bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Safety of Uninterrupted Warfarin Anticoagulation With Tranexamic Acid in Total Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Johnston Michael G. , Porter Matthew A. , Eppich Kade E. , Gray Celeste G. , Scott David F.
Published: March 2024

Background:

The continuation of long-term warfarin therapy is gaining acceptance in minor surgeries but maintaining therapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) values among patients during major orthopedic procedures raises concern. While bridging therapy with low-molecular-weight heparin is currently recommended for patients receiving anticoagulation, few studies have evaluated the safety of continuing warfarin during total joint arthroplasty. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of continuous warfarin anticoagulation through total joint arthroplasty with and without prophylactic tranexamic acid (TXA).

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a retrospective, matched-pair analysis of two experimental groups of patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty performed by a single surgeon. Our first experimental group, warfarin plus TXA (warfarin+TXA), consisted of 21 patients who underwent arthroplasty while receiving therapeutic anticoagulation with warfarin (INR, 2.0–3.0) and who received prophylactic TXA. Our second experimental group, warfarin without TXA (warfarin-TXA), consisted of 40 patients who underwent arthroplasty while receiving therapeutic anticoagulation with warfarin (INR, 2.0–3.0) without prophylactic TXA.

Results:

The percent change in hemoglobin value after surgery, red blood cells transfused, surgical site infections, bleeding complications, and thrombotic complications were similar between both experimental and control groups. When comparing the historical group with the warfarin+TXA group, the addition of TXA resulted in a statistical decrease in mean red blood cells transfused and estimated blood loss, with no statistically significant increase in complications.

Conclusion:

Many factors must be considered when choosing perioperative thromboembolic prophylaxis for arthroplasty candidates with medical comorbidities requiring long-term anticoagulation. This study presents data indicating that it could be safe and effective to continue therapeutic warfarin while using prophylactic TXA. [
Orthopedics
. 2024;47(4):211–216.]
Utilization of the Reinstein ICL Sizing Formula With Hand-held Ultrasound Biomicroscopy Measurements
Authors: Izdebska Justyna , Bombuy Gimenez Jan , Przybek-Skrzypecka Joanna , Szaflik Jacek Paweł , Skrzypecki Janusz
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

To evaluate the accuracy of the Reinstein formula with hand-held ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) measurements for sizing of the Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL).

Methods:

A total of 107 myopic eyes of 57 patients implanted with the ICL were included in the study. The size of the ICL was selected based on the manufacturer's recommendations. Agreement between the vault predicted by the Reinstein formula and the vault measured postoperatively was analyzed with Bland-Altman plots.

Results:

A total of 95% and 81% of patients had a postoperative vault ranging from 150 to 1,000 and 250 to 750 μm, respectively. The mean vault predicted by the Reinstein formula and the postoperative vault in the current study were 580 ± 181 and 547 ± 200 μm, respectively. The size recommendations of the Reinstein formula and the formula provided by the manufacturer, the Kojima formula, and the Dougherty formula overlapped in 50%, 57%, and 49% of eyes, respectively.

Conclusions:

The results show that the Reinstein formula combined with a hand-held UBM provides reliable sizing predictions of the ICL. However, considering that robotic UBM measurements have demonstrated a narrower range of deviation in predicting vault depth in previous studies, a direct comparison study between robotic UBM and hand-held UBM measurements is necessary to fully assess the limitations of combining hand-held UBM with the Reinstein formula.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2024;40(3):e142–e147.]
A new analytical algorithm for uncertain fractional differential equations in the fuzzy conformable sense
Authors: Eriqat Tareq , Saadeh Rania , El-Ajou Ahmad , Qazza Ahmad , Oqielat Moa'ath N. , Ghazal Ahmad
Published: March 2024

This paper aims to explore and examine a fractional differential equation in the fuzzy conformable derivative sense. To achieve this goal, a novel analytical algorithm is formulated based on the Laplace-residual power series method to solve the fuzzy conformable fractional differential equations. The methodology being used to discover the fuzzy solutions depends on converting the desired equations into two fractional crisp systems expressed in $ \wp $-cut form. The main objective of our algorithm is to transform the systems into fuzzy conformable Laplace space. The transformation simplifies the system by reducing its order and turning it into an easy-to-solve algorithmic equation. The solutions of three important applications are provided in a fuzzy convergent conformable fractional series. Both the theoretical and numerical implications of the fuzzy conformable concept are explored about the consequential outcomes. The convergence analysis and theorems of the developed algorithm are also studied and analyzed in this regard. Additionally, this article showcases a selection of results through the use of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphs. Ultimately, the findings of this study underscore the efficacy, speed, and ease of the Laplace-residual power series algorithm in finding solutions for uncertain models that arise in various physical phenomena.
Culture, occupation et résistance en Belgique et dans le nord de la France
Authors: Vandenbussche Robert
Published: March 2024

Les historiens de la première Guerre mondiale, ont forgé le concept de « culture de guerre » pour désigner les phénomènes culturels que fait naître le premier conflit mondial : essor de la propagande, d’idéologies marquées par l’intensité et la violence, mise en valeur du « héros ». En choisissant ce thème « Culture, occupation, résistance » nous souhaitons, en référence à 1914-1918 poser cette interrogation : la Seconde Guerre mondiale engendre-t-elle également une « culture de guerre » ? Cette question peut surprendre car les conjonctures ne se ressemblent pas. La « culture de guerre » naît et se développe à partir de sociétés en guerre dont le territoire est libre d’invasion ou d’occupation et d’États qui n’ont conclu aucun armistice et qui exploitent la culture pour justifier leur combat. L’État français, en 1940, en choisissant la collaboration avec l’Allemagne nazie, ne se met pas en situation d’aider à la diffusion d’une culture de guerre analogue à celle de 1914-1918 et encourage plutôt la soumission de la société française aux exigences de l’occupant. Néanmoins, dans sa volonté de conduire la « révolution nationale », il se propose de combattre une démocratie républicaine méprisée et de mener, en quelque sorte, une offensive intérieure après avoir suspendu la guerre extérieure. Il n’hésite pas à utiliser l’art et la culture sous toutes leurs formes pour y parvenir. C’est cette perspective que le colloque de Bondues s’est efforcé d’appréhender...
Artificial Intelligence in Business
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Talukder Mohammad Badruddoza , Kaiser Fahmida
Published: March 2024

People who work on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that directly affect people's social or ethical lives face different types of problems. These include philosophical questions about how possible it is to build ethics into algorithms and technical problems with AI development. One of the challenges is dealing with the ethical and social effects of putting people and technology together. This chapter aims to make a map of the leading social effects of AI and suggestions for how to deal with these effects. AI offers many opportunities for fundamental changes and significant industry improvements. This disruptive technology allows impressive things, like self-driving cars, serving food in restaurants, guiding robots, etc. Many people disagree about how artificial intelligence will affect society, although people believe that AI improves everyday life because it can do simple things, making life easier, safer, and more efficient. Others say that AI is dangerous for privacy, makes racism worse by making people look the same, and puts people out of work by taking their jobs.
Impact of Negative Aspects of Artificial Intelligence on Customer Purchase Intention
Authors: Mittal Arun , Chaturvedi Deen Dayal , Chaturvedi Saumya , Singh Priyank Kumar
Published: March 2024

The growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the retail industry has triggered a significant evolution in the shopping experience. However, concerns have surfaced regarding their potential psychological effects on consumers, which can sometimes lead to stress and confusion. As retailers continue to harness AI technology to enhance customer engagement and optimize their operations, it becomes increasingly important to confront and manage the potential risks and uncertainties that come with its swift deployment. The study considered 237 online retail customers to know the factors that determine the negative aspects of artificial intelligence and their impact on the purchase intention of online retail customers towards AI-enabled e-retail platforms. Financial information and security, consumer trust and AI autonomy, reliability issues due to novelty of the concept, and malfunctioning of systems are the factors that negatively impact the purchase intention of online retail customers towards AI-enabled e-retail platforms.
Artificial Intelligence and Venture Capital Decision-Making
Authors: Toumia Oumeima , Zouari Farouk
Published: March 2024

Decision making in venture capital involves a lot of work. Venture capitalists must consider a number of issues when selecting an investment. To date, however, little research has been conducted on how artificial intelligence would impact the venture capital decision-making market. Therefore, this chapter extends previous contributions aimed at exploring the relationship between artificial intelligence and venture capital decisions. Evidence shows that artificial intelligence may influence venture capitalists' decisions in a number of ways, such as recognizing firms with high chances of success, assisting venture capitalists in choosing better investments, etc. However, there are also a number of barriers that venture capitalists face in adopting artificial intelligence. The originality of this chapter is the development of items that can be used to measure stages of artificial intelligence. Indeed, it provides some recommendations for how best to integrate artificial intelligence into the decision-making process of venture capitalists.
Herbal Medicine and Plants in the Treatment of Leukemia
Authors: Boro Arthi , Dheivasikamani Abidharini Jothi , Arumugam Vijaya Anand , Balamuralikrishnan Balasubramanian , Al-Dhabi Naif Abdullah , Mariadhas Valan Arasu
Published: March 2024

Herbs and derived medicines are traditionally practiced in many regions worldwide. The components present in the plant are known as secondary metabolites that have many effective properties against several diseases. Herbal medicines are the complex of the components of the herbs that are prepared and used in alleviating infections in the diseases. Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that develops in the blood-forming tissues such as bone marrow and is found to be in forms such as lymphocytic leukemia and myeloid leukemia. This blood-related disorder develops in the blood-forming tissues by the accumulation of improperly differentiated cells and may spread to other related areas in treatment delay. The conventional treatment for this disease is effective but at a cost. So herbal medicines can be one of the effective treatments for leukemia. Therefore, the following chapter is going to be about the herbs and herbal medicine and its usage for leukemia. It will also focus on the medicinal properties such as apoptotic, anti-inflammation, and others, and their future perspectives.
Is AI a Threat for Social Media Entrepreneurs?
Authors: Arafat Khaled , Rubain Rusana , Swapnil Sifat Jakia , Chowdhury Anika Zarin
Published: March 2024

A burning question in this 21st century comes in the form of the development of AI (artificial intelligence). The uses of AI, their strengths, their misuses, and the most pressing question: Does AI eliminate jobs? As the authors dive deep into the depths of knowledge and salvage what they find, they bring about the pressing matter whether artificial intelligence should be given supervision or not. Artificial intelligence helps in many ways, but ultimately, the credibility lies on whether artificial intelligence creates scopes for jobs or takes away certain employment scopes.
Patient-Centric AI
Authors: Kaur Jaspreet
Published: March 2024

“Patient-Centric AI: Advancing Healthcare through Human-Centered Innovation” delves into the pivotal role of AI in healthcare, specifically emphasizing its focus on addressing the needs and enhancing the well-being of patients. The chapter explores the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology into patient-centered care, analyzing ethical considerations and emphasizing personalized methods for diagnostics, treatment, and prevention. The study advocates for the utilization of interdisciplinary collaboration in order to create AI solutions that are both optimal and in accordance with ethical norms. It highlights the importance of patient perspectives in technological advancement, promoting a balance between innovation and the well-being of patients. This work emphasizes the potential of AI to revolutionize healthcare by focusing on a human-centered approach, ensuring that patient needs remain central to advancements in this dynamic field.
Insightful Visions
Authors: Kaur Jaspreet
Published: March 2024

The chapter explores the transformative impact of medical imaging on healthcare that prioritizes the needs and well-being of patients. It examines the influence of imaging technologies on the precision of diagnoses, the involvement of patients, and the results of healthcare, highlighting the revolutionary function of imaging modalities. This study examines the impact of medical imaging on patient empowerment by doing a thorough review of literature and analyzing empirical evidence. It demonstrates how visual representations offered by medical imaging enable people to better comprehend their health situations and promote collaborative decision-making with healthcare practitioners. The results emphasize the crucial significance of imaging in influencing a better-informed, involved, and empowered patient community within contemporary healthcare systems.
Empowering the Modern Learning Ecosystem
Authors: Ismail Osama Shlash
Published: March 2024

An ecosystem is a combination of people including local government, individuals, and communities that work together to achieve educational goals by utilizing the best available tools. It creates a symbiotic environment wherein people interact with the content, technologies, and data which not only helps them to uplift their learning experience but also to undertake tasks set by government guardrails. In this respect, the present study has been prepared, which defines the need to empower the modern learning ecosystem along with the integrative approaches. In the modern world, technology plays a crucial role in managing educational services; hence, it is vital to integrate technological aspects while developing the learning ecosystem. The study also discusses teacher experiences regarding what they learn in the dynamic learning ecosystem. The ecosystem develops collaboration between people; hence, in this context, the report defines the significance of partnership with communities and families to uplift the level of learning among students.
In Quest of Sanctuary
Authors: Borges Gabriela Mesquita
Published: March 2024

This chapter explores the complex landscape of asylum-seeking, focusing on the 1951 Refugee Convention and the rights it grants to those seeking refuge, emphasizing principles like non-discrimination and non-refoulement. The chapter highlights the tension between international legal guarantees and state discretion in granting asylum, underscoring the gap between aspirational goals and practical outcomes. It also delves into scholarly literature on migration, border control, and the “deviant migrant” narrative, offering insights into the complexities of asylum practices. It addresses criminological and gendered dimensions, with a specific focus on violence against asylum-seeking women, revealing unique challenges. Overall, the analysis covers historical perspectives, contemporary challenges, and evolving global migration dynamics, providing a comprehensive understanding of the intricate journey asylum seekers undergo for safety and justice.
Investigation of Aluminum and Gold Flip-Chip Bonding for Quantum Device Integration
Authors: Cirulis I. , Zschenderlein U. , Braun S. , Radestock M. , Pantou R. , Vogel K. , Selbmann F. , Kurth S. , Wunderle B. , Kuhn H.
Published: March 2024

The majority of qubit chip integration is

realized in a two-dimensional (2D) architecture. Whereas 3D architecture enables more advantages like efficient interconnect routing, allowing for more compact qubit

coupling geometries, reducing form factor, and increased

connectivity beyond nearest-neighbor interactions. Flipchip

(FC) assembly has been demonstrated to enable 3D

architecture connecting qubit chip, interposer, and

readout in a sandwich-like structure. Moreover, 3D integration allows the fabrication of hosting chip circuitry without degrading the qubit performance [1–4]. Different material considerations have to be taken into account since qubit operational frequency is in the gigahertz range and operating temperature is in the mK range to

avoid thermal excitation. Materials that possess

superconducting characteristics like Indium (In),

Titanium Nitride (TiN), Tantalum Nitride (TaN), and

Niobium (Nb) have been discussed as potential

interconnect between building blocks [3, 5]. The In

bumping on Aluminum (Al) redistribution layers require under-bump metallization (UBM) layers thus introducing

multiple fabrication steps before the bonding process. An

alternative approach would be to use the existing Al surface to electrochemically grow Al bumps and bond the chip using thermosonic bonding (TSB) at below 150°C to

form a homogeneous metal-metal interface [6, 7].
Anisotropic Solder Paste (ASP) Material Solution for Laser Assisted Bonding (LAB) Process
Authors: Jang Ki-Seok , Eom Yong-Sung , Choi Gwang-Mun , Joo Jiho , Oh Jin-Hyuk , Lee Chan-Mi , Moon Yoon-Hwan , Moon Seok-Hwan , Choi Kwang-Seong
Published: March 2024

Anisotropic conductive paste (ACP) or anisotropic conductive film (ACF) consisting of a polymer matrix and a metal-coated polymer bead are introduced as

interconnection materials in mini-LED display panel packaging through a thermal compression bonding process. However, this

packaging solution has been leading to important problems such as alignment difficulties due to high bonding temperature and

pressure, and its repair issues for bad LED devices after the

bonding process. Recently, laser-assisted bonding (LAB) process for mini-LED display packaging has been introduced to solve these problems[Ref. 1-2]. This study introduces, an

anisotropic solder paste (ASP) using conductive solder particles and applies it to the mini-LED packaging through the LAB process.
Silver Bonding Wire - an Alternative for Mechanical Sensitive Chip Configurations in Automotive Electronics Packaging
Authors: Klengel Robert , Klengel Sandy , Tismer Sebastian , Araki Noritoshi , Eto Motoki , Haibara Teruo , Yamada Takashi , Feldmann Jochen , Scheer Achim , Binner Ralph , Peters Henk
Published: March 2024

Silver (Ag) bond wires are mainly used in consumer products as a reliable low-cost alternative to gold (Au) bond wires. In previous investigations, we have shown that silver wires also have potential for use in the automotive sector (1, 2, 3, 4], where the materials are exposed to particularly harsh

environmental conditions. In order to understand thc intluence of these conditions in the electronic package on the silver-aluminum material system, we carried out extensive studies on test packages built on laboratory level. For the future

development of challenging automotive devices, it will be important to have a cooperation between semiconductor

package developer and material supplier with an assist of

characterization spccialists. In this project, we formed a threeparty project in which characterization specialists, package

developer, and wire manufacturer collectivcly conduct a feasibility study of a new Ag wire material for automotive

application. Two wire types (standard Ag wire and new type of Ag wire GX2s) were chosen for the investigation in direct comparison regarding long-term reliability. Samples were built under mass production conditions and then subjected to various

reliability tests following AEC-Q006 requirements.

Subsequently, mechanical characterizations by means of ball shear and pull tests as weil as high resolution SEM microstructure analyses on cross-section samples are applied.

In the paper, results of the different tests will be summarized, but a more in-depth analysis will be given to the temperature cycle test (TCT), where the most significant

differences between the sample variations occurred. Overall, the results show the importance of the knowledge for the material

reliability upfront a device qualification process (robustness

validation) and give further guidance for material selection.
Application of Machine Learning Methods for Process Optimization in Electronic Packaging Processes
Authors: Niegisch Corinna , Haag Sabine T. , Braun Tanja , Hoelck Ole , Schneider-Ramelow Martin
Published: March 2024

Epoxy resins are commonly used as

encapsulation materials in electronic packaging processes. Fluctuations in the materials lead to both changes in

processability and to varying quality. Ideally, these variations should be identified, and measures taken as quickly as possible

to reduce scrap parts and thus costs. A promising optimization

approach for encapsulation processes are machine learning

models, which have already shown good results in quality

predictions, especially for injection molding. Subsequent quality

measurements are avoided with good quality prediction models. With this type of models, not only predictions can be made, but also optimal parameter combinations can be found. In this paper, models for predicting quality criteria warpage and

residual enthalpy of the epoxy molding compound were set up, trained and validated. Time series of in-situ sensors were used,

from which relevant features were extracted and which,

together with machine parameters, provide a dataset for

prediction. The most promising prediction models are random forest regression and gradient boosting regression. T hey predict warpage with an accuracy of 90% to 91% and the residual enthalpy with an accuracy of 95%. Subsequently, optimization models of the machine parameters were set up. All relevant target variables were considered in a cost function, through the minimization of which an optimal parameter set was found. The gradient boosted tree and Bayesian optimization were

determined to be the most promising models, as they lead to the lowest values of the respective cost function.
Numerical Study on the Influence of Polyimide Thickness and Curing Temperature on Wafer Bow in Wafer Level Packaging
Authors: Singh Prashant Kumar , Rohlfs Patrick , Sandmann Gunther , Machani Kashi Vishwanath , Breuer Dirk , Meier Karsten , Kuechenmeister Frank , Wieland Marcel , Bock Karlheinz
Published: March 2024

In wafer level packaging, polyimide and

electroplated copper are dielectric and conducting materials

respectively in the so-called redistribution layers. During the wafer fabrication process large amount of stress is generated in

those layers due to curing shrinkage of the polyimide and the coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch of both materials to silicon which can lead to severe wafer bow after a high

temperature curing. In different applications polyimide can be

used either only as passivation layer over electroplated copper, or polyimide is applied before the redistribution layer and then a second polyimide layer is applied as passivation. In the

current study the effect of different polyimide integrations is

investigated. In-situ wafer bow measurements and finite element method studies were conducted with samples, with and

without polyimide below redistribution layer, exposed to

different curing temperatures to understand the change in wafer bow and copper residual stress. It is observed that wafers with polyimide before redistribution layer show higher stress relaxation in copper with decreasing curing temperature, resulting therefore in a lower wafer bow. A good agreement is achieved between the experimentally measured and the simulated wafer bow.
Thickness Effect of Copper Clips on Power Module Packaging Design
Authors: Wan Haiyong , Iosifidis Nikolaos , Zhang Xu , Rong Rui , Antoniou Marina , Mawby Philip
Published: March 2024

The superior switching performance of SiC MOSFETs compared to Si devices is limited by packaging-related

issues. High electromagnetic parasitics which lead to high voltage

overshoots, and higher power losses are the main challenges of

high frequency operation. Hence, packaging design modification and optimisation are necessary to accommodate faster switching. Copper clips replacing the bonding wires show promising results

in reducing stray inductances, while enhancing the current conduction and heat dissipation since the clip are in contact with a larger area of the semiconductor chip. Silver sintering instead of soldering further improves the electrothermal behaviour. This

paper investigates numerically various thicknesses of the copper clips and their effect on double-sided silver sintering, half-bridge

1200V/400A SiC MOSFET power module. Moreover, the silver layer thickness is varied to reduce th maximum stresses on the chip - silver interface.
20-year follow-up of rheumatic mitral stenosis patients after percutaneous mitral commissurotomy: invasive transmitral gradient differential as a predictor of events
Authors: Amador Ana Filipa , Costa Catarina , Pinto Ricardo , Carvalho Miguel , Proença Tânia , Calvão João , Amorim Sandra , Paiva Mariana , Silva João Carlos , Rodrigues Rui
Published: March 2024

Percutaneous mitral valve commissurotomy (PMC) is a viable alternative to mitral valve (MV) surgery in the treatment of patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (RMS). In this single-center retrospective study of consecutive patients with RMS submitted to PMC from 1991 to 2008, we analyzed clinical, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic data and events during follow-up (FUP) until December 2021. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were a combined endpoint of all-cause death, cardiovascular hospitalization, and MV re-intervention. A total of 124 patients were enrolled: 108 (87.1%) were female, with a mean age at PMC of 46 [standard deviation (SD) 11] years. PMC was successful in 91.1%, with a mean reduction in invasive transmitral pressure gradient (TMPG) of 8 (SD 7) mmHg at PMC time. During the mean FUP of 20 (SD 6) years, 51 (41.1%) patients had MV re-intervention (86.3% surgery and 13.7% redo-PMC), 37 (29.8%) were hospitalized, and 30 (24.2%) died. Approximately 75% of patients remained MACE-free after 10 years, and this percentage decreased to around 40% after 20 years; at this time mark, about 8 in 10 patients were alive. A reduction of <5 mmHg in TMPG at PMC time was associated with a 2.7-fold greater rate of MACE compared to a reduction of ≥5 mmHg, independent of MV regurgitation after PMC and moderate disease of other valves (adjusted hazard ratio 2,7; 95% confidence interval 1.395-5.298, p=0.003). In this cohort with favorable long-term results after PMC, a reduction of <5 mmHg in TMPG at PMC time was associated with MACE during FUP. More studies are needed to validate this independent predictor.
Use of the Disposcope endoscope for awake orotracheal intubation in an elderly patient with a large vocal cord polyp -a case report-
Authors: Yang Duo , Li Sen , Lan Jinxin , Ye Shujun , Zhang Longsheng
Published: March 2024

Background: Vocal cord polyps are commonly encountered in the otorhinolaryngology department. The risk of anesthesia is high in patients with large vocal cord polyps. Awake intubation with appropriate airway tools provides a favorable safety profile.Case: We present the case of a 60-year-old male patient who had been suffering from a large vocal cord polyp for 16 years. Electronic laryngoscopy revealed that the vocal cord polyp was approximately 1.5 cm in diameter. The polyp had a pedicle and demonstrated synchronous motion with respiratory excursion. It covered almost the entire glottic area during inspiration and moved away from the glottis during expiration. A Disposcope endoscope was used for awake tracheal intubation, and the surgery was completed successfully. Conclusions: The Disposcope endoscope can be a useful option for awake orotracheal intubation in cases of anticipated difficult intubation and difficult facemask ventilation.
Ayurveda holistic management of acute unilateral central serous chorioretinopathy with pigmentary epithelial detachment: A case report
Authors: Mehar Kapil , Garg Vandana , Bisht Rahul , Bavalatti Narayan , Rajagopala Manjusha
Published: March 2024

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is characterized by localized serous detachment of neurosensory retina secondary to leakage of fluid from choriocapillaris, accumulating under the macula, with or without pigmented epithelial detachment. A 30-year-old male presented with complaints of sudden painless diminished vision and floaters in the right eye for 5 days. The patient had no previous history of any ocular disease and no significant systemic illness. The visual acuity as per LogMAR was 0.5 in the right eye and 0 in the left eye. The fundus examination showed round elevated detachment around the macula, which was confirmed by optical coherence tomography, showing neurosensory detachment due to serous fluid accumulation under the macula along with small pigmentary epithelial detachment. Management was done on an outpatient basis over 2.5 months, which included both internal and topical interventions along with Yoga therapy. The disease was resolved in 2.5 months with complete resolution of serous fluid. The visual acuity was brought back to normal, that is, LogMAR 0. CSCR cases can be successfully treated with an Ayurvedic holistic approach, and they respond better when treated at an early stage. These practices can be considered as an alternative.
Vatari Guggulu, Hingvashtaka Churna, and Brihat Saindhavadya Taila in the management of rheumatoid arthritis: An open-label, prospective, single-arm multi-center study
Authors: Sahu Dipsundar , Borah Taposi , Srivastava Alok , Khanduri Shruti , Rai Amit Kumar , Meher Sudhanshu K , Baruah Dinesh , Singh Krishna K , Singhal Richa , Rana Rakesh , Sharma Bhagwan S , Bhat Sulochana , Bharti  , Srikanth Narayanam , Padhi Madan M , Dhiman Kartar S
Published: March 2024

Background:

Despite significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the clinical outcomes remain unsatisfactory in a significant proportion of patients. Ayurveda management for RA (Amavata) has shown promising clinical outcomes in routine clinical practice and as per published research studies.

Objective:

The study was designed to assess the therapeutic effect and safety of Ayurveda interventions, Vatari Guggulu (VG), Hingvashtaka Churna (HC), and Brihat Saindhavadya Taila (BS) in the management of RA.

Materials and Methods:

An open-label, prospective, single-arm multicenter study was conducted at Ayurveda Research Institutes in Patna, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati with a sample size of 180 participants. Patients of any gender aged 20–60 years with clinically diagnosed RA as per the revised American College of Rheumatology criteria and willing to provide written informed consent to participate in the study were included in the study. Ayurveda interventions, VG, HC, and BS, were administered to the study participants for 12 weeks, with a follow-up at four weeks without intervention. The primary outcome measure was a change in the Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28) from baseline. The other outcome measures included change in the Indian Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index score (HAQ-DI), changes in the acute phase reactants (erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] and C-reactive protein [CRP]), and change in the quality of life parameters (assessed through the SF-36 questionnaire).

Results:

A total of 180 participants were enrolled in the study, and data of 179 participants were considered for the final analysis. A statistically significant difference was observed in the outcome parameters, such as a mean change in the DAS28 score, HAQ-DI score, SF-36 score, and ESR and CRP levels (P < 0.001) after 12 weeks of treatment. The mean DAS28 score changed from 6.50 ± 0.790 at baseline to 4.21 ± 1.286 on week 16 follow-up (P < 0.001). No participant withdrew from the study due to adverse events. The trial interventions were well-tolerated and safe.

Conclusion:

The study outcomes provide preliminary evidence of the safety and potential benefits of the Ayurveda interventions in the management of RA. Further, randomized controlled studies may be planned to generate robust evidence on the therapeutic potential of these interventions so that they can be recommended for use in routine clinical practice.

Trial registration:

CTRI/2014/12/005242.
The role of transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) following peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM): A pilot, prospective, patient-driven study
Authors: Ayoub Fares , Keihanian Tara , Zabad Noor , Jawaid Salmaan , Patel Kalpesh , Othman Mohamed O.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a concern after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) has been recently described as a possible therapy for post-POEM GERD in case series.

Methods:

We prospectively enrolled patients undergoing POEM who agreed to participate in objective post-procedure GERD evaluation. Patients with objective evidence of GERD and suitable anatomy were offered TIF vs. proton pump inhibitor (PPI) only. Patients who underwent TIF were compared to those on PPI-only therapy after follow-up.

Results:

Of 21 enrolled POEM patients with objective testing, GERD was found in 11 (52%). Of those eligible for TIF, 4 (40%) opted to pursue TIF and were compared to those on PPI-only therapy (n = 6). Three months post-TIF, 75% of patients had discontinued or significantly decreased PPI. There were no adverse events. GERD health-related quality of life scores were low and comparable between TIF (3.75 ± 6.2) and those who remained on PPI-only therapy (4.1 ± 5).

Conclusion:

In this pilot, patient-driven prospective study, 75% of patients with post-POEM GERD undergoing TIF had stopped or significantly reduced PPI use. Post-POEM TIF is safe and effective and may be a viable alternative to PPI for POEM-related GERD; however, future studies should include a control arm and post-intervention pH monitoring.
Pilot Study of the Effectiveness of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Pain and Quality of Life in Patients with Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Lopera-Muñeton Catalina , Betancur-Bedoya Silvia , Ángel Isabel , Vásquez-Montoya María Guadalupe , Grajales-Toro Sebastian , Vallejo Dionis
Published: March 2024

Background. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive technique that acts on the activity of the cerebral cortex employing electrical currents.
Aim. The objective of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of rTMS on pain and quality of life in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain.
Method. Ten patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain received 20 sessions of rTMS, consisting of 15 minutes of treatment repeated 5 times per week for four weeks (10 Hz, 20s, 30 trains with 81% intensity). Patients were evaluated using the Brief pain inventory (BPI) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy and neurotoxicity (FACT-GOG-NTX 13).
Results. There were significant differences in BPI mean severity, interference score and FACT-GOG-NTX 13 (p<0,05).
Conclusion. The pilot study results suggest that rTMS is potentially beneficial for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. rTMS over the M1 had an important reduction in pain severity, interference with daily activities, and quality of life scores. However, results should be taken with caution due to the small sample size, absence of a control group and short period of follow-up.
INNOVATIVE PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES SECTORS
Authors:   Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, KARIM NURUL ULFAH
Published: March 2024

Fish and fishery products are important food commodities that benefit human health, offer high commercial value and contain high protein, vitamins, minerals and unsaturated fatty acids. High demand and mass commercialisation of fish and fishery product regulate the international seafood business. Subsequently harvesting, the fish and fishery product face multiple supply chains and time in marketing and distribution to reach consumers. Therefore, these may lead to biodeterioration and thus require proper and innovative processing technologies for fish and fishery products preservation and shelf life extension. These include chilling, freezing, drying, freeze drying, smoking, vacuum packaging, modified atmosphere packaging, canning, irradiation, high-pressure processing and using natural products as preservative agents. Innovative processing technologies are important and contribute to sustainable fisheries management, supply chain and local and international trade.
Geometry of a Family of Complex Polynomials
Authors: Frayer Christopher , Wallace Jamison
Published: March 2024

Let Pa be the family of complex-valued polynomials of the form p(z)=(z-a)(z-r)(z-s) with a in [0,1] and r and s on the unit circle.   The Gauss-Lucas Theorem implies that the critical points of a polynomial in Pa lie in the unit disk.  This paper characterizes the location and structure of these critical points.  We show that the unit disk contains an open circular disk in which critical points of polynomials in Pa do not occur.  Furthermore, almost every c inside the unit disk and outside of the desert region is the critical point of a unique polynomial in Pa.
The KnotLink Game
Authors: Adams Hunter , Henrich Allison , Stoll Solden
Published: March 2024

Recently, several new games have been introduced that can be played on knot and link diagrams. One of the first such games, played on knot diagrams, is called the Knotting-Unknotting Game. In this game, one player aims to create an unknot while their opponent tries to produce a nontrivial knot. The Linking-Unlinking Game is similar, but is played on link diagrams. In this game, one player's goal is to produce an unlink while the other player aims to create any nontrivial link. In our paper, we introduce a hybrid of these two games, called the KnotLink game, that can be played on either a knot or a link diagram. Moves and players' goals are similar to those of the previous two games, with one key difference that allows the game board to be transformed from a knot to a link or vice versa during game play. We describe this new game, provide a sample game, and prove several results regarding winning strategies for infinite families of rational knots and links.
Topological Data Analysis on Simple English Wikipedia Articles
Authors: Wright Matthew , Zheng Xiaojun
Published: March 2024

Single-parameter persistent homology, a key tool in topological data analysis, has been widely applied to data problems along with statistical techniques that quantify the significance of the results.

In contrast, statistical techniques for two-parameter persistence, while highly desirable for real-world applications, have scarcely been considered.

We present three statistical approaches for comparing geometric data using two-parameter persistent homology; these approaches rely on the Hilbert function, matching distance, and barcodes obtained from two-parameter persistence modules computed from the point-cloud data.

Our statistical methods are broadly applicable for analysis of geometric data indexed by a real-valued parameter.

We apply these approaches to analyze high-dimensional point-cloud data obtained from Simple English Wikipedia articles.

In particular, we show how our methods can be utilized to distinguish certain subsets of the Wikipedia data and to compare with random data.

These results yield insights into the construction of null distributions and stability of our methods with respect to noisy data.
Counting Restricted Partitions of Integers Into Fractions: Symmetry and Modes of the Generating Function and a Connection to ω(t)
Authors: Hoelscher Zachary , Palsson Eyvindur
Published: March 2024

Motivated by the study of integer partitions, we consider partitions of integers into fractions of a particular form, namely with constant denominators and distinct odd or even numerators. When numerators are odd, the numbers of partitions for integers smaller than the denominator form symmetric patterns. Such properties can be applied to a particular class of nonlinear Diophantine equations. Most importantly, we find that our restrictions enable an elementary proof of the unimodality of the nonzero terms of the generating function, which in general is quite hard. We also examine partitions with even numerators. We prove that there are 2ω(t) − 2 partitions of an integer t into fractions with the first x consecutive even integers for numerators and equal denominators of y, where 0 < y < x < t. We then use this to produce corollaries such as a series identity and an extension of the prime omega function to the complex plane.
Using the Particle Model to Find Structure in Eilenberg-MacLane Spaces
Authors: Chaiser Rachel , Pelatt Kristine , Thatcher Courtney
Published: March 2024

We introduce two models, the bar construction and the particle model, for a collection of spaces known as Eilenberg-MacLane spaces. These spaces can be used as building blocks for other spaces and are of great interest throughout topology. We use these models to compute the homology groups for one Eilenberg-MacLane space in an intuitive and accessible way, and then show how the models can be used to determine the cell structure for additional cases using combinatorial arguments. An introduction to cellular homology and examples are included along the way.
Kernels of Algebraic Curvature Tensors of Symmetric and Skew-Symmetric Builds
Authors: Klos Basia
Published: March 2024

The kernel of an algebraic curvature tensor is a fundamental subspace that can be used to distinguish between different algebraic curvature tensors. Kernels of algebraic curvature tensors built only of canonical algebraic curvature tensors of a single build have been studied in detail. We consider the kernel of an algebraic curvature tensor R that is a sum of canonical algebraic curvature tensors of symmetric and skew-symmetric build. An obvious way to ensure that the kernel of R is nontrivial is to choose the involved bilinear forms such that the intersection of their kernels is nontrivial. We present a construction wherein this intersection is trivial but the kernel of R is nontrivial. We also show how many bilinear forms satisfying certain conditions are needed in order for R to have a kernel of any allowable dimension.
Using Probability to Reduce the Size of a Voting Body
Authors: Amorim Marina , Robertson Robert L.
Published: March 2024

Suppose a large group of people, such as a university faculty, traditionally makes decisions by meeting together and voting. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, large group meetings have become impractical. Having a relatively small subset of the group meet and take votes would be safer and easier to organize. The purpose of this research is to use probability theory to choose a size for this subset which guarantees that the subset has a high probability of voting the same way as the entire group. Our research involves the study of the hypergeometric probability distribution and leads to a computer algorithm for determining the subset size.
Eksistensi ASEAN sebagai Organisasi Regional pada Aspek Sosial Budaya Melalui Program Student Mobility
Authors: Eldaa Monica Roza Nandelia
Published: March 2024

The study of international relations originated in Great Britain precisely in the early 20th century in Wales, when a group of experts in philosophy and international law in Great Britain agreed on the need to study relations between nations. At first, international relations focused more on the study of war and peace in nation-state relations. However, beginning in the 1970s and 1980s the study of international relations expanded to a wider range of studies. International relations develop on non-political issues, such as economics, security, law, culture, technology, and so on. Any perspective in an approach that views international relations as not only state-oriented would say that other entities such as International Organizations also have an important role. One of the International Organizations at the Regional Level is The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). ASEAN has 3 pillars, namely Political-Security, Economic and Socio-Cultural.2 International Relations are inseparable from globalization. Globalization encourages countries indirectly to cooperate with each other in order to meet their national interests and respond to the phenomena that exist along with globalization. One form of cooperation is international cooperation. International organizations have several forms, one of which is in the Regional scope. ASEAN as one of the Regional Organizations collaborates in the field of Socio-Culture through the Student Mobility program.
INCREMENTAL LEARNING APPROACH FOR TOMATO LEAF DISEASE DETECTION WITHOUT CATASTROPHIC FORGETTING PROBLEM
Authors: Idris Nurfiah , M.Isa Sani
Published: March 2024

In the agricultural sector, the early detection on the crop disease is one of the major factor to prevent the diseases spread out and counteract the loss. However, in some cases the disease are still detected manually by the expert which is considered time-consuming, cost a lot of money, and somewhat inconsistencies occur. In the last decades, the utilization of machine learning has proven to allow the automation of identifying diseases on the leaf plant quickly and accurately. Nonetheless, the major problem has been faced as the lack of model to recognize the crop leaf diseases on the real condition. Therefore, huge number of various kind of leaf disease sample data is necessary to feed on the model. Incremental leaning is one of the best applicable approach to keep the model up to date by continually learning the new incoming plant leaf dataset. This study aims to classify the disease on the tomato leaves using CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) current state-of-the-art and implement the incremental learning as well as reducing the catastrophic problem by Freezing the last Layer and Rehearsal proposed method. The result shows that the best performance achieved when applying the Dense-Net with 95% accuracy and the proposed method succeed to outperform the highest previous performance on incremental learning which remain on the 94% of accuracy value after conducting incremental process on the base model