Dialectical Approach to Legal Arguing and Legal Argumentation

The article is devoted to legal argumentation, namely to its research by dialectical approach. The aim of the article is to determine characteristic features of dialectical approach to legal argumentation. Dialectical approach to the research of legal argumentation should include philosophical, theoretical, empirical components. Philosophical component of legal argumentation research consists in the critical conception of rationality i.e. the philosophical axiomatic idea about rationality of legal argumentation, which is systematically tested within discourse or critical discussion. Dialectical theoretical model of legal argumentation ensures mutual acceptability of legal argumentation by the parties. Dialectical approach deals with legal argumentation mainly in the “context of justification.” Dialectical approach to legal arguing implies specific standard of soundness of the argumentation – acceptability standard. Empirical component of legal argumentation includes reconstruction of argumentation and its weighting (analytic component) as well as analysis of particular legal reasoning (practical component). Dialectical approach highlights hermeneutical nature of legal reasoning. Dialectical approach to legal argumentation lets us assume some ontological issues concerning legal argumentation. Legal argumentation is considered as the form of rational communication of particular persons to reach mutual acceptability of legally important conclusions within the procedure of discussion. Legal argumentation is the result of such impact embodied in acceptability of legally binding issues within the procedure of rational discussion.

Design and Implementation of a Guideline-Based Workflow Software System for Improving the Chemotherapy Process

Background: While chemotherapy is an effective modality for the treatment of patients with cancer, it is a complex, multidisciplinary, and error-prone process. Paper-based protocols are commonly applied in chemotherapy; however, they fail to eliminate the complexity of this process. Therefore, a new guideline-based workflow software (GWS) system is needed to improve the workflow and quality of chemotherapy process. Methods: Planning was initiated 11 months before the system implementation and it involved a multidisciplinary group to analyze the current chemotherapy workflow and protocols for identifying the workflow components, analyzing paper-based protocols, developing computer-based protocols, and designing of systems based on an object-oriented analysis. To implement the GWS, we applied a system based on Python programming language and SQL language. Results: The conceptual model was developed based on need assessments and chemotherapy steps. A minimum dataset was developed for the electronic health records. We established examination forms for the patient management system (PMS), as well as specific standard forms for chemotherapy ordering, prescription verification and administration templates. Finally, developed GWS system consisted of a PMS, computerized provider order entry (CPOE), prescription verification system (PVS), and nursing administration system (NAS). Conclusions: A PMS, a PVS, a NAS, and a protocol-based clinical decision support system were integrated into the CPOE system to improve the chemotherapy process. Elimination of iterations and unnecessary steps in old chemotherapy workflow, increase of patient safety, improvement of communication and coordination between healthcare providers, and use of updated evidence-based medicine in direct chemotherapy orders justify the integration of GWS in the cancer care settings.

Case Report: Successful Management of a Refractory Plasmablastic Lymphoma Patient With Tislelizumab and Lenalidomide

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare and aggressive hematological malignancy. PBL commonly occurs in immune incompetent patients, such as those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), post-transplant status, or immunosenescence. Given its rarity, there is no specific standard treatment for PBL. However, small case series have shown that intensive chemotherapies combined with anti-myeloma agents such as bortezomib and lenalidomide were effective in treating PBL. Unfortunately, some fragile patients could not tolerate intensive chemotherapeutic regimens, especially the elderly patients. Here we presented a 76-year-old female PBL patient refractory to miniCHOP regimen combined with bortezomib but achieved complete remission when treated with tislelizumab combined with lenalidomide, indicating that immune therapy may be a potential treatment for PBL. To our knowledge, this is the first chemoresistant PBL patient that has been successfully treated with checkpoint inhibitor plus lenalidomide, thus providing new insight towards PBL management.

On the Safety of Mobile Robots Serving in Public Spaces

Since 2014, a specific standard has been dedicated for the safety certification of personal care robots, which operate in close proximity to humans. These robots serve as information providers, object transporters, personal mobility carriers, and security patrollers. In this article, we point out the shortcomings concerning EN ISO 13482:2014, which encompasses guidelines regarding the safety and design of personal care robots. In particular, we argue that the current standard is not suitable for guaranteeing people's safety when these robots operate in public spaces. Specifically, the standard lacks requirements to protect pedestrians and bystanders. The guideline implicitly assumes that private spaces, such as households and offices, present the same hazards as in public spaces. We highlight the existence of at least three properties pertaining to robots’ use in public spaces. These properties include (1) crowds, (2) social norms and proxemics rules, and (3) people's misbehaviours. We discuss how these properties impact robots’ safety. This article aims to raise stakeholders’ awareness on individuals’ safety when robots are deployed in public spaces. This could be achieved by integrating the gaps present in EN ISO 13482:2014 or by creating a new dedicated standard.

Industrialized Building System (IBS): Challenges in Implementing Interlocking Mortarless Blocks (IMB) System for Housing Projects

The Malaysian government strongly encourage the application of new techniques in building construction such as the Industrialized Building System (IBS). With this new IBS technology, numerous advantages will be obtained and will directly raise the performance of the building. However, the acceptance of IBS in Malaysia is still low. There are many components of IBS. The objective of this paper is to describe the Interlocking Mortarless Blocks System (IMB) and to identify the challenges in the utilization of the mortarless blocks system in housing construction. This research was carried out in Ipoh, Perak, with a focus on housing construction projects. Questionnaire was provided for the respondents to answer. The data was analyzed using the descriptive analysis from the SPSS software. The result revealed that one of the challenges is contractors who tend to use traditional construction method rather than the Interlocking Mortarless Blocks system method. The usage of Interlocking Mortarless Blocks in Malaysian is still low as there is no specific standard on Interlocking Mortarless Blocks system. Therefore, the findings of this research can hopefully assist Malaysian contractors in making a decision on the component to be used in their projects. Additionally, the findings ensure that the government can take appropriate action to encourage the use of IBS, especially the Interlocking Mortarless Blocks

Evaluating the performance of fine bubble diffused aeration systems in cylindrical aeration tanks by fuzzy c-means algorithm

In order to make a comprehensive evaluation of the performance of fine bubble diffused aeration systems in cylindrical aeration tanks, the following parameters are considered: distribution of DO concentration in the horizontal direction of the different water depth of an aeration tank, distribution of DO concentration in the vertical direction of the aeration tank, distribution of DO concentration in all the points of the aeration tank and ratio of total mass increment of DO in the aeration tank to total mass of oxygen in aeration air. The aeration characteristic criterion (ACC) is proposed to synthesize these parameters, and weighted sums of the similarity degrees derived from the extensions of fuzzy c-means (FCM) are used to construct ACC. The results show that compared with total volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient () and specific standard oxygen transfer efficiency (), ACC is demonstrated to be more remarkable and sensitive for the performance evaluation of the fine bubble diffused aeration systems equipped with fine-pore aeration tubes. Moreover the performance of aeration systems equipped with different layouts of fine-pore aeration tubes is comparatively studied, and their performance from good to bad is ring-type diffuser > square-type diffuser > parallel-lines-type diffuser >cross-type diffuser.

Potential for Farmers’ Cooperatives to Convert Coffee Husks into Biochar and Promote the Bioeconomy in the North Ecuadorian Amazon

Improving the livelihoods of communities living in fragile ecosystems, such as tropical forests, is among the main strategies to promote their conservation and preserve wildlife. In the Ecuadorian Amazon, farmers’ cooperatives are recognized as an important mechanism to improve the socioeconomic conditions of local communities. This study analyzes the integration of pyrolysis processes to convert agricultural waste into biochar as a way to implement the bioeconomy in these organizations. We found that post-harvesting processes in the studied farmers’ cooperatives are similar, and coffee husks are a potential feedstock to produce biochar. Although the environmental policies in Ecuador consider the valorization of agricultural waste, we did not find any specific standard to regulate the operation of pyrolysis facilities. Nonetheless, conversion of agricultural waste into biochar can contribute to (i) replacement of subsidized fossil fuels used in drying processes, (ii) prevention of environmental pollution caused by accumulation of waste, (iii) emergence of new income sources linked with the provision of carbon sequestration services, and (iv) the long-term maintenance of soil fertility. Currently, demonstration projects are needed to stimulate collaboration among farmers’ cooperatives, academia, the government, international cooperation agencies, and existing forest conservation initiatives.

Laboratory Monitoring of Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs)

The introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), such as dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, and betrixaban, provides safe and effective alternative to previous anticoagulant therapies. DOACs directly, selectively, and reversibly inhibit factors IIa or Xa. The coagulation effect follows the plasma concentration–time profile of the respective anticoagulant. The short half-life of a DOAC constrains the daily oral intake. Because DOACs have predictable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic responses at a fixed dose, they do not require monitoring. However in specific clinical situations and for particular patient populations, testing may be helpful for patient management. The effect of DOACs on the screening coagulation assays such as prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thrombin time (TT) is directly linked to reagent composition, and clotting time can be different from reagent to reagent, depending on the DOAC’s reagent sensitivity. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is considered the gold standard method for DOAC measurement, but it is time consuming and requires expensive equipment. The general consensus for the assessment of a DOAC is clotting or chromogenic assays using specific standard calibrators and controls. This review provides a short summary of DOAC properties and an update on laboratory methods for measuring DOACs.

Basic versions of the EQ-5D questionnaire as standard international instruments for assessing the quality of life in metropolis. Short Review

Background. The quality of care is assessed by set of indicators, including quality of life indicators. Dozens of countries have approved the EQ-5D quality of life questionnaires and have developed national / regional evaluation systems. We carefully hypothesize that the broader usage of EQ-5D in real clinical practice of local Moscow health system could be incentivized and improved through the development of direct region-specific standard EQ-5D «values sets» for population of Russian capital. Purpose. Reviewing the results of the studies on values sets for EQ-5D as well as summarizing the parallel valuations of EQ-5D-3L and -5L by time trade-off based on two examples. Materials and methods. The study was carried out using open external databases. We analyzed the research works which employed the standard valuation methods for EQ-5D, including time trade-off and math modelling. Results. To obtain direct regional values for EQ-5D, standard international protocols (EQ-VT) are used with the inclusion of such tools as: time trade-off, visual analogue scale and experiments with discrete choice. In particular, the application of the time trade-off method allows the generation of direct region-specific values set for EQ-5D. Moreover, the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire was superior to EQ-5D-3L in many aspects. Conclusion. The best results in health assessments could be obtained by applying a variety of methods adapted to the specific highly urbanized region. The many issues behind the standardization of EQ-5D (particularly EQ-5D-5L) value sets in accordance with the cultural/societal preferences of Moscow city population as well as entire Russian population remain unresolved.

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Arrest and Detention of Autists by Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM)

An autist refers to a person who suffers from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a complex disorder of mental development, causing the person to be adversely affected, especially in social and behavioral aspects of life. Prior to the introduction of a specific Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the arrest and detention of autists, the Royal Malaysia Police applied the same standard operating procedure in the Criminal Procedure Code for typical individuals, to autists suspected of criminal offences. However, the issue arising is the legal rights of people with disabilities whereby this SOP is seen as inappropriate and unsuitable to be applied to cases involving autists. As a result, the authorities and parties involved in handling autists came up with the idea of the need for a specific SOP applicable for their arrest and detention. Finally, in the year 2019, the Royal Malaysia Police, in cooperation with NGOs directly involved with autist, successfully launched a specific SOP for autists. The objectives of this article are to study the significance of the specific SOP for autists, and analyse and compare it with the usual SOP for typical people. The methodology of this research is qualitative. Collection of research data used document analysis. Data obtained was thematically and comparatively analysed. Research results find that there are differences between the specific SOP for autists and standard SOP for typical suspects. The differences lie in the legal rights of the autists in Malaysia, namely, in the aspects of arrest and detention of autistic suspects.