bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Edukasi dan Pelatihan Pembuatan Nata de Coco Sebagai Upaya Peningkatan Kesejahteraan Kelompok Masyarakat di Desa Bantan Sari
Authors: Perdana Mohamad Alkadri , Maulana Hutomo Atman
Published: February 2020

Tujuan dari pengabdian adalah untuk memberikan edukasi dan pelatihan tentang Nata de coco dan bagaimana proses produksinya sebagai upaya meningkatkan pendapatan masyarakat di Desa Bantan Sari Kecamatan Bantan. Kegiatan ini dibentuk untuk memperkenalkan Nata de coco yang berasal dari air kelapa tua yang selama ini dianggap sebagai limbah kelapa, namun ternyata memiliki daya jual yang tinggi. Kegiatan diajukan sebagai jawaban atas kepedulian terhadap lingkungan dan perekonomian masyarakat di sekitar Politeknik Negeri Bengkalis. Target kegiatan ini adalah petani kelapa di Desa Bantan Sari yang belum memahami cara memproduksi Nata de coco yang dapat meningkatkan nilai produk dan bersaing di pasar. Metode yang digunakan adalah pelatihan dan workshop. Metode pelatihan memberikan pemahaman tentang Nata de coco sebagai solusi cerdas dari air kelapa yang biasanya hanya dibuang sebagai limbah kini mampu diolah menjadi makanan/minuman yang tak kalah nikmat dan mempunyai nilai ekonomis. Metode workshop digunakan untuk mempraktikkan bagaimana memproduksi Nata de coco hingga siap dipasarkan.
Falling Forward : The Fermi paradox, supermassive black holes, and the likely flight of extraterrestrial intelligence toward extreme time dilation.
Authors: Reiss Christopher
Published: February 2020

It is argued that an advanced extraterrestrial intelligence has an overwhelming incentive to permanently occupy a reference frame where time is greatly slowed by relativistic effects. We then give the case that a near orbit around an SMBH provides a viable - and perhaps only - possibility for such a migration. The expected character of radio emissions from such a civilization is discussed and a method is proposed for possible detection.
Nghiên cứu các yếu tố tác động đến thu hút vốn đầu tư vào tỉnh Cà Mau
Authors: Giao Ha Nam Khanh , Le Quang Huy  , Hong Ha Kim , Anh Huynh Diep Tram
Published: February 2020

Nghiên cứu nhằm khám phá các nhân tố tác động đến việc thu hút vốn đầu tư vào tỉnh Cà Mau, tác động đến việc quyết định chọn Cà Mau là nơi đầu tư của các nhà đầu tư. Mẫu khảo sát bao gồm 335 nhà đầu tư trong và ngoài nước đã và đang đầu tư tại tỉnh Cà Mau. Kết quả cho thấy có 7 nhóm nhân tố tác động đến việc thu hút vốn đầu tư vào tỉnh Cà Mau: Kết quả nghiên cứu tìm ra các yếu tố tác động đến thu hút vốn đầu tư vào khu vực nông – lâm nghiệp – thủy sản của Cà Mau là: Quyết định của chính quyền địa phương và các hỗ trợ, Thị trường, Vị trí địa lý và tài nguyên thủy sản. Các yếu tố tác động đến thu hút vốn đầu tư vào khu vực công nghiệp – xây dựng của Cà Mau gồm: Quyết định của chính quyền địa phương, Chính sách đầu tư và công tác hỗ trợ, Thị trường. Các yếu tố thị trường, Chi phí đầu tư, Đối tác tin cậy, Vị trí thuận lợi cho hoạt động kho bãi, các khu kinh tế tác động đến thu hút vốn đầu tư vào khu vực thương mại – dịch vụ.
Ảnh hưởng của nhận thức trách nhiệm xã hội doanh nghiệp đến niềm tin vào tổ chức của nhân viên ngân hàng Thương mại cổ phần tại Thành phố Sóc Trăng
Authors: Giao Ha Nam Khanh , Tien Trinh thi Hong
Published: February 2020

Nghiên cứu kiểm định mức độ tác động của các nhân tố trách nhiệm xã hội doanh nghiệp (Corporate Social Responsibility- CSR) đến niềm tin của nhân viên các ngân hàng thương mại cổ phần (TMCP) vào tổ chức tại thành phố Sóc Trăng, bằng việc khảo sát 210 nhân viên. Phương pháp kiểm định thang đo bằng hệ số Cronbach’s Alpha, phân tích EFA cùng với phân tích hồi quy bội được sử dụng. Kết quả cho thấy mức độ ảnh hưởng của 04 nhân tố CSR đến niềm tin của nhân viên các ngân hàng TMCP vào tổ chức tại thành phố Sóc Trăng - theo tầm quan trọng giảm dần: Trách nhiệm pháp luật, Trách nhiệm đạo đức, Trách nhiệm thiện nguyện, Trách nhiệm kinh tế. Nghiên cứu đề ra một số hàm ý quản trị cho các nhà quản lý ngân hàng nhằm tăng cường niềm tin của nhân viên.
Các yếu tố ảnh hưởng đến quyết định mua đàn piano kỹ thuật số của khách hàng TPHCM
Authors: Giao Ha Nam Khanh , Vinh Vo Tan
Published: February 2020

Nghiên cứu này nhằm nhận dạng các yếu tố quan trọng ảnh hưởng đến quyết định mua đàn piano kỹ thuật số của khách hàng tại TPHCM, thông qua phỏng vấn 200 khách hàng đã từng mua và trực tiếp ra quyết định mua đàn. Phương pháp kiểm định độ tin cậy của thang đo thông qua hệ số Cronbach’s alpha, phân tích nhân tố khám phá EFA, và xây dựng mô hình hồi quy tuyến tính bội.Kết quả cho thấy có 6 yếu tố ảnh hưởng đến quyết định mua đàn piano kỹ thuật số của khách hàng tại TPHCM: (1) Giá cả sản phẩm, (2) Cửa hàng liên hệ mua sản phẩm, (3) Trưng bày sản phẩm, (4) Dịch vụ khách hàng, (5) Chất lượng và thuộc tính sản phẩm, (6) Thương hiệu – nhãn hiệu. Kết quả nghiên cứu này hy vọng sẽ giúp cho các nhà phân phối, các cửa hàng, đại lý bán đàn piano kỹ thuật số có thể đưa ra những giải pháp kinh doanh hữu hiệu trong ngành nhạc cụ.
Response time models separate single- and dual-process accounts of memory-based decisions
Authors: Kraemer Peter Maximilian , Fontanesi Laura , Spektor Mikhail S. , Gluth Sebastian
Published: February 2020

Human decisions often deviate from economic rationality and are influenced by cognitive biases. One such bias is the memory bias according to which people prefer choice options they have a better memory of - even when the options' utilities are comparatively low. Although this phenomenon is well supported empirically, its cognitive foundation remains elusive. Here we test two conceivable computational accounts of the memory bias against each other. On the one hand, a single-process account explains the memory bias by assuming a single biased evidence-accumulation process in favor of remembered options. On the contrary, a dual-process account posits that some decisions are driven by a purely memory-driven process and others by a utility-maximizing one. We show that both accounts are indistinguishable based on choices alone as they make similar predictions with respect to the memory bias. However, they make qualitatively different predictions about response times. We tested the qualitative and quantitative predictions of both accounts on behavioral data from a memory-based decision-making task. Our results show that a single-process account provides a better account of the data, both qualitatively and quantitatively. In addition to deepening our understanding of memory-based decision making, our study provides an example of how to rigorously compare single- versus dual-process models using empirical data and hierarchical Bayesian estimation methods.
Maybe a Free Thinker but not a Critical One: High Conspiracy Belief is Associated With low Critical Thinking Ability
Authors: Lantian Anthony , Bagneux Virginie , Delouvée Sylvain , Gauvrit Nicolas
Published: February 2020

Critical thinking is of paramount importance in our society. People regularly assume that critical thinking is a way to reduce conspiracy belief, although the relationship between critical thinking and conspiracy belief has never been tested. We conducted two studies (Study 1, N = 86; Study 2, N = 252), in which we found that critical thinking ability—measured by an open-ended test emphasizing several areas of critical thinking ability in the context of argumentation—is negatively associated with belief in conspiracy theories. Additionally, we did not find a significant relationship between self-reported (subjective) critical thinking ability and conspiracy belief. Our results support the idea that conspiracy believers have less developed critical thinking ability and stimulate discussion about the possibility of reducing conspiracy beliefs via the development of critical thinking.
What Helps in Decision Making- Values or Emotions?
Authors: Nepal Pankaj Raj
Published: February 2020

Not available.
The Tactful Chorus: Euripides,Alcestis326–327,Hecuba846–849
Authors: Cropp Martin
Published: February 2020

This article suggests that the brief choral comments that intervene between the speeches of two characters in Euripidean dialogue scenes may sometimes be more dramatically significant and interesting than is usually supposed. In Alcestis 326–7 and Hecuba 846–9 the chorus-leaders’ comments are directed obliquely toward (respectively) Admetus and Agamemnon, and are designed in a suitably tactful manner to influence their responses to the appeals of Alcestis and Hecuba. The problematic text of Hecuba 846–849 can be explained accordingly, and is so explained in a little-noticed comment by a Byzantine scholiast.
Tradition and Ambiguity: Heroic Action and Δόλος in Lines 1–85 of Sophocles’Electra
Authors: Beer Josh
Published: February 2020

The pre-Sophoclean mythical tradition about Orestes and his revenge for his father’s murder is ambiguous. On one hand, he is presented as winning fame as a warrior, and his revenge as a heroic act. On the other, the revenge is treated as more morally dark, particularly when Orestes uses guile to commit matricide. In ll. 1–85 of the prologue of Electra, Sophocles plays on this ambiguity to frame his handling of the plot and to show how heroic action stands in opposition to deceit as a vehicle of revenge.
Crowns, Garlands, and Ribbons for Tony Podlecki: Official and Unofficial Victory Rituals at the Athenian Dionysian Festivals
Authors: Csapo Eric
Published: February 2020

The competitive spirit has long been singled out as a distinctive feature of ancient Greek civilization. The external and public orientation of consciousness and identity is another. It is not surprising, therefore, that scholarship has taken a keen interest in the rituals of public recognition for athletic victories. Surprisingly little attention, however, has been directed to victory rituals for musical and dramatic competitions. Scholars are content to guess that victory rituals for choral and dramatic victors were much the same as for athletic victors even in the case of the relatively well-attested Athenian dramatic festivals. No one has yet collected and sifted through all the evidence. In doing so, I hope to clarify common misconceptions about the time and place at which both official and unofficial rituals for theatrical victories in classical Athens took place. Specifically, I will demonstrate that the official crowning of victors in the theatre was followed (probably immediately as the victor moved to celebrate the epinikia in the main precinct of the Sanctuary of Dionysus) by three of the rituals also attested for athletes: the carrying of the winners on their friends’ shoulders ( periagermos); the showering of the victors with flowers and garlands ( phyllobolia); and the tying of ribbons on the victors’ heads, arms, and legs ( tainiosis).
Опыт эмиграции в поэтическом творчестве Александра Галича
Authors: Osiewicz Bartosz
Published: February 2020

This article is devoted to an analysis of the autobiographical experience of emigration in Alexander Galich’s poetry. Galich’s poetic texts are able to reflect the state of the writing subject, revealing to the reader the depth of his feelings and emotions and showing the features of his intimate world. The lyrics of Galich, an emigrant, are full of autobiographical experience and are rich in the “exile” time-spatial component associated with the author’s biography. In formal-compositional terms, his poems are distinguished by a broken harmony and integrity. However, as life experience showed, emigration turned out to be a serious test for the writer, leaving an indelible mark on his psyche and creative legacy.
К истории создания польских национальных секций при партийных и государственных органах власти на Юге России (1920-е гг.)
Authors: Акопян Виктор
Published: February 2020

This article is devoted to the creation and main activities of the Polish national sections under the party and state authorities in the South of Russia (Don and North Caucasus) in the first Soviet decade (1920s). Special attention is paid to the sections under the committees of the Russian Communist Party (Bolsheviks) – RCP (b), in 1925 renamed All-Union CP (b). In the historical literature on the history of Poles of the region, with rare exceptions, these structures did not attract the attention of researchers. This is due to the negative attitude towards their activities in regional Polish studies. The author considers that, for all the costs associated with the prevailing regime, the mere presence of the national sections in the system of power structures encouraged the authorities to take into account the problems of Diaspora groups.
Польские пленники северокавказских горцев в первой половине XIX в.
Authors: Клычников Юрий
Published: February 2020

The work reveals the circumstances of the appearance of the Poles in the North Caucasus and their stay in the captivity of the highlanders. The reasons for this phenomenon and the attitude of the Russian administration to the practice of the slave trade are shown. The article describes the fate of those people who were able to free themselves and find salvation in the Russian fortifications. It is suggested that, having experienced slavery, the former slaves changed their appraisal of the Russian state which, in this situation, was their protector and liberator. In the research, for the first time, the material identified in the State Archives of the Stavropol Region of the Russian Federation is introduced into scientific circulation.
Afrykański pomór świń i interwencyjny odstrzał dzika – podstawy prawa unijnego i krajowego
Authors: Sitek Magdalena
Published: February 2020

The ASF virus has been spreading among wild boars for over a decade in several European countries, including Poland. As a result, there are quitenumerous infections among domestic pigs as well. Therefore, numerous EU and Member State regulations have been published in this respect anda biosecurity procedure has been introduced. One of its elements is to hunt wild boars in areas vulnerable to the ASF virus. The increase in the numberof infections among wild boars and the appearance of numerous outbreaks of this disease among pigs prompted the Polish authorities to allow a significant increase in the amount of wild boar hunting. This decision aroused debate on the legitimacy of such a solution. The purpose of this study is toanalyse the provisions of EU and Polish law regarding the legitimacy of an increase in the amount of wild boar hunting in Poland.
Status dyrektora historycznego archiwum diecezjalnego
Authors: Różański Mieczysław
Published: February 2020

Historyczne archiwum diecezjalne jest kierowane przez dyrektora. Funkcja ta zapisana jest w statucie erygującym archiwum. Artykuł opisujekonieczność istnienia tego urzędu. Wskazuje, jakimi kwalifikacjami powinien się cechować kandydat na ten urząd, a także pokazuje, jakie są zadania dyrektora historycznego archiwum diecezjalnego, które wynikają ze statutu w tej instytucji.
Information Quality in the public sector
Authors: Cavalhero Alexandre , Caetano Bastos Lia
Published: February 2020

In the world of organizations, computerized systems have become indispensable as tools to support management. With regard to public service, people management requires the use of these systems to meet the expectations of its users and its customers — both the government workers themselves, and the population — through functionalities that meet the demands of the decision, strategic, tactical, and operational levels. This paper focuses on research of the Information Quality (IQ) involved in the routines and processes of the Integrated Human Resources Management System, Sistema Integrado de Gestão de Recursos Humanos (SIGRH); managed by the Santa Catarina Department of State Administration, Secretaria de Estado da Administração de Santa Catarina (SEA); or more specifically, by the Directorate for the Management and Development of Government Workers, Diretoria de Gestão e Desenvolvimento de Pessoas (DGDP). The objective of the research was to verify the current state of IQ through its dimensions and categories, the identification of items with low quality levels, and the correlation between the dimensions. The research method used was the application of the House of Quality (HoQ) tool, adapted to the specifics of the organization selected by the authors. Finally, it is through the consequent analysis of the results obtained that it was possible to suggest actions of improvement to be taken by managers.
Bibliometric Study
Authors: Ribeiro Drielle da Guia Cintra , Martins Artur Virgílio Simpson , Silva Kaio Alexandre da , Oliveira Ricardo Alves , Junior Jorge Washington de Amorim , Souza Higor Cordeiro de , Filho Esiomar Andrade Silva , Macedo Alessandro Crispim , Barbosa Raul Afonso Pommer
Published: February 2020

With the evolution of management practices, new management methods and tools were adopted in public entities in order to optimize the delivery of services to their steakholders. In this scenario, the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) offers an important tool to assist in the strategic management of public entities. Therefore, this work aims to generate a bibliometric analysis of the scientific production on the BSC tool in the public sector in the period of five years (2014-2018), to clarify the functionalities and to survey data through the Web Database of Science. The procedure to perform this review of scientific production involved, initially, access to the database, followed by research by the terms "BSC and Government" and "BSC and Public Management". Afterwards, they were exported and ordered in the matrix in order to perform the analysis of the elements obtained. The methodology used was of a descriptive and quantitative nature. The main results emphasize that the production registered in the database used is scarce, observing that only 27 publications were found in the studied temporal cutout. It also indicates that, in the range comprised, the Brazilian production was on a large scale together with the Australian and Portuguese production equated to other countries contained in the research and, finally, that there is an inconstancy in the publication of articles related to this subject. This article is structured as follows: introduction, theoretical reference, methodology, results and discussions and conclusion.
Mapping cognitive and emotional networks in neurosurgical patients using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Catalino Michael P. , Yao Shun , Green Deborah L. , Laws Edward R. , Golby Alexandra J. , Tie Yanmei
Published: February 2020

Neurosurgery has been at the forefront of a paradigm shift from a localizationist perspective to a network-based approach to brain mapping. Over the last 2 decades, we have seen dramatic improvements in the way we can image the human brain and noninvasively estimate the location of critical functional networks. In certain patients with brain tumors and epilepsy, intraoperative electrical stimulation has revealed direct links between these networks and their function. The focus of these techniques has rightfully been identification and preservation of so-called “eloquent” brain functions (i.e., motor and language), but there is building momentum for more extensive mapping of cognitive and emotional networks. In addition, there is growing interest in mapping these functions in patients with a broad range of neurosurgical diseases. Resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) is a noninvasive imaging modality that is able to measure spontaneous low-frequency blood oxygen level–dependent signal fluctuations at rest to infer neuronal activity. Rs-fMRI may be able to map cognitive and emotional networks for individual patients. In this review, the authors give an overview of the rs-fMRI technique and associated cognitive and emotional resting-state networks, discuss the potential applications of rs-fMRI, and propose future directions for the mapping of cognition and emotion in neurosurgical patients.
Use of the train-of-five bipolar technique to provide reliable, spatially accurate motor cortex identification in asleep patients
Authors: Bander Evan D. , Shelkov Evgeny , Modik Oleg , Kandula Padmaja , Karceski Steven C. , Ramakrishna Rohan
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVE

Intraoperative cortical and subcortical mapping techniques have become integral for achieving a maximal safe resection of tumors that are in or near regions of eloquent brain. The recent literature has demonstrated successful motor/language mapping with lower rates of stimulation-induced seizures when using monopolar high-frequency stimulation compared to traditional low-frequency bipolar stimulation mapping. However, monopolar stimulation carries with it disadvantages that include more radiant spread of electrical stimulation and a theoretically higher potential for tissue damage. The authors report on the successful use of bipolar stimulation with a high-frequency train-of-five (TOF) pulse physiology for motor mapping.

METHODS

Between 2018 and 2019, 13 patients underwent motor mapping with phase-reversal and both low-frequency and high-frequency bipolar stimulation. A retrospective chart review was conducted to determine the success rate of motor mapping and to acquire intraoperative details.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients underwent both high- and low-frequency bipolar motor mapping to aid in tumor resection. Of the lesions treated, 69% were gliomas, and the remainder were metastases. The motor cortex was identified at a significantly greater rate when using high-frequency TOF bipolar stimulation (n = 13) compared to the low-frequency bipolar stimulation (n = 4) (100% vs 31%, respectively; p = 0.0005). Intraoperative seizures and afterdischarges occurred only in the group of patients who underwent low-frequency bipolar stimulation, and none occurred in the TOF group (31% vs 0%, respectively; p = 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Using a bipolar wand with high-frequency TOF stimulation, the authors achieved a significantly higher rate of successful motor mapping and a low rate of intraoperative seizure compared to traditional low-frequency bipolar stimulation. This preliminary study suggests that high-frequency TOF stimulation provides a reliable additional tool for motor cortex identification in asleep patients.
Accuracy analysis of fMRI and MEG activations determined by intraoperative mapping
Authors: Ellis David G. , White Matthew L. , Hayasaka Satoru , Warren David E. , Wilson Tony W. , Aizenberg Michele R.
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVE

By looking at how the accuracy of preoperative brain mapping methods vary according to differences in the distance from the activation clusters used for the analysis, the present study aimed to elucidate how preoperative functional neuroimaging may be used in such a way that maximizes the mapping accuracy.

METHODS

The eloquent function of 19 patients with a brain tumor or cavernoma was mapped prior to resection with both functional MRI (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG). The mapping results were then validated using direct cortical stimulation mapping performed immediately after craniotomy and prior to resection. The subset of patients with equivalent MEG and fMRI tasks performed for motor (n = 14) and language (n = 12) were evaluated as both individual and combined predictions. Furthermore, the distance resulting in the maximum accuracy, as evaluated by the J statistic, was determined by plotting the sensitivities and specificities against a linearly increasing distance threshold.

RESULTS

fMRI showed a maximum mapping accuracy at 5 mm for both motor and language mapping. MEG showed a maximum mapping accuracy at 40 mm for motor and 15 mm for language mapping. At the standard 10-mm distance used in the literature, MEG showed a greater specificity than fMRI for both motor and language mapping but a lower sensitivity for motor mapping. Combining MEG and fMRI showed a maximum accuracy at 15 mm and 5 mm—MEG and fMRI distances, respectively—for motor mapping and at a 10-mm distance for both MEG and fMRI for language mapping. For motor mapping, combining MEG and fMRI at the optimal distances resulted in a greater accuracy than the maximum accuracy of the individual predictions.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that the accuracy of language and motor mapping for both fMRI and MEG is heavily dependent on the distance threshold used in the analysis. Furthermore, combining MEG and fMRI showed the potential for increased motor mapping accuracy compared to when using the modalities separately.

Clinical trial registration no.: NCT01535430 (clinicaltrials.gov)
Особенности перкутанного лечения пациентов с инфарктом миокарда без элевации сегмента ST, поступивших в стационар в разные сроки от начала заболевания
Authors: Sokolov M.  Yu. , Sokolov Yu. M. , Kashuba Yu .V.
Published: February 2020

The aim – to evaluate the effect of coronary revascularization (coronary stenting, CS) on the survival of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients during interventions at different times since the onset of the disease.Materials and methods. The study involved 101 patients with NSTEMI. 29 patients were examined urgently (from 0 to 72 h since the onset of the disease). The remaining 72 patients were hospitalized as scheduled and NSTEMI diagnosis was made between 4 and 180 days before coronary ventriculography or CS.Results and discussion. Patients after CS better tolerated physical activity, they less frequently experienced relapse of angina pectoris and myocardial infarction in comparison with the control group, in which revascularization was not performed. The overall survival of patients with NSTEMI over the 48-month observation period was statistically significantly (p<0.0048) higher in patients who underwent CS than in the control group: 95 % and 80 %, respectively. The cumulative survival without MACE of urgent and planned patients significantly (р=0.002) increased during 48 months of observation in patients who underwent CS and amounted to 78 % compared to 50 % in the control group. Also in the period from 4 to 180 days, the cumulative survival without MACE of NSTEMI patients who underwent SC in a planned manner was significantly higher compared with the control group (p<0.0036): 81 % and 50 %, respectively. In patients after percutaneous interventions, the function of the left ventricle significantly increased and after 48 months of follow-up, the number of patients without disturbances of segmental contractility increased from 82.4 % to 92.4 %. Patients with NSTEMI, who were first diagnosed with dysglycaemia (without diagnosed diabetes mellitus), were more likely to have severe multivessel coronary disease compared with patients who had normal carbohydrate metabolism.Conclusions. Carrying out CS in NSTEMI patients at different times since the onset of the disease statistically significantly increased both overall and cumulative survival of patients. At the same time, the positive effect of CS on cumulative survival without MACE was noted not only in the group of urgent patients, but also in patients who underwent NSTEMI in the period from 4 to 180 days before hospitalization.
Вплив ранньої ліпідознижувальної терапії різної інтенсивності на функцію ендотелію у хворих з гострим інфарктом міокарда з елевацією сегмента ST
Authors: Parkhomenko O. M. , Stepura A. O. , Lutay Y. M. , Irkin O. I. , Bilyi D. O.
Published: February 2020

The aim – to evaluate the effect of different hypolipidemic therapy on changes in endothelial function in patients with acute myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation (STEMI).Materials and methods. The study enrolled 135 patients with STEMI within the 12 hours of symptoms onset (average 4.7±1.0) who were admitted to the intensive care unit at NSC «M.D. Strazhesko Institute of Cardiology». Patients were distributed into 4 groups by envelope method. At the enrolment to the hospital patients were prescribed hypolipidemic therapy till the procedure of revascularization – percutaneous coronary intervention. The first (1st) group included 26 pts who were prescribed a combination of atorvastatin (10 mg) and ezetimibe (10 mg). The second (2nd) group included 24 pts, who were prescribed atorvastatin at a dose of 40 mg. The third (3rd) group included 43 pts, who received 80 mg of atorvastatin, the fourth (4th) group included 42 pts who were prescribed a combination of atorvastatin 40 mg and ezetimibe 10 mg. Basic therapy was formed according to the current guidelines of the European Society of Cardiologists and the National Diagnostic Protocols. The selected groups did not have difference in clinical and anamnestic characteristics and methods of treatment. Determination of reactive hyperemia using flow-dependent vasodilatation (FDV) was performed on the 1st and 10th days of the hospital period and within the 90th day of onset of the disease onset. Results and discussion. Prescription of high-intensity lipid-lowering therapy using 80 mg of atorvastatin (group 3) and 40 mg of atorvastatin and 10 mg of ezetimibe (group 4) caused a greater lipid-lowering effect compared to the medium-intensity therapy (group 1 and 2) in the dynamics of observation. Group 3 patients experienced a significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) on the 10th and 90th days, and its decrease reached values ​​below the recommended values ​​(up to 1.75±0.11 mmol/L. In group 4 on we recorded a significant decrease in LDL cholesterol on the 10th day and by the 90th day it was 1.55 mmol/L. The mean LDL cholesterol level below the target was only reached in groups 3 and 4. Normalization of endothelial function (FDV greater than 10 %) was significantly more frequently observed in patients who reached less than 1.8 mmol/L by the 90th day of target LDL cholesterol.Conclusions. For the normalization of endothelial function (increase in FDV) during hypolipidemic therapy in patients undergoing STEMI, it is necessary to achieve the target values ​​of LDL cholesterol up to 90 days of the disease, which is possible only when conducting high-intensity hypolipidemic therapy. The absence of improvement in endothelial function during observation in a constant number of patients suggests that there may be additional, possibly genetic, factors that are not affected by the treatments used.
MATEMATIKA ISLAM? STUDI KASUS PENGARUH MATAKULIAH MATEMATIKA ISLAM TERHADAP SIKAP MATEMATIS MAHASISWA TADRIS MATEMATIKA IAIN PEKALONGAN
Authors: Dewi Heni Lilia , Widyastuti Awanda
Published: February 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana penerapan dan pengaruh adanya matakuliah matematika islam terhadap sikap matematis mahasiswa. Matematika islam sebagai salah satu upaya penguatan literasi matematika. Penelitian dilakukan terhadap beberapa mahasiswa semester lima yang menempuh matakuliah matematika islam sebagai matakuliah pilihan. Analisis data menggunakan penelitian kuasi eksperimen dengan dua kelompok eksperimen. Data diperoleh dengan lakukan observasi dan pemberian angket kepada mahasiswa. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada pengaruh yang signifikan matakuliah matematika islam terhadap sikap matematis mahasiswa. Hal ini ditunjukkan dengan adanya perbedaan sikap matematis antara mahasiswa yang menempuh dengan yang tidak menempuh matakuliah matematika islam.
Who Benefits Most from Collaborative Dementia Care from a Patient and Payer Perspective? A Subgroup Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Rädke Anika , Michalowsky Bernhard , Thyrian Jochen René , Eichler Tilly , Xie Feng , Hoffmann Wolfgang
Published: February 2020

Background:

Dementia care management (DCM) aims to provide optimal treatment for people with dementia (PwD). Treatment and care needs are dependent on patients’ sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and thus, economic outcomes could depend on such characteristics.

Objective:

To detect important subgroups that benefit most from DCM and for which a significant effect on cost, QALY, and the individual cost-effectiveness could be achieved.

Methods:

The analysis was based on 444 participants of the DelpHi-trial. For each subgroup, the probability of DCM being cost-effective was calculated and visualized using cost-effectiveness acceptability curves. The impact of DCM on individual costs and QALYs was assessed by using multivariate regression models with interaction terms.

Results:

The probability of DCM being cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay of 40,000€ /QALY was higher in females (96% versus 16% for males), in those living alone (96% versus 26% for those living not alone), in those being moderately to severely cognitively (100% versus 3% for patients without cognitive impairment) and functionally impaired (97% versus 16% for patients without functional impairment), and in PwD having a high comorbidity (96% versus 26% for patients with a low comorbidity). Multivariate analyses revealed that females (b = –10,873; SE = 4,775, p = 0.023) who received the intervention had significantly lower healthcare cost. DCM significantly improved QALY for PwD with mild and moderate cognitive (b = +0.232, SE = 0.105) and functional deficits (b = +0.200, SE = 0.095).

Conclusion:

Patients characteristics significantly affect the cost-effectiveness. Females, patients living alone, patients with a high comorbidity, and those being moderately cognitively and functionally impaired benefit most from DCM. For those subgroups, healthcare payers could gain the highest cost savings and the highest effects on QALYs when DCM will be implemented.
Individual Differences in the Effects of Physical Activity on Cognitive Function in People with Mild to Moderate Dementia
Authors: Uijen Iris L. , Aaronson Justine A. , Karssemeijer Esther G.A. , Olde Rikkert Marcel G.M. , Kessels Roy P.C.
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the effect of physical activity on cognitive function in persons with dementia is moderated by patient characteristics as Apolipoprotein E and dementia type. We included 101 individuals with dementia and calculated the reliable change index to determine the change in global cognition, executive function, episodic memory, working memory, and processing speed before and after a 12-week exercise training. We found a higher treatment-related benefit in episodic memory in persons with non-Alzheimer’s disease compared to persons with Alzheimer’s disease, and in executive function in individuals with better baseline cognitive function.
Alcohol Consumption, Brain Amyloid-β Deposition, and Brain Structural Integrity Among Older Adults Free of Dementia
Authors: Koch Manja , Costanzo Simona , Fitzpatrick Annette L. , Lopez Oscar L. , DeKosky Steven , Kuller Lewis H. , Price Julie , Mackey Rachel H. , Jensen Majken K. , Mukamal Kenneth J.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Light to moderate alcohol consumption has been variably associated with lower or higher risk of dementia, but effects on Alzheimer’s disease pathology are less clear.

Objective:

We determined whether late-life alcohol consumption was associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathology among older adults.

Methods:

We assessed the associations of alcohol consumption self-reported in 2000–2002 with brain amyloid-β deposition on PET scans, and white matter lesion and hippocampal volume on MRIs measured 7–9 years later in 189 participants of the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory Study (age 75–87 years at baseline) who were free of clinical dementia, using multivariable-adjusted and inverse probability-weighted robust linear regression models.

Results:

Alcohol consumption was not statistically significantly associated with amyloid-β deposition (standardized uptake value ratio difference per drink: –0.013 [95% CI: –0.027, 0.002]). Both non-drinkers and participants consuming ≥1 drink(s)/week had higher white matter lesion volume (% intracranial volume) than did the reference group of those consuming <1 drink/week (differences: 0.25 % [95% CI: 0.01, 0.50]; 0.26 % [95% CI: 0.02, 0.50]). The association of alcohol consumption and hippocampal volume was modified by age ( p = 0.02). Among participants younger than 77 years, participants consuming 1–7 drinks/week had larger hippocampal volume compared with participants consuming <1 drink/week.

Conclusions:

Alcohol consumption was not statistically significantly associated with amyloid-β deposition 7–9 years later. Non-drinking and greater alcohol consumption were associated with higher white matter lesion volume compared with drinking <1 drink/week. Moderate drinking was associated with higher hippocampal volume in younger individuals. Given the selective nature of this population and adverse health effects of excessive alcohol consumption, these findings warrant further investigation, but cannot be translated into clinical recommendations.
PRKAG2 Gene Expression Is Elevated and its Protein Levels Are Associated with Increased Amyloid-β Accumulation in the Alzheimer’s Disease Brain
Authors: Bharadwaj Prashant , Martins Ralph N.
Published: February 2020

Increased amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation associated with abnormal autophagy-lysosomal activity and nutrient kinase dysregulation are common features in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain. Recent studies have identified PRKAG2 and TIPRL genes that control nutrient kinase regulated autophagy, and here we determined if their expression is altered in postmortem AD brains. Gene and protein expression of TIPRL were unchanged. However, gene expression of PRKAG2 was increased 3-fold and its protein levels positively correlated with Aβ accumulation in the AD brain. In summary, our findings suggest that increased PRKAG2 is an important contributing factor to Aβ accumulation in the AD brain.
Low-Dose Radiation Therapy: A New Treatment Strategy for Alzheimer’s Disease?
Authors: Ceyzériat Kelly , Tournier Benjamin B. , Millet Philippe , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Garibotto Valentina , Zilli Thomas
Published: February 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by extracellular amyloid- β (A β) peptide aggregates, forming amyloid plaques, and intracellular deposits of phosphorylated tau. Neuroinflammation is now considered as the third hallmark of AD. The majority of clinical trials tested pharmacological strategies targeting amyloid, tau, and neuroinflammation, with disappointing results overall. In parallel, innovative strategies exploring other pathways and approaches are being tested. In this article, we focus on the rationale and preliminary preclinical evidence for a novel application to AD of a widely used therapeutic strategy for oncological and benign conditions: low-dose radiation therapy (LD-RT). LD-RT has shown to be effective against systemic amyloid deposits, as well as against chronic inflammatory diseases, and could thus be able to modulate amyloid load and neuroinflammation in AD. The anti-amyloid effect could be possibly mediated by the LD-RT action on the β-sheet structure of amyloid fibrils, by breaking H-bonds, and depolymerize glucoaminoglycans which are highly radiation-sensitive molecules associated with amyloid fibrils. The anti-inflammatory effect could be linked to the decrease of leukocytes-endothelial cells interactions and to the stimulation of the release of anti-inflammatory molecules. One preclinical study has observed a dramatic reduction of amyloid plaques 4 weeks post-RT, more important with fractionated protocols at low doses than hypofractionated single dose treatments, associated with modulation of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and cognitive improvement. Ongoing Phase I clinical trials will test the ability of LD-RT to hold these promises.
Mechanoceutics Alters Alzheimer’s Disease Phenotypes in Transgenic Rats: A Pilot Study
Authors: Tobey Hope , Lucas Tyler , Paul Soumen , Berr Stuart S. , Mehrkens Brittney , Brolinson Per Gunnar , Klein Bradley G. , Costa Blaise M.
Published: February 2020

Current advancements in neurovascular biology relates a mechanoceutics treatment, known as cranial osteopathic manipulation (COM), Alzheimer’s disease (AD). COM could be used as an evidence-based treatment strategy to improve the symptoms of AD if molecular mechanisms, which currently remain unclear, are elucidated. In the present pilot study, using transgenic rats, we have identified COM mediated changes in behavioral and biochemical parameters associated with AD phenotypes. We expect these changes may have functional implications that might account for improved clinical outcomes of COM treatment. Further investigations on COM will be helpful to establish an adjunct treatment for AD.
A Structured Physical Exercise Program Reduces Professional Caregiver’s Burden Caused by Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Acute Dementia Care: Randomized Controlled Trial Results
Authors: Fleiner Tim , Dauth Hannah , Zijlstra Wiebren , Haussermann Peter
Published: February 2020

Physical exercise is an effective treatment approach for neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), but it is unknown whether the reduction of NPS has an impact on professional caregiver’s burden. A randomized controlled trial in acute dementia care with N = 70 patients, n = 35 per group, was conducted. The intervention group (IG) received an exercise program, the control group a social stimulation program. The RM-ANOVA showed a significant group x time interaction with time effects for the IG and decreased caregiver burden due to the exercise program at follow-up. Physical exercise programs may not only be beneficial for the patients but also for their professional caregivers.
Day-to-Day Home Blood Pressure Variability is Associated with Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Burden in a Memory Clinic Population
Authors: de Heus Rianne A.A. , Reumers Stacha F.I. , van der Have Alba , Tumelaire Maxime , Tully Phillip J. , Claassen Jurgen A.H.R.
Published: February 2020

Background:

High visit-to-visit blood pressure variability (BPV) has been associated with cognitive decline and cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD), in particular cerebrovascular lesions. Whether day-to-day BPV also relates to cSVD has not been investigated.

Objective:

To investigate the cross-sectional association between day-to-day BPV and total cSVD MRI burden in older memory clinic patients.

Methods:

We included outpatients referred to our memory clinic, who underwent cerebral MRI as part of their diagnostic assessment. We determined the validated total cSVD score (ranging from 0–4) by combining four markers of cSVD that were visually rated. Home blood pressure (BP) measurements were performed for one week, twice a day, according to international guidelines. BPV was defined as the within-subject coefficient of variation (CV; standard deviation/mean BP*100). We used multivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, smoking, diabetes, antihypertensive medication, history of cardiovascular disease, and mean BP.

Results:

For 82 patients (aged 71.2±7.9 years), mean home BP was 140/79±15/9 mmHg. Dementia and mild cognitive impairment were diagnosed in 46% and 34%, respectively. 78% had one or more markers of cSVD. Systolic CV was associated with cSVD burden (adjusted odds ratio per point increase in CV = 1.29, 95% confidence interval = 1.04–1.60, p = 0.022). There were no differences in diastolic CV and mean BP between the cSVD groups. When we differentiated between morning and evening BP, only evening BPV remained significantly associated with total cSVD burden.

Conclusion:

Day-to-day systolic BPV is associated with cSVD burden in memory clinic patients. Future research should indicate whether lowering BPV should be included in BP management in older people with memory complaints.
Serial Reaction Time Task Performance in Older Adults with Neuropsychologically Defined Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Hong Yue , Alvarado Rachel L. , Jog Amod , Greve Douglas N. , Salat David H.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Studies have found that individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) exhibit a range of deficits outside the realm of primary explicit memory, yet the role of response speed and implicit learning in older adults with MCI have not been established.

Objective:

The current study aims to explore and document response speed and implicit learning in older adults with neuropsychologically defined MCI using a simple serial reaction (SRT) task. In addition, the study aims to explore the feasibility of a novel utilization of the simple cognitive task using machine learning procedures as a proof of concept.

Method:

Participants were 22 cognitively healthy older adults and 20 older adults with MCI confirmed through comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. Two-sample t-test, multivariate regression, and mixed-effect models were used to investigate group difference in response speed and implicit learning on the SRT task. We also explored the potential utility of SRT feature analysis through random forest classification.

Results:

With demographic variables controlled, the MCI group showed overall slower reaction time and higher error rate compared to the cognitively healthy volunteers. Both groups showed significant simple motor learning and implicit learning. The learning patterns were not statistically different between the two groups. Random forest classification achieved overall accuracy of 80.9%.

Conclusions:

Individuals with MCI demonstrated slower reaction time and higher error rate compared to cognitively healthy volunteers but demonstrated largely preserved motor learning and implicit sequence learning. Preliminary results from random forest classification using features from SRT performance supported further research in this area.
Improved Criteria for the Classification of Titin Variants in Inherited Skeletal Myopathies
Authors: Savarese Marco , Johari Mridul , Johnson Katherine , Arumilli Meharji , Torella Annalaura , Töpf Ana , Rubegni Anna , Kuhn Marius , Giugliano Teresa , Gläser Dieter , Fattori Fabiana , Thompson Rachel , Penttilä Sini , Lehtinen Sara , Gibertini Sara , Ruggieri Alessandra , Mora Marina , Maver Ales , Peterlin Borut , Mankodi Ami , Lochmüller Hanns , Santorelli Filippo Maria , Schoser Benedikt , Fajkusová Lenka , Straub Volker , Nigro Vincenzo , Hackman Peter , Udd Bjarne
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND:

Extensive genetic screening results in the identification of thousands of rare variants that are difficult to interpret. Because of its sheer size, rare variants in the titin gene ( TTN) are detected frequently in any individual. Unambiguous interpretation of molecular findings is almost impossible in many patients with myopathies or cardiomyopathies.

OBJECTIVE:

To refine the current classification framework for TTN-associated skeletal muscle disorders and standardize the interpretation of TTN variants.

METHODS:

We used the guidelines issued by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) to re-analyze TTN genetic findings from our patient cohort.

RESULTS:

We identified in the classification guidelines three rules that are not applicable to titin-related skeletal muscle disorders; six rules that require disease-/gene-specific adjustments and four rules requiring quantitative thresholds for a proper use. In three cases, the rule strength need to be modified.

CONCLUSIONS:

We suggest adjustments are made to the guidelines. We provide frequency thresholds to facilitate filtering of candidate causative variants and guidance for the use and interpretation of functional data and co-segregation evidence. We expect that the variant classification framework for TTN-related skeletal muscle disorders will be further improved along with a better understanding of these diseases.