Security Profile Research Articles

Age specificity of individual typological characteristics in persons of different professions

In modern conditions, individualization and optimization of training and additional professional education of a wide range of specialists are increasing in order to strengthen the “personnel base” and solve complex internal and external tasks. Individualized training involves: 1) selecting people according to the criteria of personal predisposition to this type of professional activity; 2) building an adequate system of external training influence within the framework of specialized training and training of personnel. Occupational health and medicine as disciplines and practical areas are faced with the task of using labor as a factor of health and self-development of a person, increasing his vitality, adaptability and professional longevity. The purpose of the study is to identify individual typological profiles, considering professional activity and age, for improving professional selection, development and support of various professions ‘ specializations.The sample included 389 people (average age–29.5±8.5 years), including 169 participants of the professional community “Institute for development of leaders” and 220 people-extreme specialists. Respondents belonged to the following professional profiles: administrative and managerial; information technology; research and security. The following methodological complex is used: o. SSS; o. TIPI; o. MMPI; o. Grasmika; o. BIS/BAS; o. EPQ; subjective scale for evaluating one’s own entrepreneurial skills.It was revealed that the combination of a high level of activation system aimed at obtaining additional new stimulation, risk propensity and low emotional stability was characteristic for persons of administrative and managerial profile. Individual and typological characteristics of the security profile were similar to the previous group, except for a lower educational level and pronounced egocentrism. Persons with an information and analytical profile of professional activity were characterized by a low level of activation system and emotional instability. They were prone to risk. Individuals of the research profile were characterized by low self-control, emotional instability when focusing on subjective criteria.The greatest information content of psychological variables was revealed for the age group from 16 to 21 years. Checking the predictive value of discriminant models, where the target variables were professional activity profiles, revealed the high quality of the model only when the subjects were assigned to the group of the security profile.The information content of diagnostics of individual typological characteristics for solving problems of predicting behavioral response and professional selection is confirmed. The characteristics of specialists in various professional profiles have predictive value in relation to the risk of disadaptation and decompensation when changing their employment status.

Threats to the Economic Security of Russia in the Context of Trends in the Development of Africa

Situation and value of the African continent on the economic and social cardmap of the world dynamically changes and will continue to change throughout all the 21st century with strengthening of the Africa positions in the world. In Russia all the complex of threats and problems which arise owing to political and economic transformation of Africa is not adequately estimated. The scientific literature on economic security issues presents an expanded set of internal and external threats to the national economy that goes beyond the traditional areas of the shadow economy, corruption, economic crime and related segments, including the internal economic stability of the national economy and inter-country competition, the quality of state strategic management, studies of the specifics of ensuring economic security in the conditions of the sixth technological order, intercultural communication and their impact on the economic relations between countries, etc. Incomplete use of such approach to strategy for the countries of Africa creates additional threats and risks for Russia. An analysis of security problems in Africa revealed that studies of economic security in the context of African development trends in Russia are conducted in an unsatisfactory volume, not always taking into account the results of new developments in the field of ensuring economic security. Even the large shifts happening on the African continent, forecasts of this dynamics sometimes are poorly known to experts of a profile of economic security, and many experts of an economic profile including working in the African subject often do not accurately distinguish problems of “economic cooperation” and “the Russian – African relations”, on the one hand, and “economic security of Russia” – with another. In this regard the new scientific problem is proved: need for deeper analysis of trends of economic and social development in Africa as an important component of a system of ensuring national economic security of Russia in the current period and in the future into account the new developments in the sphere of economic security. The main directions of activating scientific research and concentration of practical efforts to increase national economic security, neutralize threats and reduce risk for Russia in the designated context are formulated.

Buck-passing, Chain-ganging and Alliances in the Multipolar Indo-Asia-Pacific

ABSTRACT Christensen’s and Snyder’s neorealist-based theory of buck-passing and chain-ganging uses offence-defence balance to predict state security policy choices under multipolarity. This approach is applicable to the US-led alliance system in the multipolar Indo-Asia-Pacific. Given regional Sino-US rivalry, hedging opportunities for US ‘hub-and-spoke’ allies will dissipate, increasing the likelihood of allies choosing to buck-pass or chain-gang in the face of conflict. With defence superior in the region, it is more likely that US allies will buck-pass rather than chain-gang. Beyond Indo-Asia-Pacific states, this has implications for global actors – such as the EU – seeking to raise their security profile in the region, as buck-passing behaviour gives greater time to adjust to potential conflict scenarios than chain-ganging.

Contagion Risks and Security Investment in Directed Networks

We develop a model for contagion risks and optimal security investment in a directed network of interconnected agents with heterogeneous degrees, loss functions and security profiles. Our model generalizes much of contagion models in the literature; in particular the independent cascade model and the linear threshold model. We state various limit theorems on the final size of infected agents in the case of random networks with given vertex degrees for finite and infinite variance degree distributions. The results allow us to derive a resilience condition of the network to the infection of a large group of agents and quantify how contagion amplifies small shocks to the network. We show that when the degree distribution has infinite variance and, highly correlated in- and out-degrees, then even when agents have high thresholds, a sub-linear fraction of initially infected agents is enough to trigger the infection of a positive fraction. We also show how these results are sensitive to vertex and edge percolation (immunization). We then study the asymptotic Nash equilibrium and socially optimal security investment. In the asymptotic limit, agents' risk depends on all other agents' investment through an aggregate quantity, that we call network vulnerability. The limit theorems allow us to capture the impact of one class of agents' decision on the overall network vulnerability. Based on our results, the vulnerability is semi-analytic allowing for a tractable Nash equilibrium. We give sufficient conditions for investment in equilibrium to be monotone in the network vulnerability. When investment is monotone, we show that the (asymptotic) Nash equilibrium is unique. In the particular example of two types core-periphery agents, we exhibit a strong effect of the cost heterogeneity and in particular non-monotonous investment as a function of costs.

Bringing Ukraine Back on Track

Ukraine’s history has been a turbulent one, and currently the country is in a crisis. The purpose of the article is to discuss how Ukraine can move away from the current East-West competition that poses a risk of dividing the country into two. What does it take to move a united Ukraine forward? How can Ukraine progress economically, politically and improve its security profile? The methodology used in the article is the case study method and it often compares Ukraine’s performance with Poland, a country of a similar size in terms of population, land mass, and located in geographic proximity. The article argues that more inclusive and sustainable growth in Ukraine will require increased productivity of the economy, more benefits from international trade and investment supported by closer integration into the global economy, as well as a well-governed domestic economy with stronger institutions to withstand pressures from vested interests. The US, EU and NATO must make more efforts to help Ukraine resolve the current conflict with Russia, which in turn needs to stop the military engagement in Ukraine to let it recover and benefit from integration and cooperation with the West. NATO membership and full EU membership should not be considered for now, but Ukraine should be an independent and neutral buffer state between the East and the West, with full access to the EU common market. Ukraine needs increased financial support, especially from the EU, US, IMF and the World Bank for its reconstruction.

Felderítés és analízis a penetrációs tesztben – 1. Információgyűjtési technikák

This series of articles deals with the detection and analysis levels within the penetration tests section. One basic approach is that information gathering activities at the detection and analysis level of penetration tests in cybersecurity and information technology (at risk level) identify publicly available information related to organisations. Gathering information is the first step in the penetration test implementation process, which involves gathering information about the target network and target environment. Using information gathering techniques, there are many opportunities for unauthorised access to the target organisation’s network.This allows you to create a security profile of the target organisation’s network system, and partly the organisation itself. There is no standard way to collect information, as there are many ways to obtain it. However, as much information as possible must be collected, therefore, it is worthwhile to carry out this phase in an organised manner.

Забезпечення економічної безпеки на підприємствах морського транспорту

The article considers the economic security of port enterprises, which is an integral part of the development of these enterprises, the basis for improving the quality and competitiveness of port services. The following main areas were identified, changes in which significantly affect the deve-lopment of maritime transport, and which must be taken into account in the formation and implementation of the national maritime policy of Ukraine and the development strategy of individual enterprises in the maritime sector. Having analyzed all types of functional components of the integrated safety system of maritime transport enterprises, and taking into account significant features in the specifics of indivi-dual facilities (ports, shipping companies and coastal enterprises), the proposed classification of water safety threats in terms of three major water transport facilities separately, exposed to threats and dangers: economic security of coastal facilities and shore personnel, navigable economic security, port economic security. The peculiarities of ensuring maritime safety are the presence of a list of threats associated with the specifics of the operational activities of maritime transport enterprises. Factors in the organization of economic security relate to the functionality of its organizational and institutional support. Most of the existing approaches to solving the issues of economic security of the enterprise allowed to choose the most optimal set of principles of management of the economic security system: the principle of complexity, the principle of confidentiality provides, the principle of coordination and coherence of the enterprise. This study focuses on economic levers that are directly related to tracking and eliminating threats. Economic methods direct the implementation of the mechanism to reduce resource consumption, increase the profile and efficiency. Thus, increasing the profile is due to additional profits, reducing resource intensity − by optimizing resources and reducing costs when moving from a lower level of economic security profile to higher, efficiency increases when reducing resource intensity, as well as by increasing effects. Having analyzed all types of functional components of the integrated security system of maritime transport enterprises, and taking into account significant features in the specifics of individual facilities (ports, shipping companies and coastal enterprises), we propose to consider the classification of water transport security threats in terms of three major water transport facilities separately exposed to threats and dangers: economic security of coastal facilities and shore personnel, navigable economic security, port economic security. Thus, the peculiarities of maritime safety are the presence of a list of threats associated with the specifics of the operational activities of maritime transport enterprises. Factors in the organization of economic security relate to the functionality of its organizational and institutional support. The implementation of economic security requires from the maritime industry such qualities as reliability, flexibility and quality. These enterprises are becoming part of the system, which as a whole is a subject of competition, therefore, to ensure the competitiveness of the whole system, the enterprises of the maritime industry must provide an increasing range of services.

МЕТОД ПОБУДОВИ ШАБЛОНІВ ПОТЕНЦІЙНО НЕБЕЗПЕЧНИХ КІБЕРАТАК

Today the world is experiencing a significant increase in the number of cyberattacks. At the same time, their technological complexity increases proportionally. In the near future, the emergence of new potentially dangerous cyberattacks is not ruled out, which in turn may lead to deterioration of their detection and neutralization and, consequently, negatively affect the level of security of information and information and telecommunications systems of critical information infrastructure. Based on this, the article solves the urgent problem of developing a reliable method of constructing patterns of potentially dangerous cyberattacks, the implementation of which eliminates the basic disadvantage of creating attack pattern signatures, namely the "delay effect" to produce the desired signature. The proposed method is based on the definition of key characteristics and parameters of a potentially dangerous cyber-attack. It is based on an analysis of the standard functional security profile implemented in the computer system and network and the primary data sources used to build the patterns of potentially dangerous cyberattacks. The practical application of this method will result in the construction of two patterns of potentially dangerous cyber-attack on a computer system and network. The first, a differential game template for a potentially dangerous cyberattack, will describe the physics of processes occurring in a computer system and network during a potentially dangerous cyberattack, and the second, a physical template, will contain the full set of characteristics and parameters inherent in that attack.

Метод ідентифікації функціонального профілю захисту

Стандартний функціональний профіль захисту є переліком мінімально необхідних рівнів послуг, які повинен реалізовувати комплекс засобів захисту обчислювальної системи автоматизованої системи, щоб коректно задовольняти визначені вимоги щодо захищеності інформації, яка обробляється в даній автоматизованій системі. Таким чином, виникає необхідність у створенні методу, який дозволить автоматизувати процес генерування функціонального профілю захисту та перевірку його коректності щодо функцій захисту (послуг безпеки) та гарантій. Для вирішення поставленого завдання пропонується метод ідентифікації функціонального профіля захищеності, який за рахунок процедури формування: множин первинних та вторинних функціональних послуг безпеки; множин об’єднання первинних і вторинних функціональних послуг безпеки у функціональний профіль захищеності; множин порядку за індексами елементів; базового функціонального профіля захищеності дозволив формалізувати процес генерування функціонального профіля захищеності та верифікації експертом його вимог щодо функцій захисту (послуг безпеки) та гарантій.

RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION IN TREATMENT OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE WITH BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate results of treatment of patients with Barrett’s esophagus, including radiofrequency ablation of columnar epithelium with antireflux surgery. METHODS: We treated82 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease withBarrett’s esophagus between 2011 and 2018. 4 patients had low-grade dysplasia, 63 patients had hiatal hernia. We performed laparoscopic Toupet 2700 fundoplication in 58 of these patients.This allowedto perform radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedure 2-3 months later in 27 of these patients. In 12 patients without radiological signs of hiatal hernia we performed RFA as the first treatment step. Follow-up endoscopy was performed 3,6 and 12 months after RFA. RESULTS: Metaplasia eradication wasachieved in 97,5% after 1 procedure and in 100% after 2 procedures. 6 months after treatment recurrence of metaplasia was registered in 2,4% patients. CONCLUSIONS: Changing security profile of new endoscopic treatment methods indicates the need for new strategies for Barrett’s esophagus. The most effective scheme is two-step treatment including antireflux surgery and radiofrequency ablation in combination with drug therapy.

A Latent Transition Analysis of Perceived Parental Security Profiles Across 33 Months of Adolescence

ObjectiveTo examine associations among perceived parental security (PPS) profiles—that is, perceived communication quality with one's parents as well as feelings of trust and alienation toward them—and outcomes across 33 months of adolescence.BackgroundUsing cross‐sectional data, researchers have developed PPS profiles by categorizing adolescents based on Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment—Revised (IPPA–R) scores. Researchers have not examined the stability of PPS profiles during adolescence.MethodPPS among early adolescents (N = 2,032; Mage = 12.5; female = 50%) was assessed using IPPA–R scores, and profiles were identified using latent profile analysis. A mover–stayer, latent transition analysis was used to examine the degree to which moving between or staying within a particular PPS profile was associated with five outcomes—emotional, social, and academic self‐efficacy, sensation seeking, and subjective life expectancy—in this developmental period.ResultsAt both data collections, profiles were not strongly associated with sex. Low‐Security profiles were disproportionately represented by individuals eligible for a free school lunch. Transitions to, or remaining in, the Low‐Security profile between Wave 1 and Wave 2 were generally associated with unfavorable outcomes.ConclusionPPS profiles and transitions accounted for a parent bond construct that was strongly associated with meaningful outcomes. Therefore, person‐centered analyses of IPPA–R scores, such as latent profile and transition analyses, are preferred methods of accounting for PPS in adolescence.ImplicationsIPPA–R might be a useful tool for counselors working with adolescents, because scores point to tangible targets for intervention: (a) feelings of alienation from parents, (b) quality of communication with parents, and (c) feeling trusted by parents.

Gender based differences, pharmacogenetics and adverse events in chronic pain management.

Safety data in chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) with long-term opioid therapy has been poorly studied and can be differently influenced by gender. Furthermore, pharmacogenetics (PGx) could possibly be used to tailor pain medication based on the individual's genetic background. The aim was to assess whether PGx applied to a pharmacovigilance system could help to improve a patient's security profile. A pharmacovigilance data recording system was conducted over 24 months, including genotyping of OPRM1 variants (opioid receptor, A118G) and COMT (enzyme that degrades catecholamines such as norepinephrine, G1947A). Pain intensity (visual analogue scale, VAS), morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD), adverse events (AEs) and suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were recorded and analysed by gender. The Ethics Committee approved the study and data were analysed with R 3.6.0 software. A total of 748 patients were recruited in the study (67% female, VAS 62 ± 29 mm, MEDD 119 ± 114 mg/day) reporting a median of 6 (3.5-9) AEs/patient. Women presented more nausea, headaches, insomnia, loss of appetite, weight change, depression and dizziness than men. Analysis by genotype demonstrated that PGx influenced the prevalence of vomiting and depression in men, dizziness in women and sexual dysfunction in both. Physicians notified 150 ADRs mostly in females (79%) related to nervous system disorders. PGx applied to a pharmacovigilance recording system provides important information to achieve a better knowledge about AEs in CNCP pharmacological therapy. OPRM1 and COMT polymorphisms were associated with AEs in CNCP patients that differed according to gender.

Experience of Generic Imatinib As a First Line Therapy for Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in a Single Reference Institution

Background: The treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) was revolutionized by the approval of Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) by the FDA in 2001. In low-middle-income countries, due to economic issues related to the high cost of this treatment, scientific governmental entities started to produce and release a generic imatinib in 2013. High quality data about the security profile and efficacy of generic imatinib treatment are still needed. Aims: We herein aimed to evaluate the 6 years follow up of CML patients treated with generic imatinib as first line therapy. Patients and Methods: We evaluated a retrospective cohort of 39 patients diagnosed with CML at a single institution, during the period between December 2001 and July 2019, that had used only generic formulation of imatinib since diagnosis; and analyzed their rate of response to treatment as a primary goal and adverse events and survival outcomes as secondary goals. Responses were evaluated according to ELN 2013. Event-free survival and overall survival were measured from starting date of treatment until: loss of molecular response or death from any cause, and until death from any cause or last seen, respectively. Results: The cohort of 39 patients treated with generic imatinib as first line therapy was composed of 23 men (59%) and 16 women (41%), with median age at diagnosis of 52 years (16-74). The median follow up time was 24 months (8-68), and the median duration of generic imatinib therapy was 19 months (5 - 68). Most of the patients were diagnosed at chronic phase (92%), with only 2 accelerated phase and 1 myeloid blast crisis. Risk stratification according to Eutos, Sokal and Hasford score was low in 92%, 67% and 80%; intermediate in 0%, 30% and 6% and high in 8%, 3% and 14%, respectively. Six different brands of generic imatinib were used (Cristalia, Instituto Vital Brasil, FURP, EMS, Fiocruz and Eurofarma); the most frequently used were Cristalia and Instituto Vital Brasil. The median number of brands used per patient was 2 (1-5). Patients received 400 mg of generic imatinib daily; the dose was increased to 600 mg in 4 patients due to sub-optimal response during follow up. The rate of hematologic response with treatment was 97% and median time to reach it was 1 month (1-7). The rate of response at 3, 6 and 12 months was 74%, 60%, and 92% for optimal cytogenetic response, and 69%, 61%, and 26% for optimal molecular response. The probability to reach deep molecular response at each year of follow up was 41% at 1st year, 52% at 2nd year, 46% at 3rd year, 50% at 4th year, 50% at 5th year, and 50% at 6th year. The probability to reach a molecular response 4.5 at each year of follow up was 10% at 1st year, 23% at 2nd year, 30% at 3rd year, 50% at 4th year, 50% at 5th year, and 50% at 6th year. Hematologic toxicities were frequent during the first three months of therapy. Reported non-hematologic adverse events were hypophosphatemia (62%), diarrhea (30%), cramps (30%), liver toxicity (28%), nausea (18%), bone pain (18%), edema (15%), rash (8%), and hypomagnesaemia (2.5%). Eight percent of patients evolved with deterioration of renal function during the treatment period, but its relationship with generic imatinib was not well established. Two patients (5%) needed a dose reduction because of adverse events. Eight (20.5%) patients switched to second line tyrosine-kinase inhibitors, five (13%) due to resistance and three (8%) due to side effects (severe hepatotoxicity, diarrhea, and rash). Three patients progressed after switching to another tyrosine kinase inhibitor. After a median follow up of 24 months, the event free survival rate was 80% and the overall survival rate was 100%. Conclusion: The rate of complete cytogenetic response, resistance, and intolerance after use of generic imatinib was not worse than the rates described in the long-term follow up of the IRIS trial (N Engl J Med 2017; 376:917-927). Deep molecular response rates seen in the cohort of patients on generic imatinib were inferior to the ones in the IRIS trial, but overall survival was not impacted. Hypophosphatemia was observed in a high percentage of patients, although it has not been reported in other cohorts on generic imatinib. Prospective randomized studies are needed to allow better conclusions regarding the comparative efficacy and safety of generic imatinib. Disclosures Figueiredo-Pontes: Novartis: Honoraria.

Security profile of direct anticoagulants. Preferred use in atrial fibrillation

A multidisciplinary panel of cardiologists, neurologists, internal medicine and specialists in haemostasis and thrombosis has elaborated this document showing recent scientific evidences supporting a better profile of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) vs vitamin K antagonists (VKA), as well as the indications of specific antidotes and haemostatic agents to reverse the anticoagulant effects of DOACs. The analysis reinforces the best profile of DOACs and its special benefit in patients with basal high haemorrhagic risk.

Maintenance with Weekly Carfilzomib in Elderly newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (IFM 2012-03).

Prolonged treatments have significantly improved survival in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Lenalidomide (IMiDs), is currently approved in this indication, but remains a daily treatment, although oral, and may favor side effects in the long run. Furthermore, the use of a proteasome inhibitor (PI) is warranted in certain type of MM, such as high-risk. Carfilzomib, a second generation PI, has proved active combined with an acceptable security profile, although its added benefit when given continuously is unknown.

Model of parameters for identification of functional security profile in computer systems

Одним із ключових завдань при проведенні державної експертизи є ідентифікація функціонального профілю захисту (ФПЗ). В процесі експертизи оцінюють види інформації, яка оброблюється та ризики її втрати, модифікації або розголошення. Для цього будується ФПЗ. Для вирішення задачі ідентифікації ФПЗ необхідно здійснити: визначення рівнів функціональних послуг безпеки (ФПБ), реалізованих в комплексних систем захисту інформації (КСЗІ) об'єкта експертизи; визначення повноти та несуперечності профілю; ідентифікацію опису ФПБ у вихідних документах. З урахуванням цього пропонується модель параметрів для ідентифікації ФПЗ в комп’ютерних системах (КС). Визначені множини критеріїв, їх елементів та рівнів. Все це дозволило у формальному вигляді сформувати необхідний набір величин для реалізації процесу ідентифікації ФПЗ в КС. Розвитком даних робіт є розробка методу ідентифікації ФПЗ. Це дозволить автоматизувати процес визначення вимог нормативного документу щодо функцій захисту (послуг безпеки) та гарантій.

Building resilience against food insecurity through social networks

PurposeMany nations in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria have initiated programmes targeted at addressing food insecurity, but without any major significant breakthrough. This necessitates the call for inclusion of social network institutional framework into the food and nutrition security policy of many developing countries. This is touted as an important social safety net needed for farming households’ economic advancement and welfare. Consequent on this, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of social networks in building resilience against food insecurity among farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachData collected from a sample of 297 smallholder farmers during 2015/2016 agricultural production season were analysed using descriptive statistics to describe farmers’ notable characteristics. However, Foster–Greer–Thorbecke indices vis-à-vis food consumption expenditure-metrics technique was used to evaluate the food security profile of the respondents. Similarly, ordinary least square and two-stage least square (2SLS) models were applied to investigate the effects and “reverse causality” in the social networks food security model.FindingsThe study findings indicated that about 48.15 per cent of the smallholder farmers are food insecure. Similarly, the study revealed that age (p<0.01), years of formal education (p<0.05), marital status (p<0.05), number of persons in the family (p<0.01), executive status in social groups (p<0.05), aggregate social networks (p<0.1) and non-food consumption expenditure (p<0.01) made significant contributions to food security status of farming households. Importantly, 2SLS estimation indicated non-existence of reverse causality effect of social networks components and households’ food security status.Social implicationsThere is an urgent need for pragmatic policies that support systematic and organized social groups and networks formation in the rural/agrarian areas across Nigeria.Originality/valueA widely accepted view of economic theory posits that traditional capitals (physical, economic/financial and human) drive households’ welfare including food security status. However, this study has established the relevance of social networks as an important component of human well-being. Apparently, this study also established the exogeneity of social networks in the framework of households’ food security status.

Maintenance with weekly carfilzomib in elderly newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (IFM 2012-03).

8029 Background: Prolonged treatments have significantly improved survival in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Lenalidomide (IMiDs), is currently approved in this indication, but remains a daily treatment, although oral, and may favor side effects in the long run. Furthermore, the use of a proteasome inhibitor (PI) is warranted in certain type of MM, such as high-risk. Carfilzomib, a second generation PI, has proved active combined with an acceptable security profile but its added benefit when given continuously is unknown. We thought to study maintenance Carfilzomib for elderly NDMM (eNDMM). Methods: The IFM 2012-03 multicenter phase I KMP (Carfilzomib, Melphalan, Prednisone) weekly study for eNDMM (≥ 65 years old) determined the maximal tolerated dose of weekly Carfilzomib at 70mg/m². We focus herein on the second part of the study with IV Carfilzomib monotherapy given at 36mg/m² for 13 cycles maintenance on an every 2 weeks schedule. Results: Thirty eNDMM were recruited in IFM 2012-03. Median age is 75, with 56% R-ISS 2 or 3 and 11% high-risk cytogenetic. With K weekly from 36 to 70mg/m², OS is reported at 93.3%, including 46.7% ≥CR; median PFS is 35.8 months and median OS was not reached. Twenty-two (73%) patients started K maintenance and 16 (73%) completed it. Four patients progressed and 2 stopped for AEs (renal amylosis, sensory neuropahty) during the maintenance phase. At maintenance completion, 50% were ≥CR. From the start of maintenance, in landmark analysis, median PFS is 28.1 months and the estimated 36-months OS approximately 70%. Conclusions: Carfilzomib monotherapy can be used safely in maintenance for 1 year in eNDMM, including for patients above 75 years. K maintenance may lead to deep response rate, certainly a most relevant prognostic factor for prolonged survival. Therefore, Carfilzomib maintenance, characterized with a simple administration modality, might be considered as an alternative to Lenalidomide and integrate the armamentarium of prolonged therapy in eNDMM. Clinical trial information: NCT02302495.

Examining High School Students' Safe Computer and Internet Usage Awareness.

The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is rapidly spreading among high school students. These technologies provide the students to gain learning experiences and also involve many dangers such as addiction, loneliness and stress. The aim of this study is to examine awareness levels of different types of high school students towards Safe Computer and Internet Usage Awareness (SCIUA). The data were collected from 715 students studying in the high school students in Turkey by using a questionnaire developed by the researchers. The data obtained from the questionnaire were analyzed based on the pre-determined themes and the students’ information security and computer usage awareness profiles were revealed. It was determined that students mostly use Internet for access to information, playing online games and access to social networks. When the relations among dimensions of students’ awareness towards SCIUA were examined, a strong negative relation was determined between students’ competencies and the problems and threats they faced. Students’ remarks (awareness) vary in terms of social network/communication and dimension of family factor with respect to the places where they connect to the Internet. Also, within the scope of this project, practical information based on the results of this study is offered to implementers of the FATIH project, which is conducted by the Ministry of National Education in Turkey. Article visualizations:

Gendered bordering practices in Swedish and Russian foreign and security policy

In recent years, border tensions have characterised Swedish-Russian security relations in the form of simulated strikes and military exercises in the Baltic Sea region. In this article, we show that while security tensions ‘at the border’ may be present, a complex process of gendered bordering underwrites Swedish and Russian foreign and security policy, seemingly pitching a progressivist and feminist Swedish foreign and security profile against Russian security performances that exhibit overt masculinist power. The tensions between Russia and Sweden appear imbued with gendered power relations. To analyse these forms of gendered bordering, we engage with Critical Border Studies by understanding bordering as practice, rather than theorising borders as ‘static dividing lines’ and by drawing on feminist security studies by examining bordering practices as constructions of masculinism, sexuality, and as a performance of gendered states. We argue that the gendered dynamics that inform state bordering practices are layered, complex, and contradictory. Rather than two opposing but consistent positions, we identify tensions and ambiguities within these subjectivities and examine how gendered bordering practices shape and militarise the state.