bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ruptured proximal pontine artery aneurysm and association with cerebellopontine angle cistern arterial venous malformation fed by the same artery: A surgical challenge
Authors: Gladi Maurizio , Di Rienzo Alessandro , Fasinella Maria Rossella , Aiudi Denis , Balercia Paolo , Dobran Mauro , Iacoangeli Maurizio
Published: October 2023

Background:

The coexistence of hyper-inflow aneurysms and cerebellopontine angle cistern (CPAc) arterial venous malformations (AVMs) have been rarely reported and most commonly associated with high risk of bleeding.

Case Descriptions:

We present two cases of CPAc AVMs admitted for acute subarachnoid hemorrhage from rupture of a parent right pontine artery aneurysm. Admission history, neurology at presentation, pre/post-operative imaging, approach selection, and results are thoroughly reviewed and presented. The acute origin angle of the vessel from the basilar artery made both malformations unsuitable for endovascular treatment. The surgical strategy was differently tailored in the two patients, respectively, using a Le Fort I/transclival and a Kawase approach. The aneurysm was clipped in the first case, and the AVM was excised in the second one, as required by the anatomical context. Aneurysm exclusion and AVM size reduction were obtained in the first case, while complete AVM removal and later aneurysm disappearance were obtained in the second one. A high-flow cerebrospinal fluid leak in the first case was successfully treated by an endoscopic approach. Both patients experienced a satisfactory neurological outcome in the follow-up.

Conclusion:

Pontine artery aneurysms, especially when associated with CPAc AVMs, represent a surgical challenge, due to their rarity and anatomical peculiarity, which typically requires complex operative approaches. Multimodal preoperative imaging, appropriate timing, and accurate target selection, together with versatile strategies, are the keys to a successful treatment.
Intraventricular endoscopy and intraventricular antibiotics in the treatment of multiloculated hydrocephalus with ventriculitis in a neonate and an infant: Two case reports
Authors: Valdivia Doriam Alejandrino Perera , Vega Luis Roberto Zapata , Pérez Edgar Abraham Herrera
Published: October 2023

Background:

We present two pediatric cases, a neonate and an infant, who presented with treatment-refractory ventriculitis and multiloculated hydrocephalus treated with simultaneous intraventricular endoscopy and antibiotics. This is the first report of this combined therapy in children.

Case Description:

Using intraventricular endoscopic surgery and antibiotics, hydrocephalus was treated with a minimum number of ventricular shunt systems. In addition, treatment-refractory ventriculitis was treated in both patients using intraventricular antibiotics.

Conclusion:

Endoscopic surgery and intraventricular antibiotic administration are useful strategies for treating multiloculated hydrocephalus and ventriculitis in children.
Isolated cervical Cutibacterium acnes osteomyelitis in a patient with no primary source of infection – A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Omosor Emmanuel , Milosavljevic Elena , Lawson Edward , Lopez-Gonzalez Miguel Angel
Published: October 2023

Background:

Cervical vertebral osteomyelitis (CVO) is a rare pathology that leads to progressive osseous degradation and eventual loss of bone putting the patient at risk of devastating neurological injury in the event of bony collapse or instability. Cutibacterium acnes formerly called Propionibacterium acnes is rare, but within the last two decades has been an increasingly reported cause of osteomyelitis. The majority of C. acnes vertebral osteomyelitis cases have been reported in patients with a history of prior invasive procedures where direct contamination at the time of procedure was suspected as the underlying etiology.

Case Description:

We report a unique case of an otherwise healthy 39-year-old male with no prior history of invasive procedures who presented with CVO secondary to C. acnes. He underwent surgical debridement and fusion in conjunction with antibiotic treatment. The patient recovered well and a 2-year follow-up with serial imaging showed no evidence of disease recurrence.

Conclusion:

C. acnes is an under-recognized and under-reported etiology of spine infections. Clinicians should be aware of the pathological potential and atypical presentation of C. acnes vertebral osteomyelitis.
A large growing occipital meningocele with Dandy–Walker syndrome: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Matsumoto Shirabe , Iwata Shinji , Harada Atsuko , Imon Hikaru , Seno Toshimoto , Watanabe Hideaki , Kunieda Takeharu
Published: October 2023

Background:

Dandy–Walker syndrome (DWS) is a well-known developmental anomaly. An occipital meningocele (OMC) is recognized as a malformation that is relatively often associated with DWS, but the association of DWS with OMC has been reported in approximately 40 cases. We present herein a rare clinical course of DWS with OMC, in which the sac was small at birth and became progressively larger.

Case Description:

A 5-day-old baby boy was referred to our hospital due to OMC. He was born at 33 gestational weeks due to premature rupture of the membranes. He was diagnosed as having DWS associated with OMC. The OMC was covered with skin and its maximum diameter at birth was 3 cm. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an occipital bone defect and continuity of the fourth ventricle, posterior fossa cyst, and OMC sac. The aqueduct was patent, and no hydrocephalus was found. The OMC sac increased progressively with moderate hydrocephalus and reached 7 cm at the age of 54 days when his weight was 2508 g. A cystoperitoneal shunt and repair were performed after sinus venography by contrast computed tomography (CT). At the age of 1 year and 8 months, he had moderate developmental disabilities.

Conclusion:

In most cases reported, the OMC was relatively small, and large and giant sizes were reported in only six cases. Almost all cases remained the same size as at birth and underwent surgical intervention as early as possible. It was possible to understand the relationship between the occipital bone defect and abnormal running of sinuses such as the superior sagittal sinus, torcular Herophili, and transverse sinus preoperatively from the CT venography (CTV) image. CTV may be an effective and important method for safely performing repair and shunt.
Surgical management of craniocervical junction tuberculosis with atlanto-axial dislocation – A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Amin Md Rezaul , Rahman Md Tauhidur , Hossain A. B. M. Manwar , Quader Tahsina , Islam KM Tarikul
Published: October 2023

Background:

There are few guidelines on how to best manage craniovertebral junction (CVJ) tuberculosis (TB). Certainly, timely tissue diagnosis, immobilization of the neck, and decompression of CVJ with appropriate stabilization are the mainstays of treatment for TB at the CVJ.

Case Description:

Three patients, ages 16–68, presented with CVJ TB with atlanto-axial dislocation responsible for progressive quadriparesis/plegia. Based on X-rays, magnetic resonance, and computed tomography studies, patients underwent timely decompressions and fusions followed by antitubercular drug treatment.

Conclusion:

Early diagnosis, proper decompression with fusion, treated with anti-TB drug for proper period were keys to managing TB involving the craniocervical junction in these three patients.
The Changing Landscape of Online Shopping: Exploring Motivations and Behaviors in Online Buying
Authors: Maan Savita , Chauhan Sadhna
Published: October 2023

The emergence of online retailing and penetration of internet in India mushroomed new online retailers and marketers as well as brought competition for growth and survival. The growing population and changing lifestyle of youth in India make it crucial for the Indian online retailers to recognize the consumer’s inspirations, source of idea and information behind buying a specific product over internet and online sites. So, this research explores the Indian online consumers inspiration for online shopping and uncovers the three major sources of idea and inspiration that persuade young online consumers to purchase specific product and to further analyze the impact of consumer’s demographic variables like age, gender and education level on their source of idea and inspiration for buying online. With this aim, the study was conducted on online shoppers and results reveal that for Indian online consumers, most prominent source of idea and information for buying a specific product online is advertisement. Social media networks like Facebook, Twitter etc. and recommendations of friend/family member were other major sources of idea and inspiration regarding buying a specific product over the internet. The significant association was also found between respondent’s gender and source of idea and inspiration for online shopping. Females majorly get their idea and inspiration of buying a specific product online by advertisement and male get the idea and inspiration from the social networks.
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in Human Resource Functions
Authors: Vijai C. , Mariyappan M.S.R.
Published: October 2023

Automation has become a game-changer in the field of Human Resource (HR), revolutionizing traditional HR operations and transforming the way organizations manage their workforce. This study explores the concept of automation in HR and its impact on various HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, employee data management, payroll administration, performance management and employee engagement. The study delves into the benefits of HR automation such as increased efficiency, improved accuracy, reduced manual errors and enhanced employee experiences. It highlights the different technologies and tools used for HR automation including Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and data analytics. Overall, automation in HR operations brings numerous benefits to organizations including improved efficiency, accuracy, compliance and employee satisfaction. HR professionals can focus on strategic initiatives and value-added tasks, resulting in better talent management and organizational success in the dynamic business landscape.
Peripheral nerve traction injury. Literature review
Authors: Tsymbaliuk Vitalii I. , Vorodi Milan V. , Petriv Taras I. , Tsymbaliuk Iaroslav V. , Nekhlopochyn Oleksii S.
Published: October 2023

Traction injury of the peripheral nerve (TIPN) is an injury that occurs as a result of stretching the nerve beyond its normal elastic properties. An analysis of the available literature has revealed the following. TIPN is the most common type of severe nerve injury in the setting of road traffic accidents, catatrauma, gunshot wounds, birth injuries, etc. The dynamics of TIPN during fast and slow stretching is the same and includes three phases: elastic, inelastic and tearing. The limits of elastic stretching of the nerve are determined by the degree of tortuosity of myelinated fibers and the elasticity of the connective tissue framework of the nerve. Stretching of the nerve beyond its elastic limits is characterized by rupture of axons and endoneurial sheaths, including at a considerable distance from the epicenter of pathomorphological changes, which determines the severity of the injury and the impossibility of effective nerve autoregeneration. The force of stretching and the direction of its application to the nerve trunk determine the severity of TIPN. The degree of nerve stretching varies along its length and reaches a maximum in the periarticular areas. A fairly moderate stretching of the nerve can lead to a noticeable change in the conductivity of electrical impulses. Unlike other localized types of nerve injury, the pattern of pathomorphological changes in TIPN includes various forms of damage to structural elements. Understanding the pathophysiology of TIPN is a prerequisite for the development of optimal treatment of this type of injury.
Intracranial aneurysms treatment using new generation FRED X flow diverters with antithrombotic coating and preoperative PreSize Neurovascular software simulation: literature review and own clinical observations analysis
Authors: Cherednychenko Yurii V. , Armonda Rocco A. , Sirko Andrii H. , Zorin Mykola O. , Miroshnychenko Andrii Y. , Perepelytsia Vadym A.
Published: October 2023

Objective: Evaluate the possibilities of treating giant intracranial aneurysms and complex anatomy aneurysms by implanting new generation of FRED X flow diverters (MicroVention, USA) with antithrombogenic surface subject to preoperative virtual modeling and sizing with PreSize Neurovascular software (Oxford Heartbeat Ltd, Great Britain).
Materials and Methods. FRED X flow diverters with antithrombogenic surface were implanted in 7 patients with giant cerebral aneurysms and complex anatomy aneurysms in the Endovascular Center at Mechnikov Dnipropetrovsk Regional Clinical Hospital, Dnipro, within two months (May 2, 2023 to June 27, 2023). Our study group consisted of 4 (57.1%) female patients and 3 (42.9%) male patients (p=1.0). The average age was 50.4±13.7. 4 patients had single intracranial aneurysms and 3 patients had multiple aneurysms. 2 patients had 2 aneurysms and 1 patient had 4 aneurysms. 3 patients had a hemorrhagic clinical course of the disease (spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage in the history), 3 patients had asymptomatic aneurysms, and 1 patient had a pseudotumorous aneurysm.
Results. All 7 patients underwent the ICA aneurysm(s) surgery. 3 patients had a flow diverter implanted at the level of multiple aneurysms (in 2 patients, 2 aneurysms; in 1 patient, 3 aneurysms). 2 patients, in addition to flow diverter implantation, underwent coil aneurysms embolization (using jailing technique). In all patients, the flow diverter was implanted under dual (ticagrelor and acetylsalicylic acid) antiplatelet therapy. 3 patients with a history of subarachnoid aneurysmal hemorrhage received a loading dose of dual antiplatelet therapy immediately before the flow diverter implantation. In one patient with a complex closed siphon shape, balloon angioplasty was required to optimize flow diverter opening to the arterial wall. In all other 6 patients, the flow diverters were opened in a controlled manner with a Push & Pull technique variant: Load/Tension Unsheath technique.
Conclusions: In the endovascular treatment of giant and complex aneurysms, the use of new generation FRED X flow diverters (MicroVention, USA) with antithrombogenic coating subject to proper diverters sizing with PreSize Neurovascular software does not cause technical difficulties and is controlled.
Habits and Perceptions as Key Factors: How Online Gaming Predicts Aggression, Alienation and Emotional Intelligence
Authors: SOYLU Nihan Selin , ENGÜR Mustafa , DEMİRAY Erdinç
Published: October 2023

E-sport gradually reached large masses and is consuming a great deal of time and circulation of money. Literature shows us that there are relationships between online gaming and various psychological factors. Especially the relationship between online gaming and aggression was widely studied. Alienation and emotional intelligence were also treated as potential mediators on the relevant relationship. The literature has not properly come to an agreement on the direction of the relevant relationship, moderators and mediators, so far. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the possible predictions based on online gaming habits and perceptions of online gaming for aggression, alienation and emotional intelligence. A sample of 316 online game players completed the online gaming habits and perceptions questionnaires, Buss-Perry Aggression Scale, Dean’s Alienation Scale and Emotional Intelligence Scale. Results have shown that none of the aggression types were predicted by neither years nor daily hours of playing online games. Additionally, perceptions and habits predicted different dimensions of aggression, alienation and emotional intelligence diversely. Our results indicated that, the observed relationships are rooted from how players perceive the game and the degree of their socialization within the game, rather than mere exposure to online games. This study provides a new insight by putting forward the individual perspective in scope of effects of online games.
Relações retóricas em orações de particípio
Authors: Leal António , Silvano Purificação , Oliveira Fátima
Published: October 2023

The main objective of this work is to describe the semantic values of sentences with clauses of participle with a NP as an internal argument of the verb, using the framework of rhetorical relations. To achieve this goal, we analyse two relevant sources of information: the participle and the connectors. Insofar as the first source, we assess the frequency of regular and irregular participles in the considered corpus, investigate the semantic nature of the participial forms and evaluate their role in inferring the rhetorical relations. As to the second source, we study the semantic value of the connectors and their role in the final reading of the structures under analysis. Finally, we consider the interaction between these two types of information sources.
Deflection-Penetration Criterion in defect ridden slanted interfaces: A continuum scale study in 2D Fracture Mechanics and 3D printable models
Authors: Reddy Suraj
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a deeper understanding of the effect of interface orientation and varying defect density within the interface on toughness in 2D media. Our study focuses on a pre-deflected crack that has a majority of its length parallel to the line of symmetry in the horizontal direction, with a small deflected region present in the interface, perpendicular to the line of symmetry. We vary the interface orientation at varying angles with 0 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 30, 37.5, 45, and 50. For all of the theta , we initially create 10 increments of interface properties, and within each of these combinations, we vary the defect densities ranging from 5 defects to 15 defects. Previous results have shown that higher defect densities in the interface region lead to an overall higher material toughness, while in turn making the interface weaker, allowing for cracks to propagate and deflect with the help of the defects. In this paper, we hope to understand 4 main ideas, (i) How do higher interface angle orientations vs lower angle orientations affect the deflection-penetration criterion? (ii) What is the effect of higher variations vs lower variations of defect densities on the deflection-penetration when faced with differing angles? (iii) How do the Elastic Energy and Stress fields react to changes within the angle of the interface? (iv) Can we recreate the computational results with 3D printable models through tensile testing? Overall, it is quiet clear that in terms of material toughness and stress concentration at the crack tip, the higher angle cases are a clear benefit to the toughness of the material; however, when considering the elastic energy and time needed for failure, the lower angled cases showcase a more preferable case.
Discussion paper: “In situ SR-XRD study of FeCO3 precipitation kinetics onto carbon steel in CO2-containing environments: The influence of brine pH” D. Burkle et al.. Electrochimica Acta 255 (2017) 127–144
Authors: Williams David
Published: October 2023

Burkle et al. [1] present an elegant study using a flow cell designed to allow synchrotron X-ray diffraction study of the growth of siderite layers on carbon steel at elevated temperature in the presence of CO2 under rigorously de-oxygenated conditions. However, they state that in earlier work, “the growth of the corrosion product was accelerated by applying excessive currents/voltages (unlike in this research) to the sample under study which were not realistic of the actual corrosion kinetics encountered in the field and consequently prevented the true processes of film formation from being established”. In the present comment, the hydrodynamics of the cell of Burkle et al. are analysed using an approximate model and it is shown that the results of the different studies are in fact completely consistent, further supporting the deductions and model of the earlier work for the effects of hydrodynamics on anodic crystal growth. Further it is shown that fitting of their results to the Avrami model used in the earlier studies illustrates the transition from anodic to cathodic reaction rate control with increase of solution pH. Comparison of the different studies indeed illustrates “the true processes of film formation”. The hydrodynamic model in conjunction with that developed in previous studies implies a significant variation over the surface of the anodic electrocrystallisation rate in the cell used by Burkle et al..
Machine Learning Nucleation Collective Variables with Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Dietrich Florian , Rosas Advincula Xavier , Gobbo Gianpaolo , Bellucci Michael , Salvalaglio Matteo
Published: October 2023

The efficient calculation of nucleation collective variables (CVs) is one of the main limitations to the application of enhanced sampling methods to the investigation of nucleation processes in realistic environments. Here we discuss the development of a graph-based model for the approximation of nucleation CVs, which enables orders-of-magnitude gains in computational efficiency in the on-the-fly evaluation of nucleation CVs. By performing simulations on a nucleating colloidal system mimicking a multistep nucleation process from solution, we assess the model's efficiency in both postprocessing and on-the-fly biasing of nucleation trajectories with pulling, umbrella sampling and metadynamics simulations. Moreover, we probe and discuss the transferability of graph-based models of nucleation CVs across systems by using the model of a CV based on sixth-order Steinhardt parameters trained on a colloidal system to drive the nucleation of crystalline copper from its melt. Our approach is general and potentially transferable to more complex systems as well as to different CVs.
Neurite outgrowth-inducing Drimane-type Sesquiterpenoids Isolated from Cultures of the Polypore Abundisporus violaceus MUCL 56355
Authors: Chemutai Sum Winnie , Ebada Sherif S. , Kirchenwitz Marco , Wanga Lucy , Decock Cony , Stradal Theresia E. B. , Matasyoh Josphat C. , Mandi Attila , Kurtan Tibor , Stadler Marc
Published: October 2023

Abundisporin (1), together with seven previously undescribed drimane sesquiterpenes named abundisporins A–G (2–8), were isolated from a polypore Abundisporus violaceus (Polyporaceae), collected in Kenya. Chemical structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated based on exhaustive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic measurements and supported by HRESIMS data. The absolute configurations of isolated compounds were determined by using Mosher’s method for 1-4 and TDDFT-ECD calculations for 4, and 5-8. None of the isolated compounds exhibited significant activities in either antimicrobial or cytotoxicity assays. All the tested compounds demonstrated neurotrophic effects with 1 and 6 significantly increasing neurite outgrowth when treated with 5 ng/mL NGF.
Droplet tilings in precessive fields: Hysteresis, Elastic Defects, and Annealing
Authors: Molina Anton , Prakash Manu
Published: October 2023

Two-component Marangoni contracted droplets can be arranged into arbitrary two-dimensional tiling patterns where they display rich dynamics due to vapor mediated long-range interactions. Recent work has characterized the centered hexagonal honeycomb lattice, showing it to be a highly frustrated system with many metastable states and relaxation occurring over multiple timescales [Molina et al., PNAS, 2021, 18, 34]. Here, we study this system under the influence of a rotating gravitational field. High amplitudes are able to completely disrupt droplet-droplet interactions, making it possible to identify a transition between field-dominated to interaction-dominated regimes. The system displays complex hysteresis behavior, the details of which are connected to the emergence of linear mesoscale structures. These mesoscale features display an elasticity that is governed by the balance between gravity and long-ranged vapor-mediated attractions. We find that disorder plays an important role in determining the dynamics of these features. Finally, we demonstrate the ability to anneal the system by progressively reducing the field amplitude, a process that reduces configurational energy compared to a rapid quench. The ability to manipulate vapor-mediated interactions in deliberately designed droplet tilings provides a novel platform for table-top explorations of multi-body interactions.
The Antibacterial Activity of Various Solvent Extracts of Leaves of Raphunus sativus
Authors: M Noor Mohamed , M Parameswari , B Pavithra , S Naveen Kumar , P Nirmal Kumar , P Jothirani
Published: October 2023

Raphinus sativus extract was prepared by Soxhlet extraction method using various solvents such as ethyl acetate (polar solvent) water and ethanol (nonpolar). The chemical test was performed to identify the presence of flavonoid content. Among them ethyl acetate extract shows a high flavonoid content.So it was used for further studies. By using the in vitro agar well diffusion method, antibacterial activity was measured in all extracts. 2 strains of bacteria were chosen for testing, including gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC25923) and gram-negative (E. coli, ATCC25922) bacteria. The diameter of the zone of inhibition were measured and compared to the amoxicillin reference standard.Compared to gram-positive bacteria, the extract exhibits higher potential activity against gram-negative bacteria. Concentration directly relates to how much action is taken.
Effects of postharvest application of 1-methylcyclopropene on tomato fruits of
cv. Vaishali
Authors: Chavan R.F. , Sakhale B.K. , Wakte P.S. , Jadhav O.S.
Published: October 2023

An investigative research study was undertaken to study the effects of post-harvest
application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on physico-chemical parameters of the
tomato fruits cv. Vaishali. The tomato fruits harvested at the breaker stage of maturity
were selected, washed followed by grading based on their surface colour and then given a
fungicidal treatment of 500 ppm. These fruits were then subjected to the application of 1-
MCP at various concentrations viz. 1.0 μL/L, 1.5 μL/L, 2.0 μL/L and 2.5 μL/L
respectively for 24 hrs along with absolute control sample respectively. These fruits were
then stored at 20oC for further investigation with respect to percent physiological loss in
weight (% PLW), surface colour, firmness, total soluble solids, titrable acidity, ascorbic
acid content, total phenolic content and lycopene content during the storage. From the
present investigation, the treatment T4 of 1-MCP in which tomatoes were treated at the
concentration of 2.5 μL/L showed significant retention of all parameters as compared to
other treatments. The % PLW showed a gradual decrease from 0 to 10.1, surface colour
improved significantly from 3.19 to 4.82 hue angle, TSS increased from 1.6 to 3.8oBx,
titrable acidity decreased from 0.35 to 0.16%, ascorbic acid content decreased from 76.98
to 30.08 mg/100 g, total phenolic content decreased from 3.87 to 3.28 mg GAE/g and
lycopene showed a significant increase from 6.89 to 12.64 mg/100 g. These changes in the
values of all the above parameters were found significantly superior to those of the rest of
the treatments. The tomatoes treated at 2.5 μL/L of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP)
concentration showed the highest shelf life of 34 days with maximum retention of overall
acceptability parameters as compared to control fruits with the least shelf life of only 12
days. The experiments showed that 1-MCP at 2.5 μL/L concentration and 20oC storage
temperatures maintain the shelf life of tomatoes with better retention of overall physicochemical parameters as compared to other treatments.
Real-World Application: Six Sigma Quality Tools for Continuous Performance Improvement in Specific Educational Practices: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sabtu Siti Hannah , Mohd Matore Mohd Effendi@Ewan , Maat Siti Mistima
Published: October 2023

The education sector is continuously seeking new approaches to improve the existing educational process while reducing instances of failure. Recently, the use of Six Sigma quality tools as a continuous improvement tool has proven to be a promising solution. To investigate the effectiveness of this method, a systematic literature review was conducted to summarize relevant empirical data on Six Sigma quality tools in education. This systematic review follows the PRISMA criteria (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis) and utilizes three major databases: Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, and Dimensions. Eleven articles met the given criteria, and the empirical results revealed that Six Sigma quality tools – including Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs and Customers (SIPOC), Pareto analysis, Fish Bone technique, Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), and Statistical Process Control (SPC) – could be used in institutions to meet practitioners’ requirements and achieve the desired quality standards. This study will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the benefits of Six Sigma quality tools in education as well as the ways in which they can be used to improve educational quality for students. Six Sigma quality tools are an innovative and promising approach to improving education. As indicated by the findings, further research is recommended to assess the use of the Six Sigma quality tools in evaluating educational interventions in various educational settings, especially at the school level, in order to verify significant improvements in educational quality and, ultimately, better student outcomes.
WhatsApp platform uses in Teaching and Learning in South African Tertiary Institutions
Authors: Murire Obrain Tinashe , Gavaza Bramwell Kundishora
Published: October 2023

Over the past decade, there has been a growth in the usage of new technologies, such as WhatsApp applications, for teaching and learning in educational settings. This study investigates how the WhatsApp platform influences teaching and learning in tertiary institutions. It focuses on tertiary institutions where WhatsApp platforms have become essential for online learning. Connectivism learning theory is applied as a conceptual framework to analyse the influence of the WhatsApp platform on teaching and learning at tertiary institutions. Using a qualitative methodology, a scoping analysis was conducted of 13 academic publications published between 2018 and 2023, which focused on the use of the WhatsApp platform as a learning tool. The study found a notable growth in the usage of WhatsApp as a teaching and learning tool in higher institutions. In addition, the study established that no clear policy guides the use of WhatsApp platforms in teaching and learning in tertiary institutions. Nevertheless, adopting WhatsApp in higher education has several advantages, including improved connections between lecturers and students. The study suggests utilising WhatsApp platforms to improve instruction in higher education facilities and a policy must be developed that speaks to the formal use of WhatsApp in teaching and learning. Future studies should concentrate on the effects of further use of new technologies on teaching and learning in tertiary institutions.
Enhancing Legal English Skills for Law Students through Simulation-based Activities
Authors: Nhac Thanh-Huong
Published: October 2023

Legal English, a sub-type of English for Specific Purposes (ESP), is in demand for legal practitioners in a new area of global integration. Teaching legal English has been seen as a complicated yet interesting process due to its complex features (Kamolidinovna, 2021). Consequently, several modern and innovative teaching methods are proposed to facilitate students to strengthen their legal English skills. This empirical paper focalizes on law students’ viewpoints on the benefits of Simulation-based Activities (SbAs) in the legal English course; explores the efficiency of SbAs on students’ legal English aspects development; at the same time, it also reveals students’ obstacles when partaking in such activities. In order to achieve these aims, the study made use of a mixed-research approach with the assistance of the data collection instruments, namely survey questionnaires, interviews, paper-based tests and performance-based tests. The results revealed that the participants expressed the favorable perspectives towards the significance of SbAs in their legal English skills enhancement shown through high Mean values (M>=3.40). Also, integrating SbAs into teaching legal English brought about positive effects on students’ motivation, critical thinking, research and other soft skills despite a number of obstacles during the application process. Additionally, the values Sig.2-tailed tests of all variables indicate the statistical difference in students’ performance of the control and treatment groups. Accordingly, SbAs are highly recommended to effectively instruct learners to fulfill their legal English course properly.
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF BIOMETRIC AUTHENTICATION MEANS BASED ON THE IMAGE OF THE FACE AND IRIS OF THE STAFF OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES
Authors: Korchenko Oleksandr , Tereikovskyi Oleh
Published: October 2023

Dedicated to the analysis and evaluation of biometric authentication systems for personnel of critical infrastructure facilities. It is shown that tools based on the image of the face and the iris of the eye have broad prospects, which is explained by the proven solutions in the field of face image analysis, the availability and distribution of video recording tools that allow the iris to be recorded simultaneously with the face with satisfactory quality. It was determined that one of the ways to improve the effectiveness of such tools is to increase the accuracy of face recognition and resistance to obstacles that cover part of the face. It is also shown that an additional direction of improving the effectiveness of biometrics can be recognition of the current psycho-emotional state of personnel of critical infrastructure facilities. The need to evaluate the effectiveness of face and emotion recognition tools based on face and iris images is determined. Based on the analysis of the literature, two groups of efficiency criteria were formed: basic and additional. Criteria characterizing the effectiveness of the recognition process are included in the main group, and criteria corresponding to the technical implementation features and service capabilities of recognition tools are included in the additional group. An evaluation of modern means of face and emotion recognition based on the image of the face and iris of the eye was carried out, and their non-compliance with a number of criteria was determined. It is proposed to correlate the ways of further research with the solution of the task of ensuring the fulfillment of the criteria related to the possibility of recognizing emotions and a person based on part of the image of the face, facial expressions and part of the image of the iris of the eye, with the technical implementation of expert solutions. The possibility of performing the specified task due to the use of modern neural network technologies is shown.
MULTIPLE EFFECTIVENESS CRITERIA OF FORMING DATABASES OF EMOTIONAL VOICE SIGNALS
Authors: Dychka Ivan , Tereikovskyi Ihor , Samofalov Andrii , Tereykovska Lyudmila , Romankevich Vitaliy
Published: October 2023

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10) Costantini, G., Iaderola, I., Paoloni, A., & Todisco, M. (2014). EMOVO Corpus: an Italian Emotional Speech Database. У Proceedings of the Ninth International Conference on Language Resources and Evaluation (LREC'14), 3501–3504, Reykjavik, Iceland. European Language Resources Association (ELRA).
Yabancı dil olarak Türkçe öğretiminde konuşma becerisine yönelik biçimlendirici değerlendirme temelli dereceli puanlama anahtarı geliştirme çalışması
Authors: ŞİMŞEK Akif , ÇEVİRME Hülya
Published: October 2023

Bu çalışmanın amacı yabancı dil olarak Türkçe öğretimi alanında konuşma becerisine yönelik biçimlendirici değerlendirme yaklaşımı temel alınarak B2 ve C1 düzeyleri için ölçme ve değerlendirme araçları geliştirmektir. Bu doğrultuda literatür taramasından ve uzman görüşlerinden yararlanılarak Konuşma Becerisi Analitik Dereceli Puanlama Anahtarı (DPA) ve performans görevleri geliştirilmiş, sözsüz iletişim unsurlarını ve bürünsel özellikleri değerlendirmek için ise Konuşma Becerisi Gözlem Formu ve Geri Bildirim Formu oluşturulmuştur. Araştırma, amacı çerçevesinde betimsel özellikte olup çalışmada ölçüt örnekleme yöntemi seçilmiş ve veriler üç farklı üniversitede yabancı dil olarak Türkçe öğrenen 76 öğrenciden ses kaydı alınarak toplanmıştır. Pilot uygulamanın ardından ana uygulamalarda iki puanlayıcı öğretici ve bir uygulayıcı ile sınav komisyonu oluşturulmuştur. Uygulayıcı, öğrencilere performans görevlerini vermiş; onlar konuşma performanslarını sergilerken puanlayıcılar da Konuşma Becerisi Gözlem Formu’nu ve Geri Bildirim Formu’nu eş zamanlı olarak doldurmuşlardır. Performans bitince puanlayıcılar öğrencilere geri bildirim vermişlerdir ve son aşamada da ses kayıtlarını dinleyerek geliştirilen DPA’ya göre puanlama yapmışlardır. Konuşma becerisi analitik DPA’nın kapsam geçerliği uzman görüşleri ile sağlanmış, yapı geçerliğini belirlemek için de açımlayıcı faktör analizi yapılmıştır. DPA’nın güvenirliğini belirlemek için ise Cronbach’s Alpha, Cohen’s Kappa ve Spearman korelasyon katsayıları hesaplanmıştır. Veriler SPSS 20’de analiz edilmiştir. Konuşma becerisi analitik DPA, elde edilen veriler doğrultusunda geçerli ve güvenilir sonuçlar vermiştir.
Neuropsychiatric disorders in Wilson’s disease: literature review
Authors: Galnaitytė S. , Musneckis A.
Published: October 2023

Wilson’s disease is a rare autosomal recessive disease due to the pathogenic mutations in the ATP7B gene that causes impaired copper excretion in the liver and its accumulation in tissues and organs. Clinically, the disorder of copper metabolism is manifested by various symptoms, usually changes in the liver function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and Kayser-Fleischer rings in the cornea. Wilson’s disease can be manifested by various neuropsychiatric disorders: cognitive and executive function, sleep and mood disorders, personality changes, or psychosis. Diagnosis of the disease is often delayed, especially when psychiatric symptoms appear. The mechanism of these symptoms is not clear, and the data of the conducted studies are controversial. Copper chelators and zinc are prescribed for the treatment. In order to treat mental disorders, psychotropic drugs and psychotherapy can be used. It is important for healthcare professionals to understand the link of the symptoms of Wilson’s disease and neuropsychiatric disorders in order to achieve timely disease diagnosis and effective treatment. In this article, we review the latest literature on neuropsychiatric disorders in people with Wilson’s disease, their causes, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations.
Correlations of inflammatory processes caused by cerebral stroke with the outcome of the disease
Authors: Vaitkus A. , Valinčiūtė J. , Gylytė S.
Published: October 2023

Introduction. Inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of stroke, so understanding inflammatory processes can greatly improve stroke treatment options. In this analysis, we review the positive and negative role of neuroinflammatory mechanisms in stroke.Negative influence of inflammatory cells and mediators in brain injury patients. All neuroinflammatory reactions and mediators play a negative role in initiating the pathological response to stroke and thus promote the development of inflammatory processes.Nosocomial infection. Elevated inflammatory markers and other prognostic factors are directly associated with higher rates of in-hospital complications such as pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and unfavorable stroke outcomes. New treatment directions can significantly improve clinical outcomes by reducing the incidence of hospital-acquired infections, which are one of the main complications after stroke.Vascular dementia. Stroke is a causative factor in vascular dementia, but certain neuroinflammatory processes in the brain are also involved. These processes may have detrimental effects on cognitive function after stroke. Therapeutic approaches that enhance pro-inflammatory cytokines and the immune system may be useful in preventing cognitive dysfunction, particularly after stroke.Physical disability. A stroke associated with ischemic, hemorrhagic, and neuroinflammatory processes in the course of the disease can cause a reduction or increase in physical disability and neurological deficit, which are very important for daily activities and quality of life.Positive influence of inflammatory cells and mediators in brain injury patients. All inflammatory cells and mediators play a positive role in complicating the pathological response to stroke and also in maintaining brain cell homeostasis.Discussion. Since the situation in this matter is quite controversial, a debatable question arises whether inflammatory processes have a positive or negative effect on the course and outcome of the disease in patients with stroke.Conclusions. After reviewing the latest scientific articles on this topic, we can say that the inflammatory process plays an ambiguous role in the pathogenesis of stroke and that its influence on the course and outcome of the disease can be both positive and negative. Therefore, today it is necessary to carry out more detailed scientific research in order to gain a deeper understanding of this issue and to achieve a better cure for the disease.
Retrospective study of spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage: vasospasm and other complications (Part III)
Authors: Bakanauskaitė S. , Grigaitė J. , Danilevičienė R. , Lizaitienė G. , Piliponis L. , Ščerbak J. , Jatužis D. , Valaikienė J.
Published: October 2023

Background. Acute subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a dangerous condition: roughly 50% of patients die within 30 days, nearly 25% develop significant neuropsychological and cognitive deficits, about 10% suffer from other complications, and only around 15% recover fully. One of the main causes of mortality is cerebral vasospasm (CVS), a cause of delayed cerebral ischaemia (DCI), which can lead to secondary cerebral infarction. Thus, early detection of CVS is crucial for improving patient outcomes.The aim of this study was to analyse the demographic and clinical (including complications) data of patients diagnosed with SAH, to evaluate the diagnostic methods, and to investigate the prevalence and treatment of complications.Materials and methods. This retrospective study included 102 patients diagnosed with spontaneous SAH, aged at least 18 years, who were treated in the Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos (VUL SK) in 2014-2017. The obtained VUL SK data were selected by the I60 ICD-10-CM code and depersonalized. Head computerized tomography (CT), CT angiography (CTA), digital subtraction angiography (DSA), transcranial color-coded duplex sonography (TCCS), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) were used to evaluate the cerebral arteries.Results. In 102 patients (mean age 58±16 years; 55% female), the most common cause of spontaneous SAH was ruptured aneurysm, the most common arterial sites were the middle cerebral artery (36%), anterior cerebral artery and/or communicating artery (together 33%), and internal carotid artery (20%). In-hospital mortality was as high as 21%. All patients underwent head CT, 78% CTA, 33% DSA, 8% TCCS, and 1% MRA. 71% patients experienced SAH complications: 66% acute, 27% chronic. The most common acute complications were cerebral oedema (34%), rebleeding (29%), and acute ischaemia (23%), the most common chronic complications hydrocephalus (11%), DCI (9%), and CVS (8%).Conclusions. CVS was diagnosed considerably less frequently in this study compared to other studies. While the diagnosis rates of ischaemia and hyponatremia were likewise significantly lower in this study compared to those in others, they are in line with the CVS diagnosis rate. Aside from the CVS and CVS-related complications, all the other SAH complications were roughly within the range of the other studies.