scholarly journals The Sniffin’ Sticks Odor Discrimination Memory Test: A Rapid, Easy-to-Use, Reusable Procedure for Testing Olfactory Memory

2018 ◽  
Vol 128 (3) ◽  
pp. 227-232
Author(s):  
Gerold Besser ◽  
Leandra Jobs ◽  
David Tianxiang Liu ◽  
Christian A. Mueller ◽  
Bertold Renner
Keyword(s):  
Test Scores ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Odor Discrimination ◽  
Memory Test ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Olfactory Memory ◽  
Odor Memory ◽  
Identification Test ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Objectives: Neurodegenerative diseases can alter odor memory in addition to inducing quantitative impairment, and olfactory memory can be tested using the validated olfactory memory test with encapsulated odors (Odor Discrimination Memory Test [ODMT]). The aim of this study was to investigate the new Sniffin’ Sticks ODMT (SSODMT), which is comparable with the ODMT. Methods: The SSODMT was administered to 48 subjects (30 women, 18 men; mean age, 34.6 ± 16.3 years). Olfactory function was assessed using the 16-item Sniffin’ Sticks Identification Test. The ODMT was administered to a subgroup of 10 subjects to assess the comparability of the SSODMT and the ODMT. Test-retest reliability was studied in another 20 subjects (10 women, 10 men; mean age, 32.9 ± 16.4 years). Results: The mean SSODMT score was 10.7 ± 1.8 (range, 5-12). SSODMT test scores were significantly correlated with Sniffin’ Sticks Identification Test scores ( r67 = 0.66, P < .001) and were significantly negatively correlated with subject age ( r48 = −0.70, P < .001). SSODMT and ODMT scores were highly and significantly correlated, indicating that the test results were comparable ( r10 = 0.75, P < .05). Test-retest analysis revealed a significant correlation ( r20 = 0.68, P < .001). Conclusions: These results demonstrate the usefulness of the new SSODMT and its comparability with the ODMT. The SSODMT is an easy, rapid, and low-cost tool that is suitable for routine use in evaluating odor memory.

scholarly journals Test-Retest Reliability and Validity of the Sniffin' TOM Odor Memory Test

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 173-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Croy ◽  
C. Zehner ◽  
M. Larsson ◽  
G. M. Zucco ◽  
T. Hummel
Keyword(s):  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Memory Test ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Odor Memory ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Assessment of Olfactory Memory in Olfactory Dysfunction

Perception ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 516-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathrin Kollndorfer ◽  
Johanna Reichert ◽  
Josephine Braunsteiner ◽  
Veronika Schöpf
Keyword(s):  
Memory Performance ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Memory Test ◽  
Odor Identification ◽  
Olfactory Perception ◽  
Olfactory Memory ◽  
Memory Tests ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Odor Memory ◽  
Perceptual Test

To assess all clinically relevant components of olfactory perception, examinations for olfactory sensitivity, discrimination, and identification are performed. Besides the standard perceptual test battery, episodic olfactory memory might offer additional information about olfactory abilities relative to these standard clinical tests. As both olfactory deficits and memory deficits are early symptoms in neurodegenerative disorders, olfactory memory may be of particular interest. However, to date little is known about episodic olfactory memory performance in patients with decreased olfactory function. This study includes the investigation of olfactory memory performance in 14 hyposmic patients (8 female, mean age 52.6 years) completing two episodic odor memory tests (Sniffin’ Test of Odor Memory and Odor Memory Test). To control for a general impairment in memory function, a verbal and a figural memory test were carried out. A regression model with multiple predictors was calculated for both odor memory tests separately. Odor identification was identified as the only significant predictor for both odor memory tasks. From our results, we conclude that currently available olfactory memory tests are highly influenced by odor identification abilities, implying the need for the development and validation of additional tests in this field which could serve as additional olfactory perception variables for clinical assessment.

scholarly journals Utility-Scale PV-Battery versus CSP-Thermal Storage in Morocco: Storage and Cost Effect under Penetration Scenarios

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 4675
Author(s):  
Ayat-allah Bouramdane ◽  
Alexis Tantet ◽  
Philippe Drobinski
Keyword(s):  
Storage Capacity ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Thermal Storage ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Storage Duration ◽  
Maximum Cost ◽  
Pv Inverter ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Variance Portfolio ◽  
Utility Scale

In this study, we examine how Battery Storage (BES) and Thermal Storage (TES) combined with solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies with an increased storage duration and rental cost together with diversification would influence the Moroccan mix and to what extent the variability (i.e., adequacy risk) can be reduced; this is done using recent (2013) cost data and under various penetration scenarios. To do this, we use MERRA-2 climate reanalysis to simulate hourly demand and capacity factors (CFs) of wind, solar PV and CSP without and with increasing storage capabilities—as defined by the CSP Solar Multiple (SM) and PV Inverter Loading Ratio (ILR). We adjust these time series to observations for the four Moroccan electrical zones over the year 2018. Our objective is to maximize the renewable (RE) penetration and minimize the imbalances between RE production and consumption considering three optimization strategies. We analyze mixes along Pareto fronts using the Mean-Variance Portfolio approach—implemented in the E4CLIM model—in which we add a maximum-cost constraint to take into account the different rental costs of wind, PV and CSP. We propose a method to calculate the rental cost of storage and production technologies taking into account the constraints on storage associated with the increase of SM and ILR in the added PV-BES and CSP-TES modules, keeping the mean solar CFs fixed. We perform some load bands-reduction diagnostics to assess the reliability benefits provided by each RE technology. We find that, at low penetrations, the maximum-cost budget is not reached because a small capacity is needed. The higher the ILR for PV, the larger the share of PV in the mix compared to wind and CSP without storage is removed completely. Between PV-BES and CSP-TES, the latter is preferred as it has larger storage capacity and thus stronger impact in reducing the adequacy risk. As additional BES are installed, more than TES, PV-BES is favored. At high penetrations, optimal mixes are impacted by cost, the more so as CSP (resp., PV) with high SM (resp., ILR) are installed. Wind is preferably installed due to its high mean CF compared to cost, followed by either PV-BES or CSP/CSP-TES. Scenarios without or with medium storage capacity favor CSP/CSP-TES, while high storage duration scenarios are dominated by low-cost PV-BES. However, scenarios ignoring the storage cost and constraints provide more weight to PV-BES whatever the penetration level. We also show that significant reduction of RE variability can only be achieved through geographical diversification. Technological complementarity may only help to reduce the variance when PV and CSP are both installed without or with a small amount of storage. However, the diversification effect is slightly smaller when the SM and ILR are increased and the covariances are reduced as well since mixes become less diversified.

scholarly journals Ex vivo evaluation of a multilayered sealant patch for watertight dural closure: cranial and spinal models

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Kinaci ◽  
S. van Thoor ◽  
S. Redegeld ◽  
M. Tooren ◽  
T. P. C. van Doormaal
Keyword(s):  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Resistance Test ◽  
Burst Pressure ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Dural Defect ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Physiological Conditions ◽  
Dural Attachment ◽  
The Mean

AbstractCerebrospinal fluid leakage is a frequent complication after cranial and spinal surgery. To prevent this complication and seal the dura watertight, we developed Liqoseal, a dural sealant patch comprising a watertight polyesterurethane layer and an adhesive layer consisting of poly(DL-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) copolymer and multiarmed N-hydroxylsuccinimide functionalized polyethylene glycol. We compared acute burst pressure and resistance to physiological conditions for 72 h of Liqoseal, Adherus, Duraseal, Tachosil, and Tisseel using computer-assisted models and fresh porcine dura. The mean acute burst pressure of Liqoseal in the cranial model (145 ± 39 mmHg) was higher than that of Adherus (87 ± 47 mmHg), Duraseal (51 ± 42 mmHg) and Tachosil (71 ± 16 mmHg). Under physiological conditions, cranial model resistance test results showed that 2 of 3 Liqoseal sealants maintained dural attachment during 72 hours as opposed to 3 of 3 for Adherus and Duraseal and 0 of 3 for Tachosil. The mean burst pressure of Liqoseal in the spinal model (233 ± 81 mmHg) was higher than that of Tachosil (123 ± 63 mmHg) and Tisseel (23 ± 16 mmHg). Under physiological conditions, spinal model resistance test results showed that 2 of 3 Liqoseal sealants maintained dural attachment for 72 hours as opposed to 3 of 3 for Adherus and 0 of 3 for Duraseal and Tachosil. This novel study showed that Liqoseal is capable of achieving a strong watertight seal over a dural defect in ex vivo models.

scholarly journals Economic Burden of Colorectal Cancer: A Case of Fars, Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 107327482110099
Author(s):  
Abdosaleh Jafari ◽  
Peyman Mehdi Alamdarloo ◽  
Mehdi Dehghani ◽  
Peivand Bastani ◽  
Ramin Ravangard
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Economic Burden ◽  
Purchasing Power Parity ◽  
Annual Cost ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Direct Costs ◽  
Fars Province ◽  
Power Parity ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
The Mean

Among cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Some studies have shown that the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing in Iran and in Fars province. The present study aimed to determine the economic burden of colorectal cancer in patients referred to the referral centers affiliated to Iran, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2019 from the patients’ perspective. This is a partial economic evaluation and a cost-of-illness study conducted cross-sectionally in 2019. All the patients with colorectal cancer who had been referred to the referral centers affiliated to Iran, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, and had medical records were studied through the census method (N = 96). A researcher-made data collection form was used to collect the cost data. The prevalence-based and bottom-up approaches were also used in this study. The human capital approach was applied to calculate indirect costs. The mean annual cost per patient with colorectal cancer in the present study was $10930.98 purchasing power parity (PPP) (equivalent to 5745.29 USD), the main part of which was the medical direct costs (74.86%). Also, among the medical direct costs per patient, the highest were those of surgeries (41.7%). In addition, the mean annual cost per patient with colorectal cancer in the country was $ 116917762 PPP (equivalent to 61451621.84 USD) in 2019. Regarding the considerable economic burden of colorectal cancer and in order to reduce the costs, these suggestions can be made: increasing the number of specialized beds through the cooperation of health donors, establishing free or low-cost accommodation centers for patients and their companions near the medical centers, using the Internet and cyberspace technologies to follow up the treatment of patients, and increasing insurance coverage and government drug subsidies on drug purchase.

scholarly journals Distances between mandibular posterior teeth and the WALA ridge in Peruvians with normal occlusion

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 56-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla Y. Kong-Zárate ◽  
Marcos J. Carruitero ◽  
Will A. Andrews
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Posterior Teeth ◽  
Normal Occlusion ◽  
Tooth Type ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Student’S T ◽  
Mandibular Posterior Teeth ◽  
Digital Caliper ◽  
Student’S T Test

ABSTRACT Objective: The purposes of this investigation were to determine the horizontal distances between the mandibular posterior teeth and the WALA ridge in a sample of Peruvians with normal occlusion and to compare them by tooth type, sex, arch side, and age groups. Methods: 65 dental casts of subjects with normal occlusion were collected. Posterior teeth, except for third molars, were evaluated. The horizontal distances between the occluso-gingival midpoints of the buccal surfaces (FA points) of each tooth and the WALA ridge were measured using a modified digital caliper. The values between each different tooth type within the sample were compared using the ANOVA and Scheffe tests, while comparisons by sex, arch side and age groups, using the Student’s t-test. Results: The mean distances in the sample was 0.96 mm for first premolars, 1.45 mm for second premolars, 2.12 mm for first molars and 2.55 mm for second molars. Statistically significant differences between each of the four tooth types were found. There were no significant differences found between sex, arch side and age groups. Conclusion: The horizontal distances between the mandibular posterior teeth and the WALA ridge increased progressively from the first premolars to the second molars in Peruvians with normal occlusion. The WALA ridge was a good landmark to evaluate the positions of posterior teeth in Peruvians with normal occlusion.

Empirical methods for assessing meaningful neuropsychological change following epilepsy surgery

1996 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 556-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen M. Sawrie ◽  
Gordon J. Chelune ◽  
Richard I. Naugle ◽  
Hans O. Lüders
Keyword(s):  
Epilepsy Surgery ◽  
Intractable Epilepsy ◽  
Practice Effects ◽  
Cutoff Score ◽  
Regression To The Mean ◽  
Neuropsychological Battery ◽  
Reliable Change ◽  
Medical Interventions ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

AbstractTraditional methods for assessing the neurocognitive effects of epilepsy surgery are confounded by practice effects, test-retest reliability issues, and regression to the mean. This study employs 2 methods for assessing individual change that allow direct comparison of changes across both individuals and test measures. Fifty-one medically intractable epilepsy patients completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery twice, approximately 8 months apart, prior to any invasive monitoring or surgical intervention. First, a Reliable Change (RC) index score was computed for each test score to take into account the reliability of that measure, and a cutoff score was empirically derived to establish the limits of statistically reliable change. These indices were subsequently adjusted for expected practice effects. The second approach used a regression technique to establish “change norms” along a common metric that models both expected practice effects and regression to the mean. The RC index scores provide the clinician with a statistical means of determining whether a patient's retest performance is “significantly” changed from baseline. The regression norms for change allow the clinician to evaluate the magnitude of a given patient's change on 1 or more variables along a common metric that takes into account the reliability and stability of each test measure. Case data illustrate how these methods provide an empirically grounded means for evaluating neurocognitive outcomes following medical interventions such as epilepsy surgery. (JINS, 1996, 2, 556–564.)

A Mechatronic Approach to Compact Fluid Disc Valve Design

1995 ◽  
Vol 209 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-125
Author(s):  
G A Parker ◽  
Y B Sun
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Dynamic Performance ◽  
Operating Mode ◽  
Industrial Applications ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Valve Design ◽  
Electromagnetic Characteristics ◽  
High Control ◽  
Fail Safe ◽  
Pilot Valve

The work presented in this paper deals mainly with a mechatronic approach to compact disc valve design and concentrates on improvements to the disc valve electromagnetic characteristics, the diaphragm design and the dynamic performance. A novel diaphragm-disc force motor has been successfully developed incorporating a pair of permanent ring magnets. It has the advantages of low electric power consumption at the null position, dual-lane electrical structure for fail-safe operation, high control accuracy and should be competitive with existing torque motors due to its low cost and simple construction. The research involved designing and testing a prototype disc pilot valve with a dual-lane operating mode. The test results showed that the valve has satisfactory static and dynamic characteristics for industrial applications.

Occupational Sex-Typing by Kindergarten and Fourth-Grade Children

1984 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 795-801 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Blaske
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Fourth Grade ◽  
Memory Test ◽  
Occupational Aspirations ◽  
Kindergarten Children ◽  
Sex Typing ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Job Preference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Male Occupations

Sex-typing of occupations and its antecedent elements have been investigated using different methods across a variety of age groups. Exp. 1 utilized a memory test as its principal criterion, along with a job-preference question to investigate sex-typing in fourth-grade children. On the memory test the mean numbers of sex-typing errors were significantly different; the subjects presenting traditional sex-typed pairings committed far fewer sex-typing errors. The job-preference question also disclosed sex-typed beliefs pertaining to occupational aspirations. The method in Exp. 2 required 66 kindergarten children to supply names to stick figures performing traditional male and female occupations in each of 10 picture cards. A significant number of sex-typed responses were given. Girls were more sex-typed than boys, traditional male occupations were more sex-typed than traditional female occupations, and boys were less sex-typed when their mothers were employed.

scholarly journals Low-Cost Customized Cranioplasty with Polymethyl Methacrylate Using 3D Printer Generated Mold: An Institutional Experience and Review of Literature

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ankit Chaudhary ◽  
Virendra Deo Sinha ◽  
Sanjeev Chopra ◽  
Jitendra Shekhawat ◽  
Gaurav Jain
Keyword(s):  
Polymethyl Methacrylate ◽  
Bone Fractures ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Operating Time ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Wound Dehiscence ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Skull Defects ◽  
Aesthetic Appearance ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background Cranioplasty is performed to repair skull defects and to restore normal skull anatomy. Optimal reconstruction remains a topic of debate. Autologous bone flap is the standard option but it may not be available due to traumatic bone fractures, bone infection, and resorption. The authors present their experience with prefabrication of precise and low-cost polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) mold using three-dimensional (3D) digital printing. Methods A total of 30 patients underwent cranioplasty between March 2017 and September 2019 at Sawai Man Singh Medical College Jaipur, India. Preoperative data included diagnosis for which decompressive craniectomy was done and Glasgow coma scale score. Intraoperative data included operating time. Postoperative data included cosmetic outcome in the form of cranial contour and margins, complications such as infection, seroma, implant failure, wound dehiscence, and hematoma. Results Patient age at cranioplasty ranged from 12 to 63 years with a mean age of 36.7 years. The mean operating time was 151.6 minutes (range 130–190 minutes). The mean follow-up period was 8 months (range 6–13 months). Postoperative wound dehiscence developed in one case (3.3%). Cranial contour and approximation of the margins were excellent and aesthetic appearance improved in all patients. Conclusion Low-cost PMMA implant made by digital 3D printer mold is associated with reconstruction of the deformed skull contour giving satisfactory results to the patient and his family members, at a low cost compared with other commercially available implants. This technique could be a breakthrough in cranioplasty.

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