bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes to tropical eastern North Pacific intraseasonal variability under global warming, implications for tropical cyclogenesis
Authors:   Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA, Bui Hien X. , Maloney Eric D. ,   Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
Published: March 2021

Changes to the tropical eastern North Pacific Intraseasonal Oscillation (ISO) at the end of the 21st century and implications for tropical cyclone (TC) genesis are examined in the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP585) scenario of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) data set. Multimodel mean composite low-level wind and precipitation anomalies associated with the leading intraseasonal mode indicate that precipitation amplitude increases while wind amplitude weakens under global warming, consistent with previous studies for the Indo-Pacific warm pool. The eastern North Pacific intraseasonal precipitation/wind pattern also tends to shift southwestward in a warmer climate, associated with weaker positive precipitation anomalies near the coast of Mexico and Central America during the enhanced convection/westerly wind phase. Implications for the modulation of TC genesis by the leading intraseasonal mode are then explored using an empirical genesis potential index (GPI). In the historical simulation, GPI shows positive anomalies in the eastern North Pacific in the convectively enhanced phase of the ISO. The ISO’s modulation of GPI weakens near the coast of Mexico and Central America with warming, associated with a southward shift of GPI anomalies. Further examination of the contribution from individual environmental variables that enter the GPI shows that relative humidity and vorticity changes during ISO events weaken positive GPI anomalies near the Mexican coast with warming and make genesis more favorable to the southwest. The impact of vertical shear anomaly changes is also to favor genesis away from the coast. These results suggest a weaker modulation of TCs near the Mexican Coast by the ISO in a warmer climate.
Displacement Formulations for Deformation and Vibration of Elastic Circular Torus
Authors: sun bohua
Published: March 2021

The formulation used by most of the studies on an elastic torus are either Reissner mixed formulation or Novozhilov's complex-form one, however, for vibration and some displacement boundary related problem of a torus, those formulations face a great challenge. It is highly demanded to have a displacement-type formulation for the torus. In this paper, I will carry on my previous work [ B.H. Sun, Closed-form solution of axisymmetric slender elastic toroidal shells. J. of Engineering Mechanics, 136 (2010) 1281-1288.], and with the help of my own maple code, I am able to simulate some typical problems and free vibration of the torus. The numerical results are verified by both finite element analysis and H. Reissner's formulation. My investigations show that both deformation and stress response of an elastic torus are sensitive to the radius ratio, and suggest that the analysis of a torus should be done by using the bending theory of a shell, and also reveal that the inner torus is stronger than outer torus due to the property of their Gaussian curvature. Regarding the free vibration of a torus, our analysis indicates that both initial in u and w direction must be included otherwise will cause big errors in eigenfrequency. One of the most intestine discovery is that the crowns of a torus are the turning point of the Gaussian curvature at the crown where the mechanics' response of inner and outer torus is almost separated.
In End-Stage Renal Disease, the Effects of Hemodialysis on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome- and Fibromyalgia-Like Symptoms are Mediated via Inflammatory Biomarkers, Copper and Wnt/Catenin Pathway Proteins
Authors: Asad Halah , Al-Hakeim Hussein , Moustafa Shatha , Maes Michael
Published: March 2021

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with fatigue and physio-somatic symptoms. The aims of this study are to delineate the associations between severity of fatigue and physio-somatic symptoms and glomerular filtration rate, inflammatory biomarkers, and Wnt/catenin-pathway proteins. The Wnt-pathway related proteins β-catenin, Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1), R-spondin-1, and sclerostin were measured by ELISA technique in 60 ESRD patients and 30 controls. The Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (FF) Rating Scale was used to assess severity of FF symptoms. ESRD is characterized by a significant increase in the total FF score, muscle tension, fatigue, sadness, sleep disorders, GI symptoms, and a flu-like malaise. The total FF score was significantly correlated with serum levels of urea, creatinine, phosphate, and copper (positively), and β-catenin, eGFR, hemoglobin, albumin, and zinc (inversely). The total FF score was associated with the number of total dialysis and weekly dialysis sessions, and these dialysis characteristics were more important in predicting FF scores than eGFR measurements. Partial Least Squares analysis showed that the FF score comprised two factors which are differently associated with biomarkers: a) 43.0% of the variance in fatigue, GI symptoms, muscle tension, sadness, and insomnia is explained by hemoglobin, albumin, zinc, β-catenin, and R-spondin-1; and b) 22.3% of the variance in irritability, concentration and memory impairments by increased copper and cations/chloride ratio, and male sex. ESRD patients show high levels of fatigue and physio-somatic symptoms which are associated with hemodialysis and mediated by dialysis-induced changes in inflammatory pathways, the Wnt/catenin pathway, and copper.
Awake Bruxism – Definition Through Self-report and Through Ecological Momentary Assessment
Authors: Emodi-Perlman Alona , Manfrendini Daniele , Shalev-Antsel Tamar , Yevdayev Ilanit , Frideman-Rubin Pessia , Bracci Alessandro , Winocur-Arias Orit , Eli Ilana
Published: March 2021

Diagnosis of Awake Bruxism (AB) is problematic due to the inability to use continuous recordings during daytime activities. Recently, a new semi-instrumental approach was suggested, viz., an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), with the use of a smartphone application. With the application subjects are requested to report, at least 12 times per day, the status of their masticatory muscle activity (relaxed muscles, jaw bracing without tooth contact, teeth contact, teeth clenching or teeth grinding). The aim of the present study was to compare the EMA to the assessment of AB as defined by a single point self-report. The most frequent condition recorded by the EMA was relaxed muscles (ca. 60%) and the least frequent one - Teeth grinding (0.6 %). The relaxed muscle condition also showed the lowest coefficient of variance over a 7day period of report. Additionally, only the relaxed muscles and the Jaw bracing conditions presented an acceptable ability to discriminate between AB positive and AB negative subjects, as defined by single point self-report questions. The combination between self-report and EMA may have a potential to promote our ability to diagnose AB. We suggest to re-consider the conditions of Teeth contact and Teeth grinding while using EMA to evaluate AB.
Perceptions and Adaptations to Climate Change in Southern Mali
Authors: Soumaoro Tiémoko
Published: March 2021

This study aims to determine the impact of climate change on market garden production in the extreme south of Mali through the perception and adaptation of market gardeners to climatic phenomena. The study used two models, namely the probit selection and Heckman results models and multinomial logistic regression, based on data collected from producers. A total of 194 producers were surveyed. The results of Heckman's probit model indicate that experience in agriculture and the educational level of the producers are the two main determinants of producers' perception and simultaneous adaptation to climate change. Among these variables agricultural experience is both positively and negatively correlated with perception.
Quality of life control by selected methods of air exchange in a typical apartment building
Authors: Bullová Iveta , Kapalo Peter , Katunský Dušan
Published: March 2021

Air change rate is an important parameter for quantification of ventilation heat losses and also affects the indoor climate of buildings. Indoor air quality is significantly associated with ventilation. If air change isn't sufficient, trapped allergens, pollutants and irritants can degrade the indoor air quality and affect the well-being of a building's occupants. Many studies on ventilation and health have concluded that lower air change rates can have a negative effect on people’s health and low ventilation may result in an increase in allergic diseases. Quantification of air change rate is complicated, since it is affected by a number of parameters, of which the one of the most variable is the air-wind flow. This study aims to determination and comparison of values of the air change rate in two methods - by quantifying of aerodynamic coefficient Cp = Cpe - Cpi – so called aerodynamic quantification of the building and the methodology based on experimental measurements of carbon dioxide in the selected reference room in apartment building.
Influence of plasma inhomogeneity with allowance for bremsstrahlung on absorption of an Alfvén wave by a dissipative plasma
Authors: Tayurskiy Aleksei Aleksandrovich
Published: March 2021

The paper investigates a mathematical model of the absorption of an Alfvén wave in an inhomogeneous incompressible dissipative plasma using the equations of two-fluid electromagnetic hydrodynamics. It is shown that a consequence of taking into account bremsstrahlung is the finiteness of the penetration depth of the Alfvén wave into an inhomogeneous plasma and a steady quasi-stationary regime of the Alfvén wave absorption. Density inhomogeneities of two types are considered – hump and hollows, which are distributed according to the Gaussian law. The dependences on the value of the hump of the penetration depth of the Alfvén wave into the inhomogeneous plasma and the maximum temperatures of electrons and ions are obtained. The study showed that an increase in the amplitude of the incident wave leads to an increase in the maximum values of the electron and ion temperatures, as well as the depth of penetration of the Alfvén wave into an inhomogeneous dissipative plasma.
Patient Satisfaction Is Equivalent Using Telemedicine Versus Office-Based Follow-up After Arthroscopic Meniscal Surgery
Authors: Herrero Christina P. , Bloom David A. , Lin Charles C. , Jazrawi Laith M. , Strauss Eric J. , Gonzalez-Lomas Guillem , Alaia Michael J. , Campbell Kirk A.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Telemedicine has increasingly been considered as a viable alternative to traditional office-based health care, including postoperative follow-up visits. The purpose of the present study was to determine if patient satisfaction with overall care is equivalent for telemedicine follow-up (i.e., synchronous face-to-face video) and office-based follow-up after arthroscopic meniscectomy and repair.

Methods:

Patients were prospectively enrolled from August 1, 2019, to March 1, 2020. Patients were included who were ≥18 years old, consented to isolated arthroscopic meniscal repair or meniscectomy, and were able to properly utilize telemedicine software on a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a built-in camera. Patient demographic data, including complication events and postoperative satisfaction data, were recorded and analyzed for significance.

Results:

One hundred and fifty patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 122 (81.3%) were included in the final analysis. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of patient demographics or satisfaction scores. Patient satisfaction with overall care was equivalent based on the results of two 1-sided t-test analysis for equivalence (9.77 ± 0.60 in the office-based group versus 9.79 ± 0.53 in the telemedicine group; p < 0.001). When patients were asked to indicate their preferred follow-up type with the options listed as the type they received versus an alternative, 58 patients (84.1%) in the office-based group preferred their received type of follow-up, whereas 42 (79.2%) in the telemedicine group preferred their received follow-up (p = 0.493). There were no significant differences between groups in terms of complications (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

The present study showed that patient satisfaction with overall care is equivalent between telemedicine and office-based follow-up in the immediate postoperative period following an arthroscopic meniscal surgical procedure, and should be considered a reasonable alternative to the traditional in-office modality.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Trauma Roundtable: Ulna Shaft Fractures
Authors: Radi Joshua K. , Riehl John T. , Gruber Kristi , Cloutier Dagan
Published: March 2021

The purpose of the JOPA Roundtable discussion is to give orthopaedic physician assistants an insight on how each participating editorial board members treat certain clinical scenarios in their current practice. For this Trauma Roundtable, editorial board members with expertise in orthopaedic trauma will discuss ulna shaft fractures. Participants will share their knowledge and experience on the topic. The roundtable discussion will start with 2 brief case presentations.
CREDIT RISK MODELLING FOR INDIAN DEBT SECURITIES USING MACHINE LEARNING
Authors: Balakrishnan Charumathi , Thiagarajan Mangaiyarkarasi
Published: March 2021

We develop a new credit risk model for Indian debt securities rated by major credit rating agencies in India using the ordinal logistic regression (OLR). The robustness of the model is tested by comparing it with classical models available for ratings prediction. We improved the model’s accuracy by using machine learning techniques, such as the artificial neural networks (ANN), support vector machines (SVM) and random forest (RF). We found that the accuracy of our model has improved from 68% using OLR to 82% when using ANN and above 90% when using SVM and RF.
WOMEN IN A DUAL BOARD SYSTEM AND DIVIDEND POLICY
Authors: Risfandy Tastaftiyan , Radika Timotius , Wardhana Leo Indra
Published: March 2021

We investigate whether firms with the presence of female on its board of commissioners and board of directors are associated with higher dividend policy. This paper uses Indonesian setting as a country with a dual board system implying that the role of board of commissioners and board of directors is explicitly separated. Using panel data on 525 publicly listed firms in Indonesia between 2011 and 2018, we find that the women's presence has different impacts on the dividend policy depending on their role as an executive or non-executive on the board. Female directors are negatively associated with cash dividend payments, while female commissioners positively impact dividend payment in the case of family-controlled firms only. Our results contribute to the literature on board gender diversity by showing different roles and behavior of boards in each tier in the corporate dividend policy, thus providing insights on corporate governance in a two-tiered board system in developing countries.
Monitoring of Rainfall and Soil Moisture at the Rebaixader Catchment (Central Pyrenees)
Authors: Oorthuis RaüL , Hürlimann Marcel , Abancó Clàudia , Moya José , Carleo Luigi
Published: March 2021

The instrumental monitoring of torrential catchments is a fundamental research task that provides necessary information to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of debris flows. While most monitoring sites include meteorological sensors and analyze the critical rainfall conditions, very few contain soil moisture measurements. In our monitoring site, the Rebaixader catchment, 11 debris flows and 24 debris floods were detected during the last 9 years. Herein, the initiation mechanisms of these torrential flows were analyzed, focusing on the critical rainfall conditions and the soil water dynamics. Comparing the temporal distribution of both rainfall episodes and torrential flows, the Kernel density plots showed maximum values for rainfalls at the beginning of June, while the peak for torrential flows is on July 20. Thus, the antecedent rainfall, and especially the soil moisture conditions, may influence the triggering of torrential flows. In a second step, a new updated rainfall threshold was proposed that included total rainfall duration and mean intensity. The analysis of soil moisture data was more complicated, and no clear trends were observed in the data set. Therefore, additional data have to be recorded in order to quantitatively analyze the role of soil moisture on the triggering of torrential flows and for the definition of thresholds. Some preliminary results show that the soil moisture at the beginning of a rainfall event affects the maximum increase of soil moisture, while a slight trend was visible comparing the initial soil moisture with the necessary rainfall amount to trigger a torrential flow.
A New Indicator of the Maturity of Organic Matter from Domanik Deposits
Authors: Burdel’naya N.S. , Bushnev D.A.
Published: March 2021

—Study of the aromatic fraction of Late Devonian oils and organic matter from domanik deposits of the Timan–Pechora petroleum province has revealed compounds whose proportion depends on the degree of OM transformation, namely, 1,1,7,8-tetramethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene (1,1,7,8-TMHP) and 1,2,8-trimethylphenanthrene (1,2,8-TMP). It has been established that 1,1,7,8-TMHP dominates over 1,2,8-TMP in the immature OM; as the thermal maturation of OM increases, 1,2,8-TMP begins to prevail. The same pattern is observed for the Late Devonian oils. An increase in the ratio of 1,2,8-TMP to 1,1,7,8-TMHP with the growing thermal maturation of OM and the transition of one compound into another permit using this ratio as an additional indicator of OM maturity in domanik rocks.
The Relationship between Powerful Geodynamic Impacts and an Increase in the Mercury Content of the Water of the Angara River Source (Baikal Rift Zone)
Authors: Klyuchevskii A.V. , Grebenshchikova V.I. , Kuz’min M.I. , Dem’yanovich V.I. , Klyuchevskaya A.A.
Published: March 2021

—The results of Hg content determination in the water of the Angara River source are considered in relationship with the seismic processes proceeding at different levels of the lithosphere in the Baikal Rift Zone (BRZ), the geodynamic rejuvenation of the South Baikal rifting attractor structure (RAS), and the time distribution of M ≥ 7 earthquakes which occurred at a significant distance from the water sampling station. The correlation coefficients calculated between the pairs Hg content–earthquake numbers n and Hg–logarithm of summary seismic energy lgΣES are most often low, thus indicating the absence of a statistically meaningful relationship between the remote seismic process and the dynamics of mercury release. However, the correlation coefficients in the vicinity of the Angara River source are high, thus proving the relationship of the mercury release with the deformation of this territory. The statistical validity of the «deformation–mercury release» cause-and-effect relationship is verified by the fact that strong geodynamic impacts precede all meaningful Hg release maxima. In the period 1997–1998, the South Baikal RAS produced the highest impact, being in the phase of the maximum geodynamic activity. The combined impact of the RAS and the South Baikal earthquake of 1999 resulted in a series of the maximum mercury contents within 1999–2000. The subsequent gradual relaxation of the RAS activity led to a reduction in the average annual Hg content. Remote M ≥ 7 earthquakes and close strong earthquakes of the BRZ are responsible for the significant Hg release maxima. The predicted trend of the average annual Hg contents is their considerable increase in the fields of fluid discharge of faults under the powerful geodynamic impact of the RAS or strong earthquake. We assume that in the study lithosphere area, the powerful geodynamic impact caused an opening of fault zones leading to decompression with boiling and degassing of mercury and its rapid rise to the surface.
Solids-Free Loss-Control System Enables Efficient Coiled Tubing Workover Operations: Case Studies in Ukraine
Authors: Pytko Mykhailo , Kuchkovskyi Pavlo , Abdellaitif Ibrahim , Franco Delgado Ernesto , Vyslobitsky Andriy , Balabatyr Yerik , Rachid Haro Raul German , Ahmim Nacer Ridha , Garcia Cardona Walther
Published: March 2021

This paper describes three coiled tubing (CT) applications in depleted reservoir wells, where full circulation and precise fluid placement were achievable only by using a novel solids-free loss-control system, such as abrasive perforating applications. It also describes the preparation work, such as laboratory results and mixing procedure performed to ensure successful implementation.

The analysis of Ukrainian reservoir conditions by local and global engineering teams showed that in a highly depleted well, abrasive jetting through CT was the best option to efficiently perforate the wellbore. However, this approach could lead to later impairment of the gas production if the abrasive material (sand) could not be entirely recovered. Such a risk was even higher as wells were depleted and significant losses to the formation occurred. The use of solids-free fluid-loss material that was easy to mix, pump, and remove after the operation, was, therefore, critical to the success of that approach.

In Ukraine, most of the brownfields have a reservoir pressure that varies between 50% and 20% of the original reservoir pressure. This is a challenge for CT operations in general and especially for abrasive jetting, which requires full circulation to remove solids. It also complicates intervention when precise fluid placement control is required, such as spotting cement to avoid its being lost into the formation.

The perforation solids-free loss-control system is a highly crosslinked Hydroxy-Ethyl Cellulose (HEC) system designed for use after perforating when high-loss situations require a low-viscosity, nondamaging, bridging agent as is normally required in sand control applications. It is supplied as gel particles that are readily dispersed in most completion brines. The particles form a low-permeability filter cake that is pliable, conforms to the formation surface, and limits fluid loss. The system produces low friction pressures, which enable its placement using CT. Introduction of that system in Ukraine allowed the full circulation of sand or cuttings to surface without inducing significant damage to the formation for first time; it was also used for balanced cement plug placements.

This project was the first application of the solids-free loss-control system in combination with CT operations. It previously was used only for loss control material during the well completion phase in sand formations with the use of drilling rigs.
Application of Finite Element Method in Coiled Tubing Services
Authors: Yekta Kaveh
Published: March 2021

The recent development in commercialization and simplification of advanced simulating software provides a unique tool for analysis of different challenges in the oil and gas industry. These commercial packages are designed to be user-friendly and yet be able to perform complex simulations. For a very long time, working with such simulating software required a unique skill set. The enhanced user-interface and different visual aid improved the quality of simulator programs and reduced the level of difficulty of using those programs. Applying such simulating capabilities makes it possible for a better understanding of a vast array of challenges and problems in Coiled Tubing (CT) Services. Building a three-dimensional (3D) model for stress and vibration analysis to simulate the real operational problem is among the advantages of using such a program.

The finite element method (FEM) is the mathematical tool that is used in the commercial simulating software. The FEM provides a linear and nonlinear analysis option to solve different types of mechanical problems. The common outputs for such analysis are stress, displacement, and vibration modes. A real-life example of a failed dimple connector due to excessive force was simulated to find the stress and displacement of a specific grade of pipe. In the other case, the impact of vibration of the CT stack on wellhead was simulated and analyzed. The structural analysis of two main components of Coiled Tubing surface equipment such as Gooseneck and CT Reel subjected to actual loads were modeled using FEM.

The simulation of each case provides critical information that could not be achieved by any other means due to the complex geometry of the problem in some cases. In each case, the FEM simulation program provides essential information such as stress, vibration mode, and displacement. This information can be used to optimize the design and enhancement of the operating envelope of each case in the well intervention operation.

Using the FEM/3D modeling package provides a tool to evaluate and explore the different impacts of loads on CT surface equipment. Utilizing such programs in different applications such as CT, intervention, and completions can be a reliable tool during design, execution, and failure analysis process. Using analytical simulators could replace costly physical testing. On the occasion that the physical testing is required, using the simulated results could optimize the better planning of utilization of sensors for a different position. There are more types of simulations available within these packages, such as fatigue modeling, nonlinear analysis, transient, and impact analysis.
Using Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing to Recover Well Integrity and Restore Production
Authors: Noble Lilia , Rees Hugh , Langnes Tommy , Thiruvenkatanathan Pradyumna
Published: March 2021

Subject North Sea oil producing well has developed sustained casing pressure in the A-annulus, resulted in well being shut-in for around 3 years. Several attempts were made to understand the source of the tubing-to-annulus communication, however remediation actions based on the conventional intervention techniques were not successful, leak location was not isolated and sustained annular pressure remained. This resulted in deferral of oil production and costs incurred due to unsuccessful intervention and remediation techniques.

As the well was already equipped with the permanent fibre optic cable for the communication with the downhole pressure gauge, an alternative opportunity was taken to detect leak location by repurposing the cable for the use of Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology along with latest pattern recognition techniques. This approach is based on decoupling of fluid movement signature from the background noise and use pattern recognition algorithms to construct fluid flow logs across entire length of the fibre, displaying character and evolution of fluid noise through depth and time.

Performed acquisition program allowed to activate the leak, presence of which was clearly visible on the wellhead and A-annulus pressure data. DAS-based acoustic flow logs allowed to clearly identify the exact location of the leak points and additionally provided an understanding to the reasons of failure of remediation methods based on the interpretation of conventional tool results.

Remediation strategy based on the insights provided by DAS succeeded to isolate leak points with no further pressure build-up observed in the A-annulus. As a result, operator was able to return to production the well that has been shut-in for three years. This allowed to reinstate 1mbod in production, restore well primary barriers and reduce operational spend through cancellation of further well interventions.

This technology offers a new method of acoustic data processing on DAS that extracts valuable insights to identify the source of fluid flow and flow pathways, providing an ability of capturing events behind multiple casing strings.
COMPARATIVE HISTOLOGICAL STUDY OFESOPHAGUS AND LIVER IN SOME AQUATIC BIRDS
Authors:   Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, New Damietta, Damietta, Egypt., A. Omar Nahed , E.M. Deef Lamiaa ,   Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, New Damietta, Damietta, Egypt., M. Khattab Ghada ,   Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, New Damietta, Damietta, Egypt.
Published: March 2021

The present work aims to investigate the differences in the structure of liver and esophagus in five species of birds in Egypt having the same food habits.The birds under investigation are: water rail, spotted crake, little crake, common coot and common moorhen. Five birds were obtained from local hunters in Damietta, Egypt all of these birds are belonging to the same family (Rallidae)and all of them are omnivorous, but we found some difference after microscopical examination of liver and esophagus. The birds were dissected, esophagus and liver were fixed and stained for microscopic comparative study.The results revealed that there are some histological differences after microscopical examination to liver and esophagus in five species.In esophagus: Mucous glands are bigger in little crake than that in Rallus aquaticus,muscularis mucosa layer is thicker in Rallus aquaticus and common coot than that in Gallinula chloropus, inner circular in spotted crake is thinner that in Gallinula chloropus, and most thick in common coot. In Liver: Hepatocytes in common coot are polygonal in shape, have rounded nucleusand there are some sinusoids between hepatocords in liver and presence of secondary bronchial cavity in Gallinula chloropus and Rallus aquaticus.
GALLBLADDER STONES SPECTRUM IN SAUDI POPULATION BY USING ULTRASONOGRAPHY
Authors:   Department of Radiologic Technology, College of Applied Medical Science, Qassim University, Buraydah. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia., Hamdan Abdullah , M. Alkhidir NasraldeenAlnaeem ,   Department of Radiologic Technology, College of Applied Medical Science, Qassim University, Buraydah. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia., Saeed Abdelmoneim ,   Department of Radiologic Technology, College of Applied Medical Science, Qassim University, Buraydah. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Published: March 2021

Objective:This study was designed with an aim to determine the incidence of gallbladder stonesandto evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of calculus, occur in Saudi patients whom presents at the Radiology and Ultrasound Department. Materials and method: Retrospective study in the period 22 August 2020 to 22 December 2020, a total of 108 patientsunderwentultrasound. When the gallbladder is investigated using ultrasound imaging (US) modality. Ultrasound instrument used was spatial digital U22 Philips Convex probe 3.5 Data analysis performed using the tables and computerized systems,ultrasound using different types of ultrasound units with 3.5 MHz and 5 MHz curve linear probes.Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel Software and the Standard Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 15 for windows. Result: Out of 108 examined samples [mean age of 29 years male to female ratio of .9:1].Gallstones in this study were more common in the age range from 2 to 39, (58.3%).The most common causes of gallbladder stones are, 0ral contraceptives44(40.7%),Cholesterol28 (25.9%),Biliary dyskinesia 17 (15.7%),Diabetes 12 (11.1%),and Spinal cord injury7 (6.5%)one of the commonest complaints is upper abdominal pain,52(48.1%) and in majority of the cases the etiology is treatable,Nausea30 (27.8%) andVomiting 26(24.1%).Confirmation is done by CT scan 20 (18.5%) for the cases of small gall stones (<2mm) and impacted stones in cystic duct and operations, Cholecystectomy 14(13%) were done for stones large than (>2 cm), who have a nonfunctional or calcified (porcelain) gallbladder and patients for spinal cord injured. Conclusion: Ultrasound (US) is the preferred method for evaluating gallstones with 96% accuracy. The number, size and calcification can be evaluated by virtue of US inversion and attenuation. If there are more than five stones, the accuracy decreases.
EVALUATION OF RISK FACTORS AND TREATMENT PATTERNS OF CVA
Authors:   Department of Pharmacy Practice, Malla Reddy Pharmacy College, Maisammaguda, Secunderabad, 500014., Deepa.T Gyana , V. Vaishnavi ,   Department of Pharmacy Practice, Malla Reddy Pharmacy College, Maisammaguda, Secunderabad, 500014., V. Pharm D. Sahithi ,   Department of Pharmacy Practice, Malla Reddy Pharmacy College, Maisammaguda, Secunderabad, 500014., Sridevi CH. ,   Department of Pharmacy Practice, Malla Reddy Pharmacy College, Maisammaguda, Secunderabad, 500014., D. Pharm ,   Department of Pharmacy Practice, Malla Reddy Pharmacy College, Maisammaguda, Secunderabad, 500014., Tulja Rani G. ,   Department of Pharmacy Practice, Malla Reddy Pharmacy College, Maisammaguda, Secunderabad, 500014.
Published: March 2021

Back ground: Cerebro Vascular Accident is a rapidly developing signs of focal disturbances which lasts for more than 24hours and is divided into 3 types- Ischemic stroke, Hemorrhagic stroke, Transient ischemic stroke. Objective: To assess drug treatment pattern of anti-platelets, the involvement of clinical pharmacist to improve the patient outcome, the risk factors of stroke and monitor the risk of anti-platelets. Methods and methodology: A hospital based prospective observational study is conducted in neurology and general medicine department for 6 months meeting the inclusion criteria by obtaining information from the case sheets, laboratory reports and on an interview with the patient. Discussion: Among 80 patients, most of the cases reported were from the age group of 51-60yrs and males were more prone to stroke. Ischemic stroke is seen majorly and strokes are mostly diagnosed with MRI,CT scan, ECG and were treated with Aspirin and Atorvastatin (symptomatic treatment). Conclusion: Stroke (Cerebro Vascular Accident) is the second leading cause of death. Major risk factors of stroke include hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Prevention of these diseases can prevent stroke. People with these diseases are risk factors to stroke.With lifestyle modifications and medication adherence can reduce the risk of stroke. According to the study, majority of patients were males, people who smoke and consume alcohol are also prone to stroke. In this study, we dealt with the risk factors of stroke and its treatment options and lifestyle modifications which can prevent the risk of stroke.
CLAINICO-BACTERIOLOGICAL SPECTRUMAND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE PROFILEIN BACTEREMIA COINFECTING COVID-19 PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN TRIPURA
Authors:   Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology,Agartala Government Medical College., Bhattacharya Sibabrata , Chakrabarti Ankan ,   3rd Year Post Graduate trainee, Department of Microbiology, Agartala Government Medical College., Majumdar Tapan ,   Professor and HOD, Department of Microbiology, Agartala Government Medical College.
Published: March 2021

Background- Secondary bacterial infections including bacteremia have been implicated as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients So, it is important to determine the bacteriological profile of organisms responsible for bacteremia among COVID-19 patients along with their antimicrobial resistance pattern Objectives- To determine the bacteriological profile, antimicrobial resistance pattern and clinical outcome among COVID-19 patients with bacteremia as manifestation of secondary bacterial infection. Study design- Single center, cross sectional study Methods- Blood cultures were obtained from COVID-19 patients with features of bacteremia and sepsis based on Sepsis-3 criteria and serum procalcitonin level. Identification and AST were performed and the patients were followed until final outcome or discharge from hospital. Results- Among 43 blood samples obtained. 8 were positive in culture for pathogenic bacteria (18.6%). Mean age of the patients were 53.4 Ã‚Â± 14.9 years with male preponderance (62.5%). Mean procalcitonin level was 6.5Ã‚Â±5.7 ng/ml. Positive history of contact was the major risk factor (62.5%) and mean duration of hospital stay was 11.1Ã‚Â± 3.9 days. Mortality rate was 37.5%. Gram negative bacilli were the major isolates (75%) and one case was caused by an unusual organism Erysipelothrixrhusiopathiae. Among the Gram negative bacilli, maximum resistance was against Amikacin (100%) and minimum against Meropenem (16.7%). Out of GNB isolates, one isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was Metallo ? lactamase enzyme producer and another one was multidrug resistant strain. Conclusion- Bacteremia among COVID-19 patients is a serious form of bacterial co-infection, leading to increased morbidity and mortality among the patients. High degree of clinical suspicion and increasing prolactin level must be complemented with blood culture to rule out bacteremia in these patients, where timely intervention and proper antimicrobial therapy can be lifesaving. Keywords- COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Coronavirus, Bacterial coinfection, Bacteremia, Antimicrobial resistance.
AWARENESS OF COVID-19 AMONG GENERAL POPULATION OF NORTHEAST INDIA: A WEB BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Gogoi Nirmali , Goswami Anusuya
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The emerging infection of COVID-19 was initiated from Wuhan, China, have been spread to more than 210 countries around the globe including India. Now India is 4th position in the world scenario of COVID-19 with 426910 infected cases and 13,703 deaths by 22 June 2020. In the northeast, Assam is in highest position with 5,586 cases and 9 deaths till now. Awareness is the key factor for prevention of spread of COVID-19 among general people. In view of these contexts, the present study was undertaken to assess awareness of COVID-19 among general population of Northeast India. The aim of the study was to assess the level of awareness among general population of Northeast India regarding COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A web based survey was conducted among 185 people of deferent states of northeast during the period of April and May 2020. A self-structured validated questionnaire used for collecting information. Descriptive analysis was performed to represent the study characteristics. Awareness among the study population was categories into 3 Levels i.e Adequate, Moderately Adequate and Inadequate. Level of Adequate awareness considered as > (Mean + SD, Moderately Adequate as (Mean-SD)-(Mean + SD) and Inadequate as < (Mean-SD. Results & Discussion: Overall awareness on COVID-19, majority of respondents, 97(52.4%) have moderately adequate awareness. 49(26.5%) of respondents have adequate awareness and 39(21.1%) have inadequate awareness. It reveals that overall level of awareness is not satisfactory. Less than half of people were aware adequately about the COVID-19. Highest percentage of adequate, 36(44.4%) and inadequate, 21(25%) awareness reported from Manipur, Highest percentage of moderately adequate awareness reported from Nagaland, 17 (85%). Slightly more than half of respondents were aware about the general information, 102 (67.45%) and risk factors, 119 (64.3%) of COVID-19. Most of the respondents were aware about the mode of transmission, 176(95.1%), meaning of community transmission, 135 (72.9%), common sign and symptoms, 154(83.2%), and incubation periods 164(88.6%) of COVID-19. Regarding prevention of COVID-19, average awareness of total respondents was 154 (83.24%). Similar percentage of all levels of awareness have seen in male and female both. Conclusion: The virus is primarily spread between people during close contact, most often via small droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, and talking. Lack of awareness and negligence of general people regarding mode of transmission of COVID-19 which created community transmission. General people of Northeast still required awareness regarding COVID-19. There is a need of regular awareness programme among the general population by the health care professionals.
FACTORS MOTIVATING CODE-MIXING AMONG PALESTINIAN BILINGUAL POST GRADUATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Authors:   Head of Applied English Language Department/Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics (TEFL)/ Palestine Ahliya University, Bethlehem, Palestine., Itmeizeh Mahmoud , Mohammad Ahmad Badah Amjad ,   M.A. in Applied Linguistics & Translation/Applied Linguistics Researcher/ Salfit/ Palestine.
Published: March 2021

This study aimed at identifying the main factors that motivate Code-mixing among the M.A. students and graduates who chose Applied Linguistics as their major at An-Najah National University. It also aimed at finding out the differences between the participants responses with respect to the selected variables including age, gender, workplace, student status and years of experience. The selected sample consisted of 32 M.A. regular students and another 22 students who already graduated from the same program. They are either employed for different institutions or have no work at least within the period of distributing the questionnaire. The researchers used an 18-item questionnaire as a tool of the study. The responses elicited from participants were manipulated through using the SPSS package to deduce frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, degrees and significant values. Findings of the study showed that the most frequent motivational factors that stand behind code-mixing were mainly related to speech emphasis, raised topics conformation, addressees understanding of the speech. As for the variables of the study, no statistically significant differences in the means of the participants responses attributed to gender or students status were found. Nevertheless, statistically significant differences attributed to age of the graduate students were found in favor of those above 45 years old.
Mutual fund flow-performance dynamics under different market conditions in South Africa
Authors: Apau Richard , Muzindutsi Paul-Francois , Moores-Pitt Peter
Published: March 2021

Questions regarding the specific factors that drive continuous cash allocations by investors into portfolios of actively managed funds, despite consistent underperformance, continue to remain an inexhaustive aspect of the literature that calls for further investigations. This study assesses the dynamic relationship between fund flow and performance of equity mutual funds in South Africa under different market conditions. The study employs a GMM technique to analyze the panel data of 52 South African equity mutual funds from 2006 to 2019. The analysis found that convexity is prevalent in the flow-performance relationship, where fund contributors in subsequent periods allocate recent underperforming and outperforming funds disproportionate cash. This finding is evident in the lack of significance in the past performance effects on subsequent fund flows. The study found that lagged fund flows, fund size, fund risk, and market risk drive subsequent fund flows under changing conditions of the general market and fund markets. Overall, it is posited that fund contributors and asset administrators adapt to prevailing market dynamics relative to trading decisions. As a result, this affirms the normative guidelines of the Adaptive Markets Hypothesis, leading to the conclusion that exogenous factors drive fluctuations in fund flows in South Africa.
SALICYLIC ACID INCORPORATION IN Fe3O4-BSA NANOPARTICLES FOR DRUG RELEASE
Authors: Neves Renata , Bronze-Uhle Erika , Santos Pâmela , Lisboa-Filho Paulo , Magdalena Aroldo
Published: March 2021

The controlled release of Salicylic Acid (SA) influences the concentration and collateral effects of the drug. This release refers to the matrix in which the SA is incorporated. Among the matrices, Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) stand out, for transporting drugs to specific sites. The functionalization of Fe3O4 by bovine serum albumin (BSA) can improve colloidal and chemical stability, in addition to increasing interactions with drugs. Thus, understanding the release kinetics of the AS incorporated in Fe3O4-BSA is essential to improve the controlled release. The study aimed the synthesis, characterization and release of the SA into the Fe3O4-BSA NPs. The results showed the functionalization of the Fe3O4-BSA NPs was effective and the average size was below 30 nm. The NPs showed colloidal stability above the pH of 7.5 which can be used as a drug carrier in blood plasma. Drug encapsulation into the NPs system was efficient (~91%) with about 30% of drug loading capability. The kinetic results showed the SA release mechanism was controlled by diffusion. The conclusion is that the incorporation of SA in Fe3O4-BSA NPs led to a release of SA in the first six hours, reaching equilibrium at 0.265 mg mL-1 and 1.83 mg.
APLICAÇÃO DE UMA HISTÓRIA EM QUADRINHOS, TRINITY, NA EDUCAÇÃO EM QUÍMICA
Authors: Silva Guilherme , Sotério Carolina , Queiroz Salete
Published: March 2021

THE APPLICATION OF A COMIC STRIP, TRINITY, IN CHEMISTRY EDUCATION. Faced with obstacles encountered in lessons and the search for actions that meet current educational needs, some attention has been paid to the role of comics as instructional tool. This article focuses on the use of a comic strip, Trinity: A Graphic History of the First Atomic Bomb, to develop knowledge and promote science learning. Three case studies were extracted from the comic and implemented to a group of pre-service chemistry teachers. A questionnaire was utilized to assess their perceptions about the usefulness of comics for their learning. One hundred percent of students indicated that comics helped improve their understanding of the nature of science. On the basis of the data, comic strips may be utilized as an acceptable educational tool in science education.
Activación de Recursos en Psicoterapia. ¿Cómo se ha estudiado y qué sabemos?: Una revisión sistemática
Authors: Salvo Rivera Domingo
Published: March 2021

A partir de los primeros metaanálisis sobre efectividad en psicoterapia, Grawe (1997) abstrae teóricamente cuatro mecanismos transteóricos relacionados con el cambio, siendo el principal de ellos Activación de Recursos. Este mecanismo es entendido como el uso de las capacidades y disposición motivacional del paciente al servicio de un objetivo terapéutico, así como el ajuste de las intervenciones terapéuticas a dichos aspectos. Basado en una revisión sistemática de la literatura en inglés y español, el presente artículo discute resultados de distintos estudios empíricos, con el objetivo de esclarecer qué sabemos sobre la relación entre Activación de Recursos y el cambio en psicoterapia. La búsqueda de artículos no se restringió por año de publicación ni diseño metodológico, en tanto en el estudio reportado se hubiera evaluado el mecanismo Activación de Recursos y se aportara evidencia de su relación con una segunda variable. Los 14 estudios incluidos ofrecen evidencia mayoritariamente a favor de la relación entre Activación de Recursos y resultados terapéuticos, pero con dudas respecto de cómo y cuándo este mecanismo favorece, o incluso pudiera entorpecer el cambio. Estas dudas son discutidas a partir de la relación entre Activación de Recursos y distintas variables de proceso, así como de aspectos metodológicos de los estudios. La principal limitación de esta revisión guarda relación con la heterogeneidad metodológica de los estudios incluidos, sumado a la homogeneidad geográfico-cultural donde fueron desarrollados, lo que sugiere interpretar con cautela tanto la integración de la evidencia como su generalización, a la espera de nuevos estudios en distintos contextos.