bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Research on the Improvement of Balance Function of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis by Electroacupuncture Combined with Exercise Therapy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xue Kun , Lu Wang , Hang Minghui , Bao Jie , Zhao Yun , Lu Yusun , Xu Qiong , Huang Chunshui , Wu Ji
Published: July 2023

Background
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a long-term, worsening knee disease that affects a lot of people in their middle years and later years. Its main symptoms are joint pain, limited movement, and a loss of proprioception. This makes it hard for older people to keep their balance, which makes them more likely to fall. This study looks at how well electroacupuncture and exercise therapy work together to treat early to mid-stage KOA. It also looks into how electroacupuncture and exercise therapy work together to improve balance in patients with KOA.
Methods
This protocol for a randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical study is proposed for this investigation. Sixty-six patients were to be admitted and randomly assigned to one of two groups: the treatment group (electroacupuncture plus exercise therapy) or the control group (exercise therapy). In the treatment group, electroacupuncture will be used in conjunction with exercise therapy: acupuncture was applied to the Dubi(ST35),Neixiyan (EX-LE4), Xuehai(SP10), Liangqiu(ST34), Yanglingquan(GB34), and Zusanli(ST36) for 20 minutes, followed by exercise therapy (muscle strength training and knee mobility training). The treatment schedule was identical for both groups: three times per week for four weeks, totaling 12 sessions. Before the first treatment session, after the first treatment session, after the 12th treatment session, and one month after the completion of treatment, static balancer function was measured, and VAS and WOMAC scales were recorded at the above 4 time points.
Discussion
The dynamic and static balance function test in the clinic is easy to perform, reliable, effective, and time-saving, which provides a basis for quantitative studies of clinical balance ability and can better complete the test that meets the aforementioned conditions and objectively evaluate the improvement of pain and functional impairment prior to and after treatment of KOA. It creates conditions for the establishment of a Chinese medicine rehabilitation treatment plan for KOA with certain efficacy and distinction.
Trial registration:
This trial has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the China Clinical Trials Registry, (approval number: ChiCTR2300071577).Date of Registration:18 May 2023.
Ideals on quantales, prime ideals and spectrum topology
Authors: Pankiti Pascal , Jugnia Célestin Nkuimi
Published: July 2023

In this paper, given a quantale Q non necessary with identity. We establish that there exists a bijective correspondence between the set of all ideal of a quantale Qand the set of its all two-sided elements (see 4.3). We investigate the ideals, prime ideals and maximal ideals of Q1 × Q2. After having studied in all the contours the prime ideals, we introduce the spectrum topology, well known in rings theory as being Zariski topology.
AMS subject classification: 06F07, 18D10
Current Prospects of Saponins as Promising Anti-Trypanosoma brucei
Compounds: Insight into the Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Kamdem Boniface Pone , Boyom Fabrice Fekam
Published: July 2023

Background:

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a parasitic infection that may lead to death if left untreated. This disease is caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Trypanosoma and is transmitted to humans through tsetse fly bites. The disease is widespread across Sub-Saharan Africa, with 70% of cases in recent reports in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and an average of less than 1000 cases are declared annually. Since there is no appropriate treatment for HAT, steroidal and triterpenoid saponins have been reported to be effective in in vitro studies and might serve as scaffolds for the discovery of new treatments against this disease.

Aim of the Study:

The present study aimed to summarize up-to-date information on the anti-Trypanosoma brucei activity of steroidal and triterpenoid saponins. The mechanisms of action of in vitro bioactive compounds were also discussed.

Methods:

Information on the anti-Trypanosoma brucei activity of plant saponins was obtained from published articles, dissertations, theses, and textbooks through a variety of libraries and electronic databases.

Results:

There has been incredible progress in the identification of steroidal and triterpenoid saponins with pronounced in vitro activity against Trypanosoma brucei. Indeed, more than forty saponins were identified as having anti-T. brucei effect with activity ranging from moderate to highly active. The mechanisms of action of most of these saponins included DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis through downregulation of bcl-2 and MDM2, and upregulation of Bax and Bak, among others.

Conclusion:

Referring to in vitro studies, plant saponins have shown anti-Trypanosoma brucei activity; however, more cytotoxic and in vivo studies and detailed mechanisms of action of the bioactive saponins should be further considered.
Revision on the genus Bubopsis MacLachlan, 1898 known in India (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae: Ascalaphinae)
Authors: Thangalazhi Balakrishnan Suryanarayanan , Ábrahám Levente , Chenthamarakshan Bijoy , Tripathi Rishikesh
Published: July 2023

The ascalaphid, Bubopsis zarudnyi Martynova, 1926 is recorded for the first time from India. Bubopsis rubrapunctata Ghosh, 1981 was the only owlfly species previously described from India from the genera. The two species are revised from a taxonomic point of view and Bubopsis zarudnyi is redescribed. The habitat and flight activity of the species is documented. Based on the re-identified specimens preserved in different collections, the distribution of the species is outlined. After examining type specimens, Bubopsis rubrapunctata is removed from the genus Bubopsis MacLachlan, 1898 and Pseudobubopsis gen. n. is erected for Pseudobubopsis rubrapunctata (Ghosh, 1981) (comb. n.). Also, the new genus is compared with Bubopsis, and generic key is provided.
Capability of Higher Education in Overcoming Digital Inequality in the Conditions of the Crisis in Ukraine
Authors: Stepura Tetiana , Kuzmak Olena
Published: July 2023

The purpose of the article is to assess the gap between people’s readiness for effective activity in the digital economy and to identify the functional capabilities of universities to reduce this gap. The research used methods of generalizations, logical, systematic, and comparative analysis, and statistical-economic, sociological, and economic-mathematical methods and techniques. The results of the study showed that the digitalization of the economy, the state, and society, which is taking place in Ukraine, requires a significant increase in the level of society’s readiness for digital changes. For effective integration into the digital environment, in particular in the field of education, it is necessary to create a digital infrastructure that meets EU standards. The authors conducted a study of the development of the digital inclusive component of the regions of Ukraine.Proposed ways of digital development of society. In particular, it has been proven that promoting the development of the provision of educational services improves the digital literacy of the population for daily tasks and for employers to minimize the gaps between the digital environment and people’s skills. It is substantiated that the acquisition of new digital skills and competencies of employees requires the development of training networks and the improvement of foreign language knowledge, both for young people and for other generations.
Nato between Article 5 and the Discouragement and Defense Posture
Authors: Metea Ileana-Gentilia
Published: July 2023

The paper aims at a retrospective analysis of the evolution of the NATO in the context of the new security challenges that have arisen, especially in the eastern and northeastern areas of Europe, and of the factors that have substantially contributed to the strategic orientation of the political-military organization, acting both from within, as well as from without. The work follows in stages the events that had a major impact on the positioning of the Alliance in one direction or another, while remaining consistent with the principles established in the Washington Treaty. Descouragement and defense are only part of the Alliance's eighth strategic concept.
Considerations on the Impact of Military Actions on the Environment
Authors: Milandru Marius
Published: July 2023

From a systemic point of view, it can be said that the natural environment is dynamic, constantly changing and evolving and directly influenced by natural or anthropogenic disturbances. As an integral part of the society, the military organization has an important role in the implementation of Romania’s environmental strategy. Consequently, the fulfilment of its functional tasks will be carried out in accordance with the incident normative framework, having as a priority the protection of the environment. In this vein, focus is placed on the respect of specific standards, as well as on the elimination of potential environmental risks that may occur during military actions. Specific military activities can cause significant environmental damage through the deterioration of environmental factors, i.e. soil degradation, water quality, environmental damage through the disposal of large quantities of waste, and degradation of flora.
Ramses the Great, the Peacemaker
Authors: Strechie Mădălina
Published: July 2023

Ramses the Great was not only the greatest Egyptian pharaoh and the longest in office, but also the greatest diplomat of the ancient world. His achievements as a peacemaker were equaled only by the superpower of the ancient world, Rome, through its Pax Romana, but Rome imposed this concept as a policy of a world empire, while Ramses II, rightly nicknamed the Great single-handedly effected an Egyptian peace, more valuable than any peace in the world, which became the prototype of all peace treaties after his reign. Every political leader of Antiquity has at least one military masterpiece, the ancient leaders being the supreme leaders of the army, but Ramses is the only one who has a masterpiece of peace. The genius of Ramses the Great was fully demonstrated by the “sublime treaty”, truly a gift of the gods, mediated by the Son of the Sun, the pharaoh Ramses. He made peace with the most bitter enemies, the Hittites, also called by the Egyptians, Hyksos. The Egyptian Son of the Sun made peace with his civilization built for peace with a civilization built for war, the Hittite (Indo-European, a deeply warlike one, a general characteristic of all Indo-European civilizations). Ramses the Great proved that he is a god, even though this peace treaty, the world’s first attested diplomatic treaty, concluded at Kadesh with the Hittites, proving that peace is as difficult as war. But unlike war, peace has the merit of lasting much longer and, paradoxically, gives meaning to war. These two antagonistic principles, war and peace, were balanced for the first time, in a perfect way, by the Son of the Sun, Ramses the Great.
A Nexus of Defense and Security Governance in the Framework of Contemporary Managerial Trends
Authors: Ranf Diana-Elena , Badea Dorel , Halmaghi Elisabeta-Emilia
Published: July 2023

The article contains a literature review of the most relevant and important trends in contemporary management and, based on this background, some possible directions for determining how to run processes specific to defense organizations are highlighted. As methodological framing, an applied research (information collection using Web of science and bibliometric processing to build the conceptual picture of management trends) and exploratory (in terms of purpose) was intended to determine the impact of contemporary management trends in the military. The work is of interest both for researchers in the field of general management for the understanding of some managerial peculiarities of the military organization but also for military specialists for a better awareness of the need and usefulness of scientific investigation of some specific aspects, at the same time also of the military science, considering the framing of the military domain in the social macro-field. It was also taken into account the fact widely accepted by scholars that in the history of management, on several occasions, some authors have considered the military organization as a managerial model.
Corruption - Global Threat to Human Security
Authors: Bălan-Liseanu Rodica-Cristina
Published: July 2023

Corruption is a pervasive, highly topical, interdisciplinary social phenomenon that manifests itself globally, with regional specificities. It is a broad and complex concern whose manifestations and dynamics such as bribery, misappropriation of public funds through lack of transparency and integrity, nepotism, illegal and unfair access to positions of interest have devastating effects on economic and political instability and prevent or slow down economic growth or block competitive environments. The hypothesis is woven around the phenomenon of corruption seen not only as a question of legality but also of ethics, both institutional and personal. The present article proposes a perspective that goes beyond the purely theoretical sphere, problematising issues of current interest. The theoretical-empirical complementarity offers a complex perspective through the qualitative-quantitative alternations and the examples chosen.
Mediation - A Tool for Solving the Fundamental Problems of the Contemporary World
Authors: Bălan-Liseanu Rodica-Cristina
Published: July 2023

In an ever-changing international environment, where international conflicts are evolving at a rapid pace, the culture of mediation as an alternative method of peaceful resolution of international disputes is at the centre of the global agenda, and its role is growing in relation to the diversity of internal and external threats. Flexibility, adaptability, impartiality, economic and temporal components are the main attributes that contribute significantly in the fields of preventive diplomacy, justice, crisis management and conflict prevention, security and defence. Mediation is a priority both in the prevention of conflict escalation and in the reconstruction phase, out of a desire to restore peace while safeguarding freedom, the rule of law and the common heritage.
Analysis of Budget Allocations for Personnel Expenses in the National Security System
Authors: Corman Narcis-Alexandru
Published: July 2023

The National Security System represents the set of institutions with attributions in the area of defence, public order and national security. The National Security System is currently facing a rather large shortage of personnel, which may have serious implications on the public safety climate in Romania. This deficit is partly due to the fact that the world no longer considers employment in this system attractive from the salary point of view. The status of military personnel involves many restrictions and duties, which are not to the liking of new generations, thus reducing the competition for admission to military schools, having implications on the attraction of the best graduates within the National Security System, which can easily lead to its de-professionalization. This paper aims to analyse the budget allocations related to personnel expenses within the institutions that make up the National Security System in Romania, namely the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of National Defence, the Protection and Guard Service and the Special Telecommunications Service, taking into account the number of employees of each institution, in accordance with the information published by the Ministry of Finance.
Terrorist Behaviour - Between Psychological and Social
Authors: Dragomir Andreea-Nicoleta , Berindea Sergiu-Gabriel
Published: July 2023

The paper captures some of the trends in terrorist behaviour based on an analysis of demographic, historical, psychological and political factors. Rational choice theory also shows that this behavioural tendency is nothing more than an adaptation to, or a rejection of, governmental policy changes. The causes of terrorism are complex and multi-dimensional, including social, political, economic, cultural and psychological aspects. One of the most common causes of terrorism is discrimination, i.e. perceived oppression or discrimination against an ethnic, religious or cultural group; and political conflict (terrorism can be used as a means to influence political decisions). Sociologically, even criminologically, terrorism cannot be reduced to the form of insanity or mental disorder, as it is essentially a political act with political aims. It can also be pointed out that some terrorists may suffer from psychiatric problems or behavioural disorders, but the causes of terrorism go much deeper, such as social frustration, moral indignation, the desire to change an unjust situation or to achieve a specific political goal.
Industrial Heritage as a Tourist Attraction. Case Study Unirea Salt Mine (Romania)
Authors: Merciu Florentina-Cristina , Păunescu Cornel , Merciu George-Laurenţiu , Olaru Martin
Published: July 2023

Industrial heritage assets represent cultural heritage objectives that have multiple values (historical, technological, architectural, cultural, and social). The purpose of this study is to analyze the degree of interest of tourists to visit the Unirea salt mine in the town of Slănic Prahova (Romania) as an industrial heritage attraction. To develop the study, the authors applied a questionnaire to a number of 348 Romanian tourists with the aim of evaluating the degree of knowledge of the tourists regarding the mining heritage and the degree of interest in (re)visiting the Unirea salt mine. The main results of the study reflect the fact that there is a low share of tourists (16%) who visited the Unirea mine as an industrial heritage attraction. The main conclusion of this study is that, due to the complexity of the Unirea mine as an industrial heritage attraction, it requires better tourism exploitation to attract more visitors.
Specificities of the Culture and the Management of Economic Organizations in Romania in Approaching the Model Developed by Fons Trompenaars
Authors: Stanciu Leontin , Stanciu Cristian-Lucian
Published: July 2023

The cultural determination of the managerial policies and practices is recognized and accepted within the modern theoretical and professional circles. The values, mentalities, generic ways of thinking and acting that define a culture, as well as the specific behaviors or patterns of interaction, which result from this cultural profile, have a major influence both on what happens within the economic organizations and on their management. To this purpose, by using the cultural dimensions of the model developed by Fons Trompenaars, the authors aimed to identify the main characteristics and the behaviors of the members of the culture and the management of the economic organizations in Romania.
Innovation of Training of Young Military Leaders from Generation Z in Republic of Bulgaria
Authors: Chalakova Teodora
Published: July 2023

Commanding and managing a military formation is never easy, but it can be even more challenging when the commander has less professional experience than his subordinates. In such a situation, very quickly, the commander can lose the trust of his subordinates, due to the little experience and uncertainty he feels at the moment.
Investigating the Contribution of Self-Compassion and Openness in Predicting Depression, Stress, and Anxiety
Authors: Lupu Valentin , Lupu Sarah K.
Published: July 2023

In recent studies, it was discovered that Self-compassion has the potential to be an individual protector from social stressors. Research shows that the use of self-compassion can be a positive strategy in regulating emotion for increased mental health. The relationship between self-compassion, openness, depression, stress, and anxiety among K-12 teachers in Romania is unexplored territory. The present study is examining the relationship between openness as one of the five traits of the Big-Five personality test, self-compassion, and the mental health of teachers. We also explored the contribution of self-compassion and openness in predicting depression, anxiety, and stress. The participants in this study were 85 K-12 Romanian teachers. We found a significant negative correlation between self-compassion and depression, anxiety, and stress. There is also a significant negative correlation between openness and all the DASS-21R scores. The correlation between self-compassion and openness was significantly positive.
Considerations on the Education of the United States Army Officers in the 19th Century
Authors: lică Gabriela Mihăilă
Published: July 2023

Our paper presents in broad lines the beginnings of the formal education for the army officers in the United States of America, focusing on the information, the skills and the competencies the future American army officers had to achieve as well as on the training they had to undergo in order to receive a commission. We also analyze the methods of teaching and learning, some of these being still utilized today with great effectiveness. The objective of our article is to show how the Military Academy of West Point managed to adapt from the very beginning to the requirements of the changing nature of warfare and to the requirements of the society in order to provide the United States Army with effective leaders that are capable of confronting the challenges of the present as well as those of the future. Despite its humble beginnings and the harsh historical conditions, the military education in the United State has aspired for excellence and has succeeded into becoming the comprehensive educational system of today. The foundation of the intellectual architecture that will enable the military leaders to achieve victory on the battlefield is prepared in military institutions like the West Point Military Academy.
Using Technology to Increase Students’ Motivation for Learning a Foreign Language
Authors: Negoescu Alina Gabriela , Mitrulescu Corina Mariana
Published: July 2023

Motivating students in learning a foreign language can be challenging, but educators can help to foster student motivation by employing a series of strategies, such as creating a positive and supportive learning environment and building a positive relationship with the students, using a variety of teaching methods, providing regular feedback and recognition for their efforts, using authentic materials, using technology, setting achievable goals, and providing opportunities for student choice and autonomy by encouraging learning outside the classroom. Employing technology in education is becoming a global trend and the majority of students use it in education in general but also in the process of language acquisition. Most scholars view the use of technology as being supportive for the learning environment and as a crucial element in providing a high-quality education, especially for the new generations of students who were born in this digital era and cannot function without technology. Technology offers students quick access to relevant information, not to mention that it expands their universe of learning. It also allows students to get in contact with a wealth of authentic resources, which can inspire language learners. The paper begins with highlighting the importance of motivation in language acquisition, then it presents the main reasons why we should connect motivation with technology, and finally it reviews some benefits of using technology to enhance language learning.
ELABORAÇÃO DE UMA TAREFA PARA AVALIAR A COATIVAÇÃO SEMÂNTICA EM MULTILÍNGUES PORTUGUÊS-INGLÊS-ALEMÃO
Authors: Bezerra Felipe Rodrigues , Lameira Marina F N , Toassi Pâmela Freitas Pereira , Carthery-Goulart Maria Teresa
Published: July 2023

Homógrafos interlinguísticos são palavras que possuem ortografia idêntica, mas significados distintos entre duas ou mais línguas. Estes estímulos são frequentemente utilizados para avaliar o processamento léxico-semântico em bilíngues e multilíngues. Entretanto, um desafio das pesquisas sobre este tema consiste na preparação das listas de estímulos, havendo carência de materiais disponíveis para avaliar trilíngues com combinações de línguas específicas. O presente estudo teve como objetivo elaborar duas listas de estímulos contendo homógrafos interlinguísticos entre as línguas Inglês-Alemão e Inglês-Português para investigar a coativação semântica-lexical por meio de uma tarefa de julgamento semântico. Os estímulos foram caracterizados quanto à sua frequência por milhão, concretude e número de letras. Por meio de escala likert de 7 pontos, 32 indivíduos bilíngues português-inglês julgaram a associação semântica entre pares de palavras em inglês contendo primes homógrafos e primes controles não-homógrafos e palavras alvo não-homógrafas, associadas ou não semanticamente com os primes. Como resultado, obtivemos um total de 258 pares de palavras em inglês, sendo: 50% de pares associados e 50% de pares não-associados semanticamente na língua inglesa. Entre eles, 46 pares apresentam primes homógrafos Inglês-Alemão, 40 homógrafos Inglês-Português e 162 consistem de pares-controles (primes não-homógrafos). Descrevemos o processo de preparação da tarefa e a disponibilizamos para investigações em estudos com trilíngues português-inglês-alemão tendo como língua alvo da tarefa o inglês. As listas podem ser acessadas em: https://osf.io/2a7qm
Sistem Pakar Diagnosa Penyakit Pada Ibu Hamil Menggunakan Metode Forward Chaining
Authors: Sundari Jenie , Wulandari Siti , Budiarti Yusnia , Nainggolan Esron Rikardo
Published: July 2023

AN EXPERT SYSTEM FOR DISEASE DIAGNOSIS PREGNANT WOMEN USING FORWARD CHAINING METHOD. Health is one of the important factors for pregnant women in conducting daily activities. However, some pregnant women do not care about their body condition so there are many  complaints,  causing  a  disease  in  pregnant  women.  Pregnant  women  can  be  affected  by pregnancy, the disease can be known from the symptoms it causes, but to know precisely what diseases suffered by pregnant women, requiring an expert or specialist doctor Content. In this study designed a system  of experts based on the website  using a  rule  base  with  the  method of forward  chaining inference aimed at helping pregnant mothers in diagnosing early pregnancy disease. This expert system is able to diagnose the disease suffered by the pregnant mothers according to the question of the symptoms asked to be answered by the pregnant women, so that the system will provide diagnostic results, details on diseases and treatment The disease.
Assessing wind damage and potential yield loss in mid-season corn using a geospatial approach
Authors: Bhandari Ammar B. , Kharel Tulsi P. , Reddy Krishna N.
Published: July 2023

Yield loss due to natural disasters, such as storms with high-speed winds and rainfall, can significantly damage standing corn (Zea mays L.) plants and yield. Using a geospatial approach, the study aimed to estimate green snap wind damage to corn and assess potential yield and economic loss in the Mississippi Delta. Midseason corn (V12–V14) snapping occurred on 8 June 2022. We recorded green snap damage in 13 fields [1.0 to 2.0 hectares (ha−1)] with low (224 kg ha−1) and high (336 kg ha−1) N rates and two different row orientations (north–south and east–west) after the damage. The results indicated no nitrogen rates or row orientation effect on green snap damage. The average yield loss could be ~29.25 kg ha−1, with every 1% increase in green snap wind damage causing significant economic loss to producers. Research methods can help scientists to estimate potential green snap yield loss due to severe winds in the larger fields. Research results can also help estimate potential yield and economic loss to assist producers and other stakeholders in decision-making to prepare for changing weather patterns and unprecedented severe windstorms in the future.
Land tenure security and luxury support plant species and trait diversity in urban community gardens
Authors: Philpott Stacy M. , Bichier Peter , Perez Genesis , Jha Shalene , Liere Heidi , Lin Brenda B.
Published: July 2023

Urban ecological communities are shaped by an array of environmental and physical factors that include climate, biogeography, species interactions, dispersal, and ecological filters at the habitat and landscape scales. In addition, many social dynamics, decision-making processes, and other social characteristics, such as development, policy, government actions, as well as socioeconomic status of residents – the so-called ‘luxury’ effect – may also play strong roles in shaping which species occur within the urban context. This interaction between ecological and social drivers may impact species richness and may also influence functional traits and functional diversity, with important implications for ecosystem services provided within urban spaces. Urban agroecosystems provide food and other well-being benefits to urban residents, and are valuable green spaces in the city that provide refuges for biodiversity. Despite this fact, one of the biggest risks to gardens is insecure land tenure. While plant communities within gardens may be shaped by gardener demographics, food cultures, and ecological processes, little is known about how factors such as luxury and land tenure security may impact plant diversity, plant functional traits, and functional diversity, as well as species and trait composition. In this study, we ask how garden physical features, luxury, and land tenure security influence plant species richness, functional diversity, and species and trait composition within gardens in the California central coast. We surveyed vegetation, assessed plant traits related to growth form, plant defense, and floral characteristics, and collected information on multiple factors associated with land tenure and luxury. We found that land tenure secure gardens had higher plant and crop richness. Variables associated with garden luxury boosted ornamental plant richness, flower abundance and height, lowered crop richness, and strongly impacted plant species composition. Garden plot size negatively correlated with plant species and functional richness and relative abundance of trees. Weed species richness was not impacted by any social or physical feature examined. Thus overall, in community gardens, cultivated plants, and their traits, are strongly shaped by the socioeconomic factors of land tenure security and luxury as well as the spatial distribution and size of garden plots, with important implications for both conservation and ecosystem services provided by garden habitats within cities.
Pitfalls and Tips in the Assessment of Aortic Stenosis by Transthoracic Echocardiography
Authors: Canciello Grazia , Pate Shabnam , Sannino Anna , Borrelli Felice , Todde Gaetano , Grayburn Paul , Losi Maria-Angela , Esposito Giovanni
Published: July 2023

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a valvular heart disease that significantly contributes to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. The condition is characterized by calcification and thickening of the aortic valve leaflets, resulting in a narrowed orifice and increased pressure gradient across the valve. AS typically progresses from a subclinical phase known as aortic sclerosis, where valve calcification occurs without a transvalvular gradient, to a more advanced stage marked by a triad of symptoms: heart failure, syncope, and angina. Echocardiography plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and evaluation of AS, serving as the primary non-invasive imaging modality. However, to minimize misdiagnoses, it is crucial to adhere to a standardized protocol for acquiring echocardiographic images. This is because, despite continuous advances in echocardiographic technology, diagnostic errors still occur during the evaluation of AS, particularly in classifying its severity and hemodynamic characteristics. This review focuses on providing guidance for the imager during the echocardiographic assessment of AS. Firstly, the review will report on how the echo machine should be set to improve image quality and reduce noise and artifacts. Thereafter, the review will report specific emphasis on accurate measurements of left ventricular outflow tract diameter, aortic valve morphology and movement, as well as aortic and left ventricular outflow tract velocities. By considering these key factors, clinicians can ensure consistency and accuracy in the evaluation of AS using echocardiography.
Organizing a Community "Biggest Loser" Weight Loss Challenge
Authors: Jensen Kirstin
Published: July 2023

The program described here shows how Extension can be a strong collaborative partner in a rural setting in improving the overall health of the community by organizing a three month "Biggest Loser" Weight Loss Challenge. A pre-and post-fitness assessment and bi-weekly weigh-ins were administered. Three healthy lifestyle educational programs were provided, and a 3-month follow-up behavior change survey was collected. The program has been a tremendous success, with 588 participants losing 2,357.2 lbs. over the past 3 years.
Using Impact Analysis to Document a Forest Products Sector's Contributions to Ohio's Economy
Authors: McConnell Eric
Published: July 2023

Economic impacts are often determined by input-output analysis using IMPLAN software. IMPLAN can provide valuable information to producer groups and community leaders, and Extension is well positioned to offer this service through applied research programs. Sawmilling and wood preservation (SWP) is a key sector in Ohio's forest economy, and its impacts were modeled for 2009. The SWP directly employed 1,700 citizens and produced $364 million in industrial output. Total impacts amounted to 4,500 workers being employed because of SWP activities, with industrial output totaling $724 million. This information has raised awareness of SWP's importance in communities and assisted with policymaking decisions.
Introducing Inmates to Extension Through Financial Education and Experiential Learning Tools
Authors: Richel Karen
Published: July 2023

Research shows that in order to reduce recidivism rates in prisons, financial education and other life skills should be a mandatory topic in our prison systems. By creating a learning environment conducive to the specialized needs of this audience, an inmate's ability to set goals, recognize wants and needs, maintain bank accounts, create a budget, manage debt, and use credit wisely can be achieved. By introducing interactive, experiential learning tools from Extension, the educator can open doors to financial discussions, questions, and collaborations that are easily adaptable to prison life or to future home lives.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND RESOURCES FOR SPECIAL EDUCATORS IN THE RESOURCE ROOM: A CASE STUDY ON SPECIAL EDUCATION IN PALESTINE
Authors: Allaham Mazen , Siaw Yan-Li , Mohamad Nor Azmawaty
Published: July 2023

In Palestine, resource rooms were established to assist students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Therefore, getting acquainted and familiarized with the knowledge, experiences, and professional needs of resource room teachers (RRTs) is vital. This qualitative case study aimed to explore RRTs’ professional needs. Data were collected from three resource room teachers using semi-structured interviews and reviewing relevant documentation. Thematic analysis of the data generated two themes in addressing the objective of the study. The emerging themes were (1) professional development, and (2) resources. Results revealed that RRTs required in-service training, including diagnosing students with special needs, teaching methods, creating teaching aids and IEPs, and assessments. Additionally, hands-on experience is required. RRTs also needed resources including raw materials, stationery, devices, and references. The novelty factor of this research is that this is the first Palestinian study to provide insight into RRTs’ professional needs. The outcomes may considerably help policymakers improve resource room practices and enhance the services, support, and special education programs offered to special educators.
CHALLENGES FACED BY STUDENTS IN LEARNING SPEAKING SKILLS USING VIDEO CONFERENCING
Authors: Mohd Radzi Nor Azira , Haron Noorazalia Izha , Rosaidi Nor Alifah , Sani Yang Salehah Abdullah , Abdul Rahman Azhar
Published: July 2023

Students are still using online resources in order to assist them with their studies during the post-pandemic period. In online language classes, online platforms are utilised as a tool for language learning, particularly in the development of speaking abilities. This study attempts to look into the difficulties encountered by a group of bachelor degree students when learning speaking skills in the English language through the usage of video conferencing. The information was gathered by utilising a set of questionnaires distributed among 102 bachelor degree students at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perlis Branch, Malaysia, towards the end of the semester after they had completed the speaking exercises that had been assigned to them. The use of video conferencing in teaching speaking skills to the students was found to pose a number of difficulties, including unfavourable environment, lack of ideas and vocabulary, lack of confidence, fear of making mistakes, and technological difficulties. The findings of this study may assist language instructors to choose the best online tool for speaking lessons.
Unification of gravitation and electromagnetic force(First Portion)
Authors: Zheng shengming Physicist
Published: July 2023

Since electron has been discovered, people have been thinking it possess one electric charge, the nuclear possess contrary charge. Based on the provided new discovery that moving photons do create force, I have calculated the number Z of elements, discovered that the number Z of elements can be calculated by frequency of x-ray, and the atomic weight can also be calculated by frequency of x-ray. This method of calculated way shows the essence of electric charge, and shows the essence of gravitational mass, from this way, here in first time provide one way show the unification of gravitation and electromagnetic force.
Lexicon-enhanced Pre-trained Language Models for Chinese Ethics-related Tasks
Authors: Gu Tianlong , Bao Tong , Li Long , Chang Liang , Feng Xuan
Published: July 2023

The proposal and rapid development of pre-trained language models have led to unprecedented breakthroughs in natural language processing techniques. Although pre-trained language models have strong text-understanding capabilities, their performance in handling ethical issues is unsatisfactory due to the complexity of ethical connotations. To improve the ethical understanding and generation capabilities of pre-trained language models, a novel knowledge enhancement solution based on the ethics lexicon is proposed.
Mixture of Gaussian Processes for Bayesian Active Learning
Authors: Riis Christoffer , Rodrigues Filipe , Pereira Francisco Camara
Published: July 2023

This paper introduces a Mixture of Gaussian processes (MGP) model and explores its application in the context of Bayesian active learning. The MGP offers an alternative approach to fully Bayesian Gaussian processes by leveraging the benefits of `fully' Bayesian active learning while circumventing the computationally expensive Monte Carlo sampling of the Gaussian process's hyperparameters. Through a detailed empirical analysis, we demonstrate that the MGP equipped with Bayesian Active Learning by Disagreement (BALD) improves querying efficiency and delivers competitive performance compared to both standard and fully Bayesian Gaussian processes. Across six classic simulators, our experiments reveal that the MGP with BALD achieves, on average, the lowest negative log probability with the fewest iterations. Moreover, these models are more than seven times faster than fully Bayesian Gaussian processes with BALD. Furthermore, we extend our evaluation to a real-world simulator from the air traffic management domain, where MGP outperforms both Gaussian processes and fully Bayesian Gaussian processes. Additionally, we demonstrate the applicability of the MGP within the Bayesian optimization framework, where it yields the best minimum on five out of the six simulators considered.
El Sócrates platónico como etopeya del saber filosófico
Authors: Vecchio Ariel
Published: July 2023

En el marco de los estudios actuales sobre la relación entre teoría y práctica de mímesis en Platón, el objetivo es indagar la caracterización [ethopoiía] platónica de Sócrates. Para tal fin, por un lado, se analiza la tematización de la caracterización en los Progymnásmata para mostrar su función y el lugar que ocupa Platón en esta tradición. Por otro lado, se estudian algunos pasajes clave de Apología de Sócrates y República I para echar luz sobre la composición narrativa, mímesis, y, a través de ella, intentar dar cuenta del quehacer filosófico en la caracterización socrática. La hipótesis es que la opción por el diálogo está ligada no solo al modo de comprender, sino también al modo de transmitir el saber filosófico, y que, en tal marco, el personaje Sócrates encarna un tipo de saber hacer o disposicional. Este tipo de saber no sería reductible a proposiciones, de manera que la opción por el diálogo cumpliría una función no meramente estilística, sino fundamentalmente propedéutico-filosófica.
Hugo Francisco Bauzá. Afrodita y Eros || Analía Melamed. Adiós al cuerpo
Authors: Oulego Daniela , Bertucci Alejandra
Published: July 2023

Hugo Francisco Bauzá. Afrodita y Eros: consideraciones sobre mito, culto e imagen. Buenos Aires: El Hilo de Ariadna, 2022, 440 páginas.
Analía Melamed. Adiós al cuerpo. Marcel Proust y las estéticas y poéticas contemporáneas. Buenos Aires: Prometeo, 2022, 156 páginas.
Sicherung von Geldautomaten
Authors: Rupprecht Rupprecht
Published: July 2023

Geldautomaten (GA) sind ein unverzichtbares Instrument der kritischen Infrastruktur Bargeldversorgung . Seit der Darstellung der Bedrohungslage 2019 und technischer Präventionsmöglichkeiten in dieser Zeitschrift (10/2020, S. 26 bis 29) hat die Zahl der Sprengstoffangriffe deutlich zugenommen, und in mehreren Bundesländern sind Initiativen zur Verstärkung der Prävention entwickelt worden.
Un sistema cuasiparlamentario, republicano y bicameral: una propuesta para Chile
Authors: Larraín Guillermo , Voigt Stefan
Published: July 2023

Chile tiene una larga tradición presidencial. Algunos plantean que es imposible pensar en no elegir directamente al presidente. Frente a esta ‘restricción sociológica’, un análisis completo debe reconocer que el presidencialismo tiene problemas en particular respecto de lo que denominamos una ‘restricción estructural’: la fragmentación partidaria. En ese contexto, la posibilidad de tener regularmente presidentes de minoría y falta de disciplina en el Congreso es un riesgo. Proponemos un sistema cuasiparlamentario (Irlanda sería el caso más cercano), en el que el presidente usa toda la legitimidad de ser la única autoridad electa directamente a nivel nacional para velar por la continuidad del Estado, por la prevalencia de los intereses públicos de largo plazo y para actuar como árbitro en momentos de gran complejidad

política. Nuestra propuesta incorpora características de sistemas parlamentarios, entre ellos la necesidad de constituir mayorías en la Cámara de Diputados que apoyen el programa de gobierno y la posibilidad de realizar votos de censura constructivos. El sistema es bicameral con niveles variables de asimetría en función de la mayoría en la Cámara Alta. En comparación con el sistema semipresidencial, nuestra propuesta reduce la capacidad del presidente para interferir en las acciones ejecutivas a corto plazo, mientras que privilegia instrumentos fuertes para garantizar la continuidad del Estado. Esta configuración promueve una mejor gobernanza porque los gobiernos deben tener mayoría parlamentaria, fomenta la rendición de cuentas porque habrá mejor escrutinio sobre las promesas de campaña, así como la estabilidad democrática porque es un sistema más flexible y con más herramientas para enfrentar crisis. También está diseñado para promover la elaboración de políticas con una mirada a más largo plazo y así propiciar el desarrollo económico.
The winner‐take‐all dilemma
Authors: Kikuchi Kazuya , Koriyama Yukio
Published: July 2023

We consider collective decision‐making when society consists of groups endowed with voting weights. Each group chooses an internal rule that specifies the allocation of its weight to alternatives as a function of its members' preferences. Under fairly general conditions, we show that the winner‐take‐all rule is a dominant strategy, while the equilibrium is Pareto dominated, highlighting the dilemma structure between optimality for each group and for the whole society. We also develop a technique for asymptotic analysis and show Pareto dominance of the proportional rule.
Effect of initial stroke care bundle on clinical outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Mohamed Ragaa Dahi , Hamad Amal H. , Abouzied Warda R.
Published: July 2023

Background

Stroke care bundles are evidence-based practices in the management of acute ischemic stroke that are rapidly changing. Early detection of stroke symptoms and prompt treatments can result in a positive outcome. Specialized care in the emergency room during the acute phase and the first week in a neurological ICU or stroke unit for follow-up can enhance the overall prognosis.

Aim

To evaluate the effect of implementing an initial stroke care bundle on clinical outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Patients and methods

A quasi-experimental research design was used. A convenient sample of 60 critically ill adult patients who were admitted to the emergency care unit and neurology ICU was included. The patients were tested using an initial stroke care bundle during 7 days of admission to the neurological ICU and then followed up another week in the medical ward and 2 weeks in the outpatient clinic. The data were collected using three tools developed by the researchers.

Results

There were highly statistically significant differences between the control and study groups regarding improving vital signs, neurological status, and hydration status on admission, third and seventh days after admission, and during 3-week follow-up. Moreover, patients with acute stroke who received the initial stroke care bundle had a statistically significant reduction in mortality rate, higher independence, and normal prefeeding assessment compared with those who received routine care on admission, 3 and 7 days after admission, and during 3-week follow-up.

Conclusion

Implementing an initial stroke care bundle can improve the prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke and decrease the number of deaths.

Recommendation

Recent stroke care bundle should be integrated into the management of patients with acute stroke to improve the patients’ outcomes.