia
Published: June 2022

Aim: This article presents relevant safety issues in road tunnels based on the results of a survey and evacuation experiments conducted on real scale in two existing road tunnels in Poland. Project and methods: An analysis of the relevant factors influencing the level of safety in road tunnels was carried out based on the results of experi - mental studies in two road tunnels in which the course of evacuation under fire conditions was observed. As part of the study, several evacuation trials were carried out at equal smoke levels, examining a different parameter each time: pre-movement time, speed of movement, the effect of smoke on the speed of movement, the effect of tunnel infrastructure on evacuation, among others. A survey carried out among 504 respondents, in turn, attempted to assess the awareness of hazards and safety procedures in road tunnels. The survey has four parts and questions covered the following issues: knowl - edge of tunnel infrastructure, behaviour in case of congestion, choice of evacuation route, behaviour during the evacuation, personal belongings during the evacuation, self-assessment of tunnel safety knowledge and the role of experience. An analysis was also carried out of the information available in Poland on safety guidelines for road tunnels, which can help tunnel users to improve their knowledge on tunnel safety. Results: The survey results indicate an insufficient level of knowledge regarding safety in road tunnels – only 16% of respondents answered more than 50% of the questions correctly. Ignorance of road tunnel infrastructure itself and the safety rules for the tunnel was also diagnosed. An analysis of the information available to the road users demonstrates that this information is difficult to access and that there is a lack of uniform guidelines to educate the public on the topic raised in the article. A significant impact of evacuation exercises carried out on an accurate scale was emphasised, providing valuable data on the evacuation process and increasing the level of safety in the engineering facilities analysed by raising the awareness of the partici - pants in the experiment. Conclusions: The research findings presented in this article allow for better understanding of the behaviour of the participants of accidents and fires in road tunnels. In addition, the need to raise the awareness of the road users on the dangerous situations that may occur in a tunnel and the appropriate response to them has been demonstrated. Keywords: safety, fire, smoke, evacuation, road tunnel Type of article: original science article
Stochastic Approximation Proximal Method of Multipliers for Convex Stochastic Programming
Authors: Zhang Liwei , Zhang Yule , Xiao Xiantao , Wu Jia
Published: June 2022

This paper considers the problem of minimizing a convex expectation function over a closed convex set, coupled with a set of inequality convex expectation constraints. We present a new stochastic approximation proximal method of multipliers to solve this convex stochastic optimization problem. We analyze regrets of the proposed method for solving convex stochastic optimization problems. Under mild conditions, we show that this method exhibits sublinear regret for both objective reduction and constraint violation if parameters in the algorithm are properly chosen. Moreover, we investigate the high probability performance of the proposed method under the standard light-tail assumption.

Funding: This work was supported by Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities [Grant DUT20LK33]; Dalian High-Level Talent Innovation Program [Grant 2020RD09]; National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 11731013, 11871135, 11971089, and 12071055].
The Effect of Subcontracted Labor Mix on Financial Performance: Evidence from High-Tech Project Teams
Authors: Momcheva Antoaneta , Avgerinos Emmanouil , Salvador Fabrizio
Published: June 2022

Problem definition: We investigate the effect of using subcontracted workers together with permanent workers on project financial performance. Academic/practical relevance: It is widespread practice, across disparate businesses, to staff project teams with subcontracted workers—and yet, despite the prevalence of this phenomenon, there is scant research on how subcontracted workers impact project performance. Investigating such an effect is important because past findings on the effects of subcontracting in retail or assembly lines cannot be hastily extrapolated to the more qualified workers and more demanding tasks normally associated with project environments. Methodology: Building on previous findings about the higher motivation level of subcontracted versus permanent workers when the latter are protected from individual dismissal by the law, we develop hypotheses to conceptualize how and under what conditions subcontracted workers positively impact project performance. We then test our hypotheses by analyzing 413 projects of a European high-tech firm. Results: We find that with increased use of subcontracted workers comes increased project profit margins. This positive effect is stronger for larger teams and weaker when large project scope changes occur or when higher-skilled workers are subcontracted. We also find this effect to be stronger when subcontracted workers are involved in technical rather than administrative roles and when subcontractors join in the later stages of the project. Managerial implications: This study offers guidelines on how project managers can use subcontracting to increase project margins, highlighting strategic and tactical factors that affect the benefits of using subcontracted labor.
Managing frailty in people with human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Bristow Clare , Barber Tristan
Published: June 2022

The population of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is ageing and has an increasing burden of non-acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related morbidity and mortality, including frailty. Frailty is prevalent at a younger age in this population and is associated with multimorbidity, disability and death. This article examines the key interventions to ameliorate the advancement of frailty in people living with HIV. It explores methods of successfully delivering a multidisciplinary holistic approach to this complex patient group, using three case studies. The most effective frailty intervention is exercise. Group-based physiotherapy classes protect against functional decline and frailty symptomatology. Optimisation of medical and psychiatric comorbidities, including deprescribing when appropriate, is also essential. Addressing the social determinants of frailty, such as social isolation and loneliness, are beneficial, but are dependent on local charities and resources. More research is required to assess pharmacological and nutritional interventions in frailty. This requires a greater understanding of the exact pathophysiology of frailty, which remains poorly understood.
Immobilisation hypercalcaemia
Authors: Mifsud Simon , Mifsud Emma L , Agius Stefanie M , Mula Abigail , Gruppetta Mark
Published: June 2022

Hypercalcaemia is a common metabolic abnormality and its differential diagnosis is vast. Immobility is an uncommon cause of hypercalcaemia. Immobilisation hypercalcaemia is independent of parathyroid hormone and is associated with low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. In addition, it is characterised by elevated levels of markers of bone resorption and low levels of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, highlighting an imbalance of bone remodelling favouring osteoclastic bone resorption. Although immobilisation hypercalcaemia is a diagnosis of exclusion, physicians need to be aware of this condition to avoid excessive and invasive investigations when all other causes of parathyroid hormone-independent hypercalcaemia have been excluded. Management of immobilisation hypercalcaemia revolves around early mobilisation and rehabilitation together with pharmacotherapeutic agents such as intravenous isotonic saline, calcitonin and bisphosphonates. Denosumab may be a potential alternative yet off-label treatment for immobility hypercalcaemia in patients with renal insufficiency.