bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sericin alleviates motor dysfunction by modulating inflammation and TrkB/BDNF signaling pathway in the rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease model
Authors: Salari Zahra , Ashabi Ghorbangol , Fartoosi Ali , Fartoosi Ahmad , Shariatpanahi Marjan , Aghsami Mehdi , Montazeri Hamed , Kheradmand Afshin
Published: November 2023

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons and movement impairment. Based on theories, neuroinflammatory processes may be vital in the etiology of PD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Reports show that rotenone has neurotoxic, inflammatory, and motor impairment effects in PD. Sericin is a natural polymer with effective properties, such as neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of sericin administration on motor dysfunction by modulating inflammation and tyrosine kinase B/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (TrkB/BDNF) pathway in the rotenone-induced PD model.

Methods

Wistar male rats (3-months-old) were treated with rotenone (2 mg/kg every 48 h for 30 days) to induce a rotenone-induced PD model. Also, sericin was administered orally at dose of 200 mg/kg every 48 h for 30 days. Rotarod and bar tests were performed for motor dysfunction. The protein levels of BDNF, c-fos, TrkB, tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and catalase activity were evaluated in the striatum area.

Results

Results showed that sericin increased latent time in the rotarod test and decreased the time staying on the pole in the bar test compared to the PD group (P < 0.001 for both tests). Moreover, sericin treatments decreased TNF-α (P < 0.001) and IL-6 (P < 0.001) concentration levels and enhanced the levels of BDNF (P < 0.001), c-fos (P < 0.001), TrkB (P < 0.001) proteins and catalase activity (P < 0.05) in the striatum area compared to the PD group.

Conclusion

These results support a protective benefit of sericin therapy in a rotenone-induced PD paradigm by reducing motor impairment, inflammatory response, and disruption of the TrkB/BDNF signaling pathway.
The correlation between gut microbiome and atrial fibrillation: pathophysiology and therapeutic perspectives
Authors: Li Na , Wang Ling , Li Lei , Yang Meng-Zhao , Wang Qing-Xiang , Bai Xi-Wen , Gao Feng , Yuan Yi-Qiang , Yu Zu-Jiang , Ren Zhi-Gang
Published: November 2023

Regulation of gut microbiota and its impact on human health is the theme of intensive research. The incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) are continuously escalating as the global population ages and chronic disease survival rates increase; however, the mechanisms are not entirely clarified. It is gaining awareness that alterations in the assembly, structure, and dynamics of gut microbiota are intimately engaged in the AF progression. Owing to advancements in next-generation sequencing technologies and computational strategies, researchers can explore novel linkages with the genomes, transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes through parallel meta-omics approaches, rendering a panoramic view of the culture-independent microbial investigation. In this review, we summarized the evidence for a bidirectional correlation between AF and the gut microbiome. Furthermore, we proposed the concept of “gut-immune-heart” axis and addressed the direct and indirect causal roots between the gut microbiome and AF. The intricate relationship was unveiled to generate innovative microbiota-based preventive and therapeutic interventions, which shed light on a definite direction for future experiments.
Development, feasibility, and acceptability of SPoRT: a dating violence and sexual risk prevention intervention for college student-athletes
Authors: Jaffe Nicole , Jones Meredith C. , Angelone D. J.
Published: November 2023

Background

Student-athletes are one subgroup of college students in the USA at risk for dating violence and sexual risk behaviors. Despite this, research on student-athletes’ dating behaviors is limited; existing research pertains primarily to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletes and focuses on male student-athletes as perpetrators of dating and sexual violence. While some existing programs aim to reduce dating violence and promote healthy relationships, these programs are education based, and not tailored to the specific strengths and challenges of student-athletes. We therefore designed Supporting Prevention in Relationships for Teams (SPoRT), a novel, four-session prevention intervention for Division III student-athletes of all genders to reduce dating violence and sexual risk behavior by targeting knowledge and skills identified in pilot research, incorporating psychoeducation with techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, bystander intervention, and normative feedback.

Methods

This study represents stage 1 of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Stage Model for Behavioral Intervention Development, evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of SPoRT. We describe the development, content, and proposed delivery methods for SPoRT and evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of the program using a mixed-methods approach. Thirty college student-athletes (12 men, 18 women) completed questionnaires and participated in focus groups to provide feedback on the program’s length, timing, group size and dynamics, content, and suggestions for making the SPoRT prevention intervention more feasible and acceptable.

Results

Our recruitment procedures were successful, and participants rated the program as feasible in terms of delivery methods and logistics. Participants liked that SPoRT was developed based on pilot data collected from student-athletes, brief, and skills based and tailored to athletic team needs. SPoRT was perceived as appropriate and relevant to student-athlete needs in terms of dating violence and sexual risk prevention knowledge and skills. Most participants (63%) rated the program as “excellent” and said they would recommend it to others.

Conclusions

We found SPoRT to be both feasible and acceptable in terms of content and delivery. Suggested modifications will be incorporated into the SPoRT healthy relationships prevention intervention to be tested in an NIH Stage 1 efficacy trial.
A tri-level programming-based frequency regulation market equilibrium under cyber attacks
Authors: Wang Ying , Chen Chunyu , Zhang Sen , Liu Yilong , Huang Chongxin , Du Yuxin
Published: November 2023

Owing to their flexibility and rapid response, grid-connected distributed energy resources (DERs) are wielding growing influence in frequency regulation markets (FRMs). Nevertheless, compared with conventional large-scale generators, small-scale DERs are usually weakly shielded by cyber security measures. This offers attackers the opportunity of disrupting the clearing and settlement of FRMs by manipulating the bid information of DERs. In this paper, the frequency regulation market equilibrium is studied considering the dynamic gaming between attackers and defenders, both of which need the knowledge of FRMs for their interventions. Specifically, a tri-level programming model characterizing the attacker–defender–operator (ADO) interdiction problem in FRMs is developed and then analyzed using a column and constraint generation algorithm, thereby achieving market equilibrium representing the defender's best response to the attacker. The defense strategy in the market equilibrium can attenuate the negative influence of cyber attacks upon the FRMs to the maximum extent. Finally, based on the operating rules of the California Independent System Operator, the FRM process considering the ADO interdiction is simulated and the numerical equilibrium results are presented.
Examining the efficacy of the Mediterranean-DASH diet intervention for neurodegenerative delay in mitigating cognitive decline
Authors: Aderinto Nicholas , Olatunji Gbolahan , Abdulbasit Muili , Olajide Tobi Nifemi , Kokori Emmanuel
Published: November 2023

Background

The association between the Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet and cognitive decline has garnered substantial attention in recent research. This review aims to comprehensively analyse the existing evidence regarding the potential impact of the MIND diet on cognitive health.

Methods

A literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies exploring the relationship between the MIND diet and cognitive decline. A narrative synthesis approach was employed to summarise and interpret the findings from diverse study designs.

Results

The review reveals consistent evidence suggesting a positive association between adherence to the MIND diet and improved cognitive performance. Several longitudinal studies demonstrate potential preventive effects against cognitive decline, emphasising the significance of dietary habits in preserving cognitive function.

Conclusion

The MIND diet's positive impact on cognitive health is well-supported by numerous studies. Additionally, the review highlights the exciting opportunity to connect research findings with practical dietary guidance and targeted interventions, particularly for high-risk populations, to enhance cognitive health promotion.
Women’s knowledge of physiotherapy during pregnancy: a mixed study
Authors: Kingau Naomi Wanjiru , Dagala Martin
Published: November 2023

Background

Many women may not be aware of physiotherapy in pregnancy. The objective of this study was to assess the level of awareness of physiotherapy in pregnancy among pregnant women in the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH), Kenya.

Methods

A mixed study was conducted on ANC mothers, ANC nurses, and physiotherapists. Consecutive sampling was employed for the quantitative study (101 participants) and a purposive sample of 15 participants for the qualitative study. Questionnaire and interview guides were utilized for data collection. SPSS version 27 was applied for quantitative data analysis, while thematic content approach analyzed qualitative data.

Results

One hundred one ANC mothers participated in the study; the mean age was 27.3 year. Forty percent (n = 40) had attained high school education; 54% (n = 55) lived in the urban area. Seventy-five percent (n = 76) were knowledgeable on the significance of antenatal care; however, only 27% (n = 27) attended the first ANC visit, and the numbers tapered with subsequent visits to 2% (n = 2) for the 6th visit. Eighty-five percent (n = 86) did not know about physiotherapy during pregnancy, while a meager 15% (n = 15) pregnant women had knowledge regarding physiotherapy in pregnancy. Fifty-three percent of pregnant women had no source of knowledge about physiotherapy; 22% experienced LBP as a complication during the pregnancy that would be managed by physiotherapy.

Interviews elicited three themes which highlighted low knowledge of physiotherapy in pregnancy, low uptake of ANC, and the challenges facing physiotherapy education program in ANC.

Conclusion

There was low knowledge on physiotherapy among ANC mothers despite the need for this service. Low education levels and staff shortage came out strongly as the main challenges. Programs should be instituted to empower women with lower educational status to seek for apt knowledge on all relevant services during ANC. Likewise, the government should improve staff establishment in public hospitals to facilitate ANC educational programs for healthcare providers and mothers.
A novel telehealth tool using a snack activity to identify autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Ma Zenghui , Jin Yan , He Ruoying , Liu Qinyi , Su Xing , Chen Jialu , Xu Disha , Cheng Jianhong , Zheng Tiantian , Guo Yanqing , Li Xue , Liu Jing
Published: November 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented need for accessible health care services and significantly accelerated the development processes of telehealth tools for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) early screening and diagnosis. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and utility of a time-efficient telehealth tool combining a structured snack time assessment activity and a novel behaviour coding scheme for identifying ASD.

Methods

A total of 134 1–6-year-old individuals with ASD (age in months: mean = 51.3, SD = 13.1) and 134 age- and sex-matched typically developing individuals (TD) (age in months: mean = 54, SD = 9.44) completed a 1-min snack time interaction assessment with examiners. The recorded videos were then coded by trained coders for 17 ASD-related behaviours; the beginning and end points and the form and function of each behaviour were recorded, which took 10–15 min. Coded details were transformed into 62 indicators representing the count, duration, rate, and proportion of those behaviours.

Results

Twenty indicators with good reliability were selected for group difference, univariate and multivariate analyses. Fifteen behaviour indicators differed significantly between the ASD and TD groups and remained significant after Bonferroni correction, including the children’s response to the examiner’s initiation, eye gaze, pointing, facial expressions, vocalization and verbalization, and giving behaviours. Five indicators were included in the final prediction model: total counts of eye gaze, counts of standard pointing divided by the total counts of pointing, counts of appropriate facial expressions, counts of socially oriented vocalizations and verbalizations divided by the total counts of vocalizations and verbalizations, and counts of children using giving behaviours to respond to the examiner's initiations divided by the total counts of the examiner's initiation of snack requisitions. The ROC curve revealed a good prediction performance with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.955, a sensitivity of 92.5% and a specificity of 84.3%.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the snack activity-based ASD telehealth approach shows promise in primary health care settings for early ASD screening.
Nonlocal symmetries, nonlocally related systems, similarity solutions and conservation laws of the Tzitzéica-Dodd-Bullogh equation
Authors: Vinita  , Saha Ray Santanu
Published: November 2023

In this paper, a methodical procedure is utilized for the identification of nonlocal symmetries of the (1+1)-dimensional Tzitzéica-Dodd-Bullogh equation. Firstly, by introducing a set of canonical coordinates corresponding to the local Lie point symmetries, the considered partial differential eq. (PDE) is mapped to an invertibly equivalent PDE system. Furthermore, nonlocal symmetries are obtained from the inverse potential system of the invertibly equivalent PDE system. The exact solutions for the aforementioned PDE are acquired with the help of the extended generalized Kudryashov method corresponding to the admitted symmetries. In addition, the derivation of local conservation laws for the Tzitzéica-Dodd-Bullogh equation is obtained through the multiplier method. Moreover, using a symmetry-based technique and local conservation principles, a complete tree of nonlocally related PDE systems has been constructed.
Law by Night
Authors: Goldberg-Hiller Jonathan
Published: November 2023

In Law by Night Jonathan Goldberg-Hiller asks what we can learn about modern law and its authority by understanding how it operates in the dark of night. He outlines how the social experience and cultural meanings of night promote racialized and gender violence, but also make possible freedom of movement for marginalized groups that might be otherwise unavailable during the day. Examining nighttime racial violence, curfews, gun ownership, the right to sleep, and “take back the night” rallies, Goldberg-Hiller demonstrates that liberal legal doctrine lacks a theory of the night that accounts for a nocturnal politics that has historically allowed violence to persist. By locating the law's nocturnal limits, Goldberg-Hiller enriches understandings of how the law reinforces hierarchies of race and gender and foregrounds the night's potential to enliven a more egalitarian social life.
Multi-level regulation of even-skipped stripes by the ubiquitous factor Zelda
Authors: Bishop Timothy R. , Onal Pinar , Xu Zhe , Zheng Michael , Gunasinghe Himari , Nien Chung-Yi , Small Stephen , Datta Rhea R.
Published: November 2023

The zinc-finger protein Zelda (Zld) is a key activator of zygotic transcription in early Drosophila embryos. Here, we study Zld-dependent regulation of the seven-striped pattern of the pair-rule gene even-skipped (eve). Individual stripes are regulated by discrete enhancers that respond to broadly distributed activators; stripe boundaries are formed by localized repressors encoded by the gap genes. The strongest effects of Zld are on stripes 2, 3 and 7, which are regulated by two enhancers in a 3.8 kb genomic fragment that includes the eve basal promoter. We show that Zld facilitates binding of the activator Bicoid and the gap repressors to this fragment, consistent with its proposed role as a pioneer protein. To test whether the effects of Zld are direct, we mutated all canonical Zld sites in the 3.8 kb fragment, which reduced expression but failed to phenocopy the abolishment of stripes caused by removing Zld in trans. We show that Zld also indirectly regulates the eve stripes by establishing specific gap gene expression boundaries, which provides the embryonic spacing required for proper stripe activation.
Negotiations in crisis situations of the professional activity of the police of El Salvador
Authors: Campos Silva Adela Margarita , Vozzhenikova Ol'ga
Published: November 2023

The article is devoted to the use of negotiation technology by law enforcement officers in crisis situations on the example of the police of El Salvador. The historical background of the emergence of the police in the Republic of El Salvador, its primary structure, its role in the civil war of 1979-1993, the Chapultepec Peace Agreements, the transition from the punitive functions of the National Guard to the law enforcement of the National Civil Police (PNC), which is currently the main law enforcement agency of the state, is briefly presented. Structure and functions of the National Civil Police.

The article notes the universality of negotiations as a technology that allows a police officer to successfully get out of a crisis situation with minimal damage to himself and the parties to the conflict, to prevent or minimize the consequences of an offense or crime. A list of recommendations on the organization and content of the stages of the negotiation process has been formed. The professional competencies necessary for a successful negotiator are identified. The conclusions summarize the research work done and determine the optimal approaches to the selection of negotiators from among police officers and the conditions for the formation of their necessary professional skills and personal qualities.

Based on the analysis of the activities of the Salvadoran police, it is obvious that many important skills of a negotiator can be acquired by an employee either within the framework of professional experience or in the process of special training.
Life orientations of males with different social status
Authors: Istomin Artem , Smirnova Valeria , Sobolev Nikolay , Sumina Ekaterina
Published: November 2023

The article is devoted to the study of the content features of the life orientations of males with different social status – students and those sentenced to imprisonment, to assess ideas about the main and meaning of life, as well as about life principles that are a means of personal self-development. The structure and content of life orientations is defined as the subject of this study, the purpose of which is to analyze and describe the features of life orientations contained in the ideas about life rules in men with different social status. The research methodology was based on the following theoretical positions: the concept of values and value orientations, the concept of meaning-life orientations, the concept of life orientations, the concept of life principles as a means of personal self-development of a person, ideas about the main things in life and the meanings of life in the works of domestic psychologists.

At different stages of scientific research, the following methods were used: analysis and generalization of psychological literature on the problem under study, the method of unfinished sentences, a retrospective questionnaire of life principles. The total volume of the empirical sample was 150 people (convicts of the Kirovo-Chepetsk correctional colony (n=74) and students of the Vyatka State University Sports Faculty (n=76). A direct empirical study was conducted in 2019 using the method of unfinished sentences and a retrospective questionnaire of N. A. Nizovskikh's life principles. Mathematical and statistical data processing included the calculation of descriptive statistics, which was implemented in MS Excel and IBM SPSS Statistics v 27 software products.

Based on the results of theoretical and analytical studies, the similarity of the structure of life orientations in the two groups of respondents studied was determined, represented through the attitude of the subject to himself and others, as well as through the manifestation of attitudes to life, nature and values, etc. (there are nine generalized constructs in total). It was found that the content of the life values of students and convicts have both similarities and differences. The majority of respondents borrowed life principles from their parents, it was also found that some of the principles are formulated in the process of communication and interaction with significant others.

The scientific novelty of the study is to identify the essential constructs of life orientations, presented in the rules of life and ideas about the main thing in life and the meaning of life, the description of generalized constructs of life orientations of men with different social status. The practical significance of the conducted research consists in the possibility, according to the criterion of priority life orientations, to organize a psychological design of the internal picture of the subject's life activity.
On Solving MAX-SAT Using Sum of Squares
Authors: Sinjorgo Lennart , Sotirov Renata
Published: November 2023

We consider semidefinite programming (SDP) approaches for solving the maximum satisfiability (MAX-SAT) problem and weighted partial MAX-SAT. It is widely known that SDP is well-suited to approximate (MAX-)2-SAT. Our work shows the potential of SDP also for other satisfiability problems by being competitive with some of the best solvers in the yearly MAX-SAT competition. Our solver combines sum of squares (SOS)–based SDP bounds and an efficient parser within a branch-and-bound scheme. On the theoretical side, we propose a family of semidefinite feasibility problems and show that a member of this family provides the rank-two guarantee. We also provide a parametric family of semidefinite relaxations for MAX-SAT and derive several properties of monomial bases used in the SOS approach. We connect two well-known SDP approaches for (MAX)-SAT in an elegant way. Moreover, we relate our SOS-SDP relaxations for partial MAX-SAT to the known SAT relaxations.

History: Accepted by Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms – Discrete.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoc.2023.0036 .
When Bonuses Backfire: Evidence from the Workplace
Authors: Alfitian Jakob , Sliwka Dirk , Vogelsang Timo
Published: November 2023

Monetary incentives are widely used to align employee actions with employer objectives. We conducted a field experiment in a retail chain to evaluate whether an attendance bonus could reduce employee absenteeism. Apprentices in 232 stores were randomly assigned to a control group or one of two treatment groups in which a monetary or time-off attendance bonus was introduced for one year. We find that neither variant of the attendance bonus led to a systematic reduction in absenteeism. On the contrary, the monetary attendance bonus increased absenteeism substantially by around 50% on average, which corresponds to more than five additional days absent per employee and year. This effect was driven by the most recently hired apprentices. Survey results reveal that the monetary attendance bonus shifted the perception of absenteeism as acceptable behavior. The backfiring effect persisted beyond the end of the experiment, indicating a lasting erosion of social norms.

This paper was accepted by Marie Claire Villeval, behavioral economics and decision analysis.

Funding: Funding by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG; German Research Foundation) [Grant EXC 2126/1–390838866] is gratefully acknowledged.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.00484 .
Physico-chemical Characteristics of Jelly Drink with Variation of Red Dragon Fruit Peel (Hylocereus polyrhizus) and Additional Sappan Wood (Caesalpinia sappan)
Authors: Indriani Osa Desvy , Khairi Amalya Nurul
Published: November 2023

Red dragon fruit peel can be developed into a jelly drink because it naturally contains pectin which can be used as a thickening agent. Sappan wood contains bioactive substances including antioxidants of 15.69 ppm, anthocyanin 2.43%, and brazilin which can increase the red color in jelly drinks. This study contributes to determining the physicochemical characteristics of the red dragon fruit peel jelly drink with the addition of sappan wood. This study consisted of three formulations and a control. The concentrations of red dragon fruit peel and sappan wood were F1=1.5:0.5, F2=1.7:0.3, F3=1.9:0.1, and control (F4=2 :0). The product evaluation consists of pH, gel strength, viscosity, crude fiber, and moisture content. This study showed that the physical properties of jelly drink had a pH value between 6.49-6.67, a gel strength between 0.20-0.22, and a viscosity between 372-583 mPa.s. The chemical properties of jelly drinks have 1.29-2.13% crude fiber and 71.27-76.69% moisture content. This study showed that the higher the red dragon fruit peel concentration and the lower the sappan wood used, the higher the gel strength, viscosity, and crude fiber content, and lowered the pH value and moisture content.
Effect of Soybean (Glicyne max (L.) Merill) with Lamtoro Gung (Leucaena leucocephala) Proportion on the Characteristics of Soy Milk
Authors: Ramadhania Rizky Laila , Saidi Ida Agustini , Nurbaya Syarifa Ramadhani , Machfudz Al
Published: November 2023

The utilization of soy milk is an alternative for people with lactose intolerance. Soy milk can be made with lamtoro gung substitution because the nutritional content of lamtoro gung is close to soybeans. This research aimed to determine the effect of soybean/lamtoro gung proportion on the characteristics of soy milk. This research was conducted from May until July 2022. The experimental study used a randomized block design with the treatment were soybean (K) with lamtoro gung (L) proportion S1 (K 100%: L 0%), S2 (K 95%: L 5%), S3 (K 90%: L 10%), S4 (K 85%: L 15%), S5 (K 80: L 20%), S6 (K 75%: L25), S7 (K 70%: L 30%) S8 (K 65%: L 35%), and S9 (K 60%: L 40%). The data obtained were then analyzed using analysis of variance and further test BNJ 5%, the organoleptic test used Friedman test, and determine the best treatment used effectiveness index. The results showed a significant effect of soybean with lamtoro gung proportion on protein content, vitamin C content, vitamin A content, pH, viscosity, TDS, and hedonic test of aroma and taste. The best treatment was S3 (soybean 90%: lamtoro 10% with characteristics of protein content 3.304%, vitamin C content 0.291%, vitamin A content 2.239 mg/g, pH 5.917, viscosity 3.533×103 mPa.s, TDS 7.833 °brix, and hedonic test of color 3.40, aroma 3.30, taste 3.40, and texture 3.20. This study contributes to evaluate the soy milk characteristics from soybean and lamtoro gung.
Emotion-based themes and locutions in Ahmed Yerima’s Otaelo
Authors: Olatundun Joshua Oladepo
Published: November 2023

This study investigates locutionary indexing of emotion-based themes using Ahmed Yerima’s Otaelo as our selected text. Ahmed Yerima’s Otaelo has a considerable volume of pragmatically salient emotional themes. Aspects of the theories of speech acts, modified Odebunmi’s adapted model of pragmeme and emotionology, considered capable of addressing linguistic forms and functions and expression of emotion were adopted. The findings revealed that themes of emotional satisfaction and perturbation are found in Otaelo. Emotional satisfaction, incorporating love, assurance, appreciation and admiration, are indexed in the text. Emotional perturbation covers fear, anger, rejection, deception, conflict, disparagement and regret. The paper concludes that Ahmed Yerima’s Otaelo thematised emotional satisfaction and perturbation through salient locutions, thereby contributing to the increasing works on pragmatics.
Hoaxes and infodemics: Digital transformation challenges (Case study on Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia)
Authors: Fajri Choirul , Prajarto Nunung , Abrar Ana Nadhya
Published: November 2023

Digital transformation has many implications for society, not only positive, but also negative. Various crimes in the cyber world, including hoaxes and infodemics, are something that cannot be avoided. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the rise of hoax and infodemic news made the handling of Covid-19 in Indonesia more complex. Many people are victims of hoaxes which in the end take action against government policies related to Covid-19, such as reluctance to comply with health protocols and rejection of vaccination programs. This research contributes to studying the challenges of digital transformation in Indonesia, especially during the past Covid-19 pandemic. The research method used in this paper is a case study. Data collection was carried out by in-depth interviews from Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, literature studies, both from books, journals and scientific articles. The results of this study indicate that digital transformation has encouraged the growth of hoaxes and infodemics which have hampered efforts to deal with Covid-19. The Indonesian government needs to take structured actions in dealing with this hoax and infodemic, and make regulations to optimize the digital transformation process.
Excavation of the Suspect's Identity by Analysis of the Speaker Profiling Case Evidence of Fake Voice Recordings
Authors: Zahra Tsurayya Yusra Zahirah , Wei Zhang
Published: November 2023

Technological developments, especially in AI applications, allow someone to commit criminal acts by changing other people's voices. This study implements forensic linguistics by comparing data sources on the audio of Lesti (L) and Rizky Billar (RB) to ensure the originality of the sounds. The Speaker Profiling method with aural-perception analysis is used because there is no valid comparative evidence, so the audio comparison is taken from the L and RB platforms published to the public. This research resulted in two different aspects of each audio: phonetics and acoustics. These two aspects show the two audio sources' differences in pronunciation, emphasis, frequency, and tone. As a result, the vote is identified as a hoax. This research can demonstrate the use of software to help identify individual language profiles; it contributes to the development of applied linguistics, especially as a legal aid tool. Researchers hope that there will be further research from other linguists that will address more benefits of using AI / Corpus technology as a linguistic analysis tool, both with spoken and written data.
Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of human needs building self-actualization reflected in a Broken Home child character
Authors: Ahdiani Ulaya , Maulana Alfian
Published: November 2023

In the world where a broken family can breaks someone’s life, can self-actualization bring a better life to broken home children? Claire Legrand’s Some Kind of Happiness tells us about Finley Hart, an eleven years old child, who visits her estranged grandparents because her parents have problems leading to divorce. With a lot of mental problems faced by the character, this study wants to analyze how four basic needs build self-actualization. researcher collects the data from character Finley Hart in the novel Some Kind of Happiness with general inductive approach. This method enables researcher to dig significant data about Finley’s psychology over general condition in the story. Researcher also uses hierarchy of human needs theory by Abraham Maslow. This theory provides a structural explanation about basic human needs, self-actualization, and its benefit. From the study, researcher finds that every basic needs are important and supports each other in order to bring self-actualization. Self-actualization itself is crucial for it bring contentment to oneself. With the benefit of self-actualization, Finley has become a better and happier person. It proves that basic needs and self-actualization are essential for broken-home children.
The relationships between upper extremity muscle strength and endurance with respiratory function, functional capacity and quality of life in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Maden Çağtay , Bayramlar Kezban , Maden Tuba , Sağlam Melda , Eltan Sevgi Bilgiç , Keskin Özlem
Published: November 2023

Background/Aims

The number of studies exploring isolated upper extremity muscle strength and endurance in paediatric patients with cystic fibrosis is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between upper extremity muscle strength and endurance with respiratory functions, functional capacity and quality of life in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis.

Methods

Children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis performed a flexed arm hang test to measure muscle endurance, movement against a dynamometer to measure muscle strength, a pulmonary function test and 6-minute walk test to measure functional capacity. The Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire Revised was used to assess quality of life.

Results

A total of 29 children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (15 girls, 14 boys) participated in the study. Biceps muscle strength moderately correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second predicted percentage, forced vital capacity predicted percentage and the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity predicted percentage (r=0.306, P=0.035; r=0.405; P=0.029; r=0.367, P=0.048, respectively). Biceps muscle strength, shoulder abductors muscle strength, hand grip strength and flexed arm hang test correlated with the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity predicted percentage. Biceps muscle strength, shoulder abductors muscle strength, hand grip strength and flexed arm hang test correlated with 6-minute walk test distance (r=0.678, p<0.001; r=0.732, p<0.001; r=0.512, P=0.005; r=0.375, P=0.045, respectively). Biceps muscle strength and shoulder abductors muscle strength moderately correlated with emotional functioning and eating disturbances in the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire Revised (r=0.451, P=0.014).

Conclusions

Specific assessment of upper extremity muscle strength and endurance in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis may be helpful in informing physiotherapists of respiratory function, functional capacity and quality of life status.]
Effect of music therapy on language skills in children with specific language impairment: A systematic review
Authors:   Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, Wanicharoen Natwipa , Boonrod Vich ,   Department of Music, Faculty of Humanities, Naresuan University, Phisanulok Province, Thailand
Published: November 2023

Background: Specific language impairment (SLI) delays language development without any neurological damage or disease. This impairment extends to nonlinguistic tasks, such as music perception skills. In recent years, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and music therapists (MTs) have collaborated to develop and improve approaches for children with communication disorders (CDs), including global developmental delay (GDD), SLI, mild developmental delay (DD), and the risk of developing reading difficulties, by integrating music therapy (MT) and speech therapy (ST). MT could be considered as one of the alternative methods offered to children with SLI to enhance their language skills. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of MT interventions on language skills in children with SLI and to investigate the characteristics of other intervention features in these studies, such as interventionists, intervention, settings, session type, and music methods. Materials and methods: The study was a systematic review conducted within the framework of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses (PRISMA). The quality of the research results was assessed using the critical appraisal tools provided by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Results: Two studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. The two main types of MT employed were song cues and creative music therapy based on the Nordoff-Robbins approach. Current evidence suggests that music therapy improves components of language, including phonology, syntax, morphology, and other aspects of speech development, such as understanding sentences and memory for sentences, in children with SLI. Conclusion: MT can be a valuable and effective intervention for children with SLI. The introduction of transdisciplinary programs that integrate MT and ST could be recommended. However, MT training courses are required for SLPs.
MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES FROM GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AT A TERTIARY ORTHOPAEDIC CENTRE
Authors: Leslie Kenneth , Matshidza Steven
Published: November 2023

Intimate partner violence (IPV) causes significant morbidity and its unlikely to be reported compared to other forms of gender-based violence (GBV). For early detection, understanding Orthopaedic injuries from GBV is vital. This study assesses the pattern of musculoskeletal injuries from GBV and determines the factors associated with it.

It is a retrospective observational study of patients aged ≥18 years, with GBV-related acute Orthopaedic injuries. Data was reviewed from January 2021 to December 2021, including, demographic information, soft tissue and bony injuries, relationship to assailant, substance abuse and the day and time of injury. Frequencies and percentages for categorical data were analysed. Chi-square test was used to calculate association. T-test was used to compare groups for continuous & categorical variables. Multivariate analysis was conducted to find the odds ratio and a p-value <0.05 was statistically significant.

138 patients were included, the mean age at presentation being 35.02 years (SD=11). 92.75% of GBV victims were females. Most were unemployed (66.7%). 30.43% (n-42) had a soft tissue injury; superficial laceration being the most common (23.1%), flexor tendon injury (10.87%), hand abscess (5.8%), and extensor tendon injury (5.07%). 71.02 % (n=98) sustained appendicular fractures. 51.45% (n=71) sustained upper limb fractures; distal radius fractures (10.86%) and distal 3rd ulnar fractures (9,42%). 19.57% (n=27) had lower limb fractures; 7.25% (n=10) had lateral malleolus ankle fractures. 63.7% (n=80) of cases were by an intimate partner on weekends (50.73%). 62.31% occurred between 16h00 and 0h00. 41.1% (n=65) reported alcohol abuse. 63.04% had surgery.

GBV likely occurs in early middle-aged females by intimate partners influenced by alcohol over the weekends between 16h00 to 0h00. Distal radius/distal 3rd ulnar fractures are the most common bony injuries. Superficial wrist laceration is the commonest soft tissue injury. These findings may assist with early detection and intervention to prevent adverse outcomes in GBV.
THE ROLE OF PROPHYLACTIC ANTIBIOTICS IN ZONE II AND ZONE V ACUTE FLEXOR TENDON INJURIES
Authors: Tshisikule Rihangwele
Published: November 2023

Our study sought to establish the necessity of prolonged pre-operative antibiotic prophylaxis in patients presenting with zone II and zone V acute flexor tendon injuries (FTI). We hypothesized that a single dose of prophylactic antibiotic was adequate in prevention of post-operative wound infection in acute zone II and V FTI.

This was a prospective study of 116 patients who presented with zone II and zone V acute FTI. The study included patients who were 18 years and older. Those with macroscopic contamination, immunocompromised, open fractures, bite injuries, and crush injuries were excluded. Patients were randomised into a group receiving a single dose of prophylactic antibiotic and another group receiving a continuous 8 hourly antibiotic doses until the day of surgery. Each group was subdivided into occupational and non-occupational injuries. Their post-operative wound outcomes were documented 10 – 14 days after surgery. The wound outcome was reported as no infection, superficial infection (treated with wound dressings), and deep infection (requiring surgical debridement).

There was 0.9% rate of deep post-operative wound infections, which was a single zone V acute FTI case in a single dose prophylactic antibiotic group. There was a 7.8% superficial post-operative wound infection rate, which was mainly zone II acute FTI in both antibiotic groups. There was a strong association between zone II acute FTI and post-operative wound infection (p < 0.05). There was no association between (antibiotic dosage or place of injury) with post-operative wound infection (p > 0.05).

There is no benefit in prescribing prolonged pre-operative antibiotic in patients with acute, simple lacerations to zone II and zone V FTI if there is no macroscopic wound contamination.
IS A COCCYGECTOMY AN EFFICACIOUS SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR DEBILITATING COCCYGEAL PAIN?
Authors: Younus Aftab , Aftab Mohammad , Nxiweni Lonwabo
Published: November 2023

To determine the demographic, pre-operative, operative, post-operative, and outcome in seven patients who presented to our unit over a 5-year period and underwent a coccydectomy for coccydynia unresponsive to conservative measures.

We performed a retrospective chart review of seven patients who presented to the Department of Orthopaedics at Helen Joseph hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, with coccidia unresponsive to a trial of adequate conservative measures, and underwent operative intervention. The study period was from 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2018.

The mean age of subjects in our study was 53 years. The average length of conservative treatment prior to presentation to our unit was 8 months. All patients were taken to surgery and the mean length of surgery was 49 min and the mean volume of intra-operative blood loss was 63.4 ml. In all 7 (100%) of subjects a total coccygectomy was performed. At our 1-year end point all 7 (100%) subjects reported a favourable outcome and were satisfied – extremely satisfied with the procedure.

In our study a total coccygectomy resulted in a significant reduction in coccygeal pain and subjects a 1-year follow-up end point. We recommend that in patients who fail an adequate recognized trial of conservative measures for coccydynia, a total coccygectomy should be performed.
NECROTIZING SOFT-TISSUE INFECTIONS: A RETROSPECTIVE CASE SERIES AT A DISTRICT HOSPITAL IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Benjamin Loren Bridget
Published: November 2023

Necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) is a rapidly progressive infection that typically starts in the dermis and epidermis and spreads along soft tissue planes, penetrating subdermal layers and can lead to massive tissue necrosis resulting in severe morbidity and mortality. The aim of this case series was to describe the epidemiology and burden of NSTI's at a District Hospital servicing a South African urban settlement.

This retrospective case series was performed at a single centre. Consecutive patients were identified following a clinical diagnosis for NSTI. Further laboratory pre-operative work up was standardized including: use of validated Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC scores) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) status. All patients who underwent surgical debridement were captured on the Theatre Database (www.medwebtools.org™). All patients received standardized perioperative, intra-operative and post-operative protocols for antibiotics, debridement and soft tissue closure or cover based on the severity of disease. Medical records, theatre notes, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) results and radiological results were captured for every patient.

28 patients (14 male, 14 female) presented with NSTI over a 3 year period (2021–2023). The mean age was 39.5 years. The most common organisms cultured were Streptococcus pyogenes (10 patients), Staphylococcus aureus (9 patients), Bacillus cereus (3 patients).

This retrospective case series is an important study because it demonstrates some of the highest incidence of NSTI globally; however, the cause of this is yet to be determined. Our results show that having a high clinical index of suspicion; using the LRINEC score to assess severity and using a standardized antibiotic and peri-operative protocol with early soft tissue cover that NSTI's can be managed effectively with a reduction in patient morbidity and overall length of hospital stay.
NEW INCENTIVES AND PITFALLS IN PATIENT-SPECIFIC 3D-PRINTED PELVIC IMPLANTS
Authors: Olivier André , Vicatos George
Published: November 2023

Custom 3D printed implants can be anatomically designed to assist in complex surgery of the bony pelvis in both orthopaedic oncology and orthopaedic reconstruction surgery.

This series includes patients who had major pelvic bone loss after initially presenting with tumours, fractures or infection after previous total hip arthroplasty. The extent of the bone loss in the pelvis was severe and therefore impossible to be reconstructed by conventional ‘off –the-shelve’ implants. The implant was designed considering the remaining bony structures of the contra-lateral hemi- pelvis, to provide an anatomical, secured support for the reconstructed hip joint. The latter was realised by strategically orientated screws and by porous structures (an integral part of the implant), which stimulates osseointegration. A custom pelvic implant was designed, manufactured and 3D printed. Reconstruction of the pelvis was performed together with a cemented (bipolar bearing) acetabular cup. In some cases, a proximal femoral replacement was also necessary to compensate for bony defects.

All patients had sufficient range of motion (ROM) at the hip with post-operative stability. It has been verified, at six and twelve months postoperatively, that there is a strong hold of the implant due to osseointegration. Additionally, in patients whose posterior acetabular wall was missing, it was discovered that the implant assisted in bone formation and covered the entire posterior surface of the implant.

All patients in this study managed with this novel treatment option, proved to have a stable pelvic reconstruction with restoration of leg lengths, improvement of strength and independent ambulation at short and medium term follow-up.