Resumption Of Activities Research Articles

Assessing the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions on the transmissibility and severity of COVID-19 during the first five months in the Western Pacific Region

While most countries in the Western Pacific Region (WPR) had similar trajectories of COVID-19 from January to May, their implementations of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) differed by transmission stages. To offer a better understanding for an implementation of multidisciplinary policies in COVID-19 control, we compared the impact of NPIs by assessing the transmissibility and severity of COVID-19 in different phases of the epidemic during the first five months in WPR. In this study, we estimated the piecewise instantaneous reproduction number (Rt) and the reporting delay-adjusted case-fatality ratio (dCFR) of COVID-19 in seven WPR jurisdictions: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Japan, Malaysia, Shanghai, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. According to the results, implementing NPIs was associated with an apparent reduction of the piecewise Rt in two epidemic waves in general. However, large cluster outbreaks raised the piecewise Rt to a high level. We also observed relaxing the NPIs could result in an increase of Rt. The estimated dCFR ranged from 0.09% to 1.59% among the jurisdictions, except in Japan where an estimate of 5.31% might be due to low testing efforts. To conclude, in conjunction with border control measures to reduce influx of imported cases which might cause local outbreaks, other NPIs including social distancing measures along with case finding by rapid tests are also necessary to prevent potential large cluster outbreaks and transmissions from undetected cases. A comparatively lower CFR may reflect the health system capacity of these jurisdictions. In order to keep track of sustained disease transmission due to resumption of economic activities, a close monitoring of disease transmissibility is recommended in the relaxation phase. The report of transmission of SARS CoV-2 to pets in Hong Kong and to mink in farm outbreaks highlight for the control of COVID-19 and emerging infectious disease, the One Health approach is critical in understanding and accounting for how human, animals and environment health are intricately connected.

Core Outcome Measures for Trials in People With Coronavirus Disease 2019: Respiratory Failure, Multiorgan Failure, Shortness of Breath, and Recovery.

Respiratory failure, multiple organ failure, shortness of breath, recovery, and mortality have been identified as critically important core outcomes by more than 9300 patients, health professionals, and the public from 111 countries in the global coronavirus disease 2019 core outcome set initiative. The aim of this project was to establish the core outcome measures for these domains for trials in coronavirus disease 2019. Three online consensus workshops were convened to establish outcome measures for the four core domains of respiratory failure, multiple organ failure, shortness of breath, and recovery. International. About 130 participants (patients, public, and health professionals) from 17 countries attended the three workshops. None. Respiratory failure, assessed by the need for respiratory support based on the World Health Organization Clinical Progression Scale, was considered pragmatic, objective, and with broad applicability to various clinical scenarios. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment was recommended for multiple organ failure, because it was routinely used in trials and clinical care, well validated, and feasible. The Modified Medical Research Council measure for shortness of breath, with minor adaptations (recall period of 24 hr to capture daily fluctuations and inclusion of activities to ensure relevance and to capture the extreme severity of shortness of breath in people with coronavirus disease 2019), was regarded as fit for purpose for this indication. The recovery measure was developed de novo and defined as the absence of symptoms, resumption of usual daily activities, and return to the previous state of health prior to the illness, using a 5-point Likert scale, and was endorsed. The coronavirus disease 2019 core outcome set recommended core outcome measures have content validity and are considered the most feasible and acceptable among existing measures. Implementation of the core outcome measures in trials in coronavirus disease 2019 will ensure consistency and relevance of the evidence to inform decision-making and care of patients with coronavirus disease 2019.

Development of the performance characteristics of tractors in the USA and the USSR (Russia) - stages of development

Tractor construction industry appeared at the beginning of the twentieth century in the United States. Many tractor manufacturing companies that were organised at the beginning of the last century still exist today, having passed through a series of transformations, mergers, termination and resumption of activities. The design of the tractor for 100 years has undergone tremendous changes both in terms of power and engine design, as well as in terms of transmission and running gear. As the design of tractors developed, the structure of the tractor fleet in world agriculture also changed, inclusive of the USA. If in the 80s of the last century tractors with an engine power of less than 36.7 kW prevailed in the fleet structure, then by 2017 tractors with a power in the range of 36.7-73.5 kW were already in more demand. Tractors from these ranges also dominate in the sales structure. The production of tractors had a direct impact on the development of agriculture. The tractor industry developed differently in the USA and the USSR. Production was incommensurable before 1950 and at the present time. This affects the fleet of tractors in agriculture, energy capacities, energy supply of labor. Development and improvement of the design of the tractor also improved their performance characteristics. The analysis of the performance characteristics of tractors was made on the basis of the following indicators characterizing the brands of tractors: weight, traction force, productivity. The calculation and analysis of the development of performance characteristics was carried out using the example of tractors manufactured by Allis-Chalmers from 1922 to the present (in 1990, Allis-Chalmers became part of AGCO - Allis-Gltaner Corporation).  

Managing the risks and benefits of clinical research in response to a pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) created major disruptions at academic centers and healthcare systems globally. Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) fund hubs supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences provideinfrastructure and leadership for clinical and translational research at manysuch institutions. We surveyed CTSA hubs and received responses from 94% of them regarding the impact of the pandemic and the processes employed for the protection of research personnel and participants with respect to the conduct of research, specifically for studies unrelated to COVID-19. In this report, we describe the results of the survey findings in the context of the current understanding of disease transmission and mitigation techniques. We reflect on common practices and provide recommendations regarding lessons learned that will be relevant to future pandemics, particularly with regards to staging the cessation and resumption of research activities with an aim to keep the workforce, research participants, and our communities safe in future pandemics.

Patients' perspective on prostatic artery embolization: A qualitative study.

Objectives:The aim was to describe the patients’ experience of undergoing prostatic artery embolization.Methods:A retrospective qualitative interview study was undertaken with 15 patients of mean age 73 years who had undergone prostatic artery embolization with a median duration of 210 min at two medium sized hospitals in Sweden. The reasons for conducting prostatic artery embolization were clean intermittent catheterization (n = 4), lower urinary tract symptoms (n = 10) or haematuria (n = 1). Data were collected through individual, semi-structured telephone interviews 1–12 months after treatment and analysed using qualitative content analysis.Results:Four categories with sub-categories were formulated to describe the results: a diverse experience; ability to control the situation; resumption of everyday activities and range of opinions regarding efficacy of outcomes. Overall, the patients described the procedure as painless, easy and interesting and reported that while the procedure can be stressful, a calm atmosphere contributed to achieving a good experience. Limitations on access to reliable information before, during and after the procedure were highlighted as a major issue. Practical ideas for improving patient comfort during the procedure were suggested. Improved communications between treatment staff and patients were also highlighted. Most patients could resume everyday activities, some felt tired and bruising caused unnecessary worry for a few. Regarding functional outcome, some patients described substantial improvement in urine flow while others were satisfied with regaining undisturbed night sleep. Those with less effect were considering transurethral resection of the prostate as a future option. Self-enrolment to the treatment and long median operation time may have influenced the results.Conclusions:From the patients’ perspective, prostatic artery embolization is a well-tolerated method for treating benign prostate hyperplacia.

COVID-19 AND SURFING: PROBLEMS, STRATEGIES AND SOLUTIONS FOR SURFERS

ABSTRACT The pandemic caused by coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has changed the routine of surfers, professionals and all those involved in surfing. This unusual global crisis has caused major organizational, financial and social disruption for surfers, coaches, federations and fans. The world of sports, including surfing, entered extreme and uncharted territory, in which all competitions were postponed and many beaches were closed, preventing any kind of surfing activity. The primary objective of this article is to identify potential harmful effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the health of surfers, while the secondary objective is to provide practical recommendations for coaches, professional and amateur surfers to reduce the undesirable consequences of forced quarantine and direct the resumption of surfing activities while protecting the health of those involved. The main problems indicated were: the effects on body composition due to calorie imbalance, possible cardiac and pulmonary alterations caused by COVID-19, musculoskeletal symptoms and the consequences of detraining. The article also suggests recommendations for new attitudes towards surfing. Surfing is a growing sport that has been included in the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo. As the sport grows and becomes more professional, measures to protect the health of surfers need to be put in place. The current pandemic situation is extremely delicate and the measures proposed in this study are intended to serve as a guide for surfers and professionals in order to minimize the harmful effects of this situation. Level of Evidence IV; Type of Study: Literature review.

Використання деяких інформаційних технологій для збереження стійкості туризму під час COVID-19

Recently, the world has been in a state of global crisis because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant number of spheres of activity, including such a global sphere of activity as tourism, are at risk of extinction. It’s understandable, that until the end of the pandemic, the resumption of tourism activities is almost impossible, since the safety of millions of people depends on it. However, the issue of maintaining and preserving the tourist interest of people – potential tourists – is more relevant than ever. The article emphasizes that in isolation to preserve tourist interest, it is advisable to use information technology. At this, according to the authors, among all means of information technology it is necessary to focus on virtual tours and excursions. Justifying this statement is a significant list of advantages provided by virtual tours and excursions in case of their creation and consistent implementation both on a paid and free basis for a wide range of potential consumers of tourist services. Also highlighted are advantages for objects and subjects of tourist activity. The authors allocate a variety of approaches to creating virtual tours and excursions in terms of attracting performers to create them. Among the performers, different categories of specialists with different levels of qualification and education are specified. In addition, the need for the mandatory involvement of professional guides is defined, specific knowledge and experience of which will allow to provide at least a minimum guarantee of the quality of virtual tours and excursions. Thus, the creation of virtual tours and excursions will not only preserve interest in tourist sites and destinations, but also provide work for a wide range of specialists even in crisis conditions. In addition, virtual tours and excursions can act as an independent tourist product, which in any case will bring financial and image profit to all the tourism sphere entities involved in its production.

COVID-19 and Future of Tertiary Education in Nigeria

Nigeria tertiary education today is confronted with challenges occasioned by the effect of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This paper examined the future of Nigerian tertiary education in the period and post COVID-19 pandemic. It x-rayed the impact of COVID-19 on; teaching and learning methodologies, admission, and graduation of the students. It also looked at the economic implications of COVID-19 on tertiary education. It points out the effect of COVID-19 on tertiary education in Nigeria owing to the fact that most educational activities have been stalled. This paper went further to recommend among others that the federal government should provide funds for research so as to enable tertiary institutions to come out with adequate measures to tackle the pandemic, conducive classroom environment should be built to help maintain the measures of social distancing, the necessary facilities that are required for e-learning should be made available, academic staff and students should be trained in order to be ready for online teaching and learning. Finally, ASUU demands in federal universities should be met so as to enable the resumption of school activities in no time.

Judicial expertise in the post-pandemic era.

Introduction:In December 2019, the new coronavirus was recognized as the etiologic agent of a severe case of pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, China. The COVID-19 outbreak was initially defined by a series of epicenters and arrived in Brazil in February 2020, causing social isolation and suspension of on-site service provision, including in the Judiciary. There has been an exponential increase in lawsuits awaiting judicial expertise. The resumption of on-site judicial activities is a reality in the immediate post-pandemic, but it represents a major threat to Justice.Objectives:To propose a COVID-19 Contingency Plan specific for the environments of judicial expertise that indicates preventive measures complying with the provisions set forth by the health authorities to face the pandemic.Methods:We conducted a review of published Laws and Protocols of Standards and Conducts and developed a COVID-19 Contingency Plan for judicial investigations.Results:Opinions issued by the Brazilian Federal Council of Medicine contraindicate virtual medical expertise. The judicial expert assistance must return in person, but after ensuring the health protection of the participants of the Expert Act with the effective application of a COVID-19 Contingency Plan. Judicial experts have the duty of conforming to standards and ensuring the effective application of the Contingency Plan in the conduction of judicial investigations.Conclusions:The COVID-19 Contingency Plan has guidelines aimed at mitigating the risks of COVID-19 transmission in environments of judicial expertise. The Expert of the Court must be attentive to the dictates of the health authorities, adapting to the measures indicated promptly and immediately.

Wartime Education at the Crossroads of Empires: The Relocation of Schools to Macao During the Second World War, 1937–1945

This article examines the relocation of schools from mainland China and Hong Kong to the neutral enclave of Macao during the Second World War in East Asia. It argues that the war brought to the Portuguese-administered territory a new cosmopolitanism that was especially noticeable in the enhancement of educational opportunities. Moving to Macao allowed for the resumption of educational activities interrupted elsewhere and for the linkage of teaching and learning with relief and resistance. The tens of thousands of student-refugees who ended up in Macao featured in different imperial and nationalist initiatives that coexisted in peculiar ways. On the basis of multilingual archival materials, newspapers, and memoirs, this study explores ambivalent experiences of refuge and exchange during the Second World War through the case study of the transfer of dozens of schools to a peripheral territory at the crossroads of several empires.

QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC POLYNEUROPATHY WITH INCREASED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

The aim: Is to investigate the impact of comprehensive treatment on diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) patients' quality of life by including rehabilitation approaches with increased physical activity in standard drug treatment regimens. Materials and methods: 117 patients with type 2 diabetes and DPN were examined. The patients under examination were divided into 4 groups: the control group (group I) included 32 patients who received medicinal (drug) treatment. 12 supplementary daily treatment procedures with polarized light were additionally prescribed to 32 patients of the second experimental group. In addition to drug treatment and polarizing light procedures, 31 patients of group III and 22 patients of group IV were prescribed dosed therapeutic walking 3 times a week №12 (group III) or Nordic walking 3 times a week №12 (group IV). Results: The supplemental use of dosed therapeutic walking and Nordic walking in addition to the protocol treatment regimens contributes to the positive dynamics of quality of life of patients with DPN-complicated type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is confirmed by significant positive dynamics reflected in the following sections of the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire, such as motor (2.3 times, p<0.05), self-care (1.4 times, p<0.05), resumption of normal daily activities (2.9 times p<0.05) reduction of the frequency of discomfort (4.2 times, p<0.05) and anxiety-depressive states (2.7 times, p<0.05). Conclusions: Increased physical activity of patients with DPN significantly affects their life quality and proves to be a clinically effective approach to such patients.

Relative Role of Border Restrictions, Case Finding and Contact Tracing in Controlling SARS-CoV-2 in the Presence of Undetected Transmission

Background: Several countries have controlled the spread of COVID-19 through varying combinations of border restrictions, case finding, contact tracing and careful calibration on the resumption of domestic activities. However, evaluating the effectiveness of these measures based on observed cases alone is challenging as it does not reflect the transmission dynamics of missed infections. Methods: Combining data on notified local COVID-19 cases with known and unknown sources of infections (i.e. linked and unlinked cases) in Singapore in 2020 with a transmission model, we reconstructed the incidence of missed infections and estimated the relative effectiveness of different types of outbreak control. We also examined implications for estimation of key real-time metrics — the reproduction number and ratio of unlinked to linked cases, using observed data only as compared to accounting for missed infections.Findings: Prior to the partial lockdown in Singapore, initiated in April 2020, we estimated 89% (95%CI 75–99%) of the infections caused by notified cases were contact traced, but only 12.5% (95%CI 2–69%) of the infections caused by missed infectors were identified. We estimated that the reproduction number was 1.23 (95%CI 0.98–1.54) after accounting for missed infections but was 0.90 (95%CI 0.79-1.1) based on notified cases alone. At the height of the outbreak, the ratio of missed to notified infections was 34.1 (95%CI 26.0–46.6) but the ratio of unlinked to linked infections was 0.81 (95%CI 0.59–1.36). Our results suggest that when case finding and contact tracing identifies at least 50% and 20% of the infections caused by missed and notified cases respectively, the reproduction number could be reduced by more than 14%, rising to 20% when contact tracing is 80% effective. Interpretation: Depending on the relative effectiveness of border restrictions, case finding and contact tracing, unobserved outbreak dynamics can vary greatly. Commonly used metrics to evaluate outbreak control — typically based on notified data — could therefore misrepresent the true underlying outbreak. Funding: Ministry of Health, Singapore.Declaration of Interests: None to declare.

Підприємницький потенціал внутрішньо переміщених осіб: механізми залучення та використання

The information and analytical support of the entrepreneurial activity of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is analyzed. There is a lack of statistical accounting of the number of actually relocated businesses, IDP entrepreneurs from the Crimea and Donbass. The needs and problems of these displaced persons do not have a quantitative and qualitative dimension. There is no information on the regional distribution of resettlement of IDP entrepreneurs. The main problems and obstacles of IDP entrepreneurship have been identified. They are limited opportunities for self-employment, rehabilitation, start-up and development of SMEs and micro-entrepreneurship of IDPs in places of relocation. The state does not compensate for the loss of the ability of IDP entrepreneurs to continue their business activities due to partial or complete destruction of fixed assets, lack of business support programs, inability to obtain loans for resumption of activities and limited access to financial resources, etc. The priority directions of preservation, support and development of entrepreneurial potential of IDPs are offered, which are directed on maintenance of social justice concerning realization of the rights, freedoms and guarantees of IDP-entrepreneurs; creation of favorable institutional, legal, financial and economic, information and communication conditions for the restoration and development of IDP business; providing ample opportunities for IDP entrepreneurs to obtain loans and fixed assets, etc. The advantages of non-state sources of support for IDPs' business activities are revealed. These are international lending instruments: investment financing, reorientation of existing projects; international grant funding; international technical assistance. It has been proven that social entrepreneurship is an effective option for using the entrepreneurial potential of IDPs. The institutional, legal, financial and economic mechanisms of the state regulatory policy for the development of SMEs in Ukraine regarding IDPs have been identified. The need to establish partnership and coordination networks between the public, public and private sectors is noted. Strategic directions of formation of entrepreneurial potential of IDPs for regional and local development are offered.

COVID-19: A review and considerations for the resumption of activities in an IVF laboratory and clinic in Brazil.

COVID-19 has caused radical effects on the daily lives of millions of people. The causal agent of the current pandemic is SARS-CoV-2, a virus that causes symptoms related to the respiratory system, leading to severe complications. In the in vitro fertilization (IVF) universe, there are several protocols for infection control and laboratory safety. Some professional associations have issued guidelines recommending measures involving patient flow and IVF practices. This study presents a review and considerations for the resumption of activities in IVF laboratories and clinics in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the guidelines and statements from professional organizations and societies in reproductive medicine.

International Delphi Expert Consensus on Safe Return to Surgical and Endoscopic Practice: From the Coronavirus Global Surgical Collaborative.

The aim of this work is to formulate recommendations based on global expert consensus to guide the surgical community on the safe resumption of surgical and endoscopic activities. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused marked disruptions in the delivery of surgical care worldwide. A thoughtful, structured approach to resuming surgical services is necessary as the impact of COVID-19 becomes better controlled. The Coronavirus Global Surgical Collaborative sought to formulate, through rigorous scientific methodology, consensus-based recommendations in collaboration with a multidisciplinary group of international experts and policymakers. Recommendations were developed following a Delphi process. Domain topics were formulated and subsequently subdivided into questions pertinent to different aspects of surgical care in the COVID-19 crisis. Forty-four experts from 15 countries across 4 continents drafted statements based on the specific questions. Anonymous Delphi voting on the statements was performed in 2 rounds, as well as in a telepresence meeting. One hundred statements were formulated across 10 domains. The statements addressed terminology, impact on procedural services, patient/staff safety, managing a backlog of surgeries, methods to restart and sustain surgical services, education, and research. Eighty-three of the statements were approved during the first round of Delphi voting, and 11 during the second round. A final telepresence meeting and discussion yielded acceptance of 5 other statements. The Delphi process resulted in 99 recommendations. These consensus statements provide expert guidance, based on scientific methodology, for the safe resumption of surgical activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PECULIARITIES OF EVALUATION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE UKRAINIAN HOTEL INDUSTRY DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

The aim of the article is to study the features of indicators of sustainable development of the Ukrainian hotel industry during the coronavirus pandemic and at the stage of resumption of activities. The methodological basis of the article are theories and concepts of territorial organization of tourism, formed in domestic and Western social science. The work is performed in accordance with the general methodology of economic research, in compliance with the principles of systemic and communication approaches, territorial and rational use of nature and regional integrity. Methods of sociological research are used to accumulate empirical material. GIS-methods of information processing in the form of cartographic representation of information are used to process the results of statistical data. Analysis of the sustainability of the hotel industry has shown that the hotel industry is in the development stage and has the potential to increase economic profitability even during a coronavirus pandemic. In the period of the end of 2019-2020, hybrid hotels or combo hotels and concept hostels were opened in Ukraine as integration forms of enterprises in the hospitality industry. During the restriction on travel abroad, the domestic hotel industry can and should refocus on domestic tourists, because even before the pandemic, there were fewer foreign tourists in Ukraine than Ukrainian tourists. New hotels that will open in the future and refurbished hotels must meet the indicators of balanced development of tourism and the hotel industry. Social benefits for local residents, in addition to salaries and wages earned from participating in the hotel service process, include the opportunity to lead a cultural life rich in events through the implementation of the Tourism Development Strategy by the destination city authorities. The multifaceted development of tourism, of which the hotel industry is a part, increases other socially important spheres, such as the city's transport system. Recently, the comfort of public transport for both locals and guests of the city has been improving in developed tourist destinations. Improvement of the natural environment has also become possible due to revenues from the tourist tax. A significant part of the budget is aimed at cleaning and improvement of the streets and parks of the destination. Indicators of future sustainable development of the hotel industry of Ukraine will be environmental indicators of reusable water use and waste processing, energy efficiency of the hotel sector. Thus, the use of the indicators of sustainable development proposed in the article made it possible to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of development, as well as to identify problems that need to be addressed to prevent the transformation of destination development into degradation. Keywords: sustainable development, hotel industry, tourism tax, coronavirus pandemic, tourism.

Landscape for vaccine candidates of COVID-19

The insurgency of the new coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) has attracted the attention of the public, authorities and academics. To date, no chemical treatment has proven efficient in clinical tests to combat the virus. The hope for the resumption of socioeconomic activities is found in the discovery of vaccines that can immunize people on a large scale. According to the World Health Organization, there are 29 vaccine candidates in the clinical evaluation phase and 138 candidates in the pre-clinical evaluation phase. In the race to discover a vaccine there are initiatives from several laboratories and research centers. However, some countries stand out - there is a concentration of initiatives. This leads us to question whether this ability to promote research, development and seek innovation in the health field is not only associated with the size of economies, but also with the quality of the business environment. Thus, the aim of the present study is to explore the relationship between innovation and economic freedom, using econometric methodology (e.g. Panel Data Analysis) combined with non-parametric methodology (e.g., Data Envelopment Analysis). Our results allow us to infer how additional economic freedom can increase innovation for different levels of economic freedom within the countries. By doing so, we can explore why there is concentrated vaccine initiatives in few countries and a better understanding of the landscape for vaccine candidates of COVID-19.

Remote rehabilitation in the times of covid-19: is it possible at distance? Comparision of neurodevelopmental therapist experiences

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the international outbreak of new coronavirus infectionas a pandemic, due to the speed and scale of the infection around the world. Italy was one of the first European countries to adopt the restriction measures, progressively stricter and gradually extended to the entire national territory,with the consequent closure of any activity that is not strictly necessary, including rehabilitation health services. Theprovisions for continuing the treatments that cannot be postponed in phase 1 envisaged the use of telerehabilitation asa fundamental tool for continuing neuropsychomotor therapy. In phase 2 and 3, however, the resumption of rehabilitation activities in the presence required the use of personal protective equipment, such as masks, visors and gloves, andthe use of social distancing measures. However, in neuropsychomotor therapy of the developmental age, the body isa fundamental part, and the central element, with which the therapist comes into contact with the child, both throughtonicdialogue and through the so-called non-verbal communication, with all its implications.

Remote rehabilitation in the times of covid-19: is it possible at distance? Comparision of neurodevelopmental therapist experiences

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the international outbreak of new coronavirus infection as a pandemic, due to the speed and scale of the infection around the world. Italy was one of the first European countries to adopt the restriction measures, progressively stricter and gradually extended to the entire national territory, with the consequent closure of any activity that is not strictly necessary, including rehabilitation health services. The provisions for continuing the treatments that cannot be postponed in phase 1 envisaged the use of telerehabilitation as a fundamental tool for continuing neuropsychomotor therapy. In phase 2 and 3, however, the resumption of rehabilitation activities in the presence required the use of personal protective equipment, such as masks, visors and gloves, and the use of social distancing measures. However, in neuropsychomotor therapy of the developmental age, the body is a fundamental part, and the central element, with which the therapist comes into contact with the child, both through tonicdialogue and through the so-called non-verbal communication, with all its implications.

The Dark Side of Social Capital: Race, Recidivism, and “Reintegration”

In investigating the problem of racial disparity in the recidivism statistics where the two minority groups—the Malays and Indians—had been historically disproportionately represented relative to the Chinese majority, the findings of the study led to a deconstruction of the conventional inference that the under-representation of the Chinese in the recidivism statistics implied successful mainstream reintegration and criminal desistance. Extending the social capital theoretical framework to the criminal landscape, this study put forth the view, based on interviews with 30 gang members and former custodial officers, that the Chinese possession of more efficacious ethnic capital, accessed and activated in the context of their membership in Chinese secret societies, allowed for the resumption of criminal activities whilst capitalizing on the symbiosis that organized criminal subcultures had with legitimate institutions. The “dark side” of social capital, one that created “network closures,” was evident in the cultural propensity of the Chinese to mobilize “guanxi” (relationships) that bridged conventional social capital with criminal social capital. The net effect of this was the facilitation and concealment of their criminality, thus reducing their representation on their re-arrest and recidivism statistics.