bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of the Common Neurodegenerative Disorders: Current
Therapeutic Approaches and the Potential Role of Bioactive Peptides
Authors: Singh Kuldeep , Gupta Jeetendra Kumar , Kumar Shivendra , Soni Urvashi
Published: April 2024

Neurodegenerative disorders, which include Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease
(PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), represent a significant
and growing global health challenge. Current therapies predominantly focus on symptom management
rather than altering disease progression. In this review, we discuss the major therapeutic
strategies in practice for these disorders, highlighting their limitations. For AD, the mainstay treatments
are cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. For
PD, dopamine replacement therapies, including levodopa, are commonly used. HD is managed primarily
with symptomatic treatments, and reusable extends survival in ALS. However, none of these
therapies halts or substantially slows the neurodegenerative process. In contrast, this review
highlights emerging research into bioactive peptides as potential therapeutic agents. These naturally
occurring or synthetically designed molecules can interact with specific cellular targets, potentially
modulating disease processes. Preclinical studies suggest that bioactive peptides may mitigate
oxidative stress, inflammation, and protein misfolding, which are common pathological features
in neurodegenerative diseases. Clinical trials using bioactive peptides for neurodegeneration
are limited but show promising initial results. For instance, hemiacetal, a γ-secretase inhibitor peptide,
has shown potential in AD by reducing amyloid-beta production, though its development was
discontinued due to side effects. Despite these advancements, many challenges remain, including
identifying optimal peptides, confirming their mechanisms of action, and overcoming obstacles related
to their delivery to the brain. Future research should prioritize the discovery and development
of novel bioactive peptides and improve our understanding of their pharmacokinetics and
pharmacodynamics. Ultimately, this approach may lead to more effective therapies for neurodegenerative
disorders, moving beyond symptom management to potentially modify the course of these
devastating diseases.
Research Progress on Extracellular Matrix Involved in the Development
of Preeclampsia
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhang Qi , Ren Yi , Liu Chao , Gao Huijie
Published: April 2024

Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious pregnancy complication, and its primary clinical manifestations
are gestational hypertension and proteinuria. Trophoblasts are responsible for the basic
functions of the placenta during placental development; recent studies have revealed that placental
“shallow implantation” caused by the decreased invasiveness of placental trophoblasts plays a crucial
role in PE pathogenesis. The interaction between the cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM)
plays a crucial role in trophoblast proliferation, differentiation, and invasion. Abnormal ECM function
can result in insufficient migration and invasion of placental trophoblasts, thus participating
in PE. This article summarizes the recent studies on the involvement of ECM components, including
small leucine-rich proteoglycans, syndecans, glypicans, laminins, fibronectin, collagen, and
hyaluronic acid, in the development of PE. ECM plays various roles in PE development, most
notably by controlling the activities of trophoblasts. The ECM is structurally stable and can serve
as a biological diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for PE.
Review Deciphering the Potential of Nanotherapeutics in Lung Cancer Management
Authors: Chauhan Prashant , Pandey Pratibha , Ramniwas Seema , Khan Fahad
Published: April 2024

Lung cancer remains a formidable challenge in oncology, necessitating the develop-ment of more effective prognostic and diagnostic techniques due to inefficient conventional therapeutic approaches and inadequate methods for early lung cancer diagnosis. Despite im-mense progress in the development of innovative strategies to alleviate the impact of this devas-tating disease, the outcomes, unfortunately, remain unsatisfactory, particularly in targeted drug delivery methods. Consequently, nanotechnology has emerged as a revolutionary force in cancer research to develop more effective targeted drug delivery tools due to its extraordinary capacity at the atomic and molecular levels. It has appeared as a beacon of hope in this area of unmet need, providing innovative ways for the prognosis and diagnosis of lung carcinoma. Therefore, this comprehensive review delves into the evolving field of nano-based therapeutics, shedding light on their potential to transform lung cancer treatment. This study meticulously explores the most promising nano-based strategies that have been extensively linked with the treatment of lung carcinoma and mainly emphasizes targeted drug delivery methods and therapies. Addition-ally, this review encapsulates the favorable results of clinical trials, which support the potential pathways for further development of nanotherapeutics in lung cancer management
Early Detection of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Diabetic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Amelia Rina , Wahyuni Arlinda Sari , Yunanda Yuki , Fujiati Isti Ilmiati , Harahap Juliandi , Wijaya Hendri , Zulham Zulham , Saktioto Saktioto
Published: April 2024

Background:

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is a chronic complication in
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients and is characterized by paresthesia, pain, and hypoesthesia
of the extremities. The Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom-Score (DNS) is a quick, inexpensive,
and easy-to-perform tool to detect DPN in clinical practice. Biochemical markers like
Nitric Oxide (NO) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) play a role in the early detection
of DPN. This study aims to investigate the relationship between risk factors and these
biomarkers. So, it is expected to improve the prevention and treatment of diabetic neuropathy
more effectively.

Method:

A cross-sectional method was used for this study. The sample size was 85 patients
with T2DM who visited several primary healthcare in Medan, selected by consecutive sampling
method based on eligibility criteria. Data collected included DNS, assessment of NO, VEGF,
Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1C), plasma blood glucose (PBG), and lipid profile. The collected
data were analyzed using an independent T-test.

Result:

The results showed that most T2DM patients, namely 73 people (85.9%), experienced
DPN. From the bivariate analysis results, the risk factors associated with the prevalence of
DPN in T2DM patients were found to be increased levels of total cholesterol, HbA1c, NO, and
VEGF (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, blood pressure, fasting BGL, HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglycerides
were not related to the occurrence of DPN in this study (p> 0.05).

Conclusion:

DNS can be used as a quick and easy initial screening tool implemented in clinical
practice for screening DPN. Diabetic patients with DPN tend to have lower NO and increased
VEGF; besides, NO levels are also associated with the progression of DPN. Furthermore, education,
blood sugar control, and physical exercise, especially leg exercises, can prevent progressive
DPN.
Research on the Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Diseases caused by Human Coronavirus COVID-19
Authors: Wang Xian-Fang , Ma Chong-Yang , Du Zhi-Yong , Liu Yi-Feng , Ma Shao-Hui , Yu Sang , Jin Rui-xia , Wei Dong-Qing
Published: April 2024

Background:

Human coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that exist widely in nature
and multiply through self-replication. Due to its suddenness and variability, it poses a great
threat to global human health and is a major problem currently faced by the medical and health
fields.

Objective:

COVID-19 is the seventh known coronavirus that can infect humans. The main purpose
of this paper is to analyze the effective components and action targets of the Longyi Zhengqi formula
and Lianhua Qingwen formula, study their mechanism of action in the treatment of new coronavirus
pneumonia (new coronavirus pneumonia), compare the similarities and differences of their
pharmacological effects, and obtain the pharmacodynamic mechanism of the two traditional Chinese
medicine compounds.

Methods:

Obtain the effective ingredients and targets of Longyi-Zhengqi Formula and Lianhua-
Qingwen Formula from ETCM (Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine) and other traditional
Chinese medicine databases, use GeneCards database to obtain the relevant targets of COVID-19,
and use Cytoscape software to build the component COVID-19 target network of Longyi-Zhengqi
Formula and the component COVID-19 target network of Lianhua-Qingwen Formula. STRING was
used to construct a protein interaction network and screen key targets. GO (Gene Ontology) was
used for enrichment analysis and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) was used for
pathways to find out the targets and pathways related to the treatment of COVID-19.

Results:

In the GO enrichment analysis results, there are 106 biological processes, 31 cell localization
and 28 molecular functions of the intersection PPI network targets of Longyi-Zhengqi Formula-
COVID-19, 224 biological processes, 51 cell localization and 55 molecular functions of the intersection
PPI network targets of Lianhua-Qingwen Formula-COVID-19. In the KEGG pathway analysis results,
the number of targets of Longyi-Zhengqi Formula on the COVID-19 pathway is 7, and the number
of targets of Lianhua-Qingwen Formula on the COVID-19 pathway is 19; In the regulation analysis
results, Longyi-Zhengqi Formula achieves the effect of treating COVID-19 by regulating IL-6, and
Lianhua-Qingwen Formula achieves the effect of treating pneumonia by regulating TLR4.

Conclusion:

This paper explores the mechanism of action of Longyi-Zhengqi Formula and
Lianhua-Qingwen Formula in treating COVID-19 based on the method of network pharmacology,
and provides a theoretical basis for traditional Chinese medicine to treat sudden diseases caused by
human coronavirus in terms of drug targets and disease interactions. It has certain practical significance.
Optimization of a Validated Liquid Chromatographic Method with
Chemometric Approach for Estimation of Eugenol from Seed Powder
Extract and Perform Anti-oxidant Activity
Authors: Ahmad Makhmur , Kaur Jasmeet , Khan Shamshir , Pallavi Mangesh Patil , Hashmi Sana , S. Roshan , Taleuzzaman Mohamad
Published: April 2024

Background::

Developed and validated a new reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method, and it is prompt, precise, sensitive and robust for the esti-mation of eugenol in seed powder extract of Myristica fragrans.

Objective::

The chemometric approach was utilized to obtain a rugged and definitive chromato-graphic method for the purpose.

Methods::

Method variables such as acetonitrile (%) and flow rate were investigated for robust-ness and optimization by using a face-centered cubic design (FCCD). The Design Expert 12.0.1.0 software has been employed for this optimization. Further, the effects of factors were monitored on the concentrations of eugenol recovered from seed powder extract. Chromatograms have been developed by using an optimized mobile phase mixture containing methanol-water-acetonitrile (10:40:50, v/v/v) and Symmetry® C18 column (5 μm, 3.9 ×150 mm). The mobile phase was de-rived at a flow rate of 1 mL/min, and estimation of eugenol was performed at ʎmax 272 nm.

Results::

Validation of the method has been carried out to reveal its selectivity, linearity, preci-sion, accuracy, LOD, and LOQ. Linear calibration plot for eugenol was held over the concentra-tion across 6.25 and 100 μg/mL (R2 = 0.999). The coefficient of variation was less than 1%, and accurate recovery of eugenol was observed between 96.80 and 99.56 %. The LOD and LOQ have been established to be 1.97 and 6.25 μg/mL, respectively. Intraday and Inter-day coefficients of variation have 1.81-1.91 and 1.92-1.57, respectively. Antioxidant activity (AA) by DPPH assay of seed powder extract in five different solvents was performed, and % AA activity was calculat-ed against ascorbic acid.

Conclusion::

The validated method has been found to be highly robust and will be applied for the analysis of eugenol in formulation. The highest % AA has been reported in hexane solvent.
Formulation and evaluation of virgin coconut oil (VCO) lotion: Effect of variation in emulsifier type and concentration
Authors: Rizqi Amaliyah Putri , Mardawati Efri , Pareira Prawiranegara Boy Macklin
Published: April 2024

Indonesia is a tropical country rich in agricultural commodities, such as coconut. One of the derived products from coconut is virgin coconut oil (VCO), which widely used as ingredient in cosmetic lotion products. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of variations in the addition of emulsifiers to VCO cream lotion. Two emulsifiers were used, including Tween 80 and Span 80 with concentrations of 5% without essential oil, 5%, 4%, 3%, and 2%. Quality parameters analyzed were homogeneity, specific gravity, stability, pH, and organoleptic. The data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskall-Wallis test. The results showed that Tween 80 and Span 80 emulsifiers significantly affected physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics, except pH value. The selected best formulation was cream lotion with the addition of 2% emulsifier formulation. This VCO lotion had a quality value according to SNI 16-4399-1996 and had organoleptic characteristics most preferred by the panelists.
Impact of Leverage, Solvency and Size Effect on Mexican Capital Market Firms Returns
Authors: Sosa Miriam , Cabello Alejandra , Ortiz Calisto Edgar
Published: April 2024

The objective is to analyze the impact of leverage (short- and long-term debt), capital structure, solvency, Returns on Assets (ROA), and firm size on the stock returns of 52 firms quoted in Mexican stock market (BMV) for the period 2011(1Q)-2021(2Q). Methodology includes three panel approaches are implemented: Pooled Ordinary Least Square (POLS), Fixed-Effect Model (FEM) and Random Effect Model (REM). Findings suggest a statistically significant negative effect of firm size stock returns, whereas there is a statistically significant and positive impact of ROA and solvency on stock returns. We recommend that, investors should pay attention, not only, to company size and profitability-related indicators, but also to indebtedness, to prices reflect the risk associated with the assets. The originality lies in the fact that the issue of capital structure and its impact on the market value of Mexican companies has been scarcely studied, and an extensive sample of companies is used, and various panel data methodologies are also used to compare the results. We conclude that, the size and profitability indicators have a significant effect on the stock returns, but the leverage does not.
Labor Productivity Convergence among Eurozone Member Countries
Authors: Ortega-Díaz Araceli , Santillán-Salgado Roberto J.
Published: April 2024

This paper analyzes the evolution of labor productivity among the Eurozone’s member countries between 1999 and 2019, using a dynamic panel estimate. The main findings indicate that, since the adoption of the single currency in 1999, both productivity per worker and productivity per hour followed different routes among Eurozone countries. Convergence among the founding countries stagnated after 2008, probably because of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). But in the countries that joined the Eurozone several years after its creation, convergence did not slow down; indeed, towards the end of the period, the convergence of labor productivity among new entrants did not slow down. This paper focuses on measuring convergence in labor productivity and should be continued with a diagnosis of the likely causes of its stagnation. In this sense, it opens a line of research whose findings will contribute to the design of international integration policy between regions.
El desempeño del sistema bancario mexicano como resultado de la inclusión tecnológica digital
Authors: Banda Ortíz Humberto , Góngora Jiménez Sergio Rodolfo , Vivanco Vargas Martín , Castillo Ramírez Claudia Estrella
Published: April 2024

El objetivo es determinar la relación entre el desempeño del sistema bancario mexicano y el uso de la tecnología digital. La metodología es a través del uso del modelo de datos de panel de efectos fijos, se utilizó la utilidad por acción y la relaciona con el incremento de la infraestructura tecnológica. El resultado muestra que el desempeño del sistema bancario mexicano se encuentra significativamente determinada por el incremento de la inversión tecnológica, la diversidad de tecnologías usadas y las facilidades de conectividad de internet disponibles para la población. Se recomienda identificar las nuevas tecnologías disruptivas que serán base del futuro crecimiento del sistema bancario. La limitación del estudio establece que se ha enfocado en el análisis del impacto de los canales tecnológicos y no los canales tradicionales. La originalidad es el uso un modelo econométrico para validar la aseveración teórica de que las tecnologías digitales han sido fundamentales para el desempeño del sistema bancario, en las conclusiones se establecen que entre mayor es la inversión en tecnologías es más favorable el crecimiento del sistema bancario de un país.
Inclusión financiera en México, un análisis mediante autocorrelación espacial y técnica de clustering
Authors: Trejo García José Carlos , Ríos Bolívar Humberto , Soto Rosales María De Lourdes
Published: April 2024

El contar con acceso efectivo a diversos productos financieros puede ser determinante para explotar de manera eficiente el área de oportunidades que brinda el mercado financiero para la sociedad. Esta investigación tiene como propósito determinar el grado de inclusión de los productos y servicios del sector financiero en México para el año 2021, para lo cual, se utiliza un método mediante econometría espacial para la identificación de clusters a nivel municipal. Los resultados revelan que los municipios que cuentan con niveles altos de correlación en indicadores como: vías de acceso, cantidad de productos de crédito y cantidad de cuentas de captación; cuentan con mayor inclusión financiera, tales como las alcaldías de la CDMX. Por otro lado, las zonas que cuentan con niveles más bajos de inclusión financiera corresponden a los municipios de las entidades federativas de Oaxaca y Guerrero. Se propone el desarrollo de una estrategia de inclusión financiera de acuerdo con las necesidades de los clusters identificados. Este trabajo innova en presentar un análisis cluster a nivel municipal para la inclusión financiera.
Valoración de los servicios ecosistémicos del bosque primario de la comunidad Waorani Nampaweno,
Orellana, Ecuador.
Authors: Larrea Jaime , Rentería Johana
Published: April 2024

The Yasuní National Park is the largest protected area in Ecuador; it houses excellent biodiversity of the
Amazonian tropical humid forest; it is the home of the Waoranis, an indigenous people in voluntary isolation
PIAV, who depend on the resources that the forest has, in this context, this article deals with the assessment
of the ecosystem services provided by the tropical humid forest of the Ecuadorian Amazon, the main objective
being to determine which of these services is the most important, in addition to showing the ancestral cultural
manifestations of this ethnic group; therefore The ecosystem services of the Waorani Nampaweno community,
located in the Dayuma parish, Orellana province, were analyzed. In the methodology used, interviews were
carried out with the two elders of the community and the inventory sheets of the National Institute of Cultural
Heritage INPC, later when applying the Likert scale, the results showed that the cultural ecosystem services
obtained 34 points, the highest score, Cronbach's alpha of 0.87 validates the reliability of the research, with
the food supply service being the one that allows survival, however, cultural services make visible the vast
knowledge and ancestral wisdom that they have treasured. It is transmitted orally by the "pikenanis" (elders)
throughout the generations. The highlights of the cards were preparation for the hunt, respect for animals such
as eagle and tiger, and the use of annatto as facial ink. Hunting and abundant food are celebrated through
dances. The crafts and clothing are made from fibers and seeds from the forest; however, threats such as the
invasion of their territory due to colonization and oil exploitation are acculturating young people, ending their
way of life, identity and loss. of its ancestral cultural wealth. The Waoranis are the forest's protectors, and
their right to their way of life linked to the Amazon rainforest must be strengthened.
Keywords: Ecosystemic Services, waorani culture, Amazonian tropical forest, plants from Yasuní Park.
Isolation, characterization and identification of Klebsiella sp. dor_27f isolated from textile effluents
Authors: Ortiz-Romero Derly , Camacho-Valencia Daniela , Ramírez-Revilla Stamber Alvaro
Published: April 2024

This research study aimed to isolate and characterize a new bacterial strain from textile effluents. To do this,
bacteria were cultured using the MSM medium, where a colony was isolated through six successive pickings.
It then underwent a DNA extraction process using the phenol-chloroform-isoamyl alcohol methodology, and
an electrophoresis was carried out to confirm the extraction. In addition, the isolated colony was identified as
Klebsiella sp. by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene using bioinformatics tools. To observe its biotechnological
potential, the bacterial strain was grown in an MSM broth enriched with Golden Yellow K2R azoic dye at a
concentration of 50 mg/L, showing a percentage of decolorization of 74 % after 72 hours at 37 °C, indicating
the potential of the isolated colony for the development of bio-remediation processes for effluents containing
azoic dyes.
Keywords: Bacterial strain, Klebsiella sp., DNA extraction, decolorization, effluents.
Evaluating the protective effect of alpha-lipoic acid against gentamicin-induced gonadal toxicity indicated by histopathology.
Authors: Elsawah Hozaifa , Amin Aziza , Mokhimar Haitham , Kandiel Mohamed , Farid Ayman , El-Mahmoudy AbuBakr
Published: April 2024

Gentamicin induces gonadotoxicity in animal models, accompanied by oxidative stress. This study evaluated
the histopathological protective effect of alpha-lipoic acid against gentamicin-induced gonadotoxicity. A parallel experimental study included 50 albino Wister rats, which were divided into 5 groups of ten according to
the intraperitoneal intervention: group I received gentamicin, group II received gentamicin plus alpha-lipoic
(100 mg/kg), group III received gentamicin plus a double dose of alpha-lipoic acid, group III received gentamicin plus oral vitamin E, and group IV received NaCl 0.9% (control). The animals were equally euthanized
on days 15 and 16. Tests were dissected, prepared, and stained using a light microscope for histopathological
examination. Rats exposed to gentamicin showed degeneration of seminiferous tubules, characterized by a
significant decrease in germinal epithelial cells, impaired spermatogenesis, and a lack of spermatozoa in the
lumen. An improvement in testes of animals co-treated with alpha-lipoic acid or vitamin E, including restoration of spermatogenesis and epithelial thickness. The histometric analysis also showed that the tubule epithelial thickness decreased when gentamicin was used, but this did not happen when alpha-lipoic acid or vitamin
E was added simultaneously. The detrimental effects of gentamicin on testicular architecture are preventable
through alpha-lipoic acid or vitamin E co-treatment.
Keywords: Alpha-lipoic acid; Gonads; Histometric; Gentamicin; Seminiferous tubule; Spermatogenesis.
Adolescent Depression: Feasibility Trial of a Blended e-Therapy App in a Naturalistic Outpatient Setting (e-MICHI) (Preprint)
Authors: Lincke Lena , Martin-Döring Tim , Daunke Andrea , Sadkowiak Antonia , Nolkemper Daria , Spröber-Kolb Nina , Bienioschek Stefanie , Reis Olaf , Kölch Michael
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common diagnosis among adolescents. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is recommended as the first line of treatment. Digital Health Interventions (DHIs), such as apps, could contribute to treatment. Advantages could be easy accessibility and availability, reduced time for face to face (f2f) therapy, and the ability to intensify therapy by incorporating it into the everyday lives of patients. Challenges such as low adherence rates are common in DHIs. Therefore, they need to undergo rigorous testing for feasibility and effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE

An evaluated, CBT-based f2f therapy program for depression in adolescents was transformed into an app called e-MICHI. This study examined its feasibility and efficacy for use in blended therapy in out-patient settings.

METHODS

Adolescents aged 12 to18 with MDD were recruited from two university hospitals. Participants were actively recruited based on defined eligibility criteria. The intervention combined 3-weekly f2f sessions with daily app engagement over a six-week period. Feasibility was measured using various variables, including adherence and engagement rates, satisfaction ratings, and transfer of techniques to everyday practice; efficacy was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Children’s Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R), among other measures. Data was analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA.

RESULTS

e-MICHI was positively evaluated by both, participants and therapists. Participants demonstrated high adherence rates and reported consistent practice of the e-MICHI techniques. Use of the app was associated with a significant reduction of depressive symptoms (before app use vs. three-month follow-up, BDI-II: mean -7.09, P<.001; CDRS-R: mean -10.56, P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

While acknowledging its limitations, the study confirms the feasibility of e-MICHI for treating adolescent depression in outpatient settings.

CLINICALTRIAL

DRKS (German Clinical Trial Register): DRKS00022420
Feasibility of VestAid: A Tablet-based Technology for Objective Exercise Monitoring in Vestibular Rehabilitation (Preprint)
Authors: Klatt Brooke N , Hovareshti Pedram , Holt Lisa S , Dunlap Pamela M , Zalkin Chad , Tolani Devendra , Whitney Susan L
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

A low-cost home-exercise system called VestAid has been developed to assist participants during vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR x1) gaze stabilization exercises outside of clinic visits. The system includes a tablet-based app for the participant and a web-based portal for the physical therapist that provides data to make judgements about exercise accuracy and performance.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of VestAid in a pilot study of ten participants (mean age = 45, SD = 19, 6 females) with various vestibular diagnoses.

METHODS

All participants completed twelve 30-second horizontal VOR x1 exercises in a seated position (six “easy” and six “hard” exercises). The exercises differed by variations in the background color, pattern, and movement. One of the exercises was repeated to assess the test-retest reliability of the measure of gaze stability accuracy and head motion compliance during the exercise. Participants rated the difficulty of the exercises (0-10 where 0 = easy, 10 = difficult) and completed usability surveys.

RESULTS

Participants completed the VestAid session without adverse events. The responses from the usability survey demonstrate the acceptability of VestAid. The mean rating of the “easy” exercises was 2.7/10, SD = 1.9. The mean rating for the “difficult” exercises across participants was 4.8/10, SD = 2.1.

CONCLUSIONS

The consistency of the mean ratings of the participants with the exercise classifications (“easy” and “difficult”) suggests that VestAid has clinical utility.
Use of Serious Games in Interventions of Executive Functions in Neurodiverse Children: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Rodríguez Timaná Luis Carlos , Castillo García Javier Ferney , Bastos Filho Teodiano , Ocampo González Alvaro Alexander , Hincapié Monsalve Nazly Rocio , Valencia Jimenez Nicolas Jacobo
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Serious games (SG) have emerged as promising tools for cognitive training and therapeutic interventions, especially for enhancing executive functions. These games have demonstrated the potential to support individuals with diverse health conditions, including neurodevelopmental and cognitive disorders, through engaging and interactive experiences. However, a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of SG in enhancing executive functions is needed.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to assess the impact of serious games on executive functions (EF), focusing on attention, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. In addition, it explores the integration of SG into educational and therapeutic settings for individuals with cognitive and neurodevelopmental conditions. Only open access articles published from 2019 to the search date were included to capture the most recent advancements in the field.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted on June 20, 2024, across Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases. Due to limited direct results linking SG and neurodiversity, separate searches were performed to analyze the relationship between SG and EF, as well as SG and neurodiverse populations. Two independent reviewers assessed the quality and risk of bias of the included studies using the Risk of Bias 2 tool for randomized studies and the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions tool for nonrandomized studies.

RESULTS

The review identified 16 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 15 addressed the use of SG for improving EF in neurodiverse populations, such as children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and down syndrome. These studies demonstrated significant improvements in various EF domains, including attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. However, there was notable heterogeneity in sample sizes, participant ages, and game types. Three studies specifically focused on individuals with down syndrome, showing promising results in improving cognitive functions.

CONCLUSIONS

SG hold considerable potential as therapeutic tools for enhancing EF across neurodiverse populations. They have shown positive effects in improving cognitive skills and promoting inclusion in both educational and therapeutic settings. However, further research is required to optimize game design, assess long-term outcomes, and address the variability in study quality. The exclusive inclusion of open access studies may have limited the scope of the review, and future research should incorporate a broader range of studies to provide a more comprehensive understanding of SG’s impact on neurodiversity.

CLINICALTRIAL

PROSPERO CRD42024563231; https://tinyurl.com/ycxdymyb
Gamification in the management of children and adolescents with diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Hespanhol Larissa C. , Fernandes Wellgner , Balieiro Caroline Cristine Almeida , Menezes Vanessa Lins de , Lira Rafaelle
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The use of video games in health interventions has become more popular in recent times. However, there is still a lack of understanding about how these interventions can be used to treat and manage diabetes in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review is to examine published research on using gamification and technology to better manage diabetes.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase and Lilacs for articles focusing on new virtual technologies, such as video games, applications, robots, minigames and web games, in children and adolescents with diabetes. The study was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024499381) following the recommendations of the PRISMA guidelines. We assessed the risk of bias with RoB-2 and RoB-I.
We searched PubMed, Embase and Lilacs for articles that addressed new virtual technologies, such as video games, applications, robots, minigames and web games, in children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus type I and type II. The study was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024499381) following the recommendations of the PRISMA guidelines. We assessed the risk of bias with RoB-2 and RoB-I.

RESULTS

We identified 771 articles and included twenty-four with 908 patients, with ages ranging from 5 to 19 years. All interventions targeted behavioral changes, examining diabetes-related risk reduction, and promoting healthy behaviors through positive reinforcement and playful engagement. HbA1c (%) with no significance for gamification compared with control (MD - 0.33; 95% CI -0.68 to 0.01; P = 0.06; I2 = 8%). A subgroup analysis was performed evaluating the study design and no significant differences were found comparing randomized and observational studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our results, gamification is a useful tool to develop the autonomy of children and adolescents in managing diabetes, increase treatment adherence, reduce stress, and improve lifestyle.
Discourse Coherence in English-Chinese Translation of Literary Texts: A Case Study on Tess of the D'Urbervilles Translated by Zhang Guruo
Authors: Huang Siyuan , Du Yusheng
Published: April 2024

Discourse coherence refers to the mechanism by which words, sentences, and sentence clusters in a discourse are logically related to form a larger semantic structure, which is one of the most important factors of effective communication. Whether a discourse is coherent determines the extent to which the reader understands the discourse. This paper explores the theory of discourse translation and discourse coherence, compares and analyses the original text of Tess of the D'Urbervilles with Zhang Guruo's translated version in terms of semantic, contextual, logical, and linguistic coherence. Then it describes the strategies and methods used by the translators to ensure discourse coherence in translation, to gain a deeper understanding of the theory of discourse coherence and its application.
The Effect of Attention Focus on Heart Rate During Dart Throws In Recreation Dart Players
Authors: Zekioğlu Aylin
Published: April 2024

The Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which affects dart shot performance, is an important psycho-physiological parameter in that it provides data on the sympathetic also parasympathetic sections of the Central Nervous System. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of Internal and External Attention Foci on Heart Rates during dart shot. A total of 34 students, who were studying at Physical Education Sports Sciences Faculty, participated in the study. According to the t-test results, the HF/LF ratio measured under External Attention focus conditions was higher than the HF/LF ratio measured under Internal Attention conditions. This explains that there is a relationship between autonomic nervous system activity and fine motor skill performance. The heart rate changed according to the attention focus during motor skill (p
Риск-менеджмент в крупномасштабных проектах: принципы, инструменты управления, результаты
Authors: Симионова Нина Евгеньевна , Симионов Радомир Юрьевич
Published: April 2024

На современном этапе развития экономических отношений с учетом внешних вызовов сформировались определенные предпосылки для применения проектного управления в деятельности отдельных хозяйствующих субъектов, а также на уровне исполнительной власти. Анализ результатов реализации нацио­нальных, федеральных, региональных и ведомственных проектов показал, что применение методологии и инструментария проектного управления дало положительные результаты в решении как экономических, так и социальных проблем. В то же время были выявлены проблемы государственного, регионального и отраслевого характера, которых можно избежать при правильно организованной системе управления рисками в проектах. Существующие стандарты по управлению рисками содержат принципы, на которых должна основываться система риск-менеджмента в проектах, но требуется их привязка к условиям национальных и других проектов, которые характеризуются масштабностью, длительным сроком реализации и большим количеством участников. Организация-участник проекта имеет собственные риски, на которые ориентирована система риск-менеджмента, но, попадая в новую систему взаимодействия организаций, возникают дополнительные риски. По мнению исследователей данной проблемы, необходимы новые механизмы не только в каждой организации, но также интегрированная система, охватывающая всех участников проекта. Авторы полагают, что одним из возможных инструментов управления риском в крупномасштабных проектах можно рассматривать сценарный подход к планированию проектов, что позволит наиболее обоснованно формировать финансовые резервы в системе управления рисками. Обеспечит более эффективное управление риском построение их иерархической структуры в виде дерева решений с рассмотрением альтернатив воздействия на риск. В системе управления риском необходимо предусматривать процесс улучшений как актуализацию рисков с учетом динамики факторов внешней и внутренней среды проекта.
Biometric technologies: the attitude of the population and overcoming risks
Authors:   Южный федеральный университет, Ростов-на-Дону, Россия, Яна Викторовна Артамонова
Published: April 2024

The article is devoted to biometric identification systems. Currently, biometric identification systems are used in various services, replacing systems that use a person's username and password as identifiers. The authors of the work address the social and technological aspects of biometrics in the framework of the article. The article describes the main types of biometric systems using both static and dynamic methods. The authors also identify the main reasons for skepticism on the part of users among the Russian population, which include citizens' distrust of the reliability of storing personal information, which can lead to data leakage. The article discusses the current problems of using biometric identification systems and their solutions.
Financial support for investment projects of enterprises in the context of a closed-loop ecosystem
Authors:   Северо-Осетинский государственный университет имени К. Л. Хетагурова, Владикавказ, Россия, Константин Александрович Власенко
Published: April 2024

The mechanism for implementing investment projects within a closed-loop economy determines the structure of a company's sources of funding, most of which are of a long-term nature, as resources should be directed towards solving strategic tasks such as technological support for the enterprise, project activities related to scientific and technological development, and the preparation of an adequate information base with tailored digital solutions. In this article, the author explores the specifics of forming sources of financial support within an enterprise's closed-cycle economic system and also proposes a mechanism for designing investments to establish a circular economy.
A Commentary on Selected Fragments of Alcaeus: Winе and Symposion
Authors:   A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Stepantsov Sergey A.
Published: April 2024

The selection includes fragments of songs by Alcaeus of Mylitene concerning wine and drinking party (symposion). Most of Alcaeus’ songs, as well as much of the rest of the archaic Greek lyric, were originally composed to be performed at symposia. It is in fragments of Alcaeus’ poems that we find one the earliest poetic reflections of this kind of ritualised drinking party. The Greek text (reproduced mainly from E.-M. Voigt’s edition) is accompanied with a Russian translation and a detailed commentary intended for intermediate and advanced students of the ancient Greek language and literature.
Vserosskomdram and Its Predecessors: the History of Russian Playwrights’ Professional Organizations in the 19th and 20th Centuries
Authors:   The Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Plotnikov Konstantin I.
Published: April 2024

This article analyses the history of stage-by-stage development of Russian professional organizations of drama writers in the 19th and 20th centuries. The focus is on the dynamic relationship of their creative pursuit, the finance and law conditions of their existence, and the ideological vector inside these organizations since the 1917-pre-revolutionary period until the establishment of the Vserosskomdram. The demand for protecting their copyright rights urged the drama writers to build a professional community, with the Moscow Society of Drama Writers and Composers and the Union of Drama in St. Petersburg as its two acclaimed centers. In the post-revolutionary period, both organizations have become grounds for implementing the Soviet copyright law, discussing the creative goals and targets for the Soviet drama writers, and fighting for the ideological superiority. The article deals with the conflict between “two capitals,” which reflects the spirit of literary institutions in the period of NEP. The research presented is based on the archive materials from the Department of Manuscripts of A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences, The Russian State Archive of Literature and Arts, etc.
“The Messenger of the Theater” (“Вестник театра”), a Combat Magazine at the Service of “Theatrical October” (1919–1921)
Authors:   CNRS–Sorbonne Université, Autant-Mathieu Marie-Christine
Published: April 2024

The magazine “Вестник тeaтрa” (“The messenger of the theater”) appears with the restructuring of theatrical affairs by the Bolsheviks, it is the militant organ of the theatrical department (TEO) placed, in Moscow, under the tutelage of Lunacharsky, commissar for Public Enlightenment. The February 1917 revolution had raised hopes of an autonomy of theatrical affairs which would be taken in hand by the main actors of the big companies. But, from October 1917, a nationalization is looming. The theatrical milieu must be taken over and converted to the socialist policy which fights bourgeois intellectuals and seeks to promote a new proletarian theater. Meyerhold took over “The messenger of the theater” in the fall of 1920 and transformed it into a place of controversy and attacks against apoliticism, realistic and psychological traditions. He introduced the civil war to the theater in the name of “Theatrical October”. For three years, “The messenger of the theater” presents the challenges of the reconstruction of the theater: the improvement of material conditions, particularly in the provinces, the steps of centralization, the revision of the repertoire, the reform of actor training. The magazine also chronicles the main politico-artistic events: congress of workerpeasant theaters, Proletkult, celebrations of May Day and October with grandiose mass actions.
The Market for Children’s Books and the Compensation of Illustrators in Soviet Russia in the 1920s and 1930s
Authors:   Centre National de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), Pichon-Bonin Cécile
Published: April 2024

In the USSR of the 1920s and 1930s, the democratization of children’s books was based on three phenomena: the boom in picture books along with extensive and intensive growth. The first part of this article traces the evolution of these phenomena in the economic environment and details their relation with editorial policies to uncover how the effort of democratization was intertwined with the definition of the Soviet children’s book. The second part of this study reveals how the contexts surrounding the popularization of children’s books defined the working conditions of illustrators and the ways of thinking about methods of remuneration. It examines the criteria on which the remuneration of graphic artists was based and how the amounts offered reflected their recognition. In conclusion, this article contributes to research devoted to the status of the artist in the USSR by showing how the recognition of the graphic artist evolved and how the system established in the 1930s laid the foundations for the illustrative activity of the 1960s, when certain visual artists saw it as a financial refuge.
VOKS Activities Between 1925 and 1938: Problems of Financial Survival
Authors:   University of Franche-Comte, Trankvillitskaia Tatiana Yu.
Published: April 2024

This study includes an analysis of several dozen poorly researched archival files of the State Archive of the Russian Federation (GARF) devoted to the financing of various activities of the VOKS between 1925 and 1938. Numerous documents, including annual financial projects and preliminary estimates, explanatory notes to justify specific requests and annual balances of expenditures, reveal the importance of the economic component of VOKS’s activities, which were carried out using methods atypical for the socialist economy. The analysis of data and correspondence also reveals the various strategies employed by the leaders of the VOKS to ensure the functioning of this “social organization”, which was under the control of the state apparatus and entirely dependent on its political guidelines and funding. The article is based mainly on the figures of the Exhibitions Department, mention is also made of the total annual budgets of the VOKS, the balances of the Foreigners’ Reception Department and the costs of maintaining the VOKS staff during the period under study.
“Eleazar.” Notes on Marginal Poetry of the Prose Writer L. Andreev
Authors:   University of Lille, Rolet S
Published: April 2024

In “Eleazar”, as already in “Zhizn’ Vasiliia Fiveiskogo,” L. Andreev tackles the miracle of the resurrection. He subverts the biblical myth: the resurrection is not the return to life after death, but the invasion of life by death. Jesus is absent from the story. The resurrection is shown as a biological phenomenon. Andreev changes the timeline of the gospel script. In the Gospel of John there are two landmarks: the death of Lazarus and his resurrection, but the interval between them is empty. In Andreev’s story, there are three landmarks: Eleazar’s first death, his resurrection and his second death. Andreev is especially interested in the two intervals delimited by these markers: Eleazar’s stay in the tomb and his life after his resurrection. These two periods tend to be equivalent: the resurrected is simply someone who “has been dead.” Eleazar looks like a corpse. The text is suitable for a “Nietzschean” reading. What matters is whether readers will be able to bear the story, which shakes the foundations of Christian culture. Those who support it will appear as “revolutionaries”; the others, as “petty bourgeois.” We sense in “Eleazar” a fascination for death, for Nothingness, for emptiness, which has no relation to the subversion of the founding myths. The experience of Nothingness, a major invariant in Andreev’s work, is expressed in “Eleazar” in a more developed way than in his other works. One can see in the Gospel subject a material (in the sense of Tynyanov) deformed by the constructive principle (idem) of anguish. The text is transformed into an incantation, the repetitions play a key stylistic role. Narrative prose tends towards poetry.