bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microfinance
Authors: Teixeira Nuno Miguel Delicado , Sardinha Boguslawa , Brites Rui , Galvão Rosa
Published: December 2022

The objective of this chapter is to analyse the financial sustainability versus the social impact of microfinance institutions. To carry out the study, several social and financial benchmarks for entities specialized in evaluating the performance of microfinance institutions (such as MIX and Planet Rating), and which are normally used in similar research projects, were used. Thus, it is intended to study the profile of microfinance institutions that have a greater social impact, through financial operations with clients with less income, like women, contributing to a higher level of income in target audiences, usually outside of the formal financial system. The definition of such a profile of institutions will make it possible to study whether these entities are able to guarantee the financial sustainability of their activity and, at the same time, focus on social impact through the provision of financial services to the poorest.
Earnings Management and Default
Authors: Lisboa Ines , Amado Inês , Teixeira Nuno
Published: December 2022

This work aims to understand the signs of default of companies in the plastic sector by analyzing several financial ratios. Moreover, it is intended to understand if earnings management practices impact companies' probability of default. A sample of 718 Portuguese companies from the plastic sector from 2012 to 2018 is analyzed. In a univariate analysis, results suggest that default companies engage more in earnings management practices through accruals, while compliant companies use real activities. In a multivariate analysis, results show that earnings management practices impact companies' probability of default suggesting that these practices create bias in companies' decision process, which contributes to an increase in uncertainties and the probability of bankruptcy. The main results are relevant to explain the problems of earnings management practices, special to companies' survival and sustainability, and are also important to detect signs in advance to avoid uncertainties.
Digital Transformation and Well-Being
Authors: Ince Fatma
Published: December 2022

Due to the complexity of human psychology, well-being depends on many factors, so it is helpful to consider different aspects in a multidisciplinary way. However, it is still unclear how these factors, which are the keys to a better life, will be affected by digital transformation. There are both challenges and opportunities in areas such as work-life balance, social connections, civic engagement, and governance. From this point of view, in this chapter, firstly the digitalization process, then the concepts of psychological adjustment and digital well-being, are mentioned.
Dehydration Treatment Effect on the Physicochemical Properties and Microbial Population of Stingless Bee Honey From Three Different Species
Authors: Shaik Mannur Ismail , Zulkifli Noor Zulaika , Sayyed Jaheera Anwar , Nannepaga John Sushma , Gurusubramanian Guruswami , Abd Razak Shamsul Bahri
Published: December 2022

Honey is a natural product produced from the nectar of a variety of plants by stingless bees. Honey has been utilized for nutritional food for ages, and in recent years, stingless bee honey has been exploited as a food supplement for excellent health, cosmetic maintenance, and culinary enjoyment. Stingless bee honey has a higher moisture content (30-40%) and acidity than honeybee honey due to the presence of organic acid, mineral, and other trace components. Honey's moisture content is a key aspect that affects its stability and shelf life. The current study aimed to accesses the quality of dehydrated stingless bee honey from three different species namely, Heterotrigona itama, Geniotrigona thoracica, and Tetrigona apicalis. The dehydration treatment of T1 (20% moisture content at 60oC in 6 hours) and T2 (15% moisture content at 60oC in 8 hours) honey samples were subjected to physicochemical properties and microbial population studies.
Deep Learning-Based Intelligent Sensing in IoT
Authors: Velvizhi V. A. , Senbagavalli G. , Malini S.
Published: December 2022

The heart of Industry 4.0 is established by a new technology called the internet of things (IoT). Through the internet, the IoT makes it possible for machines and gadgets to share signals. Using artificial intelligence (AI) approaches to manage and regulate the communications between various equipment based on intelligent decisions is made possible by the internet of things (IoT) technology. Data collection devices can be fundamentally altered to “lock in” to the best sensing data with regard to a user-defined cost function or design constraint by utilizing inverse design and machine learning techniques. By allowing low-cost and small sensor implementations developed through iterative analysis of data-driven sensing outcomes, a new generation of intelligence sensing systems reduces the data load while significantly enhancing sensing capabilities. Machine learning-enabled computational sensors can encourage the development of widely distributed applications that leverage the internet of things to build robust sensing networks that have an influence across a variety of industries.
Patient Behavioral Analysis With Smart Healthcare and IoT
Authors: Mate Sanjay Rajendra , Suryawanshi Renuka , Taur Manjusha , Wagh Kishor S.
Published: December 2022

Consider a person with total mental capacity and an active lifestyle who can now not communicate or connect with the world around them due to a severe motor impairment to being locked into their body. Assume the person cannot notify their caregiver when uncomfortable or in distress. Caregivers dealing with locked-in patients must currently rely on their instincts, troubleshooting skills, and standard operating procedures to offer the best care possible. And with these safeguards in place, patients continue to suffer from needless rashes, illnesses, and deaths that should have been avoided. Modern technologies could significantly change this outcome and are being under-utilized in such healthcare environments. This chapter explores patient behavioral analysis with smart healthcare and IoT.
Information and Communication Technologies and Feminization U Hypothesis
Authors: Akarsu Gülsüm
Published: December 2022

The use and dissemination of information and communication technologies contribute to the socio-economic development of countries. Due to information and communication technology improvements, remote working can help to engage different social groups in the labour force. This chapter aims to analyse the effect of information and communication technologies on women's participation in the labour market, considering other essential factors and testing the validity of the Feminization U hypothesis. For the analysis, the author employed panel data on 12 regions of Turkey over 2013-2020. Findings indicate that female internet usage increases women's participation in the labour market, and the Feminization U hypothesis is invalid. Policymakers should develop measures to improve information and communication technologies services to encourage female labour force participation.
Exploring the ICT Diffusion and Economic Growth Nexus
Authors: Yelkesen Oğuzhan
Published: December 2022

In the last few decades, there has been a surge of interest in the effects of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on economic growth. Although ICT diffusion affects economic growth in many ways, the magnitude of ICT penetration is not time-invariant and depends on many factors. Using pooled mean group (PMG) panel ARDL model, this study aims to explore the nexus between ICT penetration and economic growth for BRICS nations over 2003-2020. The findings show that, in the short run, fixed broadband and mobile cellular subscriptions have a positive effect on economic growth, while both R&D expenditure and ICT goods import have a negative insignificant effect. In the long run, however, the effect of both R&D expenditure and ICT goods import turns out to be significantly positive, whereas fixed broadband and mobile cellular subscriptions have a negative effect on economic growth. The results have significant implications for policymakers and practitioners who are willing to harness ICTs to improve the economic and social conditions that would lead to higher economic growth.
The Impact of Digital Transformation on Personnel Number in the Banking Sector
Authors: Tekin Turhan Gokce
Published: December 2022

Digital transformation affects the banking sector as it does every sector and enables significant innovations and changes in the banking and finance market. In this sense, it aims to ensure that banking transactions can be carried out quickly, securely, and at less cost, and to achieve the highest level of satisfaction in customer service. New solutions should continue to be developed to enable customers to benefit from digital banking products in the fastest way possible. There are also negative effects of digitalization. When evaluated within the framework of the banking sector, the increasing number of digital services and the number of customers using these services may lead to a decrease in the number of bank personnel. In the study, quantile regression was applied for the period of 2010.Q1-2020.Q4. This study examines the changes that may occur in the number of personnel as a result of the digitalization process in the banking sector and determines the decreasing effect of digitalization on the number of personnel.
An Integrated Approach to Records Management and Information Governance in South Africa for Sustainability
Authors: Netshakhuma Nkholedzeni Sidney
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this book chapter is to assess information governance in South African organizations. The book chapter assess corporate governance, data privacy, legislation, information security, big data, access, and training. The success of corporate governance is dependent on executive management buy in, the alignment of organisational strategy with mission, and the vision of the organisation. Organisations are to implement systematic disposal of records, effective retention of records, and quality assurance should be proven.
Analyzing the Evolution From Intellectual Capital to Green Intellectual Capital
Authors: Martínez Falcó Javier , Marco Lajara Bartolomé , Zaragoza-Sáez Patrocino
Published: December 2022

Knowledge plays a fundamental role in the achievement of business success. This has led to the intensification of the study of the set of intangible assets of the organization called intellectual capital (IC) as well as its impact on the achievement of sustainable competitive advantages over time. Moreover, IC that incorporates sustainable aspects (i.e., green intellectual capital [GIC]) was only recently introduced in the academic literature and has since become an emerging field of study. The lack of consistency in the terminologies used has made it difficult to establish clear measurements of intangibles, especially of the dimensions of IC, which have posed an additional difficulty in advancing this area of knowledge. To overcome this research problem, the authors analyze the origins and conceptualization of IC and GIC, trying to shed light on the field of study by answering the following questions: (1) What are the origins of IC? (2) How is IC defined? (3) What are the origins of GIC? (4) How is GIC defined?
The Financial Digital Assets Frontier
Authors: Popescu Andrei Dragos
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the value chains for all major business sectors, with a great impact on the way we interact, socialize, transact, and trust the systems that we use on a daily basis. The magnitude of this major health crisis imposed a new level of digitalization, to which everyone needed to adapt, with great costs in terms of social, psychological, political, and economic transformation. In order to adapt in a new digital environment, imposed by the pandemic, we witnessed the adoption of decentralized ecosystems and technologies. One of the technologies that stood as foundation for this decentralization movement is blockchain. The first adaptations for blockchain technology happened within the financial services, with the introduction of the financial digital assets or crypto assets. This created the base for concepts like decentralized finance (DeFi), Web 3.0, and the metaverse. This chapter will assess the frontier of financial digital assets, which has emerged and developed the perfect infrastructure for scalability, efficiency, and transparency.
Vocabulary Acquisition From a Virtual Street-View Context
Authors: Shih Ya-Chun
Published: December 2022

This study incorporated Google Street View into a 3D virtual environment, known as VECAR, in which EFL learners controlled their avatars to learn vocabulary in a context of New York City. New York City's Times Square is full of real-life materials, realia, which can be used to assist situated incidental vocabulary learning and to connect vocabulary acquisition to the real world. The case study design combining both qualitative and quantitative analysis was used mainly to investigate the program's impact on vocabulary acquisition, and to track the ongoing dynamics of the vocabulary acquisition across the four research phases, learner motivation in terms of self-efficacy and attitudes toward vocabulary learning, and strategy use across learners. The results showed that all participants involved in the study acquired the target vocabulary, increased motivation, and deepened strategy use gradually over time. The program supported both contextualized and motivated vocabulary learning processes in realistic situations.
Body size classification of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)
Authors: Souza Diego , Faria Lucas Del Bianco
Published: December 2022

Parasitoid body size has been used as an indicator of fitness and its capability to parasitise hosts in the field, but studies that have investigated this relationship have disagreed. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between the two most common body parts used in body size classification and tried to select groups of small and large parasitoids by discriminant analysis. We found that groups with small or large individuals differ from each other only when the two body parts were used to classify them. We conclude that using just one body part to estimate the size of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1879 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) could be misleading and that caution is needed when defining small and large individuals.
Potential effects of hydroxysafflor yellow A on reducing pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis due to SARS-COV2
Authors: Febriza Ami , Kasim Vivien Novarina
Published: December 2022

Cytokine storm is a condition that is characterized by a massive production of proinflammatory cytokines. Failure in balancing the up-regulation and down-regulation causes excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines in the fight against SARS-CoV2 virus infection, leading to lung damage and acute respiratory distress syndrome; in addition, high levels of IL-6 can activate the clotting pathways and vascular endothelial cells, which can inhibit blood circulation and heart muscle function and cause pulmonary, kidney, and liver fibrosis. Hydroxysafflor Yellow A (HSYA) is a compound that has been shown to reduce tissue lung damage through Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) 4, inhibits phosphorylation of the NF-κB pathway, and plays a role in balancing the up-regulation and down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines. This review of literature discusses the ability of HSYA to reduce inflammation that causes pulmonary cell and tissue damage. HSYA can inhibit the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and suppress the binding of the TGF-β1 promoter. This molecular mechanism can reduce lung damage by attenuating the inflammatory response by inhibiting the TLR 4-dependent pathways that can improve the condition of mice affected by pulmonary fibrosis, including inflammation that leads to vascular tissue repair. The molecular mechanism of HSYA can inhibit inflammatory mechanisms in lung injury, vascular tissue damage, and liver and kidney fibrosis. Therefore, this literature review can be used as a reference for in vivo research and clinical trials for further research on the ability to heal patients with cytokine storm that causes cardiovascular tissue damage and lung injury in patients infected with SARS-CoV-19.
A progressive change in the virulence spectrum of Asian rice gall midge (Orseolia oryzae) biotype 2 after a decade in Coastal Karnataka, India
Authors: Vijaykumar L. , Shivanna B. , Patil S.U. , Reddy C.N.L. , Kitturmath M.S.
Published: December 2022

Virulence composition of traditionally designated biotype 2 field population of Asian rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzae (Wood- Mason) (Cecidomyiidae: Diptera) was conducted a decade after in 2019 and 2020 at coastal Karnataka, India using three standard differentials viz., W1263 (Gm1 gene for resistance), Phalguna (Gm2 gene for resistance) and TN1 (susceptible without any gene). The local population of gall midge was virulent against all 16 standard rice gene differentials representing four groups identified to characterize the prevailing rice gall midge biotypes in India. The local gall midge populations in the test locations expressed their virulence against all three rice gene differentials with varied female to male sex ratio of their F1 progenies. This confirms the prevalence of genetically heterogeneous population in coastal regions of Karnataka. Clearly, a progressive change in the virulence spectrum of local gall midge biotype 2 was noticed a decade after observations. In south coast, 73.33 to 87.27% population showed virulent attributes of traditional biotype 2 designated in 1989. Whereas in north coast, 79.69 to 86.36% population exhibited virulence attributes towards new biotype 3 for the first time in the state of Karnataka, India. These results suggested a progressive change in the traditionally designated population of biotype 2 capable of damaging resistant varieties in the region for over three decades. Further, the single female test for their F1 progenies in all endemic locations indicated an evolution of new biotype of rice gall midge in the region.
Geophysical contributions to a synthesis of western Churchill geology and metallogeny
Authors: Tschirhart V , Pehrsson S , Wodicka N , Percival J A , Jefferson C W , Peterson T , Berman R
G
Published: December 2022

The geophysical data sets available for the western Churchill Province have had a bearing on the understanding of its structure, evolution and metal endowment. New data were acquired and interpreted during the Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM) Program
(2008-2020). Regional, high-resolution aeromagnetic, and targeted gravity and magnetotelluric surveys were collected in GEM, in conjunction with geological mapping projects, in order to provide control on bedrock features beneath widespread glacial overburden and flat-lying sedimentary basins.
Quantitative estimates of three-dimensional geometry were obtained in key areas through geophysical models integrating the geophysical characteristics with local rock property measurements. These geophysical data sets contributed to new knowledge and interpretations in three related research fields:
1) location and nature of Rae cratonmp;gt;'s boundaries within the western Churchill Province; 2) definition of internal Rae architecture; and 3) identification of reactivated structures controlling gold and uranium mineralization. The new data, models and emerging tectonic and metallogenic
frameworks will serve as guides for future exploration in this remote, complex, challenging region.
New contributions to the ice-flow chronology in the Boothia-Lancaster Ice Stream catchment area
Authors: Tremblay T , Lamothe M
Published: December 2022

Within the Boothia-Lancaster Ice Stream (BLIS) catchment area, ice flow patterns were reconstructed based on the synthesis of striation directions and cross-cutting relationships, transport patterns of erratic boulders, glacial landforms, cold-based glacial
landsystems, and ice-retreat chronology. New ArcticDEM data, high-definition satellite imagery and multibeam echosounder bathymetric datasets provided increased details on ice flow indicators. Convergent high-velocity ice flows through the BLIS main axis were major, persistent features in the
northeastern Laurentide Ice Sheet through the last glaciation, and this study highlights intensity fluctuations and ice flow pattern variations that occurred during that time. Highly contrasting glacial geomorphology, notably in the abundance of moraines, reflects marked differences in ice-margin
retreat rates and patterns during deglaciation between the western and eastern sides of the BLIS.
Hemangioblastoma, a rare tumor of supratentorial and infratentorial regions: A report of two cases with review of literature
Authors: Chakraborty Shivam , Das Chhanda , Sinha Mamata Guha Mallick
Published: December 2022

Hemangioblastoma (HBL) is a rare benign neoplasm arising from the vascular stromal cells. It is a WHO Grade 1 neoplasm with solid and cystic components. In majority of the cases, it is a sporadic tumor, and in few cases, association with Von Hippel–Lindau syndrome has been found. Here, we present two separate cases of intracranial HBL. One tumor is from the supratentorial region and another one is from the infratentorial region. Although infratentorial HBL is commonly found, supratentorial HBL is very rare. Microscopical similarity with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma can be a diagnostic pitfall.
Osteopetrosis: A rare case
Authors: Das Niladri , Sahana Pranab Kumar , Tarenia Silima Subhasnigdha , Gaikwad Prashant Manohar , Baidya Arjun , Sengupta Nilanjan , Goswami Soumik
Published: December 2022

Osteopetrosis is a rare inherited metabolic bone disease characterized by failure of osteoclasts to resorb bone leading to impairment of bone modeling and remodeling. The defect in bone turnover results in skeletal fragility despite increased bone mass, hematopoietic insufficiency, disturbed tooth eruption, nerve entrapment syndromes, and growth failure. It has two major clinical forms: an autosomal dominant benign type or an autosomal recessive malignant type. The recessive form is usually fatal whereas the dominant type is more compatible with life. A rare autosomal recessive (intermediate form) is more prevalent and has less severe presentation. A 12-year-old boy presented with short stature, bilateral progressive vision loss, and backache. X-ray of nondominant hand for bone age estimation showed bone in bone formation. Followed which skeletal survey was done which showed characteristic radiological findings suggestive of osteopetrosis. Osteopetrosis is a rare disease transmitted by autosomal dominant or recessive inheritance having variable penetrance. We report here intermediate form of osteopetrosis. Although the genetic test is used to differentiate between the subtypes, diagnosis is mainly radiological.
Acute fulminant rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis: Our experience with open approach in the COVID era
Authors: Adhikari Souvik , Biswas Partha Sundar , Saha Alangkar
Published: December 2022

Objectives:

Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is a quite rare and an extremely aggressive infection which can cause profound destruction of tissues. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose and treat this infection. Although mostly occurring in diabetic or immunosuppressed patients, a sudden surge of these patients has been observed in the COVID era. Mortality is extremely high in neglected cases and can range from 40%–85% or even more. In this article, we aim to highlight patient demographics, clinical features, diagnosis, management, and outcome of fulminant ROCM in patients managed jointly by plastic surgeons and maxillofacial surgeons by the open approach.

Materials and Methods:

Between May 2021 and August 2021, there was a sudden upsurge of mucormycosis patients admitted in our institute (IPGME and R, Kolkata). Less severe fulminant forms of the disease were managed by the department of otorhinolaryngology by endoscopy, whereas fulminant cases with extensive involvement were managed by the department of plastic surgery in conjunction with the department of maxillofacial surgery. The surgical management involved open access to the involved tissues and resection under direct vision combined with appropriate medical management.

Results:

In total, we operated on eight cases of fulminant ROCM of which 4 patients were male and 4 females. Apart from this, two male patients and one female patient were also planned for extensive debridement surgery but the same could not be performed because of poor anesthetic risk. Biopsies were taken in all of these patients. Therefore, out of a total of 11 patients with fulminant ROCM, 9 patients did not survive taking the mortality rate in fulminant cases to 82%.

Conclusion:

ROCM can be an extremely difficult disease to treat and is associated with a very high mortality rate in fulminant cases. Early diagnosis coupled with adequate debridement and systemic amphotericin B has the prospect of salvaging patients with this dreaded disease.
Comparison of ultrasonography, clinical method and capnography for detecting correct endotracheal tube placement- A prospective, observational study
Authors: Roy Purbali S. , Joshi Nandkishore , Garg Monika , Meena Reema , Bhati Sushil
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims:

In emergency airway management, unstable haemodynamics of the patients calls for the early need to detect correct endotracheal tube (ETT) placement. Ultrasonography has an advantage of being readily available along with being non-invasive and providing real time images. We aimed to study the usefulness of tracheal ultrasonography and use it as a tool to assess correct tracheal intubation in patients in the intensive care unit.

Methods:

This was a hospital-based observational study. The study included 92 patients who needed and were taken up for endotracheal intubation. Tube placement was confirmed simultaneously by three different observers with their respective method, i.e., ultrasonography, clinical method and capnography.

Results:

Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of ultrasonography against capnography were 100% each with P value of 1. However, for clinical method against capnography, the sensitivity was 96.5%, specificity 28.6%, PPV 94.3% and NPV 40% with P value of 0.727. Mean time taken to detect correct placement of the ETT by ultrasonography, capnography and clinical method was 4.93 s, 15.39s and 17.80s, respectively. Out of 92 intubations, 85 were tracheal and 7 were oesophageal. All intubations were detected accurately with ultrasonography and capnography, ultrasonography being faster. Clinical method correctly detected 82 out of 85 tracheal intubations and 2 out of 7 oesophageal intubations, and was therefore less accurate than the other two methods.

Conclusion:

The study shows that ultrasonography is as reliable a method for confirmation of endotracheal intubation as capnography and is more reliable than clinical method. Besides, ultrasonography is faster than the other two methods.
Comparing the effectiveness of boric acid and chlorhexidine irrigation as an adjunct to mechanical periodontal therapy in chronic periodontitis patients – A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Parmar Preetika , Radha G , Rekha R
Published: December 2022

Introduction:

Oral health is a part of the overall health and has a significant impact on both the physical and the psychological state. Dental caries and periodontal disease are the two major oral diseases that affect the human population worldwide.

Aim:

The aim of the study is to compare the effectiveness of boric acid and chlorhexidine (CHX) irrigation as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in chronic periodontitis patients visiting VS Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluru.

Materials and Methodology:

A total of 123 subjects were randomly allocated to three groups (group 1 - boric acid, group 2 - CHX, group 3 - distilled water as a control group). The study subjects were assessed for all the clinical parameters at baseline and 1 and 3 months after the intervention. ANOVA test was used to compare the results between the groups.

Results:

The mean age among group 1 was 50 ± 5.1 years, in group 2 was 49 ± 5.4 years, and in group 3 was 48 ± 7.1 years. There was a significant reduction in plaque scores, gingival scores, and bleeding on probing scores in the boric acid group compared to distilled water group and CHX group at 1 and 3 months after treatment. Probing depths (PDs) and clinical attachment level scores are significantly decreased from baseline level to 1 and 3 months after intervention in the boric acid group compared to the CHX group and distilled water group.

Conclusion:

Boric acid or CHX can be used effectively in periodontal pockets as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal treatment compared with conventional treatment.
Inflammation and oral cancer
Authors: Singh Jaya , Jain Trupti , Agrawal Rahul , Chandra Akhilesh
Published: December 2022

Inflammation is the chief causative agent of many chronic diseases including cancer of all origins. Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the third-most common cancer in India and chronic inflammation plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis. Early diagnosis is the key to better survival of these patients. Targeted prevention and treatment have been promising avenues in oral cancer management. This review sheds a light on the association between inflammation and oral cancer and the biomarkers associated with cancer progression.
Comparison of awake Electroencephalography, Electroencephalography after Sleep Deprivation, and Melatonin-Induced Sleep Electroencephalography Sensitivity in the Diagnosis of Epilepsy in Adults
Authors: Demirtas Burcu Selbest , Uludag İrem Fatma , Şener Ufuk , Zorlu Yaşar
Published: December 2022

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to compare routine awake electroencephalography (r-EEG), melatonin-induced sleep EEG (m-EEG) and EEG (d-EEG) after sleep deprivation studies in terms of epileptiform anomalies (EA), and to compare d-EEG and m-EEG studies in terms of sleep induction in patients requiring differential diagnosis of epileptic seizure/nonepileptic seizure.

Methods:

The study included 45 patients aged 18–45 years who had at least one seizure suspected to be epileptic but could not be diagnosed with epilepsy with clinical and laboratory findings. Each patient underwent r-EEG on the 1st day, d-EEG on the 2nd day after 24 h of sleeplessness, and m-EEG on the 3rd day after the administration of 6 mg melatonin following 7 h night sleep. Three separate EEG tracings of the patients were compared for EA. The d-EEG and m-EEG methods were examined for their ability to achieve sleep, total sleep time (ST), and sleep latency (SL).

Results:

When the detection rate of EA in d-EEG and m-EEG was compared with that of r-EEG, it was found to be significantly higher (P < 0.001) (73.3% with d-EEG, 75.6% with m-EEG, and 35.6% with r-EEG). Sleep was achieved at a rate of 100% after receiving melatonin and at a rate of 97.8% with sleep deprivation. There was no significant difference between d-EEG and m-EEG in terms of mean ST and SL (ST = 58.6 ± 12.6 min and 59.7 ± 8.3 min, respectively; SL = 287.6 ± 484.3 s and 152.2 ± 178.7 s after the start of the EEG, respectively).

Conclusions:

Sleep EEG is superior to awake EEG in terms of detecting EA. In an EEG study, where melatonin was used to induce sleep, the sleep rate and SL were similar to those of d-EEG, and melatonin did not have an EA increasing or suppressing effect on EEG. Given the ease of application and low side effect profile, it is thought that m-EEG may be an applicable method in the diagnosis of epilepsy.
Multidimensional continued fractions and symbolic codings of toral translations
Authors: Berthe Valerie , Steiner Wolfgang , Thuswaldner Jörg
Published: December 2022

It has been a long-standing problem to find good symbolic codings for translations on the

d

-dimensional torus that enjoy the beautiful properties of Sturmian sequences like low factor complexity and good local discrepancy properties. Inspired by Rauzy’s approach we construct such codings in terms of multidimensional continued fraction algorithms that are realized by sequences of substitutions. In particular, given any exponentially convergent continued fraction algorithm, these sequences lead to renormalization schemes which produce symbolic codings of toral translations and bounded remainder sets at all scales in a natural way.

The exponential convergence properties of a continued fraction algorithm can be viewed in terms of a Pisot type condition imposed on an attached symbolic dynamical system. Using this fact, our approach provides a systematic way to confirm purely discrete spectrum results for wide classes of symbolic dynamical systems. Indeed, as our examples illustrate, we are able to confirm the Pisot conjecture for many well-known families of sequences of substitutions. These examples include classical algorithms like the Jacobi–Perron, Brun, Cassaigne–Selmer, and Arnoux–Rauzy algorithms.

As a consequence, we gain symbolic codings of almost all translations of the 2-dimensional torus having factor complexity

2n + 1

that are balanced for words, which leads to multiscale bounded remainder sets. Using the Brun algorithm, we also give symbolic codings of almost all 3-dimensional toral translations having multiscale bounded remainder sets.
Una aproximación arqueológica al muralismo de la resistencia en Chile (1984-1990)
Authors: Sierralta Simón , Fuenzalida-Bahamondes Nicole , Cornejo Catalina
Published: December 2022

El arte mural político, cuyos orígenes se vinculan al muralismo mexicano, posee una larga tradición en Chile, especialmente en su expresión actual: el arte callejero popular. Este trabajo reflexiona en clave arqueológica sobre la producción muralista que se desarrolló en la década de los ochenta, en el contexto de la lucha política contra la dictadura cívico-militar. Utilizando archivos fotográficos de la época, se plantea una estrategia de análisis de la práctica social del pintado sobre la base de criterios económicos y tecnológicos.
Differential Associations of Frailty with the Incidence of Mild and Severe Disabilities in Older Adults: A 3-Year Cohort Study
Authors: Hagiyama Akikazu , Takao Soshi , Matsuo Rumi , Yorifuji Takashi
Published: December 2022

Background: Frailty is associated with the incidence of disability in older adults; however, few studies have investigated differences in the association of frailty with mild and severe disabilities according to Japanese long-term care insurance certification. This study separately investigated the associations between frailty and the incidence of mild and severe disabilities.Methods: This 3-year retrospective cohort study included community-dwelling adults in Okayama City aged ≥65 years. We assessed frailty status using the Kihon Checklist and defined the outcomes as mild and severe disabilities according to long-term care insurance certifications. We applied multinomial logistic regression analysis to investigate the association between frailty and the incidence of mild and severe disabilities.Results: The analysis included a total of 36,043 participants. For mild disability, the odds ratios (ORs) comparing frail to robust and prefrail to robust were 3.85 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.36–4.42) and 1.82 (95% CI, 1.58–2.10), respectively. Similarly, the corresponding ORs for severe disability were 4.35 (95% CI, 3.55–5.34) and 1.78 (95% CI, 1.43–2.21), respectively. In the age-stratified analysis of mild disability, the pre-old group (aged 65–74 years) with frail showed a higher association than the old-age group (aged ≥75 years) with frail. Regarding severe disability, the older group with frailty showed a higher association than the pre-old group with frailty.Conclusion: The results showed that both prefrail and frail were associated with the incidence of mild and severe disabilities, with different patterns of association between the pre-old and old age groups.
Performance of a Commercial Multiplex Allele-Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction Kit to Genotype African-Type Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency
Authors: Djigo Oum Kelthoum Mamadou , Gomez Nicolas , Ould Ahmedou Salem Mohamed Salem , Basco Leonardo , Ould Mohamed Salem Boukhary Ali , Briolant Sébastien
Published: December 2022

8-Aminoquinoline antimalarial drugs (primaquine, tafenoquine) are required for complete cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria, but they are contraindicated in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. In the absence of spectrophotometry, which is a gold standard for measuring G6PD activity, G6PD genotyping is one of the alternatives to establish a database and distribution map of G6PD enzyme deficiency in Mauritania, which has become a new epicenter of P. vivax malaria in West Africa. The aim of our study was to assess the performance of multiplex allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (African-type Diaplex C™ G6PD kit) against PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing. Of 146 mutations associated with G6PD A− genotypes in 177 blood samples from Mauritanian patients, all but two samples were identified correctly using multiplex allele-specific PCR (100% sensitivity and 99% specificity; “almost perfect agreement” between allele-specific PCR and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism/sequencing, with a kappa coefficient of 0.977). Despite a suboptimal PCR protocol for dried blood spots and the inability of the commercial assay to predict unequivocally the G6PD enzyme level in heterozygous females, the African-type Diaplex C™ G6PD genotyping kit seemed to be a valuable screening tool for male subjects and for research purposes in resource-limited countries where spectrophotometer and DNA sequencing are not available.
A 12-month Prospective Study of HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected Women and Their Infants in Malawi: Comparative Analysis of Clinical Events and Infant Growth
Authors: Floridia Marco , Orlando Stefano , Andreotti Mauro , Mphwere Robert , Kavalo Thom , Ciccacci Fausto , Scarcella Paola , Marazzi Maria Cristina , Giuliano Marina
Published: December 2022

Few studies have compared clinical outcomes in HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) and HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU) infants in the current scenario of universal and lifelong maternal antiretroviral therapy (ART). HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected Malawian women receiving ART and their breastfed infants were followed for 12 months postpartum, analyzing the rates of infectious and noninfectious events and assessing infant growth at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. The cohorts included 227 mothers (70 HIV-negative, 157 HIV-positive) and 235 infants (72 HUU, 163 HEU). No maternal or infant deaths occurred during follow-up. HIV-negative women were less likely to complete follow-up (48.6% versus 91.1%). Mothers with and without HIV had similar rates of both infectious and noninfectious events per person-month. Infants who were HEU, compared with HUU, had higher rates of events of any type, lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), and noninfectious events. HEU had lower body mass index (BMI) at 6 weeks but did not differ from HUU in all anthropometric measures at 6 and 12 months; in growth between 6 weeks and 12 months; and in occurrence of stunting, underweight, and wasting at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. During the first year of life, infants who were HEU, compared with HUU, showed a transiently lower BMI and an increased risk of LRTI.
Moralizing the relationship between religious experience and the Nigerian society
Authors: Obi Chidiebere
Published: December 2022

Religious experience is a claim that direct experience of the supernatural or God is possible; it is the belief that a certain communication can take place between man and God. This particular belief has served as one of the proofs for the reality and existence of God. Outcomes of religious experience may be in the form of prophesy, miracles, money rituals, protection rituals, speaking in tongues, falling under the anointing and other charismatic displays. This (religious experience) has raised a number of epistemic issues in philosophy as a result of the nature of the ‘beings’ (man and God) involved. Man by nature is finite and material while God is infinite and immaterial, therefore whatever experience that occurs between them must raise some questions. Most of these questions border on the veridicality of religious experience, that is, how true is religious experience? In spite of these questions on religious experience, the world today is agog with so many claims of religious experience. Nigeria, for example, is replete with myriad of claims of religious experiences which are prevalent in both our traditional and foreign religions. This paper tries to interrogate the impact of these religious experiences in Nigeria by subjecting such impact to moral justifiability. After exploring the arguments on religious experience and its impact on the Nigerian society, the paper submits that a line should be drawn between what may be genuine religious experience and its abusive version with sole purpose of defrauding the gullible citizens which is morally condemnable.
An expository study of ( בַּטוּחָה ) security in psalm 127: a panacea to the menace of insecurity in Nigeria
Authors: Samuel Bello Oluwaniyi
Published: December 2022

The paper examined an expository study of security in psalm 127: A panacea for the menace of insecurity in Nigeria. The paper majorly considered the position of God’s security in psalm 127:1-2 as a way out of the problem of insecurity in Nigeria. Although, many scholarly works have been documented on the topic that suggested, political, socio- economic solutions and revolutionary as a Panacea to the menace of insecurity in Nigeria. With the use of expository analysis of data collections, the findings revealed that the problem of insecurity has gotten to the climax point in Nigeria in which many innocent citizens have been killed, homeless, taken as hostage, kidnapped for ransom, trafficking and enslaved under the threat of the terrorism (Fulani herdsmen and Boko Haram). Despite the effort of our leaders and that of the security agencies in Nigeria, yet the problem of insecurity is gaining upper hand everyday without restriction. Thus, since all efforts to curb insecurity in Nigeria seem a vain, this paper therefore concluded and suggested that there should be empowerment for the security agencies in Nigeria. Every citizen should involve themselves in the act of security and shun any act of terrorism.
MÔ HÌNH KIỂM TOÁN HOẠT ĐỘNG: CÔNG CỤ HỮU HIỆU CUNG CẤP MỨC ĐỘ ĐẢM BẢO HỢP LÝ
Authors: NGUYỄN NGỌC KHÁNH DUNG
Published: December 2022

Kiểm toán hoạt động trong khu vực công đã trở thành một loại hình kiểm toán phổ biến và chi phối hoạt động kiểm toán tại các quốc gia phát triển. Tuy nhiên, không phải quốc gia nào cũng có thể triển khai và phát triển thành công loại hình kiểm toán này. Nghiên cứu này đề xuất Mô hình kiểm toán hoạt động từ phương pháp luận kiểm toán báo cáo tài chính. Nghiên cứu vận dụng quy trình xây dựng Lý thuyết nền (Grounded theory) từ các dữ liệu gồm các chuẩn mực, quy trình và hướng dẫn kiểm toán hoạt động để xây dựng. Mô hình kiểm toán hoạt động có thể áp dụng nhất quán cho các chủ đề kiểm toán khác nhau. Kết quả nghiên cứu chỉ ra được Mô hình kiểm toán hoạt động hữu hiệu trong lựa chọn chủ đề kiểm toán, lập kế hoạch và thực hiện kiểm toán hoạt động. Qua đó, mô hình này có thể cung cấp phương tiện cho kiểm toán viên nâng cao mức độ đảm bảo từ kết quả kiểm toán hoạt động.
Perfect Matching in Random Graphs is as Hard as Tseitin
Authors: Austrin Per , Risse Kilian
Published: December 2022

We study the complexity of proving that a sparse random regular graph on an
odd number of vertices does not have a perfect matching, and related problems
involving each vertex being matched some pre-specified number of times. We show
that this requires proofs of degree $\Omega(n / \log n)$ in the Polynomial
Calculus (over fields of characteristic $\ne 2$) and Sum-of-Squares proof
systems, and exponential size in the bounded-depth Frege proof system. This
resolves a question by Razborov asking whether the Lov\'asz-Schrijver proof
system requires $n^\delta$ rounds to refute these formulas for some $\delta >
0$. The results are obtained by a worst-case to average-case reduction of these
formulas relying on a topological embedding theorem which may be of independent
interest.
Alimentação e religião na perspectiva antropológica: um breve estudo sobre os alimentos sagrados no Candomblé Bantu
Authors: Lima Luiz Fábio Pinheiro
Published: December 2022

O artigo apresenta reflexões sobre as práticas alimentares dos povos de terreiro com o objetivo de mostrar as dimensões dos saberes e tradições relacionadas à cozinha de santo no Candomblé, destacando características da tradição religiosa africana Bantu no Brasil. Visando a cozinha do terreiro como espaço de sociabilidades através da produção das comidas de santo, pensando tanto nas questões relativas à alimentação quanto nas relações sociais constituídas na cozinha. A fundamentação teórica é baseada na Antropologia da Alimentação, utilizando como procedimento metodológico a revisão bibliográfica, demonstrando a importância dos alimentos na preservação e continuidade das práticas da religião.
A expansão da Rede Federal de Ensino: um estudo da área de influência do campus São João dos Patos (MA)
Authors: Costa Tiago Sandes , Morais Sérgio Lana
Published: December 2022

A segunda década do século XXI foi marcada pela expansão do ensino técnico integrado ao ensino médio através da interiorização dos Institutos Federais de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia (IF’s) em todas as regiões do país. Tendo em vista que essas instituições atendem ao arranjo produtivo local para definição da oferta dos cursos, e que se conectam a demanda de um conjunto de cidades, buscou-se identificar sua área de influência e mensurar o movimento pendular dos estudantes dos cursos técnicos integrados ao Ensino Médio do Instituto Federal do Maranhão (IFMA), Campus São João dos Patos. Metodologicamente, amparou-se em um embasamento teórico a partir da revisão de literatura, o levantamento de dados primários com o Departamento de Registro e Controle Acadêmico (DRCA) do campus e a espacialização dos dados em um Sistema de Informação Geográfica. Os resultados sugerem que a delimitação espacial a partir da Região Geográfica Imediata é a mais coerente para representar a origem e o movimento pendular empreendido pelos alunos. Por fim, evidenciamos a necessidade de manutenção e ampliação de ações afirmativas das instituições de ensino para mitigar o impacto financeiro durante o período de estudo como sendo de fundamental importância para a permanência e êxito dos estudantes migrantes.
El mejoramiento de los servicios logísticos y la facilitación del comercio exterior al amparo del Decreto Legislativo 1492
Authors: La Noire Núñez José Antonio
Published: December 2022

En este artículo, el autor pretende compartir con los lectores sus comentarios respecto de la normativa dispuesta en el Perú para el mejoramiento de los servicios logísticos y la facilitación del comercio exterior, publicada en el Decreto Legislativo 1492 y su reglamento (Decreto Supremo 001-2021-Mincetur), y en lo que corresponda a los artículos 9 y 10 de la Ley 28977. De igual forma, el autor analiza las reflexiones, dudas e interrogantes del sector, cuáles son las novedades y cuáles las implicancias, sanciones y obligaciones del nuevo marco normativo para la digitalización de procesos a cargo de entidades públicas y privadas, como parte de la emergencia sanitaria por la covid-19.