bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A textual and visual features-jointly driven hybrid intelligent system for digital physical education teaching quality evaluation
Authors: Zeng Boyi , Zhao Jun , Wen Shantian
Published: June 2023

The utilization of intelligent computing in digital teaching quality evaluation has been a practical demand in smart cities. Currently, related research works can be categorized into two types: textual data-based approaches and visual data-based approaches. Due to the gap between their different formats and modalities, it remains very challenging to integrate them together when conducting digital teaching quality evaluation. In fact, the two types of information can both reflect distinguished knowledge from their own perspectives. To bridge this gap, this paper proposes a textual and visual features-jointly driven hybrid intelligent system for digital teaching quality evaluation. Visual features are extracted with the use of a multiscale convolution neural network by introducing receptive fields with different sizes. Textual features serve as the auxiliary contents for major visual features, and are extracted using a recurrent neural network. At last, we implement the proposed method through some simulation experiments to evaluate its practical running performance, and a real-world dataset collected from teaching activities is employed for this purpose. We obtain some groups of experimental results, which reveal that the hybrid intelligent system developed by this paper can bring more than 10% improvement of efficiency towards digital teaching quality evaluation.
Exact solutions and asymptotic behaviors for the reflected Wiener, Ornstein-Uhlenbeck and Feller diffusion processes
Authors: Giorno Virginia , Nobile Amelia G.
Published: June 2023

We analyze the transition probability density functions in the presence of a zero-flux condition in the zero-state and their asymptotic behaviors for the Wiener, Ornstein Uhlenbeck and Feller diffusion processes. Particular attention is paid to the time-inhomogeneous proportional cases and to the time-homogeneous cases. A detailed study of the moments of first-passage time and of their asymptotic behaviors is carried out for the time-homogeneous cases. Some relationships between the transition probability density functions for the restricted Wiener, Ornstein-Uhlenbeck and Feller processes are proved. Specific applications of the results to queueing systems are provided.
COVID-19 pandemic: Evaluating its psychological impact and individuals' depression, anxiety, and stress levels
Authors: Çol Bahar Kefeli , Başaran Ayşe Gümüşler , Pekmezci Hilal
Published: June 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global public health problem affecting mental health, and basic data are required for evidence-based mental health interventions. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of psychological impacts, anxiety, depression, stress, and any associated risk factors in individuals living in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and methods

The population of this descriptive study consisted of individuals over the age of 18 living in Turkey. The data were collected between July–September 2020 using the snowball sampling method. The study was completed with 1733 participants. The data were collected using the Impact of Events Scale-Revised and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Statistical analyses included percentage, mean, standard deviation, a Chi-square test, a Mann Whitney U test, Kruskal Wallis and Tamhane's T2 post hoc, and Spearman's correlation. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

45.1% had moderate or severe psychological effects; 42.7% had a moderate or severe depression, 31.7% had moderate or severe anxiety, and 28.5% had moderate or severe stress levels. Being a woman, being single, unemployment, smoking, the presence of chronic diseases, being young (<35), being a university graduate, having a household size of 5 or more, a low income, having poor health, and being underweight were significantly correlated with some psychological impact, depression, anxiety, and stress levels of people.

Conclusion

During the pandemic period, almost half of the respondents were found to experience some psychological impact of the pandemic and have negative moderate to severe mental health levels. Risk groups for mental health were identified.
Re-establishing HIV/STI Testing Services through University Student-Oriented Centers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hall Evan J.D.
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic saw the disruption of HIV/STI testing services at crucial student-oriented spaces at the University of Michigan, including the Spectrum Center, an LGBTQ+ event and education space, and Wolverine Wellness, a well-being initiative through the University Health Services alongside massive disruptions to testing seen elsewhere around the country. HIV/STI testing resumed in October during the Fall 2021 semester at U of M at Wolverine Wellness and Spectrum Center. At the Spectrum Center, the oldest LGBTQ+ college center in the country, I had the unique opportunity to partner with professional and student staff to foster an environment sensitive to the cultural needs, including awareness of how sexual and gender identity intersects with student sexual health and well-being. Additionally, at both sites, COVID-19 protocols from the state and university were also established in the new workflow of testing services. The re-introduction of HIV/STI testing services through student-oriented sites at the University of Michigan required a reassessment of work flow standards and engagement with the campus student population.
Une enquête au cœur des livres de comptes d’une émailleuse parisienne au xviiie siècle
Authors: Ferrandery Louise
Published: June 2023

Les livres de comptes constituent de riches sources concernant les pratiques techniques et commerciales des artisans-commerçants. Il est possible à partir de ces documents de retracer les réseaux professionnels, les procédés techniques et l’organisation interne d’un atelier comme celui de l’émailleuse Marthe Jeanne Vincent. Cette étude de cas aborde l’ensemble des informations tirées de ses journaux de comptes (1765-1777) – acteurs, matériaux et objets, ventes et achats, prix – qui contribuent à s’informer sur l’histoire de l’émaillerie parisienne du xviiie siècle. Plusieurs techniques d’émaillerie sont pratiquées dans l’atelier de Marthe Jeanne Vincent : perles fausses, émail tiré ou peinture sur émail. Ces techniques et leur mise en œuvre au sein de l’atelier de l’émailleuse témoignent d’une modification des processus de fabrication répondant au nouveau marché du demi-luxe qui connaît son essor au moment où Marthe Jeanne Vincent tient boutique.
La contribution des missionnaires aux arts du feu à la cour de Pékin (xviie-xviiie siècles)
Authors: Landry-Deron Isabelle
Published: June 2023

L’article relate les étapes de l’installation de la verrerie impériale à côté de l’église catholique de la mission jésuite française de Pékin et le rôle des acteurs qui ont travaillé à la production d’objets émaillés. Il suit un ordre chronologique reconstitué à partir des correspondances en français des religieux travaillant au service de la cour sous les trois premiers empereurs de la dynastie des Qing (1644-1911). L’étude met l’accent sur la part prise par les missionnaires dans la diffusion des productions italiennes et françaises dans les provinces où elles étaient offertes comme cadeaux aux mandarins locaux pour favoriser l’installation d’églises. Les coadjuteurs temporels ont tenu une place éminente dans les activités de la verrerie célèbre pour sa fabrication de chefs-d’œuvre artistiques et la production d’objets scientifiques qui ont servi aux observations astronomiques et aux travaux de cartographie sous patronage impérial.
Expérience des techniques et réseaux marchands à Canton (milieu du xviiie siècle)
Authors: Pautet Sébastien
Published: June 2023

Les documents rapportant l’observation de techniques d’émaillage par des voyageurs ou marchands européens à Canton ne sont pas légion. Une lettre souvent citée, celle d’un certain Imbert en 1751, témoigne d’une attention portée par quelques visiteurs du port du Guangdong à la fabrique des émaux chinois. Ce document cependant est mal connu et entouré de zones d’ombres. En recoupant le témoignage d’Imbert avec le journal tenu par Pierre Poivre, ancien missionnaire devenu agent de compagnie, l’article propose d’enquêter sur les conditions d’observation des procédés chinois à Canton au milieu du xviiie siècle. Nous mettons ainsi en évidence la façon dont Canton a pu constituer un lieu de collecte d’informations techniques au xviiie siècle en dépit de conditions restrictives d’échange avec les fabricants chinois. Nous montrons ainsi que Canton fut un pôle d’interaction et de formalisation de savoirs techniques, parallèlement à la voie missionnaire souvent privilégiée par l’historiographie.
Une autre manière de faire de la technologie avec et après Simondon
Authors: Loeve Sacha
Published: June 2023

Nous voudrions ici argumenter la pertinence d’une manière de concevoir et de pratiquer la technologie qui serait moins une science théorique et analytique qu’une techno-esthétique : une connaissance sensible des techniques. Pour ce faire, nous nous fonderons sur la philosophie de Gilbert Simondon, lequel proposait de fonder une techno-esthétique mais laissa ce projet orphelin. Nous irons alors puiser dans l’œuvre antérieure du philosophe des éléments permettant de préciser en quoi une telle techno-esthétique peut constituer un mode de connaissance attentif aux spécificités épistémologiques des techniques, donc une forme de technologie. Les catégories et les modalités de jugement de cette techno-esthétique seront explicitées en référence à Kant et en contraste avec lui. Pour étayer et mettre en valeur la dimension cognitive de l’esthétique nécessaire à la qualification de la techno-esthétique comme forme de technologie, nous renouerons avec les origines de l’esthétique chez l’inventeur du terme, Alexander Baumgarten. Enfin, nous nous attacherons, par-delà Simondon, à une illustration contemporaine éloquente de la techno-esthétique : la phénoménologie alien de Ian Bogost.
Die SF-Ästhetik des 20. Jahrhunderts und die Frage nach der Harmonie am Beispiel von Paul Scheerbarts Lesabéndio (1913) und Wolfgang Hildesheimers Biosphärenklänge (1977)
Authors: Ferragamo Emanuela
Published: June 2023

In Metamorphosis of Science-Fiction bemerkt Darko Suvin, dass das Wort „Science“ der Science-Fiction-Gattung eher dem deutschen Wort „Wissenschaft“ entspricht. Wie sie „Natur“-, „Kultur“- und „Literaturwissen“ umfasst, so drückt die Science-Fiction die Breite des modernen Wissens aus. Und auf die Frage, in welcher Sprache solch ein Wissen darzustellen sei, antworten Paul Scheerbart (1863-1915) und Wolfgang Hildesheimer (1916-1991) mit derselben Antwort: mit der Musik. Scheerbarts Roman Lesabéndio (1913) und Hildesheimers Hörspiel Biosphärenklänge (1977) variieren die pythagoreische Sphärenmusik, und zwar die Behauptung, dass harmonische Töne bei den Bewegungen der Himmelskörper entstehen würden. In seinem „Astralen-Roman“ stellt sich Scheerbart vor, dass eine Nachtmusik im Inneren des fernen Planeten Pallas tönt – dissonant ist dagegen bei Hildesheimer der Biosphärenklang, der das Ende alles Erdenlebens ankündigt. Obwohl beide Schriftsteller unterschiedliche Auffassungen der Technik vertreten, versuchen sie über die kosmische Einheit zwischen Mensch und Natur durch die Sprache der Musik nachzudenken – und diese harmonische Sprache zu variieren.
Reale, virtuelle und simulierte Räume im Science-Fiction Kriminalroman Drohnenland (2014) von Tom Hillenbrand
Authors: Delianidou Simela
Published: June 2023

Tom Hillenbrands Kriminalroman Drohnenland (2014) ist ein utopisch-dystopischer neoimperialer Science-Fiction-EU-Politthriller und repräsentiert insofern eine Hybridgattung: Die „Liquide Surveillance“, der totale virtuelle „Überwachungskapitalismus“, die „smarte Diktatur“ mit ihren neofeudalen Strukturen und ihrem Einsatz von „Psychopolitik“ werden kritisch thematisiert. Sein ästhetisches und politisch-kritisches Potential liegt zudem darin, dass Drohnenland als Cyberpunk computergenerierte virtuelle Räume und Simulationen konstruiert, die als fiktionale Möglichkeitsräume die realen Wirklichkeitsräume der Rezipienten und Rezipientinnen übertreffen: Simulationen greifen in den „realen“ Raum der Fiktion über und ermöglichen sogar Raum- und Zeitreisen, in denen eine „Hyperrealität“ im Sinne Jean Baudrillards entworfen wird, in der die Unterscheidung zwischen Original und Kopie, Realität und Simulation hinfällig wird. In Drohnenland wird außerdem ein open-ended game der simulierten hybriden Räume und Raumerfahrungen betrieben, denn nicht nur die Handlung ist ‚open-ended‘, sondern auch die differenten Raum- und Subjekterlebnisse der Protagonisten und Protagonistinnen: Sie sind in der Hyperrealität als „Digitalkörper“ nicht mehr auf die Wahrheit eines „Fleischkörpers“ angewiesen; ein deutlicher Hinweis in Richtung der Game Studies.
The Metaverse and Digital Libraries
Authors: Sinha Keshav
Published: June 2023

The metaverse, a virtual shared space, has the potential to revolutionize how we access and use digital libraries. As the metaverse becomes more widely adopted, it is essential to consider the role of cybersecurity in protecting these virtual environments and users' personal and financial information. In this chapter, the case study examined the intersection of metaverse and cybersecurity in a digital library context. It focuses on ensuring the security of the library's metaverse. The authors discuss the various cybersecurity measures implemented in the digital library's metaverse, including authentication protocols, encryption, and firewalls. They also explore the potential risks and challenges associated with the metaverse and how effective cybersecurity measures mitigate these risks. Understanding the intersection of the metaverse and cybersecurity in a digital library context ensures these virtual shared spaces' continued growth and success and safe and secure access to the information they contain.
Do You Have an Inquiry?
Authors: Donkor Antonia Bernadette , Ampadu Joseph Osei
Published: June 2023

Virtual reference services are used in academic libraries to provide real-time information services to users. The use of the live-chat service was assessed to determine the frequency and use of virtual reference services and the types of questions asked. The mixed methods approach was employed in this study. One thousand seven hundred and thirteen (1713) chats were assessed to be valid for the study. Thematic content analysis was carried out to identify common themes, after which descriptive and inferential analyses were carried out in SPSS. The study revealed that of the 1713 valid chats initiated by users, 340 (19.8%) were answered directly, while 1373 (80.2%) chats were not answered. Also, the live-chat service was used throughout the 24 hours of the day, with noon (12 noon) being the peak time. It was recommended that librarians be available at all times to attend to the request and queries of users. Also, training programmes can be organised for librarians to answer the different reference questions and be adept in providing VRS.
Novel Library Innovations and Advancements After the COVID-19 Pandemic Era
Authors: Jain Khushboo , Agarwal Arun
Published: June 2023

This chapter investigates and reviews novel library innovations and advancements after the COVID-19 pandemic era. It draws attention to several ways that the pandemic is forcing libraries to embrace new technology. Doing so gives libraries a new setting in which to operate. Additionally, it provides a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis after the COVID-19 pandemic libraries, emphasizing the rapid, thorough adoption of technical innovations that have been underutilized for some time. Without a question, libraries and other organizations were at the forefront of innovations for service delivery during the global lockdown. It also evaluates the SWOT of the invention for novel library innovations and advancements after the COVID-19 pandemic era. This study also emphasizes the existing problems and difficulties as well as the upcoming developments and orientations in libraries.
Analysis of Cases of Corruption Across the African Continent
Authors: Abdullahi Shafiu Ibrahim , Yusufu Mustapha , Shehu Kamal Kabiru , Shuaibu Mukhtar
Published: June 2023

This chapter's main objective is to critically analyze the phenomenon of corruption in Africa, and in the process highlight some major cases of corruption in the continent, describe the evolutions of the phenomenon, as well as recommend some possible ways and mechanisms for fighting the menace. The study looks at figures from Transparency International and United Nations Human Development Index and juxtaposed them with the changing dynamics of corruption in Africa. The method of study is critical analysis of individual cases, Africa corruption ranking and reviews of relevant empirical literature dealing with corruption in Africa. The study also adopts phenomenology as a study tool. Thus, the study relied heavily on secondary sources of information. The summary of the findings of the chapter shows the problem of corruption in Africa as endemic; something that has entered all the major sectors of modern African society.
The Phenomenon of Corruption and Its Impact on the Loss of Social Cohesion in Colombia
Authors: Sánchez Yolanda Álvarez , Mazanett Diana Carol Castro
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this chapter is to demonstrate the impact of corruption on the loss of social cohesion in Colombia. To this end, a tour is made throughout some events that have meant economic and social costs for the country and that have had a negative impact on the credibility of institutions, on the increase of inequality and poverty and on the gradual configuration of an anomic state. Likewise, this chapter deals with the ethical implications of corrupt practices, as well as with the way in which a proper ethical education can contribute to the restoration of trust and the strengthening of the social fabric. It is concluded, among other aspects, that corruption, particularly in Colombia, has fragmented the social fabric and has contributed to worsening poverty rates, hunger, lack of employment, and the low levels of both education and health.
Emotional Intelligence and Transformational Leadership
Authors: Díaz Crishelen Kurezyn
Published: June 2023

Emotional intelligence (EI) turns out to be one of the most indispensable elements of leadership and of those managerial positions since it refers to the way in which we perceive our own and other people's emotions within different environments. There are different theories that have contributed to the development of this concept, however, Daniel Goleman, named EI's father, focused on these investigations as an essential part of leadership. Nowadays, it is considered important to know the leadership styles to prevent corruption, since each person who performs the functions of a leader adopts a different style depending on the needs of the company or the behavior of its followers; transformational leadership (TL) is one that motivates its followers to have a broader vision by creating an environment favorable to organizational change with an innovative attitude, in addition, these leaders inspire to create a better future. The purpose of this research is to discover how EI influences the profile of a manager with the characteristics, thus avoiding corruption in organizations.
Intestinal Tr1 Cells Confer Protection against Colitis in the Absence of Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cell–Derived IL-10
Authors: Zhou Julie Y , Glendenning Leandre M , Cavanaugh Jill M , McNeer Sarah K , Goodman Wendy A , Cobb Brian A
Published: June 2023

The intestinal mucosa is continually exposed to diverse microbial and dietary Ags, requiring coordinated efforts by specialized populations of regulatory T cells (Tregs) to maintain homeostasis. Suppressive mechanisms used by intestinal Tregs include the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and TGF-β. Defects in IL-10 signaling are associated with severe infantile enterocolitis in humans, and mice deficient in IL-10 or its receptors develop spontaneous colitis. To determine the requirement of Foxp3+ Treg-specific IL-10 for protection against colitis, we generated Foxp3-specific IL-10 knockout (KO) mice (IL-10 conditional KO [cKO] mice). Colonic Foxp3+ Tregs isolated from IL-10cKO mice showed impaired ex vivo suppressive function, although IL-10cKO mice maintained normal body weights and developed only mild inflammation over 30 wk of age (in contrast to severe colitis in global IL-10KO mice). Protection from colitis in IL-10cKO mice was associated with an expanded population of IL-10–producing type 1 Tregs (Tr1, CD4+Foxp3−) in the colonic lamina propria that produced more IL-10 on a per-cell basis compared with wild-type intestinal Tr1 cells. Collectively, our findings reveal a role for Tr1 cells in the gut, as they expand to fill a tolerogenic niche in conditions of suboptimal Foxp3+ Treg-mediated suppression and provide functional protection against experimental colitis.
Nicotinamide Antagonizes Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Hypoxic Cell Signals in Human Macrophages
Authors: Curran Colleen S , Dougherty Edward J , Cui Xizhong , Li Yan , Jeakle Mark , Gamble Tom , Demirkale Cumhur Y , Torabi-Parizi Parizad
Published: June 2023

Mechanisms to control the immune response are important to pathogen evasion and host defense. Gram-negative bacteria are common pathogens that can activate host immune responses through their outer membrane component, LPS. Macrophage activation by LPS induces cell signals that promote hypoxic metabolism, phagocytosis, Ag presentation, and inflammation. Nicotinamide (NAM) is a vitamin B3 derivative and precursor in the formation of NAD, which is a required cofactor in cellular function. In this study, treatment of human monocyte-derived macrophages with NAM promoted posttranslational modifications that antagonized LPS-induced cell signals. Specifically, NAM inhibited AKT and FOXO1 phosphorylation, decreased p65/RelA acetylation, and promoted p65/RelA and hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1α (HIF-1α) ubiquitination. NAM also increased prolyl hydroxylase domain 2 (PHD2) production, inhibited HIF-1α transcription, and promoted the formation of the proteasome, resulting in reduced HIF-1α stabilization, decreased glycolysis and phagocytosis, and reductions in NOX2 activity and the production of lactate dehydrogenase A. These NAM responses were associated with increased intracellular NAD levels formed through the salvage pathway. NAM and its metabolites may therefore decrease the inflammatory response of macrophages and protect the host against excessive inflammation but potentially increase injury through reduced pathogen clearance. Continued study of NAM cell signals in vitro and in vivo may provide insight into infection-associated host pathologies and interventions.
Epigenetic Regulation of Leukocyte Inflammatory Mediator Production Dictates Staphylococcus aureus Craniotomy Infection Outcome
Authors: Van Roy Zachary , Shi Wen , Kak Gunjan , Duan Bin , Kielian Tammy
Published: June 2023

Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of surgical-site infections, including those arising after craniotomy, which is performed to access the brain for the treatment of tumors, epilepsy, or hemorrhage. Craniotomy infection is characterized by complex spatial and temporal dynamics of leukocyte recruitment and microglial activation. We recently identified unique transcriptional profiles of these immune populations during S. aureus craniotomy infection. Epigenetic processes allow rapid and reversible control over gene transcription; however, little is known about how epigenetic pathways influence immunity to live S. aureus. An epigenetic compound library screen identified bromodomain and extraterminal domain–containing (BET) proteins and histone deacetylases (HDACs) as critical for regulating TNF, IL-6, IL-10, and CCL2 production by primary mouse microglia, macrophages, neutrophils, and granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in response to live S. aureus. Class I HDACs (c1HDACs) were increased in these cell types in vitro and in vivo during acute disease in a mouse model of S. aureus craniotomy infection. However, substantial reductions in c1HDACs were observed during chronic infection, highlighting temporal regulation and the importance of the tissue microenvironment for dictating c1HDAC expression. Microparticle delivery of HDAC and BET inhibitors in vivo caused widespread decreases in inflammatory mediator production, which significantly increased bacterial burden in the brain, galea, and bone flap. These findings identify histone acetylation as an important mechanism for regulating cytokine and chemokine production across diverse immune cell lineages that is critical for bacterial containment. Accordingly, aberrant epigenetic regulation may be important for promoting S. aureus persistence during craniotomy infection.
Flight Dynamics, Control, and Testing of a Coaxial Helicopter UAV with Folding Rotor Blades
Authors:   US Army CCDC AvMC, Gong Anthony ,   Tischler Aeronautics, Tischler Mark ,   Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd, Shalev-Eggert Ohad
Published: June 2023

Air launched effects refer to unmanned aerial vehicles deployed from another aircraft. These unmanned aircraft can perform intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance in contested areas in place of or prior to the arrival of manned aircraft. A potential air launched effects candidate is the Unmanned Generic Coaxial Rotorcraft which has a cylindrical fuselage, folding rotor blades, and the capability to hover. A series of flight tests were conducted to collect test data for system identification. A bare-airframe flight dynamics model of the vehicle was identified using frequency domain methods and verified in the time domain with doublets. The existing vehicle's PX4 inner-loop flight control system was modeled in Simulink®, combined with the identified hover model, and validated against flight test data. The analysis model was then used to perform multi-objective optimization of the flight control system gains using a comprehensive set of specifications. The optimized control system is shown to have improved tracking and disturbance rejection performance over the baseline in simulation while meeting all desired specifications.
Intelligent Wind Estimation for Chemical Source Localization
Authors:   Barron Associates Inc., Cooper Jared ,   Virginia Tech, Hopwood Jeremy ,   University of Virginia, Wekker Stephan , DeVore Michael , Woolsey Craig
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a methodology to sense ambient wind conditions to assist in localizing the source of a released agent using small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS). The technology and methods to detect, localize, and model release and dispersion of chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) agents have been enhanced by integrating cross-disciplinary solutions using advances from sensor design, intelligent signal processing, control systems, vehicle design, chemical modeling, and atmospheric modeling. The miniaturization of sensors and sUAS has enabled the application of sUAS with a chemical sensor payload to detect and localize the source of CBRN agents. In many instances, this chemotaxis operation can be performed faster and more accurately with the addition of atmospheric information, such as ambient wind condition. The paper provides an overview of chemical source localization and current challenges which motivated this work, including operation in complex settings and turbulence. Analysis of these challenges from an atmospheric science perspective is summarized along with strategies to obtain accurate and useful wind estimates that assist in localizing the source quickly and efficiently. A description of the wind estimation approach, based on Bayesian estimation, is provided along with results from simulation studies utilizing realistic vehicle dynamics, wind, turbulence, and chemical plume models.
Development of Control Laws for a Large Multi-Rotor eVTOL Using RPM, Collective, and Cyclic Control Allocation Methods
Authors:   Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Zuhair Syed , Anderson Richard , Collins Kyle , Hruswicki Patric , Agrawal Shivansh , Saini Vivek , Roiati Riccardo , Sharma Nishant , Yang Xinyu
Published: June 2023

The Eagle Flight Research Center (EFRC) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is investigating the handling qualities of partial and full rotor failure modes of a multi-rotor employing distributed electric propulsion (DEP) systems in Advance Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft vehicles. The handling characteristics for the operation of these vehicles in private and commercial industries require a deeper understanding of their dynamics and controllability under rotor failure conditions. The objective of the research performed at the EFRC centers around designing and testing different thrust and moment control allocation methods for an electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicle, in addition to assessing their performance in both nominal and failure modes of operation. This paper focuses on developing the vehicle dynamic models and various Control Law (CLAW) architectures for a full-scale quadrotor testbed vehicle with RPM, collective, and cyclic blade pitch control allocation. The study uses simulation and flight-test data to evaluate the theoretical and experimental concepts proposed for the testbed vehicle. The performance of the developed control laws is compared in simulation and flight tests to conclude that collective plus cyclic control provides better response time in yaw control and it is the only control law that makes it possible to operate the vehicle during a rotor out condition
Reduced side effects and improved pain management by continuous ketorolac infusion with patient-controlled fentanyl injection compared with single fentanyl administration in pelviscopic gynecologic surgery: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study
Authors: Park Insun , Hong Seukyoung , Kim Su Yeon , Hwang Jung-Won , Do Sang-Hwan , Na Hyo-Seok
Published: June 2023

Background: A combination of opioids and adjunctive drugs can be used for intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) to minimize opioid-related side effects. We investigated whether two different analgesics administered separately via a dual-chamber PCA have fewer side effects with adequate analgesia than a single fentanyl PCA in gynecologic pelviscopic surgery.Methods: This prospective, double-blind, randomized, and controlled study included 68 patients who underwent pelviscopic gynecological surgery. Patients were allocated to either the dual (ketorolac and fentanyl delivered by a dual-chamber PCA) or the single (fentanyl alone) group. Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and analgesic quality were compared between the two groups at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h postoperatively.Results: The dual group showed a significantly lower incidence of PONV during postoperative 2–6 h (P = 0.011) and 6–12 h (P = 0.009). Finally, only two patients (5.7%) in the dual group and 18 (54.5%) in the single group experienced PONV during the entire postoperative 24 h and could not maintain intravenous PCA (odds ratio: 0.056, 95% CI [0.007, 0.229], P < 0.001). Despite the administration of less fentanyl via intravenous PCA during the postoperative 24 h in the dual group than in the single group (66.0 ± 77.8 vs. 383.6 ± 70.1 μg, P < 0.001), postoperative pain had no significant intergroup difference.Conclusions: Two different analgesics, continuous ketorolac and intermittent fentanyl bolus, administered via dual-chamber intravenous PCA, showed fewer side effects with adequate analgesia than conventional intravenous fentanyl PCA in gynecologic patients undergoing pelviscopic surgery.
Just as the virus can mutate, so can coronavirus disease 2019-related bone necrosis!
Authors: Hamed Hany , Gawish Hesham M
Published: June 2023

Background

The pandemic of COVID-19 virus had led to another pandemic of avascular necrosis.

Aim

To evaluate the altered clinical and radiological presentation of COVID-19-related AVN of the hip.

Methods

This study included 42 patients with AVN of the head of the femur who were presented to the outpatient clinic of Kafr El Sheikh University Hospital. Patients were classified into three main groups. The first group included patients who had COVID infection and received steroid therapy for their pulmonary manifestations. The second group included patients who had COVID infection without receiving steroid therapy. The final group included patients who had AVN of the hip after receiving COVID vaccination without taking any steroid therapy.

Results

The study included 42 patients who had AVN related to COVID-19 infection. Patients who had COVID-19 infection were more susceptible to AVN development at (a) lower threshold dose of steroid (900 g) and (b) earlier onset of presentation (less than a month).

Conclusions

To conclude, there is a silent epidemic of cases presenting daily in our clinics with COVID-19-related AVN.
End-tidal carbon dioxide’s change to fluid challenge versus internal jugular vein dispensability index for predicting fluid responsiveness in septic patients: A prospective, observational study
Authors: Elnakera Abeer M. , Abdullah Radwa M. , Matar Heba M.
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims:

The prediction of fluid responsiveness is crucial for the fluid management of septic shock patients. This prospective, observational study was conducted to compare end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) change due to fluid challenge (FC-induced ΔETCO2) versus internal jugular vein distensibility index (IJVDI) as predictors of fluid responsiveness in such patients.

Methods:

Septic hypoperfused mechanically ventilated patients were classified as fluid responders (Rs) and non-responders (NRs) according to the improvement of left ventricular outflow tract-velocity time integral (ΔLVOT-VTI) after fluid challenge (FC). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of FC-induced ΔETCO2, pre-(FC) IJVDI and their combination for prediction of fluid responsiveness were compared to that of ΔLVOT-VTI% as a gold standard.

Results:

Of 140 patients who completed the study, 51 (36.4%) patients were classified as Rs and 89 (63.6%) patients as NRs. With regard to the prediction of fluid responsiveness, no significant difference (P. 0. 384) was found between the diagnostic accuracy of FC-induced ΔETCO2 >2 mmHg (area under the ROC curve [AUC] 0.908, P < 0.001) and that of pre-(FC) IJVDI >18% (AUC 0.938, P < 0.001), but a prediction model combining both markers, ΔETCO2 ≥3 mmHg and IJVDI ≥16%, achieved significantly higher accuracy (AUC 0.982, P < 0.001) than each independent one (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Under stable ventilatory and metabolic conditions, the predictivity of FC-induced ΔETCO2 >2 mmHg can be comparable to that of pre-(FC) IJVDI >18%. A predictive model combining both FC-induced ΔETCO2 ≥3 mmHg and IJVDI ≥16% can provide higher accuracy than that recorded for each one independently.
Postgraduate training in anaesthesiology – A modular curriculum
Authors: Malik Anita , Kohli Monica , Sood Jayashree , Singh Baljit , Radhakrishnan Balakrishnapillai , Kanchi Muralidhar
Published: June 2023

The primary objective of postgraduate medical education is to produce specialists who provide highest quality of health care to suffering patients and return them to the community in the most functional capability. The secondary objective is to advance the cause of science through research and training. A postgraduate, after undergoing the required training in anaesthesiology, should be able to recognise the health needs of the community and apply cognitive and psychomotor skills to provide optimal anaesthetic care. Additionally, the anaesthesiologist should function as a perioperative physician being adept in perioperative care, pain medicine and critical care medicine. The 3-year postgraduate curriculum comprises experience in basic, subspeciality and advanced anaesthesia training. This structured training programme with a curriculum of increasing difficulty and learning incorporates ascending grades of difficulty, posing a challenge to the trainee’s intellect and technical skills. Experience in basic anaesthesia training is aimed to lay stress on basic and fundamental aspects of anaesthetic management. Subspeciality anaesthesia training is needed to lay stress on the theory, special considerations and practice of subdisciplines of anaesthesiology. This document proposes a modular-structured, continuous, objectively evaluated, systematic training process that is monitored frequently and periodically, such that the trainee, at the end of training, is capable of appropriate anaesthetic management of disease conditions in a wide variety of situations.
Implication of photic sneeze reflex in ophthalmology
Authors: Shetty Pooja A. , Bhat Shruti , Jain Vikram , Girish Shibin , Shetty Harish , Kudlu Krishna P.
Published: June 2023

Background:

Photic sneeze reflex (PSR) also known as autosomal dominant compelling helioophthalmic outburst is a rare condition characterized by uncontrolled sneezing in response to bright light. The exact mechanism causing this is poorly understood. However, various hypotheses have been proposed. Ophthalmic examination involves exposing the patient to bright light like slit lamp, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and surgical microscope, which can trigger sneezing in PSR patients.

Purpose:

The purpose of this video is to draw light to this rare phenomenon and its implication in ophthalmic surgery

Synopsis:

A 74-year-old male patient presented with diminution of vision in left eye. On routine slit lamp and IDO examination, patient had repeated sneezing. We diagnosed him to have photic sneeze reflex. He had pseudophakic bullous keratopathy in the right eye and senile immature cataract in the left eye. Taking into consideration his one eyed status and PSR, measures were taken accordingly and cataract surgery was performed uneventfully. We describe in this video the challenges encountered with this phenomenon and approach in such cases.

Highlights:

In this video, we tried to give an idea about photic sneeze reflex and its theories. Also, we tried to bring out the impact of PSR on ophthalmologic practice

Video link:
https://youtu.be/KMZ_PC0hzhI

Key words: Photic sneeze reflex, slitlamp light, sneeze
Retinal laser – Protocols and practical tips
Authors: Ratra Dhanashree , Nag Adwaita , Sharma Hitesh
Published: June 2023

Background:

Many a young doctors in training find retinal laser photocoagulation a daunting task. However, if correct protocols are followed and checklists are observed, then it is not difficult to have a successful laser sitting with a happy patient. Most of the complications can be avoided with correct settings and techniques.

Purpose:

To enumerate the basic protocols of retinal laser photocoagulation and provide practical tips including laser settings and checklists for hassle-free laser experience.

Synopsis:

Laser settings for a pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) for proliferative diabetic retinopathy differ from those for a focal laser for macular edema. A fill in PRP is indicated when an active Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is seen after the initial PRP is completed. The settings and protocols for laser photocoagulation for lattice degeneration are different, and various techniques of barrage laser are discussed. Practical tips and checklists are given, which will not be found in any textbooks.

Highlights:

Animated illustrations and fundus photos are used to explain the correct techniques of performing laser photocoagulation in different indications and scenarios. Detailed instructions and checklists are provided, which can be very useful to avoid complications and medicolegal problems. The practical tips and guidelines in an easy-to-understand manner make this video highly educational for the novice retinal surgeons who want to perfect their technique of retinal laser photocoagulation.

Video Link:
https://youtu.be/saQ4s49ciXI

Key words: Diabetic macular edema, focal laser, lattice barrage laser, panretinal photocoagulation, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, practical tips, retinal laser
Outcomes of lensectomy with glued intraocular lens and factors associated with failure in eyes with spherophakia and glaucoma
Authors: Burugupally Keerthi , Senthil Sirisha , Parameshwarappa Deepika C , Ali Hasnat , Balakrishnan Divya , Garudadri Chandrasekhar
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

To evaluate the outcomes of lensectomy with a glued intraocular lens (IOL) in spherophakic eyes with secondary glaucoma and assess factors associated with failure.

Methods:

We prospectively evaluated outcomes of lensectomy with glued IOL in 19 eyes with spherophakia and secondary glaucoma (intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥22 mm Hg and/or glaucomatous optic disc damage) between 2016 and 2018. The vision, refractive error, IOP, antiglaucoma medications (AGMs), optic disc changes, need for glaucoma surgery, and complications were assessed. Success was defined as complete when IOP was ≥5 and ≤21 mmHg without AGMs; qualified success as similar IOP with up to 3 AGM; the need for >3AGM/additional surgery for IOP control was considered a failure.

Results:

Preoperatively, the median (interquartile range: IQR) age was 18 (13.5–30) years. IOP was 16 (14–22.5) mmHg on a median of 3 (2,3) AGMs. Median postoperative follow up was 27.7 months (11.9, 39.7). Postsurgery, most patients achieved emmetropia, with significantly decreased refractive error from a median spherical equivalent of −12.5D to + 0.5D, P < 0.0002. The complete success probability was 47% (95% confidence intervals (CIs): 29–76%) at 3 months and was 21% (8 − 50%) at 1 year and 3 years. The qualified success probability was 93% (82–100%) at 1 year, which reduced to 79% (60–100%) in 3 years. None of the eyes had any retinal complications. The higher number of preoperative AGM was found to be a significant risk factor (p < 0.02) for the failure of complete success.

Conclusion:

One-third of the eyes had IOP control without the need for AGM postlensectomy with glued IOL. Surgery resulted in significant improvement in visual acuity. The higher number of preoperative AGM was associated with poor glaucoma control after glued IOL surgery.
Microbial keratitis and antibiotic sensitivity patterns: A retrospective analysis at a tertiary center in Central India
Authors: Parmar Gautam Singh , Meena Ashok Kumar , Borde Prashant , Prasad Sonali
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

To report on the microbiological profile and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of infectious keratitis at a tertiary center in central India.

Methods:

The suspected case of severe keratitis underwent microbiological culture and identification using the VITEK 2 technique. Antibiotic susceptibility for different sensitivity and resistance patterns was analyzed. Demographics, clinical profile, and socioeconomic history was also documented.

Results:

Culture was positive in 233/455 (51.2%) patients. Pure bacterial growth was present in 83 (35.62%) patients and pure fungus was present in 146 (62.66%) patients. The most common bacterial cause of infectious keratitis was Pseudomonas followed by Staphylococcus and Bacillus. Pseudomonas showed 65%–75% resistance against levofloxacin, ceftazidime, imipenem, gentamycin, ciprofloxacin, and amikacin. Staphylococcus showed 65%–70% resistance against levofloxacin, erythromycin, and ciprofloxacin, with Streptococcus being 100% resistant to erythromycin.

Conclusion:

This study highlights the current trend of microbiological profiles of infectious keratitis and their antibiotic susceptibility at a rural setup in central India. Fungal predominance and increased resistance against the commonly used antibiotics were noted.
Surgical decisions and outcomes of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: Data from a tertiary referral center in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Po-Yi , Chou Hung-Da , Hwang Yih-Shiou , Kang Eugene Yu-Chuan , Chen Yi-Hsing , Liu Laura , Chen Kuan-Jen , Wu Wei-Chi , Chen Hung-Chi
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

To assess changes in surgical decisions and outcomes of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) during the COVID-19 pandemic at a tertiary center in Taiwan.

Methods:

Patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or scleral buckling (SB) for primary RRD during Taiwan’s first wave of domestic COVID-19 cases surge between May and July 2021 (COVID cohort, n = 100) were compared to controls in the closest pre-COVID year, 2019 (pre-COVID cohort, n = 121).

Results:

The COVID cohort had significantly worse RRD presentation, received more PPV (alone or combined with SB (PPV + SB)) and less SB alone, and had comparable single-surgery anatomic success (SSAS) rates. In patients who underwent PPV, more underwent PPV + SB instead of PPV alone. The decision to combine SB in PPV surgery was significantly affected by the COVID pandemic (odds ratio [OR], 3.1860 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1487–8.8361]). However, a shorter duration of symptoms before the first presentation (0.9857 [95% CI, 0.9720–0.9997]) was the only factor related to SSAS, whereas the surgical method had no association. The SSAS rate remained close to or over 90% in patients with a duration of symptoms before surgery ≤4 weeks but dropped to 83.3% in patients with duration >4 weeks.

Conclusion:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, worse RRD presentations led to a shift in preference for PPV over SB alone as the primary surgery. The pandemic affected surgeons’ decision to combine SB during PPV. Nevertheless, SSAS was only associated with the duration of symptoms but not with surgical methods.
Refractive error changes and associated asthenopia observed after COVID-19 infection: Case reports from two continents
Authors: Thakur Monika , Panicker Thanuja , Satgunam PremNandhini
Published: June 2023

COVID-19 infection has been linked to various ocular complications and complaints, but not to refractive errors. In this case report, we present ethnically diverse patients who reported asthenopic symptoms shortly after recovering from COVID-19 infection. The hyperopic shift in the refractive error, post-COVID could indicate the ciliary body muscle’s inability to sustain accommodation, resulting in asthenopia. Hence, refractive errors should also be considered as a post-COVID complication, even if the magnitude is small, especially when patients have a headache and other asthenopic symptoms. Performing dynamic retinoscopy and cycloplegic refraction will also aid in the better management of these patients.