18 research outputs found
Physical Factors Influencing Children with Tonsillar Hypertrophy and Symptoms of Sleep-Disordered Breathing // Възможности на физикалните фактори за повлияване на деца с тонзиларна хипертрофия и симптоми на нарушено нощно дишане
No full textЦел на настоящата дисертационна разработка е да се оцени клиничната ефективност на комплексна физикална терапия при деца с тонзиларна хипертрофия и свързаните с нея нарушения на дишането по време на сън. Обект на настоящото проучване са 76 деца на средна възраст от 5,42±2,00 г. с диагностицирана тонзиларна или аденотонзиларна хипертрофия и с различни симптоми на нарушено дишане през нощта. Използвани бяха методи за физиотерапия: • осветяване подчелюстно в областта на тонзилите с поляризирана, полихроматична, некохерентна, нискоенергийна светлина с апарата Bioptron • ултразвуково озвучаване в същата зона От получените резултати изведохме следните изводи: 1. Разработената от нас физиотерапевтична програма с включване на поляризирана, полихроматична, некохерентна, нискоенергийна светлина с апарата Bioptron и ултразвук се прилага за първи при деца с аденотонзиларна хипертрофия . 2. В резултат на приложения физиотерапевтичен комплекс се постигна значително намаляване на тонзиларната хипертрофия и аденоидните вегетации както след физиотерапията, така и един месец след нея. 3. Установихме статистически значимо подобряване както на хъркането, апноичните паузи по време на сън и неспокойния сън, така и на дневните поведенчески симптоми . 4. Установихме многобройни положителни и статистически достоверни корелационни зависимости между намаляването на тонзиларната хипертрофия и аденоидните вегетации и повлияването на симптоматиката на нарушеното нощно дишане при децата. 5. Разработеният и апробиран от нас алгоритъм за поведение при деца с аденотонзиларна патология и нарушено дишане по време на сън и промяна в поведението им подпомага клиницистите при избора на най-правилното терапевтично поведение.The thesis aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of comprehensive physical therapy in children with tonsillar hypertrophy and the accompanying sleep-disordered breathing. Subject of the study are 76 children with a median age of 5.42±2.00 years diagnosed with tonsillar adenoid hypertrophy, who have different symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing. 45 of them are male (59.21%) and 31 female (40.79%). The following methods of physiotherapy were used: - Illumination of the tonsillar area below the jaw with polarized, polychromatic, incoherent, low energy light emitted by the Bioptron apparatus; - Ultrasonic therapy in the same area; Conclusions based on the results obtained: 1. A physiotherapy program with inclusion of polarized, polychromatic, incoherent, low energy light emitted by the Bioptron apparatus and ultrasound has been developed and applied for the first time in Bulgaria. 2. As a result of the physiotherapy treatment carried out there was a significant decrease in the tonsillar hypertrophy both immediately after the treatment and one-month later. 3. We found a statistically significant improvement in snoring, sleep apnoeic episodes and the diurnal behavioural symptoms (sleepiness during the day, lowered attention span and hyperactivity). 4. We found numerous positive and statistically sound correlational dependencies between the decrease in tonsillar hypertrophy and the improvement of the various symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing in children. 5. The developed and approved algorithm for dealing with children with tonsillar pathology, sleep disordered breathing and behavioural changes helps physicians in choosing the best therapy for these children
The effect of polarized polychromatic non-coherent light (Bioptron) therapy on patients with lower back pain
No full textPossibilities of physiotherapy for quality of life improvement in lumbar disc herniation patients
No full textLumbar disc herniation predominantly affects people at working age and represents a therapeutic and economic challenge. The objective of the present study was to assess the effect on pain intensity and individual quality of life in lumbar disc herniation patients of individualized physiotherapy, with or without kinesitherapy. The investigation covered 52 consecutive patients with lumbar disc herniation, 32 females and 20 males, who were treated in the Unit of Physiotherapy, St. Marina Diagnostic and Consulting Centre of Varna during the period between July 13, 2020 and October 31, 2020, inclusive. Thirty-four patients were diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging and 18—by means of computed tomography scan. A complex of physiotherapeutic procedures, such as interference current, low-frequency impulse magnetic field, and iontophoresis with paravertebrally applied non-steroid antiinflammatory gel, was independently administered in 29 patients and in combination with kinesitherapy such as therapeutic manipulation massage after J. C. Terrier, technique of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, and the R. McKenzie method—in 23 patients. A significant reduction of lower back pain intensity as assessed using the visual analogues scale and improvement of the parameters of patients’ individual quality of life according to the scores of disability questionnaire of Roland-Morris was achieved.
A review on recovery of extracellular biopolymers from flocculent and granular activated sludges: Cognition, key influencing factors, applications, and challenges
No full textA reasonable recovery of excess sludge may shift the waste into wealth. Recently an increasing attention has been paid to the recycling of extracellular biopolymers from conventional and advanced biological wastewater treatment systems such as flocculent activated sludge (AS), bacterial aerobic granular sludge (AGS), and algal-bacterial AGS processes. This review provides the first overview of current research developments and future directions in the recovery and utilization of high value-added biopolymers from the three types of sludge. It details the discussion on the recent evolvement of cognition or updated knowledge on functional extracellular biopolymers, as well as a comprehensive summary of the operating conditions and wastewater parameters influencing the yield, quality, and functionality of alginate-like exopolymer (ALE). In addition, recent attempts for potential practical applications of extracellular biopolymers are discussed, suggesting research priorities for overcoming identification challenges and future prospects.Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public.BT/Environmental Biotechnolog
Effect of microporous layer structural parameters on heat and mass transfer in proton exchange membrane fuel cells
No full textProton exchange membrane fuel cells offer promising clean energy solutions for various applications. However, their performance relies heavily on the properties of the microporous layer, which plays a crucial role in transporting and distributing the components in the fuel cell. To date, the potential for optimising the microporous layer material structural parameters to enhance the fuel cell performance remains largely unexplored. This study aims to fill this research gap by conducting a comprehensive investigation of the effects of different microporous layer material structural parameters on the heat and mass transfer in the membrane electrode assembly. MATLAB was used for optimising the performance of the fuel cell components. The results show that increasing the microporous layer thickness from 5 to 50 μm significantly affects the species transport, leading to a substantial reduction in the molar fraction of H2 and O2 at the electrochemical reaction sites. Furthermore, the distribution of the liquid water saturation inside the fuel cell is influenced by the porosity and permeability of the microporous layer. By increasing the porosity from 0.3 to 0.6, the liquid water saturation at the interface of the catalyst layer and microporous layer decreases by 0.52 % and 1.12 % at output voltages of 0.5 V and 0.7 V, respectively. This reduction enhances the efficiency of internal water transport. Moreover, reducing the permeability of the microporous layer from 2 × 10-12 to 1 × 10-13 at 0.5 V and 0.7 V leads to an increase in liquid water saturation at the interface of the proton exchange membrane and the catalyst layer by 1.49 % and 0.74 %, respectively, causing hindrance to the transport of internal liquid water. This study provides valuable insights into the interplay between the properties of the microporous layer material properties and heat and mass transfer characteristics in proton exchange membrane fuel cell.Design & Construction Managemen
Capture and subtype identification of circulating tumor cells using a hyperuniform-patterned microchip
Full text linkA microfluidic chip (microchip) is a technology that brought the lab change from macro system to the micro system. This technology makes it possible for researchers to do experiments in a device with at least one dimension on the micrometer scale. The demand for accuracy and high throughput chips is increasing with more and more applications people found in different device designs. With the digital simulation and 3D printing method, the new chip designs can be easily modified to meet the additional requirements. One critical application of microchips is separating and identifying circulating tumor cells (CTCs). CTCs separated from the patient blood can give a clearer condition for clinic diagnosis.
The primary purpose of this dissertation is to design and fabricate a new microchip with the characteristic of hyperuniform (HU) and apply this new design to CTC separation and label-free identification.
In Chapter 2, a three-dimensional (3D) printed microscope mask alignment adapter (MMAA) was designed that can be compatible with regular optical microscopes and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure systems. Then the optimized MMAA was tested by 2 and 4 layers of the 3D structures. The results showed a successful fabrication of the multilayer microstructure and can be used in designing the microchips.
In Chapter 3, a HU patterned post microchip (HU-chip) was designed. Then a CFD simulation was used to discover the flow conditions. Several tests, including the vector-formed and angular averaged spectral analysis of ordered lattice, random, and HU configurations, were made to further identify the flow pattern generated by the HU-chip. The results proved that the flow field, which has the characteristic of hyperuniform, can be generated under relevant low post packing fraction and flow rate. This unique flow pattern created by HU-chip was then applied in CTCs capture.
In Chapter 4, HU-chips were made and applied in CTCs capture, and the results show the potential of CTC subtype identification. Multiple CTC cell lines were captured in HU-chip with good capture efficiency. Then, force and shear analyses were performed. And a database was built to match the locations in the HU-chip with the capture locations and related physical properties.
In Chapter 5, a CTC subtype prediction model was built. Based on the locations, several visualized features from the experiment and simulation were found and used as the factors in the model. The final prediction accuracy of this model was 80%, with a specificity of 90%.
In Chapter 6, the main conclusions, and scientific contributions of this dissertation, are followed by a list of recommendations for future study.Restricted until 06/2023. To request the author grant access, click on the PDF link to the left
Application of polarized, polychromatic, incoherent and low energy light in physiotherapeutic practice
Full text linkУвод: Използването на естествената светлина с лечебна цел е известно още в древен Египет и е прилагано от бащата на медицината Хипократ. В последните години във физиотерапевтичната практика навлизат светлинни източници с различни параметри и възможности. Един от тях е апаратът Биоптрон, генериращ поляризирана, полихроматична, некохерентна и нискоенергийна светлина Цел: Да се представят възможностите на поляризираната полихроматична некохерентна нискоенергийна светлина за лечение на някои често срещани заболявания във физиотерапевтичната практика. Материал и методи: Анализ на литературни източници. Резултати:Полихроматичната поляризирана светлина излъчвана от апарата Биоптрон е надежно и лесно приложимо консервативно средство, намиращо широко приложение в ежедневната физиотерапевтична пректика. Убедителните резултати относно ефективността на метода, получени от редица клинични проучвания ни дават основание да препоръчаме матода за приложение в рутиннната практика. Изводи: Високата терапевтична ефективност, неинвазивното въздействие и отсъствието на странични ефекти при приложение на полихроматичната поляризирана светлина, позволява апаратът Биоптрон да бъде препоръчан за широко използване, както за целите на профилактиката, така и за лечение на редица често срещани заболявания във физиотерапевтичната практикаIntroduction: The use of natural light as a healing method has been observed as early as in ancient Egypt and was used by the father of medicine Hypocrites. In recent years a lot of light sources with different characteristics and capabilities have made their way into physiotherapeutic practice. One of them is Bioptron apparatus that generates polarized, polychromatic, incoherent and low-energy light.Purpose: To present the capabilities of polarized polychromatic incoherent low energetic light as a treatment of illnesses commonly encountered by physiotherapist.Materials and Method: Analysis of literature Results: The polychromatic polarized light emitted by Bioptron apparatus is a reliable and easily applicable conservative treatment, used frequently in the physiotherapy practice. The convincing results about the effectives of the method gathered by a number of clinical studies together have given us the confidence to recommend Bioptron apparatus to be used in the general physiotherapeutic practice.Conclusion: The high therapeutic effectiveness, the noninvasive approach and the lack of side effects, makes Bioptron apparatus suitable to be recommended for wide adoption not only as way of prophylaxis but also as a treatment for a number of illnesses commonly encountered by physiotherapists
Risk Management for Crude Oil Futures: An Optimal Stopping-Timing Approach
No full textTiming the selling of crude oil futures to control risk is a worth studying question given the swift fall of their prices. This paper proposes an optimal stopping model to find the optimal selling time at the beginning of the downtrend. The model depends on the crude oil futures prices drawdown and the boundary to identify the occurrence of downtrend in real-time. The numerical simulation and empirical analyses help verify the effectiveness of the proposed optimal stopping time model, especially, in 2007, when the model can effectively avoid losses. The conclusions of the paper provide a new perspective for investors to control risk. \textcopyright 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature
Research on shutdown purge characteristics of proton exchange membrane fuel cells: Purge parameters conspicuity and residual water
No full textThis paper comprehensively investigates the purge mechanism of proton exchange membrane fuel cells during the shutdown process, which qualitatively examines the effect of purge parameters (including current density, stoichiometric ratio, and relative humidity) on water content variation, and further quantitatively investigates the remaining water content post-purge. In contrast to previous studies, this paper offers a novel perspective on analyzing the purge process and conducts a thorough examination of residual water content. This study presents a transient, isothermal, two-phase flow model for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, which is subsequently validated experimentally. Results indicate that the significance of purge parameters follows the descending order: stoichiometric ratio, relative humidity, and current density. During the purge, the stoichiometric ratio should be rapidly increased to above 9. Each incremental rise in the stoichiometric ratio from 6 to 14 leads to a respective reduction in residual membrane water content after purge of 2.19 %, 1.57 %, 1.18 %, 0.93 %, 0.76 %, 0.63 %, 0.53 %, and 0.46 %. Similarly, it is recommended to swiftly decrease relative humidity to below 40 %. Elevating the purge current density from 20 to 200 mA/cm2 decreases the time required to completely remove liquid water from 20.24 s to 6.59 s. Hence, employing a higher current density at the onset of the purge facilitates quicker removal of liquid water, albeit resulting in an increase in residual membrane water content post-purge, from 3.17 to 3.70. In summary, optimizing the purge strategy requires adjusting purge current densities according to the specific purge stage.Design & Construction Managemen
Place of the physical factors in treating children with tonsillar hypertrophy and the associated with it symptoms of sleep disordered breathing
Full text linkВъведение:Тонзиларната хипертрофия е едно от най-често срещаните страдания в детската възраст. Традиционното лечение е свързано с прием на редица медикаменти. За съжаление ефектът е краткотраен, което налага търсенето на нови по-ефективни и ненатоварващи организма методи за лечение.Цел: Проучване на ефективността на комплекс от физикални фактори за повлияване на тонзиларната хипертрофия при деца и свързаните с нея симптоми на нарушено нощно дишане (SDB).Материал и методи: В проучването се включиха 50 деца на възраст 3 - 10 год с тонзиларна хипертрофия степен 3 +,4 + и няколко от симптомите на нарушено нощно дишане (SDB) , преминали през сектора по физиотерапия и рехабилитация към ДКЦ „Св.Марина` Варна. Проведена е терапия с ултразвук и поляризирана, полихроматична, некохерентна, нискоенергийна светлина.Резултати: При 78% .от изследваните деца се наблюдава значителното намаляване на големината на небните тонзили до степени вариация на нормата, което корелира с намаляне на симптомите на SDB (p<0,001). Положителната тенденция, която се наблюдава по отношение на проследяваните параметри ни дава основание да смятаме, че приложеното физиотерапевтично лечение е подходящо като алтернатива на медкаментозното лечение, там където е възможно или като съпътстваща терапия за повишаване на ефективността и при деца с тонзиларна хипертрофия.Заключение: Разработената ФТ методика освен за лечение, може да се използва и като профилактична мярка при често боледуващи деца, които са рискови за развитие на тонзиларна хипертрофия, с цел превенция на SDB синдрома.Introduction: Tonsillar hypertrophy is one of the most common illnesses among children. The tradition- al treatment involves a series of different drugs. Un- fortunately, the effect is often short-lived, and that re- quires finding other more effective methods that are not so hard on the body.Goal: To study the effectiveness of a complex of physical factors in treating tonsillar hyperplasia in children and the associated with it symptoms of sleep disordered breathing (SDB).Materials and methods: 50 children 3-10 years old diagnosed with tonsillar hypertrophy level 3+,4+ and one or several symptoms of SDB with or without behavioral issues, that have gone through the physio- therapy ward with Medical center `Sv. Marina` Var- na. Therapy with ultrasound and polarized, polychro- matic, incoherent low energy light has been carried out.Results: 78% of the participating children exhib- ited a notable decrease in the size of the tonsils that correlates with a reduction of the symptoms of SDB (p<0.001). The positive results observed in the tracked parameters gives us ground to think , that the applied physiotherapeutic treatment can serve as an alternative to the drug based treatment, when possible or be carried out alongside it as a means of increasing effec- tiveness in children with tonsillar hypertrophy.Conclusion: The developed physiotherapeutically methods can not only serve as a means of treatments, but can also be used as a means of prophylaxis in chil- dren that have a higher risk of developing tonsillar hy- pertrophy, to prevent further development of SDB
