Foreign Teams Research Articles

What Mistakes Can Be Made When Performing the Electrical Cardioversion Procedure?-Analysis of Emergency Medical Team Performance during the Championships in Emergency Medicine.

Medical personnel carrying out electrical cardioversion (EC) procedures must remember to have the R-wave sync mode switched on, use the correct energy and maintain personal safety. The defibrillators used by medical response teams most often switch out of cardioversion mode once a shock is delivered. Therefore, this mode must be switched on again before subsequent shocks are delivered. The main aim of the study was to assess the ability of emergency medical teams participating in emergency medicine championships to perform EC. The research was a retrospective observational study and was based on an analysis of the evaluation sheets from two tasks simulating the management of a patient with unstable tachycardia conducted during the International Winter Emergency Medicine Championships. Three-person teams consisting of paramedics and representing the Polish emergency services were included in the study. The team representing the championship organiser and the few foreign teams participating in the competition were excluded from the study. The decision to conduct EC was taken by 36 teams (83.72%) in 2015 and 27 teams (87.10%) in 2019. In both editions of the championships, during consecutive shocks, the percentage of actions performed correctly decreased significantly-switching on synchronisation mode in 2015 (94.4%, 83.33%, 72.22%) and in 2019 (100%, 88.89%, 81.48%); correct energies in 2015 (91.67%, 80.56%, 77.78%) and in 2019 (92.59%, 85.19%, 81.48%); shocks in a safe manner in 2015 (94.44%, 94.44%, 91.67%) and in 2019 (100%, 96.30%, 96.30%). Teams participating in the assessed tasks in a significant majority of cases correctly qualified the patient for EC, and correctly carried out the actions required for this procedure. It is of particular note that with every subsequent shock, the percentage of shocks carried out without the sync mode increased significantly.

Discovering a Young State: Foreign Sports Delegations in the USSR during the 1920s

In the 1920s, visits by foreign delegations to the USSR served as a crucial yet challenging avenue for showcasing the achievements of the nascent Soviet state. Drawing on previously unexplored materials from the Russian State Archive of Socio-Political History (F. 537, inv. 2), this article examines the strategies employed in hosting these guests. It explores the planning of their itineraries and leisure activities, aiming to understand how Soviet sports leaders, during the early stages of state formation, skillfully concealed various shortcomings (especially economic and infrastructural) and highlighted sports and cultural triumphs to craft a positive global image of the USSR through what was ostensibly a non-political institution.Soviet physical education leaders did not shy away from inviting foreign teams to the country; instead, they actively welcomed all interested parties who could manage the journey. An ideally orchestrated visit seamlessly integrated four key elements: sports (the competitions), culture (theater, cinema, sightseeing), daily life (direct interaction with Soviet workers), and team recreation. When executed well, these visits garnered positive international feedback, thereby enhancing the USSR's global prestige as the inaugural socialist state. This became the primary objective of Soviet sports diplomacy in the late 1920s, marking a significant stride in breaking through international isolation.However, these visits were not without limitations and challenges. The level of indoctrination varied significantly among delegations: while European proletarians often visited sites significant to the October Revolution, guests from the East were predominantly exposed to the country's cultural facets. Despite the Red Sports International's encouragement, delegations rarely ventured beyond major urban centers like Moscow, Leningrad, Kharkov, and Odessa, as provincial visits were not feasible. Furthermore, even in these key cities, visitors encountered organizational challenges such as transportation difficulties, inadequate economic support, and issues with food provision, which diminished the effectiveness of propaganda efforts. These shortcomings were largely attributable to the absence of a standardized protocol for receiving foreign guests during the first decade of Soviet sports diplomacy and the general uneven infrastructural development of the country.

MICROBIAL BIOCONVERSION OF CELLULOSE-CONTAINING WASTE IN TERRESTRIAL AND SPACE CONDITIONS

One of the important ecological problems at present is the increasing pollution of the natural environment with cellulose waste. A similar process is also observed in long-term manned space flights: a huge amount of cellulose waste from clothing, hygiene materials, food residues and others accumulates, the processing and utilization of which is a definite scientific challenge. In recent years, many scientists have expanded and deepened their research on this important question, which still remains unresolved both in Earth’s conditions and during the long-term space flights. Many experiments are carried out on the biodegradation processes of cellulose-containing waste with the use of different populations of microorganisms – bacteria, fungi, etc., as well as with different parameters of the culture medium – composition, temperature, presence of oxygen, pH, etc. The synergistic action of these microbial populations, which have the capacity to degrade and assimilate complex carbohydrates (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) through the synthesis of a number of cellulolytic enzymes, thus restoring the carbon cycle in nature, has been proven. In parallel, research is being conducted in simulated microgravity conditions, focused on their future application for bioconversion and efficient utilization of waste in closed life support systems during long-duration manned space flights. An important condition is that the microorganisms used are not pathogenic, not resistant to antibiotics and do not form biofilms. There is already accumulated experimental data proving that microgravity conditions lead to changes in bacterial gene expression, growth rate, reduced motility, increased virulence, biofilm formation, etc. In this review, the most important results achieved by Bulgarian and foreign teams in this current and promising scientific field are briefly presented.

Forensic medicine examinations of some Albanian victims after the end of the Kosova war of 1999

After the end of the war in Kosovo in 1999, forensic medicine examinations of Albanian victims began to be carried out, mainly by foreign teams, but a part of them also by two teams of forensic medicine doctors from Albania assisted by Kosovar forensic doctors. Methods: As it is known, forensic medicine is a science that is more involved than other disciplines in the events that occur in any period of time, having a close relationship with criminology (the science of the scientific study of criminal phenomena), where the latter receives data highly valued by forensic medicine. Precisely, in such a broad perspective, are also analyzed the forensic data of the cases examined by us. At the beginning of this study, the impressions of the situation in Kosovo after the war are given with pictures of the corpses killed by the Serbian army and paramilitaries, followed by the results of the examinations of many corpses or their remains by us during our stay there. Then some other forensic documents are analyzed, including the book: “Quai des ombres” (Paris 2012) by Professor Lecomte, director of the Medical Institute of Paris, in which, among other things, she shows her memories of the examinations she carried out, of the corpses of Kosovar victims immediately after the end of the Kosovo war. Results: From everything that was seen and examined by us, as well as from the analysis of other materials, the idea was reinforced that the tragic events that preceded the war in Kosovo can be considered as one of the culminating points of the genocide murders to the Albanian people from its neighbors. But in contrast to all the previous genocidal murders, accurately proven by the numerous forensic examinations of the Albanian victims, the Albanian people reacted more decisively and persistently by creating the KLA (Kosovo Liberation Army) that fighted with the Serbian army and paramilitaries. On the other hand, these massacres were recognized and shocked the entire civilized world, especially the USA, which quickly intervened and freed Kosovo once and for all from the Serbian yoke. Conclusion: It is concluded that: Forensic medicine in its broadest sense constitutes very important evidence for the detection of genocidal murders. In the recent genocide against the people of Kosovo, the forensic evidence, undoubtedly invalidates forensic arguments of Serbia in an irrefutable manner, the completely unimportant, often even false, according to which the Albanians were who have killed the Serbs. Keywords: Kosovo, forensic evidence of genocide, Serbian genocide against Albanians of Kosovo, Kosovo war.

Ойна як складник програми фізичної культури в Україні

This article covers the issue of experience exchange, usage of contemporary achievements in the sphere of Physical Education and sport among lecturers and coaches, and it is devoted to the team Romanian game – Ukrainian equivalent team game Gylka – Oina. The author of this article touches the history of creation Oina game, its development and comparison with other national team games where the ball and the bat are included. It is also mentioned about similarities between them and how they affect each other. While researching the historical background of investigation in European countries. In this article it was identified by the author that game Oina is a Romanian national inheritance. It is proved that Oina is available in usage game and at the same time effective tool in Physical education and in sport. In 1899 the first Oina Championship was held in Romania where the contestant teams consisted of senior pupils. It was proved by the author that contemporary game Oina is not the national sport any more it becomes an established kind of sport right now. The Oina tournaments are held not only in Romania but also in neighboring countries, in those countries Federation of Oina sport promotes the creation of public organizations, providing consultations, supporting with sport equipment, literature devoted to this sport, and inviting foreign teams to the competitions which are held on the territory of Romania. The author states and proves the advantages of game Oina, to fulfill the block of team games in Physical education program but also to fulfill the program for schools and it is mentioned that this game can become an integral component of Program of Physical Education and sport of Ukraine “Strategies of development of Physical Education and Sport to the period till 2028”.

Comparative Analysis of Planning with the Critical Path Method, Last Planner System, and Location-Based Techniques in Brazil, Finland, and the United States

The Critical Path Method (CPM), the Last Planner System (LPS) and location-based methods, such as the Line of Balance (LB), are discussed extensively in the technical literature about schedules. However, no discussion exists focusing on the differences and similarities of these methods in terms of their use in different countries. Using chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests, this research compared three countries (Brazil, Finland, and United States) and the methods to evaluate both intra- and inter-country implementation to gain additional insights about their use. Results suggest statistically significant intra- and inter-country differences regarding how these methods are used, with a specific focus on mechanics in the countries, offering important information to address their various scheduling needs. The results reflect the current state of practice; engineering and construction managers should understand different ways of understanding scheduling. Such understanding can lead to more efficient communication with collaborators and when incorporating foreign teams in projects. The study identifies the need for further scientific explanation as to why these methods are used in the manner they are intra-country as well as adaptions made in inter-country relationships.

Determinants of Artistic Information Identification of the Olympics Ceremonial Suit

The purpose of the article. To analyze the Olympics ceremonial suit of the XXXII Olympic Games «Tokyo 2020» and to form promising defining features of its artistic and informational identification. The research methodology provides art analysis of the formation, artistic motives, national appeals, general aesthetics and modern trends that are accumulated in the design of the Olympic ceremonial suit of foreign sports teams. The scientific novelty is to study the Olympics ceremonial suit of Tokyo 2020 Olympics and identify promising strategic advertising features of its artistic and informational identification. Conclusions. As a result of the research for further application in the design of the Olympic ceremonial suit promising strategic advertising features of artistic and informational identification are identified, including: 1) Convergence of appeals to the colors of the national flag in the design of the analyzed ceremonial Olympics suits of sports teams; 2) Correspondence of artistic and informational identification of ceremonial suits to the basic principles of the Olympic Games; 3) Eco-friendliness in an Olympics formal suit, which involves not only the use of environmental materials in the design of clothing, but is also aimed to draw attention to the global problem of mankind. Excess raw materials with a long service life and proper technological utilization of light industry waste has become a trigger for increased attention to environmental awareness at all levels of human activity. High fashion dictates the trends for -middle and mass market and is gradually moving to safe textile materials that are biodegradable without contaminating the water with micro-plastic; 4) Vestimentary traditions in the artistic and informational identification of the Olympics ceremonial suit, which allow to see the designer (design studio, company, etc.) as a referent of the sign system of artistic and informational identification of the Olympics ceremonial suit together with athletes and representatives of the delegation, which is also the brand of the country for which the suit is created.

Joint Research on Aerodynamic Characteristics and Handling Stability of Racing Car under Different Body Attitudes

With the rapid development of FSAE, the speed of racing cars has increased year by year. As the main research content of racing cars, aerodynamics has received extensive attention from foreign teams. For racing cars, the aerodynamic force on the aerodynamic device ultimately acts on the tires through the transmission of the body and the suspension. When the wheel is subjected to the vertical load generated by the aerodynamic device, the ultimate adhesion capacity of the wheel is improved. Under changing conditions, racing wheels can withstand greater lateral and tangential forces. Therefore, the effects of aerodynamics have a more significant impact on handling stability. The FSAE racing car of Jilin University was taken as the research object, and this paper combines the wind tunnel test, the numerical simulation and the dynamics simulation of the racing system. The closed-loop design process of the aerodynamics of the FSAE racing car was established, and the joint study of aerodynamic characteristics and handling stability of racing car under different body attitudes was realized. Meanwhile, the FSAE car was made the modification of aerodynamic parameter on the basis of handling stability. The results show that, after the modification of the aerodynamic parameters, the critical speed of the car when cornering is increased, the maneuverability of the car is improved, the horoscope test time is reduced by 0.525 s, the downforce of the car is increased by 11.39%, the drag is reduced by 2.85% and the lift-to-drag ratio is increased by 14.70%. Moreover, the pitching moment is reduced by 82.34%, and the aerodynamic characteristics and aerodynamic efficiency of the racing car are obviously improved. On the basis of not changing the shape of the body and the aerodynamic kit, the car is put forward to shorten the running time of the car and improve the comprehensive performance of the car, so as to improve the performance of the car in the race.

The role of national culture for human resource management and leadership within an international context

Over the last decades, globalization has brought many positive effects for the companies operating overseas including exposures to new cultures and belief systems. However, such international exposure has also brought certain problems in terms of cultural differences from different markets. Expatriates (international managers) when running international operations and managing foreign teams come across many obstacles caused by differences in national cultural systems, therefore it is important to have a good understanding how cultures differ from each other and what is the best way to approach each one of them in the right way. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to determine how intercultural differences affect human resource management in an international context and how expatriates should adapt their leadership styles to the requirements of local markets. Moreover, the paper elaborates on differences between domestic and international management styles and on the differences between leadership styles across different regions.

Направления формирования цифровых компетенций персонала крупных компаний

The article examines the directions in forming digital competencies of the personnel in big businesses in conditions of digitalization. Digital technologies influence labor processes and labor markets, raise the requirements for intellectual, creative approaches in solving situational production problems. The aim of the study is to develop a list of digital competencies necessary for large companies’ specialists performing various managerial and production functions characterized by multitasking in digital environment. Transformation of approaches to personnel management in conditions of technological advance is the new role of the individual, expansion of the potential, formation of new conditions and technologies for performing labor functions, flexibility and compromise in interaction with the employer. The methodological basis of the study are scientific and theoretical concepts of personnel management in conditions of digitalization, developed by national and foreign scholars and research teams. The empirical component rests on industry and production features of big businesses in Russia. The author identifies the trends in professional market expansion, the increasing role of competence approach to the development of human resources, the significance of digital competencies. Evidence from big businesses reveals the priority of individualization in training, the adjustment of acquired working skills in digital environment to the strategic and tactical needs of business. Effective interaction between an employee and the company implies the flexibility in mutual requirements and opportunities, striving for the end result, constant exchange of knowledge, skills and suggestions for improving the labor function. The findings offer the list of digital competencies necessary for big businesses’ specialists performing in novel digital environment. These competencies may lay the foundation of legal framework governing labor relations in narrow professional fields.

Demonstrative symbolization of national identity in the design of the Olympic ceremonial costume

The purpose of the article is to analyze the Olympic ceremonial costume of the XVIII Winter Olympic Games "Nagano-1998" and set the components demonstratively symbolizing the national identity in the design of clothing of the Olympic ceremonial costume. Methodology. Heuristic methods in art analysis were used to solve the set tasks, namely: visual observation; description; an attempt to establish components demonstratively symbolizing national identity in the design of Olympic ceremonial costume clothing; logical generalization of the obtained results. Scientific Novelty. According to the results of the art analysis of the Olympic ceremonial costume of foreign teams participating in the competitions (USA, China, Greece) of the XVIII Winter Olympic Games "Nagano-1998", one of the determinants of artistic and informational identification of the Olympic ceremonial costume was established for the first time and its components, which demonstratively symbolize a national identity in the design of clothing. Conclusions. Art analysis of the Olympic ceremonial costume, the reflection of socio-political influences of the historical context on its formality and informational compliance with the principles enshrined in the Olympic Charter [5, p. 11–12] competitions, give us reason to establish for the first time a demonstrative symbolization of the national identity of the design of clothing of the Olympic ceremonial costume as one of the determinants of artistic and informational identification. Given the ceremonial guidelines for identity in costume, which have been followed by all teams since 1936, the most important manifestation in this period (1998) is the semiotic accent in costume. Expression of their state independence, national identity, as well as the importance and identity of their culture at the turn of the era, with the help of such demonstratively symbolizing national identity in the design of Olympic ceremonial costume components, such as 1) Construction - the formation of the suit and the material used are tectonically displayed on the figures of athletes. By designing items of clothing, a visual image is built, which allows obtaining a silhouette identifying result; 2) Sign - stylization of the sign/signs is done by applying a pattern, graphic elements, combinations of graphic elements, embroidery, and possibly other creative innovative stylizations on clothes and accessories. Signs visually identify athletes, allow you to read the underlying meanings of the semantic information content of the costume; 3) Color – appealing to the colors of the national flag and reproducing with the help of color images of well-known objects of cultural heritage are the most popular methods of identifying the country during the Olympic parade. However, when choosing a color and its outflow, its compliance with the values in the host country and the prevailing trends overtime is taken into account. 3) Color – appealing to the colors of the national flag and reproducing with the help of color images of well-known cultural heritage sites are the most popular methods of identifying the country during the Olympic parade. However, when choosing a color and shade of color, its compliance with the values in the host country and the prevailing trends of the time is taken into account. It is worth noting that the visual image that translates national identity can be obtained by combining these components in the design, both together and separately, which was found during the art analysis of the Olympic ceremonial costumes of sports teams of the United States, China, and Greece. Key words: design, costume, Olympic ceremonial costume, identity, identification, symbolization, demonstration.

Clinical case of COVID-19 in a patient treated with alemtuzumab

The need to review the guidelines for the management of patients with multiple sclerosis using multiple sclerosis disease modifying drugs has become acute enough since the beginning of 2020 following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Immunosuppressive drugs were also specifically addressed, as it is during administration of these drugs that the more severe course of COVID-19 disease was expected. Both the Russian and foreign teams published results of their research works. This article presents a retrospective analysis of the incidence rates of COVID-19 in patients with multiple sclerosis after selective immunosuppressive therapy with alemtuzumab and a clinical case when a patient was infected with coronavirus in the first days following the last infusion of the therapy course without clinical manifestations of the infectious disease. The author discusses the mechanisms underlying such a favourable outcome due to the CD52 lymphocyte depletion leading to the reduction of risks of developing hyperimmune reactions that underlie severe complications of COVID-19, and analyses previously published works of our foreign colleagues on the same theme. The review of the accumulated works and personal experience suggest that it is the CD52 lymphocyte depletion that makes it possible to avoid the cytokine storm and, as a result, the more severe course of COVID-19. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, during the prescription of multiple sclerosis disease modifying drugs, it should be borne in mind that patients should have access to all types of modern therapy and that the benefits should outweigh the sum of possible risks.

Distance education didactic principles application in teaching

The present article analyzes the distance teaching didactic possibilities for foreign language educational process organization. The authors consider the main foreign languages distance teaching components and describe the “Foreign language” academic discipline characteristic features. Moreover, the authors describe the distance learning specifics, taking language disciplines subject features into account, and provide a detailed analysis of the foreign languages distance teaching process components. The importance of various interaction means between a teacher and a student in the foreign language online learning process, including e-mail, Skype, Google Docs, Zoom, Teams and Moodle platforms, is stressed. The Moodle platform application is researched on the example of the language disciplines electronic test control organization at Russian Customs Academy Rostov branch and at Don State Technical University. The interactive methods application in foreign language online teaching is described on the example of classes held in the form of chats, web classes and webinars. The article describes an experiment conducted at Don State Technical University on the project technology application within the “Project Activity Fundamentals” discipline framework in the 1st-year “Linguistics” students’ groups. As a result of the project activities, projects-presentations were prepared in English on the topic “My career opportunities in the foreign languages field” and a course module for distance learning in the “Foreign language in the professional sphere” discipline for of non-language faculties students was presented. Basing on the distance teaching components analysis and the ways of their application, the authors arrived at the conclusion that carefully selected didactic tools ensure the organization, students ’ activities regulation and their language disciplines educational material content assimilation.

From short-term surgical missions towards sustainable partnerships. A survey among members of foreign teams

IntroductionAn estimated five billion people lack access to safe surgical care across the globe. Traditionally, providing short-term surgical missions has been the main strategy for health professionals from high-income countries to support surgical care in low- and middle-income countries. However, traditional missions have come under criticism because evidence of their sustainable value is lacking, along with any robust documentation and application of recommendations by participants of ongoing surgical missions. Using survey data collection and analysis, this study aims to provide a framework on how to improve the use of visiting surgical teams to strengthen surgical services in resource-poor settings. MethodAn online survey was conducted among members of foreign teams to collect data on five specific areas: basic characteristics of the mission, main activities. Follow-up and reporting, the local registration process and collaboration with local actors. The survey included 58 respondents from 13 countries, and representing 20 organizations. ResultsDuring surgical missions, training activities were considered most impactful, and reporting on outcome/s, along with long-term follow-up was strongly recommended. According to almost all participants (94%), the focus should be on establishing collaborative practices with local actors, and encourage strategic, long-term changes under their leadership. ConclusionBuilding sustainable partnerships within local healthcare systems is the way forward for foreign surgical parties that aim to improve surgical care in low- and- middle income countries. When foreign help is offered, local stakeholders should be in the lead.

The Global Burden of Rheumatic Heart Disease: Population-Related Differences (It is Not All the Same!).

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains the most common cardiovascular disease in young adults and adolescents in need of heart surgery in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The mean age of patients is 20-25 years, often much younger. By contrast, the few patients with chronic RHD in developed countries present a mean age of around 55 years. It is absolutely fundamental to differentiate these two types of population. Pathology, lesions and surgical methods are different, and the results should not be compared. It is not all the same!A certain enthusiasm for mitral repair has recently surged, with several reports showing excellent results in children and young adults, resulting from the renewed interest of cardiac surgeons, also based on new and modified techniques developed in the meantime.While surgery is easily accessible to patients in developed countries, the situation in LMICs is often dramatic, with countries where there is a complete absence of or few surgical facilities absolutely unable to meet gigantic demands. Many foreign surgical teams conduct humanitarian missions in several of these countries. They are just a “drop of water in the ocean” of needs. In some cases, however, these missions led to the establishment of local teams that now work independently and, in some cases, outperform the foreign teams still visiting.

University of Adelaide Higher Degree by Research Program Supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship

Introduction:Collaboration between Foreign Medical Teams (FMT) and Host Health Personnel (HHP) is a core standard for healthcare in a medical response to disaster,1 but descriptions of its application from recipient nation HHP are rare. This paper details the findings from a qualitative study on the experience of collaboration between International Foreign Teams (IMT) and HHP in Gorkha, Nepal since the 2015 earthquake.Aim:To present findings from a study that explored the experience of collaboration by Nepal health workers working with IMT since the 2015 earthquake.Methods:A qualitative study design using semi-structured interviews regarding the experiences and perspectives on collaboration of 12 Nepali health workers was used. The interviews were transcribed, translated, and collated using Nvivo software by QSR international, and themes regarding collaboration were identified.Results:Data collection is not yet complete. However, preliminary results from early analysis indicate that collaborative practice is not uniformly applied by IMT. HHP Satisfaction with IMT appears highly dependent on collaboration. Emerging themes are that rigid organizational procedures, language and cultural barriers, and intimidating leadership inhibit collaboration. Objectives were assumed to align immediately post-disaster, with evidence of objectives increasingly diverging over time. IMT leadership that was experienced, responsive to suggestions, and regularly involved HHP in planning, implementing, and reviewing activities were highly appreciated.Discussion:Emerging themes indicate the time-critical nature of many disasters, along with cultural/institutional/administrative barriers, make the building of collaborative relationships difficult despite being foundational for successful missions. Participants in IMT must proactively involve HHP in the objectives setting, planning, implementation, and reviewing of activities. Successful IMT participation is not only clinically competent but actively seeks collaborative relationships with HHP throughout the mission.

Developing a Remotely Operated Portable Mobile Robot

The Tsukuba Challenge is one of the few technical events where it is permitted to conduct demonstrations of autonomous mobile robots on a public road in a city. Thus, when limited trial runs are available several times per year, domestic and foreign teams must bring robots to the venue and conduct experiments using robots and observation instruments. For a team located far away from the venue, the cost of transporting equipment and staff each time becomes prohibitive. In this research, to reduce the cost of transporting robots and personnel, we design and develop a mobile robot platform that is easy to transport and deploy. Additionally, to allow remote experts to generate maps and routes without visiting the site, we construct a remote operating system that operates over the internet. In this paper, we describe the portable mobile robot platform and the software configuration needed for remote operation. Then, we report the results of our verification test.

The transition game: Toward a cultural economy of football in post-socialist China

Following decades of significant economic and political reform, a once-closed China has emerged as the world’s fastest growing and arguably most interconnected political economic system. In the context of what has been termed a “post-socialist” transition, China’s sport system has similarly undergone rapid marketization (bringing in market actors and action). In this article, we examine the changing state and function of football (soccer) within this period of post-socialist transition. We provide a critical analysis of recent (c. 2010–2017) private and state-based initiatives to develop the commercial viability, international interconnectivity, and cultural significance of football (soccer). Drawing upon theories of cultural economy as developed by the globalization theorist Arjun Appadurai, we provide an historical and conceptual investigation of the strategic efforts to nationally imagine football culture as, and within, transitioning China. To do this, we examine how state actors and private intermediaries have leveraged increases in high-profile player transfers, domestic franchise valuations, investment in foreign teams, development of player academies, overall youth and adult participation, and expanded media rights agreements to simultaneously economize Chinese football culture and culturalize the logics of commercial sport and free market capitalism more generally. In so doing, we map the various “scapes” through which people, capital, images, technologies, and ideologies have been set aflow and thereby frame new imaginings of mass privatization, mediation, and consumerism for a national football consuming public.

Post-earthquake safety evaluation of buildings in Portoviejo, Manabí province, following the Mw7.8 Ecuador earthquake of April 16, 2016

This paper describes the post-earthquake safety assessments conducted by the European Union Civil Protection Team (EUCPT) following the Mw 7.8 Ecuador earthquake of April 16, 2016. The mission of the structural engineers within the EUCPT took place from April 22 to May 7, 2016. Several activities were performed: (i) rapid post-earthquake safety evaluations of buildings, (ii) demolition verification, (iii) safe road access, and (iv) detailed post-earthquake safety assessments of critical buildings. Despite the small number of structural experts, more than 1000 buildings were inspected in Portoviejo and approximately 150 in Pedernales. Several lessons were identified during this mission, including the need of embedding local experts in foreign teams and the importance of having preparedness programs on post-earthquake assessment both for technicians and emergency managers. The efforts of the EUCPT benefitted largely from a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) pilot project which was underway at the time of the earthquake. While the project was not yet completed, such investment in DRR benefitted the disaster response efforts, even in areas which were not directly involved in the program.

Имитационные эксперименты с моделью информационно-психологических воздействий на массовое сознание

The article deals with the problem of researching the dynamics of information and psychological influences on mass consciousness, the possibility of their forecasting and management, which is one of the most important aspects of ensuring the information and psychological security of society and its citizens. To research the dynamics of information and psychological influence on mass consciousness, the article suggests a method of system-dynamic modeling, grounded and implemented on models of complex socio-economic phenomena by J. FoiTcster in the 1950s. The application of this method to solving the problems of information security is investigated by various foreign scientific teams. The method of system- dynamic modeling allows to display and investigate many factors that critically affect the processes of information and psychological influences on mass consciousness. The following factors arc taken into account in the model proposed by the authors of the model: the probability of «enthusiasm» of ideas embedded in the content of information and psychological influences, with interpersonal contact and as a result of the influence of the mass media, the massiveness and regularity of the mass media propagandizing the idea of information and psychological influences, the probability of forgetting the idea, embedded in the content of information and psychological influences, the probability of communication on the topic, embedded in the content of information and psychological influences, the probability of «enthusiasm» ideas of information and psychological influences in one communication contact, the average number of acquaintances with one message in the media, the probability of «enthusiasm» of a new idea from the content of information and psychological influences after reading the information in the media, the number of contacts a person, keen on ideas of information and psychological influences, per day. The mathematical apparatus on which system- dynamic models are based are systems of differential equations. The authors of the article constructed an imitation model that makes it possible to identify the interrelationships between factors that effect the dynamics of information and psychological influences on mass consciousness, and its implementation has been carried out in the Anylogic software environment. This environment is one of the most promising environments for simulation. Temporal graphs reflecting the dynamics of the number of persons capable of adopting the idea of information and psychological influence, the number of persons who adopted the idea of information and psychological influences, and graphs reflecting the distribution in time of the number of persons who adopted the idea of information and psychological influences under certain initial conditions are given. Simulation experiments related to variations of the model parameters in which the dependence of increasing rate of person’s number who adopted the idea of information and psychological effects on the frequency of person’s contacts sharing these ideas is studied.