Inherent Risks Research Articles

Devolution of New Zealand Research to a Gig Economy

In 2005 the New Zealand Tertiary Education Commission’s (TEC) put out a call for academic feedback on their Strategic Review of the Tertiary Education Workforce. Authors on this review provided a comprehensive review of the increasing reliance of tertiary institutes, particularly universities, on fixed-term contract staff, and the inherent risks for New Zealand science of relying on staff with unstable career structures and funding support. We explored some of the causes behind the transformation of the workforce from permanent to fixed-term, and recommended a suite of potential pathways to help address the challenges. This current review reports that nearly 20 years on very little has changed, and indeed the situation has gotten worse, with more researchers than ever before now on fixed-term contracts, even at senior levels. We have failed to establish and fund a career fellowship system. There has been a lack of substantive increases in funding for grants like Marsden and HRC that can sustain employment of research staff, and grant funding has not kept up with inflation. The net result is that we have essentially created a gig economy for research staff, with reliance on repeated contracts over many years, with few if any opportunities to transition to permanent positions. Researchers must write more and more grants to sustain their salaries as grants are insufficiently funded due to lack of investment leaving staff with either reducing the contract time or without a full salary for the full duration. Low funding rates due to lack of investment make it increasingly difficult to get funding to pay their salaries. Researchers see a bleak future, and the brain drain has begun. Students do not see a career in research as attractive and thus our capacity to develop the next generation of Kiwi scientists is at risk. This crisis threatens our ability to undertake and deliver science, technology and innovation that is essential for the growth of our economy. Urgent action is needed to address this fundamentally flawed approach to how we fund university based research and how we fail to support sustainable research careers.

Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) outcomes of unibody and single/double docking limb endografts in Medicare beneficiaries between 2012 and 2018

Objective The evaluation of perioperative and long term outcomes for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) using anatomic (unibody) and proximal neck fixated (docking limbs) endografts across consecutive time cohorts. Design This study compares the outcomes of EVAR in Medicare patients stratified by mode of fixation. Methods All patients who underwent EVAR between 2012 and 2018 were identified in the Medicare database. Anatomic fixation (AF) and proximal fixation (PF) grafts were differentiated using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. The AF population was divided into three-time cohorts based on iterative changes in graft design: Cohort 1: (01/01/2012–20/07/2014); Cohort 2: (21/07/2014–09/05/2016); and Cohort 3: (10/05/2016–31/12/2017). The PF cohort was similarly divided into these three periods. Outcomes were evaluated through 31/12/2020 and included all-cause mortality, aortic rupture, and aortic-related reintervention. Results 32,031 patients underwent EVAR during the study period; 4729 were AF and 27,302 were PF. There were more women ( p < .001) and patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) ( p < .001) in the AF group. There were no group differences in perioperative outcomes. In Cohort 1, there was a higher rate of reintervention (11.9% vs 7.6%; p < .001) and aortic rupture (5.3% vs 4.0%; p = .019) in the AF group compared to the PF group. In Cohort 2, reintervention, aortic rupture, and reintervention rates were similar between the two groups (p = NS). In Cohort 3, the reintervention and aortic rupture rates were similar between the two groups (p = NS). Conclusion The higher rates of aortic rupture and reintervention seen in the AF group in Cohort 1 when compared with the PF group did not persist in Cohorts 2 and 3. This suggests that improvements in graft design may have led to durability which is similar to that of PF grafts. However, late aneurysm related complications are inherent risks after EVAR and long-term surveillance remains necessary.

EFFECT OF PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP FINANCING STRUCTURE ON COMPLETION OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN KENYA

Objective: To determine the effect of Public Private Partnership (PPP) financing structure on the completion of geothermal energy development projects in Kenya. Theoretical Framework: The study used agency and public choice theories to analyze the dynamics between PPP financing structure and completion of geothermal energy development projects. Methodology: A cross-sectional census survey in Kenya surveyed 48 geothermal energy development projects, collecting quantitative data through structured questionnaires and qualitative insights from industry regulators, financiers, and practitioners. A combination of descriptive, correlation, and linear regression statistical models were applied. Multiple diagnostics tests and data triangulation were performed. Results and Discussion: The study results provide strong statistical evidence depicting a positive relationship between PPP financing structure and the completion of geothermal energy development projects in Kenya. The findings suggest that as the level of PPP involvement increases, so does the likelihood of faster project completion. The study also reveals that a balanced PPP financing structure has a substantial effect on the completion of geothermal energy development projects. The analysis demonstrates that a hybrid PPP financing structure comprising recommended proportions of private and government equity, commercial and concessional loans, hybrid finance, and grants significantly affects project completion outcomes. Research Implications: The study emphasizes the significance of a structured PPP financing model, comprising private and government equity, concessional and commercial loans, hybrid finance, and mixed grants, in mitigating inherent PPP risks for enhanced project completion outcomes. In addition, effective government support measures and robust delivery capability of developers jointly influence the two variables in a significant manner. Originality/Value: This study uniquely analyzes the influence of PPP financing structure on the completion of geothermal energy development projects in Kenya, integrating quantitative and qualitative data for a comprehensive perspective, thus offering essential insights for stakeholders.

EVALUATING NON-PERFORMING ASSETS IN SELF-HELP GROUP-BANK LINKAGE PROGRAMME: ECONOMIC INSIGHTS FROM CENTRAL AND NORTHERN REGIONS OF INDIA

The Self-Help Group Bank Linkage Programme (SHG-BLP) plays a crucial role in providing affordable and timely credit to India’s impoverished and vulnerable populations, who are often excluded from formal credit delivery systems. However, the high incidence of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) within this sector poses a significant barrier to the continued availability of formal loans, as elevated NPAs disrupt the credit cycle and undermine efforts to alleviate poverty. Historically, the central and northern states of India have recorded NPAs above the national average within the SHG-BLP framework. In this study, we employ multiple linear regression analysis to identify the factors contributing to high NPAs in these regions. Our findings reveal a positive correlation between larger loans and higher NPAs, emphasizing the need for thorough risk assessment and ongoing monitoring when extending substantial credit to SHG members. Additionally, the regression analysis underscores the importance of considering gender dynamics within SHGs. Although women-led SHGs generally perform well, there are inherent credit risks, particularly as both loan size and group size increase. Targeted interventions to support women-led SHGs could enhance repayment rates and reduce NPAs, given that the majority of SHG loans in these regions are managed by female-led groups. KEY WORDS: Non-Performing Asset, Self-Help Group, Bank-Linkage Programme, Loan, Financial Inclusion, Multiple Linear Regression.

Research on the application of scientific training methods in the prevention of muscle injuries in young taekwondo athletes

The Taekwondo project originated in the Korean Peninsula. Since it was introduced to my country in the 1990s, it has attracted the attention of many people because of its high degree of appreciation. Taekwondo, characterized by its combative nature and technical demands, poses inherent sports risks, with research indicating that a significant percentage of athletes’ experience sports injuries during their careers. Therefore, this study selected high-level Taekwondo athletes of S University as the survey object, and analyzed the collected data by using literature data method, questionnaire survey method, interview method and other research methods. Aiming at the injury factors of boxing practitioners’ sports injuries, this research proposes the following related countermeasures: (1) The countermeasures against the practitioners themselves and the physical injury factors are: strengthen the protection or exercise of vulnerable parts; the coaches check the physical condition of the students before class; strengthen physical fitness exercises; improve self-protection awareness and ability. (2) The countermeasures against the factors that cause the practitioner’s emotional and rational emotions include: exert the influence of social relations on the practitioner; eliminate fear, cultivate self-confidence; strengthen the cultivation of will quality and self-will! Relaxation and concentration training. (3) The countermeasures for coaches to prevent exercises from sports injuries include: coaches improve their own technical level and teaching skills; reasonable grouping and training methods; leading students to prepare for activities; controlling sports negatives, and technical exercises step by step. (4) Improve the problems of venue facilities that easily cause sports injuries.

Deciphering the Driving Mechanism and Regulatory Strategies of Antibiotic Resistance Genes Transmission in Lead-Contaminated Soil Microbial Communities by Multiple Remediation Methods

Pb-contaminated soil poses inherent risks for the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, few reports have investigated the distribution of lead resistance genes (LRGs), particularly their role in ARGs dynamics during Pb-contaminated soil remediation. This study explored the mechanisms driving ARGs variation under different remediation strategies. The results indicated that an increase in the total abundance of ARGs after applying montmorillonite (Imvite), the composite remediation agents of MgO and Ca(H2PO4)2 (MgO-Ca(H2PO4)2), and the composite remediation agents of montmorillonite, MgO, and Ca(H2PO4)2 (Imvite-MgO-Ca(H2PO4)2). Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) effectively reduced ARGs abundance, and when combined with Imvite-MgO-Ca(H2PO4)2, lowered the risk of ARGs proliferation linked to antibiotic deactivation. Changes in Pb concentration and pH reshaped microbial communities, impacting both LRGs and ARGs. To reduce the risk of ARGs proliferation and transmission during, various control strategies, such as modifying Pb stress, adjusting pH, and manipulating microbial community structure, have been proposed. The study provided theoretical foundation and practical strategies for controlling ARGs dissemination during the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil.

A temperature-sensitive and less immunogenic Sendai virus for efficient gene editing.

Gene editing has the potential to be a powerful tool for the treatment of human diseases including HIV, β-thalassemias, and sickle cell disease. Recent advances have begun to overcome one of the major limiting factors of this technology, namely delivery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing machinery, by utilizing viral vectors. However, gene editing therapies have yet to be implemented due to inherent risks associated with the DNA viral vectors typically used for delivery. As an alternative strategy, we have developed an RNA-based Sendai virus CRISPR-Cas9 delivery vector that does not integrate into the genome, is temperature sensitive, and does not induce a significant host interferon response. This recombinant SeV successfully delivered CRISPR-Cas9 in primary human CD14+ monocytes ex vivo resulting in a high level of CCR5 editing and inhibition of HIV infection.

Complications in equine transvaginal ultrasound‒guided follicular aspiration

Transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration has revolutionised equine assisted reproduction, particularly in in vitro embryo production. This literature review examines the complications associated with transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration in mares and its potential impact on future fertility. While transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration is generally safe, it has inherent risks, ranging from mild rectal bleeding to severe complications such as peritonitis and acute haemorrhage. Factors influencing complication rates include veterinarian experience, mare anatomy and procedural technique. Despite concerns, studies suggest that repeated transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration does not significantly impair future fertility, with normal pregnancy rates observed in mares undergoing artificial insemination or embryo transfer after transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration. However, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects on ovarian function and oocyte quality. Veterinary practitioners must prioritise appropriate training and procedural precautions to minimise the risk of complications and safeguard mare welfare and fertility in the expanding field of equine assisted reproduction.

An explainable deep learning approach for stock market trend prediction

Given the intricate nature of stock forecasting as well as the inherent risks and uncertainties, analysis of market trends is necessary to capitalize on optimal investment opportunities for profit maximization and timely disinvestment for loss minimization. In this work, we propose a deep learning model for predicting five distinct stock market trends: upward, downward, double top, rounded bottom, and rounded top. The proposed model surpasses common benchmarks, including support vector machine, random forest, and logistic regression, achieving an average accuracy of 94.9%, compared to 85.7% for random forest, 60.07% for support vector machine, and 52.45% for logistic regression. Furthermore the proposed model excels in F1-score, with a 94.85% performance, compared to 77.95% for random forest, 21.02% for support vector machine and 46.23% for logistic regression, across four real world diverse datasets. Additionally, we employ explainable AI (XAI) techniques, SHAP and LIME, to enhance interpretability, enabling stakeholders to understand the key factors driving predictions. The SHAP analysis reveals the top 10 most important/influential features, enabling feature reduction while maintaining performance. Interestingly, while accuracy slightly decreases with top 10 features, precision, recall, and F1-score improve, suggesting a trade-off between comprehensiveness and performance. These results demonstrate the potential for practical application in financial decision-making, providing a balance between interpretability and predictive power that can support investors in risk management and strategic planning.

Polymer electrolytes based on PEO and lithium tetraalkoxyborate salts with ionic liquid properties for lithium-based batteries

The development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with improved safety features is crucial due to the inherent risks associated with liquid electrolytes, such as fires, explosions, and leakage. This study explores the potential of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and lithium tetraalkoxyborate salts (LiTAB) with ionic liquid properties as a safer alternative. Ionic liquids (ILs) are examined for their high ionic conductivity, wide electrochemical window, and excellent thermal stability, despite their high synthesis costs and viscosity challenges. The study proposes the use of a novel LiTAB salt with an oligomeric star-shaped anion structure that reduces mobility, enhancing lithium ion transference numbers. This IL serves as both a lithium salt and an active plasticizer in PEO-based SPEs, offering potential for 3D printing applications. Experimental results demonstrate that these electrolytes exhibit favorable rheological properties, high ionic conductivities, and significant lithium ion transference numbers, addressing the key limitations of conventional PEO-based electrolytes. The findings suggest that incorporating these LiTAB salts in SPEs could significantly enhance the safety and performance of LIBs, particularly for applications in miniaturized consumer electronics and electronic implants.

Opportunity Costs and Resource Allocation Problems: Epistemology for Finite Minds

Abstract Overwhelmingly, philosophers tend to work on the assumption that epistemic justification is a normative status that supervenes on the relation between a cognitive subject, some body of evidence, and a particular proposition (or “hypothesis”). This article will explore some motivations for moving in the direction of a rather different view. On this view, we are invited to think of the relevant epistemic norm(s) as applying more widely to the competent exercise of epistemic agency, where it is understood that cognitive subjects are simultaneously engaged in a number of different epistemic pursuits (distinct “lines of inquiry”), each placing irreconcilable demands on our limited cognitive resources. In effect, adopting this view would require shifting our normative epistemic concern away from the question of how a subject stands with respect to the evidence bearing on the hypothesis at stake in any one line of inquiry, and over onto the question of how well they cope with the inherent risks of epistemic resource management across several lines of inquiry. While this conclusion brings to light important connections between practical and epistemic rationality, it does not collapse the distinction between them. It does, however, constitute a step in the direction of a more systematically developed account of “non-ideal epistemology.”

Validation of ELPO-PT: A Risk Assessment Scale for Surgical Positioning Injuries in the Portuguese Context

Background/Objectives: Surgical procedures carry inherent risks, including injuries from surgical positioning, which impact patient safety and healthcare quality. An instrument to assess and prevent these injuries is essential. This study aimed to validate and culturally adapt the ELPO-PT for the Portuguese population to ensure its applicability and effectiveness in assessing the risk of injury from surgical positioning. Methods: A validation study was conducted with 126 adult patients undergoing surgical procedures at a central hospital in northern Portugal. Statistical analyses, including the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, assessed the internal reliability of the scale. Additionally, sensitivity and specificity analyses evaluated the ELPO-PT’s diagnostic accuracy in identifying patients at risk of developing positioning-related injuries. Results: The validation showed a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.782, indicating reasonable internal reliability. Sensitivity analysis revealed an 85% accuracy rate in identifying patients at risk of positioning injuries, while specificity analysis demonstrated a 90% accuracy rate for patients not at risk. Conclusions: The ELPO-PT is a valid and reliable instrument for aiding nurses in clinical decision-making, with significant sensitivity and specificity in identifying the risk of positioning-related injuries, including pressure ulcers, in adult patients during the intraoperative period. Its implementation is expected to be beneficial in healthcare settings, contributing to the prevention of complications associated with surgical positioning.

Risk and Complexity Assessment of Autonomous Vehicle Testing Scenarios

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) must fulfill adequate safety requirements before formal application, and performing an effective functional evaluation to verify vehicle safety requires extensive testing in different scenarios. However, it is crucial to rationalize the application of different scenarios to support different testing needs; thus, one of the current challenges limiting the development of AVs is the critical evaluation of scenarios, i.e., the lack of quantitative criteria for scenario design. This study introduces a method using the Spherical Fuzzy-Analytical Network Process (SF-ANP) to evaluate these scenarios, addressing their inherent risks and complexities. The method involves constructing a five-layer model to decompose scenario elements and using SF-ANP to calculate weights based on element interactions. The study evaluates 700 scenarios from the China In-depth Traffic Safety Study–Traffic Accident (CIMSS-TA) database, incorporating fuzzy factors and element weights. Virtual simulation of vehicles in the scenarios was performed using Baidu Apollo, and the performance of the scenarios was assessed by collecting the vehicle test results. The correlation between the obtained alternative safety indicators and the quantitative values confirms the validity and scientific validity of this approach. This will provide valuable guidance for categorizing audiovisual test scenarios and selecting corresponding scenarios to challenge different levels of vehicle functionality. At the same time, it can be used as a design basis to generate a large number of effective scenarios to accelerate the construction of scenario libraries and promote commercialization of AVs.

An epigenetic editor targeting human PCSK9 efficiently and durably lowers Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) in non-human primates

Abstract Background Reducing the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is dependent on both the magnitude and cumulative duration of LDL-C lowering. However, in clinical practice achieving treatment goals is often hampered by low adherence to standard of care. Although PCSK9 inhibitors represent an effective option for LDL-C lowering, they require chronic life-long treatment. Epigenetic editing is a new therapeutic approach designed to durably silence genes by leveraging nature’s endogenous cellular mechanism for gene regulation via CpG methylation without the inherent genotoxic risks of genome editing approaches that nick or cut the DNA. We are developing a PCSK9 epigenetic editor (PCSK9-EE) to durably silence PCSK9, with the promise of lifelong reduction in LDL-C. Methods Here, we describe the development of an epigenetic editor targeting human PCSK9. This epigenetic editor consists of a DNA targeting component fused to a transcriptional repressor domain and a DNA methyltransferase domain. PCSK9-EE was first screened and evaluated for specificity and efficacy in primary human hepatocytes (PHH). In vivo efficacy and durability were then evaluated in a transgenic mouse carrying the human PCSK9 genomic locus (hPCSK9-Tg mouse) and non-human primates (NHP). Results Our initial screen of PCSK9-EEs identified several hits that efficiently suppressed secreted PCSK9 levels in immortalized liver cells. We confirmed that our top PCSK9-EE candidates robustly decreased PCSK9 secretion in PHH and were found to be highly specific at targeting PCSK9 as assessed by RNA-seq, methylation array, and whole-genome methylation sequencing. To examine in vivo activity, we treated hPCSK9-Tg mice with a single administration of a lipid nanoparticle delivering mRNA encoding our PCSK9-EE and observed >97% reduction in liver PCSK9 mRNA, and >98% reduction in plasma PCSK9 for the duration of the study (one year). We then delivered PCSK9-EE in NHP and observed a robust reduction in plasma PCSK9 with a concomitant reduction in LDL-C. These effects were found to be durable for at least 6 months following a single administration of PCSK9-EE in NHP. To establish a mechanistic relationship between PCSK9-EE’s molecular action and durable PCSK9 silencing, we performed serial liver biopsies in each NHP approximately 2 months apart. Robust CpG methylation at the PCSK9 genomic locus was observed in the first liver biopsy and was comparable to that observed in the second liver biopsy suggesting that PCSK9-EE induced stable CpG methylation in NHP livers. Conclusions We believe PCSK9-EE may offer an effective, safe, and durable approach to suppress hepatic PCSK9 expression and achieve long-lasting reduction in LDL-C. Furthermore, epigenetic editing may hold promise for one-and-done approaches for the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease without cutting, nicking, or altering the DNA sequence.

Research on Audit Risks in the Recognition of Data Assets on Financial Statements

This paper explores the audit risks associated with the recognition of data assets on financial statements, focusing on the complexities arising from their replicability, unique valuation patterns, and contextual dependencies. It identifies major misstatement risks at both the financial statement and assertion levels, including the potential for management to exaggerate data asset values, uncertainties in valuation methods, and deficiencies in data governance and internal controls. Additionally, auditors’ lack of professional knowledge and inappropriate audit methods can lead to inspection risks. The paper emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced accounting standards for data assets, effective guidelines for their recognition and measurement, and robust internal controls. Furthermore, it advocates for the exploration of effective valuation methods and the incorporation of advanced technologies, such as big data and AI, into auditing practices. By improving auditor training and methodologies, organizations can better manage the inherent risks associated with data asset auditing.

Gaidai multimodal risk evaluation methodology based on cargo vessel onboard measurements, given structural damage accumulation

Intercontinental transportation relies heavily on medium-to-large cargo vessels, constituting an essential component of the global trade. Thus, it is of paramount importance for trading companies, engineers, designers to advance innovative, economically viable logistical and structural schemes, that are safe and reliable. Full-scale onboard recorded data, when available, serves as valuable diagnostic tool that is hard to overestimate. An operating medium-size cargo ship TEU2800 had been selected for the current investigation. TEU2800 hull dynamics is by excessive deck panel strains, occurring during ship's intercontinental sailings through potentially adverse weather conditions. Inherent risks of damaging vessel hull and losing containers, caused by excessive motions/loads, being one of the primary concerns for the cargo transportation industry. Primary novelty of this investigation is twofold: for the first, a unique onboard measured representative dataset had been analyzed; for the second, novel multimodal reliability methodology had been employed to analyzed raw measured onboard data.Presented study advocates the state-of-the-art Gaidai multimodal spatiotemporal risks assessment methodology, enabling conservative structural hazard/damage/failure risk forecasting for nonstationary, nonlinear, multimodal cargo vessel hull dynamics, under accumulated fatigue damage. Note that the advocated novel multimodal risks evaluation methodology being of generic nature and may be straightforwardly applied to a wide range of contemporary complex naval, offshore, marine systems, hence not being limited to cargo vessels only.

Antimalarials in Lupus Nephritis: How Strong is the Evidence?

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease that affects the kidneys in approximately 50% of patients, with prevalence rising to as high as 70% in certain populations, such as African Americans and Asians. Antimalarials -and particularly hydroxychloroquine- are currently considered a mainstay of therapy, together with immunosuppressants. Over the last decades, several studies have extensively investigated the mechanisms of action of antimalarial agents, and their potential beneficial properties in patients with SLE in general. However, the evidence for the therapeutic benefit of hydroxychloroquine in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) derives mainly from observational studies, conducted in an era prior to the refinement of induction and maintenance protocols for immunosuppressive therapy. Despite the paucity of high-quality evidence on its efficacy in LN, the nephrology community widely supports the universal use of hydroxychloroquine in LN patients, and recommendations for its use are firmly entrenched in various clinical practice guidelines. Nonetheless, the use of antimalarials may also carry inherent risks, underscoring the importance of personalized approaches in these patients. Herein, we comprehensively review the available literature on antimalarials in LN aiming to update the current evidence, limitations, and future perspectives for the use of antimalarials in adults.

Advanced Analytical Methods for Risk Mitigation in Multimodal Freight Transport

Stakeholders in multimodal freight transport encounter significant challenges due to the multitude of unknowns and inherent risks that can adversely affect operations. The subjective nature of the information complicates the identification and assessment of these risks, making them particularly challenging in the context of multimodal transport, where the potential consequences can be substantial. This research intends to provide a comprehensive understanding of the asymmetries in risks associated with multimodal freight transport by identifying and evaluating quantitative hazards. By integrating fuzzy set theory and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), the study offers a structured approach to statistically forecast risks, addressing imprecision in traditional risk assessments. Qualitative interviews conducted with multimodal freight transport operators in Thailand reveal critical insights, including the identification of high-priority risks such as delays from regulatory compliance, inadequate infrastructure, and inefficiencies in stakeholder communication. The findings of this study not only highlight these pressing issues but also provide actionable strategies to mitigate risks, thereby enhancing the operational resilience of multimodal freight transport systems.

Navigating the Dual Nature of Deepfakes: Ethical, Legal, and Technological Perspectives on Generative Artificial Intelligence AI) Technology

The rapid development of deepfake technology has opened up a range of groundbreaking opportunities while also introducing significant ethical challenges. This paper explores the complex impacts of deepfakes by drawing from fields such as computer science, ethics, media studies, and law. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we examine the technological foundations, uses, and societal effects of deepfakes. Our analysis includes case studies, expert interviews, and a thorough review of existing literature to highlight the dual nature of deepfakes—showcasing their potential benefits in entertainment and education, while also addressing the risks of misinformation and privacy violations. This study emphasizes the urgent need for improved detection methods, ethical guidelines, and strong legal frameworks to address the issues created by deepfakes. It calls for enhanced digital literacy and global cooperation to ensure that the advantages of generative AI are harnessed responsibly, while its inherent risks are minimized. The findings underscore the importance of effective detection strategies, ethical considerations, and legislative reforms to ensure deepfake technology is used in ways that benefit society.

Use of neuronavigation technologies for severe forms of scoliosis in children

Background. The method of choice for surgical correction of scoliosis is the technology of three-dimensional polysegmental fixation according to Cotrel–Dubousset. Its use is associated with inherent difficulties and risks, often associated with malposition of supporting elements, as well as the risk of complications. The incidence of neurological complications during surgical correction of scoliosis can reach 7%. High risks, including irreversible complications, of surgical correction of scoliosis dictate the need to introduce modern safety methods, including O-arm navigation and intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM). Aim. Increasing the effectiveness and safety of surgical correction of scoliosis in children using O-arm navigation and IONM. Materials and methods. 136 patients operated on for scoliosis were observed. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 included patients operated on using the “free-hand” technology (a total of 609 screws were analyzed in 30 patients); group 2 included patients operated on using O-arm navigation and IONM (524 screws in 25 patients). The average Cobb angle of deformation was 66.9±28.1° in group I and 82.4±25.8° in group 2. Malpositions were assessed using the classification of G. Rao et al. (2002), and an analysis of neurological complications was also carried out in 69 patients in group 1, and in 67 patients in group 2. Results. In group 1, the overall incidence of malpositions was 27.3% (166 out of 609 screws). In group 2, it was 10.5% (55 out of 524 screws). In group 1, the frequency of grade 1 malpositions was 3.9% (24 out of 609), grade 2 – 11.8% (72 out of 609), grade 3 – 11.5% (70 out of 609). In 2: grade 1 occurred in 4.2% of cases (22 out of 524), grade 2 – 3.4% (18 out of 524), and grade 3 – 2.9% (15 out of 524). The frequency of medial malpositions in the first group was 7.6% (46 out of 609), in the second group – 2.7% (14 out of 524). Lateral malpositions in the group 1 were 11.7% (71 out of 609), in the group 2 – 4.4% (24 out of 524). Anterior malpositions in group 1 – 8.05% (49 out of 609), in group 2 – 3.2% (17 out of 524). In group 1 there were 3 cases of neurological complications – 4.3%, in group 2 – in 1 case – 1.4%. Conclusion. O-arm navigation and IONM made it possible to reduce the frequency of malpositions, and there was also a tendency to reduce the number of neurological complications in the group of patients where IONM and O-arm navigation were used.