Controversial role of neutrophilic granulocytes in the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19: correlation with imbalance of pro-inflammatory neutrophil-associated cytokines and interferon alpha deficiency.

Neutrophilic granulocytes (NG) are the main drivers of pathological inflammation in COVID-19. Objective. To specify the mechanisms of immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 based on a comparative immunological study of the number and phenotype of CD16+SD62L+CD11b+CD63- and CD16+SD62L+CD11b+CD63+ subsets with an assessment of their effector functions against changing profile of NG-associated cytokines IL-8, IL-18, IL-17A, VEGF-A, IFNalpha, and IFNgamma. Patients and methods. In patients with moderate-to-severe and severe COVID-19, we determined IL-1beta, TNFalpha, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, IL-17A, VEGF-A, IFNalpha, and IFNgamma (ELISA), the phenotype of CD16+SD62L+CD11b+CD63- and CD16+SD62L+CD11b+CD63+ subsets, NF-kappaB-NG (CYTOMICS FC500), phagocytically active NG (%), neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), NG in apoptosis, and the activity of NADPH oxidase. Results. In COVID-19 against the background of IFNalpha and IFNgamma production blockade and high levels of NG-associated IL-8, IL-18, IL-17A, VEGF-A, a reduction in the number of mature and functionally active CD16brightSD62LbrightCD11bbrightCD63-NG subsets was revealed, as well as an increase in the number of CD16dimSD62LdimSD11bbrightCD63-NG subsets with an immunosuppressive phenotype and CD16brightSD62LbrightSD11bbrightCD63bright-NG subsets with high cytotoxic activity and ability to form NETs, a decrease in the percentage of phagocytically active NG and an increase in the activity of NADPH oxidase, NETs, and NG in apoptosis. Conclusion. IFNalpha deficiency provokes a hyperergic response of NG-associated cytokines, which leads to the formation of uncontrolled immune inflammation involving NG subsets with an immunosuppressive and cytotoxic phenotype, exacerbating the course of COVID-19. The use of recombinant IFNalpha-2b with antioxidants (Viferon) in the early stages of the disease can help to restore immune homeostasis, normalize the level of NG-associated cytokines, reduce NERTs, and achieve good clinical efficacy.Copyright © 2022, Dynasty Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Benefits of Breastfeeding on Child and Postpartum Psychological Health of the Mother

Ab s t r ac t Aim: The aim of this study was to summarize different types of benefits that have been observed in the baby's development and the mother's psychological health during the postpartum period. Background(s): Breastfeeding is a natural process that plays a vital role in the physical as well as mental health of the mother and child. Breast milk is rich in contents such as proteins, fats, and vitamins, which are responsible for building the immune system of the baby. Lactation helps in decreasing the prevalence of infant mortality rate. It enhances the development of the physical health of the children. Breastfeeding protects the mother from many systemic conditions like endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, etc. It has been observed that with an increase in healthy breastfeeding practices, there is a decline in the cases of maternal mental health issues reported mainly in the postpartum period. Review result: The authors have explained various types of advantages of breastfeeding on the child's and mother's health, their mechanism of action, effects on the baby, and mother-child relationship. Conclusion(s): The mother's mental health plays a crucial role in a healthy infant, and breastfeeding is key to it. The role of breastfeeding is therefore considered a boon for the mother because if there is a decrease in health issues in the child, the mother's mental condition improves automatically. Therefore, breastfeeding should be promoted at the national level. Clinical significance: Breastfeeding not only helps in reducing maternal stress and postpartum depression but also improves the physical health of the child and mother during the postpartum period. The clinicians should teach mothers about the importance and also the correct positions of breastfeeding. "Breastfeeding week" is celebrated every year from August 1 to August 7, as implemented by the Indian government.Copyright © The Author(s). 2023 Open Access.

The Role of Histone Deacetylases in Acute Lung Injury-Friend or Foe.

Acute lung injury (ALI), caused by intrapulmonary or extrapulmonary factors such as pneumonia, shock, and sepsis, eventually disrupts the alveolar-capillary barrier, resulting in diffuse pulmonary oedema and microatasis, manifested by refractory hypoxemia, and respiratory distress. Not only is ALI highly lethal, but even if a patient survives, there are also multiple sequelae. Currently, there is no better treatment than supportive care, and we urgently need to find new targets to improve ALI. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are epigenetically important enzymes that, together with histone acetylases (HATs), regulate the acetylation levels of histones and non-histones. While HDAC inhibitors (HDACis) play a therapeutic role in cancer, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases, there is also a large body of evidence suggesting the potential of HDACs as therapeutic targets in ALI. This review explores the unique mechanisms of HDACs in different cell types of ALI, including macrophages, pulmonary vascular endothelial cells (VECs), alveolar epithelial cells (AECs), and neutrophils.

High prevalence of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort of liver transplant recipients in central Italy

Asymptomatic subjects account for 25 to 45% of SARS-CoV-2 infections, and in particular, subjects on mild immunosuppressive therapy may have symptoms masked and could spread virus for an extended period of time. To determine the cumulative incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections and associated risk factors, we conducted a prospective clinical and serological survey in a cohort of 278 liver transplant recipients (LTRs) from Central Italy. Three different serology tests were performed every 4 months in 259 LTRs between April 2020 and April 2021: one based on raw extract of whole SARS-CoV-2 virus and two on specific viral antigens (nucleoprotein and receptor binding domain) to detect specific IgG, IgM and IgA. Hundred fifteen LTRs who reported symptoms or close contact with a SARS-CoV-2-positive subject, or had a positive serological result underwent molecular testing by standard screening procedures (RT-PCR on naso-pharyngeal swab). Thirty-one past or active SARS-CoV-2 infections were identified: 14 had positive molecular test (64% symptomatic), and 17 had positive serology only (18% symptomatic). SARS-CoV-2 infection was not statistically related to gender, age, obesity, diabetes, renal impairment, type of anti-rejection therapy or time from transplant. Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 cases (61.3%) were more frequent in males and in those with glomerular filtrate rate >50 ml/min. Overall, the addition of repeated serology to standard diagnostic molecular protocols increased detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection from 5.1% to 10.9%. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among our LTRs (11.2%) is comparable to the general population of Central Italy, considered a medium-impact area. Only one asymptomatic subject (6%) was found to carry SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory tract at the time of serological diagnosis.Copyright © 2021 The Authors

Cerebellar syndrome as a complication of COVID-19 disease

COVID-19 disease is caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The disease first appeared in China in 2019 and quickly spread throughout the world. It primarily affects the respiratory tract, manifested by fever, cough and the devel-opment of dyspnoea, but the symptoms and complications can affect any organ system. Neurological symptoms include headaches, muscle and joint pain, taste and smell disorders. Complications include inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system, ataxia, peripheral nerve and muscle diseases, worsening of extra-pyramidal diseases, and neuropsychiatric disorders. This paper presents a case report of a 62-year-old man with cere bellar syndrome, ataxia, intentional tremor and hypermetria when dealing with COVID-19 disease.Copyright © 2021 Neuroendocrinology Letters.

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses in convalescent plasma donors with varying clinical manifestation severity of COVID-19

Background/Aim. Plasma containing a high titer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, donated from individuals who re-covered from COVID-19, has the potential to be used as initial therapy for patients who have been infected (passive immunization). It is a challenge to find suitable donors. The aim of the study was to successively monitor antibody titer in donations and to investigate the correlation between an-tibody titer and the severity of the clinical manifestations. Methods. The retrospective study was conducted from May 1 to October 31, 2020, at the Blood Transfusion Insti-tute of Vojvodina. Donors had to meet certain criteria for inclusion in the study: proven SARS-CoV-2 infection, de-tected SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the serum/plasma, ful-fillment of general criteria for performing plasmapheresis, and adequate laboratory findings. Results. During the study, 651 apheresis plasma units were collected and divided into two equal doses. Plasma was donated by 311 COVID-19 convalescents, including 208 (66.9%) men and 103 (33.1%) women. There were 15 (4.8%) plasma donors with asymptomatic infection, 235 (75. 6%) with a mild form of illness, 45 (14.5%) with a moderate form of illness, 16 (5.1%) with a severe form of illness, and none with a critical form of illness. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were pre-sent in the plasma of donors for more than 6 months after the disease. Plasma donors with a more severe clinical mani-festation of COVID-19 had stable antibody levels for a longer period. However, the Pearson correlation of clinical severity and antibody titer did not confirm a statistically sig-nificant correlation between the variables. Conclusion. An-ti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were present in the sample of re-covered patients, plasma donors, for more than 6 months after the disease. Even though no statistically significant correlation was found between the anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-body titer and the clinical severity of COVID-19, in patients with a more severe clinical manifestations of the disease, stable antibody levels were maintained for a longer period.Copyright © 2022 Inst. Sci. inf., Univ. Defence in Belgrade. All rights reserved.

Progress in understanding of association between metabolic associated fatty liver disease and viral infectious diseases.

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic liver disease with the highest incidence in the world, which affects 1/4-1/3 of the world population and has a serious effect on people's health. As is a multi-systemic disease, MAFLD is closely related to the occurrence and prognosis of many diseases. Studies have shown that MAFLD is associated with viral infectious diseases, and their interaction affects the prognosis of the disease. This paper reviews the research progress in this field in recent years.Copyright © The Author(s) 2022. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.

Viral enteritis in cattle: To well known viruses and beyond

Livestock products supply about 13 percent of energy and 28 percent of protein in diets consumed worldwide. Diarrhea is a leading cause of sickness and death of beef and dairy calves in their first month of life and also affecting adult cattle, resulting in large economic losses and a negative impact on animal welfare. Despite the usual multifactorial origin, viruses are generally involved, being among the most important causes of diarrhea. There are several viruses that have been confirmed as etiological agents (i.e., rotavirus and coronavirus), and some viruses that are not yet confirmed as etiological agents. This review summarizes the viruses that have been detected in the enteric tract of cattle and tries to deepen and gather knowledge about them.Copyright © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

COVID-19 impacts on the AEC industry with a focus on Africa

PurposeThe unexpected spread of COVID-19 rapidly switched from a health crisis to an economic one. The Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry experienced drastic impacts, especially in Africa. Several studies investigated COVID-19 impacts on the AEC industry, but very few were conducted in Africa. This study aims to cover this gap, address detailed overview of negative and positive impacts of COVID-19 on the AEC field, especially in the different African regions, and highlight their causes and the measures taken to overcome them.Design/methodology/approachThe authors combined a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-based Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and a survey involving 87 AEC companies operating in Africa. The SLR initially used four scientific databases;however, considering the limited Africa-related found data, institutional and governmental databases were also included.FindingsGlobally, implementing the mandated restrictive measures against COVID-19 caused significant losses for developers, designers and contractors but helped the information and communication technologies operators to thrive. In the five African regions, the AEC industry experienced 22 heavy impacts that can be split into four categories: financial, managerial/strategic, operational and opportunities. This paper thoughtfully explains the causes of COVID-19 impacts and presents the undertaken measures by the African private and public sectors to overcome them. Generally, the African AEC industry lost 51% of the total sales in 2020.Originality/valueThis paper contains all aspects related to health hazard influences on the AEC industry, especially in Africa. Researchers and decision-makers may use it to build new approaches or strategies related to risk management or design technological solutions.

High seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the capital of Chad

Background. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chad has had 7,417 confirmed cases and 193 deaths, one of the lowest in Africa. Objective. This study assessed SARS-CoV-2 immunity in N'Djamena. Methods. In August-October 2021, eleven N'Djamena hospitals col-lected outpatient data and samples. IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein were identified using ELISA. "Bambino Gesu" Laboratory, Rome, Italy, performed external quality control with chemiluminescence assay. Results. 25-34-year-old (35.2%) made up the largest age group at 31.9+/-12.6 years. 56.4% were women, 1.3 women/men. The 7th district had 22.5% and the 1st 22.3%. Housewives and students dominated. Overall seroprevalence was 69.5% (95% CI: 67.7-71.3), females 68.2% (65.8-70.5) and males 71.2% (68.6-73.8). >44-year-old had 73.9% seroprevalence. Under-15s were 57.4% positive. Housewives (70.9%), civil servants (71.5%), and health workers (9.7%) had the highest antibody positivity. N'Djamena's 9th district had 73.1% optimism and the 3rd district had 52.5%. Seroprevalences were highest at Good Samaritan Hospital (75.4%) and National General Referral Hospital (74.7%). Conclusion. Our findings indicate a high circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in N'Djamena, despite low mortality and morbidity after the first two COVID-19 pandemic waves. This high seroprevalence must be considered in Chad's vaccine policy.Copyright © 2022 The Authors and PAGEPRESS PUBLICATIONS.

Molecular Docking Strategy for Multi-Target Inhibitor Discovery of Selected Plant Constituents in Bauhinia Acuminata

Objective: Traditional medicine is often considered to be a kind of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) nowadays. Therefore, documenting and identifying the herbs that are effective in treating various diseases is vital for future disease control programs. This study aims to perform a molecular docking analysis of the thirteen plant components in Bauhinia acuminata against the target proteins in lung cancer (PDB IDs: 2ITY), breast cancer (1A52), diabetes (3L4U), obesity (IT02), inflammation (5COX) and corona viral infections (6VYO). Material(s) and Method(s): All the plant components used for the present study were retrieved from the plant Bauhinia acuminata and were evaluated for their biological activity results using molinspiration. Further in-silico docking analysis was performed using AutoDock Vina software and the binding interactions were visualized using Discovery studio program. Result and Discussion: The docking scores and analysis of the interactions of the plant components with targets suggest that all the selected plant components showed excellent binding to the chosen targets when compared to that of the standard drugs. As a result of the docking process on 6 different targets, the selected plant components like Quercetin, Beta-sitosterol, and Rheagenine were observed to show good binding energy values against all the 5 targets except 6VYO as shown in (Table 9). These results can further pave the way for getting better insights in identifying and designing potential lead candidates.Copyright © 2022 University of Ankara. All rights reserved.

Development of indigestible IgA antibody for restoring microbiome balance.

Dysbiosis, especially in the gut plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of a wide variety of diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease, DDS obesity, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. At mucosal surfaces, mucosal polymeric immunoglobulin AIgAantibodies are known to be important to regulate the gut microbiota as well as to exclude infection induced by pathogenic bacteria or virus such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Since the 1970 s, oral administration of IgA or IgG antibodies has been performed against infectious enteritis caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli or Clostridioides difficile. However, none of them has been successfully developed as an antibody drug up to now. Although IgA is well known to modulate the gut commensal microbiota, the therapeutic IgA drugs to treat dysbiosis has not been developed. Here, we discuss the advantages of therapeutic IgA antibodies.Copyright © 2022, Japan Society of Drug Delivery System. All rights reserved.

Polysaturated fatty acids and their derivatives regulate respiratory infections.

The regulation of inflammation is a complex pathophysiological process that depends on the production of oxygenated lipid derivatives essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, among which are the lipoxins resolvins and protectins, called specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPM). Their activity is associated with the control of respiratory infection processes to modulate the production of proinflammatory cytokines, avoiding damage due to inflammation-associated necrosis, reducing microbial loads, and promoting tissue remodeling. Therefore, we review some of the biochemical, physiological and immunological aspects of SPM in the regulation of inflammation in respiratory infections.Copyright © 2022, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias. All rights reserved.

Vitamin D Focused Approach to Nutritional Therapy for the Management of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Review

Background: In several studies, Vitamin D supplementation was found useful against the highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 to reduce the mortality rate and severity of its infection. Viral replication was also found to be affected negatively by vitamin D administration. Objective: The literature was reviewed with an aim to evaluate the efficacy of the therapeutic approach of nutrition involving intervention of Vitamin D towards decreasing the severity of prevailing pandemic of SARS-CoV-2. Methods: A background research of literature was performed using the keywords "SARS-CoV-2”, "COVID-19”, "nutritional therapy”, "Vitamin D”, "immunity”, "AEC2 receptors” and "RAS” in the Pubmed and Google Scholar. Results: This literature was review suggested that if combined with medical sciences, this nutritional therapy approach can end up as an influential solution to reduce the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which is a prevailing pandemic. A combination of assessment, supplementation of this required micro-nutrient (Vitamin D), and monitoring can be used to aid the immune system of COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: Nutritional therapy with Vitamin D as a major factor can be used to increase the immunity of an individual to fight against the highly infectious SARS-CoV-2. However, the ac-tual mechanism of how Vitamin D supplementation functions to improve the health of an individual is yet unclear. © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.

The Genetic Variation in three Snps of ACE2 Receptor with Covid-19 Infection

The current study aims to study genetic variations in the receptor of ACE2 Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 of people whom infected with the Corona virus.Three SNPs of the ACE2 receptor were studied from 14 people whom were infected with the Corona virus. It was found that genetic variations that occurred in this receptor and mutations, which are the result of replacing the rules. The results also showed that the nucleotide sequences in the ACE2 receptor revealed a mutation in SNP1 that converts a base from cytosine C to T-thymine at site 219, as well as a mutation in SNP2, which is the transformation of a base G-guanine to T-thymine at site 201, while in SNP 3 it showed a shift Base from cytosine C to thymine T at position 219.The current study also found that there is a relationship between injury, gender, age and chronic diseases. © 2022, ResearchTrentz Academy Publishing Education Services. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 impacts on the AEC industry with a focus on Africa

Purpose The unexpected spread of COVID-19 rapidly switched from a health crisis to an economic one. The Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry experienced drastic impacts, especially in Africa. Several studies investigated COVID-19 impacts on the AEC industry, but very few were conducted in Africa. This study aims to cover this gap, address detailed overview of negative and positive impacts of COVID-19 on the AEC field, especially in the different African regions, and highlight their causes and the measures taken to overcome them. Design/methodology/approach The authors combined a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-based Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and a survey involving 87 AEC companies operating in Africa. The SLR initially used four scientific databases;however, considering the limited Africa-related found data, institutional and governmental databases were also included. Findings Globally, implementing the mandated restrictive measures against COVID-19 caused significant losses for developers, designers and contractors but helped the information and communication technologies operators to thrive. In the five African regions, the AEC industry experienced 22 heavy impacts that can be split into four categories: financial, managerial/strategic, operational and opportunities. This paper thoughtfully explains the causes of COVID-19 impacts and presents the undertaken measures by the African private and public sectors to overcome them. Generally, the African AEC industry lost 51% of the total sales in 2020. Originality/value This paper contains all aspects related to health hazard influences on the AEC industry, especially in Africa. Researchers and decision-makers may use it to build new approaches or strategies related to risk management or design technological solutions.

Architects? Reactions to COVID-19 Pandemic with Evidence from Their Social Media Accounts

The crisis caused by the covid-19 pandemic is being experienced by consecutive waves of effects, and more is expected until it settles down. The restrictions forced many of us to stay indoors, work remotely and communicate online, as much as possible. Although the advances in ICT were increasing online communication and remote work practice, a change in such a scale was not something expected this abruptly. Besides, the change did not stay limited to the work environment and blurred the line between private lives and the business environment. Social Networking Service (SNS) use increased exponentially both for business and social needs. This sudden change triggered by the pandemic not only challenged the way we work and communicate but also many questions about the future of the built environment emerged. This study attempts to identify the similarities and differences between reactions of a group of Turkish and international architects during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, by using the data retrieved from their corporate SNS accounts. A mix of qualitative and quantitative methodology is adopted for content analysis of Instagram (IG) accounts. There are significant differences between architects' social network use and their expressed reactions to the pandemic. These differences are both between the Turkish and international architect groups, but also between the group members. Similar studies with different groups of architects, regions and the use of different SNSs should be repeated to compare the results and implications. One of the main contributions of this article is that, it tries to draw attention towards the role of SNSs for the architects to develop a professional identity in digital mediums and administer it within the company's management strategy. Research on architects' professional social media use and its implications on their management strategy and corporate practice seem quite scarce. The knowledge gap in this area is promising for further research.

Aerosol Characteristics during the COVID-19 Lockdown in China: Optical Properties, Vertical Distribution, and Potential Source

The concentration changes of aerosols have attracted wide-ranging attention during the COVID-19 lockdown (CLD) period, but the studies involving aerosol optical properties (AOPs) are relatively insufficient, mainly AOD (fine-mode AOD (AODf) and coarse-mode AOD (AODc)), aerosol absorption optical depth (AAOD), and aerosol extinction coefficient (AEC). Here, the remote-sensing observations, Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2) products, backward-trajectory, and potential-source-contribution models are used to assess the impact of AOPs, vertical distribution, and possible sources on the atmosphere environment in North China Plain (NCP), Central China (CC), Yangtze River Delta (YRD), Pearl River Delta (PRD), and Sichuan Basin (SB) during the CLD period. The results demonstrate that both AOD (MODIS) and near-surface AEC (CALIPSO, <2 km) decreased in most areas of China. Compared with previous years (average 2017–2019), the AOD (AEC) of NCP, CC, YRD, PRD, and SB reduced by 3.33% (10.76%), 14.36% (32.48%), 10.80% (29.64%), 31.44% (22.68%), and 15.50% (8.44%), respectively. In addition, MODIS (AODc) and MERRA-2 (AODc) decreased in the five study areas compared with previous years, so the reduction in dust activities also contributed to improving regional air quality during the epidemic. Despite the reduction of anthropogenic emissions (AODf) in most areas of China during the CLD periods, severe haze events (AODf > 0.6) still occurred in some areas. Compared to previous years, there were increases in BC, OC (MERRA-2), and national raw coal consumption during CLD. Therefore, emissions from some key sectors (raw coal heating, thermal power generation, and residential coal) did not decrease, and this may have increased AODf during the CLD. Based on backward -rajectory and potential source contribution models, the study area was mainly influenced by local anthropogenic emissions, but some areas were also influenced by northwestern dust, Southeast Asian biomass burning, and marine aerosol transport. This paper underscores the importance of emissions from the residential sector and thermal power plants for atmospheric pollution in China and suggests that these sources must be taken into account in developing pollution-mitigation plans. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Remote Sensing is the property of MDPI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Addictions: current perspectives.

This paper seeks to integrate the perspectives of analytical psychology and neurobiology in order to understand the phenomenon of addiction in contemporary society, taking into account the COVID-19 pandemic. Jung emphasizes the role of the psyche's self-regulation and the development of consciousness in the individuation process. The search for experiences of transcendence is archetypal and can be achieved by the use of some substances or behaviours and can contribute to individuation. However, in contemporary society, many individuals seek to restore internal balance through behaviours that merely soothe discomfort. The difficulty in discerning use, abuse, and dependence, particularly in the case of behavioural addictions, is discussed and neurobiological factors are presented. Empathic relationships play a key role in this process as they can promote the integration of the right and left hemispheres, integrating non-verbal experiences and language, contributing to self-regulation. Jung emphasizes the importance of real encounters in the transformation process. Currently, meetings have become a source of anguish. The author concludes that more than ever it is necessary to invest in the quality of the interactions to prevent and treat addictions.

Cet article chercher à intégrer les perspectives de la psychologie analytique et de la neurobiologie afin de comprendre le phénomène de l'addiction dans la société contemporaine, en tenant compte de la pandémie de COVID-19. Jung a souligné le rôle autorégulateur de la psyché et le développement de la conscience dans le processus d'individuation. La recherche d'expériences de transcendance est archétypale et peut être atteinte par l'utilisation de certaines substances ou certains comportements et elle peut contribuer à l'individuation. Néanmoins dans la société contemporaine, beaucoup de personnes cherchent à restaurer l'équilibre intérieur par des comportements qui visent simplement à apaiser l'inconfort. La difficulté à différencier entre l'utilisation, l'abus, et la dépendance, particulièrement en ce qui concerne les addictions comportementales - est étudiée et les facteurs neurobiologiques sont exposés. Les relations empathiques jouent un rôle clé dans ce processus parce qu'elles peuvent promouvoir l'intégration des hémisphères droit et gauche, intégrant les expériences non-verbales et le langage, contribuant à l'autorégulation. Jung souligne l'importance des rencontres réelles dans le processus de transformation. En ce moment les réunions sont devenues une source d'angoisse. L'auteur conclut qu'il est plus que jamais nécessaire d'investir dans la qualité des interactions afin de prévenir et de soigner les addictions.

El presente trabajo busca integrar perspectivas de psicología analítica y neurobiología en vistas a la comprensión del fenómeno de la adicción en la sociedad contemporánea, tomando en cuenta la pandemia del COVID-19. Jung enfatiza el rol auto-regulador de la psique y el desarrollo de la consciencia en el proceso de individuación. La búsqueda de experiencias de trascendencia es arquetípica y puede ser alcanzada a través del uso de ciertas sustancias o conductas y puede contribuir al proceso de individuación. Sin embargo, en la sociedad contemporánea, muchos individuos buscan restaurar el balance interno a través de conductas que meramente alivian el malestar. Se discute acerca de la dificultad para discernir uso, abuso y dependencia, particularmente en el caso de conductas adictivas y se presentan los factores neurobiológicos. Las relaciones empáticas juegan un rol fundamental en este proceso en la medida que promueven la integración de los hemisferios derecho e izquierdo, integrando experiencias no-verbales y lenguaje, contribuyendo a la auto-regulación. Jung enfatiza la importancia de encuentros reales en el proceso de transformación. Actualmente, los encuentros se han convertido en una fuente de angustia. La autora concluye que más que nunca se vuelve necesario invertir en la calidad de las interacciones para prevenir y tratar las adicciones.

Este artigo busca integrar as perspectivas da psicologia analítica e da neurobiologia para entender o fenômeno dos vícios na sociedade contemporânea, levando em consideração a pandemia de COVID-19. Jung enfatiza o papel da autorregulação da psique e o desenvolvimento da consciência no processo de individuação. A busca por experiências de transcendência é arquetípica e pode ser alcançada pelo uso de algumas substâncias ou comportamentos e pode contribuir para a individuação. No entanto, na sociedade contemporânea, muitos indivíduos buscam restaurar o equilíbrio interno por meio de comportamentos que apenas acalmam o desconforto. A dificuldade em discernir o uso, abuso e dependência, particularmente no caso de vícios comportamentais, é discutida e fatores neurobiológicos são apresentados. As relações empáticas desempenham um papel fundamental nesse processo, pois podem promover a integração dos hemisférios direito e esquerdo, integrando experiências não verbais e linguagem, contribuindo para a autorregulação. Jung enfatiza a importância de encontros reais no processo de transformação. Atualmente, os encontros se tornaram uma fonte de angústia. O autor conclui que mais do que nunca é necessário investir na qualidade das interações para prevenir e tratar vícios.

Improving Students’ Learning Experience Using Simulated Environments in Applied Degree Education in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction

An applied degree education is about using work-integrated learning approaches in student learning. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has severely affected how applied education may continue to enrich students’ knowledge of the real world. In various degree programs, a simulated environment is an essential part of the curriculum and applying it to applied degree education cannot be ignored. A simulated environment plays an essential role in linking theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom to the real world. It exposes students to real-world problems but in a controlled simulated environment. This chapter introduces several approaches in creating simulated environments for applied degree programs in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC). It discusses the key benefits of using technologies, such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and the A Real Organization Unit Simulated as Life (AROUSAL) system, to improve the student learning experience in applied degree education in AEC. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.