bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Telecare at a crossroads? Finding researchable questions
Authors: Woolham John , Freddolino Paul , Gibson Grant , Daniels Sarah
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to report on a structured attempt to develop new directions for research into telecare. Current research evidence suggests that telecare in the UK is not optimally cost-effective and does not deliver better outcomes than more traditional forms of care and support. To address this problem, an analysis of expert opinion about future directions for research is provided.

Design/methodology/approach

Two electronic surveys of UK based academic experts were conducted. Participants were drawn from a range of professional disciplines, including medicine, social care, occupational therapy and social policy and identified were by their contribution in this, or allied fields. The first survey included nine questions intended to identify at least one new research question that could form the basis of a funding proposal to the Nuffield Foundation, which provided “seedcorn” funding to support this work. Ten themes were identified following thematic analysis. The second survey asked participants to prioritise three of these themes.

Findings

Key themes emerging as priority areas for future research were as follows: the role of assessment in ensuring technology deployment meets the needs of service users; ethical implications of technology and how these might be addressed in the future; and the use of end user co-production/co-creation approaches in the development of new assistive technologies and digital enabled care.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on academic expert opinion; perspectives of practitioners, service users and family members are unrepresented.

Practical implications

The findings of this study could contribute to development of new directions for telecare research, and future strategic funding decisions in this rapidly changing field.

Originality/value

Evidence for sub-optimal outcomes for telecare requires new thinking. The authors are not aware of any other study that offers an analysis of expert opinion of fruitful areas for new research into telecare.
Learning with technology during emergencies: A systematic review of K‐12 education
Authors: Crompton Helen , Burke Diane , Jordan Katy , Wilson Samuel W. G.
Published: May 2021

Emergency situations that cause damage to educational buildings or require the closure of schools due to unsafe health, environmental, or political conditions can be an unwelcomed interruption to education. Indeed, the recent COVID‐19 pandemic created the largest disruption of education in history, affecting 94% of the world's student population. In emergencies, technology is often utilised as part of a crisis response protocol by continuing education using emergency remote education (ERE). The purpose of this study is to determine how technology has been used to continue K‐12 learning remotely during an emergency. This systematic review included an aggregated and configurative synthesis to examine extant empirical work over eleven years, from January 2010 to December 2020. Following a rigorous, PRISMA selection process, 60 articles were included in the final analysis from 48 countries. Grounded coding of the strategies used for learning revealed the following categories: communication, delivery systems, student ERE readiness, partnerships, promoting student learning and engagement, and resources. Grounded coding of the technologies revealed that types of technologies used were divided into two major categories: Internet‐based and non‐Internet based, with the majority using Internet‐based technologies.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

The COVID‐19 pandemic has caused school closures across the globe and prevented in‐person school teaching.

The rapid shift to distance education in schools can be conceptualised as ‘emergency remote education’ (ERE).

Prior ERE research focused on bounded geographic locations where localised emergencies occurred.

What this paper adds

This provides the scholarly community with a unique systematic review of existing academic research on K‐12 ERE implementation in emergencies.

This provides aggregated data and analysis on the past 11 years of the types of emergencies, participants, subject domain, technologies used, and location information.

This provides findings of the types of remote teaching strategies involving technology used to continue K‐12 learning in emergency situations.

This provides a set of recommendations on ERE for teachers, school leaders, policy makers, and funders.

This provides researchers with a review of the field with identification of gaps and future research opportunities.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Recommendations regarding ERE are provided in this paper that will be of benefit to K‐12 teachers, school leaders policymakers, and funders in the continuing COVID‐19 pandemic and future emergencies.

The research gaps highlighted in this paper, such as the lack of studies conducted in low and low middle‐income countries, are presented with suggestions for much needed future research. This can lead to changes in practice and policy.
Discrete Fault Diagnosis of Structurally Reconfigurable Systems
Authors: Deosthale Eeshan , Jung Daniel , Ahmed Qadeer
Published: May 2021

Fault diagnosis of a certain class of hybrid systems referred to as structurally reconfigurable (SR) systems is complicated. This is because SR systems tend to switch their configuration, which may or may not be faulty. It is important to identify the mode of the SR system along with the corresponding fault if any, in order to facilitate a fault tolerant action. This paper combines discrete fault diagnosis with mode identification for SR systems to achieve two main objectives: Sensor selection for fault detection, isolation and mode identification, and residual selection for mode identification. The framework is built using a structural analysis-based approach to meet these objectives. This framework is demonstrated for a 10-speed Automatic Transmission, which is an illustrative example of SR systems.
Effects of Gaseous and Particulate Contaminants on Information Technology Equipment Reliability—A Review
Authors: Saini Satyam , Shah Jimil M. , Shahi Pardeep , Bansode Pratik , Agonafer Dereje , Singh Prabjit , Schmidt Roger , Kaler Mike
Published: May 2021

Over the last decade, several hyper-scale data center companies such as Google, Facebook, and Microsoft have demonstrated the cost-saving capabilities of airside economization with direct/indirect heat exchangers by moving to chiller-less air-cooled data centers. Under pressure from data center owners, information technology equipment OEMs like Dell and IBM are developing information technology equipment that can withstand peak excursion temperature ratings of up to 45 °C, clearly outside the recommended envelope, and into ASHRAEs A4 allowable envelope. As popular and widespread as these cooling technologies are becoming, airside economization comes with its challenges. There is a risk of premature hardware failures or reliability degradation posed by uncontrolled fine particulate and gaseous contaminants in presence of temperature and humidity transients. This paper presents an in-depth review of the particulate and gaseous contamination-related challenges faced by the modern-day data center facilities that use airside economization. This review summarizes specific experimental and computational studies to characterize the airborne contaminants and associated failure modes and mechanisms. In addition, standard lab-based and in-situ test methods for measuring the corrosive effects of the particles and the corrosive gases, as the means of testing the robustness of the equipment against these contaminants, under different temperature and relative humidity conditions are also reviewed. It also outlines the cost-sensitive mitigation techniques like improved filtration strategies and methods that can be utilized for efficient implementation of airside economization.
Dip Coating From Density Mismatching Mixture
Authors: Khoda Bashir , Ahsan A. M. M. Nazmul , Shovon S. M. Naser
Published: May 2021

Solid transfer technology from mixtures is gaining ever-increasing attention from materials scientists and production engineers due to their high potential in near-net-shaped production of cost-effective engineering components. Dip coating, a wet deposition method, is an effective and straightforward way of thin-film/layers formation. The dipping mixtures are often embedded with inorganic fillers, nanoparticles, or clusters (d < 30 nm) that produce a thin film ranging from nm to couple microns. An increase in the volume of solid transfer by the dipping process can open-up a novel three-dimensional near-net-shape production. However, adding a larger inorganic particle size (>1 μm) or adding a higher solid fraction will increase the solid transfer but may result in a multiphase heterogeneous mixture. In this work, the physical mechanism of an increased volume of solid transfer with a larger spherical particle size (>5 μm) is investigated. Polymer-based glue and evaporating solvent are mixed to construct the liquid carrier system (LCS) for large inorganic hard particles. Moderate volume fraction of inorganic particles (20% < ϕp < 50%) are added into the LCS solution as solid loading. Three levels of binder volume fraction are considered simultaneously to investigate the effect of the solid transfer. Cylindrical AISI 304 steel wire with dia 0.81 mm is used as the substrate for dipping and coating. The coating thickness, weight, and surface packing coverage by the particles are measured in our lab. The results presented the influence of volume fraction of inorganic particle and glue composition on the solid transfer from the heterogeneous mixture.
An Extensive Review of Nanotubes-Based Mass Sensors
Authors: Deshwal Dinesh , Narwal Anil Kumar
Published: May 2021

Sensors have tremendous demand in industry because of their properties like sensitiveness, responsiveness, stability, selectiveness, and cost-effectiveness. Therefore, it is a dire need to develop advanced sensing materials and technologies. With the rapid advancement in micro- and nanotechnologies in micro-electromechanical systems/nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS), more emphasis has to develop micro- and nanomechanical resonators, having great interest for engineering fields. When MEMS/NEMS resonators are used for advancement in sensors, then they could perform both detection and sensing. Both boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) are the strongest lightweight nanomaterials used for mass sensing applications. BNNT contradict to CNT have nontoxic property toward health and environment because of its structural stability and chemical inertness, which makes it more suitable for biological applications. From various studies, the conclusion comes out that the nonlinear dynamic behavior of Boron Nitride Nanotubes-based mass sensors has not yet been explored. It is required strongly to study the nonlinear conduct of BNNT for designing a better performing mass sensor.
Surviving Desire: Reading Ḥāfiz̤ in Colonial India
Authors: Mian Ali Altaf
Published: May 2021

This article contributes to scholarship on Muslim humanities, Islam in modern South Asia, and the Urdu literary tradition in colonial India. It does so by contextualizing and closely reading Ashraf ʿAlī Thānavī’s (1863–1943) commentary on the Dīvān of the fourteenth-century Persian poet Ḥāfiz̤. Unlike his modernist contemporaries, Ashraf ʿAlī does not read Ḥāfiz̤ through the prisms of social reform or anti-colonial nationalist struggle. Rather, in his capacity as a Sufi master, he approaches Ḥāfiz̤’s Dīvān as a mystical text in order to generate insights through which he counsels his disciples. He uses the commentary genre to explore Sufi themes such as consolation, contraction, annihilation, subsistence, and the master-disciple relational dynamic. His engagement with Ḥāfiz̤’s ġhazals enables him to elaborate a practical mystical theology and to eroticize normative devotional rituals. Yet the affirmation of an analogical correspondence between sensual and divine love on the part of Ashraf ʿAlī also implies the survival of Ḥāfiz̤’s emphases on the disposability of the world and intoxicated longing for the beloved despite the demands of colonial modernity.
“Environmental risk factors associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis associated uveitis: a systematic review of the literature”
Authors: Clarke Sarah L. N. , Mageean Katie S. , Carlton Henry , Simonini Gabriele , Sharp Gemma C. , Relton Caroline L. , Ramanan Athimalaipet V.
Published: May 2021

Background

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis associated uveitis (JIA-U) is the most common extra-articular manifestation of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and carries considerable risk to vision. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise evidence of environmental risk factors for JIA-U and identify risk factors which may be modifiable or used to stratify JIA patients.

Methods

This systematic review was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Four online databases - Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science, MEDLINE and Embase - were searched from database inception to 12th August 2020. Identified studies were screened by two independent reviewers against pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was extracted from all primary studies meeting inclusion criteria and independently checked.

Results

We identified three studies from 895 unique records which met the inclusion criteria, each examining a different environmental risk factor. This systematic review includes 973, predominantly female, participants with JIA across these three studies. The use of allergy medication or documentation of “allergy”/“allergic” in the medical records was associated with an increased risk of JIA-U in all models presented. Vitamin D sufficiency was associated with reduced risk of JIA-U. There was insufficient evidence to support an association between seasonality and JIA-U.

Conclusions

This review identifies a potential role for allergy and vitamin D in JIA-U. It also illustrates the paucity of data regarding environmental risk factors for JIA-U and highlights the need for further research to both identify additional risk factors and replicate existing findings.
Macro and meso level influences on distributed integrated COPD care delivery: a social network perspective
Authors: Hartford Wendy , Asgarova Sevinj , MacDonald Graham , Berger Mary , Cristancho Sayra , Nimmon Laura
Published: May 2021

Background

Care guidelines for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) recommend an integrated approach for holistic, flexible, and tailored interventions. Continuity of care is also emphasised. However, many patients with COPD experience fragmented care. Discontinuities in healthcare and related social services are likely to result in disjointed rather than integrated care which can negatively affect patient health outcomes. The purpose of this qualitative study was to improve our understanding of, and how, contextual features pertaining to structures and processes of COPD integrated care influence delivery of care within patients’ healthcare networks.

Methods

We conducted individual interviews with 28 participants (9 patients, 16 healthcare professionals, and 3 spousal caregivers). Participants were recruited through the lung clinic at a city hospital in western Canada. We employed a social network paradigm to analyse and interpret the data.

Results

The analysis revealed an overarching theme of fragmented COPD care with two sub-themes: (1) Funding shortfalls and availability of resources, and (2) Dis(mis)connected communication pathways. The overarching theme depicts variations, delays, and discontinuities in patient care. The sub-themes describe how macro level influences and meso level shortfalls were perceived to influence the availability of respiratory care resources that contributed to fragmented COPD care.

Conclusions

Employing a social network lens drew particular attention to family physicians’ pivotal role in delivering community-based COPD care. While an integrated approach to care is recommended by care guidelines, institutional and organizational structures and processes, such as financial and communication structures, may inhibit delivery of integrated care. Thus, macro and meso level structures and processes have the potential to shape patient care by constraining family physicians’ purposive and communication actions necessary for facilitating an integrated distributed approach to care. We propose a context of care which fosters a context for family physicians’ delivery of patient-centered care. Integrated care delivery may improve patients’ wellbeing and alleviate financial constraints on the healthcare system.
Sex-specific effects of small-sided games in basketball on psychometric and physiological markers during Ramadan intermittent fasting: a pilot study
Authors: Brini Seifeddine , Abderrahman Abderraouf Ben , Clark Cain C. T. , Zouita Sghaeir , Hackney Anthony C. , Govindasamy Karuppasamy , Granacher Urs , Zouhal Hassane
Published: May 2021

Background

We assessed the effects of gender, in association with a four-week small-sided games (SSGs) training program, during Ramadan intermitting fasting (RIF) on changes in psychometric and physiological markers in professional male and female basketball players.

Methods

Twenty-four professional basketball players from the first Tunisian (Tunisia) division participated in this study. The players were dichotomized by sex (males [GM = 12]; females [GF = 12]). Both groups completed a 4 weeks SSGs training program with 3 sessions per week. Psychometric (e.g., quality of sleep, fatigue, stress, and delayed onset of muscle soreness [DOMS]) and physiological parameters (e.g., heart rate frequency, blood lactate) were measured during the first week (baseline) and at the end of RIF (post-test).

Results

Post hoc tests showed a significant increase in stress levels in both groups (GM[− 81.11%;p < 0.001,d = 0.33, small]; GF[− 36,53%;p = 0.001,d = 0.25, small]). Concerning physiological parameters, ANCOVA revealed significantly lower heart rates in favor of GMat post-test (1.70%,d = 0.38, small,p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Our results showed that SSGs training at the end of the RIF negatively impacted psychometric parameters of male and female basketball players. It can be concluded that there are sex-mediated effects of training during RIF in basketball players, and this should be considered by researchers and practitioners when programing training during RIF.
Recurrent spontaneous abortion related to balanced translocation of chromosomes: two case reports
Authors: Wan Xue , Li Linyan , Liu Zulin , Fan Zhenhai , Yu Limei
Published: May 2021

Background

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is often idiopathic, but structural chromosomal abnormality is an important nosogenesis. Balanced translocations or inversions can lead to unbalanced gametes depending on the specific recombination and segregation patterns during meiosis. An unbalanced karyotype in the conceptus of a couple when one partner has a structural chromosomal abnormality may result in failure to implant, miscarriage, or ongoing pregnancy of a fetus with an unbalanced karyotype.

Case presentation

We report two rare Han cases of RSA associated with balanced translocation of chromosomes. In case 1, a women who had had four spontaneous abortions, the karyotype was 46, XX, t (4;7) (q31;q22). In case 2, a women who had two spontaneous abortions and one stillborn fetus, the karyotype was 46, XX, t (3;15) (q12;p11.2), inv (5) (P13q13). The abnormal karyotype was not found in other chromosomes.

Conclusions

It is very important that couples with more than two miscarriages be provided with chromosomal analysis. Referring couples for karyotyping will rule out or confirm possible hereditary etiology and the source of chromosomal abnormalities in recurrent miscarriages.
Large retroperitoneal hematoma following vaginal delivery: a case report
Authors: Maroyi Raha , Ngeleza Nyakio , Kalunga Kiminyi , Buhendwa Cikwanine , Shahid Usama , Boij Roland , Mukwege Denis
Published: May 2021

Background

Retroperitoneal hematoma after vaginal delivery is rare but can lead to maternal morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis of this condition is challenging due to its complexity and its nonspecific signs and symptoms. To date, studies and case reports regarding retroperitoneal hematoma are few, particularly in low-income countries where risk factors for this condition may be more prevalent and the prognosis poorer.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 37-year-old multiparous african (Congolese) woman who presented to the emergency department of a large referral hospital in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), 2 weeks after a spontaneous nontraumatic vaginal delivery. She had abdominal pain that began immediately after delivery and progressed throughout the postpartum period. The patient had anemia, hypotension, tachycardia, and a left costo-lumbar arch distorting the body shape on a soft and depressed abdomen. She had visited a private clinic on days 3 and 7 postpartum; however, signs and symptoms of retroperitoneal hematoma went unrecognized. Using abdominal ultrasound, we diagnosed an extensive hematoma in the retroperitoneal space from the left iliac fossa to the left flank. Laparotomy was performed to evacuate the hematoma, and the patient recovered.

Conclusion

Retroperitoneal hematoma following a nontraumatic vaginal delivery is an unusual situation in general obstetrical practice. The knowledge of this potentially life-threatening condition in resource-limited settings enables effective diagnosis and management by ultrasound and laparotomy.
On the virulence of the entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae (Ascomycota: Hypocreales), against the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)
Authors: Shehzad Muhammad , Tariq Muhammad , Mukhtar Tariq , Gulzar Asim
Published: May 2021

Background

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is a noxious pest of cruciferous crops all over the world causing serious economic damage. Management of insect pest generally depends on chemical control; however, due to development of resistance against all types of insecticides, alternative approaches especially utilization of a microbial agent is inevitable.

Results

Potential of 2 entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), viz., Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, was evaluated against 2nd and 3rd larval instars of P. xylostella by adopting leaf dip and direct spraying methods under laboratory conditions. Significant mortality rate was achieved by each fungus under adopted methodologies. However, B. bassiana was found to be more effective in both conditions than M. anisopliae. Highest mean corrected mortality (77.80%) was recorded, when spores of B. bassiana were sprayed on the 2nd instar larvae (LC50=1.78×104/ml) after the 6th day of treatment. Similarly, incase of M. anisopliae LC50 for the 2nd instar at the same methodology was 2.78×104/ml with a mortality percentage of 70.0%. Offspring sex ratio was non-significantly related to treatment concentration and methodology, except for the control.

Conclusion

Beauveria bassiana and M. anisopliae had potential to suppress P. xylostella infestations when applied appropriately. Present findings suggested that B. bassiana and M. anisopliae when sprayed on immatures of host insect had more effect as compared to leaf dip procedure. Furthermore, no significant effect of concentrations was observed on sex ratio.
Isolation of Iranian Bacillus thuringiensis strains and characterization of lepidopteran-active cry genes
Authors: Rashki Maryam , Maleki Mahmood , Torkzadeh-Mahani Masoud , Shakeri Shahryar , Nezhad Pariya Soltani
Published: May 2021

Background

Insecticidal crystal proteins (encoded by cry genes) produced by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are fatal for insects of different orders such as Lepidoptera. The genes that encoded these crystal proteins can be detected on plasmids and chromosomal DNA and show different types in various strains. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine molecular characteristics of Iranian Bt strains as well as their toxicity against Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

Results

The collection sites included fields, gardens, and desert and semi-desert areas in 8 provinces of Iran. For crystal formation, each isolate was cultured in T3 medium. The results showed that the Bt isolates produced different types of crystals including spherical (73.33%), bipyramidal (53.33%), irregular (40%), cubical (33.33%), and elliptical (13.33%). Plasmid DNA extraction was performed and showed that most of the strains exhibited similar pattern in the number and the size of the plasmid bands to those of Bt kurstaki (Btk). Some specific primers were used for PCR amplification to distinguish different crystal genes including cry1 (A, C, and D) and cry2A (a and b). The primers related to cry1D and cry2Aa1 genes produced no amplicons. The results revealed that the most abundant gene was cry1-type. All strains analyzed for the cry2Ab2 gene presented unexpected bands. Electrophoretic profile of the protein crystals showed bands with different diversity in number, and size ranged from about 16 to 140 KDa. The bioassay result of some more toxic strains exhibited that the pathogenicity of 1019 was higher than the rest, even the reference strain, Btk. However, the toxicity of other strains was the same as Btk. According to the phylogenetic tree, 1019 was located in the same group with Bt subspecies coreanensis, Bt subspecies indiana and Bt subspecies tolworthi.

Conclusions

The investigated Iranian strains had the lepidopteran-active cry genes. The strains with the same toxicity to E. kuehniella had various cry genes, plasmid, and crystal protein profiles and vice versa. Therefore, characterization of cry genes of native strains could lead to access potent isolates as biocontrol agents against native insect pests.
The effect of serum D-dimer levels on the cognitive outcome of patients with moderate traumatic brain injury
Authors: Ali Mohammed F.A , Ghoul Ahmed M.F , Refaat Mohamed I
Published: May 2021

Background

Cognitive impairment after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a main source of morbidity for affected individuals, their family members, and their community. There are numerous serum biomarkers, which are elevated after TBI; one of these is D-dimer. Several studies have related that trauma-related coagulopathy, marked by elevated D-dimer levels, is associated with poor prognosis.

Objective

The aim of this study was to find if there is a correlation between elevated serum levels of D-dimer and impairment of final cognitive outcome in case suffering of Moderate TBI. Patients and method

This is a prospective cohort study with a random sample of 87 patients suffering from moderate TBI. Serum level of D-dimer was requested for all cases after confirming the diagnosis of moderate TBI with post-traumatic GCS 9–12. Head trauma treatment protocols were followed according to each case diagnosis and then at the time of discharge cognitive outcome was assessed for all cases. Neurocognition was assessed by Montreal cognitive assessment-Basic (MoCA-B).

Results

Eighty-seven cases were included in this trial with a mean age 28 years. 48.3% of cases were treated conservatively while the remaining 51.7% needed surgical interventions for different pathologies. Seventy-five cases had elevated levels of serum D-dimer (86.2%) whereas only 12 cases have within normal levels (13.8%). A twofold increase in the serum D-dimer level was found in 41% of cases, while 34.5% of cases had three- to sixfold increases, and 10% of cases had more than sixfold increase. The mean MoCA-B score was 24 points (range 13–27). Correlating the D-dimer levels statistically with the MoCA scores, age, admission and discharge GCS, and durations of hospital stay did not show any statistical significance with any of these variables.

Conclusion

The role played by D-dimer in the pathophysiology of cognitive deficits and its correlation with post moderate TBI cognitive outcome was not proven.
Association between GABRG2 rs211037 polymorphism and idiopathic generalized epilepsies: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Xiaohui , Ding Hongyun , Wei Hongyun , Liu Jia , Liao Pingping , Zhang Yuzhu , Wang Xiaomeng , Chi Xiaosa
Published: May 2021

Background

We performed this meta-analysis to investigate the association betweenGABRG2rs211037polymorphism and the risk for idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGEs).

Methods

Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were searched for eligible studies (until May 5, 2020) on the association betweenGABRG2rs211037 polymorphism and IGE. The odds ratios were calculated using a fixed or random model in STATA 15.0 software. Subgroup analyses for ethnicity, age, source of controls, type of seizure syndrome and therapeutic responses were conducted.

Results

We found no significant associations betweenGABRG2rs211037 polymorphism and the susceptibility to IGEs. In addition, no significant association was detected betweenGABRG2rs211037 polymorphism and drug resistance in IGE patients. The results did not change after stratification by Asian population, healthy controls, children, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and childhood absence epilepsy.

Conclusion

The current studies indicated that theGABRG2rs211037 polymorphism was not related to susceptibility or drug resistance of IGE. Further well-designed studies are needed to verify the results.
rs2253310 and rs4946936 common variants of FOXO3 gene in octogenarians and cancer: a pilot study in north India
Authors: Tia Neelam , Lal Moti , Gambhir I. S.
Published: May 2021

Background

Healthy aging perceives human longevity probably due to carrying the defensive genes. Forkhead box O (FOXO) transcription factors provide the most convincing example of a conserved genetic pathway at the point between aging and cancer. This pilot study was performed to examine the single nucleotide variants rs2253310 and rs4946936 of the Forkhead box O 3 (FOXO3gene) in octogenarians and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancer patients in the north Indian population.

Main body

In silico mutational analysis of theFOXO3gene in 25 participants. Two single nucleotide variants (SNVs) g.7556C>G (rs2253310) heterozygous and g.122284T>C (rs4946936) homozygous observed and reported previously. However, there is a common association of these SNVs in different ethnic groups. No significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies for the study groups observed.

Short conclusion

This study observes two single nucleotide variants, g.7556C>G (rs2253310) and g.122284T>C (rs4946936), of theFOXO3gene in the study groups which influence human longevity. Longevity-associatedFOXO3variants may be associated with GIT cancer in the north Indian population. As a result, looking for genes linked to longevity will lead to discovering new cancer targets. Further studies with a large population are necessary to elucidate the role of theFOXO3gene in octogenarians.
Simulation of Crude Oil Transportation with Drag Reduction Agents Using k-ϵ and k-ω Models
Authors: Khalaf Ali Nasir , Abdullah Asaad A.
Published: May 2021

This work explores the possibility of using Newtonian turbulence k−ϵ and k−ω models for modelling crude oil flow in pipelines with drag reduction agents. These models have been applied to predict the friction factor, pressure drop and the drag reduction percentage. The simulation results of both models were compared with six published experimental data for crude oil flow in pipes with different types of drag reduction agents. The velocity near the wall was determined using the log law line of Newtonian fluid equation and by changing the parameter ΔB to achieve an excellent agreement with experimental data. Simulated data for k−ϵ model shows better agreement with most experimental data than the k−ω turbulence model.
Freestanding “core-shell” AgNWs/metallic hybrid mesh electrodes for a highly efficient transparent electromagnetic interference shielding film
Authors: Jiang Zhouying , Zhao Shiqing , Chen Linsen , Liu Yan-hua
Published: May 2021

We fabricated the freestanding “core-shell” AgNWs/ Ni mesh electrodes by employing AgNWs solution onto the freestanding Ni-mesh. The combination of AgNWs and Ni mesh resulted in higher electrical conductivity, thereby enhancing the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE). The hybrid freestanding electrode created highly effective transparent and flexible EMI shielding films, featuring an ultrathin thickness (3 µm), the high optical transparency of 93% at 550 nm, and a SE of 41.5 dB in the X-band, which exceeds that of 30 dB for a freestanding Ni-mesh (94%). We showed that the hybrid freestanding AgNWs/Ni-mesh film is a promising high-performance transparent and flexible EMI shielding material that satisfies the requirements for optoelectronic devices.
Generation of Airy beam arrays in real and K spaces based on a dielectric metasurface
Authors: Lei Shiwei , Zhang Xue , Zhu Shuangqi , Geng Guangzhou , Li Xin , Li Junjie , Wang Yongtian , Li Xiaowei , Huang Lingling
Published: May 2021

Airy beams are widely used in various optical devices and optical experiments owing to their unique characteristics such as self-acceleration, self-recovery, and non-diffraction. Here we designed and demonstrated a metasurface capable of encoding two phase distributions independently in dual circular polarization channels. We experimentally observed the generated Airy beam arrays loaded on the metasurface in the real and K spaces. Compared with the traditional method, such method provides a more efficient solution to generate large capacity Airy beam arrays with switchable working modes in the broadband spectrum. The results may pave the way for the integration and miniaturization of micro-nano devices and provide a platform for information processing, particle manipulation, space–time optical wave packets, and Airy lasers.
Single reflector design for integrated low/high beam meeting multiple regulations with light field management
Authors: Sun Ching-Cherng , Wu Chi-Shou , Hsieh Cheng-Yan , Lee Yu-Hsiang , Lin Shih-Kang , Lee Tsung-Xian , Yang Tsung-Hsun , Yu Yeh-Wei
Published: May 2021

This paper proposed an effective multi-objective design procedure, called light field management, for a single multi-segment reflector that can simultaneously project low beams and high beams for bicycle and e-bike applications. Furthermore, two different regulations can be met, including the K-mark and the ECE Class B regulations. Through light field management, the etendue and flux density of each segment can be effectively managed, so that the design successfully meets the multiple regulations. In the experimental verification, two mockup samples including a plastic reflector with aluminum coating and an aluminum reflector were fabricated to verify the validity of the design. The experiment showed that the contrast across the cutoff line reached 100 and above, where the brightest point for low beams reached 200 lux and the whole pattern reached 250 lux. The supreme behavior of the head lamp shows that the proposed design procedure is valuable and helpful to an optical designer.
Precise 3D computer-generated holography based on non-convex optimization with spherical aberration compensation (SAC-NOVO) for two-photon optogenetics
Authors: Jin Cheng , Liu Chi , Shi Ruheng , Kong Lingjie
Published: May 2021

Computer-generated holography (CGH) has been adopted in two-photon optogenetics as a promising technique for selective excitation of neural ensembles. However, 3D CGH by nonconvex optimization, the state of art method, is susceptible to imprecise axial positioning, due to the quadratic phase approximation in 3D target generation. Even though the misplacement of targets in conventional CGH can be solved by pre-calibration, it still suffers from low efficiency and poor axial resolution of two-photon excitation. Here, we propose a novel CGH method based on non-convex optimization with spherical aberration compensation (SAC-NOVO). Through numerical simulations and two-photon excitation experiments, we verify that SAC-NOVO could achieve precise axial positioning for single and multiple expanded disk patterns, while ensuring high two-photon excitation efficiency. Besides, we experimentally show that SAC-NOVO enables the suppression of dark target areas. This work shows the superiority of SAC-NOVO for two-photon optogenetics.
Transparent ultra-wideband double-resonance-layer metamaterial absorber designed by a semiempirical optimization method
Authors: Li Haonan , Dong Hongxing , Zhang Yaqiang , Mou Nanli , Xin Yao , Deng Ruixiang , Zhang Long
Published: May 2021

In this study, a transparent ultra-wideband double-resonance-layer absorber was designed using a semiempirical optimization method. In this method, an equivalent circuit model, genetic algorithm, and parameter fitting are employed to reduce the computation time and improve the design flexibility. Simulations and measurements show that the as-designed absorber can achieve ultrawide microwave absorption in the range of 2.00 to 11.37 GHz with a fractional bandwidth of 140.2%. Furthermore, electric field and surface current distributions show that the broad bandwidth was derived from the good matching of the absorption peaks in the two resonance layers. In addition, the target waveband of the as-designed absorber covered the wavebands of WiFi and radio-frequency identification, as well as part of the 5G waveband. This makes the proposed absorber a good candidate for daily electromagnetic pollution reduction.
Genetic-algorithm-empowered metasurface design: simultaneous realization of high microwave frequency-selection and low infrared surface-emissivity
Authors: Zhu Ruichao , Zhang Zhongtao , Wang Jiafu , Xu Cuilian , Sui Sai , Wang Xiaofeng , Liu Tonghao , Zhu Ying , Zhang Lei , Wang Jun , Qu Shaobo
Published: May 2021

With the improvement of equipment integration, it is difficult to meet the increasing functional requirements with the function of a single spectrum. In this work, a multispectral functional metasurface (MFM) is designed to achieve multispectral compatibility between microwave and infrared using multi-optimization. For microwaves, a frequency selective surface (FSS) is designed to achieve frequency selectivity. And for infrared, a twice genetic algorithm (GA) is employed to further increase the metallic filling ratio, thus reducing the infrared emissivity while maintaining the performance of microwave FSS. In order to verify our design and method, the MFM is fabricated and measured, and all the results are consistent with the theoretical design. The performance of FSS can achieve 3dB bandwidth in 7.2-11.2GHz with low insertion losses and stability, and meanwhile the mean infrared emissivity has been reduced to 0.24 in 3-14μm. In summary, the designed multispectral compatible metasurface has wide application value in radome. What’s more, the multi-optimization method for designing the multispectral metasurface can also be extended to other fields.
The differences in the number of fibroblasts and blood vessels after the topical and systemic administration of Lactobacillus casei Shirota probiotics for the treatment of traumatic ulcers in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Kusumaningsih Tuti , Irmawati Anis , Ernawati Diah Savitri , Prahasanti Chiquita , Aljunaid Mohammed , Amelia Sarah
Published: May 2021

Background and Aim: The use of drugs as a therapy for traumatic ulcers may lead to drug resistance and other side effects. Lactobacillus casei Shirota can affect the number of fibroblasts and blood vessels in wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in the number of fibroblast cells and blood vessels after the topical and systemic administration of L. casei Shirota probiotics in Wistar rats with traumatic ulcer.

Materials and Methods: Overall, 36 healthy male Wistar rats aged 2-3 months old and weighing 175-250 g in body weight were used as a sample. Traumatic ulcer was made on the labial fornix incisive inferior. The subject rats were divided into groups: (1) A control group over 3 days, (2) a group that used distilled water over 7 days, (3) a group that underwent topical treatment over 3 days, (4) a group that used probiotics administered topically over 7 days, (5) a group that underwent systemic treatment over 3 days, and (6) a group that took oral probiotics for the traumatic ulcers over 7 days. The number of fibroblasts and blood vessels was observed through a hematoxylin-eosin examination.

Results: Based on the results of the study, a significant difference was observed in the number of fibroblasts (p=0.00) and blood vessels (p=0.018) in the 3-day topical group that underwent a 3-day systemic administration of probiotics compared with the number of fibroblast cells in the 7-day topical group and 7-day systemic group (p=0.00).

Conclusion: Overall, significant differences were observed in the number of fibroblasts and blood vessels in Wistar rats with traumatic ulcer after undergoing the topical and systemic administration of L. casei Shirota probiotics.
Role of Computed Tomography (CT) Enterography in the Evaluation of Small Bowel Diseases
Authors: Yousuf Fawaz , Sethi Sanjay , Gupta Ranjana , Joshi Sandeep , Mittal Puneet , Nijhawan Divya
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND Small bowel imaging often questions clinicians due to its long, tortuous and undulating morphology. The current study was undertaken to establish the efficacy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) enterography in the evaluation of small bowel diseases using iso-osmotic mannitol as oral contrast agent. METHODS A prospective observational study was conducted among thirty patients (mean age 40 years; range 14 - 66 years), 16 males and 14 females presenting with clinical suspicion of small bowel diseases based on clinical, laboratory or other imaging investigations underwent CT enterography on a 128 slice CT scanner using isoosmotic mannitol as neutral enteral contrast. RESULTS Intestinal tuberculosis was the most common diagnosis. Non neoplastic cases predominantly showed segmental symmetrical involvement with target pattern of enhancement. Small bowel tumours (adenocarcinoma) were seen in 2 cases. Neoplasms were associated with focal asymmetrical involvement with heterogeneous enhancement pattern. Computerized tomography enterography (CTE) clearly depicted the site, level and cause of the obstruction in all the patients with a sensitivity and specificity of 96 % and 100 % respectively. Diagnostic accuracy of CTE in detection of small bowel diseases came out to be 98 %. CONCLUSIONS CT enterography is an effectual, non-invasive, well-tolerated, sensitive and specific imaging modality for the evaluation of small bowel diseases which provides superior assessment of the intraluminal, mural and extraintestinal pathologies. KEY WORDS CT enterography, mannitol, Tuberculosis, Small Bowel
Influence of Silica Fumes on Compressive Strength and Wear Properties of Glass Ionomer Cement in Dentistry
Authors: Meganadhan Anand , Sanjeev Kavitha , Sekar Mahalaxmi
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND Glass ionomer cements (GIC) are an interesting restorative option due to their biocompatibility. However, it has limitations that challenge its survival in oral environment due its porous set matrix influencing the properties of the cement. This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of the addition of varying concentrations of silica fumes (SF) on the properties of GIC by field emission scanning electron microscopy [FESEM] and energy-dispersive spectroscopy [EDX]. The final set matrix of GIC remains porous, compromising the mechanical properties, limiting its extended use clinically. Incorporation of silica fumes, a pozzolan, as an additive in GIC serves as a potential filler by increasing its compressive strength and reducing wear properties. METHODS The cement was divided into 5 groups based on the absence or presence of varying concentrations (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 %) of silica fumes; conventional glass ionomer group (CG) (I) and 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 silica fumes incorporated glass ionomer cement (SG) (II, III, IV & V) respectively. Compressive strength and wear resistance were subjected to Universal Testing Machine and Pin on Tribometer respectively. The microstructure and the elemental composition of prepared specimens of all the groups were evaluated using FESEM and EDX. Data obtained was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) V22.0 (IBM, USA) followed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey test (P < 0.05). RESULTS Except 0.5SG, increased compressive strength and decreased wear of glass ionomer material was observed as the concentration of silica fumes increased. Of all the concentrations, 2SG had significantly increased compressive strength (221.62 ± 22.84 MPa) compared to CG (167.38 ± 36.94 MPa) (P < 0.05). Significantly increased resistance to wear was noted in 2SG (11.80 ± 2.58 µm) compared to CG (20.40 ± 2.07 µm) (P < 0.05). The set matrix of silica fumes modified GIC showed minimal / absence of pores with dispersion of crystalline particles as the concentration of SF increased. EDX revealed similar constitution of minerals but, varied with increased concentration of silica fumes. CONCLUSIONS 2 % silica fumes incorporated glass ionomer cement (2SG) enhanced the properties of conventional glass ionomer cement. KEY WORDS Compressive Strength, EDX, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope, Glass Ionomer Cement, Silica Fumes, Pozzolan
Effect of Music on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in Patients Undergoing Cataract Extraction Surgery
Authors: Gadegone Aditi , Daigavane Sachin , Walavalkar Ruta
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND Music is an inexpensive, easily available anxiolytic known to mankind since ages. Cataract extraction surgery is one of the widely performed surgeries under local anaesthesia. India is a developing country where limited resources are spent over health infrastructure which has to cater to a large population. In our study we have tried to utilize the anxietolytic effect of music in combating the anxiety and stress patients suffer during surgery. METHODS In this prospective, interventional study, 300 patients diagnosed with senile cataract were selected. The sample size was decided taking into consideration various prevalence studies. The patients were consequently recruited for the study considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were divided into three groups - one undergoing phacoemulsification surgery under topical anaesthesia and two groups undergoing phacoemulsification surgery under local anaesthesia by the same surgeon in a same operating room. Two groups including the one where topical anaesthesia was used were made to listen to ‘Classical Sitar Music’ whereas one group was not made to listen to music. Blood pressure and heart rates were measured before and after surgery and compared in all patients. RESULTS Blood pressure and heart rates were statistically significantly normalized (lowered) post-operatively when compared to their pre-operative values in groups which were made to listen to music. There was a marked decrease in the anxiety levels in patients who were operated under topical anaesthesia when compared to those operated under local anaesthesia. CONCLUSIONS Music can be widely used in decreasing anxiety levels in patients undergoing cataract extraction surgery thereby improving the post-operative prognosis in patients in a cost-effective way. KEY WORDS Phacoemulsification Surgery, Classical Sitar Music, Peri-Bulbar Block, Topical Anaesthesia, Anxiety, Blood Pressure, Pulse Rate