Search

Municipal solid waste (MSW) generation in Bangladesh is increasing as the country is accelerating toward ever-increasing urbanization, accompanied by rapid economic expansion and population growth. Bangladesh's energy demand is also rising faster than supply. As a result, the importance of an effective waste management framework is growing in Bangladesh, and the establishment of waste-to-energy (WtE) facilities has become an absolute necessity for ensuring life quality and sustainable economic development. The purpose of this research is to assess the techno-economic viability of two distinct WtE technologies-based biogas power plants under different scenarios of Dhaka city and to encourage the development and implementation. Estimation of biogas extraction from the landfills and sewage treatment plants have been conducted and calculated the energy potential and economic viability based on the population projection of Dhaka. The optimal scenario from an energy and financial standpoint is the combined use of biogas from sewage treatment plants and landfills. This scenario resulted in an installed power generation capacity of 21 MW that is sufficient to power about 7336 residents in Dhaka. In terms of economics, the most profitable option is the isolated use of biogas sewage treatment, attributed to its high profitability index value compared to other scenarios. The findings demonstrate the potential and viability of using biogas in Dhaka, Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Hip dislocation is one of the major causes of disability in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Surgical treatment can be achieved using different techniques including proximal femoral varus derotation osteotomy (FVDRO), pelvic osteotomies, and open hip reduction (OHR). However, we claim that pathologies originating from extraarticular structures in the dislocated hip in CP can be reconstructed by extraarticular methods and OHR may not always be necessary. Therefore, this study aims to discuss the results of hip reconstruction with extraarticular intervention in patients with CP. MATERIAL AND METHODS In total, 141 hips (95 patients) were included in the study. All patients underwent FVDRO, either with or without a Dega osteotomy. Changes in the Acetabular Index (AI), Migration Index (MI), neck-shaft angle (NSA), and center-edge angle (CEA) were assessed on the preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up anterior-posterior radiographs of the pelvis. RESULTS Median age was 8 years (range between 4–18 years). The average follow-up duration was 5 years (range between 2–9 years). Changes in AI, MI, NSA and CEA values were statistically significant for postop and follow-up periods when compared to preoperative values. Of the 141 operated hips, 8 (5.6%) hips required revision surgery due to redislocation/resubluxation detected at the follow-ups, and unilateral operation can be accepted as a risk factor for redislocation. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that reconstructive treatment consisting of FVDRO, medial capsulotomy (in the case of reduction difficulty) and transiliac osteotomy (in the case of acetabular dysplasia) provides satisfactory outcomes in hip dislocation in CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Radiographs are preferred for understanding the deformity and containment in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD), as well as for treatment planning, but plain radiographs provide only static information and are inadequate for dynamic assessment of the joint. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to be superior to other diagnostic modalities. The aim of this study was to determine the importance of hip MRI in LCPD treatment decision-making processes between pediatric orthopedic surgeons and orthopedic surgery residents. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eight orthopedic surgery residents and eight pediatric orthopedic surgeons were invited to retrospectively evaluate hip radiography images and MRI sections of 34 patients with LCPD. The treatment choices were divided into two groups as conservative and surgical. Gwet’s AC1 analysis was used to establish the relative level of intra-observer agreements. The correlation between the professional experience and the agreement parameters was also evaluated using the Pearson correlation coefficient. ANOVA was used to compare multiple groups. p ≤ 0.05 was statistically significant. RESULTS For both groups most preferred treatment method was conservative approaches based on plain radiography and MRI. The resident group showed a significant shift from conservative treatment to surgical treatment choices after MRI evaluation. The difference between the frequencies of each treatment choice for pediatric orthopedic surgeons was not statistically significant among different imaging modalities, but a comparison of the changes in surgical treatment revealed a significant difference between the imaging modalities, with a trend towards more complicated treatment choices. DISCUSSION Conservative methods were the most preferred treatment choice in the study, as it is common. It was observed that treatment choices changed when patients were evaluated together with MRI. Compared to plain radiographs, MRI provides sufficient and particular information for evaluating the structures of the hip joint components. CONCLUSIONS We found that consideration of MRI data in LCPD patients changed treatment recommendations substantially towards more complicated surgical procedures. We consider this to be an ‘MRI effect’ where using a more complex imaging modality leads surgeons to more complicated treatment modalities in LCPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the experimental performance of the use of R1234yf refrigerant alternative to R134a refrigerant in an automobile air conditioning system with variable capacity compressor was investigated. The automobile air conditioner consists of a variable capacity compressor, evaporator, condenser, liquid tank and expansion element. The experimental air conditioner is equipped with computer-aided control systems to obtain the desired experimental conditions and data collection systems for measuring and collecting experimental data. Tests were performed at different compressor speeds and different condenser and evaporator inlet air flow temperatures. Energy analysis was applied to the obtained experimental data and the results were presented in comparative graphs. In the results, it was seen that while the cooling effect coefficient and evaporator outlet air flow generally decreased in both refrigerants with the increase of the compressor speed, the mass flow rate of the refrigerants, the compressor outlet temperature, die heat discharged from the condenser, the cooling capacity and the compressor power increased. In cases where the evaporator inlet airflow temperature is low, it has been observed that the change in the data is very small with the increase of the compressor speed with the effect of the capacity control system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Anxiety disorders (AD) are known for its comorbidity and negative impact on the course of adult bipolar disorder (BD). However, there is limited research on AD comorbidity in pediatric BD (PBD). Here, we aimed to conduct a meta‐analysis and meta‐regression study about the comorbidity and covariates of AD and PBD. Method: We systematically searched relevant articles published until May 2019, as defined in PRISMA guidelines. Variables for associated features and prevalence of AD were extracted. Results: Thirty‐seven articles represented data for the analysis. Lifetime any AD comorbidity was 44.7%; panic disorder (PD) was 12.7%; generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) was 27.4%; social phobia was 20.1%; separation anxiety disorder (SAD) was 26.1%; and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) was 16.7%. Childhood‐onset studies reported higher GAD and SAD comorbidity, while adolescent‐onset studies reported higher PD, OCD, and social phobia. Age of onset, gender, comorbidity of ADHD, substance use, oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder affected each anxiety disorders' comorbidity with PBD differently. Conclusion: Anxiety disorders are highly comorbid with PBD. Early‐onset PBD increases the risk of AD. Biopsychosocial aspects of this comorbidity and its course needs to be evaluated further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest road constructions have been investigated in terms of damage to trees below road construction areas and in stream beds. In this study, constructing a road using a bulldozer and environmental damages caused by this technique were investigated in the forested regions of Antalya in Turkey. Decision variables were collected from 52 cross sections in a road section that was selected as a sample. In these cross sectional areas, the number of damaged and undamaged trees was determined in each cross section. Another damage type, the damage in stream beds was investigated based on deposits of excavated materials dumped during the forest road construction operation. The slope in this research area varied between 25-80%. Moreover, the maximum and the minimum length of fill areas in different cross sections was found to be approximately between 2 and 16 m. In this study, the rate of bending damage to trees below the road construction areas was 26.3%, and the rate of wounding damage was 6.1%. The number of damaged trees in various gradient was also determined in the study area. Along the chosen road section, debris were found to cover the stream bed in some areas. The wounding of tree barks was serious in this forest region although there was also significant damage caused by bark beetles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest fire incidences are one of the most detrimental disasters that may cause long terms effects on forest ecosystems in many parts of the world. In order to minimize environmental damages of fires on forest ecosystems, the forested areas with high fire risk should be determined so that necessary precaution measurements can be implemented in those areas. Assessment of forest fire fuel load can be used to estimate forest fire risk. In order to estimate fuel load capacity, forestry parameters such as number of trees, tree height, tree diameter, crown diameter, and tree volume should be accurately measured. In recent years, with the advancements in remote sensing technology, it is possible to use airborne LIDAR for data estimation of forestry parameters. In this study, the capabilities of using LIDAR based point cloud data for assessment of the forest fuel load potential was investigated. The research area was chosen in the Istanbul Bentler series of Bahceköy Forest Enterprise Directorate that composed of mixed deciduous forest structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effects of naringin on small intestine, liver, kidney and lung recovery after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of the gut. Rats were divided randomly into four groups of eight. Group A was the sham control; group B was ischemic for 2 h; group C was ischemic for 2 h and re-perfused for 2 h (I/R); group D was treated with 50 mg/kg naringin after ischemia, then re-perfused for 2 h. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expressions were detected by immunolabeling. We also measured arginase activity, amounts of nitric oxide (NO) and total protein. iNOS was increased significantly in the small intestine, liver and kidney in group C. iNOS was decreased significantly only in small intestine and lung in group D. eNOS was increased significantly in the small intestine, liver and lung in group C. eNOS was decreased in small intestine, liver and lung in group D; however, eNOS was decreased in the kidney in group C and increased in the kidney in group D. The amount of NO was decreased significantly in all tissues in group D, but arginase activity was decreased in the small intestine and lung, increased in the kidney and remained unchanged in the liver in group D. The total protein increased in the small intestine and liver in group D, but decreased significantly in the kidney and lung in group D. Naringin had significant, salutary effects on the biochemical parameters of I/R by decreasing the NO level, equilibrating iNOS and eNOS expressions, and decreasing arginase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hence, we thought of targeting the upper trunk[[2]] and the superficial cervical plexus to block all the involved nerves. Sir, Insertion of permanent pacemaker is an invasive procedure even though the degree of nociception is not very significant. [Extracted from the article]

Periacetabular osteotomy has been recommended for reconstructing symptomatic dysplastic hips in adolescents and young adults, but requires substantial incisions and exposure. To minimize large incisions, we asked whether periacetabular osteotomy could be performed with a mini-incision under direct endoscopic control. We used five fresh-frozen cadaver pelves and developed curved guides and osteotomes for the osteotomy. We were able to perform a periacetabular osteotomy under endoscopic and image intensifier control and to fix the osteotomy with two cannulated screws. We identified no damage to vital structures or intraarticular fracture in any of the five cadavers we subsequently dissected. We believe periacetabular osteotomy may be performed with a mini-incision under direct endoscopic control. Our preliminary observations suggest the approach might be explored in limited prospective clinical trials by experienced individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We hypothesized the extent of involvement of the proximal femoral growth plate in Perthes disease determined the final radiographic outcome after containment by shelf acetabuloplasty. We retrospectively evaluated the extent of growth plate involvement using a modified version of the method described by Yasuda and Tamura. In our modification, we used only the epiphyseal border for measurements, which was clearly visible as a thin white line, unlike Yasuda and Tamura who used the metaphyseal and epiphyseal borders. We could not clearly demarcate the metaphyseal border in the radiographs of our patient population between 1944 and 1998, which consisted of 69 patients who had surgery at a mean age of 9 years (range, 6.0-14.1 years). From these measurements, we formulated an index termed "growth plate involvement." Radiographic results were classified as described by Stulberg et al A growth plate involvement index less than 0.25 resulted in a good radiographic outcome. We found 93.2% sensitivity and 100% specificity in predicting Stulberg's outcomes. The growth plate involvement index is a reliable and reproducible measurement method and may be used prospectively as a useful prognostic factor to predict radiographic outcomes after containment acetabuloplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many authors have reported that the pelvic support osteotomy prevents a Trendelenburg gait by restoring the biomechanics of the abductor muscle in patients with congenital dislocation of the hip. However, we are not aware of any studies in which the hip abductor muscles were examined following pelvic support osteotomy. The purpose of this study was, first, to use magnetic resonance imaging to measure alterations in the length and volume of the gluteus medius muscle after pelvic support osteotomy and, second, to determine which factors influence the results of the Trendelenburg test.Methods: Eleven patients with a history of congenital hip dislocation who had been treated with a pelvic support osteotomy were examined clinically with the Harris hip score and the Trendelenburg test, radiographically to measure limb-length discrepancy and valgus angulation of the proximal part of the femur, and with magnetic resonance imaging to measure changes in the gluteus medius length and volume.Results: The pelvic support osteotomy achieved a functional and painless hip in all eleven patients. Five of the eleven patients had a persistently positive Trendelenburg gait at the time of the last follow-up visit, at an average of three years after the osteotomy. The muscle volumes were restored to 43% to 89% of the muscle volumes on the normal contralateral side, and the postoperative muscle volume correlated significantly with the result of the Trendelenburg test (r = -0.63; p = 0.03). There was a positive association between age and the result of the Trendelenburg test (p = 0.01): four of the five patients who had a positive test were at least thirty-one years of age at the time of the operation. There was no correlation between the Trendelenburg test and the change in the length of the gluteus medius muscle, which averaged 19.2 mm in the patients with a positive test and 19.3 mm in those with a negative test.Conclusions: Patient age at the time of the operation and the postoperative change in the volume of the gluteus medius muscle have a significant influence on the result of the Trendelenburg test after a pelvic support osteotomy. Moreover, our study demonstrated that restoration of the muscle volume after a pelvic support osteotomy is not sufficient to prevent a Trendelenburg gait in older patients with congenital dislocation of the hip.Level Of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurement of grip and pinch strength is an important component in hand evaluation. It assesses the patient's initial limitations and provides a quick reassessment of patient's progress throughout the treatment. This investigation was conducted to examine the effects of hand dominance, body mass index (BMI) and age on grip strength (GS) and pinch strength (PS) tasks. Subjects were 365 apparently healthy young male adults (19-33 years). No correlation was found between the BMI hand strength measures. Grip and pinch strength were measured instrumentally. The rule 'dominant hand (DH) is approximately 10% stronger than the nondominant hand (NDH)' was found to be valid for left handed persons only (11.2%), otherwise these measures should be considered equivalent in both hands in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a letter to the editor about malrotation as a preparing ground for intussuseption.