bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Squishing sound heard following an intra-articular shoulder injection with fluid and air is associated with higher efficacy: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Mens Jan M.A. , van Kalmthout Ronald T.M.
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND: Accuracy of blind intra-articular injections for the shoulder is rather low. It is unclear whether accurate injections for capsulitis of the shoulder are more effective than inaccurate injections. OBJECTIVE: It has been hypothesized that a squishing sound following an intra-articular injection with a mixture of air and fluid means that the injection was accurately placed and that the efficacy of accurately placed injections is greater than that of inaccurate injections. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that a squishing sound following an injection predicts a better clinical result. METHODS: Files were selected of patients with capsulitis of the shoulder, who were treated with an intra-articular injection containing a mixture of triamcinolone, lidocaine, and air. After the injection, the shoulder was moved to determine whether a squishing sound could be produced. Efficacy was measured after two weeks according to the Patient Global Impression of Change scale. Differences in efficacy between injections with and without a squishing sound were expressed as an odds ratio. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were selected. Squishing was heard after 47 injections (77%). Two weeks after the injection, a positive outcome was reported by 49 patients (80%). When squishing was heard, the effect was positive in 42 of the 47 patients (89%) and when no squishing was heard, the effect was positive in 7 of the 14 patients (50%). The odds ratio was 8.4 (95% CI 2.1–34.0; p= 0.003). CONCLUSION: Efficacy of injections with a mixture of triamcinolone, lidocaine, and air for capsulitis of the shoulder is significantly greater when a squishing sound was heard after the injection. We hypothesize that squishing is related to accuracy and accuracy to efficacy. A future study with X-ray arthrography is needed to verify both hypotheses.
Efficacy of ozone therapy as an add-on treatment in fibromyalgia: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study
Authors: Sucuoğlu Hamza , Soydaş Nalan
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disease that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. There is still no effective definitive treatment method; therefore, the search for treatment continues. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of ozone therapy (OT), which has been used in FM treatment in recent years, as an additional treatment. METHODS: The patients were divided into OT (n= 26) and placebo control (PC) (n= 28) groups. Both groups received OT in the form of major autohemotherapy (MaAHT) and minor autohemotherapy (MiAHT) for two sessions per week for a total of 10 sessions. The fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and 12-item short-form health survey (SF-12) were used for evaluation pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: In the between-group comparison, the OT group showed significant post-treatment improvements in FIQ subscales (feel good, fatigue) and PSQI total score and subscales (subjective sleep quality, sleep latency and sleep disturbances) compared to the PC group (p< 0.05). Although there were improvements in the FIQ total score post-treatment in both groups, there was no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: OT, which is applied as an additional treatment with the autohemotherapy method, simultaneously improves the subscale scores (feel good and fatigue) of FM and sleep quality in the treatment period. However, changes in the post-treatment FIQ total score were not different in the ozone therapy group from the placebo control group.
Addition of tDCS and TENS to an education and exercise program in subjects with knee osteoarthritis: A study protocol
Authors: Gacto-Sánchez Mariano , Lozano-Meca José Antonio , Lozano-Guadalajara Juan Vicente , Baño-Alcaraz Aitor , Lillo-Navarro Carmen , Montilla-Herrador Joaquina
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis often leads to chronic pain that frequently becomes disabling.Osteoarthritis has been linked to maladaptive plasticity in the brain, which can contribute to chronic pain. Therapies including neuromodulation and peripheral electrical stimulation are used to counteract the maladaptive plasticity of the brain. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of the addition of tDCS and TENS to an education and exercise program in reducing pain. METHODS: Over a 2-week study period, 60 participants will complete an exercise and educational intervention. Eligible participants accepting to participate will be subsequently randomized into one of the three treatment groups: 1) Active Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and active Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS); 2) Active tDCS and sham TENS; 3) Sham tDCS and sham TENS. RESULTS: The primary outcome will be subjective pain intensity. Secondary outcomes: quality of life, physical function, central sensitization, and pain adjuvants (uncertainty, catastrophizing kinesiophobia, adverse events). CONCLUSION: This clinical trial will provide data on the effect that the addition of tDCS and/or TENS to an education and exercise program may have to counteract maladaptive plastic changes and improve the benefits of exercises, and whether the combination of both neuromodulator techniques may have a higher magnitude of effect.
Harmful or safe? Exposure and pain provocation during physiotherapy of complex regional pain syndrome I: a narrative review
Authors: Kavka Tomas
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a clinical diagnosis and an umbrella term for a heterogeneous group of states associated with pain disproportionate to any inciting event, together with a number of signs and symptoms that are manifested mainly in the limbs. There are often concerns among clinicians and patients about the potential harms caused by pain provocation during physiotherapy of CRPS, even though clinical guidelines de-emphasize pain-contingency. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this narrative review is to summarize current evidence regarding potential harms due to pain provocation during so-called exposure-based therapies in individuals with CRPS. METHODS: Six studies evaluating exposure-based approach were included (n= 6). RESULTS: Although only one included study focused primarily on safety and in the rest of the included studies the reporting of harms was insufficient and therefore our certainty in evidence is very low, taken together with outcome measures, available data does not point to any long-term deterioration in symptoms or function, or any major harms associated with pain provocation during physiotherapy of CRPS. CONCLUSION: There is a great need for higher-quality studies to determine which therapeutic approach is the most appropriate for whom and to evaluate the risks and benefits of different approaches in more detail.
Measuring muscle activation using electromyography during neurodevelopmental treatment in individuals with severe cerebral palsy
Authors: Paludo Tatiane , Zardo Franciele , de Mattos Brenda Tubelo Pereira , Frata Bruna , Ling Chen Chai , de Castro Barroso Gustavo , Cechetti Fernanda
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND: In the motor rehabilitation of individuals with neurological disorders, including cerebral palsy (CP), Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) one of the most used approaches worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To verify muscle activation in NDT handling in individuals with severe CP using electromyography. METHODS: This was a controlled, cross-sectional, quantitative clinical trial. The individuals were evaluated using electromyography to analyze the muscular activation of the spinal erector, gluteus medius, rectus abdominis and multifidus during different NDT handling. We evaluated 59 individuals: 39 with spastic quadriparesis CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System, level IV–V) and 20 typically-developing individuals (control group). These groups were homogeneous with respect to age and gender. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in muscle activation of the spinal erector, gluteus medius, rectus abdominis and multifidus in the six NDT handling used in this study: side-sitting for kneeling; supine for lateral decubitus, prone position for lateral decubitus, “sitting on horseback”, sitting on the roll, and proprioceptive stimulation sitting on the ball. CONCLUSION: The results show that all NDT handling analyzed in this study were effective for muscle activation of the spinal erector, gluteus medius, rectus abdominis and multifidus in individuals with severe spastic quadriparetic CP.
Infiltrating gliomas with FGFR alterations: Histologic features, genetic alterations, and potential clinical implications
Authors: Dono Antonio , El Achi Hanadi , Bundrant Bethany E. , Goli Puneetha S. , Zhu Ping , Ozkizilkaya Hanim I. , Esquenazi Yoshua , Ballester Leomar Y.
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND: Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are frequently altered in cancers and present a potential therapeutic avenue. However, the type and prevalence of FGFR alterations in infiltrating gliomas (IGs) needs further investigation. OBJECTIVE: To understand the prevalence/type of FGFR alterations in IGs. METHODS: We reviewed clinicopathologic and genomic alterations of FGFR-mutant gliomas in a cohort of 387 patients. Tumors were examined by DNA next-generation sequencing for somatic mutations with a panel interrogating 205-genes. For comparison, cBioPortal databases were queried to identify FGFR-altered IGs. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (3.6%) with FGFR-mutant tumors were identified including 11 glioblastomas, Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) – wildtype (GBM-IDH-WT), 2 oligodendrogliomas, and 1 astrocytoma IDH-mutant. FGFR-altered IGs showed endocrinoid capillaries, microvascular proliferation, necrosis, oligodendroglioma-like cells, fibrin thrombi, microcalcifications, and nodular growth. FGFR3 was the most commonly altered FGFR gene (64.3%). The most common additional mutations in FGFR-altered IGs were TERTp, CDKN2A/B, PTEN, CDK4, MDM2, and TP53. FGFR3 alterations were only observed in GBM-IDH-WT. EGFR alterations were rarely identified in FGFR3-altered gliomas. CONCLUSIONS: Histologic features correlate with FGFR alterations in IGs. FGFR3-TACC3 fusion and FGFR3 amplification are the most common FGFR alterations in IGs. FGFR alterations are a rare, but potentially viable, therapeutic target in asubset of IGs.
Clinical correlations with EGFR circulating tumor DNA testing in all-stage lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Incharoen Pimpin , Jinawath Artit , Arsa Lalida , Kamprerasart Kaettipong , Trachu Narumol , Monnamo Nanamon , Khiewngam Khantong , Muntham Dittapol , Chansriwong Phichai , Sirachainan Ekaphop , Reungwetwattana Thanyanan
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND: Information on genetic alterations, notably EGFR mutations, is important for guiding non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis represents a less invasive alternative to tissue biopsy for analyzing mutation status, but its clinical value may vary across disease stages. OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical correlates of ctDNA and tissue/plasma-based EGFR mutation (EGFRm) status across all NSCLC stages. METHODS: Ninety patients were analyzed, representing three cohorts: newly-diagnosed early-stage, advanced-stage, and recurrent NSCLC. Relationships among clinical/surgical parameters, ctDNA, EGFRm status, and survival outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Plasma/tissue EGFRm concordance was lower in early-stage (58.6%) than in advanced-stage patients (87.5%). In early-stage patients, ctDNA levels were variable and not significantly associated with clinical/surgical parameters. In advanced-stage patients, time to EGFR-TKI treatment failure (TTF), but not overall survival (OS), was significantly longer in EGFRm-positive vs. EGFRm-negative patients. In patients with recurrent disease, 40% of plasma samples were EGFRT790M-positive at recurrence. In T790M-positive patients, we noted slight trends toward longer OS with vs. without osimertinib treatment and longer OS and TTF with second-line vs. later-line osimertinib. CONCLUSIONS: Our results affirm the use of ctDNA testing in advanced-stage and recurrent NSCLC. Further studies on osimertinib as early-line therapy, clinical correlates and the utility of plasma-based testing in early-stage NSCLC are warranted.
Evaluation of the applicability of microwave nondestructive testing to crack detection on a pipe inner surface
Authors: Guo Yijun , Yusa Noritaka , Hashizume Hidetoshi
Published: December 2022

This study explores the applicability of microwave nondestructive testing to detect a metal pipe’s inner crack. Three-dimensional finite element simulations were conducted to study the inspectability of cracks using microwaves in different modes and the dependency of the reflection characteristics of microwaves on crack size. The simulation results showed that microwaves in the TM01 and TE01 modes can detect circumferential and axial cracks, respectively. The positive relationship between crack size and intensity corresponding to the reflected microwaves was obtained in simulations and then verified by experiments. In both simulations and experiments, the axial crack length showed a small influence on the results, especially for shallow crack detection. In the experiments, circumferential and axial cracks with a width of 0.3 mm were detected using microwaves. The experimental results revealed that signal amplitudes decreased when a slit penetrated a pipe wall, probably due to a microwave leakage.
An efficient robust optimization methodology for metamaterial unit design
Authors: Li Yiying , Fei Zhangjun , Huang Yanlan , Yang Shiyou
Published: December 2022

A metamaterial (MM) generally works on a resonance mode, and its permeability will vary sharply around this resonance frequency. Consequently, the performance of a MM will be largely degraded if it is designed using a traditional optimization technique without considering these inevitable imperfections in fabrications. In this regard, the robustness of a solution must be included in the design optimization of a MM, exacerbating additional computational burdens to the already costly design procedure arising from the application of a high-fidelity model. Consequently, it is demanding to reduce the function calls for a high-fidelity model in the robust design of a MM. In this point of view, an optimization methodology by combining the genetic algorithm (GA) and a local search surrogate model is proposed for efficiently robust optimizations of a MM unit.
Simultaneous estimation cementite content and non-contact distance in spheroidal graphite cast iron using electromagnetic sensor
Authors: Kawada Kohei , Kuromizu Masafumi , Gotoh Yuji
Published: December 2022

The cementite is often deposited on spheroidal graphite cast iron materials used in industrial machinery during manufacturing. Since the cementite is extremely hard and brittle, the cast iron may be damaged when the stress is impressed to the cast iron containing the cementite. Therefore, it is important to estimate the volume fraction of cementite contained in cast iron. However, at present, destructive inspection is generally performed to estimate the presence and volume fraction of cementite in the cast iron. In this research, an electromagnetic non-destructive inspection method to estimate whether the cementite is contained in spheroidal graphite cast iron is proposed. The surface of the cast iron is rough, so the distance (lift-off : L o) between the electromagnetic sensor and the cast iron is changed slightly depending on the measurement position. By this method, lift-off ( L o) and the cementite content can be detected with an accuracy of less than about 10%.
RETRACTED: An efficient breast cancer detection with secured cloud storage & reliability analysis using FMEA
Authors: Parvathi S. , Vaishnavi P.
Published: December 2022

This article has been retracted. A retraction notice can be found at https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-219433.
Incomplete intuitionistic fuzzy behavioral group decision-making based on multigranulation probabilistic rough sets and MULTIMOORA for water quality inspection
Authors: Bai Wenhui , Zhang Chao , Zhai Yanhui , Sangaiah Arun Kumar
Published: December 2022

Water quality inspection (WQI) is one of the primary ways to ensure the safe utilization of water resources, and complicated data modeling, fusion and analysis play a significant role in seeking the resource with the best water quality. Nevertheless, the challenges of missing data, relatively large differences in decision results and bounded rationality owned by decision-makers (DMs) in terms of WQI still exist nowadays. Thus, from the aspect of stable and behavioral decision-making in multi-granularity incomplete intuitionistic fuzzy information systems (MG-IIFISs), the paper investigates a comprehensive multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) approach for the application of WQI. First, the concept of MG-IIFISs is built by modeling MAGDM problems with intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IFNs), then a new transformation scheme is constructed for transforming MG-IIFISs into multi-granularity intuitionistic fuzzy information systems (MG-IFISs) based on the similarity principle. Second, three types of multigranulation intuitionistic fuzzy probabilistic rough sets (MG IF PRSs) are developed by referring to the MULTIMOORA (Multi-Objective Optimization by Ratio Analysis plus the full MULTIplicative form) method. Afterwards, attribute weights are objectively calculated based on the best-worst method (BWM), and a new stable and behavioral MAGDM approach is constructed by means of the TODIM (an acronym in Portuguese for interactive multi-criteria decision-making) method. At last, a case study in the setting of WQI is conducted with the support of a UCI data set, and sensitivity analysis, comparative analysis and experimental analysis are investigated to display the validity of the proposed approach. In general, the proposed approach improves the stability of decision results via MULTIMOORA and BWM, and also fully considers the bounded rationality of DMs’ psychological behaviors from the aspect of the TODIM method, which has certain advantages in the community of MAGDM studies.
Modeling the hardness properties of high-performance concrete via developed RBFNN coupling matheuristic algorithms
Authors: Zhao Xiaofang , Li Faming , Chen Biao , Li Xiaofei , Lu Shasha
Published: December 2022

Examining the properties of High-Performance Concrete (HPC) has been a big challenge due to the highly heterogeneous relationships and coherence among several constituents. The employment of silica fume and fly ash as eco-friendly components in mixtures benefits the concrete to improve its physical features. Although machine learning approaches are utilized broadly in many studies solitarily to estimate the mechanical features of concrete, causing to reduce accuracy and lift the cost and complexities of computational networks. Consequently, current research aims to develop a Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) integrating with optimization algorithms in order to precisely model the mechanical characteristics of HPC mixtures including compressive strength (CS) and slump (SL). Feeding the dataset of HPC samples to hybrid models will result to reproduce the given CS and SL factors simultaneously. The results of the models showed that the maximum rate of correlation between estimated values and measured ones was obtained at 98.3% while the minimum rate of RMSE was calculated at 3.684 mm (and MPa) in the testing phase. Employing such soft-oriented approaches has been benefiting us to reduce costs and increase the result accuracy.
An effectual spectrum sharing and battery utilization strategy using fuzzy enabled dynamic relay polling transmission in WSN
Authors: Sathishkumar B.R.
Published: December 2022

Power dissipation at the network level to improve lifespan without degrading the bandwidth and collaboration is a fundamental impediment to effective spectral efficiency in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). This issue is made much more difficult. Wireless energy transfer (WET) for energizing remote sensor nodes gained interest. This research explores an FDD-based on-demand scenario with many relays where a transmitter is powered by direct and relayed links. A threshold is set for transmission energy & channel quality to decide whether the broadcasting can be efficient (for spectrum utilization) or the packet would not arrive at its destination. The network model offers an energy-efficient scheduling strategy to decide whether to transmit information or not depending on the stored higher energy and network status. An energy-aware polling-based medium access control (MAC) mechanism, composite energy, and information first (CEDF) has also been developed to fine-tune packet delivery ratio by utilizing datagrams and energy packages to set polling prioritization. Computational simulations indicate that energy relayed and the recommended energy-efficient scheduled technique decrease the system’s active power losses supporting all theoretical predictions.
What is stopping us from Implementing Society 5.0?: A mixed method study
Authors: Agarwal Vernika , Malhotra Snigdha , Kaul Arshia
Published: December 2022

With growing concern for society as a whole business organizations have been forced to think about their contribution towards society apart from their own profits. This concept has been conceptualized as Society 5.0 in the more recent times. The organizations need to have a more human-centered approach in order to establish themselves in the market today. This is an emerging topic and therefore limited research has been done in this area in the literature. The aim of the current research is to fill up this research gap. The study tries to highlight the impediments in implementation of society 5.0 in the emerging economies. The research has been carried in two steps. In the first step the themes have been generated through NVIVO software. Subsequently the themes generated are taken as the factors to be prioritized in the cause-and-effect groups through a multi-criteria decision-making approach, namely Fuzzy-DEMATEL. The case study being considered for the Indian situation solicited experts for their involvement in developing the themes and also used their evaluation as input to categorise the components into cause – effect categories.
Amazon customer service: Big data analytics
Authors: Sharma Suyash , Kalra Mansha , Sharma Ashu
Published: December 2022

“Amazon Big Data”, conducts a thorough analysis on the e-commerce industry using big data and how certain trends can affect the functioning of the organizations delving in the field. With the growth of e-commerce, there has been a significant rise of the online consumers’ footprint. Companies such as Amazon, Flipkart and other e-commercial platforms have accrued huge chunks of consumer information, especially since the start of the pandemic. In this industry, reviews and ratings given to a product play a crucial role in determining the sentiments of the customers associated towards making the final purchase. Such factors account for the brand’s sales and image. In today’s landscape, a careful customer goes through the ratings of the product, its reviews which serve as a medium of screening. In a tie between two similar products, customers purchase a product with higher ratings and better reviews. Therefore, this leads us to the development of an ideal rating metric that is significant for the sales of the product. Moreover, become a tool for product differentiation. This manuscript is a method to standardize the ratings of customers and preserve the sanctity of the data. We discuss models which are an amalgamation of customer ratings, their respective reviews and a sentiment scored derived from the same review. These models also help us define customer clusters with different personalities based on their reviews and ratings. In addition to this, customer segmentation is a future scope to deep dive into the sales data and understand the financial behavior of a customer.
Financial analytics for interlinking stock market and macroeconomic performance- post financial crisis 2008
Authors: Bhute Anjali
Published: December 2022

Financial analytics has been highly crucial in forecasting possible future economic scenarios. The relationship between a country’s macroeconomic indicators and its stock market has been extensively studied in the literature. Stock prices should be used as leading indications of future economic activity if they accurately reflect the underlying fundamentals. On the contrary, if economic activity follows stock price movement, the outcomes should be the opposite, i.e., economic activity should lead stock price movement. The paper attempts to make use of financial descriptive analytics to explore the interconnection between prominent macroeconomic indicators and stock market activity post ten years of financial crisis 2008. The study’s range is constrained to explore the aforementioned interconnection for the period from September’ 2008 to August’ 2018. The following factors have been found to be related over the long term: GDP, Production Index, Inflation, Exchange Rate, Money Supply, Imports, Exports, FDI, and Stock Market Returns. Shockingly FII has not shown any cointegrating equation. Also causality was observed between stock market and economic indicators. Impulse Response Function (IRF) and Variance Decomposition (VDC) techniques of VAR model are applied to decompose or fractionalize the variability caused by macroeconomic indicators on the BSE Sensex returns which has given some interesting results.
Impact of microfinance on enhanced wellbeing of self-help group women in post-COVID scenario
Authors: Jain Rinku , Paranjpe Rupali , Mahindroo Prerna Manik , Arekar Kirti
Published: December 2022

In the past few years, Microfinance has been usually contemplated as an effective strategy instrument in the fight against poverty. The SHG women situation in India has been particularly difficult during COVID-19. It had distressing consequences on SHG women life, their income making activities and livelihoods. Therefore, the question arises whether Microfinance credit leads to poverty reduction and improve their decision-making ability in the post COVID era. To address this question, the present study undertakes to identify the impact of Microfinance, Micro Credit and Savings on the Decision making ability of SHG women in the post COVID era. A number of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) provide micro-finance programmes to women in need in order to gain access to credit and savings services. In the current research, the NGO named ‘Peetambra Foundation’ registered in 2008 in Pink City Jaipur, Rajasthan is instrumental in providing data related to SHG women registered with them. Total 306 SHG women were surveyed in the nearest village of Jaipur city. The findings revealed positive but insignificant impact of Microfinance on Financial improvement. In addition, Financial improvement has a both negative and significant impact on the Decision Making ability.
“Feel the decibels closely”: Earphones preference study using conjoint analysis
Authors: Sood Kumar Abhinandan , Darekar Aditi K. , Mishra Prabhat , Maharana Barsharani , Kumar Sanjiwani
Published: December 2022

Conjoint Analysis is an analytical technique used in market research to quantify consumer preferences for a product or service. The result of the technique provides us with different combinations of attributes that consumers value the most. The technique uses different features of a product or service and their corresponding levels to model and quantifies the customers’ buying decision process. Using Conjoint Analysis, one can study the trade-offs undertaken by the consumer and use the derived insights for design implementation. The sale of Bluetooth Earphones in India witnessed a sudden spike during the COVID 19 pandemic. The consequential market, thriving with competition, saw market leaders attempt to strengthen their positions further and new players try to enter the market. The paper seeks to understand the existing consumer preferences for different features of Bluetooth Earphones using Conjoint Analysis. The outcome of the analysis provides market stakeholders with a yardstick to guide their design decisions and formulate sustainable long-term business strategies.
Reference theories and future perspectives on robot-assisted rehabilitation in people with neurological conditions: A scoping review and recommendations from the Italian Consensus Conference on Robotics in Neurorehabilitation (CICERONE)
Authors: Turolla Andrea ,   on behalf of the Italian Consensus Conference on Robotics in Neurorehabilitation (CICERONE), Kiper Pawel , Mazzarotto Deborah , Cecchi Francesca , Colucci Mariele , D’Avenio Giuseppe , Facciorusso Salvatore , Gatti Roberto , Giansanti Daniele , Iosa Marco , Bonaiuti Donatella , Boldrini Paolo , Mazzoleni Stefano , Posteraro Federico , Benanti Paolo , Castelli Enrico , Draicchio Francesco , Falabella Vincenzo , Galeri Silvia , Gimigliano Francesca , Grigioni Mauro , Mazzon Stefano , Morone Giovanni , Petrarca Maurizio , Picelli Alessandro , Senatore Michele , Turchetti Giuseppe , Molteni Franco
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND: Robot-based treatments are developing in neurorehabilitation settings. Recently, the Italian National Health Systems recognized robot-based rehabilitation as a refundable service. Thus, the Italian neurorehabilitation community promoted a national consensus on this topic. OBJECTIVE: To conceptualize undisclosed perspectives for research and applications of robotics for neurorehabilitation, based on a qualitative synthesis of reference theoretical models. METHODS: A scoping review was carried out based on a specific question from the consensus Jury. A foreground search strategy was developed on theoretical models (context) of robot-based rehabilitation (exposure), in neurological patients (population). PubMed and EMBASE® databases were searched and studies on theoretical models of motor control, neurobiology of recovery, human-robot interaction and economic sustainability were included, while experimental studies not aimed to investigate theoretical frameworks, or considering prosthetics, were excluded. RESULTS: Overall, 3699 records were screened and finally 9 papers included according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. According to the population investigated, structured information on theoretical models and indications for future research was summarized in a synoptic table. CONCLUSION: The main indication from the Italian consensus on robotics in neurorehabilitation is the priority to design research studies aimed to investigate the role of robotic and electromechanical devices in promoting neuroplasticity.
A novel method for conformity assessment testing of defibrillators for post-market surveillance purposes
Authors: Badnjevic Almir , Deumic Amar , Imamovic Elma , Pokvic Lejla Gurbeta
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND: Defibrillators are medical devices (MDs) used in the most critical situations, hence their performance must be ensured at all times. This requires defibrillators to be subjected to regular performance assessments after they have been placed on the market. The new Medical Device Regulation (MDR) defines medical device post-market surveillance (PMS) as performed by independent, third-party, notified bodies more strategically in hope to improve traceability of device performance. However, there is still an apparent gap in terms of standardised conformity assessment testing methods. OBJECTIVE: This paper proposes a novel evidence-based method for conformity assessment testing of defibrillators. METHOD: The proposed method is developed in accordance with the International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) guidelines and is intended to be used for conformity assessment testing of defibrillators for post-market surveillance purposes. RESULTS: The developed method was validated from 2018 to 2021 in healthcare institutions of all levels. The results obtained during validation suggest that conformity assessment testing of defibrillators as a method used during PMS contributes to significant improvement in devices’ accuracy and reliability. CONCLUSION: A standardized approach in conformity assessment testing of defibrillators during PMS, besides increasing reliability of the devices, is the first step in the digital transformation of the management of these devices in healthcare institutions opening possibility for use of artificial intelligence.
A novel method for conformity assessment testing of patient monitors for post-market surveillance purposes
Authors: Badnjevic Almir , Deumic Amar , Softic Adna , Pokvic Lejla Gurbeta
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND: Patient monitors are medical devices used to monitor vital parameters such as heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, and body temperature during inpatient treatment. As such, patient monitors provide physicians with information necessary to adjust the treatment as well as evaluate the overall status and recovery of the patient. Measurements made by intrinsic sensors of patient monitors must be compliant and provide reliable readings in order to ensure safety and optimal quality of care to the patients. OBJECTIVE: This paper proposes a novel method for conformity assessment testing of patient monitors in healthcare institutions for post-market surveillance purposes. METHOD: The method was developed on the basis of metrology characteristics of sensors used to monitor vital parameters observed by patient monitors and evaluation of their vital safety and performance parameters. In addition to the evaluation of essential safety and visual integrity of patient monitors, their performance in terms of accuracy of the readings is evaluated. RESULTS: The developed method was validated between 2018 and 2021 in healthcare institutions of all levels. The results obtained during validation suggest that conformity assessment testing of patient monitors as a method used during PMS contributes to significant improvement in devices’ accuracy and reliability. CONCLUSION: A standardized approach in conformity assessment testing of patient monitors during PMS, besides increasing reliability of the devices, is the first step in digital transformation of management of these devices in healthcare institutions opening possibility for use of artificial intelligence.
A novel method for conformity assessment testing of anaesthesia machines for post-market surveillance purposes
Authors: Badnjevic Almir , Deumic Amar , Dzemic Zijad , Pokvic Lejla Gurbeta
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND: Anaesthesia machines, as moderate to high-risk medical devices intended for use on patients during surgical procedures must be safe and reliable with traceable performance every time they are used in healthcare practice. The new Medical Device Regulation (MDR) defines medical device post-market surveillance (PMS) as performed by independent, third-party, notified bodies more strategically in hope to improve traceability of device performance. However, there is still an apparent gap in terms of standardised conformity assessment testing methods. OBJECTIVE: This paper proposes a novel evidence-based method for conformity assessment testing of anaesthesia machines for post-market surveillance purposes. METHOD: The novel method is developed according to the International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) guidelines and is to be used for the purpose of conformity assessment testing of anaesthesia machines with respect to their technical and metrological characteristics during PMS. RESULTS: The developed method was validated between 2018 and 2021 in healthcare institutions of all levels. The results obtained during validation suggest that conformity assessment testing of anaesthesia machines as a method used during PMS contributes to significant improvement in devices’ accuracy and reliability. CONCLUSION: A standardized approach in conformity assessment testing of anaesthesia machines during PMS, besides increasing reliability of the devices, is the first step in digital transformation of management of these devices in healthcare institutions opening possibility for use of artificial intelligence.
Usability and effects on gait of an optimized schoolchildren backpack
Authors: Estrázulas Jansen Atier , Estrázulas Jaisson Agne , Gheller Rodrigo Ghedini , Gadotti Inae Caroline , Moro Antônio Renato Pereira , Vieira Edgar Ramos
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND: Backpacks used by children is a global concern, because may cause musculoskeletal discomforts and pain. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to test the usability and effects on gait kinematics wearing the Trunkpack versus a traditional backpack and no backpack. METHODS: Twenty-four children (9 to 11 years old) from a public school participated in this study. The usability was evaluated after a five-week testing period using a questionnaire. Gait kinematics was evaluated (Vicon) when the children were wearing a standard backpack, an optimized backpack (Trunkpack), and no backpack. Both backpacks were loaded with 10% of body weight. RESULTS: Was observed more trunk, hip and knee flexion when the children carried a standard backpack in comparison using the Trunkpack and not carrying a backpack (p < 0.01). The Trunkpack and no backpack were similar. The Trunkpack was well accepted by the schoolchildren (81% positive responses), 79% liked the head opening, 88% liked the waist straps, and 83% liked the facility to put and take objects in and out of the Trunkpack. CONCLUSION: Trunkpack requires less postural adjustments during gait than a standard backpack. Gait kinematics with the Trunkpack was comparable to the gait without carrying a backpack.
Cancer risk assessment of exposure to asbestos during old building demolition
Authors: Hesari Reza Zandavar Javad , Rasoulzadeh Yahya , Mohammadian Yousef , Nasirzadeh Nafiseh
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND: Years ago, the use of asbestos in construction materials was common. Although asbestos has been recently banned in many countries, exposure to asbestos during old building demolition is not unexpected. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the concentration of exposure to asbestos and estimate its cancer risk among old building demolition workers. METHODS: In this study, personal air samples were collected during building demolition. The number of asbestos fibers in collected samples were determined according to the NIOSH-7400 standard method. Chemical compositions of fibers were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The carcinogenic risk of exposure to asbestos was determined based on the recommended United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method and Monte-Carlo simulation used to estimate the probability of cancer. RESULTS: Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of asbestos in collected air samples, and 67% of counted fibers were asbestos. In a number of buildings, workers had exposed to asbestos that was higher than occupational exposure limit (0.10 f/ml). Results of cancer risk estimation showed that cancer risk were considerable among workers. CONCLUSION: Implementation of asbestos risk management program such as separation of asbestos containing material, personal protective equipment’s and use of wet method in demolition could minimize asbestos exposure during old building demolition.
Validity and reliability of the Pandemic Fatigue Scale (PFS) in the Turkish population
Authors: Kurt Mehmet Emin , Çapar Haşim , Çakmak Cuma , Türken Askeri , Menteş Nurettin
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND: The measures developed to fight the COVID-19 pandemic caused fear, stress and anxiety in people over time. It was reported that pandemic fatigue, associated with the gradual loss of motivation to follow the implemented protective measures, emerged in societies. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional-methodological study aimed to validate the Turkish version of the Pandemic Fatigue Scale, developed by Lilleholt et al. (2020). METHODS: A web-based questionnaire was conducted to examine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the PFS. 1149 participants from all regions in Turkey participated. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were performed. RESULTS: As a result of the KMO and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity, the scale was suitable for the factor analysis. According to EFA, the scale has two sub-factors. The first sub-factor explained 48.7%, and the second sub-factor explained 16.7% of the total variance. Factor loadings of items varied between 0.67 and 0.89. CFA shows that acceptable fit values were obtained for the RMSEA, GFI, AGFI, CFI, NFI and IFI fit indices. CONCLUSIONS: The results support that PFS is a valid and reliable screening tool that can be used to measure the phenomenon of pandemic fatigue.
COMFORT PROPERTIES OF FUNCTIONAL DOUBLE BED KNITTED FABRIC FOR FIREFIGHTERS UNDERWEAR
Authors: ZUPİN živa , KNİFİC Karmen , PAVKO ČUDEN Alenka
Published: December 2022

The comfort properties of fabrics are closely related to their structural parameters. Various material and construction changes affect thermal insulation, permeability properties, wetting and water vapour permeability, which are the most important properties related to the comfort of textiles. Thermal comfort evaluation plays a crucial role in the development of textiles and is mainly carried out in the three aspects of breathability, heat transfer and moisture transfer. The aim of the research is to investigate the comfort and flame retardant properties of knitted fabrics made of four different materials: three conventional (cotton, Tencel and Micromodal) and one flame retardant material (blend of Tencel, polyacrylate, Modacryl-Tayrilan) that can be used for firefighter underwear. All materials were knitted in three different constructions of double jersey. It was found that the blend of Tencel, polyacrylate and Modacryl-Tayrilan is a truly flame retardant material suitable for firefighter underwear and has good comfort properties.
Heliceculture as a new promising direction of agriculture in Ukraine
Authors: Danilova I. S.
Published: December 2022

Heliculture (also sometimes called heliculture or simply snail farming) is the human activity of collecting, breeding, and growing edible species of land snails for food and cosmetic purposes. The meat and caviar of snails are eaten, and the mucus is used as a cosmetic. Breeding snails in artificial conditions is a profitable business that few people know about and which can bring a lot of pleasure and a good income. In our country, snails are exotic, and in many European countries this product is common and often eaten. The most famous species of edible land snail can be considered the grape snail Helix pomatia, also sometimes called the Burgundy snail. This species, however, is not suitable for commercial breeding. The two most popular species for commercial breeding are Cornu aspersum, also known as Helix aspersa muller, and Helix aspersa maxima. Intensive fishing of the mollusk Helix pomatia in Ukraine has led to the fact that the world's natural resources have been drastically reduced, which is why this type of mollusk needs careful attention. A number of scientists and farmers prove the prospects of obtaining extracts from the mucus of terrestrial molluscs and the production of medicinal and cosmetic preparations based on them. However, the population of this species in natural conditions has sharply decreased, in connection with which there is a need for artificial breeding of terrestrial molluscs. It is necessary to take into account that snails are a specific product that must be constantly improved and made competitive. It is for these purposes to carry out large-scale mating and breeding of snails with the aim of further processing of caviar and mucus for pharmaceuticals and cosmetology. It is necessary to have sufficient experience in this field and a good organization of work, which will allow the producer to offer a wide range of snail meat, both ready-made products for food purposes, and stock of mother herds for breeding by the next generation of starting farms.
Development of technology for receiving enriched sugar
Authors: Samilyk M. , Korniienko D.
Published: December 2022

Carbohydrates play an important role in nutrition, especially sugar, it is an integral part of many products, both ready and raw. The norm of sugar consumption per day is 25 g (no more than 5 spoons per day). The issue of increasing the biological value of sugar is relevant, as it plays an important role in human nutrition. Almost no one is engaged in the production of enriched sugar in Ukraine, only a few developments of sugar with functional properties are presented. But this topic is quite relevant in the world, scientists are developing enrichment schemes with regional raw materials. The purpose of our research is to develop a technology for obtaining enriched sugar by using wild berries of regional importance, using the osmotic dehydration method. During the study, standard organoleptic and microbiological methods of functional sugar assessment were used. The article presents a technological scheme for the production of enriched sugar, determined the amount of osmotic syrup that should be used to obtain lump sugar to give it positive organoleptic indicators. Microbiological indicators were determined during long-term storage for 6 months. The presence of biologically active substances in sugar increases its chemical composition. Enriched sugar contains not only carbohydrates, but also amino acids, coloring and flavoring substances. According to organoleptic indicators, sea buckthorn sugar received the highest rating. All four types of enriched sugar have a high storage capacity, the development of harmful microflora is not observed after 6 months of storage. The results of the conducted research showed that the developed technology for the production of enriched sugar can be used at the production facilities of operating sugar factories. But on the condition of additional installation of the apparatus for carrying out osmotic dehydration. Functional sugar can be used as a sweetener for tea, coffee, water; and sweet connoisseurs can use it instead of candies.