The growing importance of maintaining and extending the functional lifespan of reinforced concrete structures has resulted in an increased emphasis on non-destructive testing techniques as essential tools for evaluati...The growing importance of maintaining and extending the functional lifespan of reinforced concrete structures has resulted in an increased emphasis on non-destructive testing techniques as essential tools for evaluating structural conditions.Non-destructive testing procedures offer a notable benefit in assessing the uniformity,homogeneity,ability to withstand compression,durability,and degree of corrosion in reinforcing bars within reinforced concrete structures.This study aimed to evaluate the existing condition of partially constructed residential buildings in Rewari district,located in the state of Haryana.The reinforced concrete structure of the building had been completed eight years ago,however,the project was abruptly stopped.Prior to recommencing the construction,it is important to assess the present state of the structure in order to evaluate the deterioration in Reinforced Cement Concrete(RCC).The building’s state was evaluated by visually inspecting the building,conducting on-site examinations,and analyzing samples in a laboratory.The findings emphasize the assessment of the robustness and durability of concrete to ascertain the degree of deterioration and degradation in the structure.The study incorporates visual inspection,and non-destructive evaluation utilizing different instruments to evaluate the corrosion condition of reinforcing bars.In addition,selected RCC columns,beams,and slabs undergo chemical testing.It has been observed that the strength results and chemical results were within permissible limits.展开更多
Objective:This study aims to assess nursing faculty’s perceptions and challenges in teaching Generation Z students,providing insights into the barriers and opportunities in bridging the generational learning gap.Mate...Objective:This study aims to assess nursing faculty’s perceptions and challenges in teaching Generation Z students,providing insights into the barriers and opportunities in bridging the generational learning gap.Material and Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 335 nursing faculty members in the Delhi NCR region.Participants were recruited using a snowball sampling technique,and data were collected via a self-administered structured questionnaire.The questionnaire measured faculty perceptions and challenges using a Likert scale,with reliability assessed using Cronbach’s alpha.Data were analyzed through Descriptive and inferential statistics.Results:Findings revealed that while faculty recognize the need for technology integration and student-centered learning,they face challenges such as academic integrity concerns,psychological stress,and adapting to Gen Z’s expectations for personalized learning.The correlation between faculty perceptions and challenges was negligible(r=0.020,P=0.717),indicating that faculty perceptions remain stable despite these difficulties.Conclusion:Nursing faculty need to adapt pedagogical approaches to meet the evolving needs of Gen Z students.Bridging the gap between traditional teaching methods and the evolving needs of Generation Z requires faculty training,institutional support,and curriculum innovations.展开更多
Dome A, the highest dome of East Antarctic Ice Sheet, is being an area focused by international Antarctic community after Chinese Antarctic Expedition finally reached there in 2005, and with the ongoing International ...Dome A, the highest dome of East Antarctic Ice Sheet, is being an area focused by international Antarctic community after Chinese Antarctic Expedition finally reached there in 2005, and with the ongoing International Polar Year （IPY） during August 2007. In this paper two data processing methods are used together to generate two 100-m cell size digital elevation models （DEMs） of the Dome A region （Dome A-DEM） by using Cokriging method to interpolate the ICESat GLAS data, with Ihde-DEM as a constraint. It provides fundamental data to glaciological and geophysical investigation in this area. The Dome A-DEM was applied to determining the ice-sheet surface elevations and coordinates of the south and north summits, defining boundaries of basins and ice ftowlines, deducing subglacial topography, and mapping surface slope and aspect in Dome A region. The DEM shows there are two （north and south） summits in Dome A region. The coordinate and the surface elevation of the highest point （the north summit） are 80°21＇29.86＂S, 77°21＇50.29＂E and 4092.71±1.43m, respectively. The ice thickness and sub-ice bedrock elevation at north summit are 2420m and 1672m, respectively. Dome A region contains four drainage basins that meet together near the south summit. Ice ftowlines, slope and aspect in detail are also derived using the DEM.展开更多
Iron overload is reported to be associated with immune alterations and increased susceptibility to infections. HIV infection is characterized by progressive immunodeficiency leading to invasion by opportunistic pathog...Iron overload is reported to be associated with immune alterations and increased susceptibility to infections. HIV infection is characterized by progressive immunodeficiency leading to invasion by opportunistic pathogens. It was of interest to find out if disease course in HIV type-1 infection could have any relation with alteration in body iron status among individuals with history of oral iron intake. A follow-up study of immunologic and virologic markers in relation to disease progression was undertaken on asymptomatic HIV-1 positive blood donors with history of oral iron intake (subgroup I) compared to those without such history (subgroup II). High serum iron was associated with elevated levels of Th2 category of cytokines, heightened immune activation, faster decline in CD4 + T lymphocyte count and higher viral set point. Pulmonary tuberculosis (PT) was the most common AIDS related illness (ARI) (>70%) recorded among subgroup I compared to non-PT category of ARI. Median ARI free duration (months) was shorter among those who developed PT compared to those developing non-PT category of ARI i.e. 30 (95% CI as 26,32) versus 67(95% CI as 60,71) in subgroup I and 47 (95% CI as 42,49) versus 80 (95% CI as 72,87) in subgroup II (P P < 0.001 for PT versus non-PT in both subgroups). The present study indicates that body iron overload resulting from excess intake of iron may be associated with qualitative defects in cell mediated immunity at early stage of HIV-1 infection that may facilitate subsequent acquisition of pulmonary tuberculosis, shorter ARI free duration and reduced survival.展开更多
A number of optical sensing tools are now available and can potentially be used for refining need-based fertilizer nitrogen(N)topdressing decisions.Algorithms for estimating field-specific fertilizer N needs are based...A number of optical sensing tools are now available and can potentially be used for refining need-based fertilizer nitrogen(N)topdressing decisions.Algorithms for estimating field-specific fertilizer N needs are based on predictions of yield made while the crops are still growing in the field.The present study was conducted to establish and validate yield prediction models using spectral indices measured with proximal sensing using GreenSeeker canopy reflectance sensor,soil and plant analyzer development(SPAD)chlorophyll meter,and two different types of leaf color charts(LCCs)for five basmati rice genotypes across different growth stages.Regression analysis was performed using normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI)recorded with GreenSeeker sensor and leaf greenness indices measured with SPAD meter and LCCs developed by Punjab Agricultural University,Ludhiana(India)(PAU-LCC)and the International Rice Research Institute,Philippines(IRRI-LCC).The exponential relationship between NDVI and grain yield exhibited the highest coefficient of determination(R^(2))and minimum normalized root mean square error(NRMSE)at panicle initiation stage and explained 38.3%–76.4%variation in yield using genotype-specific models.Spectral indices pooled for different genotypes were closely related to grain yield at all growth stages and explained53.4%–57.2%variation in grain yield.Normalizing different spectral indices with cumulative growing degree days(CGDD)decreased the accuracy of yield prediction.Normalization with days after transplanting(DAT),however,did not reduce or improve the predictability of yield.The ability of each model to predict grain yield was validated with an independent dataset collected from two experiments conducted at different sites with a range of fertilizer N doses.The NDVI-based genotype-specific models exhibited a robust linear correlation(R^(2)=0.77,NRMSE=7.37%,n=180)between observed and predicted grain yields only at 35 DAT(i.e.,panicle initiation stage),while the SPAD,PAU-LCC,and IRRI-LCC consistently provided reliable predictions(with respective R^(2)of 0.63,0.60,and 0.53 and NRMSE of 10%,10%,and 13.6%)even with genotype invariant models with 900 data points obtained at different growth stages.The study revealed that unnormalized values of spectral indices,namely NDVI,SPAD,PAU-LCC,and IRRI-LCC,can be satisfactorily used for in-season estimation of grain yield for basmati rice.As LCCs are very economical compared with chlorophyll meters and canopy reflectance sensors,they can be preferably used by small farmers in developing countries.展开更多
Heterogeneous Wireless Network is currently a major area of focus in communication engineering.But the important issue in recent communication is the approachability to the wireless networks while maintaining the qual...Heterogeneous Wireless Network is currently a major area of focus in communication engineering.But the important issue in recent communication is the approachability to the wireless networks while maintaining the quality of service.Today,all the wireless access networks are working in tandem to keep the users always connected to the internet cloud that matches the price affordability and performance goals.In order to achieve seamless connectivity,due consideration has to be given to handoff precision and a smaller number of handoffs.Several researchers have used heuristic approaches to solve this issue.In the present work,a hybrid intelligent algorithm has been suggested for vertical handoff decisions.This hybrid intelligent algorithm is based on dual optimization approach which uses“Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO)”and“Mobile Robustness Optimization(MRO)”techniques for improving the quality of services.This approach performs well even in the failure network conditions and gives the best results in terms of connectivity.The results at the last has been compared with the conventional techniques and it has been observed that the proposed methodology outperforms the existing one.展开更多
Purpose: Haemocoagulase is a topical haemostatic agent which provides the adequate haemostasis after minor oral surgical procedures and it has also been proved to be beneficial in promoting wound healing. The aim of t...Purpose: Haemocoagulase is a topical haemostatic agent which provides the adequate haemostasis after minor oral surgical procedures and it has also been proved to be beneficial in promoting wound healing. The aim of this study was to check the efficacy of haemocoagulase in stopping the bleeding and its effect over wound healing after the minor oral surgical procedure. Material & Method: This study is comprised of 150 surgical sites in 75 patients. The subjects were divided into 2 groups in which Group 1 consists of 50 surgical sites in 25 patients and Group II consists of 100 surgical sites in 50 patients. Group I comprised of the group of simple extraction. In these patients one tooth socket was selected as haemocoagulase site and the other socket was the control group in which no drug was used to control haemorrhage. Group II comprised of the group of patients with bilateral impactions. 50 sockets and surgical sites were sprinkled with Haemocoagulase, and 50 sockets and surgical sites were used as control side in which no drug was used to control haemorrhage. Results: In Group I bleeding was stopped with the average time of 1.35 minutes, while at control side bleeding was stopped with the average time of 2.25 minutes. In Group II bleeding was stopped with average time for haemostasis being 1.46 minutes, while at control side the bleeding was stopped in an average time of 2.43 minutes. Conclusion: Haemocoagulase after minor oral surgery not only provides faster haemostasis but also enhances healing.展开更多
Both HIV-1 infection and iron overload are independently associated with infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis due to impaired macrophage function. A prospective study of in vitro assessment of macrophage function w...Both HIV-1 infection and iron overload are independently associated with infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis due to impaired macrophage function. A prospective study of in vitro assessment of macrophage function was undertaken in a group of asymptomatic HIV-1 infected remunerated (professional) blood donors with (n = 54) or without (n = 54) prevalent practice of oral iron intake (subgroups I and II respectively). The assessment was carried out at enrolment as well as at the point of development of AIDS related illness (ARI). The subgroup I showed higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines viz. IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8, but lowered levels of IL-12p70 in serum as well as in supernatant of monocyte derived macrophage (MDM) cultures both at enrolment and at the point of development of ARI in the subset of cases that developed pulmonary tuberculosis (PT) on follow up compared to the subset that developed categories of ARI other than pulmonary tuberculosis (non-PT) on follow up. The subgroup II of HIV-1 positive donors did not show any such alterations at enrolment or at the point of development of PT or non-PT categories of ARI on follow up. There was significant depression of nitrite level in serum as well as that produced by MDM culture at enrolment in subgroup I regardless of category of ARI developed on follow up while in subgroup II there was significant elevation in these levels at enrolment, more among cases developing PT than those developing non-PT category of ARI. The subgroup I demonstrated increased production of superoxide at enrolment. The present study suggested that depressed production of nitrite and IL-12p70 by macrophages induced by iron overload may be responsible for greater susceptibility of HIV-1 positive donors to M. tuberculosis while superoxide may be a less powerful anti-mycobacterial tool.展开更多
BACKGROUND In growing patients with skeletal discrepancies,early assessment of functional factors can be vital for the restoration of normal craniofacial growth.AIM To compare airway volumes in patients with mandibula...BACKGROUND In growing patients with skeletal discrepancies,early assessment of functional factors can be vital for the restoration of normal craniofacial growth.AIM To compare airway volumes in patients with mandibular retrognathism with the normal anteroposterior skeletal relationship,thereby assessing the association between cephalometric variables and airway morphology.METHODS Cone-beam computed tomography volume scans,and lateral cephalograms,3-dimensional airway volume and cross-sectional areas of 120 healthy children(54 boys and 66 girls mean age 15.19±1.28)which were done for orthodontic assessment were evaluated.The subjects were divided into 2 groups based on the angle formed between point A,Nasion and point B(ANB)values and cephalometric variables(such as anterior and posterior facial height,gonial angle etc.)airway volumes,and cross-sectional measurements were compared using independent t tests.Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was used to detect any relationship of different parts of the airway and between airway volume and 2-dimensional cephalometric variables.RESULTS Means and standard deviations for cephalometric,cross-sectional,and volumetric variables were compared.ANB,mandibular body length and facial convexity were statistically highly significant(P<0.01)whereas condylion to point A,nasal airway and total airway volume(P<0.05)were statistically significant.The nasal airway volume and the superior pharyngeal airway volume had a positive correlation(P<0.01),nasal airway was correlated to middle(P<0.05)and total airway superior had a relation with middle(P<0.05),inferior and total airway(P<0.05),middle was related to all other airways;inferior was also related to all the airways except nasal.Lateral cephalometric values were positively correlated with the airway volume with Frankfurt Mandibular Plane Angle and facial convexity showed significant correlations with total airway volume(P<0.05).Additionally,ANB angle was significantly correlated with total airway volume and superior airway(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The mean total airway volume in patients with retrognathic mandible was significantly smaller than that of patients with a normal mandible.展开更多
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)patients who suffer severe infection or comorbidities have an increased risk of developing fungal infections.There is a possibility that such infections are missed or misdi...BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)patients who suffer severe infection or comorbidities have an increased risk of developing fungal infections.There is a possibility that such infections are missed or misdiagnosed,in which case patients may suffer higher morbidity and mortality.COVID-19 infection,aggressive management strategies and comorbidities like diabetes render patients prone to opportunistic fungal infections.Mucormycosis is one of the opportunistic fungal infections that may affect treated COVID patients.CASE SUMMARY We present a case series of four adult males who were diagnosed with mucormycosis post-COVID-19 recovery.All the patients had diabetes and a history of systemic corticosteroids for treatment of COVID-19.The mean duration between diagnosis of COVID-19 and development of symptoms of mucor was 15.5±14.5(7–30)d.All patients underwent debridement and were started on antifungal therapy.One patient was referred to a higher center for further management,but the others responded well to treatment and showed signs of improvement at the last follow-up.CONCLUSION Early diagnosis and management of mucormycosis with appropriate and aggressive antifungals and surgical debridement can improve survival.展开更多
Background: Posterior fossa haemangioblastoma tumors are slightly rare and these originate from the brain blood vascular network. Cerebellum and brain stem are the commonest places of occurrence. These are benign and ...Background: Posterior fossa haemangioblastoma tumors are slightly rare and these originate from the brain blood vascular network. Cerebellum and brain stem are the commonest places of occurrence. These are benign and produce symptoms quite late because of their slow growing asymptomatic nature. Case report: We present 24-years old female who was wrongly diagnosed as having giant tuberculomas of the posterior fossa by MR spectroscopy. Contrast enhanced computerized tomography (CECT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies had shown the results more in favor of tuberculoma. She was given anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) but without any much improvement. The condition aggravated by causing obstructive hydrocephalus at the level of fourth ventricle. The patient was operated upon for the mass lesion and on histopathology;it was proved to be a case of cerebellar haemangioblastoma. Conclusion: MR spectroscopy can sometimes be misleading and can lead to mis-mangemant. The reliability of spectroscopy is debatable and has to be decided on the merits along with clinical symptomatology.展开更多
Objectives: The term TMD refers to a group of disorders characterized by pain in the temporomandibular joint and associated structures. The aim of this study was designed to evaluate prevalence, severity and sex distr...Objectives: The term TMD refers to a group of disorders characterized by pain in the temporomandibular joint and associated structures. The aim of this study was designed to evaluate prevalence, severity and sex distribution of sign and symptoms of TMD and to evaluate their relation with anxiety and depression among the students. Material and Methods: A total of 1000 university students were enrolled in the study (550 females;450 males), with ages ranged between 18 and 28 years. Helkimo anamnestic index (Ai) and clinical dysfunction index (Di) were used to determine symptoms and signs respectively. For the association of TMD with anxiety and depression, HAD (Hospital Anxiety and Depression) scale was used. Results showed that prevalence of one or more symptoms of TMD was 27.7%, while the prevalence of one or more signs of TMD was 64.4% which was mild in severity. Mild anamnestic symptoms (AiI) were found in 19.8% and severe symptoms (AiII) were found in 7.6%, while mild clinical sign (DiI), moderate clinical (DiII) and severe clinical sign (DiIII) were found in 49.7%, 12.2% and 2.4% respectively. Statistically there was no gender difference in these two scales. Regarding the association between TMD with anxiety and depression, 206 of the 311 students (66.2%) with TMD symptoms also had signs of anxiety and depression (P < 0.001). Conclusion: These findings confirmed that students had high prevalence of TMD which was significantly associated with anxiety and depression.展开更多
Objective—Anxiety and expected dental pain are the main reasons for avoiding any dental treatment by general population. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the various factors which can in-crease the anxiety and its...Objective—Anxiety and expected dental pain are the main reasons for avoiding any dental treatment by general population. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the various factors which can in-crease the anxiety and its association with pain perception of patients following dental extraction. Material and Methods—We had included 100 patients in our study who were undergoing orthodontic treatment and required extraction of either 34 or 44. Pain and anxiety levels after extraction were assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS) and an anxiety questionnaire consisting of eleven questions. Results—The mean VAS score for the entire study group was 16.23 ± 1.28 with statistically significant differences between genders, and was high in females and no statistically significant differences between different age groups. The mean anxiety score was 10.64 ± 3.12. This was significantly higher in women (P = 0.005), but there was no statistically significant differences between different age groups. There was a statistically significant correlation between VAS and total anxiety score (P < 0.001) as well as each question, except for question number 4, 8 and 9 in men. Conclusion—Although most patients had experienced limited pain, there was a significant gender difference in pain and anxiety level. They were anxious because they expected pain, women being more anxious than men. The most provoking factor for anxiety and pain while going for extraction in females was “being seated in dental chair”, while in men the most provoking factor was “uncertainty about proper numbness before extraction”.展开更多
Objective: To determine a clinically useful variable for predicting difficult tracheal intubation in patients with seemingly normal airways. Material and Methods: In our study we had included 68 patients from Septembe...Objective: To determine a clinically useful variable for predicting difficult tracheal intubation in patients with seemingly normal airways. Material and Methods: In our study we had included 68 patients from September 2011 to September 2013 who needed tracheal intubation for elective maxillofacial surgery. An airway assessment test was conducted on each patient prior to general anaesthesia, with respect to mouth opening, sternomental distance, thyromental distance, oropharyngeal (Mallampati) classification and ability to protrude the mandible. After induction of anaesthesia, the laryngeal view during laryngoscopy was graded and then the ability to intubate was assessed. Results: Incidence of difficult intubation occurred in 8 (11.76%) cases out of 68 patients. Airway test that was significant for predicting difficult tracheal intubation was SMD of less than 12.5 cm, TMD of less than 6 cm, a score according to Mallampati et al. of greater than III, protrusion of mandible position B and position C and IIG less than 3 cm with sensitivity of 87.5%, 62.5%, 62.5%, 25% and 50%, respectively. Conclusion: Our study concluded that sternomental distance had the highest sensitivity of 87.5% which was statistically significant展开更多
Background: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) and central nervous system (CNS) tuberculomas often overlap in clinical presentation and imaging. Though the aetio-pathology entirely differs in both the scenarios but there is gre...Background: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) and central nervous system (CNS) tuberculomas often overlap in clinical presentation and imaging. Though the aetio-pathology entirely differs in both the scenarios but there is great confusion in their clinico-radiological evaluation as the findings and appearances are similar in many ways. The stress should be laid out over the salient features of each entity in the background of their presentation. The study was conducted to highlight the differentiation of the clinico-radiological findings in both the entities. Material and Methods: Ten patients between 5 - 15 years (mean age 10.4 years) with complaints of headache and with or without seizures had undergone MRI alone or with CT examinations. Basic sequences of T1W, T2W, T2W FLAIR and T1W contrast studies were carried out in all the cases. CT was carried out in only three cases and contrast was given in two cases. Results: Eight patients were having ring enhancing lesions in post contrast studies in MRI and two had only cystic lesions ranging from 1 - 3 cm in diameter. Conclusion: Seven cases having tuberculomas were confirmed by both the modalities with one case inconclusive. Two cases were diagnosed as neurocysticercosis as per the results. The reasonable achievable target was the goal to differentiate between NCC and tuberculomas in the brain and it was achieved. Contrast MRI and spectroscopy brought out many findings for the distinct features in many cases.展开更多
Ameloblastic fibroma (AF) is a rare tumour of mixed odontogenic origin that can occur either in mandible or maxilla but is most frequently found in the posterior region of mandible. Age of occurrence is generally betw...Ameloblastic fibroma (AF) is a rare tumour of mixed odontogenic origin that can occur either in mandible or maxilla but is most frequently found in the posterior region of mandible. Age of occurrence is generally between first and second decades of life. It is often mistaken for a den tigerous cyst due to presence of an impacted tooth. The diagnosis of AF usually occurs accidentally by routine radiographic examination for an impacted tooth. Histologically it consists of odontogenic ectomesenchyme resembling the dental papilla, epithelium resembling dental lamina and enamel organ without dental hard tissues. There is controversy in the literature as to whether the treatment should be conservative or a radical resection should be done. A conservative treatment strategy, such as enucleation and curettage, is usually sufficient. We describe a case of massive ameloblastic fibroma in a 5-year-old child with an unusual position in maxillary posterior region and without any impacted tooth. Surgical resection of the tumor through Weber Ferguson approach was done under GA with 2 years of follow-up without any recurrence.展开更多
A retrospective analysis on the assessment of the level of p65 component of the transcription factor Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-kB p65) in the nuclear extract of lipopolysaccharide stimulated peripheral blood mon-onuc...A retrospective analysis on the assessment of the level of p65 component of the transcription factor Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-kB p65) in the nuclear extract of lipopolysaccharide stimulated peripheral blood mon-onuclear cells (PBMCs) of remunerated blood donors with HIV-1 infection revealed NF-kB p65 to be significantly higher in the subgroup with history of oral iron intake compared to the HIV-1 infected subgroup without such history. The level of NF-kB p65 in iron consuming subgroup of HIV-1 positive donors showed positive correlation with the serum ferritin level and with the rate of increase in viral load. The NF-kB p65 level also showed positive correlation with the level of superoxide produced by cultured Monocyte derived macrophages (MDMs) as well as with the levels of the immune activation markers viz. Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and two of its soluble markers i.e. Tumour necrosis factor receptor types one and two (TNFRI and TNFRII) reported in earlier studies in the same subgroup. The opposing roles of NF-kB in situation of iron overload in HIV-1 infection i.e. disease enhancement on one hand and facilitation of effective antiretroviral therapy through activation of HIV-1 in the latently infected cells on other hand suggest the need for further research to weigh benefits and risks of iron therapy in situations where iron deficiency in HIV-1 infection may be a serious consideration.展开更多
文摘The growing importance of maintaining and extending the functional lifespan of reinforced concrete structures has resulted in an increased emphasis on non-destructive testing techniques as essential tools for evaluating structural conditions.Non-destructive testing procedures offer a notable benefit in assessing the uniformity,homogeneity,ability to withstand compression,durability,and degree of corrosion in reinforcing bars within reinforced concrete structures.This study aimed to evaluate the existing condition of partially constructed residential buildings in Rewari district,located in the state of Haryana.The reinforced concrete structure of the building had been completed eight years ago,however,the project was abruptly stopped.Prior to recommencing the construction,it is important to assess the present state of the structure in order to evaluate the deterioration in Reinforced Cement Concrete(RCC).The building’s state was evaluated by visually inspecting the building,conducting on-site examinations,and analyzing samples in a laboratory.The findings emphasize the assessment of the robustness and durability of concrete to ascertain the degree of deterioration and degradation in the structure.The study incorporates visual inspection,and non-destructive evaluation utilizing different instruments to evaluate the corrosion condition of reinforcing bars.In addition,selected RCC columns,beams,and slabs undergo chemical testing.It has been observed that the strength results and chemical results were within permissible limits.
文摘Objective:This study aims to assess nursing faculty’s perceptions and challenges in teaching Generation Z students,providing insights into the barriers and opportunities in bridging the generational learning gap.Material and Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 335 nursing faculty members in the Delhi NCR region.Participants were recruited using a snowball sampling technique,and data were collected via a self-administered structured questionnaire.The questionnaire measured faculty perceptions and challenges using a Likert scale,with reliability assessed using Cronbach’s alpha.Data were analyzed through Descriptive and inferential statistics.Results:Findings revealed that while faculty recognize the need for technology integration and student-centered learning,they face challenges such as academic integrity concerns,psychological stress,and adapting to Gen Z’s expectations for personalized learning.The correlation between faculty perceptions and challenges was negligible(r=0.020,P=0.717),indicating that faculty perceptions remain stable despite these difficulties.Conclusion:Nursing faculty need to adapt pedagogical approaches to meet the evolving needs of Gen Z students.Bridging the gap between traditional teaching methods and the evolving needs of Generation Z requires faculty training,institutional support,and curriculum innovations.
基金Under the auspices of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 40471028, No. 40476005)ShanghaiShu Guang Project (No. 05SG46)
文摘Dome A, the highest dome of East Antarctic Ice Sheet, is being an area focused by international Antarctic community after Chinese Antarctic Expedition finally reached there in 2005, and with the ongoing International Polar Year （IPY） during August 2007. In this paper two data processing methods are used together to generate two 100-m cell size digital elevation models （DEMs） of the Dome A region （Dome A-DEM） by using Cokriging method to interpolate the ICESat GLAS data, with Ihde-DEM as a constraint. It provides fundamental data to glaciological and geophysical investigation in this area. The Dome A-DEM was applied to determining the ice-sheet surface elevations and coordinates of the south and north summits, defining boundaries of basins and ice ftowlines, deducing subglacial topography, and mapping surface slope and aspect in Dome A region. The DEM shows there are two （north and south） summits in Dome A region. The coordinate and the surface elevation of the highest point （the north summit） are 80°21＇29.86＂S, 77°21＇50.29＂E and 4092.71±1.43m, respectively. The ice thickness and sub-ice bedrock elevation at north summit are 2420m and 1672m, respectively. Dome A region contains four drainage basins that meet together near the south summit. Ice ftowlines, slope and aspect in detail are also derived using the DEM.
文摘Iron overload is reported to be associated with immune alterations and increased susceptibility to infections. HIV infection is characterized by progressive immunodeficiency leading to invasion by opportunistic pathogens. It was of interest to find out if disease course in HIV type-1 infection could have any relation with alteration in body iron status among individuals with history of oral iron intake. A follow-up study of immunologic and virologic markers in relation to disease progression was undertaken on asymptomatic HIV-1 positive blood donors with history of oral iron intake (subgroup I) compared to those without such history (subgroup II). High serum iron was associated with elevated levels of Th2 category of cytokines, heightened immune activation, faster decline in CD4 + T lymphocyte count and higher viral set point. Pulmonary tuberculosis (PT) was the most common AIDS related illness (ARI) (>70%) recorded among subgroup I compared to non-PT category of ARI. Median ARI free duration (months) was shorter among those who developed PT compared to those developing non-PT category of ARI i.e. 30 (95% CI as 26,32) versus 67(95% CI as 60,71) in subgroup I and 47 (95% CI as 42,49) versus 80 (95% CI as 72,87) in subgroup II (P P < 0.001 for PT versus non-PT in both subgroups). The present study indicates that body iron overload resulting from excess intake of iron may be associated with qualitative defects in cell mediated immunity at early stage of HIV-1 infection that may facilitate subsequent acquisition of pulmonary tuberculosis, shorter ARI free duration and reduced survival.
基金funded by the Department of Biotechnology(DBT)Government of India(No.BT/IN/UKVNC/42/RG/2014-15)the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council(BBSRC)under the international multi-institutional collaborative research project entitled Cambridge-India Network for Translational Research in Nitrogen(CINTRIN)(No.BB/N013441/1)。
文摘A number of optical sensing tools are now available and can potentially be used for refining need-based fertilizer nitrogen(N)topdressing decisions.Algorithms for estimating field-specific fertilizer N needs are based on predictions of yield made while the crops are still growing in the field.The present study was conducted to establish and validate yield prediction models using spectral indices measured with proximal sensing using GreenSeeker canopy reflectance sensor,soil and plant analyzer development(SPAD)chlorophyll meter,and two different types of leaf color charts(LCCs)for five basmati rice genotypes across different growth stages.Regression analysis was performed using normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI)recorded with GreenSeeker sensor and leaf greenness indices measured with SPAD meter and LCCs developed by Punjab Agricultural University,Ludhiana(India)(PAU-LCC)and the International Rice Research Institute,Philippines(IRRI-LCC).The exponential relationship between NDVI and grain yield exhibited the highest coefficient of determination(R^(2))and minimum normalized root mean square error(NRMSE)at panicle initiation stage and explained 38.3%–76.4%variation in yield using genotype-specific models.Spectral indices pooled for different genotypes were closely related to grain yield at all growth stages and explained53.4%–57.2%variation in grain yield.Normalizing different spectral indices with cumulative growing degree days(CGDD)decreased the accuracy of yield prediction.Normalization with days after transplanting(DAT),however,did not reduce or improve the predictability of yield.The ability of each model to predict grain yield was validated with an independent dataset collected from two experiments conducted at different sites with a range of fertilizer N doses.The NDVI-based genotype-specific models exhibited a robust linear correlation(R^(2)=0.77,NRMSE=7.37%,n=180)between observed and predicted grain yields only at 35 DAT(i.e.,panicle initiation stage),while the SPAD,PAU-LCC,and IRRI-LCC consistently provided reliable predictions(with respective R^(2)of 0.63,0.60,and 0.53 and NRMSE of 10%,10%,and 13.6%)even with genotype invariant models with 900 data points obtained at different growth stages.The study revealed that unnormalized values of spectral indices,namely NDVI,SPAD,PAU-LCC,and IRRI-LCC,can be satisfactorily used for in-season estimation of grain yield for basmati rice.As LCCs are very economical compared with chlorophyll meters and canopy reflectance sensors,they can be preferably used by small farmers in developing countries.
基金Deepak Dahiya would like to thank Deanship of Scientific Research at Majmaah University for supporting this work under Project No.R-2022-74.
文摘Heterogeneous Wireless Network is currently a major area of focus in communication engineering.But the important issue in recent communication is the approachability to the wireless networks while maintaining the quality of service.Today,all the wireless access networks are working in tandem to keep the users always connected to the internet cloud that matches the price affordability and performance goals.In order to achieve seamless connectivity,due consideration has to be given to handoff precision and a smaller number of handoffs.Several researchers have used heuristic approaches to solve this issue.In the present work,a hybrid intelligent algorithm has been suggested for vertical handoff decisions.This hybrid intelligent algorithm is based on dual optimization approach which uses“Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO)”and“Mobile Robustness Optimization(MRO)”techniques for improving the quality of services.This approach performs well even in the failure network conditions and gives the best results in terms of connectivity.The results at the last has been compared with the conventional techniques and it has been observed that the proposed methodology outperforms the existing one.
文摘Purpose: Haemocoagulase is a topical haemostatic agent which provides the adequate haemostasis after minor oral surgical procedures and it has also been proved to be beneficial in promoting wound healing. The aim of this study was to check the efficacy of haemocoagulase in stopping the bleeding and its effect over wound healing after the minor oral surgical procedure. Material & Method: This study is comprised of 150 surgical sites in 75 patients. The subjects were divided into 2 groups in which Group 1 consists of 50 surgical sites in 25 patients and Group II consists of 100 surgical sites in 50 patients. Group I comprised of the group of simple extraction. In these patients one tooth socket was selected as haemocoagulase site and the other socket was the control group in which no drug was used to control haemorrhage. Group II comprised of the group of patients with bilateral impactions. 50 sockets and surgical sites were sprinkled with Haemocoagulase, and 50 sockets and surgical sites were used as control side in which no drug was used to control haemorrhage. Results: In Group I bleeding was stopped with the average time of 1.35 minutes, while at control side bleeding was stopped with the average time of 2.25 minutes. In Group II bleeding was stopped with average time for haemostasis being 1.46 minutes, while at control side the bleeding was stopped in an average time of 2.43 minutes. Conclusion: Haemocoagulase after minor oral surgery not only provides faster haemostasis but also enhances healing.
文摘Both HIV-1 infection and iron overload are independently associated with infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis due to impaired macrophage function. A prospective study of in vitro assessment of macrophage function was undertaken in a group of asymptomatic HIV-1 infected remunerated (professional) blood donors with (n = 54) or without (n = 54) prevalent practice of oral iron intake (subgroups I and II respectively). The assessment was carried out at enrolment as well as at the point of development of AIDS related illness (ARI). The subgroup I showed higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines viz. IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8, but lowered levels of IL-12p70 in serum as well as in supernatant of monocyte derived macrophage (MDM) cultures both at enrolment and at the point of development of ARI in the subset of cases that developed pulmonary tuberculosis (PT) on follow up compared to the subset that developed categories of ARI other than pulmonary tuberculosis (non-PT) on follow up. The subgroup II of HIV-1 positive donors did not show any such alterations at enrolment or at the point of development of PT or non-PT categories of ARI on follow up. There was significant depression of nitrite level in serum as well as that produced by MDM culture at enrolment in subgroup I regardless of category of ARI developed on follow up while in subgroup II there was significant elevation in these levels at enrolment, more among cases developing PT than those developing non-PT category of ARI. The subgroup I demonstrated increased production of superoxide at enrolment. The present study suggested that depressed production of nitrite and IL-12p70 by macrophages induced by iron overload may be responsible for greater susceptibility of HIV-1 positive donors to M. tuberculosis while superoxide may be a less powerful anti-mycobacterial tool.
文摘BACKGROUND In growing patients with skeletal discrepancies,early assessment of functional factors can be vital for the restoration of normal craniofacial growth.AIM To compare airway volumes in patients with mandibular retrognathism with the normal anteroposterior skeletal relationship,thereby assessing the association between cephalometric variables and airway morphology.METHODS Cone-beam computed tomography volume scans,and lateral cephalograms,3-dimensional airway volume and cross-sectional areas of 120 healthy children(54 boys and 66 girls mean age 15.19±1.28)which were done for orthodontic assessment were evaluated.The subjects were divided into 2 groups based on the angle formed between point A,Nasion and point B(ANB)values and cephalometric variables(such as anterior and posterior facial height,gonial angle etc.)airway volumes,and cross-sectional measurements were compared using independent t tests.Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was used to detect any relationship of different parts of the airway and between airway volume and 2-dimensional cephalometric variables.RESULTS Means and standard deviations for cephalometric,cross-sectional,and volumetric variables were compared.ANB,mandibular body length and facial convexity were statistically highly significant(P<0.01)whereas condylion to point A,nasal airway and total airway volume(P<0.05)were statistically significant.The nasal airway volume and the superior pharyngeal airway volume had a positive correlation(P<0.01),nasal airway was correlated to middle(P<0.05)and total airway superior had a relation with middle(P<0.05),inferior and total airway(P<0.05),middle was related to all other airways;inferior was also related to all the airways except nasal.Lateral cephalometric values were positively correlated with the airway volume with Frankfurt Mandibular Plane Angle and facial convexity showed significant correlations with total airway volume(P<0.05).Additionally,ANB angle was significantly correlated with total airway volume and superior airway(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The mean total airway volume in patients with retrognathic mandible was significantly smaller than that of patients with a normal mandible.
文摘BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)patients who suffer severe infection or comorbidities have an increased risk of developing fungal infections.There is a possibility that such infections are missed or misdiagnosed,in which case patients may suffer higher morbidity and mortality.COVID-19 infection,aggressive management strategies and comorbidities like diabetes render patients prone to opportunistic fungal infections.Mucormycosis is one of the opportunistic fungal infections that may affect treated COVID patients.CASE SUMMARY We present a case series of four adult males who were diagnosed with mucormycosis post-COVID-19 recovery.All the patients had diabetes and a history of systemic corticosteroids for treatment of COVID-19.The mean duration between diagnosis of COVID-19 and development of symptoms of mucor was 15.5±14.5(7–30)d.All patients underwent debridement and were started on antifungal therapy.One patient was referred to a higher center for further management,but the others responded well to treatment and showed signs of improvement at the last follow-up.CONCLUSION Early diagnosis and management of mucormycosis with appropriate and aggressive antifungals and surgical debridement can improve survival.
文摘Background: Posterior fossa haemangioblastoma tumors are slightly rare and these originate from the brain blood vascular network. Cerebellum and brain stem are the commonest places of occurrence. These are benign and produce symptoms quite late because of their slow growing asymptomatic nature. Case report: We present 24-years old female who was wrongly diagnosed as having giant tuberculomas of the posterior fossa by MR spectroscopy. Contrast enhanced computerized tomography (CECT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies had shown the results more in favor of tuberculoma. She was given anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) but without any much improvement. The condition aggravated by causing obstructive hydrocephalus at the level of fourth ventricle. The patient was operated upon for the mass lesion and on histopathology;it was proved to be a case of cerebellar haemangioblastoma. Conclusion: MR spectroscopy can sometimes be misleading and can lead to mis-mangemant. The reliability of spectroscopy is debatable and has to be decided on the merits along with clinical symptomatology.
文摘Objectives: The term TMD refers to a group of disorders characterized by pain in the temporomandibular joint and associated structures. The aim of this study was designed to evaluate prevalence, severity and sex distribution of sign and symptoms of TMD and to evaluate their relation with anxiety and depression among the students. Material and Methods: A total of 1000 university students were enrolled in the study (550 females;450 males), with ages ranged between 18 and 28 years. Helkimo anamnestic index (Ai) and clinical dysfunction index (Di) were used to determine symptoms and signs respectively. For the association of TMD with anxiety and depression, HAD (Hospital Anxiety and Depression) scale was used. Results showed that prevalence of one or more symptoms of TMD was 27.7%, while the prevalence of one or more signs of TMD was 64.4% which was mild in severity. Mild anamnestic symptoms (AiI) were found in 19.8% and severe symptoms (AiII) were found in 7.6%, while mild clinical sign (DiI), moderate clinical (DiII) and severe clinical sign (DiIII) were found in 49.7%, 12.2% and 2.4% respectively. Statistically there was no gender difference in these two scales. Regarding the association between TMD with anxiety and depression, 206 of the 311 students (66.2%) with TMD symptoms also had signs of anxiety and depression (P < 0.001). Conclusion: These findings confirmed that students had high prevalence of TMD which was significantly associated with anxiety and depression.
文摘Objective—Anxiety and expected dental pain are the main reasons for avoiding any dental treatment by general population. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the various factors which can in-crease the anxiety and its association with pain perception of patients following dental extraction. Material and Methods—We had included 100 patients in our study who were undergoing orthodontic treatment and required extraction of either 34 or 44. Pain and anxiety levels after extraction were assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS) and an anxiety questionnaire consisting of eleven questions. Results—The mean VAS score for the entire study group was 16.23 ± 1.28 with statistically significant differences between genders, and was high in females and no statistically significant differences between different age groups. The mean anxiety score was 10.64 ± 3.12. This was significantly higher in women (P = 0.005), but there was no statistically significant differences between different age groups. There was a statistically significant correlation between VAS and total anxiety score (P < 0.001) as well as each question, except for question number 4, 8 and 9 in men. Conclusion—Although most patients had experienced limited pain, there was a significant gender difference in pain and anxiety level. They were anxious because they expected pain, women being more anxious than men. The most provoking factor for anxiety and pain while going for extraction in females was “being seated in dental chair”, while in men the most provoking factor was “uncertainty about proper numbness before extraction”.
文摘Objective: To determine a clinically useful variable for predicting difficult tracheal intubation in patients with seemingly normal airways. Material and Methods: In our study we had included 68 patients from September 2011 to September 2013 who needed tracheal intubation for elective maxillofacial surgery. An airway assessment test was conducted on each patient prior to general anaesthesia, with respect to mouth opening, sternomental distance, thyromental distance, oropharyngeal (Mallampati) classification and ability to protrude the mandible. After induction of anaesthesia, the laryngeal view during laryngoscopy was graded and then the ability to intubate was assessed. Results: Incidence of difficult intubation occurred in 8 (11.76%) cases out of 68 patients. Airway test that was significant for predicting difficult tracheal intubation was SMD of less than 12.5 cm, TMD of less than 6 cm, a score according to Mallampati et al. of greater than III, protrusion of mandible position B and position C and IIG less than 3 cm with sensitivity of 87.5%, 62.5%, 62.5%, 25% and 50%, respectively. Conclusion: Our study concluded that sternomental distance had the highest sensitivity of 87.5% which was statistically significant
文摘Background: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) and central nervous system (CNS) tuberculomas often overlap in clinical presentation and imaging. Though the aetio-pathology entirely differs in both the scenarios but there is great confusion in their clinico-radiological evaluation as the findings and appearances are similar in many ways. The stress should be laid out over the salient features of each entity in the background of their presentation. The study was conducted to highlight the differentiation of the clinico-radiological findings in both the entities. Material and Methods: Ten patients between 5 - 15 years (mean age 10.4 years) with complaints of headache and with or without seizures had undergone MRI alone or with CT examinations. Basic sequences of T1W, T2W, T2W FLAIR and T1W contrast studies were carried out in all the cases. CT was carried out in only three cases and contrast was given in two cases. Results: Eight patients were having ring enhancing lesions in post contrast studies in MRI and two had only cystic lesions ranging from 1 - 3 cm in diameter. Conclusion: Seven cases having tuberculomas were confirmed by both the modalities with one case inconclusive. Two cases were diagnosed as neurocysticercosis as per the results. The reasonable achievable target was the goal to differentiate between NCC and tuberculomas in the brain and it was achieved. Contrast MRI and spectroscopy brought out many findings for the distinct features in many cases.
文摘Ameloblastic fibroma (AF) is a rare tumour of mixed odontogenic origin that can occur either in mandible or maxilla but is most frequently found in the posterior region of mandible. Age of occurrence is generally between first and second decades of life. It is often mistaken for a den tigerous cyst due to presence of an impacted tooth. The diagnosis of AF usually occurs accidentally by routine radiographic examination for an impacted tooth. Histologically it consists of odontogenic ectomesenchyme resembling the dental papilla, epithelium resembling dental lamina and enamel organ without dental hard tissues. There is controversy in the literature as to whether the treatment should be conservative or a radical resection should be done. A conservative treatment strategy, such as enucleation and curettage, is usually sufficient. We describe a case of massive ameloblastic fibroma in a 5-year-old child with an unusual position in maxillary posterior region and without any impacted tooth. Surgical resection of the tumor through Weber Ferguson approach was done under GA with 2 years of follow-up without any recurrence.
文摘A retrospective analysis on the assessment of the level of p65 component of the transcription factor Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-kB p65) in the nuclear extract of lipopolysaccharide stimulated peripheral blood mon-onuclear cells (PBMCs) of remunerated blood donors with HIV-1 infection revealed NF-kB p65 to be significantly higher in the subgroup with history of oral iron intake compared to the HIV-1 infected subgroup without such history. The level of NF-kB p65 in iron consuming subgroup of HIV-1 positive donors showed positive correlation with the serum ferritin level and with the rate of increase in viral load. The NF-kB p65 level also showed positive correlation with the level of superoxide produced by cultured Monocyte derived macrophages (MDMs) as well as with the levels of the immune activation markers viz. Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and two of its soluble markers i.e. Tumour necrosis factor receptor types one and two (TNFRI and TNFRII) reported in earlier studies in the same subgroup. The opposing roles of NF-kB in situation of iron overload in HIV-1 infection i.e. disease enhancement on one hand and facilitation of effective antiretroviral therapy through activation of HIV-1 in the latently infected cells on other hand suggest the need for further research to weigh benefits and risks of iron therapy in situations where iron deficiency in HIV-1 infection may be a serious consideration.
