Fecal microbiota transplants: Emerging social representations in the English-language print media

open access articleThis study investigates how English-language news sources have represented fecal microbiota transplants (FMT). FMT involves transferring stool from a healthy donor to a recipient with a dysfunctional intestinal flora in order to repopulate their gut microbiome. FMT applications are increasingly moving into mainstream clinical care. We investigate press coverage of stool transplants, as well as broader themes associated with health and the gut microbiome, in order to uncover emerging social representations. Our findings show that print media focused in particular on creating novel, mainly hopeful, social representations of feces through wordplay and punning, side-lining issues of risk and fear. We also identify changing metaphorical framings of microbes and bacteria from ‘enemies’ to ‘friends’, and ways in which readers are familiarized with FMT through the depiction of the process as both mundane and highly medicalized

Impact of Practising on Development of Critical Thinking

In the present day people are surrounded with a lot of  information and different ways of receiving this information. Today at the same moment the information is spread, it becomes available on the other corner of the world. Because of these reasons the educational system in many countries of the world has changed. One of the skills that can help young people to select numerous information is their critical thinking ability. In this paper the impact of exercise on development of critical thinking has been researched. This research was conducted by the experimental method. The research sample consisted of 50 subjects in the experimental group and 50 subjects in the control group. The exercise of critical thinking is done through three techniques for the development of critical thinking such as: diagram of the main question, the scale of arguments and interpretation of academic language. For the measurement of critical thinking is used the test WGCTA (Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal). The results obtained show that the experimental factor affects the development of critical thinking, which means exercising critical thinking contributes to the development of this ability. The conducted survey should help in creating a program with practical exercises that will help future teachers to influence the development of critical thinking of their students. Key words: critical thinking, development, impact

Lifestyle as a factor in longevity in the Pollog region

At least once a lifetime, everyone asks himself or the others whether he wants to live long or have a healthy and happy life? A difficult question to respond but the ever increasing efforts of scientists to extend longevity are increasingly evident. The number of people who live long has changed over time. There are different reasons on what longevity may depend on, such as: genetics, lifestyle where nutrition, physical work, different diseases etc. take part. The question of the study is: Which factors of lifestyle contribute to longevity in the Pollog valley? In this study lifestyle (nutrition, physical work, diseases, parents’ longevity, leisure, sleeping habits) and the type of personality are examined. The research included 30 subjects aged over 75 which compels the sample to be intentional, of which 15 subjects were male and 15 female. The semi-structured interview and A – B personality test is used to collect data. The results show that the subjects feed mostly on milk products (87%), fruit & vegetables (80%), corn products (80%) and cereals (70%), have one parent who lived long (83%), have not had much free time when they have been young, have worked physically (93%), have regular sleeping habits and 77% of them are type B of personality. From the results we can conclude that factors such as: food, work, genetics, sleeping habits and the type of personality contribute to longevity. Keywords: longevity, lifestyle, type of personality. DOI: 10.7176/ISDE/12-6-06 Publication date:December 31st 2022

Human immunodeficiency virus and trans women: a literature review

Trans women are a key, yet under-researched, population in the HIV epidemic. However, there remains a paucity of data on the health and wellbeing of trans women at risk of, or living with, HIV in the United Kingdom. This article provides a narrative review of key empirical research into HIV among trans women. In an effort to explore individual and social factors in relation to HIV in this population, we outline key tenets of identity process theory from social psychology and the concept of structural violence from medical anthropology. We focus on published studies around the following themes: (1) epidemiological data, (2) syndemic factors (3) barriers to social support, (4) HIV and gender transitioning, and (5) access to and engagement with health care. We identify lacunae and thus call for United Kingdom-based research in the following areas: (1) the prevalence and incidence of HIV in trans women, (2) the impact of syndemic factors on HIV risk and acquisition in trans women, (3) the nature of social support for coping with syndemic factors, (4) the interface of gender transitioning and HIV, and (5) barriers to accessing HIV prevention and care services. There is great scope (and urgency) for research into HIV among trans women, especially in the United Kingdom, to reduce incidence in this group, to enhance engagement in HIV care across the care continuum, and to improve the health and wellbeing of those living with HIV. A tentative model for HIV prevention and care is presented in this article

The Albanian legal framework on non-discrimination and gender equality in employment relationships

Discrimination and gender inequality in employment relationships are present in every society, at any time and whatever their victim is. With the development of society, despite the measures taken to prevent discrimination, this phenomenon continues to be present and appears in different forms. In a society with economic civilization and culture development, people cannot explain why do such phenomena that become an obstacle to the realization of a right as the right to employment exist, when it is sanctioned and guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Albania, in international conventions ratified by our country, in the Labor Code and particular laws, such as the “Gender Equality law”. Discrimination in employment relationships and in the workplace continues to appear in its traditional format based on gender, race, ethnic origin, religion, age but also in new forms based on disability, sexual orientation, genetics and lifestyle. Despite all efforts to prevent discrimination, this phenomenon has always been a threat to all individuals seeking to enter into an employment relationship. We all have the right to work, to be treated equally during a competition for a particular job, to get a fair wage, to be paid equally with others for the same job, to get promotion, to be safety in work, to get vocational training and retraining benefits without being discriminated of race, religion, age, gender, political belief, sexual orientation, etc. However, the first opportunity for discrimination is encountered from the moment when hiring an individual. But, despite the momentum when we are faced with discrimination or one of its kind, there should be placed great attention by the State through the relevant authorities and by the society itself by denouncing it. We shouldn’t be subject of violation of the right to employment and equal treatment in employment relations. Not without reason the two principles: the principle of prohibition of discrimination and gender equality are two principles enshrined in international conventions, giving it a great importance. In this paper there is addressed the Albanian legal framework that sanctioned and guaranteed the principles of prohibition of discrimination and gender equality, as the Constitution of the Republic of Albania, the Labor Code, the law on “Gender Equality in Albania”, as well as institutional mechanisms to ensure gender equality in Albania

HIV and gay men in the era of antiretroviral therapy

The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed versionIn the UK, HIV disproportionately affects gay men. Even in the era of antiretroviral therapy (ART), social stigma surrounding HIV has persisted, generating adverse consequences for both prevention and care. First, the science and epidemiology of HIV among gay men are presented. Second, social representations theory and identity process theory are outlined as tools for exploring awareness, understanding and behaviour in relation to HIV. Third, some of the psychosocial challenges associated with HIV prevention and care are outlined and the potential coping strategies among gay men are discussed. Fourth, patient engagement with care and adherence to ART are considered in relation to psychosocial factors. Fifth, a model for enhancing HIV prevention and care is presented. It is argued that greater focus on psychosocial factors can enhance health outcomes among gay men living with, or at risk of, HIV

Seismic Hazard Assessment In Banja HPP Project Area and the Urban Surroundings

The Banjë Hydropower project area, located some 100 km south of Tirana, includes the middle reaches of Devoll Valley close to the village of Banjë (Elbasan district). HPP “Banja” is the lowermost stage of that will be constructed in Devoll river and it is a middle-head scheme with an annual storage capacity for peaking energy production. Closely related to the complicated tectonic pattern of the Dinarides-Albanides-Hellenides mountain range, Albania is one of the most tectonically active countries in Europe. For this purpose an assessment of the seismicity of the project area in general and the dam locations in particular has been made. Risks and hazards fo the dam itself and the sorrounding urban areas have been determined and measurements have been proposed. The paper at hand is an attempt to clarify the methodods used for conducting this assesments and to clarify the seismic conditions of the project area