bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing P3HT/PCBM blend stability by thermal crosslinking using poly(3-hexylthiophene)-S,S-dioxide
Authors: Milanovich M. , Sarkar T. , Popowski Y. , Low J. Z. , Campos L. M. , Kenig S. , Frey G. L. , Amir E.
Published: April 2020

A statistical copolymer containing thiophene and thiophene-S,S-dioxide rings was utilized as a thermal crosslinker in a blend of P3HT and PCBM, demonstrating an effective strategy for preventing agglomeration of PCBM and enhancing blend stability.
Synergistically optimized electrical and thermal properties by introducing electron localization and phonon scattering centers in CuGaTe2with enhanced mechanical properties
Authors: Huang Lulu , Zhang Jian , Zhu Chen , Ge Zhenhua , Li Yuanyue , Li Di , Qin Xiaoying
Published: April 2020

CuGaTe2based chalcopyrite materials have attracted intense research interest due to their high power factor.
Compact multi‐band chipless RFID resonators for identification and authentication applications
Authors: Babaeian F. , Karmakar N.C.
Published: April 2020

Moving towards commercialisation of chipless RFID systems, there are still some pressing issues. In the tag design level, the issues are high data capacity in the order of tens of bits, compact design and the immunity to the interference which can be achieved by a cross‐polar response. It is demanded to yield the highest numbers of bits in a tag ID while the occupied physical space and allocated bandwidth are minimised. Increasing the number of resonators in a conventional multi‐resonator chipless tag causes a significant tag size growth. The destructive coupling effect between resonators in multi‐resonator tags is another critical issue. In this Letter, to combat those issues, a multi‐band resonator is proposed. The comb‐shaped tags contain both co‐polar and cross‐polar Radar cross section (RCS) responses, hence they can be used in high reflective environments. Two samples of 14‐bit and 40‐bit comb‐shaped tags are designed, which have physical sizes of 17 mm × 13 and 30 mm × 45 mm, respectively. The promising performance of the proposed structure, which is beyond the state of art hybrid and frequency‐domain tags, shows the potential of the proposed designs for identification and authentication applications.
High‐gain sub‐terahertz lens horn antenna with a metal guide
Authors: Lee J.N. , Cho Y.K. , Jung J.H. , Hyun S.B.
Published: April 2020

In this Letter, a high‐gain sub‐terahertz lens horn antenna with a metal guide is proposed. In this antenna, high gain is achieved by using a metal guide and dielectric lens. The experimental results show that the impedance bandwidth of the proposed antenna is above 200 GHz, and the measured peak gain of the antenna is 39 dBi at 240 GHz.
Cloud‐based production logistics synchronisation service infrastructure for customised production processes
Authors: Lin Yuanxin , Qu Ting , Zhang Kai , Huang George Q.
Published: April 2020

Under the customised production mode, the uncertainty of orders, resources, and processes cause the production system to inevitably be affected by various dynamics. In Industry 4.0 deployment, production logistics synchronisation (PLS) requires production systems to support synchronised operation among multiple units in the internet of things environment, thereby ensuring the optimal operation of the system. This means that enterprises need to dynamically optimise hardware/software resource configuration and execution plans for execution units. These all require a lot of capital and technology investment, which ordinary enterprises can hardly afford. Therefore, how to provide low‐cost, high‐quality flexible resources and synchronised decision support have become the two key challenges in achieving PLS. Then the cloud‐based PLS service infrastructure (CPLSS) is proposed. The CPLSS is oriented towards the synchronised operation requirements of customised production systems and adopts an integrated service mode to provide reconfigurable hardware/software resources and synchronised decision support services for the resource service life cycle. A real‐life case study of applying CPLSS solution in an air‐conditioning industry has been conducted. The implementation results show that the proposed CPLSS solution can reduce operating costs and improve the efficiency of finished product warehousing.
ResourceNet: a collaboration network among decentralised manufacturing resources for autonomous exception‐handling in smart manufacturing
Authors: Qian Cheng , Sun Wen , Zhang Yingfeng
Published: April 2020

The fast‐changing market and increasing demand for customised products have imposed manufacturers to improve the flexibility and robustness of their manufacturing execution systems. The ability to recover from exceptional events is fundamental to autonomous manufacturing systems in the era of smart manufacturing. Currently, the various types of manufacturing exceptions remain unclear. This research investigated the typical exceptions and proposed a general framework that supports the autonomous exception‐handling and resource discovery in dynamic environments. A multi‐layer peer‐to‐peer network is used to model the resources, services, and events in decentralised manufacturing systems. The exception‐handling mechanism is designed that incorporates rule‐based reactions, matching of features, recording of behaviour patterns etc. The feasibility of the proposed methods is also discussed, which shows many exceptions that were ignored in previous scheduling models can be timely identified and easily handled. This research explores the complex relations among manufacturing resources and provides an intelligent overall framework for self‐organising manufacturing with self‐diagnose capabilities.
Efficient modeling of correlated noise
Authors: Delisle J.-B. , Hara N. , Ségransan D.
Published: April 2020

Correlated noise affects most astronomical datasets and to neglect accounting for it can lead to spurious signal detections, especially in low signal-to-noise conditions, which is often the context in which new discoveries are pursued. For instance, in the realm of exoplanet detection with radial velocity time series, stellar variability can induce false detections. However, a white noise approximation is often used because accounting for correlated noise when analyzing data implies a more complex analysis. Moreover, the computational cost can be prohibitive as it typically scales as the cube of the dataset size. For some restricted classes of correlated noise models, there are specific algorithms that can be used to help bring down the computational cost. This improvement in speed is particularly useful in the context of Gaussian process regression, however, it comes at the expense of the generality of the noise model. In this article, we present the S + LEAF noise model, which allows us to account for a large class of correlated noises with a linear scaling of the computational cost with respect to the size of the dataset. The S + LEAF model includes, in particular, mixtures of quasiperiodic kernels and calibration noise. This efficient modeling is made possible by a sparse representation of the covariance matrix of the noise and the use of dedicated algorithms for matrix inversion, solving, determinant computation, etc. We applied the S + LEAF model to reanalyze the HARPS radial velocity time series of the recently published planetary system HD 136352. We illustrate the flexibility of the S + LEAF model in handling various sources of noise. We demonstrate the importance of taking correlated noise into account, and especially calibration noise, to correctly assess the significance of detected signals.
Musa acuminata peel extract mediated eco-friendly synthesis of solar light-active ZnO nanosponge for enhanced dyeing wastewater degradation
Authors: Sin Jin-Chung , Ong Ka-Wey , Lam Sze-Mun , Zeng Honghu
Published: April 2020

ZnO nanosponge was synthesized for the first time via a green method using Musa acuminata peel extract. The X-ray diffraction, Raman, energy dispersive X-ray and fourier-transform infrared analyses demonstrated that the synthesized sample was well crystallized and possessed hexagonal wurtzite pure ZnO. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy observation revealed that the ZnO nanosponge was assembled by aggregated spherical particles with sizes of 30-128 nm. Under simulated solar light irradiation, the ZnO nanosponge acted as an excellent photocatalyst for methylene blue and rhodamine B mixtures degradation compared to commercially available TiO2-P25. The enhanced photocatalytic activities of ZnO sample can be attributed to the high generation of hydroxyl radicals as a result of its unique sponge-like porous structure with large surface area. Furthermore, the ZnO nanosponge can be used effectively on the photodegradation of real textile dye wastewater. These characteristics showed that the biosynthesized ZnO nanosponge can be employed as a photocatalyst for environmental remediation.
Environmental sensitivity to mosquito transmitted diseases in El-Fayoum using spatial analyses
Authors: El-Hefni Asmaa M. , El-Zeiny Ahmed M. , Effat Hala A.
Published: April 2020

El-Fayoum governorate has unique characteristics which induces mosquito proliferation and thus increased the risk arisen from diseases transmission. Present study explores the role of remote sensing and GIS modeling integrated with field survey for mapping mosquito breeding sites and the areas under risk of diseases transmission in El-Fayoum governorate. Entomological surveys were conducted for a total number of 40 accessible breeding sites during the period 12-16 November 2017. A calibrated Landsat OLI image, synchronized with the field trip, was processed to produce Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI), and Land Surface Temperature (LST). A cartographic GIS model was generated to predict breeding sites in the whole governorate and to assess the potential risk. The main filarial disease vector (Culex pipiens) was abundant at Atsa district, while Malaria vectors (Anopheles sergentiiandAnopheles multicolor) were mainly distributed in El-Fayoum and Youssef El-Seddiq districts. Means levels of NDVI, NDMI and LST at breeding habitats were recorded; 0.18, 0.08 and 21.75° C, respectively. Results of the model showed that the highest predicted risk area was reported at Atsa district (94.4 km2) and Yousef El-Sediq (81.8 km2) while the lowest prediction was observed at Abshawai district (35.9 km2). It can be concluded that Atsa, Yousef El-Sedik and El-Fayoum districts are more vulnerable to Malaria and Filaria diseases outbreaks, thus precaution and pest control methods must be applied to mitigate the possible risks.
Comparison of the greenhouse effect between Earth and Venus using multiple atmospheric layer models
Authors: Liu William Song
Published: April 2020

To better understand the mechanisms of global warming, we developed a one atmospheric layer model for Earth and a multiple atmospheric layer model (N = 111) for Venus. Earth’s greenhouse gas atmosphere has an average of 78.9% absorption efficiency of terrestrial radiation (f = 0.789), while we assume Venus’ atmosphere has a near 100% absorption efficiency (f = 1) due to its denser, CO2-rich atmosphere. Viewing the atmospheric layers as blackbodies, we modeled the surface temperature of Earth and Venus, both of which are able to predict the respective actual planetary temperatures. The consistency (δ < 1%) between the modeled surface temperature and the observed surface temperature of these two planets suggest that the multiple layer greenhouse gas atmosphere mechanism could explain Venus’ runaway global warming and scorching temperature. The results of these two models suggest that if Earth continues to experience uncontrolled greenhouse gas emissions, global warming and its negative outcomes may be further exacerbated.
Long-Term evaluation of biogas energy potential based on the neuronal network approach
Authors: Córdova-Suárez M , Sosa-Cárdenas J. , Cifuentes-Suárez Y. , Sánchez-Almeida L.
Published: April 2020

The energy potential of biogas is estimated from the biomass quantity, that is, a biodegradability values obtained from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (MSW). In this study, the percentage contribution of each and every type of waste was quantified according to the waste classification., In addition, the waste generation data was projected by applying both artificial neural network (ANN) and mathematical models and 4 types of biomass wastes which accounts for a contribution of about 63% of the total waste sampled were obtained. The projection of the weights of the waste was carried out from 2015 to 2030, with the application of the neural network model with Back-propagation. All in all, under the application of the mathematical models, it has been shown that the Ecuadorian model predicted not only a high average volume, but also a large annual value of biogas energy.
A modified sliding mode control of a nonlinear methane fermentation process
Authors: Zlateva Plamena
Published: April 2020

A continuous methane fermentation process for biogas production is considered. This biogas production process is described by a system of two nonlinear differential equations and one nonlinear algebraic equation. The paper purpose is to propose an approach for designing a modified sliding mode control (so-called binary control) of a nonlinear methane fermentation process. The control design is carried out with direct use of nonlinear model and on-line measurement for two variables only (the concentration of the organic pollutants and biogas production rate). The model of the sliding mode control is developed with respect to an auxiliary input variable in order to obtain the smooth signal of the dilution rate, which is need in the fermentation processes. The state variables, external disturbance, process output and control input are varied in the known intervals. The asymptotic output stabilization problem is solved. The good system robustness with the designed modified sliding mode control (the binary control) about various disturbances is proved through simulation investigations inMATLABusingSimulink.
Government’s role in ensuring sustainable waste management: Valencia’s case from the triple bottom line perspective
Authors: Mattera Marina , López-Portillo María del Pilar , Gava Luana
Published: April 2020

Creating a solid link between people, profit and planet (known as the Triple Bottom Line-TBL-framework) is the key to achieving sustainable development. In recent years there has been an increasing number of studies evaluating how firms can contribute to establishing these links, in order to ensure their own sustainable growth. In addition, this framework requires the specific support of governmental institutions, who can align and link the different stakeholders in a common vision. In the context of the European Union, the case of a waste management consortium located in a particular region of Spain is analysed. Through the evaluation of its positive economic incentives initiative within the TBL framework, results show the positive impact within sustainable growth and direct alignment with the European Union’s 2020 environmental objectives.
Fabrication of array of micro circular impressions using different electrolytes by maskless electrochemical micromachining
Authors: Kunar S. , Rajkeerthi E. , Mandal K. , Bhattacharyya B.
Published: April 2020

Maskless electrochemical micromachining (EMM) is a prominent technique for producing the array of micro circular impressions. A method for producing the array of micro circular impressions on stainless steel workpiece applying maskless electrochemical micromachining process is presented. The experimental setup consists of maskless EMM cell, electrode holding devices, electrical connections of electrodes and constricted vertical cross flow electrolyte system to carry out the experimental investigation. One non-conductive masked patterned tool can produce more than twenty six textured samples with high quality. A mathematical model is developed to estimate theoretically the radial overcut and machining depth of the generated array of micro circular impressions by this process and corroborate the experimental results. This study provides an elementary perceptive about maskless EMM process based on the effects of EMM process variables i.e. pulse frequency and duty ratio on surface characteristics including overcut and machining depth for NaCl, NaNO3 and NaNO3 + NaCl electrolytes. From the experimental investigation, it is observed that the combined effect of lower duty ratio and higher frequency generates the best array of micro circular impressions using the mixed electrolyte of NaNO3 + NaCl with mean radial overcut of 23.31 µm and mean machining depth of 14.1 µm.
Choisir une discipline médicale d’exercice : facteurs de choix et représentations des étudiants en médecine en France
Authors: Rolland Franck , Bentegeac Raphaël
Published: April 2020

Contexte :  En France, le choix d’une discipline d’exercice, à l’issue du cursus prégradué des études médicales, est fortement conditionné par les performances de chaque étudiant aux épreuves classantes nationales (ECN), dont les déterminants sont multiples. Au-delà du classement, ces facteurs constituent autant de facteurs de motivation au cours des études de médecine, caractérisées par leur longueur, leur difficulté et leur caractère indifférencié, qui prend peu en compte le projet professionnel de l’étudiant, s’il existe. Objectif : Cette enquête, effectuée à l’aide d’un questionnaire administré en ligne, vise à explorer différents facteurs justifiant le choix a priori d’une spécialité à l’issue des ECN, dans un contexte de réforme en cours des études de médecine en France. Méthodes : Un questionnaire a été diffusé auprès d’étudiants de premier et deuxième cycle des études médicales des 37 facultés de médecine de France. Une corrélation entre les facteurs justifiant le choix d’une spécialité a été recherchée. Résultats : 3550 réponses ont été reçues, recouvrant l’ensemble des spécialités proposées à l’issue des ECN. Les corrélations établies dressent différents profils statistiquement associés à l’intérêt pour certaines spécialités. Conclusion : L’enquête illustre l’intérêt d’une personnalisation du cursus de l’étudiant lui permettant d’explorer différentes facettes de la médecine en rapport avec les perspectives qui le motivent.
Sicherheitscheckliste mit pflegerelevanten Aspekten
Authors: Helmer Annette
Published: April 2020

Das Team-Time-Out hat sich mittlerweile im OP etabliert. Allerdings werden mit den gängigen Sicherheitschecklisten selten Informationen abgefragt, die speziell für Pflegende relevant sind, zum Beispiel vorhandene Instrumente oder benötigte Implantate. Um die Patientensicherheit zu erhöhen, stellt unsere Autorin eine Checkliste mit pflegerelevanten Aspekten vor und erläutert diese anhand von Fallbeispielen.
Establishing an Objective Measurement of Visual Acuity with a Computerised Optokinetic Nystagmus Suppression Test
Authors: Schwob Noemie , Palmowski-Wolfe Anja
Published: April 2020

Objective Investigating the correlation between subjective and objective VA (visual acuity) elicited with a newly developed computerised optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) suppression test (“SpeedWheel”) in adults.

Methods SpeedWheel presented alternating black/white stripes moving horizontally across a LED screen. Seven VA steps were induced with Bangerter filters placed onto spectacle frames. Magnified eye movements were projected from infrared cameras inside the frames and displayed onto a smartphone. Dots whose size increased in logarithmic steps were superimposed to suppress OKN. Suppression of OKN resulted in the SpeedWheel acuity which was then correlated to Snellen acuity as measured with the Freiburg Acuity test.

Results 28 eyes from 14 individuals were tested. FrACT-E correlated well to SpeedWheel (r: 0.89; p < 0.001). Snellen acuity was never lower than 0.14 LogMAR of SpeedWheel values. Bangerter filters showed greater mean difference to both methods indicating that this filter is not as predictable as suggested by the filter value.

Conclusion SpeedWheel offers a fast (< 80 sec) and reliable alternative option to measure objective VA.
US-Elastography for Breast Lesion Characterization: Prospective Comparison of US BIRADS, Strain Elastography and Shear wave Elastography
Authors: Cantisani Vito , David Emanuele , Barr Richard G. , Radzina Maija , de Soccio Valeria , Elia Daniela , De Felice Carlo , Pediconi Federica , Gigli Silvia , Occhiato Rossella , Messineo Daniela , Fresilli Daniele , Ballesio Laura , D'Ambrosio Ferdinando
Published: April 2020

Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic performance of strain elastography (SE) and 2 D shear wave elastography (SWE) and SE/SWE combination in comparison with conventional multiparametric ultrasound (US) with respect to improving BI-RADS classification results and differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions using a qualitative and quantitative assessment.

Materials and Methods In this prospective study, 130 histologically proven breast masses were evaluated with baseline US, color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS), SE and SWE (Toshiba Aplio 500 with a 7–15 MHz wide-band linear transducer). Each lesion was classified according to the BIRADS lexicon by evaluating the size, the B-mode and color Doppler features, the SE qualitative (point color scale) and SE semi-quantitative (strain ratio) methods, and quantitative SWE. Histological results were compared with BIRADS, strain ratio (SR) and shear wave elastography (SWE) all performed by one investigator blinded to the clinical examination and mammographic results at the time of the US examination. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the diagnostic performance of B-mode US, SE, SWE, and their combination.

Results Histological examination revealed 47 benign and 83 malignant breast lesions. The accuracy of SR was statistically significantly higher than SWE (sensitivity, specificity and AUC were 89.2 %, 76.6 % and 0.83 for SR and 72.3 %, 66.0 % and 0.69 for SWE, respectively, p = 0.003) but not higher than B-mode US (B-mode US sensitivity, specificity and AUC were 85.5 %, 78.8 %, 0.821, respectively, p = 1.000).

Conclusion Our experience suggests that conventional US in combination with both SE and SWE is a valid tool that can be useful in the clinical setting, can improve BIRADS category assessment and may help in the differentiation of benign from malignant breast lesions, with SE having higher accuracy than SWE.
Immediate Effects of Kinesio Taping on pain in Athletes with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Authors: Rehman Neelam , Kashif Muhammad , Sajjad AbdulGhafoor , Hassan Hafiz Muhammad Junaid , Iram Humaira
Published: April 2020

Background Ligaments injury and anterior knee pain is the most common problem in the knee joint. In practice, there are various interventions for the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Kinesio taping is one of them, but little literature is available on the immediate effects of treating this problem.

Methodology From June to September 2017, a randomized control study was conducted at the Army Sports Complex GHQ Rawalpindi to determine the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping (KT) in patellofemoral pain syndrome in athletes. Data were collected from 48 athletes who fully met the inclusion criteria and were randomly divided into 2 groups. The data collection tool was Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Kujala PFPS Score, and self-structured Questionnaire. The data was analyzed on SPSS 21.

Results The overall mean age was 22.7±3.0. The immediate effects showed improved NPRS in both groups; in the control group the NPRS pre 1st visit mean was 5.36±1.2 and post 1st visit mean was 4.68±1.3 with the difference of 0.68±0.1 having p value p<0.001. In the treatment group the NPRS pre 1st visit mean was 5.90±1.2 and post 1st visit mean was 5.00±1.0 with the difference of 0.90±0.1 having p value p<0.001.

Conclusion This study shows immediate effects of Kinesio-Taping, however there was not any significant difference between both groups but the treatment group performed well after the sessions.
Lemierre Syndrome: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Gore Mitchell R.
Published: April 2020

Introduction Lemierre syndrome, or postpharyngitis anaerobic sepsis, is an infrequent but life-threatening infection that often involves thrombosis of the internal jugular vein. The role of anticoagulation in addition to antibiotics and surgical treatment remains uncertain.

Objectives 1) To perform a meta-analysis on outcomes and treatment of Lemierre syndrome; and 2) to evaluate the effect of anticoagulation in Lemierre syndrome on vessel recanalization and on mortality.

Data Synthesis A Pubmed database search was conducted using the keywords Lemierre syndrome. A total of 427 studies were identified and reviewed. Data were extracted on patient demographics, treatment type including use and type of anticoagulation, type of antibiotics, presence and location of vessel thrombosis, presence of cranial neuropathies, recanalization of thrombosed vessels on follow-up imaging, organisms isolated on wound or blood cultures, and mortality. The primary outcome variables examined were the effect of anticoagulation on vessel recanalization and mortality. After the review, 359 studies totaling 394 patients between 1990 and 2017 had partial or complete data that could be analyzed. In total, 50 patients had sufficient data on the effect of anticoagulation on vessel recanalization, and 194 had sufficient data on the effect of anticoagulation on mortality. The odds ratio for anticoagulation and vessel recanalization was 1.6 (95% confidence interval = 0.3 to 9.4; p = 0.6). The odds ratio for anticoagulation and death was 0.6 (95% confidence interval = 0.1 to 2.9; p = 0.5).

Conclusion The present meta-analysis did not demonstrate a statistically significant effect on vessel recanalization or mortality for patients treated with anticoagulation versus patients not anticoagulated in the Lemierre syndrome literature.
Functional Results of Transverse Extended Incision in Cervical Neck Dissection
Authors: Chiesa-Estomba Carlos Miguel , Sistiaga-Suarez Jon Alexander , Thomas-Arrizabalaga Izaskun , González-García Jose Angel , Larruscain Ekhiñe , Altuna Xabier
Published: April 2020

Introduction Multiple incisions have been described for the surgical approach of cervical neck nodes. All of these descriptions are associated with better or worse exposure of the surgical field as well as with different functional and aesthetic results, which are not always satisfactory.

Objective Compare the transverse cervical incision with the classic incision in J or U.

Methods This is a retrospective study of 47 patients who required cervical neck dissection between June 15, 2016 and June 15, 2017.A transversal incision was made in these surgeries, and their results were then compared with those of a group of 57 patients treated between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2012, in whose cases an incision in J or U was made.

Results Regarding the incision type, complications were present in 4 (8.5%) cases in the transversal incision group, and in 7 (12.2%) patients of the group of traditional incisions in J or U, without statistical differences (p = 0.078). The only variables associated with complications of healing in the two groups was body mass index (BMI) < 18.5. The patients showed subjective satisfaction with the aesthetic result of the transverse incision, with an average of 7.51 vs 6.20 in the J or U incision.

Conclusion The transverse incision represents a safe, aesthetic, and oncologically adequate option, associated with a lower cicatricial retraction rate, without significant complication rate and allowing adequate exposure of the surgical field, similar to the obtained with the classic incision in J or U.
Deglutition Impairment during Dual Task in Parkinson Disease Is Associated with Cognitive Status
Authors: Ardenghi Luciana Grolli , Signorini Alana Verza , Maahs Gerson Schulz , Selaimen Fabio , Deutsch Konrado Massing , Dornelles Silvia , Rieder Carlos Roberto de Mello
Published: April 2020

Introduction Dysphagia is a relevant symptom in Parkinson disease (PD), and its pathophysiology is poorly understood. To date, researchers have not investigated the effects of combined motor tasks on swallowing. Such an assessment is of particular interest in PD, in which patients have specific difficulties while performing two movements simultaneously.

Objective The present study tested the hypothesis that performing concurrent tasks could decrease the safety of swallowing in PD patients as visualized using fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES).

Methods A total of 19 patients and 19 controls matched by age, gender, and level of schooling were compared by FEES under two conditions: isolated swallowing and dual task (swallowing during non-sequential opposition of the thumb against the other fingers). The two tasks involved volumes of food of 3 mL and 5 mL. The PD subjects were classified according to the Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) Scale, the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The FEES assessment was performed according to the Boston Residue and Clearance Scale (BRACS).

Results The data showed a significant worsening of swallowing in the dual task assessment for both volumes (3 mL: p ≤ 0.001; 5 mL: p ≤ 0.001) in the PD group. A correlation between the MoCA and dual-task swallowing of 3 mL was also found.

Conclusion These findings suggest that additional tasks involving manual motor movements result in swallowing impairment in patients with PD. Moreover, these data highlight the need to further evaluate such conditions during treatment and assessment of PD patients.
Mucociliary Clearance of Different Respiratory Conditions: A Clinical Study
Authors: Uzeloto Juliana Souza , Ramos Dionei , Silva Bruna Spolador de Alencar , Lima Mariana Belon Previatto de , Silva Rebeca Nunes , Camillo Carlos Augusto , Ramos Ercy Mara Cipulo
Published: April 2020

Introduction Mucociliary clearance (MCC) is the first line of defense of the pulmonary system. Mucociliary clearance impairment may lead to increased risk of respiratory infections, lung injury, pulmonary repair problems, chronic dysfunctions and progression of respiratory diseases.

Objective To characterize the MCC of active and passive smokers and individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and compare the MCC behaviors between men and women of different age groups.

Methods Patients with COPD (current smokers and ex-smokers) and apparently healthy individuals (current smokers, passive smokers and nonsmokers) were evaluated. All of the subjects underwent lung function and MCC evaluation (saccharin transport test [STT]). Smokers (with or without COPD) were questioned about the smoking history.

Results A total of 418 individuals aged 16 to 82 years old, of both genders, were evaluated. The STT values of active and passive smokers were statistically higher than those of the control group (p < 0.01). Men of the control group had lower values of STT than active smokers (9.7 ± 7.1 and 15.4 ± 10.1 minute, respectively, p < 0.01). In addition, higher MCC velocity was observed in women that are current smokers (11.7 ± 6.8 minute) compared with men (15.4 ± 10.1 minute) in this group (p = 0.01). Among the younger age groups (< 50 years old), only passive smokers presented higher STT in relation to the control group.

Conclusion Passive and active smoking are factors that influence negatively the MCC, and passive smokers may present losses of this mechanism at a younger age. Additionally, male smokers present worse MCC than male nonsmokers.
The Importance of Inspiratory Maneuver for Benign Laryngeal Lesions
Authors: Costa Marília Batista , Ledo Taynara Oliveira , Fernandes Mariana Delgado , Tiago Romualdo Suzano Louzeiro
Published: April 2020

Introduction Inspiratory maneuver corresponds to a simple method used during videolaryngoscopy to increase characterizations of laryngeal findings, through the movement of the vocal fold cover and exposure of the ligament, facilitating its evaluation.

Objective To evaluate the increase in diagnosis of benign laryngeal lesions from the usage of inspiratory maneuvers during videolaryngoscopy in patients with or without vocal complaints.

Methods A cross-sectional study performed from March 1 to July 1, 2018, in the Laryngology sector of a tertiary hospital. The age of the patients varied from 18 to 60 years old. They were divided into two groups, symptomatic and asymptomatic vocals, and evaluated through videolaryngoscopy together with inspiratory maneuvers. The exams were recorded and later evaluated by three trained laryngologists who determined the laryngeal lesions before and after the inspiratory maneuver.

Results There were 60 patients in this sample, 41 of which were vocal symptomatic and 19 asymptomatic. The majority was female and the main complaint was about dysphonia. Before the inspiratory maneuver, the most observed lesions in both groups were chronic laryngitis, followed by vascular dysgenesis. After the inspiratory maneuver, sulcus vocalis was the most frequent additional finding.

Conclusion With the inspiratory maneuver, it was possible to increase the identification of structural lesions in the vocal fold, and the most frequent lesion in patients with or without vocal complaints was sulcus vocalis.
SCREENING OF SELECTED PLANT ESSENTIAL OILS FOR THEIR ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY AGAINST CANDIDA SPECIES ISOLATED FROM DENTURE STOMATITIS PATIENTS
Authors: Bhat Vinaya , Sharma S.M. , Shetty Veena , Shastry C.S. , Rao Vaman , Shenoy Shilpa M. , Saha Santanu , Balaji Sriram
Published: April 2020

Background: Many efforts have been made to discover new antimicrobial compounds from various sources such as micro-organisms, animals and plants. Use of herbal medicines has a long history in Asian population in treating different ailments. Many plants have been found to have properties like antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities.

In a complete denture wearer, due to either local or systemic factors, denture stomatitis has been found to a have high prevalence. In such patients, higher incidence of Candida infection and increased levels of Candida spp. also have been identified. Existing antifungal agents like Nystatin & Fluconazole have been found to have toxic effects on long term application and chances of development of drug resistance is high. Medicinal plants have been used to inhibit growth and development of fungal infection from Candida isolated from sites other than oral cavity.

Objectives: To evaluate the antifungal activity of some of the medicinal essential oils against oral isolates of Candida obtained from denture wearing patients identified through a survey.

Materials and Methods: The oral isolates of Candida species were collected after conducting a survey of complete denture wearers, wearing the denture for at least more than a year. The speciation of the organism was done after identifying it from the specimens. It was confirmed with the help of germ tube test, other biochemical tests and chlamydospore formation tests. A lab isolate also was included in the study. The essential oils of different herbs were extracted using hydro distillation methods. The antifungal activity of these oils was tested and compared with antifungal activity of Nystatin and fluconazole using modified Kirby-Baeur method. The inhibition zones of different oils were measured and compared among themselves against all the clinical isolates and the lab isolate.

Results: About 55 complete denture wearing patients have been surveyed and among them 27 have been found to be positive for Candida-associated denture stomatitis. Among the Candida species, Candida albicans was more prevalent followed by C. tropicalis and C. glabrata.

Among the test essential oils, Origanum vulgare (stored & fresh) and clove oil gave positive results against all isolates. The fresh samples gave better results than the stored and all three oils showed more antifungal activity than Nystatin & fluconazole.

Interpretation: The candida-associated denture stomatitis is prevalent in patients who are wearing
denture prosthesis for more than a year.

Candida albicans is the most prevalent causative species followed by C. tropicalis and C. glabrata.

Origanum vulgare and clove oil are potent antifungal agents against oral species of Candida. They can be either used separately or their synergistic activity could be explored against denture stomatitis.
SERUM ANTIBODY ANALYSIS FOLLOWING HEPATITIS B VACCINATION FOR OCCUPATIONAL RISK ASSESSMENT AMONG DENTAL STUDENTS
Authors: Hegde Shruthi , N. Praveen B. , Pal Sumona , Shetty Shishir Ram , Ajila Vidya , Babu Subhas , K. Harini
Published: April 2020

Background & Objectives: Hepatitis B is the most important infectious occupational disease for the health care workers. Dental surgeons are frequently in contact with blood and saliva and hence are at high risk for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) exposure. HBV infection is a major public health problem in India, as there are 45 million estimated carriers. Immunization against HBV reduces the risk of transmission of HBV to dental personnel and from dental personnel to patients. The present study was aimed to evaluate the serum levels of anti-HBs in vaccinated dental health care workers.

Methods: In this study, estimation of serum levels of Anti- HBs in 40 dental students vaccinated against HBV was done. Data was obtained regarding vaccination data, age, sex, weight, height and smoking history. Anti-HBs level was evaluated two years after the 1st dose of vaccination. Low responders were given booster vaccination and post booster anti HBs assay was done.

Results: The study included 110 hepatitis B vaccinated dental students. Out of 110 students only 40 students had documented history of complete vaccination and volunteered to be a part of the study. Among these 40 students, three students (7.5%) had less than 100 IU/L anti–HBs level and 37 students (92.5%) had more than 100 IU/L anti–HBs level. Anti- HBS level above 100 IU/L is identified to be protective. Following booster vaccination, low responders showed anti -HBs titre more than 100 IU/L.

Conclusion: In this study majority dental students had desirable immune response to the HBV vaccine. Male gender and positive smoking history could have attributed to low anti-HBs titre in subjects who had inadequate levels in our study. Hence, all Health Care Workers, in particular dental surgeons with contributory factors like smoking habit, male gender should undergo periodic assessment of anti-HBs titre.
IMPORTANCE OF BIRTH SPACING AMONG PRIMI POST NATAL MOTHERS
Authors: Karpagam J. , Shangeetha D.
Published: April 2020

The study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching programme for importance of birth spacing among primi post natal mothers. An evaluate approach with one group pre test post test design was used for the study. 60 samples were selected using purposive sampling method. The present study was conducted in PSG Hospitals Coimbatore. The collected data were

analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A significant difference between pre test and post test knowledge was found (t =27.94 , p<0.05). The study findings showed that educational programme has been an effective method of increasing the knowledge of the mothers. There was significant association between the level of knowledge and demographic variables such as age, educational status and type of family and there was no significant association between the level of knowledge and demographic variables such as religion and Occupation.
AN EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION PROGRAMME ON DENGUE AND ITS PREVENTION AMONG RURAL HIGH SCHOOL CHILDREN, KARNATAKA, INDIA
Authors: R. Sandeep K. , Shettigar Divya , Jayappa Suma
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Over the past 10-15 years, next to diarrheal disease and respiratory infection, dengue fever has become a leading cause of hospitalization and deaths among childrens. Today, dengue fever is considered one of the most important arthropod-borne viral diseases in humans in terms of morbidity and mortality. So researcher felt that is is vital that school childrens should possess knowledge on some vector born diseases especially dengue fever and its prevention.

Method: In this study cross sectional descriptive survey was used. High school children were selected through probability simple random sampling. The data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. The Planned-teaching programme was administered at the end of the pre-test. The post-test was carried out after 7 days, using the same tool as the pre-test. The data was analysed using SPSS version 16 and the results expressed as proportions

Results: A total of 60 high school children were included in the study. Analysis of data revealed pre test knowledge score was 28.25%. Considering the level of knowledge of high school students, a planned teaching programme was administered. The post test knowledge score was 70.83%. Hence comparison in pre-test knowledge score and post-test percentage of dengue and its prevention was approximately 42.58%. A significant association between age and post test knowledge was found

Conclusion: A significant number of high school children had poor knowledge.So researcher felt that awareness programmes regarding dengue fever and its prevention. should be emphasized.
STRESSED BREAST CANCER PATIENT - A CASE REPORT
Authors: W. Sampoornam
Published: April 2020

Breast cancer can cause stress and the patients may need nurse's support for the ventilation of feelings and thoughts. A female patient aged 45 years newly diagnosed with breast cancer was stressed. Patient was made to ventilate feelings through face to face confrontation and observed for one month duration. The patient showed reduction in the stress level.
AN UNANTICIPATED CAUSE OF INTRAMUSCULAR MASS – A CASE REPORT
Authors: Rai Rekha , Karnaker Vimal Kumar , Naik Janardhan
Published: April 2020

Dirofilaria are natural parasites of various species of carnivores. Man is an accidental dead end host. Human Dirofilariasis has been reported in certain parts of Southern India and is considered as an emerging zoonotic infection. A nematode extracted from an intramuscular swelling of the right forearm was identified as Dirofilaria immitis based on the morphological and microscopic characters.The sole purpose of this article was to review the clinical course and management of an intramuscular mass.
EFFECTIVENESS OF STRUCTURED TEACHING PROGRAMME ON KNOWLEDGE REGARDING MANAGEMENT OF MINOR AILMENTS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN
Authors: Lukose Ashly , E. Binu Margaret , Nayak Bharathi R.
Published: April 2020

Background: Suffering from minor ailments is the most frequent episode in childhood experiences. A productive and energetic population cannot grow from unhealthy children who are chronically affected by repeated minor ailments.

Method: An evaluative study using one group pretest posttest design was conducted among 30 school children of 9th class in a selected school of Udupi taluk, Karnataka to assess the knowledge of school children regarding the management of minor ailments and to evaluate the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding management of minor ailments.

Results: Majority of children 17 (56 .7 %) had average knowledge in the pretest and only 4(13.3%) children had poor knowledge. There was a significant difference between the mean pretest and posttest knowledge scores on management of minor ailments among school children which indicated that the structured teaching programme on management of minor ailments was found to be effective(t= 9.702, P<0.05).

Conclusion: The study concluded that the teaching programme was effective in bringing the desired changes in the knowledge of the school children.
AWARENESS ABOUT DIABETES AMONG ADOLESCENTS OF MANGALORE, SOUTH INDIA
Authors: Holla Rohith , Prabhu Sachin , Shetty Sanjana , Deshpande Shreya , K. Shwetha Balla , Hegde Snigdha , S. Soujanya B. , Raj Harsha , Kundapur Rashmi
Published: April 2020

Introduction: India continues to be the diabetic capital of the world. According to the WHO report, India today heads the world with 32 million patients and this number is projected to increase to 79.4 million by the year 2030. Diabetes has become a great economic challenge as it drains between 5-25% of family income of an average Indian.

Aims & Objectives: To study the awareness of diabetes among the adolescents.

Materials and Method: Community based cross-sectional study. We collected data from 600 adolescents of age group 16-18years. A questionnaire consisting of questions that were based on the knowledge, awareness and practices regarding the risk factors of Diabetes were prepared. Students from 4 pre-university colleges in Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada district, were selected as the study group

Results: 88.5% were aware of diabetes. According to 48.33% consumption of sweets only was a risk factor. 5.5% were aware that diabetes runs in families . 78.33 % were aware that diabetes can affect any age group and 73% knew about the increasing rate of diabetes in India. 72.16 % were sure that diabetes can be prevented and 25.5% said it was possible to completely cure .46% were under a misconception that a vaccine is present for diabetes and only 57.83%were aware of that diabetes can cause complications.
Thromboprophylaxis during the Pregnancy-Puerperal Cycle - Literature Review
Authors: Sanches Suzanna Maria Viana , Cerqueira Monique Magnavita Borba da Fonseca , Junqueira Patrícia Lima , Gomez Miriam Takayanagi
Published: April 2020

Objective To identify current strategies and recommendations for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis associated with the pregnancy-puerperal cycle, a condition of high morbidity and mortality among women.

Methods The literature search was performed between May and October 2019, using the PubMed database, including papers published in Portuguese, English and Spanish. The terms thromboembolism (Mesh) AND pregnancy (Mesh) OR postpartum (Mesh) were used as descriptors, including randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews and guidelines published from 2009 to 2019, presenting strategies for prevention of thromboembolism during pregnancy and the postpartum.

Results Eight articles met the inclusion criteria. Many studies evaluated were excluded because they did not address prevention strategies. We compiled the recommendations from the American Society of Hematologists, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, the American College of Chest Physicians and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Conclusion: There are some gaps in the research, and clinical studies with appropriate methodology are needed to support decisions made regarding the risk of thromboembolism in the perigestational period. Thus, the attention of the professionals involved in the care of pregnant and postpartum women is crucial, as it is a condition associated with high morbidity and mortality.
Management of Chiari I deformity in Children and Adolescents: A report from the Consensus Taskforce of the Brazilian Society of Pediatric Neurosurgery
Authors: Santos Marcelo Volpon , Furlanetti Luciano Lopes , Canheu Alexandre Casagrande , Bellas Antonio Rosa , da Silva Marcia Cristina , Cavalheiro Sergio , de Oliveira Ricardo Santos
Published: April 2020

Much controversy remains on the current management of Chiari I deformity (CID) in children, with many clinical, surgical and ethic-legal implications. The Brazilian Society of Pediatric Neurosurgery (SBNPed, in the Portuguese acronym) has put together a panel of experts to analyze updated published data on the medical literature about this matter and come up with several recommendations for pediatric neurosurgeons and allied health professionals when dealing with CID. Their conclusions are reported herein, along with the respective scientific background.