Reduction Of Angle Research Articles

Clinical Evaluation of an Electronic Guidance System for Optimizing the Ultrasound Screening for Developmental Hip Dysplasia in Newborns

Background: Graf ultrasound screening is considered an established method for early detection of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Although characterized by a high degree of standardization to allow for good reproducibility of results, examination-related factors may still affect sonographic measurements. The relative tilt angle between the hip and the probe is a potential pitfall as it significantly influences sonographic measurements and consequently classification of DDH according to Graf. Objectives: Evaluation of an electronic guidance system developed to reduce relative tilt angles and increase reliability and comparability in ultrasound screening of DDH. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five newborns were examined using a prototype guidance system, which tracks the position of the transducer and the pelvis to calculate the relative tilt angles. Two ultrasound images were obtained, one conventionally and the other one using the guidance system. Subsequently, relative roll and pitch angles and sonographic measurements were determined and analyzed. Results: The relative inclination angles in the conventional group ranged from −12.6° to 14.3° (frontal plane) and −23.8° to 32.5° (axial plane). vs. −3.7° to 3.0° and −3.2° to 4.5° in the guidance system group. The variances were significantly lower in the guidance system-assisted group for both planes (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The optimized transducer position showed significant effects and consequently significantly reduced alpha angles were observed (p = 0.001, and p = 0.003). Conclusions: The guidance system allowed a significant reduction in the relative tilt angles, supporting optimal positioning of the transducer, resulting in significant effects on Graf sonographic measurements. This technique shows great potential for enhancing the reproducibility and reliability of ultrasound screening for DDH.

Torque vectoring control of in-wheel motor driven trailer for lateral stability of trailer

This paper introduces a novel approach to improve the lateral stability of car–trailer systems by implementing an in-wheel motor-driven trailer. The proposed torque vectoring controller aims to improve lateral stability by minimising hitch rate and angle. The controller utilises an extended Kalman filter for estimating the vehicle's lateral velocity. The in-wheel motor torque vectoring controller is designed based on the Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) technique, with a linear state-space model derived from the nonlinear equations through linearisation at the desired state for each time step. Simulation results, conducted through MATLAB and Simulink, validate the effectiveness of the controller in reducing instability during a single lane change. Real road driving tests are conducted to further validate the proposed system. The in-wheel motor-driven trailer demonstrates a substantial reduction in hitch rate and angle, contributing to enhanced stability. Despite constraints on the in-wheel motor's torque output, the proposed torque vectoring controller proves to be effective in real road driving conditions.

Nanochannel geometry-depended behaviors on ion selectivity for salinity gradient energy harvesting

Nanofluidic osmotic energy, which can be directly converted into electricity, is considered a clean and sustainable energy that effectively utilizes salinity gradients. The rational construction of nanochannel is of great significance to ion transport and osmotic energy conversion, but there is currently little attention paid to naturally formed rough and irregular channels. In this study, a model that considers the effects of nanochannel cone angle and waveform surface on interface reaction coupling was established for osmotic energy conversion. The results indicate that cone angle and waveform have a significant effect on osmotic energy conversion. It is found that the reduction of cone angle and the addition of waveform will improve ion selectivity and increase energy conversion efficiency, and ion rectification effect of corrugated cylindrical channel is the most obvious. Meanwhile, enlarging waveform dimensions leads to a significant overlap of electric double layer, resulting in a growth in cation transference number and selectivity, thereby enhancing the system's energy conversion efficiency, which can reach 49.62%. At low concentration ratios, the waveform dimensions are inversely proportional to the maximum output power, whereas at high concentration ratios, increasing the waveform dimensions and applying the waveform at channel entrance can efficiently improve the maximum output power.

Urushiol-Based Coating with High Surface Hydrophilicity for Easy-Cleaning of Oil Pollutants

Urushiol is recognized as a sustainable coating material with superior properties; however, it faces significant challenges in applications such as petrochemicals and marine engineering due to surface oil contamination. This study aimed to enhance the cleanability of urushiol-based coatings through hydrophilic modification. Polyethylene glycol monooleate (PEGMO) was identified as an appropriate hydrophilic macromonomer and utilized as a modifier to develop a novel urushiol-based coating, termed P(U-PEGMO), via thermal curing. The results indicated that copolymerization occurred between urushiol and PEGMO during the curing process, forming a stable urushiol copolymer with favorable compatibility. The incorporation of PEGMO greatly improved the surface hydrophilicity of the coatings, as evidenced by a reduction in the water contact angle to below 30° when the modifier content reached 30% or higher, demonstrating a high degree of surface hydrophilicity. This enhanced property imparted the modified coating with underwater superoleophobicity and reduced oil adhesion, thereby facilitating the removal of oil. The cleaning performance was evaluated using a simple water rinsing method, after which, less than 2.5 wt% of oil residues remained on the surface of the modified coating. The high hydrophilicity is considered responsible for the coating’s easy-cleaning capability. In addition, the modified coatings exhibited improved flexibility and impact resistance, albeit with a slight decrease in hardness.

Fluorinated‐polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (F‐POSS) functionalized sepiolite nanostructures for developing epoxy nanocomposites with tailored crosslinking, antifouling, and self‐cleaning properties

AbstractDeveloping multifunctional epoxy composites with tailored properties supports energy systems, especially oil and gas industries. We report synthesis of 3D fluorinated‐polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (F‐POSS) nanoparticles (NPs) co‐condensed on the surface of 2D sepiolite (SEP) nanoclays, and dispersed it within an epoxy resin to facilitate curing kinetics of epoxy‐amine system. A catalytic effect was realized, supporting excellent cure index, according to the kinetic models employed. Friedman model suggested double values of activation energy for composites (54.32 KJ/mol for Epoxy/SEP and 50.73 KJ/mol for Epoxy/F‐POSS@SEP) compared to blank (reference) resin (26.12 KJ/mol). Nanostructure of F‐POSS@SEP observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, demonstrating co‐condensation of F‐POSS and SEP nanoclays. Nanotribology tests suggested higher surface properties. Hardness of epoxy was 0.373 GPa; when modified with 5 and 10 wt% of F‐POSS@SEP it resulted in 0.41 and 0.38 GPa, respectively. The reduced modulus was 4.53 GPa for epoxy, while 5.1 and 5.0 GPa for 5 and 10 wt% F‐POSS@SEP, respectively. The free surface of composites was studied by SEM and contact angle techniques. F‐POSS/SEP nanostructure populated at air‐free surface, as a consequence of natural migration of fluorine. Contact angle measurements were performed in dynamic tests, showing increased hydrophobicity of thermoset composites, where an outstanding antifouling behavior was correspondingly achieved. Sliding angles diminished from 19.1° for epoxy to 8.1° and 5.0° for 5 and 10 wt.% of F‐POSS@SEP, respectively. Accordingly, fouling of 5 and 10 wt.% F‐POSS@SEP modified composites was 42% lower than that for epoxy. Self‐cleaning resulted 18% and 16% higher for 5 and 10 wt.% F‐POSS@SEP nanocomposites, respectively, compared to epoxy. These results are promising to contribute high‐performance materials for the energy production sector.Highlights Developed fluorinated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (F‐POSS)/sepiolite. Detected catalytic effect of F‐POSS/sepiolite on epoxy‐amine cross‐linking kinetics. Fouling decreased by 42%, whereas recovery increased 10‐fold by cleaning surface. Self‐cleaning properties demonstrated by up to 74% reduction in water slip angle. Potential use in pipelines to prevent paraffin deposits due to antifouling properties.

A Study on the Effect of Toroidal Propeller Parameters on Efficiency and Thrust

This paper delves into the effects of a toroidal propeller’s geometrical characteristics on its thrust and efficiency. The focus is on three distinct numerical distributions: the outward inclination angle, the pitch angle, and the number of blades. The Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) method is employed to analyze the propeller’s open-water performance, taking into account cavitation flow, and a test bed was constructed to verify the rationality of CFD simulation. The findings reveal that the toroidal propeller’s efficiency and thrust coefficient initially increase with the outward inclination angle, followed by a decline; the angle of maximum efficiency is identified at 23.25°. A reduction in the pitch angle leads to a temporary rise in efficiency, which subsequently falls, accompanied by a continuous decrease in the thrust coefficient. The optimal selection angle should consider this to prevent negative thrust at lower advance coefficients, which could further impact overall efficiency. An increased number of blades elevates the thrust coefficient and reduces the force on each blade, yet has a minimal effect on efficiency. Additionally, the orthogonal test method was utilized to explore the interactions between these three parameters. The outcomes indicate that, in terms of final power, there is no significant interaction among the three parameters under investigation. However, notable interactions are observed between the pitch angle and the number of blades, the outward inclination angle and the pitch angle, and the outward inclination angle and the number of blades. Consequently, the study’s findings facilitate the selection of parameter combinations that yield higher efficiency or thrust coefficients.

Combined office-based and home-based orthoptic training in the management of intermittent exotropia in children: a randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the effect of combinational office-based and home-based orthoptic training regimens with part-time patching in participants with intermittent exotropia. Methods: In a randomized clinical trial study, patients with a diagnosis of IXT were involved and randomly assigned to three groups. Patients in the control group were followed with part-time patch therapy. For the Intervention 1 group, in-office and home-based orthoptic training was prescribed along with playing with a video game software (PIVOT). For Intervention 2 group the same management protocol was incorporated except using the video game software. Evaluation of the control scale and degree of deviation, accommodation, convergence, and stereopsis was performed at baseline and at 1.5 months, 3 months, and 6 months follow-ups. Results: A total of 53 patients (21 males and 32 females) with a mean age of 10.15 ± 3.80 years (range 5–18 years) completed the treatment and follow-up visits. The angle of deviation at distance decreased significantly in all groups (p < .05). No significant reduction of near angle of deviations was found in the control group (p = .38). In the intervention groups, positive fusional vergence (PFV), stereopsis, near point of convergence (NPC), and control scale of deviation at distance improved significantly compared to the control group (all, p < .05). At six months follow-up, patients in the Int 1. group showed significantly increased amplitude of accommodation and positive relative accommodation (PRA) compared to the patients in the Int 2. and control groups (all, p < .05). Conclusion: Compared to part-time patch therapy, orthoptic training is more effective in the management of children with IXT. Using video games as a home-based therapy can improve accommodative abilities in these patients.

The impact of ergonomics and biomechanics on optimizing learning environments in higher education management

In higher education, the design of learning environments is serious in prompting student well-being, engagement, and academic performance. Traditional classrooms often lack ergonomic consideration, leading to discomfort, increased physical strain, and reduced concentration. As education evolves, there is a growing need to apply ergonomic and biomechanical principles to create spaces that accommodate students’ diverse physical and cognitive needs. Despite the theoretical support for these interventions, there is limited empirical evidence on their practical impact in educational settings. This study addresses this gap by examining the effects of ergonomic and biomechanical adjustments on student outcomes in higher education. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research was conducted across four universities with a diverse sample of 126 students. The interventions included adjusting furniture, optimized spatial layouts, and environmental adjustments to assess their influence on postural alignment, muscle activity, and engagement. Key findings revealed significant improvements: postural alignment showed an increase in spinal angle from 118° to 133° and a reduction in neck angle from 37° to 29°. Muscle activity, particularly in the neck and lower back, decreased by 40% and 44%, respectively. Additionally, self-reported comfort improved from a mean of 2.8 to 4.3, while physical strain decreased from 3.7 to 2.2. Engagement levels also improved, with scores rising from 3.1 to 4.5. These results underscore the importance of ergonomic design in promoting student well-being and fostering a more conducive learning environment, providing evidence-based recommendations for optimizing learning spaces in higher education.

Separation properties and fouling resistance of polyethersulfone membrane modified by fungal chitosan

This research explores the enhancement of polyethersulfone (PES) membranes through the incorporation of chitosan derived from the lignicolous fungus Ganoderma sp. Utilizing wet phase inversion and solution casting techniques, chitosan was successfully integrated into the PES matrix, as confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), which indicated a high deacetylation degree of 75.7%. The incorporation of chitosan significantly increased the membrane hydrophilicity, as evidenced by a reduction in the water contact angle and a substantial improvement in pure water permeability, from 17.9 L m-2 h-1 bar-1 to 27.3 L m-2 h-1 bar-1. The membrane anti-fouling properties were also notably enhanced, with the Flux Recovery Ratio (FRR) increasing from approximately 60–80%. Moreover, the chitosan-modified PES/CS membrane, particularly at a 5% chitosan concentration, demonstrated exceptional efficacy in pollutant removal, achieving over 90% elimination of total suspended solids, cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), alongside a 79% reduction in color during the treatment of textile wastewater.

Analytical investigation on the rotational behavior of dovetail mortise–tenon joints between beams and columns in traditional Chinese timber frames

We theoretically analyzed the rotational behavior of beam–column dovetail joints in traditional Chinese timber frames in this study. An analytical model of dovetail joints at both the column head and body was designed by clarifying the moment generation mechanism and effect of rotational embedment yielding in timber perpendicular to the grain on the rotational behavior of joints. An asynchronous manifestation of rotational embedment deformation across the column surface, tenon cheeks, and upper and lower surfaces of the tenon head was analyzed, and the corresponding characteristic yield points and consequent reduction in rotational stiffness were derived in the model. The Inayama embedment theory was used to clarify the effect of rotational embedment with varying end lengths on the movement of the joint rotation center and asymmetric moment generated in different rotation directions of the column head joint. The precision of the analytical model was validated through a comparative analysis by involving nine sets of experimental data, for estimating the initial stiffness, post-yield stiffness, and identified yield points. The implications of the parameters, including the initial gap between the tenon and mortise, geometric dimensions of the dovetail tenon, and friction coefficient, were also discussed. Controlling the ratio of the initial gap and tenon height within 0.01 to ensure a certain rotational resistance of dovetail beam–column joints within the collapse limits of traditional timber frames is recommended considering the significant effect of the initial gap on the initial sliding angle and moment reduction.

Skeletal and dental effects of skeletally anchored forsus fatigue resistant devices during class II malocclusion treatment: A meta-analysis and systematic review

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the skeletal and dental treatment effects of Class II malocclusion cases using skeletally anchored Forsus (miniscrew-anchored FRD or miniplate-anchored FRD), with conventional Forsus FRD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Unrestricted electronic search of six databases and additional manual searches were performed up to July 2023. Randomized controlled trials having one treatment arm with skeletal anchored Forsus FRD in treatment of Class II malocclusion and another matched treatment group treated with conventional Forsus FRD were included in this review. Risk of bias assessment was performed using Cochrane’s Risk of Bias Tool. No restrictions were set concerning treatment duration, or the cephalometric analysis used. Skeletal and dentoalveolar outcomes data were extracted by two authors independently. RESULTS: Three studies using miniscrews as means of skeletal anchorage were evaluated and qualified for the final review and meta-analysis. Three other studies using miniplates were considered in the systematic review but were not qualified for a meta-analysis. The data gathered from the miniscrews anchored FRD papers included a total of 93 Class II patients (46 treated with miniscrew-anchored Forsus FRD, 47 treated with conventional Forsus FRD). The meta-analysis showed a statistically significant reduction in the SNA angle in favor of miniscrew-anchored Forsus FRD (mean difference: −0.26, CI: −0.50 to −0.02), a nonsignificant difference in the SNB (mean difference: 0.17, CI: -0.06 to 0.39), a statistically significant increase in the SN–MP angle in favor of miniscrew-anchored Forsus FRD (mean difference: 0.53, CI: 0.06–1.00)—a statistically significant reduction in the L1-MP angle in favor of miniscrew-anchored Forsus FRD (mean difference: −2.12, CI: −4.96 to −2.12). Data from miniplate-anchored FRD included 31 Class II patients treated with mini plate anchored FRD. Although meta-analysis was not applicable to these studies, lower incisor inclination was observed to be less. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the existing evidence, the use of skeletal anchorage could not enhance forward mandibular growth. However, miniscrew-anchored Forsus FRD could minimize mandibular incisor protrusion while miniplates could even retract the mandibular incisor position with a headgear effect on the maxilla.

Mixing characteristics and co-flow behavior in interactive cascade ventilation: An Experimental Approach

Achieving optimal indoor air quality that is both healthy and comfortable remains a persistent pursuit. Interactive cascade ventilation (ICV) has demonstrated remarkable performance, harnessing a temperature gradient to reverse the direction of buoyancy flux. The aim of this study is to investigate the mixing characteristics and co-flow behavior of ICV. Experiments, informed by Abramovich's theory and the principles of similarity, are conducted using a scaled-down experimental setup. The research results indicate that varying the temperature difference between the upper and lower jets from 2°C to 7°C significantly influences the deflection angle. Notably, the lower jet exhibits a more pronounced decrease of 52%, suggesting that the warmer lower jets effectively uplift the cooler upper jets. It can counteract their descent, optimizing the use of cool air in occupied spaces. Additionally, analysis of different velocity ratios reveals a reduction in the deflection angle from 12.69° to 5.57° as the velocity ratio increases from 0.5 to 0.81. A modified jet equation has been derived, which delineates the central path of the jet trajectory. The insights obtained from this research serve to bolster the theoretical framework for optimizing critical supply air parameters within the ICV system, thereby significantly enhancing its ventilation performance. These findings elucidate the underlying mechanisms of ICV, leading to a more profound understanding of its operational dynamics.

Retrolabyrinthine approach to the lateral skull base: The value of preoperative temporal bone CT analysis

PurposeThe most used neurosurgical approach to reach cerebellar-pontine angle is the retrosigmoid route. This article describes the presigmoid approach which requires excellent knowledge of the labyrinthine block together with quantitative analysis of temporal bone CT. MethodsCT-based quantitative measurements were obtained in patients undergoing vestibular neurectomy with a presigmoid approach. Eighteen patients were enrolled, and five measures were taken: Trautmann’s area, the petro-clival angle, presigmoid dura length and its angle. The relationship between these measurements and hospitalization days, operating times, and complications was explored. ResultsThe posterior semicircilar canal (PSC)-sigmoid sinus (SS) distance, presigmoid dura- internal auditory canal (IAC)-PSC angle, and duration of surgery are predictors of complications. Specifically, a PSC-sigmoid sinus distance <11 mm, a dura presig-IAC-PSC angle <14 are associated with the highest risk of complications. ConclusionPreoperative temporal bone CT scan can guide the surgeon through the narrowest areas of the surgical approach. Trautmann’s triangle area and petro-clival angle reduction are challenging and can be faced with combined microscopic-endoscopic technique, and with optics angulation-rotation. The retrolabyrinthine approach can enable hearing preservation and minimal cerebellar retraction.

Quantum of incisal compensation in skeletal class III malocclusion: a cross-sectional study.

Skeletal class III malocclusion presents either with maxillary retrognathism, mandibular excess, or a combination. Dentoalveolar compensations occur with maxillary incisor proclination and mandibular incisor retroclination. The aim of this study is to quantify the amount of incisal compensation in class III skeletal malocclusion and correlate it to the severity of the skeletal base. Eleven angular and 7 linear cephalometric measurements were digitized from 57 patients. Axial inclination of the upper and lower incisors was evaluated for compensation. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the dentoalveolar parameter among those measuring upper and lower incisor position and inclination that correlated most highly with the severity of class III. Linear regression analysis was used to identify the quantum of the incisal compensation. Upper incisors were proclined and placed anteriorly. However, correlation analysis suggested a less responsive incisor with progressive change in skeletal base. Lower incisors began to compensate only as the severity of class III increased. For every degree of reduction of ANB angle from normal, the incisor mandibular plane angle (IMPA) and L1-GoMe decreased by 0.79° and the L1-GoGn decreased by 0.81°. The upper incisors contributed more to compensation compared to the lower incisors in a class III skeletal base. As class III severity increased, the upper incisor compensation decreased while that of lower incisors increased. For every degree of reduction in ANB angle, the IMPA and L1-GoMe decreased by 0.79° and the L1-GoGn decreased by 0.81°.

Enhanced mechanical properties of 3D printed concrete sculpture material with wood fibers reinforcement

This study examined the mechanical characteristics of 3D printed concrete utilized in sculpture materials, with an emphasis on the incorporation of wood fibers. A series of experiments were conducted to probe into the wood fiber-reinforced 3D printed concrete sculpture materials. Through mechanical and microscopic examinations, the role of flexible fibers in enhancing the bearing capacity of concrete 3D printed components was investigated. The results indicated that an optimal amount of wood fiber addition significantly improved the mechanical properties of the concrete sculpture materials. At the interlayer interface, wood fibers exhibited elongation, thereby mitigating the specimen damage. However, beyond a certain threshold, the mechanical properties tended to decline due to either the agglomeration or direct dislodgment of wood fibers at the interlayer interface, which resulted in an absence of notable deformation. This scenario thereby failed to impede crack propagation. Hydrophobic performance assays revealed an elevation in surface hydrophobicity of 3D printed concrete sculpture materials with the inclusion of wood fibers. Yet, an excessive amount of wood fibers caused a gradual reduction in the contact angle, implying a decrease in the hydrophobicity of the material surface.

Encasing Triaryltriazine with a Bulky Chiral Cap: Luminescent Chiral Crystalline Molecular Rotors with Modulation of Solid-State Chiroptical Properties Mediated by Molecular Rotation.

A novel structural motif for luminescent chiral crystalline molecular rotors with chiroptical properties correlated with the rotational motion in crystalline media is presented. This scaffold incorporates bulky chiral caps consisting of a homochiral binaphthyl moiety with a triisopropylsilyl (TIPS) group into triaryltriazine, as confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Variable-temperature solid-state 2H NMR studies revealed a 4-fold rotation of the phenylenes occurred in the rotor crystal between 263 and 333 K, while a steric rotor analogue shows no rotational motion. Notably, a reduction in the dihedral angle of the binaphthyl moiety upon heating was observed in the chiral rotors, and a corresponding alteration of the circular dichroism (CD) signal was detected in the solid-state, while those of the steric rotors showed no alteration by the temperature change. We propose that the fast rotation of the phenyl rings affects the motion of neighboring isopropyl groups, leading to steric repulsion with the binaphthyl moieties and thereby inducing its conformational change. Furthermore, the chiral rotors exhibited circularly polarized phosphorescence in the solid-state at low temperature, originating from rotational displacement of the phenylene on triphenyltriazine during structural relaxation in the excited state. Meanwhile, the steric rotors showed significant circularly polarized fluorescence induced by the suppressed molecular motion via a sterically hindered lattice environment in the excited state. These results indicate that the bulky chiral cap introduced into the triaryltriazines, acting as a luminescent chiral crystalline molecular rotor, can be a useful scaffold for the modulation of solid-state chiroptical properties via molecular rotational motions.

A larger reduction of spatial mean QRS-T angle during cardiac resynchronisation therapy is associated with a lower risk of mortality and heart failure hospitalisation

Abstract Background Predicting clinical outcome in heart failure patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) remains challenging, necessitating improved risk stratification for CRT recipients. Previous studies have shown an association between large spatial peak and mean QRS-T angles and cardiovascular disease. Little is known, however, about their relation to clinical outcome following CRT. Purpose To investigate the association between spatial peak and mean QRS-T angles and long-term clinical outcome following CRT initiation. Methods All patients with native LBBB receiving CRT at a large-volume tertiary care center between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Spatial peak and mean QRS-T angles were derived from digital pre- and post-CRT 12-lead ECGs that were processed using Glasgow algorithm and Kors’ regression transformation. The QRS-T angles and their change after CRT were analyzed in relation to the primary composite endpoint of heart failure hospitalisation or all-cause mortality using Cox regression analysis adjusted for clinical covariates (age, gender, CRT-P or CRT-D, secondary ICD indication, ischemic etiology, NYHA class, LVEF, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, baseline QRS duration, NT-proBNP, and eGFR). Results The study group comprised 250 patients (a median age [Q1–Q3] of 72.2 years [64.5–76.3]; 22% female; 58% New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III-IV; LVEF 27% [22–30]) who were followed over a median follow-up time of 4.5 years [3.2–5.8] after CRT implantation. The median post-CRT spatial peak and mean QRS-angles were 142° [116–160] and 152° [127–166], and the median angle was decreased by 16° [-0.6–41] and 14° [-0.4–38], respectively. Both a larger post-CRT mean QRS-T angle (HR 1.20, 95%CI 1.08-1.33, p=&amp;lt;.001) and peak QRS-T angle (HR 1.08, 95%CI 1.01-1.17, p=0.046) were associated with the primary endpoint. A larger reduction of mean QRS-T angle, but not peak QRS-T angle, was associated with a risk reduction (HR 0.87, 95%CI 0.79-0.95, p&amp;lt;0.003). In Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with a post-CRT mean QRS-T angle above median had a higher risk of reaching the endpoint (log-rank p=0.002, Figure 1). Conclusion Our results show that a larger magnitude of the post-CRT spatial peak and mean QRS-T angles, and a larger reduction of the latter, are associated with long-term heart failure hospitalisation and death. These findings suggest that spatial QRS-T angle may have a potential role in refined risk stratification of CRT patients.Figure 1.K-M curve spatial mean QRS-T

Enhance oil recovery by carbonized water flooding in tight oil reservoirs

The low permeability of tight sandstone reservoirs limits the application of water flooding to enhance oil recovery. Due to the properties of CO2, people improve crude oil recovery by carbonizing water flooding. However, many studies have not prioritized determining the concentration of carbonated water before comparing the recovery rates of carbonated water flooding and pure water flooding after water flooding. This article takes the Chang 6 oil reservoir as the research object, and uses a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance testing and displacement experiments to conduct experiments on optimizing the concentration of carbonated water. Based on this, experiments on water flooding and carbon water flooding after water flooding to improve crude oil recovery are conducted to compare and analyze the oil enhancement potential of carbonated water flooding. The experimental results show that the physical properties, pore throat structure and seepage capacity of sandstone samples of type I, II and III decrease in turn. With the increase of carbonated water concentration, the expansion coefficient, viscosity reduction rate, contact angle reduction rate and core permeability loss rate of crude oil increase. The damage rate of 0.4mmol/cm3 carbonated water solution (17.6 g CO2: 1 L water) to the core permeability is only 0.98%, which is the optimal experimental concentration. During the water flooding process, crude oil in pores of different scales in Type I rock cores is utilized, and the degree of utilization in large pores is relatively high. Continuing to use carbonated water to drive oil in the rock cores after water flooding increased the recovery rate of crude oil by 15.24%; The degree of crude oil utilization in small pores of Tpye II core after carbonization and water flooding increased by 29.4%, and the final recovery rate of crude oil increased by 11.35% compared to the core after water flooding; The physical properties of Tpye III core are poor, with a small proportion of large pores, resulting in a 9.04% increase in crude oil recovery rate. Compared with pure water flooding, the recovery rate and utilization degree of large and small pores in the three types of rock cores after carbonization water flooding have been improved to varying degrees. Among them, the utilization degree of crude oil in large pores is the most significant, which increases the recovery rate of crude oil in the rock core after displacement. This study can provide a theoretical basis for improving crude oil recovery by carbonizing water flooding.

Glass Surface Nanostructuring by Soft Lithography and Chemical Etching.

Due to its high durability and transparency, soda lime glass holds a huge potential for several applications such as photovoltaics, optical instrumentation and biomedical devices, among others. The different technologies request specific properties, which can be enhanced through the modification of the surface morphology with a nanopattern. Here, we report a simple method to nanostructure a glass surface with soft lithography and wet-chemical etching in potassium hydroxide (KOH) solutions. Glass samples etched with a polymeric mask showed a nanopattern with stripes of widths between 220 and 450 nm and modulated heights between 50 and 200 nm. For different solution concentrations or etching times, the obtained nanopatterns led to an increase or reduction of the water contact angle. The largest increment, ~20 degrees, was achieved by etching the glass for 180 min with 30% KOH concentration, while a super-hydrophilic glass (~9° contact angle) was achieved when etching for 90 min with the same concentration. Optical characterization showed a very low influence of the nanostructured pattern on glass transparency and an increment in UV transmittance for some cases.

Comprehensive analysis of antioxidant and antibacterial activities of water and methanol extracts of Hibiscus flower

This study provides a comprehensive investigation into the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Hibiscus flower extracts, highlighting their potential for future applications in functional foods. The research addressed key challenges by employing a multi-faceted approach, including four distinct methods for evaluating antioxidant potential: DPPH and FRAP assays, reducing power, and chelating ability of Fe ions. Total phenolic content was quantified using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, while tannins and flavonoids were assessed via vanillin–HCl and aluminum chloride assays. Additional analyses included spectrophotometric measurement of total flavonols and anthocyanins. Antibacterial activity was determined using a modified agar disk diffusion method, with results indicating significant inhibition of Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus by both aqueous and methanolic extracts. Colorimetric analysis revealed a reduction in chroma and hue angles, while FTIR spectroscopy identified key functional groups, such as suberin, lipids, and polysaccharides. Notably, the antioxidant efficacy varied depending on the solvent used, with aqueous extracts showing higher total phenolic content (4325.12 mg GAE/100 g) compared to methanolic extracts (3487.05 mg GAE/100 g). The study concludes that Hibiscus flower extracts, rich in antioxidants like tannins and anthocyanins, possess significant potential for use as natural preservatives and colorants in food products, supporting their role in developing novel functional foods.