bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoacoustic tomography in attenuating media with partial data
Authors: Palacios Benjamin
Published: March 2022

The attenuation of ultrasound waves in photoacoustic and thermoacoustic imaging presents an important drawback in the applicability of these modalities. This issue has been addressed previously in the applied and theoretical literature, and some advances have been made on the topic. In particular, stability inequalities have been proposed for the inverse problem of initial source recovery with partial observations under the assumption of unique determination of the initial pressure. The main goal of this work is to fill this gap, this is, we prove the uniqueness property for the inverse problem and establish the associated stability estimates as well. The problem of reconstructing the initial condition of acoustic waves in the complete-data setting is revisited and a new Neumann series reconstruction formula is obtained for the case of partial observations in a semi-bounded geometry. A numerical simulation is also included to test the method.
Higher bifurcations for polynomial skew products
Authors: Astorg Matthieu , Bianchi Fabrizio
Published: March 2022

We continue our investigation of the parameter space of families of polynomial skew products. Assuming that the base polynomial has a Julia set not totally disconnected and is neither a Chebyshev nor a power map, we prove that, near any bifurcation parameter, one can find parameters where \begin{document}$ k $\end{document} critical points bifurcate independently, with \begin{document}$ k $\end{document} up to the dimension of the parameter space. This is a striking difference with respect to the one-dimensional case. The proof is based on a variant of the inclination lemma, applied to the postcritical set at a Misiurewicz parameter. By means of an analytical criterion for the non-vanishing of the self-intersections of the bifurcation current, we deduce the equality of the supports of the bifurcation current and the bifurcation measure for such families. Combined with results by Dujardin and Taflin, this also implies that the support of the bifurcation measure in these families has non-empty interior. As part of our proof we construct, in these families, subfamilies of codimension 1 where the bifurcation locus has non empty interior. This provides a new independent proof of the existence of holomorphic families of arbitrarily large dimension whose bifurcation locus has non empty interior. Finally, it shows that the Hausdorff dimension of the support of the bifurcation measure is maximal at any point of its support.
Effects of inter-cavity corrosion on metallic wall ties in masonry structures
Authors: Chaves Igor A , Melchers Robert E , do Nascimento Barbara Jardim , Philips Jordan , Masia Mark
Published: March 2022

An important structural component for cavity brick and masonry-veneer construction are wall ties. Typically, they are galvanized steel, sufficiently strong to provide continuity for transmission of direct and shear forces. However, field observations show they are prone to long-term corrosion and this can have serious structural implications under extreme events such as earthquakes. Opportunistic observations show corrosion occurs largely to the internal masonry interface zone even though conventional Code requirements specify corrosion testing for the whole tie. To throw light on the issue electrochemical test for 2 grades of galvanized ties and 316 stainless steels combined with three different mortar compositions are reported. Most severe corrosion occurred at the masonry interface and sometimes within the masonry itself. Structural capacity tests showed galvanized ties performed better than stainless steel ties in lieu of stainless steel R4 class ties presenting significantly greater relative losses of yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation structural capacity compared to R2 low galvanized and R3 heavy galvanized tie classes.
New approach on controllability of Hilfer fractional derivatives with nondense domain
Authors: Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Jothimani Kasthurisamy , Ravichandran Chokkalingam , Baleanu Dumitru , Kumar Devendra
Published: March 2022

This work picturizes the results on the controllability of the nondense Hilfer neutral fractional derivative (HNFD). The uniqueness and controllability of HNFD are discussed with Mönch theorem and Banach contraction technique. In addition, a numerical approximation is given to deal with different criteria of our results.
Novel analysis of nonlinear dynamics of a fractional model for tuberculosis disease via the generalized Caputo fractional derivative operator (case study of Nigeria)
Authors: Rashid Saima , Sánchez Yolanda Guerrero , Singh Jagdev , Abualnaja Khadijah M
Published: March 2022

We propose a new mathematical framework of generalized fractional-order to investigate the tuberculosis model with treatment. Under the generalized Caputo fractional derivative notion, the system comprises a network of five nonlinear differential equations. Besides that, the equilibrium points, stability and basic reproductive number are calculated. The concerned derivative involves a power-law kernel and, very recently, it has been adapted for various applied problems. The existence findings for the fractional-order tuberculosis model are validated using the Banach and Leray-Schauder nonlinear alternative fixed point postulates. For the developed framework, we have generated various forms of Ulam's stability outcomes. To investigate the estimated response and nonlinear behaviour of the system under investigation, the efficient mathematical formulation known as the $ \wp $-Laplace Adomian decomposition technique algorithm was implemented. It is important to mention that, with the exception of numerous contemporary discussions, spatial coherence was considered throughout the fractionalization procedure of the classical model. Simulation and comparison analysis yield more versatile outcomes than the existing techniques.
On Caputo fractional derivative inequalities by using strongly $ (\alpha, h-m) $-convexity
Authors: Yan Tao , Farid Ghulam , Bibi Sidra , Nonlaopon Kamsing
Published: March 2022

In the literature of mathematical inequalities, one can have different variants of the well-known Hadamard inequality for CFD (Caputo fractional derivatives). These variants include generalizations, extensions and refinements which have been proved by defining new classes of functions. This paper aims to formulate inequalities of the Hadamard type which will simultaneously produce refinements and generalizations of many fractional versions of such inequalities that already exist in the literature. The error bounds of some existing inequalities are also proved by applying well-known identities. The results given in this paper are improvements of several well-known Hadamard type Caputo fractional derivative inequalities.
Fractional identities involving exponential kernel and associated fractional trapezium like inequalities
Authors: Vivas-Cortez Miguel , Awan Muhammad Uzair , Talib Sadia , Ye Guoju , Noor Muhammad Aslam
Published: March 2022

The main objective of this paper is to derive some new variants of trapezium like inequalities involving $ k $-fractional integrals with exponential kernel essentially using the definition of preinvex functions. Fractional bounds associated with some new fractional integral identities are also obtained. In order to show the significance of our main results, we also discuss applications to means and $ q $-digamma functions. We discuss special cases which show that our results are quite unifying.
Sieve bootstrap test for multiple change points in the mean of long memory sequence
Authors: Zhao Wenzhi , Liu Dou , Wang Huiming
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the sieve bootstrap test for multiple change points in the mean of long memory sequence is studied. Firstly, the ANOVA test statistics for change points detection is obtained. Secondly, sieve bootstrap statistics is constructed and the consistency under the Mallows measure is proved. Finally, the effectiveness of the method was illustrated by simulation and example analysis. Simulation results show that our method can not only control the empirical size well but also have reasonable good power.
Input-output $ L^2 $-well-posedness, regularity and Lyapunov stability of string equations on networks
Authors: Liu Dongyi , Xu Genqi
Published: March 2022

We consider the general networks of elastic strings with Neumann boundary feedbacks and collocated observations in this paper. By selecting an appropriate multiplier, we show that this system is input-output \begin{document}$ L^2 $\end{document}-well-posed. Moreover, we verify its regularity by calculating the input-output transfer function of system. In the end, by choosing an appropriate multiplier, we give a method to construct a Lyapunov functional and prove the exponential decay of tree-shaped networks with one fixed root under velocity feedbacks acted on all leaf vertices.
Tsunami Evacuation Drill System Focusing on Mobile Devices
Authors: Mitsuhara Hiroyuki , Shishibori Masami
Published: March 2022

Natural disasters, such as tsunami, claim lives of many coastal residents every year. Therefore, tsunami evacuation drills are important for costal residents to survive tsunami. We developed a tsunami evacuation drill system that enables participants to evacuate and move to a shelter while occasionally glancing at a map-based tsunami simulation on mobile devices.The system has the following advantages: (1) a practitioner can easily customise the simulation, (2) the simulation can be displayed on a web browser and (3) the participants’ evacuation routes can be recorded and displayed on the simulation system.We conducted a preliminary comparative experiment with 18 university students and found that the developed system was accepted more by participants using a tablet rather than by those using smartglasses.
Development of Android Physics Learning Tools Based on Local Wisdom Traditional Game Bola Boy as a Learning Source
Authors: Mudjid Rosita Madjis , Supahar  , Putranta Himawan , Hetmina Dickson Simonidez
Published: March 2022

Teachers must develop learning tools that can assist students in making it easier to follow the course of learning and improve students' abilities. Teachers can integrate local wisdom into learning tools that will have an impact on increasing student competence. The purpose of this research is to produce learning tools based on local wisdom that is suitable for use. The learning tools developed to consist of the lesson plan, student worksheets, and Android media. Based on the results of the feasibility assessment by several validators consisting of two experts, two physics teachers, and three colleagues, the learning tools developed are in a good category and are suitable for use with an average score between 3.80 to 4.40. Furthermore, 30 students tested the product to determine the readability of the product, namely android media as a learning media. Based on the results of the product trial analysis, it is known that the android media product is in the very good category and is worthy of being used as a learning resource on a larger scale with an average score of 4.10. This learning tool can be used as an alternative to contextual physics learning guidelines.
Employing Mobile Technologies to Investigate the Association Between Abstraction Skills and Performance in Environmental Studies in Early Primary School
Authors: Kanaki Kalliopi , Kalogiannakis Michail , Poulakis Emmanouil , Politis Panagiotis
Published: March 2022

In the modern digital era, the impressive development of mobile technologies has entailed the reformation of orientations, dispositions and stances in education, changing the dominant approaches to learning. In this article, we introduce the novel idea of the synergistic development of computational thinking skills and environmental awareness in the early primary school years, by employing mobile technologies.
Framework for Gamification of Online Training Platforms for Employee Engagement Enhancement
Authors: Alfaqiri Abdullatif Saleh , Noor Siti Fadzilah Mat , Sahari Noraidah
Published: March 2022

Organizations have moved away from traditional classroom-based training to online training whereby employees can attend courses at their convenience either at home or in the workplace. This transition has been fuelled by lockdowns that governments worldwide have implemented to counter the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, where employees are expected to work or attend training from home. However, several issues including lack of employee engagement hinder the effective delivery of online corporate training. In recent years, gamification has been identified as a solution to lack of engagement in education. Gamification involves the incorporation of game elements into non-game applications to encourage user engagement, where different combinations are used for different learning contexts. However, little research has been done to identify suitable game elements for the gamification of corporate online training. This study proposes a set of game elements to improve employee engagement with online training platforms. A step-by-step analysis of the literature led to the identification of nine potentially suitable game elements. These elements were evaluated by a group of experts selected from five well-known training providers in Saudi Arabia, who completed a semi-structured interview questionnaire about the usability, completeness, and usefulness of the elements. The result of the evaluation indicated that the identified game elements will be able to effectively and efficiently improve employee engagement. The set of nine game elements was then incorporated into a proposed framework for the gamification of online training platforms to enhance employee engagement.
Identification of Flexural Modulus and Poisson’s Ratio of Fresh Femoral Bone Based on a Finite Element Model
Authors: Nabudda Kriengkrai , Suriyawanakul Jarupol , Tangchaichit Kiatfa , Pholdee Nantiwat , Kosuwon Weerachai , Wisanuyotin Taweechok , Sukhonthamarn Kamolsak
Published: March 2022

Finite element analysis (FEA) is increasingly applied to medicine because it could increase accuracy and rapid outcomes. However, there is a lack of the method to determine Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio for fresh femoral bone and the mathematical principle’s optimization for calculating nonuniform configuration. This study aimed to investigate the surrogate model for the optimization method to determine Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio of the fresh femoral bone. Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio obtained 20 ranked pairs by the Latin hypercube sampling method. The values ​​were calculated in the finite element for root mean square error (RMSE) and were then used for solutions by a quadratic function, radial basis function (RBF), and Kriging (KG). The lowest RMSE value was 0.1518 for the RBF method, with the young’s modulus at 304.4756 and the Poisson’s ratio at 0.3334. The current study identified the RBF technique to determine the properties of the femoral bone. Moreover, the RBF procedure might apply to other long bones because of the comparable nonuniform configuration.
Ufundi and Tekinolojia in Independent Tanzania: Kiswahili Lexicons of Specialization in Adult Education Manuals, 1960s to 1980s
Authors: Grace Joshua
Published: March 2022

In the 1970s and 1980s, Tanzanian Publishing House, a government parastatal of the East African nation, embarked upon a project to spread practical yet specialized knowledge to its citizens through a series of twenty how–to Kiswahili manuals called Vitabu Vya Ufundi (“Books of Specialization”). The authors who participated in this project certainly helped shape a national technical language by introducing new terms in both English and Kiswahili. Yet equally important, and the subject of this essay, is that the authors drew upon pre-existing linguistic frameworks and categories for establishing the boundaries of useful knowledge. Using seven of these manuals, this essay demonstrates how a broad, flexible, and historic Kiswahili term for specialization, ufundi, provided a framework for state entities, practitioners-turned-authors, and citizens to establish and negotiate the boundaries of knowledge production during the independent period. It further shows how the vernacularized term for technology, tekinolojia, found uptake with and through established discourses of ufundi and their relationship to two other significant terms, kilimo (farming or agriculture) and maendeleo (development).
Canguilhem et « la technique »
Authors: Deldicque Timothée
Published: March 2022

La restitution et la contextualisation de la critique faite par Georges Canguilhem de la thèse réduisant « la technique » à l’application de « la science » permet de formuler l’hypothèse suivante : cette critique constitue une réponse, faite depuis la philosophie, à « la crise de la raison » qui secoue l’entre-deux-guerres et remet en cause l’association entre science et progrès, à l’instar du programme de recherche sur les rapports entre science et technique né en sciences humaines à la même époque à l’initiative des Annales. Les deux peuvent être rapprochés dans la mesure où ils placent en leur centre l’idée d’« action réciproque » entre science et technique se trouvant également au cœur de l’interprétation faite de la pensée de Marx par les intellectuels philosoviétiques français au milieu des années 1930. La critique de Canguilhem se nourrit de ces conceptions mais par d’autres aspects, concernant au premier chef sa philosophie des valeurs puis sa « philosophie biologique », elle s’en démarque.
La technologie : paradigmes grecs d’une science sociale française
Authors: Iribarren Leopoldo
Published: March 2022

Cette étude porte sur les contributions d’Alfred Espinas (1844-1922) et de Jean-Pierre Vernant (1914-2007) à la définition de la technologie historique comme science sociale. Appartenant à des générations différentes et mobilisant des cadres théoriques antagonistes (Durkheim et Marx, respectivement), leurs travaux ont en commun le recours au paradigme grec pour fonder notre compréhension de l’agir technique comme fait social. Il s’agira d’analyser les ouvertures et les limites de chacune de ces approches.
La technologie de Leroi-Gourhan : les enchevêtrements d’un chef de file
Authors: Schlanger Nathan
Published: March 2022

André Leroi-Gourhan est justement reconnu comme le continuateur de Marcel Mauss et le chef-de-file de la technologie française – entendue comme l’étude des techniques dans les sciences humaines et sociales. Les ressources et les références avec lesquelles il construit sa technologie ne sont cependant pas faciles à élucider. Durant la période qui nous intéresse ici, de la fin des années 1930 au début des années 1950, avant donc que ne s’élabore Le Geste et la parole, ce « détestable bibliographe » était rarement explicite sur les diverses influences, parfois inattendues, qu’il subissait, qu’il adaptait ou encore qu’il occultait. S’appuyant sur des publications peu connues et des sources d’archives, ce chapitre reprend des éléments d’une étude plus large, L’Invention de la technologie. Une histoire intellectuelle avec André Leroi-Gourhan (à paraître, PUF, 2022).
Infinite Game of Poverty Alleviation (IGPA) and Accumulation of Environmental and Socio-Cultural Capital
Authors: Gnanapala W. K. A. C. , Peiris T. U. I. , Wijekoon W. M. S. S. , Sandaruwani J. A. R. C.
Published: March 2022

Although poverty alleviation has become an infinite game globally since the late 1940s, Sri Lanka has not identified poverty as an issue until recently. The socio-welfare-based economic policies and continuous election-centered poverty alleviation programs push the country into the IGPA, even though the country is accumulated with plentiful natural and socio-cultural resources. Consequently, Sri Lanka struggles with severe economic crises and political chaos, worsening IGPA, which has not been adequately addressed in prevailing academic literature. This study attempts to fill this void by adopting the social-constructivism approach. Nine semi-structured interviews and three focus group discussions were conducted, plus direct observation of the rural landscape of Sri Lanka. Findings indicate IGPA has become an influential determining factor in deciding the potential ruling government, and every government has included IGPA in their political manifesto under different titles. However, the disintegration between rural poverty alleviation and sustainable capitalization led the nation to be retained with IGPA.
Viral kinetics in SARS-CoV-2 infected asymptomatic patients
Authors: Abeywardana K. D. S. T. , Janage S. N. , Athukorala L. S. , Udawatta Y. Y. , Sudararaj R. S. , Dharmasiri A. W. R. , Arachchige N. D. S.
Published: March 2022

Introduction: As the daily number of patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection by PCR increases, the necessity to identify truly infectious cases becomes more significant. We aimed to identify a cut-off Ct value of the COVID-19 RT-PCR assay for likely infectivity by assessing the COVID-19 IgG status and investigating the utility of the Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) in identifying infectious cases among asymptomatic individuals.
Methods: Nasopharyngeal/throat swabs were simultaneously taken for COVID-19 RT-PCR and RAT from 552 asymptomatic individuals at De Soysa Maternity Hospital, Colombo, from 23rd of November to 19th of December 2020. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 IgG (against nucleoprotein) status in PCR positive individuals was evaluated when simultaneously taken sera was available.
Results: COVID-19 RT-PCR positive rate among asymptomatic individuals was 14.3% (n=79).  The overall sensitivity of RAT was 30.4% but increased to 73.9% when Ct values below 25 were considered. The COVID-19 IgG response was evaluated in 37 PCR positive subjects and the overall seropositivity was 40.5%.  The optimal Ct thresholds for discrimination of COVID-19 IgG status were 30.5 and 30.29 for the E and S gene respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between Ct values of the E gene and IgG ratio values (r=0.345, p<0.05). The Ct thresholds for RAT positivity were 26.5 and 26.06 for E and S genes respectively, with a significant negative correlation (p<0.001).
Conclusion: We conclude that it is possible to define a cut off Ct value in SARS-CoV-2 PCR (with some error margin for practical purposes) for likely non-infectivity. It was also deduced that positive COVID-19 rapid antigen result seems to be more predictive of infectivity in comparison to positive PCR result.
Comparison of Insulin-Treated Patients with Ambiguous Diabetes Type with Definite Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Subjects: A Clinical Perspective
Authors: Laspe Insa , Meier Juris J. , Nauck Michael A.
Published: March 2022

In clinical practice, the distinction between type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can be challenging, leaving patients with “ambiguous” diabetes type. Insulin-treated patients (n=115) previously diagnosed with T2DM had to be re-classified based on clinical phenotype and laboratory results, and were operationally defined as having an ambiguous diabetes type. They were compared against patients with definite T1DM and T2DM regarding 12 clinical and laboratory features typically different between diabetes types. Characteristics of patients with ambiguous diabetes type, representing approximately 6% of all patients with T1DM or T2DM seen at our specialized clinic, fell in between those of patients with definite T1DM and T2DM, both regarding individual features and with respect to a novel classification based on multi-variable regression analysis (P<0.0001). In conclusion, a substantial proportion of diabetes patients in a tertiary care centre presented with an “ambiguous” diabetes type. Their clinical characteristics fall in between those of definite T1DM or T2DM patients.
Predictive models for first arrivals on seismic reflection data, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Ontario
Authors: Patwa B , St-Charles P L , Bellefleur G , Rousseau B
Published: March 2022

First arrivals are the primary waves picked and analyzed by seismologists to infer properties of the subsurface. Here we try to solve a problem in a small subsection of the seismic processing workflow: first break picking of seismic reflection data. We formulate
this problem as an image segmentation task. Data is preprocessed, cleaned from outliers and extrapolated to make the training of deep learning models feasible. We use Fully Convolutional Networks (specifically UNets) to train initial models and explore their performance with losses, layer depths,
and the number of classes. We propose to use residual connections to improve each UNet block and residual paths to solve the semantic gap between UNet encoder and decoder which improves the performance of the model. Adding spatial information as an extra channel helped increase the RMSE performance
of the first break predictions. Other techniques like data augmentation, multitask loss, and normalization methods, were further explored to evaluate model improvement.
Organic geochemistry of the Montney Formation: new insights about the source of hydrocarbons, their accumulation history and post accumulation processes
Authors: Cesar J R , Ardakani O H
Published: March 2022

This study consists of a non-traditional molecular and stable isotope approach to analyze organic matter (soluble bitumen and produced oil/condensate) from the Montney Formation low-permeability reservoirs, with the purpose of identifying source(s) of
hydrocarbons, accumulation history and post accumulation processes. The same approach bases on the distribution of compound classes such as aromatic carotenoids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), bicyclic alkanes, and oxygen-polar compounds. The geochemical screening has been enhanced with
performing compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA) of n-alkanes and selected aromatic hydrocarbons. Widely spread PAHs, the presence of molecular indicators of euxinia, and hydrocarbon mixtures identified using CSIA profiles, are some of the key findings from this research, which will improve our
understanding of the Montney petroleum system(s).
Identification of regional structural corridors in the Montney play using trend surface analysis combined with geophysical imaging
Authors: Wozniakowska P , Eaton D W , Deblonde C , Mort A , Ardakani O H
Published: March 2022

Induced (anthropogenic) earthquakes are caused by reactivation of pre-existing faults due to human activities, including hydraulic fracturing and saltwater disposal. The Montney play, the pre-eminent shale gas play in Canada, contains localized regions with
relatively high geological susceptibility to induced seismicity. Identification of potential seismogenic structures is hindered because published fault maps in the Montney play are often focused on small areas, leading to inconsistencies when these are compiled across the region. We have developed a
regional framework based on structural corridors: complex, multi-strand faults systems. A three-step structural interpretation workflow was used, including seismic and structural interpretation along with trend surface analysis (TSA). This approach was used to identify 34 structural corridors in NE
BC and NW Alberta.
Stratigraphy, facies heterogeneities, and structure in the Montney Formation of northeastern British Columbia: relation to H2S distribution
Authors: Mackie S J , Furlong C M , Pedersen P K , Ardakani O H
Published: March 2022

In the last decade, the Lower Triassic Montney Formation of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) has undergone significant development, providing a rich dataset to study structural, stratigraphic, and facies control on the variations in hydrogen sulphide
(H2S) gas content. Splitting the siltstone dominated Montney into the three regional members (i.e., Lower Montney, Middle Montney, and Upper Montney) allows for detailed analysis on the enrichment of H2S within a local-scale study area in northeastern British Columbia (BC). Within this study area,
Upper Montney H2S content increases within individual parasequences both up-dip and towards the east. In addition to potential up-dip migration, there may be greater sulphur-bearing components in the east, allowing for the sulphate reduction required to generate H2S. The overlying Middle Triassic
thins eastward, providing proximity to the overlying anhydrite-rich beds of the Upper Triassic Charlie Lake Formation. Further, the overlying Middle Triassic Sunset Prairie Formation has an erosional edge that corresponds with eastern elevated H2S concentrations within the Upper Montney unit. Mapped
structures are syn-depositional to the Middle Triassic, potentially providing conduits for early sulphate-rich fluid migration.
In the Middle and Lower Montney, elevated H2S generally occurs with proximity to the top of the Permian Belloy Formation. Within this study area, limited Lower Montney data is available and thus needs to be further corroborated with regional data. Both the Middle and Lower Montney display elevated
H2S in trends that generally align with mapped faults. The faults may have acted as conduits for sulphate-rich fluids to migrate during early burial then migrate laterally through facies that may have been permeable during early burial, such as the carbonate-rich facies at the boundary between the
Middle and Lower Montney. Further core and isotope analyses are required to fully understand this relationship.
Urine Trypsinogen-2 as a Noninvasive Screening Test for Predicting Post-ERCP Pancreatitis (PEP)
Authors: Yewale Rohan Vijay , Vinish Doraiswami Babu , Jayaraman Kayalvizhi , Chand Naveen , Papalkar Parag , Ramakrishna Balakrishnan Siddartha
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives:

post endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (post-ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) is a notorious complication of ERCP procedure with varying incidence and severity across literature. There is a dearth of screening modalities which can accurately predict PEP in the immediate postprocedure period. The objective of our study was to assess the reliability of a rapid urine trypsinogen-2 dipstick test in predicting PEP at 4 h post-ERCP.

Methods:

This was a prospective, single center, analytical study conducted over a period of eighteen months among 124 patients who underwent ERCP for various biliary indications at SRM Institute for Medical Sciences Hospital, Chennai. Patients with acute or chronic pancreatitis and those undergoing any form of pancreatic endotherapy were specifically excluded. Urine samples were collected at 4 h postprocedure and tested for trypsinogen-2 using a commercially available, rapid urine dipstick test with a lower limit of detection of 50 mg/L. Patients were subsequently followed up for a day and assessed clinically and biochemically for the development of PEP.

Results:

After excluding 57 patients out of the 124 as per the exclusion criteria, a total of 79 patients who underwent ERCP for various biliary indications were ultimately enrolled for the study and subsequent analysis. Three out of the seventy nine patients in the study population were diagnosed to have PEP (3.79%) and one out of the three patients developed severe acute PEP. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of urine trypsinogen-2 at 4 h post-ERCP as a predictor of PEP were 66.7%, 92.1%, 25%, 98.3% and 91.1%, respectively. Serum lipase levels were elevated more than or equal to three times upper limit of normal in a total of eleven patients (11/79). 8/11 patients had asymptomatic hyperlipasemia. Median serum lipase level in patients with PEP was 864 U/L.

Conclusion:

Urine trypsinogen 2 dipstick can be reliably used as a screening test in ruling out PEP and guiding clinicians in discharging patients on the day of ERCP procedure. However, larger, blinded studies with lesser logistic limitations are needed to provide further evidence to extrapolate our data and advocate the utilization of this test in routine practice.
Rare Case Reports of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Inferior Vena Cava and Right Atrium Tumor Thrombus and Extension Into Left Renal Vein
Authors: Barua Parimita , Narayanasamy K. , Selvi Santhi , Kumar Prem
Published: March 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor thrombus extending to hepatic vein, inferior vena cava (IVC), and right atrium is rare and considered to be fairly advanced with a poor prognosis. We report two such cases from a single tertiary care center in South India. Treatment options in such patients are limited as the disease is extensive. We conducted a literature search for such case reports on PubMed. Compared with published literature, one of our cases had hepatic vein, IVC, left renal vein with tumor thrombus in the right atrium which has not been reported so far. Both the patients were started on systemic chemotherapy but succumbed to illness 4 and 7 weeks after initiation of chemotherapy.
Use of Variceal Banding in Gastric Polyps Bleed-A Prototype Technique in Children
Authors: Kesavelu Dhanasekhar , Satheesan Radhakrishnan
Published: March 2022

An 8-year-old girl with a known history of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome presents a history of hematemesis to the emergency room following an episode of reaching in the early hours of the morning. Her initial evaluation showed a hemodynamically stable child but had multiple episodes of retching which were managed conservatively. She has had a past history of acute pancreatitis for which she was in pancreatic supplements and she also had a magnetic resonance imaging of the brain which was normal. She presented with a history of ileo-ileal intussusception for which she was operated 5 years ago with an end-to-end anastomosis and she has been asymptomatic since. Her annual endoscopic surveillance showed polyposis of the colon which was resected and she was under constant follow-up. She had an episode of hematemesis was an acute episode which needed evaluation with an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy which showed the presence of polyps in the gastric antrum and pylorus with Grade 2 esophageal varices. She underwent prophylactic variceal banding for her esophageal varices. Further upper GI endoscopy evaluation showed the presence of polyps in the gastric antrum, body, and pylorus. We decided to use the variceal bands to ligate the gastric polyps as an unorthodox conventional technique, as the risk of bleeding and perforation are high in polypectomy. We Find banding of gastric polyps a very safe and effective method to remove gastric polyps in the stomach.
Pinna Injuries Management at Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Sinha Vikas , Parmar Bhagirathsinh D. , Senta Nilam T. , Jha Sushil G. , Yadav Sandeep Kumar
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Ear is one of the most important parts of the face along with the nose and eyes, as normal pinna is projected outward, it is highly vulnerable to injury by road traffic accident (RTA) and other causes.

Aim of Study:

The aim of the study was to evaluate various etiology, management, and treatment outcomes of pinna injury.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty cases of pinna injuries were treated medically and surgically over a period of 1 year at Sir T Hospital, Government Medical College, Bhavnagar, India.

Results:

It was observed that RTA (46%) was the most common cause of pinna injury.

Conclusion:

RTA is the most common cause of injury to pinna, followed by assault, thermal injury, human bite, and animal bite. To lessen the risk of perichondritis, aseptic precautions are most important thing.
Bilateral Cochlear-Facial Dehiscence Clinically Revealed after Performing Heimlich Maneuver
Authors: Longoni Valentina , Pistorio Vincenzo , Tirelli Giancarlo , Achilli Vittorio Pietro
Published: March 2022

Cochlear-facial dehiscence (CFD) has been considered in differential diagnosis in case of intermitting hearing loss and/or rotational vertigo. Dehiscence into cochlea involving facial nerve is relatively rare. They are usually sequel of secondary events. A case of bilateral CFD clinically revealed in a sudden way after performing Heimlich maneuver in a middle-aged nurse. We hypothesized clinically onset resulting of a pressure-related mechanism added to congenital dehiscence. High-resolution computerized tomography is mandatory in patients with hearing loss without otherwise identifiable cause. Anyway, symptomatic CFD is less more than radiological prevalence. CFD may create a third window effect and could arise with a wide range of symptoms of whom intermitting hearing loss ad rotational vertigo.
Comparison of Video Head Impulse Test Findings in Individuals Aged between 20–39 and 40–60 Years
Authors: Gedik Özge , Bal Nilüfer , Özdemir Sümeyye , Mutlu Berna Özge , Taşdemir Elifnur , Kaya Burcu , Kurt Eda , Kaya Nur Sema , Durukan Zeynep
Published: March 2022

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the normal gain values specific to each semicircular canals by using the goggle-less model of video head impulse test (vHIT) between ages of 20–39 and 40–60, gender and age-related gain values changes.

Materials and Methods:

The present study was performed in 99 participants aged 20–39 years and 100 participants aged 40–60 years. Each semicircular canal gain values were interpreted by comparing for both the age group of 20–39 and 40–60 years and gender.

Results:

The mean right lateral, right posterior, left lateral, and left posterior canal gain of 20–39 age group was significantly higher than the 40–60 age group. Regardless of age, while the mean left lateral canal gain in females was significantly higher than males, the mean right anterior and right posterior canal gain was significantly higher in males. The mean right lateral and the left lateral canal gains were significantly higher in females in the 20–39 years' age group; however, the mean right anterior, right posterior, and left posterior canals gains were significantly higher in males than in females. The mean right lateral canal gain in males was significantly higher in the 40–60 age group than that of females.

Conclusions:

The vHIT as a standard test for vestibular assessment provides clinical benefits, in addition the comparing for different age groups for goggle-less vHIT model will provide more beneficial results in the evaluation of patients. In the literature, there are not many studies on the goggle-less vHIT device, so we believe our study will be a pioneer in this field.
Cochlear Implant Habilitation During Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kumari Abha , Sahoo Lokanath , Patnaik Uma , Dwivedi Gunjan
Published: March 2022

Aim and Objectives:

The current study was undertaken to assess the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on cochlear implant rehabilitation of children with congenital nonsyndromic bilateral severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The objectives were to find out the psychological impact of COVID-19 on parents of children with cochlear implant habilitation, to assess the performance of children with cochlear implant habilitation through teletherapy, and to analyze the problems faced by the parents to obtain the professional hearing health-care services for their cochlear implanted children.

Materials and Methods:

An online questionnaire survey was conducted among the parents of children who had undergone cochlear implantation (CI) consequent to congenital severe-to-profound SNHL. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, these children were receiving regular auditory verbal therapy (AVT) including visits to the Centre for audiological services (mapping and troubleshooting of the speech processor).

Results:

The online questionnaire survey has undertaken. A total of 50 parents were participated in this study. All the parents are unanimously reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected them in the form of accessing the professional health-care services for regular mapping and troubleshooting of the speech processor and also their children's rehabilitation. However, active involvement between the health-care professionals and the parents through video consultation and tele AVT has definitely helped the children to a great extent.

Conclusion:

The present study emphasizes the great challenge posed by the COVID-19 pandemic for continued rehabilitation of CI children. The innovative digital media technology helps in addressing such medical issues through telemedicine, teleaudiology, and teletherapy.
Bionic Hearing in Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Rajavenkat Shruti , Umashankar Abishek , Chandrasekaran Pachaiappan C
Published: March 2022

Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) is a condition in which the patient has poor speech perception abilities, which is characterized audiometrically with presence of oto acoustic emission and the absence of auditory brain stem response. Several authors have categorized ANSD into various types based on the anatomical and physiological origin or based up the audiometric findings. This systematic review study focuses on illuminating the benefit of cochlear implants or auditory brain stem implants for children diagnosed with ANSD.
The Quality of Life of Mothers of Down Syndrome Children with and Without Hearing Impairment in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center
Authors: Hussin Nurfarissa , Ismail Aniza , Ismail Juriza , Abdullah Asma
Published: March 2022

Aims:

The aim is to determine the quality of life (QOL) of mothers of Down syndrome (DS) children with hearing loss and without hearing loss. Another objective is to study the correlation of QOL of mothers of DS children with their characteristic of the social socioeconomic.

Settings and Design:

An experimental group of all mothers that have children with DS who were selected from The National University of Malaysia Medical Center (UKMMC).

Materials and Methods:

Observational study using the World Health Organization QOL Scale (WHOQOL-BREF) and UKMMC stress question.

Statistical Analysis Used:

This investigation is a descriptive-analytic study response to surveys by 151 mothers of DS children during 1 year period.

Results:

Eighty-three mothers (55.6%) are housewives. The mother's age ranged from 28 to 61 years, with a mean of 43 years. The QOL was described as “satisfactory” by 60% of the mothers. The following WOHQOL-BREF scores were found: Social (72.54); physical (71.27); environmental (69.21); and psychological (63.25). Of the 151 DS children, 87 (57.6%) children have a hearing impairment. The QOL was similar between mothers with DS children with and without hearing impairment.

Conclusions:

About two-thirds of mothers with DS children have a satisfactory level of QOL. The psychological domain has the lowest score in the QOL assessment, which suggested that mothers of DS require psychological support. The study also demonstrated no significant different QOL and stress level and hearing impairment was not a predictor of stress.
Comparison of Semont's Maneuver and Epley's Maneuver with and without Betahistine Therapy in Relieving Vertigo in Posterior Semicircular Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Authors: Santhraya Mahesh G. , Suvarna Amrita H. , George Reena Valsamma
Published: March 2022

Context:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a disorder characterized by attacks of vertigo and nystagmus and aggravated with changes in head posture. BPPV can be treated effectively by relocating otoconia from the semicircular canal duct into the vestibule using different repositioning maneuvers. Our study is to determine the role of maneuvers in BPPV and to study the efficacy of the maneuvers in BPPV.

Aims:

The aim of this study is (1) to determine the role of Semont's and Epley's maneuver in BPPV and (2) to study the efficacy of these maneuvers with or without betahistine therapy.

Settings and Design:

A prospective study was done on sixty BPPV patients from Department of ENT, A. J. Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore.

Subjects and Methods:

Inclusion criteria were positive Dix-Hallpike maneuver and normal pure tone audiometry. Exclusion criteria were cervical spondylosis, multiple canal disease, and inner ear disease. Patients were selected based on above criteria, were examined for posterior semicircular canal BPPV, and further divided into four groups by random selection. Different treatment modalities are used.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

The evaluation of outcome was done at the end of 4th week and after 3 months of the initial therapy with Dix-Hallpike and the quality of life was evaluated using visual analog scale for Vertigo and Dizziness Handicap Inventory. The results were compared using the above scales before and after the treatment.

Conclusions:

Vertigo is a common symptom which has significant morbidity physically and economically. These maneuvers are safe, short, inexpensive, and effective in treating posterior semicircular BPPV and can be practiced regularly.
Post-trabeculectomy early bleb localization mimicking a ‘ring of steel’
Authors: Choudhary S , Kaur M , Pandav SS , Kaushik S
Published: March 2022

A 54-year-old-man underwent trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C (0.02%). At 4-week follow-up, there was an elevated, well-circumscribed bleb with raised intra-ocular pressure (IOP) of 32-mmHg, with a classic “ring of steel” appearance, typically seen in a tenon's cyst. A sub-tenon needle revision re-established aqueous flow. Two weeks later, the IOP was 8-mmHg without any anti-glaucoma medications. A diffuse well formed bleb was noted. Careful ocular examination helps to identify early post-operative localized bleb that may appear like a “ring of steel” but can be managed by needling, unlike a tenon's cyst, which would require more extensive intervention.
Safety and efficacy of manual small incision cataract surgery and phacoemulsification
Authors: Papa-Vettorazzi Mario Renato , Cruz-Rodríguez José Benjamin , Silva-Linares Gladys Lucia , Moura-Coelho Nuno , Yee-Melgar Nicolás
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

To compare the efficacy and safety of manual small incision cataract surgery (mSICS) versus phacoemulsification in a referral center from a low-to-middle-income country.

Subjects and Methods:

A retrospective cohort of 177 eyes with visually significant cataract and ≤1.0 diopter (D) of keratometric astigmatism was intervened during 2017 by four surgeons either by mSICS or by phacoemulsification. Last follow-up was at 4–6 weeks. Outcome measures included postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refractive cylinder, spherical equivalent (SE), complications, and re-interventions.

Results:

The mSICS group included 107 eyes; the phacoemulsification group included 70 eyes. UDVA was comparable between both groups; 89.6% in the mSICS group and 95.7% in the phacoemulsification group achieved a UDVA ≥6/18 (20/60) (P = 0.06). CDVA was comparable between both groups; 100% in the mSICS cohort and 98.6% in the phacoemulsification cohort had a CDVA ≥6/18 (20/60) (P = 0.26). Although the absolute difference in postoperative refractive astigmatism between both groups was small, it was statistically significant in favor of the phacoemulsification group (P = 0.02). Postoperative refractive SE was also comparable between both cohorts (P = 0.64). One intraoperative complication was found in the phacoemulsification group (1.4%), with no complications in the mSICS group. However, there were six reoperations in the mSICS cohort (5.6%) and no reoperations in the phacoemulsification one.

Conclusions:

Both mSICS and phacoemulsification achieved excellent visual outcomes with low complication rates. Phacoemulsification gives better UDVA and lower postoperative refractive astigmatism in a larger proportion of patients at 4–6 weeks.