bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspects of physical training lessons at the educational institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia
Authors: Aseev Sergey Viktorovich
Published: March 2021

  The research subject is physical training as an integral, dynamic and targeted pedagogical process. The research object is the students of the professional training faculties of educational institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. The author considers such aspects of physical training lessons as the inclusion of exercises aimed at the improvement of coordination, the negotiation of psychological difficulties, and the usage of the students’ best skills. Special attention is given to the issues of the improvement of physical culture of students of the educational institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, and the inclusion of various exercises along with the method of professional situations modeling. The main conclusions of the research are: the necessity to change regulating documents connected with the age peculiarities of the human body in accordance with physical training methods within the professional training program for the students aged 24 - 32, and the usage of the situation modeling method. The author’s special contribution to the research of the issue is the application of the author’s teaching technique based on the method of modeling, and its impact on the effectiveness of professional activity. The academic novelty of the research consists in the fact that the author develops the physical training lessons technique based on the complex of various exercises and the method of modeling. 
Communication strategies in the public political space of Russia: from integration to protest
Authors: Gavrilov Sergey Dmitrievich , Morozov Sergey Ivanovich
Published: March 2021

The article is devoted to the analysis of communication strategies of various political actors in the public space of Russia, as well as the conceptual understanding of integration and protest moods in Russian society. The research problem is to clarify the optimal strategies for the communicative interaction of various subjects of the political process, including society and the authorities in the process of implementing public policy. Special attention is paid to the interpretation of the integration and protest moods of the population of the Russian Federation in the conditions of constant transformations of the Russian political system. The methodological basis of the study was the basic provisions of political communication studies, as well as a non-institutional paradigm according to which the communication process is presented in the form of multidimensional interactions influenced by formal and informal factors of public policy implementation.The research is aimed at conceptualizing mass communication in the context of achieving public consensus. Quantitative content analysis of strategies of socio-economic development of the regions of the Russian Federation, as well as statistical analysis of secondary empirical data of Russian sociological centers were used as special methods. In the course of the study, the conditions for the functioning of public policy determining the variability of communication strategies are determined, consisting both in the regulatory differences in the involvement of various public institutions and in the uncertainty of the actions of communication subjects to achieve public consent. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that, based on the results of empirical research, three strategies of communication and institutional interaction between various subjects of the domestic political process are proposed, taking into account their socio-psychological attitudes: "integration dialog interaction", "separate coexistence", "patron-client relations".
Influence of an L^{p}-perturbation on Hardy-Sobolev inequality with singularity a curve
Authors: Ijaodoro Idowu Esther , Thiam El Hadji Abdoulaye
Published: March 2021

We consider a bounded domain \(\Omega\) of \(\mathbb{R}^N\), \(N \geq 3\), \(h\) and \(b\) continuous functions on \(\Omega\). Let \(\Gamma\) be a closed curve contained in \(\Omega\). We study existence of positive solutions \(u \in H^1_0(\Omega)\) to the perturbed Hardy-Sobolev equation: \[-\Delta u+hu+bu^{1+\delta}=\rho^{-\sigma}_{\Gamma} u^{2^*_{\sigma}-1} \quad \textrm{ in } \Omega,\] where \(2^*_{\sigma}:=\frac{2(N-\sigma)}{N-2}\) is the critical Hardy-Sobolev exponent, \(\sigma\in [0,2)\), \(0\lt\delta\lt\frac{4}{N-2}\) and \(\rho_{\Gamma}\) is the distance function to \(\Gamma\). We show that the existence of minimizers does not depend on the local geometry of \(\Gamma\) nor on the potential \(h\). For \(N=3\), the existence of ground-state solution may depends on the trace of the regular part of the Green function of \(-\Delta+h\) and or on \(b\). This is due to the perturbative term of order \(1+\delta\).
On the gauge-natural operators similar to the twisted Dorfman-Courant bracket
Authors: Mikulski Włodzimierz M.
Published: March 2021

All \(\mathcal{VB}_{m,n}\)-gauge-natural operators \(C\) sending linear \(3\)-forms \(H \in \Gamma^{l}_E(\bigwedge^3T^*E)\) on a smooth (\(\mathcal{C}^\infty\)) vector bundle \(E\) into \(\mathbf{R}\)-bilinear operators \[C_H:\Gamma^l_E(TE \oplus T^*E)\times \Gamma^l_E(TE \oplus T^*E)\to \Gamma^l_E(TE \oplus T^*E)\] transforming pairs of linear sections of \(TE \oplus T^*E \to E\) into linear sections of \( TE \oplus T^*E \to E\) are completely described. The complete descriptions is given of all generalized twisted Dorfman-Courant brackets \(C\) (i.e. \(C\) as above such that \(C_0\) is the Dorfman-Courant bracket) satisfying the Jacobi identity for closed linear \(3\)-forms \(H\). An interesting natural characterization of the (usual) twisted Dorfman-Courant bracket is presented.
Prenatal methadone exposure disrupts behavioral development and alters motor neuron intrinsic properties and local circuitry
Authors: Grecco Gregory G , Mork Briana E , Huang Jui-Yen , Metzger Corinne E , Haggerty David L , Reeves Kaitlin C , Gao Yong , Hoffman Hunter , Katner Simon N , Masters Andrea R , Morris Cameron W , Newell Erin A , Engleman Eric A , Baucum Anthony J , Kim Jiuen , Yamamoto Bryan K , Allen Matthew R , Wu Yu-Chien , Lu Hui-Chen , Sheets Patrick L , Atwood Brady K
Published: March 2021

Despite the rising prevalence of methadone treatment in pregnant women with opioid use disorder, the effects of methadone on neurobehavioral development remain unclear. We developed a translational mouse model of prenatal methadone exposure (PME) that resembles the typical pattern of opioid use by pregnant women who first use oxycodone then switch to methadone maintenance pharmacotherapy, and subsequently become pregnant while maintained on methadone. We investigated the effects of PME on physical development, sensorimotor behavior, and motor neuron properties using a multidisciplinary approach of physical, biochemical, and behavioral assessments along with brain slice electrophysiology and in vivo magnetic resonance imaging. Methadone accumulated in the placenta and fetal brain, but methadone levels in offspring dropped rapidly at birth which was associated with symptoms and behaviors consistent with neonatal opioid withdrawal. PME produced substantial impairments in offspring physical growth, activity in an open field, and sensorimotor milestone acquisition. Furthermore, these behavioral alterations were associated with reduced neuronal density in the motor cortex and a disruption in motor neuron intrinsic properties and local circuit connectivity. The present study adds to the limited body of work examining PME by providing a comprehensive, translationally relevant characterization of how PME disrupts offspring physical and neurobehavioral development.
An Autosegmental Account of Melodic Processes in Jordanian Rural Arabic
Authors: Sa’aida Zainab
Published: March 2021

This study aims at providing an autosegmental account of feature spread in assimilatory situations in Jordanian rural Arabic. I hypothesise that in any assimilatory situation in Jordanian rural Arabic the undergoer assimilates a whole or a portion of the matrix of the trigger. I also hypothesise that assimilation in Jordanian rural Arabic is motivated by violation of the obligatory contour principle on a specific tier or by spread of a feature from a trigger to a compatible undergoer. Data of the study were analysed in the framework of autosegmental phonology with focus on the notion of dominance in assimilation. Findings of the study have revealed that an undergoer assimilates a whole of the matrix of a trigger in the assimilation of /t/ of the detransitivizing prefix /Ɂɪt-/, coronal sonorant assimilation, and inter-dentalization of dentals. However, partial assimilation occurs in the processes of nasal place assimilation, anticipatory labialization, and palatalization of plosives. Findings have revealed that assimilation occurs when the obligatory contour principle is violated on the place tier. Violation is then resolved by deletion of the place node in the leftmost matrix and by right-to-left spread of a feature from rightmost matrix to leftmost matrix. It has been also revealed that spread of a primary or a non-primary feature from a trigger to an undergoer can motivate assimilation to occur in some assimilatory situations in Jordanian rural Arabic.
Myofascial release versus Mulligan sustained natural apophyseal glides’ immediate and short-term effects on pain, function, and mobility in non-specific low back pain
Authors: Bhat P Vignesh , Patel Vivek Dineshbhai , Eapen Charu , Shenoy Manisha , Milanese Steve
Published: March 2021

Background

Myofascial release (MFR) and Mulligan Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides (SNAGs) are manual therapy techniques routinely practiced in the management of non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). As a solo intervention or along with other therapies, both methods have reported positive results for individuals with NSLBP. However, which technique improves NSLBP-related pain, restricted range of motion (ROM) and disability, warrants further research.

Objective

To study the comparative effects of MFR and SNAGs on pain, disability, functional ability, and lumbar ROM in NSLBP.

Method

A parallel-group study was conducted at tertiary care hospitals. Sixty-five Sub-acute or chronic NSLBP patients were allocated to receive strengthening exercises along with either MFR (n = 33) or SNAGs (n = 32) for six treatment sessions over one week. An independent assessor evaluated outcome measures such as the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Patient-Specific Function Scale (PSFS), and ROM at baseline, immediate (after 1st treatment), and short-term (post-sixth day of the intervention). The Modified Oswestry disability index (MODI) was assessed at baseline and short-term.

Results

Within-group analysis found clinically and statistically significant (p < 0.05) changes for VAS and PSFS at immediate and short-term for both the groups. The lumbar extension also showed improvement immediately and in the short-term. Improvement in Lumbar flexion was seen only in the SNAGs group over the short-term. A statistically significant improvement was seen for MODI in both the groups but was not clinically significant in the MFR group. The analysis observed no statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the groups at both the immediate and short-term.

Conclusions

Pain and restricted function associated with NSLBP can be improved using SNAGs or MFR, along with strengthening exercises. For limited lumbar flexion ROM, Mulligan SNAGs have a better outcome than MFR over the short-term. Hence, both manual therapy techniques can be incorporated along with exercises for immediate and short-term management of sub-acute to chronic NSLBP.

Clinical Trial Registration. CTRI/2018/12/016787 (http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/).
Associations with monetary values do not influence access to awareness for faces
Authors: Rothkirch Marcus , Wieser Maximilian , Sterzer Philipp
Published: March 2021

Human faces can convey socially relevant information in various ways. Since the early detection of such information is crucial in social contexts, socially meaningful information might also have privileged access to awareness. This is indeed suggested by previous research using faces with emotional expressions. However, the social relevance of emotional faces is confounded with their physical stimulus characteristics. Here, we sought to overcome this problem by manipulating the relevance of face stimuli through classical conditioning: Participants had to learn the association between different face exemplars and high or low amounts of positive and negative monetary outcomes. Before and after the conditioning procedure, the time these faces needed to enter awareness was probed using continuous flash suppression, a variant of binocular rivalry. While participants successfully learned the association between the face stimuli and the respective monetary outcomes, faces with a high monetary value did not enter visual awareness faster than faces with a low monetary value after conditioning, neither for rewarding nor for aversive outcomes. Our results tentatively suggest that behaviorally relevant faces do not have privileged access to awareness when the assessment of the faces’ relevance is dependent on the processing of face identity, as this requires complex stimulus processing that is likely limited at pre-conscious stages.
Depression of the soil arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community by the canopy gaps in a Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) plantation on Lushan Mountain, subtropical China
Authors: Zou Guiwu , Liu Yuanqiu , Kong Fanqian , Liao Liqin , Deng Guanghua , Jiang Xueru , Cai Junhuo , Liu Wei
Published: March 2021

Both canopy gaps (CG) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play key roles in seedling establishment and increasing species diversity in forests. The response of AMF to canopy gaps is poorly understood. To assess the long-term effects of canopy gaps on soil AMF community, we sampled soil from plots in a 50-year Cryptomeria japonica (L.f.) D. Don. plantation, located in Lushan Mountain, subtropical China. We analyzed the AMF community, identified through 454 pyrosequencing, in soil and edaphic characteristics. Both richness and diversity of AMF in CG decreased significantly compared to the closed canopy (CC). The differences of the AMF community composition between CG and CC was also significant. The sharp response of the AMF community appears to be largely driven by vegetation transformation. Soil nutrient content also influenced some taxa, e.g., the low availability of phosphorus increased the abundance of Acaulospora. These results demonstrated that the formation of canopy gaps can depress AMF richness and alter the AMF community, which supported the plant investment hypothesis and accentuated the vital role of AMF–plant symbioses in forest management.
Measurement invariance of the distress tolerance scale among university students with and without a history of non-suicidal self-injury
Authors: Slabbert Ashley , Hasking Penelope , Greene Danyelle , Boyes Mark
Published: March 2021

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is the intentional damage to one’s body tissue in the absence of suicidal intent. NSSI primarily serves an emotion regulation function, with individuals engaging in self-injury to escape intense or unwanted emotion. Low distress tolerance has been identified as a mechanism that underlies self-injury, and is commonly assessed using the self-report Distress Tolerance Scale. There are mixed findings regarding the factor structure of the Distress Tolerance Scale, with some researchers utilising a higher-order distress tolerance score (derived from the scores on the four lower-order subscales) and other researchers using the four subscales as unique predictors of psychological outcomes. Neither of these factor structures have been assessed among individuals with a history of self-injury. Of note, an inability to tolerate distress (thought to underlie NSSI) may limit an individual’s capacity to accurately observe and report specific thoughts and emotions experienced in a state of heightened distress, which may impact the validity of scores on the Distress Tolerance Scale. Therefore, measurement invariance should be established before attributing NSSI-related differences on the scale to true differences in distress tolerance. We compared the Distress Tolerance Scale higher-order model with the lower-order four factor model among university students with and without a history of NSSI. Our results indicated that the lower-order four factor model was a significantly better fit to the data than the higher-order model. We then tested the measurement invariance of this lower-order factor model among individuals with and without a history of NSSI, and established configural and full metric invariance, followed by partial scalar and full residual error invariance. These results suggest the four subscales of the Distress Tolerance Scale can be used to confidently discern NSSI-related differences in distress tolerance.
Experimental Study on the Availability of Fire Detection Using Gas Sensors for Air Quality Measurement
Authors: Choi Jung-Min , Park Kye-Won , Jeong Jae-Gun , Lee Yong-Kwon , Kim Gil-Nam , Choi Doo-Chan , Ko Min-Hyuk
Published: March 2021

This study tested gas sensors used to measure indoor air quality to explore the feasibility of using them as detection sensors in case of fire. A B-class fire environment was implemented in the compartment (ISO 9705 standard fire room), and four types of high- and low- accuracy and priced gas sensors (Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, t-VOC) used for indoor air quality measurement were installed. From ignition of the fuel to alarming of the heat detector, the responses from the sensors were analyzed. The results revealed the following: 1) Among the four types of sensors, CO and t-VOC sensors were effective as fire detection sensors in terms of their concentration increase and response time. 2) Low-accuracy CO2 and CH4 sensors were not effective in fire detection as they responded late relatively to CO and t-VOC sensors. 3) It was confirmed that low-accuracy gas sensors are feasible for use for fire detection in that they showed valid increase in concentration before the heat detector alarms. However, as only liquid combustible (Heptane) was applied as a fire source, analysis in an environment where different types of combustibles are used will be necessary in the future.
Fluid Behavior Modeling Optimal Design Using Network Piping Analysis Method
Authors: Choi Ho-Sung , Moon Jung-Hwan , Lee Jae-Ou
Published: March 2021

The piping design should be considered by way of the network system in order to supply water for reliable fire extinguishing. However, the pipe scheduling method in line by the National Fire Safety Code is typically applied. When the modeling analysis method of fluid behavior is utilized based on the piping network theory, the fire-extinguishing water can be supplied more stably in a large-scale plant. Because a piping network consists of a large number of node points as well as consumes a lot of time and effort, it is recommended to use the commercial analysis program according to international standards. In this study, we used a piping network analysis program, sisHYD, which can model the actual piping according to the coordinates and analyze the fluid behavior inside the piping. As a result of the piping network analysis, it was possible to reduce the diameter of piping while ensuring the supply stability of firefighting water compared to the pipe scheduling method. Consequently, the value engineering effect of a construction project can be enhanced by reducing the wasted budget and inefficient factors.
Attenuation of Microwaves Received From a Drone Owing to Smoke Obscuration
Authors: Kim Tae-Dong , Yeom In-Su
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of smoke obscuration on the signal sensitivity of microwaves received from a drone. A spectrum analyzer and a directional antenna were employed for analyzing the received signal sensitivity and measuring the mean received power, both before and after the drone entered the smoke layer for one min in the fire training area. The drone operated in the range of 2.4 GHz to 2.48 GHz. It is found that the received power before entering the smoke layer is –39.3 dBm, at which signals and image data can be received. However, upon entering the smoke layer, the received power is reduced to –47 dBm, at which signals and image data cannot be received. Hence, the received power undergoes an attenuation of approximately 7.7 dBm (5.9 mW) owing to smoke obscuration, which causes communication outage. Based on this study, it can be concluded that the received power undergoes attenuation owing to smoke obscuration during fires. Furthermore, if a communication problem occurs due to microwave attenuation, it affects the drone’s operation.
Contribuição dos meios de hospedagem para as emissões diretas de dióxido de carbono (CO2) na cidade de Parnaíba (Piauí, Brasil)
Authors: Melo Rodrigo Sousa , Braga Solano de Souza , Lins Ruceline Paiva Melo
Published: March 2021

As mudanças climáticas causadas pelo aumento das emissões de gases do efeito estufa (GEE), principalmente o dióxido de carbono (CO2), afetarão direta e indiretamente todas as atividades humanas, sobretudo aquelas que possuem estreita dependência dos fatores naturais, como o turismo. Nesse quadro, faz-se necessário ampliar o conhecimento científico sobre as emissões globais e setoriais (transportes, meios de hospedagem, etc.) do turismo. Assim, este artigo analisou as emissões diretas de CO2 dos meios de hospedagem da cidade de Parnaíba (PI) e sua contribuição para as emissões locais do turismo. Para tanto, baseou-se na caracterização das fontes de emissão no setor de hospedagem, sendo selecionadas as categorias consumos de energia, gás e de água, além da produção de resíduos sólidos, com ênfase no manual do WTTC e ITP (2016) e nos valores de conversão propostos pelo DEFRA (2012). Os resultados indicaram que as emissões per capita de CO2 foram similares a média mundial para visitantes domésticos em países em desenvolvimento, isto é 4,01 kg/CO2, e o principal contribuinte foi o consumo de energia, respondendo por 94,7% das emissões. Ademais, elencou-se as possibilidades de reduzir tais emissões com medidas gerenciais, tecnológicas e educativas no cotidiano das atividades de hospedagem.
Da crise cacaueira ao turismo experiencial chocolateiro
Authors: Andrade-Matos Mariana Bueno de , Barbosa Maria de Lourdes de Azevedo , Costa João Henrique
Published: March 2021

O artigo tem por objetivo compreender o movimento de (re)posicionamento da marca de Ilhéus, de destino tradicional de sol e mar para um destino de turismo experiencial chocolateiro. Como base teórica para dar suporte à interpretação dos dados foram adotados os construtos marca de destinos turísticos e turismo experiencial. Para tanto, foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa qualitativa com coleta de dados realizada por meio de entrevistas com quatro gestores locais: o vice-prefeito da cidade, um empresário e presidente do Costa do Cacau Convention and Visitors Bureau, a proprietária da agência de turismo responsável pela comercialização da Costa do Cacau e, por fim, o proprietário de uma fazenda de cacau que recebe turistas. Os dados foram interpretados a partir de uma Análise Temática, que possibilitou observar que o movimento de reposicionamento da marca Ilhéus existe, mas ainda em fase inicial e tímida de mudança. Fez-se, ainda, a partir das entrevistas, um levantamento histórico do turismo na região. Observou-se, por fim, que: a) há concordância entre os entrevistados sobre a relevância do chocolate e do cacau para a identidade do destino; b) há percepção unânime de que Ilhéus possui muita atividade de turismo de massa, em que os visitantes tem pouco conhecimento sobre a cultura e história da região; c) há um movimento de consumidores que visam experiências mais diferenciadas, de busca pelo cacau e pelo chocolate da região; d) há, também, um movimento de criação de oferta de produtos turísticos voltados ao cacau e ao chocolate e ao turismo experiencial na região.
A Rare Presentaion of Adrenocortical Carcinoma
Authors: Shinde Raju Kamlakarrao , Shinde Sangita Jogdand , Gupta Shubham Shubham Satyaprakash , Dighe Sajika Pramod , Kallam Fadi Mohamed
Published: March 2021

Adrenocortical Carcinoma (ACC) is a rare tumour, with an annual incidence of approximately one per million. Almost all cases occur in patients aged 40 to 50 years, but there is a minor peak in occurrence among children younger than 5 years. It demonstrates no significant gender predilection. At the time of presentation, ACC tend to be very large and have usually spread beyond the confines of the adrenal gland. The presentation of this tumour may vary, either it can present as virilisation or Cushing’s syndrome or both. The authors present their experience of a rare presentation of an asymptomatic ACC with a large size of tumour mass with no metastasis with just complain of burning micturition in a 55-year-old male patient which was difficult to diagnose clinically. The patient is doing well after surgical management.
Sleep Disorders in Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis as Characterised by Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children
Authors: Kumari Priyanka , Mehra Neha , Panda Kalpana , Pal Somdipa , Yadav Tribhuvan Pal
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Sleep disorders negatively impact a child’s quality of life, behaviour and cognitive function. Sleep disturbances have not been widely studied in patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) especially using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC). Aim: To characterise sleep disorders in JIA patients by using SDSC and determine its correlation with pain and disease activity. Materials and Methods: In this cohort study, 30 patients each of active JIA and age and sex matched controls (age 6-15 years) were administered SDSC at enrollment and after six months of treatment (in JIA patients). The study duration was from November 2017 to March 2019. Pain severity and disease activity were assessed at baseline and after six month by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score-27 (JADAS-27). Data at baseline between patients and controls were compared by unpaired t-test and between six months and baseline by paired t-test. Categorical variables were analysed by Chi-square test or Fisher’s-exact test and correlation by Spearman correlation. Results: Total SDSC score was higher in JIA patients at baseline (45.67±9.13 vs. 28.5±1.17) and decreased significantly after six months (29.73±3.17). Disorders of Initiating and Maintaining Sleep (DIMS), excessive somnolence, hyperhidrosis, arousal and sleep-wake transition were observed in 29, 18, 4, 1 and 2 patients, respectively. After six months excessive somnolence and hyperhidrosis were found in one patient each. Significant positive correlation was observed between total SDSC score, VAS for pain and JADAS-27 score. Conclusion: SDSC scores revealed significant sleep disturbances in patients with JIA and a positive correlation with pain severity and disease activity.
Giant Phyllodes Tumour in a Postmenopausal Woman: A Case Report
Authors: Vinayagam Kalaivani , Satish C , Chaturvedi Abhishek
Published: March 2021

Phyllodes Tumours (PT) of the breast are uncommon fibroepithelial lesions accounting for less than 1% of breast tumours. These tumours commonly occur in females during the fourth and fifth decade of life. They have a morphological resemblance to the intra-canalicular fibroadenoma. Their median size is around 4 cm, however if the size is more than 10 cm it’s called a giant phyllodes tumour accounting to less than 10% of phyllodes tumours. Clinically and histologically, they are difficult to be differentiated from fibroadenoma and a wide local excision is the mainstay of treatment. Hereby, Authors are reporting a case of giant phyllodes tumour in a 56-year-old post-menopausal female patient. She presented with a lump of 27×20 cm of two years duration occupying the entire left breast. Since,the lump had rapidly increased in size in the last six months of presentation, a clinical diagnosis of giant phyllodes tumour with malignant transformation was the provisional diagnosis. She underwent simple mastectomy with split-thickness skin graft. The final histopathology was reported as borderline phyllodes tumour and the patient was on a regular follow-up since the last 10 months.
Ultrasound Guided Paramedian versus Landmark Guided Midline Technique for Spinal Anaesthesia- A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Kumar Anil , Thakur Preeti , Wason Rama
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Spinal anaesthesia has been traditionally performed using landmark guided technique. Ultrasound helps in identifying the insertion point, depth, as well as angle of the needle advancement by visualisation of the neuraxial structures, thus, increasing the probability of successful dural puncture. Aim: To compare the success rates of dural puncture at first attempt between Preprocedural Ultrasound (PUS) guided paramedian and landmark guided midline approach in spinal anaesthesia. Materials and Methods: This was a randomised clinical study, conducted at a Tertiary Care Hospital during May 2017-December 2018. Patients (n=110) undergoing lower limb orthopaedic surgery were randomly allocated into group US (PUS guided with paramedian approach) and group LM (landmark guided with midline approach), with 55 patients each. Number of attempts and passes, procedure time, any complication, periprocedural pain and patient satisfaction were noted. The correlation between quality of ultrasound view and success rate was also analysed using Fisher’s-exact test. Results: The success rate of dural puncture at first attempt was 89.09% in US group versus 76.36% in LM group, p>0.05. Total number of needle insertion attempts (1.31±0.63 in group LM, 1.11±0.31 in group US, p>0.05) were comparable. Total procedure time was higher (11.96±1.55 minutes) in US group as compared to LM group (3.26±0.68 minutes), p<0.001. Periprocedural pain score was significantly lower in US group with p<0.01. The patient satisfaction score was comparable in the two groups, p>0.05. Correlation between the quality of parasagittal oblique view and success rate of dural puncture was good, p<0.01. Conclusion: PUS guided paramedian approach does not significantly increase the success rate at first attempt as compared to midline landmark guided approach.
Elusive Presentations of Female Genital Tuberculosis: A Case Series
Authors: De Arpita , Gupta Nidhi , Jain Abhinav , Tripathi Reva
Published: March 2021

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has made a target of eliminating tuberculosis by 2025 under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Plan (NTEP). For this, it is important to identify cases, notify and treat them effectively. This case series is on women with unique presentations of the Female Genital Tract TB (FGTB). It further explores the diagnostic and treatment modalities of such cases. The cases include four women with atypical presentations- a young nulliparous woman with repeated episodes of pyometra, a woman with tubo-ovarian mass and chronic fever and two women with adnexal masses mimicking dermoid and endometriosis, respectively. The diagnosis was based on the unique presentations, exclusion of other diseases and on the operative findings. One should target to get a tissue based diagnosis. Now the government has advised Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT), for all samples of FGTB, to get an accurate estimation of drug resistance. It can be used in very interior areas, gives a result within the same day and also gives sensitivity results to the antitubercular drugs. CBNAAT may give incorrect results with small specimens. That makes clinical judgement by specialists very important. The antitubercular regime has changed and there are no separate regimes for relapses or treatment failures. It is now therapy with daily intake of rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol for two months and rifampicin, isoniazid and ethambutol for four months. For all cases of FGTB, a working definition should be given and notification should be done by the Nikshay online portal. Future structured studies are required to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of different tissues for CBNAAT in different clinical scenarios of genital Tuberculosis (TB).
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Horseshoe Kidneys: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Alam Shanawaz , Shah Darshil , Neelakandan . , Velmurugan . , Chandru . , Natarajan K
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Horseshoe Kidneys (HSK) are the most common congenital fusion of the kidneys. After the reports of Wickham and Kellet in 1981 and Clayman in 1983, percutaneous extraction of stones in HSKs has been widely adopted. In this era of advancement of Retrograde Intra Renal Surgery (RIRS), Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) still holds strong position for HSK stone management, due to HSK vascular and pelvicalyceal anatomy. Aim: To evaluate PCNL in managing large HSK stone disease in the form of stone free rate and to assess procedure related complication between October 2016 to March 2020. Materials and Methods: A retrosepective cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2016 to March 2020, in total of 18 patients (21 renal units) underwent PCNL for stone disease in HSK. Stone size >1.5 cm, failed Extra-Corporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) and recurrent stones were included in the study. Results: Mean age of the patients was 40.67±7.87 years, 12 were male and 6 were female. Three patients had stones in both renal units. The mean stone size was 22.19±7.43 (12.00-46.00) mm. Twelve units had stone in the pelvis (57.1%), 6 unit in upper calyx (28.6%). One unit (4.8%) had stone in isthmus and 3 units (14.3%) had staghorn calculi. Access site was upper calyx in majority 76.2% of the cases, 23.8% required additional puncture most commonly through middle calyx. Total 8 patients had postoperative complications, fever being the most common (19%). Complete clearance was obtained in 85.7%, while 14.3% had residual calculi for which ancillary procedures were performed. Conclusion: PCNL can be recommended as the first line of management in the treatment of HSKs with large stone burden, considering its higher clearance rate and minimal complications.
An Unusual Case of Dengue Fever with Necrotising Pneumonia
Authors: Fathima Nazeem , Sujatha Balamma , Kumar Shami RP , Rajesh S
Published: March 2021

Concurrent bacteremia in patients with dengue fever is rarely reported. Two and a half-year-old female child with fever, cough and cold for six days presented to Emergency Room (ER) with tachypnea, tachycardia and hepatomegaly. Investigations revealed dengue fever. Respiratory symptoms probed us to investigate the case further. High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) thorax showed moderate pleural effusion with collapse consolidation of left lung and a thin walled cavity with septations and fluid in left upper lobe. Child was treated with injection meropenem and vancomycin successfully.
Dosimetric properties of a newly developed thermoluminescent sheet‐type dosimeter for clinical proton beams
Authors: Kato Takahiro , Sagara Tatsuhiko , Komori Shinya , Kato Ryohei , Takeuchi Akihiko , Narita Yuki
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the dosimetric properties of a newly developed thermoluminescent sheet‐type dosimeter (TLD‐sheet) for clinical proton beams.

Materials and Methods

The TLD‐sheet is composed mainly of manganese doped lithium triborate, with a physical size and thickness of 150 mm × 150 mm and 0.15 mm respectively. It is flexible and can be cut freely for usage. The TLD‐sheet has an effective atomic number of 7.3 and tissue‐equivalent properties. We tested the reproducibility, fading effect, dose linearity, homogeneity, energy dependence, and water equivalent thickness (WET) of the TLD‐sheet for clinical proton beams. We conducted tests with both unmodulated and modulated proton beams at energies of 150 and 210 MeV.

Results

The measurement reproducibility was within 4%, which included the inhomogeneity of the TLD‐sheet. The fading rates were approximately 20% and 30% after 2 and 7 days respectively. The TLD‐sheet showed notable energy dependence in the Bragg peak and distal end of the spread‐out Bragg peak regions. However, the dose–response characteristics of the TLD‐sheet remained linear up to a physical dose of 10 Gy in this study. This linearity was highly superior to those of commonly used radiochromic film. The thin WET of the TLD‐sheet had little effect on the range.

Conclusion

Although notable energy dependences were observed in Bragg peak region, the response characteristics examined in this study, such as reproducibility, fading effects, dose linearity, dose homogeneity and WET, showed that the TLD‐sheet can be a useful and effective dosimetry tool. With its flexible and reusable characteristics, it may also be an excellent in vivo skin dosimetry tool for proton therapy.
How do adults with post‐traumatic stress disorder from childhood trauma talk about single versus repeated traumas?
Authors: Memon Amina , Connolly Deborah , Brewin Chris R. , Meyer Thomas , Seidel Julia , Anderson Shelbie , Rijkeboer Marleen , Arntz Arnoud
Published: March 2021

Adults with posttraumatic stress disorder from childhood trauma (ch‐PTSD) described their 'worst' traumatic event (a single or repeated event) pre‐post treatment for PTSD during an international clinical trial. The memory reports were coded for specificity (Episodic vs. General) and level of detail. Repeated event (RE) narratives contained more generic and fewer episodic references but no more details than memories describing single events (SEs). Analysis of a subset of the sample's post‐treatment memory reports found 38% of the information units were consistent with the pre‐treatment narrative, 38% were omitted, 21% were new details and 2% were changes. The SE and RE groups did not differ on consistency. The data provide a unique insight into single versus repeated event memory reporting in a clinical sample with PTSD from childhood trauma.
Biodegradable Molybdenum/Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate Conductive Paste for Flexible and Stretchable Transient Electronics
Authors: Kim Kyung‐Sub , Yoo Jaeyoung , Shim Jun‐Seok , Ryu Young‐In , Choi Suyeon , Lee Ju‐Yong , Lee Hyuck Mo , Koo Jahyun , Kang Seung‐Kyun
Published: March 2021

Biodegradable or eco‐degradable electronics is an emerging field of technology capable of reducing the excessively increasing electronic waste originating from the rapid development of personalized and bio‐integrated devices and skin adhesive patches. Through an advantageous solution process, biodegradable conductive pastes can be employed in various applications of soft and flexible devices. Herein a biodegradable conductive paste composed of molybdenum (Mo) microparticles and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) exhibiting excellent mechanical flexibility and stretchability is reported, while also demonstrating substantially superior mechanical and conductive properties compared with previously reported biodegradable polymer matrices such as poly butanedithiol 1,3,5‐triallyl‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐(1H,3H,5H)‐trione pentenoic anhydride (PBTPA) and Candelilla wax (CW) owing to the significant elongation of PBAT. Moderate dissolution in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) accomplishes its full biodegradability and programmable lifecycle. Tetraglycol (TG) enhances elongation and conductivity performance by acting as a lubricant and improving the dispersion of microparticles. The practical implications of the Mo/PBAT pastes are demonstrated in numerous biodegradable electronic applications such as electrodes, strain and temperature sensors, joule heaters, interconnectors, and freestanding radiofrequency (RF) coils.
A Novel Multilevel Nonvolatile Solar‐Blind Deep Ultraviolet Photoelectric Memory Based on an Organic Field Effect Transistor
Authors: Zhao Xue , Wei Shi‐Yu , Wang Xiao‐Hong , Qiu Long‐Zhen
Published: March 2021

Deep ultraviolet (DUV) light monitoring has a wide range of applications in areas such as military surveillance, biological/medical analysis, and flame detection. In this paper, a novel nonvolatile solar‐blind DUV photoelectric memory is investigated based on an organic field effect transistor (OFET). It has 16 different optical memory states of multilevel memory behavior and rewriting capability. The memory window of the device reaches to 23.8 V under a gate voltage of −40 V and 254 nm (DUV) illumination (1.252 mW cm–2). Moreover, the device has a retention time of over 104 s, more than 100 cycles of writing/reading/erasing/reading (W/R/E/R), and an ION/IOFF ratio of about 102. The memory behavior can be modulated via the gate voltage, light intensity, and exposure time. In addition, determination of the exposure dose to DUV light is achieved. The memory shows a highly selectivity, which is sensitive to 254 nm DUV. Furthermore, a DUV memory array is fabricated, and the image processing and storage capabilities are verified. This novel device shows a promising path toward highly (wavelength) selective and advanced multilevel solar‐blind DUV monitors.
Microfluidics at Fiber Tip for Nanoliter Delivery and Sampling
Authors: Barbot Antoine , Wales Dominic , Yeatman Eric , Yang Guang‐Zhong
Published: March 2021

Delivery and sampling nanoliter volumes of liquid can benefit new invasive surgical procedures. However, the dead volume and difficulty in generating constant pressure flow limits the use of small tubes such as capillaries. This work demonstrates sub‐millimeter microfluidic chips assembled directly on the tip of a bundle of two hydrophobic coated 100 µm capillaries to deliver nanoliter droplets in liquid environments. Droplets are created in a specially designed nanopipette and propelled by gas through the capillary to the microfluidic chip where a passive valve mechanism separates liquid from gas, allowing their delivery. By adjusting the driving pressure and microfluidic geometry, both partial and full delivery of 10 nanoliter droplets with 0.4 nanoliter maximum error, as well as sampling from the environment are demonstrated. This system will enable drug delivery and sampling with minimally invasive probes, facilitating continuous liquid biopsy for disease monitoring and in vivo drug screening.
Intra‐Island Coulomb Correlations in PEDOT:PSS Thin Films; Saturation of Spin Polarization Magnetoresistance
Authors: Nikiforov Daniel , Tessler Nir , Ehrenfreund Eitan
Published: March 2021

Magnetic field and temperature dependence of the magneto‐conductance (MC) of thin films made of self‐p‐doped poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) having room temperature conductivity of ≈200 S cm−1 in the range of fields B = 0–14 T and temperatures T = 1.8–300 K are reported. At B = 0 and for current parallel to the film surface, the conductance follows a variable range hopping mechanism in two dimensions. It is shown that the finite Coulomb correlations, U, within the nano‐crystalline PEDOT islands dominates MC at low temperatures and high fields. At T = 1.8 K, the intra‐island Coulomb correlation spin polarization mechanism is already saturated for B > 10 T establishing a finite minimum of ≈2 meV for U. This small value of U is in line with the delocalized nature of the holes within the PEDOT islands and the relatively high conductivity that makes it essential in organic opto‐electronics.
Impact of flow on woodchip properties and subsidence in denitrifying bioreactors
Authors: Schaefer Abby , Werning Kyle , Hoover Natasha , Tschirner Ulrike , Feyereisen Gary , Moorman Thomas B. , Howe Adina C. , Soupir Michelle L.
Published: March 2021

Woodchip bioreactors are edge‐of‐field practices that remove nutrients from agricultural drainage water, with an effective lifespan estimated between 10 and 30 yr. Subsidence, or bioreactor settling and subsequent depression formation, is a concern of producers and stakeholders and little is known regarding its effect on bioreactor performance. Six woodchip bioreactors set at three different hydraulic residence times (HRTs 2, 8, and 16 h) were excavated after 2 yr of operation, with wood samples collected from multiple depths and distances from the bioreactor inlet. Subsidence was observed in all six bioreactors and was greater near the inlet. Particle‐size distribution did not change over the study period, indicating that smaller woodchips were not degrading preferentially or washing out of the bioreactor while the macropore space was simultaneously decreasing. Flow path analysis showed an increase in Morrill Dispersion Indices and short‐circuiting as well as decreases in drainable porosity and hydraulic efficiency; these changes were uniform across all three HRTs, suggesting that the decline in hydraulic properties was independent of flow. Further, despite increased woodchip decomposition as measured by C/N ratio in the 2‐h HRT bioreactors (mean ± SD = 64.9 ± 13.7) compared with the 8‐ and 16‐h HRT systems (90.3 ± 19.0, 95.6 ± 27.2, respectively), denitrification was still supported at all HRTs based on the results from a batch denitrification test. To offset wood aging, bioreactor fill material nearest the inlet could be replenished without excavation of the entire bioreactor.
Towards digital dole parole: A review of digital self‐service initiatives in Australian employment services
Authors: Casey Simone Jane
Published: March 2021

This article reviews developments in digital self‐servicing in Australian employment services. The article draws on program implementation documentation to describe recent digital self‐service initiatives known as the Targeted Compliance Framework and the Online/New Employment Services Trials. The term “digital dole parole” is used to signify the transfer of employment services supervision onto the new digital dashboard through which job seekers have become responsible for reporting attendances at activities and job search and to monitor their own “compliance”. These initiatives are the technologies that will underpin the shift to digital employment services in the New Employment Service model. This shift will radically change the employment services quasi‐market, and the street‐level delivery of labour market programmes. As these are significant shifts in the location of administrative power and street‐level discretion, the article identifies opportunities for future scholarship in this new age of “digital dole parole”.
Confined batch foaming of semi‐crystalline rubbery elastomers with carbon dioxide using a mold
Authors: Sarver Joseph A. , Sumey Jenna L. , Whitfield Richard M. , Kiran Erdogan
Published: March 2021

Confined foaming of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate‐co‐carbon monoxide) using carbon dioxide as a physical blowing agent in a mold with either permeable or impermeable boundaries has been explored as a strategy to control final foam dimensions and morphology. The results are discussed in terms of comparisons to free‐foaming experiments conducted at the same pressure and temperature conditions following the same pressurization and depressurization paths. Foaming experiments were carried out at 30 and 40°C and 100, 200, and 300 bar followed by rapid depressurization of the foaming cell. Confined foaming led to smaller pores with more uniform distributions across the polymer cross‐section. However, bulk foam densities of the foams generated under confinement were higher than those generated under the free‐foaming mode. Surface characteristics and skin layer formation were altered by expansion against both the permeable and impermeable boundaries. Confined foaming promotes uniform pore distribution and overall dimensional uniformity and may impart surface texture but the trade‐off is in the degree to which the bulk foam density can be lowered.