bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust dynamic control algorithm for uncertain powered wheelchairs based on sliding neural network approach
Authors: Bakouri Mohsen , Alqarni Abdullah , Alanazi Sultan , Alassaf Ahmad , AlMohimeed Ibrahim , Aboamer Mohamed Abdelkader , Alqahtani Tareq
Published: September 2023

The dynamic model of mobile wheelchair technology requires developing and implementing an intelligent control system to improve protection, increasing performance efficiency, and creating precise maneuvering in indoor and outdoor spaces. This work aims to design a robust tracking control algorithm based on a reference model for operating the kinematic model of powered wheelchairs under the variation of system parameters and unknown disturbance signals. The control algorithm was implemented using the pole placement method in combination with the sliding mode control (PP-SMC) approach. The design also adopted a neural network approach to eliminate system uncertainties from perturbations. The designed method utilized the sinewave signal as an essential input signal to the reference model. The stability of a closed-loop control system was achieved by adopting the Goa reaching law. The performance of the proposed tracking control system was evaluated in three scenarios under different conditions. These included assessing the tracking under normal operation conditions, considering the tracking performance by changing the dynamic system's parameters and evaluating the control system in the presence of uncertainties and external disturbances. The findings demonstrated that the proposed control method efficiently tracked the reference signal within a small error based on mean absolute error (MAE) measurements, where the range of MAE was between 0.08 and 0.12 in the presence of uncertainties or perturbations.
A short note on a extended finite secant series
Authors: Reynolds Robert
Published: September 2023

In this paper, a summation formula for a general family of a finite secant sum has been extended by making use of a particularly convenient integration contour method. The main theorem derived from this approach is the finite sum involving the Hurwitz-Lerch zeta function. This theorem for particular values is used to derive the finite product of the fifth roots of the quotient product of the gamma function along with finite sums and functional equations involving trigonometric functions.
A Comprehensive Survey on Information Diffusion Models for Social Media Text
Authors: Abirami A. M. , Sumitra S.
Published: September 2023

People use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and blog sites for expressing their views and criticising the products purchased and movies watched. They use these platforms for getting information like blood donation requirements and job opportunities. During the disastrous situations like floods and earthquakes, these platforms act as powerful media for passing messages to all people. During this COVID-19 pandemic period, all social media platforms are effectively used by all businesses for the instant communication and interactions between the groups of people. In all these scenarios, the information gets diffused and reaches different levels of people. Sometimes this diffusion gives positive aspects to the readers; sometimes it creates negative impacts to them, which has its own cascading effects. It becomes essential to monitor the rate of flow of information and stop spreading the fake or false messages. The application of suitable graph network modelling and theories would support this research issue and recommend the appropriate model for the social media data.
Innovative Applications of Data Science
Authors: Marimuthu Poorani , S. T. Santhanalakshmi , Shanuja C. Christlin
Published: September 2023

The travel and tourism sector is one among the important sectors that contribute or generate income to a country, which in turn raise the economy. More than one billion tourists travel to their desired international destinations as normal tourist, for their business, medical, study purpose, etc. every year contributes 9.8% of global GDP. This value represents 7% of the world total exports. Today with the natural language processing (NLP), most of the major challenges in these sectors have been addressed, which results in the increased revenue generation to the country. Moreover, NLP tries to provide a hassle-free experience to the tourist and thus improves the revenue generation. It helps to streamline the business opportunities and benefits all the interconnected industries. This chapter tries to provide the role of NLP in travel and tourism along with the challenges in this field.
Charity Management Using Blockchain Technology
Authors: Parkavi R. , Vigneshwaran S. , Sambath N. , Sanjai P.
Published: September 2023

Beneficiaries have no confidence in the way donated money is spent. Humanitarian organizations are at a similar risk to the forms of fraud that plague businesses, such as money laundering. Recently, blockchain technology has been implemented in various fields. The use of blockchain technology allows you to perform the process of giving and receiving money openly. It is necessary to build a single donation tracking platform that will track all information about gifts, transactions, and sponsors. The purpose of this work is to explain building blockchain-based infrastructure tracking donations. Based on blockchain technology, the system provides a clear accounting of donor performance, foundations of giving, and recipients. The donation channel should be available from the charity platform, which allows community users and donors to follow and monitor where, when, and to whom donations are made. This work summarizes the activities carried out in the design and implementation of the web-based blockchain management system.
Some Insights of Cyber Physical Systems in the Context of the Tourism and Travel Industry
Authors: S. Hariharasitaraman , Yadav Rounak , Agrawal Preksha
Published: September 2023

Cyber-physical systems (CPS) facilitate the incorporation of humans, objects, and computing systems in their physical environment. These systems operate in real-time and are used to enable the systems and devices to self-organize and reconfigure to respond to their changing environments. They help to realize data-intensive interconnected platforms that allow data streams to run continuously on an autonomous basis. CPSs in the context of tourism and travel are considered important elements for developing efficient and effective smart tourism services. This research explores various facets of CPSs and proposes a blockchain-based framework to offer a smart tourism ecosystem, catering to the dynamic preferences and needs of the tourists. The key idea is to use a novel blockchain-based data security mechanism, which uses a set of policies to enforce data security for smart tourism services.
Empirical Study on Cyber-Crime and Cyber Terrorism
Authors: Patel Subhash Chandra , Sahu Santhoshini
Published: September 2023

This chapter will give a clear idea of what cyber-crime is and cyber terrorism's causes and types and how these are done and what is the main difference between cyber-crimes and cyber terrorism. It will also explore what precautions can be taken that may help a user with these attacks.
Smart Precision Agriculture Using IoT and WSN
Authors: Agrawal Anurag Vijay , Magulur Lakshmana Phanendra , Priya S. Gayathri , Kaur Amanpreet , Singh Gurpreet , Boopathi Sampath
Published: September 2023

In precision agriculture (PA), the internet of things (IoT) and wireless sensor networks (WSN) can be utilised to more effectively monitor crop fields and make quick choices. The sensors can be installed in crop fields to gather pertinent data, but doing so uses up some of their limited energy. The use of IoT and WSN for smart precision agriculture necessitates energy-efficient operations, location-aware sensors, and secure localization techniques. In this chapter, agricultural problems are identified using IoT and WSN technologies to rectify them. Pests, a lack of water supply, and leaf diseases can be identified for best solutions through pest identification and classification, soil and water conservation, and leaf issues. The integration of Arduino and various sensors is used in the IoT and WSN to solve the issues automatically. Securing energy conservation can be achieved through IoT and sensor systems using efficient programmes.
Architecture and Framework for Interfacing Cloud-Enabled Robots
Authors: Srinivas B. , Maguluri Lakshmana Phaneendra , Naidu K. Venkatagurunatham , Reddy L. Chandra Sekhar , Deivakani M. , Boopathi Sampath
Published: September 2023

The integration of robot activities with cloud computing and the internet of things is essential to Industry 4.0 implementation. In the chapter, the fundamental principles of cloud computing and integrated robotics are explained. Emergence, characteristics, service delivery models, and computing models of robot-cloud computing principles have been discussed. Classical principles of service-oriented architecture, service models, web services, gSOAP, robotic operating systems, and challenges of robot cloud computing fields were illustrated. The main objective of this chapter is to illustrate cloud computing architecture frameworks. The architecture, platform, setup, and implementation principles of fixed and variable-length strings for cloud robotic frameworks have been briefly illustrated.
Advanced Physical Analytical Methods for the Assessment of the Environment State
Authors: Zinicovscaia Inga
Published: September 2023

Despite the major efforts that have been made over recent years to clean up the environment, pollution remains a major problem and poses continuing risks to health. Thus, the determination of contaminants in environmental samples is a challenging and critical issue. Highly accurate analytical techniques provide the possibility to assess and map the organic and inorganic pollutants in complex atmospheric, water, and soil matrices qualitatively and quantitatively. The present chapter brings together the wealth of information in the current literature, covering both the fundamentals and applications of these methodologies. The main attention is given to neutron activation analysis, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The principles, main strengths, and weaknesses of each technique are discussed. Several examples of techniques applied in air, water, and soil sample analysis are presented.
H2O2 as Efficient Oxidizing Agent for Wool Processing and the Preparation of Wool-Based Materials
Authors: Condurache Bogdan-Constantin , Samoila Petrisor , Harabagiu Valeria
Published: September 2023

Hydrogen peroxide is a compound that plays an important role in the biochemical processes of living organisms and found in a large spectrum of applications from chemistry and soft material processing to cosmetics and medicine. It is present in natural waters and contributes to their purification through reactive radical species. Starting from these considerations, an attempt was made to explain the morphological changes and the properties of the fibrous material achieved by means of the reactions with the reactive radical species that appear following the disproportionation process of the hydrogen peroxide. The influence of different factors, such as temperature, pH, the presence or absence of catalysts, etc. on the complex mechanisms by which morphological changes occur in the wool fibrous materials is discussed by corroborating old and new results collected by different investigation techniques. The reports on hydrogen peroxide involvement in wool processing are summarized and new materials based either on wool waste or on keratin subproducts are described.
Technological Adaptation Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Singh Mohinder
Published: September 2023

The Internet has transformed people's way of life and their access to education in the 21st century. The use of digital technologies in education has become extremely prevalent. The teaching-learning environment has shifted dramatically with the advent of ICT. Although some institutions are still wedged to traditional teaching learning procedures, refusing to incorporate technological tools in their teaching and learning. Their teaching-learning is based on old techniques. The unexpected outburst of Covid-19 in March 2020 shuttered the entire world. This sudden outbreak revolutionizes the whole educational procedures overnights. Many academic institutions that were earlier resistant to use ICT in teaching-learning were compelled to use digital technologies in their teaching-learning process, the only option available. The article focused on the importance of ICT tools in the teaching and learning process, with accompanying challenges of the implementation. It further suggested ideas for teachers and learners about how to cope with these difficulties and obstacles.
Guidelines for Detecting Cyberbullying in Social Media Data Through Text Analysis
Authors: Mkwananzi Nomandla , Smuts Hanlie
Published: September 2023

The intensive use of the internet comes with negative and positive effects. Cyberbullying is one of the negative effects of using the internet. Cyberbullying has a negative effect on the victims emotionally, academically, and psychologically. Cyberbullying detection tools can help in reducing or eliminating cyberbullying on social media platforms. The aim of the study was to identify the elements that drive cyberbullying and build classification models to determine whether social media textual information contains cyberbullying text or not. The research aim was achieved through a mixed methods research design, containing qualitative and quantitative elements. The drivers of cyberbullying were identified through a literature review. These included age, gender, family structure, parental education, race, technology, anonymity, academic achievement, and awareness of cyber safety. The support vector machines and naïve Bayes models were used to classify the text dataset (Formspring.me dataset), with a 72.81% and a 99.87% classification accuracy, respectively.
On the Gains and Losses of Multimedia-Assisted Instruction Technology in College Music Teaching Practice
Authors: Feng Dalei
Published: September 2023

Applying multimedia technology to college music teaching can directly present some abstract knowledge to students. This not only breaks the limitation of traditional teaching time and space, but also enriches the teaching content and improves the teaching quality. Therefore, it is very important to change the teaching concept, actively practice and explore, and seek a new teaching mode. This article deeply analyzes the application of multimedia in college music classroom teaching, the role and position of multimedia in music teaching, compares the advantages and limitations of multimedia technology with other educational technologies in music classroom teaching, and explains multimedia educational technology. Combined with teaching practice and courseware development, this article analyzes the application status of multimedia technology in middle schools, and demonstrates the position and role of multimedia teaching methods in music classroom from both teachers and students, so as to provide some references for the reform of music education in colleges and universities.
Physical soil properties after seven years of composted tannery-sludge application
Authors: Sousa Ricardo Silva de , Nunes Luís Alfredo Pinheiro Leal , Alcântara Neto Francisco de , Souza Henrique Antunes de , Araújo Ademir Sérgio Ferreira de
Published: September 2023

This study was performed to investigate the effects of composted tannery sludge (CTS) on the physical properties of tropical sandy soil after seven years of CTS application. CTS was applied to a Fluvisol at five rates (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 Mg ha-1) in experimental plots (sized 20 m2) with four replications. Water infiltration into the soil was determined in the field with the concentric-ring infiltrometer method. Bulk density, total porosity, macroporosity, and microporosity were determined in the soil samples. The permanent CTS application altered the physical properties of the soil and led to a decrease in bulk density. The total porosity, microporosity and macroporosity values in the CTS-applied soil ranged from 44.1–51.7, 34.6–39.4, and 9.1–12.8%, respectively. Water-infiltration rates were significantly influenced by CTS. The cumulative infiltrated water in the soil varied from 21.3–34.7 cm. The basic infiltration rate was lower in the unamended soil and increased with an increase in the rate of CTS application. This study confirmed that the physical soil parameters improved after the permanent CTS application. Therefore, this application may be a suitable strategy for improving physical soil properties over time.
Physiological responses of oregano under different water management and application of fermented bokashi compost
Authors: Wenneck Gustavo Soares , Saath Reni , Moro Adriana Lima , Carvalho Gleyson Pablo da Silva , Santi Danilo Cesar , Rezende Roberto
Published: September 2023

Growing conditions such as water supply and soil fertility influence oregano morphological development and physiological responses. Our study aimed to analyse the physiological responses of oregano plants grown under different water conditions and bokashi application rates. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse under a randomized block design and a 3 x 4 factorial scheme. Treatments encompassed three water replacement levels (60, 80, and 100% crop evapotranspiration - ETc) and four bokashi rates (0, 100, 200, and 300 g m-2), with five replications each. Oregano seedlings were transplanted and grown in a spacing of 0.3 m between plants and 1 m between bed rows. After 60 days, treatments were evaluated for photosynthetic rate (A), stomatal conductance (Gs), internal CO2 rate (Ci), transpiration (E), and water-use efficiency (WUE). Data underwent variance analysis by F-teste, multivariate analysis, and Pearson's linear correlation. Oregano physiological responses were significantly influenced by water replacement level and the application rate of fermented bokashi compost. The multivariate analysis allowed us to analyse the interaction effect between water replacement level and bokashi rate on photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, internal CO2, and transpiration.
Strategies for reducing the impact of clubroot on broccoli cultivation in tropical mountain regions
Authors: Santos Carlos Antônio dos , Sobrinho Nelson Moura Brasil do Amaral , Gonçalves Rafael Gomes da Mota , Lima Jessica de Oliveira , Cruz Laura Carine Candido Diniz , Carmo Margarida Goréte Ferreira do
Published: September 2023

Brassica spp. production can be negatively affected by clubroot, which is caused by the protozoan Plasmodiophora brassicae Woronin. Most of the information on clubroot control is derived from studies in temperate regions. Here, management strategies were evaluated to reduce broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck) crop losses owing to clubroot in tropical mountain regions. The first experiment revealed the effect of green manure from coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), sweet corn (Zea mays L.), and spontaneous vegetation (control) associated with broccoli seedlings of 4 different sizes. In the second experiment, the effect of soil amendments (limestone and steel slag) in conjunction with poultry litter (fresh or composted for 45 days) and without poultry litter (control), was assessed. Both field experiments sought to evaluate the disease intensity, plant development (root growth, biomass, and nutrient accumulation), and yield. Sunn hemp and coriander biomass resulted in higher healthy root volumes and dry weights of broccoli. However, such benefits were not derived from corn treatment. Compared to smaller seedlings (10 mL cell and 20 days of age, and 16 mL cell and 24 days of age), the use of larger seedlings (35 mL cell and 28 days of age, and 50 mL cell and 32 days of age) resulted in lower intensity of clubroot and increased the average yield by 143% in summer crops. Steel slag, like limestone, corrected soil acidity and resulted in plant growth; however, clubroot intensity was not significantly affected. Fresh and composted poultry litter increased the percentage of diseased roots compared with the control; however, broccoli yield was not affected by the treatments. Using green manure (sunn hemp or coriander) and well-developed seedlings is recommended as a strategy to reduce losses induced by clubroot during broccoli cultivation.
Pyruvate supplementation in cotton under water restriction varying the phenological phases
Authors: Dias Mirandy dos Santos , Fernandes Pedro Dantas , Silva Francisco de Assis da , Marcelino Aline Dayanna Alves de Lima , Barbosa Daniela Duarte , Santos Roseane Cavalcanti dos , Reis Lígia Sampaio , Lima Vera Lucia Antunes de
Published: September 2023

Cotton is one of the largest agricultural commodities that generate various sources of foreign exchange and employment worldwide. However, water deficiency is an environmental factor that limits the production of this crop, especially in semi-arid regions. We evaluated pyruvate supplementation to mitigate the effects of water stress on colored cotton. Experiments were conducted in a greenhouse. We studied two forms of pyruvate supplementation (SP1- via seed and foliar and SP2- only via foliar); three conditions of irrigation management of the plants: water restriction in the vegetative phase (VE), flowering (FL), and vegetative and flowering (VE/FL); and additional treatment (total irrigation throughout the crop cycle and without pyruvate supplementation). The experimental design included a randomized block in a 2 × 3 + 1 factorial scheme. The factors resulted in seven treatments with three replications, with a total of 21 experimental units. Gas exchange, enzyme activity, and production of components were evaluated. Water restriction in the vegetative phase does not cause losses in BRS Jade cotton when supplemented with pyruvate. However, in the flowering and vegetative phases plus flowering, it reduces gas exchange and production components and increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes in relation to plants under full irrigation. Supplementation with pyruvate via seed plus foliar (SP1) was better for BRS Jade cotton grown under water restriction.
Effect of plant-growth regulators, adjuvants and artificial pollination on the fixation and quality of Annona squamosa L cultivars’ fruit
Authors: Chagas Pollyana Cardoso , Crane Jonathan , Chagas Edvan Alves , Vendrame Wagner , Costa Bárbara Nogueira Souza , Rubio Neto Aurélio , Moura Elias Ariel de
Published: September 2023

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of plant regulators (gibberellic acid and naphthalene acetic acid) and adjuvant LI 700® with and without hand pollination on the fruiting and quality of Annona squamosa L. cultivars. The experiment was conducted in the experimental orchard of the Florida Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC/UF) in Homestead, Florida, USA. The experimental design in random blocks comprised 14 treatments, 10 repetitions and 3 flowers per treatment and per tree for ‘Red’ and ‘Lessard Thai’ cultivars. To assess quality, 9 fruit from each treatment were used, with 3 repetitions  and 3 fruit per repetition. High instability was observed in fruit fixation rates between cultivars. The application of growth regulators did not increase fruit fixation in the tested cultivars. The application of naphthalene acetic acid had a deleterious effect on the flowers of the sugar apple cultivars. The most uneven (asymmetrical) fruit was obtained in the treatments with the application of growth regulators. The application of the adjuvant showed toxicity, causing damage to the skin of the fruit. The fruit with the greatest symmetry had the lowest levels of soluble solids and the highest toxicity. The application of growth regulators associated with hand pollination was not efficient, presenting a low percentage of fruit fixation for Annonaceae cultivars. None of the studied treatments produced parthenocarpic fruit (without seeds). The utilization of an adjuvant in the applied concentration caused damage to the fruit peels (darkening) due to toxicity in both cultivars.
Technical note: Evaluation of an alternative automatic heating-stirring system in the determination of in vitro ruminal dry matter digestibility of forages using the Tilley and Terry method
Authors: Castillo Vargas Julián Andrés , Leite Gilmara Pinto , Coelho Gabriela de Jesus , Costa de Araújo Tiago , Gomes Daiany Iris , Alves Kaliandra Souza , Mezzomo Rafael
Published: September 2023

This study evaluated an alternative heating-stirring system in the determination of in vitro ruminal digestibility of dry matter (IVRDMD) of forages using the Tilley and Terry (TT) method. For this purpose, the IVRDMD of three forage species (Marandu, Tifton 85, and Mombasa) was determined by incubating 500 mg of each dried and ground (1 mm) forage in 50-mL rumen inoculum during 48h, followed by quantification of the incubation residue. Two heating-stirring systems were used: i) heating in a water bath at 39°C with manual stirring every two hours (i.e., traditional system); and ii) heating in an oven with controlled temperature at 39°C and automatic agitation (44 rpm; alternative system); there was no effect of the interaction between the heating-stirring system and the type of forage (p = 0.829) on the IVRDMD of forages. The type of heating-stirring system (p = 0.422) did not affect the IVRDMD of forages. Nevertheless, the IVRDMD values of Marandu grass (system i = 598.7 g kg-1 vs system ii = 599.4 g kg-1) were greater (p < 0.001) than Tifton 85 (system i = 392.1 vs g kg-1 vs system ii = 370.7 g kg-1) and Mombasa (system i = 397.4 g kg-1; system ii = 369.7 g kg-1) grasses. In conclusion, the obtained data indicate that the alternative heating-stirring system produces similar results to those obtained using the traditionally heating-stirring system during the determination of the IVRDMD of forages.
Effects on meat quality of Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) in the diet of chickens
Authors: Przybulinski Bruna Barreto , Garcia Rodrigo Garófallo , Burbarelli Maria Fernanda de Castro , Sgavioli Sarah , Valentim Jean Kaique , Serpa Felipe Cardoso
Published: September 2023

The objective is to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of yerba mate in the diet on the yield and quality of chicken meat stored frozen for 120 days after slaughter. The birds were distributed in a completely randomized design, with four treatments, and eight replications with 25 birds each. The treatments consisted of providing a basal diet with 1, 2, 4, and 6 g kg-1 of ground dehydrated Yerba mate. At slaughter, temperature, pH, and carcass yield were measured. 120 days after meat freezing, measurements of pH, colorimetry, cooking weight loss (CWL), shear force, and water retention capacity were estimated. The parameters evaluated after slaughter showed regression effects on breast and drumstick temperature. Breast temperature showed a decreasing linear effect (R2=0.61). For the variable thigh temperature, there was a negative quadratic effect (R2=0.66). The quality characteristics of breast and drumstick evaluated 120 days after freezing showed an increasing linear effect of drumstick CWL (R2=0.38). Yerba mate can be included in up to 6 g kg-1 in chicken feed without changing pH, color, and meat tenderness after 120 days of freezing, maintaining carcass and cut yields.
Requirement for digestible lysine in Nile tilapias (Oreochromis niloticus) with live weight between 500 and 600 g
Authors: Muniz Junior José Claudio Bezerra , Haidamus Suzana Linhares , Machado Noédson de Jesus Beltrão , Dilelis Felipe , Brasil Ronner Joaquim Mendonça , Quaresma Débora Vaccari , Lima Cristina Amorim Ribeiro de
Published: September 2023

The present study was carried out with the objective of determining the requirements for digestible lysine in Nile tilapia during the 500 to 600 g live weight stage. Isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were tested with increasing amounts of digestible lysine. L-lysine HCl (78%) were used to replace glutamic acid at increasing levels, resulting in treatments of 9.3, 12.3, 15.3, 18.3 and 21.3 g kg-1 of digestible lysine. Three hundred Nile tilapias with an average weight of 519 ± 27.23 g were used and distributed among 25 tanks. The physical and chemical parameters of the water were pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, conductivity and temperature. The mortality rate was registered daily. Two slaughters were performed at 28 and 50 days after the beginning of the experiment. It was estimated that an amount of 13.1 g kg-1 of digestible lysine was ideal for obtaining higher WG. Fish slaughtered after 50 days, the digestible lysine requirements were determined to be 14.5 g kg-1 for the lowest carcass humidity and 14.6 g kg-1 for the greatest carcass ethereal extract. Nile tilapias with live weight between 500 and 600 grams require 13.1 g kg-1 of digestible lysine in the diet for greater WG (90.53 g) and better FCR (2.55).
Preliminary Examination of Guardian Cap Head Impact Kinematics Using Instrumented Mouthguards
Authors: Quigley Kristen G. , Hopfe Dustin , Fenner Madison , Pavilionis Philip , Owusu-Amankonah Vincentia , Islas Arthur , Murray Nicholas G.
Published: September 2023

Context

Guardian Caps (GCs) are currently the most popular external helmet add-on designed to reduce the magnitude of head impacts experienced by American football players. Guardian Caps have been endorsed by influential professional organizations; however, few studies evaluating their efficiency are publicly available.

Objective

To present preliminary on-field head kinematics data for National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I American football players using instrumented mouthguards through closely matched preseason workouts with and without GCs.

Design

Case series.

Setting

The 2022 American football preseason.

Patients or Other Participants

Twenty-five male NCAA Division I student-athletes participating in American football completed some portion of the 6 workouts included in this study. Of the 25 participants, 7 completed all 6 workouts using their instrumented mouthguards.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Peak linear acceleration (PLA), peak angular acceleration (PAA), and total impacts were collected via instrumented mouthguards during 3 preseason workouts using traditional helmets (TRAD condition) and 3 using a TRAD and GCs (GC condition). The TRAD and GC values for PLA, PAA, and total impacts were evaluated using analyses of variance.

Results

No difference was present between the collapsed mean values for the entire sample between the TRAD and GC conditions for PLA (TRAD = 16.3g ± 2.0g, GC = 17.2g ± 3.3g, P = .20), PAA (TRAD = 992.1 ± 209.2 rad/s2, GC = 1029.4 ± 261.1 rad/s2, P = .51), or the total number of impacts (TRAD = 9.3 ± 4.7, GC = 9.7 ± 5.7, P = .72). Similarly, no difference was observed between the TRAD and GC conditions for PLA (TRAD = 16.1g ± 1.2g, GC = 17.2g ± 2.79g, P = .32), PAA (TRAD = 951.2 ± 95.4 rad/s2, GC = 1038.0 ± 166.8 rad/s2, P = .29), or total impacts (TRAD = 9.6 ± 4.2, GC = 9.7 ± 5.04, P = .32) between sessions for the 7 players who completed all 6 workouts.

Conclusions

These data suggested no difference in head kinematics data (PLA, PAA, and total impacts) when GCs were worn. Therefore, GCs may not be effective in reducing the magnitude of head impacts experienced by NCAA Division I American football players.
Erratum: Oropharyngeal dysphagia profile in early versus late stage dementia
Authors: Sheikhany Ayatallah Raouf , Abdel Hady Aisha Fawzy , Farag sheikhany
Published: September 2023

In the article titled “Oropharyngeal dysphagia profile in early versus late stage dementia”, published on pages 103–109, Volume 35, Issue 1 of The Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology[1], the name of the third author is written incorrectly as “sheikhany Farag” instead of “Heba Mahmoud Farag”.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Nephrotic Syndrome: Our Experience and Literature Review
Authors: Nissar Syed M. , Kuchay Abid A. , Mir Tajamul H. , Goud L. Naresh , Latief Muzamil
Published: September 2023

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is one of the common presentations of kidney diseases both in children and adults. NS patients, particularly those with membranous nephropathy, have increased risk of thromboembolic events. Heparin and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) continue to be commonly used as prophylactic and therapeutic agents, given the experience of use of these agents in NS and nonrenal indications of anticoagulation. The use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in NS is reported in some case series, conference abstracts, and a few small studies. We report our experience of using DOACs in 11 patients of NS with severe hypoalbuminemia. Out of 11, one patient required change of anticoagulation from DOACs to VKA and the rest of them did well with DOACs. There were no bleeding episodes in our study. We suggest larger studies to be carried out to better understand the use of these agents in NS.
Success and complications of endoscopic laser dacryocystorhinostomy vs. external dacryocystorhinostomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Panda Bijnya B , Nayak Bhagabat , Mohapatra Sumita , Thakur Subhodeep , Vishwanath Shilpa
Published: September 2023

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the success and complications of endoscopic laser dacryocystorhinostomy (ELDCR) vs. external dacryocystorhinostomy (ExDCR) in primarily acquired nasal duct obstruction. The search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases revealed 109 studies on ELDCR and ExDCR. Eleven studies were found to be suitable for review. The primary objective was to compare the success rate between ELDCR and ExDCR. The secondary objectives were to analyze the surgical time, overall complications, bleeding, infection, intranasal synechia, and granulation tissue. Pooled analysis of all studies revealed that ELDCR had a significantly lesser success rate compared to ExDCR (80.3% vs. 91.6%; odds ratio [OR] 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.27, 0.62]; P < 00001; I2 = 13%). However, there were no difference in the overall complication rate (12.0% vs. 13.0%; OR 1.04; 95% CI [0.17, 6.33]; P = 0.97, I2 = 80%) and intranasal synechiae (9.5% vs. 4.3%; OR 2.22 [1.04, 4.72]; P = 0.04; I2 = 10%). The ExDCR group had significantly increased risks of bleeding (1.9% vs. 13.0%; OR 0.20; 95% CI [0.09, 0.47]; P = 0.0002; I2 = 0%) and infection (0.3% vs. 4.6%; OR 0.09; 95%CI [0.02, 0.51]; P = 0.006; I2 = 0%). Nevertheless, ELDCR needed a shorter surgical time compared to ExDCR (mean difference [MD] −28.35, 95% CI [−35.45, −21.26], P < 0.00001, I2 = 78%). Although ELDCR is associated with lesser bleeding, lesser infection, and shorter surgical duration, the success rate of ExDCR is higher.
Evaluation of patient adherence with oral anticancer agents
Authors: Kazaz Seher Nazlı , Yıldırım Atila
Published: September 2023

Background:

The aim of the study was to measure the adherence to oral anticancer treatments in cancer patients using the Modified Morisky Scale (Modified Medication Adherence Scale 6) which has been shown to be valid and reliable in Turkish.

Methods:

This study was an observational, single-center study involving 300 cancer patients receiving various oral anticancer agents admitted to our outpatient clinic. Motivation and knowledge scores were calculated as per the Modified Medication Adherence Scale 6.

Results:

The motivation and knowledge levels of the population aged less than 65 years were found to be significantly higher than the geriatric population (≥65 years old) (P < .003 and P< .001, respectively). It was observed that the patients with higher education levels had significantly higher motivation and knowledge levels (P < .0001 for both). There was no correlation between the motivation and knowledge levels of the patients with gender, marital status, living status, and stage of the disease (P > .05). In addition, the duration of drug use >12 months and the cyclical use of drugs were also found to be significantly associated with increased motivation and knowledge levels.

Conclusion:

Identifying adherence and related factors, informing patients in detail about the efficacy and toxicity of treatments are the simplest and most basic methods. Particular attention should be paid to patients aged > 65 years, patients with a low level of education, and patients in the earlier stages of their treatments.
Frequency of EGFR mutations in lung adenocarcinoma patients – A study from tertiary cancer center of South India
Authors: Nayanar Sangeetha K. , Mohan Anju , Shenoy Praveen , Saravanan M , Gopinath Vipin , Deepak Roshan V. G
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACTS

Background and Objectives:

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation analysis has become an important part of the initial workup of non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NS-NSCLC) patients. This study is attempted as South Indians population is comprised of ethnic groups with diverse genetic makeup and only very limited data on EGFR mutation is available from south India. A detailed understanding of EGFR mutation profile will help in better planning of treatment strategies and resource allocation.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of EGFR mutation frequency in 350 patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of lung and its association with pathological characteristics was done.

Results:

Out of 350 cases of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, within an age group ranging from 30 to 86 years. EGFR mutations were identified in 34.8% (n = 122) cases, out of which 35.24% (n = 43) were in non-smoker females (P = 0.001). Of the 14 cases with resistant type of EGFR mutations, nine were in smoker males and the remaining five in non-smoker females.

Interpretation and Conclusion:

Overall EGFR mutation frequency observed in our study was similar to other Indian studies. However, in our study, we observed that mutation in exon 21 was less frequent compared to other studies. A similar slightly increased frequency of rare mutations and double mutations were observed in our study. A detailed study of the molecular epidemiology of lung cancer and its association with different geographical zones of India is needed. This understanding will help in better planning of treatment strategies and resource allocation.
Satisfaction with Life and its Relationship with Mental Health in University Professors
Authors: Gallegos-Espinoza Djamila , LaRosa-Longobardi Carlos , Piñas-Rivera Livia , Asencios-Trujillo Lucía , Asencios-Trujillo Lida , Matta-Solis Hernan
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The satisfaction with the life in university professors will have an important value for the personal evaluation of themselves on the quality of their own experiences and in addition to a well-being of personal feeling. Aim: to determine Satisfaction with life and its relationship with mental health in professors of a university in North Lima. Methods: a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study, with a population of 270 older adults, who answered a questionnaire of sociodemographic aspects and the scale of satisfaction with life. Results: 54 (20%) of the older adults were dissatisfied with life, 32 (11.9%) slightly dissatisfied, 39 (14.4%) are neutral with respect to life satisfaction, 84 (31.1%) are satisfied, and 50 (18.5%) are very satisfied. Conclusions: educational talks should be held for the elderly, where the experience of positive emotions during that stage of life continues to be promoted and allows them to have a better satisfaction with their lives.
EWSR1 rearranged primary renal myoepithelial carcinoma: a diagnostic conundrum
Authors: Nishith Nilay , Chowdhury Zachariah
Published: September 2023

Primary renal myoepithelial carcinoma is an exceedingly rare neoplasm with an aggressive phenotype and Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 (EWSR1) rearrangement in a small fraction of cases. In addition to its rarity, the diagnosis can be challenging for the pathologist due to morphologic heterogeneity, particularly on the biopsy specimen. At times, immunohistochemistry may be indecisive; therefore, molecular studies should be undertaken for clinching the diagnosis. We aim to illustrate a case of primary myoepithelial carcinoma of the kidney with EWSR1-rearrangement in a 67-year-old male patient who presented with right supraclavicular mass, which was clinically diagnosed as carcinoma of an unknown primary. An elaborate immunohistochemical work-up aided by fluorescent in-situ hybridization allowed us to reach a conclusive diagnosis. This unusual case report advocates that one should be aware of the histological mimickers and begin with broad differential diagnoses alongside sporadic ones and then narrow them down with appropriate ancillary studies.
Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion syndrome and its effect on the cardiovascular system: The role of treprostinil, a synthetic prostacyclin analog
Authors: Mouratidou Christina , Pavlidis Efstathios T , Katsanos Georgios , Kotoulas Serafeim-Chrysovalantis , Mouloudi Eleni , Tsoulfas Georgios , Galanis Ioannis N , Pavlidis Theodoros E
Published: September 2023

Indocyanine green (ICG) is a water-soluble fluorescent dye that is minimally toxic and widely used in gastrointestinal surgery. ICG facilitates anatomical identification of structures (e.g., ureters), assessment of lymph nodes, biliary mapping, organ perfusion and anastomosis assessment, and aids in determining the adequacy of oncological margins. In addition, ICG can be conjugated to artificially created antibodies for tumour markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen for colorectal, breast, lung, and gastric cancer, prostate-specific antigen for prostate cancer, and cancer antigen 125 for ovarian cancer. Although ICG has shown promising results, the optimization of patient factors, dye factors, equipment, and the method of assessing fluorescence intensity could further enhance its utility. This review summarizes the clinical application of ICG in gastrointestinal surgery and discusses the emergence of novel dyes such as ZW-800 and VM678 that have demonstrated appropriate pharmacokinetic properties and improved target-to-background ratios in animal studies. With the emergence of robotic technology and the increasing reporting of ICG utility, a comprehensive review of clinical application of ICG in gastrointestinal surgery is timely and this review serves that aim.
Surgical decompression for the management of abdominal compartment syndrome with severe acute pancreatitis: A narrative review
Authors: Nasa Prashant , Chanchalani Gunjan , Juneja Deven , Malbrain Manu LNG
Published: September 2023

Indocyanine green (ICG) is a water-soluble fluorescent dye that is minimally toxic and widely used in gastrointestinal surgery. ICG facilitates anatomical identification of structures (e.g., ureters), assessment of lymph nodes, biliary mapping, organ perfusion and anastomosis assessment, and aids in determining the adequacy of oncological margins. In addition, ICG can be conjugated to artificially created antibodies for tumour markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen for colorectal, breast, lung, and gastric cancer, prostate-specific antigen for prostate cancer, and cancer antigen 125 for ovarian cancer. Although ICG has shown promising results, the optimization of patient factors, dye factors, equipment, and the method of assessing fluorescence intensity could further enhance its utility. This review summarizes the clinical application of ICG in gastrointestinal surgery and discusses the emergence of novel dyes such as ZW-800 and VM678 that have demonstrated appropriate pharmacokinetic properties and improved target-to-background ratios in animal studies. With the emergence of robotic technology and the increasing reporting of ICG utility, a comprehensive review of clinical application of ICG in gastrointestinal surgery is timely and this review serves that aim.
Risk factors for myocardial injury during living donor liver transplantation in pediatric patients with biliary atresia
Authors: Wu Yu-Li , Li Tian-Ying , Gong Xin-Yuan , Che Lu , Sheng Ming-Wei , Yu Wen-Li , Weng Yi-Qi
Published: September 2023

Indocyanine green (ICG) is a water-soluble fluorescent dye that is minimally toxic and widely used in gastrointestinal surgery. ICG facilitates anatomical identification of structures (e.g., ureters), assessment of lymph nodes, biliary mapping, organ perfusion and anastomosis assessment, and aids in determining the adequacy of oncological margins. In addition, ICG can be conjugated to artificially created antibodies for tumour markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen for colorectal, breast, lung, and gastric cancer, prostate-specific antigen for prostate cancer, and cancer antigen 125 for ovarian cancer. Although ICG has shown promising results, the optimization of patient factors, dye factors, equipment, and the method of assessing fluorescence intensity could further enhance its utility. This review summarizes the clinical application of ICG in gastrointestinal surgery and discusses the emergence of novel dyes such as ZW-800 and VM678 that have demonstrated appropriate pharmacokinetic properties and improved target-to-background ratios in animal studies. With the emergence of robotic technology and the increasing reporting of ICG utility, a comprehensive review of clinical application of ICG in gastrointestinal surgery is timely and this review serves that aim.
Influence of the parent rock nature on the mineralogical and geochemical composition of ferralsols used for sedentary agriculture in the Paleoproterozoic Franceville sub-basin (Gabon)
Authors: Zue Abaga Norbert Ondo , Nfoumou Victory , M’voubou Makaya
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of parent rock nature on the mineralogical and geochemical properties of ferralsols  used by sedentary subsistence farmers in the Proterozoic Franceville subbasin of Gabon. Thus, soils developed from cherts, black shales  and sandstones were investigated for their mineralogical composition and their heavy metal contamination of topsoil using the X-ray  diffraction (XRD), and Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results show that the dominant mineralogical assemblage is made of quartz, illite, kaolinite and smectite, and this is reflected in the major-element chemistry which include essentially  SiO2 (46.4 - 89.2%), Al2O3 (4.3 - 19.8%) followed by Fe2O3 (0.7 - 15.3%), with highest amounts of SiO2 and lowest amounts of Al2O3 and  Fe2O3 found in soils developed from sandstone. The geochemical data revealed some doleritic intrusions through the chert formations  with highest values of Fe2O3 and TiO2 in the overlying soils. Results indicated serious health concern associated with a geogenic source  of As, Ba, Cd, Cu, La, Pb, Rb, Th and U in soils developed from cherts and black shales. Consequently, only the uncontaminated soils  developed from sandstone could be appropriate for smallholder farming communities.