bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financements occultés. Sur les usages socialistes de la coopération dans le Nord au tournant du XX e siècle
Authors: Celle Sylvain , Chevallier Thomas , Schlegel Vianney
Published: September 2023

À partir du cas de la coopérative de consommation l’Union de Lille et en étudiant plus généralement la coopération socialiste dans le nord de la France, cet article porte sur les pratiques de discrétion, d’occultation et de mise au secret des enjeux de financement des activités politiques partisanes au tournant du XX e  siècle. En revenant sur les débats relatifs au rôle que doivent jouer les coopératives dans la lutte politique et dans l’avènement du socialisme, l’étude souligne les stratégies de publicisation et de discrétion mobilisées par les dirigeants coopératifs quant au principe de subventionnement systématique des partis politiques. Au-delà de ces enjeux, le dépouillement des archives de l’Union de Lille montre que certaines décisions mettant en péril le modèle économique coopératif sont cachées aux sociétaires, tandis que les stratégies d’alliance de classe ou avec la franc-maçonnerie font l’objet de représentations ambivalentes, en oscillant entre opposition idéologique et acceptation tacite ou pragmatique au nom des besoins de financement de la lutte politique. Finalement, l’ensemble des débats et des pratiques analysés peuvent être rapportés aux processus de structuration et de professionnalisation de la vie politique française : la constitution d’une culture du secret autour des enjeux de financement du champ politique traduit bien son autonomisation et la sélectivité croissante dans l’accès à ses positions les plus hautes.
L’envol vers le cloud comme impératif de gestion de crise : une étude exploratoire de onze entreprises tunisiennes confrontées au confinement.
Authors: Ben Limem Nada , Tebessi Sana
Published: September 2023

En raison de la covid-19, les entreprises ont dû rapidement trouver des solutions de gestion de crise, notamment, en période de confinement. Le recours au cloud est alors devenu nécessaire y compris pour les entreprises qui repoussaient jusque-là son adoption. L’objectif de cet article est d’identifier comment ce changement de pratique et le recours au numérique sont devenus un impératif de gestion de la crise en identifiant les facteurs qui ont influencé positivement ou négativement l’adoption du cloud . Pour cela, nous avons mobilisé la théorie de la technologie-organisation-environnement (TOE) et mené des entretiens semi-directifs auprès de onze dirigeants d’entreprises tunisiennes ayant acquis le service cloud durant la période de pandémie. Notre étude a mis en lumière les principaux rôles qu’a joué le cloud pendant la crise sanitaire et révèle que si toutes les entreprises l’ont sollicité pour assurer la continuité de leurs activités, pour les plus grandes, son recours s’est fait à des fins d’accélération de leur transformation numérique, tandis que les plus petites l’ont adopté dans un impératif de survie pour saisir les opportunités du marché et entretenir les relations commerciales avec leurs clients. Les petites et moyennes entreprises ont plutôt, pour leur part, utilisé le cloud pour l’aspect collaboratif et pour assurer la communication interne. Plusieurs facteurs technologiques, organisationnels et environnementaux d’adoption de la technologie ont pu être identifiés permettant de clarifier le rôle joué par le cloud dans la gestion de la crise.
L’importance de la transparence budgétaire pour le développement
Authors: Cuadrado-Ballesteros Beatriz , Bisogno Marco
Published: September 2023

Cette étude vise à souligner l’importance de la transparence budgétaire dans l’amélioration du développement humain et à combler le vide dans la littérature, qui a traditionnellement considéré le concept de développement en termes économiques. Ici, le développement fait référence aux niveaux de connaissance, à la possibilité de jouir d’une vie longue et en bonne santé et de bénéficier d’un niveau de vie décent. L’amélioration du développement humain est le principal point d’intérêt dans l’évaluation des résultats des politiques publiques et cette étude se concentre sur une politique spécifique, à savoir la transparence budgétaire. Sur la base d’un ensemble de 110 pays pour les années 2008, 2010, 2012, 2015 et 2017, les résultats empiriques démontrent un effet positif de l’indice sur le budget ouvert (« Open Budget Index ») sur l’indice de développement humain, suggérant que la transparence budgétaire est un bon moyen d’améliorer les niveaux de développement humain. Ces résultats sont essentiels non seulement pour le débat académique, mais aussi pour les praticiens car ils montrent que la transparence est un outil pertinent pour améliorer le développement humain. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens La transparence budgétaire est un outil pertinent pour améliorer le développement humain. La transparence peut améliorer la qualité de vie grâce à une meilleure qualité de gouvernance. Les rôles centraux joués par la transparence et la participation, associés à l’imputabilité, ont été confirmés. La complexité du concept de développement humain implique, entre autres, la divulgation d’informations concernant les politiques publiques. L’examen des budgets, garantissant leur transparence ainsi que la transparence du processus budgétaire, est fortement recommandé pour améliorer le développement humain.
What We Learned About the Economic and Workforce Issues in Pediatric Ophthalmology: Access to Eye Care and Possible Solutions
Authors: Lee Karen E. , Sussberg Jake A. , Nelson Leonard B. , Thuma Tobin B. T.
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

To provide a blueprint reviewing the major economic and workforce issues in pediatric ophthalmology and its effect on access to pediatric eye care, as well as potential solutions.

Methods:

This was a systematic review of the landmark studies examining the economic and workforce issues in pediatric ophthalmology was performed.

Results:

The number of residents pursuing pediatric ophthalmology fellowship has steadily declined since the early 2000s. Increasing overhead costs, low Medicaid reimbursements, practice pattern changes, and workforce shortages have all contributed to a significant crisis in access to pediatric eye care.

Conclusions:

Solutions to improve access to pediatric eye care involve pursuing more economical strategies within the confines of the pediatric ophthalmology practice, early exposure to the field during medical education, and enhancing residents' interest through faculty mentorship. Low reimbursements are a major driver contributing to extended appointment wait times for pediatric ophthalmology visits at major academic eye centers. Legislative changes at both the federal and state levels are needed to make appropriate increases in reimbursements, starting with states in the lowest quartile of Medicaid reimbursements.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2023;60(5):323–329.]
Numerical simulation and analysis of fractional-order Phi-Four equation
Authors: Alshehry Azzh Saad , Yasmin Humaira , Shah Rasool , Ullah Roman , Khan Asfandyar
Published: September 2023

This paper introduces a novel numerical approach for tackling the nonlinear fractional Phi-four equation by employing the Homotopy perturbation method (HPM) and the Adomian decomposition method (ADM), augmented by the Shehu transform. These established techniques are adept at addressing nonlinear differential equations. The equation's complexity is reduced by applying the Shehu Transform, rendering it amenable to solutions via HPM and ADM. The efficacy of this approach is underscored by conclusive results, attesting to its proficiency in solving the equation. With extensive ramifications spanning physics and engineering domains like fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and mechanics, the proposed method emerges as a precise and efficient tool for resolving nonlinear fractional differential equations pervasive in scientific and engineering contexts. Its potential extends to analogous equations, warranting further investigation to unravel its complete capabilities.
Effects of Different Educational Interaction Modes on Students’ Independent Online Learning Ability
Authors: Wang Peng
Published: September 2023

The high-speed applications of information technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and 5G promote the development of different industries and also have extensive effects on online education. Online teaching can offset normal and traditional education shortages in learning time and places and meet learners’ demand for fragmented learning in the Internet era. An effective educational interaction mode can stimulate the learning interest of students, promote the occurrence of deep learning of students, and facilitate the development of their online independent learning ability. In this study, the effects of educational interaction modes (including teacher-teacher interaction, teacher-student interaction, student-student interaction, and learner-interface interaction) on the online independent learning ability of learners were analyzed based on cooperative learning theory and personalized learning theory. Differences in online independent learning ability under different contact duration with online learning were measured. Results demonstrate that the reliability coefficient and KMO value of the questionnaire are 0.889 and 0.863, indicating that the questionnaire has good reliability and validity. The teacher-teacher interaction, teacher-student interaction, student-student interaction, and learner-interface interaction of educational interaction modes can promote the improvement of online independent learning ability of learners significantly under 1%, 1%, 5%, and 1% levels, respectively. Contact duration with online learning significantly affects online independent learning ability at the 0.05 level (F = 2.487, p = 0.031). Research conclusions can provide important references to perfect the high-efficiency implementation strategy of educational interaction modes in the online classroom environment and find keyways to improve the effect and quality of synchronous classroom teaching interaction.
A Research into Factors that Influence College Students' Enthusiasm for Learning in an Online Learning Environment
Authors: Qin Hongxia , Shan Zhengyi , Du Yunchao
Published: September 2023

Institutions of higher learning in China actively promote the deep integration of information technology (IT) with education and teaching by using big data technology to collect and analyze data on education and teaching activities as well as students’ behaviors, to provide feedback. The objective is to support and promote personalized learning and targeted teaching in the online learning environment. The data on students’ learning effectiveness are collected timely and accurately during online teaching. Based on these data, teaching and learning activities are adjusted periodically to enhance the learning enthusiasm of college students and further achieve the goal of high-quality online teaching. In this study, an influencing factor index system for college students’ learning enthusiasm in the online learning environment was established based on existing literature. The relationships of learning enthusiasm with learning needs, motivation, attitude, and interest were measured through structural equation modeling. Next, the hierarchy of 17 factors influencing college students’ learning enthusiasm was analyzed using interpretive structural modeling. The results reveal that the influencing factor index system for college students’ learning enthusiasm in the online learning environment is highly scientific and reasonable. Learning needs, motivation, and attitude have an evident promoting effect on learning enthusiasm. Four factors, namely, numbered B5, C4, D1, and D3, are the direct factors affecting learning enthusiasm. Moreover, three factors, namely, numbered A4, B3, and C3, are the fundamental reasons that affect learning enthusiasm. The research results have significant reference values in identifying the causes of the change in learning enthusiasm induced by the online learning environment and proposing pertinent measures to enhance college students’ learning enthusiasm.
Adaptive E-Learning Systems Success Model
Authors: Romi Ismail M.
Published: September 2023

E-learning implementation is growing alongside the e-learning market’s growth. As a result, competing models and approaches were proposed to improve e-learning and learner performance; one of these models is the e-learning systems success model. In order to expand this model, an analysis of the published e-learning models and frameworks in the period 2017–2022 was conducted using the aggregative review method. 37 studies that match the current study interests have been selected and analyzed. The main results support the e-learning system success model. In addition to further constructs other than those used in the model that have been used to enhance it, an adaptive e-learning success model has been proposed, which integrates the e-learning success model with the other models and frameworks proposed in the literature. This study recommends that achieving e-learning success requires an analysis of the internal and external environment and crafting an adaptation plan to determine the e-learning methods depending on the pedagogical approaches and tutors’ and learners’ abilities and characteristics, which in turn determine the instructional material required and assessment methods, besides the required ICT. Besides the required enhancements, such as tutor and learner training, as well as the institution’s policy and e-learning management, in addition to the required adaptations to cope with environmental factors in order to embrace learners in education policies and future strategies.
Refining the Process of Credit Transfer of MOOCs with the Utilization of ChatGPT and Blockchain
Authors: Al-Zoubi A. Y. , Aldmour Mamoun
Published: September 2023

Transferring credits between universities worldwide is challenging and time consuming, and usually follows strict and complicated administrative guidelines. Students may encounter severe difficulties during such a process, primarily if they rely on those credits to transfer to another school or graduate on time. Universities may also find it challenging to compare massive online open courses (MOOCs) to courses offered in their traditional programs due to the need for more uniformity in course content and academic rigor. Administrators and professors may struggle to determine whether students have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary for credit transfer through the MOOC. The power of ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) may be employed in identifying and matching courses to MOOCs. At the same time, blockchain technology may provide a speedy and smooth process for credit transfer. A pilot structure that enables students to sign up for an MOOC and determine course equivalency without the challenges typically connected with credit-transfer issues or the recognition of courses taught outside their university is presented, piloted, and tested, significantly impacting the entire credit-transfer process.
Improving English Listening and Speaking Abilities in Online Interactive Platforms
Authors: Wu Jingfang , Zhou Ruiying , Xia Wangqiu
Published: September 2023

In the globalized and digitized modern society, the cultivation of English listening and speaking ability has attracted more and more attention. With the development of information technology, the application of classroom online interactive platforms in English listening and speaking teaching is becoming increasingly widespread. However, existing studies focus on the technical performance and functionality of online interactive platforms, lacking a deep understanding of students’ actual learning behaviors and teachers’ using behaviors. Moreover, most of the studies analyze the platform effect at the macro level and neglect the impact of the student-teacher interactive mode at the micro level. Therefore, this research focused on studying the hierarchical clustering of students’ online learning behaviors and the typical student-teacher interactive mode of “resource-platform-need,” aiming to fill this gap. A data-driven research method was used, which was expected to provide new understanding and perspectives, bringing new theoretical and practical values to the educational technology field. The research results helped design and optimize the online interactive platform and better met the needs of students and teachers, thus promoting the development of English listening and speaking teaching.
Analysis of the Sentiment in the Evaluation Texts of University Students by Means of the Concept of Flexible Management
Authors: Zhu Changyan
Published: September 2023

With the development of information technology (IT) and the popularity of the Internet, it is easier to obtain college students’ teaching evaluation text data. However, it is still challenging to deeply understand and effectively analyze these texts. Based on the flexible management concept in universities, this study aimed to understand and analyze the teaching evaluation texts of college students more accurately, thereby improving the teaching quality. The implicit features of those texts were recognized first in this study, which aimed to supplement and improve the implicit features neglected by existing sentiment analysis methods. A sentiment analysis method based on Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) was adopted to explore the deep semantic information of texts. It was done by using deep learning technology and to improve the accuracy of sentiment analysis. This in turn provides more valuable reference information for university teaching management and further promotes the practical application of the flexible management concept in university teaching management.
Implications of the Transition From Face-to-Face to Online Learning on Student Teachers in Training
Authors: Kisten Macayla , Malahlela Tebogo , Nkalanga Sibonangaye , Munyai Rendani B.
Published: September 2023

Since the beginning of higher education, from the period of colonization to decolonization, almost all South African universities have been dependent on face-to-face learning. However, due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in March 2020, a transition from face-to-face learning to online learning was implemented. Student teachers at the University of Limpopo had to adopt a new approach to learning. This involved using an online platform for the delivery of lectures and assessments. This posed serious challenges for student teachers living in a rural area due to the lack of telecommunication infrastructure and devices. Student teachers are predominantly from rural areas which pose a lacuna in research. The results achieved by the students were average since students made an alternative to study and even resorted to using their cellphones. The University of Limpopo adopted a few approaches to help students learn online by providing them with laptops and sim cards with data which can help to connect to the internet. The Blackboard platform was used to conduct lessons and assessments online.
Carbon Neutrality in Schools
Authors: Aldayri Huda M. , Ambusaidi Abdullah K. , Shahat Mohamed M.
Published: September 2023

Carbon neutrality is considered one of the most important goals for countries and societies to achieve due to its anticipated benefits on the lives of all living organisms, as well as its central role in any attempt to achieve sustainable development goals. Therefore, shedding light on this topic and informing the next generation of its significance is essential. Educational institutions play a vital role in helping students improve knowledge, skills, and emotional resilience; they undoubtedly shape students' characters and enable them to face various challenges, particularly ones related to the environment. This chapter addresses carbon neutrality by defining it, outlining the goals related to it, and emphasizing its importance in protecting the planet. Additionally, the following discussion addresses the role of educational institutions, such as schools, in promoting awareness of carbon neutrality among stakeholders directly involved in education and in the local community. Finally, awareness-raising methods and class activities will be presented.
Ethics and Scientific Integrity in Research
Authors: Alamolhoda Jamileh , Jafari Esmaeil
Published: September 2023

The improving the state of research ethics among the scientific community requires attention to the necessary infrastructure and quality in research. This chapter considers the training of ethical principles in the research process in curricula as a neglected aspect of research activities and it considers ethics and scientific integrity as the most important aspect of promoting academic excellence. The first step to prevent ethical abuse in research and to internalize scientific excellence in universities considers the formation of values or the formulation of an ethics and scientific integrity charter as the main solution. Therefore, this chapter first considers the reason for ethics and scientific integrity in research and tries to establish a link between these. Then it considers the position of ethics and scientific integrity in research in higher education centers. In the following, the higher education system is faced with two ethical discourses. Finally, it deals with standardization and drawing a vision of the ethics in the higher education system.
Men, Mosquito, and Malaria
Authors: Mukherjee Arunava , Ghosh Pradipta Kumar , Ghosh Debojyoty , Mandal Banani
Published: September 2023

The chapter is dedicated to malaria, plasmodium, their ecology, evolution, life cycle, and host interaction. Authors divided the chapter into different subheadings to easily elucidate several aspects of the parasite and disease, which also include disease model evolution of zoonotic malaria of past and present, rise and fall of malaria drugs due to resistant plasmodium strains, and also situations of urban malaria. This may be useful for the reader as the authors also included many scientific anecdotes regarding the history of malaria, plasmodium, and human society.
An Efficient Machine Learning-Based Cluster Analysis Mechanism for IoT Data
Authors: Balakrishna Sivadi
Published: September 2023

The prevailing developments in internet of things (IoT) and other sensor technologies such as cyber physical systems (CPS) and wireless sensor networks (WSNs), the huge amount of sensor data has been generating from various IoT devices and protocols. Making predictions and finding density patterns over such data is a challenging task. In order to find the density patterns and make analysis over real-time dynamic data, the machine learning (ML) based algorithms are widely used to deal with the IoT data. In this article, the authors proposed an efficient ML-based cluster analysis mechanism for finding density patterns in IoT dynamic data effectively. In this proposed mechanism, the k-means and GMM models are used for clustering data analysis. The proposed mechanism has been implemented on ThingSpeak Cloud platform for analysing the data efficiently on daily and weekly basis. Finally, the proposed mechanism acquired superior results than the existing benchmarked mechanisms over all the performance evaluation metrics used for analysis over IoT dynamic data.
Design of a College English Smart Teaching Platform Based on Big Multimedia Data Technology
Authors: Yan Shanshan , Liu Jiajia
Published: September 2023

College English teaching should give full play to the important role of network resources, implement the student-centered network autonomous learning model, and give full play to learners' autonomous learning potential. At present, although some universities have tried this new model, its application in college English lacks practical research. Only by establishing an intelligent English teaching platform based on big multimedia data technology can big multimedia data play an important role in college English teaching. Based on the analysis of the current situation of English classroom teaching in colleges and universities in China, this article puts forward the corresponding optimization plan according to the existing better teaching experience and the “suiting measures to local conditions” model. Large multimedia data technology provides a convenient learning platform and learning space for English learners, and a very convenient learning environment and learning platform for users with English learning needs.
Assessment of Water Availability in Kalu Ganga Catchment under Climate Change Effects
Authors: Madushanka G. A. T. , Nandalal K. D. W. , Mutuwatta L. P.
Published: September 2023

Kalu Ganga, a major right-bank tributary of Amban Ganga, is one of the perennial rivers of Sri Lanka. Kalu Ganga Dam is a large gravity dam and a vital component of the complex Moragahakanda-Kalu Ganga Project built at Pallegama in the Matale District over the Kalu Ganga. A study was carried out to investigate and evaluate the present and future water availability of the Kalu Ganga reservoir. The present water availability is calculated using historical weather data, and the future water availability is estimated using predicted data extracted from downscaled climate change models. The study employed two Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, of six climate models. Before being used, the climate change-predicted rainfall and temperature data were bias-corrected. Subsequently, the water availability was calculated using the rainfall-runoff model, Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). The SWAT model was calibrated and validated using observed flow series at Laggala stream gauge on the Kalu Ganga. Using the same calibration settings, the SWAT model was then used to evaluate the potential impacts of climate change on streamflow in future scenarios. The SWAT, HEC-ResSim models and the climate change forecasted data have been shown to be useful tools for identifying climate change-driven water availability challenges, which can help with strategic water resources planning.
Depletion of Neural Crest–Derived Cells Leads to Plasma Noradrenaline Decrease and Alters T Cell Development
Authors: Tsunokuma Naoki , Tetteh Doris Narki , Isono Kana , Kuniishi-Hikosaka Mari , Tsuneto Motokazu , Ishii Kenichiro , Yamazaki Hidetoshi
Published: September 2023

The differentiation of neural crest (NC) cells into various cell lineages contributes to the formation of many organs, including the thymus. In this study, we explored the role of NC cells in thymic T cell development. In double-transgenic mice expressing NC-specific Cre and the Cre-driven diphtheria toxin receptor, plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline levels were significantly reduced, as were thymic T cell progenitors, when NC-derived cells were ablated with short-term administration of diphtheria toxin. Additionally, yellow fluorescent protein+ NC-derived mesenchymal cells, perivascular cells, and tyrosine hydroxylase+ sympathetic nerves in the thymus significantly decreased. Furthermore, i.p. administration of 6-hydroxydopamine, a known neurotoxin for noradrenergic neurons, resulted in a significant decrease in thymic tyrosine hydroxylase+ nerves, a phenotype similar to that of depleted NC-derived cells, whereas administration of a noradrenaline precursor for ablating NC-derived cells or sympathetic nerves rarely rescued this phenotype. To clarify the role of NC-derived cells in the adult thymus, we transplanted thymus into the renal capsules of wild-type mice and observed abnormal T cell development in lethally irradiated thymus with ablation of NC-derived cells or sympathetic nerves, suggesting that NC-derived cells inside and outside of the thymus contribute to T cell development. In particular, the ablation of NC-derived mesenchymal cells in the thymus decreases the number of thymocytes and T cell progenitors. Overall, ablation of NC-derived cells, including sympathetic nerves, in the thymus leads to abnormal T cell development in part by lowering plasma noradrenalin levels. This study reveals that NC-derived cells including mesenchymal cells and sympathetic nerves within thymus regulate T cell development.
B-1 B Cell–Derived Natural Antibodies against N-Acetyl-d-Glucosamine Suppress Autoimmune Diabetes Pathogenesis
Authors: New J Stewart , Dizon Brian L P , King R Glenn , Greenspan Neil S , Kearney John F
Published: September 2023

Environmental factors and host microbiota strongly influence type 1 diabetes (T1D) progression. We report that neonatal immunization with group A Streptococcus suppresses T1D development in NOD mice by promoting clonal expansion of N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GlcNAc)-specific B-1 B cells that recognize pancreatic β cell–derived Ags bearing GlcNAc-containing posttranslational modifications. Early exposure to Lancefield group A cell-wall carbohydrate Ags increased production of GlcNAc-reactive serum Abs and enhanced localization of innate-like GlcNAc-specific B cells to pancreatic tissue during T1D pathogenesis. We show that B-1 B cell–derived GlcNAc-specific IgM engages apoptosis-associated β cell Ags, thereby suppressing diabetogenic T cell activation. Likewise, adoptively transferring GlcNAc-reactive B-1 B cells significantly delayed T1D development in naive recipients. Collectively, these data underscore potentially protective involvement of innate-like B cells and natural Abs in T1D progression. These findings suggest that previously reported associations of reduced T1D risk after GAS infection are B cell dependent and demonstrate the potential for targeting the natural Ab repertoire in considering therapeutic strategies for T1D.
Monocyte related haematological indices in acute exacerbations of COPD – a new biomarker?
Authors: Dukić Višnja , Muršić Davorka , Popović Grle Sanja , Jakopović Marko , Ružić Alen , Vukić Dugac Andrea
Published: September 2023

C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocyte count are standard tools for recognising inflammation in COPD patients. This study aimed to find if there is a pattern in monocyte related haematological indices - monocyte to neutrophil ratio (MNR) and monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR) - which could be helpful in differentiating COPD patients in need for hospitalization due to acute exacerbation of COPD or differentiating frequent COPD exacerbators from non-frequent COPD exacerbators. The study included 119 patients with COPD and 35 control subjects, recruited at the Clinic for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Croatia. Complete blood count was performed on Sysmex XN-1000, CRP on Cobas c501, and Fbg on BCS XP analyser. Data were analysed with MedCalc statistical software. The COPD patients were divided into three groups – frequent exacerbators (FE), non-frequent exacerbators (NFE), patients hospitalized for acute COPD exacerbations (HAE) and the control group were healthy smokers (HS). A statistically significant difference was found in the values of MNR while comparing these groups of patients: FE vs HAE (p<0.000), NFE vs HAE (p<0.000) and HS vs HAE (p<0.001); and for the values of MLR: FE vs HAE (p<0.022), NFE vs HAE (p<0.000) and HS vs HAE (p<0.000). As MLR and MNR have shown the statistical difference comparing the group of HAE to NFE, FE and HS, MLR and MNR could be valuable and available markers of acute COPD exacerbations and need for hospitalization.
SARS-CoV2 Nsp3 protein triggers cell death and exacerbates amyloid β42-mediated neurodegeneration
Authors: Singh Aditi , Chimata Anuradha Venkatakrishnan , Deshpande Prajakta , Bajpai Soumya , Sangeeth Anjali , Rajput Mrigendra , Singh Amit
Published: September 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202406000-00044/inline-graphic1/v/2023-10-30T152229Z/r/image-tiff

Infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) virus, responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, induces symptoms including increased inflammatory response, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), cognitive dysfunction like brain fog, and cardiovascular defects. Long-term effects of SARS-CoV2 COVID-19 syndrome referred to as post-COVID-19 syndrome on age-related progressive neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease remain understudied. Using the targeted misexpression of individual SARS-CoV2 proteins in the retinal neurons of the Drosophila
melanogaster eye, we found that misexpression of nonstructural protein 3 (Nsp3), a papain-like protease, ablates the eye and generates dark necrotic spots. Targeted misexpression of Nsp3 in the eye triggers reactive oxygen species production and leads to apoptosis as shown by cell death reporters, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP Nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and dihydroethidium staining. Furthermore, Nsp3 misexpression activates both apoptosis and autophagy mechanism(s) to regulate tissue homeostasis. Transient expression of SARS-CoV2 Nsp3 in murine neuroblastoma, Neuro-2a cells, significantly reduced the metabolic activity of these cells and triggers cell death. Misexpression of SARS-CoV2 Nsp3 in an Alzheimer’s disease transgenic fly eye model (glass multiple repeats [GMR]>amyloid β42) further enhances the neurodegenerative rough eye phenotype due to increased cell death. These findings suggest that SARS-CoV2 utilizes Nsp3 protein to potentiate cell death response in a neurodegenerative disease background that has high pre-existing levels of neuroinflammation and cell death.
Vibration-reduced anxiety-like behavior relies on ameliorating abnormalities of the somatosensory cortex and medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Misrani Afzal , Tabassum Sidra , Wang Tintin , Huang Huixian , Jiang Jinxiang , Diao Hongjun , Zhao Yanping , Huang Zhen , Tan Shaohua , Long Cheng , Yang Li
Published: September 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202406000-00040/inline-graphic1/v/2023-10-30T152229Z/r/image-tiff

Tibetan singing bowls emit low-frequency sounds and produce perceptible harmonic tones and vibrations through manual tapping. The sounds the singing bowls produce have been shown to enhance relaxation and reduce anxiety. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we used chronic restraint stress or sleep deprivation to establish mouse models of anxiety that exhibit anxiety-like behaviors. We then supplied treatment with singing bowls in a bottomless cage placed on the top of a cushion. We found that unlike in humans, the combination of harmonic tones and vibrations did not improve anxiety-like behaviors in mice, while individual vibration components did. Additionally, the vibration of singing bowls increased the level of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 in the somatosensory cortex and prefrontal cortex of the mice, decreased the level of γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABA) receptor α 1 subtype, reduced the level of CaMKII in the prefrontal cortex, and increased the number of GABAergic interneurons. At the same time, electrophysiological tests showed that the vibration of singing bowls significantly reduced the abnormal low-frequency gamma oscillation peak frequency in the medial prefrontal cortex caused by stress restraint pressure and sleep deprivation. Results from this study indicate that the vibration of singing bowls can alleviate anxiety-like behaviors by reducing abnormal molecular and electrophysiological events in somatosensory and medial prefrontal cortex.
TREM-1 mediates interaction between substantia nigra microglia and peripheral neutrophils
Authors: Shen Tong , Cui Guiyun , Chen Hao , Huang Long , Song Wei , Zu Jie , Zhang Wei , Xu Chuanying , Dong Liguo , Zhang Yongmei
Published: September 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202406000-00043/inline-graphic1/v/2023-10-30T152229Z/r/image-tiff

Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation is considered a pathological feature of Parkinson’s disease. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell-1 (TREM-1) can amplify the inherent immune response, and crucially, regulate inflammation. In this study, we found marked elevation of serum soluble TREM-1 in patients with Parkinson’s disease that positively correlated with Parkinson’s disease severity and dyskinesia. In a mouse model of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced Parkinson’s disease, we found that microglial TREM-1 expression also increased in the substantia nigra. Further, TREM-1 knockout alleviated dyskinesia in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease and reduced dopaminergic neuronal injury. Meanwhile, TREM-1 knockout attenuated the neuroinflammatory response, dopaminergic neuronal injury, and neutrophil migration. Next, we established an in vitro 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridine-induced BV2 microglia model of Parkinson’s disease and treated the cells with the TREM-1 inhibitory peptide LP17. We found that LP17 treatment reduced apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons and neutrophil migration. Moreover, inhibition of neutrophil TREM-1 activation diminished dopaminergic neuronal apoptosis induced by lipopolysaccharide. TREM-1 can activate the downstream CARD9/NF-κB proinflammatory pathway via interaction with SYK. These findings suggest that TREM-1 may play a key role in mediating the damage to dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease by regulating the interaction between microglia and peripheral neutrophils.
South Asian dairy smallholders: A scoping review of practices and zoonoses
Authors: Schembri Emily , Campbell Angus J D , Villanueva-Cabezas Juan Pablo
Published: September 2023

Objective:

To identify and discuss on-farm management practices linked to bacterial zoonosis risk in smallholder dairy farmers in South Asia.

Methods:

This scoping review was conducted as per the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Five hundred and two publications were retrieved from five online databases using a comprehensive search strategy. Studies were selected if they discussed a farm management practice which impacted human health within a South Asian country.

Results:

Twenty-two studies were included. Seven management practices relevant to farmers, livestock and their shared environment were identified including raw milk consumption, farm hygiene management, personal protective equipment uses, animal vaccination, cleaning udders, hand washing and disposal of afterbirth materials. Preventive practices were found to be utilized at lower frequencies compared to risk increasing practices. Awareness of bacterial zoonoses is particularly low within the region

Conclusions:

Based on the results of this review, it was determined that improving farmer awareness of bacterial zoonotic diseases may favor several of the presented leverage points within the South Asian smallholder dairy system. Relying on formal school education to improve this awareness may not solve this problem, instead, more focus on accessible and affordable zoonoses education and farming programs is required.
Enhanced view totally extraperitoneal approach: A better alternative to transabdominal preperitoneal approach for irreducible inguinoscrotal and giant inguinal hernias!
Authors: Shenoy K. Ganesh
Published: September 2023

The advantages of enhanced view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) over TEP approach are well established in large inguinoscrotal, recurrent inguinal, patients with short pubis to umbilicus distance and in obese patients. Irreducible inguinoscrotal hernias (IISHs) and giant inguinal hernias (GIHs) pose a great challenge. GIHs are hernias which extend below the midpoint of the inner thigh with the patient in the standing position. Majority of these hernias are managed by open, hybrid or by transabdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) approach. TAPP was considered the optimal minimally invasive approach for these hernias as it provides a large working space and reduction of contents under vision. My practice of eTEP has been limited to IISH and GIH. I would like to share some technical tips to manage these cases by eTEP approach.
Analysis of long-term outcomes after minimally invasive spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy under the ‘Kimura-first’ strategy
Authors: Luo Xin , Lin Xianchao , Lin Ronggui , Yang Yuanyuan , Wang Congfei , Fang Haizong , Huang Heguang , Lu Fengchun
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) can be carried out by the Kimura technique (KT) or Warshaw technique (WT). This study aimed to evaluate the long-term post-operative outcomes of the two minimally invasive SPDP methods under the ‘Kimura-first’ strategy with a particular focus on the haemodynamic changes in the splenogastric circulation.

Patients and Methods:

The electronic medical records and follow-up data of patients who underwent minimally invasive SPDP in our centre from March 2016 to July 2022 were reviewed. The haemodynamic changes in splenogastric circulation were monitored by post-operative computed tomography (CT) images, and the risks they caused were assessed by long-term follow-up.

Results:

A total of 112 patients (KT = 93 and WT = 19) were included in the study. The tumour size in the WT group was significantly larger than that in the KT group (P = 0.02). We also found less blood loss for patients who underwent KT (P = 0.02). The occurrence of gastric varices was significantly higher in the WT group (P = 0.022). There was no gastrointestinal bleeding in either group. There were two cases of splenic infarction in the WT group (11.1%), and the incidence was higher than that in the KT group (P = 0.026). The infarct area gradually decreased during periodic CT examinations and disappeared completely at the last review. The two groups of patients had similar results across the 15 items in three areas of the quality of life questionnaire.

Conclusions:

The ‘Kimura-first’ strategy, in which the WT is used as an alternative to the KT when the splenic vessels cannot be safely preserved, is feasible, and safe for minimally invasive SPDP.
The use of indocyanine green and near-infrared imaging in laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy for the management of stump cholecystitis: A case series
Authors: Bhandarkar Sanatan Dattaram , Kalikar Vishakha Rajendra , Patankar Advait , Patankar Roy
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Stump cholecystitis is managed by performing a completion cholecystectomy, which can be done either laparoscopically or by an open method. The use of indocyanine green (ICG) is known to improve the identification of the biliary tree anatomy, facilitating Calot’s triangle dissection and shortening surgery, thereby reducing the risk of bile duct injuries and making laparoscopic cholecystectomy safer.

Patients and Methods:

A retrospective analysis was performed of prospectively collected data from 15 patients at our institution from March 2016 to March 2021. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was performed in all 15 cases, showing remnant gall bladder in all cases with calculi within. Four cases had a dilated common bile duct (CBD) with CBD calculi. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and stone removal followed by CBD stenting were performed in the four patients with CBD calculi. These four cases were scheduled for surgery 4 weeks post-ERCP. All 15 patients underwent laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy. The mean operating time was 80 min.

Results:

The post-operative period of all cases was uneventful, and the patients were discharged on post-operative day 2 or day 3. All patients remained asymptomatic during 1–5 years of follow-up.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy was performed safely in cases of stump cholecystitis and resulted in symptom relief during short-term follow-up. The use of ICG and near-infrared imaging in such cases helps identify the biliary anatomy, may contribute to the safety of laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy and might reduce the duration of surgery.
Management of tubal blockage through Ayurvedic interventions
Authors: Dansana Sudha , Hota Dinesh Kumar , Panda Pradeep Kumar , Kadam Sujata
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Fallopian tube blockage is among the most notorious factors for female infertility, which is responsible for 25%–30% of total female infertility. Tubal blockages can be correlated to Sanga Srotodushti of Artavavaha Srotasa in Ayurveda, involving Vata and Kapha Doshas. Normalizing the vitiated Vata–Kapha Dosha leads to restoration of tubal function and easy conception. The case report presented here highlights the role of Ayurvedic medicines and therapies in successfully managing tubal blockage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In the present case report, a 27-year-old married female diagnosed with infertility due to bilateral fallopian tube blockage presented with chief complaints of inability to conceive for 3 years and was treated with Ayurveda medications and therapeutic procedures. Oral medicines such as decoctions, herbal powder, medicated ghee, and tablets were administered along with therapeutic procedures, which included Virechana (therapeutic purgation), Basti (therapeutic enema), and Uttarbasti (intrauterine medication). Pre- and post-assessments were done by hysterosalpingography (HSG).

RESULT AND CONCLUSION:

At the end of the treatment, there was a normal spillage of dye in both tubes noted in HSG. In this study, a comprehensive therapeutic intervention using Ayurveda medications and therapeutic procedures such as Virechana, Basti, and Uttarbasti was found to effectively clear the blockage of tubes.
Analysis of traumatic acute diaphragmatic injuries
Authors: Taş İlhan , Yiğit Ebral
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Diaphragm rupture (DR) is a rare pathological event usually caused by trauma. We aimed to analyse the characteristics of acute diaphragmatic injuries due to trauma and the treatment of such injuries.

Methods:

This study included the data of 15 patients who sustained diaphragmatic injuries due to trauma and underwent surgery at the Diyarbakır Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital General Surgery Service between January 2016 and December 2019.

Results:

There were 240 patients who presented with abdominal trauma during the study period, and DR was detected in 15 (6.25%) of these patients. The male to female ratio was 14 to 1, and the average age of the patients was 29.66 ± 10.56 (15–46) years. The most common cause of diaphragmatic injury was penetrating abdominal injuries (86.7%). Blunt abdominal trauma accounted for 13.3% of the DR cases. Preoperative shock was present in four (26.7%) patients. Preoperative diagnosis was made in only one (6.7%) of 15 patients with DR. Other patients were diagnosed during operation. Thirteen (86.7%) patients had additional organ injuries, and two patients had isolated diaphragmatic injuries. The most frequently injured organ was the lung (n = 7, 46.6%). Complications developed in six patients (morbidity rate 40%), and pulmonary complications were most frequently encountered (n = 5, 33.3%). The mortality rate was 6.7%.

Conclusion:

As traumatic DRs are uncommon and often associated with additional organ injuries, a careful general assessment of the patient should be made.
Deep spectral network for time series clustering
Authors: Hoang Duc-Trung , Achache Mahdi , Jain Vinay Kumar
Published: September 2023

Deep clustering is an approach that uses deep learning to cluster data, since it involves training a neural network model to become familiar with a data representation that is suitable for clustering. Deep clustering has been applied to a wide range of data types, including images, texts, time series and has the advantage of being able to automatically learn features from the data, which can be more effective than using hand-crafted features. It is also able to handle high-dimensional data, such as time series with many variables, which can be challenging for traditional clustering techniques. In this paper, we introduce a novel deep neural network type to improve the performance of the auto-encoder part by ignoring the unnecessary extra-noises and labelling the input data. Our approach is helpful when just a limited amount of labelled data is available, but labelling a big amount of data would be costly or time-consuming. It also applies for the data in high-dimensional and difficult to define a good set of features for clustering.