bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the bronchopulmonary sequestration on endobronchial tuberculosis: the case report and the review of literature
Authors: Adzic-Vukicevic Tatjana , Petkovic Ana , Menkovic Nemanja , Stosic Maja , Bracanovic Milos , Korica Stefan , Barac Aleksandra
Published: December 2021

Introduction: We describe the rare case of endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) and chronic pulmonary atelectasis with mediastinal distortion. Finding of the concomitant venous anomaly of inferior vena cava revealed the diagnosis of bronchopulmonary sequestration.

Case Report: A 22-year-old Caucasian woman presented with a history of chronic cough, initially treated as bronchial asthma for a year. Chest X-ray showed fibrocaseous cavernous tuberculosis on the right lung. Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) were found in sputum samples. Patient was treated for 6 months with usual antituberculous regiment. Control chest X-ray showed subatelectasis of the upper right lobe. Six months later the first thorax computed tomography (CT) showed complete atelectasis of the right lung. Patient was admitted to the hospital again after 6 years due to the persistent fever and cough. Endoscopic finding and histopathological analysis confirmed EBTB. Thoracic CT scan revealed duplication of inferior vena cava which led to profound vascular analysis and aberrant arterial vascularization of aortic origin that contributed to the diagnosis of bronchopulmonary sequestrations. Antituberculous treatment was initiated (streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide) and lasted for 8 months. After 8 months a follow-up fiberoptic bronchoscopy showed the progression of endoscopic finding with 60-70% tracheal stenosis. Histopathological finding of the mid-trachea showed non-specific granulations. During 7 years of follow-up repeated bronchoscopy and thoracic CT scans were unchanged and patient was well-shaped.

Conclusions: The clinician should consider bronchopulmonary sequestration in the cases of recurrent EBTB.
Flavonoids in in vitro cultures of Astragalus hamosus
Authors: Shkondrov Aleksandar , Popova Pavlinka , Ionkova Iliana , Krasteva Ilina
Published: December 2021

Astragalus hamosus contains valuable biologically active compounds, incl. flavonoids. The possibility for in vitro cultivation of the species as a source of important flavonoids was studied. Shoot and callus cultures were established and successfully cultivated on different nutrition media, complemented or not with growth regulators. An ultra-high performance liquid chromatography – high-resolution electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRESIMS) qualitative and quantitative analysis of non-purified methanol extracts of these cultures was performed. It was found that the cultures produced rutin in comparable quantity. Interestingly, both shoots and callus cultures accumulated the rare triglycosides alcesefoliside and mauritianin. The quantity of mauritianin, biosynthesized in shoots, was significantly higher to that in callus cultures. Alcesefoliside, was in lower quantity, compared to mauritianin. In addition, callus cultures produced alcesefoliside trice as the shoots, besides their lower level of differentiation. These findings could serve as initial research to establish the value of in vitro cultures from A. hamosus as an alternative mean of production of pharmaceutically important flavonol glycosides.
À propos d’une République « impériale » en situation : aperçus historiographiques, méthodologiques et programmatiques
Authors: Benoist Stéphane
Published: December 2021

Conçue comme une introduction, cette présentation aborde les divers enjeux historiographiques, méthodologiques et programmatiques d’une prise en compte globale des premiers siècles avant et de notre ère sous la dénomination d’une République « impériale ». Il s’agit de considérer la mise en récit par nos sources, puis la réception par les Modernes, de cette période traditionnellement divisée entre République et Empire. Sont notamment convoqués Cicéron, Tacite, Velleius Paterculus, mais également les Res Gestae Diui Augusti et le Panégyrique de Trajan par Pline le Jeune. La périodisation et le métier d’historien, la notion de « générations historiennes » et la place du populus au sein de cette République « impériale » sont autant d’éléments d’approche qui permettent d’ouvrir le dossier qui suit et de dresser l’inventaire des travaux à mener à propos de la pensée politique, des pratiques et des représentations du pouvoir à Rome, sur une plus ou moins longue durée.
« Le corps tout entier est asservi à l’âme ». Une réappropriation sénéquienne du pouvoir personnel à l’orée du principatus de Néron
Authors: Kennedy Jérôme
Published: December 2021

La figure du princeps s’impose comme incontournable dès Auguste, mais sa légitimité et son autorité posent question, d’autant plus qu’elle fait l’objet de modélisations successives sous les Julio-Claudiens. L’avènement de Néron offre à Sénèque l’opportunité de proposer une redéfinition du pouvoir impérial, ancrée dans le stoïcisme et les cadres classiques de la pensée politique. S’il définit le pouvoir du princeps comme omnipotent, c’est pour mieux souligner que seul le bon et juste exercice dudit pouvoir légitime son détenteur. Ce faisant, il donne corps à l’idéal de l’ optimus princeps .
Albums de famille
Authors: Meazza Stefania
Published: December 2021

L’article porte sur le travail d’artistes qui, en Europe et aux États-Unis, interrogent la forme du journal photographique et de l’album de famille par le biais de la photographie et de la vidéo. Dès les années 1990, ces artistes réagissent à la fin du modernisme et l’effondrement des grands récits par un mouvement de repli sur l’intime, d’où découle un effet de désublimation de l’art. Le quotidien, l’ordinaire, la vie de famille (biologique ou d’adoption) viennent nourrir ces pratiques. Mais, au lieu de s’enfermer dans leurs histoires personnelles, leurs récits s’ouvrent à une lecture universelle : en se faisant narrateurs d’un quotidien commun à tous, ces artistes tissent un lien à l’intérieur de la société, au sein de laquelle ils se repositionnent.
Il y a cent ans, Freud inventait la pulsion de mort, puis reconnaissait la psyché de groupe
Authors: Mével Gérard
Published: December 2021

C’est un virage fondamental dans la psychanalyse, son second temps. La lecture de Freud et de son histoire montre que la théorisation s’est faite dans un lien à deux, initialement, puis dans l’enveloppe du groupe du mercredi. Cette reconnaissance de la psyché de groupe paraît en définitive à la fois tardive et logique quand on reprend l’histoire de l’avènement de la psychanalyse freudienne.
Mais que font les adultes ? Apprentissages autonomes et travail relationnel dans une école démocratique française
Authors: Bouillon Florence
Published: December 2021

Fondé sur une enquête ethnographique, cet article interroge les pratiques et postures des adultes lorsqu’ils se donnent pour règle de respecter le principe des « apprentissages autonomes ». Deux figures idéal-typiques émergent alors, celles de l’adulte garant et celle de l’adulte accompagnant . Liées aux parcours socio-professionnels des adultes, ces deux postures ont des incidences sur la prise en compte des fragilités psychosociales caractéristiques de nombreux enfants accueillis au sein des écoles démocratiques françaises.
L’expérience émotionnelle des filles et des garçons en EPS
Authors: Petiot Oriane , Desbiens Jean-François
Published: December 2021

La prise en compte des différences entre les sexes reste particulièrement problématique dans le milieu scolaire. Par exemple, en EPS, les filles obtiennent de manière récurrente de moins bons résultats que les garçons. Mais les déterminants de ces écarts sont encore peu connus. Cette recherche visait à documenter par questionnaire les perceptions de 420 élèves du secondaire (dont 231 filles) concernant leur expérience émotionnelle en EPS, en relation avec le climat d’apprentissage perçu. L’analyse a mis en évidence que si les perceptions des élèves étaient globalement positives, elles se révélaient aussi significativement différentes en fonction du sexe. Les filles ont rapporté des émotions plus négatives, ont exprimé une appréciation nettement moins favorable du climat d’apprentissage, et une implication moins intense et moins enthousiaste que les garçons. Des pistes sont formulées pour favoriser des émotions plus positives chez les filles, notamment en agissant sur les composantes du climat d’apprentissage.
Headaches
Authors: Liu Amy
Published: December 2021

Headaches are common in the pediatric population and can cause significant distress to the patient and their family. The ability of pediatricians to appropriately diagnose and differentiate headaches is important to guide management. This article reviews the epidemiology, classification, and treatment of headaches, including migraines.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2021;50(12):e479–e485]
El hospital y la cofradía morisca de La Resurrección. ¿Fracaso o éxito de la política evangelizadora castellana?
Authors: García-Pedraza Amalia
Published: December 2021

El presente trabajo profundiza en el conocimiento del hospital y cofradía de La Resurrección, fundada por los moriscos del Albaicín (Granada). Utilizando documentación inédita del Archivo Histórico de Protocolos de Granada, del Archivo General de Simancas y del Archivo de la Alhambra, entre otros, se traza la historia de tan singular institución, apenas conocida a pesar de su proyección en el reino granadino y su supuesta participación en la Rebelión de 1568. Se presta especial atención al perfil social de sus cofrades, en su mayoría integrantes del grupo conocido como «los hombres ricos del Albaicín».
Entre la Diputación del General de Cataluña y la Cámara Apostólica: la trayectoria del colector Bernat Vallès (1365-1389)
Authors: Tello Hernández Esther
Published: December 2021

Bernat Vallès fue un miembro de la clerecía barcelonesa de la segunda mitad del siglo XIV y uno de los considerados «primeros presidentes» de la Generalitat de Cataluña. Fue nombrado diputado eclesiástico en las Cortes de Tortosa de 1365 y, en ese mismo año, se le documenta ya en relación con la Cámara Apostólica de Aviñón. Centrándonos en su perfil polifacético y empleando documentación del Archivo de la Corona de Aragón y del Archivo Apostólico Vaticano, nos interesa analizar la gestión fiscal y financiera de este personaje en relación con la fiscalidad regia y pontificia. Todo ello, en un periodo significativo para la consolidación de la fiscalidad general en la Corona de Aragón y la fiscalidad pontificia de Aviñón, y en un momento transcendental respecto a las relaciones monarquía-papado.
Un caso de interés para la demonología originado en la hagiografía: san Germán y su evolución por los Flores sanctorum pretridentinos y postridentinos
Authors: Cortés Guadarrama Marcos
Published: December 2021

A partir del texto De bello demonum, se estudia el uso que ahí se les da a ciertos pasajes de la hagiografía, ejemplificado en el caso de san Germán. El conocimiento de las milagrerías contra los demonios del obispo de Auxerre se debía a la popularidad de los compendios hagiográficos bajomedievales, como la Legenda aurea. En las traducciones y adaptaciones castellanas de esta obra, la vida de este santo fue asumida como una lectura medular para hacer saber de los demonios y sus maldades contra los fieles cristianos. Con base en estos hechos, se analiza la transformación que sufrió la narrativa demonológica de esta vita en los Flores sanctorum pretridentinos impresos (ca. 1480, ca. 1497); el Flos sanctorum de Pedro de la Vega (1580); y en los Flores sanctorum postridentinos de Alonso de Villegas (1568) y Pedro de Ribadeneira (1599). La transformación del discurso demonológico en estos últimos, con sus importantes matices, es resultado de una postura contestataria y defensiva en el contexto de la Reforma.
El Calvario de la Redención de Vicent Macip en el contexto valenciano de las Vitae Christi medievales
Authors: Ramon i Ferrer Lluís
Published: December 2021

Este trabajo consiste en una aproximación iconográfica e iconológica al cuadro titulado el Calvario de la Redención de Vicent Macip cuyo discurso visual explica la muerte redentora de Cristo, la superioridad de este sacrificio frente al culto levítico y el valor universal de la Redención y, al mismo tiempo, materializa los elementos necesarios para la contemplación de uno de los artículos del Credo: descendit ad inferos. En el análisis iconográfico, se han estudiado tres aspectos: el paisaje, las relaciones establecidas entre los personajes y la gestualidad. En la comparación del tema del cuadro con posibles fuentes literarias, se ha podido observar el paralelismo existente entre el tema pintado en el cuadro y su narración en la Vida de Jesucrist de Francesc Eiximenis.
Objectification and Domination
Authors: Tarasenko-Struc Aleksy
Published: December 2021

I resolve a tension between two prominent strands of feminist social critique. On the first, the domination of women consists largely in their objectification, and the objectifying character of such domination primarily explains why it is wrong. On the second, some salient forms of domination have a distinctively intersubjective dimension that makes them crucially unlike our standard modes of relating to objects. Yet in that case, how could characterizing these acts as objectifying capture why they are wrong? Focusing on domination that seeks recognition from the subordinate, I argue that each strand contains half the truth, weaving these together. The first is correct to point out that that the concept of objectification is necessary for capturing the wrong of recognition-seeking domination, and that acts can be objectifying and ‘subjectifying’ all at once. The second strand is right to insist that domination of this sort has an irreducibly subjectifying character in light of which the concept of objectification is insufficient for clarifying its wrongness. The general lesson is that an account of the wrong of recognition-seeking domination is adequate only if it does justice to both its objectifying and subjectifying aspects.
Visual Experiences without Presentational Phenomenology
Authors: Miyazono Kengo
Published: December 2021

A number of philosophers claim that visual experiences have a peculiar phenomenal character that is “presentational”. According to what I call the “Visual Presentationality Thesis”, this peculiar phenomenal character, presentational phenomenology, is not merely a contingent feature but is a necessary feature of visual experiences. Necessarily, visual experiences have presentational phenomenology. The main aim of this paper is to argue against the Visual Presentationality Thesis. I refute the Visual Presentationality Thesis by giving some counterexamples to it. In particular, I give counterexamples from derealization, which is a psychopathological condition that is characterized by the subjective impression of unreality or detachment from one’s surroundings. Derealization is a condition in which patients have visual experiences without presentational phenomenology. I defend this hypothesis about derealization on the basis of an inference to the best explanation; this hypothesis provides the best explanation of (otherwise puzzling) subjective reports by patients with derealization.
Culvert pipe resonance
Authors: Voipio Veli
Published: December 2021

– Resonant frequency in the target is revealed using a Gopher antenna designed by the author for the measurements.– Deconvolution is applied after conventional pre-processing.
Three-dimension (3D) presentation of a hominid cave using ground-penetrating radar
Authors: Qawasmeh Huthaifa , AL-Hameedawi Mohammed M. , Conyers Lawrence
Published: December 2021

– Determination of the ceiling, floor, and the void of the hominid cave.– Using time-depth adjustments to correct floor position.– Statistical method to determine the cave void and real floor depth.– Creation of a 3D representation for the cave.
Perturbações paradigmáticas: de como movimentar os sedimentos
Authors: Bentz Ione
Published: December 2021

Este texto está organizado em duas partes: Prolegômenos e Provocações. Na primeira parte, faz uma homenagem a Alexandre Rocha da Silva, prematuramente falecido; na segunda, faz a crítica a um conjunto de trabalhos apresentados na Jornada de Pesquisa do grupo de pesquisa – GPESC. Esses trabalhos reafirmavam os princípios neoestruturalistas, em suas diversas vertentes, como matrizes interpretativas. O objetivo é apontar a possibilidade de ‘avanço estratégico’, a partir de ideias oriundas da teoria da complexidade. Assim, a aplicação de conceitos como transdisciplinaridade, ecossistemas, incerteza e disrupção e dos princípios recursivo, dialógico e hologramático tem potencial para renovar as metodologias e as práticas da comunicação. Nesse sentido, significação e comunicação ficariam mais próximas do pragmatismo de Peirce do que dos estruturalismos inspirados em Saussure.
Management of incisional hernias in liver transplant patients
Authors: Ayuso Sullivan , Elhage Sharbel A. , George Maria B. , Anderson Meshka , Levi David M. , Heniford B. Todd , Augenstein Vedra A.
Published: December 2021

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study is to describe an optimal management strategy for incisional hernias in liver transplant patients.

METHODS:

Patients were identified who underwent open preperitoneal hernia repair for incisional hernia following liver transplantation. Perioperative management and surgical technique were described; wound complications and hernia recurrence were the primary outcomes assessed.

RESULTS:

A total of 17 patients met our criteria. All patients were on immunosuppression, and one patient (5.9%) had sirolimus stopped prior to the operation. One patient (5.9%) quit smoking, and two patients (11.8%) required optimization of their diabetes to have an A1c ≤7.2. Two patients (11.8%) received botulinum toxin A preoperatively due to significant loss of domain. The mean size of the biologic mesh was 818.8 ± 210 cm2, one patient (5.9%) received an anterior component separation and four (23.5%) received a panniculectomy. Postoperatively, three patients (17.7%) developed wound complications and one patient required reoperation for seroma. There were no 30-day readmissions and no hernia recurrences with mean follow-up time of 21.6 ± 11.6 months.

CONCLUSION:

The use of preperitoneal biologic mesh is an effective method for the management of incisional hernia in liver transplant patients; perioperative optimization and care are also influential in assuring positive outcomes for patients.
A short-term preliminary evaluation of ventral hernia repair using a new prosthetic mesh
Authors: Parikh Rajavi S , Faulkner Justin D , Bilezikian Jordan A , Hooks W Borden , Hope William W.
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:

Syneco® (W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) is a new permanent synthetic mesh made of a combination of an absorbable synthetic component and a permanent synthetic component that can be used intraperitoneally or within the abdominal wall layers. Currently, there are little data on outcomes related to this mesh product.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

The purpose of this project is to review our medical center's outcomes using Synecor® mesh in ventral hernia repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We retrospectively reviewed all patients at our single medical center undergoing ventral hernia repair using Synecor® mesh included in the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative (AHSQC) database from April 2016 through September 2019. Demographic, perioperative, and short-term outcomes (surgical site infection [SSI], surgical site occurrence [SSO], surgical site occurrence requiring procedural intervention [SSOPI]) were reviewed, and descriptive statistics were calculated.

RESULTS:

Forty-eight patients who underwent ventral hernia repairs using Synecor® mesh met study inclusion criteria. The average age of our patient population was 59 years (range: 29-78) with 50% female and 85% Caucasian. Ninety-six percent of cases were classed as clean cases. Comorbidities were present in 73% of patients. Open repairs were completed in 56% of cases and included retrorectus repair in 67% and transversus abdominis muscle release (TAR) in 30% of open cases. Repairs were laparoscopic in 27% of cases and robotic in 17%, with 85% having closure of the defect during repair. At 30 days follow-up, the rate of SSI was 8%, SSO 17%, and SSOPI 13%. There was an overall complication rate of 29%, a hernia recurrence rate of 4%, and an average follow-up of 97 days (range: 0 days to 1 year).

CONCLUSION:

Synecor® mesh is a new synthetic mesh that can be used for ventral hernia repair in an open, laparoscopic, or robotic approach. Short-term, preliminary results appear favorable; however, more study is needed to fully evaluate this new mesh prosthetic.
Review of Studies on Stress, Job Satisfaction and Resilience among Nursing Professionals
Authors: Sharma Shikha , Talib Parvaiz , Singh Ganesh
Published: December 2021

Nursing profession is quite stressful. Numerous studies had been carried out to identify the stress, job satisfaction and resilience among nursing professional. The aim of this study is to collate the available literature on the relationship among role stress, job satisfaction and resilience among nursing professionals. Electronic databases (CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PsycInfo, PsycArticles and Proquest) were searched using the various combinations of keywords: nursing stress, nurse resilience and job satisfaction. In addition to electronic databases, manual searches were also undertaken in various nursing journals including the Journal of Advanced Nursing, the International Journal of Nursing Practice and the International Journal of Nursing Studies. A total of eight descriptive and descriptive-correlational studies published in English were included, and data are presented in a narrative summary. The findings revealed a negative relationship between nursing stress and job satisfaction and reported a mediating role of resilience in the relationship. The degree of role stress, resilience level and job satisfaction varied among different demographics and work settings. Workload and staffing inadequacy were reported as the major stressors for nursing professionals. A high level of job satisfaction was attributed to the presence of intrinsic and extrinsic rewards in the profession and the resilient nature of nursing professionals played a pivotal role in managing the level of stress and increases the level of satisfaction among them. Within the limitations of the study such as the lack of literature including all three constructs of the study and methodological constraints of multiplicity of instruments, it was noted that nursing professionals are often stressed due to heavy workload and demanding work conditions, express job dissatisfaction, they try to adjust to the conditions by being resilient. This imposes a persistent need for the health-care system to strategize and ensure the management of workload, sufficient staffing and adequate training for nursing professionals to ensure the delivery of quality health care. A very limited number of studies have examined the role of resilience in the relationship between role stress and job satisfaction. Furthermore, no studies in the Asian context have previously been conducted.
Osteoporosis in a Rural Community – Long-Term Effects of a Community Level Program of Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation – A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Seshadri Mandalam S. , Gopi Manigandan , Murali Priyanka , Kumar Kaliyaperumal
Published: December 2021

In a defined geographic area in rural India (1,60,000 population), osteoporosis detection and calcium and vitamin D supplementation program was instituted. Of the eligible 15,386 subjects, 5,992 (38%) participated in the program; 2,882 (48%) had osteopenia and osteoporosis; supervised calcium and vitamin D supplementation was instituted; 2,113 (73.3% of those identified) completed 2 years of supplementation. The mean duration of the follow-up was 5 years (range 2–8 years). On follow-up, three groups emerged; those who were regular, those who were irregular, and those who did not take supplements. In those who were regular with calcium and vitamin D supplementation, we found a significant reduction in fractures (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.09–0.81) compared with those who did not take supplements. There was no significant difference in falls between the three groups. Mortality was significantly lower (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.31–0.91) in those who were regular with calcium and vitamin D supplements compared to those who did not take supplements. While the reduction in fractures was probably due to calcium and vitamin D supplementation, the reduction in mortality was probably because those who took regular supplements accessed healthcare services more readily for other comorbidities as part of their follow-up program.
Optimizing Cord Blood Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Cutoff for Screening of Congenital Hypothyroidism—Experience from Screening 164,000 Newborns in a Tertiary Hospital in India
Authors: Paul Praveen G. , Rebekah Grace , Korula Sophy , Kumar Manish , Bondu Joseph D. , Palany Raghupathy , Simon Anna , Mathai Sarah
Published: December 2021

Background and Objectives:

In our institution, we have an ongoing newborn thyroid screening (NBS) program since July 2001. In the initial 9 months, we used cord blood thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (CBTSH) cutoff of 20 mIU/L and thereafter the cutoff was increased to 25 mIU/L. Our objective was to evaluate whether a CBTSH cutoff of 25 mIU/L is sensitive and cost-effective in NBS of congenital hypothyroidism (CH).

Materials and Methods:

All in-born babies are screened and those with CBTSH ≥25 mIU/L are recalled for confirmatory TSH/T4/FT4 tests. CH is confirmed with elevated TSH and low T4/FT4. Those with CBTSH 20–24.99 mIU/L were recalled for confirmatory tests in initial period of our NBS and prospectively between January and August 2017. Statistical analysis was done to derive positive predictive value and sensitivity to diagnose CH for each CBTSH between 20 and 30 mIU/L.

Results:

A total of 164,163 neonates were screened from July 2001 to August 2017. Of the 2352 babies with CBTSH ≥25–30 mIU/L, 1763 returned for retesting and 5 confirmed as CH (4 gland-in-situ and 1 absent uptake on nuclear scan). Of the 14,742 screened during the study period, 195 of the 293 babies with CBTSH 20–24.99 mIU/L returned for retesting and none diagnosed as CH. A CBTSH of 25 mIU/L has 99.2% sensitivity and 97.5% specificity. A lower screen TSH cutoff 20 mIU/L would result in recall of additional 300 babies/year with no definite improvement in sensitivity.

Conclusions:

Our data justify the continuation of using screen TSH cutoff of 25 mIU/Lwhile using cord bloodfor NBS in our population. With a diverse and large population, it is important that we use feasible regional screen cutoffs for optimal use of our resources.
Non-optical coherence tomography modalities for assessment of angle closure
Authors: Porporato Natalia , Bell Katharina C. , Perera Shamira A. , Aung Tin
Published: December 2021

Primary angle closure glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, particularly in Asia. Its pathophysiology is based in the closure of the anterior chamber angle (ACA). In addition to gonioscopy (current reference standard), in the past decade, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) has been incorporated in routine ophthalmic practice to help assess the configuration of the ACA. Especially in nonspecialist ophthalmology practice, gonioscopy may be less frequently performed and AS-OCT may not be available, leading to the need of other anterior segment evaluation methods. Evaluating the anterior chamber depth (ACD) has long been recognized as screening tool for primary angle-closure glaucoma. It can be measured with several devices, such as Scheimpflug photography and the scanning peripheral ACD analyzer. It can also be estimated with the oblique flashlight test and van Herick technique (limbal ACD assessment). More recently, goniophotographic systems have been developed to produce images of the ACA similar to those seen with manual gonioscopy. NGS-1 automated gonioscope (NIDEK Co, Gamagori, Japan) and the RetCam (Natus Medical Incorporated, Pleasanton, CA) are commercially available. However, NGS-1 is the only one with a specialized software for ACA imaging. Several prototype devices are currently being developed, such as the GonioPEN and axicon lens assisted gonioscopy. This article aims to review different modalities of ACA assessment, beyond AS-OCT, and compare their relative advantages and disadvantages.
Nasal epithelium: new insights and differences of the cytokine profile between normal subjects and subjects with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Stamataki S. , Papadopoulos N.G. , Lakoumentas J. , Georgountzou A. , Maggina P. , Xepapadaki P. , Andreakos E. , Prokopakis E. , Legaki E. , Taka S.
Published: December 2021

Background: The role of the nasal epithelium in the induction of a proper cytokine response in normal subjects and subjects with allergic rhinitis is still not completely elucidated. Methodology: We aimed to compare nasal epithelial immune responses in allergic rhinitis patients of different ages compared to healthy volunteers. Primary nasal epithelial cells from 47 subjects (33 normal and 17 with allergic rhinitis) were collected and cultured. Their unstimulated supernatants were analysed for 21 cytokines and chemokines. Statistical analysis was performed with the R statistical software and the RStudio interface. Results: Differences of the spontaneous release of epithelial cytokines and chemokines were noticed between the two study groups. The levels of GMCSF, MIP1A, MIP1B, IL28A, TNFA, CCL5 were significantly lower in the allergic rhinitis group compared to healthy volunteers’ group, independent of age. Most differences were noticed in the younger allergic rhinitis group (0-12 years old). Conclusions: Despite the cross-sectional nature of the study and the limited number of subjects, allergic rhinitis appears to be associated with dysfunction of cytokine and chemokine spontaneous release from nasal epithelial cells which may represent an abnormal innate immunity maturation pattern.
Multi Response Optimization of Process Parameters using Taguchi based Grey Relational Method in FSW of AZ91B Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Unnikrishnan M.A. , Edwin Raja Dhas J.
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the Taguchi method and grey relational analysis have been used to evaluate the weldability of AZ91B Magnesium alloy by friction stir welding process. Experiments were conducted using the L9 Taguchi design considering an orthogonal array consist of 3 factors and 3 levels. The rotational speed, transverse speed and angle of tilt of the tool are selected as welding parameters. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to analyze the influence of the welding parameters on the responses namely, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and hardness. The analysis results revealed that the transverse speed is the predominant parameter affecting tensile strength, hardness and quality of the weld. Confirmation test results showed that the Taguchi method coupled with grey relational analysis is very successful in the optimization of welding parameters for maximum strength and hardness in the FSW of AZ91B Magnesium alloy.
Combustion and Emission Characteristics of Dual Fuel Engine for Different Parameters
Authors: Zhu Jianjun , Li Peng , Xie Yufeng , Geng Xin
Published: December 2021

The effects of compression ratio and fuel delivery advance angle on the combustion and emission characteristics of premixed methanol charge induced ignition by Fischer Tropsch diesel engine were investigated using a CY25TQ diesel engine. In the process of reducing the compression ratio from 16.9 to 15.4, the starting point of combustion is fluctuating, the peak of in-cylinder pressure and the maximum pressure increase rate decrease by 44.5% and 37.7% respectively. The peak instantaneous heat release rate increases by 54.4%. HC and CO emissions are on a rising trend. NOx and soot emissions were greatly decreased. The soot emission has the biggest drop of 50%. Reducing the fuel delivery advance angle will make the peak of in-cylinder pressure and the peak of pressure rise rate increase while the peak of heat release rate decreases. The soot emission is negatively correlated with the fuel delivery advance angle. When the fuel delivery advance angle is 16° CA, the soot emissions increased the most by 130%.
Adaptive Preview based Control System for Unmanned Vehicle Path Tracking
Authors: Zhou Wei
Published: December 2021

The unmanned vehicle control technology is constantly updated. How to accurately track the path has become a key issue. For this reason, a path tracking control system for an unmanned vehicle is designed. The system control module solves the lateral and longitudinal control problems of the unmanned vehicle. The preview compensation controller corrects the deviation of the vehicle approaching the normal track. The steering control module changes the direction of the vehicle based on the motor command signal. In the software part, the kinematics model of the unmanned vehicle in the plane rectangular coordinate system is built. In this model, the steering geometric track is constructed based on the Stanley algorithm. Track tracking preview model can adjust the preview adaptively according to the lateral deviation and heading angle deviation of the vehicle and gets the adaptive preview point. The simulation results show that the maximum absolute value of preview deviation angle, the root mean square of preview deviation angle and the root mean square of tracking error are lower. The effect of path tracking control is better. The effect of path tracking control is less affected by vehicle speed and road environment.
Vehicle Cruise Braking Distance Calibration based on Embedded CNC System
Authors: Wang Linsheng , Xi Donghe
Published: December 2021

Most of the vehicle cruise braking calibration algorithms only calibrate the distance, ignoring that the driver cannot control the vehicle braking in time under fatigue conditions. Therefore, an embedded CNC system is added to the vehicle cruise braking distance calibration algorithm to control the vehicle speed and prevent the vehicle from rear-end collisions. At this time, the CNC system uses incremental control to control the vehicle cruise braking. The reaction time model and braking distance calculation model under control increment are established. At the same time, air resistance and rolling resistance of cruise braking distance parameters are calculated. Cruise braking distance calibration is completed by integrating the two models, CNC system control increment, air resistance and rolling resistance parameters. The experimental analysis shows that the calibration error of the algorithm is within ±30cm and the calibration accuracy is high, which meets the practical application standard of cruise braking.
A Survey on Internet of Vehicles Applications, Architecture, Communication Models and Challenges
Authors: Hu Xuemei , Wu Huiying
Published: December 2021

To solve the problems of long shifting time and low transmission efficiency of motor transmission in unmanned electric vehicles, the performance test of motor transmission is carried out. The EMT transmission system is selected as the test object of the motor transmission of an unmanned electric vehicle. The gear number of the transmission is determined with the aim of reducing the speed requirement of the motor when the motor runs at high speed and working in the high-efficiency area near the base speed as far as possible. According to the gear speed and torque of the load motor, the driving moment and torsion moment of the drive motor in the acceleration stage are determined based on the total inertia of the drive motor and other parameters. Finally, the test bench of the motor transmission towing is set up and the test is carried out. The experimental results show that when the rated torque of the motor transmission is 100% at 1600r/min shift speed point and 150% at 1800r/min shift speed point, the minimum shift time of the motor transmission is 425ms. Meanwhile, the transmission efficiency of the motor transmission of the unmanned electric vehicle is between 90% and 92% and the transmission performance is high.
Application of TOPSIS Method for Prediction of Optimum Design Parameters of Micro Hole Textured Cutting Inserts in Turning of Al-MMC
Authors: Devaraj S. , Ramakrishna M. , Singaravel B.
Published: December 2021

Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) has better mechanical properties and it is possible to produce near net shape. Aluminum-based MMC (Al-MMC) has challenges in terms of machinability studies and estimation of its optimum process parameters. Alternative cutting fluid research is a challenging area in machining. To avoid, existing hydrocarbon oil-based cutting fluid, textured inserts embedded with a solid lubricant are one of the alternative solutions. Micro hole textured inserts make a hole on the rake face of the cutting tool inserts. Texture includes various important design parameters namely hole diameter, hole depth and pitch between the holes. These optimum parameters influence the machining process. In this work, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is used to find the optimum design parameters (hole diameter, hole depth and pitch between holes) during turning of Al- MMC. The objective parameters considered are minimization of surface roughness, power consumption and tool flank wear. The optimum combination of these design parameters is obtained by the higher relative closeness value of the TOPSIS method. The result of the investigation revealed that these design parameters are important to obtain improved machining performance. Also, it is understood that the TOPSIS method has an appropriate procedure to solve multiple objective optimization problems in manufacturing industries.
Finite Element Analysis of The Thermal Behaviour of Different Types of Connecting Rod for Various Materials
Authors: Sheiksha Vali D. , Micha Premkumar T. , Anand Sai A. , Sudarshan P.V. , Roopak P. , Hariram V. , Seralathan S.
Published: December 2021

Thermal analysis of different types of the connecting rods are under stead state condition using finite element method. The energy equation and heat transfer equation in the solids are completely addressed and solved using the Newton-Raphson technique and finite element method. SOLID WORKS is used for modelling different types of connecting rods and ANSYS© software is used to perform this numerical investigation. Three different materials like structural steel, aluminium alloy and titanium are selected as the material of connecting rod to do the comparative studies. In a steady thermal analysis, properties like temperature distribution, total heat flux and directional heat flux are calculated. The knowledge of the above properties is required to identify the viscosity of oil used for lubrication and also temperature distribution is helpful to find the thermal deformation in the connecting rod. Temperature and convection co-efficient are the boundary conditions. 22°C is the initial temperature value and the value of convection co-efficient is 350W/m2°C. As a result of thermal analysis, titanium alloy is the best material among the three materials as it with stand higher temperatures, high lifecycle and high performance.
PCR performance in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant of concern?
Authors: Metzger César M. J. A. , Lienhard Reto , Seth-Smith Helena M. B. , Roloff Tim , Wegner Fanny , Sieber Jonas , Bel Michael , Greub Gilbert , Egli Adrian
Published: December 2021

Summary

The new SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) has been recently declared a Variant of Concern due to a series of important mutations in the viral spike protein and especially in the receptor-binding domain. While investigations into the spread of this new variant are ongoing, the first cases have been detected in Switzerland. Important questions have been raised: (1) Will the PCR assays commonly used to detect SARS-CoV-2 still work for the Omicron variant? (2) Can specific PCR features, e.g. S-gene dropout, be used to identify potential Omicron samples?
In this minireview we provide current knowledge on the Omicron variant and guidance on its PCR validation.
USTAVNI IDENTITET I VIDOVDANSKI USTAV
Authors:   Faculty of law, University of Belgrade, Petrov Vladan
Published: December 2021

With this paper the author completes his analysis of the reference historical constitutions and its influence on the constitutional identity of modern Serbia. Reffering to the effects of constitutional identity "outside" (preservation of state sovereignty) and "inside" (the "core" of the constitution), the author analyzes the functional failures and substantive controversies of the Vidovdan Constitution. Inconsistent normative solutions of this constitution, a deep socio-political crisis and an unresolved national question in the newly created state were an insurmountable obstacle to building the national constitutional identity. However, the symbolism of the date of adoption of the Constitution and the fact that, at least formally, it was the last classical constitution of the liberal-democratic type until the 1990s and the entry into force of the 1990 Serbian Constitution, make the Vidovdan Constitution a reference text for studying the constitutional identity of modern Serbia.
VIDOVDANSKI USTAV U UDžBENICIMA USTAVNOG PRAVA – VEK KASNIJE
Authors:   Faculty of law, University of Belgrade, Marković Đorđe
Published: December 2021

The article analyses the attitude of writers of the constitutional law textbooks from the former Yugoslavia towards the Vidovdan Constitution. The author focuses on the textbooks used at the time of writing in teaching and for exam preparation of Constitutional Law at state-owned law faculties as of academic year 2020/21. However, the analysis also includes several textbooks that represent a kind of historical readings. By comparing the relevant materials, the author made an attempt to shed light on scientific, legal and even political attitude of various authors towards the Vidovdan Constitution, and indirectly towards the Yugoslav state itself. The significance of this analysis is reflected in the fact that young generations - future lawyers and members of the social elites of the states created on Yugoslav foundations, get acquainted with their constitutional history through textbooks of constitutional law.
Factors Contributing Towards Women Employability: An Impact Assessment of a Women Skill Development Training Program
Authors: Sarwar Fozia , Khan Rana Ejaz Ali
Published: December 2021

It is an impact assessment study of a women skill development training program namely District Industrial Homes in Punjab. A quasi experimental (ex post facto) research design has been applied to develop a counterfactual relationship between the outcomes of this program and the demographic and personal characteristics of the women trainees that have get training from the program within time period of 2016 to 2019. The analysis has observed that computer application and stitching/ cutting are most popular trades among women. Further, it has been observed as the time period since the women has gotten training increased the visibility of trained women in market is decreased. The majority of the women were unmarried, of age 15 to 25 years and majority of them have education level intermediate or above. The female work participation was much higher among the women respondents, however, majority of them were unemployed and had no utilization of their skills in daily life business. The data shows that all the unemployed women were unmarried and all the entrepreneur women were either divorced or widow. Another interesting fact have been revealed from the bivariate analysis that all the women that were unemployed have education metric or below metric and all the women that have any employment status have intermediate or above education level. The women employment status has been found more in families with large family size comparatively and all the women that did not practice the veil were unemployed. The female work participation and women employment status have been observed relatively high in low income families. The multinomial regression analysis have established that education level, mother’s education level, family size and own family house contribute positively and age dependency ratio, female work participation, veil and family employment (total) has negative impact on women employment status.
Quality of Life of Mothers of Children with Intellectual Disability in Relation to Mother Empowerment Program
Authors:   Research scholar, School of Behavioural Sciences MG University, K S Anjaly
Published: December 2021

Background: The present study investigated the quality of life of 100 mothers of children with intellectual disability in selected special schools of Kottayam district, Kerala. Materials & methods: A descriptive survey was conducted among 100 mothers of children attending special schools of Kottayam district from February 2020 to September 2020. The Quality of Life was measured by using WHO QOL Malayalam questionnaire, after obtaining Institutional Ethics Committee Approval and after seeking informed consent from the participants. . The purpose of the study was explained, socio demographic data collected by interview and the data recorded. The mothers filled up the instrument and returned back to the investigator. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviations and appropriate parametric test such as independent t test for parametric data. Results: Out of the 100 mothers studied, educational status of the mothers showed that 10 had primary education, 37 had high school education, 32 had higher secondary education and 21 graduates.; occupation of the mothers showed that , 18(18%) had Government job, 20 (20% ) had private job ,15(15%) were self employed and 47 (47%) were not employed. It was found that 95(95%) of children obtained financial assistance and other benefits from local self governing bodies. The Overall quality of life scores of mothers and financial assistance obtained from the local self governing bodies was studied .The overall QOL scores of mothers is influenced by the financial assistance obtained from local self governing bodies.(P=0.01, t= 2.51). The Overall QOL Score ranged from 2 to 130 with a mean of 69.93 and Standard Deviation of 20.13 Results shows that the highest mean value was obtained for Psychological Domain with a standard Deviation of 19.85 , the lowest mean value was obtained for social relationships domain with a mean value of 39.55 and a standard deviation of 26.30.