scholarly journals Assessment of socio-economic risks by method of extremely critical (threshold) indicators

POPULATION ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 8-17
Author(s):  
Vyacheslav Lokosov
Keyword(s):  
Social System ◽  
Risk Indicators ◽  
Critical Threshold ◽  
Past Century ◽  
Russian Society ◽  
Progressive Development ◽  
Transitional State ◽  
First Time ◽  
Economic Risks

Method of extremely critical (threshold) indicators of social development, including assessment of socio-economic risks, has been developed in the national sociology, economics, and other social sciences about three decades. For the first time development of the method as a scientific problem was stated in 1994, and there was made an attempt to construct such scale of indicators. Development of the method is going productively. There have been published a series of research works, dissertations that directly or indirectly develop or apply this method, propose different variants of constructing a scale of indicators. We have three basic components of situation diagnosis: the existing social system, the risks (challenges, threats) hampering progressive development of this system, and the extremely critical values of the risk indicators, a certain "red line", going beyond which means an increase in the probability of radical changes and further— collapse of the existing system, its transitional state and reorganization. The research and management tasks are to counteract such risks and to prevent entry of the society into the critical zone; or vice versa, to stimulate transformation of the system. The article provides an assessment of the socio-economic risks by method of extremely critical (threshold) indicators that leads to conclusion about a certain, far from complete and sufficient departure of the Russian society from the critical line of the 90s of the past century, and therefore about a tendency to reduction of the risk of another dismantlement of the existing social system. Along with these positive changes, dangerous disproportions and critical risks remain in many socio-economic indicators, primarily related to demography, population health, standards and quality of life.

Communication Sciences and Disorders PhD Graduates' Perceptions of Their PhD Program

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 463-478
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Crais ◽  
Melody Harrison Savage
Keyword(s):  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Career Expectations ◽  
Doctoral Preparation ◽  
Creative Solutions ◽  
Phd Education ◽  
Doctor Of Philosophy ◽  
First Time ◽  
Students Success ◽  
Phd Program

Purpose The shortage of doctor of philosophy (PhD)–level applicants to fill academic and research positions in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) programs calls for a detailed examination of current CSD PhD educational practices and the generation of creative solutions. The intended purposes of the article are to encourage CSD faculty to examine their own PhD program practices and consider the perspectives of recent CSD PhD graduates in determining the need for possible modifications. Method The article describes the results of a survey of 240 CSD PhD graduates and their perceptions of the challenges and facilitators to completing a PhD degree; the quality of their preparation in research, teaching, and job readiness; and ways to improve PhD education. Results Two primary themes emerged from the data highlighting the need for “matchmaking.” The first time point of needed matchmaking is prior to entry among students, mentors, and expectations as well as between aspects of the program that can lead to students' success and graduation. The second important matchmaking need is between the actual PhD preparation and the realities of the graduates' career expectations, and those placed on graduates by their employers. Conclusions Within both themes, graduate's perspectives and suggestions to help guide future doctoral preparation are highlighted. The graduates' recommendations could be used by CSD PhD program faculty to enhance the quality of their program and the likelihood of student success and completion. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.11991480

Disability as a social phenomenon

2020 ◽  
pp. 22-38
Author(s):  
Natalia Guseva ◽  
Vitaliy Berdutin
Keyword(s):  
Social Protection ◽  
Russian Society ◽  
Stage Model ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Current State ◽  
The Social ◽  
Consistent Solution ◽  
First Time

At present, the problem of establishing disability is a point at issue in Russia. Despite the fact that medical criteria for disability are being developed very actively, high-quality methods for assessing social hallmarks are still lacking. Since disability is a phenomenon inherent in any society, each state forms a social and economic policy for people with disabilities in accordance with its level of development, priorities and opportunities. We have proposed a three-stage model, which includes a system for the consistent solution of the main tasks aimed at studying the causes and consequences of the problems encountered today in the social protection of citizens with health problems. The article shows why the existing approaches to the determination of disability and rehabilitation programs do not correspond to the current state of Russian society and why a decrease in the rate of persons recognized as disabled for the first time does not indicate an improvement in the health of the population. The authors proposed a number of measures with a view to correcting the situation according to the results of the study.

Resveratrol: A new potential therapeutic agent for melanoma?

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamad Hossein Pourhanifeh ◽  
Kazem Abbaszadeh-Goudarzi ◽  
Mohammad Goodarzi ◽  
Sara G.M. Piccirillo ◽  
Alimohammad Shafiee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Therapeutic Agent ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Treatment Resistance ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Apoptosis Inducer ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
First Time

: Melanoma is the most life-threatening and aggressive class of skin malignancies. The incidence of melanoma has steadily increased. Metastatic melanoma is greatly resistant to standard anti-melanomatreatments such as chemotherapy, and 5-year survival rate of cases with melanoma who have metastatic form of disease is less than 10%. The contributing role of apoptosis, angiogenesis and autophagy in the pathophysiology of melanoma has been previously demonstrated. Thus, it is extremely urgent to search for complementary therapeutic approachesthat couldenhance the quality of life of subjects and reduce treatment resistance and adverse effects. Resveratrol, known as a polyphenol component present in grapes and some plants, has anti-cancer properties due to its function as an apoptosis inducer in tumor cells, and anti-angiogenic agent to prevent metastasis. However, more clinical trials should be conducted to prove resveratrol efficacy. : Herein, for first time, we summarize current knowledge of anti-cancerous activities of resveratrol in melanoma.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the efficacy of hearing aids in older adults: a multiparametric longitudinal study protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Domenico Cuda ◽  
Sara Ghiselli ◽  
Alessandra Murri
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
First Time

Abstract Background Prevalence of hearing loss increases with age. Its estimated prevalence is 40–50 % in people over 75 years of age. Recent studies agree that declinein hearing threshold contribute to deterioration in sociality, sensitivity, cognition, and quality of life for elderly subjects. The aim of the study presented in this paper is to verify whether or not rehabilitation using first time applied Hearing Aids (HA) in a cohort of old people with hearing impairment improves both speech perception in a noisy environment over time and the overall health-related quality of life. Methods The monocentric, prospective, repeated measurements, single-subject, clinical observational study is to recruit 100 older adults, first-time HA recipients (≥ 65 years).The evaluation protocol is designed to analyze changes in specific measurement tools a year after the first HA usage in comparison with the evaluation before HA fitting. Evaluations will consist of multiparametric details collected through self-report questionnaires completed by the recipients and a series of commonly used audiometric measures and geriatric assessment tools. The primary indicator of changes in speech perception in noise to be used is the Italian version of Oldenburg Satz (OLSA) test whereas the indicator of changes in overall quality of life will be the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL) and Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) questionnaires. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) will help in screening the cognitive state of the subjects. Discussion The protocol is designed to make use of measurement tools that have already been applied to the hearing-impaired population in order to compare the effects of HA rehabilitation in the older adults immediately before first HA usage (Pre) and after 1 year of experience (Post). This broad approach will lead to a greater understanding of how useful hearing influences the quality of life in older individuals, and therefore improves potentials for healthy aging. The data is to be analyzed by using an intrasubject endpoint comparison. Outcomes will be described and analyzed in detail. Trial registration This research was retrospectively registered underno. NCT04333043at ClinicalTrials.gov (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/) on the 26 March 2020. This research has been registered with the Ethics Committee of the Area Vasta Emilia Nord under number 104, date of approval 17/07/2017.

scholarly journals Social-ecological analysis of timely rice planting in Eastern India

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anton Urfels ◽  
Andrew J. McDonald ◽  
Gerardo van Halsema ◽  
Paul C. Struik ◽  
Pankaj Kumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Wildlife Conservation ◽  
Geographic Region ◽  
Critical Threshold ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Gangetic Plains ◽  
Land Type ◽  
Groundwater Availability ◽  
Agricultural Input ◽  
First Time

AbstractTimely crop planting is a foundation for climate-resilient rice-wheat systems of the Eastern Gangetic Plains—a global food insecurity and poverty hotspot. We hypothesize that the capacity of individual farmers to plant on time varies considerably, shaped by multifaceted enabling factors and constraints that are poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, two complementary datasets were used to characterize drivers and decision processes that govern the timing of rice planting in this region. The first dataset was a large agricultural management survey (rice-wheat: n = 15,245; of which rice: n = 7597) from a broad geographic region that was analyzed by machine learning methods. The second dataset was a discussion-based survey (n = 112) from a more limited geography that we analyzed with graph theory tools to elicit nuanced information on planting decisions. By combining insights from these methods, we show for the first time that differences in rice planting times are primarily shaped by ecosystem and climate factors while social factors play a prominent secondary role. Monsoon onset, surface and groundwater availability, and land type determine village-scale mean planting times whereas, for resource-constrained farmers who tend to plant later ceteris paribus, planting is further influenced by access to farm machinery, seed, fertilizer, and labor. Also, a critical threshold for economically efficient pumping appears at a groundwater depth of around 4.5 m; below this depth, farmers do not irrigate and delay planting. Without collective action to spread risk through synchronous timely planting, ecosystem factors such as threats posed by pests and wild animals may further deter early planting by individual farmers. Accordingly, we propose a three-pronged strategy that combines targeted strengthening of agricultural input chains, agroadvisory development, and coordinated rice planting and wildlife conservation to support climate-resilient agricultural development in the Eastern Gangetic Plains.

Changes in alcohol history taking by psychiatric junior doctors: an audit

1995 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon J Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Inpatient Admission ◽  
Junior Doctors ◽  
History Taking ◽  
Drug Usage ◽  
Acute Psychiatric Wards ◽  
First Time

AbstractObjective: In recent years a number of articles have highlighted deficiencies in drinking histories taken by junior doctors. This study examines whether standards have improved as a result. It also examines for the first time: 1. the quality of drinking histories taken from patients following parasuicide; and 2. the quality of illicit drug usage histories.Method: An audit of case notes was undertaken of 114 patients admitted to a district hospital's acute psychiatric wards or assessed following overdose. Two periods were considered; one preceding many of the articles, and the second four years later.Results: There was an overall improvement from 58% of histories in 1988 having no mention of alcohol usage to 25% in 1992. (X2MH=10.57, p<0.01). There was, however, insufficient improvement of quantitative histories to reach statistical significance. Histories taken as part of an overdose assessment were not significantly different from those taken for inpatient admission. In 1992, 27% of patients had any illicit drug usage history recorded which represented a statistically significant improvement (X2MH=5.91, p<0.02) compared with four years earlier.Conclusions: Although improvements have been noted, alcohol and drug histories remain inadequate.

Evaluating quality of science in CGIAR research programs: Use of bibliometrics

2021 ◽  
pp. 003072702110242
Author(s):  
Max Rünzel ◽  
Paolo Sarfatti ◽  
Svetlana Negroustoueva
Keyword(s):  
Review Process ◽  
Research Output ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Bibliometric Indicators ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
Practical Utilization ◽  
Research Programs ◽  
First Time ◽  
Quality Of Research

When evaluating Quality of Science (QoS) in the context of development initiatives, it is essential to define adequate criteria. The objective of this perspective paper is to show how altmetric and bibliometric indicators have been used to support the evaluation of QoS in the 2020 Review of the Phase 2-CGIAR Research Programs (CRPs, 2017–2022), where, for the first time, the Quality of Research for Development (QoR4D) frame of reference has been utilized across the entire CGIAR CRP portfolio. Overall, the CRP review showed a significant output of scientific publications during the period 2017–2020, with 4,872 articles, 220,101 references, and 7.1 citations per article. Additionally, wider interest in scientific publications is demonstrated by good to high altmetrics, with average attention scores ranging from 70.8 to 806.9 with an average of 425.1. The use of selected bibliometrics was shown to be an adequate tool, for use together with other qualitative indicators to evaluate the QoS in the 12 CRPs. The CRP review process clearly demonstrated that standardized, harmonized and consistent data on research output is paramount to provide high-quality quantitative instruments and should be a priority throughout the transition toward One CGIAR. Therefore, we conclude that the QoR4D framework should be augmented by standardized bibliometric indicators embedded in measurement frameworks within the new One CGIAR. Finally, its practical utilization in monitoring and evaluation should be supported with clear guidelines.

scholarly journals Preventive justice: Exploring the coercive power of community protection notices to tackle anti-social behaviour

2021 ◽  
pp. 146247452198980
Author(s):  
Vicky Heap ◽  
Alex Black ◽  
Zoe Rodgers
Keyword(s):  
Due Process ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Coercive Power ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Specific Behaviour ◽  
Preventive Justice ◽  
Community Protection ◽  
First Time ◽  
Detrimental Impact

Community Protection Notices (CPNs) are civil preventive orders used in England and Wales to prevent and/or require specific behaviour by an individual or organisation, where existing conduct has a ‘detrimental impact on the quality of life of those in the locality’. Breach of the notice results in a £100 fine under a Fixed Penalty Notice or a possible criminal conviction. To date, CPNs have tackled an array of perceived anti-social behaviours, ranging from rough sleeping to overgrown gardens. Using Ashworth and Zedner’s preventive justice as an analytical framework, our research qualitatively explores recipients’ experiences of this new tool for the first time. The findings highlight how the operationalisation of CPNs extends the coercive power of the state, with a range of negative consequences relating to the concepts of disproportionality, due process and accountability. We also offer three empirically-grounded recommendations for reforming CPN practices.

scholarly journals P1398 Echocardiographic continuous monitoring of exercise stress test using probe fixation device

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Wdowiak-Okrojek ◽  
P Wejner-Mik ◽  
Z Bednarkiewicz ◽  
P Lipiec ◽  
J D Kasprzak
Keyword(s):  
Image Quality ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Stress Test ◽  
Exercise Stress Test ◽  
Bicycle Ergometer ◽  
Exercise Stress ◽  
Fixation Device ◽  
The Mean ◽  
First Time

Abstract Background Stress echocardiography (SE) plays an important role among methods of noninvasive diagnosis of ischemic disease. Despite the advantages of physical exercise as the most physiologic stressor, it is difficult (bicycle ergometer) or impossible (treadmill) to obtain and maintain the acoustic window during the exercise. Recently, an innovative probe fixation device was introduced and a research plan was developed to assess the feasibility of external probe fixation during exercise echocardiography on a supine bicycle and upright treadmill exercise for the first time. Methods 37 subjects (36 men, mean age 39 ± 16 years, 21 healthy volunteers, 16 patients with suspected coronary artery disease) were included in this study. This preliminary testing stage included mostly men due to more problematic probe fixation in women. All subjects underwent a submaximal exercise stress test on a treadmill (17/37) or bicycle ergometer (11/37). Both sector and matrix probes were used. We assessed semi-quantitatively the quality of acquired apical views at each stage – the four-point grading system was used (0-no view, 1-suboptimal quality, 2-optimal quality, 3-very good quality), 2-3 sufficient for diagnosis. Results The mean time required for careful positioning of the probe and image optimization was 12 ± 3 min and shortened from 13,7 to 11,1 minutes (mean) in first vs second half of the cohort documenting learning curve. At baseline, 9 patients had at least one apical view of quality precluding reliable analysis. Those patients were excluded from further assessment. During stress, 17 patients maintained the optimal or very good quality of all apical views, whereas in 11 patients the quality significantly decreased during the stress test and required probe repositioning. The mean image quality score at baseline was 2,61 ± 0,48 and 2,25 ± 0,6 after exercise. Expectedly, good image quality was easier to obtain and maintain in the supine position (score 2,74 ± 0,44) points as compared with upright position (score 2,25 ± 0,57). Conclusion This preliminary, unique experience with external probe fixation device indicates that continuous acquisition and monitoring of echocardiographic images is feasible during physical exercise, and for the first time ever - also on the treadmill. This feasibility data stem from almost exclusively male patients and the estimated rate of sufficient image quality throughout the entire test is currently around 60%. We are hoping, that gaining more experience with the product could increase the success rate on exercise tests. Abstract P1398 Figure. Treadmill and ergometer stress test

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