bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing the removal torque of palatal implant used for orthodontic anchorage
Authors: Schätzle Marc Andreas , Hersberger-Zurfluh Monika , Patcas Raphael
Published: June 2021

Background

A non-invasive method has recently been introduced to remove osseo-integrated palatal implants by using the implantation ratchet which is designed to screw in or unscrew the implants. Although a proof of concept has been published, the torque involved to successfully explant have not been investigated so far. The aim of this study was to assess the removal torque required to explant osseo-integrated and orthodontically utilized palatal implants, and to identify potentially influencing variables.

Materials and method

Thirty-one consecutive patients (15 females, 16 males; mean age 24.1 ±7.4 years) with fully osseo-integrated and previously orthodontically loaded palatal implants (Orthosystem®: diameter 4.1mm/length 4.2mm/sandblasted with large grits (SLA) surface) were randomly assigned to either clockwise or counter-clockwise non-invasive explantation. The respective explantation tool with an electric torque control was placed on the abutment connection of the implant and secured by an occlusal screw.

The primary outcome studied was maximal removal torque (MRT) needed to detach the implant from its socket which was recorded individually together with other potentially influencing secondary outcomes (gender, age, orthodontic loading time, use of local anaesthetics). Student’s t-test was used to contrast MRT difference for the gender, type of suprastructure, use of local anaesthetics, and rotational direction.

Spearman correlations was used to investigate associations between MRT and patient’s age or duration loading time.

Results

Average MRT (148.6 ± 63.2N/cm) using ratchet as a non-invasive removal method of palatal implant was considered safe. The triangular head fractured of palatal implant at a torque level of 300.1 Ncm. Significantly higher explantation were recorded for male patients compared to female patients (182.0 ± 63.0 Ncm vs 112.8 ± 40.8 Ncm; P=0.001). On the other side, the mean removal torque for palatal removal in clockwise direction was non-significantly different (158.3 ± 58.6 Ncm) compared to counter-clockwise direction (139.4 ± 67.9 Ncm). Neither patient’s age (p=0.324) nor loading time (p=0.214) were significantly correlated with removal torque values.

Conclusions

Pertinent literature on this subject is practically non-existent, as orthodontics is presumably the only discipline where implant removal represents a treatment success. Mean MRT for successful palatal implant removal was 148.6±63.2Ncm, but a large spectrum was observed (minimum 31.5Ncm, maximum 272.8Ncm). This obvious heterogeneity underlines the importance to investigate possible influencing factors. The safe and simple non-invasive method for palatal implant removal necessitates moderate, but not high torque MRTs, independently of the torque direction. The necessary MRT seems clearly influenced by gender, but less so by patient’s age or loading time.
Classification of SSVEP-based BCIs using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Soltani Hamideh , Einalou Zahra , Dadgostar Mehrdad , Maghooli Keivan
Published: June 2021

Brain computer interface (BCI) systems have been regarded as a new way of communication for humans. In this research, common methods such as wavelet transform are applied in order to extract features. However, genetic algorithm (GA), as an evolutionary method, is used to select features. Finally, classification was done using the two approaches support vector machine (SVM) and Bayesian method. Five features were selected and the accuracy of Bayesian classification was measured to be 80% with dimension reduction. Ultimately, the classification accuracy reached 90.4% using SVM classifier. The results of the study indicate a better feature selection and the effective dimension reduction of these features, as well as a higher percentage of classification accuracy in comparison with other studies.
Osteoconductive properties of upside-down bilayer collagen membranes in rat calvarial defects
Authors: Feher Balazs , Apaza Alccayhuaman Karol Ali , Strauss Franz Josef , Lee Jung-Seok , Tangl Stefan , Kuchler Ulrike , Gruber Reinhard
Published: June 2021

Background

Bilayer collagen membranes are routinely used in guided bone/tissue regeneration to serve as osteoconductive scaffolds and prevent the invasion of soft tissues. It is recommended to place the membranes with their dense layer towards the soft tissue and their porous layer towards the bony defect area. However, evidence supporting this recommendation is lacking. This study aimed to determine whether the alignment of bilayer collagen membranes has an effect on bone regeneration.

Methods

In two groups of ten male Sprague-Dawley rats each, a 5-mm calvarial defect was created. Thereafter, the defect was randomly covered with a bilayer, resorbable, pure type I and III collagen membrane placed either regularly or upside-down (i.e., dense layer towards bone defect). After 4 weeks of healing, micro-computed tomography (μCT), histology, and histomorphometry of the inner cylindrical region of interest (4.5 mm in diameter) were performed to assess new bone formation and the consolidation of the collagen membrane in the defect area.

Results

Quantitative μCT showed similar bone volume (median 8.0 mm3, interquartile range 7.0–10.0 vs. 6.2 mm3, 4.3–9.4, p = 0.06) and trabecular thickness (0.21 mm, 0.19–0.23 vs. 0.18 mm, 0.17–0.20, p = 0.03) between upside-down and regular placement, both leading to an almost complete bony coverage. Histomorphometry showed comparable new bone areas between the upside-down and regularly placed membranes, 3.9 mm2 (2.7–5.4) vs. 3.8 mm2 (2.2–4.0, p = 0.31), respectively. Both treatment groups revealed the same regeneration patterns and spatial distribution of bone with and without collagen fibers, as well as residual collagen fibers.

Conclusions

Our data support the osteoconductive properties of collagen membranes and suggest that bone regeneration is facilitated regardless of membrane layer alignment.
Exploring maternal nutrition counseling provided by health professionals during antenatal care follow-up: a qualitative study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia-2019
Authors: Alehegn Matyas Atnafu , Fanta Tsegaye Kebede , Ayalew Agumas Fentahun
Published: June 2021

Background

Nutritional awareness and practice of women during pregnancy could be determining their nutritional status, which significantly affects the outcome of pregnancy. Therefore this study aimsto explore the maternal nutrition counseling provided by health professionals for pregnant women, Barriers to maternal nutrition, and major interventions.

Methods

A descriptive study design with a qualitative method by using ground theory tradition, based on constructivist research approach and Charmaz’s (2000) study design has been conducted from September-01/2019 _November-16/2019 among pregnant women who got ANC service in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A purposive sampling technique was used. Practical observations and in-depth interviews were conducted. The sample size adjustment has been carried out according to the information saturation obtained, and finally, 81 practical observations, In-depth interview with two center managers, nine health professionals and eleven term pregnant women has been conducted. An observational checklist and Semi-structured, open-ended questionnaires were used. Data, the environment, and methodological triangulation were carried out. A conceptual framework has been established based on the data collected about the whole process of maternal nutrition counseling during pregnancy. ATLAS TI software was utilized for information analysis.

The results

Most participants responded that maternal nutrition counseling provided to pregnant mothers is not adequate and neglected by most stakeholders. From 81 practical observations, health professionals counseled to mothers were 10 what to feed, 4 what to limit to consume, and 5 were counseled about what to eat during pregnancy. Close to all the respondents agreed on the importance of providing nutrition counseled by the nutritionists. Most of the study participants emphasized a shortage of time as primary barriers. Institutional Barriers, Professional Barriers, Maternal Barriers, and Community Barriers were major barriers to nutrition counseling.

Conclusions

Generally, maternal nutrition counseling provided to pregnant mothers was not adequate and neglected by most stakeholders. Shortage of time due to client flow, Institutional Barriers, Professional Barriers, Maternal Barriers, and Community Barriers were major categories of maternal nutritional counseling barriers. Information update and timely preparation were recommended to health professionals.
Underweight and overweight/obesity among adults in Afghanistan: prevalence and correlates from a national survey in 2018
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: June 2021

Background

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of underweight and overweight/obesity among adults in Afghanistan.

Methods

National cross-sectional survey data of 3779 persons aged 18–69 years were analysed. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate factors associated with underweight and overweight/obesity relative to normal weight.

Results

In all, 7.8% of the study sample was underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), 49.5% had normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2), 25.5% overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2), and 17.2% obesity. In adjusted multinomial logistic regression, factors negatively associated with underweight were male sex (adjusted relative risk ratio (ARRR): 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.15–0.58) and hypertension (ARRR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.27–0.95) and factors positively associated with underweight were sedentary behaviour (ARRR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.11–3.10) and current tobacco use (ARRR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.08–6.16). Factors positively associated with overweight/obesity were aged 30–44 years (ARRR: 2.00, CI: 1.51–2.66) and aged 45–69 years (ARRR: 1.58, CI: 1.09–2.31) (compared to 18–29 years) (ARRR: 1.28, CI: 1.14–2.18), hypertension (ARRR: 2.74, CI: 1.89–3.96), and type 2 diabetes (ARRR: 1.82, CI: 1.13–2.94), and high physical activity (ARRR: 0.70, CI: 0.50–0.98) was negatively associated with overweight/obesity.

Conclusion

Almost one in ten adult respondents were underweight and more than two in five were overweight/obese, confirming a dual burden of malnutrition in Afghanistan.
Stereotactic guide for posterior approach to lateral ventricle
Authors: Chand Aatman , Chand Ashis K. , Patil Arun Angelo , Chhabra Manmeet Singh
Published: June 2021

Background

Free-hand tapping of the lateral ventricle through the posterior approach is a standard procedure. There are occasions, however, when more than one pass is needed. One way to make it easy and safe is to use a neuro-navigation approach. This requires extra setup. Therefore, the authors in this paper describe the use of a simple device to accurately place the catheter tip in the frontal horn.

Main body

The device is rectangular with two open arms with co-linear free ends. Based on axial CT or MR images, a trajectory that travels within the ventricle from the posterior to the anterior horn is chosen. The anterior and posterior points of the trajectory are marked on the scalp. A burr hole is placed at the posterior point. The anterior free end is then attached to the anterior trajectory point on the scalp using an EKG pad and to the posterior to a plug placed in the burr hole. The ventricle is tapped through a central hole in the burr hole plug. All 12 patients had accurate catheter placement at the first attempt using this system.

Short conclusion

This is a simple device that used CT or MR images and surface markings to accurately tap the ventricle.
Metformin induces apoptosis via uterus mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening and protects against estradiol benzoate-induced uterine defect and associated pathophysiological disorder in female Wistar rats
Authors: Olowofolahan Adeola Oluwakemi , Paulinus Obinna Matthew , Dare Heritage Mojisola , Olorunsogo Olufunso Olabode
Published: June 2021

Background

Some antitumor or anticancer agents have been shown to execute cell death by induction of mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) pore opening in order to elicit their chemotherapeutic effect. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of metformin on cell death via rat uterus mPT pore and estradiol benzoate-induced uterine defect and associated pathophysiological disorder in female rat. Mitochondria were isolated using differential centrifugation. The mPT pore opening, cytochrome c release and mitochondrial ATPase activity were determined spectrophotometrically. Caspases 9 and 3 activities, MDA and estradiol levels and SOD, GSH activities, were determined using ELISA technique. Histological and histochemical assessments of the uterine section were carried out using standard methods.

Results

Metformin at concentrations 10–90 μg/mL, showed no significant effect on mPT pore opening, mATPase activity and release of cytochrome c. However, oral administration of metformin caused mPT pore opening, enhancement of mATPase activity and activation of caspases 9 and 3 significantly at 300 and 400 mg/kg. Metformin protected against estradiol benzoate (EB)-induced uterine defect and other associated pathophysiological disorder. It also improved the antioxidant defense system. The histological evaluation revealed the protective effect of metformin on the cellular architecture of the uterus while the histochemical examination showed severe hyperplasia in the uterine section of EB-treated rats, remarkably reversed by metformin co-treatment.

Conclusion

This study suggests that metformin at high doses induces apoptosis via rat uterus mPT pore opening and protects against EB-induced uterine defect (hyperplasia) and associated pathophysiological disorder.
Antibiotic resistance and plasmid analysis of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from retail meat in Lagos Nigeria
Authors: Uzeh Roseline Ekiomado , Adewumi Fadekemisola , Odumosu Bamidele Tolulope
Published: June 2021

Background

The presence of antibiotic resistant microorganisms in food is of great concern globally. This research was carried out to detect and characterize plasmid carriage and profiles among members of Enterobacteriaceae from different meat types in Nigeria.

Method

From a total of 80 meat samples comprising of mutton, pork, beef and chicken, organisms belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae were isolated by standard procedures and identified by API 20E system. Antibiotics susceptibilities testing (AST) against selected classes of antimicrobial agents and plasmid extraction was carried out by disc diffusion and alkaline lysis methods respectively.

Results

One-hundred and ten Enterobacteriaceae were isolated, species identification revealed isolates belonging to 7 genera comprising of Escherichia, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Citrobacter, Proteus, Salmonella and Serratia. Overall resistance of the organisms to amoxycillin/clavulanic acid was 91 (82.7%), streptomycin 85 (75.7%) and perfloxacin 74 (67.2%) while ofloxacin had the highest susceptibility rate (91.8%). Plasmids profiling revealed ranges of plasmids from1 to 3 copies with estimated sizes range of 700bp to 1.1kb among E. coli, K. pneumoniae, E. aerogenes and Proteus mirabilis. All the isolates with plasmids were multidrug resistant and were isolated from chicken except a strain of E. coli from pork which harboured a single plasmid copy suggesting these meat as reservoirs for antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed high level of meat contamination with antibiotic resistant Enterobacteriaceae harbouring resistant plasmids. An integrated surveillance system and safety practice must be ensured among the processors and retailers.
An unusual case report of mitral valve apparatus sparing left atrial appendage vegetation presenting as endogenous endophthalmitis
Authors: Kumar Rupesh , Bansal Vidur , Halder Vikram , Chakraborty Nirupan Sekhar , Gourav Krishna Prasad
Published: June 2021

Background

Ocular manifestations of infective endocarditis are nonspecific and rare. Endophthalmitis, retinal artery occlusion, Roth spots and vitreal and retinal infiltrations can all be seen with infective endocarditis. Also, infective endocarditis involving the left atrial appendage with no involvement of the mitral valve apparatus is a rarity.

Case presentation

Here we report a case of infective endocarditis of the heart involving the left atrial appendage presenting with features of endogenous endophthalmitis which ultimately progressed to phthisis bulbi with subtle cardiac symptoms in a previous healthy young adult.

Conclusion

Infective endocarditis involving the left chambers of the heart carries an inherent high risk of systemic embolization. Panophthalmitis which is considered to be the most severe form of endogenous endophthalmitis is a rare presenting feature. Although a definitive treatment algorithm is lacking, early surgery and parenteral antibiotics along with local antibiotic injections could help to save the vision.
Aiming for minimally invasive treatment of pediatric acute appendicitis in a district hospital
Authors: Kimura Toshiro , Toyoki Yoshikazu , Ichisawa Aika , Yamada Takahiro , Wakasa Yusuke , Jin Hiroyuki , Nakai Makoto , Aoki Kazunori , Kawashima Hiroaki , Endo Masaaki
Published: June 2021

Background

Appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdomen. Although emergency surgery used to be the standard treatment for both simple and complex appendicitis, there are now options for interval surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and even non-surgical treatment. In this study, we aimed to establish better treatment strategies for pediatric acute appendicitis and to find out whether minimally invasive treatment is superior to the traditional open approach. We retrospectively reviewed the cases of acute appendicitis treated in our hospital during the period from 2013 to 2018. The patients who underwent appendectomy were divided into four groups. Group 1 underwent early appendectomy with open approach, group2 underwent interval appendectomy with open approach, group 3 underwent early appendectomy with laparoscopic approach, and group 4 underwent interval appendectomy with laparoscopic approach. In addition to the above groups, the non-surgical treatment group was also studied. Clinical presentation, laboratory findings, imaging results, operative time, morbidity, and length of hospital stay were reviewed.

Results

One hundred six children’s records were reviewed. Thirty-five of them were selected for non-surgery as they were cases with no fecal stone and first onset appendicitis, and 15 of these 35 patients (42.9%) relapsed after antibiotic treatment. As for the appendix diameter, the relapse group was significantly larger than the non-relapse group (p=0.007). In cases of surgery, group 4 had significantly less intraoperative blood loss than group 1 (p<0.001). Group 4 had significantly fewer postoperative complications than groups 1 and 2 [group 4 vs. group 1 (p=0.009), group 4 vs. group 2 (p=0.034)]. The postoperative hospital stay in groups 2 and 4 were significantly shorter than group 1 [group 1 vs. group 2 (p=0.015), group 1 vs. group 4 (p<0.001)]. On the contrary, group 1 had significantly shorter total hospital stay than groups 2 and 4 [group 1 vs. group 2 (p=0.029), group 1 vs. group 4 (p<0.001)].

Conclusion

Interval laparoscopic appendectomy and non-surgical treatment were safe and effective in children. From the viewpoint of avoiding unnecessary emergency surgery and prolonged hospitalization, we believe that interval laparoscopic appendectomy or non-surgical treatment should be performed after identifying patients who do not require surgery, paying attention to the risk factors for relapse.
Randomized Phase III Postoperative Trial of Platinum-Based Chemotherapy Versus Capecitabine in Patients With Residual Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: ECOG-ACRIN EA1131
Authors: Mayer Ingrid A. , Zhao Fengmin , Arteaga Carlos L. , Symmans William F. , Park Ben H. , Burnette Brian L. , Tevaarwerk Amye J. , Garcia Sofia F. , Smith Karen L. , Makower Della F. , Block Margaret , Morley Kimberly A. , Jani Chirag R. , Mescher Craig , Dewani Shabana J. , Tawfik Bernard , Flaum Lisa E. , Mayer Erica L. , Sikov William M. , Rodler Eve T. , Wagner Lynne I. , DeMichele Angela M. , Sparano Joseph A. , Wolff Antonio C. , Miller Kathy D.
Published: June 2021

PURPOSE

Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and residual invasive disease (RD) after completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) have a high-risk for recurrence, which is reduced by adjuvant capecitabine. Preclinical models support the use of platinum agents in the TNBC basal subtype. The EA1131 trial hypothesized that invasive disease-free survival (iDFS) would not be inferior but improved in patients with basal subtype TNBC treated with adjuvant platinum compared with capecitabine.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with clinical stage II or III TNBC with ≥ 1 cm RD in the breast post-NAC were randomly assigned to receive platinum (carboplatin or cisplatin) once every 3 weeks for four cycles or capecitabine 14 out of 21 days every 3 weeks for six cycles. TNBC subtype (basal v nonbasal) was determined by PAM50 in the residual disease. A noninferiority design with superiority alternative was chosen, assuming a 4-year iDFS of 67% with capecitabine.

RESULTS

Four hundred ten of planned 775 participants were randomly assigned to platinum or capecitabine between 2015 and 2021. After median follow-up of 20 months and 120 iDFS events (61% of full information) in the 308 (78%) patients with basal subtype TNBC, the 3-year iDFS for platinum was 42% (95% CI, 30 to 53) versus 49% (95% CI, 39 to 59) for capecitabine. Grade 3 and 4 toxicities were more common with platinum agents. The Data and Safety Monitoring Committee recommended stopping the trial as it was unlikely that further follow-up would show noninferiority or superiority of platinum.

CONCLUSION

Platinum agents do not improve outcomes in patients with basal subtype TNBC RD post-NAC and are associated with more severe toxicity when compared with capecitabine. Participants had a lower than expected 3-year iDFS regardless of study treatment, highlighting the need for better therapies in this high-risk population.
Stepping Back to Minimal Footwear: Applications Across the Lifespan
Authors: Davis Irene S. , Hollander Karsten , Lieberman Daniel E. , Ridge Sarah T. , Sacco Isabel C.N. , Wearing Scott C.
Published: June 2021

Minimal footwear has existed for tens of thousands of years and was originally designed to protect the sole of the foot. Over the past 50 yr, most footwear has become increasingly more cushioned and supportive. Here, we review evidence that minimal shoes are a better match to our feet, which may result in a lower risk of musculoskeletal injury.
Skeletal Muscle Function Is Dependent Upon BRCA1 to Maintain Genomic Stability
Authors: Tarpey Michael D. , Amorese Adam J. , LaFave Elizabeth R. , Minchew Everett C. , Fisher-Wellman Kelsey H. , McClung Joseph M. , Hvastkovs Eli G. , Spangenburg Espen E.
Published: June 2021

Breast Cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) is a large, multifunctional protein that regulates a variety of mechanisms in multiple different tissues. Our work established that Brca1 is expressed in skeletal muscle and localizes to the mitochondria and nucleus. Here, we propose BRCA1 expression is critical for the maintenance of force production and mitochondrial respiration in skeletal muscle.
Covid-19: Don't look to Westminster for leadership
Authors: Henshaw Pete
Published: June 2021

One legacy of the pandemic will be the resilience shown by schools amid chaotic political leadership – but real threats still lie ahead, including for school finances, staff wellbeing and this summer's examinations
Crisis management for school leaders
Authors: Solly Ben
Published: June 2021

When it comes to handling crises, Ben Solly has certainly crammed more than his fair share into his seven years of headship. Here, he outlines his advice for managing challenging situations in schools
PFI: Challenging overly expensive contracts
Authors: Chubb Andrew
Published: June 2021

As an academy trust CEO, Andrew Chubb successfully challenged aspects of his school's PFI contract, leading to substantial savings. He looks here at why PFI often proves unfairly expensive for schools – and what can be done about it
Setting by ability: Time to start asking questions?
Authors: Riches Adam
Published: June 2021

Is the ability part of ability setting really the issue? Adam Riches considers just what the research says about the pros and cons of setting by ability, and the implications for how we organise teaching in our schools
Ideas for working with hard-to-reach families
Authors: Knightsmith Pooky
Published: June 2021

Every school will have some families with which it is difficult to engage, and often these are the families of our more vulnerable learners. Dr Pooky Knightsmith looks at why this might be and offers some practical ideas
Supporting white working class boys
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: June 2021

Data suggests that white working class boys are among the lowest attainers in our schools. Matt Bromley considers why this is and what schools might be able to do about it
Get the last five minutes of your lesson right…
Authors: Alston Sara
Published: June 2021

The last five minutes of any lesson is vital if we are to avoid disengaged students, sensory overload, and anxiety – especially for those with SEN. Sara Alston advises
Promoting reading using the school library
Authors: Dewhurst Valerie
Published: June 2021

How does your school library support reading and reading skills? Valerie Dewhurst offers some practical reflections and ideas, including on engaging reluctant readers
Can we talk about good professional dialogue?
Authors: Harris Sean
Published: June 2021

Schools within the Consilium Academies MAT are using professional development discussions to secure school improvement, boost teacher development and ensure that teachers have the opportunity to talk. Sean Harris finds out more
A new combination in Cerradicola (Leguminosae)
Authors: Queiroz Luciano P.
Published: June 2021

The new combination Cerradicola praeandina is validly published here.
Systematic investigation of terahertz wave generation from liquid water lines
Authors: Chen Yuxuan , He Yuhang , Zhang Yifan , Tian Zhen , Dai Jianming
Published: June 2021

Understanding the process of terahertz (THz) wave generation from liquid water is crucial for further developing liquid THz sources. We present a systematic investigation of THz wave generated from laser-irradiated water lines. We show that water line in the diameter range of 0.1-0.2 mm generates the strongest THz wave, and THz frequency red shift is observed when diameter of the water line increases. The pump pulse energy dependence is decoupled from self-focusing effect by compensating the focal point displacement. As the pump pulse energy increases, saturation effect in THz peak electric field is observed, which can be mainly attributed to the intensity clamping effect inside the plasma and have never been reported previously, using water line or water film as the THz source. The proposed mechanism for saturation is supported by an independent measurement of laser pulse spectrum broadening. This work may help to further understand the laser-liquid interaction in THz generation process.
Toward highly birefringent silica Large Mode Area optical fibers with anisotropic core
Authors: Michalik Damian , Anuszkiewicz Alicja , Buczynski Ryszard , Kasztelanic Rafał
Published: June 2021

We test the development of a silica all-glass optical fiber with a highly birefringent large mode area (HB-LMA). In the fiber, the birefringence and single mode operation are independent of bending and results from the internal nanostructuring of the core, which makes the glass anisotropic. Taking into account technological limitations of the doped silica glasses, we optimized the HB-LMA fiber properties by appropriate selection of germanium and fluorine doping level of silica used in the fiber core and cladding. We demonstrated that the anisotropic glass can be successfully used as a core material in large core area fibres in C-band for polarization components of the fundamental mode. We obtained phase birefringence of 1.92 × 10−4 in the fiber with the core diameter of 30 µm and the effective mode area equal to 573 µm2 and 804 µm2, for x- and y-polarization, respectively. The same approach was applied to designing a single mode fiber with 40 µm core diameter and effective mode area over 1000 µm2, which supports only single polarization.
Spatial-temporal phase unwrapping algorithm for fringe projection profilometry
Authors: An Haihua , Cao Yiping , Wu Haitao , Yang Na , Xu Cai , Li Hongmei
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a generalized spatial-temporal phase unwrapping algorithm (STPUA) is proposed for extracting the absolute phase of the isolated objects with intricate surfaces. This proposed algorithm can eliminate thoroughly the order jumps of various temporal phase unwrapping algorithms (TPUAs), while inheriting the high measuring accuracy of quality-guided phase unwrapping algorithms (QGPUAs). Differing from the traditional phase unwrapping algorithms, wrapped phase is first divided into several regional wrapped phases, which can be extracted successively according to its areas and unwrapped individually by QGPUAs. Meanwhile, a series of reliable points from the fringe order map obtained from the code deformed patterns are selected to map the corresponding regional unwrapped phases into an absolute phase. The radii of selecting reliable points can provide the high measuring robustness compared with the classical point-to-point TPUAs for the complex surfaces and the motion blur, while keeping the same number of patterns. Therefore, the proposed STPUA combining SPUAs and TPUAs also can be employed in real-time three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction. Theoretical analysis and experimental results are performed to verify the effectiveness and capability of the proposed algorithm.
Doubling the optical efficiency of VR systems with a directional backlight and a diffractive deflection film
Authors: Zou Junyu , Zhan Tao , Hsiang En-Lin , Du Xinpeng , Yu Xiaoming , Li Kun , Wu Shin-Tson
Published: June 2021

We demonstrate an approach to double the optical efficiency of virtual reality (VR) systems based on a directional backlight and a diffractive deflection film (DDF). The directional backlight consists of a commercial collimated light-emitting diode (LED) array and a two-layer privacy film, while the DDF is a three-domain Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) phase lens. Such a PB phase lens was fabricated by the zone exposure and spin-coating method. The focal length of each domain is designed according to the imaging optics of the VR system. Our approach works well in both Fresnel and “pancake” VR systems. We also build the corresponding models in LightTools, and the simulation results are in good agreement with experiment. In experiment, we achieved a 2.25x optical efficiency enhancement for both systems, which agrees with the simulation results (2.48x for Fresnel and 2.44x for “pancake” systems) well. Potential application for high efficiency VR displays is foreseeable.
1 kHz, 430 mJ, sub-nanosecond MOPA laser system
Authors: Liu Lei , Li Ning , Liu Yang , Wang Chao , Wang Wentao , Huang Haizhou
Published: June 2021

We demonstrate a sub-nanosecond MOPA system with a pulse repetition frequency of 1 kHz at 1.06 µm, based on an integrated seed source with pulse energy of 6.2 mJ and two conductively cooled end-pumped Nd:YAG slab gain modules. After a 4-pass amplification stage and a double-pass amplification stage with amplification factors of 12.6 dB and 5.84 dB, respectively, maximum pulse energy of 434 mJ with pulse duration of 691 ps was obtained, corresponding to a peak power of 628 MW. Via adjusting the pump distribution to compensate the static wavefront distortion of the signal laser, the beam quality, at the maximum pulse energy, was optimized to be 2.5 mm·mrad and 2.2 mm·mrad respectively in the vertical and transverse directions. The results benefit a variety of applications including material processing, nonlinear frequency conversion, and lidars.
Predicting the surgical reparability of large-to-massive rotator cuff tears by B-mode ultrasonography: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Po-Cheng , Wu Kuan-Ting , Chen Yi-Cun , Huang Yu-Chi , Chang Ching-Di , Lin Wei-Che , Chou Wen-Yi
Published: June 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the ability of B-mode ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict the repairability of large-to-massive rotator cuff tears (RCTs).Methods: This cross-sectional study included participants with large-to-massive RCTs who underwent arthroscopic repair. B-mode ultrasonography and MRI were conducted prior to arthroscopic repair. B-mode ultrasonography was used to evaluate the echogenicity of the rotator cuff muscle using the Heckmatt scale. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities were examined for two independent physicians. MRI was used to evaluate the degrees of tendon retraction, fatty infiltration of rotator cuff muscles, and muscle atrophy. Finally, two experienced orthopedic surgeons performed surgery and decided whether the torn stump could be completely repaired intraoperatively.Results: Fifty participants were included, and 32 complete repairs and 18 partial repairs were performed. B-mode ultrasonography showed good intra-rater reliability and inter-rater reliability for assessment of the muscle echogenicity of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. The correlation coefficients between B-mode ultrasound findings and MRI findings showed medium to large effect sizes (r=0.4-0.8). The Goutallier classification of the infraspinatus muscles was the MRI predictor with the best discriminative power for surgical reparability (area under the curve [AUC], 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81 to 0.98), while the Heckmatt scale for infraspinatus muscles was the most accurate ultrasound predictor (AUC, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.96). No significant differences in AUCs among the MRI and ultrasound predictors were found.Conclusion: B-mode ultrasonography was a reliable examination tool and had a similar ability to predict surgical reparability to that of MRI among patients with large-to-massive RCTs.
Controlled attenuation parameter measured using transient elastography for the noninvasive assessment of macrovesicular steatosis in potential living liver donors
Authors: Lee Sunyoung , Kim Kyoung Won , Kim So Yeon , Seo Nieun , Song Gi-Won , Lee Sung-Gyu
Published: June 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the diagnostic performance of the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) measured using transient elastography (TE) for assessing macrovesicular steatosis (MaS) in potential living liver donors using same-day biopsy as a reference standard.Methods: This retrospective study included 204 living liver donor candidates who underwent TE and liver biopsy on the same day between July 2013 and June 2014. The histologic degree of MaS was determined. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to evaluate the performance of CAP for diagnosing MaS of >10%, and the optimal cutoff value was identified using the maximal Youden index.Results: Based on liver biopsy, 185 subjects had MaS of ≤10% and 19 had MaS of >10%. The CAP value was significantly correlated with the percentage of MaS on liver biopsy (r=0.635, P<0.001), and the median CAP value was significantly higher in subjects with MaS of >10% than in those with MaS of ≤10% (300 dB/m vs. 209 dB/m, P<0.001). The AUROC for diagnosing MaS of >10% by CAP was 0.938 (95% confidence interval, 0.896 to 0.967), and a CAP of >259 dB/m yielded a sensitivity of 84.2% and a specificity of 92.4%.Conclusion: The CAP measured using TE was significantly correlated with MaS and accurately detected substantial MaS in potential living liver donors. The CAP is a promising tool for the noninvasive diagnosis of MaS and may be used to screen unsuitable living liver donor candidates.
ANALISA KINERJA CNG COOLER PADA SISTEM CNG PLANT
Authors: Darmanto Seno - , Fahrudin Muhammad
Published: June 2021

CNG Cooler is a heat exchanger in CNG Plant System which has function to reduce CNG temperature. CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is natural gas which compressed by gas compressor from normal pressure up to certain high pressure. CNG Plant is gas storage and supply facility for PLTGU when it work at peak load hours. CNG Cooler reduce temperature of CNG which out from gas compressor before saved in storage utility which purpose to avoid over heating in the next process, increase durability of the next process utility, and make gas storage utility design easy.
SISTEM INVENTARISASI PENGGUNAAN PERALATAN DAN BAHAN PADA MEJA PRAKTIKUM PLC DI POLITEKNIK MANUFAKTUR NEGERI BANGKA BELITUNG MENGGUNAKAN BARCODE SCANNER
Authors: Nofriyani Nofriyani , Budiono Adhi , Charlotha Charlotha , Dwisaputra Indra , Ramdhani Dedy
Published: June 2021

In the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) course at Polmanbabel, students use a practicum table containing practicum equipment such as computer units, compressors, PLC units, pneumatic valves, sensors, jumper cables, etc. Before and after practicum, students are required to do an inventory of equipment and materials contained on this practicum desk. The inventory process is still done manually, where students write the name of the equipment, check the presence of the equipment, and calculate the amount. The thing that was complained by lecturers was the confiscation of practicum time as a result of the manual inventory process. Based on this, a new inventory system was created that uses the application and is equipped with a barcode scanner that is able to minimize the time and possibility of misplacement of the device. Based on the results of experiments, it can be seen that this system is able to minimize inventory time by an average of 14.65 minutes compared to manual inventory systems.
EFEK PENAMBAHAN EVAPORATOR PADA ATMOSPHERE WATER HARVESTER (AWH) TERHADAP PERFORMA SISTEM
Authors: Mrihardjono Juli , Ariwibowo Didik , Sutrisno Sutrisno , Tadeus Dista Yoel
Published: June 2021

Atmosphere Water Harvester (AWH) was investigated to get water collected from air in elevated performance. Improvement was performed by introducing a series-arrangement of two evaporators. Air flew through the evaporators in cross-flow. This arrangement would influence performance of the AWH system in title of COP, MHI, and specific energy consumption. The AWH was designed using vapor compression refrigeration system. Parameter measured to the system were refrigerant temperature in suction and discharge line, inlet and outlet pipe wall temperatures at evaporator and condenser, air velocity enter into evaporator, and electrical energy consumption. Instrument used in this research were refrigerant pressure-temperature gauge, K-type digital thermometer, digital fan anemometer, thermo-hygro meter, and kWh meter. Air temperature and RH data were 36,5 oC, 40%, and 19 oC, 42 %  for inlet and outlet air stram at evaporator, subsequently. With air velocity 1.5 m/s, the COP of the system was 3.7. Water collected  from AWH was 1.1 litres/hour with energy consumption of 1.24 kWh. The AWH could be considered as a water harvester with value of specific energy of 1.13 kWh/litre and MHI of 0,2.
PENGEMBANGAN KONSEP OPEN GOVERMENT UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KUALITAS LAYANAN KOTA PALEMBANG (STUDI KASUS : KOTA PALEMBANG)
Authors: Romadhon Tri Akhyari , Herdiansyah M. Izman
Published: June 2021

Open Government is committed to improving the quality of information availability on government activities, supporting civil society participation in government, upholding professional standards in public administration to prevent corruption, abuse of power and increasing access to the use of new technologies to support accountability and openness. Currently, many governments have implemented e-government which supports the government's goals in open government. Where, e-government is used to describe the use of technology in carrying out several government tasks. The city government of Palembang has several applications or e-government systems that are open government. The city government of Palembang has not made a quality measurement of the e-government that has been implemented, so it is not known the level of quality in each application or system implemented. Based on this explanation, it is necessary to analyze the level of service quality in the system that has been implemented by the Palembang City Government.
TRANSESTERIFIKASI MINYAK KELAPA MENJADI BIODIESEL DENGAN KATALIS CAO DAN PENERAPAN BIODIESEL (B40) PADA ALAT FOGGING
Authors: Bethan Maria Stefani , Supriyo Edy
Published: June 2021

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel from a transesterification reaction in which triglycerides are converted into FAME with alcohol. Previous research proved that coconut oil can be used as biodiesel. This study aimed to determine the effect of temperature (40-60oC), catalyst concentration of CaO 2-5%w/w) and methanol (20-40%w/w) on the yield of biodiesel produced. The yield were then compared with the biodiesel specification from Pertamina, i.e. density, viscosity, acid number, flash point and cetane number. The result of present work showed that the transesterification reaction between coconut oil and methanol with CaO catalyst have got a reaction conversion of 75% at 60oC, for 2 hours. For producing biodisel, the optimum conditions were achieved when using methanol 20% w/w and a concentration of CaO 2% w/w. The specification biodiesel were as followed: density 836 kg/m3, viscosity 3.09 mm2/sec, acid number 0.37 mgKOH/gr, flash point 62oC, and Cetane value 50.5. In the application, biodiesel (B40) from coconut oil on a fogging machine with a noise of 81.5 dB.
Energy Loss Reduction of Distribution Systems Equipped with Multiple Distributed Generations Considering Uncertainty using Manta-Ray Foraging Optimization
Authors: Eid Ahmad , Abdelaziz Almoataz Y. , Dardeer Mostafa
Published: June 2021

This paper has adopted the new bio-inspired Manta-Ray Foraging Optimization (MRFO) algorithm for optimal allocation of multiple Distributed Generation (DG) units attached to Radial Distribution Systems (RDSs) in order to reduce the total energy loss of the studied system. The DG units are optimized to work with a unity power factor (UPF) and optimal power factor (OPF) during a 24-h time-varying demand. The MRFO algorithm optimized single, two, and three DG units. The total energy loss and energy-saving during the time-varying demand are calculated and compared with the original case. The MRFO algorithm behavior is compared to the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Atom Search Optimization (ASO) algorithms regarding energy loss and energy-saving values. The standard 69-bus RDS is used as a test system. Considerable improvements in energy saving, loss reduction, and voltage profile are achieved after installing DG units, mainly when operating with optimal power factors. The MRFO algorithm achieves energy losses of 817.91, 751.08, and 730.25 kWh with 1, 2, and 3 DG units with UPF allocations, respectively. On the other hand, when the DG units are optimized to work with OPF, the MRFO achieves energy losses of 233.24, 142.08, and 106.79 kWh with the same number of DG units, respectively. Furthermore, the MRFO algorithm has efficient behavior compared with the PSO, ASO, and other algorithms for different operations and conditions.
Polyphenols from Passiflora ligularis Regulate Inflammatory Markers and Weight Gain
Authors: Angel-Isaza Jaime , Carmona-Hernandez Juan Carlos , Narváez-Solarte William , Gonzalez-Correa Clara Helena
Published: June 2021

Weight-related disorders affect more than half of the adult population worldwide; they are also concomitant with a state of chronic low-grade inflammation manifesting in abnormal cytokine production. The present study evaluated the effect of polyphenol and flavonoid extract fromPassiflora ligularis(granadilla) on low-grade inflammation and body weight in overweight Wistar rats. To induce weight-gain, rats were fed a chow diet with 30% sucrose water and supplemented with 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 g/L polyphenol extracts (n= 16). The design was a 3 +1 factorial model performed for 42 days (granadilla polyphenols, 3 levels of supplementation, and 1 control group). In addition to total polyphenol and total flavonoid content, the major identified and quantified polyphenol, via UHPLC, was ferulic acid. Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were evaluated in serum. A decline in the concentration of TNF-α and in weight-gain was found inP. ligularis(granadilla) groups treated with the 2.5 g/L dose. Consumption of polyphenol extracts from granadilla inhibits interleukin-activity as an indicator of inflammation and aids in body-weight control, considering similar food intake, in overweight Wistar rats.
Segmentation of MRI Brain Tumor Image using Optimization based Deep Convolutional Neural networks (DCNN)
Authors: Mishra Pradipta Kumar , Satapathy Suresh Chandra , Rout Minakhi
Published: June 2021

Segmentation of brain image should be done accurately as it can help to predict deadly brain tumor disease so that it can be possible to control the malicious segments of brain image if known beforehand. The accuracy of the brain tumor analysis can be enhanced through the brain tumor segmentation procedure. Earlier DCNN models do not consider the weights as of learning instances which may decrease accuracy levels of the segmentation procedure. Considering the above point, we have suggested a framework for optimizing the network parameters such as weight and bias vector of DCNN models using swarm intelligent based algorithms like Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Gray Wolf Optimization (GWO) and Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA). The simulation results reveals that the WOA optimized DCNN segmentation model is outperformed than other three optimization based DCNN models i.e., GA-DCNN, PSO-DCNN, GWO-DCNN.