Rate Saturation Research Articles

The long-term effects of different telerehabilitation programs on respiratory, exercise, and activity-related parameters in COVID-19 survivors: a randomized controlled trial in Türkiye.

The long-term outcomes of different telerehabilitation gains for discharged COVID-19 patients are largely uncertain, and this point needs to be explored. This study aimed to research the effectiveness of telerehabilitation and compare the long-term results of videoconferencing-guided synchronous telerehabilitation and mobile application-guided asynchronous telerehabilitation programs, as well as determine the correlation between clinical and hemodynamic parameters. Exercise programs including aerobic exercises, strengthening exercises, and pulmonary exercises were given to COVID-19 patients discharged from the Kartal Dr. L&uuml;tfi Kirdar City Hospital in Istanbul, T&uuml;rkiye between August 2021 and January 2022, by videoconferencing or mobile application telerehabilitation. All patients underwent programs three times per week for 8 weeks. Lower extremity strength and functional status were assessed using a 30-second sit-to-stand test (30 s STS); physical activity level was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ); pulse oximetry was used to determine oxygen saturation and heart rate; and dyspnea and fatigue were assessed using a modified Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale. Baseline, post-treatment, and long-term data were analyzed. A total of 27 patients completed the study. Significant improvement was seen in all parameters in long-term results with telerehabilitation programs (p<0.05). Especially in the between-group effect at rest (p=0.031) and post-exertion oxygen saturation (p=0.004), there were significant differences in favor of videoconferencing. Oxygen saturation was negatively correlated with dyspnea and fatigue (p<0.05). Post-exercise, dyspnea showed a moderate positive correlation with fatigue (r=0.582, p=0.001) and heart rate (r=0.412, p=0.033), while it exhibited a moderate negative correlation with 30 s STS (r=-0.424, p=0.027) and IPAQ (r=-0.401, p=0.038). Both methods generally provide positive gains in clinical and hemodynamic parameters, but the videoconferencing results were slightly better. Saturation at rest and dyspnea after exertion can provide a brief prediction about the cardiopulmonary system. Our findings are important for individuals who have access problems to the clinic and city center, and can be used for follow-up and treatment approaches.

Human Operator Mental Fatigue Assessment Based on Video: ML-Driven Approach and Its Application to HFAVD Dataset

The detection of the human mental fatigue state holds immense significance due to its direct impact on work efficiency, specifically in system operation control. Numerous approaches have been proposed to address the challenge of fatigue detection, aiming to identify signs of fatigue and alert the individual. This paper introduces an approach to human mental fatigue assessment based on the application of machine learning techniques to the video of a working operator. For validation purposes, the approach was applied to a dataset, “Human Fatigue Assessment Based on Video Data” (HFAVD) integrating video data with features computed by using our computer vision deep learning models. The incorporated features encompass head movements represented by Euler angles (roll, pitch, and yaw), vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate), and eye and mouth states (blinking and yawning). The integration of these features eliminates the need for the manual calculation or detection of these parameters, and it obviates the requirement for sensors and external devices, which are commonly employed in existing datasets. The main objective of our work is to advance research in fatigue detection, particularly in work and academic settings. For this reason, we conducted a series of experiments by utilizing machine learning techniques to analyze the dataset and assess the fatigue state based on the features predicted by our models. The results reveal that the random forest technique consistently achieved the highest accuracy and F1-score across all experiments, predominantly exceeding 90%. These findings suggest that random forest is a highly promising technique for this task and prove the strong connection and association among the predicted features used to annotate the videos and the state of fatigue.

Effects of different exposures to normobaric hypoxia on cognitive performance in healthy young adults.: Normobaric hypoxia and cognitive performance.

Normobaric hypoxia has become an innovative non-pharmacological therapy to treat cognitive dysfunction. Nevertheless, the acute effects of exposure to hypoxia on cognitive performance remain unclear. We aimed to determine the effects of different normobaric hypoxic exposures on cognitive function in healthy young adults. Nineteen participants (13 men and 6 women; 23.7±3.9 years; 172.0±8.4 cm; 69.1±12.2 kg) completed a cross-over randomized control trial with the following doses of fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2): a) 21%, b) 15%, c) 13% or d) 11%. During experimental trials, the physiological response (blood oxygen saturation and heart rate) and the following cognitive abilities were evaluated: memory, sustained attention, anticipation, and reaction time. Sustained attention improved under hypoxia at 15% FiO2 (mean difference (MD) 0.024, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.005 to 0.044 s; P=0.018) compared to 11% and 21% FiO2. During 11% and 15% FiO2, participants showed improved anticipation ability compared to normoxia (MD -0.023, 95% CI -0.042 to -0.003 s, P=0.020, and MD -0.009, 95% CI -0.016 to -0.001 s, P=0.022, respectively). However, reaction time was impaired under 11% compared to 21% FiO2 (MD 0.033, 95% CI 0.008 to 0.059 s, P=0.013). Finally, we did not find significant effects of hypoxia on memory (P>0.05). Severe normobaric hypoxic exposure (11% FiO2) produces detrimental effects on reaction time, although anticipation seems to be improved, compared to normoxia. In addition, cognitive processes of attention and anticipation appear to improve with moderate hypoxic exposure (15% FiO2).

Immediate effect of sunlight exposure through blue glass on blood pressure in hypertensive patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Hypertension affects approximately 1.28 billion adults worldwide, driving the search for integrative therapeutic approaches alongside conventional treatments. While chromotherapy, particularly blue light exposure, has historical roots in traditional medicine and its specific impact on blood pressure regulation remains understudied. So, the present study aims to investigate the immediate impact of exposure to blue glass through sunlight on blood pressure in hypertensive individuals. This randomized controlled trial was carried out with a sample of 60 hypertensive patients, who were divided into two groups: a study group that received blue glass exposure for 20 min and a control group that received exposure to colourless glass. The primary outcome measures were systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen saturation levels. The results of the study revealed statistically significant differences in systolic blood pressure (p=0.006) and pulse rate (p=0.005) after the intervention in the study group and no such changes were noted in the control group. The findings of this study suggest that blue glass exposure has a significant impact on reducing blood pressure and pulse rate in hypertensive patients, indicating its potential use as a integrative treatment in the management of hypertension.

Kangaroo Mother Care on Perfusion Index, Heart Rate, and Oxygen Saturation in Premature Infants Who were Discharged Early and Admitted to The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Control Tria.

To determine the effect of kangaroo mother care (KMC) on perfusion index, heart rate, and oxygen saturation in premature infants who were discharged early and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in the following days. This study has a randomized controlled experimental design and uses a pretest-posttest control group model. This study included infants between December 2019 and December 2020 who were discharged early and subsequently admitted to the NICU. Experimental (n=38) and control (n=38) groups were assigned using the simple randomization technique at the NICU of a private university hospital in Istanbul, Türkiye. Heart rate, perfusion index, and oxygen saturation levels of the experimental group in which KMC was applied and the control group in which KMC was not applied were compared. Measurements of these parameters were made at 15-minute intervals for 45 minutes (0-1, 15, 30, 45 minutes). Data were collected via the Mother and Infant Introductory Information Form, Kangaroo Mother Care Preparation Checklist, Kangaroo Mother Care Physiological Parameter Monitoring Form, and Noninvaziv Pulse Co-Oximetry. Statistics of these data were performed with the independent sample t-test, Pearson's Chi-square, Fisher's exact test. In the experimental and control groups, infants' gestational age (31.11 ± 3.25 and 31.61 ± 3.04, respectively; p = .491) and weight (1778.29 ± 436.93 and 1953.29 ± 345.74, respectively; p = .057) were similar, and the differences were statistically insignificant. Before KMC, there was no difference between the heart rate, oxygen saturation, and perfusion index values of the experimental and control groups (p > .05). From the first 15 minutes after the application of KMC to 45 minutes post-KMC, there was a significant decrease in (p=0.001) and stabilization of heart rate and oxygen saturation in the experimental group compared with the control group. The heart rates in the experimental group at 15th, 30th, and 45th minutes during KMC were lower than in the control group (147.63 ± 11.04; 142.47 ± 11.94; 136.82 ± 13.22 and 153.13 ± 8.73; 154.50 ± 7.27; 154.84 ± 7.05, respectively). Also, their oxygen saturation during KMC was higher than in the control group (96.68 ± 2.08; 97.24 ± 2.18; 97.87 ± 1.66 and 94.79 ± 1.27; 94.66 ± 1.45; 94.39 ± 1.38, respectively). This significant difference between KMC on heart rate and oxygen saturation in the experimental group compared to the control group continued for 45 minutes after KMC. The perfusion index was significantly higher at 30 minutes and 45 minutes during KMC. However, although it continued after KMC, this change in perfusion index was not statistically significant. Kangaroo mother care helps to regulate the heart rate, oxygen saturation, and perfusion index of premature infants who were discharged early and admitted to the NICU in the following days.

Effects of a Combined Method of Normobaric Hypoxia on the Repeated Sprint Ability Performance of a Nine-Time World Champion Triathlete: A Case Report

Elite athletes are an under-represented population in scientific studies, and there are no works analysing the influence of hypoxia in elite triathletes. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of different methods of normobaric hypoxia on repeated sprint ability (RSA) performance. This study was a case study with an elite triathlete who has won nine triathlon world championships. The study used a combination of different methods of normobaric hypoxia. The three methods combined were as follows: live high-train low interspersed; intermittent hypoxic training; and intermittent hypoxic exposure. This study analysed the influence of these methods on RSA performance in variables such as power output, saturation of muscular oxygen, heart rate and ventilatory variables (VO2 and VCO2). The triathlete was measured before the training protocol (PRE), just after (POST-D3) and 21 days after the end of the protocol (POST-D21). This type of protocol has shown that it can lead to an improvement in RSA performance in the number of sprints (PRE vs. POST-D3 vs. POST-D21: 19 vs. 24 vs. 28), power output (PRE 615 W vs. POST-D3 685 W vs. POST-D21 683W) and efficiency of the triathlete. This work may be useful in improving power output and repeated sprint ability for elite triathletes.

Evaluation of photoplethysmography-based monitoring of pulse rate, interbeat-intervals, and oxygen saturation during high-intensity interval training.

Heart disease patients necessitate precise monitoring to ensure the safety and efficacy of their physical activities when managing conditions such as hypertension or heart failure. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the accuracy of photoplethysmography (PPG)-based monitoring of pulse rate (PR), interbeat-intervals (IB-I) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) during high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Between January and March 2024, healthy volunteers were subjected to a cycling HIIT workout with bike resistance increments to evaluate performance within different heart rate ranges. To determine the accuracy of PPG-based measurements for PR, IB-I, and SpO2 using the CardioWatch 287-2 (Corsano Health, the Netherlands), measurements throughout these ranges were compared to paired reference values from the Covidien Nellcor pulse oximeter (PM10N) and Vivalink's wearable ECG patch monitor. Subgroups were defined for Fitzpatrick skin type and gender. In total, 35 healthy individuals participated, resulting in 7183 paired measurements for PR, 22,713 for IB-I, and 41,817 for SpO2. The PR algorithm showed an average root mean square (Arms) of 2.51 beats per minute (bpm), bias at 0.05bpm, and limits of agreement (LoA) from -4.87 to 4.97bpm. The IB-I algorithm achieved an Arms of 23.00ms, a bias of 1.00ms, and LoA from -43.82 to 46.21ms. Finally, the SpO2 algorithm showed an Arms of 1.28%, a bias of 0.13%, and LoA from -2.37% to 2.62%. The results were consistent across different demographic subgroups. This study demonstrates that the PPG-based CardioWatch 287-2 can accurately monitor PR, IB-I, and SpO2 during HIIT. However, further research is recommended to evaluate the algorithm's performance in heart disease patients during demanding exercise.

The influence of the general vibration on the quality of the assessment of the pilot's physiological indicators

The article considers flight safety issues related to continuous monitoring of the pilot's functional state by using means of monitoring physiological health indicators, which is due to the complexity of flight work, accompanied by a whole range of unfavorable factors that reduce the efficiency of professional activity. The article studies the influence of the general vibration factor on the quality (accuracy) of the assessment of the pilot's physiological indicators recorded by non-invasive diagnostic devices in transmitted light. Such indicators include heart rate, fractional blood saturation level, and respiratory rate. A mathematical model of quasi-deterministic general vibration, which is the resultant of individual frequency components of corrected vibration acceleration directed along three axes of the Cartesian coordinate system, has been developed. Mathematical modeling of the effect of general vibration on the information photoplethysmographic signal has been performed and it has been shown that the effect changes the frequency-time structure of the signal and relative errors of the estimated physiological parameters appear – the level of fractional blood saturation (4.16 %), heart rate (4.78 %) and respiration (3.75 %). As a result of a practical experiment to analyze the effect of general vibration on the quality of assessment of the specified physiological parameters, it was found that, compared to the declared error of a pulse oximeter of ±2 %, the errors in determining the heart rate, fractional blood saturation and respiration rate increased by 3.221 %; 2.483 % and 1.906 %, respectively. The results of theoretical and practical studies have a strong pair correlation according to Pearson, the pair correlation coefficients were 0.72, 0.83, 0.76 for the results of measurements of heart rate, fractional blood saturation level and respiratory rate, respectively, which indicates the validity of the adopted simplifi ations in the development of the mathematical model. The obtained results can be used to develop devices for non-invasive diagnostics of the pilot's physiological indicators, functioning directly during the flight.

Multisensory stimulation to reduce procedural pain in retinopathy of prematurity: A randomized controlled trial.

Retinopathy is frequently seen in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and its examination is a painful procedure for infants. This randomized active-controlled trial aimed to investigate the impact of multisensory stimulation (MSS) on neonatal pain during retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) examinations, in comparison with a white noise (WN) and control group receiving standard care. Conducted as a three-arm, randomized controlled trial, the study was implemented in the NICU of a local university hospital. Recruitment spanned from July 2023 to November 2023, with preterm infants (gestational age < 37 weeks) randomly assigned to either a MSS, WN or a control group. MSS components included visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory and gustatory stimuli, all designed to create a synergistic, comforting environment for the infant during the procedure. Procedural pain, heart rate and oxygen saturation were assessed at various stages before and after ROP examinations. Analysis of 90 participants revealed that the MSS group exhibited lower Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) scores than the WN and control groups (mean difference: -2.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.62 to -1.62; odds ratio [OR]: 0.004, 95% CI [0.001, 0.012], p < 0.001). Additionally, heart rates were significantly lower in the MSS group (mean difference: -15.3 beats/min, 95% CI: -20.5 to -10.1; OR: 0.025, 95% CI [0.008, 0.073], p < .001) and oxygen saturation levels were higher (mean difference: 3.2%, 95% CI: 1.8% to 4.6%; OR: 1.12, 95% CI [1.05, 1.20], p < .001) than in the other groups. MSS emerges as a favourable, safe and non-pharmacological intervention for pain management in ROP and similar procedures. Multisensory stimulation can be effectively integrated into the routine care provided by critical care nurses during retinopathy of prematurity examinations in preterm infants. This non-pharmacological intervention offers a practical approach for critical care nurses to reduce procedural pain and improve physiological stability in this vulnerable population.

Effect of Lidocaine on Ciprofol Dosage and Efficacy in Patients Who Underwent Gastroscopy Sedation.

BACKGROUND Intravenous ciprofol is a short-acting sedative with minimal respiratory and circulatory suppression and limited analgesia. Intravenous lidocaine provides analgesia during surgical procedures. This study included 70 patients who underwent gastroscopy with analgesia and aimed to evaluate the effects of intravenous lidocaine on the dose of ciprofol required to produce 50% of the maximal effect (ED50). MATERIAL AND METHODS Seventy patients scheduled for elective painless gastroscopy were randomly assigned into 2 groups: group L (n=35, received ciprofol and 1.5 mg/kg lidocaine) and group S (n=35, received ciprofol and normal saline). The primary outcomes measured were the ED50 and the 95% effective dose (ED95) of ciprofol, determined using the modified up-down sequential method and Probit analysis. Secondary outcomes included induction, operation, and recovery times; monitoring of vital signs such as mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation; and evaluation of postoperative adverse reactions, including sore throat, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and satisfaction scores from endoscopists and anesthesiologists. RESULTS The ED50 of ciprofol in group L was 0.315 mg/kg (95% CI, 0.291-0.342 mg/kg), which was significantly lower than that in group S, 0.42 mg/kg (95% CI, 0.371-0.491 mg/kg). Additionally, group L exhibited shorter induction and recovery times, a lower incidence of postoperative sore throat, and a temporary drop in blood pressure following induction. CONCLUSIONS Intravenous lidocaine during painless gastroscopy reduces the required ciprofol dose, shortens induction and recovery times, and lowers the incidence of postoperative complications, such as sore throat. These findings support its effective role in improving sedation quality and patient outcomes during gastroscopy.

A consistent treatment of mixed‐phase saturation for atmospheric thermodynamics

AbstractIce processes are integral to the formation and maintenance of high‐level clouds and can contribute substantially to the buoyancy of deep moist convection. These processes are represented in modern microphysics parameterisations but are commonly ignored in theoretical treatments of moist thermodynamics. While many thermodynamic variables can be defined uniquely for saturation with respect to liquid water and ice, it is desirable to account for the presence of mixed‐phase condensate, which is common in real clouds. Here, a simple yet novel representation of mixed‐phase saturation is introduced. Using this approach, analytical equations are derived for a variety of thermodynamic variables under mixed‐phase conditions. These include mixed‐phase versions of the saturation vapour pressure, saturated lapse rates, isobaric wet‐bulb temperature, and equivalent potential temperature. A new formulation of the ice–liquid water potential temperature is also presented, together with a method for calculating the mixed‐phase pseudo wet‐bulb temperature and wet‐bulb potential temperature. In addition, two new thermodynamic quantities are introduced: the isobaric saturation‐point temperature, a mixed‐phase analogue of the dew‐point and frost‐point temperatures, and the lifting saturation level, a mixed‐phase analogue of the lifting condensation and lifting deposition levels. Differences between each mixed‐phase variable and its liquid‐ and ice‐only counterparts are quantified across a wide range of atmospheric conditions. A Python library for evaluating these variables, developed during the course of this work, is also briefly introduced.

The Effect of Virtual Reality on Pain, Anxiety, Physiological Parameters, and Postspinal Headache in Patients Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PurposeThe purpose of this research was to determine the effect of virtual reality (VR) on pain, anxiety, physiological parameters, and postspinal headache in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia. DesignThis was a randomized controlled experimental trial. MethodsThe research was conducted in the operating room unit of the state hospital in Hakkari-Şemdinli District Center between May 2021 and June 2022. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, visual analog scale (VAS), verbal category scale (VCS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Application Registration Form to record preoperative and postoperative oxygen saturation and heart rate. FindingsWhen the groups’ VAS and VCS mean scores were compared for head and incision site pain, the mean scores of headache and incision site pain in both groups were found to be significantly lower in the experimental group patients (P < .001). In addition, the difference between the groups in headache VAS and VCS mean scores at all hours was statistically significant; incision site pain VAS and VCS mean scores were significantly lower between the groups at all hours, except the 1st and 2nd hours (P < .001). While there was no significant difference in the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (SAS) pretest mean scores between the groups (P > .05), the SAS post-test mean scores of the experimental group were significantly lower (P < .05). The mean heart rate in the intraoperative and postoperative periods and the mean saturation in the postoperative period differed significantly between the groups (P < .05). The difference between the blood pressure averages before, during, and after the operation was not statistically significant in both groups (P > .05). While nausea and vomiting was significant in the experimental group only at the 2nd hour (P < .05), it was not statistically significant at the other hours (P > .05). ConclusionsVR was found to effectively reduce pain, anxiety, postspinal headache, and increase the oxygen saturation level in the postoperative period in patients who underwent spinal anesthesia. Hence, VR is an effective treatment for patients who have undergone surgery under spinal anesthesia.

Saline nebulizers in treatment of bronchiolitis

ABSTRACT Introduction: This study was conducted to assess the response to treatment and compare the effects of nebulized normal saline 0.9% and hypertonic saline 3% in the management of acute bronchiolitis, a condition associated with multiple complications in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, a total of 60 children diagnosed with viral bronchiolitis in the autumn and winter of 2018 at Ali Asghar Children’s Hospital’s emergency department were enrolled. The cohort consisted of 30 children in the control group treated with normal saline 0.9% nebulization and 30 in the treatment group treated with 3% hypertonic saline nebulization. Demographic variables, symptom onset duration, and initial heart and respiratory rates were recorded. Disease severity was assessed using the Respiratory Distress Assessment Index (RDAI). Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Following treatment, both groups exhibited significant improvements in vital signs (respiratory rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation) and RDAI scores (P value &lt; 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the degree of improvement in vital signs and RDAI scores between the two treatment groups (P value &gt; 0.05). The mean hospital stay duration did not significantly differ between the groups (P value = 0.16). Conclusion: Nebulized hypertonic saline and normal saline both effectively ameliorated symptoms in children with bronchiolitis. The absence of a significant difference between these treatments suggests that either can be recommended for use in the pediatric population experiencing acute bronchiolitis symptoms.

Optical spectroscopy of Nd3+-doped cadmium-rich borate glasses for near-infrared laser applications

AbstractThe structural and spectroscopic properties of Nd3+-activated cadmium-rich borate (inverted) glasses are analyzed for near-infrared laser applications. The evaluation of the optimal glass-emitting sample by the Judd–Ofelt (JO) theory revealed JO parameter values of 4.56 × 10–20 cm2 (Ω2), 2.56 × 10–20 cm2 (Ω4), and 3.84 × 10–20 cm2 (Ω6). The Ω2 value, along with the experimental oscillator strength, suggested that the cadmium-rich borate glass could provide a more asymmetrical Nd3+ environment than other borate glasses like lithium-strontium-zinc, sodium-calcium, and lithium-lead-aluminum. In addition, the quality spectroscopy factor (χ = Ω4/Ω6) of 0.67 suggested that the 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 emission could be more suitable for laser applications. The stimulated emission cross-section (σp), theoretical quantum yield (ηQ), gain bandwidth (σp × Δλem), and optical gain (σp × τrad) laser parameters were close to those reported in sodium-calcium-borate, zinc-aluminum-barium-borate, and bismuth-borate glasses, while the non-radiative rate (WNR) and emission intensity saturation (IS) resulted to be lower. The emission spectra, under 808 nm laser excitation, displayed the featured neodymium 4F3/2 → 4I9/2,11/2,13/2 transitions, being the 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 (1058 nm) transition the more dominant one, in agreement with the χ parameter value. Nd3+ contents higher than 1.4 mol% led to emission quenching due to the increment of the cross-relaxation and/or energy migration rate. Such processes, according to the Inokuti–Hirayama model, were mainly mediated by electric dipole–dipole interactions within Nd–Nd clusters.

Bifurcations on a discrete–time SIS–epidemic model with saturated infection rate

In this paper, we explore the complex dynamics of a discrete-time SIS (Susceptible-Infected-Susceptible)-epidemic model. The population is assumed to be divided into two compartments: susceptible and infected populations where the birth rate is constant, the infection rate is saturated, and each recovered population has a chance to become infected again. Two types of mathematical results are provided namely the analytical results which consist of the existence of fixed points and their dynamical behaviors, and the numerical results, which consist of the global sensitivity analysis, bifurcation diagrams, and the phase portraits. Two fixed points are obtained namely the disease-free and the endemic fixed points and their stability properties. Some numerical simulations are provided to present the global sensitivity analysis and the existence of some bifurcations. The occurrence of forward and period-doubling bifurcations has confirmed the complexity of the solutions.

Nonpharmacological interventions for managing postoperative pain and anxiety in children: A randomized controlled trial.

Hospitalizations and surgical procedures are unpleasant for both children and their parents. Therefore, postoperative pain assessments and management are less commonly performed in younger children than in adults. To evaluate the effects of nonpharmacological interventions on postoperative pain and anxiety in children. In this randomized controlled trial, 160 children were randomly allocated to experimental (n=80) and control (n=80) groups. The children in the experimental group received age-appropriate distraction interventions for 3 postoperative days along with usual care. Children in the control group received standard care only. Each patient's pain was assessed using the EVENDOL pain scale, while their anxiety was measured using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and repeated-measures analysis of variance were used to analyze the data. The children in the experimental group showed significantly decreased pain, anxiety, and physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation) compared to those in the control group. Significant intergroup differences were noted in the mean and standard deviation values of the pain, anxiety, and physiological parameters. The distraction interventions provided by nurses reduced the pain and anxiety levels and improved the postoperative recovery of pediatric surgical patients.

Effect of water saturation in hardened mortar around a steel bar on corrosion considering exposure history

The corrosion rate of steel bar in carbonated concrete is dependent on the presence of water. However, there are few studies on corrosion rate considering the hysteresis behavior, which illustrates the difference between the water contents of concrete in the drying and wetting processes for the same RH. Therefore, this research was done to study the corrosion rate of hardened mortar exposed to various drying and wetting process. In the experiment, thin mortar specimens with an embedded steel plate were fabricated to represent changes in the water state around the steel bar in the mortar. Then, moisture desorption test using saturated specimens and moisture adsorption or dry-wet cycle test using dried specimens that is constant at 40 °C were carried out. The water saturation and corrosion rate were obtained by mass change of mortar specimen and weight loss of steel plate, respectively. The result shows that corrosion was barely observed in non-carbonated specimen but observed in carbonated specimen and the corrosion rate in moisture desorption process was larger than that in moisture adsorption process. In addition, arranging the relationship between water saturation and corrosion rate, constant relations can be seen being independent of process and as water saturation increased, corrosion rate increased by about 60 % and then became constant.

IoT based smart emergency response system (SERS) for monitoring vehicle, home and health status

This paper presents an innovative Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart emergency response system that aims to improve safety and efficiency across vehicles, homes and healthcare settings. The proposed system combines advanced sensors, communication technologies, and intelligent algorithms to provide a comprehensive solution for real-time data monitoring and emergency management. Here, the vehicle device is equipped with temperature, gas, flame, GPS, piezo, and accelerometer sensor and the system can detect accidents, hazardous conditions, precise location automatically notifying emergency services. The home devices incorporate Flame Sensor, humidity sensor, DHT11, MQ-2 gas sensor, MQ-4 Gas Sensor, MQ-135 gas sensor, and intrusion detection to ensure immediate alerts and response to potential security threats. Lastly the health device is equipped with temperature, humidity, stress levels, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and fetal heart rate sensor which can monitor vital signs and detect anomalies, triggering alerts for medical emergencies and facilitating timely intervention. The novelty of the proposed study is it incorporates the three devices, processes the data and automatically notifies the emergency responders for further emergency assistance. Moreover, the system utilizes a cloud-based platform to collect, analyze, and disseminate data, enabling seamless coordination between emergency responders such as ambulance for health and accident emergency, fire brigade for fire emergency and affected individuals. We have also developed a MySQL-PHP-Laravel based live dashboard and emergency response system where both the user and relevant stakeholder will have the access which could mitigate the emergency situation in the quickest amount of time without human intervention. The findings of our study reveals that incorporation of IoT and smart infrastructure offers significant improvement of server response time 3 ms, accuracy > 99% and overall effectiveness of emergency management. This integrated approach not only enhances individual safety but also contributes to broader public safety goals, showcasing the potential of IoT technologies in creating smarter, safer environments.

Effects of short-term exposure to high altitude on cardiac function

Abstract Background What effect does short-term high altitude exposure have on heart function? Can people exercise in the highlands? what changes occur in heart function during exercise in highland areas? This study will explore these topics. Objectives To investigate the difference of heart function between people at sea level and at high altitude, and to study the changes of short time exercise on heart function at high altitude. Methods 36 healthy subjects were recruited to go to high altitude area after underwent exercise echocardiography on a supine bicycle at sea level. They ascended to 3600m within 24 hours by bus.Another exercise echocardiography was performed on the day of arrival.Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and blood oxygen saturation (SaO2) were monitored in real time during both examinations. Parameters such as left ventricular ejection fraction, E/ E 'and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) after rest and exercise were calculated.ΔmPAP /CO was calculated by (mean mPAP at peak -mean mPAP at rest )/(mean CO at peak-mean CO at rest). Results At peak exercise,SaO2,TRV,RVD2,SPAP,mPAP,PVR, ePLAR,RVAS,ΔMpap/CO were much higher at high altitude levels. (P &amp;lt; 0.001); E,A,FAC,ΔS were significantly lower than that of the sea leval; at rest, HR,TRV,sPAP,mPAP ,PVR were much higher at high altitude levels than at sea leval(P &amp;lt; 0.001)，SaO2,RVOT ACT, were significantly lower than that of the sea leval(P &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusions When healthy people are in high altitude environment, the heart function changes obviously. Supine bicycle exercise stress echocardiography can well monitor the heart function changes and provide quantitative data, providing new technical methods for future related research.

Comparing the effects of oral sucrose and kangaroo mother care on selected physiological variables and pain resulting from venipuncture in premature newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care units

BackgroundPremature newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) undergo numerous painful interventions during care and treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of using sucrose and kangaroo mother care by on selected physiological variables and pain resulting from venipuncture in premature infants admitted to NICUs affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.MethodsThis clinical trial included premature infants admitted to 2 NICUs. The sample size consisted of 66 neonates, with 22 newborns in each group. Randomization was performed using the block allocation method. Data collection involved a demographic questionnaire, the neonatal infant pain scale, and a pulse oximetry device. Friedman, Kruskal–Wallis, and Dunn’s post hoc tests employed for data analysis, with a significance level of P < 0.05.ResultsThe use of oral sucrose and kangaroo care demonstrated significant differences in breathing rate, heart rate, and average arterial blood oxygen saturation during and after venipuncture (P < 0.05). Oral sucrose was found to be significantly more effective than kangaroo care. Neonates under kangaroo care exhibited more regular heart rates compared to the other group (P < 0.05). The utilization of oral sucrose and kangaroo care had varying effects on the average pain score resulting from venipuncture in premature neonates (P < 0.05).ConclusionsBoth methods proved effective in reducing pain and improving physiological variables. However, due to the superior effectiveness of sucrose administration, it is recommended as a cost-effective and easily implementable method in NICUs.Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20191215045749N1. (29/03/2020).