Early Entry Research Articles

Early offer students – how do they fare compared to other cohorts?

Early offer programs have been increasing across the higher education sector in Australia in recent years, allowing school leavers to be assessed on criteria other than ATAR. There are mixed opinions on the value of early offer programs. This research evaluates the performance and experience of early offer students in the Faculty of Science and Health at Charles Sturt University, NSW. We found that in most fields of education, early offer students have lower progress rates than students who entered based on ATAR, but not compared to the cohort as a whole. In addition, we found that predicted ATAR is often significantly lower than final ATAR. This paper forms the beginning of a work in progress, but these early results suggest that the early entry process needs to be carefully managed to ensure equity in the offers process and appropriate supports for this cohort to increase their probability of success.

Impact of Competitive Strategies on Market Entry and Growth in Emerging Economies in Japan

Purpose: The study sought to analyze the impact of competitive strategies on market entry and growth in emerging economies in Japan
 Materials and Methods: The study adopted a desktop methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library
 Findings: the study on competitive strategies in emerging economies in Japan revealed that cost leadership strategies facilitated successful market entry, while differentiation strategies promoted long-term growth. Strategic alliances with local firms were crucial for overcoming barriers, and early entry provided a competitive edge. Adapting strategies to Japan's unique cultural and regulatory context was deemed essential for success in emerging markets.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends fosters a win-win scenario where foreign firms can thrive, and the host economy benefits from increased investments and job opportunities. Developing local talent and transferring knowledge to the local workforce is crucial for long-term growth. Both firms and governments should invest in skill development programs and knowledge transfer initiatives. Firms should prioritize hiring and training local talent, while governments can incentivize such efforts through grants and tax incentives. This practice-policy collaboration ensures that emerging economies can benefit not only from the capital but also from the knowledge and expertise brought by foreign firms.

A longitudinal, narrative case-study of interprofessional socialization among pharmacy students

IntroductionDespite growing evidence that interprofessional education (IPE) develops students' attitudes and competencies towards collaboration, there is a lack of theoretical, longitudinal research to inform the development of IPE initiatives. The purpose of this study was to examine pharmacy student interprofessional identity development during early professional and interprofessional socialization experiences in the pharmacy curriculum and at early entry into pharmacy practice. MethodsThis longitudinal, narrative case study used one-on-one, semi-structured interviews conducted at four time points; pre-entry, end of first term, end of first year, and two years post-graduation. Data were analyzed by narrative analysis. ResultsThree participants completed interviews at all four time points. Narratives revealed that participants focused on understanding the roles of pharmacists and other health professionals during early pharmacy curriculum and IPE experiences. Expansion of profession-specific role understanding and confronting pre-existing views or stereotypes were an emphasis early in the curriculum. Participants most valued IPE opportunities that allowed them to enact their own role while working with others in authentic case-based, simulated, or experiential experiences that enabled the development of professional relationships. Interprofessional identity development early upon entry into pharmacy practice varied based on the practice setting context and the ability to form relationships with other health care providers. ConclusionsThis study provides a preliminary exploration into the process of early interprofessional socialization for pharmacy students. Understanding the process of interprofessional identity development may affirm or enhance understanding of IPE curricula; further exploration in pharmacy curricula and practice is warranted.

The phenuivirus Toscana virus makes an atypical use of vacuolar acidity to enter host cells.

Toscana virus is a major cause of arboviral disease in humans in the Mediterranean basin during summer. However, early virus-host cell interactions and entry mechanisms remain poorly characterized. Investigating iPSC-derived human neurons and cell lines, we found that virus binding to the cell surface was specific, and 50% of bound virions were endocytosed within 10 min. Virions entered Rab5a+ early endosomes and, subsequently, Rab7a+ and LAMP-1+ late endosomal compartments. Penetration required intact late endosomes and occurred within 30 min following internalization. Virus entry relied on vacuolar acidification, with an optimal pH for viral membrane fusion at pH 5.5. The pH threshold increased to 5.8 with longer pre-exposure of virions to the slightly acidic pH in early endosomes. Strikingly, the particles remained infectious after entering late endosomes with a pH below the fusion threshold. Overall, our study establishes Toscana virus as a late-penetrating virus and reveals an atypical use of vacuolar acidity by this virus to enter host cells.

Does the first generic exclusivity system provide an economic incentive for early generic entrance under the patent linkage system?

A period of exclusivity for the first generics, as part of the patent linkage system, was established in South Korea to provide an economic incentive for early generic entry. This study describes the dynamics of generic penetration and assesses the first mover market share advantages under the patent linkage system. Pairs of originators and their corresponding generics granted the first generic exclusivity from 2015 to 2020 were identified. We categorized generics into first movers and latecomers, described the penetration curves of generics, and estimated the saturated market share of generics, first movers, and latecomers. Volume-based monthly prescriptions were used to describe the generics' penetration curves. A logistic growth model was adopted to estimate the saturated market shares of generics. We identified 28 pairs of originators and generics, presented penetration curves, and estimated generics market shares. The saturated market share of generics was 30%, and the time to saturation was approximately 33 months. The shapes of penetration varied by nationality, route, and number of generics. The existence of latecomers was associated with the decreased penetration speed over time and decreased market share of generics. However, the first mover market share advantages or latecomers' disadvantages were consistently observed. The generic uptake in South Korea is delayed, limited, and context-dependent. However, first generics' market share advantage suggests that a period of exclusivity, as part of the patent linkage system, could provide an economic incentive for early generic entrance.

THE EFFECTS OF THE LOWERED COMPULSORY SCHOOL ENTRY AGE ON THE CURRICULUM

The question at what age a child should start compulsory education raises debates both in the scientific and public interest contexts. This topic is also relevant all over the world, but a uniform answer is still not found, so the problem of the research emerges - the disclosure of the prerequisites for the change of the educational content during early primary education. The article raises questions related to the possibilities and assumptions of early school entry age for children and the structuring of educational content. 12 education experts and 6 preschool and primary education pedagogues participated in the study. Qualitative research methodology was chosen for this study: semi-structured interview and group discussion methods. During the research, 4 main topics were distinguished. They are as follows: relevance of lowering the school entry age of children; changes in the educational content when the educational age is advanced; characteristics of age change; change processes taking place in the education system. The research findings state that in order to lower the compulsory school age and achieve quality education, it is necessary to reform the educational content: educational programs must be reviewed, reasoned and changed, educational methods and tools must be selectedin a more detailed way, new educational environments created and developed, the evaluation system has to be changed, and teachers must be properly trained to work with younger children.

Determinants of Marital Instability in Ibadan, Nigeria

The economic and social desirability of marital stability is shown by its promotion of di-vision of labor, risk pooling, and encouragement of healthy behavior, while unstable mar-riages are linked to negative outcomes such as psychological and financial distress, im-paired child development, and long-term health challenges. It is worth noting that, while previously high divorce rates in developed countries appear to be slowing down, the op-posite might occur in developing countries. However, few studies have empirically ex-amined the causes of marital instability in developing countries. This study sought to em-pirically investigate marital instability in Nigeria by focusing on its key influencing fac-tors. The study collected data from 186 individuals in the urban and rural areas of Ibadan, the third most populous city in Nigeria, and used multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate three marital states: divorce, separation, and widowhood. The results show that marriage duration, number of children, and marriage entry age have a substantial in-fluence on marital instability. The risk of divorce follows a U-shaped pattern, with the risk falling from age 26 to 30 and rising again until age 46. Thus, addressing the causes of ear-ly and late marriage entry could improve marital stability in Nigeria. Keywords: Household economics; Marital instability; Marriage market

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and incidence of microvascular complications of diabetes in patients with type 2 diabetes: a prospective cohort study.

To investigate the association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver enzymes with the incidence of microvascular complications (neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy) in a cohort of Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes. For a total population of 3123 patients with type 2 diabetes, a prospective study was designed for 1215 patients with NAFLD and 1908 gender and age-matched control patients without NAFLD. The two groups were followed for a median duration of 5 years for the incidence of microvascular complications. The association between having NAFLD, the level of liver enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) value, and the incidence risk of diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy were assessed through logistic regression analysis. NAFLD was found to be associated with incidence of diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy (Odds ratio: 1.338 (95% confidence interval: 1.091-1.640) and 1.333 (1.007-1.764), respectively). Alkaline-phosphatase enzyme was found to be associated with higher risks of diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy ((Risk estimate: 1.002 (95% CI: 1.001-1.003) and 1.002 (1.001-1.004), respectively)). Moreover, gamma-glutamyl transferase was associated with a higher risk of diabetic nephropathy (1.006 (1.002-1.009). Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were inversely associated with the risk of diabetic retinopathy (0.989 (0.979-0.998) and 0.990 (0.983-0.996), respectively). Furthermore, ARPI_T (1), ARPI_T (2), and ARPI_T (3) were shown to be associated with NAFLD (1.440 (1.061-1.954), 1.589 (1.163-2.171), and 2.673 (1.925, 3.710), respectively). However, FIB-4 score was not significantly associated with risk of microvascular complications. Despite the benign nature of NAFLD, patients with type 2 diabetes should be always assessed for NAFLD to ensure early diagnosis and entry into proper medical care. Regular screenings of microvascular complications of diabetes is also suggested for these patients.

NgR1 binding to reovirus reveals an unusual bivalent interaction and a new viral attachment protein

Nogo-66 receptor 1 (NgR1) binds a variety of structurally dissimilar ligands in the adult central nervous system to inhibit axon extension. Disruption of ligand binding to NgR1 and subsequent signaling can improve neuron outgrowth, making NgR1 an important therapeutic target for diverse neurological conditions such as spinal crush injuries and Alzheimer's disease. Human NgR1 serves as a receptor for mammalian orthoreovirus (reovirus), but the mechanism of virus-receptor engagement is unknown. To elucidate how NgR1 mediates cell binding and entry of reovirus, we defined the affinity of interaction between virus and receptor, determined the structure of the virus-receptor complex, and identified residues in the receptor required for virus binding and infection. These studies revealed that central NgR1 surfaces form a bridge between two copies of viral capsid protein σ3, establishing that σ3 serves as a receptor ligand for reovirus. This unusual binding interface produces high-avidity interactions between virus and receptor to prime early entry steps. These studies refine models of reovirus cell-attachment and highlight the evolution of viruses to engage multiple receptors using distinct capsid components.

Evaluation of the Relationship between Favipiravir Use Status and Telogen Effluvium in Patients Diagnosed with COVID-19

Favipiravir (FVP) is a competitive inhibitor of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and is also a purine nucleoside analogue. It produces antiviral activity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and has been used to treat COVID-19. Telogen effluvium (TE) is a widespread, non-scarring shedding due to the early entry of hair during the telogen phase. The most prevalent causes are drugs, physiological and emotional stress, surgery, high fever, chronic infections, diet, iron deficiency, and smoking. In this study, we investigated whether there was a significant difference in terms of TE by questioning the patients who had coronavirus in the last 1 year, and who received and did not receive FVP treatment. This study included patients aged 18-65 years old who applied to the Karaman Training and Research Hospital, Dermatology, and Venereal Diseases outpatient clinic complaining of hair loss and having had COVID-19 in the last year. We confirmed the diagnosis of TE by using trichoscopy on patients with a positive pull test. We investigated whether there was a difference in terms of TE and other types of hair loss between patients who received FVP treatment and those who did not. For the study Karamanoglu Mehmet Bey University ethics committee approval was obtained (June 16, 2022). As a result of comparing the patients' gender, comorbidity, pull test, and thyroscopic findings according to the use of FVP, it was clear that most of the FVP users were women (p = 0.027). Among those who did not use FVP, positive pull test scores were significantly higher (p = 0.026). The fact that the pull test was significantly lower in patients in our study using FVP may suggest that FVP has no effect on TE’s development. We did not find any study on its effect on alopecia and TE. We think that our study is also important in this respect.

The association between work and integration in the Norwegian welfare context, and its implications for immigrants and social work practice: An integrative review

ABSTRACT The association between work and integration is rarely questioned in Norwegian discourses on immigration and integration. Globalization, migration, and social problems continue to challenge social work practice, creating tensions in the welfare state. The aim of this integrative review is to clarify major themes, provide a synthesis of current understandings, and consider the implications for social work practice. Twenty-eight articles from the Norwegian welfare context were obtained through systematic searches in four databases and a search-engine. Thematic analysis resulted in the following findings: (1) Employment and outcome for immigrants in the Norwegian labour market, (2) Immigrant women – participation and equality, (3) Discrimination in Norwegian working life, and (4) Challenges ahead and possible solutions. Findings show that Norway is an egalitarian society with high social mobility, but immigrants, despite early entry to work, had a noticeably less stable attachment to the labour market than native Norwegians. Discrimination was identified and affected immigrants as well as their descendants. Immigrant women’s participation in the workforce was perceived as the way to reduce differences. Still, gender mainstreaming and freedom of choice appeared to depend upon immigrant women’s embracing the dual earner norm. Current policies seem unable to provide immigrants with qualifications needed to perform equally to native Norwegians. Throughout the dataset, there were suggestions for ways policies could be changed to permit higher employment rates for immigrants, thereby improving integration.

Early Expected Discharge Date Accuracy During Hospitalization: A Multivariable Analysis.

Accurate estimation of an expected discharge date (EDD) early during hospitalization impacts clinical operations and discharge planning. We conducted a retrospective study of patients discharged from six general medicine units at an academic medical center in Boston, MA from January 2017 to June 2018. We retrieved all EDD entries and patient, encounter, unit, and provider data from the electronic health record (EHR), and public weather data. We excluded patients who expired, discharged against medical advice, or lacked an EDD within the first 24h of hospitalization. We used generalized estimating equations in a multivariable logistic regression analysis to model early EDD accuracy (an accurate EDD entered within 24h of admission), adjusting for all covariates and clustering by patient. We similarly constructed a secondary multivariable model using covariates present upon admission alone. Of 3917 eligible hospitalizations, 890 (22.7%) had at least one accurate early EDD entry. Factors significantly positively associated (OR > 1) with an accurate early EDD included clinician-entered EDD, admit day and discharge day during the work week, and teaching clinical units. Factors significantly negatively associated (OR < 1) with an accurate early EDD included Elixhauser Comorbidity Index ≥ 11 and length of stay of two or more days. C-statistics for the primary and secondary multivariable models were 0.75 and 0.60, respectively. EDDs entered within the first 24h of admission were often inaccurate. While several variables from the EHR were associated with accurate early EDD entries, few would be useful for prospective prediction.

Effect of quadriceps training at different levels of blood flow restriction on quadriceps strength and thickness in the mid-term postoperative period after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized controlled external pilot study

BackgroundMore than 2 million anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occur worldwide each year. Most surgeons suggest that athletes and active persons with significant knee functional demands, including cutting motions, require and should be offered ligament reconstruction surgery. Despite concentrated rehabilitation efforts, deficits in quadriceps size and strength can persist for years after surgery. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training can help overcome disuse muscular atrophy in the mid-term postoperative period after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of quadriceps training with different levels of blood flow restriction on quadriceps strength and thickness of participants after ACLR.MethodsIn this study, 30 post-ACL reconstruction participants were randomly divided into three groups (control, 40% Arterial Occlusion Pressure [AOP] and 80% AOP groups). All patients were subjected to different levels of BFR, combined with conventional quadriceps rehabilitation, for 8 weeks. Assessments included scaled maximal isokinetic knee extension strength at 60°/s and 180°/s, the sum of the thickness of the affected femoris rectus and vastus intermedius, Y-balance test performance, and International Knee Documentation Committee questionnaire responses before and after the intervention.ResultsIn total, 23 participants completed the entire study. The 80% AOP compression group showed an increase in quadriceps femoris muscle strength and muscle thickness (p < 0.01). As compared with the control group, outcome indicators in the 40% AOP and 80% AOP group were improved (p < 0.05). After 8 weeks of experimental BFR intervention, the results were better for the 80% AOP compression group than for the 40% AOP compression group in quadriceps peak torque to body weight at 60°/s and 180°/s angular velocity, as well as the sum of the thickness of the rectus femoris and vastus intermedius.ConclusionThe combination of BFR and low-intensity quadriceps femoris training can effectively improve the muscle strength and thickness of knee extensors in participants with ACLR and help reduce the difference between the healthy and surgical sides of the knee joint while improving knee-joint function. Choosing quadriceps training with 80% AOP compression intensity could provide the most benefits. Meanwhile, BFR can accelerate the rehabilitation process of patients and allow early entry into the next rehabilitation cycle.RegistrationTrial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, registration number ChiCTR2100050011, date of registration: 15/08/2021.

Femininity

Written in 1987 in response to the aids emergency unfolding in the United States, Leo Bersani’s “Is the Rectum a Grave?” is often described as an early entry into the strain of queer theory that offers queerness as tarrying in abjection, failure, and antisociality. This essay, however, is much more interested in thinking about the ways Bersani mobilizes connections to femininity in “Is the Rectum a Grave?” As Bersani moves from “women and gay men” to “average, law-abiding family” to “being a woman,” femininity haunts, each of these individual nodes further illuminating an insight about femininity with and without women.

In the absence of DEC-205, Enhanced inflammation in the CNS is Associated with Reduced numbers of IL-10-producing CD4+ T-cells During WNV encephalitis.

Abstract West Nile Virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne single-stranded RNA flavivirus, can cause significant human morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have shown that dendritic cells (DCs) within the central nervous system (CNS) are required to reactivate antiviral effector T-cell responses that restrict WNV replication and limit immunopathology within the CNS. Among these DCs, one subset expressing DEC-205 accumulates within the CNS during WNV encephalitis. DEC-205, an endocytic receptor highly expressed on conventional DCs (cDCs), mediates the efficient processing and presentation of antigens in vivo, leading to either tolerance or immunity depending on DC maturation status, suggesting that DEC-205+ DCs play an immunoregulatory role in the CNS during WNV infection. However, the contributions of CNS-localized DEC-205+ DCs in programming WNV-specific T-cell immunity remains poorly understood. In preliminary experiments, WNV-infected DEC-205 −/−mice exhibited increased susceptibility to WNV infection, more severe clinical signs of disease, and loss of virologic control with early entry into the CNS despite the increased trafficking, activation, and effector response of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. We found that this uncontrolled inflammatory response was associated with a lack of IL-10-expressing CD4+ T regulatory cell (T reg) expansion that occurs typically during acute WNV infection. Thus, the enhanced inflammatory response in the absence of DEC-205 was coupled with a failure to protect against WNV infection and neuroinvasive disease. Taken together, DEC-205-expressing DCs regulate the degree and balance of the antiviral immune response to WNV infection within the CNS by activating T regs. NIH SC3GM130472

The Usefulness of a Digital Whiteboard for Communication During Disasters

Introduction:Information sharing during disasters tends to be confusing. We started the trial operation of a digital whiteboard (DWB) as a communication tool during disasters in 2019 and fully introduced it in 2022. The DWB is a large tablet that allows interactive communication in close to real-time in remote locations through Wi-Fi.Method:To verify the usefulness of the system, DWBs were placed at triage posts in severely, moderately, and mildly damaged areas during a 2022 disaster drill responding to mass casualties to facilitate the sharing of patient information between Disaster Response Headquarters and each treatment area. In each treatment area, doctors, nurses and paramedics completed a standard form to share information about each patient. Information collected included the triage tag number, patient name, age, gender, type of injury or disease, and description of the treatment.Results:Six DWBs were remotely shared, with the triage post noting the number of patients passing through each severity level, and each treatment area noting the treatment status of each patient. The Disaster Response Headquarters replied with the results of adjustments such as hospitalization ward and time to start surgery. The descriptions were reflected in the remotely shared DWBs in about one second. Text conversations through the DWBs were also seen. In the post-event survey, some said that the smooth sharing of information led to quick decisions. Compared to conventional radios, DWBs have the advantage of allowing communication through text, which allows more detailed and accurate patient information to be communicated quickly. The results suggest the survival rate can be improved by assisting early medical intervention or rapid entry of patients into operating rooms. The next goal is to use DWBs for medical coordination among disaster base hospitals.Conclusion:DWBs are effective for the rapid and accurate sharing of patient information during disasters.

Feasibility and Acceptability of At-Home Routine Pregnancy Testing in the United States: A Pilot Study.

We aimed to investigate the acceptability of regular self-testing among people with increased risk for delayed pregnancy recognition when provided with free at-home pregnancy tests and to explore the feasibility of this intervention among a larger sample. In 2019-2020, we recruited participants across the United States by using flyers posted online and in community settings and abortion clinics. We purposively sampled people with pregnancy capacity who were 18 to 24years old, had irregular menses, or had a recent second-trimester abortion. Participants were mailed pregnancy tests and instructions. Participants received text message reminders to test monthly over a 3-month period and were asked to text back results. Participants also completed online surveys at baseline, after 1 month, and after 3 months. A purposive subsample of participants was selected to participate in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis of interview guide topics and emergent themes. 61 participants were enrolled. Fifty-four participants (90%) responded to the text reminders and 52 (85%) reported testing in all 3 months. Fifty-eight (95%) said tests were easy to use, 59 (97%) said the results were clear, and all participants found it convenient to text their results. Fourteen participants completed qualitative interviews. All described continuing to test after the study and indicated high acceptability for text reminders. Interviewees described convenience and cost as primary benefits for preferring at-home pregnancy testing. Regular self-testing and texting results is feasible and acceptable to participants provided with free at-home urine pregnancy tests. These results can inform future studies designed to investigate the effect of regular self-testing on timing of pregnancy detection to facilitate early entry to prenatal care or early abortion.

Method for the growth of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) in an oxygen-free environment

Vaginal herpes infections occur under low oxygen conditions, including anoxia. Using an anaerobic (0% O2) cell system, the infection rate, early protein expression, and progeny viability were determined. Anaerobic HeLa 229 cells (0% O2; anaerobic DMEM; 24h) were infected with MOI 1 of HSV1/2, then incubated under aerobic (control) and anaerobic conditions. Infectivity (6h post-infection (pi)) was assessed by ONPG activity and enumerating X-gal-stained cells. HSV1/2 viral immediate-early entry, early entry, and late entry protein expression were determined by fluorescent antibody staining followed by HSV1/2 glycoprotein B mouse monoclonal antibody and DAPI. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test and data were considered significant when p ≤ 0.05 (GraphPad Prism). HSV1/2 infection under standard aerobic conditions was approximately twice that measured for anaerobically infected cells. In addition, the level of HSV-2 infectivity was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher (~8-fold) than that of HSV-1, regardless of oxygen level. HSV entry stage protein expression (ICP8, ICP27, VP5) was detected for anaerobic HSV1/2. A similar pattern was observed for anaerobically grown progeny of HSV1/2, i.e., the number of progeny was higher when anaerobic progenies were grown under aerobic conditions (anaerobic to aerobic) as compared to those grown under anaerobic conditions (anaerobic to anaerobic). In addition, the progeny levels grown solely under anaerobic conditions trended higher for HSV-1 than HSV-2 progeny but were not significantly different. These findings show that HSV1/2 can infect and replicate in anaerobically growing cells and that oxygen is not essential for productive replication.

Variability of fruit weight of summer apple varieties on the lower terrace of the botanical garden named after Vs. M. Krutovsky

The paper presents the results of variability of fruit weight and crop load per unit area of crown projection of apple varieties of the summer ripening period in the conditions of the Siberian region: Arcade summer, White filling, Moscow Grushovka, Golden spike, Nobilis, Papirovka for a five-year period. The studies were conducted annually, from 2018 to 2022. These varieties are characterized by good winter hardiness, early entry into the fruiting season (for 3–6 years), earlier maturation dates (end of July–August), but short-term fruit storage (from seven days to one and a half months), which is a disadvantage of this group of varieties. The object of the study is a collection of apple trees of summer varieties growing in an open form in the Botanical Garden named after Vs. M. Krutovsky, which is located on the right bank of Krasnoyarsk. The purpose of the research was to establish the variability of the fruit weight of apple trees of large-fruited varieties depending on the varietal affiliation and the growing season. The paper presents field and laboratory research methods. During the research, the generally accepted methods specified in the «Program and methodology of variety study of fruit, berry and nut crops» were used. As a result of the conducted studies, a significant variability in fruit weight was revealed depending on the growing season. In general, the weight of fruits of all varieties is 18,1–21,41 % less than provided for in their characteristics according to literature data. The yield of trees varies from 0 to 117,4 kg. The varieties of the summer ripening period were selected, which revealed the highest average weight of fruits, as well as those that are valuable in terms of nutritional and aesthetic qualities, which is a promising factor for further breeding: White filling, Grushovka Moskovskaya, Papirovka. This indicator, depending on the variety and the year of fruiting, is less than provided for in the pomological description. Nevertheless, for the conditions of the sharply continental climate of the Siberian region, fruits of such sizes are considered large.

‘Now I can train myself to be with death’: a phenomenological study with young doctors in care homes supported by a palliative care unit during the second wave of the pandemic in Italy

ObjectiveDuring the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the organisational strategies established by the Italian National Health System was the special units for continuity of care (SUCCs). In...