Complexity Research Articles

Readiness of big health data analytics by technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework in Ethiopian health sectors

BackgroundBig health data is a large and complex dataset that the health sector has collected and stored continuously to generate healthcare evidence for intervening the future healthcare uncertainty. However, data use for decision-making practices has been significantly low in developing countries, especially in Ethiopia. Hence, it is critical to ascertain which elements influence the health sector's decision to adopt big health data analytics in health sectors. The aim of this study was to identify the level of readiness for big health data analytics and its associated factors in healthcare sectors. MethodsA cross-sectional study design was conducted among 845 target employees using the structural equation modeling approach by using technological, organizational, and environmental (TOE) frameworks. The target population of the study was health sector managers, directors, team leaders, healthcare planning officers, ICT/IT managers, and health professionals. For data analysis, exploratory factor analysis using SPSS 20.0 and structural equation modeling using AMOS software were used. Result58.85 % of the study participants had big health data analytics readiness. Complexity (CX), Top management support (TMS), training (TR) and government law policies and legislation (GLAL) and government IT policies (GITP) had positive direct effect, compatibility (CT), and optimism (OP) had negative direct effect on BD readiness (BDR) ConclusionThe technological, organizational, and environmental factors significantly contributed to big health data readiness in the healthcare sector. The Complexity, compatibility, optimism, Top management support, training (TR) and government law and IT policies (GITP) had effect on big health data analytics readiness. Formulating efficient reform in healthcare sectors, especially for evidence-based decision-making and jointly working with stakeholders will be more relevant for effective implementation of big health data analytics in healthcare sectors.

Understanding factors influencing ESL student teachers’ adoption of classroom response systems: an integration of TAM and AOI theory

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate the factors affecting student teachers’ acceptance intention of a gamified classroom response system (CRS) named Bodoudou. Combining the attributes of innovation (AOI) theory with the well-known technology acceptance model (TAM), we raised 19 hypotheses that explain the relationships among eight factors. The proposed model was tested with survey data collected from 240 English-as-a-second-language (ESL) student teachers in China. We first conducted a scale evaluation, which removed eight items measuring a technology’s compatibility and observability, then ran a structural equation modeling (SEM) test to explore the relationships among other factors. Findings revealed that student teachers’ intention to use CRS is mainly determined by the technology’s perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEoU), relative advantages (ADV), complexity (CPL), and trialability (TRI). Moreover, complexity is not a precise antonym to perceived ease of use in the current context, and trialability is not statistically related to perceived ease of use. The underlying reasons need further exploration. Future studies need to validate the scale measuring the five attributes of innovation, as well as the rationale of adding the AOI theory to the TAM model when investigating users’ technology acceptance intention.

NNO donor Schiff base metal complexes: Enzyme mimicking, DNA binding and biological insights

The present work focuses on the microwave-assisted synthesis, characterization and biological applications of a novel tridentate NNO donor Schiff base ligand derived from the condensation of 4-(Diethylamino)salicylaldehyde and 4,5-Dimethyl-1,2-phenylenediamine, along with its transition metal complexes of Cu(II) and Co(II) in 1:1 and 1:2 ratios each respectively. A theoretical basis for comprehending the electronic framework and characteristics of the complexes has been studied through the use of a computational approach. Further, the distorted octahedral geometry of the Schiff base metal complexes is confirmed by using analytical methods such as elemental analysis, molar conductance, ESI-MS, UV–Vis, FTIR, TGA and NMR spectra, which confirmed that NNO donor site of the ligand is coordinated with the metal ions. The complexes have been screened for their potential application as a catalyst for the catalytic conversion of 3,5-di‑tert‑butyl‑catechol (3,5-DTBC) to 3,5-di‑tert-butylquinone (3,5-DTBQ) and the turnover numbers (Kcat) have been found in the range 36.46–43.05 h−1 in methanol. Absorption spectroscopic technique has been employed to examine the possible modalities of interactions with the synthesized complexes using CT-DNA and the related binding constants exhibited in the range 2.58 × 104 M−1 to 1.98 × 105 M−1 thus depicting appreciable binding affinity. To evaluate the bioactivities, in-vitro assays for anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity have also been implemented. The Cu(II) complex (CuL) has significant anti-oxidant activity and the Co(II) complex (CoL) has superior anti-inflammatory activity compared to all other complexes with IC50 values of 238.78 µM and 140.25 µM respectively. To better understand the molecular-level interactions and identify probable binding energies of inhibitors, molecular docking simulations have been performed.

The predictive robustness of organizational and technological enablers towards blockchain technology adoption and financial performance

PurposeBlockchain technology has brought about significant transformation among organizations worldwide. This study aimed to explore the effects of organizational and technological factors on blockchain technology adoption (BTA) and financial performance (FP) in Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachThis is a co-relational study which used the cross-sectional data. We gathered the data from the managers of Pakistan’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which functioned their industries with blockchain technology. We applied convenience sampling to identify the respondents. Finally, we based this study’s findings on 274 valid cases.FindingsWe used structural equation modeling (SEM) in this study, to exert a positive and significant impact on organizational factors such as organizational innovativeness (OI), organizational learning capability (OLC), top management support (TMS) and organizational work climate (OWC) on BTA. In addition, the technological factors, such as complexity (CTY), technology readiness (TR), compatibility (CBTY) and technology capability (TC), have a positive and significant effect on BTA. Finally, this study’s findings show that BTA positively and significantly impacts FP.Practical implicationsThis study’s findings will help policymakers and planners to design policies to adopt other blockchain technologies to improve SMEs’ operations. Moreover, this study’s findings will inspire policymakers and planners to actively seek new ideas, knowledge and skills through acquiring new knowledge to assist with their IT-related decisions.Originality/valueThis study empirically confirms the role of organizational and technology factors toward BTA and FP among Pakistan's SME managers.

Kinetic study on the reaction between CO2 and tertiary amine catalyzed by zinc(II) aza‐macrocyclic complexes

AbstractIn this work, the kinetics study on the reaction between CO2 and tertiary amine catalyzed by zinc(II)‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane complexes (CM) and zinc(II)‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane complexes (CN) was carried out in a stopped‐flow device. The effects of the catalyst concentration, type of tertiary amines, and temperature on the reaction rate (ν) and catalytic activity (φ) were studied. It was found that the catalyst concentration, tertiary amine with higher pKa, and temperature had positive effects on ν. ν in N‐methyl diethanolamine solution with 10.0 mol m−3 CM and CN were 16.62 and 26.05 folds than the uncatalyzed ν at 298 K, respectively. φ increased with increasing catalyst concentration, decreasing temperature and tertiary amine's pKa. In addition, the kinetics behavior of tertiary amine‐CM/CN‐CO2 systems conformed to the Michaelis–Menten model. The activation energies in catalytic systems were 4%–15% lower than that in the non‐catalytic systems.

Enhanced TNT vapor sensing through a PMMA-mediated AIPE-active monocyclometalated iridium(III) complex: a leap towards real-time monitoring.

Based on the explosive nature and harmful effects of nitro-based explosive materials on living beings and the environment, it is extremely important to develop luminescence-based probe molecules for their detection with excellent selectivity and sensitivity. Two AIPE (aggregation-induced phosphorescence emission)-active iridium(III) complexes (M1 and M2) were developed for the sensitive detection of TNT in both contact and non-contact modes. The aggregate solutions of both complexes (M1 and M2 in THF/H2O, 1/9 by volume) detected TNT at the pico-molar (pM) level. These complexes showed greatly enhanced emission intensity while embedded in a PMMA(polymethyl methacrylate) matrix film. The amplified quantum efficiency, improved phosphorescence lifetime, and enhanced porous network of M2-PMMA composite helps to improve the sesitivity of TNT vapor detection. Interestingly, the sensitivity of the detection of TNT by the M2 complex was significantly improved (5-fold) in a PMMA-incorporated complex (CP) with an observed limit of detection (LOD) of 12.8 ppb. From the BET analysis of CP, it was observed that the mesoporous network of CP has an average pore diameter of 8.52 nm and a surface area of 2.03 m2 g-1. The porous network of CP assists in trapping TNT vapor in a polymeric network containing an electron-rich probe (iridium(III) complex, M2), which helps to effectively trap TNT, thus enhancing electronic communication. As a result, significant emission quenching was observed.

Achieving reversible Zn chemistry by constructing a built-in internal electric field to dynamically eliminate local charge accumulation

An innovative concept of constructing a built-in interfacial electric field for Zn stabilization is demonstrated using amphoteric polyelectrolyte complexes (CPs).

The morphodynamics and sedimentology of a seasonally controlled microtidal tidal inlet: the Nariva River tidal inlet, Cocos Bay, Trinidad

Abstract The geomorphology and sedimentology of the Nariva River tidal-inlet complex, a microtidal fluvially influenced tidal-inlet complex, was analyzed. The complex comprises a recurved spit, an ebb-tidal channel, and an ebb-tidal delta. Morphological trends in the spatio-temporal evolution of the inlet complex were observed and recorded from Google Earth™ timelapse satellite images taken from 2003 to 2019. The two-dimensional internal architecture of the inlet complex and the sedimentary succession of the recurved spit, an ebb spit, the swash platform (of the ebb-tidal delta), a mouth bar (associated with the wet-season river-dominated inlet complex erosion), the ebb-tidal channel, and the adjacent foreshore were observed and documented from six shallow sedimentary cores. The Nariva River inlet width ranges from 17 to 40 m through its seasonal evolution, has a tidal prism of ∼ 2.17 × 105 m3, a cross-sectional area of 29.52 m2, and a depth ∼ 1.4 m (calculated at peak dry season near the inlet throat). The inlet complex undergoes an annual geomorphological evolution linked to the seasonally induced migration of the fluvial-to-marine transition zone (FMTZ). Increased fluvial discharge during the wet and hurricane seasons results in the basinward migration of the FMTZ rendering the inlet river dominated and resulting in the erosion of the inlet complex. During the dry season, low fluvial discharge, tidal dominance, and fair-weather conditions promote sedimentation in the inlet and the redevelopment of the inlet complex. The inlet has a complex (CX) internal architecture (fill pattern) defined by the laterally migrating recurved spit and ebb spit on their updrift margin, and conformable, mounded elements on their downdrift (e.g., mouth bar, swash platform, and foreshore). Two sedimentary successions were developed for ebb-tidal-delta deposits: off-axis of the ebb-tidal channel and on-axis. The off-axis succession is considerably similar to the adjacent foreshore-to-shoreface succession which can pose a challenge when attempting to identify these deposits in the rock record. The on-axis succession, however, despite thickness variability, showed a positive correlation to studied mesotidal tide-dominated inlet successions.

Theoretical study on the insertion reaction of CH(X2) into the oh bond in n-C4H9OH

CH radicals play an important role in the combustion of hydrocarbon. The insertion mechanism of a CH radical into the O-H bond of n-C4H9OH is investigated theoretically by a detailed potential energy surface calculation at the BHandHLYP/6-311++G(3df,2p) and CCSD(T)/6-311++G(d,p) (single-point) levels. Our results show that the CH radical attacks into the oxygen atom in n-C4H9OH to form a prereaction complex (COMP) to be followed by an insertion of the CH radical into the O-H bond of the n-C4H9OH molecule to form the low-lying intermediate IS1 (CH2OCH2CH2CH2CH3). This intermediate can isomerize to form IS2 (CH3OCH2CHCH2CH3), IS3 (CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2O), and IS4 (CH3CH2CH2CH2CHOH). These intermediates can decompose to yield 9 products (PR1-PR9) in which major ones are PR1 (CH2CH2CH2CH3 + CH2O), PR2 (CH2CHCH2CH3 + CH3O) and PR3 (CH2CHCH2OCH3 + CH3).

On the De Novo Emergence of Ecological Interactions during Evolutionary Diversification: A Conceptual Framework and Experimental Test.

AbstractEcological interactions are crucial to the structure and function of biological communities, but we lack a causal understanding of the forces shaping their emergence during evolutionary diversification. Here we provide a conceptual framework linking different modes of diversification (e.g., ecological diversification), which depend on environmental characteristics, to the evolution of different forms of ecological interactions (e.g., resource partitioning) in asexual lineages. We tested the framework by examining the net interactions in communities of Pseudomonas aeruginosa produced via experimental evolution in nutritionally simple (SIM) or complex (COM) environments by contrasting the productivity and competitive fitness of whole evolved communities relative to their component isolates. As expected, we found that nutritional complexity drove the evolution of communities with net positive interactions whereas SIM communities had similar performance as their component isolates. A follow-up experiment revealed that high fitness in two COM communities was driven by rare variants (frequency <0.1%) that antagonized PA14, the ancestral strain and common competitor used in fitness assays. Our study suggests that the evolution of de novo ecological interactions in asexual lineages is predictable at a broad scale from environmental conditions. Further, our work demonstrates that rare variants can disproportionately impact the function of relatively simple microbial communities.

Enhanced oral delivery of hesperidin-loaded sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin/chitosan nanoparticles for augmenting its hypoglycemic activity: in vitro-in vivo assessment study

Hesperidin (Hsd), a bioactive phytomedicine, experienced an antidiabetic activity versus both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. However, its intrinsic poor solubility and bioavailability is a key challenging obstacle reflecting its oral delivery. From such perspective, the purpose of the current study was to prepare and evaluate Hsd-loaded sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin/chitosan nanoparticles (Hsd/CD/CS NPs) for improving the hypoglycemic activity of the orally administered Hsd. Hsd was first complexed with sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD) and the complex (CX) was found to be formed with percent complexation efficiency and percent process efficiency of 50.53 ± 1.46 and 84.52 ± 3.16%, respectively. Also, solid state characterization of the complex ensured the inclusion of Hsd inside the cavity of SBE-β-CD. Then, Hsd/CD/CS NPs were prepared using the ionic gelation technique. The prepared NPs were fully characterized to select the most promising one (F1) with a homogenous particle size of 455.7 ± 9.04 nm, a positive zeta potential of + 32.28 ± 1.12 mV, and an entrapment efficiency of 77.46 ± 0.39%. The optimal formula (F1) was subjected to further investigation of in vitro release, ex vivo intestinal permeation, stability, cytotoxicity, and in vivo hypoglycemic activity. The results of the release and permeation studies of F1 manifested a modulated pattern between Hsd and CX. The preferential stability of F1 was observed at 4 ± 1 °C. Also, the biocompatibility of F1 with oral epithelial cell line (OEC) was retained up to a concentration of 100 µg/mL. After oral administration of F1, a noteworthy synergistic hypoglycemic effect was recorded with decreased blood glucose level until the end of the experiment. In conclusion, Hsd/CD/CS NPs could be regarded as a hopeful oral delivery system of Hsd with enhanced antidiabetic activity.Graphical

Behavioural intention to adopt cloud computing: a quantitative analysis with a mediatory factor using bootstrapping

&lt;span&gt;This article discusses the research conducted to determine the factors contributing to behavioural intentions (BI) to adopt cloud computing. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Sri Lanka information technology (IT) sector were surveyed using a questionnaire. The diffusion of innovation (DOI) by Roger and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 (UTAUT2) by Venkatesh, Thong, and Xu was used as the theoretical framework for evaluating the reference model. Two hundred fifty-six important IT executives from Sri Lanka companies participated in the study. Quantitative techniques of data coding and analysis were applied in this investigation. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software is used for exploratory factor analysis, and analysis of moment structures (AMOS) software is used for confirmatory factor analysis, including bootstrapping for mediator analysis of BI. The results show that among seven hypothesised factors, three factors: relative advantage (RA), compatibility (CT), and complexity (CX), significantly influence BI to adopt cloud computing.&lt;/span&gt;

Synthesis of phytic acid-modified chitosan and the research of the corrosion inhibition and antibacterial properties

In this study, chitosan (CS) and phytic acid (PA) were employed as raw materials to synthesize a range of chitosan–phytic acid complexes (CP) with different ratios (CS:PA = 12:1, 9:1, 6:1, 3:1, 1:1). The structures and elemental compositions of the compounds were characterized using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The thermal stability of the synthesized materials was analyzed using a Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TG). Electrochemical testing was conducted to explore the corrosion inhibition effect of the modified inhibitors with varying ratios on Q235 steel in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. Additionally, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was utilized to investigate the surface morphology of the immersed samples. When the CS:PA ratio was 3:1, CP exhibited an impressive corrosion inhibition efficiency of 94.9 %. Furthermore, the antimicrobial properties of CP were evaluated using the colony plate counting method. At a CS:PA ratio of 1:1, CP demonstrated the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) at 0.1250 % and 0.5000 %, respectively. This research introduces a novel green corrosion inhibitor capable of simultaneously reducing the electrochemical corrosion of Q235 while inhibiting biocorrosion, avoiding the antagonistic effects arising from the simultaneous use of biocides and corrosion inhibitors in the system.

Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution at carbon paste electrodes doped with a manganese(II) imidazoledicarboxylate complex

Abstract A mononuclear Mn(II) complex [Mn(p-MOPhH2IDC)2(H2O)2]·2(DMF), was synthesized by the reaction of p-MOPhH3IDC (2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid) and Mn(CH3COO)2·4H2O under solvothermal conditions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR and UV–vis spectroscopy. The structure analysis revealed that the manganese(II) center has a six-coordinated octahedral coordination geometry. The performance of a Mn(II) complex-doped carbon paste electrode (Mn-CPE) in the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was evaluated by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods. The polarization curve shows that the η 10 298K (overpotential, 10 mA cm−2) of the Mn-CPE was positively shifted by 341 mV compared with the bare CPE (without complex). The Tafel slope of the Mn-CPE was 161 mV dec−1. These data indicate that the Mn-CPE was effective in the HER electrocatalytic reaction. For EIS experiments, the arc diameter of the high-frequency region of the Mn-CPE was much smaller than that of the bare CPE, which further indicates the effective catalytic capacity of the Mn(II) complex for hydrogen evolution. The information obtained from this study will help to expand the application of Mn(II) complexes in the field of electrochemistry.

Effects of Complex Training on Jumping and Change of Direction Performance, and Post-Activation Performance Enhancement Response in Basketball Players.

Exercise order is one of the significant factors modulating training effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of an 8-week complex (CPX) training program utilizing intra-CPX active recovery with compound training (CMP) on bilateral and single-leg jumping performance, change of direction test time (shuttle test), and the post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) response in a group of basketball players. Thirteen participants were performing CPX bi-weekly combined with regular pre-season basketball practice, while eleven participants were performing CMP for 8 weeks. Before and after the interventions, the following fitness tests were assessed: (i) bilateral countermovement jump, (ii) single-leg countermovement jump, (iii) shuttle run test. All tests were performed pre- and post-conditioning activity (CA-three sets of five drop jumps). The results showed a statistically significant increase in non-dominant (p = 0.019) and dominant single-leg jump relative peak power (p = 0.001), and in non-dominant single-leg jump height (p = 0.022) post-training compared to pre-training. The CA was significantly and similarly effective in eliciting a PAPE response in all tests before and after each intervention (p < 0.039; for all). However, the magnitude of improvement in CMJ and shuttle test time was trivial to small and did not reach statistical significance. Both 8 weeks of CPX and CMP training led to significant improvements in the SLJ power output of both the dominant and non-dominant limbs as well as the height of the non-dominant SLJ. Neither of the training methods had significant impacts on the magnitude of the PAPE response.

A Study on the Students’ Adoption Intention Behavior Towards Online Classes During COVID 19 Pandemic Applying UTAUT Model Extensions

The prime drive of this paper is to examine the factors to define students’ intention to the acceptance of online classes in Bangladesh throughout COVID19 pandemic. The paper follows qualitative research for identifying research problems and quantitative research for collecting primary data. Data have been collected through questionnaire survey and analyzed by Structure Equation Modeling by Partial Least Squared (PLS). This study is grounded on Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model invented by Venkatesh, Morris, Davis, and Davis (2003) along with six additional variables that extended the model for this study. The results revealed that Performance Expectancy (PE), Social Influence (SI), Self-Management of Learning (SML), Technology Anxiety (TA) and Complexity (COM) have a substantial impact on Students’ Behavioral Intention (BI) towards the adoption of online classes. Alternatively, Effort Expectancy (EE), Facilitating Condition (FC), Perceived Cost (PC), Relative Advantage (RA), and Resistance to Change (RTC) were found insignificant relationship. This study is conducted in a certain period. The different outcomes could be found in another time frame. The result of this study will provide the idea about factors influencing adoption of online classes which may be referred for choosing future teaching-learning techniques in compare with face-to-face learning. Taking online classes may save time, energy, money of both students and teachers along with institutions which become important concern in near future.

Comparison Adoption Application Music Playlist Joox, Spotify, &amp; YouTube Music Using Diffusion Technology Theory

Application playlist music start lots favored by people in Indonesia. There are several playlist music presented in the Play Store and the App Store. Among them Joox, Spotify, YouTube Music, and more lots again. This is interesting for we find out which one is the most suitable and popular in society. Objective study is to know comparison of Playlist Music applications among them Joox, Spotify, and YouTube Music among society. Diffusion Technology Theory was chosen as the framework for evaluating the reception of 3 apps. The procedure study started with collecting data based on variables from Diffusion Technology Theory. Collected data processed with the use of Application smart pls. Research results This shows variable influencing variables _ reception Joox Music Playlist application, Spotify and YouTube Music, among others Profit Relative (RA) effect to Activity Listen Music (Y), Compatibility (CT) matters to Activity Listen Music (Y), Complexity (CX) matters to Activity Listen Music (Y), Triability (TR) effect to Activity Listen to Music (Y), Observability (OB) influence to Activity Listen to Music (Y). Research results this can be used by providers of Playlist Music apps to develop possible features, liked by fans Music Playlists application.

Robust multiple-scroll dynamics in memristive-based generator system

In-depth analysis of a novel multiple scroll memristive-based hyperchaotic system with no equilibrium is provided in this work. We identify a family of more complicated nmathrm{th}-order multiple scroll hidden attractors for a unique, enhanced 4-dimensional Sprott-A system. The system is particularly sensitive to initial conditions with coexistence and multistability of attractors when changing the associated parameters and the finite transient simulation time. The complexity (CO), spectral entropy (SE) algorithms, and 0-1 complexity characteristics was thoroughly discussed. On the other hand, the outcomes of the electronic simulation are validated by theoretical calculations and numerical simulations.

Enhanced ablation resistance of phenolic composites through the construction of a sea-island nanostructured char layer via in-situ catalytic graphitization of incorporated Salen-Ni complex

Phenolic resin (PR) are widely used as ablative thermal protection systems for aerospace applications. However, it remains a challenge to improve the ablation resistance of phenolic composites by designing the structures of char layer via a facile approach. In this paper, a Salen-Ni complex (CL) modified boron phenolic composite (CLBPR) was designed with low concentrations of Ni (0.05–0.45 wt%). The chemically incorporated Salen-Ni structures enabled the uniform distribution of Ni element, and the enhancement of graphitization degree of char layer through the significant catalytic effect. XPS, XRD, RAMAN and TEM analyses showed that the metallic Ni nanoparticles arising from Salen-Ni structures could effectively catalyze the ablated char layer to generate various type of graphitic nanostructures, and construct a sea-island nanostructured char layer during ablation. Furthermore, we found that the inlaid graphitic phases formed through Solid-Liquid-Solid mechanism in amorphous carbon (AC) can hinder the growth of defects, while improve the graphitization degree of char layer. The results demonstrated that the linear and mass ablation rates of CLBPR were reduced by 128.9% and 32.6% compared to the counterpart at 4 MW/m2. This research will provide some inspirations more or less for the development of more advanced polymer-matrix ablative composites in the future.

Fixel-based analysis of the diffusion properties of the patients with brain injury and chronic health symptoms

The diffusion properties from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) are sensitive to white matter (WM) abnormalities and could serve as indicators of diffuse axonal damages incurred during a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Analyses of diffusion metrics in the regions of interest (ROIs) were used to compare the differences in the 18 major fiber tracts in 46 participants, between TBI participants with (n = 17) or without (n = 16) chronic symptoms (CS) and a control group (CG, n = 13). In addition to the widely used diffusion metrics, such as fractional anisotropy (FA), mean (MD), axial (AD) and radial (RD) diffusivities, apparent fiber density (AFD), complexity (CX) and fixel number (FN) derived from Mrtrix3 software package were used to characterize WM tracts and compare between participant groups in the ROIs defined by the fixel numbers. Significant differences were found in FA, AFD, MD, RD and CX in ROIs with different FNs in the corpus callosum forceps minor, left and right inferior longitudinal fasciculus, and left and right uncinate fasciculus for both TBI groups compared to controls. Diffusion properties in ROIs with different FNs can serve as detailed biomarkers of WM abnormalities, especially for individuals with chronic TBI related symptoms.