bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequential stochastic blackbox optimization with zeroth-order gradient estimators
Authors: Audet Charles , Bigeon Jean , Couderc Romain , Kokkolaras Michael
Published: September 2023

This work considers stochastic optimization problems in which the objective function values can only be computed by a blackbox corrupted by some random noise following an unknown distribution. The proposed method is based on sequential stochastic optimization (SSO), i.e., the original problem is decomposed into a sequence of subproblems. Each subproblem is solved by using a zeroth-order version of a sign stochastic gradient descent with momentum algorithm (i.e., ZO-signum) and with increasingly fine precision. This decomposition allows a good exploration of the space while maintaining the efficiency of the algorithm once it gets close to the solution. Under the Lipschitz continuity assumption on the blackbox, a convergence rate in mean is derived for the ZO-signum algorithm. Moreover, if the blackbox is smooth and convex or locally convex around its minima, the rate of convergence to an $ \epsilon $-optimal point of the problem may be obtained for the SSO algorithm. Numerical experiments are conducted to compare the SSO algorithm with other state-of-the-art algorithms and to demonstrate its competitiveness.
Degenerate $ r $-truncated Stirling numbers
Authors: Kim Taekyun , Kim Dae San , Park Jin-Woo
Published: September 2023

For any positive integer $ r $, the $ r $-truncated (or $ r $-associated) Stirling number of the second kind $ S_{2}^{(r)}(n, k) $ enumerates the number of partitions of the set $ \{1, 2, 3, \dots, n\} $ into $ k $ non-empty disjoint subsets, such that each subset contains at least $ r $ elements. We introduce the degenerate $ r $-truncated Stirling numbers of the second kind and of the first kind. They are degenerate versions of the $ r $-truncated Stirling numbers of the second kind and of the first kind, and reduce to the degenerate Stirling numbers of the second kind and of the first kind for $ r = 1 $. Our aim is to derive recurrence relations for both of those numbers.
A novel quaternion linear matrix equation solver through zeroing neural networks with applications to acoustic source tracking
Authors: Kovalnogov Vladislav N. , Fedorov Ruslan V. , Shepelev Igor I. , Sherkunov Vyacheslav V. , Simos Theodore E. , Mourtas Spyridon D. , Katsikis Vasilios N.
Published: September 2023

Due to its significance in science and engineering, time-varying linear matrix equation (LME) problems have received a lot of attention from scholars. It is for this reason that the issue of finding the minimum-norm least-squares solution of the time-varying quaternion LME (ML-TQ-LME) is addressed in this study. This is accomplished using the zeroing neural network (ZNN) technique, which has achieved considerable success in tackling time-varying issues. In light of that, two new ZNN models are introduced to solve the ML-TQ-LME problem for time-varying quaternion matrices of arbitrary dimension. Two simulation experiments and two practical acoustic source tracking applications show that the models function superbly.
Des victimes et des peines
Authors: Audesse Alexandre , Moreau Coline
Published: September 2023

Cet article propose un portrait de la place qui est aujourd’hui accordée à la victime 1) dans la création de la loi pénale canadienne et 2) dans ses applications au niveau sentenciel. À travers une analyse comparative des politiques pénales des gouvernements Harper et Trudeau, la première partie de cet article offre une série de réflexions critiques sur les contours et les implications de la mobilisation de la victime au niveau politique. La seconde partie, à travers une analyse de jurisprudence, cherche à montrer comment le système juridique réagit face aux pressions victimaires provenant du politique.
Data Democratization
Authors: Samarasinghe Sasari , Lokuge Sachithra
Published: September 2023

The exponentially growing usage and its benefits of digitizing data, as well as changes in data management practices, are continuously moderating the global economy and how organizations perform business operations. While data security is at its prime importance, organizations tend to move from traditional data silo models to inter-organizational data openness and sharing models where everyone who needs access to data is empowered to find, access, interoperate, and reuse (FAIR) data without gatekeepers. The phenomenon of ‘data democratization' has gained attention among practitioners and scholars in recent years as a process of managing inter-organizational open data and empowering employees to develop their innovative, creative, and decision-making skills. Thus, the objective of this book chapter is to focus on this new phenomenon of data democratization and understand how it can support the development of data-driven innovative skills among employees to generate social and economic values based on the results of an in-depth systematic literature review.
Promoting Economic Sustainability Through the Adoption of Digital Payment Systems
Authors: Shankaranarayana Rajesh , Ramaswamy Shalini , Bagrecha Chaya , Hiremath Kiran , A. Madhavi
Published: September 2023

Promoting economic sustainability through the adoption of digital payment is of great significance for the long-term development of a country. Minimizing the environmental impact and promoting cost savings can lead to economic growth and development. This chapter examines the adoption of digital payment systems and its impact on sustainability initiatives. A survey of 450 mobile consumers in Karnataka revealed that awareness level towards digital payment systems is 93%, and UPI is the most preferred mode of digital payments, based on linear regression and using SPSS. It is also seen that time saved and ease of maintenance for each banking transaction has an impact on economic sustainability. All the respondents were aware of the components of sustainable development, and most were willing to contribute towards economic sustainability, though threat due to fraud is still a matter of concern for most of the users. This study provides insights into factors that promote economic sustainability in the context of adoption of digital payment systems.
Comparison of Artificial Decision Techniques for Detection of Sarcastic News Headlines
Authors: Jain Tarun , Kumar Horesh , Garg Payal , Pillai Abhinav , Sinha Aditya , Verma Vivek Kumar
Published: September 2023

Newspapers are a rich informational source. A headline of an article sparks an interest in the reader. So, news providing agencies tend to create catchy headlines to attract the reader's attention onto them, and this is how sarcasm manages to find its way into news headlines. Sarcasm employs the use of words that carry opposite meaning with respect to what needs to be conveyed. This leads to the need of developing methods by which we can correctly predict whether a piece of text, or news for that matter, truthfully means what it says or is simply being sarcastic about it. Here, the authors have used a dataset containing 55,329 tuples consisting of news headlines from The Onion and the Huffington Post, which was taken from Kaggle, on which they applied feature extraction techniques such as Count Vectorizer, TF-IDF, Hashing Vectorizer, and Global Vectorizer (GloVe). Then they applied seven classifiers on the obtained dataset. The experimental results showed that the highest accuracies among the ML models were 81.39% for LR model with Count Vectorizer, 79.2% for LR model with TF-IDF Vectorizer, and 78% for SVM model with Count Vectorizer. They also obtained the best accuracy of 90.7% using the Bi-LSTM Deep Learning Model. They have trained the seven models and compared them based on their respective accuracies and F1-Scores.
Annular elastolytic giant cell granuloma after COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Lora Viviana , Lamberti Arianna , Di Prete Monia , Graceffa Dario , Cota Carlo
Published: September 2023

The pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 during the first years of the 2020s led to a great commitment to develop effective vaccines. Despite of the good safety and tolerability profile, vaccines may trigger a broad spectrum of cutaneous side effects. Granulomatous dermatitis has been rarely reported after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines, but no cases of annular elastolytic giant cell granuloma have been already described. Moreover, in our case, it was also associated with a central area of mid-dermal elastolysis, confirming the strong association between these two diseases already reported in literature. The observation of occasional eosinophils within the infiltrate and the presentation of the cutaneous eruption few days after the administration of the second dose of Pfizer/BioNTech (BNT162b2) vaccine are highly suggestive of a drug-related eruption. To our knowledge, this is the first report in literature of an annular elastolytic giant cell granuloma as an adverse effect of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
Electromyographic signature of isometric squat in the highest refuge in Europe
Authors: Rua Riccardo , Bondi Danilo , Santangelo Carmen , Pignatelli Pamela , Pietrangelo Tiziana , Fulle Stefania , Fanelli Vito , Verratti Vittore
Published: September 2023

Reports of electromyography during hypoxic exercise are contrasting, due to protocol and muscle diversity. This work aimed to investigate alterations in muscle activation and myoelectrical fatigue during exercise at high-altitude in those muscles primarily involved in trekking. Twelve young adults balanced by gender and age were tested at low (1,667 m) and high (4,554 m, "Capanna Margherita", Italy) altitude, during an isometric squat lasting 60 seconds. High-density surface electromyography was performed from the quadriceps of right limb. The root mean square (RMS), median frequency with its slope, and muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) were computed. Neither males nor females showed changes in median frequency (Med: 36.13 vs 35.63 Hz) and its slope (Med: -9 vs -12 degree) in response to high-altitude trekking, despite a great inter-individual heterogeneity, nor differences were found for MFCV. RMS was not significantly equivalent, with greater values at low altitude (0.385 ± 0.104 mV) than high altitude (0.346 ± 0.090 mV). Unexpected results can be due either to a postural compensation of the whole body compensating for a relatively greater effort or to the inability to support muscle activation after repeated physical efforts.  Interesting results may emerge by measuring simultaneously electromyography, muscle oxygenation and kinematics comparing trekking at normoxia vs hypoxia.
Multiple factors to assist human-derived induced pluripotent stem cells to efficiently differentiate into midbrain dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Chen Yalan , Kuang Junxin , Niu Yimei , Zhu Hongyao , Chen Xiaoxia , So Kwok-Fai , Xu Anding , Shi Lingling
Published: September 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202404000-00037/inline-graphic1/v/2023-09-09T133047Z/r/image-tiff

Midbrain dopaminergic neurons play an important role in the etiology of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. They also represent a potential source of transplanted cells for therapeutic applications. In vitro differentiation of functional midbrain dopaminergic neurons provides an accessible platform to study midbrain neuronal dysfunction and can be used to examine obstacles to dopaminergic neuronal development. Emerging evidence and impressive advances in human induced pluripotent stem cells, with tuned neural induction and differentiation protocols, makes the production of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons feasible. Using SB431542 and dorsomorphin dual inhibitor in an induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural induction protocol, we obtained multiple subtypes of neurons, including 20% tyrosine hydroxylase-positive dopaminergic neurons. To obtain more dopaminergic neurons, we next added sonic hedgehog (SHH) and fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) on day 8 of induction. This increased the proportion of dopaminergic neurons, up to 75% tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons, with 15% tyrosine hydroxylase and forkhead box protein A2 (FOXA2) co-expressing neurons. We further optimized the induction protocol by applying the small molecule inhibitor, CHIR99021 (CHIR). This helped facilitate the generation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, and we obtained 31–74% midbrain dopaminergic neurons based on tyrosine hydroxylase and FOXA2 staining. Thus, we have established three induction protocols for dopaminergic neurons. Based on tyrosine hydroxylase and FOXA2 immunostaining analysis, the CHIR, SHH, and FGF8 combined protocol produces a much higher proportion of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, which could be an ideal resource for tackling midbrain-related diseases.
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes loaded into a composite conduit promote functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury in rats
Authors: Tang Haoshuai , Li Junjin , Wang Hongda , Ren Jie , Ding Han , Shang Jun , Wang Min , Wei Zhijian , Feng Shiqing
Published: September 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202404000-00036/inline-graphic1/v/2023-09-09T133047Z/r/image-tiff

Complete transverse injury of peripheral nerves is challenging to treat. Exosomes secreted by human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells are considered to play an important role in intercellular communication and regulate tissue regeneration. In previous studies, a collagen/hyaluronic acid sponge was shown to provide a suitable regeneration environment for Schwann cell proliferation and to promote axonal regeneration. This three-dimensional (3D) composite conduit contains a collagen/hyaluronic acid inner sponge enclosed in an electrospun hollow poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) tube. However, whether there is a synergy between the 3D composite conduit and exosomes in the repair of peripheral nerve injury remains unknown. In this study, we tested a comprehensive strategy for repairing long-gap (10 mm) peripheral nerve injury that combined the 3D composite conduit with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes. Repair effectiveness was evaluated by sciatic functional index, sciatic nerve compound muscle action potential recording, recovery of muscle mass, measuring the cross-sectional area of the muscle fiber, Masson trichrome staining, and transmission electron microscopy of the regenerated nerve in rats. The results showed that transplantation of the 3D composite conduit loaded with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes promoted peripheral nerve regeneration and restoration of motor function, similar to autograft transplantation. More CD31-positive endothelial cells were observed in the regenerated nerve after transplantation of the loaded conduit than after transplantation of the conduit without exosomes, which may have contributed to the observed increase in axon regeneration and distal nerve reconnection. Therefore, the use of a 3D composite conduit loaded with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes represents a promising cell-free therapeutic option for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury.
Mitochondrial dysfunction and quality control lie at the heart of subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Zhang Jiatong , Zhu Qi , Wang Jie , Peng Zheng , Zhuang Zong , Hang Chunhua , Li Wei
Published: September 2023

The dramatic increase in intracranial pressure after subarachnoid hemorrhage leads to a decrease in cerebral perfusion pressure and a reduction in cerebral blood flow. Mitochondria are directly affected by direct factors such as ischemia, hypoxia, excitotoxicity, and toxicity of free hemoglobin and its degradation products, which trigger mitochondrial dysfunction. Dysfunctional mitochondria release large amounts of reactive oxygen species, inflammatory mediators, and apoptotic proteins that activate apoptotic pathways, further damaging cells. In response to this array of damage, cells have adopted multiple mitochondrial quality control mechanisms through evolution, including mitochondrial protein quality control, mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis, and intercellular mitochondrial transfer, to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis under pathological conditions. Specific interventions targeting mitochondrial quality control mechanisms have emerged as promising therapeutic strategies for subarachnoid hemorrhage. This review provides an overview of recent research advances in mitochondrial pathophysiological processes after subarachnoid hemorrhage, particularly mitochondrial quality control mechanisms. It also presents potential therapeutic strategies to target mitochondrial quality control in subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Autophagy in neural stem cells and glia for brain health and diseases
Authors: Nagayach Aarti , Wang Chenran
Published: September 2023

Autophagy is a multifaceted cellular process that not only maintains the homeostatic and adaptive responses of the brain but is also dynamically involved in the regulation of neural cell generation, maturation, and survival. Autophagy facilities the utilization of energy and the microenvironment for developing neural stem cells. Autophagy arbitrates structural and functional remodeling during the cell differentiation process. Autophagy also plays an indispensable role in the maintenance of stemness and homeostasis in neural stem cells during essential brain physiology and also in the instigation and progression of diseases. Only recently, studies have begun to shed light on autophagy regulation in glia (microglia, astrocyte, and oligodendrocyte) in the brain. Glial cells have attained relatively less consideration despite their unquestioned influence on various aspects of neural development, synaptic function, brain metabolism, cellular debris clearing, and restoration of damaged or injured tissues. Thus, this review composes pertinent information regarding the involvement of autophagy in neural stem cells and glial regulation and the role of this connexion in normal brain functions, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. This review will provide insight into establishing a concrete strategic approach for investigating pathological mechanisms and developing therapies for brain diseases.
Genetic and epigenetic targets of natural dietary compounds as anti-Alzheimer’s agents
Authors: Castillo-Ordoñez Willian Orlando , Cajas-Salazar Nohelia , Velasco-Reyes Mayra Alejandra
Published: September 2023

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia that principally affects older adults. Pathogenic factors, such as oxidative stress, an increase in acetylcholinesterase activity, mitochondrial dysfunction, genotoxicity, and neuroinflammation are present in this syndrome, which leads to neurodegeneration. Neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease are considered late-onset diseases caused by the complex combination of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. There are two main types of Alzheimer’s disease, known as familial Alzheimer’s disease (onset < 65 years) and late-onset or sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (onset ≥ 65 years). Patients with familial Alzheimer’s disease inherit the disease due to rare mutations on the amyloid precursor protein (APP), presenilin 1 and 2 (PSEN1andPSEN2) genes in an autosomal-dominantly fashion with closely 100% penetrance. In contrast, a different picture seems to emerge for sporadic Alzheimer’s disease, which exhibits numerous non-Mendelian anomalies suggesting an epigenetic component in its etiology. Importantly, the fundamental pathophysiological mechanisms driving Alzheimer’s disease are interfaced with epigenetic dysregulation. However, the dynamic nature of epigenetics seems to open up new avenues and hope in regenerative neurogenesis to improve brain repair in Alzheimer’s disease or following injury or stroke in humans. In recent years, there has been an increase in interest in using natural products for the treatment of neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease. Through epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, non-coding RNAs, histone modification, and chromatin conformation regulation, natural compounds appear to exert neuroprotective effects. While we do not purport to cover every in this work, we do attempt to illustrate how various phytochemical compounds regulate the epigenetic effects of a few Alzheimer’s disease-related genes.
Sustained release of vascular endothelial growth factor A and basic fibroblast growth factor from nanofiber membranes reduces oxygen/glucose deprivation-induced injury to neurovascular units
Authors: Wu Yifang , Sun Jun , Lin Qi , Wang Dapeng , Hai Jian
Published: September 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202404000-00034/inline-graphic1/v/2023-09-09T133047Z/r/image-tiff

Upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor A/basic fibroblast growth factor (VEGFA/bFGF) expression in the penumbra of cerebral ischemia can increase vascular volume, reduce lesion volume, and enhance neural cell proliferation and differentiation, thereby exerting neuroprotective effects. However, the beneficial effects of endogenous VEGFA/bFGF are limited as their expression is only transiently increased. In this study, we generated multilayered nanofiber membranes loaded with VEGFA/bFGF using layer-by-layer self-assembly and electrospinning techniques. We found that a membrane containing 10 layers had an ideal ultrastructure and could efficiently and stably release growth factors for more than 1 month. This 10-layered nanofiber membrane promoted brain microvascular endothelial cell tube formation and proliferation, inhibited neuronal apoptosis, upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins, and improved the viability of various cellular components of neurovascular units under conditions of oxygen/glucose deprivation. Furthermore, this nanofiber membrane decreased the expression of Janus kinase-2/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (JAK2/STAT3), Bax/Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase-3. Therefore, this nanofiber membrane exhibits a neuroprotective effect on oxygen/glucose-deprived neurovascular units by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.
STAT3 ameliorates truncated tau-induced cognitive deficits
Authors: Zhang Bingge , Wan Huali , Maierwufu Maimaitijiang , Liu Qian , Li Ting , He Ye , Wang Xin , Liu Gongping , Hong Xiaoyue , Feng Qiong
Published: September 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202404000-00038/inline-graphic1/v/2023-09-09T133047Z/r/image-tiff

Proteolytic cleavage of tau by asparagine endopeptidase (AEP) creates tau-N368 fragments, which may drive the pathophysiology associated with synaptic dysfunction and memory deterioration in the brain of Alzheimer’s disease patients. Nonetheless, the molecular mechanisms of truncated tau-induced cognitive deficits remain unclear. Evidence suggests that signal transduction and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) is associated with modulating synaptic plasticity, cell apoptosis, and cognitive function. Using luciferase reporter assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, western blotting, and immunofluorescence, we found that human tau-N368 accumulation inhibited STAT3 activity by suppressing STAT3 translocation into the nucleus. Overexpression of STAT3 improved tau-N368-induced synaptic deficits and reduced neuronal loss, thereby improving the cognitive deficits in tau-N368 mice. Moreover, in tau-N368 mice, activation of STAT3 increased N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor levels, decreased Bcl-2 levels, reversed synaptic damage and neuronal loss, and thereby alleviated cognitive deficits caused by tau-N368. Taken together, STAT3 plays a critical role in truncated tau-related neuropathological changes. This indicates a new mechanism behind the effect of tau-N368 on synapses and memory deficits. STAT3 can be used as a new molecular target to treat tau-N368-induced protein pathology.
Rbm8a regulates neurogenesis and reduces Alzheimer’s disease-associated pathology in the dentate gyrus of 5×FAD mice
Authors: Zhu Chenlu , Ren Xiao , Liu Chen , Liu Yawei , Wang Yonggang
Published: September 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202404000-00031/inline-graphic1/v/2023-09-09T133047Z/r/image-tiff

Alzheimer’s disease is a prevalent and debilitating neurodegenerative condition that profoundly affects a patient’s daily functioning with progressive cognitive decline, which can be partly attributed to impaired hippocampal neurogenesis. Neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus is likely to persist throughout life but declines with aging, especially in Alzheimer’s disease. Recent evidence indicated that RNA-binding protein 8A (Rbm8a) promotes the proliferation of neural progenitor cells, with lower expression levels observed in Alzheimer’s disease patients compared with healthy people. This study investigated the hypothesis that Rbm8a overexpression may enhance neurogenesis by promoting the proliferation of neural progenitor cells to improve memory impairment in Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, Rbm8a overexpression was induced in the dentate gyrus of 5×FAD mice to validate this hypothesis. Elevated Rbm8a levels in the dentate gyrus triggered neurogenesis and abated pathological phenotypes (such as plaque formation, gliosis reaction, and dystrophic neurites), leading to ameliorated memory performance in 5×FAD mice. RNA sequencing data further substantiated these findings, showing the enrichment of differentially expressed genes involved in biological processes including neurogenesis, cell proliferation, and amyloid protein formation. In conclusion, overexpressing Rbm8a in the dentate gyrus of 5×FAD mouse brains improved cognitive function by ameliorating amyloid-beta-associated pathological phenotypes and enhancing neurogenesis.
Traditional medicine use during pregnancy and labor in African context
Authors: ADAMOLEKUN Modupe Motunrayo , AKPOR Oluwaseyi Abiodun , OLORUNFEMI Olaolorunpo , AKPOR Oghenerobor Benjamin
Published: September 2023

Traditional medicine (TM) has been more popular among pregnant women worldwide and has played a significant part in maternal health-care services in many nations. Herbs, herbal preparations, and finished herbal products all contain active substances that are derived from plant parts or other plant components that are thought to have medicinal advantages. To diagnose, prevent, and treat illnesses as well as to enhance general well-being, about 80% of people use a variety of TM, including herbal remedies. A systematic search of Google Scholar and PubMed was performed utilizing an established scoping review framework by Joanna Briggs Institute from January 2012 to December 2022. A consequent title and abstract review of articles published on TM in the African context were completed. Of over 15,000 published studies identified, 15 meeting the inclusion criteria were integrated into the following seven categorical themes: prevalence of TM use, source of information on TM use, reasons for use of TM, route of administration, common herbs used in pregnancy and labor, the effect of herbs used in pregnancy and labor, and predictors of use of TM. The studies reviewed were primarily in the context of an African setting on the use of TM regarding herbal medicine. Of all the articles, the highest number of studies was conducted in Zimbabwe. This review shows increased use of TM by women during pregnancy and labor with a reported prevalence rate varying from 12% to 60%. However, a decrease in use in the third trimester of pregnancy was reported. The most frequent source of information on the use of TM was from family and friends, while age, parity, education, and income were factors affecting use. In conclusion, the participants do not often disclose the use of TM during their antenatal attendance and the reason for use was accessibility and cost. Therefore, there is a need for further study on the safety and efficacy of TM use in pregnancy and labor.
Neurophysiological Testing in the Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Burke David
Published: September 2023

Neurophysiological testing plays a very important role in the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (known in the British world as motor neuron disease). As specified in the Awaji criteria, electromyography is critical for defining the neurogenic changes due to involvement of the lower motor neuron (LMN), and it can do so for muscles that are not involved clinically or are so only minimally. Demonstrating LMN involvement can be enhanced by the judicious use of neuromuscular ultrasound and imaging, particularly whole-body magnetic resonance imaging. There is a gap with involvement of the upper motor neuron (UMN), with promising procedures yet to be adopted widely. Reflex function can be used to demonstrate hyperreflexia and sometimes that paresis is at least partly of UMN origin. Protocols using transcranial magnetic stimulation can demonstrate enhanced excitability of interneuronal circuits in motor cortex and thereby pathology involving the UMN. The motivation behind studies using these and other techniques is to be able to make the diagnosis before the disease has spread significantly from its site of onset, when the clinical deficit is still minor.
Could We Predict Respiratory Failure in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
Authors: Akkoç Ceren Çetin , Aykaç Şeyma , Bademkıran Fikret , Aydoğdu İbrahim , Taşbakan Sezai
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Respiratory complications are important in the prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The aim of this study was to determine the electrophysiological findings that may predict respiratory failure.

Methods:

According to the Awaji electrodiagnostic criteria, 30 patients with ALS who were diagnosed with definite or probable ALS without respiratory failure were included in the study. Nerve conduction studies, needle electromyography (EMG), and single-breath count tests were performed in all patients. In addition, the pulmonary function tests, swallowing EMG, and arterial blood gas analysis of the patients were recorded and evaluated. The patients were followed until respiratory failure developed.

Results:

As a result of 18 months of follow-up, 26 of 30 patients developed respiratory failure. When the contribution of the accessory respiratory muscles to the respiratory effort before the development of respiratory failure was evaluated clinically and electrophysiologically, it was observed that the most common muscles involved in the respiratory effort were sternocleidomastoid (SCM), trapezius, and rectus abdominis. Before the development of respiratory failure, the latest neurogenic EMG findings were seen in the SCM (50% cases), trapezius (20% cases), and thoracic paraspinal muscles (17% of cases), respectively. It was thought that this finding could be an important early electrophysiologic marker in predicting the development of respiratory failure in ALS cases.

Conclusions:

To sum up, the presence of neurogenic changes in certain muscles in needle EMG and demonstration of the contribution of certain accessory respiratory muscles in respiration can be used as an electrophysiological marker to predict the development of respiratory failure.
The Effects of Neocolonialism on Africa’s Development
Authors: Obikwelu Ifeanyi John  , Gérard-Marie Messina  , Odumegwu, Andy Chukwuemeka
Published: September 2023

This article examines the effects of neocolonialism on Africa’s development and explores potential strategies to counter its negative impact. The legacy of colonialism has cast a long shadow over the continent, with neocolonial practices posing significant obstacles to sustained socio-economic growth and self-determination. This study aims to extensively understand neocolonialism’s multifaceted impacts on Africa’s economic growth and development by employing a qualitative approach and analyzing secondary data sources. The analysis highlights the intricate dynamics of neocolonial control in Africa, including economic dominance, political interference, cultural subjugation, and power imbalances. Moreover, it sheds light on the role of foreign aid and trade, multinational corporations, and international financial institutions in perpetuating neocolonial practices. These means and mechanisms enable the former colonial powers to exert indirect influence over Africa’s economic and political landscape, impeding genuine progress. Findings reveal that Africa’s nominal and flag independence following decolonization has not translated into genuine autonomy and self-sufficiency. Instead, the continent continues to face economic dependence, corruption, and stunted development due to neocolonial exploitation. The exploitation of Africa’s vast natural and human resources, unequal trade relationships, and support for authoritarian regimes have all contributed to the continent’s ongoing struggles. To address these challenges, the article proposes tentative strategies and solutions. These include promoting fair trade practices, empowering African nations to regain control over their resources and economies, promoting regional integration and cooperation, strengthening governance and institutions, and fostering a more equitable global economic order. Africa can achieve genuine economic growth, social progress, and self-determination by countering neocolonial practices and fostering sustainable development. Acknowledging the complex web of neocolonial dynamics is crucial for formulating effective strategies and policies to dismantle neocolonial structures and promote sustainable development.
Governance, Recycled Politicians and Recycling Politics in Nigeria
Authors: Adeleke Adegbami
Published: September 2023

The politics of recycling, a political system where the same set of people continue to dominate the political affairs of a given country, is one of the challenges undermining political development and good governance in Nigeria. The study, therefore, analyzes the effects of the politics of recycling on Nigeria's governance and administrative system. The qualitative study covers Nigeria's Second Republic from October 1, 1979, to Nigeria's Fourth Republic, which commenced on May 29, 1999 – 2022. The data for the study were gathered from primary and secondary sources. Primary data were gathered through interviews with a number of respondents comprising a Journalist, Engineer, Lecturer, Doctoral Student, Administrator, Lawyer, Human Rights Activist, and Businessmen. A convenience sampling technique was used to select the available and willing respondents to participate in the study. In addition, the researcher's close observations of events in Nigeria form part of the data for the study. The secondary data were gathered through official documents, textbooks, journals, and internet sources. The data collected were analyzed using the content analysis method. The study adopted the Recycling Theory of Abiku to analyze recycled politicians and their antecedents in Nigeria's political activities. According to African mythology, Abiku personifies a child who dies and is reborn repeatedly into the same family and causes pain to its hosts each time the child comes. Nigeria's political class, in a similar manner to Abiku, has continued to play recycling politics without offering anything towards the progress and development of the country, thereby repeatedly leaving a cycle that causes pain to Nigerians. The study concluded that recycling or parading the same set of politicians in the governance and administrative affairs of the country is inimical to the country's political, social, and economic development. The study recommended that the electorates must rise to crush the recycled politicians' antics and tactics and vote for new-breed politicians with impeccable character and proven integrity. Pressure should be mounted on the Independent Electoral Commission by journalists, civil society, national and international observers, as well as other stakeholders on the need to conduct free and fair elections in the country.
Experiencias de investigación en la formación de arquitectos
Authors: Vanga Arvelo María Giuseppina
Published: September 2023

La curiosidad lleva sin duda, a tener ese espíritu investigador que hace siempre ver de dónde venimos, los espacios que han sido ocupados y su forma de ocupación, como vivimos en la materialidad de las cosas expresadas en el espacio construido y, lo más importante, hacia donde se va en materia de ocupación de esos espacios y cómo el futuro modifica las formas y por ende los pensamientos o, ¿es el pensamiento lo que modifica la forma Independientemente de lo que se piense en torno a ello, una cosa es importante recalcar y es que ese espíritu curioso conlleva a descubrir y a profundizar y eso es investigar. La investigación en la arquitectura va desde el poder aportar soluciones creativas e innovadoras hasta entender la realidad de los espacios habitados y de aquellos que están por serlo. La finalidad de presentar este libro es la de reflejar el esfuerzo en conjunto de 52 alumnos y su docente de Introducción a la Investigación Científica del primer semestre de la carrera. Es importante edificar a aquellos que han hecho un esfuerzo y han dado lo mejor de sí dentro de sus múltiples actividades, dentro de sus múltiples trasnochos, dentro de sus múltiples devoluciones e idas y venidas en las correcciones.
RASAYANA YOGA IN RASA RATNA SAMUCHCHAYA: A REVIEW
Authors: Kumar Chandolia Hemant , Verma Neha , Pareek Dharmendra , Sahay Shukla Govind , Agrawal Rajaram , Goyal Manisha
Published: September 2023

Rasa Ratna Samuchchaya (RRS) was written by Rasa Vagbhatta in the 13th century. RRS consists of a total of 30
chapters. This text sheds light on the level of Indian alchemical expertise in terms of the extraction, purification,
and transformation of metals and minerals into therapeutically useful forms, as well as the various instruments
created for alchemical uses and the use of herbo-mineral preparations to treat a wide range of illnesses. RRS is a
crucial and required book for individuals who want to learn the fundamentals and in-depth details of Rasa Shastra
and is regarded as one of the most important reference books. In RRS many formulations are described with their
therapeutics uses. The present work is an attempt to summarize the review about Rasayana Yoga described in
RRS Vigyanabodhinibhashateeka. A total of 13 Rasayana Yogas are found in this Teeka. By following these formulations need to be understood from the point of its preparation, certain dose, Pathya and Apathya to be followed for better perception and outcome for healthy life.
REVIEW THE ARTICLE ON YONI BHRANSH (PERINEAL LAXITY)
Authors: Parihar Vibha , Gupta Kanchan , Sharma Shashi , Srivastava Jaya
Published: September 2023

Yoni bhransh is a common gynecological problem of women of the contemporary era which has a very important
impact on females' day-to-day activities. This adversely affects the quality of a woman's life. As per Brihatrayi,
Yoni bhransh represents a symptom of Prasramsini, Vatala & Phalini Yonivyapada & not as a separate disease.
Etiology, signs, symptoms, and treatment of Yoni bhransh resemble perineal laxity. Perineal laxity is a common
condition in which there is weakness in the supporting structure of the female pelvis, thereby allowing the descent
of one or more of the pelvic organs through the potential space of the vagina. These organs include the followingurethra, urinary bladder, rectum, small intestine, uterus, and the vagina itself. It is essential to have a thorough
knowledge of these conditions while treating perineal laxity in an Ayurvedic way.
THE REVIEW ARTICLE ON PANDU
Authors: Rajoria Seeta , Sharma Deepali
Published: September 2023

According to current science, Pandu Roga can be associated with anaemia and is stated by all Acharyas of Ayurveda as having its own cause and treatment. The World Health Organisation estimates that anaemia affects 1.62
billion individuals worldwide (95% CI: 1.50-1.74 billion), or 24.8% of the population (95% CI: 22.9-26.7%). Preschool-aged children have the highest prevalence (47.4%, 95% CI: 45.7-49.1). It is crucial to look for scientific
explanations for the sickness. Pale skin results from anaemia, which is a lack of haemoglobin or red blood cells.
Based on Pandu Roga and its treatment, this article is In accordance with Ayurveda. The development of many
diseases is greatly influenced by the evolving human lifestyle. Pandu Roga is one among them as well. Our faulty
dietary habits and lifestyle produce Ama and further Agni Dusht, which causes improper Rasa Dhatu formation
which further hampers the Rakta Dhatu formation and leads to Pandu Roga.
Cyber Threat Detection Based On Artificial Neural Networks Using Event Profiles
Authors: Chakala Navya  , G Upendra reddy
Published: September 2023

Polyaniline has been the oldest among all the conducting polymers. The unique properties of conducting polymers not only provide great scope for their applications but also have led to the development of new models to explain their observed properties. Polyaniline has rapidly become the subject of considerable interest for physicists, chemists and material scientists. In this paper we have carried out the Scanning Electron Microscopy characteristics of Polyaniline thin films doped with different concentrations (15% & 30%) of the dopants like Potassium Bromide and Picric Acid. The films has been prepared by using Vacuum Evaporation Technique and then characterized for SEM studies by using Scanning Electron Microscopy unit. The SEM study reveals that the grain size increases with the increase in the concentration of the above said dopants which in turn increases the crystallinity of the material. This behavior ensures its application in the optoelectronic devices.
Density Based Smart Traffic Control System Using Canny Edge Detection Algorithm for Congregating traffic information
Authors: Bathula Lakshmipathi  , P Srujana
Published: September 2023

As the problem of urban traffic congestion intensifies, there is a pressing need for the introduction of advanced technology and equipment to improve the state-of-theart of traffic control. The current methods used such as timers or human control are proved to be inferior to alleviate this crisis. In this paper, a system to control the traffic by measuring the realtime vehicle density using canny edge detection with digital image processing is proposed. This imposing traffic control system offers significant improvement in response time, vehicle management, automation, reliability and overall efficiency over the existing systems. Besides that, the complete technique from image acquisition to edge detection and finally green signal allotment using four sample images of different traffic conditions is illustrated with proper schematics and the final results are verified by hardware implementation.
Runner Optimization Of Hpdc Coolant Pump Housing Component Through Flow Analysis
Authors: Sudeep I  , Shashank S  , Dr.R. Nagaraja
Published: September 2023

Die casting is an age-old process where molten metal is poured into a cavity containing the impression of the desire output to get a casted component as the final results. This process when done with the help of casting machines, involves additional process parameters such as injection pressure, clamping force, etc. An integral part of this process is also the runner design which delivers the molten metal from the barrel of the machine to the cavity of the mould. Two variations of runner design are implemented into the coolant pump housing component. The first design is a simple vertical shot runner design with sub-runners at 2 local regions. The second design is tilted shot runner design with gating points at 4 local regions. The fill time for the component is calculated based on an industrial thumb rule. Once the design and calculation is complete, the component shots are put through flow simulation and the obtained results are compared with each other and the manual calculations.
DEVELOPMENT OF HALFCELL POTENTIOMETER FOR MEASURING CORROSION
Authors: Rahul  , Anand kumar
Published: September 2023

Traditional corrosion measurement techniques often lack the required precision and sensitivity for real-time monitoring, hindering effective preventive measures. The newly developed half-cell potentiometer addresses these limitations by incorporating effective electrochemical principles and technology [1]. The device enables precise potential difference measurements between a reference electrode and a corroding metal surface, yielding valuable insights into corrosion rates and mechanisms. Innovation in corrosion measurement is critical for industries such as infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing, where the detrimental effects of corrosion lead to substantial economic losses and safety concerns. The newly developed half-cell potentiometer bridges the gap between traditional measurement techniques and contemporary demands for precision and efficiency [2]. By enabling timely and accurate corrosion monitoring, this advancement promises to revolutionize corrosion control strategies and contribute to the longevity and sustainability of various systems and structures [3].
Design and Development of Cloud Based Real Time ECG Anomaly Detection
Authors: A Imrana  , Janaranjan BS  , Krithin K R  , Mavikka S  , Dr.Gopalakrishnan S
Published: September 2023

The functionality of the heart is assessed by analysing the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. Numerous methods were developed for the accurate detection of heart diseases utilising the recorded ECG signals. However, individuals with serious heart diseases must be constantly observed, especially if there are few indicating bio-signal patterns. Real-time data collection and processing enables early detection of heart diseases and prevent complications. The AD8232 sensor is used in the project along with its interface with the Node MCU for real time acquisition of ECG signal. The intervals of the PQRST wave are thoroughly investigated utilizing a novel windowing approach based on Wavelet Transform. To increase the QoS in the healthcare system, the final findings are displayed on both the system and the cloud interface. In this work, we compared the ECG parameters with those from well-known smartwatches. The outcomes demonstrated a striking match between the ECG parameters acquired using our method and those obtained using smartwatches. This verifies the precision and dependability of our system in monitoring the ECG parameters from ECG signal. Our methodology has the potential to be a dependable and practical solution for heart rate monitoring in real-time and distant healthcare applications because our algorithm and smartwatches consistently report heart rate rates in the same range.
EXPLORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF IN-SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR ENHANCING TEACHING SKILLS OF ESL TEACHERS AT HIGHER EDUCATION LEVEL: TEACHERS' PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES
Authors: Asad Zobia , Javed Dr. Fareeha
Published: September 2023

This research examines the impact of in-service training programs on the teaching practices of ESL instructors at the higher education level. Employing a qualitative data analysis approach, data from surveys and insights from in-person interviews were combined to generate the study's findings. A random sample of forty ESL teachers from various regions of Punjab, Pakistan, was selected, with ten teachers from Lahore participating in interviews following the completion of online surveys. Thematic Analysis was performed on the data, offering a comprehensive understanding of the teachers' overall perceptions. The findings of this study contribute to the existing knowledge on the effectiveness of in-service training programs for ESL instructors in the higher education context. The qualitative analysis provides an overview of the sample's general perceptions, delves into the intricacies and specific experiences of the instructors. These research findings have implications for ESL education policy and teacher professional development programs. They will inform educational institutions and policymakers about the effectiveness of in-service training programs and highlight areas for improvement.