bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E-Recruitment Sites: Management Graduates' Perception of an Online Application System
Authors: Khati Pooja , Bhusal Bharat
Published: April 2023

The study intends to examine various factors influencing management graduates’ perception of an online application system. A combination of stratified random, and convenience sampling methods was employed in this study. Through anexisting literature questionnaire and self-constructed questionnaire, 256 management graduates from nine campuses in the Rupandehi area provided data for the study on a five-point Likert scale. The research was conducted utilizing a descriptive and causal-comparative approach. Pearson Correlation Analysis and Simple regression equation estimated by the ordinary least square (OLS) method have been used. The empirical result finds that all of the independent variables investigated in the study were shown to have a significant positive relationship with the dependent variable. The outcome of the regression analysis indicates that fairness perceptions have the greatest influence on management graduates' evaluations of an online application system, followed by internet selection image and user-friendliness among the variables examined in this study. However, the outcome demonstrated that perceived efficiency and information provision have no significant effect.
Effect of free cash flow on the profitability of Nepalese commercial banks
Authors: Sedhai Swechha
Published: April 2023

This study investigates the impact of free cash flow on the profitability of Nepalese commercial banks. The study analyzes secondary data of 20 commercial banks from 2016/17 to 2020/21, using return on assets and return on equity as dependent variables, and free cash flow, cash flow from investing activities, cash flow from financing activities, dividend payout ratio, current ratio, and bank size as independent variables. The study finds that free cash flow has a positive effect on return on assets and return on equity, while leverage has a negative effect. Cash flow from investing and financing activities has a positive effect on return on assets, and the dividend payout ratio has a positive effect on return on equity. Bank size also has a positive effect on both return on assets and return on equity. However, the current ratio has a negative effect on both return on assets and return on equity. These findings suggest that commercial banks in Nepal can improve their profitability by effectively managing their free cash flow, cash flow from investing and financing activities, dividend payout ratio, and bank size, while minimizing their leverage and current ratio.
Depression, anxiety and stress (according to DASS-21 test results) among students of Vinnytsya national medical university
Authors: Gusakova I. V. , Konovalov S. V. , Hmel L. L.
Published: April 2023

Annotation. The military events in Ukraine (2022-2023 years), the economic and social changes closely related to them led to an increase in the level of social tension, social anxiety, and the appearance of stress among the Ukrainian population. The purpose of this study is to assess level of anxiety, depression and stress in Ukrainian medical students. The DASS-21 questionnaire (Ukrainian language version) was used to investigate 374 medical students of the II-III years of study in Vinnytsya National Medical University (the average age 19.47±0.11 years, boys – 148, girls – 226). Testing was carried out in the territory where there are no military operations, in the non-sessional period. The test results were statistically processed using the statistical analysis package of the Microsoft Excel program. It was found that there are only 67 medical students who have normative values of the DASS-21 test (17.91±1.98%). Depression of varying degrees (from mild to very severe) occurs in 198 (52.94±2.58%) students, stress is detected in 190 (50.80±2.59%) people, and anxiety in 240 (64.17±2.48%). Statistically significant gender differences in the results of the DASS-21 test are observed, in particular, the percentage of people with depression, anxiety and stress among women is higher than among guys (respectively, p˂0.001, p˂0.001, p˂0.01), female students probably more often (compared to boys) feel depressed and moody (p˂0.001), terrified (p˂0.01), close to panic (p˂0.001), or they are disturbed by situations that can cause panic or lead to deception (р˂0.001), they spend a lot of nervous energy (р˂0.001), feel low self-esteem as individuals (р˂0.01), loss of initiative (р˂0.05), the ability to feel something positive in general (p˂0.05), are too sensitive (p˂0.001), worried, excited (p˂0.01). Thus, in the difficult socio-economic conditions of the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, there is widespread depression, anxiety and stress among students, studying in a higher medical institution in Ukraine, not in a combat zone. It is advisable to analyse the strategies for getting out of stressful situations used by modern students, assess their suicidal risks, and widely promote psycho-relaxing techniques and the most optimal strategies for overcoming stress among medical students.
Study of the influence of individual components in the cultivation environment on P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii biofilm-forming activity
Authors: Kovalchuk V. P. , Burkot V. M. , Dudar A. O. , Kondratuk V. M. , Zhorniak O. I. , Prokopchuk Z. M. , Trofimenko Y. Y.
Published: April 2023

Annotation. P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii are the causative agents of severe wound infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, catheter-associated septic conditions and other severe pathological processes. The ability of bacteria to form biofilms in affected tissues plays an important role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Therefore, the purpose of our work is to study the influence of certain external factors on the ability of bacteria to form biofilms. The ability of bacteria to form biofilms in affected tissues plays an important role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. 5 clinical strains of P. aeruginosa and 5 strains of A. baumannii were used in this research. The ability to form biofilms was studied in 96-well polystyrene plates by the spectrophotometric method, which is based on the ability of the crystal violet dye to bind to the cells and matrix of the biofilm. Statistical processing of the obtained results was carried out using Excel Microsoft Office tables. The effect of the presence of certain sugars and nitrogen-containing compounds in the cultivation medium on the processes of biofilm formation by pseudomonads and acinetobacteria was investigated. As a result of the research, it was established that acinetobacteria show the ability to form films, unlike pseudomonads, under the condition of their cultivation in sterile distilled water. The introduction of certain carbohydrates or urea into the cultivation medium intensified the biofilm-forming properties of pseudomonads to a much greater extent, compared to acinetobacteria. According to the research results, it was established that the most active process of biofilm formation occurs in both types of non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria when there are animal blood serum proteins in the culture medium. The formation of biofilms is one of the main strategies that increases the survival of bacteria in the environment, as well as in the human body. The ability of bacteria to form biofilms is, among other things, a factor in the pathogenicity and virulence of bacteria. So, in recent years, special attention has been paid to the ability of microorganisms to form biofilms, and to the study of factors affecting this process.
Treatment of distal femur fractures in patients with COVID-19 coronavirus infection
Authors: Guriev S. O. , Tanasienko P. V. , Skobenko E. O.
Published: April 2023

Annotation. Treatment of patients with fractures of the distal part of the hip against the background of COVID-19 is an extremely difficult task, since the course of this infection in injured patients has a complicated course. The purpose of our work was to evaluate the results of treatment of patients with fractures of the distal part of the hip against the background of COVID-19 during the epidemic period. To carry out our study, a retrospective analysis of 73 patients with fractures in the distal part of the hip, who were treated in one of the city hospitals of Kyiv, was carried out. The observation period was from 04.20.2020 to 06.20.2021. The criterion for participation in the study was the presence of a fracture of the distal part of the hip in combination with the new coronavirus infection COVID-19. All patients underwent a PCR study and a multispiral SCT, which was part of the general clinical examination of patients. Statistical substantiation of the research was carried out using Microsoft Excel. To make a correct comparison, we chose the method of calculating the coefficient of the Pearson polychoric relationship indicator. In the study group, conservative treatment was offered to 15 patients (20.5%), whose average age was 77.2±2.6 years. It should be noted that in 60.0% of patients who were prescribed conservative treatment, lung damage was detected at the level of 50% or higher, that is, a severe degree of coronavirus infection. Conservative treatment was not successful in 6 patients who died in the hospital, hospital mortality was 40.0%. Surgical treatment was performed in 58 patients, which was 79.4%. Treatment of patients with fractures of the distal part of the hip against the background of COVID-19 has many problems, both of a medical and organizational nature. Operative treatment of patients with distal hip fractures against the background of COVID-19 is a higher priority than conservative treatment, as indicated by a decrease in the number of complications, early mobilization of patients and a decrease in in-hospital mortality. Surgical fixation of fractures of the distal part of the hip and rapid mobilization of patients with COVID-19 affects the reduction of respiratory disorders and is a priority method in the treatment of this category of patients.
Molecular and genetic aspects of the pathogenesis of COVID-associated thrombosis
Authors: Stoika Y. V. , Nekrashchuk O. P. , Sukhan D. S. , Datsenko H. V. , Datsenko Y. O. , Galunko G. M. , Botanevych Y. O.
Published: April 2023

Annotation. COVID-19 is a viral infectious disease that reached pandemic proportions in 2020. The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is the etiological factor of the coronavirus disease, has a complex mechanism of impact on the human body, causing various manifestations and causing complications of the disease. As you know, a severe form of coronavirus infection is associated with dire consequences, among which the main step is a violation of the coagulation system, which has the appearance of CVD syndrome, but its main symptom is thrombosis of arterial and venous vessels. The frequency of occurrence of thrombocytopenia forces us to investigate the pathogenesis of the development of this process to reduce the number of cases. However, there is still no clear opinion about the pathogenesis of such thrombosis. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to analyse the most probable mechanisms of development of venous and/or arterial thrombosis associated with coronavirus disease. In the course of the study, 64 information sources were analysed, extracted from PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Elsevier databases. At the beginning of a thorough analysis of information, the following main links of COVID-associated thrombosis were identified: direct hyperactivation of blood platelets, which leads, through the participation of their surface molecules (P-selectin, CD40L, etc.), to the activation of aggregation and adhesion of platelets; ACE2 - mediated cell activation and endothelial dysfunction, which together have the property of stimulating thrombus formation; activation of the NETosis process, the MAPK pathway, Toll-like receptors and the Nox2 enzyme system, which also through a cascade of various reactions, which are described below, cause thrombosis. We understood that these several pathogenetic chains can work relatively separately, but the difficulty in describing the development of thrombotic disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is that these aspects of pathogenesis are closely related and intertwined at different links, forming both direct and feedback loops, and vicious circles. The obtained structured data can serve as a basis for further original research, which will allow the development of targeted therapy for the treatment and prevention of post-covid thromboses, directed at the described molecular genetic aspects.
“Sindicato de Ladrões”: o Método como um campo de disputa em Hollywood
Authors: Zaniolo Bruno Gavranic , Ilari Mayumi , Ferraz Daniel
Published: April 2023

Hollywood, 1954. No auge do Macartismo, o diretor Elia Kazan realiza o filme “Sindicato de Ladrões” como justificativa de sua decisão de colaborar com a “caça às bruxas” anticomunista. Através de um exercício atento de análise, esse livro propõe identificar, na obra, o registro das contradições internas à classe artística do período, discutindo o trabalho do elenco, através do método de interpretação realista, como um campo de disputa central na história do desenvolvimento da linguagem cinematográfica.
Transfer knowledge of organic agriculture for healthy horticulture cultivation on the Bengawan Solo River, Central Java
Authors: Dewi Widyatmani Sih , Supriyadi Supriyadi , Mujiyo Mujiyo , Amalina Desti Dian , Romadhon Muhammad Rizky
Published: April 2023

Organic farming practices are needed to maintain soil fertility and the health of horticultural products on the banks of the Bengawan Solo river in Jangglengan village, Sukoharjo. This community service aims to teach the farming community about organic farming principles and the practice of making liquid organic fertilizer to support healthy horticultural farming on riverbanks in the Jangglengan area. The partner group, the Jangglengan village government, involves 60 farmer representatives. The methods used were focus group discussion, practices for making liquid organic fertilizer, and evaluation. The results of community service activities show that 75% farmers can show good organic waste material for organic fertilizer, and 95% farmers had improved skills and were able to try making fertilizer by themselves. This organic farming socialization is a good start toward implementing good agricultural practices on the land along the Bengawan Solo River in Jangglengan.
Sociology of education: Strengthening the role of school committees in Sumber Rahayu Village, Muara Enim regency
Authors: Yulasteriyani Yulasteriyani , Randi Randi , Mirani Dwi , Andriani Dian Sri , Yusnaini Yusnaini , Insyanawulan Gita , Arianti Yosi
Published: April 2023

This activity aims to internalize the concept of educational sociology theory and strengthen the socio-cultural-educational relationship between the community and the school. This community service activity was carried out in three stages: pre-test, counseling, and post-test. The success of this community service activity can be measured from two achievements, including all series of community service events that went well and smoothly without hindrance, and sociology and school committee materials that were well received and understood by service participants. In addition, the pre-test and post-test results showed an increase in participants' knowledge and experience regarding the concept and theory of school committees.
Quality improvement of posyandu cadres in optimizing stunting prevention in toddlers and adolescent women
Authors: Wardani Arief Kusuma , Hikmah Dhea Nur , Pratiwi Selma Septi , Hikmareza Yanvi Adika , Nurmalasari Sherli Febria
Published: April 2023

The huge number of stunted families is a major issue in Magelang, especially in Sidoagung Village. The community service program is aimed at improving the competency of cadres who serve as community assistants in developing public knowledge about the RDA for nutritional adequacy in pregnant women and young women. To address this issue, the community service program implemented a number of preventive and curative initiatives, including socialization through the distribution of educational posters, counseling on stunting for possible stunting cadres and families, and the enhancement of Posyandu services. The program has influence on developing competence in assisting the community, particularly in recognizing stunting and how to directly avoid it through the use of media posters, as well as understanding in supplying additional food based on nutritional adequacy.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy and biopsy of a tectal lesion using flexible neuroendoscopy and urological cup forceps: illustrative case
Authors: Yang Meredith , Wolfson Daniel , LoPresti Melissa A. , Poland Emma , Lam Sandi , DeCuypere Michael
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Tectal region tumors often clinically present as obstructive hydrocephalus due to mass effect on the outflow of the third ventricle and cerebral aqueduct. Pathology in this region varies; thus, biopsy can be of great value in the management decision making. Appropriate instrumentation remains an area of interest to further advance flexible neuroendoscopic techniques and applications.

OBSERVATIONS

The authors report an illustrative case using flexible neuroendoscopy through a single burr hole for simultaneous endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and tectal tumor biopsy using urological cup forceps in a 13-year-old boy who had presented with obstructive hydrocephalus.

LESSONS

The authors demonstrate the feasibility of simultaneous ETV and tectal lesion biopsy via flexible neuroendoscopy to address obstructive hydrocephalus and obtain a tissue biopsy in a single-site procedure. They found that the use of flexible cup forceps designed for uroscopy is an important complement to flexible neuroendoscopy. Given the evolving applications of flexible neuroendoscopy, this has implications for instrumentation adaptation and future design.
Cervical radiculopathy due to extracranial vertebral artery dissection treated by stent placement with a flow diversion effect: illustrative case
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroaki , Yamaura Ikuya , Matsumoto Atsushi , Miyata Shiro , Tomogane Yusuke , Minami Hiroaki , Masuda Atsushi , Yoshida Yasuhisa
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Cervical radiculopathy due to extracranial vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is extremely rare. The disease is usually treated with conservative treatment because of its favorable prognosis. However, there is a possibility that conservative treatment may bring about no improvement in radiculopathy. Although stent placement with a flow diversion effect may be effective in such cases, there are no reported cases that were treated with stent placement.

OBSERVATIONS

A 40-year-old healthy man presented with severe right neck pain, right arm pain, and right arm weakness after cracking his neck. A neurological examination revealed right C5 radiculopathy. Neuroimaging studies revealed right extracranial VAD. The VAD compressed the right C5 nerve root. Although medications were administered, there was no improvement in the symptoms. He experienced severe radicular pain. The authors performed stent placement with a flow diversion effect 10 days after the onset of VAD. His radicular pain improved immediately after the procedure, and the remaining radiculopathy completely improved within 1 month. Follow-up angiography showed complete improvement of the VAD.

LESSONS

Stent placement with a flow diversion effect may be considered when radiculopathy that hinders a patient’s daily life exists. Stent placement may bring about rapid improvement in radiculopathy, especially radicular pain.
Recent Formulation Development Advances and Drug Delivery Insights for Medicated Chewing Gums
Authors: Sahu Jyoti Kiran , Prasad Suruchi
Published: April 2023

Oral medication delivery system research has resulted in the development of new formulations and technology. Such studies demonstrate the importance of the oral route among patients. We’ve gone through all of the benefits and drawbacks of medicated chewing gum as a contemporary medication delivery system, including the history, benefits and drawbacks, production processes, composition variations, assessment tests, and samples of different medicated chewing gum kinds. The acceptance of medicated chewing gum has grown over time. Chewing gum’s advantages and therapeutic benefits encourage its development, as shown by the fact that new formulations including new pharmaceuticals have been generated in the past and will be found in the market by the formation of new medicated chewing gums. Medicated chewing gums have a broad range of potential uses that will be identified in the future. Chewing gums now have the same qualification criteria as pills. Patients’ compliance is improved by using medicated chewing gums as a delivery strategy in patient-centered research.
Water pollution of the Oued D'Hous River (Algeria) and its potential impact on fauna and flora
Authors: Samai Ibtissem , Saloua Nebbache , Ouafia Aounallah , Hanene Ramdani , Zoubeida Meghlaoui
Published: April 2023

Water plays a crucial role in all aspects of our lives, including the economy, food security, production, and politics, making it essential for sustainable development. Surface water pollution, which includes rivers, lakes, and oceans, is a significant environmental concern. Oued D'Hous, located in the Wilaya of Bouira in Algeria, is the subject of our research, which examines its hydrochemical pollution resulting from the discharge of domestic, industrial, and agricultural wastewater from the city. The evaluation of the physicochemical parameters reveals that the existing pollutant levels in Oued D'Hous have significantly increased, leading to a high degree of toxicity that threatens the area's flora and fauna. This pollution also limits the use of this resource by humans. We call upon the competent authorities to promptly limit the discharge of these hazardous effluents into Oued D'Hous to prevent further water contamination and reduce the risk of adverse health effects on the public, including those who use the wells located in the vicinity. In conclusion, immediate measures are necessary to mitigate the severe pollution of Oued D'Hous, and we urge the authorities to take action to address this pressing environmental concern.
Management of canine distemper, canine babesiosis, helminthiasis in a 6-month-old Nigerian indigenous breed of dogs bitch in Jos - Nigeria
Authors: Ogbein Kenneth Ewere , Ochigbo Grace Onyeche , Tizhe Emmanuel Vandi , Dogo Abraham Goni , Babalola Samuel Adeola , Vonkur Godreign Changwak , Alo-aleje Happiness Ogeye
Published: April 2023

A 6-month-old Nigerian indigenous breed of dog bitch was presented to the Small animal clinic of the University of Jos veterinary teaching hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, with the complaint of paresis and involuntary movement of the left hindlimb and no vaccination history. On clinical examination, the vital parameters were temperature of 39.4 ⁰C, pulse rate of 80 beats per minute and respiratory rate of 60 cycles per minute. The clinical signs were congested ocular mucous membranes, bilateral mucoid oculo-nasal discharge, hardened nasal planum, inflamed submandibular lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy), paresis of the hind limbs, hardened footpads, myoclonus of the left hind limbs (distemper myoclonus), fleas on the ventral abdomen, and epilation. Diagnosis was made based on history, clinical signs, lymphopaenia, canine distemper inclusions bodies, and Babesia canis on the blood smear. The treatment was symptomatical and supportive. The patient partially recovered 7-days post-therapy as the hind limb myoclonus persisted.
Social security agency of health (BPJS health) implementation on dentures patient in USA community health center (Puskesmas USA) bone regency 2022
Authors: Amelia A. Rizki , Aldi Andi Tenri Ummu Dwi Rista Andani , Alwi Muh Khidri , Irfandinata Irfandinata , Amir Haeril
Published: April 2023

Abstract: Implementation of Social Security Agency of Health (SCAH) /BPJS  for Dentures Patients at the Usa Community Health Center in Bone Regency 2022. Tooth loss is a problem that can interfere with dental and oral health. This study aims to explore the implementation of social security agency policies for dentures patients at the Usa Community Health Center in 2022. This type of research is a qualitative study using a snowball sampling technique. The results of this study found that the informants had understood the services for installing dental prostheses that were borne by BPJS Health. As for the information, they do not understand the tariffs for dental prostheses or dentures, which are included in the service being covered by BPJS Health. BPJS Health provides a number of medical services for the community, one of which is dental and oral care, in this case dental prostheses or dentures. From the input and process results it was found that for the implementation of BPJS Health for dental prostheses there are still indicators that are not fully achieved, such as the rates of prostheses or dentures which are still misinterpreted by some patients.
A bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer: Leadership in infection prevention and control
Authors: Suryantoro Eko , Udin Udin , Qamari Ika Nurul
Published: April 2023

This study aims to analyze the development of publications about inner leader infection prevention and control in healthcare facility settings using the SCOPUS database. This study uses a bibliometric analysis approach using the VOSviewer software tool to construct and visualize a bibliometric network. Researchers screened by leading keywords in infection prevention and control in the Scopus database for 2003-2022. The number of publications according to the keywords initially appeared as many as 922 articles, and then after filtering, the final result was that the number of publications was 369. The development of publications on leadership in infection and prevention control in the past 20 years has continued to increase and reached its highest point in 2020. Based on the analysis results with VOSviewer and the network visualization of co-occurrence based on keywords, there are 52 items divided into 4 groups (clusters) marked with different colors. The COVID-19 pandemic did not cause publications on the topic of leaders in infection prevention and control to decrease. On the contrary, it reached its highest point in the 2003-2022 period, namely in 2020. The analysis results using the VOSviewer application show a link between leadership and infection prevention and control interesting network for further research. This can be seen in network visualization, overlay visualization, and density visualization results.
Pengolahan Sampah Organik Menggunakan BSF Dengan Metode Pola Plasma
Authors: Fitriyah Sukhriyatun , Nisa Roifatun
Published: April 2023

Sampah organik memiliki presentase terbanyak dibandingkan dengan sampah anorganik. berdasarkan Data yang bersumber dari Kementrian Lingkungan Hidup tahun 2021 dari 212 kabupaten/ kota di Indonesia timbulan sampah sebanyak lebih dari 26 juta ton/tahun. Limbah  organik  yang melimpah  setiap  harinya  dapat  diolah  dengan  berbagai cara.   Salah   satunya   adalah   dengan   cara   memanfaatkannya   sebagai   media budidaya ulat/maggot lalat BSF (Black Soldier Fly). Masyarakat di Desa Singaraja Kabupaten Indramayu masih banyak yang belum memahami cara pengolahan sampah organik menggunakan BSF. Penelitian ini bertujuan ingin mengetahui pengetahuan masyarakat mengenai sampah dan BSF serta membuat metode pengelolaan sampah organik menggunakan BSF dengan cara pola plasma. Inti pola dalam penelitian ini yaitu Bank Sampah yang ada di Desa Singaraja dan plasma pengelolaan sampah organik dengan BSF nya dibuat di 12 titik dimana masing-masing titik tersebut dibuat 2-3 plasma. Penelitian ini menggunakan penelitian eksperimen semu (quasi experiment) dengan  pendekatan non randomized control group pretest postest design. Sampel dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 30 responden menggunakan metode purposive sampling dengan kriteria inklusi dan eksklusi. Hasil penelitian diketahui hasil pretest dan posttest menunjukkan adanya perbedaan yang signifikan setelah dilakukan pelatihan. Pengetahuan sampah sebelum dan sesudah pelatihan meningkat dimana p-value 0,043 dan pengetahuan BSF ada peningkatan sebelum dan sesudah pelatihan dimana nilai p-value 0,017. Secara  umum,  hasil  kegiatan  ini memberikan alternatif baru untuk membuat pengolahan sampah organik sehingga lebih baik lagi dalam menangani permasalahan sampah yang bersumber dari rumah tangga.
How to Prevent and/or Revert Alzheimer’s Disease Continuum During Preclinical Phases
Authors: Ávila-Villanueva Marina , Dolado Alberto Marcos , Fernández-Blázquez Miguel
Published: April 2023

The development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) follows three consecutive phases: namely preclinical, prodromal or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. In addition, the preclinical phase can be divided into subphases related to the presence of biomarkers that appear at different points before the onset of MCI. Indeed, an early risk factor could promote the appearance of additional ones through a continuum. The presence of various risk factors may trigger specific biomarkers. In this review, we comment on how modifiable risk factors for AD may be reverted, thus correlating with a possible decrease in the specific biomarkers for the disease. Finally, we discuss the development of a suitable AD prevention strategy by targeting modifiable risk factors, thereby increasing the level of “precision medicine” in healthcare systems worldwide.
Neuroinflammation: A Common Pathway in Alzheimer’s Disease and Epilepsy
Authors: Liew Yee , Retinasamy Thaarvena , Arulsamy Alina , Ali Idrish , Jones Nigel C. , O’Brien Terence J. , Shaikh Mohd Farooq
Published: April 2023

Background:

Neuroinflammation is an innate immunological response of the central nervous system that may be induced by a brain insult and chronic neurodegenerative conditions. Recent research has shown that neuroinflammation may contribute to the initiation of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis and associated epileptogenesis.

Objective:

This systematic review aimed to investigate the available literature on the shared molecular mechanisms of neuroinflammation in AD and epilepsy.

Methods:

The search included in this systematic review was obtained from 5 established databases. A total of 2,760 articles were screened according to inclusion criteria. Articles related to the modulation of the inflammatory biomarkers commonly associated with the progression of AD and epilepsy in all populations were included in this review.

Results:

Only 7 articles met these criteria and were chosen for further analysis. Selected studies include both in vitro and in vivo research conducted on rodents. Several neuroinflammatory biomarkers were reported to be involved in the cross-talk between AD and epilepsy.

Conclusion:

Neuroinflammation was directly associated with the advancement of AD and epilepsy in populations compared to those with either AD or epilepsy. However, more studies focusing on common inflammatory biomarkers are required to develop standardized monitoring guidelines to prevent the manifestation of epilepsy and delay the progression of AD in patients.
Depression in Mid- and Later-Life and Risk of Dementia in Women: A Prospective Study within the Danish Nurses Cohort
Authors: Hickey Martha , Hueg Trine K. , Priskorn Lærke , Uldbjerg Cecilie S. , Beck Astrid L. , Anstey Kaarin J. , Lim Youn-Hee , Bräuner Elvira V.
Published: April 2023

Background:

Depression and dementia confer substantial global health burdens, particularly in women. Understanding the association between depression and dementia may inform new targets for prevention and/or early intervention.

Objective:

To investigate the association between depression in mid- and later-life and dementia (all-cause, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or vascular dementia (VaD)) in women.

Methods:

A prospective study design. Nurses were followed from age 60 years or entry into the cohort, whichever came last, until date of dementia, death, emigration, or end of follow-up, whichever came first. Cox regression models with age as the underlying timeline were used to estimate the associations between time-varying depression and incident dementia.

Results:

The study included 25,651 female Danish nurses (≥45 years) participating in the Danish Nurse Cohort. During an average of 23 years of follow-up, 1,232 (4.8%) nurses developed dementia and 8,086 (31.5%) were identified with at least two episodes of treated depression. In adjusted analyses, nurses with depression were at a statistically significant 5.23-fold higher risk of all-cause dementia (aHR 5.23:95% CI, 4.64–5.91) compared to those with no history of depression. The differential effects of depression were greater for VaD (aHR 7.96:95% CI, 5.26–12.0) than AD (aHR 4.64:95% CI, 3.97–5.42). Later life depression (>60 years) (aHR 5.85:95% CI, 5.17–6.64) and recurrent depression (aHR 3.51:95% CI, 2.67–4.61) elevated dementia risk. Severe depression tripled the risk of all cause dementia (aHR 3.14:95% CI, 2.62–3.76).

Conclusion:

Both later life and severe depression substantially increase dementia risk in women, particularly VaD.
Towards Improved Clinical Diagnosis of Argyrophilic Grain Disease Using Brain Imaging
Authors: Kawakatsu Shinobu , Kobayashi Ryota
Published: April 2023

In this issue, Sakurai et al. report on relevant findings for the clinical diagnosis of argyrophilic grain disease (AGD). Their study describes a characteristic atrophy distribution restricted to the limbic lobes, namely the ambient gyrus, in AGD versus Alzheimer’s disease (AD), in pathologically confirmed patients using magnetic resonance imaging by voxel- and surface-based morphometry. Here, we discuss the possibility of employing functional or molecular brain imaging to further improvement of diagnosis of AGD. Additional research is required to elucidate the contributions of comorbid AD and transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 kDa pathologies in patients with AGD.
Handling similar looking disease symptoms in plants using dilation and feature reuse
Authors: Noon Serosh Karim , Amjad Muhammad , Qureshi Muhammad Ali , Mannan Abdul
Published: April 2023

For the last decade, the use of deep learning techniques in plant leaf disease recognition has seen a lot of success. Pretrained models and the networks trained from scratch have obtained near-ideal accuracy on various public and self-collected datasets. However, symptoms of many diseases found on various plants look similar, which still poses an open challenge. This work takes on the task of dealing with classes with similar symptoms by proposing a trained-from-scratch shallow and thin convolutional neural network employing dilated convolutions and feature reuse. The proposed architecture is only four layers deep with a maximum width of 48 features. The utility of the proposed work is twofold: (1) it is helpful for the automatic detection of plant leaf diseases and (2) it can be used as a virtual assistant for a field pathologist to distinguish among classes with similar symptoms. Since dealing with classes with similar-looking symptoms is not well studied, there is no benchmark database for this purpose. We prepared a dataset of 11 similar-looking classes and 5, 108 images for experimentation and have also made it publicly available. The results demonstrate that our proposed model outperforms other recent and state-of-the-art models in terms of the number of parameters, training & inference time, and classification accuracy.
Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 Achieve and Maintain Bulbar Function Following Onasemnogene Abeparvovec Treatment
Authors: McGrattan Katlyn E. , Shell Richard D. , Hurst-Davis Rebecca , Young Sally Dunaway , O’Brien Eamonn , Lavrov Arseniy , Wallach Shiri , LaMarca Nicole , Reyna Sandra P. , Darras Basil T.
Published: April 2023

Background:

Improvement and maintenance of bulbar function are goals of disease-modifying treatments for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Lack of standardized measures and a widely accepted definition of bulbar function represents a gap in SMA care.

Objective:

A multidisciplinary team conducted post-hoc analyses of pooled data from one phase 1 (START) and two phase 3 (STR1VE-US, STR1VE-EU) studies to define and evaluate bulbar function of infants with SMA type 1 after receiving one-time gene replacement therapy, onasemnogene abeparvovec.

Methods:

We defined bulbar function as the ability to meet nutritional needs while maintaining airway protection and the ability to communicate verbally. Four endpoints represented adequate bulbar function: (1) absence of clinician-identified physiologic swallowing impairment, (2) receiving full oral nutrition, (3) absence of adverse events indicating pulmonary instability, and (4) the ability to vocalize at least two different, distinct vowel sounds. We descriptively assessed numbers/percentages of patients who achieved each endpoint and all four collectively. Patients were followed until 18 months old (STR1VE-US and STR1VE-EU) or 24 months (START) post-infusion.

Results:

Overall, 65 patients were analyzed for swallowing, nutrition intake, and adverse events, and 20 were analyzed for communication. At study end, 92% (60/65) of patients had a normal swallow, 75% (49/65) achieved full oral nutrition, 92% (60/65) had no evidence of pulmonary instability, 95% (19/20) met the communication endpoint, and 75% (15/20) achieved all four bulbar function components in the composite endpoint.

Conclusions:

In these three clinical trials, patients with SMA type 1 who received onasemnogene abeparvovec achieved and maintained the bulbar function criteria utilized within this investigation.
Structural-Functional Correlates of Response to Pedunculopontine Stimulation in a Randomized Clinical Trial for Axial Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Breit Sorin , Milosevic Luka , Naros Georgios , Cebi Idil , Weiss Daniel , Gharabaghi Alireza
Published: April 2023

Background:

Axial symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) can be debilitating and are often refractory to conventional therapies such as dopamine replacement therapy and deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nuclei (STN).

Objective:

Evaluate the efficacy of bilateral DBS of the pedunculopontine nucleus area (PPNa) and investigate structural and physiological correlates of clinical response.

Methods:

A randomized, double-blind, cross-over clinical trial was employed to evaluate the efficacy of bilateral PPNa-DBS on axial symptoms. Lead positions and neuronal activity were evaluated with respect to clinical response. Connectomic cortical activation profiles were generated based on the volumes of tissue activated.

Results:

PPNa-DBS modestly improved ( p = 0.057) axial symptoms in the medication-off condition, with greatest positive effects on gait symptoms ( p = 0.027). Electrode placements towards the anterior commissure (ρ= 0.912; p = 0.011) or foramen caecum (ρ= 0.853; p = 0.031), near the 50% mark of the ponto-mesencephalic junction, yielded better therapeutic responses. Recording trajectories of patients with better therapeutic responses (i.e., more anterior electrode placements) had neurons with lower firing-rates ( p = 0.003) and higher burst indexes ( p = 0.007). Structural connectomic profiles implicated activation of fibers of the posterior parietal lobule which is involved in orienting behavior and locomotion.

Conclusion:

Bilateral PPNa-DBS influenced gait symptoms in patients with PD. Anatomical and physiological information may aid in localization of a favorable stimulation target.
The Americans with Disabilities Act, addiction, and recovery
Authors: Whaley Barry A. , Williamson Pamela
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is sweeping civil rights legislation that affords people with disabilities equality of opportunity, economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and full participation in daily life. The protections of the ADA extend to individuals with alcohol and substance abuse disorders who are in recovery. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to understand the ADA’s definition of disability and how it applies to addiction and recovery. The reader will recognize how the ADA applies to people with addiction to alcohol and those in recovery from substance abuse. The article will describe the rights and responsibilities employers and employees have in the three stages of employment. METHOD: The material in this presentation was developed based on the authors’ research, training, education, knowledge, and skill of the ADA. RESULTS: Individuals in recovery are often unaware of their civil rights under the ADA. The ADA ensures that people with disabilities, including those with alcohol use disorder and substance use disorders, have the same rights and opportunities in the workplace. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increase in increased rates of alcoholism and substance abuse. Individuals living with addiction are unaware of the employment protections they may have under the ADA. Title I of the ADA guarantees employment protections to ensure equality in the workplace for people with disabilities. A clearer understanding of the law will ensure that job seekers and employees are treated in an ethical, valued, and courteous way when disclosing disability and the need for accommodation.
The effects of communication, empathy, encouragement, growth, and rewards on employee performance: A structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Prasetyo Yogi Tri , Perez Jehorom Px Alegre , Gumasing Ma. Janice J. , Persada Satria Fadil , Nadlifatin Reny
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND: Improving employee performance has been crucial in different organizations for it reflects the company’s product and service quality. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the factors affecting employee performance in the engineering and technology department in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The effects of these factors such as communication, empathy, encouragement, growth and rewards to employee performance were analyzed. RESULTS: Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that among the five factors, the encouragement, growth, and rewards were found to have a significant effect on employee performance in the engineering and technology department. Surprisingly, communication and empathy were found to have no significant effect to employee performance. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first study that investigated the factors affecting employee performance in the engineering and technology department in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results could serve as a guideline for the management under this type of department. The framework could also be helpful for sustaining the elevated performance of the employees in the engineering and technology department.
Not Quite Like Us? — Can Cyborgs and Intelligent Machines Be Natural Persons as a Matter of Law?
Authors: Gervais Daniel
Published: April 2023

The ability of AI machines to perform intellectual functions long associated with human higher mental faculties is unprecedented, for it is precisely those functions that have separated humans from all other species. AI machines can now emulate our form of sapience_,_ produce literary and artistic content and even express feelings and emotions. Calls for “robot rights” are getting louder. Using a transdisciplinary methodology, including philosophy of mind, moral philosophy, linguistics and neuroscience, this Essay aims to situates the difference in law between human and machine in a way that a court of law could operationalize. This is not a purely theoretical exercise. Courts have already started to make that distinction and making it correctly will likely become gradually more important, as humans become more like machines (cyborgs, cobots) and machines more like humans (neural networks, robots with biological material). The Essay draws a line that separates human and machine using the way in which humans think, a way that machines may mimic and possibly emulate but are unlikely ever to make their own.
Rhythmic Oscillations and Resonant Information Transfer in Biological Macromolecules
Authors: Brown William , Meijer Dirk
Published: April 2023

This manuscript is a concise review of a selection of key concepts concering _rythmic oscillations in proteins to human cognition_. All matter has an associated frequency, characterized by υ_ = (mc2)/h _(derived from the equivalency _E = mc2 + pc_, and _E = hυ_). In large organic macromolecules and biopolymers of the living system, there are multiple vibrational modes and oscillatory frequencies, the resonances of which can facilitate molecular recognition, coupling with field modes, electromagnetic and Van der Waals interactions. Via harmonic rhythmic oscillations and resonances nanosecond-scale intermolecular interactions are highly coordinated to orchestrate the myriad complex biochemistry pathways of the cell. Importantly, this field-like interaction is integral in information processing and exchange occurring at the molecular level that underlie cellular intelligence, network intelligence, and perhaps even sentience and consciousness. We will review here the _resonant recognition model _of Irena Cosic and the scale-invariant acoustic information code of a superfluid quantum space described by Meijer.
IRIS AND FINGER VEIN MULTI MODEL RECOGNITION SYSTEM BASED ON SIFT FEATURES
Authors: Mohammed. .et.al Faris E.
Published: April 2023

ndividual identification process is a very significant process that resides a large portion of day by day usages. Identification process is appropriate in work place, private zones, banks ...etc. Individuals are rich subject having many characteristics that can be used for recognition purpose such as finger vein, iris, face ...etc. Finger vein and iris key-points are considered as one of the most talented biometric authentication techniques for its security and convenience. SIFT is new and talented technique for pattern recognition. However, some shortages exist in many related techniques, such as difficulty of feature loss, feature key extraction, and noise point introduction. In this manuscript a new technique named SIFT-based iris and SIFT-based finger vein identification with normalization and enhancement is proposed for achieving better performance. In evaluation with other SIFT-based iris or SIFT-based finger vein recognition algorithms, the suggested technique can overcome the difficulties of tremendous key-point extraction and exclude the noise points without feature loss. Experimental results demonstrate that the normalization and improvement steps are critical for SIFT-based recognition for iris and finger vein , and the proposed technique can accomplish satisfactory recognition performance.. ©2018JASET, International Scholars and Researchers Association