Effective Technique Research Articles

(144) The Use of Virtual Reality Systematic Desensitization for the Treatment of Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction: A Pilot Study

Abstract Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a sexual dysfunction that affects the sexual health of millions of men around the world. In recent years, the evidence indicates an increase in cases of ED among individuals under 40 years old. In most cases, the etiology is of psychogenic origin. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been proven effective and remains one of the most widely used treatments for ED in these cases although controlled studies are lacking. One of the most effective CBT techniques is a set of activities performed by a couple, known as systematic desensitization (SD). SD involves gradually exposing the patient to feared intimacy-related activities with their partner. However, many patients do not have a stable partner or do not want their partner to participate in the treatment. Technological advances are helping to create virtual SD programs which are able to reproduce the sights, sounds, and other sensations of the feared situation. Objective Our goal is to determine the potential usefulness of a new virtual reality-based SD program for the treatment of psychogenic ED (pED). Methods Six sexually active men diagnosed with pED based on criteria for Erectile Disorder from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) completed virtual SD over 8 weeks. The program consisted of one educational session and five different virtual reality audio exercises which were completed at home using a masturbation aid device called Myhixel ED01, that is connected to a smartphone. The five-item Spanish version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire was used to assess symptoms before and after the treatment and the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) questionnaire was used for evaluating satisfaction with treatment. Results Patients enrolled had a mean age of 34.83 years (range 27–39) and experienced an improvement in erectile function, mean IIEF-5 score pretreatment was 11(range 9–13) mean posttreatment IIEF score was 18 (range 14–21). The mean EDITS index score at the end of the treatment was 64.70 (range 59–70.25). No adverse effects were reported during the treatment. Conclusions This case series suggests that the use of a virtual reality-based SD could be a potentially effective and safe therapeutic option for men with pED. This new treatment would facilitate greater access of men with pED to one of the most commonly used strategies of sexual therapy, as it would no longer require the participation of a partner. Studies with adequate sample sizes, control groups, randomization, and follow-up are needed to determine the effectiveness of this new treatment. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: NEW WELLNESS CONCEPT SL.

Deep Multi-Instance Conv-Transformer Frameworks for Landmark-Based Brain MRI Classification

For brain diseases, e.g., autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with unclear biological characteristics, the detection of imaging-based biomarkers is a critical task for diagnosis. Several landmark-based categorization approaches have been developed for the computer-aided diagnosis of brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), utilizing structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI). With the automatic detection of the landmarks of brain disease, more detailed brain features were identified for clinical diagnosis. Multi-instance learning is an effective technique for classifying brain diseases based on landmarks. The multiple-instance learning approach relies on the assumption of independent distribution hypotheses and is mostly focused on local information, thus the correlation among different brain regions may be ignored. However, according to previous research on ASD and AD, the abnormal development of different brain regions is highly correlated. Vision Transformers, with self-attention modules to capture the relationship between embedded patches from a whole image, have recently demonstrated superior performances in many computer vision tasks. Nevertheless, the utilization of 3D brain MRIs imposes a substantial computational load, especially while training with Vision Transformer. To address the challenges mentioned above, in this research, we proposed a landmark-based multi-instance Conv-Transformer (LD-MILCT) framework as a solution to the aforementioned issues in brain disease diagnosis. In this network, a two-stage multi-instance learning strategy was proposed to explore both spatial and morphological information between different brain regions; the Vision Transformer utilizes a multi-instance learning head (MIL head) to fully utilize the features that are not involved in the ultimate classification. We assessed our proposed framework using T1-weighted MRI images from both AD and ASD databases. Our method outperformed existing deep learning and landmark-based methods in terms of brain MRI classification tasks.

Feasibility and Efficacy of Gastric Underwater Endoscopic Mucosal Resection.

Gastric cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, necessitates effective and early detection and treatment strategies. Endoscopic resection techniques, particularly endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), have evolved significantly, enhancing the treatment of gastric neoplasms. Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) is a widely used technique for the resection of duodenal and colorectal neoplasms. However, the feasibility and efficacy of UEMR in the stomach are not well established. This retrospective observational study, conducted at a tertiary medical center, evaluated the efficacy and safety of UEMR in 81 patients with gastric neoplasms. Thus, it indicates that UEMR is a highly effective and safe technique for managing small to medium-sized gastric neoplasms, achieving 100% en bloc and 93.8% R0 resection rates with a low incidence of complications. Moreover, the procedure time was found to be significantly shorter for UEMR compared to ESD, thus highlighting its efficiency. While UEMR demonstrates high safety and efficacy, it is not suitable for all patients, with some requiring conversion to ESD as a treatment option. Despite the promising results, broader validation through extensive and randomized trials is recommended to establish UEMR as a standard approach in gastric cancer management.

Utilizing fungal biodegradation for valorisation of lignocellulosic waste biomass and its diverse applications

AbstractMyco degradation is an effective technique for breaking down waste plant substances made of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, which are collectively known as lignocellulose. This abundant organic material is found throughout the world. Due to its recalcitrant nature, lignocellulose poses a challenge for efficient conversion into biofuels, biochemicals, and other valuable products. Myco degradation, which involves the use of fungi to degrade lignocellulosic materials, offers a sustainable and cost‐efficient resolution to this challenge. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms and applications of myco degradation for lignocellulosic biomass degradation. The review discusses the various types of fungi involved in lignocellulose degradation, their enzymatic systems, and the factors that influences their performance. Furthermore, the potential applications of myco degradation products, such as biofuels, enzymes, and bioplastics, are reviewed. It also highlights the implications of myco degradation for waste management and sustainable development. Overall, myco degradation represents a promising technology for the efficient deprivation of lignocellulosic waste biomass, and further research in this field holds great potential for the sustainable creation of bio‐based products.

“Forgotten” Encrusted Ureteral Stents, Combined Endourological Approach

Introduction: Ureteral stents have been widely used for drainage of the upper urinary tract during both emergency and elective surgical procedures since 1967. The main pathology in which these stents are used is urolithiasis.Objective: To present our experience with the surgical treatment of patients with “forgotten” encrusted ureteral stents using a combined endourological approach.Materials and methods: Patients with encrusted ureteral stents who underwent endourological procedures from 2016 to 2022 were prospectively evaluated. They were grouped based on the degree of stent encrustation according to the FECal classification. The duration of stent placement, number and types of surgical procedures, number of procedures before complete removal of the stent and concrements, surgery duration, hospital stay, complications, concrement analysis, and frequency of complete concrement removal per surgery were compared between the groups. The combined endourological procedure was performed with the patient placed in the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia position. This position allows simultaneous antegrade and retrograde endourological access.Results: The study included 46 patients grouped according to the FECal classification. In 38 patients, stents were successfully removed in a single procedure. The mean operative time, concrement-free status, and complication rate were 90.2 ± 19.8 minutes, 78.3%, and 32.6%, respectively. Total encrustation volume was higher for grades IV and V (5.6 ± 1.8 and 7.6 ± 2 cm3) compared with all the other grades. Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy and cystolithotripsy were the most common procedures in grades IV and V. Lithotripsy was commonly used for ureteral stent encrustation, especially in the groups with grades I and III. The operative time was longer in groups IV-V compared with groups I and II because percutaneous nephrolithotripsy was more frequent in these cases. Retrograde intrarenal surgery was performed in 88% of the cases with the combined approach to check whether concrements were present in the renal calyces and pelvis. In 5 cases, a flexible ureterorenoscope was advanced antegradely through a percutaneous access to disintegrate the encrustation of the proximal part of the stent’s ureteral section. Complications occurred in 32.6% of the patients. Most complications (26%) were minor: fever, pain, or gross hematuria. One case required segmental renal artery embolization for bleeding, and antibiotic therapy associated with an attack of pyelonephritis was adjusted in 2 cases.Conclusions: The endoscopic combined approach in the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia position is a safe and effective technique that allows removal of “forgotten” encrusted stents, in most cases, in a single procedure. The FECal classification seems to be useful for surgical planning and prognosis.

Cultivating active engagement in pair work through peer modelling

AbstractThe present study reports on how peer modelling with collaborative ground rules may contribute to the pair dynamics of one intermediate‐level English L2 learner when interacting with peers of the same as well as higher proficiency levels. The study was one‐semester long (i.e., nine sessions) and our pair talk data were collected from an intact class where pair members were involved in performing narrative tasks. In this study, we focused on how one intermediate (i.e., core) learner as listener interacted in core‐intermediate and core‐advanced pairs in the opening talk of narrative tasks across sessions. Each session, adult Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) students narrated their short stories to three different interlocutors and also listened to three short stories of their classmates while recording their voices. On the fifth session, students viewed a staged peer modelling demonstration with built‐in collaborative ground rules. The peer modelling was intended to demonstrate to the learners how best to perform the task to their mutual benefit. We transcribed pair talk data from the focused pairs and analysed them for instances of changes in pair dynamics and quantity of collaborative features based on Storch's framework. The results indicated that both core‐intermediate and core‐advanced pairs demonstrated more collaborative pair dynamics after the peer modelling session; the core‐advanced pairs made greater improvement in terms of instances and number of collaborative features. Trends in our data support peer modelling as one effective pedagogical technique to raise learners’ awareness and to assist them in creating quality learning opportunities in their pair interaction. Our findings are discussed in terms of its implications for the integration of peer modelling in pair work tasks in language learning settings.

High-Entropy Strategy for Improved Mechanical and Energy Storage Properties in BaTiO3-BiFeO3-Based Ceramics.

Dielectric capacitors are employed extensively due to their exceptional performance, including a rapid charge-discharge speed and superior power density. However, their practical implementation is hindered by constraints in energy-storage density (ESD), efficiency (ESE), and thermal stability. To achieve domain engineering and improved relaxor behavior in 0.67BiFeO3-0.33BaTiO3-based Pb-free ceramics, the concerns have been addressed here by employing a synergistic high-entropy strategy involving the design of the composition of Sr(Mg1/6Zn1/6Ta1/3Nb1/3)O3 with B-site multielement coexistence and high configuration entropy. Remarkably, in (0.67-x)BiFeO3-0.33BaTiO3-xSr(Mg1/6Zn1/6Ta1/3Nb1/3)O3 ceramics with x = 0.08, a good ESE (η) of 75% and a recoverable ESD (Wrec) of 2.4 J/cm3 at 190 kV/cm were attained together with an ultrahigh hardness of ∼7.2 GPa. The high-entropy strategy, which is tailored by an increase in configuration entropy, can be attributed to the superior mechanical and ES properties. It also explains the enhanced random field and relaxation behavior, the structural coexistence of ferroelectric rhombohedral (R3c) and nonpolar pseudocubic (Pm-3m) symmetries, the decreased domain size, and evenly distributed polar nanoregions (PNRs). Moreover, improved thermal stability and outstanding frequency stability are also obtained. By boosting the configuration entropy, BiFeO3-BaTiO3 materials dramatically improved their complete energy storage performance. This suggests that designing high-performance dielectrics with high entropy can be a convenient yet effective technique, leading to the development of advanced capacitors.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy: a two-center retrospective study of practice and adverse events.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is the preferred technique for the treatment of esophageal motility disorders and is less invasive than surgery. This study was performed to compare two university centers in the practice of POEM, in terms of efficacy and adverse events, for the treatment of esophageal motility disorder. Retrospective comparative study of patients undergoing a POEM between September 2020 and December 2022 from the University Hospital of Liège (Belgium) and Besançon (France). The clinical success was defined by an Eckardt score ≤ 3 after the procedure. Fifty-five patients were included. In both centers, 87,3% of the patients had achalasia (mostly type II), and 12,7% had another esophageal motility disorder. The use of antibiotic prophylaxis was systematic in Liège center but not in Besançon center (100% and 9.1% respectively). The mean value of the post-operative Eckardt score was 1.55± 2.48 in both center with 93.2% of patients with a score ≤ 3 (92% in Besançon and 94.74% in Liège). The rate of adverse event was generally low. There were two minor adverse events more frequent in Liège, clinical capnomediastinum and pain at day one, but they were managed with conservative treatment. Only 7.3% of the total patients had an infectious phenomenon that did not correlate with the use of antibiotic prophylaxis. The post-operative Eckardt score and the adverse event rate were comparable between the university centers. This study confirmed that POEM is a safe and effective technique. It also showed that using an antibiotic prophylaxis does not influence the development of infectious adverse events.

Effects of traditional Chinese medicine-assisted intervention on improving postpartum lactation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ImportanceBreast milk is the safest food for infants and has many psychological and physical benefits for infants and mothers. However, problems encountered during the breastfeeding process can reduce postpartum women’s willingness to breastfeed. Lactation and engorgement may be improved through Traditional Chinese Medicine auxiliary therapy. However, the overall efficacy of various Traditional Chinese Medicine auxiliary therapies and the relevant meridians and acupuncture points for treating breast milk deficiency remain unclear. ObjectiveTo investigate Traditional Chinese Medicine auxiliary therapy’s effectiveness and acupoints for postpartum women who experience problems during the breastfeeding process. MethodsData were sourced from Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane, CNKI, PubMed, and the Airiti Library Central Register of Controlled Trials and Clinical Trials from the database inception to October 2022. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Main outcome measuresThe primary outcomes were overall efficiency, prolactin level, milk volume, and breast engorgement in postpartum women with lactation deficiency after-assisted therapies and the correlation between meridian points and milk secretion. ResultsA total of 1,516 studies were initially identified, and 357 articles were assessed. In the final analysis, 20 studies were included, covering various Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies (acupuncture, acupressure, scrapping, moxibustion cupping, etc.) to stimulate relative acupoints without any acupoint stimulation. The overall efficiency (odds ratio [OR] = 14.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.49 to 30.92), prolactin level (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.074 to 0.64), improvement of milk volume (SMD = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.59 to 1.29), reduction of engorgement level (OR= 18, 95% CI = 8.34 to 38.82) demonstrated that Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies can effectively improve lactation and breast fullness, thereby helping patients with breast milk deficiency. The most common acupuncture points used to treat agalactia were classified as the Stomach Meridian, Small Intestine Meridian, and Conception Vessel, with the common acupoints CV17: Danzhong, ST18: Rugen, SI1: Shaoze, ST36: Zusanli, and ST16: Yingchuang. ConclusionAdjuvant Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy can improve lactation and breast engorgement, thereby increasing the willingness to breastfeed. Clinical Finding: 1. The best time for Traditional Chinese Medicine acupoint intervention for breast deficiency treatment is within 24 h 2. The most effective acupuncture points for improving milk deficiency and bloating pain are ST18: Rugen, ST16: Yingchuang, ST36: Zusanli, SI1: Shaoze, CV17: Danzhong. 3. Traditional Chinese Medicine is non-invasive and effective techniques such as scraping, cupping, acupressure and ear peas. 4. Traditional Chinese Medicine can be combined with other different acupuncture points according to the different constitutions of post-partum women. Breast acupressure, ear acupuncture, scrapping, cupping, and moxibustion are noninvasive treatments that can effectively help patients during lactation, and their clinical practice should be considered and widely promoted.

Extensive Posteromedial Soft Tissue Release for Skeletally Mature Patients With Rigid Pes Cavus Deformity

Introduction: Adult-onset cavovarus foot deformity is a highly disabling condition that can seriously interfere with daily activities. Charcot-Marie-Tooth is the most common etiology associated with cavus foot. Patients and Methods: We reviewed 30 feet in skeletally mature patients with rigid cavovarus deformities who were treated with extensive posteromedial soft tissue release without performing osteotomies or internal fixation. Clinical evaluation was done using the Foot Function Index for the pain, disability, and limitation of movement. The radiologic assessment was done by measurement of the lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, the lateral calcaneal-first metatarsal angle, and the lateral tibio-calcaneal angle in standing lateral foot radiographs. All patients were followed up for a mean of 36 months postoperatively. Results: Throughout the course of the study, the Foot Function Index for pain, disability, and limitation improved from an average of 51.46 points, 47.06 points, and 22.6 points preoperatively to postoperative averages of 23.65 points, 21.88 points, and 10.2 points, respectively. Radiologically, the talo-first metatarsal angle, the calcaneo-first metatarsal angle, and the tibio-calcaneal angles had preoperative values of 28.9 degrees, 132.4 degrees, and 62.35 degrees which improved postoperatively to 7.55 degrees, 117.65 degrees and 50.35 degrees, respectively. Conclusion: The outcomes of this study shed light on the use of pure soft tissue release without associated osteotomies as a simple, safe, and effective technique in treating rigid cavovarus deformities in skeletally mature patients. This could carry some advantages regarding preserving foot function as it preserves the integrity of foot joints. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Keloid Intralesional Excision Reduces Recurrence: A Meta-analytic Study of the Available Literature on 608 Keloids.

The objective of this meta-analysis was to examine the effectiveness of keloid intralesional excision (KILE) in preventing recurrence. Treatment of keloids using surgical excision alone leads to high rates of recurrence. To date, there are no widely accepted guidelines for keloid treatment, and a multitude of adjunctive therapies are used to reduce recurrence. Despite these efforts, recurrence remains high. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of the existing literature on KILE to determine its role in recurrence reduction. A literature review using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was performed. Two authors independently evaluated studies for eligibility. Incidence of keloid recurrence was recorded, and a comprehensive meta-analysis was performed to assess the pooled keloid recurrence rate, as well as the effect of additional therapies. Twenty-two studies evaluating intralesional excision of 608 keloids were included in the study. Average time to follow-up was 19.2 months (range 6-35 months). A meta-analysis of proportions was conducted, demonstrating a pooled recurrence rate of 13% (95% confidence interval, 9%-16%). There was no evidence that using therapies in addition to KILE had a significant effect on the overall pooled recurrence rate. A meta-analysis of 608 keloids shows that KILE is an effective technique in preventing keloid recurrence, with a pooled recurrence rate of 13% compared with previously reported rates of 45%-100% after complete excision. Although there are no standard guidelines for keloid treatment, our meta-analysis shows that KILE is promising in recurrence reduction.

The Nanotech Potential of Curcumin in Pharmaceuticals: An Overview.

It is safe to use Curcumin as a cosmetic and therapeutic ingredient in pharmaceutical products. For the uses mentioned above and for fundamental research, it is essential to obtain pure Curcumin from plant sources. There is a requirement for effective extraction and purification techniques that adhere to green chemistry standards for efficiency improvement, process safety, and environmental friendliness. Several outstanding studies have looked into the extraction and purification of Curcumin. This review thoroughly covers the currently available curcumin extraction, synthesis, and transformation techniques. Additionally, Curcumin's poor solubility and low absorption in the human body have limited its potential for pharmaceutical use. However, recent developments in novel curcumin formulations utilizing nanotechnology delivery methods have provided new approaches to transport and maximize the human body's curcumin absorption efficiency. In this review, we explore the various curcumin nanoformulations and the potential medicinal uses of nano curcumin. Additionally, we review the necessary future research directions to recommend Curcumin as an excellent therapeutic candidate.

A 10‐bit 13.3 µW single‐slope analog‐to‐digital converter with auto‐zero power‐down technique

AbstractThis letter presents a low‐power single‐slope analog‐to‐digital converter (ADC) for column‐parallel architectures. A simple and effective design technique is proposed to solve the input‐dependent power consumption problem of the conventional single‐slope ADCs. A decision‐feedback loop is implemented in the second stage of the comparator. Based on the negative‐feedback path, which is activated after the signal decision of the comparator, the input‐dependent dynamic current path in the amplifier is disabled. Furthermore, an additional low‐power design technique is proposed to save the power consumption of the ADC by optimizing the offset cancelling auto‐zero period. With the combination of the proposed techniques, the power consumption of the single‐slope ADC can be effectively saved while suppressing the dynamic current.

Safety and efficacy of pelvic arterial embolization for primary postpartum hemorrhage in hemodynamically stable and hemodynamically unstable patients: Is it “time” for a paradigm change?

BackgroundPelvic artery embolization (PAE) is an effective and safe technique for treating postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) with hemodynamic stability. However, its use in hemodynamically unstable patients remains controversial. PurposeTo determine the safety and efficacy of pelvic arterial embolization (PAE) according to the hemodynamic state of primary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) patients. MethodsThis cohort study was conducted retrospectively, using data from January 2004 to December 2021, in a resource-rich setting at a tertiary Level 1 trauma academic center. A total of 437 patients were diagnosed with PPH during the study period. Of these 437 patients, 161 with primary PPH who underwent PAE were enrolled in the study. The outcomes assessed included the clinical success rate, mortality, the overall success rate, predictive factors for failed PAE, and time-dependent changes in hemodynamic parameters, such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), and shock index (SI). Propensity score (PS) matching analysis was performed to assess the influence of specific variables or conditions on the outcomes. ResultsOf the 161 patients who underwent PAE for primary PPH (mean age, 32.9 ± 4.3 [SD]), 85 were retrospectively categorized as having hemodynamic stability (mean age, 32.6 ± 4.1 [SD]), while 76 were categorized as having hemodynamic instability (mean age, 33.3 ± 4.4 [SD]). This study showed PAE for primary PPH had a success rate of 91.9 %, with no significant difference in mortality rates between the groups. The clinical success rate was 98.8 % for patients with hemodynamic stability and 84.2 % for those with hemodynamic instability (p < .001). The overall success rate was 98.8 % for hemodynamic stability and 89.5 % for hemodynamic instability (p = .014). After propensity score matching, the clinical success rate was higher in hemodynamically stable patients than in unstable ones (100 % vs. 86.3 %, p = .013). However, there was no significant difference in the overall success rate (100 % vs. 90.2 %, p = .056). Among the PS-matched population, predictive factors for the failed PAE in primary PPH were hemodynamic instability (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 21.22, 95 % CI 1.27-355.76; p = .034) and emergency Cesarean delivery with accompanying hemorrhag (aOR 54.00, 95 % CI 11.93-244.56; p = .008). In three groups within a PS-matched population — hemodynamically stable, unstable with successful outcomes, and unstable with unsuccessful outcomes, a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) analysis for time-dependent changes in hemodynamic parameters revealed a statistically significant difference in SBP, HR, and SI at various time points. ConclusionPelvic arterial embolization of primary postpartum bleeding in hemodynamic instability has been identified as an alternative, safe, and effective life-saving procedure for multidisciplinary treatment in resource-rich environments even after the baseline characteristics are balanced by the PS matching, suggesting it is a primary care option.

A Comprehensive Review of Supervised Learning Algorithms for the Diagnosis of Photovoltaic Systems, Proposing a New Approach Using an Ensemble Learning Algorithm

Photovoltaic systems are prone to breaking down due to harsh conditions. To improve the reliability of these systems, diagnostic methods using Machine Learning (ML) have been developed. However, many publications only focus on specific AI models without disclosing the type of learning used. In this article, we propose a supervised learning algorithm that can detect and classify PV system defects. We delve into the world of supervised learning-based machine learning and its application in detecting and classifying defects in photovoltaic (PV) systems. We explore the various types of faults that can occur in a PV system and provide a concise overview of the most commonly used machine learning and supervised learning techniques in diagnosing such systems. Additionally, we introduce a novel classifier known as Extra Trees or Extremely Randomized Trees as a speedy diagnostic approach for PV systems. Although this algorithm has not yet been explored in the realm of fault detection and classification for photovoltaic installations, it is highly recommended due to its remarkable precision, minimal variance, and efficient processing. The purpose of this article is to assist technicians, engineers, and researchers in identifying typical faults that are responsible for PV system failures, as well as creating effective control and supervision techniques that can minimize breakdowns and ensure the longevity of installed systems.

Removing Heavy Metals: Cutting-Edge Strategies and Advancements in Biosorption Technology.

This article explores recent advancements and innovative strategies in biosorption technology, with a particular focus on the removal of heavy metals, such as Cu(II), Pb(II), Cr(III), Cr(VI), Zn(II), and Ni(II), and a metalloid, As(V), from various sources. Detailed information on biosorbents, including their composition, structure, and performance metrics in heavy metal sorption, is presented. Specific attention is given to the numerical values of the adsorption capacities for each metal, showcasing the efficacy of biosorbents in removing Cu (up to 96.4%), Pb (up to 95%), Cr (up to 99.9%), Zn (up to 99%), Ni (up to 93.8%), and As (up to 92.9%) from wastewater and industrial effluents. In addition, the issue of biosorbent deactivation and failure over time is highlighted as it is crucial for the successful implementation of adsorption in practical applications. Such phenomena as blockage by other cations or chemical decomposition are reported, and chemical, thermal, and microwave treatments are indicated as effective regeneration techniques. Ongoing research should focus on the development of more resilient biosorbent materials, optimizing regeneration techniques, and exploring innovative approaches to improve the long-term performance and sustainability of biosorption technologies. The analysis showed that biosorption emerges as a promising strategy for alleviating pollutants in wastewater and industrial effluents, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to addressing water pollution challenges.

Mutation boosted salp swarm optimizer meets rough set theory: A novel approach to software defect detection

AbstractSoftware defect detection (SDD) is crucial to ensure the reliability of software systems and identify defects in classification. One of the key challenges in defect detection is to select more informative and relevant features from the vast pool of available software metrics. A novel approach is proposed in this paper that leverages mutation boosted salp swarm optimizer (MBSSO) and Rough Set Theory for feature selection (FS) in SDD. It efficiently explores the search space and incorporates a mutation boosting mechanism to overcome local optima. Rough Set Theory provides a formal framework for analyzing feature relevance and dependency, while MBSSO optimizes the search for the optimal feature subset. The proposed approach involves encoding the feature subsets using binary representation and designing a fitness function. The MBSSO algorithm explores the feature space, iteratively improving the feature subset based on the fitness function. The selected feature subset is then used to train a defect detection model using the Kernel Extreme Learning Machine (KELM) algorithm. The experimental validation is performed by Project Repository for Software Engineering (PROMISE) dataset and compared the performance of proposed approach against other FS methods and baselines. The experimental validation demonstrates that the proposed approach achieves superior performance and selected feature subset improves the accuracy and efficiency. This research contributes to the advancement of SDD by providing an effective and efficient FS technique using MBSSO and Rough Set Theory.

Enhancing microdroplet array generation via heterogeneous inner surface Modification: Biomimetic & hydrophobic approach

Microdroplet array chips have great potential for biological applications. Both physical structure and chemical material modification are effective surface modification techniques for the generation of droplet arrays. However, single surface modification technique is constrained by either unstable infiltration state transition or the requirement for high surface tension. In this paper, we proposed a heterogeneous inner surface modification technique for an enclosed microdroplet array chip by coupling the physically structured surface modification that accelerates the wetting state of the aqueous solution, and the material-modified surface that can maintain this state, thus keeping the aqueous solution in a stable Wenzel state. This technique provides a stable surface energy difference for enhanced microdroplet array generation. We investigated the influences of variables that affect the heterogeneity of the inner surfaces of the chip, such as the contact angles of the upper and lower surfaces and the size of the micropores on the stability and size of the generated droplet. We also evaluated the compatibility of technique for different types of liquids and biological reagents for the droplet array generation. Furthermore, we demonstrated the potential of the droplet arrays generated in a heterogeneous dual-regulation manner for DNA amplification in loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP).

Ileal ureter replacement and ileocystoplasty for the treatment of bilateral ureteral strictures and bladder contracture: technique and outcomes.

The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of ileal ureter replacement and ileocystoplasty for the treatment of bilateral long-segment ureteral strictures combined with bladder contracture. A retrospective review of clinical data from seven patients who underwent bilateral Ileal Ureter Replacement and ileocystoplasty from April 2019 to February 2023 was conducted. The surgeries were performed using open, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted laparoscopic approaches. Baseline characteristics, perioperative, and mid-term results of the patients were collected. Follow-up period of 3-28 months. A detailed description of the technique was reported. The mean age of the patients was 52.86±6.06 years. The average duration of surgery was 365±28.54 minutes, and the estimated intraoperative blood loss was 357.14±184.06 mL. The mean length of harvested ileum was 37.86±8.40 cm. The preoperative serum creatinine level was 88.02±18.05 μmol/L, postoperative day 1 creatinine level was 90.7±12.93μmol/L, postoperative 3-month creatinine level was 93.77±33.34 μmol/L, and the mean creatinine level at the last follow-up was 94.89±27.89μmol/L. The postoperative bladder capacity was 249.43±32.50 mL on average. The average length of hospital stay was 26.57±15.46 days. No complications of Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or higher were observed. During the follow-up period, no patients experienced deterioration of renal function after surgery. Bilateral ileal ureter replacement and ileocystoplasty are effective surgical technique for the treatment of bilateral long-segment ureteral strictures combined with bladder contracture caused by radiation therapy.

Numerical simulation for microstructure evolution of magnetorheological fluid based on combined disk DDA-LBM approach

In order to investigate the microstructure evolution characteristic of the magnetorheological fluid (MRF), a novel combined model coupling the disk discontinuous deformation analysis (disk DDA) model with the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) called the disk DDA-LBM model is developed in this paper, and its acceptability is verified. After that, this new combined model is used to simulate the microstructure evolution process of the MRF. The simulation results clearly demonstrate the chain-process of the MRF, indicating that the proposed method exhibits a satisfactory accuracy in describing the microstructure evolution of the MRF. Simultaneously, a highly effective chain identification technique called Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) is introduced to quantify the number of particle chains within the MRF. The results demonstrate that this method can accurately identify magnetic chains in the MRF and tracks changes of the chain number throughout the entire chain-process of the MRF.