Positive Sides Research Articles

African Academics in Norway: Experiences of Inclusion and Exclusion and Impact on Mental Wellbeing

This study explored the experiences of inclusion and exclusion of African academics in Norway in various sectors of the society and their participation in these sectors. Using a mixed method research approach, 166 African academics completed a 20-item questionnaire entitled Perceived Exclusion Scale (PES) and two open-ended questions about their mental effects and coping mechanisms of exclusion. Descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis procedures were used to analyze the data. The results showed that the participants experienced exclusion in almost all the sectors of the Norwegian society with concomitant effects of depression and insomnia for most of the participants. Participants mentioned acceptance, confrontational strategy, avoidance strategy, theological group discussion and positive attitudes as key coping mechanisms to exclusion and discrimination. This study could be used as a baseline for future research on the psychological and mental health effects of discrimination of Africans and African- Norwegians. The study is a pointer to the public discourses on the positive sides of immigration in general and the role of migrants’ contribution to the Norwegian society. Keywords: Norway, African academics, inclusion and exclusion, mental wellbeing, minorities

Globalization and its Effect on the National Economy: The Albanian Case

Globalization is a widely discussed phenomenon that involves the free flow of goods, services, capital, and people across the world. It is mainly focused on economic and cultural aspects, among others. Globalization can be considered as a trend towards increasing of the interdependence and integration among the countries and regions of the globe. Globalization affects us all and leads a radical change in the human’s lives all over the planet, in the relations between them as well as in culture and other aspects related to institutions. So globalization increases incomes but simultaneously increases social inequalities, leaving some countries and groups of people behind. To put it simply, globalization can rapidly enrich a small group of capable individuals while impoverishing the larger population. This ultimately leads to a decline in living standards across the world. Globalization has both positive and negative sides, globalization also produces winners and losers, both between countries and within them, so there are losses and the lost, but the supporters of globalization do not accept this fact. In conditions when the economies are converging and that this phenomenon is generally acceptable, national governments should look forward to pay attention to the growth of domestic capital the pursuit of international financial reforms with the aim of making it possible to find solutions to help losses and the lost. National governments should have social protection policies on the top of their agenda as well as programs that will help as much as possible in the correcting of the unequal distribution, to help different groups in need. Labor migration is a negative phenomenon that caused by the globalization and damages the economy of small countries in transition as people capable of working move to developed countries for a better life than what they leave in their country of origin. The main indicators of the globalization of the national economy are producing for world markets, being part of the global financial markets, as well as foreign direct investments. Globalization is inevitable, under these conditions the duty of the national governments is to face of the pressure that leads to the subordination of the local economy to the global one. Globalization facilitates the connection of different parts of the world, reducing borders and allowing national economies to cater to global tastes. The decreased transportation costs also contribute to the intermingling of the global and local aspects, ultimately leading to the unification of regions. About globalism, there are currents for and against, while the opponents of globalism as well as those who call globalization the cause of poverty and inequality have not drawn up any alternative model for economic growth and development throughout the globe. Small countries like Albania require large international corporations or companies to invest in them to achieve comprehensive economic development, reduce unemployment, and increase well-being. Financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund also play a crucial role in this process. Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024

Abbreviations in medical records: arguments for and against

There is often a need for fast and effective communication in modern medicine. Time is often critical when providing care to multiple patients. Medical abbreviations are a form of shorthand that allows healthcare professionals to communicate with one another easily. However, the time and expense of writing acronyms are reduced in case they are clear and familiar to every person involved in communication. Misunderstanding between members of the medical staff often lead to misinterpretations of acronyms and hazard to patients’ health and lives. The aim of this study is to identify and analyze such interrelated phenomena as positive and negative sides of using abbreviations as a way of terminology in medicine, arguments of each of the positions, in order to reduce negative consequences of using abbreviations in modern medical documentation. The material of the study is abbreviations used in modern medical practice. The method of continuous sampling of medical abbreviations from scientific literature and medical documentation was used. The results of the study showed that the most common errors associated with the use of medical abbreviations were the ones in prescribing, incorrect dose/quantity and incorrect preparation of medication. About 80 % of the abbreviations contained in the notes and statements that were handed out were unclear to patients and required clarification by health care providers. Medicine must be based on accurate and correct information, literacy of professional actions, and a sense of the highest responsibility. In this regard, it is necessary to use only standard abbreviations and introduce a ban on the use of abbreviations with ambiguous interpretation. Information in prescriptions, instructions, and statements should be clear and unambiguous, in order to avoid awkward and mundane situations affecting the quality of patients’ perception of the information. All of these factors can contribute to the improvement of the quality of medical care and the patient’s quality of life accordingly.

Application of the Naive Bayes Algorithm in Twitter Sentiment Analysis of 2024 Vice Presidential Candidate Gibran Rakabuming Raka using Rapidminer

In the current era of digital democracy, social media sentiment analysis has become a relevant method for understanding public views of political figures. As one of the leading social media platforms, Twitter provides a public space for sharing opinions and expressions regarding political issues. This research aims to classify and measure the accuracy of people's responses to the positive and negative sides. Sentiment analysis was carried out using the Naïve Bayes method using a dataset of 3223 tweets. The final results of this research show that implementing the Naïve Bayes Method in sentiment analysis regarding political dynasty polemics, especially regarding the 2024 Cawapres Gibran Rakabuming Raka, provides an accuracy value of 82.19%. Of the 1696 negative and 112 positive sentiments predicted, there were 462 harmful and 953 positive predicted data. These results indicate that most public responses tend to be detrimental to the Constitutional Court's (MK) decision, which grants political legitimacy to Gibran Rakabuming Raka as the 2024 vice-presidential candidate.

Approaches to technical and economic substantia-tion of new bridge construction

Problem. Today, the initial project of the bridge may not meet the existing conditions of operation of the structure due to socio-economic and socio-technical developments, which will require the need to increase the level of maintenance of the bridge. Goal. The goal is technical and economic substantiation of the new construction of a bridge across the Chornoguzka River, Golyshiv - Korshovets, in the Lutsk district, Volyn region. Methodology. Calculation of classes of consequences was carried out, engineering and geological surveys were performed. Results. Technical solutions have been developed on the basis of the conducted research. Originality. The work offers both traditional approaches to solving the given problem using modern reinforced concrete structures and the use of progressive technologies using metal corrugated structures. Practical value. The work considers the most rational solutions of the given task with the analysis of the positive and negative sides of the selected ones, which makes it possible to analyze the most appropriate solution.

Дистанционное электронное голосование: опыт применения в России и за рубежом

The purpose of the article is to study the use of remote electronic voting (DEG) in Russia and a number of foreign countries that have been using this innovative technology for a long period of time during local and national elections (Estonia and Switzerland), as well as those who refused to use it (Germany) due to various political risks. The cases of four countries (Russia, Switzerland, Germany, Estonia) are considered. The study is conducted using the case study method, which allowed us to identify the positive and negative sides of online voting, identify and propose ways to prevent both obvious and potential political risks associated with the widespread use of DEG in practice. Comparative studies are among the auxiliary tools for comprehensive coverage and analysis of the issues under consideration, which made it possible to compare the forms of DEG, their organizational and legal support in Russian and foreign legislation. The theoretical significance of the study is determined by the results of a comprehensive analysis obtained during an excursion into the history of the testing of DEG and the forecast of its further use both in Russia and abroad, structuring the stages of application during elections of various scales, making this method of expressing the will of voters legally binding, or limiting or prohibiting its use both domestically and abroad. for compatriots living abroad. The practical significance of the work consists in offering effective ways of public control over the course of the DEG, which will contribute to increasing confidence in the results of online voting. The authors propose the gradual introduction of DEG and only in regions capable of providing high-quality technical equipment and the possibility of public control over both voting and vote counting. The voter should have the opportunity to vote using a paper ballot in case he changes his mind and decides to express his will in the traditional way, even on the day of voting. Using the example of the cases of four states in which this technology was used with varying degrees of intensity, the authors conclude that it is necessary to use an inclusive (i.e. open) the DEG model and its various modifications (for example, such as the electoral blockchain), so that potential mobile voters have no doubts about the transparency of this method of expressing their will and the ability to track the cast vote at any stage of the electoral process, which will contribute not only to legitimizing the results obtained, but also to increasing confidence in the electoral system as a whole.

Landuse Changes in Pancor Village, Selong District, East Lombok Regency 2019-2023

Land use changes have positive and negative sides. Land use changes are influenced by population growth, thereby increasing the area of settlement area and other buildings as supporting facilities around settlements. Agricultural land is productive land that is used for staple food production and is subject to land conversion. The reduction in agricultural land results in reduced agricultural production which can threaten food security. In addition, land conversion is increasing, having a negative impact on the surrounding environment. The aim of this research was to determine land use changes in Pancor Village in the last 5 years. This research was carried out in Pancor Village by collecting field data obtained through the East Lombok ATR/BPN service and carrying out spatial analysis using ArcGIS 10.8. The results of the research show that in the last five years there has been a decrease in the area of rice fields by 33.8 hectares, fields/moors by 2.275 hectares, plantations by 0.035 hectares, while settlements and built-up land have increased by 36.11 hectares

Financial technology and economic growth nexus in the East African community states

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the causation linking financial technology to economic growth in the East African Community states from 1997 to 2019.Design/methodology/approachAutoregressive distributed lag is used. Gross domestic product per capita proxies economic growth, automated teller machines, point of sale, debit card ownership and mobile banking measure financial technology.FindingsThe results unveil a significant relationship between financial technology and economic growth. The findings show bidirectional causality between automated teller machine and economic growth, with unidirectional causation from economic growth to point of sales and internet banking, mobile banking and government effectiveness to economic growth. The error correction term is negatively significant, demonstrating a long-term convergence between Fintech measures and economic growth.Research limitations/implicationsThe governments should effectively enact and implement policies that protect investments in financial technologies to boost economic growth in the East African Community countries. The government should reduce taxes on financial technology equipment and related services. The use of automated teller machine, debit card ownership and internet banking should be encouraged through cashless transactions. Financial institutions should adopt cashless operation policies to encourage the use of financial technologies.Originality/valueResearch results on the bond between financial technology and economic growth are not conclusive. These studies demonstrate that technological innovations are double edged-swords, with both positive and negative sides. The results are conflicting; some reveal positive relationships, while others show negative links. Hence, research is required to fill the lacuna.

Methods for analyzing the impact of software changes on objective functions and safety functions

Objectives. This paper examines the various approaches to analyzing the impact of software changes, and suggests a new method using function control flows. Impact analysis of software change can require the investment of a lot of time and competence on the part of the expert conducting it. There is no detailed description of methodology for analyzing the impact of changes and it is not established at a legislative level. The proposed method has three aims: reducing the level of requirements for an expert when conducting software research; localizing code areas to establish defects in information protection functions; and reducing the time spent on analyzing the impact of changes.Methods. The study analyzes the common methods for analyzing software changes with a description of their positive and negative sides. The possibility of analyzing changes in the control flow of software functions is considered as an alternative to line-by-line comparison of the full volume of source codes. Represented as tree-shaped graphs, the control flows of different versions of the same software are subject to a merging procedure. The final result is analyzed by an expert from the research organization.Results. The research results of the software change analysis methods are presented with a description of their disadvantages. A description is given of the method for change analysis using function control. This complements existing methods, while eliminating their disadvantages. The study also analyzes the possibility of using this method beyond the tasks defined in the introduction.Conclusions. The use of methods to localize the most vulnerable code sections is considered one of the most promising areas for analyzing change impact. In addition to searching for vulnerable code sections, it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of the control flow comparison method in the analysis of source code when transferred to another code base.

Volition and Perception: Why patients choose to continue or discontinue ADHD medication

IntroductionThe present study examines self-reported factors related to discontinuation of ADHD medication in Danish adults. Based on insights from six patient interviews, a questionnaire was developed with themes such as perception of ADHD, perceived beneficial- and adverse effects of the medication, to examine patients’ reasons for continuation or discontinuation of the prescribed medication.ObjectivesADHD medication has proven effective for treating ADHD in adults. Large registry-based studies have generally shown high discontinuation rates over time and focused on different risk factors, such as comorbidity, gender and socioeconomic status. However, in the present study we explore patient reported reasons for continuation or discontinuation of ADHD medication as well as what drives their choice of living with or without medication despite ADHD.MethodsThe present research is a questionnaire study consisting of 1,050 Danish adults who redeemed a prescription of ADHD medication for the first time between 2017-2019. Questionnaires were sent out by Statistics Denmark to 4.748 adults, a representative sample from the 17.334 Danish adults who redeemed a prescription within that period. A gap of 12 months between redemptions was defined as discontinuation and questionnaires were sent out to an equal number of patients who continued or discontinued the ADHD-medication. Chi2-tests were performed to examine the differences between adults who continued vs. discontinued ADHD-medication in relation to different main themes.ResultsThe patients who continued medical treatment more strongly perceived ADHD as a biological illness whereas patients who discontinued, more strongly perceived ADHD as an illness constructed by society. Furthermore, patients who continued medical treatment reported that the medication has a more positive influence on their lives whereas patients who discontinued the medication reported that the treatment involved more negative feelings and decreased the positive sides of themselves. Finally, patients who continued the prescribed ADHD-drugs reported more strongly that they continued the treatment for themselves, to be able to work and be social than the patients who discontinued the medical treatment.Conclusions The present findings suggest that the perception of ADHD as being either a biological or social construct is central to why patients choose to continue or discontinue ADHD-medication. Moreover, patients who continued the medical treatment generally reported more positive effects of the ADHD-drugs whereas patients who discontinued the medical treatment reported different negative effects of the medication. From a clinical perspective, these findings show the importance of understanding the individual patient’s perception of ADHD. These perspectives should be addressed in the clinic alongside with awareness of how ADHD-drugs may have a positive and negative effect on the individual patient.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The Empirical Study on the Impact of the COVID-19 on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh

The large COVID-19 disease outbreak had a devastating impact on the entire world, with Bangladesh being one of the worst-affected nations. The epidemic worsened the situation of small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) in Bangladesh. The goal of this study is to examine the possibilities and difficulties faced by SMEs in Bangladesh's Rangpur district during the COVID-19 epidemic and the transition to the new normal. The research methodology combines an exploratory technique with a quantitative methodology. The study is designed on both primary and secondary data. Researchers collected data from 290 respondents from Rangpur District. The first finding of the study is that the most significant proportion of business is small enterprise which is 83.4 percentage. Lack of opportunities and business scope, there are less numbers of medium enterprise in the Rangpur district that is around 17%. Second one, opportunity of COVID-19, around 71% businesses have been improved financial condition by working capital in pandemic situation which is one the opportunity for SMEs. Moreover, commerce increase which is 40% of the respondents. Technological adaptation and E-commerce are the positive sides for improving socio-economic development for Rangpur district. challenge’soint of challenges view, COVID-19 on SMEs is the largest competition between business which is approximately 72% and total responses is 209 out of 290.

METHODS FOR FORMING REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT RATINGS

The relevance of the article is due to the need to correctly align regions according to the level of their socio-economic development, which is made difficult due to the presence of various methods for forming regional development ratings and the lack of a single mechanism approved at the state level. The purpose of the article is to explore the available methods for forming a regional development rating. The objectives of the study are to establish, based on a comparison of existing methods, their positive and negative aspects, and suggest directions for their improvement. Materials and methods. The information base for the study was RIA RATING data on ratings of the socio-economic situation of regions, quality of life, the analytical bulletin of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences on the ranking of regions, Rosstat data on gross domestic product, and research by individual authors on this issue. The article uses the following methods: analysis and synthesis, generalization, grouping, tabular and logical methods, etc. Results. The study found that none of the existing methods for forming a regional development rating can be considered universal; each of them has both positive and negative sides. At the same time, the methods for forming the regional development rating differ significantly from the indicators used to assess the effectiveness of the activities of the heads of the bodies of the executive authority of the Russian Federation constituent entities. Conclusions. In order to ensure uniformity in the assessment of regional development and take the utmost account of indicators, a unified methodology for constructing a rating of social and economic development of regions, approved at the state level, is necessary.

Representation of a Minor Victim in Criminal Proceedings: Analysis of Federal and Regional (Stavropol) Legislation

Introduction. The current Russian Criminal Procedure Law provides for the institution of his representation to protect the rights and legitimate interests of a minor victim in criminal proceedings. This article is devoted to the analysis of federal and regional legislation providing for general and additional measures aimed at protecting the rights of minors by victims. Theoretical Basis. Methods. The theoretical basis of the study was the scientific works of domestic and foreign authors devoted to the representation of the legitimate interests of a minor victim in criminal proceedings, in particular, providing him with free qualified legal assistance. The use of the formal legal method of research allowed us to identify the features of the legal regulation of the entry into criminal proceedings of the representatives of the minor victim. Results. An overview of the most significant issues for law enforcement related to the provision of a representative-lawyer to an imperfect victim, including on a gratuitous basis, is presented. In particular, the differences, positive and negative sides of the regulatory regulation of the procedure for ensuring the participation of a representative-lawyer of a minor victim under the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation and the Stavropol Territory Law “On additional guarantees for the protection of the rights of minors recognized as victims in criminal proceedings” dated November 11, 2010 No. 94-kz. Discussion and Conclusion. The participation of a legal representative and a representative – a relative or representative – of another person to protect the rights and legitimate interests of a minor victim seems to be inadequate. The proper realization of everyone’s right to receive qualified legal assistance requires ensuring the participation of a representative-lawyer in the interests of a minor victim. It is proposed to legislate the participation of a lawyer as a representative of a minor victim as a case of mandatory participation in the criminal process of a representative-lawyer.

Exosomes in renal cell carcinoma: challenges and opportunities.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer that accounts for approximately 2-3% of adult malignancies. Among the primary treatment methods for this type of cancer are surgery and targeted treatment. Still, due to less than optimal effectiveness, there are problems such as advanced distant metastasis, delayed diagnosis, and drug resistance that continue to plague patients. In recent years, therapeutic advances have increased life expectancy and effective treatment in renal cell carcinoma patients. One of these methods is the use of stem cells. Although the therapeutic effects of stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells, are still impressive, today, extracellular vesicles (EVs) as carrying molecules and various mediators in intercellular communications, having a central role in tumorigenesis, metastasis, immune evasion, and drug response, and on the other hand, due to its low immunogenicity and strong regulatory properties of the immune system, has received much attention from researchers and doctors. Despite the increasing interest in exosomes as the most versatile type of EVs, the heterogeneity of their efficacy presents challenges and, on the other hand, exciting opportunities for diagnostic and clinical interventions.In the upcoming article, we will review the various aspects of exosomes' effects in the prevention, treatment, and progress of renal cell carcinoma and also ways to optimize them to strengthen their positive sides.

Анализ барьеров развития электроэнергетики России: история вопроса, современное состояние и перспективы

The author's view of the history of the Russian electric power industry is presented, based on facts confirmed in official sources, an analysis of the problems of the development of the electric power industry in the period from the beginning of the XX century to the present. Based on the latest data, an analysis of the dynamics of the Russian electric power industry from 2018 to the present has been carried out, and the main trends in the market under consideration have been identified. The prospects for the development of the industry are considered, taking into account the Federal legislation of the Russian Federation and state plans. Special attention is paid to the impact of the tense geopolitical situation on the Russian electricity market in 2022-2023. The main problems faced by market participants, as well as the actions of the government and companies in response to the changes, are analyzed. Various methods of electricity production are considered and a comparative analysis of different types of power plants is carried out, which includes a description of their positive and negative sides. It is noted that despite the high rates of development from the moment of formation to the present, barriers and challenges have always arisen, which resulted in reforms to change and modernize the approaches of the state to the development of the Russian electric power industry. Today, the electric power industry of the Russian Federation demonstrates stability, however, the potential of its development tools has not been exhausted and requires constant monitoring and updating. Options for measures to improve the efficiency of the industry are proposed. It is concluded that the various proposed measures will help set a new positive vector for the development of the electric power industry in Russia.

Nonlinear observer for online concentration estimation in vanadium flow batteries based on half-cell voltage measurements

This paper presents a nonlinear observer to estimate the active species concentrations in vanadium flow batteries. To conduct the estimation, the observer relies only on current, flow rate and two half-cell voltage measurements. In contrast to previous works in the field, the proposed observer is capable to deal simultaneously with two significant and challenging conditions: (1) a not necessarily high flow rate, which results in different concentrations for tanks and cells, and (2) presence of crossover and oxidation side reactions, that result in imbalance between the electrolytes on the positive and negative sides of the system. The stability and convergence of the observer are formally demonstrated using a Lyapunov analysis and subsequently validated through comprehensive computer simulations. Finally, utilising the information provided by the observer, a strategy to independently regulate the flow rate of each electrolyte based on their individual state of charge is developed.

Journalistic Construction of Reporting on Covid-19 in Online Media

The Covid-19 pandemic is a global outbreak that has significantly changed people's social lives. The complexity of this issue has caused the coverage of Covid-19 to be dominant with negative news. Negative news can produce various psychological disorders that make readers avoid the news. The news media thus has a significant role in bridging society's adaptation to new patterns of life during the pandemic and adaptation to inconsistent government policies in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is important for the news media to be able to bridge government policies with the psychological conditions of people affected by the pandemic. In this research study, constructive journalism can be one solution to overcome this problem. Through constructive journalism, the journalist's job is not only to focus on negative things but also on solutions and positive sides when covering news. Quantitative content analysis was used in this research by applying six elements of constructive journalism to 7 covid-19 articles published by CNN.com in 2020-2022. The research results show that news articles about Covid-19 on CNN.com are not constructive. All elements of constructive journalism found in these articles are below 50%. The element with the highest percentage found was The Rosling (47%) The lowest element found in covid-19 articles on CNN.com was the co-creation element at 9%.

Вопросы реализации концепции повышения качества трудовой жизни в условиях проведения специальной военной операции

The paper considers the issue of taking into account the concept of improving the quality of working life when adjusting the Russian labor legislation in connection with the special military operation. The problems of labor legislation related to ensuring the rights and guarantees of workers taking part in a special military operation, improvement of working conditions of their families are discussed. Both positive and problematic sides of changes in the Russian labor legislation aimed at implementing the concept of improving the quality of working life are analyzed. Proposals for the adjustment of problematic norms in the legislation are contained.

Current research progress of whole genome sequencing in practical

Gene sequencing, a vital technique nowadays, detects patients diseases and helping with diagnosis. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is one member of this family, which mainly functions in analysing participants gene sequences in clinical diagnosis for the purpose of indicating therapeutic interventions. This essay compares WGS and other sequencing methods, such as whole exome sequencing (WES), which comprises both positive and negative sides of this sequencing test for evaluation. And point out the help of WGS in certain diseases. This paper serves as a synopsis of some WGS-related themes as well as potential directions in the future for technical advancement.

Perceived Impacts of Partners’ Other Relationships on Oneself in Consensual Nonmonogamy

Existing research suggests a number of both costs and benefits to oneself that can occur as a result of partners’ other relationships in consensual nonmonogamy (CNM), but such costs and benefits have not previously been systematically cataloged. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we present themes derived from semi-structured interviews with 51 individuals (63% white, 55% nonbinary/genderqueer/non-cisgendered, and 77% LGBQ) who have practiced CNM, describing the costs and benefits to themselves that they perceive as a result of their partners’ other relationships. Themes describing costs include experiencing difficult feelings (e.g., jealousy), having less with a partner (e.g., less of a partner’s time) than one would like, difficulties or conflict within one’s own relationship, and difficulties or conflict as a result of interactions between metamours (individuals who share a partner). Themes describing benefits include experiencing positive feelings (e.g., compersion), benefiting from a partner getting needs met in other relationships, strengthening of or pleasurable interactions within one’s own relationship, enjoyable or beneficial relationships or interactions between metamours, and personal growth as a result of sharing partners with others. We note that these costs and benefits roughly mirror each other, suggesting that they may reflect the positive and negative sides of some fundamental aspects of CNM. Each of our themes also contains a rich range of elements that suggest avenues for future research. Our results suggest that CNM relationships are complex and multi-faceted, and that further research could fruitfully examine the circumstances that influence whether individuals experience their partners’ other relationships positively or negatively.