"I don't have a crystal ball": time control during colorectal cancer treatment.

Optical properties of photonic crystal balls of different sizes synthesized using a microfluidic device

ABSTRACTDuring the post‐monsoon season of 2023, groundwater quality in 25 wards of Balurghat Municipality, a frontier town in Dakshin Dinajpur District of West Bengal along the Indo‐Bangladesh border, was evaluated. Information on groundwater quality, its suitability for drinking, and associated health risks in this area are scarce, despite this region's growing reliance on it. A comprehensive assessment of fluoride (F−) and iron (Fe) concentration, hydrogeochemical facies, and estimation of the entropy‐weighted water quality index (EWQI) in conjunction with health risk modeling addresses the said research gap. The findings indicate that 96% and 64% of the samples had Fe and F− levels above the respective BIS and WHO safe limits. Hydrogeochemical analysis revealed Na‐HCO3 and Ca‐HCO3 as the two principal types of water. According to the EWQI, only 8% of the samples were fit for human consumption, 64% were moderately fit, while 28% were not fit. As per non‐carcinogenic health risk assessment by deploying Hazard Quotient (HQ) values, F− exposure was estimated to be > 1 in all age groups, with children having the highest HQ values, followed by infants and adults. For both F− and Fe, Monte Carlo simulations (10,000 and 5000 trials using Microsoft Excel and Oracle Crystal Ball software) verified increased risks, especially in younger populations. This study provides a robust insight into groundwater quality in an international border region and highlights the pressing need for the provision of clean drinking water towards protection of public health.

The increasing global demand for energy and the pressing need for sustainable resource utilization have compelled societies to seek cleaner alternatives due to the rapid depletion of fossil fuels and environmental concerns. Despite having benefited substantially from its fossil fuel resources, the country of Trinidad and Tobago (TT) has fallen behind other Caribbean Nations in its transition to cleaner energy. Geothermal resources can be leveraged using existing infrastructure through the transformation of abandoned oil and gas wells into geothermal wells as an innovative, low cost means of advancing sustainable energy initiatives. This study focuses on optimising this transformation, using the abandoned Parryland Field in Southwestern TT as a case study. The initial geothermal reservoir model, constructed using the Computer Modelling Group (CMG) software, underwent key sensitivity analyses involving well spacing, injection rate, and the selection of working fluids. These analyses led to the development of an optimised model with the implementation of a retrofitted geothermal system, consisting of 3 injector wells and 3 producer wells which yielded 184.8 GWh of electricity over a 30-year period. In terms of the economic viability, the optimised configuration generated a positive Net Present Value (NPV) based on a deterministic cashflow model, which also predicted a favourable investment risk profile when subjected to Monte Carlo Simulations using the Crystal Ball software application by Oracle. Furthermore, harnessing the geothermal energy for power generation resulted in a reduction of 157.1 MMlbs of CO2 emissions when compared with electricity produced using natural gas. This reduction is projected to occur over a 30-year period, facilitated by the utilization of 5.254 billion BTUs of enthalpy.

IntroductionThis study uses multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to evaluate the benefits and risks of combining Fuzheng Yiliu Decoction with chemotherapy in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim is to improve clinical outcomes for NSCLC patients by integrating traditional Chinese medicine with conventional chemotherapy.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine Disc (CBM), Wanfang Databases, and China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP Databases) to identify relevant studies on Fuzheng Yiliu Decoction combined with chemotherapy for NSCLC. Meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3 was performed to compare the effect sizes of the two treatment regimens. A MCDA model was developed to construct a value tree based on benefit-risk indicators. The benefit value, risk value, and benefit-risk ratio for both treatments were calculated using Hiview 3.2 software, followed by sensitivity analysis to assess result robustness. Monte Carlo simulations were performed using Oracle Crystal Ball 11.1 software to optimize the evaluation outcomes.ResultsThe literature search identified 6 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing chemotherapy alone with chemotherapy combined with Fuzheng Yiliu Decoction. The MCDA model showed that the combination therapy had significantly higher benefit values (72) compared to chemotherapy alone (29). The risk value for combination therapy (56) was slightly higher than that of chemotherapy alone (24), but the overall benefit-risk value for combination therapy (68) was notably greater than chemotherapy alone (27). Monte Carlo simulations revealed a difference in total efficacy-risk values between the two treatments of 41 (95% CI: -16.59, 38.73). The probability that the combination therapy’s benefit-risk value exceeds that of chemotherapy alone was 81.83%.DiscussionThese findings suggest that combining Fuzheng Yiliu Decoction with chemotherapy improves therapeutic efficacy and reduces chemotherapy’s adverse side effects, offering a promising treatment strategy for NSCLC. This study provides valuable insights into enhancing treatment strategies and clinical decision-making in managing NSCLC.

Regulatory bodies increasingly advocate probabilistic estimation of dietary exposure to better characterise variability and uncertainty. In response, we piloted a custom program tailored for Japan’s regulatory context, using boscalid as a case study. Using Japan’s national pesticide residue monitoring data (2013–2022) and food consumption data from a nationally representative survey (2016–2020) comprising 35,552 person-days from 4,444 individuals (including 861 children aged 1–6 years), we conducted Monte Carlo simulations with bootstrap re-sampling to characterise acute exposure distributions. Twenty-one food commodities with at least 25 positive samples or a positivity rate ≥20% were included. The results obtained from the custom program were compared with those obtained using concentration data simulated in Oracle Crystal Ball. At the 99.9th percentile, estimated acute exposures were well below the Acute Reference Dose: 0.12% (95% uncertainty interval: 0.11–0.14%) for general population (1–79 years) and 0.28% (95% uncertainty interval: 0.25–0.30%) for children aged 1–6 years. The results from the custom program and the Oracle Crystal Ball were comparable. These findings suggest that acute dietary exposure to boscalid is unlikely to pose a public health concern in Japan. The modelling framework developed here offers a practical foundation for more complex exposure assessments by Japanese regulatory bodies.

Deep learning's crystal ball: Predicting HCC surgery success with multimodal imaging.

The delayed γ decay and delayed fission of the shape isomer 236mU were measured using the Heidelberg-Darmstadt Crystal Ball spectrometer. It is demonstrated that the isomeric γ decay and the delayed fission represent two competing decay channels of the same isomeric state. This conclusion is supported by four independent observations: (i) the measured half-lives of the delayed γ decay and delayed fission are identical, (ii) the excitation energy of the isomer is the same for both decay pathways, (iii) the missing energy in the prompt energy balance is equal for both decays, and (iv) the prompt energy spectra populating the second minimum are in agreement. An improved statistical analysis of the γ decay indicates that the excitation energy of the isomeric ground state in the second minimum is 2814±33 keV. The γ back decay proceeds through several cascades involving known 1- states of the normally deformed 236U. A direct single-step γ transition is excluded within the experimental sensitivity.

The cross sections for the pp→ppη reaction are evaluated at energies relevant for the HADES, PANDA, and SIS100 experiments at GSI-FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research). Consideration includes the η-bremsstrahlung mechanism involving intermediate proton exchange via the π0, η, ρ0, and ω exchanges and the mechanism involving the nucleon resonances N(1535), N(1650), N(1710), and N(1880) excited via the pseudoscalar- and/or vector-meson exchanges, depending on the model. The role of the ωω- and ρ0ρ0-fusion processes with the Reggeized vector-meson exchanges is also discussed. The calculation is done in an effective Lagrangian approach. To determine the parameters of the model, the γp→ηp and π−p→ηn reactions are studied and the results are then compared with the Crystal Ball and CLAS data. For the pp→ppη reaction, the model results are compared with the energy dependence of the cross section measured far from the threshold and with the differential distributions dσ/dcosθη and dσ/dpη measured by the DISTO Collaboration. The comparison shows that the N(1535) resonance is the dominant contribution and that other contributions are also important due to interference effects. Assuming that the ρ exchange is the dominant resonant excitation process, the model is able to describe the available data, e.g., it reproduces the shape of the angular distributions measured by the DISTO Collaboration. Predictions are given for the HADES experiment at center-of-mass energy of s=3.46 GeV, which can be verified in the near future, and for planned PANDA and SIS100 experiments at higher energies. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

This study aimed to measure fine particulate matter (PM) concentrations and culturable bioaerosols (bacteria and fungi) in the indoor air of operating (OR) and emergency (EM) rooms, as well as internal wards (INT) in hospitals in Bushehr city, Iran. For the first time, the Monte Carlo model was employed to assess health risks associated with PM release into hospital indoor air, focusing on healthcare workers. A four-stage impactor and a one-step Anderson contact sampler were used to determine PM and bioaerosols, respectively. To assess the non-cancer risk associated with contaminants (PM), we calculated the Hazard Quotient (HQ). This evaluation was conducted using Crystal Ball software, which performed 1000 independent iterations at a 95% confidence level. The highest PM concentration recorded was 115.6 μg/m3 in the EM. Based on the results of the Monte Carlo, most calculated hazard quotient (HQ) values exceeded acceptable levels (< 1) for staff. The maximum concentrations of bacteria and fungi were 767 and 776 cfu/m3 in the EM during summer. A positive correlation was found between fungal levels and humidity in hospital wards. Additionally, PM concentrations of larger sizes and bacteria increased during visiting hours. Most bioaerosol concentrations were above the standard values recommended by WHO. As a result of this study, continuous monitoring and control of indoor air pollutants in these environments are vital to prevent various diseases in healthcare employees and patients.

Background: Bitter orange is a citrus fruit rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, which provide antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Often, its peel is used in the food industry. This study demonstrated that dried bitter orange peel extract is a reducing agent for the rapid and straightforward synthesis of nano-sized selenium nanoparticles. Objective: This study aimed to develop sustainable technology for synthesizing selenium nanoparticles from the aqueous extract of bitter orange peels, which were used as reducing and capping agents. Results: The results of nanoparticles, which were studied in this experiment using UV-Visible spectroscopy, displayed that surface Plasmon resonance was centered at 289 nm. This experiment also concluded an absorption of 1.098. The FT-IR spectroscopy observed the presence of ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, and a hydroxyl group. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a spherical crystal structure. The highest diffraction intensity was observed at the 100-crystal plane at a 2θ angle of 27.691°. The peak width at this position corresponded to a crystallite size of approximately 18 nm. This concluded that all particles were within the nanoscale range. The scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) results concluded that the nanoparticles were homogeneous in size and, after preparing a selenium solution, the crystal ball diameter ranged between 29.24 and nd 59.14 nm. The treatments coated with composite and straightforward carrageenan films developed a distinctive texture and aroma and maintained their shape, color, and overall acceptability throughout the refrigeration period. Novelty: This study demonstrates that using bitter orange peels may be a natural source of bioactive compounds such as phenols and flavonoids. Furthermore, selenium particle preparation using green, environmentally friendly methods within a natural polymer matrix of carrageenan may offer vigorous antioxidant activity. This produces nano-films, which may serve as innovative/active packaging materials that maintain the quality and safety of functional food products. This enhances the biological value of active ingredients while improving their biological efficiency through the nano system. Recycling fruit waste of bitter orange peels and using renewable natural materials like carrageenan offers additional green technologies without using solvents or harmful compounds. This will propel the development of sustainable goals in clean production and waste reduction. Conclusion: Bitter orange peel extracts act as reducing agents for the rapid and straightforward synthesis of nano-sized selenium nanoparticles. This provides sustainable and economic benefits to produce functional foods. Keywords: bitter orange peel, selenium oxide, carrageenan, green synthesis, particle characterization, Food processing (burger).

Background: Aflatoxins (AFs), especially the B1 subtype, present a significant threat to public health. Chronic exposure to AFB1 has been associated with the development of serious diseases, such as cancer. Therefore, detecting and controlling its presence in food is crucial for preventing long-term health issues. Methods: In the present study, we collected 40 samples of four types of traditional Kermanshahi cookies from a local market at random intervals throughout 2023 (Nanbernji, Kak, Nankhormaii, and Nanroghani). These samples were examined for AFB1 contamination using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The risk of exposure to this toxin was then calculated by utilizing a Food Frequency Questionnaire and various parameters (Estimation Daily Intake, Lifetime Average Daily Dose, Margin of Exposure, excess individual lifetime risk of cancer) were calculated using Crystal Ball software. Statistical analysis was conducted using a completely randomized design with three replications. Results: The concentration of AFB1 in Nanbernji, Kak, Nanroghani, and Nankhormaii (traditional Kermanshah cookies) was 3.12, 2.99, 1.64, and 3.95 µg/kg, respectively. The AFB1 contamination levels in Kermanshah's traditional cookies exceeded the European Union's limit of two ng/g. The Margin of Exposure for all cookie samples in both adult and teenage age groups was higher than 10,000 except for Nanroghani consumption in individuals under 18 years old. Based on health evaluation results, all age groups in Kermanshah were found to be at risk of cancer. Conclusion: Considering the consumption of these traditional sweets by individuals and the risk of cancer in the study population, competent authorities must adopt a supervisory approach and develop a documented national program.

This essay examines the contemporary evolution of tarot practice from divinatory tool to psychological instrument for self-reflection. While traditionally associated with fortune-telling, tarot has gained increasing popularity in modern urban centers like Hong Kong and London as a structured framework for introspection and personal growth. Using psychological theories of projection, archetypal symbolism, and narrative therapy, it argues that tarot’s symbolic language facilitates psychological benefits such as improved self-awareness, emotional clarity, and meaning making. Its social impact is significant; circulars in these settings foster community connections and encourage destigmatizing mental health discussions within diverse cultures. However, challenges remain, such as skepticism among academics and cultural tensions in more traditional Asian communities. In this essay, it is argued that the effectiveness of tarot as a psychological tool warrants future research into its potential therapeutic applications, cross-cultural adaptations, and role in the twentieth century meaning-making practices as societies confront increasingly complex psychological landscapes.

Research on experimental teaching method of David Kolb integrates the effective teaching method of Main University using Monte Carlo simulation model with the help of Oracle Crystall Ball data analysis software to simulate teaching method Experimental learning for the financial market according to output standards helps teachers, training institutions and policy makers have an analytical tool that predicts experimental teaching results, thereby adjusting the teaching method corresponding expectation to build an education and training strategy.

In today’s world, given the industrialization of societies and the water scarcity crisis, the issue of water resource protection has gained attention. Among water pollutants, toxic elements are among the most significant. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of assessing the health risk posed by exposure to toxic elements in the drinking water of Kashan, Iran. In this study, 39 water samples were collected from 13 active water reservoirs. The concentrations of toxic elements including arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) were determined using ICP-MS and compared with national and international standards. Ultimately, human health risk assessment was calculated using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) index, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were evaluated for three age groups—children, teenagers, and adults—using a Monte Carlo simulation-based method with the help of Crystal Ball (Oracle) software. The average concentrations of As, Pb, and Cd in the drinking water reservoirs of Kashan city were 3.94 µg/L, 0.86 µg/L and 0.35 µg/L, respectively. The hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) for all age groups were below the safety limit (HQ < 1). The cumulative excess lifetime carcinogenic risk (ELCR) values for Pb and Cd were below the safety limit; however, for As, the ELCR values in children and teenagers were 1.73 × 10⁻⁴ and 1.59 × 10⁻⁴, respectively, exceeding the permissible limit. This indicates that these two age groups may be at risk in the long term. A sensitivity analysis was conducted and confirmed that there is a potential risk to the health of children. It is recommended that continuous monitoring and risk management be implemented to protect public health, particularly for the age group of children and teenagers. Also, more comprehensive studies in different seasons of the year are recommended.

Background/Objectives: Hip fractures in elderly patients are associated with high morbidity and mortality, requiring early risk stratification to optimize management. Systemic inflammatory markers such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have emerged as potential prognostic tools. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the NLR and PLR measured at admission for adverse outcomes following hip fracture surgery in elderly patients. Methods: This retrospective, single-center cohort study included patients aged 65 years or older admitted for hip fractures between January 2019 and December 2023. Baseline demographic, clinical, surgical, and laboratory data were collected. Primary outcomes were 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year mortality; secondary outcomes included postoperative ICU admission and prolonged hospitalization (>15 days). Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis determined optimal cut-offs for the NLR and PLR. Results: Among 395 included patients (mean age 84 years, 56.4% female), the 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year mortality rates were 4.8%, 10.5%, and 13.9%, respectively. ROC analysis identified cut-offs of 7.2 for the NLR (AUC 0.78, sensitivity 69.7%, specificity 85.4%) and 189.4 for the PLR (AUC 0.73, sensitivity 65.1%, specificity 76.1%). Elevated NLR and PLR were independently associated with increased risk of mortality, ICU admission, and prolonged hospitalization. Conclusions: Elevated NLR and PLR at admission are independent, strong predictors of adverse outcomes in elderly patients with hip fractures. These inexpensive, readily available biomarkers could enhance early risk stratification and inform perioperative management strategies.

Aim: To understand experiences and therapy needs of parents with an infant with unilateral perinatal brain injury and at high risk for unilateral spastic cerebral palsy in the first year. Patients and Methods: Sixteen parents (from 8 children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy, 3 without) diagnosed with unilateral perinatal brain injury participated in semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The overarching theme, “an unexpected journey,” included 4 subthemes: (1) “A roller coaster start”—stressful initial experiences on a neonatal intensive care unit; (2) “Wishing for a crystal ball”—need for information on (future) development; (3) “Reaching for the stars”—value of therapist guidance in supporting infant development; (4) “Growing seeds of confidence”—increased parental confidence in their child's development and their role. Conclusion: Parents have information needs about their child's (future) neurodevelopment. Physical or occupational therapists provide information, monitor motor progress, and guide parents in supporting development and can offer needed reassurance.

The force that is driving this revolution in the accounting domain is Artificial Intelligence (AI). It holds the power to enhance efficiencies, accuracies, and decision-making virtues. The present article ventures to illustrate how AI is bringing changes to the accounting sector. Moreover, it imparts a granular understanding of the vital armaments of AI that includes machine learning, natural language processing, and data analysis. Incorporating AI into accounting can reap several benefits, among them are productivity increases, better precision, cost-savings, and improved ability for analytics. At the same time, the implementation of AI also throws in challenges: examples include technical problems of interfacing, issues concerning ethics, and the demand for new capabilities and education for accountants. Other articles describe cases where AI has been successfully applied in accounting and detail the lessons learned and effects on business. In these, the future of AI in accounting is described through the crystal ball of emerging trends and technologies, and, moreover, whether accountants will tell their clients differently because of AI. It also considers the greater effects of AI on the financial landscape by surfacing the need for new regulatory standards to guarantee that AI is utilized in an ethical and responsible manner. This paper in total tries to paint a comprehensive picture of how AI will cause a transformation in the accounting profession and why professional adaptation is needed.

Background: Electrocardiographic (ECG) screening is crucial in pre-participation evaluations (PPEs) for elite athletes, aiding in the early detection of cardiac adaptations and potential risks. Elite female gymnasts experience unique cardiovascular adaptations due to intensive training, yet limited longitudinal data exist on their ECG evolution. This study introduces Oracle Crystal Ball, a predictive tool for forecasting ECG abnormalities and assessing PPE cost-effectiveness to optimize screening protocols. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed ECG and cardiovascular parameters in twelve elite female gymnasts who underwent up to 14 PPEs over several years at the National Institute of Sports Medicine, Romania. Longitudinal ECG trends, training variables, and biochemical markers were examined using statistical analyses, including logistic regression, repeated measures ANOVA, and time-series forecasting (ARIMA). Monte Carlo simulations assessed the cost-effectiveness of 6-month vs. 12-month PPE schedules. Results: The athletes exhibited significant cardiovascular adaptations, including progressive declines in resting heart rate and training-induced ECG changes. Junctional escape rhythms and T-wave inversions (V1-V3) increased with age, requiring refined ECG interpretation. Predictive modeling demonstrated the feasibility of individualized risk stratification, while a cost-effectiveness analysis revealed that a 12-month PPE schedule was financially advantageous without reducing diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions: Longitudinal ECG monitoring and predictive analytics improve risk assessment in elite gymnasts. Oracle Crystal Ball enhances athlete-specific screening, minimizing unnecessary tests while ensuring early detection of clinically significant ECG changes. A 12-month PPE schedule is a cost-effective alternative for elite athletes.

Can my echo work as a crystal ball? - Echocardiographic parameters predicting residual pulmonary hypertension after pulmonary endarterectomy.