bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gifted Students’ Perceptions of Scientists
Authors:   Nigde University, Turkey, Ozel Murat , Dogan Alev ,   Gazi University, Faculty of Education, Ankara, Turkey
Published: January 2024

Despite a high number of studies on students’ images of scientists, there is a lack of research on gifted students’ perceptions of scientists in the research literature. The aim of this study was to investigate gifted students’ perceptions of scientists and stereotypical images of scientists. The participants were 42 gifted students. The Draw-a-Scientist Test (DAST) was used to collect data. The findings demonstrated that gifted students had a variety of stereotypical images of scientists. The findings also showed that students’ drawings included fewer indicators of the stereotypic model on average. The drawings of fourth-grade students included more elements when compared to fifth-grade students’ drawings. As a result, it was found that there are some findings different from previous research. Considering the findings obtained from this study, this study has provided findings for teachers and science educators.
Women’s Career Development Towards School Superintendency: An Investigation into the Effect of Tacit Learning
Authors:   Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Kim Yong-Lyun
Published: January 2024

Career development can be discussed in two primary ways: 1) as a type of formal education and job preparation that a person receives; and 2) as a type of informal learning-related career experiences that a person encounters. This study investigates the effect of learning preparedness on female school administrators’ career development. For the data analysis, this study uses the Structural Equation Modeling statistics. The findings from the analysis support the view that tacit learning from both direct and indirect job experiences has a greater effect on women’s career development than formal learning. The effect of these factors, however, varies according to women’s aspirations for superintendency.
Attitude to Life of Secondary School Students versus Aggressiveness and Its Dimensions
Authors:   University of Silesia in Katowice, Góźdź Joanna , Wysocka Ewa ,   University of Silesia in Katowice
Published: January 2024

The article presents study results concerning secondary school students’ attitudes to life, which are treated as a mechanism of revealing aggressive behaviour in interpersonal relations. The following have been used: the concept of attitudes to life (scripts) in terms of transactional analysis, the concept of attachment styles by K. Bartholomew and L.M. Horowitz and the concept of aggressiveness as emotional reactivity. Analysis of the results has shown significant relationships (negative correlation) between the image of other people and aggressiveness and its dimensions (direct, indirect and verbal aggression, resistance, emotional irritability). Self-image is negatively correlated only with emotional irritability.
Children and Young Persons as Offenders and Victims of Offences and Crime Prevention at School in the Slovak Republic
Authors:   Matej Bel University, Emmerová Ingrid
Published: January 2024

The article deals with the problem of juvenile delinquency and crime as well as with the problem of crime against juveniles. The author presents official statistics since 2006, on the numbers of offences committed by juveniles in the Slovak Republic, as well as on the numbers of convicted young persons serving their sentence and the term of their sentence. It also gives details of crime against juveniles in the Slovak Republic. The article is an interim output of the project VEGA No. 1/0168/12 Professionalization of Prevention of Socio-pathological Behaviour in School in the SR from the aspect of the profession of social pedagogue – the current state, problems and comparison with foreign countries.
Teaching as a Job, Career or Calling: Empirical Evidence from Agricultural University , China
Authors:   Northwest A&F University, Bhutta Zahra Masood , Zhao Minjuan ,   Northwest A&F University
Published: January 2024

Despite an emerging interest in work attitudes (job, career and calling), researchers know little about whether these attitudes matter in the workplace. We explore the under-examined relationship between work attitudes and work outcomes (work satisfaction and internal work motivation) among the teachers of Northwest A&F University China. Although some theory suggests that calling may be strongly correlated with work satisfaction, this study predicted that a career attitude is more positively associated with work satisfaction. The correlation analysis revealed a significant and positive relationship between career, calling and work outcomes as well as a significant and negative relationship between job and work outcomes. The multiple regression analysis indicated a significant impact of career and calling on work satisfaction but only calling has a significant impact on internal work motivation. Further, based on this study, we suggest that work attitudes as a predictor of work satisfaction can give very useful insights into redesigning jobs for the higher education sector in order to increase the level of job satisfaction and motivation of teachers.
The Benefits and Challenges of Implementing Service-learning in an Advanced Instructional Design and Technology Curricula: Implications for Teaching Professional Courses
Authors:   University of Malaya, Yusop Farrah Dina , Correia Ana-Paula ,   Iowa State University
Published: January 2024

This paper reports on the benefits and challenges of integrating service-learning pedagogy into a professional course taught at a US Midwestern university. Data were collected via observations, interviews and analyses of students’ online discussions, written reflections, and project work. Findings revealed that the servicelearning approach improves academic learning, increases motivation to learn and serve, escalates civic values and develops a sense of concern over broader social issues. Most importantly, it prepares students to be civic-minded professionals who are concerned with the betterment of society. Additionally, the authentic and open nature of service-learning was found to contribute to intense group conflicts. Suggestions to eliminate such challenges are also discussed.
The Use of Living and Non-living Things during School Practice in Primary Science Education
Authors:   Jihoceska univerzita v Ceskych Budejovicich, Petr Jan
Published: January 2024

The goal of this article is to publish the results of research on the level of use of (non-)living things in primary science education. The results of the survey carried out at 28 schools in the region of South Bohemia, the Czech Republic, are being discussed in this article. In total, 203 teachers have reported various ways of using objects in their teaching practice in terms of science education at primary level.
Teachers’ Information Competence and Use of ICT Methods and Tools – Research Report
Authors:   University of Zielona Góra, Baron-Polańczyk Eunika
Published: January 2024

The article presents the results of diagnostic-correlative research of quantitative/ qualitative character, related to information competence in teachers in the scope of the application of ICT methods and tools in the context of new trends in technology and the accompanying civilizational transformations. The methods of a diagnostic survey and statistical methods were applied (poll and narrative interview). A sample of 1160 teachers was examined and it was determined that: 1) the level of competence represented by the majority of the respondents can be described as satisfactory (in the light of standards – sufficient) to undertake activities for the implementation of ICT in professional practice; 2) there is a distinct connection (correlation: high, positive) between the level of information competence (findings in the cognitive sphere of teaching achievements) and the level of application of modern ICT tools (appropriate incentives in practice).
The clinical significance of the determination of urinary biomarkers of podocytic damage and fibroangiogenesis in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bobkova I. N. , Shestakova M. V. , Schukina A. A.
Published: January 2024

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) remains a global medical and social problem of the 21st century and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Kidney damage in diabetes is multifactorial, and diagnosis is often delayed, since structural changes in the glomeruli of the kidneys are detected before the appearance of significant albuminuria (AU) and a decrease in glomerular filtration rate. In this regard, the search for new, early informative biomarkers for the diagnosis of CKD in patients with DM is extremely relevant.

Target: To establish the significance of biomarkers of podocyte dysfunction and fibro and angiogenesis excreted in the urine for early diagnosis and assessment of the risk of progression of kidney damage in patients with DM. Materials and Methods: in 74 patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes (30 and 44, respectively), podocyte proteins and markers of fibro and angiogenesis were determined in the urine by enzyme immunoassay.

Results: in patients with diabetes, compared to healthy people, there is increased urinary excretion of podocyte damage markers - nephrin, podocin, and fibroaniogenesis markers – type IV collagen, TGFβ-1, VEGF. Concentrations of nephrin in urine >7.18 ng/U/Cr urine and collagen >12.88 ng/U/Cr urine reliably indicate kidney damage. In patients with diabetes in the absence of traditional signs of CKD, diagnostically significant concentrations of nephrin were detected in 22% of cases, and collagen in 16.6%.

Conclusion: determination of nephrin and/or type IV collagen in urine can be used both for early diagnosis and for monitoring kidney damage in diabetes.
Some Thoughts on Robustness in Multi-Agent Path Finding
Authors: Barták Roman
Published: January 2024

Multi-agent path finding deals with finding collision free paths for a group of agents moving to given destinations. The off-line generated plan is assumed to be blindly executed on robots, which brings issues when something is not going according to the plan. This short paper discusses robustness as a way to prevent the issues with uncertainty, dynamicity, and possible involvement of other (uncontrolled) agents.
Reducing the Environmental Impact of Wireless Communication via Probabilistic Machine Learning
Authors: Koblitz A. Ryo , Maggi Lorenzo , Andrews Matthew
Published: January 2024

Machine learning methods are increasingly adopted in communications problems, particularly those arising in next generation wireless settings. Though seen as a key climate mitigation and societal adaptation enabler, communications related energy consumption is high and is expected to grow in future networks in spite of anticipated efficiency gains in 6G due to exponential communications traffic growth. To make meaningful climate mitigation impact in the communications sector, a mindset shift away from maximizing throughput at all cost and towards prioritizing energy efficiency is needed. Moreover, this must be adopted in both existing (without incurring further embodied carbon costs through equipment replacement) and future network infrastructure, given the long development time of mobile generations. To that end, we present summaries of two such problems, from both current and next generation network specifications, where probabilistic inference methods were used to great effect: using Bayesian parameter tuning we are able to safely reduce the energy consumption of existing hardware on a live communications network by 11% whilst maintaining operator specified performance envelopes; through spatiotemporal Gaussian process surrogate modeling we reduce the overhead in a next generation hybrid beamforming system by over 60%, greatly improving the networks' ability to target highly mobile users such as autonomous vehicles. The Bayesian paradigm is itself helpful in terms of energy usage, since training a Bayesian optimization model can require much less computation than, say, training a deep neural network.
Logic-Based Explainable and Incremental Machine Learning
Authors: Gupta Gopal , Wang Huaduo , Basu Kinjal , Shakerin Farahad , Padalkar Parth , Salazar Elmer , Varanasi Sarat Chandra , Dasgupta Sopam
Published: January 2024

Mainstream machine learning methods lack interpretability, explainability, incrementality, and data-economy. We propose using logic programming (LP) to rectify these problems. We discuss the FOLD family of rule-based machine learning algorithms that learn models from relational datasets as a set of default rules. These models are competitive with state-of-the-art machine learning systems in terms of accuracy and execution efficiency. We also motivate how logic programming can be useful for theory revision and explanation based learning.
Generating Chunks for Cognitive Architectures
Authors: Bajaj Goonmeet , Pearce Kate , Kennedy Sean , Larue Othalia , Hough Alexander , King Jayde , Myers Christopher , Parthasarathy Srinivasan
Published: January 2024

Knowledge engineering is an important task for creating and maintaining a knowledge base for cognitive models. It involves acquiring, representing, and organizing knowledge in a form that computers can use to make decisions and solve problems. However, this process can be a bottleneck for designing and using cognitive models. Knowledge engineering is a time-consuming and resource-intensive task that requires subject matter experts to provide information about a domain. In addition, models can acquire knowledge but require significant mechanisms to structure that information in a structured format appropriate for general use. Given the knowledge engineering bottleneck, we propose a solution that relies on natural language processing to extract key entities, relationships, and attributes to automatically generate chunks encoded as triples or chunks from unstructured text. Once generated, the knowledge can be used to create or add to a knowledge base within cognitive architectures to reduce knowledge engineering and task-specific models.
Bridging Cognitive Architectures and Generative Models with Vector Symbolic Algebras
Authors: Furlong P. Michael , Eliasmith Chris
Published: January 2024

Recent developments in generative models have demonstrated that with the right data set, techniques, computational infrastructure, and network architectures, it is possible to generate seemingly intelligent outputs, without explicitly reckoning with underlying cognitive processes. The ability to generate novel, plausible behaviour could be a boon to cognitive modellers. However, insights for cognition are limited, given that generative models' blackbox nature does not provide readily interpretable hypotheses about underlying cognitive mechanisms. On the other hand, cognitive architectures make very strong hypotheses about the nature of cognition, explicitly describing the subjects and processes of reasoning. Unfortunately, the formal framings of cognitive architectures can make it difficult to generate novel or creative outputs. We propose to show that cognitive architectures that rely on certain Vector Symbolic Algebras (VSAs) are, in fact, naturally understood as generative models. We discuss how memories of VSA representations of data form distributions, which are necessary for constructing distributions used in generative models. Finally, we discuss the strengths, challenges, and future directions for this line of work.
Generative Environment-Representation Instance-Based Learning: A Cognitive Model
Authors: Malloy Tyler , Du Yinuo , Fang Fei , Gonzalez Cleotilde
Published: January 2024

Instance-Based Learning Theory (IBLT) suggests that humans learn to engage in dynamic decision making tasks through the accumulation of experiences, represented by the decision task features, the actions performed, and the utility of decision outcomes. This theory has been applied to the design of Instance-Based Learning (IBL) models of human behavior in a variety of contexts. One key feature of all IBL model applications is the method of accumulating instance-based memory and performing recognition-based retrieval. In simple tasks with few features, this knowledge representation and retrieval could hypothetically be done using all relevant information. However, these methods do not scale well to complex tasks when exhaustive enumeration of features is unfeasible. This requires cognitive modelers to design task-specific representations of state features, as well as similarity metrics, which can be time consuming and fail to generalize to related tasks. To address this issue, we leverage recent advancements in Artificial Neural Networks, specifically generative models (GMs), to learn representations of complex dynamic decision making tasks without relying on domain knowledge. We evaluate a range of GMs in their usefulness in forming representations that can be used by IBL models to predict human behavior in a complex decision making task. This work connects generative and cognitive models by using GMs to form representations and determine similarity.
Considerations for End-User Development in the Caregiving Domain
Authors: Stegner Laura , Porfirio David , Roberts Mark , Hiatt Laura M.
Published: January 2024

As service robots become more capable of autonomous behaviors, it becomes increasingly important to consider how people will be able to communicate with a robot about what task it should perform and how to do the task. There has been a rise in attention to end-user development (EUD), where researchers create interfaces that enable non-roboticist end users to script tasks for autonomous robots to perform. Currently, state-of-the-art interfaces are largely constrained, often through simplified domains or restrictive end-user interaction. Motivated by our past qualitative design work exploring how to integrate a care robot in an assisted living community, we discuss challenges of EUD in this complex domain. One set of challenges stems from different user-facing representations, e.g., certain tasks may lend themselves better to a rule-based trigger-action representations, whereas other tasks may be easier to specify via a sequence of actions. The other stems from considering the needs of multiple stakeholders, e.g., caregivers and residents of the facility may all create tasks for the robot, but the robot may not be able to share information about all tasks with all residents due to privacy concerns. We present scenarios that illustrate these challenges and also discuss possible solutions.
A MAXIMUM ENTROPY PRINCIPLE MODEL FOR THE INITIALIZATION OF EULERIANâLAGRANGIAN SPRAY SIMULATIONS
Authors: Payri Raul , Bracho Gabriela , Martí-Aldaraví Pedro , Marco-Gimeno Javier
Published: January 2024

NOx emission regulations have become more and more restrictive for internal combustion engine-powered
vehicles, especially for road transport applications. To minimize emissions and comply with regulations, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems are the most efficient deNOx technology thanks to the injection of a urea-water solution (UWS). State-of-the-art computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques employ Eulerian-Lagrangian frameworks to deal with the two phases of such
problems. Still, the associated low velocities of UWS applications make it difficult to use standard
breakup models (Kelvin-Helmholtz, Rayleigh-Taylor, Taylor analogy breakup) to generate initial drop size distributions. Hence, these specific studies end up needing experimentally characterized drop size distributions to initialize the CFD simulations or using expensive Eulerian-Eulerian simulations to obtain the outcomes of the primary breakup of the liquid jet. The maximum entropy principle (MEP) allows generating a droplet size-velocity probability distribution function (PDF) from initial injection conditions and injector characteristics while satisfying conservation equations. The most probable PDF curve is determined by the distribution that maximizes the entropy of the problem. A critical Weber number has been proposed to select which droplets will break up subsequently after the initial droplet break up. The model has been validated against experimental results obtained by high-resolution laser backlight imaging. Comparable results have been found and realistic tendencies were achieved, decreasing the expected droplet size with increasing injection pressures. The proposed model could help with introducing alternative breakup models for low-velocity applications without the need for prior droplet size knowledge.
NON-NESTED MULTILEVEL ACCELERATION OF MESHLESS SOLUTION OF HEAT CONDUCTION EQUATION IN COMPLEX DOMAINS
Authors: Radhakrishnan A. , Xu M. , Shahane Shantanu , Vanka Surya Pratap
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we developed and demonstrated a non-nested multilevel procedure for solving the heat conduction
equation in complex domains using a meshless discretization method. Previous multilevel methods for solving elliptic
partial differential equations in complex domains have mostly used one of the four approaches: nested refinement,
agglomeration, additive corrections, and algebraic coarsening. Each of these techniques has some issues of generality,
robustness, and speed of acceleration. In this paper, we developed a generally applicable multilevel algorithm for partial
differential equations discretized on complex domains using unstructured finite volume, finite element, and meshless
methods. We applied this multilevel method to accelerate convergence of the set of discrete equations obtained by
a meshless technique. The heat conduction equation is discretized at scattered points using a polyharmonic spine
(PHS) radial basis function (RBF) interpolation with appended polynomials to achieve exponential convergence of
discretization errors. The RBF interpolations are performed over clouds of points, and the partial differential equation
is collocated at the scattered points. The multilevel algorithm to solve the set of linear equations utilizes multiple independently generated coarser sets of points. Restriction of residuals and prolongation of the corrections are also performed using the RBF interpolations. The fast convergence of the algorithm is demonstrated for solution of the heat conduction equation in three model complex domains with manufactured solutions. A simple successive over-relaxation point solver is used as the relaxation scheme.
Management of Advanced Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Current Systemic Therapy Options
Authors: Jara Mark A.
Published: January 2024

The current rapid development of more selective and effective drugs for the treatment of thyroid cancer has open a new era in the treatment of patients with this condition, in the past limited to the possibility of only radioactive iodine for well differentiated tumor and surgery for medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). The treatment of advanced medullary thyroid carcinoma has evolved in the last few years and options for patients with advanced disease are now available. Multikinase inhibitors (MKIs) with nonselective RET inhibition like Vandetanib and Cabozantinib were approved for the treatment of MTC, although the efficacy is limited due to the lack of specificity resulting in a higher rate of drug-related adverse events, leading to subsequent dose reductions, or discontinuation, and the development of a resistance mechanism like seen on the RET Val804 gatekeeper mutations. MTC is associated with mutations in the RET protooncogene, and new highly selective RET inhibitors have been developed including Selpercatinib and Pralsetinib, drugs that have demonstrate excellent results in clinical trials, and efficacy even in the presence of gatekeeper mutations. However, despite their efficacy and great tolerability, mechanisms of resistance have been described, such as the RET solvent front mutations. Due to this, the need of constant evolution and drug research is necessary to overcome the emergence of resistance mechanisms.
Prioritising barriers to women's professional advancement in urban planning in India
Authors: Patel Lopakumari P. , Patel Chetan R. , Tailor Ravin M.
Published: January 2024

Providing equal opportunities for women in urban planning is not just about fairness but is also key to building better cities. The primary purpose of research is to identify 27 barriers under the seven categories in the Indian context and prioritise them by using a fuzzy analytical hierarchical process technique. In consequence, a group of experts are assisted in weighing and ranking the barriers by using the pair-wise comparison survey. The findings of the survey are addressed in accordance with the professional backgrounds, educational backgrounds and gender- and region-specific opinions of experts. The primary contribution of this study is the identification of barriers and their ranking by Indian urban planning experts to address the main issues preventing women from pursuing careers in urban planning advancement. This research opens the door for decision-maker, urban planners and city designers who build communities to bring women along in the built environment.
A comprehensive clinico‐pathological and genetic evaluation of bottom‐of‐sulcus focal cortical dysplasia in patients with difficult‐to‐localize focal epilepsy
Authors: Ying Zhong , Wang Irene , Blümcke Ingmar , Bulacio Juan , Alexopoulos Andreas , Jehi Lara , Bingaman William , Gonzalez‐Martinez Jorge , Kobow Katja , Niestroj Lisa Marie , Lal Dennis , Koelble Konrad , Najm Imad
Published: January 2024

Aims. We comprehensively studied the clinical presentation, stereo‐EEG and MRI findings, histopathological diagnosis, and brain somatic mutations in a retrospective series of drug‐resistant patients with difficult‐to‐localize epilepsy due to focal cortical dysplasia at the bottom of a sulcus (BOS‐FCD).

Methods. We identified 10 patients with BOS‐FCD from the Cleveland Clinic epilepsy surgery database submitted for intracranial video‐EEG monitoring. Brain MRI, including voxel‐based morphometric analysis and surgical tissue submitted for histopathology, was reviewed. Paraffin tissue samples from five patients were made available for targeted next‐generation sequencing. Postsurgical follow‐up was available in nine patients.

Results. BOS‐FCD was identified in the superior frontal sulcus in six patients, inferior frontal sulcus in one patient, central sulcus in one patient, and intraparietal sulcus in two patients. All patients had stereotyped seizures. Intracranial EEG recordings identified ictal onset at the BOS‐FCD in all 10 patients, whereas ictal scalp EEG had a localizing value in only six patients. Complete resection was achieved by lesionectomy or focal corticectomy in nine patients. Histopathologically, six patients had FCD type IIb and three had FCD type IIa. Next‐generation sequencing analysis of DNA extracted from lesion‐enriched (micro‐dissected) tissue from five patients with FCD type II led to the identification of a germline frameshift insertion in DEPDC5, introducing a premature stop in one patient. Eight out of nine patients with available follow‐up were completely seizure‐free (Engel Class IA) after a mean follow‐up period of six years.

Conclusion. Our results confirm previous studies classifying difficult‐to‐localize BOS‐FCD into the emerging spectrum of FCD ILAE type II mTORopathies. Further studies with large patient numbers and ultra‐deep genetic testing may help to bridge the current knowledge gap in genetic aetiologies of FCD.
Absence status induced by lacosamide adjunctive therapy
Authors: Ákos Szabó Charles , Morgan Lola C. , Sonnenberg Suzanne , Karkar Kameel M.
Published: January 2024

Since lacosamide was approved as an adjuvant agent for the treatment of medically refractory focal epilepsy over ten years ago, it is becoming more widely used for the treatment of idiopathic (genetic) generalized epilepsies. Several studies have demonstrated efficacy in reducing primary generalized tonic‐clonic seizures (GTCS), but efficacy is less well‐characterized for myoclonic and absence seizures. A 29‐year‐old man with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and medically refractory GTCS on a combination of levetiracetam and topiramate was started on lacosamide adjunctive therapy with the plan to replace topiramate. While his GTCS became controlled, he was witnessed to have confusional episodes, with waxing and waning responsiveness, lasting a few days, several times a month. After eight months of adjunctive lacosamide therapy, he was admitted to the epilepsy monitoring unit, where paroxysms of generalized spike‐and‐wave complexes, lasting for 30‐90 minutes, were recorded, interrupted only by sleep. During these periods, he demonstrated psychomotor slowing and disorientation on examination. The absence status was successfully broken by lorazepam, and lacosamide was discontinued. The patient had no further confusional episodes at the most recent follow‐up visit, four months after discharge.
Roadmap for a competency‐based educational curriculum in epileptology: report of the Epilepsy Education Task Force of the International League Against Epilepsy
Authors: Blümcke Ingmar , Arzimanoglou Alexis , Beniczky Sandor , Wiebe Samuel ,   the EpiEd Task Force
Published: January 2024

Teaching competency in the diagnosis and clinical management of epilepsy is of utmost importance for the ILAE. To achieve this mission, the Task Force for Epilepsy Education (EpiEd) developed a competency‐based curriculum for epileptology, covering the spectrum of skills and knowledge for best medical practice. The curriculum encompasses seven domains, 42 competencies, and 124 learning objectives, divided into three levels: entry (Level 1), proficiency (Level 2), and advanced proficiency (Level 3). A survey of the currently existing ILAE‐endorsed teaching activities identified a significant gap in education of basic knowledge of epileptology (Level 1). To bridge this gap, a web‐based educational tool is being developed. A virtual campus will be constructed around the curriculum, integrating the various educational activities of the ILAE. This paper describes the development of the curriculum and future tasks necessary to achieve the educational goal of the ILAE.
Current treatment options for Encephalopathy related to Status Epilepticus during slow Sleep
Authors: Jansen Floor E. , Nikanorova Marina , Peltola Martina
Published: January 2024

The major goal of therapy in patients with Encephalopathy related to Status Epilepticus during slow Sleep (ESES) is to prevent or reduce associated cognitive deficits. Whether or not the EEG pattern of ESES should be completely suppressed to improve cognition is unknown. In clinical practice, there are two major challenges: to establish the optimal treatment strategy in patients with ESES, and to identify the patients who will benefit most from therapy, including atypical cases. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current literature on treatment efficacy in patients with ESES.
Indications and expectations for neuropsychological assessment in epilepsy surgery in children and adults
Authors: Baxendale Sallie , Wilson Sarah J. , Baker Gus A. , Barr William , Helmstaedter Christoph , Hermann Bruce P. , Langfitt John , Reuner Gitta , Rzezak Patricia , Samson Séverine , Smith Mary‐Lou
Published: January 2024

In our first paper in this series (Epilepsia 2015; 56(5): 674–681), we published recommendations for the indications and expectations for neuropsychological assessment in routine epilepsy care. This partner paper provides a comprehensive overview of the more specialist role of neuropsychological assessment in the pre and postoperative evaluation of epilepsy surgery patients. The paper is in two parts. The first part presents the framework for the mandatory role of neuropsychologists in the presurgical evaluation of epilepsy surgery candidates. A preoperative neuropsychological assessment should be comprised of standardised measures of cognitive function in addition to wider measures of behavioural and psychosocial function.

The results from the presurgical assessment are used to: (1) establish a baseline against which change can be measured following surgery; (2) provide a collaborative contribution to seizure characterization, lateralization and localization; (3) provide evidence‐based predictions of cognitive risk associated with the proposed surgery; and (4) provide the evidence base for comprehensive preoperative counselling, including exploration of patient expectations of surgical treatment.

The second part examines the critical role of the neuropsychologist in the evaluation of postoperative outcomes. Neuropsychological changes following surgery are dynamic and a comprehensive, long‐term assessment of these changes following surgery should form an integral part of the postoperative follow‐up. The special considerations with respect to pre and postoperative assessment when working with paediatric populations and those with an intellectual disability are also discussed.

The paper provides a summary checklist for neuropsychological involvement throughout the epilepsy surgery process, based on the recommendations discussed.
Surgical treatment of extra‐hypothalamic epilepsies presenting with gelastic seizures
Authors: Joswig Holger , Rejas‐Pinelo Patricia , Suller Ana , McLachlan Richard S. , Steven David A.
Published: January 2024

We provide an overview of the surgical outcome of extra‐hypothalamic epilepsies with gelastic seizures based on an original case report and a summary of the literature. Twenty‐two articles providing information on the outcome of resective surgery in 39 patients with extra‐hypothalamic gelastic seizures from the temporal (19 patients) or frontal lobe (20 patients) were selected. We add another case of temporal lobe gelastic seizures to the literature with a video demonstrating the mirthful component of this patient's laughing seizures. Drug‐refractory cases of gelastic seizures from the temporal or frontal lobes are amenable to surgical treatment following thorough investigation with imaging, as well as scalp and intracranial EEG.
Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy phenotype in a family with Unverricht‐Lundborg disease
Authors: Berrechid Amina Gargouri , Bendjebara Mouna , Bouteiller Delphine , Nasri Amina , Peuvion Jean‐Noël , Marie Yannick , Baulac Stéphanie , Mrabet Saloua , Ribierre Théo , Cazeneuve Cecile , Imenkacem  , Leguern Eric , Gouider Riadh
Published: January 2024

Aims
. Unverricht‐Lundborg disease (ULD), an autosomal recessive progressive myoclonus epilepsy, is due to an expansion, or less commonly a mutation, of the cystatin B (
CSTB
) gene. We report a clinical and molecular study of a Tunisian ULD family with five affected members presenting with a juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME)‐like phenotype.

Methods
. The expansion of dodecamers was detected by a deamination/PCR assay. The expression profiles of
CSTB
and other candidate modifying genes, cathepsin B and cystatin C, were established by quantitative RT‐PCR, and their respective transcription levels were compared with those from patients with a classic picture of ULD.

Results
. Three patients had a fixed phenotype mimicking JME after 29 years of evolution. Only a discrete dysarthria was noticed in the two other patients. No correlation was observed between transcription level and severity of disease.

Conclusion
. Genetic screening should be performed in patients with a JME‐like phenotype, when careful examination reveals discrete atypical signs of JME. This particular phenotype may be due to modifying genes and/or gene‐environment interactions which require further clarification.
Bilateral synchronous gamma range firing of bulbar motor units during tonic seizures
Authors: Zwarts Machiel , van Erp Gerard , van Dijk Hans
Published: January 2024

We present a patient with tonic seizures of the bulbar muscles. Video‐EEG recording during the multiple attacks showed no ictal EEG abnormalities. The tonic seizures were clearly visible as EMG artefacts on the EEG recording and consisted of 3–6 symmetric tonic bursts of EMG activity of 2–4 seconds and an interval of 2–6 seconds. Spectral analysis showed a very distinct, bilateral synchronous, dominant gamma peak on the EMG spectra during the seizures with a cross correlation of 0.67 between left and right without a time lag. We discuss whether this peak originates from the firing frequencies of the bulbar motor units, and whether this is consistent with the Piper rhythm described during maximal voluntary contraction in controls and related to firing in the gamma range of the cortical motor neurons. We conclude that the EMG artefacts recorded on EEG during seizures can be informative with regards to the type and pathophysiology of epilepsy.
Yield and cost‐effectiveness of tilt table tests combined with video‐EEG
Authors: Chen Hai , Mercader Marco , AlGaeed Mohanad , Koubeissi Mohamad
Published: January 2024

Aim
. To study the outcomes of a series of consecutive tilt table tests combined with video‐EEG (TTVE) at a single center, and assess their cost‐effectiveness compared with other neurophysiological tests.

Methods
. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients who underwent TTVE studies between March 1
st
, 2013 to April 1
st
, 2018. Detailed clinical history, including patient demographics, reasons for referral, anti‐seizure medications, and neurophysiological studies obtained prior to the TTVE studies were extracted from chart reviews. The fee for each neurophysiological test was identified from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Results
. Fifty‐two patients underwent TTVE studies. Thirteen patients (25%) were diagnosed with vasovagal syncope, two (3.8%) were diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, and three (5.8%) had psychogenic non‐epileptic events during the test. Four out of 12 patients stopped anti‐seizure medication(s) after the TTVE. Prior to referral for TTVE, an average of $3,748 per person was spent on neurophysiological tests, which were inconclusive. The average fee for one TTVE test was $535.32, and the fee per test affecting diagnosis or management (defined as the cost divided by the yield of the test) was $1,547.

Conclusions
. The TTVE test is cost‐effective in evaluating refractory episodes of loss of consciousness, atypical of epileptic seizures. In addition to diagnosing syncope, TTVE can be valuable in identifying psychogenic events.
Teoria da juridificação de sistemas de solução de controvérsia aplicada a análise de processos de integração regional do Mercosul
Authors: Oliveira Lucas Gonçalves de
Published: January 2024

A presente trabalho tem por objetivo, a avaliação do papel do atual “Sistema de Solução de Controvérsias do Mercosul” quanto a suas virtudes em promover o avanço da integração regional no âmbito do Mercosul, sendo para tanto empregada metodologicamente as categorias e ferramentas teóricas relacionadas aos estudos do fenômeno da juridificação (ou “legalização”). O referido instrumental alicerçasse nos pressupostos apresentados na teoria da juridificação desenvolvida por Kenneth W. Abbott, Robert O. Keohane, Andrew Moravcsik, Anne-Marie Slaughter, e Duncan Snidal), na qual os autores defendem uma estrutura classificativa das organizações internacionais por seu nível de juridificação /institucionalização, mensurando tal nível por meio de três dimensões fundamentais do processo de juridificação, a saber: a obrigação, a precisão e a delegação. Com base nos achados da pesquisa intentou-se delimitar as implicações do sistema de solução de controvérsia do Mercosul sobre o processo de integração do bloco, avaliando suas debilidades e potencialidades como fator de consolidação do processo de integração, em especial por meio da ampliação da segurança jurídica nas relações entre os integrantes do bloco. Assim, restando a reflexão de quais aos caminhos a serem trilhados para que o sistema atual seja capaz de influenciar positivamente o processo de integração regional tão enfraquecido nos últimos anos, ou mesmo quais seriam as mudanças estruturais necessária a consecução desse fim?
Comparison of two warm-up protocols for physical andtechnical-decisional performance in young football players
Authors: Villaseca-Vicuña Rodrigo , Gayán Candia Andrew , Gazzo Federico , Giráldez Julián , Zabaloy Santiago , Gonzalez-Jurado Jose Antonio
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Warm-up is a primordial element to optimise sport performance in both training and competitions. The main objective of this study was to compare the acute effect of two warm-up protocols for physical and technical-decisional performance in U16 football players. Material and Methods: We applied an integrated warm-up protocol (IWP) of 5 vs 5 in a small space of 20x28 m and an analytical warm-up protocol (AWP) of 12 dynamic exercises that are commonly used in football. Each warm-up was carried out 7 days apart and alternated. After each warm-up, the intensity of the load was recorded through the rate of perceived exertion (RPE), physical performance was recorded using the T30 speed test (time to sprint 30 m) and the kicking speed test, and the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT) was applied, which evaluates the football skills of passing and decision making. Results: The results show greater technical-decisional performance in LSPT (p = 0.020, ES = 0.55 small) after executing the IWP. However, in T30 (p = 0.129, ES = 0.417 small) and kicking (p = 0.374, ES = -0.29 small), no significant differences were observed. Conclusion: IWP presents greater performance in the technical-decisional test of LSPT, and both warm-up protocols have a similar component of intensity and performance in T30 and kicking.
Evaluation of offensive and defensive agility depending on the type of visual cue and personal decision-making styles in basketball
Authors: Horička Pavol , Šimonek Jaromír , Paška Ľubomír , Popowczak Marek , Domaradzki Jaroslaw
Published: January 2024

Background: The specific goal was to determine the level and differences in the performance of reactive agility (RA) depending on the type of visual stimulus and to identify the role of selected psychological patterns in the decision-making process. Method: 13 female basketball players (17.12 ± 1.09 years; mean BW 58.17 kg ± 7.68 kg; mean BH 1.73 ± 0.11, BMI 19.53 ± 3.86) playing top Slovak junior league. The diagnosis of specific game reactions was carried out using a Y-shaped reaction agility test. The stimulus for the action effect was a light direction indicator and a video sequence. Decision-making style was assessed using the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire (MDMQ). Results: The significance of the differences between offensive actions according to the type of stimulus was revealed by statistically significant differences between offensive reaction agility to a light stimulus and a stimulus with a contextual stimulus, and also in the case of defensive actions. Correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between offensive and defensive skills in the light stimulus, between the performance in offensive skills in the light stimulus, between the two types of defensive agility (light and video) and in the context stimulus, and a correlation between vigilance and both offensive activities was also found. Conclusion: The player's sensorimotor mechanisms are different depending on the type of stimulus, not on the type of actions, which leads to the conclusion that specific contextual information can lead to faster and more accurate decisions during the game 1:1 and improve the timing of action effects.
(Re)Centralisation of education governance in Hungary: its causes, declared goals, motives and some potential hidden goals
Authors: Semjén András
Published: January 2024

After municipalities (local governments) and county level governments were established in Hungary in 1990, public education was operated, governed and financed by these elected bodies with the financial support of the central government until the end of 2012. In this decentralised system differences in local wealth and income of municipalities led to significant inequalities in the funding and performance of their schools, and the learning outcomes of the children studying in these. The FIDESZ-KDNP coalition government that took office in 2010 radically centralised the system of governance and funding of schools, claiming that this will be a remedy to the problems of the system. Based on a large set of research interviews and previous research results our paper investigates the declared goals of this reform, and tries to explore its motives as well. According to our research interviews granting equal opportunity in education to every child seems to be the overarching goal of centralisation, and there are three more other goals as well, including the creation of a more efficient and cost-effective system of institutional management. However, some characteristics of the selection of these goals and the seemingly complete lack of the monitoring of their fulfilment, together with the fact that independent research already proved that the centralisation was definitely unable to achieve its main declared goal, may substantiate the claim that this just served as a cover or pretext, and there probably exists a hidden agenda that is more important for the government than the publicly declared goals. Based on interviews with former politicians, education researchers, advisors and school headmasters we tried to find some of the possible real motives and hidden goals. Although the existence of such goals is impossible to prove exactly, we found several circumstances that may substantiate their existence.
Las políticas públicas: elementos clave para abordar los problemas de salud de la población
Authors: González-Robledo María Cecilia
Published: January 2024

Múltiples avances en salud poblacional se han conseguido gracias a la formulación e implementación de políticas públicas. Ejemplos exitosos son la reducción de la mortalidad materna e infantil, el incremento de la supervivencia de pacientes con cáncer y la estabilización y reducción (en algunos casos) de la epidemia de VIH/SIDA. No obstante, estos cambios no han sido homogéneos a nivel global, persistiendo enormes desigualdades en estos y otros indicadores a costa de las poblaciones más pobres y vulnerables. Los avances en el entendimiento del papel de las políticas públicas evidencian algunos aspectos que pueden contribuir de manera efectiva a lograr una mejor situación de salud en las poblaciones.
Vivir con secuelas de enfermedad cerebrovascular: experiencias y significados de las personas que las presentan
Authors: González-García Olga Lucía , Giraldo-Pineda Álvaro , Forero-Pulido Constanza
Published: January 2024

El interés de llevar a cabo este estudio se basa en la necesidad de comprender las experiencias vividas por las personas que han sufrido secuelas físicas de enfermedad cerebrovascular. Esta investigación se realizó en el municipio de Santa Rosa de Cabal, Risaralda, Colombia. Objetivo: comprender las experiencias y los significados que las personas que han sufrido una enfermedad cerebrovascular les dan a las secuelas físicas causadas por ella. Metodología: estudio cualitativo, que se caracteriza por ser holístico, reflexivo, hermenéutico, con enfoque etnográfico y parte de la mirada “emic”. Se incluyó a 16 personas mayores de 30 años con secuelas físicas de enfermedad cerebrovascular, a quienes se entrevistó, se incluyó diario de Campo. Resultados: para los participantes, la enfermedad cerebrovascular es un suceso que no avisa y perdura con la instauración de secuelas físicas y psicológicas, que generan exclusión propia y de otros, llevándolos al aislamiento, la culpabilización y la estigmatización, y esto los enfrenta a la necesidad de reincorporarse y ser independientes o resignarse y permanecer dependientes. Conclusión: los participantes con secuelas físicas y psicológicas viven experiencias que pueden ser obstáculos que acentúan el aislamiento, la culpabilización y la estigmatización, tanto de ellos mismos como de otras personas hacia ellos.