bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing Swallows From People With Neurodegenerative Diseases Using High-Resolution Cervical Auscultation Signals and Temporal and Spatial Swallow Kinematic Measurements
Authors: Donohue Cara , Khalifa Yassin , Mao Shitong , Perera Subashan , Sejdić Ervin , Coyle James L.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The prevalence of dysphagia in patients with neurodegenerative diseases (ND) is alarmingly high and frequently results in morbidity and accelerated mortality due to subsequent adverse events (e.g., aspiration pneumonia). Swallowing in patients with ND should be continuously monitored due to the progressive disease nature. Access to instrumental swallow evaluations can be challenging, and limited studies have quantified changes in temporal/spatial swallow kinematic measures in patients with ND. High-resolution cervical auscultation (HRCA), a dysphagia screening method, has accurately differentiated between safe and unsafe swallows, identified swallow kinematic events (e.g., laryngeal vestibule closure [LVC]), and classified swallows between healthy adults and patients with ND. This study aimed to (a) compare temporal/spatial swallow kinematic measures between patients with ND and healthy adults and (b) investigate HRCA's ability to annotate swallow kinematic events in patients with ND. We hypothesized there would be significant differences in temporal/spatial swallow measurements between groups and that HRCA would accurately annotate swallow kinematic events in patients with ND.

Method

Participants underwent videofluoroscopic swallowing studies with concurrent HRCA. We used linear mixed models to compare temporal/spatial swallow measurements (
n
= 170 ND patient swallows,
n
= 171 healthy adult swallows) and deep learning machine-learning algorithms to annotate specific temporal and spatial kinematic events in swallows from patients with ND.

Results

Differences (
p
< .05) were found between groups for several temporal and spatial swallow kinematic measures. HRCA signal features were used as input to machine-learning algorithms and annotated upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening, UES closure, LVC, laryngeal vestibule reopening, and hyoid bone displacement with 66.25%, 85%, 68.18%, 70.45%, and 44.6% accuracy, respectively, compared to human judges' measurements.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates HRCA's potential in characterizing swallow function in patients with ND and other patient populations.
Fault‐tolerant strategies for open‐circuit switch failures in open‐end winding PMSM drives
Authors: Zhu Bin , Priestley Matthew , Fletcher John Edward
Published: August 2021

Many safety‐critical drive systems require post‐fault operation after an open‐circuit switch failure occurs in the inverter. The open‐end winding inverter topology facilitates the injection of zero‐sequence current such that a faulty switch leg can still be used to generate sufficient voltage states to continue operation. Therefore, only a minimal increase in the post‐fault torque ripple is experienced. However, the injection of this zero‐sequence current results in an increase in the copper loss which de‐rates the maximum post‐fault torque of the machine. Existing post‐fault techniques that inject zero‐sequence current, during an open‐circuit switch fault, do not minimize the copper loss resulting in sub‐optimal post‐fault torque per ampere. A method for reducing copper loss by optimizing the zero‐sequence current waveform to achieve the maximum post‐fault torque per ampere is proposed here. The proposed strategy has been experimentally assessed for both three‐phase and five‐phase drive systems. The experimental results demonstrate the continuous post‐fault operation of the drive system with a more balanced thermal load distribution between phases. A 2.8% and 5.6% improvement in post‐fault torque per ampere for three‐phase and five‐phase systems are demonstrated.
Magnetic accretion disk-outflow model for the state transition in X-ray binaries
Authors: Cao Xinwu , You Bei , Yan Zhen
Published: August 2021

Context. The hard-to-soft state transition of the outbursts in X-ray binaries (XRBs) is triggered by the rising of the mass accretion rate as a result of the disk instability. The hard X-ray transition luminosity is found to be tightly correlated to the soft X-ray peak luminosity in the soft state, the physical origin of which is still a mystery.

Aims. In order to explain the observed correlation between the hard X-ray transition luminosity and the soft X-ray peak luminosity in the soft state, we construct a magnetic disk-outflow model for the state transition in XRBs.

Methods. We assumed that the large-scale magnetic field in the outer thin disk is formed through an inverse cascade of the field generated by the small-scale dynamo, which is then advected by the inner advection-dominated accretion flow (ADAF). The advected field accelerates a fraction of the gas in the ADAF into the outflows. We calculated the transition luminosity of an ADAF that is driven by these magnetic outflows, which vary with the mass accretion rate of the outer disk.

Results. During the outbursts, the heating front moves inward, and the field strength at the heating front of the outer disk is proportional to the accretion rate of the disk. Much angular angular momentum of the inner ADAF is carried away by the outflows for a stronger magnetic field, which leads to a high radial velocity of the ADAF. This increases the critical mass accretion rate of the ADAF with the field strength, and it therefore leads to a correlation between transition luminosity and the peak luminosity in the thermal state. We found that the values of the viscosity parameter α of the neutron star XRBs are systematically higher for those of the black hole (BH) XRBs (α ∼ 0.05−0.15 for BHs, and α ∼ 0.15−0.4 for neutron stars). Our model predicts that the transition luminosity may be higher than the peak luminosity provided α is sufficiently high, which is able to explain a substantial fraction of outbursts in BHXRBs that do not reach the thermally dominant accretion state.
Analysis for the ARIANE GU3 sample: nuclide inventory and decay heat
Authors: Rochman Dimitri , Vasiliev Alexander , Ferroukhi Hakim , Hursin Mathieu , Ichou Raphaelle , Taforeau Julien , Simeonov Teodosi
Published: August 2021

This study presents an analysis of the ARIANE GU3 sample, in terms of nuclide inventory, as well as sample rod and assembly decay heat. The validation of a number of CASMO5 and library versions are performed with regards to the measured nuclide inventory, taking into account two dimensional lattice simulations. Uncertainties due to various sources (nuclear data, operating conditions and manufacturing tolerances) are also provided, and are combined with biases into expanded uncertainties. This study is similar to a previous one on the GU1 sample and fit in the framework of code validation, as well as in the estimation of code predictive power for spent fuel characterization.
Cinq types de travail scientifique « interdisciplinaire »
Authors: Li Vigni Fabrizio
Published: August 2021

La littérature sur l’« interdisciplinarité » est imposante. Toutefois, peu de travaux fournissent des taxonomies descriptives des différentes figures du travail scientifique au croisement entre savoirs différents. Ceux qui le font adoptent soit un point de vue normatif et internaliste relativement à une discipline donnée, soit le point de vue de la sociologie de l’identité. En outre, le concept de « zone de transaction » est si utilisé en sciences sociales et au-delà qu’il semble pouvoir recouvrir la plupart des échanges « interdisciplinaires », mais se révèle en fait insuffisant. À partir d’un terrain auprès d’équipes de recherche en sciences de la complexité, cet article se propose de fournir une taxonomie descriptive du travail scientifique « interdisciplinaire » selon cinq types (transfrontaliers, ambassadeurs, polyglottes, binationaux et traducteurs) illustrés par des extraits d’entretiens et d’archives.
Designing a disruption-aware supply chain network considering precautionary and contingency strategies: a real-life case study
Authors: Dehghani Sadrabadi Mohammad Hossein , Ghousi Rouzbeh , Makui Ahmad
Published: August 2021

Due to the high risk in the business environment, supply chains must adopt a tailored mechanism to deal with disruptions. This research proposes a multi-objective formulation to design a robust and resilient forward supply chain under multiple disruptions and uncertainty. The mentioned objective functions include minimizing the total cost, environmental impacts, and the network non-resiliency associated with the supply chain simultaneously countered using an augmented ε-constraint method. A Mulvey robust optimization approach is also utilized to deal with uncertainty. Ultimately, the developed model is validated based on three datasets associated with a case study of the steel industry. The results indicate that preventive and mitigation resilience strategies have significantly promoted the supply chain’s capabilities to deal with disruptions. Controlling network resiliency via non-resiliency measures has also created a risk-aware and robust structure in the incidence of disturbances. Numerical results reveal that multiple sourcing, lateral transshipment, and fortification of facilities will lead to the greatest cost-efficiency in the case study. Observations also indicate that the fortified supply chain will be highly economically viable in the long run due to the reduction of costs resulting from lost sales, unnecessary inventory holding, and the company’s credit risk.
The validation of the measurement of the mental and physical components of SF-12 in Iranian elderly
Authors: Zare Ghasem , Alem Jaouad , Zare Fatemeh
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the mental component summary (MCS) and physical component summary (PCS) of SF-12. 140 Iranian elderly aged 60 years and older from the general population (100 male vs 40 female) of the Shiraz city were recruited by convenient sampling. The questionnaire on quality of life (SF-12, two dimensions: the physical component α = 0.68; and the mental component α = 0.71) was used to collect the data analyzed with the AMOS software. According to the structural equation model (SEM), four subscales of SF-12 (emotional role, social function, vitality and mental health) can predict mental component summary (respectively: coefficient = 0.65, 0.57, 0.78 and 0.90) and four subscales of SF-12 (general health, physical function, bodily pain and physical role) can predict physical component summary (respectively: coefficient = 0.58, 0.70, 0.74 and 0.88). The goodness-of-fit indices showed that the model for predicting mental and physical components in the elderly was excellent (X2 / df = 1.61, RMSEA= 0.07, CFI = 0.96 and NFI=0.92).
Challenges to Managing Virtual Teams in Georgian SMEs
Authors: Ābeltiņa Anna , Rizhamadze Ketevan
Published: August 2021

The novel coronavirus pandemic has brought about an unprecedented economic and social crisis. The work methods have seen a significant change, and telework has experienced swift growth. The practical application of teleworking needs technology, social and organizational support. Employees who are less tech-savvy require digital training. There is limited data on this topic. Therefore, this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the issue related to managing virtual teams. An objective of this study is to examine how virtual teams are developed and to identify the challenges to managing virtual reams in selected Georgian SMEs. This study seeks to obtain data that will help to analyze and review issues that arise in the process of managing diverse and geographically dispersed virtual teams. This research is constructed on a brief literature review, survey and focus group discussions among the representatives of SMEs operating in the financial and IT sector in Georgia. According to study findings, companies that pursue successful eleadership consider teleworking as an opportunity. The most interesting finding is that timely availability of necessary information, effective communication and well-defined tasks influence the collaboration between virtual team members and is pivotal whilst managing a virtual team.
Processing and decisions relating to water resources data: The case of Morocco
Authors: Hicham Jamil , Elhassan Jamal , Bouabid El Mansouri , Aniss Moumen , Jamal Chao
Published: August 2021

The national water strategy has been an essential vector of government strategy for a long time. The management of water resources is an integral part of the economic development of Morocco. Nevertheless, the definition of the strategic axes of this component and the adequate decision-making depends directly on the collection and use of all the data relating to water resources.

If big data technologies present a suitable solution to ensure optimal and rapid use of its data, the success of functional and technical designs can only be provided after total control of the processing and decision-making processes relating to the water domain.

In this paper, we will try to identify the aspects relating to the processes of data collection, processing, consolidation, and decision-making through the use of the results of field surveys and interviews with business managers.
The sibling as a factor of parental control over the use of gadgets by children
Authors: Sivrikova Nadezhda , Nemudraya Elena , Gilyazeva Natalya , Gnatyshina Ekaterina , Moiseeva Elena
Published: August 2021

The study aimed to examine the impact on parental strategies of regulating children’s digital gadgets from having a second child in the family. Ninety-three mothers took part in the survey. Twenty women had two children, one woman – three children, the others women – on one child. Parents evaluated the frequency of use of digital devices by each child and then filled out several checklists. The mathematical processing of data is represented by the analysis of сrosstabs (Cramer’s V Test and Somer’s D Test). The results of the study show that the use of digital devices is widespread among young children. At the same time, with the presence of senior siblings, the age of admission of the child to digital devices decreases. Thus, young children are exposed to digital technologies. Most parents seek to regulate the time and content children use. However, their rules were less stringent for the second child in the family. Parents should pay more attention to this.
Digital Signature for data and documents using operating PKI certificates
Authors: El Mane Adil , Chihab Younes , Korchiyne Redouan
Published: August 2021

This report represents my researching work for a six-month internship in Lex Persona Enterprise. "The implementation of applications that sign data and files electronically using operating digital certificates" is the central theme of this research. This project brings together many applications related to compliance with well-specified programming constraints to sign files electronically.

The research has the goal of signing PDF documents digitally using the hash-and-sign method. The SHA-256 function as the hash function and RSA as encryption algorithm, accompanied with PKI certificates type X.509. The link between the applications and the certificates is the cryptographic API PKCS #11. This humbled work got dedicated to smartphones and computers. The use of WebView in all applications provides a taste of consistency. This article presents several processes carried out to accomplish this work.
The role of social media in delivering news related to the COVID-19 pandemic: Moroccan community as a case study
Authors: Mejjad Nezha , Yaagoubi Hanane , Gourmaj Mourad , Moumen Aniss , Chakhchaoui Nabil , Farhan Rida , Refat Jahan Md. Rakib
Published: August 2021

The study aims to assess the Moroccan community’s using rate of social media, especially during the imposed lockdown, and analyze how the community is using and exploring the news published on Facebook. In this order, we prepared and shared a survey questionnaire among Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp users. The obtained responses exhibit that only 5% of respondents share the news immediately without verifying the source, while 54 % share news only after verifying the source; the rest did not prefer to share COVID-19 related news. This may reflect the awareness level of the sampled population about the importance of verifying the source of information before sharing it, especially during such conditions. However, 64% of participants think that Social Media platforms are not sufficient and appropriate to warn and inform the population about this sanitary crisis as not all Moroccan citizens have access to the internet and do not use social media. Besides, the COVID-19 period has known a rapid spread of misinformation and fake news through these platforms, impacting community mental health. Although, it is recommended to consider warning people about the best practices and use of shared information through these platforms
Responsibilities distribution between different levels of government for public services delivery in EU countries
Authors: Mutafov Emil
Published: August 2021

The main goal of the article is to review and analyze the pros and cons when public services are provided by different levels of government in EU countries. Methods such as analysis and synthesis, comparative method, mathematical and statistical are used for achieving the goal. The results will clarify the distribution of responsibilities for public services delivery in EU countries, which seek to fully cover the principle of subsidiarity stated in the European Charter of Local Self-Government. Transferring more powers will lead to new responsibilities to local government and it needs to be more effective, as larger municipalities would be able to fit in faster and better. The conclusions are related to the more efficient and effective distribution of public services between different levels of government.
Analysis of the information for positioning of companies with operations in Sofia and the 24 districts of the capital municipality
Authors: Popova-Hristova Maria
Published: August 2021

This study is the first step of an initiative of the Invest Sofia for Mapping the Industry in Sofia. As an agency whose main function is to attract investments in the city, we need information about where in the city what industry is developing, what are the prerequisites for the development of the ecosystem, how many are employed in the sector, what revenues are realized in a certain area. These are data that we could provide to potential investors and assist them in choosing the most suitable for their business location and for realizing their investment intention in the city. Thanks to the data from the survey, we will be able to put in strategic documents for the city necessary follow-up in order to further develop the region in one direction.
Development of remote identification the enterprises by digital technologies
Authors: Sova Olena , Ganushchak Tetiana , Khrapkina Valentyna , Onyshchenko Oksana
Published: August 2021

The article is devoted to the formulation of electronic remote identification of enterprises by digital technologies. The paper determines a practical aspect of using electronic remote identification between the bank and the organizations. The article emphasizes that BankID system has great social importance and wide practical application in Nordics and Ukraine. It is analyzed the level of Ukrainian enterprises’ computerization in various industries. The shares of some industries in the structure of the Ukrainian’s GDP with the construction of a trend line are given. Authors compare states of electronic identification in the northern countries and advantages of BankID systems. The recommendations for improvement electronic remote identification the enterprises by digital technologies are made. Keywords: digitalization of finances, finance, finance of enterprises, remote identification, digital technologies, BankID, banking.
Economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic: case of Bulgaria
Authors: Sterev Nikolay
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 has changing the business and has impacted the national economic system. As a result, not just the international trade has been reduced, but there is a sufficient change of the national and global value chains. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic has not equally impacted on different countries and sectors. Even though the full lockdown has been applied just for 3 months as the preliminary results shows the Bulgarian economy is moved on the back of the EU economies with decrease of 6% for the last years and some of the sectors was shrinking with more than 50% for the last year. The paper analyses the internal change of the Bulgarian economic system and covers analysis of labour and innovation added value to the economic growth in Bulgaria. The analysis opposes the Economic growth before and during the COVID-19 crises. It will be a good starting point to analyse the national economic anti-pandemic measures. The paper aims to analyse what was gone wrong and what was done good insight the Bulgarian economy as result of the COVID-19 pandemic’s economy transformation. The analysis is good starting point for post-pandemic development measures that are needed for fast economic recovery in the next few years.
AD HOC approach of cost management during the time of COVIDization of the economy
Authors: Radev Radko , Naidenov Alexander
Published: August 2021

This article aims to present the ad hoc approach of cost management taken by the companies under the conditions formed due to the COVIDIzation of the economy. Considering the uniqueness of the situation caused by COVID-19, the term COVIDization of the economy is interpreted. In general, it means complex changes in the PESTEL environment, conditioned by the global health crisis. For the majority of companies, these changes had an adverse effect. For others, it was neutral or favorable. The onset of the first wave of COVID-19 found most companies unprepared, with planned revenue, cost, and profit levels. In the face of a sharp change in revenue levels, firms had to respond ad hoc to meet these challenges. The publication brings out the ad hoc approach of cost management as a theoretical statement. It presents the effects on the revenues of the first wave of COVIDization and the companies’ ad hoc actions about their costs. Two studies conducted by the SRC Innovation and Competitiveness (U2B) were used in the current publication. They were conducted during the locked-down in 2020 and April-May 2021.
Digitalization of processes in livestock farming: software solutions in the case of Bulgaria
Authors: Stoyanov Konstantin , Zhelyazkov George , Penev Nikolay
Published: August 2021

Digitalization has already been largely seen as a key competitive advantage for all enterprises regardless of their economic sector or field of activity. Traditional economic activities such as agricultural and livestock farming have not been left out from those innovative approaches. The article focuses on some unorthodox economic performances shown by Bulgarian livestock farms in the recent years, including Farm Net Value Added by Annual Work Unit and VAT on investments. The article draws the general framework in terms of available products targeting medium and large enterprises in livestock farming addressing their needs for digitalization and automation of processes. The authors include an overview of existing software solutions for the Bulgarian market. Additional comparative analysis of available products, developed for livestock farming companies, will be drawn, emphasizing on the tools and different options they provide.
The place of artificial intelligence in the risk management process
Authors: Biolcheva Petya
Published: August 2021

In recent years, there has been increasing talk of the rapid entry of artificial intelligence into risk management. All the benefits it would bring over the whole process are often commented on: real-time results, processing large amounts of data, more complete risk identification, more accurate risk assessment, etc. There are also negative moods that make various experts feel threatened by their need to be replaced by artificial intelligence. Another problematic issue that arises is related to the transparency of algorithms and the increase in cyber risks [6]. This material aims to identify the individual elements at the stages of risk management in which artificial intelligence (AI) can and should be applied alone, in combination with expert opinion or not. Here it is shown that because of the use of AI the efficiency of the whole process is significantly increased, first of all by conducting in-depth analyses, and the decisions are made by the risk management experts. This proves its usefulness and increases the confidence of experts in it.
Trust in organization effect on the relationship between HRM practices and employee well-being
Authors: Jaškevičiūtė Vaida
Published: August 2021

This study investigates the effects of trust in the organization on the relationship between human resource management practices and employee well-being.Method:An anonymous survey of 638 employees in Lithuania was conducted. The research was designed based on a 6-dimensional scale of perceived human resources management policies and practices, a 3-dimensional questionnaire of employee well-being, and a 2-dimensional questionnaire of trust in the organization. Questionnaire items were measured on a 5-point Likert scale. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, multivariate linear regressions and mediation analysis. Findings: Specific relationships were found between various HRM practices with employee well-being in having a full effect or in having a partial effect. This empirical study showed that select HRM practices positively influence employee well-being through the mediating effect of trust in the organization.Managerial implications:Based on the results of the survey, employee well-being at work in Lithuania can best be improved by the strengthening of trust in the organization through following these HRM practices: “recruitment and selection” (RS), “involvement” (I), “work conditions” (WC) and “competence-based performance appraisal” (CBPA).
A novel graphene pressure sensor with zig–zag shaped piezoresistors for maximum strain coverage for enhancing the sensitivity of the pressure sensor
Authors: Nag Meetu , Kumar Ajay , Pratap Bhanu
Published: August 2021

The demand for flexible and wearable sensors is increasing day by day due to varied applications in the biomedical field. Especially highly sensitive sensors are required for the detection of the low signal from the body. It is important to develop a pressure sensor that can convert the maximum input signal into the electrical output. In this paper, the design and performance of graphene piezoresistive pressure sensors have been investigated by zig–zag piezoresistors on the square diaphragm. On the applied pressure, deformation is sensed by the piezoresistors above the diaphragm. Finite element analysis is carried out to investigate the effect of zig–zag piezoresistors on the square diaphragm. Simulated results for the optimized design are obtained for an operating range of 0–100 psi for pressure sensitivity.
Effect of lamination schemes on natural frequency and modal damping of fiber reinforced laminated beam using Ritz method
Authors: Naidu Balireddy Somi , Jeyaraj Pitchaimani , Chinnapandi Lenin Babu Mailan , Reddi Ch V.S.N.
Published: August 2021

The current study focussed on analysing natural frequency and damping of laminated composite beams (LCBs) by varying fiber angle, aspect ratio, material property and boundary conditions. Ritz method with displacement field based on the shear and normal deformable theory is used and the modal damping is calculated using modal strain energy method. Effects of symmetric angle-ply and cross-ply, anti symmetric cross-ply, balanced and quasi-isotropic lay up schemes on modal damping are presented for the first time. Results revealed that influence of lay-up scheme on natural frequencies is significant for the thin beams while the modal damping of the thin beams are not sensitive to lay-up scheme. However, the lay-up scheme influences the damping significantly for the thick beams. Similarly, high strength fiber reinforced LCBs have higher natural frequency while low strength fiber reinforced LCBs have higher damping due to the better fiber-matrix interaction.
Aktuelles zur medikamentösen Therapie des rezidivierten/metastasierten Nierenzellkarzinom (mNCC)
Authors: Virchow Isabel , Grünwald Viktor
Published: August 2021

Das Nierenzellkarzinom gehört zu den häufigen malignen Tumoren bei weiterhin steigender Inzidenz über die letzten 10 Jahre. Bei zunehmend verbesserter Operationstechniken, Nierenerhalt und minimal invasiven Eingriffen in der Lokaltherapie primär resektabler, nicht metastasierter Stadien, bleiben adjuvante Behandlungskonzepte bislang nicht indiziert und die medikamentöse Therapie den fortgeschritten metastasierten oder rezidivierten Tumoren vorbehalten. Nachdem zu Beginn des Jahrtausends durch den Einsatz von Zytokinen, als erstem Immuntherapeutischen Ansatz, das Gesamtüberleben von Patienten mit Nierenzellkarzinom im median 13 Monate betrug, dominierte über die letzte Dekade die zielgerichtete Therapie mit Angiogeneseinhibitoren in Form von Antikörpern oder Tyrosinkinase-Inhibitoren (TKI), sowie der Therapieoption der mTOR-Inhibition. Demzufolge prägte die Wahl der therapeutischen Sequenztherapie die Diskussionen. Mittlerweile stellt die kombinierte Therapie mit Immun-Checkpoint-Inhibitoren (ICI) in der Erstlinientherapie des metastasierten Nierenzellkarzinoms einen neuen Standard dar und konnte das mediane Gesamtüberleben auf >40 Monate anheben. Tyrosinkinase-Inhibitoren haben als Kombinationspartner und in einzelnen Fällen auch als Monotherapie weiter ihren Stellenwert behalten. Derzeit sind in der Erstlinientherapie des Nierenzellkarzinoms in Deutschland eine rein immunonkologische Kombination und 3 Kombinationen aus jeweils einem Immun-Checkpoint-Inhibitor und einem TKI zugelassen.
Short versus standard esophageal myotomy in achalasia patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies
Authors: Chandan Saurabh , Facciorusso Antonio , Khan Shahab R. , Ramai Daryl , Mohan Babu P. , Bilal Mohammad , Dhindsa Banreet , Kassab Lena L. , Goyal Hemant , Perisetti Abhilash , Bhat Ishfaq , Singh Shailender , McDonough Stephanie , Adler Douglas G.
Published: August 2021

Background and study aims Despite the clinical efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), postoperative symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains a major concern. While it is known that length of the gastric myotomy affects postoperative GERD, the clinical relevance of variation in esophageal myotomy length is not well known. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing outcomes of short versus standard myotomy length in patients with achalasia.

Patients and methods We searched multiple databases from inception through November 2020 to identify studies that reported on outcomes of achalasia patients who underwent short compared with standard esophageal myotomy. Meta-analysis was performed to determine pooled odds ratio (OR) of clinical success, GERD outcomes, and adverse events with the two techniques.

Results 5 studies with 474 patients were included in the final analysis (short myotomy group 214, standard myotomy group 260). There was no difference in clinical success (OR 1.17, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.54–2.52; I2 0 %; P = 0.69), postoperative symptomatic GERD (OR 0.87, 95 %CI 0.44–1.74; I2 29 %; P = 0.70), and overall adverse events (OR 0.52, 95 %CI 0.19–1.38; I2 40 %; P = 0.19), between the two groups. Incidence of postoperative erosive esophagitis as determined by endoscopy was lower in the short myotomy group (OR 0.50, 95 %CI 0.24–1.03; I2 0 %; P = 0.06).

Conclusion Our analysis showed that performing POEM with short esophageal myotomy in achalasia was as safe and effective as standard myotomy, with lower incidence of postoperative erosive esophagitis.
Artificial intelligence and colon capsule endoscopy: automatic detection of blood in colon capsule endoscopy using a convolutional neural network
Authors: Mascarenhas Saraiva Miguel , Ferreira João P. S. , Cardoso Hélder , Afonso João , Ribeiro Tiago , Andrade Patrícia , Parente Marco P. L. , Jorge Renato N. , Macedo Guilherme
Published: August 2021

Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is a minimally invasive alternative to conventional colonoscopy. Most studies on CCE focus on colorectal neoplasia detection. The development of automated tools may address some of the limitations of this diagnostic tool and widen its indications for different clinical settings. We developed an artificial intelligence model based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) for the automatic detection of blood content in CCE images. Training and validation datasets were constructed for the development and testing of the CNN. The CNN detected blood with a sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 99.8 %, 93.2 %, 93.8 %, and 99.8 %, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for blood detection was 1.00. We developed a deep learning algorithm capable of accurately detecting blood or hematic residues within the lumen of the colon based on colon CCE images.
92. Jahresversammlung der DGHNO-KHC 2021 erstmals im Online-Format – eine kritische Bewertung auf Basis der Teilnehmerevaluation
Authors: Dietz Andreas , Welkoborsky H. J. , Guntinas-Lichius O. , Stöver T. , Wiederkranz M. , Thorleuchter M. , Rosenkranz O. , Deitmer T. , Plontke S.
Published: August 2021

Die 92. Jahresversammlung der DGHNO-KHC wurde im Mai 2021 erstmals aufgrund der Corona-bedingten neuen Rahmenbedingungen komplett in einem Online-Format durchgeführt. Den Teilnehmern aus den Reihen der Mitglieder, Gäste und Industriepartner wurde im Anschluss ein Evaluationsfragebogen der zuständigen Landesärztekammer Nordrhein zugesandt, der inhaltlich um Fragen zu dem neuen virtuellen Format ergänzt wurde. Die Publikation fasst die Auswertung der 187 ärztlichen Rückläufer (10 % der Gesamtteilnehmerzahl) und der 25 Industrieaussteller (60 % der Industrieaussteller) zusammen und stellt ein erstes Fazit auf. In der groben Betrachtung wurde der Kongress von den ärztlichen und wissenschaftlichen Teilnehmern trotz komplett fehlender sozialer und sehr eingeschränkter fachlicher Interaktion überwiegend positiv bewertet. Auf Seiten der Industrie bot sich ein gegenteiliges Bild. Auf die Frage an die ärztlich/wissenschaftlichen Teilnehmenden nach dem zukünftigen Format der nächsten HNO-Jahreskongresse sprachen sich 16 % für einen reinen Online-Kongress, 67 % für einen Präsenzkongress mit Online-Elementen und lediglich 17 % für einen reinen Präsenzkongress aus. Auf die Frage an die Industrie, welche Art der Ausstellung in Zukunft bevorzugt würde, sprachen sich 68 % für die reine Präsenzausstellung im Rahmen eines Präsenzkongresses aus. 32 % konnten sich für Präsenz mit Online-Elementen erwärmen. Eine zukünftig komplette Online-Industrieausstellung wurde mit 0 % Zustimmung abgewählt.
Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Hydroxylation Reaction of Aryl Halide for the Synthesis of Phenols
Authors: Xue D. , Yang L.
Published: August 2021

Phenols are important components of pharmaceuticals, biologically active natural products, and materials. Here, we briefly discuss recent advances in catalytic hydroxylation reactions for the synthesis of phenols, with particular attention to our recent work. H2O is proved to be an efficient hydroxide reagent in converting (hetero)aryl halides into the corresponding phenols under synergistic organophotoredox and nickel catalysis. Aryl bromides as well as less reactive aryl chlorides show high reactivity in this catalytic system. This methodology can be applied to the efficient synthesis of diverse phenols and allows the hydroxylation of multifunctional pharmaceutically relevant aryl halides.

1 Introduction

2 Representative Methods for Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Hydroxylation of (Hetero)Aryl Halides

3 Organophotoredox/Ni Dual Catalytic Hydroxylation of Aryl Halides with Water

4 Summary and Outlook
Bathocuproine-Enabled Nickel-Catalyzed Selective Ullmann Cross-Coupling of Two sp2-Hybridized Organohalides
Authors: Li Yuqiang , Yin Guoyin
Published: August 2021

Cross-coupling reactions are essential for the synthesis of complex organic molecules. Here, we report a nickel-catalyzed Ullmann cross-coupling of two sp2-hybridized organohalides, featuring high cross-selectivity when the two coupling partners are used in a 1:1 ratio. The high chemoselectivity is governed by the bathocuproine ligand. Moreover, the mild reductive reaction conditions allow that a wide range of functional groups are compatible in this Ullmann cross-coupling.
Analysis of Chlorhexidine Modified Cement in Orthodontic Patients: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Araújo José Lucas dos Santos , Alvim Mariana Massi Afonso , Campos Márcio José da Silva , Apolônio Ana Carolina Morais , Carvalho Fabíola Galbiatti , Lacerda-Santos Rogério
Published: August 2021

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological and mechanical properties of glass ionomer cement (GIC) modified by chlorhexidine (CLX) for the purpose of cementing bands to the teeth of orthodontic patients.

Materials and Methods Ten patients, between the ages of 19 and 33 years, in the initial stage of orthodontic treatment, were randomly designated to two groups using the split-mouth design (n = 10). One group (GICEX) had bands cemented with GIC modified by CLX and a Control group (GIC), evaluated at time intervals before (T0), 3 months (T3), and 6 months (T6) after cementation. Total microbiological counts were performed, and color stability of tooth enamel, salivary pH, and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) were evaluated.

Statistical Analysis The Friedman and Dunn’s tests, Mann–Whitney, one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey, and paired and non-paired t-tests (p< 0.05) were used.

Results In T3, there was evidence of significant reduction in the quantity of colony forming unit (CFU) in GICEX group in comparison with the Control (p = 0.041). In T6, the quantity of CFU was similar to the quantity in T3 and significantly different to control (p = 0.045); Control group demonstrated a similar quantity of CFU between the experimental time intervals (p = 0.066). Salivary pH demonstrated significant difference only between the time intervals T0 and T6 (p = 0.022). The tooth enamel color (p = 0.366) and ARI (p = 0.343) values demonstrated no significant changes.

Conclusion The incorporation of CLX into GIC demonstrated effective antibacterial action, allowed a good bond of the cement to the enamel, a high rate of survival of the bands, did not change the color of the tooth enamel, and maintained the salivary pH at physiological levels.
An Eggshell-Based Toothpaste as a Cost-Effective Treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity
Authors: Abou Neel Ensanya A. , Bakhsh Turki A.
Published: August 2021

Objectives This study aimed to test the efficacy of two experimentally produced eggshell-based toothpastes on dentinal tubules occlusion.

Materials and Methods Two experimental eggshell toothpastes, based on natural ingredients, with or without titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TNPs) were produced and coded “TNPs eggshell toothpaste [TNPsESTP]” or “eggshell toothpaste [ESTP],” respectively. Mid-coronal dentin discs, from 28 human extracted molar teeth, etched with 37% phosphoric acid for 60 seconds to simulate the hypersensitive dentin, were randomly divided into four groups—G1: no treatment (negative control), G2: ESTP treated, G3: TNPsESTP treated, and G4: Biorepair treated (positive control). All treated discs were brushed for 2 weeks and 1 month using a toothbrush simulator at 40 mm/s. Dentinal tubules occlusion was studied using a cross-polarization optical coherence tomography (CP-OCT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Statistical Analysis Unpaired t-test was conducted using GraphPad software (San Diego, California, United States). Continuous variables were expressed as means ± standard deviation and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results From CP-OCT, a marked increase in surface reflectivity of dentin was observed after brushing with tested toothpastes. ESTP and NPsESTP showed higher or comparable grayscale values than Biorepair indicating increase in surface density of dentin. From SEM, at 2 weeks, ESTP showed comparable number of completely occluded dentinal tubules to Biorepair. TNPsESTP showed significantly lower numbers of CODT than Biorepair. At 1 month, the number of CODT was difficult to count for all treated groups. Both ESTP and TNPsESTP showed significantly higher numbers of partially occluded dentinal tubules than Biorepair.

Conclusion ESTP or TNPsESTP could offer a cost-effective substitute for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.
Survival Rates of Anterior-Region Resin-Bonded Fixed Dental Prostheses: An Integrative Review
Authors: Mendes José Manuel , Bentata Anne Le Guen , de Sá Juliana , Silva António Sérgio
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to review clinical publications involving anterior-region resin-bonded fixed partial dentures to evaluate their survival rates vis-à-vis their materials and design. An electronic search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE to identify articles that reported on the longevity of anterior resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses published between 2000 and 2020. Only primary clinical studies that involved a follow-up after at least 3 years were included in this review. A statistical analysis was performed to evaluate resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses’ survival rates in relation to their materials and design. This review ultimately included 23 clinical publications, comprising prospective studies, retrospective studies, and randomized controlled trials. Its statistical analysis estimated the studied prostheses’ 5-year survival rate at 86.2% for metal-framed prostheses, 87.9% for zirconia prostheses, 93.3% for alumina prostheses, 100% for glass or ceramic prostheses, and 81.7% for fiber-reinforced composite restorations. Failure rates did not significantly differ between the different material groups or between the single- and double-retainer groups. Resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses present excellent 5-year clinical longevity in the anterior sector and a favorable benefit/risk/cost ratio. Currently, no consensus has been established on an ideal material for these restorations. Cantilever design tends to limit constraints on the prostheses’ retainers and, thus, increases their survival time. All-ceramic cantilever fixed partial dentures can be considered as a definitive therapy, given their high success and survival rates. They are an optimal solution for adolescents or young adults facing potentially continuous growth.
Mapping 216 Perforator Flaps Using Highly Portable Tablet-Based Color Doppler Ultrasound (PT-CDU)
Authors: Lindsey John T. , Smith Christopher , Lee James , St Hilaire Hugo , Lindsey John T.
Published: August 2021

Background The first reports of using color Doppler ultrasound for evaluation of the microvasculature were in the 1990s. Despite the early reports of its efficacy, color Doppler ultrasound did not achieve popularity nor general usage in part due to the cumbersome size, cost and poor resolution. This is the first study to demonstrate the potential utility of a new, highly portable, tablet-based color Doppler ultrasound (PT-CDU) system for imaging perforator flaps.

Methods The deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEP), lateral arm (LA), anterolateral thigh (ALT), thoracodorsal artery (TDAP), and the medial sural artery (MSAP) perforator flaps were imaged within classic topographic landmarks to visualize and measure variables related to perforator flap anatomy. The Philips Lumify L12–4 linear array probe attached to the Samsung Galaxy Tab A tablet was the system used for all examinations.

Results A total of 216 flaps were scanned in 50 healthy adult volunteers: 44 DIEP, 44 LA, 40 ALT, 48 TDAP, and 40 MSAP. Precise anatomic information regarding perforator size, number, and location was obtained. Overall, the percent of flaps having at least 1 perforator within the specified topographical landmarks was 89% for the DIEP, 84.1% for the LA, 72.5% for the ALT, 50% for the TDAP, and 30% for the MSAP (p = 2.272e-09). The percent of patients having an asymmetry (right versus left) in the number of perforators was 72.7% (ALT), 65% (DIEP), 59.1% (LA), 41.7% (TDAP), and 30% (MSAP) (p = 0.0351).

Conclusion Portable, tablet-based color Doppler ultrasound offers high-resolution images of perforators and represents a facile technology that may be of interest to microsurgeons in the planning of perforator flaps. Variations in vascular anatomy were well-demonstrated. This surgeon-driven imaging technology may represent an excellent alternative to other imaging modalities.
Effectiveness of Virtual Reality and Interactive Simulators on Dental Education Outcomes: Systematic Review
Authors: Moussa Rania , Alghazaly Amira , Althagafi Nebras , Eshky Rawah , Borzangy Sary
Published: August 2021

In recent years, virtual reality and interactive digital simulations have been used in dental education to train dental students before interacting with real patients. Scientific evidence presented the application of virtual technology in dental education and some recent publications suggested that virtual and haptic technologies may have positive effects on dental education outcomes. The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether virtual technologies have positive effects on dental education outcomes and to explore the attitudes of dental students and educators toward these technologies. A thorough search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE (via EBSCO), The Cochrane Library (via Wiley), Web of Science Core Collection (via Thomson Reuters), and Dentistry and Oral Science source (via EBSCO) using the keywords (student, dental) AND (education, dental) AND (virtual reality) OR (augmented reality) OR (haptics) OR (simulation) AND (dentistry) OR (dental medicine). The quality of the reported information was assessed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement for systematic reviews. A total of 73 publications were considered for this review. Fifty-two of the selected studies showed significant improvement in educational outcomes and virtual technologies were positively perceived by all the participants. Within the limitations of this review, virtual technology appears to improve education outcomes in dental students. Further studies with larger samples and longer term clinical trials are needed to substantiate this potential positive impact of various virtual technologies on dental education outcomes.