bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estratégia Eficiente com Alta Disponibilidade para Provisionamento Dinâmico de Pontos de Acesso em Redes sem Fio de Grande Escala
Authors: Rodrigues Matheus B. de A. , Mendes Ana Carolina R. , Mendonça Marcos Paulo C. de , Carrara Gabriel R. , Magalhães Luiz Claudio S. , Albuquerque Célio Vinicius N. de , Medeiros Dianne S. V. , Mattos Diogo M. F.
Published: January 2022

A associação dinâmica de usuários a pontos de acesso e o requisito de cobertura de ampla área tornam desafiador garantir a disponibilidade associada à eficiência energética em redes sem fio de larga escala. Este artigo propõe uma estratégia de provisionamento de pontos de acesso baseada em uma heurística de otimização de múltiplos objetivos. Os objetivos da heurística são maximizar a cobertura, garantindo alta disponibilidade, e minimizar o número de pontos de acesso ativos, melhorando a eficiência energética. A proposta é avaliada através da simulação de uma componente da rede sem fio da Universidade Federal Fluminense com 363 pontos de acesso. A simulação considera fluxos e traços reais de associação de usuários à rede. Os resultados mostram que a estratégia de melhor desempenho é a heurística gulosa que ativa pontos de acesso com o maior número de vizinhos potenciais, porém não ativados. A proposta reduz o número de usuários não servidos e o número de pontos de acesso ativos, assegurando a alta disponibilidade e eficiência energética com uma redução de até 84% no consumo total de energia.
Redes Corporais Sem Fio: Abordagens de MAC para Garantia de Eficiência e Confiabilidade na Comunicação sob Tráfego Dinâmico
Authors: Herculano Jorge F. , Pereira Willians de P. , Guimarães Marcelo A. , Cotrim Reinaldo M. , Sá Alirio S. de , Assis Flávio , Macêdo Raimundo J. de A. , Gorender Sérgio
Published: January 2022

Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) provide monitoring of physiological data without compromising patient mobility. In order not to affect patient health nor his/her mobility, nodes in a WBAN transmit data using short range and low power radio frequency electromagnetic waves. WBAN transmissions thus become subject to failures caused by interference or body mobility. Additionally, WBAN applications typically have timing constraints and dynamic traffic, which can change depending on the patient’s physiological conditions. Several approaches to the Medium Access Control (MAC) sublayer have been proposed to WBANs in order to improve reliability and efficiency of these networks. In this paper, we propose and use a systematic review method to cover MAC approaches to WBAN efficiency and reliability under dynamic traffic, interference and body mobility.
Interessen wohnungsloser Menschen im Spannungsfeld von Anwaltschaft, Mitbestimmung und Selbstvertretung
Authors: Benz Benjamin , Toens Katrin
Published: January 2022

Der Beitrag skizziert unter Bezugnahme auf drei reale Fallbeispiele spezifische Settings und grundlegende Modi zur Vertretung der Interessen wohnungsloser Menschen. Näher in den Blick genommen werden hier ein Tagestreff für Frauen in Karlsruhe, die Kölner Initiative Bauen Wohnen Arbeiten sowie die bundesweite Selbstvertretung wohnungsloser Menschen. An den Beispielen zeigen sich exemplarisch politikebenen-, kontext- und (ziel-)gruppenspezifische Strategien der Anwaltschaft, Mitbestimmung und Stellvertretung von Interessen. Auch zeigen sich beachtliche Restriktionen und Potenziale bezogen auf bestimmten Gruppen, etwa wohnungslose Frauen, Menschen in Wohnungsnot aus anderen EU-Ländern und (ehemals) Obdachlose. Abschließend wird diskutiert, inwieweit herkömmliche Kriterien der Organisations- und Einflussstärke von Interessen auch hier tragfähig erscheinen bzw. inwiefern diese um aussagefähige Kriterien für die Interessenvertretung in der Sozialen Arbeit und Wohnungsnothilfe erweitert werden ­müssten.
Beyond the Native Title horizon: A multifaceted vision for Indigenous empowerment in contemporary Australia
Authors: Saigal Siddharth
Published: January 2022

This article advocates for empowering Australia’s Indigenous custodians through innovative legal devices with respect to their traditional lands. This is because Indigenous Australians possess certain rights and duties that are unique to their being. Regrettably, these rights have crystallised into an aging Native Title system inherently characterised by Crown supremacy and Indigenous subservience. In exploring the Native Title machinery through the lens of Australia’s colonial legacy, this article illuminates the many injustices in containing a dynamic and complex culture within the unforgiving parameters of this outdated system. Thus, a great inequity exists at the very foundation of Native Title when those most adversely affected by colonial dispossession are inadequately protected. Nevertheless, contemporary legal precedents are increasingly recognised as significant developments in expanding a legal universe rooted in the proscriptive common law tradition. Achieving ‘case-by-case’ reform is ultimately overshadowed by the financial, emotional and physical burdens placed upon Indigenous litigants. Beyond the Native Title horizon lies an unchartered territory, a place where Indigenous autonomy can coexist within legal systems of land governance. In this innovative spirit, Australian lawmakers are challenged to adopt a co-governance scheme modelled on New Zealand’s Te Awa Tupua Act to empower Indigenous Australians and dismantle entrenched principles of anthropocentric environmentalism.
Hans Blumenberg
Authors: Flasch Kurt
Published: January 2022

The interest taken in the philosophy of Hans Blumenberg (1920-1996) is growing both in Germany and abroad. Yet it almost always focuses on the later Blumenberg. The reasons for the neglect of his early writings are easy to point out: they seek their way between Husserl and Heidegger in interpretations of texts of medieval philosophy, and the greater part of them remains unpublished to this day. This monograph by Kurt Flasch, one of Germany´s most renowned experts on medieval philosophy and the history of philosophy, is based on archival studies and draws on lifelong source work on medieval philosophy and the early modern period. It reconstructs the philosophical development of Blumenberg from his earliest texts up to the discussion centered upon the Legitimität der Neuzeit (1966). It philosophically and philologically discusses their lines of argumentation and juxtaposes them with the contemporaneous historical development of the German Federal Republic. It does not eschew criticism, but at the same time does not deny the author´s personal empathy for his subject. Despite the scholarliness of the presentation, the extensive study is an eminently good read – just as one has come to rightfully expect from this author.
"Écrire un seul livre, sans cesse renouvelé"
Authors: Neuhofer Monika
Published: January 2022

Die Studie untersucht Jorge Sempruns literarische Gestaltungen seiner Erfahrungen des Konzentrationslagers Buchenwald in "Le grand voyage" (1963), "Quel beau dimanche!" (1980), "L´écriture ou la vie" (1994) und "Le mort qu'il faut" (2001). Ziel der Arbeit ist es, Entwicklungslinien und Tendenzen in der mehrere jahrzehnte umfassenden retrospektiven Auseinandersetzung und wiederholten literarischen Neu- und Weiterbearbeitung des persönlich Erlebten aufzuzeigen. Während "Le grand voyage" nach deutlich vom kommunistischen Weltbild des Autors geprägt ist, spiegelt sich in "Quel beau dimanche!" - geschrieben im Bewußtsein der gleichzeitigen Existenz nationalsozialistischer und stalinistischer Lager - die tiefgehende Verunsicherung Sempruns wider, wohingegen in "L'écriture ou la vie" und "Le mort qu'il faut" die Selbstdefinition als Überlebender und Zeuge, als "témoin fraternel", dominiert. Um Sempruns Konzeption von Zeugenschaft und seinen 'Ort' innerhalb der KZ- und Shoah-Literatur bestimmen zu können, wird insbesondere dem intensiven Einsatz intertextueller Bezugnahmen nachgegangen und gefragt, welche Funktion die zahlreichen Verweise u.a. auf Proust, Giraudoux, Faulkner, Baudelaire und Valéry in den Texten übernehmen.
Two extraordinary troglobitic species of Allokoenenia (Eukoeneniidae: Palpigradi) from Brazil: first records of this initially monotypic genus more than a century after its description
Authors: Souza Maysa Fernanda Villela Rezende , Ferreira Rodrigo Lopes
Published: January 2022

The diversity of Palpigradi is not evenly distributed among its different branches. The widespread genus Eukoenenia includes 80% of the species, while the other genera are poorly known. Allokoenenia certainly is the most understudied genus because it is represented only by the African species Allokoenenia afra Silvestri, 1913. Its description is short and does not include many features depicted in modern taxonomy of Palpigradi. In this paper, we describe two troglobitic species of Allokoenenia, report the occurrence of a third species represented by an immature specimen from Brazilian caves, and provide brief notes on the morphology of A. afra. Allokoenenia canhembora sp. nov., A. stygia sp. nov., and Allokoenenia sp. differ from A. afra by several morphological features, including more elongated appendages and a greater number of blades on lateral organs. Thus, they are considered troglomorphic. These new species are vulnerable to extinction because they are endemic to a single or few caves directly impacted by mining activities and groundwater exploitation. This study represents the first step for the conservation of these species and their habitats, since Brazilian caves with rare troglobites cannot be irreversibly impacted. Also, it brings important contributions on the distribution and morphology of this enigmatic genus.
High-resolution analysis of anti-migratory inhibitors in high-grade glioma treatment
Authors: Burns Eryn Jessica
Published: January 2022

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is an extremely aggressive form of glioma tumour. The characteristically invasive properties of GBM contribute to the poor prognosis in sufferers. This study focuses on the therapeutic potential of four anti-migratory drugs: 6-bromo-indirubin-3’-oxime (BIO), CCG-1423, Latrunculin A (LAT A) and Lithium Chloride (LiCl), in vitro. The migration distances of GBM cells and cell circularity for each treatment and an untreated control were measured and statistically analysed. This was achieved using treated GBM spheroids of the U251 cell line and an untreated control. Spheroid sections were analysed in QuPath. This data was analysed in SPSS. Each of the treatments showed significant statistical differences compared to the control spheroid for the migration distance measurements. LAT A was shown to have the greatest effect in decreasing the cell migration. Migrated cell circularity were significantly more rounded than the non-migrated cells for each treatment. The cell migration distance study suggests further study, to analyse the effects of these drugs in vivo. The ‘cell circularity index’ study should be amended to more accurately represent the changes in cell elongation due to morphological changes occurring as cells migrate from the tumour.
Luis Miranda Podadera y sus “Nociones de arte métrica”
Authors: Torre Esteban
Published: January 2022

Las lecciones de gramática y las reglas ortográficas del polígrafo español Luis Miranda Podadera (1889-1969) gozaron de una gran popularidad en el tercio central del siglo XX. En las últimas ediciones de su Análisis gramatical de la lengua española, aparecen unas breves Nociones de arte métrica, que son objeto de estudio en el presente trabajo, en especial en lo que concierne al contacto de vocales y a la cuestión de finales de verso agudos, llanos y esdrújulos.
Initial growth and production of secondary metabolites in Basella alba leaves cultivated in a sandy textured soil with addition of organic and organo-mineral substrate
Authors: Pina José Carlos , Morbeck-de-Oliveira Ademir Kleber , Matias Rosemary
Published: January 2022

La especie Basella alba se conoce popularmente como bertalha india y se consume ampliamente en forma de ensaladas, por ejemplo. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las etapas iniciales de crecimiento y la producción de metabolitos secundarios en diferentes sustratos. Transcurridos 90 días desde el inicio de la plantación (pleno sol), en suelo arenoso mezclado con diferentes sustratos, se determinó el efecto de los sustratos sobre el crecimiento y producción de metabolitos secundarios en las hojas. Los resultados indicaron que el tratamiento con la adición de 70% de vermicompost indujo el mayor crecimiento y la mejor concentración de compuestos fenólicos y flavonoides. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los tratamientos dieron como resultado la producción de heterósidos cardiotónicos, que pueden causar problemas de salud.

The species Basella alba is popularly known as Indian bertalha and is widely consumed in the form of salads, for example. Due to its potential for use, the objective of this study was to evaluate the initial stages of growth and the production of secondary metabolites in different substrates. After 90 days from the beginning of planting (full sun), in sandy soil mixed with different substrates, the effect of substrates on growth and the production of secondary metabolites in leaves was determined. The results indicated that the treatment with the addition of 70% of vermicompost induced the highest growth and the best concentration of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. However, most of the treatments resulted in the production of cardiotonic heterosides, which can cause health problems.
State-of-the-Science Conference Proceedings: Improving Education, Training and Employment Outcomes for Youth and Young Adults with Serious Mental Health Conditions
Authors: Davis Maryann
Published: January 2022

The Learning and Working During the Transition to Adulthood Rehabilitation Research & Training Center (Learning & Working Center; LWC), UMass Chan Medical School, conducted a state-of-the-science conference, “Improving Education, Training and Employment Outcomes for Youth and Young Adults with Serious Mental Health Conditions.” The State-of-the-Science Conference was held during and at the end of the 31st Annual Research and Policy Conference on Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Behavioral Health (a.k.a. The Tampa Conference) in Tampa, Florida sponsored by the University of South Florida between March 4-7, 2018. The LWC held a post-Tampa Conference “think tank” session with 28 participants to summarize the current knowledge base on the education, training, and work lives of youth and young adults with serious mental health conditions (SMHCs) and to identify future research needed to move the field forward. The proceedings herein include all conference papers and responses as well as final considerations for the future research directions in education, employment and policy and practice.
This is the Executive Summary for the Learning and Working During the Transition to Adulthood Rehabilitation Research & Training Center's 2018 State-of-the-Science Conference Proceedings.
Authors: Davis Maryann
Published: January 2022

This is the Executive Summary for the Learning and Working During the Transition to Adulthood Rehabilitation Research & Training Center's 2018 State-of-the-Science Conference Proceedings.
Approximate Magnetic Flux Density Model of Overhead Power Lines for Conductor Sag Estimation
Authors: Kitić Nemanja , Matić Petar
Published: January 2022

Monitoring and supervision of overhead power lines have become essential actions in Electrical Power Systems since the introduction of the Smart Grid concept. In order to monitor overhead power lines, simple non-invasive devices are mounted on support poles, which detect line abnormalities and faults by measuring magnetic field originating from power line conductors. Measured signals are also used to determine various electrical and non-electrical line parameters. In this paper a new approximate model for magnetic flux density vector components of the overhead power lines suitable for real-time conductor sag estimation is presented. In the proposed model, catenary-shaped power line conductors are approximated with tilted straight line conductors, and the approximate model is calibrated by tuning model coefficients to match flux density vector components as in the case of real catenary-shaped conductors. The accuracy of the proposed model is verified by measurements on three-phase overhead power line model scaled to laboratory conditions. As a conclusion, an adaptive method for possible practical implementation based on the approximate model is considered.
Valence biases in reinforcement learning shift across adolescence and modulate subsequent memory
Authors: Rosenbaum Gail M , Grassie Hannah L , Hartley Catherine A
Published: January 2022

As individuals learn through trial and error, some are more influenced by good outcomes, while others weight bad outcomes more heavily. Such valence biases may also influence memory for past experiences. Here, we examined whether valence asymmetries in reinforcement learning change across adolescence, and whether individual learning asymmetries bias the content of subsequent memory. Participants ages 8–27 learned the values of ‘point machines,’ after which their memory for trial-unique images presented with choice outcomes was assessed. Relative to children and adults, adolescents overweighted worse-than-expected outcomes during learning. Individuals’ valence biases modulated incidental memory, such that those who prioritized worse- (or better-) than-expected outcomes during learning were also more likely to remember images paired with these outcomes, an effect reproduced in an independent dataset. Collectively, these results highlight age-related changes in the computation of subjective value and demonstrate that a valence-asymmetric valuation process influences how information is prioritized in episodic memory.
Self-compacting mortars with mineral additions: perlite and limestone filler
Authors:   INIQUI-CONICET, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta (Argentina), Artigas Verónica Fernanda , Positieri María Josefina ,   CINTEMAC, Universidad Tecnológica Nacional Facultad Regional Córdoba, Córdoba (Argentina), Quintana María Virginia ,   INIQUI-CONICET, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta (Argentina), Oshiro Ángel ,   CINTEMAC, Universidad Tecnológica Nacional Facultad Regional Córdoba, Córdoba (Argentina), Cortez Franco Rodrigo ,   Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta (Argentina)
Published: January 2022

With the increasing infrastructure and the need for eco-sustainable alternatives, the concrete industry has motivated to look for supplementary cementitious materials especially those generated from waste. The advantages of self-compacting concrete (SCC) make it useful in the worldwide; therefore, it is essential to study additions that can be incorporated into it, to improve its properties. Limestone powder (LP) and local waste perlite fines (PF) from Salta (Argentina) are proposed as mineral addition in self-compacting mortars (SCM). PF has a high content of SiO2 and Al2O3 which can contribute to increasing the strength of the concrete due to the pozzolanic reaction. Physicochemical characterization of this waste is studied and the behavior of SCM mixtures with different proportions of LP and PF are also analyzed. Sets of specimens have been performed in order to test their rheological characteristics in the fresh state and their mechanical resistance in the hardened state. The results indicate that the combination of LP and PF has a beneficial influence on the fresh state, granting an adequate fluidity and viscosity of the mixture; on the hardened state, compressive strengths similar to the standard are achieved at 90 days in mortars with up to 20% cement replacement by additions.
Assessment of shear wave velocity concept on the site specific analysis and its effects over performances of building codes
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir (Turkey), Güler Ersin , Bekir Afacan Kamil ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir (Turkey)
Published: January 2022

Earthquakes’ effects on the ground especially to superstructures vary depending on the local site conditions. As the seismic waves move towards the surface, the dynamic behavior is affected by the depth of the bedrock, layer thickness, and the soil type. Site specific soil behavior analyses are carried out to estimate the seismic force spread from the bedrock to the ground along the soil layers and to determine the spectral properties of the site. During the transmission of the wavelength, the amplitude and frequency content change depending on the properties of the soil layers. Both the alteration of the dynamic properties of soil layers and the earthquake characteristics must be analyzed in order to predict the ground surface behavior. Turkey is one of the most important earthquake prone country in Europe and it is crucial to reduce any possible damage as a result of seismicity by taking the necessary measures. This study focuses on a region near North Anatolian Fault which is one of seismically active faults in Yalova region in Turkey. The goal is to understand the nonlinear site specific behavior along with the equivalent linear option using two boring data with similar shear wave velocity and site class. Eleven different earthquakes were chosen for the analysis. The fault type and the soil class are the main characteristics to determine those records. The spectral behaviors of the ground surface were obtained from different models and they were compared with three different building codes (the new Turkish Building Code (TBC 2018), the Eurocode8 (EC8) and the International Building Code (IBC)). Analysis show that 1) the performance of the building codes vary a lot to predict the surface behavior, 2) equivalent and nonlinear site response differ in terms of short and long period spectral behavior and 3) the determination of site classes from shear wave velocity solely may not be sufficient to understand the propagation of the wave and sandy or clayey behavior should also be considered in design purposes.
Static and dynamic camber behavior of uniaxial and biaxial post-tensioned fully, limited, and partially unbonded pre-stressed concrete slab
Authors:   Engineering Department, College of engineering, Al-Nahrain university, Baghdad (Iraq), Zaki Rana Ismael , Risan Hussam K. ,   Engineering Department, College of engineering, Al-Nahrain university, Baghdad (Iraq)
Published: January 2022

Pre-stressed members in various structures are gaining popularity among engineers in many parts of the world because pre-stressed strands offer better stability, serviceability, economy, aesthetics, and structural efficiency. The profile of the strand greatly influences the tensile strength of concrete. The force exerted by the strand on the concrete counterbalances internal tensile forces. A construction engineer’s principal goal is to build an excellent strength structure without sacrificing agility and cost-effectiveness. This study’s main objective is to model numerically different pre-stressed concrete slabs to understand and predict the upward deflection (camber) behavior of uniaxial and biaxial pre-stressing of unbonded concrete strands in the static and dynamic behavior and the maximum moments of pre-stressed concrete members by considering previous experimental work as a benchmark for validation. Particular emphasis was placed on the unbonded post-tensioned pre-stressed slab parameters that influence the mid-span upward deflections and internal moments in linear and nonlinear crack analysis. This study also investigated the effect of strand profiles, strand areas, number of strands, strand eccentricities, loading types, and level. It looked into full and partial pre-stressing with uniaxial and biaxial pre-stressing directions. The numerical dynamic characteristics in terms of members’ natural frequency with such parameters were found. This study used a finite element numerical model for the analysis of linear and cracked sections and concluded that the upward deflection (camber) of uniaxial and biaxial one-way and two-way partially unbounded pre-stressed concrete slabs is affected by the strand’s profile, area, and number and eccentricity; the loading type and value; and the pre-stressing level in static and dynamic analyses.
Comparison of non-linear dynamic frame response under recorded and numerically generated accelerograms
Authors:   Instituto de Mecánica Aplicada y Estructuras (IMAE), Facultad Cs.Ex., Ingeniería y Agrimensura, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario (Argentina), Möller Oscar , Ascheri Juan Pablo ,   Instituto de Mecánica Aplicada y Estructuras (IMAE), Facultad Cs.Ex., Ingeniería y Agrimensura, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario (Argentina), Nardi Leandro Emanuel ,   Instituto de Mecánica Aplicada y Estructuras (IMAE), Facultad Cs.Ex., Ingeniería y Agrimensura, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario (Argentina)
Published: January 2022

The time history analysis of the linear and non-linear response of earthquake resistant structures is a tool increasingly used in practice and required by codes. In this paper, a set of 12 accelerograms was generated numerically with the spectral representation methodology. Another set of 15 accelerograms were selected from a database of earthquake records and scaled with a uniform factor so that the mean spectrum fits the design one. The non-linear dynamic response of two frames of different stiffness and resistance was obtained under the action of the two sets of accelerograms. The global force - displacement results showed a higher coefficient of variation for the set of recorded accelerograms, especially for the structure of lower resistance that has a strong non-linear incursion. The same tendency was obtained for the moment - curvature relationships of beam and column sections, with higher dispersions compared to the global results. In addition, the influence of the vertical acceleration component was analyzed, resulting in a higher incidence in the interior columns of the frames.
Characteristic analysis and prevention strategy of trench collapse accidents in the U.S., 1995-2020
Authors:   Izmir Demokrasi University, Department of Civil Engineering, Esmirna (Turkey), Akboğa Kale Özge
Published: January 2022

Statistics show that many workers have lost their lives because of trench collapse although the dangers of trenching are well known and defined. Thus, the question of “why” should be asked again. The most comprehensive data set in the literature has been created to determine the reason for the recurrence of accidents even though the risks are known. A total of 723 accidents caused by trench collapse in the last 25 years were selected from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s database. Variables were created using accident summaries, and the frequency distribution of the categories was interpreted. Results showed that these accidents have a high frequency and a high severity level (58.1% fatalities). The main reason for a half of the accidents was the lack of protective systems (49.7%). A total of 2596 violations including four main categories were detected for 723 accident reports. Employers paid approximately 23 million in penalties. The investigated accidents showed that trench collapse accidents are rarely survivable but can be completely prevented if necessary precautions are taken.
Comparison between I-gel and Classic Laryngeal Mask Airway for Airway Management of Patients with Anticipated Difficult Airway: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Raman Rajesh , Gautam Shefali , Sonka Suraj , Prabha Rati , Alam Sharif
Published: January 2022

Introduction: I-gel and classic Laryngeal Mask Airway (cLMA) are two Supraglottic Airway Devices (SAD) used for management of airway in various situations, including for management of difficult airway. Despite widespread use of these devices, there are very few trials studying I-gel and classic LMA for management of patients with difficult airway. The outcome of present study determines which SAD is better for managing difficult airway. Aim: To compare I-gel and cLMA in managing anticipated difficult airway. Materials and Methods: This randomised and single blinded clinical trial study was conducted in King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, between February 2019 to January 2020. Adult patients with Mallampati class 3 or 4, thyromental distance <6 cm, sternomental distance <12 cm, restricted neck movement, micrognathia/retrognathia or short/thick neck undergoing elective short duration surgery under general anaesthesia were included in this study. Total 50 patients divided into group C received cLMA while group I patients received I-gel for airway management. Fifty patients were recruited in each group. Nominal variables were analysed using chi-squared test. A two-sided p<0.05 were considered significant for all the tests. Analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 for windows. Results: Mean age in group C was 40.38±12.96 (years) and in group I was 37.94±11.77 (years) with p-value 0.327. Overall (n=44 in group C, 50 in group I, p-value=0.012) and first attempt (n=10 in group C, 40 in group I, p-value <0.001) success rate of device placement was higher for I-gel. Number of attempts, manipulations, time needed to insert and Leak Fraction was significantly lower for I-gel (p-value <0.001). Compared to cLMA, Oropharyngeal Leak Pressure (OLP) was higher with I-gel. Fibreoptic view on a four-point scale was better with I-gel. Desaturation, tachycardia, bradycardia, and postoperative sore throat was more frequent with cLMA. Conclusion: Compared to cLMA, I-gel has higher success rate of insertion in patients with difficult airway and has added advantage of more rapid insertion, higher OLP and need for fewer insertion attempts and manipulations with lower rates of complications.
Efficacy of Different Doses of Dexamethasone as Pre-emptive Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Total Abdominal Hysterectomy under General Anaesthesia: A Prospective Non Randomised Placebo Controlled Study
Authors: Sharma Preeti , Yaqoob Shaista , UL-Neesa Waqar-
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Pre-emptive analgesia reduces postoperative analgesic requirement, avoiding side-effects that occur with parenteral narcotics. Dexamethasone, a long acting synthetic corticosteroid with predominantly glucocorticoid activity is one of the entities used for pre-emptive analgesia. The optimum dose of dexamethasone for pre-emptive analgesia is not defined. Aim: To study the efficiency of different (low, intermediate and high) doses of dexamethasone as pre-emptive analgesia in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy under general anaesthesia. Materials and Methods: The prospective non randomised placebo controlled dose range study was conducted in the Department of Anaesthesiology, at a tertiary care institute at Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, over a period of two years from July 2017 to June 2019. Eighty female patients (age 40-65 years, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) I and II) scheduled for total abdominal hysterectomy were divided into four groups (Groups A, B, C and D) on the basis of dexamethasone dose. Group A with low dose (0.1 mg/kg), group B with intermediate dose (0.12-2 mg/ kg), group C with high dose (>0.2 mg/Kg) and group D with no dexamethasone. Early and late acute postoperative pain {Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score}, cumulative analgesic consumption upto 24 hours, intraoperative blood sugar levels, Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV), and adverse events were recorded. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for intergroup comparison of means and Chi-square test was used for categorical variables. Results: The mean age (years) of group A was 52.3±8.87, group B was 48.3±5.23, group C was 49.8±6.85 and group D was 51.7±4.46. Postoperative VAS score for 0 hour, 1 hour, 2 hour, 3 hour, 4 hour was more in patients who had not received dexamethasone pre-emptively (p-value <0.05). VAS score at 6 hour, 12 hour, 24 hour was more in patients who had not received dexamethasone pre- emptively. There was a statistically significant difference in VAS score at 6, 12, 24 hours when low dose dexamethasone group was compared with intermediate and high dose dexamethasone groups (p-value <0.05). Rescue analgesia consumption was significantly less in patients who received intermediate to high dose dexamethasone. Blood sugar levels increased significantly in patients receiving dexamethasone, but returned to baseline after 24 hours. The incidence of nausea and vomiting and the need for rescue antiemetic was significantly less in patients receiving dexamethasone (p-value <0.05). The incidence of postoperative adverse effects was not different among these groups (p-value >0.05). Conclusion: Intermediate and high dose dexamethasone, given preoperatively in patients undergoing abdominal hyster-ectomy produces better postoperative analgesia with added antiemetic benefit.
Restarting Elective Surgeries during COVID-19 Pandemic: Innovations and Anaesthesiologist’s Perspective
Authors: Singh Harjot , Gupta Sanjaya Kumar , Chauhan Rajat , Lall Pratistha
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Lockdown imposed due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused by coronavirus led to disruption of all aspects of life across the world with serious consequences in delivering of routine surgical services to the patients. Anaesthesiologists and surgeons in the study Institute devised clinical assessment based protocols for preanaesthesia assessment {not including routine preoperative Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Testing} to ensure timely conduct of elective surgeries as soon as patients started reporting to hospital. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of various measures taken by anaesthesiologists and operation theatre team to impart surgical care during COVID-19 pandemic without increasing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 disease. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out with the idea of comparing the surgical workload of year 2020 (January to December 2020) with the previous year 2019 (January to December 2019). The study was conducted in the month of March 2021, in a 627-bedded secondary care multispeciality hospital in northern India. The data on total number of patients undergoing surgeries in year 2020 was compared with that of year 2019 on the basis of elective surgeries, emergency surgeries and different modalities of anaesthesia used to conduct all those surgeries. These variables from both the years were compared using chi-square tests and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) trial version 23.0. Results: The total numbers of surgeries had reduced in year 2020 (3923 in 2019 vs 2500 in 2020) with highest reduction in the months of April and May 2020 (83.08 and 74.75%, respectively). However, with implementation of clinical assessment based protocols and targeted changes in anaesthesia practice, the decrease in elective surgeries came to statistically non significant levels by the month of September 2020. The difference in percentage of cases carried out under regional anaesthesia (4.23% in 2019 vs 3.24% in 2020) was statistically not significant (p-value=0.051). The emergency surgeries in 2019 were 805 vs 742 in 2020, percentage change from 2019 base data was -7.83. The incidence of COVID-19 infection during postoperative period was nil in the Institute. The incidence of COVID- 19 infection among the staff was found to be similar to the patients reported to the hospital despite of handling elective surgical cases. Conclusion: Regular surgical care can be safely provided after thorough clinical assessment of the patients in this ongoing pandemic. This did not lead to increase in incidence of COVID- 19 infection in healthcare workers as shown in our data. Hence, preoperative COVID-19 testing should be performed only when indicated by clinical history and examination. However, more studies with multiple centres are required to validate these protocols and hence facilitate the formation of even more refined ones.
Note on Quasi Lindley Distribution: Some Remarks and Corrections
Authors: Benatmane Chaabane , Zeghdoudi Halim , Ezzebsa Abdelali , Bouchahed Lahsen
Published: January 2022

Some remarks and corrections of some properties the new distribution, quasi Lindley, of which the Lindley distribution is a special case, are given concerning its parameter space. In addition, a comparison study between the new two-parameter distributions (pseudo Lindley, gamma Lindley, quasi Lindley and two-parameter Lindley) is studied.
Evaluation of Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.) Cv. African Tall and its Response to Different Rates of FYM and Biofertilizers under Cold arid Conditions of Kargil
Authors: A. Bhat Raies , Ahmad Faizan , Ahngar Tanveer Ahmad , Shiekh T. A. , Rashid Zahida , Raja Waseem , Ahmad Latief , Hakeem S. A. , Ul Kousar Mumtahin , Nissar Roman , Dar Z. A.
Published: January 2022

Fodder availability in cold arid regions is from 40 to 50 percent of real need, but in some areas it exceeds 50 percent [1]. Alfalfa, which is the sole fodder accessible to farmers and is dried and given to animals throughout the winter, is insufficient to meet the winter fodder shortfall. The region has a 73 percent fodder deficiency, according to reports [1]. The region's large fodder shortfall explains why the fodder development initiative is so important. Ladakh's freezing desert terrain has a lengthy, harsh winter that lasts 7-8 months and is devoid of any vegetation. During the winter, the entire animal rearing depends on the stored feed. Keeping these facts in view a field experiment entitled “Evaluation of fodder maize (Zea mays L.) Cv. African tall and its response to different rates of farmyard manure (FYM) and Biofertilizers under cold arid conditions of Kargil” was carried out at the research farm of Mountain Agriculture Research and Extension Station Kargil for the years 2015-16 and 2016-17 on silty clay loam soil low in available nitrogen and medium in available phosphorus and potassium with neutral pH. The experiment comprised of two factors viz., Bio fertilizers (B1: Azotobactor, B2: Phosphorus solubilising bacteria (PSB), B3: Azospirillium, B4: Azotobactor + PSB, B5: Azospirillium + PSB) and three FYM rates (R₁= 10 t ha⁻¹, R₂ =20 t ha⁻¹ and R₃ = 30 t ha⁻¹) was laid out in a Randomized block design replicated thrice, given nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as per recommended package. The results revealed that highest plant height, number of leaves, stem girth and fodder yield were realized from the treatment comprising of FYM @30 t ha⁻¹ + Azotobactor + PSB treatment among all the treatments. Also crude protein and crude fibre were recorded to be higher with the treatment of FYM @30 t ha⁻¹ + Azotobactor + PSB.
Characteristics of Patients Undergoing Open Radical Cystectomy for Management of Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer in A Tertiary Centre in Egypt
Authors: Lotfi Amer Mohammed , Radwan Mohamed , Hassan Ayman , El-bendary Mohamed
Published: January 2022

Aims: To represent the demographic and functional data of a cohort of patients with invasive bladder cancer managed with Open Radical Cystectomy (ORC) in the Urology Department of Tanta University Hospital between January 2019 and January 2021.

Methodology: A retrospective analysis was performed on the records of ORC for the period between January 2019 and January 2021. This cross-sectional study was done in the Urology Department, Tanta University Hospital in Egypt.

Results: Data of 47 patients were collected. Most of the patients in were males (34 patients (72.3%), with male to female ratio of 3:1. Most of the patients were either smokers or ex-smokers, while only 18 patients (38.3%) never smoked before. Visible hematuria was the most common symptom at presentation (35 patients) 74.5%. The main radiological imaging used for staging was CT Urography. Most of the tumors were urothelial in 66% of patients. Squamous differentiation was the most common non urothelial variant with 8 patients. The presence of other non-urothelial variant histology was present in 6 patients.

Conclusion: This study revealed that in the tertiary hospital of Tanta University, the mean age of patients presented with bladder cancer and undergoing ORC, was 63.5 years. Visible haematuria was the most common complaint reported. The use of MRI is valuable in staging of locally advanced bladder cancer. Most of the tumours were urothelial (66%) with significant reduction in the incidence of squamous cell bladder cancer than the previously reported data. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has become an integral part of the treatment protocol in cases of muscle invasive bladder cancer.
Sustainable Energy Analysis of Nigerian Road Transportation Sector: Benchmarking against Global Trends
Authors: Badmus I.
Published: January 2022

Sustainability of road transportation sector fuel exergy utilisation in Nigeria between 1990 and 2019 was examined and compared with the global trends in the same sector. Parameters used were exergy efficiency, depletion number, sustainability index and improvement potential. Petrol engines had the highest mean efficiency of 13.05% and heavy duty vehicles the lowest of 8.57%. Their respective mean depletion numbers were 0.8695 and 0.9143, while their mean sustainability index values were 1.1501 and 1.0937 respectively. However, petrol engines had the highest mean improvement potential of 2.07×1011 MJ and cars had the lowest value of 1.86×1010 MJ. When benchmarked against global values, petrol engines still had the highest mean potential difference value of 5.93×1010 MJ while cars had the lowest value of 6.02×109 MJ. Improvement potential values were largely influenced by exergy utilisation rates, the influence of which outweighed that of exergy efficiencies, of the different carriers.
Covid-19 – Resurgence and Vaccination
Authors: Mishra Sadhana , Chakole Swaroopa
Published: January 2022

COVID-19 is raging through different countries in what is popularly known as second wave. Parallels can be drawn between second waves of COVID-19 and Spanish flu considering massive infectivity and case fatalities. Coronavirus 2019 is the disease that has become more ferocious day by day. As it was thought after lowering in infection cases, it is not over yet. Viruses, especially coronaviruses, are notorious for mutations The novel coronavirus has presented its notoriety by mutating into double mutant strain, which is wreaking havoc in the second most populous country, India. The health care infrastructure is almost collapsed and cannot cater such huge demand. Vaccinations must be the utmost priority as they have been effective in severe cases. Mutations needs to be monitored closely. Ramping up of health care infrastructure through public as well as private efforts can help a lot. Spreading authentic information can be the antidote for vaccine hesitancy. The herculean task of containing the deadly virus is not only on hospital care facilities but also on people.
Trends of Seasonal Influenza Incidence among the Population of Abha, Saudi Arabia During 2019
Authors: Alshahrani Amal M. , AlHalbub Ali Yahya Ali , Althobaiti Omar Obaidallah , Alshumrani Saud Ghazi , Alshumrani Zainah Ghazi , Alshahrani Najim Z. , Alshumrani Kholoud Ghazi , AlGhamdi Bayan , Al Modeer Shaima Mohammed Mashhour , Alsudairy Omar , Alharbi Alhanouf Dhaifallah Hamad , Alshehri Mohammed , Alqahtani Abdulrahman Ali , Hanash Abdulbari Ahmed , Alshammari Nawaf Safaq
Published: January 2022

Background: Influenza is one of the infections in which a specific pattern is observed according to seasons which result in severe forms of disease. By providing regular and extensive quality in epidemiological studies, the surveillance system can help in reducing the threat to public health posed by influenza that eventually minimizes the effect of illness. They also help in reporting the health ministry about the relevant information as an aid to reduce the impact of disease on public health.

Objective: To assess the incidence of seasonal influenza in Abha City, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This surveillance report conducted among citizens of Abha, Saudi Arabia, 2019. It is based on sentinel surveillance and case-based data collection of laboratory-confirmed cases through electronic health records. All data were obtained from the department of infectious diseases of public health department in Aseer health directorate.

Results: The total reported positive cases for influenza viruses were 808 (22.30%) patients in the city of Abha for the year 2019, among them 435 males and 373 females (F= 9.5149; P=0.002038) which 665 (82.3%) were typed as influenza A and 143 (17.7%) as influenza B. (F= 674.46; P=0.001). The prevalence of the disease is commonly seen in the age group of 5-15 (42.35 %) with a mean age of 15.45±4.50 followed by 16 to 50 years age (37.45%) and 51-65 age group (10%). There was no death registered among these cases. In February maximum cases were found, whereas in June and July minimum cases were recorded. The influenza positivity rate showed one primary peak and three secondary peaks that were recorded in February and January, March and December.

Conclusion: Importance of conducting effective epidemiological surveillance for influenza virus in various regions in Abha specially in winter season with a peak in the month of February.
Awareness of the General Population about the Causes, Management and Prevention of Peptic Ulcer Disease in Arar City, Northern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abukanna Abdelrahman Mohamed Ahmed , Alanazi Basil Falah Ayed , ALRuwaili Talal Atallah Rahil , Harbi Essa Abdulrhman Mater AL , Alanazi Thamer Mohammed Matrud
Published: January 2022

Background: Gastro-dudenal ulcere is a global problem with a lifetime risk of development ranging from 5% to 10%.

Objective: This study aims to determine the public awareness in Arar, Saudi Arabia, regarding the causes, management and prevention of gastro duodenal ulcer.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Arar city, Saudi Arabia in the period of 1 September to 30 October 2021 among the general population of Arar, Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion: Almost half of the participants had knowledge about gastric or duodenal ulcers and most of them know the risk factors and possible complications. There is non-significant relationship between gastro-duodenal ulcers awareness and age, gender and educational level while a significant relationship was found between level of awareness and social status, functional status and the average monthly income of the participants.