Conservative Methods Research Articles

Industrial revolution and smart farming: a critical analysis of research components in Industry 4.0

PurposeThe domains of Industry 4.0 and Smart Farming encompass the application of digitization, automation, and data-driven decision-making principles to revolutionize conventional sectors. The intersection of these two fields has numerous opportunities for industry, society, science, technology and research. Relatively, this intersection is new, and still, many grey areas need to be identified. This research is a step toward identifying research areas and current trends.Design/methodology/approachThe present study examines prevailing research patterns and prospective research prospects within Industry 4.0 and Smart Farming. This is accomplished by utilizing the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) methodology applied to the data procured from the Scopus database.FindingsBy examining the available literature extensively, the researchers have successfully discovered and developed three separate research questions. The questions mentioned above were afterward examined with great attention to detail after using LDA on the dataset. The paper highlights a notable finding on the lack of existing scholarly research in the examined combined field. The existing database consists of a restricted collection of 51 scholarly papers. Nevertheless, the forthcoming terrain harbors immense possibilities for exploration and offers a plethora of prospects for additional investigation and cerebral evaluation.Research limitations/implicationsThis study examines the Industrial Revolution's and Smart Farming's practical effects, focusing on Industry 4.0 research. The proposed method could help agricultural practitioners implement Industry 4.0 technology. It could additionally counsel technology developers on innovation and ease technology transfer. Research on regulatory frameworks, incentive programs and resource conservation may help policymakers and government agencies.Practical implicationsThe paper proposes that the incorporation of Industry 4.0 technology into agricultural operations can enhance efficiency, production and sustainability. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of creating user-friendly solutions specifically tailored for farmers and companies. The study indicates that the implementation of supportive legislative frameworks, incentive programmes and resource conservation methods might encourage the adoption of smart agricultural technologies, resulting in the adoption of more sustainable practices.Social implicationsThis study examines the Industrial Revolution's and Smart Farming's practical effects, focusing on Industry 4.0 research. The proposed method could help agricultural practitioners implement Industry 4.0 technology. It could additionally counsel technology developers on innovation and ease technology transfer. Research on regulatory frameworks, incentive programs and resource conservation may help policymakers and government agencies.Originality/valueBased on a thorough examination of existing literature, it has been established that there is a lack of research specifically focusing on the convergence of Industry 4.0 and Smart Farming. However, notable progress has been achieved in the field of seclusion. To date, the provided dataset has not been subjected to analysis using the LDA technique by any researcher.

Treatment of breast cysts with ozone-oxygen mixture using ultrasonic guidance

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment of breast cysts with an ozone-oxygen mixture using ultrasound guidance. Materials and methods. The methodology included a retrospective analysis of the ultrasound-guided treatment of breast cysts. Treatment was carried out according to clinical recommendations using a conservative method and involved outpatient ultrasound-guided removal of cystic content without sclerosant and with introduction of ozone-oxygen mixture. Results. 445 patients with fibrocystic mastopathy were treated. The age of the patients ranged from 18 to 55 years. The detected cysts up to 2 cm represented regular-shaped, rounded anechoic masses with clear even contours and homogeneous structure. Cysts larger than 2 cm were sometimes irregular in shape with anechoic, homogeneous content. In most cases, the multilocular cysts had an irregular shape with anechoic contents, without intracavitary parietal inclusions. The average size of the cysts comprised 2.8±0.9 cm. The analysis showed the effectiveness of the treatment methods. The best effect was obtained with the use of an ozone-oxygen mixture. Complications of the procedure were observed in 6 (2%) patients (hematoma and recurrence). Conclusion. The findings of the study showed that treatment of breast cysts with an ozone-oxygen mixture using ultrasound guidance proved to be a highly effective, low-traumatic, and safe method. This technique is performed on outpatient basis, does not require the administration of anesthetics, is well tolerated by patients, has a selective effect, has no serious complications and risk of cosmetic defects.

Maximum bound principle preserving and mass conservative projection method for the conservative Allen–Cahn equation

In this paper, we propose and analyze an efficient maximum bound principle (MBP) preserving and mass conservative projection method for the conservative Allen–Cahn equation. The proposed projection operator can be proven contractive in the discrete L2 norm. Discrete MBP and mass conservation are rigorously presented for a second-order exponential time differencing scheme with a central difference discretization in space. Various numerical examples are performed to verify these theoretical results and demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of the proposed scheme.

Bloodless Cardiac Surgery in Jehovah's Witness: A Comprehensive Review.

This article explores the major challenges and specialized strategies involved in managing cardiovascular surgery patients who are Jehovah's Witnesses and refuse blood transfusions due to their religious beliefs. It delves into preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative approaches aimed at minimizing blood loss and optimizing patient outcomes while respecting their autonomy. Preoperative measures focus on correcting anemia and coagulopathy through targeted interventions, such as iron supplementation and erythropoietin therapy, and meticulous screening for bleeding disorders. Intraoperative techniques include the use of vasoconstrictors, hemostatic agents, and innovative blood conservation methods like acute normovolemic hemodilution and cell salvage. Postoperative care emphasizes infection control, hemostasis, and judicious monitoring to prevent anemia and facilitate recovery. Through a multidisciplinary approach and adherence to evidence-based practices, healthcare providers can effectively meet the needs of Jehovah's Witness patients, ensuring safe and successful cardiovascular surgery outcomes without the use of blood transfusions.

Renal Laceration Management: A Case Report

Renal lacerations are infrequent but significant injuries that necessitate immediate and proper treatment to avoid complications including bleeding and renal failure. We report a case of a male patient, aged 15, who experienced a kidney laceration due to forceful abdominal trauma. The patient was successfully treated using a combination of conservative methods and surgery, leading to a successful outcome. This example underscores the significance of prompt identification, suitable imaging studies, and quick action in treating kidney lacerations.

Research on the Digital Preservation of Architectural Heritage Based on Virtual Reality Technology

As a representative of the scientific and technological achievements of the new era, the overall development of virtual reality (VR) technology is becoming increasingly refined, which provides new development ideas and technical support in the field of ancient building restoration and architectural heritage preservation. In this context, digital conservation and the practice of architectural heritage have become important focuses of application in the industry. This paper starts from the core concept of VR technology, analyzes the value of the application of VR technology in the protection of ancient architecture, puts forward relevant suggestions and technical application methods, and takes Red Pagoda in Fuliang County as an example. In this sense, virtual reality technology is used to restore and protect the buildings, forming a digital heritage of ancient architecture. This study first utilizes a three-dimensional laser scanning instrument to collect point cloud data, and then the plane graph is drawn by measurement. Then, an Architectural Heritage Building Information Model is created, and comprehensive information on historical buildings is integrated. Finally, VR technology is used to show the effect of digital display and preservation. This study transforms architectural cultural heritage into a shareable and renewable digital form through restoration and reproduction, interpreting and utilizing it from a new perspective and providing new ideas and methods for architectural heritage conservation.

Using setpoint temperatures based on adaptive thermal comfort models: The case of an Australian model considering climate change

It has recently become clear that using adaptive thermal comfort models to determine setpoint temperatures is a successful energy-saving method. Global models like ASHRAE 55 and EN16798-1 have been used in recent experiments using adaptive setpoint temperatures. This work, however, has taken a different route by concentrating on a region-specific Australian adaptive comfort model. The goal is to compare the energy implications of the use of setpoint temperatures based on the Australian local comfort model compared to the worldwide adaptive ASHRAE 55 model to highlight the significance of choosing the most fitting comfort model for making accurate predictions. All of Australia's climate zones are taken into account, as well as mixed-mode building operation scenarios, current and future scenarios, namely the years 2050 and 2100 for Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5. It has been found that the Australian-model-based adaptive setpoint temperatures taking into account mixed-mode significantly lowers energy demand when compared to the ASHRAE 55 adaptive model (average energy-saving value of 63 %). Considering climate change, the Australian model has an average energy demand of 13–26 kW h/m2·year, and an average increase of 1–13 kW h/m2·year. In the case of ASHRAE 55 model, energy demand decreases in future scenarios and average values range between 3 and 11 kW h/m2·year. Therefore, setting setpoint temperatures in accordance with the Australian regional adaptive comfort model is a very efficient method for energy conservation. These differences raise awareness on the importance of the selection of the appropriate adaptive thermal comfort model.

Minimally Invasive Technique for Chiari I Decompression Without Durotomy: Surgical Technique and Preliminary Case Series

BackgroundChiari I malformation, marked by severe headaches and potential brainstem/spinal cord issues, often requires surgical intervention when conservative methods fail. This study introduces a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) Chiari decompression technique utilizing a 3-blade retractor, aiming to reduce post-operative discomfort and optimize outcomes. MethodsChiari type 1 malformation patients who underwent a MIS technique were included. Technique consisted of a minimal- soft tissue opening using a 3-blade retractor, suboccipital craniectomy, C1 laminectomy, and resection of the atlantooccipital band without a durotomy. Results10 patients were treated. Mean age was 43.3 years with 7 females. All patients presented occipital headaches, 50% retroorbital pain, 40% neck, upper back or shoulder pain, and 30% limb paresthesias. Median pre-surgical modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was 3 (2-4) and pain visual analog score (VAS) was 7 (5-9). Mean operative time was 59 (59-71) min, with mean blood loss of 88.5 (50-140) mL. 90% of patients were discharged the same surgical day (mean 7.2 [5.3-7.7] hours post-op). No immediate or delayed post-operative complications were evidenced. At 6-months, 90% of patients had mRS 0-1. At last follow-up the VAS mean was 1.5 (range 0-4, p<0.001). ConclusionThe MIS 3-blade flexible retractor technique for Chiari decompression is feasible, provides wide visualization angles of the suboccipital region and C1 arch, allows 2-surgeon work, and minimizes skin and soft tissue disruption. This combination may diminish post-operative discomfort, reduce the risk of surgical site infections, and optimize outcomes.

The Maharashtra River Basin's Flood-Drought-Water Scarcity Nexus

&lt;p&gt;India's droughts and floods, which have affected 8 million hectares yearly since the 1950s, make future adaptation and mitigation plans necessary, as well as an awareness of potential changes. In order to address the growing issues of flood and drought events in urban settings, the study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive water management strategies that ensure both routine water needs and severe event readiness. This study article recommends including drought and flood considerations in building codes and urban planning regulations to boost urban water resilience. The paper provides workable solutions for developing water-sensitive urban design, rainwater collecting, greywater reuse programs, and decentralized water management systems through a collection of case studies and strategy models. It also emphasizes the importance of teaching the population about the dangers of droughts and floods, water conservation methods, and emergency response procedures. The recommendations place a lot of emphasis on the need for a variety of policies that encourage cooperation between stakeholders, including local and state governments, business owners, community leaders, and experts. The policy recommendations include requests for green infrastructure, building standards for flood-resistant homes, water conservation requirements, and climate-responsive legislation, among other subjects. By encouraging sustainable water use behaviors, these concepts aim to increase urban resilience and make cities better prepared to mitigate the consequences of drought and flooding. These recommendations can aid local and state governments in creating a culture of preparedness for catastrophes, protecting communities, and fostering urban water resilience. This case study looks at the intricate relationships between a specific Maharashtrian river's floods, droughts, and water scarcity.&lt;/p&gt;

Energy-saving strategies to convert existing campus to smart campus: a conservative method analysis

Energy consumption has wide applications in the construction industry. The pattern of energy demand depends on the nature of energy usage in accordance with time. Prominence is given to meet the demand without forfeiture of energy. This paper focuses on the importance of developing a smart campus and energy management. In the present study, a prominent engineering institute located in Karnataka, India, is considered for analysis. The approaches considered here are installing solar roof panels and replacing existing electrical fixtures with light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures. The cost and energy consumption analysis before and after the application of these methods will give a strong image of how energy and money can be saved and are useful for society. The initial investment may slightly be high but the payback period is quite early. Results of the study indicate that the initial investment required for solar panel installation and replacement of existing electrical fixtures with LED fixtures for interiors and corridors at the institution has proved worthwhile by various investment criteria used in the project. The study implicates a positive step towards energy-saving strategies, a revolutionary change in the energy sector and the development of the country.

Externally validated treatment algorithm acceptably predicts nonoperative treatment success in patients with anterior cruciate ligament rupture.

This study aims to develop and externally validate a treatment algorithm to predict nonoperative treatment success or failure in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Data were used from two completed studies of adult patients with ACL ruptures: the Conservative versus Operative Methods for Patients with ACL Rupture Evaluation study (development cohort) and the KNee osteoArthritis anterior cruciate Ligament Lesion study (validation cohort). The primary outcome variable is nonoperative treatment success or failure. Potential predictor variables were collected, entered into the univariable logistic regression modeland then incorporated into the multivariable logistic regression model for constructing the treatment algorithm. Finally, predictive performance and goodness-of-fit were assessed and externally validated by discrimination and calibration measures. In the univariable logistic regression model, a stable knee measured with the pivot shift test and a posttrauma International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score <50 were predictive of needing an ACL reconstruction. Age >30 years and a body mass index > 30 kg/m2 were predictive for not needing an ACL reconstruction. Age, pretrauma Tegner score, the outcome of the pivot shift testand the posttrauma IKDC score are entered into the treatment algorithm. The predictability of needing an ACL reconstruction after nonoperative treatment (discrimination) is acceptable in both the development and the validation cohort: area under the curve = resp. 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58-0.81) and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.58-0.78). This study shows that the treatment algorithm can acceptably predict whether an ACL injury patient will have a(n) (un)successful nonoperative treatment (discrimination). Calibration of the treatment algorithm suggests a systematical underestimation of the need for ACL reconstruction. Given the limitations regarding the sample size of this study, larger data sets must be constructed to improve the treatment algorithm further. Level II.

Comparing the Outcomes of Titanium and Stainless Steel Flexible Nails in Repairing Pediatric Long Bone Fractures.

Traditionally, pediatric femoral fracture treatment favored conservative methods, relying on casting and the inherent bone remodeling ability in immature bones. Surgical intervention was deferred until age 6, as nonoperative approaches often resulted in complications. Titanium elastic nailing (TENS) emerged as an effective treatment for diaphyseal femoral fractures in ages 6 to 16. However, the choice between TENS and stainless steel elastic nailing (SSENS) remains debated due to inconsistent findings. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of both nailing systems in pediatric long bone fractures. A retrospective chart review at William Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak included 83 patients aged 6 to 16 treated with TENS or SSENS between January 2011 and January 2021. Data collected encompassed nail related issues, time to fracture union, full weight bearing, and nail removal. In the TENS group (n=29), the average age was 8.8±2.4 years, and the average BMI was 17.2±3.4. The SSENS group (n=54) had an average age of 9.3±2.7 and an average BMI of 19.7±8.4. Time to fracture union for TENS was 93.8±60.5 days, while SSENS was 82.2±40.0 days. This study found no statistically significant differences in nail-related complications, time to fracture union, full weight bearing, or nail removal between TENS and SSENS in pediatric long bone fractures. The choice between these systems should be based on individual circumstances. Limitations include a small sample size and the study's retrospective nature.

PGRFA Management of Outcrossing Plants Propagated by Seed: From On-Farm to Ex Situ Conservation and Some Italian Maize Case Studies

In this review, the main issues related to the conservation and valorization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) will be primarily addressed. The conservation of PGRFA concerning outcrossing plants poses a significant challenge. For this reason, this review will cover the key challenges related to all stages, starting from in situ sampling, collection in the germplasm bank, and conservative reproductive methods. Integrated approaches involving the combined use of classical and molecular techniques will be described for the characterization of accessions. Within this framework, some successful Italian case studies focused on maize will be reported as well.

КОНСЕРВАТИВНЫЕ МЕТОДЫ ЛЕЧЕНИЯ ГРЫЖ МЕЖПОЗВОНКОВЫХ ДИСКОВ

In the modern world, herniated intervertebral discs are one of the most common pathologies, often occurring among the working-age population. Protrusion of the intervertebral disc beyond the cross-section of the vertebra can lead to severe pain (even disability) due to mechanical compression of the nerve root and, with extrusion of the nucleus pulposus, inflammatory reactions. Thus, to date, pain syndrome that has developed as a result of a hernia occurs in 9% of the world's population. Thus, the treatment of intervertebral hernias is one of the pressing problems of the modern world. Radical treatment - surgical, is associated with a number of complications and does not always lead to the desired results. For this reason, surgical treatment should be carried out only if conservative methods are ineffective, among which physiotherapy occupies a special place. The purpose of this work is a literary analysis of physiotherapy methods currently used for the treatment of herniated intervertebral discs and to determine their place in the complex therapy of this pathology. The review examines the nature of intervertebral hernias, some of the physiological reactions they cause, in particular, the mechanisms of pain syndrome formation are indicated. We also described in detail the main methods of physiotherapy currently used for herniated intervertebral discs, such as electrophoresis, balneological procedures, spinal traction; the mechanisms of their influence on the damaged intervertebral disc are indicated, allowing to eliminate or reduce the intensity of the pain syndrome; The need for an integrated approach in the treatment of the pathology under study was determined.

Effect of cattle and horse feces storage methods on Nematode egg viability and sensitivity for egg hatch test

The aim of the present study was to validate methods of stool sample conservation for the egg hatch test (EHT). This study involved the use of a bovine naturally infected predominantly by Cooperia spp. and one equine naturally infected predominantly by cyathostomins characterized as susceptible to benzimidazoles in the EHT. Fecal samples were submitted to three treatments: aerobic methods (anaerobic storage in plastic bottles, anaerobic storage in vacuum-sealed bags or aerobic storage in plastic bags), under two temperature conditions (room temperature and refrigeration) analyzed at four different assessment times (48, 72, 96 and 120 h). As the standard test, an assay was also performed within 3 h. The tests were performed in triplicate for each drug concentration and with three experimental repetitions at one-week intervals. Two criteria were used for the storage methods: hatchability in the negative control group and sensitivity of the eggs to thiabendazole, comparing the EC50 and 95% confidence interval for each treatment to those of the standard test and the other repetitions. Bovine samples can be stored for up to 96 h and refrigerated vacuum storage can be used, ensuring hatchability of the negative control and sensitivity of the eggs to thiabendazole. For equine samples, no forms of storage were indicated due to the variation among the repetitions and the reduction in the sensitivity of the eggs to thiabendazole, which could result in a false positive detection of resistance.

1 Million Turtles: empowering communities to save Australian freshwater turtles

ABSTRACT Australian freshwater turtle populations have declined substantially, with consequent losses to aquatic ecosystem functions. A leading hypothesis is that turtles have declined through lost recruitment caused by high nest predation by invasive foxes. The ‘fox hypothesis’ is supported by experiments showing that nest predation rates exceed 95% in many regions. Furthermore, population surveys have repeatedly found absences of juvenile turtles, and headstarting experiments have successfully replaced those juveniles in some species. We are currently leading a nationwide citizen science program, ‘1 Million Turtles’ (1millionturtles.com), to engage local communities to protect turtles from threats like nest predation using a suite of novel approaches. Our key innovation is to leverage community passion and interest for turtles to create positive conservation impacts via a nationwide support network. We provide a data collection tool and framework (TurtleSAT) and self-guided training in conservation methods. We assist with guidance for gaining licencing and permission, and applying for grants. We are evaluating our approach through both the impacts on turtle populations as well as through surveys of our engaged citizen scientists. Ultimately, we aim to create a science-supported, national grassroots conservation model where community champions can lead their own evidence-based approaches to help wildlife.

Characteristics of RNA Stabilizer RNApro for Peripheral Blood Collection.

Peripheral blood is the most practical tissue for human immune system gene expression profiling because it is easily accessible, whereas the site of primary infection in certain diseases may not be easily accessible. Due to the ex vivo instability of RNA transcripts, a key challenge in the gene expression analysis of blood samples is the rapid sample handling and stabilization of the mRNA by adding an RNA preservative (PAXgeneTM Blood RNA Tubes, TempusTM Blood RNA tubes, RNAlater Stabilization Reagent, RNAgard® Blood Tubes). BioMole (Turin, Italy) has developed a novel blood stabilizer, called RNApro, in which RNA is stabilized during phlebotomy and sample storage. In this study, RNApro performance intended as RNA yield, integrity, and stability was evaluated. Our results show that blood samples stored at -80 °C and re-extracted after 7 years show no differences in terms of quantity, quality, and amplificability. The samples in the RNAlater stabilization solution can be stored at room temperature for up to one week or at 4 °C for up to one month. Similar results can also be observed for PAXgene tubes, Tempus tubes, and RNAgard tubes. In agreement with these data, the RNApro stabilization solution preserves the RNA from degradation for up to 1 month at 4 °C and 1 week at room temperature. RNApro can be stored indifferently at -80, -20, 4 °C, or room temperature for up to 2 months after, and then could be stored at -80 °C for up to seven years. In summary, our study is the first to analyze the performance of an RNA stabilizer called RNApro. We can conclude that several studies have shown significant differences in gene expression analysis when the sample was preserved in different RNA stabilizers. Therefore, it is desirable to standardize the method of nucleic acid conservation when comparing data from transcriptomic analyses.

Strain-Based Assessment to Evaluate Damage Caused by Deep Rolling.

The positive effects of deep rolling on fatigue strength-reduced surface roughness, work hardening and compressive residual stress-in the near-surface region are achieved by controlled high plasticisation of the treated material. However, excessive and/or repeated plasticising poses a risk of damage to the machined component. This paper investigates the damage caused by deep rolling of a railway axle. Two sections of the axle are experimentally deep rolled repeatedly at different feed rates until damage is detected. For comparative analysis, these experiments are numerically analysed and the damage is assessed using the strain-based damage calculation. The results are compared and a damage sum of ~120% is evaluated for both tests, thus developing a reliable and conservative assessment method. The single deep rolling treatment at a feed rate of 0.25 mm causes damage of 6.1%, and at a feed rate of 0.5 mm, damage of 4.7%. The developed and experimentally validated evaluation method allows for investigating the limits of applicability of different deep rolling parameters. The influence of the deep rolling force and feed rate and a proposed optimisation with multiple deep rolling with reduced deep rolling forces are investigated.

Minimally invasive treatments and open joint surgery for disorders of the temporomandibular joint

The initial treatment of symptomatic disorders of the temporomandibular joint typically consists of a conservative approach, in which medication (painkillers and muscle relaxants), orofacial physiotherapy and splints are most important. In most cases, minimally invasive treatment options, such as arthrocentesis, arthroscopy or joint injections, are only considered when conservative methods provide insufficient symptom reduction. There is, however, an ongoing debate about the optimal treatment strategy due to an increasing body of evidence concerning the superior effectiveness in symptom reduction of minimally invasive treatment options with regard to conservative treatments. If these minimally invasive treatment options are also ineffective, open joint surgery may be considered as a last option for a select group of patients.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of post-harvest conservation methods for seedlings of Solenostemon rotundifolius (Poir. J. K. Morton)

Evaluation of the effectiveness of post-harvest conservation methods for seedlings of Solenostemon rotundifolius (Poir. J. K. Morton)