bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microencapsulation in Textiles
Authors: Kumari Poonam
Published: September 2022

Microencapsulation is a well-established process of enveloping or surrounding one substance into another substance that provides capsules having range from one micron to many hundred microns in size. One among the highly efficient methods is microencapsulation. The encapsulation efficiency of microcapsules, micro particles, or microspheres depend on various factors like solubility of polymer in solvent, concentration of polymer, solubility of organic solvent in water, rate of solvent removal, etc. Substances are often encapsulated in such a way that the core material is confined within capsule shells (coating material) for a particular interval of time. Different types of techniques are used for preparation of microcapsules. These techniques are utilized in different fields like pharmaceutical, agriculture, textile, food, printing, and defence. This text covers a review on microencapsulation and materials involved, microencapsulation techniques, and use of microencapsulation in textiles.
Synthesis of Plant-Mediated Metallic Nanoparticles for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Dwivedi Manish Kumar
Published: September 2022

Nanotechnology is broadly used in the different fields of science such as biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, electronics, diagnostic instruments, and environmental detection. Nanoparticles have great potential to purify wastewater and decontaminate wastewater. Nanoparticles can eliminate inorganic/organic pollutants, heavy metals, and chemical dye from contaminated water. Nanoparticles are synthesized with various methods such as physical, chemical, and biosynthesized. Plant extract is used for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles because plant extract contains different types of primary and secondary metabolites. These metabolites act as stabilizing and reducing agents in the synthesis of novel metallic nanoparticles. The size and shape of nanoparticles have unique properties; thus, they are widely used for removing pollutants from water. The chapter discussed green synthesized metallic nanoparticles and their application in the treatment of wastewater.
Educational Reform
Authors: Sumbera Becky Gail , Sparks Shannon , Grabow James , Quick Austin Dylan
Published: September 2022

Currently the central thrust of education is focused on inclusion and how it affects the values of democracy. This chapter will explore the complexity of educational reform and establish a desired state for strategic thinking for systemic inclusion. It will explore authentic inclusion and how leadership and understanding the intersectionality of students can affect outcomes and change the gap of what the educators know and can do to achieve systemic inclusion. It will also explore reframing inclusion through policy and communication to elevate inclusion so every student can have the access and opportunities to fulfill their educational dreams.
Inclusion is a Matter of Life and Death
Authors: Bermingham Kelly , Glickman Veronica
Published: September 2022

Inclusion is considered a universal human right. It is about giving and ensuring equal access and opportunity and the removal of barriers to inclusion. When it comes to safety, this is an area that many on the autism spectrum have been denied true inclusion. Being able to evacuate in the event of a fire or disaster is inclusion. Not dying in a fire is inclusion. Safety protocols and training is necessary and needed for all families, children, and adults living with autism, as well as other developmental disabilities. Inclusion for safety starts here. Ways to ensure inclusion as it relates to safety, life, and death will be discussed in this chapter through the lens of applied behavior analysis.
“Tell Me Something You Didn't Know Was Neurodivergence-Related Until Recently. I'll Start”
Authors: McDermott Victoria
Published: September 2022

The neurodivergence (ND) movement has sought to reframe societal perceptions of neurologically based conditions, like autism, from viewing ND as problematic conditions that need to be eradicated to seeing ND as beneficial forms of mental diversity. The chapter seeks to understand how self-identified ND creators on TikTok communicate about ND through the lens of critical discourse analysis. Through the qualitative analysis of 376 videos across 10 creators' profiles and 1,880 comments findings of this chapter seek to better understand how social media platforms may contribute to the (de)stigmatization and empowerment of ND through the facilitation of the public sphere. Findings suggest that creators play an important role as ambassadors for ND building awareness, engaging in advocacy, and empowering the concept of ND. Further, creators' profiles meet the criteria necessary for facilitating a public sphere. From these findings, recommendations for ND-inclusive public relations practices and strategies are proposed.
Edible Electronic Medical Devices and their Potential Application in the Medical Field
Authors: Kadirvel Vijayasri , T. V. Mithulesh , S. Hemamalini , Kulathooran Ramalakshmi
Published: September 2022

Edible electronics presuppose the utilization of food ingredients to build various components of a fully functional sensor that can be consumed orally. The sensors stay inside the body for a particular time either to monitor physiological functions or treat diseases then transmit the information to a connected mobile phone. However, not all food components satisfy the criteria required for constructing a consumable sensor. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly analyze the components before implementation. The chapter reviews the characteristics of food-based electrical components employed in the fabrication of edible electronics and their consumer acceptance. The authors aspire to deliver an overview of the recent advances and reveal the relationship between food and electronics. The future of edible electronics may be linked to imparting nutrients at the desired site along with improving the bioavailability of the ingested nutrients. This automation has an appreciable potential to completely reshape the research areas in both food and medical sciences in the future.
The Role of 5G Transmission Technology for Smart Digital Healthcare Systems
Authors: Rani Sonia , Deep Kamal , Singh Yaspal
Published: September 2022

Traditional communication technologies such as 2G, 3G, and 4G are unable to handle the complicated and evolving demands of the modern digital healthcare system. The implementations of 5G in healthcare provide better and more effective communications and fast and efficient propagation of massive quantities of data. 5G provides up to 10-15Gbps high transmission speed over 4G 12Gbps and 5G requires low computing power to enormously improve and speed up diagnosis and treatments. It is also noticed in 5G end to end data transfer rate is less than 1 millisecond, which is nearly comparable to zero. Due to 5G high throughput and capacity to link devices per unit, an ecosystem emerged and provides actual interaction between doctors and sufferers. This chapter discusses the role of 5G technologies and the objective of choosing 5G for the healthcare system. How 5G differs from existing technologies, application, implementation challenges, and further enhancement possibilities are also discussed here.
Application of MIS in E-CRM
Authors: Abdulla Aysha
Published: September 2022

The proliferating demands of consumers today have sparked the need for ECRM, leveraging the technological advancements in MIS and its applications. This chapter elaborates tracking and maintaining ECRM by means of big data analytics tools and artificial intelligence algorithms. It elucidates the predictions and forecasts a business makes based on consumer behaviour. The chapter further delves into the various avenues of artificial intelligence (AI). The taxonomy of AI is explained, and its decision making capability is applied to design and simulate effective SCM systems. Various AI methods are holistically applied to the FMCG supply chain context. In this chapter, the role of big data analytics in aiding the enterprises to maintain ECRM by studying consumer preferences and choices is explored, further advancing into its applications in maintaining FMCG supply chain. This research report provides the various methods of AI used in supply chain and the data analytics tools employed in maintaining ECRM and the FMCG supply chain.
Using the ISTE Standards, RAT Model, and Web Technology to Improve Teachers' 21st Century Skills
Authors: Machado Crystal , Fu Yao
Published: September 2022

Often, educators teach the way they were taught. To graduate pre-service teachers (PTs) and in-service teachers (ITs) who are power users of innovative web-based technology, teacher educators (TEs) need to enhance their own technology competence and model technology-rich instruction in traditional, online, and hybrid learning environments. TEs can accomplish this by using a technology integration model and professional standards to guide meaningful integration of emerging technology. In this chapter, the authors describe how they used the 2017 ISTE Standards for Educators and the Replacement, Amplification, and Transformation (RAT) Model to redesign six assignments at two universities in the USA. In addition to enhancing TEs' pedagogical technological knowledge, disposition, and skills, these modified assignments enhanced PTs' and ITs' 21st century skills (21st CS).
An Adaptive Prospect Theory View of Market References
Authors: Sinha Paritosh Chandra
Published: September 2022

This chapter considers investors' susceptive (S), proactive (P), reactive (R), and mindful (M) attitudes for the SPRM efficient portfolio. It offers an adaptive prospect theory (APT) view of decision choices that incorporates behavioral biases and noises. With use of NARDL models, in explaining returns of the sample stocks listed in the NSE Nifty from 2000 to 2019, the study incorporates positive and negative effects of the decision references like risk-free return and systematic risk along with endogenous return variables. It explains investors' behavioral biases at susceptive, reactive, and mindful attitudes at stable, unstable, and adaptive market spectrums. The GARCH effects at the empirical GARCH-X augmentation of the NARDL model show the presence of noise and its impacts in terms of proactive effects in the decision choices. With investors' episodic journey over the stable, unstable, and adaptive stock markets, the author contributes towards developing the SPRM framework. Investors' inter-temporal adaptation across biases and the limited sample size limit the generalizability of the study.
Psychological Traits and Investors' Cryptocurrency Behavior
Authors: Sharma Renuka , Arora Muskaan , Mehta Kiran
Published: September 2022

The current study looked into the relationship between self-esteem and the use of cryptocurrencies and overconfidence bias. Three hundred thirty-seven investors from the northern portion of India total took part in the survey. AMOS 20.0 was used to create and test the conceptual framework. A questionnaire was used to extract data about the participants' investments in order to determine the level of their overconfidence bias and bitcoin participation. The outcomes confirmed the hypothesis. The results of the mediation study showed that there is direct and indirect influence of self-esteem on cryptocurrency investment behavior showing partial mediation effect.
The Dynamic Connectedness Between Global Macroeconomic Risks and International Stock Markets
Authors: Güngör Arifenur , Güngör Mahmut Sami
Published: September 2022

This chapter examines the time-varying linkages between global macroeconomic risks and stock market returns of developed and emerging countries. For this purpose, the authors estimate the Diagonal-BEKK GARCH models for the period from January 5th, 2015 to January 4th, 2022. To consider the impact of a black swan event, the authors also estimate the models for the sub-periods: the pre-vaccination pandemic period and the COVID-19 pandemic period. Empirical findings suggest negative conditional covariances amongst the macro risks and the stock market performance; however, the magnitudes of those covariances differ by development levels of stock markets and time horizons. In addition, those conditional covariances exhibit significant volatility clustering. Furthermore, this study puts forward sudden slumps and spikes in the conditional covariances between the macro risks and the stock market returns at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, these fluctuations are sudden and short-lived.
Impact of Emotional Intelligence and Behavioral Biases on Trading Decisions
Authors: Arora Muskaan , Bansal Rajni
Published: September 2022

One of the most important factors in an investor's personal financial decision-making process is their trading decision. Emotional intelligence appears to influence investors' behavioural biases, stock preferences, and risk tolerance, according to a number of studies. The underlying mechanism through which emotional intelligence is related to investors' trading behaviour has not yet been studied, according to academics. In order to determine whether optimism bias serves as a link between investors' emotional intelligence and trading behaviour, a mediational study was conducted. The study's findings indicated that individuals with poor emotional intelligence engage in stock trading at a higher rate than individuals with high emotional intelligence. Additionally, it was discovered that optimism bias acted as a mediator between emotional intelligence and investors' trading decisions.
Strategies to Green Economics
Authors: Norouzi Nima
Published: September 2022

The crises that threaten countries and human societies are the limited resources of non-renewable (fossil) energy sources and the increasing environmental pollution caused by the excessive consumption of fossil fuels, which are necessary for paying attention to energy resources. The close relationship between economic and environmental issues has led to the emergence of new approaches in international environmental law, one of the most important of which is the green economy. Since one of the most important goals of the green economy is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy sources are a shortcut to the green economy. In this regard, the primary purpose of this chapter is to compare the impact of renewable energy on the green economy in selected middle-income and high-income countries.
The Rise of Digital Transformation Within Businesses in the Pandemic
Authors: Yazici Nihal , Cavdar Aksoy Nilsah
Published: September 2022

Because of the threat it poses to human health around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects on the economies of all countries. Businesses had to change their business models, working conditions, marketing communication, technology usage, strategy development, and supply chain relationships in order to continue operations that had come to a halt. In order to realize this change in the best way, businesses have attempted to integrate digital tools into their business processes. As a result, the business world experienced a rapid digital transformation. Based on those, the purpose of this chapter is to investigate the impact of the rise of digital transformation on businesses during COVID-19. The existing literature and reports were reviewed for this purpose. It is thus discussed how businesses experienced digital transformation during COVID-19.
E-Learning Critical Success Factors Impacts on Learner Satisfaction and Outcomes
Authors: Sharma Renuka , Mehta Kiran , Marda Vandana
Published: September 2022

E-learning is an ever-changing concept, and many theories have been developed and studied for it. The common aptitude test for management schools in India started online in 2009, and almost all coaching firms, like testing firms, are migrating online. Furthermore, the current pandemic COVID-19 has required all participants in learning to be online for the previous year and a half. Therefore, the present study is designed to analyse the causal relationship of the factors affecting learners perceived-learning-outcomes-and-satisfaction of e-learning in the preparation of graduate admission tests. The results concluded that effective and constructive conversation among students, as well as between students and instructors, has a substantial and beneficial impact on learning outcomes. In addition, the course objectives and strategy, module structure, course content supplied to students, and grading component designs are all critical for an online class. The study is useful for e-learning educators, managers, and legislators.
The Role of Ecological Cognition for Supporting Webometrics
Authors: Bishop Jonathan , Goode Mark M. H. , Foster Allen E.
Published: September 2022

This chapter investigates the long-established ecological cognition framework and updates it to better account for the advances in digital transformation. To do this, two concepts are explored. The first, ‘serendipity engineering for seductive hypermedia', looks at how to design information systems to account for the pleasant occurrences that happen in offline environments studied by those in sales and marketing where beneficial outcomes often occur by chance encounters. The second, ‘user analysis using socialnomics', looks at how a parametric user model based on the ecological framework can be used to understand users of information systems from the point of view of supporting a digital economy of users. A number of additional equations are developed using socialnomics that can be applied to digital transformation based on the parametric user model, including to calculate probability of seduction and probability of serendipity in an information system. The parametric model presented has great applicability for information and communications technology solution providers.
Using “Digitalization + Intellectual Property” Management to Realize Cultural Economy
Authors: Yu Poshan , Tang Heng , Tang Hao , Hanes Emanuela
Published: September 2022

This chapter intends to examine the degrees of digitalization with several Chinese museums renowned for their IP creations in reflection of the combination of ancient Chinese culture and modern design thinking and to describe the transformation in Chinese digitalization. Attributing to some inclusive policies, museums are enforced to shift their functions for visitor engagement, which plays a role as a social service with non-profit ambition in improving the tourism economy and social welfare. Our understanding of the enabling and limiting mechanisms paves the way for more research on the paradoxical implications of transformative changes in practical enhancement in the Chinese cultural economy.
Digital Transformation Strategies for Small Business Management
Authors: Umar Muazu Adeiza
Published: September 2022

The objective of the chapter is to assess the role of digital transformation in small business management and specifically to evaluate the strategies suitable for small businesses, identify the underpinning theories, and highlight related empirical studies. Thus, several kinds of literature in the domains of information systems, strategic management, and small business management were extensively reviewed. It was discovered that small businesses are struggling with digital transformation. However, those that have adopted the system are benefitting immensely. It is therefore recommended that more attention be paid to those strategies that work well for small businesses; that tailor-made theories for small business digital technology adoption be developed; and more studies, specifically longitudinal studies, are required to appreciate the complexity of the problem and where interventions are required.
Digital Journalism and Transmedia Narratives in the Communication of Science
Authors: Martin-Neira Juan-Ignacio , Domínguez Magdalena Trillo , Olvera-Lobo María-Dolores
Published: September 2022

Knowing what the best channels of information are in the digital ecosystem has become a great challenge for science journalism, especially in pandemic times and where social networks have given rise to greater dissemination and immediacy. New processes are constantly appearing that are reinventing the profession through disruptive actions, such as communication via transmedia narratives. This chapter presents an approach on how journalism has been developed in the digital age and, in particular, how science journalism is incorporating technologies, narratives, and formats to project its content. From here, an analysis model is proposed for evaluating the degree of transmedia innovation and evolution in science journalism, along with a number of guidelines and recommendations for implementation.
Comparison of health behaviors of adult women in Korea before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: secondary analysis of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2019–2020
Authors: Kim Mijong , Chae Hyunju
Published: September 2022

Purpose: This study investigated the changes in the health-related behaviors of adult women in Korea during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Methods: Data from the eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019-2020) were analyzed. The participants were 4,848 women aged 19 to 64 years in 2019 and 2020. Data analysis using the complex sampling design was performed using SPSS 20.1.Results: Positive changes during the pandemic compared to before the pandemic in Korean adult women were found for improved subjective oral health perceptions (odds ratio [OR], 1.77; p<.001), increased moderate-intensity exercise in work and leisure activities (OR, 1.75; p<.001 and OR; 1.29, p=.004), and a decrease in secondhand smoke exposure at the workplace and in public places (OR, 0.64; p=.004 and OR, 0.60; p<.001). However, the following negative health behavior changes were found: decreased frequency of walking 5 days a week (OR, 0.81; p=.011) and an increase in unhealthy daytime sleep durations (OR, 1.40; p=006).Conclusion: Compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, Korean adult women perceived their subjective dental health more positively during the COVID-19 pandemic, decreased their exposure to secondhand smoke at work and in public places, decreased walking, and increased sleep duration during the week. Since this study only compared data between 1 year before and after the start of the pandemic, it is necessary to investigate a longer period of time in the future. A future study should attempt to identify the factors related to changes in health behaviors caused by the pandemic.
Pharmacological treatment of presbyopia: A systematic review
Authors: Haghpanah Negin , Alany Raid
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study was to identify the efficacy of drug agents for pharmacological Treatment of Presbyopia. Published research papers were reviewed using the relevant terms in PubMed, Science direct, Google scholar, Medline, Google patent, Ovid, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus. In the initial search, 2270 records were obtained. By removing duplicate articles and all articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria or were inappropriate due to indirect relevance to the subject, 44 studies were selected. It should be noted that all studies had inclusion criteria. There are a number of topical pharmacological agents available for treating presbyopia such as FOV Tears and PresbiDrop. They consist of parasympathetic agent and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to contract the ciliary and pupil muscle and restore the accommodation. Another example of topical pharmacological agent is EV06. It is a lens-softening eye drop which can affect the rigid lens in presbyopia. Currently there is no pharmacological agent available to treat presbyopia. Although there are limited number of peer-reviewed articles available, the outcome for future agents under investigation are promising.
Comparison of Prophylactic Phenylephrine Infusion Versus Intravenous Ondansetron on Hypotension During Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Section
Authors: Ali Hani Gharib , ELatief Naglaa Abd
Published: September 2022

Background:

Multiple methods have been proposed to prevent the incidence of hypotension in women undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of phenylephrine (50 μg.min−1) versus ondansetron (8 mg) in the prevention of such complications.

Patients and Methods:

We included a total of 184 full-term pregnant women who were randomly divided into two groups: Group P included 92 cases who were commenced on phenylephrine infusion (50 μg.min−1 given after puncture) and Group O included the other 92 cases who were administered ondansetron (8 mg given 5 min before puncture).

Results:

Demographic data were not significantly different between the two groups. Maternal hypotension was significantly more encountered in the ondansetron group (51.6% vs. 22%) and ephedrine was used more significantly in that group (19.8% vs. 8.8%). In addition, nausea and skin flushing were more commonly encountered in the same group. The incidence of vomiting and patient discomfort was not significantly different between the two study groups.

Conclusion:

Phenylephrine is markedly superior to ondansetron in the prevention of maternal hypotension and vasopressor need during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.
Clinical Evaluation of Two Different Doses of Clonidine as an Adjuvant to Bupivacaine in Ultrasound-Guided Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block for Pediatric Upper Limb Surgeries - A Randomized Trial
Authors: Sharma Rohan , Kamal Geeta , Agarwal Shilpa , Gupta Anju , Gupta Aikta , Kalra Bhumika
Published: September 2022

Background:

Clonidine as an adjuvant to local anesthetic for regional anesthesia in upper limb surgeries has been extensively studied in adults, but there is a paucity of data regarding the dose of clonidine which is effective and safe as an adjuvant in children.

Aims:

To find the dose of clonidine that prolongs the duration of analgesia without prolonging the side effects.

Settings and Design:

Prospective, randomized, double-blind study.

Materials and Methods:

After taking informed consent from the parents/guardian, 42 children aged 3–12 years who were scheduled to undergo unilateral upper limb surgeries below the elbow were randomized into two groups of 21 each. Group A was given 0.5 μg.kg−1 of clonidine in addition to 0.5 mL.kg−1 of 0.25% bupivacaine and Group B received 1 μg.kg−1 of clonidine added to the same volume and concentration of local anesthetic for supraclavicular brachial plexus block under general anesthesia using ultrasound guidance. The drug administration and the recording of the observations were done by an investigator blinded to the dose of clonidine.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Statistical testing was conducted with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences system version SPSS 17.0.

Results:

The demographic parameters and baseline hemodynamic parameters were similar in the two groups. The block failed in one child in Group A. One patient in Group A required tramadol postoperatively while none of the patients in Group B required tramadol. The mean duration of analgesia (11.35 ± 1.54 h vs. 9.94 ± 1.04 h, P < 0.001) and the duration of motor block (8.86 ± 1.0 h vs. 7.77 ± 0.55 h, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in group B. Sedation scores were higher in the recovery room in Group B. Deep sedation, bradycardia, and respiratory depression were not observed in any of the cases.

Conclusions:

Clonidine 1 μg.kg−1 when added as an adjuvant to bupivacaine for pediatric supraclavicular brachial plexus block prolongs the duration of analgesia and motor block as compared to the dose of 0.5 μg.kg−1. However, this was at the cost of increased duration of motor block and sedation. Considering the clinical equivalence of the effect, a lower dose of clonidine would be preferable to avoid the undesirable effects.
Evaluation of Apical Microleakage in Endodontically Treated Teeth Using Three Sealer Materials
Authors: Shukri Biland M.S. , Jasim Haider Hasan , Gholam Mohammed Kassim
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

GuttaFlow Bioseal (Roeko–Coltene/Whaledent, Langenau, Germany), TotalFill Bioceramic (FKG Dentaire SA, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland), and AH Plus root canal sealers (Dentsply, DeTrey, Germany) are used to prevent communication between periapical space and the root canal. This study aims to evaluate the apical microleakage of three endodontic sealers.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy-five freshly extracted mandibular premolars were prepared and obturated with single-cone gutta-percha, then grouped into three groups according to the sealers used. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) test.

Results:

The least mean dye penetration was shown by GuttaFlow Bioseal sealer (1.31 mm), followed by TotalFill Bioceramic sealer (1.57 mm) and AH Plus sealer (2.63 mm); no dye penetration was found in the negative control group. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed statistically significant difference among all experimental groups (P < 0.001); Tukey test shows significant differences between all groups except for a nonsignificant difference between GuttaFlow Bioseal and TotalFill Bioceramic sealer (P = 0.6).

Conclusion:

All sealers showed varying levels of apical microleakage, with the least penetration in the GuttaFlow Bioseal group.
Does the Position of the Third Molar Have an Influence on the Location of Mandibular Fractures?
Authors: Moretti Julio Cesar C. , Camino Junior Rubens , Palmieri Jr Celso F. , Luz Joao Gualberto C.
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

This study evaluated the possible influence of the lower third molar and its position on the location of fractures in all mandibular regions.

Methods:

Computed tomography scans of patients with mandibular fractures in any region seen between August 2018 and July 2019 were evaluated. The presence and classification of third molars according to their vertical and horizontal positions and angulations were analyzed. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, tree algorithm, and random forest model.

Results:

A total of 49 patients with mandibular fractures were seen and 40 patients (80% men), with a mean age of 33.4 years, were included. There was no correlation between fracture location and the vertical (P = 0.93) and horizontal (P = 0.76) Pell and Gregory classifications. There was a statistically significant relationship between fracture location and the Winter angulation classification (P = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Relative to the possible influence of lower third molars and their position on the location of mandibular fractures in all mandibular regions, only the angulation of the third molar had an influence. There was no correlation between the presence and the classifications of third molar impaction.
Comparative Evaluation of Preoperative Imaging and Postoperative Histopathology in 108 Patients Who Underwent Laparoscopic- or Robot-Assisted Surgery for Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Terada Noriko , Matsuura Motoki , Kurokawa Shoko , Teramoto Mizue , Hanakenaka Masamitsu , Saito Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2022

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to compare preoperative imaging evaluation results and postoperative histopathology examinations of patients who underwent laparoscopic- or robot-assisted surgery for suspected Stage IA endometrial carcinoma.

Materials and Methods:

There were 298 patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer at our institution between April 2014 and March 2019. Preoperative imaging evaluation based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) revealed 180 patients suspected of having Stage IA disease. Of these, 72 underwent open surgery, 12 underwent robot-assisted surgery, and 96 underwent laparoscopic surgery. In this study, preoperative imaging evaluation results and postoperative histopathology examinations of 108 patients who underwent laparoscopic- or robot-assisted surgery were retrospectively compared.

Results:

Of the 108 patients, who underwent laparoscopic- or robot-assisted surgery for suspected Stage IA disease, 98 had Stage IA, two had Stage IB, and four had Stages II and III disease. The sensitivity of imaging evaluations based on preoperative MRI and CT was 90.7%.

Conclusion:

Utilizing preoperative MRI and CT imaging resulted in a high rate of successful diagnosis of Stage IA endometrial carcinoma.
The Incidental Aggressive Angiomyxoma of the Vulva
Authors: Tripathi Akanksha , Sharma Shikha , Kanvinde Sunil
Published: September 2022

Aggressive angiomyxoma is a benign, slow-growing, locally aggressive tumor of mesenchymal origin primarily occurring in the pelvic–perineal regions of reproductive age group women and displays a high risk of local recurrence. Lack of specific symptomatology and overlap with other benign and malignant vulval masses makes it a diagnostic challenge. We describe the case of a 32-year-old nulliparous woman with a history of recurrent vulval abscess requiring multiple incision and drainage procedures before she presented to us with an actively draining abscess on the upper third of the left labia majora. She underwent excisional biopsy at our center, the histopathology of which revealed aggressive angiomyxoma with secondary pyogenic slough. The preoperative diagnosis of vulval aggressive angiomyxoma becomes challenging due to the absence of diagnostic features. It ought to be considered a differential in every perineal–pelvic region mass in adult women.
Correlation of central venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference to arterial-central venous oxygen difference ratio to lactate clearance and prognosis in patients with septic shock
Authors: Sindhu Kavya , Malviya Deepak , Parashar Samiksha , Pandey Chandrakant , Nath Soumya Sankar , Misra Shilpi
Published: September 2022

Background:

To assess the relationship between the ratio of difference of venoarterial CO2 tension (P (v-a) CO2) and difference of arterio-venous oxygen content (C (a-cv) O2), i.e., ΔPCO2/ΔCaO2 with lactate clearance (LC) at 8 and 24 h, to define a cutoff for the ratio to identify LC >10% and >20% at 8 and 24 h, respectively, and its association with prognosis in septic shock.

Methods:

Adult patients with septic shock were included in this prospective, observational cohort study. Blood samples for arterial lactate, arterial, and central venous oxygen and carbon dioxide were drawn simultaneously at time zero (T0), 8 h (T8), and 24 h (T24). At T8, patients were divided into Group 8A (LC ≥10%) and Group 8B (LC <10%). At T24, patients were divided into Group 24A (LC ≥20%) and Group 24B (LC <20%).

Results:

Ninty-eight patients were included. The area under the curve of ΔPCO2/ΔCaO2 at T8 (0.596) and T24 (0.823) was the highest when compared to P(v-a) CO2 and C(a-v) O2. The best cutoff of P(v-a) CO2/C (a-v) O2 as predictor of LC >10% was 1.31 (sensitivity 70.6% and specificity 53.3%) and for LC >20% was 1.37 (sensitivity 100% and specificity 50%). At both T8 and T24, P(v-a) CO2/C (a-v) O2 showed a significant negative correlation with LC. Groups 8A and 24A showed lower intensive care unit mortality than 8B and 24B, respectively. Values of P(v-a) CO2/C (a-v) O2 at T8 were comparable, but at T24, there was a significant difference between the survivors and nonsurvivors (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

ΔPCO2/ΔCaO2 predicts lactate clearance, and its 24 h value appears superior to the 8-h value in predicting LC and mortality in septic shock patients.
Point-of-care versus central laboratory measurements of electrolytes and hemoglobin
Authors: Sahoo Sangeeta , Sahoo Jyotiranjan , Singh Neha , Hansda Upendra , Guru Satyabrata , Topno Nitish
Published: September 2022

Background:

A blood gas analyzer is a point-of-care (POC) testing device used in the Emergency Department (ED) to manage critically ill patients. However, there were differences in results found from blood gas analyzers for hemoglobin (Hgb) and electrolytes parameters. We conducted a comparative validity study in ED in patients who had requirements of venous gas analysis, complete blood count, and electrolytes. The objective was to find the correlation of Hgb, sodium (Na+), and potassium (K+) values between the blood gas analyzer and laboratory autoanalyzer.

Methods:

A total of 206 paired samples were tested for Hgb, Na+, and K+. Total 4.6 ml of venous blood was collected from each participant, 0.6 ml was used for blood gas analysis as POC testing and 4 ml was sent to the central laboratory for electrolyte and Hgb estimation.

Results:

The mean difference between POC and laboratory method was 0.608 ± 1.41 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41–0.80; P < 0.001) for Hgb, 0.92 ± 3.5 (95% CI, 0.44–1.40) for Na+, and 0.238 ± 0.62 (95% CI, −0.32–0.15; P < 0.001) for K+. POC testing and laboratory method showed a strong positive correlation with Pearson correlation coefficient (r) of 0.873, 0.928, and 0.793 for Hgb, Na+, and K+, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Although there was a statistical difference found between the two methods, it was under the United States Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment range. Hence, starting the therapy according to the blood gas analyzer results may be beneficial to the patient and improve the outcome.
Evaluation of time to death after admission to an intensive care unit and factors associated with mortality
Authors: Mezzaroba Ana Luiza , Larangeira Alexandre S. , Morakami Fernanda K. , Junior Jair Jesus , Vieira Amanda A. , Costa Marina M. , Kaneshima Fernanda M. , Chiquetti Giovana , Colonheze Ulisses E. , Brunello Giovanna C.S. , Cardoso Lucienne T.Q. , Matsuo Tiemi , Grion Cintia M.C.
Published: September 2022

Background:

Among nonsurvivors admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), some present early mortality while other patients, despite having a favorable evolution regarding the initial disease, die later due to complications related to hospitalization. This study aims to identify factors associated with the time until death after admission to an ICU of a university hospital.

Methods:

Retrospective longitudinal study that included adult patients admitted to the ICU between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2017. Nonsurviving patients were divided into groups according to the length of time from admission to the ICU until death: Early (0–5 days), intermediate (6–28 days), and late (>28 days). Patients were considered septic if they had this diagnosis on admission to the ICU. Simple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between time to death over the years of the study. Multivariate cox regression was used to assess risk factors for the outcome in the ICU.

Results:

In total, 6596 patients were analyzed. Mortality rate was 32.9% in the ICU. Most deaths occurred in the early (42.8%) and intermediate periods (47.9%). Patients with three or more dysfunctions on admission were more likely to die early (P < 0.001). The diagnosis of sepsis was associated with a higher mortality rate. The multivariate analysis identified age >60 years (hazard ratio [HR] 1.009), male (HR 1.192), mechanical ventilation (HR 1.476), dialysis (HR 2.297), and sequential organ failure assessment >6 (HR 1.319) as risk factors for mortality.

Conclusion:

We found a higher proportion of early and intermediate deaths in the study period. The presence of three or more organ dysfunctions at ICU admission was associated with early death. The diagnosis of sepsis evident on ICU admission was associated with higher mortality.
A Retrospective Study on Tuberculous Lymphadenitis
Authors: Mohiuddin Syed Ghouse , Sulaiman Syed Azhar Syed , Albitar Orwa , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Obaidullah Malik , Ghadzi Siti Maisharah Shaikh , Khan Amer Hayat , Mutallif Abdul Razak
Published: September 2022

Background:

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis represents about 14% of all cases of tuberculosis (TB) in Malaysia. The aim of the study includes the evaluation of sociodemographic factors, clinical manifestations, comorbidities among patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis and their treatment outcomes.

Methods:

The retrospective study was conducted from 2006 to 2008. Data on sociodemographic along with histopathological results were collected. The signs and symptoms were also recorded from TB registers, treatment cards, and TB medical personal files using the standard data collection tool. Among multiple variables, the significant factors identified by univariate analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression to estimate the odds ratios with the 95% confidence intervals. The statistically significant P value was considered <0.05.

Results:

There were 348 (57%) males, and on the other hand, 262 (43%) females which shows almost equal incidence rate of lymphadenitis in both genders. The age group was observed from 2 to 83 years old. Therefore, the age group between 26 and 35 years showed 194 (31.8%) patients diagnosed with lymphadenitis and followed by 16–25 years (21%). The mean age was found as 34.3 ± 14.6 years were majorly reported with positive diagnosis. One hundred and ninety-six (32.1%) Malay population were found with tuberculous lymphadenitis followed by the Chinese population of 148 (24.3%). The other prominent races were Pilipino, Indonesians, and other expatriates. Geographically, patients were from 386 (63.3%) urban population were found positive for lymphadenitis and over 224 (36.7%) population of the rural region. The treatment outcome was observed 444 (72.8%) with successful treatment. The World Health Organization states the types of treatment failures, and accordingly, 85 (13.9%) patients were continued with the therapy that can be due to noncompliance or relapse of TB. Among the unsuccessful outcomes, 194 patients of age group 26–35 years, 65 (33.5%) were reported and 38 (29.7%) patients out of 128 between ages of 16–25 years. Blood test results showed erythrocyte sedimentation rate >10 in 280 (45.9%) patients. Therefore, among 280, there were 115 (41.1%) patients were found to have unsuccessful treatment showing very strong association with P < 0.001.

Conclusion:

The finding signifies that effect of weight loss on poor treatment outcomes' and active screening measures for patients with comorbidities are therefore recommended in patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis along with improvements in the diagnosis and early management of comorbidities complications. As young age group was found to have poor or unsuccessful treatment outcomes and required aggressive strategy together with educating patients can further increase the treatment success rate.
Meloxicam in Combating Clinical Mastitis
Authors: Jyothi Vaskuri G. S. Satya Sainaga , Babu Chanti Katta , Kumar Rahul , Singh Pankaj Kumar , Khatri Dharmendra Kumar , Singh Shashi Bala , Madan Jitender
Published: September 2022

Mastitis has well-recognized harmful effects on dairy farm profitability. Furthermore, mastitis impairs the milk component synthesizing ability of secretary tissues. Various therapies are available for the treatment of clinical mastitis. Meloxicam exhibits preferential binding to Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) receptor and consequently generates fewer negative gastrointestinal side effects than nonspecific COX inhibitors such as flunixin meglumine and ketoprofen. Toward this end, research efforts directed at understanding the use of meloxicam alone and in combination with other antibiotics to improve milk quality and production. Therefore, in this review, we have highlighted the mechanism, biopharmaceutical challenges, and merits of meloxicam usage in dairy cattle mastitis. In addition, we also presented the integration of artificial neural network, in
silico docking, and nanotechnology-driven topical drug delivery cargo as future opportunity for efficient delivery of meloxicam in the management of clinical mastitis.
State of the Art and Future Trends of Electrification in Agricultural Tractors
Authors: Mocera Francesco , Martelli Salvatore , Somà Aurelio
Published: September 2022

Hybrid and electric powertrains are experiencing a consistent growth in the automotive field demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing pollutant emissions especially in urban areas. Recently these technologies started to be investigated in the field of work machineries as possible solution to meet increasingly stricter regulations on pollutant emissions. The construction field was the first to recognize the benefits of a partial or total electrification of a work machinery. Nowadays, the consolidation of the technology allowed for its consistent diffusion in the more conservative agricultural field where manufacturers are struggling to meet emissions regulations without losing in terms of work performance. Tractors manufacturers are the most affected actors because of the difficulty to integrate bulky gas aftertreatment systems on board of their vehicle. In this direction, searching for a better way of improving vehicle efficiency, they started to consider partial or total electrification of the tractor powertrain. However, there is still a great debate on the most suitable configuration of the electric components within a traditional powertrain. The literature is constantly focusing efforts to deepen the knowledge of hybrid electric powertrain performance in case of heavy-duty cycles in agricultural applications. In this work, an overview of the current state-of-the-art of electric and hybrid powertrain for agricultural tractors will be shown, looking at the key features and their pros and cons with respect to daily load scenarios.
Numerical Characterization of Hydrogen Combustion in a High-Performance Engine: Potentials, Limitations, Modelling Uncertainties
Authors: Fontanesi Stefano , Dalseno Luca , Magnani Mauro
Published: September 2022

In the last years, pushed by a combination of environmental concerns and technological competition with alternative powertrain architectures, internal combustion engines (ICEs) have seen a growing interest in the adoption of greener fuels. Due to increasing restrictions on ICE tailpipe emissions and loudly advertised bans of ICEs from the passenger car market, OEMs find themselves at a very important crossroad: a complete electrification of their car fleet or the adoption of disruptive solutions in the existing ICE technology, such as the use of carbon-neutral or carbon-free fuels. In this paper the authors provide a CFD assessment of both potentials and limitations of the conversion of an existing direct-injected spark-ignited (DISI) engine for high-performance applications to a hydrogen-fuelled unit. A preliminary validation of the modelling framework for the conventional gasoline fuelling is performed to reduce modelling uncertainties. Different scenarios of hydrogen fuelling are then explored to forecast potential strengths and weaknesses. Areas of hydrogen-dedicated model calibration and validation are also identified and discussed critically.