bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Decision Support System for Optimal Integrated Project Scheduling and Resource Planning
Authors: Ahrari Amir , Haghani Ali
Published: June 2021

Two scheduling practices are commonly used depending on the availability of resources. When resources are not expensive, activities are scheduled and then resources are allocated until the available resources are exhausted. Then, iterative adjustments are applied to the resource allocation plan and the activities sequence to reach a feasible solution. Conversely, when expensive resources are involved, a resource allocation plan based on the economics of the resource is established and then activities are scheduled accordingly. However, Resource Constrained Scheduling Problems (RCSP) are not solved efficiently with either of these approaches. To find the optimal solution, activity scheduling and resource allocation should be formulated as an integrated optimization problem. Such models become numerically cumbersome for practical size problems and difficult to solve. In this article, a novel mathematical formulation and an efficient solution algorithm are proposed for solving RCSPs. Then, this framework is used for solving a practical problem in the context of the construction industry.
Advanced Issues of Health Informatics and Clinical Decision Support System in Global Health Care
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: June 2021

This chapter indicates the advanced issues of health informatics; the advanced issues of Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS); CDSS and Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE); the false positive alerts in CDSS; and CDSS and biomedical engineering. Health informatics and CDSS are the advanced health care technologies with the support of many technological fields. Health informatics and CDSS apply various computerized devices to provide enhanced health-related outcomes in terms of problem solving, analytical thinking, and decision making. Health informatics and CDSS help clinicians and health care providers to make complex information useful in supporting clinical decisions, thus delivering the best standard of care for each patient. The chapter argues that utilizing health informatics and CDSS has the potential to increase health outcomes and reach strategic goals in global health care.
Students' Perceived Difficulty and Satisfaction in Face-to-Face vs. Online Sections of a Technology-Intensive Course
Authors: Lee Sang Joon , Nuatomue Jeremiah N.
Published: June 2021

One of the major concerns about online learning has been the low level of student satisfaction and retention rates. Using the community of inquiry (CoI) framework, this study examined course delivery modes and students' perceived ratings of course difficulty in online and face-to-face sections of a technology-intensive course and how the delivery modes and perceived difficulty were related to the essential elements of the CoI framework and course satisfaction. The findings revealed that more students in the online section found it difficult to learn in a technology-intensive course. Also, while different delivery modes were closely related to social presence, students' perceived course difficulty was significantly related to teaching and cognitive presences of the CoI framework. Additionally, there was a correlation between students' perceived difficulty ratings and student satisfaction in online learning.
Characterization of Stress-Tolerant Bacteria for the Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and their Applications
Authors: Srivastava Amrisha , Chauhan Puneet Singh , Singh Rachana
Published: June 2021

The biogenesis of silver nanoparticles by microbes has become an essential branch in the field of nanotechnology because of its safe, environment-friendly, economical, and time-saving nature. In the current research work, we have screened some stress-tolerant bacteria based on pH, temperature, salt-tolerant efficacy and further utilized them for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The test bacterium was isolated from the soil sample through the serial dilution method on nutrient agar media (NAM). Based on identification using morphological characteristics, biochemical analysis, and 16srRNA sequencing bacteria were identified as Bacillus sp. The extracellular biosynthesis approach was used for synthesizing silver nanoparticles by Bacillus sp. Characterization of synthesized silver nanoparticles was done by using UV-Visible Spectrophotometer and absorbance peak was recorded at 430nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study of synthesized nanoparticles showed the shape of nanoparticles was spherical and hexagonal with a size ranging from 10nm-47nm. For the extracellular biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles pH was set to 7.0 and temperature at 37°C.
Influence of Uranium on the Hydration Properties of the Cement Clinker Minerals
Authors: Du Lang , Zhou Xiang , Li Liang , Li Yu Xiang , Ma Xue
Published: June 2021

The influence of uranium simulated waste water on the hydration properties of the cement was studied by modern test methods such as TAM air, XRD, FTIR, and SEM-EDS. The results show that uranium can promote the hydration of mineral C3S, and inhibit the hydration of mineral C3A. By comparing scanning of hydration products, it was found that the existence of uranium significantly changed the morphology of clinker hydration products , but uranium had little effect on the type of clinker hydration product.
Self-Healing Properties of Ultra-High Toughness Fly Ash Based Geopolymer under Air and Water Environments
Authors: Huang Jia Bao , Xiong Gui Yan , Guo Xiao Lu
Published: June 2021

The self-healing properties of ultra-high toughness fly ash based geopolymer curing in air and water were studied under 2% pre-tension strain. The experimental results show that under these two curing conditions the tensile stress and water absorption of FA-EGC have been recovered and the pore structure has also been improved, indicating that self-healing has taken place in the specimens. Compared to the air environment, the water environment is proved to be a better environment for the self-healing of FA-EGC. It was observed that there were unreacted fly ash particles at the cracks through SEM. And more N-A-S-H gels were found under the water environment, indicating that N-A-S-H gels may enhance the fiber/matrix interface and improve the density of the matrix, resulting in the higher recovery of tensile stress and water absorption.
Research and Analysis of Graphene Coatings Based on Knowledge Mapping
Authors: Guo Hong Fei , Jiang Hao , Cai Yun Gong , Zhao Zeng Qi
Published: June 2021

Graphene coating is a new type of coating made by using the unique structural properties of graphene. It has broad application prospects of anticorrosive coatings, conductive coatings and heat-dissipating coatings. In order to study the development of graphene coating technology research, we use CiteSpace information visualization software, based on the literature of 8 813 articles in the research and application of graphene coatings in Web of Science database from 2010 to 2018. From the perspective of literature measurement, we apply the knowledge map to research the national, discipline and related hotspot analysis of graphene coating research, cited literatures and research frontier status. By comparing and analyzing the literature information on the field of graphene coating research and application at home and abroad, the research progresses and development trend of graphene coatings can be evaluated from the disciplinary distribution and research fronts. It is pointed out that the wear resistance of graphene coatings is the focus of the future research.
Student Counsellors’ Perception on Initiating Bibliotherapy Service in the University Environment
Authors: Somaratna Sajeewanie D.
Published: June 2021

Bibliotherapy or use of books and literature related activities as a therapeutic method or counselling method to address students’ specific issues is being practiced in several universities in developed countries all over the world. However, there is little evidence from the Sri Lankan scenario. Hence, this study aims to find the university student counsellors’ perception on initiating bibliotherapy service in the university environment as a counseling tool. Structured interviews and a questionnaire survey were conducted using student counsellors at the University of Colombo to check their views on bibliotherapy service. Forty two counsellors responded, representing faculties of Arts, Education, Library, Management, Medical, and the Science, with response rate of 65.63%. Uncertainty about careers and study directions (63.64%), difficulties in motivation or decision making (36.36%), and exam stress and anxiety (34.09%) are the most prominent issues of university students those were brought to the counselors who practiced short-term individual counselling method, followed by workshops and long term group counselling. Only 2.38% of the counsellors are practicing bibliotherapy techniques in combination with other counselling methods. Six student counsellors were able to define the term ‘bibliotherapy’ and had a clear understanding of the method. After having a proper understanding of the bibliotherapy service, all the counsellors believe that bibliotherapy service would help overcome the student issues such as ‘difficulties with English language skills’, ‘uncertainty about careers and study directions’, ‘exam stress and anxiety’, and ‘difficulties in motivation or decision making’ but may not succeed in grief, trauma/loss, specific clinical diagnoses, abuse and substance. 67% of the counsellors identify university library as the most suitable place to develop the collection and self-help materials, work books, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, audio books, audiovisual books, and e-books as the suggested material types. The main selection criteria for developing a bibliotherapy collection are based on the recommendation made by student counsellors. ‘Acquisition of knowledge by diverse people in culture, situations, abilities, experiences, and perspectives’ is identified as the most prominent benefit of bibliotherapy service. Possible challenges also were discussed. Active involvement of the university librarians collaborating with the student counsellors of the university is essential to initiate and continue this service and proper support from the higher authorities of the university is recommended.
The new patterns of nephrolithiasis: What has been changing in the last millennium?
Authors: Cicerello Elisa , Ciaccia Matteo , Cova Gian D. , Mangano Mario S.
Published: June 2021

Nephrolithiasis has been increasing over the last millennium. Although early epidemiologic studies have shown that kidney stones were two to three times more frequent in males than in females, recent reports have suggested that this rate is decreasing. In parallel a dramatic increase of nephrolithiasis has also been observed among children and adolescents. Furthermore, epidemiologic studies have shown a strong association between metabolic syndrome (Mets) traits and kidney stone disease. Patients with hypertension have a higher risk of stone formation and stone formers are predisposed to develop hypertension compared to the general population. An incidence of nephrolithiasis greater than 75% has been shown in overweight and obese patients compared to those of normal weight. It has also been reported that a previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus increases the risk of future nephrolithiasis. Additionally, an association between metabolic syndrome and uric acid stone formation has been clearly recognized. Furthermore, 24-h urinary metabolic abnormalities have been decreasing among patients with nephrolithiasis over the last decades. Finally, nephrolithiasis could cause chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD), especially in women and overweight patients. According to these observations, a better understanding of these new features among stone former patients may be required. Hence, the recognition and the correction of metabolic disorders could help not only to reduce the primary disease, but also stone recurrence.
Efficacy and safety of intravesical fibrin glue instillation for management of patients with refractory hemorrhagic cystitis: 12-months results. A promising therapy for hemorrhagic cystitis
Authors: Cassani Alessandra , Marchioni Michele , Silletta Francesco , D'orta Carlo , Primiceri Giulia , Rizzoli Ambra , Di Gregorio Patrizia , Verna Sandra , Natale Annalisa , Santarone Stella , Berardinelli Francesco , Schips Luigi
Published: June 2021

Objectives: Fibrin glue (FG) endo-vesical application seems to be a promising therapy for hemorrhagic cystitis (HC). We aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of FG instillation in patients with HC. Methods: Patients with HC not responsive to conventional treatments (bladder irrigation, catheterization, blood transfusions, hyperhydration and endoscopic coagulation) were treated with FG endo-vesical instillation (April 2017- December 2018). FG was prepared from 120 mL of patient blood with the Vivostat® system. After standard cystoscopy, bladder was insufflated with carbon dioxide (CO2) according to bladder compliance and autologous FG was applied to bladder wall and bleeding sites. Results: Ten patients included with grade 2 or higher HC secondary to bone marrow graft for hematological diseases (30%) or to actinic cystitis caused by prostate cancer radiotherapy (RT) (70%). The median HC onset time after RT was 4.8 (IQR 3.9- 6.3) years and 35 (IQR 27.5-62.5) days after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Five patients had a complete response after one treatment, three patients had clinical response (grade < 2 hematuria, amelioration of symptoms), one of them required catheterization and bladder irrigation. One patient required a second instillation of FG achieving a clinical response. No adverse events related to the procedure were recorded, however one patient died for causes not related to the procedure. Median Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms Index was 13.0 (IQR 11.0-15.0) pre-operatively and 4.0 (IQR 2.0-5.0) post-operatively. Conclusions: Our study showed that, even in hematological patients, autologous FG instillation maybe a safe, repeatable and effective treatment modality in patients with refractory HC.
Estimation of left atrial appendage wall motion velocity in patients with persistent nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and its effect on thrombotic risk
Authors: Yousof Waleed , Abdelghafar Mahmoud
Published: June 2021

Background and aim

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and accounts for one-third of hospitalizations for rhythm disorders in the United States. This increasing burden of AF leads to a higher incidence of stroke.

Aim

The aim of the study is to assess the risk of thrombogenesis in patients with persistent nonvalvular AF by using transthoracic echocardiogram, transesophageal echocardiogram, and tissue Doppler imaging in relation to the risk of thromboembolism (CHA2DS2-VAS score).

Patients and methods

Selected 50 patients with persistent AF were included. All patients underwent echocardiography assessment at the echocardiography unit.

Results

Regarding spontaneous echocardiography contrast, there was a statistically significant difference among the three groups. Regarding left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus, there was a statistically significant difference among the three groups. Regarding left atial appendage flow velosity (LAAFV), there was an extremely statistically significant difference among the three groups. Regarding left atrial appendage wall velosity (LAAWV) by transthoracic echocardiogram, there was an extremely statistically significant difference among the three groups. Regarding LAAWV by transesophageal echocardiogram, there was an extremely statistically significant difference among the three groups.

Conclusion

Patients with clinical predictors of high risk included in the CHA2DS2-VASc score were associated with increased incidence of thrombus in the LAA. In patients with nonvalvular AF, the CHA2DS2-VASc score is recommended for assessment of stroke risk. There was a correlation between the development of thromboembolic events and high-risk CHA2DS2-VASc score, as high scores indicate increased thrombogenicity.
The use of USB endoscope (Borescope) as an educational tool and a guide for tracheal intubation − a preliminary report
Authors: Ahmad Sabry Mohammad Hazem I. , Aboughazy Ahmed M.
Published: June 2021

Background

In spite of the presence of multiple video laryngoscopes in the market, financial restrains are present that prevent its routine use in many practices.

Methods

The endoscope USB camera was inserted alongside with a stylet in a conventional endotracheal tube which could be inserted orally keeping it in midline (7 or 7.5 cuffed oral endotracheal tube), and sterile k-y gel was used to facilitate the insertion of the stylet and/or the borescope. This was used for 25 oral intubations in manikin and oral intubation in 10 patients.

Results

Oral intubation trials on manikin were done by 25 physicians after their completion of airway course as its last session. All were anesthesiologists except one emergency room physician. A total of 14 (56%) physicians were successful to orally intubate the manikin in the first attempt. Moreover, 10 (40%) physicians were successful to orally intubate the manikin in the second attempt with verbal guidance, except one who needed manual assistance, and one physician was successful to orally intubate the manikin in the third attempt with verbal assistance. The intubated 10 patients were all of Mallampati 1 or 2, where seven were intubated on the first attempt, two on the second attempt, and one failed.

Conclusion

Borescope can be used as a cheap option for airway management and its training. Randomized studies need to be done for its evaluation compared with other video laryngoscopy devices.
Tree densities in sparse graph classes
Authors: Huynh Tony , Wood David R.
Published: June 2021

What is the maximum number of copies of a fixed forestTin ann-vertex graph in a graph class$\mathcal {G}$as$n\to \infty $? We answer this question for a variety of sparse graph classes$\mathcal {G}$. In particular, we show that the answer is$\Theta (n^{\alpha _{d}(T)})$where$\alpha _{d}(T)$is the size of the largest stable set in the subforest ofTinduced by the vertices of degree at mostd, for some integerdthat depends on$\mathcal {G}$. For example, when$\mathcal {G}$is the class ofk-degenerate graphs then$d=k$; when$\mathcal {G}$is the class of graphs containing no$K_{s,t}$-minor ($t\geqslant s$) then$d=s-1$; and when$\mathcal {G}$is the class ofk-planar graphs then$d=2$. All these results are in fact consequences of a single lemma in terms of a finite set of excluded subgraphs.
An elliptic curve analogue of Pillai’s lower bound on primitive roots
Authors: Jin Steven , Washington Lawrence C.
Published: June 2021

Let
$E/\mathbb {Q}$
be an elliptic curve. For a prime p of good reduction, let
$r(E,p)$
be the smallest non-negative integer that gives the x-coordinate of a point of maximal order in the group
$E(\mathbb {F}_p)$
. We prove unconditionally that
$r(E,p)> 0.72\log \log p$
for infinitely many p, and
$r(E,p)> 0.36 \log p$
under the assumption of the Generalized Riemann Hypothesis. These can be viewed as elliptic curve analogues of classical lower bounds on the least primitive root of a prime.
Sinonasal malignancies in Sweden 1960-2010; a nationwide study of the Swedish population
Authors: Elliot A. , Jangard M. , Marklund L. , Hakansson N. , Dickman P. , Hammarstedt-Nordenvall L. , Stjarne P.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Sinonasal malignancies (SNM) are rare and the prognosis is generally poor. Recently, a change in incidence for SNM has been reported. In this study, we investigated population-based trends for SNM in Sweden. Methods: We identified 3,221 patients from the Swedish National Cancer Registry diagnosed with primary malignancies arising from the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, or both, during the period 1960 through 2010. Incidence, gender and age, anatomical sites and relative survival were investigated. Results: The incidence for SNM decreased except for sinonasal malignant melanoma (SNMM) and adenoid cystic cancer (even though a very small group) during the study period. More than 50 % of the malignancies involved the nasal cavity. The five-year relative survival was highest for adenoid cystic cancer followed by adenocarcinoma. SNMM and undifferentiated carcinoma had the poorest prognosis. Conclusion: We found that the incidence for SNM has decreased during the study period 1960 through 2010, except for SNMM that has increased.
Comparative analysis of cytokine release from epithelial cell cultures of the upper airway
Authors: Shiozawa Akihito , Miwa Masato , Ono Noritsugu , Homma Hirotomo , Hirotsu Mikio , Ikeda Katsuhisa
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Upper airway epithelial cells show a multi-potential ability to produce a variety of cytokines/chemokines in the steady-state and under external stimuli. Objective: To compare various cytokines/chemokines released from primary cultures of human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) derived from healthy controls and subjects with allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) in non- stimulated and IL-17A-stimulated conditions. Methods: The supernatants derived from HNECs of healthy control, AR, CRSwNPs were used to measure 20 of cytokines/chemo- kines in the non-stimulated and IL-17A-stimulated conditions. Results: AR and CRSwNPs showed significant up-regulation in the release of IL-6, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and the release of IL-6, TSLP, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in comparison with normal controls, respectively. Secretion of GM-CSF and TNFα were enhanced in patients with nasal polyps as compared with AR. Stimulation with IL-17A enhanced the secretion of IL-8 and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in the normal control, IL-6 and IL-8 in AR, and IL-6, TSLP, G-CSF, GM-CSF and TNFα in nasal polyps. Conclusion: Epithelial cells derived from AR and CRSwNPs showed up-regulation of secretion of several cytokines/chemokines both in the steady state and after IL-17A stimulation, which may contribute to the inflammatory responses of AR and CRSwNPs.
Olfactory cleft opacity and CT score are predictive factors of smell recovery after surgery in nasal polyposis
Authors: Vandenhende-Szymanski C. , Hochet B. , Chevalier D. , Mortuaire G.
Published: June 2021

Objectives: To assess subjective improvement of olfactory function following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in chronic rhinosinusitis associated with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and to analyse factors of recovery with the European Test of Olfactory Capabilities (ETOC). Methods: We carried out a prospective study of 30 patients with CRSwNP from November 2011 to April 2013. The ETOC was filled the day before surgery and in the short term follow-up. Sixteen suprathreshold odorants with a detection task and a forced choice verbal identification task were tested. Results: The mean composite score (MCS) improved at 3 and 6 months. The preoperative MCS was correlated to the Lund-Mackay score and to the olfactory cleft opacification on preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan. Multivariate linear regression modelling of patients with preoperative anosmia showed that the olfactory recovery at 3 months was predicted by the preoperative Lund-Mackay score and the age, and at 6 months by the preoperative Lund-Mackay score. Conclusion: With a convenient psychophysical test, we showed that olfactory cleft opacification and CT scan score could be predictive factors of olfaction disorder severity and improvement after ESS in CRSwNP. These results need to be strengthened in the long term with a larger panel of patients.
FESS, fingers and other things--you are not alone!
Authors: Amin M. , Rimmer J. , Swift A. , White P. , Lund V.J.
Published: June 2021

Background: The objectives of the study were: firstly, to determine the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms attributed to the use of endoscope or body posture during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) among members of the British Rhinological Society (BRS); and secondly, to review the available literature and highlight posture recommendations during ESS. Methodology: The study design consisted of a cross-sectional survey carried out among members of the BRS. The survey was distributed electronically and data was collected for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 82 members responded to the questionnaire (22.4%); 78 respondents (94%) answered the main questions in the survey regarding the symptoms attributed to the use of endoscope or body posture during ESS. Fifty-three respondents (64%) completed all 19 questions. 58% and 59% of the 78 respondents reported suffering from pain and stiffness respectively. We found positive correlations between musculoskeletal symptoms and operating in the standing position and musculoskeletal symptoms and age. Conclusion: This survey reveals a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, attributed to ESS and body posture during surgery, among the British rhinologists who responded to the survey. ESS is evidently physically demanding on the surgeon with potential personal health hazards. This emphasizes the need to increase awareness among surgeons, familiarize ourselves with good operating posture habits and new ergonomic instruments and to create a drive to change operating theatre culture in an attempt to reduce these health risks.
A randomised double blind clinical trial to compare surgical field bleeding during endoscopic sinus surgery with clonidine-based or remifentanil-based hypotensive anaesthesia
Authors: Cardesin A. , Pontes C. , Rosell R. , Escamilla Y. , Marco J. , Escobar M.J. , Bernal-Sprekelsen M.
Published: June 2021

Background: Significant bleeding during functional endoscopic naso-sinusal surgery (FESS) impairs recognition of anatomical references and may negatively affect surgical outcome. Anaesthesia including clonidine as an adjuntive hypotensive agent may reduce intraoperative bleeding. Methods: A randomised comparison of clonidine-based vs remifentanil-based hypotensive anaesthetic regimen was conducted in patients undergoing FESS. The main assessment was the proportion of subjects with Boezaart scores of surgical field bleeding, as blindly assessed from video recordings by a third surgeon not involved in patient care. Results: A total of 47 subjects underwent FESS and were randomised to clonidine or remifentanil. A significantly lower proportion of patients in the clonidine arm had blindly-assessed Boezaart scores higher than 2, with significantly lower mean blind Boezaart scores at 60 minutes and at 120 minutes. Similar findings were reported by the operating surgeon, and when Wormald and VAS scores were used. Objective estimates of bleeding and the duration of surgery and anaesthesia did not differ between groups. Conclusion: The use of clonidine- based controlled hypotensive anaesthesia achieves lower surgical field bleeding during FESS.
Exposure to odours improves olfactory function in healthy children
Authors: Mori E. , Petters W. , Schriever V.A. , Valder C. , Hummel T.
Published: June 2021

Background: Short-term exposure to odours, also called "olfactory training" has been shown to improve olfactory function in healthy people but also in people with olfactory loss. Aim of this single center, prospective, controlled study was to investigate the change of olfactory function following twice-daily, short-term exposure to 4 odours over a period of approximately 12 weeks. Material and methods: We compared odour identification abilities and odour thresholds between an olfactory training group (TR group) and a group that did not perform such training (noTR group). Participants exposed themselves twice daily to 4 odours ("rose", "eucalyptus", "lemon", "clove"). Olfactory testing was performed before and after the training period using the "Sniffin' Sticks" test kit (odour identification plus odour thresholds). Results: At baseline the two groups were not significantly different in terms of age and measures of olfactory sensitivity. The TR group performed significantly better for odour thresholds for all 4 odours compared to the noTR group after 12 weeks of olfactory training. Also, with regard to odour identification the TR group outperformed the noTR group. No significant differences were found for diary-based intensity ratings. Conclusion: Repeated exposure to odours seems to improve general olfactory sensitivity in children.
Effects of handedness on olfactory event-related potentials in a simple olfactory task
Authors: Gottschlich Marie , Hummel Thomas
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the present study was to re-investigate the influence of handedness on simple olfactory tasks to further clarify the role of handedness in chemical senses. Similar to language and other sensory systems, effects of handedness should be expected. Young, healthy subjects participated in this study, including 24 left-handers and 24 right-handers, with no indication of any major nasal or health problems. The two groups did not differ in terms of sex and age (14 women and 10 men in each group). They had a mean age of 24.0 years. Olfactory event-related potentials were recorded after left or right olfactory stimulation with the rose-like odor phenyl ethyl alcohol (PEA) or the smell of rotten eggs (hydrogen sulfide, H2S). Results suggested that handedness has no major influence on amplitude or latency of olfactory event-related potentials when it comes to simple olfactory tasks.
Exposure to cold and acute upper respiratory tract infection
Authors: Eccles R. , Wilkinson J.E.
Published: June 2021

The incidence of acute upper respiratory tract viral infections (URTI) is directly correlated to air temperature with most URTI occurring seasonally in cold weather. This review looks at four types of cold exposure and examines the evidence and possible mechanisms for any relationship to URTI. The effects of cold are discussed as: 1) Chilling of the nose and upper respiratory tract by breathing cold air, 2) Chilling of the mouth and upper digestive tract by ingestion of cold drinks and food, 3) Acute chilling of the body surface, and, 4) Chilling of the body as a whole with a fall in body temperature, hypothermia. Some studies were found to support a relationship between breathing cold air and chilling the body surface with the development of URTI, although this area is controversial. No evidence was found in the literature to support any relationship between ingestion of cold drinks and food and URTI, and similarly no evidence was found to link hypothermia and URTI.
A new extension to the Taste Strips test
Authors: Wolf Axel , Illini Oliver , Uy Daniel , Renner Bertold , Mueller Christian A.
Published: June 2021

Objective: Assessment of gustatory function in human subjects using the 'taste strips' test is an easy and validated procedure. The aim of this study was to extend this test in order to detect subjects with superior gustatory sensitivity. Methods: The investigation included 134 subjects (29.5±12.6 years, range 18-84 years) with normal gustatory function. Four concentrations of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter were augmented with additional low concentrations (sweet: 25/12.5 mg/ml sucrose; sour: 27/15 mg/ml citric acid; salty: 6.4/2.6 mg/ml sodium chloride, bitter: 0.15/0.06 mg/ml quinine hydrochloride), resulting in a maximum extended taste score (ETS) of 24. Results: The mean ETS was 14.5 ± 3.2. Specifically, it was 4.5 ± 1.2 for sweet, 2.8 ± 1.0 for sour, 4.0 ± 1.3 for salty, and 3.2 ± 1.2 for bitter. In contrast to the original version of the taste strips test, no ceiling effect was observed. Cluster analysis separated three groups of subjects by ETS, whereas test scores derived from the original four concentrations were insufficient to discriminate the subgroup with higher gustatory sensitivity. Conclusions: The extended taste strips test seems to be a useful tool for the detection of patients with low gustatory thresholds for sweet, sour, salty, or bitter taste.
Endoscopic endonasal management of non-functioning pituitary adenomas with cavernous sinus invasion: a 10- year experience
Authors: Ferreli F. , Turri-Zanoni M. , Canevari F.R. , Battaglia P. , Bignami M. , Castelnuovo P. , Locatelli D.
Published: June 2021

Background: The management of Non-Functioning Pituitary Adenoma (NFPA) invading the cavernous sinus (CS) is currently a balancing act between the surgical decompression of neural structures, radiotherapy and a wait-and-see policy. Methods: We undertook a retrospective review of 56 cases of NFPA with CS invasion treated through an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) between 2000 and 2010. The Knosp classification was adopted to describe CS involvement using information from preoperative MRI and intraoperative findings. Extent of resection and surgical outcomes were evaluated on the basis of postoperative contrast-enhanced MRI. Endocrinological improvement and visual outcomes were assessed according to the most recent consensus criteria. Results: EEA was performed using direct para-septal, trans-ethmoidal-sphenoidal or trans-ethmoidal-pterygoidal-sphenoidal approach. Visual outcomes improved in 30 (81%) patients. Normalization or at least improvement of previous hypopituitarism was obtained in 55% of cases. A gross total resection was achieved in 30.3% of cases. The recurrence-free survival was 87.5%, with a mean follow-up of 61 months (range, 36-166 months). No major intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. Discussion: EEA is a minimally-invasive, safe and effective procedure for the management of NFPA invading the CS. The extent of CS involvement was the main factor limiting the degree of tumor resection. The EEA was able to resolve the mass effect, preserving or restoring visual function, and obtaining adequate long-term tumor control.
A brain-lesion pattern based algorithm for the diagnosis of posttraumatic olfactory loss
Authors: Lotsch J. , Reither N. , Bogdanov V. , Hahner A. , Ultsch A. , Hill K. , Hummel T.
Published: June 2021

Background: Brain areas processing olfactory information exhibit functionally relevant morphological dynamics. This suggests the exploitation of anatomical information in the diagnosis of an olfactory dysfunction. Following previous identifications of olfactory eloquent areas such as the olfactory bulbs and tracts, we focused at a brain-morphology based algorithm for establishing the diagnosis of olfactory loss following brain injury. Methodology: Forty-one patients with a history of head trauma dated back 40 ± 39 months, and additional 23 patients without head trauma, were assessed for damages in 11 olfaction-relevant brain areas using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Olfactory function was derived from the use of a standardized, reliable and validated olfactory test. An olfactory diagnostic algorithm was derived following classification and regression tree analysis of the brain lesion pattern. Results: Subjects were assigned to olfactory diagnoses of anosmia, hyposmia or normosmia. These diagnoses were predictable at an accuracy of 62.3 % from the degree of damage in the olfactory bulb and in the left temporal lobe pole. The main diagnosis algorithm addressed the presence of anosmia, which could be predicted from the degree of damage in these brain areas at an accuracy of 81.3 %. Conclusions: We independently reproduced previously identified brain regions in which morphological damage is associated with olfactory loss. Based on this reproduction, an algorithm was developed for the diagnosis of anosmia from central-nervous damage. Thus, we introduce a morphological component to the olfactory diagnosis that specifically addresses clinical cases of olfactory loss following head trauma.
Stratification of SNOT-22 scores into mild, moderate or severe and relationship with other subjective instruments
Authors: Toma Shamim , Hopkins Claire
Published: June 2021

Aims and objectives: The European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps provides treatment algorithms based on the mild/moderate/severe (MMS) classification. To date there has been no statistically validated stratification of the SNOT-22 score according to this classification. Methods: 65 consecutive patients diagnosed with CRS completed a SNOT-22, VAS and rated their symptoms according to MMS and impact on quality of life. Results: The median SNOT 22 scores varied between the 3 MMS categories. The interquartile ranges for the respective MMS groups were: Mild 8-17, Moderate 22.5-48, Severe 54-83. Median values for the respective MMs groups were: Mild 12, Moderate 36 and Severe 66. 15.38% of patients in the Mild category, 95.24% in the Moderate category and 100% in the Severe category feel their QoL is affected. There was a strongly positive correlation between the SNOT-22 and VAS scores. Conclusion: We propose a statistically validated definition for stratification of the SNOT-22, with Mild being defined on the SNOT-22 score as 8-20 inclusive, Moderate as >20-50 and Severe as >50.
Peak nasal inspiratory flow and peak expiratory flow. Upright and sitting values in an adult population
Authors: Ottaviano Giancarlo , Scadding Glenis K. , Iacono Valentina , Scarpa Bruno , Martini Alessandro , Lund Valerie J.
Published: June 2021

Background: Nasal obstruction is correlated with a decreased quality of life . An easy way to evaluate nasal patency is the peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) measurement. Normal PNIF values have been published by many authors. However, some authors evaluated volunteers in a sitting position, while others have measured PNIF values in standing volunteers. Body position has been shown to influence pulmonary function, with differences between sitting and upright positions. As nasal and pulmonary flows are strictly related, the present pilot study tried to establish whether PNIF/PEF changed with body position in adults. Methodology: PNIF and PEF were measured in sitting and standing positions with the order of testing randomized in 76 healthy volunteers, 30 male (40 ± 16 years). Results: In the group as a whole between sitting and upright position, PEF was significantly different (p=0.009), while PNIF showed a trend towards a significant difference (p=0.10). Conclusions: The present study, although showing a generally positive effect of the standing position on PEF values, does not show a clear effect on PNIF.
The Efficacy of vitamin C, thiamine, and corticosteroid therapy in adult sepsis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Somagutta Manoj Kumar Reddy , Pormento Maria Kezia Lourdes , Khan Muhammad Adnan , Hamdan Alaa , Hange Namrata , KC Manish , Pagad Sukrut , Jain Molly Sanjay , Lingarajah Sivasthikka , Sharma Vishal , Kaur Jaspreet , Emuze Bernard , Batti Erkan , Iloeje Obumneme Jude
Published: June 2021

Background: Previous studies have suggested favorable outcomes of hydrocortisone, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and thiamine (HAT) therapy in patients with sepsis. However, similar results have not been duplicated in sequential studies. This meta-analysis aimed to reevaluate the value of HAT treatment in patients with sepsis.Methods: Electronic databases were searched up until October 2020 for any studies that compared the effect of HAT versus non-HAT use in patients with sepsis.Results: Data from 15 studies (eight randomized controlled trials [RCTs] and seven cohort studies) involving 67,349 patients were included. The results from the RCTs show no significant benefit of triple therapy on hospital mortality (risk ratio [RR], 0.99; P=0.92; I2=0%); intensive care unit (ICU) mortality (RR, 0.77; P=0.20; I2=58%); ICU length of stay (weighted mean difference [WMD], 0.11; P=0.86; I2=37%) or hospital length of stay (WMD: 0.57; P=0.49; I2=17%), and renal replacement therapy (RR, 0.64; P=0.44; I2=39%). The delta Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score favored treatment after a sensitivity analysis (WMD, –0.72; P=0.01; I2=32%). However, a significant effect was noted for the duration of vasopressor use (WMD, –25.49; P<0.001; I2=46%). The results from cohort studies have also shown no significant benefit of HAT therapy on hospital mortality, ICU mortality, ICU length of stay, length of hospital stay, the delta SOFA score, the use of renal replacement therapy, or vasopressor duration.Conclusions: HAT therapy significantly reduced the duration of vasopressor use and improved the SOFA score but appeared not to have significant benefits in other outcomes for patients with sepsis. Further RCTs can help understand its benefit exclusively.
Dapsone-induced drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS): the role of the primary care physician
Authors: O Akor Blessing , Ukuonu Bob , A. Akor Alexander , A Ameh Ojonugua , Otu Theresa , Yunusa Thairu , Onyeadi Onyinye , Lakai Grace
Published: June 2021

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a rare but severe adverse drug reaction with debilitating morbidity and high mortality. The interest of this presentation is to report a case of dress and the role of the healthcare coordinator (family physician) in early diagnosis, prompt treatment and coordination of care. We report a case of a 32-year-old male who was wrongly commenced on Dapsone for seizure disorder from a primary health centre. He presented two months later with a month history of severe dry cough, pleurisy, intermittent breathlessness and high-grade fever. He had a generalized pruritic rash with erythema and desquamation. There was marked oedema of the face and feet with generalized lymphadenopathy. He was jaundiced with tender hepatomegaly. He had dark coloured urine and a trace of proteinuria but normal renal function. There was marked leukocytosis (35*109/l) with eosinophilia (36%). His chest X-ray and viral screen for HBV, HCV and HIV were all negative. The multiple systemic presentations warranted a multidisciplinary review, and a final diagnosis of DRESS was made. His symptoms began to resolve within two days of withdrawal of the offending drug and commencement of oral corticosteroid with supportive care for his symptoms. At six weeks, there was a complete resolution of clinical features, and his laboratory parameters had returned to the baseline. Diagnosis of DRESS can be challenging, and a high index of suspicion is required. The multidisciplinary coordination of care by the first line physicians can also not be overemphasized for good outcomes.
Challenges facing community health workers in promoting maternal and neonatal health in Bagamoyo and Mkuranga districts, Tanzania
Authors: Jumanne Kabula , Pasape Liliane , R. Moshi Irene , Mrisho Mwifadhi
Published: June 2021

Objectives: Community health workers (CHWs) play significant roles in areas where professional health workforce succumb to serious human resource deficiencies. This study explored challenges the CHWs face in promoting maternal and neonatal health in two districts of Tanzania.Design: A cross-sectional study design was conducted in Bagamoyo and Mkuranga districts from March to May 2019.Methods: Qualitative data were collected using in-depth interviews from 30 CHWs, thematic analysis was carried out by identifying major key themes emerging from the data.Results: The study found little community support resulted from jealousy of male household heads, mistrust, socialcultural believes and lack of community appreciation on the role of CHWs. Little support from local government resulted by political grievances among local leaders due to change in political administration. Other challenges were lack of basic knowledge in maternal and neonatal health, including breastfeeding. Irregular working schedules dueto poor supervision, huge workload, old age and tirednessConclusion: CHWs programs in Bagamoyo and Mkuranga districts were inactive and required innovative strategies to raise community and local government cooperation. Jealousy among male household’s heads and CHWs need community members to participate in establishment of selection criteria. Socio-cultural beliefs call for community sensitization on how they affect maternal and neonatal health. Lack of community appreciation on the role of CHWs, irregular working schedule implied poor supervision and defined age limit would overcome challenges related to old age.
Import-mixing Sorbents for Purification of Waste Production Water of Gas Processing Industry for re-use
Authors: Farkhod Yusupov , Dilfuza Nuriddinova , Yulduz Yakhsheva , Sukhrob Yusupov , Murodali Mamanazarov
Published: June 2021

Currently, there are a variety of methods and technologies for water purification. One of them is the adsorption method. Today the adsorption method is widely used in the water treatment industry. The aim of the research is to create an effective multifunctional filtering composition suitable for complex physical and chemical water purification. For this, a cation exchanger developed on the basis of local raw materials, activated alumina and other local materials was used. The adsorption properties of the cation exchanger and aluminum oxide in the composition of this filter have been studied. Also, the parameters of the filter for water purification are determined.
A 14-bit High Speed 125MS/s Low Power SAR ADC using Dual Split Capacitor DAC Architecture in 90nm CMOS Technology
Authors: Shetty Chaya , Nagabushanam M. , Prasad Venkatesh Nuthan
Published: June 2021

The proposed work presents a High speed 14-bit 125MS/s successive-approximation-register asynchronous analog-to-digital-converter (SAR-ADC). A novel-based Dual-Split-Array-Three-Section (DSATS) capacitor DAC (DSATS-CDAC) is employed to increase the linearity and energy efficiency of the digital-to-analog converter (DAC), additional advantage of this work is that, the area is reduced by 59.76% of conventional design. The proposed switching technique of the (DSATS-CDAC) consumes less switching energy. Additionally, bootstrap switching is employed to ensure improved linearity and reduced power consumption.in order to enhance the speed of operation and increase the precision a preamplifier latch based comparator is implemented with the delay of 250ps. The proposed SAR-ADC prototype is implemented in a 90nm CMOS process and consumes a power of 42.8mW at 1V operating supply. The proposed design achieves a figure of merit (FOM) of 37.43 fJ/conversion-step, signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) of 81 dB, and an effective-number-of-bits (ENOB) of 13.16 bits with a sampling rate of 125MS/s.
PELATIHAN PEMBUATAN ALAT PERAGA MATEMATIKA UNTUK SEKOLAH DASAR MEMANFAATKAN BAHAN BEKAS DI SD NEGERI 01 PADANG AIR DINGIN
Authors: Nurva Mirda Swetherly , Fikriani Tiara
Published: June 2021

The object of mathematics is abstract, so that the math teacher must compose abstract mathematical objects to be easy learning for students. Solving this problem, experience through real objects (concrete) such as props is required. Using props, students can see, feel, and think directly about the object after they learn so that the abstract concept being studied can settle, cling, and last in the student's mind. This devotion aims to provide the ability to think mathematics creatively and develop a favourable attitude towards mathematical thinking. The methods of this devotional activity are lectures, Q&A and discussions. The results obtained after doing this activity have an impact on students' understanding. Students who understand the materials taught faster and then teachers are also more creative in utilizing used materials to learn media. Teachers do not have to spend much money to make an attractive prop