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This report provides an overview of the organization and content of the International Conference on Music Education Technology 2023 (ICMdT2023), a hybrid event hosted towards the end of the global lockdown in early 2023. Under the theme 'Unfold the Future of Music Education through Technology', the Conference attracted 640 academics, researchers, practitioners and professionals from different regions, all of whom participated online or in person to exchange and share their experiences and research projects on various aspects of music education through the use of technology. It included 36 workshops and paper presentations, with topics ranging from digital pedagogies for teaching and learning music online to the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and interdisciplinary approaches for music education. Challenges faced by the organizing committee are outlined, coupled with some recommendations for those wishing to host similar events that can improve knowledge exchange and encourage delegates' networking experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notwithstanding the fact that the 12th international congress of autoimmunity (AUTO12) was held virtual this year, the number of the abstracts submitted and those presented crossed the thousand marks. Leading investigators and researchers from all over the world presented the latest developments of their research in the domain of autoimmunity and its correlation with various diseases. In terms of mechanisms of autoimmunity, an update on the mechanisms behind the association of autoimmunity with systemic diseases focusing on hyperstimulation was presented during AUTO12. In addition, a new mechanism of ASIA syndrome caused by an intrauterine contraceptive device was revealed demonstrating a complete resolution of symptoms following device removal. In regard to the correlation between autoimmunity and neurogenerative diseases, the loss of structural protein integrity as the trigger of immunological response was shown. Schizophrenia as well, and its correlation to pro-inflammatory cytokines was also addressed. Furthermore, and as it was said AUTO12 virtual due to COVID-19 pandemic, various works were dedicated to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 in terms of autoimmune mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis, treatment and complications of COVID-19. For instance, the correlation between autoimmunity and the severity of COVID-19 was viewed. Moreover, the presence and association of autoantibodies in COVID-19 was also demonstrated, as well as the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic diseases. Finally, immune-mediated reactions and processes secondary to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was displayed. Due to the immense importance of all of the topics addressed and while several hundreds of works were presented which cannot be summed up in one paper, we aimed hereby to highlight some of the outstanding abstracts and presentations during AUTO12. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: This scoping review aimed to identify the available evidence related to the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on children's physical activity (PA) during the global pandemic. METHODS: A search in five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science) was conducted on December 3, 2020. The keywords used were "physical activity", "Children" and "COVID-19" and the selection criteria were (1) English articles focusing on children under the age of 18, (2) papers evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on children's PA during confinement. RESULTS: A total of 571 articles were found through the five databases and 21 articles were included after duplicate removal and full-text screening. Most of the included studies collected data through online interviews or self-report questionnaires, with 4 studies collected baseline information before the COVID-19 outbreak. Studies showed that Children had lower PA levels, less outside time, higher sedentary behaviors, and more sleep during the outbreak. A study in Brazil found that the decrease in children's PA during confinement was attenuated by age for children under 13, while a study in Australia revealed that children's PA levels had decreased most amongst adolescents aged 12 years or older. A study in Portugal based on data from 2,159 children showed that there was no gender difference in the decrease of PA levels. Parental encouragement and support, parental engagement in PA, parent's education level, having other children in the household, availability of external space at home, and family dog ownership were found to be positively associated with children's PA level. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence identified a decrease in PA levels due to social distancing policies and highlighted the importance of parental/familial support in promoting children's physical activity during crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]