Comparison of gabapentin and ketotifen in treatment of uremic pruritus in hemodialysis patients

Objectives: Uremic pruritus is a common problem in hemodialysis patients. Several treatments have been used for decreasing itching in these patients. Gabapentin and ketotifen are two drugs used for treating uremic patients.The aim of this study was to compare gabapentin and ketotifen in treatment of uremic pruritus in hemodialysis patients. Methods: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 52 hemodialysis patients with uremic pruritus referred to 5azarTeaching Hospital in Gorgan in 2013 were studied. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups of 26 subjects (groups G and K). In group G, patients treated with gabapentin capsules 100 mg daily for 2 weeks, and in Group K, patients treated with ketotifen 1 mg twice daily for 2 weeks. Before and at the end of study, pruritus severity was determined based on Shiratori›s severity scores. Collected data were analyzed by SPSS-21 statistical software. Results: There was no significant different between two groups in the age and sex. After two weeks of treatment, severity of pruritus was significantly reduced in both groups (88.4 in group G vs. 76.9 in group K). Gabapentin compared with ketotifen had a better effect on improving itching in the age group of 30-60 years and in males. 5 patients (19.2) in both groups suffered from drowsiness and dizziness, but no serious side effects were observed. Conclusions: The results showed that gabapentin and ketotifen significantly improved pruritus in hemodialysis patients, and no significant difference was observed between two groups. © 2016, Professional Medical Publications. All rights reserved

Stationary Josephson effect in a weak-link between nonunitary triplet superconductors

A stationary Josephson effect in a weak-link between misorientated nonunitary triplet superconductors is investigated theoretically. The non-self-consistent quasiclassical Eilenberger equation for this system has been solved analytically. As an application of this analytical calculation, the current-phase diagrams are plotted for the junction between two nonunitary bipolar $f-$wave superconducting banks. A spontaneous current parallel to the interface between superconductors has been observed. Also, the effect of misorientation between crystals on the Josephson and spontaneous currents is studied. Such experimental investigations of the current-phase diagrams can be used to test the pairing symmetry in the above-mentioned superconductors.Comment: 6 pages and 6 figure

Effect of point-contact transparency on coherent mixing of Josephson and transport supercurrents

The influence of electron reflection on dc Josephson effect in a ballistic point contact with transport current in the banks is considered theoretically. The effect of finite transparency on the vortex-like currents near the contact and at the phase difference $\phi =\pi ,$ which has been predicted recently \cite{KOSh}, is investigated. We show that at low temperatures even a small reflection on the contact destroys the mentioned vortex-like current states, which can be restored by increasing of the temperature.Comment: 6 pages, 8 Figures, Latex Fil

Force-based Cooperative Search Directions in Evolutionary Multi-objective Optimization

International audienceIn order to approximate the set of Pareto optimal solutions, several evolutionary multi-objective optimization (EMO) algorithms transfer the multi-objective problem into several independent single-objective ones by means of scalarizing functions. The choice of the scalarizing functions' underlying search directions, however, is typically problem-dependent and therefore difficult if no information about the problem characteristics are known before the search process. The goal of this paper is to present new ideas of how these search directions can be computed \emph{adaptively} during the search process in a \emph{cooperative} manner. Based on the idea of Newton's law of universal gravitation, solutions attract and repel each other \emph{in the objective space}. Several force-based EMO algorithms are proposed and compared experimentally on general bi-objective $\rho$MNK landscapes with different objective correlations. It turns out that the new approach is easy to implement, fast, and competitive with respect to a $(\mu+\lambda)$-SMS-EMOA variant, in particular if the objectives show strong positive or negative correlations

An Analysis of the Effect of Temperature on Asphalt Paving in South Dakota

Temperature is an important parameter to consider for asphalt paving since this work is generally susceptible to weather due to outdoor construction. The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) developed working day weather charts in 1998 to address the expected adverse weather days. This thesis investigated the effect of temperature on adverse weather days for asphalt paving and compared them to the value reported in the 1998 SDDOT study. Moreover, the thesis also examined how closely the maximum temperature data from project sites\u27 weekly progress reports (WPR) matched the data from the closest weather stations. When the maximum temperature (TMAX) of a day is below a certain threshold maximum temperature, that day is counted as a threshold violation (TV) day. The weather data was collected from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website, and the WPR data of project sites was obtained from SDDOT. Average and 7-year moving average are used to analyze the TV days. The results show that the threshold violation days are generally greater than the State average adverse weather days at 45°F threshold both annually and monthly (January, April, October). However, these violation days are generally less than the State average when the threshold is 40°F. The lift thickness of surface course must be greater than 1 inch, when the temperature during asphalt paving is between 40°F and 45°F in order to get more working days. Most of the project sites (6 out of 9) show a low percentage of maximum temperature data match with the corresponding NOAA stations. It is apparent from the analysis that that there is no direct relationship between the data match percentage, and the distance of project site and NOAA station

Attraction and diffusion in nature-inspired optimization algorithms

Nature-inspired algorithms usually use some form of attraction and diffusion as a mechanism for exploitation and exploration. In this paper, we investigate the role of attraction and diffusion in algorithms and their ways in controlling the behaviour and performance of nature-inspired algorithms. We highlight different ways of the implementations of attraction in algorithms such as the firefly algorithm, charged system search, and the gravitational search algorithm. We also analyze diffusion mechanisms such as random walks for exploration in algorithms. It is clear that attraction can be an effective way for enhancing exploitation, while diffusion is a common way for exploration. Furthermore, we also discuss the role of parameter tuning and parameter control in modern metaheuristic algorithms, and then point out some key topics for further research

Spatial Data Analysis for Traffic Safety Network Screening

Problem - The roadway system represents a major investment, both public and private, and a valuable resource that enables mobility and accessibility to users. Due to degradation of aging infrastructure and increasing traffic, transportation agencies are seeking to effectively update or improve the system. With rising costs, tight budgets, and limited land resources, agencies are seeking effective techniques for identifying critical mobility and safety concerns. Historically, assignment of crashes to portions of the network, whether segments or intersections, has been the primary manner to link crash and road elements. Purpose – The primary goal is to explore a potentially more efficient and effective means of developing roadway connected crash cluster identification results as an input to network screening and diagnostics. Beyond this, using the data linkages, we intend to explore crash typology (e.g., severity, collision type) distributions and clusters with respect to network (traffic and roadway) characteristics. Nuance – The research uses GIS and spatiotemporal analysis techniques relying on crash locations as a basis rather than elements of the road network (e.g., intersections, non-intersections). The intent of the analysis is to develop crash clusters that can be flagged for further analysis and potential mitigation. Data – Crash, roadway geometrics, and traffic data of 5 years (2015-2019) were collected for Story County of Iowa. These readily available data are being analyzed using Geospatial Information System (GIS) and some statistical models such as the Markov Switching Models (MSM). Existing methodologies will also be used to develop results that will be compared with the new methodology. Prior Studies – There have been many network screening methods since the 1970s and the more widespread inception of computing resources. Though these methods have some advantages, they do have several shortcomings as well as detailed in the Highway Safety Manual (HSM). Due to these shortcomings, the HSM and other sources promote methods that address these shortcomings such as the Empirical Bayesian (EB) and Hierarchical Bayesian (HB) methods. Historically, assignment of crashes to segments or intersections, has been the primary manner to connect crashes and road elements. The use of GIS and spatial and temporal analysis, alternative methods for connecting crashes to the roadway network have been developed to replace the older methods like screening with additional differentiating criteria. Impact – The primary outcome of this research is the development of a new method of generating distributions and clusters of crashes along a roadway network for use in traffic safety screening. Practitioners should be able to utilize the process to develop network screening related to their jurisdictions, given sufficient and appropriate input data. Keywords –Transportation Engineering, Network screening, Crash rate, Spatial analysis, GIS, Iowa Data, Markov switching models

Spatial Data Analysis for the Development of Expected Adverse Weather Charts for Transportation Construction Projects

Problem - Seasonal and daily weather events impact construction projects across the various climate regions of South Dakota in differing fashions. Additionally, the impacts for similar weather events can impact grading, surfacing, and structural construction activities in various ways. Adverse weather conditions can cause major delays which may lead to time extensions and increase project cost. Purpose – To address these issues, South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) developed Working Day Weather Charts in 1998. However, advances in construction practices and weather prediction as well as climatic changes have occurred over the interim 25 years. This study is focused on developing updated zones, tables, charts, and recommendations for roads and bridges construction in South Dakota. Nuance – The tables and charts are planned to be developed on both weekly and monthly basis to determine the impact of adverse weather events on construction projects and for use in future contracts. Data - Weather, soil, and hydrographic data for South Dakota state are being considered for this study. The primary importance is on the weather data which is collected for 30 years (1991-2020) period from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The important weather data parameters are temperature, snow, rainfall, and wind. The soil data have been collected from the broad-based inventory of soils and non-soil areas of the United States namely State Soil Geographic (STATSGO2). The key focus is to analyze the soil parameters in combination with adverse weather events that affect the construction of roads and bridges. The hydrographic data is focused on the peak flow at major water bodies in South Dakota that may cause flooding or ponding which affects road and bridge construction. Additionally, interviews with SDDOT personnel and construction contractors were conducted to determine factors important to the industry. Starting with data exploration of all the available data, key parameters will be analyzed to develop updated expected adverse weather day chart and updated zones. Prior Studies – A considerable amount of work has been done on effects of weather on construction type categories and various Department of Transportation agencies evaluate the use of adverse weather in contract time calculations. The Virginia Department of Transportation place contract determination guidelines online. The VDOT document provides steps in determining contract time but contained little information on the impact of adverse weather on contract time calculations. Another document from the National Research Council of Canada on construction work protocols during winter in 1971. Beyond that, a recent (2022) publication from the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) covers a systematic approach for determining construction contract time. However, in most papers, little information is documented on the impact of adverse weather and how to implement that in tables and charts for construction type activities across South Dakota. Impact – The results can directly help SDDOT engineers and contractors to estimate the appropriate contract time and warranted time extension due to unexpected adverse weather for variety of transportation construction projects across the diverse geographical terrains and climates of South Dakota. Keywords: Transportation, Adverse Weather, Construction, NOA

Compassion development in higher education

Many schools of psychology and religious studies intend to promote the cultivation of compassion. Compassion is currently an integral area of study in psychology, religious studies, and higher education, specifically in faith-based higher education. While secular universities in the United States strive to generate disciplinary-based knowledge through scholarship, their ability to promote students\u27 use of the information they are learning to create positive social change has typically lagged. Conscious of the magnitude of today\u27s global issues and dissatisfied with the current disparity between the world\u27s reality and university curricula, scholars have begun to re-imagine the role of higher education in forming the leaders who will face our most exigent problems. The present article reviews how compassion can be integrated into university curriculum, specifically in faith-based institutions. The article also discusses how compassion can be measured throughout the course of undergraduates\u27 careers

Survey of Third-Party Parenting Options Associated With Fertility Preservation Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe

Purpose: In the accompanying article, “Analysis of Fertility Preservation Options Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe,” we showed that specific fertility preservation services may not be offered at various sites around the world because of cultural and legal barriers. We assessed global and regional experiences as well as the legal status of third-party reproduction and adoption to serve as a comprehensive international data set and resource for groups that wish to begin oncofertility interventions. Methods: We provide data on the legalities of third-party assisted reproductive technologies and other family-building options in the 28 oncofertility-practicing countries surveyed. Results: We found regional and country differences that will be important in the development of tailored resources for physicians and for patient brochures that are sensitive to these local restrictions and cultural norms. Conclusion: Because many patients first consult Web-based materials, the formal assessment of the availability of these options provides members of the global oncofertility community with data to which they might otherwise not have ready access to better serve their patients