bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating (Sequential) Unit Asking: An Unsuccessful Quest for Scope Sensitivity in Willingness to Donate Judgements
Authors: Maier Maximilian , Caviola Lucius , Schubert Stefan , Harris Adam John Linton
Published: September 2022

People exhibit scope insensitivity: their expressed valuation of a problem is not proportionate with its scope or size. To address scope insensitivity in charitable giving, Hsee et al. (2013) developed the (Classical) Unit Asking technique, where people are firstasked how much they are willing to donate to support a single individual, followed by how much they are willing to donate to support a group of individuals. In this paper, we explored the mechanisms, extensions, and limitations of the technique. In particular, we investigated an extension of the technique, which we all Sequential Unit Asking (SUA). SUA asks people a series of willingness-to-donate questions, in which the number of individuals to be helped increases in a stepwise manner until it reaches the total group size. Across four studies investigating donation judgements (total N = 2045), we did not find evidence that Willingness to Donate (WTD) judgements to the total group increased with larger groups. Instead, our results suggest that Unit Asking (sequential or classical) increases donation amounts only through a single one-off boost. Further, we find evidence in three out of four studies that the Sequential Unit Asking extension increases WTD judgements over Classical Unit Asking. In a fifth study (N = 537) using a contingent valuation design (instead of donation judgements), we find scope sensitivity using all asking techniques. We conclude that, whilst it is difficult to create scope sensitivity in WTD judgements, SUA should be considered a promising approach to increase charitable donations.
The war in Ukraine: suggestions and peace initiatives
Authors: Jargin Sergei V.
Published: September 2022

Certain aspects of the conflict around Ukraine, rarely discussed in the literature, are presented in this preprint. Potential solutions and peace initiatives are overviewed. Ukraine can become a testing ground for international trust and cooperation. Moral principles, based on modesty, discipline and mutual help, aimed at preservation of as much life, wealth and human rights as possible, should be established. In conclusion, confidence-building measures, international trust and reliability are necessary for cooperation and prevention of conflicts.
ECONOMIC VALUATION OF THE MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM IN RAWA MEKAR JAYA VILLAGE, SUNGAI APIT DISTRICT, SIAK REGENCY
Authors: Saprianto Saprianto , Warningsih Trisla , Bathara Lamun
Published: September 2022

This study aims to describe the characteristics of the mangrove forest ecosystem and analyze the direct benefits of the mangrove ecosystem in Rawa Mekar Jaya Village, Sungai Apit District, Siak Regency. The method used in this study is a survey method, namely by conducting field observations and direct interviews with respondents, where the sampling technique found uses Non-Probability techniques or is determined by the researchers themselves or according to expert considerations with a total of 42 respondents. This shows that the tree-level mangrove community structure in the mangrove area, namely Rhizophora apiculata is the dominant tree species with a tree density of 30,617.2 trees/ha, then Rhizophora stylosa 9,629.63 trees/ha, Avicennia alba 8,333.33 trees/ha, and Ceriops tagal 777.78 trees/ha. Furthermore, a number of villagers from Rawa Mekar Jaya have made direct use of mangroves in the form of fish for Rp. 402,000,000/year, catching shrimp for around Rp. 21,600,000/year and taking honey for Rp. 28,800,000/year. The total economic gain of IDR 4.345,000,000/year shows that mangrove extension is very important for the people of Rawa Mekar Jaya village, both direct and indirect benefits
The Effect of Bait Types on the Catch of Bottom Long Line in Bantan Sari Village Bantan District Bengkalis Regency
Authors: Emiati Emiati , Nasution Polaris , Brown Arthur
Published: September 2022

The main factor for the success of bottom longline fishing depends on the type of bait, both natural bait and artificial bait. The bait serves as an attractant for the target fish so that it is attracted to prey on it. In this study, the bait used was a machete, puput, and layur fish. The purpose of this study was to determine the amount, weight, and type of catch based on the appropriate type of bait so that it can be a reference for fishermen for optimal use of bait in the operation of longline fishing gear. This research was conducted in February 2022, located in the waters of Bantan Sari Village, Bantan District, Bengkalis Regency. The method used is the experimental fishing method, by operating the fishing gear directly and analyzing using the analysis of variance and the Least Significant Difference test. Based on the research, the catches obtained were debuk fish, gelama , stingrays, and puffer, with the highest catches in terms of weight, namely stingrays as much as 61800 g.
Morphology, Morphometrics, and Shark Conservation Status at TPI Sibolga City, North Sumatra Province
Authors: Tatanagara Muhammad Ilham , Amin Bintal , Samiaji Joko
Published: September 2022

Sharks are predatory animals that dwell near coral reefs and swim at the ocean's bottom. Since the inclusion of many shark species in CITES Appendix II status in 2013, shark groups have become a global issue. This is owing to shark fishing's high exploitation, both as a target capture and as bycatch. It is divided into eleven fisheries management areas, one of which is WPPNRI 572, according to the Regulation of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia Number 18/PERMEN-KP/2014 concerning the State Fisheries Management Area of the Republic of Indonesia, hereinafter abbreviated as WPPNRI. The Indian Ocean waters west of Sumatra, as well as the Sunda Strait, are included in this area. Because it faces the high seas, notably the Indian Ocean, Sumatra's west coast is a key area of the Indonesian sea. The city of Sibolga is strategically important as one of the key entry points for utilizing the potential of western Sumatra's waters. This study was place during August and September of 2021. The goal of this study was to identify sharks landed through TPI Sibolga City in North Sumatra Province, describe their morphology and morphometrics, and describe their conservation status using IUCN and CITES criteria. Squalus chloroculus, Nebrius ferrugineus, Carcharhinus brevipinna, Carcharhinus falciformis, Carcharhinus melanopterus, Carcharhinus sorrah, Rhizoprionodon acutus, Rhizoprionodon oligolinx, and Sphyrna lewini were among the 310 sharks successfully landed in the TPI, according to the study's findings. The overall length variable has the strongest tendency, according to the results of the Principal Component Analysis Scree Plot. C. brevipinna, C. falciformis, C. melanopterus, C. sorrah, and T. obesus are shark species with comparable morphometric features. According to the IUCN, the conservation status of S. lewini is Critical or Threatened (EN). The status of N. ferrugineus is Very Vulnerable (VU). Near Threatened (NT) status for S. chloroculus, C. brevipinna, C. falciformis, C. melanopterus, C. sorrah, and T. obesus. Less Worrying Status was assigned to R. acutus and R. oligolinx (LC). While the trading status of sharks based on CITES, particularly C. falciformis, C. melanopterus, and S. lewini, are included in the Appendix II list, which denotes species that are not threatened with extinction but could be affected if trade continues without regulation
Performance Comparison of Energy Detection Based non – Cooperative Spectrum Sensing Techniques in Cognitive Radio
Authors: Adhikari Rammani , Ali Mazhar
Published: September 2022

Cognitive radio is a ground-breaking software-defined radio paradigm that offers Dynamic spectrum access, allowing secondary users to use the frequency band allotted to the principal user when it is not in use and vacate when the prime application returns. The ability to sense the spectrum is critical to cognitive radio's efficiency. Energy detection sensing is the simplest and most often used spectrum sensing approach, owing to its ease of implementation in cognitive radio applications. The three-energy detection-based algorithms adopted for different scenarios have been compared in this study. The algorithms include the double-threshold energy detection, adaptive single threshold energy detection, and the adaptive double threshold spectrum sensing algorithm. Since the noise prediction in the practical situation is difficult, the necessity is to find the best algorithm in this condition. The other equally important parameters for efficiently sensing the spectrum are spectrum efficiency and less interference to the primary user. Simulation findings show that the adaptive double threshold approach outperforms the other two algorithms in all respect. The detection probability of the method is typically found to be substantially greater as compared to other two techniques. In addition, the likelihood of a false alarm is significantly reduced. Furthermore, when the signal-to-noise ratio value is low, often below -5dB, the performance of this approach is poor. MATLAB is used to run all of the simulations.
Experimental and Numerical Simulations of Sediment in Fusre River Basin, Nepal
Authors: K.C. Prakash , Baral Suresh , Mishra Binaya Kumar , Timilsina Indra Prasad
Published: September 2022

This study presents about the analysis of sediment generation of the ungauged basin Fusre basin by modeling and also with the help of rainfall simulator. Many rivers in Nepal are either ungauged or poorly gauged due to extreme complex terrains, monsoon climate and lack of technical and financial supports. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was applied for watershed delineation of the Fusre basin and the basin delineated into seven sub-basin that generate the river network, which also provides the information like stream link, stream order, stream length, slope etc. The calibration was performed using data from 2003 to 2010 and validation for the period from 2011 to 2015 at a daily time step. The model performance was evaluated based on computed statistical parameters. For the calibration period of the discharge and sediment flow, the performance of the model was very good, with a coefficient of determination R2= 0.9528, Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency NSE = 0.942, RMSE = 0.24, and Percent Bias= 14.78, Similarly, the continuous model performance for the validation period was good, with R2 = 0.8655, NSE = 0.925, RMSE = 0.275 and Percent Bias = 18.03. Also a series of laboratory experiments was also carried out by changing the land use, soil parameter, and rainfall intensity by varying depth of soil sample and slope for comparative study with model but just for performance of apparatus. The performance of rainfall simulator was good. From the experimental method the calculation value of coefficient of determination R2 is equal to 0.67, NSE value is equal to 0.865 and PBIAS was equal to 30. The performance of both experimental and simulated data was satisfactory.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Kidney Diseases among Primary Care Physicians working in Nepal
Authors: Nepal Richa , Bhattarai Bharosha , Bhandari Abhishek , Adhikari Bishow Nath , Nepal Rhishikesh , Khanal Nimesh
Published: September 2022

Background: Medical officers and resident doctors as primary care physicians (PCPs) are the first contact health care providers to most of the kidney disease patients in Nepal. This study intends to assess knowledge, attitude and practice regarding kidney diseases among these nonnephrology doctors, working in different health institutes all over Nepal.
Methods: This was a descriptive, cross sectional, questionnaire based study, conducted over the span of 12 weeks among the primary care physicians. The Ethical Review Board of Nepal Health Research Council had approved our protocol prior to starting the study. An arbitrary scoring system was used to classify knowledge, attitude and practice scores as: 0 to <50% - Poor score, 50% to <75% - Moderate score, ≥ 75% - Good score. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25.
Results: Out of 239 PCPs enrolled in our study, 41 (17%) obtained good knowledge scores, 124 (51.8%) obtained good attitude scores and 198 (82.8%) obtained good practice scores. None of the study participants had negative attitude towards kidney diseases. The mean scores obtained in our study were 23.03±4.49 for knowledge, 17.64±2.30 for attitude and 6.27±1.24 for practice domains out of total score of 37, 24, and 8 respectively.
Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that the majority of PCPs had obtained moderate to poor knowledge scores regarding kidney diseases. However, the majority had a positive attitude and good practice regarding kidney diseases in our study.
CT head findings in methanol poisoning
Authors: Shrestha Gentle Sunder , Pradhan Akshay Prasad , Phuyal Subash
Published: September 2022

Not available.
Microfinance Companies on Entrepreneurship Development in Nepal
Authors: Panthi Babu Ram , Chalise Ambika
Published: September 2022

This is survey based article. It is conducted with different microfinances institutions (MFIs) that branches are located in Bharatpur, Chitwan and Gaidakot, Nawalparasi. Respondents are 120 micro-entrepreneurs and 20 employees of the same MFIs are taken as respondents. Data and information are collected through questionnaires and interview. The questionnaires are distributed among the 120 sample micro-entrepreneurs and 20 employees of MFIs. The relationship between MFIs and entrepreneurships are analyzed through the use of chi square test. The article concluded that MFIs play significant role in enhance micro-enterprises operation. The study concluded that there are various barriers impede entrepreneurs’ development. The major challenges involve negligence of government for the entrepreneurship development and lack of finance for the proper development of the enterprises. Poor financial literacy, poor management of market area and the lack of infrastructure development are also the challenges. Other factors that hindered enterprises growth that was cited by entrepreneurs: Interest rates charged are too high, rigid payment period; local market is not well diversified, high competition among the local entrepreneurs, no support from the local municipality. Despite the various problems and challenges, MFIs have a positive impact on the entrepreneurship development in overall study.
Practices of Teachers' Motivation in Community College
Authors: Chhetri Ashmita Dahal
Published: September 2022

This paper entitled, "Practices of Teachers’ Motivation in Community College” was conducted in Chitwan district of Nepal. Exploring what practices are enacting while motivating the teachers in community colleges from an unexplored context provides important and critical information for scholars. In this context, this study explored the motivational practices for teacher’s motivation in community colleges in Nepal. Three out of twelve community colleges of Chitwan district were selected for this study. Teachers were taken as the respondents for the study. This study adapted focused interview design of qualitative approach.
The verbal data or information generated from different respondents using semi-structured and open-ended interview questionnaires were analyzed and interpreted with reference to Herzberg's dual factor theory and Stacy Adams equity theory. Finding of the study, revealed that community college in Nepal are attempting to motivate their teachers to adopt widely used good practices as in other organizations of similar nature. However, they are unable to implement those practices as per the expectations of their teachers due to insufficient resources and lack of systematized procedures. Those college are seeking more support from their affiliating universities, University Grand Commission and also from the state, province and local government.
Assessment of antimicrobial prescribing practice, knowledge, and culture in three teaching hospitals
Authors: Vernooy Camille Pelletier , Ang Anita , Émond Yannick , Leduc Jean-Michel , Morency-Potvin Philippe
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance (AR) is one of the most critical threats to global health. One of its root causes, misuse of antibiotics, can stem from prescribers’ preconceived ideas, differing attitudes, and lack of knowledge. Canadian data on this subject are scarce. This study aimed to understand the culture and knowledge of antimicrobial prescribing to optimize strategies targeting prescribers in the local antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP). METHODS: An anonymous online survey was developed and distributed to antimicrobials prescribers at three acute-care teaching hospitals. The questionnaire surveyed perception of AR and ASPs. RESULTS: A total of 440 respondents completed the entire survey. All agreed that AR is a significant challenge in Canada. The vast majority (86%) of respondents believed that AR is a significant problem at their working hospital. However, only 36% of respondents believed that antibiotics are misused locally. Most (92%) agreed that ASPs can decrease AR. Several knowledge gaps were identified through clinical questions. For example, respondents failed to identify treatment indications for asymptomatic bacteriuria 15% of the time and 59% chose an unnecessarily broad antibiotic when presented a microbiology report with susceptibility results associated with a common clinical syndrome. Prescribers’ self-reported confidence did not correlate with their knowledge score. CONCLUSIONS: Respondents recognized AR as a critical issue but awareness and knowledge on antibiotic misuse were lacking. As shown in previous studies, respondents see the threat of AR in a more theoretical way. This study provided a better understanding of antimicrobial prescribing practices and ways to optimize them within three teaching hospitals in Montréal. Barriers to optimal antimicrobial prescribing were identified and strategies for improving the effectiveness of the ASP will be developed accordingly.
Synonymy of Cassitettix Yin, 1984 with Saussurella Bolívar, 1887 (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae)
Authors: Podgornaya L.I.
Published: September 2022

Cassitettix Yin, 1984 is proposed as a junior synonym of Saussurella Bolívar, 1887.
New species and new genera of Cheilostomata from the Weddell Sea, Antarctica (Bryozoa)
Authors: Gontar V.I.
Published: September 2022

Two new genera (Aequilumina and Pseudoadelascopora) are five new species (Camptolites diaphanus, Cornucopina flexuosa, Aequilumina cavitis, Kymella articulata, and Pseudoadelascopora weddellae) are described from deep waters of the Weddell Sea. All species have erect colonies with transparent autozooids. In this paper, a possible way of origination of chitinous joints is discussed.
Taxonomy of Podoscirtinae (Orthoptera: Gryllidae). Part 1: the male genitalia and Indo-Malayan Podoscirtini
Authors: Gorochov A.V.
Published: September 2022

The morphology of the male genitalia of Podoscirtinae and the nomenclature of their structures are discussed. Six Indo-Malayan genera of Podoscirtini are characterized; 4 new genera, 2 new subgenera, 20 new species, and 5 new subspecies are described; several other species are revised (including the descriptions of some unknown females and new data on distribution). One generic name (Calyptotrypus Sauss.) and one specific name (Platydactylus helvolus Serv.) are considered nomina dubia. New synonymy (Zvenella nigrotibialis Liu, Yin & Wang, syn. n. = Z. geniculata; Madasumma obscuripennis Chop., syn. n. = Z. parcevenosa; Calyptotrypus flavomarginatus Hsia & Liu, syn. n. = Valia pulchra) is established. The lectotype for Truljalia hofmanni is designated.
North American multicenter experience with the Flow Redirection Endoluminal Device in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Khorasanizadeh MirHojjat , Shutran Max , Schirmer Clemens M. , Salem Mohamed M. , Ringer Andrew J. , Grandhi Ramesh , Mitha Alim P. , Levitt Michael R. , Jankowitz Brian T. , Taussky Philipp , Thomas Ajith J. , Moore Justin M. , Ogilvy Christopher S.
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVE

Flow diverters have revolutionized the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Here, the authors present the first large-scale North American multicenter experience using the Flow Redirection Endoluminal Device (FRED) in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms.

METHODS

Consecutive cerebral aneurysms treated with FRED at 7 North American centers between June 2020 and November 2021 were included. Data collected included patient demographic characteristics, aneurysm characteristics, periprocedural and long-term complications, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, and radiological follow-up.

RESULTS

In total, 133 aneurysms in 116 patients were treated with 123 FRED deployment procedures and included in this study. One hundred twenty-six aneurysms (94.7%) were unruptured, 117 (88.0%) saccular, and 123 (92.5%) located in anterior circulation. The mean (range) aneurysm maximal width and neck width sizes were 7.2 (1.5–42.5) mm and 4.1 (1.0–15.1) mm, respectively. Successful FRED deployment was achieved in 122 procedures (99.2%). Adjunctive coiling was used in 4 procedures (3.3%). Radiological follow-up was available for 101 aneurysms at a median duration of 7.0 months. At last follow-up, complete occlusion was observed in 55.4% of patients, residual neck in 8.9%, and filling aneurysm in 35.6%; among cases with radiological follow-up duration > 10 months, these values were 21/43 (48.8%), 3/43 (7.0%), and 19/43 (44.2%), respectively. On multivariate regression analysis, age (OR 0.93, p = 0.001) and aneurysm neck size (OR 0.83, p = 0.048) were negatively correlated with odds of complete occlusion at latest follow-up. The retreatment rate was 6/124 (4.8%). The overall complication rate was 31/116 (26.7%). Parent vessel occlusion, covered branch occlusion, and in-stent stenosis were detected in 9/99 (9.1%), 6/63 (9.5%), and 15/99 (15.2%) cases, respectively. The FRED-related, symptomatic, thromboembolic, and hemorrhagic complication rates were 22.4%, 12.9%, 6.9%, and 0.9% respectively. The morbidity rate was 10/116 patients (8.6%). There was 1 death due to massive periprocedural internal carotid artery stroke, and 3.6% of the patients had an mRS score > 2 at the last follow-up (vs 0.9% at baseline).

CONCLUSIONS

As the first large-scale North American multicenter FRED experience, this study confirmed the ease of successful FRED deployment but suggested lower efficacy and a higher rate of complications than reported by previous European and South American studies on FRED and other flow-diverting devices. The authors recommend judicious use of this device until future studies can better elucidate the long-term outcomes of FRED treatment.
Long-term outcomes after surgery for brainstem cavernous malformations: analysis of 46 consecutive cases
Authors: Hori Tomokatsu , Chernov Mikhail , Alshebib Yasir A. , Kubota Yuichi , Matsuo Seigo , Shiramizu Hideki , Okada Yoshikazu
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes after resection of brainstem cavernous malformations (BSCMs) and to assess the usefulness of the Lawton grading system in these cases.

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed 46 consecutive patients with BSCMs operated on between July 1990 and December 2020. Outcomes at the last follow-up were defined as favorable (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0–2) or unfavorable (mRS score > 2).

RESULTS

The study cohort comprised 24 men (52%) and 22 women (48%), ranging in age from 8 to 78 years old (median 37 years). In 19 patients (41%), the preoperative mRS score was > 2. All patients had hemorrhagic BSCM. There were 12 (26%) mesencephalic, 19 (41%) pontine, 7 (15%) medullary, and 8 (17%) cerebellar peduncle lesions, with a maximal diameter ranging from 5 to 40 mm (median 15 mm). In total, 24 BSCMs (52%) had bilateral extension crossing the brainstem midline. Lawton grades of 0, I, II, III, IV, V, and VI were defined in 3 (7%), 2 (4%), 10 (22%), 11 (24%), 8 (17%), 7 (15%), and 5 (11%) cases, respectively. Total resection of BSCMs was attained in 43 patients (93%). There were no perioperative deaths. Excluding the 3 most recent cases, the length of follow-up ranged from 56 to 365 months. The majority of patients demonstrated good functional recovery, but regress of the preexisting oculomotor nerve deficit was usually incomplete. No new hemorrhagic events were noted after total resection of BSCMs. In 42 patients (91%), the mRS score at the time of last follow-up was ≤ 2 (favorable outcome), and in 18 (39%), it was 0 (absence of neurological symptoms). Forty-four patients (96%) demonstrated clinical improvement and 2 (4%) had no changes compared with the preoperative period. Multivariate analysis revealed that only lower Lawton grade had a statistically significant independent association (p = 0.0280) with favorable long-term outcome. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for prediction of favorable outcome with 7 available Lawton grades of BSCM was 0.93.

CONCLUSIONS

Resection of hemorrhagic BSCMs by an experienced neurosurgeon may be performed safely and effectively, even in severely disabled patients. In the authors’ experience, preexisting oculomotor nerve palsy represents the main cause of permanent postoperative neurological morbidity. The Lawton grading system effectively predicts long-term outcome after surgery.
The Committee on Advanced Subspecialty Training–accredited postgraduate neurosurgery fellowship application experience: a national survey
Authors: Shlobin Nathan A. , Graffeo Christopher S. , Dornbos David L. , Mukherjee Debraj , Sivakumar Walavan , Johnson Jeremiah , _ _
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVE

The neurosurgery fellowship application process is heterogenous. Therefore, the authors conducted a survey of individuals graduating from Committee on Advanced Subspecialty Training (CAST)–accredited fellowships in the past 5 years to examine 1) experiences with the fellowship application process, 2) perspectives on the process, 3) reasons for pursuing a given subspecialty and fellowship, and 4) post-fellowship practices.

METHODS

A survey querying demographics, experiences with and perspectives on the fellowship application process, and factors contributing to the pursuit of a given fellowship was distributed to individuals who had graduated from CAST-accredited fellowships in the past 5 years. The survey response period was May 22, 2021–June 22, 2021.

RESULTS

Of 273 unique individuals who had graduated from CAST-accredited fellowships in the past 5 years, 65 (29.7%) were included in this analysis. The most common postgraduate year (PGY) during which respondents applied for fellowship positions was PGY5 (43.8%), whereas the most common training level at which respondents accepted a fellowship position was PGY6 (46.9%), with a large degree of variability for both (range PGY4–PGY7). Only 43.1% respondents reported an application deadline for their fellowship. A total of 77.4% respondents received 1–2 fellowship position offers, and 13.4% indicated that there was a match process. In total, 64.5% respondents indicated that the fellowship offer timeline was mostly or very asynchronous. The time frame for applicants to decline or accept a fellowship offer was heterogeneous and mismatched among institutions. Respondents agreed that a more standardized application timeline would be beneficial (median response "agree"), and 83.1% of respondents indicated that PGY5 or PGY6 was the appropriate time to interview for a fellowship.

CONCLUSIONS

Respondents reported heterogeneous experiences in applying for a fellowship, indicated that a standardized application timeline including interviews at PGY5 or PGY6 would be beneficial, and preferred streamlining the fellowship application process.
Long-term consequences of residual lesions after chemoradiotherapy in patients with germinoma at onset
Authors: Yamaguchi Shigeru , Okamoto Michinari , Ishi Yukitomo , Sawaya Ryosuke , Motegi Hiroaki , Sugiyama Minako , Harada Taisuke , Fujima Noriyuki , Mori Takashi , Hashimoto Takayuki , Takakuwa Emi , Manabe Atsushi , Kudo Kohsuke , Aoyama Hidefumi , Fujimura Miki
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVE

In patients with intracranial germ cell tumors, residual lesions are sometimes observed after completion of primary chemoradiotherapy. Although salvage resection of these end-of-treatment residual lesions is recommended for patients with nongerminomatous germ cell tumors, the necessity of early salvage resection for those with germinoma is not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of residual germinoma lesions after primary chemoradiotherapy, as well as their management, long-term consequences, and prognosis.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed patients who were primarily treated for germinoma between 2002 and 2021. Residual lesions were evaluated with MRI with and without contrast enhancement within 2 weeks after chemoradiotherapy. The decision to perform salvage resection of residual lesions was at the discretion of the treating physicians. The change in appearance of residual lesions was assessed with serial MRI. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and recurrence pattern were also investigated.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients were treated with chemoradiotherapy for germinoma, with a mean follow-up period of 108 months. Residual lesions were radiologically observed in 30 patients (43.5%). Among these, 5 patients (3 with pineal lesions and 2 with basal ganglia lesions) underwent salvage resection. Pathological examination revealed teratomatous components in 3 patients, whereas no tumoral components were identified in 2 patients. One patient with a basal ganglia lesion showed worsening of hemiparesis postoperatively. The remaining 25 patients received watchful observation without surgical intervention. Chronological periodic radiological change in residual lesions was evaluated in 21 patients. One year after primary treatment, the size of the residual lesions was stable and had decreased in 10 and 11 patients, respectively. None of the lesions increased in size. The 10-year PFS and OS rates were 96.7% and 97.3% in patients without residual lesions (n = 39), and 87.1% and 100% in patients with residual lesions (n = 30), respectively. Presence of residual lesions had no significant effect on PFS or OS. All recurrences occurred at distant sites or via dissemination without progression of the primary tumor site, regardless of the presence of residual lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

End-of-treatment residual lesions are not rare in patients with germinoma, and these residual lesions seldom show progression. Because of the potential risk of surgical complications, the indication for early salvage surgery for residual lesions should be carefully determined. Watchful observation is recommended for the majority of these cases.
Proposed Polish Advertisement Levies – An Efficient Source of Public Income or Instruments of the Political Battle?
Authors: Duda-Hyz Michalina
Published: September 2022

This article analyses the bill of 2nd February 2021 on additional revenues of the National Health Fund, the National Fund for the Protection of Historical Monuments and the establishment of a Fund for the Support of Culture and National Heritage in the Media Area. The draft legislation, the announcement of which has triggered an unprecedented blackout protest in private media as well as a mass anti-government protest on the Internet, provides for the introduction of new public levies called advertisement contributions and the establishment of a new state special-purpose fund – the Fund for the Support of Culture and National Heritage in the Media Area. The aim of the article is to identify and present those provisions of the draft act which have evoked most controversies and have given rise to the stiff social resistance to the proposal. The first part of the paper is devoted to the assessment of the regulations within the context of the objective of the bill that was declared by the drafters in the legislative rationale. The analysis carried out has supported the assumption that providing adequate finances for those special-purpose funds that are strongly involved in remedying the consequences of the SARS CoV-2 epidemic was not a genuine purpose of the bill. It also leads to the conclusion that there is no constitutional justification for such a special-purpose levy. In the second part, the controversies over technical components of the advertising levies have been presented and analysed. On the basis of this analysis, it is possible to conclude that some of the qualitative and quantitative elements of the so-called advertisement contributions may give rise to interpretative doubts. The implementation of the research objectives made it possible to formulate a thesis that the advertisement contributions, as drafted, would not be efficient instruments of fair taxation of digital economy but rather would form instruments for achieving certain political objectives.
Tax withholding by the remitter based on the example of the lump-sum corporate income tax (WHT) – selected issues
Authors: Kucia-Guściora Beata , Piszel Rafał
Published: September 2022

This article deals with the role and responsibility of the remitter in corporate income tax with respect to the socalled “withholding tax” (WHT) levied on income earned by non-residents. The authors focused their considerations on establishing the relationship between the statutorily defined standard obligations of the remitter and the implemented activities of this entity in relation to WHT. The subject is important due to international aspects of taxation of cross-border income not only on the basis of Polish corporate income tax regulations, but also with double taxation treaties and exemptions in withholding tax implemented from EU directives in mind. The answer to the research questions posed included tax, fiscal and penal, as well as international and EU aspects. The research thesis is that the obligation to collect tax under the WHT constitutes for the remitter “sui generis” right to perform this collection, and does not have the character of an absolute obligation constituting its subjectivity as a remitter. The analysis of the legislation, case law and literature, through the application of the legal-dogmatic method, has shown that the failure of the tax remitter to collect the tax is not a barrier to the filing a tax refund or overpayment claim by the tax remitter, and in fact constitutes an active legitimacy. The findings of the article are of practical significance for non-residents from the EU and third countries (from outside the EU) obtaining so-called passive income in Poland.
PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENT AND In-vitro CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY OF Hibiscus sabdariffa L. CALYX FRACTION ON HUMAN BREAST CANCER CELL LINE MDA-MB-231
Authors: Yuliastri W.O. , A. Diantini  , M. Ghozali  , I. Sahidin  , M. Isrul
Published: September 2022

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. is a medicinal plant that has various pharmacological activities. One of the activities of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. is the immunomodulatory activity closely connected with the anticancer activities. This study aimed to test the cytotoxic activity of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Calyx Fractions against breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), determine the active fractions, and analyze the compounds of the active fraction of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. with LCMS. The Hibiscus sabdariffa L.Calyx was fractionated using vacuum liquid chromatography. Meanwhile, the cytotoxic activity was examined using the MTT method. The test results discovered that the Fraction A of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Calyx is the active fraction with a score of IC50 187.89 µg/ml. The identification of Fraction A's chemical compounds using LC-MS discovered three identified compounds:tert-butyl-4-methoxy phenol Nigakilactone H and Stigmastan-3,6-dione. Since these compounds potentially function as active cytotoxic compounds,it is suggested that further studies isolate the active compounds from Fraction A of Hibiscus sabdariffa L.
QUALITY EVALUATION OF COCONUT SHELL ACTIVATED CARBON AND ITS APPLICATION AS PRECURSOR FOR CITRONELLAL-SCENTED AROMATIC BRIQUETTE
Authors: L. Efiyanti  , S. Darmawan  , Saputra N. A. , Wibisono H.S. , D. Hendra  , G. Pari
Published: September 2022

Coconut shell, as a lignocellulosic material, has a great potential to be developed as a briquette for energy production. In this research, the aromatic briquette is obtained from a mixture of carbon and activated carbon from coconut shell waste using citronellal as an aromatic additive. A tremendous advantage can be gathered compared to the use of other briquettes. The methods used are carbonization and activation of coconut shell raw material followed by the production of briquette with carbon, activated carbon, adhesive, and aromatic addition. The activated carbon quality results meet all the requirements set by the Indonesian National Standard through a series of analysis procedures. Moreover, the briquette surface successfully adsorbs the citronellal aromatic group. The proximate analysis of briquette, consisting of moisture, ash content, volatile matter content, and fixed carbon, were 8-11%, 2-3%, 8-14.5, 82-87%, respectively. Meanwhile, the briquette's density, compressive strength, and calorific value were 0.7-0.8; 222-393 kg, and 6400- 6700 Kcal/kg. This green aromatic-functionalized briquette produced from a mixture of carbon and activated carbon offers an alternative energy source for a society that mainly gives an economic benefit
ANTI-BACTERIAL ACTIVITY AND IN SILICO STUDIES OF PERILLYL-4H- PYRANTRIAZOLE DERIVATIVES
Authors: Depa Navaneetha , Erothu Harikrishna
Published: September 2022

The development of chemical compounds that exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity requires an attentive selection of chemical entities because of the fast growth of antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we analyzed 12 Perillyl-4H-pyrantriazole derivatives (6a-6l) for antibacterial activity (in vitro) on Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella). The obtained results have shown that some derivatives are potential antibacterial agents compared to a standard streptomycin drug. Additionally, molecular properties, docking studies, ADMET, and TOP KAT studies were performed for all the compounds through in silico method. Among all, the compound (6i) has shown a potential antibacterial activity along with a high Lib dock value of 184.315 Kcal/mol.
Penomoran Rumah dan Pembagian Wilayah: Studi Kasus Karangmalang Yogyakarta
Authors: Anggraini Lya Dewi
Published: September 2022

Perkembangan wilayah urban di Yogyakarta dipicu oleh pembangunan beragam kampus perguruan tinggi. Perubahan ini menimbulkan masalah terkait sosial dan budaya yang salah satunya adalah penomoran dan alamat rumah yang tampaknya tidak teratur. Studi yang dilakukan di Karangmalang ini menggunakan metode kualitatif observasi lapangan teknik snowball sampling dan wawancara open-ended dengan tujuan mendalami kejadian seputar awal mula terbentuknya penomoran dan alamat rumah hingga menjadi yang sekarang. Tematema disusun dalam bentuk matriks unit-unit amatan yang didalami, dari penomoran rumah yang terkesan rumit dan tidak teratur ini menghasilkan jaringan alur pemahaman tentang pembagian wilayah di Karangmalang. Dari awal pembentukan blok karena kebutuhan pos, atau surat-menyurat, terhadap identifikasi lokasi yang lebih sekadar nama dusun dan nama pemiliknya, yang kemudian berkembang menjadi pembagian RT/RW, dengan perkembangan nomor rumah seiring bertumbuhnya bangunan. Penomoran rumah secara konsensus ini oleh pemerintah digabungkan dengan pembagian wilayah berdasarkan RT/RW tidak hanya bermanfaat untuk urusan administratif, namun berpotensi tinggi dalam mendukung kehidupan bermasyarakat yang berkelanjutan.
Dynamics and regularity for non-autonomous reaction-diffusion equations with anomalous diffusion
Authors: Yan Xingjie , Wang Shubin , Yang Xin-Guang , Zhang Junzhao
Published: September 2022

This paper is concerned with the long time behavior of solutions for a non-autonomous reaction-diffusion equations with anomalous diffusion. Under suitable assumptions on nonlinearity and external force, the global well-posedness has been studied. Then the pullback attractors in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) have been achieved with a restriction on the growth order of nonlinearity as [Formula: see text]. The results presented can be seen as the extension for classical theory of infinite dimensional dynamical system to the fractional diffusion equations.
ACR TI-RADS classification combined with number of nodules, halo features optimizes diagnosis and prediction of follicular thyroid cancer
Authors: Wu Shi-Ji , Tan Long , Ruan Jing-Liang , Qiu Ya , Hao Shao-Yun , Yang Hai-Yun , Luo Bao-Ming
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the application value of The American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) category combined with other ultrasound features of nodules in distinguishing follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) from thyroid follicular adenoma (FTA). METHODS: We collected and retrospectively analyzed clinical and ultrasound data for 118 and 459 patients with FTCs and FTAs, respectively, at our hospital. Next, we used ACR TI-RADS classification combined with other ultrasound features of nodules to distinguish FTC from FTA. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to screen independent risk factors for FTC, which were subsequently used to construct a nomogram for predicting FTC. RESULTS: ACR TI-RADS categories 4 and 5, unilateral multiple nodules, and halo thickness≥2 mm were independent risk factors for FTC. ACR TI-RADS category combined with number of nodules, halo features of the nodule was a significantly better prediction model for FTC diagnosis (AUC = 0.869) than that of ACR TI-RADS classification alone (AUC = 0.756). CONCLUTIONS: Clinicians need to pay attention to the halo of nodules when distinguishing FTA from FTC. Notably, ACR TI-RADS combined with other nodule ultrasound features has superior predictive performance in diagnosis of FTC compared to ACR TI-RADS classification alone, thus can provide an important reference value for preoperative diagnosis of FTC.
Self- and Other-Evaluation in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Latgé-Tovar Sofia , Bertrand Elodie , Cosentino Stephanie , Dourado Marcia C.N. , Laks Jerson , Landeira-Fernandez Jesus , Morris Robin G. , Mograbi Daniel C.
Published: September 2022

Background: Impaired awareness of ability is common in dementia and has important clinical implications. Evidence from different clinical groups has shown that awareness can vary according to whether evaluation refers to self or other performance. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate awareness for self- and other-performance in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients, exploring if results vary according to cognitive domain of the tasks. It was hypothesized that, particularly for memory tasks, AD patients would be inaccurate in relation to self-but not other-performance. Methods: Twenty-two mild to moderate AD patients and twenty-two healthy older adults participated. Two tasks, with reaction time and working memory tasks, were carried out, and each had a success and a failure condition. Participants were asked to estimate their own performance, as well as the performance of another person they observed. Awareness of performance was measured comparing participant estimations of performance with actual performance. Results: For both the reaction time and working memory tasks, results indicate that participants from both groups overestimated the performance in the failure condition and underestimated the performance in the success condition. They tended to overestimate more the performance of the other person compared to themselves. Additionally, for the working memory task, AD patients tended to overestimate more performances compared to controls. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the AD and control groups present the same pattern, with attribution of better performance to another person. For the AD group, the pattern of response was different for memory tasks, which may suggest domain-specific limited awareness.
Associations Between Vascular Diseases and Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Dementias in a Large Cohort of Men and Women with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Du Xianglin L. , Song Lulu , Schulz Paul E. , Xu Hua , Chan Wenyaw
Published: September 2022

Background: Long term risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD) associated with vascular diseases in people with colorectal cancer is unknown. Objective: To determine the risk of ADRD in association with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), stroke, hypertension, and diabetes in a cohort of patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: This retrospective cohort study consisted of 210,809 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age≥65 years in 1991–2015 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database with follow-up from 1991–2016, who were free of any ADRD at the baseline (<12 months prior to or < 30 days after the date of cancer diagnosis). Results: The crude 26-year cumulative incidence of total ADRD in men and women with colorectal cancer was higher in those with versus without CVD (31.92% versus 28.12%), with versus without stroke (39.82% versus 26.39%), with versus without hypertension (31.88% versus 24.88%), and with versus without diabetes (32.01% versus 27.66%). After adjusting for socio-demographic and tumor factors, the risk of developing ADRD was significantly higher in patients with CVD (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.17, 95% confidence intervals: 1.14–1.20), stroke (1.65, 1.62–1.68), hypertension (1.07, 1.05–1.09), and diabetes (1.26, 1.24–1.29) versus persons without. For those with 1, 2, 3 and 4 vascular diseases present versus absent, the risk of AD increased from 1.12 (1.07–1.16) to 1.31 (1.25–1.36), 1.66 (1.57–1.75), and 2.03 (1.82–2.27). Conclusion: In older patients with colorectal cancer, a significant dose-response relationship was observed between an increasing number of these vascular diseases and the risk of all types of dementia.
Homocysteine Modulates Brain Functional Connectivity in a Memory Retrieval Task
Authors: Silberstein Richard B. , Pipingas Andrew , Scholey Andrew B.
Published: September 2022

Background: Homocysteine, a methionine metabolite, is a recognized risk factor for accelerated age-related cognitive decline and dementia. Objective: In the light of studies indicating increases in brain activity and brain functional connectivity in the early stages of age-related cognitive decline, we undertook a study to examine the relationship between plasma homocysteine levels and brain functional connectivity in a group of late middle-aged males at risk of cognitive decline due to high body mass index and a sedentary lifestyle. Methods: Brain functional connectivity was measured using the steady state visual evoked potential event related partial coherence while 38 participants performed a memory task where each trial comprised an object recognition task followed by a location memory task. Results: We observed a significant transient peak in the correlation between plasma homocysteine levels and fronto-parietal brain functional connectivity immediately before the presentation of the memory location component of the task. Significantly, this correlation was only apparent if the participant pool included individuals with homocysteine concentrations above 11μmole/L. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the increased brain functional connectivity observed in the earlier stages of age-related cognitive decline reflects pathognomonic changes in brain function and not compensatory changes engaged to enhance task performance. Our findings also suggest that homocysteine interferes with the inhibition of cortical networks where this inhibition is necessary for optimum task performance. Finally, we observed that the effect of homocysteine on brain functional connectivity is only apparent at concentrations above 11μmol/L.