Performance evaluation of ductless personalized ventilation in comparison with desk fans using numerical simulations

The performance of ductless personalized ventilation (DPV) was compared to the performance of a typical desk fan since they are both stand-alone systems that allow the users to personalize their indoor environment. The two systems were evaluated using a validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of an office room occupied by two users. To investigate the impact of DPV and the fan on the inhaled air quality, two types of contamination sources were modelled in the domain: an active source and a passive source. Additionally, the influence of the compared systems on thermal comfort was assessed using the coupling of CFD with the comfort model developed by the University of California, Berkeley (UCB model). Results indicated that DPV performed generally better than the desk fan. It provided better thermal comfort and showed a superior performance in removing the exhaled contaminants. However, the desk fan performed better in removing the contaminants emitted from a passive source near the floor level. This indicates that the performance of DPV and desk fans depends highly on the location of the contamination source. Moreover, the simulations showed that both systems increased the spread of exhaled contamination when used by the source occupant

The Impact of poor glycaemic control on the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in men with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review.

To determine the impact of poor glycaemic control on the prevalence of erectile dysfunction among men with type 2 Diabetics aged 27 to 85 years.The databases Embase classic+Embase, Global health, Ovid Medline and PsychINFO, were searched for relevant studies in June 2014 using the keywords: (Diabetes Mellitus OR diabetes mellitus type2 OR DM2 OR T2DM OR insulin resistance) AND (erectile dysfunction OR sexual dysfunction OR impotence) AND glycaemic control.All study settings were considered (primary care, secondary care and tertiary care setting).Type 2 Diabetic Patients with erectile dysfunction.Included studies must include one of the following outcomes: (1) HBA1c for assess the level of glycaemic control; (2) Erectile dysfunction (any stage: IIEF-5 = 21 or less).Five cross-sectional studies involving 3299 patients were included. The findings pointed to a positive association between erectile dysfunction and glycaemic control. Three studies showed a significant positive association, while one study showed only a weak correlation and one study showed borderline significance. Patients age, diabetes mellitus duration, peripheral neuropathy and body mass index had positive association with erectile dysfunction. However, smoking and hypertension were not associated with erectile dysfunction in most included studies. Physical activity had a protective effect against erectile dysfunction.We may conclude that the risk of erectile dysfunction is higher in type 2 diabetic men with poor glycaemic control than those with good control

Hidradenoma masquerading digital ganglion cyst:a rare phenomenon

Introduction: Mucous cyst is the commonest soft tissue tumor in the dorsum of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) of the finger. We report the first case of a recurring eccrine tumor (nodular hidradenoma), mimicking a mucous/ganglion cyst, on the dorsum of the DIPJ. Case report: A 54 year old man presented with painless, hemispherical, colored swelling on the dorsum of his right middle finger (dominant hand), which appeared to have recurred from a previous surgery. The lesion was excised and operative findings from the medical notes showed the gross appearance to be a soft, white, glistening, smooth-surfaced, myxoid nodule resembling a “ganglion cyst”. Immunohistochemistry showed the tumour to be positive for S100, smooth muscle actin and cytokeratin 7. Ductal differentiation was confirmed by staining for epithelial membrane antigen and carcinoembryonic antigen. The histological features were that of atypical and solid cystic hidradenoma. Discussion: This is the first reported case of this rare tumour presenting as mucous cyst. We conduct a review of the literature of nodular hidradenomas, illustrating the immunohistologic findings in this tumour to emphasise the atypical features.We emphasise the importance of considering hidradenoma in the differential diagnosis of such lesions of the finger, in view of its high recurrence rate and the possibility of malignant transformation

Creative Psychotherapy, Including Art. A module For Pluralistic identities and a case study from an artist\u27s perspective.

This thesis investigates the complexities of pluralistic identities, focusing on Arab Muslims in non-Muslim countries and Westerners residing in the Arabian Gulf. Grounded in the author’s dual heritage as an Arab Muslim artist and psychological practitioner, this study offers a distinctive perspective informed by lived experience. The author’s unique background, shaped by a Saudi Arabian birthplace and upbringing in the United Kingdom, serves as a foundation for this multidisciplinary research.The study aims to develop a creative psychotherapy module integrating art-making as a therapeutic technique to address the mental health challenges faced by individuals with pluralistic identities. These challenges, arising from the interplay of cultural, religious, and social dynamics, necessitate culturally sensitive and adaptive interventions. By addressing underexplored demographics, such as Arab Muslims in the UK, this research fills a critical gap and provides nuanced insights into their mental health experiences.Utilising qualitative methodologies—including grounded theory, self-reflective and observed case studies, and first-hand data—the research highlights the transformative potential of art-making in exploring identity, resolving inner conflicts, and improving therapeutic outcomes. Central to the study is the development of a culturally sensitive toolkit featuring prompts and visual tools to facilitate dialogue and creative expression in therapeutic contexts. The inclusion of a mirrored Arabic version further extends its applicability, addressing linguistic and cultural barriers in mental health services. While the toolkit complements existing art therapy practices, it also introduces a novel approach by bridging traditional methods with cultural specificity.Though challenges such as limited data on Muslim-Arabs in the UK and difficulties in securing clinical testing emerged, these highlight areas for future exploration. The thesis underscores the need for expanded testing, collaboration with licensed practitioners, and the integration of advanced technologies like Metaverse VR psychotherapy sessions to enhance accessibility and adaptability.Ultimately, this research demonstrates the transformative power of art-making in navigating identity complexities and improving mental health outcomes. It contributes meaningfully to the discourse on culturally informed therapeutic practices, offering innovative tools for diverse populations with pluralistic identities

BlueBot: A Case Study In Conversational AI Using Scripted Chatbots

In the past decade, chatbots, with the use of artificial intelligence (AI), have become more advanced in terms of data size and natural language processing (NLP). A chatbot is a program which receives input from a user, and outputs the requested information. They have many flexible use cases, ranging from industrial support systems to healthcare education. With the use of NLP, chatbots are able to understand and even mimic human conversation. This case study will analyze a Java-based scripted chatbot intended to achieve a human-like conversation by nesting various predefined topics. Scripted chatbots are chatbots with a predefined set of input and output text set by the developer. Furthermore, the chatbot in this case study will be able to express emotions through an array of images, creating a more friendly, human-like conversation

Neuronal and Glial Expression of GluN2C and GluN2D NMDA Receptor Subunit mRNA in Different Regions of the Mouse Forebrain

N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are a subtype of glutamate receptors that are widely expressed in the brain, where they mediate critical functions. While the actions of the predominate GluN2 NMDAR subunits, GluN2A and GluN2B are relatively well understood, the function of GluN2C and GluN2D in the telencephalon is largely unknown. To better understand the possible role of GluN2C and GluN2D subunits, we used fluorescence in situ hybridization together with multiple cell markers to define the distribution and type of cells expressing GluN2C and GluN2D mRNA. Also, a GluN2C-KO mouse was used as a negative control. GluN2C mRNA expression was only found in non-neuronal cells in the telencephalon (except for globus pallidus). In addition, a significant fraction of astrocytes expressed GluN2C mRNA. In contrast to GluN2C, GluN2D subunit mRNA colocalized with neuronal and not astrocyte markers in the telencephalon. In the thalamus, GluN2C and GluN2D mRNA showed region-specific distributions as previously reported, and both subunits mRNA were expressed in neurons. Consistent with these findings, cellular colocalization of GluN2C and GluN2D mRNA was found in the thalamus but not in the telencephalon, except for the globus pallidus. Furthermore, the type of GluN2D-expressing neurons was examined by colocalization with GAD67 mRNA and found to be GAD67-positive interneurons. Among GluN2 NMDA receptor subunits, GluN2C expression was selective to astrocytes in the telencephalon. This specific pattern of distribution could indicate a distinct function. Since glutamate and intracellular Ca2+ signaling are linked to glucose uptake in astrocytes, a potential role of GluN2C-containing NMDA receptors in regulating astrocytic glucose uptake was investigated using autoradioactive analysis. Compared to wild-type mice, GluN2C-KO mice were found to have less glucose uptake after ketamine-induced neuronal activation. These data suggest that GluN2C play a role in stimulating glucose transport into astrocytes. Taken together, defining the cell-type distribution of GluN2C and GluN2D helps in understanding their functions in the brain and discovering therapeutic targets to treat neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders

ASSESSING SELF-ESTEEM IN UAE STUDENTS WITH AND WITHOUT SPECIAL NEEDS: PILOT STUDY USING ADAPTED ROSENBERG SCALE

Self-esteem is known to be the way that a person values and perceives him/herself. It is affected by many factors and impacts on the person’s life. The main objective of this study was to investigate possible differences on self-esteem between typical students and those who have been diagnosed with special educational needs. In addition, the study explores teachers’ awareness on the importance of self-esteem on children’s life and their recommendations for improving their students’ self-esteem in UAE schools. The study used a mixed methods design and was conducted in two phases. During the first phase a sample of 40 students was divided into 2 groups, one with typical students (N=20) and another with students with an official diagnosis (N=20) and Rosenberg self-esteem rating scale (Rosenberg, 1965) was used to evaluate the self-esteem levels of the participants. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews with two teachers were conducted. An Independent T-test was performed to assess differences on scores between the two groups and findings from this study indicated that there was a statistically significant difference on self-esteem scores between students with and without special education needs, t = 7.03, p = 0.05. In addition, analyzing the data from teachers’ interviews the study provides important recommendations on improving the self-esteem of students with determination in UAE schools which may result to significant improvement in students’ behavior and academic performance

Predicting intention to adopt B2B electronic commerce in Jordan: The moderating role of trust and dependency

Business to Business Electronic Commerce (B2B EC) has great potentials to extend firms’ competency and efficiency. As such, Jordan has an objective to increase the diffusion of this technology. Despite extensive government efforts, the adoption of B2B EC is still limited. Consequently, there have been extensive efforts to better understand the phenomena. Yet, documented findings regarding the determinants of the adoption are not altogether consistent. To provide more insight, this study developed a research model utilizing the Technological, Organizational, and Environmental (TOE) framework to identify the determinants of the firms’ propensity to adopt B2B EC. Since B2B EC is an inter-organizational phenomenon supporting transactions of partnerships, this study emphasizes the context of partnership characteristics. Grounded on inter-organizational theories, this study hypothesized that partnership characteristics, namely trust and dependency, moderate the role of TOE motivating factors. Moreover, given that B2B EC is used on both sides of the buyer/seller relationship, this study examined the differences and similarities in the perception of the marketing and purchasing departments regarding the determinants of the B2B EC adoption. A total of 798 questionnaires were self administrated to marketing and purchasing managers in 462 firms that have large registered capital in Jordan. In total, 114 marketing and 125 purchasing managers participated in this study. Marketing and purchasing responses were analyzed separately using the Partial Least Squares approach. The result revealed that the marketing and purchasing departments do have different views regarding the determinants of the adoption, specifically in terms of the role of Relative Advantage and Competition Pressure. Moreover, the results showed that the moderating role of trust was less pronounced. Meanwhile, the moderating role of dependency was partially supported particularly in the purchasing perspective. These findings have demonstrated how dependence asymmetries between trading partners may change the adoption motivations. They further explain the importance of considering the views of the business partner for the adoption to be done successfully

Could the ductless personalized ventilation be an alternative to the regular ducted personalized ventilation?

This study investigates the performance of two systems: personalized ventilation (PV) and ductless personalized ventilation (DPV). Even though the literature indicates a compelling performance of PV, it is not often used in practice due to its impracticality. Therefore, the present study assesses the possibility of replacing the inflexible PV with DPV in office rooms equipped with displacement ventilation (DV) in the summer season. Numerical simulations were utilized to evaluate the inhaled concentration of pollutants when PV and DPV are used. The systems were compared in a simulated office with two occupants: a susceptible occupant and a source occupant. Three types of pollution were simulated: exhaled infectious air, dermally emitted contamination, and room contamination from a passive source. Results indicated that PV improved the inhaled air quality regardless of the location of the pollution source; a higher PV supply flow rate positively impacted the inhaled air quality. Contrarily, the performance of DPV was highly sensitive to the source location and the personalized flow rate. A higher DPV flow rate tends to decrease the inhaled air quality due to increased mixing of pollutants in the room. Moreover, both systems achieved better results when the personalized system of the source occupant was switched off