bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPARISON OF CELL BLOCKS AND SMEAR EXAMINATION WITH FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATES IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF SUPERFICIAL PALPABLE HEAD AND NECK LESIONS
Authors: Kamran Muhammad , Baloch Farhan Abbas , Shah Walayat
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVE: To compare the findings of cell blocks and smear examination with fine needle aspirates (FNA) in the diagnosis of superficial palpable head and neck lesions taking histopathology as the gold standard. METHODS:  This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad and Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar. Eighty patients of all age groups, having superficial clinically palpable lesions of head and neck region were recruited in the study from August 2014 to August 2015. FNA cytology, cell block and open biopsy were performed in all cases and compared with the histopathological examination. The data was recorded in a proforma and analyzed through SPSS Version-23. RESULTS: Out of 80 patients, 44 (55%) were males and 36 (45%) females. The age of patients ranged from 01-81 years with a mean age of 45.68±20.43 years. Lesions involving lymph nodes (n=31; 38.8%) and salivary gland (n=24; 30%) were common in head and neck region. Tuberculosis (n=15: 48.38%) and pleomorphic adenoma (n=13; 54.16%) were the common lesions involving lymph nodes and salivary glands respectively. Overall, 49 (61.2%) cases were benign/reactive and 31 (38.8%) cases were malignant on histopathology. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value was 74.2%, 95.9%, 92% & 85.5% for FNA smears and 83.9%, 98%, 96.3% and 90.6% for Cell Block respectively in diagnosing head and neck lesions.   CONCLUSION: Cell block with better diagnostic accuracy can be used as adjunct to FNA smears in diagnosis of superficial palpable head and neck lesions.
USE OF TOOTH CLEARING TECHNIQUE TO DETERMINE ROOT AND CANAL MORPHOLOGY OF PERMANENT MANDIBULAR THIRD MOLARS IN POPULATION OF PESHAWAR: AN IN VITRO CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Khattak Imran , Khattak Munawar Aziz , Khattak Yusra Jamil , Arbab Sana , Rashid Momena , Shah Syed Amjad
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVE: To find out number of roots, root-canals and canal configuration in permanent mandibular third molars through tooth clearing technique. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 193 extracted human mandibular permanent third molars with completely formed apical foramen and intact roots were collected from both genders treated at dental hospitals in Peshawar, Pakistan from 1st July to 31st December 2019. After collection teeth were visually inspected to count number of roots, followed by access cavity preparation, pulp extirpation and canal staining with black Indian ink. Decalcification was done by placing teeth in nitric acid for 5 days followed by dehydration in ascending concentrations of alcohol. Complete transparency was achieved by immersing teeth in methyl-salicylate for 72 hours. Transparent teeth were inspected again for number of roots and root-canals. RESULTS: Among 193 extracted mandibular third molars, (n=161; 83.4%) had two-roots and (n=24; 12.4%) were single-rooted. Two-canals were present in vast majority (n=142; 73.6%) whereas three and one-canal were seen in (n=37; 19.2%) and (n=13; 6.7%) teeth respectively. Most common type of root canal pattern was Vertucci’s Type-I in mesial-roots (n=79; 63.7%) and distal-roots (n=120; 96.8%). Vertucci’s Type-II and Type-IV were (n=15; 12.1%) and (n=12; 9.7%) in the mesial-roots respectively. Mandibular third molars didn’t present with any configurations that didn’t fullfill Vertucci’s criteria. Correlation between number of roots and root-canals of mandibular third molars was non-significant. CONCLUSION: Two-roots and two-canals were common patterns for mandibular third molars. Mesial and distal roots were predominant in Type-I followed by Type-II and Type-IV Vertucci’s classification.
ROLE OF FOLINIC ACID IN IMPROVING THE ADAPTIVE SKILLS AND LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENT IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
Authors: Shah Syed Fawad Saleem , Noreen Nuzhar , Iqbal Nadia , Basit Abdul , Zafar Faisal , Afzal Erum
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVES: To determine role of folinic acid in improving the adaptive skills and language impairment in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children aged 3-14 years. METHODS: This open label randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Out-patient Department of Pediatric Neurology, The Children Hospital & The Institute of Child Health Multan, Pakistan from October-2020 to March-2021. A total of 44 (22 in each group) children of both genders, aged 3-14 years with diagnosis of ASD were included. Children receiving folinic acid (dose of 2mg/kg/day in two divide doses) and behavioral therapy were assigned to Group-A while Group-B received only behavioral therapy. Primary outcome measures were improvement of language and adaptive skills while secondary outcome measures were stereotype movements, verbal communication, hyperactivity, peer relationship and inattention were these parameters measured at baseline, 6-weeks and 12-weeks (final outcome) intervals. RESULTS: Of 44 children, 34 (77.3%) were male and 10 (22.7%) female. Mean age was 4.28±1.57 years. At baseline, outcome measures scores in between both study groups had no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). Regarding final outcome, among children in Group-A, primary outcome measures as gross motor development age (51.41±16.29 months vs. 39.23±51.41 months, p=0.002), self-help (48.64±13.68 months vs. 37.45±6.82 months, p=0.001) and language (18.68±6.34 months vs. 15.15±5.22 months, p=0.050) scores improved significantly when compared to Group-B. Regarding secondary outcome, stereotype movements (p=0.028) improved significantly in Group-A in comparison to Group-B. CONCLUSION:  Folinic acid along with behavioral therapy helped improving language and adaptive skills in children with ASD when compared to behavioral therapy alone.
LUSPATERCEPT – A TREATMENT FOR THALASSEMIA?
Authors: Hassan Taimoor
Published: August 2022

Dear Editor, Among a plethora of widespread diseases in Pakistan, β-thalassemia is the commonest genetic order. According to report published by Bloomberg stated that, about 6,000 children in Pakistan are diagnosed with this genetic disorder every year, with 6-9% carrier rate.1 Consanguinity is considered to be the primary cause for higher prevalence in Pakistan. We have iron chelation and regular blood transfusions as the primary treatment alternatives for β-thalassemia patients, However, bone marrow transplantation is considered to be an only and effective cure.2 For Red blood cells maturation, Sotatercept and Luspatercept are certain Activin receptor fusion compounds which vanquishes the TGF-, β, pathway, for, negative, regulation. The conjoining of Activin receptor ligands suppresses the abnormal Smad 2/3 signaling and avert cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in erythroblasts, hence, encouraging late-stage differentiation. Scientists have reported that, Luspatercept bestows a new horizon to counter this disease which involves the differentiation of RBC’s, thus, multiplying the number of crude erythroid precursors in the blood. It is worth mentioning that, in any way it cannot be considered a substitute of RBC’s while treating acute anemic patients.3 The use of Luspatercept culminated the increased hemoglobin levels in Phase one study which involved normal postmenopausal-women and decreased the burden of transfusion by 22% in 13 weeks of Phase two study. FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) has approved this drug for use among adult patients who have β-thalassemia and regularly needs RBC’s transfusions in 2019. The efficacy of Luspatercept was determined in a trial named ‘BELIEVE’ which was conducted at 66 different multicenter covering around 16 countries. In these trials 224 people were administered with Luspatercept and 112 participants were given placebo. It was disclosed that the Luspatercept group had a higher significance of reduced transfusion burden. While describing the major effects of this drug, the scientists recorded arthralgia, headache, hyperuricemia and hypertension, however, it was also reported that patients who underwent splenectomy noticed 3.6% thrombo-embolic events.4 Specifically mentioning the situation of Pakistan, the over-burden of massive transfusions negatively impacts individuals and drastically utilize the limited health care facilities resources. We are quite hopeful that with the use of this drug, we can counter the β-thalassemia cases in Pakistan.5 There is a positive hope that it could prove as stakeholder in making patients more independent in their lives. Big-wigs Pharmaceuticals and government of Pakistan must work in a joint-venture to open its doors for clinical trials in Pakistan as we did in COVID-19 vaccines, so that we can evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of Luspatercept for our people.6
POSTMENOPAUSAL HIRSUTISM: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Ghaffar Tahir , Malik Suleman Elahi , Zeb Sima , Ullah Zafran , Kanwal Shaista , Aamir Azizul Hasan
Published: August 2022

INTRODUCTION:  Hirsutism is a common condition affecting around 5-10% of female in the childbearing age. During menopausal evolution phase some terminal hair growth can occur in few females as part of normal aging process. However in a postmenopausal female, the presence of rapidly progressive hirsutism and other features of virilization require proper assessment for a sinister cause. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 61 years old lady presented with progressive hirsutism, deepening of voice and scalp baldness. She was postmenopausal for 20 years and hirsutism started about five years ago, initially involving face and then spread to rest of body including chest, abdomen and inner thighs. Her Body-Mass-Index was 27.5 kg/m2. She had hirsutism with a Ferriman-Gallwey score of 16/36 and signs of virilization in the form of deepening of voice, clitorimegaly, complete scalp baldness and masculinization. Relevant workup showed raised testosterone with normal values of Luteinizing hormone, Follicle Stimulating hormone, Prolactin, 17-OH-progesterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone-Sulfate (DHEA-SO4). Computed-tomography imaging of pelvis confirmed enlarged right ovary with dense stroma. Histopathology confirmed a rare ovarian tumour, Sclerosal stromal tumor (SST). Resection of mass resulted in normalization of testosterone levels and improvement in virilization features. CONCLUSION: Hirsutism and virilization in postmenopausal females must be assessed for rare but sinister causes like androgen producing adrenal and/or ovarian tumors. SSTs are rare tumors and usually present in the 2nd and 3rd decades of life but in our case it occur in the postmenopausal age. They are usually hormonally inactive but sometimes can secret androgens as in our patient.
COVID-19 INDUCED DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS REMISSION OF DIABETES ON FOLLOW UP: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Ghaffar Tahir , Ahmed Mian Sameer , Babar Bakht , Aamir Muhammad Salman , Khalil Afrasyab , Rahman Adnan
Published: August 2022

INTRODUCTION: Ever since Covid 19 pandemic, a surge in complications of diabetes mellitus is observed. COVID induced ketoacidosis, hyperglycemia, thrombosis and mucormycosis are reported worldwide. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report an intriguing first presentation of a 29 year young male who presented to us with complaints of fever, body aches, altered taste sensation and shortness of breath. He was having tachypnea, dry mucous membranes and was in respiratory distress. He was diagnosed to have Covid 19 pneumonia. In addition to that, his baseline investigations showed high blood glucose and he turned out to be in state of diabetic ketoacidosis. He was managed in isolation unit and had successful recovery from Covid pneumonia and was discharged on tapering doses of steroids and basal bolus insulin regimen. Interestingly, follow up is suggestive of remission of diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION: Due to symptomatic overlap point of care check in to blood sugars are highly warranted in Covid 19 affected patients.
CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND TREATMENT OUTCOME OF PATIENTS WITH METASTATIC DIFFERENTIATED THYROID CANCER
Authors: Aziz Abdul , Khan Sajjad Ali , Suchal Zafar Aleem , Islam Najmul
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinicopathological characteristics and treatment outcomes of metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in our population.  METHODS: In this retrospective, real world, single centered study was carried out at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Data from December 2020 to January 2000 was retrieved about 117 patients with metastatic DTC regarding age at diagnosis, gender, tumor size, extent & spread of tumor and its histological characteristic. The treatment they received and the outcome in terms of status at last follow up was also recorded. RESULTS: Mean age at diagnosis was 46.6±17.2 years with equal male to female ratio (1:1). Most common site of metastasis was lung (n=15; 12.8%) followed by bone (n=11; 9.4%). Papillary carcinoma was the most common subtype (n=105; 89.7%) followed by follicular carcinoma occurring (n=9; 7.7%), hurthle cell carcinoma (n=2; 1.7%) and diffuse sclerosing variant carcinoma (n=1; 0.9%). Tumor size was <4 cm in 54 (46.2%) patients and ≥4 cm in 63 (53.8%) patients. Cervical metastasis was found in 85 (72.6%) patients while extra thyroidal extensions outside the thyroid bed into the surrounding structures was present in 64 (54.7%) patients. The overall survival was 5.6±2.6 years. Ninety-six percent had complete surgical resection followed by radioactive iodine in 107 (91.5%) patients with 65 being given a dose of 150 mCi, 38 given a dose of 100 mCi and 4 given a dose of 50 mCi. CONCLUSION: Most significant factors in predicting outcome in metastatic DTC are age, extra thyroidal extension of primary tumor and distant metastasis.
ASSOCIATION OF METABOLIC SYNDROME WITH VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF KARACHI
Authors: Rehman Urooj Lal , Sheikh Halar , Durrani Rasheed
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVE: To determine frequency of vitamin D deficiency among patients with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi-Pakistan from 30/2/2020 to 30/7/2020. Data were prospectively collected from patients, meeting the diagnostic criteria with ≥3 of the following risk factors: A centrally distributed obesity with waist circumference >90 cm in men & >80 cm in women Elevated levels of triglycerides (>150 mg/dl) Decreased HDL (<40 mg/dl in men; <50 mg/dl in women) Systolic blood pressure >130 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure >85 mm Hg Elevated levels of fasting glucose i.e. >110 mg/dl Fasting blood (05ml) was collected in morning, serum separated and stored at -70OC for subsequent analyses of vitamin-D by ELISA. Effect modifiers were controlled through stratification to see the effect of these on the outcome variable. RESULTS: Out of 193 patients with metabolic syndrome, 82 (42.5%) patients were males and 111 (57.5%) were female. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 73/193 (40.9%) subjects. Mean age, duration of disease, serum glucose, height and weight in our study was 52.78±8.81 years, 2.21±1.18 years, 210.65±12.52 mg/dl, 158±7.28 cm, and 78.7±9.87 kg respectively. Age, gender, and educational status were the most important risk factors that might be leading to vitamin D deficiency in metabolic syndrome patients (p-value <0.05). CONCLUSION:  Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with metabolic syndrome. Large scale studies are needed for identification of the risk factors leading to vitamin D deficiency in patients with metabolic syndrome.
OUTCOMES OF PREGNANCY IN WOMEN WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS: A STUDY FROM RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS SOCIETY
Authors: Riaz Musarrat , Askari Saima , Naseem Raheela
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of pregnancy in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). METHODS:  This prospective cohort study was conducted at Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology (BIDE), Baqai Medical University, Karachi-Pakistan from January 2007 to December 2020. All women diagnosed with T1DM and pregnancy, visiting the outpatient department of BIDE were included after written informed consent. Predesigned questionnaire was developed for data records. It includes demographic details, diabetes mellitus & obstetric history, clinical examination, treatment details, maternal, perinatal and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS:    There were 31 pregnancies in which mean age of women was 35.03±9.70 years, duration of diabtes before pregnancy was 128.46±75.50 months and median gestational age at delivery was 34.30±3.9 weeks. Only 5 (16.1%) pregnancies were planned and 7 (22.6%) women have HbA1c <7%. Furthermore, 26 (83.9%) women received folic acid in first trimester. Moreover, 27 (87.1%) live birth and 4 (12.9%) miscarriages occurred, 16 (51.6%) women required assisted delivery/cesarean section and 5 (16.1%) neonates are of low birth weights. Hypoglycemia was noted in 6 (19.4%) neonates and jaundice in 2 (6.5%). One (3.2%) neonate required intensive care unit admission and 14 (45.2%) women breasts fed their child. CONCLUSION:       In our study, majority of unplanned pregnancies in women with T1DM rendering this high-risk group into more complications. Prenatal counselling regarding conception may improve the pregnancy outcomes.
INTUSSUSCEPTIONS IN ADULTS (ABOUT 06 CASES)
Authors: Ramraoui M. , zeroual A. , Elguezzar A. , Fihri MJ.Fassi , Jouabri B. , Ajram H. , Khader A. , Baba H. , Elbarni R. , Lahkim M.
Published: August 2022

Background : Intussusception in adults is a rare condition that is difcult to diagnose due to its clinical polymorphism. Its diagnosis has become easier thanks to advances in medical imaging. The treatment of intussusceptions in adults is surgical because of the high incidence of causative organic lesions. Our work is a prospective study which aims to determine theObjective : clinical and etiological peculiarities of acute intussusceptions in adults, to specify the diagnostic and therapeutic difculties and to draw practical conclusions regarding the optimal therapeutic management of this rare condition. Our work is a retrospective study,Materials and methods: covering a series of 06 cases of acute intussusception operated on in the visceral surgery department of the Avicenne Military Hospital in Marrakech, over a period of 6 years, from January 2014 to May 2020. Data relating to clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and histological reports were collected and analyzed. Six cases of acute intussusceptions in adults were collected over a period of six years, amountingResults: one case per year. The average age was 52 with a female predominance of 66%. Four out of 6 patients had been seen urgently. The diagnosis was made preoperatively in all cases, ie 100% by using ultrasonography and CT. The ultrasound showed a "target" image in one case and a "pseudo- kidney" image in another. CT made it possible to make the diagnosis in all cases, and objectied an etiological diagnosis in 4 patients, ie 66.6% of cases. The pure enteric form was the most frequent (3 out of 6 cases), ie 50% of cases. There was one case of intestinal necrosis. Bowel resection was performed in 6 cases, or 100%. The cause of intussusception was found in all patients, including a benign tumor cause in 66.6% of cases. The immediate postoperative follow-up was straightforward in all patients We can conclude that the acute intussusception in adults is aConclusion: rare entity that should be considered in any patient with subacute abdominal pain. And we propose that oncological resection should be carried out in all cases of intestinal intussusception without attempting reduction regardless the site of the invagination, In view of the high rate of malignancy.
A Risk Reducing Fleet Monitor for Automated Vehicles Based on Extreme Value Theory
Authors: Åsljung Daniel , Zandén Carl , Fredriksson Jonas
Published: August 2022

The verification and validation of automated vehicles (AVs) is known to be a challenging problem. There are currently no verification and validation methods that can guarantee completeness and a high level of safety without extensive field tests. Therefore, monitoring methods are recommended to ensure the absence of unreasonable risk caused by the AVs in the field. This paper proposes a proactive fleet monitoring approach for AVs based on Extreme Value Theory (EVT) to reduce the accident risk during first deployment and software updates. By performing sequential statistical tests on threat metrics measured in an AV fleet, the monitor is used to quickly identify and abort operations if the AVs do not meet the required level of safety. To evaluate the proposed monitoring approach, it is studied in a fictive deployment case using two different threat metrics, one predictive and one retrospective. The evaluation showed that a significant risk reduction is achievable when using the EVT fleet monitor compared to reactive fleet monitoring. Moreover, using a predictive threat metric reduces the risk of accidents dramatically. However, it has the drawback of frequently aborting operations unless the systems are significantly better than required. On the other hand, a retrospective threat metric is found to be a more balanced alternative that could substantially reduce risk without being overly conservative. In summation, the EVT fleet monitoring is a promising complementary approach to traditional validation to minimize the risk and abort operations of sub-performing automated driving functions well before any accidents are caused.
Singer’s algebraic transfer for all ranks s in some degrees and the negation of the dimension results for the graded spaces F2 ⊗ AF2 [x1,...,xs] in degrees s+ 5
Authors: Võ Phúc Đặng
Published: August 2022

Let Ps:=F2[x1,x2,...,xs] be the graded polynomial algebra over the prime field of two elements,F2, insvariables x1,x2,...,xs, each of degree one. This algebra is considered as a graded moduleover the mod-2 Steenrod algebra, A.  The classical "hit problem", initiated by Frank Peterson[Abstracts Amer. Math. Soc. 833 (1987), 55-89], concerned with seeking a minimal set of A-module Ps. Equivalently, when F2 is an A-module concentrated in degree 0, one can write downexplicitly a monomial basis for theZ-graded vector space overF2:

  QPs:=F2⊗APs=Ps/A+·Ps,

where A+ denotes the augmentation ideal of A.The problem is unresolved in general. In thispaper, we study the hit problem for Ps with s>5. More explicitly, we first compute explicitly thedimension of QPs for s= 5 in the generic degree 21·2t−5witht= 1. Note that the problem when t= 0 was solved by Nguyễn Sum [Vietnam J. Math. 49 (2021), 1079-1096]. Next, we shall reject aresult of Meshack Moetele and Mbakiso Fix Mothebe [East-West Journal of Mathematics 18 (2016),151-170] on the dimension of QPs in degreess+ 5 for 8< s<9. We also give an explicit formula forthe dimension of QPs in degree 14 for alls >0 and in degree 15 for all s >0, s,10. In addition, a conjecture on the dimension of QPs in degree 2s−1−s has been given.  As applications, weinvestigate William Singer’s conjecture [Math. Z. 202 (1989), 493-523] on the algebraic transfer of rank 5 in degrees 21·2t−5 for all t>0 and of ranks s >0 in internal degreesd, 130}and{D1(t) = (Sq0)t(D1(0))∈Ext5,57·2tA(F2,F2)|t>0} belongs to theimage of the algebraic transfer of rank 5. We also study the behavior of the algebraic transfer of rank 7 in the generic degrees 23·2t−7 fort= 0and`·2t−7for`∈ {9,16}, t63. Our results then claim that the non-zero elements Pc0∈Ext7,23·20A(F2,F2), k0=k∈Ext7,9·22A(F2,F2)and h0} belongs to the image of the transfer.
Deep Learning-Aided Optimization of Multi-Interface Allocation for Short-Packet Communications
Authors: De Oliveira Hugo , Kaneko Megumi , Boukhatem Lila , Fukuda Ellen Hidemi
Published: August 2022

 The severe spectrum scarcity and the stringent requirements of Beyond 5G applications call for an integrated use of low frequency Sub-6 GHz and high frequency millimeter Wave bands. Focusing on future Internet of Things (IoT) Short-Packet Communications (SPC), this paper investigates the optimized usage of such diverse wireless interfaces. We propose an unifying framework devoted to SPC that jointly optimizes the user partitioning over each band, and the radio resource scheduling within each band. Leveraging Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) tools, the proposed method enables to better tackle the challenges imposed by dynamically varying mobile environments such as the Line-of-Sight situations of each link, and the heterogeneity of individual Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, such as rate, delay and reliability. Regarding the DRL-based user partitioning to each band, we have investigated three different types of partitioning actions to obtain a high network performance as well as a rapid convergence. Regarding the proposed sub-schedulers within each band, we designed two optimization methods, i.e., one that leverages Difference of Convex Programming (DCP) technique, and the second that accelerates convergence to a local optimum. Numerical evaluations show that the proposed methods outperform conventional approaches in terms of sum-rate and QoS outage probabilities. 
FDRL Approach for Association and Resource Allocation in Multi-UAV Air-To-Ground IoMT Network
Authors: Abegaz Mohammed , Erbad aiman , Nahom Hayla , Albaseer Abdullatif , Abdallah Mohamed , Guizani Mohsen
Published: August 2022

In 6G networks, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can serve as aerial flying base stations (AFBS) with aerial mobile edge computing (AMEC) server capabilities. AFBS is an increasingly popular solution for delivering time-sensitive applications, extending network coverage, and assisting ground base stations in the healthcare systems for remote areas with limited infrastructure. Furthermore, the UAVs are deployed in the healthcare system to support the Internet of medical things (IoMT) devices in data collection, medical equipment distribution, and providing smart services. However, ensuring the privacy and security of patients' data with the limited UAV resources is a major challenge. In this paper, we present a federated deep reinforcement learning framework for resource allocation in UAV-enabled healthcare systems, where IoMT devices send their trained model parameters without transmitting sensitive raw data to the AMEC server. In the proposed framework, the IoMT device is associated with AFBS  based on the quality of the data and its demand in order to maximize learning efficiency and accuracy. This work aims to minimize the computation costs of the IoMT devices while considering UAV resources and the fairness of UAV coverage. Simulation results prove that our proposed algorithm outperforms other baseline algorithms in learning accuracy and computational cost.
Changes in Hydropower Resource Operations Following Participation in the CAISO Energy Imbalance Market - A Case Study
Authors: Datta Sohom , Somani Abhishek , Alam M.J.E , Sun Xueqing , fotedar vanshika , Banicki Al;ex
Published: August 2022

Portland General Electric (PGE), an investor-owned electric utility
serving nearly 900,000 customers in 51 Oregon cities, joined Western
Energy Imbalance Market (EIM) – a California Independent System
Operator (CAISO) platform for sharing cleaner and more efficient
generation resources among multiple states in the Western U.S. While
participation in EIM brings a new set of economic opportunities for PGE
by capturing flexibility needs in the market, it also changes
operational patterns (e.g., more frequent start/stop, off-nominal power
output, and ramping) of PGE’s conventional generation fleet, including
hydropower units. With 492 MW of hydropower capacity, which constitutes
15% of PGE’s generation mix, it is important for PGE (as any other
EIM-participant utility) to understand how participation in EIM impacts
its hydropower assets, and how a techno-economically sustainable
operation of those assets could be accomplished. In this paper, a case
study is performed with PGE’s hydropower generation facilities to assess
and quantify EIM?participation driven changes in hydropower operational
patterns
3D-printed, directly conductive and flexible electrodes for personalized electroencephalography
Authors: Xing Le , Casson Alex
Published: August 2022

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a widely used non-invasive brain monitoring technique that records the electrical signals generated within the brain, with applications ranging from epilepsy to Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI). The electrode connecting the EEG instrumentation to the user's scalp is a key part of this system which determines the overall performance. Traditionally, disc electrodes, or fingered electrodes to pass through hair, have been used, but with a very limited number of sizes and shapes available which do not reflect all users and head-hair types. Recently, 3D-printed electrodes have been proposed for allowing personalized manufacturing and more inclusive EEG. Current 3D-printed electrodes can be physically flexible for comfort, and allow recording without a conductive gel being added. However, they are formed by printing a base structure which is then coated with Silver/Silver-Chloride to make it suitable for non-invasive brain recording. This paper presents novel 3D-printed EEG electrodes with that can be made using a directly conductive flexible filament. The resulting electrodes are gel free, coating free, can be personalized, have reduced manufacturing time, and cost less compared to previous electrodes. Our electrodes are characterized in terms of contact impedance, contact noise, on-phantom signal recording, mechanical strength, and the recording of Steady-State Visual Evoked Potentials (SSVEPs) from volunteers. They have much higher contact impedance present compared to Silver/Silver-Chloride coated electrodes, resulting in higher contact noise and more susceptibility to motion artifacts, but offer a wide range of benefits for low cost personalized electroencephalography.
CLEP: Contrastive Learning for Epileptic Seizure Prediction Using a Spatio-Temporal-Spectral Network
Authors: guo lianghui , Yu Tao
Published: August 2022

 Seizure prediction of epileptic preictal period  through electroencephalogram (EEG) signals is important  for clinical epilepsy diagnosis. However, recent deep  learning-based methods commonly employ intra-subject  training strategy and need sufficient data, which are  laborious and time-consuming for a practical system and  pose a great challenge for seizure predicting. Besides,  multi-domain characterizations, including spatio-temporal?spectral dependencies in an epileptic brain are generally  neglected or not considered simultaneously in current  approaches, and this insufficiency commonly leads to  suboptimal seizure prediction performance. To tackle the  above issues, in this paper, we propose Contrastive  Learning for Epileptic seizure Prediction (CLEP) using a  Spatio-Temporal-Spectral Network (STS-Net). Specifically,  the CLEP learns intrinsic epileptic EEG patterns across  subjects by contrastive learning. The STS-Net extracts  multi-scale temporal and spectral representations under  different rhythms from raw EEG signals. Then, a novel triple  attention layer (TAL) is employed to construct inter?dimensional interaction among multi-domain features.  Moreover, a spatio dynamic graph convolution network  (sdGCN) is proposed to dynamically model the spatial  relationships between electrodes and aggregate spatial  information. The proposed CLEP-STS-Net achieved a  sensitivity of 96.7% and a false prediction rate of 0.072/h on  the CHB-MIT scalp EEG database. We also validate the  proposed method on clinical intracranial EEG (iEEG)  database from the Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical  University, and the predicting system yielded a sensitivity  of 95%, a false prediction rate of 0.087/h. The experimental  results outperform the state-of-the-art studies which  validate the efficacy of our method. Our code is available at  https://github.com/LianghuiGuo/CLEP-STS-Net. Index Terms—EEG, contrastive learning, spatio?temporal-spectral dependencies, dynamic graph  convolution, triple attention, seizure prediction  
Drone Audition: Audio Signal Enhancement from Drone Embedded Microphones
Authors: Manamperi Wageesha , Abhayapala Thushara , Samarasinghe Prasanga , Zhang Jihui (Aimee)
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we consider the problem of recovering desired sound source signals from on-board microphone recordings on a noisy drone.  Enhancement of source signal degraded by drone noise is considered to be a difficult task due to the strong noise generated from its motors and propellers causing an extremely low signal-to-drone noise ratio (SDNR).  We propose a solution (i) by using a multichannel Wiener filter (MWF) to remove drone noise from microphone recordings, and (ii) further reduction of residual noise using a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) based dual-stage parametric Wiener filter (WF).  The method exploits known statistics of motor current-specific drone noise.  The theory developed is applicable to irregular microphone arrays embedded on a drone enabling realistic integration to most drones. We demonstrate the validity of the proposed framework through (i) experimental recordings from two different drone acoustics datasets and (ii) outdoor measurements from a hovering drone for a bioacoustic application. The results confirm improved performance in terms of SDNR, speech quality (PESQ), and intelligibility (STOI) at very low SDNR levels (up to -30 dB) and show a strong potential for signal enhancement applications using noisy drones.
Prevalence of Cardiac Arrhythmias, Clinical Spectrum and Complications of Electrical Injury
Authors: Rahman Syed Obydur , Halder Kartick Chandra , Anam Md. Arif , Akand Salimullah , Aslam Md. Mohiuddin , Rashid Mohammad Mamunur
Published: August 2022

Background: Electrical accidents (EA) are rare, but can cause serious and potentially life-threatening injuries to multiple organs. The majority of epidemiological data refers to workplace accidents which account for a significant share of such accidents in adults. Exposure to electric shock has been associated with an increased risk of developing immediate and delayed cardiac arrhythmias. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias and different symptoms in patient with high voltage and low voltage electrical injury. Methods: This was observational prospective study was carried out at the Dept. of Cardiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College Hospital, Faridpur, Bangladesh from January to June 2021. 51 consecutive patients with electrical injury who were admitted. Admission criteria were age ≥15 years, loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest, electrocardiographic abnormalities, soft tissue damage and burns. Patients were categorized into high and low voltage injury group and their variables were compared. Results: The mean age of the patients was 32.3±10.4 years among them 41 (82.3%) were male. Patients who sustain high voltage electrical injury (>1000V) were 18 (35.2%) and low voltage injury (<1000V) were 33 (64.7%).Cardiac arrhythmias like sinus tachycardia (11.1% vs 6.0%, p=0.054), sinus bradycardia (11.1% vs 3.0% p=0.254), ventricular premature beats (5.6% vs3.0%, p=0.674), atrial fibrillation (11.1% vs 0%, p=0.054) were observed in high voltage and low voltage group. The commonest presenting symptoms in both groups were pain (77.8% vs 81.8% p=0.560) and fatigue (55.6% vs 39.3%, p=0.328). Conclusion: In this study few non-fatal cardiac arrhythmias were observed in both high and low voltage electrical injury group. Parameters considered to be risk factors such as known structural heart disease, loss of consciousness, high voltage electric shock, burn and soft tissue injuries were also not significant predictors of the occurrence of arrhythmias. There is no significant difference in the presenting symptoms and types of arrhythmias observed between low voltage and high voltage injury group.
PRINSIP EDUPRENEURSHIP MENURUT PERSPEKTIF ISLAM
Authors: Nur Ridha Raudah , Subiyantoro Subiyantoro
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this reseach is to know the principle of edupreneurship according to the Islamic perspertive. The reseach method that the author uses is qualitative-descriptive with a library research approach. The data collection technique here is documentation. that the principles of edupreneurship in the view of Islam are to optimize the various potentials possessed in order to produce scientific added value as well as relevant economic added value in the field of Islamic education. Islamic edupreneurship will develop students' habits in entrepreneurship to remain creative and innovative, such as writing books according to their respective interests and fields, or carrying out other activities that can provide added value economically. As a result, it will bring students to change who initially as users then turn into producers. The results of the research from the principle of edupreneurship according to this Islamic perspective are self-confidence, initiative in an energetic sense, focus on tasks and results, far-sighted, leadership spirit, dare to take risks, calculating, communicative, reflective, originality, innovative, creative, flexible. wise in making policies and decisions. Keywords: Edupreneurship, Islam
THE EFFECT OF THINK ALOUD STRATEGY ON STUDENTS’ READING COMPREHENSION AT THE TENTH GRADE OF SMK SWASTA SITI BANUN
Authors: Rusli Muhammad , Harahap Anna Leli , Rambe Shopiah Anggraini , Rahmadhani Desi
Published: August 2022

This study aims to determine the effect of think aloud strategy on students’ reading comprehension at the tenth grade of smk swasta siti banun. The data collection technique was used to measure students’ learning outcomes in the form of assignment questions carried out on the pretest and posttest. The data analysis technique used is normality test using F test, homogeneity test and hypothesis testing using t test. The hypothesis in this study was tested by t-test at a significant level = 0.05. From the calculation of the data it was seen that  t-count > t-table (3,41> 1,67). Thus the null hypothesis is that Ho is rejected and Ha is accepted. From the results, it can be concluded that there is a significant effect of Think Aloud Strategy on Students’ Reading Comprehension at Tenth Grade of SMK Swasta Siti BanunKeywords: Reading comprehension; Think Aloud Strategy; Thinking Hard.
HUBUNGAN PEMBERIAN APRESIASI TERHADAP MINAT BELAJAR IPS SISWA KELAS VII DI SMP NEGERI 1 X KOTO DIATAS
Authors: Elviana Lidya , Sainanda Gustia , Setiawati Merika
Published: August 2022

This research was motivated by the lack of studets interest in participating in social science learning and the lack of appreciation from the teacher in appreciating students efforts to participate in teaching and learning activities. The aims of this study were (1) to find out whether there is a relationship between giving appreciation to the interest in learning of class VII student of SMP Negeri 1 Koto Diatas. (2) Knowing the magnitude of the relationship of appreciation to the learning interest of class VII student of SMP Negeri 1 X Koto Diatas. This type of research is a quantitative research with a sample of all students of class VII student of SMP Negeri 1 X Koto Diatas as many as 31 students. Data collection techniques using questionnaires and data analysis techniques using product moment correlation techniques. The results of this study are that there is a positive and significant relationship between giving appreciation to the learning interest of class VII student of SMP Negeri 1 X Koto Diatas. This is evidenced from the results of the analysis obtained that rcount = 0,512 is greater than rtable (sig. 5% for N = 31) which is 0,355 and the correlation test result is 0,6, it is stated that the relationship between appreciation variables and interest in learning is quite strong.Keywords: Appreciation, Interest, and Learning.
THE USE OF TIME TOKEN METHOD IN IMPROVING STUDENTS’ SPEAKING SKILL AT THE SECOND GRADE OF ISLAMIC SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL MAN BANTAENG
Authors: Mappa Andi Anugrah , Karmila Lilis
Published: August 2022

This research aims to find out whether or not the implementation time token method is effective to improve the students’ speaking skill in term of fluency and accuracy at the second grade of Islamic senior high school MAN Bantaeng. This research used pre-experimental method. The population of this research consists of the second grade and the sample of the research is XI IIS 2 consists of 16 students at MAN Banteng, year 2021/2022. In collecting the data, the researcher gave a speaking test there was pre-test and post-test, while to analyze the data the researcher used t-test. The result of this researcher showed that the mean score in pre-test for fluency was 1.18 and post-test was 2.9. The mean score in pre-test for accuracy was 1.43 and in post-test was 3.  And the total mean score of students’ speaking skill in pre-test was 2.6 and post-test 6. The degree of freedom significance 5% was 2.131 it was higher than the result of the significance difference of the post test that was 10,088. It means that by applying time token method in teaching speaking can help in improve the students’ speaking skill. Thus, concluded that improving students’ speaking skill is significantly better after getting treatment. So the alternative hypothesis is accepted and the null hypothesis is rejected. Therefore, it is proven that time token method can improve the students’ speaking skill.
"WE FEEL ANXIOUS AND NERVOUS": THE UNDERGRADUATE ENGLISH STUDENTS' EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCES IN LEARNING TO SPEAK ENGLISH
Authors: Nurmasadah Diyah , Supiani Supiani , Dayu Angga Taufan
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this research was to explore the undergraduate English students’ emotional experience in terms of anxious and nervous feelings and identify the factors contributing to the anxious and nervous feelings of undergraduate English students in learning to speak English. The design of this research employs qualitative narrative approach, in which the researchers attempts to elicit the participants’ emotional experience in learning speaking at the private university in Banjarmasin. In collecting the data, the researchers use semi-structured interview techniques and are analyzed using thematic inductive approach. From the findings revealed that there were three undergraduate students who experienced dominant negative emotions such as anxiety, nervous and shy during learning to speak English, while another student considered that negative emotions did not influence him too much to speak English. There were two main factors that contributing anxiety and nervousness, namely external factors (such as lack of confidence and the environment) and internal factors (such as lacking mastery of grammar and vocabulary).Keywords: Emotional experinces, learning to speak English, undergraduate students
Sustainable Pilar Of Rural Tourism Development
Authors: Tou Harne julianti , Melinda Noer  , Helmi
Published: August 2022

Tourism is not only done in urban areas but also has been in great demand in the countryside. This is due to the beauty of nature, cultural uniqueness, and other characteristics in rural areas that attract visitors. Besides aiming to reduce the fatigue of activities in the city, tourists also want to experience nature and the life of rural communities. This literature study research seeks to identify the main pillars of sustainable rural tourism development. Sustainable rural tourism development is the development of the tourism sector in the village by observing the sustainability of tourism, such as efficient use of environmental resources while preserving natural heritage and biodiversity, including respecting the socio-cultural authenticity of the local community in terms of inter-cultural tolerance and should provide socio-economic benefits to all stakeholders, using qualitative descriptive methods. The writer analyzed the objects of the study in terms of tourism development, rural tourism, sustainable rural tourism development, and the role of stakeholders in rural tourism development. The main pillars found are culture and community participation (socio-culture), ecology (environment), and policy (politics).
Low patient compliance to CPAP therapy as a new challenge in the management of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: social, demographic characteristics and the quality of life
Authors: Dieeva Julia V.
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is one of the most common sleep disorders. According to various studies, the prevalence of OSAS varies between 2-4% of men and 1-2% of women in the general population, with more than 90% of cases among men and 80% of women being undiagnosed. The "gold standard" for the treatment of OSAS is respiratory therapy using CPAP. At the same time, the results of patients' compliance to CPAP are controversial. Thus, the inability to use this method was noted by 45 to 80% of patients, therefore it is important to study this group of patients, who showed low compliance with CPAP.
Aim: to determine the social and demographic characteristics of the group of patients with OSAS and low compliance with CPAP therapy, as well as the impact of the disease on the quality of life of patients.
Materials and methods: The study included 80 patients with second stage OSAS who had previously demonstrated low compliance with CPAP. Overall demographic indicators were assessed, and patients were interviewed to assess their quality of life using The Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL) instrument. Statist ical criteria included methods of descriptive statistics (mean, mode, median, minimum and maximum value, variance). In case of normal data distribution methods of parametric statistics were used, and in case of uneven distribution – non-parametric criteria.
Results: The gender distribution in the group showed 67.5% of men and 32.5% of women. Average age was 39.35 (±9.49) years and 39.56 (±11.89) years, respectively. The average value of the biomass index in men was 28.3 (±2.9), in women – 28.1 (±3.9). Only three people in the group reached retirement age. The results of the survey of the quality of life showed a significant reduction in the level of "Relationships with others", "Social isolation", "Sleep" and "Anxiety and depression" (p <0.05).
Conclusions: The results of the study showed that the demographic characteristics of the group of patients with OSAS with low compliance to CPAP do not differ from the general patterns.
In addition, a questionnaire using The Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL) instrument showed a significant decrease in the quality of life of patients due to worsening of social isolation and reduced psychological wellbeing.