bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A suggested simple design and inverse kinematics for a multi-degrees-of-freedom robot arm
Authors: Pasha Khaled MK
Published: March 2023

In this paper, architecture for the robot arm and a mathematical model was suggested to simplify the inverse kinematics that describes the movement and orientation of this end-effector. Although this design contains eight degrees of freedom, all the angular displacements and velocities could be formulated as functions of the three coordinates of the end-effecter starting point. These three values are enough to set the end-effector at the desired point in the workspace, and with the desired orientation. The tip of the end-effecter could be equipped with a grabber or any attached manufacturing tool. To check the reliability of the introduced mathematical model, a simple model for the arm was built using aluminum beams. The joints are actuated by stepper motors that are controlled by a microprocessor. The model executed the positioning and orientation of the end-effector with an accuracy of about 93% of any traveled distance. This lack of accuracy may be accounted for by the low resolutions of the used motors. In this study, the positioning and orientation were only considered, and future work is required for the analysis of loads and power capacities
Chance-constrained path planning in narrow spaces for a dubins vehicle
Authors: Aggarwal Rachit , Kumar Mrinal , E Keil Rachel , Rao Anil V
Published: March 2023

The problem of optimal path planning through narrow spaces in an unstructured environment is considered. The optimal path planning problem for a Dubins agent is formulated as a chance-constrained optimal control problem (CCOCP), wherein the uncertainty in obstacle boundaries is modelled using standard probability distributions. The chance constraints are transformed to deterministic equivalents using the inverse cumulative distribution function and subsequently incorporated into a deterministic optimal control problem. Due to multiple convex sub-regions introduced by the obstacles, the initial guess provided to optimal control solver is crucial for computation time and optimality of the solution. A constrained Delaunay triangulation mesh based approach is developed that ensures the initial guess to lie in the optimal sub-convex region. Finally, off-the-shelf software is used to transcribe the optimal control problem to a nonlinear program (NLP) using Gaussian quadrature orthogonal collocation and solved to obtain an optimal path that conforms to system dynamics. By varying the upper bound on probability of obstacle collision, a family of solutions is generated, parameterized by the risk associated with each solution. This approach enables discovery of special “keyhole trajectories” that can provide significant cost savings in a tightly-spaced obstacle field. Merits of this approach are illustrated by comparing it with the traditional bounded uncertainty approach.
Shortest paths of Rubik’s snake prime knots with up to 6 crossings and application to roller coaster design
Authors: Hou Songming , Su Jianning , Mufutau Ramon
Published: March 2023

A Rubik’s Snake is a toy that was invented over 40 years ago together with the more famous Rubik’s Cube. It can be twisted to many interesting shapes including knots. Four blocks can form a trivial knot. Previously we have studied the shortest paths for Rubik’s Snake prime knots with up to 5 crossings. In this paper we study how many blocks are needed to form prime knots with 6 crossings. There are three different types of such knots. The results are classified using the DT (Dowker-Thistlethwaite) code. We also apply our findings to roller coaster design by using the tube version of the Rubik’s snake.
Update on the management of laryngospasm
Authors: Hernández-Cortez Enrique
Published: March 2023

Perioperative laryngospasm is an airway emergency. It is responsible for a significant number of complications ranging from hypoxia, bradycardia, bronchoaspiration, obstructive pulmonary edema and/or cardiac arrest. It is a protective glance reflex of the glottis. It is a relatively frequent entity in the pediatric patient, which depends on multiple factors. The goal of treatment is to prevent its presentation, if it is already installed then make the diagnosis fast and timely to apply effective corrective treatment, and not allow the patient to deteriorate quickly. The treatment consists of applying effective drugs to break the spasm like propofol, magnesium sulfate, muscle relaxants and reintubation. External maneuvers include chest pressure at the top and Larson's maneuver.
Update on anesthesia for patients undergoing post-bariatric body contouring surgical procedures
Authors: Whizar-Lugo Víctor M. , Campos- León Jaime , Íñiguez-López Karen L. , Cisneros-Corral Roberto
Published: March 2023

Individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery and have lost a considerable amount of weight tend to seek consultation with plastic surgeons for body contouring surgery. This growing population is overweight, and they still have some of the co-morbidities of obesity, such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, sleep apnea, iron deficiency anemia, hyperglycemia, among other pathologies. They should be considered as high anesthetic risk and therefore, should be thoroughly evaluated. If more than one surgery is planned, a safe operative plan must be defined. The anesthetic management is adjusted to the physical condition of the patient, the anatomical and physiological changes, the psychological condition, as well as the surgical plan. Anemia is a frequent complication of obesity and bariatric procedures and should be compensated with appropriate anticipation. Pre-anesthetic medications may include benzodiazepines, alpha-2 agonists, anti-emetics, antibiotics, and pre-emptive analgesics. Regional anesthesia should be used whenever possible, especially subarachnoid blockade, since it has few side effects. General anesthesia should be left as the last option and can be combined with regional techniques. It is prudent to use conscious sedation for facial and neck surgery, maintaining strict control, especially with respect to the airway management. Thromboprophylaxis is mandatory and should continue for several days after the operation.
Knowledge and attitudes about HIV-AIDS in a pregnant women population in Southwestern Madagascar
Authors: Xueref Serge , Holianjavony Jeanine , Capart H l ne , Rakotoarisoa Roger , Anne Trabaud Mary , Kerouedan Dominique , Daniel Raymond , Vanhems Philippe
Published: March 2023

This work reports the knowledge and attitudes of a sample of pregnant women from Tulear, Madagascar. While 91.3% of the 396 women recruited reported experiencing HIV-AIDS, 62.1% could express knowledge of at least one appropriate mode of protection against the disease. Radio and other mass media represented the most frequent source of information. 31.3% of women strongly discriminated against patients with HIV/AIDS. There was no significant relationship between knowledge of the means of protection against HIV-AIDS and the different biomarkers of STIs obtained. 81.7% of women were condom users, but only 5.4% used it as a method of contraception outside the desired period of pregnancy. Low-educated women from the South West appeared to be particularly at risk of not knowing about HIV, and would require the implementation of appropriate information programs.
Trichosoma tenax and Entamoeba gingivalis: pathogenic role of protozoic species in chronic periodontal disease development
Authors: Fanuli Matteo , Vigano Luca , Casu Cinzia
Published: March 2023

Periodontal disease is a complex inflammation/immune-mediated compromising of connective and epithelial tissues in dental periodontal ligament. Serving as a stabilizing and mechanical absorption system, periodontal ligament consist in a complex and organized structure presenting a really delicate balance with oral microbioma and immunomediated alterations. A large number of microbiological assays have been developed to understand, prevent and even stabilize an advanced disease form. Specific protozoic organism, usually not triggered in conventional microbiological assays, could not be evaluated and underestimated by the clinician. Their role, pathogenetic mechanism and agonist activity is far to be completely known. As a matter of fact, protozoic organism is still possibly involved in determination of chronical periodontitis and their knowledge is essential for a comprehensive overview in microbioma-mediated oral and gingival alteration. E. gingivalis and T. tenax are strongly associated with non responsive chronic periodontal disease. These pathogen organisms must be clearly and carefully identified and evaluated for a possible antagonistic spontaneous conversion. These conditions could be largely observed in unbalanced oral microbiome and patient with poor oral hygiene. Understanding prevalence, epidemiological aspects, pathological mechanism, therapies and role of hygiene therapy must be a fundamental knowledge of modern dental clinicians.
Blood grouping and tendency of flu compatibility
Authors: Ali Khan Maira , Imran Qadir Muhammad
Published: March 2023

The objective of our present study was to co-relate the tendency of flu and blood grouping. The number of subjects that took part in this research was 177. We determined the blood grouping of every subject in a way that we pricked finger for the little bit flow of blood, after placing on glass slide I poured drops of anti A,B and D. The blood group of every subject was identified by this method. Our project was to find a relation between blood group and tendency of flu. Every subject involved in this marked their own compatibility. By the assistance of every subject we completed our survey. It was concluded that B positive O positive were more sensitive towards flu.
Exploring the causes of preexposure prophylaxis of HIV failure–future developments for overcoming the same–a mini review
Authors: Kochar Kaur Kulvinder , Allahbadia Gautam , Singh Mandeep
Published: March 2023

Although preexposure prophylaxis (Pr EP), which involves use of antiretroviral drugs by non infected individuals for prevention of acquisition of HIV, has been a promising prevention strategy there are still some public health questions that need an answer. Intake of oral emtricitabine (FTC)–tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) daily or oral TDF alone is highly effective in preventing HIV acquisition in HIV people at risk which might be the result of a wide range of different types of sexual exposure. Good efficacy has been seen both in women and men along with if men had sex with men (MSM) and transgender. Different studies have been conducted in various countries and epidemics. Because there is a big problem about adherence to this treatment which varies geographically questions about its public health benefit have been raised. Oral FTC/TDF has been found to be very safe, having, minimal impact on kidney, bone or pregnancy outcomes. No evidence is found that effectiveness is decreased by risk compensation outcomes and programmatic follow up. Still it is very early to assess the impact of this treatment on the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at population level. There are many challenges on use of PrEP with limited access with disparities along with those decided by race and sex, along with different pricing and availability of the drugs in the country. Further social effects decide the use of this TDF alone or TDF/FTC. With regard to that newer drugs like cabotegavir are being explored. Aim of this mini review has been to find a way how this Pr EP can be fully utilized for HIV prevention world over.
Survey about awareness of chicken pox among biology students
Authors: Arif Noor , Imran Qadir Muhammad
Published: March 2023

Objective of the present study was to judge awareness about chicken pox among students. Views of biology students about chicken pox were taken in Bahauddin Zakariya University. Chicken pox is a viral infection that can spread through interaction. This infection mostly occurs in people with weak immune system or having no vaccination against disease. Chicken pox vaccine is also available, but it has some effects in patients. Vaccinated people may develop redness, swelling or mild pain. During complications, fluid filled blebs and rash can cover the whole body. This is a mild disease but complications in it lead to death. It was concluded from survey about awareness of chicken pox that most of the subjects knew about chicken pox and its medication. But the subjects were unaware about the contagion of chicken pox that it can spread through touch.
Odour and salt taste identification in older adults: evidence from the Yakumo study in August 2014
Authors: Katayama Naomi , Kondo Shoko , Sugimoto Satofumi , Goto Seiya , Kinoshita Wakako , Teranishi Masaaki , Sone Michihiko , Fujimoto Yasushi , Otake Hironao , Suzuki Hirokazu , Saji Naoki , Nakada Takafumi , Nakata Seiichi , Nakashima Tsutomu
Published: March 2023

Background: This study examined the relationship between olfactory function and taste function. A personal function test was calculated from the Yakumo study database, and the odour stick identification test and salt taste identification test were administered to healthy elderly people. The participants were community dwellers who voluntarily participated in the Yakumo Study and had managed everyday life by themselves. Totally, 358 people (152 male, 206 female) participated in Yakumo–cho inhabitant’s examination of 2014. The average age of 152 male was 65.2±9.4 years old (40–80 years old). We used Sal save (product made in Advantec Co. Ltd.) for an examination of taste. We used Smelling stick (product made in Daiichi Kogyo Co. Ltd.) for olfactometry. In addition, the average age of 206 female was 63.7±10.6 years old (40–85 years old).The results showed that the performance score on odour identification test was better in female participants than male participants. The results of the salt taste identification test showed that the recognition of salt density was lower in female participants than in male participants. Because taste and olfactory cognitive abilities decline with age, the development of meals for the elderly requires a new approach. Meals for the elderly should be healthy, with a strong fragrance and a light taste of salt.
Epidemiology of croup in different areas of the world
Authors: Imran Qadir Muhammad , Chaudhry Amna
Published: March 2023

Croup is a mutual respiratory disease in children in different areas of the world. In utmost children, the symptoms lessen swiftly with firmness of the cough within two days. Croup is frequently produced by parainfluenza virus. Croup generally begins, like a superior breathing tract infection, with small grade fever surveyed by growling cough and several degrees of respiratory pain. The therapy of humidification has not been confirmed useful for croup ailment. A lonely quantity of dexamthasone is suggested in all patients that suffer to disease of croup. The utmost occurrences of croup are mild, with solitary one to eight percent of patients necessitating hospital entry and less than three percent of acknowledged patients necessitating intubation.
Knowledge about erythema infectiosum among university students
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Imran Qadir Muhammad
Published: March 2023

The objective of present study was to evaluate knowledge about “Erythema Infectiosum”. Erythema Infectiosum is also well-known as Fifth disease. It is a viral illness generally found in kids. This infection is initiated because of parvovirus B19. It blow outs through the mucus from the nose or mouth of an infected person. This disease reasons a bright red “slapped cheek” rash. The virus transmits a disease to only humans. The symptoms of fifth disease bring in some cold, slight fever, body pains, and minor rashes on face, headache and fatigue. In adults, it may have not any indications or sometimes arise the typical rash, joint pain and swelling. The more signs can involve anemia, fast breathing, rapid pulse, temperature and sick feelings. From questionnaire paper, this type of disease is not present in population on large scale. The very low number of individuals has faced it but most of them remained alive with moderate treatment. So, we must not be panic after diagnosing of this infection.
Quantitation of benzoic and sorbic acid levels from green olives by high-performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Bayizit Arzu Akpinar , Ozcan Tulay , Ersan Lutfiye Yilmaz , Barlak Nihal , Hoca Gökçe
Published: March 2023

Olive fruit is utilized in two forms: table olives and oil. In our country, food additives that are added consciously and deliberately are used in table olive production to bring the appearance and flavour of olives to the state desired by the consumer, to prevent the deterioration of olives and to extend their shelf life. In Turkey, the amount of preservatives to be added to foods should be compatible with the Turkish Food Codex. This study was carried out to determine the amounts of benzoic ands orbic acids added to extend the shelf life in pickled green olives provided from Bursa market using the HPLC method and to find out whether the findings obtained are within the legal limits envisaged in the Regulation on Food Additives. Among 100 green olive samples supplied, while sorbic acid and benzoic acid were not detected in 79 green olive samples. Sorbic acid was observed in 10 of the samples and benzoic acid was in 1 of the samples, however both acids were detected in 11 of the samples. The detected amounts of sorbic acid ranged between 49,103 and 204,989mg kg-1, while benzoic acid values were within 142,352-153,453 mg kg-1. The preservatives were not detected in the 4 green olive samples which were above 7% of the salt content, whilst they were observed in 20 of the samples with salt ratio below 7%. However their detected amounts were within the levels allowed by Turkish Food Codex.
Interactive effects of storage temperatures and packaging methods on sweet basil
Authors: SS Teo , FRX Tay
Published: March 2023

Leafy vegetables were packed into packaging under refrigerated temperature in order to prolong its shelf life. When the temperature and packaging approaches are not in optimum condition to the vegetables, the freshness of vegetables will be affected and indirectly increase food wastes. The aim of this project is to study the combined effect of temperature and packaging methods on basil through evaluating its weight loss, chlorophyll content and vitamin C content. The basil was germinated, growth and harvested randomly in a total of 13 weeks and packed and stored under six different conditions (4°C with perforated packaging; 4°C with non-perforated packaging; 20°C with perforated packaging; 20°C with non-perforated packaging; 30°C with perforated and 30°C with non-perforated packaging). Experimental results shown that storage of sweet basil in perforated packaging, at 4°C provided minimum loss weight and maximum chlorophyll and vitamin C retained. In future, a well-planned vegetable freshness index can be proposed to evaluate the freshness by its weight, chlorophyll content, and vitamin C content.
Convective solar drying of spinach leaves
Authors: Ferhat Radhia , Siabdallah Nourelislam , Lahbari Miloud , Fahloul Djamel
Published: March 2023

The drying on of the means is usually used which allows the conservation of the food products by lowering of the activity of water. This paper presents the results of an experimental spinach (Spinacia oleracea) drying study in a new solar dryer. It is an indirect solar dryer with forced convection was developed and improved at the Food Science laboratory. Drying spinach leaves to a final moisture content of 2% from 93.2% (wet basis), with an air-drying speed equal to 1m/s. This study made it possible to determine the drying kinetics of spinach leaves, the evolution of the temperature profile and the influence of drying air recycling (0, 50 and 90%) on drying time. The curves of drying obtained show that the drying rate increased marginally with the increase in fraction of air recycled. It is reduced 3 to 4 hours, by increasing the fraction air recycled from 50 to 90 % respectively, with a significant profit of thermal energy. The drying temperature is higher and stable in the drying chamber of the order of 55 to 65°C (90% air recycled).
A review of fresh produce outbreaks, current interventions, food safety concerns and potential benefits of novel antimicrobial sodium acid sulfate
Authors: McDaniel Conner , Jadeja Ravi
Published: March 2023

This article provides a comprehensive literature review of the growing significance that foodborne pathogens have on the produce supply and the steps that are taken to reduce them. The numbers of illnesses that are caused by contaminated produce are rising steadily. Three of the most common pathogens that have been seen to cause significant illness in humans through produce are Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. The antimicrobial interventions, practices and antimicrobials that are currently the most commonly used by the food industry are examined. The literature shows that these antimicrobials currently in use have significant drawbacks when it comes to their role in the produce industry. Sensitivities to temperature and organic load and the production of harmful by products are some of these drawbacks. There is a need for a new antimicrobial that can be used in the produce processing industry. One that maintains its efficacy through the temperature, pH, and organic load changes that are experienced during produce processing. Sodium acid sulfate is a potential contender for this role. It has not previously been used or extensively studied as an antimicrobial, but is already deemed generally recognized as safe (GRAS) product by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The use of an antimicrobial that can withstand the varying conditions that the produce industry constantly has is imperative to reducing the number of foodborne illness caused every year by contaminated produce.
The composition and health benefits of mackerel concentrate
Authors: Chang Yi-Huang , Huang Wenni , Chen Hong-Jun , Lin Chih-Cheng
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study was to study the protein profile and amino acid composition of the mackerel concentrates from fish meat protein processed by enzymatic hydrolysis and then treated by high pressure-low temperature concentration. Mackerel peptide was prepared and health benefits were analyzed by human subject research. The results showed that the mackerel concentrates had significantly higher MW<10kDa peptide than the cooking juice remained. The concentrate contained abundant branched chain amino acids and taurine that related to anti-fatigue activity. Quality-of-Life (QOL) improvement and antihypertensive effect of mackerel concentrate were also proven. This study suggested that mackerel hydrolyzate may potentially serve as a good source of healthy oligopeptide and could be transformed into novel value-added functional food supplement.
Effects of extended deboning time on the breast meat quality of fast-growing big broilers
Authors: Morey Amit , Johnson Meredith Lane
Published: March 2023

Fast-growing big broilers breast muscle often exhibits wooden breast and white striping myopathies causing meat quality issues such as high cook loss, tough texture, and lower marinade retention. Toughness of the meat and subsequent meat quality issues can also be due to unresolved rigor mortis and slow rate of post-mortem proteolysis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of extended deboning times and storage on the quality of broiler breast meat. Broiler breast fillets (total n=810) obtained from a local poultry processor included freshly deboned (2-3h post slaughter) wooden and normal breast butterfly fillets from broilers>8 lbs, breast fillets from medium sized birds (6-8lbs) as well as fillets deboned at extended post-slaughter times (16, 20 and 24h). Carcasses deboned at extended times (n=90/treatment) were stored at 4˚C. The left-side of the butterfly breast fillet was analyzed for color and cook loss immediately after deboning. Texture of cooked fillets was measured using the Blunt Meullenet-Owens Razor Shear (B-MORS) method. Statistical differences between the freshly deboned, extended deboned and stored fillets were determined using ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD at P<0.05. Data indicated that the wooden breast fillets had a higher cook loss than normal fillets and the ones from medium sized broilers. Texture (peak force and shear energy) of the fillets from all the extended debone times was lower compared to the freshly deboned (2-3h post-slaughter) breast fillets indicating an increase in tenderness due to proteolysis. Results from the study can be used by the poultry companies to reduce the breast meat texture issues from fast-growing big broilers.
Role of plasticizers in bioplastics
Authors: Tyagi Varee , Bhattacharya Bhaswati
Published: March 2023

Currently, a variety of petroleum based plastic materials are dominating the packaging industries owing to their durability, versatility, light-weight and most importantly their cost-effectiveness. This trend is being overcome by the growing concern towards environmental pollution caused by the production as well as the disposal of these materials and the presence of toxic substances that could migrate from the packaging material to the product causing potential risk to human health while using the product. Biopolymers, is a promising green alternative to synthetic, non-degradable polymers. These natural polymers (polysaccharides, proteins and lipids) are much more suitable components for food as well as non-food packaging applications due to their qualities of renew-ability, degradability and edibility. However, poor water vapour barrier properties of carbohydrates (polysaccharides) and proteins, and low elasticity of lipids are the main limitations for their use as commercial packaging materials. In this regard plasticizers provide the necessary workability to biopolymers. This review gives a brief insight into their plasticization effects, types, properties along with their effect and recent applications on bio-based materials, with special reference to a new class of plasticizers, Ionic liquids.
Multifunctionality of farmland and farm activities & multi-actor involvement in agricultural development planning
Authors: Akkari Chérine , Bousbaine Antonia , Bryant Christopher
Published: March 2023

This article deals with the conservation of farmland and its farm activities, and the role of their multi-functionality in increasing the potential for conserving good quality farmland and its farm activities. This is especially important given the fact that traditional land use planning has frequently not been able to conserve good quality farmland and large areas of such farmland have often been removed by governments and their planners to support the development of subdivisions and industrial parks. There have however been some substantial improvements in some jurisdictions such as in two of the provinces of Canada, viz. British Columbia and Québec. But even with special legislation to conserve good quality farmland, some land was still removed. Hence, as a very novel move at the end of the 1990s, the province of Québec suggested to its Regional Municipal Counties to support the development of a strategic development plan for agriculture for their agricultural reserves and to involve different actors who supported the conservation of good quality farmland and its farm activities because of one or more of the multiple functions that farmland can support. Successful efforts led to the involvement of multiple actors who supported the conservation of good quality agricultural land because such land also frequently supported multiple other functions of value to society. As an example, the municipality of Senneville at the western end of the Island of Montréal demonstrates this multi-functionality and the involvement of several of its farmers in undertaking actions, including in an Action Research process, to support the multiple other functions of their farmland and its activities which they communicated to their municipality and to other organizations which were also interested in conserving good quality farmland and its farm activities.
Incident reporting behaviors and associated factors among health care professionals working in public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2017
Authors: Agegnehu Wubetu , Alemu Abebe , Ololo Shimeles , Melese Dejene
Published: March 2023

Introduction: A systematic and inclusive approach to incident reporting help to learn from errors and to avoid preventable medical errors. Thus this study was aimed to assess incident reporting behavior and associated factors among health care professionals in public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2017. Methods: A cross–sectional study was conducted at public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2017. Multistage sampling technique was used to enroll 697 study participants. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. The patient safety culture tool developed by health research and quality agency was used for data collection. A multivariate linear regression model was used to identify factors associated with the outcome variable. Results: The mean age of the participants was 29.06(±4.893) years. The health care professionals who were reported incident always was 30.4percent. But, 20.4% of the participants never reported an incident. A multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that;, hospital management support (p=0.001, 95%CI; 0.206, 0.389), non–punitive response to errors (p=0.001, 95%CI; 0.168, 0.292), communication openness (p=0.001, 95%CI; 0.062, 0.249), supervisors actions promoting safety (p=0.001, 95%CI; 0.211, 0.439) and feedback on errors reported(p=0.005, 95%CI; 0.041, 0.237) were significant predictors for incident reporting behaviors among health professionals. Conclusion: Incident reporting behavior among health care professionals was low. To increase the incident reporting behavior among health professionals, the priority should be given by all hospital managers on feedback mechanisms, non–punitive response to errors and communication systems and process.
Serum estradiol and testosterone levels in patients with lung cancer: A meta-analysis
Authors: Le Wu You-Qi , Lin Xiao-Jing , Zhong Guo-Chao , Fu You-Yun , Wu Jing-Jing , Lian Xue-Mei
Published: March 2023

Sex hormones have been linked to cancer, although their relationship remains undefined. This study aimed to compare the serum blood levels of estradiol and testosterone among patients with lung cancer, those convalescing with benign pulmonary lesions, and healthy individuals. An electronic search was conducted for relevant studies that were published up to May 2019 and provided the mean and standard deviation of the serum blood levels of sex hormones. A random–effect model was utilized to achieve significant heterogeneity from the published data. Nineteen studies involving 961 patients with lung cancer, 262patients with benign pulmonary lesion, and 676 healthy individuals were analyzed. The meta–analysis showed that estradiol serum blood levels were higher in patients with lung cancer than in those with pulmonary lesion (standard mean difference [SMD]=4.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] [–0.61, 9.77], P=0.08) and healthy individuals (SMD=5.65, 95% CI [1.21, 10.08], P=0.01). By contrast, the testosterone serum blood levels were lower in patients with lung cancer than in those with pulmonary lesion (SMD=–0.97, 95% CI [–1.60, –0.33], P< 0.01) and healthy individuals (SMD=–1.05, 95%CI [–1.50, –0.59], P<0.01). Subgroup analysis showed that the above–mentioned observations were more pronounced in men than in women (P for interaction <0.05). In Chinese population, higher estradiol serum blood levels but lower testosterone serum blood levels were found in patients with lung cancer compared with those of patients with benign lung lesion and healthy individuals. Our findings provided epidemiological support for the role of sex hormones in the pathogenesis of lung cancer. The generalizability of these findings to other populations must be further studied.
A boxer with a pipeline stent in the brain- Should this boxer be allowed to participate in professional boxing fight?
Authors: K Sethi Nitin
Published: March 2023

Professional boxing is a popular combat sport which unfortunately carries a high risk of acute traumatic brain injury (TBI). The nature of the sport is such that every punch thrown to the opponent’s head is thrown with the intention of winning by causing a concussive head injury (aka a knockout). Professional boxing is regulated by various State Athletic Commissions in the United States and abroad. Most commissions require an imaging study of the brain (either a computed tomography scan or a magnetic resonance scan) prior to licensure. The primary goal of neuroimaging prior to licensure is to identify and/or exclude coincidental or clinically suspected brain lesions which may pose a risk for rupture, bleeding, or other catastrophic brain injury during a bout/training. These lesions include aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, cavernous malformations, large venous malformations, Vein of Galan malformations among others. A boxer with history of a left ophthalmic artery aneurysm status post embolization with placement of a pipeline shield in the distal left internal carotid artery (ICA) presented for licensure. Should this boxer be allowed to participate in professional boxing is debated.
Classifying the gravitational waves using the deep learning technique
Authors: Al Mamun Al Mahmud , Iqbal Md Ashik
Published: March 2023

Gravitational waves are related to the concept of vibration of space-time curvature. When the body of heavy masses lies on the four-dimensional space-time and changes their position with turbulence motion then actually they create a disturbance in the space. The disturbance travels outward from the origin having light velocity is known as gravitational waves. Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) scientific teamwork declared the identification of these waves. In this paper, we review Gravitational waves, Detection of gravitational waves, deep learning for the classification of gravitational waves. We design and develop a deep learning system to classification gravitational waves of the dataset ‘Gravity Spy (Gravitational waves)’ that is made up of the LIGO images. The goals of this research are to gain a piece of reasonable and useful knowledge about Gravitational waves and propose an effective deep learning network system to classify the gravitational waves. The accuracy achieved by our model is 99.34%.
Optical properties of low-refractive index polymers
Authors: M Ravindra Nuggehalli , Sadoh Airefetalo , Hossain Samiha , Fereira Sheldon
Published: March 2023

The study of optical properties of polymers is an integral part of smart materials research. It has immense potential in diverse fields spanning from structural health monitoring and underwater surveillance to medical imaging and automobile industries. Polymers are excellent candidates for these purposes due to their adaptable physical properties, one of which is their optical response to external stimuli such as temperature, pressure, magnetic fields, humidity, surrounding gases etc. Thus, being able to predict these responses is invaluable in the formulation of devices that are relevant to these applications. This paper presents a study of the simulation of the optical properties of several polymers when exposed to electromagnetic radiation, ranging from Ultra Violet to Near-Infra Red. A simulation of the influence of varying thicknesses of polymers (10, 50, 100 µm) on substrates [silicon (10, 50, 100 µm) and metal (Au) (0.025, 0.053, 0.117 µm)], on the optical properties, is presented in this study. Consequently, the results of these simulations serve as a guideline for selecting the best material configuration for the desired application. The optical bandgap of some of the polymer candidates is examined in light of Tauc’s method of analysis of the absorption coefficient variation with energy.
Human exposure to heavy metals: toxicity mechanisms and health implications
Authors: Okechukwu Ohiagu Franklyn , Chikezie Paul Chidoka , Ahaneku Clinton Chinazaekpere , Chikezie Chinwendu Maureen
Published: March 2023

Human exposure to heavy metals is inevitable as heavy metals are continually present in air, water and food. Anthropogenic and industrial activities have rapidly increased the level of human exposure to heavy metals. Some heavy metals elicit deleterious health effects even at low levels in the body system. Every heavy metal has its own specific unique mechanistic process through which it exhibits toxicity. The major mechanisms through which most heavy metals such as Cr, As, Pb, Cu, Fe, Cd, Zn, Ni cause toxicity include the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibition of enzyme activities and attenuation of antioxidant defense systems. Heavy metal ions are known to interfere with DNA and nuclear proteins leading to DNA structural and functional impairments as well as changes that initiate carcinogenesis, apoptosis as well as modulation of cell cycle. Heavy metal toxicity alters the activity of the central nervous system, and thereby causes mental disorder, alters blood composition, and liver, kidneys, lungs functions as well as other important body organs, resulting in the escalation of assorted human diseases. Prolonged human exposure and accumulation of heavy metals in the body aggravate the progression of physical, muscular and neurological degenerative processes that mimic certain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Heavy metals mimic hormonal activities that alter the functions of the endocrine system. Thus, efforts must be made to mitigate the extent of human exposure and accumulation of heavy metals in the body as a result of anthropogenic and industrial activities in order to prevent incidences of deleterious health challenges.
Group theoretical methods in solid state Physics of SnO2
Authors: Jekal Eunsung , Park Sungjin
Published: March 2023

Oxide semiconductor SnO2 shows excellent photoelectronic properties and sensitivities of gases. It is known that their special properties are originated by a stable large band-gap. In nano-SnO2, the above properties have been extensively explored, and nano-SnO2 will find wide applications in microelectronics, photoelectronics, sensor and compound function ceramics. According to our study using group theory, a single SnO2 crystal with rutile-type structure shows four Raman active modes, A 1g, B 1g, B 2g and E g. The additional A 2μ and E μ modes correspond to transverse-optical (TO) and longitudinal-optical (LO) vibrations. Moreover, we applied application of perturbation theory, consequently, the spectrum of commercial SnO2 sample showed the Raman bands in accordance with the theory.
Characterization and evaluation of thin films of a polymer reinforced with nanoparticles using the spin coating technique
Authors: Melavanki Raveendra , C Siddaraju , M Shyam , Prasad B Daruka , N Dhananjaya , TS Srivatsan
Published: March 2023

Thin films of the polymer, polyvinylpyloridate, reinforced with zinc-nickel ferrite nanoparticles (Zn0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4) and prepared using the technique of spin coating is the central theme of presentation and discussion in this research paper. The zinc-nickel ferrite nanoparticles were used to reinforce a thin film of the chosen polymer and for varying concentrations. The prepared thin films were transparent and consequently studied for the purpose of selection and use in applications specific to the domain of photonics. Optical characterization of samples of the as-synthesized thin films was done using different spectroscopy techniques. Optical density of the as-prepared thin films was obtained using a ultra-violet (UV) spectrophotometer. The reinforcing effect was observed from the emission spectra that was obtained using the fluorescence spectrophotometer. Also, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of the reinforced thin films of the chosen polymer was obtained and compared with the unreinforced pure polymer and did reveal an observable change in both the peak value and intensity of the peak. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a noticeable difference in both intensity and crystallization of the thin films of the reinforced polymer. Scanning electron microscopy observations revealed a morphological change of the thin films. Roughness of the sample surface was studied with the help of images obtained from an atomic force microscope (AFM). The present research study technique of spin coating was done properly and successfully. With a gradual increase in the number of reinforcing nanoparticles in the polymer matrix we did observe an increase in Optical Density using UV-Visible spectroscopy. An increase in the Optical Density is beneficial for attaining an improvement in anti-reflection response. This study helped establish the effect of nanoparticle reinforcements on optical properties while concurrently establishing the need for selection and use of thin films for applications in the field of photonics.
Short review on fabrication, structural and dielectric characterization of zirconium based oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Ubaidullah Mohd , Fazil Mohd , Ahmad Tokeer
Published: March 2023

Zirconum based oxide nanoparticles of general formula Ba1-xPbxZrO3 and Ba1-xSrxZrO3with dopant concentrations ranging from 0 to 1 using reverse micellar and polymeric citrate precursor methods are discussed. Presently, hundreds of dielectric materials have currently been synthesized. Zirconium-based oxides are the significant class of dielectric materials among them because of their structural flexibility and simplicity. This review summarizes recent advances in zirconium-based oxide synthetic strategies, their significant use as dielectric materials for wireless communication devices such as electroceramics and piezoelectric devices, and efforts being made to alter their physicochemical properties and increase their efficiencies by adjusting reaction conditions. The article's goal is to describe approaches controlling these materials' efficacy and upcoming difficulties for practical applications.1–3
Prediction of remaining service life for flexible pavement in the Southern Central States using FWD parameters
Authors: Bastola Nitish R , Souliman Mena I , Dessouky Samer , Daoud Raja
Published: March 2023

Various Departments of Transportation (DOTs) in the South-Central States and abroad have extensively used Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) surface deflection bowl data. The primary purpose of using deflection-based NDTs in network-level assessment is to identify a section of pavement in need of further investigation at the project level. The falling weight deflectometer (FWD) test is a common NDT-based test that is used by transportation agencies to assess the performance of flexible pavement.This research concentrates on simulating the deflection produced by FWD devices using 3-D Move software. Simulations based on software will decrease the need for lengthy FWD testing in the field. In the study, ninety-seven (97) pavement sections from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas are used for simulation, analysis, and verification of FWD testing. The deflection values produced from software simulations were found to be strongly correlated with field test findings. In addition, the simulated deflection values were used to develop and validate various deflection bowl parameters. In this study, the normalized comprehensive deflection ratio and the normalized comprehensive area ratio are two key characteristics that were validated and produced. Eventually, load-induced impacts using these parameters are effectively analyzed in order to anticipate the remaining service life of flexible pavement structures. The prediction of the remaining service life will be an efficient tool for different DOTs and transportation agencies to initiate the rehabilitation work in time and economically.
3D characterization of the microstructure of LPBF- fabricated Inconel 718 alloy
Authors: Kang Jinwu , Huangb YuanHang , Yub Hailiang
Published: March 2023

Laser powder bed fusion method is popularly applied in the additive manufacturing of metal parts. The void defect and microstructure are the main factors which determine their mechanical properties. However, the characterization of microstructure and cavities is two dimensional, which is hard to show the spatial profile. In this paper, in order to explore the microstructure and defects in three dimensions, the combined continuously slicing and microstructure observation was used to investigate the microstructure of an Inconel 718 sample. The sample was sliced 468 layers with thickness of 1 µm by xenon ion beam, a 142.8 µm* 107 µm* 46.8 µm microstructure cube was reconstructed. From the 3D model, the melt pool, cavity, pore and grains and their orientations were analyzed. The results provide spatial features of its microstructure. The equi-axed grains are among the coarse column grains, and some are the original grains of insufficiently melt or totally unmelt powder particles. The results tell the difference of the two kinds of voids, i.e., cavity and pore. Keywords: laser powder bed fusion, Inconel 718, microstructure, 3D characterization, pore, cavity
Patient safety culture perceived by nurses of hospitalization services
Authors: Saldarriaga Sandoval Lilia Jannet , Lopez Cespedes Jennifer Soledad
Published: March 2023

Patient safety can be altered by the high probability that an error occurs and is given by the fact that the provision of services is linked to complex interactions. The purpose of the study was to describe the culture of patient safety in hospitalization services from the perspective of the nursing personal, at the Tumbes Regional Hospital 2018. Descriptive-exploratory, quantitative study; With a census sample of 80 nurses, a survey was applied to collect the information, obtaining as a result that the patient safety culture of the nursing staff is on a neutral average with 91.3%, followed by positive in 5.0% and negative in 3.75%. It is concluded that the Safety Culture of the Patient of the nurses is neutral, but it can be improved, being negative the perception of personnel endowment and neutral in teamwork between the services and the Expectations and Actions in patient safety, identifying strengths in the dimensions of personnel, team work, and positive in the Expectations and Actions in patient safety, and the weaknesses identified in eight dimensions in our organization so it is necessary to establish strategic lines of work that help minimize adverse events in our patients .