Lamb head as a training model for septoplasty and rhinoplasty

Background: Septoplasty and rhinoplasty are difficult operations to learn and teach. Many modalities have been proposed to make the teaching process of these operations easier. In this study, it was investigated if lamb heads were good training models to teach septoplasty and rhinoplasty to trainees or experienced surgeons. Methods: In the first part of the study, 21 lamb heads were dissected according to a dissection protocol and several anatomical distances were measured in order to compare them with human cadavers. In the second project 8 lamb heads were dissected and different preservation rhinoplasty techniques were practiced. Results: The study on 21 lamb heads used showed that the lateral crura were 17.8 x 11.6, average interdomal distance was 8.1 mm, average domal width was 3.7 mm. The average length of the upper lateral cartilages was 31.1 mm laterally and 21.2 medially. The average length of the nasal bones was 63.9 mm and the width was 16 mm. In the second part of the study 8 lamb heads were used to experience where high strip techniques were used in 5 and Cottle technique in 3. Conclusion: This study revealed that lamb head should be considered as an excellent training model for septoplasty and rhinoplasty. Its very low cost, ease of availability, and close similarity to the human cadavers can be counted as the main advantages. This study also proved that it was not only a tool for beginners, but also a very helpful tool for experienced surgeons to try new methods.

Standard Methods for Dissection of Varroa destructor Females

Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman) is known as a major pest of Apis mellifera L, especially in the Northern Hemisphere where its effects can be deleterious. As an obligate parasite, this mite relies entirely on its host to reproduce and complete its cycle. Studies focusing on isolated organs are needed to better comprehend this organism. To conduct such targeted molecular or physiological studies, the dissection of V. destructor mites is crucial as it allows the extraction of specific organs. Here, we propose a technical article showing detailed steps of females V. destructor dissection, illustrated with pictures and videos. These illustrated guidelines will represent a helpful tool to go further in V. destructor research.

Pilot Study on Analysis of Electroencephalography Signals from Children with FASD with the Implementation of Naive Bayesian Classifiers

In this paper Naive Bayesian classifiers were applied for the purpose of differentiation between the EEG signals recorded from children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders (FASD) and healthy ones. This work also provides a brief introduction to the FASD itself, explaining the social, economic and genetic reasons for the FASD occurrence. The obtained results were good and promising and indicate that EEG recordings can be a helpful tool for potential diagnostics of FASDs children affected with it, in particular those with invisible physical signs of these spectrum disorders.

Research@ZaB: FDS Features for Pressure Loading Assessment Within the Context of the Train-Tunnel Model Development

The CFD model of the train-tunnel system, previously developed on proven analytical dependencies, is improved by the introduction of a tunnel cross-passage and the consideration of surface roughness. These additions bring the simulation setup closer to real conditions allowing to explore the FDS features in the evaluation of the aerodynamic effects occurring in a tunnel. Pressure and velocity patterns are obtained for the resulting model of a high-speed train in a tunnel with a cross-passage. The maximal and minimal pressure levels for the tunnel and the cross-passage spans are calculated to provide the data for the design phase and safety assessment. The approach to determine the most loaded surfaces of the tunnel and its inner structures, e.g. escape doors, for an estimation of their operational reliability is discussed. The study shows that the FDS software can be a helpful tool in assessing scenarios where the train-tunnel interaction is reviewed, though its applicable capabilities and set of features are largely dependent on the tasks to solve and need to be accurately adjusted.

An integrative review of literature: virtual exchange models, learning outcomes, and programmatic insights

This integrative review explores English language publications to determine trends present in Virtual Exchange (VE) research over a span of ten years. The review presents a brief introduction to VE, highlights key scholars in the field, and describes various VE models. In addition, learning outcomes and programmatic insights present in current scholarship are categorized and examined. This review can serve as a helpful tool for practitioners new to VE, as well as for scholars interested in expanding the VE research field.

A Guideline and Cautionary Note: How to Use the Belief Update Task Correctly

In 2011 we published a paper showing that people update their beliefs to a greater extent in response to good news (e.g., learning that the likelihood of robbery is lower than expected) than bad news (e.g., learning it is lower than expected) (Sharot et al., 2011). This phenomenon, which can lead to increased optimistic beliefs, is absent in depression. Since then, our belief update task has been used by many others to test a wide range of questions related to belief formation and optimism. Most of these studies are rigorous and well conducted. However, a small number of researchers have used the task inappropriately, inserting new confounds and failing to control for other potential ones. This has resulted in the report of false findings which have muddied the literature and caused confusion. Given these incidents and the enthusiasm for using the task across different disciplines, the need for guidelines on how to use the belief update task correctly has become apparent. The belief update task can be a helpful tool in studying beliefs in domains ranging from climate change to health, but like any other task it must be used properly if valid conclusions are to be reached. We hope this guide will be helpful for scientists who would like to use the belief update task, as well as readers, reviewers and editors who are required to evaluate studies using this task.