Towards an empirical and typological exploration of the sonority of nasal vowels

Ce mémoire est une étude phonologique et phonétique visant à ordonner les voyelles nasales en fonction de leur degré en sonorité. Jusqu'à présent, la sonorité des voyelles nasales n’a pas été abordée dans la littérature phonologique et phonétique; ainsi, cette étude vise à combler cette lacune de la recherche en menant une étude typologique et expérimentale des différentes qualités des voyelles nasales. La première partie du mémoire comprend un examen du comportement et de la distribution des voyelles nasales dans les langues du monde afin d'élucider leur place dans l’échelle de sonorité. La partie typologique montre que, dans trois des langues étudiées, seules les voyelles nasales hautes subissent des processus phonologiques comme l’harmonie nasale et la réduction vocalique tandis que, dans deux des langues étudiées, seule la voyelle nasale basse subit des processus phonologiques comme le changement vocalique déplacement de la voyelle et l’attraction de l’accent. La deuxième partie est une expérience nasométrique dans laquelle l’intensité des voyelles nasales et orales est mesurée. L’analyse d’intensité permet de déterminer le niveau de sonorité de chaque voyelle nasale car l’intensité est considérée comme le corrélat physique le plus saillant de la sonorité. L'analyse statistique descriptive effectuée sur l'ensemble des données des voyelles organisées selon leur hauteur (c'est-à-dire haute, mi-haute, mi-basse ou basse) et leur type (nasal ou oral) montre que [a] est la voyelle orale la plus haute en intensité relatif. Quant aux voyelles nasales, [ĩ] est la plus élevée en intensité. Ainsi, suite à l’analyse statistique inférentielle, nous avons établi une échelle permettant de classer les voyelles orales et nasales en fonction de leur intensité.This thesis is a phonological and phonetic study to classify nasal vowels according to their rank in sonority. To date, the sonority of nasal vowels has not been covered in the phonology and phonetics literature; thus, this study aims to fill that research gap through conducting a typological and experimental investigation of different qualities of nasal vowels. The first part of this thesis includes an examination of the behaviour and the distribution of nasal vowels in the world’s languages to elucidate the place of nasal vowels in sonority hierarchy. The typological part of this study shows that, in three selected languages, only high nasal vowels undergo phonological processes such as nasal harmony and vowel reduction while, in two other selected languages, only the low nasal vowel undergoes phonological processes like vowel shift and attraction of stress. The second part of this study presents the findings of a nasometric experiment in which the intensity of nasal vowels and oral vowels is measured. Analysing intensity helps to determine the level of sonority of each nasal vowel, because intensity is considered the most salient physical correlate of sonority. The descriptive statistical analysis performed on the data set of vowels organized according to height (i.e., high, mid-high, mid-low, and low) and type (nasal or oral) shows that, [a] is the highest in relative intensity. As for nasal vowels, [ĩ] is the highest in intensity. Thus, according to the inferential statistical analysis, we established a scale that classifies oral and nasal vowels according to their intensity

An overview on wireless sensor networks and finding optimal location of nodes

In this review, our aim is to make a brief description about technology of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) and its capability to pave the way in order to make connection between physical and virtual world based on Internet worldwide network. Hence, in this technology, sensor nodes play an important role to transmit data from a node to other defined nodes in its broaden range. Due to gain most optimal state from WSNs, subject of localization for radio frequency networks has a great importance in many technical applications such as military devices to detect specified local points to attack or defend, civil engineering and in general sensor networks. The main technology to obtain direct locations is GPS (Global Positioning System). After expressing a brief history on introduction part, we will go through in order to interrogate on main structure of WSNs regarding mathematical formulations and algorithms to find best and optimal access points based on Localization action. Then, we summarize algorithms and approaches to develop in order to introduce the best strategy in order to access nodes in the best possible state in WSNs. As a result, we conclude about the mentioned issues in order of comparison and reaching a final result. Therefore, final aim of this review is to explain efficiency and reliability of localization based on different opinions. Results show this overwhelming technology can be completely modified in order to find new solutions to find nodes in most optimal nodes based on spontaneous structure of WSNs

Excipients' impact on fenofibrate equilibrium solubility in fasted and fed simulated intestinal fluids assessed using a design of experiment protocol

Solubility is a critical parameter controlling drug absorption after oral administration. For poorly soluble drugs, solubility is influenced by the complex composition of intestinal media and the influence of dosage form excipients, which can cause bioavailability and bioequivalence issues. This study has applied a small scale design of experiment (DoE) equilibrium solubility approach in order to investigate the impact of excipients on fenofibrate solubility in simulated fasted and fed intestinal media. Seven media parameters (bile salt (BS), phospholipid (PL), fatty acid, monoglyceride, cholesterol, pH and BS/PL ratio) were assessed in the DoE and in excipient-free media, and only pH and sodium oleate in the fasted state had a significant impact on fenofibrate solubility. The impact of excipients were studied at two concentrations, and for polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, K12 and K29/32) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC, E3 and E50), two grades were studied. Mannitol had no solubility impact in any of the DoE media. PVP significantly increased solubility in a media-, grade- and concentration-dependent manner, with the biggest change in fasted media. HPMC and chitosan significantly reduced solubility in both fasted and fed states in a media-, grade- and concentration-dependent manner. The results indicate that the impact of excipients on fenofibrate solubility is a complex interplay of media composition in combination with their physicochemical properties and concentration. The results indicate that in vitro solubility studies combining the drug of interest, proposed excipients along with suitable simulated intestinal media recipes will provide interesting information with the potential to guide formulation development

Small scale design of experiment investigation of equilibrium solubility in simulated fasted and fed intestinal fluid

It is widely recognised that drug solubility within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) differs from values determined in a simple aqueous buffer and to circumvent this problem measurement in biorelevant fluids is determined. Biorelevant fluids are complex mixtures of components (sodium taurocholate, lecithin, sodium phosphate, sodium chloride, pancreatin and sodium oleate) at various concentrations and pH levels to provide systems simulating fasted (FaSSIF) or fed (FeSSIF) intestinal media. Design of Experiment (DoE) studies have been applied to investigate FaSSIF and FeSSIF and indicate that a drug's equilibrium solubility varies over orders of magnitude, is influenced by the drug type and individual or combinations of media components, with some of these interactions being drug specific. Although providing great detail on the drug media interactions these studies are resource intensive requiring up to ninety individual experiments for FeSSIF. In this paper a low sample number or reduced DoE system has been investigated by restricting components with minimal solubility impact to a single value and only investigating variations in the concentrations of sodium taurocholate, lecithin, sodium oleate, pH and additionally in the case of fed media, monoglyceride. This reduces the experiments required to ten (FaSSIF) and nine (FeSSIF). Twelve poorly soluble drugs (Ibuprofen, Valsartan, Zafirlukast, Indomethacin, Fenofibrate, Felodipine, Probucol, Tadalafil, Carvedilol, Aprepitant, Bromocriptine and Itraconazole) were investigated and the results compared to published DoE studies and literature solubility values in human intestinal fluid (HIF), FaSSIF or FeSSIF. The solubility range determined by the reduced DoE is statistically equivalent to the larger scale published DoE results in over eighty five percent of the cases. The reduced DoE range also covers HIF, FaSSIF or FeSSIF literature solubility values. In addition the reduced DoE provides lowest measured solubility values that agree with the published DoE values in ninety percent of the cases. However, the reduced DoE only identified single and in some cases none of the major components influencing solubility in contrast to the larger published DoE studies which identified multiple individual components and component interactions. The identification of significant components within the reduced DoE was also dependent upon the drug and system under investigation. The study demonstrates that the lower experimental number reduces statistical power of the DoE to resolve the impact of media components on solubility. However, in a situation where only the solubility range is required the reduced DoE can provide the desired information, which will be of benefit during in vitro development studies. Further refinements are possible to extend the reduced DoE protocol to improve biorelevance and application into areas such as PBPK modelling

Impact of Clinical Pharmacists-driven Bundled Activities from Admission to Discharge on 90-day Hospital Readmissions and Emergency Department Visits

Objectives: Patient-centered clinical pharmacists’ activities play a major role in improving clinical outcomes by optimizing the efficacy of drug therapies and minimizing associated toxicities during hospitalization, at the transition of care, and upon discharge. We aimed to compare the impact of comprehensive versus partial clinical pharmacists-driven bundled of care services on the rate of 90-day hospital readmissions and emergency department (ED) visits. Methods: This retrospective study included all admitted patients who received a comprehensive or partial bundle of clinical pharmacy services (medication history, interventions, counseling, and discharge prescription review) from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021 at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. The comprehensive bundle of care included the four services, while the partial bundle of care included one, two, or three services only. Analyses were performed using univariate and multivariate statistical techniques. Results: The study included 430 patients with a mean age of 56.0±21.0 years, and 43.7% (n = 188) were male. Of the patients, 12.1% (n = 52) received a comprehensive bundle of care. Compared with the partial bundle of care group, the comprehensive bundle of care group had significantly more patients with diabetes (65.4% vs. 42.9%; p =0.002), ≥ 3 comorbidities (50.0% vs. 29.4%; p =0.003), and polypharmacy (≥ 5 medications) (73.1% vs. 46.0%; p < 0.001). The comprehensive bundle of care group was significantly associated with a lower 90-day readmission rate (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.90–0.82; p =0.021) but not with ED visits (aOR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.13–2.57; p =0.461). Conclusions: This study demonstrated a significant reduction in the 90-day readmission rate for patients on a comprehensive bundle of care but not ED visits. These findings emphasize the importance of the comprehensive services provided by clinical pharmacists on the healthcare resources use and clinical outcomes

Dual level statistical investigation of equilibrium solubility in simulated fasted and fed intestinal fluid

The oral route is the preferred option for drug administration but contains the inherent issue of drug absorption from the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) in order to elicit systemic activity. A pre-requisite for absorption is drug dissolution, which is dependent upon drug solubility in the variable milieu of GIT fluid, with poorly soluble drugs presenting a formulation and biopharmaceutical challenge. Multiple factors within GIT fluid influence solubility ranging from pH to the concentration and ratio of amphiphilic substances such as phospholipid, bile salt, monoglyceride and cholesterol and to aid in vitro investigation simulated intestinal fluids (SIF) covering the fasted and fed state have been developed. SIF media is complex and statistical design of experiment (DoE) investigations have revealed the range of solubility values possible within each state due to physiological variability along with the media factors and factor interactions which influence solubility. However, these studies require large numbers of experiments (>60) and are not feasible or sensible within a drug development setting. In the current study a smaller dual level, reduced experimental number (20) DoE providing three arms covering the fasted and fed states along with a combined analysis has been investigated. The results indicate that this small scale investigation is feasible and provides solubility ranges that encompass published data in human and simulated fasted and fed fluids. The measured fasted and fed solubility ranges are in agreement with published large scale DoE results in around half of the cases, with the differences due to changes in media composition between studies. Indicating that drug specific behaviours are being determined and that careful media factor and concentration level selection is required in order to determine a physiologically relevant solubility range. The study also correctly identifies the major single factor or factors which influence solubility but it is evident that lower significance factors (for example bile salt) are not picked up due to the lower sample number employed. A similar issue is present with factor interactions with only a limited number available for study and generally not determined to have a significant solubility impact due to the lower statistical power of the study. The study indicates that a reduced experimental number DoE is feasible, will provide solubility range results with identification of major solubility factors however statistical limitations restrict the analysis. The approach therefore represents a useful initial screening tool that can guide further in depth analysis of a drug’s behavior in gastrointestinal fluids

Anaemia characteristic in end stage renal disease patients receiving haemodialysis at King Salman armed forced hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a disease associated with high rate of morbidity and mortality mainly due to cardiovascular disease. Anaemia is the most common haematological abnormality in end stage renal disease.AimsThe current Study aimed to determine the laboratory characteristic and management of anaemia among haemodialysis patients.Methods A cross sectional study conducted among 112 adult patients with the diagnosis of end stage renal disease (ESRD) on haemodialysis at King Salman Armed Forced Hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, data were collected by a pre-tested data collection sheet.Results There were 112 patients with a mean age of 43 years. The mean haemoglobin value was 10.5g/dL, which was lower than the target haemoglobin range recommended by Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI). Twenty- eight patients (25 per cent) had haemoglobin values between 11.0 and 12.0g/dL. Only seven patients (6.3 per cent) exceeded the recommended range (>12g/dL) and seventy- seven (68.7 per cent) had less than recommended range. The majority of patients had been receiving haemodialysis for two or more years. The most common primary cause of end stage renal failure was diabetic nephropathy. Hypertension was the most common co-morbidity, followed by diabetes, and ischemic heart disease.ConclusionPatients with end stage renal disease at a high risk for anaemia which should be investigated for correctable causes such as Iron-deficiency before initiating erythropoietin replacement therapy

Gestational diabetes prevalence and risk factors among pregnant women — Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

Background. The gestational diabetes (GDM) is considered as a global public health problem that affects pregnant women. GDM can become chronic type II and usually it is associated with many risk factors that may lead to many serious complications for the mother and the fetus. The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of GDM among pregnant women in Jazan region and to determine the possible associated factors of the GDM. Material and methods. The study involved pregnant women attending department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at government hospitals of Jazan region. A sample of 440 pregnant women were randomly selected. Interviews were conducted using a questionnaire prepared to measure the GDM prevalence, risk factors, awareness and adherence to the advice of the doctor and medications. Results. The prevalence of gestational diabetes among pregnant women in Jazan is estimated at 8.2%. The GDM prevalence was significantly higher among obese women (20.2%; 95% CI 13.2–29.2) compared with women with normal weight (7.1%; 95% CI 1.7–7.6). The analysis showed that GDM was significantly associated with child weight more than 3.5 kg (OR 4.315; p = 0.004), mother’s BMI more than 30 kg/m2 (OR 4.703; p = 0.001), and family history of GDM (OR 2.606; p = 0.046). Conclusion. In conclusion, the GDM prevalence obtained in this study is more than global prevalence and less than other studies in KSA. The BMI of mothers and having neonates that weight more than 3.5 kg are the main risk factors for GDM. Suitable interventions programs are highly required for control and risk factor modifications

Częstość występowania cukrzycy ciążowej i jej czynników ryzyka u ciężarnych kobiet w prowincji Dżazan w Arabii Saudyjskiej

Wstęp. Cukrzycę ciążową (GDM) uważa się za globalny problem zdrowotny dotyczący ciężarnych kobiet. Może ona przejść w cukrzycę typu 2 i zwykle wiąże się z wieloma czynnikami ryzyka, które mogą prowadzić do poważnych powikłań u matki i płodu. Głównym celem badania było oszacowanie częstości GDM u kobiet w ciąży mieszkających w prowincji Dżazan oraz określenie czynników, które mogą wiązać się z GDM. Materiał i metody. Badanie obejmowało kobiety w ciąży będące pod opieką oddziałów położniczo-ginekologicznych szpitali państwowych w prowincji Dżazan. Wybrano losowo próbę liczącą 440 ciężarnych kobiet. Przeprowadzając wywiady z uczestniczkami badania, korzystano z kwestionariusza opracowanego w celu oceny częstości występowania GDM, czynników ryzyka, wiedzy kobiet na temat GDM i przestrzegania zaleceń lekarskich oraz przyjmowania leków. Wyniki. Częstość GDM wśród ciężarnych kobiet w prowincji Dżazan wynosiła 8,2%. Była ona istotnie wyższa u kobiet otyłych [20,2%; 95-procentowy przedział ufności (CI) 13,2–29,2) niż u osób z prawidłową masą ciała (7,1%; 95% CI 1,7–7,6). Analiza wykazała, że GDM wiązała się istotnie z urodzeniem dziecka o masie ciała wynoszącej ponad 3,5 kg [iloraz szans (OR) 4,315; p = 0,004), wskaźnikiem masy ciała (BMI) matki wynoszącym ponad 30 kg/m2 (OR 4,703; p = 0,001) oraz dodatnim wywiadem rodzinnym dotyczącym GDM (OR 2,606; p = 0,046). Wnioski. Podsumowując, częstość GDM stwierdzona w badaniu była większa niż globalna częstość występowania GDM, lecz mniejsza niż obserwowana w innych badaniach w populacji saudyjskiej. Wskaźnik BMI matki i urodzenie dziecka o masie ciała powyżej 3,5 kg to główne czynniki ryzyka GDM. Potrzebne są odpowiednie programy interwencyjne w celu kontroli i modyfikacji czynników ryzyka