Negative Aspects Research Articles

ON THE ISSUE OF QUALITY CONTROL OF MEDICAL LABORATORY TESTS

As healthcare systems around the world increasingly rely on laboratory testing, maintaining high quality diagnostic services is imperative. In Kazakhstan, the importance of quality control in medical laboratories is being recognized, but there is a need to evaluate and improve current practices against international standards. Purpose: The purpose of this review article is to assess the current state of quality control in medical laboratories in Kazakhstan and then compare it with quality control procedures in other countries. Search strategy: Perform a comprehensive search in electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science with relevant keywords including “international standards”, “medical laboratories”, “quality control”, “quality assurance” and other. The search was limited to articles published in English between 2001 and 2023 to ensure inclusion of recent research and current practice. Results: A total of 79 publications were selected for the study based on their significance for quality control in medical laboratories, especially in Kazakhstan. The articles covered a wide range of topics, including regulatory frameworks, accreditation requirements, training programs, equipment requirements, data management systems, and collaborative efforts. A comparative study of quality control procedures in Kazakhstan with other countries revealed its positive and negative aspects.

Information features of management decisions in the system of public authority

The article considers the formation of two management systems after the adoption of the Constitution of the Russian Federation — the system of public administration and the system of local government. The conceptual peculiarities of managerial decision-making in both systems are investigated, and the conclusion is made about the differences in the configurations of the channels of their information links. The advantages and disadvantages of the public administration system as a centralized system based on cybernetic principles, as well as the positive and negative aspects of the synergetic nature of the local government system are analyzed. As public administration systems need a certain decentralization of management, so local government systems cannot do without orientation on a number of issues on centralized commands. It is concluded that in Russia for a long period of time there was no proper information interaction between the system of public administration and the system of local government. It is noted that the appearance in the Constitution of the Russian Federation of part 3 of Article 122 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation determined not only the existence of a unified system of public power, but also the existence of an integral system of governance, the capacity of which to make effective management decisions is higher than the total capacity of the previously existing self-sufficient systems.

Targeting fear memories: Examining pharmacological disruption in a generalized fear framework

Labilization-reconsolidation, which relies on retrieval, has been considered an opportunity to attenuate the negative aspects of traumatic memories. A therapeutic strategy based on reconsolidation blockade is deemed more effective than current therapies relying on memory extinction. Nevertheless, extremely stressful memories frequently prove resistant to this process. Here, after inducing robust fear memory in mice through strong fear conditioning, we examined the possibility of rendering it susceptible to pharmacological modulation based on the degree of generalized fear (GF). To achieve this, we established an ordered gradient of GF, determined by the perceptual similarity between the associated context (CA) and non-associated contexts (CB, CC, CD, and CE) to the aversive event. We observed that as the exposure context became less similar to CA, the defensive pattern shifted from passive to active behaviors in both male and female mice. Subsequently, in conditioned animals, we administered propranolol after exposure to the different contexts (CA, CB, CC, CD or CE). In males, propranolol treatment resulted in reduced freezing time and enhanced risk assessment behaviors when administered following exposure to CA or CB, but not after CC, CD, or CE, compared to the control group. In females, a similar change in behavioral pattern was observed with propranolol administered after exposure to CC, but not after the other contexts. These results highlight the possibility of indirectly manipulating a robust contextual fear memory by controlling the level of generalization during recall. Additionally, it was demonstrated that the effect of propranolol on reconsolidation would not lead to a reduction in fear memory per se, but rather to its reorganization resulting in greater behavioral flexibility (from passive to active behaviors). Finally, from a clinical viewpoint, this would be of considerable relevance since following this strategy could make the treatment of psychiatric disorders associated with traumatic memory formation more effective and less stressful.

FUNCTIONING OF AN EDUCATOR IN A DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT

In the current period of development of higher education in Ukraine, there is active integration of digital technologies, which radically change the usual pedagogical approaches and methods of teaching. Digitalization of education opens paths to autonomy in learning and individualization of the educational process, simultaneously generating challenges associated with the need to adapt to a rapidly changing educational environment. The main goal of this article is to analyze the new opportunities and challenges arising from the implementation of digital technologies in the sphere of higher education. Particular attention is paid to the educator’s image and the legislation regulating this process, including legislative norms that establish criteria for quality and directions for the development of education in the digital era. An important aspect of the article is the study of the psychological and cultural challenges of digitalization, including the adaptive barriers faced by educators and students. Recent research results indicate a complex balance between the positive and negative aspects of digital learning, which is of strategic importance for the development of online education in Ukraine. The conclusion of the article offers recommendations for the effective implementation of digital technologies in higher education, emphasizing the importance of developing digital competencies among all participants in the educational process and improving the infrastructure necessary to support continuous education. The subject of the study is the impact of digital technologies on the educational process in higher education, analyzing changes in pedagogical methods and the adaptation of educators to new teaching conditions. The object of the study is the formation of elite and burlesque meta-linguistic personalities (mMP) of educators in the digital environment. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the introduction into scientific circulation of the concept of "burlesque meta-linguistic personality" (burlesque mMP), which until now had no clear definition in linguistics and cultural studies. The concept of burlesque mMP allows for a deeper understanding of the dynamics of language transformations in the digital environment, where ironic and parodic use of language becomes a significant communication tool. The article details the main characteristics and features of the burlesque mMP, including its impact on the stylistic and ideological diversity of contemporary linguistic practice, which is conditioned by unconventional ways of using language that traditionally were not considered "literary". Such research opens new possibilities for analyzing digital communication and the interaction of linguistic identities in the virtual space.

Navigating concussion – community rugby players’ experiences of a concussion management initiative in New Zealand

ABSTRACT Objective Concussion is a serious concern in sport, with the potential to cause short- and long-term health consequences. These concerns highlight the need for the translation of concussion management guidelines into use in real-world sports settings. This qualitative study explores community rugby players’ concussion experiences as part of New Zealand Rugby’s concussion management pathway. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 36 rugby players (35 males and 1 female; 22 played at school and 14 at club-level; mean age 19.8 ± 4.8) Thematic analysis was utilized to analyze data. Results Four themes were identified i) the symptom journey, ii) the role of a dedicated concussion management pathway in shaping players' experiences, iii) the influence of coaches and physiotherapists, and iv) rugby culture. Support received as part of the concussion management pathway, and from individuals who were part of players’ concussion journey, deeply impacted their overall experience. However, players identified insufficient guidance while returning to school/work. At times, the sport’s collective cultural values made it difficult for players to enact positive concussion management behavior. Conclusion The findings highlight the importance of a defined management pathway to support players’ recovery. Addressing negative aspects of rugby’s collectivist culture remains critical for optimal concussion management and recovery.

Assessing the Impact of Autocratic Leadership Styles on Police Department Effectiveness and Community Relations

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of an autocratic leadership style on police departments' operational efficacy, officer morale and performance, and departmental relationships with the communities they serve. It would also enable a study of the possible advantages and disadvantages of this kind of leadership in various contexts and groups. The aim of this study is to expose the negative aspects of authoritarian leadership and promote a transition towards more cooperative and community-focused methods of law enforcement. Principal Subjects: the pervasiveness of authoritarian management approaches in law enforcement agencies. the detrimental effects of authoritarian leadership on community relations, performance, and officer morale. The limitations of authoritarian leadership in handling the intricacies of contemporary law enforcement. The possible advantages of non-traditional leadership approaches, include situational leadership and community-focused police. Principal Arguments/Results: While autocratic leadership can be advantageous in terms of operational efficiency and response times, it can also undermine trust, inhibit creativity, and make it more difficult to solve problems. Stress levels might rise, officer morale can drop, and burnout is more likely under autocratic leadership. The public's faith and cooperation with the police might be undermined by the authoritarian leader's inherent lack of transparency and communication. Racial profiling and other forms of biased police may be made worse by autocratic leadership styles. It is possible to improve officer performance, strengthen community connections, and eventually create a safer and more just society by implementing alternative leadership styles that prioritize teamwork, communication, and community participation. Approach/Methodology: This study uses a range of sources, such as academic research looking at the relationship between police efficacy, officer morale, and community relations and leadership styles. studies and publications examining the effects of authoritarian leadership on the actions and judgments of law enforcement. Data and reports from the government on police leadership methods. Importance/Repercussions: The following audiences will find significance in the research's findings: Police leadership: Training plans and departmental procedures can be improved by having an awareness of the drawbacks of authoritarian leadership as well as the possible advantages of alternative models. Policymakers: They can promote a change to more moral and efficient enforcement techniques by providing funding for oversight and training programs. Communities: By being aware of the negative effects of authoritarian leadership, communities can become more empowered to demand changes from police agencies and demand accountability. Public: This study adds to a better-informed public conversation about the role police leadership plays in promoting community trust and public safety. Target Audience: A wide range of people are interested in this research, including the general public, community organizations, policymakers, and police leadership.

High-resolution atmospheric emissions estimate from dredging activities during port expansion in Veracruz, Mexico

Maritime traffic has increased worldwide, generating the need to modernize and expand ports. The Port of Veracruz, a central hub on the Gulf of Mexico, is expanding to meet maritime demand. While the project has benefits, it can also have negative aspects, such as air pollution. One activity that can significantly impact air emissions during port expansion is dredging. Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify the atmospheric emissions of criteria pollutants, toxics, and greenhouse gases generated by the dredging activity. For this purpose, emissions estimates resulting from the in-situ dredged volume was integrated considering two types of dredges, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency methodology with a bottom-up approach and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Automatic Identification System data with a 1 min resolution. The top emissions for criteria pollutants were 70 ± 4.7 Mg/yr of carbon monoxide, for toxics 13 ± 1 Mg/yr of volatile organic compounds, and for greenhouse gases 41,000 ± 4,034 Mg/yr of carbon dioxide, primarily in hotelling. These findings provide vital information for environmental management during port modernization, maintenance, and expansion.

Evaluative Item-Contrastive Explanations in Rankings

The remarkable success of Artificial Intelligence in advancing automated decision-making is evident both in academia and industry. Within the plethora of applications, ranking systems hold significant importance in various domains. This paper advocates for the application of a specific form of Explainable AI—namely, contrastive explanations—as particularly well-suited for addressing ranking problems. This approach is especially potent when combined with an Evaluative AI methodology, which conscientiously evaluates both positive and negative aspects influencing a potential ranking. Therefore, the present work introduces Evaluative Item-Contrastive Explanations tailored for ranking systems and illustrates its application and characteristics through an experiment conducted on publicly available data.

A nascent market for digital assets: Exploration of consumer value of NFTs

Despite widespread academic and practitioner interest in non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as a form of digital assets, little is known about how consumers perceive NFT value. This exploratory research investigates why people create, trade or collect NFTs, what value they derive from them, and how online communities contribute to value co-creation. Over the course of two rounds, we interview 38 participants, most of whom are digital natives. We find that engaging with NFTs is the new form of day trading, reflecting financialization of everyday life. The value of NFTs is mainly speculative and utilitarian, and NFTs themselves are best thought of as derivatives. Value co-creation in NFT project communities is largely focused on gaining superior information about the project. We contribute to the crypto-marketing and web3 literature by advancing a novel model of NFT consumer value that extends Holbrook's (1999) typology and distinguishes both positive and negative aspects of consumer value that have been overlooked in mainstream literature. We shed light on the role of communities in an unusual setting: a nascent, illiquid, speculative, informationally opaque market for digital assets. Our study helps creators and brand managers to develop effective NFT strategies.

“The truth should not be hidden”: Experiences and recommendations of individuals making NPE discoveries through genetic genealogy databases

PurposeFueled by direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing and genetic-relative finder services, some participants in genetic genealogy databases are making “not parent expected” (NPE) discoveries. To better understand experiences of this phenomenon, we surveyed a large cohort of users of genetic relative finder (GRF) services concerning their experiences after an NPE discovery. MethodsUsing thematic analysis, we analyzed responses from a cohort of GRF users (n = 646) to open-ended survey items to understand these experiences and their recommendations for DTC genetic testing companies and other GRF users. ResultsWe found that individuals had both positive and negative emotional experiences related to the NPE discovery. Positive aspects included deeper self-understanding, connecting with new family members, and uncovering answers to questions. Negative aspects included rejection by new genetic relatives, inability to seek answers from relatives who had already died, and impairment of family relationships, especially with mothers. For many participants, the challenges after the discovery nevertheless felt worthwhile because the truth was uncovered. Perhaps notably, some participants suggested enhanced warnings prediscovery and improved support after discovery from companies who provide DTC genetic testing services. ConclusionGRF services are powerful tools for family research and genealogy. Despite some possible positive and worthwhile experiences arising from making an NPE discovery, GRF users risk dealing with this potentially life-altering experience without adequate support. Participants in this study recommended an increase in resources from DTC genetic testing companies that could help users anticipate and navigate an NPE discovery.

Use of Kurdish poem, melody and songs in funeral and condolence ceremonies

This investigation concentrates on the role and use of poem, melody and songs in the funeral ceremonies, through a critical scientific presentation and study based on historical aspects. By comparing and showing the positive and negative aspects of the art of singing in the condolence, through three main themes and several branches such as: The first content: Giving of the problem, importance and objectives of the research, identification of the scope of the research and definition of concepts. The second content: It is about presenting the content of the research and identifying the titles of the research which includes the following: Start with a historical look at poetic melody and texts in the condolence ceremonies (Shiwan, Shin and Lawanawa). To determine the origin and extent of the phenomenon through the Kurdish nation. Then, through the analysis of the concepts and definitions of music, poem, Shin, Lawanawa and Shiwan. We have presented the structure and methods of performing these customs, traditions and cultures. After this, identified the forms of this ceremony by giving examples of (Cotal and Chamari). Through the manner in which actions are taken on funerals. At the end of this section, commenced to compare and importance these people. We have briefly discussed Shin and Lawanawa and its practice by Christians. In the third content, presented some of the results of our research, with some suggestions and recommendations for other collaborator and researchers in the field of art in general, song and music in particular, as a clarification for encouraging and conducting similar research.

Memory under existential judgement of a heritage: Laranjeiras Campus of Federal University of Sergipe

More than discussing positive and negative aspects of interventions in the urban landscape, this paper seeks to provoke agents who work to preserve material cultural heritage. Why does the implemented Campus in the city of Laranjeiras by the Federal University of Sergipe, in 2007, not assert itself as an existential locus? This critical reflection presents the project and work carried out by the Monumenta Program to install the Campus and its virtues and deficiencies in relation to the theory of conservation and restoration. The existential crises along 16 years of existence include sensitive conflicts between university and local community, a reduction in the number of implemented courses to just three of them, and so on. A hypothesis is proposed that an intervention project that seeks the “restoration” of a historic building cannot avoid understanding and assimilating local memory, this paper looks for to reveal the causes, conceptions and practices that contribute to answering the mentioned question, thinkin about the disconnection of the process of “conservation and restoration” interventions from the memory of a society, which maybe culminate in the existential refusal of the implanted object and, consequently, of the heritage it represents.

High Quality and Sustainable Development of Soil and water Conservation

Water and soil loss influences the soil and water resources of terrestrial ecosystem, ecological environment and ultimately the quality of life and high-quality development. China is the most serious soil erosion country in the world, especially in the Loess Plateau. After years of efforts, soil and water conservation in China has developed rapidly, and the surface runoff and soil loss in soil and water loss areas have decreased rapidly. However, with the increase in population and economic development, people’s living standards have been gradually improved, and higher requirements for soil and water conservation was put forward. However, the soil and water protection benefits cannot meet the needs of people’s good life for soil and water protection in the new era. In order to solve the problem; the high quality and sustainable management of soil and water conservation has been put forward. The results shows that the new and higher goal of soil and water conservation is to carry out the high quality and sustainable development of soil and water conservation, and obtain the maximum effect to meet the growing needs of people for soil and water protection and for a better life in the new era. The theoretical basis for high quality and sustainable development of soil and water conservation is the new theory of soil and water conservation. It includes that the soil and water loss is the process of transferring soil and water resources from one place to another; the impact of soil and water loss on the high-quality development of society includes positive and negative aspects; Soil and water conservation refer to use some methods or measures to reduce soil erosion to soil allowable loss. At the same time, make efficient use of the soil and water resources and minimize the loss of life and property; The high quality and sustainable management of soil and water conservation measures must be made to obtain the maximum effect and develop the economy and raise people’s income and meet the need of people’s requirements for soil and water conservation for a better life. The practice proof the theory is good.

Motivations Influencing Relocation to the Suburbs: The Case of Izmir

The ongoing urbanization trend has led to various challenges including environmental degradation, and decreased welfare among city dwellers. While economic factors have historically been the primary driver of urban migration, recent research suggests that unplanned urbanization and the problems it brings such as decreased green spaces, traffic congestion and air pollution are gaining significance. As a result, a group of people has been relocating from urban to suburban areas, seeking an improved standard of living. This shift reflects a complex interplay of factors including demographic, socioeconomic, and sociocultural shifts. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased interest in suburban areas due to remote work opportunities and concerns about urban living conditions. This study examines motivations for suburban living in Izmir, Turkey, focusing on Villakent neighbourhood. Through surveys and interviews with residents, it explores demographic characteristics and reasons for choosing suburban life. The research is based on the results of a sample of 123 participants of a survey questionnaire and 15 in-depth interviews. Findings have indicated that the participants’ desire for living in a house with a garden and the discomforting crowds in the city centers was the important factors in suburban relocation. In interviews, it was also revealed that the affordability of housing in the suburbs compared to city centers is also an important factor in choosing to settle in the suburbs. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on suburban relocation, and the earthquake risk in Izmir has also increased people's desire to move away from city centers. In the interviews, the preference for Villakent was discussed along with its positive and negative aspects in detail. Policymakers must consider these insights to address urban challenges and promote sustainable urban development.

Leadership and its relationship to the effectiveness of decision-making in an economic organization

Leadership is the nexus between the human resources of an organisation and its future plans and visions. It is regarded as the crucible through which all administrative concepts and strategies are melted and interact, supporting the positive forces within the organisation and reducing the negative aspects to the greatest extent possible.

Perceptions of Effective and Ineffective Teaching: Insights From Students

The aim of this study was to assess how students perceive teacher behaviors. The participants, responded to a survey consisting of a short version of the Teacher Behavior Checklist (TBC). The result revealed five dimensions of teacher behavior. We named these dimensions Superlative/Superhuman, Pro-social, Professional, Absent, and Insecure. The positive dimensions, superlative and pro-social had the highest overall rankings, and professional came third. The two negative aspects were behaviors that the students associated with negative teacher behaviors. The analysis revealed differences according to gender as female students rated four of the five dimensions as more important. There were also differences according to educational level. Students at Upper secondary school students rated the pro-social dimension with characteristics, such as, good listener, relation builder and understanding higher. University students had lower tolerance for the absent dimension and stressed the behaviors associated with improving critical thinking skills when compared to the younger sample.

The question of Hadith studies in Zakir Qadiri's article "Dini Ve Gayri Dini Rivayetler" (Religious and Non-Religious Traditions)

The article introduces the content of a scientific article by Zakir Qadiri, unknown in Russia but published in Turkey during the period of his emigration. The author, relying on a rich source base, including world-famous literary monuments, as well as scientific works of Western and Russian Islamic scholars, examines the phenomenon of oral tradition as a cultural and historical phenomenon. He describes the role and place of tradition among the Arabs and other peoples in pre-Islamic era, writes about the transformation of tradition in the Muslim environment and its institutionalization in the form of hadith. The article also examines the features, methodology, positive and negative aspects of the science of hadith, including the reasons and mechanisms for falsifying isnads and matns of hadiths. The material is an example of the scientific work of a deeply educated Muslim intellectual, prepared in accordance with Western scientific traditions. The published data represent a valuable contribution to the array of information about the history of Tatar religious, philosophical, and in general scientific and social thought, and will enrich the annals of the Russian Islamic studies community.

Twenty-one Years of Undergraduate Medical Student Research Training at the University of the Free State (UFS), South Africa

Abstract Introduction Since 2001, undergraduate medical students at the University of the Free State (UFS), South Africa, plan, perform, and report on their research projects during semesters 2–5 of their ten-semester training. We describe the research modules and review the projects of the first 21 years. Methods This cohort study included all undergraduate medical student projects that formed part of the first 21 presentations of the research modules. Information was obtained from material archived by the module leaders. Students’ 2020 feedback on the modules was summarised. Results In total, 607 projects were planned (range 22–35 per year) and involved 229 supervisors. Only four projects were not completed. Thirty-nine Faculty departments/divisions/units provided supervision with Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Paediatrics and Child Health each supervising 60 or more groups. Projects were predominantly quantitative (99.7%); only 4.9% of projects involved an intervention or experiment. Main topics were infectious diseases (10.5%), mental health (8.9%), and cancer (8.7%). Data subjects were mainly patients (61.9%) and undergraduate students (12.0%), and data collection was mostly performed at the faculty’s training hospitals or laboratories (71.4%). The most positive aspect indicated by students was the exposure to and learning about research; the most negative aspects were group work and supervisors. Conclusion The projects received support from a broad spectrum of supervisors and covered a wide variety of topics. Given the timing of the projects in the training programme, the mainly quantitative and observational nature of the projects was appropriate. Attention to supervision and group work is required.

Mental health of midwives during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review.

A summary of studies focusing on the mental health of midwives during the COVID-19 pandemic has not yet been conducted. This review aims to comprehensively understand the current state of midwives' mental health in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and to provide valuable insights to guide future research. This study was based on a framework for conducting scoping reviews. The protocol was registered before conducting this review and procedures were carried out according to that protocol. Article searches were conducted in four databases from December 2019 to December 2023. From 921 articles selected according to pre-registered protocol criteria, the analysis finally included 14 studies. A total of 13 studies were cross-sectional and one was longitudinal, with pre-pandemic data. More than 80% of the studies began data collection within approximately 1 year after the pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization (by February 2021). Half of the studies were conducted in Asia. Burnout and turnover intentions were investigated in several studies but used different measures. Only two studies were aimed at positive aspects such as job satisfaction and well-being. Most research on midwives' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic has focused on negative aspects such as burnout and turnover intentions. However, most results were cross-sectional, with studies in the early stages of the pandemic, so continued follow-up is needed.

Exploring How Small Business Grow to Levels of Competitiveness and Sustainability: The Case of Liberia

Abstract Small businesses are regarded as the backbone of economies worldwide. Despite the government’s numerous sustainability efforts in the public sector, small businesses are acknowledged to contribute significantly to the expansion and prosperity of any economy. This is also true across Africa. Many Liberians rely on the viability and success of small businesses as their primary source of survival. Unfortunately, the results and trends for economic growth are not meeting expectations. This study explores how small businesses can achieve competitiveness and sustainability. A qualitative phenomenological method was used following a descriptive research approach. Five business owners representing two counties in Liberia were selected using purposive sampling. An in-depth individual interview was conducted and discussed. Data were analyzed and coded using thematic descriptive analysis with four identified themes. The findings reveal that small business owners have similar lived experiences with positive and negative aspects. It highlights the need for effective strategies to compete and maintain small businesses, including driving success, market research, and customer relationships. However, it emphasizes that knowledge and skills are essential.