Uterine Artery Occlusion for Treatment of Symptomatic Uterine Myomas

Both laparoscopic occlusion and superselective embolization of the uterine artery for symptomatic uterine leiomyomata improved clinical symptoms in the majority of patients

THE INFLUENCE OF BIO-INHIBITOR ON THE CORROSION RESISTANCE OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS CONTAINING MSWI-BA AS A PARTIAL SAND REPLACEMENT

In this paper, the corrosion behavior of reinforced concrete beams containing municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (MSWI-BA) as a partial sand replacement and Ceratonia siliqua extract as a green corrosion inhibitor was investigated. Four mixes were prepared: (0 and 20% replacement of sand by MSWI-BA with and without Ceratonia siliqua extract). Tests conducted were UPV, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and elastic modulus. RC beams were prepared for determining the flexural performance. Eight beams were casted. Four beams were exposed to accelerated corrosion test and four beams were kept at room temperature. It was found that the compressive strength, tensile strength, and elastic modulus decreased when 20% of fine aggregate was substituted by MSWI-BA and when adding Ceratonia siliqua extract. In addition, the deflection and strain of beams increased. However, the presence of corrosion also affected the deflection and strain and led to increase their values

Psychometric properties of a questionnaire on medical students’ satisfaction with a community health program

Changes in the learning modes during the recent COVID-19 pandemic has provided a need to construct a feedback questionnaire to measure medical students’ satisfaction with community-based health programs. A total of 551 forms which has a 5-point Likert scale were submitted by the medical students upon concluding the public health program in 2018-2021 (which includes face-to-face and virtual learning). Reliability coefficients were estimated for each factor (domain) with values >0.70. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to assess the validity of the instrument, using principal components analysis with varimax rotation. EFA identified two factors; the first included 6 items (67.031%) of the total variance, the second explained 4 items (10.114%) and together explained 77.15%. root mean squared error of approximation (RMSEA): 0.074; normed fit index (NFI): 0.975; comparative fit index (CFI): 0.981; incremental fit index (IFI): 0.981; goodness of fit index (GFI): 0.956; Tucker Lewis index (TLI): 0.972. The overall students’ satisfaction had a Cronbach’s alpha test of 0.945 with a 95% confidence interval (0.938-0.952), and a reliability using Guttman Split-Half for overall was 0.894. Students’ satisfaction questionnaire with the public health program has a good reliability and validity in contrasting educational situations and it is worthwhile to include as part of the quality improvement

Development of Metal Matrix Composites Using Microwave Sintering Technique

In this book chapter, aluminum (Al)-based metal matrix composites (AMMCs) with various reinforcing ceramic particles, such as SiC, Si3N4, and Al2O3, were produced by microwave sintering and subsequent hot extrusion processes. The role of various nano/micro-sized reinforcements in altering the structural, mechanical, and thermal properties of the microwave-extruded composites was systematically studied. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicated that the main components were Al, SiC, Si3N4, and Al2O3 for the studied Al-SiC, Al-Si3N4, and Al-Al2O3 composites, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) elemental mapping confirm the homogeneous distribution of reinforcing particles in the Al matrix. Mechanistic studies revealed that the Al-Si3N4 metal matrix composite exhibited superior hardness, ultimate compression/tensile strength, and Young’s modulus, while having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion compared to other studied Al composites. Findings presented are expected to pave the way to design, develop, and synthesize other aluminum-based metal matrix composites for automotive and industrial applications

Microwave Fast Sintering of Double Perovskite Ceramic Materials

The book chapter mainly deals with the microwave sintering of high quality crystals of La2MMnO6 (M = Ni or Co) ceramics. Double perovskite La2MMnO6 (M = Ni or Co) ceramics with average particle size of ~65 nm were manufactured using microwave sintering at 90°C for 10 min in N2 atmosphere for the first time. The morphology, structure, composition, and magnetic properties of the prepared compacts were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), infrared spectroscopy (IR and FTIR), and physical properties measurement system (PPMS). The corresponding dielectric property was tested in the frequency range of 1 kHz–1 MHz and in the temperature range of 300–600 K, and the ceramics exhibited a relaxation-like dielectric behavior

Cryopreservation Counseling and Its Effect on Knowledge and Attitude of Young Female Cancer Patients

Background: Purpose: This study was conducted with the purpose of assessing the effect of cryopreservation counseling on knowledge and attitude of young female cancer patients. Methods: Research Design: A quasi-experimental design (with pre and post test).  Tools: Three instruments were used throughout the course of this study: (I) interviewing questionnaire, (II) knowledge assessment sheet and (III) attitude scale. Main results: There was a highly statistically significant difference between knowledge and attitude scores at the pre and post test. Conclusion: both study hypotheses were accepted. Young female cancer patients' score of knowledge about cryopreservation was increased after counseling as compared to before. Young female cancer patients' score of attitude about cryopreservation was increased after counseling as compared to before. Recommendations: The present study can be replicated on a large sample to act as a baseline data for pre-treatment program for raising awareness about fertility preservation. Female with cancer should be managed through a multidisciplinary approach and should receive counseling from an obstetrician and gynecologist about possible effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Keywords: cryopreservation, counseling, knowledge, attitude and cancer patients

Underpinning Quality Assurance: Identifying Core Testing Strategies for Multiple Layers of Internet-of-Things-Based Applications

The Internet of Things (IoT) constitutes a digitally integrated network of intelligent devices equipped with sensors, software, and communication capabilities, facilitating data exchange among a multitude of digital systems via the Internet. Despite its pivotal role in the software development life-cycle (SDLC) for ensuring software quality in terms of both functional and non-functional aspects, testing within this intricate software–hardware ecosystem has been somewhat overlooked. To address this, various testing techniques are applied for real-time minimization of failure rates in IoT applications. However, the execution of a comprehensive test suite for specific IoT software remains a complex undertaking. This paper proposes a holistic framework aimed at aiding quality assurance engineers in delineating essential testing methods across different testing levels within the IoT. This delineation is crucial for effective quality assurance, ultimately reducing failure rates in real-time scenarios. Furthermore, the paper offers a mapping of these identified tests to each layer within the layered framework of the IoT. This comprehensive approach seeks to enhance the reliability and performance of IoT-based applications

Induced Sputum Substance P in Children with Difficult-to-Treat Bronchial Asthma and Gastroesophageal Reflux: Effect of Esomeprazole Therapy

Objectives. To assess the induced sputum substance P (ISSP) levels in children having difficult-to-treat asthma (DA) with and without gastroesophageal reflux (GER). We aimed also to evaluate the association of GER with childhood DA, relationship of GER severity with childhood asthma control test (C-ACT), FEV1, peak expiratory flow (PEF) variability, and ISSP. Finally, we tried to evaluate esomeprazole treatment effect on C-ACT and FEV1 in children with DA. Methods. Spirometry, C-ACT, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and ISSP measurement were done for children with DA compared to healthy controls. Results. ISSP was high in DA with higher levels in the group having associated GER. In the latter group, ISSP and C-ACT improved significantly after esomeprazole treatment while FEV1 and PEF variability did not improve. Reflux severity was positively correlated with ISSP and negatively correlated with FEV1. Conclusions. GER was found in 49% of our patients with childhood DA. Very high ISSP levels in children with DA may be used as a marker for presence of GERD. Esomeprazole therapy improved asthma symptoms but did not improve lung function