bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Pedagogy to Support Learning Analytics
Authors: Pretorius André
Published: May 2023

Learning analytics (LA) is a contemporary field of research with advances in machine learning that enables the user to draw conclusions about current teaching and learning based on indicators deduced from historical datasets. The need existed for an understanding of the fundamental grounding principles on which the institutional pedagogy is based. Therefore, the theoretical grounding for the implementation of a virtual learning environment that conforms to good educational practice and can inform a LA reference framework with the aim of identifying at-risk students is established. A gap existed in the institution to implement LA that identify at-risk students. The methodology that was used was a mixed method design science methodology to establish the historical philosophical grounding, linking it to modern teaching practice, establishing best practice through an institutional case study, and defining an appropriate pedagogy. It concludes with a description of a pedagogical model suited to LA, the result of the application of the pedagogy as a case study.
Machine Learning Frameworks in Carpooling
Authors: Veeraiah Vivek , Talukdar Veera , Manikandan K.  , Talukdar Suryansh Bhaskar , Solavande Vivek Dadasaheb , Pramanik Sabyasachi , Gupta Ankur
Published: May 2023

Due to the development in human population and their requirements, the vehicular population on the globe is increasing day by day in the medium of public transportation. As a result, carpooling comes into play, with the fundamental notion being to share personal automobile space among persons travelling similar paths. Smart carpooling, car sharing, and ridesharing are other terms for the same thing. From a socioeconomic and environmental standpoint, the major task is to develop sustainable transportation. The success of carpooling should be measured in terms of cost, stress-free driving, traffic reduction, and air pollution reduction in the transportation solution system. The major challenge here is to assist vehicle users in gaining access to and picking an appropriate cost-effective transportation option based on their environmental footprint, matching his or her requirements, preferences, and legal limits, and determining the optimum route via specified areas.
Restaurant Sales Prediction Using Machine Learning
Authors: Sakib S M Nazmuz
Published: May 2023

In general, the revenue forecast, offer information, and the weather gauge setting will record an accurate estimate of any restaurant's future revenue. The turnover is significantly focused on the need of the customers. Either way, the performance has transformed over the past couple of years with the presentation of huge amounts of information and calculations during the time taken to gain the upper hand. It is fundamental to learn and understand the importance of the information that will be used in any business process. Again, climate forecasting can be done alongside business expectations with the organization.
Clearance Date Prediction Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Rao Madhuri , Senapati Ankit , Kumar Kulamala Vinod , Bokhare Anuja
Published: May 2023

Machine learning is the cutting-edge technology in today's corporate world, making it the first choice for prediction or calculated suggestions relying on heavy amount of data. As companies are evolving towards technological advancement, they are trying to gather as much statistical knowledge as possible regarding their customers and trying to analyze and use that knowledge towards the firm's growth. Machine learning being the top-most of its genre provides the pathway to all of those technological achievements like predictions, statistical analysis, success rate of each customer companies, etc. Machine learning techniques such as linear regression (LR), XGBoost, random forest, and decision tree can be useful for the prediction problems. Here in this work, the authors use data pre-processing and feature selection before applying these machine learning models for predicting the clearance due date.
Customer Face-Detecting Artificial Intelligence With People Search Social Site Algorithm for Product Encroachment in Supermarkets
Authors: Napoleon D.  , Gopal R.
Published: May 2023

This chapter explores the use of an artificial intelligence system-based product suggestion in supermarkets. This is a great way for supermarkets to increase their sales and profitability. The proposed preprocess is to take a picture of the customer at the entrance, and the AI algorithm does the facial recognition with people search in the social sites like Facebook, Amazon, Flipkart, etc. Thus, the result of the search will be classified as what the customer has recently searched for and what his or her favorite and frequent shopping items are get popped up as results. Supermarkets will hold a display board using that system and will automatically do a price slash for the customers' products, which are extracted from their social site data. This helps customers and supermarkets using this technology increase the sales, and the customers will have an opportunity to get preferred goods at a discounted price.
Optimization Method for Sustainable Development of Smart City Public Management Based on Big Data Analysis
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Lin
Published: May 2023

With the acceleration of the urbanization process, the traditional urban management has become increasingly unable to meet the needs of urban management and development. At the same time, with the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data (BD), the use of AI and BD to analyze cities has been gradually emerging. Therefore, this paper used AI and BD to study the optimization method of sustainable development of smart city public management. The research showed that the respondents in N, Z, and S cities were 60.67%, 60.07%, and 60.31% satisfied with the handling of events by urban public management subjects, respectively. The experts' evaluation scores on the feasibility and effectiveness of urban public management optimization strategies were 88.79 and 92.82, respectively. The public's satisfaction with the smart city public management subject's handling of events was still not high enough. The optimization strategy for sustainable development of smart city public management proposed in this paper with BD had certain practical value.
E-Government Services Adoption Assessment From the Citizen Perspective in Jordan
Authors: Alryalat Mohammad , Alryalat Haroun , Alhamzi Khalid , Hewahi Nabil
Published: May 2023

Jordanian government has made a commendable effort towards designing and disseminating e-government portals on the web. However, there are certain barriers that have caused a significant deterioration in the e-government development index (EGDI) rank for Jordan in the last few years. The paper aims to understand the influence of the factors relating to e-government adoption to improve upon the trailing factors and move further on the EGDI. This study proposes a research model considering constructs such as relative advantage, perceived trust, computer self-efficacy, perceived awareness, resistance to change on behavioral intention. The data were collected through questionnaire survey. The data were analysed using structural equation modeling (SEM) of AMOS 25.0. The results of the analysis showed that relative advantage, perceived trust, computer self-efficacy and perceived awareness have a positive and significant influence on behavioral intentions whereas resistance to change found to negatively influence the citizens' behavioral intentions to adopt the e-government services.
An Adaptive CU Split Method for VVC Intra Encoding
Authors: Liu Lulu , Yang Jing
Published: May 2023

In order to reduce the coding complexity and ensure that versatile video coding (H.266/VVC) effectively maintains the equilibrium between coding efficiency and quality in the coding process, an adaptive coding unit (CU) split method for intra encoding is proposed in this paper. First, the coding speed of CU division is accelerated by an iterative algorithm based on the interval relation of texture complexity energy. Then, according to the relationship between texture features and CU segmentation patterns, the Scharr edge gradient operator algorithm is used to describe the texture information and the threshold. Texture uniformity, directionality, and subblock discrepancy are analyzed and discussed, respectively. Finally, the optimal segmentation pattern is determined based on the texture information to adaptively skip unnecessary segmentation modes. The results show that the algorithm can save 45.2% of the overall coding time on average with an average cost of 0.51% Bjontegaard delta bit rate (BDBR). The algorithm ensures the coding quality while reducing the computational complexity.
A Unified Architecture Framework Supporting SoS's Development
Authors: Dridi Charaf Eddine , Benzadri Zakaria , Belala Faiza
Published: May 2023

The engineering of systems-of-systems (SoSs) is a critical issue that requires the definition of multiple viewpoints that are dedicated to various concerns of stakeholders. To address this challenge, this article contributes to the definition of a reusable framework handling the design of SoSs' architectures by adopting a conceptual model of architecture framework ‘ISO42010.' The proposed framework extends this standard by using well-defined software development processes to identify and implement the different architectural viewpoints. Besides, these processes are used in a way to take advantage of managing a set of diagrams given by a UML profile, and then, to verify that the parts of the architecture form a consistent whole. In this context, the authors define four main viewpoints dedicated to the various stakeholders and which are essential to allow them to implement different SoSs. To guide the coordination of the development tasks, this framework provides again a development processes model that allows the stakeholders to explicitly design the viewpoint they want using an SoS-UML profile.
The Use of an Internet of Things Data Management System Using Data Mining Association Algorithm in an E-Commerce Platform
Authors: Wang Guan , Zhang Xuan , Gao Yifan , Yee Austin Lin , Wang Xue
Published: May 2023

The development of e-commerce has greatly changed the development of social retail formats. Business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce model is important. Due to the characteristics of high consumer trust and commodities dominated by electronic products and brand commodities, the income and profits generated are also very considerable. Therefore, the major e-commerce giants have increased the development of B2C formats. Logistics service capability and level have become an important driving force for the development of B2C e-commerce. How to optimize the inventory of B2C e-commerce and realize the organic balance between the economy and service capacity of the whole logistics chain has become a very urgent problem faced by major e-commerce giants. From the perspective of big data, first, the overview of the dataset used is analyzed based on the real operation data of a business to consumer (B2C) e-commerce platform.
Factors Influencing Consumer Buying Decision towards Herbal Products in Monaragala District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Suriyage R. D. S. D. , Leon S. A. J.
Published: May 2023

Appeal towards herbal products is increasing these days, because consumers become conscious about natural ingredients and harmless offers. This study aims to identify the influencing factors on consumer buying decision towards herbal products. This is a quantitative study which gathered data from 200 customers from Monaragala district, Sri Lanka using snowball sampling technique. The data were analyzed by using descriptive, correlation and multiple regression analyses. Findings of the study show that there is a strong positive relationship between independent variables (health conscious, social influence, product price, perceived value, trust) and consumer buying decision. Also, highlights that health conscious, social influence, product price, perceived value, and trust have significantly impact on consumer buying decision. Among the independent variables, social influence is the most influencing factor on consumer buying decision. This study will be helpful to the consumers to make effective decision during the consumption process and to the companies to place their strategies effectively.
Utility of the Brixia CXR score, C-Reactive Protein and Absolute Neutrophil Count in Predicting the Need for Invasive Mechanical Ventilation, Length of Hospital Stay, and Mortality in Moderate to Severe COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Shanbhag Vishal , Chaudhuri Souvik , Arjun N. R. , Pandey Akhilesh Kumar , Vishwas P. , Sharma Megha
Published: May 2023

Background: The Brixia Chest X-ray (CXR) score, C-reactive protein (CRP), and the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) have been useful to predict outcomes in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 patients). We studied the utility of the Brixia CXR score, CRP, and ANC in predicting the outcomes in terms of the need for invasive mechanical ventilation, length of stay, and mortality in moderatesevere COVID-19 patients.
Materials and Methods: This was a single-centre, retrospective, study on 122 COVID -19 patients. Brixia CXR score, CRP, and ANC on admission to the hospital and the fifth day of hospital stay were noted along with the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), prolonged length of stay (LOS) ≥ 14 days, and mortality.
Results: 122 patients were included for analysis. The median and interquartile range (IQR) for baseline CRP was 81.50 (39 -151) mg/L and 11.0 (4-30) mg/L (p < 0.001) on the fifth day. The median and IQR for baseline Brixia score was 10.0 (7-13), and on the fifth day was 7 (4-11) (p <0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) showed that the baseline CRP ≥ 52.5mg/L predicted both the need for IMV, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.628, and prolonged LOS with an AUC of 0.608. The ROC curve depicted that the baseline ANC >8500/μL predicted IMV requirement with an AUC of 0.657. The fifth day CRP ≥ 32 mg/L, ANC ≥ 11,000/ μL and Brixia CXR score ≥ 7 predicted a higher mortality in hospitalized patients.
Conclusion: Baseline CRP (> 52.5mg/L) predicts the need for IMV and a prolonged LOS, but not mortality. Baseline ANC (> 8500/μL) predicted the need for IMV. CRP, Brixia CXR score, and ANC on the fifth day were not useful to predict LOS or mortality, though there was a significant reduction in CRP and Brixia CXR score on the fifth day compared to baseline after treatment. The fifth day CRP ≥ 32 mg/L, ANC ≥ 11,000/ μL and Brixia CXR score ≥ 7 predicted a higher mortality.
A Young Female with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Presenting with Concurrent Neurological and Pulmonary Manifestations: A Case Report
Authors: Makuloluwa P. T. R. , Dissanayake Kavisha P. , Jayasekera M. M. P. T.
Published: May 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), besides its well-known deleterious effects on the respiratory system, is also reported to affect the central nervous system (CNS), presenting with neurological manifestations, that are commoner among older patients with associated co-morbidities and in the critically ill with COVID pneumonia. Infective, cerebrovascular, and hypoxic-toxic-metabolic etiology have been implicated. Reported outcomes have been poor with persistent neurological deficits among the majority who have survived. We report a young lady who presented with neurological manifestations alongside moderately severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Diagnosed early and managed as severe encephalopathy after excluding infective and cerebrovascular aetiology. Responded well to conservative measures and made a complete recovery. Early recognition of neurological manifestations of COVID-19 disease followed by the institution of appropriate therapies improved the outcomes.
A Quest for Enhanced Recovery After Liver Transplant at The Colombo North Center for Liver Disease: The First Decade
Authors: Gunetilleke Bhagya
Published: May 2023

Cirrhosis is a significant contributor to non-communicable disease related deaths in Sri Lanka and the only cure for cirrhosis constitutes liver transplant. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which is the hepatic component of the metabolic syndrome is the main aetiology of cirrhosis in patients presenting for liver transplant at CNCLD. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a concept originally adopted in colorectal surgery, and is a multimodal- multidisciplinary approach to perioperative care aiming to reduce perioperative surgical stress response and improve short-term outcome. Targeting improved outcome, components of ERAS have been incorporated in the perioperative care of liver transplant at the Colombo North Center for Liver Disease since 2016. Sri Lanka needs to define its own enhanced recovery after liver transplant (ERALT) protocols based on local data and audit performance.
Three new species of Aphaobius Abeille de Perrin, 1878 from Upper Carniola (Slovenia)
Authors: Giachino Pier Mauro
Published: May 2023

Three new species of Aphaobius from the Upper Carniola (Slovenia) are described: Aphaobius mateji n. sp. from Jama na Pri hlodih cave in Zabrekve; Aphaobius ninae n. sp. from Zaklonišče Tekstilindusa mine in Stražišče (Kranj) and Aphaobius ajdae n. sp. from Kurnik cave in Mrtancova planina (Škofja Loka). A discussion on the distribution of the new taxa related to distribution of the other species of Aphaobius is presented here.Three new species of Aphaobius from the Upper Carniola (Slovenia) are described: Aphaobius mateji n. sp. from Jama na Pri hlodih cave in Zabrekve; Aphaobius ninae n. sp. from Zaklonišče Tekstilindusa mine in Stražišče (Kranj) and Aphaobius ajdae n. sp. from Kurnik cave in Mrtancova planina (Škofja Loka). A discussion on the distribution of the new taxa related to distribution of the other species of Aphaobius is presented here.
Preventing Osteoarthritis After an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: An Osteoarthritis Action Alliance Consensus Statement
Authors: Driban Jeffrey B , Vincent Heather K , Trojian Thomas H , Ambrose Kirsten R , Baez Shelby , Beresic Nicholas , Berkoff David J , Callahan Leigh F , Cohen Bruce , Franek Madison , Golightly Yvonne M , Harkey Matthew , Kuenze Christopher M , Minnig Mary Catherine , Mobasheri Ali , Naylor Adam , Newman Connie B , Padua Darin A , Pietrosimone Brian , Pinto Daniel , Root Hayley , Salzler Matthew , Schmitt Laura C , Snyder-Mackler Lynn , Taylor Jeffrey B , Thoma Louise M , Vincent Kevin R , Wellsandt Elizabeth , Williams Monette
Published: May 2023

After an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, people need secondary prevention strategies to identify osteoarthritis at its earliest stages so that interventions can be implemented to halt or slow the progression toward its long-term burden. The Osteoarthritis Action Alliance formed an interdisciplinary Secondary Prevention Task Group to develop a consensus on recommendations to provide clinicians with secondary prevention strategies that are intended to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis after a person has an ACL injury. The group achieved consensus on 15 out of 16 recommendations that address patient education, exercise and rehabilitation, psychological skills training, graded-exposure therapy, cognitive-behavioral counseling (lacked consensus), outcomes to monitor, secondary injury prevention, system-level social support, leveraging technology, and coordinated care models. We hope this statement raises awareness among clinicians and researchers on the importance of taking steps to mitigate the risk of osteoarthritis after an ACL injury.
Evidence Review for Preventing Osteoarthritis After an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: An Osteoarthritis Action Alliance Consensus Statement
Authors:   Osteoarthritis Action Alliance, Secondary Prevention Task Group, Driban Jeffrey B. , Vincent Heather K. , Trojian Thomas H. , Ambrose Kirsten R. , Baez Shelby , Beresic Nicholas , Berkoff David J. , Callahan Leigh F. , Cohen Bruce , Franek Madison , Golightly Yvonne M. , Harkey Matthew , Kuenze Christopher M. , Minnig Mary Catherine , Mobasheri Ali , Naylor Adam , Newman Connie B. , Padua Darin A. , Pietrosimone Brian , Pinto Daniel , Root Hayley , Salzler Matthew , Schmitt Laura , Snyder-Mackler Lynn , Taylor Jeffrey B. , Thoma Louise M. , Vincent Kevin R. , Wellsandt Elizabeth , Williams Monette
Published: May 2023

Context

The Osteoarthritis Action Alliance formed a secondary prevention task group to develop a consensus on secondary prevention recommendations to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis after a knee injury.

Objective

Our goal was to provide clinicians with secondary prevention recommendations that are intended to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis after a person has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Specifically, this manuscript describes our methods, literature reviews, and dissenting opinions to elaborate on the rationale for our recommendations and to identify critical gaps.

Design

Consensus process.

Setting

Virtual video conference calls and online voting.

Patients or Other Participants

The Secondary Prevention Task Group consisted of 29 members from various clinical backgrounds.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

The group initially convened online in August 2020 to discuss the target population, goals, and key topics. After a second call, the task group divided into 9 subgroups to draft the recommendations and supportive text for crucial content areas. Twenty-one members completed 2 rounds of voting and revising the recommendations and supportive text between February and April 2021. A virtual meeting was held to review the wording of the recommendations and obtain final votes. We defined consensus as >80% of voting members supporting a proposed recommendation.

Results

The group achieved consensus on 15 of 16 recommendations. The recommendations address patient education, exercise and rehabilitation, psychological skills training, graded-exposure therapy, cognitive-behavioral counseling (lacked consensus), outcomes to monitor, secondary injury prevention, system-level social support, leveraging technology, and coordinated care models.

Conclusions

This consensus statement reflects information synthesized from an interdisciplinary group of experts based on the best available evidence from the literature or personal experience. We hope this document raises awareness among clinicians and researchers to take steps to mitigate the risk of osteoarthritis after an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Prevalence and risk factors of developmental disabilities among preschool children in the Arab world: a narrative literature review
Authors: Almahmoud Omar H. , Abushaikha Lubna
Published: May 2023

Purpose: Developmental disabilities (DDs) are a global childhood problem whose prevalence is rising, with a disproportionate impact on individuals in low-and middle-income countries. However, data on the prevalence of DDs in the Arab world are limited. This review highlights what is currently known about the prevalence and risk factors of DDs in preschool children in the Arab world. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINAHL, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were searched for publications on DDs among preschool children in the Arab world. Only 14 studies were identified in the literature, from 12 Arab countries. Results: The overall estimated prevalence of DDs among preschool children in the Arab world is 27.5%. An analysis of risk factors for DDs showed that child-related, maternal, and family-related factors account for a significant cumulative risk of developing DDs in preschool children. Maternal factors, such as antenatal and perinatal complications, were the most common risk factors. Conclusion: The prevalence of DDs among preschoolers is significantly high in the Arab world, which emphasizes the importance of the early detection and diagnosis of DD, as well as its associated risk factors.
Research trends related to problematic smartphone use among school-age children including parental factors: a text network analysis
Authors: Lee Eun Jee
Published: May 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the main keywords and research topics used in research on problematic smartphone use (PSU) among children (6-12 years old), including parental factors.Methods: The publication period for the literature was set from January 2007 to January 2022, as smartphones were first released in 2007. In total, 395 articles were identified, 230 of which were included in the final analysis. Text network analysis was performed using NetMiner 4.5.Results: Research on this topic has steadily increased since 2007, with 40 papers published in 2021. Eight main research topics were derived: group 1, parental attitudes; group 2, children's PSU behavior and parental support; group 3, family environment and behavioral addiction; group 4, social relationships; group 5, seeking solutions; group 6, parent-child relationships; group 7, children's mental health and school adaptation; and group 8, PSU in adolescents.Conclusion: Parental factors related to PSU have been studied in various aspects. However, more active research on school-age children's PSU needs to be conducted due to the paucity of research in this population compared to studies conducted among adolescents. The results of this study provide useful data for selecting research topics in the field of PSU.
Hemidiaphragmatic paralysis after costoclavicular approach versus other brachial plexus blocks in upper limb surgery: a meta-analysis
Authors: Koo Chang-Hoon , Hwang Insung , Shin Hyun-Jung , Ryu Jung-Hee
Published: May 2023

Background: The costoclavicular brachial plexus block (CCB) is a recently established technique that uses the infraclavicular approach and is performed just below the clavicle. This meta-analysis aimed to determine whether CCB can reduce the incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis (HDP), which is a major adverse event related to brachial plexus block (BPB), while yielding comparable block performance as other BPB techniques.Methods: We searched electronic databases to identify relevant studies that compared the incidence of HDP between CCB and other BPB techniques. The primary outcome was the incidence of HDP following CCB and other BPB techniques. The secondary outcomes were pulmonary function test results, other adverse events, and block performance parameters such as onset and performance time. Results: We included six randomized controlled trials that included 414 patients. Compared with the other BPB group, the CCB group had a significantly lower incidence of HDP (relative ratio: 0.21, 95% CI [0.12, 0.36], P < 0.001) and higher peak expiratory flow rate (mean difference: 0.68 L/s, 95% CI [0.13, 1.23], P = 0.015). There were no significant between-group differences with respect to other adverse events and block performance parameters.Conclusions: Compared with other BPB techniques, CCB involves a lower incidence of HDP with comparable onset and performance time.
Mechanotransduction in Fibrosis
Authors: Chetambath Ravindran , Ravindran Nithya
Published: May 2023

Mechanotransduction is the phenomenon of conversion of mechanical forces to biochemical signals in fibrosis. Knowledge on how mechanotransduction influences the behavior of cells and tissues will help to identify novel therapeutic targets for mechanomodulatory approaches. Innovative therapies based on these advances will potentially transform fibrotic healing into tissue regeneration.
Is the Term Brittle Asthma Obsolete? What is its Clinical Relevance in Routine Practice?
Authors: Chetambath Ravindran , John Jis B.
Published: May 2023

Brittle asthma is a life-threatening phenotype of asthma and was considered relevant in clinical practice before the year 2000. After the introduction of GINA guidelines, this entity was not discussed much in literature and the phenotype was included in acute severe asthma. Even the GINA guideline-2022 update is silent about this phenotype. This article discusses brittle asthma phenotypes and examines the relevance of this entity in clinical practice.
Once a Remedy, Later a Disease
Authors: Shikha K. C. , Koshy Sudin , Arjun Padmanabhan
Published: May 2023

Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) encompasses any lung toxicity induced by radiation therapy (RT). It manifests acutely as radiation pneumonitis (RP) and chronically as radiation pulmonary fibrosis. It is usually seen in patients who have undergone thoracic irradiation for the treatment of lung, breast, or hematologic malignancies. The volume of lung irradiated and the mean lung dose are important risk factors. The diagnosis is usually based on a combination of typical symptoms (e.g., cough, dyspnea, and occasionally fever), timing, dose, and location of radiation therapy, compatible imaging findings, and exclusion of other causes. We report a case of a patient with breast cancer, who had received locoregional radiotherapy (RT) and then palliative RT for metastasis in the rib, following which she developed symptoms and radiological manifestations consistent with RILI. The patient recovered clinically and radiologically with conservative management. It was important to accurately diagnose the entity early since RP with moderate-to-severe symptoms and impaired respiratory function needs to be treated early to prevent irreversible lung damage.
Hydropneumothorax – Rare Presentation of Pulmonary Embolism with Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Mutation with Hyperhomocysteinemia
Authors: Kunjumon Saby Anna , Neenu N. , Utpat Ketaki Vasudeo , Desai Unnati , Raj K. Aravind , Sable Sharad Bharat
Published: May 2023

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a relatively common cardiovascular event with high early mortality rates. Many risk factors play a role in the causation of PE including acquired as well as inherited. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutation is one of the inherited etiologies for PE which cause hyperhomocysteinemia which can lead to PE. This in turn can result in secondary complications such as pneumothorax or hydropneumothorax, which are rare presentations of PE. Hereby, we present this unique case of a 17-year-old boy who presented with a hydropneumothorax which on further evaluation was found to be a complication of bilateral PE which was due to hyperhomocysteinemia with MTHFR A1298C mutation. Hence, we present this unique case with rare presentation as well as rare etiology for PE. This shows the significance for considering PE as one of the differentials in situations such as cavitations, pneumo or hydropneumothoraces, and hyperhomocysteinemias.
Management of Buerger's Disease (Thromboangiitis Obliterans) of the Lower Limb by Horizontal Distraction and Corticotomy by Ilizarov's Technique
Authors: Rohit Kumar , Verma Vikas
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO), also known as Buerger's disease, is a disease of unknown etiology affecting small- and medium-sized blood vessels, mainly seen in heavy smokers. The characteristic features of this disease are distal ischemia, with patients having claudication, rest pain, and toe ulcers. The proper management of TAO is still a challenging problem. Various medical and surgical treatments have been tried with a variable success. Since it is a disease characterized by chronic ischemia, achieving neoangiogenesis could have a beneficial effect. Ilizarov has shown that corticotomy and distraction of bony fragments can increase the blood supply to the entire limb. TAO can be managed using this principle of distraction osteogenesis to induce neoangiogenesis. We conducted this study to evaluate the clinical outcomes of longitudinal tibial corticotomy and horizontal distraction with Ilizarov's fixator in Buerger's disease of the lower limb.

Materials and Methods:

Ten patients with clinically and radiologically proven Buerger's disease admitted to our hospital between 2019 and 2021 who had failed the conservative pharmacological modalities of treatment were included. A lateral tibial corticotomy and distraction was performed by the use of olive wires and two-ring frame with horizontal distraction mechanism. Lateral distraction was started after 10 days at the rate of 0.25 mm 6 h for 25 days to achieve a distraction of 2.5 cm. The frame was removed after consolidation of regenerate.

Results:

Of the 10 cases, eight patients became pain free, while one had a partial relief of pain and one patient worsened on treatment and underwent below-knee amputation. Three patients had at least one episode of pin site infection which improved with oral antibiotics and dressings. One patient had delayed consolidation of regenerate. The claudication distance improved at each follow-up for all but one patient.

Conclusion:

Neoangiogenesis by corticotomy and distraction offers a relatively simple and cost-effective surgical option to salvage ischemic limbs from amputations and provide pain relief, ischemic ulcer healing, and improved claudication distance, thus improving the quality of life.
Transosseous Suture-Aided Proximal Humeral Internal Locking Osteosynthesis Plate in Proximal Humerus Fractures
Authors: Bhargavan Vishnu , Shyam Roy A. S. , Shibu R.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Fracture of the proximal humerus is the commonest fracture affecting the shoulder girdle in adults. Neer's 2, 3, and 4 part fractures are managed by operative fixation. Proximal humeral internal locking osteosynthesis (PHILOS) plate fixation is the treatment nowadays. However, accurate reduction of greater and lesser tuberosities may not be possible with a plate alone, which may lead to avascular necrosis of the humeral head. Transosseous suture fixation can accurately reduce the greater and lesser tuberosity fragments to shaft and head, but cannot maintain the reduction. A combination of transosseous suture fixation with PHILOS plate may be a viable option.

Objective of Study:

Our study was to evaluate functional outcome of transosseous sutures along with PHILOS plating for patients with proximal humerus fractures.

Materials and Methods:

The study was done as a prospective observational study of 40 consecutive patients with proximal humerus fractures, managed with transosseous suturing aided PHILOS plating. They were followed up for 6 months and evaluated using Constant Murley Scoring system.

Results:

The mean age of our patients was 52.86 years. The mechanism of injury was due to road traffic accident in 42.5% (17) and domestic falls in 57.5% (23). There were 20% two-part, 52.5% three-part, and 27.5% four-part fractures. Overall functional outcome was found to be good to excellent in 77.5% of our patients. The mean Constant Murley score achieved was 80.35. We found that patients with Neer's two-part and three-part fractures had the highest Constant scores (88.1 and 79.7. respectively) while patients with four-part had the lowest Constant scores (76). Patients <60 years showed better results.

Conclusion:

Transosseous suturing-aided PHILOS plating can be an excellent treatment option for osteosynthesis of complex proximal humerus fractures allowing early mobilization and good functional outcome. Transosseous suturing along with PHILOS plate can counteract the varus forces which can reduce complications such as late fracture displacement and avascular necrosis. There is no need for additional hardware, fibular graft, or exposure for the combined procedure to achieve a good outcome. Thorough knowledge of anatomy, proper fracture reduction and proper placement of locking plate are equally important for a superior outcome in these difficult fractures.
Functional Outcome of Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy in Medial Compartmental Osteoarthritis of Knee Joint
Authors: Sharma Gangdayal , Sagar Vidya , Kumar Raman , Sharma Akhilesh Kumar , Kumar Manish , Sinha Satendra Kumar
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Due to the shifting of weight more on the medial side of the knee, more cartilage destruction occurs medially, and subsequently, varus deformity occurs. A corrective osteotomy to alter the weight-bearing axis will be ideal to slow down the degenerative process. The success of an osteotomy around the knee depends on the biomechanics of the lower extremity, load distribution in the knee, and also on the mechanical properties of the implants used for osteotomy fixation. The aim of the study is to know the functional outcome of open-wedge high tibial osteotomy in medial compartmental osteoarthritis of the knee joint.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective study was done at the tertiary center of Bihar between May 2016 and September 2018. Bilateral weight-bearing anteroposterior view in full extension and standing scannogram was taken preoperatively. Patients were operated and evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months by the Japanese Orthopaedic association knee score and Japanese Orthopaedic association system.

Results:

Medial opening-wedge osteotomy was performed in 26 knees of 24 in which there were 10 male and 14 female patients. Of the 26 knees operated, 16 were of the left side and 10 of the right side. Of the 26 knees operated, 6 (23%) had excellent outcome, 12 (47%) had good outcome, 4 (15%) had fair, and 4 (15%) had poor outcome. The poor result of three patients was correlated to superficial infection and the other patients due to inadequate correction. Five patients had superficial infection and one patient had hardware prominence causing pain and two patients had under correction of varus.

Conclusion:

From this prospective study, it can be concluded that medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy is a useful option in medial compartmental osteoarthritis of the knee joint and relieves pain and improves functional outcomes in patients.
Use of Sanitary Napkin for Dressing in Hip Surgery
Authors: Shukla Shreyansh , Patil Amar , Goutham G. , Harish K.
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

One of the important factors that promote wound site dryness is the dressing material used. Sanitary napkins have been tried in the past for dressing of wounds in the postoperative period to effectively absorb fluids and secretions. This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of sterile sanitary napkins when used as dressing in the immediate postoperative period for hip region surgeries in terms of efficacy and cost effectiveness.

Methodology:

Adult patients aged 18 and above (male and female) undergoing surgeries in the hip region were included in the study and grouped into three groups based on the type of dressing applied in the postoperative period.

Results:

The total cost of dressings was found to be the highest (>250 rupees) in group receiving commercial dressing compared to the most economical in Group A (sanitary napkins). The presence of soakage was found to be the highest in group getting conventional dressing.

Conclusion:

Sanitary napkin is a novel innovative option for dressing, being very economical, readily available, easily sterilizable, and can be used in hospitals in remote areas too.
Oncology-related emergencies discharged from the emergency department
Authors: Goh Si-Hua Yvonne , Ng Juin Jie , Chan Shi-En Joanna , Chua Wei-Lin Tallie , Anantharaman Venkataraman
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Cancer patients attending emergency departments (EDs) often present with acute symptoms and are frequently admitted. This study aimed to characterise the profile of oncology patients who were discharged from the ED.

Methods:

This was a retrospective audit of patients with cancer-related diagnoses who presented to the ED at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) over a 6-month period from 1 October 2018 to 31 March 2019 and were directly discharged from the ED. Data was extracted from the hospital’s electronic medical record system.

Results:

Of the 492 participants included in the study, the majority were triaged as Priority 2 (61.4%), while 30.7% were triaged as Priority 3, 6.9% as Priority 1 and 1.0% as Priority 4. There was no statistical difference between the National Early Warning scores across the different triage categories in these patients. The most common complaint was (44.3%), followed by genitourinary symptoms (19.5%) and those related to devices, catheters or stomas (17.3%). More investigations of all types were done for patients being managed in Priority 1 (57.6%) than in the other triage categories (40.1% for Priority 2, 23.2% for Priority 3 and 12.0% for Priority 4). Treatment procedures carried out were mainly symptomatic (analgesics, antiemetics, proton pump inhibitors) for 79.8% of the patients. There were no significant differences in the proportion of patients requiring various treatment modalities among the triage categories.

Conclusion:

Selected oncological patients may potentially be managed in an ambulatory setting.
A coloring invariant of 3-manifolds derived from their flow-spines and virtual knot diagrams
Authors: Ishii Ippei , Nakamura Takuji , Saito Toshio
Published: May 2023

For a closed, connected, and oriented 3-manifold with a non-singular flow, we construct its virtual knot diagram via a “flow-spine” of the manifold. Then, we introduce a coloring invariant of 3-manifolds through their virtual knot diagrams, and classify some 3-manifolds by using the invariant.
Changes in metabolic syndrome and the risk of breast and endometrial cancer according to menopause in Korean women
Authors: Tran Thi Xuan Mai , Kim Soyeoun , Park Boyoung
Published: May 2023

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated how changes in metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with the subsequent risk of breast and endometrial cancer according to menopausal status.METHODS: This cohort study, using data from the National Health Insurance Service database, included women aged ≥40 years who underwent 2 biennial cancer screenings (2009-2010 and 2011-2012) and were followed up until 2020. Participants were grouped into MetS-free, MetS-recovery, MetS-development, and MetS-persistent groups. Menopausal status (premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal) was assessed at 2 screenings. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to assess the association between MetS changes and cancer risk.RESULTS: In 3,031,980 women, breast and endometrial cancers were detected in 39,184 and 4,298, respectively. Compared with the MetS-free group, those who recovered, developed, or had persistent MetS showed an increased risk of breast cancer, with adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of 1.05, 1.05, and 1.11, respectively (p<0.005). MetS persistence was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women (aHR, 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08 to 1.16) but not in premenopausal or perimenopausal women. MetS persistence was associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer in premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women, with aHRs of 1.41 (95% CI, 1.17 to 1.70), 1.59 (95% CI, 1.19 to 2.12), and 1.47 (95% CI, 1.32 to 1.63), respectively.CONCLUSIONS: Increased breast cancer risk was associated with recovered, developed, and persistent MetS in postmenopausal women. Meanwhile, increased endometrial cancer risk was found in obese women who recovered from MetS or persistently had MetS, regardless of menopausal status, when compared to MetS-free women.
From branchings to flows: a study of an Edmonds' like property to arc-disjoint branching flows
Authors: Carvalho Cláudio , Costa Jonas , Lopes Raul , Maia Ana Karolinna , Nisse Nicolas , Sales Cláudia
Published: May 2023

An s-branching flow f in a network N = (D, u), where u is the capacity function, is a flow thatreaches every vertex in V(D) from s while loosing exactly one unit of flow in each vertex other thans. Bang-Jensen and Bessy [TCS, 2014] showed that, when every arc has capacity n − 1, a network Nadmits k arc-disjoint s-branching flows if and only if its associated digraph D contains k arc-disjoints-branchings. Thus a classical result by Edmonds stating that a digraph contains k arc-disjoints-branchings if and only if the indegree of every set X ⊆ V (D) \ {s} is at least k also characterizesthe existence of k arc-disjoint s-branching flows in those networks, suggesting that the larger thecapacities are, the closer an s-branching flow is from simply being an s-branching. This observationis further implied by results by Bang-Jensen et al. [DAM, 2016] showing that there is a polynomialalgorithm to find the flows (if they exist) when every arc has capacity n − c, for every fixed c ≥ 1,and that such an algorithm is unlikely to exist for most other choices of the capacities. In this paper,we investigate how a property that is a natural extension of the characterization by Edmonds’ relatesto the existence of k arc-disjoint s-branching flows in networks. Although this property is alwaysnecessary for the existence of the flows, we show that it is not always sufficient and that it is hardto decide if the desired flows exist even if we know beforehand that the network satisfies it. On thepositive side, we show that it guarantees the existence of the desired flows in some particular casesdepending on the choice of the capacity function or on the structure of the underlying graph of D,for example. We remark that, in those positive cases, polynomial time algorithms to find the flowscan be extracted from the constructive proofs.
New information on the breeding biology of fifteen Brazilian bird species
Authors: Gussoni Carlos Otávio Araujo , Gomes Arthur Monteiro , Perrella Daniel Fernandes , Guaraldo André De Camargo , Machado Rogério Carlos , Tinti Maria Clara , Paixão Paloma Hokama , Noventa Helbert Eduardo , Rodrigues Vítor André , Rampin Sidinei
Published: May 2023

Although birds are a well-studied group, the breeding biology of many species is still poorly known, especially in the Neotropical region. This lack of knowledge implies the absence of subsidies for conservation, lack of more reliable data for phylogenetic reconstruction, and for studying the effects of environmental change on these species. In view of this scenario we collected information on the reproduction of 15 bird species in 16 Brazilian locations from February 2003 to December 2021. This article presents new data on the nests, eggs, juveniles/nestlings and/or breeding behavior of Veniliornis spilogaster (Picidae), Philydor atricapillus (Furnariidae), Myiobius barbatus (Onychorhynchidae), Tityra semifasciata (Tityridae), Phylloscartes paulista (Rhynchocyclidae), Phylloscartes oustaleti (Rhynchocyclidae), Elaenia obscura sordida (Tyrannidae), Tyrannus albogularis (Tyrannidae), Cnemotriccus fuscatus (Tyrannidae), Icterus pyrrhopterus (Icteridae), Nemosia pileata caerulea (Thraupidae), Trichothraupis melanops (Thraupidae), Thlypopsis sordida (Thraupidae), Cyanophonia cyanocephala (Fringillidae) and Chlorophonia cyanea roraimae (Fringillidae). We include new data on parental care for six species, descriptions of nests for eight species, and new information on nest building behavior for five species. This data is of special interest for the management of these species and their habitats and for the reconstruction of their phylogenetic relationships.
A Brief Survey on Recommendation System for a Gradient Classifier based Inadequate Approach System
Authors: R.Sowmya  , Kumar Dr.T.Ananth , Rajmohan Dr.R. , Kanimozhi Dr.P. , Ananth Dr.Christo , A. AJAGBE Sunday
Published: May 2023

Recommender systems are a common and successful feature of modern internet services. (RS). A service that connects users to tasks is known as a recommendation system. Making it simpler for customers and project providers to identify and receive projects and other solutions achieves this. A recommendation system is a strong device that may be advantageous to a business or organisation. This study explores whether recommender systems may be utilised to solve cold-start and data-sparsely issues with recommender systems, as well as delays and business productivity. Recommender systems make it easier and more convenient for people to get information. Over the years, several different methods have been created. We employ a potent predictive regression method known as the slope classifier algorithm, which minimises a loss function by repeatedly choosing a function that points in the direction of the weak hypothesis or the negative gradient. A group that is experiencing trouble handling cold beginnings and data sparsity will send enormous datasets to the suggested systems team. The users have to finish their job by the deadline in order to overcome these challenges.