412 research outputs found
Commentary- Increasing abuse of anabolic steroids and chemsex drugs as performance and image-enhancing agents
Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) are a
family of synthetic âAppearance and Performance
Enhancing Drugsâ (APED) derived from natural
sex hormones, such as testosterone and its derivatives or precursors (e.g., dihydrotestosterone)1
.
Whereas testosterone is the androgen responsible
for the development of male secondary sex characteristics and elicits both anabolic and androgenic effects, AAS mostly simulate the anabolic effect of endogenous testosterone, and induce only
partial androgenic effects2
. In the 1930s, anabolic
steroids were shown to facilitate muscular growthhand consequently became rapidly popular among
bodybuilders and other athletes, and were already
widespread in the 1960s. AAS have been and still
are among the doping agents most frequently misused by athletes, regardless of the type of sport,
both in preparations containing natural anabolic
drugs [e.g., testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)] and in those with synthetic substances (e.g., dianazole, nandrolone, stanozolol
and tetrahydrogestrinone
VERY HIGH-RESOLUTION 3D SURVEYING AND MODELLING EXPERIENCES IN CIVIL ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS
In this paper some experiences in 3D modelling of objects with very high-resolution are described, carried out by the DICAM Geomatics group of the University of Bologna in multi-disciplinary contexts within the field of the Civil Engineering. In all the addressed case studies the main aim is the generation of a 3D model of the surface at a sub-millimetric scale, allowing a very accurate characterization of the surface geometry, useful for different purposes. 3D scanning and Structure from Motion photogrammetry have been used to generate the 3D models. In the paper the encountered problems and the adopted solutions in data surveying and processing are underlined, also discussing the added value of very high-resolution 3D modelling in multi-disciplinary activities
VERY HIGH-RESOLUTION 3D SURVEYING AND MODELLING EXPERIENCES IN CIVIL ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS
Abstract. In this paper some experiences in 3D modelling of objects with very high-resolution are described, carried out by the DICAM Geomatics group of the University of Bologna in multi-disciplinary contexts within the field of the Civil Engineering. In all the addressed case studies the main aim is the generation of a 3D model of the surface at a sub-millimetric scale, allowing a very accurate characterization of the surface geometry, useful for different purposes. 3D scanning and Structure from Motion photogrammetry have been used to generate the 3D models. In the paper the encountered problems and the adopted solutions in data surveying and processing are underlined, also discussing the added value of very high-resolution 3D modelling in multi-disciplinary activities
Guidelines for the monitoring of Lucanus cervus
Lucanus cervus is one of the most charismatic saproxylic beetles, widely distributed in Europe. The species is typical of mature deciduous forests, especially oak woodlands. Loss and fragmentation of suitable habitats is one of the major threats for this species which is included in Annex II of the Habitats Directive. Despite several studies carried out in the last years for the monitoring methods of the species, an analytical comparison between them is still lacking. The aims of this paper are (i) to review the current knowledge about systematics, ecology and conservation practices on L. cervus and (ii) to present the research carried out during the Life MIPP project, in order to define a standard monitoring method with a suitable protocol to be used for addressing the obligations of the Habitats Directive. Overall, five methods were tested during three years in two different study areas. Based on these results, a suitable standard method for L. cervus is proposed in this paper and, in order to assess the conservation status of populations and to compare them over time, a simple method for the calculation of a reference value is provided
Cognitive enhancing drugs: a future challenge for the workplace?
In medical practice, cognitive enhancers (also called nootropics) are defined as therapeutic
drugs treating specific cognition impairments in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder, Alzheimerâs disease, stroke schizophrenia or aging.
However, the non-medical use of cognitive enhancers with the aim of increasing mental
alertness and concentration, improving memory, fighting wakefulness and boosting energy
has been spreading worldwide2. In this concern, scarce investigations have been carried out on
the possible risks of chronic non-medical use of nootropics, and these risks seem to be largely overlooked, especially among students3. Considering the ever more competitive nature of
modern societies, which also reverberates into workplaces, cognitive enhancers are reasonably
expected to become even more common over time4. Nonetheless, long-term consequences are
as yet unknown.
Cognitive enhancers, used by healthy individuals, are widely known as nootropics: they
consist of drugs, supplements and other substances that are allegedly known to improve
cognitive function, particularly executive functions, and to strengthen memory, creativity or
even motivation. Pharmaceutical substances and compounds known as âcognitive-enhancersâ
allegedly boost mental performance and the ability to focus and keep concentration. In broader terms, such drugs are often claimed to heighten and foster the acquisition of motor capabilities and affective skills (i.e., oneâs ability to deal with anxiety stemming from performing
certain work tasks or eliciting feelings of trust and affiliation).
It is worth noting, however, that no drugs are licensed by medical authorities to be recommended and prescribed as âcognitive enhancersâ. Thus, the definition of âperformance-enhancing drugâ is usually linked to the off-label use of drugs prescribed for specific medical conditions. These substances are usually stimulants that preferentially target the catecholamines of
the prefrontal cortex of the brain to induce their effects5.
Historically, amphetamines have been the first drugs used off-label for the purpose of
fostering memory consolidation and increasing concentration6. Since these substances are
legally controlled as drugs of abuse, they can only be obtained on illegal markets. This purchase channel is also used to obtain methylphenidate, which is undoubtedly the most misused
drug as cognitive enhancer5,7. Mostly prescribed for treating Attention Deficit Hyperactive
disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, methylphenidate has been scheduled as an illegal drug in
many countries for its abuse liability and side effects, resulting in a rapid expansion of methylphenidate legal analogs onto the drug market. Alternative prescription drugs for the treatment of narcolepsy and ADHD, such as modafinil and armodafinil, are also used as cognitive
enhancers8. Finally, two last drugs should be mentioned among nootropics: atomoxetine, a
selective nor-adrenaline reuptake inhibitor licensed for the treatment of children with methylphenidate-resistant ADHD or undergoing methylphenidate side effects9, and donepezil, a
second-generation acetylcholinesterase inhibitor licensed for the treatment of mild to moderately severe symptoms of Alzheimer-related dementia10. At the same time, there has been
renewed interest in older prescription drugs (e.g., beta blockers, to decrease performance anxiety) and illicit psychostimulants (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines), sometimes in different
forms or doses.
Whereas there is still little consensus on the actual effectiveness and nature of the cognitive benefits of the above-mentioned drugs in healthy subjects13, their use to enhance the level
of performance in specific workplaces has been reported for decades14.
In fact, cognitive enhancement has been a mainstay of military research in the US since the
Second World War with the use of amphetamines, modafinil and other cognitive enhancers in
the most recent military operations (e.g., Vietnam war, Korean war, operations Desert Shield
and Desert Storm in Iraq, later sustained military operations in the Middle East)15,16. Whereas
the military use of cognitive enhancers has been known for many years, not only in the US but
internationally. More recent studies reported that other occupations present a high prevalence
of use: medical doctors and health professionals (e.g., surgeons, surgical techniciansâ anesthetists), transportation workers (e.g., truck drivers, car drivers, taxi drivers), financial traders,
clinical investigators, research managers and lawyers. Finally, the increase of precarious and
part-time home works has been recently associated to psychological discomfort and an increase in prescriptions of psychotropic drugs, and a rise in the misuse of cognitive enhancers
can be hypothesized17-19.
Another important factor to be taken into account is the role of the internet as a source of
information through web forums and as a way of obtaining those substances. Such dynamics
also constitute a cultural shift in the way drugs are obtained and consumed: they are anonymously received and safer than street drugs trafficking, although the actual composition and
nature of the substances cannot be precisely ascertained. This latter fact creates a gap of information on the diagnosis of misuse in cases of possible intoxications and fatalities, since neither
analytical screening nor confirmation methodologies are currently available for documenting
exposure to those profuse and chemically diverse substances. In addition, apart from intoxications and fatalities, it has to be reminded that several of these substances present a potential
for abuse liability and abstinence symptoms, which, instead of improving work pressure and
overload, can worsen the environmental situation.
In conclusion, we wish to draw the attention of the whole scientific community and policy
makers to the increasing importance of the misuse of cognitive enhancers, and to improve
public awareness of the phenomenon and contextual political strategies to stop this incoming
threat for the health of current and future worker
Sudden death after valve-in-valve procedure due to delayed coronary obstruction. A case report
Background: Valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation for degenerated aortic bioprostheses is an effective option for patients at high risk for redo surgery, even if it may be burdened by complications more common in specific settings, such as, coronary artery obstruction. Case presentation: We present the case of a Caucasic 84-year-old woman with degeneration of a previously implanted aortic Mitroflow bioprosthesis. She underwent a valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation with a CoreValveÂź bioprosthesis. End-procedure coronary angiography demonstrated maintained perfusion of both coronary arteries. However, few hours later, she experienced sudden cardiac death. An autopsy showed that Mitroflow prosthesis leaflets were higher than the left main coronary ostium, and no other possible cause for the sudden death. Fatality was thus ascribed to left main coronary ostium obstruction due to apposition of the Mitroflow leaflet pushed upward by the late expansion of CoreValveÂź. Conclusions: Coronary artery obstruction is a frequently fatal complication which usually presents just after valve implantation, but, as reported in our case, it may also have a delayed presentation. Accurate patient's selection and intraoperative preventive measures can reduce this eventuality
Urgent cesarean delivery following a spontaneous coronary artery dissection
Objective: Rare disease Background: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is the most common etiology of pregnancy-associated myocardial infarction. It is characterized by high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality and may cause fetal complications and death as well. Case Report: A 44-year-old female (G2P1) suffered from pregnancy-related spontaneous coronary artery dissection with dissection of distal left anterior descending coronary artery. The patient was hemodynamically stable and did not required revascularization, but signs of fetal distress were detected and thus an urgent cesarean delivery was performed. This emergency procedure was undertaken in the catheterization laboratory (Cath-Lab) right after coronary angiography, thanks to a multidisciplinary team. Health conditions of the newborn were good. The patient instead suffered from a recurrence of spontaneous coronary artery dissection 6 days later, complicated by left ventricular apical thrombus and epistenocardial pericarditis. The dissection self-healed in 1 month. Conclusions: Careful evaluation of pregnancy-related spontaneous coronary artery dissection is needed to assess and manage both maternal and fetal complications. Under specific circumstances, a cesarean delivery may be required and be even performed in the Cath-Lab after coronary catheterization
Anterior mitral valve aneurysm is an uncommon complication of aortic valve infective endocarditis. A case report
Objective: Rare disease Background: Mitral valve aneurysms (MVAs) are uncommon conditions frequently associated with aortic valve endocarditis. They may be complicated by perforation and severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Optimal treatment of MVA, and in particular the best timing for surgery, are uncertain. Case Report: A 62-year-old man with a recent history of dental surgery presented to the Emergency Department complaining relapsing fever. A first echocardiogram demonstrated infective endocarditis of the aortic valve. The patient was primarily managed with specific antibiotic therapy. Despite this, a few days later he suffered from splen-ic embolization and an MVA with MR was detected. Surgical replacement of the mitral and aortic valves was therefore performed. Conclusions: MVAs are infrequent but potentially severe complications of AV endocarditis. In the absence of definite treatment indication, the correct time for surgery should depend on concomitant clinical and infective features
Identification of HRM Improvement Strategy Using Artificial Intelligence in Modern Economic Development
Purpose: This literature review study aims to identify HRM improvement strategies using artificial intelligence (AI) in modern economic development.
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Theoretical framework: The study will review existing literature and synthesize the findings to identify best practices and key strategies for implementing AI in HRM. The study will focus on the role of AI in HRM improvement and explore how AI can be used to enhance recruitment, training, performance management, and employee engagement.
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Design/methodology/approach: Literature review, the search approach will include keywords and Boolean operators to guarantee that relevant research is located. The study questions and goals will define the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study will also look at the hurdles of implementing AI in HRM and recommend overcoming them.
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Findings: The findings of this study will be helpful for organizations seeking to improve their HRM practices using AI and for researchers interested in the intersection of AI and HRM in modern economic development.
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Research, Practical & Social implications: The results of the study are useful for policymakers in identifying strategies to improve human resource management using artificial intelligence (AI) in modern economic development.
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Originality/value: The research value of this text is its suggestions for conducting more research on how AI affects HRM processes and employee engagement, for creating clear rules and standards for the ethical use of AI in HRM, for teaching HR professionals how to use AI-powered HRM tools and strategies effectively, for fostering collaboration between academic researchers, business leaders, government officials, and other stakeholders, and for overseeing the effects of AI
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