Acute Myelopathy in Childhood

Acute myelopathy presenting in childhood can be clinically classified based on the location of injury (with resulting spinal syndrome) or the cause (broadly traumatic or non-traumatic). Types of nontraumatic myelopathy include ischaemic, infectious, inflammatory, nutritional, and metabolic causes, some of which may be part of a systemic illness such as systemic lupus erythematosus or a demyelinating disease such as multiple sclerosis. Nonaccidental injury is an important consideration in cases of traumatic myelopathy, which may often be associated with other injuries. Assessment should include neuroimaging of the brain and spinal cord, with further investigations targeted based on the most likely differential diagnoses; for example, a child with suspected demyelinating disease may require specialist cerebrospinal fluid and serological testing. Management also will differ based on the cause of the myelopathy, with several of these treatments more efficacious with earlier initiation, necessitating prompt recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of children presenting with symptoms of a myelopathy. Important components of holistic care may include physiotherapy and occupational therapy, with multidisciplinary team involvement as required (for example psychological support or specialist bowel and bladder teams).

Risk Management Analysis Using COBIT 4.1 at Vehicle Testing Management Information System

The role of information technology in an organization is growing so fast. Vehicle Testing of Management Information System (VTMIS) is a system that uses information technology to serve users in motor vehicle administration in the Banyumas transportation service area. VTMIS at the Banyumas Transportation Department is an integrated information system for the motor vehicle testing process starting from the registration process, levy payment, and vehicle testing. The purpose of this study is to analyze the risk management at VTMIS in Banyumas Transportation Department using Control Objective for Information and Related Technology (COBIT 4.1) domain Plan and Organize (PO) 9. COBIT 4.1 is a framework for analyzing and ensuring information technology aligns with business management by calculating maturity levels. The data analysis results from the PO9 domain show that VTMIS risk management has a maturity level of 3.46. The maturity level of VTMIS at the Banyumas Transportation Department is at level 3, namely defined, meaning that procedures are in a position of standardization, documentation, and individual communication. The recommendation for VTMIS at the Banyumas Transportation Department needs to carry out risk management in a structured, massive and integrated manner

One of the approaches to the organization of the modern educational process

This paper proposes a new approach to the creation and use of rotational-hybrid model of organizing a modern educational process representing the integration of educational, information communication, testing, management, rotational and other technologies. A visual and mathematical model, an diagram of information and educational system, an algorithm for the rotation of trainees are presented. An approach is proposed for constructing the optimal way to determine the maximum assimilation of disciplines by students in each set of studied disciplines and the formation of its most acceptable subset. The program-algorithmic implementation of the rotational-hybrid model in the form of a universal teaching-testing electronic learning tool is shown. The mathematical basis of the rotational-hybrid model is set theory using graph models, which compare favorably with other mathematical apparatus in visibility and a matrix form of representation that can be easily processed on a computer. The effectiveness of using the developed rotational-hybrid model and its algorithmic implementation is illustrated with the help of developed teaching-testing electronic teaching tool, introduced into educational process at the Department of Information Systems and Technologies of the Institute of Information Technologies of the Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics.

COVID-19 antibody seroprevalence in Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq: A population-based study

Objective This population-based study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in Duhok City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Methods We analyzed the national COVID-19 database that contains data regarding COVID-19 testing, management, and clinical outcomes in Duhok. For this study, different subdistricts within each district of Duhok were considered distinct clusters. Blood samples were collected from and questionnaires were administered to eligible and consenting participants who were members of different families from the subdistricts. Immunoassays were conducted to detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and the associations between certain variables were investigated. Results The average number cases of COVID-19 before November 2020 was 23141 ± 4364, which was significantly higher than the average number of cases between November 2020 and February 2021 (3737 ± 2634; P = 0.001). A total of 743 individuals agreed to participate and were enrolled in the study. Among the participants, 465/743 (62.58%) were found to have antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Among the participants with antibodies, 262/465 (56.34%) denied having any history of COVID-19-related symptoms. The most common symptom was fever (81.77%), followed by myalgia (81.28%). We found that antibody levels increased steadily with age (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.117; P = 0.012). A significant association was found between antibody levels and the presence of symptoms (P = 0.023; odds ratio = 1.0023; 95% confidence interval = 1.0002-1.0061). Conclusions A significant reduction in the number of COVID-19 cases was observed. This might be due to the high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Duhok. However, infection-prevention measures should be followed as it remains unclear whether acquired immunity is protective against reinfection. It expected that the infection rates during the next wave will not be as high as the first wave due to the high infection rate in the society.

A Mathematical Model for Ranking High-Level User Interface Regression Tests

A mathematical model has been developed for ranking high-level verification scenarios (manual tests) when forming a pool of regression tests. The model takes into account the significance of selection methods based on the analysis of previous runs of regression tests, the opinion of the expert group, the specifics of the changes made in the current release, and also has the ability to use an arbitrary number of additional test selection methods. The model can be used to analyze historical data of regression test runs using neural networks in order to identify the most effective approaches to selecting tests for regression testing. The model can be implemented in a software package that interacts with various testing management systems in order to significantly accelerate the formation of a pool of regression tests with a different approach to selection, which can be used by a test engineer of average qualification and without a deep understanding of the features and architecture of the information system being developed.

A Decision Support System for Economically Sustainable Sheep and Goat Farming

The European sheep and goat sector is characterized by low professionalization and management training. Moreover, it is fragmented in terms of production aims and farming systems. Here, iSAGEDSS, a web-based application allowing dairy and meat small ruminant farmers in different countries to make annual management plans by testing future scenarios, is presented. Data were obtained for the meat sheep (United Kingdom and Spain), dairy sheep (France and Greece) and dairy goat production systems (Greece) from partners of the Innovation for Sustainable Sheep and Goat Production in Europe (iSAGE) project. These were used to set default values and ranges for all important farm parameters in each system and country. An algorithm was developed assessing nutritional management and its impact on production and financial performance. Reports focus on profitability, productivity and environmental sustainability. A case study in three dairy sheep farms in Greece was performed. In each case, an evaluation scenario was created using actual farm data that were compared with the estimated ones. Two scenarios testing management decisions for gross margin maximization and milk pricing fluctuations were created. Application results showed high prediction accuracy for gross margin and production estimation (error of circa 9% and 4%, respectively). Moreover, the ability to promote financial, production and grazing management efficiency was demonstrated.

Framework of contradictions shaping bank management: a conceptual paper

Purpose: The paper is an attempt to enter the discussion in the subject literature on elucidating problems in the non-systemic approach to managing the bank as an organization. The purpose of the paper is to identify the contradictions within which banks are managed, and which are aggravated in contingency situations. Due to the sensitive matter of the services they provide, banks are institutions that require special attention particularly now, when the COVID situation is radically testing management quality. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is the result of a literature review. Findings: The epistemological studies conducted have culminated in a framework of contradictory determinants shaping bank management during fast-paced changes in market conditions. The theoretical construct proposed may be a point of departure for empirical verification and further analytic work on the capacity of banks to reconcile the antinomies identified in the paper. Originality/value: The study makes it possible for managers to fill the knowledge gap with respect to areas and implications of the identified contradictions. Awareness of their existence and, as a result, management that supports processes for responding to a volatile environment is particularly useful in crisis situations. The proposed theoretical concept may be applied to identify antinomies or their lack in other areas of management research for various organization types.