Alarm Calls Research Articles

Neonatal Gastrointestinal Emergencies

Background: Neonatal gastrointestinal emergencies refer to a set of life-threatening conditions affecting the digestive system of a newborn within the first 28 days of life and often associated with high morbidity and mortality. As such, these conditions require immediate and accurate diagnosis as well as proper treatment to optimize the outcomes of these patients. This condition has the potential to obstruct the flow of gastric content leading to vomiting, failure to thrive, and electrolyte imbalances. Discussion: Gastrointestinal obstruction is one of the most common conditions causing emergency condition in neonates. This condition may occur anywhere between the upper part of gastrointestinal tract to the lower gastrointestinal tract. In most cases of neonatal gastrointestinal emergencies, patients almost always present with vomiting that may be bilious or non-bilious. Furthermore, persistent vomiting may also lead to a more severe consequences such as hypovolemic shock and electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, clinicians are expected to address this problem early while also working to find the underlying etiologies of neonatal vomiting. On the other hand, gastrointestinal bleeding is often an alarming sign that indicates a possible emergency condition in neonates. However, some non-emergency condition such as swallowed maternal blood and cow's milk allergy can also result in gastrointestinal bleeding in neonates. Conclusion: Given the critical time window and the vulnerability of the neonate population, the proper identification and prompt treatment of neonatal gastrointestinal emergencies is crucial to minimize morbidity and mortality. Multidisciplinary management with neonatologists, pediatric surgeons, radiologists, and nursing staff working closely together can provide the best possible outcomes.

Public Awareness and Behavioral Patterns During Smog

Smog is also an alarming signal for health problems in Pakistan especially in the city Lahore. Objective: To find out how the general public feels about smog. Methods: The study was conducted by surveying Lahore residents who drive. This was a survey-based study which included 100 subjects using any vehicle as a mode of transportation. Results: Generally, 2% people used cycle, motorbike 62%, car 13% and public transport 23% but during smog people shifted from bike to public transport and rate of car users were also increased from 13% to 25%. In this survey, 58% of the people came to know about smog through TV channels. Most of the respondents had the symptoms of chest tightness, eye irritation, breathing difficulty. This study revealed that 85% of vehicle users took preventive measures such as kept themselves hydrated (18%), worn mask (58%) and driven less (9%); which kept them away from hospitals during smog. Conclusions: It was anticipated that motor bike, car and public transport users had more knowledge about the causes of smog but none of cycle user was aware that sulfur and nitrogen compounds were the cause of smog (p<0.001). Thus, Pakistan needs to implement future countermeasures for smog.

Protecting FPGA-Based Cryptohardware Implementations from Fault Attacks Using ADCs.

The majority of data exchanged between connected devices are confidential and must be protected against unauthorized access. To ensure data protection, so-called cryptographic algorithms are used. These algorithms have proven to be mathematically secure against brute force due to the key length, but their physical implementations are vulnerable against physical attacks. The physical implementation of these algorithms can result in the disclosure of information that can be used to access confidential data. Some of the most powerful hardware attacks presented in the literature are called fault injection attacks. These attacks involve introducing a malfunction into the normal operation of the device and then analyzing the data obtained by comparing them with the expected behavior. Some of the most common methods for injecting faults are the variation of the supply voltage and temperature or the injection of electromagnetic pulses. In this paper, a hardware design methodology using analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) is presented to detect attacks on cryptocircuits and prevent information leakage during fault injection attacks. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed design approach, FPGA-based ADC modules were designed that detect changes in temperature and supply voltage. Two setups were implemented to test the scheme against voltage and temperature variations and injections of electromagnetic pulses. The results obtained demonstrate that, in 100% of the cases, when the correct operating voltage and temperature range were established, the detectors could activate an alarm signal when the cryptographic module was attacked, thus avoiding confidential information leakage and protecting data from being exploited.

Exploring differences in neophobia and anti-predator behaviour between urban and rural mountain chickadees

Abstract Urbanization is changing natural landscapes worldwide, pushing species to quickly acclimate or adapt if they are to survive in urban environments. Mountain chickadees (Poecile gambeli) readily nest in both urban and rural environments without suffering apparent reproductive costs. However, whether urban-nesting chickadees are successful in these environments due to differences in behaviour between urban and rural birds remains untested. We examined the behavioural responses of urban and rural nesting mountain chickadee females when presented with a novel object (red plastic cup) or simulated predator (imitation squirrel model) at the nest. Behavioural responses depended on both the type of model and the habitat. As expected, mountain chickadees responded more strongly to squirrel models than novel objects; however, the magnitude of the difference in response depended on habitat. Urban birds seemingly ignored the novel object, spending little time investigating, and re-entering the nest box quickly. In contrast, rural birds spent more time reacting to the novel object and alarm calling within 5 m of the nest. When presented with a predator model, the urban birds reacted relatively more strongly (compared to the novel stimulus) than rural birds, spending more time within 5 m of the nest and alarm calling. These results suggest that either mountain chickadees in urban environments quickly acclimatize to the presence of novel objects or, potentially, that less neophobic birds disproportionately settle in urban environments or experience positive selection in urban areas. Either way, reduced neophobia may aid in mountain chickadees’ ability to readily and successfully nest in such habitats.

Bacterial Species Involved in Venous Leg Ulcer Infections and Their Sensitivity to Antibiotherapy-An Alarm Signal Regarding the Seriousness of Chronic Venous Insufficiency C6 Stage and Its Need for Prompt Treatment.

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are a common chronic wound condition susceptible to infection by various bacterial species. Understanding bacterial presence and antibiotic sensitivity is crucial for effective treatment. Methodsː Medical records of 60 patients diagnosed with the C6 chronic venous insufficiency stage were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into an active recurrent VLU group (33 cases) and a first-onset active VLU group (27 cases). Bacterial identification, antibiotic sensitivity, and laboratory markers were assessed. Resultsː Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most prevalent bacterial species in both the study (72.72%) and control (37.03%) groups, along with other common bacteria such as Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella spp., and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, uncommon bacteria, including Providencia rettgeri, Group B Streptococcus, and Salmonella Paratyphi B, and a fungal infection with Candida albicans, were identified only in the study group, while Morganella morganii was found exclusively in the control group. Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed significant sensitivity to several antibiotics, particularly Amikacin and Meropenem. Nonspecific laboratory markers, such as CRP, fibrinogen, ESR, WBC, CK, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, revealed statistically significant differences between groups, indicating their potential as biomarkers for monitoring recurrent VLUs. Conclusionsː These results highlight the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches to effectively manage VLU infections and improve patient outcomes. Further research is warranted to explore factors influencing the presence of uncommon bacteria and to develop targeted interventions for VLU management.

Chameleon inspired high-temperature thermochromic traffic light type photonic crystal sensors toward early fire detection and visual sensing

Fire detection plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety of people’s lives and property. However, most early fire detectors are designed to monitor the current or voltage changes of the sensing materials, which require external power supplies. It is still a challenge to make rapid and accurate noncontact early fire detection in precombustion due to the lack of reliable alarm signals. Herein, inspired by the discoloration of chameleon skin, we developed an early fire warning sensor (EFWS) by coating photonic crystals (PCs) on a plastic sheet with thermal expansion properties. Monodispersed zinc sulfide (ZnS) was coated on the plastic sheet as abnormal detection component for EFWS. Combined with the intelligent image recognition algorithm, the EFWS was designed and gave warnings for 0.9 s at 260 °C. For the first time, a photonic crystal-based non-contact real-time monitoring EFWS in precombustion is developed. The sensing material can be directly pasted on the surface of the detected equipment, and combined with existing surveillance cameras in the detection area, early warning of fires can be achieved. The EFWS system can be used in non-open fire alarms for aircraft, buildings, electrical appliances, substations, and other places in the future.

Adenosine in Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Function.

At the intestinal front, several lines of defense are in place to resist infection and injury, the mucus layer, gut microbiome and strong epithelial junctions, to name a few. Their collaboration creates a resilient barrier. In intestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), barrier function is compromised, which results in rampant inflammation and tissue injury. In response to the destruction, the intestinal epithelium releases adenosine, a small but powerful nucleoside that functions as an alarm signal. Amidst the chaos of inflammation, adenosine aims to restore order. Within the scope of its effects is the ability to regulate intestinal epithelial barrier integrity. This review aims to define the contributions of adenosine to mucus production, microbiome-dependent barrier protection, tight junction dynamics, chloride secretion and acid-base balance to reinforce its importance in the intestinal epithelial barrier.

Assessment of the importance of platelet transfusion in patients with severe dengue: a systematic review

Introduction: Dengue is one of the most important vector-borne viral diseases in subtropical and tropical regions. The World Health Organization (WHO) 2009 classified dengue into three groups: dengue without alarm signs, dengue with alarm signs, and severe dengue. According to the type of dengue, various managements have been proposed. The authors suggest that a predictive factor to avoid a poor prognosis in this disease is to keep platelet levels stable in the patient to prevent a fatal outcome. The aim of this paper is to analyze the efficacy of transfusion of platelet agents in the outcome of patients with severe dengue and thrombocytopenia. Material and methods: A bibliographic search was carried out in the Medline, OVID, and Scielo databases from January 1, 2008, to April 31, 2023, using the MeSH terms. Results: 7 articles were included in the systematic review. A wide range in age was found (18 to 79 years). A minimal number of studies detail the comorbidities of patients in their enrollment. Regarding platelet transfusion, the average number of platelet units used in the transfusion case was 5 (2 - 14). Transfusions of ABO identical and compatible pooled platelets transfusion were found to be more successful in increasing platelets. Almost all of the patients included in the studies had platelets <20,000 at enrollment. One study found a significant increase in platelets after transfusion, while the rest did not find it compelling. No mortality associated with platelet transfusion was recorded. Conclusions: Prophylactic platelet transfusion is not recommended as a routine measure in patients with severe dengue and thrombocytopenia. The uncertainty highlights need to reach a specific consensus establishing the appropriate indications for platelet transfusion and what type of patients with dengue virus would be beneficial.

Priméren jelenlévő pszichiátriai zavarok dermatológiai vonatkozásai

The field of psychodermatology has received increasing attention because psychological comorbidity associated with skin lesions impairs our patients' quality of life, compliance with dermatological treatment and its success. In our review, possible classifications of comorbid psychological disorders of high dermatological significance are presented . Furthermore primary psychiatric disorders of relevance to dermatological practice are demonstrated. We describe their clinical picture, epidemiology and comorbidities.. Lesions that can be identified as alarming signs are highlighted, This will be carried out along the DSM-5 nosological system, with the alphanumeric codes of ICD-10.

The effect of artificial light at night on a nocturnalprimate.

Anthropogenic disturbance is a major threat to biodiversity. An anthropogenic disturbance that is rarely addressed for nonhuman primates is the effect of artificial light at night (ALAN) which is defined by the spread of artificial lighting at night which eliminates natural darkness. Artificial light at night can result from streetlights, or indirectly from sky glow (artificial light that is scattered and reflected back to earth by the atmosphere). Research has demonstrated that artificial lighting causes changes in animal behavior, reproductive success, survivorship, as well as can alter the composition of the communities. The goal of this paper is to explore how the behavior of spectral tarsiers, Tarsius spectrumgurskyae, is modified in response to artificial light. We conducted this study at Tangkoko Nature Reserve on the easternmost tip of the northern arm of Sulawesi, Indonesia. The results of this study suggest that in response to artificial light tarsiers increase their time spent travelling and foraging, left their sleeping sites earlier and returned to them later thereby extending their daily activity time. The tarsiers also left their sleeping trees at lower heights, gave fewer vocalizations and fewer alarm calls each night in response to the additional artificial light. The tarsier's lengthened night might be leading to a change in interspecific competition for food as well as increase the ability of potential predators to locate the tarsiers. Additional research on the effect of ALAN on primates is clearly needed.

Shrub avoidance by an open-adapted ground squirrel in a shrub-encroached environment.

Habitat loss and degradation are leading drivers of the widespread decline in wildlife populations, and understanding how wildlife perceive and navigate their environment is useful for predicting responses to future landscape changes. Small mammals play an important role in their environments, however, many species are threatened by rapid environmental change. The Harris' antelope squirrel (Ammospermophilus harrisii) is endemic to the Sonoran Desert but faces multiple landscape changes due to anthropogenic activity. We fitted A. harrisii with radio collars to quantify resource selection and better understand how further environmental change may affect squirrels. Squirrels exhibited differential selection depending on behavior and scale. When selecting for microsites suitable for burrows and alarm calling (i.e., fourth-order selection), squirrels selected for both cacti and shrub portions of the habitat. Overall habitat selection within home ranges (i.e., third-order selection) showed selection against shrub patches, however, suggesting that further shrub encroachment may have consequences for A. harrisii behavior and distribution.

Graded alarm call behavior in wild fox squirrels (Sciurus niger).

Distress or alarm calls are vocalizations made when animals are in stressful situations or faced with a predator. Squirrels (Sciuridae) are known for being very vocal; however, most studies on alarm vocalizations are limited to ground squirrels. We investigated the acoustic behavior of the arboreal fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) under different conditions. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that fox squirrels modify acoustic alarm behavior in response to different perceived threat levels and that this response is affected by sex and individual experience. Squirrels were trapped, and acoustic data were collected during periods in which the squirrels were alone, approached by humans, manipulated in traps, and handled by humans. Calls were categorized based on acoustic features, and we quantified the call rate (calls/s) across conditions. Threat level significantly affected vocal rate, with squirrels producing more calls overall when alone but shifting the proportion of emitted call types as threat level increased. Sex, capture history, and individual had no effect on call rate. These results suggest that fox squirrels use a graded alarm call response system to respond to threatening situations.

Evaluation of Properties of Concrete Without Cement Produced Using Fly Ash‐Based Geopolymer

AbstractThe use of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in the construction industry is inevitable. The huge production of OPC and its use in infrastructural development pose an environmental impact. Greenhouse gas emitted increases the global temperature and it is an alarming sign to everybody on the planet. Concrete is the most consuming material which is produced by using OPC and it is proven that OPC contributes a lot to CO2 emission. Hence in this study attempt is made to produce concrete by using environment‐friendly material like fly ash along with alkaline activators, which is termed Geo polymer concrete. The by‐product fly ash is widely available worldwide. It is a by‐product of thermal power plants. The use of fly ash in concrete produces less expensive and more cost‐effective concrete than concrete made up using OPC. Due to its high silicate and alumina content, fly ash reacts with an alkaline solution to create an aluminosilicate gel that binds the aggregate and results in high‐quality concrete. Fly ash is finer than cement, it occupies the pores of cement after hydration. This would result in denser concrete which gives higher strength. In comparison to ordinary concrete, fly ash‐based geopolymer concrete offers better resistance to aggressive environments and high temperatures. In the present study, an alkaline activator of molarity 8 is used to prepare geopolymer concrete. The test specimens are cast and cured for 28 days. Test results indicate that an alkaline liquid fly‐ash ratio (0.4) produces higher mechanical properties. Hence, geopolymer concrete produced in this study is found to be cost‐effective and environment friendly.

Diagnosis of suicidal behaviour in adolescents

Relevance. Suicide is a global problem all over the world at the level of cancer. According to the World Health Organisation, humanity commits more than 800,000 suicides every year. Now, the main problem is teenage suicide, as it is considered one of the common causes of death among minors. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to investigate the essence and types of suicidal behaviour, causes of occurrence and features of manifestation of the first alarm signals, to determine the suicidal tendencies of adolescents at the present stage, to analyse the main preventive methods aimed at the correction of deviations of behaviour and attraction to suicide. This paper is aimed at a detailed investigation of the psychology of adolescents prone to suicidal behaviour at the present stage, to establish relevant and effective methods of detection and prevention of negative consequences, preserving the life of adolescent society. Methodology. The following methods were used for detailed study of this problem: method of analysis and synthesis, survey method, statistical method, comparative method, interpretive method. Results. The results of the scientific study theoretically revealed the main determinants of the manifestation of suicide, its nature of occurrence, types and phases, analysed the common motives for committing suicide among adolescents, the main theories of the study of suicidal behaviour, early scientific approaches and achievements, identified the main criteria for recognizing the first disturbing symptoms in behaviour, found methods of prevention and recommendations to prevent adverse consequences. Conclusions. Gender differences of inclinations to suicide were investigated, features of emotional aggravations during puberty period were analysed, statistical data on committed suicides in the Republic of Kazakhstan for the last several years were covered.

‘Our stomachs are still hungry’: The colonial state, African nutrition and small grains in Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), c.1950 to 1970s

By the early 1950s, farms and industries in Southern Rhodesia were reportedly experiencing increasing cases of malnutrition and poor physical health among African workers. Yet, notwithstanding these alarm calls, the government as well as most mining and commercial crop sectors of tobacco, maize, and cotton, were reluctant to acknowledge the crisis – let alone take action. The colonial state and employers alike avoided the additional expense of providing what was then understood as a decent diet for labourers, or wages that could ensure one. Thus, despite increasingly joining the waged labour force, Africans could not rely on employers – instead turning to the support net of African families. Relying on primary archival data, this paper uses the development of small grains – sorghum, millet and rapoko – to re-examine the story of African food and nutrition over three decades during the Federation and UDI years from the 1950s to 1970s. In telling this story, we show the contested social, economic and political impact that diets had on black and white society. We argue that African consumption of ‘traditional’ small grains was central to the social and economic survival of a workforce in crisis. We show how African ways of eating triumphed over the state’s notions of so-called ‘African traditional’ food and their economic ambitions behind controlling their diet.

Domestic chicken hens can eavesdrop on the alarm calls of wild tits

Eavesdropping on heterospecific alarm calls is common in nature, and successful eavesdropping on heterospecific call information can provide benefits to animal survival. Previous studies have shown that free-ranging flocks of domestic chickens can respond to avian heterospecific alarm calls. However, there are limited studies on whether solitary active domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), especially hens with chicks eavesdrop on heterospecific alarm calls to detect different types of predators and adjust their response depending on whether the predators are a threat to themselves or their young. In the present study, we evaluated the behavioral responses of hens with chick activity to two alarm calls (test playback) and territorial calls (control playback) of wild Japanese tits (Parus minor). The results showed that hens were more vigilant toward the alarm calls than territorial calls and that anti-predator behavior differed significantly between the two alarm calls as predicted: they engage in self-preservation behaviors when the call informs about aerial predators, and in protective behaviors of their chicks when the calls inform about ground predators. In the later case, the number of chicks also has an impact on the behavior of hens (dilution effect). This suggests that hens can eavesdrop on the alarm call of Japanese tits, identify predator information in the alarm call, and adjust the anti-predation strategy based on the type of alarm and the number of chicks.

Functional neurogenomic responses to acoustic threats, including a heterospecific referential alarm call and its referent, in the auditory forebrain of red-winged blackbirds

In animal communication, functionally referential alarm calls elicit the same behavioral responses as their referents, despite their typically distinct bioacoustic traits. Yet the auditory forebrain in at least one songbird species, the black-capped chickadee Poecile atricapillus, responds similarly to threat calls and their referent predatory owl calls, as assessed by immediate early gene responses in the secondary auditory forebrain nuclei. Whether and where in the brain such perceptual and cognitive equivalence is processed remains to be understood in most other avian systems. Here, we studied the functional neurogenomic (non-) equivalence of acoustic threat stimuli perception by the red-winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus in response to the actual calls of the obligate brood parasitic brown-headed cowbird Molothrus ater and the referential anti-parasitic alarm calls of the yellow warbler Setophaga petechia, upon which the blackbird is known to eavesdrop. Using RNA-sequencing from neural tissue in the auditory lobule (primary and secondary auditory nuclei combined), in contrast to previous findings, we found significant differences in the gene expression profiles of both an immediate early gene, ZENK (egr-1), and other song-system relevant gene-products in blackbirds responding to cowbird vs. warbler calls. In turn, direct cues of threats (including conspecific intruder calls and nest-predator calls) elicited higher ZENK and other differential gene expression patterns compared to harmless heterospecific calls. These patterns are consistent with a perceptual non-equivalence in the auditory forebrain of adult male red-winged blackbirds in response to referential calls and the calls of their referents.

Clinical presentation and delay to diagnosis and treatment in Mexican patients with gastric cancer.

291 Background: Gastric cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Mexico. Diagnosis is often made at advanced stages, resulting in a poor prognosis. The delay from the onset of the first symptom to diagnosis and treatment could influence the poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients (pts) in our country. In Mexico, information on this topic is limited. We aim to investigate the time delay between the onset of symptoms, histological diagnosis, and initiation of oncological treatment in pts with gastric adenocarcinoma. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the clinical records at our institution of all pts with confirmed histological diagnosis of gastric adenocarcinoma (GC) treated between Jan 2005 and Dec 2017. Overall Survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Groups were compared using Log-Rank test. Results: We included 270 pts with confirmed histopathological diagnosis of GC, 53.3% (n=144) women, median age 58 years (IQR 25-75); 44% (n=121) reported family history of cancer, 39.6% (n=107) smoking, H. pylori infection was documented in 22% (n=61). Symptoms before diagnosis were present in 98.5% (n=266) of pts, most common were: weight loss 77.4% (n=209), fatigue 51.9% (n=140), early satiety 51.1% (n=138), nausea 48.9% (n=132), vomiting 48.1% (n=130), dysphagia 21.5% (n=58), and gastrointestinal bleeding 37.8% (n=102). The most common method for histological diagnosis was endoscopy with biopsy in 86.7% (n=234). The median time between the onset of symptoms and histopathological diagnosis was 4.21 (IQR 2.25–8.48) months (m), between the onset of symptoms and the initiation of oncological treatment 5.28 (IQR 2.86–9.52) m, and between histopathological diagnosis and oncological treatment 0.60 (IQR 0.13–1.21) m. 72.6% (n=196) of cases were stage IV, 14.1% (n=38) stage III, 8.1% (n=22) stage II, 4.8% (n=13) and stage 0 or I. The median OS for the entire cohort was 7.2 m, 3.7 m for stage IV, 17.3 m for stage III, and 84 m for stage I. Median OS for stage II was not reached, and it was 58% at 5 years. Symptoms associated with worse or better survival are shown in table. Conclusions: Reducing delays in histopathological diagnosis from symptom onset could lead to earlier detection and curative treatments. Identifying alarm signs and appropriate patient navigation would enable earlier diagnosis and early treatment. [Table: see text]

Case report on Ipratropium Bromide induced Anisocoria

Anisocoria or unequal pupil size is an alarming sign of a neurologic emergency, especially when the patient is in a critical care setting. It is important to identify the aetiology of anisocoria and consider drug-induced anisocoria as a possible aetiology after ruling out underlying pathology if any. Ipratropium bromide, an anticholinergic drug, can cause anisocoria. This case report emphasises Ipratropium bromide-induced anisocoria.

Fires and fire risk perception predictors on Finnish farms

ABSTRACT The physical and operational farm environment has become more complex, challenging risk management. This study aimed to identify the number and typical features of farm fires and the factors connected to farmers’ assessments of fire risk. The data comprised a subset extracted from the national accident database of the Finnish rescue services from 2000 to 2021 (3,989 farm fire alarm calls) and farm survey data collected in the spring of 2021 (506 valid responses). The descriptive analysis of the fire incident data showed that the most typical fire sites on farms were dairy cattle buildings, grain dryers, and heating plants. Most farmers (83.4%) assessed the probability of fire as intermediate or high. The Bayesian machine learning approach used to analyse the survey data suggested the control of malfunctions, failures of machinery and equipment, and educational efforts were key elements in fire risk management.