bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Анализ тепловых характеристик монокристаллов парателлурита методом прямоугольной тепловой волны
Authors: Малышкина О.В. , Гавалян М.Ю. , Шишков Г.С. , Каплунов И.А. , Колесников А.И. , Айдинян Н.В.
Published: November 2016

Показано, что при исследовании пироэлектрическим методом прямоугольной тепловой волны тепловых характеристик объемных несегнетоэлектрических материалов с малым коэффициентом теплопроводности необходимо решать задачу теплопроводности для трехслойной системы. Исследованы тепловые характеристики кристалла парателлурита различных кристаллографических направлений. Установлена зависимость коэффициента теплопроводности от кристаллографического направления. Работа выполнена в ЦКП Тверского государственного университета при поддержке Минобрнауки РФ. Исследования кристаллов парателлурита проведены в рамках реализации ФЦП "Исследования и разработки по приоритетным направлениям развития научно-технологического комплекса России на 2014-2020 гг.", соглашение 14.574.21.0113 (RFMEFI57414X0113), решение задачи прохождения температурной волны через многослойную систему --- в рамках выполнения проектной части государственного задания N 11.1937.2014K.
Время инкубации гетерогенного роста островков в режиме неполной конденсации
Authors: Дубровский В.Г.
Published: November 2016

Проведен теоретический анализ времени инкубации, необходимого для начала роста поверхностных островков на гетерогенных центрах нуклеации, в зависимости от газового потока материала и температуры поверхности. Показано, что при гетерогенном росте в режиме неполной конденсации время инкубации увеличивается с температурой по аррениусовскому закону и уменьшается с потоком обратно пропорционально последнему независимо от механизма диффузионного транспорта в островки. Проведено качественное сопоставление результатов с экспериментальными данными по времени инкубации трехмерных островков GaN, возникающих на начальном этапе самоиндуцированного роста нитевидных нанокристаллов GaN.
Модификация терагерцового электромагнитного отклика полупроводникового полимера полифлуорена частицами оксида графена
Authors: Андрианов А.В. , Алешин А.Н.
Published: November 2016

Методом терагерцовой спектроскопии во временной области исследован терагерцовый электромагнитный отклик композитных пленок на основе полупроводникового полимера полифлуорена и частиц оксида графена. Были измерены спектры комплексной диэлектрической проницаемости в спектральном диапазоне 0.3-2.8 THz для композитных пленок полифлуорена с содержанием оксида графена 7, 26, 50.6 и 73 wt %. Обнаружено значительное увеличение коэффициента терагерцового поглощения и действительной части проводимости композита полифлуорен --- частицы оксида графена с ростом содержания частиц оксида графена в композите.
Unidirectional Protection Strategy for Multi-terminal HVDC Grids
Authors: Mokhberdoran Ataollah , Silva Nuno , Leite Helder , Carvalho Adriano
Published: November 2016

Protection issue is identified as the main drawback of emerging multi-terminal HVDC grids. Multi-terminal HVDC grid demands fast short circuit fault current interruption. Fast DC circuit breakers as a promising solution can be implemented as either bidirectional or unidirectional devices. In addition to less implementation cost, the unidirectional DC circuit breakers have less power losses as compared to the bidirectional devices. A protection strategy for multi-terminal HVDC grid based on unidirectional breaking devices is discussed and assessed in this paper. The performance of unidirectional protection strategy is examined under different fault scenarios in a fourterminal MMC-HVDC grid model. Furthermore, the impacts of unidirectional protection strategy on power converters and also current interruption and surge arrester ratings of the DC circuit breakers are discussed.
The Value of Converged IT Infrastructures
Authors: Polzonetti Alberto
Published: November 2016

This paper analyzes the economic value of implementing converged systems based on different research conducted by analyst firm last year, in particular: Converged Infrastructure Platform in May 2014 and Trends in Private Cloud Infrastructure April. Particularly we discuss in first sections the value of converging solutions and the diffusion development of converged computing infrastructure. Finally we talk about the advantages of this solution with particular emphasis on management and economic aspect.
Innovation and Knowledge in Creation of European Union Global Competitiveness and Social Security from Regional Perspective
Authors: W. Puślecki Zdzisław
Published: November 2016

The main aim of the paper is analysis of the innovation and knowledge in creation of European Union global competitiveness and social security from regional perspective. To the particular goals of the research belong the presentation of the knowledge-based-growth (KBG) theory, the concept of innovation system, the innovation system and innovation process, constructed advantage, the Triple Helix model, Europe 2020 strategy and Innovation Union and Horizon 2020 as the financial instrument implementing the Innovation Union. The important results of the research is the conclusion that in the innovation process also in the European Union very important are the connection between science (universities), market (industry) and government at the regional level. There is positive dependence between innovation activity and effectiveness of the innovation process. The more interaction and cooperation also the creation of enterpreunership it can observe on the regional level than on the state. The new programme of the scientific and innovation research Europe 2020 and Innovation Union are very important factors of the economic growth, social security and global competitiveness of the European Union. The new economic narrative of the European Union is built around three main strands–boosting investments, pursuing structural reforms and fiscal responsibility. 
The Relationship between Job Satisfaction of Iranian English Teachers and Their Students’ Achievement
Authors: Hesami Gholamreza , Kheiri Saeed
Published: November 2016

Teachers' satisfaction with their career influences the quality and stability of instruction given to students. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the relationship between teacher job satisfaction and student achievement among Iranian high school English teachers and to investigate the effect of factors such as gender, employment type and working place on job satisfaction in order to provide better insights for the educational authorities and teachers to look for possible ways of improving the existing situation. Data were collected through Job Satisfaction Survey (Spector, 1985) distributed among 84 Iranian high school English teachers. End of the term results were used as an indicator of the students` achievement. The findings of the present study suggested that there was a significant relationship between teacher job satisfaction and student achievement. But there was not any significant difference between male and female teachers regarding job satisfaction. Besides, working at public vs. private schools did not make any significant difference in the level of job satisfaction. But a significant difference was found between the part-time and full-time teachers' job satisfaction. The full-time teachers were more satisfied with their job.
Factors Affecting Task-Based Language Teaching from Teachers’ Perspectives
Authors: Le Tuyen Van
Published: November 2016

Teachers play the most important part in the application of a new method or approach in English language education. However, whether they implement the method successfully or not depends on various factors. This paper aims to explore the factors that affect English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers’ implementation of task-based language teaching (TBLT) at the tertiary level through the use of two instruments: “focus-groups” with five experienced EFL teachers and interviews with ten individual teachers at five universities in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The findings revealed that factors affecting teachers’ implementation of TBLT include external factors such as time allocation, testing, students’ motivation and English proficiency and textbooks, and internal factors such as teachers’ experience, knowledge about TBLT, English proficiency, and ability to use technology. The findings of the study provide EFL curriculum designers and teachers with both theoretical and practical implications in the implementation of TBLT at the tertiary level in Vietnam.
Serial Position Effects and Forgetting Curves: Implications in Word Memorization
Authors: Zhang Guijun
Published: November 2016

Word memorization is important in English learning and teaching. The theory and implications of serial position effects and forgetting curves are discussed in this paper. It is held that they help students understand the psychological mechanisms underlying word memorization. The serial position effects make them to consider the application the chunking theory in word memorization; the forgetting curve reminds them to repeat the words in long-term memory in proper time. Meanwhile the spacing effect and elaborative rehearsal effect are also discussed as they are related to the forgetting curve.
Attitudes and Motivation of Turkish Undergraduate EFL Students towards Learning English Language
Authors: Goktepe Fatma Tokoz
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this study is to investigate the attitudes and motivation of first-year Turkish undergraduates toward English language learning as a foreign language. The study was carried out with 90 students majoring in business studies at Cag University, Mersin in Turkey by administering a survey designed on a five-point Likert scale with 43 items including demographic questions about the learners’ background information such as gender, age, and how long they have been learning English. The items on the survey were chosen from Dörnyei and Csizér (2006) in a variety of Hungarian researches and from a recently designed questionnaire by Ryan (2005). The domains used for the purpose of the study were: integrativeness, attitudes to L2 community, cultural interest, attitudes to learning English, criterion measures, ideal L2 self, ought-to L2 self, family influence, instrumentality (promotion and prevention), and fear of assimilation.

The data collected were analysed through descriptive statistics in SPSS statistical program. The results revealed that Turkish first-year university students learn English as a foreign language mostly for instrumental reasons, and it also showed that integrative motivation is dominant motivational orientation for the participants in some degree.
Pre-Service and In-Service English as a Second Language Teachers’ Beliefs about the Use of Digital Technology in the Classroom
Authors: Kartchava Eva , Chung Seunghee
Published: November 2016

It has been long accepted that teachers’ beliefs guide their classroom practices (Borg, 2006; Fang, 1996; Pajares, 1992; Woods, 1996). Yet, in the current high-tech age and with the push by mainstream education to incorporate technology in language teaching, little is known about what teachers think and feel about technology integration. Using Borg’s (2006) framework of language teacher cognition, this study investigated the beliefs of pre-service and in-service English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers (n = 35) about the use of digital technology in the classroom and the factors that influence those beliefs. The participants completed a three-part beliefs’ questionnaire and some (n = 10) were later met for one-on-one interviews. The results suggest that while the teachers value technology and its use in the ESL classroom, the two groups differed in their subscribed beliefs. These differences were traced back to the teachers’ age, classroom practice, experiences with digital technology, context(s) in which digital technology was used, and the amount of technology-related training the teachers received.
A Cross-Examination of Female Masculinities and Male Femininities in Mema by Daniel Mengara
Authors: Allagbé Ayodele A. , Allagbé Akinola M.
Published: November 2016

This paper attempts a critical reading of Mema (2003) written by Daniel Mengara. The study draws on insights from language and gender studies, feminism and queer theory to critically cross-examine how female masculinities and male femininities are represented in the novel. It holds the view that gendered identities are socially constructed via speech. This means that language encodes means which overtly mark masculinity or/and femininity. However, it should be noted that neither masculinity nor femininity is an exclusive characteristic of the male or the female sex/gender. In this sense, the role(s) an individual takes on in a given context confers either the masculine or the feminine profile upon him/her. This study concludes that gendered identities as portrayed in Mema are intricate, and that in most cases the portraiture of both sexes counters the expectations of African culture.
The Impact of Code Switching on Learners’ Participation during Classroom Practice
Authors: Simasiku Liswani
Published: November 2016

The objective of this qualitative case study is to investigate whether the use of mother tongue in English medium classrooms can enhance classroom participation. Questionnaire, interviews and observation were the two research instruments that were used to collect data in this study. The study investigated 12 ESL teachers at 12 schools in the Zambezi Educational Region. The study revealed that the use of mother tongue in English medium classrooms did not constrain learners’ understanding of the learning content; it rather seemed to facilitate classroom participation. The findings revealed that Grade 10 ESL teachers agreed that Code Switching benefited learners’ participation in English medium classrooms.
Living at the Friendship House: Findings from the Transition Planning Inventory
Authors: Finn Jane , Holmes Vicki-Lynn , Johnson Rebecca
Published: November 2016

A residential initiative, named the Friendship House, was created through advocates focused on helping people with intellectual disabilities live independently in affordable and safe housing on a university campus. The Friendship House is a small residence hall where individuals with intellectual disabilities live side-by-side with similarly aged and same gendered university students. Qualitative finding as in resident reports and observational data provides support that the Friendship House experience has been successful. However, to better equip these residents with intellectual disabilities, it is important to assess the program in terms of post school transition acquisition skills. This study focuses on whether the residents with intellectual disabilities are mastering the skills necessary to live successful lives after high school. Hence, the purpose of this quantitative study is to determine the effect of living in the Friendship House on the acquired transition skills (as measured by the nine Transition Planning Inventory skill sets) on individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The Impact of Placement in the US on Social Opportunities for Students with Multiple Disabilities:An Analysis of the SEELS Database
Authors: D Brewer Robin , M. Correa-Torres Silvia , W. Kincaid Tyler
Published: November 2016

The authors of this study examined data from the Special Education Elementary Longitudinal Study (SEELS) regarding school settings, time students spent in each setting, and opportunities for social interactions experienced by students with multiple disabilities. Findings suggest that over a span of six years, students in the US spent an increasing amount of time in resource or pull-out settings. This resulted in students spending less time with their general education peers but also less time in self-contained special education classrooms. Results also indicated that the opportunities for social interactions experienced by students with multiple disabilities increased in all settings and typical students are now spending more time with students with multiple disabilities. The data also revealed that social interactions increased for all students but when students spent a majority of their day in the general education setting, the increase was at a significantly higher rate. This leads us to understand the need to prepare all students to be prepared to exit school into adult life. Interacting with typical students will increase their ability to interact and understand the need for socially acceptable behavior.
The Chinese Model of Development and Its Implications
Authors: Li He
Published: November 2016

At the end of the Cold War, scholars were pondering how far Western ideas would spread in an international environment defined by “the end of history.” China’s rapid and continuous growth in the past three decades alters this backdrop. Today, the debate seems to be on how far Chinese ideas (also known as the “Beijing Consensus”) could reach. This paper focuses on the following aspects of the Chinese model of development and its implications: What does the China model contain? What are major critiques and limitations of the China model? Is the Chinese model applicable to other nations? It should be noted that due to its recent economic slowdown, the China model of development is losing some luster. Today’s Chinese leadership does not claim that the Chinese developmental model to be an alternative to other models. China seems to enter a new era of Chinese exceptionalism. The paper concludes that the increasingly prosperous China does represent an alternative development model that has gained some traction in the developing world, and the fears that the China development model will dominate the world are premature.
Assessing the Visitors Motivation and Satisfaction in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Authors: Melita Asantael W.
Published: November 2016

Tourism Industry in Sub Sahara Region has been operating on competition poses basing on the same resources which are wildlife and nature as the products in service. Many of the areas to visit by the tourists are still natural and some of them are exist under diminishing status because of the use since establishment. That needs resources engineering to motivate the tourists who wish to visit and are mostly changing the tourism tests all the time. Tanzania has about 30% of its territorial land for Natural resources where tourism is basically commenced. Tourism is a leading industry that contributes about 7.1% to the Tanzania GDP; therefore it needs some resources rehabilitation and re-designed to motivate the visitations.

Ngorongoro Conservation being one of the protected areas in Tanzania gets about half of the tourists (611,767 by 2014) who visit Tanzania (1,410,156 by 2014). The resources for tourism are in different status i.e., Developed and Over utilized, Developed and Underutilized, Undeveloped and over utilized, Undeveloped and underutilized. These are the areas that needs status evaluation and developed to motivate the visitors for more stay in the Ngorongoro area and realize more revenue gains.

With 725 questionnaires collected during survey, visitors category identified and their expectations were measured and all that revealed the fact that the Ngorongoro resources needs rehabilitation (Push factor) to motivate the visitors to select the area as a destination to visit (pull factor). Capacities for a tourist buy a vacation were measured through income of the respondents which is important factor during resources development to motivate the tourists. The response from Non residents respondents were 40% who they earned less than $50,000/year, which is more than those under 29 years old (33%) and 77% earned under $100,000/year. Only 7% claimed an income over $250,000/year which would be considered upper middle to wealthy in Western societies.

With the income status, awareness of the Ngorongoro as destinations were measured and level of package for visitation were measured. The findings revealed that most of the visitors know the Ngorongoro from Tour Operators package or programs (29.2%) of the respondents against the NCAA trade fairs and Expo attending campaign (2.2%). The marketing strategies for Ngorongoro Conservation area should look the possibilities to creating imagination impacts to the visitors before their arrivals to the NCA. It was further discovered that there is no enough efforts have been put on resourced development and use of the available resources to motivate the tourists. More effort is required for marketing the unique resources available in Ngorongoro Conservation Area; convince more stay of the tourists, accruing more revenue and maneuver the a challenge over the tourism threats identified in the area.
Clinical and Epidemiological Features of Psoriasis in Patients Visiting Lumbini Medical College
Authors: Mikrani Jameel Akhtar , Shrestha Arati
Published: November 2016

Background: Psoriasis is a worldwide disease and varies in its clinical profile and epidemiology in different regions of the world. The disease is common and few epidemiological data are available in our country. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the epidemiologic and clinical features of Psoriasis in Lumbini Medical College.

Methods: A retrospective investigation of a total of 240 patients visiting Out Patient Department (OPD) of Dermatology and Venereology of Lumbini Medical College with Psoriasis was done. The parameters included were age at onset of disease, age at first treatment, current age, sex, type of disease and distribution of lesions. Data and statistical analysis was done with SPSS 17.0.

Results: The mean age of patients at onset of disease was 26.4 (SD = 14.3) years. M:F ratio was 1.16. Psoriasis vulgaris (PV) was the most common variety of the disease. Extensor surface of the body was most commonly involved.

Conclusion: Psoriasis is a common dermatological disease accounting 2.9% of all dermatology patients in our center. PV is the most common clinical subtype. The disease is more frequent in the third decade of life and has a male predominance in our region. Treatment compliance has been found to be poor.
Perceived Social Support among Mentally Ill Patients
Authors: Pokharel Bandana , Pokharel Anupama
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Social support is the perception that one is cared for, has assistance available from significant others and its benefit is by buffering stress by influencing the ability to adjust and live with illness. Social support can uplift the quality and subjective wellbeing of people. The objective of this study was to examine the perceived social support and factors influencing it among mentally ill patients.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. Ninety cases aged more than 18 years visiting outpatient of psychiatric department and diagnosed as a case of mental illness for at least a year were included. Instruments used were self-developed proforma and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Interview technique was used to collect the data.

Results: Majority (60%) of the patients perceive social support from family, 28% of the patients perceive social support from significant others. Regression analysis showed that the perceived social support is influenced by employment status, type of family one lives in and physical illness. It is not influenced by gender, subjective financial status and frequency of hospitalization.

Conclusion: Perceived social support is influenced by employment status, type of family one lives in and physical illness. Majority (60%) of the patients perceive social support from family.
Significance of Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Cerebrovascular Accidents
Authors: Acharya Sumnima , Chaturvedi Shyam Kishore
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) is defined as abrupt onset of a neurological deficit that is attributable to a focal vascular cause. CT scan is a widely available, affordable, non-invasive and relatively accurate investigation in patients with stroke and is important to identify stroke pathology and exclude mimics. Aim of this study is to establish the diagnostic significance of computed tomography in cerebrovascular accident and to differentiate between cerebral infarction and cerebral haemorrhage with CT for better management of CVA.

Methods: A one year observational cross sectional study was conducted in 100 patients that presented at the department of radiodiagnosis from emergency or ward within the one year of study period with the clinical diagnosis of stroke, and had a brain CT scan done within one to fourteen days of onset.

Results: A total of 100 patients were studied. 66 were male and 34 were female with a male/female ratio of 1.9:1. Maximum number of cases (39%) was in the age group of 61-80 yrs. Among 100 patients, 55 cases were clinically diagnosed as hemorrhagic stroke and 45 cases were clinically diagnosed with an infarct. Out of the 55 hemorrhagic cases, two cases were diagnosed as both hemorrhage and infarct by CT scan, one case had normal CT scan findings and one had subdural haemorrhage. These four cases were excluded while comparing the clinical diagnosis with CT scan finding. Among 51 clinically diagnosed cases of hemorrhagic stroke, 32(62.7%) cases were proved by CT scan as hemorrhagic stroke and among clinically diagnosed cases of infarct, 39(86.7%) cases were proved by CT scan as infarct which is statistically significant (p <0.001). A significant agreement between clinical and CT diagnosis was observed as indicated by kappa value of 0.49. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of clinical findings as compared to CT in diagnosing hemorrhage were 84.2%, 67.2%, 62.8% and 86.7% respectively. The accuracy of clinical diagnosis is 74%.

Conclusion: This study showed that CT scan is a useful diagnostic modality to identify stroke pathology and to exclude mimics.
Clinical Results of Surgically Treated Medial Humeral Epicondylar Apophyseal Avulsion Injury in Children and Adolescent.
Authors: Joshi Ruban Raj , Sundararaj Gabriel David
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Fractures of the medial humeral epicondyle represent approximately 10% of all paediatric elbow fractures. Objective of our study was to assess treatment outcomes of children and adolescent with medial epicondylar fracture of the elbow using standard operative protocols.

Methods: 20 surgically treated fractures of the medial humeral epicondyle were analysed & reviewed for their epidemiological, clinical and surgical parameters. A valgus stress test was performed under general anesthesia or sedation. All patients underwent open reduction internal fixation using a similar technique. The medial epicondylar fragment was anatomically reduced and fixed in all cases with screws, Kirshner wires or tension band wiring. At final evaluation, union (radiologically) and elbow function [MAYO elbow performance score (MEPS)] was assessed.

Results: An evaluation of all of our patients after a mean follow-up of 8.75 months (SD=4.76) after initial surgery was possible. The mean age of patients at the time of injury was 10.8years (SD=2.3). Fifteen (75%) dominant elbows were injured in our study and 12(60%) elbows had an associated elbow dislocation. On examination in operating room post anaesthesia, all of the elbow injuries revealed some degree of valgus instability. All of our patients(n=20) showed good to excellent results in the MAYO elbow performance score (MEPS). Radiographically, union was achieved in all cases. Three patients developed postoperative ulnar nerve neuropraxia, all recovered at time of final follow up. One patient developed mild lateral heterotrophic ossification but did not require any additional surgical intervention.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that open reduction internal fixation of displaced medial epicondyle fractures leads to satisfactory motion and function. A valgus stress test in operating room can reveal the true nature of joint instability that can warrant operative stabilization of medial epicondylar injuries.
Education Status of Husband and Wife and its Influence on Acceptance of Contraception
Authors: Shrestha Buddhi Kumar , Shrestha Subha
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Acceptance of family planning is influenced by a variety of interrelated factors such as age at marriage, education, economic status, religion, number of living children etc. This study is an endeavor to assess the relation between education status of husband and wife and acceptance of contraception among postpartum women at Lumbini Medical College Teaching Hospital.

Methods: A prospective, observational analytical study was conducted in Obstetrics and Gynecology department of Lumbini Medical College. The information on socio-demographic data, educational status of husband and wife and willingness to accept any form of contraception within the next three months was obtained by an interview, utilizing a questionnaire.

Results: There were 615 postpartum ladies accompanied by their husbands who were included in the study. Mean age of wives was 25.11 years (SD=5.36, range 17-45) and husbands was 27.89 years (SD=5.55, range 20-47). Contraceptive acceptance was shown to increase significantly with literacy status. Illiterate husbands and wives refused to accept the contraception which was statistically significant (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Contraceptive acceptance was significantly poor in illiterate wives and husbands whereas it was significantly higher in educated wives and husbands of all education levels. We feel the need of more education programs and education friendly socio-economic conditions which increases the acceptance of contraception thereby assisting family planning and population control.
Lifestyle Modification after Diagnosis of Hypertension in Patients Visiting Lumbini Medical College Teaching Hospital
Authors: Nepal Parbati , Dhungana Bina
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Lifestyle modifications is an important aspect of hypertension therapy. However, studies on this nonpharmacological approach of hypertension management and its impact is very limited in a developing country like Nepal. The objective of the present study was to determine the life style of patients after diagnosis of hypertension.

Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study design was conducted in Lumbini Medical College Teaching Hospital (LMCTH). A total of 63 patients attending Medical outpatient clinic of Lumbini Medical College who were diagnosed as hypertensive at least two months before the interview were included. Data were collected from 22nd February 2015 to 21st March 2015 by interview method using a questionnaire consisting of a combination of structured and semistructured questions.

Results: This study revealed that non-vegetarian decreased from 95.2% to 74.6% after diagnosis. Lifestyle modification criteria like amount of salt intake, smoking, and alcohol consumption were significantly reduced whereas physical exercise and stress reduction activity were significant increased.

Conclusion: Majority of respondents has changed their lifestyle after diagnosis of hypertension.
Efficiency of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of peri-implantitis: A three-month randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Rakasevic Dragana , Lazic Zoran , Rakonjac Bojan , Soldatovic Ivan , Jankovic Sasa , Magic Marko , Aleksic Zoran
Published: November 2016

Introduction. Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory lesion of peri-implant
tissues. Eradication of the causative bacteria and decontamination of the
implant surface is essential in achieving predictable and stabile clinical
results. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is non-invasive adjuvant therapeutic
method to surgery in the treatment of bacterial infection. Objective. The aim
of this study was to evaluate early clinical and microbiological outcomes of
periimplantitis after surgical therapy with adjuvant PDT. Methods. Fifty-two
diagnosed peri-implantitis sites were divided into two groups. PDT was used
for decontamination of implant surface in the study group; in the control
group, chlorhexidine gel (CHX) followed by saline irrigation was applied.
Several clinical parameters were recorded before the treatment (baseline
values) and three months after surgical treatment. Samples for
microbiological identification were collected before therapy, during the
surgical therapy (before and after decontamination of implant surface), and
three months thereafter, and analyzed with identification systems using
biochemical analysis. Results. The use of PDT resulted in significant
decrease of bleeding on probing in comparison to CHX (p < 0.001). It showed
significant decontamination of implant surfaces with complete elimination of
anaerobic bacteria immediately after surgical procedure and three months
later. Conclusion. The results indicate that PDT can be used as an adjuvant
therapy to surgery for decontamination of implant surface and surrounding
peri-implant tissues within the treatment of peri-implantitis.
Location of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest as a determinant in the survival of patients
Authors: Joksic-Mazinjanin Radojka , Joksic Milena , Vasovic Velibor , Mikov Momir , Saravolac Sinisa , Djuricin Aleksandar , Saponja Predrag
Published: November 2016

Introduction. Cardiac arrest (CA) is defined as a sudden cessation of normal
circulation of blood due to failure of the heart to contract effectively
during systole. Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the
difference in outcome among patients, depending on the location of
out-of-hospital CA; to determine the influence of observed determinants on
the survival rate. Methods. Observational and retrospective study was
conducted in the Institute for Emergency Medical Service Novi Sad (IEMS NS).
It included patients who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by
medical ambulance squads. Patients were divided into three groups, based on
the location of CA: private place, public place, and medical institution.
Results. CA occurred in private places in 151 cases (76.26%). The shortest
duration of a phone call with the dispatcher and Reaction Time I was in the
group of patients with CA in a public place (59.1 ? 36.4 seconds and 137.1
? 89.8 seconds, respectively). CA was recognized in more than 80% of cases,
but CPR was initiated in only 9.09% of patients in private places and in
19.35% of patients in public places. Though they initially presented with
shockable rhythm in 57.14% of cases in public places, this group has the
worst immediate outcome (11.43%), in contrast to the patients with CA in
medical institutions (58.33%). Factors determining the survival of patients
with CA were CPR attempted immediately after collapse, initial rhythm and
eyewitnesses of CA. Conclusion. In order to improve survival of patients with
out-of-hospital CA, both education of laymen and introduction of standard
questioning protocol in the IEMS Call Centre are necessary.
Treatment management between orthodontists and general practitioners performing clear aligner therapy
Authors: Best Alexandra D. , Shroff Bhavna , Carrico Caroline K. , Lindauer Steven J.
Published: November 2016

Objective:

To investigate differences in case selection, treatment management, and aligner treatment expertise between orthodontists and general practitioners.

Materials and Methods:

A parallel pair of original surveys with three sections (case selection, treatment management, and demographics) was sent to orthodontists (N = 1000) and general dentists (N = 1000) who were providers of aligner treatment.

Results:

Orthodontists had treated significantly more patients with aligners, had treated more patients with aligners in the previous 12 months, and had received more aligner training than general dentists (P < .0001). In general, case confidence increased with increasing experience for both orthodontists and general dentists. After adjusting for experience, there was a significant difference in aligner case confidence between orthodontists and general dentists for several malocclusions. General dentists were more confident than orthodontists in treating deep bite, severe crowding, and Class II malocclusions with aligners (P ≤ .0001). Significant differences were also found for all treatment management techniques except interproximal reduction.

Conclusion:

There was a significant difference in case selection, treatment management, and aligner expertise between orthodontists and general dentists, although the differences in case selection were small. Overall, it was shown that orthodontists and general dentists elected to treat a variety of moderate to severe malocclusions with aligners but with different utilization of recommended auxiliaries, perhaps demonstrating a difference in treatment goals.
Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With Diabetes—Lessons Learned From Clinical Research: The 2015 Norbert Freinkel Award Lecture
Authors: Mathiesen Elisabeth R.
Published: November 2016

Among women with diabetes, the worst pregnancy outcome is seen in the subgroup of women with diabetic nephropathy. Development of severe preeclampsia that leads to early preterm delivery is frequent. Predictors and pathophysiological mechanisms for the development of preeclampsia among women with diabetes and observational studies that support antihypertension treatment for pregnant women with microalbuminuria or diabetic nephropathy preventing preeclampsia and early preterm delivery are presented here. Obtaining and maintaining strict glycemic control before and during pregnancy is paramount to prevent preterm delivery. The cornerstones of diabetes management are appropriate diet and insulin, although the risk of severe hypoglycemia always needs to be taken into account when tailoring a diabetes treatment plan. Pathophysiological mechanisms of the increased risk of hypoglycemia during pregnancy are explored, and studies evaluating the use of insulin analogs, insulin pumps, and continuous glucose monitoring to improve pregnancy outcomes and to reduce the risk of severe hypoglycemia in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes are reported. In addition to strict glycemic control, other factors involved in fetal overgrowth are explored, and restricting maternal gestational weight gain is a promising treatment area. The optimal carbohydrate content of the diet is discussed. In summary, the lessons learned from this clinical research are that glycemic control, gestational weight gain, and antihypertension treatment all are of importance for improving pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with preexisting diabetes. An example of how to use app technology to share the recent evidence-based clinical recommendations for women with diabetes who are pregnant or planning pregnancy is given.
Design and Fabrication of an Adjustable Sitting Inclinations Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Chair
Authors: Ajao K.R. , Yahaya T. , Ajimotokan H. A. , Adeleke A. A. , Bello M. , Ojegbenro O.
Published: November 2016

The adjustable sitting inclination rehabilitation chair was fabricated with mild steel and soft upholstered fabric was used for the overlay on the seat, headrest and armrest. The components were coupled with a linear actuator at the upper frame for the reclining of the backrest about it axis. The wheels are located outboard of the seat of the chair to enhance stability while foot rest supports the posterior weight of the users. The narrow seat allows free movement of the leg when the user is seated. Sitting inclinations of 120 and 135° protect the spine disc from compression and proffer more comfort for the users than other angles experimented. The adjustable sitting inclination SCRC is simple and affordable for low-income people with Spinal cord injury, especially for those in developing countries in order to support other therapies for their recovery processes.
Using Software Zelio Soft in Educational Process to Simulation Control Programs for Intelligent Relays
Authors: Michalik Peter , Mital Dusan , Zajac Jozef , Brezikova Katarina , Duplak Jan , Hatala Michal , Radchenko Svetlana
Published: November 2016

Article deals with point to using intelligent relay and PLC systems in practice, to their architecture and principles of programming and simulations for education process on all types of school from secondary to universities. Aim of the article is proposal of simple examples of applications, where is demonstrated methodology of programming on real simple practice examples and shown using of chosen instructions. In practical part is described process of creating schemas and describing of function blocks, where are described methodologies of creating program and simulations of output reactions on changeable inputs for intelligent relays.
Novel use of an Ultrasonic Bone Aspirator for Extended Endoscopic Frontal Sinusotomy: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Massey Conner J. , Bury Sean , Diamond Jay , Singh Ameet
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Extended endoscopic frontal sinusotomy is often required for surgical management of anterior skull base pathology. Such approaches are necessary for access to pathology and maintenance of postoperative frontal sinus outflow tract drainage. Cold steel instrumentation and endoscopic high-speed microdrills are typically used for bony removal during extended frontal sinus approaches but are associated with certain drawbacks, such as thermal injury and obscuration of the surgical field with bone dust.

Objective

We investigated the ultrasonic bone aspirator (UBA) as an adjunctive tool for extended endoscopic frontal sinusotomy in the setting of skull base surgery.

Methods

Medical records of patients who underwent either Draf IIB or Draf III sinusotomies from 2011 to 2014 were reviewed. The patients were split into two cohorts based on instrumentation: those who received sinusotomy primarily with the UBA, and those who had sinusotomy performed with conventional instrumentation only. The patients were followed up after surgery with routine endoscopic examinations and imaging when indicated. Patient demographics, surgical approach, operative complications, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated.

Results

A total of 18 patients underwent endoscopic extended frontal sinusotomy for a variety of skull base pathologies with the UBA and the conventional instrumentation cohorts, which contained nine patients each. Five of the nine patients in the UBA cohort received Draf III sinusotomies compared with three of nine in the conventional cohort. Three patients in the UBA cohort experienced postoperative transient pressure hyperemia of the lip; this was seen in a single patient in the conventional cohort. All patients with postoperative endoscopic examinations maintained frontal sinus ostial patency to varying degrees, irrespective of cohort. Lund-Mackay scores and the need for operative revision of the frontal sinus were similar for both groups and seemed to be related to the use of postoperative radiation.

Conclusion

The UBA was a safe, effective tool for extended endoscopic frontal sinusotomy in endoscopic skull base surgery.
Olfactory Cleft Computed Tomography Analysis and Olfaction in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Kohli Preeti , Schlosser Rodney J. , Storck Kristina , Soler Zachary M.
Published: November 2016

Background

Volumetric analysis of the olfactory cleft by using computed tomography has been associated with olfaction in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, existing studies have not comprehensively measured olfaction, and it thus remains unknown whether correlations differ across specific dimensions of odor perception.

Objective

To use comprehensive measures of patient-reported and objective olfaction to evaluate the relationship between volumetric olfactory cleft opacification and olfaction.

Methods

Olfaction in patients with CRS was evaluated by using “Sniffin’ Sticks” tests and a modified version of the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders. Olfactory cleft opacification was quantified by using two- and three-dimensional, computerized volumetric analysis. Correlations between olfactory metrics and olfactory cleft opacification were then calculated.

Results

The overall CRS cohort included 26 patients without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP) (68.4%) and 12 patients with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) (31.6%). Across the entire cohort, total olfactory cleft opacification was 82.8%, with greater opacification in the CRSwNP subgroup compared with CRSsNP (92.3 versus 78.4%, p ≤ 0.001). The percent total volume opacification correlated with the total Sniffin’ Sticks score (r = -0.568, p ≤ 0.001) as well as individual threshold, discrimination, and identification scores (p ≤ 0.001 for all). Within the CRSwNP subgroup, threshold (r = -0.616, p = 0.033) and identification (r = -0.647, p = 0.023) remained highly correlated with total volume opacification. In patients with CRSsNP, the threshold correlated with total volume scores (r =-0.457, p = 0.019), with weaker and nonsignificant correlations for discrimination and identification. Correlations between total volume opacification and the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders were qualitatively similar to objective olfactory findings in both CRSwNP (r =-0.566, p = 0.070) and CRSsNP (r =-0.310, p = 0.141) subgroups, although neither reached significance. When examined by two-dimensional planes, the percent opacification of the anterior plane had the strongest correlations with objective olfaction.

Conclusion

Olfactory cleft opacification correlated with objective measures of olfaction in patients with CRS, which correlated with threshold values in patients with CRSsNP and all dimensions of olfaction in those with CRSwNP.
Topical Probiotics as a Therapeutic Alternative for Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Preclinical Proof of Concept
Authors: Schwartz Joseph S. , Peres Adam G. , Endam Leandra Mfuna , Cousineau Benoit , Madrenas Joaquin , Desrosiers Martin
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have been shown to manifest a high inflammatory phenotype, with a sinus microbiome deficient in gram-positive bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria are capable of downregulating proinflammatory host responses via an interleukin (IL) 10 mediated response and may represent a potential therapeutic alternative for CRS. We wanted to (i) immunoprofile the IL-10 induction capacity of two gram-positive probiotic strains and (ii) verify the tolerance of these strains by the sinus epithelium.

Methods

A peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) challenge model was used to document probiotic induction of IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha responses at various bacterial dilutions. Epithelial cell tolerance was demonstrated by using a primary epithelial cell model derived from patient biopsy specimens (six patients total [three with CRS and three controls]). After an incubation period with either a live or a heat-killed probiotic strain, cell viability was assessed by using light microscopy.

Results

Both probiotic strains induced high IL-10 secretion in PBMCs, with differing profiles of TNF alpha production. Microscopic evaluation after probiotic incubation demonstrated intact cell viability for all cell cultures.

Conclusion

We identified well-tolerated, nonpathogenic, “generally recognized as safe” status gram-positive probiotics with anti-inflammatory properties. Topical probiotics represented a potential novel topical therapeutic strategy for CRS relevant for further clinical evaluation.