Digital Method Research Articles

Pain and immune function in patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery following stellate ganglion block with total intravenous anesthesia.

Stellate ganglion block is a commonly used sympathetic nerve block technique that restores the balance of the sympathetic and vagal nervous systems of the body and inhibits sympathetic nerve activity. To analyze the effect of a stellate ganglion block combined with total diploma intravenous anesthesia on postoperative pain and immune function in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastric cancer (GC) surgery to provide a reference basis for the formulation of anesthesia protocols for radical GC surgery. This study included 112 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical surgery for GC between January 2022 and March 2024. There was no restriction on sex. The patient grouping method used was a digital random table method, and the number of cases in each group was 56. The control group was administered total intravenous anesthesia, and the observation group compounded the stellate ganglion block according to the total intravenous anesthesia protocol. Postoperative hemodynamics, pain levels, and immune indices were compared between the groups. The heart rate and mean arterial pressure in the observation group after intubation were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Pain levels were compared between the two groups at 2 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after surgery (P > 0.05). The number of CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ cells at the end of surgery was higher in the observation group than in the control group, and the number of CD8+ cells was lower in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of propofol dosage, awakening time, extubation time, or postoperative adverse reactions (P > 0.05). The application of a stellate ganglion block combined with total intravenous anesthesia had no significant effect on postoperative pain levels in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical GC surgery. However, it can safely reduce the effect of surgery on the immune function of patients and is worth applying in clinical practice.

The Evolution of Paperless Education in Medical Universities: Enhancing Efficiency and Health Outcomes

The adoption of paperless education in medical universities has revolutionized various aspects of academic life, offering enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and improved health outcomes. Traditional paper-based systems in medical education have long been associated with inefficiencies and environmental concerns. The advent of digital technologies has provided opportunities to streamline educational processes, reduce waste, and improve accessibility. This mini review examines the transformative impact of paperless education on medical universities, focusing on its benefits in registration, teaching, education, and exams. The shift to online registration systems has simplified the enrollment process for both students and administrators, allowing for seamless registration, payment, and course selection. Online registration also enables real-time tracking of student progress and facilitates communication between students and faculty. In teaching, digital tools such as e-learning platforms and virtual classrooms offer students flexible learning opportunities, promoting active engagement and knowledge retention. Similarly, the adoption of electronic textbooks and digital libraries has significantly reduced the reliance on printed materials in medical education, fostering self-directed learning and research. Furthermore, digital assessment methods such as online quizzes and remote proctoring have streamlined the examination process, offering greater flexibility in scheduling exams and ensuring the integrity of the assessment process. Economically, the transition to paperless education has resulted in cost savings by eliminating the need for printed materials, storage, and distribution. Additionally, digital technologies enable universities to reach a broader audience, potentially increasing enrollment and revenue. Moreover, paperless education offers health benefits by reducing exposure to allergens and pathogens associated with paper-based materials, and promoting social distancing to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases. In conclusion, the adoption of paperless education in medical universities represents a transformative shift, offering numerous benefits including enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and improved health outcomes. As technology continues to evolve, medical universities need to embrace digital innovations to ensure a sustainable and effective learning environment.

Distanced Large Group Simulations as a Learning Method for Interprofessional Collaboration.

Digitalization in healthcare education has shifted simulation learning methods to distanced implementations. Successful transition to distance education requires effective communication and the teacher's good ability to use digital learning methods, as well as students' active interaction and motivation throughout the entire educational process. This study explores participants' experiences of online large group simulations as an approach for learning about interprofessional collaboration. A mixed method design was used in this study. Data from health and social care students and qualified professionals were collected using a questionnaire which contained statements presented on a five-point Likert scale and open-ended questions. The questionnaire was filled online by 100 students and professionals. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, and the open-ended questions were analyzed with inductive content analysis. As a result, the participants were satisfied with the large group simulation intended for learning interprofessional collaboration (mean = 4.42, SD = 0.759). The majority viewed it as a good learning method (95%) that is suitable for interprofessional collaboration learning (90%) and for promoting working together (82%). Digitally activated communication tools promoted interactive discussion and activated joint learning. However, only one activation tool was preferred instead of using two methods simultaneously. In conclusion, distanced large group simulations were evaluated to be a good method for learning interprofessional collaboration. This study was not registered.

A droplet digital PCR method for the detection of scale drop disease virus in yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus).

In this study, a ddPCR method for the detection of scale drop disease virus (SDDV) in yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) was established based on Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR detection methods and principles. The reaction conditions were optimized, and the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and reproducibility were assessed. The results showed that threshold line position was determined to be 1900 by the ddPCR method; the optimum annealing temperature for SDDV detection by the ddPCR method was 60°C; the limit of detection was 1.4-1.7 copies/μL; the results of specific detection of other common viruses, except for SDDV specific amplification, were all negative; and the relative standard deviation (RSD) for the reproducibility validation was 0.77%. The samples of yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) liver, spleen, kidney, heart, intestine, brain, blood, muscle, skin and ascites with three replicates, respectively, were tested using the ddPCR method, and the results were consistent with clinical findings. The ddPCR method established in this study has the advantages of high sensitivity, high specificity, good reproducibility and simple steps for the quantitative detection of SDDV, which could be used for the nucleic acid detection of clinical SDDV samples, and provided a new quantitative method for the diagnosis of yellowfin seabream SDDV in the early stage of pathogenesis.

Design, modeling, and characteristics of ring-shaped robot actuated by functional fluid

The controlled actuation of hydraulic and pneumatic actuators has unveiled fresh and thrilling opportunities for designing mobile robots with adaptable structures. Previously reported rolling robots, which were powered by fluidic systems, often relied on complex principles, cumbersome pump and valve systems, and intricate control strategies, limiting their applicability in other fields. In this investigation, we employed a distinct category of functional fluid identified as Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) fluid, serving as the pivotal element within the ring-shaped actuator. A short stream of functional fluid is placed within a fluidic channel and is then actuated by applying a direct current voltage aiming at shifting the center of mass of the robot and finally pushed the actuator to roll. We designed a ring-shaped fluidic robot, manufactured it using digital machining methods, and evaluated the robot’s characteristics. Furthermore, we developed static and dynamic models to analyze the oscillation and rolling motion of the ring-shaped robots using the Lagrange method. This study is anticipated to contribute to the expansion of current research on EHD flexible actuators, enabling the realization of complex robotic systems.

Adaptive Stakeholder Management in Social Startups

This research examines the implementation and outcomes of stakeholder relationship management (SRM) strategies in social startups, focusing on Indonesia's Social Organization Matchmaking program. Conducting by a qualitative approach, this study explores how the Outreach Campaign team designed and implemented SRM strategies to engage diverse Organizations within a resource-constrained, emerging market context. The findings highlight a multifaceted SRM approach encompassing strategic communication, personalized engagement, value co-creation, and digital interaction. This adaptive strategy significantly enhanced program outcomes, including a higher success rate in matching Organizations with sponsors, increased retention, and overall satisfaction. Key factors contributing to effective SRM were identified, such as fostering trust through transparent communication, cultivating commitment through shared value creation, and balancing digital and traditional engagement methods. Contextual factors, including cultural norms, economic realities, technological infrastructure, and regulatory environment, shaped SRM strategies.

Direct Printing of Disperse Dye Inks to Polyester Fabrics without Chemical Pretreatment.

Direct inkjet digital printing is a relatively green and environmentally friendly textile printing method with a wide range of applications in the textile printing and dyeing industry. However, pretreatment of the fabric is required before digital printing, which will generate certain energy consumption and wastewater. In this study, a digital direct inkjet printing method was developed to improve the printing accuracy of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fabrics without any pretreatment. A kind of direct inkjet printing ink was prepared by the response change in temperature viscosity. The increase in viscosity inhibits ink bleeding on the fabric, thereby improving printing accuracy. A thermosensitive direct inkjet printing disperse dye ink was prepared by adding cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and 3-methylsalicylic acid (3MS) to the ink. By evaluating the changes in the ink particle size, shear viscosity, and temperature viscosity, it was found that this thermosensitive ink has an excellent average particle size and special changes in viscosity with increasing temperature. When this heat-sensitive ink is printed on a polyester fabric, the fabric does not need pretreatment to improve the clarity of printing, and the printed fabric has satisfactory color fastness to friction and washing.

Innovative 3D Navigation Module for Precise Unilateral Pedicle Screw Combined with Contralateral Translaminar Facet Screw Placement in Lumbar Spine Surgery.

The incidence of degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine has increased in recent years. Unilateral pedicle screw combined with contralateral translaminar facet screw fixation offers the advantages of less trauma, better stability, and fewer complications. However, the surgical difficulty and suboptimal pinning accuracy of translaminar facet screw placement in clinical practice limit its use. Therefore, in this study, we designed a novel suspended 3D-printed navigation module to facilitate fast and accurate intraoperative screw placement. The aim of this study is to investigate the digital design, precise implementation, and evaluation methods for placing unilateral pedicle screws in the lumbar spine combined with translaminar facet screw placement using a new suspended 3D navigation module. This retrospective study included 46 patients with single-level lumbar lesions who underwent spine surgery at the Affiliated Hospital of Putian University between June 2022 and December 2023. The suspended navigation module was designed digitally. Preoperative screw placement was simulated using 3D printed models, followed by an intraoperative accurate screw placement facilitated by the navigation module and a postoperative evaluation of the accuracy of screw placement. The absolute difference in three-dimensional coordinates of the inlet and outlet points of the preoperative design and the postoperative screw-nail channel served as the precision index. In a study involving 46 patients, surgery was successful with 92 pedicle screws and 46 translaminar facet screws placed without any penetration of the cortex. The difference in coordinates before and after screw insertion was minimal, with entry points varying between 1.21 to 1.36 mm and exit points between 1.97 to 2.46 mm. When screw accuracy met certain thresholds, there was no significant difference between preoperative design and postoperative coordinates, indicating precise replication of the surgical plan. The new suspended 3D navigation module enables the precise placement of unilateral pedicle screws in the lumbar spine combined with translaminar pedicle screws for precise surgery.

A Fresh Revisit of the Issues and Improvements in Impulse Invariance Filter Design for Infinite Impulse Response Filters

The objective of this paper is to first present some issues with impulse invariance filter (IIF) design during the design of digital infinite impulse response (IIR) filters. Engineers are often confused about some inconsistent observations. For instance, if the impulse response of a digital filter is designed using the impulse invariance procedure, then the analog and digital filters’ frequency and step responses are very different. Two simple remedies are presented in this paper. One is a post-processing approach that scales the frequency and step responses of the digital filter by the sampling interval T. Another one is a pre-processing approach that scales the impulse response of the analog filter by T. However, even after these remedies, there is still a steady state bias in the step response of the digital filter for certain cases where there is discontinuity in the analog impulse response. A recommendation is to include a correction term in the digital filter. After that, the steady state bias in the digital filter is then suppressed. Moreover, the MATLAB R2021a command “impinvar” needs to also include a correction term so that the frequency and step responses can be more accurate in the digital filter. Two comparative studies were carried out to compare the improved IIF filter with three competing digital IIR filter design methods. Although the above issues and improvements have been proposed by researchers in the past, many researchers, engineers, and students are still not aware of them. This paper provides a fresh revisit of these issues and improvements by using figures, equations, and examples. Proper credits are also given to those researchers who first pointed out those issues and improvements. It is hoped that through an open access journal, future rediscovery of issues and improvements in IIF can be prevented.

Living Journals: introducing a new digital participatory approach to study young children’s digital media practices

ABSTRACT Researching daily activities of young children poses methodological challenges that necessitate diverse approaches for effective inquiry. This method article introduces a new digital participatory research method – Living Journals – to study young children's everyday digital media practices at home in Azerbaijan. Employing this method, mothers actively produced multimodal data in situ, responding to prompts sent by the researcher, which were subsequently turned into journals in print and digital formats. Utilising these journals, participant families were encouraged to provide commentary on their respective journals and those of other participating children. This method has a significant capacity to yield metatextual, multivocal, multimodal, and multifunctional data, thereby enhancing the richness of the dataset and facilitating nuanced interpretations. Delving into the intricacies of the method and its advantages, the article elaborates on its procedures, significance, and limitations. The method emerges as a valuable approach, offering a participatory and contextually sensitive means for remotely generating data, allowing researchers to develop textually and visually rich datasets.

A novel digital twin method based on diffusion models for imbalanced fault diagnosis of rotating machinery

A novel digital twin method based on diffusion models for imbalanced fault diagnosis of rotating machinery

Estimation of isoniazid by digital image colorimetry: an integration of green chemistry and smartphone technology

BackgroundThis study proposes a simple digital image colorimetric method using a smartphone for the quantitative analysis of isoniazid in pharmaceutical medications. The analytical methodology employed in this study involved the utilization of the reaction between isoniazid and FC reagent under alkaline conditions. The chemical reaction led to the creation of a complex with a blue-gray color, exhibiting a peak absorption at a wavelength of 760 nm. An Android application was employed to perform a smartphone-based determination based on separating the captured color into different color channels such as red, blue, green, etc. The experimental procedure involved the utilization of three smartphones for the determination, which was subsequently followed by a comparative analysis of the results obtained from these devices using spectrophotometric measurements.ResultsThe B channel had the highest level of optimization in terms of analytical parameters. The limits of detection (LOD) were 0.586, 2.478, and 1.396 µg/ml for S1, S2, and S3, respectively, and for the spectrophotometer, it was found to be 0.416 µg/ml. Similarly, LOQs were determined as 1.673, 7.511, 4.232, and 1.302 µg/ml. A %RSD of 1.3 for precision and an LOD of 0.013 g dm−3 were obtained for the spectroscopic method. The % recovery in the accuracy study was found to be 99.69, 101.804, 109.28, and 100.13 for S1, S2, S3, and spectrophotometer, respectively.ConclusionThe colorimetric results from smartphone application are similar to those from spectrophotometric analyses.

Effect of electrolyte level on performance and mass transfer of non-aqueous lithium-oxygen battery

To accurately reveal the effect of electrolyte content on mass transfer within lithium-oxygen batteries and their discharge performance, this study utilizes computed tomography(CT) scanning technology and digital reconstruction methods to construct a geometric model of the lithium-oxygen battery cathode that is equivalent to the actual one. Based on the fundamental principles of mass transfer, fluid dynamics, and electrochemistry, a two-dimensional model for the discharge process of lithium-oxygen batteries is established. This model facilitates analysis of various parameters and their influencing factors, including the distribution of reaction products, pore structure, oxygen concentration distribution, battery performance, and overpotential, within the lithium-oxygen battery cathode. The research findings indicate that the deposition of reaction products alters the cathode structure and material transport; lower discharge current density and higher electrolyte levels are conducive to the dispersed deposition of reaction products, thereby reducing the deposition's resistance to internal mass transfer in the cathode.

Digital methods for diagnosing dental occlusion disorders

Relevance. Occlusal disorders are not only predictors of oral diseases but are also associated with systemic conditions such as endocrine, cardiovascular, and cognitive disorders, highlighting their broader significance in medicine. The digitization of diagnostic processes and the integration of computer technologies into traditional methods offer promising advancements in assessing occlusal status. This makes the analysis of digital methods for diagnosing occlusal relationship disorders particularly relevant.Purpose. To evaluate digital methods and devices used for diagnosing occlusal relationship disorders.Material and methods. A systematic review was conducted, analyzing 40 scientific publications from 2016 to 2024 that focus on digital methods for diagnosing occlusal imbalance. The study assessed electronic devices that measure occlusal force by converting mechanical force into electrical signals using various sensors. These digital methods are employed to evaluate the functional state of the masticatory system, including the detection of temporomandibular joint disorders, mandibular fractures, and occlusal deformities, as well as to monitor occlusal force dynamics during treatment. Recent advancements in portable electronic sensors suggest potential applications for their integration with control chips into dental prostheses or occlusal stabilization splints, allowing real-time monitoring of tooth compression forces, potentially enhanced by artificial intelligence.Results. The development of new diagnostic methods and devices equipped with highly sensitive sensors for measuring masticatory pressure opens new avenues for identifying clinical parameters that were previously difficult to analyze. Recent advances in hardware technology, particularly those utilizing neural network analysis, have the potential to expedite accurate diagnosis and predict the risk of complications.Conclusion. Both in Russia and internationally, significant progress is being made in the development of digital methods for diagnosing occlusal imbalance. These methods are poised to become a priority in the future of dental practice. However, the adoption of digital occlusal methods into routine dental practice is currently hindered by challenges related to the availability of digital equipment in clinics and the insufficient digital skills of many dentists. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving the quality of dental care for patients with occlusal disorders.

Gly2Mdc v.2.0

In order to advance digital methods in Egyptology, machine-readable hieroglyphic texts are needed. While machine-readable cuneiform texts have been extensively employed in Assyriological studies, the intricate nature of hieroglyphic script poses challenges in creating accessible corpora. Specific hieroglyphic text editors are used to produce pictures of the texts with signs placed correctly above and next to each other in kind of boxes. The pictures are used in publications, but the machine-readable project files are generally discarded. In this paper, I introduce Gly2Mdc v.2.0, a tool designed to transform the .gly files containing encoded hieroglyphic texts into a more human-readable format. The tool extracts and cleans the encoding and offers users options for saving the text in different formats. The aim is to give the users of hieroglyphic text editors a chance to publish the text also in machine-readable format and increase the amount of text available for building digital methods. Challenges faced in developing this tool are discussed, including the impossibility of achieving a faithful rendition of the original text in machine-readable form and the challenges of converting encoding to Unicode.

Determination of ammonium and nitrate in soils by digital colorimetry.

A method of digital colorimetric determination of ammonium and nitrate in soils is proposed. The method is based on corresponding photometric procedures of ammonium and nitrate determination after potassium chloride extraction from soil samples. Ammonium is determined as an indophenol dye, and nitrate is determined as an azo dye. The original procedures were modified to overcome the lower sensitivity of the digital colorimetric method. For ammonium determination, the time required for the reaction to proceed completely was studied. Along with the use of a 96-well microplate protected from ambient light by a special frame, mathematical correction of scattered radiation using black ink and taking the images by a scanner in transmission mode without any post-processing, the resulting colorimetric methods proved to provide accuracy and sensitivity close to those of the spectrophotometric method, and the overall analysis speed for tens of samples was even higher. Limits of detection and quantitation for NO3- were 0.42 and 1.4mg/kg, and for NH4+, they were 1.1 and 3.7mg/kg, which is lower than for standard methods. The methods' validity was proven by the analysis of standard samples and by the analysis of soil samples collected in several districts of the Moscow region.

The Effectiveness of Online vs. Traditional STEM Education Methods for Preschool Children Aged 5-6 years in China

This study explores the effectiveness of online vs. traditional STEM education methods for preschool children aged 5-6 years in China. Through qualitative interviews with educators, this study compares how these methods affect children's engagement and learning outcomes. The findings suggest that traditional hands-on approaches are more effective in engaging younger learners due to the importance of sensory and social experiences in early cognitive development. While online platforms offer personalized learning, they often struggle to maintain long-term engagement. The study highlights the need for a hybrid approach that combines the strengths of traditional and digital methods to optimize STEM education. In addition, the study explores the challenges of the digital divide and the importance of equitable access to technology. These insights provide practical recommendations for improving early STEM education practices and guiding future policy decisions.

Fracture behavior of 3D-printed thermoplastics—A dilemma of fracture toughness versus fracture energy

The Material Extrusion (ME) technique in 3D printing facilitates the production of thermoplastic materials with diverse cellular or lattice-like infill geometries, enabling the creation of lightweight, high-performance materials. This study investigates the influence of infill geometry and relative density on the fracture behavior of 3D-printed thermoplastics produced through ME. Polylactic acid (PLA) is used as the model material, with unit cell geometries-square, triangle, and Kagome-and relative densities ranging from 0.4 to 0.8 explored. Tensile tests are first conducted to determine in-plane elastic moduli in two orthogonal directions, accounting for unit cell anisotropy. These results are employed in effective fracture energy calculations. Compact tension fracture tests follow, quantitatively characterize crack growth characteristics in both directions. In both tests, digital image correlation method is used to measure full field strain distributions. Three significant findings emerge. First, there is a power scaling relationship between Elastic Modulus and relative density across all unit cells, with Kagome exhibiting the highest correlation constant. Triangle and Kagome unit cells show negligible orthotropic responses in perpendicular directions for varying relative densities. Second, the relationship between nondimensional fracture toughness and relative density follows a similar scaling law, with minor variations depending on unit cell type. The correlation factor slightly dependens on unit cell geometry but remains around 3 across the the examined relative density range. Third, considering the dissipation of inelastic fracture energy, both triangle and Kagome unit cell geometries demonstrate an order of magnitude higher effective fracture energy (i.e., crack growth resistance) compared to the square unit cell. This is associated with toughening mechanisms such as crack deflection and bifurcation. These findings highlight the disparity between fracture toughness and effective fracture energy in assessing the fracture resistance of 3D-printed thermoplastics, clearly demonstrating that fracture toughness alone is insufficient for a comprehensive assessment. The proposed scaling laws provide predictive insights into the fracture toughness of polymeric materials produced via the ME method.

Fostering Inclusive and Effective Education: Insights from Bangladesh

The inaugural issue of the 50th volume of Teacher's World: Journal of Education and Research features a collection of eight scholarly articles that explore the challenges and opportunities within Bangladesh's education sector. These articles address various facets of education, such as the struggles of marginalized communities, digital learning, and pedagogical advancements. The thematic synthesis of these articles offers significant insights into the diverse dimensions of education, encompassing issues from the obstacles faced by marginalized groups to the impacts of digital learning and innovative teaching methods. Bangladesh confronts numerous challenges in promoting inclusive and practical education due to its diverse socio-economic landscape. Economic inequalities, gender disparities, infrastructure deficiencies, and technological gaps impede students' access to quality education. The analysis of the selected articles highlights that government initiatives aimed at equitable resource allocation and inclusive education can bridge existing gaps. Strengthening community engagement can address local educational needs, ensuring accessibility and tailored support. Additionally, innovative teaching methods, such as the flipped classroom model and experiential learning, can enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. The role of public-private partnerships in mobilizing resources, expertise, and technology is crucial for improving educational infrastructure and quality. Collaborations between the government, private sector, and NGOs can create comprehensive solutions to educational challenges. Addressing these challenges and leveraging opportunities requires a multifaceted approach involving policy reform, community engagement, innovative teaching methods, and strategic partnerships. By fostering inclusive and practical education, Bangladesh can pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for its students. Furthermore, participation in global educational initiatives and networks can introduce new perspectives, resources, and best practices, enriching the local education system and fostering continuous improvement. Teacher’s World: Journal of Education and Res arch, 50(1): 1-5

Assessment of the Relationship Between Anterior Teeth Colour and Skin Colour by assessing different measurement tools in Adult Patients: A Systematic Review

Background: Previous research conducted since 1968 have extensively examined the correlation between tooth color and skin color. The purpose of these studies was to determine whether skin color could effectively influence dentists in choosing tooth color. The objective of this systematic review is to examine the methodologies employed in assessing the relationship between tooth and skin color, and to identify the most precise and dependable approaches for modeling and evaluating this relationship. The systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42022356022). This systematic review was done on four databases using PRISMA 2009 search strategy, and selected studies were chosen according to PICO model. JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist was used for quality assessment. Out of 1611 articles that were found in the databases, 10 articles matched the criteria and were selected for this systematic review study. Three main methods were found in the 10 studies: conventional methods, digital methods, conventional-digital (mixed) methods. Digital methods were found to be the more reliable methods for color evaluation. Specific settings should be applied during digital color measuring methods. Conventional and digital assessment methods showed either a negative or a positive significant association between the color of teeth and skin. However, the combined method (digital for tooth and visual for skin) did not show any such relation. It is imperative to conduct and apply research in Artificial Intelligence to forecast tooth color based on knowledge of skin color.