bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Sensitivity Adjustment Technique Within the Exoskeleton Control System
Authors: Ermolov I.L. , Knyazkov M.M , Semenov E.A. , Sukhanov A.N.
Published: June 2021

An exoskeleton system contains a human operator in the control loop, which imposes restrictions on the applied control algorithms and movement speed.

Robotics is the central topic of the latest physical artificial intelligence that links computing, biology, chemistry, material science, mechanical engineering. This study explores the robotic exoskeleton system that contains a human operator in the control loop, which imposes restrictions on the applied control algorithms and movement speed. At the moment, there are a number of tasks in research projects towards exoskeleton control algorithms. These tasks include consideration of fatigue of a person arising from the control of the exoskeleton over long period of time. Operator’s fatigue, as a result of the monotonous operations, leads to the fact that the control efficiency decreases, and the positioning error will increase over time. Another task when controlling using human biopotentials is compensation of the influence of the operator's tremor on the control signal. Also, a very important factor is the adaptation of actuators to a change in the transient characteristics of external and internal forces.

This article describes the results of tests of an arm exoskeleton device with DC drive located in the elbow joint and a control algorithm based on an electromyogram of the biceps brachii and triceps brachii of the operator. The structure and features of the experimental stand developed in the laboratory of robotics and mechatronics of IPMech RAS are shown. The sensitivity adjustment technique within the exoskeleton control system is proposed.
Prevalencia y patrones de resistencia adquirida a antirretrovirales en menores de 18 años en el Hospital de Especialidades Pediátricas “Omar Torrijos Herrera”
Authors: Luciani Kathia , Compacnucci Alexandra
Published: June 2021

Introducción: La resistencia a antirretrovirales compromete la efectividad del tratamiento de pacientes con infección por VIH, llevando a falla virológica e  inmunológica, deterioro clínico  y comprometiendo tratamientos futuros. Los niños y adolescentes tienen mayor riesgo de desarrollo de resistencia asociados a terapias prolongadas, mala adherencia y  limitadas opciones terapéuticas.  Se desconoce la prevalencia y patrones de resistencia adquirida en población pediátrica panameña.

Objetivos: Conocer la prevalencia y describir los patrones de resistencia adquirida en población pediátrica infectada con falla virológica en el período 2009-2019

Material y Método: Estudio descriptivo.   Se incluyeron sujetos menores de 18 años de edad,  con al menos un año de tratamiento,  en  falla virológica y   que contaban con una prueba de genotipaje.  Se realizó revisión de los expedientes clínicos para la obtención de los datos.  Se describen   las características demográficas, historial de tratamiento,  resistencia a familias de antirretrovirales y mutaciones específicas

Resultados y conclusiones: 13 pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio de un total de 72 pacientes con infección de VIH atendidos en el período de estudio, para una prevalencia de  resistencia del 18% de sujetos en terapia con resistencia.   Se encontró 92% de resistencia a Inhibidores de la transcriptasa reversa  análogo de nucleósidos,    61.5% a  inhibidores de la transcriptasa reversa no análogos de nucleósidos  y 23% de resistencia a Inhibidores de proteasa, las mutaciones  M184V y K103N fueron las más frecuentes. Se requiere mantener la vigilancia de resistencia  en niños con el fin de ajustar las recomendaciones de tratamiento.
Desafío Diagnóstico
Authors: Vasquez Jahaivi
Published: June 2021

Paciente que presenta rash generalizado tras la administración de amoxicilina , posteriormente se diagnóstico mononucleosis infeciosa
Las víctimas indirectas de la pandemia
Authors: Vargas Pedro Ernesto
Published: June 2021

A 15 meses de la pandemia, todavía no conocemos los resultados del cierre de los servicios de salud ni las consecuencias de los manejos de muchas manos en ese plato.  Nos preocupa, con razón, la alarmante serie de consecuencias negativas sobre la economía y sobre la educación, pero, en la marcha forzada, la pandemia desnudó las serias y crónicas falencias éticas del sistema de salud nacional
Climate Extreme Indices Derived from Observed Daily Temperature Data Over Three Cities of Thrace Region, Turkey
Authors: Oruç Sertaç
Published: June 2021

Construction industry can be affected by climate change in particular temperature and temperature extremes not only for the design phase but also for production or end-use/operation phases. In this regard the major climatic factors that are dominant for the building lifecycle must be evaluated. This study determined the 13-sector specific ET-SCI temperature indices annually and investigated their trend characteristics at Edirne, Kırklareli and Tekirdağ of Thrace Region for the historical period. The results showed a dominant increasing temperature trend over the region. Edirne, Kırklareli, and Tekirdağ stations showed significantly increasing trends for the hottest night, average daily maximum, and average daily minimum temperature indices in this study. Furthermore, the hottest day index also showed an increasing trend for all the stations with a significant trend for Edirne and Tekirdağ. Moreover, significant decreasing trends were observed in the heating degree days and increasing significant trends were observed for the SU (summer days), CDDCOLD18 (cooling degree days) and TR (tropical nights) values at all the stations.
An Analysis of Grading Discrepancy in Architectural Juries: The Case of Summer School Design Courses
Authors: Pavlovic Milorad
Published: June 2021

The architectural education process is fundamentally dominated by design studio courses. Their organization remains anopen challenge for educators due to the complexity of related factors, such as teaching methods, design topics, assignmentsand assessments. In particular, the assessment of design studio courses is often a complex procedure, due to the involvementof several jury members with different expertise and their subjective interpretations. In this research, an analysis of thegrading discrepancy in architectural juries is proposed. The study aims on quantifying the divergence between the final gradesand the marks proposed by each juror. The percentage error was considered as a method for research. The procedure wasintroduced in the vertical architectural design studio at Alanya Hamdullah Emin Pasa University, Department of Architecture,during the summer semester of 2018. The paper presents the results of the analysis, author’s observations, and proposesfurther developments of the research.
Cost Evaluation of Post-tensioned Slabs in Multi-storey Buildings Considering Seismic Effect
Authors: Khalid Abdelaziz Osama , Ahmed Abdalla Hany
Published: June 2021

Currently, many owners and consultants prefer to use post-tensioned PT slab systems in multi-storey buildings due to their considerable savings in materials, labor, and time. On the other hand, many contractors still use the traditional RC flat slab systems due to their simple construction process. This research focuses on the comparison between the two systems taking into consideration: cost, time, and structural behavior. Detailed cost and time analysis is performed for each system considering all construction resources. The analysis and design of the buildings are conducted using many structural and project management computer programs. These include ETABS, SAFE, RAM, REVIT, and Primavera. The results indicated that, PT systems provide significant savings for spans larger than 6 m. The structural analysis of both systems also showed that PT slabs are more effective in resisting seismic straining actions.
Exploring the Neurological Basis and Motivation for Learning to Design during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Başarır Lâle
Published: June 2021

Architectural design curriculum is based on the premise that students want to learn Architecture. However, there is a significant decline in the motivation and enthusiasm of Architecture students for designing projects within the studio courses. This phenomenon can be the natural result of the Covid-19 pandemic that locked young architect candidates down, forcing them to attend courses online. However, the motivation behind the act of designing is loosely related with the designers’ physical or online presence. This study aims to understand the basic motives underlying the desire to design by examining online architectural design education processes. The paper looks into cognitive processes, neuroscientific knowledge around the act of design, and pedagogical knowledge around learning to design. The main question of the research is to see whether the motivation to design can be explained in association with neurological aspects and whether it can shed light on methodologies on learning to design.
Environmental Sustainability for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) in Healthcare Facilities
Authors: Emmanuel Udomiaye , Osondu Eze Desy , Cheche Kalu Kalu , Ahmad Haliru Aminu
Published: June 2021

The emergence of the novel coronavirus, increase in microbial resistance and the scarceness of vaccines for the present pandemic have made it imperative to appraise the link between the sustainable built environment and Infection control as well as the strategies employed during the pre-antibiotic period. This paper aims to identify the nexus between a sustainable built environment and infection control in healthcare facilities with the view of developing guidelines and highlighting the role of architecture in curbing the pandemic. The study relied on existing studies, interviews, and interactions with healthcare workers. The findings showed that sustainable design strategies play a significant role in infection prevention and control and could as well be a panacea for curbing the spread of Coronavirus, especially in healthcare facilities. A sustainable environment for hospitals or healthcare facilities, apart from low energy and carbon emission, needs to integrate design strategies to confront the impact of healthcareassociated infections.
Living with Quality: Strategies for Transferring Social Housing Development to After-war Syria
Authors: Kalfaoğlu Hatipoğlu Hatice
Published: June 2021

Obtaining a home in Syria has been an equivalent to a strategic goal around which the life of the Syrian citizen revolves. Housing was one of the problematic crises before the war, which accelerated due to the war. Moreover, this turned into a humanitarian disaster, and the situation has become more urgent and requires immediate treatment. The solution of this demolition is not limited to an easy rebuilding and needs a more sustainable and qualified policy in order to prevent to turn back to the existing crisis before the war. This paper focuses on finding an appropriate strategy to respond to the housing crisis in Syria in the light of successful implementations of social housing. In order to achieve that, after a literature review of the general context of social housing, the Singapore social housing experience has been analyzed. Considering the housing problems and implementations in Syria (before and after the war) in a comparative evaluation with the Singapore experience, some strategies have been suggested, along with discussing the transfer of this experience to the Syrian context. A list of recommendations for developing a social housing strategy based on a clear legal framework also provides a base for social housing.
An Opportunity Education Application During Pandemic Process
Authors: Kurdoğlu Banu Çiçek , Bayramoğlu Elif , Yeniçırak Pınar Özge
Published: June 2021

In the text of the declaration in which evaluations are made on the advantageous and disadvantageous situations of the online education period for students and lecturers; In applied departments such as the department of landscape architecture, information was given about innovative teaching techniques developed in order to realize the gains of the course. In pandemic conditions that oblige distance education, the process has been tried to be made more efficient by motivating and student-centered methods for students and lecturers. In this direction, students were asked to use free visualization techniques that allow abstract expression of the concepts and planning models they learned in the course. Each student transferred his knowledge with a visualization technique he chose in line with his own individual skills and competence. Within the scope of the Greenways course in KTU Faculty of Forestry Department of Landscape Architecture; An application process using opportunity education, learning by experience and student-centered learning techniques has been put forward. As a result, products that allow for original, competitive knowledge transfer and sufficient visual dialogue skills have emerged.
Treatment of kidney stone in a kidney-autotransplanted patient with mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Authors: Truong Van Can
Published: June 2021

We report a case of a 7-year-old child with urolithiasis in autotransplanted kidney treated with minipercutaneous nephrolithotomy. The patient presented with hematuria and graft hydronephrosis. Diagnostic procedures revealed ureterolithiasis as a cause of obstruction and blood in urine. Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy was successfully performed and during surgery, all stone fragments were removed.
Whitmore disease presenting as parotid abscess in a child
Authors: Ngo Minh Xuan
Published: June 2021

Whitmore disease, alsocalled melioidosis, is an emerging infection in Vietnam after the heavy flood in 2020 with increasing case reports, mostly in adults but also in children. We report a child with parotid abscess, which is one of the common clinical manifestations in the paediatric population in Vietnam. He was previously healthy. The child recovered completely after surgical drainage and antibiotic treatment according to standard guidelines. Because the spectrum of disease in childhood is different from that in adults and underlying predisposing factors are usually not seen in children, a high index of suspicion is required for the diagnosis of paediatric melioidosis. Raising awareness among paediatricians in Vietnam of the clinical presentations of melioidosis in childhood is a prerequisite for improved ascertainment. The key role of the microbiology laboratory in the diagnosis of melioidosis is highlighted.
Sensitivity, specificity of pre-test probability and their use in the relation to syntax score and cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Ho Anh Binh
Published: June 2021

Overview: Coronary angiography is the gold standard for definitive diagnosis of obstructive ischemic coronary disease. However, this is an invasive, expensive test, and may have a number of complications. Models of pre-test probability (PTP) in the guideline of the European Society of Cardiology 2013 and 2019 are easy to use and apply even to doctors who are not cardiologists, and can be implemented at the medical facilities. We aim to assess the sensitivity and specificity of different PTP stratification models follow ESC2013 and 2019; and their use in the relation to SYNTAX score and cardiovascular risk factors.

Materials and Methods: Patients (n=108) with chest pain had been treated at Ninh Thuan Provincial Hospital from January 2019 to May 2020. The PTP stratification models were calculated according to the recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2013 and 2019. Coronary angiography was enrolled for the diagnosis, Quantitative coronary analyzed (QCA) - based stenosis assessment was used with a cut-off of ≥ 50% diameter reduction for significant lesions of coronary artery and SYNTAX score were calculated.Diagnostic accuracy was calculated by usingsensitivity, specificitywhich were analyzed by using statistical software SPSS version 20.0.

Results: In the 2013 pre-test probability model,group withmedium PTP andhigh PTPhad the sensitivity of 57.14%, 100% respectively; the overall sensitivity for both groups (the medium and high pre-test) was 59.36%; and the specificity was 58.33%. In the 2019PTP model, group withmedium PTP and high PTP had the sensitivity of 41.67%, of 67.57% respectively;the overall sensitivity for both groups (the medium and high scores PTP) was 61.22%; and the specificity was 80%. The group of low SYNTAXscore (<23) had at most 93 cases, accounting for 86.1%; the lowest was the group of high SYNTAX score (≥ 33 points) accounting for 2.8%. There were statistically significant differences in patients with and without smoking, history of hypertension for both PTP model 2013 and 2019.

Conclusion: Sensitivity and specificity of the 2013 and 2019 PTP were quite high in the relation to the severity of coronary artery which were evaluated by SYNTAX score.
Definitive reconstruction of complex maxillofacial trauma with wide-spread soft-tissue defects: A case series
Authors: Nguyen Hong Loi
Published: June 2021

The mаnаgement of soft tissue injury аfter complex fаciаl trаumа poses unique chаllenges to the plаstic surgeon, given the speciаlized nаture of fаciаl tissue аnd the аesthetic importаnce of the fаce. We report 8 cаses with wide-spreаd soft-tissue defects due to complex fаciаl trаumаwho presented аt Odontostomаtology center - Hue centrаl hospitаl during the yeаr 2018.Of these cаses were surgicаlly mаnаged by fixаtion аnd fаciаl reconstructionаt Odonto-stomаtology center - Hue centrаl hospitаl;аnd they were very well recovery in function аnd аesthetics. The generаl principles of trаumа mаnаgement аnd wound cаre аre аpplied in аll cаses. The mаnаgement of severe injuries to the fаce is discussed in relаtion to the locаtion аnd the mechаnism of injury.
Childhood sarcoidosis: A case report
Authors: Le Thi Phuong Anh
Published: June 2021

Childhood sarcoidosis is a rare multisystemic granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology. The diagnosis is often delayed due to lacking of recognition of clinical features. We report a 23 month-old boy who presented with multiple pinkish papules and painless cystic swellings in his ankles and wrists. A skin biopsy showed multiple sarcoidal granulomatous lesions. He was treated with steroids and had a good response. Childhood sarcoidosis is characterized by arthritis, uveitis, and cutaneous involvement. Glucocorticoids remain the first choice therapy for children with multisystem involvement. The prognosis of early-onset childhood sarcoidosis varies in different studies due to the rarity of the disease.
The treatment of tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma at Hue Central Hospital
Authors: Tran Phuong Nam
Published: June 2021

Objective: To explore some clinical features, treatment selection and middle-term outcomes of patients with tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma at Hue Central Hospital.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted in a total of 29 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil who had been diagnosed and treated at Hue Central Hospital from 1/2018 to 6/2020.

Results: Patients aged over 50 years old were the most seen (accounted for 69%). The mean of age was 57.1 ± 12.8, the ratio of male and female was 1.4/1. The major reason was odynophagia (accounted for 69%). Patients in advanced stage were most often. The cumulative survival rate at 24 months and advanced-stage were 85,7%, 63,6% respectively. All patients with primary surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy were still alive in follow-up period, 30 months. The cumulative survival rate of the palliative treatment group at 12 months was 21.9%.

Conclusion: Primary surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy is an effective treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil.
EL DISCURSO DE LA DIVULGACIÓN Y LA VOCACIÓN CIENTÍFICA Y FILOSÓFICA
Authors: Flores Aldolfo
Published: June 2021

Reflexionar sobre la vocación científica, sobre el interés hacia las ciencias no es una actividad que debiera tomarse a la ligera. En las siguientes líneas se presenta una reflexión sobre el discurso de la divulgación científica y filosófica y el conocimiento que se transmite en el discurso divulgador y cómo este incide en el despertar de la vocación científica y filosófica.
COVID-19 Infection Post-Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Albaini Obey , Jardaly Achraf , Husni Rola , Safadi Bassem
Published: June 2021

Background: COVID-19 caused the suspension of elective surgeries in several hospitals around the world, in an attempt to help contain the spread of the virus. However, a safe resumption of such surgeries is warranted to reduce further burden on patients. It is important to understand when, how and where to resume elective surgeries, as published data suggested that peri-operative COVID-19 infection incurred an increased risk of morbidity and mortality to surgical patients.
Case Report: A 25-year-old patient presented for fever 5 days post Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 using a PCR test. The patient was managed at home with symptomatic therapy. No life-threatening complications were reported during or after his infection.
Conclusion: Based on available data, our literature review regarding peri-operative COVID-19 complications, bariatric surgeons have to balance between the risk of undergoing an elective surgery like metabolic bariatric surgeries and the risk of postponing this procedure and thus delaying the resolution of obesity along with its comorbidities.
Predicting the Spectrum of UGC 2885, Rubin’s Galaxy with Machine Learning
Authors: Holwerda Benne W. , Wu John F. , Keel William C. , Young Jason , Mullins Ren , Hinz Joannah , Ford K. E. Saavik , Barmby Pauline , Chandar Rupali , Bailin Jeremy , Peek Josh , Pickering Tim , Böker Torsten
Published: June 2021

Wu & Peek predict SDSS-quality spectra based on Pan-STARRS broadband grizy images using machine learning (ML). In this article, we test their prediction for a unique object, UGC 2885 (“Rubin’s galaxy”), the largest and most massive, isolated disk galaxy in the local universe (D < 100 Mpc). After obtaining the ML predicted spectrum, we compare it to all existing spectroscopic information that is comparable to an SDSS spectrum of the central region: two archival spectra, one extracted from the VIRUS-P observations of this galaxy, and a new, targeted MMT/Binospec observation. Agreement is qualitatively good, though the ML prediction prefers line ratios slightly more toward those of an active galactic nucleus (AGN), compared to archival and VIRUS-P observed values. The MMT/Binospec nuclear spectrum unequivocally shows strong emission lines except Hβ, the ratios of which are consistent with AGN activity. The ML approach to galaxy spectra may be a viable way to identify AGN supplementing NIR colors. How such a massive disk galaxy (M* = 1011
M
⊙), which uncharacteristically shows no sign of interaction or mergers, manages to fuel its central AGN remains to be investigated.
NOEMA High-fidelity Imaging of the Molecular Gas in and around M82
Authors: Krieger Nico , Walter Fabian , Bolatto Alberto D. , Guillard Pierre , Lehnert Matthew , Leroy Adam K. , Pety Jérôme , Emig Kimberly L. , Levy Rebecca C. , Krips Melanie , Rix Hans-Walter , Salak Dragan , Weiss Axel , Veilleux Sylvain
Published: June 2021

We present a 154 pointing IRAM NOEMA mosaic of the CO(1–0) line emission in and around the nearby starburst galaxy M82. The observations, complemented by zero-spacing observations, reach a spatial resolution of ∼30 pc (∼1.″9) at 5.0 km s−1 spectral resolution, sufficient to resolve the molecular gas in the central starburst disk, the outflow, and the tidal streamers. The resulting moment and peak brightness maps show a striking amount of structure. Using a clump decomposition algorithm, we analyze the physical properties (e.g., radii R, line widths σ, and masses M) of ∼2000 molecular clouds. To first order, the clouds’ properties are very similar, irrespective of their environment. This also holds for the size–line width relations of the clouds. The distribution of clouds in the σ
2/R versus column density Σ space suggests that external pressure does not play a significant role in setting their physical parameters in the outflow and streamers. We find that the clouds in the streamers stay approximately constant in size (R ∼ 50 pc) and mass (M ∼ 105
M
⊙) and do not vary with their projected distance from M82's center. The clouds in the outflow, on the other hand, appear to decrease in size and mass with distance toward the southern outflow. The reduction in the molecular gas luminosity could be indicative of cloud evaporation of embedded clouds in the hot outflow.
Anxiolytic effects of administration of a commercially available prebiotic blend of galacto-oligosaccharides and beta glucans in Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Gall A.J. , Griffin G.D.
Published: June 2021

Prebiotics are nondigestible food agents that stimulate the growth of bacteria in the gut, whereas probiotics are live microorganisms that replace or restore beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. Both agents have been shown to have beneficial qualities within the microbiota-gut-brain axis, but the behavioural effects of prebiotics have been less studied than probiotics. Whereas several studies have shown that prebiotics reduce inflammation and modulate anxiety in animals that are injected with lipopolysacccharides or chronically stressed animals, respectively, it is not yet known how they affect a healthy organism. Here, we tested the behavioural effects of galacto-oligosaccharides and beta glucan as a commercially available prebiotic blend in healthy, naïve Sprague-Dawley rats. We used the open field test and elevated plus maze to assess anxiety-like behaviour in controls and in rats that ingested the prebiotic blend in their drinking water. We also used the Morris Water Maze to assess spatial memory performance in controls and prebiotic treated rats. Rats treated with prebiotics spent more time in the intermediate zone of the open field test and in the open arms of the elevated plus maze, and exhibited a shorter latency to enter each of these zones. No significant differences between groups were found in the Morris Water Maze. Our results suggest that whereas prebiotics significantly reduced anxiety-like behaviours, it had no effect on spatial memory performance. Altogether, our data indicate that commercially available prebiotic beta glucan blends have anxiolytic effects in healthy rats.
Clinical Outcomes After Phacoemulsification With Implantation of Trifocal and Toric Trifocal Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Eldanasoury Alaa , Tolees Sherif , Bains Harkaran S.
Published: June 2021

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the visual and refractive outcomes, visual quality, patient satisfaction, and spectacle independence after phacoemulsification with bilateral implantation of a diffractive trifocal intraocular lens (IOL).

METHODS:

The study sample comprised 36 consecutive patients (72 eyes). Twenty-three (64%) patients underwent refractive lens exchange and 13 (36%) underwent cataract surgery. Exclusion criteria included previous ocular surgery, corneal higher order aberrations of greater than 0.4 µm, angle kappa of greater than 0.6 mm, and corneal astigmatism of greater than 5.00 diopters (D). All eyes were targeted for emmetropia. A toric IOL was used in 35 (48.6%%) eyes with corneal astigmatism of greater than 1.00 D. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and distance-corrected visual acuity were measured at 4 m and 80 and 40 cm. Patients underwent routine ophthalmic examination for 6 months postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was assessed with a subjective questionnaire at 6 months postoperatively. A
P
value of less than .05 was statistically significant.

RESULTS:

At 6 months postoperatively, the mean manifest refractive spherical equivalent was −0.01 ± 0.51 D. Binocular UDVA at 4 m and 80 and 40 cm was −0.02 ± 0.10, −0.07 ± 0.11, and 0.08 ± 0.10 logMAR, respectively. Binocular defocus curves presented two peaks of −0.07 and −0.02 logMAR for 0.00 and −2.00 D defocus, respectively. The Objective Scatter Index score decreased significantly in the cataract group and increased significantly in the refractive lens exchange group (
P
< .05, both cases). All patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the postoperative outcome.

CONCLUSIONS:

Bilateral implantation of a diffractive trifocal IOL resulted in good visual performance at all distances with high patient satisfaction and spectacle independence at 6 months postoperatively.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2021;37(6):372–379.]
Multifocal Spectacle and Monovision Treatment of Presbyopia and Falls in the Elderly
Authors: Chang Daniel H.
Published: June 2021

Presbyopia is an age-related condition that affects approximately 1.8 billion people worldwide. Strategies to correct presbyopia include both nonsurgical and surgical approaches. Although eye care providers assume that multifocal spectacles and monovision have lower risks than surgical interventions, there is evidence to suggest that the use of these nonsurgical approaches in the older population increases the risk for trips and falls. Each year, fall-related injuries and deaths are reported in a substantial portion of the population, both globally and in the United States. Previous studies have shown a link between visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, stereoacuity, and visual field impairments and falls. More recent mechanistic and epidemiological studies have shown that multifocal spectacles and monovision can increase the risk for falls as well. Although evidence on the financial burden of falls related to multifocal spectacles or monovision is limited, total direct medical costs related to falls associated with multifocal spectacles are estimated to be approximately $11 billion annually in the United States. Therefore, it is important that eye care providers consider the risk for falls associated with multifocal spectacles and monovision when making decisions on the best strategy for correcting presbyopia in older adults.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2021;37(6 Suppl):S12–S16.]
Advances in Corneal Surgical and Pharmacological Approaches to the Treatment of Presbyopia
Authors: McDonald Marguerite B. , Mychajlyszyn Andrey , Mychajlyszyn Daniel , Klyce Stephen D.
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this article is to review the current status of presbyopia amelioration with surgical and pharmacologic procedures that partially compensate for loss of accommodation in advance of cataract surgery and lens replacement. Over the last few years, several corneal surgical and topical pharmacological approaches for the treatment of presbyopia have been introduced to the marketplace or are in the developmental pipeline. The approaches vary in invasiveness, duration of effect, reversibility, risk/benefit ratio, and clinical results. The advantages and disadvantages for each are discussed. Corneal surgical interventions aim to provide improved near and intermediate vision in patients with presbyopia through refractive means that extend ocular depth of focus through shape modification. The use of miotic drops or corneal lamellar implants extend depth of focus with the “pinhole” aperture size reduction effect. Unlike in adults younger than 40 years, the refractive status of the patient with presbyopia is not stable. Hence, procedures that provide a permanent refractive change may not provide long-term full correction; eye drops or other treatments that are self-reversing in time or are easily reversible may be used as needed. On the horizon, procedures are being explored that may add years of functional lens accommodation by preserving the deformable gel properties of the lens.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2021;37(6 Suppl):S20–S27.]
A biharmonic transmission problem in Lp-spaces
Authors: Thorel Alexandre
Published: June 2021

In this work we study, by a semigroup approach, a transmission problem based on biharmonic equations with boundary and transmission conditions, in two juxtaposed habitats. We give a result of existence and uniqueness of the classical solution in \begin{document}$ L^p $\end{document}-spaces, for \begin{document}$ p \in (1,+\infty) $\end{document}, using analytic semigroups and operators sum theory in Banach spaces. To this end, we invert explicitly the determinant operator of the transmission system in \begin{document}$ L^p $\end{document}-spaces using the \begin{document}$ \mathcal{E}_{\infty} $\end{document}-calculus and the Dore-Venni sums theory.
Fractional Yamabe solitons and fractional Nirenberg problem
Authors: Ho Pak Tung , Tang Rong
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we first study the fractional Yamabe solitons, which are the self-similar solutions to fractional Yamabe flow.We prove some rigidity results and Liouville type results for such solitons.We thenconsider the fractional Nirenberg problem:the problem of prescribing fractional order curvature on the sphere.More precisely, we prove that there exists a conformal metric on the unit sphere such that itsfractional order curvature is \begin{document}$ f $\end{document}, when \begin{document}$ f $\end{document} possesses certain reflection or rotation symmetry.
Ground state solutions for the fractional problems with dipole-type potential and critical exponent
Authors: Su Yu , Feng Zhaosheng
Published: June 2021

We are concerned with ground state solutions of the fractional problems with dipole-type potential and critical exponent. Under certain conditions on the dipole-type potential and the parameter, we show that the structure of the Palais-Smale sequence goes to zero weakly, and establish the existence of ground state solution to the above problems by using a new analytical method not involving the concentration-compactness principle.
The (2+1)-dimensional hyperbolic nonlinear Schrödinger equation and its optical solitons
Authors: Baleanu Dumitru , Hosseini Kamyar , Salahshour Soheil , Sadri Khadijeh , Mirzazadeh Mohammad , Park Choonkil , Ahmadian Ali
Published: June 2021

A comprehensive study on the (2+1)-dimensional hyperbolic nonlinear Schrödinger (2D-HNLS) equation describing the propagation of electromagnetic fields in self-focusing and normally dispersive planar wave guides in optics is conducted in the current paper. To this end, after reducing the 2D-HNLS equation to a one-dimensional nonlinear ordinary differential (1D-NLOD) equation in the real regime using a traveling wave transformation, its optical solitons are formally obtained through a group of well-established methods such as the exponential and Kudryashov methods. Some graphical representations regarding optical solitons that are categorized as bright and dark solitons are considered to clarify the dynamics of the obtained solutions. It is noted that some of optical solitons retrieved in the current study are new and have been not retrieved previously.
MostaLab: Performance Evaluation of Simultaneous Access in Analog Remote Laboratories
Authors: Moussa Mohammed , Benachenhou Abdelhalim , Boumehdi Abderrahmane , Adda-Benattia Abderrahmane
Published: June 2021

A service oriented architecture for simultaneous access in the field of remote labs has been proposed and validated using stress load testing. The innovation of this work lies on the use of the parameters collected for the typical student and tested with the Artillery.io tool. Then, we have evaluated the performance of the laboratory by defining 5s the maximum waiting time that a request cannot be exceeded. This article also describes a use case showing how this architecture was designed and developed with 109 students.
EEG Coherence Analysis for Suppression of MEP Amplitude Variability in TMS
Authors: Sasaki Keisuke , Fujishige Yuki , Odagaki Masato
Published: June 2021

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive stimulation method for cortical neurons. When TMS is delivered to the primary motor cortex (M1), motor evoked potentials can be measured in electromyograms for the peripheral muscle. However, the motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes measured by stimulations for M1 fluctuated from trial to trial. MEP fluctuations are caused by changes in cortical excitability. We hypothesized that MEP variability could be suppressed with application of TMS when cortical excitability was stable. Thus, we developed a TMS system to suppress MEP amplitude variabilities. We used electroencephalographic (EEG) online measurements with coherence analysis to obtain the similarity of cortical excitabilities. The system enables us to trigger TMS if the EEGs measured from the two channels have a high similarity in the frequency domain. In this study, we found that the suppression of MEP fluctuation was dependent on the state of cortical excitability obtained by EEG coherence analysis.
Robert Owen, James Buchanan et l’Infant School de New Lanark
Authors: Vergnon Marie
Published: June 2021

L’histoire de la prise en charge de la petite enfance fait une place importante à l’Infant School de New Lanark et à son fondateur, le réformateur écossais Robert Owen. Si la paternité de cette structure lui est communément attribuée, elle lui est cependant disputée par l’un de ses anciens enseignants dénommé James Buchanan. Quelle fut la part de chacun de ces deux hommes dans la création de cette structure originale ? Buchanan fut-il plus que le premier maître de l’Infant School ? C’est le plus souvent à travers les écrits d’Owen que nous connaissons cette expérience éducative. Ce sont ces textes qui constituent notre mémoire de la genèse de cette école des petits et nous livrent de rares éléments sur la pédagogie qui y était en usage. D’autres ressources permettent-elles d’éclairer les rôles respectifs des premiers acteurs de l’Infant School et de préciser les modalités du fonctionnement de l’établissement ? C’est à ces questions entourant l’origine d’un des premiers établissements de prise en charge collective de la petite enfance que cette recherche s’efforce d’apporter des éléments de réponse.
Etude des représentations versus prise en compte des représentations : un apport traditionnel de la philosophie
Authors: Vincent Hubert
Published: June 2021

« Prendre en compte les représentations » est aujourd’hui une sorte de mots d’ordre de la culture pédagogique. Pourtant, il n’est pas difficile de montrer que ce mot d’ordre s’enracine dans les premiers textes de la tradition philosophique, et principalement chez Platon : la méthode socratique de la « réfutation » en est le développement. Ce retour aux sources permet d’une part de situer cette exigence parmi d’autres, et ce faisant de ne pas tenir ce mot d’ordre pour le seul et unique chemin de l’enseignement, d’autre part d’en limiter les droits plus directement, en faisant sa part à la spontanéité de l’activité. Le philosophe Alain permet cette critique.
Linguistic Processor Integration for Solving Planimetric Problems
Authors: Kurbatov Sergeyi S.
Published: June 2021

The research deals with the original algorithms of the linguistic processor integration for solving planimetric problems. The linguistic processor translates the natural language description of the problem into a semantic representation based on the ontology that supports the axiomatics of geometry. The linguistic processor synthesizes natural-language comments to the solution and drawing objects. The method of interactive visualization of the linguistic processor functioning is proposed. The method provides a step-by-step dialog control of syntactic structure construction and its display in semantic representation. During the experiments, several dozens of standard syntactic structures correctly displayed in the semantic structures of the subject area were obtained. The direction of further research related to the development of the proposed approach is outlined.
Plausibility of a third wave of COVID-19 in India
Authors: Mandal Sandip , Arinaminpathy Nimalan , Bhargava Balram , Panda Samiran
Published: June 2021

Background & objectives:

In the context of India's ongoing resurgence of COVID-19 (second wave since mid-February 2021, following the subsiding of the first wave in September 2020), there has been increasing speculation on the possibility of a future third wave of infection, posing a burden on the healthcare system. Using simple mathematical models of the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2, this study examined the conditions under which a serious third wave could occur.

Methods:

Using a deterministic, compartmental model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, four potential mechanisms for a third wave were examined: (i) waning immunity restores previously exposed individuals to a susceptible state, (ii) emergence of a new viral variant that is capable of escaping immunity to previously circulating strains, (iii) emergence of a new viral variant that is more transmissible than the previously circulating strains, and (iv) release of current lockdowns affording fresh opportunities for transmission.

Results:

Immune-mediated mechanisms (waning immunity, or viral evolution for immune escape) are unlikely to drive a severe third wave if acting on their own, unless such mechanisms lead to a complete loss of protection among those previously exposed. Likewise, a new, more transmissible variant would have to exceed a high threshold (R
0>4.5) to cause a third wave on its own. However, plausible mechanisms for a third wave include: (i) a new variant that is more transmissible and at the same time capable of escaping prior immunity, and (ii) lockdowns that are highly effective in limiting transmission and subsequently released. In both cases, any third wave seems unlikely to be as severe as the second wave. Rapid scale-up of vaccination efforts could play an important role in mitigating these and future waves of the disease.

Interpretation & conclusions:

This study demonstrates plausible mechanisms by which a substantial third wave could occur, while also illustrating that it is unlikely for any such resurgence to be as large as the second wave. Model projections are, however, subject to several uncertainties, and it remains important to scale up vaccination coverage to mitigate against any eventuality. Preparedness planning for any potential future wave will benefit by drawing upon the projected numbers based on the present modelling exercise.
Cocaine induced midline destructive lesions
Authors: Trimarchi M. , Bertazzoni G. , Bussi M.
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Review of the literature concerning cocaine induced midline destructive lesions (CIMDL). Methods: We reviewed the English literature regarding CIMDL involving the nose and its surrounding structures. The review is based on a search of the US National Library of Medicine (PubMed) online database from January 1st, 1982 to March 31st, 2013. Results: CIMDL is a pathology that mimics systemic diseases with positive anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). The prevalence of CIMDL is considered to be about 4.8% among cocaine users. Clinical manifestations include hyposmia, facial pain, crusting, ulcers, nasal septal perforation, palatal perforation, sinus wall destruction, orbital erosion and damage of the anterior skull base. The presence of ANCA directed against human neutrophil elastase (HNE) is the most distinguishing feature of CIMDL. Toxicological tests, indirect immunofluorescence microscopy, antigen specific solid assay testing, histopathological analysis, apoptosis assay and MRI imaging concur in the clinical identification of CIMDL. The pathogenesis of CIMDL is poorly understood and implicates inflammatory, infective, proapoptotic and autoimmune mechanisms. Conclusion: CIMDL must be readily recognized by clinicians to provide appropriate treatment. Immunosuppressive therapy has no role in the treatment of CIMDL. Only abstinence can interrupt the progression of the disease.
Use of peak nasal inspiratory flowmetry and nasal decongestant to evaluate outcome of septoplasty with radiofrequency coblation of the inferior turbinate
Authors: Balikci H.H. , Gurdal M.M.
Published: June 2021

Background: To investigate the role of peak nasal inspiratory flowmetry (PNIF) in evaluating inspiratory improvements in patients who underwent both septoplasty and inferior turbinate coblation by radiofrequency (ITC-RF). Methods: One hundred and eight patients underwent both Cottle's septoplasty and ITC-RF. PNIF measurements were performed in all patients in the preoperative period and 6 months postoperatively. All measurements were made both before and after decongestion of the nasal cavity with oxymetazoline spray. Results: Mean preoperative PNIF measurements differed significantly: 104.3 ± 33.6 L/min vs 136.1 ± 27.7 L/min before and after oxymetazoline decongestion, respectively. Mean postoperative PNIF measurements were 139.2 ± 30.8 L/min and 151.2 ± 32.3 L/min before and after decongestion, respectively. Preoperatively the mean difference between before and after decongestion was 32.1 ± 16.3 L/min. Postoperatively the mean difference was 11.8 ± 11.1 L/min. Conclusion: PNIF can be used in the assessment of ITC-RF outcomes with the aid of nasal decongestants, even in patients who also underwent septoplasty.
Transnasal endoscopic medial maxillectomy in recurrent maxillary sinus inverted papilloma
Authors: Kamel Reda H. , Abdel Fattah Ahmed F. , Awad Ayman G.
Published: June 2021

Background: Maxillary sinus inverted papilloma entails medial maxillectomy and is associated with high incidence of recurrence. Objective: To study the impact of prior surgery on recurrence rate after transnasal endoscopic medial maxillectomy. Methodology: Eighteen patients with primary and 33 with recurrent maxillary sinus inverted papilloma underwent transnasal endoscopic medial maxillectomy. Caldwell-Luc operation was the primary surgery in 12 patients, transnasal endoscopic resection in 20, and midfacial degloving technique in one. The follow-up period ranged between 2 to 19.5 years with an average of 8.8 years. Results: Recurrence was detected in 8/51 maxillary sinus inverted papilloma patients (15.7 %), 1/18 of primary cases (5.5 %), 7/33 of recurrent cases (21.2 %); 3/20 of the transnasal endoscopic resection group (15%) and 4/12 of the Caldwell-Luc group (33.3%). Redo transnasal endoscopic medial maxillectomy was followed by a single recurrence in the Caldwell-Luc group (25%), and no recurrence in the other groups. Conclusion: Recurrence is more common in recurrent maxillary sinus inverted papilloma than primary lesions. Recurrent maxillary sinus inverted papilloma after Caldwell-Luc operation has higher incidence of recurrence than after transnasal endoscopic resection.
Validation of the sino-nasal outcome test-23 in septorhinoplasty surgery
Authors: Takhar A. , Stephens J. , Randhawa P.S. , Poirrier A.L. , Andrews P.
Published: June 2021

Background: There has been a great expansion in patient-based outcome measures to face the ever-increasing demand to demonstrate surgical efficacy. However, surgeons have not adopted until now any systematic outcome instrument. The 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) is a validated sinonasal outcome score in sinonasal and septorhinoplasty surgery but does not measure aesthetic outcome. The aim of this paper is to validate a modification to the Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test-22 (SNOT-22) with a new question regarding the shape of the nose (SNOT-23). Methodology: We conducted a prospective cohort study on 69 consecutive patients undergoing septorhinoplasty and a control group of healthy volunteers. Reproducibility, responsiveness to treatment, known group differences and validity of the SNOT-23 were analysed. Scores were compared to visual analogue scales, nasal obstruction symptoms evaluation (NOSE) score and nasal inspiratory peak flow. Results: SNOT-23 has good test-retest reliability and is a valid outcome measure for assessing response to surgery especially with regards to shape of the nose and nasal obstruction when compared to other patient reported measures. Conclusion: SNOT-23 is a valid and reliable tool that can be easily used in routine clinical practice to assess the functional and aesthetic outcomes from septorhinoplasty surgery. The SNOT-23 could be adopted as a universal, easy to use tool in rhinology clinics for the assessment of response to septorhinoplasty and sinus surgery.