Babeș-Bolyai University

Background Accessible supportive care is crucial for reducing unmet needs in cancer care and for improving cancer outcomes. However, significant disparities in supportive care resources exist between low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs). Health care priority is often set by health care professionals' (HCPs') evaluation about the adequacy of services and programs to meet their patients' needs. Thus, this study aimed to compare the perspectives of HCPs from LMICs versus HICs on the availability of supportive care services for patients with cancer and survivors (Aim 1). In addition, the study examined differences in service provision across four major age groups (Aim 2) and identified the types of services offered (Aim 3). Methods Secondary analysis was conducted using the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) Survivorship Online Survey, targeting HCPs involved in clinical services and research with patients with cancer and survivors worldwide. The data from 177 (81 from LMICs and 96 from HICs) participants were subjected to subsequent analysis. Chi-squared tests were used to compare the availability of services for each of the 13 types of unmet needs overall and across four age groups and the types of services provided between LMICs and HICs. Results HCPs from LMICs reported fewer services addressing patients' unmet needs related to sexuality/intimacy and financial concerns across all age groups and fewer services for various unmet needs (including symptom management, emotional distress, spiritual concerns, medical care, insomnia and fatigue, and personal care) of adolescents, young adults, and older adult patients, compared with HCPs from HICs. No significant differences were found between LMICs and HICs regarding service provision for middle-aged patients. Psychological counseling or psychotherapy was the most frequently provided service in both LMICs and HICs. However, HCPs from LMICs reported significantly fewer self-help materials and pharmacological services available but more support groups available for financial concerns and personal care. Conclusions The study revealed significant disparities in the provision of supportive care services for patients with cancer between LMICs and HICs, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy changes in LMICs. Future research should include broader geographical representation and focus on developing effective strategies to address critical unmet needs, particularly in sexuality/intimacy and financial concerns, to improve the quality of cancer care in LMICs.

Previous studies show how religious affiliation and activity often facilitate the integration of migrants and their descendants, strengthens their sense of belonging, and increases their acceptance in the host society. However, the characteristics of immigrants who benefit from the church’s help in the integration process remain largely unknown. This article addresses this gap in the literature and analyzes the ways in which the Neo-Protestant Church supports Romanian migrants in their integration in the US. We use primary data from an online survey conducted in September-November 2021 and semi-structured interviews conducted in 2022 with Romanian immigrants in the US. The results indicate that the church provides extensive help to people who are involved in religious organizations or associations, and to those who frequently attend religious services.

The new organometallic lead( ii ) plumbate 1 and the polymer [Pb(C 6 F 5 ) 2 (dx)] ∞ (2) are validating once again that Pb( ii ) chemistry has its own particularities with respect to its lighter congener, Sn( ii ).

Clarifying factors contributing to subjective well-being (SWB) is paramount to the understanding optimal functioning and positive human experience. Among these, reward processing appears promising, with evidence suggesting it may contribute to resilience, to further promote SWB. However, direct evidence for this hypothesis is lacking, and indirect evidence is scant and scattered. Building on these caveats, this study sought (1) to investigate associations between reward processing and resilience with SWB, and (2) to test the mediating role of resilience in the association between reward processing and SWB. Aligned with recommendations suggesting that using multiple indicators and distinguishing between cognitive and affective dimensions of SWB may refine its understanding, multiple SWB measures were employed. Participants (N = 300; m age = 32.53; SD = 12.30) completed cognitive (i.e., satisfaction with life) and affective measures of SWB (i.e., positive and negative affect), and stress, as well as scales evaluating reward processing and resilience. Findings indicated that reward processing was positively associated with resilience, and all SWB dimensions including satisfaction with life and positive affect, and negatively associated with negative affect and stress. Moreover, resilience mediated associations between reward processing and all SWB dimensions. These findings extend existing knowledge on SWB and provide a refined understanding of this construct through the lens of reward processing and resilience. If replicated in longitudinal and experimental studies, they may have important practical implications for interventions targeting reward processing and resilience.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the IT industry and made agile HR procedures necessary to meet changing corporate objectives and fluctuating staffing demands. Agile HR, which draws inspiration from Agile approaches in software development, places a strong emphasis on adaptability, teamwork, and reactivity in order to improve organizational resilience and employee engagement. In order to fill the gap in the literature on Agile HR, this article offers a conceptual framework for putting Agile HR methods into practice, with an emphasis on hiring in the IT&C sector. Iterative, data-driven, and collaborative approaches to talent acquisition are highlighted in the study using qualitative data from three IT businesses. As a framework to help businesses navigate today's dynamic business climate, the findings show how Agile HR improves organizational performance, productivity, and adaptability.

We first characterize the region of the n-dimensional Euclidean space for which two optimization problems with the square distance function as common objective function, but different constraints, are equivalent. The affine hull of a certain face of a closed convex set $C\subseteq {\mathbb {R}}^n$ is the constraint associated to one problem and the whole closed convex set C is the constraint associated to the other problem. Such optimization problems are best approximation problems which can be reformulated in terms of the metric projection. Using the language of the metric projection, we characterize the region of ${\mathbb {R}}^n$ which is metrically projected over a face of C in the same way that it is projected over the affine hull of the face itself. The metric projection over such a face is the one associated to the entire closed convex set, and the metric projection over the affine hull of such a face is the one associated to the affine hull. It turns out that this region is the closure of the inverse image, through the metric projection over the entire closed convex set, of the relative interior of the face. We also characterize analytically the closure of the regions of ${\mathbb {R}}^n$ that are projected over the relative interiors of the faces of a polyhedral set, through the metric projection of the polyhedral set itself. We show that these regions are polyhedral convex sets by explicitly characterizing them through systems of linear inequalities.

Efficient monitoring of the enzymatic PET-hydrolysis is crucial for developing novel plastic-degrading biocatalysts. Herein, we aimed to upgrade in terms of accuracy the analytical methods useful for monitoring enzymatic PET-degradation. For the HPLC-based assessment, the incorporation of an internal standard within the analytic procedure enabled a more accurate quantification of the overall TPA content and the assessment of molar distributions and relative content of each aromatic degradation product. The provided calibration curves cover a broad concentration range, from µM to low mM scale, facilitating assessment of both lower and higher PETase activities, with a limit of detection positioned below the reported PET-degrading activities. The increased reproducibility and accuracy of the improved HPLC method, compared to the previous methods, was supported by lower dispersion of product concentrations and their lower deviation from theoretical values over multiple measurements. The other predominantly employed UV-spectroscopy assay was also improved in terms of employed wavelength and medium extinction coefficient of the three aromatic degradation products, while being cross-validated by the improved HPLC method. Finally, both methods were used for monitoring the product formation within the leaf-branch compost cutinase (LCC)-mediated PET-hydrolysis and provided individual time-productivity profiles for each aromatic degradation product.

The burnout phenomenon is a subject of considerable interest due to its impact on both employee well-being and scientific inquiry. Workplace factors, both intrinsic and extrinsic, play a pivotal role in its development, often leading to job dissatisfaction and heightened burnout risk. Chronic stress and burnout induce significant dysregulation in the autonomic nervous system and hormonal pathways, alongside structural brain changes. This paper presents a preliminary review of the literature on burnout syndrome among forensic science workers, focusing on the prevalence of this phenomenon and its triggers. This review aims to consolidate existing research on burnout among forensic medicine workers, highlight significant findings, and encourage further studies. Symptoms range from demoralization to somatic complaints. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was the main tool in assessing burnout levels alongside measures of occupational stress, vicarious trauma and posttraumatic stress syndrome. Forensic medicine workers face unique stressors, with notable impacts on burnout levels. These workers experience challenges such as workplace conflicts and exposure to traumatic cases, leading to moderate or high burnout levels, particularly, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization or low personal accomplishment. Despite the prevalence of burnout, many forensic medicine workers lack access to support networks and perceive a disregard for their well-being from supervisors. There is a pressing need for further research to understand the biological mechanisms, susceptibility factors, and discover diagnostic markers of burnout syndrome, with the goal of its recognition as a psychiatric disorder in diagnostic manuals like the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Situated at the intersection of transnational family studies and the sociology of childhood, the article gives a voice to children in Moldovan and Ukrainian labour migrants’ families, viewing their imaginary and practices in reconstructing their transnational world as displays of their agency. Based on data from 88 interviews with children, our findings show how children’s indirect transnational experience and their imaginary lead to accomplishments, such as normalising their situation through same-status peer groups; overcoming a sense of victimisation and assuming more responsibilities; and investing in extracurricular activities to create meaning, make good use of their time, and build self-image in a socially mediated manner. Children maintain an openness to study abroad as an important goal and an opportunity for future success, correlated with children’s studies as a rationale for parental migration. Personal migration plans are nonetheless equivocal given both a familiarity with the ‘abroad’ and a heightened importance of family and homeland.

Remote mountain lakes experience accelerating ecological change worldwide due to the ongoing warming. In this study, we analyze two alpine lakes, Lake Ana (1940 m) and Lake Peleaga (2122 m), from the Retezat National Park in Romania. The sediment cores cover ~ 400 years, and our aim is to reconstruct critical transitions, the rate of ecosystem change and its driving factors. The extent of human disturbance is weak at these lakes today. Therefore, we assumed the principal role of summer warming in potential ecosystem reorganizations. For verifying this assumption, we use a multi-proxy approach including Pb²¹⁰/Cs¹³⁷ dating, chironomid, pollen, Cladocera analyses, SPDU, element concentration, organic matter, total nitrogen, C/N ratio and δ¹⁵N measurements, chord-distance-analysis (RoC) and chironomid-based temperature reconstruction. The assemblages indicated cold, oligotrophic environment and remained relatively stable despite climate change and human pressure, in contrast to assemblages studied from higher altitude (> 2300 m) lakes in the Alps. Our temperature reconstructions show warming from the 2000’s, but the results are influenced by fish introduction in the 1990s. We conclude that chironomid communities have not yet passed critical thresholds; the fauna reacted with restrained alterations, which is exceptional in the region, and highlight the importance of altitude and environmental protection.

Curcumin is among the most well-studied natural substances, known for its biological actions within the central nervous system, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and human health benefits. However, challenges persist in effectively utilising curcumin, addressing its metabolism and passage through the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in therapies targeting cerebrovascular diseases. Current challenges in curcumin’s applications revolve around its effects within neoplastic tissues alongside the development of intelligent formulations to enhance its bioavailability. Formulations have been discovered including curcumin’s complexes with brain-derived phospholipids and proteins, or its liposomal encapsulation. These novel strategies aim to improve curcumin’s bioavailability and stability, and its capability to cross the BBB, thereby potentially enhancing its efficacy in treating cerebrovascular diseases. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive overview of molecular pathways involved in interactions of curcumin and its metabolites, and brain vascular homeostasis. This review explores cellular and molecular current aspects, of curcumin-based effects with an emphasis on curcumin’s metabolism and its impact on pathological conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases, schizophrenia, and cerebral angiopathy. It also highlights the limitations posed by curcumin’s poor bioavailability and discusses ongoing efforts to surpass these impediments to harness the full therapeutic potential of curcumin in neurological disorders.

The synthesis and characterization of novel platinum(II) and platinum(IV) complexes derived from unsymmetrical ethylene or propylenediamine derivatives are presented. IR and ESI mass spectroscopy techniques were employed to characterize the...

Introduction Previous studies have revealed that perfectionism and identity development during adolescence are related. However, no longitudinal study has been conducted on the impact of perfectionism on identity development in adulthood. In the present study, we analyzed for the first time the longitudinal relationship between personal standards, an indicator of perfectionistic strivings, and concern over mistakes and doubts about actions, indicators of perfectionist concerns, and identity development in one of the most important yet least understood domains for adults, parental identity. Methods This 1‐year, three‐wave longitudinal study investigated reciprocal relationships between perfectionism and parental identity among 1275 parents (aged 18–30, M = 26.11; SD = 3.00). We analyzed the results using cross‐lagged panel model analysis and random‐intercept cross‐lagged panel model analysis. Results The results revealed that personal standards were associated with a relative increase in seeking in‐depth information about parenthood, and doubts/concerns were associated with a relative increase in disappointment and parenthood regret. Parental identity was not reciprocally related to changes in perfectionism at the between‐person level. However, we observed the effect of parental identity on the decrease in personal standards at the within‐person level. Conclusion The results suggest mutual relationships between perfectionism and parental identity at the between‐person and within‐person levels.

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most frequent neoplasia in the male population. According to the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP), PCa can be divided into two major groups, based on their prognosis and treatment options. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) holds a central role in PCa assessment; however, it does not have a one-to-one correspondence with the histopathological grading of tumors. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms and textural analysis, a subdivision of radiomics, have shown potential in bridging this gap. Objectives: We aimed to develop a machine-learning algorithm that predicts the ISUP grade of manually contoured prostate nodules on T2-weighted images and classifies them into clinically significant and indolent ones. Materials and Methods: We included 55 patients with 76 lesions. All patients were examined on the same 1.5 Tesla mpMRI scanner. Each nodule was manually segmented using the open-source 3D Slicer platform, and textural features were extracted using the PyRadiomics (version 3.0.1) library. The software was based on machine-learning classifiers. The accuracy was calculated based on precision, recall, and F1 scores. Results: The median age of the study group was 64 years (IQR 61–68), and the mean PSA value was 11.14 ng/mL. A total of 85.52% of the nodules were graded PI-RADS 4 or higher. Overall, the algorithm classified indolent and clinically significant PCas with an accuracy of 87.2%. Further, when trained to differentiate each ISUP group, the accuracy was 80.3%. Conclusions: We developed an AI-based decision-support system that accurately differentiates between the two PCa prognostic groups using only T2 MRI acquisitions by employing radiomics with a robust machine-learning architecture.

Chemical weapons, designed for mass harm, are posing risks of contamination, accidents, and ecological damage, and thus require their destruction. However, destruction of chemical weapons is challenging, notably in the Russian Federation due to the large scale and complexity of chemical weapons stockpiles, the diverse toxic agents stored under varying conditions, logistical and political obstacles, financial constraints, and the disposal process. Here we review the Russian Federation’s chemical weapons disposal program with an emphasis on the political context, declared chemical weapons stockpiles, methods for destruction, health and environmental issues, and nerve agents. We analyze stockpiles totaling nearly 40,000 tonnes of chemical agents across seven facilities, focusing on their composition, storage conditions, and destruction technologies. Methods such as neutralization, bituminization, and thermal destruction are compared. Environmental risks include arsenic migration and groundwater contamination near disposal sites. We observe the limitations of using bitumen salt masses as a safe disposal method.

Contemporary research considers leadership as a dynamic relationship between three components: leaders, followers, and the context, where the context encompasses complex interactions between organizational stakeholders and the outside environment (cultural, social, and political). Proficiency in social influence, power, and politics to navigate the context is essential, as it allows leaders and followers to effectively manage this symbiotic relationship, particularly during the organizational healing process. This chapter reflects on the new leadership of empowering employees and showing empathy, seemingly causing a reversal of who is leading whom. The remainder of the chapter offers a comprehensive overview of the book and its major themes that emphasize the importance of relational dynamics of leadership and followership: engaging stakeholders, fostering consensus, and driving change. It is time for business schools and leadership professionals to recognize interhuman respect, empowerment (coaching and mentoring), trust, fairness, openness, and empathy as fundamental qualities of leadership. This paradigm shift is vital, moving beyond the confines of the traditional “Type A” personality to a more evolved understanding of effective leadership and followership. It marks a departure from the antiquated “carrot-and-stick,” or Type X, approaches to managing subordinates through rewards or punishments. For instance, Donald Trump’s election victory in US Presidential 2024 hinges on a sophisticated understanding of the complex interplay between power, political strategies, and influential forces, (economic concerns, strategic political maneuvers, media influence, and cultural dynamics), all of which will shape the unfolding narrative leading up to the election.