bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human-Computer Cloud and Its Applications in E-Tourism
Authors: Ponomarev Andrew , Shilov Nikolay
Published: June 2021

The chapter addresses two problems that typically arise during the creation of decision support systems that include humans in the information processing workflow, namely, resource management and complexity of decision support in dynamic environments, where it is impossible (or impractical) to implement all possible information processing workflows that can be useful for a decision-maker. The chapter proposes the concept of human-computer cloud, providing typical cloud features (elasticity, on demand resource provisioning) to the applications that require human input (so-called human-based applications) and, on top of resource management functionality, a facility for building information processing workflows for ad hoc tasks in an automated way. The chapter discusses main concepts lying behind the proposed cloud environment, as well as its architecture and some implementation details. It is also shown how the proposed human-computer cloud environment solves information and decision support demands in the dynamic and actively developing area of e-tourism.
Decision Support in Participatory Contexts
Authors: Chabane Mazri , Tsoukias Alexis , Daniell Katherine A
Published: June 2021

Organizing the participation of multiple stakeholders in decision processes is now a widespread request with a visible consequence being the expansion of the analyst's role from problem solver to facilitator of stakeholder interactions. Within this evolutionary movement, this article claims that an analyst creates the organisation through which the set of stakeholders involved in the decision process interact. This article also claims that the ability of this organisation to fit contextual requirements is of utmost importance for the success of an analyst's intervention. This article is organised to support these two claims. Firstly, it describes the terms of organisational design and the mechanisms through which it may influence the decision processes. Secondly, the authors review how these aspects are already discussed within OR/MS literature so as to highlight current limitations and future possibilities for greater investigation of the place and role of organizational design in OR/MS research and practice.
Top Management's Role in Promoting Decision Support Systems Efficiency
Authors: Alkraiji Abdullah Ibrahim
Published: June 2021

Despite overwhelmingly positive reviews for decision support systems, the IS literature has produced inconsistent results regarding the role of top management and the effectiveness of these systems. IS researchers are concerned with there being a widening gap between research and practice, leading to the current study, focusing on the relevance of these two constituencies. This study employs the Delphi methodology in relation to Saudi Arabia to investigate the reality of the decision support systems in governmental organizations and the diverse issues related to making effective use of them by increasing the role of top management. The findings revealed that there is an absence of a role for IT in the decision-making process, and that there is a lack of robust data warehouse systems capable of supporting organizations' top management with high-quality information. The study revealed various required reforms of various governmental and institutional arrangements and obligational aspects of the efficiency of decision support systems.
Knowledge-Based Decision Making
Authors: Pejic-Bach Mirjana , Omazic Mislav Ante , Aleksic Ana , Zoroja Jovana
Published: June 2021

In the context of sustainability and long term survival, knowledge based decision making has been recognized as a significant factor. Its application in organizational settings specifically through knowledge management, process management, and decision making presents one of the core organizational capabilities. This chapter explores more deeply the synergy that occurs between the knowledge based decision making and its contribution to sustainability. The extent of knowledge based decision making application is evaluated, and its relation to the economic, social and environmental sustainability, in the multi case analysis of four Croatian firms from two service industries: telecommunications and insurance.
Pragmatism in Decision Support System Research
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Tafiqur
Published: June 2021

Decision making on relief distribution is a complex multidisciplinary task in humanitarian logistics. It incorporates decision makers from different but related problem areas. The failure to perform assigned decision-making tasks in any area makes the entire system unstable and delays the relief distribution process. An organized, well-planned, and practical decision support system (DSS) can assist practitioners in making rapid decisions on delivering relief items. Hence, DSS researchers in humanitarian logistics require rigorous thinking, close and critical analysis, and the identification of challenges to conduct research or validate the generated knowledge properly. To perform such complex knowledge-based tasks, the philosophical understanding of DSS in the humanitarian context is necessary. After analyzing the commonly used philosophical paradigms, this research identifies the pragmatic approach as the adequate support for solving decision-making problems in relief distribution during large-scale disasters.
Mathematical Investigation for Flow Characteristics of Laminar Ferro-Nanofluid Incorporating Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles
Authors: Rashed Ahmed S. , Nasr Ehsan H. , Kassem Magda M.
Published: June 2021

The effect of a magnetic source of variable strength has been studied on ferro-nanofluid incorporating nanoparticles of Cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) with water as a base fluid. Group method has been used to remodel the governing system to a system of ordinary differential equations. The recent study was motivated by inspecting the effect of four parameters including nanoparticles volume fraction, , Prandtl number, , magnetic field strength of the source,, and temperature difference ratio with respect to ambient temperature, . The results showed that the nanofluid velocity and shear stress increased as long as and increase. On the other hand, both are inversely related to the increment in Pr and Temperature distribution inside the boundary layer was noticed to increase due to the increment in Pr values and decrease due to the increment ratios. Contrarily, the heat flux throughout the boundary layer decreased and increased due to increasing respectively. Key words: Ferro-hydrodynamic; Nanofluids; Group Method
Secondary Sintering Cement Clinker in SO2 Atmosphere: Composition and Structure Effects
Authors: Kang Rui , Ma Su Hua , Shen Xiao Dong
Published: June 2021

A gas-solid reaction method was adopted in this work to explore the influence of SO2 gas on the composition and structure of secondary sintering cement clinker. In this process, the Portland cement clinker was secondarily sintered at different temperatures and a mixed gas mixed with SO2 was introduced simultaneously in a tube furnace. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) combined with rietveld refinement was used to determine the phase composition of the cement clinker and the corresponding phase content. The experimental results showed that the increase in temperature conduced to increasing the content of SO3 solid solution, C2S and CaO, but decreasing the C3S content. Moreover, as the ratio of SO3/MgO (by mass) increases, the content of M1-type alite also increased. And the result of hydration heat release was positively correlated with the content of alite in the clinker. If the content of alite was low, the heat flow was low, as well as the cumulative heat, and vice versa.
The Influence of Various Gypsum Dosage, Specific Area of Cement and Water Reducers on Bleeding of Fresh Cement Paste Using Low-Field NMR
Authors: Ji Yan Liang , Sun Zhen Ping , Pang Min
Published: June 2021

Based on the low-field NMR, this study inveitigated bleeding property of the fresh cement pastes mixed with various gypsum dosage, specific area of cement and water reducers. Results showed that the gypsum dosage between 3 % and 5 % will cause an decrease bleeding and a lower bleeding velocity, while a 1 % gypsum dosage will increase the bleeding as a function of time. The increase of the cement surface will lead to a less bleeding rate. This can be explained that the finer particle will contribute to the packing which will form a low permeability of the cement paste, as a result less bleeding water is observed. The PCEs-made sample has smaller hot zone area which indocated the PCEs has good bleeding stability when varing water cement ratio. Furthermore, bying comparing with the NPE, it was found the ACS type water reducer has higher bleeding sensitivity when high water cement ratios were used.
Effect of Steel Slag on Shrinkage Characteristics of Calcium Sulfoaluminate Cement
Authors: Huang Hao Ran , Liao Yi Shun , Qunaynah Siraj Ai , Jiang Guo Xi , Guo Da Wei , Yuan Wen Jie
Published: June 2021

The effects of steel slag with 0, 10%, 20 % and 40% content on the chemical shrinkage, autogenous shrinkage, internal relative humidity, and drying shrinkage of calcium sulfoaluminate cement paste were studied. The results show that the compressive strength of calcium sulfoaluminate cement paste at an early stage decreases gradually when the content of steel slag increases. When the steel slag content is 0 and 10%, the compressive strength of hardened cement pastes gradually decreases at 90 and 180 days, but the samples with steel slag content of 20% and 40% maintain the compressive strength growth within 180 d. With the extension of curing period, the gap of compressive strength is gradually narrowed. The autogenous shrinkage decreases with the increase of steel slag content and has a good linear relationship with the relative humidity inside the paste. The proportion of autogenous shrinkage to chemical shrinkage is deficient, and most chemical shrinkage occurs in the form of the pore volume. Although the trends of drying shrinkage and autogenous are consistent, the former is more severe than the latter.
Application of Advanced Composite Cementitious Materials and High Performance Admixtures in High Performance Shotcrete
Authors: Wang Jia He
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the influence of liquid alkali-free accelerator and advanced composite cementitious materials on the mechanical properties, durability and workability of shotcrete was studied. The important role of the two materials in the performance improvement of shotcrete was clarified. The technical measures proposed were verified by field test. The results show that: In terms of workability, the composite use of alkali-free accelerator and functional admixture can achieve fast setting and high early strength of shotcrete, thus effectively reducing the rebound rate; In terms of mechanical properties, functional admixture can effectively improve the early mechanical properties of shotcrete, while alkali-free accelerator can ensure the long-term development of mechanical properties; In terms of durability, the use of functional admixtures can effectively improve the compactness of shotcrete, and the test results of 56d electric flux are lower than 1000C.
Effect of All-Component Recycled GFRP on Physical-Mechanical Properties and Microstructures of Concrete
Authors: Zhou Bo Yu , Zhang Mo , Ma Guo Wei
Published: June 2021

Large inventory and non-degradability made waste glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) a heavy burden to environment. They are increasingly reclaimed through mechanical crushing and used as aggregate replacement in concrete. However, reuse of all-component recycled GFRP (rGFRP) was still limited due to the inconsistent influences of powder and fiber on cementitious materials. In this study, mortar and concrete with two different gradations of all-component rGFRP at 10 wt%, 20 wt% and 30 wt% were investigated with mechanical tests, ultrasonic pulse velocity inspection, Depth-of-Field optical microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and micro-CT. It revealed that the splitting strength of cement mortar was significantly increased while 10 wt% of rGFRP was added, whereas the compressive and flexural strength were barely affected. For concrete, the initial and final setting time were prolonged by the addition of 30 wt% rGFRP up to 93.8% and 124.3%, respectively. The mechanical strength of concrete increased with rGFRP content firstly, and then decreased, due to the reduced dispersity of rGFRP and compactness of mortar. When 10 wt% of rGFRP was added, the 28-day compressive, flexural and splitting strength of concrete were optimized to 25.8 MPa, 4.25 MPa and 3.02 MPa, respectively. The failure pattern analysis indicated that rGFRP can restrain crack propagation, reduce crack width and improve the integrity of fractured concrete. The results suggested the potential feasibility of rGFRP as fine aggregate replacement, and provided solid experimental references for practically reusing rGFRP in cementitious materials.
Study on Spectral Structure and Photoelectric Properties of LED Healthy Light Source
Authors: Wang Meng Xia , Zhou Qin Qin , Ma Si Qi , Wang Xin Yue , Gang Yi Fan , Wang Yi
Published: June 2021

LED healthy light source by using a blue LED chip to excite phosphor was prepared successfully. Four kinds of LED commercial phosphors (cyan phosphor with a peak wavelength of 498 nm, green phosphor with 520 nm, yellow-green phosphor with 546 nm, and red phosphor with 628 nm) were selected that could be excited by blue light. A series of experimental studies were carried out on the different amounts of glue, different powder-glue ratio, different combinations of phosphors, and the influence of different driving currents. Trough the optimization of the experimental scheme, we obtained a LED healthy light source spectrum with luminous efficiency higher than 124 lm/w, color rendering index higher than 80, color temperature around 4000 k. These spectra are in good agreement with the full spectrum of sunlight, and the spectral continuity and uniformity are better, which accord with the requirements of bright (dark) vision, and the proportion of the blue spectrum is less than 2.4%, which meets the high quality and healthy lighting requirements of safety and comfort.
Patterning Method for Nanowire Transparent Conductive Films
Authors: Xu Heng Rui , Liu Ping
Published: June 2021

With the development of flexible optoelectronic devices, transparent conductive films (TCFs) based on nanowires provide wide concern. The low preparation cost and high-efficiency assembly characteristics make them occupy a very important position in scientific research and industrial application. In practical applications, TCFs in optoelectronic devices often do not need to cover the whole device, but only need to be prepared in part areas. At this time, patterned TCFs need to be prepared. In this paper, four kinds of patterning methods of TCFs are introduced, and the advantages and disadvantages of each method are analyzed.
Tackling Investment Risks Using Equity Options During Extreme Economic Upheavals: Indian Evidence
Authors: Jose Babu , Varghese James
Published: June 2021

The study is an empirical scrutiny on the Indian equity options market to examine whether it facilitates the reduction of investment risks, focusing on an economic sphere with financial upheavals. The risk mitigation ability is examined with respect to the integration of near-month call and put options markets having different levels of exercisability with the equity market in the National Stock Exchange of India. The optimal size of options contracts required for establishing a hedge portfolio that minimises the risk exposure to a maximum possible magnitude and the level of gains resulting from such hedges are identified following the minimum variance approach, using Diagonal BEKK GARCH. The results indicate that ATM, ITM, and DITM call options and ATM, OTM, DOTM, and DITM put options provide effective risk reduction that can be efficiently utilised by the existing as well as prospectiveinvestors in the equity market.
ICT Usage, Bounded Rationality and Business Performance of SMEs in Sri Lanka
Authors: Ranatunga R. V. S. P. K. , Priyanath H. M. S. , Megama R. G. N.
Published: June 2021

This study endeavours to investigate empirically how Information and Communications Technology (ICT) usage affects the bounded rationality and business performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka. The data collection has been done with 400 owners of SMEs in Sri Lanka by employing telephone and face to face interviews using a structured questionnaire. The Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to analyse the data. The empirical results discovered that the different dimensions of ICT usage such as infrastructure, applications, policy, human resources, and mobile technology have a negative impact on bounded rationality and positive effects on the business performance of SMEs in Sri Lanka. Thus, the study recognizes that several dimensions of ICT usage make proper information flow to pull out information asymmetry and reduce the bounded rationality of SMEs, thereby increasing the business performance of SMEs in Sri Lanka.
Emotional Labour of ‘Angels’: The Performances and Experiences of Male and Female Nurses in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wanninayake S. D. K. , O’Donnell Michael Edward
Published: June 2021

Despite emotional labour being categorised as women’s work or ‘pink-collar duties’, whether women and men perform and experience emotional labour differently remains an ongoing debate. Most extant studies have explored this phenomenon in Western contexts, with limited research in non-Western contexts. Therefore, this paper explores how male and female nurses performed and experienced emotional labour in a non-Western context, namely Sri Lanka. Utilising 56 interviews with nurses, this qualitative study found that though nursing was perceived as women’s work in Sri Lanka, there were instances where female nurses performed stereotypically ‘masculine’ emotional labour and vice versa. However, constant exposure to service recipients’ aggression, psychologically ‘taking work home’, and having to combine household and caring responsibilities led female nurses to suffer greater emotional exhaustion than men.
Exploring Undergraduates’ Satisfaction with Library Resources and Services: A Case Study of the Science Library, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Authors: Hindagolla B. M. M. C. B.
Published: June 2021

This study investigated the level of undergraduates’ satisfaction and their perceptions towards library resources and services provided by the Science Library, University of Peradeniya. The survey research method was adopted to achieve the above objectives. A questionnaire was administered to 442 undergraduates of the Faculty of Science. 371 duly filled questionnaires were returned, were then analyzed. The findings revealed that more than 60% of the undergraduates visited the library daily and weekly, while more than 80% of them visited the library for multiple purposes. Regarding the available resources, the majority of the undergraduates were satisfied with the library book collection, periodicals and available magazines. Yet, only 39% and 32% of students reported that they were satisfied with e-resources and audiovisual materials available in the library respectively. Considering the library services, the majority of respondents were satisfied with lending, reference, referral and photocopying services. However, 11% of them were not satisfied, where as 13% of the students were not even aware of online services provided by the library. Further, the findings demonstrated that limited number of computers, unavailability of Wi-Fi facilities, unawareness of the library website, difficulties of accessing the Internet and searching research articles were the main reasons for students’ dissatisfaction. However, the majority of the undergraduates praised the library staff for offering an impressive service. The results proved that undergraduates have positive perceptions towards the library and its services. Based on the findings, some suggestions were made to increase user satisfaction and to enhance the library resources and service quality.
Factors Affecting Job Satisfaction of Public Librarians: A Qualitative Exploration in the Kandy District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Hindagolla B. M. M. C. B. , Weerasinghe S.
Published: June 2021

Employees are one of the main assets in any organization. Public libraries are prominent social entities which provide information and services to local communities to enhance their knowledge and learning. In order to provide quality and commendable services to the public, employees serving in public libraries should be satisfied with their job. Therefore, the assessment of employee satisfaction with their job is essential for organizational development. The main purpose of this study was to examine whether Public Librarians working in the Kandy District of Sri Lanka were satisfied with their job in terms of five facets: job role, work supervision, promotion, salary and co-worker relationships. Further, this study explored problems militating against the Public Librarians’ job satisfaction. A convenient sample of 27 librarians from public libraries in the Kandy District of Sri Lanka was selected for the study. Five focus group discussions using a semi structured interview guide were conducted. Interviews were analyzed using the thematic approach and content analysis. According to the findings, majority of the Public Librarians expressed satisfaction towards their job role and co-worker relationships where as most of them articulated negative opinions with regard to the facets of salary, promotion and work supervision. Based on the results, recommendations were exposed with a view to enhancing the level of job satisfaction among Public Librarians which will in turn contribute to the success of the public library sector in Sri Lanka.
Importance of Including the Role of Clinical Medical Librarian in Library and Information Science Curriculum Development: A Review
Authors: Dilhani M. P. P.
Published: June 2021

Today Clinical Medical Librarianship fulfill many critical roles in the hospital setting by providing the correct information at the right time in a variety of ways to enhance the effectiveness in productivity of hospitals and medical staff. The other roles that have to play are optimize patient care, improve patient outcomes, and increase patient & family satisfaction about the services provided by the hospital. As Clinical Medical Librarians (CMLs) and their services provide an excellent return on investment for the hospital and help keeping its competitive edge, hospital staff should have access to the services of a professional librarian. The aim of this study is to use the findings from the literature to highlight the necessity of the Library and Information Science (LIS) curriculum to contain the role of the CML as well as the specialization course content of Clinical Medical Librarianship covering content distribution, learning protocol, and practical planning. Thus, the results of this study can be used as the basis for future developments in the Library and Information Science curriculum to provide a more appropriate and detailed curriculum that covers the required pedagogy on Clinical Librarianship. Relevant research articles published in 2000-2020 August were selected through a literature search. The 575 of those selected articles were further scrutinized for relevance and uniqueness. Then the three hundred twelve articles were selected for this study considering the relevance to emerging roles, professional settings, and contexts of CMLs. The importance of generating CMLs with the requisite skills, knowledge, and certifications is revealed by this study. As a result, it is suggested that a syllabus outlining the role of CML be added into the existing LIS curriculum in Sri Lanka. Further study recommended that the role of CML has evolved to meet the demands of healthcare now by taking their skills and expertise to the point of need and the role of CML appears to be an important member of the medical team, according to this study.
Climate Change Projections and their Consequences on Agro-Climate in Sugarcane Growing Areas of Sevanagala, Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijayawardhana L. M. J. R. , Weerasinghe K. D. N. , Navaratne C. M.
Published: June 2021

An analysis was conducted to estimate the agro-climatic changes, which would incur due to projected climate change scenarios on sugarcane cultivation in Sevanagala, Sri Lanka over the next 70 years. The general circulation model developed by the Beijing Meteorological Centre was used with Representative Concentration Pathways scenario 6.0 to simulate the climate variables of maximum and minimum temperatures, and rainfall for years 2030, 2050, and 2090. The goodness of fit test was conducted against simulated and observed data using 10-year dataset from 2010 to 2019. The future climate was compared using a baseline data set, which was generated by averaging 10 years of data from 2010 to 2019. The results indicated that by 2090, the average annual minimum and maximum temperatures would increase by 1.2°C and 1.4°C, respectively. However, annual maximum and minimum temperatures may remain within the favourable range for sugarcane cultivation. The annual rainfall is expected to increase by 6.0% in 2090 relative to baseline values. The results demonstrated the stability of the effective rainfall. The evapotranspiration would increase by 3.7% by the year 2090 relative to baseline values. The soil moisture deficits for sugarcane planted in the Yala and Maha planting seasons are also expected to increase by 6.7% and 12.6%, respectively in 2090. As a result of increased evapotranspiration, additional irrigation might be needed to maintain the productivity of sugarcane cultivation indicating the climate-related risks for future rain-fed sugarcane cultivations in Sevanagala, Sri Lanka.
Endothelin-1 indicates unfavorable prognosis in primary high-grade non-muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer
Authors: Mitrakas Lampros , Gravas Stavros , Karasavvidou Foteini , Zachos Ioannis , Karatzas Anastasios , Oeconomou Athanasios , Koukoulis Georgios , Tzortzis Vasilios , Papandreou Christos
Published: June 2021

Objective: To conduct a prospective study of the potential prognostic role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in a cohort of primary high-grade non-muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer patients, who were treated with adjuvant intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Material and methods: Patients with primary high-grade nonmuscle- invasive urothelial bladder cancer, who received postoperatively induction and maintenance BCG therapy, were prospectively included. Recurrence and progression were histologically proven. Immunohistochemical staining for ET-1 was assessed. Epidemiological, pathological and clinical parameters as well as the expression of ET-1 in tumor specimens were statistically analyzed for recurrence, progression, recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results: ET-1 associates significantly with recurrence (p = 0.000), progression (p = 0.000), RFS (p = 0.000) and PFS (p = 0.000). The patient’s age is also significant for recurrence (p = 0.003, OR = 1.273 95% CI: 1.086-1.492) and RFS (p = 0.013). Conclusions: ET-1 seems to deteriorate prognosis in patients suffering from primary high-grade non-muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer, who are treated with adjuvant BCG instillations. Furthermore, the patient’s age associates with an increased likelihood for recurrence.
Specialist management of testicular cancer: Report of the last 10 years at a Portuguese tertiary referral academic centre
Authors: Marques-Pinto André , Gomes Ana Inês , Febra Joana , Rosendo Eugénia , Castanheira de Oliveira Manuel , Fraga Avelino , La Fuente de Carvalho José , Louro Nuno
Published: June 2021

Objectives: To describe our experience on testicular cancer (TC) management, underlining the clinical/pathological scope, administered treatments, outcomes, and challenges. TC incidence is rising globally. The predominant histology is germ cell tumour (GCT). In most patients, orchiectomy is curative. Still, a significant proportion of patients will need further tailored treatment. Specialist Reference Centres have proven themselves successful in this setting. Published data regarding TC in Northern Portugal is lacking. Methods: Retrospective review of consecutive TC patients at a specialist tertiary referral academic centre between January 2010 and December 2020. Statistical analysis was performed using the STATA® version 13.1 software. Multivariate logistic and survival analyses were performed. Results: 125 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age is 35 (28-40) years; 19% of patients had risk factors for TC – infertility being the most common (11%); 50% of patients wanted sperm cryopreservation prior to treatment; 68% of patients had stage I GCT, 16% stage II, and 17% stage III. Compared to seminoma, non-seminomatous GCT were associated with younger age (p < .001) and higher stages at diagnosis (p = .02); 24% of stage IA/B GCT underwent adjuvant chemotherapy; 47% of patients with metastatic GCT at presentation had refractory disease, requiring tailored treatment. The median follow-up time is 33 (13-65) months. There was no late relapse. The 5-year OS rate is 98.0%. The 5-year survival of metastatic disease is 95.8%. Conclusions: Despite contemporary excellent cure rates, the challenges of testicular cancer management still endure, especially in advanced stages. Therefore, public awareness is recommended, in order to avoid late presentations - special attention should be given to those who have known risk factors. The existence of Reference Centres is of paramount importance in order to achieve the best outcomes possible.
Early morning kidney transplantation: Perioperative complications
Authors: Pereira Lourenço Mário , Eliseu Miguel , Brito Duarte Vieira , Carvalho João , Tavares-Silva Edgar , Marconi Lorenzo , Moreira Pedro , Nunes Pedro , Parada Belmiro , Bastos Carlos , Figueiredo Arnaldo
Published: June 2021

Introduction: To reduce cold ischemia time (CIT), many kidney transplants are performed in the early morning. Conducting complex surgeries in the early morning may influence the surgeon's technical capacity and rate of surgical complications (SC). Aim: Evaluate the influence of surgery start hour (SSH) regarding duration of surgery (DS), immediate diuresis (ID), SC and acute rejection (AR); evaluate the influence of CIT regarding SC, ID, and AR.Methods: 2855 cadaveric transplants performed between June 1980 and March 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Regarding SSH, two groups were created: Group M (00: 00h-05.59h, n = 253) and Group D (06: 00h - 23: 59h, n = 2602). Analyzing the impact of SSH on DS, ID, SC and AR. Evaluate the relationship between CIT (< 18h, 18-30h and > 30h) on ID, SC and AR utilizing univariate and multivariate statistical analysis with SPSS. Results and Conclusion: Groups M and D were comparable in all evaluated demographic variables (p > 0.05), except cold ischemia time (Group M with higher CIT, p < 0.001). Regarding univariate analysis, Surgery start hour did not influence DS (p = 0.344), and SC (p = 0.264), but related with higher ID (p = 0.028) and AR (p = 0.018). CIT related with immediate diuresis (p = 0.020) and acute rejection (p < 0.001) but did not relate with complications (p = 0.734). Regarding multivariate analysis, SSH only influenced immediate diuresis (p = 0.026) and did not influenced acute rejection (p = 0.055). CIT influenced immediate diuresis (p = 0.019) and acute rejection (p < 0.001). Surgery start hour influences Immediate diuresis. With this study, we conclude that the priority must be a short cold ischemia time.
Prevalence of urinary tract infection in children in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alrasheedy Mariam , Abousada Hoda Jehad , Abdulhaq Mutaz Mansour , Alsayed Raghad Abdulelah , Alghamdi Khalid Abdullah , Alghamdi Fayez Dhyefallah , Al Muaibid Abdullah Faisal , Ajjaj Refal Ghassan , Almohammadi Seham Salem , Almohammadi Sarah Salem , Alfitni Wajd Adnan , Homsi Abdulrahman Mohamed , Alshelawi Meqbel Majed , Alshamrani Hassan Ali , Tashkandi Abdulrauf Abdulatif , Mannan Sara Mohammed , Alsamiri Salihah Attiah
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common disorder in childhood. Early identification and appropriate antibiotic use are essential to avoid long-term sequels. The trial objective was to identify the prevalence of URI in children, and the risk factors. Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted in the Saudi Arabia, from April 4th 2020 till July 30th 2020. The sample was randomly selected from children who presented to the ministry of health tertiary hospitals. People answered a questionnaire of 10 items. Results: 1083 people participated in the current trial. The prevalence of UTI was 25.8%. The mean age was 4.5-5 years. UTI was commoner in females than males. Urethritis was the main presenting complaint. Western region was the commonest identified area. Those with multivitamin deficiency had the highest prevalence. Conclusion: UTI is not a very common problem for children in Saudi Arabia. Western region had the highest prevalence and the peak age ranged from 4.5 to 5 years. Additionally, nearly a sixth of children could develop severe/complicated UTI.
Does two-piece PPI provide improvement in patient-partner quality of life?
Authors: Özbay Engin , Salar Remzi , Oncel Halil Ferat
Published: June 2021

Objective: The aim of this study is to retrospectively examine patient-partner satisfaction and changes in quality of life due to two-piece penile prosthesis implantation (PPI). There is no data about partner Quality of Life (QoL) related to two-piece PPI in the literature. Material and Methods: SF 36 scale and modified Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS), which were filled before two-piece PPI and at the sixth postoperative month follow-up by male patients (n = 45) and female partners (n = 45), were evaluated. Results: We found patient-partner satisfaction rates as 80% and 86% respectively. The changes in all mean scores of SF 36 (mean total score, mean physical health score and mean mental health score) were statistically significant (p < 0.01). Again, the differences between all mean scores of SF 36 according to the level of patient-partner satisfaction were statistically significant (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Two-piece PPI is an important option for ED treatment. It provides significant improvement in patient-partner QoL with high treatment satisfaction.
Prior Injury, Health-Related Quality of Life, Disablement, and Physical Activity in Former Women's Soccer Players
Authors: Cross Shannon J. , Gill Diane L. , Brown Pam Kocher , Reifsteck Erin J.
Published: June 2021

Context

Former collegiate athletes may be at risk for negative health outcomes such as lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL), greater disablement, and lower lifetime physical activity (PA) participation. A history of severe sport injury may play a role in these outcomes.

Objective

To assess the role of prior sport injury in self-reported HRQoL, levels of disablement, and PA behaviors of former National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I women's soccer players.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Online survey.

Patients or Other Participants

Former Division I women's soccer players (n = 382, age = 36.41 ± 7.76 years) provided demographics and injury history and completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (HRQoL), the Disablement in the Physically Active Scale (disablement), and the Godin Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (PA).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

The dependent variables were the physical and mental component summary scores for HRQoL and disablement and the frequency of moderate-to-vigorous PA. Means, SDs, and correlations among the main outcome variables were examined for those who reported a severe injury (n = 261) and those who did not (n = 121). To address our primary aim, we conducted multiple regression analyses to predict HRQoL, disablement, and PA based on a history of severe injury, accounting for age.

Results

Having a severe injury significantly predicted worse physical HRQoL and worse physical disablement. Severe injury predicted a >2-point decrease and 5-point increase on the respective scales. Injury status did not predict mental HRQoL, mental disablement, or PA.

Conclusions

Most participants reported sustaining a prior severe soccer-related injury, which may have had a negative long-term effect on health outcomes for former women's soccer players. Athletic trainers should be aware of the risk for decreased HRQoL and increased disablement with injury and encourage continued monitoring of relevant patient-reported outcomes.
Modified malleable prosthesis with a fixed mesh
Authors: Ghattas Osama , Doheim Mohamed Fahmy , Kotb Hossam , Burnett Arthur L
Published: June 2021

Penile prosthetic implantation represents a cornerstone for patients with organic erectile dysfunction (ED) that is refractory, unsatisfactory, or contra-indicated for other approved medical or mechanical options. In this study, we introduce the “Ghattas technique,” wherein we constructed a polypropylene mesh sheath that surrounds and is fixed to a 13-mm malleable prosthesis cylinder, which can increase the cylinder diameter for cases that need a larger prosthesis. All patients underwent preoperative evaluation and completed the five-item International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-5). Postoperative outcomes were evaluated by IIEF-5 and Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) questionnaires at final follow-up. The mean age of the 23 included patients was 57.9 (standard deviation [s.d.]: 11.4) years and the mean duration of ED was 8.5 (s.d.: 7.9) years. Erection improvement was determined by comparing mean preoperative and postoperative IIEF-5 scores (8.3 [s.d.: 3.9] vs 24.6 [s.d.: 0.6], P < 0.001). High treatment satisfaction was determined according to a mean EDITS score of 94.9 (s.d.: 9.9). The proposed Ghattas technique was safe and effective in our patients, and provides opportunity for cases that need a diameter larger than 13 mm. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Comparative study between recapping inter body fusion and posterolateral fusion in cases of spondylolysis and lytic listhesis
Authors: Elsadek Amer A.M.
Published: June 2021

Background

Spondylolysis and lytic spondylolisthesis are common orthopedic problems. Nonsurgical methods and physiotherapy always fail. Surgical options include laminectomy (obsolete), noninstrumented fusion, posterolateral fusion (PLF), posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, anterior lumber interbody fusion, and other techniques. Most of them are successful, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. PLIF is a successful method but carries the disadvantage of disruption of the posterior column and leaving the dura uncovered.

Aim

The aim of the study was to analyze the results of recapping technique and comparing the results with PLF regarding. Surgical time, blood loss, complications, pain relief, and fusion rate were recorded.

Patients and methods

A comparative study between 15 patients with PLF and 15 patients with recapping PLIF was done. Follow-up and radiograph were done at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6, and 12 months. When pseudoarthrosis was suspected, a computed tomography scan was done (two cases).

Results

Surgical time and blood loss were more in the recapping groups, in which one case of dural injury was recorded but no cases of pseudoarthrosis. Moreover, two cases of pseudoarthrosis were recorded in the PLF group. Early pain relief was more in the PLF group, but late improvement was similar in both groups.

Conclusion

Recapping PLIF can restore the three columns of the spine. It provides canal clearance as anterior lumber interbody fusion, carries low risks, and ensures good stability. It also provides wide surface for fusion, with preservation of the important mechanical roles of the posterior structure than do classic PLIF, with superior results of PLF group in the short term but superior results for recapping in the long-term follow-up.
Role of left uterine placement in maternal care bundle for the prevention of spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension in cesarean section
Authors: Mohammed Amira Abd El Fattah Shaban , Salem Eman A. , Alshawadfy Abdelrhman
Published: June 2021

Background

Hypotension is the most common serious scenario in patients undergoing cesarean sections under spinal anesthesia. Care bundles have been employed using a set of three to five approaches with the aim to prevent and manage hypotension after spinal anesthesia. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of left uterine placement in maternal care bundle for the prevention of spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension in cesarean section.

Patients and methods

A total of 100 parturients age 25–35 years with American Society of Anesthesia grades I and II, undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia, were assigned into two equal groups at random: group A and group B (each group n=50). Both groups were subjected to a bundle of care using 4-mg ondansetron diluted in 10-ml normal saline given slowly intravenous for 5 min before the induction of spinal anesthesia, and spinal anesthesia was initiated using hyperbaric bupivacaine with a constant dose (10 mg), and administration of intravenous ephedrine 9 mg was done after spinal anesthesia had been cited. Group A was subjected to additional parameter in the care bundle, including patient's suitable position with left displacement of the pregnant uterus. Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded every 5 min for 45 min after spinal anesthesia. The total ephedrine and atropine requirements were also determined.

Results

Both groups showed a nonsignificant difference of the MABP and HR at the baseline measurement values. Follow-up of MABP and HR values every 5 min for 45 min after the onset of spinal anesthesia showed a statistically significant decrease in both groups. Overall consumption of ephedrine and atropine showed statistically significant decrease in group A compared with group B (P<0.001 and 0.01, respectively). By comparing the effect size between both groups using Cohen's d test regarding MABP, HR measurements, and total dose of ephedrine and atropine, we found that it had a small effect size.

Conclusion

The application of left uterine placement is an important and effective parameter in a maternal care bundle for decreasing the incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension in parturients undergoing elective cesarean section.
Optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with type 2 diabetes without clinical diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Abd-Elrahman Omnia M. , Atwa Fatma A.E.W. , Kamel Rehab M. , Gamal Asmaa M.
Published: June 2021

Background and objectives

To investigate changes in retinal vascular plexuses, choriocapillaris, along with microcirculation of optic nerve head (ONH), in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without clinically evident retinopathy and healthy controls using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Patients and methods

This is a prospective, cross-sectional observational study that included 20 eyes of normal healthy controls (group 1) and 20 eyes of diabetic patients without clinically evident retinopathy (group 2). All participants underwent OCTA examination (RTVue-XR Avanti; Optovue). Average and parafoveal vessel density in superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus, choriocapillaris vessel density, foveal avascular zone area and perimeter, and vessel density inside ONH and in peripapillary region were compared between groups. Microaneurysms and capillary nonperfusion were taken into analysis. glycated hemoglobin and serum creatinine were assessed for diabetic patients.

Results

Group 2 showed statistically significant lower average vessel densities of SCP and deep capillary plexus (P<0.01) and parafoveal vessel density of SCP (P<0.01) compared with group 1. Moreover, there was statistically significant and highly significant difference between group 2 and group 1 regarding tempo-inferior and tempo-superior sectors of peripapillary area (P=0.016 and 0.001, respectively). A statistically significant increase in foveal avascular zone area and perimeter was found in group 2 compared with group 1 (P<0.01). Average vessel density of choriocapillaris had a negative correlation with serum creatinine in group 2 (P<0.05). Microaneurysms and capillary nonperfusion were detected by OCTA in diabetic patients.

Conclusion

OCTA can identify preclinical diabetic retinopathy before the clinical manifestations appear. It is a promising noninvasive tool for assessing retinal vascular plexuses, choriocapillaris, and ONH microcirculation.
Serum level of interleukin-17A in patients with alopecia areata and its relationship to age of patients and disease recurrence
Authors: Gharib Khaled , Elsayed Ayman
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Alopecia areata (AA) is a relatively common reversible patchy hair loss of the scalp. It is usually manifested as patchy areas of complete hair loss on the scalp and sometimes with or without other body parts that can progress to complete loss of all body hair. This disorder affects all age groups, with a higher incidence in children and adolescents. AA is an autoimmune disorder characterized by hair cycle dysfunction with peribulbar and perifollicular mononuclear cell infiltrates.

Aim

To estimate interleukin-17A (IL-17A) serum level in patients with AA as well as study its relationship with the age of the patients, severity, and recurrence of disease.

Patients and method

s The study was carried out in Outpatient Clinic of Dermatology, Venerology, and Andrology Department, Zagazig University Hospitals, on 45 patients with AA of both sexes. Results were compared with 45 healthy participants with matched age (5–50 years).

Results

The present study included two groups: patient group included 45 patients diagnosed clinically with AA and control group included 45 age-matched and sex-matched healthy individuals.

Conclusion

The significantly higher levels of serum IL-17A in patients with AA suggest a possible role of IL-17A as a proinflammatory cytokine in the pathogenesis of AA and that IL-17A level may be influenced by age and disease recurrence in patients with AA.
Assessment of serum amyloid A level and the severity of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Khattab Fathia M. , Ibraheem Hoda A.
Published: June 2021

Background

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase protein that activates immune cells and induces cytokines and chemokine. SAA levels in the blood have been reported to be elevated in case of inflammation, infections, neoplasia, and tissue injury. This study measured the SAA in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and evaluated the association between the severity of AD and their values.

Patients and methods

A total of 52 patients with AD (22 males and 30 females) were involved in our study. Subjects were characterized as having atopic eczema (eAD; n=25) extrinsic type AD or nonatopic (iAD; n=27) intrinsic AD by serum immunoglobulin E level. Serum soluble IL-2R (IL-2R) and SAA levels were measured.

Results

The serum SAA levels was detectable in all patients with AD, showing significantly higher levels (P=0.026) in the patients with eAD (207 pg/ml; 95% confidence interval: 172–242 pg/ml) compared with those with iAD (144 pg/ml; 95% confidence interval: 116–178 pg/ml). The serum SAA levels were significantly correlated with eosinophil counts and sIL-2R levels and showed a tendency to correlate with SCORAD index and serum immunoglobulin E levels.

Conclusion

These results suggest SAA level as a parameter of AD activity and may support its possible role in the pathogenesis of AD.