Maintenance Protocol Research Articles

Enhancing Industrial Valve Diagnostics: Comparison of Two Preprocessing Methods on the Performance of a Stiction Detection Method Using an Artificial Neural Network

The detection and mitigation of stiction are crucial for maintaining control system performance. This paper proposes the comparison of two preprocessing methods for detecting stiction in control valves via pattern recognition via an artificial neural network (ANN). This method utilizes process variables (PVs) and controller outputs (OPs) to accurately identify stiction within control loops. The ANN was comprehensively trained using data from a data-driven model after processing them. Validation and testing were conducted with real industrial data from the International Stiction Database (ISDB), ensuring a practical assessment framework. This study evaluated the impact of two preprocessing methods on fault detection accuracy, namely, the D-value and principal component analysis (PCA) methods, where the D-value method achieved a commendable overall accuracy of 76%, with 86% precision in stiction prediction and a 66% success rate in nonstiction scenarios. This signifies that feature reduction leads to a degraded stiction detection. The data-driven model was implemented in SIMULINK, and the ANN was trained in MATLAB with the Pattern Recognition Toolbox. These promising results highlight the method’s reliability in diagnosing stiction in industrial settings. Integrating this technique into existing control systems is expected to enhance maintenance protocols, reduce operational downtime, and improve efficiency. Future research should aim to expand this method’s applicability to a wider range of control systems and operational conditions, further solidifying its industrial value.

Two Outbreaks of Legionnaires Disease Associated with Outdoor Hot Tubs for Private Use - Two Cruise Ships, November 2022-July 2024.

Legionnaires disease is a serious pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. During November 2022-June 2024, CDC was notified of 12 cases of Legionnaires disease among travelers on two cruise ships; eight on cruise ship A and four on cruise ship B. CDC, in collaboration with the cruise lines, initiated investigations to ascertain the potential sources of on-board exposure after notification of the second potentially associated case for each ship. Epidemiologic data collected from patient interviews and environmental assessment and sampling results identified private hot tubs on selected cabin balconies as the most likely exposure source. To minimize Legionella growth, both cruise lines modified the operation and maintenance of these devices by removing the heating elements, draining water between uses, and increasing the frequency of hyperchlorination and cleaning. Hot tubs offer favorable conditions for Legionella growth and transmission when maintained and operated inadequately, regardless of location. Private hot tubs on cruise ships are not subject to the same maintenance requirements as are public hot tubs in common areas. Given the range of hot tub-type devices offered as amenities across the cruise industry, to reduce risk for Legionella growth and transmission, it is important for cruise ship water management program staff members to inventory and assess private balcony hot tubs and adapt public hot tub maintenance and operations protocols for use on private outdoor hot tubs.

Antimalarials in Lupus Nephritis: How Strong is the Evidence?

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease that affects the kidneys in approximately 50% of patients, with prevalence rising to as high as 70% in certain populations, such as African Americans and Asians. Antimalarials -and particularly hydroxychloroquine- are currently considered a mainstay of therapy, together with immunosuppressants. Over the last decades, several studies have extensively investigated the mechanisms of action of antimalarial agents, and their potential beneficial properties in patients with SLE in general. However, the evidence for the therapeutic benefit of hydroxychloroquine in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) derives mainly from observational studies, conducted in an era prior to the refinement of induction and maintenance protocols for immunosuppressive therapy. Despite the paucity of high-quality evidence on its efficacy in LN, the nephrology community widely supports the universal use of hydroxychloroquine in LN patients, and recommendations for its use are firmly entrenched in various clinical practice guidelines. Nonetheless, the use of antimalarials may also carry inherent risks, underscoring the importance of personalized approaches in these patients. Herein, we comprehensively review the available literature on antimalarials in LN aiming to update the current evidence, limitations, and future perspectives for the use of antimalarials in adults.

Are nurses and patients willing to work with service robots in healthcare? A mixed-methods study

IntroductionScholars have become increasingly interested in incorporating robots into healthcare. While there is a growing body of research examining nurses’ and patients’ attitudes towards using robots in healthcare, no prior research has specifically explored their willingness to integrate service robots within the Egyptian healthcare context.AimThe aim of this study was twofold: (a) to explore the behavioral intentions of nurses to accept robots in their workplace, and (b) to examine the willingness of patients to use service robots in healthcare settings.MethodsA mixed-methods study was conducted. Quantitative data were collected from 301 nurses using the Behavioral Intention to Accept Robots in the Workplace Scale and from 467 patients using the Service Robot Integration Willingness Scale through convenience sampling at three tertiary public hospitals in Port Said, Egypt. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 16 nurses, focusing on their perspectives and concerns regarding robot integration. Descriptive analyses were used to analyze quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data.ResultsQuantitative results indicated a moderate level of behavioral intention to use robots among nurses. Patients demonstrated low willingness to use service robots. In the qualitative analysis of the data obtained from the interviews with nurses, three categories (Concerns about Robots, Roles and Competencies, and Potential Benefits) and eight themes (interaction and emotions, maintenance and reliability, job insecurity, role clarity, competence in critical care, trustworthiness, reducing physical strain, and specialized applications) were identified.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that nurses’ behavioral intention to accept service robots in healthcare settings is moderate and their acceptance is influenced by various factors related to their concerns about robots, roles and competencies, and potential benefits they could gain. Patients showed a low level of willingness to use service robots in healthcare settings.ImplicationProviding targeted educational programs to nurses and patients, assuring them with the provision of robust maintenance protocols, enhancing their confidence in the capabilities of robots, and defining clear roles for robots are crucial for the successful integration of robots into healthcare settings.

Five- and 18-Year Outcome of Two Cases with Full-Arch Rehabilitations Ad modum All-on-4 in the Presence of Challenging Conditions.

Placing implants in fresh postextraction sites is a borderline rehabilitation procedure. The purpose of this report is to describe the pre-, per-, and postoperative procedures for maintaining long-term stability of two full-arch rehabilitations through the All-on-4 protocol, performed in the presence of challenging conditions. Two patients were referred for full-arch rehabilitation with immediate function, with both patients presenting infection in the jaws: patient 1 with an implant (position #45) inserted in a cystic cavity; patient 2 with one implant (position #24) inserted transsinus after the removal of a cyst on the base of the maxillary sinus and another implant (position #15) inserted with a dehiscence. Both patients received a preoperative dental hygiene appointment, a regenerative surgical protocol, and were enrolled in a postoperative maintenance protocol. After surgery a provisional prosthesis was provided ensuring immediate function, and 6 months after surgery, the final prosthesis was delivered. During the follow-up appointments (final follow-up at 5 and 18 years), the implants were stable, and no infection was observed for both patients. The present case report describes two full-arch rehabilitations in immediate function, supported by dental implants inserted in the presence of challenging conditions that do not represent the norm, rather are highly demanding for the clinical team, warranting caution in the interpretation of the results.

Anesthesia practices during magnetic resonance imaging in pediatric patients

Aims: The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is becoming increasingly common for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in pediatric cases. Among children who are too young to cooperate with the procedure or in those with anxiety, anesthesia may be required to minimize excessive motion and optimize image quality. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and associated complications of different anesthesia techniques used during MRI in pediatric patients at our hospital. Methods: Anesthesia follow-up forms and computer records of pediatric patients who had undergone MRI under anesthesia between January 2021 and January 2023 in a training and research hospital in Ankara were retrospectively reviewed. The included patients were categorized into four groups according to their anesthesia maintenance protocols to compare their efficacy and associated complications. Results: Of the 358 included patients, only 2% underwent MRI under general anesthesia with a laryngeal mask airway (LMA), whereas the rest underwent MRI under sedation. In our hospital, the most commonly used technique for MRI under anesthesia in pediatric patients involved sevoflurane inhalation with a simple facemask and airway (54.5%), and the lowest complication rate (0.8%) was observed in those who underwent only anesthesia induction without the administration of an agent for the maintenance of anesthesia. Conclusion: Daily anesthesia is generally considered the most effective and comfortable method for sedation during MRI. The results of this study suggest that anesthesia involving sevoflurane inhalation with a simple face mask applied to preserve spontaneous breathing is an effective and safe method for pediatric patients undergoing MRI.

Effect of Tunnel Floor Heave on the Deformation and Damage Behavior of Ballastless Track Structures in High-Speed Railways

The extensive development of high-speed railways in mountainous areas has underscored the significant challenge posed by tunnel floor heave, affecting the operational reliability of ballastless tracks. Such heave induces track deformation and structural impairments, critically undermining the operational safety and track serviceability. This investigation enhances the understanding of ballastless tracks’ mechanical responses to tunnel floor heave by introducing a sophisticated nonlinear analytical model that encapsulates the interplay between the track system, tunnel infrastructure, and the encasing geological environment. Utilizing the concrete damaged plasticity approach to model the track’s concrete structure, this research integrates these parameters with the track’s numerical representation, taking into account the role of internal reinforcement. Through an in-depth examination of track deformation, the interstitial gap, and damage progression within the track, it is demonstrated that comprehensive consideration of both the material’s constitutive model and reinforcement structuring is imperative. The analysis results indicate that the heave’s amplitude and wavelength exert limited influence on the deformation amplitude ratio, whereas variations in heave characteristics significantly alter the wavelength transmission ratio, engendering a distinct “M” shaped gap profile. It is observed that the propensity for material damage escalates in areas experiencing pronounced tensile stress, particularly under conditions of reduced wavelength and increased amplitude heave, necessitating prioritized attention in track maintenance protocols.

Development of an integrated online deposition and corrosion monitoring system in a full-scale solid waste CFB boiler

Solid waste incineration is a clean and sustainable approach for solid waste management. However, ash deposition and corrosion remain a critical issue due to fuel’s inherent enrichment of alkali chlorine. This study develops an integrated online deposition and corrosion monitoring system to enhance the operational safety and efficiency of solid waste incineration boilers. This system combines linear polarization resistance (LPR) for corrosion rate estimation with heat flux measurements for ash deposition analysis. It can offer a novel approach for real-time monitoring of heat exchangers’ safety during solid waste combustion. It was deployed in a full-scale circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler that purely combust solid wastes. Key findings demonstrate the system’s capability to deliver continuous, real-time data, crucial for the dynamic control of combustion processes and the maintenance of heat transfer surfaces. Its robust diagnostic capabilities were evident across various scenarios. Specially, initial corrosion rates sharply increase with deposition rates due to the enrichment of alkali chlorine on inner deposit layer, in which chlorine serves as a catalyst, facilitating the rapid penetration and aggravation of corrosion by other agents. As deposit further buildup, the corrosion rate steadily decreases along with surface temperature, highlighting a dynamic interaction. Moreover, measured corrosion rates can quickly response to temperature variations. Such multi-process online monitoring system provide more possibilities to investigate the inherent interaction between deposition and corrosion. Therefore, this work offers insights that could significantly influence operational strategies, maintenance protocols, and the overall reliability of waste-to-energy technologies.

Pedestrian flow-environmental pollutants interactions and health risks to residents in high-occupancy public areas of apartment buildings

The current interaction of pedestrian flow and environmental pollutants in high-occupancy public areas of apartment and the risks of residents being exposed to environmental pollutants are issues that are often overlooked but urgently need to be addressed. In this study, we provide a comprehensive of pedestrian flow-environmental pollutants interactions and health risks to residents in first-floor public areas of apartment with high-occupancy. The main findings indicate that under closed management conditions, there is a significant increase in TVOC and noise levels during the peak periods of nighttime pedestrian flow. In the correlation analysis, the significant impact of time granularity selection in clarifying the correlation between pedestrian flow and environmental pollutants has been highlighted, with larger time granularities generally showing stronger correlations, while finer time granularities may help identify specific risks in areas directly connected to the external environment. There is a significant correlation exists between pedestrian flow and environmental pollutants (TVOC, ozone, and noise), with higher concentrations of these pollutants observed during peak pedestrian flow periods, thereby increasing the risk of residents being exposed to adverse environmental conditions. To mitigate the risks associated with TVOC pollution and noise exposure, it is crucial to maintain proper ventilation, avoid conducting cleaning or maintenance activities during peak hours, and implement noise-reducing measures, such as distancing noise sources from residential areas or installing soundproofing barriers. Additionally, the study identifies total volatile organic compounds originating from property maintenance activities and clarifies their dispersion patterns, emphasizing the importance of developing robust, standardized maintenance protocols for indoor environmental quality assurance. This research can improve the environmental sustainability of apartment buildings and provide a theoretical basis for the development of environmental health strategies for high-occupancy public areas of apartment buildings.

Fatigue damage accumulation in a bolted joint subjected to the random loading

Fatigue damage in structures, which escalates with cyclic loading, is traditionally analyzed using blocks of constant amplitude. This study aims to derive the fatigue loading spectrum for the Cirrus SR20 multipurpose airplane and predict the fatigue life of its main spar connection. Using available reference loading data from acrobatic and training aircraft, the loading spectrum was established, and constant amplitude loading blocks were determined through the Rainflow cycle counting and statistical methods. Fatigue damage in the bolted joint was assessed using both linear and nonlinear Miner rules, revealing that results from nonlinear criteria tend to converge towards those from linear predictions as loading blocks increase. This approach provides a robust predictive framework for assessing the fatigue life of airplane components under variable amplitude loadings, potentially enhancing maintenance protocols and structural design durability.

Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction Polypill Implementation Strategy in India: A Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Study.

A polypill-based implementation strategy has been proposed to increase rates of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. This has the potential to improve mortality and morbidity in India and undertreated populations globally. We conducted a convergent parallel mixed methods study integrating quantitative data from stakeholder surveys using modified implementation science outcome measures and qualitative data from key informant in-depth interviews. Our objective was to explore physician, nurse, pharmacist, and patient perspectives on a HFrEF polypill implementation strategy in India from January 2021 to April 2021. Quantitative and qualitative data were integrated to develop an Implementation Research Logic Model. Among 69 respondents to the stakeholder survey, there was moderate acceptability (mean [SD] 3.8 [1.0]), appropriateness (3.6 [1.0]), and feasibility (3.7 [1.0]) of HFrEF polypill implementation strategy. Participants in the key-informant in-depth interviews (n = 20) highlighted numerous relative advantages of the HFrEF polypill innovation including potential to simplify medication regimens and improve patient adherence. Key relative disadvantages elucidated, include concerns about side effects and interruption of multiple GDMT medications due to polypill discontinuation for side effects or hospitalizations. Based on this data, the proposed implementation strategies in the Implementation Research Logic Model include 1) HFrEF polypills, 2) HFrEF polypill initiation, titration, and maintenance protocols, and 3) HFrEF polypill laboratory monitoring protocols for safety which we postulate will lead to desired clinical and implementation outcomes through multiple mechanisms including increased medication adherence to a single pill. This study demonstrates that a HFrEF polypill-based implementation strategy is considered acceptable, feasible, and appropriate among healthcare providers in India. We identified contextually relevant determinants, strategies, mechanism, and outcomes outlined in an Implementation Research Logic Model to inform future research to improve heart failure care in South Asia.

Maintenance Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Major Depressive Disorder: A Meta-analysis.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective therapy for acute treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the efficacy and optimal strategy of delivering maintenance rTMS beyond acute treatment remains unclear. This meta-analysis aims to quantify the treatment effect of maintenance rTMS therapy in MDD and compares the difference in treatment effect between the fixed and rescue maintenance rTMS protocols. We conducted a meta-analysis of 14 studies (N = 705) comparing depression rating scores before and after maintenance rTMS. Standardized mean scores adjusted for sample size (Hedges g) were used as the effect size. Subgroup analysis was performed to compare the fixed and rescue maintenance rTMS treatment. Maintenance rTMS was associated with a statistically significant improvement in depression scores (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.75; confidence interval [CI] = -1.25 to -0.25). The random effects model had the Q value = 142.67 (P < 0.0001) and I2 = 90%, supporting significant heterogeneity among studies. The prediction interval yielded a possible effect size from -2.54 to 1.05. The subgroup analysis showed a stronger treatment effect for rescue maintenance protocol (SMD = -1.17; CI = -2.13 to -0.21) compared to fixed maintenance protocol (SMD = -0.45; CI = -1.00.16). Although not statistically significant (Q-between = 2.56, df-between = 1, P = 0.1096), a large difference in effect size was observed between subgroups. Maintenance rTMS appears to be an effective strategy for maintaining remission and preventing relapse in MDD. Significant heterogeneity among the studies warrants caution in interpreting the results. These findings suggest the need for standard protocols and consensus guidelines for the optimal delivery of maintenance rTMS treatment.

Optimizing and synchronizing Aedes aegypti colony for Sterile Insect Technique application: Egg hatching, larval development, and adult emergence rate

Mosquito Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) programs can be developed in smaller agencies through synchronization of the colony development to take advantage of the natural male early emergence. This paper examined key aspects of Ae. aegypti colony synchronization work, including egg hatching, larval development, and adult emergence to produce sufficient numbers of adult male mosquitoes within a specific timeframe for irradiation and release. Our data indicated that a relatively low percentage of males are required for colony propagation. Additional results highlighted that fresher Ae. aegypti eggs could yield as high as a 93 % hatching success than older eggs when placed under vacuum pressure in yeast infused water for 1.5 h. Eggs that were one-month old hatched (93 %) better than older eggs (0–32 %). A higher egg density in the hatching flask was correlated to a lower hatch rate, and higher larval density was related to unsynchronized pupae and delayed adult emergence. By keeping Ae. aegypti larvae at reasonable density, over 95 % of adults emerged on the first two days of emergence – indicating a high synchronicity. A standardized colony maintenance protocol therefore renders a synchronized larval development and adult male emergence which are critical in SIT programs.

Antiviral Efficacy Testing of a Rechargeable Textile.

In light of the COVID-19 (Coronovirus Disease 2019) pandemic, the use of personal protective equipment has become essential to reduce viral transmission and maintain public health. Viruses, particularly human coronavirus and influenza, pose significant challenges because of their various transmission routes. UMF Corporation's innovation, Micrillon, aims to address these challenges by creating durable, antiviral technology for textiles without harmful chemicals, reducing viral transmission risks. The study followed ISO Standard 18184:2019, testing Micrillon textiles against Human Coronavirus OC43 and H1N1 Influenza A virus using MDCK and HCT-8 cell lines. Cell propagation, viral application, TCID50 (Median Tissue Culture Infectious Dose) testing, and maintenance protocols were rigorously implemented to assess antiviral efficacy. Micrillon gloves, fabrics, and fibers exhibited high antiviral efficacy against both viruses across various contact times. Gloves demonstrated exceptional antiviral activity against H1N1 (99.88%) and OC43 (99.67%) at 120 minutes. Rolled fabrics showed strong efficacy against H1N1 (99.42% at 30 minutes) and OC43 (>97%) at all time points. Bundled fibers displayed substantial efficacy against H1N1 (99.17% at 120 minutes) and OC43 (>98%) at all time points. The study demonstrates that Micrillon technology effectively inhibits viral activity, particularly in gloves, fabrics, and fibers. The innovation not only shows high antiviral efficacy against both Human Coronavirus and Influenza but also promises a reusable, sustainable solution, mitigating environmental impact and reducing the use of harmful chemicals in personal protective equipment. The technology holds promise for widespread use in health care and hospitality, offering a layer of protection while being environmentally conscious. Further development of such technologies can significantly reduce infection risks while minimizing environmental harm.

UAV propeller fault diagnosis using deep learning of non-traditional χ2-selected Taguchi method-tested Lempel–Ziv complexity and Teager–Kaiser energy features

Fault detection and isolation in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) propellers are critical for operational safety and efficiency. Most existing fault diagnosis techniques rely basically on traditional statistical-based methods that necessitate better approaches. This study explores the application of untraditional feature extraction methodologies, namely Permutation Entropy (PE), Lempel–Ziv Complexity (LZC), and Teager–Kaiser Energy Operator (TKEO), on the PADRE dataset, which encapsulates various rotor fault configurations. The extracted features were subjected to a Chi-Square (χ2) feature selection process to identify the most significant features for input into a Deep Neural Network. The Taguchi method was utilized to test the performance of the recorded features, correspondingly. Performance metrics, including Accuracy, F1-Score, Precision, and Recall, were employed to evaluate the model’s effectiveness before and after the feature selection. The achieved accuracy has increased by 0.9% when compared with results utilizing traditional statistical methods. Comparative analysis with prior research reveals that the proposed untraditional features surpass traditional methods in diagnosing UAV propeller faults. It resulted in improved performance metrics with Accuracy, F1-Score, Precision, and Recall reaching 99.6%, 99.5%, 99.5%, and 99.5%, respectively. The results suggest promising directions for future research in UAV maintenance and safety protocols.

Non-Adherence to Peripheral Venous Catheter Care Protocols Significantly Decreases Patient Safety and Impacts Costs: A Retrospective Observational Study.

In the healthcare field, the effective implementation of clinical protocols is crucial to ensuring patient safety and well-being. In this context, this study evaluates nurses' adherence to the maintenance and replacement protocol of peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) in a university hospital in Spain, examining the impact of compliance with the protocol on the loss of PVCs and on patient safety in addition to analyzing the related costs. A retrospective observational study was conducted with 590 patients who were admitted in 2018 and 2019. The chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate, was used to see the association between the study variables; with the dependent variable being the loss of PVCs (including, as a dependent variable, the loss of PVCs before 48 h). The patients' electronic and physical medical records were reviewed to analyze nursing interventions related to the management of PVCs. A total of 24% of patients experienced PVC loss within the first 24 h after insertion. Failure to comply with the protocol resulted in 80% more catheter loss and increased the cost of cannulation by 46.84%. Low compliance with PVC care protocols significantly increases the risk of catheter loss, suggesting the need for increased training and strict protocol implementation. The findings emphasize the critical role of nursing in ensuring patient safety through adherence to evidence-based protocols. Continuing education and diligent protocol implementation are essential to reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes.

Free Vibration Response Studies on Bridges

Abstract Bridges are essential components of the transportation network. These are unique constructions that serve as a transportation link between regions separated by physical barrier. Because of their critical role in ensuring passenger safety, these structures require constant maintenance. When vehicle cross a bridge, the structural components vibrate, which over time may cause damage to these components. The preferred method of maintaining structural health is currently seeing a rise in the use of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems on infrastructure, especially bridges. In order to overcome the drawbacks of visual inspection methods, it is crucial to continuously monitor the integrity and analyse the dynamic properties of bridges. This work provides a comprehensive analysis of bridge health monitoring, emphasizing three key elements: vibration-based structural health monitoring (SHM), vehicle-bridge interaction analysis, and machine learning integration. The work improves monitoring, maintenance, and safety protocols by expanding our knowledge of structural integrity assessment for bridges by a detailed examination of the convergence of these domains. Notably, the work uses a condensed 2D model to forecast bridge natural frequencies Understanding the dynamic behaviour and structural integrity of the vital infrastructures is greatly aided by free vibration response research on bridges. The results, insights, and new directions in the subject of bridge free vibration analysis are summarized in this review paper. The uses and drawbacks of several analytical, numerical, and experimental techniques are covered. The research on the free vibration response of bridges is also reviewed in this review paper, with an emphasis on new developments incorporating machine learning principles.

Oral Colonization by Different Candida Species: First Comparative Study between Denture and Nondenture Wearers in Tunisia.

This study aimed to compare different Candida species present in patients with and without removable dentures to identify alterations in biofilm composition following denture wear within a Tunisian population. A cross-sectional study was conducted, comprising a group of patients wearing removable dentures (test group) and a control group without dentures. In the test group, two mycological samples were obtained: one from the prosthetic intaglio and another from the osteomucosal area bearing the denture. For the control group, mycological samples were collected from the oral mucosa. The collected swabs were cultured on CHROMagar Candida medium, and yeast counts were quantified as colony forming units (CFUs). Candida species were identified through chromogenic analysis. The normality of quantitative variables was evaluated using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov's test. To compare means and ranks between the test and control groups, the independent samples t-test and the Mann-Whitney's U test were employed, respectively. Qualitative variables were compared using Fisher's exact test. Statistical significance was determined at a critical uncertainty value of p < 0.05. A total of 150 participants were involved in this study, with 75 patients in each group. Wearing an acrylic removable denture was found to increase the number of detected Candida species (p < 0.001) and significantly increases the overall growth of Candida spp. (p = 0.001). Specifically, the numbers of CFUs of Candida tropicalis and Candida glabrata were elevated in denture wearers (p < 0.001). Findings stemming from this study indicate that removable dentures promote the growth of Candida species. This can be a predisposing factor for Candida-associated denture stomatitis in cases of poor oral hygiene or compromised immunity. Therefore, it is imperative to emphasize the fabrication of high-quality dentures and the implementation of rigorous postdenture maintenance protocols to prevent or limit Candida infection.

FTnet: An integrated network for fusing multi-modal NDE data of lightning damage in aircraft composite materials

Lightning strikes pose a significant challenge for aircraft and wind turbine blades with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) structures, requiring reliable damage detection techniques. Non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methods, including X-ray and Ultrasonic Testing, are effective in identifying material damage in aircraft. However, X-ray requires access to both sides of the structure, and UT requires a coupling medium between the transducer and the structure, as well as a relatively smooth surface, making both methods less feasible for routine aircraft maintenance. Other NDE techniques, such as eddy current testing and infrared thermography, can detect damage on the side struck by lightning but lack the precision needed for a comprehensive assessment. To address these challenges, this paper introduces a two-stage Fusion-Translation network (FTnet), which integrates NDE 4.0 innovations, including data fusion and advanced imaging algorithms, to optimize the NDE process. By integrating infrared and eddy current data, FTnet characterizes lightning-induced damage with enhanced depth and contour detail, demonstrating superior performance over existing methods in both qualitative and quantitative evaluations. The implementation of FTnet marks an advancement in NDE 4.0, potentially enhancing aircraft safety and streamline maintenance protocols by providing a more reliable and comprehensive assessment of lightning strike damage.

Comparative safety and efficacy of a hybrid intravenous and oral diltiazem protocol for acute rate control in the emergency department

Study objectiveIntravenous diltiazem has experienced numerous supply shortages over the past few years. The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of a traditional diltiazem intravenous bolus and continuous infusion protocol to a diltiazem intravenous bolus and oral maintenance protocol for acute rate control in the emergency department. MethodsPatients who received intravenous diltiazem in the emergency department between January 1, 2018 and May 31, 2019 were screened. Patients were included if they received the diltiazem intravenous bolus and continuous infusion protocol (IV + infusion group) or the hybrid diltiazem intravenous bolus and oral maintenance protocol (IV + PO group). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with rate control, without need for additional rate control agents or additional boluses during the maintenance phase. ResultsA total of 106 patients were matched with 53 patients in each group. For the primary outcome of rate control at four hours, 62.3% of patients in the intravenous bolus + infusion group versus 75.5% of patients in the IV bolus + PO group (p = 0.142) achieved rate control. There was no difference in rates of hypotension or bradycardia between groups. ConclusionResults of this study demonstrated no difference in acute rate control when using a hybrid IV and oral diltiazem protocol, compared to a traditional IV bolus and infusion strategy. This information supports the further use of a hybrid diltiazem IV and oral protocol, which provides increased flexibility during shortages of either medication.