Application of HPTLC Multiwavelength Imaging and Color Scale Fingerprinting Approach Combined with Multivariate Chemometric Methods for Medicinal Plant Clustering According to Their Species

In the current study, multiwavelength detection combined with color scales HPTLC fingerprinting procedure and chemometric approach were applied for direct clustering of a set of medicinal plants with different geographical growing areas. The fingerprints profiles of the hydroalcoholic extracts obtained after single and double development and detection under 254 nm and 365 nm, before and after selective spraying with specific derivatization reagents were evaluated by chemometric approaches. Principal component analysis (PCA) with factor analysis (FA) methods were used to reveal the contribution of red (R), green (G), blue (B) and, respectively, gray (K) color scale fingerprints to HPTLC classification of the analyzed samples. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was used to classify the medicinal plants based on measure of similarity of color scale fingerprint patterns. The 1-Pearson distance measurement with Ward’s amalgamation procedure proved to be the most convenient approach for the correct clustering of samples. Data from color scale fingerprints obtained for double development procedure and multiple visualization modes combined with appropriate chemometric methods proved to detect the similar medicinal plant extracts even though they are from different geographical regions, have different storage conditions and no specific markers are individually extracted. This approach could be proposed as a promising tool for authentication and identification studies of plant materials based on HPTLC fingerprinting analysis.

Can intubation be improved with endotracheal tubes marked with a color scale? Randomized controlled study.

Objective: To assess if a color scale in the endotracheal tube (ETT) helps operators to correctly select the size and depth of placement of the ETT and decrease the time required, compared with the usual numeric ETT scale, in a mannequin model. Design/Methods: The study was conducted in 8 centers. Each size of the ETT was identified with different color by size. All experimental ETT had two painted zones: the mouthpiece and an area of 1 cm marked with the same color (to identify where the ETT should be taped above the lip). The operators were trained as part of the protocol using a video. Four clinical scenarios requiring endotracheal intubation were designed and randomly assigned. Each operator had to select the size and depth of ETT based on the BW, and then had to perform 4 intubation procedures. Results: 108 operators performed 432 intubations. No difference were found in the correct placement and selection of the ETT. Median time (in seconds) required for intubation using numeric vs. experimental tube was: for ETT Ø 2.5, 11.5 vs. 8 (p<0.001), ETTØ3,12 vs. 10 (p<0.001), ETT Ø 3.5, 15.5 vs.12 (p 0.003), ETT Ø4 12 vs.11 (p 0.019). Conclusions: No significant difference was observed in the selection and correct placement of the ETT. However, the intubation time was significantly shorter using the experimental ETT. This device could improve the effectiveness of intubation by reducing the time needed to properly place the ETT at mid trachea.

The Cognition Role to Understanding Planning and Architectural Production

This paper focuses on the concept of cognition and its clarification in the light of Islamic epistemology. Knowledge passes through two essential parts: conception and assent. Conception explains simple knowledge, while assent explains knowledge involving a judgment. The paper proceeded with the identification of the problem of relationship blurring between cognition and knowledge. The external and inner senses have explained the relationship between the stages of knowledge and cognition. The external senses receive stimuli and form primary conceptions. These conceptions transfer to the first part of the inner senses, which is common sense; it collects the sensations and transmits them to pictorial power. Secondary conceptions are formed, accompanied by feeling. Then, the estimative power role emerges in imparting meaning to be stored in memory, here knowledge is suspicion, and the perception is achieved. Finally, the images reach the thinking power to impart the specific meaning of the image, which constitutes cognition. Using the Hagia Sophia Case Study, the paper reached important indices in clarifying the cognition stages and understanding of planning and architectural production. These indices were represented by: color, scale, lighting, the harmony of the building with its surroundings, and the meanings associated with cultural, social, and civilized values. Doi: 10.28991/cej-2021-03091715 Full Text: PDF

Measures of Good Hydration Are Associated to Lower Cognitive Performance

Objectives It is accepted practice to maintain hydration to optimize physical performance. However, ranges of hydration conditions on cognitive performance (CP) is not well studied. CP is crucial for both athletic performance and daily activities, therefore the purpose of this study was to determine if variance in hydration status would be associated with CP. Methods 121 participants performed 15 visual cognitive training sessions (Neurotracker, NT) in 10 visits to the laboratory. On the days of training, recent fluid intake, urine color (Urine color scale, UC), and body water (BIA) were documented. Results Individuals with average urine color indicating good hydration (UCmean = 1.72 ± 0.30, N = 67) performed significantly (P = 0.017) worse (NTmean = 1.52 ± 0.34) than those with a borderline dehydrated indicator (UCmean = 2.91 ± 0.55, NTmean = 1.68 ± 0.33, N = 54). Moreover, those with no recent beverage consumption (47 occurrences) performed significantly better (NT = 1.70 ± 0.43) than those who consumed water (NT = 1.55 ± 0.48, 671 occurrences), tea (1.39 ± 0.29, 58 occurrences), coffee (NT = 1.57 ± 0.46, 163 occurrences), and milk (NT = 1.57 ± 0.41, 102 occurrences). Body water (BIA) variation was not significantly associated to CP. Conclusions Optimal hydration may not occur at the highest values of the urine color scale possibly due to moderate hyponatremia and hemodilution that could impact CP. Funding Sources None.

Comparative analysis of the results of determining the color of the tooth by visual and instrumental methods

The article presents the results of a study to determine the color of the central incisor on the upper jaw. Traditionally, the choice of the color of this tooth is the most difficult and controversial. Color determination was carried out by hardware (Vita Easyshade Advance 4.0) and visual methods, which were attended by students of SamSMU aged 19 to 22 years. The obtained results say that it is preferable to use the hardware method based on the digital perception of the object under study and adapted to the generally accepted color scale; this method minimizes the requirements for color determination criteria, is a high-tech and convenient solution in the daily practice of a dentist.

Ergonomic support for the development of a graphic color scale for student assessment of teaching activities

A review of domestic and foreign studies related to the analysis of the role of teacher evaluation by students of higher education institutions is presented. It examines different approaches to building a profile of the levels of formation of competences of higher school teachers. The summary characteristics of professional - activity and personal-communicative qualities of teachers are obtained, taking into account the evaluation opinions of students. A method for developing a graphical color scale for student assessment of teaching activities is proposed.

Skin Color May Predict Intra-Abdominal Adhesions During Repeated Caesarean Section Deliveries

Objective Caesarean rates have increased rapidly for various reasons recently. One of the important reasons among these is medicolegal problems. Our aim with this study was to preoperatively predict abdominal adhesion density by combining the scar tissue morphology formed in the post-caesarean Pfannenstiel incision line and the skin color scoring of the patients. Material and methods Patients who had undergone one caesarean section previously, completed their terms (37−39 weeks) and were under 35 years old were included in the study. Skin color scoring of the patients was performed using the Fitzpatrick skin color scale. Intra-abdominal adhesion scoring of the participant patients was performed using Nair’s adhesion scoring system. Results The change in abdominal adhesion scores was evaluated based on the Fitzpatrick color scale. Adhesion scores per the Nair intra-abdominal adhesion scoring system were found to be 0.04±0.209 in the FP1 group, 0.35±0.662 in the FP2 group, 1.58±0.923 in the FP3 group, and 2.33±0.577 in the FP4 group (p<0.05). These results showed a significant increase in adhesion density with increasing skin color darkness. Based on these results, it was observed that the abdominal adhesion scores and the frequency of depressed skin scar were significantly increased with increasing Fitzpatrick scores (p<0.05). Conclusion The aim of this study was to increase the prediction rates by adding the skin color scoring to the scar tissue characteristics, which have been used in previous studies. The results of this study indicate that the combination of these two parameters may be more effective in predicting intra-abdominal adhesions. Nevertheless, there is a need for studies with a much higher number of patients and multiple parameters to be able to predict intra-abdominal adhesion density preoperatively with greater accuracy.