AN ANALYSIS OF STUDENT SATISFACTION WITH THE ORGANIZATION OF HYBRID TEACHING IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ECONOMICS

The PURPOSE of this research is for a survey to be conducted among the students of the Faculty of Public Health “Prof. Tzekomir Vodenicharov, МD, DSc” at Medical University – Sofia to study whether they are satisfied with how hybrid teaching has been organized in the Department of Health Economics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted. Out of all students who were invited to participate, 309 joined. The questionnaire was distributed through the Google Forms platform from June to October 2022. Chi-Quadrant analysis was used in order to find relationships between categorical variables. RESULTS: the result shows a statistically significant connection between the students who are studying different specialties in the FPH and their satisfaction with the organization of the hybrid classes carried out by the Department (p <0.001). From the participants’ responses, it is clear that the implementation of hybrid form of teaching (in-person classes for practical training and online classes for theoretical study) carried out through open educational resources and implementing innovative teaching methodology is preferred by the students. CONCLUSION: The scientific evidence arising from our empirical research can aid in the development of guidelines for practical improvement of the hybrid teaching organization in disciplines taught in the Department. The conclusions drawn presuppose continuous research with proper methodologies applied

EQ-5D in Central and Eastern Europe : 2000-2015

Objective: Cost per quality-adjusted life year data are required for reimbursement decisions in many Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. EQ-5D is by far the most commonly used instrument to generate utility values in CEE. This study aims to systematically review the literature on EQ-5D from eight CEE countries. Methods: An electronic database search was performed up to July 1, 2015 to identify original EQ-5D studies from the countries of interest. We analysed the use of EQ-5D with respect to clinical areas, methodological rigor, population norms and value sets. Results: We identified 143 studies providing 152 country-specific results with a total sample size of 81,619: Austria (n=11), Bulgaria (n=6), Czech Republic (n=18), Hungary (n=47), Poland (n=51), Romania (n=2), Slovakia (n=3) and Slovenia (n=14). Cardiovascular (20%), neurologic (16%), musculoskeletal (15%) and endocrine/nutritional/metabolic diseases (14%) were the most frequently studied clinical areas. Overall 112 (78%) of the studies reported EQ VAS results and 86 (60%) EQ-5D index scores, of which 27 (31%) did not specify the applied tariff. Hungary, Poland and Slovenia have population norms. Poland and Slovenia also have a national value set. Conclusions: Increasing use of EQ-5D is observed throughout CEE. The spread of health technology assessment activities in countries seems to be reflected in the number of EQ-5D studies. However, improvement in informed use and methodological quality of reporting is needed. In jurisdictions where no national value set is available, in order to ensure comparability we recommend to apply the most frequently used UK tariff. Regional collaboration between CEE countries should be strengthened

An overview of burst, buckling, durability and corrosion analysis of lightweight FRP composite pipes and their applicability

© 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.The main aim of this review article was to address the performance of filament wound fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composite pipes and their critical properties, such as burst, buckling, durability and corrosion. The importance of process parameters concerning merits and demerits of the manufacturing methods was discussed for the better-quality performance. Burst analysis revealed that the winding angle of ±55° was observed to be optimum with minimum failure mechanisms, such as matrix cracking, whitening, leakage and fracture. The reduction of buckling effect was reported in case of lower hoop stress value in the hoop to axial stress ratio against axial, compression and torsion. A significant improvement in energy absorption was observed in the hybrid composite pipes with the effect of thermal treatment. However, the varying winding angle in FRP pipe fabrication was reported as an influencing factor affecting all the aforementioned properties. Almost 90% of the reviewed studies was done using E-glass/epoxy materials for the composite pipe production. By overcoming associated limitations, such as replacing synthetic materials, designing new material combinations and cost-benefit analysis, the production cost of the lightweight FRP composite pipes can be decreased for the real-time applications.Peer reviewe

Minimally Invasive or Open Inguinal Hernia Repairs - Immunological Results

Introduction: The minimally invasive technique has replaced the open approach in many surgical procedures. The advantages and disadvantages of open and minimally invasive hernia surgery are still being discussed. This study compared postoperative immune changes after minimally invasive and open repair in patients with inguinal hernias (H-patients).Materials and Methods: The study included 36 male patients with inguinal hernias. Eighteen underwent minimally invasive hernia repair (Hm-patients). The mean age of the Hm- group was 52.4 years (18-73). The remaining 18 patients underwent open hernia repair (Ho- patients). Their mean age was 56.7 years (29-81). Blood tests were performed 24 hours prior to surgery, and 24 hours and 7 days after surgery. The analysis included full blood count and markers of inflammation (CRP, ESR, Fibrinogen). T- (CD3+), B- (CD19+) and NK-cell lymphocyte populations were studied by means of flow cytometry, as well as activation of leukocytes, according to the expression of HLA-DR, CD38, CD279, CD163. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.Results: 24 hours after surgery, there was a significant decrease in the monocytes and the NK- cells and an increase in the number of leukocytes, lymphocytes and granulocytes in the minimally invasive group compared with the open group. This difference between the two groups didn`t exist on the 7th postoperative day. Activated granulocytes (CD64+), monocytes (CD64/CD163+), T- lymphocytes (CD3+) and B-lymphocytes (CD19+) had a significant decrease in the open group compared with the minimally invasive group on the first postoperative day. On the 7th postoperative day, there was a significant increase in the markers of inflammation (CRP, ESR, Fibrinogen) and a decrease in the erythrocytes, the hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, NKT-cells, CD3+ and %HLA-DR in CD19+ in the open group.Conclusions: Minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair is a technically feasible option with lesser degrees of immunosuppressive response to open repair. Postoperative immune and blood parameters under investigation, are better preserved in the minimally invasive group

Process evaluation of a bio-behavioural HIV research combined with prevention among GBMSM in 13 European countries

Comparative European data using Second Generation Surveillance System (SGSS) are scarce among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. This study evaluated the implementation of Sialon II, a bio-behavioural HIV research combined with targeted HIV prevention in 13 European cities conducted in collaboration with community partners. A mixed-methods process evaluation assessed the project's coverage, outputs, quality, challenges and opportunities for improvement. Data collected through structured questionnaire from 71 data collectors from community-based organisations and semi-structured interviews with 17 managers of participating gay venues were analysed. Overall implementation was successful, achieving 4901 valid behavioural questionnaires and obtaining 4716 biological samples. Challenges in conducting bio-behavioural research in gay venues related to strict research protocols and unfavourable characteristics of venues. Formative research, collaboration with community gay venues, and offering HIV prevention emerged as facilitators. Community researchers' training was crucial for fidelity to research protocols, increased trust amongst communities and enabled data collectors to effectively address practical problems in the field. Scientifically sound SGSS with community participation is feasible and allows for including 'hard-to-reach' populations. Prevention benefits include awareness raising, capacity building and sexual health promotion in gay venues. The findings are beneficial for epidemiological research among other HIV key populations

Process evaluation of a bio-behavioural HIV research combined with prevention among GBMSM in 13 European countries

Comparative European data using Second Generation Surveillance System (SGSS) are scarce among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. This study evaluated the implementation of Sialon II, a bio-behavioural HIV research combined with targeted HIV prevention in 13 European cities conducted in collaboration with community partners. A mixed-methods process evaluation assessed the project's coverage, outputs, quality, challenges and opportunities for improvement. Data collected through structured questionnaire from 71 data collectors from community-based organisations and semi-structured interviews with 17 managers of participating gay venues were analysed. Overall implementation was successful, achieving 4901 valid behavioural questionnaires and obtaining 4716 biological samples. Challenges in conducting bio-behavioural research in gay venues related to strict research protocols and unfavourable characteristics of venues. Formative research, collaboration with community gay venues, and offering HIV prevention emerged as facilitators. Community researchers' training was crucial for fidelity to research protocols, increased trust amongst communities and enabled data collectors to effectively address practical problems in the field. Scientifically sound SGSS with community participation is feasible and allows for including 'hard-to-reach' populations. Prevention benefits include awareness raising, capacity building and sexual health promotion in gay venues. The findings are beneficial for epidemiological research among other HIV key populations