A METHODOLOGY FOR ADAPTIVE USER INTERFACE DESIGN

A methodology, AUI (Adaptive User Interface), is presented in this paper for the design of user interfaces that can accommodate users of different skill levels. The conceptual user interface model, referred to as the dialogue schema in the AUI methodology, is derived by analyzing the control structure of task requirements from the real time system and formal language perspectives. The dialogue schema is used to generate three forms of dialogues: question/answer, menu/form, and formal language. Alternative software tools to facilitate the AUI methodology are also discussed

Computer-Aided Process Organization In Software Deslgn

As the complexity of systems increase, the need for computer-aided techniques in software system definition, design, ·and construction becomes apparent. It is the ultimate task of software engineering to develop tools and procedures which reduce the effort invol ved in production of effective software. Effective software must possess characteristics of correctness, reliability, efficiency, documentation, and flexibility. This paper deals with the devel opment of a computer-aid for one portion of the software system design probl em, namely, the determination of process organization in program modul e specification

Technology Frustration and Consumer Valuation Shift for Mobile Apps: An Exploratory Study

Consumer evaluation of products in a market is a predictor of the success or failure of a product. For digital products, the usage of a product is determined by the technology robustness associated with the design of the product. Bad designs, implementation and integration issues lead to frustration on the part of consumers using the product. In this study, we explore how technology frustration negatively influences the valuation of a product in digital markets. Furthermore, we hypothesize that market externalities, such as consumer passion for, and sustenance of, the product in question temper this negative effect. Finally, we contend that the negative effect of technology frustration is high for new and high priced products because of the higher expectations and hence more stringent evaluations for new and high priced products by consumers. We conducted empirical analysis and found support for our hypotheses. Managerial and research contributions are discussed

Sinonasal Findings on Paranasal Computed Tomography in Patients Presenting with Facial Pain

Background: Facial pain is one of the common complaints in otolaryngology. Patients often self-diagnose facial pain as "sinusitis". The sinonasal source of facial pain and headache could be one of the possible etiologies, which needs to be confirmed by nasal endoscopy or CT scan. Aim: This study aimed to detect the frequency of variations and pathological findings in the sinonasal region of patients presenting with facial pain and sinonasal symptoms by PNS CT imaging. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital where consecutive patients presenting to the otorhinolaryngology clinic with facial pain and at least one of the sinonasal symptoms, including nasal obstruction, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, reduction or loss of smell, and postnasal discharge, were included. For evaluation of facial pain, a paranasal sinus CT scan in coronal view was performed and analyzed by an otolaryngologist. Results: A total of 64 patients including 27 males (42%) and 37 females (57.8%) were included. The average age was 35.5±10.5. Most patients experienced bilateral facial pain (78.1%.). The most common location of pain was the forehead (76.6%). Fifteen patients (23.4%) had acute pain (<12 weeks) while 49 (76.6%) experienced chronic pain (>12 weeks). Cold weather was the most common triggering factor in 29 patients (45.3%). The most common sinonasal symptom was posterior nasal discharge (in 42 patients, 65.6%). A minority of patients, 8 (12.5%), had evidence of rhinosinusitis (acute or chronic). Ethmoid sinus was the most frequently involved sinus (9.3%), and sphenoid and frontal sinuses were the least commonly involved. 2 patients (3.1%) had unilateral complete opacification of the maxillary sinus. Conclusion: Sinusitis was not the most common cause of facial pain in the present study, even in the presence of sinonasal symptoms. The definitive diagnosis of facial pain warrants confirmation by complementary imaging before starting therapy

Wound healing effects of Artemisia sieberi extract on the second degree burn in mice skin

Introduction: Previous studies have shown anti-ulcerogenic effects of Artemisia sieberi (A. sieberi) on gastric lesions and experimental skin wound, so this study was conducted to evaluate healing effects of A. sieberi on the experimental second degree burn in mice skin. Methods: Ninety adult male mice in 3 groups were used. Second degree burn was made in the dorsum and then silver sulfadiazine (SSD) 1% ointment and A. sieberi extract were applied in the positive control and treatment groups respectively, while in the negative control no medication was done. Digital photographs were taken daily for determination of healing percentage. For histopathological assessment, 5 mice of each group on the days 1, 3, 7, 14 & 21 post burn, were chosen and after euthanasia, a full thickness skin flap of the burn was taken and after tissue processing, specimens were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) and examined for granulation tissue, inflammation, re-epithelialization and collagen sediment, also hydroxyproline content of burn was measured. Data were presented as mean±SE and analyzed by using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn post huc tests (P≤ 0.05). Results: A. sieberi enhanced wound healing via significantly decreased inflammation, increased granulation tissue, hydroxyproline content and healing percentage in comparison to negative control in such a manner which was comparable to standard SSD. Conclusion: It seems that A. sieberi can promote burn healing due to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial and mitogenic properties of the plant

Are Panoramic Radiographies Requested by General Dentists in Kerman Based on FDA Recommendations?

Background: Panoramic radiography is a simple and valuable diagnostic tool in dentistry. The aim of the present study was detecting factors influencing panoramic radiography requests by general dentists in Kerman and their compatibility with FDA recommendation. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on general dentists in Kerman. Data were collected by a questionnaire including demographic variables as well as factors influencing the selection of panoramic radiography and the diagnostic value of panoramic as compared to intra oral radiography. Data were analyzed through SPSS 19 and using t- test and linear regression test. P<0.05 was considered as the statistical significant level. Results: In the present study, 67.9% were men with mean age of 35.3±8.71 years and mean time since graduation was 6.23±5.18 years. Mean score of factors influencing panoramic radiography request was 88.80±4.78 and mean score of the diagnostic value of panoramic as compared to intra oral radiography was 13.80±11.28. There was a significant relationship between responding to the questions related to the diagnostic value of panoramic radiography and participating in continued education programs. Conclusion: Request of panoramic radiography among the general dentists in Kerman is in some cases not according to FDA guidelines and more supervision is recommended

Chronic or Recurrent Invasive Fungal Sinusitis after COVID-19 Infection

Background: During the COVID-19 epidemic, we have witnessed numerous manifestations and complications after contracting this disease. One of these complications in patients with COVID-19 is the increased risk of invasive fungal infections due to the suppression of the immune system caused by the disease or due to the use of suppressive drugs such as corticosteroids. Case presentation: Here we report three cases of invasive fungal sinusitis after contracting COVID-19 with recurrence after primary treatment and the measures taken for these patients. Discussion: Invasive fungal sinusitis with involvement of orbit or brain is a known complication in COVID-19 patients especially in diabetics. Recurrence of manifestations of fungal infection after primary treatment and hospital discharge may be related to uncontrolled underlying disease and residual fungal infection especially in necrotic soft tissue or bone. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and management with antifungal drugs and surgical debridement and also close follow up after discharge from hospital is essential for treatment and achieving higher survival in patients with invasive fungal sinusitis

Olfactory and gustatory manifestations in hospitalized patients with COVID-19

Background: Pulmonary involvement is the main clinical and imaging feature of the novel corona virus disease (COVID-19). However, some patients present with upper airway symptoms. Aim: In this study, we report upper respiratory manifestations, specifically focusing on smell and taste disorders in COVID-19. Methods: We performed this cross-sectional prospective study in patients admitted to Masih Daneshvari Hospital, a tertiary referral center in Tehran, Iran, with severe COVID-19 as documented by the polymerase chain reaction assay. Results: We included 268 hospitalized patients, 183 (68.3%) men and 85 (31.7%) women. The average age was 52.8±16.4. The sinonasal symptoms included nasal obstruction (44 [16.4%]), rhinorrhea (31 [11.5%]), sneeze (33 [12.3%]), headache (77 [28.6%]), facial pain (12 [4.5%]), associated with hypogeusia (65 [24.2%]) and olfactory dysfunction (90 [33.5%]). In 35 (38.9%) patients with olfactory symptoms, change in the smell was the sole initial manifestation of COVID-19. On logistic regression, the relationship between the olfactory symptoms and headache (p=0.002), nasal obstruction (p=0.0001) and sneeze (p=0.018) were statistically significant. Conclusion: We report a considerable prevalence of olfactory and gustatory symptoms in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Not infrequently, these symptoms were the sole initial presenting symptoms in the course COVID-19. During the current pandemic, we suggest that presence of these symptoms should mandate expedited screening for COVID-19, isolation and close monitoring of the patients for evolution of the clinical course

Evaluating Patients with Olfactory Dysfunction after COVID-19 Infection by Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders-Negative Statements

Background: The number of patients with COVID-19-induced olfactory dysfunction has consistently increased since the onset of the pandemic. Since a considerable proportion of these patients have olfactory dysfunction for a relatively long period of time, their quality of life (QOL) may considerably be impacted as a result. Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the adverse effects of olfactory dysfunction on QOL in patients with COVID-19-induced hyposmia or anosmia. Methods: The data were obtained via self-reported online questionnaire in individuals who met the inclusion criteria. The questionnaire included demographics, olfactory status and Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders-Negative Statements (QOD-NS). Results: Among1531 participants, 1072 individuals met the inclusion criteria, with 588 (54.85%) having hyposmia and 484 (45.15%) anosmia. Average age was 35.7 in the hyposmic group and 34.5 in the anosmic group. Concurrent hypogeusia/ageusia was reported in 398 (67.7%) of cases with hyposmia and in 346 (71.5%) of participants with anosmia. Lack of enjoyment of eating food was the most negative effect in both hyposmic and anosmic groups, followed by annoyance when eating food and a continuous awareness of the olfactory problem. The mean QOD-NS score was 20.5±10.2 in the hyposmic group and 23.3±10.4 in the anosmic group, demonstrating significant adverse impact on QOL. Conclusion: Persistent olfactory dysfunction in patients with COVID-19 has adverse effects on QOL. Early diagnosis and treatment of olfactory dysfunction may be crucial in limiting the adverse impact on QOL by psychological and nutritional support and olfactory rehabilitation

Denture-related oral mucosal lesions among removable denture wearers referred to clinics of Kerman, Iran

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Since increasing the proportion of elderly in the world, so oral lesions related to removable denture-wearing are an important issue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of denture-related oral mucosal lesions (DMLs) in removable denture wearers referred to clinics of Kerman, Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 350 removable denture wearer, with mean age 58.52 ± 10.78 years old, that had been selected by multistage clustering sample from individuals who referred to Kerman clinics. The data were obtained by a checklist consist of demographic characteristics (sex, age, and educational level) self-reported daily denture hygiene frequency, age of prosthesis and clinical examination. Data were analyzed in SPSS using chi-square and t-tests. P value was considered at 5% significant level. RESULTS: The results showed 71.8% of the denture wearers had denture related mucosal lesions. The most common lesion was denture stomatitis 36.6% followed by traumatic ulcer 26.5% and angular cheilitis 8.7%. There were significant differences between night wearing denture and age of prosthesis and denture-related mucosal lesions (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The finding of this study showed the prevalence of denture-related mucosal lesions is common. Dentists should be instruct the patients for removing the denture at night and routine follow-up visits. KEYWORDS: Removable Denture; Oral; Denture-related Lesion; Stomatitis; Traumatic Ulcer; Angular Cheiliti