bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arctic Offshore Escape, Evacuation, and Rescue Standards and Guidelines
Authors: Poplin James P. , Bercha Frank G.
Published: April 2022

Arctic Escape, Evacuation, and Rescue (EER) is receiving more attention with the current resurgence of interest in Arctic offshore hydrocarbon reserves, marine tourism and shortening marine transportation routes. Since 2000, Transport Canada supported the Arctic EER research project for which the second author’s company has been the lead contractor. The research conducted under this program resulted in the development of Canadian performance-based standards for offshore petroleum installations and a computer model capable of assessing the reliability and performance of EER processes. The ISO, under Working Group 8, developed a Final Draft International Standard addressing Arctic Offshore Structures which is expected to be published in late-2010. The Standard addresses design requirements and assessments for Arctic offshore structures used by the petroleum and natural gas industries worldwide to help ensure that appropriate reliability levels are achieved for manned and unmanned offshore structures, regardless of the type of structure. The EER provisions of the Standard are intended to promote the successful escape from the incident, subsequent evacuation from the installation (emergency or precautionary evacuation), and the ultimate rescue of installation personnel. The EER provisions are performance-based. The Standard specifies design requirements and also provides background to and guidance on the use of the document.
Effect of Moving Ice Loads on the Plastic Capacity of a Ship’s Structure
Authors: Quinton Bruce W.T. , Daley Claude G. , Gagnon Robert E.
Published: April 2022

The IACS unified polar rules define the design ice load as a glancing impact on the bow shoulder. The load and structural response model in the polar rules ignore the tangential motions and assumes the interaction occurs at one location. If the impact duration were sufficient, the ice may “score” along the hull during a glancing impact. This paper examines the questions of how structure responds to moving loads, in comparison to normal loads. An explicit nonlinear numerical model was created and validated against full-scale physical experiments. Moving load scenarios were then simulated. The structure’s capacity to withstand moving loads causing “progressive damage” was found to be generally less than its capacity to withstand static loads.
Ice Risk Management for Stationary Vessel Operations in Moving Pack Ice in Ice Offshore Experience and State of Art
Authors: Keinonen Arno , Martin Evan
Published: April 2022

This paper summarises the development of ice risk management used for stationary operations with vessels in moving pack ice. The operations described and suggested as the basis for Ice Risk Management for future projects are:

Beaufort Sea Drillships 1975 till ~ 1990

Kulluk, 1983 – 1993 Beaufort Sea

Dynamic Positioning operations in the Sakhalin offshore 1999

Sakhalin 2, phase 1, oil production and export with tankers in the presence of ice, 1999 - 2007

Arctic Coring Expedition in the central polar pack 2004 .
Critical Roles of Constitutive Laws and Numerical Models in the Design and Development of Arctic Offshore Installations
Authors: Aouat Ahmed Derradji
Published: April 2022

Perhaps, it is time for both constitutive laws and failure criteria for ice to join efforts with numerical methods and computer power to provide a powerful simulation tool for ice engineers to calculate ice loads on Arctic structures, and subsequently investigate the response of the structure with a higher degree of confidence than ever before. Considering the power of computers today and the complexity of ice behaviour, and the subsequent response of the structure, the combined constitutive-numerical technology seems to be one of the most appropriate and effective engineering tools to calculate ice loads on Arctic offshore installations, and realistically simulate ice-structures interaction processes.
A Closer Examination of the May 12, 1986 Ice Floe Impact with the Molikpaq
Authors: Sudom Denise , Frederking Robert
Published: April 2022

The impact of a large ice floe with the Molikpaq on May 12, 1986 resulted in some of the highest measured loads on this offshore structure. Video data from the event have been studied to produce refined estimates of ice thickness, rubble height and rubble extent. Ice load estimates are made based upon instrumentation as well as an analysis of the floe deceleration. Individual aspects of the event, such as the possibility of grounded rubble, a fracture in the floe and the apparent overloading of one pressure panel, are also studied with relation to the effect on global load.
Seabed and Iceberg Scour Conditions Affecting a Potential Pipeline Landfall Offshore Labrador
Authors: King Tony , Sonnichsen Gary
Published: April 2022

A seabed survey was conducted in 2007 to assess iceberg scour and seabed conditions at Cape Harrison, which was identified in the 1980s as a potential landfall for a pipeline from the Bjarni/North Bjarni sites on Makkovik Bank. Analyses of the data indicate there are bedrock outcrops that may pose a challenge for pipeline routing. Sub-bottom profiles reveal pockets of acoustically transparent, weakly to strongly stratified channel sediments (often ≥ 20 m thickness) that are interpreted as soft, low shear strength silty mud or muddy sand. Iceberg scour rates were estimated using seabed scour density and the required pipeline cover depth corresponding to a 1,000 year return period for direct iceberg keel/pipeline contact was calculated.
Using Position Beacons to Measure Ice Movement for Beaufort and Chukchi Offshore Petroleum Activities
Authors: Tiffin Scott , Pilkington Roger , Edgecombe Merv , McGonigal Dave
Published: April 2022

Understanding how ice moves and tracking hazardous ice features is critical to set design criteria, plan operations and manage facilities for offshore petroleum activities in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, or indeed any ice infested region of the world. This paper explains: 1) how GPS satellite position beacons can be used to gather information on the different types of ice situations encountered; 2) different types of instruments available for each application and their relative merits; 3) future technological developments for this instrumentation.
MOERI’s Ice Model Test for Korean Icebreaking Research Vessel
Authors: Lee Chun-Ju Lee , Cho Seong-Rak , Jeong Seong-Yeob , Chun Eun-Jee
Published: April 2022

In the near future, the number of ice-going breakers operating in the northern sea route will be increased, as potential international trade between the North Atlantic and the North Pacific region increases. Since many ice-going breakers are expected to be developed, various kinds of ice model tests will be carried out in order to improve their ice-going capability as well as their performance. This in turn leads to increased demand for physical model testing in ice to assist a design process and to improve a vessel’s ice-going capability and performance. The estimation of a ship’s resistance in ice-covered seas has been a very interesting topic to shipbuilders. Ice resistance is related to the propulsion of a ship, and it determines the engine power of the ship. Generally, ice resistance is related to ice conditions, such as ice thickness and ice flexural strength, and its operating condition (speed). In order to check the reliability and the accuracy of the ice test as a whole, some comparative studies were made. With the support of the Korean Government, the research community, and the ship-building industries, MOERI decided to build the next generation ice model basin at Daejeon. The MOERI ice model basin was completed at the end of September 2009 (see Figure 1). Since 2009, MOERI’s ice tank has produced more than 20 ice sheets, and a series of ice model tests for the Korean icebreaking research vessel was conducted. The test results are compared with those conducted in the Helsinki university ice model basin in 2004-2005.
Future possibilities for Trans-Arctic shipping
Authors: Tustin Robert , Niini Mikko
Published: April 2022

“Year-round Trans-Arctic marine transportation route between the North Atlantic and the North Pacific oceans could plausibly open in one or two decades …” has been reported in the conclusions of the AMSA (2009) study. A number of feasibility studies, and ship design concepts, are compared in the paper to highlight possibilities for future Trans-Arctic ships.
An Analysis of Sea Ice Conditions to Determine Ship Transits through the Northwest Passage
Authors: Mudge Todd D. , Fissel David B. B. , de Saavedra Alvarez M. Martinez , Marko John R.
Published: April 2022

An analysis was carried out to determine the duration of the summer shipping season for Deepwater vessels transiting through the Northwest Passage Route. The most likely route segment to obstruct shipping is in Viscount Melville Sound, which is typically characterized by the presence of high concentration mixtures of the deformed, thick first-year and multiyear ice. The period for ship transits through the Passage is determined from the computer-based analysis of digital Canadian Ice Service weekly ice charts which are available from the late 1960s to the present. Automated computer-based algorithms were developed to estimate the number of if any, weeks with ice conditions that would successfully allow transit. The results show a very large year-to-year variability in the duration of the summer shipping season with the trend towards slightly improving ice conditions. The possibility of future increases in old ice concentrations in western and central portions of Parry Channel due to an apparent trend towards more rapid passage of this old ice through the Queen Elizabeth Islands to the north may impede ship passages in the next decade by comparison with the last decade or two.
North Slope Trends in Sea Level, Storm Frequency, Duration and Intensity
Authors: Sultan Nels J. , Braun Kenton W. , Thieman Dempsey S. , Sampath Ajay
Published: April 2022

The tide gage at Prudhoe Bay provides the only continuous long term direct measurement of sea level on the Alaska North Slope. In addition to trends in mean sea level, it provides a record of storm surges and setdowns. Analysis of the sea level time series from 1993 to 2010 reveals no statistically significant trends in relative sea level, storm frequency, intensity and duration. The return period of sea level extremes are estimated.
The Challenges and Synergy of the Winterisation for Ships and Offshore Installations
Authors: Bridges Robert , Battye Herbie , Upcraft Des , Butler Trevor
Published: April 2022

The implications for the design and construction of offshore structures for cold climates is far-reaching and includes environmental and operational aspects, as well as specific design considerations, and compliance with relevant rules and regulations. This paper provides an overview of some of the design considerations required, with particular emphasis on the operational challenges from a marine shipping perspective that icing and low temperatures impose.
On the Spatial and Temporal Characterization of Motion Induced Sea Ice Internal Stress
Authors: Hutchings Jennifer K. , Geiger Cathleen , Roberts Andrew , Richter-Menge Jacqueline , Elder Bruce
Published: April 2022

In April 2007 an array of buoys was deployed in the Beaufort Sea with one aim (among others) of examining the relationship between internal ice stress and ice pack strain-rate or deformation. Here we present preliminary analysis of stress data from this experiment. This analysis is discussed in the context of strain-rate analysis that has been performed previously. In order to identify ice motion induced stress from stress measurements recorded at a point in the ice pack, we first need to remove the thermal stress signal from the measurement time series. We introduce a conceptual model of thermal stresses to support a method of extracting ice motion induced stress from stress buoy data. The model will require independent verification, which we outline, however is useful for understanding our results. In this paper we focus on spectral and scaling analysis of ice motion induced stresses, and compare these to similar analysis of sea ice strain-rate. By comparing spectral properties of stress and divergence we estimate that dynamic stress events (such as ridge building) may be felt at a stress sensor up to 45km from the site of deformation. Ice motion induced stresses demonstrate fractal scaling properties, and are anti-persistent. This echoes similar results that have been identified for sea ice strain rate across spatial scales from 10 to 1000 km. Ice motion induced stress and sea ice strain rate can not be described by Gaussian statistics, and have “fat tailed” probability distribution functions. These findings provide insight into how to model risk of large deformation, with large ice motion induced stress, events impacting any given place in the Arctic ice pack.
Traffic and Casualty Trends in Canadian Arctic Shipping
Authors: Judson Brad
Published: April 2022

Significant research on Arctic sea ice trends and the potential for resource development have been well documented and illustrated as drivers for changes to Arctic shipping traffic patterns. There is a strong awareness of the potential risks to the environment such as an oil spill in ice as well as impacts on traditional human activity. Similarly, there is awareness that there will be a demand for increased navigation services such as aids to navigation, charting and emergency response capacity. However, many questions remain about what impact sea ice trends and resource development have had on shipping and accidents. To date, the Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment (AMSA) project has provided a snapshot of Arctic shipping traffic patterns and activity for the year 2004 and suggests a further research opportunity exists to conduct a trend analysis of shipping activity. The AMSA report suggests that “As marine activity continues to expand in the Arctic, statistical trends indicate that the potential risk of vessel mishaps and marine pollution incidents also increases” (Arctic Council, 2009). However, this is not necessarily the case where risks are managed. Accident trends in the Canadian Arctic suggest that safety management, vessel design and navigation experience have had positive impacts and one must look more closely at specific areas of operation, vessel types and activity to identify opportunities to improve risk management including both prevention and response. So the question remains “What can we learn from recent trends in vessel traffic and accident rates to better understand potential navigation impacts in the future?” Using the AMSA Shipping Database (Arctic Council, 2009) and a spatial trend analysis of Canadian Arctic shipping traffic and vessel accident rates covering the period 1987 to 2008, this paper will report on preliminary findings, show where accident rates are increasing and decreasing, provide traffic trends for each Shipping Safety Control Zone, help to dispel a few myths, and possibly confirm other rumours.
Construction and Monitoring of an Ice Platform in Siberia
Authors: Neth Volker Wolfgang
Published: April 2022

The objective of this drilling program was to extract sediment cores while operating on a floating ice platform at a crater lake in Siberia during the 2008/2009 winter season. The lake, 12 km in diameter and 175 m deep, was formed as a result of a meteoroid impact 3.6 million years ago. The lake is ice-covered nine months of the year. Ice engineering work involved the planning, surveying and monitoring of a 7.5 km long ice road and the construction and monitoring of an ice platform in the middle of the lake. The planning and logistic challenges to execute a project at an extremely remote location in Eastern Russia will be presented.
ARKTOS Amphibious Oil Spill Response Craft for Mixed Ice/Water Conditions
Authors: Seligman Bruce H.J.W. , Hall T. A.
Published: April 2022

A major area of concern for any offshore oil development in the Arctic is oil spill response not only due to the extreme environmental conditions, but most importantly because of the current lack of ability to efficiently clean-up an oil spill in this marine environment. This concern has obviously been exacerbated by the ongoing crisis in the Gulf of Mexico. To carry out oil spill operations in the Arctic can be equally as challenging as it is to operate a mile below the water surface as is the case in the Gulf of Mexico. This paper describes ways in which the ARKTOS Amphibious Craft could be employed to assist in oil spill clean-up in the Arctic.
The Transportation of Large Modules through the Northwest Passage
Authors: Igloliorte Gareth G. , Kendrick Andrew
Published: April 2022

A review of the feasibility of transporting large modules through the Northwest Passage (NWP) via heavy lift vessels or a tug barge arrangement is discussed in this paper. The review included an assessment of ice conditions during the late spring, through early fall months, navigation hazards, regulatory requirements and heavy lift vessels on the market. The ice conditions in the Northwest passage were developed based on data from the Canadian Ice Service. The study developed estimated transit times through the NWP using a transit model based on the Transport Canada AIRSS standard.
Lifeboat Habitability and Effects on Human Subjects
Authors: Power Jonathan T. , Simões Ré António J.
Published: April 2022

Lifeboats are the most used marine evacuation craft in both the shipping and offshore industries. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Lifesaving Appliances (LSA) code does not have criteria for the manoeuvring performance of lifeboats nor for their habitability and effects on human subjects. During standard seakeeping exercises conducted with a SOLAS approved 20-person lifeboat in Conception Bay, NL two NRC employees (coxswain and assistant) wearing certified immersion suit systems had their skin temperature, deep body temperature, and heart rate measured while performing their assigned duties. During the morning of July 24th, 2009, the outside air temperature was 14°C and the water temperature was approximately 7.6°C, with little to no cloud cover. While piloting the lifeboat with the hatches closed, the interior temperature of the lifeboat rose from 19.4°C to 28.5°C over the course of approximately two hours. With the immersion suits fully zipped, the coxswain experienced an increase in mean skin temperature of 3.4°C, while the assistant’s rose by 2.7°C. The coxswain’s mean body temperature rose by 0.74°C, and the assistant’s by 1.0°C. After the two-hour time period, both the coxswain and assistant’s clothing were heavily soaked with sweat, and both reported moderate levels of thermal discomfort due to the heat. In the afternoon of the same day, with little to no cloud cover, the outside air and water temperatures registered 15°C and 8.78°C, respectively. For the afternoon trials, the lifeboat hatches were left open, and the immersion suits were unzipped. Over a two-hour period, the interior temperature of the lifeboat rose by only 0.2°C, the coxswain’s mean skin temperature rose by 0.5°C, and the assistant’s by 0.5°C. After the two hour afternoon session was completed, both the coxswain and the assistant reported little to no thermal discomfort with the interior temperature of the lifeboat. Based on these preliminary observations, prolonged occupancy of a sealed lifeboat with a high level of clothing insulation may lead to increased thermal stress on the evacuees.
Nuclear Energy - Foundation for the Arctic Icebreakers Fleet
Authors: Khlopkin Nikolay S. , Kuznetsov Vyacheslav P. , Makarov Vladimir I.
Published: April 2022

The report contains a short history of the nuclear fleet, and it shows its contemporary condition. There are arguments supporting the necessity of using nuclear power plants on the Arctic icebreakers, especially their significant autonomy and economic efficiency. The maneuverability capacities of the nuclear power plants are demonstrated. The issues of providing for the nuclear and radiation safety of the nuclear icebreakers are examined alongside with the ecological problems connected with them. Characteristics of a perspective nuclear icebreaker and its reactor plant are presented. Possibilities of using nuclear reactors as power sources for isolated consumers are discussed.
Converting An Icebreaker From An Oil Lubricated Stern Tube Bearing System To A Seawater Lubricated Stern Tube Bearing Considering Environmental And Operating Costs
Authors: Ogle Ken J. , Carter Craig D.
Published: April 2022

Operational discharges of oil from the stern tube is a common occurrence for ice breakers as propellers are prone to impact from ice causing shafts to flex and seals are unable to maintain a complete barrier to keep seawater out or lubricating oil in the stern tube. Whereas solar radiation generally speeds the break-down of contaminants, the reduced level of sunlight in the Arctic lengthens the degradation process and increases the likelihood that toxic substances in the stern tube lubricating oil will find their way into the food chain. Hence, deemed “biodegradable” lubricants may not be as biodegradable in the Arctic operating environments. However, there exists a proven, viable option for vessels operating in the Arctic to eliminate stern tube oil pollution. This paper outlines the process for converting the sterntube bearings from oil-lubricated white-metal bearings to Thordon COMPAC seawater lubricated bearings, based on recent works on a twin screw ice breaker at a shipyard in Canada.
Lessons and Memories of the Titanic, (1912-2012)
Authors: Maitland Clay
Published: April 2022

The historical legacy of the TITANIC defies a brief manuscript of 20- plus pages. Much better, and more detailed work has been done to give the subject a “modern” context, notably by the United States Coast Guard in the Summer 2012 issue of Proceedings of the Marine Safety and Security Council, vol.69, no. 2, from which the following remarks draw heavily.

The night of April 14, 1912 – the famous “night to remember,” chosen by Walter Lord as the title of his excellent history – presents us with many questions that will probably never be answered. Most of these are technical: the “what ifs” that, in one form or another, haunt us after, but usually not before, a disaster at sea.

The importance of safety at sea is shown by the pictures available since 1985, showing the broken fragments of wreckage lying on the ocean floor south of Cape Race. Since the wreckage was located, we can see the pairs of empty shoes and boots that mark where human remains once lay.

The TITANIC facts are familiar: at 11:40 P.M. on April 14, 1912, she collided with an iceberg. Two hours and 40 minutes later, the pride of the White Star Line began her two-mile plunge to the bottom of the North Atlantic. Of the 2,224 passengers and crew aboard, only 710 survived. While there have been sea disasters that produced greater loss of life, the sinking of TITANIC is probably the most famous and far-reaching maritime disaster in history.

While the loss of TITANIC has been described as “perhaps the most documented and least commonly understood marine casualty in maritime history”, a positive result of the TITANIC disaster, and of course many other tragedies at sea that have occurred since, has been to establish a formal protocol of goals and procedures for analysis and investigation. These goals, from the point of view of the investigator/flag state, other governments, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and other regulators, is the identification of unsafe conditions, in order to identify them in advance of future disasters. Today, responsible regimes charged with administration of the safety of life at sea are said to follow a philosophy of prevention first and, then, response.

The 1985 discovery of the wreck of the TITANIC sparked a new round of forensic investigation. The bow section was found largely intact with the stern section in hundreds of pieces approximately 2,000 feet away. The realization that TITANIC’s hull had broken at some point during the sinking added a new understanding of the already famous disaster. The discovery of the wreck also provided new forensic evidence in the form of recovered artifacts and detailed surveys. It was these new clues and advances in computer-driven engineering tools that gave rise to a revision of previously held beliefs.

The significance of the TITANIC, and the events that led to such a large loss of life, remain with us today.
FORMING THE PROFESSIONAL DIRECTION OF PERSONALITY IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE CHANGING PROFESSIONAL WORLD
Authors:   International Institute of Design and Service, Gordova T.S. , Grevtseva G.Yа. ,   Chelyabinsk State Institute of Culture and Arts
Published: April 2022

The problem of professional direction of modern students is discussed. Optimal level of professional direction development, level of mastering the activities of the future specialist significantly depend on the motivation to studies. Many researches show that personality professional direction is one of the main indicators of personal ability to work. The scientists developed theoretical preconditions to solve the problem under study. At the same time there are contradictions to be solved. Consequently, the concept of “profession direction” has been specified, and its structural components have been revealed. The factors influencing personal motivation to choosing a profession have been revealed. The authors emphasize the necessity to develop a model of personal professional direction and specify its components. The results of respondents’ inquiry are presented that made it possible to define students’ professional direction. Practical experiences of career guidance counseling are described.
REALIZATION OF SOCIAL PEDAGOGY TECHNOLOGIES TO ADAPT THE POPULATION TO A SOCIAL MEDIM
Authors:   South Ural State Medical University of the Ministry of Education of Russia, Antipova E.I. , Litvak R.A. ,   Chelyabinsk State Institute of Culture
Published: April 2022

The issues of realization of the modern social pedagogy technologies to support different categories of citizens as the tools to increase social protection efficiency are discussed. The authors emphasize special importance of the pedagogical component of the technologies, implying the formation of new social experiences of the citizens, positive motivation and vitality enhancement for problem solving. Strategic directions to develop the population social protection system are linked with the rising family role in social problem solving; replacing the conservative stationary forms of helping and supporting certain categories of citizens with innovative ones; approbation and application of new social pedagogy technologies of adaptation and rehabilitation aimed at comprehensive revelation and development of personality potential and its socialization. Family oriented social work is discussed as a form to render assistance to the family, individual on the basis of activation of inner human resources to technologize social pedagogical work and increase the outer resources efficiency contributed to the state social support. Specifics, kinds and significance of extra mural care replacement “assisted living” technology are defined. Reasons, hampering its introduction, are outlined. Circus pedagogy as a new underinvestigated metod to solve the problems of socialization, education, adaptation and rehabilitation of children is considered. The cited publication review and the unique experiences of the Russian regions to introduce circus art into the social pedagogy technologies of family oriented social work, assisted living of psichophysiologically challenged people made it possible to conclude that transformations in the social protection system in the streamline of the innovative and preventive strategies are possible, proving their sustainability and socio pedagogical effect. Main provisions of increasing the modern social pedagogy technologies in the field of population social protection are formulated to intensify the process of realizing the functions of social pedagogical work.
COMPETENCE MODEL OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE TRAINING OF AN ARTIST IN THE FIELD OF TRADITIONAL ARTISTIC CRAFTS
Authors:   Higher School of Folk Arts, Chizh R.N.
Published: April 2022

The article explores the competence characteristics of a specialist-a future artist of traditional artistic crafts in the field of language training, describes the specifics of language training in the university of traditional artistic crafts, analyzes the competencies acquired by students during the study of the discipline «Foreign language», provides and interprets the algorithm of work aimed at the formation of foreign-language professional competence of students.
Evaluation of Salivary Level of Resistin in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Pourzare Mehrbani Solmaz , Pakdel Farzaneh , Faramarzi Masoumeh , Motahari Paria , Khalifeh Parisa , Aghebati Maleki Leili
Published: April 2022

In periodontology, clinical criteria are usually not sufficient to distinguish the presence of active disease, monitoring response to treatment, or assess disease progression. Studies have shown that resistin is involved in the etiology of periodontitis. The purpose of this paper was to assess the salivary resistin levels in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). In this case-control study the saliva samples were collected from 45 patients with CP and 45 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Salivary resistin was determined by ELISA method. The results were analyzed by Mann-Whitney test. The software used in this study was SPSS 17. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. In this study, the mean salivary resistin level was 0.769 (+0.396) ng/ml in the patients group and 0.145 (+0.068) ng/ml in the healthy group, with a significant difference (P 0.05). The results of this research showed that the salivary levels of resistin in patients with CP are higher than in healthy individuals and salivary resistin can be considered as a marker in the pathogenesis, early diagnosis and determination of the inflammatory status of CP.
Magnification in Dental Ergonomics – A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Kaur Harpreet , A. Pant Vandana , Gupta Vandana
Published: April 2022

Work related health hazard in dental professionals is increasing rapidly nowadays in all specialty of dentistry. Among various known disorders, musculoskeletal disorder is the most prevailing among dentists all over the world and more so in developing countries. Prolonged inappropriate postures can lead to cervical and spinal pain resulting in reduced efficiency of the clinician. Various guidelines and measurers have been introduced time to time to improve the working pattern but still it hasn’t been tackled appropriately. To overcome the problem of musculoskeletal disorder, fruitful application of ergonomics in the form of various magnifying loupes should be introduced aiming to reduce the illness and injury of muscles and increased satisfaction and better efficacy amongst dental clinicians.
Unraveling the Lived Experiences of the English Language Teachers in the New Normal: A Phenomenology
Authors: Talampas Roxanne Mae , Martinez Vanneza Clare
Published: April 2022

The implementation of distance learning has provided new opportunities and challenges to English language teachers.  Commonly, the English language teachers aim to enhance the five language skills of each student: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Viewing. However, the pandemic has affected the usual teaching methods, strategies, and techniques applied by English language teachers. Hence, this qualitative study aims to explore English language teachers’ experiences on the transition of their English language pedagogy towards the new normal setup. A Hermeneutic Phenomenological design was utilized to describe and interpret the participants’ responses. 15 English language teachers from selected private and public schools participated in the study. The following themes emerged from the Focus Group Discussion: Overcoming new challenges in teaching job; Altruistic act of teachers towards the second language learners; Technology as the main tool for teaching; Teachers acting more as guides than facilitators; Eclectic approach as the common method to teaching English in this new normal. These findings imply that English language teachers have redesigned their teaching strategies following the capabilities and needs of the students. Also, some activities have been modified to make them compatible with distance learning. The researchers suggest investigating the other factors that may help the English language learners to learn the English language during distance learning.
Maternal and Foetal Outcomes in Early and Late Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy and their Association with Maternal Serum Bile Acid Levels: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gupta Sangeeta , Bhattarai Shreya , Gupta Taru , Arora Sarika
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (IHCP) also known as recurrent jaundice of pregnancy is a pregnancy specific benign liver disease presenting in the second and third trimester of pregnancy and is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. Aim: To study and compare the maternal and foetal outcomes in early and late IHCP and to evaluate the Serum Bile Acid (SBA) levels and its association with adverse maternal and foetal outcomes at a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi. Materials and Methods: This was an observational, prospective cohort study, conducted during September 2018 to March 2020 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ESI PGIMSR, Basaidarapur, New Delhi, India. A total of 196 antenatal women with clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of IHCP with deranged liver function tests were grouped on the basis of period of gestation as early IHCP ( diagnosed ≤32 weeks) comprising of 40 women, and late IHCP (diagnosed >32 weeks). comprising of 156 women. They were further divided into four groups A, B, C, D on the basis of the maternal Serum Bile Acid (SBA) levels between 10-19 mmol/L, 20-29 mmol/L, 30-39 mmol/L and ≥ 40 mmol/L, respectively. Maternal outcomes such as caesarean rates, instrumental delivery, postpartum haemorrhage, blood transfusion, hospital stay and foetal outcomes such as preterm birth, birth weight, Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (APGAR) score, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit(NICU) admission, intrauterine foetal demise and neonatal death were noted and association was found by Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher’s-exact test. Results: A total of 196 women(mean age 25.64±3.8 years, 40 in Early IHCP and 156 in late IHCP) were analysed for foetomaternal outcomes and were further divided into group A (n=138),group B (n=27), group C (n=13), and group D (n=18) on basis of maternal SBA. Adverse maternal outcomes such as high caesarean rates, instrumental delivery, postpartum haemorrhage, blood transfusion, prolonged hospital stay and adverse foetal outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, low APGAR score, NICU admission, intrauterine foetal demise and neonatal death was more common in early IHCP in comparison to late IHCP (p < 0.05). It was also observed that risk of adverse foetomaternal outcomes increased with increasing maternal SBA levels with maximum adverse outcomes seen in women with SBA ≥30mmol/L i.e., Group C and D (p<0.05). Conclusion: Women diagnosed with IHCP at an earlier gestation ≤ 32 weeks have more propensity towards adverse foetomaternal outcomes and significantly higher rate of adverse outcome was observed in patients with SBA level ≥30mmol/L.
Comparison of Sodium and Potassium Levels among COVID-19 Patients on Arterial Blood Gas Analysers and Clinical Chemistry Autoanalysers
Authors: Singh Mukesh Udevir , Negi Rakhi , Misra Pratibha , Kumar Ashwini , Mukherjee Bhasker , Sibin MK
Published: April 2022

Introduction: The electrolytes and Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) analysis are the crucial part of the evaluation in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Hyponatremia and hypokalemia are the electrolyte imbalance, commonly seen in COVID-19 and hence, patients require serial monitoring of electrolytes. Variations of sodium and potassium levels between arterial and venous blood are known, however as per existing literature, there are no previous studies on the comparison of electrolytes in COVID-19 patients, when analysed in arterial and venous blood, by different methods and its significance in clinical practice. Aim: To determine whether the sodium and potassium levels of COVID-19 patients are comparable when simultaneously analysed in arterial whole blood and venous serum sample, by ABG analyser and chemistry Autoanalyser (AA) respectively. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted among COVID-19 positive patients admitted in Medical Intensive Care Unit at a Tertiary Care Super-Specialty Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India, from February 2021 to June 2021. A total of 100 arterial and 100 venous blood samples of COVID-19 patients were analysed for sodium and potassium levels on Gem Premier 3000 Blood Gas Analyser and AutoQuant 400i chemistry AA. The statistical analysis was done by the Bland Altman method to assess the agreement between the method of measurement for sodium and potassium levels in arterial and venous samples. Shapiro-Wilk’s test was applied to check normal distribution and statistical variables in sodium and potassium values measured by two methods. Results: The mean values for sodium in arterial blood were 135.91±8.36 mmol/L and in serum was 140.26±8.49 mmol/L. The mean value of potassium in arterial blood was 4.12±0.76 mmol/L and in serum 4.41±0.67 mmol/L. Coefficients of variation for arterial and venous sample sodium level was 4.21 mmol/L and for potassium was 0.28, with bias (95% limits of agreement) of (4.96 to 3.46 mmol/L) and (0.35 to 0.21 mmol ⁄L), respectively. Conclusion: The present study found a significant difference in electrolyte levels when compared between arterial whole blood in ABG analyser and venous serum sample in chemistry autoanalyser in COVID-19 patients. So, the clinicians must be aware of these variations and the same has to be kept in mind, while interpreting the results in COVID-19.
A Phenomenological Approach to Multi-Higgs Production at High Energy
Authors: Abu-Ajamieh Fayez
Published: April 2022

We tackle the issue of the factorial growth in the amplitudes of multi-Higgs production at high energy by developing a phenomenological approach based on the Higgs splitting functions and Sudakov factors. We utilize the method of generating functionals to define several jet observables for the Higgs sector. Our results suggest that pure Higgs splittings should retain a good Ultraviolet (UV) behavior in contrast to the common picture represented by the breakdown of perturbation theory and the violation of unitarity due to the high multiplicity of particles produced at or near threshold, which is found in scalar theories. We thus argue that the issue of the factorial growth in the amplitude of multi-Higgs production is probably associated with applying perturbation theory in a regime where it is no longer valid and with the n\(\lambda\) \(\to\) \(\infty\) limit, as opposed to being a sign of new physics.
Effect of Spinal Anesthesia on Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction
Authors: Kimiaei-Asadi Hosein , Sanamar Saghi , Moradveisi Latif , Moradi Ahmad , Manouchehrian Nahid
Published: April 2022

Background: It seems that spinal anesthesia is an appropriate approach for elderly patients and those who are not suitable candidates for general anesthesia. This study aimed to determine the effect of spinal anesthesia on postoperative cognitive decline in elderly patients.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 81 patients older than 65 years of age with the ASA classes I and II. The cases were candidates for surgery and spinal anesthesia and referred to Besat Hospital, Hamadan, Iran. Moreover, they receive surgical treatment and underwent spinal anesthesia from 2019 to 2020. Wechsler Memory Scale-III (WMS-III) was utilized to compare the cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients before and after spinal anesthesia. Furthermore, the WMS-III scores were compared before and after anesthesia to assess the severity of cognitive dysfunction, short- and long-term memories, as well as concentration rate at discharge.

Results: According to the results, there was no significant difference before and after spinal anesthesia regarding the mean mental control, repetition, visual reproduction, and verbal paired associates (P>0.05). Moreover, the mean values of spatial addition (Z=-2.07; P=0.03) navigation (Z=-2.13; P=0.03), and logical memory (Z=-2.42; P=0.01) increased after spinal anesthesia. In addition, the mean values of the memory coefficient were estimated at 68.28±16.77 and 68.66±16.94, respectively. The comparison of memory coefficient among elderly patients undergoing spinal anesthesia showed no significant difference before and after spinal anesthesia (Z=-1.51; P=0.13). A reverse correlation was reported between age and memory coefficient before (r=-0.46; P<0.005) and after spinal anesthesia (r=-0.405; P<0.005).

Conclusion: Spinal anesthesia had no effects on memory coefficient. However, there was an increase in some memory function domains, including spatial addition, navigation, and logical memory after the operation. The memory scores may have been affected by the patients' conditions before the operation.
Correlation between Changes in End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide and Stroke Volume Variation Detected by Electrical Cardiometry as a Predictor of Fluid Volume Responsiveness in Hemodynamically Unstable Patients in the Intensive Care
Authors: Abo-Elkhier Ahmed Elbaiomy , Ghaffar Mohamed Samir Abd El , Alrahman Reda Sobhi Salamh Abd , Hawary Salama Ibrahim El
Published: April 2022

Background: The requirement for cardiac output (CO) measurements typically restricts the widely used passive leg raising (PLR) test for a set of patients because they need costly or intrusive hemodynamic surveillance equipment. This trial aimed to evaluate the role of end-tidal CO2 pressure (EtCO2) monitoring in the prediction of the fluid responsiveness in connection to                 stroke volume variation (SVV) observed in unstable hemodynamic patients in electrical cardiometry (EC).

Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out on 60 cases aged 18 years or above with hypotension and mechanically ventilated patients in critical care. Patients were classified into two groups according to the SVV:a) Responder group (SVV≥10%) and b) non-responder group. All patients were mechanically ventilated and received sedation and muscle relaxation with no spontaneous respiratory effort.

Results: EtCO2 was significantly increased in responder group than non-responder group at the end (P value = 0.002). SVV was significantly higher in responder group than non-responder group at the baseline (P <0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between SVV and EtCo2 (r = -0.456, P <0.001) and a significant positive correlation between cardiac index and EtCO2 (r = -0.456, P = 0.005). Ä EtCO2 can predict fluid responsiveness significantly (P <0.001) at cut-off > 3 mmHg with 81.4% sensitivity, 88.24% specificity.

Conclusion: EtCO2 existed as a simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive alternative for the CO in the evaluation of various shock conditions. Ä EtCO2 can also predict fluid responsiveness significantly (P <0.001) at cut-off > 3 mmHg with 81.4% sensitivity, 88.24% specificity.
Effect of Different Physiological Parameters on Sporulation and Mycelial Growth of Macrophomina phaseolina Isolated from Fenugreek In Vitro
Authors: Kumari Santosh , Meena A. K. , Singh Jasveer , Jatav Arti
Published: April 2022

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) also known as Methi belongs to family leguminoceae. The study of physiological parameters for the mycelial growth and sporulation of the Macrophomina phaseolina was undertaken by culturing the pathogen in different physiological parameters. Among the temperature, highest mycelium growth and sporulation was recorded at 35°C. In all the tested different lights maximum mycelial growth and sporulation of M. phaseolina was observed in black light. Among the carbon and nitrogen sources maximum mycelial growth and sporulation were observed in sucrose and L-alanine. Respectively, in all the tested different pH levels maximum mycelial growth and sporulation was recorded at 7.0 pH.
Income and Household Consumption Expenditure in Nigeria (1986–2020)
Authors: Tokoya B. O. , Aiyeku O. H. , Shonibare A. A. , Ipinjolu O. A. , Dairo R. O.
Published: April 2022

The correlation between household consumption expenditure and income in Nigeria was examined using annual time series data (1986–2020). The objectives of the study were achieved using some econometrics tools like the error correction model, the Johansen co-integration test, and the Granger causality test. There is a long-run relationship between income and household consumption expenditure, as revealed by the Johansen co-integration test. The errors that arose in the short run were corrected in the long run using the error correction model. There is a direct and significant relationship between household consumption expenditure and income, while other variables, except inflation, exhibit the same relationship. Inflation shows an indirect relationship. Since there was a long-term relationship between household consumption expenditure and income, the study recommended that the government enhance its welfare activities to improve the citizens’ ability to buy goods and services. The interest rate should be reduced to encourage both potential and existing investors. The monetary authorities should embark on policies that will ensure a reduction in inflation rates and also ensure price stability. This would increase the value of each household's income and lead to an increase in household consumption.
Mitochondrial DNA rearrangements: Intracellular information system
Authors: Juretic Nenad
Published: July 2002

The extent of mtDNA rearrangements has been analyzed in nDNA preparations of rat and human with a statistically representative group of oligonucleotides directed to two regions of mtDNA: genes for cytochrome oxidase subunits I and III. Human PCR preparations generated with oligonucleotides directed ‘normally’ showed the expected fragment for mtDNA and the presence of a plethora of fragments with rearrangements (deletions and insertions), in contrast to rat PCR preparations under the same reaction conditions in which these kinds of rearranged fragments were rarely observed. Both human and rat PCR preparations generated with oligonucleotides directed ‘inversely’ showed numerous fragments, some of which showed differences in copy number correlating with distinct phases during development/aging. Sequence analysis of some normal and rearranged fragments demonstrated in all cases DNA sequences 99% homologous to mtDNA that had been either deleted or inversely ligated with other mtDNA sequences at rearranged fragments. No evidence of nuclear DNA sequences was found. The following scheme is proposed for mtDNA rearrangements during the lifetime of an organism: variation in copy number of some fragments with inversions of mtDNA depends on the specific developmental/aging period; in old cells there is an increase in higher molecular weight mtDNA deletions. These findings strongly suggest that the mtDNA rearrangements play a role as an intracellular ‘information system’.