bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachments in HIV-Positive Patients With Ocular Syphilis
Authors: Williams Juliann K , Kirsch Leonard S , Russack Valentina , Freeman William R
Published: April 2021

Abstract. The purpose of this study is to report retinal manifestations of lues in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients and to suggest a method for treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments in these patients. Two HIV-positive patients with bilateral retinitis were examined and treated at the authors' institution for a period of 14 months. Ocular syphilis was diagnosed clinically, confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid serologic testing, and treated with intravenous penicillin. Both patients experienced bilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachments complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy after resolution of the active retinitis. All four eyes underwent surgical repair with trans pars plana vitrectomy, epiretinal membrane delamination, gas-fluid exchange, endolaser, scleral buckle, and silicone oil instillation. The recognition of ocular syphilis as a cause of retinal detachment in HIV-positive patients is important. Prompt intervention with the appropriate medical and surgical treatments may result in the preservation of vision in these patients. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1996;27:699-705.]
Lipogranuloma: A Preventable Complication of Dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Kerendian Joseph , Conn Howard
Published: April 2021

Abstract. This report describes the unusual occurrence of lipogranuloma at the incision site of dacryocystorhinostomy. Four patients had soft cystic masses after external dacryocystorhinostomy for acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. This was attributed to the antibiotic ointment vehicle that coated the petroleum jelly-impregnated gauze placed intranasally to prevent epistaxis. Postoperatively, all four patients had an encapsulated cystic mass within 3 weeks. Three of the masses were excised under local anesthesia and one was aspirated. None of the masses recurred. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1996;27:713-715.]
Sub-Tenon's Versus Retrobulbar Anesthesia for Cataract Surgery
Authors: Khoo Boo-Kian , Lim Tock-Han , Yong Victor
Published: April 2021

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted to compare sub-Tenon's anesthesia with retrobulbar anesthesia.

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred six patients undergoing cataract extraction received either sub-Tenon's anesthesia (55 patients) or retrobulbar anesthesia (51 patients). The number of injections required, time until adequate akinesia was achieved, degree of pain experienced, and complications of the anesthetic injection were compared. The depth of the akinesia after sub-Tenon's injection was graded.

* RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two study groups with respect to time of onset of adequate akinesia, the need for a second top-up injection, and the effectiveness of the akinesia. The sub-Tenon's injection group reported less pain during the anesthetic injection, as well as during the postoperative injection of subconjunctival gentamicin.

* CONCLUSION: Sub-Tenon's anesthesia is a safe technique that is comparable to retrobulbar anesthesia.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1996;27:773-777.]
Use of Perfluorocarbon Liquid in the Repair of Retinoschisis Retinal Detachments
Authors: Lomeo Mark D , Diaz-Rohena Roberto , Lambert H Michael
Published: April 2021

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of perfluorocarbon liquid in the repair of retinoschisis-associated retinal detachments.

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four patients with either degenerative or juvenile X-linked retinoschisis had rhegmatogenous retinal detachments that were repaired with the use of perfluorocarbon liquid during vitrectomy. The patients' ages ranged from 17 to 78 years and the postoperative follow-up was at least 6 months.

* RESULTS: All of the patients had complete anatomic repair of the retinoschisis-associated retinal detachments. The postoperative visual acuity was 20/200 or better in all of the patients and 20/40 or better in half of the patients.

* CONCLUSIONS: The use of perfluorocarbon liquid is an effective adjunct in the management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments associated with degenerative and juvenile X-linked retinoschisis.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1996;27:778-781.]
Ocular Conditions Associated With Posterior Vitreous Detachment in Young Patients
Authors: Hikichi Taiichi , Trempe Clement L
Published: April 2021

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To investigate the ocular conditions associated with posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in young patients.

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: The vitreous conditions of 861 patients younger than 30 years were studied retrospectively and examined biomicroscopically.

* RESULTS: In the first and second decades of life, retinitis pigmentosa, nondiabetic retinal vascular disorders, and a history of ocular contusion were most commonly associated with PVD. In the third decade of life, proliferative diabetic retinopathy was overwhelmingly the condition most commonly associated with PVD.

* CONCLUSION; This study delineated the ocular pathologic conditions associated with PVD in young patients. These findings may be useful in the management of PVD in patients younger than 30 years.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1996;27:782-786.]
Ultrastructural Features of Filtration Blebs With Different Clinical Appearances
Authors: Powers Timothy P , Stewart William C , Stroman Gesa A
Published: April 2021

Abstract. The authors studied two functioning filtration blebs to evaluate a possible transconjunctival route of aqueous humor flow and describe potential differences between thin cystic and thick opaque functioning filtration blebs. The specimens were prepared for light and electron microscopy immediately after surgical excision because of filtration bleb discomfort. Both blebs had normal collagen in the substantia propria. The collagen, however, was widely spaced and subepithelial connective tissue loosely arranged. Clear spaces were seen in the superficial substantia propria. Epithelial cells were locally acantholytic, separated by clear spaces. Consequently, clinically distinct blebs demonstrated similar histologic and ultrastructural features. The epithelial intercellular spaces observed in this study provide anatomic evidence that aqueous could move transconjunctivally as a mechanism for filtration bleb function. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1996;27:790-794.]
The Extended Jones Tube
Authors: Jordan David R
Published: April 2021

Abstract. Conjunctivo-dacryocystorhinostomy with a Jones glass tube serving as a conduit for tear flow is used in patients with epiphora resulting from obstructed canaliculi. The glass tube runs from the medial canthus into the nose. The author describes the use of an extended Jones tube in a patient without a nose. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1996;27:804-805.]
A Road Map for the COVID-19 Pandemic Process to Ensure Quality of Assurance Active Learning Strategies in Online Learning Environments
Authors: Hamutoglu Nazire Burcin
Published: April 2021

The damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the field of education on a global scale has caused many school closures worldwide and prevented many students from benefitting from the educational services in a limited way. In order to overcome this situation, educational institutions had to switch to distance education applications. This study provides a roadmap and aims to identify teaching and learning activities in an online learning environment considering the learning outcomes to ensure the quality assurance with the basis of SMART goals and “Gagne's Events of Instruction” model by including active learning strategies. Assessments were completed by the alternative approaches, such as self-evaluation, peer evaluation, and evaluation by the instructor. Finally, based on the identified scenarios, an eclectic model of scenario which is called “FlipHyb” is presented.
Factors Influencing Student Engagement During COVID-19 Emergency Remote Teaching
Authors: Ekici Murat , Inel Ekici Didem
Published: April 2021

Student engagement is an important construct of education that is strongly correlated with the quality of learning outcomes. Educators have long been looking for ways to increase student engagement. It has become even more critical in the global COVID-19 pandemic where schools and universities switched to entirely online as a consequence of school closures. This chapter reports on the results of a comprehensive study on student engagement during emergency remote teaching. The aim of this study is to take a snapshot and explore the effects of personal and institutional variables on online student engagement. Research data was collected from 1,027 Turkish university students from both state and private universities. Data analysis showed that having a personal computer, owning a room for study and household internet connection, perceived information and communication self-efficacy, past e-learning experience, as well as course delivery format affect behavioral, emotional, and cognitive aspects of online student engagement.
Determination of Preschool Teacher Candidates' Views on the Learning Management System Used in the COVID-19 Pandemic Process
Authors: Altinpulluk Hakan
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study is to examine learning management systems (LMS) in the COVID-19 pandemic process in Turkey according to preschool teacher candidates' views. The sample group of the study consists of 22 participants who are undergraduate students of the Faculty of Education, Pre-School Teaching 2nd Grade. The data were collected between 4-30 December 2020. In this study, which was carried out in qualitative research method and phenomenology design, the standardized open-ended interview form was used as the data collection tool, and content analysis was used in the analysis of the data. Live lectures, discussion forums, and assignments/online exams tools in the LMS were examined. In addition, opinions on the general usability of the LMS and suggestions for the improvement of the LMS have been presented. Some suggestions were made at the end of the research.
University Instructors' Views on Distance Medical Education Activities
Authors: Altunçekiç Alper
Published: April 2021

The fact that most of the classes are based on cases and learners are normally in the field rather than in classrooms in medical education stands out as the biggest problem faced in conducting medical education through distance education. The study collected data by asking open-ended questions, which were formed by taking domain experts' opinions, to 27 instructors working in various universities in Turkey. The collected data were subjected to qualitative data analysis in an attempt to determine the strengths and weaknesses of distance medical education activities, the positive and negative effects of distance education on learners, and the difficulties faced by instructors. The analysis results show that the instructors experience difficulties in terms of practical training, communication, feedback, and classroom management in distance medical education. On the other hand, the instructors highlight that such features of distance education as accessibility and individual learning have a positive contribution to medical education.
Empowering Teachers Who Work in Inclusive Practices
Authors: Uysal Cigdem , Sani-Bozkurt Sunagul , Bozkus-Genc Gulden , Gurgur Hasan
Published: April 2021

Taking into account the effects of integration practices and the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, e-coaching, which handles distance education practices and coaching approach together, came to the fore. With the global epidemic of COVID-19, new ones have been added to the professional competencies of teachers working in integration practices. In this respect, this chapter discusses the professional competencies of teachers working in integration practices and the competencies that they should have in order to use technology and emergency distance education applications. In addition, new approaches have been brought to the agenda with the effect of the epidemic in order to improve the emerging competencies of teachers and to strengthen teachers. Thus, in the new world, e-coaching, which handles distance education practices and coaching approach together, has become important. As a result, it is aimed to address the e-coaching approach, which offers a hybrid perspective to empower teachers working in integration environments in the context of their emerging new competencies.
COVID-19 and the End of Hospitality
Authors: Korstanje Maximiliano Emanuel , George Babu P.
Published: April 2021

The turn of the century has brought many mega threats for the West, such as terrorism, natural disasters, and virus outbreaks including SARS, H1N1, Ebola, and now COVID-19. An invisible micro-organism suddenly paused our progress towards a globally interconnected flat world. We now realize that super-structures driving economic development cannot grow in specific directions without destroying themselves in certain other directions. The precautionary logic suggests the rational planning aided by our technological progress ought to alleviate most of these problems. The manner in which we deal with disasters like COVID-19, however, does not inspire confidence. Application of the precautionary logic did not avert a calamity, and recovery efforts are now guided by some crude forms of post-facto, post-cautionary logical thinking. Tourism as well as hospitality is now in crisis.
Emotions and Digital Delivery Platforms
Authors: Mairano Maria Victoria
Published: April 2021

From the global spread of the infectious disease COVID-19, in Argentina as in other states worldwide, health measures, social emergency, economic and public order measures were taken. One of the main and earliest measures of social order in the face of this disease was the delimitation of a period of population isolation, known as preventive and obligatory social isolation. The compulsory social isolation generated unprecedented growth in the demand for services to the platform economies in Argentina in general and in Buenos Aires in particular, causing the platform delivery activity to be conceived as an essential activity. The purpose of the writing is to explore the configuration of a certain politics of sensibilities that is used as a reproduction transport by digital delivery platforms in the city of Buenos Aires, during the isolation that the COVID-19 pandemic led to. From a process of digital ethnography, the main web pages and applications for smartphones of the firms are registered to problematize the information built from the notions of platform and politics of sensibilities.
Qualitative and Digital
Authors: Torrisi-Steele Geraldine , Wang Viktor
Published: April 2021

The disruptive effect of digital technologies is felt across almost all aspects of human endeavour. Research is no exception. The disruptive potential of digital technologies is realised through either doing existing activities differently or through the creation of entirely new activities. In research, digital disruption manifests as an expansion of possibilities for research, and as innovation in the tools and methodologies used to carry out research. In the present chapter, qualitative research is discussed with the aim of providing an overview of the influence of digital technologies on qualitative research for the purposes of stimulating further exploration and discussion.
Researching Teaching in Higher Education
Authors: Ghodoosi Bahareh , Torrisi-Steele Geraldine , Dey Sharmistha
Published: April 2021

Grounded theory, since Glaser and Strauss conceived of it, has been applied to myriad research situations. Variation characterises the use of grounded theory, and the landscape of grounded theory is ‘messy' and difficult to navigate, especially for novice researchers, and subsequently, many existing studies lack transparency and detail, employing only loosely grounded theory methodologies. The authors argue for the value of grounded theory research in education, especially for teacher researchers, but this value can only be realised if researchers attend in-depth to articulating clearly their methodologies and justifying how the methodology can be considered grounded theory. In the chapter, the authors aim to provide a primer on grounded theory, and to stimulate discussion around grounded theory as a research method in teaching, especially in higher education, for the purpose of generating knowledge as a basis for improving the quality of university teaching.
Valuing Indigenous Research Paradigms in the Context of Language Acquisition
Authors: Morrison Jennifer Adele
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this chapter is to justify the value of Indigenous research paradigms, specifically in the context of research on language acquisition. This argument has implications not only for research on language acquisition and the practice of language instruction but also for qualitative research, more broadly. Specifically, depending on the context of a given research project, it may be critical for educational researchers to value and respect Indigenous epistemologies and worldviews; otherwise, educational research endeavors may be adding to knowledge at the expense of devaluing research participants and local communities.
The Importance of Qualitative Methods in Mixed Methods Studies
Authors: Boivin Jacquelynne A.
Published: April 2021

This chapter presents a thorough review of the literature dedicated to learning more about mixed methods research design. Explanatory sequential mixed methods studies and exploratory sequential mixed methods studies are the two types of mixed methods research design models that this chapter presents in detail. To contextualize different ideas related to research design, the author provides examples of research studies that exemplify different research designs falling within mixed methods. The main objective of this chapter is to highlight the important role that qualitative research design plays in mixed methods research. Such a presentation of the literature aims to argue that qualitative data substantiates quantitative data as a means to heighten the regard which the qualitative methodology receives.
Smartphone Security and Forensic Analysis
Authors: Sharma Deepak Kumar , Kwatra Kartik , Manwani Manan
Published: April 2021

Modern day smartphones are capable of performing every single task that a desktop computer can do. Smartphones being a new technology with less than a decade in the communication industry are vulnerable to security attacks and data leakage. In the current scenario, Android devices are the majority are the prime target of hackers and criminal organisation. Thus, smartphone security is of utmost priority for software companies. In this chapter, the authors begin by discussing the need for mobile forensic analysis and discussing basic smartphone vulnerabilities. they then discuss the types of attacks and their effects on smartphones followed by the security mechanisms employed to deal with the attacks and threats. they also list and give a brief description of tools used commercially for forensic analysis of smartphones, and two experiment-based case studies are provided to allow the readers to get a better understanding of the merits of existing works and practical application of investigation process.
Preserving Security of Mobile Anchors Against Physical Layer Attacks
Authors: Biswas Rathindra Nath , Mitra Swarup Kumar , Naskar Mrinal Kanti
Published: April 2021

This chapter introduces a new security scheme for mobile anchors avoiding the physical layer attacks towards localization in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In a network, anchors are made location-aware equipping them with GPS (global positioning system) receivers. Direction finding capabilities are also incorporated with smart antennas. The proposed algorithm is based on adaptive beamforming of smart array that always minimizes the probabilities of successful attacks, keeping the adversaries beyond its beam coverage. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique is used to compute array excitation coefficients, generating the desired pattern. Thus, anchors remain secured through pattern irregularities, deteriorating the information retrieval process even though chances of occurring adequate RSS (received signal strength)/AoA (angle of arrival) measurements may exist. Moreover, anchors are assumed to send pseudo references towards stationary nodes over private links, preserving data integrity for localization. Simulation results validate its effectiveness over the existing methods.
Feature Based Approach for Detection of Smishing Messages in the Mobile Environment
Authors: Jain Ankit Kumar , Gupta B. B.
Published: April 2021

Smishing is a security attack that is performed by sending a fake message intending to steal personal credentials of mobile users. Nowadays, smishing attack becomes popular due to the massive growth of mobile users. The smishing message is very harmful since its target to financial benefits. In this article, the authors present a new feature-based approach to detect smishing messages in the mobile environment. This approach offers ten novel features that distinguish the fake messages from the ham messages. In this article, the authors have also identified the nineteen most suspicious keywords, which are used by the attacker to lure victims. This article has implemented these features on benchmarked dataset and applied numerous classification algorithms to judge the performance of the proposed approach. Experimental outcomes indicate that proposed approach can detect smishing messages with the 94.20% true positive rate and 98.74% overall accuracy. Furthermore, the proposed approach is very efficient for the detection of the zero hour attack.
Importance of Information Security and Strategies to Prevent Data Breaches in Mobile Devices
Authors: Desai Maulik , Jaiswal Swati
Published: April 2021

Mobile devices have upgraded from normal java-based phones whose basic functionality was calling, messaging, and storing contact information to a more adaptive operating system like Symbian, iOS, and Android, which have smart features like e-mail, audio player, camera, etc. Gradually, everyone started relying more and more on these mobile devices. This led to an increase in the number of cell phone hackers. Common ways that a hacker gets access to your phone is via phishing, shoulder surfing, piggybacking, etc. There are countermeasures to this like bookmarking your most visited sites, using VPN, using encryption algorithms. Data theft and identity theft are a new concern for today's user; this chapter is to educate the end user of different ways in which their privacy can be invaded via a mobile phone. This chapter will help the researchers to know the mindset of a cell phone hacker and what are the potential damages that can be caused by them and strategies to prevent them.
Expectations and Experiences of Implementing a Mobile Secure Communication Application
Authors: Kari Tuomas , Makkonen Markus , Frank Lauri , Kettunen Eeva
Published: April 2021

The privacy and security of communication in corporations and governmental organizations has increased enormously over the years. At the same time, a growing amount of technological solutions to support this have emerged. This study examines user expectations before and use experiences during the implementation phase of a mobile secure communication application. These are investigated from the expectation–confirmation perspective and its influence on continued adoption. The study has an exploratory approach for this investigation. To guide the investigation, the study draws from the expectation–confirmation theory (ECT) and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). Empirically, the study is qualitative and conducted in a governmental organization in Finland. The findings reveal the key user expectations and use experiences and their importance for users in terms of implementation and continued adoption of a mobile secure communication application.
Smart Phone Security Practices
Authors: Mensch Scott E , Wilkie LeAnn
Published: April 2021

Hand-held cell phone technology has been around for quite some time, however when Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007, the widespread adoption of smartphones took off. Smartphones allow users to communicate via talk, text and video; access personal and work e-mail and the Internet; run applications; make purchases; manage bank accounts; take pictures - and for many of us are an integral part of our everyday (The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, 2018). Smartphones are “essentially tiny computers, we reach for these devices when we first wake up, bring them with us into the car, and often keep them with us during our most private moments (The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, 2018). Many users rarely turn off their smart phones.
Web Accessibility Research and Practice
Authors: Alnahari Mona M. , Chakraborty Joyram , Mohamed Mona
Published: April 2021

Web accessibility is the practice of having websites that are accessible to all people, including persons with disabilities. Several research studies have been done around the world to improve web accessibility. However, advances in Arabic web accessibility studies are limited. Research has indicated that a significant number of Arabic websites have accessibility issues, which becomes a restraint to people with disabilities from accessing and using the web. This research reviews current studies in web accessibility presented within the cultural background of several Arabic-speaking countries, particularly the Arabian Gulf region of Gulf Cooperation Council, and addresses services offered by the countries. The authors evaluate 54 websites in the Gulf region regarding accessibility issues. The results show that all websites do not satisfy WCAG 2.0 (AA). This paper highlights the deficiencies in Arabic web accessibility and provide some recommendations and suggestions for improvements.
A Modification-Free Steganography Algorithm Based on Image Classification and CNN
Authors: Wu Jian Bin , Zhang Yang , Luo Chu Wei , Yuan Lin Feng , Shen Xiao Kang
Published: April 2021

In order to improve the data-embedding capacity of modification-free steganography algorithm, scholars have done a lot of research work to meet practical demands. By researching the user's behavioral habits of several social platforms, a semi-structured modification-free steganography algorithm is introduced in the paper. By constructing the mapping relationship between small icons and binary numbers, the idea of image stitching is utilized, and small icons are stitched together according to the behavioral habits of people's social platforms to implement the graphical representation of secret messages. The convolutional neural network (CNN) has been used to train the small icon recognition and classification data set in the algorithm. In order to improve the robustness of the algorithm, the icons processed by various attack methods are introduced as interference samples in the training set. The experimental results show that the algorithm has good anti-attack ability, and the hiding capacity can be improved, which can be used in the covert communication.
Color Image Encryption Using Angular Graph Fourier Transform
Authors: Yang Liuqing , Meng Wei , Zhao Xudong
Published: April 2021

In this paper, an angular graph Fourier transform (AGFT) is introduced to encrypt color images with their intrinsic structures. The graph Fourier transform (GFT) is extended to the AGFT and proven to have the desired properties of angular transform and graph transform. In the proposed encryption method, color images are encoded by DNA sequences and confused under the control of chaotic key streams firstly. Secondly, sparse decomposition based on the random walk is applied to scramble pixels spatially, and a series of sub-images are obtained. This step increases encryption efficiency. Finally, the intrinsic sub-image structure is reflected by graphs, and the signals on different subgraphs are transformed into different AGFT domains with particular angular parameters, which makes the proposed method relevant to the original image structure and enhances security. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can resist various potential attacks and achieve better performance than the state-of-the-art algorithms.
A Smart and Intelligent Irrigation System With a Roadmap Ahead
Authors: Mondal Samrat , Bhadra Avishek , Chakraborty Shouvik
Published: April 2021

In India, agriculture is an important domain of research for food production. Insufficient, uncertain, and irregular rain causes problems in agriculture, and also, most of the annual rainfall occurs within less than 4 months, for which multiple cropping is not possible. Irrigation is a major influencing factor in agriculture as it solves all these problems. Irrigation helps in stabilising the output and yield levels. The sources of artificial irrigation are wells or canals or some reservoirs, and one also need extra labour to irrigate the fields. Automated and intelligent irrigation can solve many of these problems and reduce the human efforts. Moreover, it also improves the quality of the irrigation by reducing the dependency on the humans. It sends data wirelessly to a central server, which collects the data, stores it, and allow it to be analysed. The results and the collected data can be displayed and data sent to the phone whenever required. In this article, a description of such an intelligent and automated irrigation system is presented.
Some Information Measures for Fuzzy Rough Sets
Authors: Sharma Omdutt , Tiwari Pratiksha , Gupta Priti
Published: April 2021

Information theory is a tool to measure uncertainty; these days, it is used to solve various challenging problems that involve hybridization of information theory with the fuzzy set, rough sets, vague sets, etc. In order to solve challenging problems in scientific data analysis and visualization recently, various authors are working on hybrid measures of information theory. In this paper, using the relation between information measures, some measures are proposed for the fuzzy rough set. Firstly, an entropy measure is derived using the fuzzy rough similarity measure, and then corresponding to this entropy measure, some other measures like mutual information measure, joint entropy measure, and conditional entropy measure are also proposed. Some properties of these measures are also studied. Later, the proposed measure is compared with some existing measures to prove its efficiency. Further, the proposed measures are applied to pattern recognition, medical diagnoses, and a real-life decision-making problem for incorporating software in the curriculum at the Department of Statistics.
DeTER Framework
Authors: Rangarajan (Ray) Parthasarathy  , Wyant David K. , Bingi Prasad , Knight James R. , Rangarajan Anuradha
Published: April 2021

The use of health apps on mobile devices by healthcare providers and receivers (patients) is proliferating. This has elevated cybersecurity concerns owing to the transmittal of personal health information through the apps. Research literature has mostly focused on the technology aspects of cybersecurity in mobile healthcare. It is equally important to focus on the ethical and regulatory perspectives. This article discusses cybersecurity concerns in mobile healthcare from the ethical perspective, the regulatory/compliance perspective, and the technology perspective. The authors present a comprehensive framework (DeTER) that integrates all three perspectives through which cybersecurity concerns in mobile healthcare could be viewed, understood, and acted upon. Guidance is provided with respect to leveraging the framework in the decision-making process that occurs during the system development life cycle (SDLC). Finally, the authors discuss a case applying the framework to a situation involving the development of a contact tracing mobile health app for pandemics such as COVID-19.
Resource Allocation Scheduling Algorithm Based on Incomplete Information Dynamic Game for Edge Computing
Authors: Wang Bo , Li Mingchu
Published: April 2021

With the advent of the 5G era, the demands for features such as low latency and high concurrency are becoming increasingly significant. These sophisticated new network applications and services require huge gaps in network transmission bandwidth, network transmission latency, and user experience, making cloud computing face many technical challenges in terms of applicability. In response to cloud computing's shortcomings, edge computing has come into its own. However, many factors affect task offloading and resource allocation in the edge computing environment, such as the task offload latency, energy consumption, smart device mobility, end-user power, and other issues. This paper proposes a dynamic multi-winner game model based on incomplete information to solve multi-end users' task offloading and edge resource allocation. First, based on the history of end-users storage in edge data centers, a hidden Markov model can predict other end-users' bid prices at time t. Based on these predicted auction prices, the model determines their bids. A dynamic multi-winner game model is used to solve the offload strategy that minimizes latency, energy consumption, cost, and to maximizes end-user satisfaction at the edge data center. Finally, the authors designed a resource allocation algorithm based on different priorities and task types to implement resource allocation in edge data centers. To ensure the prediction model's accuracy, the authors also use the expectation-maximization algorithm to learn the model parameters. Comparative experimental results show that the proposed model can better results in time delay, energy consumption, and cost.
Integrating Community Interest and Neighbor Semantic for Microblog Recommendation
Authors: Gan Mingxin , Zhang Xiongtao
Published: April 2021

As a typical characteristic of microblog information, short text length makes a microblog recommendation hard for new users. Moreover, user cold start makes it difficult to explore accurately the interests of microblog users. Therefore, the authors proposed a microblog recommendation model that integrates both of the users' interest from their communities and the semantic from their neighbors' microblogs. Based on the Kullback-Leibler (KL) language model, the proposed model estimated an interest-based language model and a microblog-based language model. Specifically, the interest-based language model was estimated based on both of the user's word set of interest and that of their community interest. Meanwhile, the microblog-based language model was estimated by combining the word set of a microblog, the neighbor semantic, and the microblog set. Real data from Sina Weibo was crawled to evaluate recommendation performance. Results showed that the proposed model outperforms state-of-art models significantly.
Computer ergonomics related health problems of Library staff: a case study at the University of Colombo
Authors: Silva Anuja
Published: April 2021

This paper discusses computer ergonomics related health problems caused by prolonged use of computers in the library staff of the University of Colombo. The heterogeneous population, 60 in total consisted of academic staff, administrative officers and paraprofessional staff including Senior Staff Assistants, Staff Assistants, Management Assistants and Library Information Assistants.  A stratified random sampling technique was used to draw the sample (52). A questionnaire was administered to collect data. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and correlation test using SPSS version 23. It revealed that neck pain was the major (63.8%) musculoskeletal discomfort experienced by the respondents after prolonged period of computer usage followed by shoulder pain (59.6%) and pain in the wrist (53.2%). Pain in the eye (76.6%) was the most persistent visual discomfort experienced by the respondents followed by headaches (72.3%). Major stress-related problem was sleepiness (51.1%) while loss of concentration was identified as the prominent discomfort related to fatigue (27.7%). Prevalence of musculoskeletal discomforts such as pain in the neck and lower arm showed a positive correlation with the height of computer table (r = 0.447, P=0.002 and r = 0.403, P=0.005 respectively),  while shoulder pain indicated a weak negative correlation with wrist support (r = -0.317, P=0.03). Data on prevalence of lower arm pain depicted a weak positive correlation with height and distance of the keyboard (r = 0.384, P=0.008) and computer desk height (r = 0.403, P=0.005). As for visual discomfort symptoms developing double vision had a weak positive correlation with glare (r =0.315, P=0.031) and a weak negative correlation with lighting in the workstation (r=- 0.291, P=0.046). Headaches due to extended use of computers showed a significant relationship with view distance (P=0.003) and task breaking (P=0.033).  To avoid visual discomforts ergonomic requirement at the computer workstation should be proper lighting, anti-glare filters, and ergonomic positioning of computer monitor and regular work breaks. To reduce health problems, library management should organize workstation ergonomic training sessions to  gain knowledge and skills required to optimize the workstation configuration, and provide ergonomically safe working equipment.
Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells (moDCs) Differentiate into Bcl6+ Mature moDCs to Promote Cyclic di-GMP Vaccine Adjuvant–Induced Memory TH Cells in the Lung
Authors: Mansouri Samira , Katikaneni Divya S. , Gogoi Himanshu , Jin Lei
Published: April 2021

Induction of lung mucosal immune responses is highly desirable for vaccines against respiratory infections. We recently showed that monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) are responsible for lung IgA induction. However, the dendritic cell subset inducing lung memory TH cells is unknown. In this study, using conditional knockout mice and adoptive cell transfer, we found that moDCs are essential for lung mucosal responses but are dispensable for systemic vaccine responses. Next, we showed that mucosal adjuvant cyclic di-GMP differentiated lung moDCs into Bcl6+ mature moDCs promoting lung memory TH cells, but they are dispensable for lung IgA production. Mechanistically, soluble TNF mediates the induction of lung Bcl6+ moDCs. Our study reveals the functional heterogeneity of lung moDCs during vaccination and paves the way for an moDC-targeting vaccine strategy to enhance immune responses on lung mucosa.
On- and off-label use of rituximab in rheumatic diseases
Authors: Sandri Gilda , Manzini Carlo Umberto , Salvarani Carlo
Published: April 2021

Steadily growing knowledge about pathogenetic mechanisms in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (RDs) has paved the way to different therapeutic approaches. In particular, the availability of biologics on the market has dramatically modified the natural history of rheumatic chronic inflammatory diseases with a meaningful impact on patients’ quality of life. Among the wide spectrum of available biological treatments, rituximab (RTX), initially used in the treatment of non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma, was later approved for rheumatoid arthritis and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-associated vasculitis. Currently, in rheumatology, RTX is also used with off-label indications in patients with systemic sclerosis, Sjögren’s syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus. RTX is a monoclonal antibody targeted to CD20 molecules expressed on the surface of pre-B and mature B lymphocytes. It acts by causing apoptosis of these cells with antibody- and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. As inflammatory responses to cell-associated immune complexes are key elements in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune RDs, such an approach might be effective in these patients. In fact, RTX promotes a rapid and long-term depletion of circulating and lymphoid tissue-associated B cells, thus leading to a lower recruitment of these effector cells at sites of immune complex deposition, therefore reducing inflammation and tissue damage. RTX is extremely interesting for rheumatologists, as it represents an important additional therapeutic approach. Therefore, the advent in clinical practice of approved RTX biosimilars, such as CT-P10, may help in improving treatment access as well as reducing costs.
Chronic post-traumatic volar plate avulsions of the finger proximal interphalangeal joint: A literature review of different surgical techniques
Authors: Caviglia Daniele , Ciolli Gianluca , Fulchignoni Camillo , Rocchi Lorenzo
Published: April 2021

Avulsions of the volar plate of the finger proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) following sprains are often undiagnosed in the acute setting. Therefore, the chronic outcomes of this injury are most frequently the object of study and treatment. Different techniques for volar plate chronic avulsion repair are described in the literature. The most used among these are mainly two: the direct suturing with or without the use of bone anchors and the tenodesis techniques with flexor digitalis superficialis (FDS). The aim of this systematic review is to determine outcomes and complications associated with these surgical treatments of post-traumatic volar plate avulsions without phalangeal fractures. An electronic literature research was carried out and pertinent articles were selected. Surgical techniques details, outcomes and complications for direct sutures and tenodesis technique are discussed. Outcomes (Range of motion and pain) seem to be comparable, whereas authors that use the direct suture technique describe more frequently PIPJ flexion contracture complication. From this review of the literature, authors believe that both techniques are available for the repair of chronic injuries of the volar plate of the PIPJ, although direct suturing can be considered as less reproducible.
Anesthesia for Laryngotracheal Reconstruction in a Child with Single Ventricle
Authors: Mohseni Masood , Ahmadi Aslan , Sanaei Ayda
Published: April 2021

The number of children with congenital heart requiring anesthetic care is increasing. We describe the anesthetic management of a child with single ventricle candidate for laryngotracheal reconstruction. The patient suffered from severe subglottic stenosis due to prolonged intubation following Glenn shunt procedure. Anesthetic considerations in the care of patients with single ventricle for non-cardiac surgeries are reviewed. Particular concerns in the airway management of children with severe subglottic stenosis and during the tracheal surgery are also reviewed.
Plasma Concentrations of Cefazolin in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Lapmahapaisan Saowaphak , Maisat Wiriya , Tantiwongkosri Kriangkrai , Jutasompakorn Pinpilai , Sisan Waraphorn
Published: April 2021

Background:

The guideline for antibiotic prophylaxis in pediatric cardiac surgery is currently unavailable, and the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may result in low plasma cefazolin concentrations and subsequent postoperative surgical site infections (SSIs).

Aims:

To demonstrate the calculated-unbound plasma concentrations of cefazolin during uncomplicated pediatric cardiac surgery.

Settings and Design:

A prospective observational study that included 18 patients <seven years of age, undergoing elective cardiac surgery with CPB.

Materials and Methods:

An intravenous infusion of cefazolin (25 mg.kg-1) was administered to patients over 30 minutes within 1 hour before skin incision (first dose). Another 25 mg.kg-1 infusion was administered to the CPB prime volume (second dose). Blood samples were obtained at eight time points: 15 minutes after the first dose (T1); before aortic cannulation (T2); immediately after CPB initiation (T3); 30 (T4), 60 (T5), and 120 (T6) minutes after CPB; 15 minutes after CPB discontinuation (T7), and at skin closure (T8). The total plasma cefazolin concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Results:

The unbound cefazolin concentrations were calculated assuming 80%-protein binding. The median cefazolin levels were 18.1 (range 4.3-27.0), 11.9 (2.8-24.1), 31.4 (18.3-66.1), 23.4 (13.7-35.9), 20.2 (15.4-24.9), 17.7 (14.8-18.0), 15.6 (9.8-26.2), and 13.3 (8.3-24.6) μg.mL-1 from T1-T8, respectively. The cefazolin levels remained four times above the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for Methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and S. epidermidis in most patients, but they were inadequate for Enterobacter and E. coli.

Conclusion:

This regimen produced adequate plasma cefazolin concentrations for common organisms that cause SSIs after cardiac surgery.
Validated Tool for Quality Assessment of Anesthesia Services by Cardiac Surgeons
Authors: Guhabiswas Rahul , Chowdhury Saibal Roy , Narayan Pradeep
Published: April 2021

Background and Aim:

The role of the cardiac anaesthesiologists extends beyond mere patient wellbeing to diagnostic input and active participation in decision making during cardiac surgery. The quality of service provision should therefore be judged not only by patient satisfaction but also by the satisfaction of cardiac surgeons. Unfortunately, quantification of cardiac surgeon satisfaction remains a challenge due to the absence of a reliable and validated tool. We therefore attempted to develop a robust, validated, pilot psychometric questionnaire, to measure satisfaction of cardiac surgeons' to cardiac anesthesia services.

Methods:

The questionnaire was developed with the help of senior cardiac anesthesiologist, cardiac surgeon and statistician with database search in PubMed and the Cochrane Library. The questionnaire was tested for content validity, comprehensibility, and identification of new items. This generated the second version of the questionnaire with nine socio-demographic and professional questions, 46 Likert type questions, an abridged Marlowe Crowne Social Desirability scale and one open ended question. This questionnaire was e-mailed to 100 cardiac surgeons requesting them to participate via a web-based survey application.

Results:

Content validity of the responses was tested by Aiken's content validity coefficient (V). Internal consistency was tested with Chronbach's alpha. Fifty-two cardiac surgeons participated in the survey. Twelve Likert type questions were deleted due to low V values. Excellent Chronbach's alpha (0.94) was obtained in the remaining 34 items.

Conclusions:

We have developed a questionnaire that includes 34 variables and allows quantifying surgeon satisfaction in a reliable fashion and is validated for the purpose.