Average Loss Research Articles

Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Intestinal Microbiota and Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 in Overweight and Obese Individuals.

Intermittent fasting is a nutritional strategy that focuses on when to eat, rather than what to eat. Although the effectiveness of intermittent fasting practices in many metabolic diseases is known, its effect on microbiota and its underlying mechanism has not yet been clarified. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Ramadan fasting, one of the intermittent fasting practices, on gut microbiota and fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4). The study involved 10 male volunteers, 6 of whom were overweight and 4 were obese. They fasted for an average of 14-15 hours daily from dawn to sunset during the 29-day Ramadan month between 23 March - 20 April 2023 and met the inclusion criteria. The participants' nutritional and physical activity status before and during Ramadan, as well as their anthropometric measurements before and after Ramadan, intestinal microbiota, transaminases, gamma-glutamyl transferase, C reactive protein, total cholesterol (C), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) C, low-density lipoprotein C, triglycerides (TG), and FABP4 levels, were evaluated within the scope of the study. The study found a statistically significant increase in both alpha and beta diversity in the intestinal microbiota following Ramadan fasting (p<0.05). The F/B ratio, Firmicutes phylum, Clostridia class, Clostridiales order, and Ruminococcaceae family exhibited statistically significant decreases, while the Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria phyla, Bacteroidia, Alphaproteobacteria, and Erysipelotrichi classes, Bacteroidales, Erysipelotrichales, and Actinomycetales orders, Erysipelotrichaceae family and Prevotella genus, demonstrated statistically significant increases (p<0.05). Participants who achieved an average weight loss of 2.3±0.99 kg at the end of Ramadan showed a significant increase in HDL-C and a significant decrease in TG levels (p<0.05). Although FABP4 levels decreased after fasting, this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Ramadan fasting induces weight loss, modifies gut microbiota, and improves blood lipid profile and FABP4 levels, suggesting the need for more extensive studies.

Estimating effects of aging and disease progression in current and former smokers using longitudinal models

ObjectivesTo separate estimates of mean change in a health outcome into components of aging and disease progression for different severity groups of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Study design and methodsA longitudinal model can be used to estimate mean change in a health outcome over time. Methods to separate this change into portions due to aging and disease progression are discussed, including conditions that allow for accurate estimation. Linear mixed models were used to estimate these changes for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) for various COPD severity and smoking groups using a large cohort (COPDGene) followed for over 10 years. ResultsBased on an analysis of 4967 subjects, age-related loss in FEV1 was found to be about 1 % per year, consistent with published work. Excess average losses (those beyond natural aging) were significant for all severity groups (except nonsmokers), including those with smoking history but normal lung function. Subjects in higher severity groups tended to have less loss in FEV1, but more relative loss, compared to baseline averages. Losses in FEV1 that included both aging and disease progression ranged from 1 to 3 % over severity groups, with current smokers generally exhibiting greater mean losses in FEV1 than former smokers. DiscussionEffects of disease progression separate from aging can be estimated in observational studies, although care should be taken in order to make sure assumptions involving this separation are reasonable for a given study. This article demonstrates methods to estimate such effects using temporal changes in lung function for subjects in the COPDGene study.

Dynamic Optimization and Placement of Renewable Generators and Compensators to Mitigate Electric Vehicle Charging Station Impacts Using the Spotted Hyena Optimization Algorithm

The growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) offers notable benefits, including reduced maintenance costs, improved performance, and environmental sustainability. However, integrating EVs into radial distribution systems (RDSs) poses challenges related to power losses and voltage stability. The model accounts for hourly variations in demand, making it crucial to determine the optimal placement of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) throughout the day. This study proposes a new approach that combines EVCSs, distribution static compensators (DSTATCOMs), and renewable distributed generation (RDG) from solar and wind sources, with a focus on dynamic analysis over 24 h. The spotted hyena optimization algorithm (SHOA) is employed to determine near-global optimum locations and sizes for RDG, DSTATCOMs, and EVCSs, aiming to minimize real power loss while meeting system constraints. The SHOA outperforms traditional methods due to its unique search mechanism, which effectively balances exploration and exploitation, allowing it to find superior solutions in complex environments. Simulations on an IEEE 34-bus RDS under dynamic load conditions validate the approach, demonstrating a reduction in average power loss from 180.43 kW to 72.04 kW, a 72.6% decrease. Compared to traditional methods under constant load conditions, the SHOA achieves a 77.0% reduction in power loss, while the BESA and PSO achieve reductions of 61.1% and 44.7%, respectively. These results underscore the effectiveness of the SHOA in enhancing system performance and significantly reducing real power loss.

Growth of Al-Cu Thin Films on LiNbO3 Substrates for Surface Acoustic Wave Devices Based on Combinatorial Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering

Al-Cu thin films were fabricated by RF magnetron sputtering from aluminum (Al) and copper (Cu) metal targets to improve the acoustic performance of SAW devices on LiNbO3 substrates. To optimize the electrode material for SAW devices, Al-Cu films with various compositions were fabricated and their electrical, mechanical, and acoustic properties were comprehensively evaluated. The Al-Cu films exhibited a gradual decrease in resistivity with increasing Al content. The double-electrode SAW devices composed of Al-Cu films demonstrated a resonant frequency of 70 MHz and an average insertion loss of −16.1 dB, which was significantly lower than that of devices made with traditional Au or Al electrodes. Additionally, the SAW devices showed an increase in the FWHM values of the resonant frequency and a decrease in the insertion loss as the Al content in the IDT electrode decreased. These findings indicate that improving the performance of SAW devices can be achieved by reducing the density of the IDT electrodes, rather than focusing solely on their electrical characteristics.

Influence of Side Friction on Average Width Loss in Urban Roads Links; A Case Study of Nakuru Town

This study investigated the impact of side friction factors on the reduction of effective carriageway width in urban road links in Nakuru Town, Kenya. Linear regression models were developed for each road link, revealing a strong positive relationship between the frequency of side friction factors and the average carriageway width reduction (AVWR). The prediction models highlighted the varying influence of specific side friction factors, such as pedestrians, entry and exit maneuvers, parked vehicles, motorbikes, and bicycles, on AVWR across different road segments. The findings emphasize the importance of context-specific analysis and tailored interventions to effectively address traffic congestion in urban areas, as the complex interplay of side friction factors necessitates comprehensive approaches to traffic management. Regression analyses were conducted on data from 11 major arterial roads, considering factors like pedestrian activity, entry/exit maneuvers, parking situations, and presence of motorbikes, bicycles, and tuk-tuks. Results showed significant positive correlations for most links, with pedestrians, entry/exit maneuvers, and parked vehicles consistently contributing to carriageway width reduction. However, the impact of motorbikes and bicycles varied across locations, underlining the need for location-specific strategies. The study also revealed the intricate interplay among side friction factors, necessitating a holistic approach to traffic management. By understanding these relationships, urban planners and traffic managers can develop targeted strategies to mitigate the impact of side friction factors, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall road network efficiency.

Trans-crestal dental implants in the rehabilitation of a severely atrophic maxilla: A retrospective case series.

To evaluate the mid-term clinical and radiographic results of immediate fixed full-arch prosthesis supported by two anterior axial and two posterior trans-crestally placed tilted implants in patients with severely atrophic posterior maxilla. Patients with posterior maxillary ridge less than 4 mm high and 3 mm wide were rehabilitated with an immediate fixed provisional prosthesis supported by two anterior axially placed and two trans-crestal posterior tilted implants within 3 h after implant surgery. The final prosthesis, consisting of a CAD-CAM titanium framework and composite teeth was delivered 6 months later. Patients were scheduled for follow-up visits every 6 months to assess clinical and radiological parameters. Patients' satisfaction was assessed by a questionnaire up to 5 years. From April 2008 to May 2017, 56 implants (28 axial and 28 tilted) were inserted in 14 subjects (eight female and six male). The average bone loss for the anterior axial implants was 0.99 ± 0.19 mm at 1 year (n = 28 implants), 1.37 ± 0.31 mm at 5 years (n = 28), and 2.05 ± 0.32 mm at 10 years (n = 14). Only for three implants in two subjects the marginal bone loss was higher than 2 mm after 60 months. No implant was lost, and no prosthetic failure occurred after a mean follow-up of 125 months (range 79-186 months), leading to 100% implant and prosthesis survival rates. The upper 95% confidence limit of the failure rate was 23% and 6% at patient and implant level, respectively. High level of satisfaction was reported at 5-year follow-up. Wider sample sizes will be required to determine whether the presented technique is a reliable treatment option for the immediate rehabilitation of the atrophic maxilla.

Genetic-algorithm-assisted design of chiral honeycomb membrane acoustic metamaterials for broadband noise suppression

Low-frequency sound wave reduction is hardly feasible for traditional sound absorbers such as porous media. In contrast, locally resonant acoustic metamaterials act as spatial frequency filters, effectively reducing low-frequency noise. However, these materials can have narrow bandgaps, add extra mass to the main system, and function only within a specifically adjusted frequency range. Therefore, this paper proposes a methodology for designing three-dimensional (3D) chiral honeycomb membrane-type acoustic metamaterials (MAM) based on acoustic circular dichroism (ACD), negative effective mass, and local resonance mechanisms (LRM). The paper also uses the genetic algorithm (GA) to maximize sound transmission attenuation and widen bandgaps. The accuracy of the simulations is validated with available experimental data. The key idea of the present study is to automatically design a MAM structure using modern optimization tools. A developed GA aims to maximize the average sound transmission loss (STL) across the desired low-frequency range of 0–850 Hz by optimizing the value of structural parameters associated with the configurations of masses, including rotation and linear offset, as well as their geometrical dimensions, including length and width. COMSOL Livelink with MATLAB is employed as a practical co-simulation tool to find an optimum value for structural parameters. Results indicate a 35% improvement in average STL along with an ultra-wide bandgap with a 507% bandgap coverage factor (BGCF) in the frequency range of interest, verifying the reliability of the developed algorithm. In addition, sound mitigation incidence is justified by exploring the negative effective parameters of the unit cell and displacement vector fields. The proposed designs demonstrate superior performance as both initial and optimized models broke the mass law within the investigated frequency range. Finally, the effect of the selected geometrical parameters on the objective function is observed through sensitivity analysis. This study presents the practical use of optimization algorithms to develop MAMs.

Optimization of vertical coupling induced by 45° micro-mirrors in double-layer polymer optical waveguides with CO2 laser smoothing.

The vertical coupling performance induced by 45° micro-mirrors in double-layer polymer optical waveguides is enhanced through CO2 laser smoothing. The optimal double- layer waveguides were designed via ray-tracing simulation. The results show that the minimum vertical coupling loss is 0.28 dB for the upper-layer waveguide and 0.40 dB for the lower-layer waveguide with a core size of 42 µm × 42 µm. A vertical coupling model considering the roughness of 45° micro-mirrors indicates that the surface roughness should be less than 100 nm to ensure a vertical coupling loss of less than 1 dB. The 45° micro-mirrors in double-layer polymer optical waveguides were fabricated using a combination of ultraviolet lithography and stepped laser-ablation method. CO2 laser smoothing at 0.6 W for 40 s reduces the average roughness of the micro-mirrors by 16.67 nm. The vertical coupling loss induced by the micro- mirrors treated with CO2 laser smoothing was measured as 2.89 dB at 850 nm and 1.29 dB at 1310 nm using a 50-µm core multi-mode fiber receiver. This is significantly lower than the average vertical coupling loss of 5.47 dB at 850 nm and 2.50 dB at 1310 nm induced by untreated 45° micro-mirrors. This straightforward and effective method for fabricating and optimizing 45° micro-mirrors holds significant potential for application in vertical coupling within optical printed circuit board (OPCB) interconnection technologies.

Impact of Psychological and Socioeconomic Factors on Management of Bone Tumours with Custom-made Endoprosthesis Reconstruction

Objectives: In the past few decades, the definitive treatment for bone tumours has evolved considerably. Resection followed by custom-made endoprosthesis reconstruction has become the standard of care. The main objective of this study is to analyse the psychological and socioeconomic factors impacting the treatment of bone tumours. Materials and Methods: Among the 53 patients who underwent bone resection with custom mega prosthesis (CMP) reconstruction between 2013 and 2022, 22 patients are in regular follow-up, 16 patients are lost in follow-up, and the remaining 15 are dead. We prepared a questionnaire which included 22 questions to assess the impact of psycho-social and economic factors on the treatment of bone tumours. Results: We included 22 patients in our study. The average total duration of disease before surgery was 95 days. The average days of in-hospital stay was 53 days. The average number of days of hospital stay after surgery was 14 days. The average amount spent during the hospital stay was about 240 Indian national rupees/day. The average loss of work was about 90 days. The average days of leave availed in school/college was 135 days. About 69.2% of patients had to go for a change of occupation. About 90.9% of patients had a fear of recurrence. About 77.2% of patients found it difficult to indulge themselves in recreational/sports activities. About 45.4% of patients felt it was difficult for their partner/family to empathise with their situation. About 59% of patients had sleep difficulties. About 36.3% of patients were well satisfied with their prosthesis. Conclusion: Being predominantly a disease of the young population, the need for comprehensive management, including psychological counselling and rehabilitation in addition to cancer treatment, seems to be the need of the hour. The fact of the high cost of non-treatment-related expenditure needs to be addressed. A frequent cancer survivor programme will aid these patients to regain their self-confidence.

Gradient-structured SiCf/SiC hybrid woven metamaterials with superior broadband absorption and high-load bearing

SiCf/SiC composites provide a possibility to achieve the structure-function integration of military stealth materials used for aircraft tail. However, how to overcome narrow-band electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption remains challenging. Herein, based on the adjustable permittivity of SiC fibers and the flexible design of woven structures, a gradient-structured SiCf/SiC hybrid woven metamaterial (GHWMM) is engineered with three different permittivity SiC fibers. The absorbing properties and mechanisms of the GHWMM were studied by combining experiment and simulation. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of strong dielectric loss, structural loss, and impedance matching, the GHWMM harvests an average reflection loss (RL) of −12 dB (93.7 % absorptivity), with an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL ≤ −10 dB) of up to 10.7 GHz in the 4–18 GHz. Surprisingly, at high temperature of 1000 °C, the GHWMM still exhibits a RL below −5 dB in most frequency bands. Moreover, the GHWMM displays excellent wide-angle incidence characteristics, while possessing a remarkable flexural strength of 226.4 MPa. This work lays a foundation for the renewal of textile structures and the preparation of large-size assemblies, which holds promising prospect for application in the field of aircraft hot end components.

Day-ahead optimal dispatch method of integrated electric-heat-cool-gas energy system based on N-1 safety criterion

With the continuous development of integrated energy system and the deepening of the coupling relationship between multiple energy flows, the safe and stable operation of the system has received widespread attention. At present, the security of integrated energy system is mostly researched from the perspective of power grid and rarely researched from the perspective of equipment. This study proposes a day-ahead optimal dispatch method of integrated electric-heat-cool-gas energy system based on N-1 safety criterion, which ensures the normal operation of integrated energy system after the failure of a power supply equipment by increasing appropriate amount of power supply. In this study, the changes in equipment power and operating cost before and after equipment failure under the dispatch method considering N-1 safety criterion and the changes in equipment power and operating cost before and after equipment failure under the dispatch method without considering N-1 safety criterion are investigated by numerical simulation. The results show that when a power supply equipment fails, the average daily loss of load is 6139.99 kW for the dispatch method without considering the N-1 safety criterion and the average daily loss of load is 0 kW for the dispatch method considering the N-1 safety criterion. Therefore, the dispatch method considering the N-1 safety criterion performs better in terms of reliability. When a power supply equipment fails, the average operating cost is 5127.71 USD for the dispatch method without considering the N-1 safety criterion and the average operating cost is 4125.56 USD for the dispatch method considering the N-1 safety criterion. Therefore, the dispatch method considering the N-1 safety criterion performs better in terms of economy.

Lactation affects postweaning metabolic profiles, but not follicle size in multiparous sows

Young sows mobilise body reserves to support milk production during lactation, resulting in a negative energy balance (NEB). This NEB affects the development of follicles and oocytes that give rise to the next litter. Decreased IGF1 levels due to a NEB are thought to play a role in this process. As this has hardly been studied in multiparous sows, the current study focused on relations between lactation BW loss (%), metabolic hormones, and follicle development in multiparous sows at Day 0 and Day 4 after weaning. A total of 31 sows of parity 4.7 ± 2.5 were killed at either Day 0 or Day 4 after weaning. Average BW loss during lactation was 3.3 ± 4.5%, while average backfat loss was 4.1 ± 0.3 mm. The metabolic profile confirmed the metabolic impact of lactation as both non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), and creatinine levels were higher at Day 0 than that at Day 4. Conversely, serum levels of IGF1 and growth differentiation factor 15 levels were lower on Day 0 than on Day 4. A higher BW loss (%) was related to higher NEFA levels on Day 0, but not on Day 4. IGF1 concentrations in serum and follicle fluid were similar at Day 0 and Day 4 and were not related to follicle size on these days. In conclusion, although lactation affected postweaning metabolic profiles in these multiparous sows, follicle size was not related to these profiles, probably due to the relatively mild BW loss of these sows. IGF1 concentrations were less affected by lactation and did not seem to limit follicle development, as it does in sows experiencing high weight loss.

FaTEDT1L of Octoploid Cultivated Strawberry Functions as a Transcriptional Activator and Enhances Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Transgenic Arabidopsis.

Plants may encounter abiotic stresses, such as drought, flooding, salinity, and extreme temperatures, thereby negatively affecting their growth, development, and reproduction. In order to enhance their tolerance to such stresses, plants have developed intricate signaling networks that regulate stress-responsive gene expression. For example, Arabidopsis Enhanced Drought Tolerance1/HOMEODOMAIN GLABROUS 11 (AtEDT1/HDG11), one of the transcription factor genes from the group IV of homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-ZIP) gene family, has been shown to increase drought tolerance in various transgenic plants. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of enhanced stress tolerance remain unclear. In this study, we identified a homologous gene related to AtEDT1/HDG11, named FaTEDT1L, from the transcriptome sequencing database of cultivated strawberry. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the close relationship of FaTEDT1L with AtEDT1/HDG11, which is one of the group IV members of the HD-ZIP gene family. Yeast one-hybrid analysis showed that FaTEDT1L functions as a transcriptional activator. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing FaTEDT1L under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter exhibited significantly enhanced tolerance to osmotic stress (both drought and salinity) when compared to the wild-type (WT) plants. Under osmotic stress, the average root length was 3.63 ± 0.83 cm, 4.20 ± 1.03 cm, and 4.60 ± 1.14 cm for WT, 35S::FaTEDT1L T2 #3, and 35S:: FaTEDT1L T2 #5, respectively. Substantially increased root length in 35S::FaTEDT1L T2 #3 and 35S::FaTEDT1L T2 #5 was noted when compared to the WT. In addition, the average water loss rates were 64%, 57.1%, and 55.6% for WT, 35S::FaTEDT1L T2 #3, and 35S::FaTEDT1L T2 #5, respectively, after drought treatment, indicating a significant decrease in water loss rate of 35S:: FaTEDT1L T2 #3 and 35S::FaTEDT1L T2 #5 is a critical factor in enhancing plant drought resistance. These findings thus highlight the crucial role of FaTEDT1L in mitigating drought and salt stresses and regulating plant osmotic stress tolerance. Altogether, FaTEDT1L shows its potential usage as a candidate gene for strawberry breeding in improving crop resilience and increasing agricultural productivity under adverse environmental conditions.

Multifaceted economic impacts of a 500-year flood on gateway communities of Yellowstone National Park

Disasters can have dramatic implications for gateway communities of National Parks, especially local economies that rely on park tourist visitation as their primary source of income. In June 2022, a 500-year flood event impacted Yellowstone National Park (YNP) and gateway businesses, both directly through infrastructure damages (property loss) and indirectly through park closures and post-disaster marketing. We used a combination of approaches to document and explore the relative importance of these diverse sources of economic impacts. First, structured surveys were used to evaluate economic impacts, from the perspective of individual business owners and community leaders in six gateway communities surrounding YNP. Average revenue loss was 48 % during peak tourist season across all communities but averaged 75 % for communities inaccessible to the park. Direct infrastructure damages to businesses were localized; however, even businesses sustaining property losses suggested more severe economic impacts were the result of loss of visitors from park closures and damaging media coverage. Using annual visitation and economic input-output model data, we developed a statistical model to estimate regional economic impacts from the flood. The model corroborated the results of our survey and suggested the flood led to a total loss of $156 million in visitor spending in gateway areas in 2022, exceeding economic losses from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. We present some guidelines for building economic resilience in gateway communities, including diversifying sources of income, building social capital, embracing tourist adaptations, and developing coordinated park-gateway-regional messaging and marketing to the media post-disasters.

Harmonizing models and measurements: Assessing soil erosion through RUSLE model.

Soil erosion poses significant ecological and socioeconomic challenges, driven by factors such as inappropriate land use, extreme rainfall events, deforestation, farming methods, and climate change. This study focuses on the Kozhikode district in Kerala, South India, which has seen increased vulnerability to soil erosion due to its unique geographical characteristics, increase in extreme events, and recent land use trends. The research employs RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation), considering multiple contributing factors such as rainfall erosivity (R), slope length and steepness (LS), cover management (C), conservation practices (P), and soil erodibility (K). The study is unique and novel, since it integrates extensive field data collected from agricultural plots across Kozhikode with the RUSLE model predictions, providing a more accurate and context-specific understanding of soil erosion processes and also suggesting management strategies based on risk priority. The study found that Kozhikode experiences an average annual soil loss of 28.7 tons per hectare. A spatial analysis revealed varying erosion risk levels across the district. 52.0% of the area experiences very slight erosion, 10.31% has slight erosion, 6.18% undergoes moderate erosion, 3.88% is moderately severe, 7.34% is at severe erosion risk, 5.6% has very severe erosion, and 14.65% faces extremely severe erosion. Field data collected from agricultural plots across Kozhikode were compared with RUSLE-predicted values, revealing a low root mean square error, indicating a strong correlation between observed and simulated data. Based on these findings, the district was categorized into low, medium, and high-priority regions, with tailored recommendations proposed for each. Implementing these measures could mitigate erosion, preserve soil fertility, and support the long-term sustainability of natural and agricultural ecosystems in Kozhikode. Given the practical challenges in estimating RUSLE factors in Southern India, where data scarcity is a common issue, this preliminary study underscores the need for expanded, long-term field observations to enhance understanding of soil erosion processes at the watershed level.

Clinical effect of posterior-only approach debridement, intervertebral fusion, and internal fixation for upper thoracic tuberculosis.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of the posterior-only approach for debridement, interbody fusion, and internal fixation in treating upper thoracic tuberculosis. This study retrospectively analysed the clinical and radiographic data of 8 patients diagnosed with upper thoracic tuberculosis. All patients underwent posterior approach debridement, interbody fusion, and internal fixation. We conducted pre- and postoperative assessments of the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), ASIA score, and kyphotic Cobb angle. Back pain and lower limb weakness were the most common presenting symptoms. The mean duration of surgery, amount of blood loss, and volume of postoperative drainage were 262.5 ± 43.3 min, 625.0 ± 333.8 mL, and 285.0 ± 118.1 mL, respectively. Patients were followed up for 36 to 48 months. Three months after surgery, there was a significant improvement in VAS and ODI scores, which further improved until the final follow-up. A statistically significant difference was observed between the preoperative and postoperative periods (P < .05). At the final follow-up, lower extremity function had fully returned to normal in all 5 paralyzed patients. The ESR and CRP returned to normal, 18.1 ± 7.3 mm/h and 9.95 ± 5.41 mg/L, respectively, within 3 months postoperatively. There were statistical differences between the preoperative and postoperative periods (P < .05). The average kyphotic correction rate was (71.5 ± 7.3)%, and the average loss of correction angle was (3.5 ± 1.4)°. Intervertebral bone fusion was achieved by all patients within 15 months (mean 8.3 ± 3.2 months) postoperatively. The posterior-only approach seems an effective, safe, and reliable treatment method for upper thoracic tuberculosis, with favourable clinical and radiological outcomes. Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Estimation of soil loss using RUSLE model and GIS tools: Case study in the Jucusbamba Micro-Watershed (Amazonas, NW Peru)

Human activities have intensified soil erosion globally, negatively impacting the physical, chemical, and microbiological quality of water and soil. This study estimated soil loss in the Jucusbamba Micro-Watershed (Amazonas, northwestern Peru) using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) data. Meteorological data, soil maps, digital elevation models, and land cover and use maps were integrated into a GIS environment to predict the spatial distribution of erosion. The results showed five classes of soil loss severity: slight (93.34%), moderate (3.94%), high (1.82%), very high (0.61%), and severe (0.29%). Areas with high, very high, and severe erosion levels were mainly located in the middle and lower parts of the micro-watershed. The average annual soil loss was estimated at 23.24 t/ha/year. The information obtained is crucial for the formulation of soil management plans and programs to address erosion problems in the Jucusbamba River Micro-Watershed. Future research should focus on validating these models through field studies and implementing soil conservation practices based on these findings. Keywords: Amazonas, hydrology, RUSLE model, water erosion map, watershed.

Controlling soil erosion and landslides through ecosystem-based adaptation interventions in the hilly landscape of western Rwanda

Ecosystem-based Adaptation interventions such as protective vegetation, soil and water conservation measures and re-vegetation of degraded land have shown promise in reducing soil erosion and landslides occurrence. The western province of Rwanda has experienced destructive natural hazards especially soil erosions, floods and landslides. This study aimed to assess the contribution of Ecosystem-based Adaptation interventions on the reduction of soil erosion and landslides in the hilly landscape of Western Rwanda with a case study of Rubyiro sub-catchment in Rusizi District. Methods used in data collection comprised remote sensing techniques combined with a questionnaire survey to collect perceptions of farmers conducting agricultural activities in the catchment where Rusizi District has implemented Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) interventions. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model combined with Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing tools were used to assess soil loss pre- and post-EbA interventions. The results of the survey indicated that after four years of EbA interventions, the number of landslide occurrences was reduced at a rate of 62.6 %. The respondents who appreciated forest restoration to minimize landslides were 72.4 %, progressive terraces 26.1 % and bench terraces 1.5 %. The estimated average annual soil losses were 11.9 tons/ha/year, 17.6 tons/ha/year, 10.1 tons/ha/year, 9.3 tons/ha/year in 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2022, respectively. This indicates a reduction of 8.3 tons/ha/year from 2018 to 2022 as opposed to an increase of 5.7 tons/ha/year recorded from 2017 to 2018. Thus, EbA interventions made a great contribution to the reduction of soil erosion and landslides in the Rubyiro sub-catchment, and they can be recommended in other similar hilly landscapes.

WELFARE ANALYSIS VIA MARGINAL TREATMENT EFFECTS

We consider a causal structure with endogeneity, i.e., unobserved confoundedness, where an instrumental variable is available. In this setting, we show that the mean social welfare function can be identified and represented via the marginal treatment effect as the operator kernel. This representation result can be applied to a variety of statistical decision rules for treatment choice, including plug-in rules, Bayes rules, and empirical welfare maximization rules. Focusing on the application of the empirical welfare maximization framework, we provide convergence rates of the worst-case average welfare loss (regret).

Single-Incision Direct Lateral Approach Versus Dual-Incision Approach for Distal Tibial and Fibular Fractures.

Distal tibial and fibular fractures are typically the result of high-energy trauma. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) are often used to reconstruct and reduce displaced fractures, especially intra-articular ones. These fractures can be addressed either by a dual-incision approach (medial approach for the distal tibia and lateral approach for the fibula) or by a single-incision direct lateral approach to fix both the tibia and fibula. The direct lateral approach avoids injury to the medial soft tissues. This study was conducted to compare the postoperative clinico-radiological and functional outcomes of the single-incision direct lateral approach and the dual-incision approach for distal tibial and fibular fractures. A prospective comparative cohort study of 40 patients was conducted. The patients were classified into two cohorts of 20 each based on the surgical approach: those who underwent a single-incision direct lateral approach and those who underwent a dual-incision approach for distal tibial and fibular fractures (procedure: ORIF with plating). The study was conducted from September 2022 to March 2024. A follow-up period of at least 12 months was carried out, comparing operative time, discharge time, and postoperative outcomes using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, ankle range of motion (ROM), Southampton wound score for wound healing, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and periodic radiographs at each follow-up. Complications were also studied. The mean operative time was 95.06 ± 7.04 minutes for thesingle-incision approach and 109.89 ± 7.88 minutes for the dual-incision approach. The average blood loss was 202.41 ± 32.76 mL for thesingle-incision approach and 248.39 ± 28.18 mL for the dual-incision approach. The hospital stay was shorter in the direct lateral approach group, and the AOFAS score at 12 months was better in the direct lateral approach group (91.47 ± 2.55 for thesingle-incision approach vs. 83.33 ± 8.71 for the dual-incision approach). Postoperative wound healing was observed, and the Southampton wound score was compared. Overall, soft tissue complications were fewer in the direct lateral approach group. The postoperative VAS pain score was consistently lower in the single-incision direct lateral approach group, which also demonstrated better ankle ROM. The p-value was significant (<0.05) for these parameters. At the six-month follow-up, all patients exhibited clinical and radiographic healing and bone union, except for one case in the dual-incision group. A medial compound wound, treated by plastic surgery with flap cover intervention, was identified as one of the definitive indications for single-incision plating. The single-incision approach was associated with better soft tissue healing, fewer wound complications, and superior ankle functional outcomes compared to the dual-incision approach.