bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New directions processing of technogenic waste of the copper industry
Authors: Vokhidov B. R. , Khasanov A. S. , Nemenenok B. M. , Mamaraimov G. F.
Published: October 2022

At the present time, in the mining and metallurgical industry there are trends in the processing of man-made waste that have accumulated over the course of many years. Since the world’s reserves of ore deposits with a high initial content of non-ferrous metals and easily processed ores are currently practically depleted. This is due to a decrease in the volume of processing of conditioned ores and the involvement in the development of industrial waste, refractory ores and off-balance from low-grade dumps. High prices for metals on the world market create a favorable environment for the development of technologies for the extraction of precious metals involving the processing of mineral resources of technogenic origin. The work studies the mineralogical composition of industrial waste from the copper industry in the conditions of JSC “Almalyk MMC”, determined the effectiveness of methods for the selective extraction of platinoids and paid attention to the methods of dissolution, reduction of platinum metals and methods of their purification from various impurities. Based on the study of this topic and the analysis of the results of the research, the authors proposed an optimal technology and complex methods for extracting platinum, palladium and rhodium from industrial waste using selective methods suitable for each metal separately using hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy. Hydrometallurgical methods have been developed for the purification of palladium, platinum and rhodium with treatment, respectively, with formic, citric and nitric acids. As a result of the developed technologies, the possibility of complex extraction of platinum group metals from industrial waste has been achieved. In this case, the end-to-end extraction of all platinoids is over 80 %.
Nanostructured crystallization of casting alloys
Authors: Marukovich E. I. , Stetsenko V. I. , Stetsenko A. V.
Published: October 2022

Crystallization of casting alloys has been shown to be a nanostructured process. Microcrystals of phases in the temperature range of liquidus and solidus, during eutectic and peritectic reactions, are formed from nanocrystals of components A and B of alloys, their free atoms and atomic complexes. Microcrystals of primary austenite and austenite-graphite eutectics during crystallization of cast iron, microcrystals of austenite and δ-ferrite during crystallization of steel are formed as a result of nanostructural reactions from elementary nanocrystals of iron and graphite, free atoms of iron and graphite, iron-carbon complexes. Primary and eutectic microcrystals of silumin are formed from elementary nanocrystals of aluminum and silicon, free atoms of aluminum and silicon, aluminum-silicon complexes.
Nanostructured recrystallization of iron‑carbon alloys
Authors: Marukovich E. I. , Stetsenko V. Yu. , Stetsenko A. V.
Published: October 2022

Recrystallization of iron-carbon alloys has been shown to be a nanostructured process. Microcrystals of secondary cementite of steels and cast iron are formed from elementary nanocrystals of iron and graphite, free atoms of graphite and iron-carbon complexes. Microcrystals of primary α-ferrita steels are formed from elementary nanocrystals of iron and graphite, free iron atoms. Microcrystals of cast iron secondary graphite are formed from elementary nanocrystals and free graphite atoms. Eutectoid microcrystals are formed from elementary nanocrystals of iron and carbon, free atoms of iron and carbon, iron-carbon complexes.
Shrinkage phenomena in silumins when treated with long‑acting modifiers
Authors: Andrushevich A. A. , Sadokha M. A.
Published: October 2022

The influence of various modifying additives on the shrinkage porosity of silumins and the tightness of castings is considered. A comparative assessment of the modification of the shrinkage components in the resulting blanks was carried out. The dependences of the strontium content in the silumin melt depending on the melt holding time are established. The relationship between the level of scrap of aluminum castings and the content of strontium has been revealed. Due to the fact that the level of rejection of aluminum castings due to leakiness does not directly depend on the porosity in the alloy, it is suggested that strontium has significant changes in the mechanism of crystallization of the alloy and the distribution of microporosity in the alloy structure with the formation of a more developed channels.
Progressive Technology for Processing Optical Parts
Authors: Kozeruk A. S. , Filonova M. I. , Kuznechik V. O. , Shevchenko V. P. , Yakubovic T. S.
Published: October 2022

The problems of modern technology for processing lenses for optical devices are noted. Among these problems, the temperature deformation in the process of blocking with adhesive resin has the greatest effect on the quality of parts. It is substantiated that this problem can be solved using a technology that allows simultaneously processing both surfaces 

of the lens blank when it is fixed to the non-working surface using a photopolymer resin that hardens under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. A scheme of a device for implementing the proposed technology for processing parts with executive spherical surfaces, in particular lenses, with their vertical orientation in the processing zone, which improves the distribution of the abrasive suspension during shaping and thereby increases the intensity of stock removal, is proposed in the paper. Mathematical modeling of the nature of the processing of spherical surfaces of parts of optical devices under the conditions of a power circuit has been performed and a formula has been obtained for calculating the friction paths in the zone of contact between the tool and the surface to be machined. The use of this expression makes it possible to identify the optimal modes of lens shaping, which provide satisfactory quality and the level of intensity of stock removal.
Efficient Multi-Layer Wall Panel
Authors: Sizov V. D. , Pavlovskaya A. V.
Published: October 2022

A comprehensive analysis of the multilayer wall panel has been performed. The heat-insulating layer,   the thickness of which affects both the dimensions of the enclosing structure and the heat-shielding efficiency of the wall panel, has been studied,. Reducing the thickness of the thermal insulation layer is an important issue, since the production of three-layer panels is expensive in energy and material terms. The features of using a different number of screens to reduce the size of the thermal insulation layer are presented. An example of the possibility of  a maximum reduction in the size of the heat-insulating layer, when the thickness of the interlayer din cannot be less than 3–5 mm is given. It is shown that the total thickness of the thermal insulation layer will be 0.057 m in the presence of the maximum possible number of screens – 12. For these conditions, the temperatures in the enclosure planes are calculated, according to the values of which the values of the maximum partial pressures E and partial pressures of water vapor e are determined (for the variants of perforated е¢ and non-perforated е¢¢ screens). According to the obtained values the dependences E, е¢, е¢¢ on the temperature in the planes of the fence are constructed. The calculations carried out and a general assessment of the heat and humidity regime in the enclosing structures were confirmed with the help of the compiled program and the calculation of the necessary parameters е and t in the layers of the structure. It has been established that various shielding materials can be used to exclude condensation zones during the operation of enclosing structures.
Improving of Functioning Stability of Current Measuring Elements in Microprocessor Protections
Authors: Romaniuk F. A. , Rumiantsev V. Yu. , Rumiantsev Yu. V.
Published: October 2022

In the measuring elements of the current of microprocessor protection, the controlled values are usually the effective values of the fundamental harmonic of the currents. They are determined by the orthogonal components of the input signals, which are formed by digital Fourier filters. Due to the inertia of these filters, the time for obtaining reliable effective values is one or more periods of the input current, which mainly determines the speed of the measuring element. When the frequency of the input signal deviates from the nominal value, its effective values become oscillatory. As a result of this, unstable functioning of the specified organ may occur at current values that are close to the operation and return areas. To increase the speed of the measuring body, it is proposed to determine the effective value of the current by multiplying its value obtained using the orthogonal Fourier components by a correction factor. To ensure the stable functioning of the current organ, it is recommended to filter the effective current value using a digital moving average filter. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed solutions has been carried out by the method of computational experiment using thedynamic simulation environment MATLAB-Simulink. The proposed solutions provide an increase in the speed of the current measuring organs and their stable operation when the frequency deviates from the nominal. As a result of the research, it has been found that the proposed digital current measuring organ in comparison with an organ based on the Fourier algorithm has a speed of 1.4-2 times greater. In addition, it functions stably both under the condition when the tripping current is less than the fault current, and in the case when the indicated currents are comparable when the frequency deviates from the nominal by ±2 Hz. The proposed digital measuring body can be used in many microprocessor-based current protection of electric installations.
Methodological Support for Assessing Development Level of Logistics Infrastructure
Authors: Ivut R. B. , Popov P. V. , Lapkovskaya P. I. , Merkulova O. P.
Published: October 2022

The paper presents the results of a study in the field of assessing the level of development of the logistics infrastructure of the regions. The analysis of existing approaches and methods for assessing the logistics infrastructure revealed that most of them take into account mainly the transport component of the logistics infrastructure, and the financial and information components are represented by indicators of foreign direct investment in human capital and the cost of logistics facilities. At the same time, the assessment of some indicators is carried out by researchers mainly with the help of expert methods. To assess the level of development of the logistics infrastructure of the regions of the Republic of Belarus for the purpose of their comparative analysis and study of the dynamics, a methodology has been developed for assessing the logistics infrastructure of the regions. In order to eliminate the identified features of existing approaches to the assessment of the logistics infrastructure, the methodology presented by the authors used indicators that describe the development of both the transport and storage, information and financial components of the logistics infrastructure using economic and mathematical methods for processing and evaluating data. After selecting indicators and collecting data on them, an assessment was made of the correspondence of the distribution of indicator values in the sample to the normal distribution law using the Kolmogorov – Smirnov criterion with a check for multicollinearity. Further, all indicators were transferred to one measurement scale and the internal consistency of the indicators was checked using the a-Cronbach coefficient. To test the developed methodology, a comparison was made of the logistics infrastructure of the regions of the Republic of Belarus and an assessment of its dynamics based on data for 2015, 2018 and 2021, using factor analysis. Calculations for all stages of the developed methodology were carried out using the IBM SPSS Statistics 20 program.
Double Fascicular Nerve Transfer to Restore Elbow Flexion Following Neuralgic Amyotrophy: A Case Report
Authors: Chung Kyungmin , Yang Jinseo , Cho Yongjun , Kang Sukhyung , Choi Hyuk Jai , Jeon Jinpyeong
Published: October 2022

Double fascicular nerve transfer (DFNT) involves transferring fascicles from the median and ulnar nerves to the musculocutaneous nerve to restore elbow flexion. We performed this procedure on a patient who was diagnosed with neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) 2 years previously. We aimed to investigate the short-term outcomes and feasibility of DFNT applied to non-traumatic neuropathy. A 63-year-old, right-handed man presented to us with persistent right elbow flexion weakness 24 months after receiving the diagnosis of NA. On examination, biceps strength was 0/5, and shoulder abduction strength was 3/5. Magnetic resonance neurography demonstrated muscle atrophy in the upper trunk. DFNT was considered to restore elbow flexion. The donor and recipient fascicles were then coapted (flexor digitorum superficialis to biceps brachii, flexor carpi ulnaris to brachialis). Postoperatively, paresthesia was reported in the area of ulnar innervation, and the patient complained of hand clumsiness. From postoperative day 10 onward, biceps muscle contracture was identified and on the 14th day, grade 3 elbow flexion strength was observed. We suggest that DFNT may be a safe and effective method to restore elbow flexion in patients with NA.
Three-Dimensional Printed Mesh-Cage Replacement for a Metastatic Spinal Tumor and a Vertebral Compression Fracture: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Rim Jinu , Jang Hyun Jun , Kim Kyung Hyun , Park Jeong Yoon , Chin Dong Kyu , Kim Keun Su , Cho Yong Eun , Ryu Seungjun
Published: October 2022

Harms mesh cages are commonly used in the treatment of metastatic spinal tumors by spondylectomy with cage insertion and posterior screw fixation. These cages are even useful for the surgical reconstruction of spinal deformities with mesh-cage replacement after vertebral column resection (VCR). Mesh cages can be customized by 3-dimensional (3D) printing based on the angle between the endplates for the requisite weight-bearing capacity and fit. This study reports two cases wherein a 75-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman were treated with reconstructive spondylectomy and mesh-cage replacement, followed by posterior screw fixation. The 75-year-old man was initially diagnosed with an L4 metastatic non–small cell lung carcinoma accompanied by a pathologic fracture and severe paralysis. The 63-year-old woman had slipped 13 years before and sustained a T11-L1 compression fracture that was aggravated 6 months before this admission, with back pain and numbness in both soles. Herein, we describe the treatment approach with instrumentation using a customized 3D-printed mesh cage after total spondylectomy for the metastatic spinal tumor and after VCR for deformity repair surgery in the respective cases. Our application of a 3D-printed mesh cage in surgery for a metastatic tumor is the first report of such treatment in Korea. Although the use of customized 3D-printed cages for a metastatic spinal tumor and a severe compression fracture was effective, challenges remain regarding fitting, manufacturing time, and costs.
A Critical Survey of the Rheological Properties Used to Predict Friction Reducer Performance
Authors: Aften Carl W , Asgari Yaser , Warren Sharon
Published: October 2022

Increased interest in correlating rheological properties to the prediction of proppant transport and/or friction reduction performance produces sporadic and isolated experimental evidence. Obtaining accurate results specifically for viscosity, proposedly representative of proppant transport and friction reduction, is challenging and therefore, extrapolating polymer melt rheology to dilute polymer solutions is problematic particularly when applying linear viscoelastic theory. This paper presents a simultaneous, multivariable research approach illustrating how viscoelastic results and hypotheses for anionic, cationic, and amphoteric friction reducers in various brines provide insight into the limitations of constricted variable and experimental range methodology.

Establishing a relevant application window for viscoelastic friction reducers is complicated. Guar gum linear gels are viscous in nature and more approachable than synthetic friction reducers when manipulated for rheological experimentation and field application extrapolation. However, crosslinking of guar gum linear gels results in a viscoelastic fluid of greater complexity, thus even the simplest of linear gels must be subjected to a variety of unique bench tests differentiated by and specific to individual service companies’ field application requirements. Friction reducers’ crossover of storage and loss moduli are dependent upon how the reducers were dispersed and hydrated with respect to brine characters, times, and mixing energies. Furthermore, correlating rheological measurements developed for the melt state may not appropriately adapt to the friction reducer application's dilute polymer state.

Response surfaces were generated for various anionic, cationic, and amphoteric friction reducers with testing variables including brine type, loading, mixing rpm, mixing duration, shear rate, linear shear strain, responses of viscosity, and moduli with corresponding cross over results. Excellent regression was obtained from these complex, interactive response surfaces, revealing the breadth of variability obtained from complex experimentation and validating that studies using simplistic procedures provide limited and potentially biased performance conclusions.

When relating rheology to friction reduction and proppant transport, whether in the lab or the field, and understanding the complexities of polymer absolute dispersion, dissolution, and kinetics indicate that, with respect to performance prediction, limited knowledge is gained from simple polymer make down regimens. This work offers a guideline for assimilating comprehensive studies of complex versus oversimplified, limited scope rheological measurement research and analyses.
Optimized X-Ray Diffraction Analysis Predicts the Swelling Potential of Shales
Authors: Ivanishin Igor , Abell Bradley , Nasrabadi Hadi
Published: October 2022

The presence of expandable clay minerals within the reservoir and source rocks causes many issues over the life of the well. These include wellbore instability and increased mud losses during drilling operations, complications and decrease in production during and after hydraulic fracturing, etc. Existing standard laboratory test methods, e.g., capillary suction time test, do not adequately predict swelling potential. The present work provides the technique to determine the properties and quantify the concentration of expandable clay minerals, thus predicting the swelling potential of clay-rich rocks. A collection of ash layer and bentonite mine samples has been analyzed for the bulk and clay fraction mineral composition and swelling in completion fluids. Comparison of X-ray diffractograms recorded from air-dried and ethylene glycolated clay fractions of ash layer samples confirmed the absence of discrete smectite but revealed the presence of interstratified illite/smectite and illite. X-ray diffractograms of all the ethylene glycolated samples have characteristic complex reflections with two maximas: one between 6.8–7.8°2θ (11.3–13.1 Å), another between 9.3–9.6°2θ (9.3–9.5 Å). Both correspond to the 001 reflection of interstratified illite/smectite mineral, and not a pure endmember illite or smectite. Two properties of this mineral vary among the samples and influence their expandability: (1) illite:smectite ratio in the range 3:2–9:1, and (2) the nature of the interstratification, i.e., the degree of ordering. The shifts of the peak maximas in the regions 6.8–9.6°2θ and 42.0–48.0°2θ are used to calculate the proportion of the component layers. Proposed technique of optimized XRD analysis reveals that the samples containing less illite/smectite mineral, but the higher concentration of smectite layers in this mixed-layer mineral are more expandable. Optimized XRD analysis correctly predicts the swelling potential of a given clay-rich zone (e.g., ash layer) as confirmed by confined immersion testing. Provided technique of XRD analysis is fast, requires small quantities of sample, and could possibly be integrated to field logs in the future. Obtained knowledge can be applied by engineers and researchers working with shale formations around the world.
An Inventory Model for partial backlogging Items with memory effect
Authors: PAKHIRA RITUPARNA , GHOSH UTTAM , GARG HARISH , Mishra Vishnu Narayan
Published: October 2022

In this paper, an EOQ model has been considered where the demand rate is constant for both the stock period and stock out period (i.e. for the period of shortage) and during shortage i.e. stock out period, demand is partially fulfilled at a constant rate. The holding cost here is assumed as time-dependent.The effect of constant backlogging rate and variable backlogging rate are discussed depending on the previous model and present model.Inventory and related phenomena are of agreat importance in the study memory effect.To incorporate memory effect,the model can not be described by the standard ordinary differential equation,it should be developed by standard fractional order differential equation.Moreover,in order to show the relationship between fractional models and standard ordinary first order differential equations,two type of memory indices consider(i) Differential memory index,(ii) integral memory index,equationg two indices to 1,the model would be considered as memoryless model.Different type partial backlogging rate i.e. high partial backlogging rate and low partial backlogging rate has been considered and it is observed that at certain order of differential memory index i.e. at a level of memory effect,profit is equal for high partial backlogging rate and low partial backlogging rate.Atlast,some recommendation is given to develop another paper with the help of this paper.
A Surgical Decision-making Scoring model for spontaneous ventilation- and mechanical ventilation-video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in non-small-cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Wang Runchen , Wang Qixia , Liang Hengrui , Qiu Jiawen , Chen Chao , Jiang Yu , Zhao Lei , Wang Wei
Published: October 2022

Backgrounds
Spontaneous ventilation-video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (SV-VATS) has been applied to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in many centers. Since it remains a new and challenging surgical technique, only selected patients can be performed SV-VATS. In this study, we aim to develop a clinical decision-making model to make surgery decision between SV-VATS and MV-VATS in NSCLC patients more objectively and individually.
Methods
5,580 NSCLC patients undergoing SV-VATS or MV-VATS in the department of thoracic surgery between 2011 and 2018 were included. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used to identify potential factors influencing the surgical decisions. The performance of the model was validated by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA).
Results
The Surgical Decision-making Scoring (SDS) model was built guided by the clinical judgment and statistically significant results of univariate and multivariate regression analyses of potential predictors, including age (p < 0.001), smoking status (p = 0.03), BMI (p < 0.001), T stage (p < 0.001), N stage (p = 0.02), ASA grade (p < 0.001) and surgical technique (p < 0.001). The AUC of the training set and the test set were 0.73 (0.13, 0.61 - 0.74) and 0.76 (0.13, 0.62 - 0.77), respectively. The calibration curves and the DCA curve revealed that the SDS model has a desired performance in predicting the surgical decision.
Conclusions
This SDS model is the first clinical decision-making model developed for an individual NSCLC patient to make decision between SV-VATS and MV-VATS.
The utility of near infrared spectroscopy for estimating the mixed venous saturation in children: insights using data from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Loomba Rohit S. , Farias Juan S. , Villarreal Enrique G. , Flores Saul
Published: October 2022

Background: As near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers a noninvasive means by which to monitor regional venous saturation, this study set forth to determine the correlation between near infrared spectroscopy values and mixed venous saturations (SvO2) obtained while on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO).
Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study which included pediatric patients who required VA-ECMO and had cerebral and renal NIRS values between November 2020 through November 2021. Demographic data, SvO2, and cerebral and renal NIRS were collected in all patients. A Bayesian linear regression was done to model the SvO2 using the NIRS values. A venous saturation estimate was calculated by averaging the NIRS values. A Bland-Altman analysis and a Bayesian Pearson correlation coefficient calculation were performed between the actual SvO2 and both the modeled and the average-estimated SvO2.
Results: Data from a total of nine patients were used in the final analyses. Bayesian linear regression analyses demonstrated that both cerebral and renal NIRS values were statistically significantly associated with the measured SvO2. The mean difference between the estimated and measured SvO2 was -19 (-34 to -5). The Bayesian Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.574 (0.492 to 0.642). When the SvO2 was estimated with a simple average of the cerebral and renal NIRS values, the mean difference between the average estimated and measured SvO2 was 2 (-14 to 18). The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.530 (0.443 to 0.604).
Conclusion: Regional NIRS can be used to estimate SvO2 in critically ill children with moderate correlation in patients in VA-ECMO.
Were Surgical Outcomes for Acute Appendicitis Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Waldman Rachel , Kaplan Harrison , Leitman I. Michael
Published: October 2022

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare systems throughout the world. We examine whether appendectomy outcomes in 2020 were affected by the pandemic.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 30-day appendectomy outcomes using the ACS-NSQIP database from 2019 and 2020. Logistic regression and linear regression analyses were performed to create models of post-operative outcomes.
Results
There were no associations between year of surgery and death, post-operative blood transfusions, readmissions, sepsis, or length of stay. There was an increase in septic shock in the first quarter (p = 0.033), reoperations in the third quarter (p = 0.027), and rates of complicated appendicitis in the fourth quarter (p = 0.001) of 2020 compared to corresponding quarters of 2019. Total operative time was longer in the first three quarters of 2020 than 2019.
Conclusions
There were minimal differences in emergent appendectomy outcomes in 2020 compared to 2019. Surgical systems in the US successfully adapted to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Clustering of Charged Colloidal Particles in Microgravity Environment of Space
Authors: Yamanaka Junpei , Miki Hiroyuki , Ishigami Teruyoshi , Okuzono Tohru , Toyotama Akiko , Mata Jitendra , Komazawa Honoka , Takeda Yushi , Minami Madoka , Fujita Minori , Doi Maho , Higuchi Tsunehiko , Takase Hiroshi , Adachi Satoshi , Sakashita Tetsuya , Shimaoka Taro , Nagai Masae , Watanabe Yuki , Fukuyama Seijiro
Published: October 2022

We conducted a charge-charge clustering experiment of positively and negatively charged colloidal particles in aqueous media under a microgravity environment at the International Space Station. A special setup was used to mix the colloid particles in microgravity and then immobilize these structures in gel cured using UV light. The samples returned to the ground were observed by optical microscopy. The space sample of polystyrene particles with a specific gravity d (=1.05) close to the medium had an average association number of approximately 50% larger than the ground control and better structural symmetry. The effect of electrostatic interactions on the clustering was also confirmed for titania particles (d~3), whose association structures were only possible in the microgravity environment without any sedimentation they generally suffer on the ground. This study suggests that even slight sedimentation and convection on the ground significantly affect the structure formation of colloids. Knowledge from this study will help us to develop a model which will be used to design photonic materials and better drugs.
Optimization of Energy Consumption Model of Laser Cladding Technology for Green Additive Manufacturing
Authors: MIAH MD HELAL , Chand Dharmahinder Singh , Malhi Gurmail Singh
Published: October 2022

Regarding the complexity of energy consumption (EC) mechanisms and unpredictable EC in the additive manufacturing (AM) process, this research illustrates the laser cladding system's EC modelling and analysis method. Initially, according to the laser cladding system's working principle and EC characteristics, it is divided into five subsystems. Then, the energy consumption model (ECM) of each subsystem and the ECM of the whole laser cladding system are obtained through theoretical and experimental analysis. Finally, the ECM and specific EC were analysed in the cladding experiment. In this research cladding matrix and cladding material are both 316L Stainless steel. The results showed that the errors between the prediction results of EC and specific EC and the experimental measurement results were 1.37% and 2.17%, respectively, which indicate the accuracy and effectiveness of the model. The model has practical value in predicting the laser cladding system's EC, improving the process route, and achieving green development. The proposed method can also provide a reference for the EC research of other AM technologies.
An innovative approach: Withdrawing the drain sudden allows fistula closure in some prolonged postoperative fistulas
Authors: Hasırcı İsmail , Ulutaş Mehmet Eşref , Şimşek Gürcan , Erşen Ogün , Kartal Adil , Yurtçu Müslim , Alkan Selman , Arslan Kemal
Published: October 2022

Background: Different attitudes are followed in the literature regarding the treatment of postoperative fistulas. We have concluded that the drain can be safely removed in appropriate patients after the fistula tract has matured.
Methods: In patients with fistula, drain flow was monitored until the fistula tract developed. In general, we waited until the fifteenth day for safety to ensure that the fistula tract matured. The drain was removed unchanged and unshortened all at once. The patients were followed up with clinical and imaging methods in the next days, weeks, and months.
Results: We had a total of 15 patients with fistula. The mean age of the patients was 44.6 (10-81) years. 9 of the 15 patients were male and 6 were female (60%, 40%). Eleven patients developed pancreaticobiliary fistulas, one had a tracheoesophageal fistula, and three had chylous fistulas.
Conclusions: In the 15 patients we presented, drains were a mechanical obstacle to the closure of fistulas. After the drain removed patients stasis,leakage or spread did not occur. We think that our experience based on a limited number of patients will bring our thesis that the drain itself prevents fistula closure in some patients to the literature.
The evolving landscape of sea-level rise science from 1990 to 2021
Authors: Khojasteh Danial , Haghani Milad , Nicholls Robert , Moftakhari Hamed , Sadat-Noori Mahmood , Mach Katharine , Fagherazzi Sergio , Vafeidis Athanasios , Barbier Edward , Shamsipour Abbas , Glamore William
Published: October 2022

As sea-level rise (SLR) accelerates due to climate change, its multidisciplinary field of science has similarly expanded, from about 50 documents in 1990 to nearly 15,000 documents from 1990 to 2021. Here, big data, bibliometric techniques are adopted to systematically analyse this growing, large-scale literature. Four main research clusters (themes) emerge: (I) geological dimensions and biogeochemical cycles, (II) impacts, risks, and adaptation, (III) physical components of sea-level change, and (IV) coastal ecosystems and habitats, with 16 associated sub-themes. This analysis provides insights into the prioritisation of research agendas, the challenges and opportunities of future integrative, global scale assessment processes (e.g., next IPCC report), and how effectively this discipline is achieving societal impact. For example, the relative importance of sub-themes evolves consistently with a decline in pure science analysis towards solution-focused topics associated with SLR risks such as surface elevation change, flooding, ice sheets dynamics, coastal erosion and squeeze, and engineered shorelines.
The Intervention Selection Toolbox to improve patient-relevant outcomes: an implementation and qualitative evaluation study in colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Smalbroek Bo P , Vijverberg Joanna R.G. , Fahim Milad , Dijksman Lea M. , Biesma Douwe H. , Smits Anke B. , Prof Frits G. Merode , Nat Paul B.
Published: October 2022

Background: The concept of value-based healthcare is being used worldwide to improve healthcare. The Intervention Selection Toolbox was developed to bridge the gap of value-based healthcare, between insights in outcomes and actual quality improvement initiatives. In this study we aimed to evaluate the implementation process of the Intervention Selection Toolbox in daily practice of a quality improvement team in a hospital setting.
Methods: A mixed-methods case study design was used. The Intervention Selection Toolbox was used by a multidisciplinary quality improvement team for colorectal cancer care in a large teaching hospital. In-depth semi-structured interviews, focusing on the key elements of process evaluation, were conducted after implementation with representatives of the quality improvement team to evaluate the use of the Intervention Selection Toolbox. Quantitative data regarding improvement initiatives and degree of implementation was also collected.
Results: The use of the Intervention Selection Toolbox initially resulted in 80 potential quality improvement initiatives. Eventually, two high potential improvement initiatives were selected. Some components of the toolbox were successfully implemented in daily practice, although ‘standard monitoring’ and ‘causal chain analysis’ proved more difficult to implement. Qualitative analysis showed added value in the use of the toolbox, but identified time and organizational management as restricting factors.
Conclusions: The Intervention Selection Toolbox is useful to systematically identify improvement initiatives with impact on health outcomes that matter to patients. However, before implementation organizational structure should be optimized to maximize success and efficiency on integration of the Intervention Selection Toolbox.
Development Software Program for Extraction of Photovoltaic Cell Equivalent Cırcuıt Model Parameters Based on The Newton Raphson Method
Authors: adak suleyman , Cangi Hasan , Yilmaz Ahmet Serdar , Arifoglu Ugur
Published: October 2022

Finding the equivalent circuit parameters for photovoltaic (PV) cells is crucial as they are used in the modeling and analysis of PV arrays. PV cells are made of silicon semiconductor materials. These materials have a nonlinear characteristic. This distorts the sinusoidal waveform of the current and voltage. As a result, harmonic components are formed in the solar system. The PV cell is the smallest building block of the PV system and produces voltages between 0.5V and 0.7V. It serves as a source of current in the solar system. The amount of radiation hitting the cell determines how much current it produces. In an ideal case, a diode and a parallel current source make up the equivalent circuit of the PV cell. In practice, the addition of a series and parallel resistor is made to the ideal equivalent circuit. There are many equivalent circuits in the literature on modeling the equivalent circuit of a PV cell. The PV cell single diode model is the most used model due to its ease of analysis. In this study, the iterative method by Newton-Raphson was used to find the equivalent circuit parameters of a PV cell. This method is one of the most widely used methods for determining the roots of nonlinear equations in numerical analysis. In this study, five unknown parameters (Iph, Io, Rs, Rsh, m) of the PV cell equivalent circuit were quickly discovered with the software program prepared based on the Newton-Raphson method in Matlab.
Association of aldehyde exposure with sex steroid hormones among adults
Authors: Xing Weilong , Gu Wen , Liang Mengyuan , Wang Zhen , Fan Deling , Zhang Bing , Wang Lei
Published: October 2022

Exogenous and Endogenous exposure to aldehyde is ubiquitous. Aldehyde is closely related to human diseases, especially reproductive toxicity. However, the effect of aldehyde exposure on sex steroid hormones among adults remains uninvestigated. A total of 851 participants aged over 18 years were included in the cross-sectional analysis based on the data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2014. Serum aldehyde concentrations were quantified through evaluated through an automated analytical method. Sex steroid hormones including total testosterone, estradiol and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were detected. Multivariate linear regression models, forest plots, generalized additive model (GAM) and smooth curve fitting analysis were used to assess the associations between quartiles of aldehydes and sex steroid hormones after adjusting the potential confounders. Butyraldehyde and propanaldehyde were negatively associated with estradiol and SHBG levels in females and males, respectively. Compared with lowest quartile, β with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were − 20.59 (-38.30 to -2.88) for second quartile of butyraldehyde, -8.13 (-14.92 to -1.33) and − 7.79 (-14.91 to -0.67) for second and fourth quartiles of propanaldehyde. No significant associations were observed between other aldehydes and sex hormones. In pre-menopausal women, isopentanaldehyde was inversely associated with serum total testosterone levels (Q4 vs. Q1: OR=-7.95, 95% CI: -15.62 to -0.27), while propanaldehyde was positively associated with serum estradiol concentration (Q3 vs. Q1: β = 28.88, 95% CI: 0.83 to 56.94). The third quartile of isopentanaldehyde was associated with 3.53 pg/mL higher concentration of estradiol in post-menopause (β = 3.53, 95% CI: 0.08 to 6.97). Moreover, in males under 40, butyraldehyde and heptanaldehyde were inversely related to total testosterone levels, heptanaldehyde and butyraldehyde were negatively associated with estradiol and SHBG. Decreased total testosterone, elevated estradiol, and decreased SHBG levels were found in higher quartiles of benzaldehyde, hexanaldehyde and isopentanaldehyde, and propanaldehyde, respectively in males over 60. In male participants aged 40–60, only hexanaldehyde was observed correlated with higher serum estradiol level. The research data indicated sex- and age- specific associations between 6 serum aldehydes and sex steroid hormones alterations, further studies are warranted to confirm the causal relationship and explore the underlying mechanisms.
Foliar Application of Silicon-based Nanoparticles Improve the Adaptability of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Cadmium Contaminated Soils
Authors: Ahmed Sarfraz , Iqbal Muhammad , Ahmad Zahoor , Iqbal Muhammad Aamir , Artyszak Arkadiusz , Sabagh Ayman El , Alharby Hesham F , Hossain Akbar
Published: October 2022

Heavy metals (HMs) are a serious threat all over the world and show a different impact on plants and human life by contaminating the plant. Among all HMs cadmium (Cd) is one of the serious metals that are absorbed by the roots of the plant and are transported from root to leaves and fruit. Cd stunted plant growth causes the death of plants, causes, and disturbance in photosynthetic machinery and nutrient homeostasis process. Based on a serious problem a controlled experiment was conducted in the Department of Botany, University of Central Punjab, Bahawalpur Campus, Bahawalpur, Pakistan on “inducing cadmium stress tolerance in maize by exogenous application of silicon nanoparticles” in an experiment with a completely randomized design (CRD) with the factorial arrangement was used with five different treatments of silicon nanoparticles Si NPs (To = control group, T1 = Si NPs @ 100 ppm, T2 = Si NPs @ 200 ppm, T3 = Si NPs @ 300 ppm and T4 = Si NPs @ 400 ppm) and three cadmium treatment (Co= control, C1 = Cd @ 15ppm and T2 = Cd @ 30 ppm( on a maize hybrid (‘SF-9515’ F1 Single cross maize hybrid) and each replicated thrice. Results of the controlled experiment indicated that the Cd at 30 ppm affects the maize plants and reduced the morphological attributes such as shoot length (39.35 cm), shoot fresh weight (9.52 g) and shoot dry weight (3.20 g), leaf pigments such as chlorophyll a (0.55 mg/g FW), chlorophyll b (0.27 mg/g FW), total contents (0.84 mg/g FW) and carotenoids contents (0.19 µg/g FW), biochemicals traits such as TSP (4.85 mg/g FW), TP (252.94 nmol/g FW), TSAA (18.92 µmol g-1 FW), TSS (0.85 mg/g FW) and antioxidant activities such as POD (99.39 min-1 g-1 FW), CAT (81.58 min-1 g-1 FW), APX (2.04 min-1 g-1 FW), and SOD (172.79 min-1 g-1 FW) but root length (87.63 cm) and root fresh weight (16.43 g) and root dry weight (6.14 g) of maize and Cd concentration in the root (2.52 µg/g-1) and shoot (0.48 µg/g-1) were increased through the application of Cd. The silicon nanoparticles (Si-NPs) treatment significantly increased all measured attributes of maize. There is highest value was noted of all the parameters such as chlorophyll a (0.91 mg/g FW), chlorophyll b (0.57 mg/g FW), total chlorophyll contents (1.48 mg/g FW), total carotenoids contents (0.40 µg/g FW), TSP (6.12 mg/g FW), TP (384.56 nmol/g FW), TSAA (24.64 µmol g-1 FW), TSS (1.87 mg/g FW), POD (166.10 min-1 g-1 FW), CAT (149.54 min-1 g-1 FW), APX (3.49 min-1 g-1 FW), and SOD (225.57 min-1 g-1 FW) in which the treatment T4 were silicon nanoparticles added at the rate of 400 ppm compared to the control group
Measuring adherence to pulmonary rehabilitation: a prospective validation study of the Dutch version of the Rehabilitation Adherence Measure for Athletic Training (RAdMAT-NL)
Authors: Ricke Ellen , Lindeboom Robert , Dijkstra Arie , Bakker Eric
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Adherence is important in many aspects of healthcare as it is related to clinical outcomes. To date, there is a lack of simple, reliable and valid instruments to assess the level of exercise adherence. The Rehabilitation Adherence Measure for Athletic Training (RAdMAT) is a promising instrument.
Aims: The RAdMAT addresses different aspects of adherence to rehabilitation, grouped within three subscales. A Dutch version (RAdMAT-NL) is available. The aim of this study was to re-examine the validity of the RAdMAT-NL in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, we examined if the RAdMAT-NL could be used as a single score representative of adherence.
Methods: In this prospective study participated 193 patients with COPD, who were undertaking pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in 53 primary physiotherapy practices in The Netherlands and Belgium between January 2021 and December 2021. At 1 month, 2 and 3 months after inclusion, patients and their physiotherapist provided measures about the rehabilitation including the RAdMAT-NL. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed to assess whether the RAdMAT-NL has the same scale structure as the original RAdMAT. Rasch analysis was used for testing unidimensionality of the RAdMAT-NL. Spearman’s correlations were calculated with other indicators of adherence to determine construct validity.
Results: PCA supported the three purported dimensions of the RAdMAT-NL, explaining 63% of the total variance. Rasch analysis showed that the RAdMAT-NL can be used as a single score for adherence, which supports the practical application of the instrument. Large significant correlations between the RAdMAT-NL total and subscale scores and different measures of adherence supported its validity.
Conclusion: The RAdMAT-NL can be used as an interim assessment measure for patients who are not progressing as expected. Using three domain scores to assess progress is not necessary.
Overcoming I/O bottleneck in superconducting quantum computing: multiplexed qubit control with ultra-low-power, base-temperature cryo-CMOS multiplexer
Authors: Acharya Rohith , Brebels Steven , Grill Alexander , Verjauw Jeroen , Ivanov Tsvetan , Lozano Daniel , Wan Danny , Damme Jacques Van , Vadiraj A.M. , Mongillo Massimo , Govoreanu Bogdan , Craninckx Jan , Radu Iuliana P. , de Greve Kristiaan , Gielen Georges , Catthoor Francky , Potocnik Anton
Published: October 2022

Large-scale superconducting quantum computing systems entail high-fidelity control and readout of large numbers of qubits at millikelvin temperatures, resulting in a massive input-output bottleneck. Cryo-electronics, based on complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology, may offer a scalable and versatile solution to overcome this bottleneck. However, detrimental effects due to cross-coupling between the electronic and thermal noise generated during cryo-electronics operation and the qubits need to be avoided. Here we present an ultra-low power radio-frequency (RF) multiplexing cryo-electronics solution operating below 15 mK that allows for control and interfacing of superconducting qubits with minimal cross-coupling. We benchmark its performance by interfacing it with a superconducting qubit and observe that the qubit’s relaxation times (T1) are unaffected, while the coherence times (T2) are only minimally affected in both static and dynamic operation. Using the multiplexer, single qubit gate fidelities above 99.9%, i.e., well above the threshold for surface-code based quantum error-correction, can be achieved with appropriate thermal filtering. In addition, we demonstrate the capability of time-division-multiplexed qubit control by dynamically windowing calibrated qubit control pulses. Our results show that cryo-CMOS multiplexers could be used to significantly reduce the wiring resources for large-scale qubit device characterization, large-scale quantum processor control and quantum error correction protocols.
Identification of major genetic loci for plant height in bread wheat
Authors: Jia Chenfei , Zhang Hongsheng , Lv Xinru , Yang Tingzhi , Qin Huimin , Wang Yalin , Hao Qianlin , Liu Wenxing , Dai Xuehuan , Zeng Jianbin , Cao Shuanghe , Ma Wujun , Xu Dengan
Published: October 2022

Many genetic loci for wheat plant height (PH) have been identified, and 25 dwarfing genes have been catalogued. However, major and stable genetic loci for PH have not been well documented. To identify such loci for PH, here we comprehensively summarized functionally verified or genetic dwarfing loci from QTL mapping and genome-wide association study published from 2003 to 2012. Totally, 331 QTL, 270 associated loci and 83 genes for PH were integrated onto chromosomes according to their locations in the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium (IWGSC) reference genome and 65 QTL-rich clusters (QRC) were defined. Candidate genes in each QRC were predicted based on gene annotations in the IWGSC RefSeq v2.1 and the information on functional validation of homologous genes in other species. A total of 38 candidate genes were predicted for 65 QRC including three GA2ox genes in QRC-4B-IV, QRC-5A-VIII and QRC-6A-II (Rht24) as well as GA 20-oxidase 2 (TaSD1-3A) in QRC-3A-IV. These outcomes lay concrete foundations for map-based cloning of wheat dwarfing genes and application in breeding.