Art Center Research Articles

Undetected, natural conception pregnancies in luteal phase stimulations-case series and review of literature.

What is the risk of an undetected natural conception pregnancy during luteal phase ovarian stimulation, and how does it impact the pregnancy's course? The risk for an undetected, natural conception pregnancy in luteal phase ovarian stimulation is low and it appears that ovarian stimulation is unlikely to harm the pregnancy. Random start ovarian stimulation appears to be similarly effective as early follicular stimulation start; and it allows ovarian stimulation to be started independent of the cycle day and throughout the cycle, in accordance with the patients' and clinics' schedule as long as there is no intention of a fresh embryo transfer in the same cycle. Starting ovarian stimulation in the luteal phase bears the possibility of an-at the timepoint of stimulation start-undetected, natural conception pregnancy that has already occurred. There is scarce data on the incidence of this event as well as on the possible implications of ovarian stimulation on the course of an existing pregnancy. This retrospective observational study, performed between June 2017 and January 2024, analyzed luteal phase stimulations, in which a natural conception pregnancy was detected during the ovarian stimulation treatment for IVF/ICSI. Luteal phase stimulation was defined as ovarian stimulation started after ovulation and before the next expected menstrual bleeding, with a serum progesterone (P4) level of >1.5 ng/ml on the day of stimulation start or 1 day before. Women who underwent a luteal phase ovarian stimulation in a tertiary referral ART center. A total of 488 luteal phase stimulation cycles were included in the analysis. Luteal phase stimulation was only started after a negative serum hCG measurement on the day or 1 day before commencement of ovarian stimulation. Ten patients (2.1%) had an undetected natural conception pregnancy at the time of luteal phase stimulation start. Eight of these patients underwent an ovarian stimulation in a GnRH-antagonist protocol and two in a progestin-primed stimulation protocol (PPOS). Recombinant FSH was used as stimulation medication for all patients, the patients with a PPOS protocol received additional recombinant LH. One pregnancy (0.2%) was detected after the oocyte retrieval, the other nine pregnancies were detected either due to persistent high serum progesterone levels or due to an increasing progesterone level after an initial decrease before oocyte retrieval. In the cycles with an undetected natural conception pregnancy, the median number of stimulation days was 8 days (range: 6-11 days) and median serum hCG at detection of pregnancy was 59 IU hCG (range: 14.91-183.1). From 10 patients with a pregnancy, three patients delivered a healthy baby, two patients had ongoing pregnancies at the time of summarizing the data, three patients had biochemical pregnancies (patient age: 30, 39, and 42 years), one patient had an ectopic pregnancy which required a salpingectomy, and one patient (age: 34 years) had an early pregnancy loss. The retrospective study design and the small sample size can limit the accuracy of the estimates. Overall, there is a small risk of undetected natural conception pregnancies when luteal phase stimulation is undertaken. It appears that there are no adverse effects through either direct effect on the embryo or indirectly through a detrimental effect on the corpus luteum function on the pregnancy in our cohort. This study did not receive funding. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest. N/A.

The effect of games on listening and speaking anxiety in learning English

This action research investigates the effect of game technique on reducing English listening and speaking anxiety among fourth-grade primary school students. The study group involved 46 students at a Science and Art Centre in Türkiye. The quantitative data were collected through the English Listening Anxiety Scale and the English Speaking Anxiety Scale administered before and after the implementation. The qualitative data were gathered through student interviews and teacher’s research diary. The dependent samples t-test was used to compare the pre-test and post-test mean scores from the scales. The data from the interviews and the diary were analysed by inductive analysis. Firstly, the findings of the t-test analysis revealed that game technique significantly reduced students’ English listening anxiety, but not English speaking anxiety. On the other hand, the qualitative findings showed that this technique has positive contributions to learning-teaching process although it does not have such an effect on both speaking and listening anxiety. Nevertheless, the analysis of the interviews and the diary also indicated that the technique has a positive influence on the factors that can reduce anxiety such as “willingness to make sentences, not getting bored in lessons, feeling relaxed, thinking quickly, eagerness, and effort”. Considering all the findings in the study, we concluded that using game technique in English courses is not directly effective in reducing English listening and speaking anxiety, but it has positive contributions to the overall learning-teaching process. Finally, the study provides some practical suggestions for teachers.

Assessment of the Quality of Life of Art Defaulters among People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) Visiting Selected Art Centers

Assessment of the Quality of Life of Art Defaulters among People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) Visiting Selected Art Centers

P-211 Development of an artificial intelligence software with consistent laboratory data from a single IVF center: performance of a new interface to predict clinical pregnancy

Abstract Study question How is the performance of a Morphological Artificial Intelligence Assistant (MAIA) on embryo selection to clinical pregnancy prediction? Summary answer MAIA presented a sensibility of 79.8% and specificity of 72.9% to predict a clinical pregnancy and reached a performance of 64.7% on prospective validation test. What is known already Artificial intelligence (AI) tools have gained attention in assisted reproductive treatments. Algorithms for gametes and embryo classification and selection are commercially available in an exponential increasing race. Usually, those algorithms/software are developed based on data acquisition of several ART centers, from different countries and continents, which may overlap some but rarely all clinical and laboratory methodologies and protocols. In this way, the purpose to develop a software restricted to a single center may represent several advantages which is not highlighted at this moment. Here, we developed a full in-house software for embryo selection and prediction of clinical pregnancy. Study design, size, duration MAIA was developed through artificial neural networks technique and genetic algorithms using the input of morphological data from 1.008 sequential transferred blastocysts and known reproductive outcomes (clinical pregnancy, presence of gestational sac and heartbeat). Blastocysts images were obtained from IVF cycles based in a single ART center. All embryos were cultured in a time-lapse incubator (Embryoscope Plus, Vitrolife) and blastocyst digital image processing were analyzed considering 33 mathematic variables. Participants/materials, setting, methods Input data were randomized for training, validation and test (70, 15 and 15%, respectively). From 1008 images, 755 were used for effective AI learning, 174 were used for the blind test and 79 were excluded due to poor embryo visualization. For performance validation, the software was responsible for embryo selection in 34 elective single embryo transfers. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was measured to obtain predictive power. Main results and the role of chance In the blind test (n = 174), 71 embryos were correctly classified as positive for clinical pregnancy (CP) – true positive – and 18 embryos were misclassified as negative for CP. In negative CP, 62 embryos were correctly classified as negative for CP – true negative – and 23 embryos were misclassified as positive for CP. This represented a sensibility of 79.8%, specificity of 72.9% and precision of 75.5% for CP. The AUC was 76.52%. In performance validation, 34 elective single embryo transfers, meaning there were from cycles with more than 1 viable blastocyst for selection, the chosen embryo was decided by MAIA. In those, 22 achieved a clinical pregnancy (64.7%), in which MAIA predicted correctly the CP in 19 (86.4%) – the software may predict that none of embryos available would achieve a CP. From 12 negative outcomes, MAIA predicted in 25% that none of the embryos available would resulted in CP. Overall prediction for positive and negative CP in performance validation was 64.7%. Limitations, reasons for caution MAIA software was built with the database from a single IVF center and its performance may be impacted if used in different ART services. The number of single embryo transfers used to validate the sofware performance is still low. Wider implications of the findings This is a new artificial intelligence software for embryo selection and clinical pregnancy prediction. Different from all available commercial software, MAIA was built in homogenous clinical and laboratory protocols, analyzing the database from a single IVF center, and were able to reach a performance of 64.7% on prospective validation test. Trial registration number Not applicable.

P-755 Effect of female age and specific cycle characteristics on success in modified natural frozen-thawed single euploid embryo transfer cycles (mNC/FET)

Abstract Study question Does the age of woman and specific cycle characteristics impact the success of modified natural frozen-thawed single euploid embryo transfer cycles (mNC/FET)? Summary answer The success rate of mNC/FET cycles is similar in all age groups. As the LH level increased ( above 23.5ng/dL) the success was significantly increased. What is known already The success of frozen embryo transfer can depend on various factors such as the patient’s age, the number of transferred embryos, the duration of embryo culture, and the method used to prepare the endometrium (Holschbach et al. 2023). However, there is currently insufficient evidence in the literature about the effect of age and cycle characteristics on the effectiveness of mNC/FET cycles in patients who have received single top and good quality euploid embryos. Study design, size, duration This study, conducted at Istanbul Memorial Hospital, ART and Reproductive Genetics Center, is a retrospective, single-centre analysis of 583 cycles of euploid mNC/FET in women aged 22-44 years. The study period was from July 2017 to January 2024. The cycles were divided into two groups based on the age of the women. Group A (n = 408) included women under the age of 38, while Group B (n = 175) included women aged 38 or above. Participants/materials, setting, methods The study investigated success predictors in mNC/FET with top and good-quality embryos. Excluded were women with recurrent pregnancy losses, recurrent implantation failure, high BMI (>35kg/m2), uterine/endometrial problems, severe male infertility, and autoimmune diseases. The mNC/FET success was a pregnancy lasting 12 weeks or more. The analysis included patient demographics and cycle outcomes. Chi-square, t-tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests assessed variables with a p-value < 0.005, indicating statistical significance. Main results and the role of chance No significant demographic differences were observed between the two groups, except for AMH levels. AMH levels were significantly higher in younger group than older group (3.02 ng/ml vs. 1.96 ng/ml, p = 0.000). The mNC/FET success rates were similar, with 76% in the younger group and 73% in the older group. Estradiol levels the day before trigger day were significantly higher in older group (278.02 pg/ml vs. 237.84pg/ml, p = 0.028). Both groups had similar mean LH levels (32.50 IU/L and 32.41 IU/L, respectively), estradiol levels and endometrial thickness on the trigger day. In the younger group, LH rise was observed later, follicular phase was longer, and embryo transfer day was later than the older group (p = 0.001). Univariate regression analysis revealed that increased LH level was an important independent variable in achieving mNC/FET success, with a 1.001-fold increase (p = 0.043). The LH levels of 23.5 IU/L or higher predicted high mNC/FET success with 60% sensitivity and 43% specificity based on the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve. (AUC: 0.606, %95 CI 0.540-0.671, p = 0.002). Prolonged infertility duration and previous ET failures reduced mNC/FET success by 0.889 and 0.544-fold, respectively (p = 0.002, p < 0.001). Higher β-hCG levels on days 14 and 16 increased mNC/FET success by 1.038-fold and 1.008-fold, respectively (p < 0.001). Limitations, reasons for caution Our study has limitations as it was retrospective. Prospective randomized studies are needed to evaluate the differences between the young (age <38) and old patient groups (age ≥38) based on mNC/FET success. The association between LH rise and mNC/FET success needs verification with a larger sample. Wider implications of the findings The mNC/FET success rates are similar in young (age <38) and old patient groups (age ≥38). However, prolonged infertility duration and previous failed ET cycles decreased the success of mNC/FET. Additionally, It is important to schedule trigger time after the optimum LH rise, which is 23.5 IU/L or higher. Trial registration number not applicable

P-535 Effect of advanced female age (AFA) on the ratio of patients receiving mosaic embryo transfers

Abstract Study question How does female age affect ratio of patients with at least one euploid embryo (≥1EE) and at least one mosaic embryo without any euploid ones(≥1ME)? Summary answer Percentage of patients receiving mosaic embryo transfers increases with female age. What is known already Introduction of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to the area of Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) has enabled detection of mosaicism in human embryos. Studies reporting the birth of healthy babies after the transfer of embryos with a chromosomal mosaic result on PGT-A have been published (Greco et al., 2015; Kahraman et al., 2020; Viotti et al., 2021 and 2023). Data suggested lower implantation rates and higher miscarriage rates when mosaics were compared with euploid embryo transfers. The percentage of mosaic embryos in overall tested embryos decreases with increased maternal age, similar to euploid embryos’ decline (Sanders et al., 2023). Study design, size, duration This retrospective study includes 7287 cycles with PGT-A performed between January 2017 and December 2023. Number of biopsied blastocysts was 21,277 and all were tested with NGS. All PGT-A testing was conducted on Ion Torrent S5 (Thermo Fisher Scientific) according to the manufacturer guidelines. The mosaic embryo reporting thresholds were determined as 20 to 80%. Participants/materials, setting, methods Euploidy ratio (ER) was defined as (euploid embryos (n)/ all tested embryos(n)). Mosaicism ratio (MR) was defined as (mosaic embryos (n)/all tested embryos(n)). Alternative mosaicism ratio (AMR) was defined as the number of mosaic embryos divided by the sum of euploid embryos and mosaic embryos. In other words, AMR can be defined as the number of mosaic embryos divided by non-aneuploid embryos. Female ages were divided into five categories: FAG1:<35, FAG2:35-37, FAG3:38-40, FAG4:41-42, FAG5:>42. Main results and the role of chance The number of cycles, total number and average biopsied embryos with standard deviations were highest in FA1 and declined with AFA: FAG1:2537, 9298, 3.7±2.2; FAG2:1348, 4140, 3.1±1.7; FAG3:1701, 4298, 2.5±1.6; FAG4: 958,2116, 2.2±1.5; FAG5:738, 2407, 1.9±1.2. ER and MR were observed to decrease with AFA: FAG1:%48.4, %15.2; FAG2:%39.0, %12.7; FAG3:%26.5, %10.5; FAG4:%14.9, %6.0; FAG5:%5.0, %2.6. This decrease was statistically significant (p < 0.0001, Chi-Square Test). However, when AMR was calculated among age groups, AMR was increasing with AFA: FAG1:%23.9; FAG2:%24.6; FAG3:%28.5;FAG4:%28.7; FAG5:%34.5 and this was also statistically significant (p = 0.0002, Chi-Square Test). Correlation of MR and AMR with female age groups were tested with Pearson correlation coefficient and MR was found to be negatively correlated with AFA whereas AMR was positively correlated (r=-0.19, p < 0.0001; r = 0.07, p < 0.0001, respectively). The ratio of patients with ≥1EE and ≥1ME was found to be decreasing with AFA when compared to overall tested cycles: FAG1: %83%, %7; FAG2: %69, %9; FAG3: %47, %11; FAG4: %28, %9; FAG5: %9, %4. However, the ratio of ≥ 1ME in cycles with transferrable embryos significantly increased with AFA consisting of more than one fourth of embryo transfer cycles above 38 years of age: FAG1: %7; FAG2: %12; FAG3: %19; FAG4: %24; FAG5: 31%. Limitations, reasons for caution These are the results of a single ART and Reproductive Genetics Center with its strictly defined standard operating procedures for PGT-A testing and ovarian stimulation protocols. Although not expected, different PGT-A testing methodologies or stimulation protocols may influence the above-mentioned outcomes. Wider implications of the findings The alternative mosaicism ratio defined here is generally overlooked but impacts the treatment strategies of ART patients, specifically for the advanced maternal age groups. Trial registration number not applicable

P-163 Does severe endometriosis (SE) have an effect on embryo morphokinetic parameters?

Abstract Study question Does severe endometriosis (SE) have an effect on embryo morphokinetic parameters? Summary answer Severe endometriosis may have an effect on embryonic cell divisions and could change morphokinetic parameters of in vitro developing embryos. What is known already Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of infertility that affects approximately one third of women who apply for in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Controversial results were reported regarding the effect of endometriosis on both morphological and dynamic characteristics of embryos so far. Study design, size, duration This was a retrospective comparative analysis including a total of 1280 embryos (SE: 729, Tubal factor (control): 551) of 241 patients (SE: 134, control: 107) that were incubated at Time-Lapse Monitoring System (TLM) in Memorial Sisli Hospital, ART and Reproductive Genetics Center between October 2011 and July 2023. Patients with ≥ 38 years, BMI ≥ 30 and partners having severe male factor (sperm concentration: <5 mil/ml) were excluded from the study. Participants/materials, setting, methods Severe endometriosis was defined as Grade III and IV according to ASRM classification. IMSI (Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection) was performed to all oocytes. Embryos were evaluated according to Gardner’s classification. Fertilization rates were assessed using Chi-square test. Morphokinetic parameters of embryos were compared by Student’s t-test using SPSS 28.0. Main results and the role of chance There was a homogenous distribution in terms of female age, BMI, basal FSH, AMH levels, total and mature (MII) oocyte count between study groups. Abnormal fertilization rate was higher in SE group than controls ( 4.3% vs 2.4%, p = 0.035). All morphokinetic parameters were found significantly delayed in the SE group than in the control group (p < 0.05), however, no statistical significance was obtained in terms of tSC and tEB (p > 0.05). Duration of first, second and third embryo cell cycles (ECC1, ECC2, and ECC3), synchronization of cell divisions (S2: t4-t3) and cleavage patterns (S3: t8-t5) were also found statistically significant between SE and control groups (p < 0.05). Limitations, reasons for caution The major limitation of this small-sized, retrospective study is that clinical outcomes of the embryos were not assessed. Wider implications of the findings Delayed development was observed in the embryos of SE patients. Prospective studies with larger cohorts are needed to have a better understanding between severe endometriosis and embryo morphokinetics. Trial registration number Not applicable

P-579 Is the use of donated oocytes effective to reestablish live birth rates? Reproductive outcomes of 5313 euploid embryo transfers in autologous versus egg donation cycles

Abstract Study question Is live birth rate of autologous versus donor cycles similar after a euploid embryo transfer? Summary answer The live birth rate was significantly higher in autologous cycles after a euploid embryo transfer. What is known already Advanced maternal age (AMA) is a detrimental factor for patients to achieve a successful outcome in ART. Physiological ovarian aging negatively affects oocyte quality and quantity. Thus, the number of cycles with donated oocytes is increasing for AMA patients worldwide, with the perspective of surpass the oocyte factor and achieve a live birth in similar rates as younger patients. The goal of this study was to compare the live birth rates of autologous versus donor cycles after a euploid embryo transfer. Study design, size, duration Observational cohort study including all patients of IVF cycles with a euploid embryo transfer after PGT-A (NGS technology), according to medical referral between Jan/2016 and Dec/2020 (n = 3623 patients and 4025 cycles) in a private ART center. Participants/materials, setting, methods Reproductive outcomes between autologous and egg donation cycles were compared and data were analyzed in the follow subgroups: cycles with a fresh oocyte and fresh embryo transfer (FRESH), frozen embryo transfer (FET) and fresh embryo transfer from frozen oocytes (FOT). Positive pregnancy test (PPT), clinical pregnancy (CP), clinical miscarriage (CM) and live birth (LB) rates were compared. Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher test were applied for statistical analysis, significance was considered if p < 0,05. Main results and the role of chance In total, 3623 patients – 88.9% autologous and 11.1% with donated oocytes – were included. They performed 4025 ETs (3591/434) with 5313 biopsied blastocysts (4736/577) in a mean of 1,32/1,33 blastocysts per transfer in autologous/donated cycles respectively. The majority of patients using autologous and donated oocytes underwent a FET (97,2% and 63,1%), followed by FOT (1,5% and 34,7%) and FRESH (1,3% and 2,2%, respectively). Mean maternal age in autologous and donor cycles was 37,76±3,9yo and 43,47±4,26yo and oocyte donors were 24,99±3,86yo. In subgroups, autologous patients in FRESH were 38,33±2,69 yo, similar in FET (37,73±3,93 yo) and older in FOT, 39,25±3,93 yo (p = 0,03). Patients in donor cycles showed no difference in age. PPT and CP were similar in autologous and donated cycles (PPT: 59,2% vs 54,8%, p = 0.08; CP: 52,2% vs 48,2%, p = 0.11). In subgroup analysis, PPT and CP were higher in donated cycles vs autologous cycles for FOT (PPT: 50,7% vs 33,3%, p = 0.004; CP: 40,7% vs 20,8%, p = 0.01). Overall, CM were higher in donated cycles (15,5% vs 10,6%, p = 0.03), especially after FET (16,8% vs 10,6%, p = 0.025). LB rates were higher in autologous compared to donated cycles (37,8% vs 29,5%, p = 0.0007). There was no significant difference in LB rates in subgroup analysis. Limitations, reasons for caution This is a large cohort study; however, we cannot exclude potential bias due its retrospective nature. Including only euploid embryos, we excluded bias on ploidy status when comparing autologous versus donated oocytes cycles, yet the potential harmful of embryo biopsy may not be neglect. Wider implications of the findings Live birth rate was significantly higher in autologous cycles after a euploid embryo transfer, regardless of subgroups. AMA patients that choose to undergo an IVF treatment with donated oocytes should be aware that there are other important factors related to a successful reproductive outcome, including immunological adaptation and endometrial aging. Trial registration number Not applicable.

P-341 From cross-border reproduction to embryos and gametes transit: the peculiar italian case examined from ethical, legal, and comparative standpoint

Abstract Study question Is the transportation of gametes and embryos by land or air from a foreign country the solution for the lack of donors supply in Italy? Summary answer In Italy, post-2014 Court ruling made heterologous fertilization legal. Yet, gamete acquisition is tough, pushing clinics to foreign banks, facing transport risks. What is known already The international flow of human gametes, expanding due to the growth in reproductive medicine, is regulated by European Directives aiming for uniform EU regulations to maximize health protection via standardized quality and safety. However, diverse national regulations, especially regarding gamete donation, create complex scenarios. In Italy, for instance, regulatory constraints and insufficient legislative support force ART centers to import gametes, mainly from Spain, leading to ongoing cross-border transport of biological material, a process fraught with challenges. Study design, size, duration This study reviews European and Italian regulations on human cell and tissue circulation, focusing particularly on Italy. Directive 2004/23/EC, initiated by the European Parliament and Council, aims to regulate the use of human reproductive biological material, promoting donorship and uniform quality and safety standards across EU member states. Later Directives, including (EU) 2015/566, specifically address gamete transfer within the EU, differentiating between intra-EU distribution and import from non-EU countries. Participants/materials, setting, methods We have meticulously analyzed the legislation applied by the European and non-European states included in the study, examined the role of the European legislator, and conducted a comparative analysis of the effects produced on society. Official data published on this topic by the Italian Ministry of Health have also been collected and analyzed. Main results and the role of chance Aligning with both national and European legal frameworks, as well as adhering to scientific guidelines, is crucial for the secure transport of gametes and embryos. The importance of effective risk management and minimizing liability cannot be overstated, requiring clear communication about consent, transport methods, data sharing, and managing unforeseen events. Despite efforts, European legislation struggles to harmonize effectively, ensuring uniform rights across the continent. In Italy, the demand for donated sperm and oocytes has surged following the invalidation of certain legal restrictions on the use of donated gametes. However, the availability of donated human gametes within Italy falls short of meeting this demand. According to the Italian Ministry of Health, in 2020, there were over 3,100 requests for donated oocytes, but only 60 instances of fresh oocyte donations were recorded in Italy, necessitating imports primarily from Spain. A key factor in the low donation rates is Italy’s ban on compensating donors for their inconvenience and lost work time. Similarly, semen donations in Italy are inadequate, with 75% of male gametes imported from abroad. The lack of financial incentives, coupled with the significant influence of the Catholic Church and limited public awareness about infertility issues, contributes to Italy’s shortage of donors. Limitations, reasons for caution Not applicable. Wider implications of the findings The absence of a decision by the Italian legislator regarding the issue of donors leads to various problems: we refer to the costs that affect the centers, inevitably impacting patients who opt for treatment in Italy; or, conversely, in the travel costs for those who decide to seek treatment abroad. Trial registration number not applicable

O-181 It takes more than genes to build a family

Abstract Sperm donation has been known to mankind possibly for a very long time, although first medical reports come from the late 18th century. Initially, most inseminations in married couples were homologous, involving the husband’s semen. The first publicized breakthrough that came in 1884 would today be considered unethical, as an anesthetized woman was subjected to an injection of semen from a handsome (as duly reported) student of medicine, without any consent of both her and her spouse. The veil of secrecy that covered heterologous insemination was finally lifted when Dr Mary Barton openly acknowledged the practice in her clinic and published the first manual on “artificial insemination.” It set the ethical standards for such procedures—including mutual anonymity of donors and recipients and maintaining absolute secrecy of the fact of donor insemination—for decades to come. The cost was of course the lost identity of the conceived children and the often reported emotional detachment of the fathers from their social, but not genetical, offspring. The grave consequences of the limited pool of donors were yet to be discovered with the advent of DNA testing. In the UK, Barton’s husband and another collaborator were confirmed to father at least 100 children each. In the Netherlands, the country was shaken by the case of Jan Karbaat who used the sperm of an anonymous donor—who probably should not have even passed psychological screening—to bring more than 200 babies to the world. Suddenly, lots of adults learnt of the existence of their never expected siblings. Concomitantly, more and more parents revealed the fact of donor conception to their children motivated by openness. The secrets could not be held any longer and Joanna Rose was the first British woman that won a court case in 2002 against her own country that was wilfully breaking her right to respect for private and family life guaranteed by European Convention on Human Rights. The proponents of open donation found support also in Convention on the Rights of the Child. More and more countries started enforcing either open or at least double-track donation from then on. However, even more legislations blissfully ignore these ethical developments and maintain complete anonymity of the donor insemination procedures. This is where my personal story begins, as a father of twins born in 2012 from in vitro fertilization thanks to the semen of an anonymous donor. At that time, Poland even did not have an actual law on fertility treatment. The ART centres adopted their own policies on anonymous donation and signed contracts with their patients on a case by case basis. The legal status in my country was further cemented with the long overdue adoption in 2015 of Act on Fertility Treatment that forbids non-anonymous donation and even excludes the prospective parents from the decision process on the choice of the donor. The burden of partially lost identity of my kids will be with me possibly my entire life. But I don’t want it to cast a shadow on our family relations. We have to deal with my non-genetic fatherhood one way or another. We maintain our family ties in full knowledge of the fact of the existence of some unnamed benefactor that made this possible. Maybe one day my children will find some unsuspected genetic relatives via increasingly popular public DNA banks if they choose so, thus sticking together parts of their identity. Only time will tell.

Common Backgrounds of Students in the Field of Visual Arts at Science and Art Centers (SAC)

Introduction: Gifted and talented students in visual arts are known for their abilities such as keen observation, imagination, and fine motor skills. There are numerous studies highlighting the drawing characteristics, behavioral patterns in visual arts, and differences from typical children exhibited by these students. However, research on the factors influencing their artistic development and the underlying elements remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the common backgrounds of artistically gifted and talented students in their immediate surroundings, including family and social environments. Method: This research, utilizing qualitative research methodology, is designed as an embedded single-case study. The study involved 10 students, eight girls and two boys, who qualified for art education in the field of painting at the Science and Art Center (SAC) in İzmit., a support center for gifted and talented students, during the 2022-2023 academic year. Both students and their parents participated in the study. Data obtained through semi-structured interview questions were descriptively analyzed in alignment with the research questions. Findings: Four main themes emerged from the research, namely “Roles,” “Approval,” “Firsts,” and “Differences.” The study indicates that family plays a crucial role as the most critical component in the talent development and success of artistically gifted and talented students. The demographic structure of families and their attitudes toward art are considered significant factors in the artistic development of their gifted children. Discussion: Discovering the talents of gifted and talented students, supporting them accurately, and utilizing their skills in appropriate fields would contribute to the national interest. Therefore, closely monitoring and discovering the interests of gifted children, along with providing support in those areas, are crucial factors in developing their talents.

Examining the Opinions of School Principals on Being a Principal in Science and Art Centre (BILSEM)

Examining the Opinions of School Principals on Being a Principal in Science and Art Centre (BILSEM)

Vertical Collusion And Re-Running Tender: A Study Of The Decision Of The Indonesian Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) NO: 17/KPPU-L/2022

This study was conducted to analyze the Business Competition Supervisory Commission's consideration of re-tendering as a vertical conspiracy, as well as to examine arrangements for the application of re-tendering that provide legal certainty for project owners and tender participants. This research uses qualitative normative methods involving steps such as statutory studies, case studies, and conceptual approaches. This research uses a statutory approach to examine related regulations, a case approach to analyze decisions related to tender conspiracy, and a conceptual approach to understand relevant legal ideas and concepts. The results showed that the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) concluded that there was a tender conspiracy in the process of canceling and re-running the tender by PT Jakarta Propertindo (Perseroda). Where PT Jakarta Propertindo (Perseroda) is a company officially assigned by the Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta to plan, build, manage, and maintain the Jakarta Arts Center Taman Ismail Marzuki. The Commission Panel found that the Reported Party I, which canceled the tender without a valid reason and could not be accounted for, deliberately did so to facilitate the Reported Party II and the Reported Party III to win the tender. Changes in the assessment procedures, especially in the experience aspect of the technical assessment, proved the intent of the Procurement Team to increase the technical scores of the Reported Party II and the Reported Party III. Thus, it confirms the role of KPPU in prohibiting vertical conspiracy and re-tendering in the practice of goods and services procurement, which provides legal certainty for project owners and tender participants

МОНАСТЫРЬ САРЬДАГИЙН ХИЙД УНДУР ГЭГЭНА ДЗАНАБАЗАРА И ИСКУССТВО ГЛИНЯНЫХ БУДДИЙСКИХ СКУЛЬПТУР

Within the framework of the project «The settlements of Mongolia of the XVII century», led by the academician S. Chuluun, the expedition of the Institute of History and Ethnology of the Academy of Sciences of Mongolia worked in the Erdene somon of the Central aimag in 2013-2020. As the result of the archaeological expeditions, the materials connected with the history of Mongolia in the XVII century as the Mongolian Buddhism, urban planning, architecture and art history were rediscovered and explored. The results were introduced into scientific circulation and conributed significantly to the research of this period. The article considers the sculptural works of Undur Gegen Dzanabazar on the basis of the data from the written sources and results of the archaeological research. The construction of the Ribogejaylin Gandan Shadduvlin Monastery (in Tib.: རི་བོ་དགེ་རྒྱས་དགའ་ལྡན་བཤད་སྒྲུབ་གླིང་།; Wylie: ri bo dge rgyas dga’ ldan bshad sgrub gling), now known as Сарьдагийн хийд monastery, dates back to 1654-1686. The monastery was built by the first Khalkha Bogdo Gegen Zhavzandamba hhutugt Undur Gegen Dzanabazar. The article considers the problem of the clay sculptures of the Buddhist deities connected with the creativity and works of Undur Gegen Dzanabazar, which were discovered during the archaeological excavations made at the site of the monastrery ruins. It is suggested that this monastery had been the main artistic center of the creativity of Undur Gegen Dzanabazar.

Strategies of Displacement in Artists’ Periodicals from the 1970s: <i>Neon de Suro</i>, <i>Schmuck</i>, <i>Commonpress</i>, and <i>La Città di Riga</i>

During the 1960s and 1970s, artists’ periodicals flourished as a new artistic medium. Strikingly, artists behind these alternative publications often claimed a peripheral position, assuming a geographical anchorage far from the capitals and main artistic centres. This paper addresses how the notion of periphery manifests itself in four European artists’ periodicals published during the 1970s. It will focus on their distribution strategies, their ideological positioning, the works they disseminated, and the artists’ writings and statements they featured. First, the analysis of three European alternative periodicals — Neon de Suro (Spain, 1975–82), Schmuck Magazine (England, 1972–76), and Commonpress (Poland, 1977–91) — will highlight how a peripheral position far from the capitals and the main artistic poles could become a strength, even a real editorial strategy. Such preoccupations were not, however, reserved for artists outside the official art scene: the question of periphery also found its place, albeit in different ways, in more institutionalized periodicals. This will be evident in the case of the Italian periodical La Città di Riga (1976–77), the focus of the second part of this paper, which negotiated the idea of centre and periphery right from its name. Through the case studies of these four periodicals and the analysis of coeval theoretical contributions, this paper aims to shape an elastic notion of the relationship between centre and periphery, at the same time derived from and applicable to the experimental editorial strategies of artists’ periodicals from the 1970s.

Application of Deaf Space in the Interior of Creativity and Art Center for the Deaf

Application of Deaf Space in the Interior of Creativity and Art Center for the Deaf

The Impact of Japan's Cultural Diplomacy on the Construction of Japan's Traditional Cultural Soft Power

After World War II, Japan improved its national image and soft power through a series of cultural diplomacy tools. Cultural diplomacy aims to enhance understanding and friendship among the peoples of different countries through culture-related means of external communication. Soft power, on the other hand, refers to the third aspect of a country's strength, in addition to economic and military power. Japan's cultural diplomacy has a profound impact on the construction of its traditional cultural soft power. This article adopts a longitudinal single-case study approach to sort out Japan's traditional culture, including cultural heritage, traditional skills, spiritual culture, and national character. The article finds that Japan has enhanced its goodwill towards Japan in Europe, America and Southeast Asia through its active participation in international co-operation, reform and strategic positioning of government institutions, development of tourism, cultural and artistic exchanges, and promotion of celebrity masterpieces. This suggests that the building of Japan's traditional cultural soft power can be translated into favorable feelings towards Japan among people in other countries. However, the inherent closedness of traditional culture and history-related traditional culture are the obstacles that need to be overcome in the construction of Japan's traditional cultural soft power.

Arts Practice as the Daily Extraordinary: A Philosophy of Inclusivity

AbstractTo conceive a philosophy of art education that is removed from actual practice would belie the extraordinary experience of developing and making practice. In this article, I propose to explore the philosophical implications of art practice being an experience of the ‘daily extraordinary.’ A view of practice as being at once stretching and comfortable, takes the artist and viewer's responses to the strangeness of the everyday: the delightful, the shocking, or even the miraculous, in what appear to be simple and mundane experiences. If we perceive learning in the arts as a pursuit of ideas, affect and expression that occurs in regular practice, there is an inclusivity that renders both learning in the arts and philosophy of art education accessible to everyone. In this article I will refer to the Goldsmiths Centre for Arts and Learning's research programme of 2022–2023, in which events and connected teaching activities practised being All For the Arts. With visiting speakers, museums and galleries and postgraduate students, CAL researched how the vitality and challenge of art practice, which includes the individualities and expression of persons and histories made ordinary and invisible, could bring the value of learning in the arts to the fore. Including reflections from contributors such as John Baldacchino, A Particular Reality, Carol Wild, Danny Braverman, Raphael Vella, Kevin Tavin and Andrea Kárpáti, we explored inclusivity in art practice from the daily extraordinary of each speaker's developments in educational research. Also, in the company of representatives from arts organisations such as Entelechy Arts, Autograph ABP, Whitechapel Gallery, Young V&A and Bow Arts, we considered the amazing and essential factors of inclusivity in the arts – that could be encountered on a daily basis. I will gather meeting points here among this incredible range of contributors.

Investigation of the Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Perceived Social Support of Gifted Students

Introduction: This research aimed to analyze the levels of psychological resilience in terms of different variables, self-efficacy, and perceived social support among gifted students, investigate the relationships between these variables, and examine the predictive power of self-efficacy and perceived social support on psychological resilience. Method: The study involved 232 gifted middle school students from six different Science and Art Centers in Turkey. Participants completed the Demographic Information Form, Child and Adolescence Resilience Scale, Self-Efficacy Scale for Children, and Social Support Evaluation Scale for Children and Adolescents. Findings: The findings revealed significant differences in psychological resilience scores based on gender, grade, and participation in social/sportive activities. Positive relationships were observed among psychological resilience, emotional self-efficacy, academic self-efficacy, social self-efficacy, total self-efficacy, perceived social support from family, peers, and teachers, and total perceived social support. Self-efficacy and perceived social support were identified as significant predictors of psychological resilience in gifted students. Discussion: Enhancing the levels of self-efficacy and perceived social support, as well as promoting participation in social/sportive activities, can contribute to the psychological resilience of gifted students. There is a positive relationship between self-efficacy, perceived social support, and psychological resilience in gifted students. As the levels of self-efficacy and perceived social support increase, the psychological resilience of gifted students also increases.

Round-table conversation on crip, dance and choreography in Belgium

Belgium is internationally renowned for its vibrant contemporary dance scene. Since the advent of the so-called ‘Flemish Wave’ in the late 1980s, it has been home to not only renowned companies like Rosas, Les Ballets C de la B, Ultima Vez and Damaged Goods but also a thriving community of lesser-known choreographers. Additionally, the country also houses several important art centres for dance, as well as the internationally acclaimed school for contemporary dance, P.A.R.T.S. Amidst this dynamic scene, however, a silence looms – a scarcity of inclusivity, particularly the absence of disabled and crip performers. Even though trailblazing choreographers like Alain Platel and Wim Vandekeybus have long pushed against traditional bodily norms, integrating non-trained dancers into their works, Belgium’s disability-centred dance scene remains relatively small, lagging behind its UK and US counterparts. In this round-table, we – Jonas Rutgeerts and Leni Van Goidsenhoven – joined forces with Fanny Vandesande, Anna Dujardin, Saïd Gharbi, Lisi Estaras and Inge Blockmans to delve into the positioning of disabled dancers and choreographers in Flanders. Together, we explored the burgeoning recognition of disability and crip aesthetics in this vibrant dance landscape.