Acute cranial neuropathies heralding neurosyphilis in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient.

Patient: Male, 31 Final Diagnosis: Neurosyphilis Symptoms: Diplopia •facial droop • facial nerve palsy • headache Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Infectious Diseases OBJECTIVE: Unusual clinical course BACKGROUND: Symptomatic early neurosyphilis with isolated acute multiple cranial nerves palsy as initial manifestation of HIV infection is very rare. It is caused by direct invasion of the central nervous system by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. CASE REPORT: A 31-year-old African-American homosexual man presented with bilateral hearing loss, constant vertigo, intermittent horizontal diplopia, and bilateral facial droop, which was associated with occipital headache without fever. Neurological examination revealed bilateral vestibulocochlear and facial nerve palsy. On brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after administration of gadolinium, he was found to have extensive isolated basilar meningeal enhancement involving the midbrain, pons along the seven and eight nerves complex bilaterally, consistent with basal meningoencephalitis. CONCLUSIONS: Neurosyphilis can present as initial manifestation of HIV infection with early involvement of basal meninges and cranial nerves. It is important to understand that neurosyphilis is still a significant disease with complex neurological presentation. Early diagnosis and treatment of neurosyphilis is crucial due to potential persistent disabilities that can be easily treated or even prevented

Sustainability of carbon management technologies

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main contributor to climate change and thereby to global warming. Several technologies have been proposed to reduce atmospheric CO2 emissions, such as CO2 capture and storage (CCS), CO2 capture and utilization (CCU) and hydrogen production. From these proposals, converting the captured CO2 into valuable products was seen as a promising area to explore. Correspondingly, CCU is achieved when the captured CO2 is utilised to produce chemicals and fuels that are more environmentally friendly than their fossil-based ones. Yet, the cost of hydrogen and the energy consumption associated are key issues to deal with. This thesis aims to understand and explain the role of hydrogen production, CCS, and CCU in the sustainability context. The first part of the study focused on the hydrogen production pathways as a crucial component in the decarbonisation of the transport, heating, and chemicals sectors. A linear optimisation model was built to explore carbon-neutral shares of all the investigated production routes in terms of their total cost that included the externalities plus the economic performance. The results supported an approach for establishing strategies for the much-needed energy transition by promoting blue (fossil-based with CCS) hydrogen at present until green hydrogen becomes competitive. The second part focused on evaluating the best use of wind energy between the CCU route to methanol from CO2 and hydrogen to be used as a fuel in the transport sector or to decarbonise the electricity mix directly considering the energy systems constraints through scenario-based modelling. It was concluded that, at present, decarbonising the electricity grid using renewable energy sources with CCS would offer greater environmental benefits, without incurring large changes indirect economic costs, compared to producing methanol from the hydrogenation of captured CO2.Open Acces

Latest Trends and Future Directions of Cyber Security Information Systems

The significance of the information system security is critical issue for the organizations since it leads to big financial losses. The understanding of cyber security threats is not only an innovative requirement but also it is a conservative task. The rapid changes in technologies and services are major driving and leading concerns to the cyber security, requiring reassessment and renewal of standardized policies for counter measures to the resistant vulnerabilities. The main aim of this paper is to improve the understanding and perception of latest security threats, security counter measures, and the future trends of cyberspace security. Therefore, we look forward proposing a new classification model of security threats in order to generalize the impact of threats into classes rather than the impact of every individual threat. The importance of this study comes from the neediness to forecast the future trends of information system cyber security on the long basis, as well as the identification of future security measures that would be reliable. Cyber security models need to improve according to the situational awareness over all situations and at all levels in order to avoid conflicting interests and priorities. Keywords: security, cyber security, cyber-attacks, information system security

Comparing the Vertical Misfit of Casts Produced By Two Verification Jigs

Purpose: To compare the dimensional accuracy between master casts fabricated with verification jigs made of acrylic resin and light cure Triad. Materials and Methods: 10 GC Pattern resin Pattern verifications jigs and 10 Triad gel verification jigs fabricated of a master cast of a mandibular model of 4 internal hex implants. A stone base was fabricated for each verification jig. One screw test was used to evaluate the vertical gap at the terminal abutment using a digital micrometer with an accuracy of 1μm to record the vertical gap for each sample. Results: Triad Gel group has the lowest average distortion value which is 27.8 μm and GC Pattern Resin group has an average value of 29.71 μm. There was no statistical significance difference between the two groups (p=.42)Conclusions: The Triad gel jigs did not produce superior fit compared to GC Pattern resin pattern in a master cast with four implants and with an internal connection

Toxicological impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on humans: understanding the mechanistic aspect of the interaction

Plastic is a pervasive material that has become an indispensable part of our daily lives and is used in various commercial products. However, plastic waste has significantly impacted the environment, accumulating in water and land ecosystems and harming all forms of life. When plastic degrades, it breaks down into smaller particles called microplastics (MPs), which can further breakdown into nanoplastics (NPs). Due to their small size and potential toxicity to humans, NPs are of particular concern. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the production of plastic had reached unprecedented levels, including essential medical kits, food bags, and personal protective equipment (PPE), which generate MPs and NPs when burned. MPs and NPs have been detected in various locations, such as air, food, and soil, but our understanding of their potential adverse health effects is limited. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the sources, interactions, ecotoxicity, routes of exposure, toxicity mechanisms, detection methods, and future directions for the safety evaluation of MPs and NPs. This would improve our understanding of the impact of MPs and NPs on our health and environment and identify ways to address this global crisis

ANTI-INVARIANT RIEMANNIAN SUBMERSIONS FROM LOCALLY CONFORMAL KAEHLER MANIFOLDS

Recently, Sahin [10] studied the anti-invariant Riemannian submersions from almost Hermitian manifolds onto Riemannian manifolds. In present work, these notions of anti-invariant and Lagrangian Riemannian submersions have been extended to locally conformal Kaehler manifolds. Certain decomposition results and the geometry of foliation have also been investigated

New polymer rheology models based on machine learning

A successful polymer-type EOR project relies upon many factors, including an adequate characterization, description, and prediction of the polymer’s rheology. A high polymer viscosity can improve the mobility and sweep efficiency, but can also lead to poor injectivity. Polymers are generally non-Newtonian and the rheology is a function of in-situ shear rate, polymer concentration, salinity, temperature, molecular weight, and molecular structure. A priori estimation of polymer rheology using models is important for design of polymer floods and prediction using numerical reservoir simulators. Existing models require many fitting parameters, are purely empirical, and can rarely be used for a priori estimation. The objective of this work was to develop new models to predict the viscosity of HPAM polymers used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and implement them into a chemical flooding numerical reservoir simulator. The study uses a combination of fundamental, physical models and machine learning methods to develop new predictive models. The data used in the study includes the measured polymer rheology at various polymer concentrations, molecular weights and types, temperatures, and brine salinity and hardness. Data are first fit to the 4-parameter Carreau’s model and then advanced machine learning techniques are used to develop the models of the Carreau parameters with the aforementioned solution properties. The models are then used to predict the rheology of new samples which are validated against data measured on an ARES G2 rheometer. All data fit the 4-parameter Carreau model well. The new models for the zero-shear viscosity, shear thinning index, and time constant are a function of temperature, polymer concentration, salinity, hardness, and molecular weight using less than ten parametersPetroleum and Geosystems Engineerin

Aerobic Walking Exercise for Non-ambulatory Stroke Survivors

Stroke is a major cause of permanent disability worldwide. In the United States, stroke is the leading cause of disability and the 5th leading cause of death. The cost of care associated with stroke is expected to be $184 billion by 2030. After stroke, people commonly experience cardiovascular disease (metabolic syndrome, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and hypertension), cognitive decline, sensorimotor disability, pulmonary dysfunction, psychological problems, and decreased bone health. The majority of past studies of rehabilitation therapy in stroke survivors have focused on recovery of sensorimotor function. Fewer studies have focused on cardiovascular, cardiopulmonary, and bone health after stroke, particularly in non-ambulatory individuals. The objective of this pilot project was to investigate the feasibility of an aerobic walking exercise program and its effects on the following outcome measures: cardiovascular risk factors, pulmonary function, and bone health in non-ambulatory stroke survivors. In chapter one, we first reviewed the health sequelae after stroke focusing on cardiovascular, pulmonary, and bone health decline. We then reviewed the pharmacological and non-pharmacological (such as aerobic exercise) interventions for stroke survivors in general. We finally stated the significance of this dissertation project and listed aims and hypotheses. In chapter two, a scoping review manuscript, we focused on the health benefits of aerobic walking exercise on cardiovascular, pulmonary, and bone health in non-ambulatory stroke survivors. We first reviewed the current state of clinical research findings of aerobic walking exercise in non-ambulatory stroke survivors. We summarized the health issues in the cardiopulmonary and skeletal systems in non-ambulatory stroke survivors. We reviewed the aerobic exercise guidelines for non-ambulatory stroke survivors. We then reviewed various studies reporting the pros and cons of body posture (standing vs. sitting) during exercise in terms of improvement or maintenance of health of the cardiopulmonary and skeletal systems in non-ambulatory stroke survivors. We finally briefly reviewed the walking assistive device that makes walking exercise feasible for non-ambulatory stroke survivors. In chapter three, we examined the feasibility and the effect of 8-weeks of aerobic walking exercise on lung function in non-ambulatory stroke survivors using a treadmill, body weight support system, and a gait training device. Lung function is compromised in stroke survivors, which may cause fatigue and exercise intolerance. We have completed a low intensity walking exercise program (30 minutes/session; three sessions/week for eight weeks) in 9 non-ambulatory stroke survivors (5 males, mean age 61.8 13.6 years, 8 with ischemic stroke). We showed that 8-week of aerobic walking exercise was feasible, and compliance rate was 100% among the nine participants who completed the intervention. The attrition rate was10%. Before and after the intervention, vital capacity (VC) and forced vital capacity (FVC) using a spirometer were measured in eight of the participants. There were significant differences between pre- and post -intervention assessments in FVC (p= 0.09), percentage of predicted VC (p= 0.08), and percentage of predicted FVC (p= 0.08). The results are promising; however, future studies are needed. In chapter four, we examined the effect of low intensity aerobic walking exercise on cardiovascular risk factors in non-ambulatory stroke survivors using a treadmill, body weight support system, and walking assistive device. Approximately 75% of stroke survivors are prone to having cardiovascular disease, the main cause of death in stroke survivors. However, few efforts have been made to control risks of cardiovascular diseases, especially in non-ambulatory stroke survivors. Nine non-ambulatory stroke survivors (age: 61.8 13.6 years, 5 men, 8 with ischemic stroke) completed the aerobic walking exercise program (three sessions/week for eight weeks). Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), resting heart rate (rHR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and serum level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured pre- and post-intervention. After the intervention, there were significant differences in HbA1c, rHR, SBP, and DBP. The results in this chapter suggest that the aerobic walking exercise may improve cardiovascular risk factors in non-ambulatory stroke survivors. In chapter five, we aimed to examine changes after aerobic walking exercise in bone health in non-ambulatory stroke survivors using a treadmill, body weight support system, and a walking training device. Stroke survivors are at high risk of bone fracture. Compared to healthy people, stroke survivors are less active, and they tend to unload their bones on their affected lower limbs which rapidly increase bone loss. Non-ambulatory stroke survivors are largely losing bone health when compared to stroke survivors who walk independently. We recruited nine non-ambulatory stroke survivors (age: 61.8 13.6 years, 5 men, 8 with ischemic stroke). They completed the aerobic walking exercise program (three sessions/week for eight weeks). Serum concentration of osteocalcin (OC) and carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) were measured pre- and post-intervention. OC increased significantly from 8.51±2.28 ng/ml to 9.39±2.97 ng/ml (p < 0.1). ICTP increased significantly from 4.45±2.58 ng/ml to 5.31±2.92 ng/ml (p < 0.1). The results suggest that the low intensity aerobic walking exercise may improve bone health by increasing bone formation markers. However, the initial severe disability of the participants and the nature of the aerobic walking exercise may initiate the bone remodeling process slowly. In conclusion, past rehabilitation interventions for stroke survivors have not focused on controlling risks of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases and bone loss, especially in strokes survivors who could not walk independently. To date, there have been very few clinical trials that attempted to examine the effects of aerobic walking exercise on risks of pulmonary function, cardiovascular disease, and bone health in non-ambulatory stroke survivors. The results of this dissertation project show that the low-intensity, aerobic walking exercise is feasible and might improve pulmonary function, cardiovascular health, and bone health in non-ambulatory stroke survivors

Enabling Development; design of a the Single Seat Wintec Electric Vehicle.(SSWEV)

The research project is related to the single seat three-wheel electric vehicle. Due to the high consumption of the oil in New Zealand (NZ) which have a direct impact on the economy, the authorities are now looking for an alternative source to power the vehicles and revolutionize the transport industry. There is another motive behind the development of electric vehicle (EV) which is linked with the environmental conditions of the country. The Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles increase the air pollution in the country and due to which the global warming has become a serious issue. To reduce the global warming effect and air pollution the electric vehicles have become a strong candidate or choice for the transportation. This project covers the electric vehicle in three parts: the Road Legal Status of EV in New Zealand, the Battery Electric System(BES), and Vehicle Design. There are some limitations which are associated with electric vehicles such as legislation does not encourage the people to purchase an electric vehicle, and the manufacturers are still interested in ICE vehicles. The research project proposes the desired policy for the EV in New Zealand. The possible design of the EV is proposed which is modeled in SolidWorks. Furthermore, the entire battery electric system and its management is included in the report which describes the proposed Battery electric system for single-seat electric vehicle. The primary goal in developing the battery electric system of the EV was to ensure that it has long driving range. The current EV are struggling to achieve the long driving range. The design selected for the EV is Reverse-trike. The unique features include the shifting of the centre of mass of the more extensive position. This design provides more stability and traction to the vehicle as the weight shift is towards the front wheels of the car