bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making Phonemic Inventories of Nepali Mother Tongues and its Implications to English Language Teaching: A Case of Dungmali
Authors: Rai Nirajan
Published: July 2020

This article presents the idea why phonemic systems of students' mother tongues should be studied while teaching English? As Nepal is a rich country in terms of linguistic diversity, students having different linguistic backgrounds attend the English language classrooms every day. However, their perception of learning English language is different to each. They think English is very hard, talent one only masters it. Teachers also are not aware on vast distinctions of sound systems of students' mother tongues with English that affects language learning hugely. This gap is one of the major issues of English language teaching in Nepal. This paper attempts to analyze this issue by making phonemic inventory of one of the Nepali mother tongues of Nepal; Dungmali. It emphasizes the importance of phonemic inventories with reasons in reference to English Language Teaching.
Phenolic Compounds from the Aerial Parts of Adenophora triphylla (Thunb.) A. DC. var. triphylla and their Free Radical Scavenging Activity
Authors: Hori Kengo , Devkota Hari Prasad
Published: July 2020

Adenophora triphylla (Thunb.) A. DC. var. triphylla (Family: Campanulaceae) is distributed in Japan, Korea, and China. It is locally known as “Saiyousyajin” in Japan and the roots are used in traditional medicine to treat chronic bronchitis and whooping cough, and also as anti-inflammatory and anti-tussive agents. Till now, there is no report on the chemical constituents of aerial parts. Thus, the main aim of this study was to isolate and identify major chemical constituents of aerial parts of A. triphylla var. triphylla, and to evaluate their free radical scavenging activity. The 70% methanol extract of the aerial parts was subjected to repeated column chromatography using MCI gel CHP-20P, Sephadex LH-20, ODS and silica gel columns to isolate the five phenolic components (1-5). Free radical scavenging activity of the extract and compounds was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity method. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated as luteolin (1), luteolin 4’-O-b-glucopyranoside (2), luteolin 7-O-b-glucopyranoside (3), luteolin 7-O-neohesperidoside (4) and chlorogenic acid (5) based on their nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral data and comparison with literature values. All these compounds were isolated for the first time from A. triphylla var. triphylla. Extract showed weak free radical scavenging activity. Among isolated compounds, luteolin (1), luteolin 7-O-b-glucopyranoside (3), luteolin 7-O-neohesperidoside (4) and chlorogenic acid (5) showed potent free radical scavenging activity. Results from this study suggest that the aerial parts of A. triphylla var. triphylla might be a potential plant source for the development of functional foods, however further detailed research is necessary.
Phytochemical Evaluation, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Various Extracts from Leaves and Stems of Bryophyllum pinnatum
Authors: Daniel Imaobong E. , Akpan Ekemini I. , Utam Edidiong C.
Published: July 2020

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of different extracts (methanol and ethyl acetate) of leaf and stem of Bryophyllum pinnatum were studied. The screening for the secondary metabolites was carried out using the standard methods. The antioxidant capacities of the different extracts were assessed using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) while the antimicrobial activity of the extracts obtained were screened against Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa Salmonella spp., Vibrio cholerae, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) using Agar well diffusion method. Both extracts obtained from leaf and stem of Bryophyllum pinnatum contained most of the phytochemical compounds tested for. However, anthocyanins and anthraquinone were not detected in leaf extracts while coumarin was absent in stem extracts. Quantification of bioactive compounds showed that both extracts contained the highest concentration of polyphenols (34.49 ±0.47 mg GAE/g and 32.32 ±1.2 mg GAE/g for methanol leaf and stem extracts respectively) while the least concentration was recorded for alkaloids (0.03±0.02 mg/g for methanol stem extract). Results revealed that the extracts showed dose-dependent scavenging of DPPH as well as the ability of the extracts to reduce FeCl3 solution, with methanol extracts exhibiting the highest scavenging and reducing capacity. However the leaves of Bryophyllum pinnatum had greater antioxidant activity than the stem by DPPH and ferric reducing assays, with IC50 values ranging from 3.147µg/ml to 3.80µg/ml for DPPH and 331.9 - 451 µg/ml for FRAP assays. The antimicrobial activity of various solvent extracts of leaf and stem reveal that microorganisms exhibited different sensitivities towards these extracts in a dose-dependent manner. Methanol leaf extract showed no activity against Escherichia coli while Pseudomonas aeruginosa was insensitive to ethyl acetate leaf extract. For stem extracts, Aspergillus niger, Vibrio cholerae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were resistant to methanol extract while Aspergillus niger, Salmonella spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was resistant towards ethyl acetate stem extract. The results obtained in this study showed that Bryophyllum pinnatum is a reservoir of bioactive compounds and both extracts exhibited significant antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.
What Works in Mindfulness Interventions for Medically Unexplained
Symptoms? A Systematic Review
Authors: Billones Ruel , Lukkahatai Nada , Saligan Leorey
Published: July 2020

Background/Purpose: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been used in medically unexplained symptoms (MUS). This systematic review describes the literature investigating the general effect of MBIs on MUS and identifies the effects of specific MBIs on specific MUS conditions.

Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Guidelines (PRISMA) and the modified Oxford Quality Scoring System (Jadad score) were applied to the review, yielding an initial 1,556 articles. The search engines included PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and PsychINFO using the search terms: mindfulness, or mediations, or mindful or MBCT or MBSR and medically unexplained symptoms or MUS or Fibromyalgia or FMS. A total of 24 articles were included in the final systematic review.

Results/Conclusions: MBIs showed large effects on: symptom severity (d = 0.82), pain intensity (d =0.79), depression (d = 0.62), and anxiety (d = 0.67). A manualized MBI that applies the four fundamental elements present in all types of interventions were critical to efficacy. These elements were psycho-education sessions specific to better understand the medical symptoms, the practice of awareness, the nonjudgmental observance of the experience in the moment, and the compassion to ones’ self. The effectiveness of different mindfulness interventions necessitates giving attention to improve the gaps that were identified related to home-based practice monitoring, competency training of mindfulness teachers, and sound psychometric properties to measure the mindfulness practice.
Factors Influencing Quality of Life and Longevity in Elderly People, Phrae City, Thailand
Authors: Daengthern Laddawan , Thojampa Somsak , Kumpeera Kittisak , Wannapornsiri Chommanard , Boonpracom Roongtiva
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this descriptive research was to study the factors that influence the quality of life (QOL) and longevity of the elderly in Thailand. The sample was made up of 280 elderly people in Phrae province, Thailand. The research found that (1) the QOL of the elderly in Phrae province was overall at a good level of 66.30%, (2) the factors that have significant influence on the QOL of the elderly at the p value = .01 are healing and exercise factors which are able to jointly predict the QOL of the elderly in Phrae Province by 12.2% (R2 = .122), and (3) from the structured interviews of 10 elderly people aged 80 years and older, it was found that diet, exercise, stress reduction, and healing are factors that allow the elderly to live for an average of 80 years which is above the average age
of Thai people (the average age for men is 71.8 years old and for women is 78.6 years old).
RESEARCH OF PROPERTIES OF STRASUS FAT
Authors: Ocheretna A.V. , Frolova N.E.
Published: July 2020

The fatty acid composition of ostrich fat was studied by chromatographic method. Raw material quality indicators have been experimentally confirmed. Dynamics of growth of acidic number of fat during storage under different conditions is established.
PHOTOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF TOTAL PHOSPHORUS IN CERTAIN FOOD PRODUCTS
Authors: Rudometkina T.F.
Published: July 2020

A method for determining the total phosphorus content in foods containing food additives of pyrophosphates and polyphosphates (E 450, E339, E452) is proposed. The reaction of formation of a reduced form of phosphormolybdenum heteropolyacid was used. As a reducing agent, a solution of hydrazine sulfate was used as a reagent that provides high sensitivity of determination . The objects of analysis were: chicken meat Roll "Snezana", processed Cheese "Cheeseburger", Instant coffee "Nescafe Gold Crema," containing food additives of pyrophosphates and polyphosphates (E 450,E339, E452). The correctness of the obtained results was confirmed by the method of additives.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPOSITION AND TECHNOLOGY OF TABLETS CONTAINING PHYTOSUBSTANCES FOR APPLICATION IN COMPLEX CVD THERAPY
Authors: Hrenova P.P. , Legosteva A.B.
Published: July 2020

Currently, the most deadly diseases in the world medical practice are cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The causes of CVD are incorrect lifestyle, which is currently often observed in our society. People do not exercise enough, eat fatty foods, fast food, experience stress, smoke (including drugs), and abuse alcohol. Active research is underway to find new drugs, but most of them are chemical drugs that usually have adverse events. The solution to the problem can be the use of medicines based on official medicinal plant material (MPM). It is worth noting the feasibility of using MPM and phytotherapy in the treatment of human diseases. The popularity of herbal medicine is due to the naturalness of phytopreparations, their low degree of allergenicity and toxicity, and easy assimilation by the human body of substances of plant origin.
MICROTOPONYMS IN THE OUTSKIRTS OF BOGEN VILLAGE OF ARAL DISTRICT
KYZYLORDA REGION
Authors: Kozhanuly Manasbay
Published: July 2020

Тhe Article is devoted to the cognitive and linguistic analysis of microtoponyms in the Bogen village region of the Kyzylorda region. In the course of the research, the most important tasks for collecting and preserving microtoponyms in the modern globalizing world are considered, as well as a practical comprehensive study of microtoponyms of one of the toponymic classes, its specific features and the toponymic layer in chronological terms. The author concludes that the study of microtoponyms characteristic of a certain rural population in the language aspect can determine the patterns of language development, learn more about the history of the native land of the younger generation, expanding the information base for theoretical and applied toponomastics and creating a reference dictionary for this region, contribute to textbooks and manuals on the subject of «local History». Also contributing to the development of an electronic and book catalog of geographical names of the country by collecting and storing microtoponyms.
EDUCATION: EIDOS EXTRACTION OR TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Korkiya Eka Demurievna , Mamedov Agamali Kulamovich
Published: July 2020

This article emphasizes that digital technologies have already been totally introduced into education. Digitalization is a global process that every day subjugates the educational space and even beyond. The authors argue that the practice of introducing digital technology affects the modernization of research areas.
CULTURE OF TURKISH PEOPLES OF THE CAUCASUS: CONCEPTUAL APPROACH
Authors: Kerimli V.G. , Gajburova N.V.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the author traced the development of culture of the Turkic peoples of the Caucasus in the period from antiquity to modernity. The novelty of the topic lies in the fact that it is one of the first works in which an attempt was made to comprehensively study the artistic culture of the Turkic peoples of the Caucasus as an independent layer of culture.The main research concept of the topic is the historical and cultural development and coverage of the problems associated with the development of the artistic culture of the Turkic peoples of the Caucasus. Over the centuries, on the ethnic map there has been a complex combination of different cultures, traditions, peculiar to an unusual multitude of ethnic groups, ethnic groups inhabiting this region.Art culture is an integral part of society. It is in the works of art that a holistic expression of the feelings, thinking and behavior of representatives of a certain culture is recorded. Acquaintance with the artistic culture and its core - art is the best way to get acquainted with the culture of any people and familiarize themselves with it. Currently, the artistic culture of modern.
Seeking Faculty Jobs: Exploring the Relationship Between Academic's Social Class of Origin and Hiring Networks in Chilean Universities
Authors: Chiappa Roxana
Published: July 2020

This research consisted of a qualitative case study on how a group of early-career doctorate holders in engineering (N=10) found academic positions in the Chilean academia. The analysis particularly explored how their social class of origin and their academic networks influenced their opportunities of getting an academic job. Findings show that social class of origin mediates the academic network configuration of academic-job seekers through unequal opportunities of completing their undergraduate degrees in prestigious Chilean universities with high research capacity, and subsequently, the unequal opportunities of studying a doctorate degree at top-ranked foreign universities. Only upper social class candidates who received their doctorate degrees from foreign highly prestigious universities were capable of securing positions at the top research-intensive Chilean universities. Overall, findings show that academic networks with professors who are knowledgeable of hiring processes are crucial at the moment of seeking academic jobs in the Chilean higher education system.
Lectura, escritura y oralidad en perfiles de egreso de educación superior: contrastes entre instituciones y carreras
Authors: Navarro Federico , Ávila Reyes Natalia , Calle-Arango Lina , Cortés Lagos Ana
Published: July 2020

La llamada "sociedad del conocimiento" requiere escritores y oradores expertos, que participen en contextos ciudadanos, administrativos y profesionales complejos y dinámicos. Sin embargo, estudios previos sugieren que esta formación se relega al currículum oculto en educación superior. Este artículo busca identificar la presencia de la lectura, la escritura y la oralidad en algunos instrumentos curriculares clave del sistema de educación superior chileno. Se seleccionaron diez universidades con rasgos institucionales diferenciados y cinco carreras diversas; se recolectaron 50 perfiles de egreso públicos y diez modelos educativos; y se codificaron cualitativamente las competencias letradas implícitas y explícitas, junto con las concepciones subyacentes, con cuantificación posterior. Los resultados muestran que la lectura, la escritura y la oralidad aparecen invisibilizadas o con baja frecuencia y con una visión reproductiva y generalista en los perfiles de egreso universitarios chilenos, en particular en carreras como Pedagogía en Educación Básica. A partir de estos hallazgos, se sugiere que los procesos de innovación por competencias y acreditación de carreras e instituciones estén informados por una concepción contemporánea de la lectura, la escritura y la oralidad como competencias complejas, retóricas, epistémicas y disciplinarmente situadas, que requieren un lugar explícito y un compromiso institucional en la formación de profesionales.
Entre la imposición y la necesidad: implementación del Plan de Formación Ciudadana en escuelas chilenas
Authors: Zúñiga Carmen Gloria , Ojeda Patricia , Neira Paula , Cortés Teresa , Morel María Jesús
Published: July 2020

The results of the young Chileans who participated in the International Study of Civic and Citizenship Education 2016 emphasize the need for the school to positively influence the formation of citizens, which has been reinforced by Law No. 20.911.Â  Following a qualitative methodology and an interpretive approach of a multiple case study, this project seeks to characterize the materialization of the educational policy of citizenship education in eight schools throughout the country. This was done based on an analysis of the Plan for Citizenship Education, observation of teacher practices, review of documents and the perception of teachers, principals and 8th grade students, gleamed from interviews. Results show that the elaboration of the Plan for Citizenship Education has lacked proper support and its responsibility lies mainly with the teacher assigned to oversee its implementation, in each school, which implies that in many cases there is no collaborative reflection on the type of citizen that should be formed. Likewise, the work of educating citizens is assigned to the subject of History, Geography and Social Sciences, contradicting the transversal nature of Citizenship Education in the school curriculum. Finally, the Citizenship Education Plan is drawn up primarily to comply with current ministerial regulations.
Prácticas de mentoría para la inducción de docentes principiantes: análisis de cuatro casos chilenos al inicio del proceso
Authors: Gorichon Solange , Salas Macarena , Araos María José , Yañez Mariluz , Rojas-Murphy Andrés , Jara Geraldine
Published: July 2020

This research seeks to deepen understanding of the mentoring practices used, in an initial phase of this process in Chile, to accompany, support and facilitate the professional insertion of noviceÂ teachers into their educational communities. The investigation is based on a qualitative and exploratory, descriptive-interpretative approach, that considers the study of four cases, consisting of four pairs of mentors and novice teachers. This strategy permitted a detailed and in-depth investigation of this type of accompaniment,Â which considered the characterization of theÂ reflection andÂ knowledge promoted as wellÂ the strategies used by the mentors during the mentoring process.Â The findings show the mediation of contextual and relational elements that are linked to the organization of the mentoring process. Likewise, Â the study identifies the preeminence of certain thematic focuses, frameworks as well asÂ knowledge and resources that the mentor uses during the accompaniment.Â This study aims to contribute to the National Induction System, which has recently emerged in Chile, by promoting recommendations that will help improve mentor training, strengthen the mentoring process, and generate guidelines and proposals for educational policy in this area.
Liens entre alimentation, microbiote, MICI : bases physiopathologiques et implications thérapeutiques
Authors: Enaud R. , Tétard C. , Lamireau T.
Published: July 2020

Même si la physiopathologie des maladies inflammatoires chroniques intestinales (MICI) fait encore l’objet de nombreuses études, il est admis qu’elle implique une interaction inadaptée entre le microbiote intestinal et le système immunitaire digestif. L’incidence croissante des MICI durant les dernières décennies, en lien avec l’occidentalisation du mode de vie, souligne le rôle des facteurs environnementaux dans cette interaction. Ces facteurs seraient notamment impliqués dans les perturbations du microbiote intestinal ou dysbioses, maintenant bien décrites dans les MICI. Parmi ces facteurs, l’alimentation suscite beaucoup d’intérêt. Symbole de nos changements de mode de vie, elle a un impact bien démontré sur la composition du microbiote, dès la naissance puis tout au long de la vie. Des études épidémiologiques ont permis de montrer des associations entre l’alimentation et le risque de survenue de MICI. Certains de ces liens ont également pu être mis en évidence chez l’animal ou en culture cellulaire, renforçant l’hypothèse d’une relation étroite entre l’alimentation, le microbiote et l’inflammation intestinale. L’alimentation bénéficie également d’une attention croissante ces dernières années dans la prise en charge des MICI. Au-delà de l’utilisation de la nutrition entérale exclusive dans la maladie de Crohn pédiatrique, dont l’efficacité est maintenant bien démontrée, de nouvelles approches émergent. Parmi elles, des régimes d’exclusion spécifiques pourraient constituer les prochaines avancées majeures dans la prise en charge de MICI au cours des prochaines années.
Place de la transplantation de microbiote fécal dans l’infection à Clostridium difficile
Authors: Ducours M. , Cazanave C.
Published: July 2020

La transplantation de microbiote fécal (TMF) est actuellement indiquée en France dans le traitement des infections à Clostridium difficile à partir de la deuxième récidive. Son recueil, sa préparation et son administration obéissent à un protocole standardisé. Son indication pourrait être élargie à de nombreuses autres disciplines médicales durant les prochaines années.
Documents and the bureaucratisation of alternative dispute resolution in the United States
Authors: Reinke Amanda J.
Published: July 2020

Documents are part of interactive sociocultural worlds in which ethnographers can analyse topics such as power relations, social struggle, violence and secrecy. While they emerge from bureaucratic administration, apparently mundane and stagnant documents represent dynamic processes of decision-making, knowledge production and exclusion. I consider ethnographic research on documents and their production as one that offers significant insights into bureaucratic violence and the tensions between formality and informality in alternative dispute resolution in Virginia and the San Francisco Bay Area. This article discusses working with documents that are simultaneously bound by law and exist extra-legally. While documents are used to gain economic support, strengthen relationships between non-profit and government bodies, and evidence ‘success’, the processes have difficulties. The data demonstrate that bureaucratisation has resulted in cumbersome processes and expensive requirements that mirror the exclusion and power asymmetries of formal law itself.
Looking for the child soldier
Authors: Jakšić Milena
Published: July 2020

This article follows a criminal investigation for recruitment of child soldiers, by asking the following questions: how does one find child soldiers? How does one bring them onto the judicial stage? The article explores the different moments that marked the investigation by the Office of the Prosecutor in the first case brought before the International Criminal Court in The Hague, that of Thomas Lubanga Dyilo. After describing the successive stages of the investigation, the article analyses the conditions under which former child soldiers testified before the ICC. None of their nine testimonies was judged credible by the ICC Trial Chamber I. The different moments that marked these legal proceedings bring to light the instability of the category of child soldier and the uncertainty that regularly threatens the labour of judicial elucidation.
Acute low-pressure hydrocephalus: a case series and systematic review of 195 patients
Authors: Keough Michael B. , Isaacs Albert M. , Urbaneja Geberth , Dronyk Jarred , Lapointe Andrew P. , Hamilton Mark G.
Published: July 2020

OBJECTIVE

Acute low-pressure hydrocephalus (ALPH) is characterized by clinical manifestations of an apparent raised intracranial pressure (ICP) and ventriculomegaly despite measured ICP that is below the expected range (i.e., typically ≤ 5 cm H2O). ALPH is often refractory to standard hydrocephalus intervention protocols and the ICP paradox commonly leads to delayed diagnosis. The aim of this study was to characterize ALPH and develop an algorithm to facilitate diagnosis and management for patients with ALPH.

METHODS

EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases were searched for ALPH cases from its first description in 1994 until 2019. Cases that met inclusion criteria were pooled with cases managed at the authors’ institution. Patient characteristics, presenting signs/symptoms, precipitating factors, temporizing interventions, definitive treatment, and patient outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

There were 195 patients identified, with 42 local and 153 from the literature review (53 pediatric patients and 142 adults). Decreased level of consciousness was the predominant clinical sign. The most common etiologies of hydrocephalus were neoplasm and hemorrhage. While the majority of ALPH occurred spontaneously, 39% of pediatric patients had previously undergone a lumbar puncture. Prior to ALPH diagnosis, 92% of pediatric and 39% of adult patients had a ventricular shunt in situ. The most common temporizing intervention was subatmospheric CSF drainage. The majority of patients underwent a shunt insertion/revision or endoscopic third ventriculostomy as definitive ALPH treatment. Although the mortality rate was 11%, 83% of pediatric and 49% of adult patients returned to their pre-ALPH neurological functional status after definitive treatment. Outcomes were related to both the severity of the underlying neurosurgical disease causing the hydrocephalus and the efficacy of ALPH treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

ALPH is an underrecognized variant phenotype of hydrocephalus that is associated with multiple etiologies and can be challenging to treat as it frequently does not initially respond to standard strategies of CSF shunting. With early recognition, ALPH can be effectively managed. A management algorithm is provided as a guide for this purpose.
The clinical utility of intraoperative electrocorticography in pediatric epilepsy surgical strategy and planning
Authors: Lesko Robert , Benova Barbora , Jezdik Petr , Liby Petr , Jahodova Alena , Kudr Martin , Tichy Michal , Zamecnik Josef , Krsek Pavel
Published: July 2020

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the authors aimed to determine 1) whether the use of intraoperative electrocorticography (ECoG) affects outcomes and complication rates of children undergoing resective epilepsy surgery; 2) which patient- and epilepsy-related variables might influence ECoG-based surgical strategy; and 3) what the predictors of epilepsy surgery outcomes are.

METHODS

Over a period of 12 years, data were collected on pediatric patients who underwent tailored brain resections in the Motol Epilepsy Center. In patients in whom an abnormal ECoG pattern (e.g., spiking, suppression burst, or recruiting rhythm) was not observed beyond presurgically planned resection margins, the authors did not modify the surgical plan (group A). In those with significant abnormal ECoG findings beyond resection margins, the authors either did (group B) or did not (group C) modify the surgical plan, depending on the proximity of the eloquent cortex or potential extent of resection. Using Fisher’s exact test and the chi-square test, the 3 groups were compared in relation to epilepsy surgery outcomes and complication rate. Next, multivariate models were constructed to identify variables associated with each of the groups and with epilepsy surgery outcomes.

RESULTS

Patients in group C achieved significantly lower rates of seizure freedom compared to groups A (OR 30.3, p < 0.001) and B (OR 35.2, p < 0.001); groups A and B did not significantly differ (p = 0.78). Patients in whom the surgical plan was modified suffered from more frequent complications (B vs A+C, OR 3.8, p = 0.01), but these were mostly minor (duration < 3 months; B vs A+C, p = 0.008). In all cases, tissue samples from extended resections were positive for the presence of the original pathology. Patients with intended modification of the surgical plan (groups B+C) suffered more often from daily seizures, had a higher age at first seizure, had intellectual disability, and were regarded as MR-negative (p < 0.001). Unfavorable surgical outcome (Engel class II–IV) was associated with focal cortical dysplasia, incomplete resection based on MRI and/or ECoG findings, negative MRI finding, and inability to modify the surgical plan when indicated.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative ECoG serves as a reliable tool to guide resection and may inform the prognosis for seizure freedom in pediatric patients undergoing epilepsy surgery. ECoG-based modification of the surgical plan is associated with a higher rate of minor complications. Children in whom ECoG-based modification of the surgical plan is indicated but not feasible achieve significantly worse surgical outcomes.
Institutional databases may underestimate the risk factors for 30-day unplanned readmissions compared to national databases
Authors: Kurian Shyam J. , Yolcu Yagiz Ugur , Zreik Jad , Alvi Mohammed Ali , Freedman Brett A. , Bydon Mohamad
Published: July 2020

OBJECTIVE

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) and National Readmissions Database (NRD) are two widely used databases for research studies. However, they may not provide generalizable information in regard to individual institutions. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate 30-day readmissions following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and posterior lumbar fusion (PLF) procedures by using these two national databases and an institutional cohort.

METHODS

The NSQIP and NRD were queried for patients undergoing elective ACDF and PLF, with the addition of an institutional cohort. The outcome of interest was 30-day readmissions following ACDF and PLF, which were unplanned and related to the index procedure. Subsequently, univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted to determine the predictors of 30-day readmissions by using both databases and the institutional cohort.

RESULTS

Among all identified risk factors, only hypertension was found to be a common risk factor between NRD and the institutional cohort following ACDF. NSQIP and the institutional cohort both showed length of hospital stay to be a significant predictor for 30-day related readmission following PLF. There were no overlapping variables among all 3 cohorts for either ACDF or PLF. Additionally, the national databases identified a greater number of risk factors for 30-day related readmissions than did the institutional cohort for both procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, significant differences were seen among all 3 cohorts with regard to top predictors of 30-day unplanned readmissions following ACDF and PLF. The higher quantity of significant predictors found in the national databases may suggest that looking at single-institution series for such analyses may result in underestimation of important variables affecting patient outcomes, and that big data may be helpful in addressing this concern.
Strategies for Overcoming University Researchers’ Writer’s Block
Authors: Evdash V. M. , Zhuravleva N. N.
Published: July 2020

This paper reveals the importance of overcoming writer’s block for university researchers as second language writers. The idea and materials for the paper come from the experience of the Center for Academic Writing “Impulse” at the University of Tyumen, Russia. The target audience of the Center is the university faculty and researchers who have a lack of time to immerse in the writing process, rather they mainly want to obtain an immediate tangible result. However, our research shows that they often get frustrated by their inability to complete their writing piece because they get stuck at different stages of the writing process. For example, some people find it difficult to finish their papers, or others fade away in the middle, but the main problem is to start writing. Thus, they face writer’s block which can be referred to moderate blockage. To overcome the block, we offer the researchers a variety of activities during courses and special projects. This paper describes two strategies: classroom intervention including mainly pre-writing activities, such as freewriting, looping, word association, aimed to overcome the fear of a white page, and individualized intervention based on the project entitled “Drop in & Reboot your Writing”. The project comprised 10-20 weekly individual meetings lasting for 30 minutes and aiming at dealing with a particular writing issue. The individual approach to each participant led to a better understanding of the causes of writer’s block and finding the cures. These strategies aim to develop researchers’ positive attitude to writing, to enable them to boost their awareness of the writing process in receiving the desired results, and build confidence as second language writers.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy and Alzheimer’s Disease: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Kim Jieun , Lee Yujeong , Lee Seulah , Kim Kipom , Song Minjung , Lee Jaewon
Published: July 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disease worldwide, but its cause remains unclear. Although a few drugs can provide temporary and partial relief of symptoms in some patients, no curative treatment is available. Therefore, attention has been focused on research using stem cells to treat AD. Among stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used to treat the related pathologies in animal models of AD, and other neurodegenerative disease. This review describes latest research trends on the use of MSC-based therapies in AD and its action of mechanism. MSCs have several beneficial effects. They would be specified as the reduction of neuroinflammation, the elimination of amyloid-β, neurofibrillary tangles, and abnormal protein degradation, the promotion of autophagy-associated and blood-brain barrier recoveries, the upregulation of acetylcholine levels, improved cognition, and the recovery of mitochondrial transport. Therefore, this review describes the latest research trends in MSC-based therapy for AD by demonstrating the importance of MSC-based therapy and understanding of its mechanisms in AD and discusses the limitations and perspectives of stem cell therapy in AD.
Research on tool control system of double cutters experimental platform based on fuzzy neural network predictive control
Authors: Zhou Peng , Tian Junxing , Sun Jian , Yao Jinmei , Zou Defang , Yu Wenda
Published: July 2020

According to the characteristics of the tool hydraulic control system of the double cutters experimental pplatform, intelligent control methodology forecasted by fuzzy neural network is introduced into the control system. The two level control systems of fuzzy neural network predictive control and fuzzy control are designed. The fuzzy neural network predictive controller mainly completes the analysis and control of the speed and pressure in the tool hydraulic system. The speed control signal and pressure control signal from the first level are output to the fuzzy controller. Then, through logical reasoning, the control signal is output and the actuator is driven by the fuzzy controller to complete the control function of the tool system. In this paper, compared with the traditional PID control, the fuzzy neural network predictive control technology has better control accuracy, dynamic response performance and steady-state accuracy. The fuzzy neural network predictive control technology can be used to control the tool hydraulic system of Tunnel Boring Machine.
Artificial intelligence learning and entrepreneurial performance among university students: evidence from malaysian higher educational institutions
Authors: Khalid Nadeem
Published: July 2020

Artificial intelligence learning at higher educational institutions is one of the emerging concepts having vital importance to promote entrepreneurship activities among the university students. However, Malaysian Universities are lacking with the artificial intelligence learning activities. The objective of the study is to examine the role of artificial intelligence learning to promote entrepreneurship performance with the help of entrepreneurial orientation and strategic entrepreneurship. Moreover, the moderating role of government funding and attitude towards entrepreneurship is also examined. To achieve the objective of this study, a survey was carried out among the Malaysian universities. 500 questionnaires were distributed among the universities and data were collected from the teaching staff. After collection of data, it was analysed with the help of Partial Least Square (PLS)-Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). It is concluded that artificial intelligence learning is most significant to promote entrepreneurial performance among university students. Entrepreneurial orientation and strategic entrepreneurship play a key role to transfer the positive effect of artificial intelligence learning on entrepreneurial performance. Additionally, government funding and attitude towards entrepreneurship also has significant role.
Emergency management system of urban waterlogging based on cloud computing platform and 3D visualization
Authors: Lianbing Deng , Daming Li , Zhiming Cai
Published: July 2020

In recent years, the problem of urban waterlogging has been highly valued. The application of information technology and image simulation to emergency management of urban waterlogging can improve urban flood prevention and disaster reduction capabilities and reduce disaster losses. In this paper, the author analyze the emergency management system of urban waterlogging based on cloud computing platform and 3D visualization. Collect data through street monitoring and drones, re-analyze the collected images, and screen cities for easy waterlogging. Researchers can rely on the high-performance computing power of the system and the visualized integrated environment to achieve online monitoring and early warning of waterlogging and 3D visual display. The system can provide early warning services in the form of alarms for monitoring results that exceed the threshold, and use mobile agents to send messages to relevant personnel in a variety of ways, providing fast auxiliary decision-making services. The simulation results show that the system has high simulation accuracy and can provide fast and efficient emergency services.
Type-2 fuzzy control for line following using line detection images
Authors: Castillo Oscar , Cortés-Antonio Prometeo , Melin Patricia , Valdez Fevrier
Published: July 2020

This work presents a comparative analysis of Type-1 and Type-2 fuzzy controllers to drive an omnidirectional mobile robot in line-following tasks using line detection images. Image processing uses a Prewitt filter for edge detection and determines the error from the line location. The control systems are tested using four different paths from the Robotino® SIM simulator. Also, two different strategies in the design and implementation of the controllers are presented. In the first one, a PD controller scheme is extended by using a fuzzy system to have adaptive parameters P and D, additionally, Type-2 Fuzzy sets are used to give robustness to the controller. In the second case, a Fuzzy controller is designed to compute in a direct way the control variables and it is extended to Type-2 Fuzzy controller. Finally, experimental results and comparative analysis are presented for the five control schemes by comparing the running time and the standard deviation to measure the robustness of the control systems.
Customer oriented intelligent DSS based on two-phased clustering and integrated interval type-2 fuzzy AHP and hesitant fuzzy TOPSIS
Authors: Senvar Ozlem , Akburak Dilek , Yel Necla
Published: July 2020

Firms need to integrate multiple business functions in order to acquire, analyze, model, and evaluate information necessary for better understanding customer behaviors and making data-driven decisions to enhance the customer experience journey. This study proposes a customer oriented intelligent decision support system (IDSS) to ultimately improve the customer experience journey. Besides, a real application study is handled for a multinational company located in Turkey, considering its abrasives product sales for years of 2017 and 2018. For the data utilized in application study, the proposed methodology is constructed for customer segmentation to develop appropriate data-driven marketing strategies for customers with similar values, preferences and other factors for creating customer-centric organizations. In this regard; firstly two-phased clustering process, which involves the hierarchical multivariate average linkage clustering algorithm and partitional k-means clustering algorithm, is used to present the number of clusters on the basis of three variables (expenditure, transaction and unit cost) and then to assign the customers to the related clusters (VIP, Platinum, Gold and Bronze), respectively. Secondly, the performances of company’s departments are ranked according to the preferences of customers from each segment considering 4Ps marketing mix concept via integrated methodology of interval type-2 Fuzzy AHP and hesitant fuzzy TOPSIS.
Artificial neural networks and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems for parameter identification of dynamic systems
Authors: Vatankhah Ramin , Ghanatian Mohammad
Published: July 2020

There would always be some unknown geometric, inertial or any other kinds of parameters in governing differential equations of dynamic systems. These parameters are needed to be numerically specified in order to make these dynamic equations usable for dynamic and control analysis. In this study, two powerful techniques in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), namely Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) are utilized to explain how unknown parameters in differential equations of dynamic systems can be identified. The data required for training and testing the ANN and the ANFIS are obtained by solving the direct problem i.e. solving the dynamic equations with different known parameters and input stimulations. The governing ordinary differential equations of the system is numerically solved and the output values in different time steps are obtained. The output values of the system and their derivatives, the time and the inputs are given to the ANN and the ANFIS as their inputs and the unknown parameters in the dynamic equations are estimated as the outputs. Finally, the performances of the ANN and the ANFIS for identifying parameters of the system are compared based on the test data Percent Root Mean Square Error (% RMSE) values.
A survey of Type-2 fuzzy logic controller design using nature inspired optimization
Authors: Valdez Fevrier , Castillo Oscar , Cortes-Antonio Prometeo , Melin Patricia
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we are presenting a survey of research works dealing with Type-2 fuzzy logic controllers designed using optimization algorithms inspired on natural phenomena. Also, in this review, we analyze the most popular optimization methods used to find the important parameters on Type-1 and Type-2 fuzzy logic controllers to improve on previously obtained results. To this end have included a summary of the results obtained from the web of science database to observe the recent trend of using optimization methods in the area of optimal type-2 fuzzy logic control design. Also, we have made a comparison among countries of the network of researchers using optimization methods to analyze the distribution and impact of the papers.
Evaluation of factors affecting the decision to adopt blockchain technology: A logistics company case study using Fuzzy DEMATEL
Authors: Maden Ayça , Alptekin Emre
Published: July 2020

Blockchain practices have been attracting attention in industries other than financial services, since blockchain is not only an information technology, but also an institutional technology owing to its new currency economics and distributed structures. Today, supply chains, power, and food/agriculture have emerged as promising areas in terms of their potential to incorporate blockchain technology for improving processes and reducing costs. Logistics corporations, especially, have been concentrating on developing efficiency in integrated data, fleet management, and communication issues, to achieve cost advantages. Experts from a well-known logistics company in Turkey contributed to our study by helping to assess critical factors for successful blockchain technology implementation. Our research topic included determining whether blockchain technology is suitable for this company. Fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) was used to determine and evaluate the critical factors to encourage blockchain technology adoption, based on the company’s requirements. For the company experts, the factors affecting the decision to adopt blockchain technology were, in order of priority: cryptocurrency, instant money transfer, privacy, real time processing, smart contract, security, authentication, transparency, immutability, traceability, distributed ledger, reduced delays, and peer-to-peer networks.
Solving fully fuzzy multi-objective linear programming problem with fuzzy dominant degrees
Authors: Van Hop Nguyen
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we investigate all relative relationships between two fuzzy numbers. Then, we introduce new relative measures to compare two fuzzy numbers instead of using absolute value to represent the fuzzy number. These measures address the dominant level that one fuzzy number is better than the other in terms of its position and shape. The so-called absolute fuzzy dominant degree and relative fuzzy dominant degree are developed to measure the differences between two fuzzy numbers applying for different types of constraint. These measures could capture all the shape’s characteristics and relative positions of fuzzy numbers. Finally, the fully fuzzy multi-objective decision making (FFMODM) problem is solved by using these fuzzy dominant degrees. For validation, we compare our approach to the fuzzy ranking method of the linear ranking function. Our obtained results show better performance.
Controlling a cargo ship without human experience using deep Q-network
Authors: Chen Chen , Ma Feng , Liu Jialun , Negenborn Rudy R. , Liu Yuanchang , Yan Xinping
Published: July 2020

Human experience is regarded as an indispensable part of artificial intelligence in the process of controlling or decision making for autonomous cargo ships. In this paper, a novel Deep Q-Network-based (DQN) approach is proposed, which performs satisfactorily in controlling a cargo ship automatically without any human experience. At the very beginning, we use the model of KRISO Very Large Crude Carrier (KVLCC2) to describe a cargo ship. To manipulate this ship has to conquer great inertia and relatively insufficient driving force. Subsequently, customary waterways, regulations, conventions are described with Artificial Potential Field and value-functions in DQN. Based on this, the artificial intelligence of planning and controlling a cargo ship can be obtained by undertaking sufficient training, which can control the ship directly, while avoiding collisions, keeping its position in the middle of the route as much as possible. In simulation experiments, it is demonstrated that such an approach performs better than manual works and other traditional methods in most conditions, which makes the proposed method a promising solution in improving the autonomy level of cargo ships.