Joint Session Research Articles

A Grand Strategy of Democratic Solidarity

On March 12, 1947, Harry Truman addressed a joint session of Congress with a very specific proposal: emergency aid for Greece and Turkey, which were menaced by a communist insurgency and facing Sov...

ПРОБЛЕМИ ЕТНІЧНОЇ ІСТОРІЇ В РАДЯНСЬКІЙ АРХЕОЛОГІЇ 1940-Х – 1960-Х РР.: ПРОГРАМНІ ЗАСАДИ ТА ФОРМИ ПРАКТИЧНОЇ РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ

The background of institualization of the Soviet theoretical archaeology, which was a subdiscipline and phenomenon existing from the early 1970s till the early 1990s, is one of important topics. A study of ethnogeny and ethnic history problems on the base of archaeological data was one of the main features of the Soviet archaeology in the second half of 1940s – 1960s. That’s why it is actual to recognize which main principles were declared in this field, how they were changed and practically realized. There are no books dedicated to the history of the Soviet archaeology in the 1940s – 1960s or to the mentioned above topic but certain aspects have been studied by scholars. Sources of this research are publications from the journal “Soviet archaeology” including leading articles and documents from scientific archives of the IA NAS of Ukraine and the IHMC RAS. The Soviet archaeologists started to work under ethnogeny and ethnic history problems in the middle of the 1930s and researches were going on after the WW2. In the Soviet republics complex archaeological and ethnographic expeditions began their activity and joint sessions with ethnographers and linguists were held for the purpose of complex examination of certain ethnic nationalities Since the beginning of the 1950s an identification of archaeological cultures, determination of their interrelationship and correlation with ancient language communities were defined as the main way to study ethnic history. This approach was used in researches on almost all periods and was actual at the beginning of the 1970s. Paleoethnologic problematique was important in activity of central archaeological establishments of the USSR and the UkSSR. Archaeologists were authors of fundamental books on the history of certain folks of the USSR. But during the 1960s these problems were scarcely discussing on methodological workshops of the IA AS USSR and its Leningrad branch and there papers on this topic were almost not presented on meetings of the academic council and departments in Leningrad. That time an ethnical interpretation of archaeological cultures became an obligatory part of fundamental archaeological research that’s why there were discussions only on certain problems. But a difference in approaches of scholars and insufficient elaboration of methodological principles for ethnic history studies aroused interest to theoretical issues which was one of causes of the Soviet theoretical archaeology appearance in the early 1970s.

УПРАВЛЕНИЕ УЧЕБНОЙ МОТИВАЦИЕЙ СТУДЕНТОВ В УСЛОВИЯХ ЦИФРОВИЗАЦИИ

In the modern world, digital technologies are not only a tool of the educational process, but also a living environment that opens up new educational opportunities. The system of “digital” education imposes certain requirements on students, the main ones of which are self-organization and self-motivation of educational activities. The article aims to solve the problem of increasing students' educational motivation in the modern conditions of total digitization. The authors conclude that the basis of self-education is internal motives, but they cannot be formed without external ones since internal needs appear only thanks to external influences. The creation of an external environment requires consideration of the peculiarities of young people's cognitive development. Modern students have a primarily visual thinking, a short-term memory with signs of transactional memory, an increased speed of receiving information under distracted attention, and an ability to study in a multitasking mode. When organizing education in a digital educational environment, taking into account the characteristics of representatives of the digital generation, one should turn to the structural elements of didactics: “teaching”, “learning”, “content”, “method”. In modern conditions, the elements themselves remain unchanged, but the relationships between them are modified. In the context of increasing educational motivation, the elements include change of the teacher's role; self-organization by a student of their educational activities, choice of their individual trajectory of study, forms and methods of educational activities; the use of interactive forms of teaching and assessment (blended learning, digital platform, virtual simulators, webinars, video lectures, joint sessions, etc.); group interaction in the form of collaborative learning with student-program-student, student-program-teacher relationships; the use of interactive teaching methods, typical group and team forms of work (collaborations, storytelling, gamification, project method, etc.). The results do not contradict the factors influencing the formation of sustainable motivation for learning activities stated by E.P. Ilyin and A.K. Markova, and are also confirmed by the answers to the survey among students.

MEDIATION: PRACTICE IN THE CORPORATE WORLD

The relationship between parties in corporate world is essential in order to addressing business disagreements. Where it is focusing on the language of business contract per se. Despite various dispute solutions and legal provisions on corporate, company and shareholder rights, all the parties concern are still facing some challenges. Mediation method is one of the alternative dispute resolutions for those who seeks justice without undergo the court proceeding. It is a swift and inexpensive form of dispute resolution. Mediator’s role is to facilitate the disputing parties, and utilizes both joint and private sessions to assist them to achieve consensus. In view of the economic interest, and with a vision to maintain their business relation, a private settlement is preferred between them. This study is using the doctrinal and comparative research methods. In which, this study is comparing the pertinent literature on jurisdiction of the court and Mediation Bodies in terms of Corporate / Company / Shareholders. The discoveries of this study are vital in describing the pros and cons of mediation practices and how it reflects justice to the Malaysian society.

"Современный эконометрический инструментарий и его приложения» (META2020) и семинар «Прикладная эконометрика"

"Современный эконометрический инструментарий и его приложения» (META2020) и семинар «Прикладная эконометрика"

Federalism as the strength of the United States: 12th Amendment "Election of President and Vice President"

Therefore, the procedure like one of 3 USC Ch. 1 § 15 - which defines the manner for choosing by the US Congress the correct set of Electors from the given State - must be either established as an amendment to the US Constitution OR must be authorised by the State Legislature of each State separately. It is quite clear that, pursuant to Article II Section 1 and XII Amendment of the US Constitution, the procedure like one of 3 USC Ch. 1 § 15 - in order to be used in the US Congress during the joint session for choosing the US President - would require the consent of the State Legislature of each State thereto. In fact, the rules of 3 USC Ch. 1 § 15 might differ from State to State, depending on the directions that the State Legislature of the specific State agrees to provide to the US Congress. In my view, pursuant to the US Constitution, the rules like those of 3 USC Ch. 1 § 15 would be unconstitutional without an approval by each State Legislature. Each State Legislature, in its turn, might require a specific procedure to be followed - during the joint session of the US Congress - for choosing the set of Electors from that State in case of dual Electors. For example, the State might require the voting per State, where each State has one vote, when choosing the set of Electors from that State in the US Congress [that is, no individual voting by Congressmen].

Identifying hazards at residential and commercial pools: An interactive session

This special joint session with shared interest from multiple technical groups (Children’s Issues Technical Group, Forensics Professional Group, and Safety Technical Group) provides audience members with an opportunity to discuss multiple case examples of fatal incidents involving children and pools. Participants will first hear several examples of human factors forensic analyses of different cases. The audience will then perform a safety audit for a pool owner, working in teams, identifying potential hazards and ways the owner can mitigate the hazards. Teams will present the findings of the safety analysis. After team presentations, the facts of an incident involving the subject pool will be presented to determine if their safety analysis recommendations could have prevented the specific incident. This session will emphasize the broad application of human factors for forensic incidents involving children and pools as well as safety analyses to educate owners and potentially help to prevent incidents.

Patient*innen gestalten Forschung in der Palliativmedizin mit

BackgroundPatient and public participation in health research is of increasing social importance. The participation of citizens (patients, their next or interested parties) is not yet structurally anchored in Germany. This manuscript aims to present and to discuss first experiences with patient and public involvement in two palliative care centers. MethodsIn two centers, a general patient and public involvement committee (Erlangen) and a project-associated patient and public involvement group (Munich) were founded. Strategies for recruitment of potential members (public lectures, personal contact, information on the website, leaflets) were developed and applied. Sociodemographic data and motivations were assessed using survey and personal communication. 18 months after foundation citizens were asked to give feedback on participation during personal meetings. ResultsThe 20 members of the PPI committee (14 female) are between 52 and 86 years old in Erlangen. The PPI group in Munich has 7 members (5 female). Motivations to contribute are, for example, gratefulness for the care of a relative or the wish to share occupational competencies for a good purpose. Voluntary participation took place by consulting the research teams. Consultation was, among others, performed in joint sessions with brainstorming, moderated group discussions, piloting and commenting interview guides, texts or website content. Participation improved the quality of study material and data assessment instruments. Citizens appreciated that they were able to gain new information and meet people from different fields. They partly wished there was a more detailed preparation and debriefing after joint meetings. The research teams did not quantify the considerable staff and time expenses. DiscussionThe recruitment strategies used have proved successful, and the experiences so far indicate a positive impact of PPI on research in the field of palliative care. Research is needed to evaluate the resources required and the effect of PPI in palliative care. On a structural level, discussion of PPI as one specification of voluntary engagement in palliative care, centralized provision of general information on PPI in palliative care and the possibilities of exchange between PPI groups and researchers of different facilities, should take place. ConclusionThere is a need for networking and exchange among researchers and citizens of different project groups with experience in PPI. An institutionalized provision of expertise would pave the way for PPI in palliative research.

Neutrals' Approaches to a Heated Process: On Keeping Things Cool, Calm, and Collected

There is a trend to avoid or reduce mediation joint sessions to introduce or orient formalities without substantive presentations or discussion. The intention is to avoid early confrontation and further polarization.

Group intervention for siblings and parents of children with chronic disorders (SIBS-RCT): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSiblings and parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders are at risk of mental health problems and poorer family communication. Some group interventions for siblings exist, but few have clearly described parent components and none are considered evidence-based.MethodsWe are conducting a randomized controlled trial comparing a five-session manual-based group intervention for siblings (aged 8 to 16 years) and parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders to a 12-week waitlist, called SIBS-RCT. The intervention comprises three separate sibling and parent group sessions and two joint sessions in which each sibling talks to their parent alone. The intervention aims at improving parent-child communication and covers themes such as siblings’ understanding of the neurodevelopmental disorder, siblings’ emotions, and perceived family challenges. Participants are recruited through municipal and specialist health centers across Norway. The primary outcome is sibling mental health. Quality of life and family communication are secondary outcomes. Participants are block-randomized to the intervention or 12-week waitlist in groups of six. Measures are collected electronically at pre- and post-intervention/waitlist, as well as 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention. The main effect to be examined is the difference between the intervention and waitlist at 12 weeks post. All outcomes will also be examined using growth curve analyses. We plan to include 288 siblings and their parents by the end of 2022.DiscussionSIBS-RCT represents a major contribution to the research and practice field towards establishing an evidence-based intervention for siblings. In the event that intervention and waitlist are no different, the impact of SIBS-RCT is still substantial in that we will aim to identify participant subgroups that show positive response and effective components of the SIBS manual by examining group leader adherence as an outcome predictor. This will allow us to continue to re-engineer the SIBS manual iteratively to improve outcomes, and avoid the promotion of a less-than-optimal intervention.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04056884. Registered in August 2019

Parameters of Reunification Therapy and Predictors of Treatment Success in High Conflict Divorce Cases: A Survey of Mental Health Professionals

ABSTRACT One hundred and twenty licensed mental health professionals were surveyed about their work conducting court-ordered reunification therapy with moderate to severe cases of children’s rejection of a parent. Four issues were examined in particular: assessment/screening of alienation VS. estrangement, development of treatment goals, definition and measurement of treatment success, and barriers to successful treatment. Predictors of successful treatment were also examined. Results indicate that how success was defined, whether joint sessions are offered, number of barriers, and percent of cases perceived to be hybrids all predicted percent of successful cases. Findings offer many opportunities for refining and enhancing this very challenging work.

DOES THE NUMBER OF JOINTS INVOLVED IN EXERCISE PROMOTE CHANGES IN ENERGY EXPENDITURE?

ABSTRACT Introduction: The benefits of strength training (ST) include not only strength improvement but also favorable body composition changes, which has led to a considerable increase in the indication of this training method in overweight and obese individuals, and has made the investigation of outcomes attributed to different manipulations of ST variables an important task. However, acute metabolic responses related to energy expenditure (EE) associated with the manipulation of exercises which, in turn, are associated with the number of joints involved in movement, are still inconclusive. Objective: To verify the influence of the number of joints involved in movement on EE with equalized volume in ST at different intensities. Methods: This training program was held on alternate days, with a 48-hour interval between each session, and with two randomized protocols, as follows: multi joint protocol with four common exercises for ST participants compared to the single joint protocol with four exercises. Each protocol was evaluated at three training intensities (90%, 75% and 60% of 1-RM) according to the one-repetition maximum test. Results: Significant increases in EE were observed in the multi joint session as compared to the single joint session: 90% 1-RM multi joint 246.80 ± 26.17 kcal vs single joint 227.40 ± 24.54 kcal (∆ -7.86, 95% CI 7.33; 31.46; t 3.44; p <0.05); 75% 1-RM multi joint 124.13 ± 25.40 kcal vs single joint 111.80 ± 22.78 kcal (∆ -9.93, 95% CI 3.25; 21.41; t 2.91; p <0.05); 60% 1-RM multi joint 70.80 ± 6.28 kcal vs single joint 64.40 ± 6.72 kcal (∆-9.04, 95% CI 3.95; 8.84; t 5.60; p <0.05). Conclusion: Multi joint exercises may be a variable to consider when EE balance is the main target of the ST program. However, further studies are needed to supplement our findings. Level of evidence II; Diagnostic studies-Investigating a diagnostic test.

Towards sustainable implementation of music in daily care of people with dementia and their spouses

Primary caregivers (PCs) of people with dementia deal with stressful daily living, especially spouses whose care recipient is at home. Several programs have been developed to aid caregiving by providing musical strategies, yet successful sustainable implementation of music in the daily lives of the couples awaits further research and development. To promote this, in this pilot study we proposed a music therapy program that included 12 weekly sessions with the couple in their home environment. In addition, there were bi-weekly phone counseling sessions with the PC, to reflect on the joint sessions and to help implement music in daily life. Findings based on the description, analysis, and interpretation of two cases showed that the proposed program provided a strong foundation upon which the treatment could succeed; it relied on natural forces such as the use of songs, which can empower each of the spouses individually, as well as together as a couple; and it included elements of ongoing support that enabled preservation of the accomplishments that were achieved during the sessions. Future research is required to examine whether this program is appropriate for couples in other housing contexts, and in different stages of dementia.

Discrepancies in digital hematopathology diagnoses for consultation and expert panel analysis

Digital pathology with whole-slide imaging (WSI) has a large potential to make the process of expert consultation and expert panel diagnosis more rapid and more efficient. However, comparison with the current methods is necessary for validation of the technique. In this study, we determined if digital assessment of whole-slide images of hematopathology specimens with a focus on the assessment of lymphoma can be used for consultation and panel diagnostics. Ninety-three histological specimens with a suspicion for lymphoma were assessed both with conventional microscopy and digital microscopy with a wash out period between assessments. A consensus diagnosis was based on full concordance between the pathologists or, in case of discordances, was reached at a joint session at a multi-headed microscope. In 81% of the cases, there was a full concordance between digital and light microscopical assessment for all three pathologists. Discordances between conventional microscopy and digital pathology were present in 3% of assessments. In comparison with the consensus diagnosis, discordant diagnoses were made in 5 cases with digital microscopy and in 3 cases with light microscopy. The reported level of confidence and need for additional investigations were similar between assessment by conventional and by digital microscopy. In conclusion, the performance of assessment by digital pathology is in general comparable with that of conventional light microscopy and pathologists feel confident using digital pathology for this subspecialty.

Effects of physiotherapy associated to virtual games in pain perception and heart rate variability in cases of low back pain

Introduction: The virtual games when appropriately used can stimulate brain activity and excite the creative energy. Therefore, it is important to assess the implications of their use in pain perception in individuals with low back pain (LBP), a disease that affects about 80% of the world’s population. Objective: was to evaluate the effects of virtual games combined with a physiotherapy program on the pain perception and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) in people with LBP. Method: the participants were 21 adults with clinical diagnosis of LBP, aged 24-61 years, of both sexes, divided into two groups. Five weekly meetings were provided. Group 1 participated in a physical therapy program and group 2 participated in the same physical therapy program plus joint sessions with virtual games. The instruments used were a heart rate monitor; a tablet for games; a shortwave equipment; visual analogue scale (VAS); and McGill’s Pain Questionnaire. The measurements were performed before and after the program. Results: Reduction in pain was observed in both groups, being higher in group 2, the one that used the games. Conclusion: There was a decrease in parasympathetic activity in group 2, which indicates that the distraction factor promoted by the games influenced the pain perception.

Parliamentary responsibility of the government in the european countries

The article reveals the features of parliamentary responsibility of the governments of Western Europe. When the government or some of its members is to be failing to carry out their duties, parliament can initiate procedures which have the potential to replace all or part of the government. There are two different types of procedure. One is the withdrawal of confidence in the government or in individual ministers. The requirement for a certain minimum number of votes to be obtained before such motions can be initiated or passed highlights the relative strengths of the different political groups within parliament. Where the government has a parliamentary majority, it can usually count on that majority to block the motions. The majority of the parliaments in Europe allow votes of no confidence in the government. Where the legitimacy of the government rests on parliamentary confidence, the withdrawal or denial of confidence by parliament can force the government out of power. For a vote of no confidence to be passed an absolute majority of all members of the chamber (or chambers, if votes are taken in joint session) is required. Where the collective responsibility of the Cabinet is stressed, a votum of no confidence againstindividual members is prohibited. Several parliaments admit both collective and individual responsibility and allow both types of no confidence motions. The difference between votum of no confidence in the government as a whole and votum against individual ministers were researched.It is concluded that institute of government’ parliamentary responsibility of is the an integral feature of a democratic state with parliamentarianism, ensuring the optimal functioning of the highest bodies of state legislative and executive power.

Evaluation of \u201cSIBS\u201d, An Intervention for Siblings and Parents of Children with Chronic Disorders

Siblings of children with chronic disorders are at increased risk of experiencing family communication problems and poorer mental health. We assessed initial feasibility, acceptability, and outcomes of SIBS; a manual-based group intervention for siblings and parents of children with chronic disorders, aiming to improve parent-sibling communication and sibling mental health. Ninety-nine siblings aged 8–16 years (M = 11.5 years, SD = 2.0; 54.5% girls) and parents (63.6% mothers) of children with chronic disorders participated in three separate group sessions for siblings and parents and two joint sessions with integrated sibling-parent dialogues. We assessed participant satisfaction post-intervention and checked for group leader manual adherence. We measured the following outcomes at baseline, three, and six months post-intervention in an open trial: (1) parent-sibling communication quality; (2) sibling emotional and behavioral problems; (3) sibling adaptation to the disorder; and (4) sibling disorder knowledge. Using growth curve modeling, we found significant improvement in parent-sibling communication quality (p = 0.001), emotional and behavioral problems (p = 0.009), adaptation to the disorder (p = 0.003), and disorder knowledge (p = 0.000) from baseline to follow-up (effect sizes d = 0.22 to 0.64). Improvement in sibling-reported emotional and behavioral problems and adaptation to the disorder was partly explained by communication quality. User satisfaction was high and manual adherence was good. Our evaluation yields support for the SIBS intervention, with initial evidence of acceptability, feasibility, and beneficial outcomes. Our study suggests targeting parent-sibling communication may be a beneficial way of improving siblings’ mental health.

Understanding the interaction in mediation caucuses: Negotiation positions, disputant assessments, bias and neutrality

Previous research on how mediation helps disputing parties to reach resolution has not addressed the interaction in caucuses (i.e. separate meetings) between mediators and individual disputants which may be held in addition to the joint mediationsessions. This discourse-analytic study of videotaped mediation caucuses reveals both constructive and potentially problematic aspects of participants’ interaction during the caucuses. While some disputants engaged in constructive actions,such as articulating their bottom line negotiating position or sharing information with the mediator which had not been revealed in the joint session, others produced negative assessments of the opposing disputants. Also, mediators’ opennessin expressing their own opinions during caucuses undermined their ability to display neutrality and avoid taking sides. The implications of these findings for mediation practice and further research directions are discussed.

JSH-EASL Joint Session

JSH-EASL Joint Session

An Evaluation of Family-Based Treatment for OCD in Japan: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: Although family involvement in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) produces a reduction in OCD symptoms and has significant effects on global functioning, few studies have focused on family intervention as part of OCD treatment in Japan. This study aims to examine the feasibility and efficacy of the family-based exposure and response prevention (FERP) program for adult patients with OCD and their family members.Design: Randomized controlled pilot study.Methods: A total of 18 outpatients aged 18–65 years with a primary diagnosis of OCD and one family member of each patient were randomized to an intervention group or a control group (1:1). The intervention group received the FERP program, which consisted of 16 weekly face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions, including eight joint sessions with family members, in addition to treatment-as-usual (TAU). The control group received TAU alone. The primary outcome was the alleviation of OCD symptoms, as measured by changes in the total Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) score from baseline to posttreatment. Analyses were provided on an intention-to-treat basis, and linear mixed models were used to test for significant group differences.Results: After 16 weeks, patients allocated to the FERP program showed improvement in OCD symptom severity, as measured by the total change score of the Y-BOCS (Hedges’ g = −1.58), as compared to the control group. Two patients (22.2%) in the FERP group reached remission, and five patients (55.6%) in the FERP group achieved treatment response. Clinical global improvement measured by the FAS-SR scores, K6 scores, and CGI-S scores was also observed (Hedges’ g = −1.35, −1.25, and −1.26, respectively) in the FERP group as compared to the control group. The dropout rate from the study was low (n = 2, 11.8%), and no adverse events were reported in the FERP group.Conclusion: Our results suggest that FERP may be an effective program for reducing patients’ OCD symptoms.Clinical Trial Registration: www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/, identifier UMIN000021763.