Functional outcome of patients undergoing lumbar discectomy

Background: Sciatica resulting from a lumbar intervertebral disc herniation is the most common cause of radicular leg pain in adult working population. It can be treated with both conservative and operative methods. In our study, surgical treatment of lumbar disc prolapse has been done by open discectomy. We wish to assess the outcome of surgery in patients with lumbar disc prolapse undergoing lumbar discectomy.Methods: 40 patients were included in this study and were followed up for up to 1 year postoperatively. We assessed the outcome of each patient with ODI and VAS post-operatively and on follow-up at 3 weeks, 6 months and 1 year. Subjective evaluation of the patient’s satisfaction at the final follow-up was also done.Results: We found that males had higher incidence of PIVD with an average duration of symptoms before surgery about 8.62 months. Left side was most involved and level l4-l5 was most involved level. The mean ODI and VAS score pre-operatively were 26.85±4.20 and 7.73±0.88 respectively, which changed to 4.48±5.15 and 1.70±1.57, respectively at 1 year post-operative follow-up. These were statistically highly significant. Most of the patients (34) gave a subjective evaluation as excellent at 1 year follow-up.Conclusions: Our study established that open discectomy has a satisfactory functional outcome and leads to a significant improvement in the patients’ quality of life

Energy Consumption Reduction Strategies for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles with Connected Vehicle Technology in an Urban Environment

Automobile manufacturers have introduced plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to reduce fossil fuel consumption. This paper details three optimization strategies that can be utilized to further minimize energy consumption of PHEVs through an information exchange between PHEVs and infrastructure agents supported by the connected vehicle technology (CVT). While an earlier research by the authors focused on a freeway scenario, this study developed strategies for an urban scenario in which frequent ‘stop-and-go’ conditions exist. Three strategies were considered in this study based on different types of information availability using CVT; only signal timing information was available in Strategy One, only headway information was available in Strategy Two, and both signal timing and headway information were available in Strategy Three. The performance of PHEVs that received no real-time information was used as the base case for Strategies One, Two or Three to evaluate each strategy. The optimization strategies resulted in energy consumption savings ranging from 60% to 76%. An analysis with various levels of penetration of CVT-supported PHEVs in the traffic was conducted to demonstrate the impact of these optimization strategies with their increased market share. For a case study network, the authors found a linear trend between energy savings and penetration rate of CVT supported PHEVs. The Strategy Three in which signal timing and headway data were provided to CVT supported PHEVs, resulted in about 31% to 35% energy savings with 30% penetration of CVT supported PHEVs at the peak hour volume

Correlation of functional results of caudal epidural steroid injections with duration of symptoms in PIVD

Background: Low backache and sciatica is a common complaint signifying some underlying pathology; it may be a soft tissue strain or disc protrusion, or conditions such as neoplasm or ankylosing spondylitis besides others. We aim to assess the functional outcome of epidural steroid injection in patients with low backache and sciatica as well as the effect of pre operative duration of symptoms in Indian population presenting to our centre, on the post procedure outcome, if any.Methods: 50 patients were evaluated with complaints of low backache and radiculopathy. They were subjected to following questionnaires including the ODI and VAS, and the scores were evaluated before and after the intervention, and at every follow up.Results: Patients commonly affected were from 4th and 5th decade. The commonest intervertebral disc involved was L4-5 (44%) followed by L5-S1 (30%). Significant Functional status improvement according to ODI scoring was observed in all follow up visits. Similarly significant reduction in pain intensity according to VAS scoring was observed in all follow up visits. On comparing the improvement in functional status (ODI) and pain (VAS) between the 3 groups, it is seen that patients in group A had the highest rate of improvement, while patients in group C had the least improvement.Conclusions: Caudal epidural injections are safe, effective and less expensive modality of treatment without any significant complications. The lesser the duration of symptoms i.e. earlier the patient presents, better are the results with caudal epidural injection.

Assessment of outcome of distal radius inta-articular fractures using wrist-spanning mini-fixator in distraction

Background: The distal radius fractures are complex injuries. There are many treatment options for these fractures. The benefits of external fixation with mini fixator have been seen in many studies. In our study, the distal radius fracture belonging to type B and C of AO classification were treated with wrist spaning mini extrernal fixator with/without additional k wires. We wish to analyse the functional outcome and to determine any complications of this procedure.Methods: 20 patients were included in this study and were followed up for up to 6 months postoperatively. We assessed pain using VAS score at 6 weeks follow-up and the outcome of each patient was assessed using Mayo wrist score post-operatively on follow-up at 3 months and 6 months.Results: Predominance towards males and left upper limb was observed in our study. At the end of six months, the range of motion as assessed according to the criteria given by Mayo wrist score, excellent results (MWS>=90) were seen in 4 patients (20%), good results (MWS 80-89) were seen in 12 patients (60%),and fair (MWS 70-79) in 4 patient (20%). At the end of result, significant reduction in terms of pain, wellbeing, personal life, social life, lifting, travelling and sleeping was seen.Conclusions: Predominance towards males and left upper limb was observed in our study. At the end of six months, the range of motion as assessed according to the criteria given by Mayo Wrist Score, excellent results (MWS>=90) were seen in 4 patients (20%), good results (MWS 80-89) were seen in 12 patients (60%),and fair (MWS 70-79) in 4 patient (20%). At the end of result, significant reduction in terms of pain, wellbeing, personal life, social life, lifting, travelling and sleeping was seen.

Developing Multiple Strategies for an Inclusive Curriculum in Civil Engineering

This is a work in progress paper that focuses on one aspect of Rowan University’s multi-pronged efforts to increase the diversity within the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. Diversity in this case extends beyond the traditional racial, ethnic, and sex diversity to embrace diversity in sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and socioeconomic status among other non-visible elements of diversity. One way to increase diversity within the program is to develop an inclusive curriculum that allows students to engage actively and intentionally with diversity in ways that increase content knowledge, cognitive sophistication and empathic understanding. This work is framed in constructivist learning theory and critical pedagogy which have implications for inclusive curricula and instructional practice. Constructivist learning theory considers learning as an active process in which the learner builds conceptual understanding utilizing prior knowledge and experience and reflecting on those experiences. Critical pedagogy promotes education as a practice of freedom that builds a partnership between teachers and learners, recognizes connections between individual experiences and context, and empowers learners to consider problems that relate to their own lives in order to pose new challenges and build new understanding. This paper describes the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department’s efforts to adopt inclusive pedagogy and curricular content across several courses in the curriculum

Board # 139 : Rethinking Engineering Diversity, Transforming Engineering Diversity (REDTED)

The research project described in this paper is titled “Rethinking Engineering Diversity, Transforming Engineering Diversity (REDTED),” which is part of the National Science Foundation, Revolutionizing Engineering Department (RED) grants. The project is in its first year and therefore what is described in this paper will be a brief overview of the project and some of the work done during the first year. The proposed research is to explore how the representation of women and Underrepresented Minority (URM) students and historically underserved groups will be increased in an engineering department by deploying a multi-pronged approach. The approach includes curricular and extra-curricular reform, which is targeted at the Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Department at Rowan University and includes: a) Radically changing admission standards to promote excellence; b) Enhancing the perception and understanding of diversity and equality among students, faculty and administrators to create a more inclusive environment; c) Developing Advocate and Allies Mentoring Program for first year, and transfer students; d) Transforming existing engineering curriculum of second and third year from a narrow sub-discipline based approach to a more inclusive, system-based approach; e) Enriching students’ aspirations by providing successful and diverse role models from industry and academia; and f) Developing a model for inclusion of diverse students. The study is unique in that the definition of diversity is expanded to include both visible and invisible aspects. It also takes a comprehensive approach in making engineering more appealing to a more diverse population while also making sure that the diverse students who do choose to pursue engineering find an inclusive and welcoming climate. The first year of the study has been devoted to building partnerships and developing a consistent message. In addition, surveys of students and faculty to get baseline data on the attitudes to inclusivity have also been conducted to inform the strategies to be employed. In addition, faculty workshops to begin the process of modifying the curriculum is also being conducted. In addition, the student peer mentoring program and its structure is also being developed and student workshops are being conducted to develop peer mentoring skills

Board # 63 : Algae for STEM Education

This project is an innovative initiative involving the College of Engineering at Rowan University and the Center for Aquatic Sciences (CAS) at Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey to enhance STEM education at all levels. Three other educational institutions will have a direct impact from our proposed activities. These include the Rowan College at Gloucester County (RCGC), Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) and the STEM Academy at Glassboro High School. The project uses algae to introduce engineering students to the Global Grand Challenges of the 21st Century with a strong focus on combining critical reflection through activities that invest in the humanities especially literary readings, sociology, environmental justice and public policy. While everyone recognizes algae as a photosynthetic organism that is ubiquitous, it is rare that that students make a connection to the prospect of this microbe playing a significant role in impacting the future of this world. The use of algae can range from biofuels, carbon sequestration, nutrient removal to use in the nutraceutical industry. The algae production facility is the backbone of CAS activities at the Adventure Aquarium as it is food for various zooplankton, filter feeders or larval fishes. Students are engaged in the scientific discovery process using both exciting hands-on activities and cyberlearning experiences that introduce chemical, mechanical, electrical engineering, civil and environmental principles such as mass and energy balances; fluid flow; work, energy, and efficiency; water quality and treatment; unit physical, chemical and biological processes; microbiology; power and electrical signal processing. The algae theme also adds to the need for an understanding of biological systems, ecosystems, pollution, alternate energy and sustainable development. A strong unique focus of this project is in combining critical reflection through activities that invest in the humanities

DEVELOPMENT OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL AND OPERATIONAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK FOR CONNECTED VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTED ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES

The efforts of US automobile manufacturers to introduce Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) to the automobile market, and reduce fossil fuel dependency are changing the energy consumption scenario of the US transportation network. The evolution in Connected Vehicle Technology (CVT) is further accelerating the vision of a safe and sustainable transportation system for the 21st century. However, before such system can be an actuality to meet future US transporation needs, a new generation of traffic micro-simulation tools must be developed to evaluate connected vehicle technologies that can support AFVs in the transportation network. This research focused on developing an evaluation framework for purposes of evaluating the impacts of AFVs at a vehicle and a network level. In this two-phased approach, as described in this dissertation, the author first investigated the environmental and energy impacts of AFVs at a network level and then investigated the energy consumption of AFVs and their impacts on the environment at a vehicle level. The first phase of the research involved integrating the Environmental Protection Agency\u27s (EPA) latest vehicle emission model, MOVES with the PARAMICS microscopic traffic simulator to develop a modeling approach for a reliable estimation of daily fuel savings and emissions. A case study was conducted using a calibrated and validated road network in Greenville, South Carolina to evaluate the integrated framework. The emission and fuel consumption impacts of four alternative fuels; Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Electricity, Ethanol (E10), and Biodiesel (BD20), were evaluated. The findings of this phase of the research were deemed of value for conducting environmental impact studies using MOVES at a project level, and the developed integrated modeling strategy was found readily adaptable for similar studies in other regions. The second phase of the research involved developing \u27CUIntegration\u27, an integrated simulator, to evaluate environmental and energy impacts of AFVs at a vehicle level. The \u27CUIntegration\u27 is capable of integrating any vehicle model developed with the MATLAB-Simulink, and any roadway network developed with the VISSIM microscopic traffic simulator. Unlike traditional traffic micro-simulation models, CUIntegration is most useful in creating a more accurate representation of the roadway network with conventional vehicles and AFVs (e.g. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Electric Vehicles (EVs), and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles). A routing strategy was also developed to route an AFV based upon the driver\u27s choice of minimizing (1) travel time, (2) energy consumption or (3) a combination of both. A case study was developed in this phase to evaluate a routing strategy for PHEVs and EVs. CUIntegration successfully integrated vehicle models developed in MATLAB-Simulink for supporting PHEV and EV routing strategies. The alternative fuel vehicles evaluated in the first phase resulted in a linear decrease in environmental damage at a network level with the increasing penetration rate of alternative fuel vehicles. The vehicle level impacts for PHEVs measured in the second phase of this study yielded an approximate 5 to 30 percent of energy savings for each vehicle when the routing strategy was optimized using the energy consumption minimization option