bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CPU-GPU Rendering of CT Scan Images for Vertebra Reconstruction from CT Scan Images with a Calibration Policy
Authors: Khan Usman , Khan Usman , Yasin AmanUllah , Shafi Imran , Abid Muhammad
Published: July 2020

In this work GPU implementation of classic 3D visualization algorithms namely Marching Cubes and
Raycasting has been carried for cervical vertebra using VTK libraries. A proposed framework has been
introduced for efficient and duly calibrated 3D reconstruction using Dicom Affine transform and Python
Mayavi framework to address the limitation of benchmark visualization techniques i.e. lack of calibration,
surface reconstruction artifacts and latency.
Theoretical means for social entrepreneurship research in context of marketing 3.0
Authors: Seleznоva Olha , Boiko Olena , Bondar Victoria
Published: July 2020

Introduction. Modern development of socio-economic sector makes adjustments to market environment. Enterprises require expansion of their activities and feel necessity to diversify risks. Satisfaction of consumer needs is accompanied by introduction of innovations in various areas. Focusing on marketing 3.0, when market activity should not only ensure enterprise’s profitability, but also care about consumer and environment, is embracing more and more enterprises and becoming modern business responsibility. Therefore, the problem of social entrepreneurship research in context of sustainable development is becoming relevant and important.
Aim and tasks. The main aim of this work is to formulate theoretical means for social entrepreneurship research, which should reveal peculiarities of tools to achieve global goals of sustainable development. To achieve this goal, the following tasks have been solved in this study: analysis of definitions and study the essence of “social entrepreneurship” concept; interconnection of social entrepreneurship goals with global goals of sustainable development and compliance with modern concept of marketing 3.0.
Results. Research of “social enterprise” definition allows to define it as stable business structure, tended to self-development, which forms mechanism of social support and infrastructure development through close integration into social system. Social entrepreneurship is aimed at solving social problems and other goals of marketing 3.0. Social enterprise is considered in context of sustainable development, which is a concept that requires balance between satisfying current needs of people and protecting interests of future generations, ensuring their necessity for safe and healthy environment, and it must be able to contribute to global goals of sustainable development at local level.
Conclusions. Social enterprises have become an acceptable mechanism for solving socio-economic problems, as they are developing and expanding new tools to achieve global goals of sustainable development at local level. Social  entrepreneurship has opportunity to involve socially vulnerable groups in public life and expand citizens’ activity. Social entrepreneurship today is aimed at positive social changes and providing basic human needs in an optimal way.
Influence of information asymmetry on the assessment of a company’s solvency
Authors: Duginets Ganna , Redina Yevheniia
Published: July 2020

Introduction. The environment in which enterprises operate in the 21st century is becoming qualitatively different: the intensification of competition in a saturated market leads to an increase in the degree of uncertainty, and hence to the emergence of unpredictable factors. Because uncertainty is a source of risk, it should be minimized by obtaining quality, reliable, comprehensive information. In Ukraine, declaring asymmetric information is done in a completely opposite way than abroad: real property, revenue and profit, on the contrary to developed capitalist countries, are understated to minimize taxation. In both cases, such information asymmetry gives potential investors misconceptions about the solvency of a company and the efficiency of its activities.
Aim and tasks. To investigate how the presence of information asymmetry in the economic environment affects the assessment of the solvency of economic entities from the perspective of investors. The obtained conclusions will allow to determine what exactly needs to be done in the direction of further improvement of regulatory instruments of state policy in this area.
Research results. With the growth of information saturation of society and the greater extent of replication and interpretation of source information, it becomes easier to abuse, manipulate information, and to mislead people. Obstructing the rational behavior of economic entities and generating additional costs (information retrieval costs), the asymmetry of information leads to inefficient functioning, and also causes restrictions on competition. The main universal models of investor behavior in a market in the conditions of information asymmetry, which are actually aimed at the inevitability of unexpected and sharp reversals of market conditions (so-called "black swans"), are analyzed.
Conclusion. A company's financial statements contain information that should be interpreted as asymmetrically distributed information. Approaches based on methods of detecting and accounting for asymmetry in the annual reporting of companies are promising for remedying its negative impact. On the other hand, these approaches must also take into account the fact that in the XXI century, the functions of intermediaries are easily deformed, information technologies are ineffective, and the rules of rational behavior may lead to failure. Therefore, overcoming uncertainty and information asymmetry requires taking into account N. Taleb's approach to the existence of "black swans". Moreover, it is a demand of the present time: in early 2020, the whole world encountered one of these "black swans", namely the global COVID-19 outbreak.
Assessment of the level of economic security of forestry enterprises in the Ukrainian Polisia zone
Authors: Cherchyk Larysa , Shubalyi Alexander , Khumarova Nina , Cherchyk Artur
Published: July 2020

Introduction. Under such conditions, the problem of assessing the economic security of enterprises is actualized, which is designed to identify threats that arise in the competitive environment and the internal environment of the enterprise, to identify strengths and weaknesses in the activities of the enterprise, on the basis of which management decisions are made at the strategic level, to prevent negative situations at the operational levels of enterprise management.
Aim and tasks. The purpose of the study is to assessing the economic security of forest enterprises in the Ukrainian Polissya region. Objectives of the study: generalization of scientific approaches to assessing the economic security of enterprises; determination of criteria for assessing the economic security of forestry; development and testing of methods for assessing the economic security of forestry in the Ukrainian Polissya region.
Results. The calculations show a high and sufficient level of economic security in the studied forestry enterprises. However, there is a decrease in financial security indicators, which requires the adoption of current and strategic management decisions to improve financial results and improve the financial condition of forestry enterprises. The main problem is the inefficient structure of exports, namely the predominance of products with low benefit and insufficient investment in the development of technical and technological base. The proposed system of criteria and indicators can be significantly expanded depending on the ability of researchers to obtain additional information about the economic activities of forestry enterprises.
Conclusions. A proposed method of assessing the level of economic security of forestry enterprises, which provides for determining the compliance of the current state of the business entity development goals (desired state), provides for the use of traditional indicators covering the main areas of economic activity of forestry enterprises. It is only important that the sample of forest enterprises is formed on the basis of belonging to the common forest area, similarity of forest area and forest area of these enterprises, as well as other factors that researchers may consider essential for the choice.
Regulation of the domestic consumer market in the national economy
Authors: Trokhymets Olena , Galtsova Olga , Livinskyi Anatolii
Published: July 2020

Introduction. Socially significant goods and services is the complex that includes a certain list of food products, certain types of products present in the domestic consumer market, which are sold at fixed prices. The regulation of the market for socially oriented goods and services requires regulation of consumer behavior and an optimal behavioral approach, which can help to improve the well-being of the population.
Aim and tasks. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the theoretical and methodological principles and conceptual provisions for the regulation of the domestic consumer market in terms of socially significant goods and services in Ukraine.
Results. A conceptual approach to socially oriented goods and services has been developed for the better functioning of the domestic consumer market. At the same time, it is important to take into account that the approach is built taking into account the principles: accountability and responsibility, predictability, consistency and consistency: efficiency, adaptability, social justice. The mechanism of state regulation of the market of socially significant goods and services has been improved. The concept of state regulation of the market of socially oriented goods and services is presented. The process of implementing the concept should include full interaction of all elements of state regulation of the market of socially significant goods and services. The purpose of the concept is to substantiate the theoretical and methodological aspects of state regulation of the market of socially significant goods and services in Ukraine.
Conclusion. A conceptual approach to the regulation of the market of socially oriented goods and services is presented, which consists in the application of all components, namely the legislative aspect, the economic aspect of market regulation of socially significant goods and services taking into account factors influencing the regulation of domestic consumer market and legislative aspects of price regulation for socially oriented goods and services. The concept presents three components of socially oriented goods and services. State regulation is applied to each of the components (price regulation, regulation of the industry – in some industries, which are producers and suppliers of socially oriented goods and services, natural monopolies operate). Compliance principles of market regulation of socially oriented goods and services would ensure the appropriate and rational consumption of the goods by the population.
Coexistence of Neck and Shoulder Disability: Results of a Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study on Normative Scores and Multifactorial Risk Factors for Neck and Shoulder Problems
Authors: Koller Juliane , Bismarck Carsten , Krebs Sona , Hitzl Wolfgang , Mayer Michael , Koller Heiko
Published: July 2020

Study Design: Cross-sectional population-based study.Purpose: The study objective was to evaluate the coexistence of neck- and shoulder-disability, to establish normative scores for Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS)-neck, VAS-arm, Quick Disability of Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH), and modified Constant score (mConstant score), and to determine the influence of psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]) on the disability measures. The authors also investigated the distribution of dysphagia across the population and its relation to the NDI scores.Overview of Literature: Several factors can adversely influence the clinical outcomes after cervical surgeries. The interaction of neck and shoulder disability in the perspective of psychological distress is not well understood.Methods: Prospective questionnaire-based assessment was performed for 1,000 participants. Questionnaires consisted of validated generic and disease-specific queries and specific questions. The survey included patients without pathologies of cervical spine/shoulders/upper extremities.Results: Mean age of participants was 39 years. The average neck VAS score was 1.2, NDI% was 7.3, arm VAS score was 0.8, QuickDASH was 6.2, mConstant score was 70.7, HADS-A score was 4.9, and HADS-D score was 3.2. The psychological scores showed a significant correlation with neck- and shoulder-disability (p<0.0001, r=0.3 to r=0.5). However, correlations between neck (NDI%, neck VAS score) and shoulder disability (mConstant score, arm VAS score, Quick-DASH) were stronger (p<0.0001, r=0.5 to r=0.6). A body mass index >35 kg/m2 influenced shoulder-disability (p<0.005) and psychological distress (HADS-D score, p<0.00001). Limited neck rotation was present in those with higher age, psychological distress, neck and shoulder disability (p<0.001).Conclusions: Normative scores for neck and shoulder disability were established. The outcomes of cervical spine surgery can be normalized to these results. A better understanding of the interdependencies of neck and shoulder disability and psychological distress would enable superior decision-making and patient counseling.
Chimioradiothérapie des carcinomes épidermoïdes du canal anal : traitement standard et enjeux actuels
Authors: Giraud N. , Bacci M. , Vendrely V.
Published: July 2020

Le cancer du canal anal est une pathologie rare mais d’incidence croissante. L’atteinte métastatique au diagnostic est peu fréquente (< 10 %). Le traitement des formes non métastatiques repose sur une chimioradiothérapie exclusive à visée curative, la chirurgie étant réservée aux rechutes locorégionales. D’allure inchangée depuis les années 1980, cette stratégie thérapeutique a pourtant bénéficié des avancées techniques majeures en radiothérapie et en imagerie, ainsi que d’une amélioration de la prise en charge des toxicités induites par les traitements. Des résultats excellents sont observés pour les petites tumeurs T1-T2, N0, avec une survie d’environ 80 %à cinq ans et un très bon contrôle local, faisant envisager des stratégies de désescalade thérapeutique. Ces résultats contrastent avec ceux obtenus pour des stades plus évolués (T3-T4 ou N+), avec jusqu’à 30–40 % de récidives locorégionales ou à distance. De précédents essais d’intensification thérapeutique avec escalade de dose d’irradiation ou modification du traitement systémique n’ont pas montré de supériorité. Les études actuelles s’intéressent à l’adjonction de thérapies ciblées ainsi qu’aux immunothérapies. L’un des espoirs futurs serait de mieux stratifier les patients, dans une optique de médecine personnalisée. À cet égard, de nouveaux domaines d’étude tels que le profilage moléculaire, la radiomique et l’intelligence artificielle pourraient devenir une aide intéressante afin de proposer en amont le traitement « optimal » à l’échelle individuelle.
Hollywood Aesthetic
Authors: Berliner Todd
Published: July 2020

Hollywood Aesthetic: Pleasure in American Cinema investigates the Hollywood film industry’s chief artistic accomplishment: providing aesthetic pleasure to mass audiences. Grounded in film history and supported by research in psychology and philosophical aesthetics, the book explains (1) the intrinsic properties characteristic of Hollywood cinema that induce aesthetic pleasure; (2) the cognitive and affective processes, sparked by Hollywood movies, that become engaged during aesthetic pleasure; and (3) the exhilarated aesthetic experiences afforded by an array of persistently entertaining Hollywood movies. Hollywood Aesthetic addresses four fundamental components of Hollywood’s aesthetic design—narrative, style, ideology, and genre—aiming for a comprehensive appraisal of Hollywood cinema’s capacity to excite aesthetic pleasure. This article outlines the book’s main points and themes. As a précis, it is heavy on ideas and light on evidence, which is to be found in the book itself.
Speculating about Spectatorship
Authors: Staiger Janet
Published: July 2020

Todd Berliner’s Hollywood Aesthetic: Pleasure in American Cinema (2017) offers useful broad theoretical arguments about how to understand our pleasures in viewing cinema. Yet, moving to individual cases requires recognizing the historical conditions of spectatorship including contemporaneous ideological issues, levels and types of knowledges, and cooperation (or non-cooperation) by a spectator.
Factors Triggering Ethical Dilemmas in Teaching Sector of Pakistan
Authors: Khan Shabana Nawaz , Shaheen Imrab , Malik Waqas Iftikhar
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study is to explore the triggers behind ethical issues arising in teaching sector. The disreputable practices of the teachers cause stress, affect job satisfaction, drops the performance and above all disrupt the future of the students. Theoretical model of the study identified the causes and effects of ethical dilemmas in teaching sector by gathering data from three districts of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. Results of the study are generated by using regression, correlation and descriptive statistics. There is positive relationship of Job satisfaction and Teacher’s performance with ethical dilemmas. Whereas, the context of Ethical Dilemmas identifies a negative relationship among job satisfaction and Job Performance respectively. The current investigation included some insightful factors triggering ethical dilemmas among the teachers. This study is limited to some specific cities of AJ&K and Pakistan. Only schools and colleges have been focused, universities can be examined in future.
Document Analysis of Secondary School Curriculum Regarding Ethical and Moral Education in Punjab
Authors: Alvi Syeda Tehzeeb , Khanam Afifa , Kalsoom Tahira
Published: July 2020

In this study the researcher has analysed the secondary school curriculum regarding ethical and moral education in Punjab. In the study, 46 subjects, with 552 lessons, taught at secondary level, have been analysed. The books for these subjects are published by the Punjab Curriculum and Text Book Board (PCTB). The study examines the function of documents as a data source regarding ethical and moral education at secondary level through a self- structured rubric which has been prepared after extensive review of literature and was validated by subject experts. The article takes an evaluative approach with critical evaluation of the textbooks. The study found that the curriculum at the secondary level does not meet the needs of the students for developing sound, moral and ethical values and skills in students due to less emphasis in content, and least effort in training of students for moral and ethical acts.
Education for Building Bridges and Strengthening Physical Infrastructural Linkages in South Asia: A Case Study of South Asian University
Authors: malik Salma , Fayyaz Shabana
Published: July 2020

Multi-track diplomacy provides an effective theoretical model, which considers education as an important track integral in ushering peace, building bridges, creating the necessary infrastructure, changing mindsets and ultimately enabling a transformation from conflict prone to peace-oriented societies. Thus, giving rise to the idea of a regional higher education institution, primarily to build a regional center of excellence, with a shared common vision, that would help create a South Asian community and provide equitable access to students from all over the region. However, functioning for a decade now, the South Asian University has not been able to achieve many of the aims associated with it, largely due to the inherent hurdles and regional politics. This study will highlight the impediments faced within the region for utilizing education as an effective bridge builder and agent for positive conflict transformation & further examine the SAU’s ability to transcend the deeply entrenched conflict narrative.
Irregular Migration, Trafficking into Forced Marriage, and Health Insecurity
Authors: Kakar Muhammad Makki , Yousaf Farhan Naveed , Al Draiweesh Ahmed Yousif Ahmed
Published: July 2020

This study focuses on the lived experiences of women and girls trafficked from Afghanistan to Pakistan for forced marriages and highlights the ways they experience health insecurity associated with their exploitation. The primary data for this paper is drawn from in-depth interviews conducted with twelve women and girls trafficked from Afghanistan to the Balochistan province of Pakistan. The study showcases that the victims of trafficking are exposed to severe health risks during and after migration. As the victims lack legal status, they continue to experience exploitation and health insecurity throughout their lives.
Effectiveness of 5 Es Learning Cycle Model on Students Learning in Physics at Secondary School Level in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Kifayat , Aurangzeb Wajeeha , Tahir Tehsin
Published: July 2020

This study is designed to find the effectiveness of Learning Cycle Model (LCM) on students learning in physics at the secondary school level. To achieve this objective, null hypotheses were tested. All physics students of Haripur district Khyber Pukhtunkhwah Pakistan at secondary level were included as the population. Eighty (80) physics learners of grade 9th of Hazara Public School and College (HPSC) were chosen as sample of the study. True experimental research design was employed. The pupils were divided uniformly into experimental and control groups such that 40 students included in each group. Physics Academic Achievement Test (PAAT) of reliability coefficient 0.82 was utilized. Experimental and control groups were instructed through LCM and Traditional Teaching Method (TTM) for twelve (12) workweeks. Statistical outcomes showed that pupils instructed via LCM were found more effective learners in Physics than the pupils instructed via TTM.
Establishment of Real-Time Multispectral Imaging for the Detection of Bladder Cancer Using a Preclinical in Vivo Model
Authors: Meessen Sabine , Rother Jan , Zheng Xi , Eckstein Markus , Kriegmair Maximilian C. , Hernandez David , Grychtol Bartłomiej , Deliolanis Nikolaos C. , Bolenz Christian , Günes Cagatay
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND:

Emerging imaging technologies such as real-time multispectral imaging (rMSI) hold great potential for simultaneous visualization of multiple target structures using fluorophores on various tumours including bladder cancer (BC). These technologies, however, require a multi-step preclinical evaluation process, including mouse models.

OBJECTIVE:

To demonstrate the suitability of the new rMSI technology for the detection of premalignant lesions and malignant BC in a preclinical mouse model using contrast agents.

METHODS:

Tumours were induced by N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine (BBN), which is known to induce BC in rodent models. In total, 30 mice (C57BL/6) were fed with 0.1% BBN ad libitum in drinking water for up to 5 months. Bladders were excised at 3 ( n = 6) and 5 months ( n = 24) of treatment and incubated ex vivo with Hexaminolevulinat (HAL, Hexvix®), CD47-FITC, CD90.2-FITC or a combination of CD90.2-FITC/CD47-FITC and HAL. The bladders were analyzed by an endoscopic rMSI prototype system equipped with a spectral filter (Chroma), a 4 mm endoscope (Karl Storz) with 30° optic, a LED light source and a PC with a microcontroller board.

RESULTS:

5-month treatment of mice with 0.1% BBN led to the formation of squamous carcinoma (46%, n = 11) while urothelial carcinoma was observed only in one mouse (4%, n = 1). Carcinoma in situ (CIS) was detectable in twelve out of twenty-four mice (50%, n = 12) treated for 5 month and in three out of six mice (50%, n = 3) treated for 3 months.The metabolite of HAL, protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), could be reliably and specifically detected in all of mouse bladder tumours and CIS. However, detection of the CD90.2 surface marker was less reliable, potentially due to species- or tumour-subtype specificity.

CONCLUSIONS:

This model offers the potential for preclinical imaging studies with combined fluorescence targets, e.g. HAL, in combination with BC-specific antibodies.
Predictions of the dysregulated competing endogenous RNA signature involved in the progression of human lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Dan , He Yang , Wu Bo , Liu Ruxi , Wang Nan , Wang Tieting , Luo Yannan , Li Yunda , Liu Yang
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common histological subtype of lung cancer worldwide. Until now, the molecular mechanisms underlying LUAD progression have not been fully explained. This study aimed to construct a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network to predict the progression in LUAD. METHODS: Differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs), miRNAs (DEMs), and mRNAs (DEGs) were identified from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database with a |log2FC|> 1.0 and a false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and survival analyses were performed to analyse these DEGs involved in the ceRNA network. Subsequently, the drug-gene interaction database (DGIdb) was utilized to select candidate LUAD drugs interacting with significant DEGs. Then, lasso-penalized Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression models were used to construct the risk score system. Finally, based on the correlations between DELs and DEGs involved in the risk score system, the final ceRNA network was identified. Meanwhile, the GEPIA2 database and immunohistochemical (IHC) results were utilized to validate the expression levels of selected DEGs. RESULTS: A total of 340 DELs, 29 DEMs, and 218 DEGs were selected to construct the initial ceRNA network. Functional enrichment analyses indicated that 218 DEGs were associated with the KEGG pathway terms “microRNAs in cancer”, “pathways in cancer”, “cell cycle”, “HTLV-1 infection”, and the “PI3K-Akt signalling pathway”. K-M survival analysis of all differentially expressed genes involved in the ceRNA network identified 24 DELs, 4 DEMs, and 29 DEGs, all of which were significantly correlated with LUAD progression (P< 0.05). Furthermore, 15 LUAD drugs interacting with 29 significant DEGs were selected. After lasso-penalized Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression modelling, PRKCE, DLC1, LATS2, and DPY19L1 were incorporated into the risk score system, and the results suggested that LUAD patients who had the high-risk score always suffered from a poorer overall survival. Additionally, the correlation coefficients between these 4 DEGs and their corresponding DELs involved in the ceRNA network suggested that there were 2 significant DEL-DEG pairs, NAV2-AS2 – PRKCE (r= 0.430, P< 0.001) and NAV2-AS2 – LATS2 (r= 0.338, P< 0.001). And NAV2-AS2 – mir-31 – PRKCE and NAV2-SA2 – mir-31 – LATS2 were finally identified as ceRNA network involved in the progression of LUAD. CONCLUSIONS: The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network plays an essential role in predicting the progression of LUAD. These results may improve our understanding and provide novel mechanistic insights to explore prognosis and therapeutic drugs for LUAD patients.
Isokinetic evaluation of the trunk flexors and extensors in women with and without scoliosis: A comparative study
Authors: Le Blay Grégoire , Pujol Anne , Verdun Stéphane , Bard-Pondarré Rachel , Bernard Jean-Claude , Chaléat-Valayer Emmanuelle
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND: Scoliosis affects mainly women and even if its diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation and radiographic assessment, muscular involvement is undeniable impacting possibly on strength and daily activities. OBJECTIVE: To assess the strength of sagitally operating trunk muscles in women with scoliosis (WwS) and apparently healthy women (AH) with a similar mean age. METHODS: The two groups consisted 114 WwS and 42 AH women. The concentric isokinetic evaluation related to the peak moment (PM) of the trunk flexors and extensors at 30 and 90∘/s. Division into subgroups was based on the location of the scoliosis and magnitude of the Cobb angle. RESULTS: The PM of both muscle groups was not correlated with the location of the scoliosis. However, these muscles manifested a highly significant weakness in WwS compared to the AH group, in both test velocities. In terms of the general severity of the weakness, the PM scores in WwS with Cobb angle > 30∘ were significantly lower compared to their healthy counterparts in both ‘muscle’ and ‘velocity’ whereas save the flexors at 90∘/s, there was no difference between the lesser compromised WwS (Cobb ⩽ 30∘) and AH women. The PM-based extension/flexion ratios in WwS were respectively 1.34 ± 0.28 and 1.23 ± 0.27 at 30∘/s and 90∘/s, with no significant difference between subgroups, nor with control values. CONCLUSION: In view of the results, trunk muscles strength should definitely be taken into account when planning therapeutic options for WwS.
The Epoch Effect on Cognitive Function Requires Regular Updating of Cognitive Screening Tests
Authors: Tan Ji-Ping , Wang Xiaoxiao , Lan Xiaoyang , Li Nan , Zhang Shimin , Zhao Yiming , Wang Lu-Ning
Published: July 2020

Background: Over time, improved cognitive abilities in elderly individuals lead to an overall increase in performance on widely used cognitive screening tests (e.g., Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE) and impact screening efficacy. Objective: We aimed to examine the epoch effect on cognitive function measured using MMSE, in addition to the influence of demographic characteristics on MMSE. We also evaluated the ability of the MMSE in detecting dementia and examined the discrimination ability and measurement precision of the MMSE. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, Chinese veterans aged ≥60 years were interviewed. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to explore the factors affecting the MMSE. The expected MMSE score was calculated to examine the epoch effect. The diagnostic accuracy of the MMSE was determined via receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. Item response theory methods were implemented using Stata 16.0. Results: The MMSE score increased with higher education and decreased with advancing age. The observed MMSE score in this study (26.9) was higher than the expected MMSE score (24.9). It demonstrated 78.3% /84.1% /89.9% sensitivity and 85.8% /79.5% /66.8% specificity in detecting dementia using the cut-off score 25/26/27. The MMSE showed reduced discrimination and provided little information for ability level of −1 and above. Conclusion: Improved cognitive ability over time may increase the performance on cognitive screening tests (e.g., MMSE). This impact of epoch in cognitive function emphasizes the importance of regularly updating cognitive screening tests.
Brain γ-Tocopherol Levels Are Associated with Presynaptic Protein Levels in Elderly Human Midfrontal Cortex
Authors: de Leeuw Francisca A. , Honer William G. , Schneider Julie A. , Morris Martha Clare
Published: July 2020

Background: Higher vitamin E intake has been widely related to lower risks of cognitive decline and dementia. Animal models suggest that this relationship might be (partially) explained by the protection of vitamin E against presynaptic protein oxidation. Objective: In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to examine the associations between brain tocopherols and presynaptic protein levels in elderly humans. Methods: We examined associations of α- and γ-tocopherol brain levels with presynaptic protein levels in 113 deceased participants (age 88.5±6.0 years, 45 (40%) female) from the prospective Memory and Aging project. Three distinct presynaptic proteins, a SNARE protein composite, a synaptotagmin synaptophysin composite and the protein-protein interaction between synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25), and syntaxin were measured in two cortical brain regions. Linear regression models assessed associations of brain tocopherols with presynaptic protein levels. Results: Higher brain γ-tocopherol levels were associated with higher levels of the SNARE protein composite, complexin-I, complexin-II, the synaptotagmin synaptophysin composite, and septin-5 in the midfrontal cortex (B(SE) = 0.272 to 0.412 (0.084 to 0.091), p < 0.001 to 0.003). When additionally adjusted for global Alzheimer’s disease pathology, cerebral infarcts, and Lewy body disease pathology, these associations remained largely similar. No associations were found between α-tocopherol and presynaptic protein levels. Conclusion: In this cross-sectional study, we found higher brain γ-tocopherol levels were associated with presynaptic protein levels in the midfrontal cortex. These results are consistent with a proposed role of vitamin E to maintain presynaptic protein levels.
Falls Associate with Neurodegenerative Changes in ATN Framework of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Keleman Audrey , Wisch Julie K. , Bollinger Rebecca M. , Grant Elizabeth A. , Benzinger Tammie L. , Morris John C. , Ances Beau M. , Stark Susan L.
Published: July 2020

Background: Behavioral markers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are not included within the widely used amyloid-tau-neurodegeneration framework. Objective: To determine when falls occur among cognitively normal (CN) individuals with and without preclinical AD. Methods: This cross-sectional study recorded falls among CN participants (n = 83) over a 1-year period. Tailored calendar journals recorded falls. Biomarkers including amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) and structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging were acquired within 2 years of fall evaluations. CN participants were dichotomized by amyloid PET (using standard cutoffs). Differences in amyloid accumulation, global resting state functional connectivity (rs-fc) intra-network signature, and hippocampal volume were compared between individuals who did and did not fall using Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Among preclinical AD participants (amyloid-positive), the partial correlation between amyloid accumulation and global rs-fc intra-network signature was compared for those who did and did not fall. Results: Participants who fell had smaller hippocampal volumes (p = 0.04). Among preclinical AD participants, those who fell had a negative correlation between amyloid uptake and global rs-fc intra-network signature (R = –0.75, p = 0.012). A trend level positive correlation was observed between amyloid uptake and global rs-fc intra-network signature (R = 0.70, p = 0.081) for preclinical AD participants who did not fall. Conclusion: Falls in CN older adults correlate with neurodegeneration biomarkers. Participants without falls had lower amyloid deposition and preserved global rs-fc intra-network signature. Falls most strongly correlated with presence of amyloid and loss of brain connectivity and occurred in later stages of preclinical AD.
Plasma High Density Lipoprotein Small Subclass is Reduced in Alzheimer’s Disease Patients and Correlates with Cognitive Performance
Authors: Pedrini Steve ,   the AIBL Research Group, Hone Eugene , Gupta Veer B. , James Ian , Teimouri Elham , Bush Ashley I. , Rowe Christopher C. , Villemagne Victor L. , Ames David , Masters Colin L. , Rainey-Smith Stephanie , Verdile Giuseppe , Sohrabi Hamid R. , Raida Manfred R. , Wenk Markus R. , Taddei Kevin , Chatterjee Pratishtha , Martins Ian , Laws Simon M. , Martins Ralph N.
Published: July 2020

Background: The link between cholesterol and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has received much attention, as evidence suggests high levels of cholesterol might be an AD risk factor. The carriage of cholesterol and lipids through the body is mediated via lipoproteins, some of which, particularly apolipoprotein E (ApoE), are intimately linked with AD. In humans, high density lipoprotein (HDL) is regarded as a “good” lipid complex due to its ability to enable clearance of excess cholesterol via ‘cholesterol reverse transport’, although its activities in the pathogenesis of AD are poorly understood. There are several subclasses of HDL; these range from the newly formed small HDL, to much larger HDL. Objective: We examined the major subclasses of HDL in healthy controls, mild cognitively impaired, and AD patients who were not taking statins to determine whether there were HDL profile differences between the groups, and whether HDL subclass levels correlated with plasma amyloid-β (Aβ) levels or brain Aβ deposition. Methods: Samples from AIBL cohort were used in this study. HDL subclass levels were assessed by Lipoprint while Aβ1–42 levels were assessed by ELISA. Brain Aβ deposition was assessed by PET scan. Statistical analysis was performed using parametric and non-parametric tests. Results: We found that small HDL subclass is reduced in AD patients and it correlates with cognitive performance while plasma Aβ concentrations do not correlate with lipid profile or HDL subfraction levels. Conclusion: Our data indicate that AD patients exhibit altered plasma HDL profile and that HDL subclasses correlate with cognitive performances.
Music Playlists for People with Dementia: Trialing A Guide for Caregivers
Authors: Garrido Sandra , Dunne Laura , Stevens Catherine J. , Chang Esther
Published: July 2020

Background: Music programs have the potential to provide an effective non-pharmacological tool for caregivers to reduce depression and agitation and increase quality of life in people with dementia. However, where such programs are not facilitated by a trained music therapist, caregivers need greater access to information about how to use music most effectively in response to key challenges to care, and how to pre-empt and manage adverse responses. Objective: This study reports on the trial of a Guide for use of music with 45 people with dementia and their caregivers in residential care facilities and home-based care. Methods: The study used a pre-post experimental design in which participants were randomly allocated to a treatment group or a waitlist control group. Results: Improvements to quality of life were found in the experimental group over the 6-week period. Significant increases in Interest, Responsiveness, Initiation, Involvement, and Enjoyment were reported for individual listening sessions. Conclusion: The Guide can provide an effective protocol for caregivers to follow in selecting music to manage particular challenges to care, confirming the need for caregivers to be prepared to monitor and manage potential negative responses.
Early-Onset Familial Alzheimer Disease Variant PSEN2 N141I Heterozygosity is Associated with Altered Microglia Phenotype
Authors: Fung Susan , Smith Carole L. , Prater Katherine E. , Case Amanda , Green Kevin , Osnis Leah , Winston Chloe , Kinoshita Yoshito , Sopher Bryce , Morrison Richard S. , Garden Gwenn A. , Jayadev Suman
Published: July 2020

Background: Early-onset familial Alzheimer disease (EOFAD) is caused by heterozygous variants in the presenilin 1 (PSEN1), presenilin 2 (PSEN2), and APP genes. Decades after their discovery, the mechanisms by which these genes cause Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or promote AD progression are not fully understood. While it is established that presenilin (PS) enzymatic activity produces amyloid-β (Aβ), PSs also regulate numerous other cellular functions, some of which intersect with known pathogenic drivers of neurodegeneration. Accumulating evidence suggests that microglia, resident innate immune cells in the central nervous system, play a key role in AD neurodegeneration. Objective: Previous work has identified a regulatory role for PS2 in microglia. We hypothesized that PSEN2 variants lead to dysregulated microglia, which could further contribute to disease acceleration. To mimic the genotype of EOFAD patients, we created a transgenic mouse expressing PSEN2 N141I on a mouse background expressing one wildtype PS2 and two PS1 alleles. Results: Microglial expression of PSEN2 N141I resulted in impaired γ-secretase activity as well as exaggerated inflammatory cytokine release, NFκB activity, and Aβ internalization. In vivo, PS2 N141I mice showed enhanced IL-6 and TREM2 expression in brain as well as reduced branch number and length, an indication of “activated” morphology, in the absence of inflammatory stimuli. LPS intraperitoneal injection resulted in higher inflammatory gene expression in PS2 N141I mouse brain relative to controls. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that PSEN2 N141I heterozygosity is associated with disrupted innate immune homeostasis, suggesting EOFAD variants may promote disease progression through non-neuronal cells beyond canonical dysregulated Aβ production.
Role of Executive Functions in the Conversion from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Dementia
Authors: Junquera Almudena , García-Zamora Estefanía , Olazarán Javier , Parra Mario A. , Fernández-Guinea Sara
Published: July 2020

Background: Recent research pointed to executive dysfunction as a potential early predictor of the progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia in Alzheimer’s clinical syndrome (ACS). Such cognitive impairments account for functional impairments in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Objective: The present study analyzes the contributions of executive functions to predict MCI–dementia progression in ACS. Methods: We assessed 145 participants, 51 cognitively unimpaired and 94 MCI. The latter were divided using the traditional, memory-based MCI classification (single domain amnestic, multidomain amnestic, and non-amnestic). Eight tests assessing executive functions were administered at baseline and at 1-year follow-up, together with cognitive screening tools and IADL measures. MCI patients were reclassified based on the outcomes from a K-mean cluster analysis which identified three groups. A simple lineal regression model was used to examine whether the classification based on executive functioning could more accurately predict progression to dementia a year later. Results: Clusters based on executive function deficits explained a significant proportion of the variance linked to MCI–dementia conversion, even after controlling for the severity of MCI at baseline (F(1, 68) = 116.25, p = 0.000, R2 = 0.63). Classical memory-based MCI classification failed to predict such a conversion (F(1, 68) = 5.09, p = 0.955, R2 = 0.07). Switching, categories generation, and planning were the executive functions that best distinguished between MCI converters and stable. Conclusion: MCI with a dysexecutive phenotype significantly predicts conversion to dementia in ACS a year later. Switching abilities and verbal fluency (categories) must be evaluated in MCI patients to assess risk of future dementia.
Interaction between two cells based on a recurrent neural network using the impedance concept
Authors: Giannoukos Georgios , Kakarountas Athanasios , Chioktour Vasileios
Published: July 2020

In this paper the dynamic behavior of the cells of the immune system is studied through the use of a mathematical and physical model developed using artificial neural networks. Simulations were obtained by solving the equation for the appropriate neuron models, in particular a two cell module. By calculating the equilibrium point of the system and taking into account the bioimpedance of the linearized model, we can determine whether the system is stable or not and whether a self immune disease is developing.
Fuzzy clustering-based microaggregation to achieve probabilistic k-anonymity for data with constraints
Authors: Torra Vicenç
Published: July 2020

Microaggregation is an effective data-driven protection method that permits us to achieve a good trade-off between disclosure risk and information loss. In this work we propose a method for microaggregation based on fuzzy c-means, that is appropriate when there are constraints (linear constraints) on the variables that describe the data. Our method leads to results that satisfy these constraints even when the data to be masked do not satisfy them.
Certain fuzzy hyperstructures from a fuzzy set
Authors: Onasanya B.O. , Atamewoue T.S. , Hoskova-Mayerova S.
Published: July 2020

Fuzzy set theory and also the hypergroups in the sense of Marty are both generalizations of some existing mathematical concepts which are used for modeling many real life situations. The main purpose of this paper is the study of the link between fuzzy sets and fuzzy hypergroups and fuzzy semihypergroups. As a matter of fact, some commutative fuzzy hypergroups and fuzzy semihypergroups have been constructed from fuzzy set and some of their properties were investigated.
Congrunce lattices of rectangular lattices1
Authors: He Peng , Wang Xue-Ping
Published: July 2020

Let D be a finite distributive lattice with n join-irreducible elements. It is well-known that D can be represented as the congruence lattice of a rectangular lattice L which is a special planer semimodular lattice. In this paper, we shall give a better upper bound for the size of L by a function of n, improving a 2009 result of G. Grätzer and E. Knapp.
Interval-valued pythagorean fuzzy rough approximation operators and its application
Authors: Yang Hai-Long , Zhou Jia-Jia
Published: July 2020

By combining interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy sets with rough sets, the interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy rough set model is first constructed in this paper. The connections between special interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy relations and interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy approximation operators are established subsequently. Then, we study the axiomatic characterizations of interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy lower and upper approximation operators. Different axiom sets of interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy set-theoretic operators ensure the existence of different types of interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy relations producing the same operators. Finally, we give an example to illustrate the practical application of the newly proposed model.
New distance and similarity measures for hesitant fuzzy sets and their application in hierarchical clustering
Authors: Rezaei Kamran , Rezaei Hassan
Published: July 2020

The hesitant fuzzy sets (HFSs) are an extension of the classical fuzzy sets. The membership degree of each element in a hesitant fuzzy set can be a set of possible values in the interval [0,1]. On the other hand, distance and similarity measures are important tools in several applications such as pattern recognition, clustering, medical diagnosis, etc. Hence, numerous studies have focused on investigating distance and similarity measures for HFSs. In this paper, some improved distance and similarity measures are introduced for the HFSs, considering the variation range as a hesitance degree for these sets. Comparing the proposed measures to some available distance and similarity measures indicated the better results of the proposed measures. Finally, the application of the proposed measures was investigated in the clustering.
Finding spectrum occupancy pattern using CBFPP mining technique
Authors: Karthik G.M. , Sayeekumar M. , Kumaravel R. , Aravind T.
Published: July 2020

The main challenge of problem lies in the perception of Cognitive Radio technology is to discover licensed empty spectrum pattern. The efficient model is needed for allocation among licensed and unlicensed users in wireless spectrum to improve the extraction rate and collision rate. To discover the spectrum hole in spectrum paging bands, stirred by FP mining technique proposed an efficient enumeration approach, namely Constraint Based Frequent Periodic Pattern Mining (CBFPP). The proposed algorithm uses TRIE-like data structure with data mining constraints. CBFPP algorithm predicts periodic spectrum occupancy holes in the paging bands. It is shown that CBFPP has a high prediction accuracy with reasonable time complexity. Experiment with synthetic and real data validate higher prediction accuracy and with reasonable time complexities. The unlicensed user utilizes the predicted spectrum pattern in spectrum usage of channel without significant interference to licensed users.