bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Narrating New Normal: Graduate Student Symposium Report
Authors: Cao Ruepert Jiel Dionisio , Karyotakis Minos-Athanasios , Salaudeen Mistura Adebusola , Chen Dongli , Wu Yanjing
Published: January 2022

This article summarizes the events at Narrating New Normal: Graduate Student Symposium, held virtually on May 17–18, 2021. The symposium was organized by a number of graduate students from the School of Communication and Film (previously named the School of Communication) and was supported by Global Storytelling: Journal of Digital and Moving Images and the School of Communication and Film. It was attended by an international roster of graduate students hailing from academic institutions and think tanks in different countries. The presentations focused on the usage of the phrase new normal, a popular term during crises, in various geopolitical, geocultural, and historical contexts. The essay discusses first the background and theoretical framework that informs the symposium. Conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic, a global crisis that has seen the use of the phrase new normal in describing the shifts in our daily lives or imaginations of a postcrisis future. Taking a critical approach, the symposium aims to interrogate how the phrase is used by different social institutions, corporations, and individuals in various crises, considering how it normalizes precarity. This essay also summarizes the keynote lecture delivered by professor Michal Krzyzanowski (Uppsala University) on the discursive strategies of normalization and mainstreaming. It also covers the papers and discussions across four panels that examined the different aspects of normalization and of new normal in its various incarnations: geopolitics, networked media spaces, normalization and precarity, and popular culture. The article ends by offering a synthesis of the major threads that tie the presentations and addresses together. It proposes that while the phrase new normal normalizes and obfuscates precarity, it also suggests that there are pockets of optimism during crises where we can witness human resilience and individual agency.
Robotic Arm
Authors: Narang Ashima , Bajaj Shalini Bhaskar , Jaglan Vivek
Published: January 2022

In robotic industry, today, interactions between human and machine usually consists of programming and maintaining machine using human operator. Using a robotic system in any industry for work provides precision and a certain level of accuracy. A robotic entity such as a robotic arm will not ask for time out and can work efficiently day and night which will in turn increase efficiency in workplace. In this paper, we have explained about an arm created, which works in such a way that while the robotic arm is working, camera is able to identify any object it sees which is taken care by the worker looking over the arm. The major outcome and result is the increased efficiency in workplace, precision and accuracy in low cost which can also be used for house hold chores too.
KDA-Based WKNN-SVM Method for Activity Recognition System From Smartphone Data
Authors: Menhour Ihssane , Abidine M'hamed Bilal , Fergani Belkacem , Lounis Hakim
Published: January 2022

This article describes a new scheme for a physical activity recognition process based on carried smartphone embedded sensors, such as accelerometer and gyroscope. For this purpose, the WKNN-SVM algorithm has been proposed to predict physical activities such as walking, standing, or sitting. It combines weighted k-nearest neighbours (WKNN) and support vector machines (SVM). The signals generated from the sensors are processed and then reduced using the kernel discriminant analysis (KDA) by selecting the best discriminating components of the data. The authors performed different tests on four public datasets where the participants performed different activities carrying a smartphone. They demonstrated through several experiments that KDA/WKNN-SVM algorithm can improve the overall recognition performances and has a higher recognition rate than the baseline methods using the machine learning and deep learning algorithms.
Bcl-2 Is Necessary to Counteract Bim and Promote Survival of TCRαβ+CD8αα+ Intraepithelial Lymphocyte Precursors in the Thymus
Authors: Shanmuganad Sharmila , Hummel Sarah A , Varghese Vivian , Hildeman David A
Published: January 2022

The precursors of TCRαβ+CD8αα+ intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) arise in the thymus through a complex process of agonist selection. We and others have shown that the proapoptotic protein, Bim, is critical to limit the number of thymic IEL precursors (IELp), as loss of Bim at the CD4+CD8+ double-positive stage of development drastically increases IELp. The factors determining this cell death versus survival decision remain largely unknown. In this study, we used CD4CreBcl2f/f mice to define the role of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 and CD4CreBcl2f/fBimf/f mice to determine the role of Bcl-2 in opposing Bim to promote survival of IELp. First, in wild-type mice, we defined distinct subpopulations within PD-1+CD122+ IELp, based on their expression of Runx3 and α4β7. Coexpression of α4β7 and Runx3 marked IELp that were most dependent upon Bcl-2 for survival. Importantly, the additional loss of Bim restored Runx3+α4β7+ IELp, showing that Bcl-2 antagonizes Bim to enable IELp survival. Further, the loss of thymic IELp in CD4CreBcl2f/f mice also led to a dramatic loss of IEL in the gut, and the additional loss of Bim restored gut IEL. The loss of gut IEL was due to both reduced seeding by IELp from the thymus as well as a requirement for Bcl-2 for peripheral IEL survival. Together, these findings highlight subset-specific and temporal roles for Bcl-2 in driving the survival of TCRαβ+CD8αα+ IEL and thymic IELp.
Disability-inclusive community development: A case of a community garden in Limpopo province in South Africa
Authors: Tigere Brian , Moyo Theresa
Published: January 2022

Background: Persons with disabilities living in rural areas are marginalised and excluded in most developmental initiatives in South Africa. They face many economic, political and social problems; hence, improving their quality of life is a daunting and challenging task which needs interventions from both the state and non-governmental stakeholders.Objectives: This study aimed to examine the role played by community gardens in rural Limpopo province in uplifting the lives of persons living with disabilities as well as their communities as a whole. Its main objectives were to assess the social and economic benefits they have provided to this group of people.Method: A qualitative research design was used for this study. Twenty-one participants were identified through purposive sampling. They were made up of people with disabilities, officials from Departments of Agriculture and Social Development. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data which was analysed thematically.Results: Key results were that community gardens have contributed to the economic and social well-being of persons with disabilities. They have assisted them with income to supplement their social grants. They also created jobs for their members and contributed to improved livelihoods of their families.Conclusion: The study demonstrated that people with disabilities are capable people who, if given the necessary support, can transform their livelihoods both socially and economically. The study recommends that a disability access audit be conducted to resolve the accessibility challenges of the garden.
Facile and fast preparation of layered double hydroxide as a nanocarrier for ascorbic acid under ultrasonic irradiation
Authors: Asadi Parvin , Khodamoradi Elahe , Dinari Mohammad
Published: January 2022

Background and purpose:

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as inorganic materials are being used in controlled release and drug delivery systems. These materials are more stable than conventional drug carriers. In this investigation, Mg/Al-ascorbic acid (ASA) LDH nanohybrid was synthesized by ultrasonic-assisted co-deposition techniques.

Experimental approach:

In this study, Mg/Al-LDH to adsorption of ASA anions from the alkaline solution was assembled by a facile coprecipitation technique. During this process, ultrasonic irradiation was used to increase the rate of ion exchange between LDH and ASA. The intercalated-layered structure was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD, thermogravimetric analysis, field emission SEM, and TEM. ASA releasing from Mg/Al-ASA LDH nanohybrid was carried out in incubation sodium carbonate solution (0.5 M) at 35 °C using UV-Vis absorbance analysis at λ = 265 nm

Findings/Results:

The used techniques confirmed the structure of Mg/Al-LDH and indicated successful intercalation of ASA into the interlayer galleries of the LDH host. The obtained results also have shown that Mg/Al-ASA LDH nanohybrid was generated with an average diameter size of 25 nm and narrow size distribution. Analysis of the release profiles using several kinetic models suggested that the first-order rate model is the most appropriate for describing the release of ASA from Mg/Al-LDH which means the amount of drug released is proportional to the amount of remaining drug in the matrix. Thus, the amount of activity released tends to decrease in function of time.

Conclusion and implications:

The results showed that LDHs are good host materials to preserve the biomolecule and modify its release rate and bioavailability.
Effect of L-carnitine on potassium dichromate-induced nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Salama Abeer A.A. , Mostafa Rasha E. , Elgohary Rania
Published: January 2022

Background and purpose:

Kidney diseases impose significant global health challenges. Potassium dichromate (PD) is a heavy metal frequently associated with nephrotoxicity. PD prompts oxidative and inflammatory injuries in renal tissues. L-carnitine is a naturally-occurring amino acid commonly used as a supplement.

Experimental approach:

Forty rats were randomly allocated into 5 groups. Group 1 (normal) received only saline. Nephrotoxicity was induced in the remaining groups by PD (15 mg/kg; i.p). Group 2 served as a nephrotoxic group. Groups 3-5 received L-carnitine (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg; p.o.), respectively for 4 weeks.

Findings/Results:

PD administration resulted in elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen accompanied by diminished reduced glutathione and elevated malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and transforming growth factor-beta renal tissue contents relative to normal rats. PD also produced apoptotic histopathological injuries and down-regulated PI3K/Akt signaling pathway; signifying ongoing apoptosis. In the current work, L-carnitine use in the selected dose levels resulted in improvement of all the aforementioned serum, renal tissue, and histological parameters relative to nephrotoxic rats. L-carnitine up-regulated PI3K/Akt signaling pathway that was down-regulated post PD use.

Conclusion and implications:

Collectively, the study highlighted that the possible mechanisms beyond the beneficial effects of L-carnitine are mainly through its antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory actions. L- carnitine significantly abrogated apoptosis via up-regulation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and signified restoration of normal renal cell proliferation and functionality.
Melatonin in the prevention of cisplatin-induced acute nephrotoxicity
Authors: Karvan Sara , Sadeghi Alireza , Farrokhi Pegah , Nekouee Amirabbass , Sharifi Mehran , Moghaddas Azadeh
Published: January 2022

Background and purpose:

Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity (CisIN) remains the most dose-limiting adverse effect of its clinical use. The protective effects of melatonin on CisIN have been addressed in several non- clinical and animal studies. This study aimed at investigating the potential effects of melatonin on the prevention of CisIN in human.

Experimental approach:

Our study was a randomized controlled clinical trial, performed on 66 eligible patients in two groups of melatonin or control (no intervention). Melatonin was administrated daily at a dose of 20 mg for 5 days to the patients receiving cisplatin-containing regimens along with the standard protocol of CisIN prevention. Patient demographic information, blood and urinary indices of nitrogen, creatinine, and electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium as well as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin were measured in both groups at the baseline, 24 h and five days after melatonin administration.

Findings/Results:

Cisplatin administration resulted in significant magnesium and potassium loss in patients with cancer. In comparison with the control group, the prevalence of acute renal injury and the rate of urinary magnesium and potassium loss improved with melatonin administration; however, the results were not statistically significant. Tolerable side effects such as daytime drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting were reported in the melatonin group.

Conclusion and implications:

Although pretreatment with melatonin led to amelioration in urinary electrolyte loss due to CisIN, it failed to show a positive result on acute renal injury prevention. Future well-designed studies with a longer duration of follow-up, larger sample sizes, and higher doses of melatonin are warranted.
Exploring Caregiver Burden and Health Condition of Dementia Patients during Lockdown due to COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mukherjee Ruchira , Bhattacharyya Bidisha , Mukherjee Adreesh , Das Goutam , Das Sujata , Biswas Atanu
Published: January 2022

Background:

To combat the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries imposed strict lockdown to ensure social distancing to limit the spread of the virus. This caused difficulties in the management and care of patients with various chronic disorders including dementia.

Objectives:

The objective of the study was to explore the health condition of patients with dementia and assess their caregivers’ burden during the lockdown.

Methods:

A total of 57 caregivers of patients with dementia who had attended the cognitive clinic of the institute for a follow-up within 1 year preceding the lockdown were assessed through telephonic interviews. Caregivers’ details were noted following an interview related to the patients’ health condition during lockdown and caregiver concerns.

Results:

Findings showed a deterioration in memory in 66.7% of patients with dementia and an increase in symptoms like agitation, sleeplessness, low mood, restlessness, aggression, etc., Caregivers felt helpless and had to manage new concerns and they were not sure as to how to deal with the situation.

Conclusion:

The lockdown situation disrupted the health conditions of dementia patients and caregivers faced novel challenges while managing them.
Relation of Work Stressors and Work-related MSDs among Indian Heavy Vehicle Drivers
Authors: Kumar Ravinder , Sharma Rohit , Kumar Vikas , Khan Abid Ali
Published: January 2022

Aims:

The aim of the study was to identify the relation of work stressors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among the heavy vehicle drivers.

Methods and Material:

The study involved 154 bus drivers and 161 truck drivers of India. A specially designed questionnaire was used to assess the physical and psychosocial work stresses, job diagnostics, driving hazards, physical environment, and WRMSDs.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The odds ratios (OR) and development percentage of the test measurements were calculated in the descriptive statistics. The binary logistic regression and Pearson correlation test were used for the data analysis.

Results:

The results of this study showed that the WRMSDs among the truck drivers were higher than those among the bus drivers. The bus drivers were more likely to develop pain in their arms, while the truck drivers were more likely to suffer from neck, shoulders, legs, lower back, and upper back pain. Results from statistical analysis indicated that age, driving hours, physical fatigue, vehicle design, domestic pressure, and growth opportunities had a significant impact on the development of WRMSDs in the bus drivers. While, in the case of truck drivers, it was found that driving hours, tenure, vibration, physical fatigue, mental overload, and job dissatisfaction were significant.

Conclusions:

The study concludes that the work stressors are associated with different types of MSDs, and the level of MSDs differs significantly between the bus and truck drivers.
Intra-fourth ventricular arachnoid cyst: The case for a direct surgical approach
Authors: Kanjilal Soumen , Maurya Ved Prakash , Das Kuntal Kanti , Verma Pawan K , Jaiswal Awadhesh Kumar , Pal Lily , Behari Sanjay
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Arachnoid cysts (ACs) are benign, extra-axial, developmental cysts derived from the arachnoid membrane. These cysts often develop in the cisternal spaces and rarely involve the fourth ventricle. When they do, their differential diagnosis can be challenging. Although their surgical treatment has to be proactive, there appears to be a lack of consensus regarding the best surgical strategy. Here we report a 16-year-old boy with hydrocephalus and ataxia in the setting of a fourth ventricular AC. A direct surgical approach through a midline suboccipital corridor enabled us to sub totally resect the cyst and establish the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathway. The child had an uneventful recovery and continues to be asymptomatic at 1-year follow-up. We conclude that a direct approach to the cyst appears to be a reasonable treatment choice and primary CSF diversion rarely helps in these situations. We present a literature review and a management algorithm.
Extradural spinal arachnoid cysts: Management and outcome in five children
Authors: Singh Deepak Kumar , Nayak Satish , Singh Neha , Agrahari Vrihaspati Kumar , Chhabra Anuj
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background:

Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts (SEACs) are rare lesions, which may become symptomatic due to mass effect or nerve root compression. They are discrete pockets of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) communicating with subarachnoid space. These cysts may be single or multiple. Multiple cysts in the pediatric population are very rare, of which a few are reported to date.

Materials and Methods:

Here, we present a case series of five pediatric patients diagnosed with symptomatic SEACs and operated in our institute between the period of October 2017 and January 2021. The patients underwent surgery for excision of the cysts and closure of dural defects. The results were analyzed in terms of the clinical symptoms, location of cyst, surgical procedure performed, and outcome after surgery.

Result:

The mean age of presentation was 12 years. Common presenting complaints were lower limb weakness, pain, and bladder involvement. The median duration of symptoms before surgery was 7.8 months (mean 3 ± 12 months). Excision of cyst wall with closure of dural defect was done in all cases except one, in which the dural defect was not found. All cases gained near-normal muscle strength of lower extremities over a variable period of time after surgery.

Conclusion:

Pathogenesis of SEAC is not completely understood. Intraoperative localization and closure of the dural defect is the single most important step for excellent outcome.
Burkholderia cepacia causing intraventricular empyema: A rare presentation in preterm neonate
Authors: Datta Debajyoti , Sekar Arunkumar , Sahu Rabi N , Sahoo Tanushree
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Intraventricular empyema is a complication of meningitis and associated with concomitant hydrocephalus due to blockage of CSF pathway. If not recognized and treated early, it can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Staphylococcus aureus are most commonly reported in infants along with other rare pathogens. Burkholderia cepacia complex previously called Pseudomonas is a rare phytopathogenic, saprophytic Gram-negative bacilli causing opportunistic infections in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients. It has been reported to cause septicemia in few case series. However, CNS infections are rarely reported in few case reports. We present here a preterm neonate born unexpectedly outside the hospital presented with the complication of intraventricular empyema due to Burkholderia infection and the subsequent course of management.
Clinico-epidemiological profile and outcome of pediatric neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder at an eastern Indian tertiary care center
Authors: Das Suman , Mondal Gourango Prosad , Bhattacharya Ramesh , Ghosh Kartik Chandra , Das Sarbajit , Pattem Hemakrishna
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Introduction:

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a relapsing inflammatory central nervous system disorder. Patients either have antibodies to aquaporin 4 (AQ4)/myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) or are double seronegatives (DSN).

Aim:

We aimed at comparing the clinico-epidemiological features and outcome of the subgroups of NMOSD.

Design:

Prospective longitudinal observational study.

Materials and Methods:

NMOSD was diagnosed by using the 2006 Wingerchuk criteria. Patients diagnosed between September 2016 and August 2018 were prospectively followed upto July 2020. Acute episodes were treated with steroids, and immunomodulators were started in patients with aquaporin 4 IgG (anti-AQ4+) and in relapsing cases of anti-MOG+ and DSN groups. Disability was assessed by using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Comparisons were made between patients who were anti-AQ4 and anti-MOG positive and those with DSN. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS 20.0 software.

Results:

Among 13 patients, the female:male ratio was 1.16:1, and the mean age of disease onset was 9.65 ± 3.25 years. Overall, 15.38% patients were anti-AQ4+, 30.67% were anti-MOG+, 53.86% were DSN, 69.2% had relapsing disease, and 30.8% had monophasic disease (P = 0.11). The mean to relapse was 13.16±3.5 months; 61.5% patients had long segment myelitis and 53.86% had optic neuritis on their first presentation (P = 0.99). Cerebral syndrome occurred among one patient with anti-MOG+ and in three patients with DSN. The EDSS scores were significantly lower among patients who were anti-MOG+.

Conclusion:

The female:male ratio was more equitable and the age of disease onset was lower in our cohort compared with western data. There was no significant difference in the clinico-demographic characteristics among the three groups; however, outcome was better in the anti-MOG+ group. Rituximab was effective for recurrent relapses.
Left atrial myxoma presenting with recurrent, bilateral thalamic infarction in a child
Authors: Sheetal Sasikumar , Thomas Reji , Ahmad Sajan Z
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Stroke in children is a rare entity, with long-term consequences. Cardiac causes constitute a significant majority in pediatric stroke; however, atrial myxomas as a cause of pediatric stroke are rare. Neurological manifestations may be the presenting feature of atrial myxomas, even before the appearance of constitutional symptoms. The most common regions reported to be affected are basal ganglia, temporal, and parietal regions. Thalamus is less commonly affected. We hereby report the case of a 13-year-old girl, who presented with acute onset of left hemiparesis, whose magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed acute infarction of the right thalamus with multiple old infarcts in bilateral thalami, and transthoracic echocardiography showed a left atrial myxoma.
A rare case of periorbital edema and conjunctival prolapse due to traumatic intraorbital CSF leakage
Authors: Panigrahi Arun Kumar , Senapati Satya Bhusan , Panda Debasish , Panigrahi Subhasish
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Posttraumatic herniation of brain and CSF into the eyelid is a rare entity with few reported cases in the literature. A 5-year-old girl presented to us with severe periorbital edema and conjunctiva prolapse after 7 days of head trauma. Clinical suspicion of CSF leakage accumulating in lid and periorbita was suspected. CT and MRI scan brain showed multiple comminuted frontal bones, orbital roof, and orbital rim fractures with contused brain tissue herniation through the dural defect. Craniotomy with dural repair was done after which patient improved and within 2 weeks both periorbital edema and conjunctiva prolapse subsided.
Factors predicting “postoperative cerebellar mutism syndrome’’ after posterior fossa tumor excision in pediatric patients
Authors: Datta Aanchal , Kumar Ashutosh , Singh Suyash , Bhaisora Kamlesh Singh , Srivastava Arun Kumar , Sardhara Jayesh , Das Kuntal Kanti , Mehrotra Anant , Jaiswal Awadhesh Kumar , Behari Sanjay
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background:

Central tumor location, brain stem involvement, and medulloblastoma have been implicated as risk factors for pediatric postoperative cerebellar mutism syndrome (pCMS) by most researchers. However, conflicting results have been reported for surgical factors, such as the extent of excision, surgical approach, and the need for cerebrospinal fluid diversion. The role of emergency or elective surgery is also not well established.

Aim:

To assess the role of surgical factors as a risk for pCMS. The secondary variables assessed include patient profile, histopathology, radiological features, and the effect of pCMS on patient survival.

Materials and Methods:

Overall, 162 consecutively operated patients with posterior fossa tumor (PFT) from July 2012 to March 2020, younger than 16 years of age, were included in the study. The study population was divided into two cohorts: the pCMS group and the non-pCMS group for statistical analysis. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

In the sample size of 162 patients, 129 patients were included for analysis. There were 11 patients in the pCMS group. Emergency surgery was found to be a significant risk for pCMS (P = 0.021). There was a trend toward statistical significance for the need for preoperative cerebrospinal fluid diversion. The extent of resection and surgical approach were not found to be statistically significant factors. Central tumor location and contrast enhancement were significant radiological risk factors (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Aggressive tumor resection causing iatrogenic injury to the cerebellar circuitry and the brain stem is the most important risk factor for pCMS. Patients with pCMS have adverse survival outcomes.
Deletion of 4q13.2q21.1 chromosome and autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Posar Annio , Visconti Paola , Magini Pamela , Ambrosini Enrico , Severi Giulia , Seri Marco
Published: January 2022

Abstract

We describe a boy with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability who presented a de novo interstitial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 4 (4q13.2q21.1), sized approximately 7.5 Mb, identified by array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH), considered as pathogenic and not described in the literature so far. The phenotype of this child was basically dominated by a severe neurodevelopmental impairment without particular dysmorphisms suggesting a specific genetic diagnosis at first. This case report once again underlines the importance of a genetic screening by array-CGH in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, in particular when associated with intellectual disability, even if no specific dysmorphisms are present.
Local sclerotherapy with polydocanol (Aethoxysklerol®) for the treatment of Epistaxis in Rendu-Osler-Weber or Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT): 15 years of experience
Authors: Morais Dario , Millas Teresa , Zarrabeitia Roberto , Botella Luisa M. , Almaraz Ana
Published: January 2022

Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia or Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant vascular disease characterized by mucocutaneous and gastrointestinal telangiectases and localized arteriovenous malformations in lung, brain and liver. Epistaxis, due to rupture of telangiectases of the nasal mucosa, is the most frequent clinical manifestation, leading in many cases to severe impairment of the quality of life in the patients. Though several treatments have been used to reduce epistaxis, none have been completely effective, with the exception of polydocanol (Aethoxysklerol®) in submucosal or subpericondrial injections, which was first presented in 2000 with very good results. After fifteen years using polydocanol in submucosal injections on 45 patients and with nearly 300 injections, we have observed that in 95% of all cases, their nose bleeds improved with respect to frequency and quantity without any important side effects. There was just one case of septal perforation, another with increased septal perforation, and one patient who suffered from dizziness and blurred vision for a few minutes. In this paper the results obtained using this technique over a fifteen-year period will be presented and evaluated.
Role of inflammation in non-allergic rhinitis
Authors: de Corso E. , Battista M. , Pandolfini M. , Liberati L. , Baroni S. , Romanello M. , Passali G.C. , Fetoni A.R. , Sergi B. , Di Nardo W. , Paludetti G.
Published: January 2022

Objective: To investigate the role of inflammation in non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) patients in a large series to establish the prevalence of different NAR-subtypes, clinical features and the role of nasal cytology in the diagnostic algorithm. Methodology: Patients were selected out of 3650 individuals who spontaneously presented at our institution. We consecutively enrolled 519 NAR-patients in an analytical cross-sectional study between November 2007 and June 2013 (level of evidence: 3b). All patients underwent rhinological evaluation including symptoms questionnaire, endoscopy, CT scan, allergy tests and nasal cytology. Results: The inflammatory cell infiltrate affects the severity of symptoms differently, allowing for identification of different phenotypes of NAR. We distinguished two groups: “NAR without inflammation”(NAR-) and “NAR with inflammation”(NAR+), in addition to different NAR-subtypes with inflammation. A significant difference was observed in terms of clinical symptoms and association with comorbidities (previously diagnosed asthma and aspirin intolerance) between NAR–, NAR+ and between different NAR+ subtypes. Conclusion: Our data suggest that NAR- and NAR with neutrophils behave similarly, showing lower symptom score values and a lower risk of association with comorbidities compared to NAR with eosinophils and mast cells (singularly or mixed). In our belief it is very important to establish the presence and type of inflammation in non-allergic rhinitis patients and nasal cytology is a very useful test in correct differential diagnosis.
Immunogenicity of Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine in Vietnamese Health-Care Workers
Authors: Chau Nguyen Van Vinh , Nguyet Lam Anh , Truong Nguyen Thanh , Toan Le Mau , Dung Nguyen Thanh , Hung Le Manh , Nhan Mai Thanh , Man Dinh Nguyen Huy , Ngoc Nghiem My , Thao Huynh Phuong , Tu Tran Nguyen Hoang , Mai Huynh Kim , Hung Do Thai , Ny Nguyen Thi Han , Thanh Le Kim , Anh Nguyen To , Hong Nguyen Thi Thu , Nhu Le Nguyen Truc , Yen Lam Minh , Choisy Marc , Thanh Tran Tan , Thwaites Guy , Tan Le Van , _ _
Published: January 2022

We studied the immunogenicity of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in health-care workers of a major infectious diseases hospital in Vietnam. We measured neutralizing antibodies before and 14 days after each dose, and at day 28 and month 3 after dose 1. A total of 554 workers (136 men and 418 women; age range, 22–71 years; median age, 36 years) participated with the study. Of the 144 participants selected for follow-up after dose 1, 104 and 94 gave blood for antibody measurement at weeks 6 and 8, and at month 3 after dose 1, respectively. The window time between the two doses was 6 weeks. At baseline, none had detectable neutralizing antibodies. After dose 1, the proportion of participants with detectable neutralizing antibodies increased from 27.3% (151 of 554) at day 14 to 78.0% (432 of 554) at day 28. Age correlated negatively with the development and the levels of neutralizing antibodies. However, at day 28, these differences were less profound, and women had a greater seroconversion rate and greater levels of neutralizing antibodies than men. After dose 2, these age and gender associations were not observable. In addition, the proportion of study participants with detectable neutralizing antibodies increased from 70.2% (73 of 104) before dose 2 (week 6, after dose 1) to 98.1% (102 of 104) 14 days later. At month 3, neutralizing antibodies decreased and 94.7% (89 of 94) of the study participants remained seropositive. The Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is immunogenic in Vietnamese health-care workers. These data are critical to informing the deployment of the COVID-19 vaccine in Vietnam and in Southeast Asia, where vaccination coverage remains inadequate.
Vehicle Accident Analysis and Reconstruction Methods
Authors: Mason James , Brach Raymond M , Brach Matthew
Published: January 2022

In this third edition of Vehicle Accident Analysis & Reconstruction Methods, Raymond M. Brach and R. Matthew Brach have expanded and updated their essential work for professionals in the field of accident reconstruction. Most accidents can be reconstructed effectively using of calculations and investigative and experimental data: the authors present the latest scientific, engineering, and mathematical reconstruction methods, providing a firm scientific foundation for practitioners. Accidents that cannot be reconstructed using the methods in this book are rare. In recent decades, the field of crash reconstruction has been transformed through the use of technology. The advent of event data records (EDRs) on vehicles signaled the era of modern crash reconstruction, which utilizes the same physical evidence that was previously available as well as electronic data that are measured/captured before, during, and after the collision. There is increased demand for more professional and accurate reconstruction as more crash data is available from vehicle sensors. The third edition of this essential work includes a new chapter on the use of EDRs as well as examples using EDR data in accident reconstruction. Early chapters feature foundational material that is necessary for the understanding of vehicle collisions and vehicle motion; later chapters present applications of the methods and include example reconstructions. As a result, Vehicle Accident Analysis & Reconstruction Methods remains the definitive resource in accident reconstruction.
Posthuman international law and the rights of nature
Authors: Jones Emily
Published: January 2022

Both posthuman theory and the rights of nature (RoN) movement have the potential to challenge the anthropocentrism of international environmental law (IEL). Scholars have begun to document the transformative shifts that could occur through the application of posthuman legal theory to IEL, but these theories have yet to be applied to law in practice. On the other hand, RoN have been applied in domestic law but hardly in international law, while the question of what RoN includes and excludes remains contested.

This article brings posthuman theory and RoN together, reflecting on how posthuman legal theory can contribute to the framing of RoN, with a focus on challenging the anthropocentrism of IEL. The article argues, first, that the next step for posthuman legal theory will be its application to existing law. Noting convergences between posthuman legal theory and the rights of nature (RoN), the article contends that those seeking to apply posthuman legal theory might find some interesting alliances by turning to RoN. Second, it is argued that using posthuman theory to frame RoN could help to ensure that RoN live up to their transformative potential.
The practice of multispecies relations in urban space and its potentialities for new legal imaginaries
Authors: Dillon Teresa
Published: January 2022

This article explores what it means to enact multispecies relations in urban space. This exploration is rooted in contemporary art practices that create living frameworks through which encounters with non-human animal cultures, histories, rituals and justice are manifested. Such works play with the legalities and categorizations of ‘animal’ and ‘nature’ by exposing the nested reasonings and protocols that continue to propagate hierarchical species logics. Consequentially such work, alongside scholarship on earth-bound legalities, looks to how law can foster more just multispecies orderings, which aspire to create more equitable conditions for all. To scaffold such transitions the article makes the case for how a constant, public, educational and social rehearsal that unknots histories of liberal individualism is required in order to shift the ontological position of the human species. This rehearsal is set against the backdrop of climate emergencies and the call for a more expansive notion of the urban commons. The closing reflections point to how the Earth’s inviolability must necessarily be placed at the centre of an approach to urban making that is complemented by an intersectional set of innovative cosmologies, actions, manners and ways.
Good-for-games $\omega$-Pushdown Automata
Authors: Lehtinen Karoliina , Zimmermann Martin
Published: January 2022

We introduce good-for-games $\omega$-pushdown automata ($\omega$-GFG-PDA).
These are automata whose nondeterminism can be resolved based on the input
processed so far. Good-for-gameness enables automata to be composed with games,
trees, and other automata, applications which otherwise require deterministic
automata. Our main results are that $\omega$-GFG-PDA are more expressive than
deterministic $\omega$- pushdown automata and that solving infinite games with
winning conditions specified by $\omega$-GFG-PDA is EXPTIME-complete. Thus, we
have identified a new class of $\omega$-contextfree winning conditions for
which solving games is decidable. It follows that the universality problem for
$\omega$-GFG-PDA is in EXPTIME as well. Moreover, we study closure properties
of the class of languages recognized by $\omega$-GFG- PDA and decidability of
good-for-gameness of $\omega$-pushdown automata and languages. Finally, we
compare $\omega$-GFG-PDA to $\omega$-visibly PDA, study the resources necessary
to resolve the nondeterminism in $\omega$-GFG-PDA, and prove that the parity
index hierarchy for $\omega$-GFG-PDA is infinite.
This is a corrected version of the paper arXiv:2001.04392v6 published
originally on January 7, 2022.
An Offloading Algorithm based on Markov Decision Process in Mobile Edge Computing System
Authors: Yao Bingxin , Wu Bin , Wu Siyun , Ji Yin , Chen Danggui , Liu Limin
Published: January 2022

In this paper, an offloading algorithm based on Markov Decision Process (MDP) is proposed to solve the multi-objective offloading decision problem in Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) system. The feature of the algorithm is that MDP is used to make offloading decision. The number of tasks in the task queue, the number of accessible edge clouds and Signal-Noise-Ratio (SNR) of the wireless channel are taken into account in the state space of the MDP model. The offloading delay and energy consumption are considered to define the value function of the MDP model, i.e. the objective function. To maximize the value function, Value Iteration Algorithm is used to obtain the optimal offloading policy. According to the policy, tasks of mobile terminals (MTs) are offloaded to the edge cloud or central cloud, or executed locally. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively reduce the offloading delay and energy consumption.
Component-based Access Design Method for Dynamic Spatial Database
Authors: Wang Jing , Xu Feng
Published: January 2022

In order to realize the optimal access of dynamic spatial database, a component-based optimal access method of dynamic spatial database is proposed. The statistical information distribution model for storing the characteristic data of association rules is constructed in the dynamic spatial database. The fuzzy information features are extracted by using the dynamic component fusion clustering analysis method. Combined with the distributed association feature quantity, the fusion scheduling is carried out to control the dynamic information clustering. Combined with fuzzy c-means clustering analysis method, dynamic attribute classification analysis is carried out. The dynamic component block matching model is used for update iterative optimization, and the optimal access to the dynamic spatial database is realized in the cluster center. Simulation results show that this method has strong adaptability to the optimal access of dynamic spatial database, and has high accuracy and good convergence for data information extraction in dynamic spatial database.
Layered Lossless Compression Method of Massive Fault Recording Data
Authors: Di Jinhong , Yang Pengkun , Wang Chunyan , Yan Lichao
Published: January 2022

In order to overcome the problems of large error and low precision in traditional power fault record data compression, a new layered lossless compression method for massive fault record data is proposed in this paper. The algorithm applies LZW (Lempel Ziv Welch) algorithm, analyzes the LZW algorithm and existing problems, and improves the LZW algorithm. Use the index value of the dictionary to replace the input string sequence, and dynamically add unknown strings to the dictionary. The parallel search method is to divide the dictionary into several small dictionaries with different bit widths to realize the parallel search of the dictionary. According to the compression and decompression of LZW, the optimal compression effect of LZW algorithm hardware is obtained. The multi tree structure of the improved LZW algorithm is used to construct the dictionary, and the multi character parallel search method is used to query the dictionary. The multi character parallel search method is used to query the dictionary globally. At the same time, the dictionary size and update strategy of LZW algorithm are analyzed, and the optimization parameters are designed to construct and update the dictionary. Through the calculation of lossless dictionary compression, the hierarchical lossless compression of large-scale fault record data is completed. Select the optimal parameters, design the dictionary size and update strategy, and complete the lossless compression of recorded data. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional compression method, under this compression method, the mean square error percentage is effectively reduced, and the compression error and compression rate are eliminated, so as to ensure the integrity of fault record data, achieve the compression effect in a short time, and achieve the expected goal.
Large Scale Hotel Resource Retrieval Algorithm Based on Characteristic Threshold Extraction
Authors: Fang Min
Published: January 2022

At present, the hotel resource retrieval algorithm has the problem of low retrieval efficiency, low accuracy, low security and high energy consumption, and this study proposes a large scale hotel resource retrieval algorithm based on characteristic threshold extraction. In the large-scale hotel resource data, the mass sequence is decomposed into periodic component, trend component, random error component and burst component. Different components are extracted, the singular point detection is realized by the extraction results, and the abnormal data in the hotel resource data are obtained. Based on the attribute of hotel resource data, the data similarity is processed with variable window, the total similarity of data is obtained, and the abnormal detection of redundant resource data is realized. The abnormal data detection results and redundant data detection results are substituted into the space-time filter, and the data processing is completed. The retrieval problem is identified, and the data processing results are replaced in the hotel resource retrieval based on the characteristic threshold extraction to achieve the normalization of data source and rule knowledge. The characteristic threshold and retrieval strategy are determined, and data fusion reasoning is carried out. After repeated iteration, effective solutions are obtained. The effective solution is fused to get the best retrieval result. Experimental results showed that the algorithm has higher retrieval accuracy, efficiency and security coefficient, and the average search energy consumption is 56n J/bit.
Time-space-direction Extension TRIZ Innovation Model for Product Innovation
Authors: Ren Weizheng , Yu Kaile
Published: January 2022

In order to solve the problem that college students are prone to thinking set and direction deviation in the process of innovation practice. TRIZ (Latin abbreviation of "Teoriya Resheniya Izoblatelskikh Zadatch", which means theory of the solution of innovative problems) is extended and matched with the meta conditional features or quantities of the three dimensions of TSD (time, space and direction) of the problem. In this paper, TRIZ-TSD extension problem solving model is proposed to find compatible solutions. TRIZ-TSD extension problem solving model expands the available resources of the original TRIZ analysis tools, strengthens the interaction between the analysis tools, and makes it more suitable for beginners to use in practical innovation. Taking the university student innovation award-winning project "the intelligent wall planting system" as an example, the basic process and practical effect of TRIZ-TSD fusion innovation model in solving specific problems are verified. The basic principle and thinking mode of this method is not only limited to the practice of College Students’ innovation projects, but also has certain reference value for solving problems in other fields.
Gênero e teoria Queer
Authors: Laurentis Teresa de , Silva Gabriel Bosco Vaz da , Souza Leonardo Lemos de
Published: January 2022

Este artigo trata sobre o percurso da teoria queer, desde os anos 1990, e o atual debate sobre a política antissocial da teoria queer. Abordando o pensamento interdisciplinar do qual o debate sobre gênero iniciou a discussão acerca de uma teoria de gênero queer, a crítica da autora está, sobretudo, no cerne do significado do pensamento queer enquanto uma teoria da prática, contanto que a sua relação com as práticas - através do debate - possa traduzir com êxito as pretensões desse pensamento, ou seja, que gênero e sexualidade são coisas distintas. A partir do confronto de ideias entre Estudos Culturais, Ciências Sociais e Psicanálise, a autora busca criticar o estabelecimento do queer como mais uma identidade no espectro do gênero.  Dessa forma, compreende-se que o debate ainda está em devir.
Apresentação - Dossiê Gênero em perspectiva multidisciplinar
Authors: Lion Antonio Ricardo Calori de , Urso Graziela Schneider
Published: January 2022

Nesta edição de albuquerque: revista de história almejamos organizar um debate sobre gênero que trouxesse múltiplos olhares para pensar relações sociais, políticas e culturais a partir da categoria gênero como análise. Partindo disso, convidamos autoras e autores de diversas áreas do conhecimento para escrever sobre temas contemporâneos que privilegiasse a interdisciplinaridade na tessitura de seus artigos, evidenciando o caráter em trânsito de pensar relações de gênero descentrando olhares apenas para o foco feminino cisgênero.