bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les concours de beauté
Authors: Couvry Camille
Published: November 2023

Utilisés comme un symbole national de modernité et de puissance, notamment sur la scène internationale, ou bien investis par des groupes particuliers et des sous-cultures à l’intérieur des pays, les concours de beauté promeuvent tous des identités collectives. Le regard porté à différents échelons des concours invite immanquablement à s’intéresser aux interactions qui mettent en tension les représentations, les valeurs et les pratiques à l’intérieur des sociétés, et entre le local, le national et le global, et au coeur desquelles se produisent des identités et se jouent des enjeux de reconnaissance. L’objectif dans cet article est donc d’explorer au travers de la littérature scientifique la question suivante : comment les enjeux culturels, identitaires, politiques se traduisent-ils, voire parfois sont-ils exacerbés, dans le contexte des concours de beauté ? Pour répondre à cette question, nous développons trois dimensions que les concours mettent particulièrement à l’épreuve et en tension et sur lesquelles des enjeux tendent à se cristalliser et se localiser : les critères esthétiques retenus et les modèles de beauté produits ; la place et le rôle des femmes en tant que représentantes privilégiées des identités produites dans les concours ; et enfin les dynamiques d’appropriations au-delà de la représentation des identités locales, nationales ou transnationales.
Accurate diagnosis of liver diseases through the application of deep convolutional neural network on biopsy images
Authors: Podder Soumyajit , Mallick Abhishek , Das Sudipta , Sau Kartik , Roy Arijit
Published: November 2023

Accurate detection of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through biopsies is challenging. Manual detection of the disease is not only prone to human error but is also time-consuming. Using artificial intelligence and deep learning, we have successfully demonstrated the issues of the manual detection of liver diseases with a high degree of precision. This article uses various neural network-based techniques to assess non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In this investigation, more than five thousand biopsy images were employed alongside the latest versions of the algorithms. To detect prominent characteristics in the liver from a collection of Biopsy pictures, we employed the YOLOv3, Faster R-CNN, YOLOv4, YOLOv5, YOLOv6, YOLOv7, YOLOv8, and SSD models. A highlighting point of this paper is comparing the state-of-the-art Instance Segmentation models, including Mask R-CNN, U-Net, YOLOv5 Instance Segmentation, YOLOv7 Instance Segmentation, and YOLOv8 Instance Segmentation. The extent of severity of NAFLD and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis was examined for liver cell ballooning, steatosis, lobular, and periportal inflammation, and fibrosis. Metrics used to evaluate the algorithms' effectiveness include accuracy, precision, specificity, and recall. Improved metrics are achieved by optimizing the hyperparameters of the associated models. Additionally, the liver is scored in order to analyse the information gleaned from biopsy images. Statistical analyses are performed to establish the statistical relevance in evaluating the score for different zones.
A survey of generative adversarial networks and their application in text-to-image synthesis
Authors: Zeng Wu , Zhu Heng-liang , Lin Chuan , Xiao Zheng-ying
Published: November 2023

With the continuous development of science and technology (especially computational devices with powerful computing capabilities), the image generation technology based on deep learning has also made significant achievements. Most cross-modal technologies based on deep learning can generate information from text into images, which has become a hot topic of current research. Text-to-image (T2I) synthesis technology has applications in multiple fields of computer vision, such as image enhancement, artificial intelligence painting, games and virtual reality. The T2I generation technology using generative adversarial networks can generate more realistic and diverse images, but there are also some shortcomings and challenges, such as difficulty in generating complex backgrounds. This review will be introduced in the following order. First, we introduce the basic principles and architecture of basic and classic generative adversarial networks (GANs). Second, this review categorizes T2I synthesis methods into four main categories. There are methods based on semantic enhancement, methods based on progressive structure, methods based on attention and methods based on introducing additional signals. We have chosen some of the classic and latest T2I methods for introduction and explain their main advantages and shortcomings. Third, we explain the basic dataset and evaluation indicators in the T2I field. Finally, prospects for future research directions are discussed. This review provides a systematic introduction to the basic GAN method and the T2I method based on it, which can serve as a reference for researchers.
Quasi-periodic solutions for the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations with nonlocal diffusion
Authors: Ji Shuguan , Li Yanshuo
Published: November 2023

This paper studied the incompressible Navier-Stokes (NS) equations with nonlocal diffusion on $ \mathbb{T}^d (d \ge 2) $. Driven by a time quasi-periodic force, the existence of time quasi-periodic solutions in the Sobolev space was established. The proof was based on the decomposition of the unknowns into the spatial average part and spatial oscillating one. The former were sought under the Diophantine non-resonance assumption, and the latter by the contraction mapping principle. Moreover, by constructing suitable time weighted function space and using the Banach fixed point theorem, the asymptotic stability of quasi-periodic solutions and the exponential decay of perturbation were proved.
On generalization of Petryshyn's fixed point theorem and its application to the product of $ n $-nonlinear integral equations
Authors: Alsaadi Ateq , Kazemi Manochehr , Metwali Mohamed M. A.
Published: November 2023

Regarding the Hausdorff measure of noncompactness, we provide and demonstrate a generalization of Petryshyn's fixed point theorem in Banach algebras. Comparing this theorem to Schauder and Darbo's fixed point theorems, we can skip demonstrating closed, convex and compactness properties of the investigated operators. We employ our fixed point theorem to provide the existence findings for the product of $ n $-nonlinear integral equations in the Banach algebra of continuous functions $ C(I_a) $, which is a generalization of various types of integral equations in the literature. Lastly, a few specific instances and informative examples are provided. Our findings can successfully be extended to several Banach algebras, including $ AC, C^1 $ or $ BV $-spaces.
A new species and a new synonym in Peruvian Senecio (Compositae)
Authors: Calvo Joel , Granda Arturo
Published: November 2023

The species Senecio contumazensis sp. nov. from the southern department of Cajamarca, in northwestern Peru, is described herein. It shows morphological affinities with species of the Senecio series Otopteri, especially with the Bolivian Senecio sepium. In addition, the putative endemic Senecio piurensis from northern Peru is synonymized with S. pericaulis, a species previously described from southern Ecuador. Discussions on the morphology of these species, illustrations, and a distribution map are provided.
La réparation du mobilier céramique par des attelles en plomb : l’expérimentation réalisée sur un dolium
Authors: Savarese Laurent
Published: November 2023

La réparation des céramiques dans l’Antiquité eut largement recours à l’usage du plomb. La solution la plus fréquente afin de limiter l’aggravation de fissures, tant sur de la vaisselle de table que sur des grands conteneurs (jarre, dolium), fut l’applique d’une ou plusieurs attelles, réalisées avec ce métal. Découvertes en fouille, ces dernières sont souvent dissociées de leur support par le bris complet du vase, mais restent aisément reconnaissables, même à l’état de fragments. Identifier le procédé de réalisation de ce type de renfort pose en revanche des questions sur la méthode et sur la détermination du matériel utilisé. Aborder les principes de cette technique de réparation repose sur l’observation d’objets archéologiques en bon état de conservation. Les collections de l’oppidum de Ruscino (Château-Roussillon, Perpignan) offrent de nombreux exemplaires d’attelles de toutes tailles qui permettent d’entreprendre cette démarche. Pour initier cette approche, l’expérimentation se concentre sur les attelles de grandes dimensions retrouvées sur les dolia. Les tests de coulées en plomb que nous présentons, réalisés avec diverses essences végétales endémiques, ont pour but de comparer les négatifs de tiges de plantes aux empreintes conservées sur les attelles des dolia. En nous appuyant sur l’hypothèse la plus probable que nous retenons, l’emploi de Poacées de type canne nous a permis de reproduire des attelles identiques aux exemplaires archéologiques.
Vulnerabilidades compartilhadas: de grupos corporados a espiritual-funcionalismo entre os saamaka do Suriname
Authors: Brittes W. Pires Rogério
Published: November 2023

Os afro-amazônicos saamaka, do Suriname, falam sobre diversos modos de agência dos mortos. Dentre elas, os kunu, espíritos vingativos que operam matrilateralmente; e os neseki, padrinhos espirituais que amiúde operam patrilateralmente. De certo modo, ambos podem aproximar pessoas que compartilham vulnerabilidades: ser vítima potencial dos mesmos kunu é o que faz das pessoas membros de suas matrilinhagens; possuir o mesmo neseki significa ser afetado pelos mesmos tabus alimentares. Estar sujeito aos mesmos perigos ajuda a criar, por contraefetuação, relações de proteção mútua, que podem ou não gerar algo como grupos sociais. Uma teoria saamaka da corporalidade e da corporação, poderia ser, assim, chamada de espiritual-funcionalista. Afinal, suas ideias ressoam ironicamente com conceitos da antropologia clássica (grupos corporados, filiação complementar), mas vão na contramão das teorias funcionalistas, ao dar mais peso à agência dos mortos do que a estruturas sociais.
Um regime de terror para os indígenas kaiowá no Brasil contemporâneo (ou subjetividade analítica e compreensão da violência)
Authors: Barbosa da Silva Alexandra
Published: November 2023

O foco do presente artigo é um regime que analiso como de terror, estabelecido para gerenciamento de relações no Brasil contemporâneo, envolvendo fundamentalmente comunidades indígenas kaiowá, no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Tem como base dois eixos, interrelacionados: por um lado, a consideração das condições de possibilidade deste regime, assim como o processo de desenvolvimento de seu modus operandi; por outro, o percurso metodológico que passa por estabelecer como questão antropológica a subjetividade do(a) analista na compreensão dos atos de violência que dão substrato a tal regime. Para isto, contemplo material tanto de manifestações indígenas quanto de outros agentes, incluindo minha própria percepção dos fatos, como antropóloga partícipe ativa no campo dos acontecimentos.
Une pompe hydraulique romaine en bois en contexte d’incendie à Reims/Durocortorum
Authors: Driard Cyril
Published: November 2023

Une pompe à eau aspirante refoulante en bois a été mise au jour lors d’une fouille archéologique préventive réalisée en 2016 au 45 rue de Thillois à Reims (Marne). Elle a été retrouvée dans un puits situé à un carrefour proche du decumanus maximus, dans l’ouest de la ville antique. Ce dispositif hydraulique, plutôt atypique par rapport aux autres modèles de pompes en bois connues dans l’Antiquité, a été installé sur place et utilisé lors d’un incendie. Cette catastrophe est à l’origine de l’abandon et de la conservation exceptionnelle de cet appareil hydraulique qui s’est alors rapidement retrouvé dans un milieu clos parfaitement étanche. Le corps de pompe, gorgé d’eau, a été enseveli dans une boue cendreuse qui l’a préservé de tout remaniement ultérieur. Seule la partie supérieure de l’appareil, carbonisée et détruite lors de l’installation d’une sépulture dans le puits, après l’incendie, n’a pas été retrouvée. L’étude de cette pompe est l’occasion de revenir sur une technique d’élévation de l’eau déjà documentée en Occident romain, mais à partir d’un corpus réduit, lacunaire et souvent dépourvu de contexte archéologique détaillé.
Heritage Websites as a Useful Addition to the Planning Toolkit in Singapore
Authors: Mah Osten , Sielker Franziska
Published: November 2023

This article analyses the extent to which heritage websites serve as a useful addition to the heritage planning toolkit in Singapore. Drawing on questionnaire surveys and interviews with 26 public servants in Singapore's public planning offices, a group of respondents usually difficult to access, this study reveals how and why this group of planners utilize heritage websites. Using Singapore's prevailing ‘3R' heritage conservation principle as a metric, this study also explores whether the information on heritage websites addresses heritage planning needs. Implications for heritage website design and use for other countries and the broader planning context are also outlined.
Determining the Effect of Software Project Managers' Skills on Work Performance
Authors: Ellahi Abida , Javed Yasir , Jan Mohammad Farooq , Sultan Zaid
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the factors influencing project managers' work performance, including decision-making, analytical, technical, interpersonal, and communication skills, with emotional intelligence as a potential moderator. Conducted within the Pakistani software industry, a comprehensive field survey using a well-designed questionnaire ensured reliable and valid data collection. The statistical findings confirm the positive impact of all five skill sets on project managers' work performance. Notably, emotional intelligence moderates the effects significantly for communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills. This research provides valuable insights into the critical attributes shaping project managers' effectiveness, offering a unique perspective by considering emotional intelligence as a potential enhancer or inhibitor of these skills' impact on work performance.
The Impact of E-Commerce Live Broadcast on Happiness With Big Data Analysis
Authors: Ge Fengning , Li Qingsheng , Nazir Shah
Published: November 2023

Online shopping has permeated modern society, and live e-commerce has emerged as a novel consumer shopping activity. However, online shopping inherently creates heightened risk within its extensive data. However, the powerful social nature of on-site e-commerce fosters favorable tendencies toward shopping by giving consumers a sense of control. This study shows that physical and interpersonal social cues from service personnel significantly improve subjective well-being (SWB). Moreover, perceptual control plays a mediating role in this process. Consequently, it is incumbent upon enterprises using live e-commerce platforms to optimize the configuration of social factors within service-oriented settings, bolstering consumers' sense of dominion over their online shopping endeavors and enhancing the efficacy of marketing strategies.
A Promising Approach to Solid-State Hydrogen Storage: Mechanical Nanostructuring Synthesis of Magnesium by High Pressure Torsion Extrusion
Authors: Shahreza Babak Omranpour , Sergejev Fjodor , Ivanisenko Julia , Huot Jacques
Published: November 2023

This article presents an investigation into the impact of High Pressure Torsion Extrusion (HPTE) on the microstructural features, hardness and hydrogen storage, focusing on pure magnesium. HPTE is a modern mechanical nanostructuring technique that can refine the microstructural properties and subsequently affects the mechanical and functional properties of the materials. Two HPTE regimes were used in this study: (1) Direct Extrusion without rotation (DE), and (2) an extrusion speed of 6 mm/min along with a rotational speed of 1.8 rpm (v6w1.8). One sample in as-received conditions was also tested as a reference. Results showed increased hardness in the material after HPTE processing, with the DE sample reaching 60 HRB and the v6w1.8 sample exhibiting a gradient distribution of hardness from 71 to 83 HRB. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed significant microstructural refinement in the v6w1.8 sample. Results of hydrogenation kinetics showed that the DE sample absorbed up to 1.2 wt.% of hydrogen, while the v6w1.8 sample displayed 7.2 wt.% of hydrogen absorption, approaching the theoretical hydrogen storage capacity for magnesium (7.6 wt.%). These findings highlight the positive effects of HPTE on microstructural refinement and hydrogen storage, showcasing its potential for advancements in materials science and hydrogen-based energy technologies.
Fabrication and Evaluation of Carrageenan Based Bioplastic with Graphite and Ag-Nanoparticles Addition as Flexible Electrode for EMG Signal Measurement
Authors: Rahman Fathur , Nurlis Aulia Ghifari , Adhika Damar Rastri , Suprijanto Suprijanto
Published: November 2023

Electromyography (EMG) is a method for measuring muscle biopotential signals for monitoring muscle activity. Electrodes are placed on the skin to capture EMG signals from muscles underneath. The most common electrodes used in clinical EMG measurement are Ag/AgCl electrodes in the form of metal plates coated with electrode gel. Electrode gel enhances the contact between the electrode’s metal plate and the skin since it is essential for a good measurement signal quality. Meanwhile, flexible electrodes are made from flexible conductive materials that can be adjusted to the contour of the skin surface; therefore, they can improve the measured biopotential signal quality. This study developed a carrageenan-based bioplastic with the addition of graphite and silver nanoparticles (AgNP) hybrid as a flexible electrode for EMG signal measurement. Fabrication of graphite and AgNP hybrid starts with the functionalization of the graphite powder in a mixture of HNO3 and H2SO4. Next, AgNPs were added using the electrochemical method by utilizing SnCl2 and functionalized graphite powder to form an Ag-Sn/Graphite (Graphite-AgNPs) hybrid conductive material. In order to incorporate conductive materials into bioplastic, the Graphite-AgNPs hybrid conductive material is then mixed into the carrageenan-based bioplastic mixture. It is found that 25% w/w addition of these conductive materials already gives good electrical conductivity. The best electrical conductivity value was determined by varying several conductive material types and concentrations. Finally, the EMG signal was measured with the bioplastic flexible electrodes, and the performance was compared with the commercial Ag/AgCl electrodes.
Development of Graphene-Based Functional Coating for the Surface Modification of Textiles
Authors: Ābele Līga , Baķe Ieva , Vilcēna Laimdota , Kukle Silvija
Published: November 2023

The objective of the presented research is to improve the ballistic performance of para-aramid woven fabric by deposition of graphene coatings directly on woven textile substrates. The improvement of mechanical properties of the ballistic fabric is attributed to the formation of a highly ordered layered structure and the efficient load transfer between the fabric fibers and the graphene nanosheets. The results of deposition of layered graphene coatings on woven textiles are discussed here. The pristine graphite directly subjected to a solvent treatment in this work, which resulted in the production of exfoliated graphene sheets in the form of a dispersion that allow immediate utilization obtained dispersion for deposition on the para-aramid samples. In order to prepare the dispersion, graphite flakes were first dispersed into liquid media followed by graphite intercalation (division into microlayers) and nano-layers exfoliation. Dipolar aprotic organic solvent DMAc (N,N-Dimethylacetamide) and Cyrene (Dihydrolevoglucosenone) as a bio-based alternative for dipolar aprotic solvents were used as main components of liquid media. At the final stage, a stable dispersion of isolated flakes by using two types of liquid medium was obtained. To study the effects of dip coating and rolling parameters, six kinds of samples with different pull-out speeds and compression ratios were prepared, and their functional properties were measured and compared.
Characterization of Waste Micro and Nano Tungsten Carbide Powder Reinforced Polyamide 66 Matrix Composites
Authors: Cetintav Isik , Ceviz Mehmet
Published: November 2023

Polyamide 66 (PA 66) or Nylon 66 is a strong, easily processed polymer with high thermal resistance and excellent mechanical properties. Tungsten carbide (WC/Co-Cr 86/10-4), known for its exceptional hardness and elasticity, is commonly used for coatings in the thermal spraying and coating industry. In this study, we examined the microstructural, mechanical, and thermal properties of composites made from waste micro and nano WC/Co-Cr 86/10-4 powder and a PA66 matrix. PA66 was reinforced with varying ratios of 3, 6, and 10 wt.% WC/Co-Cr 86/10-4. The composite specimens were created by mechanically mixing granular PA66 and micro and nano WC/Co-Cr 86/10-4 powders and molding them under controlled temperature. Mechanical properties were evaluated through ductility and hardness tests, while thermal properties were determined through DSC analysis. The SEM observation revealed the distribution of WC/Co-Cr 86/10-4 within the polymer matrix. The DSC analysis indicated that the composite had a slightly higher melting temperature than pure PA66, and the thermal conductivity also increased slightly. The experimental results demonstrated that the mechanical properties of the composite improved as the WC/Co-Cr 86/10-4 content increased, specifically in terms of tensile strength and hardness. Additionally, the composite exhibited enhanced interfacial adhesion, mechanical behavior, and thermal properties. This composite, utilizing WC/Co-Cr 86/10-4 waste and recycled PA66, allows for the repurposing of industrial waste.
A Drop-in High-Temperature Pb-Free Solder Paste that Outperforms High-Pb Pastes in Power Discrete Applications
Authors: Zhang Hongwen , Richmond Tyler , Lytwynec Samuel , Harter Tybarius , Prado Diego
Published: November 2023

Sn-based high-temperature lead-free (HTLF) solder pastes have been developed as a drop-in solution to replace the high-Pb solder pastes in power discrete applications. The pastes were designed to combine the merits of two constituent powders. A SnSbCuAg powder, with the melting temperature above 320°C, was designed to maintain a high-temperature performance. A SnAgCuSb powder, with a melting temperature around 228°C, was added to the paste to enhance wetting and improve joint ductility. In the design, the final joint will have the low-melting phase (the melting temperature >228oC) in a controllable quantity embedded into the high-melting SnSbCuAg matrix. HTLF-1, one of the designs, maintained the bond shear strength up to 15MPa, even around 290°C. Another design, HTLF-2, has a similar bond shear strength as Pb92.5/Sn5/Ag2.5 around 290°C, but exceeds substantially below 250°C. The power discrete components had been built with both HTLF solder pastes for both die-attach and clip-bond through the traditional high-Pb process, which demonstrated the drop-in processing compatibility. The components survived three additional SMT reflows (peak temperature of 260°C) and passed moisture sensitivity level 1. This confirmed that the maintained joint strength (comparable to or stronger than high-lead), helped to keep the joint integrity within the encapsulated components, even with melting phases in a controllable quantity existing above 228°C. Both HTLF solder pastes outperformed Pb92.5/Sn5/Ag2.5 in RDS(on) even after 1000cycles of TCT (-55/175oC), which is attributed to the intrinsic lower electrical resistivity of Sn of both HTLF pastes. Microstructural observation had shown no corner cracks for both die-attach and clip-bond joints after TCT.
Heat Dissipation Design of High-Power Wide-Bandgap Power Module with Insulated Metal Substrate
Authors: Jeong Bongmin , Son Kirak , Oh Aesun , Lee Gawon , Bae Hyuncheol
Published: November 2023

In general, power modules are manufactured as direct bonding copper (DBC) substrates to withstand high temperatures and high power. The DBC substrate has a sandwich structure in which copper layers are formed on upper and lower parts and ceramic is formed as an insulating layer therebetween. Ceramic has excellent insulation properties but is difficult to process and is vulnerable to mechanical stress due to a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between copper. In this regard, research on the development of power modules using various materials is being conducted. In this paper, an insulating metal substrate (IMS) was designed and analyzed using a dielectric film as an insulating layer. IMS substrates are easier to process than ceramics and have a higher CTE, so they are more resistant to mechanical stress than DBC substrates. In addition, it may be made very thin through easy processing, thereby overcoming low thermal conductivity compared to ceramic. In this paper, IMS substrates of various thicknesses were designed based on the easy processability of the dielectric film, and simulations were performed to compare heat dissipation characteristics with Al2O3-based DBC substrates.
Pt/HTCC Alumina based Electronic Packaging System and Integration Processes for High Temperature Harsh Environment Applications
Authors: Chen Liang-Yu , Neudeck Philip G. , Spry David J. , Hunter Gary W.
Published: November 2023

Electronic devices capable of operation at 500°C are required for long term Venus surface missions, as well as for in situ monitoring and control of next generation aeronautical engines. High temperature sensors and electronics can also find many applications in military, and energy and automobile industries. Various silicon carbide (SiC) sensors and electronic devices have been developed for operation at 500 °C, and a compatible packaging system is needed for long term test and deployment of these high temperature devices. High temperature co-fired ceramics (HTCC) alumina with platinum (Pt) conductor was proposed for high temperature electronic packaging. A prototype Pt/HTCC alumina packaging system including chip-level package and circuit board has been briefly reported previously for long-term electrical testing of SiC integrated circuits at 500 °C, and brief testing at much higher temperatures. HTCC alumina is an excellent dielectric material with acceptable dielectric constant and low dielectric loss over wide temperature and frequency ranges. Pt is chemically noble and can be co-fired with HTCC alumina in air ambient producing a viable electronic packaging material system for high temperature applications. This paper presents a more detailed description of this packaging system including prototype low power packages and circuit boards based on HTCC alumina and Pt metallization for 500°C and other harsh environment applications. The key technical considerations for chip-level packaging and circuit board assembly, including materials and processes for 500 °C durable wire-bonding and SiC die attach, and integration of multi-chip circuit boards, are presented. Experimental test results of this packaging approach applied to SiC integrated circuits at 500 °C and 700°C are discussed as well.
Direct Write Extreme Environment Packaging
Authors: Shaddock David , Hoel Cathleen , Hale Jared , Poliks Mark , Alhendi Mohammed , Alshatnawi Firas
Published: November 2023

There is growing interest in extreme temperature electronics to support instrumentation for sensors at temperatures beyond the normal range of electronics. Reliable packaging in the temperature range of more than 300°C has been demonstrated using ceramic multi-chip modules using conventional hybrid circuit technology. This approach typically requires high NRE costs and lead time. Additive manufacturing processes of metals, ceramics, conductors, and dielectrics provides a digital transformation of hybrid circuit manufacturing technology that reduces time and cost for packaging with the added benefits of novel 3D structures and embedded features. Silicon carbide devices have been demonstrated to operate above 300C which requires capable interconnects. This report presents the results of testing to characterize important electrical and mechanical properties of additively manufactured packaging materials (substrates, conductor, dielectrics) and die interconnect methods capable for operation above 300 °C. Characterization of thick film materials were tested for resistance, SIR, and adhesion stability on 96% alumina, 98.4% additively printed alumina, and Corning alumina ribbon ceramic at 300, 500, and 750°C. Methods for direct write interconnects were developed and tested at 300 and 500C for resistance stability and thermal shock. The methods are direct write surface interconnects, embedded interconnects using additive alumina substrates, and flip chip. Reliability testing results, a test method for insitu measurement, and demonstrations using the materials are presented.
GREEN CHEMISTRY FOR PROTECTION OF HIGH TEMPERATURE (> 250°C) ELECTRONICS
Authors: Schuermans Jochen
Published: November 2023

A new modified “green” thermoset resin was developed and evaluated as an alternative encapsulation packaging material in comparison to traditional higher temperature resistant resins such as epoxies, silicones, cyanate esters and polyimide resins. Where epoxies and silicones have shown to provide good reliability for applications up to 150 – 200°C, high temperature applications, often required other chemistries, such as cyanate ester or polyimides. However, cyanate ester and/or polyimide based resins have recently been affected by new European environmental legislation making their usability, and especially environmental and health acceptance, not viable for the medium and long term. In combination to these environmental concerns, the current significant growth of the market for high power and high temperature electronics, also in more “consumer-type” applications, imply the need for “green” chemistry, capable to respond to high temperature (> 250°C) requirements. This paper will describe new materials, based on hybrid chemistry, in line with current European chemical (SVHC-compliant) regulations, responding to the current and future harsh environment requirements. DSC analysis was done to demonstrate the newly developed green chemistry provides Tg values well over 250°C. The combination of a hybrid chemistry with optimized adhesion properties, high Tg and low coefficient of thermal expansion seem to provide mechanical features which can address the problem of mechanical fatigue of traditional epoxy solutions, which did historically not provide the solutions which often, non-environmental friendly solutions, based on poly-imides or cyanate esters could offer.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Uropathogens in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Umar Usman Yahya , Giwa Fatima Jummai , Ibrahim Abdulrasul , Gachi Farida Suleiman
Published: November 2023

Background:

UTI is the most common nosocomial infection among hospitalized patients. Emerging increasing resistance has been observed among uropathogens of the family enterobacterales. Extended spectrum beta lactamase genes encode for multidrug resistance and unrestricted use of antibiotics in hospitals provides an environment for spread of infections with limited treatment options. This necessitates therapies based on culture and antimicrobial sensitivity to improve patients’ outcomes We aimed to determine susceptibility pattern of ESBL uropathogens among hospitalized patients in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano.

Methodology:

Three hundred and eighty-nine urine samples were obtained from in-patients with UTI between April 2020 and April 2021. Five samples were rejected and remaining analyzed. Susceptibility testing was done by modified Kirby Bauer technique. Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines 2019 (CLSI 2019) and the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility testing guidelines version 2 (EUCAST version 2) were used for screening and confirmation of ESBL production respectively.

Results:

Of the 384-urine processed, 105 (27.3%) were gram negatives and 81 were Enterobacterales, Isolation rates were E. coli-55.6%, K. pneumoniae-29.6%, Citrobacter spp.-12.3%, P. mirabilis-1.2% and Morganella spp.-1.2%. Among Enterobacterales, 32 (39.5%) were ESBL producers. Prevalence of ESBL were 62.5% for Escherichia coli, 28.1% for Klebsiella pneumoniae and 9.4% for Citrobacter species. Susceptibility showed that ESBL-producing Isolates were highly susceptible to amikacin (96.9%). Resistance to other antibiotics varied from 3.1% to 100%.

Conclusion:

We recommend strengthening laboratory capacity, antibiotics stewardship and Infection control to prevent spread of resistant pathogens including ESBLs.
Preoperative STOP-BANG Questionnaire to Predict Difficult Airway in Undiagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients Undergoing Elective Gynecological Surgeries under General Endotracheal Anesthesia: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Thammaiah Srinivas Hebbal , Sreenath Rashmi Hosahalli , Kumararadhya Girish Bandigowdanahalli , Babu Nivetha , Archana K.N.
Published: November 2023

Background:

STOP-BANG questionnaire is an established tool for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) screening. Its utility in predicting difficult airway has not been evaluated. We intend to assess difficulty in airway management and associated perioperative complications in patients with undiagnosed OSA using the STOP-BANG questionnaire.

Materials and Methods:

We performed a prospective observational study on 250 patients with the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Class I-II, aged 18–65 years STOP-BANG score were recorded. Occurrences of difficult mask ventilation (DMV), laryngoscopy, and intubation were assessed using mask ventilation grade, intubation difficulty score intubation difficult score (IDS), and modified Cormack–Lehane grading during induction of anesthesia. Hypoxic events, hemodynamic disturbances, laryngospasm, and bronchospasm were also recorded.

Results:

Overall, 250 patients completed the study (Group H: n = 102, with STOP-BANG questionnaire ≥3 and Group L: n = 148, with STOP-BANG criteria < 3). A total of 67 (26.8%) cases of DMV and 63 (25.2%) cases of difficult tracheal intubation (DIT) were encountered overall. The proportion of patients with DMV during induction was 59.8% in Group H versus 4.05% in Group L (P < 0.001). A higher incidence of difficult intubation was observed in Group H (56.9% vs. 11.5%, P < 0.001). More patients in Group H had airway complications such as bleeding and injury to the posterior pharyngeal wall or teeth (P < 0.001). Complications such as hypoxia, hypertension, and tachycardia were observed to be higher in Group H (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

STOP-BANG questionnaire is an effective bedside preoperative tool that helps in identifying unanticipated difficult airway.
Arthroscopic-assisted stabilization of distal clavicle fractures with coracoclavicular ligament injury: does it restore anatomy and function?
Authors: Rakha Mohamed I , Toreih Ahmed
Published: November 2023

Background

Fractures of the lateral-third clavicle are less common than the mid-shaft. However, these lateral thirds are associated with disruption of coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments requiring surgical management for optimal fracture healing and functional outcome. Many surgical techniques have been developed to manage these fractures; however, high failure rates and implant-related complications were reported. This study aims to assess the radiological and functional outcomes of arthroscopic-assisted stabilization of the distal end clavicle in terms of union rate, complications, and shoulder function.

Patients and methods

A prospective study of 32 patients with distal displaced clavicle fracture combined with CC ligament injury (Neer type IIB, V) who underwent surgery within the first 2 weeks of injury between January 2017 and February 2020. Clinical evaluation was employed postoperatively using the Constant–Murley score. The stability of the acromioclavicular joint in the horizontal and vertical planes was evaluated by the cross-arm test and manual dislocation. Radiological assessment was reviewed by an independent observer who was not a surgical team member at 1 and 2 months postoperatively.

Results

A series of 32 patients (24 men and eight women) were included. Their mean age was 36 years. Based on the radiological imaging, 20 patients had Neer type-IIB fractures, while 12 showed type-V fractures. Their average union time was 6.12 ± 1.26 weeks (ranged 5–9 weeks), with a mean Constant–Murley score that was 96.1 ± 3.76 (range, 89–100). An average of 6.62 ± 1.82 weeks was needed before returning to prior activities. There were no complications reported.

Conclusions

Arthroscopic-assisted fixation of the distal end clavicle provides excellent fixation results and restores the native anatomy by reconstructing the torn CC ligament without complications or the need for removal of the implant.
Outcomes of mini-open retrograde intramedullary headless screw fixation of metacarpal fractures
Authors: El-Serwi Bahaa El-Dein Mohamed , Zayda Ahmed Ibrahim , El-Barbarey Ahmed Nasr El-Dein , Sherif Osama Abd-Almohsen , Fahmy Mohamed Alsayed
Published: November 2023

Background

Metacarpal fractures accounting around one-third of hand fractures, which account for ten percent of all fractures and happen predominantly between the ages of 30 and 40. This research objected to examine the radiological, functional, and complication-reduction effects of closed reduction and internal fixation utilizing headless compression screws in metacarpal fractures cases.

Patients and methods

This prospective one-arm research involved 24 subjects with a total of 25 unstable metacarpal neck and shaft fractures surgically treated at Menoufia university hospital and Sheikh-Zayed Specialized, Egypt. They were controlled with intramedullary headless compression screws (IMHS).

Results

Complications were reported in 5 (20.8%) patients, Union of fracture was reported in 23 (95.8%) patients. The mean TAM score was 250.63 ± 19.58 ranging between 180 and 260 with a median of 260. The mean dash score was 1.75 ± 2.91 ranging between 0 and 11.36 with a median of 0.00.

Conclusion

The metacarpal fractures IMHS fixation is an effective, safe, and complication-free treatment and looked to need less imposing and restore function more quickly.
Comparative study between intramedullary kirschner wires fixation and cast immobilisation in pediatric displaced diaphyseal both bones of forearm fractures
Authors: Hamdy Mohamed S , Elzawahry Aly M , Gado Ihab S , El wafa Mostafa A A
Published: November 2023

Background

Forearm fractures involving the diaphysis are the third most frequent form of fracture in paediatrics. Conservative management is associated with higher risks of complications; therefore, the author aim to compare Kirschner (K) wire fixation with conservative management.

Methods

56 children with displaced diaphyseal ulnar and radial fractures were allocated and randomized into two groups at Kasr Al-Ainy University Hospital: the first group was managed by conservative management with cast immobilisation, and the second group was managed by K wire fixation. The primary outcomes were the degrees of postoperative ulnar and radial angulations, the required time of union, the limitation of movement degrees, and the functional outcomes. The secondary outcome was the rate of complications.

Results

K wire fixation had better significant results compared with the cast immobilisation regarding the residual radial angulation (P < 0.001), ulnar angulation degree (P < 0.001), the range of movement of forearm supination or supination (P = 0.003), and the functional outcome (P = 0.049); however, the time of union was significantly longer in the K wire group compared with the cast group (P = 0.003). Both groups were not significantly different in the complication rate (P = 0.163).

Conclusion

Cast immobilisation is safe in managing displaced diaphyseal in both bones of forearm fractures; however, K wire fixation is preferred and shows better results, especially when a good reduction cannot be achieved by conservative cast immobilisation.
Management of complex distal femur fractures with bone loss using the ‘three-in-one technique’
Authors: Khaled Abdullah , El-Rosasy Mahmoud , Shafik Ahmed , El-Gebaly Osama
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The reconstruction of complex distal femur fractures with bone loss is a surgical challenge. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the ‘three-in-one’ surgical technique, which combines a retrograde nail linked to a lateral locked plate with defect reconstruction using a bone graft in a synthetic scaffold.

Materials and Methods

A prospective study was conducted at a level 1 trauma centre from 2016 to 2021. Comminuted distal femur fractures (OTA/AO type 33A3, 33C2, or 33C3) with bone loss in skeletally mature patients were included. The ‘three-in-one’ surgical technique was used in all cases.

Results

The present study comprised 14 cases with a mean age of 28 years (range, 18–58 years). The bone defect sizes ranged from 3 to 8 cm. Ten cases (71%) had open fractures. Operative duration ranged between 150 and 210 min (Average 175 min). Excellent, good and fair outcomes according to sanders score were achieved in eight (57%), five (36%) and one case (7%), respectively. There were no cases of implant failure or varus collapse. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 12 to 53 months (mean 27 months).

Conclusion

Management of complex distal femur fractures using the ‘three-in-one technique’ (retrograde nail fixation augmented by anatomical lateral locked plate and reconstruction of the bone defect using autologous bone grafts in a scaffold of synthetic oxidised cellulose gauze) for complex distal femur fractures provides a stable biomechanical construct that allows fracture healing and early rehabilitation in a single stage through a single approach.
Profile of Patients Presenting with Hemoptysis at a Tertiary Care Center in India
Authors: Virk Baljeet Singh , Kumar Rohit , Gupta Nitesh , Chakrabarti Shibdas , Garg Puneet , Mishra Ritu , Rathi Vidushi , Ish Pranav
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:

This study was designed to study the frequency distribution of etiology of various grades of severity of hemoptysis and to determine the influence of underlying etiology on the type of treatment modalities selected.

Materials and Methods:

Adult patients presenting with hemoptysis at a tertiary care hospital over 18 months were included in the study. Detailed analysis of their clinical profile, underlying etiologies as well as management, modalities, and a 6-month follow-up was done.

Results:

One hundred and five patients were included in the final analysis. Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) sequelae were the most common etiology of hemoptysis across all grades of severity. Active PTB was the second leading cause. Chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis (CCPA) was diagnosed in 6.6% of patients who mostly presented with massive hemoptysis. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) was done in 15 patients. Most of the patients undergoing BAE had old PTB (53%) and CCPA (33%) with moderate-to-massive hemoptysis.

Conclusions:

Tuberculosis and its sequelae continue to be the most common etiology of hemoptysis in India. CCPA is a significant predictor of “moderate and massive” hemoptysis (5 out of 7 patients of CCPA) and these patients had recurrence of hemoptysis even after BAE. BAE is successful in decreasing the severity of hemoptysis and has a high utility in developing countries like India.
Thymic Transplantation in DiGeorge Syndrome
Authors: Obiekwe Samuel , Elhaddad Moamen , Medani Khalid
Published: November 2023

Over the last 30 years, solid organ transplantation has evolved as a treatment for patients with end-stage diseases who face poor prognoses without transplantation. Recently, cellular and tissue transplantation has been advancing, particularly in the context of pancreatic islet cell and thymus transplantation. Thymus transplantation is emerging as a crucial intervention for patients with DiGeorge syndrome (DGS), a genetic disorder characterized by complete or partial absence of the thymus, leading to a lack or absence of T-cell production. This deficiency manifests in infants as recurrent opportunistic infections during the early months of life, resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates. Very few children survive past 2 years. Central to T-cell development is the thymus, where progenitor cells from the bone marrow differentiate and foster the production of naive T-cells. Transplanting thymus tissue has arisen as a preeminent treatment, a procedure contingent upon meticulous donor selection - to ensure absence of infection - and recipient selection, given the frequent comorbidity of congenital abnormalities in DGS patients. This transplantation process involves harvesting thymus tissue from a donor younger than 9 months, typically secured during pediatric open-heart surgery. The tissue undergoes a 21-day culture period to remove donor thymocytes before being implanted in the recipient’s quadricep muscle. Subsequent monitoring over 3–5 months postoperation tracks the emergence of naive T-cells, which were absent preoperation. Most patients with typical DGS do not require immunosuppressants as they lack the T-lymphocytes necessary to reject an allograft. However, patients with atypical forms of the syndrome might require transient immunosuppression until full immunological reconstitution, indicated by the presence of naive T-cells, is achieved. When compared to gene therapy and hematopoietic bone marrow stem cell transplantation, thymus tissue transplantation appears to offer superior outcomes, maintaining immunological reconstitution more effectively in DGS patients.
Assessment of knowledge and awareness among North Indian populations about oral precancerous lesions (OPL): A cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Tiwari Rini , Singh Navin , Chaurasia Akhilanand , Singh Akhilesh Kumar
Published: November 2023

Background:

A precancerous lesion is a morphologically altered tissue in which oral cancer is more likely to occur than its apparently normal counterpart. They are quite common in the Indian population due to the habitual habit of chewing tobacco. The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness of oral precancerous lesions by a questionnaire-based survey among the study subjects having been diagnosed with it.

Methods:

In this descriptive study, a structured questionnaire having 11 survey questions has been used to record the response from study subjects who have been diagnosed and reported for treatment for oral premalignant lesions in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology. A total of 1013 study subjects were assessed for awareness about OPL and its consequences.

Results:

44.3% of the study population was addicted to smoking tobacco (cigarettes) while 57.9% of study subjects were addicted to non-smoking tobacco (Pan masala). The reason behind their addiction was reported to be stress (54.9%) and workload (25.3%). Most of the study subjects were diagnosed with oral sub-mucous fibrosis (53.4%). 78.6% of study subjects diagnosed with OPL were not aware of it and 94% were willing to quit the addiction.

Conclusion:

The awareness about OPL among patients was found to be low. Although many wanted to quit their addiction to smoking and chewing tobacco but were unable to do so. So it is a need for time to develop a national policy on tobacco use and related diseases. This policy will definitely reduce the burden of oral premalignant lesions and oral cancer in Indian population.