scholarly journals International Society of Nephrology-Hydration and Kidney Health Initiative - Expanding Research and Knowledge

2016 ◽  
Vol 68 (Suppl. 2) ◽  
pp. 32-34
Author(s):  
Louise M. Moist ◽  
William F. Clark ◽  
Luca Segantini ◽  
Sandrine Damster ◽  
Laurent Le Bellego ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
International Society ◽  
World Literature ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Medical Community ◽  
New Information ◽  
Research Initiative ◽  
Advance Research ◽  
Research Initiatives ◽  
Kidney Health

The purpose of this manuscript is to describe a collaborative research initiative to explore the role of hydration in kidney health. Our understanding of the effects of hydration in health and disease is surprisingly limited, particularly when we consider the vital role of hydration in basic human physiology. Recent initiatives and research outcomes have challenged the global medical community to expand our knowledge about hydration, including the differences between water, sugared beverages and other consumables. Identification of the potential mechanisms contributing to the benefits of hydration has stimulated the global nephrology community to advance research regarding hydration for kidney health. Hydration and kidney health has been a focus of research for several research centers with a rapidly expanding world literature and knowledge. The International Society of Nephrology has collaborated with Danone Nutricia Research to promote development of kidney research initiatives, which focus on the role of hydration in kidney health and the global translation of this new information. This initiative supports the use of existing data in different regions and countries to expand dialogue among experts in the field of hydration and health, and to increase scientific interaction and productivity with the ultimate goal of improving kidney health.

scholarly journals Parasites and vector-borne diseases disseminated by rehomed dogs

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Wright ◽  
Frans Jongejan ◽  
Mary Marcondes ◽  
Andrew Peregrine ◽  
Gad Baneth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interdisciplinary Cooperation ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Medical Community ◽  
Region Of Origin ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
Veterinary Profession ◽  
Global Spread ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
International Experts

Abstract The Companion Vector-Borne Diseases (CVBD) World Forum is a working group of leading international experts who meet annually to evaluate current scientific findings and future trends concerning the distribution, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis and prevention of vector-borne infections of dogs and cats. At the 14th Symposium of the CVBD World Forum in Trieste, Italy (March 25–28, 2019), we identified the need to (i) bring attention to the potential spread of parasites and vectors with relocated dogs, and (ii) provide advice to the veterinary profession regarding the importance of surveillance and treatment for parasites and vector-borne infections when rehoming dogs. This letter shares a consensus statement from the CVBD World Forum as well as a summary of the problem faced, including the role of veterinary professionals in parasite surveillance, causal issues, and the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in addressing the problem. To limit opportunities for dissemination of parasites and vectors, whenever possible, underlying problems creating the need for dog rehoming should be addressed. However, when it is necessary to rehome dogs, this should ideally take place in the country and national region of origin. When geographically distant relocation occurs, veterinary professionals have a vital role to play in public education, vigilance for detection of exotic vectors and infections, and alerting the medical community to the risk(s) for pathogen spread. With appropriate veterinary intervention, dog welfare needs can be met without inadvertently allowing global spread of parasites and their vectors.

scholarly journals A Neural Model of Schemas and Memory Consolidation

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiffany Hwu ◽  
Jeffrey L. Krichmar
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Memory Consolidation ◽  
Hebbian Learning ◽  
Dynamic Environment ◽  
Neural Model ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Learning To Learn ◽  
New Information ◽  
Context Dependent

AbstractThe ability to behave differently according to the situation is essential for survival in a dynamic environment. This requires past experiences to be encoded and retrieved alongside the contextual schemas in which they occurred. The complementary learning systems theory suggests that these schemas are acquired through gradual learning via the neocortex and rapid learning via the hippocampus. However, it has also been shown that new information matching a preexisting schema can bypass the gradual learning process and be acquired rapidly, suggesting that the separation of memories into schemas is useful for flexible learning. While there are theories of the role of schemas in memory consolidation, we lack a full understanding of the mechanisms underlying this function. For this reason, we created a biologically plausible neural network model of schema consolidation that studies several brain areas and their interactions. The model uses a rate-coded multilayer neural network with contrastive Hebbian learning to learn context-specific tasks. Our model suggests that the medial prefrontal cortex supports context-dependent behaviors by learning representations of schemas. Additionally, sparse random connections in the model from the ventral hippocampus to the hidden layers of the network gate neuronal activity depending on their involvement within the current schema, thus separating the representations of new and prior schemas. Contrastive Hebbian learning may function similarly to oscillations in the hippocampus, alternating between clamping and unclamping the output layer of the network to drive learning. Lastly, the model shows the vital role of neuromodulation, as a neuromodulatory area detects the certainty of whether new information is consistent with prior schemas and modulates the speed of memory encoding accordingly. Along with the insights that this model brings to the neurobiology of memory, it further provides a basis for creating context-dependent memories while preventing catastrophic forgetting in artificial neural networks.

scholarly journals Three Melanin Pathway Genes, TH, yellow, and aaNAT, Regulate Pigmentation in the Twin-Spotted Assassin Bug, Platymeris biguttatus (Linnaeus)

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 2728 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yinqiao Zhang ◽  
Hu Li ◽  
Juan Du ◽  
Junzheng Zhang ◽  
Jie Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vital Role ◽  
Black Pigment ◽  
White Pigment ◽  
New Information ◽  
Hemimetabolous Insect ◽  
Survival And Reproduction ◽  
Yellow Coloration ◽  
Assassin Bug ◽  
Melanin Pathway

Pigmentation plays a vital role in insect survival and reproduction. Many melanin pathway genes have been studied in holometabolous insects; however, they have only been studied in two hemimetabolous insect genera, Oncopeltus and Periplaneta. Here we analyzed three melanin pathway genes (TH, yellow, and aaNAT) using RNA interference (RNAi) in another hemimetabolous insect, namely the twin-spotted assassin bug, Platymeris biguttatus. TH was highly expressed in freshly molted nymphs and adults. TH RNAi resulted in a complete loss of black pigment, with yellow coloration maintained. Therefore, black pigment in this assassin bug is solely generated from the melanin pathway, whereas yellow pigment is generated from other unknown pigmentation pathways. yellow and aaNAT were highly expressed in the white spot of the hemelytra. Downregulation of yellow caused a brown phenotype with high mortality, indicating an important role of yellow functions in cuticle formation and in the process of converting melanin from brown to black. Interestingly, aaNAT RNAi caused not only loss of white pigment, but also loss of yellow and red pigments. This phenotype of aaNAT has not been reported in other insects. Our results provide new information for understanding the melanin pathway in which aaNAT is essential for the formation of colorless patterns.

scholarly journals Randomized Trials and Collaborative Research in Epilepsy Surgery: Future Directions

2006 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 365-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Wiebe ◽  
Nathalie Jette
Keyword(s):  
Epilepsy Surgery ◽  
World Literature ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Research Initiative ◽  
Universal Health Care System ◽  
Surgery Research ◽  
Strong Position ◽  
Multicentre Research ◽  
Research Initiatives

Background:Although randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for evaluating therapeutic interventions, surgical RCTs are particularly challenging and few have been done in the field of epilepsy surgery. We assess the level of RCT activity in epilepsy surgery and propose feasible alternatives to develop sustainable research initiatives in this area.Methods:We undertook a systematic review of the world literature to assess the level of RCT activity in epilepsy surgery. Previous personal experience with RCTs in epilepsy surgery and examples of successful Canadian multicentre research networks were reviewed to propose initiatives for sustainable, valid research in epilepsy surgery.Results:We identified 12 RCTs in epilepsy surgery, including 692 patients, of whom 416 were involved in vagus nerve stimulation, 16 in various brain electrostimulation procedures, 180 in comparisons of different surgical techniques, and 80 in a comparison of medical versus surgical therapy. Most studies were of short duration (median = 3 months, range 3-12 months). In the area of resective surgery, only temporal lobe epilepsy has been subjected to any type of RCT comparison. All RCTs have been done within the last 13 years. There were no multicentre Canadian surgical studies.Conclusion:The adoption of RCTs in epilepsy surgery has been slow and difficult worldwide. Because of its universal health care system and its well established epilepsy surgery centres, Canada is in a strong position to create a national epilepsy surgery research initiative capable of undertaking high quality, sustainable research in epilepsy surgery.

Asiana Airlines Flight 214

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Chow ◽  
Stephen Yortsos ◽  
Najmedin Meshkati
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Aviation Safety ◽  
Cultural Factors ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Cultural Issues ◽  
Flight Crew ◽  
Pilot Performance ◽  
Engineering Designs ◽  
Flight Deck

This article focuses on a major human factors–related issue that includes the undeniable role of cultural factors and cockpit automation and their serious impact on flight crew performance, communication, and aviation safety. The report concentrates on the flight crew performance of the Boeing 777–Asiana Airlines Flight 214 accident, by exploring issues concerning mode confusion and autothrottle systems. It also further reviews the vital role of cultural factors in aviation safety and provides a brief overview of past, related accidents. Automation progressions have been created in an attempt to design an error-free flight deck. However, to do that, the pilot must still thoroughly understand every component of the flight deck – most importantly, the automation. Otherwise, if pilots are not completely competent in terms of their automation, the slightest errors can lead to fatal accidents. As seen in the case of Asiana Flight 214, even though engineering designs and pilot training have greatly evolved over the years, there are many cultural, design, and communication factors that affect pilot performance. It is concluded that aviation systems designers, in cooperation with pilots and regulatory bodies, should lead the strategic effort of systematically addressing the serious issues of cockpit automation, human factors, and cultural issues, including their interactions, which will certainly lead to better solutions for safer flights.

Energy Efficiency Analysis in ERA using NFL-BA Algorithm

2020 ◽  
pp. 340-348
Author(s):  
Palky Mehta ◽  
H. L. Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Head ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Wireless Sensor ◽  
Energy Usage ◽  
Cluster Heads ◽  
Comparison Results ◽  
Current Scenario ◽  
Energy Efficiency Analysis ◽  
Selection Of

In the current scenario of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), power consumption is the major issue associated with nodes in WSN. LEACH technique plays a vital role of clustering in WSN and reduces the energy usage effectively. But LEACH has its own limitation in order to search cluster head nodes which are randomly distributed over the network. In this paper, ERA-NFL- BA algorithm is being proposed for selects the cluster heads in WSN. This algorithm help in selection of cluster heads can freely transform from global search to local search. At the end, a comparison has been done with earlier researcher using protocol ERA-NFL, which clearly shown that proposed Algorithm is best suited and from comparison results that ERA-NFL-BA has given better performance.

Tertiary English-majored Students’ Perceptions toward the Role of Pronunciation in English Language Learning and their Practicing Strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 264-279
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
The University

Accurate pronunciation has a vital role in English language learning as it can help learners to avoid misunderstanding in communication. However, EFL learners in many contexts, especially at the University of Phan Thiet, still encounter many difficulties in pronouncing English correctly. Therefore, this study endeavors to explore English-majored students’ perceptions towards the role of pronunciation in English language learning and examine their pronunciation practicing strategies (PPS). It involved 155 English-majored students at the University of Phan Thiet who answered closed-ended questionnaires and 18 English-majored students who participated in semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that students strongly believed in the important role of pronunciation in English language learning; however, they sometimes employed PPS for their pronunciation improvement. Furthermore, the results showed that participants tended to use naturalistic practicing strategies and formal practicing strategies with sounds, but they overlooked strategies such as asking for help and cooperating with peers. Such findings could contribute further to the understanding of how students perceive the role of pronunciation and their PPS use in the research’s context and other similar ones. Received 10th June 2019; Revised 12th March 2020; Accepted 12th April 2020

The role of Record of Rights (Khatian) in determining title or possession: An overview

IIUC Studies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 33-46
Author(s):  
Kalim Ullah
Keyword(s):  
Human Life ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Critical Element ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Supportive Evidence ◽  
Land Administration ◽  
Holy Quran ◽  
The Holy Quran ◽  
Religious Systems

Human beings are deeply related to land. Human beings take birth on land, live on land, die on land and mixes with land ultimately. As stated in the holy Quran: ‘We (Allah) created you (human beings) from the soil, we shall make you return to the soil and We shall call you back again from the soil’ (20:55). Human life is surrounded by soil i.e. land. So, land is a highly completed issue of human life involving economic, social, political, cultural and often religious systems. Land administration is thus a critical element and often a pre-condition for peaceful society and sustainable development. In administrating land, Khatian or record of rights plays a vital role to determine the rights and interests of the respective parties as supportive evidence. In this article, discussion is mainly made on the fact that Khatian or record of rights is not a document of title solely but it may be an evidence of title as well as possession. IIUC Studies Vol.15(0) December 2018: 33-46

A Court in Decline? Examining the Regality Court Records of Melrose, Roxburghshire, 1657–84

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Vivienne Dunstan
Keyword(s):  
Seventeenth Century ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Local Area ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Court Records ◽  
Seminal Work

McIntyre, in his seminal work on Scottish franchise courts, argues that these courts were in decline in this period, and of little relevance to their local population. 1 But was that really the case? This paper explores that question, using a particularly rich set of local court records. By analysing the functions and significance of one particular court it assesses the role of this one court within its local area, and considers whether it really was in decline at this time, or if it continued to perform a vital role in its local community. The period studied is the mid to late seventeenth century, a period of considerable upheaval in Scottish life, that has attracted considerable attention from scholars, though often less on the experiences of local communities and people.

Risk and Protective Factors in the Life of Youth in Relation to Resilience

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-59
Author(s):  
Silvia Barnová ◽  
Viola Tamášová
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
School Psychologists ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Great Role ◽  
Health Service Providers

Abstract Introduction: A certain degree of stress is present in everyone’s life and young people are not an exception. Most of them show a certain degree of resilience and can cope with stressful situations without any difficulties, however there is a group of youth who live in toxic environments and need help. If there is a risk of failure due to the intensity of stressors; external formal and informal support have a great role to play as they have the potential to prevent negative developmental outcomes. Purpose: The authors’ intention was to make a review of available literature on the current issues of resilience research with a focus on the importance of protective factors in young people’s lives – especially when they are exposed to adversity. An emphasis is placed on the vital role of social support to individuals provided by schools as well as social services. Methods: In the presented literature review, multiple formal search methods including hand searching of key journals; electronic searching of journal databases and subject specific websites; reference scanning; and citation tracking were used. Conclusion: Individuals commonly demonstrate some level of resilience, yet most of them are able to deal with stressful situations without any harm. On the other hand, if the adversity is too high, the presence of social support provided by their social environment is important. In this context, good relationships in general and sufficient external protective factors provided by their social environment (schools, school psychologists, institutional social and health service providers) are important.

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