A Force Sensing Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Device

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a form of massage using rigid manufactured or cast devices. The delivered force, which is a critical parameter in massage during IASTM, has not been measured or standardized for most clinical practices. There is a strong need to characterize the delivered force to a patient. This paper proposes a novel mechatronic design for a specific instrument to apply localized pressure which is a frequently used tool to clinically deliver localize pressure to treat soft tissue. The design is based on 1-D compression load cells, where 4-load cells are used to measure the force components in three-dimensional space. Here the proposed design of the mechatronic IASTM tool is modeled, analyzed, and simulated as a mechanical structure with simplifying assumptions on the elastic behavior of the skin under a certain amount of force conditions. A finite element model of a human arm is simulated to show the relationship between the applied forces, stress and strain on the skin, and force measurements to improve the design. The relation between device’s tip and the modeled arm was assumed to be frictional contact similar to the real IASTM practice

Quantifiable Soft Tissue Manipulation (QSTM): A Requisite to Advance the Field of Manual Therapy

Quantifiable soft tissue manipulation (QSTM) that can characterize the motion and forces delivered during soft tissue examination and treatment of common musculoskeletal (MS) conditions in a real-time and clinically applicable manner is needed to achieve optimal outcomes. Soft tissue manipulation (STM), e.g. massage, is a type of mechanotherapy that has been used with benefit frequently by clinicians worldwide since ancient times. Instrument-assisted STM (IASTM) is a type of STM that uses rigid devices to assess and treat soft tissue abnormalities in a targeted and precise manner. Remarkably, however, the forces delivered during STM approaches have not been adequately quantified. Unlike other mechano-therapeutic approaches, e.g. ultrasound, traction, exercise, electrical stimulation, current manual therapy practice relies mostly on subjective description of STM evaluation findings and treatment parameters. This makes documentation, analysis, comparison, progression and optimization of this non-invasive intervention difficult to establish and validate. It is the authors’ strong opinion that there is need for QSTM to objectively measure, characterize and record the 3-dimensional (3D) forces and motion trajectories of STM evaluation and intervention. Innovative technology aimed to help address this void in research, educational and clinical practice has been developed by our research team and introduced in this article. The QSTM system has two components: an electronic, handheld device (applicator) for 3D characterization of force and a computer with software for data acquisition and analysis. Preliminary testing has demonstrated that the QSTM prototype can provide accurate sensed values and good intra-, inter-rater reliability. Device revisions are in progress and further testing is planned in animals and humans. QSTM is an essential technology needed for the standardization, comparison and optimization of STM therapies and a requisite to advance the field of manual therapy

Forensic DNA Analysis of mixed mosquito blood meals: STR profiling for human identification

Mosquito vectors captured at a crime scene are forensically valuable since they feed on human blood, and hence, human DNA can be recovered to help identify the victim and/or the suspect. This study investigated the validity of obtaining the human short tandem repeats (STRs) profile from mixed blood meals of the mosquito, Culex pipiens L. (Diptera, Culicidae). Thus, mosquitoes were membrane-feed on blood from six different sources: a human male, a human female, mixed human male-female blood, mixed human male-mouse blood, mixed human female-mouse blood, and mixed human male-female-mouse blood. DNA was extracted from mosquito blood meals at 2 h intervals up to 72 h post-feeding to amplify 24 human STRs. Data showed that full DNA profiles could be obtained for up to 12 h post-feeding, regardless of the type of blood meal. Complete and partial DNA profiles were obtained up to 24 h and 36 h post-feeding, respectively. The frequencies of STR loci decreased over time after feeding on mixed blood until they became weakly detectable at 48 h post-feeding. This may indicate that a blood meal of human blood mixed with animal blood would contribute to maximizing DNA degradation and thus affects STR identification beyond 36 h post-feeding. These results confirm the feasibility of human DNA identification from mosquito blood meals, even if it is mixed with other types of non-human blood, for up to 36 h post-feeding. Therefore, blood-fed mosquitoes found at the crime scene are forensically valuable, as it is possible to obtain intact genetic profiles from their blood meals to identify a victim, a potential offender, and/or exclude a suspect

Temporal LiDAR Scanning in Quantifying Cumulative Rockfall Volume and Hazard Assessment: A Case Study at Southwestern Saudi Arabia

Rockfalls and unstable slopes pose a serious threat to people and property along roads/highways in the southwestern mountainous regions of Saudi Arabia. In this study, the application of terrestrial light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology was applied aiming to propose a strategy to analyze and accurately depict the detection of rockfall changes, calculation of rockfall volume, and evaluate rockfall hazards along the Habs Road, Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia. A series of temporal LiDAR scans were acquired at three selected sites. Our results show that these three sites have different degrees of hazard due to their geological differences. The mean volume loss of sites A1, A2, and A3 is 327.1, 424.4, and 3.7 L, respectively. Statistical analysis confirms the significance of the influence of site type on rockfall volume, with a probability value of \u3c 0.0105. The rockfall volume and change detection values are then correlated with precipitation, which is a triggering factor. The study also reveals that the use of terrestrial LiDAR could reduce time and effort, increase accessibility, and produce effective solutions. LiDAR could be an indispensable tool for disaster risk assessment, response and recovery process

Modeling and control of single-stage quadratic-boost split source inverters

This paper aims to develop the recently introduced Spilt-Source Inverter (SSI) topology to improve its boosting characteristics. New SSI topologies with high voltage gain are introduced in this paper. The proposed converters square the basic SSI’s boosting factor by utilizing an additional inductor, capacitor, and two diodes. Thus, the proposed converters are called Quadratic-Boost (or Square-Boost) SSIs (QBIs or SBIs). Four different QBI topologies are presented. One with continuous input current (CC-QBI), and the other draws a discontinuous input current (DC-QBI) but with reduced capacitor voltage stresses. This paper also introduces the small-signal model of the CC-QBI using state variables perturbance. Based on this model, the closed-loop voltage and current control approach of the dc-boosting factor are designed. Moreover, a modified space vector modulation (MSVM) scheme is presented to reduce the input current ripples. To evaluate the performance of the proposed topologies, a comparative study between them and the other counterpart from different perspectives is introduced. It can be found that the CC-QBI topology has superior boosting characteristics when operating with low input voltage compared with their counterparts. It has a higher boosting capability, lower capacitor voltages, and semiconductor stresses, especially when high voltage gains are required. These merits make the proposed topologies convenient to the Photovoltaic and Fuel-Cell systems. Finally, the feasibility of the suggested topology and the introduced mathematical model is verified via simulation and experimental results, which show good accordance with the theoretical analysis. AuthorScopu

Awareness and attitude toward using dental magnification among dental students and residents at King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Dentistry

Abstract Background The authors conducted a study aimed to assess the awareness and attitude among dental students and residents at King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Dentistry (KAUFD) toward using dental magnification. Methods An e-questionnaire was formulated then sent to dental students and residents (n = 651). The questionnaire included questions that assessed both the awareness and attitude toward using dental magnification. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22. The chi-square test was used to establish relationships between categorical variables. Results The response rate was 69.7 % (n = 454). Of those, 78.1 % did not use magnification during dental procedures. However, 81.8 % agreed that dental magnification could enhance the accuracy and quality of their dental work. Thus, 91.6 % thought it would be useful in endodontics and 46.3 % voted for surgery. Of the 21.9 % that used magnification, dental loupes were mostly used, 55.9 %. The majority (59.4 %) of the participants believed that using dental magnification should be introduced by faculty beginning in Year I of dental school. Conclusions Among our respondents, most of the undergraduate students did not use dental magnification nor attended courses in the use of dental magnifications. However, most of the students were aware of its significance in improving the accuracy and quality of their work.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/134609/1/12903_2016_Article_254.pd

Treatment of Hypertensive Crisis Using Beta Blockers Vs Diuretics: Review

Current review aiming to evaluate and the advantage and disadvantage and also to discuss the differences in use and combination therapy of beta blockers VS diuretics in the treatment of hypertensive crisis.  Literature were search on topic concerning the treatment of hypertensive crisis, using biomedical databases; PubMed, and Embase, up to August, 2017.  Patients with hypertensive crises could call for immediate reduction in raised high blood pressure to stop and also detain modern end-organ damage. The best scientific setup in which to attain this blood pressure control remains in the intensive care unit, with making use of titratable intravenous hypotensive agents. Beta-blocker- based therapy, numerous possible randomized trials have recorded that diuretic-based treatment is efficient in reducing morbidity and also mortality in hypertensive patients. The advantages of diuretic therapy have actually been shown to be more significant in the senior compared to in younger patients. The result of diuretics is especially articulated when it comes to decrease of the risk of stroke and also somewhat less excellent with regard to the reduction of the danger of coronary heart disease. Keywords: Hypertension, Diuretics Therapy, Beta Blocker, Hypertensive Crisis

Thermal investigation into the Oldroyd-B hybrid nanofluid with the slip and Newtonian heating effect: Atangana–Baleanu fractional simulation

The significance of thermal conductivity, convection, and heat transportation of hybrid nanofluids (HNFs) based on different nanoparticles has enhanced an integral part in numerous industrial and natural processes. In this article, a fractionalized Oldroyd-B HNF along with other significant effects, such as Newtonian heating, constant concentration, and the wall slip condition on temperature close to an infinitely vertical flat plate, is examined. Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and ferro-ferric oxide (Fe3O4) are the supposed nanoparticles, and water (H2O) and sodium alginate (C6H9NaO7) serve as the base fluids. For generalized memory effects, an innovative fractional model is developed based on the recently proposed Atangana–Baleanu time-fractional (AB) derivative through generalized Fourier and Fick’s law. This Laplace transform technique is used to solve the fractional governing equations of dimensionless temperature, velocity, and concentration profiles. The physical effects of diverse flow parameters are discussed and exhibited graphically by Mathcad software. We have considered 0.15≤α≤0.85,2≤Pr⁡≤9,5≤Gr≤20,0.2≤ϕ1,ϕ2≤0.8,3.5≤Gm≤8, 0.1≤ Sc ≤0.8, and 0.3≤λ1,λ2≤1.7. Moreover, for validation of our present results, some limiting models, such as classical Maxwell and Newtonian fluid models, are recovered from the fractional Oldroyd-B fluid model. Furthermore, comparing the results between Oldroyd-B, Maxwell, and viscous fluid models for both classical and fractional cases, Stehfest and Tzou numerical methods are also employed to secure the validity of our solutions. Moreover, it is visualized that for a short time, temperature and momentum profiles are decayed for larger values of α, and this effect is reversed for a long time. Furthermore, the energy and velocity profiles are higher for water-based HNFs than those for the sodium alginate-based HNF

Risk Assessment Of In-Vitro Fertilization, Review Article

Since its remarkable inception in 1978, IVF has garnered significant public interest.   Currently, assisted reproductive technology is widely accessible in most developed countries, and the methods employed have significantly evolved since its inception.   Advancements in laboratory technology and clinical practice have enabled IVF to develop into a medical process that is highly efficient, safe, easily accessible, and comparatively affordable. Over 2 million children conceived by IVF have been born so far, and it is probable that ongoing improvements will increase its attractiveness and suitability. There has been a rising interest in the topic of risk assessment in IVF in recent years, with a significant amount of research focused on detecting and reducing the potential dangers linked to the operation.   This review article seeks to offer a thorough and all-encompassing analysis of the present understanding of risk assessments in IVF, encompassing the diverse range of risks and complications linked to the operation

Perceived Risk of falls among Acute Care Patients

Purpose: In an effort to lower the number of falls that occur among hospitalized patients, several facilities have begun introducing various fall prevention programs. However, the efficacy of fall prevention programs is diminished if patients do not consider themselves to be at risk for falls and do not follow recommended procedures. The goal of this study was to characterize how patients in four different acute care specialist services felt about their risk of falling while in the hospital. Methods: One hundred patients admitted to the study hospital with a Morse Fall Scale score of 45 or higher were given the Patient Perception Questionnaire, a tool designed to assess a patient's perception of their own fall risk, fear of falling, and motivation to take part in fall prevention efforts. Scores on the Morse Fall Scale were gathered through a historical assessment of medical records. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and independent sample t tests were used to examine the data. Results: The average age was 65, and around half (52%) were men and half (48%) were women. Based on their ratings on the Morse Fall Scale, all 100 participants were classified as being at high risk for falls. However, only 55.5% of the individuals agreed with this assessment. The likelihood that a patient would seek assistance and the degree to which they feared falling both declined as their faith in their mobility improved. Patients hospitalized after a fall exhibited considerably lower confidence scores and greater fear scores than patients who had not been injured in a fall. Conclusions: Patients who have a high fall risk assessment score may not believe they are at risk for falls and may not take any steps to reduce their risk. The prevalence of falls in hospitals might be mitigated by the creation of a fall risk assessment technique that takes into account both objective and subjective factors