scholarly journals Motor excitability in bilateral moyamoya vasculopathy and the impact of revascularization

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. E7
Author(s):  
Gueliz Acker ◽  
Davide Giampiccolo ◽  
Kerstin Rubarth ◽  
Robert Mertens ◽  
Anna Zdunczyk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intracortical Inhibition ◽  
Relative Effect ◽  
Corticospinal Excitability ◽  
Cerebral Revascularization ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Resting Motor Threshold ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Revascularization Surgery ◽  
The Impact

OBJECTIVE Motor cortical dysfunction has been shown to be reversible in patients with unilateral atherosclerotic disease after cerebral revascularization. Moyamoya vasculopathy (MMV) is a rare bilateral stenoocclusive cerebrovascular disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the corticospinal excitability and the role of bypass surgery in restoring cortical motor function in patients by using navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS). METHODS Patients with bilateral MMV who met the criteria for cerebral revascularization were prospectively included. Corticospinal excitability, cortical representation area, and intracortical inhibition and facilitation were assessed by nTMS for a small hand muscle (first dorsal interosseous) before and after revascularization. The clinically and/or hemodynamically more severely affected hemisphere was operated first as the leading hemisphere. Intra- and interhemispheric differences were analyzed before and after direct or combined revascularization. RESULTS A total of 30 patients with bilateral MMV were examined by nTMS prior to and after revascularization surgery. The corticospinal excitability was higher in the leading hemisphere compared with the non-leading hemisphere prior to revascularization. This hyperexcitability was normalized after revascularization as demonstrated in the resting motor threshold ratio of the hemispheres (preoperative median 0.97 [IQR 0.89–1.08], postoperative median 1.02 [IQR 0.94–1.22]; relative effect = 0.61, p = 0.03). In paired-pulse paradigms, a tendency for a weaker inhibition of the leading hemisphere was observed compared with the non-leading hemisphere. Importantly, the paired paradigm also demonstrated approximation of excitability patterns between the two hemispheres after surgery. CONCLUSIONS The study results suggested that, in the case of a bilateral chronic ischemia, a compensation mechanism between both hemispheres seemed to exist that normalized after revascularization surgery. A potential role of nTMS in predicting the efficacy of revascularization must be further assessed.

Strategic Role of Zakat in Multidimensional Quality of Life in Sijunjung, Indonesia

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-72
Author(s):  
Herlin Hamimi ◽  
Abdul Ghafar Ismail ◽  
Muhammad Hasbi Zaenal
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Wealth Distribution ◽  
Absolute Poverty ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Status ◽  
Being There ◽  
The Impact

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam which has a function of faith, social and economic functions. Muslims who can pay zakat are required to give at least 2.5 per cent of their wealth. The problem of poverty prevalent in disadvantaged regions because of the difficulty of access to information and communication led to a gap that is so high in wealth and resources. The instrument of zakat provides a paradigm in the achievement of equitable wealth distribution and healthy circulation. Zakat potentially offers a better life and improves the quality of human being. There is a human quality improvement not only in economic terms but also in spiritual terms such as improving religiousity. This study aims to examine the role of zakat to alleviate humanitarian issues in disadvantaged regions such as Sijunjung, one of zakat beneficiaries and impoverished areas in Indonesia. The researcher attempted a Cibest method to capture the impact of zakat beneficiaries before and after becoming a member of Zakat Community Development (ZCD) Program in material and spiritual value. The overall analysis shows that zakat has a positive impact on disadvantaged regions development and enhance the quality of life of the community. There is an improvement in the average of mustahik household incomes after becoming a member of ZCD Program. Cibest model demonstrates that material, spiritual, and absolute poverty index decreased by 10, 5, and 6 per cent. Meanwhile, the welfare index is increased by 21 per cent. These findings have significant implications for developing the quality of life in disadvantaged regions in Sijunjung. Therefore, zakat is one of the instruments to change the status of disadvantaged areas to be equivalent to other areas.

Impact of inquiry-based English teaching through digital applications on primary schoolchildren's reading comprehension and autonomy in pandemic situation

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (S3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ekaterine Pipia ◽  
Irina Chikovani
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Autonomy Development ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Quantitative Manner ◽  
The Impact

Considering the urgency of integrating technologies in the contemporary classrooms, the aim of the presented study has been shaped to outline the impact of inquiry-based English language teaching through digital applications on primary learners’ reading comprehension and autonomy development during a pandemic outbreak of COVID-19. The research context has been designed in a quantitative manner to analyze experiment results and compare control and treatment group learners’ reading comprehension and academic achievement levels as well as to measure primary schoolchildren’s level of autonomy before and after the treatment. The subjects’ autonomy level, curiosity and interest in reading through digital applications before and after the experiment have been evaluated through pre and post-experimental questionnaires. Learning processes of two experimental and two control groups were compared to create four research contexts for the study. Discrepancy between inquiry-based teaching through a digital library and a traditional way of teaching reading has been emphasized in the study results. The obtained data has been analyzed using SPSS to compare the academic performance results. The study revealed that inquiry-based English language teaching through digital applications highly enhanced the primary learners’ academic performance in reading and increased their motivation level to study independently.

scholarly journals Corticospinal excitability underlying digit force planning for grasping in humans

2014 ◽  
Vol 111 (12) ◽  
pp. 2560-2569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pranav Parikh ◽  
Marco Davare ◽  
Patrick McGurrin ◽  
Marco Santello
Keyword(s):  
Primary Motor Cortex ◽  
Single Pulse ◽  
Intracortical Inhibition ◽  
Corticospinal Excitability ◽  
Reach To Grasp ◽  
Grasp Planning ◽  
Sensorimotor Memory ◽  
Force Planning ◽  
Intracortical Inhibition And Facilitation

Control of digit forces for grasping relies on sensorimotor memory gained from prior experience with the same or similar objects and on online sensory feedback. However, little is known about neural mechanisms underlying digit force planning. We addressed this question by quantifying the temporal evolution of corticospinal excitability (CSE) using single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) during two reach-to-grasp tasks. These tasks differed in terms of the magnitude of force exerted on the same points on the object to isolate digit force planning from reach and grasp planning. We also addressed the role of intracortical circuitry within primary motor cortex (M1) by quantifying the balance between short intracortical inhibition and facilitation using paired-pulse TMS on the same tasks. Eighteen right-handed subjects were visually cued to plan digit placement at predetermined locations on the object and subsequently to exert either negligible force (“low-force” task, LF) or 10% of their maximum pinch force (“high-force” task, HF) on the object. We found that the HF task elicited significantly smaller CSE than the LF task, but only when the TMS pulse coincided with the signal to initiate the reach. This force planning-related CSE modulation was specific to the muscles involved in the performance of both tasks. Interestingly, digit force planning did not result in modulation of M1 intracortical inhibitory and facilitatory circuitry. Our findings suggest that planning of digit forces reflected by CSE modulation starts well before object contact and appears to be driven by inputs from frontoparietal areas other than M1.

scholarly journals What Kind Of Capitalism For Azerbaijan? A Comparative Analysis From Economic View

2011 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 57
Author(s):  
Ayhan Guney ◽  
Ilkin M. Sabiroglu ◽  
Cihan Bulut
Keyword(s):  
Market Economy ◽  
Capital Accumulation ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Free Market ◽  
Open Market ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Historical Periods

Every country has experienced various capital accumulation processes due to their own specific conditions. Differences in these conditions have ensured various countries to enter the process of economic development in dissimilar historical periods. Due to the central characteristics of the previous command economic system and the impact of powerful heritage from the USSR on the bureaucratic administration, Azerbaijan is still having difficulties in transitioning to a free-market economy. Today, the transition to an open market economy for Azerbaijan is not completely realized. This research attempts to investigate the major factors of the formation process of the capitalist economic structure in Azerbaijan before and after the demise of the Soviet Union.It focused on the fundamental role of oil and relatively, the agricultural sector and also looked into the types of capitalism the country is currently experiencing based upon certain criteria and statistical indicators.

scholarly journals PENGARUH REVIU RKA-K/L OLEH APIP TERHADAP EFISIENSI ALOKASI ANGGARAN KEMENTERIAN AGAMA

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 12
Author(s):  
Edy Effendi ◽  
Muhammad Imron
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression ◽  
Simple Linear Regression ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Dependent Variables ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Positive Effect

Research on the role of the APIP review of the Ministry/agency Work Plan and Budget document to determine the impact on the efficiency of ministry/agency spending (case study at the Ministry of Religion). The method used in this study uses simple linear regression with dummy. The use of linear regression is used to examine the relationship between independent variables (certain types of expenditure) and dependent variables (total expenditure). Whereas, dummy is used to find out before and after the APIP review is done. Throughout the author's search, this research has never been done. Based on the results of linear regression obtained, the APIP review significantly had a positive effect on official travel expenditure and honorarium but did not significantly affect building spending and equipment. Abstrak   Penelitian atas peran reviu APIP atas dokumen Rencana Kerja dan Anggaran Kementerian Negara/Lembaga untuk mengetahui dampaknya terhadap efisiensi belanja kementerian/lembaga (studi kasus pada Kementerian Agama). Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini menggunakan regresi linier sederhana dengan dummy. Penggunaan regresi liner digunakan untuk meneliti hubungan antara variable independen (jenis belanja tertentu) dan variable dependen (total belanja). Sedangkan, dummy digunakan untuk mengetahui sebelum dan setelah reviu APIP dilakukan. Sepanjang penelusuran penulis, penelitian ini belum pernah dilakukan. Berdasarkan hasil regresi linier diperoleh, reviu APIP signifikan berpengaruh positif terhadap  belanja perjalanan dinas dan honorarium tetapi tidak signifikan berbengaruh terhadap belanja gedung dan alat.

The role of perceived social media agility in customer engagement

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Gligor ◽  
Sıddık Bozkurt
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Customer Engagement ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The concept of agility has been applied to several domains to help firms develop the capability to quickly adjust their operations to cope and thrive in environments characterized by frequent changes. Despite the soaring number of social media users and the benefits associated with agility in other domains, the application of agility in a social media context has yet to be explored. Further, little is known about how agility in a social media context impacts desirable customer-related attributes, such as customer engagement and customer-based brand equity (CBBE). This paper aims to address this gap by adapting the construct to social media (i.e. perceived social media agility) and exploring its impact on customer engagement and CBBE. Design/methodology/approach This paper conducted an online survey with 200 adult subjects. This paper used multivariate regression analyzes to empirically test a scale for perceived social media agility and explore its impact on CBBE and customer engagement, along with the moderating role of customer change-seeking behavior. Findings The study results show that perceived social media agility directly and indirectly (through customer engagement) positively influences CBBE. Also, results show that the positive impact of perceived social media agility on CBBE is further magnified for customers high on change-seeking. However, customer change-seeking does not affect the strength or direction of the impact of perceived social media agility on customer engagement. Originality/value This paper contributes to social media literature by adapting and testing a measurement scale for the construct of perceived social media agility and exploring its role in enhancing customer engagement and CBBE.

scholarly journals An introductory report on the effect of use of dextranase-containing mouthwash on oral health status of human volunteers

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-25
Author(s):  
Nucharee Juntarachot ◽  
Bhagavathi Sundaram Sivamaruthi ◽  
Sasithorn Sirilun ◽  
Piyachat Tongpong ◽  
Phakkharawat Sittiprapaporn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Sensory Evaluation ◽  
Dental Plaque ◽  
Oral Health Status ◽  
Plaque Index ◽  
Oral Diseases ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact

Background: Dextran is a branched polysaccharide and one of the polymers, present in the biofilm matrix. The dextran plays a perilous role in dental plaque formation, which is involved in the development of some common oral diseases like dental caries. The dextran-hydrolyzing enzymes are under investigation to treat and manage the dental plaques. Aims and Objective: The present study reporting the preliminary observations on the effect of the use of dextranase-containing mouthwash (DMW) on dental plaque and oral health. Materials and Methods: DMW was prepared with food-grade dextranase, preservatives, gellingagents, and water as detailed. Four weeks of experimental design was employed in fourteen healthy volunteers. The selected volunteers were recommended to use DMW for at least twice a day. The plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), gingival index (GI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) of the volunteer's teeth have been assessed before and after four weeks of DMW use. Results:The volunteers were insisted to use a DMW solution twice a day for four weeks. The PI, PD, GI, and BOP was measured before and after the treatment. The plaque index of the subject at baseline and after treatment was 2.22 ± 0.48, and 1.88 ± 0.50, respectively. PI was significantly reduced after the use of DMW solution for four weeks. The value of PD was 2.00 and 2.00 at baseline and after the use of DMW, respectively. The value of PD was not changed when compared to the baseline values. The sensory evaluation of DMW was performed using questionnaires. Conclusion: The preliminary study results suggested that the use of DMW solution for four weeks (twice a day) notably reduced the PI without any change in PD. However, GI and BOP values were not affected after the use of DMW. The participants, based on the sensory evaluation, accepted the prepared DMW solution. Additional detailed research on the impact of DMW on oral hygiene is needed to confirm the beneficial effects of DMW.

scholarly journals Audit committee quality and audit report lag: the role of mandatory adoption of IFRS in Saudi companies

Accounting ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 167-178
Author(s):  
Mahfod Mobarak Aldoseri ◽  
Nasr Taha Hassan ◽  
Magdy Melegy Abd El Hakim Melegy
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Audit Committee ◽  
Audit Committees ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Audit Report ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Mandatory Adoption ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Weak Influence

This paper aims to examine the effect of audit committee characteristics on audit report lag, and also explores whether this effect will vary between before and after mandatory adoption of IFRS in Saudi listed companies. Based on a Saudi sample of 388 firm-year observations from 2015 to 2018, the Poisson regression analysis shows that among audit committee characteristics, only audit committee financial experience significantly influences the timing of financial reporting. The result indicates a weak influence of audit committees on timeliness of financial reporting, which is consistent with the results of most of previous studies. On the other hand, the results show a strong impact of the adoption of IFRS on the context of that relationship, where the results show the impact of IFRS on audit report lag, audit committee quality and the association between them.

scholarly journals The Role of Non-Rubber Components on Molecular Network of Natural Rubber during Accelerated Storage

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 2880
Author(s):  
Huifeng Zhang ◽  
Lu Zhang ◽  
Xu Chen ◽  
Yueqiong Wang ◽  
Fuchun Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Rubber ◽  
Network Formation ◽  
Crosslinking Density ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Hardening Mechanism ◽  
Accelerated Storage ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Vital Factor

Though the non-rubber components have long been recognized to be a vital factor affecting the network of natural rubber (NR), the authentic role of non-rubber components on the network during accelerated storage has not been fully illuminated. This work attempts to clarify the impact of non-rubber components on the network for NR during accelerated storage. A natural network model for NR was proposed based on the gel content, crosslinking density, and the non-rubber components distribution for NR before and after centrifugation. Furthermore, the effect of non-rubber components on the network was investigated during accelerated storage. The results show that terminal crosslinking induced by non-rubber components and entanglements are primary factors affecting the network formation during accelerated storage. By applying the tube model to analyze the stress-strain curves of NR, we found that the contribution of the entanglements to the network formation is larger than that of terminal crosslinking during accelerated storage. The work highlights the role of non-rubber components on the network during accelerated storage, which is essential for understanding the storage hardening mechanism of NR.

The impact of financial safety act and corporate governance on the level of financial disclosure

2016 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 618-633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Ahmadi ◽  
Abdelfettah Bouri
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Financial Disclosure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Subject ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This research paper aims to identify and measure the contribution of the financial safety act (FSA) regulation in improving the level of financial disclosure of listed Tunisian firms. To answer the problems of the subject, the authors tried to hold accountable several determinants of the level of financial disclosure relating to the particular characteristics of the firm, and the adoption of the recommendations envisaged by the FSA, as likely to have an impact on the level of financial disclosure of Tunisian firms. Design/methodology/approach With a sample composed by 20 companies during the period from 2003 to 2010 (160 observations), the contribution of the FSA regulation in improving the level of financial disclosure of listed Tunisian firms was identified and measured. After that, the levels of financial disclosure before and after the FSA were compared. Findings The study results confirm the positive and significant effect of the FSA on the level of financial disclosure. This impact seems to appear through the improvement of the disclosure level during the years which follow the adoption of the new regulation. The results of this study also show that firms with a high level of financial disclosure are those which have an independent board of directors, auditor BIG and joint audit. Originality/value This paper is devoted to evaluate the impact of the FSA n°2005-96 and corporate governance on the level of financial disclosure. The empirical study relates to a sample of 20 firms listed on the Tunis Stock Exchange observed over the period 2003-2010.

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