bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Possibility of Property Division Acquired Using the Accumulative Mortgage System of Housing Provision for Military Personnel in Case of Divorce
Authors: Plekhanova Olesya
Published: May 2024

The article considers the problem that arises during the divorce of spouses on the division of property, related to the peculiarities of military mortgages. The main problem is the question of the legality of recognizing residential premises acquired in marriage using mortgage lending in the accumulative mortgage system as joint property of the spouses. The decision on the division of such property in case of divorce also depends on the answer to this question. There is a discussion on this issue in legal science, and also there is no uniformity in judicial practice. Based on the analysis of the doctrine and law enforcement practice, the author comes to the conclusion that residential premises acquired in marriage with the use of mortgage lending in the accumulative mortgage system of a military serviceman should be recognized as joint property of spouses, including the aim of protecting the interests of a serviceman’s family members. This provision is affirmed by the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation in a decision on a specific case, but it should be formalized at the level of judicial practice review or in Ruling of the Plenary Session of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation.
Implementation of the Discrimination Prohibition Principle in the Wages Regulation
Authors: Filchakova Svetlana
Published: May 2024

The relevance of the study is due to the high prevalence of discrimination in the field of work, and at the same time — extremely low interest on the part of the State in this phenomenon. Although the prohibition of discrimination in employment is admitted as a principle not only in Russian legislation but also at the international level, it is far from being fully implemented in practice. The area of pay in this regard is one of the most vulnerable. Gender and age discrimination are the most common in wage discrimination. It is noted that cases of underpayment of wages on these grounds may be detected either during an inspection by an authorized body or in the case of a labor dispute. However, the outcome of the lawsuit in such cases is not always in favor of employees. Based on an analysis of the court practice, the author identified other grounds for wage discrimination, emphasizes difficulties in implementing the mechanism of judicial protection of workers’ rights against discrimination and proposes measures to overcome discrimination in the field of wages.
Assessment Features of the Non-State Expert’s Opinion in Criminal Proceedings
Authors: Lukoshkina Svetlana
Published: May 2024

The evidentiary value of expertise is indisputable. Today, due to the development of the adversarial principle, rapid progress of science and technology, high technology, the involvement in criminal proceedings of persons with specialized knowledge, who are not the State experts, is particularly demanded and justified. However, the possibility of using the a non-State expert’s opinion as evidence in a case is poorly regulated by the current criminal procedural legislation both as for establishing the legal status of a non-State expert, the procedure to tender in evidence the expert’s opinion in the criminal case file and for its verifying and evaluating.
The evaluator often lacks sufficient special knowledge to assess the correctness of the methodology used, the tests performed, the validity of the findings, the evaluator cannot assess the competence of the expert in these matters, within which he/she gives the expert opinion. In this regard, the author has developed and systematized an algorithm for sequential verification and evaluation of a non-State expert’s opinion.
Transformation of Household Savings in the Russian Federation in Conditions of High Macroeconomic Risks in 2022
Authors: Urbanaev Leonid
Published: May 2024

In the context of growing macroeconomic risks in 2022 caused by the financial and economic consequences of the global pandemic, the application of unprecedented sectoral and personal sanctions against the Russian Federation has led to the formation of new trends in the functioning of the finances of Russian households. The factors mentioned above change their income level, socio-economic motivation, consumer attitudes and, as a result, the volume and structure of citizens' savings. The study used the decile method of household income analysis in 2022. As a result of the study, the following trends were revealed: the incomes of households with the lowest incomes in 2022 practically did not fall due to the active social support of the state; the incomes of households with relatively high wages decreased by 2–3 %; during 2022, the value of organized savings decreased, and the value of unorganized savings on the contrary increased, especially in foreign currency; income analysis has shown that two thirds of households are actually unable to form savings, creates small insurance reserves.
Object-Oriented Analysis and Design of a Decentralized Information System for Generating an Athlete’s Passport Using Blockchain
Authors: Rodionov Aleksei , Bogoradnikova Tatyana
Published: May 2024

This article presents the problem of maintaining and storing a digital profile of an athlete. The project about of a decentralized system using blockchain technology is proposed. Blockchain is a sequence blocks of information arranged according to certain rules. Blockchain technology has enormous potential to transform the system of creating and storing information about athletes. The use of distributed registry systems can become a real breakthrough in the field of physical culture and sports in the context of safety, accessibility and transparency of information, ensuring trust between participants in the sports industry, and reducing the time spent on information processing. The project about of a decentralized system is an instrument that simplifies the interaction of all participants in the field of physical culture and sports, and the use of blockchain technology at the heart of the applications guarantees the uninterrupted and accurate operation of the system.
This article presents modeling of the athlete passport system in accordance with the object-oriented approach. A conceptual model for the formation of a athlete’s passport using the Unified Model Language has been developed. The main actors of the system are identified, a use case diagram is built, showing the functions and interactions of the main actors of the system, a simplified class diagram model is built to demonstrate the structure and hierarchy of the system classes, their cooperation, fields, methods, interfaces and relationships between them. As part of the discussion of the results obtained, both the advantages and disadvantages of using blockchain are shown, which are associated primarily with the technological and financial components, legal regulation plays a secondary role in this case, but does not exclude the regulation of issues related to the legal validity of records in the blockchain and other types of distributed data registries, as well as the spread of applications for creating information systems.
Features of the Worldview of Pediatric Palliative Care Physicians: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Miroshnichenko Maxim , Korostichenko Ekaterina , Nozdrachev Dmitry
Published: May 2024

Pediatric palliative care is a multidisciplinary branch of medicine and health care that includes both biomedical techniques of patient care and social and psychological practices. At the same time, its goal differs from that of curative approaches in medicine and is predominantly to alleviate patients’ suffering. We used the qualitative method of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), which allows us to uncover the «inside», emotional and existentially significant dimensions of respondents’ personal and intersubjective experiences. This method provides an «insider» perspective of the community under study. The article presents the results of IP. interviews with nine doctors of pediatric palliative care working in the Russian health care system and taking specialized advanced training courses. The goals of the study were to identify the most subjectively significant factors for physicians of palliative care for children, influencing the ethical and communicative aspects of interaction with patients and their parents, and to identify the most important problems and issues of concern to specialists, with an emphasis on worldview. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a specially designed questionnaire and mainly addressed the topics and issues of worldview of palliative care physicians (including the role of faith and religion) in the context of communication with patients and their parents. As a result, it was found that doctors typically assess their work as a vocation (in a number of cases — with explicitly religious attribution), and this is used by part of the respondents as a justification of their activities in front of a critically minded environment. A common view of a hospice is that of a place that needs to be comfortable, home-like. Subjectively, the majority of respondents evaluate themselves as Orthodox Christians, but emphasize the «non-fanatical» nature of their faith. At the same time, respondents note the significant influence of parental religiosity on communication patterns and acceptance of inevitable disease outcomes. Most respondents noted a high need for a spiritual counsellor in the hospice. Respondents do not necessarily insist that the counsellor be a priest, but his or her figure in the physicians’ descriptions has distinct confessional features.
Histological Changes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Post-locoregional Therapy
Authors:   Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Rosli Nurwahyuna
Published: May 2024

Locoregional therapies are widely practiced in treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic carcinoma to the liver as they provide a more targeted treatment with lesser side effects. Transarterial chemo-embolisation and selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT) are a few examples. However, histopathological findings after locoregional therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma are rarely reported. We reported a case of a 61-year-old man with underlying Hepatitis B and subsequent hepatocellular carcinoma who was treated with SIRT followed by wedge liver resection. Macroscopically, the specimen showed a well-defined mass with areas of fibrosis and haemorrhage. Microscopic examination showed 70% tumour necrosis with numerous microspheres surrounded by multinucleated giant cells with histiocytes and chronic inflammatory cells. Currently, the patient is well with regular follow-up. The latest ultrasound findings showed no residual liver lesion in the background of liver cirrhosis. Although assessment of treatment response following locoregional therapy based on histopathological findings are not widely practiced, recognising histopathological changes such as tumour necrosis, provide valuable insight to a patient’s prognosis. Minimal to absent tumour necrosis implies poor response, limiting further locoregional therapy option. Findings of numerous microspheres might pose a diagnostic challenge as they mimic fungal organisms. Hence, histological examination with aid of special stains like periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Grocott’s methenamine silver stain may be useful.
Idiopathic Spontaneous Intraperitoneal Bleeding Secondary to Rupture of Short Gastric Artery
Authors:   Department of Surgery, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Murugesu Kanmani
Published: May 2024

Idiopathic spontaneous intraperitoneal bleeding (ISIH) is an uncommon surgical condition. Patients often present with various abdominal complaints, and it may mimic other common surgical pathologies. A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose a patient presenting with this condition. We shared a case of ISIH secondary to a rupture of a short gastric artery in a previously healthy young man.
From Social Clubs to Champions for Sports Journalistic Identity and Integrity
Authors: Frandsen Kirsten
Published: May 2024

Taking the FIFA World Cup in Qatar as a point of departure, this article analyses the changing role of national associations of sports journalists in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Introducing the concept of meta-journalistic discourse and well-established media system theories, it is argued that Nordic sports journalism’s negotiations of professional practices and standards are shaped by a particular media systemic context with distinct Nordic welfare state-oriented features. One such feature is a tradition of using collective, organized social groups, like democratically based voluntary associations, as instruments for social change. The empirical study explores this through a qualitative thematic analysis of the changing structures, identities, and practices of the national associations of sports journalists across the three countries. This illustrates how the organizations in particular during the last two decades have started very similar processes of transformation away from being mainly social clubs. The associations have used their collective frameworks and bargaining power to ensure independent journalists’ access to sports organizations and athletes, and they have engaged in negotiations of what sports journalism is and what constitutes sports journalism in a sports media landscape shaped by strong combined forces of digitization and politicization.
A Longitudinal Perspective on Digital Skills for Everyday Life: Measurement and Empirical Evidence
Authors: Kappeler Kiran
Published: May 2024

Our everyday lives are increasingly digital: We meet with friends, search for information, watch films, and buy goods online. This generates data that is automatically collected and analyzed. The ability to deal with the resulting algorithmically selected and personalized content is essential to benefit from digital technologies, and for this, digital skills are crucial. Studies focusing on digital skills, their antecedents, and consequences have mostly relied on self-reported, one-time measurements. A deeper understanding of the measures of digital skills and the role such digital skills play in everyday life and over time is needed. To address these gaps, this article compares self-reported measures of digital skills and knowledge of datafication and algorithmization in everyday internet use and maps the evolution of their relevance for digital everyday life. To do so, this articles analyzes data from multiple cross-sectional surveys conducted from 2011 to 2023 with representative samples of Swiss internet users. First, the findings indicate that self-reported skills reflect internet users’ knowledge of algorithmization and datafication in everyday internet use. This renders the measure a decent tool for empirical studies. Second, the findings show that digital skills are associated with socioeconomic background, cyber-optimistic attitudes, usage time, use of social media, health trackers, voice assistants, ChatGPT, and feeling included in the information society. These relationships varied over time. This article provides longitudinal empirical evidence on the relevance of digital skills in a highly digitized country. The findings highlight that promoting digital skills can contribute to fostering more inclusive digital societies.
The Effects of Featuring Product Sampling Reviews on E-Tailer Websites
Authors: Lu Xianghua ,   Fudan University, Phang Chee Wei ,   University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ba Sulin ,   Depaul University, Yao Xinlin ,   Naikai University
Published: May 2024

Given the significant influence of online product reviews on consumer purchases, firms are trying to be more proactive in leveraging the influence of reviews. One way of doing this is to offer free product samples to consumers to incentivize product reviews, displaying them along with a disclosure in the existing pool of organic reviews in the hopes of stimulating sales. However, it is not clear whether such product sampling reviews are indeed beneficial to sales, considering that they may have a nontrivial influence on the generation of organic reviews. Based on data from a leading e-commerce platform in China, we found that sponsored product sampling reviews promoted product sales but also reduced the volume of organic reviews for the targeted product. However, the net effect on sales remained positive, suggesting that e-tailers may wish to utilize sponsored product sampling reviews. We also conducted a scenario-based experiment to reveal how the nature of product sampling reviews affects consumers’ brand quality and fairness perceptions. Based on our findings we offer future research directions to improve the understanding of how to better harness the power of sponsored reviews.
The Contingent Effects of IS Certifications on the Trustworthiness of Websites
Authors: Adam Martin ,   University of Goettingen, Lins Sebastian ,   Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Sunyaev Ali ,   Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Benlian Alexander ,   Technical University of Darmstadt
Published: May 2024

Information systems (IS) research has largely treated IS certifications (i.e., graphical cues that prove the endorsement of independent third parties) as universally effective at improving website visitors’ perceptions of trustworthiness. However, inconclusive findings on the effectiveness of IS certifications on websites have emerged, critically challenging their usefulness. We seek to reconcile these inconclusive findings by drawing on swift trust theory and the notion of humans as cognitive misers. Specifically, we investigate whether the effects of IS certifications are contingent on visitors’ expectations and the website’s baseline trustworthiness (i.e., the original website before adding and visitors’ processing of IS certifications). Through a multistudy investigation combining an online (N = 191) and a follow-up field experiment with up to €4 million in sales volume (N = 306), we reveal the contingent effects of IS certifications on the trustworthiness of websites: Below (but not above) a certain level of a website’s baseline trustworthiness (i.e., the trust tipping point), IS certifications significantly increase trustworthiness. We also show that IS certifications do not increase the likelihood of user registrations (i.e., trust-related behavior) when a website’s baseline trustworthiness surpasses this trustworthiness threshold. Overall, we provide an important new perspective that explains and resolves previous inconsistent findings on the (in)effectiveness of IS certifications for trustworthiness and subsequent trust-related behaviors. We equip practitioners with valuable and actionable guidance on the usefulness of IS certifications to strengthen their digital businesses.
“My Name is Alexa. What’s Your Name?” The Impact of Reciprocal Self-Disclosure on Post-Interaction Trust in Conversational Agents
Authors: Saffarizadeh Kambiz ,   University of Texas at Arlington, Keil Mark ,   Georgia State University, Boodraj Maheshwar ,   Boise State University, Alashoor Tawfiq ,   University of Navarra
Published: May 2024

The use of conversational AI agents (CAs), such as Alexa and Siri, has steadily increased over the past several years. However, the functionality of these agents relies on the personal data obtained from their users. While evidence suggests that user disclosure can be increased through reciprocal self-disclosure (i.e., a process in which a CA discloses information about itself with the expectation that the user would reciprocate by disclosing similar information about themself), it is not clear whether and through which mechanism the process of reciprocal self-disclosure influences users’ post-interaction trust. We theorize that anthropomorphism (i.e., the extent to which a user attributes humanlike attributes to a nonhuman entity) serves as an inductive inference mechanism for understanding reciprocal self-disclosure, enabling users to build conceptually distinct cognitive and affective foundations upon which to form their post-interaction trust. We found strong support for our theory through two randomized experiments that used custom-developed text-based and voicebased CAs. Specifically, we found that reciprocal self-disclosure increases anthropomorphism and anthropomorphism increases cognition-based trustworthiness and affect-based trustworthiness. Our results show that reciprocal self-disclosure has an indirect effect on cognition-based trustworthiness and affect-based trustworthiness and is fully mediated by anthropomorphism. These findings conceptually bridge prior research on motivations of anthropomorphism and research on cognitive and affective bases of trust.
Digital Institutionalization: The Case of E-Prescribing
Authors: Eriksson Owen ,   Uppsala University, Öhlund Sten-Erik ,   Uppsala University
Published: May 2024

Digital institutionalization processes are fundamentally changing society. They occur when rules and norms are encoded into a digital infrastructure and change practices. For institutionalization to occur, numerous actors must alter their behavior similarly, which accompanies a shift in infrastructural technology. Digital infrastructures and their design play a crucial role in institutionalization processes, as they enable and restrict social interaction in the exchange of digital institutional entities across contexts. Such entities are constitutive of digital institutional systems—medical prescriptions, money, insurance, and taxes are all institutional entities that have been digitalized. Although several studies have described the challenges of digital infrastructure design, there has been little consideration of the institutional context that legitimizes the design. To fill this research gap, we applied the critical perspective of designers, who intentionally perform and are responsible for the design and legitimacy of digital institutional systems. To address the challenge of institutional design, we developed an exchange contract within an institutional context featuring a change in digital infrastructure and practices. Through this, we illuminate several design principles for digital institutionalization. This contribution captures critical design decisions and the knowledge acquired through insights gained from the design of a highly impactful scalable digital infrastructure, which ultimately transformed an institutional system. We also provide theoretical reflections informed by speech act theory and institutional theory and thereby emphasize the need to rethink institutionalization processes in an era of digitalization.
The Role of Online and Geographically Distant Social Networks in Political Decision-Making: Empirical Evidence from the 2016 United States Presidential Election
Authors: Basak Ecem ,   City University of New York, Tafti Ali ,   University of Illinois, Pang Min-Seok ,   Temple University
Published: May 2024

Social ties play a prominent role in individuals’ political decision-making. They influence partisan defections, political participation, voting decisions, and political information acquisition. Much of the literature focuses on personal social networks or geographically close networks. Yet one’s social network might also include acquaintances or other connections in more distant places that are maintained via online networks. In this study, we exploit Facebook’s Social Connectedness Index, which reflects social connections across the United States, and we investigate the role of social connectedness in political decision-making among individuals who are located across distant geographical regions. Our results suggest that social connectedness between counties has a homogenizing effect on voting for the same presidential candidate, either Democratic or Republican. On the other hand, social connectedness is likely to have a differentiating effect on voting for an independent or a third-party candidate. Moreover, this effect is moderated by the socioeconomic characteristics of the counties, such as education, race, population density, household income, industry, and gender composition.
Mechanisms for Achieving Ambidexterity in the Context of Digital Transformation: Insights from Digital Innovation Labs
Authors: Holotiuk Friedrich ,   Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, Beimborn Daniel ,   University of Bamberg, Hund Axel ,   University of Bamberg / Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences
Published: May 2024

Digital transformation alters companies’ core value-defining activities. Companies must establish new work practices and change the work environment to create new value propositions leveraging digital technologies. Specifically, to maximize their investments in digital transformation while remaining competitive, they must achieve ambidexterity, which is the capability to balance exploration and exploitation flexibly. More and more companies strive to achieve ambidexterity by establishing digital innovation labs (DILs), where employees explore the opportunities afforded through digital technologies and ensure their successful integration into the main organization. This study analyzes data collected from nine DILs, examining how companies utilize them to achieve organizational ambidexterity. Our analysis reveals a nuanced view on the conceptualization of ambidexterity and how it helps in digital transformation: (1) DILs contribute mainly by transferring employees temporarily from the main organization to the DIL and back. Recombining mechanisms of different theoretical forms of ambidexterity addresses typical issues and tensions stemming from leveraging digital technologies in innovation activities. (2) We find that implementing ambidexterity through organizational design features of DILs provides a successful basis for digital transformation by creating innovations that complement companies’ value propositions with digital technologies.
Application of anterior bilateral sacrospinous fixation in the treatment of apical genital prolapse
Authors: Popov A. A. , Gadzhieva S. A.
Published: May 2024

Aim: to increase the clinical effectiveness and safety of apical prolapse treatment by applying anterior bilateral sacrospinous fixation (SSF) with a polypropylene mesh implant.

Materials and Methods. A single-center open prospective comparative clinical study in parallel groups in parallel groups was carried out at the Clinic of Academician Krasnopolsky Moscow Regional Research Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology. There were examined and treated 155 patients with stage II–IV symptomatic genital prolapse according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (POP-Q) who underwent various variants of SSF. The patients were stratified into 3 groups: group 1 (LPSSF) – 34 patients with symptomatic apical genital prolapse who underwent SSF through the posterior vaginal wall using LPSSF ligatures (ligature posterior sacrospinous fixation); group 2 (LASSF) – 42 patients with symptomatic apical or anterior-apical genital prolapse, who underwent ligature SSF using the anterior approach LASSF (ligature anterior sacrospinous fixation); group 3 (MESH TASSF) – 79 patients with symptomatic apical or anterior-apical genital prolapse, who were treated by applying the anterior bilateral SSF method using synthetic tape MESH TASSF (tape anterior sacrospinous fixation). The frequency of intra- and postoperative complications, patient complaints, and relapse rates were assessed post-surgery. Functional outcomes were assessed using the PFDI-20 questionnaire (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20) at 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. Patients in group 3 were treated by applying a method we developed for correction of apical genital prolapse and concomitant cystocele reconstruction.

Results. The method presented here was characterized by a lower blood volume loss compared to posterior SSF, minimized intra- and postoperative complications: decreased incidence of hematomas, buttock pain, rate of urinary disorders (stress incontinence, mixed forms of urinary incontinence, urgent urinary incontinence, urinary difficulty, bladder hypotension). Applying MESH TASSF fixation allowed to decrease duration of hospital treatment and alleviate pain severity in the postoperative period, and additionally contributed to improved patients' quality of life sustained for as long as 12 months post-surgery.

Conclusion. The treatment results confirmed that the MESH bilateral SSF method using an anterior approach is clinically effective, relatively safe, and contributes to a markedly reduced rate of disease relapses. The presence of anterior-apical or apical genital prolapse (C or Ba+C prolapse, stages II–IV according to the POP-Q) should be considered as indications for performing anterior bilateral SSF.
Activity of hippocampal CA1 field neurons during aversive memory formation and reactivation in mice in vivo
Authors: Roshchina M. A. , Roshchin M. V. , Borodinova A. A. , Aseyev N. A. , Zuzina A. B. , Balaban P. M.
Published: May 2024

According to modern concepts, the dorsal hippocampus, specifically the CA1 field, plays a crucial role in the formation and reactivation of contextual fear conditioning (CFC) memory [1–5]. However, the extent to which the neurons of the dorsal hippocampus participate in CFC learning or memory reactivation remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine the in vivo activity of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 field during CFC memory training and testing. The study conducted experimentations on male mice of the C57Bl/6 line (N=4). Miniature fluorescence microscopes, also known as miniscopes, were used to monitor neuronal activity in the CA1 field. The CA1 field in the hippocampus was injected with an AAV vector carrying the GCaMP6s calcium sensor, and implanted with a GRIN lens in the same area as the miniscope lens. The mice underwent CFC task training and the duration of freezing was then measured.
After the training session, the mice exhibited a notable increase in freezing duration, suggesting the formation of context aversive memory. Throughout the training, a total of 591 active neurons were recorded (147.8±74.9 neurons per mouse), while 512 (128.0±40.6 neurons per mouse) neurons were recorded. The average frequency of calcium events per second during the complete duration of training session was 0.037±0.003, while for the testing, it was 0.042±0.015 events/second. Around 46% of the registered neurons remained active throughout the complete training procedure. The mean frequency of calcium events in these neurons surged considerably following the application of an electric shock (from 0.035±0.007 events/sec to 0.086±0.013 events/sec). Using k-means clustering, certain neurons showed increased activity after electric shock exposure, while others showed decreased activity. However, the type of activity change did not affect subsequent neuronal dynamics during memory retrieval. During memory retrieval, we observed that an average of 30–40% of neurons were reactivated. The number of active neurons notably decreased during episodes of freezing and almost all registered neurons were activated during episodes of movement. The average frequency of calcium events in the reactivating neurons did not change from the training to testing session.
Thus, new data was obtained on the activation of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area during memory formation and retrieval in CFC.
Imaging of mouse somatosensory cortex neurons in vivo using miniscope
Authors: Bukov G. A. , Gerasimov E. I. , Pchitskaya E. I. , Vlasova O. L. , Bezprozvannyi I. B.
Published: May 2024

Visualizing neuronal activity in the brain in vivo is a crucial task in modern neurobiology. Imaging changes in the neuronal networks of various brain regions in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, can uncover functional aberrations in neuronal connections during their early stages. One current method of obtaining in vivo neural activity data is the miniscopic fluorescence microscopy technique, which facilitates in vivo registration of excitation within the neural networks of brain areas, followed by subsequent analysis [1]. The Miniscope, a miniature fluorescence microscope, enables researchers to work with freely moving laboratory animals, which sets it apart from other in vivo imaging methods, such as two-photon microscopy.
In this study, we injected an adeno-associated virus containing the GCaMP6f gene, which encodes a fluorescent calcium-sensitive protein, into the somatosensory cortex region of the brain at coordinates AP-2.1, ML+2.1, DV-0.05). We conducted the in vivo recording of calcium level changes in 3-month-old C57BL/6J mice by placing a 5×5 mm clear glass cranial window over the injection site of the virus. After 4 weeks, we placed and fixed a Baseplate over this cranial window to hold the Miniscope V4 over the clear cover glass for efficient recording.
In future studies, researchers will introduce the adeno-associated virus carrying the GCaMP6f protein gene into the somatosensory cortex of 3-month-old 5xFAD mice with Alzheimer’s disease to compare the activity of somatosensory cortex neural networks in free-ranging wild-type mice and 5xFAD mice, and detect differences in the functioning of these neural networks. Additionally, they will place a clear glass cranial window over the somatosensory cortex to install Miniscope V4. As these studies advance, Miniscope V4 data on somatosensory neuron activity in wild-type (C57BL/6J line) and Alzheimer’s disease transgenic mice (5xFAD line) will be utilized to evaluate somatosensory neural network states during assorted behavioral tests. Future studies will analyze the somatosensory cortex neuron activity during vibrissae stimulation, as abnormally high neuronal population activity in the somatosensory cortex has been observed in 5xFAD line mice with Alzheimer’s disease [2]. These findings will be crucial in the pharmacological assessment of potential therapeutic agents for Alzheimer’s disease treatment.
Neural oscillatory correlates of motor vigor: an magnetoencephalographic study
Authors: Ivanova M. D. , Germanova K. G. , Herrojo Ruiz M.
Published: May 2024

Previous studies have shown that the anticipation of reward enhances motor performance, which reduces movement time and increases velocity [1]. In our recent study [2], we observed that when participants are required to infer the changing probabilities of a reward in a dynamic and uncertain setting, heightened expectations are consistently associated with faster motor performance. The study showed that performance time sensitivity to prediction strength remained consistent among both young and older healthy adults, as well as those with Parkinson’s disease. While the effects of dynamic motor strength have been observed, the neurological processes involved remain to be determined [3].
The study examined the neural oscillatory connections to motor vigor in dynamic and unpredictable settings. We used magnetoencephalography (MEG) and individual structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to record readings from 25 healthy human participants (18 females) during the execution of our newly developed reward-based motor decision-making task [2]. This study used a reversal learning paradigm with shifting stimulus-outcome relationships. Participants were required to deduce which of two stimuli was linked to a reward on each trial, and indicate their choice through one of two finger press sequences, each with a distinct auditory response. The task was conducted in an unstable context, leading to fluctuations in the probability of reward associated with each response over time.
First, we examined decision-making behavior using the validated Hierarchical Gaussian Filter (HGF, [4]). The model that most accurately described the behavioral data was the three-level “extended” HGF for binary categorical inputs, which is paired with a response model where decisions are dependent on the trial-wise estimate of volatility. This study allowed for the generation of reward probability trajectories on a trial-by-trial basis. Subsequently, applying Bayesian linear mixed models, we found a relationship between belief strength regarding reward contingencies and performance tempo on a trial-by-trial basis.
The analysis of MEG signals is centered on reconstructing oscillatory activity sources using Linearly Constrained Minimum Variance beamforming [5]. Currently, we use convolution models in the source space to identify neural oscillatory correlations that differentiate motor performance and decision making. Next, we will evaluate connectivity patterns between frontal and motor regions that underlie the effects of motor invigoration. Identifying particular patterns of oscillatory connectivity that modulate motor vigor can provide insights into motor deficits observed in neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions associated with behavioral apathy.
Where Is The Connection?
Authors:   , Trebach Lauren , Gorichanaz Timothy John
Published: May 2024

This capstone paper details a small study investigating current collection development best practices and Interlibrary Loan data usage in academic libraries in the United States. Along with literature review it covers the methodology and findings of a hands-on study conducted with professionals in the academic library field. This paper is NOT peer reviewed.
The Revitalization and Optimization of SpO2 Monitoring of Patients on PCA Pumps
Authors:   , Coltrane Georgette D. , Poyss Alicemarie R.
Published: May 2024

The revitalization and optimization of continuous SpO2 monitoring of patients on a PCA pump is a quality improvement initiative that focuses on the re-implementation of this evidence-based best practice on an ortho-surgical unit. Over the last 3 years, this unit has faced challenges including staffing shortages, managerial shifts, and the unit being staffed with new graduates. The purpose of the quality improvement initiative is to re-introduce the organization's PCA policy to the nurses, incorporate appropriate stakeholders for buy-in, and implement nurse-driven tools that will ensure the sustainability of this best practice. A GAP analysis was conducted looking at current practices on the unit and the desired future state of continuous SpO2 monitoring of patients on PCA pumps. Data was collected via pre- and post-educational surveys. Both surveys resulted in less than 50% participation. Ten out of the 21 nurses completed the pre-education survey producing a 48% participation rate. Eight out of the 21 nurses completed the post-education survey producing a 38% participation rate. When analyzing the results, it was determined that the lack of compliance related to the PCA policy and continuous SpO2 monitoring was related to knowledge. During the pre-assessment, 75% of the responses were accurate and complete as it relates to proper initiation and monitoring of SpO2. Twenty-five percent of the responses were incomplete related to the policy's assessment and documentation cycle. This substantiated the need for unit wide re-education and training. Clinical implications resulting from this quality improvement project include increased patient safety, decreased hospital stay days, and continuous education and training for nurses in an ortho-surgical unit.
Expressing, Liberating, and Celebrating the Sexual Body
Authors:   , Schemankewitz Bianca I. , Goodill Sherry W.
Published: May 2024

This culminating project is a journal article manuscript exploring the role of dance and performance in liberating, expressing, and celebrating the sexual body as a way to create space for sexual wellness in dance/movement therapy (DMT) practice. Despite the inherent relationship between sex and the body, it has been observed that sexual wellness is rarely explored within the DMT setting. Negative cultural attitudes towards sex have contributed to sexual shame and repression, especially among women and queer individuals, as well as minimized sexual health as an important aspect of holistic wellbeing. While knowledge and research exist on using DMT to support healthy sexuality, it exclusively focuses on the internal and using the body to promote interoceptive awareness. This project explores how the creative, expressive, and performative elements of dance can contribute to the development of healthy sexuality in women and queer individuals by providing opportunities for actualization of the sexual self, through the moving body. It also discusses implications for DMT in utilizing choreography and performance as therapeutic tools to advance discussions of sexual wellness within the therapeutic setting. This journal article manuscript was written in accordance with the submission guidelines for a commentary article in the American Journal of Dance Therapy, with the exception of missing criteria for number of references.
Exploring Access to Chronic Pain Treatment through Virtual Music Therapy
Authors:   , Raftis Kelsey M , Lacson Clarissa Jean
Published: May 2024

Chronic pain impacts more than 20% of adults in the United States. Chronic pain can negatively impact many aspects of life including but not limited to employment, sleep, mental health and general life enjoyment. When it comes to psychotherapeutic treatment for individuals with chronic pain, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is common. CBT follows a resourcing approach where individuals are able to practice skills in and outside of session. Many individuals with chronic pain suffer from isolation because of the way their pain can impact their ability to attend community spaces and relate to others. Isolation and poor mental health can increase the presence of pain; however, the opposite is also true: when feelings of belonging increase, pain can be reduced. When it comes to access to treatment, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) experience more barriers to care than white people. BIPOC are disadvantaged systematically when it comes to access to insurance, pharmacies, pain specialists, and transportation among other resources. Using virtual care for chronic pain can be a possibility when it comes to psychotherapeutic treatment. Telehealth may be a viable opportunity for increasing access to services, however, it is not a perfect solution for every individual. Music therapy has been used for pain treatment historically and is in its infancy for virtual application. Music therapy may be a worthwhile treatment as an alternative or supplement to pharmaceutical medication as it has no side effects. To explore the application of virtual music therapy for individuals with chronic pain, a community event was held to offer music therapy techniques and to provide a community-building space with a goal of reducing isolation to reduce pain.
A Gap Analysis of Falls Prevention on a Medical-Surgical Unit
Authors:   , Wenzel Lorraine , Poyss Alicemarie R.
Published: May 2024

A microsystem assessment was completed on a medical-surgical unit. One of quality initiatives that was identified as a problem in this microsystem was an increase in fall rates with 18 falls for the year. There is a need for change to decrease the metrics in patient falls. A gap analysis is completed after data from fall reports are collected to identify the gaps within the fall prevention program. The purpose is to decrease the fall rates by identifying the gaps and causes of falls and what needs to be altered within the current fall prevention program to prevent patient falls in the future. The data is collected to identify the gaps in the falls procedures that are reported. From January to March 2023 there were four falls. The results revealed that all the patients involved were cognitively impaired patients. Patients were found on the floor while the bed was alarming. Seventy-five percent of patients did not have patient education on falls prevention. Zero patients had fall prevention safety equipment utilized such as a telesitter. It is unknown if post-fall debriefings was a collaborative effort with team members. The analysis of these results entails the presence of language barriers, alarm fatigue, non-use of safety equipment, barriers to caring for cognitively impaired patients, and lack of education and communication of fall prevention strategies within the interprofessional team, patients, and families. Clinical implications of the evidence present the need for family involvement (Walker, 2004). This may include having a family member stay with the patient in the hospital. The safety needs of these patients involve specific planning of interventions beyond the fall risk assessment as risk factors are just as vital (Dykes et al, 2018). Reinforcement of safety equipment available such as telesitter. Furthermore, initiating consistent communication amongst the care team on the patient's fall prevention plan and reflection of the fall event with post fall debriefings is crucial in preventing a fall in the future and providing safe patient care (Hoke & Guarracino, 2016).
Reducing Catheter Days on an Acute Care Inpatient Unit
Authors:   , Afionis Constantina , Poyss Alicemarie R.
Published: May 2024

Hospital acquired infections can change a patient's course of treatment and hospital stay. Quality improvement measures and procedures are being implemented to help healthcare professionals provide the best care to patients and make their time in the hospital as safe as possible. Following a microsystem assessment to assess the needs of a trauma medical surgical unit, the number of urinary catheter days was found to be an issue. A nurse driven Foley huddle was implemented into daily interdisciplinary rounds to create the discussion around the patient's indwelling urinary catheter and create a plan for removal as soon as appropriate for the patient. Two phases were implemented, one to implement the Foley huddle, and one to see how the huddle was maintained. Many of the patients met the goal of the quality improvement project of only having the catheter for one to three days after insertion. Overall, there was a 1.5 percent decrease in indwelling urinary catheter days when comparing quarter 1 of 2023 to quarter one of 2022. Not only have the catheter days decreased, but the microsystem has created cost- savings for both the unit and the hospital system. Plans for sustainability and implementation of the daily Foley huddle after the project has concluded are included in the discussion. Keywords: CAUTI, infections, catheter days
Moving, Again
Authors:   , Zois Deanna Kristine , Dieterich-Hartwell Rebekka Magdalena
Published: May 2024

This critical literature review explores the intersections of inpatient psychiatric restraint, polyvagal theory, dance/movement therapy and counseling, physiological manifestations of trauma, and somatic countertransference. Through the literature, this review illustrates the history of inpatient psychiatric care, manifestations of stress in the body in relation to traumatic events, and the hierarchical dynamic established through the administration and removal of power in restraints. In addition, the need for an embodied approach to support individuals in returning to a place of emotional and physiological safety post restraint is detailed. The review closes with clinical recommendations, limitations, and personal takeaways.