bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of Effect of 0.25% Levobupivacaine with Dexmedetomidine versus 0.25% Levobupivacaine in Ultrasound-Guided Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block
Authors: Iyer Lakshmi S. , Bhat Shreyas S. , Nethra H.N , Vijayakumar H.N , Sudheesh K , Ramachandriah
Published: March 2022

Context:

Dexmedetomidine, an α2-agonist, has been studied widely as an adjuvant to local anesthetics in regional anesthesia techniques to enhance the quality and duration of analgesia (DOA). It was hypothesized that addition of dexmedetomidine 0.5 ug.kg[FIGURE DASH]1 to levobupivacaine would prolong the DOA.

Aims:

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to levobupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block with respect to onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade, and duration of analgesia.

Settings and Design:

This was a prospective randomized double-blind study carried out at a tertiary hospital attached to medical college.

Subjects and Methods:

Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists PS Class I and II patients aged between 18 and 60 years of either sex, undergoing elective upper-limb surgery lasting more than 30 min, were included in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups of thirty each to receive ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Group L was given nerve block with 20 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine and 1 mL saline, and Group D received 20 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine with 0.5 ug.kg[FIGURE DASH]1 of dexmedetomidine (diluted to volume of 1 mL). Onset time and duration of sensory and motor blockade, time to first rescue analgesia, and hemodynamic parameters were recorded.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Chi-square test for qualitative variables and Student's unpaired “t“ test for continuous variables were used for statistical analysis.

Results:

The onset of sensory and motor blockade was 6.51 ± 0.77 min and 10.71 ± 0.34 min in Group D and 9.9 ± 0.45 and 15.93 ± 1.92 min in Group L, respectively (P < 0.005). DOA was 9.53 ± 0.29 h in Group D and 3.89 ± 0.30 h in Group L (P < 0.001). The duration of sensory and motor block was 9.14 ± 0.19 h and 8.55 ± 0.31 h in Group D and 6.15 ± 3.02 and 5.61 ± 2.98 h in Group L, respectively (P < 0.005). No adverse effects were observed in either of the groups.

Conclusions:

Addition of 0.5 ug.kg[FIGURE DASH]1 of dexmedetomidine to 20 mL 0.25% levobupivacaine in ultrasound guided (USG)-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block shortens the onset time of sensory and motor blockade and prolongs duration of sensory and motor block and DOA.
Comparison of Postoperative Pain and Analgesia Requirement among Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients undergoing Lower Limb Fracture Surgery – A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Sravani K. B. , Nikhar Sapna Annaji , Padhy Narmada , Durga Padmaja , Ramachandran Gopinath
Published: March 2022

Background:

Diabetic patients usually experience neuropathic pain and have a decreased response to opioids. Fractures are acute conditions and as such, they are very painful. No data is available related to fracture and postoperative pain in diabetics.

Aim:

This study was conducted to evaluate postoperative pain and analgesics requirement among diabetic and nondiabetic patients undergoing lower limb fracture surgery and the effect of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) on the postoperative pain.

Setting and Design:

This was a prospective observational study, conducted on 80 patients comprising of nondiabetic and diabetic, scheduled for elective lower limb fracture surgery under spinal anesthesia.

Materials and Methods:

HbA1c was done in all the patients who were included in the study. Postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and analgesic consumption were assessed by an anesthesiologist blinded to the diabetic or nondiabetic status of the patients. VAS was assessed every 2nd hourly, for 24 h and rescue analgesia was given if the VAS was ≥4 and record was maintained. Sedation scores and adverse effects were also recorded postoperatively.

Statistical Analysis:

The Chi-square test was used for the analysis of categorical variables and Student's t-test was used for continuous variables.

Results:

Diabetic group of patients had a significantly high VAS score with P ≤ 0.05. Rescue analgesics requirement was significantly different in two groups with diabetic patients requiring more supplementation of analgesia with a P = 0.025. The overall patient satisfaction was lesser in diabetic group (P = 0.004). There was statistically significant correlation between glycosylated hemoglobin and VAS at 2nd, 16th, 18th, 20th, 22nd, and 24th h.

Conclusion:

Postoperative pain and analgesic requirement was significantly higher in diabetic patients with lower limb fracture. Glycosylated hemoglobin had good correlation with higher VAS.
MiR-375 and miR-5691 exert anti-fibroproliferative effects on hypertrophic scar fibroblasts by suppressing thrombospondin 1 expression
Authors: Zhou Xiaoliang , Ye Hua , Wang Xianlin , Tu Jiajin , Lv Jing
Published: March 2022

Background:

Hypertrophic scar (HS) is characterized by the hyperproliferation of fibroblasts and the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) is a component of the ECM, which has been implicated in HS formation.

Objectives:

This study aimed to explore whether miR-375/miR-5691 could modulate HS formation by targeting THBS1.

Methods:

The expression levels of miR-375/miR-5691/THBS1 in HS and normal skin tissues were measured by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-2,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide and Western blot assays were performed on fibroblasts isolated from HS tissues (HSFBs) to determine cell proliferation and the expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), apoptosis-related proteins (caspase3/9, cleaved caspase3/9, Bax, and Bcl-2), and ECM-related proteins. The binding sites between THBS1 and miR-375/miR-5691 were predicted by the TargetScan. Dual-luciferase reporter and anti-Ago2 immunoprecipitation assays were applied to confirm the interactions between THBS1 and miR-375/miR-5691.

Results:

The expression levels of both miR-375 and miR-5691 were downregulated in HS tissues and HSFBs, which were negatively correlated with THBS1 expression levels. The overexpression of miR-375/miR-5691 inhibited cell proliferation and ECM production, and promoted apoptosis of HSFBs, while silencing of miR-375/miR-5691 led to an opposite result. In the mechanism analysis, THBS1 was confirmed as the direct target gene of miR-375/miR-5691. Furthermore, rescue experiments showed that the suppressed growth of HSFBs and ECM production induced by silencing of THBS1 was reversed by miR-375/miR-5691 inhibitors.

Conclusion:

MiR-375/miR-5691 was downregulated in HS tissues, and it could suppress the hyperproliferation and ECM production of HSFBs by targeting THBS1.
Prenatal infection predisposes offspring to enhanced susceptibility to imiquimod-mediated psoriasiform dermatitis in mice
Authors: Yu Sebastian , Lee Chia-Wen , Li Yu-An , Chen Tsung-Hsi , Yu Hsin-Su
Published: March 2022

Background:

Infection can upregulate T helper 17 (Th17) signaling and exacerbate psoriasis. Literature has indicated that prenatal infection induces embryonic development toward Th17 signaling and is a risk factor for developing certain Th17-skewing disorders such as autism in offspring. However, it remains unclear if a prenatal infection is a risk factor for developing psoriasis in offspring.

Objectives:

We investigated if a prenatal infection predisposes mice offspring to enhanced susceptibility to psoriatic inflammation.

Methods:

Pregnant C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid poly I:C to simulate prenatal bacterial and viral infection, respectively. Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) injection was used as the control. When mice offspring were at the age of 9–10 weeks, imiquimod (IMQ) cream or control vehicle was applied topically on ears for 5 consecutive days to induce psoriasiform dermatitis. The extent of epidermal hyperplasia and the number of Munro microabscesses were examined by histologic analysis. Protein expressions of neutrophil marker Ly6 g and Th17-associated cytokines were measured by western blotting.

Results:

Prenatal infection with LPS or poly I:C induced a greater extent of epidermal hyperplasia and more Munro microabscesses after IMQ application as compared with prenatal PBS injection. Mice offspring with prenatal infection also had higher protein expressions of Ly6 g, IL-17a, and interleukin-23 after IMQ stimulation compared with their PBS controls.

Conclusion:

Prenatal infection predisposes mice offspring to enhanced susceptibility to IMQ-mediated psoriasiform dermatitis. The data obtained from the present animal study suggest that prenatal infection might be a risk factor for developing psoriasis in offspring.
Drug survival of biologic agents in patients with psoriatic arthritis from a medical center in southern Taiwan
Authors: Yu Sebastian , Tsao Yu-Hsiang , Tu Hung-Pin , Lan Cheng-Che E.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease involving the skin and/or joints. Till 2016, there were five biologic agents for psoriatic arthritis treatment in Taiwan: etanercept, adalimumab, golimumab, ustekinumab, and secukinumab. Although European guidelines recommend tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors as the first-line biologic agents for axial disease of psoriatic arthritis, the drug survival of biologic agents in Asian populations remains unclear.

Objectives:

We investigated 5-year drug survival of biologic agents in patients with psoriatic arthritis.

Methods:

We used Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital Research Database to evaluate real-world 5-year drug survival of biologic agents for psoriatic arthritis in a medical center from southern Taiwan.

Results:

The 5-year drug survival rates of ustekinumab, etanercept, and adalimumab were significantly different. Ustekinumab and etanercept showed higher 5-year survival rates for psoriatic disease than adalimumab. Golimumab and secukinumab had a short follow-up time to obtain a conclusive 5-year survival rate.

Conclusion:

Considering that TNF-α inhibitors are often the first-line biologic agents for psoriatic arthritis in guidelines in western countries, the finding that ustekinumab is superior to TNF-α inhibitor adalimumab in terms of 5-year survival for psoriatic disease may imply that the therapeutic response of biologic agents may differ between different ethnic groups.
The diverse landscape of histone-mutant pediatric high-grade gliomas
Authors: Lubanszky Evan , Hawkins Cynthia
Published: March 2022

Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs) are the leading cause of tumor-related death in children, with diffuse midline gliomas representing the worst prognoses. Despite decades of clinical trials, no effective treatment has been found, and we are in desperate need of novel therapeutics. The discovery of highly recurrent histone H3 mutations in pHGGs represents a major breakthrough in our understanding of tumor initiation and development. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of the molecular pathology of these tumors, including their genomic/epigenetic alterations, mechanism of action, and partner mutations contributing to tumor progression.
Tumor growth, angiogenesis, and invasion as clinical hallmarks of glioblastoma
Authors: Wong Eric T.
Published: March 2022

The clinical hallmarks of tumor growth, angiogenesis, and invasion were identified in a patient with isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 wild-type glioblastoma at initial diagnosis and management issues were examined. The head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple solid and cystic contrast enhancements in the rostral portion of the tumor located within the left motor gyrus and the adjacent brain. Extensive tumor invasion was noted along the left corticospinal tract extending into the cerebral peduncle and pons. After an open craniotomy for tissue biopsy, the patient underwent external beam radiotherapy and concomitant temozolomide, and his motor deficit was stabilized with concurrent bevacizumab infusion while dexamethasone was weaned off. After two cycles of adjuvant temozolomide, the patient experienced worsening motor deficit in the right hand. A repeat gadolinium-enhanced head MRI revealed increased fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintensity in the left cerebral peduncle indicating tumor progression. This case illustrates the extensive invasion from a glioblastoma that cannot be adequately quantified or effectively treated. A wider margin of radiation may be needed to cover microscopic and infiltrative tumor cells. The early use of bevacizumab can also reverse neurological deficits and obviate the long-term use of dexamethasone and insulin in this patient. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at Dana Farber Cancer Institute #12-519 onMay 5, 2020.
Polymorphous Adenocarcinoma of the Parotid – An Uncommon Site of Occurrence
Authors: Mahato Prabhat , Das Chhanda , Mandal Ankita Pranab , Mukhopadhyay Madhumita
Published: March 2022

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma is a neoplasm of the minor salivary glands and is malignant in origin but is indolent in nature. Currently, this neoplasm is documented and known as polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC) by WHO Classification of Salivary Gland Tumors (2017). Of all the salivary neoplasms, minor salivary gland neoplasm accounts for 9%–23%. Very rarely, it involves major salivary glands such as parotid, submandibular, and sublingual in <5% cases. It may develop either de novo or from pleomorphic adenoma. PAC mimics some benign as well as malignant neoplasms. Histopathological features alone cannot diagnose PAC due to the overlapping features with other neoplasms, and so immunohistochemistry is essential to confirm the diagnosis and hence aids in the proper management of PAC. We report a case of PAC arising from parotid gland in a 52-year-old male treated with facial nerve preservation.
Mitochondrial DNA Levels in Trophectodermal Cells Show No Association with Blastocyst Development and Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Ritu G. , Veerasigamani Geetha , Ashraf Mohammed C. , Singh Sankalp , Laheri Saniya , Colaco Stacy , Modi Deepak
Published: March 2022

Background:

In patients undergoing assisted reproduction, levels of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the trophectodermal cells of the developing blastocyst are suggested to be associated with its ability to implant. However, discrepancies exist regarding the use of mtDNA levels as a reliable biomarker to predict outcomes of assisted reproduction.

Aims:

The aim of the study is to explore the association of trophectodermal mtDNA levels to determine blastocyst quality, implantation potential of blastocyst and clinical outcomes in couples who have undergone pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A).

Study Setting:

Private fertility centre.

Study Design:

Retrospective analysis.

Materials and Methods:

We analysed mtDNA levels in the trophectodermal cells of 287 blastocysts from 61 couples undergoing PGT-A. The levels of mtDNA were estimated by next-generation sequencing method. mtDNA levels were correlated with maternal age, blastocyst morphology, ploidy status, implantation rates, miscarriage rate and live birth rate.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Linear regression and one-way ANOVA with Tukey's all column comparison test.

Results:

The trophectodermal mtDNA levels did not correlate with maternal age. There were no significant differences in their levels in grade 1 and grade 2 blastocysts. No significant differences were seen between mtDNA levels of implanted and non-implanted blastocysts or those blastocysts that resulted in miscarriage or live birth. However, significantly lower amounts of mtDNA were seen in euploid blastocysts as compared to that in aneuploid blastocysts.

Conclusion:

mtDNA levels in the trophectodermal cells of the blastocyst do not associate with blastocyst quality (grade 1 and grade 2), implantation potential and clinical outcomes but can differentiate between aneuploid and euploid blastocysts. Our study does not support the use of trophectodermal mtDNA levels as a biomarker for blastocyst quality and predictor of clinical outcomes.
Aphasia as the initial manifestation of herpes encephalitis
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad , Ghafoor Asma , Jurair Humaira
Published: March 2022

Pediatric acquired aphasia is an uncommon presenting complaint in children. Because of many etiologies that may prove fatal, it is essential to take immediate essential steps for diagnoses and treatment. We are presenting a 9-year-old child who was conscious, alert and did not have any other systemic findings at presentation. After initial and then more extensive workup, he was diagnosed with herpes encephalitis. Acyclovir has been started as empirical antiviral therapy. In the course of disease, he developed status epilepticus that was controlled with multi anti-epileptic drugs. Intravenous acyclovir continued for 21 days, and anti-epilepticus medicines were given at discharge.
Renal angioplasty for refractory renovascular hypertension in an adolescent with Takayasu's arteritis
Authors: Gowda Itihas , Walimbe Ajay , Shankar Guruprasad Hassan , Sarangi Bhakti U , Oswal Jitendra S , Kalra Ravi
Published: March 2022

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a rare primary vasculitis, typically affecting the aorta and its main branches causing progressive vessel wall inflammation with concentric wall thickening and stenosis producing a variety of ischemic symptoms or aneurysms. Although etiopathogenesis of this disease remains poorly understood, an autoimmune basis is widely suggested in addition to genetic and environmental factors, among which evidence implicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT) has been provided. We discuss hereby a 12-year-old boy brought with refractory renovascular hypertension secondary to aortoarteritis as found on ultrasound Doppler and computed tomography angiogram, who, apart from fulfilling criteria for TA, was also found to have latent tuberculosis. He was managed with multiple antihypertensives, immunosuppressants, and antitubercular therapy, despite which he developed hypertensive crises. A renal angioplasty proved beneficial as hypertension was better controlled allowing a gradual taper of all antihypertensives over an 8-week period and improved renal blood flow and renal function.
Busulfan, Melphalan, and Etoposide (BuME) Showed an Equivalent Effect to Busulfan, Cyclophosphamide, and Etoposide (BuCE) as Conditioning Therapy for Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Relapsed or High-Risk Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A Multicenter Randomized Phase II Study bythe Consortium for Improving Survival of Lymphoma (CISL)
Authors: Kim Kyoung Ha , Lee Jae Hoon , Lee Mark , Kim Hoon-Gu , Do Young Rok , Park Yong , Oh Sung Yong , Shin Ho-Jin , Kim Won Seog , Park Seong Kyu , Kong Jee Hyun , Park Moo-Rim , Yang Deok-Hwan , Kwak Jae-Yong , Kang Hye Jin , Mun Yeung-Chul , Won Jong-Ho
Published: March 2022

Purpose High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the standard management for relapsed or high-risk non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). We reported the busulfan, melphalan, and etoposide (BuME) conditioning regimen was effective in patients with relapsed or high-risk NHL. Moreover, the busulfan, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide (BuCE) conditioning regimen has been used widely in ASCT for NHL. Therefore, based on these encouraging results, this randomized phase II multicenter trial compared the outcomes of BuME and BuCE as conditioning therapies for ASCT in patients with NHL.Materials and Methods Patients were randomly assigned to receive either BuME (n=36) or BuCE (n=39). The BuME regimen was comprised of busulfan (3.2 mg/kg/day, intravenously) administered on days –7, –6, and –5, etoposide (400 mg/m2 intravenously) on days –5 and –4, and melphalan (50 mg/m2/day intravenously) on days –3 and –2. The BuCE regimen was comprised of busulfan (3.2 mg/kg/day intravenously) on days –7, –6, and –5, etoposide (400 mg/m2/day intravenously) on days –5 and –4, and cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg/day intravenously) on days –3 and –2. The primary endpoint was 2-year progression-free survival (PFS).Results Seventy-five patients were enrolled. Eleven patients (30.5%) in the BuME group and 13 patients (33.3%) in the BuCE group had disease progression or died. The 2-year PFS rate was 65.4% in the BuME group and 60.6% in the BuCE group (p=0.746). There were no non-relapse mortalities within 100 days after transplantation.Conclusion There were no significant differences in PFS between the two groups. Therefore, busulfan-based conditioning regimens, BuME and BuCE, may be important treatment substitutes for the BCNU-containing regimens.
Identifying Pedal Misapplication Behavior Using Event Data Recorders
Authors: Smith Colin P , Sherony Rini , Gabler H. Clay , Riexinger Luke E
Published: March 2022

Pedal misapplication (PM) crashes, i.e., crashes caused by a driver pressing one pedal while intending to press another pedal, have historically been identified by searching unstructured crash narratives for keywords and verified via labor-intensive manual inspection. This study proposes an alternative method to identify PM crashes using event data recorders (EDRs). Since drivers in emergency braking situations are motivated to hit the brake hard, it follows that drivers in emergency braking situations that commit a PM would likewise hit the accelerator hard, likely harder than accelerator pedal application during normal driving. Thus, the time-series accelerator pedal position and the derived accelerator pedal application rate were used to isolate accelerator misapplications. Additional strategic filters were applied based on characteristics observed from previous PM analyses to reduce false positive PM identifications. These include a crash type filter, since PM crashes have been shown to manifest as majority road departure, end departure, rear-end, and forward impact crash types. After analyzing pre-crash EDR data from the National Automotive Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System (NASS/CDS) case years 1997 to 2015, evidence of PM was observed in 4.3% of weighted events. This result was substantially higher than the previously estimated 0.2% PM frequency [1,2]. The time-to-collision (TTC) at the point of PM was calculated for each case, and over 50% of cases had a TTC of less than 2.0 seconds. Over one-third of these drivers engaged the accelerator to 99% of pedal stroke or above and over one-eighth of drivers engaged both the brake and the accelerator pedals simultaneously during the recorded pre-crash period.
A Cubical Language for Bishop Sets
Authors: Sterling Jonathan , Angiuli Carlo , Gratzer Daniel
Published: March 2022

We present XTT, a version of Cartesian cubical type theory specialized for
Bishop sets \`a la Coquand, in which every type enjoys a definitional version
of the uniqueness of identity proofs. Using cubical notions, XTT reconstructs
many of the ideas underlying Observational Type Theory, a version of
intensional type theory that supports function extensionality. We prove the
canonicity property of XTT (that every closed boolean is definitionally equal
to a constant) using Artin gluing.
Goatary: A Gateway of Victory for Resource Deprived Farmers
Authors: Bairwa Kailash Chand
Published: March 2022

Within animal husbandry, goat farming plays an essential role in livelihood security and economic sustenance of rural people by providing regular employment and income generation throughout the year. Also, it providing security against risk in agriculture. The present study was conducted to the empowerment of schedule cast farmers through goat husbandry as an economic Venture for low-income families of faster body weight gain and higher milk-producing goat breed “Sirohi” under ICAR, New-Delhi sponsored SC-SP project for “Entrepreneurship and to strengthen their livelihood and economic improvement of Schedule cast youth” in the year 2019-2020, in Jodhpur district of western Rajasthan. Ten Sirohi goat units were demonstrated to each identified schedule cast respondent. Each unit comprised of ten females and one buck. The results revealed that the improved Sirohi goat has an immense production potential in arid regions under a traditional low input production system. The average expenditure and income on the rearing of animals were calculated at ` 26,576 and ` 60,174, respectively. The benefit-cost ratio was recorded at 1:2.26, which appears to be very much economical and viable. It is a profitable and economic venture for resource-poor families in livelihood and entrepreneurship
EIE 2015-2020 (Estudio de Caso) un proyecto trasversal de innovación pedagógica para transformar los modelos de enseñanza-aprendizaje
Authors: Rubiño David López , Jiménez Juan Aguilar
Published: March 2022

La publicación impresa de la revista El Intercambiador Express (EIE) es la punta del iceberg de un proyecto de innovación pedagógica que reúne un conjunto de actividades en torno a este proyecto editorial. Podría definirse como un "proyecto de proyectos" que recoge los resultados de diversos talleres, clases magistrales y conferencias (sobre recursos creativos, gráficos, maquetación, tratamiento de imágenes, contenidos...) en torno a esta edición periódica. Un modelo educativo basado en retos concretos que incluye un amplio abanico de competencias transversales y una gestión real con entidades y profesionales del sector. El siguiente artículo es una reflexión crítica sobre las particularidades de este proyecto de innovación educativa, desarrollado en el marco de las enseñanzas artísticas superiores de diseño e iniciado en 2015 en el ámbito de las enseñanzas artísticas superiores, como complemento no reglado al aprendizaje del alumnado y con el objetivo de servir de marco de experimentación permanente sobre un proyecto real en torno al análisis y la difusión del diseño. El Intercambiador Express es una herramienta pedagógica extracurricular que permite a los estudiantes de diferentes disciplinas reunirse en un proyecto transversal, trabajar de forma colaborativa, demostrar roles para poner en práctica procesos de trabajo y metodologías de diseño, asumiendo así el compromiso y la corresponsabilidad que ello conlleva. la ejecución de un proyecto real.
A Conceptual Study on the Role of Vasa Bhavit Haridra Churnam in Vataja Kasa (Dry Cough) w.s.r. to Allergic Bronchitis: A Review
Authors: Surendra Kumar  , Megha Murali  , Sujeet Kumar
Published: March 2022

In the present era of COVID -19, management of respiratory disorders is becoming a challenge to the world. Ayurveda, the science of life, provides a lot of hope in the present condition by assuring better results in the field of prevention and management of respiratory diseases. Cough carries out an essential protective function for the respiratory tract and lungs. Kasa (cough) is one of the commonest complaints in day-to-day life and it is also a symptom of various diseases of the respiratory system. In Ayurveda, Acharyas have explained Kasa in detail. They have described five types of Kasa. Among the various respiratory diseases, Vataja Kasa (dry cough) has been selected here. In the contemporary science, it can be correlated to Allergic Bronchitis, which is one of the common problems throughout the world. In the present study Vasa Bhavit Haridra Churnam (VBHC) has been selected from Siddh Bhaisajya Manimala and further details regarding the ingredients were collected from various text books, PubMed, research articles, previous works done etc. As per the data collected, Allergic Bronchitis when treated with Vasa Bhavit Haridra Churnam will be effective in relieving the symptoms. Ayurveda has a vital role to play in the field of respiratory ailments.
PENGARUH MEDIA SOSIAL TERHADAP USIA MENARCHE PADA SISWI SEKOLAH MENEGAH PERTAMA DI KOTA KOTAMOBAGU
Authors: Agustin Agustin , Saleh Sitti Nurul Hikma
Published: March 2022

Social media is a medium that is very easy to use to spread various information. Mass media and social media have been used to distribute information to each other. Heavy exposure to social media can accelerate sexual hormone maturity, causing early menarche in adolescent women. This research was conducted on July 13, 2021, to know the effect of social media on the age of menarche in junior high school students. This research method uses descriptive-analytic research. Using the purposive sampling technique, samples were taken off as many as 61 respondents. The independent variable is social media, and the dependent variable is the age of menarche for junior high school students. The analysis was used in univariate and bivariate with Chi-square test. This study shows a relationship between the influence of social media on the age of menarche in junior high school students in Kotamobagu City (p-value = 0.000). This study concludes that social media affects the age of menarche in junior high school students in Kotamobagu City. It is suggested that the school provide health education to increase knowledge about reproductive health in adolescent girls, especially menarche.
Intellectualization of information processing systems for monitoring complex objects and systems
Authors: Aljarbouh Ayman , Ahmed Md Shamim , Guevara Marco Vaquera , Dirting Bakwa Dunka
Published: March 2022

Creating intelligent information processing systems for monitoring complex technical objects and systems is an important task today. This paper presents the principles and models for creating systems of this class. The decision-making process in intelligent information-measuring monitoring systems is described. The article presents a model of intelligent monitoring system and a model of decision-making in intelligent monitoring systems. The presented model of decision-making in intelligent monitoring systems allows estimating the efficiency of their functioning. The article proposes a structural scheme reflecting the sequence of decision-making tasks.
Editorial “Green Computing, Monitoring and Assessing of Smart IoT Systems and Components”
Authors: Kharchenko Vyacheslav , Bardis Nikolaos , Rucinski Andrzej
Published: March 2022

Information and communication technologies  and IT-based systems are, on the one side, a mean for energy systems and grids monitoring, control and instrumentation, power low management and safety ensuring. On the other side, IT-based systems, networks and infrastructures are weighty consumers of energy and other resources. The most challengeable IT domains, which can be called energy or power consumption critical, are mobile and Internet of Things (IoT) systems, cloud services, sensor networks.
Do Santo de Assis ao Santo de Paula. Terceiros mínimos e Religião Franciscana na América portuguesa (Minas Gerais, 1760-1822)
Authors: Precioso Daniel
Published: March 2022

Este artigo analisa as interfaces existentes entre a Religião Franciscana e a Religião dos Mínimos a partir de um estudo de caso: o trânsito de mulatos e negros livres de Minas Gerais (Brasil) de uma associação de irmãos leigos franciscana para uma mínima durante a segunda metade do século xviii. Amparados em farta documentação manuscrita e impressa, demonstramos que, na América portuguesa, os institutos dos mínimos tornaram-se associações alternativas para frades e devotos franciscanos. Sobre os devotos não brancos da sede política de Minas Gerais, concluímos que o racismo dos terceiros franciscanos levou-os a transitarem de uma associação dedicada ao santo de Assis para outra consagrada ao santo de Paula.
Test Case Generation for Arduino Programming Instructions using Functional Block Diagrams
Authors: Padmanabhan Mani
Published: March 2022

Interconnecting different wireless sensor and actuator network in the real-time systems are more demanding for testing. High capability is needed to enable efficient methodologies for testing. The major source of effective testing is the identification of test cases. Programming instruction based test case generation has not well suitable for Arduino real-time systems, that an open statement in the research community. This paper introduces a functional block diagram based test case generation framework to facilitate the functional evaluation of Arduino real-time systems. It makes from the functional block diagram. First, block diagrams are converted to the Event Sequence Graph, then the event node is minimized, the test cases are generated minimized event. The presented methodology has validated with the Arduino programming language. This proposed approach quantified with five sensors based Arduino real-time system experiments shows that based on the validated test cases; the development time and cost of the Arduino real-time systems have dynamically reduced.

HIGHLIGHTS

Software testing results ensure the quality of the developed software. Programming instruction based testing has not well suitable for Arduino real-time systems

Arduino functional block diagrams are converted to the event node for test case generation. Event Sequence Graph conversion algorithm provide the event direction

Validation of Arduino software programming based on Arduino functional block diagrams identify the new fault detection capability

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
As condições cognitivas da aprendizagem da geometria
Authors: Arinos Cleide Ribeiro Mota Arinos , Magalhães de Freitas José Luiz , Thadeu Moretti Méricles
Published: March 2022

A geometria é um domínio do conhecimento que exige articulação cognitiva de dois registros de representação muito diferentes: a visualização de formas para representar o espaço e a linguagem para enunciar propriedades para daí deduzir novas. As dificuldades da aprendizagem vêm inicialmente da forma como esses dois registros são utilizados, de uma maneira frequentemente contrária ao seu funcionamento cognitivo normal e fora da matemática.  O modo de ver as figuras depende da atividade em que ela é mobilizada. Podemos assim, distinguir um modo de ver que funciona de maneira icônica e um modo de ver que funciona de maneira não icônica. A visualização não icônica implica na desconstrução das formas já visualmente reconhecidas. Existem três tipos de desconstrução das formas: a desconstrução instrumental para construir uma figura, a decomposição heurística e a desconstrução dimensional. A desconstrução dimensional constitui o processo central da visualização geométrica. Para analisar o papel da linguagem em geometria, deve-se distinguir três níveis de operações discursivas: a denominação, a enunciação de propriedades e a dedução. Essa distinção é essencial porque a relação da linguagem com a visualização muda completamente de um nível a outro. Contudo, nesta variação, se esconde um fenômeno cognitivo fundamental: o hiato dimensional. As passagens entre visualização e discurso implicam em geometria uma mudança do número de dimensões para reconhecer os objetos do conhecimento visados em cada um desses dois registros. A tomada de consciência da desconstrução dimensional das formas e a da variedade de operações discursivas são as condições para que a visualização e o discurso funcionem em sinergia, apesar de seu hiato dimensional. São esses os limiares decisivos na aprendizagem da geometria.
Terminologie pour les études trans et non-binaire, guide d’usage
Authors: Spencer-Hall Alicia , Gutt Blake , Maillet Clovis
Published: March 2022

Ce guide a été conçu pour
aider les chercheur·ses à mener des recherches respectueuses portant sur
la littérature et la culture pré-moderne dans l’optique des études
trans et non-binaires.
Socialist Banking: The Continuous Evolution of the Banking Sector in Yugoslavia (1944/45–1991/92)
Authors: Ilić Saša
Published: March 2022

The article explores the influence of the ideological and political frameworks and changes in the physiognomy of social, economic and internal political relations, as well as the foreign policy orientation, on the structure of the banking sector in socialist Yugoslavia, The attempt is to determine the appearance and the important features of the banking sector, the sequence of reforms that marked this field of economic life in the second half of the 20th century, as well as the effectiveness of the observed changes. The overview is provided of the characteristics of the different phases that the Yugoslav banking system, starting with the development of the socialist banking system, planned organization and rigid centralization, through various phases of decentralization, central plan weakening and introduction of market elements, to the shaping (and reshaping) of the self-management banking system and its repercussions on the country’s economic unity.
PELATIHAN PEER TEACHING BAGI GURUSMK NEGERI 6 TEBODALAM UPAYA MENINGKATKAN KETERAMPILAN PERANCANGAN DAN PENGGUNAAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN BERBASIS AUDIO VISUAL
Authors: TASRIPAN MUHAMAD
Published: March 2022

This study aims to improve the skills of teachers in creating and using audio-visual-based learning media through peer teaching training, as well as to determine the effectiveness of peer teaching training in improving skills in creating and using audio-visual-based learning media for teachers at SMK Negeri 6 Tebo, Tebo Regency, Jambi Province. lessons 2019/2020. This research was conducted using the action research method according to Kemmis and McTaggart and was carried out in two cycles. The form of research is school action research (PTS). Data collection techniques through observation, field notes and interviews. The results of this study have shown an increase in the skills of teachers in creating and using audio-visual-based learning media, it is shown that 82% of teachers are skilled at making and 82% of teachers are proficient in using audio-visual-based learning media, while the assumption of success is 75%.
ABSTRAKPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan keterampilan guru dalam membuat dan menggunakan media pembelajaran berbasis audio visual melalui pelatihan peer teaching, serta untuk mengetahui efektifitas pelatihan peer teaching dalam meningkatkan keterampilan membuat dan menggunakan media pembelajaran berbasis audio visual bagi guru SMK Negeri 6 Tebo Kabupaten Tebo Provinsi Jambi tahun pelajaran 2019/2020. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan metode penelitian tindakan menurut Kemmis dan McTaggart dan dilakukan dalam dua siklus. Adapun bentuk penelitian yakni penelitian tindakan sekolah (PTS). Teknik pengumpulan data melalui observasi, catatan lapangan dan wawancara. Hasil penelitian ini telah menunjukkan peningkatan keterampilan guru dalam membuat dan menggunakan media pembelajaran berbasis audio visual, dengan ditunjukkan 82% guru terampil membuat dan 82% guru mahir menggunakan media pembelajaran berbasis audio visual sedangkan asumsi keberhasilannya adalah 75%.
La transparencia de las administraciones locales colombianas
Authors: Muñoz Lalinde Johanna , Peña Orozco Carlos
Published: March 2022

La transparencia de las administraciones públicas juega un papel fundamental en la gobernanza democrática ya que aporta valores intangibles como la credibilidad y la reputación. Para evaluar la información publicada en los sitios web de las alcaldías de los distritos de Colombia, los municipios más importantes y con condiciones especiales, se adaptó a la legislación colombiana el método Infoparticipa, previamente desarrollado para evaluar la transparencia y calidad de la información, así como las características de sus administraciones locales. Los resultados, que mostraron un nivel de cumplimiento muy bajo, se compararon con los obtenidos previamente en el análisis de los sitios web de los municipios de España y Ecuador utilizando la misma metodología. Lo que demuestra que hay una falta de actitud proactiva en los tres casos, lo que atenta contra la democracia y sus instituciones. Concluimos señalando que las leyes de transparencia se utilizan como un artificio político, ya que sus obligaciones y principios no se ponen en práctica, atentando contra el derecho de los ciudadanos al acceso a la información pública.
Direct observations indicate photodegradable oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) as larger contributors to radicals and ozone production in the atmosphere
Authors: Wang Wenjie , Yuan Bin , Peng Yuwen , Su Hang , Cheng Yafang , Yang Suxia , Wu Caihong , Qi Jipeng , Bao Fengxia , Huangfu Yibo , Wang Chaomin , Ye Chenshuo , Wang Zelong , Wang Baolin , Wang Xinming , Song Wei , Hu Weiwei , Cheng Peng , Zhu Manni , Zheng Junyu , Shao Min
Published: March 2022

Abstract. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) regulate atmospheric oxidation
capacity, and the reactions of VOCs are key in understanding ozone formation
and its mitigation strategies. When evaluating their impact, most previous
studies did not fully consider the role of oxygenated VOCs due to
limitations of measurement technology. By using a proton-transfer-reaction
time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS) combined with a gas
chromatograph–mass spectrometer (GC–MS), a large number of oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs)
have been quantified in Guangzhou city, China. Based on the new dataset, we
demonstrate that constraints using OVOC observations are essential in
modeling radical and ozone production, as modeled OVOCs can be
substantially lower than measurements, potentially due to primary emissions
and/or missing secondary sources. Non-formaldehyde (HCHO) OVOCs can
contribute large fractions (22 %–44 %) of total ROx radical production,
which are comparable to or larger than the contributions from nitrous acid
and formaldehyde. Our results show that models without OVOC constraints
using ambient measurements will underestimate the production rates of
ROx and ozone, and they may also affect the determination of sensitivity
regime in ozone formation. Therefore, a thorough quantification of
photodegradable OVOC species is in urgent need to understand accurately the ozone chemistry and to develop effective control strategies.
Evaluation of water flux predictive models developed using eddy covariance observations and machine learning: a meta-analysis
Authors: Shi Haiyang , Luo Geping , Hellwich Olaf , Xie Mingjuan , Zhang Chen , Zhang Yu , Wang Yuangang , Yuan Xiuliang , Ma Xiaofei , Zhang Wenqiang , Kurban Alishir , De Maeyer Philippe , Van de Voorde Tim
Published: March 2022

Abstract. With the rapid accumulation of water flux observations from global eddy-covariance flux sites, many studies have used data-driven approaches to model site-scale water fluxes with various predictors and machine learning algorithms used. However, systematic evaluation of such models is still limited. We therefore performed a meta-analysis of 32 such studies, derived 139 model records, and evaluated the impact of various features on model accuracy throughout the modeling flow. SVM (average R-squared = 0.82) and RF (average R-squared = 0.81) outperformed over evaluated algorithms in both cross-study and intra-study (with the same training dataset) comparisons. The average accuracy of the model applied to arid regions is higher than other climate classes. The average accuracy of the model was slightly lower for forest sites (average R-squared = 0.76) than for cropland and grassland sites (average R-squared = 0.8 and 0.79), but higher than for shrub sites (average R-squared = 0.67). Among various predictor variables, the use of net/sun radiation, precipitation, air temperature, and the fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation improved the model accuracy. Among the different validation methods, random cross-validation shows higher model accuracy than spatial cross-validation and temporal cross-validation, but spatial cross-validation is more important for the application for water flux predictive models when used for spatial extrapolation. The findings of this study are promising to guide future research on such machine learning-based modeling.
Pioneers of the ice age models: a brief history from Agassiz to Milankovitch
Authors: Ateş M. Efe
Published: March 2022

Abstract. It is now widely accepted that astronomical factors
trigger the emergence of glacial and interglacial periods. However, nearly
two centuries ago, the overall situation was not as apparent as it is today.
In this article, I briefly discuss the astronomical model of ice ages put
forward in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This period was indeed anni mirabiles for
scientists to understand the ice age phenomenon. Agassiz, Adhémar and
Croll laid the foundation stones for understanding the dynamics of ice ages.
But it was Milankovitch who combined empirical geology with mathematical
astronomy. Specifically, he identified the shortcomings of the preceding ice
age models and modified his model accordingly. In what follows, I review
earlier approaches to the ice age problem and show how they failed to meet
their objectives. Next, I show how Milankovitch's model managed to capture
all sufficient astronomical elements. The final sections focus on Milutin
Milankovitch's successful approach, including his accomplishment of tackling
the problem mathematically.
VADUGS: a neural network for the remote sensing of volcanic ash with MSG/SEVIRI trained with synthetic thermal satellite observations simulated with a radiative transfer model
Authors: Bugliaro Luca , Piontek Dennis , Kox Stephan , Schmidl Marius , Mayer Bernhard , Müller Richard , Vázquez-Navarro Margarita , Peters Daniel M. , Grainger Roy G. , Gasteiger Josef , Kar Jayanta
Published: March 2022

Abstract. After the eruption of volcanoes around the world, monitoring of the dispersion of ash in the atmosphere is an important task for satellite remote sensing since ash represents a threat to air traffic. In this work we present a novel method, tailored for Eyjafjallajökull ash but applicable to other eruptions as well, that uses thermal observations of the SEVIRI imager aboard the geostationary Meteosat Second Generation satellite to detect ash clouds and determine their mass column concentration and top height during the day and night. This approach requires the compilation of an extensive data set of synthetic SEVIRI observations to train an artificial neural network. This is done by means of the RTSIM tool that combines atmospheric, surface and ash properties and runs automatically a large number of radiative transfer calculations for the entire SEVIRI disk. The resulting algorithm is called “VADUGS” (Volcanic Ash Detection Using Geostationary Satellites) and has been evaluated against independent radiative transfer simulations. VADUGS detects ash-contaminated pixels with a probability of detection of 0.84 and a false-alarm rate of 0.05. Ash column concentrations are provided by VADUGS with correlations up to 0.5, a scatter up to 0.6 g m−2 for concentrations smaller than 2.0 g m−2 and small overestimations in the range 5 %–50 % for moderate viewing angles 35–65∘, but up to 300 % for satellite viewing zenith angles close to 90 or 0∘. Ash top heights are mainly underestimated, with the smallest underestimation of −9 % for viewing zenith angles between 40 and 50∘. Absolute errors are smaller than 70 % and with high correlation coefficients of up to 0.7 for ash clouds with high mass column concentrations. A comparison with spaceborne lidar observations by CALIPSO/CALIOP confirms these results: For six overpasses over the ash cloud from the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle volcano in June 2011, VADUGS shows similar features as the corresponding lidar data, with a correlation coefficient of 0.49 and an overestimation of ash column concentration by 55 %, although still in the range of uncertainty of CALIOP. A comparison with another ash algorithm shows that both retrievals provide plausible detection results, with VADUGS being able to detect ash further away from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, but sometimes missing the thick ash clouds close to the vent. VADUGS is run operationally at the German Weather Service and this application is also presented.