bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intubation Quality and Hemodynamic Response in Endotracheal Intubation with Ultrasound-Guided Bilateral Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block
Authors: Tri Agus , Widnyana I Made Gede , Sucandra Made Agus Kresna , Senapathi Tjokorda Gde Agung
Published: February 2021

General anesthesia works centrally, causing loss of consciousness and blocking the pain response. Some of the general anesthesia techniques are using laryngoscopy and intubation. The side effects of endotracheal intubation, for instance, are stimulating cough reflex, laryngospasm, and sympathetic nervous system response that increases catecholamine levels. The side effects are increases in blood pressure and heart rate. Hereby, a big consent for anesthesiologists thus intravenous, topical, and regional drugs are usually needed to facilitate this action. Using a muscle relaxant to facilitate intubation is often performed but does not suppress the hemodynamic responses. Intubation with superior laryngeal nerve block technique has an equivalent quality compare with muscle relaxant uses. This technique can prevent hemodynamic responses from laryngoscopy endotracheal intubation.
Early Clinical Outcome and Complications Associated in Neonates with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Grade II/III who Underwent Treatment with Servo Controlled Whole-Body Therapeutic Hypothermia
Authors: Phadke Abhishek K. , Kumble Ali , Ravikumar Kushal
Published: February 2021

Background:

There are limited data regarding servo-controlled whole-body therapeutic hypothermia (TH) for neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) Stage II/III in the Indian setting. The objectives of this study were to determine the early clinical outcome of neonates with HIE Stage II/III treated with TH and to determine the mortality rate and associated complications.

Methods:

This study was a prospective observational study done at a Level 3A National Neonatology Forum accredited tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Term neonates with HIE Grade II/III admitted to NICU within 6 h of birth were enrolled in the study. Subjects underwent servo-controlled whole-body therapeutic cooling as per the research protocol.

Results:

Out of 54 subjects, 22 (40.7%) had stage II HIE and 32 (59.3%) had Stage III. The mortality rate was 24% (n = 13), with all having Stage 3. Direct breastfeeds was achieved in 65.9% of successfully cooled babies within 48 h after TH treatment. About 85.4% of babies who were successfully cooled had good early clinical outcomes as evidenced by good activity, normal tone, successful direct breastfeeding, and early discharge within 72 h post treatment with TH. Coagulopathy was observed in 70.4%, raised liver enzymes in 96.3% and thrombocytopenia in 9.3%.

Conclusion:

There is a significant correlation of grade of encephalopathy and blood gas abnormality at admission with the outcome in babies with HIE treated with TH. Majority of babies with HIE stage 2/3 who successfully completed TH had good early clinical outcomes at the time of discharge.
Utilization of Health-Care Resources of Preterm Infants during their First 2 Years of Life after Discharge from Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Al-Hindi Mohammed Yasir , Alshamrani Zeyad Mohammed , Alkhotani Waiel Ahmed , Albassam Abdulrahman Bassam , Amin Tashkandi Abdullah Mohammed , AlQurashi Mansour Abdullah
Published: February 2021

Background:

Preterm birth is the most significant factor for infant morbidity and mortality. Preterm infants are highly vulnerable to substantial comorbidities and need to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Prematurity and low birth weight (LBW) of infants, in particular, have been found to have a higher substantial burden on family resources and health-care resources after discharge from the hospital.

Objective:

To obtain data as a basis for strategic planning and efficient delivery of health-care resources, this study aims to determine the extent of health-care facility utilization among preterm infants during their first 2 years of life after discharge from the NICU.

Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study design by reviewing the electronic medical records of preterm infants (i.e., <37 weeks' gestation) who were discharged from the NICU. Their outcomes were compared to healthy term infants. All examined infants were delivered at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from June 1, 2016, to April 30, 2018.

Results:

In this single-center study, the NICU admission rate was 8.6%, and 4.18% of those were premature. In terms of facility utilization, preterm infants had a significantly higher frequency of outpatient visits, laboratory, and radiology performed as compared to healthy term infants. Preterm infants were also significantly and more likely to be admitted to the inpatient department. In subgroup analysis, very preterm, extremely preterm, low birth weight (LBW), very LBW (VLBW), and extremely LBW (ELBW) infants had higher outpatient visits and higher laboratory and radiology performed.

Conclusions:

Preterm infants utilized more health-care resources than healthy term infants. Very preterm, extremely preterm, VLBW, and ELBW infants had more outpatient visits and utilized the laboratory and radiology services more often than other subgroups. This study suggests developing an innovative strategic plan to effectively meet preterm infants' health-care needs, particularly by improving services in mostly utilized hospital resources.
Clinical Manifestation of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants
Authors: Sobeir Sarrh Siddig , Qaraqei Mustafa , Wani Tariq , AlMatary Abdulrahman
Published: February 2021

Background:

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common devastating acquired disease of the gastrointestinal tract in preterm infants.

Objective:

The study is aimed to evaluate maternal, infant risk factors, and radiological manifestation, in addition to the outcome.

Methodology:

This was a retrospective cohort study, all preterm infants born <32 weeks that were delivered in our tertiary care hospital from January 2011 to December 2018 with a confirmed diagnosis of NEC.

Results:

Forty-nine infants full-filled the inclusion criteria. The average weight of infants with NEC was 970 g (1028 ± 401) with P= 0.05. The gestational age of affected infants was 27.5 ± 2.9 weeks with P= 0.007, the average age of NEC diagnosis was 14.8 ± 11.2 days and their average length of stay was 79.9 ± 57.5 days with valueP = 0.015. Bowel stricture occurred in 4 (8.2%) infants with P < 0.001. Short bowel syndrome occurred in 1 (2%) infants with P < 0.001. Bronchopulmonary hypoplasia occurred in 24 (49%) with P < 0.001. Retinopathy of prematurity occurred in 9 (18.8%) with P < 0.001.

Conclusion:

Maternal parity multigravida had increased risk by more than double. More than half of our babies developed advanced NEC, which is double the reported figures found in other studies, which indicate routine needs to use of probiotics.
Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis Due to Streptococcus Pneumoniae
Authors: Niaz Sana , Khan Azeem , Kumar Vikram , Ali Syed Rehan
Published: February 2021

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a common respiratory tract pathogen in children causing otitis media, sinusitis, bacteremia, and meningitis. Although comparatively rare, this pathogen can also cause early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) as well as late-onset neonatal sepsis and can mimic Group B streptococcal sepsis-like illness in neonates. S. pneumoniae can be transmitted vertically from maternal vaginal tract colonization or from the placenta through hematogenous spread. Two consecutive case reports of EONS are reported. Vaccination of the mother with pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine during the third trimester may provide protection to infants by enhancing the transplacental transfer of active immunoglobulin (IgG) to the fetus, as well as improving the availability of secretory antibodies for the fetus through mother's milk. Immunization of the mother may also prevent genital colonization through resulting high levels of IgG plus mucosal CD17 lymphocytes.
Comparative Evaluation of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Pulpotomy and Laser-Assisted Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Pulpotomy
Authors: Satyarth Saurabh , Alkhamis Ahmed Mansour , Almunahi Hessah Fahad , Abdulaziz Alsuhaymi Malak Omar , Vadde Hima Bindu , Senapathi S Navaneet , Shami Ahmed Omar , Aldrewesh Reema Fahad , Nayyar Abhishek Singh
Published: February 2021

Context and Aim:

Formocresol has been used as the material of choice (gold standard) for pulpotomy procedures because of the ease of use but was discouraged due to its potential immune sensitization and mutagenic effects. Laser irradiation was first applied for pulpotomy procedure in the year 1985. Recently, diode lasers have been used for pulpotomy in primary teeth and have shown clinical success rates comparable to formocresol. The present in vivo study was carried out to compare the clinical and radiographic success rates of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) pulpotomy and diode laser-assisted pulpotomy in human primary molars.

Materials and Methods:

The present study was a randomized clinical trial in design wherein 40 primary teeth requiring pulpotomy treatment which met the selection criteria (clinical and radiographic) were divided into two groups, Group 1 (n = 20) wherein the pulpotomy was performed with MTA alone and Group 2 (n = 20) wherein laser-assisted pulpotomy was performed with MTA (L-MTA). The patients were recalled after 3, 6, and 9 months, respectively and evaluated clinically and radiographically.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22 (IBM corporation, Washington DC, United States). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data while the Pearson's correlation coefficient test was used to analyze the statistical correlation between the overall success rates observed in the clinical and radiographic findings of both the groups. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The clinical success rate in the MTA group was 90%, 84.21%, and 88.23% at 3, 6, and 9 months, respectively, with no clinical signs or, symptoms reported at the said follow-up visits while the radiographic success rate was found to be 85%, 84.21%, and 82.3%, respectively. On the contrary, the clinical success rate in the L-MTA group was found to be 95%, 94.74%, and 94.44% at 3, 6, and 9, months, respectively with the radiographic success rate reported being 90%, 89.47%, and 88.89%, respectively.

Conclusion:

The combination of diode laser and MTA yielded better clinical and radiographic success rates over the pulpotomy procedures done with the help of MTA alone, thereby, concluding that lasers may be considered as adjuvant alternatives for vital pulp therapy on human primary teeth.
Efficient Resource Allocation Design for Mitigating Multi-Jammer in Underwater Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Bagali Sheetal , Sundaraguru R.
Published: February 2021

Underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) are used for monitoring costal area and military surveillance applications, for example tsunami prevention and target tracking etc. Jamming is considered to be a serious problem in UWSNs where the intruder affects the lifetime of sensor motes and impact the packet transmission performance. This paper consider that the jammer device has capability of reducing battery lifetime and preventing communication of trustworthy UWSN mote. Existing resource utilization model are not efficient considering presence of multiple jammers. For overcoming research issues this work present efficient resource allocation design for mitigating multiple jammers in UWSNs. The ERA model adopts cross layer design and can communicate in cooperative manner using direct and hop based communication that maximize resource utilization quality specifier. Experiment outcome shows the ERA achieves much better detection rate, resource utilization, packet drop, and energy efficiency performance compared with existing resource allocation methodologies considering presence of multiple jammer motes.
Improved JPEG image watermarking in data compression domain using block selection strategy
Authors: Zairi M. , Boujiha T. , Ouelli A.
Published: February 2021

Nowadays, the joint photographic experts group (JPEG) is still the most dominant format among various digital image formats used in our daily life. Therefore, watermarking JPEG images is important and useful for many applications such as archive management and image authentication. Along with the embedding capacity and visual quality that must be considered for uncompressed images, the storage size of the watermarked JPEG image should be also considered. In this paper, based on the philosophy behind the JPEG encoder and the statistical properties of discrete cosine transform (DCT) coefficients, we propose a new JPEG image watermarking in the data compression domain, in which only coefficients with values 1 and -1 are expanded to carry message bits, coefficients with values 2 and -2 are shifted, and all the others coefficients remain unchanged. Moreover, a block selection strategy based on the number of 1 and -1 coefficients in each 8×8 block is proposed, which can be utilized to adaptively choose DCT coefficients for data embedding. Experimental results demonstrate that by using the proposed method, we can easily realize high embedding capacity and good visual quality. Furthermore, the storage size increase for the watermarked JPEG image is well lessened.
McKay matrices for finite-dimensional Hopf algebras
Authors: Benkart Georgia , Biswal Rekha , Kirkman Ellen , Nguyen Van C. , Zhu Jieru
Published: February 2021

For a finite-dimensional Hopf algebra

$\mathsf {A}$
, the McKay matrix

$\mathsf {M}_{\mathsf {V}}$
of an

$\mathsf {A}$
-module

$\mathsf {V}$
encodes the relations for tensoring the simple

$\mathsf {A}$
-modules with

$\mathsf {V}$
. We prove results about the eigenvalues and the right and left (generalized) eigenvectors of

$\mathsf {M}_{\mathsf {V}}$
by relating them to characters. We show how the projective McKay matrix

$\mathsf {Q}_{\mathsf {V}}$
obtained by tensoring the projective indecomposable modules of

$\mathsf {A}$
with

$\mathsf {V}$
is related to the McKay matrix of the dual module of

$\mathsf {V}$
. We illustrate these results for the Drinfeld double

$\mathsf {D}_n$
of the Taft algebra by deriving expressions for the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of

$\mathsf {M}_{\mathsf {V}}$
and

$\mathsf {Q}_{\mathsf {V}}$
in terms of several kinds of Chebyshev polynomials. For the matrix

$\mathsf {N}_{\mathsf {V}}$
that encodes the fusion rules for tensoring

$\mathsf {V}$
with a basis of projective indecomposable

$\mathsf {D}_n$
-modules for the image of the Cartan map, we show that the eigenvalues and eigenvectors also have such Chebyshev expressions.
The Higson–Roe sequence for étale groupoids. II. The universal sequence for equivariant families
Authors: Benameur Moulay-Tahar , Roy Indrava
Published: February 2021

This is the second part of our series about the Higson–Roe sequence for étale groupoids. We devote this part to the proof of the universal K-theory surgery exact sequence which extends the seminal results of N. Higson and J. Roe to the case of transformation groupoids. In the process, we prove the expected functoriality properties as well as the Paschke–Higson duality theorem.
Establishment of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey air pollution study dataset for the researchers on the health impact of ambient air pollution
Authors: Hwang Myung-Jae , Sung Jisun , Yoon Miryoung , Kim Jong-Hun , Yun Hui-Young , Choi Dae-Ryun , Koo Youn-Seo , Oh Kyungwon , Yun Sungha , Cheong Hae-Kwan
Published: February 2021

To provide a nationwide representative dataset for the study on health impact of air pollution, we combined the data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey with the daily air quality and weather data by matching the date of examination and the residential address of the participants. The database of meteorological factors and air quality as sources of exposure data were estimated using the Community Multiscale Air Quality model. The linkage dataset was merged by three ways; administrative district, si-gun-gu (city, county, and district), and geocode (in latitude and longitude coordinate units) based on the participants’ residential address, respectively. During the study period, the exposure dataset of 85,018 individuals (38,306 men and 46,712 women) whose examination dates were recorded were obtained. According to the definition of exposure period, the dataset was combined with the data on short-term, mid-term, and long-term exposure to air pollutants and the meteorological indices. Calculation of the daily merged dataset’s average air pollution linked by si-gun-gu and geocode units showed similar results. This study generated a daily average of meteorological indices and air pollution exposure dataset for all regions including rural and remote areas in Korea for 11 years. It is expected to provide a platform for the researchers studying the health impact of air pollution and climate change on the representative population and area, which may facilitate the establishment of local health care plans by understanding the residents’ health status at the local as well as national level.
Massive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Testing on Rural Communities in Manabi Province (Ecuador) Reveals Severe COVID-19 Outbreaks
Authors: Ortiz-Prado Esteban , Henriquez-Trujillo Aquiles R. , Rivera-Olivero Ismar A. , Freire-Paspuel Byron , Vallejo-Janeta Alexander Paolo , Lozada Tannya , Garcia-Bereguiain Miguel Angel , _ _
Published: February 2021

Rural communities from Latin America are particularly susceptible to develop serious outbreaks of infectious diseases. Inadequate diagnosis and poor health infrastructure jeopardize proper contact tracing and other actions to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in the region. We herein describe the preliminary data of our ongoing fieldwork of massive testing among nonhospitalized rural population in Manabi Province of the coastal region of Ecuador. A total of 1,479 people from six different rural communities were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR following the CDC protocol; 350 individuals tested positive, resulting in an overall attack rate of 23.7% for SARS-CoV-2 infection. This ultrahigh prevalence must urge to the public health authorities from Ecuador to take immediate actions to counteract this dramatic scenario in Manabi Province and to improve SARS-CoV-2 testing countrywide.
Evaluation of the 19 varieties and accessions of tomato against bacterial wilt in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
Authors: Traore Oumarou , Wonni Issa , Boro Fousseni , Somtore Etienne , Zombré Cyril Tinlé , Dianda Oumarou Zoéyandé , Wicker Emmanuel , Ilboudo Paul , Ouedraogo Léonard Somgnogdin , Somda Irénée
Published: February 2021

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum E. F. Smith is one of the most harmful phytobacteriosis in the world. The search for varieties resistant or tolerant to this disease is the main method of control. However, there is very little information on tomato accessions and varieties deemed resistant or tolerant to the disease in Burkina Faso, hence the resistance assessment of 19 tomato varieties and accessions in the field in order to improve the productivity of tomatoes in Burkina Faso. With respect to varietal screening, a completely randomized Fisher block was used and agromorphological parameters were evaluated. The evaluation has shown that CRA 66, F1 Platinum, NC72TR4-4, Hawaii 7996, BF-Okitsu and FBT4 are more resistant with respective incidences of 1.25%; 1.25; 1.47%; 2.50%; 2.95% and 4.37%; while L390 was the most sensitive (38.80%). In terms of production, F1 Platinum, F1 Mongal, FBT3 and FBT4 gave the best net yields of 25.85; 25.47; 20.6 and 20.34 tonnes.ha-1. On the other hand, some accessions (CRA66 and BF-Okitsu), which are less sensitive to the pathogen, gave derisory yields. In view of the results obtained, market gardeners in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso can be advised of INERA varieties FBT3 and FBT4 and the F1 Platinum and F1 Mongal hybrids for their good behavior in terms of resistance to the disease and/or of correct yield in infected soils.Keywords: Burkina Faso, R. solanacearum, tomato, varietal resistance
Detection, identification and characterization of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases producing Enterobacteriaceae in wastewater and salads marketed in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Authors: Soré Souleymane , Sawadogo Yacouba , Bonkoungou Juste Isidore , Kaboré Sephora P. , Béogo Saidou , Sawadogo Charles , Bationo Boubié G. , Ky Hervé , Madingar Patrick Djim-Madjim , Ouédraogo Abdoul Salam , Sanou Idrissa
Published: February 2021

Extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) represent a threat for failure of empirical antibiotic therapy and are associated with high mortality, morbidity and expenses. The aims of this study was to determine the prevalence of ESBL-PE and multidrug resistant enterobacteria (MDR), enterobacteria profil, investigate the associated resistance in wastewater and salads. After wastewater and salad sampling, enterobacteria was isoled on (EMB + 4μg / L cefotaxim). The stains of Enterobacteriaceae were identified by using biochemical methods and confirmed as ESBL by double-disc synergy test (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid with cefotaxime 30 μg, ceftazidime 30 μg and ceftriaxone 30 μg). Finally, the associated resistance was investigated by testing the susceptibility of the strains by the disc diffusion method. Global prevalence of ESBL-PE was 53.92% (95% CI: 48,2-59,5) (153/293), 61.11% from wastewater and 42.47% from salads. Major ESBL-E was Escherichia coli (73.44%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (21.88%). Resistance to the aminoglycoside , fluroquinolonones and sulfonamides classes were dominant, observed in 53,83%, 93,86% and 98,95% of the isolates, respectively. The frequence of MDR was hight to channel1 (32,40%) and channel2 (26,26%). This study reports very worrying results. There is an urgent need to develop measures to monitor the spread of these multidrug-resistant strains.Keywords: Wastewater, ESBL-PE, Salads, Ouagadougou.
Effets comparés des doses de l’hormone 17-alpha-methyltestosterone et du milieu d’élevage sur les taux de masculinisation, de survie et de croissance des larves du tilapia Oreochromis niloticus en zone d’altitude camerounaise
Authors: Mebanga S. A. , Douanla R. , Pouomogne V.
Published: February 2021

L’un des principaux obstacles au développement de l’aquaculture au Cameroun est le manque d’approvisionnement en alevins et juvéniles en quantité suffisante lorsque le besoin se pose. L’objectif est de déterminer quelles sont les voies d’amélioration de la pisciculture en étang et en écloserie dans le cadre du développement durable des productions halieutiques au Cameroun. A cet effet, une étude a été réalisée à Batié dans la région de l’Ouest du Cameroun afin de rechercher la dose optimale de l’hormone 17-alpha-methyltestosterone (17-𝛼-MT) et l’effet du milieu sur les taux de masculinisation et les performances zootechniques des alevins du tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Ainsi, 3 mâles et 9 femelles matures de poids moyens individuels respectifs de 250 g et de 200 g sortant d’une phase de repos sexuel ont été mis en reproduction dans un bac bétonné en écloserie. Deux semaines après, une pêche de contrôle a révélé la présence de larves dans la cavité buccale des femelles. Ces larves ont été extraites et réparties dans 9 bassins de 50 litres chacun installés en écloserie à eau contrôlée et dans 9 happas de 1,8 m³ installés dans des étangs à eau non contrôlée. Les bassins contenaient chacun 220 larves et recevaient en triplicata trois aliments expérimentaux contenant chacun respectivement 50, 55 et 60 mg de l’hormone 17-𝛼-MT/kg d’aliment. La même procédure a été faite en étang. Après 31 jours d’élevage, la ration à base de 55 mg de 17-𝛼-MT/kg d’aliment a présenté significativement (p < 0,05) les meilleurs résultats et l’écloserie le meilleur milieu d’élevage. Les interactions doses d’hormone et milieu d’élevage ont montré que l’hormone a contribué respectivement à 60,75 ; 76,25 et 54,23% de masculinisation, le gain moyen quotidien et le taux de croissance spécifique. Le milieu d’élevage a participé respectivement à 92,29 ; 56,16 et 77,25% sur la survie, le quotient nutritif et le facteur de condition. Ces résultats suggèrent de préconiser l’aliment à 55 mg de 17-𝛼-MT et l’écloserie pour une meilleure production du tilapia à 100% mâles ayant une bonne potentialité de production.Mots clés : Alevins, écloserie, étang, tilapia, hormone.
The Constitutional and Legal Basis of Price Regulation in Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremeskel Fekadu Petros
Published: February 2021

This article examines price regulation with its various objectives, forms and contexts. Navigating through the economic literature (that shows price regulation as a futile exercise for controlling inflation and solving commodity scarcity), the article analyses the constitutional foundations and the legislative enactments that authorize price regulation in Ethiopia. While there is a strong legal authority under the Constitution to regulate prices, there is lack of detailed standards to distinguish between the proper and improper exercise of price regulation power. Distinction is made between price regulation in normal times vis-à-vis price regulation during emergencies, and I argue that price regulation during emergencies should be evaluated against separate standards. With regard to price regulation in normal times, the recently enacted administrative procedure proclamation may help in solving the lack of standards.
Comment: The Preliminary Inquiry in Ethiopia and Its Adverse Impact on the Rights of the Accused
Authors: Kassa Wondwossen Demissie
Published: February 2021

Whether preliminary inquiry should be conducted following completion of criminal investigation was one of the issues that arose in criminal proceedings of leaders of some opposition parties who were arrested (in June and July 2020) following the assassination of Hachalu Hundessa. The Court accepted the request of the Office of the Attorney General for the holding of preliminary inquiry. While the request of the Office of the Attorney General and the ruling of the court are consistent with the 1961 Criminal Procedure Code, in view of the unique nature of the Ethiopian Preliminary Inquiry, both the request and the ruling adversely affect the right of the accused to a fair trial. The application of the law regulating preliminary inquiry would be a departure from the principle of equality of arms and the right of the accused to confrontation, both of which are elements of the right to a fair trial. It is argued (in this comment) that using evidence obtained during preliminary inquiry against the accused is inconsistent with the FDRE Constitution and relevant international legal instruments.
Radiographic parameters of the digit in a cohort population of Amiata donkeys
Authors: Nocera Irene , Aliboni Benedetta , Puccinelli Caterina , Pietrini Giulia , Sgorbini Micaela , Citi Simonetta , Ricardi Giorgio
Published: February 2021

Background: The most common musculoskeletal conditions reported in donkeys are related to the foot. Radiographic examinations are clinically important in the diagnosis of foot abnormalities and are commonly used. However, few studies have been conducted to establish the normal radiographic appearance of a donkey’s foot. Aim: To determine the radiographic features of the front digit in healthy Amiata donkeys. Methods: Radiographic examinations were performed on 56 forefeet of 28 Amiata donkeys. Three radiographic views of each front foot were taken: lateromedial, dorsopalmar and dorso 65°proximal/palmarodistal oblique. Seventeen angular and linear radiographic parameters and the crena solearis were evaluated in all forefeet, and 18 morphometric parameters were evaluated in 16 out of 56 forefeet. Statistical analysis was carried out on all the measures assessed. Results: The radiographic appearance of the forefoot was ascertained, and data were reported as median ± standard error, minimum and maximum values. No statistical differences were obtained between the right and left forefeet. Conclusion: The normal baseline parameters of the forefeet of Amiata donkeys were recorded and described and compared with other donkey breeds and horses. The findings highlighted that the donkey breed affects the radiographic parameters of the digit.
Technique description: Incisionless ultrasound-assisted biceps tenotomy in dogs
Authors: Lane David , Schiller Teresa
Published: February 2021

Background: Bicipital tendinitis and/or tendinopathy is a common cause of forelimb lameness in dogs, particularly in larger and more active patients. Although conservative treatment aimed at resolving discomfort and preserving the tendon remains the primary therapeutic goal, in certain cases it is necessary to surgically transect the tendon to eliminate pain and lameness. Transection of the tendon can be performed by open arthrotomy, arthroscopically, or percutaneously using a scalpel blade. This paper examines the utility of a modified percutaneous approach using ahypodermic needle in place of a scalpel blade, under ultrasound-guided assistance.Aim: To develop and describe a surgical technique for performing a percutaneous biceps tenotomy using a hypodermic needle under ultrasound guidance Method: The technique was piloted using the shoulders of 12 cadaver dogs initially and once developed, then applied to another 12 cadavers. The final procedure was performed on a total of 22 shoulders. Assessments were recorded on time to complete the procedure, completeness of bicipital tendon transection, and presence of any iatrogenic damage to associated joint structures. Results: Procedure time averaged fewer than 2 minutes. Complete transection was achieved in 20 out of 22 of the shoulders, with evidence of incomplete transection discernable by ultrasound imaging in the remaining two shoulders. One cadaver shoulder experienced iatrogenic damage secondary to incorrect hypodermic needle angulation. Conclusion: Percutaneous biceps tenotomy using a hypodermic needle is an efficient and straightforward procedure. The lack of a surgical incision makes it the least invasive technique devised so far. Ultrasound imaging allows thepractitioner to assess the completeness of the transection increasing precision.
Dural sac localization using myelography and its application to the lumbosacral epidural in dogs
Authors: Zapata Ana , Ros Carlos , Álvarez Elena Ríos , Martin Myriam , De Carellán Mateo Alejandra García
Published: February 2021

Background: The techniques described for the identification of the lumbosacral (LS) epidural space in dogs do not guarantee the needle position or an accidental subarachnoid puncture, especially in small size dogs.Aim: To determine the relationship between body weight and the location of the dural sac (DS) using myelography in dogs, and to determine the possibility of subarachnoid puncture during LS epidural based on the position of the DS.Methods: Four masked observers evaluated 70 myelographic studies of dogs, annotating the vertebrae where the DS ended, if it was localized before or after the LS space, and if accidental subarachnoid puncture during LS epidural injection was possible (yes/no). Body weight (kg) was categorized into: less than 10 kg, between 10 and 20 kg, and more than 20 kg and was also converted to body surface area (BSA) as a continuous variable.Results: The DS ended at the LS space or caudally in 50% of dogs. There was a statistically significant difference between the position of the DS and the dog’s BSA (p = 0.001). The DS ended caudal to the LS space in 72.7% of dogs weighing <10 kg, in 25% of dogs between 10 and 20 kg and in 15% of dogs in the >20 kg category. The observers considered a possible subarachnoid puncture during LS epidural in 69.7% of patients <10 kg, 16.6% on those between 10 and 20 kg, and in 11.7% of the dogs >20 kg.Conclusion: The DS ended caudal to the LS space in almost 3/4 dogs in the <10 kg category, so accidental subarachnoid puncture during LS epidural is highly possible in this weight range.
Otodectic and bacterial etiology of feline otitis externa in Tripoli, Libya
Authors: Hiblu Murad A. , Ellraiss Omar M. , Karim Elfurgani S. , Elmishri Rabia A. , Duro Enass M. , Altaeb Abdulnasser A. , Bennour Emad M.
Published: February 2021

Background: Feline otitis externa is a dermatological disorder with a multifactorial complex etiology.Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of different etiological agents, particularly the parasitic and bacterial, responsible for the cases of feline otitis externa in Tripoli, Libya, and to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of the bacterial isolates from those cases.Methods: Cerumen and otic discharges of the suspected cats were collected for parasite detection and bacterial culture. Kirby–Bauer’s disk diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing.Results: The results showed that otodectic mites and bacterial causes were equally the most prevalent in those cases, with a prevalence of 47.1% each. Otodectes cynotis infestation was more frequently bilateral and severe. Staphylococcus spp. were the most prevalent among bacterial causes (75%), followed by Proteus spp. (16.6%) and Pseudomonas spp. (8.4%). Norfloxacin and gentamicin were the most effective antimicrobials against bacterial isolates, as they were effective against 83.3% and 70.8% of isolates, respectively.Conclusion: Otodectes cynotis infestation and staphylococcal infections constituted the most common etiology of feline otitis externa in Tripoli, Libya, and norfloxacin represented a cogent antibacterial for the treatment of otitis externa.
Ultrasound-guided serratus plane block as an effective adjunct to systemic analgesia in four dogs undergoing thoracotomy
Authors: Asorey Iago , Sambugaro Beatrice , Bhalla Rebecca J. , Drozdzynska Maja
Published: February 2021

Background: Ultrasound-guided serratus plane block (UGSPB) is a loco-regional anesthesia technique designed to desensitize the thoracic wall. It is a compartmental block, where local anesthetic is delivered to the fascial, intermuscular plane. Since its original description in humans, two cadaveric veterinary studies, redefining the technique, have been performed. Taking into account the successful use of the UGSPB in human medicine, we employed the veterinary description to perform this block in four dogs undergoing thoracotomy. The case series described below aims to share our experience of the clinical application of this new loco-regional anesthesia technique in dogs. Case Description: Four dogs, with different underlying medical conditions underwent cranial lateral thoracotomy. The analgesia protocol consisted of intravenous methadone and UGSPB performed half an hour before the beginning of the procedure. The cardiovascular system was closely monitored for any signs of nociception. Fentanyl, although available as rescue analgesia, was not required in any of these cases as no signs of nociception were present. Conclusion: To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first veterinary clinical report using the UGSPB as a part of a multimodal analgesia protocol in dogs undergoing thoracotomy. Based on this observation, UGSPB has the potential to prevent nociception and reduce the intraoperative opioid requirements in dogs undergoing thoracotomy. A prospective randomized clinical trial is required to confirm these promising results.
The Representation of Homosexuality in Old Norse Literature and Law
Authors: ÇELİK Oğulcan
Published: February 2021

This paper proposes to examine the evidence for homosexuality among the early medieval Scandinavian peoples, popularly known as the Vikings. A variety of literary, legal, and religious sources from medieval Iceland and Norway provide an indirect window on Viking attitudes towards homosexuality. These include sagas such as Njal's Saga, Ljósvetninga Saga, Kristni Saga, Gisla Saga, Biskupa Sögur Íslenska Bókmenntafélag, and Fóstbræðra Saga along with the Eddaic poems Lokasenna and Þrymskviða. This literary testimony may be supplemented by evidence from the Law of Gulathing and the Gray Goose Laws (Gragas), as well as Staðarhólsbók and the Icelandic Homily Book. Homosexuality was termed "nið” in Old Norse, and the term varies according to certain actions or behaviour. In the sagas, the word "nið” was used in several ways with different meanings, to denote a coward, sexual pervert, or a homosexual. The word was mostly used in the meaning of coward and homosexual which were more or less synonymous for the Vikings.
Validity and Reliability of Surface Electromyography Features in Lower Extremity Muscle Contraction in Healthy and Spinal Cord–Injured Participants
Authors: Silverman Jordan Daniel , Balbinot Gustavo , Masani Kei , Zariffa José , Eng P.
Published: February 2021

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) has a significant impact on motor control and active force generation. Quantifying muscle activation following SCI may help indicate the degree of motor impairment and predict the efficacy of rehabilitative interventions. In healthy persons, muscle activation is typically quantified by electromyographic (EMG) signal amplitude measures. However, in SCI, these measures may not reflect voluntary effort, and therefore other nonamplitude-based features should be considered. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation of time-domain EMG features with the exerted joint torque (validity) and their test-retest repeatability (reliability), which may contribute to characterizing muscle activation following SCI. Methods: Surface EMG (SEMG) and torque were measured while nine uninjured participants and four participants with SCI performed isometric contractions of tibialis anterior (TA) and soleus (SOL). Data collection was repeated at a subsequent session for comparison across days. Validity and test-retest reliability of features were assessed by Spearman and intraclass correlation (ICC) of linear regression coefficients. Results: In healthy participants, SEMG features correlated well with torque (TA: ρ > 0.92; SOL: ρ > 0.94) and showed high reliability (ICCmean = 0.90; range, 0.72–0.99). In an SCI case series, SEMG features also correlated well with torque (TA: ρ > 0.86; SOL: ρ > 0.86), and time-domain features appeared no less repeatable than amplitude-based measures. Conclusion: Time-domain SEMG features are valid and reliable measures of lower extremity muscle activity in healthy participants and may be valid measures of sublesional muscle activity following SCI. These features could be used to gauge motor impairment and progression of rehabilitative interventions or in controlling assistive technologies.
Crepant resolutions and open strings II
Authors: Brini Andrea , Cavalieri Renzo
Published: February 2021

We recently formulated a number of Crepant Resolution Conjectures (CRC) for open Gromov-Witten invariants of Aganagic-Vafa Lagrangian branes and verified them for the family of threefold type A-singularities. In this paper we enlarge the body of evidence in favor of our open CRCs, along two different strands. In one direction, we consider non-hard Lefschetz targets and verify the disk CRC for local weighted projective planes. In the other, we complete the proof of the quantized (all-genus) open CRC for hard Lefschetz toric Calabi-Yau three dimensional representations by a detailed study of the G-Hilb resolution of $[C^3/G]$ for $G=\mathbb{Z}_2 \times \mathbb{Z}_2$. Our results have implications for closed-string CRCs of Coates-Iritani-Tseng, Iritani, and Ruan for this class of examples.

Comment: v2: typos fixed, minor changes. v3: some minor points have been clarified, further typos fixed. v4: version accepted for publication on EPIGA
Troisi\`eme groupe de cohomologie non ramifi\'ee d'un solide cubique sur un corps de fonctions d'une variable
Authors: Colliot-Thélène Jean-Louis , Pirutka Alena
Published: February 2021

En combinant une m\'ethode de C. Voisin avec la descente galoisienne sur le groupe de Chow en codimension $2$, nous montrons que le troisi\`eme groupe de cohomologie non ramifi\'ee d'un solide cubique lisse d\'efini sur le corps des fonctions d'une courbe complexe est nul. Ceci implique que la conjecture de Hodge enti\`ere pour les classes de degr\'e 4 vaut pour les vari\'et\'es projectives et lisses de dimension 4 fibr\'ees en solides cubiques au-dessus d'une courbe, sans restriction sur les fibres singuli\`eres. --------------- We prove that the third unramified cohomology group of a smooth cubic threefold over the function field of a complex curve vanishes. For this, we combine a method of C. Voisin with Galois descent on the codimension $2$ Chow group. As a corollary, we show that the integral Hodge conjecture holds for degree $4$ classes on smooth projective fourfolds equipped with a fibration over a curve, the generic fibre of which is a smooth cubic threefold, with arbitrary singularities on the special fibres.

Comment: in French
Stable rationality of higher dimensional conic bundles
Authors: Ahmadinezhad Hamid , Okada Takuzo
Published: February 2021

We prove that a very general nonsingular conic bundle $X\rightarrow\mathbb{P}^{n-1}$ embedded in a projective vector bundle of rank $3$ over $\mathbb{P}^{n-1}$ is not stably rational if the anti-canonical divisor of $X$ is not ample and $n\geq 3$.

Comment: Final version. To appear in Epijournal de Geometrie Algebrique
Rigidity properties of holomorphic Legendrian singularities
Authors: Hwang Jun-Muk
Published: February 2021

We study the singularities of Legendrian subvarieties of contact manifolds in the complex-analytic category and prove two rigidity results. The first one is that Legendrian singularities with reduced tangent cones are contactomorphically biholomorphic to their tangent cones. This result is partly motivated by a problem on Fano contact manifolds. The second result is the deformation-rigidity of normal Legendrian singularities, meaning that any holomorphic family of normal Legendrian singularities is trivial, up to contactomorphic biholomorphisms of germs. Both results are proved by exploiting the relation between infinitesimal contactomorphisms and holomorphic sections of the natural line bundle on the contact manifold.

Comment: 21 pages, minor revision
Free Proalgebraic Groups
Authors: Wibmer Michael
Published: February 2021

Replacing finite groups by linear algebraic groups, we study an algebraic-geometric counterpart of the theory of free profinite groups. In particular, we introduce free proalgebraic groups and characterize them in terms of embedding problems. The main motivation for this endeavor is a differential analog of a conjecture of Shafarevic.

Comment: 36 pages, final accepted version
Motives with modulus, II: Modulus sheaves with transfers for proper modulus pairs
Authors: Kahn Bruno , Miyazaki Hiroyasu , Saito Shuji , Yamazaki Takao
Published: February 2021

We develop a theory of sheaves and cohomology on the category of proper modulus pairs. This complements [KMSY21], where a theory of sheaves and cohomology on the category of non-proper modulus pairs has been developed.

Comment: 31 pages
Beta- Star- Continuity and Beta- Star- Contra- Continuity
Authors: Latif Raja Mohammad
Published: February 2021

In 2014 Mubarki, Al-Rshudi, and Al- Juhani introduced and studied the notion of a set in general topology called β*-open set and investigated its fundamental properties and studied the relationships between β*-open set and other topological sets including β*-continuity in topological spaces. We introduce and investigate several properties and characterizations of a new class of functions between topological spaces called β*- open, β*- closed, β*- continuous and β*- irresolute functions in topological spaces. We also introduce slightly β*- continuous, totally β*- continuous and almost β*- continuous functions between topological spaces and establish several characterizations of these new forms of functions. Furthermore, we also introduce and investigate certain ramifications of contra continuous and allied functions, namely, contra β*- continuous, and almost contra β*-continuous functions along with their several properties, characterizations and natural relationships. Moreover, we introduce new types of closed graphs by using β*- open sets and investigate its properties and characterizations in topological spaces.
Psychological Scaling of Data Obtained on Questionnaires about Career Choices at A Teacher's College
Authors: Broomes Desmond
Published: February 2021

Measurement problems pervade most data obtained on questionnaires. One important class of problems seems to reside in the nature of measurement, and may be identified through a study of a definition of measure­ment.
Human Computer Interaction on Enterprise Information Systems
Authors: Sarah Christine , Ashbrook Anne
Published: February 2021

Safety and pliability, for Enterprise Information Systems (EIS), are fundamental aspects in business. These data systems incorporate the human users with the required behaviours, experiences, and capabilities. In that regard, they have to be pliable, usable and secure. Pliability necessitates the capability to adapt and prepare to handle the perpetuating transforming conditions, which are meant to restore the complete capacity of the incidents and the attack in EIS. In this research is purpose to discuss pliability, security and the Information Systems (IS) problems in the EIS. The problem necessitates the consideration of ergonomics of efficiency, effectiveness and interactions of obligation realization, user trust and user satisfaction, including human emotions when utilizing the secured services. This paper also proposes a technique centred on the socio-technical paradigm and systems meant to model the kinds of interplays between usability, security and pliability. We provide a discussion, based on case study, meant to display the projected approach and focussing on the user-experience centred on the design structures.
E-Commerce Systems and Configuration Management for Virtual Enterprises
Authors: Hart Kevin
Published: February 2021

This research paper provides a detailed evaluation of the business concepts in Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce). The concept of E-Commerce defines the exchange of goods and services with monetary value between consumers and companies. E-Commerce is a web-based catalogue whereby buyers can possibly place order and sellers possibly accept payments. E-Commerce incorporates two forms of business: Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C), which provide a definition of the commerce transactions between enterprises, such as between the wholesalers and the manufacturers or the retailers. B2C E-Commerce provides enterprises with the model, which allows businesses to deliver purchasers to the relevant merchants and achieve from the commission rewards given by the merchants. This paper will evaluate the two forms of business with relation of management of Virtual Enterprises (VE) in the field of E-Commerce. The paper will end with an analysis of VE before projecting future directions for health of B2B and B2C in business.