bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization model of electrification ratio using solar photovoltaic: case study in Kupang Regency
Authors: Sinaga Rusman
Published: April 2023

The Electrification ratio in Indonesia is 89.10%, which means there are 7, 245,728 of 66, 489,400 households don’t have access to Electrical Energy Sources (EES). Kupang Regency is one of the Regency in Indonesia which has a low electrification ratio. 29,542 of 78,109 households haven't access to EES spread over 29 villages (electrification ratio of 62%). Solar Photovoltaic in Kupang Regency 5 MWp capacity has been operating but directly connected (On-Grid) to the State Electricity Company (PLN), it is not able to help rural communities that are difficulties to reach due to its geographical conditions. The aim of this research was design the electrification ratio optimization model with the consideration of CO2 emission reduction using Solar Photovoltaic. The method of research using dynamic modeling approach. The result of the research shows that electrification ratio can be achieved optimum estimated in 2020-2021 if the addition of capable power each year 4,000 kW. The addition of capable power 2,000 kW/year, can reach the optimum electrification ratio in 2023-2024 and if the addition of capable power is only 1,000 kW/year, the optimum electrification ratio can be achieved in 2030-2031. Diversification of DPG into Solar PV can reduce CO2 emissions by 98.8%.
Differential expression of LTBP4 in cancer of the cervix.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: April 2023

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) (1-3); the transcriptional features that distinguish the gene expression programs of HPV-induced cancers from that of cancers resulting from non-viral abrogation of tumor suppression remain incompletely defined. We mined public and published microarray datasets (4, 5) to determine in an unbiased fashion and at the level of the transcriptome genes most differentially expressed in the primary tumors of patients with the most common type of cervical cancer, cervical squamous cell carcinoma. We found significant differential expression of the gene encoding latent transforming growth factor beta-binding protein 4, LTBP4, when comparing tumor tissue from the human cervix to the tissue of origin. LTBP4 mRNA was present at significantly lower quantities in tumors of the cervix as compared to normal tissues from the cervix. Analysis of human survival data revealed that expression of LTBP4 in tumors of the cervix was correlated with overall survival in patients with cervical cancer. LTBP4 expression changes may be important for the initiation or progression of cancer of the cervix in humans.
Generalization of singular homology and cohomology to general categories using simplicial methods
Authors: Ali Zaahir
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this paper is to explore generalizations of constructions made in algebraic topology. Specifically the singular homology cohomology construction. We will focus on the categorical properties of the constructions in this text and apply them to a few examples. The essential idea is that singular homology is constructed from the choice of something called a cosimplicial topological space. It turns out that choosing a cosimplicial object in any category is enough to construct a nice (co)homology theory on that category. This is the process that we will explain in the following sections.
Heart Rate Estimation Using Color Space Models
Authors: Ofek Bicaf
Published: April 2023

One of a person's most crucial physiological cues is their heart rate (HR). From a person's facial video that was acquired by a camera, remote HR estimate extracts tiny colour changes. The heart rate is then determined by subtracting the periodic signal brought on by cardiac activity from the fluctuations in colour. The contactlessness, comfort, and impalpability of remote approaches are advantages. Remote approaches are highly sensitive to changes in illumination and motion artefacts because of the face's extremely modest colour shifts. The findings of trials carried out in various colour spaces have been observed to vary greatly in recent studies, indicating that the colour space chosen has a considerable influence on HR estimate. However, it is challenging to provide an ideal colour space that is suitable for the task of HR assessment. Additionally, there are not enough combinations with cutting-edge mechanisms and specialised training methods for colour space projection tasks. In order to overcome these difficulties, approaches using either ensemble methods or adaptive color spaces have been proposed. We investigate the impact of various color spaces in the context of heart rate estimation.
Analysis of barriers in supplying electricity using interpretative structural modeling_Turnitin
Authors: Sinaga Rusman
Published: April 2023

Statistical data shows that electrification ratio in Kupang District of East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, is 60%. Itmeans that there are 30,910 out of 78,011 households have no access to Electrical Energy Resources (EER). Theobjective of this research was to analyze the barriers, and find sub-elements of the barriers, in supplying EER tothe region by using interpretative structural modeling (ISM) approach. Major finding in this research are twofolds. 1) Key factor of the barriers for supplying EER to the region was the difficulties to reach due to itsgeographical conditions. 2) Difficulties in inter-sectoral coordination, lack of government funding, difficulties inland acquisition, and inadequacy in equipment, materials and human resources, were independent and havehigh driving force for supplying the ERR in Kupang District.
Rupture phase in near-fault records of the 2023 Turkey Mw 7.8 earthquake
Authors: Yao Suli , Yang Hongfeng
Published: April 2023

Understanding and deciphering wiggles especially coherent phases from seismograms have been a long endeavor to understand the earth structure and earthquake source. However, coherent phases directly associated with earthquake rupture propagation have not been available due to the lack of continuous near-fault observations. Here we report the rupture phase as large velocity pulses during the 2023 Mw 7.8 Turkey earthquake. Through data analysis and numerical rupture simulations, we estimate the rupture speed to be subshear (i.e. ~3.1-3.4 km/s) along the southern segment of the East Anatolian Fault. Moreover, we constrain the critical slip distance (D_c) to be ~ 1.35 m in average, 60% of the reported average surface slip. With the expanding coverage of near-fault observation network, such rupture phases in future earthquakes can be used to unravel rupture process and frictional properties on faults.
Workshop report: Modelling volatile behaviour in magmas
Authors: Hughes Ery , Ding Shuo , Iacovino Kayla , Wieser Penny , Kilgour Geoff
Published: April 2023

Volatiles are a critical component of magmas, driving volcanic eruptions, creating and modifying planetary atmospheres, and generating ore deposits. There has been an immense amount of work quantifying the solubility of individual volatile species in a wide variety of magma compositions and the creation of various modelling capabilities to look at magmatic degassing. This workshop aimed to bring together experimentalists, numerical modellers, and observational researchers with an interest in volatile solubility in magmas. Through group discussions, model demonstrations, and keynote talks, we explored the current landscape and looked for future directions. We started with a demonstration session of existing models and codes. There is currently no benchmarking for such codes, so we discussed options for a benchmarking exercise and test datasets. This was followed by discussions on future directions, covering: 1. What are the experimental gaps (e.g., melt compositions, volatile species, pressure-temperature (PT) ranges, fugacity coefficients, non-ideal mixing, etc.)?2. What do observational researchers need these codes to be able to do? 3. Can we link monitoring needs to solubility outputs?
CDR modeled in MAGICC to return to preindustrial temperatures by 2100
Authors: Fiume Shannon
Published: April 2023

Scenario pathways greatly inform the opportunity space of possible future climates. The multistep experiment tests the Alternative Method to Determine a Carbon Dioxide Removal Target’s thesis by simulating the novel pathway '300x2050,' SSP1-2.6, and SSP1-1.9 comparing within green growth development in MAGICC 6.8 by removing all cumulative anthropogenic CO₂ over 80 years and phasing out anthropogenic GHGs. Contrary to the previous theory, the experiment removed carbon equal to accumulated fossil fuels and land-use change emissions, realizing a final temperature of 0.07ºC relative to 1720-1800, 0.14ºC to the 1850-1900 mean, and CO₂ concentration of 278.82 ppm by 2550. The vast CDR needed to approximate the speculation of Anthropocene reversal by 2100 justifies utmost urgency and maximally scaled sustainable (zero-carbon intensity) green growth development.
Effects of reference group instructions on big five trait scores
Authors: Lenhausen Madeline Rowena , Bleidorn Wiebke , Hopwood Christopher James
Published: April 2023

People responding to personality questionnaires rate themselves by comparing themselves to some reference group, but this reference group is typically not specified. In this study, we examined differences between Big Five trait scores when people responded to trait questionnaires without a specified reference group, as is typical in personality assessment, and when they were asked to compare themselves to people in general, close others, people their age, people their same gender, their ideal self, or their past self. We found that personality scores tended to be more adaptive for between-person comparisons than within-person comparisons. We also found that unprompted instructions produced mildly higher scores across all traits. There were few differences among between-person reference group conditions. Men rated themselves as slightly more agreeable when comparing themselves to other men. Implications for basic and applied personality assessment are discussed.
When do parts form wholes? Integrated information as the restriction on mereological composition
Authors: McQueen Kelvin J. , Tsuchiya Naotsugu
Published: April 2023

Under what conditions are material objects, such as particles, parts of a whole object? This is the composition question and is a longstanding open question in philosophy. Existing attempts to specify a non-trivial restriction on composition tend to be vague and face serious counterexamples. Consequently, two extreme answers have become mainstream: composition (the forming of a whole by its parts) happens under no or all conditions. In this paper, we provide a self-contained introduction to the integrated information theory of consciousness (IIT). We show that IIT specifies a non-trivial restriction on composition: composition happens when integrated information is maximized. We compare the IIT-restriction to existing proposals and argue that the IIT-restriction has significant advantages, especially in response to the problems of vagueness and counterexamples. An appendix provides an introduction to calculating parts and wholes with a simple system.
bayes-toolbox: A Python package for Bayesian statistics
Authors: Kim Hyosub Edward
Published: April 2023

'bayes-toolbox' is a Python package intended to facilitate the increased use and adoption of Bayesian statistics in scientific research. As Python is one of the fastest growing and most widely used programming languages, 'bayes-toolbox' fills the need for a Python library that makes it as easy to perform Bayesian statistical tests as it currently is to perform their "frequentist" counterparts. The intended users of 'bayes-toolbox' are students and researchers, particularly those in the behavioral and neural sciences, who are looking for a low friction way to learn Bayesian statistics and incorporate it into their research.
Gratitude, self-esteem, and optimism distinctively impact the subjective and psychological well-being of Japanese individuals
Authors: Nawa Norberto Eiji , Yamagishi Noriko
Published: April 2023

There is mounting evidence suggesting that the effectiveness of positive psychological interventions can be influenced by a variety of factors, including one’s cultural context. Identifying target variables that can effectively serve to improve individual well-being under these boundary conditions is a crucial step when developing viable interventions. To this end, we examined how gratitude disposition, self-esteem, and optimism relate to the subjective (SWB) and psychological well-being (PWB) of Japanese individuals. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that while self-esteem was predominantly more strongly associated with SWB compared to gratitude disposition, the latter was more strongly associated with the PWB dimensions, particularly personal growth, positive relations with others and purpose in life. These results were largely corroborated by a second expanded dataset. In addition, we used experience sampling over a four-week period to examine how momentary affect ratings related to overall daily evaluations. We found that both gratitude disposition and self-esteem moderated the association between momentary positive affect and “good day” evaluations but in opposite ways; increasing gratitude disposition strengthened the association, while increasing self-esteem weakened it. All in all, the current results suggest that while gratitude, self-esteem, and optimism influence individual well-being as a whole, they each likely play distinct roles as enablers of SWB and PWB in the examined cohort.
Beirut Blast: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, & Post-Traumatic Growth After 6 Months
Authors: Chabbouh Alfred , Fahd Ghina
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives: On the 4th August 2020, the biggest explosion over the last 20 years took place in Beirut. Although many trauma survivors recover from their initial symptoms, a substantial number will develop lasting psychiatric disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive episode (MDE). Positive changes are also common post- trauma. Post-traumatic growth (PTG) refers to the occurrence of positive change following major life crises. No studies have previously looked at post-traumatic growth in Lebanon.Subjects and Methods: Data was collected through an anonymous online form in English and Arabic, 6 months after the blast. A total of 322 eligible participants were available. PCL-C, PHQ-9, and PTGI-SF were used to assess the dependent variables. Participants were in the Beirut area when the explosion happened, do not use psychotropic medications regularly, and were not diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder one year preceding the blast.Results: Results showed that 75.8% had PTSD out of which 48.8% was severe. Individuals who had PTSD were 12 times more likely to have depression. Predictors for having PTSD were having depression, physical injury, having a loved one injured, being unemployed, being married, and having children. Predictors of severe PTSD were having depression, female sex, proximity to the blast, and seeking psychological care. Predictors of having depression were having PTSD, female sex, unemployment, losing a job due to the explosion, losing valuable possessions, and seeking psychological care. Every group in this sample showed a degree of growth. Predictors of a higher PTG were having severe PTSD, being female, proximity to the blast, having no children, and being unmarried.Conclusion: Beirut blast survivors have a high burden of psychiatric disease still left unaddressed after 6 months. Future efforts should focus on providing affordable mental health services free of stigma. Post-traumatic growth in survivors may prove useful while administering psychotherapeutic treatment.
Analysis of Libya’s Insecurity: The Examination of Violence in Five Libyan Cities
Authors: Elhudairi Abdelsalam , Işıksal Hüseyin
Published: April 2023

Stability remains a pursuit of the post-Gaddafi regime since no accord has achieved its aim of establishing a legitimate government in Libya. The challenges in implementing Skhirat’s agreement coupled with the government rivalry between Tripoli and Tobruk have resulted in the unabating state of insecurity in Libya. The relationship between the implementation of agreements and the complexity of the insecurity in Libya has an impact on the establishment of a legitimate government. Unlike the common analysis of Libya’s state of insecurity in Northeastern and Western dichotomy or political, economic, and social analysis, this article presents an analysis of insecurity issues using a smaller scale that reflects insecurity in different neighborhoods. The unit of insecurity, therefore, is explained based on smaller units of insecurity by examining neighborhoods in five cities, namely Benghazi, Sirte, Jurfa, Sabha, and Tripoli, which have witnessed extreme attacks in the post-Gaddafi era. The emphasis is on how the Libyan National Army under General Haftar and the Libyan Army of Government National Accord have tried to capitalize on the control of strategic neighborhoods of the cities and how this contributes to the further fragmentation of insecurity and control that determine the future of Libya.
Quantitative Evaluation of the Use of Surface Filter to Reduce Photon Starvation Artifacts
Authors:   KOREA SOCIETY OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGY, Kim Sang-Hun , Keum Woong-Jin , Kim Wan-Youk
Published: April 2023

During CT (Computed Tomography) examination, Surface Filter made for the reduction of Photon Starvation Artifacts occurring in the patient's shoulder and clavicle was quantitatively evaluated. Image quality was evaluated by changing 120 kVp and 100 mA, 200 mA, and 300 mA fixed to Thorax Phantom, and scattered radiation measurement was performed on the surface of the part to which the filter was applied. As a result, it was confirmed that the SNR(Signal to Noise Ratio) increased by 35.86%, 26.65%, and 18.18%, respectively, and the effect of reducing the thoracic surface dose by an average of 33.7% was shown. The results of this study indicate that it is a useful method that can optimize the image without increasing the dose and reduce the patient's surface dose due to scattered radiation.
Usefulness Evaluation of Water as an Oral Contrast Medium and Virtual Monoenergetic Images in Liver CT
Authors:   KOREA SOCIETY OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGY, Lee Ho-Sung , Oh Seong-Min , Han Hyeon-Seok , Yu Hyeon-Cheol , Oh Chang-Seop , Lee Min-Soo , Bang Yong-Sik
Published: April 2023

The usefulness of intake water as an oral contrast medium and MonoE(Virtual Monoenergetic Images) 50 keV of DECT(Dual Energy Computed Tomography) was evaluated in Liver CT. In order to compare water intake image and non-water intake image and MonoE 50 keV image of non-water intake data were obtained from 50 patients who underwent liver follow-up CT at our hospital from January 1, 2021 to June 31, 2022 at our hospital, using IQon Spectral CT (Philips Healthcare, Netherlands). In the same patient, compared to non-water intake image, both Water intake image and MonoE 50 keV image of non-water intake showed an increase in the average values of HU of portal vein, liver parenchyma, SNR, CNR. As a result of quantitative analysis using the paired-sample t-test of SPSS (Statistical Package For Social Science, IBM, US), showed a statistically significant increase in portal vein, liver parenchyma, SNR, CNR in all phases except for the liver parenchyma of Artery Phase. In particular, in the case of MonoE 50 keV, it was confirmed that SNR and CNR increased significantly. Both water intake as an oral contrast and MonoE 50 keV of DECT showed significant increases in SNR and CNR compared to when non-water intake. If MonoE 50 keV using DECT is applied to patients who are restricted water intake and difficult to intake due to poor general conditions, it is believed that the safety and convenience of patients will be increased, and the satisfaction of CT will be improved.
KRYTERIUM KULTUROWE W REGULACJACH BEZPIECZEŃSTWA ŻYWNOŚCIOWEGO POLSKI
Authors: Kalinowski Patryk
Published: April 2023

One of the aspects of food security is the cultural adequacy of food. This means that food security cannot be sufficiently ensured when this factor is ignored. Unfortunately, no approach has been developed, either in the regulations or on conceptual grounds, which would help classify food products for the needs of food security and account for the aforementioned cultural aspect. However, not every product is equally significant for this policy and some may not be important at all. Therefore, the paper proposes that product classification criteria be established for food security, including in particular the cultural criterion. In addition, examples of its adoption (or omission) in the current regulations are presented.
„PRZESTĘPCA ZAWODOWY” W UJĘCIU KODEKSU KARNEGO – WYBRANE PROBLEMY WYKŁADNI ART. 65 § 1 K.K.
Authors: Michalska-Warias Aneta
Published: April 2023

The paper is devoted to the analysis of a phrase describing a ‘professional criminal’ in Article 65 § 1 of the Polish Criminal Code (CC). The meaning of the amendment of 2004, which changed the description of the professional criminal, is discussed in detail. While earlier such a criminal was defined as a person who ‘has made the commission of offences his or her regular source of income’, since 2004 it is sufficient if the regular income comes from the ‘commission of an offence’. It is argued that this change means that also cases in which the offender commits only one offence that can be the source of long-lasting income should be treated as offences committed by the professional criminal under Article 65 § 1 CC. Yet, there are no sound criminal policy reasons supporting such a broad application of the provision. Furthermore, the case law examined in the paper demonstrates that in practice the courts assume that a regular criminal activity is the prerequisite for applying Article 65 § 1 CC. Therefore, the following amendment to the discussed provision is suggested: either to restore the previous description of the professional criminal as a person whose income comes from the commission of offences (and not just one offence) or to indicate criminal activities as the source of such income.
PUBLICZNOPRAWNE ASPEKTY PRZECIWDZIAŁANIA ZANIECZYSZCZENIU SZTUCZNYM ŚWIATŁEM – PODSTAWOWE POSTULATY DE LEGE FERENDA
Authors: Szlachetko Katarzyna
Published: April 2023

The paper presents a normative analysis of Polish legislation, along with recommendations for necessary changes that would provide legal instruments to counteract artificial light pollution. The aim is to indicate the regulations essential for limiting the harmful emission of artificial light in key aspects that result from the environmental protection law in connection with provisions on technical standards and requirements. Counteracting light pollution requires not only defining emission standards, but also rational planning that takes into account land use or the function a given area serves. In addition, it is essential that appropriate technical standards be established for the design and installation of outdoor lighting.
ZRÓWNOWAŻONE ETYKIETOWANIE ŻYWNOŚCI A INFORMACJA O WARTOŚCI ODŻYWCZEJ I INFORMACJA ŚRODOWISKOWA NA ŻYWNOŚCI
Authors: Wojciechowski Paweł
Published: April 2023

The author, starting with the assumption that the social and environmental conditions for sustainable labelling must be looked at from three different angles, i.e. from the viewpoint of consumer interests, entrepreneurs’ interests and public interest, presents the regulation on nutrition labels and eco-labelling of food. He undertakes an assessment of the existing solutions in relation to their impact on food consumption patterns and achievement of the sustainable development goals. The author concludes that sustainable labelling is involved only when both the scope of information provided and the manner of its presentation enable consumers to make well-informed decisions, taking into account environmental, health, social and ethical issues. He negatively assesses the existing regulation on the subject. At the same time, the author views the planned legislative changes positively and emphasizes the importance of self-regulation of entrepreneurs and the public administration bodies’ supervision of food labelling.
EXERGAMES: PERCEPÇÕES DE ACADÊMICOS DE EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA
Authors: Fleck Rodrigues Solari Gabriela , De Lima dos Santos Thais , De Carvalho Vargas Veronica , Vilanova Ilha Phillip
Published: April 2023

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar as percepções de acadêmicos de Educação Física sobre os Exergames e suas possibilidades de utilização no contexto escolar. A pesquisa contou com 17 acadêmicos de Educação Física de uma universidade pública do Rio Grande do Sul. Como instrumento de coleta de dados, utilizou-se de três questionários: dois questionários com questões abertas, construídas pelos pesquisadores, com questões sobre conhecimentos/experiências prévias com os Exergames e percepções sobre possibilidades educativas do Exergames no contexto escolar; como terceiro questionário, aplicou-se o Long Flow State Physical, com 36 questões fechadas e respostas do tipo Likert de cinco pontos. Os sujeitos passaram por uma práxis de Exergame por 4 semanas, com jogos de aventura, esportes e dança. Para análise dos dados utilizou a análise de conteúdo e a estatística descritiva. Os resultados demonstraram que os estudantes não possuíam conhecimentos e nem experiências prévias com Exergames, porém, com a práxis de Exergame, obtiveram um estado psicológico positivo e perceberam aplicabilidade dos Exergame nas aulas de Educação Física escolar. Conclui-se que, os acadêmicos de Educação Física percebem os Exergames como uma ferramenta educativa viável para desenvolver a ampliação da cultura corporal de movimento na Educação Física escolar.
A FORMAÇÃO DA CONSCIENTIZAÇÃO ECOLÓGICA A PARTIR DO TEMA ÁGUA EM UMA TURMA DOS ANOS INICIAIS DA EDUCAÇÃO BÁSICA
Authors: Silveira Vasconcelos Emanuella , Ambrósio dos Santos Miqueias , Lahm Regis Alexandre
Published: April 2023

O relato de experiência apresenta uma discussão sobre a conscientização Ecológica a partir da epistemologia de Frijot Capra e da concepção de conscientização proposta por Paulo Freire, organizada didaticamente por meio de uma proposta de sequência didática. O objetivo da proposta foi dialogar sobre a formação da conscientização ecológica no contexto do ensino de conceitos científicos sobre o tema água nos Anos Iniciais do Ensino Fundamental em uma escola pública municipal de Boa Vista, no estado de Roraima. Foram utilizados como instrumento de registro e coleta de dados: anotações em caderno de campo referente as atividades propostas, a elaboração de desenhos, questionário prévio e posterior as ações desenvolvidas. Os dados da pesquisa sugerem que a conscientização ecológica favorece a compreensão do mundo, as relações do homem com os seres a sua volta e a consciência de que como humanos fazemos parte do conjunto dinâmico chamado natureza, e que é indispensável que as crianças em idade escolar possam o mais cedo possível vivenciar ações que visem estimular uma boa relação entre homem e o meio.
RESENHA: “A UTILIZAÇÃO DO CINEMA NO ENSINO DE CIÊNCIAS SOB A PERSPECTIVA CTS:
Authors: Da Silva Emerick Garcia Suellyn
Published: April 2023

O presente trabalho é uma resenha crítica da dissertação de mestrado da pesquisadora Priscila Maia Braz Silveira defendida em 2016 pelo Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ensino de Ciências da Universidade de Brasília (UnB), sob a orientação da Profª. Drª. Maria Luiza de Araújo Gastal como requisito à obtenção do título de Mestre em Ensino de Ciências. Em sua pesquisa, Priscila Silveira buscou entender como graduandos do curso de Licenciatura em Ciências Biológicas da Universidade de Brasília compreendem a perspectiva Ciência, Tecnologia e Sociedade (CTS) no Ensino. A pesquisadora também propõe uma intervenção didática que os auxilia a ver o cinema como ferramenta didática no ensino de ciências sob tal perspectiva. Apesar da autora nos apresentar um referencial teórico sobre os prelúdios do Movimento CTS, sua pesquisa foi realizada entre os anos de 2015 e 2016,  havendo um intervalo de 6 anos para que novos estudos sobre o tema surgissem, ampliando o debate. Portanto, quando necessário, busco acrescentar nesta resenha alguns pontos de vista mais recentes de estudiosos do Movimento CTS.
Large-Scale Network Connectivity and Cognitive Function Changes After Exercise Training in Older Adults with Intact Cognition and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Won Junyeon , Nielson Kristy A. , Smith J. Carson
Published: April 2023

Background:

Despite growing evidence regarding the association between exercise training (ET) and functional brain network connectivity, little is known about the effects of ET on large-scale within- and between-network functional connectivity (FC) of core brain networks.

Objective:

We investigated the effects of ET on within- and between-network functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN), frontoparietal network (FPN), and salience network (SAL) in older adults with intact cognition (CN) and older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The association between ET-induced changes in FC and cognitive performance was examined.

Methods:

33 older adults (78.0±7.0 years; 16 MCI and 17 CN) participated in this study. Before and after a 12-week walking ET intervention, participants underwent a graded exercise test, Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), a narrative memory test (logical memory; LM), and a resting-state fMRI scan. We examined the within (W) and between (B) network connectivity of the DMN, FPN, and SAL. We used linear regression to examine associations between ET-related changes in network connectivity and cognitive function.

Results:

There were significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, COWAT, RAVLT, and LM after ET across participants. Significant increases in DMNW and SALW, and DMN-FPNB, DMN-SALB, and FPN-SALB were observed after ET. Greater SALW and FPN-SALB were associated with enhanced LM immediate recall performance after ET in both groups.

Conclusion:

Increased within- and between-network connectivity following ET may subserve improvements in memory performance in older individuals with intact cognition and with MCI due to Alzheimer’s disease.
Common Signaling Pathways Involved in Alzheimer’s Disease and Stroke: Two Faces of the Same Coin
Authors: Das Tushar Kanti , Ganesh Bhanu Priya , Fatima-Shad Kaneez
Published: April 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and stroke are two interrelated neurodegenerative disorders which are the leading cause of death and affect the neurons in the brain and central nervous system. Although amyloid-β aggregation, tau hyperphosphorylation, and inflammation are the hallmarks of AD, the exact cause and origin of AD are still undefined. Recent enormous fundamental discoveries suggest that the amyloid hypothesis of AD has not been proven and anti-amyloid therapies that remove amyloid deposition have not yet slowed cognitive decline. However, stroke, mainly ischemic stroke (IS), is caused by an interruption in the cerebral blood flow. Significant features of both disorders are the disruption of neuronal circuitry at different levels of cellular signaling, leading to the death of neurons and glial cells in the brain. Therefore, it is necessary to find out the common molecular mechanisms of these two diseases to understand their etiological connections. Here, we summarized the most common signaling cascades including autotoxicity, ApoE4, insulin signaling, inflammation, mTOR-autophagy, notch signaling, and microbiota-gut-brain axis, present in both AD and IS. These targeted signaling pathways reveal a better understanding of AD and IS and could provide a distinguished platform to develop improved therapeutics for these diseases.
Levetiracetam Increases Hippocampal Blood Flow in Alzheimer’s Disease as Measured by Arterial Spin Labelling MRI
Authors: Press Daniel Zvi , Musaeus Christian Sandøe , Zhao Li , Breton Jocelyn M. , Shafi Mouhsin M. , Dai Weiying , Alsop David C.
Published: April 2023

Background: Patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have an increased risk of developing epileptiform discharges, which is associated with a more rapid rate of progression. This suggests that suppression of epileptiform activity could have clinical benefit in patients with AD. Objective: In the current study, we tested whether acute, intravenous administration of levetiracetam led to changes in brain perfusion as measured with arterial spin labeling MRI (ASL-MRI) in AD. Methods: We conducted a double-blind, within-subject crossover design study in which participants with mild AD (n = 9) received placebo, 2.5 mg/kg, and 7.5 mg/kg of LEV intravenously in a random order in three sessions. Afterwards, the participants underwent ASL-MRI. Results: Analysis of relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) between 2.5 mg of levetiracetam and placebo showed significant decreases in a cluster that included the posterior cingulate cortex, the precuneus, and the posterior part of the cingulate gyrus, while increased cerebral blood flow was found in both temporal lobes involving the hippocampus. Conclusion: Administration of 2.5 mg/kg of LEV in patients without any history of epilepsy leads to changes in rCBF in areas known to be affected in the early stages of AD. These areas may be the focus of the epileptiform activity. Larger studies are needed to confirm the current findings.
Evolution of Detecting Early Onset of Alzheimer’s Disease: From Neuroimaging to Optical Immunoassays
Authors: Hsiao Wesley Wei-Wen , Angela Stefanny , Le Trong-Nghia , Ku Chia-Chi , Hu Po-Sheng , Chiang Wei-Hung
Published: April 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a pathological disorder defined by the symptoms of memory loss and deterioration of cognitive abilities over time. Although the etiology is complex, it is mainly associated with the accumulation of toxic amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) aggregates and tau protein-induced neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Even now, creating non-invasive, sensitive, specific, and cost-effective diagnostic methods for AD remains challenging. Over the past few decades, polymers, and nanomaterials (e.g., nanodiamonds, nanogold, quantum dots) have become attractive and practical tools in nanomedicine for diagnosis and treatment. This review focuses on current developments in sensing methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to boost the sensitivity in detecting related biomarkers for AD. In addition, optical analysis platforms such as ELISA and SERS have found increasing popularity among researchers due to their excellent sensitivity and specificity, which may go as low as the femtomolar range. While ELISA offers easy technological usage and high throughput, SERS has the advantages of improved mobility, simple electrical equipment integration, and lower cost. Both portable optical sensing techniques are highly superior in terms of sensitivity, specificity, human application, and practicality, enabling the early identification of AD biomarkers.
Association of Traumatic Brain Injury with Late Life Neuropathological Outcomes in a Community-Based Cohort
Authors: Gibbons Laura E. , Power Melinda C. , Walker Rod L. , Kumar Raj G. , Murphy Alia , Latimer Caitlin S. , Nolan Amber L. , Melief Erica J. , Beller Allison , Bogdani Marika , Keene C. Dirk , Larson Eric B. , Crane Paul K. , Dams-O’Connor Kristen
Published: April 2023

Background: Prior studies into the association of head trauma with neuropathology have been limited by incomplete lifetime neurotrauma exposure characterization. Objective: To investigate the neuropathological sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in an autopsy sample using three sources of TBI ascertainment, weighting findings to reflect associations in the larger, community-based cohort. Methods: Self-reported head trauma with loss of consciousness (LOC) exposure was collected in biennial clinic visits from 780 older adults from the Adult Changes in Thought study who later died and donated their brain for research. Self-report data were supplemented with medical record abstraction, and, for 244 people, structured interviews on lifetime head trauma. Neuropathology outcomes included Braak stage, CERAD neuritic plaque density, Lewy body distribution, vascular pathology, hippocampal sclerosis, and cerebral/cortical atrophy. Exposures were TBI with or without LOC. Modified Poisson regressions adjusting for age, sex, education, and APOE ɛ4 genotype were weighted back to the full cohort of 5,546 participants. Results: TBI with LOC was associated with the presence of cerebral cortical atrophy (Relative Risk 1.22, 95% CI 1.02, 1.42). None of the other outcomes was associated with TBI with or without LOC. Conclusion: TBI with LOC was associated with increased risk of cerebral cortical atrophy. Despite our enhanced TBI ascertainment, we found no association with the Alzheimer’s disease-related neuropathologic outcomes among people who survived to at least age 65 without dementia. This suggests the pathophysiological processes underlying post-traumatic neurodegeneration are distinct from the hallmark pathologies of Alzheimer’s disease.
Neuropathology of Anti-Amyloid-β Immunotherapy: A Case Report
Authors: Castellani Rudolph J. , Shanes Elisheva D. , McCord Matthew , Reish Nicholas J. , Flanagan Margaret E. , Mesulam M-Marsel , Jamshidi Pouya
Published: April 2023

Host responses to anti-amyloid-β (Aβ) antibody therapy are evident in neuroimaging changes and clinical symptoms in a subset of clinical trial subjects receiving such therapy. The pathological basis for the imaging changes and clinical symptoms is not known, nor is the precise mechanism of Aβ clearing. We report the autopsy findings in a 65-year-old woman who received three open label infusions of the experimental anti-Aβ drug lecanemab over about one month. Four days after the last infusion, she was treated with tissue plasminogen activator for acute stroke symptoms and died several days later with multifocal hemorrhage. Neuropathological examination demonstrated histiocytic vasculitis involving blood vessels with cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Fragmentation and phagocytosis of vascular Aβ were present throughout the cerebral cortex. Phagocytosis of parenchymal Aβ plaques was noted. Changes suggestive of Aβ and phosphorylated tau “clearing” were also noted. The findings overall suggest that anti-Aβ treatment stimulated a host response to Aβ, i.e., target engagement. The findings also provide evidence that amyloid-related imaging abnormalities might be indicative of an Aβ phagocytic syndrome within cerebral vasculature and parenchymal brain tissue in some cases.
Physiotherapists’ experience with online group exercise classes: A nationwide survey
Authors: Cronin Eimear , McCallion Maire , Monaghan Kenneth
Published: April 2023

INTRODUCTION: The Covid-19 pandemic provided a research opportunity to explore online group exercise programmes in larger numbers while restrictions on group gatherings were in place. An online survey was conducted with Irish Physiotherapists to ascertain their views on online group exercise programmes and the methods they employed to conduct their online classes in order to guide Physiotherapists with future care delivery. METHODS: A mixed-methods design was employed using a cross-sectional national online survey of Physiotherapists in Ireland. The survey collected both qualitative and quantitative data. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the ordinal and continuous data and free-text responses were analysed using conventional content analysis. RESULTS: In total, 81 Physiotherapists completed the surveys. The majority of Physiotherapists (62%) feel a blended or hybrid model is the best option for the future. Convenience and decreased travel were cited as the main advantages of online classes. Physiotherapists cited in-person classes as being of higher teaching quality with improved safety and social interaction. Physiotherapists indicated that very little staff or technological resources were needed for their online classes and serious adverse events during the classes were extremely infrequent. CONCLUSION: Online group exercise programmes were well received by Physiotherapists, although the majority of those questioned believe a mixture of both online and in person exercise classes should be offered going forward.
TOWN PLANNING PRACTICE OF REVIVAL OF COASTAL TERRITORIES
Authors: Mykhailyk Olha
Published: April 2023

The world experience of revitalization of coastal areas is considered. Vivid examples of revitalization for the citizens of coastal areas are "Hafen City" in Hamburg, "VКstra Namnen" in MalmЪ, "Fjord City" in Oslo, "Canary Wharf" in London. Until the beginning of the 21st century, people were not often seen on the banks of the Yonning River in the Chinese city of Taizhou because the embankment was a concrete road without trees. A 2002 project to create a park along the river was a successful solution to flood control and stormwater management. The effectiveness of such a system was proven by the simulation of regular floods. A wooden structure was added to the natural structure, which performs a technical function, where pedestrian routes were laid. Today, the park is a popular place for residents throughout the year, because the wetland system with pontoon paths is not at risk of flooding due to rising water levels. 3.8 hectares of public space were returned to the residents of Lisbon by building the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, and the area on the site of the former road and car park opened access to the Tagus River. It is possible to make the embankment active and accessible by leaving concrete anti-flood structures, as was done on the boulevard along the Vistula in Warsaw. The embankment, which before the reconstruction was not a public space, has become one of the most popular promenade spots in Warsaw after 2017. Domino Park on the waterfront of New York is an example of how a comfortable public space can be built in the context of an industrial area. In many American cities, the revitalization of coastal areas is accompanied by the organization of festival market places in the style of European cities with a predominance of local small shops, unpretentious architecture and the creation of a festive atmosphere.

It was concluded that complex projects of embankment regeneration involve the construction of new offices and housing, certain tourist attractions - concert halls, museums, walking paths, restaurants and cafes. It is emphasized that the location of the headquarters of large corporations and educational institutions on the coastal territories is an important factor in the further development of such areas. The given examples of revitalization of coastal areas in different parts of the world prove that the creation of public spaces that are optimal in terms of comfort, safety, and aesthetics is the basis of urban planning organization of coastal areas. Attracting investments in the revitalization of coastal areas contributes to solving a number of environmental issues, the aesthetic quality of the urban environment, and the humanization of society.
PECULIARITIES OF THE FORMATION OF ADJACENT HOUSE TERRITORIES OF MULTI-APARTMENT RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
Authors: Vadimov Dmytro
Published: April 2023

The adjacent house territory is an integral part of multi-apartment residential buildings, a local public space located around multi-apartment residential buildings, used by residents of one or more adjacent buildings for recreation, games, sports, and meeting social and domestic needs. Users include residents of residential buildings that form this space, owners of non-residential premises located in these buildings, and even residents of the entire neighborhood in some cases. The main type of housing in Ukraine is an apartment building. The housing stock is a national treasure of many generations of people and accounts for almost 25% of the country's fixed assets. The adjacent house territory, in turn, is the most common functional element in the spatial organization of Ukrainian cities, which confirms its relevance. The adjacent house territory includes not only the traditional courtyard - an internal space bounded by buildings - but also a part of the adjacent external spaces, which are most actively used by both residents of buildings and users of non-residential premises on the ground floor up to the boundaries of the red line. The courtyard space is one of the urban interiors that acts as a buffer between a person and the negative factors of the modern city that affect them. The adjacent house territory is the most accessible space for recreation and communication outside the workplace and living quarters. The adjacent house space has the properties of a social space, and therefore it should be arranged in such a way as to be able to meet the communication needs of residents and create comfortable microclimatic conditions.

As a result of the study, the problems of systematizing the processes of formation and the need for comprehensive revitalization of the object of study have been identified.

The prospect of further research is to identify and systematize the principles and methods of landscaping the adjacent territories of multi-apartment residential buildings.
Management of agricultural sector development projects based on circular economy principles
Authors: Bushuyev Sergiy , Bushuyeva Natalia , Iazykov Dmytro
Published: April 2023

Models and methods of management of agricultural sector projects based on the principles of the circular economy are considered. The conceptual model of management of circular economy management technology development projects is given. A conceptual model of the management of circular economy projects is provided, which provides for three levels of management and ensures strategic sustainability. As an example of management, the business model of creating an agrarian-industrial complex of energy-independent enterprises based on the principles of the circular economy is considered. The model covers the integral infrastructure of the creation of an agrarian-industrial complex from the point of view of the application of hybrid methodologies of project management and the program of innovative development. At the same time, in addition to process models of the waterfall life cycle, Agile models and project management methods are used. In the process of considering the business case, the architecture and scheme of interaction of the program with the environment during its implementation are defined.