Life Priorities Research Articles

The Case against compulsory vaccination: the failed arguments from risk imposition, tax evasion, ‘social liberty’, and the priority of life

Arguments for mandatory or compulsory vaccination must justify the coercive infringement of bodily integrity via the injection of chemicals that permanently affect a body’s inner constitution. Four arguments are considered. The allegedly libertarian argument declares unvaccinated persons a threat; accordingly, vaccination could take the form of justifiable defence of self and others. This argument conflates material and statistical threats. The harsh coercive measures permissible in defence against the former are not permissible in prevention of the latter. The argument from tax evasion claims that people can be permissibly coerced into bearing their fair financial burdens of community life and likens this to sharing burdens in the face of a viral threat. The argument fails to demonstrate that vaccination would be fair, permissible in spite of potential lethal side-effects, and sufficiently similar to taxation despite the categorical difference between temporary deprivation of money and permanent deprivation of one’s original inner bodily constitution. The argument from ‘social liberty’ claims that the loss of freedom due to mandatory vaccination is only apparent, namely outweighed by corresponding gains in freedom. This argument conflates freedom as the absence of coercion with freedom as the presence of options for action. It fails to give the former its due weight and to demonstrate that persons may be coerced into increasing the options of others. The argument from the priority of life elevates the protection of life to an absolute value. This is unwarranted and leads to counterintuitive implications. Without better arguments, mandatory vaccination must be rejected.

Determination of Health Concepts in β-Propeller Protein-Associated Neurodegeneration.

β-Propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN) is a rare, X-linked condition caused by pathogenic variants in the WDR45 gene that result in a defect of autophagy. Classified as a disorder of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation, β-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration is associated with severe neurologic impairments. With the anticipation of future therapeutic trials, this project characterizes the family's perspective of the impact of disease and defines Health Concepts (HC).Children with a molecularly confirmed diagnosis of β-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration were enrolled in a prospective natural history study. We administered the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Third Edition and provided health-related quality of life questionnaires to 42 caregivers. Questionnaires included Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory-Generic Core and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory-Family Impact modules, Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities, and Caregiver TBI-CareQoL.The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Third Edition (n = 42) captured the family's perspective that communication was more affected compared with socialization, activities of daily living (ADL), and motor skills (P < .0001, P < .0001, P = .0053, respectively). Similarly, on the Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (n = 26), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory-Generic Core (n = 27), CareQol (n = 26), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory-Family Impact (n = 27), communication abilities, as well as social functioning and activities of daily living, were noted to be most impacted.Through the use of standardized surveys and outcome assessments, we establish the effects of β-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration on caregiver quality of life. Key health concepts identified by families included overall health, comfort, and communication. The identified HC will inform the future identification of concept of interest and selection of appropriate clinical outcome assessments through the administration of patient-reported outcomes.

Rib-on-pelvis deformity: a modifiable driver of pain and poor health-related quality of life in cerebral palsy.

Cerebral Palsy (CP) often presents with a sweeping thoracolumbar scoliosis and pelvic obliquity. With severe pelvic obliquity, the ribs come into contact with the high side of the oblique pelvis, termed rib-on-pelvis deformity (ROP). ROP can result in costo-iliac impingement, or pain associated with ROP, and can also adversely affect breathing and sitting balance. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether CP patients with ROP have worse health-related quality of life (HRQOL) before surgery and a greater improvement in HRQOL after surgery. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected, multicenter, international registry was performed for all nonambulatory patients with CP treated with spinal fusion with at least two-year follow-up. HRQOL was measured via the Caregiver Priorities & Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILD) questionnaire domains (0 = most disability, 100 = least disability). ROP was defined as having a rib distal to the superior portion of the iliac crest on preop upright radiographs. The ROP group and control group without ROP were compared regarding six domain scores and total score of CPCHILD. Multiple linear regression was used to control for curve apex location, major coronal Cobb angle, type of tone, and pelvic obliquity. 340 patients met inclusion criteria (52% female, mean age 14.0years). The mean major coronal Cobb angle was 81 degrees and mean pelvic obliquity was 22 degrees. 176 patients (51.8%) had ROP while 164 patients (48.2%) did not. ROP was independently associated with worse preoperative Positioning/Transfers/Mobility (PTM), Comfort & Emotions (C&E), and total CPCHILD score via the CPCHILD questionnaire (p < 0.05). Patients with preoperative ROP experienced a greater improvement in the C&E and PTM domains as well as total CPCHILD score than patients without ROP (p < 0.05). CP patients with rib-on-pelvis deformity experience more pain and worse HRQOL than patients without this deformity. These patients experienced a greater improvement in HRQOL after spinal fusion measured via the CPCHILD questionnaire.

Inclusive measure development: amplifying the voices of adolescents and young adults with spina bifida in a new measure of benefit-finding and growth

Abstract Objective Benefit-finding and growth is an important process across a range of medical populations. However, it has been understudied in the context of lifelong chronic conditions, such as spina bifida (SB). This study aimed to develop a new measure of benefit-finding and growth for youth with SB, confirm its factor structure, and examine its psychometric properties. Method To generate items for the new measure, 20 adolescents and young adults with SB completed qualitative interviews regarding their experience of living with SB. Interviews were coded for benefits. Questionnaire items were generated from these benefits, and an expert panel refined the wording of these items. The resultant 31-item measure was shared with six of the 20 participants for feedback and then piloted among 251 youth with SB. The factor structure of the measure was confirmed and reliability and convergent validity were assessed. Results Both a one- and four-factor structure were supported. The four factors include: Life Perspectives and Priorities, Personal Characteristics and Traits, Connections and Opportunities, and Problem Solving. Higher total and factor scores represent greater benefit-finding and growth. The measure demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = 0.95). The new measure also showed significant positive correlations with optimism, positive affect, and life satisfaction. Conclusions This study produced a measure of benefit-finding and growth for youth with SB. Clinically, information about what youth with SB perceive to be their areas of strength and growth from their condition provides crucial insight into which factors to enhance in this population.

Predicting attitudes related to stuttering from an international database

PurposeA vast number of studies over the past 50 years have explored public and professional attitudes toward stuttering, and many of them have identified variables that predict more—or less—positive attitudes. Part I of this study summarized 91 studies in terms of consistency of prediction of stuttering attitudes. Part II sought to compare a considerable number of potential predictors and to quantify their prediction strengths. MethodThirty-seven predictors were analyzed in linear regression models using a retrospective analysis of a database consisting of 22,413 respondents from 44 countries who had filled out the Public Opinion Survey of Human Attributes–Stuttering (POSHA–S) in 26 different languages. Dependent variables were two POSHA–S subscores, Beliefs about stuttering and Self Reactions to people who stutter, as well as the mean of these two subscores, the Overall Stuttering Score. ResultsAll 37 predictors were statistically significant for most—but at least one—of the three scores. The strongest predictors related to regions of the world and related variables of countries and languages, with greater strength for Beliefs than for Self Reactions. Knowing persons who stutter, or knowing about stuttering, were moderate predictors of Self Reactions but weak predictors of Beliefs. Different populations, such as the public, students, or speech-language pathologists, moderately predicted attitudes on all three dependent variables while education level and self-ratings of ability to speak were weak predictors. Sex (gender), age, income, parental or marital status, and most of 12 life priorities (e.g., get things done; be safe and secure) had very weak and practically insignificant predictive potential. ConclusionsThe study confirmed previous research showing ambiguous results for such predictors as sex and age but consistent differences from various geographic regions. Beliefs and Self Reactions measure different constructs that are often predicted differently by variables.

Beyond treatment: navigating existential reflections in the cancer survivorship journey

This narrative review explores the intricate intersection of cancer survivorship and existential reflections, acknowledging the profound impact on the overall well-being and quality of life for survivors. As advances in treatment increase survival rates, understanding the psychosocial aspects of survivorship becomes crucial. This review examines how existential concerns evolve through the phases of survivorship, focusing on themes such as fear of recurrence, reassessment of life priorities, and the quest for renewed purpose. It also investigates the influence of social support, cultural and spiritual beliefs, and mental health on these reflections. By evaluating existing support services and interventions, the review highlights successful strategies and identifies areas for improvement. Recommendations are proposed for integrating existential considerations into survivorship care, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, culturally sensitive support to enhance survivors' quality of life and foster resilience and personal growth.

Digitalization as a trend in the modern development of the economy of Kyrgyzstan and increasing the financial literacy of the country’s population

In modern Kyrgyzstan, transformational processes related to digitalization are taking place, which have led to a change in public consciousness, a reassessment of values in the field of economics, finance and in general in public life. At the moment, society is faced with the introduction of digital technologies, which have led to a powerful generation of new knowledge, attitudes and skills; there is a need to adjust personal financial management and lifestyle changes. Changing the model of financial behavior can be regarded as a way for the population to respond to the current situation, the purpose of which is to create opportunities for managing personal finances and ensuring relationships that allow the subject to achieve their life priorities. Citizens understand the need to involve them in new technological solutions in order to keep up with

Principles of humanism and justice in the administrative law of Ukraine in the context of christian values

The article is devoted to the study of the content and implementation of the principles of humanism and justice in the administrative law of Ukraine in the context of Christian values. The relevance of the topic lies in the fact that these two principles are poorly understood in the science of administrative law, and that the doctrine of this science needs to be changed, given the changes associated with the war, which forced people to reconsider some of their values, their life priorities and views on the State and its importance in human life, and reinforced the need to build relations between the State and human beings based on the principles of humanism and justice. The author establishes that the principles of humanism and justice are interrelated and form the basis of the entire system of administrative law and the functioning of public relations in the field of public administration. It is summarized that justice is the initial principle of law and its essence, the basis for the rule of law. Humanism is a fundamental principle of rights and a value of a democratic society; it means humanity, love for a person, value of a person and his or her dignity, and the pursuit of his or her welfare. It is proved that the fundamental principles of law are based on love, which is the content of Christian doctrine. In the context of Christian values, the principle of justice means doing to others as you would like to be done to you. It implies the action of equality, respect, freedom, and mercy toward people. In turn, the principle of humanism in the context of Christian values means love your neighbor as yourself. It is proved that love is not only an emotion, but first and foremost an action, or an act of will. Love requires decision-making and effort. Therefore, the principles of administrative law are also an action and should be put into practice, and not just an idea. The author proposes to change some doctrinal approaches to the role of the State in relations with a person, namely, that they should be based on the principles of humanism and justice based on love, which will be the beginning of a qualitatively new role of the State and the activities of officials in relations with citizens.

The impact of the importance of the life priority "Health" in the formation of the patient's attitude to the organization of medical care provided on an outpatient settings

AIM: to analyze the influence of the structure of the life priority “health” in shaping the patient’s attitude towards the organization of medical care provided in an outpatient setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS OF RESEARCH: Primary data were obtained through an anonymous survey of 486 patients of medical organizations in Moscow. In total, the author’s questionnaire offered eight priority options: “Family”, “Work”, “Education”, “Career”, “Health”, “Material goods”, “Spiritual values”, “Faith (religion)”. When answering, the respondent arranged the proposed priorities in hierarchical order according to the degree of decreasing importance in relation to himself personally. As a division into comparison groups, the concept of standard structure was used, that is, the correspondence of the individual structure of life priorities to the collective structure. The main group (147 people) included patients who considered the life priority “Health” to be very significant. Patients included in the control group (112 people) placed the life priority “Health” in the fourth and subsequent places in the hierarchy, that is, they considered it less important compared to other priorities. 228 patients ranked the life priority “Health” in third place (the majority) and they were excluded from further consideration. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The overall assessment of the activities of a medical organization providing medical care in an outpatient setting does not depend on the place in the hierarchy of life priorities of the “Health” value, however, with an average frequency of visits, which is the most common characteristic of the need for outpatient medical care, the value of the assessment of the quality of the organization of the activities of a medical organization is higher in the control group of patients, that is, with a low importance of the life priority “Health”. CONCLUSION: Despite the higher integral ratings given by patients with a low importance of the life priority “Health”, and a lower proportion of those who did not express any complaints about the organization of the clinic’s activities, they expressed more complaints about certain aspects of the organization of the work of the medical organization and its mode of operation.

Digital Representations of Illness: Key Issues in Cancer Patient Narratives

Language has proven to possess tremendous power: words not only reflect our perception of the world, but they also have an impact on other people’s ideas (Foucault, 2002; Fairclough, 2003; Koller, 2017). This is especially significant in the case of health communication, which, in the last few years, has raised a particular interest as a result of the number of health-related discourses that have emerged on the Internet (Harvey, 2013; Brookes and Hunt, 2021). Exchanging information has become so easy and quick now that more and more people are starting to share their stories of illness, raising awareness and seeking for emotional support, which has highlighted the therapeutic role of storytelling (Conti, 2019). Given that cancer is the leading cause of death in the world (WHO, 2022), and considering the growing trend towards storytelling and the extraordinary power of language, the aim of this paper is to analyse how cancer patients use language in their narratives when describing their illness experiences. To conduct our analysis, we compiled a corpus of cancer narratives written in English and used corpus linguistic tools (McEnery and Hardie, 2012) such as Sketch Engine (Kilgarriff et al., 2014) to explore how cancer, illness, health, life and death are represented. Preliminary findings show that, although the word ‘cancer’ seems to be commonly used by English-speaking cancer patients, they do not often talk about death, especially about their own, suggesting that death may still be a taboo in our society. In addition, as reflected in their narratives, patients seem to change their life expectations, values and priorities after living with cancer. Furthermore, our findings suggest that patients may understand certain issues such as ‘being healthy’ differently from the general population.

Long-term transformational effects of near-death experiences

The purpose of this study was to deepen our understanding of the phenomenon of long-term transformational effects of near-death experiences (NDEs). Methods: Participants included 834 individuals who had experienced NDEs. We compared their responses with those of 42 individuals who had faced life-threatening situations (LTEs) without experiencing NDEs, aiming to discern whether transformations could be attributed solely to the proximity to death. We employed chi-square statistics to assess differences in aftereffects reported by the NDE and LTE-only groups. We also conducted a thematic analysis of the participants’ narratives to capture a more detailed account of the transformations experienced. Results: Our central finding reveals a significant transformation in values and spiritual attitudes among participants following their NDEs, as compared to individuals who were faced with life-threatening situations without an NDE. Key transformations include an enhanced belief in divinity and in the afterlife, a decreased fear of death, and increased levels of compassion. Participants also reported a stronger belief in the meaningfulness of life, and a profound shift in life priorities and values, emphasizing the increased importance of their spiritual or religious lives. Conclusions: The results support the notion that NDEs lead to a profound spiritual awakening and a reorientation towards life distinct from changes following LTEs without NDEs.

Arabic Translation of The Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities CPCHILD Scale

Abstract Background Children with cerebral palsy have difficulties in daily life activities (feeding, toilet training, dressing), communication, and mobility. The children’s independence and quality of life decrease when their performance in activities of daily living is reduced. Evaluation of motor function for affected children with cerebral palsy (CP), individual needs and goals of these patients and their parents is still lacking and needs to be further addressed. The CPCHILD is a multidimensional patient centered assessment tool. Aim of the Work Our aim is to translate and provide an Arabic version of the CPCHILD for assessing the caregivers’ perceptions of the health status, comfort, wellbeing, functional abilities, and quality of life for their children with cerebral palsy. Patient and Methods This study was a cross sectional study, conducted at Pediatric Neurology Clinic at Children’s Hospital, and Physical Medicine Outpatient Clinic at Ain Shams University Hospitals. The CPCHILD was translated from English to Arabic with the agreement of the scale's owner. The Arabic version was provided through translation and back translation process, which was then presented to the caregivers of CP children for evaluation of the perspectives and quality of life for their children. Results An Arabic version of the CPCHILD scale was created. The enrolled caregivers for children with CP were the biological mothers. The mothers of the CP children were able to understand and respond to the translated scale and reported poor mean total CPCHILD score 26.45 (0-58.3). Conclusion The Arabic version of the scale was provided through translation and back translation process and the version was prepared for subsequent validation tests. The translated version will help in applying the scale in the caregivers' language in a culture proper setting and can be helpful in the assessment of health-related quality of life of children with CP.

Coronavirus disease and assisted reproduction in South Africa: a qualitative study

Objective: Little has been written about the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on assisted reproduction services in low and middle-income countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate and long-term effects of assisted reproductive technology services in South Africa after 27 months of various lockdowns and restrictions associated with the pandemic. Methods: This article draws on data collected in 2020–2023 as part of a qualitative study of assisted reproduction within sub-Saharan Africa. Twenty-nine infertility specialists and other clinical staff including embryologists, clinic coordinators, ova donor coordinators, and nurses were interviewed and asked about the effects of the pandemic on their clinics and patients. A semistructured in-depth interview technique was used to collect the data. The analysis was conducted using the thematic analysis method. Result: Findings revealed that the immediate effects of the pandemic included the cancellations and deferral of assisted reproductive technology cycles and decreased numbers of cross-border patients. Challenges experienced by clinics in making decisions included whether to treat COVID-positive patients, increased costs of testing, and economic losses. Longer-term effects included the reconsideration of life priorities by both specialists and patients, and improved remote consultations and networking opportunities facilitated by the widespread dissemination of online platforms. There was also increased acceptability of the shipping and use of frozen gametes, leading to a perceived growth of the South African frozen oocyte trade. There was also decreased demand for add-ons, associated with the economic downturn post-pandemic in the region. Conclusion: COVID-19 carried costs (cancellation of cycles, a decrease in international patients, decrease in some procedures with the post-COVID economic downturn) but also unanticipated benefits for the practices and provision of services within infertility clinics in South Africa (increased gamete and embryo shipping; virtual patient consultations; improved virtual networking; greater use of local in vitro fertilization services). Further comparisons postpandemic in other low and middle-income countries are needed to understand the long-term implications.

Healthy lifestyle of Ukrainians during war: primary analysis of survey data

Purpose. In wartime, individual behavior significantly affects the health status of citizens, as the basic conditions of health are constantly under attack, and the usual way of life is under the destructive influence of various traumatic factors. Understanding the factors, conditions, and trends in promoting a healthy lifestyle (HLS) in wartime realities requires empirical research. The purpose of the article is to conduct a frequency analysis of the data from the survey “Healthy Lifestyle of Ukrainians during War” to incorporate them into the HLS promoting strategies. Methods. Data collection (end of 2023—beginning of 2024) was conducted through surveys (random and panel online samples) containing seven blocks and using Google Forms; 6042 cases were included in the analysis. Results. 1) Sociodemographic characteristics of the sample: men predominate (60%); average age – 38 years; education – mostly higher education (almost 50%) and variations of secondary (40%); professional occupation – most in the field of civil security (44,6%) and social and behavioral sciences (17,9%); geography – predominantly regions in Ukraine distant from the frontline (57,6%) and near-frontline areas (20%); family status – majority lives in families (62%), and alone – 13,2%; monthly income is predominantly low (60%) and average (31,3%); time of taking the survey due to massive missile attacks on Ukraine – mostly during attack-free days (77,5%). 2) Features of HLS: leading health preservation factors – lifestyle (99,8%) and social environment (95,5%); over 50% of respondents currently adhere to HLS; the greatest difficulties in maintaining HLS – during anxiety period, from February to May 2022 (47,7%); almost 40% of respondents understand HLS as both harmful habit cessation, existing beneficial habits adhering, and forming of new ones, while another 28,3% prioritize only harmful habits cessation; leading incentives for HLS adherence – signs of health deteriorating (38,3%), pursuit of personal goals (34.1%), awareness on the destructive impact of chronic stress (31,4%); leading barriers – lack of material resources (46,9%), unfavorable emotional state (26%), and adverse environmental conditions (24,8%); the most challenging aspects of HLS adherence – work-rest regimen (35,1%), rational nutrition (31,1%), physical activity (21,5%). 3) Leading health maintenance (care) practices: making plans, setting goals (80,4%); adhering to a regular work schedule (77%); independent search for information on overcoming psychological difficulties (68,8%); trustful communication with close surroundings (64,5%); attention to hygiene and appearance (61,4%); contributing money to volunteer fundraising (57,9%); keeping informed of news from close circles (56%) and moderate use of expert sources (49,8%); watching movies /series (53,3%) and taking walks (43,3%); prayer (37,4%); awareness on playback theatre (19,6%). 4) Digital well-being: manifested at a moderate level, digital engagement overall fosters positive communication and accompanies respondents’ pursuit of personal goals. 5) Attitudes toward uncertainty: women, those with experience of past failures, and those requiring social support are more sensitive to uncertain conditions. 6) Existential motivations: most realized ones – the ability to value moments of life, respect oneself, and orientation toward the future, yet anxiety, stress, and exhaustion are still the case. 7) Experience related to full-scale invasion: forced displacement (25%); psychological (33,4%), human (death, missing persons) (27,6%), material, financial (27%) losses; law enforcement activity (21,6%); changes in life priorities (71,2%), awareness on the ability to cope independently with life difficulties (58,5%). Conclusions. The results require further processing and will be used to develop HLS promotion strategies in various settings and population categories.

Аксиологические проблемы образования в современной науке

Introduction. Modern Russian society is faced with serious challenges and threats that require the rethinking of values based on traditional Russian spiritual and moral values. This situation actualizes the need to analyze the axiological problems of education, the solution of which could have a significant impact on the preservation of Russia’s spiritual security, because education has a key impact on the process of formation and development of personality. Theoretical analysis. Modern educational activity is faced with a number of problems that have axiological grounds: the lack of a unified and clear system of values in the field of education, insufficient attention to the moral and ethical aspects of education, the problem of humanization of education. Conclusion. The solution to these problems can be found in the development of an axiological theory, which contributes to the formation of a worldview based on the recognition of the value of a person as a personality, as well as education based on the principles of priority of universal values, human life and health, and free personal development. It is necessary to conceptually rethink the education system, taking into account the priority of traditional spiritual and moral values inherent in the Russian culture of society.

Motives of Parents Who Request the Catholic Sacraments of Initiation for Their Children

ABSTRACT Using attachment theory to interrogate findings, a single-case study investigated why parents present their children for the Sacraments of Initiation into the Catholic Church. Twelve parents from the Illawarra region, Australia, participated in the study. Robert K. Yin’s (Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods. 6th ed. Sage, 2018) analytic strategy resulted in two research questions (RQ), namely, why do parents present their children for Baptism and secondly, why do they continue with the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation despite having little to no Church contact during the in-between years? Five overarching themes were found for the first RQ, including non-religious incentive, focus on the child, struggle in understanding Baptism, future orientation and cultural expectation. The second RQ revealed four overarching themes, namely, child-focused apprehension, child-focused commitment, expenditure of time and priorities in a busy life. Emphasis on the child’s welfare was evident in all themes. Discussion focuses on the conflict between Church commitment and emphasis on the child’s well-being.

PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AS A SYSTEMIC COMPONENT OF HEALTH CARE

The article analyzes the peculiarities of preventive education as a component and mechanism of health protection based on domestic scientific research. It is shown that a huge number of risks for Ukrainian society and every citizen create a situation when only systemic and preventive reorientation in the educational sphere can become a condition for overcoming very real threats to the mental, spiritual and physical health of people with the production of social alienation of the younger generation and massive behavioral destructiveness, which together threaten the destruction of both society and the individual. It is argued that the risks of the media and information society and the threats of an information war in the conditions of Russia's external aggression require the creation of an effective and integrated system of preventing deviant behavior among the younger generation by means of educational means. The principle feature of this model of preventive and educational activity is its attribution in relation to the entire educational process in general within the more general goal of forming the spiritual culture of education seekers. Health protection is one of the priority guidelines for the formation of a system of preventive and educational influence on the younger generation and society that is effective in modern conditions, in particular, in the context of the reforms of the New Ukrainian School. Preventive education is understood as a complex and purposeful influence on the individual in the course of the latter's active and dynamic interaction with various social institutions, primarily educational. Accordingly, prevention should be a component of any socio-pedagogical process as a meaningful attribute that significantly enhances the positive content of sociocentric potential and intersubjective interaction of education. In any case, preventive educational activity is based on the principles of the New Ukrainian School with an emphasis on a person-oriented approach and competence training. Educational goals are related to the formation of a system of values and life skills that allow individuals to independently determine constructive and meaningful life priorities for their own development, self-realization, and behavior patterns.

Impact of Artificial Weathering on Swimwear Fabric

Lately, being physically active has become a priority of daily life. Despite that outdoor sports boost an individual’s mental and physical health, it also generates the problem of ultraviolet light exposure. Clothes provide the wearer protection from the sun, but they are also damaged while completing this task. Therefore, the impact of ultraviolet aging on swimwear fabric, which is the most exposed type of garment to the sunrays, was investigated in this study. Changes in breaking force, elongation at break, air permeability, fabric elasticity and stiffness, and dimensional characteristics were examined after 120 and 240 h of artificial weathering, together with scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The influence of seawater treatment was explored as well. The results presented that breaking force, elongation at break, fabric elasticity and stiffness, and air permeability were dramatically influenced by ultraviolet exposure. No chemical destruction was observed in FTIR spectra, while micro-damages were detected in SEM images. Furthermore, it was concluded that the main detrimental parameter was UV radiation, and the effect of seawater treatment was usually found to be minimal or not distinctive. Due to the limited number of research on the impact of UV aging on warp-knitted swimwear, this study is expected to contribute to the related literature.

Development of algorithms for estimating the Child Health Utility 9D from Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities

PurposeThe primary aim was to determine Child Health Utility 9D (CHU9D) utilities from the Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILD) for non-ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP).MethodsOne hundred and eight surveys completed by Australian parents/caregivers of children with CP were analysed. Spearman’s coefficients were used to investigate the correlations between the two instruments. Ordinary least square, robust MM-estimator, and generalised linear models (GLM) with four combinations of families and links were developed to estimate CHU9D utilities from either the CPCHILD total score or CPCHILD domains scores. Internal validation was performed using 5-fold cross-validation and random sampling validation. The best performing algorithms were identified based on mean absolute error (MAE), concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and the difference between predicted and observed means of CHU9D.ResultsModerate correlations (ρ 0.4–0.6) were observed between domains of the CHU9D and CPCHILD instruments. The best performing algorithm when considering the CPCHILD total score was a generalised linear regression (GLM) Gamma family and logit link (MAE = 0.156, CCC = 0.508). Additionally, the GLM Gamma family logit link using CPCHILD comfort and emotion, quality of life, and health domain scores also performed well (MAE = 0.152, CCC = 0.552).ConclusionThis study established algorithms for estimating CHU9D utilities from CPCHILD scores for non-ambulatory children with CP. The determined algorithms can be valuable for estimating quality-adjusted life years for cost-utility analysis when only the CPCHILD instrument is available. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and external validation are recommended to validate these findings.

Models of individual academic work in the context of the life priorities of a modern student

Models of individual academic work in the context of the life priorities of a modern student