bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elections under Occupation: Electoral Processes within the Territory of Pskov Regional Administration in 1918
Authors: Chemakin Anton
Published: May 2023

As a result of the 1918 Brest-Litovsk peace treaty, German military forces occupied a part of territory of Pskov province where the Pskov Regional Administration was established. Within the occupied territories, the local self-government authorities, which had been existing before the seizure of power by Bolsheviks, were reinstituted. The City Duma of Ostrov obtained permission of Germans to hold reelection of its composition in accordance with the election law of the Provisional Government with some changes: raise of electoral age from 20 to 21 years and introduction of 1-year resident qualification. Holding municipal elections under occupation provoked a discussion on pages of Ostrov newspaper “Moya Gazeta” on timeliness, ethics and legality of this action. The supporters did not consider the election as an overt act of treason, quite the opposite they thought that it would be profitable for locals, while the use of a law of the Provisional Government would allow for preserving close ties to the prerevolutionary legal framework extinguished by Bolsheviks. Invaders prohibited participation of political parties, however did not actually meddle in the race where 7 slates of candidates took part. Polling was held on the September 22nd. The election was won by the list of public figures (under the guise of which were hidden the members of Kadet (Constitutional Democrats) party) in alliance with Ostrov Orthodox brotherhood. Notwithstanding that the forces loyal to invaders dominated in Ostrov Сity Duma, German authorities in preparation for election to Pskov City Duma imposed stricter rules on electoral legislation, increasing electoral age to 25 years and deprived women from voting rights. Elections under new law were never held as in the end of November 1918 the units of the Red Army ousted invaders from the territory of Pskov province.
Posters on the topic «The genocide of the soviet people during the Great Patriotic War»: methodological recommendations for the organization of educational and research activities
Authors: Alieva Liudmila
Published: May 2023

The article presents methodological recommendations on the organization of educational and research activities on working with posters on the topic «Genocide of civilians during the Great Patriotic War». Examples of posters and methods of working with them are given. Possible options for organizing work with posters in the framework of educational and extracurricular activities are given.
PROGRAM PELATIHAN GURU BAHASA INDONESIA DALAM MENINGKATKAN KETERAMPILAN MEMBACA PUISI DENGAN MODEL AMATI, TIRU, DAN MODIFIKASI MENGGUNAKAN MEDIA VIDEO PEMBACAAN PUISI PADA SISWA KELAS X DAN XI SMA NEGERI 2 TELUK KERAMAT
Authors: Ferawati Dewi , Mulya Karlina Elsa , Effiyadi Effiyadi
Published: May 2023

Community Service Activities in the form of "Indonesian Language Teacher Training Program in Improving Poetry Reading Skills with Observe, Imitate, and Modify Models Using Poetry Reading Video Media for Class X and XI Students of SMA Negeri 2 Teluk Keramat" went well and according to plan. The participants who attended were very enthusiastic about participating and were very communicative when discussing with the presenters, even though SMA Negeri 2 Teluk Keramat only had two Indonesian language teachers.
Effectiveness of Community-Based Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment in Nigeria: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Abubakar Aliyu , Parsa Ali Davod , Walker Susan
Published: May 2023

Growing multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) worldwide and new effective and affordable treatment modalities required exploring options such as the community model of MDR-TB treatment (CM), as introduced in Nigeria.To determine the most effective care model by comparing MDR-TB treatment outcomes at community-based sites with the hospital-based model of care in Nigeria.Treatment outcomes data were retrospectively accessed from the medical record of 423 MDR-TB patients to evaluate the effectiveness of HM and CM based on WHO criteria. Treatment success” is defined as the sum of cure and treatment completion. “Cure” is the “treatment completion” with at least three negative cultures taken at least 30 days apart after the intensive phase in the absence of “treatment failure. Predictors of treatment outcomes were also assessed on multivariate analysis. 423 patients (85% of the targeted sampling data) were available for analysis, of whom 272 (63.4%) had a conventional regimen, and 143 (33.8%) had a shorter treatment regimen. There is no significant difference in treatment outcomes between CM and HM; patients achieve similar treatment success in all models, 65.5% with HM compared to 68% at the CM (p = 0.608). Treatment failure was (4.1% versus 5.1%) in the HM versus CM, respectively; (p = 0.704). Death occurred in 20.9% of participants in the hospital model and 17.5% in the community model, and rates of Loss to follow-up were similar 9.5% HM vs 9.5% CM; (p = 0.704). On multivariate analysis, adjusting for age, HIV, sex, patient type, TB treatment history, resistance pattern, model of care and regimens, there was no change in treatment outcomes if patients were treated at the CM vs HM (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.92; 95% CI 0.59 – 1.46, p = 0.735). MDR-TB patients with unknown HIV status (not on ART) were nine times more likely to have unsuccessful treatment outcomes compared with HIV-negative respondents (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 8.83; 95% CI 1.79 – 43.60, p = 0.007). Similarly, HIV-positive respondents were 1.3 times more likely to have unsuccessful outcomes than HIV-negative (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.26; 95% CI 0.71–2.26, p = 0.429, but the difference is not statistically significant. This retrospective study found that the community-based model is equally effective as care in a centralised hospital, based on similar treatment success rates, comparable default and death rates with hospital care and shorter time to treatment initiation at the community-based centres.
Effect of Peer-Led Educational Intervention On Occupational Risk Prevention Practices Among Medical Waste Handlers in Tertiary Hospitals, Southwest, Nigeria
Authors: Obadina Abosede Olubunmi , Oyerinde Oyewole Olusesan
Published: May 2023

This study was undertaken to assess the effect of peer led educational intervention programs on the occupational risk prevention practices among the medical waste handlers in some selected tertiary hospitals in South west, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to determine the baseline occupational risk prevention practices among the participants; and assess the effect of peer- led educational intervention on the occupational risk prevention practices at 12th week post intervention follow up among the participants. The study was an interventional study and adopted a two group quasi-experimental design. Participants of the study were the hospital attendants that served as medical waste handlers working at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu and Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta, Lagos. The instrument for the study was a structured questionnaire developed to determine the baseline assessment and outcome evaluation of the intervention. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed that the mean score of risk prevention practices at 12th week post intervention for control group is 11.12±3.20 while the experimental group is 17.32±4.78 with mean difference of 6.20 in favour of the experimental group. The study concludes that peer led educational intervention programs was effective in improving risk prevention practices among the medical waste handlers. It was recommended among others that major stakeholders in the ministry of health and health institutions should adopt peer led education in the training of the medical waste handlers.
Adult Education and Human Capacity Building for Community Sustainability in Nigeria
Authors: Uzoagu Ifeoma F.
Published: May 2023

The economic, social and environmental issues threatening humans as well as continual existence of communities in Nigeria, requires the contribution of all. Adult members, constituting greater portion of the country’s population, are seen as agents through which the economic, social and environmental challenges facing communities as well as the countries can be addressed. However, solutions to the plethora of issues confronting community sustainability, requires greater number of the adult’s population possessing the requisite knowledge and skills through education. Education seen as a powerful instrument for social change, helps reduce social and economic issues like poverty, hunger, crime, unemployment, social inequalities, disease, just to mention but few, and give individuals the opportunities to live fulfilled life. Although, education is categorized into formal, informal and non-formal dimension, this study specifically reviews literatures on adult education and human resources capacity building for community sustainability in Nigeria. From the contents of the literature reviewed, it was indicated that adult education programmes contributes towards sustainable growth, successful employment, self-reliance and access to justice for all in communities in Nigeria. Thus, adult education equips individuals with knowledge as well as skills capable of enhancing their potentials as well as capabilities in making effective contributions towards the social, economic and environmental sustainability of communities in Nigeria.
Examining factors associated with performance anxiety among soccer players in Katima Mulilo of Zambezi Region in Namibia
Authors: Kela Gerald , Kela Judith , Kella Acts
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to examining factors associated with performance anxiety among soccer players in Katima Mulilo of the Zambezi Region of Namibia. Quantitative methods were used to determine soccer players’ performance anxiety levels prior and during the game. A total of (n = 100) soccer players from Katima Mulilo Zambezi Football League playing for A and B divisions participated in the study. The participants were selected purposively based on a reason that they were soccer players either in A or B division of the league. Data were gathered using a self-filled information questionnaire forms created by the researcher. Data was analysed with a statistical software SPSS programme. Percentages, frequencies, mean and standard deviation numerical figures were used to interpret the results. The highest score of (M = 4.00 ± SD =.000) was recorded for item 11 to which soccer players indicated that they had high level of winning thoughts on their minds prior to the game to be played. The second highest score recorded was item 7 (M = 3.86 ± SD = .355) to which soccer players indicated that they feared their opponents and spectators prior to the game. The third highest score was recorded in item 1 with (M = 3.74 ± SD = .443) to which soccer players indicated they always had spent more time for physical preparation prior to the game. The five lowest scores were recorded in items 5, 8, 24, 25 and 31. The lowest score was recorded in item 25 with (M = 1.11 ± SD = .323) to which soccer players indicated that they often felt blurred vision prior to the game. The second lowest score was recorded in item 31 with (M = 1.20 ± SD = .406) to which players indicated that they often had poor concentration during the game. The third lowest scored was recorded in item 24 with (M = 1.34 ± SD = .482) to which players indicated that they often felt some form of dizziness prior to the game. Therefore this study concludes that performance anxiety is caused by fear of failure, negative thinking, low self-esteem, uncertainty, worry, and lack of motivation, inability to deal with difficulty, negative self-talk, self-evaluation, and overthinking.
Changes in Ghana’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training since its Independence: From the Perspective of Educational Policy
Authors: Takyi Mensah Elijah
Published: May 2023

Ghana’s technical and vocational education and training have gone through many policies changes since the country’s independence indicating how important successive governments recognize the crucial role of TVET in Ghana’s social-economic development. The main purpose of this study was to examine the changes in Ghana’s TVET since its independence from the perspective of educational policy. The main source of information for this study is secondary data collected from existing literature that is related to the objective of the study. Documents such as the Government of Ghana's education policy documents, ministry of education documents, journals, books were consulted. The rigorous analysis of literature found that efforts have been made to increase and improve TVET institutions to provide more opportunities for young people through skills development for all levels of TVET institutions. Despite all the efforts, to be able to have effective and efficient human resources to compete in the global world, there is a need to develop career guidance systems to assist learners in choosing appropriate pathways including the provision of up-to-date labor market information to stakeholders, self-assessment tools to identify aptitudes and interests and promote the acquisition of career management skills.
Impact of Brand Identity and Brand Image On Fashion Entrepreneurs: A Case Study of Greater Accra Metropolis
Authors: Clottey Sheila Naa Tetteorkor , Gyampoh Sylvia Asheley , Anaba Mavis Abaane , Adeniji Roseline
Published: May 2023

Over the years branding has been the concern of many businesses across the globe, however the fashion world has not been exempted, many studies has also been carried out to investigate relationship that exist between fashion and branding. Brand images and identity has been the major point for competition among fashion customers, clients, investors and brand owners. This call for this research to find out impact of brand image and brand identity has on fashion entrepreneurs. The population was drawn from Accra metropolis covering areas such as McCarthy hill, and North-Kaneshie, Accra. Purposive sampling was used to select 50 respondents made up of fashion entrepreneurs (14), fashion students (18) and consumers (18). The questionnaire was the main tool used for this study. Four research questions were tested in this study using simple percentage, piecharts and frequencies respectively. The results show that the essence of branding on fashion entrepreneurs is inseparable. Logo, symbol/ colors of a fashion enterprise contribute to the progress of fashion entrepreneurs. It was also discovered that brand name has an influence on purchase decision of their clients and that brand identity increases investors and customer awareness and customer loyalty. It was concluded that the impact of brand image and identity such as logo, symbols, colors among others, contribute significantly to customers and loyalty. This study recommends that fashion entrepreneurs should give adequate time to come up with brands that speak for them anytime and anywhere, fashion entrepreneurs should cultivate the habit of setting fund aside for their business needs, as funds will be required to enhance their businesses, relying on government, non-governmental organization or others for loans may not always be available, creativity should be the focus of fashion entrepreneurs, because we live in a world where change is constant.
Neuropharmacology of Lecanemab-irmb: A new drug granted in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Alenazi Fahaad
Published: May 2023

United state food and drug administration approved on 6 January 2023, Lecanemab-irmb via the accelerated approval pathway for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers evaluated Lecanemab-irmb’s efficacy in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-finding study of 856 patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment was initiated in patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage of disease and confirmed the presence of amyloid beta pathology. Patients receiving the treatment had significant dose and time-dependent reduction of amyloid beta plaque, with patients receiving the approved dose of lecanemab, 10 milligram/kilogram every two weeks, having a statistically significant reduction in brain amyloid plaque from baseline to Week 79 compared to the placebo arm, which had no reduction of amyloid beta plaque.
These results support the accelerated approval of Lecanemab-irmb, which is based on the observed reduction of amyloid beta plaque, a marker of Alzheimer’s disease. The amyloid beta plaque was quantified using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to estimate the brain levels of amyloid beta plaque in a composite of brain regions expected to be widely affected by Alzheimer’s disease pathology compared to a brain region expected to be spared of such pathology.
People Recognition via Tongue Print Using Deep and Machine Learning
Authors: Obaid Ahmed Shallal , Kamil Mohammed , Hamza Basaad Hadi
Published: May 2023

The tongue is a unique organ that is well protected inside the mouth and not affected by external factors; it is also difficult to forge. Several biometric systems are widely used for authentication and recognition, such as fingerprints, faces, iris, sound, retina, etc. Traditional biometrics represent a challenge and an obstacle as they can be falsified, duplicates can be made (e.g., iris, face, fingers, signature), or they are expensive and rarely used (e.g., DNA). The increased security measures called for modern biometrics that is more secure, less expensive, and cannot be falsified. As a result, the goal of this paper is to create a system for distinguishing people based on their tongue prints. It will contribute to solving many forensic issues and increasing electronic security because it has features suitable for identification and biometrically distinguishing between people. In this paper, the tongue is located based on the fixed window size method. After tongue localization (ROI), feature extraction using the VGG-16 model, and a classification system that uses both transfer learning and machine learning as VGG-16, XGBoost, KNN, and RF classifiers, extracted features are then trained for personal identification. The dataset consisted of 1085 tongue images of 138 people with a test ratio of 20%, and the results achieved an accuracy of 92%. The process of distinguishing people through tongue prints has proven to be effective and accurate.
An Empirical Model for The Classification of Diabetes and Diabetes_Types Using Ensemble Approaches
Authors: Jaiswal Sushma , Gupta Priyanka , Prasad L V Narasimha , Kulkarni Rajesh
Published: May 2023

Diabetes is a hereditary disorder that interferes with human life at all ages. It is challenging for cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream when an individual has diabetes. The two main subtypes of diabetes are type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes develops when the pancreas cannot make enough insulin, whereas type 2 diabetes spreads due to insulin resistance. Diabetes is a recurrent, and chronic illness that is incurable. In modern healthcare systems, disease detection technology is pervasive. Detecting diabetes in its early stages is crucial for initiating timely treatment and halting disease progression. The proposed method has the potential not only to forecast the likelihood of future diabetes onset but also to identify the specific type of diabetes a person may develop. This paper investigates a potential solution for a diabetes prediction model in light of the continually rising prevalence of diabetes among patients. The proposed framework is designed using two datasets: the Pima Indian dataset, which is used to forecast diabetes, and the Diabetes Type dataset, which is used to identify the type of diabetes mellitus an individual has. This research aims to apply machine learning classifiers and ensemble models, such as Bagging, Voting, Averaging, and Stacking, for diabetes prediction. In this context, SMOTE (Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique) and hyperparameter adjustment of the algorithms are considered and have substantially improved the findings. The developed heterogeneous ensemble model offers enhanced prediction rates with different performance criteria. Using the bagging technique, Random Forest attains a 96% accuracy rate, resulting in better predictions in the PID dataset. Regarding the Diabetes Type dataset, the Voting Ensemble Model provides a 98.5% accuracy rate. This study highlights that Ensemble learning models are effective in predicting diabetes and can outperform earlier relevant studies.
Role of molecular genetics in the preoperative diagnosis of thyroid tumors
Authors: Kulatunga K. M. H. H. , Pathirana A. A. , Fernando S. S. N. , Gamage B. D. , Sampath M. K. A. , Sosai C. , Seneviratne B. S.
Published: May 2023

Incidence of thyroid tumors has been triplicated in United States and other countries during the last three decades. There is a 2.1-fold increase of thyroid carcinoma from 2001 to 2010 in Sri Lanka. Though there is a higher incidence of thyroid tumors, their malignancy rate is low. Ultra Sound Scanning (USS) and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) are used as the main pre-operative diagnostic methods. However, histopathological examination of surgical sections is used as the gold standard in determining the malignancy of the thyroid nodules. In order to prevent unnecessary surgeries and the re-operations, effective pre-operative diagnosis is important. As most of other tumours, thyroid tumours too originated as a result of single or multiple genetic alterations or mutations of molecular markers like BRAF, RAS, RET/ PTC and TERT. These markers can be effectively used to determine the disease prognosis. The presence of any of these markers in the thyroid nodule represent a 100% positive predictive value and therefore it can be used for the clinical management of the patients. The use of molecular markers can significantly increase the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid malignancies. The combined use of molecular markers with the clinical findings and other pre surgical procedures including USS and FNAC can increase the diagnostic capability of the thyroid tumors. This can also be used for the individualized surgical approaches and post-surgical management of the patients.
CHRISTOPH RANSMAYR'İN SON DÜNYA ROMANINDA POSTMODERN ÖZELLİKLER
Authors: ATALAY Ufuk , CUMA Ahmet
Published: May 2023

Christoph Ransmayr'ın “Son Dünya” romanı, postmodern roman özelliklerini taşıyan önemli bir eser olarak değerlendirilmektedir. Roman, döneminin anlatım tekniklerine yabancılaşmış ve kendine özgü bir anlatım diline sahip olan bir şairin, sürgün hayatının sonunu beklerken ücra bir kentte hayat hikayesinin anlatılmasıyla belirgindir.

Romanın postmodern özellikleri arasında, klasik anlatı yapısının yerine doğrusal olmayan (non-lineer) bir anlatım tekniği kullanılması, gerçeklik kavramının sorgulanması, metinler arası referansların yoğun olarak kullanılması, anlatıcının güvenilirliğinin sorgulanması ve eser içindeki dil oyunları sıralanabilir. Ayrıca, Ransmayr'ın dil kullanımı da oldukça dikkat çekicidir. Anlatımındaki yer yer şiirsel ifadeler, okuyucunun anlamı çözümlemesini güçleştirmekte ve böylece postmodernizmin belirsizlik niteliği ile de uyuşmaktadır. Postmodern anlatım tekniği bakımından özellikle de dil kullanımı ve kurgusal olarak farklı bir gerçeklik anlayışının sorgulanması, okuyucuya farklı bir okuma deneyimi kazandırmakta böylece yapıtı dünya edebiyatında postmodern kategori içerisinde özellikli bir yere konumlandırmaktadır.
Les nouveaux contours de l’influence russe dans le Sud-Caucase
Authors: Teurtrie David
Published: May 2023

L’influence de la Russie dans le Sud-Caucase est affectée par des processus différenciés qui en redessinent les contours et les modalités. Les axes Russie-Arménie-Iran et Turquie-Géorgie-Azerbaïdjan continuent de structurer partiellement la géopolitique caucasienne même si les pays de la région cherchent à diversifier leurs partenaires pour réduire leur dépendance envers les grandes puissances. La Russie reste la principale puissance du Sud-Caucase malgré l’activisme turc et les conséquences complexes de la guerre que Moscou mène en Ukraine dont il trop tôt pour évaluer toutes les implications à moyen et long terme.
Turquie-Arménie : une normalisation otage du passé et du présent
Authors: Yégavian Tigrane
Published: May 2023

En février 2022, un sondage d’opinion publique réalisé par l’université turque Kadir Has dans le cadre de son programme de recherche annuel communiquait les réponses de ses sondés sur le rapport à l’Arménie et aux Arméniens : « 60,9 % de la population turque considère l’Arménie comme une menace pour la Turquie » 1 . À la question « accepteriez-vous un voisin de nationalité arménienne ? » seulement 8,2 % avaient répondu par la positive. Un sondage réalisé en Arménie aurait de fortes chances de rencontrer des réponses similaires. De quoi confirmer l’hypothèse qu’il n’existe pas d’esprit de paix en dépit du processus de normalisation des relations en cours enclenché par le gouvernement du Premier ministre arménien Nikol Pachinian dans la foulée de la défaite militaire dans le Haut-Karabagh face aux armées azerbaïdjanaise et turque.
Géorgie : l’euro-atlantisme comme solution à la menace russe ?
Authors: Dusoulier Amandine
Published: May 2023

Comme les autres États riverains de la mer Noire, la Géorgie s’évertue à développer ses capacités de défense, surtout depuis les invasions russes des dernières années (2008, 2014 et 2022). De manière à assurer sa sécurité sur le long terme et à apporter de la stabilité dans la région, Tbilissi a élaboré une stratégie à double volet : d’une part, multiplier les collaborations avec les institutions euro-atlantiques et d’autre part, renforcer ses relations bilatérales avec ses voisins immédiats (particulièrement avec ceux étant membres de l’OTAN tels la Turquie). Comprendre une telle attitude nécessite de s’intéresser à l’histoire de ce petit pays du Caucase convoité, au fil des siècles, par plusieurs empires.
L’Iran et l’Organisation de coopération de Shanghai : « beaucoup de bruit pour rien » ?
Authors: Djalili Mohammad-Reza , Kellner Thierry
Published: May 2023

Le 17 septembre 2021, la candidature de l’Iran pour devenir le neuvième membre de l’Organisation de coopération de Shanghai (OCS) a été officiellement approuvée lors du 20 e  sommet qui s’est tenu à Douchanbé, au Tadjikistan. Cet événement, salué comme une victoire diplomatique majeure pour Téhéran, symbolise le rapprochement que le nouveau gouvernement iranien opère avec ses voisins orientaux, principalement la Chine et la Russie. L’approbation de l’adhésion de l’Iran à l’OCS en 2021, loin d’être un virage, et même si le contexte régional et mondial a considérablement changé, s’inscrit dans la continuité de la politique étrangère menée par Téhéran depuis plusieurs décennies, une politique par laquelle la République islamique cherche à « contourner les alliances » pour mieux résister aux États-Unis et à leurs alliés. Devenir un membre à part entière de l’OCS ouvrirait, selon certains observateurs, des perspectives importantes pour Téhéran. Mais quelle est la situation réelle ? La guerre russe en Ukraine, qui a débuté en février 2022 et qui pèse désormais sur le contexte mondial, ne vient-elle pas également bouleverser les calculs ?
Outils, perspectives et limites du partenariat turco-centrasiatique
Authors: Levystone Michaël
Published: May 2023

En 1991, les indépendances des républiques d’Asie centrale (Kazakhstan, Kirghizstan, Ouzbékistan, Tadjikistan et Turkménistan) provoquent un regain d’intérêt de la Turquie pour la région. Ankara se concentre alors sur la promotion de son soft power et le développement de ses échanges commerciaux avec ces pays, avant d’y ajouter un axe de coopération sécuritaire à la faveur de la victoire de son allié militaire, l’Azerbaïdjan, face à l’Arménie dans la deuxième guerre du Haut-Karabakh en 2020. La guerre déclenchée par la Russie en Ukraine le 24 février 2022 produit un effet démultiplicateur sur l’ensemble des synergies turco-centrasiatiques, sans pour autant lever tous les obstacles à la concrétisation d’un leadership turc en Asie centrale. La question se pose de savoir si la Turquie fait d’ores et déjà figure, en Asie centrale, de puissance stabilisatrice à l’égal, voire même en remplacement de la Russie, dont la réputation est entachée par son invasion du territoire ukrainien.
La mer Caspienne : une fenêtre eurasiatique russe sur l’Orient
Authors: Delanoë Igor
Published: May 2023

La mer Caspienne offre un potentiel commercial et logistique encore insuffisamment exploité par la Russie. Logée au cœur de la masse eurasiatique, cette mer enclavée constitue tout autant un bastion maritime dans la droite ligne des canons de la géopolitique russe, qu’un terrain propice au développement d’un partenariat russo-iranien renouvelé par des crises extrarégionales (Ukraine, nucléaire iranien). Les projets de corridors logistiques fleurissent à travers la région de la Caspienne depuis plusieurs décennies, mais revêtent désormais une nouvelle acuité sur fond de sanctions massives affectant la Russie. Cet article se propose de revenir sur les différents volets de l’ouverture de cette « fenêtre eurasiatique » russe sur l’Orient. Tandis que les sanctions occidentales s’empilent sur elle, la Russie a fait du renouvellement et de la conquête de partenariats non-occidentaux un topos de sa politique étrangère pour les années à venir. L’espace caspien pourrait bien lui permettre de réaliser une partie de ses ambitions.
Medical robotic engineering selection based on square root neutrosophic normal interval-valued sets and their aggregated operators
Authors: Palanikumar Murugan , Kausar Nasreen , Garg Harish , Iampan Aiyared , Kadry Seifedine , Sharaf Mohamed
Published: May 2023

We introduce the concepts of multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) using square root neutrosophic normal interval-valued sets (SRNSNIVS). The square root neutrosophic (SRNS), interval-valued NS, and neutrosophic normal interval-valued (NSNIV) sets are extensions of SRNSNIVS. A historical analysis of several aggregating operations is presented in this article. In this article, we discuss a novel idea for the square root NSNIV weighted averaging (SRNSNIVWA), NSNIV weighted geometric (SRNSNIVWG), generalized SRNSNIV weighted averaging (GSRNSNIVWA), and generalized SRNSNIV weighted geometric (GSRNSNIVWG). Examples are provided for the use of Euclidean distances and Hamming distances. Various algebraic operations will be applied to these sets in this communication. This results in more accurate models and is closed to an integer $ \Delta $. A medical robotics system is described as combining computer science and machine tool technology. There are five types of robotics such as Pharma robotics, Robotic-assisted biopsy, Antibacterial nano-materials, AI diagnostics, and AI epidemiology. A robotics system should be selected based on four criteria, including robot controller features, affordable off-line programming software, safety codes, and the manufacturer's experience and reputation. Using expert judgments and criteria, we will be able to decide which options are the most appropriate. Several of the proposed and current models are also compared in order to demonstrate the reliability and usefulness of the models under study. Additionally, the findings of the study are fascinating and intriguing.
Les sanctions administratives communales à Bruxelles à l’épreuve de la crise de la COVID-19
Authors: Tatti Diletta
Published: May 2023

Les mesures adoptées lors du premier confinement, de mars à juin 2020, ont été caractérisées par leur impact inédit sur la possibilité même de jouir de l’espace public. Des comportements jusqu’alors anodins ont été érigés en infractions. Dès le départ, la répression de ces dernières a constitué une priorité pour les autorités belges. En Région bruxelloise, les sanctions administratives communales (SAC) ont assuré ce rôle de répression, dans une articulation originale avec la répression pénale. À partir de l’analyse de données empiriques quantitatives et qualitatives, l’article se penche sur les contours et les applications de cette « exception bruxelloise », à l’aune d’enjeux liés à la jouissance de l’espace public dans une ville caractérisée par d’importantes inégalités sociospatiales.
Municipal administrative sanctions in Brussels in the face of the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Tatti Diletta
Published: May 2023

Les mesures adoptées lors du premier confinement, de mars à juin 2020, ont été caractérisées par leur impact inédit sur la possibilité même de jouir de l’espace public. Des comportements jusqu’alors anodins ont été érigés en infractions. Dès le départ, la répression de ces dernières a constitué une priorité pour les autorités belges. En Région bruxelloise, les sanctions administratives communales (SAC) ont assuré ce rôle de répression, dans une articulation originale avec la répression pénale. À partir de l’analyse de données empiriques quantitatives et qualitatives, l’article se penche sur les contours et les applications de cette « exception bruxelloise », à l’aune d’enjeux liés à la jouissance de l’espace public dans une ville caractérisée par d’importantes inégalités sociospatiales.
High-Frequency Repetitive Magnetic Stimulation at the Sacrum Alleviates Chronic Constipation in Parkinson’s Patients
Authors: Huang Mei , Zheng Bofang , Zhou Wanfei , Fu Huaili , Chen Xinrun , Wu Heyong , Zhang Jianguo , Zhou Xianju
Published: May 2023

Objective:

This study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of high-frequency repetitive magnetic stimulation (HF-rMS) at the sacrum for chronic constipation in Parkinson’s patients (PD).

Materials and Methods:

Eventually 48 PD patients were enrolled from July 2019 to October 2020, and randomly divided into the HF-rMS group (the intervention group, n = 24) and the sham HF-rMS group (the control group, n = 24). The intervention group received HF-rMS at the sacrum, whereas the control group received ineffective magnetic stimulation. We performed clinical evaluation before and after HF-rMS treatment, including constipation score scale (KESS questionnaire), Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III exercise examination), Hoehn-Yahr (H-Y) stage of motor function; simple mental status scale (MMSE), anxiety/depression table (HAD-A/HAD-D), the activity of daily living (ADL), and quality of life scale for patients with constipation (PAC-QOL) to evaluate symptoms and satisfaction of PD patients with chronic constipation.

Results:

There was no significant difference in the clinical characteristics between the two groups. As compared to the control group, the HF-rMS group displayed a larger change (pre and posttreatment) in the KESS scores of PD patients with chronic constipation, suggesting a significant improvement. Moreover, HF-rMS significantly promoted the mood, activity of daily living, and quality of life of PD patients when comparing the alteration of HAD-A/HAD-D scores, ADL scores, and PAC-QOL scores between the two groups. Finally, there was no significant difference in the change of the UPDRS III score and the MMSE score between the two groups.

Conclusion:

HF-rMS at the sacrum can improve chronic constipation in PD patients.
Comparison between Epley and Gans Repositioning Maneuvers for Posterior Canal BPPV: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Dhiman Neetu R. , Joshi Deepika , Gyanpuri Vyom , Pathak Abhishek , Kumar Anand
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a condition in which a patient gets severe vertigo on moving his head from one position to another. This study aims at comparing the traditional maneuver-Epley repositioning maneuver (ERM) and the newly emerged maneuver-Gans Repositioning maneuver (GRM).

Design:

A randomized controlled trial.

Settings:

Tertiary care teaching University Hospital.

Participants:

Posterior canal BPPV.

Intervention:

Two hundred and thirty-four patients with BPPV (PC-BPPV) of the posterior canal, diagnosed using the Dix-hallpike test (DH test), were recruited for the study as per random allocation. Two groups were divided by the random allocation method. One group was treated with the Epley maneuver and the other with Gans maneuver by two separate physiotherapists.

Main Outcome Measures:

DH test negativity (absence of vertigo and nystagmus), Vertigo Analogue Scale (VAS), and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). Twenty-four hours post-treatment assessments and data analysis were conducted by another (third) therapist. A one month follow-up subjective assessment was performed.

Results:

Results of one-variable Chi-square tests revealed significant improvement (P < .0001) in maximum (95%) patients of both groups whether subjects were given GRM or ERM. Also, objective improvement (DH test) was found in the Epley group (n = 118, 82.20%) and the Gans group (n = 116, 78.44%). Patients in both groups improved significantly with no dizziness on the VVAS scale (n = 118, 82.20%) in the Epley group and (n = 116, 78.44%) in the Gans group.

Conclusion:

GRM is as easy, effective, and safe maneuver as the ERM with the absence of recurrence for the treatment of posterior canal BPPV.

Trial Registration:

Clinical Trials Registry (CTRI/2019/10/021681).
Adult Onset Episodic Encephalopathy Due to Citrin Deficiency—A Case Report
Authors: Baskar Dipti , Lakshmi Vathsala , Nalini Atchayaram , Arunachal Gautham , Bhat Maya Dhattatraya , Nanjaiah Nandakumar Dalavaikodihalli , Yadav Ravi , Chowdary Ravindranadh , Raja Pritam , Mounika Ambati , Sharath PS , Vengalil Seena
Published: May 2023

Hyperammonemia is a rare cause of adult episodic encephalopathy. Citrin deficiency resulting in citrullinemia type 2 (CTLN2) can lead to recurrent delirium in adults. Here we report a case of adult onset episodic encephalopathy due to citrin deficiency. A 40 years old male presented with one-year history of episodic encephalopathy triggered by high protein and fat diet. He also had chronic pancreatitis and subacute intestinal obstruction which is a novel manifestation of CTLN2. Evaluation showed elevated blood liver enzymes, ammonia, and citrulline. MRI brain showed frontal hyperintensities and bulky basal ganglia which have not been reported. Diagnosis was confirmed by next-generation sequencing which showed a novel variant c. 1591G > A in exon15 of SLC25A13. Hyperammonemic syndromes should be considered in differential diagnosis of episodic encephalopathy in adults. This report shows novel features of subacute intestinal obstruction and MRI findings in CTLN2 expanding spectrum of manifestation.
The High Value of External Anal- and Urethral-Sphincter Electromyography in Differential Diagnosis with MSA-P, PD, and PSP
Authors: Jia Shuangshuang , Sun Chenjing , Zhong Xiaoling , Wang Kunyu , Wang Zhiwei , Qi Xiaokun , Qiu Feng
Published: May 2023

Objective:

It is a challenge to differentiate multiple system atrophy parkinsonism (MSA-P), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). We aimed to explore the value of external anal-sphincter electromyography (EAS-EMG) and urethral-sphincter electromyography (US-EMG) in differential diagnosis with MSA-P, PD, and PSP.

Methods:

A total of 149 subjects, including 27 MSA-P, 100 PD, and 22 PSP, were recruited. The average duration and amplitude of motor unit potentials (MUPs), percentage of polyphasic MUPs, amplitude during strong contraction, and recruitment pattern during maximal voluntary contraction were recorded. The differences in EAS-EMG and US-EMG results between MSA-P, PD, and PSP were analyzed.

Results:

In EAS-EMG examination, the average duration of MUPs of MSA-P was significantly longer than that of PD and PSP; the percentage of polyphasic MUPs and the ratio of simple phase and simple-mix phase of MSA-P and PSP were significantly higher than that of PD; the amplitude during strong contraction of MSA-P was significantly lower than that of PD. In US-EMG examination, the average duration of MUPs in male MSA-P was significantly longer than that in male PD and PSP; the ratio of simple phase and simple-mix phase in male MSA-P was significantly higher than that in male PD; there was no statistical difference in US-EMG indexes between male PD and PSP male. And because only one female PSP was examined, only female MSA-P and PD were compared, the average duration of MUPs in female MSA-P was significantly longer than that in female PD; the ratio of simple phase and simple-mix phase in female MSA-P was significantly higher than that in female PD.

Conclusion:

The average duration of MUPs and the ratio of the simple phase and simple-mix phase of EAS-EMG and US-EMG all can provide the basis for the differential diagnosis between MSA-P and PD. US-EMG can be used as a supplement to differentiate MSA-P from PD when EAS-EMG is limited. The only discriminating indicator between MSA-P and PSP seems to be the average duration of MUPs of EAS-EMG and US-EMG. There is still a lack of diagnostic electromyography indicators between PD and PSP.
Acute Cerebellar Ataxia: A Rare Association of Hepatitis a Infection
Authors: Sharma Shweta , Prakash Prithivi R. , Narayan Ananthu , Garg Ajay , Wig Naveet
Published: May 2023

Acute cerebellar ataxia (ACA) is a self-limited syndrome that is frequently post-infectious, most commonly followingVaricellainfection having an autoimmune mechanism. ACA is the commonest cause of childhood ataxia. We report a 14-year-old male who presented with acute onset wide-based gait and slurring of speech with dysdiadochokinesia, incoordination of voluntary movements, pendular knee jerk, and intentional tremors. He had worsening transaminitis and rising bilirubin during his hospital course and was subsequently found to be hepatitis A virus (HAV) immunoglobulin-M antibody positive. Thus, we report a case of ACA with HAV infection who developed jaundice after three weeks of onset of ataxia, a rarity that has not been reported so far in medical literature.
NIMHANS Neuropsychological Battery for Elderly in Parkinson’s Disease Patients: Validation and Diagnosis using MDS PD-MCI Task Force Criteria in Indian Population
Authors: Botta Ragasudha , Keshav Kumar J , Kutty Bindu , Mahadevan Anita , Pal Pramod Kumar , Yadav Ravi
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Cognitive impairment is a common non-motor feature of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment is challenging and routinely missed in clinical practice. Our study aimed to study the efficacy of NIMHANS Neuropsychological Battery for Elderly (NNB-E) in diagnosing subtle cognitive deficits in PD patients.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to validate NNB-E and evaluate cognitive impairment in PD patients in comparison with healthy controls.

Methods:

We recruited 31 PD patients and 31 healthy controls in the current study. We validated NNB-E using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, Crohnbach’s alpha, principal component analysis, and Pearson product-moment correlation, and studied the cognitive impairments using NNB-E in the non-demented PD patients and controls who scored ≥24 on HMSE.

Results:

Cognitive performance of PD patients was poor compared to controls. NNB-E showed good internal consistency and construct validity with Crohnbach’s alpha of 0.861 and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.878. The battery was able to detect mild cognitive impairment in 74.1% of patients and 6.4% of controls. The ROC curve showed that the overall sensitivity of the battery was 73.2% and specificity was 92.6% at an optimal cutoff score. Different cutoff values set for defining PD-MCI as per MDS task force criteria resulted in varying frequencies of MCI ranging from 25.8% to 71%.

Conclusion:

Our study established the validity of NNB-E in PD patients, and this tool was suitable for diagnosing PD-MCI and discriminating PD patients from normal controls in the Indian population. This study also showed PD-MCI at various cutoff scores with greater impairment in executive and attention domains.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome Followed by Covid-19 Infection, Vaccination and Other Precipitating Factors during the Pandemic
Authors: Martic Vesna , Fejzic Esmer , Danilovic Milos , Lazarevic Snezana , Rajic Sonja , Roganovic Milovan , Stojanov Aleksanar , Jovin Zita , Debeljevic Mladen , Raicevic Ranko
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims:

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is usually triggered by an infection. Vaccination is mentioned as a possible trigger in a small number of GBS cases. The aim of this study was to notice GBS distinctness provoked by various triggers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Material and Methods:

A total of 109 GBS patients were divided into three groups, respectively: COVID-19 infection associated (19 patients), COVID-19 vaccination associated (16 patients) and precipitated by some other factors (74 patients). We compared the clinical, neurophysiological and laboratory characteristics of these three groups.

Results:

Neither were differences recorded in the age of the patients of these three groups at the time of illness, nor in the number of days from the precipitating factor to the onset of symptoms. There were no clinical differences between groups related to severity of the disease or patients’ recovery. The only clinical difference was observed in relation to facial nerve bilateral affection because it was significantly higher in the post-vaccination group. According to neurophysiological findings, demyelinating form dominated in all three groups.

Conclusion:

Clinical characteristics, electrophysiological findings and laboratory characteristics did not differ significantly in Guillain-Barre syndrome followed by COVID-19 infection, vaccination and other precipitating factors during the pandemic. The bilateral involvement of facial nerves was significantly higher in the post-vaccination group. Most of these cases had a mild form of the disorder—distal paresthesias GBS variant.
Toll-like receptor 2-mediated downstream cytokine levels as determinant of malaria pathogenesis
Authors: Kalita Manash Pratim , Basumatary Tarun Kumar , Medhi Subhash , Begum Ramie Husneara
Published: May 2023

Background & objectives:

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are transmembrane proteins that recognize specific molecular patterns and activate downstream cytokine production usually for the eradication of invading pathogens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic polymorphism of TLR2
Arg753Gln (rs 5743708) and soluble cytokines and TLR2 expression levels in malaria disease cases.

Methods:

The study included prospectively collected 2 ml blood samples from 153 individuals clinically suspected for malaria and confirmed by microscopy and RDT from Assam. Stratification of the study groups was done as healthy control (HC, n=150), uncomplicated malaria (UC-M, n=128) and severe malaria (SM, n=25). The PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method was applied for the analysis of TLR2
Arg753Gln polymorphism and following the ELISA for soluble serum TLR2 (sTLR2) and its associated downstream cytokines, viz. tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ levels.

Results:

Variation in TLR2
Arg753Gln gene showed no association with the susceptibility and the severity of malarial infection. Soluble TLR2 expression was significantly higher in uncomplicated malaria (UC-M) cases compared to healthy controls (P=0.045) and in terms of SM cases, the expression was also found to be higher in UC-M cases (P=0.078). The TNF-α expression was significantly higher in SM cases compared to both UC-M and control (P=0.003 and P=0.004). Similarly, significantly elevated expression of IFN-γ was noted in SM cases compared to both UC-M (P=0.001) and healthy controls (P<0.001).

Interpretation & conclusions:

The present study suggests the association of deregulated TLR2 pathway that leads to the deleterious downstream immune response in the development of malarial pathogenicity.