bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A importância da educação na inclusão e letramento digital em pessoas idosas
Authors: Ogassavara Dante , Ferreira-Costa Jeniffer , Silva Daiane Fuga da , Silva-Ferreira Thais da , Montiel José Maria
Published: December 2023

O uso de ferramentas digitais se tornou presente de maneira inerente na vida diária de grande parte da população. População esta, que passa por uma acentuada mudança demográfica com o envelhecimento dos indivíduos. Este estudo objetivou compilar informações relativas ao letramento digital em face do processo de envelhecimento, investigando os benefícios e impactos do letramento na vida de pessoas idosas. Para tal, foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica de revisão narrativa da literatura por meio de banco de dados como o Google Acadêmico, Scielo e PubMed. O panorama do letramento em diferentes contextos se apresentou como uma forma fundamental de participação social influenciada pela cultura e, com o avanço das tecnologias digitais, denota-se a importância do domínio e fluência de instrumentos envolvidos no mundo virtual. Indivíduos idosos inseridos na dinamicidade da tecnologia, passam por aprendizagens formais e informais no letramento, inferindo diferentes benefícios ao bem-estar e qualidade de vida a depender da especificidade deste, como o letramento em saúde que beneficia o autocuidado. Conclui-se que o letramento digital influencia positivamente na qualidade de vida de pessoas idosas, sendo a rede de apoio familiar um importante provedor informal de tal aprendizagem, considera-se ainda ressalvas sobre o desenvolvimento e fortalecimento das competências envolvidas no letramento digital, que de maneira integralizada promove a inclusão digital, social e o acesso à diversidade de ferramentas disponíveis no ambiente digital.
As tramas dos processos formativos entre duas narrativas de professores referentes à crise na educação
Authors: Rodrigues Rogério
Published: December 2023

O objetivo deste ensaio é colocar em debate o conceito de crise na educação a partir dos pensamentos de Jorge Larrosa (2004), Jacques Rancière (2022) e Hannah Arendt (2011), os quais colocam em evidência as dificuldades do ensinar e do aprender numa perspectiva emancipatória com igualdade entre os sujeitos. Neste contexto, o espaço escolar é uma oportunidade para que os indivíduos possam ampliar sua experiência de vida para além das formas restritivas do consumo alienante. A metodologia utilizada neste ensaio encontra-se no campo da teoria crítica, tomando como aporte teórico a Filosofia da Educação, como forma de interpretar os processos formativos entre duas narrativas de professores referentes à crise na educação. A nossa conclusão se refere diretamente em apresentar o espaço escolar como um local para a realização da cidadania em oposição ao modelo da sociedade instrumental, que segmenta a relação do sujeito com o espaço e, primordialmente, com o outro. Essa perda da condição de existir na sociedade com o outro é que caracteriza a perda do vínculo e constitui o nosso conceito de crise na educação.
A “escola fora a escola”: o mercado de serviços paraescolares na cidade de Belo Horizonte (MG)
Authors: Albuquerque Sulz Juliana , Nogueira Maria Alice
Published: December 2023

Este artigo aborda o mercado de serviços paraescolares em Belo Horizonte (MG), fenômeno que vem se difundindo cada vez mais nas sociedades contemporâneas. Mais especificamente, trata-se de examinar as variações na oferta de empresas especializadas em atividades educativas à margem da escola. Para isso, foram realizados dois procedimentos: o primeiro, um mapeamento do mercado e dos tipos de empreendimentos existentes na cidade; o segundo, a seleção, caracterização e análise - a partir das informações obtidas nos sites e nas redes sociais - de três empresas que representam as principais variações encontradas. Os resultados evidenciaram a pluralidade desse mercado que se estabelece fora dos muros da escola formal, tanto no que concerne à forma de atuação das empresas, quanto no que diz respeito às estratégias educativas das famílias usuárias desses serviços.
A Convolutional Neural Network Model to Detect Stress Levels in Electroencephalogram Signals
Authors: Santos Rodrigo Alexandre dos
Published: December 2023

Chronic stress is recognized as a major contributing factor to the impairment of people's health and quality of life due to the negative impacts it causes both in personal and professional life. There is a tendency for the increasing of concerns about mental health and investments in healthcare in the coming years and this fact has motivated the conduction of several studies that aim to develop technological solutions that can be applied for monitoring of people's mental state to early detection and treatment of stress. Machine Learning and Deep Learning techniques have proven to be a promising alternative to provide technology to help solve the challenges in the medical field. This study presents a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model for classifying stress levels in data from electroencephalogram signals. The model was trained with a dataset generated from an experiment in which individuals were monitored by electroencephalogram while performing stress-inducing tasks. The model achieved an accuracy rate of 98.95% in predictions and presented an adequate balance between performance and computational costs. The results obtained demonstrate the potential of Deep Learning techniques as tools to aid in the health monitoring and diagnosis. Key Words: machine learning, deep learning, mental stress, electroencephalogram
Detecting Phishing Website using Machine Learning
Authors: Journal IJSREM
Published: December 2023

Phishing attack is a simplest way to obtain sensitive information from innocent users. Aim of the phishers is to acquire critical information like username, password and bank account details. Cyber security persons are now looking for trustworthy and steady detection techniques for phishing websites detection. This paper deals with machine learning technology for detection of phishing URLs by extracting and analyzing various features of legitimate and phishing URLs. Decision Tree, random forest and Support vector machine algorithms are used to detect phishing websites. Aim of the paper is to detect phishing URLs as well as narrow down to best machine learning algorithm by comparing accuracy rate, false positive and false negative rate of each algorithm. Keywords Phishing attack, Machine learning
India’s Footing in Green Finance in Comparison to other Leading Economies of the World
Authors:   Acharya Vishnu Gupt Subharti College of Management and Commerce Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, India, Chaudhary Komal , Mittal Dr. Vinita
Published: December 2023

In the contemporary world, as development is surging in terms of planning and literal efforts, the climate has become a leading issue, leading to the environmental standards being compromised. This requisites to take recompense steps by countries not just domestically but at the global level. Green finance gained prominence to tackle the prevalent issue. The paper pertains to a comparison of India with other top world economies up to rank eight, that are the U.S., China, Japan, Germany, U.K., France and Canada, with a special focus on their carbon emission curtailment goals and the issue of green bonds. Keywords: Carbon emissions, climate, economies, green bonds, green finance.
Cost Percentage of Waste Management to Overall Costs in Hospitality Industry
Authors:   Research Scholar, Turiba University, Riga, Latvia, Singh Rajainder
Published: December 2023

For any business start up this a key part that how to manage finances and what are the initial set up costs and legal documents and procedures for that start up. Every hotel generates a big volume of waste annually so during the Hotel business start up planning it’s a very important factor that how the hotel will manage the waste generated from hotel and guests and what will be initial set up cost for waste management system and what are the monthly or annual cost to run the waste management system ideally. Hotel waste management is an essential part of running a successful hotel. Waste is not only expensive to have collected, but also represents a waste of valuable resources and supplies which were paid for in the first place. Hospitality businesses can take some simple actions to minimize their costs by preventing waste and correctly segregating what goes into bins.As staff manages waste every day, they are best placed to identify improved waste management measures so make sure to engage with them and train them for optimize the waste management system.
Dissecting Adversarial Attacks: A Comparative Analysis of Adversarial Perturbation Effects on Pre-Trained Deep Learning Models
Authors: Kumari Rekha , Bhatia Tushar , Singh Peeyush Kumar , Singh Kanishk Vikram
Published: December 2023

It is well known that the majority of neural networks widely employed today are extremely susceptible to adversarial perturbations which causes the misclassification of the output. This, in turn, can cause severe security concerns. In this paper, we meticulously evaluate the robustness of prominent pre-trained deep learning models against images that are modified with the Fast Gradient Sign Method (FGSM) attack. For this purpose, we have selected the following models: InceptionV3, InceptionResNetV2, ResNet152V2, Xception, DenseNet121, and MobileNetV2. All these models are pre-trained on ImageNet, and hence, we use our custom 10- animals test dataset to produce clean as well as misclassified output. Rather than focusing solely on prediction accuracy, our study uniquely quantifies the perturbation required to alter output labels, shedding light on the models' susceptibility to misclassification. The outcomes underscore varying vulnerabilities among the models to FGSM attacks, providing nuanced insights crucial for fortifying neural networks against adversarial threats. Key Words: Adversarial Perturbations, Deep Learning, ImageNet, FGSM Attack, Neural Networks, Pre-trained Models
A Survey Paper on Arrhythmia Classification Using ECG Signals
Authors:   Dept. of E&TC Sinhgad College of Engineering, Vadgaon,Pune,India, Mhetre Pallavi S , Lokhande Dr. Sunita S ,   Dept. of E&TC Sinhgad College of Engineering, Vadgaon,Pune,India
Published: December 2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) rank among diseasesof highest mortality. Electrocardiography (ECG) is a non-invasive tool to assess the generalcardiac condition of a patient and is therefore as first-in-line examination for diagnosis of CVD.Arrhythmia Classification plays a major role while diagnosing heart diseases. Any change in the regular sequence of electric impulses is called as arrhythmia. Identifyingarrhythmia as early as possible helps the patient in choosing appropriate treatment. Classification of ECG arrhythmia with high accuracy is a challenging problem. Arrhythmiaclassification requires Acquisition of ECG signal, preprocessing ECG Signal, extraction of features, and optimization of the features and classification of arrhythmia. This paper presents survey on ECG denoising, feature extraction, optimization and classification. Furthermore, methods used to analyze the performance are also discussed. Limitations and drawbacks involved in ECG denoising, Feature Extraction and Classification are discussed concluding remarks and future scope. Keywords— ECG signal, Denoising, Feature Extraction, Arrhythmia Classification.
UNLOCKING THE SKY
Authors: Journal IJSREM
Published: December 2023

Satellite imagery plays a crucial role in research and development, facilitating advancements in fields such as agriculture monitoring and disaster management. These images, captured through sophisticated systems, are processed using computers to extract valuable information. Machine Learning (ML), a fundamental aspect of artificial intelligence, involves constructing rules based on data. It revolves around creating software applications that access information and use it for self-guided learning. In the context of satellite imagery, Machine Learning algorithms have proven indispensable for analyzing images from various sources, yielding deeper insights. This article explores the utilization of Machine Learning- based image classification techniques to enhance the interpretation of Satellite Imagery. By employing these techniques, the process of classifying objects within satellite images can be improved, leading to more refined and detailed out comes window will be opened for the kids with specialized tools and description.
A NEW RISK ASSESSMENT METHOD FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE DRIVING SYSTEMS: FERMATEAN FUZZY AHP APPROACH
Authors: ŞİMŞEK Necip , KİRİSCİ Murat
Published: December 2023

The autonomous vehicle driving systems' decision-making processes are distinct from those of the users, enabling them to supervise and control the operations of automobiles in both anticipated and unforeseen situations. Although utilizing this technology has several benefits, including fewer accidents brought on by human error and more effective energy usage, it is also clear that there are significant risks associated. Therefore, it will be useful to design a risk assessment application for these systems given the risks connected with autonomous vehicles and/or driving systems that must be assessed and addressed. This article presents a multi-criteria decision-making strategy to evaluate the risk probabilities of autonomous vehicle driving systems by combining the AHP technique with interval-valued Fermatean fuzzy sets. Interval-valued Fuzzy Fermat presents six options for autonomous driving systems for vehicles, which have been evaluated in the application based on six main criteria and fifteen sub-criteria criteria. The findings of this study have demonstrated that the threat posed by cyberattacks is being addressed and given priority to improve the success of the introduction of autonomous vehicle driving systems.
Peningkatan Literasi Keagamaan Melalui Program Bacaan Al-Quran Interaktif di Perumahan Arraya Cibatok
Authors: Komarudin Komarudin , Irawati Irawati
Published: December 2023

Pendidikan agama Islam adalah komponen integral dalam kehidupan umat Muslim yang berperan dalam membentuk pemahaman agama dan nilai-nilai keagamaan. Memahami dan menguasai Al-Quran sebagai teks suci Islam menjadi aspek penting dalam literasi keagamaan. Namun, banyak individu, terutama di Perumahan Arraya Cibatok yang tidak memiliki akses mudah ke lembaga pendidikan agama, menghadapi kendala dalam memahami dan mempraktikkan ajaran Al-Quran. Dalam konteks ini, artikel ini membahas konsep dan manfaat dari program bacaan Al-Quran interaktif sebagai upaya peningkatan literasi keagamaan di kalangan Perumahan Arraya Cibatok. Program ini menggunakan teknologi komputer dan aplikasi khusus untuk memberikan akses yang lebih mudah dan interaktif terhadap teks Al-Quran. Program ini menawarkan fitur-fitur seperti tafsir Al-Quran, terjemahan, dan audio bacaan yang dilengkapi dengan pelafalan yang benar. Dengan demikian, individu, terutama yang tidak memiliki akses ke guru agama Islam, dapat mempelajari bacaan Al-Quran secara mandiri dengan lebih efektif. Manfaat dari program ini meliputi peningkatan pemahaman Al-Quran, perbaikan tajwid, akses yang mudah dan fleksibel, serta kemampuan untuk mengatasi hambatan fisik. Program bacaan Al-Quran interaktif memungkinkan individu untuk memahami dan mempraktikkan ajaran Islam dengan lebih baik, mempromosikan akar spiritual dan moral yang lebih kuat dalam masyarakat. Dengan teknologi sebagai alat bantu, program bacaan Al-Quran interaktif memberikan solusi inovatif untuk mengatasi kendala dalam literasi keagamaan. Melalui upaya bersama dalam mengadopsi teknologi untuk tujuan pendidikan agama Islam, kita dapat memperkuat pemahaman agama dan nilai-nilai keagamaan dalam masyarakat, menciptakan lingkungan yang lebih berpengetahuan tentang agama, serta memperkaya pengalaman keagamaan individu. Program ini merupakan langkah positif dalam mendukung pendidikan agama Islam yang lebih inklusif dan mudah diakses oleh semua kalangan.
Status of Caribbean Forest Endemics Special Issue: Editors' Foreword
Authors: Nelson Howard P. , Townsend Jason M. , Weidemann Douglas E. , Proctor C. Justin
Published: December 2023

Editors' Foreword
An in-Depth Analysis of Learners’ Environmental Education Knowledge in Undergraduate Colleges of Khammam District, Telangana: A Quantitative Approach
Authors: Ramesh S.
Published: December 2023

This research endeavors to employ a robust quantitative methodology to systematically analyze the depth of learners' knowledge in the realm of environmental education within undergraduate colleges situated across the expanse of Khammam district, Telangana. The study's central focus is on an extensive assessment encompassing awareness, understanding, and practical application of environmental concepts among undergraduate students. The utilization of advanced statistical calculations serves as a powerful tool to unravel intricate patterns and glean nuanced insights from the collected data. The research approach includes a meticulous examination of not just the surface-level awareness but also the depth of understanding and the real-world application of environmental knowledge. By leveraging statistical methodologies, such as descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, inferential statistics, and regression analysis, the study aims to go beyond a superficial comprehension of the learners' environmental education status. Initial findings gleaned from mean scores unveil the average levels of awareness, understanding, and application within the student population. The correlation analyses delve into the interplay between these dimensions, unveiling potential associations that contribute to a richer understanding of the environmental education landscape. Additionally, inferential statistics provide insights into variations based on demographic factors, while regression analysis helps identify key predictors influencing higher levels of environmental education knowledge. The significance of these findings extends beyond mere quantification. The results obtained are poised to form a foundational basis for informed decision-making in educational policy formulation and curriculum design. By discerning specific strengths and weaknesses in the learners' environmental education journey, educators and policymakers can tailor interventions that address precise knowledge gaps. The data-driven insights not only quantify the existing state of environmental education in Khammam district but also pave the way for strategic enhancements, ensuring that future curricula align with the evolving needs of learners and the broader goals of environmental sustainability.
Environmental Literacy among Postgraduate Students in Telangana: A Study
Authors: Ramesh S.
Published: December 2023

Environmental literacy stands as a cornerstone in the realm of education, particularly in the context of fostering sustainable development within communities. This study endeavors to scrutinize the level of environmental literacy among postgraduate (PG) students in the vibrant state of Telangana, India. Recognizing the pivotal role of postgraduate education in shaping the minds of future leaders and influencers, the research delves into the depth of environmental awareness among this cohort. The methodological approach of this study involves the application of a meticulously designed structured survey to gather data. This survey serves as the primary instrument for gauging the environmental literacy of PG students, addressing aspects such as knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to environmental issues. The intention is to unravel not only the theoretical understanding possessed by the students but also to discern the practical application of this knowledge in real-world scenarios. Crucially, the research employs rigorous statistical analysis to illuminate the current state of environmental literacy among PG students in Telangana. By utilizing statistical tools, the study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the strengths and weaknesses in the existing educational system regarding environmental awareness. This analytical approach allows for the identification of specific areas that may necessitate attention, improvement, or innovation in educational programs and policy formulation. The findings of this study promise to offer valuable insights with potential implications for the trajectory of environmental education in Telangana. By unveiling the nuances of environmental literacy among PG students, the research aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable development and the role of education in shaping environmentally conscious citizens. The insights gleaned from this study may serve as a guide for educators, policymakers, and institutions in refining their strategies and approaches to enhance environmental literacy among the academic community. In essence, this study aspires to be a catalyst for positive change by illuminating the path toward a more environmentally literate and sustainable future for the postgraduate students of Telangana.
The Illuminating Significance of Humanities in an Evolving World
Authors: Ramesh Dr. S.
Published: December 2023

This comprehensive article delves into the profound significance of humanities in the contemporary world. Through historical insights, discussions on their multifaceted role in fostering critical thinking, empathy, cultural understanding, and ethical decisionmaking, this article emphasizes how the humanities provide the essential tools to navigate the complexities of the modern era, promoting holistic growth and shaping informed global citizens.
Constitutionele toetsing aan sociale grondrechten
Authors: Vonk G.J.
Published: December 2023

Constitutionele toetsing aan sociale grondrechten. Een nieuwe dageraad voor het grondrecht van de bestaanszekerheid?

Sociale grondrechten hebben in Nederland moeite om tot bloei te komen, zowel in de rechtspraktijk als in de rechtsleer. Dit geldt eveneens voor het grondrecht van de bestaanszekerheid zoals vervat in artikel 20 van de Grondwet (Gw), dat kan worden beschouwd als het kernartikel van de presterende overheid in de verzorgingsstaat. Artikel 20 Gw vormt momenteel geen ijkpunt voor een inhoudelijke dialoog tussen de staatsmachten. Aanvaarding van constitutioneel toetsingsrecht kan een bijdrage leveren aan de doorbreking van dit ‘disconnect’. Want zolang de rechter niet gedwongen wordt tot inhoudelijke oordeelsvorming, blijft de betekenis van het grondrecht van de bestaanszekerheid in de sterren geschreven, zodat er vervolgens evenmin voor de wetgever een prikkel bestaat om zich op dit grondrecht te oriënteren. Zo bezien wordt met het kabinetsstandpunt dat sociale grondrechten zich niet lenen voor constitutionele toetsing een historische kans gemist om artikel 20 Gw uit zijn slaapstand te halen.
Politici als hoeders van het recht
Authors: Doornhof H.
Published: December 2023

Politici als hoeders van het recht. Een blik vanuit de Eerste Kamer op de vervulling van zijn juridische functie

De Eerste Kamer wordt gezien als het juridisch geweten binnen ons parlementair stelsel. Maar hoe staat het er nu echt voor met de vervulling van de juridische functie van de Senaat? In zijn bijdrage beantwoordt de auteur – senator en bestuursrechtadvocaat – Hugo Doornhof deze vraag aan de hand van enkele (wetgevings)dossiers. Hij komt tot de conclusie dat niet steeds duidelijk is of in de Eerste Kamer wel voldoende bewustzijn en kennis van het recht voorhanden zijn. Hoe dan ook zijn politieke overwegingen wellicht wel nooit volledig te scheiden van (juridische) kwaliteitsoordelen. Maar soms staat gewoon vast dat politieke opportuniteit zwaarder weegt dan wetenschappelijke rationaliteit. Doornhof brengt verschillende mogelijkheden naar voren om ervoor te zorgen dat de rechtmatigheidstoets door de Eerste Kamer kwalitatief en effectief beter gebeurt, ook via veranderingen in het huidig Grondwettelijk stelsel. De uiteindelijk enigszins gebrekkige vervulling van de juridische functie zou in elk geval reden kunnen zijn om te kiezen voor constitutionele toetsing door de rechter, zij het in elk geval niet door het instellen van een constitutioneel hof. Want het is hoe dan ook beter de politiek ietwat meer te juridiseren dan de rechtspraak (verder) te politiseren.
Sphingolipid derivatives modulate intracellular Ca2+ in rat synaptosomes
Authors: Miguel B G , Calcerrada M C , Catalán R E , Martínez A M
Published: December 2023

Sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) induces a rapid increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration in isolated synaptosomes. This effect is dose-dependent and is also dependent on extracellular Ca2+. Sphingosine (SPH) has a smaller effect and treatment with psychosine (PSY) is ineffective, which suggests that phosphorylation of the 1-carbon of SPH is required for the SPC to act as a Ca
2+ release agonist in synaptosomes. Experiments performed in the presence of heparin or ryanodine indicate that SPC-elicited Ca2+ release is not mediated by IP3 or ryanodine receptors. Finally, our results show that the effect of SPC on Ca2+ concentration is nimodipine-sensitive, suggesting that SPC possibly activates a specific sphingolipid-gated Ca2+ channel in synaptosomes.
Sex difference in rabbit eyelid conditioning
Authors: Orłowska-Majdak M , Kołodziejski P , Traczyk W Z
Published: December 2023

The rabbit eyelid conditioned reflex has been used to compare associative learning in males and ovariectomized females. A new method for monitoring eyelid movements is described. Rabbits were trained on simple delay classical conditioning. Conditioned responses were recorded during 8 acquisition days and 6 days of extinction training. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the least significant difference (LSD) post hoc test was used to analyze the data. The results showed that males achieved significantly better learning than females during the first day of acquisition but later they slowly attained the best result, contrary to females. Moreover, extinction of the conditioned reflex was significantly faster in females than in males. It is postulated that females earn and extinguish faster than males because of a higher level of brain plasticity.
Effects of central infusions of neuropeptide Y on the somatotropic axis in sheep fed on two levels of protein
Authors: Gładysz A , Krejci P , Simůnek J , Polkowska J
Published: December 2023

Effects of infusions of neuropeptide Y (NPY) into 3rd ventricle of growing sheep fed on diets containing restricted (R) or elevated (E) levels of protein on the immunoreactive (ir) somatostatin neurones, ir somatotrophs, growth hormone (GH) concentration in the blood plasma were studied. The long-term restriction of protein in the diet elicited: enhancing irSS content in periventricular perikarya; diminishing irSS stores in the median eminence and
elevating the number ir somatotrophs and content of irGH. NPY infusions enhanced the content of irSS in perikarya in sheep fed on E diet and diminished the number of ir somatotrophs and content of irGH of sheep fed on R diet. The R diet as well as NPY infusions caused an increase in GH mean
concentrations in the blood plasma. Obtained results suggest that timulatory
effect of restricted feeding and/or NPY action on GH secretion can be due to attenuated SS output. Since dietary restrictions and exogenous NPY have similar influence on the activation of GH secretion, we suggest that NPY could be a neuromodulatory link between nutritional cues and somatotropic axis in sheep.
Daily GnRH and LH secretion in ewes is not modified by exogenous melatonin during seasonal anestrus
Authors: Romanowicz K , Misztal T , Gajewska A , Barcikowski B
Published: December 2023

The effect of central, short-term melatonin administration on daily
GnRH and LH secretion was studied in ewes during seasonal anestrus. Melatonin, in a total dose of 32 mmg and the vehicle were perfused for 4 hours into the mediobasal hypothalamus/median eminence (MBH/ME). The mean GnRH concentration during perfusion with melatonin decreased significantly (P
The time course of the last contractions during incompletely fused tetani of motor units in rat skeletal muscle
Authors: Celichowski Jan , Bichler Edyta
Published: December 2023

The time course of the contraction and the relaxation of individual contractions during incompletely fused tetani of motor units were analyzed. Investigations were performed on fast fatigable (FF), fast resistant (FR) and slow (S) motor units of the rat medial gastrocnemius muscle. Stimulation of a motor unit with a series of nine trains of stimuli at a frequency from 10 to 150 Hz was used and tetani fused to a variable degree were recorded. For fast motor units the procedure was repeated twice and observations were made on potentiated tetani in the second series of stimulation. For each tetanus, the amplitude of the tension increase, the peak amplitude of the contraction, the contraction time and the half-relaxation time were measured in the last contraction of the tension recording. It was observed in all three types of motor units that the last contraction was prolonged in parallel with the increase of fusion of a tetanus. In this contraction, the contraction time slightly decreased whereas the half-relaxation time strongly prolonged. The prolongation of the half-relaxation time was the strongest in tetani of slow units. Moreover, for the last contraction in a tetanus, the rate of changes in tension were studied. The rate of increase in tension during the contraction decreased in parallel with the increase of fusion of a tetanus, whereas the maximal rate of the tension decrease during the relaxation was found in tetani with fusion indices of 0.79, 0.98 and 0.95 for FF, FR and S motor units, respectively. Changes in the time course of contractions in tetani fused to a variable degree can shed light on processes of summation of contractions in unfused tetani at the level of individual motor units.
Involvement of MMPs in delayed neuronal death after global ischemia
Authors: Zalewska Teresa , Ziemka-Nałecz Małgorzata , Sarnowska Anna , Domańska-Janik Krystyna
Published: December 2023

Spatial and temporal relations between metalloproteinase (MMP-2 and MMP-9) activation and laminin degradation in gerbil hippocampus after transient cerebral ischemia has been studied. Activity of MMPs was determined by gelatin zymography in homogenates from dorsal (DP, an equivalent of CA1 sector) and abdominal (AbP, containing CA2-4 and gyrus dentatus) parts of hippocampus. A significant activation of both investigated metalloproteinases was found at 72 h of recovery. Whereas MMP-2 up-regulation did not show any spatial preferences, the increase of MMP-9 activity was observed exclusively in DP. Activation of MMP-9 at this time point correlated spatially with degradation of laminin - protein of extracellular matrix. These results show that MMP pathway may function as a component of delayed neuronal death cascade in the apoptogenic CA1 sector after transient global ischemia.
Fear behavior and regional brain monoamines distribution after R(+)-8-OHDPAT and R(+)-UH-301 injections into the dorsal raphe nucleus in rats
Authors: M. Koprowska , M. Krotewicz , A. Romaniuk , M. Strzelczuk , M. Wieczorek
Published: December 2023

The effects of8-0HDPAT and UH-30l injection into the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) on fear behavior of the light-dark transitions test and regional brain monoamines (NA, DA, 5-HT) and their metabolites (MHPG, DOPAC, 5-HIAA) in the hypothalamus (HPT), midbrain central gray matter (MID), amygdala (AMY), hippocampus (HIP) and pons (PO) were examined. An injection of8-0HDPAT (300 ng) as well UH-30l (300 ng) into the DRN evoked an increase in the number of head dipping from dark to the illuminated compartment of chamber, an increase of time of motionless in the dark compartment and decrease of time of locomotion activity in the illuminated compartment. HPLC analysis showed reduction of 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio in the HPT, HIP and PO, increase of MHPG/NA ratio in the HIP and PO, and increase of DA content in the HPT, AMY and HIP after 8-OHDPAT injection. But injection ofUH-30l reduced 5-HT in the MID and increased in the AMY, reduced 5-HIAA content in the HIP and increased in the MID and decreased MHPG/NA ratio in the PO. These results indicate that both 5-HT1A receptor agonists, acting on the 5HT1A autoreceptors caused the anxiolytic effects, reduced fear behavior on the rat connected with infringement of dynamic balance between the serotonergic and catecholaminergics systems.
Affective percept and voluntary action: A hypothesis
Authors: B. Żernicki
Published: December 2023

I present a hypothesis concerning the neuronal, mental and behavioral effects of all kinds of affective (emotional) stimuli, i.e., of unpleasant and pleasant stimuli. I use the term stimulus in its broad sense. Affective stimuli evoke two associated percepts: "cognitive" and "affective". A food in the mouth, for example, evokes the gustatory percept and the percept of pleasure. However, affective percepts are unstable parts of cognitive-affective compounds. Five types of affective percepts are pain, fear, pleasure, "desire" and appetite in the broad sense of these words. Desire is evoked by inadequate pleasant stimuli. Affective percepts are "lower" or "higher". The latter are not directly associated with bodily needs. Esthetic and social percepts are higher, for example. Although pain and pleasure are essentially innate, they can be modified by sensory experience. Alimentary and esthetic preferences and social values are modifiable, for example. The neurons of pain and fear and of the unpleasant components of desire and appetite motivate four types of voluntary actions. These are, respectively, escape, avoidance, "optimization" and approach actions. All these actions eliminate the motivating displeasure. In addition, avoidance actions protect from the signaled pain, optimization actions increase the existing pleasure and approach actions provide the signaled pleasure. Thus, voluntary actions associated with different percepts occur according to one universal principle. Voluntary actions are "internal" and behavioral. During internal actions a goal and then an action plan are decided. These actions often provide the images of the goal stimuli and of particular movements.
Ultrastructural studies of experimental scrapie and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in hamsters. II. Astrocytic and macrophage reaction towards axonal destruction
Authors: P.P Liberski , J. Bratosiewicz-W±sik , D.C. Gajdusek , P. Brown
Published: December 2023

We report here the microglial (macrophage) and astrocytic reaction in several models of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or prion diseases. With the low power electron microscopy it was readily apparent that myelinated vacuoles were surrounded by cells and their processes. The latter belonged either to hyperplastic reactive astrocytes or to macrophages. Typically, reactive astrocytes exhibited cytoplasm filled with innumerable glial filaments and, occasionally, other organelles (like cilia) and abundant tortuous intercellular junctions of adhesive plaque junction type. Desmosome-like junctions connecting astrocytic elements were also seen. As described earlier, astrocytic processes were occasionally interdigitated with oligodendroglial cells and their processes. Two types of macrophages were readily described. The majority of them exhibited electron-dense cytoplasm and numerous "empty" vacuoles (digestive chambers) containing cellular debris. Occasional vacuoles were surrounded by a thin collar reminiscent of "lyre-like inclusions" of the second type of macro phages. Several mylinated fibres were clearly engulfed by the cytoplasm of a macrophage containing unusual annulate lamellae.
Distribution of ganglionic sympathetic neurons supplying the subcutaneous, perirenal and mesentery fat tissue depots in the pig
Authors: Czaja Krzysztof , Kraeling Robert , Klimczuk Magdalena , Franke-Radowiecka Amelia , Sienkiewicz Waldemar , Lakomy Mirosław
Published: December 2023

Previous morphological studies revealed that the adipose tissue is innervated by adrenergic nerve fibers. Furthermore, physiological studies showed that the metabolism of adipose tissue is controlled by the adrenergic component of the nervous system. However, nothing is known on the sources of innervation of different fat tissue depots. Therefore, we decided to study the distribution of ganglionic sympathetic neurons innervating adipose tissue in the pig by means of a retrograde tracing method. We used 9 male and 9 female pigs of approximately 50 kg body weight. The retrograde tracer, Fast Blue (FB), was injected into the subcutaneous, perirenal and mesentery fat tissue depots. Results of the present study showed that numerous centers of the sympathetic nervous system innervate adipose tissue in the pig. FB+ neurons projecting to the subcutaneous fat tissue were placed in the thoraco-lumbar region of the sympathetic chain ganglia (SChG). However, neurons supplying perirenal and mesentery fat tissue depots were found in both the SChG and prevertebral ganglia (PVG). We conclude that different adipose tissue depots (subcutaneous, perirenal and mesentery) have different
sources of innervation and that there is no significant difference in the distribution of neurons innervating adipose tissue in male and female pigs.
Efficiency of the forebrain commissures: memory for stimuli seen by the other hemisphere
Authors: Kavcic Voyko , Doty Robert W
Published: December 2023

How well will one cerebral hemisphere recognize items viewed initially via the other? Nonverbalizable images or words were presented to one visual field and memory for them tested in the same or the other visual field. The initially viewing hemisphere subsequently had no secure advantage in accuracy, and only for images was there a 30-ms (ca 3%) penalty in reaction time for viewing with the "other" hemisphere. Interhemispheric mnemonic communication is thus highly reliable. At longer retention intervals (1-2 min vs. 4-30 s, with accumulating added stimuli), however, recognition of words was asymmetric as to hemisphere, in that initial viewing via the right hemisphere was subsequently (and paradoxically) much better recognized via the left (other) hemisphere than was the converse situation. This suggests that the initial engram with right hemispheric viewing of words ultimately
becomes established in the left, and that the right has less accurate access to
previous "left hemispheric view".
Effects of infusion of corticotropin-releasing factor antagonist into the locus coeruleus on freezing behavior and brain catecholamines in rats
Authors: Świergiel Artur
Published: December 2023

Administration of 0.2 µg of alpha-helical CRF9-41 (corticotropin-releasing factor receptor antagonist, ahCRF9-41) into the locus coeruleus (LC) region significantly reduced footshock-induced freezing behavior in adult male rats. Changes in the concentrations of noradrenaline (NA), dopamine and their catabolites in cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus of footshocked rats were reminiscent of those observed in stressed animals. Rats injected with ahCRF prior to footshock displayed cerebral catecholamine responses that were not different from controls injected with vehicle. The results confirm earlier findings that CRF receptors at the LC region may mediate freezing and behavioral expression of fear. However, the results also suggest that though CRF receptors within the LC region mediate footshock-induced behavior, they are not necessarily involved in the short-term catecholamine response to footshock.
Combined Measurement of Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) and fMRI
Authors: Sommer Monika , Meinhardt Jörg , Volz Hans-Peter
Published: December 2023

The study investigates the possibility of combined recording event-related potentials (ERPs) and functional MRI (fMRI). Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were elicited by an alternating black and white checkerboard, which was presented blockwise outside the static 1.5 T magnetic field and during an echo planar imaging (EPI). An fMRI sequence with a time window for interleaved EEG-measurement and a measurement protocol which reduces pulse artifacts and vibrations was used. Thus, during an EPI sequence, it was possible to detect VEPs which had the same structure and latencies as VEPs outside the magnetic field and which corresponded well with the observed activated areas of the visual cortex.
Post intoxicative therapeutic immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoproteine (MOG 35-55) suppresses spontaneous regeneration of dopaminergic neurons injured with 1-methyl-4 phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropiridine (MPTP)
Authors: Balkowiec-Iskra Ewa , Kurkowska-Jastrzebska Iwona , Joniec Ilona , Czlonkowska Anna , Czlonkowski Andrzej
Published: December 2023

The pathological process of neurodegeneration is accompanied by an inflammatory reaction that is believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of autoimmune reaction induced by post-traumatic vaccination with myelin self-antigen on spontaneous regeneration of dopaminergic neurons, injured with MPTP. C57BL mice were intoxicated with 40 mg/kg MPTP and seven days later immunized with MOG 35-55 peptide in CFA. On the 7th day following intoxication, the MPTP treated mice showed decrease of the dopamine level by 63% as compared to the control mice. However, starting from the 14th day following intoxication, a spectacular increase of dopamine content was observed. Immunization with MOG resulted in a statistically significant reduction of the increase in striatum as compared to non-immunized animals, and was lower by 23%, 17% and 15% on days 14, 28 and 50, respectively. Our results show suppressive influence of autoimmune reaction induced after injury on regeneration of dopamine cells intoxicated with MPTP.
Pontocerebellar projection to the rabbit paramedian lobule by means of axonal collaterals: evidence for intralobular connections
Authors: Bukowska Dorota , Zguczyński Leszek , Mierzejewska-Krzyżowska Barbara
Published: December 2023

In this study, we utilized a double retrograde axonal tracing technique to investigate the possible existence of collateralized axonal projections from the pontine nuclei (PN) to the rostral (rPML) and caudal (cPML) parts of cerebellar paramedian lobule in the rabbit, known to be the forelimb and hindlimb regions, respectively. Following injections of fluorescent tracers Fast Blue (FB) and Diamidino Yellow (DY) within rPML and cPML, respectively, substantial numbers of FB and DY single labeled neurons were found in the dorsolateral, paramedian, lateral and peduncular pontine nuclei bilaterally with a very clearcut contralateral preponderance. No labeling was observed in the ventral pontine nucleus. Extensive areas of overlap of FB or DY labeled neurons indicated that no somatotopical relationship existed in projection from PN to the two functionally different PML target regions. In addition, a small number of double FB + DY labeled neurons was detected in the common areas of FB and DY single labeling in PN. These neurons give rise to pontocerebellar projections to rPML and cPML simultaneously by way of axonal collaterals and thus they may play a role in the coordination of unilateral forelimb and hindlimb movements.
Amyloid-beta and tau proteins as biochemical markers of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Sobów Tomasz , Flirski Marcin , Liberski Paweł
Published: December 2023

With the development of new therapeutic strategies, and the concept of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as an early stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD), there is an increasing need for an early and accurate diagnosis of sporadic AD. Therefore, biological markers allowing a positive diagnosis early in the course of the disease are highly desirable. The most extensively evaluated markers of sporadic AD are amyloid-β proteins and levels of both total and phosphorylated microtubule-associated protein tau. In this study, we review the currently available data on the aforementioned markers assessed in the cerebrospinal fluid or plasma, alone and in combinations, focusing on their clinical applicability including sensitivity in the diagnosis of AD and mild cognitive impairment, specificity in discriminating AD from other dementias and correlations with the disease progression and apolipoprotein E genotype. We also analyze advantages and potential drawbacks of using biomarkers in the laboratory diagnosis of AD.
Sources and mechanisms of cytoplasmic oxidative damage in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Marlatt Michael , Lee Hyoung-gon , Perry George , Smith Mark , Zhu Xiongwei
Published: December 2023

While evidence supports a pathogenic and proximal role for oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease, the causes and consequences of reactive oxygen species that promote oxidative damage have not been directly demonstrated. Co-incident with the reduced energy metabolism during the development of the disease, some of the key mitochondrial enzymes have shown deficient activity in AD neurons, which may lead to increased ROS production. However, we found that oxidative damage occurs primarily within the cytoplasm rather than in mitochondria. Given that SOD activity is increased in AD mitochondria and that metal ions such as iron and copper are enriched in susceptible neurons, we hypothesize that mitochondria, as a source, provide hydrogen peroxide, which, as an intermediate, once in the cytoplasm, will be converted into highly reactive hydroxyl radicals through Fenton reaction in the presence of metal ion and cause damage in cytoplasm.
Alzheimer's disease and the cell cycle
Authors: Raina Arun , Zhu Xiongwei , Smith Mark
Published: December 2023

Current views associate the reappearance of cell cycle markers with early events in Alzheimer's disease. Even though, the cell cycle was implicated early in the study of this disease, only recently has it been associated with selective early vulnerability of neurons. The pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease namely tau and amyloid have been associated with having effects on or being affected by cell cycle progression. Indeed the mitogenic component looms large early in the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Although quite a number of markers of reentry have been catalogued, the common denominator is abortosis, the unalterable march towards neuronal dysfunction, stasis and eventually death. We feel that complete understanding of the mechanisms, acting either positively by stimulation or through removal of inhibitory signals will provide promising molecular targets for pharmacological interventions which have been static for a number of years by being relegated to inhibition of the enzyme cholinesterase. In our opinion, investigating more proximal mechanisms will provide answers to changing the natural course of this illness.