ABSTRACT
With the rapid development of 3D printing, it is widely used in the field of cranio-maxillofacial surgery. Through the individualized production of 3D printing, the backward mode of traditional production relying on manual shaping has been changed to meet the needs of different patients. However, as no clear specification exists for the performance requirements of 3D printing metal powder for cranio-maxillofacial surgery, its long-term development is not feasible. In this paper, the preparation technologies of 3D printing metal powder for cranio-maxillofacial prostheses (i.e., gas atomization, rotating electrode atomization, and radio frequency plasma spheroidization) and 3D printing forming technologies (i.e., selective laser melting, electron beam selective melting, and laser-engineered net shaping) are introduced. The performance requirements of 3D printing metal powder for cranio-maxillofacial prostheses are then summarized according to the characteristics of the preparation and forming technologies described.
Subject(s)
Humans , Lasers , Maxillofacial Prosthesis , Metals , Powders , Printing, Three-DimensionalABSTRACT
Introduction/Aim: Malaria is a major public health problem and can lead to fatal consequences within few days if not diagnosed and promptly treated. The aim of this study was to determine the malaria parasite prevalence and assess the performance characteristics of the Partec CyScope® rapid diagnostic test (RDT) in Tole. Experimental Design, Place and Duration of Study: The study was a cross-sectional survey, carried out in Tole, Southwest Cameroon in July 2014. Methodology: A total of 231 children were studied. Information on demographic data, temperature and malaria risk factors was recorded. Capillary blood was collected by finger pricking. Thick and thin blood films were prepared for malaria parasite detection and speciation. Ten μL of blood was added unto the DAPI coated slides and read under the Partec CyScope®. Haemoglobin values were determined. Results and Conclusion: The overall prevalences of malaria parasites, fever and anaemia were 66.2%, 35.9% and 86.6% respectively. Although not statistically significant, malaria parasite prevalence was highest in children aged 1 – 5 years, higher in females, those that had stagnant water and bushes around their homes as well as those who did not use insecticide-treated bed nets and insecticide residual spraying when compared with their respective counterparts. Overall geometric mean parasite density (GMPD) was 3691 (range = 100 - 48000) parasites/μL of blood). GMPD was significantly higher (P = 0.03) in febrile than afebrile children. Prevalence of anaemia was significantly higher (P = 0.01) in malaria positive (68.5%) than negative (45.2%) children. More cases of infections were detected by light microscopy than by Partec CyScope®. The sensitivities and specificities of Partec CyScope® were 87.6% (CI = 81.4-91.1%) and 94.9% (CI = 87.5-98.0%) respectively while the positive and negative predictive values were 97.1% and 79.6% respectively. Partec CyScope® can therefore be used for mass malaria surveillance.
ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and density of malaria parasites in asymptomatic school children in Mutengene and evaluate the performance characteristics of the ‘CareStartTM Malaria HRP2 pf (CAT NO: G0141, ACCESSBIO)’ rapid diagnostic test (RDT) using light microscopy as a gold standard. Study Design: The study was a cross-sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Mutengene, from February to March, 2013. Methodology: A total of 406 pupils were studied. Demographic data was taken for each child and capillary blood was collected. Blood films were prepared for the assessment of parasite density and speciation. A drop of blood was used on the RDT to determine the malaria status. Results: The mean age at 95% confidence interval (CI) was 8 ± 2 years (range = 4 -15 years) and the overall prevalence of malaria was 39.9% (162) by microscopy. The geometric mean parasite density (GMPD) was 2332.7 parasites/µL (range: 218 - 16000). Only 386 pupils were examined by both methods. More pupils were positive by microscopy (40.9%, CI = 36.1 - 45.9) than by RDT (27.9%, CI = 23.7 - 32.7) and the difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 16.1, P <0.0001). The majority of those detected had high infection (≥ 5000 parasite/µL). Less than 50% of those with low (25.0%, CI = 12.0 - 44.9), moderate (40.7%, CI = 32.24-49.70) and high parasitaemia (75%, CI = 5.00-89.82) were positive by RDT and the difference was significant (χ2 = 10.09, P = 0.006). The RDT showed a low sensitivity of 48.5% (CI = 40.3 – 56.9%) and specificity of 84.0% (CI = 80.0- 88.2%). Conclusion: More research needs to be done on the RDT to improve on its performance characteristics before it could be used in mass surveillance programmes.
ABSTRACT
Human physiological parameters and performance depend on circadian rhythm. However, no information exists about diurnal variation of musicians’ performance characteristics. In a pilot study 6 professional violinists (aged 38–57 years) presented a standard piece of music (Johann Sebastian Bach, Partita Nr. 2 a-moll, BWV 1004, 4. Satz „Gigure”) and were assessed for body temperature, vital signs and musical performance criteria at 8.00 H, 12.00 H, 16.00 H and 20.00 H. There was no uniform variation but artistic presentation appear to have an optimum between 12.00 and 16.00 H, sound instability being most pronounced in the morning hours.
ABSTRACT
El rendimiento académico es reconocido por su capacidad clasificatoria y su vinculación con la promoción y evaluación del estudiante y se denomina con objetividad a través de la nota y el promedio académico. Esta condición se considera como no válida, en tanto el hecho se encuentra atravesado por características subjetivas y sociales que lo convierten en un fenómeno. El texto muestra las características diferenciales y subjetivas de los estudiantes según su rendimiento, se enfoca en factores de tipo orgánico, cognitivo y psicológico y muestra las diferencias significativas en recursos y deficiencias entre los estudiantes de alto, medio y bajo rendimiento y fracaso escolar.
The academic performance is recognized for his qualifying ability and its relationship to the promotion and student assessment. It is objectively denominated through the note and the academic performance. This condition is considered as not valid, while the fact is crossed by subjective and social characteristics that make it a phenomenon. This article shows the differential and subjective characteristics of students according to their performance, it focuses on factors such as organic, psychological and cognitive. Analysis shows significant differences in resources and gaps between high, medium and low performance students.