Successful Consolidation Research Articles

Transient susceptibility to interference at event boundaries impacts long-term memory of naturalistic episodes

ABSTRACT During ongoing narratives, event boundaries trigger processes relevant for subsequent memory. Previous work has shown that novel, unrelated input presented at an event boundary can retroactively interfere with short-term retention of the preceding event. This interference was attributed to a perturbation of offset-related processes taking place within seconds after encoding and supporting the binding of elements into a coherent event memory. However, the temporal specificity of this memory interference and whether its impact extends to longer retention delays has not been addressed. Here, participants viewed either individual or pairs of short narrative movie clips. Susceptibility to interference at event boundaries was probed by presenting the second clip either immediately after the first, or with a 2s encoding delay. In free and cued recall, after 20 min and 24 h, only memory for movie clips that were immediately followed by a second clip was reduced compared to clips shown in isolation. Intact offset-related processes (as indexed by successful recall of the first movie) did not negatively affect encoding of the subsequent clip. Together, these results indicate that the 2s time-window immediately after an event is relevant for successful consolidation and long-term retention of memory.

Prise en charge des fractures périprothétiques de la hanche : état actuel et perspectives; expérience du service de traumatologie et d’orthopédie CHU Mohammed VI de Marrakech

The increase in hip arthroplasties predicts a rise in periprosthetic fractures in Morocco, posing challenges for orthopedic surgeons. Therapeutic strategies vary considerably, highlighting the absence of a universally accepted treatment protocol. To analyze the management of per-prosthetic hip fractures, while addressing the challenges associated with them. This was a retrospective study, conducted in the trauma-orthopedics department between December 2015 and November 2022. Nineteen patients who presented to the hospital with fractures around a hip prosthesis were included. Nineteen periprosthetic fractures were observed. The majority of patients (68%) were women, with an average age of 68. The Vancouver classification showed that 52.6% of the fractures were type B1, and 21.1% type C, while the other fracture types were distributed differently. These fractures were mainly associated with diagnoses such as femoral neck fracture (63.2%) and coxarthrosis (31.6%). We observed variations in treatment recommendations and results between the different series analyzed. We noted discrepancies with certain series concerning fracture types and therapeutic choices. However, in our series, we achieved satisfactory results, with successful consolidation and the absence of complications in all patients. These results underline the importance of an individualized approach to fracture management, taking into account the specificities of each case.

The effects of auditory consequences on visuomotor adaptation and motor memory.

Sensorimotor adaptation is a form of motor learning that is essential for maintaining motor performance across the lifespan and is integral to recovery of function after neurological injury. Recent research indicates that experiencing a balance-threatening physical consequence when making a movement error during adaptation can enhance subsequent motor memory. This is perhaps not surprising, as learning to avoid injury is critical for our survival and well-being. Reward and punishment can also differentially modify aspects of motor learning. However, it remains unclear whether other forms of non-physical consequences can impact motor learning. Here we tested the hypothesis that a loud acoustic stimulus linked to a movement error during adaptation could lead to greater generalization and consolidation. Two groups of participants (n = 12 each) adapted to a new, prism-induced visuomotor mapping while performing a precision walking task. One group experienced an unexpected loud acoustic stimulus (85 dB tone) when making foot-placement errors during adaptation. This auditory consequence group adapted faster and showed greater generalization with an interlimb transfer task, but not greater generalization to an obstacle avoidance task. Both groups showed faster relearning (i.e., savings) during the second testing session one week later despite the presence of an interference block of trials following initial adaptation, indicating successful consolidation. However, we did not find significant differences between groups with relearning during session 2. Overall, our results suggest that auditory consequences may serve as a useful method to improve motor learning, though further research is required.

Methodological guide for teaching quadratic equations based on collaborative work

The discipline of mathematics plays a vital role in fostering logical thinking among students, establishing substantial connections with their daily experiences. Throughout the work experience at the Private Educational Unit of Quito, located in the province of Pichincha, and during the practice carried out at the IPU "Capitán Roberto Rodríguez Fernández" in Santa Clara, difficulties were identified in the consolidation of mathematical contents by part of first-year high school students, particularly in solving quadratic equations. The objective of the research was to propose mathematical exercises that facilitate the consolidation of these units. To address these difficulties, a collaborative learning approach was implemented that integrated various resources, such as programs, software and mathematical assistants, including Geogebra. These media played a significant role in the consolidation of specific concepts, propositions and procedures corresponding to the level and grade mentioned. The evaluation of the proposal was carried out based on the criteria of specialists, who considered it necessary, relevant, applicable and in accordance with the current demands of higher secondary education. With the implementation of this proposal, it is expected to demonstrate greater development of skills and the successful consolidation of content in the initial units of the first year of high school.

Dispersoid coarsening and slag formation during melt-based additive manufacturing of MA754

We have assessed the structural evolution and dispersoid coarsening behaviors of the oxide dispersion-strengthened superalloy MA754 during two different melt-based additive manufacturing techniques – metal laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) and directed energy deposition (DED). The mechanically alloyed MA754 powder posed challenges for both processes due to its irregular flaky morphology and large particle size. Successful consolidation with PBF-LB/M required increasing the layer height, decreasing the scanning speed, and increasing the laser power relative to typical Ni superalloy printing parameters. The resulting materials contained residual porosity and large Y-Al-oxide slag inclusions which formed in situ. The more prolonged thermal excursion during DED resulted in even larger, mm-scale slag inclusions, which spanned several build layers. In both PBF-LB/M and DED, these inclusions grew at the expense of nanoscale dispersoids, depleting the material of this strengthening phase. These observations motivate alternative approaches for preparing dispersion-strengthened powder feedstocks besides mechanical alloying and highlight the deleterious effects of Al microalloying on dispersoid stability and structure.

Вопросы психолого-педагогического сопровождения профессионального самоопределения несовершеннолетних с отклоняющимся поведением в трудах отечественных психологов

<p style="text-align: justify;">The problem of professional self-determination of the personality of adolescents with deviant, including illegal behavior, is of interest to psychologists and educators, since it is the choice of profession and successful consolidation in professional activity that is an alternative to the criminal career of adolescents experiencing difficulties of socialization. The task of psychological and pedagogical support at this age is to consolidate a teenager’s interest in professional choice, to help comprehend the meaning of work in a life context. Psychological and pedagogical work with this category has its own characteristics. The article provides an analytical review of the theoretical foundations of psychological and pedagogical support of professional self-determination of adolescents prone to deviant, including illegal behavior.</p>

Critical Assessment of Geostrategic Infiltration in UN Peacekeeping Operations Deployed in Intra-State Armed Conflicts in Africa: The Case of ONUC in DRC in 1960

This study focuses on the deployments of UN peacekeeping operations within intra-state armed conflicts in Africa. The statement of the problem and objective of the study is to demonstrate amidst the significant roles that UN peacekeeping operations deployed within intra-state armed conflicts in Africa have played and are still playing, nonetheless growing geostrategic infiltration from hegemonic states as well as other member states from where troops are drawn from to constitute different operations to mitigate the armed conflicts. This is very important for the successful consolidation of the mandates of different UN peacekeeping operations deployed within intra-state armed conflicts in Africa. The study incorporated both primary and secondary sources of data. The qualitative descriptive analysis and its instruments are the research method that fits the study. The results of the findings were parallel to the problem statement and objective, which proved that geostrategic infiltration aimed at guaranteeing the interests of hegemonic and other member states of the UN that are proved apparent. The study's conclusion and recommendations were proffered to mitigating geostrategic infiltration in UN peacekeeping deployments faced with intra-state armed conflicts in Africa after an in-depth analysis of the case study under review in this study. That is, the United Nations Operations in the Congo deployed in view of the intra-state armed conflict that hit Congo in 1960, where the end of that mission was a debacle. A debacle explained largely by geostrategic infiltration. The Security Council is making every effort to mitigate the numerous challenges that have been and are still impeding the UN peacekeeping operations from successfully consolidating their mandates in different intra-state armed conflicts in Africa where they have been deployed. This study seeks to draw the attention of the international community to a veritable challenge that has become a pertinent stake (geostrategic infiltration), impeding the successful consolidation of the different UN peacekeeping mandates deployed within intra-state armed conflicts in Africa.

ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ ИНФОРМАЦИОННО-КОММУНИКАЦИОННЫХ ТЕХНОЛОГИЙ ПРИ ИЗУЧЕНИИ ИНОЯЗЫЧНОЙ ЛЕКСИКИ

This article discusses the impact of the use of information and communication technologies on the educational process of learning foreign vocabulary. The educational and experimental work carried out with a group of students is presented, in the process of which online services and applications were introduced. During the study, the online service Quizlet was chosen. In conclusion, the results of the study are presented and analyzed, according to which the conducted educational experimental work demonstrates successful results in the development of certain lexical units and grammatical rules in a short time. On average, students increased their results by 16% compared to the initial test - the percentage of positive answers of students in the initial test varies from a minimum value of 40% to a maximum of 70%. According to the results of the first lesson, it can be noted that 67% of students have successfully mastered new lexical units. About 73% of students completed the final test with between 60% and 80% correct answers. These results indicate that the use of interactive services in the learning process is an effective method for learning foreign languages, since such programs use algorithms that affect all types of memory, which leads to more successful consolidation of lexical units, and the use of the Quizlet application in the educational process helps to increase the motivation of students, and thanks to the variety of exercises that this service offers, the process of learning a foreign language becomes simpler and more effective. It can be said with confidence that the use of information and communication technologies in the study of foreign languages significantly improves the formation and development of students' speech skills.

Timely insertion of AMPA receptor in developing vestibular circuits is required for manifestation of righting reflexes and effective navigation.

Vestibular information processed first by the brainstem vestibular nucleus (VN), and further by cerebellum and thalamus, underlies diverse brain function. These include the righting reflexes and spatial cognitive behaviour. While the cerebellar and thalamic circuits that decode vestibular information are known, the importance of VN neurons and the temporal requirements for their maturation that allow developmental consolidation of the aforementioned circuits remains unclear. We show that timely unsilencing of glutamatergic circuits in the VN by NMDA receptor-mediated insertion of AMPAR receptor type 1 (GluA1) subunits is critical for maturation of VN and successful consolidation of higher circuits that process vestibular information. Delayed unsilencing of NMDA receptor-only synapses of neonatal VN neurons permanently decreased their functional connectivity with inferior olive circuits. This was accompanied by delayed pruning of the inferior olive inputs to Purkinje cells and permanent reduction in their plasticity. These derangements led to deficits in associated vestibular righting reflexes and motor co-ordination during voluntary movement. Vestibular-dependent recruitment of thalamic neurons was similarly reduced, resulting in permanently decreased efficiency of spatial navigation. The findings thus show that well-choreographed maturation of the nascent vestibular circuitry is prerequisite for functional integration of vestibular signals into ascending pathways for diverse vestibular-related behaviours.

The role of macrophages in fracture healing: a narrative review of the recent updates and therapeutic perspectives.

This review addresses the latest advances in research on the role of macrophages in fracture healing, exploring their relationship with failures in bone consolidation and the perspectives for the development of advanced and innovative therapies to promote bone regeneration. The bone can fully restore its form and function after a fracture. However, the regenerative process of fracture healing is complex and is influenced by several factors, including macrophage activity. These cells have been found in the fracture site at all stages of bone regeneration, and their general depletion or the knockdown of receptors that mediate their differentiation, polarization, and/or function result in impaired fracture healing. The literature search was carried out in the PubMed database, using combinations of the keywords "macrophage", "fracture healing, "bone regeneration", and "bone repair". Articles published within the last years (2017-2022) reporting evidence from in vivo long bone fracture healing experiments were included. Studies published in the last five years on the role of macrophages in fracture healing strengthened the idea that what appears to be essential when it comes to a successful consolidation is the right balance between the M1/M2 populations, which have different but complementary roles in the process. These findings opened promising new avenues for the development of several macrophage-targeted therapies, including the administration of molecules and/or biomaterials intended to regulate macrophage differentiation and polarization, the local transplantation of macrophage precursors, and the use of exosomes to deliver signaling molecules that influence macrophage activities. However, more research is still warranted to better understand the diversity of macrophage phenotypes and their specific roles in each step of fracture healing and to decipher the key molecular mechanisms involved in the in vivo crosstalk between macrophages and other microenvironmental cell types, such as endothelial and skeletal stem/progenitor cells.

Successful Consolidation of Inoculant Alloy by Controlling Brazil Nut Effect and Capillary Force

Successful Consolidation of Inoculant Alloy by Controlling Brazil Nut Effect and Capillary Force

The Moral Untouchability of the Responsibility to Protect

ABSTRACT The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) is a doctrine motivated by good intentions. Yet an overriding concern with the successful consolidation of R2P as a norm, as well as the institutionalisation of R2P with academic and policy circles, has led to an excessive focus on the doctrine itself, rather than the atrocities meant to be motivating it. These limitations and shortcomings are examined and subsequently worked through in reference to the 2011 Libyan intervention. It is argued there should be less concern with norm development, and more explicit engagement with the responsibilities that come with supporting the doctrine.

State Accompli: The Political Consolidation of the Islamic State Prior to the Caliphate

This study examines the successful consolidation of the Islamic State movement within the Sunni insurgency in Iraq from 2003 to 2014. We rely on insurgent media releases, captured documents, and a declassified U.S. military study of the Sunni insurgency in Anbar to evaluate the Islamic State movement’s complex relationship with its Sunni Arab rivals. We found the group moved through sequential stages of cooperative, competitive, and coercive consolidation to achieve hegemony in the insurgent field. Each phase of transition entailed organizational changes, including mergers, re-branding, and new structures. The movement’s well-developed ideology and state-building project distinguished it from peers whose political agendas were too diffuse to establish lasting coalitions. The tribal Awakening that worked with the Americans to temporarily defeat the Islamic State of Iraq also badly splintered its rivals and failed to prevent the revitalization of the Islamic State movement, setting the foundation for its short-lived caliphate project.

Age‐dependent functional connectivity changes across large‐scale brain networks disrupt memory consolidation processes

AbstractBackgroundEpisodic memory decline characterizes “normal” aging but is also a core symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, considerable efforts have been undertaken to study this memory domain and its neural substrates. Recent studies have mainly focused on encoding‐ and retrieval‐ related processes. However, some findings suggest that episodic memory deficits are at least in part due to impaired consolidation processes.MethodsWe investigated age effects on consolidation‐related functional network changes and their vulnerability to cognitive interference, using fMRI data of 13 young (20–30 years) and 16 senior (49–75 years) participants. FMRI scanning was performed prior to and during a spatial memory paradigm, consisting of encoding, consolidation, and retrieval phases. To ensure that the observed connectivity changes were due to consolidation processes, the consolidation phase was manipulated over two sessions: (1) no manipulation and (2) repeated stimulus‐presentation with interfering spatial context information.ResultsWe compared the fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (fALFF) to analyze spontaneous brain activity changes from pre‐ to post‐encoding rest. In the control condition, fALFF decreased within left supramarginal gyrus (SMG), right middle temporal gyrus (MTL), and left precuneus (Pc), whereas, fALFF increased within parts of the occipital and inferior temporal cortex. To evaluate the integration in large‐scale brain networks, connectivity analyses between the fALFF‐derived seeds and network ROIs were performed. We observed significant coupling between consolidation‐related brain regions and large‐scale brain networks during consolidation, with connectivity between the SMG and large parts of the memory network modulated by aging. There was also a disruptive effect of interference on connectivity between the Pc and parts of the salience network. Of particular importance for successful consolidation, however, is the connectivity between parts of the occipital lobe, the inferior and middle temporal gyrus. Connectivity within this network, which corresponds to the ventral visual stream, may predict subsequent memory performance. The predictive value appears to be higher in young than in seniors.ConclusionOur results support the assumption that age‐related memory decline is at least partly caused by impaired consolidation processes. We showed that consolidation requires a complex interplay between large‐scale brain networks, which is partially disrupted by aging and thus becomes insufficient.

Process Influences in the Combined Compacting and Back-Injection Process to Produce Back-Injected Self-Reinforced Composites (SRCs) – Analysis via Multiple Regression Modelling

Abstract A new process to produce back-injected self-reinforced composites (SRCs) is presented. In contrast to other investigations on back-injection of SRCs, a process is presented which allows compacting and back injection of SRCs in one step where the SRCs are partly consolidated only via melt pressure inside the cavity. The mechanical properties of SRCs depend to a large extent on the process parameters of temperature and pressure during manufacture. These parameters are not yet known for back-injected areas. Sensors inside of the cavity measure the influences on the temperature and pressure conditions in the cavity. Initial studies on adhesion were carried out and analysed. For this purpose, shear tests of the back-injected component were carried out and a maximum shear strength of 5.81 MPa was determined for the materials used here. The investigations also show a dependence on the Distance from the Gate (DG) and the Mass temperature (TM). First microscopic examinations show good bonding between the SRC and the injection molded part, with no voids or air pockets in the boundary layer. It can also be seen that successful consolidation takes place in the area of the back injection.

SHS-Derived Powders by Reactions' Coupling as Primary Products for Subsequent Consolidation.

The capability of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) to produce powders that are characterized by a high sintering ability, owing to high heating and cooling rates inherent to the exothermic reaction, is of a special interest for the industry. In particular, SHS-derived powders comprise a significant defect concentration in order to effectively enhance the mass transfer processes during the sintering, which allows for the successful consolidation of difficult-to-sinter materials at relatively low sintering temperatures. From this perspective, the design of precursors suitable for sintering, synthesis in a controlled temperature regime and the optimization of geometrical and structural parameters of SHS powders as a potential feedstock for the consolidation is of key importance. Here, we report on the comparative studies concerning the SHS processing of composites for advanced powder metallurgy techniques. The synthesis and sintering peculiarities of the SHS through coupled reactions in the Me’O3(WO3,MoO3)-Me’’O(CuO,NiO)-Mg-C, Ti-B-Al12Mg17 systems are comparatively reviewed. The SHS coupling approach was used for the preparation of powders with a tuned degree of fineness (a high specific surface area of particles), a high-homogeneity and a controllable distribution of elements via both the regulation of the thermal regime of combustion in a wide range and the matching of the thermal and kinetic requirements of two interconnected reactions. Microstructural features of the powder feedstock greatly contributed to the subsequent consolidation process.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cu-Ni-Zr-Ti Bulk Metallic Glass Composites by Spark Plasma Sintering

In the present study, Cu54Ni6Zr22Ti18 bulk metallic glass composites were developed by spark plasma sintering(SPS) using gas atomized Cu54Ni6Zr22Ti18 metallic glass powders and Ta powders. Metallic glass composites with Ta phase were fabricated by SPS. The successful consolidation of Cu54Ni6Zr22Ti18 metallic glass matrix composites with the Ta phase was achieved through the strong bonding due to the plastic deformation of the Ta powder and the super-plastic behavior of the metallic glass powder in the supercooled liquid state during SPS. The deformed Ta phases were well distributed in the Cu54Ni6Zr22Ti18 metallic glass matrix. The compressive fracture strength and total strain were 1770 Mpa and 10.2%, respectively, for the Cu54Ni6Zr22Ti18 bulk metallic glass composite with 40 wt% Ta phases. The uniformly dispersed deformed Ta phase in the Cu54Ni6Zr22Ti18 metallic glass matrix effectively impedes the propagation of the first shear band and generates a second shear band, causing a crossing of the shear bands, resulting in an improvement in plastic strain. This increase in plastic deformation is related to the fact that the deformed Ta phase, uniformly distributed in the Cu54Ni6Zr22Ti18 metallic glass matrix, acts as a source of shear bands and at the same time effectively suppresses the movement of the shear bands, dispersing the stress and causing wide plastic deformation.

Novel Characterization Techniques for Additive Manufacturing Powder Feedstock

Additive manufacturing is a rapidly expanding field, encompassing many methods to manufacture parts and coatings with a wide variety of feedstock. Metal powders are one such feedstock, with a range of compositions and morphologies. Understanding subtle changes in the feedstock is critical to ensure successful consolidation and quality control of both the feedstock and manufactured part. Current standards lack the ability to finely distinguish almost acceptable powders from barely acceptable ones. Here, novel means of powder feedstock characterization for quality control are demonstrated for the solid-state AM process of cold spray, though similar methods may be extrapolated to other additive methods as well. These characterization methods aim to capture the physics of the process, which in cold spray consists of high strain rate deformation of solid-state feedstock. To capture this, in this effort powder compaction was evaluated via rapidly applied loads, flowability of otherwise non-flowable powders was evaluated with the addition of vibration, and powder electrical resistivity was evaluated through compaction between two electrodes. Several powders, including aluminum alloys, chromium, and cermet composites, were evaluated in this effort, with each case study demonstrating the need for non-traditional characterization metrics as a means of quality control and classification of these materials.

Transitional Justice and Democratic Consolidation in the Post-Communist Space: A Comparative Review of the Czech Republic, Latvia and Slovakia

Abstract In this comparative review, I first evaluate scholarly findings attempting to dis/prove a relationship between transitional justice and the consolidation of democracy. Second, I outline several criteria for ‘democratic’ transitional justice in order to be able to judge transitional justice policies. Third, I examine and judge transitional justice policies of the Czech Republic, Latvia and Slovakia by these criteria. Last, I argue that transitional justice is neither a prerequisite for the successful consolidation of democracy nor inherently democratic unless it is carried out in coordination with the ideals of liberal democracy, which might support the achievement of peace and societal stability in a transition period.

Investigating the Effects of Seizures on Procedural Memory Performance in Patients with Epilepsy.

Memory complaints are frequently reported by patients with epilepsy and are associated with seizure occurrence. Yet, the direct effects of seizures on memory retention are difficult to assess given their unpredictability. Furthermore, previous investigations have predominantly assessed declarative memory. This study evaluated within-subject effects of seizure occurrence on retention and consolidation of a procedural motor sequence learning task in patients with epilepsy undergoing continuous monitoring for five consecutive days. Of the total sample of patients considered for analyses (N = 53, Mage = 32.92 ± 13.80 y, range = 18–66 y; 43% male), 15 patients experienced seizures and were used for within-patient analyses. Within-patient contrasts showed general improvements over seizure-free (day + night) and seizure-affected retention periods. Yet, exploratory within-subject contrasts for patients diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy (n = 10) showed that only seizure-free retention periods resulted in significant improvements, as no performance changes were observed following seizure-affected retention. These results indicate general performance improvements and offline consolidation of procedural memory during the day and night. Furthermore, these results suggest the relevance of healthy temporal lobe functioning for successful consolidation of procedural information, as well as the importance of seizure control for effective retention and consolidation of procedural memory.