bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On fuzzy soft $ \beta $-continuity and $ \beta $-irresoluteness: some new results
Authors: Alshammari Ibtesam , Taha Islam M.
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we first introduced the concept of $ r $-fuzzy soft $ \beta $-closed sets in fuzzy soft topological spaces based on the sense of Šostak and investigated some properties of them. Also, we defined the closure and interior operators with respect to the classes of $ r $-fuzzy soft $ \beta $-closed and $ r $-fuzzy soft $ \beta $-open sets and studied some of their properties. Moreover, the concept of $ r $-fuzzy soft $ \beta $-connected sets was introduced and characterized with the help of fuzzy soft $ \beta $-closure operators. Thereafter, some properties of a fuzzy soft $ \beta $-continuity were studied. Also, we introduced and studied the concepts of fuzzy soft almost (weakly) $ \beta $-continuous functions, which are weaker forms of a fuzzy soft $ \beta $-continuity. The relationships between these classes of functions were specified with the help of some illustrative examples. Finally, we explored new types of fuzzy soft functions called fuzzy soft $ \beta $-irresolute (strongly $ \beta $-irresolute, $ \beta $-irresolute open, $ \beta $-irresolute closed, and $ \beta $-irresolute homeomorphism) functions and discussed some properties of them. Also, we showed that fuzzy soft strongly $ \beta $-irresolute $ \Rightarrow $ fuzzy soft $ \beta $-irresolute $ \Rightarrow $ fuzzy soft $ \beta $-continuity, but the converse may not be true.
Quinoa seed: A source of lipophilic nutraceuticals for the prevention of metabolic syndrome in a rat model
Authors: Al-Okbi S. Y. , Hamed T. E. , Elewa T. A. , Ramadan A .A. , Bakry B. A. , El Karamany M. F.
Published: March 2024

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of metabolic changes including hypertriglyceridemia, elevated glucose tolerance and fatty liver. The aim of this research was to study the bioactivity of petroleum ether extracts prepared from quinoa 1 and Hualhuas quinoa in a MS rat model. Fatty acids and α-tocopherol were assessed in the extracts. MS was induced by feeding a high fructose-high fat diet (HFFD). Four groups of rats were assigned: the control group, fed a balanced diet; the control group, fed a HFFD diet; and two test groups, fed on a HFFD diet and treated by either quinoa 1 or hualhuas extract. The Glucose tolerance, plasma lipids, oxidative stress biomarkers, liver lipids and histopathology of the liver and heart were assessed. The results showed that extracts from both quinoa varieties had the potential to prevent MS; although quinoa 1 was more effective. In both varieties, the major fatty acid was linoleic. Hualhuas showed a higher percentage of linolenic acid than quinoa 1; while more alpha-tocopherol was present in quinoa1.
Profession médecin : de la scène moliéresque à la querelle des Anciens
Authors: Stambul Léo
Published: March 2024

S’il est évident que les comédies médicales de Molière participent de la querelle des Anciens, il est moins certain de savoir dans quel parti le dramaturge se situe. Alors qu’on aurait tendance à le situer du côté des Modernes par la satire des facultés occultes issues de la science aristotélicienne, les critiques que lui adresse Perrault sèment le doute. La comparaison avec les critiques que Fontenelle exprime contre la médecine des Anciens ferait alors apparaître que Molière critique certes les Anciens, mais met paradoxalement en scène les succès de la médecine occulte et les effets psychosomatiques des cures propres aux doctrines anciennes. La satire médicale moliéresque montre alors au fond que la querelle porte moins sur le progrès technique de la médecine, dont le dramaturge, en bon sceptique, doute fortement, que sur la question du rôle social de la médecine, considérée comme une pratique professionnelle, voire comme un jeu d’acteur.
Le Malade imaginaire à la reconquête de ses intermèdes
Authors: le Blanc Judith , Razgonnikoff Jacqueline
Published: March 2024

Si Le Malade imaginaire est l’une des pièces les plus représentées de Molière, elle n’est que rarement mise en scène avec ses divertissements. Au XIXe siècle, les intermèdes sont peu à peu abandonnés, tandis qu’on assiste au siècle suivant à leur reconquête progressive. L’article se focalise sur certaines productions du Malade imaginaire qui ont marqué l’histoire de sa mise en scène, précisément parce qu’elles ont pris la dimension musicale et chorégraphique de l’œuvre à bras le corps. Il apporte un éclairage inédit aux mises en scène de Jean-Marie Villégier (1990) et Vincent Tavernier (2022) qui redonnent à entendre l’œuvre « dans sa splendeur » avec la musique intégrale de Marc-Antoine Charpentier, ainsi qu’à celle de Claude Stratz (2001), lequel passe commande d’une musique originale à Marc-Olivier Dupin. Il évoque enfin Le Malade imaginaire en La majeur, adaptation de l’œuvre en comédie musicale par Raphaël Callandreau (2021).
Médecine et censure dans les traductions portugaises des comédies de Molière au XVIIIe siècle
Authors: Ciccia Marie-Noëlle
Published: March 2024

Dans les années 1770, les six comédies de Molière à sujet médical n’ont pas toutes connu la même fortune au Portugal en raison de décisions censoriales parfois difficiles à cerner. La question du « traitement » par Molière du thème de la médecine n’est pas le seul critère d’évaluation et de rejet des censeurs ; il faut rappeler qu’au cours de la même décennie 1770, le Marquis de Pombal a imposé à l’université de Coimbra une réforme ambitieuse des études de médecine dans un projet global de modernisation du pays. La rationalisation et l’expérimentation succèdent brutalement à l’empirisme et la scolastique jésuite. La périlleuse articulation entre science et religion exige alors que le sujet sensible de la médecine soit précautionneusement abordé sur les planches des théâtres, à plus forte raison s’il s’agit de divertir et d’éduquer par le rire un public avide de comédies.
Dialogue croisé : Molière et la littérature médicale
Authors: Berriot-Salvadore Evelyne , Czuppon Béla
Published: March 2024

Cette lecture théâtrale a été conçue par Béla Czuppon et Evelyne Berriot-Salvadore pour la compagnie Perles de verre/La baignoire, dirigée par Béla Czuppon.
Scènes de médecine dans la comédie italienne et française avant Molière
Authors: Capitani Patrizia De
Published: March 2024

Cette contribution étudie les scènes de médecine dans les comédies italiennes et françaises produites entre le début du XVIe et la première moitié du XVIIe siècle. Les médecins et la médecine, qui occupent une place importante dans le théâtre comique de Molière, sont moins présents dans les comédies italiennes et françaises du XVIe et du début du XVIIe siècle, mais leur rôle est loin d’être négligeable. À l’intérieur de la période considérée se dégagent en effet deux phases. Pendant la première, qui s’étend sur la première moitié du XVIe siècle, le médecin et la médecine ne sont pas critiqués mais sont les prétextes pour cibler les vices et les faiblesses de la société contemporaine. En revanche, au fur et à mesure qu’on approche du XVIIe siècle, la scène de médecine intéresse de plus en plus les dramaturges et le public pour son potentiel spectaculaire et psychologique.
La scène de médecine chez Molière : essai de typologie dramatique
Authors: Louvat Bénédicte
Published: March 2024

Molière a composé quatre comédies médicales et deux comédies comportant une séquence médicale plus ou moins étendue. Les thèmes de la médecine ou de la maladie y sont utilisés comme supports du nœud ou du dénouement ou de développements annexes. Ces pièces font toutes place à des « scènes de médecine », c’est-à-dire des scènes qui dramatisent la relation entre un malade et un médecin, et qui prennent majoritairement la forme de consultations. Si les malades de Molière sont tous de faux malades (qu’ils le soient par feinte, par force ou par imagination), ses médecins sont tantôt vrais, tantôt faux et les différentes combinaisons exploitées permettent de varier les traits comiques. L’originalité des scènes de médecine chez Molière tient toutefois au recouvrement du thème médical par le thème religieux, la satire de la médecine devenant, après l’interdiction de Tartuffe en 1664, le masque d’une satire de la religion.
«  On roule sur quoi ? Sur le patriarcat !  » : une performance subversive
Authors: Degrande Laura , Zinzius Laura
Published: March 2024

Le présent article étudie la performativité du slogan «  On roule sur quoi ? Sur le patriarcat !  » scandé dans les rues de Bruxelles lors de la ride à vélo du 8 mars organisée par le collectif Les Déchainé·es. La performativité réfère ici à la relation dialectique entre le slogan et l’espace. Si le sens du slogan dépend du contexte précis qu’est la ride féministe, l’espace, lui, est modifié par la profération du slogan. Par ailleurs, le slogan et sa profération véhiculent des revendications féministes et révèlent les rapports entre genre et espace public. Cet article étudie donc de plus la performance du genre des manifestants et des manifestantes qui visent la destruction du patriarcat. Cette recherche se penche dès lors sur le caractère profondément militant de ce slogan, qui permet la performance de genres non-hégémoniques et acte un autre espace public.
Signer à l’unisson : ce que révèlent les « slogans pour l’œil »
Authors: Blondel Marion , Schmitt Pierre
Published: March 2024

L’histoire des communautés sourdes est jalonnée de manifestations organisées pour promouvoir les langues des signes, pour lutter pour les droits civiques et contre la discrimination des personnes sourdes. Ces événements publics comprennent, notamment, des slogans en langue(s) des signes, qui ont en commun avec les slogans parlés certains aspects formels des langues adaptés à la marche et à une bonne réception du public. L’article analyse ces discours afin de mettre en lumière leurs enjeux fonctionnels et formels en contexte de surdité et de souligner ce que ces formes révèlent de spécifique et de commun avec leurs équivalents parlés. En évoquant les mobilisations qui ont été autant de situations propices à la création de slogans, nous exposons les règles et contraintes que le contexte de réalisation des slogans fait peser sur leur forme. Nous explorons également à cette occasion la circulation entre les langues et entre les modalités, en étudiant les différents supports tant corporels que graphiques de ces slogans, leur transmission et leur réappropriation entre générations. En nous appuyant sur le contexte de surdité, nous ouvrons cette étude de slogans visuo-gestuels sur une forme de dialogue avec la littérature orale, ainsi que sur l’imprégnation de ces formes de luttes par le renouvellement des pratiques démocratiques allant, elles-aussi, au-delà du contexte de surdité.
La perception du numérique en pédagogie universitaire aujourd’hui, entre transformations et permanences : résultats d’une enquête à l’Université de Strasbourg
Authors: Kennel Sophie , Guillon Stéphane , Mailles-Viard Metz Stéphanie
Published: March 2024

À partir d’une étude menée auprès des enseignants et enseignants-chercheurs de l’Université de Strasbourg en France, nous analysons le ressenti des 418 répondants à une enquête portant sur leur expérience d’enseignement durant les deux périodes d’enseignement en ligne contraint de 2020 et 2021, liées à la pandémie. Nos résultats montrent, sans surprise, un ressenti négatif de la part des personnes interrogées : 79 % des répondants considèrent que l’expérience d’enseignement vécue depuis mars 2020 a été difficile ou très difficile et 51 % en tirent un bilan négatif. La comparaison des réponses entre les personnes ayant exprimé un ressenti négatif et celles s’estimant plutôt satisfaites de l’expérience pointe des écarts significatifs portant sur la maîtrise des outils et la résolution de problèmes techniques ou matériels, sur l’enseignement et la production de ressources pédagogiques, sur la qualité des interactions avec l’étudiant, ainsi que sur l’adaptation des pratiques pédagogiques à l’enseignement à distance, dans un contexte de contraintes temporelles. Nous constatons cependant que ce n’est pas tant la compétence ou la pratique numérique qui singularisent les acteurs que leur perception de la relation à l’étudiant et des pratiques et des compétences pédagogiques.
The response of the Italian regions to the pandemic: a quanti-qualitative analysis
Authors: Filippetti Andrea , Tuzi Fabrizio
Published: March 2024

Covid-19 is the first emergency that affected Italy in its regional institutional set-up. Through a qualitative-quantitative analysis of the regional resolutions in 2020, the article proposes a first analysis of the regional system. Drawing from their own resources, the regions have deployed 7.3 billion euros, of which two billion is intended for interventions to support families and 5.3 to support the production system. The regions that have implemented the most significant interventions per capita are the Autonomous Provinces, the regions with special statute and the large southern regions, the latter largely drawing on the resources of the structural funds. We observe an evolution in the allocation of resources from general and emergency aspects to specific characteristics of the regional production sectors. The regional system has shown a certain ability to mobilize financial resources and a significant degree of differentiation.
The Impact of Changing Work Arrangements on the Fiscal Base of Urban Government: Prospects for Adaptation and Mitigation
Authors: Zhu Pengyu , Akella Swathi
Published: March 2024

The pandemic has brought about various changes, such as work-from-home or telecommuting, and an increase in online shopping for day-to-day necessities. These changes have had a sizeable impact on commercial real estate businesses and, to a varying degree, on the fiscal base of local governments, especially in large cities. As the world settles into the post-pandemic era, flexible working arrangements such as remote work, hybrid work, and telecommuting are expected to become the new normal. As a result, large and small corporates have been reviewing policies on remote working. Some of them have either dialled back their office expansion plans or have shown preference for premium office spaces. This move is expected to weigh on tax revenue collections from property rentals for cities. Also, revenue from transportation services and restaurant businesses would decline. Hence, local governments would have to redesign their fiscal policies and invest in new opportunities, such as creating recreational facilities and converting old office structures into residential buildings. This paper uses available literature, media references, and industry and government reports to identify the potential impact of changing work arrangements on the office market in Hong Kong, New York, and London. We further attempt to understand the impact of this transition on the fiscal base of cities and the actions that policymakers can take to mitigate and adapt to this new economic situation.
Prediction of Water Quality Using Machine Learning
Authors: Ngoc Tran Thi Hong , Khanh Phan Truong , Pramanik Sabyasachi
Published: March 2024

With the fast growth of aquatic data, machine learning is essential for data analysis, categorization, and prediction. Data-driven models using machine learning may effectively handle complicated nonlinear problems in water research, unlike conventional approaches. Machine learning models and findings have been used to build, monitor, simulate, evaluate, and optimize water treatment and management systems in water environment research. Machine learning may also enhance water quality, pollution control, and watershed ecosystem security. This chapter discusses how ML approaches were used to assess water quality in surface, ground, drinking, sewage, and ocean water. The authors also suggest potential machine learning applications in aquatic situations.
Relationship of Digital Technology Adoption on Sustainability Performance
Authors: Hakimi Abdul Qadir , Masudin Ilyas , Restuputri Dian Palupi
Published: March 2024

This chapter explores the relationship between digital technology adoption and sustainability performance. The adoption of digital technologies in various sectors has the potential to enhance economic competitiveness while also promoting sustainability. This study examines the impact of digital technology adoption on sustainability performance by considering factors such as cost, reliability, quality, energy consumption, and carbon emissions. The research emphasizes the need for a systematic approach throughout the entire product lifecycle, including concept development, design, manufacturing, delivery, and supply chain management. The study also highlights the importance of communicating sustainability achievements and commitments in the tourism and hospitality industry. The research aims to fill the gap in understanding the underlying mechanisms and mediating factors that drive the relationship between digital technology adoption and sustainability performance, providing valuable insights for businesses, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
Impact of Industry 4.0 Technologies for Advancement of Supply Chain Management (SCM) Sustainability
Authors: Bharti Mukesh Shankar
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this chapter is to explore the potential impact of Industry 4.0 on the advancement of supply chain management. The fourth industrial revolution brought potential reform with better performances in SCM sustainability. This study analyses how Industry 4.0 technologies are becoming instruments to advance supply chain performance. A theoretical discussion of systems theory is associated with this research to highlight key approaches of Industry 4.0 for sustainable SCM. Qualitative analysis was used in this research by explaining the primary and secondary data to discuss research problems. This research also used empirical methods to highlight the role of the following technologies for huge performance improvement in the SCM, for example, artificial intelligence, robotics, the internet of things (IoT), machine learning, big data analytics (BDA), blockchain, and additive manufacturing.
Bibliometric Analysis of Publications on Gastronomy Tourism
Authors: Singh Vipin , Singh Amrik
Published: March 2024

In the ever-evolving tapestry of global tourism, a transformative movement has emerged, one that transcends the boundaries of traditional travel experiences. This exploration seeks to unravel the intricate connections between sustainable gastronomy tourism and the flourishing of research publication around the globe. This bibliometric analysis delves into the landscape of gastronomy tourism research, examining author contributions, institutional involvement, global distribution, document types, and journal impact.
Bridging Bytes and Biology-Advanced Learning and Bioinformatics in Innovative Drug Discovery
Authors: Dwivedi Dwijendra Nath , Mahanty Ghanashyama , Dwivedi Varunendra Nath
Published: March 2024

In this chapter, the authors explore the synergistic integration of advanced machine learning techniques with bioinformatics to revolutionize drug discovery. This interdisciplinary research is jointed on the premise that combining computational power with biological data can lead to more efficient, precise, and innovative approaches to identifying new therapeutic compounds. The chapter begins by detailing the journey of drug discovery from ancient times to modern. The authors discuss the current challenges in drug discovery and delve into how machine learning algorithms can analyze vast amounts of biological data. A significant portion of the chapter is dedicated to case studies where these techniques have been successfully applied, demonstrating their potential in identifying novel drug candidates and in personalizing treatment. The authors also discuss the various regulations and guidelines that address the challenges of data heterogeneity and the need for robust and interpretable models.
Challenges and Limitations of Few-Shot and Zero-Shot Learning
Authors: Gowda V. Dankan , Suneel Sajja , Naidu P. Ramesh , Ramanan S. V. , Suneetha Sampathirao
Published: March 2024

Essential to the development of AI and machine learning, this chapter explores the complex areas of few-shot and zero-shot learning. There have been great advancements towards more efficient and adaptive AI systems with few-shot learning and zero-shot learning, respectively, which can learn from minimal data and infer from particular data instances without previous exposure. Nevertheless, there are several limits and difficulties associated with these procedures. This chapter delves deeply into the theoretical foundations of both techniques, explaining how they work and what problems they solve in different ways. It examines the semantic gap, domain adaptation problems, and model bias, as well as the computational restrictions, overfitting, and model generalizability that are intrinsic to few-shot learning and zero-shot learning, respectively. We may better understand the ideas' potential use in different real-world contexts by comparing and contrasting them.
Ethical Considerations in Sharing Patient Data
Authors: Santhoshkumar  , Susithra K.
Published: March 2024

In the contemporary digital landscape, the exchange of patient data plays a pivotal role in enhancing healthcare outcomes, fostering research advancements, and promoting public health benefits. However, this practice raises significant ethical considerations that warrant careful examination. This systematic review delves into the moral implications associated with sharing patient data, shedding light on the intricate interplay between security, consent, privacy, and societal welfare. Within the healthcare industry, the sharing of patient data holds immense potential to propel clinical care forward, drive medical research progress, and shape health policy. The analysis provides practical insights into navigating the delicate balance between the benefits of data sharing and concerns related to bias, discrimination, and access. “Ethical Considerations in Sharing Patient Data” not only furnishes practical advice, but also presents a comprehensive framework for navigating the intricate ethical terrain inherent in patient data sharing. Policymakers, medical professionals, researchers, and patients stand to gain valuable insights and recommendations from this study.
Learning From Scarcity
Authors: Dixit Pooja , Kommula Advait Vihan , Rathore Pramod Sing
Published: March 2024

This chapter delves into the transformative synergy of few-shot learning and healthcare, elucidating its impact on medical procedures. Anchored in machine learning fundamentals, it establishes a core framework through a review of algorithms. Addressing challenges of small healthcare datasets, the chapter highlights the pivotal role of few-shot learning. Innovative methods like multimodal integration and federated learning enhance model robustness, offering insights into complex healthcare scenarios. Formal mathematical explanations categorize few-shot learning challenges, opening avenues for a deeper understanding and implementation in medical imaging.
Service Learning and Social Innovation Initiatives for Higher Education in Singapore and Hong Kong
Authors: Mokhtar Intan Azura , Tan Charlene
Published: March 2024

This chapter examines service learning and social innovation initiatives for higher education institutions (HEIs) in Singapore and Hong Kong. It is reported that the service learning and social innovation initiatives for HEIs in both cities are varied, substantial, and robust. Underpinning and influencing the design, planning and enactment of these initiatives is the value of collectivism that prevails in Confucian Heritage Cultures. This chapter also highlights some common challenges for service learning and social innovation initiatives for HEIs in Singapore and Hong Kong.
The Complex Landscape of Human Trafficking
Authors: El-Kady Ramy
Published: March 2024

Human trafficking victims suffer a direct assault on their fundamental rights, enduring a modern form of slavery and exploitation. Perpetrated by criminal groups, human trafficking exploits victims, especially women and children, in forced labor, prostitution, or organ trafficking, treating them as commodities in a market driven by supply and demand, thereby profiting at the cost of fundamental rights and human dignity. This chapter underscores the critical significance of understanding the multifaceted challenges inherent in combating human trafficking, emphasizing the urgent need for effective measures. By delving into the complexities of the transnational organized structure of this crime, the chapter provides valuable insights into the hurdles faced by law enforcement and investigative agencies. Recognizing the gravity of human trafficking as a direct violation of fundamental rights and human dignity, this chapter aims to contribute to the development of comprehensive strategies and policies to address this pervasive issue.
Emerging Technologies in Radiotherapy
Authors: Ramos Magda
Published: March 2024

Radiation therapy (or radiation oncology) plays a crucial role in the treatment of cancer, requiring advanced medical practices and strong health literacy on the part of healthcare professionals. This chapter aims to explore with a literature review how emerging technologies can be integrated into radiation therapy to improve patient health literacy and the effectiveness of medical practice. The application of technologies such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and digital communication in radiotherapy highlights their implications for professional education attitude, patient education and treatment, and the development of optimization of radiotherapy treatment protocols. Nowadays, knowledge has become a crucial tool to meet the challenges of an increasingly digitized society. Staying up-to-date and understanding emerging technologies can be key to navigating this landscape. The ability to learn and adapt quickly has also become a valuable skill during constant change in a global society.
Revolutionizing Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnostics and Therapy Through Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Patibandla R. S. M. Lakshmi , Rao B. Tarakeswara , Murty M. Ramakrishna
Published: March 2024

Using artificial intelligence (AI) to its transformative advantage, the smart vision initiative represents a paradigm shift in the diagnostics and treatment of diabetic retinopathy. The primary aim of this initiative is to address all forms of diabetic retinopathy using cutting-edge AI techniques, including deep neural networks and machine learning. These advanced algorithms are designed for rapid and precise diagnosis, enabling swift interventions to prevent visual impairment by identifying intricate patterns that are invisible to the human eye. Through the identification of complex patterns that are invisible to the human eye, these algorithms guarantee quick and accurate diagnosis. This early detection is crucial as it allows for immediate care, significantly reducing the risk of irreversible vision loss. The smart vision initiative sets the stage for a future where diabetic retinopathy no longer leads to blindness, offering a brighter, clearer, and safer optical future for those affected by the condition.
Green Bionanocomposites of Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA) and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE): Fabrication and Properties
Authors: Bijarimi Mohd , Yee Tan Joo , Mulkiyan La Ode Muhammad Zuhdi
Published: March 2024

This study utilizes a polymer matrix made from a combination of Poly (Lactic Acid) (PLA) and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). The polymer matrix is then improved by adding a compatibilizer, Polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA), a filler, Recycled Tyre Waste (RTW), and a nano-scale filler, Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). Examining how PE-g-MA, RTW, and GNPs influence the binary blend's (PLA/RTW) chemical and thermo-mechanical characteristics is the focus of this study. A twin-screw extruder is used for the melting and intercalating processes. The binary mixture consists of 5% PE-g-MA, five percent RTW, and 3% GNPs. The samples are then pelletized after being cooled to room temperature. Analysis and characterization of the pelletized samples thermal and chemical characteristics follow. After including a compatibilizer, filler, and nanofiller into the bionanocomposite, improved qualities are anticipated.
Weft-Knitted Strain Sensors for Motion Capture
Authors: Fischer Susanne , Abtahi Bahareh , Warncke Mareen N. , Nocke Andreas , Häntzsche Eric , Cherif Chokri
Published: March 2024

Motion capture, especially of the knee angle, is an important component for situational triggering of functional electrical stimulation (FES). One major disadvantage of commercial FES devices is their bulky design that prevents unobtrusive wearing in everyday life and limits the patient’s free choice of appearance. This paper presents an alternative approach of sensors for motion capture in form of textile-based strain sensors. These can be integrated in a FES system in form of functional leggings, which make the FES system suitable for an unobtrusive daily use. Textile sensors, especially knitted sensors have already proven to be very promising to detect tensile strain. In particular, weft-knitted strain sensors, which can be integrated directly into the clothing during the knitting process, have the potential to detect the knee angle and therefore derive the gait phase due to the bending of the limbs without disturbing the wearer unnecessarily. Different designs of the weft-knitted strain sensor and their influence on the measurement behaviour of the sensor have been investigated. The weft-knitted strain sensor can be directly integrated in the knee area of the functional leggings to be used as a soft trigger to initiate electrical impulses for FES.
Synthesis and Characterization of Carbonate Hydroxyapatite from Pokea Clam Shells (Batissa Violacea Var. Celebensis) by Precipitation and Hydrothermal Methods
Authors: Ardan La , Yusuf Yusril
Published: March 2024

Hydroxyapatite Carbonate (CHA) is a material that is found to have a composition more similar to bone, with a higher bioactivity than Hydroxyapatite (HA). CHA was synthesized using precipitation and hydrothermal methods using (NH4)2HPO4 as a phosphate source, NH4HCO3 as a carbonate source, and Pokea shells as a calcium source. In this study, the Pokea shells were crushed, calcined, and characterized based on physicochemical tests. CaO from Pokea shell contains 74.33% calcium. CHA was successfully produced by precipitation method at room temperature and hydrothermal at 120 C for 8 h. Sample characterization was carried out using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscope Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Based on XRD data, there are differences in the crystal size of CHA produced via precipitation and hydrothermal methods, where the crystal sizes of Precipitation CHA-1 and Hydrothermal CHA-2 are 6.388 nm and 25.969 nm. The FTIR results of both CHA show the functional groups typical of CHA, namely OH-, CO, CaO, PO43-, and CO32-. From the Ca/P EDX data results, Precipitation CHA-1 and Hydrothermal CHA-2 do not differ much, namely 1.71 and 1.69, and this value indicates that CHA has been formed.
Physical Properties Study of Sodium Doped Boro-Tellurite (Na2O: TeO2-B2O3-ZnO) Glasses
Authors: Marzuki Ahmad , Purwanto Hery , Sutomo Artono Dwijo , Harjana Harjana , Ramelan Ari Handono , Fausta Devara Ega , Astuti Retno Willy , Rahmawati Anisa Nandita , Alvyanti Frisca Aulia , Oktafiani Rivina
Published: March 2024

Five boro-tellurite glasses with chemical formula 55TeO2-(12-x)B2O3-32ZnO-(1+x)Na2O (TZBN), (x= 0; 1; 2; 3; 4; mole%) were successfully synthesized by conventional melt-quenching technique. The physical properties of the glass was studied to understand effect of partial substitution between B2O3 and Na2O. The density was measured using pycnometer based on Archimedes law. The other physical properties can be obtained by assisted some mathematical equation. Refer to the measurement, the density was found decreased by 4.905 to 4.590 gr/cm3 because the molecular weight difference between B2O3 and Na2O. Meanwhile the molar volume increased by 25.05 to 27.11 cm3/mole due to higher atomic radii of Na rather than B which raise NBO inside the glass network. Meanwhile, OPD, Vo, polaron radius, inter-ionic distance, packing density,and number of bond per unit volume consequently have been decreased. While the Field strength has increase due to stronger Na-O bonds. Reflects from the results the TZBN glasses could be used as active material for laser.
Quantifying the Human Perception: Development and Characterization of Textile-Based Capacitive Strain and Pressure Sensors
Authors: Warncke Mareen N. , Böhmer Carola H. , Böhnke Philippa Ruth Christine , Schmidt Ann-Malin , Nocke Andreas , Mersch Johannes , Cherif Chokri
Published: March 2024

In the research field of smart textiles, one main goal concerns quantifying environmental forces acting on the wearer's body since textiles, acting as the boundary between the two, are an excellent way of integrating sensors. Integrating strain and pressure sensors into wearables promises a simple way of monitoring a person's posture and forces acting on their body. Sensors relying on a capacitive measuring principle are highly suitable for this, as they are less sensitive to changes in temperature than resistive or inductive types. In this paper, textile-based capacitive sensors are produced by braiding conductive yarns with and without an electrically insulating TPU sheath. The produced sensors are analyzed in cyclic strain and compression tests. Moreover, their behavior under changing temperatures is tested to prove their resilience against environmental changes. To extend their capabilities from an integral measurement to a localized assessment of the strain, time-domain-reflectometry (TDR) is employed. Finally, the sensors are integrated into a flexible actuated bending beam, and their adoption for soft robotics is discussed. Strain is tested cyclically, showing good long-term stability. Pressure sensitivity is measured in a static compression test under increasing force. TDR is used to localize strain in two discreet sections of the sensor. Although strain could not be quantified through TDR, characteristic points in the measured response signal indicating the position of the strain were identified. Textile-based capacitive sensors are suitable for strain up to 10 % and pressure up to 8 N. The determined gauge factors are satisfactory, with strain sensors inherently having a higher gauge factor than pressure sensors. Furthermore, they display good long-term stability and no adverse reaction to changes in temperature. TDR is proven to provide localization of strain in flexible sensors.
Skin and lung fibrosis induced by bleomycin in mice: a systematic review
Authors: Gülle S. , Çelik A. , Birlik M. , Yılmaz O.
Published: March 2024

Objective. Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis (SSc), is a chronic autoimmune connective disease with an unknown etiology and poorly understood pathogenesis. The striking array of autoimmune, vascular, and fibrotic changes that develop in almost all patients makes SSc unique among connective tissue diseases. Although no animal model developed for SSc to date fully represents all features of human disease, some animal models that demonstrate features of SSc may help to better understand the pathogenesis of the disease and to develop new therapeutic options. In this review, we aimed to evaluate skin fibrosis and lung involvement in a bleomycin (BLM)-induced mouse model and to evaluate the differences between studies.
Methods. A systematic literature review (PRISMA guideline) on PubMed and EMBASE (until May 2023, without limits) was performed. A primary literature search was conducted using the PubMed and EMBASE databases for all articles published from 1990 to May 2023. Review articles, human studies, and non-dermatological studies were excluded. Of the 38 non-duplicated studies, 20 articles were included.
Results. Among inducible animal models, the BLM-induced SSc is still the most widely used. In recent years, the measurement of tissue thickness between the epidermal-dermal junction and the dermal-adipose tissue junction (dermal layer) has become more widely accepted.
Conclusions. In animal studies, it is important to simultaneously evaluate lung tissues in addition to skin fibrosis induced in mice by subcutaneous BLM application, following the 3R (replacement, reduction, and refinement) principle to avoid cruelty to animals.
Patient registry data on the efficacy and tolerability of adalimumab biosimilar in ankylosing spondylitis: A retrospective multicenter observational study
Authors: Awadh Nabaa Ihsan , Gorial Faiq I. , Humadi Yasameen Abbas , Ridha Asal Adnan , Jassim Nizar Abdulateef , Munshed Mohammed Hadi , Maroof Avin , Alqazzaz Ali , Qaradaghi Taha Ahmed , Younis Ali Abdulrahman , Moayad Marwa , Mahmood Chiman Hasan , Ibrahim Mariam Khalil , Hammadi Reem Abbas
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Adalimumab, a tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor, is an approved treatment for ankylosing spondylitis (AS). In Iraq, a biosimilar of adalimumab (ABP 501; Amgevita®) has been licensed for prescription since 2021. However, there have been no previous studies on its efficacy and safety in Iraqi AS patients. Multiple studies have shown that adalimumab biosimilars are effective and well tolerated, with comparable rates of clinical response, adverse events (AEs), and immunogenicity to the reference product.

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Amgevita in Iraqi patients with AS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A retrospective multi-center observational study involving 72 patients with active AS for whom Amgevita 40 mg was prescribed every 2 weeks The data were collected from Amgevita registry data across multiple centers in Iraq. Patients’ entire data sets were retrieved and examined for disease activity parameters and recorded adverse reactions up to 12 months of Amgevita medication.

RESULTS:

The cumulative percentage of response in active AS patients treated with Amgevita was 82% after 3 months (the baseline) and 61% after 12 months. The mean change from the baseline in the Bath AS Disease Activity Index was statistically significant (−0.5 [P = 0.033; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.87 to −0.04] and −1.14 [P = 0.0001; 95% CI: −1.68 to −0.60]) at 3 months and 12 months, respectively. On multivariate Cox regression modeling, disease activity was a predictor of a decreased response to treatment by 49%. There were no new, significant AEs.

CONCLUSIONS:

Adalimumab biosimilar (ABP501; Amgevita®) is clinically effective and tolerable over 12 months of follow-up in Iraqi patients with AS.
An interesting case of ocular flutter, myoclonus, and ataxia in the postpartum period
Authors: Gotur Amrita J , Saluja Alvee , Anees Shahbaz , Verma Jyoti , Sinha Prerna
Published: March 2024

Opsoclonus–myoclonus–ataxia syndrome is a well-established neurologic syndrome with paraneoplastic, postinfectious, immune-mediated, or idiopathic etiology. Ocular flutter and opsoclonus are in the same continuum with a common pathophysiology; however, their phenomenology is distinct. While eye movements in ocular flutter are strictly confined to the horizontal plane, those in opsoclonus are multidirectional. There are few case reports describing the combination of ocular flutter, myoclonus, and ataxia. In this case report, we describe a woman with the abovementioned features in the postpartum period with dramatic response to immunotherapy.
Sunglasses as an alternative alleviating agent for secondary Meige’s syndrome: Electrophysiological evidence
Authors: Prasad Shweta , Holla Vikram V , Pal Pramod K
Published: March 2024

Blepharospasm may be the most disabling of symptoms in Meige’s syndrome, and sunglasses or specialized tinted lenses (FL-41) have been suggested to be useful. The present report provides electrophysiological evidence to substantiate the utility of sunglasses as an alternative alleviating agent for Meige’s syndrome secondary to deep cerebral venous thrombosis with improvement extending beyond blepharospasm.
Palmaris brevis spasm syndrome: The treatable hypothenar dimpling
Authors: Ganguly Jacky , Pandita Neha , Banerjee Shubhrangshu , Mukherjee Soumava , Singh Nilam , Basu Purba , Kumar Hrishikesh
Published: March 2024

Palmaris brevis spasm syndrome is a rare disorder, mostly reported with occupational overuse of a computer keyboard, mouse, pipette, and vibratory tools or after the use of arm braces. Rarely, it can be spontaneous. It is clinically characterized by spontaneous contraction of the palmaris brevis muscle over the hypothenar eminence. Here, we report a patient with long-standing, spontaneous, and bilateral palmaris brevis spasm syndrome without any occupational exposure who demonstrated excellent response to botulinum toxin therapy. Clinicians should be aware of this rare but treatable entity in patients presenting with hypothenar spasms.
Pramipexole-induced syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion in a patient with young-onset Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Panigrahi Baikuntha , Radhakrishnan Divya M , Rajan Roopa , Agarwal Ayush , Pandit Awadh Kishor , Srivastava Achal K
Published: March 2024

Pramipexole, a dopaminergic agonist, has rarely been implicated as a cause of hyponatremia in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Pramipexole-induced stimulation of anti-diuretic hormone results in euvolemic hyponatremia. This is often neglected, and hyponatremia may lead to worsening of the motor symptoms with PD and an unnecessary increase in dopaminergic medications, causing disabling dyskinesias. This case report describes a patient with young-onset PD who developed new-onset hyponatremia due to pramipexole-induced syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone within 3 months of starting the drug.
Pattern of failure after adjuvant radiation therapy in oral cavity cancer patients: Data from tertiary care institute in North India
Authors: Sidhu Manjinder Singh , Jain Sumeet , Brar Gurpreet , Dhall Kunal , Sood Sandhya , Aggarwal Ritu , Jain Kunal , Singh Jagdeep , Garg Nitish , Bhutani Puneet , Paul Davinder , Beriwal Sushil
Published: March 2024

Objectives:

To review failure patterns in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma treated with surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy.

Materials and Methods:

All patients with biopsy-proven stage I-IVB oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) treated with surgery and adjuvant therapy between 2018 and 2022 were evaluated. Outcome measures were 3-years loco-regional recurrence (LRR), overall survival (OS), and progression free survival (PFS). LRR was spatially localized in relation to contour and dose distribution.

Results:

A total of 85 patients treated between years 2018 to 2022 were evaluated with median follow-up of 19 months. Disease subsites were oral tongue (37.6%) and bucco-alveolar complex (62.4%). Of a total of 25.9% failures, 16/85 (18.8%) were local, 9/85 (10.6%) were regional, 18/85 (21.2%) were locoregional, and 10/85 (11.8%) were distant. For LRR, total in-field failure was 11.8%, marginal failure was 4.7%, and out-of-field failure was seen in 2.4% cases. The 3-year actuarial local, regional control, and LRR in our study were 69%, 84%, and 67%, respectively. The cumulative rates of OS were 72% and PFS was 56%. On univariate analysis, independent factors for local failure were perineural invasion (PNI) (OR = 5.89, P = 0.03), lymph vascular space invasion (LVI) (OR = 3.69, P = 0.05), and pathological N3 (OR = 3.69, P = 0.02). For regional, failure was PNI (OR = 4.53, P = 0.038). For locoregional, failure was PNI (OR = 6.13, P = 0.002) and for distant, failure were PNI (OR = 5.80, P = 0.013), pathological N3 (OR = 4.35, P = 0.03) and LVI (OR = 4.66, P = 0.03). On multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, for local, failure risk factors were PNI (HR = 4.32, P = 0.01) and pathological N3 (HR = 3.27, P = 0.047), for locoregional, failure was PNI (HR = 4.42, P = 0.006), and for distant, failure was PNI(HR0 = 4.29, P = 0.05).

Conclusions:

In our cohort of patients, the most common failure was in-field LRR. PNI was significantly associated with local, locoregional, and distant failure on Cox analysis. In addition to PNI, pathological N3 was the cause of local failure.
Area to “Watch Out” for Dental Caries in Schoolchildren of Age 3–12 Years Based on Dental Health Diet Score – A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Lokesh S , Krishnakumar R. , Rajakumari S. , Catherine N. C. , Divyapriya G. K. , Malarkodi N.
Published: March 2024

Aim:

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of dental caries among children of age 3–12 years based on the dental health diet score (DHDS).

Settings and Design:

Dental caries in children is evaluated using food score, nutrient score, and sweet score.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 2288 children were screened/examined, for the presence of dental caries using dmft/DMFT index, by randomly selecting 10 schools within a radius of 5 km. Informed written parental consent was obtained. A closed-ended questionnaire which included a diet chart was given 2 days before the examination. All children aged 3–12 years were included in the study. DHDS was calculated and compared with standard chart. All data obtained were tabulated and statistically analyzed using SPSS version 16 (IBM Corp.), with the P < 0.05 value considered statistically significant.

Results:

Dental health diet score values obtained from the present study shows that, 71.8% children were in badly need of diet counselling and diet modification, 13.7% of children were need to be educated and 15.5% of children were just need to be motivated. On comparing the DHDS score with the dental caries, the mean dmft/DMFT score of “not adequate and barely adequate” categories was 2.3 ± 1.8 and 2.4 ± 2.1, respectively. Their values were found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Area to “Watch-out” for dental caries in children – Malnutrition. Equal emphasis is needed in both avoidance of sugary foods and maintenance of proper nutrition in children.