bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methodology of economic evaluations in spine surgery: a systematic review and qualitative assessment
Authors: Droeghaag Ruud , Schuermans Valérie N E , Hermans Sem M M , Smeets Anouk Y J M , Caelers Inge J M H , Hiligsmann Mickaël , Evers Silvia , van Hemert Wouter L W , van Santbrink Henk
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The present study is a systematic review conducted as part of a methodological approach to develop evidence-based recommendations for economic evaluations in spine surgery. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the methodology and quality of currently available clinical cost-effectiveness studies in spine surgery.

Study design

Systematic literature review.

Data sources

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EconLit and The National Institute for Health Research Economic Evaluation Database were searched through 8 December 2022.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Studies were included if they met all of the following eligibility criteria: (1) spine surgery, (2) the study cost-effectiveness and (3) clinical study. Model-based studies were excluded.

Data extraction and synthesis

The following data items were extracted and evaluated: pathology, number of participants, intervention(s), year, country, study design, time horizon, comparator(s), utility measurement, effectivity measurement, costs measured, perspective, main result and study quality.

Results

130 economic evaluations were included. Seventy-four of these studies were retrospective studies. The majority of the studies had a time horizon shorter than 2 years. Utility measures varied between the EuroQol 5 dimensions and variations of the Short-Form Health Survey. Effect measures varied widely between Visual Analogue Scale for pain, Neck Disability Index, Oswestry Disability Index, reoperation rates and adverse events. All studies included direct costs from a healthcare perspective. Indirect costs were included in 47 studies. Total Consensus Health Economic Criteria scores ranged from 2 to 18, with a mean score of 12.0 over all 130 studies.

Conclusions

The comparability of economic evaluations in spine surgery is extremely low due to different study designs, follow-up duration and outcome measurements such as utility, effectiveness and costs. This illustrates the need for uniformity in conducting and reporting economic evaluations in spine surgery.
Prevalence of and factors influencing depression and anxiety among Chinese adolescents: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Zhou Keyi , Chen Jiarui , Huang Chongmei , Tang Siyuan
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Depression and anxiety are common mental health disorders among adolescents and negatively impact their physical and mental health. Depression and anxiety also exert a tremendous economic burden to society. But in China, there is no systematic review to state the exact prevalence of adolescent depression and anxiety; there is also a lack of systematic reviews of factors that influence depression and anxiety. Hence, in this systematic review, we aim to summarise the current evidence of the prevalence of and factors influencing depression and anxiety among Chinese adolescents.

Methods and analysis

This protocol was developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines. We will comprehensively search four English databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL in EBSCO interface, PsycINFO in ProQuest interface) and three Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang and SinoMed) for studies from inception to 31 August 2022. Screening for eligible studies and data extraction will be conducted by two reviewers independently, and all discrepancies will be resolved through group discussion.

Ethics and dissemination

Because this is a review of published studies, no ethical approval is required. The results will be reported in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated at relevant conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022299943.
Adaptation of transgene mRNA translation boosts the anticancer efficacy of oncolytic HSV1
Authors: Hoang Huy-Dung , Said Aida , Vaidya Nasana , Gilchrist Victoria H , Malone Kyle , Kabilan Usha , Topshee Serena , Xiang Xiao , Yang An-Dao , Olagnier David , Mossman Karen , Beug Shawn T , Jafarnejad Seyed Mehdi , Workenhe Samuel T , Graber Tyson E , Alain Tommy
Published: March 2023

Background

Transgenes deliver therapeutic payloads to improve oncolytic virus immunotherapy. Transgenes encoded within oncolytic viruses are designed to be highly transcribed, but protein synthesis is often negatively affected by viral infection, compromising the amount of therapeutic protein expressed. Studying the oncolytic herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV1), we found standard transgene mRNAs to be suboptimally translated in infected cells.

Methods

Using RNA-Seq reads, we determined the transcription start sites and 5'leaders of HSV1 genes and uncovered the US11 5'leader to confer superior activity in translation reporter assays. We then incorporated this 5’leader into GM-CSF expression cassette in oncolytic HSV1 and compared the translationally adapted oncolytic virus with the conventional, leaderless, virusin vitroand in mice.

Results

Inclusion of the US11 5’leader in the GM-CSF transgene incorporated into HSV1 boosted translationin vitroandin vivo. Importantly, treatment with US11 5’leader-GM-CSF oncolytic HSV1 showed superior antitumor immune activity and improved survival in a syngeneic mouse model of colorectal cancer as compared with leaderless-GM-CSF HSV1.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the therapeutic value of identifying and integrating platform-specificcis-acting sequences that confer increased protein synthesis on transgene expression.
Effect of ramp slope on the efficiency of hump weirs in free flow condition
Authors: Azimi Amir H. , Ahmadi Arash , Baki Abul B.M.
Published: March 2023

A series of numerical simulations was performed to study the discharge capacity of symmetrical hump weirs in free flow condition. A wide range of ramp slopes was selected from 1 V:1 H to 1 V:5 H and the effects of flow discharge and ramp slope on variations of discharge coefficient were investigated. The variations of upstream water head with discharge indicated the existence of two distinct flow regimes on free flow over symmetrical hump weirs. It was found that the discharge coefficient increased with increasing the upstream water head until the maximum discharge coefficient was achieved. Further increase of water head caused a reduction in discharge coefficient and the flow regime became inefficient. The proposed models for prediction of discharge characteristics of sharp-crested weirs with an upstream and (or) downstream ramp(s) from the literature were also compared with the discharge capacity of sharp-crested weirs to study the effects of ramp slope. It was found that the available head–discharge models are acceptable for hump weirs with small ramp length and more accurate prediction models are required for symmetrical hump weirs with larger ramps. The boundary curve to determine the optimum performance in symmetrical hump weirs was introduced, and the head–discharge models for both efficient and inefficient discharge conditions were proposed.
The B-Prize-Collecting Multicut Problem in Paths, Spider Graphs and Rings
Authors: Liu Xiaofei , Li Weidong
Published: March 2023

Given a graph [Formula: see text], a set of [Formula: see text] source-sink pairs [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and a profit bound [Formula: see text], every edge [Formula: see text] has a cost [Formula: see text], and every source-sink pair [Formula: see text] has a profit [Formula: see text] and a penalty [Formula: see text]. The [Formula: see text]-prize-collecting multicut problem ([Formula: see text]-PCMP) is to find a multicut [Formula: see text] such that the objective cost, which consists of the total cost of the edges in [Formula: see text] and the total penalty of the pairs still connected after removing [Formula: see text], is minimized and the total profit of the disconnected pairs by removing [Formula: see text] is at least [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we firstly consider the [Formula: see text]-PCMP in paths, and prove that it is [Formula: see text]-hard even when [Formula: see text] for any [Formula: see text]. Then, we present a fully polynomial time approximation scheme (FPTAS) whose running time is [Formula: see text] for the [Formula: see text]-PCMP in paths. Based on this algorithm, we present an FPTAS whose running time is [Formula: see text] for the [Formula: see text]-PCMP in spider graphs, and an FPTAS whose running time is [Formula: see text] for the [Formula: see text]-PCMP in rings, respectively, where [Formula: see text] is the number of leaves of spider graph.
On inflationary models in f(R,T) gravity with a kinetic coupling term
Authors: Belhaj A. , Benali M. , Hassouni Y. , Lamaaoune M.
Published: March 2023

We investigate inflationary models in [Formula: see text] modified gravity with a kinetic coupling term [Formula: see text] having a positive factor needed to remove the ghosts. Taking [Formula: see text], we calculate and analyze the relevant observable quantities including the spectral index [Formula: see text] and the tensor-to-scalar ratio [Formula: see text] using the slow-roll approximations. Concretely, we consider two scenarios described by the decoupling and the coupling behaviors between the scalar potential and the [Formula: see text] gravity via the moduli space by dealing with two potentials being the quartic one [Formula: see text] and the small field inflation [Formula: see text]. For the quartic inflation model, we consider a decoupling behavior. For the small field inflation, however, we present the parameter decoupling and coupling scenarios. For both scenarios, we compute and inspect [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] showing interesting results. For three different values of the number of e-folds [Formula: see text] and 70, we find that the coupling between [Formula: see text] and the scalar potential via the moduli space provides an excellent agreement with the observational findings. In the last part of this work, we provide a possible discussion on the amplitude of the scalar power spectrum needed to provide a viability of the proposed theory. Considering the second potential form in the parameter coupling scenario, we find acceptable values in certain points of the moduli space.
Regge trajectories of tetraquarks and pentaquarks with massive quarks in the flux tube model
Authors: Sindhu D. G. , Ranjan Akhilesh , Nandan Hemwati
Published: March 2023

In recent years, many tetraquarks and pentaquarks have been discovered by various experimental groups and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] are some of the interesting observed tetraquark and pentaquark states. The Regge trajectories of some such states are studied in view of the flux tube model of hadrons with finite quark masses. The effect of flux tube (or string) length variation on the Regge trajectories of these states is analyzed in detail. It is observed that for a fixed angular momentum, the string length has a constant value. Some other states are also proposed and the results obtained are then compared with the studies by others. Our findings correspond rather well with those of other researchers and with those of the experiment.
Influence of Amplitude-Modulated Force and Nonlinear Dissipation on Chaotic Motions in a Parametrically Excited Hybrid Rayleigh–Van der Pol–Duffing Oscillator
Authors: Kpomahou Y. J. F. , Agbélélé K. J. , Tokpohozin N. B. , Yamadjako A. E.
Published: March 2023

The generation and evolution of chaotic motions in a hybrid Rayleigh–Van der Pol–Duffing oscillator driven by parametric and amplitude-modulated excitation forces are investigated analytically and numerically. By using the Melnikov method, the conditions for the appearance of horseshoe chaos in our system are derived in the case where the modulation frequency [Formula: see text] and the forcing frequency [Formula: see text] are the same [Formula: see text]. The obtained results show that the chaotic region decreases and increases in certain ranges of frequency. The numerical simulations based on the basin of attraction of initial conditions validate the obtained analytical predictions. It is also found that in the case where [Formula: see text] is irrational, the increase of amplitude-modulated force accentuates the fractality of the basin of attraction. The global dynamical changes of our model are numerically examined. It is found that our model displays a rich variety of bifurcation phenomena and remarkable routes to chaos. In addition, the presence of the hybrid Rayleigh–Van der Pol damping force reduces the chaotic domain in the absence of amplitude-modulated force. But when the amplitude-modulated force acts on the system, the chaotic oscillations decrease and disappear. Further, the geometric shape of the chaotic attractors considerably decreases in the presence of the amplitude-modulated excitation force. On the other hand, the system presents transient chaos, torus-chaos and torus of different topologies when [Formula: see text] is irrational.
Electronically Tunable Circuit Realization of Multimemelement Function Simulator and Its Application to Chaos Generation
Authors: Bhardwaj Kapil , Raj Niranjan , Srivastava Mayank
Published: March 2023

The paper presents a very compact dual memelement function simulator using only one active building block (ABB) namely modified Voltage Differencing Current Conveyor (mVDCC), two MOSFETs, and two grounded passive elements. The proposed emulator can realize the function of memristor, meminductor, and memcapacitor-dual, which can be achieved via the proper selection of only one grounded passive element as R, L, and C. The proposed multimemelement emulator (MME) is fully electronically tunable and exhibits nonvolatile storage property. Also, the emulator can exhibit memristor response up to MHz range of frequency. The PSPICE-generated simulation results verify the working of the given floating MME for the realization of all three elements using 0.18 [Formula: see text]m CMOS technology node. The presented CMOS layout shows that the proposed emulator implementation occupies an area of [Formula: see text]. Along with the CMOS-based structure, the presented MME is verified through commercial ICs-based implementation. The given application example of the chaotic circuit also proves the working of the presented MME.
FRICTION STIR PROCESSING AND CLADDING: AN INNOVATIVE SURFACE ENGINEERING TECHNIQUE TO TAILOR MAGNESIUM-BASED ALLOYS FOR BIOMEDICAL IMPLANTS
Authors: BHOJAK VISHAL , JAIN JINESH KUMAR , SINGHAL TEJENDRA SINGH , SAXENA KULDEEP KUMAR , PRAKASH CHANDER , AGRAWAL MANOJ KUMAR , MALIK VINAYAK
Published: March 2023

Regarding biocompatibility, toxicity, degradation, and interaction with body cells, the materials as well as fabrication process used for biomedical implants are crucial aspects. Implant materials are chosen in accordance with these criteria. The most recent medical implants are made of materials, i.e. stainless steel, Co–Cr and titanium alloys. Although these conventional implant materials generate hazardous ions and have a stress shield effect in many medical implant situations, the implants must be removed from the body within a certain period of time. In order to avoid the need for implant removal, researchers advise using magnesium metal matrix composite (Mg-MMC) as an implant material. Magnesium composites are subjected to a variety of engineering processes to enhance their mechanical and biocompatibility properties, including the addition of reinforcement, treating the surface, and changing the synthesis processes. The solid-state “friction stir process” is discussed for the fabrication of magnesium metal matrix composites. The influence of various reinforcing materials’, process parameters and reinforcing strategies are summarized in this review study with respect to the microstructure, mechanical characteristics, and corrosion behavior of biodegradable magnesium matrix composites. This study provides an importance of magnesium-based composites for biomedical implants and the degradation behavior reduces the secondary activities to remove implants.
BIOMECHANICAL OPTIMIZATION OF CO2 ANGIOGRAPHY
Authors: ZANNOLI ROMANO , CORAZZA IVAN , NERI LUCA , CASADEI LORENZO , MONTI LUCA
Published: March 2023

Carbon dioxide (CO2) angiography represents an important technique to overcome most clinical problems related to the use of iodine contrast medium. The recent technologic advancements in the fields of gas injection and image reconstructions made CO2 angiography a very efficient method for clinical evaluation of peripheral cardiovascular system. Despite that, some challenges are still open and a better knowledge of the biomechanical behavior of CO2 and its interactions with blood flowing into the vessels is necessary to optimize this technology and to expand its field of application. This paper presents a quick overview about biomechanical behavior of carbon dioxide during injection, suggesting possible optimization tricks to make CO2 angiography procedures more effective to improve imaging and reduce the patients’ radiological dose. Particular attention has been also paid to 3D imaging techniques, which can certainly be opened to the use of carbon dioxide.
3D PRINTING OF A CRANIAL IMPLANT WITH ENERGY-ABSORBING POLYMER VIA ARBURG PLASTIC FREEFORMING TECHNOLOGY
Authors: MELE M. , CERCENELLI L. , PISANESCHI G. , FIORINI M. , ZUCCHELLI A. , CAMPANA G. , TARSITANO A. , MARCELLI E.
Published: March 2023

Additive Manufacturing (AM) brings ground-breaking opportunities to provide customized healthcare solutions with reasonable time and cost. These benefits become more evident if reducing the distance between the printing process and surgery. In this direction, the Arburg Plastic Freeforming (APF) process offers unprecedented opportunities. The absence of hazardous feedstock materials such as powders allows for the utilization of this technology within hospitals. Also, unlike traditional AM processes, APF makes it possible to process medically approved standard granulates without compromising their certification.

In this study, APF has been used to manufacture, for the first time, a patient-specific cranial implant (PSCI) using a biocompatible polymer with a high energy absorption capability, namely, PolyCarbonate Urethane (PCU). The main technological issue was represented by the lack of a solvable support material compatible with PCU. This obstacle was overcome by a custom support structure made of the same material, which can be removed at the end of the process with limited damage to the PSCI. The orientation of the part within the building chamber was chosen to optimize the accuracy of critical features and the surface quality of the regions facing the brain. The 3D-printed cranial implant showed high toughness during mechanical impact tests.
ASSOCIATION OF CHEST RADIOGRAPHIC GEOMETRIC CHANGES IN MEDIASTINUM WITH COVID-19 CONDITIONS
Authors: TULO SUKANTA KUMAR , GOVINDARAJAN SATYAVRATAN , RAMU PALANIAPPAN , SWAMINATHAN RAMAKRISHNAN
Published: March 2023

In this work, an attempt is made to investigate the association of geometric changes in mediastinum and lungs with Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) using chest radiographic images. For this, the normal and COVID-19 images are considered from a public database. Reaction-diffusion level set is employed to segment the lung fields. Further, Chan Vese level set mechanism is used to delineate the mediastinum. Features, such as area, convex area, and bounding box area, are extracted from the mediastinum and lung masks. Then, mediastinum to lungs ratiometric features are derived, and statistical analysis is performed. The results demonstrate that the proposed methods are able to segment both regions by capturing significant anatomical landmarks. The ratiometric indices, along with mediastinum measures, are observed to be statistically significant for normal and COVID-19 conditions. Mediastinum convex area for COVID-19 conditions is found to be two times greater than normal subjects indicating the maximum difference in values between the classes. An AUC of 94% is obtained using SVM classifier for differentiating normal and COVID-19 conditions. Thus, the investigation of the mechanics of structural alterations of lungs and mediastinum is significant in COVID-19 diagnosis. As the proposed approach is able to detect COVID-19 conditions, it could act as a decision support system to assist clinicians in early detection.
Digital Transformation Implementation Challenges in Turkish Industrial Enterprises
Authors: Gajo Atheer Haso , Akyuz Goknur Arzu
Published: March 2023

A successful digital transformation (DT) requires reengineering company processes in line with the strategy and business model, and using multiple technologies simultaneously and harmoniously. This creates multiple challenges. This study identifies and prioritizes emerging DT challenges in Turkish industrial sectors. After conducting the literature review, this exploratory study uses structured interviews in multiple sectors and conducts case studies. Challenges are discussed under technological, organizational, managerial, and human dimensions and results are compared with the existing literature. In Turkey, 29% of challenges are human-related, 28% are organizational, 24% are technological, and 19% are managerial. Findings support the importance of handling the soft aspects during the implementations, and put forward the variability of the results with respect to company size and sector. The study is valuable in providing a comprehensive Turkish perspective, classification, and prioritization of multi-dimensional challenges.
Electromagnetic quasinormal modes of dyonic AdS black holes with quasitopological electromagnetism in a Horndeski gravity theory mimicking EGB gravity at D → 4
Authors: Sekhmani Yassine , Gogoi Dhruba Jyoti
Published: March 2023

We investigate some properties of a black hole in a Horndeski gravity theory mimicking EGB gravity at [Formula: see text]. Borrowing ideas from quasitopological gravities provide a matter source of dyonic fields, in which the black hole solution carries two charges, electric and magnetic, in the context of the Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet (EGB) gravity. However, due to several limitations of the EGB gravity in [Formula: see text], we consider a Horndeski gravity theory which can mimic EGB gravity in [Formula: see text]. The essential practice used in this paper is the electromagnetic quasinormal modes process, with the goal of discovering the spectrum of such an electromagnetic perturbation over the black hole spacetime. The Wentzel–Kramer–Brillouin (WKB) approximation is used to achieve the desired results. The study shows that both the charges have similar impacts on the quasinormal modes.
Fabrication and electrochemical performance of Si@Polyaniline-based activated-carbon composites
Authors: Zhang Mingsheng , Tian Miao , Zhang Xu , Camacho Ramon Alberto Paredes , Hao Zhongkai
Published: March 2023

Si@polyaniline-based activated-carbon (Si@P-AC) composites, consisting of porous polyaniline-based carbon layers, were synthesized via in-situ polymerization, high-temperature sintering, and steam activation utilizing silicon and aniline. Our experimental results demonstrate that Si@P-AC60 composites, prepared via steam activation at 700[Formula: see text]C for 60 min, exhibit superior rate and cycling performance. At current densities of 100, 200, 300, 500, and 1000 mA⋅g[Formula: see text], the discharge-specific capacities of Si@P-AC60 are 1617, 1133, 1005, 855, and 679 mAh⋅g[Formula: see text], respectively. Additionally, the specific capacity retention rate reaches 75.5% when the current density returns to 100 mA⋅g[Formula: see text], with the specific capacity recovering to 1221 mAh⋅g[Formula: see text]. This extraordinary electrochemical performance can be attributed to the improved electron and ion transport channels provided by the polyaniline-based activated-carbon (P-AC) coating on the surface of silicon particles.
Ultrasonic synthesis of perovskite-type BaCeO3/Fe2O3 composites with enhanced photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Qin Yu , Hu Shiyue , Shen Qiqi , Hu Haikun , Luo Xuanlan , Liu Junhong , Yuan Jinhai , Xu Di
Published: March 2023

As the environmental issues of organic dyes pollutants are becoming more and more severe, the need to develop emerging technologies to effectively eliminate pollutants is becoming increasingly urgent. In this work, the perovskite-type [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] composites were successfully synthesized by a simple ultrasonic water bath. The obtained composite was characterized by various techniques such as XRD, FTIR, SEM and UV-Vis. The photocatalytic performance of the composite was investigated by degrading rhodamine B under 25 W and 254 nm UV irradiation. Moreover, we investigated the optimum preparation conditions of [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] photocatalyst with a [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] mass ratio of 1:1 and a temperature of [Formula: see text]C for 2 h. In addition, the operating parameters of the photocatalytic reaction were systematically studied such as the initial concentration of solution, catalyst dosage and solution initial pH. The results showed that the photocatalytic decolorization rate of rhodamine B could reach 97.5% by adding 1 g/L [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] photocatalyst to 100 mL of 20 mg/L rhodamine B solution at pH 2 for 2 h. What’s more, the [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] catalyst was shown to be reusable and stable by cycling tests, and the use of active species trapping agents determined the predominance of •[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in the reaction system. Finally, the possible mechanism of enhancement of photocatalytic activity was initially discussed.
Mixed metric dimension of some plane graphs
Authors: Kang Na , Li Zhiquan , Hou Lihang , Qu Jing
Published: March 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite undirected simple connected graph with vertex set [Formula: see text] and edge set [Formula: see text]. A vertex [Formula: see text] resolves two elements (vertices or edges) [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text]. A subset [Formula: see text] of vertices in [Formula: see text] is called a mixed metric generator for [Formula: see text] if every two distinct elements (vertices and edges) of [Formula: see text] are resolved by some vertices of [Formula: see text]. The minimum cardinality of a mixed metric generator for [Formula: see text] is called the mixed metric dimension and is denoted by [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we study the mixed metric dimension for the plane graph of web graph [Formula: see text] and convex polytope [Formula: see text].
Analysis of the Drivers of Service Sector Growth in Uganda
Authors: James Mukoki , Eria Hisali , Ibrahim Mukisa
Published: March 2023

The service sector in Uganda emerged prematurely as the leading driver of economic growth. This was before the country fully industrialised as described under the dual economic development model. Despite the enormous contribution of the service sector to economic growth in Uganda, an empirical analysis of its drivers is still in shortage. The main objective of this study is to examine the drivers of rapid growth in Uganda’s service sector using an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and a long annual time series spanning the period 1980-2020. The results of this study showed that the past level of service performance determines how the sector performs at present. Also, the Human Capital Index (HCI), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Gross National Expenditure (GNE) significantly improve service sector growth in both the short run and long run. Also, if the service sector experiences a shock, the sector will adjust to its long-run equilibrium at an adjustment speed of 24.2%. The findings of this study, therefore, highlight the need for government to increase funding for human capital development through investing in the education and healthcare sectors. Further, the government should implement favourable trade policies aimed at attracting more FDI. Foreign investors should be provided free land and tax holidays. Given the important role that the service sector plays in Uganda’s economy, a large share of GNE should be directed to the service sector to stimulate its performance.
Cyber Efficiency and Cyber Resilience
Authors: Linkov Igor , Ligo Alexandre , Stoddard Kelsey , Perez Beatrice , Strelzoffx Andrew , Bellini Emanuele , Kott Alexander
Published: March 2023

Complementary objectives competing for the same resources.
Where Is the Research on Cryptographic Transition and Agility?
Authors: Ott David , Paterson Kenny , Moreau Dennis
Published: March 2023

Gaps facing the industry as quantum safe algorithms move closer to standardization.
Hoping for the Best as AI Evolves
Authors: Marcus Gary
Published: March 2023

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Gary Marcus on the systems that "pose a real and imminent threat to the fabric of society."
AI Rewrites Coding
Authors: Greengard Samuel
Published: March 2023

Even as software grows increasingly complex, artificial intelligence helps to simplify and automate coding tasks.
High Purity Hydrogen Separation with HT-PBI Based Electrochemical Pump Operation at 120 °C
Authors: Maxwell Derrick S. , Sun Qiang , Rojas Humberto , Kendrick Ian , Pavlicek Ryan K. , De Castro Emory S. , Aurora Akarsh , Mukerjee Sanjeev
Published: March 2023

Electrochemical Hydrogen Pumps (EHP) provide a unique highly efficient means of separating and compressing hydrogen with continuous steady-state operation. In this paper, we demonstrate the performance of a commercially available, polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane based platform as a benchmark for ultra-high efficiency performance. A primary gas mixture of CO2 and H2 with a ratio of 4:1 respectively was selected to demonstrate the performance of EHPs with near theoretical Faradaic efficiency with negligible CO poisoning due to reverse water gas shift reaction (RWGS). It was found that humidification of the feed gas at room temperature improved polarization performance while also improving energy efficiency, thus reducing the need for a tightly controlled relative humidity of feed gas. A new perspective on EHP energy efficiency calculation methodology is also provided by including the cell heating requirement in the calculation. In this manner, an overall improvement to the energy efficiency of nearly 20% was realized by dropping the cell temperature to 120 °C while paying no significant penalty to electrochemical performance. Nearly 99.99% pure H2 and 99.93% pure CO2 were produced with a hydrogen yield of 99.34%.
Zoom-sandwiched cross-chapter concept map: a novel model to optimize a concept map project in online STEM courses
Authors: Zhang Hongmei , Li Yanju , Fulk Martha
Published: March 2023

This research aims to optimize the concept map project for STEM courses in the virtual delivery system and to explore its effectiveness. Specifically, we 1) established the “Zoom-sandwiched cross-chapter concept map” model in an online STEM course; 2) evaluated student performance on concept map construction; 3) distributed survey questions to investigate student perception toward the Zoom-sandwiched cross-chapter concept map model; and 4) further explored the mechanism of how this model promoted student learning.
Study on Compatibility between Complex Mode Micropore Structure and Polymer Solution of Different Formulation for Conglomerate Reservoir
Authors: Tan Fengqi , Jing Yuqian , Ma Chunmiao , Liu Zhenping , Chen Yukun , Li Xiankun , Jiang Ruihai
Published: March 2023

In this paper, the conglomerate reservoir is selected as the object to investigate the micropore structure and the compatibility of polymer solutions. Firstly, the characteristics of complex mode pore structure are analyzed based on casting thin sections, scanning electron microscope, and capillary pressure curve. Then the conglomerate reservoir is divided into five types by use of the K-means clustering algorithm, and the differences in micropore structure among the different reservoir types are also clarified. Secondly, the dynamic light scattering technology is used to directly determine the hydrodynamic diameter of different polymer formulations. As the polymer molecular weight increases, the average hydrodynamic diameter becomes larger, and with the same polymer molecular weight, the average hydrodynamic diameter becomes gradually larger as the solution concentration increases. Based on the above research results, the matching relationship between five reservoir types and polymer solutions is determined through laboratory experiments. The experimental results show that when the polymer molecular weight is determined, the volume of pore volume that can be effectively swept by polymer hydration molecules gradually decreases as the concentration of the solution increases. When the polymer molecular weight and its concentration are both determined, the pore volume of effective displacement of polymer-hydrated molecules also gradually reduces with becoming worse reservoir pore structure. The scope of application of different polymer formulations becomes progressively smaller as the microscopic pore structure of type I to type V reservoirs becomes deteriorated. The compatibility between the micropore structure of different conglomerate reservoir types and polymer solution is determined to provide the geological basis for the reasonable formulation of the polymer flooding scheme.
Ethanolic Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) Leaf Extract Improves the Quality of Cryopreserved Goat Semen
Authors: Khalil Wael A. , Ismail Aya A. , Sindi Ramya A. , Abdel-Khalek Abdel-Khalek E. , Yousif Ahmed I. , Swelum Ayman A. , El-Harairy Mostafa A.
Published: March 2023

Portulaca oleracea contains a wide range of chemical constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, fatty acids, terpenoids, sterols, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. These chemical constituents are linked to the plant’s diverse pharmacological properties, such as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Therefore, this study is aimed at evaluating the effect of adding two concentrations (50 or 100 μg/mL) of Portulaca oleracea leaf ethanolic extracts in a native form (POLE) or nanoformulation (POLENF) on the antioxidant status of sperm medium to improve goat sperm freezability. Semen was evaluated postequilibration (5°C for 2 h), postthawing, and 2 h postincubation (37°C and 5% CO2). Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of 30 compounds in POLE, including phenolic acids and flavonoids and their glucosides. Total flavonoids were higher in POLE than in POLENF. Both extracts showed strong free radical scavenging capacity by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate assay, which was higher for POLENF than POLE, whereas the antioxidant activity by the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay had no differences. In comparison to free extender, the addition of POLE (100 μg) or POLENF (50 and 100 μg) significantly improved sperm motility and viability postequilibration and postincubation and antioxidant status of sperm medium postthawing. All POLE and POLENF concentrations significantly improved motility, viability, membrane integrity, and apoptosis of spermatozoa postthawing. Enzyme activities of AST, ALT, and LDH in sperm medium postthawing were not affected by treatments. In comparing different types and concentrations of POLE with free extender, the addition of POLENF (100 μg/mL) to goat semen extender gave the most valuable results as an effective free radical scavenger and antiapoptotic during cryopreservation.
Usefulness of a Novel Vascular Access Management Method Using a Laser Blood Flowmeter
Authors: Kojima Moe , Tanabe Naoya , Kojima Yu , Tamura Koichi , Takahashi Hiroo , Ito Jun
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Various methods for vascular access (VA) management have been studied. We investigated the usefulness of a new, simple, and quantitative VA management method using the Pocket LDF® laser blood flowmeter (hereinafter “LDF”) that noninvasively measures peripheral circulation flow. Methods: Peripheral circulation flow was measured in 82 patients (43 men) on maintenance hemodialysis with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The shunt symmetry index (SSI) was calculated as peripheral circulation flow in the AVF limb divided by that in the non-AVF limb. SSI was used for microcirculation evaluation and also compared by AVF site. Patients undergoing vascular access interventional therapy (VAIVT) underwent ultrasound evaluation (Doppler ultrasonography) of the AVF and SSI measurement before and after VAIVT. SSI was compared between those who did and did not require VAIVT, and the cutoff value for SSI was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. Results: As many as 86% of the patients who were measured peripheral circulation flow had SSI <1.0, which indicates that AVF reduced peripheral circulation flow. All patients who underwent VAIVT showed a decrease in SSI to <1.0 after VAIVT, probably due to improvement of stenosis. SSI differed significantly between patients who did and did not require VAIVT (1.20 ± 0.49 vs. 0.65 ± 0.33, p < 0.001), which indicates that SSI is affected by the presence of stenosis in the proximal vein of the VA anastomosis. In patients with SSI ≥1.0, stenosis of the proximal vein of the AVF caused stasis of blood flow, resulting in increased peripheral blood flow. AVF site seems to have no impact on peripheral circulation flow. The SSI cutoff value for the screening of proximal vein stenosis was 1.06 (sensitivity: 0.69, specificity: 0.93, area under the curve: 0.81). Conclusion: Based on the ROC analysis, we recommend considering AVF ultrasound for SSI >1.06. Our results suggest the usefulness of the described VA management method using the LDF.
Перспективи застосування імуногістохімічних методів у діагностиці та прогнозуванні клінічного перебігу генералізованого пародонтиту (огляд літератури)
Authors: Гасюк Н. В. , Радчук В. Б.
Published: March 2023

Резюме. Бурхливий розвиток морфології дозволив значно розширити уявлення про механізми клітинної перебудови за умови впливу екзогенних чинників та при запальних і проліферативних процесах. Висока специфічність та діагностична інформативність імуногістохімічних маркерів щодо формування прогностичних критеріїв клінічного перебігу захворювань тканин пародонта та деталізації патогенетичних механізмів даної нозології спонукає до їх глибшого вивчення.

Мета дослідження – проаналізувати літературні джерела з характеристикою імуногістохімічних методів у діагностиці та прогнозуванні клінічного перебігу генералізованого пародонтиту.

Матеріали і методи. Огляд та аналіз наукової і медичної літератури на основі баз даних Scopus, Web of Science, MedLine, PubMed, NCBI, вивчення яких не перевищує 10 років, включаючи огляди літератури та результати клінічних випробувань.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Ідентифікація клітинного складу ясен при генералізованому пародонтиті є джерелом біоматеріалу для ідентифікації специфічних кластерів диференціації, які несуть високу інформативність щодо діагностики та прогнозування клінічного перебігу пародонтиту. Так, наприклад, експресія у клітинних інфільтратах власної пластинки ясен при генералізованому пародонтиті специфічних маркерів, таких, як CD-4, CD-3, CD-20, Kі-67, CD-68 свідчить про певні патофізіологічні процеси при генералізованому пародонтиті та може бути цінним прогностичним критерієм на різних етапах розвитку даного захворювання.

Висновки. Епітеліоцити слизової оболонки порожнини рота є стратегічно важливою ланкою у виникненні запальних процесів слизової оболонки та тканин пародонта і предметом молекулярно-генетичних та імуногістохімічних досліджень у стоматології.
Обґрунтування доцільності застосування місцевої анестезії в амбулаторному стоматологічному лікуванні підлітків
Authors: Гасюк Н. В. , Радчук В. Б.
Published: March 2023

Резюме. Одним із найважливіших та революційних досягнень у медицині XIX ст. стало відкриття загального знеболювання та початок «ери анестезії». Як відомо, значний об’єм стоматологічних втручань супроводжується болісними відчуттями, тому знеболювання є одним із найважливіших етапів лікування у сучасній стоматології. Особливо актуальним дане явище є для специфічного контингенту пацієнтів, таких, як діти та підлітки, на фоні психоемоційного формування їх особистості та особливої вразливості щодо сприйняття болю з подальшим формуванням взаємодовірливих відносин між стоматологом та пацієнтом.

Мета дослідження – проаналізувати літературні джерела для формулювання доцільності застосування місцевої анестезії в амбулаторному стоматологічному лікуванні підлітків.

Матеріали і методи. Огляд та аналіз наукової та медичної літератури на основі баз даних Scopus, Web of Science, MedLine, PubMed, NCBI, вивчення яких не перевищує 10 років, включаючи огляди літератури та результати клінічних досліджень.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Контингент пацієнтів дитячого та підліткового віку, будучи одними з найскладніших для стоматологічного лікування, піддається страху та тривозі через брак попереднього досвіду. Навички долати вищенаведені стани є недостатньо розвиненими або відсутніми, і як наслідок, немає стимулу до співпраці між пацієнтом та лікарем. Базуючись на особливостях підліткового періоду, а саме психологічній та фізіологічній нестабільності, виражена тривожність і страх потенційно можуть посилити сприйняття болю. З цією метою впроваджено предмети та засоби, які знижують дискомфорт у момент проведення анестезії, що дозволяє максимально точно досягнути кінцевого пункту та чітко дозувати препарат.

Висновки. Ефективність знеболювання на амбулаторному стоматологічному прийомі, особливо дитячого та підліткового віку, залежить не тільки від мануальних навичок лікаря, а й від його теоретичної підготовки щодо фармакології лікарських засобів, психології роботи з даним контингентом пацієнтів. Якщо раніше в стоматології дитячого віку нерідко використовувався підхід «лікувати дитину за будь-яку ціну у відведений для неї час», то сьогодні сучасні тенденції до надання стоматологічної допомоги населенню диктують: «Лікувати безболісно з підвищеним ступенем комфорту для дитини та її батьків». Поява нових засобів та способів знеболювання дозволяє лікарю досягти високого професійного рівня у роботі.
Prospective descriptive study of non-thyroidal neck swellings in western indian population
Authors: Husain Jafar , Rajagopalan S. , V. Nair Vipin , Rajendran Nagamahendran , Sharma Pawan , Roy Nilanjan , Rao Pankaj P.
Published: March 2023

Background. Nonthyroidal neck swellings are common and cause diagnostic challenges. This study highlights various diagnosis associated with non-thyroidal neck swellings and their management challenges. Objective. This pilot study highlights the various diagnosis associated with nonthyroidal neck swellings and their management challenges. The clinical spectrum of two most common aetiology of nonthyroidal neck swelling: tubercular cervical lymphadenopathy and lymphomas, are also compared. Methods. This prospective study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital from 01 Jun 2018 to 31 Dec 2019. The first 100 nonthyroidal neck swellings presented to the surgical outpatient department were included and assessed clinically, radiologically and histopathologically. Comparison was carried out between the first two common diagnosis of tubercular cervical lymphadenitis and lymphoma. Continuous variables were analysed using Student’s t-test and categorical data were analysed using the Chi square test. A statistical p value <0.05 was taken as significant. Results. There were 73 lymph node swellings and 27 non-lymph node swellings in the study. The most common diagnosis was tubercular cervical lymphadenitis (n=38) and lymphoma (n=17). The mean volume of lymph nodes in the lymphoma group (38.72±22.12 cm3) was significantly bigger than in the tuberculosis group (9.44±5.99 cm3) P=0.00001. The mean age (33.81±11.8 years) of tubercular patients was significantly less than the lymphoma (52.38±25.3 years) with P=0.000167. The clinical diagnosis was nearly accurate in 85% of cases. However, in 15 cases clinical diagnosis was changed after fine needle aspiration cytology. Conclusions. Ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration cytology are very useful adjunct in arriving at a definite diagnosis of a lymph node swelling in neck. Tubercular cervical lymphadenopathy and lymphoma were two major diagnosis. Tubercular cervical lymphadenopathy is significantly different from lymphomas in terms of early age of presentation and smaller size at the time of presentation
Intraoperative state of the hemocoagulation system in patients with open and endovascular revascularization of infraingual arterial segment in the presence of stenotic-occlusive process of tibial arteries
Authors: Venger Ihor K. , Ya. Kostiv Sviatoslav , P. Selskyy Boryslav , Orlov Mykola P. , Tsiupryk Nadiia I.
Published: March 2023

Background. Among all postoperative complications associated with revascularization of atherosclerotic steno-occlusive process of the femoral-distal artery, thrombosis of the reconstruction segment is 6-32%. Objective. Prevention of thrombotic complications through vascular revascularization of the lower extremity by using a pathogenetically reasonable system of postoperative thromboprophylaxis. Methods. The study involved 97 patients with atherosclerotic stenotic-occlusive process of the infrainguinal artery in cases of stenotic-occlusive lesions of the tibial arteries. In order to study the state of the hemocoagulation system on patients, the methods for studying the indicators of coagulation, fibrinolytic and aggregation systems were used. Results. Development of hypercoagulable disorders in the patients who underwent endovascular revascularization of the arterial segment is more intense than in those who underwent open vascular revascularization methods. Hypercoagulation of blood at the intraoperative stage of revascularization takes place primarily due to the activity of factor IIa of the hemocoagulation cascade. Taking into account these circumstances, already at the surgery stage for thromboprophylaxis non-fractionated heparin (NFH) should be prescribed. At the same time for prevention of thromboembolic complications double anti-thrombocyte therapy: clopidogrel, acetylsalicylic acid should be prescribed. Conclusion. Hypercoagulant ability of the blood system, which develops after arterial reconstructive interventions, takes place against the background of low activity of the fibrinolytic blood system, nevertheless a gradual increase in the activity of the aggregation capacity of the blood. Development of hypercoagulable disorders at the intraoperative stage of surgery in the patients with endovascular methods of arterial reconstructions is more intense than in those treated with open methods of arterial revascularization. Taking into account these circumstances, already at the surgery stage for thromboprophylaxis an anticoagulant should be prescribed that has a targeted effect on factor IIa of the hemocoagulant cascade with simultaneous prevention of thromboembolic complications – double anti-thrombocyte therapy