A Brief Journey into the History of the Arterial Pulse

Objective. This paper illustrates the evolution of our knowledge of the arterial pulse from ancient times to the present. Several techniques for arterial pulse evaluation throughout history are discussed. Methods. Using databases including Worldcat, Pubmed, and Emory University Libraries' Catalogue, the significance of the arterial pulse is discussed in three historical eras of medicine: ancient, medieval, and modern. Summary. Techniques used over time to analyze arterial pulse and its characteristics have advanced from simple evaluation by touch to complex methodologies such as ultrasonography and plethysmography. Today's understanding of the various characteristics of the arterial pulse relies on our ancestors' observations and experiments. The pursuit of science continues to lead to major advancements in our knowledge of the arterial pulse and its application in diagnosis of atherosclerotic disease

On the Spectrum of a Class of Distance-transitive Graphs

Let $\Gamma=Cay(\mathbb{Z}_n, S_k)$ be the Cayley graph on the cyclic additive group $\mathbb{Z}_n$ $(n\geq 4),$ where $S_1=\{1, n-1\}$, \dots , $S_k=S_ {k-1}\cup\{k, n-k\}$ are the inverse-closed subsets of $\mathbb{Z}_n-\{0\}$ for any $k\in \mathbb{N}$, $1\leq k\leq [\frac{n}{2}]-1$. In this paper, we will show that $\chi(\Gamma) = \omega(\Gamma)=k+1$ if and only if $k+1|n$. Also, we will show that if $n$ is an even integer and $k=\frac{n}{2}-1$ then $Aut(\Gamma)\cong\mathbb{Z}_2 wr_{I} {Sym}(k+1)$ where $I=\{1, \dots , k+1\}$ and in this case, we show that $\Gamma$ is an integral graph

Speed control of Five-Phase IPMSM through PI, SMC and FITSMC approaches under normal and open phase faulty conditions

This paper focuses on speed control of Five-Phase interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) through proportional-integral (PI) controller, sliding mode control (SMC) and novel fractional integral terminal sliding mode control (FITSMC) approaches under normal and open one-phase and two-phase faulty conditions. The SMC and FITSMC design processes have been deeply illustrated, while the stability of the aforementioned controllers has been guaranteed via Lyapunov theory. These ones are all designed based on rotor speed error which is generated from its measured and referenced values. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed control approaches in the fault tolerant control strategy and normal drive for Five-Phase IPMSM

Cost-Effectiveness of Capping Freeways for Use as Parks: The New York Cross-Bronx Expressway Case Study

Objectives. To examine health benefits and cost-effectiveness of implementing a freeway deck park to increase urban green space. Methods. Using the Cross-Bronx Expressway in New York City as a case study, we explored the cost-effectiveness of implementing deck parks. We built a microsimulation model that included increased exercise, fewer accidents, and less pollution as well as the cost of implementation and maintenance of the park. We estimated both the quality-adjusted life years gained and the societal costs for 2017. Results. Implementation of a deck park over sunken parts of Cross-Bronx Expressway appeared to save both lives and money. Savings were realized for 84% of Monte Carlo simulations. Conclusions. In a rapidly urbanizing world, reclaiming green space through deck parks can bring health benefits alongside economic savings over the long term. Public Health Implications. Policymakers are seeking ways to create cross-sectorial synergies that might improve both quality of urban life and health. However, such projects are very expensive, and there is little information on their return of investment. Our analysis showed that deck parks produce exceptional value when implemented over below-grade sections of road

A Rare Coincidence of Two Coronary Anomalies in an Adult

Anomalous right-sided left main coronary arteries and dual type IV left anterior descending arteries are rare coronary anomalies. In this case report, we present a 59 year old man with atypical chest pain and a combination of the above coronary anomalies as identified by selective coronary angiography and computed tomography angiography. To the best of our knowledge, the coincidence of these coronary anomalies has not been previously described

The cost-effectiveness of limiting federal housing vouchers to use in low-poverty neighborhoods in the United States

Objective: Residents of low-income neighborhoods are exposed to relatively higher rates of crime, fewer opportunities to exercise, poorer schools, and few opportunities to eat healthy foods than residents of middle-class neighborhoods. Policies that influence neighborhood context could therefore serve as health interventions. We seek to inform the policy debate over the wisdom of spending health dollars on non-health sectors of the economy by defining the opportunity cost of doing so. Study design: Cost-effectiveness analysis with Markov model and Monte Carlo simulation. Methods: We assess the long-term health and economic benefits of Moving to Opportunity etype housing vouchers vs traditional public housing. Our Markov model draws heavily from decades of follow-up data from a large randomized-controlled trial, from which we make projections about health outcomes and costs. Results: Restricted housing vouchers cost less over the lifetime of recipients than traditional vouchers ($186,629 [95$148,856e$229,235] vs$194,077 [$153,831-$240,904]), while improving health and longevity (19.39 quality-adjusted life years [15.83 e21.35] vs 19.16 [15.65e21.03]). Over 99% of the model simulations favored restricted housing vouchers over traditional public housing or non-restrictive vouchers. Conclusions: Restrictive vouchers appear to improve population health, save money, and save lives

Association between Women Empowerment and Social Support in the Reproductive Decision-Making of the Women Referring to the Health Centers in Sari, Iran (2017)

Background: Empowerment of women is considered to be a critical developmental strategy. Objectives: Today, empowerment of women is not only a priority, but it also is an urgent need of women as a one of the most important populations considering their roles in the family and community. Social support and empowerment of women are regarded as an investment for future generations, which will result in sustainable development. The present study aimed to explore the association between the social support and empowerment of women with their reproductive decisions in the health centers in Sari, Iran. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 400 women referring to the health centers in Sari, Iran in 2017. The subjects who met the inclusion criteria were selected via multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using a demographic and reproductive characteristics questionnaire, multidimensional scale of perceived social support, and the questionnaire of women empowerment and reproductive behavior. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 16. Results: The subjects had a moderate level of empowerment in their reproductive decisions. On the other hand, favorable and poor empowerment levels were observed in the dimensions of cultural background and family planning, respectively. Furthermore, social support had a direct, significant correlation with the empowerment of women in reproductive decisions (P=0.001; r=0.34). Conclusion: According to the results, the empowerment and social support of women are imperative issues that require special attention and investment considering the key role of women in promoting community health

The Cost-Effectiveness of Lowering Permissible Noise Levels Around U.S. Airports

Aircraft noise increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and mental illness. The allowable limit for sound in the vicinity of an airport is 65 decibels (dB) averaged over a 24-h ‘day and night’ period (DNL) in the United States. We evaluate the trade-off between the cost and the health benefits of changing the regulatory DNL level from 65 dB to 55 dB using a Markov model. The study used LaGuardia Airport (LGA) as a case study. In compliance with 55 dB allowable limit of aircraft noise, sound insulation would be required for residential homes within the 55 dB to 65 dB DNL. A Markov model was built to assess the cost-effectiveness of installing sound insulation. One-way sensitivity analyses and Monte Carlo simulation were conducted to test uncertainty of the model. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of installing sound insulation for residents exposed to airplane noise from LGA was $11,163/QALY gained (95$93,054/QALY gained). Changing the regulatory standard for noise exposure around airports from 65 dB to 55 dB comes at a very good value