Impact of propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia on cognition and emotion in gastric cancer patients undergoing radical resection

BACKGROUND Propofol and sevoflurane are commonly used anesthetic agents for maintenance anesthesia during radical resection of gastric cancer.However,there is a debate concerning their differential effects on cognitive function,anxiety,and depression in patients undergoing this procedure.AIM To compare the effects of propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia on postoperative cognitive function,anxiety,depression,and organ function in patients undergoing radical resection of gastric cancer.METHODS A total of 80 patients were involved in this research.The subjects were divided into two groups:Propofol group and sevoflurane group.The evaluation scale for cognitive function was the Loewenstein occupational therapy cognitive assessment(LOTCA),and anxiety and depression were assessed with the aid of the self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)and self-rating depression scale(SDS).Hemodynamic indicators,oxidative stress levels,and pulmonary function were also measured.RESULTS The LOTCA score at 1 d after surgery was significantly lower in the propofol group than in the sevoflurane group.Additionally,the SAS and SDS scores of the sevoflurane group were significantly lower than those of the propofol group.The sevoflurane group showed greater stability in heart rate as well as the mean arterial pressure compared to the propofol group.Moreover,the sevoflurane group displayed better pulmonary function and less lung injury than the propofol group.CONCLUSION Both propofol and sevoflurane could be utilized as maintenance anesthesia during radical resection of gastric cancer.Propofol anesthesia has a minimal effect on patients'pulmonary function,consequently enhancing their postoperative recovery.Sevoflurane anesthesia causes less impairment on patients'cognitive function and mitigates negative emotions,leading to an improved postoperative mental state.Therefore,the selection of anesthetic agents should be based on the individual patient's specific circumstances.

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies among Drug Users in Burkina Faso

Introduction: The epidemiology of both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among drug users (DUs) is little known in West Africa. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among drug users in Burkina Faso. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional biological and behavioral survey conducted between June and August 2022, among drug users in Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso, the two main cities of Burkina Faso. A respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used to recruit drug users. Hepatitis B surface antigen was determined using lateral flow rapid test kits and antibodies to hepatitis C virus in serum determined using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Data were entered and analyzed using Stata 17 software. Weighted binary logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors of hepatitis B and C infections and a p-value Results: A total of 323 drug users were recruited with 97.5% males. The mean age was 32.7 years old. The inhaled or smoked mode was the most used by drug users. The adjusted hepatitis B and hepatitis C prevalence among study participants were 11.1% and 2.3% respectively. The marital status (p = 0.001), and the nationality (p = 0.011) were significantly associated with hepatitis B infection. The type of drug used was not significantly associated with hepatitis B infection or hepatitis C infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies among DUs are comparable to those reported in the general population in Burkina Faso. This result suggests that the main routes of contamination by HBV and HCV among DUs are similar to those in the population, and could be explained by the low use of the injectable route by DUs in Burkina Faso.

Evaluation of an Autonomous Vehicle User Interface for Sensory Impaired Users

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) hold immense promises in revolutionizing transportation, and their potential benefits extend to individuals with impairments, particularly those with vision and hearing impairments. However, the accommodation of these individuals in AVs requires developing advanced user interfaces. This paper describes an explorative study of a multimodal user interface for autonomous vehicles, specifically developed for passengers with sensory (vision and/or hearing) impairments. In a driving simulator, 32 volunteers with simulated sensory impairments, were exposed to multiple drives in an autonomous vehicle while freely interacting with standard and inclusive variants of the infotainment and navigation system interface. The two user interfaces differed in graphical layout and voice messages, which adopted inclusive design principles for the inclusive variant. Questionnaires and structured interviews were conducted to collect participants’ impressions. The data analysis reports positive user experiences, but also identifies technical challenges. Verified guidelines are provided for further development of inclusive user interface solutions.

Reform of the Irrigation Sector and Creation of Functional and Sustainable Irrigation Water Users Associations (AUEI) in Niger: Capitalization of the Experience of the Konni AHA

During the 1980s, as part of a policy of liberalization, following budgetary cuts linked to the implementation of structural adjustment programs, management responsibilities for AHAs were transferred from ONAHA to cooperatives concerned. Due to lack of financial resources, but also because of poor management, everywhere in Niger we are witnessing an accelerated deterioration of the irrigation infrastructure of hydro-agricultural developments. Institutional studies carried out on this situation led the State of Niger to initiate a reform of the governance of hydro-agricultural developments, by streng-thening the status of ONAHA, by creating an Association of Irrigation Water Users (AUEI) and by restructuring the old cooperatives. Indeed, this research aims to analyze the creation of functional and sustainable Irrigation Water User Associations (AUEI) in Niger in a context of reform of the irrigation sector, and based on the experience of the Konni AHA. It is based on a methodological approach which takes into account documentary research and the collection of data from 115 farmers, selected by reasoned choice and directly concerned by the management of the irrigated area. The data collected was analyzed and the results were analyzed using the systemic approach and the diagnostic process. The results show that the main mission of the AUEI is to ensure better management of water, hydraulic equipment and infrastructure on the hydro-agricultural developments of Konni. The creation of the Konni AUEI was possible thanks to massive support from the populations and authorities in the implementation process. After its establishment, the AUEI experienced a certain lethargy for some time due to the rehabilitation work of the AHA but currently it is functional and operational in terms of associative life and governance. Thus, the constraints linked to the legal system, the delay in the completion of the work, the uncertainties of access to irrigation water but also the problems linked to the change in mentality of certain ONAHA agents constitute the challenges that must be resolved in the short term for the operationalization of the Konni AUEI.

Design Method for Optimizing the Interactive Interface of Live Broadcasting Platform for the Elderly Users

In the era of network live broadcasting for everyone,the development of live broadcasting platforms is also more intelligent and diversified.However,in the face of a large group of elderly users,the interface interaction design mode used is still mainly based on the interaction mode for young groups,and is not designed for elderly users.Therefore,a design method for optimizing the interaction interface of live broadcasting platform for elderly users was proposed in this study.Firstly,the case study method and Delphi expert survey method were used to determine the design needs of elderly users and the design mode was analysed.Secondly,the orthogonal design principle was used to design a test sample of the interactive interface of live broadcasting platform applicable for the elderly users,and then a user evaluation system was established to calculate the weights of the design elements using hierarchical analysis,and then the predictive relationship between the design mode of the interactive interface of live broadcasting platform and the elderly users was established by Quantitative Theory I.Finally,Genetic Algorithm was applied to generate the optimized design scheme.The results showed that the design method based on the Genetic Algorithm and the combination of Quantitative Theory can scientifically and effectively optimize the design of the interactive interface of the live broadcasting platform for the elderly users,and improve the experience of the elderly users.

An Integrated Model of Smart Home Applications User Experience Based on Cognitive Dissonance

This study constructs an integrated model of user experience in smart home applications(apps)to deeply explore the impact of cognitive dissonance on users’emotional responses,subsequent behaviors,and experiential outcomes.The research emphasizes the importance of addressing emotional management in the design and development of smart home apps.The findings indicate that emotional response plays a critical mediating role in the user experience of these apps,offering new insights for further optimization.By understanding users’emotional reactions and behavioral patterns under cognitive dissonance,developers can more effectively improve interface design and enhance the overall user experience.

The Intersection of Privacy by Design and Behavioral Economics: Nudging Users towards Privacy-Friendly Choices

This paper conducts a comprehensive review of existing research on Privacy by Design (PbD) and behavioral economics, explores the intersection of Privacy by Design (PbD) and behavioral economics, and how designers can leverage “nudges” to encourage users towards privacy-friendly choices. We analyze the limitations of rational choice in the context of privacy decision-making and identify key opportunities for integrating behavioral economics into PbD. We propose a user-centered design framework for integrating behavioral economics into PbD, which includes strategies for simplifying complex choices, making privacy visible, providing feedback and control, and testing and iterating. Our analysis highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of user behavior and decision-making in the context of privacy, and demonstrates the potential of behavioral economics to inform the design of more effective PbD solutions.

Design of a Landscape Device for Children from the Perspective of Embodied Cognition in the New Era

In recent years,embodied cognition has ushered in a new research upsurge in the academic field,and has become a hot topic in the field of cognitive psychology.In this paper,from the perspective of embodied cognition,the interaction ways of a landscape device for children were discussed to achieve a more real and harmonious interaction between children and scenes.The research data of embodied cognition used by children was analyzed,and the drawbacks and breakthrough points of current landscape devices for children were discussed.The core characteristics of children’s growth period were extracted to establish children’s interaction model and summarize the interactive design methods of landscape devices for children.Embodied cognition has become the most intuitive way for children to know and understand the environment,and plays a pivotal role in children’s growth.Based on embodied cognition principle and interactive behavior mode,the interactive design of a landscape device for children was studied,and three interactive design modes,including simple and convenient interaction mode,multi-sensory interaction mode and game natural interaction mode were summarized.On the basis of this research,relevant design practice and research were carried out to bring a new vision to the design of children’s landscape.

Impaired Cognition and Stroke Rehabilitation Outcomes: Are They Related?

Background: Stroke survivors who exhibit impaired cognition at admission to inpatient rehabilitation may experience participation challenges and poorer functional outcomes than those without impaired cognition. Differences in functional outcomes between stroke survivors with and without impaired cognition may be attributed to age, level of cognitive impairment, and severity of stroke. Materials and Methods: A retrospective secondary data analysis was conducted using health-related administrative data acquired from a Southwestern Ontario hospital’s stroke rehabilitation database. The aim was to explore potential linkages between post-stroke impaired cognition and functional gains, rehabilitation stays, and living settings after discharge from rehabilitation. Results: An aggregate sample of 393 males and 314 females subclassified as experiencing mild, moderate, and severe stroke was analyzed. At inpatient rehabilitation admission, 21.5% (n = 152) of these patients had no impaired cognition, 33.7% (n = 238) had mild impaired cognition, 22.2% (n = 157) had moderate impaired cognition, and 22.6% (n = 160) had severe impaired cognition. Cognitively impaired stroke patients were significantly (p 0.001) older, had (mostly) moderate to severe stroke with significantly (p = 0.012) more moderate cognitive impairment, had significantly (p 0.001) longer rehabilitation stays, and a high propensity for being discharged to longer-term care facilities compared to non-cognitively impaired patients. Conclusion: Presence of significant dissimilarity in rehabilitation stays and post-discharge destinations among stroke survivors with and without cognitive impairment is attributed to the age of the patient, level of cognitive impairment, and rigorous rehabilitation interventions.

Promotion of structural plasticity in area V2 of visual cortex prevents against object recognition memory deficits in aging and Alzheimer's disease rodents

Memory deficit,which is often associated with aging and many psychiatric,neurological,and neurodegenerative diseases,has been a challenging issue for treatment.Up till now,all potential drug candidates have failed to produce satisfa ctory effects.Therefore,in the search for a solution,we found that a treatment with the gene corresponding to the RGS14414protein in visual area V2,a brain area connected with brain circuits of the ventral stream and the medial temporal lobe,which is crucial for object recognition memory(ORM),can induce enhancement of ORM.In this study,we demonstrated that the same treatment with RGS14414in visual area V2,which is relatively unaffected in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer s disease,produced longlasting enhancement of ORM in young animals and prevent ORM deficits in rodent models of aging and Alzheimer’s disease.Furthermore,we found that the prevention of memory deficits was mediated through the upregulation of neuronal arbo rization and spine density,as well as an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF).A knockdown of BDNF gene in RGS14414-treated aging rats and Alzheimer s disease model mice caused complete loss in the upregulation of neuronal structural plasticity and in the prevention of ORM deficits.These findings suggest that BDNF-mediated neuronal structural plasticity in area V2 is crucial in the prevention of memory deficits in RGS14414-treated rodent models of aging and Alzheimer’s disease.Therefore,our findings of RGS14414gene-mediated activation of neuronal circuits in visual area V2 have therapeutic relevance in the treatment of memory deficits.

Exploration and Practice of Life Education Curriculum Based on Embodied Cognition Theory

In recent years,the suicide rate of adolescents has been increasing year by year,and life and health problems have become the most important in education.It is urgent to promote the construction of the curriculum of life education effectively.In view of the“vacuity”and“fragmented”state of traditional life education,this paper combs the teaching objectives,teaching contents,teaching methods,and teaching evaluation of life education from the perspective of embodied cognition theory,to explore the construction of positive experience of life education curriculum.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase 5 overexpression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells improves brain pathology,cognition,and behavior in APP/PS1 mice

In patients with Alzheimer’s disease,gamma-glutamyl transferase 5(GGT5)expression has been observed to be downregulated in cerebrovascular endothelial cells.However,the functional role of GGT5 in the development of Alzheimer’s disease remains unclear.This study aimed to explore the effect of GGT5 on cognitive function and brain pathology in an APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease,as well as the underlying mechanism.We observed a significant reduction in GGT5 expression in two in vitro models of Alzheimer’s disease(Aβ_(1-42)-treated hCMEC/D3 and bEnd.3 cells),as well as in the APP/PS1 mouse model.Additionally,injection of APP/PS1 mice with an adeno-associated virus encoding GGT5 enhanced hippocampal synaptic plasticity and mitigated cognitive deficits.Interestingly,increasing GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells reduced levels of both soluble and insoluble amyloid-βin the brains of APP/PS1 mice.This effect may be attributable to inhibition of the expression ofβ-site APP cleaving enzyme 1,which is mediated by nuclear factor-kappa B.Our findings demonstrate that GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells is inversely associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis,and that GGT5 upregulation mitigates cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice.These findings suggest that GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells is a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease.

Research on Children’s Game Activity Design Strategies Based on Embodied Cognition Theory

Edutainment,in the kindergarten education stage,emphasizes the game as the basic activity and combines the content of education with the form of the game,thus it also forms the educational method of gamification teaching.Through investigation and analysis,it is found that the current kindergarten game activity design has the problem of improper combination of educational content and game form.The current kindergarten game activity design has problems such as stereotypes,children’s lack of active learning opportunities in activities,teachers’insufficient theoretical understanding,inappropriate teacher guidance methods,and so on.Embodied cognition theory attaches importance to the important role of the body in the development of cognition,provides new guidance for classroom teaching,and opens up a new path for classroom teaching reform.Based on the perspective of embodied cognition theory,the concept of body and mind integration should be adhered to in kindergarten teaching with games as the basic activity,experiential teaching situation should be created,children’s subjective experience should be respected,and games and interactions should be designed to promote children’s physical and mental participation,thus laying a foundation for the realization of children’s individual freedom,autonomy,and all-round development.Therefore,this paper aims at the existing problems in the current kindergarten gamification teaching and discusses the design strategy of children’s game activities based on embodied cognition theory.

Investigating the Cognitive Control of Social Media-Anxious Users Using a Psychological Experimental Approach

Social media has become increasingly popular and is now a significant tool for daily communication for many people.The use of social media can cause anxiety and have detrimental impacts on mental health.Cognitive impairment is more likely to affect individuals with anxiety.Investigating the cognitive abilities and mental health of social media users requires the development of new methodologies.This study employed the AX-Continuous Performance Test(AX-CPT)paradigm and the Stroop paradigm to study the cognitive control characteristics of trait anxiety,drawing on psychological experimental methods.Previous studies on whether trait anxiety impairs cognitive control remain controversial,possibly because cognitive control is viewed as a whole.It may also be due to the motivational effect of anxiety,which compensates for the impairment of cognitive control caused by anxiety through the recruitment of cognitive resources.Understanding the mental health and cognitive control traits of anxious social media users can be improved by using the Dual Mechanisms of Cognitive Control Account,which divides cognitive control into proactive and reactive control.Thefindings demonstrate that trait anxiety has an impact on both proactive and reactive control,while working memory load did not modulate the effect of trait anxiety on cognitive control.These results support the attentional control theory and provide a new approach to studying the mental health of social media users.

A Spectrum Occupancy Model for Primary Users in Cognitive Radio Systems

There are abundant research results related to cognitive radio systems (CR systems), but using queueing models to portray CR systems is a new research trend. In this paper, a single-server retrial cognitive radio system with a linear retrial rate has been considered. The system has two types of users: primary users and secondary users. Secondary users have no effect on primary users because primary users have preemptive precedence. As a result, our purpose is to examine some performance indicators such as the expected queue length for primary users, the probability of the system being idle or occupied by a secondary user, and the probability of the system being busy. This paper begins by deriving the expressions for the generating functions based on the balance equations, so that we can calculate our goal conveniently.

Enable Excel-Based Basic Cybersecurity Features for End Users by Using Python-Excel Integration

In the digital age, the global character of the Internet has significantly improved our daily lives by providing access to large amounts of knowledge and allowing for seamless connections. However, this enormously interconnected world is not without its risks. Malicious URLs are a powerful menace, masquerading as legitimate links while holding the intent to hack computer systems or steal sensitive personal information. As the sophistication and frequency of cyberattacks increase, identifying bad URLs has emerged as a critical aspect of cybersecurity. This study presents a new approach that enables the average end-user to check URL safety using Microsoft Excel. Using the powerful VirusTotal API for URL inspections, this study creates an Excel add-in that integrates Python and Excel to deliver a seamless, user-friendly interface. Furthermore, the study improves Excel’s capabilities by allowing users to encrypt and decrypt text communications directly in the spreadsheet. Users may easily encrypt their conversations by simply typing a key and the required text into predefined cells, enhancing their personal cybersecurity with a layer of cryptographic secrecy. This strategy democratizes access to advanced cybersecurity solutions, making attentive digital integrity a feature rather than a daunting burden.

Outage performance analysis of multiple users in cognitive networks

A cooperative model of multiple primary and secondary users coexisting cognitive network is presented. In this model, the control center is aware of all the users＇ locations in order to allocate the nearest secondary user to the primary user. The control center is aware of the information of the unused spectral resources in terms of the feedback of the sensing results from the secondary users. It allocates idle frequency bands among the secondary users. The primary user accesses the base station （BS） in orthogonal subchannels, and it cooperatively transmits packets with the secondary user and exploits the free band assigned by the control center to amplify-and-forward what it receives immediately. Under this scenario, the outage probability of the cooperative transmission pair of the primary and secondary transmitters is derived. The numerical simulation of the outage probabilities as a function of primary transmission probability ps, power allocation ratio ξ between the primary and secondary users, and the numbers of the primary and secondary users are given respectively. The results show that the optimal system performance is achieved under the conditions of ξ=0.5 and the numbers of the primary and the secondary users being equal.

象似性研究新进展——Language and Cognition杂志2019—2020专刊述评

基于剑桥大学出版社出版的认知语言学权威期刊Language and Cognition所刊发的10篇象似性论文,本文深度描写、分析并展望象似性研究的国际前沿现状,并对该辑专刊进行述评。结果发现,近年来国外象似性研究主要集中于象似性理论的跨学科研究、手语语言学及其应用与实践等领域。上述发现不但有助于揭示语言与认知的关系,而且对于国内学者把握国际象似性研究的最新进展具有一定的参考意义。

Analysis of cumulative handoff delay for graded secondary users in cognitive radio networks

According to the fact that the secondary users＇ delay requirements for data transmission are not unitary in cognitive radio networks, the secondary users are divided into two classes, denoted by SU1 and SU2, respectively. It is assumed that SU1 has a higher priority to occupy the primary users＇ unutilized channels than SU2. A preemptive resume priority M/G/1 queuing network is used to model the multiple spectrum handoffs processing. By using a state transition probability matrix and a cost matrix, the average cumulative delays of SU1 and SU2 are calculated, respectively. Numerical results show that the more the primary user＇s traffic load, the more rapidly the SU2＇s cumulative handoff delay grows. Compared with the networks where secondary users are unitary, the lower the SUI＇s arrival rate, the more obviously both SUI＇s and SU2＇s handoff delays decrease. The admission access regions limited by the maximum tolerable delay can also facilitate the design of admission control rules for graded secondary users.

Embodiment of Rationality:Philosophical Interpretation of Embodied Cognition

Under the influence of European rationalism,which holds that human rationality is higher than,or at least independent of human sensory cognition,the first generation of cognitive science advocates for disembodied cognition,manifesting the concept of dualism of mind and body.With the development of cognitive science in the 1980s,the second generation of cognitive science redefines the relationship between mind and body,thought and behavior,and reason and feeling and puts forward the concept of embodied cognition,representing monism of mind and body.It is claimed that the formation of concepts,categorical cognition and the evolution of rational thinking are characterized by embodiment,which is the necessary condition and basis for the formation of human rationality.The current study traces the shift of cognitive science from dualism to monism of mind and body and explores the relationship between rationality and sensibility from the perspective of philosophical basis and interpretations,with an aim to achieve a better understanding and thorough interpretation of human rationality.In this heated discussion about embodied cognition,there are still some fundamental questions that need to be further clarified,such as the essence and mechanism of human cognition,the ways that human body participates in cognitive activities,especially imagination and reasoning.The research paradigm of embodied cognition and its relevant theory have not been established and developed yet,and empirical research from interdisciplinary perspectives is far from enough to provide hard evidence for embodied cognition.