Block Method Research Articles

Diagnosis of Body Fluids Using a Combined Approach of Cytomorphology in Routinely Stained Smears and Cell Blocks: A Boon for Primary Health Care in this Era of Molecular Medicine!

Accurate diagnosis of cells as reactive or malignant mesothelial cells in body fluids is a common problem. The limited sensitivity of cytodiagnosis in effusions primarily results from unclear morphological details of cells, cell overcrowding or overlapping, cell loss, and changes caused by diverse laboratory processing techniques. Numerous studies have observed that despite meticulous preparation, cytological assessments of fluid through smears often leave substantial unexplored residue, potentially harboring valuable diagnostic information. The unexplored residue can be easily and pragmatically assessed using the cell block method, where it is embedded in paraffin and examined alongside routine smears. Cell blocks prove especially beneficial when conventional cytological smear methods fall short in providing accurate diagnoses, as seen in cases such as reactive mesothelial cells, or when findings are ambiguous, as in occasional well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. The present study reviews the usefulness and benefits of cell block method in cyto-diagnosis of body fluids and highlight the importance of ancillary techniques such as immunohistochemistry (IHC) in improving the sensitivity of diagnosis. It was observed that isolated use of conventional smear misses the diagnosis when there is cell overcrowding, low cellularity, and deranged morphology. Hence, with the application of a simple cell block technique with or without ancillary techniques such as IHC, we can provide a quality report for better patient outcome even at the level of primary health care.

Impact of distance on heat transfer at the leading edge of blades in a rotating state

To enhance the high-temperature capability of turbine blades and meet the requirements of advanced design, this research examines the intricate flow characteristics and the heat transfer occurring on the internal walls effects of leading-edge impingement cooling structures under different impingement distances. In this study, copper block method is employed for heat transfer testing, extending the testing range of rotating impingement cooling channels from Redj = 1 × 104, Ro = 0.2 to Redj = 5 × 104, Ro = 2.0. The findings reveal that the Nusselt number along the channel is significantly influenced by flow distribution and turbulence intensity. At lower Re (Re ≤ 2 × 104), the flow velocity increases along the channel due to the decrease in pressure drop, resulting in enhanced heat transfer. However, at higher Re (Re ＞ 2 × 104), increased flow rate leads to intensified turbulence and thickening of the boundary layer, consuming fluid energy and reducing the temperature difference, thereby adversely affecting heat exchange around the impingement holes. Moreover, Nu decreases with increasing rotation speed, with the highest average decrease of 15.3 % when Ro reaches 0.25. For cases where Redj ＜ 4.3 × 104, an impingement distance-to-diameter ratio (Z/D) = 2 exhibits optimal heat transfer performance. Conversely, when Redj＞4.3 × 104, the influence of impingement distance will diminish. Larger impingement distances increase the HTC but are accompanied by increased non-uniformity. Therefore, selecting an appropriate impingement distance can reduce boundary layer formation and flow separation, thereby forming an optimal flow structure, which contributes to promoting heat exchange and improving heat transfer uniformity. A correlation based on geometrical parameters has been proposed to predict the average Nusselt number for jet impingement arrays with varying geometrical configurations.

Adomian Decomposition Method and Block by Block Method for Solving Nonlinear Functional Volterra Integral Equation in Two-dimensions

This work proposes a new defintion of the nonlinear functional Volterra integral equation ib 2D of the second kind with continuous kernel (NT-DFVIE). Furthermore, the work is concerned to study this new equation numerically. The existence of a unique solution of the equation is proved. In addition, the approximate solutions are obtained by two powerful methods Adomian Decomposition Method (ADM) and Block by block method (BBM). The given numerical examples showed the efficiency and accuracy of the introduced methods.

Effects of Soil Conditioners on Physical and Chemical Properties of Understory Soil in the Northern Foot of Qinling Mountains

In view of the common phenomenon of heavy adhesion in the soil under the forest in the northern foot of Qinling Mountains, in order to make more efficient use of the soil under the forest, the random block method was used to set up the experimental field, and EM bacteria and vermiculite were selected as soil conditioners. Two concentration gradients were set up for each conditioner to study the effect of composite soil conditioner on the soil under the forest in the northern foot of Qinling Mountains. The study found that the application of different proportions of soil conditioners has significantly improved and improved the physical and chemical properties of the soil. A good soil structure is more conducive to the growth of bupleurum, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable management and protection of forest land in Qinling Mountains, ecological restoration, and the correct and rational use of forest space.

An efficient fifth-order block method for solving third-order BVPs

This research paper introduces a new block method to solve third-order boundary-value problems (BVPs) directly. The method uses a suitable polynomial and three intermediate points to approximate the theoretical solution of third-order BVPs. An approximate solution is provided within the integration interval, and the basic properties of the proposed method, including convergence and stability, are theoretically analyzed. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed method, several real-life problems, such as boundary layer problems and physical model problems, are solved numerically. After comparison with some existing methods, the results of numerical experiments confirm the practical utility and effectiveness of the proposed method in real-world applications by demonstrating that it is superior and highly efficient in performance.

A new block method with variable stepsize implementation for solving third‐order differential systems

This article presents an efficient one‐step hybrid block method (OHBM) to solve third‐order initial value problems (IVPs). The proposed method is derived using interpolation and collocation techniques of the assumed exact solution and its derivatives. The theoretical properties of the OHBM are analyzed. An embedding‐like technique is utilized and executed in an adaptive mode to improve the performance of the proposed method. The OHBM's efficiency and accuracy are tested by solving practical application problems in applied sciences and engineering. The numerical solutions demonstrate that the proposed OHBM is highly efficient and provides very accurate approximations.

Derivative block methods for the solution for fourth-order boundary value problems of ordinary differential equations

The application of block methods in the study of dynamical system is one area which needs more research. Therefore, this work presents block methods and its application to solve some problems in solid and fluid mechanics. The method was developed directly using the approaches of collocation and interpolation, and using power series polynomial as a trial solution. First, the system of linear equations is solved to obtain the unknown coefficients. The coefficients gotten are then substituted into the approximate solution to obtain continuous scheme. The continuous scheme, its first, second and third derivatives are evaluated at all the grid points to generate the block methods. The derived methods were applied to solve fourth-order boundary value problems of ordinary differential equations arising from beams and chemical problems. The results demonstrate the reliability and efficiency of the proposed method.

Influence of Monolith Length on Temperature Field of Concrete Gravity Dams

This paper examines the influence of monolith length on the temperature field of concrete gravity dams built using the block method. The developed 3D model is capable of conducting a thermal analysis of a 95.0 m high concrete gravity dam built using the block method, where each newly cast block represents a new analysis phase. The calculation accounts for the period of construction, the filling of the reservoir, and the service for a total duration of about 5 years. The thermal properties of the material, the influence of cement hydration heat, the temperature of the surrounding rock mass, the temperature of the fresh concrete mixture, and the corresponding boundary conditions defining a heat transfer were taken into account. The height and width of the blocks, as well as the sequence of concreting, were considered invariable, while the length of the blocks (dimension in the direction of the dam’s axis equal to the monolith length) varied, with values of 10.0, 12.5, 15.0, and 20.0 m. The obtained calculation results for the control nodes showed that the maximum reduction in the monolith length (from 20.0 m to 10.0 m) caused a decrease in the maximum temperature values of the concrete (from 1.6 to 3.4 °C, depending on the control node). Also, the results showed that, by reducing the length of the monolith, there was a delay in the moment at which the maximum temperature values of the concrete appeared in the selected control node. The delay in reaching the maximum, in relation to the 10.0 m long monolith, was from 7 days (for points on the crest dam) to 49 days (for points in the central zone of the monolith) for the other considered monolith lengths. The above indicates the importance of concrete temperature control for longer monoliths, especially during construction in extreme air temperatures. The main contribution of the conducted analysis is the development of insight into temperature field changes depending on monolith length, which can help engineers during the design and construction of new, as well as the maintenance of existing, dams.

Galerkin finite block method with Lagrange multipliers method for cracked solids in functionally graded materials

This paper presents the application of the Galerkin Finite Block Method (GFBM) to address cracked solids associated with Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs), leveraging the foundational principles of the Galerkin method. The equilibrium equations pertinent to FGMs are articulated in their weak form. Employing Chebyshev polynomials as shape functions, the GFBM integrates mapping techniques to accommodate irregular finite or semi-infinite physical domains. Boundary and continuity conditions are enforced through the Lagrange Multiplier Method. The domain integrals are calculated through either analytical or numerical integration. The proposed method can easily solve the edge crack or diagonal crack problem by using the crack opening displacement method. The accuracy and convergence of the proposed method are illustrated through a selection of numerical examples. The obtained numerical solutions are verified with analytical solutions and the results from the Finite Element Method.

Philosophy of education in the context of the Kazakh secondary education space

Relevance. In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, it is crucial to equip students with the skills and knowledge they will need to navigate and succeed in the future. This preparation must begin during their school years. Purpose. The purpose of this scientific paper is to determine the philosophy of secondary education in Kazakhstan by revealing the general trends in the philosophy of the modern world as well as by considering certain aspects. Methodology. The following series of methods of the theoretical block was used during the study: analysis, synthesis, concretization and generalization of information. Results. Based on an examination of the labor market in Kazakhstan and a review of global trends, it has been ascertained that professions requiring mental labor will hold significance in the future. Therefore, fostering students' creative thinking abilities is imperative. Communication and teamwork skills are one of the main skills that a modern worker should have, so it is necessary to develop them from school age. An important feature of modern teenagers, which should be taken into account in the learning process, is their desire for independence, as well as the significant role of social networks in their lives. It is also worth noting that despite the fact that distance education is crucial today, Kazakhstan faces significant problems with Internet coverage in remote areas and poor material provision of schools. Conclusions. The philosophy of secondary education in the 21st century has evolved significantly, emphasizing modern philosophical trends such as globalization and multiculturalism. Today's education focuses on developing universal skills, particularly soft skills, like teamwork and creative problem-solving. The results of this article will be useful for scientific teachers who develop the curriculum and are responsible for the introduction of new methods of conducting the educational process. Keywords: globalization; labor market; generation Z; soft skills; remote education

Microbial-induced carbonate precipitation effectively prevents Pb2+ migration through the soil profile: Lab experiment and model simulation

Due to the inappropriate disposal of waste materials containing lead (Pb) and irrigation with sewage containing Pb, the migration of Pb2+ within the soil profile has been extensively investigated. The conventional Pb2+ block method is challenging to implement due to its complex operational procedures and high construction costs. To address this issue, this study introduces the microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) technique as a novel approach to impede the migration of Pb2+ in the soil profile. Soil acclimatization with urea resulted in an increased proportion of urease-producing microorganisms, including Bacillus, Paenibacillus, and Planococcaceae, along with heightened expression of urea-hydrolyzing genes (UreA, UreB, UreC, and UreG). This indicates that urea-acclimatized soil (Soil-MICP) possesses the potential to induce carbonate precipitation. Batch Pb2+ fixation experiments confirmed that the fixation efficiency of Soil-MICP on Pb2+ exceeded that of soil without MICP, attributed to the MICP process within the Soil-MICP group. Dynamic migration experiments revealed that the MICP reaction transformed exchangeable lead into carbonate-bound Pb, effectively impeding Pb2+ migration in the soil profile. Additionally, the migration rate of Pb2+ in Soil-MICP was influenced by varying urea amounts, pH levels, and pore flow rates, leading to a slowdown in migration. The Two-site sorption model aptly described the Pb2+ migration process in the Soil-MICP column. This study aims to elucidate the MICP biomineralization process, uncover the in-situ blocking mechanism of MICP on lead in soil, investigate the impact of Pb on key genes involved in urease metabolism, enhance the comprehension of the chemical morphology of lead mineralization products, and provide a theoretical foundation for MICP technology in preventing the migration of Pb2+ in soil profiles.

Evaluating the Soil Block Method and Growing Media in Organic Vegetable Transplant Production

Organic vegetable growers are interested in using the “soil block” method for transplant production as an alternative to plastic flats. The soil block method compresses growing media into a freestanding block in contrast to the cells of a plastic flat. Anecdotal evidence of soil block–grown transplants with increased vigor and root development exists, but limited research has been conducted to evaluate these claims. Furthermore, identifying commercial growing medium for certified organic transplant production is needed. The objective of this study was to compare growth parameters and root development of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and pepper (Capsicum annum) transplants grown in soil blocks and plastic flats, in combination with four commercially available certified organic media (Beautiful Land Products “Soil Blocking Mix,” Purple Cow Organics “Seed Starter Mix,” Cowsmo “Green Potting Soil,” and Vermont Compost Company “Fort Vee”). A volume-based 50% peat, 25% compost, 12.5% perlite, and 12.5% vermiculite growing medium was also evaluated. A split-plot randomized complete block design with four replications was used with growing method as the whole plot factor and medium as the subplot factor. ‘Marketmore 76’ cucumbers and ‘Yankee Bell’ peppers were seeded in 50-cell flats and soil blocks made with Johnny’s Selected Seeds Stand-up 12 Soil Blocker. Data were collected on growth parameters by destructively sampling cucumbers 3 weeks after seeding, and peppers 5, 6, and 7 weeks after seeding. Root development was evaluated using WinRHIZOTM at the last sampling. Cucumber and pepper transplants performed differently in soil blocks and flats. Cucumbers grown in flats had a significantly greater dry weight than those grown in soil blocks, by 20% in 2022 and by 38% in 2023. In contrast, pepper transplants grown with the soil block method had between 50% and 130% greater dry weight in the final sampling in 2022. Cucumber and pepper transplants grown with Cowsmo “Green Potting Soil” performed poorly, with an up to 144% lower dry weight and up to 167% lower root surface area than transplants grown with the other media. Root development correlated with shoot development, without a specific advantage in soil blocks, although differences in root system architecture should be investigated. The evaluated Beautiful Land Products, Purple Cow Organics, and Vermont Compost Company media can all be considered suitable for growing certified organic vegetable transplants in both soil blocks and flats. Further research is warranted to better optimize the soil block technique, investigate optimum soil block bulk density, and inform growers of appropriate commercially available certified organic growing media for organic vegetable transplant production.

Fractional Block Method for the Solution of Fractional Order Differential Equations

The construction of the fourth-order 2-point Fractional Block Backward Differentiation Formula (2FBBDF(4)) to solve the fractional order differential equations (FDEs) is presented in this paper. The method is developed using the fractional linear multistep method (FLMM) linked with the linear difference operator. This paper aims to approximate the fractional order problems via 2FBBDF(4), which is normally used to solve ordinary differential equations. The criteria for the stability of the method are analyzed in order to solve FDE problems. Consequently, the method is determined to be \textit{A}-stable for different values of α within the interval (0,1) . Then, Newton's iteration is implemented in this method to solve the problems. Multiple numerical examples of linear, nonlinear, and system FDEs are provided for the scenario where the order α lies within the range of 0 and 1 . Ultimately, the numerical results confirm that the proposed method performs at a similar level to the existing methods.

High Order Continuous Extended Linear Multistep Methods for Approximating System of ODEs

A class of high-order continuous extended linear multistep methods (HOCELMs) is proposed for solving systems of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). These continuous schemes are obtained through multistep collocation at various points to create a single block method with higher dimensions. This class of schemes consists of A-stable methods with a maximum order of $p\leq14$, capable of yielding moderately accurate results for equations with several eigenvalues of the Jacobians located close to the imaginary axis. The results obtained from numerical experiments indicate that these schemes show great promise and competitiveness when compared to existing methods in the literature.

Comparative evaluation of two methods of prolonged femoral nerve block using an elastomeric pump after knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND: The number of knee arthroplasty (KA) surgeries is increasing annually. These surgeries are associated with severe pain. The optimal method of choice in perioperative analgesia in these patients remains controversial. The use of regional analgesia, including prolonged analgesia, allows for high pain relief and increased patient satisfaction. Modern elastomeric pumps (EP) provide prolonged conduction analgesia, which significantly expands the possibilities of perioperative pain relief. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of prolonged femoral nerve block using EP with and without bolus after KA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective randomized study included 75 patients who were divided into two clinical groups: group 1 (n=36), patients who received prolonged regional analgesia using EP with controlled injection without bolus, and group 2 (n=39), patients who received prolonged regional analgesia using EP with bolus. In the postoperative period, the level of pain at rest and during movement was assessed after 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours as well as the need for opioid analgesics, consumption of local anesthetic for various options of continued regional analgesia, quadriceps femoris muscle function, and distance traveled by patients after surgery in the first 2 days. RESULTS: No significant differences were noted in pain level at rest and during movement in the observation period between the groups (p=0.213). No additional prescription of opioid analgesics was required. Local anesthetic consumption was lower in group 2 (group 1.384±33.4 ml; group 2.237±25.1 ml; p=0.031). Patients in group 2 had greater activity in knee extension and, thus, greater distance traveled after surgery. CONCLUSION: The use of EP with a bolus has been demonstrated to provide adequate levels of analgesia and better functional recovery in patients with bolus after KA than in patients without bolus. This technique is recommended as a component of enhanced recovery program after surgery.

Bi-Basis Function Second Derivative Block Method for the Solution of Optimal Control Problems

This paper determines the state trajectory of a dynamic system over a period to optimize a given performance index. A one-step second derivative hybrid method based on the combination of Lucas and first Boubaker polynomials as basis functions is formulated for the solution of optimal control problems via the forward-backward sweep method. The technique is used to generate a set of hybrid schemes at selected grid and off-grid points with implementation in block form. The stability and convergence of the new method is discussed and the accuracy of the method is tested on some numerical examples. The results obtained correspond to a large extent with the results obtained by the exact solution. Bi-bases function, Block method, First Boubaker polynomials, Lucas polynomial, Optimal control problem

An Algorithm for Approximating Third-Order Ordinary Differential Equations with Applications to Thin Film Flow and Nonlinear Genesio Problems

Third-order problems have been found to model real-life phenomena such as thick film fluid flow, boundary layer problems, and nonlinear Genesio problems, to name a few. This research focuses on the development of an algorithm using a basis function that combines an exponential function with a power series. This algorithm, called the Exponential Function Induced Algorithm (EFIA), was formulated using the collocation and interpolation techniques. The theoretical analysis of the algorithm was also carried out in this research. The outcome of the analysis showed that the algorithm is consistent, convergent, and zero-stable. The EFIA was applied to solving some real-life third-order problems like thin film flow and nonlinear Genesio problems. The numerical and graphical results obtained showed that the EFIA is accurate, has high precision, and is easy to implement. Algorithm, Exponentially-fitted function, Hybrid block method, Nonlinear Genesio equations, Thin film flow problem, Third-order

Three-step Collocation Method for Solution of Third Derivative Initial Value Problem

In this research paper, we introduce a novel three-step block method designed to directly tackle third-order initial value problems. This method is crafted through an interpolation and collocation approach, leveraging power series analysis. We conduct a comprehensive examination of the proposed method, ensuring it meets all requisite conditions for rigorous analysis. To assess its efficacy and validity, we employ the method on both highly stiff linear and nonlinear initial value problems, juxtaposing our findings with established approaches in the literature. Our results highlight that the new method exhibits faster convergence compared to existing methods, underscoring its superior performance. Initial value problems, Interpolation and collocation procedure, Three step, Third order

Enhancing Patient Quality of Life Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: An Examination of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model

Background: Ischemic heart disease stands as the foremost cause of death among cardiovascular conditions. The most commonly employed revascularization method for treating ischemic heart disease is percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). An improvement in the patient's quality of life frequently serves as the primary measure of PCI's success. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of an educational program grounded in the information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model on the quality of life of patients who have undergone PCI. Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 84 patients selected from those referred to the Cardiovascular Clinic of Razi Hospital in Birjand city, located in eastern Khorasan. Participants were required to fill out a demographics form and the Short Form of the Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (SF-12). They were then divided into an intervention group (n = 42) and a control group (n = 42) through the use of the permuted block method. Those in the intervention group participated in a 6-week educational program (meeting once weekly) designed around the IMB model. The control group received the standard care available at the Cardiovascular Clinic. Both groups were asked to return to the Cardiology Clinic 6 weeks after the initial test to complete the SF-12 (posttest). All participants were surveyed again one month after the second questionnaire completion (follow-up). Results: The intervention group showed a significant increase in the mean score of physical health immediately and one month after the intervention, compared to the pretest scores (P = 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). Furthermore, the mean posttest score for psychological health in the intervention group significantly improved compared to the pretest (P < 0.001), and their follow-up score improved significantly compared to the posttest score (P = 0.02). There were no significant changes in the mean scores for physical and psychological health in the control group over time (P > 0.05). Conclusions: This study indicates that the quality of life for patients post-PCI can be significantly improved through participation in an educational program based on the IMB model. This research provides a foundation for the development of interventions with more enduring effects on post-PCI patient outcomes.

New Computational Methods Using Seventh Derivative Type for the Solution of First Order Initial Value Problems

In this research, a class of implicit block methods of a seventh derivative type are examined through interpolation and collocation techniques using finite power series as the basis function. The discrete schemes, which are implicit two-point block methods, are obtained by carefully and unevenly choose collocation points that ensure better methods’ stability via test. However, these schemes require seventh derivative functions unlike other existing numerical formulae. The new methods are found, investigated and proven to be convergent and A-stable. The implementation of methods is achieved by using Newton Raphson’s method. Experiments show the efficiency and accuracy of the developed formulae on different class of first-order initial value problems, including SIR, growth models and Prothero-Robinson oscillatory problem and with comparison to such existing methods. In addition, it is observed that uneven and positioning of collocation points greatly influence the efficiency and accuracy of numerical methods.